Socio-ecological transitions trigger fire regime shifts and modulate fire-climate interactions in the Sierra Nevada, CA, 1600-2015 CE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trouet, V.; Taylor, A. H.; Skinner, C. N.; Stephens, S.

2016-12-01

In California, large wildfires cause significant socio-ecological impacts and they incur high federal funding costs for fire suppression. Future fire activity is projected to increase with climate change, but anthropogenic effects can modulate or even override climatic effects causing large uncertainty in fire projections. We developed a 415-year fire history record (1600-2015 CE) based on tree-ring fire-scar data from 29 sites throughout the Sierra Nevada, California. Changes in socio-ecological systems from the Native American to the current period drove large historical fire regime shifts in our record and socio-ecological conditions amplified and buffered fire response to climate. Fire activity was highest and fire-climate relationships were strongest after Native American depopulation - following mission establishment ca. 1775 CE - reduced the self-limiting effect of Native American burns on fire spread. With the Gold Rush and Euro-American immigration (ca. 1865 CE), area burned declined and the strong multidecadal relationship between temperature and fire decayed and then disappeared after implementation of fire suppression (ca. 1900 CE). The past anthropogenic modulation of fire-climate relationships underscores the need for nuanced representations of human-fire interactions to improve the skill of future fire-climate projections. In California, large wildfires cause significant socio-ecological impacts and they incur high federal funding costs for fire suppression. Future fire activity is projected to increase with climate change, but anthropogenic effects can modulate or even override climatic effects causing large uncertainty in fire projections. We developed a 415-year fire history record (1600-2015 CE) based on tree-ring fire-scar data from 29 sites throughout the Sierra Nevada, California. Changes in socio-ecological systems from the Native American to the current period drove large historical fire regime shifts in our record and socio-ecological conditions amplified and buffered fire response to climate. Fire activity was highest and fire-climate relationships were strongest after Native American depopulation - following mission establishment ca. 1775 CE - reduced the self-limiting effect of Native American burns on fire spread. With the Gold Rush and Euro-American immigration (ca. 1865 CE), area burned declined and the strong multidecadal relationship between temperature and fire decayed and then disappeared after implementation of fire suppression (ca. 1900 CE). The past anthropogenic modulation of fire-climate relationships underscores the need for nuanced representations of human-fire interactions to improve the skill of future fire-climate projections.

Subfield variations in hippocampal processing-components of a spatial navigation system.

PubMed

Hartley, Matthew; Taylor, Neill; Taylor, John

2005-01-01

The hippocampus is a part of the brain strongly linked to spatial exploration. Within it exist 'place cells' which fire preferentially when an animal is in certain regions of physical space. Recent research has shown that these place cells and their corresponding representations of space behave differently in the CA3 and CA1 subfields of the hippocampus. We review this research and show, by simulation, that these differences can be explained by a combination of known physiological features of the hippocampus and proposed variations in the rate of synaptic plasticity and connection strength between different information pathways. We suggest possible reasons for these differences, namely use of the CA1 cell field for current spatial exploration, and CA3 for longer term spatial memory.

Temporal context processing within hippocampal subfields.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Diana, Rachel A

2016-07-01

The episodic memory system can differentiate similar events based on the temporal information associated with the events. Temporal context, which is at least partially determined by the events that precede or follow the critical event, may be a cue to differentiate events. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 and CA1 subfields are sensitive to changes in temporal context and, if so, whether the subregions show a linear or threshold-like response to similar temporal contexts. Participants incidentally encoded a series of object picture triplets and 20 of them were included in final analyses. The third picture in each triplet was operationally defined as the target and the first two pictures served as temporal context for the target picture. Each target picture was presented twice with temporal context manipulated to be either repeated, high similarity, low similarity, or new on the second presentation. We extracted beta parameters for the repeated target as a function of the type of temporal context. We expected to see repetition suppression, a reduction in the beta values, in response to repetition of the target. If temporal context information is included in the representation of the target within a given region, this repetition suppression should be greater for target images that were preceded by their original context than for target images preceded by a new context. Neuroimaging results showed that CA1, but not DG/CA3, modifies the target's representation based on its temporal context. Right CA1 did not distinguish high similarity temporal context from repeated context but did distinguish low similarity temporal context from repeated context. These results indicate that CA1 is sensitive to temporal context and suggest that it does not differentiate between a substantially similar temporal context and an identical temporal context. In contrast, DG/CA3 does not appear to process temporal context as defined in the current experiment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Privacy preserving, real-time and location secured biometrics for mCommerce authentication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuseler, Torben; Al-Assam, Hisham; Jassim, Sabah; Lami, Ihsan A.

2011-06-01

Secure wireless connectivity between mobile devices and financial/commercial establishments is mature, and so is the security of remote authentication for mCommerce. However, the current techniques are open for hacking, false misrepresentation, replay and other attacks. This is because of the lack of real-time and current-precise-location in the authentication process. This paper proposes a new technique that includes freshly-generated real-time personal biometric data of the client and present-position of the mobile device used by the client to perform the mCommerce so to form a real-time biometric representation to authenticate any remote transaction. A fresh GPS fix generates the "time and location" to stamp the biometric data freshly captured to produce a single, real-time biometric representation on the mobile device. A trusted Certification Authority (CA) acts as an independent authenticator of such client's claimed realtime location and his/her provided fresh biometric data. Thus eliminates the necessity of user enrolment with many mCommerce services and application providers. This CA can also "independently from the client" and "at that instant of time" collect the client's mobile device "time and location" from the cellular network operator so to compare with the received information, together with the client's stored biometric information. Finally, to preserve the client's location privacy and to eliminate the possibility of cross-application client tracking, this paper proposes shielding the real location of the mobile device used prior to submission to the CA or authenticators.

Paradoxical sleep as a tool for understanding the hippocampal mechanisms of contextual memory.

PubMed

Sil'kis, I G

2010-01-01

Existing data on the involvement of the hippocampus in contextual memory and the fact that contextual memory is impaired in dreams occurring during paradoxical sleep allowed us to suggest that one of the causes of this impairment consists of changes in the efficiency of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus due to increases (as compared with waking) in the concentrations of acetylcholine, dopamine, and cortisol, as well as the absence of serotonin and noradrenaline. Our previous analysis showed that in paradoxical sleep, long-term depression can be induced all components of the polysynaptic pathway through the hippocampal formation, while potentiation can occur at the inputs from the entorhinal cortex to hippocampal fields CA1 and CA3 and in the associative connections in field CA3. It is hypothesized that the correct functioning of episodic memory requires efficient transmission of signals in each component of the polysynaptic pathway through the hippocampus, allowing a neuronal representation of the context to be created within it. In the state of waking, reproduction of the context of an episode simultaneously activates the neuronal representation of the context remembered in the hippocampus and neuronal representations of the details of the episode remembered in those areas of the cortex in which they were processed. It follows from the proposed mechanism that any neurotransmitter or neuropeptide able to promote longterm potentiation in all components of the polysynaptic pathway through the hippocampus can improve episodic memory. As the consequences of the mechanism are consistent with experimental data, it can be used to seek agents improving episodic memory.

Getting the Picture: Iconicity Does Not Affect Representation-Referent Confusion

PubMed Central

Wimmer, Marina C.; Robinson, Elizabeth J.; Koenig, Laura; Corder, Emma

2014-01-01

Three experiments examined 3- to 5-year-olds' (N = 428) understanding of the relationship between pictorial iconicity (photograph, colored drawing, schematic drawing) and the real world referent. Experiments 1 and 2 explored pictorial iconicity in picture-referent confusion after the picture-object relationship has been established. Pictorial iconicity had no effect on referential confusion when the referent changed after the picture had been taken/drawn (Experiment 1) and when the referent and the picture were different from the outset (Experiment 2). Experiment 3 investigated whether children are sensitive to iconicity to begin with. Children deemed photographs from a choice of varying iconicity representations as best representations for object reference. Together, findings suggest that iconicity plays a role in establishing a picture-object relation per se but is irrelevant once children have accepted that a picture represents an object. The latter finding may reflect domain general representational abilities. PMID:25247708

Context-Aware Local Binary Feature Learning for Face Recognition.

PubMed

Duan, Yueqi; Lu, Jiwen; Feng, Jianjiang; Zhou, Jie

2018-05-01

In this paper, we propose a context-aware local binary feature learning (CA-LBFL) method for face recognition. Unlike existing learning-based local face descriptors such as discriminant face descriptor (DFD) and compact binary face descriptor (CBFD) which learn each feature code individually, our CA-LBFL exploits the contextual information of adjacent bits by constraining the number of shifts from different binary bits, so that more robust information can be exploited for face representation. Given a face image, we first extract pixel difference vectors (PDV) in local patches, and learn a discriminative mapping in an unsupervised manner to project each pixel difference vector into a context-aware binary vector. Then, we perform clustering on the learned binary codes to construct a codebook, and extract a histogram feature for each face image with the learned codebook as the final representation. In order to exploit local information from different scales, we propose a context-aware local binary multi-scale feature learning (CA-LBMFL) method to jointly learn multiple projection matrices for face representation. To make the proposed methods applicable for heterogeneous face recognition, we present a coupled CA-LBFL (C-CA-LBFL) method and a coupled CA-LBMFL (C-CA-LBMFL) method to reduce the modality gap of corresponding heterogeneous faces in the feature level, respectively. Extensive experimental results on four widely used face datasets clearly show that our methods outperform most state-of-the-art face descriptors.

The Total Interval of a Graph.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

about them in a mathematical con- text. A thorough treatment of multiple interval representations, including applications, is given by Roberts [21...8217-. -- + .".-)’""- +_ .. ,_ _ CA6 46 operation applied to a member of .4 U 3 T U.) U.3 UU- T T i Figure 11.2.18 I Fieure 11.2.19 ,* This completes the proof

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

Bioaugmentation of activated sludge towards 3-chloroaniline removal with a mixed bacterial population carrying a degradative plasmid.

PubMed

Bathe, Stephan; Schwarzenbeck, Norbert; Hausner, Martina

2009-06-01

A bioaugmentation approach combining several strategies was applied to achieve degradation of 3-chloroaniline (3CA) in semicontinuous activated sludge reactors. In a first step, a 3CA-degrading Comamonas testosteroni strain carrying the degradative plasmid pNB2 was added to a biofilm reactor, and complete 3CA degradation together with spread of the plasmid within the indigenous biofilm population was achieved. A second set of reactors was then bioaugmented with either a suspension of biofilm cells removed from the carrier material or with biofilm-containing carrier material. 3CA degradation was established rapidly in all bioaugmented reactors, followed by a slow adaptation of the non-bioaugmented control reactors. In response to variations in 3CA concentration, all reactors exhibited temporary performance breakdowns. Whereas duplicates of the control reactors deviated in their behaviour, the bioaugmented reactors appeared more reproducible in their performance and population dynamics. Finally, the carrier-bioaugmented reactors showed an improved performance in the presence of high 3CA influent concentrations over the suspension-bioaugmented reactors. In contrast, degradation in one control reactor failed completely, but was rapidly established in the remaining control reactor.

Development of the Lymphoma Enterprise Architecture Database: A caBIG(tm) Silver level compliant System

PubMed Central

Huang, Taoying; Shenoy, Pareen J.; Sinha, Rajni; Graiser, Michael; Bumpers, Kevin W.; Flowers, Christopher R.

2009-01-01

Lymphomas are the fifth most common cancer in United States with numerous histological subtypes. Integrating existing clinical information on lymphoma patients provides a platform for understanding biological variability in presentation and treatment response and aids development of novel therapies. We developed a cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid™ (caBIG™) Silver level compliant lymphoma database, called the Lymphoma Enterprise Architecture Data-system™ (LEAD™), which integrates the pathology, pharmacy, laboratory, cancer registry, clinical trials, and clinical data from institutional databases. We utilized the Cancer Common Ontological Representation Environment Software Development Kit (caCORE SDK) provided by National Cancer Institute’s Center for Bioinformatics to establish the LEAD™ platform for data management. The caCORE SDK generated system utilizes an n-tier architecture with open Application Programming Interfaces, controlled vocabularies, and registered metadata to achieve semantic integration across multiple cancer databases. We demonstrated that the data elements and structures within LEAD™ could be used to manage clinical research data from phase 1 clinical trials, cohort studies, and registry data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. This work provides a clear example of how semantic technologies from caBIG™ can be applied to support a wide range of clinical and research tasks, and integrate data from disparate systems into a single architecture. This illustrates the central importance of caBIG™ to the management of clinical and biological data. PMID:19492074

Development of the Lymphoma Enterprise Architecture Database: a caBIG Silver level compliant system.

PubMed

Huang, Taoying; Shenoy, Pareen J; Sinha, Rajni; Graiser, Michael; Bumpers, Kevin W; Flowers, Christopher R

2009-04-03

Lymphomas are the fifth most common cancer in United States with numerous histological subtypes. Integrating existing clinical information on lymphoma patients provides a platform for understanding biological variability in presentation and treatment response and aids development of novel therapies. We developed a cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG) Silver level compliant lymphoma database, called the Lymphoma Enterprise Architecture Data-system (LEAD), which integrates the pathology, pharmacy, laboratory, cancer registry, clinical trials, and clinical data from institutional databases. We utilized the Cancer Common Ontological Representation Environment Software Development Kit (caCORE SDK) provided by National Cancer Institute's Center for Bioinformatics to establish the LEAD platform for data management. The caCORE SDK generated system utilizes an n-tier architecture with open Application Programming Interfaces, controlled vocabularies, and registered metadata to achieve semantic integration across multiple cancer databases. We demonstrated that the data elements and structures within LEAD could be used to manage clinical research data from phase 1 clinical trials, cohort studies, and registry data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. This work provides a clear example of how semantic technologies from caBIG can be applied to support a wide range of clinical and research tasks, and integrate data from disparate systems into a single architecture. This illustrates the central importance of caBIG to the management of clinical and biological data.

Terahertz emission from the intrinsic Josephson junctions of high-symmetry thermally-managed Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ microstrip antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klemm, Richard A.; Davis, Andrew E.; Wang, Qing X.; Yamamoto, Takashi; Cerkoney, Daniel P.; Reid, Candy; Koopman, Maximiliaan L.; Minami, Hidetoshi; Kashiwagi, Takanari; Rain, Joseph R.; Doty, Constance M.; Sedlack, Michael A.; Morales, Manuel A.; Watanabe, Chiharu; Tsujimoto, Manabu; Delfanazari, Kaveh; Kadowaki, Kazuo

2017-12-01

We show for high-symmetry disk, square, or equilateral triangular thin microstrip antennas of any composition respectively obeying C ∞v , C 4v , and C 3v point group symmetries, that the transverse magnetic electromagnetic cavity mode wave functions are restricted in form to those that are one-dimensional representations of those point groups. Plots of the common nodal points of the ten lowest-energy non-radiating two-dimensional representations of each of these three symmetries are presented. For comparison with symmetry-broken disk intrinsic Josephson junction microstrip antennas constructed from the highly anisotropic layered superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO), we present plots of the ten lowest frequency orthonormal wave functions and of their emission power angular distributions. These results are compared with previous results for square and equilateral triangular thin microstrip antennas.

Temporal and Rate Coding for Discrete Event Sequences in the Hippocampus.

PubMed

Terada, Satoshi; Sakurai, Yoshio; Nakahara, Hiroyuki; Fujisawa, Shigeyoshi

2017-06-21

Although the hippocampus is critical to episodic memory, neuronal representations supporting this role, especially relating to nonspatial information, remain elusive. Here, we investigated rate and temporal coding of hippocampal CA1 neurons in rats performing a cue-combination task that requires the integration of sequentially provided sound and odor cues. The majority of CA1 neurons displayed sensory cue-, combination-, or choice-specific (simply, "event"-specific) elevated discharge activities, which were sustained throughout the event period. These event cells underwent transient theta phase precession at event onset, followed by sustained phase locking to the early theta phases. As a result of this unique single neuron behavior, the theta sequences of CA1 cell assemblies of the event sequences had discrete representations. These results help to update the conceptual framework for space encoding toward a more general model of episodic event representations in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sublayer-Specific Coding Dynamics during Spatial Navigation and Learning in Hippocampal Area CA1.

PubMed

Danielson, Nathan B; Zaremba, Jeffrey D; Kaifosh, Patrick; Bowler, John; Ladow, Max; Losonczy, Attila

2016-08-03

The mammalian hippocampus is critical for spatial information processing and episodic memory. Its primary output cells, CA1 pyramidal cells (CA1 PCs), vary in genetics, morphology, connectivity, and electrophysiological properties. It is therefore possible that distinct CA1 PC subpopulations encode different features of the environment and differentially contribute to learning. To test this hypothesis, we optically monitored activity in deep and superficial CA1 PCs segregated along the radial axis of the mouse hippocampus and assessed the relationship between sublayer dynamics and learning. Superficial place maps were more stable than deep during head-fixed exploration. Deep maps, however, were preferentially stabilized during goal-oriented learning, and representation of the reward zone by deep cells predicted task performance. These findings demonstrate that superficial CA1 PCs provide a more stable map of an environment, while their counterparts in the deep sublayer provide a more flexible representation that is shaped by learning about salient features in the environment. VIDEO ABSTRACT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low-Energy Electronic Properties of Clean CaRuO3: Elusive Landau Quasiparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, M.; Geiger, D.; Esser, S.; Pracht, U. S.; Stingl, C.; Tokiwa, Y.; Moshnyaga, V.; Sheikin, I.; Mravlje, J.; Scheffler, M.; Gegenwart, P.

2014-05-01

We have prepared high-quality epitaxial thin films of CaRuO3 with residual resistivity ratios up to 55. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in the magnetoresistance and a T2 temperature dependence in the electrical resistivity only below 1.5 K, the coefficient of which is substantially suppressed in large magnetic fields, establish CaRuO3 as a Fermi liquid (FL) with an anomalously low coherence scale. At T >1.5 K non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior is found in the electrical resistivity. The high sample quality allows access to the intrinsic electronic properties via THz spectroscopy. For frequencies below 0.6 THz, the conductivity is Drude-like and can be modeled by FL concepts; for higher frequencies, non-Drude behavior is found, which is inconsistent with FL predictions. This establishes CaRuO3 as a prime example of optical NFL behavior in the THz range.

Theta Coordinated Error Driven Learning in the Hippocampus (Open Access, Publisher’s Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-06

assumed to be Hebbian in nature, where individual neurons in an engram join together with synaptic weight increases to support facilitated recall of...together as part of a memory or engram representation, e.g., in the central area CA3 of the hippocampus. With these connections strengthened, the ability

Diagnostic Accuracy of Combinations of Tumor Markers for Malignant Pleural Effusion: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Yuan; Liu, Ya-Lan; Shi, Huan-Zhong

2017-01-01

The role of combinations of tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigens (CA) 125, 15-3, and 19-9, and CYFRA 21-1 (a fragment of cytokeratin 19) in diagnosing malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has not been clearly established. This meta-analysis was performed to establish the overall diagnostic accuracies of combinations of these pleural fluid tumor markers for MPE. The PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane bibliographic databases were searched. Sensitivity, specificity, and other measures of the accuracy of combinations of pleural CEA, CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, and CYFRA 21-1 in the diagnosis of MPE were pooled after a systematic review of English-language studies. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. For pleural fluid tumor marker combinations including more than 3 studies, the summary estimates of the sensitivity/specificity for diagnosing MPE were as follows: CEA + CA 125, 0.65/0.98; CEA + CA 15-3, 0.64/0.98; CEA + CA 19-9, 0.58/0.98; CEA + CYFRA 21-1, 0.82/0.92; and CA 15-3 + CYFRA 21-1, 0.88/0.94. In patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion, the combinations of positive pleural CEA + CA 15-3 and CEA + CA 19-9 are highly suspicious for pleural malignancy, but the sensitivity of these tests is poor. Therefore, their routine role in the diagnostic algorithm of these patients is questionable, and management decisions should depend on positive cytological or biopsy results from the pleura. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Explaining lexical-semantic deficits in specific language impairment: the role of phonological similarity, phonological working memory, and lexical competition.

PubMed

Mainela-Arnold, Elina; Evans, Julia L; Coady, Jeffry A

2010-12-01

In this study, the authors investigated potential explanations for sparse lexical-semantic representations in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing peers. The role of auditory perception, phonological working memory, and lexical competition were investigated. Participants included 32 children (ages 8;5-12;3 [years;months]): Sixteen children with SLI and 16 typically developing age- and nonverbal IQ-matched peers (CA). Children's word definitions were investigated. The words to be defined were manipulated for phonological neighborhood density. Nonword repetition and two lexical competition measures were tested as predictors of word definition abilities. Children with SLI gave word definitions with fewer content details than children in the CA group. Compared with the CA group, the definitions of children in the SLI group were not disproportionately impacted by phonological neighborhood density. Lexical competition was a significant unique predictor of children's word definitions, but nonword repetition was not. Individual differences in richness of lexical semantic representations as well as differences between children with SLI and typically developing peers may-at least, in part-be explained by processes of competition. However, difficulty with auditory perception or phonological working memory does not fully explain difficulties in lexical semantics.

Sparse orthogonal population representation of spatial context in the retrosplenial cortex.

PubMed

Mao, Dun; Kandler, Steffen; McNaughton, Bruce L; Bonin, Vincent

2017-08-15

Sparse orthogonal coding is a key feature of hippocampal neural activity, which is believed to increase episodic memory capacity and to assist in navigation. Some retrosplenial cortex (RSC) neurons convey distributed spatial and navigational signals, but place-field representations such as observed in the hippocampus have not been reported. Combining cellular Ca 2+ imaging in RSC of mice with a head-fixed locomotion assay, we identified a population of RSC neurons, located predominantly in superficial layers, whose ensemble activity closely resembles that of hippocampal CA1 place cells during the same task. Like CA1 place cells, these RSC neurons fire in sequences during movement, and show narrowly tuned firing fields that form a sparse, orthogonal code correlated with location. RSC 'place' cell activity is robust to environmental manipulations, showing partial remapping similar to that observed in CA1. This population code for spatial context may assist the RSC in its role in memory and/or navigation.Neurons in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) encode spatial and navigational signals. Here the authors use calcium imaging to show that, similar to the hippocampus, RSC neurons also encode place cell-like activity in a sparse orthogonal representation, partially anchored to the allocentric cues on the linear track.

Coordinated Excitation and Inhibition of Prefrontal Ensembles During Awake Hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripple Events

PubMed Central

Jadhav, Shantanu P.; Rothschild, Gideon; Roumis, Demetris K.; Frank, Loren M.

2016-01-01

SUMMARY Interactions between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are critical for learning and memory. Hippocampal activity during awake sharp wave ripple (SWR) events is important for spatial learning, and hippocampal SWR activity often represents past or potential future experiences. Whether or how this reactivation engages the PFC, and how reactivation might interact with ongoing patterns of PFC activity remains unclear. We recorded hippocampal CA1 and PFC activity in animals learning spatial tasks and found that many PFC cells showed spiking modulation during SWRs. Unlike in CA1, SWR-related activity in PFC comprised both excitation and inhibition of distinct populations. Within individual SWRs, excitation activated PFC cells with representations related to the concurrently reactivated hippocampal representation, while inhibition suppressed PFC cells with unrelated representations. Thus, awake SWRs mark times of strong coordination between hippocampus and PFC that reflects structured reactivation of representations related to ongoing experience. PMID:26971950

Representations of mechanical assembly sequences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Homem De Mello, Luiz S.; Sanderson, Arthur C.

1991-01-01

Five types of representations for assembly sequences are reviewed: the directed graph of feasible assembly sequences, the AND/OR graph of feasible assembly sequences, the set of establishment conditions, and two types of sets of precedence relationships. (precedence relationships between the establishment of one connection between parts and the establishment of another connection, and precedence relationships between the establishment of one connection and states of the assembly process). The mappings of one representation into the others are established. The correctness and completeness of these representations are established. The results presented are needed in the proof of correctness and completeness of algorithms for the generation of mechanical assembly sequences.

AmeriFlux CA-TP3 Ontario - Turkey Point 1974 Plantation White Pine

DOE Data Explorer

Arain, M. Altaf [McMaster University

2016-01-01

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-TP3 Ontario - Turkey Point 1974 Plantation White Pine. Site Description - White pine plantation established in 1974 over sandy abandoned land

Mean-Field Approach to Superdeformed High-Spin States in 40CA and Neutron-Rich 50S Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inakura, T.; Yamagami, M.; Matsuyanagi, K.; Mizutori, S.

2003-12-01

With the use of the symmetry-unrestricted cranked SHF method in the 3D coordinate-mesh representation, a systematic search for the SD and HD rotational bands in the N=Z nuclei from 32S to 48Cr has been done, and SD and HD solutions have been found in 32S, 36Ar, 40Ca, 44Ti, and in 36Ar, 40Ca, 44Ti, 48Cr, respectively. The SD band in 40Ca is found to be extremely soft against both the axially symmetric (Y30) and asymmetric (Y31) octupole deformations. Possible presense of SD states in neutron-rich sulfur isotopes from 46S to 52S has also been investigated, and deformation properties of neutron skins both in the ground and SD states are discussed.

Development of schemas revealed by prior experience and NMDA receptor knock-out

PubMed Central

Dragoi, George; Tonegawa, Susumu

2013-01-01

Prior experience accelerates acquisition of novel, related information through processes like assimilation into mental schemas, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the roles that prior experience and hippocampal CA3 N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity play in CA1 place cell sequence encoding and learning during novel spatial experiences. We found that specific representations of de novo experiences on linear environments were formed on a framework of pre configured network activity expressed in the preceding sleep and were rapidly, flexibly adjusted via NMDAR-dependent activity. This prior experience accelerated encoding of subsequent experiences on contiguous or isolated novel tracks, significantly decreasing their NMDAR-dependence. Similarly, de novo learning of an alternation task was facilitated by CA3 NMDARs; this experience accelerated subsequent learning of related tasks, independent of CA3 NMDARs, consistent with a schema-based learning. These results reveal the existence of distinct neuronal encoding schemes which could explain why hippocampal dysfunction results in anterograde amnesia while sparing recollection of old, schema-based memories. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01326.001 PMID:24327561

Hair cells use active zones with different voltage dependence of Ca2+ influx to decompose sounds into complementary neural codes

PubMed Central

Ohn, Tzu-Lun; Rutherford, Mark A.; Jing, Zhizi; Jung, Sangyong; Duque-Afonso, Carlos J.; Hoch, Gerhard; Picher, Maria Magdalena; Scharinger, Anja; Strenzke, Nicola; Moser, Tobias

2016-01-01

For sounds of a given frequency, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) with different thresholds and dynamic ranges collectively encode the wide range of audible sound pressures. Heterogeneity of synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and SGNs is an attractive candidate mechanism for generating complementary neural codes covering the entire dynamic range. Here, we quantified active zone (AZ) properties as a function of AZ position within mouse IHCs by combining patch clamp and imaging of presynaptic Ca2+ influx and by immunohistochemistry. We report substantial AZ heterogeneity whereby the voltage of half-maximal activation of Ca2+ influx ranged over ∼20 mV. Ca2+ influx at AZs facing away from the ganglion activated at weaker depolarizations. Estimates of AZ size and Ca2+ channel number were correlated and larger when AZs faced the ganglion. Disruption of the deafness gene GIPC3 in mice shifted the activation of presynaptic Ca2+ influx to more hyperpolarized potentials and increased the spontaneous SGN discharge. Moreover, Gipc3 disruption enhanced Ca2+ influx and exocytosis in IHCs, reversed the spatial gradient of maximal Ca2+ influx in IHCs, and increased the maximal firing rate of SGNs at sound onset. We propose that IHCs diversify Ca2+ channel properties among AZs and thereby contribute to decomposing auditory information into complementary representations in SGNs. PMID:27462107

Measurement of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by air cold plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiaoyu, DONG

2018-03-01

In this study, a novel approach to measure the absolute cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) using the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 AM was established. The parameters associated with the probe fluo-3 AM were optimized to accurately determine fluorescence intensity from the Ca2+-bound probe. Using three optimized parameters (final concentration of 6 mM probe, incubation time of 135 min, loading probe before plasma treatment), the maximum fluorescence intensity (F max = 527.8 a.u.) and the minimum fluorescence intensity (F min = 63.8 a.u.) were obtained in a saturated Ca2+ solution or a solution of lacking Ca2+. Correspondingly, the maximum [Ca2+]cyt induced by cold plasma was 1232.5 nM. Therefore, the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 AM was successfully applied to measure the absolute [Ca2+]cyt in Saccharomyces cerevisiae stimulated by cold plasma at atmospheric air pressure.

Increased hippocampal CA1 cerebral blood volume in schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Talati, Pratik; Rane, Swati; Kose, Samet; Blackford, Jennifer Urbano; Gore, John; Donahue, Manus J.; Heckers, Stephan

2014-01-01

Hippocampal hyperactivity has been proposed as a biomarker in schizophrenia. However, there is a debate whether the CA1 or the CA2/3 subfield is selectively affected. We studied 15 schizophrenia patients and 15 matched healthy control subjects with 3T steady state, gadolinium-enhanced, absolute cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps, perpendicular to the long axis of the hippocampus. The subfields of the hippocampal formation (subiculum, CA1, CA2/3, and hilus/dentate gyrus) were manually segmented to establish CBV values. Comparing anterior CA1 and CA2/3 CBV between patients and controls revealed a significant subfield-by-diagnosis interaction. This interaction was due to the combined effect of a trend of increased CA1 CBV (p = .06) and non-significantly decreased CA2/3 CBV (p = 0.14) in patients relative to healthy controls. These results support the emerging hypothesis of increased hippocampal activity as a biomarker of schizophrenia and highlight the importance of subfield-level investigations. PMID:25161901

New cores-top Mg/Ca calibration of multiple benthic foraminiferal species: Thermometry of the thermocline water in Tropical western Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tisserand, A.; Dokken, T.; Scao, V.; Jorissen, F.; Fontanier, C.

2009-04-01

A cruise with the research vessel G.O. SARS was carried out from 07 to 20 December 2007 within the framework of the European Science Foundation (EuroMARC) project RETRO, which aims to reconstruct changes within the thermocline in the tropics during periods of reduced Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). As part of this strategy we need a best possible calibration of methods to reproduce water mass properties, and part of the goal of this cruise was to get a good representation of the thermocline area present at the Brazilian Atlantic margin. The method used to map the thermocline gradient in the western tropical Atlantic is to use the concept of Magnesium/Calcium (Mg/Ca) on bottom water living foraminifera as a representation of temperature at site. The Mg/Ca thermometry on deep-dwelling foraminifera calibrated vs. δ18O measurements provides an estimate of depth of thermocline penetration in modern climate. Knowing the function of modern representation of the thermocline defined by Mg/Ca, we can use this concept to map thermocline deepening/shallowing in the past. The Mg/Ca ratios in benthic foraminiferal calcite are considered as the most commonly used and a reliable paleo-proxy for reconstructing bottom-water temperatures. Mg/Ca ratios of thermocline and deep-dwelling benthic foraminiferal species were determined on cores-top samples from a depth transect from the western tropical Atlantic, spanning a depth range of 600 to 1000 m representing a temperature range of 6 to 4

Seismic Source Representation for Spall

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-21

University of California A Division of Maxwell Laboratory Berkeley, CA 94720 P.O. Box 1620 La Jolla, CA 92038-1620 Dr. Richard LaCoss Prof. William ...Arizona Los Angeles, CA 90089-0741 Tucson, AZ 85721 Prof. Christopher H. Scholz Dr. William Wortman Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory Mission Research...Drive, Suite 1212 Stanford, CA 94305 Reston, VA 22091 Mr. William J. Best Prof. Robert W. Clayton 907 Westwood Drive Seismological Laboratory Vienna

Beyond capacity limitations II: Effects of lexical processes on word recall in verbal working memory tasks in children with and without specific language impairment

PubMed Central

Mainela-Arnold, Elina; Evans, Julia L.; Coady, Jeffry

2010-01-01

Purpose This study investigated the impact of lexical processes on target word recall in sentence span tasks in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI). Method Participants were 42 children (ages 8;2–12;3), 21 with SLI and 21 typically developing peers matched on age and nonverbal IQ. Children completed a sentence span task where target words to be recalled varied in word frequency and neighborhood density. Two measures of lexical processes were examined, the number of non-target competitor words activated during a gating task (lexical cohort competition) and word definitions. Results Neighborhood density had no effect on word recall for either group. However, both groups recalled significantly more high than low frequency words. Lexical cohort competition and specificity of semantic representations accounted for unique variance in the number of target word recalled in the SLI and CA groups combined. Conclusions Performance on verbal working memory span tasks for both SLI and CA children is influenced by word frequency, lexical cohorts, and semantic representations. Future studies need to examine the extent to which verbal working memory capacity is a cognitive construct independent of extant language knowledge representations. PMID:20705747

Calcium signalling in salivary gland physiology and dysfunction

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Abstract Studies over the past four decades have established that Ca2+ is a critical factor in control of salivary gland function and have led to identification of the critical components of this process. The major ion transport mechanisms and ion channels that are involved in fluid secretion have also been established. The key event in activation of fluid secretion is an increase in [Ca2+]i triggered by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐induced release of Ca2+ from ER via the IP3 receptor (IP3R). IP3Rs determine the site of initiation and the pattern of the [Ca2+]i signal in the cell. However, Ca2+ entry into the cell is required to sustain the elevation of [Ca2+]i and fluid secretion and is mediated by the store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism. Orai1, TRPC1, TRPC3 and STIM1 have been identified as critical components of SOCE in these cells. Cells finely tune the generation and amplification of [Ca2+]i signals for regulation of cell function. An important emerging area is the concept that unregulated [Ca2+]i signals in cells can directly cause cell damage, dysfunction and disease. Alternatively, aberrant [Ca2+]i signals can also amplify and increase the rates of cell damage. Such defects in Ca2+ signalling have been described in salivary glands in conjunction with radiation‐induced loss of salivary gland function as well as in the salivary defects associated with the autoimmune exocrinopathy Sjögren's syndrome. Such defects have been associated with altered function or expression of key Ca2+ signalling components, such as STIM proteins and TRP channels. These studies offer new avenues for examining the mechanisms underlying the disease and development of novel clinical targets and therapeutic strategies. PMID:26592972

Calcium signalling in salivary gland physiology and dysfunction.

PubMed

Ambudkar, Indu S

2016-06-01

Studies over the past four decades have established that Ca(2+) is a critical factor in control of salivary gland function and have led to identification of the critical components of this process. The major ion transport mechanisms and ion channels that are involved in fluid secretion have also been established. The key event in activation of fluid secretion is an increase in [Ca(2+) ]i triggered by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3 )-induced release of Ca(2+) from ER via the IP3 receptor (IP3 R). IP3 Rs determine the site of initiation and the pattern of the [Ca(2+) ]i signal in the cell. However, Ca(2+) entry into the cell is required to sustain the elevation of [Ca(2+) ]i and fluid secretion and is mediated by the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) mechanism. Orai1, TRPC1, TRPC3 and STIM1 have been identified as critical components of SOCE in these cells. Cells finely tune the generation and amplification of [Ca(2+) ]i signals for regulation of cell function. An important emerging area is the concept that unregulated [Ca(2+) ]i signals in cells can directly cause cell damage, dysfunction and disease. Alternatively, aberrant [Ca(2+) ]i signals can also amplify and increase the rates of cell damage. Such defects in Ca(2+) signalling have been described in salivary glands in conjunction with radiation-induced loss of salivary gland function as well as in the salivary defects associated with the autoimmune exocrinopathy Sjögren's syndrome. Such defects have been associated with altered function or expression of key Ca(2+) signalling components, such as STIM proteins and TRP channels. These studies offer new avenues for examining the mechanisms underlying the disease and development of novel clinical targets and therapeutic strategies. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Modelling of Microstructure Changes in Hot Deformed Materials Using Cellular Automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuc, Dariusz; Gawąd, Jerzy

2011-01-01

The paper is focused on application of multi-scale 2D method. Model approach consists of Cellular Automata (CA) model of microstructure development and the finite element code to solve thermo-mechanical problem. Dynamic recrystallization phenomenon is taken into account in 2D CA model which takes advantage of explicit representation of microstructure, including individual grains and grain boundaries. Flow stress is the main material parameter in mechanical part of FE and is calculated on the basis of average dislocation density obtained from CA model. The results attained from the model were validated with the experimental data. In the present study, austenitic steel X3CrNi18-10 was investigated. The examination of microstructure for the initial and final microstructures was carried out, using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Relocating cued goals induces population remapping in CA1 related to memory performance in a two-platform water task in rats.

PubMed

Lee, Justin Quinn; LeDuke, Deryn O; Chua, Kate; McDonald, Robert J; Sutherland, Robert J

2018-06-01

The activity of CA1 neurons in the rodent hippocampus represents multiple aspects of learning episodes, including cue and place information. Previous reports on cue and place representation in CA1 have examined activity in single neurons and population recordings during free exploration of an environment or when actions are directed to either cue or place aspects of memory tasks. To better understand cue and place memory representation in CA1, and how these interact during goal-directed navigation, we investigated population activity in CA1 during memory encoding and retrieval in a novel water task with two visibly distinct platforms, using mRNA for immediate early genes Arc and Homer1a as markers of neural activity. After training, relocating cues to new places induces an extensive, perhaps global, remapping of the memory code that is accompanied by altered navigation and rapid learning of new cue-place information. In addition, we have found a significant relationship between the extent of reactivation and overall cue choice accuracy. These findings demonstrate an important relationship between population remapping in CA1 and memory-guided behavior. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Towards a universal trait-based model of terrestrial primary production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Prentice, I. C.; Cornwell, W.; Keenan, T. F.; Davis, T.; Wright, I. J.; Evans, B. J.; Peng, C.

2015-12-01

Systematic variations of plant traits along environmental gradients have been observed for decades. For example, the tendencies of leaf nitrogen per unit area to increase, and of the leaf-internal to ambient CO2 concentration ratio (ci:ca) to decrease, with aridity are well established. But ecosystem models typically represent trait variation based purely on empirical relationships, or on untested conjectures, or not at all. Neglect of quantitative trait variation and its adapative significance probably contributes to the persistent large uncertainties among models in predicting the response of the carbon cycle to environmental change. However, advances in ecological theory and the accumulation of extensive data sets during recent decades suggest that theoretically based and testable predictions of trait variation could be achieved. Based on well-established ecophysiological principles and consideration of the adaptive significance of traits, we propose universal relationships between photosynthetic traits (ci:ca, carbon fixation capacity, and the ratio of electron transport capacity to carbon fixation capacity) and primary environmental variables, which capture observed trait variations both within and between plant functional types. Moreover, incorporating these traits into the standard model of C3photosynthesis allows gross primary production (GPP) of natural vegetation to be predicted by a single equation with just two free parameters, which can be estimated from independent observations. The resulting model performs as well as much more complex models. Our results provide a fresh perspective with potentially high reward: the possibility of a deeper understanding of the relationships between plant traits and environment, simpler and more robust and reliable representation of land processes in Earth system models, and thus improved predictability for biosphere-atmosphere interactions and climate feedbacks.

Presynaptic kainate receptor-mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves Ca2+ -calmodulin at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses.

PubMed

Andrade-Talavera, Yuniesky; Duque-Feria, Paloma; Negrete-Díaz, José Vicente; Sihra, Talvinder S; Flores, Gonzalo; Rodríguez-Moreno, Antonio

2012-09-01

Presynaptic kainate receptors (KARs) modulate the release of glutamate at synapses established between mossy fibers (MF) and CA3 pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. The activation of KAR by low, nanomolar, kainate concentrations facilitates glutamate release. KAR-mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves the activation of an adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A cascade at MF-CA3 synapses. Here, we studied the mechanisms by which KAR activation produces this facilitation of glutamate release in slices and synaptosomes. We find that the facilitation of glutamate release mediated by KAR activation requires an increase in Ca(2+) levels in the cytosol and the formation of a Ca(2+) -calmodulin complex to activate adenylate cyclase. The increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) underpinning this modulation is achieved, both, by Ca(2+) entering via Ca(2+) -permeable KARs and, by the mobilization of intraterminal Ca(2+) stores. Finally, we find that, congruent with the Ca(2+) -calmodulin support of KAR-mediated facilitation of glutamate release, induction of long-term potentiation at MF-CA3 synapses has an obligate requirement for Ca(2+) -calmodulin activity. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Neurochemistry © 2012 International Society for Neurochemistry.

The crystallization kinetic model of nano-CaCO3 in CO2-ammonia-phosphogypsum three-phase reaction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Lan, Peiqiang; Lu, Shangqing; Wu, Sufang

2018-06-01

Phosphogypsum (PG) as a low-cost calcium resource was used to prepare nano-CaCO3 in a three-phase system by reactions. Based on the population balance equation, nano-CaCO3 crystal nucleation and growth model in the gas (CO2)-liquid (NH3·H2O)-solid (CaSO4) three-phase system was established. The crystallization kinetic model of nano-CaCO3 in CO2-NH3·H2O-CaSO4 reactions system was experimental developed over an optimized temperature range of 20-40 °C and CO2 flow rate range of 138-251 ml/min as rCaCO3 =kn 32 πM2γ3/3R3ρ2T3 (C -C∗)0.8/[ ln (C /C∗) ]3 + πρ/3M kg3 kn(C -C∗) 2t3 , where nano-CaCO3 nucleation rate constant was kn = 6.24 ×1019 exp(-15940/RT) and nano-CaCO3 growth rate constant was kg = 0.79 exp(-47650/RT) respectively. Research indicated that nucleation rates and growth rates both increased with the increasing of temperature and CO32- ion concentration. And crystal growth was dependent on temperature more than that of nucleation process because the activation energy of CaCO3 growth was bigger than that of CaCO3 nucleation. Decreasing the reaction temperature and CO2 flow rate was more beneficial for producing nano-size CaCO3 because of the lower CaCO3 growth rates. The deduced kinetic equation could briefly predict the average particle sizes of nano-CaCO3.

Calcium transient prevalence across the dendritic arbor predicts place field properties

PubMed Central

Sheffield, Mark E. J.; Dombeck, Daniel A.

2014-01-01

Establishing the hippocampal cellular ensemble that represents an animal’s environment involves the emergence and disappearance of place fields in specific CA1 pyramidal neurons1–4, and the acquisition of different spatial firing properties across the active population5. While such firing flexibility and diversity have been linked to spatial memory, attention and task performance6,7, the cellular and network origin of these place cell features is unknown. Basic integrate-and-fire models of place firing propose that such features result solely from varying inputs to place cells8,9, but recent studies3,10 instead suggest that place cells themselves may play an active role through regenerative dendritic events. However, due to the difficulty of performing functional recordings from place cell dendrites, no direct evidence of regenerative dendritic events exists, leaving any possible connection to place coding unknown. Using multi-plane two-photon calcium imaging of CA1 place cell somata, axons, and dendrites in mice navigating a virtual environment, we show that regenerative dendritic events do exist in place cells of behaving mice and, surprisingly, their prevalence throughout the arbor is highly spatiotemporally variable. Further, we show that the prevalence of such events predicts the spatial precision and persistence or disappearance of place fields. This suggests that the dynamics of spiking throughout the dendritic arbor may play a key role in forming the hippocampal representation of space. PMID:25363782

Dendritic GIRK Channels Gate the Integration Window, Plateau Potentials, and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity in Dorsal But Not Ventral CA1 Neurons

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Studies comparing neuronal activity at the dorsal and ventral poles of the hippocampus have shown that the scale of spatial information increases and the precision with which space is represented declines from the dorsal to ventral end. These dorsoventral differences in neuronal output and spatial representation could arise due to differences in computations performed by dorsal and ventral CA1 neurons. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by quantifying the differences in dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity between dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus. Using a combination of somatic and dendritic patch-clamp recordings, we show that the threshold for LTP induction is higher in dorsal CA1 neurons and that a G-protein-coupled inward-rectifying potassium channel mediated regulation of dendritic plateau potentials and dendritic excitability underlies this gating. By contrast, similar regulation of LTP is absent in ventral CA1 neurons. Additionally, we show that generation of plateau potentials and LTP induction in dorsal CA1 neurons depends on the coincident activation of Schaffer collateral and temporoammonic inputs at the distal apical dendrites. The ventral CA1 dendrites, however, can generate plateau potentials in response to temporally dispersed excitatory inputs. Overall, our results highlight the dorsoventral differences in dendritic computation that could account for the dorsoventral differences in spatial representation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The dorsal and ventral parts of the hippocampus encode spatial information at very different scales. Whereas the place-specific firing fields are small and precise at the dorsal end of the hippocampus, neurons at the ventral end have comparatively larger place fields. Here, we show that the dorsal CA1 neurons have a higher threshold for LTP induction and require coincident timing of excitatory synaptic inputs for the generation of dendritic plateau potentials. By contrast, ventral CA1 neurons can integrate temporally dispersed inputs and have a lower threshold for LTP. Together, these dorsoventral differences in the threshold for LTP induction could account for the differences in scale of spatial representation at the dorsal and ventral ends of the hippocampus. PMID:28280255

Dendritic GIRK Channels Gate the Integration Window, Plateau Potentials, and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity in Dorsal But Not Ventral CA1 Neurons.

PubMed

Malik, Ruchi; Johnston, Daniel

2017-04-05

Studies comparing neuronal activity at the dorsal and ventral poles of the hippocampus have shown that the scale of spatial information increases and the precision with which space is represented declines from the dorsal to ventral end. These dorsoventral differences in neuronal output and spatial representation could arise due to differences in computations performed by dorsal and ventral CA1 neurons. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by quantifying the differences in dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity between dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus. Using a combination of somatic and dendritic patch-clamp recordings, we show that the threshold for LTP induction is higher in dorsal CA1 neurons and that a G-protein-coupled inward-rectifying potassium channel mediated regulation of dendritic plateau potentials and dendritic excitability underlies this gating. By contrast, similar regulation of LTP is absent in ventral CA1 neurons. Additionally, we show that generation of plateau potentials and LTP induction in dorsal CA1 neurons depends on the coincident activation of Schaffer collateral and temporoammonic inputs at the distal apical dendrites. The ventral CA1 dendrites, however, can generate plateau potentials in response to temporally dispersed excitatory inputs. Overall, our results highlight the dorsoventral differences in dendritic computation that could account for the dorsoventral differences in spatial representation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The dorsal and ventral parts of the hippocampus encode spatial information at very different scales. Whereas the place-specific firing fields are small and precise at the dorsal end of the hippocampus, neurons at the ventral end have comparatively larger place fields. Here, we show that the dorsal CA1 neurons have a higher threshold for LTP induction and require coincident timing of excitatory synaptic inputs for the generation of dendritic plateau potentials. By contrast, ventral CA1 neurons can integrate temporally dispersed inputs and have a lower threshold for LTP. Together, these dorsoventral differences in the threshold for LTP induction could account for the differences in scale of spatial representation at the dorsal and ventral ends of the hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/373940-16$15.00/0.

Distributed encoding of spatial and object categories in primate hippocampal microcircuits

PubMed Central

Opris, Ioan; Santos, Lucas M.; Gerhardt, Greg A.; Song, Dong; Berger, Theodore W.; Hampson, Robert E.; Deadwyler, Sam A.

2015-01-01

The primate hippocampus plays critical roles in the encoding, representation, categorization and retrieval of cognitive information. Such cognitive abilities may use the transformational input-output properties of hippocampal laminar microcircuitry to generate spatial representations and to categorize features of objects, images, and their numeric characteristics. Four nonhuman primates were trained in a delayed-match-to-sample (DMS) task while multi-neuron activity was simultaneously recorded from the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal cell fields. The results show differential encoding of spatial location and categorization of images presented as relevant stimuli in the task. Individual hippocampal cells encoded visual stimuli only on specific types of trials in which retention of either, the Sample image, or the spatial position of the Sample image indicated at the beginning of the trial, was required. Consistent with such encoding, it was shown that patterned microstimulation applied during Sample image presentation facilitated selection of either Sample image spatial locations or types of images, during the Match phase of the task. These findings support the existence of specific codes for spatial and numeric object representations in primate hippocampus which can be applied on differentially signaled trials. Moreover, the transformational properties of hippocampal microcircuitry, together with the patterned microstimulation are supporting the practical importance of this approach for cognitive enhancement and rehabilitation, needed for memory neuroprosthetics. PMID:26500473

40 CFR 97.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a complete account certificate of representation under § 97.13, the Administrator will establish: (1) A compliance account for each NOX Budget unit for which the account certificate of representation... representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts—(1) Application for...

40 CFR 97.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a complete account certificate of representation under § 97.13, the Administrator will establish: (1) A compliance account for each NOX Budget unit for which the account certificate of representation... representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts—(1) Application for...

40 CFR 97.151 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.113, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the CAIR NOX source for which the certificate of representation was... such person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions, or submissions and by any...

40 CFR 97.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... a complete account certificate of representation under § 97.13, the Administrator will establish: (1) A compliance account for each NOX Budget unit for which the account certificate of representation... representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts—(1) Application for...

40 CFR 97.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a complete account certificate of representation under § 97.13, the Administrator will establish: (1) A compliance account for each NOX Budget unit for which the account certificate of representation... representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts—(1) Application for...

40 CFR 97.151 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.113, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the CAIR NOX source for which the certificate of representation was... such person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions, or submissions and by any...

Evidence for encoding versus retrieval scheduling in the hippocampus by theta phase and acetylcholine

PubMed Central

Douchamps, Vincent; Jeewajee, Ali; Blundell, Pam; Burgess, Neil; Lever, Colin

2013-01-01

The formation of new memories requires new information to be encoded in the face of proactive interference from the past. Two solutions have been proposed for hippocampal region CA1: 1) acetylcholine, released in novelty, selectively suppresses excitatory projections to CA1 from CA3 (mediating the products of retrieval), while sparing entorhinal inputs (mediating novel sensory information); 2) encoding preferentially occurs at the pyramidal-layer theta peak, coincident with input from entorhinal cortex, and retrieval occurs at the trough, coincident with input from CA3, consistent with theta-phase-dependent synaptic plasticity. We examined three predictions of these models: 1) In novel environments, the preferred theta phase of CA1 place cell firing should shift closer to the CA1 pyramidal-layer theta peak, shifting the encoding-retrieval balance towards encoding; 2) The encoding-related shift in novel environments should be disrupted by cholinergic antagonism; 3) In familiar environments, cholinergic antagonism should shift the preferred theta firing phase closer to the theta trough, shifting the encoding-retrieval balance even further towards retrieval. We tested these predictions by recording from CA1 pyramidal cells in freely moving rats as they foraged in open field environments under the influence of scopolamine (an amnestic cholinergic antagonist) or vehicle (saline). Results confirmed all three predictions, supporting both the theta phase and cholinergic models of encoding-vs-retrieval dynamics. Also consistent with cholinergic enhancement of encoding, scopolamine attenuated the formation of distinct spatial representations in a new environment, reducing the extent of place cell “remapping”. PMID:23678113

Social place-cells in the bat hippocampus.

PubMed

Omer, David B; Maimon, Shir R; Las, Liora; Ulanovsky, Nachum

2018-01-12

Social animals have to know the spatial positions of conspecifics. However, it is unknown how the position of others is represented in the brain. We designed a spatial observational-learning task, in which an observer bat mimicked a demonstrator bat while we recorded hippocampal dorsal-CA1 neurons from the observer bat. A neuronal subpopulation represented the position of the other bat, in allocentric coordinates. About half of these "social place-cells" represented also the observer's own position-that is, were place cells. The representation of the demonstrator bat did not reflect self-movement or trajectory planning by the observer. Some neurons represented also the position of inanimate moving objects; however, their representation differed from the representation of the demonstrator bat. This suggests a role for hippocampal CA1 neurons in social-spatial cognition. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

40 CFR 97.251 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.213, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the CAIR SO2 source for which the certificate of representation was... person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions, or submissions and by any order or...

40 CFR 97.251 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.213, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the CAIR SO2 source for which the certificate of representation was... person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions, or submissions and by any order or...

αCaMKII Autophosphorylation Controls the Establishment of Alcohol Drinking Behavior

PubMed Central

Easton, Alanna C; Lucchesi, Walter; Lourdusamy, Anbarasu; Lenz, Bernd; Solati, Jalal; Golub, Yulia; Lewczuk, Piotr; Fernandes, Cathy; Desrivieres, Sylvane; Dawirs, Ralph R; Moll, Gunther H; Kornhuber, Johannes; Frank, Josef; Hoffmann, Per; Soyka, Michael; Kiefer, Falk; Schumann, Gunter; Peter Giese, K; Müller, Christian P

2013-01-01

The α-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) is a crucial enzyme controlling plasticity in the brain. The autophosphorylation of αCaMKII works as a ‘molecular memory' for a transient calcium activation, thereby accelerating learning. We investigated the role of αCaMKII autophosphorylation in the establishment of alcohol drinking as an addiction-related behavior in mice. We found that alcohol drinking was initially diminished in αCaMKII autophosphorylation-deficient αCaMKIIT286A mice, but could be established at wild-type level after repeated withdrawals. The locomotor activating effects of a low-dose alcohol (2 g/kg) were absent in αCaMKIIT286A mice, whereas the sedating effects of high-dose (3.5 g/kg) were preserved after acute and subchronic administration. The in vivo microdialysis revealed that αCaMKIIT286A mice showed no dopamine (DA) response in the nucleus accumbens to acute or subchronic alcohol administration, but enhanced serotonin (5-HT) responses in the prefrontal cortex. The attenuated DA response in αCaMKIIT286A mice was in line with altered c-Fos activation in the ventral tegmental area after acute and subchronic alcohol administration. In order to compare findings in mice with the human condition, we tested 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CAMK2A gene for their association with alcohol dependence in a population of 1333 male patients with severe alcohol dependence and 939 controls. We found seven significant associations between CAMK2A SNPs and alcohol dependence, one of which in an autophosphorylation-related area of the gene. Together, our data suggest αCaMKII autophosphorylation as a facilitating mechanism in the establishment of alcohol drinking behavior with changing the DA–5-HT balance as a putative mechanism. PMID:23459588

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Tool Assessment/Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

ionized, generating glow as well as acting as a plasma source.(see below) The code SOCRATES (Shuttle Orbiter Contamination Representation Accounting...DRIVE SAN JOSE , CA 95129-0000 SUE MCMURRAY LOCKHEED MISSLES & SPACE CO. BLDG. 157, DEPT. 81-63 11 LOCKHEED WAY SUNNYVALE, CA 94089-3504 K.D. MELLOT NASA

CA1 and CA3 differentially support spontaneous retrieval of episodic contexts within human hippocampal subfields.

PubMed

Dimsdale-Zucker, Halle R; Ritchey, Maureen; Ekstrom, Arne D; Yonelinas, Andrew P; Ranganath, Charan

2018-01-18

The hippocampus plays a critical role in spatial and episodic memory. Mechanistic models predict that hippocampal subfields have computational specializations that differentially support memory. However, there is little empirical evidence suggesting differences between the subfields, particularly in humans. To clarify how hippocampal subfields support human spatial and episodic memory, we developed a virtual reality paradigm where participants passively navigated through houses (spatial contexts) across a series of videos (episodic contexts). We then used multivariate analyses of high-resolution fMRI data to identify neural representations of contextual information during recollection. Multi-voxel pattern similarity analyses revealed that CA1 represented objects that shared an episodic context as more similar than those from different episodic contexts. CA23DG showed the opposite pattern, differentiating between objects encountered in the same episodic context. The complementary characteristics of these subfields explain how we can parse our experiences into cohesive episodes while retaining the specific details that support vivid recollection.

Oscillatory dynamics and place field maps reflect hippocampal ensemble processing of sequence and place memory under NMDA receptor control.

PubMed

Cabral, Henrique O; Vinck, Martin; Fouquet, Celine; Pennartz, Cyriel M A; Rondi-Reig, Laure; Battaglia, Francesco P

2014-01-22

Place coding in the hippocampus requires flexible combination of sensory inputs (e.g., environmental and self-motion information) with memory of past events. We show that mouse CA1 hippocampal spatial representations may either be anchored to external landmarks (place memory) or reflect memorized sequences of cell assemblies depending on the behavioral strategy spontaneously selected. These computational modalities correspond to different CA1 dynamical states, as expressed by theta and low- and high-frequency gamma oscillations, when switching from place to sequence memory-based processing. These changes are consistent with a shift from entorhinal to CA3 input dominance on CA1. In mice with a deletion of forebrain NMDA receptors, the ability of place cells to maintain a map based on sequence memory is selectively impaired and oscillatory dynamics are correspondingly altered, suggesting that oscillations contribute to selecting behaviorally appropriate computations in the hippocampus and that NMDA receptors are crucial for this function. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 97.620 - Establishment of compliance accounts, assurance accounts, and general accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... representation under § 97.616, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the TR SO2 Group 1 source for which the certificate of representation was submitted, unless the source already has a... such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions...

40 CFR 97.720 - Establishment of compliance accounts, assurance accounts, and general accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... representation under § 97.716, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the TR SO2 Group 2 source for which the certificate of representation was submitted, unless the source already has a... such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions...

40 CFR 97.420 - Establishment of compliance accounts, assurance accounts, and general accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... representation under § 97.416, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the TR NOX Annual source for which the certificate of representation was submitted, unless the source already has a compliance... such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations, actions, inactions...

Novel CPVT-Associated Calmodulin Mutation in CALM3 (CALM3-A103V) Activates Arrhythmogenic Ca Waves and Sparks

PubMed Central

Gomez-Hurtado, Nieves; Boczek, Nicole J.; Kryshtal, Dmytro O.; Johnson, Christopher N.; Sun, Jennifer; Nitu, Florentin R.; Cornea, Razvan L.; Chazin, Walter J.; Calvert, Melissa L.; Tester, David J.; Ackerman, Michael J.; Knollmann, Bjorn C.

2016-01-01

Background Calmodulin (CaM) mutations are associated with severe forms of long QT syndrome (LQTS) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). We recently reported that CaM mutations were found in 13% of genotype-negative LQTS patients, but the prevalence of CaM mutations in genotype-negative CPVT patients is unknown. Here, we identify and characterize CaM mutations in 12 patients with genotype-negative but clinically-diagnosed CPVT. Methods and Results Mutational analysis of CALM1, CALM2 and CALM3 coding regions, in vitro measurement of CaM-Ca2+ (Ca) binding affinity, RyR2-CaM binding, Ca handling, L-type Ca current (LTCC) and action potential duration (APD). We identified a novel CaM mutation – A103V – in CALM3 in 1 of 12 patients (8%), a female who experienced episodes of exertion-induced syncope since age 10, had normal QT interval, and displayed ventricular ectopy during stress testing consistent with CPVT. A103V modestly lowered CaM Ca-binding affinity (3-fold reduction vs WT-CaM), but did not alter CaM binding to RyR2. In permeabilized cardiomyocytes, A103V-CaM (100 nM) promoted spontaneous Ca wave and spark activity, a cellular phenotype of RyR2 activation. Even a 1:3 mixture of A103V-CaM:WT-CaM activated Ca waves, demonstrating functional dominance. Compared to LQTS D96V-CaM, A103V-CaM had significantly less effects on LTCC inactivation and APD, and caused delayed after depolarizations (DADs) and triggered beats in intact cardiomyocytes. Conclusions We discovered a novel CPVT mutation in the CALM3 gene that shares functional characteristics with established CPVT-associated mutations in CALM1. A small proportion of A103V-CaM is sufficient to evoke arrhythmogenic Ca disturbances via RyR2 dysregulation, which explains the autosomal dominant inheritance. PMID:27516456

What does semantic tiling of the cortex tell us about semantics?

PubMed

Barsalou, Lawrence W

2017-10-01

Recent use of voxel-wise modeling in cognitive neuroscience suggests that semantic maps tile the cortex. Although this impressive research establishes distributed cortical areas active during the conceptual processing that underlies semantics, it tells us little about the nature of this processing. While mapping concepts between Marr's computational and implementation levels to support neural encoding and decoding, this approach ignores Marr's algorithmic level, central for understanding the mechanisms that implement cognition, in general, and conceptual processing, in particular. Following decades of research in cognitive science and neuroscience, what do we know so far about the representation and processing mechanisms that implement conceptual abilities? Most basically, much is known about the mechanisms associated with: (1) feature and frame representations, (2) grounded, abstract, and linguistic representations, (3) knowledge-based inference, (4) concept composition, and (5) conceptual flexibility. Rather than explaining these fundamental representation and processing mechanisms, semantic tiles simply provide a trace of their activity over a relatively short time period within a specific learning context. Establishing the mechanisms that implement conceptual processing in the brain will require more than mapping it to cortical (and sub-cortical) activity, with process models from cognitive science likely to play central roles in specifying the intervening mechanisms. More generally, neuroscience will not achieve its basic goals until it establishes algorithmic-level mechanisms that contribute essential explanations to how the brain works, going beyond simply establishing the brain areas that respond to various task conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Circuit mechanisms of hippocampal reactivation during sleep.

PubMed

Malerba, Paola; Bazhenov, Maxim

2018-05-01

The hippocampus is important for memory and learning, being a brain site where initial memories are formed and where sharp wave - ripples (SWR) are found, which are responsible for mapping recent memories to long-term storage during sleep-related memory replay. While this conceptual schema is well established, specific intrinsic and network-level mechanisms driving spatio-temporal patterns of hippocampal activity during sleep, and specifically controlling off-line memory reactivation are unknown. In this study, we discuss a model of hippocampal CA1-CA3 network generating spontaneous characteristic SWR activity. Our study predicts the properties of CA3 input which are necessary for successful CA1 ripple generation and the role of synaptic interactions and intrinsic excitability in spike sequence replay during SWRs. Specifically, we found that excitatory synaptic connections promote reactivation in both CA3 and CA1, but the different dynamics of sharp waves in CA3 and ripples in CA1 result in a differential role for synaptic inhibition in modulating replay: promoting spike sequence specificity in CA3 but not in CA1 areas. Finally, we describe how awake learning of spatial trajectories leads to synaptic changes sufficient to drive hippocampal cells' reactivation during sleep, as required for sleep-related memory consolidation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of the CaO–½Sm 2O 3–CoOz system at 885 °C in air

DOE PAGES

Wong-Ng, W.; Laws, W.; Lapidus, S. H.; ...

2015-06-27

The CaO–½Sm 2O 3–CoOz system prepared at 885 °C in air consists of two calcium cobaltate compounds, namely, the 2D thermoelectric oxide solid solution, (Ca 3$-$xSm x)Co 4O 9$-$z (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) which has a misfit layered structure, and the 1D Ca 3Co 2O 6 which consists of chains of alternating CoO 6 trigonal prisms and CoO 6 octahedra. Ca 3Co 2O 6 was found to be a point compound without the substitution of Sm on the Ca site. A solid solution region of distorted perovskite, (Sm 1$-$xCa x)CoO 3$-$z (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.22, space group Pnma)more » was established. The reported Sm 2CoO 4 phase was not observed at 885 °C, but a ternary Ca-doped oxide, (Sm 1+xCa 1$-$x)CoO 4$-$z (Bmab) where 0 < x ≤ 0.15 was found to be stable at this temperature. In the peripheral binary systems, Sm was not present in the Ca site of CaO, while a small solid solution region was identified for (Sm 1$-$xCa x)O(3 $-$z)/2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.075). Lastly, ten solid solution tie-line regions and six three-phase regions were determined in the CaO–½Sm 2O 3–CoO z system in air.« less

oPOSSUM-3: Advanced Analysis of Regulatory Motif Over-Representation Across Genes or ChIP-Seq Datasets

PubMed Central

Kwon, Andrew T.; Arenillas, David J.; Hunt, Rebecca Worsley; Wasserman, Wyeth W.

2012-01-01

oPOSSUM-3 is a web-accessible software system for identification of over-represented transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and TFBS families in either DNA sequences of co-expressed genes or sequences generated from high-throughput methods, such as ChIP-Seq. Validation of the system with known sets of co-regulated genes and published ChIP-Seq data demonstrates the capacity for oPOSSUM-3 to identify mediating transcription factors (TF) for co-regulated genes or co-recovered sequences. oPOSSUM-3 is available at http://opossum.cisreg.ca. PMID:22973536

oPOSSUM-3: advanced analysis of regulatory motif over-representation across genes or ChIP-Seq datasets.

PubMed

Kwon, Andrew T; Arenillas, David J; Worsley Hunt, Rebecca; Wasserman, Wyeth W

2012-09-01

oPOSSUM-3 is a web-accessible software system for identification of over-represented transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and TFBS families in either DNA sequences of co-expressed genes or sequences generated from high-throughput methods, such as ChIP-Seq. Validation of the system with known sets of co-regulated genes and published ChIP-Seq data demonstrates the capacity for oPOSSUM-3 to identify mediating transcription factors (TF) for co-regulated genes or co-recovered sequences. oPOSSUM-3 is available at http://opossum.cisreg.ca.

Long-term stabilization of place cell remapping produced by a fearful experience

PubMed Central

Wang, Melissa E.; Wann, Ellen G.; Yuan, Robin K.; Ramos Álvarez, Manuel M.; Stead, Squire M.; Muzzio, Isabel A.

2012-01-01

Fear is an emotional response to danger that is highly conserved throughout evolution because it is critical for survival. Accordingly, episodic memory for fearful locations is widely studied using contextual fear conditioning, a hippocampus-dependent task (Kim and Fanselow, 1992; Phillips and LeDoux, 1992). The hippocampus has been implicated in episodic emotional memory and is thought to integrate emotional stimuli within a spatial framework. Physiological evidence supporting the role of the hippocampus in contextual fear indicates that pyramidal cells in this region, which fire in specific locations as an animal moves through an environment, shift their preferred firing locations shortly after the presentation of an aversive stimulus (Moita et al., 2004). However, the long-term physiological mechanisms through which emotional memories are encoded by the hippocampus are unknown. Here we show that during and directly after a fearful experience, new hippocampal representations are established and persist in the long term. We recorded from the same place cells in mouse hippocampal area CA1 over several days during predator odor contextual fear conditioning and found that a subset of cells changed their preferred firing locations in response to the fearful stimulus. Furthermore, the newly formed representations of the fearful context stabilized in the long term. Our results demonstrate that place cells respond to the presence of an aversive stimulus, modify their firing patterns during emotional learning, and stabilize a long-term spatial representation in response to a fearful encounter. The persistent nature of these representations may contribute to the enduring quality of emotional memories. PMID:23136419

The epidermal Ca(2+) gradient: Measurement using the phasor representation of fluorescent lifetime imaging.

PubMed

Celli, A; Sanchez, S; Behne, M; Hazlett, T; Gratton, E; Mauro, T

2010-03-03

Ionic gradients are found across a variety of tissues and organs. In this report, we apply the phasor representation of fluorescence lifetime imaging data to the quantitative study of ionic concentrations in tissues, overcoming technical problems of tissue thickness, concentration artifacts of ion-sensitive dyes, and calibration across inhomogeneous tissue. We used epidermis as a model system, as Ca(2+) gradients in this organ have been shown previously to control essential biologic processes of differentiation and formation of the epidermal permeability barrier. The approach described here allowed much better localization of Ca(2+) stores than those used in previous studies, and revealed that the bulk of free Ca(2+) measured in the epidermis comes from intracellular Ca(2+) stores such as the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum, with extracellular Ca(2+) making a relatively small contribution to the epidermal Ca(2+) gradient. Due to the high spatial resolution of two-photon microscopy, we were able to measure a marked heterogeneity in average calcium concentrations from cell to cell in the basal keratinocytes. This finding, not reported in previous studies, calls into question the long-held hypothesis that keratinocytes increase intracellular Ca(2+), cease proliferation, and differentiate passively in response to changes in extracellular Ca(2+). The experimental results obtained using this approach illustrate the power of the experimental and analytical techniques outlined in this report. Our approach can be used in mechanistic studies to address the formation, maintenance, and function of the epidermal Ca(2+) gradient, and it should be broadly applicable to the study of other tissues with ionic gradients. 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ca2+ signalling and early embryonic patterning during zebrafish development.

PubMed

Webb, Sarah E; Miller, Andrew L

2007-09-01

1. It has been proposed that Ca2+ signalling, in the form of pulses, waves and steady gradients, may play a crucial role in key pattern-forming events during early vertebrate development. 2. With reference to the embryo of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), herein we review the Ca2+ transients reported from the cleavage to segmentation periods. This time-window includes most of the major pattern-forming events of early development, which transform a single-cell zygote into a complex multicellular embryo with established primary germ layers and body axes. 3. Data are presented to support our proposal that intracellular Ca2+ waves are an essential feature of embryonic cytokinesis and that propagating intercellular Ca2+ waves (both long and short range) may play a crucial role in: (i) the establishment of the embryonic periderm and the coordination of cell movements during epiboly, convergence and extension; (ii) the establishment of the basic embryonic axes and germ layers; and (iii) definition of the morphological boundaries of specific tissue domains and embryonic structures, including future organ anlagen. 4. The potential downstream targets of these Ca2+ transients are also discussed, as well as how they may integrate with other pattern-forming signalling pathways known to modulate early developmental events.

40 CFR 97.520 - Establishment of compliance accounts, assurance accounts, and general accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... representation under § 97.516, the Administrator will establish a compliance account for the TR NOX Ozone Season source for which the certificate of representation was submitted, unless the source already has a... Program on behalf of such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations...

Magnetic structure of the swedenborgite CaBa (Co3Fe ) O7 derived by unpolarized neutron diffraction and spherical neutron polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qureshi, N.; Díaz, M. T. Fernández; Chapon, L. C.; Senyshyn, A.; Schweika, W.; Valldor, M.

2018-02-01

We present a study that combines polarized and unpolarized neutrons to derive the magnetic structure of the swedenborgite compound CaBa (Co3Fe ) O7. Integrated intensities from a standard neutron diffraction experiment and polarization matrices from spherical neutron polarimetry have been simultaneously analyzed revealing a complex order, which differs from the usual spin configurations on a kagome lattice. We find that the magnetic structure is well described by a combination of two one-dimensional representations corresponding to the magnetic superspace symmetry P 21' , and it consists of spins rotating around an axis close to the [110] direction. Due to the propagation vector q =(1/3 00 ) , this modulation has cycloidal and helicoidal character rendering this system a potential multiferroic. The resulting spin configuration can be mapped onto the classical √{3 }×√{3 } structure of a kagome lattice, and it indicates an important interplay between the kagome and the triangular layers of the crystal structure.

WIS Implementation Study Report. Volume 3. Background Information.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

similar representations so that a single schema interpreter can serve in either environment. Examples of schema intepreters exist in all databases...Unfortunately, programs expect ing ;L VSA M file caninot accept a similar, non-VSAM file instead. In practice, a tile written using any of tire 6 film ...Thomas Kaczmarek USC/Information Sciences Institute 4676 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 14 September 1983 247 PAiIECDIG PAMI &~A -NOT FILM

Calcium aluminates hydration in presence of amorphous SiO{sub 2} at temperatures below 90 deg. C

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

Rivas Mercury, J.M.; Turrillas, X.; Aza, A.H. de

2006-10-15

The hydration behaviour of Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6}, Ca{sub 12}Al{sub 14}O{sub 33} and CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} with added amorphous silica at 40, 65 and 90 deg. C has been studied for periods ranging from 1 to 31 days. In hydrated samples crystalline phases like katoite (Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 3-} {sub x} (OH){sub 4} {sub x} ) and gibbsite, Al(OH){sub 3}, were identified, likewise amorphous phases like Al(OH) {sub x} , calcium silicate hydrates, C-S-H, and calcium aluminosilicate hydrates, C-S-A-H, were identified. The stoichiometry of Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 3-} {sub x} (OH){sub 4} {sub x} (0{<=}3-x{<=}0.334), which was themore » main crystalline product, was established by Rietveld refinement of X-ray and neutron diffraction data and by transmission electron microscopy. - Graphical abstract: Katoite, Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 3-} {sub x} (OH){sub 4} {sub x} (0{<=}3-x{<=}0.334), was identified besides gibbsite, Al(OH){sub 3}, as a crystalline stable hydration products in Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6}, Ca{sub 12}Al{sub 14}O{sub 33} and CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} hydrated with added amorphous silica between 40 and 90 deg. C.« less

TRPM3 and miR-204 establish a regulatory circuit that controls oncogenic autophagy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Hall, Daniel P.; Cost, Nicholas G.; Hegde, Shailaja; Kellner, Emily; Mikhaylova, Olga; Stratton, Yiwen; Ehmer, Birgit; Abplanalp, William A.; Pandey, Raghav; Biesiada, Jacek; Harteneck, Christian; Plas, David R.; Meller, Jarek; Czyzyk-Krzeska, Maria F.

2014-01-01

Summary Autophagy promotes tumor growth by generating nutrients from the degradation of intracellular structures. Here we establish, using shRNAs, a dominant negative mutant, and a pharmacologic inhibitor, mefenamic acid (MFA), that the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) channel promotes growth of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and stimulates MAP1LC3A (LC3A) and MAP1LC3B (LC3B) autophagy. Increased expression of TRPM3 in RCC leads to Ca2+ influx, activation of CAMKK2, AMPK, and ULK1, and phagophore formation. In addition, TRPM3 Ca2+ and Zn2+ fluxes inhibit miR-214 which directly targets LC3A and LC3B. The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) represses TRPM3 through miR-204 directly and indirectly through another miR-204 target, Caveolin 1 (CAV1). PMID:25517751

Calcium EXAFS Establishes the Mn-Ca Cluster in the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II†

PubMed Central

Cinco, Roehl M.; Holman, Karen L. McFarlane; Robblee, John H.; Yano, Junko; Pizarro, Shelly A.; Bellacchio, Emanuele; Sauer, Kenneth; Yachandra, Vittal K.

2014-01-01

The proximity of Ca to the Mn cluster of the photosynthetic water-oxidation complex is demonstrated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We have collected EXAFS data at the Ca K-edge using active PS II membrane samples that contain approximately 2 Ca per 4 Mn. These samples are much less perturbed than previously investigated Sr-substituted samples, which were prepared subsequent to Ca depletion. The new Ca EXAFS clearly shows backscattering from Mn at 3.4 Å, a distance that agrees with that surmised from previously recorded Mn EXAFS. This result is also consistent with earlier related experiments at the Sr K-edge, using samples that contained functional Sr, that show Mn is ~ 3.5 Å distant from Sr. The totality of the evidence clearly advances the notion that the catalytic center of oxygen evolution is a Mn-Ca heteronuclear cluster. PMID:12390018

Single CA3 pyramidal cells trigger sharp waves in vitro by exciting interneurones.

PubMed

Bazelot, Michaël; Teleńczuk, Maria T; Miles, Richard

2016-05-15

The CA3 hippocampal region generates sharp waves (SPW), a population activity associated with neuronal representations. The synaptic mechanisms responsible for the generation of these events still require clarification. Using slices maintained in an interface chamber, we found that the firing of single CA3 pyramidal cells triggers SPW like events at short latencies, similar to those for the induction of firing in interneurons. Multi-electrode records from the CA3 stratum pyramidale showed that pyramidal cells triggered events consisting of putative interneuron spikes followed by field IPSPs. SPW fields consisted of a repetition of these events at intervals of 4-8 ms. Although many properties of induced and spontaneous SPWs were similar, the triggered events tended to be initiated close to the stimulated cell. These data show that the initiation of SPWs in vitro is mediated via pyramidal cell synapses that excite interneurons. They do not indicate why interneuron firing is repeated during a SPW. Sharp waves (SPWs) are a hippocampal population activity that has been linked to neuronal representations. We show that SPWs in the CA3 region of rat hippocampal slices can be triggered by the firing of single pyramidal cells. Single action potentials in almost one-third of pyramidal cells initiated SPWs at latencies of 2-5 ms with probabilities of 0.07-0.76. Initiating pyramidal cells evoked field IPSPs (fIPSPs) at similar latencies when SPWs were not initiated. Similar spatial profiles for fIPSPs and middle components of SPWs suggested that SPW fields reflect repeated fIPSPs. Multiple extracellular records showed that the initiated SPWs tended to start near the stimulated pyramidal cell, whereas spontaneous SPWs could emerge at multiple sites. Single pyramidal cells could initiate two to six field IPSPs with distinct amplitude distributions, typically preceeded by a short-duration extracellular action potential. Comparison of these initiated fields with spontaneously occurring inhibitory field motifs allowed us to identify firing in different interneurones during the spread of SPWs. Propagation away from an initiating pyramidal cell was typically associated with the recruitment of interneurones and field IPSPs that were not activated by the stimulated pyramidal cell. SPW fields initiated by single cells were less variable than spontaneous events, suggesting that more stereotyped neuronal ensembles were activated, although neither the spatial profiles of fields, nor the identities of interneurone firing were identical for initiated events. The effects of single pyramidal cell on network events are thus mediated by different sequences of interneurone firing. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Prognostic Significance of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated With Dose-Escalated Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Full-Dose Gemcitabine: Analysis of a Prospective Phase 1/2 Dose Escalation Study

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

Vainshtein, Jeffrey M., E-mail: jvainsh@med.umich.edu; Schipper, Matthew; Zalupski, Mark M.

2013-05-01

Purpose: Although established in the postresection setting, the prognostic value of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is less clear. We examined the prognostic utility of CA19-9 in patients with unresectable LAPC treated on a prospective trial of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dose escalation with concurrent gemcitabine. Methods and Materials: Forty-six patients with unresectable LAPC were treated at the University of Michigan on a phase 1/2 trial of IMRT dose escalation with concurrent gemcitabine. CA19-9 was obtained at baseline and during routine follow-up. Cox models were used to assess the effect of baseline factorsmore » on freedom from local progression (FFLP), distant progression (FFDP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Stepwise forward regression was used to build multivariate predictive models for each endpoint. Results: Thirty-eight patients were eligible for the present analysis. On univariate analysis, baseline CA19-9 and age predicted OS, CA19-9 at baseline and 3 months predicted PFS, gross tumor volume (GTV) and black race predicted FFLP, and CA19-9 at 3 months predicted FFDP. On stepwise multivariate regression modeling, baseline CA19-9, age, and female sex predicted OS; baseline CA19-9 and female sex predicted both PFS and FFDP; and GTV predicted FFLP. Patients with baseline CA19-9 ≤90 U/mL had improved OS (median 23.0 vs 11.1 months, HR 2.88, P<.01) and PFS (14.4 vs 7.0 months, HR 3.61, P=.001). CA19-9 progression over 90 U/mL was prognostic for both OS (HR 3.65, P=.001) and PFS (HR 3.04, P=.001), and it was a stronger predictor of death than either local progression (HR 1.46, P=.42) or distant progression (HR 3.31, P=.004). Conclusions: In patients with unresectable LAPC undergoing definitive chemoradiation therapy, baseline CA19-9 was independently prognostic even after established prognostic factors were controlled for, whereas CA19-9 progression strongly predicted disease progression and death. Future trials should stratify by baseline CA19-9 and incorporate CA19-9 progression as a criterion for progressive disease.« less

The capacity limitations of orientation summary statistics

PubMed Central

Attarha, Mouna; Moore, Cathleen M.

2015-01-01

The simultaneous–sequential method was used to test the processing capacity of establishing mean orientation summaries. Four clusters of oriented Gabor patches were presented in the peripheral visual field. One of the clusters had a mean orientation that was tilted either left or right while the mean orientations of the other three clusters were roughly vertical. All four clusters were presented at the same time in the simultaneous condition whereas the clusters appeared in temporal subsets of two in the sequential condition. Performance was lower when the means of all four clusters had to be processed concurrently than when only two had to be processed in the same amount of time. The advantage for establishing fewer summaries at a given time indicates that the processing of mean orientation engages limited-capacity processes (Experiment 1). This limitation cannot be attributed to crowding, low target-distractor discriminability, or a limited-capacity comparison process (Experiments 2 and 3). In contrast to the limitations of establishing multiple summary representations, establishing a single summary representation unfolds without interference (Experiment 4). When interpreted in the context of recent work on the capacity of summary statistics, these findings encourage reevaluation of the view that early visual perception consists of summary statistic representations that unfold independently across multiple areas of the visual field. PMID:25810160

Phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of the CaO-1/2 >Nd2O3-CoOz system at 885 °C in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong-Ng, W.; Laws, W.; Talley, K. R.; Huang, Q.; Yan, Y.; Martin, J.; Kaduk, J. A.

2014-07-01

The phase diagram of the CaO-1/2 >Nd2O3-CoOz system at 885 °C in air has been determined. The system consists of two calcium cobaltate compounds that have promising thermoelectric properties, namely, the 2D thermoelectric oxide solid solution, (Ca3-xNdx)Co4O9-z (0≤x≤0.5), which has a misfit layered structure, and Ca3Co2O6 which consists of 1D chains of alternating CoO6 trigonal prisms and CoO6 octahedra. Ca3Co2O6 was found to be a point compound without the substitution of Nd on the Ca site. The reported Nd2CoO4 phase was not observed at 885 °C. A ternary (Ca1-xNd1+x)CoO4-z (x=0) phase, or (CaNdCo)O4-z, was found to be stable at this temperature. A solid solution region of distorted perovskite (Nd1-xCax)CoO3-z (0≤x≤0.25, space group Pnma) was established. In the peripheral binary systems, while a solid solution region was identified for (Nd1-xCax)2O3-z (0≤x≤0.2), Nd was not found to substitute in the Ca site of CaO. Six solid solution tie-line regions and six three-phase regions were determined in the CaO-Nd2O3-CoOz system in air.

Experience-dependent shaping of hippocampal CA1 intracellular activity in novel and familiar environments

PubMed Central

Cohen, Jeremy D; Bolstad, Mark; Lee, Albert K

2017-01-01

The hippocampus is critical for producing stable representations of familiar spaces. How these representations arise is poorly understood, largely because changes to hippocampal inputs have not been measured during spatial learning. Here, using intracellular recording, we monitored inputs and plasticity-inducing complex spikes (CSs) in CA1 neurons while mice explored novel and familiar virtual environments. Inputs driving place field spiking increased in amplitude – often suddenly – during novel environment exploration. However, these increases were not sustained in familiar environments. Rather, the spatial tuning of inputs became increasingly similar across repeated traversals of the environment with experience – both within fields and throughout the whole environment. In novel environments, CSs were not necessary for place field formation. Our findings support a model in which initial inhomogeneities in inputs are amplified to produce robust place field activity, then plasticity refines this representation into one with less strongly modulated, but more stable, inputs for long-term storage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23040.001 PMID:28742496

Pion-less effective field theory for real and lattice nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Aaina; Binder, Sven; Ekström, Andreas; Hagen, Gaute; Papenbrock, Thomas

2017-09-01

We compute the medium-heavy nuclei 16O and 40Ca using pion-less effective field theory (EFT) at leading order (LO) and next-to-leading order (NLO). The low-energy coefficients of the EFT Hamiltonian are adjusted to A = 2 , 3 nuclei data from experiments, or alternatively to data from lattice QCD at unphysical pion mass mπ = 806 MeV. The EFT is implemented through discrete variable representation of finite harmonic oscillator basis. This approach ensures rapid convergence with respect to the size of the model space and allows us to compute heavier atomic and lattice nuclei. The atomic nuclei 16O and 40Ca are bound with respect to decay into alpha particles at NLO, but not at LO.

Phylogeographic diversity and mosaicism of the Helicobacter pylori tfs integrative and conjugative elements.

PubMed

Delahay, Robin M; Croxall, Nicola J; Stephens, Amberley D

2018-01-01

The genome of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is characterised by considerable variation of both gene sequence and content, much of which is contained within three large genomic islands comprising the cag pathogenicity island ( cag PAI) and two mobile integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) termed tfs3 and tfs4 . All three islands are implicated as virulence factors, although whereas the cag PAI is well characterised, understanding of how the tfs elements influence H. pylori interactions with different human hosts is significantly confounded by limited definition of their distribution, diversity and structural representation in the global H. pylori population. To gain a global perspective of tfs ICE population dynamics we established a bioinformatics workflow to extract and precisely define the full tfs pan-gene content contained within a global collection of 221 draft and complete H. pylori genome sequences. Complete (ca. 35-55kbp) and remnant tfs ICE clusters were reconstructed from a dataset comprising > 12,000 genes, from which orthologous gene complements and distinct alleles descriptive of different tfs ICE types were defined and classified in comparative analyses. The genetic variation within defined ICE modular segments was subsequently used to provide a complete description of tfs ICE diversity and a comprehensive assessment of their phylogeographic context. Our further examination of the apparent ICE modular types identified an ancient and complex history of ICE residence, mobility and interaction within particular H. pylori phylogeographic lineages and further, provided evidence of both contemporary inter-lineage and inter-species ICE transfer and displacement. Our collective results establish a clear view of tfs ICE diversity and phylogeographic representation in the global H. pylori population, and provide a robust contextual framework for elucidating the functional role of the tfs ICEs particularly as it relates to the risk of gastric disease associated with different tfs ICE genotypes.

Choosing the Rules: Distinct and Overlapping Frontoparietal Representations of Task Rules for Perceptual Decisions

PubMed Central

Kriegeskorte, Nikolaus; Carlin, Johan D.; Rowe, James B.

2013-01-01

Behavior is governed by rules that associate stimuli with responses and outcomes. Human and monkey studies have shown that rule-specific information is widely represented in the frontoparietal cortex. However, it is not known how establishing a rule under different contexts affects its neural representation. Here, we use event-related functional MRI (fMRI) and multivoxel pattern classification methods to investigate the human brain's mechanisms of establishing and maintaining rules for multiple perceptual decision tasks. Rules were either chosen by participants or specifically instructed to them, and the fMRI activation patterns representing rule-specific information were compared between these contexts. We show that frontoparietal regions differ in the properties of their rule representations during active maintenance before execution. First, rule-specific information maintained in the dorsolateral and medial frontal cortex depends on the context in which it was established (chosen vs specified). Second, rule representations maintained in the ventrolateral frontal and parietal cortex are independent of the context in which they were established. Furthermore, we found that the rule-specific coding maintained in anticipation of stimuli may change with execution of the rule: representations in context-independent regions remain invariant from maintenance to execution stages, whereas rule representations in context-dependent regions do not generalize to execution stage. The identification of distinct frontoparietal systems with context-independent and context-dependent task rule representations, and the distinction between anticipatory and executive rule representations, provide new insights into the functional architecture of goal-directed behavior. PMID:23864675

Groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigational use in the Southern Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvakumar, S.; Ramkumar, K.; Chandrasekar, N.; Magesh, N. S.; Kaliraj, S.

2017-03-01

A total of 20 groundwater samples were collected from both dug and bore wells of southern Tiruchirappalli district and analyzed for various hydrogeochemical parameters. The analyzed physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and fluoride are used to characterize the groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigational uses. The results of the chemical analysis indicates that the groundwater in the study area is slightly alkaline and mainly contains Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations as well as HCO3 2-, Cl-, SO4 2-and NO3 - anions. The total dissolved solids mainly depend on the concentration of major ions such as Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, Cl, and SO4. Based on TDS, 55 % of the samples are suitable for drinking and rest of the samples are unsuitable for drinking. The total hardness indicates that majority of the groundwater samples are found within the permissible limit of WHO. The dominant hydrochemical facies for groundwater are Ca-Mg-Cl, Ca-HCO3, and Ca-Cl type. The USSL graphical geochemical representation of groundwater quality suggests that majority of the water samples belongs to high medium salinity with low alkali hazards. The Gibb's plot indicates that the groundwater chemistry of the study area is mainly controlled by evaporation and rock-water interaction. Spearman's correlation and factor analysis were used to distinguish the statistical relation between different ions and contamination source in the study area.

caCORE version 3: Implementation of a model driven, service-oriented architecture for semantic interoperability.

PubMed

Komatsoulis, George A; Warzel, Denise B; Hartel, Francis W; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; Coronado, Sherri de; Reeves, Dianne M; Hadfield, Jillaine B; Ludet, Christophe; Covitz, Peter A

2008-02-01

One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly important in biomedical research systems, which need to coordinate a variety of disparate types of data. In order to meet this need, the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics (NCICB) has created the cancer Common Ontologic Representation Environment (caCORE), an interoperability infrastructure based on Model Driven Architecture. The caCORE infrastructure provides a mechanism to create interoperable biomedical information systems. Systems built using the caCORE paradigm address both aspects of interoperability: the ability to access data (syntactic interoperability) and understand the data once retrieved (semantic interoperability). This infrastructure consists of an integrated set of three major components: a controlled terminology service (Enterprise Vocabulary Services), a standards-based metadata repository (the cancer Data Standards Repository) and an information system with an Application Programming Interface (API) based on Domain Model Driven Architecture. This infrastructure is being leveraged to create a Semantic Service-Oriented Architecture (SSOA) for cancer research by the National Cancer Institute's cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG).

caCORE version 3: Implementation of a model driven, service-oriented architecture for semantic interoperability

PubMed Central

Komatsoulis, George A.; Warzel, Denise B.; Hartel, Frank W.; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; de Coronado, Sherri; Reeves, Dianne M.; Hadfield, Jillaine B.; Ludet, Christophe; Covitz, Peter A.

2008-01-01

One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly important in biomedical research systems, which need to coordinate a variety of disparate types of data. In order to meet this need, the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics (NCICB) has created the cancer Common Ontologic Representation Environment (caCORE), an interoperability infrastructure based on Model Driven Architecture. The caCORE infrastructure provides a mechanism to create interoperable biomedical information systems. Systems built using the caCORE paradigm address both aspects of interoperability: the ability to access data (syntactic interoperability) and understand the data once retrieved (semantic interoperability). This infrastructure consists of an integrated set of three major components: a controlled terminology service (Enterprise Vocabulary Services), a standards-based metadata repository (the cancer Data Standards Repository) and an information system with an Application Programming Interface (API) based on Domain Model Driven Architecture. This infrastructure is being leveraged to create a Semantic Service Oriented Architecture (SSOA) for cancer research by the National Cancer Institute’s cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG™). PMID:17512259

CaM Kinases: From Memories to Addiction.

PubMed

Müller, Christian P; Quednow, Boris B; Lourdusamy, Anbarasu; Kornhuber, Johannes; Schumann, Gunter; Giese, K Peter

2016-02-01

Drug addiction is a major psychiatric disorder with a neurobiological basis that is still insufficiently understood. Initially, non-addicted, controlled drug consumption and drug instrumentalization are established. They comprise highly systematic behaviours acquired by learning and the establishment of drug memories. Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) are important Ca(2+) sensors translating glutamatergic activation into synaptic plasticity during learning and memory formation. Here we review the role of CaMKs in the establishment of drug-related behaviours in animal models and in humans. Converging evidence now shows that CaMKs are a crucial mechanism of how addictive drugs induce synaptic plasticity and establish various types of drug memories. Thereby, CaMKs are not only molecular relays for glutamatergic activity but they also directly control dopaminergic and serotonergic activity in the mesolimbic reward system. They can now be considered as major molecular pathways translating normal memory formation into establishment of drug memories and possibly transition to drug addiction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lithiation-induced zinc clustering of Zn 3, Zn 12, and Zn 18 units in Zintl-like Ca ~30Li 3+xZn 60-x (x=0.44-1.38)

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

Lin, Qisheng

2014-11-14

Zinc clusters are not common for binary intermetallics with relatively low zinc content, but this work shows that zinc clustering can be triggered by lithiation, as exemplified by Ca ~30Li 3+xZn 60-x, P6/mmm, Z = 1, which can be directly converted from CaZn 2. Two end members of the solid solution (x = 0.44 and 1.38) were established and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses: Ca 30Li 3.44(6)Zn59.56(6), a = 15.4651(9) Å, c = 9.3898(3) Å; Ca 30.45(2)Li 4.38(6)Zn 58.62(6), a = 15.524(3) Å, c = 9.413(2) Å. The structures of Ca ~30Li 3+xZn 60-x feature a condensed anionicmore » network of Zn3 triangles, lithium-centered Zn12 icosahedra, and arachno-(Zn,Li)18 tubular clusters that are surrounded respectively by Ca 14, Ca 20, and Ca 30 polyhedra. These polyhedra share faces and form a clathrate-like cationic framework. The specific occupation of lithium in the structure is consistent with theoretical “coloring” analyses. Analysis by the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) method within the atomic sphere approximation reveals that Ca ~30Li 3+xZn 60-x is a metallic, Zintl-like phase with an open-shell electronic structure. The contribution of Ca–Zn polar covalent interactions is about 41%.« less

Increases in intracellular calcium via activation of potentially multiple phospholipase C isozymes in mouse olfactory neurons

PubMed Central

Szebenyi, Steven A.; Ogura, Tatsuya; Sathyanesan, Aaron; AlMatrouk, Abdullah K.; Chang, Justin; Lin, Weihong

2014-01-01

Phospholipase C (PLC) and internal Ca2+ stores are involved in a variety of cellular functions. However, our understanding of PLC in mammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) is generally limited to its controversial role in odor transduction. Here we employed single-cell Ca2+ imaging and molecular approaches to investigate PLC-mediated Ca2+ responses and its isozyme gene transcript expression. We found that the pan-PLC activator m-3M3FBS (25 μM) induces intracellular Ca2+ increases in vast majority of isolated mouse OSNs tested. Both the response amplitude and percent responding cells depend on m-3M3FBS concentrations. In contrast, the inactive analog o-3M3FBS fails to induce Ca2+ responses. The m-3M3FBS-induced Ca2+ increase is blocked by the PLC inhibitor U73122, while its inactive analog U73433 has no effect. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ does not change significantly the m-3M3FBS-induced Ca2+ response amplitude. Additionally, in the absence of external Ca2+, we found that a subset of OSNs respond to an odorant mixture with small Ca2+ increases, which are significantly suppressed by U73122. Furthermore, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we found that multiple PLC isozyme gene transcripts are expressed in olfactory turbinate tissue in various levels. Using RNA in situ hybridization analysis, we further show expression of β4, γ1, γ2 gene transcripts in OSNs. Taken together, our results establish that PLC isozymes are potent enzymes for mobilizing intracellular Ca2+ in mouse OSNs and provide molecular insight for PLC isozymes-mediated complex cell signaling and regulation in the peripheral olfactory epithelium. PMID:25374507

Design of a Two Dimensional Planer Pressurized Air Labyrinth Seal Test Rig

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

identity by block number) Dump Diffuser, Flow Modification, Laser Doppler Velocimeter, Labyrinth Seal , Leakage Prediction, Press --ized air 19 Abstract...reducing this high to low pressure leakage . Figure 1.1 is a two dimensional representation of a 3 dimensional annular labyrinth seal . The object of this... Labyrinth Seal literature, Sneck [2] credits C.A. Parsons with development of the labyrinth seal in concert with Parson’s [31 development of the steam

From Point Cloud to Digital Fabrication: a Tangible Reconstruction of Ca' Venier Dei Leoni, the Guggenheim Museum in Venice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balletti, C.; D'Agnano, F.; Guerra, F.; Vernier, P.

2016-06-01

The paper describes how new digital methodologies can be used within the field of Cultural Heritage, not only with the aim of documenting the actual state of an architecture but to review the past transformations it has undergone, conserving and representing these histories as well. The premise to conservation and enhancement of our Heritage is a deep study in terms of position, shape, colour, and also of the historical and artistic features. Survey methods have acquired data acquisition techniques in line with technological progress: today's electronic and IT technologies, that are the tools of modern Geomatics, allow the effective survey and representation of 3D objects, from architectural structures to sculptures or archaeological finds. Over the last few years, the methodologies of acquisition and integrated representation for 3D patrimony documentation have developed and consolidated considerably: the possibilities of the digital realm can augment the understanding and the valorisation of a monument. The specific case offered in the present paper, Ca' Venier dei Leoni, the palace where is the Guggenheim Museum in Venice, is a significant example. It suggests not only the theme of the "no longer existing", or better never built, but also the opportunity to formulate hypotheses regarding its implementation and the impact that the palace would have had in the Venetian contest.

Mitochondrial calcium handling within the interstitial cells of Cajal

PubMed Central

Cheng, Leo K.

2014-01-01

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) drive rhythmic pacemaking contractions in the gastrointestinal system. The ICC generate pacemaking signals by membrane depolarizations associated with the release of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through inositol-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3R) and uptake by mitochondria (MT). This Ca2+ dynamic is hypothesized to generate pacemaking signals by calibrating ER Ca2+ store depletions and membrane depolarization with ER store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanisms. Using a biophysically based spatio-temporal model of integrated Ca2+ transport in the ICC, we determined the feasibility of ER depletion timescale correspondence with experimentally observed pacemaking frequencies while considering the impact of IP3R Ca2+ release and MT uptake on bulk cytosolic Ca2+ levels because persistent elevations of free intracellular Ca2+ are toxic to the cell. MT densities and distributions are varied in the model geometry to observe MT influence on free cytosolic Ca2+ and the resulting frequencies of ER Ca2+ store depletions, as well as the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATP-ase (SERCA) and IP3 agonist concentrations. Our simulations show that high MT densities observed in the ICC are more relevant to ER establishing Ca2+ depletion frequencies than protection of the cytosol from elevated free Ca2+, whereas the SERCA pump is more relevant to containing cytosolic Ca2+ elevations. Our results further suggest that the level of IP3 agonist stimulating ER Ca2+ release, subsequent MT uptake, and eventual activation of ER store-operated Ca2+ entry may determine frequencies of rhythmic pacemaking exhibited by the ICC across species and tissue types. PMID:24789203

The caCORE Software Development Kit: streamlining construction of interoperable biomedical information services.

PubMed

Phillips, Joshua; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; Warzel, Denise; Covitz, Peter A

2006-01-06

Robust, programmatically accessible biomedical information services that syntactically and semantically interoperate with other resources are challenging to construct. Such systems require the adoption of common information models, data representations and terminology standards as well as documented application programming interfaces (APIs). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed the cancer common ontologic representation environment (caCORE) to provide the infrastructure necessary to achieve interoperability across the systems it develops or sponsors. The caCORE Software Development Kit (SDK) was designed to provide developers both within and outside the NCI with the tools needed to construct such interoperable software systems. The caCORE SDK requires a Unified Modeling Language (UML) tool to begin the development workflow with the construction of a domain information model in the form of a UML Class Diagram. Models are annotated with concepts and definitions from a description logic terminology source using the Semantic Connector component. The annotated model is registered in the Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) using the UML Loader component. System software is automatically generated using the Codegen component, which produces middleware that runs on an application server. The caCORE SDK was initially tested and validated using a seven-class UML model, and has been used to generate the caCORE production system, which includes models with dozens of classes. The deployed system supports access through object-oriented APIs with consistent syntax for retrieval of any type of data object across all classes in the original UML model. The caCORE SDK is currently being used by several development teams, including by participants in the cancer biomedical informatics grid (caBIG) program, to create compatible data services. caBIG compatibility standards are based upon caCORE resources, and thus the caCORE SDK has emerged as a key enabling technology for caBIG. The caCORE SDK substantially lowers the barrier to implementing systems that are syntactically and semantically interoperable by providing workflow and automation tools that standardize and expedite modeling, development, and deployment. It has gained acceptance among developers in the caBIG program, and is expected to provide a common mechanism for creating data service nodes on the data grid that is under development.

Magnetic, Mössbauer and optical spectroscopic properties of the AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Ca, Sr, Pb) series of powder compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hafid, Hassan; Velázquez, Matias; El Jazouli, Abdelaziz; Wattiaux, Alain; Carlier, Dany; Decourt, Rodolphe; Couzi, Michel; Goldner, Philippe; Delmas, Claude

2014-10-01

AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Ca, Sr and Pb) powder compounds were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) coupled with wavelength dispersion spectroscopy (WDS), Raman and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies, specific heat and magnetic properties measurements. Magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements carried out on AFe3O(PO4)3 (A = Sr, Ca and Pb) powders firmly establish a series of three ferromagnetic (FM)-like second order phase transitions spanned over the 32-8 K temperature range. Room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy and associated DFT calculations confirm the existence of three crystallographically non equivalent Fe3+ sites in the three compounds. Mössbauer spectra recorded as a function of temperature in the PbFe3O(PO4)3 compound also establishes the occurrence of two purely magnetic and reversible phase transitions at 32 and 10 K. Diffuse reflectance measurements reveal two broad absorption bands at 1047 and 837 nm, in both PbFe3O(PO4)3 and SrFe3O(PO4)3 powders, with peak cross sections ∼10-20 cm2 typical of spin-forbidden and forced electric dipole intraconfigurational transitions.

Identification of a New Zinc Binding Chemotype by Fragment Screening.

PubMed

Chrysanthopoulos, Panagiotis K; Mujumdar, Prashant; Woods, Lucy A; Dolezal, Olan; Ren, Bin; Peat, Thomas S; Poulsen, Sally-Ann

2017-09-14

The discovery of a new zinc binding chemotype from screening a nonbiased fragment library is reported. Using the orthogonal fragment screening methods of native state mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance a 3-unsubstituted 2,4-oxazolidinedione fragment was found to have low micromolar binding affinity to the zinc metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase II (CA II). This affinity approached that of fragment sized primary benzenesulfonamides, the classical zinc binding group found in most CA II inhibitors. Protein X-ray crystallography established that 3-unsubstituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones bound to CA II via an interaction of the acidic ring nitrogen with the CA II active site zinc, as well as two hydrogen bonds between the oxazolidinedione ring oxygen and the CA II protein backbone. Furthermore, 3-unsubstituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones appear to be a viable starting point for the development of an alternative class of CA inhibitor, wherein the medicinal chemistry pedigree of primary sulfonamides has dominated for several decades.

Medial Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Memory Interference by Modifying Hippocampal Encoding

PubMed Central

Guise, Kevin G.; Shapiro, Matthew L.

2017-01-01

Summary The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for accurate memory performance when prior knowledge interferes with new learning, but the mechanisms that minimize proactive interference are unknown. To investigate these, we assessed the influence of medial PFC (mPFC) activity on spatial learning and hippocampal coding in a plus maze task that requires both structures. mPFC inactivation did not impair spatial learning or retrieval per se, but impaired the ability to follow changing spatial rules. mPFC and CA1 ensembles recorded simultaneously predicted goal choices and tracked changing rules; inactivating mPFC attenuated CA1 prospective coding. mPFC activity modified CA1 codes during learning, which in turn predicted how quickly rats adapted to subsequent rule changes. The results suggest that task rules signaled by the mPFC become incorporated into hippocampal representations and support prospective coding. By this mechanism, mPFC activity prevents interference by “teaching” the hippocampus to retrieve distinct representations of similar circumstances. PMID:28343868

48 CFR 52.212-3 - Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... which are, or are based on, established catalog or market prices (see FAR 22.1003-4(c)(2)(ii)) for the... furnished at prices that are, or are based on, established catalog or market prices (see FAR 22.1003-4(d)(2... disadvantaged in paragraph (c)(4) or (c)(10) of this provision.) _Black American. _Hispanic American. _Native...

Principal component analysis and hydrochemical facies characterization to evaluate groundwater quality in Varahi river basin, Karnataka state, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravikumar, P.; Somashekar, R. K.

2017-05-01

The present study envisages the importance of graphical representations like Piper trilinear diagram and Chadha's plot, respectively to determine variation in hydrochemical facies and understand the evolution of hydrochemical processes in the Varahi river basin. The analytical values obtained from the groundwater samples when plotted on Piper's and Chadha's plots revealed that the alkaline earth metals (Ca2+, Mg2+) are significantly dominant over the alkalis (Na+, K+), and the strong acidic anions (Cl-, SO4 2-) dominant over the weak acidic anions (CO3 2-, HCO3 -). Further, Piper trilinear diagram classified 93.48 % of the samples from the study area under Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl--SO4 2- type and only 6.52 % samples under Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3 - type. Interestingly, Chadha's plot also demonstrated the dominance of reverse ion exchange water having permanent hardness (viz., Ca-Mg-Cl type) in majority of the samples over recharging water with temporary hardness (i.e., Ca-Mg-HCO3 type). Thus, evaluation of hydrochemical facies from both the plots highlighted the contribution from the reverse ion exchange processes in controlling geochemistry of groundwater in the study area. Further, PCA analysis yielded four principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) with higher eigen values of 1.0 or more, accounting for 65.55, 10.17, 6.88 and 6.52 % of the total variance, respectively. Consequently, majority of the physico-chemical parameters (87.5 %) loaded under PC1 and PC2 were having strong positive loading (>0.75) and these are mainly responsible for regulating the hydrochemistry of groundwater in the study area.

On the nature of hand-action representations evoked during written sentence comprehension.

PubMed

Bub, Daniel N; Masson, Michael E J

2010-09-01

We examine the nature of motor representations evoked during comprehension of written sentences describing hand actions. We distinguish between two kinds of hand actions: a functional action, applied when using the object for its intended purpose, and a volumetric action, applied when picking up or holding the object. In Experiment 1, initial activation of both action representations was followed by selection of the functional action, regardless of sentence context. Experiment 2 showed that when the sentence was followed by a picture of the object, clear context-specific effects on evoked action representations were obtained. Experiment 3 established that when a picture of an object was presented alone, the time course of both functional and volumetric actions was the same. These results provide evidence that representations of object-related hand actions are evoked as part of sentence processing. In addition, we discuss the conditions that elicit context-specific evocation of motor representations. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Representation of Time-Relevant Common Data Elements in the Cancer Data Standards Repository: Statistical Evaluation of an Ontological Approach

PubMed Central

Chen, Henry W; Du, Jingcheng; Song, Hsing-Yi; Liu, Xiangyu; Jiang, Guoqian

2018-01-01

Background Today, there is an increasing need to centralize and standardize electronic health data within clinical research as the volume of data continues to balloon. Domain-specific common data elements (CDEs) are emerging as a standard approach to clinical research data capturing and reporting. Recent efforts to standardize clinical study CDEs have been of great benefit in facilitating data integration and data sharing. The importance of the temporal dimension of clinical research studies has been well recognized; however, very few studies have focused on the formal representation of temporal constraints and temporal relationships within clinical research data in the biomedical research community. In particular, temporal information can be extremely powerful to enable high-quality cancer research. Objective The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate an ontological approach to represent the temporal aspects of cancer study CDEs. Methods We used CDEs recorded in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) and created a CDE parser to extract time-relevant CDEs from the caDSR. Using the Web Ontology Language (OWL)–based Time Event Ontology (TEO), we manually derived representative patterns to semantically model the temporal components of the CDEs using an observing set of randomly selected time-related CDEs (n=600) to create a set of TEO ontological representation patterns. In evaluating TEO’s ability to represent the temporal components of the CDEs, this set of representation patterns was tested against two test sets of randomly selected time-related CDEs (n=425). Results It was found that 94.2% (801/850) of the CDEs in the test sets could be represented by the TEO representation patterns. Conclusions In conclusion, TEO is a good ontological model for representing the temporal components of the CDEs recorded in caDSR. Our representative model can harness the Semantic Web reasoning and inferencing functionalities and present a means for temporal CDEs to be machine-readable, streamlining meaningful searches. PMID:29472179

Optogenetically Blocking Sharp Wave Ripple Events in Sleep Does Not Interfere with the Formation of Stable Spatial Representation in the CA1 Area of the Hippocampus

PubMed Central

Kovács, Krisztián A.; O’Neill, Joseph; Schoenenberger, Philipp; Penttonen, Markku; Ranguel Guerrero, Damaris K.; Csicsvari, Jozsef

2016-01-01

During hippocampal sharp wave/ripple (SWR) events, previously occurring, sensory input-driven neuronal firing patterns are replayed. Such replay is thought to be important for plasticity-related processes and consolidation of memory traces. It has previously been shown that the electrical stimulation-induced disruption of SWR events interferes with learning in rodents in different experimental paradigms. On the other hand, the cognitive map theory posits that the plastic changes of the firing of hippocampal place cells constitute the electrophysiological counterpart of the spatial learning, observable at the behavioral level. Therefore, we tested whether intact SWR events occurring during the sleep/rest session after the first exploration of a novel environment are needed for the stabilization of the CA1 code, which process requires plasticity. We found that the newly-formed representation in the CA1 has the same level of stability with optogenetic SWR blockade as with a control manipulation that delivered the same amount of light into the brain. Therefore our results suggest that at least in the case of passive exploratory behavior, SWR-related plasticity is dispensable for the stability of CA1 ensembles. PMID:27760158

The role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between attachment representations and depressive and anxiety symptoms in the postpartum period.

PubMed

Marques, Rita; Monteiro, Fabiana; Canavarro, Maria Cristina; Fonseca, Ana

2018-05-23

Insecure attachment representations have been established as a vulnerability factor for postpartum depressive symptoms. However, there is a lack of studies on the effects of attachment (in)security on postpartum anxiety symptoms, and on the mechanisms through which attachment representations may affect women's postpartum adjustment, namely, emotion regulation difficulties. The sample included 450 women in the postpartum period (up to 12 months postpartum), who were recruited both online (advertisements on social media) and in person (study was presented by the researchers during the women's postpartum hospitalization). Approximately one third of the women with clinically significant symptoms (33.3%) presented comorbid symptoms of anxiety and depression, and these women presented more insecure attachment representations and more emotion regulation difficulties (p < .001) than did women without comorbid symptoms (p < .001). The relationship between more insecure attachment representations and depressive and anxiety symptoms occurred both directly and indirectly through emotional regulation difficulties. The cross-sectional nature of the study, the use of self-report questionnaires that do not allow the establishment of clinical diagnosis and the self-selected bias in recruitment were study limitations. The results underline the need for attention to anxiety symptomatology, which is a condition that co-occurs frequently in this period. Interventions that focus on promoting adaptive strategies of emotional regulation are relevant rather than more intensive interventions to change attachment representations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcium-43 chemical shift tensors as probes of calcium binding environments. Insight into the structure of the vaterite CaCO3 polymorph by 43Ca solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bryce, David L; Bultz, Elijah B; Aebi, Dominic

2008-07-23

Natural-abundance (43)Ca solid-state NMR spectroscopy at 21.1 T and gauge-including projector-augmented-wave (GIPAW) DFT calculations are developed as tools to provide insight into calcium binding environments, with special emphasis on the calcium chemical shift (CS) tensor. The first complete analysis of a (43)Ca solid-state NMR spectrum, including the relative orientation of the CS and electric field gradient (EFG) tensors, is reported for calcite. GIPAW calculations of the (43)Ca CS and EFG tensors for a series of small molecules are shown to reproduce experimental trends; for example, the trend in available solid-state chemical shifts is reproduced with a correlation coefficient of 0.983. The results strongly suggest the utility of the calcium CS tensor as a novel probe of calcium binding environments in a range of calcium-containing materials. For example, for three polymorphs of CaCO3 the CS tensor span ranges from 8 to 70 ppm and the symmetry around calcium is manifested differently in the CS tensor as compared with the EFG tensor. The advantages of characterizing the CS tensor are particularly evident in very high magnetic fields where the effect of calcium CS anisotropy is augmented in hertz while the effect of second-order quadrupolar broadening is often obscured for (43)Ca because of its small quadrupole moment. Finally, as an application of the combined experimental-theoretical approach, the solid-state structure of the vaterite polymorph of calcium carbonate is probed and we conclude that the hexagonal P6(3)/mmc space group provides a better representation of the structure than does the orthorhombic Pbnm space group, thereby demonstrating the utility of (43)Ca solid-state NMR as a complementary tool to X-ray crystallographic methods.

Carbonic anhydrase, a respiratory enzyme in the gills of the shore crab Carcinus maenas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, K.; Siebers, D.; Sender, S.

1995-03-01

This paper summarizes investigations on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the gills of the osmoregulating shore crab Carcinus maenas. Carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme catalyzing the reversible hydration of CO2 to HCO3 - and H+, is localized with highest activities in the posterior salt-transporting gills of the shore crab- and here CA activity is strongly dependent on salinity. Contrary to the earlier hypothesis established for the blue crab Callinectes sapidus that cytoplasmic branchial CA provides the counter ions HCO3 - and H+ for apical exchange against Na+ and Cl-, the involvement of CA in NaCl uptake mechanisms can be excluded in Carcinus. Differential and density gradient centrifugations indicate that branchial CA is a predominantly membrane-associated protein. Branchial CA was greatly inhibited by the sulfonamide acetazolamide (AZ) Ki=2.4·10-8 mol/l). Using the preparation of the isolated perfused gill, application of 10-4 mol/l AZ resulted in an 80% decrease of CO2/HCO3 - excretion. Thus we conclude that CA is localized in plasma membranes, maintaining the CO2 gradient by accelerating adjustment of the pH-dependent CO2/HCO3 - equilibrium.

Caffeic acid attenuates rat liver reperfusion injury through sirtuin 3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain.

PubMed

Mu, Hong-Na; Li, Quan; Pan, Chun-Shui; Liu, Yu-Ying; Yan, Li; Hu, Bai-He; Sun, Kai; Chang, Xin; Zhao, Xin-Rong; Fan, Jing-Yu; Han, Jing-Yan

2015-08-01

Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) plays critical roles in regulating mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. However, whether Sirt3 is involved in liver ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury remains elusive. Caffeic acid (CA) is a natural antioxidant derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Whether CA protects against liver I/R injury through regulating Sirt3 and the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) is unclear. This study investigated the effect of CA on liver I/R injury, microcirculatory disturbance, and potential mechanisms, particularly focusing on Sirt3-dependent MRC. Liver I/R of male Sprague-Dawley rats was established by occlusion of portal area vessels for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. CA (15 mg/kg/h) was continuously infused via the femoral vein starting 30 min before ischemia. After I/R, Sirt3 expression, and MRC activity decreased, acetylation of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 9 and succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein variant provoked, and the liver microcirculatory disturbance and injury were observed. Treatment with CA attenuated liver injury, inhibited Sirt3 down-expression, and up-regulated MRC activity. CA attenuated rat liver microcirculatory disturbance and oxidative injury through regulation of Sirt3 and the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Establishment of risk evaluation model of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer and its predictive value].

PubMed

Zhao, Junjie; Zhou, Rongjian; Zhang, Qi; Shu, Ping; Li, Haojie; Wang, Xuefei; Shen, Zhenbin; Liu, Fenglin; Chen, Weidong; Qin, Jing; Sun, Yihong

2017-01-25

To establish an evaluation model of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer, and to assess its clinical significance. Clinical and pathologic data of the consecutive cases of gastric cancer admitted between April 2015 and December 2015 in Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 710 patients were enrolled in the study after 18 patients with other distant metastasis were excluded. The correlations between peritoneal metastasis and different factors were studied through univariate (Pearson's test or Fisher's exact test) and multivariate analyses (Binary Logistic regression). Independent predictable factors for peritoneal metastasis were combined to establish a risk evaluation model (nomogram). The nomogram was created with R software using the 'rms' package. In the nomogram, each factor had different scores, and every patient could have a total score by adding all the scores of each factor. A higher total score represented higher risk of peritoneal metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the established nomogram. Delong. Delong. Clarke-Pearson test was used to compare the difference of the area under the curve (AUC). The cut-off value was determined by the AUC, when the ROC curve had the biggest AUC, the model had the best sensitivity and specificity. Among 710 patients, 47 patients had peritoneal metastasis (6.6%), including 30 male (30/506, 5.9%) and 17 female (17/204, 8.3%); 31 were ≥ 60 years old (31/429, 7.2%); 38 had tumor ≥ 3 cm(38/461, 8.2%). Lauren classification indicated that 2 patients were intestinal type(2/245, 0.8%), 8 patients were mixed type(8/208, 3.8%), 11 patients were diffuse type(11/142, 7.7%), and others had no associated data. CA19-9 of 13 patients was ≥ 37 kU/L(13/61, 21.3%); CA125 of 11 patients was ≥ 35 kU/L(11/36, 30.6%); CA72-4 of 11 patients was ≥ 10 kU/L(11/39, 28.2%). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 26 patients was ≥ 2.37(26/231, 11.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that Lauren classification (HR=8.95, 95%CI:1.32-60.59, P=0.025), CA125(HR=17.45, 95%CI:5.54-54.89, P=0.001), CA72-4(HR=20.06, 95%CI:5.05-79.68, P=0.001), and NLR (HR=4.16, 95%CI:1.17-14.75, P=0.032) were independent risk factors of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. In the nomogram, the highest score was 241, including diffuse or mixed Lauren classification (54 score), CA125 ≥ 35 kU/L (66 score), CA72-4 ≥ 10 kU/L (100 score), and NLR ≥ 2.37 (21 score), which represented a highest risk of peritoneal metastasis (more than 90%). The AUC of nomogram was 0.912, which was superior than any single variable (AUC of Lauren classification: 0.678; AUC of CA125: 0.720; AUC of CA72-4: 0.792; AUC of NLR: 0.613, all P=0.000). The total score of nomogram increased according to the TNM stage, and was highest in the peritoneal metastasis group (F=49.1, P=0.000). When the cut-off value calculated by ROC analysis was set at 140, the model could best balanced the sensitivity (0.79) and the specificity (0.87). Only 5% of patients had peritoneal metastasis when their nomogram scores were lower than 140, while 58% of patients had peritoneal metastasis when their scores were ≥ 140(χ 2 =69.1, P=0.000). The risk evaluation model established with Lauren classification, CA125, CA72-4 and NLR can effectively predict the risk of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer, and provide the reference to preoperative staging and choice of therapeutic strategy.

Oxygen potentials and phase equilibria in the system Ca–Co–O and thermodynamic properties of Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6} and Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 4}O{sub 9.163}

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

Jacob, K.T., E-mail: katob@materials.iisc.ernet.in; Gupta, Preeti

2015-01-15

Oxygen potentials established by the equilibrium between three condensed phases, CaO{sub ss}+CoO{sub ss}+Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6} and CoO{sub ss}+Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6}+Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 3.93+α}O{sub 9.36−δ}, are measured as a function of temperature using solid-state electrochemical cells incorporating yttria-stabilized zirconia as the electrolyte and pure oxygen as the reference electrode. Cation non-stoichiometry and oxygen non-stoichiometry in Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 3.93+α}O{sub 9.36−δ} are determined using different techniques under defined conditions. Decomposition temperatures and thermodynamic properties of Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6} and Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 4}O{sub 9.163} are calculated from the results. The standard entropy and enthalpy of formation of Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 2}O{sub 6} atmore » 298.15 K are evaluated. Using thermodynamic data from this study and auxiliary information from the literature, phase diagram for the ternary system Ca–Co–O is computed. Isothermal sections at representative temperatures are displayed to demonstrate the evolution of phase relations with temperature. - Graphical abstract: Isothermal section of the phase diagram of the system Ca–Co–O at 1250 K. - Highlights: • Improved definition of cation and oxygen nonstoichiometry of Ca{sub 3}Co{sub 3.93+α}O{sub 9.36−δ}. • Measurement of Δμ{sub O{sub 2}} associated with two 3-phase fields as a function of temperature. • Use of solid-state electrochemical cells for accurate measurement of Δμ{sub O{sub 2}}. • Decomposition temperatures and thermodynamic properties for ternary oxides. • Characterization of ternary phase diagram of the system Ca–Co–O.« less

Further characterization of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid release from isolated neuronal growth cones: role of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

PubMed

Lockerbie, R O; Gordon-Weeks, P R

1986-04-01

We have recently shown that growth cones isolated from neonatal rat forebrain possess uptake and release mechanisms for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. About half of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones is dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The remaining component of the [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid release is unaffected by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and is resistant to blockade by the voltage-sensitive Ca2+-channel blocker methoxyverapamil. In the present series of experiments we have used caffeine to assess the possible role of intracellular stores of Ca2+ in supporting that component of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones that is independent of extracellular Ca2+. We have chosen caffeine because of its well established effect of releasing Ca2+ from smooth endoplasmic reticulum in muscle. We found that caffeine can release [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid from isolated growth cones. This effect persists in Ca2+-free medium, in the presence of methoxyverapamil and in the absence of Na+. Furthermore, isobutylmethylxanthine could not substitute for caffeine suggesting that the caffeine effect is not due to phosphodiesterase inhibition and the subsequent rise in intracellular cyclic nucleotides. A combination of the mitochondrial poisons, Antimycin A and sodium azide had no effect on the release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid induced either by caffeine or by high K+. We conclude that caffeine causes the release of Ca2+ from a non-mitochondrial store within the growth cone and that this Ca2+ store supports that component of the K+-induced release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid that is independent of extracellular Ca2+.

Changing and shielded magnetic fields suppress c-Fos expression in the navigation circuit: input from the magnetosensory system contributes to the internal representation of space in a subterranean rodent

PubMed Central

Burger, Tomáš; Lucová, Marcela; Moritz, Regina E.; Oelschläger, Helmut H. A.; Druga, Rastislav; Burda, Hynek; Wiltschko, Wolfgang; Wiltschko, Roswitha; Němec, Pavel

2010-01-01

The neural substrate subserving magnetoreception and magnetic orientation in mammals is largely unknown. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the processing of magnetic sensory information takes place in the superior colliculus. Here, the effects of magnetic field conditions on neuronal activity in the rodent navigation circuit were assessed by quantifying c-Fos expression. Ansell's mole-rats (Fukomys anselli), a mammalian model to study the mechanisms of magnetic compass orientation, were subjected to natural, periodically changing, and shielded magnetic fields while exploring an unfamiliar circular arena. In the undisturbed local geomagnetic field, the exploration of the novel environment and/or nesting behaviour induced c-Fos expression throughout the head direction system and the entorhinal–hippocampal spatial representation system. This induction was significantly suppressed by exposure to periodically changing and/or shielded magnetic fields; discrete decreases in c-Fos were seen in the dorsal tegmental nucleus, the anterodorsal and the laterodorsal thalamic nuclei, the postsubiculum, the retrosplenial and entorhinal cortices, and the hippocampus. Moreover, in inactive animals, magnetic field intensity manipulation suppressed c-Fos expression in the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus and the dorsal subiculum, but induced expression in the polymorph layer of the dentate gyrus. These findings suggest that key constituents of the rodent navigation circuit contain populations of neurons responsive to magnetic stimuli. Thus, magnetic information may be integrated with multimodal sensory and motor information into a common spatial representation of allocentric space within this circuit. PMID:20219838

Changing and shielded magnetic fields suppress c-Fos expression in the navigation circuit: input from the magnetosensory system contributes to the internal representation of space in a subterranean rodent.

PubMed

Burger, Tomás; Lucová, Marcela; Moritz, Regina E; Oelschläger, Helmut H A; Druga, Rastislav; Burda, Hynek; Wiltschko, Wolfgang; Wiltschko, Roswitha; Nemec, Pavel

2010-09-06

The neural substrate subserving magnetoreception and magnetic orientation in mammals is largely unknown. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the processing of magnetic sensory information takes place in the superior colliculus. Here, the effects of magnetic field conditions on neuronal activity in the rodent navigation circuit were assessed by quantifying c-Fos expression. Ansell's mole-rats (Fukomys anselli), a mammalian model to study the mechanisms of magnetic compass orientation, were subjected to natural, periodically changing, and shielded magnetic fields while exploring an unfamiliar circular arena. In the undisturbed local geomagnetic field, the exploration of the novel environment and/or nesting behaviour induced c-Fos expression throughout the head direction system and the entorhinal-hippocampal spatial representation system. This induction was significantly suppressed by exposure to periodically changing and/or shielded magnetic fields; discrete decreases in c-Fos were seen in the dorsal tegmental nucleus, the anterodorsal and the laterodorsal thalamic nuclei, the postsubiculum, the retrosplenial and entorhinal cortices, and the hippocampus. Moreover, in inactive animals, magnetic field intensity manipulation suppressed c-Fos expression in the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus and the dorsal subiculum, but induced expression in the polymorph layer of the dentate gyrus. These findings suggest that key constituents of the rodent navigation circuit contain populations of neurons responsive to magnetic stimuli. Thus, magnetic information may be integrated with multimodal sensory and motor information into a common spatial representation of allocentric space within this circuit.

A Non-Cognitive Formal Approach to Knowledge Representation in Artificial Intelligence.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

example, Duda and others translated production rules into a partitioned semantic network (73). Representations were also translated into production...153. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1982. 38. Blikle, Andrzej . "Equational Languages," Information and Control, 21: 134-147 (September 1972). 285 39. Ezawa...Conference on Artificial Intelligence, IJCAI-75. 115-121. William Kaufmann, Inc., Los Altos CA, 1975. 73. Duda , Richard 0. and others. "Semantic

Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Does Not Control Proliferation in Primary Cultures of Human Metastatic Renal Cellular Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Turin, Ilaria; Potenza, Duilio Michele; Bottino, Cinzia; Glasnov, Toma N.; Ferulli, Federica; Mosca, Alessandra; Guerra, Germano; Rosti, Vittorio; Luinetti, Ombretta; Porta, Camillo; Pedrazzoli, Paolo

2014-01-01

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated following depletion of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive Ca2+ pool to regulate proliferation in immortalized cell lines established from either primary or metastatic lesions. The molecular nature of SOCE may involve both Stim1, which senses Ca2+ levels within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ reservoir, and a number of a Ca2+-permeable channels on the plasma membrane, including Orai1, Orai3, and members of the canonical transient receptor (TRPC1–7) family of ion channels. The present study was undertaken to assess whether SOCE is expressed and controls proliferation in primary cultures isolated from secondary lesions of heavily pretreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. SOCE was induced following pharmacological depletion of the ER Ca2+ store, but not by InsP3-dependent Ca2+ release. Metastatic RCC cells express Stim1-2, Orai1–3, and TRPC1–7 transcripts and proteins. In these cells, SOCE was insensitive to BTP-2, 10 µM Gd3+ and Pyr6, while it was inhibited by 100 µM Gd3+, 2-APB, and carboxyamidotriazole (CAI). Neither Gd3+ nor 2-APB or CAI impaired mRCC cell proliferation. Consistently, no detectable Ca2+ signal was elicited by growth factor stimulation. Therefore, a functional SOCE is expressed but does not control proliferation of mRCC cells isolated from patients resistant to multikinase inhibitors. PMID:25126575

Statistical representation of multiphase flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramaniam

2000-11-01

The relationship between two common statistical representations of multiphase flow, namely, the single--point Eulerian statistical representation of two--phase flow (D. A. Drew, Ann. Rev. Fluid Mech. (15), 1983), and the Lagrangian statistical representation of a spray using the dropet distribution function (F. A. Williams, Phys. Fluids 1 (6), 1958) is established for spherical dispersed--phase elements. This relationship is based on recent work which relates the droplet distribution function to single--droplet pdfs starting from a Liouville description of a spray (Subramaniam, Phys. Fluids 10 (12), 2000). The Eulerian representation, which is based on a random--field model of the flow, is shown to contain different statistical information from the Lagrangian representation, which is based on a point--process model. The two descriptions are shown to be simply related for spherical, monodisperse elements in statistically homogeneous two--phase flow, whereas such a simple relationship is precluded by the inclusion of polydispersity and statistical inhomogeneity. The common origin of these two representations is traced to a more fundamental statistical representation of a multiphase flow, whose concepts derive from a theory for dense sprays recently proposed by Edwards (Atomization and Sprays 10 (3--5), 2000). The issue of what constitutes a minimally complete statistical representation of a multiphase flow is resolved.

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.

Magnolol and honokiol regulate the calcium-activated potassium channels signaling pathway in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea mice.

PubMed

Deng, Yanli; Han, Xuefeng; Tang, Shaoxun; Xiao, Wenjun; Tan, Zhiliang; Zhou, Chuanshe; Wang, Min; Kang, Jinghe

2015-05-15

To explore the regulatory mechanisms of magnolol and honokiol on calcium-activated potassium channels signaling pathway in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced diarrhea mice, the concentrations of serum chloride ion (Cl(-)), sodium ion (Na(+)), potassium ion (K(+)) and calcium ion (Ca(2+)) were measured. Additionally, the mRNA expressions of calmodulin 1 (CaM), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha subunit (CaMKIIα) and beta subunit (CaMKIIβ), ryanodine receptor 1, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3 receptors), protein kinases C (PKC), potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated channels (SK) and potassium large conductance calcium-activated channels(BK)were determined. A diarrhea mouse model was established using ETEC suspensions (3.29×10(9)CFU/ml) at a dosage of 0.02ml/g live body weight (BW). Magnolol or honokiol was intragastrically administered at dosages of 100 (M100 or H100), 300 (M300 or H300) and 500 (M500 or H500) mg/kg BW according to a 3×3 factorial arrangement. Magnolol and honokiol increased the Cl(-) and K(+) concentrations, further, upregulated the CaM, BKα1 and BKβ3 mRNA levels but downregulated the IP3 receptors 1, PKC, SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4 and BKβ4 mRNA expressions. Magnolol and honokiol did not alter the CaMKIIα, CaMKIIβ, ryanodine receptor 1, IP3 receptor 2, IP3 receptor 3, BKβ1 and BKβ2 mRNA expressions. These results clarify that magnolol and honokiol, acting through Ca(2+) channel blockade, inhibit the activation of IP3 receptor 1 to regulate the IP3-Ca(2+) store release, activate CaM to inhibit SK channels, and effectively suppress PKC kinases to promote BKα1 and BKβ3 channels opening and BKβ4 channel closing, which modulates the intestinal ion secretion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The caCORE Software Development Kit: Streamlining construction of interoperable biomedical information services

PubMed Central

Phillips, Joshua; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; Warzel, Denise; Covitz, Peter A

2006-01-01

Background Robust, programmatically accessible biomedical information services that syntactically and semantically interoperate with other resources are challenging to construct. Such systems require the adoption of common information models, data representations and terminology standards as well as documented application programming interfaces (APIs). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed the cancer common ontologic representation environment (caCORE) to provide the infrastructure necessary to achieve interoperability across the systems it develops or sponsors. The caCORE Software Development Kit (SDK) was designed to provide developers both within and outside the NCI with the tools needed to construct such interoperable software systems. Results The caCORE SDK requires a Unified Modeling Language (UML) tool to begin the development workflow with the construction of a domain information model in the form of a UML Class Diagram. Models are annotated with concepts and definitions from a description logic terminology source using the Semantic Connector component. The annotated model is registered in the Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) using the UML Loader component. System software is automatically generated using the Codegen component, which produces middleware that runs on an application server. The caCORE SDK was initially tested and validated using a seven-class UML model, and has been used to generate the caCORE production system, which includes models with dozens of classes. The deployed system supports access through object-oriented APIs with consistent syntax for retrieval of any type of data object across all classes in the original UML model. The caCORE SDK is currently being used by several development teams, including by participants in the cancer biomedical informatics grid (caBIG) program, to create compatible data services. caBIG compatibility standards are based upon caCORE resources, and thus the caCORE SDK has emerged as a key enabling technology for caBIG. Conclusion The caCORE SDK substantially lowers the barrier to implementing systems that are syntactically and semantically interoperable by providing workflow and automation tools that standardize and expedite modeling, development, and deployment. It has gained acceptance among developers in the caBIG program, and is expected to provide a common mechanism for creating data service nodes on the data grid that is under development. PMID:16398930

Perirhinal cortical inactivation impairs object-in-place memory and disrupts task-dependent firing in hippocampal CA1, but not in CA3.

PubMed

Lee, Inah; Park, Seong-Beom

2013-01-01

Objects and their locations can associatively define an event and a conjoint representation of object-place can form an event memory. Remembering how to respond to a certain object in a spatial context is dependent on both hippocampus and perirhinal cortex (PER). However, the relative functional contributions of the two regions are largely unknown in object-place associative memory. We investigated the PER influence on hippocampal firing in a goal-directed object-place memory task by comparing the firing patterns of CA1 and CA3 of the dorsal hippocampus between conditions of PER muscimol inactivation and vehicle control infusions. Rats were required to choose one of the two objects in a specific spatial context (regardless of the object positions in the context), which was shown to be dependent on both hippocampus and PER. Inactivation of PER with muscimol (MUS) severely disrupted performance of well-trained rats, resulting in response bias (i.e., choosing any object on a particular side). MUS did not significantly alter the baseline firing rates of hippocampal neurons. We measured the similarity in firing patterns between two trial conditions in which the same target objects were chosen on opposite sides within the same arm [object-in-place (O-P) strategy] and compared the results with the similarity in firing between two trial conditions in which the rat chose any object encountered on a particular side [response-in-place (R-P) strategy]. We found that the similarity in firing patterns for O-P trials was significantly reduced with MUS compared to control conditions (CTs). Importantly, this was largely because MUS injections affected the O-P firing patterns in CA1 neurons, but not in CA3. The results suggest that PER is critical for goal-directed organization of object-place associative memory in the hippocampus presumably by influencing how object information is associated with spatial information in CA1 according to task demand.

Buffers and Oscillations in Intracellular Ca2+ Dynamics

PubMed Central

Falcke, Martin

2003-01-01

I model the behavior of intracellular Ca2+ release with high buffer concentrations. The model uses a spatially discrete array of channel clusters. The channel subunit dynamics is a stochastic representation of the DeYoung-Keizer model. The calculations show that the concentration profile of fast buffer around an open channel is more localized than that of slow buffers. Slow buffers allow for release of larger amounts of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and hence bind more Ca2+ than fast buffers with the same dissociation constant and concentration. I find oscillation-like behavior for high slow buffer concentration and low Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum. High concentration of slow buffer leads to oscillation-like behavior by repetitive wave nucleation for high Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum. Localization of Ca2+ release by slow buffer, as used in experiments, can be reproduced by the modeling approach. PMID:12524263

Multishelled CaO Microspheres Stabilized by Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2 O3 for Enhanced CO2 Capture Performance.

PubMed

Armutlulu, Andac; Naeem, Muhammad Awais; Liu, Hsueh-Ju; Kim, Sung Min; Kierzkowska, Agnieszka; Fedorov, Alexey; Müller, Christoph R

2017-11-01

CO 2 capture and storage is a promising concept to reduce anthropogenic CO 2 emissions. The most established technology for capturing CO 2 relies on amine scrubbing that is, however, associated with high costs. Technoeconomic studies show that using CaO as a high-temperature CO 2 sorbent can significantly reduce the costs of CO 2 capture. A serious disadvantage of CaO derived from earth-abundant precursors, e.g., limestone, is the rapid, sintering-induced decay of its cyclic CO 2 uptake. Here, a template-assisted hydrothermal approach to develop CaO-based sorbents exhibiting a very high and cyclically stable CO 2 uptake is exploited. The morphological characteristics of these sorbents, i.e., a porous shell comprised of CaO nanoparticles coated by a thin layer of Al 2 O 3 (<3 nm) containing a central void, ensure (i) minimal diffusion limitations, (ii) space to accompany the substantial volumetric changes during CO 2 capture and release, and (iii) a minimal quantity of Al 2 O 3 for structural stabilization, thus maximizing the fraction of CO 2 -capture-active CaO. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of calcium ions on the crystallization of sodium bicarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi; Demilie, Paul; Davoine, Perrine; Cartage, Thierry; Delplancke-Ogletree, Marie-Paule

2005-02-01

In industrial crystallization of sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogenocarbonate), the presence of calcium ions in solutions is unavoidable due to the production process. The understanding of the Ca 2+ role in NaHCO 3 crystallization would be helpful for improving the quality of the final products. The influence of calcium ions on NaHCO 3 crystallization was investigated in a 5-l mixed suspension mixed product removal crystallizer under controlled conditions. A density meter was used for continuous supersaturation monitoring. After a steady state had been reached, different CaCl 2 amounts were added at a constant flow rate. It was found that limited calcium ion levels in the system reduce drastically the nucleation frequency of NaHCO 3 and has a limited influence on crystal growth rate. The supersaturation measurements and other methods confirmed this phenomenon. The relationship between the Ca 2+ influence on NaHCO 3 crystallization, the calcium carbonate solubility and its metastable zone in concentrated NaHCO 3 solution was established. In fact, Ca 2+ has a maximum effect on NaHCO 3 crystallization kinetics when the saturation of calcium carbonate in NaHCO 3 solution has been reached, and the effect is constant in the metastable zone. The excess of Ca 2+ precipitates in NaHCO 3 solution as CaCO 3, as observed by energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. This explained why an increasing Ca 2+ concentration in the solution has a limited influence on NaHCO 3 crystal size distribution and habit, but decreases the crystal purity. It is also confirmed that an impurity as Ca 2+ has no influence on the equilibrium NaHCO 3-Na 2CO 3.

Reformulation of Density Functional Theory for N-Representable Densities and the Resolution of the v-Representability Problem

DOE PAGES

Gonis, A.; Zhang, X. G.; Stocks, G. M.; ...

2015-10-23

Density functional theory for the case of general, N-representable densities is reformulated in terms of density functional derivatives of expectation values of operators evaluated with wave functions leading to a density, making no reference to the concept of potential. The developments provide a complete solution of the v-representability problem by establishing a mathematical procedure that determines whether a density is v-representable and in the case of an affirmative answer determines the potential (within an additive constant) as a derivative with respect to the density of a constrained search functional. It also establishes the existence of an energy functional of themore » density that, for v-representable densities, assumes its minimum value at the density describing the ground state of an interacting many-particle system. The theorems of Hohenberg and Kohn emerge as special cases of the formalism.« less

Temporal binding function of dorsal CA1 is critical for declarative memory formation

PubMed Central

Sellami, Azza; Al Abed, Alice Shaam; Brayda-Bruno, Laurent; Etchamendy, Nicole; Valério, Stéphane; Oulé, Marie; Pantaléon, Laura; Lamothe, Valérie; Potier, Mylène; Bernard, Katy; Jabourian, Maritza; Herry, Cyril; Mons, Nicole; Piazza, Pier-Vincenzo; Eichenbaum, Howard; Marighetto, Aline

2017-01-01

Temporal binding, the process that enables association between discontiguous stimuli in memory, and relational organization, a process that enables the flexibility of declarative memories, are both hippocampus-dependent and decline in aging. However, how these two processes are related in supporting declarative memory formation and how they are compromised in age-related memory loss remain hypothetical. We here identify a causal link between these two features of declarative memory: Temporal binding is a necessary condition for the relational organization of discontiguous events. We demonstrate that the formation of a relational memory is limited by the capability of temporal binding, which depends on dorsal (d)CA1 activity over time intervals and diminishes in aging. Conversely, relational representation is successful even in aged individuals when the demand on temporal binding is minimized, showing that relational/declarative memory per se is not impaired in aging. Thus, bridging temporal intervals by dCA1 activity is a critical foundation of relational representation, and a deterioration of this mechanism is responsible for the age-associated memory impairment. PMID:28874586

Temporal binding function of dorsal CA1 is critical for declarative memory formation.

PubMed

Sellami, Azza; Al Abed, Alice Shaam; Brayda-Bruno, Laurent; Etchamendy, Nicole; Valério, Stéphane; Oulé, Marie; Pantaléon, Laura; Lamothe, Valérie; Potier, Mylène; Bernard, Katy; Jabourian, Maritza; Herry, Cyril; Mons, Nicole; Piazza, Pier-Vincenzo; Eichenbaum, Howard; Marighetto, Aline

2017-09-19

Temporal binding, the process that enables association between discontiguous stimuli in memory, and relational organization, a process that enables the flexibility of declarative memories, are both hippocampus-dependent and decline in aging. However, how these two processes are related in supporting declarative memory formation and how they are compromised in age-related memory loss remain hypothetical. We here identify a causal link between these two features of declarative memory: Temporal binding is a necessary condition for the relational organization of discontiguous events. We demonstrate that the formation of a relational memory is limited by the capability of temporal binding, which depends on dorsal (d)CA1 activity over time intervals and diminishes in aging. Conversely, relational representation is successful even in aged individuals when the demand on temporal binding is minimized, showing that relational/declarative memory per se is not impaired in aging. Thus, bridging temporal intervals by dCA1 activity is a critical foundation of relational representation, and a deterioration of this mechanism is responsible for the age-associated memory impairment.

Resveratrol-induced autophagy is dependent on IP3Rs and on cytosolic Ca2.

PubMed

Luyten, Tomas; Welkenhuyzen, Kirsten; Roest, Gemma; Kania, Elzbieta; Wang, Liwei; Bittremieux, Mart; Yule, David I; Parys, Jan B; Bultynck, Geert

2017-06-01

Previous work revealed that intracellular Ca 2+ signals and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) receptors (IP 3 R) are essential to increase autophagic flux in response to mTOR inhibition, induced by either nutrient starvation or rapamycin treatment. Here, we investigated whether autophagy induced by resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytochemical reported to trigger autophagy in a non-canonical way, also requires IP 3 Rs and Ca 2+ signaling. Resveratrol augmented autophagic flux in a time-dependent manner in HeLa cells. Importantly, autophagy induced by resveratrol (80μM, 2h) was completely abolished in the presence of 10μM BAPTA-AM, an intracellular Ca 2+ -chelating agent. To elucidate the IP 3 R's role in this process, we employed the recently established HEK 3KO cells lacking all three IP 3 R isoforms. In contrast to the HEK293 wt cells and to HEK 3KO cells re-expressing IP 3 R1, autophagic responses in HEK 3KO cells exposed to resveratrol were severely impaired. These altered autophagic responses could not be attributed to alterations in the mTOR/p70S6K pathway, since resveratrol-induced inhibition of S6 phosphorylation was not abrogated by chelating cytosolic Ca 2+ or by knocking out IP 3 Rs. Finally, we investigated whether resveratrol by itself induced Ca 2+ release. In permeabilized HeLa cells, resveratrol neither affected the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) activity nor the IP 3 -induced Ca 2+ release nor the basal Ca 2+ leak from the ER. Also, prolonged (4 h) treatment with 100μM resveratrol did not affect subsequent IP 3 -induced Ca 2+ release. However, in intact HeLa cells, although resveratrol did not elicit cytosolic Ca 2+ signals by itself, it acutely decreased the ER Ca 2+ -store content irrespective of the presence or absence of IP 3 Rs, leading to a dampened agonist-induced Ca 2+ signaling. In conclusion, these results reveal that IP 3 Rs and cytosolic Ca 2+ signaling are fundamentally important for driving autophagic flux, not only in response to mTOR inhibition but also in response to non-canonical autophagy inducers like resveratrol. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Governing Board Manual. Revised June, 1999.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palomar Community Coll. District, San Marcos, CA.

This document details the governance structure of Palomar Community College. The plan attempts to: (1) provide appropriate representation for each constituent group; (2) delineate committee responsibilities and reporting relationships; (3) establish the appropriate number and size of committees; (4) ensure that operational matters are handled…

Arabidopsis Glutamate Receptor Homolog3.5 Modulates Cytosolic Ca2+ Level to Counteract Effect of Abscisic Acid in Seed Germination1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Kong, Dongdong; Ju, Chuanli; Parihar, Aisha; Kim, So; Cho, Daeshik; Kwak, June M.

2015-01-01

Seed germination is a critical step in a plant’s life cycle that allows successful propagation and is therefore strictly controlled by endogenous and environmental signals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying germination control remain elusive. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) glutamate receptor homolog3.5 (AtGLR3.5) is predominantly expressed in germinating seeds and increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration that counteracts the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) to promote germination. Repression of AtGLR3.5 impairs cytosolic Ca2+ concentration elevation, significantly delays germination, and enhances ABA sensitivity in seeds, whereas overexpression of AtGLR3.5 results in earlier germination and reduced seed sensitivity to ABA. Furthermore, we show that Ca2+ suppresses the expression of ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4), a key transcription factor involved in ABA response in seeds, and that ABI4 plays a fundamental role in modulation of Ca2+-dependent germination. Taken together, our results provide molecular genetic evidence that AtGLR3.5-mediated Ca2+ influx stimulates seed germination by antagonizing the inhibitory effects of ABA through suppression of ABI4. These findings establish, to our knowledge, a new and pivotal role of the plant glutamate receptor homolog and Ca2+ signaling in germination control and uncover the orchestrated modulation of the AtGLR3.5-mediated Ca2+ signal and ABA signaling via ABI4 to fine-tune the crucial developmental process, germination, in Arabidopsis. PMID:25681329

Processing, electrical and microwave properties of sputtered Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconducting thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Subramanyam, G.; Kapoor, V. J.; Chorey, C. M.; Bhasin, K. B.

1993-01-01

A reproducible fabrication process has been established for TlCaBaCuO thin films on LaAlO3 substrates by RF magnetron sputtering and post-deposition processing methods. Electrical transport properties of the thin films were measured on patterned four-probe test devices. Microwave properties of the films were obtained from unloaded Q measurements of all-superconducting ring resonators. This paper describes the processing, electrical and microwave properties of Tl2Ca1Ba2Cu2O(x) 2122-plane phase thin films.

Distributed Simulation Testing for Weapons System Performance of the F/A-18 and AIM-120 AMRAAM

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

Support Facility (WSSF) at China Lake, CA and the AIM-120 Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) laboratory at Point Mugu, CA. The link was established in response to...ROCKET MOTOR TARGET DETECTION (FUZE) SEEKERIASSEMBLYWAH D . ANTENN ’ A TRA-kN.SiV, ITfrER’I" ACTUATOR ELECTRONICS DATA LIX -K PARAMETERS ADIMI20AI AIMI...test series. 3.2 Hardware in the Loop : The AMRAAM Hardware-In-the- Loop (HWIL) lab located at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Point Mugu, CA provides

5 CFR 2422.31 - Application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) Established law or policy warrants reconsideration; or, (3) There is a genuine issue over whether the Regional... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Application for review of a Regional... REPRESENTATION PROCEEDINGS § 2422.31 Application for review of a Regional Director Decision and Order. (a) Filing...

76 FR 39974 - Delegation by the Deputy Secretary of State Regarding Department Representation on the Investment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-07

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Delegation of Authority No. 337] Delegation by the Deputy Secretary of State Regarding Department Representation on the Investment Working Group Established by the SelectUSA Executive... Group established by the SelectUSA Executive Order of June 15, 2011. The Under Secretary or Assistant...

7 CFR 932.25 - Establishment and membership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... representation of the producer members shall be two from District 1, four from District 2, and two from District 3. Allocation of the handler members shall be four members to represent cooperative marketing... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing...

Amplified FRET based CA15-3 immunosensor using antibody functionalized luminescent carbon-dots and AuNPs-dendrimer aptamer as donor-acceptor.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Somayeh; Salimi, Abdollah; Qaddareh, Somayeh Hamde

2018-06-13

We proposed an amplified FRET immunosensing for detection of CA15-3 tumor marker by highly biospecific interactions between CA 15-3 antigen and the corresponding antibody and aptamer. In this sandwich type immunoassay, CA15-3 antibody-functionalized carbon dots and AuNPs labeled PAMAM-Dendrimer/aptamer were used as donor/acceptor, respectively. When CA 15-3 Ag was added to homogenous immunoassay, the strong complex interaction between CA15-3 Ab-CA15-3 Ag- aptamer caused in more coming closer carbon dot and AuNPs and more decreasing fluorescence signal. The decreased fluorescence intensity was linear at three ranges including in concentration range 1.1 μUmL -1 to 16 μU mL -1 with regression of R 2  = 0.9879, at the concentration range 16 μU mL -1 to 0.163 mU mL -1 with regression of R 2  = 0.9944 and at the concentration range 0.163 mU mL -1 to 5.0 mU mL -1 with regression of R 2  = 0.9805. The detection limit of the FRET immunoassay was 0.9 μU mL -1 . In addition, this FRET immunosensing is applicable in diluted human serum. The recovery values were in the range of 95.86-96.97% for CA 15-3 Ag in spiked serum sample with RSD lower than 7.3%. The proposed immunoassay could be a valid model for establishing other immunoassays for detection of different cancer tumor markers with relevant antigens and antibodies. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Considerations on the Use of 3-D Geophysical Models to Predict Test Ban Monitoring Observables

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

Harris, D B; Zucca, J J; McCallen, D B

2007-07-09

The use of 3-D geophysical models to predict nuclear test ban monitoring observables (phase travel times, amplitudes, dispersion, etc.) is widely anticipated to provide improvements in the basic seismic monitoring functions of detection, association, location, discrimination and yield estimation. A number of questions arise when contemplating a transition from 1-D, 2-D and 2.5-D models to constructing and using 3-D models, among them: (1) Can a 3-D geophysical model or a collection of 3-D models provide measurably improved predictions of seismic monitoring observables over existing 1-D models, or 2-D and 2 1/2-D models currently under development? (2) Is a single modelmore » that can predict all observables achievable, or must separate models be devised for each observable? How should joint inversion of disparate observable data be performed, if required? (3) What are the options for model representation? Are multi-resolution models essential? How does representation affect the accuracy and speed of observable predictions? (4) How should model uncertainty be estimated, represented and how should it be used? Are stochastic models desirable? (5) What data types should be used to construct the models? What quality control regime should be established? (6) How will 3-D models be used in operations? Will significant improvements in the basic monitoring functions result from the use of 3-D models? Will the calculation of observables through 3-D models be fast enough for real-time use or must a strategy of pre-computation be employed? (7) What are the theoretical limits to 3-D model development (resolution, uncertainty) and performance in predicting monitoring observables? How closely can those limits be approached with projected data availability, station distribution and inverse methods? (8) What priorities should be placed on the acquisition of event ground truth information, deployment of new stations, development of new inverse techniques, exploitation of large-scale computing and other activities in the pursuit of 3-D model development and use? In this paper, we examine what technical issues must be addressed to answer these questions. Although convened for a somewhat broader purpose, the June 2007 Workshop on Multi-resolution 3D Earth Models held in Berkeley, CA also touched on this topic. Results from the workshop are summarized in this paper.« less

An olfactory cocktail party: figure-ground segregation of odorants in rodents.

PubMed

Rokni, Dan; Hemmelder, Vivian; Kapoor, Vikrant; Murthy, Venkatesh N

2014-09-01

In odorant-rich environments, animals must be able to detect specific odorants of interest against variable backgrounds. However, studies have found that both humans and rodents are poor at analyzing the components of odorant mixtures, suggesting that olfaction is a synthetic sense in which mixtures are perceived holistically. We found that mice could be easily trained to detect target odorants embedded in unpredictable and variable mixtures. To relate the behavioral performance to neural representation, we imaged the responses of olfactory bulb glomeruli to individual odors in mice expressing the Ca(2+) indicator GCaMP3 in olfactory receptor neurons. The difficulty of segregating the target from the background depended strongly on the extent of overlap between the glomerular responses to target and background odors. Our study indicates that the olfactory system has powerful analytic abilities that are constrained by the limits of combinatorial neural representation of odorants at the level of the olfactory receptors.

Estimation of gastric pH in cynomolgus monkeys, rats, and dogs using [(13)C]-calcium carbonate breath test.

PubMed

Tobita, Kazuki; Inada, Makoto; Sato, Asuka; Sudoh, Kimiyoshi; Sato, Hitoshi

2016-09-01

The determination of gastric pH is important for the confirmation of efficacy of anti-secretory drugs. However, current methods for measurement of gastric pH provide significant stress to animals and humans. The objective of this study is to establish an easy and reliable gastric pH measurement method by determining (13)CO2 concentration in expired air of monkeys, dogs, and rats after oral administration of Ca(13)CO3. A correlation of (13)CO2 concentration determined by a Ca(13)CO3 breath test with gastric pH just before Ca(13)CO3 administration was analyzed in the 3 animal species. The equations and contribution ratios of regression line were calculated from logarithmic (13)CO2 concentrations at 15min after administration of Ca(13)CO3 using the linear regression analysis. The (13)CO2 concentration in the Ca(13)CO3 breath test was well correlated with the gastric pH just before Ca(13)CO3 administration in the 3 animal species (r=-0.977 to -0.952). The equations of regression line between the (13)CO2 concentration and the gastric pH in each animal species showed good contribution ratios (R(2)≥0.89). The Ca(13)CO3 breath test is an informative tool to estimate gastric pH in animals and will be applicable as a new noninvasive tool for patients with GERD/PPI-resistant symptoms. Copyright © 2016 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A U.S. Geological Survey Data Standard (Specifications for representation of geographic point locations for information interchange)

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1983-01-01

This standard establishes uniform formats for geographic point location data. Geographic point location refers to the use of a coordinate system to define the position of a point that may be on, above, or below the Earth's surface. It provides a means for representing these data in digital form for the purpose of interchanging information among data systems and improving clarity and accuracy of interpersonal communications. This document is an expansion and clarification of National Bureau of Standards FIPS PUB 70, issued October 24, 1980. There are minor editorial changes, plus the following additions and modifications: (I) The representation of latitude and longitude using radian measure was added. (2) Alternate 2 for Representation of Hemispheric Information was deleted. (3) Use of the maximum precision for all numerical values was emphasized. The Alternate Representation of Precision was deleted. (4) The length of the zone representation for the State Plane Coordinate System was standardized. (5) The term altitude was substituted for elevation throughout to conform with international usage. (6) Section 3, Specifications for Altitude Data, was expanded and upgraded significantly to the same level of detail as for the horizontal values. (7) A table delineating the coverage of Universal Transverse Mercator zones and the longitudes of the Central Meridians was added and the other tables renumbered. (8) The total length of the representation of point location data at maximum precision was standardized.

Proceedings of USC (University of Southern California) Workshop on VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) & Modern Signal Processing, held at Los Angeles, California on 1-3 November 1982

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-15

Concurrent Algorithms", A. Cremers , Dortmund University, West Germany, and T. Hibbard, JPL, Pasadena, CA 64 "An Overview of Signal Representations in...n O f\\ n O P- A -> Problem-oriented specification of concurrent algorithms Armin B. Cremers and Thomas N. Hibbard Preliminary version September...1982 s* Armin B. Cremers Computer Science Department University of Dortmund P.O. Box 50 05 00 D-4600 Dortmund 50 Fed. Rep. Germany

Proceedings of the Nuclear Criticality Technology Safety Workshop

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

Rene G. Sanchez

1998-04-01

This document contains summaries of most of the papers presented at the 1995 Nuclear Criticality Technology Safety Project (NCTSP) meeting, which was held May 16 and 17 at San Diego, Ca. The meeting was broken up into seven sessions, which covered the following topics: (1) Criticality Safety of Project Sapphire; (2) Relevant Experiments For Criticality Safety; (3) Interactions with the Former Soviet Union; (4) Misapplications and Limitations of Monte Carlo Methods Directed Toward Criticality Safety Analyses; (5) Monte Carlo Vulnerabilities of Execution and Interpretation; (6) Monte Carlo Vulnerabilities of Representation; and (7) Benchmark Comparisons.

Support vector regression model of wastewater bioreactor performance using microbial community diversity indices: effect of stress and bioaugmentation.

PubMed

Seshan, Hari; Goyal, Manish K; Falk, Michael W; Wuertz, Stefan

2014-04-15

The relationship between microbial community structure and function has been examined in detail in natural and engineered environments, but little work has been done on using microbial community information to predict function. We processed microbial community and operational data from controlled experiments with bench-scale bioreactor systems to predict reactor process performance. Four membrane-operated sequencing batch reactors treating synthetic wastewater were operated in two experiments to test the effects of (i) the toxic compound 3-chloroaniline (3-CA) and (ii) bioaugmentation targeting 3-CA degradation, on the sludge microbial community in the reactors. In the first experiment, two reactors were treated with 3-CA and two reactors were operated as controls without 3-CA input. In the second experiment, all four reactors were additionally bioaugmented with a Pseudomonas putida strain carrying a plasmid with a portion of the pathway for 3-CA degradation. Molecular data were generated from terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis targeting the 16S rRNA and amoA genes from the sludge community. The electropherograms resulting from these T-RFs were used to calculate diversity indices - community richness, dynamics and evenness - for the domain Bacteria as well as for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in each reactor over time. These diversity indices were then used to train and test a support vector regression (SVR) model to predict reactor performance based on input microbial community indices and operational data. Considering the diversity indices over time and across replicate reactors as discrete values, it was found that, although bioaugmentation with a bacterial strain harboring a subset of genes involved in the degradation of 3-CA did not bring about 3-CA degradation, it significantly affected the community as measured through all three diversity indices in both the general bacterial community and the ammonia-oxidizer community (α = 0.5). The impact of bioaugmentation was also seen qualitatively in the variation of community richness and evenness over time in each reactor, with overall community richness falling in the case of bioaugmented reactors subjected to 3-CA and community evenness remaining lower and more stable in the bioaugmented reactors as opposed to the unbioaugmented reactors. Using diversity indices, 3-CA input, bioaugmentation and time as input variables, the SVR model successfully predicted reactor performance in terms of the removal of broad-range contaminants like COD, ammonia and nitrate as well as specific contaminants like 3-CA. This work was the first to demonstrate that (i) bioaugmentation, even when unsuccessful, can produce a change in community structure and (ii) microbial community information can be used to reliably predict process performance. However, T-RFLP may not result in the most accurate representation of the microbial community itself, and a much more powerful prediction tool can potentially be developed using more sophisticated molecular methods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Establishment of oxygen and glucose deprive model of in vitro cultured hippocampal neuron and effect of ligustrazine on intracellular Ca+ level in model neurons].

PubMed

Wan, Hai-tong; Wang, Yu; Yang, Jie-hong

2007-03-01

To establish the oxygen and glucose deprive (OGD) model in cultured hippocampal neuron and study the effect of ligustrazine on intracellular Ca2+ level in the model neurons. The OGD model was established in cultured hippocampal neuron, and the intracellular Ca2+ level in it was detected by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The OGD model was successfully established in cultured hippocampal neurons; the intracellular Ca2+ level in the OGD model group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group (P < 0.05), and that in the nemodipine and high and medium dosage of ligustrazine treated groups was lower than that in the OGD model group (P < 0.05). Intracellular Ca2+ overload occurs in OGD model neuron, which could be antagonized by ligustrazine, indicating that ligustrazine has a protective effect on hippocampal neuron from hypoxic-ischemic injury.

Monodispersed calcium carbonate nanoparticles modulate local pH and inhibit tumor growth in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Som, Avik; Raliya, Ramesh; Tian, Limei; Akers, Walter; Ippolito, Joseph E.; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Biswas, Pratim; Achilefu, Samuel

2016-06-01

The acidic extracellular environment of tumors potentiates their aggressiveness and metastasis, but few methods exist to selectively modulate the extracellular pH (pHe) environment of tumors. Transient flushing of biological systems with alkaline fluids or proton pump inhibitors is impractical and nonselective. Here we report a nanoparticles-based strategy to intentionally modulate the pHe in tumors. Biochemical simulations indicate that the dissolution of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) in vivo increases pH asymptotically to 7.4. We developed two independent facile methods to synthesize monodisperse non-doped vaterite nano-CaCO3 with distinct size range between 20 and 300 nm. Using murine models of cancer, we demonstrate that the selective accumulation of nano-CaCO3 in tumors increases tumor pH over time. The associated induction of tumor growth stasis is putatively interpreted as a pHe increase. This study establishes an approach to prepare nano-CaCO3 over a wide particle size range, a formulation that stabilizes the nanomaterials in aqueous solutions, and a pH-sensitive nano-platform capable of modulating the acidic environment of cancer for potential therapeutic benefits.The acidic extracellular environment of tumors potentiates their aggressiveness and metastasis, but few methods exist to selectively modulate the extracellular pH (pHe) environment of tumors. Transient flushing of biological systems with alkaline fluids or proton pump inhibitors is impractical and nonselective. Here we report a nanoparticles-based strategy to intentionally modulate the pHe in tumors. Biochemical simulations indicate that the dissolution of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) in vivo increases pH asymptotically to 7.4. We developed two independent facile methods to synthesize monodisperse non-doped vaterite nano-CaCO3 with distinct size range between 20 and 300 nm. Using murine models of cancer, we demonstrate that the selective accumulation of nano-CaCO3 in tumors increases tumor pH over time. The associated induction of tumor growth stasis is putatively interpreted as a pHe increase. This study establishes an approach to prepare nano-CaCO3 over a wide particle size range, a formulation that stabilizes the nanomaterials in aqueous solutions, and a pH-sensitive nano-platform capable of modulating the acidic environment of cancer for potential therapeutic benefits. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Summary of experiments, theoretical schema of effect, synthesis schema, X-Ray diffraction results, TEM of effects of different solvents on particles in various solvents. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06162h

Increased expression of CaV3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged DRG neurons contributes to neuropathic pain in rats with spared nerve injury.

PubMed

Kang, Xue-Jing; Chi, Ye-Nan; Chen, Wen; Liu, Feng-Yu; Cui, Shuang; Liao, Fei-Fei; Cai, Jie; Wan, You

2018-01-01

Ion channels are very important in the peripheral sensitization in neuropathic pain. Our present study aims to investigate the possible contribution of Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged dorsal root ganglion neurons in neuropathic pain. We established a neuropathic pain model of rats with spared nerve injury. In these model rats, it was easy to distinguish damaged dorsal root ganglion neurons (of tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve) from intact dorsal root ganglion neurons (of sural nerves). Our results showed that Ca V 3.2 protein expression increased in medium-sized neurons from the damaged dorsal root ganglions but not in the intact ones. With whole cell patch clamp recording technique, it was found that after-depolarizing amplitudes of the damaged medium-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons increased significantly at membrane potentials of -85 mV and -95 mV. These results indicate a functional up-regulation of Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in the damaged medium-sized neurons after spared nerve injury. Behaviorally, blockade of Ca V 3.2 with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides could significantly reverse mechanical allodynia. These results suggest that Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged medium-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons might contribute to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.

Evaluation of potential human health risk and investigation of drinking water quality in Isparta city center (Turkey).

PubMed

Varol, Simge; Davraz, Aysen

2016-06-01

Isparta city center is selected as a work area in this study because the public believes that the tap water is dirty and harmful. In this study, the city's drinking water in the distribution system and other spring waters which are used as drinking water in this region were investigated from the point of water quality and health risk assessment. Water samples were collected from major drinking water springs, tap waters, treatment plants and dam pond in the Isparta province center. Ca-Mg-HCO3, Mg-Ca-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, Ca-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-SO4 and Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 are dominant water types. When compared to drinking water guidelines established by World Health Organization and Turkey, much greater attention should be paid to As, Br, Fe, F, NH4, PO4 through varied chemicals above the critical values. The increases of As, Fe, F, NH4 and PO4 are related to water-rock interaction. In tap waters, the increases of As and Fe are due to corrosion of pipes in drinking water distribution systems. The major toxic and carcinogenic chemicals within drinking water are As and Br for both tap water and spring water. Also, F is the non-carcinogenic chemical for only spring waters in the study area.

Hybrid 3D printing and electrodeposition approach for controllable 3D alginate hydrogel formation.

PubMed

Shang, Wanfeng; Liu, Yanting; Wan, Wenfeng; Hu, Chengzhi; Liu, Zeyang; Wong, Chin To; Fukuda, Toshio; Shen, Yajing

2017-06-07

Calcium alginate hydrogels are widely used as biocompatible materials in a substantial number of biomedical applications. This paper reports on a hybrid 3D printing and electrodeposition approach for forming 3D calcium alginate hydrogels in a controllable manner. Firstly, a specific 3D hydrogel printing system is developed by integrating a customized ejection syringe with a conventional 3D printer. Then, a mixed solution of sodium alginate and CaCO 3 nanoparticles is filled into the syringe and can be continuously ejected out of the syringe nozzle onto a conductive substrate. When applying a DC voltage (∼5 V) between the substrate (anode) and the nozzle (cathode), the Ca 2+ released from the CaCO 3 particles can crosslink the alginate to form calcium alginate hydrogel on the substrate. To elucidate the gel formation mechanism and better control the gel growth, we can further establish and verify a gel growth model by considering several key parameters, i.e., applied voltage and deposition time. The experimental results indicate that the alginate hydrogel of various 3D structures can be formed by controlling the movement of the 3D printer. A cell viability test is conducted and shows that the encapsulated cells in the gel can maintain a high survival rate (∼99% right after gel formation). This research establishes a reliable method for the controllable formation of 3D calcium alginate hydrogel, exhibiting great potential for use in basic biology and applied biomedical engineering.

Aminotroponiminate calcium and strontium complexes.

PubMed

Datta, Simmi; Gamer, Michael T; Roesky, Peter W

2008-06-07

Heteroleptic aminotroponiminate complexes of calcium and strontium have been prepared. The monomeric calcium complex [((iPr)2ATI)CaI(THF)3] 1 ((iPr)2ATI = N-isopropyl-2-(isopropylamino)troponiminate) and the corresponding dimeric strontium compound [( (iPr)2ATI)SrI(THF)2]2 2 were obtained by reaction of [((iPr)2ATI)K] and MI2. Whereas the mixed ligand compound of composition [((iPr)2ATI)Ca(iPrAT)]2 3 (iPrAT = 2-(isopropylamino)troponate) was not obtained via a salt metathesis but by reaction of [Ca(N(SiMe3)2)2(THF)2] with ( (iPr)2ATI)H and (iPrAT)H, the diphosphanylamido complex [( (iPr)2ATI)Ca((Ph2P)2N)(THF)2] was obtained by reaction of CaI2 with the potassium compounds [( (iPr)2ATI)K] and [K(THF)n][N(PPh2)2]. The single crystal X-ray structures of all compounds were established and the latter compound shows a eta2-coordination mode of the ligand via the nitrogen and one phosphorus atom.

A role for CA3 in social recognition memory.

PubMed

Chiang, Ming-Ching; Huang, Arthur J Y; Wintzer, Marie E; Ohshima, Toshio; McHugh, Thomas J

2018-02-02

Social recognition memory is crucial for survival across species, underlying the need to correctly identify conspecifics, mates and potential enemies. In humans the hippocampus is engaged in social and episodic memory, however the circuit mechanisms of social memory in rodent models has only recently come under scrutiny. Work in mice has established that the dorsal CA2 and ventral CA1 regions play critical roles, however a more comprehensive comparative analyses of the circuits and mechanisms required has not been reported. Here we employ conditional genetics to examine the differential contributions of the hippocampal subfields to social memory. We find that the deletion of NMDA receptor subunit 1 gene (NR1), which abolishes NMDA receptor synaptic plasticity, in CA3 pyramidal cells led to deficits in social memory; however, mice lacking the same gene in DG granule cells performed indistinguishable from controls. Further, we use conditional pharmacogenetic inhibition to demonstrate that activity in ventral, but not dorsal, CA3 is necessary for the encoding of a social memory. These findings demonstrated CA3 pyramidal cell plasticity and transmission contribute to the encoding of social stimuli and help further identify the distinct circuits underlying the role of the hippocampus in social memory. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prognostic role of tumor PIK3CA mutation in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mei, Z B; Duan, C Y; Li, C B; Cui, L; Ogino, S

2016-10-01

Somatic mutations in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/AKT pathway play a vital role in carcinogenesis. Approximately 15%-20% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) harbor activating mutations in PIK3CA, making it one of the most frequently mutated genes in CRC. We thus carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the prognostic significance of PIK3CA mutations in CRC. Electronic databases were searched from inception through May 2015. We extracted the study characteristics and prognostic data of each eligible study. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived and pooled using the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model. Twenty-eight studies enrolling 12 747 patients were eligible for inclusion. Data on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were available from 19 and 10 studies, respectively. Comparing PIK3CA-mutated CRC patients with PIK3CA-wild-type CRC patients, the summary HRs for OS and PFS were 0.96 (95% CI 0.83-1.12) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.98-1.46), respectively. The trim-and-fill, Copas model and subgroup analyses stratified by the study characteristics confirmed the robustness of the results. Five studies reported the CRC prognosis for PIK3CA mutations in exons 9 and 20 separately; neither exon 9 mutation nor exon 20 mutation in PIK3CA was significantly associated with patient survival. Our findings suggest that PIK3CA mutation has the neutral prognostic effects on CRC OS and PFS. Evidence was accumulating for the establishment of CRC survival between PIK3CA mutations and patient-specific clinical or molecular profiles. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of calcium binding and of EDTA and CaEDTA on the clotting of bovine fibrinogen by thrombin.

PubMed

Perizzolo, K E; Sullivan, S; Waugh, D F

1985-03-01

Studies were carried out at pH 7.0 and gamma/2 0.15 before addition of CaCl2 or EDTA. Clotting time, tau, at 3.03 microM fibrinogen and 0.91 u/ml thrombin was determined for equilibrium systems. With added Ca2+, tau decreases, from tau 0 at 0 added Ca2+ (mean, 29.7 +/- 3 s), by approximately 3 s at 5 mM added Ca2+. With added EDTA, tau increases sigmoidally from tau 0 at 0 EDTA to a maximum (mean tau m = 142 +/- 23 s) at approximately 200 microM EDTA. tau then decreases slightly to a minimum at approximately 1.3 mM and finally increases to infinity at approximately 10 mM EDTA. Between 0 and 1.3 mM EDTA, effects on clotting time are completely reversed by adding Ca2+ and, after equilibration at 400 microM EDTA, tau is independent of EDTA concentration. Thus, up to 400 microM EDTA, effects on clotting time are attributed to decreasing fibrinogen bound Ca2+. Between 5 mM Ca2+ and 200 microM EDTA it is assumed that an equilibrium distribution of fibrinogen species having 3, 2, 1, or 0 bound calcium ions is established and that a clotting time is determined by the sum of products of species fractional abundance and pure species clotting time. Analysis indicates that pure species clotting times increase proportionately with decreasing Ca2+ binding, binding sites are nearly independent, and the microscopic association constant for the first bound Ca2+ is approximately 4.9 X 10(6) M-1. Effects of adding Ca2+ at times t1 after thrombin addition to systems initially equilibrated at 200 microM EDTA were determined. Analysis of the relation between tau and t1 indicates that as Ca2+ binding decreases, rate constants for release of B peptides decrease less than those for release of A peptides. As EDTA concentration is increased above 1.3 mM, inhibitory effects of EDTA and CaEDTA progressively increase.

39. Lobby fireplace set in northwest corner with the entablature ...

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

39. Lobby fireplace set in northwest corner with the entablature decorated with contemporary representations of Stilwell, et. al. (see #40) - Fort Ord, Soldiers' Club, California State Highway 1 near Eighth Street, Seaside, Monterey County, CA

Sharing behavioral data through a grid infrastructure using data standards

PubMed Central

Min, Hua; Ohira, Riki; Collins, Michael A; Bondy, Jessica; Avis, Nancy E; Tchuvatkina, Olga; Courtney, Paul K; Moser, Richard P; Shaikh, Abdul R; Hesse, Bradford W; Cooper, Mary; Reeves, Dianne; Lanese, Bob; Helba, Cindy; Miller, Suzanne M; Ross, Eric A

2014-01-01

Objective In an effort to standardize behavioral measures and their data representation, the present study develops a methodology for incorporating measures found in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) grid-enabled measures (GEM) portal, a repository for behavioral and social measures, into the cancer data standards registry and repository (caDSR). Methods The methodology consists of four parts for curating GEM measures into the caDSR: (1) develop unified modeling language (UML) models for behavioral measures; (2) create common data elements (CDE) for UML components; (3) bind CDE with concepts from the NCI thesaurus; and (4) register CDE in the caDSR. Results UML models have been developed for four GEM measures, which have been registered in the caDSR as CDE. New behavioral concepts related to these measures have been created and incorporated into the NCI thesaurus. Best practices for representing measures using UML models have been utilized in the practice (eg, caDSR). One dataset based on a GEM-curated measure is available for use by other systems and users connected to the grid. Conclusions Behavioral and population science data can be standardized by using and extending current standards. A new branch of CDE for behavioral science was developed for the caDSR. It expands the caDSR domain coverage beyond the clinical and biological areas. In addition, missing terms and concepts specific to the behavioral measures addressed in this paper were added to the NCI thesaurus. A methodology was developed and refined for curation of behavioral and population science data. PMID:24076749

Knowledge-Based Vision Techniques for the Autonomous Land Vehicle Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-10-01

Knowledge System The CKS is an object-oriented knowledge database that was originally designed to serve as the central information manager for a...34 Representation Space: An Approach to the Integra- tion of Visual Information ," Proc. of DARPA Image Understanding Workshop, Palo Alto, CA, pp. 263-272, May 1989...Strat, " Information Management in a Sensor-Based Au- tonomous System," Proc. DARPA Image Understanding Workshop, University of Southern CA, Vol.1, pp

A genetic variant of the sperm-specific SLO3 K+ channel has altered pH and Ca2+ sensitivities.

PubMed

Geng, Yanyan; Ferreira, Juan J; Dzikunu, Victor; Butler, Alice; Lybaert, Pascale; Yuan, Peng; Magleby, Karl L; Salkoff, Lawrence; Santi, Celia M

2017-05-26

To fertilize an oocyte, sperm must first undergo capacitation in which the sperm plasma membrane becomes hyperpolarized via activation of potassium (K + ) channels and resultant K + efflux. Sperm-specific SLO3 K + channels are responsible for these membrane potential changes critical for fertilization in mouse sperm, and they are only sensitive to pH i However, in human sperm, the major K + conductance is both Ca 2+ - and pH i -sensitive. It has been debated whether Ca 2+ -sensitive SLO1 channels substitute for human SLO3 (hSLO3) in human sperm or whether human SLO3 channels have acquired Ca 2+ sensitivity. Here we show that hSLO3 is rapidly evolving and reveal a natural structural variant with enhanced apparent Ca 2+ and pH sensitivities. This variant allele (C382R) alters an amino acid side chain at a principal interface between the intramembrane-gated pore and the cytoplasmic gating ring of the channel. Because the gating ring contains sensors to intracellular factors such as pH and Ca 2+ , the effectiveness of transduction between the gating ring and the pore domain appears to be enhanced. Our results suggest that sperm-specific genes can evolve rapidly and that natural genetic variation may have led to a SLO3 variant that differs from wild type in both pH and intracellular Ca 2+ sensitivities. Whether this physiological variation confers differences in fertility among males remains to be established. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Effects of prenatal low-dose beta radiation from tritiated water on learning and memory in rats and their possible mechanisms.

PubMed

Gao, W M; Wang, B; Zhou, X Y

1999-09-01

Pregnant adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Three of these groups were irradiated with beta rays by a single intraperitoneal injection of tritiated water ((3)H(2)O) administered on the 13th day of gestation. The doses absorbed by their offspring were estimated to be 4.6, 9.2 and 27.3 cGy. The influence of radiation on the postnatal learning ability and memory behavior and on brain development of the offspring was investigated. The number of pyramidal cells (in areas CA1, CA2, CA3 and CA4) and neurons in the hippocampus of the offspring was also measured. In addition, the Ca(++) conductance of hippocampal pyramidal cells cultured in vitro was observed. The results showed that an exposure to 4.6 cGy could prolong avoidance response time significantly and decrease the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells in the CA1 area compared to controls. An exposure to 9.2 cGy significantly decreased the establishment of conditioned reflexes and the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells in the CA3 area. This exposure also induced the degeneration and malformation of hippocampal neurons cultured in vitro, in addition to decreasing the number of hippocampal neurons observed on each culture day. A dose of 27.3 cGy significantly decreased brain and body weights and the maximum electric conductance of Ca(++) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. In general, dose-dependent effects were observed for most of the parameters assessed in the present study. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Representational constraints on the development of memory and metamemory: a developmental-representational theory.

PubMed

Ceci, Stephen J; Fitneva, Stanka A; Williams, Wendy M

2010-04-01

Traditional accounts of memory development suggest that maturation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) enables efficient metamemory, which enhances memory. An alternative theory is described, in which changes in early memory and metamemory are mediated by representational changes, independent of PFC maturation. In a pilot study and Experiment 1, younger children failed to recognize previously presented pictures, yet the children could identify the context in which they occurred, suggesting these failures resulted from inefficient metamemory. Older children seldom exhibited such failure. Experiment 2 established that this was not due to retrieval-time recoding. Experiment 3 suggested that young children's representation of a picture's attributes explained their metamemory failure. Experiment 4 demonstrated that metamemory is age-invariant when representational quality is controlled: When stimuli were equivalently represented, age differences in memory and metamemory declined. These findings do not support the traditional view that as children develop, neural maturation permits more efficient monitoring, which leads to improved memory. These findings support a theory based on developmental-representational synthesis, in which constraints on metamemory are independent of neurological development; representational features drive early memory to a greater extent than previously acknowledged, suggesting that neural maturation has been overimputed as a source of early metamemory and memory failure. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

Giant dielectric response and low dielectric loss in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} grafted CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} ceramics

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

Rajabtabar-Darvishi, A.; Center for Surface and Nanoanalytics; Bayati, R., E-mail: reza.bayati@intel.com, E-mail: mbayati@ncsu.edu, E-mail: wdfei@hit.edu.cn

2015-03-07

This study sheds light on the effect of alumina on dielectric constant and dielectric loss of novel CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} composite ceramics. Alumina, at several concentrations, was deposited on the surface of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} particles via sol-gel technique. The dielectric constant significantly increased for all frequencies and the dielectric loss substantially decreased for low and intermediate frequencies. These observations were attributed to the change in characteristics of grains and grain boundaries. It was found that the insulating properties of the grain boundaries are improved following the addition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The relative density of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{submore » 4}O{sub 12}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite ceramics decreased compared to the pure CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} and the grain size was greatly changed with the alumina content affecting the dielectric properties. With the addition of alumina into CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}, tighter interfaces formed. The 6%- and 10%-alumina ceramics showed the minimum dielectric loss and the maximum dielectric constant, respectively. Both the dielectric constant and loss tangent decreased in the 20%-alumina ceramic due to the formation of CuO secondary phase. It was revealed that Al serves as an electron acceptor decreasing the electron concentration, if Al{sup 3+} ions substitute for Ti{sup 4+} ions, and as an electron donor increasing the electron concentration, if Al{sup 3+} ions substitute for Ca{sup 2+} ions. We established a processing-microstructure-properties paradigm which opens new avenues for novel applications of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite ceramics.« less

Spatial information outflow from the hippocampal circuit: distributed spatial coding and phase precession in the subiculum.

PubMed

Kim, Steve M; Ganguli, Surya; Frank, Loren M

2012-08-22

Hippocampal place cells convey spatial information through a combination of spatially selective firing and theta phase precession. The way in which this information influences regions like the subiculum that receive input from the hippocampus remains unclear. The subiculum receives direct inputs from area CA1 of the hippocampus and sends divergent output projections to many other parts of the brain, so we examined the firing patterns of rat subicular neurons. We found a substantial transformation in the subicular code for space from sparse to dense firing rate representations along a proximal-distal anatomical gradient: neurons in the proximal subiculum are more similar to canonical, sparsely firing hippocampal place cells, whereas neurons in the distal subiculum have higher firing rates and more distributed spatial firing patterns. Using information theory, we found that the more distributed spatial representation in the subiculum carries, on average, more information about spatial location and context than the sparse spatial representation in CA1. Remarkably, despite the disparate firing rate properties of subicular neurons, we found that neurons at all proximal-distal locations exhibit robust theta phase precession, with similar spiking oscillation frequencies as neurons in area CA1. Our findings suggest that the subiculum is specialized to compress sparse hippocampal spatial codes into highly informative distributed codes suitable for efficient communication to other brain regions. Moreover, despite this substantial compression, the subiculum maintains finer scale temporal properties that may allow it to participate in oscillatory phase coding and spike timing-dependent plasticity in coordination with other regions of the hippocampal circuit.

50 CFR Appendix A to Chapter I - Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (Established by the International Organization...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 9 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (Established by the International Organization for Standardization) A Appendix A to Chapter I.... Papua New Guinea PG. Paraguay PY. Peru PE. Philippines PH. Poland PL. Portugal PT. Qatar QA. Republic of...

50 CFR Appendix A to Chapter I - Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (Established by the International Organization...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 9 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (Established by the International Organization for Standardization) A Appendix A to Chapter I.... Papua New Guinea PG. Paraguay PY. Peru PE. Philippines PH. Poland PL. Portugal PT. Qatar QA. Republic of...

Identification of major sources controlling groundwater chemistry from a hard rock terrain — A case study from Mettur taluk, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasamoorthy, K.; Chidambaram, S.; Prasanna, M. V.; Vasanthavihar, M.; Peter, John; Anandhan, P.

2008-02-01

The study area Mettur forms an important industrial town situated NW of Salem district. The geology of the area is mainly composed of Archean crystalline metamorphic complexes. To identify the major process activated for controlling the groundwater chemistry an attempt has been made by collecting a total of 46 groundwater samples for two different seasons, viz., pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. The groundwater chemistry is dominated by silicate weathering and (Na + Mg) and (Cl + SO4) accounts of about 90% of cations and anions. The contribution of (Ca + Mg) and (Na + K) to total cations and HCO3 indicates the domination of silicate weathering as major sources for cations. The plot for Na to Cl indicates higher Cl in both seasons, derived from Anthropogenic (human) sources from fertilizer, road salt, human and animal waste, and industrial applications, minor representations of Na also indicates source from weathering of silicate-bearing minerals. The plot for Na/Cl to EC indicates Na released from silicate weathering process which is also supported by higher HCO3 values in both the seasons. Ion exchange process is also activated in the study area which is indicated by shifting to right in plot for Ca + Mg to SO4 + HCO3. The plot of Na-Cl to Ca + Mg-HCO3-SO4 confirms that Ca, Mg and Na concentrations in groundwater are derived from aquifer materials. Thermodynamic plot indicates that groundwater is in equilibrium with kaolinite, muscovite and chlorite minerals. Saturation index of silicate and carbonate minerals indicate oversaturation during pre-monsoon and undersaturation during post-monsoon, conforming dissolution and dilution process. In general, water chemistry is guided by complex weathering process, ion exchange along with influence of Cl ions from anthropogenic impact.

Cell-specific vacuolar calcium storage mediated by CAX1 regulates apoplastic calcium concentration, gas exchange, and plant productivity in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Conn, Simon J; Gilliham, Matthew; Athman, Asmini; Schreiber, Andreas W; Baumann, Ute; Moller, Isabel; Cheng, Ning-Hui; Stancombe, Matthew A; Hirschi, Kendal D; Webb, Alex A R; Burton, Rachel; Kaiser, Brent N; Tyerman, Stephen D; Leigh, Roger A

2011-01-01

The physiological role and mechanism of nutrient storage within vacuoles of specific cell types is poorly understood. Transcript profiles from Arabidopsis thaliana leaf cells differing in calcium concentration ([Ca], epidermis <10 mM versus mesophyll >60 mM) were compared using a microarray screen and single-cell quantitative PCR. Three tonoplast-localized Ca(2+) transporters, CAX1 (Ca(2+)/H(+)-antiporter), ACA4, and ACA11 (Ca(2+)-ATPases), were identified as preferentially expressed in Ca-rich mesophyll. Analysis of respective loss-of-function mutants demonstrated that only a mutant that lacked expression of both CAX1 and CAX3, a gene ectopically expressed in leaves upon knockout of CAX1, had reduced mesophyll [Ca]. Reduced capacity for mesophyll Ca accumulation resulted in reduced cell wall extensibility, stomatal aperture, transpiration, CO(2) assimilation, and leaf growth rate; increased transcript abundance of other Ca(2+) transporter genes; altered expression of cell wall-modifying proteins, including members of the pectinmethylesterase, expansin, cellulose synthase, and polygalacturonase families; and higher pectin concentrations and thicker cell walls. We demonstrate that these phenotypes result from altered apoplastic free [Ca(2+)], which is threefold greater in cax1/cax3 than in wild-type plants. We establish CAX1 as a key regulator of apoplastic [Ca(2+)] through compartmentation into mesophyll vacuoles, a mechanism essential for optimal plant function and productivity.

A behavioural analysis of spatial localization following electrolytic, kainate- or colchicine-induced damage to the hippocampal formation in the rat.

PubMed

Sutherland, R J; Whishaw, I Q; Kolb, B

1983-02-01

This experiment examines the notion that in the rat the hippocampal formation is an essential structure in the neurological representation of spatial abilities. Spatial localization by rats with different types of hippocampal damage, including bilateral electrolytic lesions, unilateral and bilateral kainic acid-induced CA3-CA4 lesions, and unilateral and bilateral colchicine-induced dentate gyrus lesions, was compared with vehicle-injected and normal control groups in the Morris water task. The task required the rats to escape from cold water by finding a submerged and hidden platform located at a fixed place within the room. The start point was varied randomly from trial to trial and there were no local cues available to indicate the position of the hidden platform. After training, the platform was moved. Escape latencies and the initial swimming headings revealed that all lesion groups, except the unilateral CA3-damaged group, were impaired at finding the platform: the dentate-damaged rats exhibited the greatest deficit. When the platform was moved the control rats swam mainly in the part of the pool that had previously contained the platform and, on finding it in the new location, they showed a marked dishabituation of rearing. None of the bilateral lesion groups showed these effects.

40 CFR 96.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... accounts. Upon receipt of a complete account certificate of representation under § 96.13, the Administrator... representation was submitted; and (2) An overdraft account for each source for which the account certificate of representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts. (1) Any person may...

40 CFR 97.351 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... § 97.384(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.313, the Administrator... representation was submitted, unless the source already has a compliance account. (b) General accounts—(1... Program on behalf of such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations...

40 CFR 96.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... accounts. Upon receipt of a complete account certificate of representation under § 96.13, the Administrator... representation was submitted; and (2) An overdraft account for each source for which the account certificate of representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts. (1) Any person may...

40 CFR 96.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... accounts. Upon receipt of a complete account certificate of representation under § 96.13, the Administrator... representation was submitted; and (2) An overdraft account for each source for which the account certificate of representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts. (1) Any person may...

40 CFR 96.51 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... accounts. Upon receipt of a complete account certificate of representation under § 96.13, the Administrator... representation was submitted; and (2) An overdraft account for each source for which the account certificate of representation was submitted and that has two or more NOX Budget units. (b) General accounts. (1) Any person may...

40 CFR 97.351 - Establishment of accounts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... § 97.384(e), upon receipt of a complete certificate of representation under § 97.313, the Administrator... representation was submitted, unless the source already has a compliance account. (b) General accounts—(1... Program on behalf of such persons and that each such person shall be fully bound by my representations...

Pharmacotherapy with Fluoxetine Restores Functional Connectivity from the Dentate Gyrus to Field CA3 in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

PubMed Central

Guidi, Sandra; Ciani, Elisabetta; Mangano, Chiara; Calzà, Laura; Bartesaghi, Renata

2013-01-01

Down syndrome (DS) is a high-incidence genetic pathology characterized by severe impairment of cognitive functions, including declarative memory. Impairment of hippocampus-dependent long-term memory in DS appears to be related to anatomo-functional alterations of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit formed by the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells - CA3 pyramidal neurons - CA1 pyramidal neurons. No therapies exist to improve cognitive disability in individuals with DS. In previous studies we demonstrated that pharmacotherapy with fluoxetine restores neurogenesis, granule cell number and dendritic morphology in the DG of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. The goal of the current study was to establish whether treatment rescues the impairment of synaptic connectivity between the DG and CA3 that characterizes the trisomic condition. Euploid and Ts65Dn mice were treated with fluoxetine during the first two postnatal weeks and examined 45–60 days after treatment cessation. Untreated Ts65Dn mice had a hypotrophyc mossy fiber bundle, fewer synaptic contacts, fewer glutamatergic contacts, and fewer dendritic spines in the stratum lucidum of CA3, the terminal field of the granule cell projections. Electrophysiological recordings from CA3 pyramidal neurons showed that in Ts65Dn mice the frequency of both mEPSCs and mIPSCs was reduced, indicating an overall impairment of excitatory and inhibitory inputs to CA3 pyramidal neurons. In treated Ts65Dn mice all these aberrant features were fully normalized, indicating that fluoxetine can rescue functional connectivity between the DG and CA3. The positive effects of fluoxetine on the DG-CA3 system suggest that early treatment with this drug could be a suitable therapy, possibly usable in humans, to restore the physiology of the hippocampal networks and, hence, memory functions. PMID:23620781

N=2 Minimal Conformal Field Theories and Matrix Bifactorisations of x d

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davydov, Alexei; Camacho, Ana Ros; Runkel, Ingo

2018-01-01

We establish an action of the representations of N = 2-superconformal symmetry on the category of matrix factorisations of the potentials x d and x d - y d , for d odd. More precisely we prove a tensor equivalence between (a) the category of Neveu-Schwarz-type representations of the N = 2 minimal super vertex operator algebra at central charge 3-6/d, and (b) a full subcategory of graded matrix factorisations of the potential x d - y d . The subcategory in (b) is given by permutation-type matrix factorisations with consecutive index sets. The physical motivation for this result is the Landau-Ginzburg/conformal field theory correspondence, where it amounts to the equivalence of a subset of defects on both sides of the correspondence. Our work builds on results by Brunner and Roggenkamp [BR], where an isomorphism of fusion rules was established.

77 FR 20034 - Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents in Tobacco Products and Tobacco Smoke; Established List

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-03

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2012-N-0143...]pyridine). Polonium-210 CA Propionaldehyde RT, CT Propylene oxide CA, RT Quinoline CA Selenium RT Styrene... AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice; establishment of a list. SUMMARY: The Food and...

Continuous Low-dose-rate Irradiation of Iodine-125 Seeds Inhibiting Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer.

PubMed

Lu, Zheng; Dong, Teng-Hui; Si, Pei-Ren; Shen, Wei; Bi, Yi-Liang; Min, Min; Chen, Xin; Liu, Yan

2016-10-20

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a histopathological characteristic of pancreatic cancer (PanCa). The aim of this study was to observe the treatment effect of continuous low-dose-rate (CLDR) irradiation to PNI and assess the PNI-related pain relief caused by iodine-125 ( 125 I) seed implantation. The in vitro PNI model established by co-culture with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cancer cells was interfered under 2 and 4 Gy of 125 I seeds CLDR irradiation. The orthotopic models of PNI were established, and 125 I seeds were implanted in tumor. The PNI-related molecules were analyzed. In 30 patients with panCa, the pain relief was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pain intensity was measured before and 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months after 125 I seed implantation. The co-culture of DRG and PanCa cells could promote the growth of PanCa cells and DRG neurites. In co-culture groups, the increased number of DRG neurites and pancreatic cells in radiation group was significantly less. In orthotopic models, the PNI-positive rate in radiation and control group was 3/11 and 7/11; meanwhile, the degrees of PNI between radiation and control groups was significant difference (P < 0.05). At week 2, the mean VAS pain score in patients decreased by 50% and significantly improved than the score at baseline (P < 0.05). The pain scores were lower in all patients, and the pain-relieving effect was retained about 3 months. The CLDR irradiation could inhibit PNI of PanCa with the value of further study. The CLDR irradiation could do great favor in preventing local recurrence and alleviating pain.

Synthesis of bimetallic trifluoroacetates through a crystallochemical investigation of their monometallic counterparts: the case of (A, A')(CF3COO)2·nH2O (A, A' = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn).

PubMed

Dulani Dhanapala, B; Mannino, Natalie A; Mendoza, Laura M; Tauni Dissanayake, K; Martin, Philip D; Suescun, Leopoldo; Rabuffetti, Federico A

2017-01-31

Owing to their potential as single-source precursors for compositionally complex materials, there is growing interest in the rational design of multimetallic compounds containing fluorinated ligands. In this work, we show that chemical and structural principles for a materials-by-design approach to bimetallic trifluoroacetates can be established through a systematic investigation of the crystal-chemistry of their monometallic counterparts. A(CF 3 COO) 2 ·nH 2 O (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn) monometallic trifluoroacetates were employed to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. The crystal-chemistry of monometallic trifluoroacetates was mapped using variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. The evolution with temperature of the previously unknown crystal structure of Mg(CF 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O was found to be identical to that of Mn(CF 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O. More important, the flexibility of Mn x (CF 3 COO) 2x ·4H 2 O (x = 1, 3) to adopt two structures, one isostructural to Mg(CF 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O, the other isostructural to Ca 3 (CF 3 COO) 6 ·4H 2 O, enabled the synthesis of Mg-Mn and Ca-Mn bimetallic trifluoroacetates. Mg 0.45 Mn 0.55 (CF 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O was found to be isostructural to Mg(CF 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O and exhibited isolated metal-oxygen octahedra with Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ nearly equally distributed over the metal sites (Mg/Mn: 45/55). Ca 1.72 Mn 1.28 (CF 3 COO) 6 ·4H 2 O was isostructural to Ca 3 (CF 3 COO) 6 ·4H 2 O and displayed trimers of metal-oxygen corner-sharing octahedra; Ca 2+ and Mn 2+ were unequally distributed over the central (Ca/Mn: 96/4) and terminal (Ca/Mn: 38/62) octahedral sites.

A nonlethal young domesticated ferret (Mustela putorius furo) model for studying pandemic influenza virus A/California/04/2009 (H1N1).

PubMed

Lednicky, John A; Croutch, Claire R; Lawrence, Sandra J; Hamilton, Sara B; Daniels, Deirdre E; Astroff, Barry

2010-10-01

Recent events have heightened the need for the rapid development of vaccines directed against pandemic influenza H1N1 viruses circulating during 2009 to 2010. The current study was conducted to establish a virus challenge dose for a subsequent CA/04 vaccine efficacy study in 3-mo-old domesticated ferrets. An additional consideration in using CA/04 in ferrets is the selection of endpoints on which to base the challenge dose, given the potential nonlethality of this particular model. Four doses ranging from 10(4) to 10(7) TCID(50) units of CA/04 per animal were administered by intranasal instillation to groups of male and female ferrets, and virus titers in nasal washes obtained 1, 3, and 5 d thereafter were determined in MDCK cells. Dosed ferrets developed clinically mild infections. Peak virus titers occurred on day 3 after instillation regardless of dose. Virus-treated ferrets had less weight gain than did untreated ferrets. In conclusion, 3-mo-old ferrets can be infected with doses as low as 10(4) TCID(50) units of CA/04, and virus titers in nasal washes and decreased body weight gain can be used to assess the course of nonlethal infection of 3-mo-old ferrets by CA/04.

75 FR 41076 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Monterey, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-15

...-1030; Airspace Docket No. 09-AWP-8] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Monterey, CA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action will establish Class E... area. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9T signed August...

Regional TNFα mapping in the brain reveals the striatum as a neuroinflammatory target after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in rats☆

PubMed Central

Janata, Andreas; Magnet, Ingrid A.M.; Uray, Thomas; Stezoski, Jason P.; Janesko-Feldman, Keri; Tisherman, Samuel A.; Kochanek, Patrick M.; Drabek, Tomas

2014-01-01

Cardiac arrest (CA) triggers neuroinflammation that could play a role in a delayed neuronal death. In our previously established rat model of ventricular fibrillation (VF) CA characterized by extensive neuronal death, we tested the hypothesis that individual brain regions have specific neuroinflammatory responses, as reflected by regional brain tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and other cytokines. In a prospective study, rats were randomized to 6 min (CA6), 8 min (CA8) or 10 min (CA10) of VF CA, or sham group. Cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum were evaluated for TNFα and interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and interferon gamma at 3 h, 6 h or 14 d after CA by ELISA and Luminex. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the cell source of TNFα. CA resulted in a selective TNFα response with significant regional and temporal differences. At 3 h after CA, TNFα-levels increased in all regions depending on the duration of the insult. The most pronounced increase was observed in striatum that showed 20-fold increase in CA10 vs. sham, and 3-fold increase vs. CA6 or CA8 group, respectively (p < 0.01). TNFα levels in striatum decreased between 3 h and 6 h, but increased in other regions between 3 h and 14 d. TNFα levels remained twofold higher in CA6 vs. shams across brain regions at 14 d (p < 0.01). In contrast to pronounced TNFα response, other cytokines showed only a minimal increase in CA6 and CA8 groups vs. sham in all brain regions with the exception that IL-1β increased twofold in cerebellum and striatum (p < 0.01). TNFα colocalized with neurons. In conclusion, CA produced a duration-dependent acute TNFα response, with dramatic increase in the striatum where TNFα colocalized with neurons. Increased TNFα levels persist for at least two weeks. This TNFα surge contrasts the lack of an acute increase in other cytokines in brain after CA. Given that striatum is a selectively vulnerable brain region, our data suggest possible role of neuronal TNFα in striatum after CA and identify therapeutic targets for future experiments. PMID:24530249

Study on Information Management for the Conservation of Traditional Chinese Architectural Heritage - 3d Modelling and Metadata Representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, Y. N.; Weng, K. H.; Huang, H. Y.

2013-07-01

After over 30 years of practise and development, Taiwan's architectural conservation field is moving rapidly into digitalization and its applications. Compared to modern buildings, traditional Chinese architecture has considerably more complex elements and forms. To document and digitize these unique heritages in their conservation lifecycle is a new and important issue. This article takes the caisson ceiling of the Taipei Confucius Temple, octagonal with 333 elements in 8 types, as a case study for digitization practise. The application of metadata representation and 3D modelling are the two key issues to discuss. Both Revit and SketchUp were appliedin this research to compare its effectiveness to metadata representation. Due to limitation of the Revit database, the final 3D models wasbuilt with SketchUp. The research found that, firstly, cultural heritage databasesmustconvey that while many elements are similar in appearance, they are unique in value; although 3D simulations help the general understanding of architectural heritage, software such as Revit and SketchUp, at this stage, could onlybe used tomodel basic visual representations, and is ineffective indocumenting additional critical data ofindividually unique elements. Secondly, when establishing conservation lifecycle information for application in management systems, a full and detailed presentation of the metadata must also be implemented; the existing applications of BIM in managing conservation lifecycles are still insufficient. Results of the research recommends SketchUp as a tool for present modelling needs, and BIM for sharing data between users, but the implementation of metadata representation is of the utmost importance.

1.5 My benthic foraminiferal B/Ca record of carbonate chemistry in the deep Atlantic: Implications for ocean alkalinity and atmospheric CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenthal, Y.; Sosdian, S. M.; Toggweiler, J. R.

2017-12-01

Most hypotheses to explain glacial-interglacial changes in atmospheric CO2 invoke shifts in ocean alkalinity explain roughly half the reduction in glacial CO2 via CaCO3 compensatory mechanism. It follows that changes in CaCO3 burial occur in response to an increase in deep ocean respired carbon content. To date our understanding of this process comes from benthic carbon isotope and %CaCO3 records. However, to understand the nature of the ocean's buffering capacity and its role in modulating pCO2, orbitally resolved reconstructions of the deep ocean carbonate system parameters are necessary. Here we present a 1.5 Myr orbitally resolved deep ocean calcite saturation record (ΔCO32-) derived from benthic foraminiferal B/Ca ratios in the North Atlantic. Glacial B/Ca values decline across the mid-Pleistocene transition (MPT) suggesting increased sequestration of carbon in the deep Atlantic. The magnitude, timing, and structure of deep Atlantic Ocean ΔCO32- and %CaCO3 cycles contrast with the small amplitude, anti-phased swings in IndoPacific ΔCO32- and %CaCO3 during the mid-to-late Pleistocene. Increasing corrosivity of the deep Atlantic causes the locus of CaCO3 burial to shift into the equatorial Pacific where the flux of CaCO3 to the seafloor is high enough to establish and maintain a new "hot spot". We propose that the CO32- in the deep IndoPacific rises in response to the same mechanism that keeps the CO32- in the deep Atlantic low and the atmospheric CO2 low. The increase in interglacial atmospheric pCO2 levels following the Mid-Brunhes event ( 400ka) are associated with increased G/IG ΔCO3 amplitude, expressed by a decrease in the glacial ΔCO32- values. We propose the low persistent ΔCO32- levels at Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 set the stage for the high pCO2 levels at MIS 11 via an increase in whole ocean alkalinity followed by enhanced CaCO3 preservation. Based on this, we suggest that the development of classic (`anticorrelated') CaCO3 patterns was driven by increased stratification and worsening ventilation in the deep Atlantic across the MPT.

Matching watershed and otolith chemistry to establish natal origin of an endangered desert lake sucker

USGS Publications Warehouse

Strohm, Deanna D.; Budy, Phaedra; Crowl, Todd A.

2017-01-01

Stream habitat restoration and supplemental stocking of hatchery-reared fish have increasingly become key components of recovery plans for imperiled freshwater fish; however, determining when to discontinue stocking efforts, prioritizing restoration areas, and evaluating restoration success present a conservation challenge. In this study, we demonstrate that otolith microchemistry is an effective tool for establishing natal origin of the June Sucker Chasmistes liorus, an imperiled potamodromous fish. This approach allows us to determine whether a fish is of wild or hatchery origin in order to assess whether habitat restoration enhances recruitment and to further identify areas of critical habitat. Our specific objectives were to (1) quantify and characterize chemical variation among three main spawning tributaries; (2) understand the relationship between otolith microchemistry and tributary chemistry; and (3) develop and validate a classification model to identify stream origin using otolith microchemistry data. We quantified molar ratios of Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, and Mg:Ca for water and otolith chemistry from three main tributaries to Utah Lake, Utah, during the summer of 2013. Water chemistry (loge transformed Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, and Mg:Ca ratios) differed significantly across all three spawning tributaries. We determined that Ba:Ca and Sr:Ca ratios were the most important variables driving our classification models, and we observed a strong linear relationship between water and otolith values for Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca but not for Mg:Ca. Classification models derived from otolith element : Ca signatures accurately sorted individuals to their experimental tributary of origin (classification tree: 89% accuracy; random forest model: 91% accuracy) and determined wild versus hatchery origin with 100% accuracy. Overall, this study aids in evaluating the effectiveness of restoration, tracking progress toward recovery, and prioritizing future restoration plans for fishes of conservation concern. Our results have further application, such as identifying subpopulations that provide the greatest reproductive contribution to a metapopulation or finding the reproductive area and origin of invasive fishes.

Hydrogen Sorption Properties of Potassium Alanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matysina, Z. A.; Zaginaichenko, S. Yu.; Schur, D. V.; Zolotarenko, Al. D.; Zolotarenko, An. D.; Gabdulin, M. T.

2018-06-01

Molecular kinetic representations were used to develop the statistical theory of phase transformations of thermal decomposition of KAlH4 potassium alanate with formation of a more complex K3AlH6 alanate and KH potassium hydride and subsequent dehydrogenation of the latter accompanied with free hydrogen, pure potassium and aluminum yield. Temperature dependence of the emitted free hydrogen was established. Isotherms and isopleths were built. The possibility of hysteresis effect manifestation was established. The results of calculations were compared to the experimental data.

Reproducing the internal and external anatomy of fossil bones: Two new automatic digital tools.

PubMed

Profico, Antonio; Schlager, Stefan; Valoriani, Veronica; Buzi, Costantino; Melchionna, Marina; Veneziano, Alessio; Raia, Pasquale; Moggi-Cecchi, Jacopo; Manzi, Giorgio

2018-04-21

We present two new automatic tools, developed under the R environment, to reproduce the internal and external structures of bony elements. The first method, Computer-Aided Laser Scanner Emulator (CA-LSE), provides the reconstruction of the external portions of a 3D mesh by simulating the action of a laser scanner. The second method, Automatic Segmentation Tool for 3D objects (AST-3D), performs the digital reconstruction of anatomical cavities. We present the application of CA-LSE and AST-3D methods to different anatomical remains, highly variable in terms of shape, size and structure: a modern human skull, a malleus bone, and a Neanderthal deciduous tooth. Both methods are developed in the R environment and embedded in the packages "Arothron" and "Morpho," where both the codes and the data are fully available. The application of CA-LSE and AST-3D allows the isolation and manipulation of the internal and external components of the 3D virtual representation of complex bony elements. In particular, we present the output of the four case studies: a complete modern human endocast and the right maxillary sinus, the dental pulp of the Neanderthal tooth and the inner network of blood vessels of the malleus. Both methods demonstrated to be much faster, cheaper, and more accurate than other conventional approaches. The tools we presented are available as add-ons in existing software within the R platform. Because of ease of application, and unrestrained availability of the methods proposed, these tools can be widely used by paleoanthropologists, paleontologists and anatomists. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of dimeric analogs of adenophostin A that potently evoke Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors.

PubMed

Vibhute, Amol M; Pushpanandan, Poornenth; Varghese, Maria; Koniecnzy, Vera; Taylor, Colin W; Sureshan, Kana M

2016-11-03

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP 3 Rs) are tetrameric intracellular channels through which many extracellular stimuli initiate the Ca 2+ signals that regulate diverse cellular responses. There is considerable interest in developing novel ligands of IP 3 R. Adenophostin A (AdA) is a potent agonist of IP 3 R and since some dimeric analogs of IP 3 R ligands are more potent than the corresponding monomer; we considered whether dimeric AdA analogs might provide agonists with increased potency. We previously synthesized traizolophostin, in which a simple triazole replaced the adenine of AdA, and showed it to be equipotent to AdA. Here, we used click chemistry to synthesize four homodimeric analogs of triazolophostin, connected by oligoethylene glycol chains of different lengths. We evaluated the potency of these analogs to release Ca 2+ through type 1 IP 3 R and established that the newly synthesized dimers are equipotent to AdA and triazolophostin.

A Devil in the Details: Matrix-Dependent 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ and Its Effects on Estimates of the Initial 41Ca/40Ca in the Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKeegan, K. D.; Liu, M.-C.

2015-07-01

Ian Hutcheon established that the molecular ion interference 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ on 41K+ is strongly dependent on the mineral analyzed. Correction for this "matrix effect" led to a downward revision of the initial 41Ca/40Ca of the solar system.

Influence of 6s{sup 2} lone pair electrons of Bi{sup 3+} on its preferential site occupancy in fluorapatite, NaCa{sub 3}Bi(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F – An insight from Eu{sup 3+} luminescent probe

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

Lakshminarasimhan, N., E-mail: nlnsimha@gmail.com; Varadaraju, U.V.

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Eu{sup 3+} structural probe – difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission in (a) NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and (b) NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F suggests Bi{sup 3+} with preferential site occupancy at M(II) site directing Eu{sup 3+} to M(I) site. - Highlights: • Eu{sup 3+} luminescent probe used for establishing the role of 6s{sup 2} lone pair electrons of Bi{sup 3+} in fluorapatite. • Difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission spectral features in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. • Preferential site occupancy of Bi{sup 3+} in M(II)more » site directs Eu{sup 3+} to M(I) site in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. - Abstract: Eu{sup 3+} luminescence was used as a structural probe in understanding the preferential site occupancy of lone pair cation, Bi{sup 3+}, in fluorapatite by comparing the photoluminescence (PL) emission spectral features with that of in analogous La{sup 3+} based fluorapatite. The fluorapatites, NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, were synthesized by conventional high temperature solid state reaction method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Eu{sup 3+} PL results revealed a difference in the emission spectral features in NaCa{sub 3}Bi{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F and NaCa{sub 3}La{sub 0.95}Eu{sub 0.05}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F. This difference in Eu{sup 3+} PL emission can be attributed to the difference in its site occupancy in the studied fluorapatites.« less

Origin of anomalies and phase competitions around magnetic transition temperature in Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Matiullah; Nadeem, M.; Atif, M.

2013-03-01

A polycrystalline sample of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 is synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction method and the phase formation is confirmed by x-ray diffraction. In this work, we addressed the phase competition issues in the vicinity of magnetic transition temperature and also established its correlation with oxygen contents of domains, disorder effects and heterogeneity in the material. The appearance and disappearance of anomaly in the vicinity of TC (128 K) with magnetic field is discussed in terms of establishment of short- and long-range networks between Mn3+ and Mn4+. Switching behaviour of two competing phases is analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, using an equivalent circuit model and magnetization analysis. The issue of coexisting phases is further substantiated using a simple depression angle approach of impedance plane plots. variable range hopping is found to be a better model than polaronic for explaining the transport properties of both competing phases below the magnetic transition temperature, 128 K.

Regional TNFα mapping in the brain reveals the striatum as a neuroinflammatory target after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in rats.

PubMed

Janata, Andreas; Magnet, Ingrid A M; Uray, Thomas; Stezoski, Jason P; Janesko-Feldman, Keri; Tisherman, Samuel A; Kochanek, Patrick M; Drabek, Tomas

2014-05-01

Cardiac arrest (CA) triggers neuroinflammation that could play a role in a delayed neuronal death. In our previously established rat model of ventricular fibrillation (VF) CA characterized by extensive neuronal death, we tested the hypothesis that individual brain regions have specific neuroinflammatory responses, as reflected by regional brain tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and other cytokines. In a prospective study, rats were randomized to 6min (CA6), 8min (CA8) or 10min (CA10) of VF CA, or sham group. Cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum were evaluated for TNFα and interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and interferon gamma at 3h, 6h or 14 d after CA by ELISA and Luminex. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the cell source of TNFα. CA resulted in a selective TNFα response with significant regional and temporal differences. At 3h after CA, TNFα-levels increased in all regions depending on the duration of the insult. The most pronounced increase was observed in striatum that showed 20-fold increase in CA10 vs. sham, and 3-fold increase vs. CA6 or CA8 group, respectively (p<0.01). TNFα levels in striatum decreased between 3h and 6h, but increased in other regions between 3h and 14 d. TNFα levels remained twofold higher in CA6 vs. shams across brain regions at 14 d (p<0.01). In contrast to pronounced TNFα response, other cytokines showed only a minimal increase in CA6 and CA8 groups vs. sham in all brain regions with the exception that IL-1β increased twofold in cerebellum and striatum (p<0.01). TNFα colocalized with neurons. In conclusion, CA produced a duration-dependent acute TNFα response, with dramatic increase in the striatum where TNFα colocalized with neurons. Increased TNFα levels persist for at least two weeks. This TNFα surge contrasts the lack of an acute increase in other cytokines in brain after CA. Given that striatum is a selectively vulnerable brain region, our data suggest possible role of neuronal TNFα in striatum after CA and identify therapeutic targets for future experiments. This study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh IACUC 1002340A-3. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of calmodulin and calmodulin inhibitors on Ca uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum of saponin skinned caudal artery

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

Stout, M.A.; Silver, P.J.

1986-03-05

Calmodulin (CaM) stimulates plasma membrane transport in many cell types, however, its role in Ca regulation by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in smooth muscle has not been established. /sup 45/Ca uptake was studied in saponin skinned strips of rat caudal artery as a function of CaM and the CaM inhibitors, W-7, calmidazolium (CaMZ), and trifluoperazine (TFP). Although caudal artery strips lose approximately 30% of total tissue CaM during skinning, 0.3 - 2 ..mu..M CaM did not increase /sup 45/Ca uptake over a wide range of free Ca concentrations (10/sup -8/ - 10/sup -6/M). Neither W-7 nor CaMZ at concentration ofmore » 10/sup -4/ - 2 x 10/sup -4/M inhibited the MgATP-dependent Ca uptake. Ca uptake was not affected by 50 ..mu..M TFP but a significant inhibition was produced by 500 ..mu..M. Studies of the effects of TFP on /sup 45/Ca efflux indicated that TFP concentrations which inhibited Ca uptake also significantly increased the rate of Ca release. The results suggest that total Ca uptake in caudal artery depends mainly upon MgATP and is not modulated by exogenous CaM or affected by these CaM inhibitors. They cannot preclude that CaM may affect initial velocities or that the CaM inhibitors failed to reach active sites.« less

Utilization of fluidized bed material as a calcium and sulfur source for apples

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

Korcak, R.F.

1984-01-01

Fluidized bed material (FBM), a dry, high Ca, alkaline waste product which results from combining coal and limestone, was used as a Ca or S source or lime substitute in an established apple orchard (Malus domestica Borkh., cv. York Imperial) over a four year period. Treatment comparisons were made between FBM was applied at one or two times (1x or 2x) the soil lime requirement and CaCO/sub 3/ applied at the lime requirement (1x). Additionally, FBM 1x was compared to a combination treatment consisting of CaCO/sub 3/ plus gypsum to apply similar amounts of Ca and S. All treatments weremore » also compared to an untreated control. No significant treatment comparisons were noted on leaf Ca levels, however, leaf Mg significantly decreased when FBM applied at the 1x or 2x level compared to CaCO/sub 3/ 1x. When FBM was compared with CaCO/sub 3/ plus gypsum there was a significant decrease in leaf Ca with FBM but no difference in leaf Mg. These effects were probably due to either a solubility difference between nutrients or to actual amount of Mg applied by the different sources. Leaf S levels were unaffected by treatments. Yields, fresh fruit weight and the incidence of cork spot were little affected by treatments. Soil extractable Mg, 1N NH/sub 4/Ac, was not a good prediction of leaf Mg content or Mg added to the soil. Only soil Al was significantly reduced, compared to the control, by the treatments among the metals studied (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb and Al). FBM applied at twice the lime requirement (wt. basis) resulted in similar soil pH to CaCO/sub 3/ applied at the lime requirement. 14 references, 6 figures, 1 table.« less

Sharing behavioral data through a grid infrastructure using data standards.

PubMed

Min, Hua; Ohira, Riki; Collins, Michael A; Bondy, Jessica; Avis, Nancy E; Tchuvatkina, Olga; Courtney, Paul K; Moser, Richard P; Shaikh, Abdul R; Hesse, Bradford W; Cooper, Mary; Reeves, Dianne; Lanese, Bob; Helba, Cindy; Miller, Suzanne M; Ross, Eric A

2014-01-01

In an effort to standardize behavioral measures and their data representation, the present study develops a methodology for incorporating measures found in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) grid-enabled measures (GEM) portal, a repository for behavioral and social measures, into the cancer data standards registry and repository (caDSR). The methodology consists of four parts for curating GEM measures into the caDSR: (1) develop unified modeling language (UML) models for behavioral measures; (2) create common data elements (CDE) for UML components; (3) bind CDE with concepts from the NCI thesaurus; and (4) register CDE in the caDSR. UML models have been developed for four GEM measures, which have been registered in the caDSR as CDE. New behavioral concepts related to these measures have been created and incorporated into the NCI thesaurus. Best practices for representing measures using UML models have been utilized in the practice (eg, caDSR). One dataset based on a GEM-curated measure is available for use by other systems and users connected to the grid. Behavioral and population science data can be standardized by using and extending current standards. A new branch of CDE for behavioral science was developed for the caDSR. It expands the caDSR domain coverage beyond the clinical and biological areas. In addition, missing terms and concepts specific to the behavioral measures addressed in this paper were added to the NCI thesaurus. A methodology was developed and refined for curation of behavioral and population science data. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Spontaneous hypothermia ameliorated inflammation and neurologic deficit in rat cardiac arrest models following resuscitation

PubMed Central

Zhou, Minggen; Wang, Peng; Yang, Zhengfei; Wu, Haidong; Huang, Zitong

2018-01-01

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The majority of the associated mortalities are caused by post-CA syndrome, which includes symptoms, such as neurologic damage, myocardial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Following CA, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) leads to a brain reperfusion injury, which subsequently causes adverse neurologic outcomes or mortality. Therefore, investigating the underlying mechanisms of ROSC-induced neurologic deficits and establishing potential treatments is critical to prevent and treat post-CA syndrome. In the current study, CA rat models were established by asphyxia. Following ROSC, the temperature was controlled to achieve hypothermia. The general neurologic status was assessed using the neurologic deficit scale. Changes in the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β were measured with ELISA and the dynamic change in NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome components was determined by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Neuronal death and apoptosis were measured via TUNEL assays. In the CA rat models, increasing the duration of CA before cardiopulmonary resuscitation was found to aggravate the neural deficit and increase the incidence of inflammation. Following ROSC, the expression level of the inflammasome components was observed to increase in CA rat models, which was accompanied by increased secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β, indicating the promotion of inflammation. In addition, the study identified the beneficial role of spontaneous hypothermia in ameliorating the ROSC-induced inflammation and neurologic deficit in CA rat models, including the downregulation of inflammasome components and attenuating neuronal apoptosis. The present study contributes to the understanding of underlying mechanisms in CA-evoked inflammation and the subsequent neurologic damage following ROSC. A novel potential therapeutic strategy that may increase survival times and the quality of life for patients suffering from post-CA syndrome is proposed in the present study. PMID:29207113

Genetic disruption of the pHi-regulating proteins Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (SLC9A1) and carbonic anhydrase 9 severely reduces growth of colon cancer cells.

PubMed

Parks, Scott K; Cormerais, Yann; Durivault, Jerome; Pouyssegur, Jacques

2017-02-07

Hypoxia and extracellular acidosis are pathophysiological hallmarks of aggressive solid tumors. Regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) is essential for the maintenance of tumor cell metabolism and proliferation in this microenvironment and key proteins involved in pHi regulation are of interest for therapeutic development. Carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) is one of the most robustly regulated proteins by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and contributes to pHi regulation. Here, we have investigated for the first time, the role of CA9 via complete genomic knockout (ko) and compared its impact on tumor cell physiology with the essential pHi regulator Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1). Initially, we established NHE1-ko LS174 cells with inducible CA9 knockdown. While increased sensitivity to acidosis for cell survival in 2-dimensions was not observed, clonogenic proliferation and 3-dimensional spheroid growth in particular were greatly reduced. To avoid potential confounding variables with use of tetracycline-inducible CA9 knockdown, we established CA9-ko and NHE1/CA9-dko cells. NHE1-ko abolished recovery from NH4Cl pre-pulse cellular acid loading while both NHE1 and CA9 knockout reduced resting pHi. NHE1-ko significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation both in normoxia and hypoxia while CA9-ko dramatically reduced growth in hypoxic conditions. Tumor xenografts revealed substantial reductions in tumor growth for both NHE1-ko and CA9-ko. A notable induction of CA12 occurred in NHE1/CA9-dko tumors indicating a potential means to compensate for loss of pH regulating proteins to maintain growth. Overall, these genomic knockout results strengthen the pursuit of targeting tumor cell pH regulation as an effective anti-cancer strategy.

Genetic disruption of the pHi-regulating proteins Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (SLC9A1) and carbonic anhydrase 9 severely reduces growth of colon cancer cells

PubMed Central

Parks, Scott K.; Cormerais, Yann; Durivault, Jerome; Pouyssegur, Jacques

2017-01-01

Hypoxia and extracellular acidosis are pathophysiological hallmarks of aggressive solid tumors. Regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) is essential for the maintenance of tumor cell metabolism and proliferation in this microenvironment and key proteins involved in pHi regulation are of interest for therapeutic development. Carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) is one of the most robustly regulated proteins by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and contributes to pHi regulation. Here, we have investigated for the first time, the role of CA9 via complete genomic knockout (ko) and compared its impact on tumor cell physiology with the essential pHi regulator Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1). Initially, we established NHE1-ko LS174 cells with inducible CA9 knockdown. While increased sensitivity to acidosis for cell survival in 2-dimensions was not observed, clonogenic proliferation and 3-dimensional spheroid growth in particular were greatly reduced. To avoid potential confounding variables with use of tetracycline-inducible CA9 knockdown, we established CA9-ko and NHE1/CA9-dko cells. NHE1-ko abolished recovery from NH4Cl pre-pulse cellular acid loading while both NHE1 and CA9 knockout reduced resting pHi. NHE1-ko significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation both in normoxia and hypoxia while CA9-ko dramatically reduced growth in hypoxic conditions. Tumor xenografts revealed substantial reductions in tumor growth for both NHE1-ko and CA9-ko. A notable induction of CA12 occurred in NHE1/CA9-dko tumors indicating a potential means to compensate for loss of pH regulating proteins to maintain growth. Overall, these genomic knockout results strengthen the pursuit of targeting tumor cell pH regulation as an effective anti-cancer strategy. PMID:28055960

Human inferior colliculus activity relates to individual differences in spoken language learning.

PubMed

Chandrasekaran, Bharath; Kraus, Nina; Wong, Patrick C M

2012-03-01

A challenge to learning words of a foreign language is encoding nonnative phonemes, a process typically attributed to cortical circuitry. Using multimodal imaging methods [functional magnetic resonance imaging-adaptation (fMRI-A) and auditory brain stem responses (ABR)], we examined the extent to which pretraining pitch encoding in the inferior colliculus (IC), a primary midbrain structure, related to individual variability in learning to successfully use nonnative pitch patterns to distinguish words in American English-speaking adults. fMRI-A indexed the efficiency of pitch representation localized to the IC, whereas ABR quantified midbrain pitch-related activity with millisecond precision. In line with neural "sharpening" models, we found that efficient IC pitch pattern representation (indexed by fMRI) related to superior neural representation of pitch patterns (indexed by ABR), and consequently more successful word learning following sound-to-meaning training. Our results establish a critical role for the IC in speech-sound representation, consistent with the established role for the IC in the representation of communication signals in other animal models.

More than a headcount: towards strategic stakeholder representation in catchment management in South Africa and Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzungu, Emmanuel

In 1998 both South Africa and Zimbabwe promulgated new water laws to ensure that ownership and user-ship patterns of water resources match the new socio-political order. Integrated water resource management, incorporating among other things decentralized and democratized water management institutions and the principles of stakeholder participation, was regarded as the cornerstone of the reforms. This article examines how stakeholder representation, particularly of the formerly disadvantaged people, has been handled. It is observed that there has been too much effort dedicated to ensure a mere headcount of the stakeholders at the water table rather than on strategic representation. Strategic representation emphasizes stakeholder identity instead of consensus. Selective alliance building is important as is establishing genuine local level platforms with enough political space outside the state-tailored formal straight jackets. It is equally important to address developmental aspects of establishing catchment-wide bodies and structural problems such as access to land and financial resources. Without addressing these issues stakeholder representation will remain hamstrung in good intentions.

Investigation of microstructural and optical properties of La0.8Ca0.2FeO3 nanostructure synthesized via gel combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naseem, Swaleha; Ali, S. Asad; Khan, Wasi; Khan, Shakeel

2018-05-01

Ca substituted LaFeO3 orthoferrite nanostructure perovskite has been synthesized by gel combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. The structural and optical properties were investigated by various tools. The structural analysis through Rietveld refinement of the XRD data revealed single phase of orthorhombic structure in R-3c space group of the sample without presence of any other impurity phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image exhibits non-uniform distribution of the nanoparticles in agglomerated form. The purity of the sample and stoichiometric ratio of the elements were established through energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). FTIR spectroscopy measurement predicts the presence of various band relation of the chemical species of Ca with LaFeO3. Optical properties were explored through UV-visible absorption spectroscopy that showed absorption edge at 347 nm and energy band gap was estimated as 3.47eV using Tauc's relation.

In vitro remineralization of acid-etched human enamel with Ca 3SiO 5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Zhihong; Chang, Jiang; Deng, Yan; Joiner, Andrew

2010-02-01

Bioactive and inductive silicate-based bioceramics play an important role in hard tissue prosthetics such as bone and teeth. In the present study, a model was established to study the acid-etched enamel remineralization with tricalcium silicate (Ca 3SiO 5, C 3S) paste in vitro. After soaking in simulated oral fluid (SOF), Ca-P precipitation layer was formed on the enamel surface, with the prolonged soaking time, apatite layer turned into density and uniformity and thickness increasingly from 250 to 350 nm for 1 day to 1.7-1.9 μm for 7 days. Structure of apatite crystals was similar to that of hydroxyapatite (HAp). At the same time, surface smoothness of the remineralized layer is favorable for the oral hygiene. These results suggested that C 3S treated the acid-etched enamel can induce apatite formation, indicating the biomimic mineralization ability, and C 3S could be used as an agent of inductive biomineralization for the enamel prosthesis and protection.

Muscarinic Stimulation Facilitates Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca Release by Modulating Ryanodine Receptor 2 Phosphorylation Through Protein Kinase G and Ca/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II.

PubMed

Ho, Hsiang-Ting; Belevych, Andriy E; Liu, Bin; Bonilla, Ingrid M; Radwański, Przemysław B; Kubasov, Igor V; Valdivia, Héctor H; Schober, Karsten; Carnes, Cynthia A; Györke, Sándor

2016-11-01

Although the effects and the underlying mechanism of sympathetic stimulation on cardiac Ca handling are relatively well established both in health and disease, the modes of action and mechanisms of parasympathetic modulation are poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that parasympathetic stimulation initiates a novel mode of excitation-contraction coupling that enhances the efficiency of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca store utilization. This efficient mode of excitation-contraction coupling involves reciprocal changes in the phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 2 at Ser-2808 and Ser-2814. Specifically, Ser-2808 phosphorylation was mediated by muscarinic receptor subtype 2 and activation of PKG (protein kinase G), whereas dephosphorylation of Ser-2814 involved activation of muscarinic receptor subtype 3 and decreased reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of CaMKII (Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II). The overall effect of these changes in phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 2 is an increase in systolic Ca release at the low sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content and a paradoxical reduction in aberrant Ca leak. Accordingly, cholinergic stimulation of cardiomyocytes isolated from failing hearts improved Ca cycling efficiency by restoring altered ryanodine receptor 2 phosphorylation balance. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Formation Mechanism of CaS-Bearing Inclusions and the Rolling Deformation in Al-Killed, Low-Alloy Steel with Ca Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Guang; Jiang, Zhouhua; Li, Yang

2016-08-01

The existing form of CaS inclusion in Ca-treated, Al-killed steel during secondary refining process was investigated with scanning electron microscopy and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results of 12 heats industrial tests showed that CaS has two kinds of precipitation forms. One form takes place by the direct reaction of Ca and S, and the other takes place by the reaction of CaO in calcium aluminates with dissolved Al and S in liquid steel. Thermodynamic research for different precipitation modes of CaS under different temperature was carried out. In particular, CaO-Al2O3-CaS isothermal section diagrams and component activities of calcium aluminates were calculated by the thermodynamic software FactSage. By thermodynamic calculation, a precipitation-area diagram of oxide-sulfide duplex inclusion was established by fixing the sulfur content. The quantity of CaS, which was precipitated in a reaction between [Al], [S] and (CaO), can be calculated and predicted based on the precipitation-area diagram of oxide-sulfide duplex inclusion. Electron probe microanalysis and EDS were used for observing rolling deformation of different types of CaS-bearing inclusions during the rolling process. Low modification of calcium aluminates wrapped by CaS has different degrees of harm to steel in the rolling process. A thick CaS layer can prevent some fragile calcium aluminates from being crushed during the rolling process. Some oxide-sulfide duplex inclusion contains little CaS performed better deformation during the rolling process, but when CaS in oxide-sulfide duplex inclusion becomes more, it will cause the whole inclusion to lose plastic yielding ability. The plastic deformation region of CaS-bearing inclusion in a CaO-Al2O3-CaS isothermal section diagram is confirmed.

Toward a complete theory for predicting inclusive deuteron breakup away from stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potel, G.; Perdikakis, G.; Carlson, B. V.; Atkinson, M. C.; Dickhoff, W. H.; Escher, J. E.; Hussein, M. S.; Lei, J.; Li, W.; Macchiavelli, A. O.; Moro, A. M.; Nunes, F. M.; Pain, S. D.; Rotureau, J.

2017-09-01

We present an account of the current status of the theoretical treatment of inclusive ( d, p) reactions in the breakup-fusion formalism, pointing to some applications and making the connection with current experimental capabilities. Three independent implementations of the reaction formalism have been recently developed, making use of different numerical strategies. The codes also originally relied on two different but equivalent representations, namely the prior (Udagawa-Tamura, UT) and the post (Ichimura-Austern-Vincent, IAV) representations. The different implementations have been benchmarked for the first time, and then applied to the Ca isotopic chain. The neutron-Ca propagator is described in the Dispersive Optical Model (DOM) framework, and the interplay between elastic breakup (EB) and non-elastic breakup (NEB) is studied for three Ca isotopes at two different bombarding energies. The accuracy of the description of different reaction observables is assessed by comparing with experimental data of ( d, p) on 40,48Ca. We discuss the predictions of the model for the extreme case of an isotope (60Ca) currently unavailable experimentally, though possibly available in future facilities (nominally within production reach at FRIB). We explore the use of ( d, p) reactions as surrogates for (n,γ ) processes, by using the formalism to describe the compound nucleus formation in a (d,pγ ) reaction as a function of excitation energy, spin, and parity. The subsequent decay is then computed within a Hauser-Feshbach formalism. Comparisons between the (d,pγ ) and (n,γ ) induced gamma decay spectra are discussed to inform efforts to infer neutron captures from (d,pγ ) reactions. Finally, we identify areas of opportunity for future developments, and discuss a possible path toward a predictive reaction theory.

Wrong Directions and New Maps of Voice, Representation, and Engagement: Theorizing Cultural Tourism, Indigenous Commodities, and the Intelligence of Participation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Doreen E.

2012-01-01

This research delves into the impact of established intellectual imperialistic representations and codes of culture imposed on Indigenous populations. The author offers new ways of viewing the critiques of Indigenous peoples and discussions of those representation acts by situating them within Indigenous identity and the manifestations of…

Survival follow-up and ipilimumab retreatment of patients with advanced melanoma who received ipilimumab in prior phase II studies

PubMed Central

Lebbé, C.; Weber, J. S.; Maio, M.; Neyns, B.; Harmankaya, K.; Hamid, O.; O'Day, S. J.; Konto, C.; Cykowski, L.; McHenry, M. B.; Wolchok, J. D.

2014-01-01

Background This report provides a survival update at a follow-up of >5 years (5.5–6 years) for patients with advanced melanoma who previously received ipilimumab in phase II clinical trials. Safety and efficacy data following ipilimumab retreatment are also reported. Patients and methods Patients who previously received ipilimumab 0.3, 3, or 10 mg/kg in one of six phase II trials (CA184-004, CA184-007, CA184-008, CA184-022, MDX010-08, and MDX010-15) were eligible to enroll in the companion study, CA184-025. Upon enrollment, patients initially received ipilimumab retreatment, extended maintenance therapy, or were followed for survival only. Overall survival (OS) rates were evaluated in patients from studies CA184-004, CA184-007, CA184-008, and CA184-022. Safety and best overall response during ipilimumab retreatment at 10 mg/kg were assessed in study CA184-025. Results Five-year OS rates for previously treated patients who received ipilimumab induction at 0.3, 3, or 10 mg/kg were 12.3%, 12.3%–16.5%, and 15.5%–28.4%, respectively. Five-year OS rates for treatment-naive patients who received ipilimumab induction at 3 or 10 mg/kg were 26.8% and 21.4%–49.5%, respectively. Little to no change in OS was observed from year 5 up to year 6. The objective response rate among retreated patients was 23%. Grade 3/4 immune-related adverse events occurred in 25%, 5.9%, and 13.2% of retreated patients who initially received ipilimumab 0.3, 3, and 10 mg/kg, with the most common being observed in the skin (4.2%, 2.9%, 3.8%) and gastrointestinal tract (12.5%, 2.9%, 3.8%), respectively. Conclusions At a follow-up of 5–6 years, ipilimumab continues to demonstrate durable, long-term survival in a proportion of patients with advanced melanoma. In some patients, ipilimumab retreatment can re-establish disease control with a safety profile that is comparable with that observed during ipilimumab induction. Further studies are needed to determine the contribution of ipilimumab retreatment to OS. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00162123. PMID:25210016

Attenuated Ca(2+) release in a mouse model of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A.

PubMed

DiFranco, Marino; Kramerova, Irina; Vergara, Julio L; Spencer, Melissa Jan

2016-01-01

Mutations in CAPN3 cause limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A), a progressive muscle wasting disease. CAPN3 is a non-lysosomal, Ca-dependent, muscle-specific proteinase. Ablation of CAPN3 (calpain-3 knockout (C3KO) mice) leads to reduced ryanodine receptor (RyR1) expression and abnormal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca-CaMKII)-mediated signaling. We previously reported that Ca(2+) release measured by fura2-FF imaging in response to single action potential stimulation was reduced in old C3KO mice; however, the use of field stimulation prevented investigation of the mechanisms underlying this impairment. Furthermore, our prior studies were conducted on older animals, whose muscles showed advanced muscular dystrophy, which prevented us from establishing whether impaired Ca(2+) handling is an early feature of disease. In the current study, we sought to overcome these matters by studying single fibers isolated from young wild-type (WT) and C3KO mice using a low affinity calcium dye and high intracellular ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-n,n,n',n'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to measure Ca(2+) fluxes. Muscles were subjected to both current and voltage clamp conditions. Standard and confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to study Ca(2+) release in single fibers enzymatically isolated from hind limb muscles of wild-type and C3KO mice. Two microelectrode amplifier and experiments were performed under current or voltage clamp conditions. Calcium concentration changes were detected with an impermeant low affinity dye in the presence of high EGTA intracellular concentrations, and fluxes were calculated with a single compartment model. Standard Western blotting analysis was used to measure the concentration of RyR1 and the α subunit of the dihydropyridine (αDHPR) receptors. Data are presented as mean ± SEM and compared with the Student's test with significance set at p < 0.05. We found that the peak value of Ca(2+) fluxes elicited by single action potentials was significantly reduced by 15-20 % in C3KO fibers, but the kinetics was unaltered. Ca(2+) release elicited by tetanic stimulation was also impaired in C3KO fibers. Confocal studies confirmed that Ca(2+) release was similarly reduced in all triads of C3KO mice. Voltage clamp experiments revealed a normal voltage dependence of Ca(2+) release in C3KO mice but reduced peak Ca(2+) fluxes as with action potential stimulation. These findings concur with biochemical observations of reduced RyR1 and αDHPR levels in C3KO muscles and reduced mechanical output. Confocal studies revealed a similar decrease in Ca(2+) release at all triads consistent with a homogenous reduction of functional voltage activated Ca(2+) release sites. Overall, these results suggest that decreased Ca(2+) release is an early defect in calpainopathy and may contribute to the observed reduction of CaMKII activation in C3KO mice.

Spectral features of biogenic calcium carbonates and implications for astrobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, B. L.; Ronholm, J.; Applin, D. M.; Mann, P.; Izawa, M.; Cloutis, E. A.; Whyte, L. G.

2014-09-01

The ability to discriminate biogenic from abiogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) would be useful in the search for extant or extinct life, since CaCO3 can be produced by both biotic and abiotic processes on Earth. Bioprecipitated CaCO3 material was produced during the growth of heterotrophic microbial isolates on medium enriched with calcium acetate or calcium citrate. These biologically produced CaCO3, along with natural and synthetic non-biologically produced CaCO3 samples, were analysed by reflectance spectroscopy (0.35-2.5 μm), Raman spectroscopy (532 and 785 nm), and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (365 and 405 nm excitation). Optimal instruments for the discrimination of biogenic from abiogenic CaCO3 were determined to be reflectance spectroscopy, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Multiple absorption features in the visible light region occurred in reflectance spectra for most biogenic CaCO3 samples, which are likely due to organic pigments. Multiple fluorescence peaks occurred in emission spectra (405 nm excitation) of biogenic CaCO3 samples, which also are best attributed to the presence of organic compounds; however, further analyses must be performed in order to better determine the cause of these features to establish criteria for confirming the origin of a given CaCO3 sample. Raman spectroscopy was not useful for discrimination since any potential Raman peaks in spectra of biogenic carbonates collected by both the 532 and 785 nm lasers were overwhelmed by fluorescence. However, this also suggests that biogenic carbonates may be identified by the presence of this organic-associated fluorescence. No reliable spectroscopic differences in terms of parameters such as positions or widths of carbonate-associated absorption bands were found between the biogenic and abiogenic carbonate samples. These results indicate that the presence or absence of organic matter intimately associated with carbonate minerals is the only potentially useful spectral discriminator for the techniques that were examined, and that multiple spectroscopic techniques are capable of detecting the presence of associated organic materials. However, the presence or absence of intimately associated organic matter is not, in itself, an indicator of biogenicity.

The jellification of north temperate lakes

PubMed Central

Jeziorski, Adam; Tanentzap, Andrew J.; Yan, Norman D.; Paterson, Andrew M.; Palmer, Michelle E.; Korosi, Jennifer B.; Rusak, James A.; Arts, Michael T.; Keller, Wendel (Bill); Ingram, Ron; Cairns, Allegra; Smol, John P.

2015-01-01

Calcium (Ca) concentrations are decreasing in softwater lakes across eastern North America and western Europe. Using long-term contemporary and palaeo-environmental field data, we show that this is precipitating a dramatic change in Canadian lakes: the replacement of previously dominant pelagic herbivores (Ca-rich Daphnia species) by Holopedium glacialis, a jelly-clad, Ca-poor competitor. In some lakes, this transformation is being facilitated by increases in macro-invertebrate predation, both from native (Chaoborus spp.) and introduced (Bythotrephes longimanus) zooplanktivores, to which Holopedium, with its jelly coat, is relatively invulnerable. Greater representation by Holopedium within cladoceran zooplankton communities will reduce nutrient transfer through food webs, given their lower phosphorus content relative to daphniids, and greater absolute abundances may pose long-term problems to water users. The dominance of jelly-clad zooplankton will likely persist while lakewater Ca levels remain low. PMID:25411451

Neuronal Representation of Social Information in the Medial Amygdala of Awake Behaving Mice.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Mathis, Alexander; Grewe, Benjamin F; Osterhout, Jessica A; Ahanonu, Biafra; Schnitzer, Mark J; Murthy, Venkatesh N; Dulac, Catherine

2017-11-16

The medial amygdala (MeA) plays a critical role in processing species- and sex-specific signals that trigger social and defensive behaviors. However, the principles by which this deep brain structure encodes social information is poorly understood. We used a miniature microscope to image the Ca 2+ dynamics of large neural ensembles in awake behaving mice and tracked the responses of MeA neurons over several months. These recordings revealed spatially intermingled subsets of MeA neurons with distinct temporal dynamics. The encoding of social information in the MeA differed between males and females and relied on information from both individual cells and neuronal populations. By performing long-term Ca 2+ imaging across different social contexts, we found that sexual experience triggers lasting and sex-specific changes in MeA activity, which, in males, involve signaling by oxytocin. These findings reveal basic principles underlying the brain's representation of social information and its modulation by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced multi-protocol analysis via intelligent supervised embedding (EMPrAvISE): detecting prostate cancer on multi-parametric MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, Satish; Bloch, B. Nicholas; Chappelow, Jonathan; Patel, Pratik; Rofsky, Neil; Lenkinski, Robert; Genega, Elizabeth; Madabhushi, Anant

2011-03-01

Currently, there is significant interest in developing methods for quantitative integration of multi-parametric (structural, functional) imaging data with the objective of building automated meta-classifiers to improve disease detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. Such techniques are required to address the differences in dimensionalities and scales of individual protocols, while deriving an integrated multi-parametric data representation which best captures all disease-pertinent information available. In this paper, we present a scheme called Enhanced Multi-Protocol Analysis via Intelligent Supervised Embedding (EMPrAvISE); a powerful, generalizable framework applicable to a variety of domains for multi-parametric data representation and fusion. Our scheme utilizes an ensemble of embeddings (via dimensionality reduction, DR); thereby exploiting the variance amongst multiple uncorrelated embeddings in a manner similar to ensemble classifier schemes (e.g. Bagging, Boosting). We apply this framework to the problem of prostate cancer (CaP) detection on 12 3 Tesla pre-operative in vivo multi-parametric (T2-weighted, Dynamic Contrast Enhanced, and Diffusion-weighted) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, in turn comprising a total of 39 2D planar MR images. We first align the different imaging protocols via automated image registration, followed by quantification of image attributes from individual protocols. Multiple embeddings are generated from the resultant high-dimensional feature space which are then combined intelligently to yield a single stable solution. Our scheme is employed in conjunction with graph embedding (for DR) and probabilistic boosting trees (PBTs) to detect CaP on multi-parametric MRI. Finally, a probabilistic pairwise Markov Random Field algorithm is used to apply spatial constraints to the result of the PBT classifier, yielding a per-voxel classification of CaP presence. Per-voxel evaluation of detection results against ground truth for CaP extent on MRI (obtained by spatially registering pre-operative MRI with available whole-mount histological specimens) reveals that EMPrAvISE yields a statistically significant improvement (AUC=0.77) over classifiers constructed from individual protocols (AUC=0.62, 0.62, 0.65, for T2w, DCE, DWI respectively) as well as one trained using multi-parametric feature concatenation (AUC=0.67).

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

Parekh, V; Jacobs, MA

Purpose: Multiparametric radiological imaging is used for diagnosis in patients. Potentially extracting useful features specific to a patient’s pathology would be crucial step towards personalized medicine and assessing treatment options. In order to automatically extract features directly from multiparametric radiological imaging datasets, we developed an advanced unsupervised machine learning algorithm called the multidimensional imaging radiomics-geodesics(MIRaGe). Methods: Seventy-six breast tumor patients underwent 3T MRI breast imaging were used for this study. We tested the MIRaGe algorithm to extract features for classification of breast tumors into benign or malignant. The MRI parameters used were T1-weighted, T2-weighted, dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI)more » and diffusion weighted imaging(DWI). The MIRaGe algorithm extracted the radiomics-geodesics features (RGFs) from multiparametric MRI datasets. This enable our method to learn the intrinsic manifold representations corresponding to the patients. To determine the informative RGF, a modified Isomap algorithm(t-Isomap) was created for a radiomics-geodesics feature space(tRGFS) to avoid overfitting. Final classification was performed using SVM. The predictive power of the RGFs was tested and validated using k-fold cross validation. Results: The RGFs extracted by the MIRaGe algorithm successfully classified malignant lesions from benign lesions with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91%. The top 50 RGFs identified as the most predictive by the t-Isomap procedure were consistent with the radiological parameters known to be associated with breast cancer diagnosis and were categorized as kinetic curve characterizing RGFs, wash-in rate characterizing RGFs, wash-out rate characterizing RGFs and morphology characterizing RGFs. Conclusion: In this paper, we developed a novel feature extraction algorithm for multiparametric radiological imaging. The results demonstrated the power of the MIRaGe algorithm at automatically discovering useful feature representations directly from the raw multiparametric MRI data. In conclusion, the MIRaGe informatics model provides a powerful tool with applicability in cancer diagnosis and a possibility of extension to other kinds of pathologies. NIH (P50CA103175, 5P30CA006973 (IRAT), R01CA190299, U01CA140204), Siemens Medical Systems (JHU-2012-MR-86-01) and Nivida Graphics Corporation.« less

A Review On Accuracy and Uncertainty of Spatial Data and Analyses with special reference to Urban and Hydrological Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devendran, A. A.; Lakshmanan, G.

2014-11-01

Data quality for GIS processing and analysis is becoming an increased concern due to the accelerated application of GIS technology for problem solving and decision making roles. Uncertainty in the geographic representation of the real world arises as these representations are incomplete. Identification of the sources of these uncertainties and the ways in which they operate in GIS based representations become crucial in any spatial data representation and geospatial analysis applied to any field of application. This paper reviews the articles on the various components of spatial data quality and various uncertainties inherent in them and special focus is paid to two fields of application such as Urban Simulation and Hydrological Modelling. Urban growth is a complicated process involving the spatio-temporal changes of all socio-economic and physical components at different scales. Cellular Automata (CA) model is one of the simulation models, which randomly selects potential cells for urbanisation and the transition rules evaluate the properties of the cell and its neighbour. Uncertainty arising from CA modelling is assessed mainly using sensitivity analysis including Monte Carlo simulation method. Likewise, the importance of hydrological uncertainty analysis has been emphasized in recent years and there is an urgent need to incorporate uncertainty estimation into water resources assessment procedures. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a continuous time watershed model to evaluate various impacts of land use management and climate on hydrology and water quality. Hydrological model uncertainties using SWAT model are dealt primarily by Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method.

Tumor-triggered drug release from calcium carbonate-encapsulated gold nanostars for near-infrared photodynamic/photothermal combination antitumor therapy.

PubMed

Liu, Yanlei; Zhi, Xiao; Yang, Meng; Zhang, Jingpu; Lin, Lingnan; Zhao, Xin; Hou, Wenxiu; Zhang, Chunlei; Zhang, Qian; Pan, Fei; Alfranca, Gabriel; Yang, Yuming; de la Fuente, Jesús M; Ni, Jian; Cui, Daxiang

2017-01-01

Different stimulus including pH, light and temperature have been used for controlled drug release to prevent drug inactivation and minimize side-effects. Herein a novel nano-platform (GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG) consisting of calcium carbonate-encapsulated gold nanostars loaded with ICG was established to couple the photothermal properties of gold nanostars (GNSs) and the photodynamic properties of indocyanine green (ICG) in the photodynamic/photothermal combination therapy (PDT/PTT). In this study, the calcium carbonate worked not only a drug keeper to entrap ICG on the surface of GNSs in the form of a stable aggregate which was protected from blood clearance, but also as the a pH-responder to achieve highly effective tumor-triggered drug release locally. The application of GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG for in vitro and in vivo therapy achieved the combined antitumor effects upon the NIR irradiation, which was superior to the single PDT or PTT. Meanwhile, the distinct pH-triggered drug release performance of GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG implemented the tumor-targeted NIR fluorescence imaging. In addition, we monitored the bio-distribution and excretion pathway of GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG based on the NIR fluorescence from ICG and two-photon fluorescence and photoacoustic signal from GNSs, and the results proved that GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG had a great ability for tumor-specific and tumor-triggered drug release. We therefore conclude that the GNS@CaCO 3 /ICG holds great promise for clinical applications in anti-tumor therapy with tumor imaging or drug tracing.

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.

Synthetic water soluble di-/tritopic molecular receptors exhibiting Ca2+/Mg2+ exchange.

PubMed

Lavie-Cambot, Aurélie; Tron, Arnaud; Ducrot, Aurélien; Castet, Frédéric; Kauffmann, Brice; Beauté, Louis; Allouchi, Hassan; Pozzo, Jean-Luc; Bonnet, Célia S; McClenaghan, Nathan D

2017-05-23

Structural integration of two synthetic water soluble receptors for Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , namely 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) and o-aminophenol-N,N,O-triacetic acid (APTRA), respectively, gave novel di- and tritopic ionophores (1 and 2). As Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ cannot be simultaneously complexed by the receptors, allosteric control of complexation results. Potentiometric measurements established stepwise protonation constants and showed high affinity for Ca 2+ (log K = 6.08 and 8.70 for 1 and 2, respectively) and an excellent selectivity over Mg 2+ (log K = 3.70 and 5.60 for 1 and 2, respectively), which is compatible with magnesium-calcium ion exchange. While ion-exchange of a single Mg 2+ for a single Ca 2+ is possible in both 1 and 2, the simultaneous binding of two Mg 2+ by 2 appears prohibitive for replacement of these two ions by a single Ca 2+ . Ion-binding and exchange was further rationalized by DFT calculations.

Dual-color quantum dot detection of a heterotetrameric potassium channel (hKCa3.1).

PubMed

Waschk, Daniel E J; Fabian, Anke; Budde, Thomas; Schwab, Albrecht

2011-04-01

Potassium channels play a key role in establishing the cell membrane potential and are expressed ubiquitously. Today, more than 70 mammalian K(+) channel genes are known. The diversity of K(+) channels is further increased by the fact that different K(+) channel family members may assemble to form heterotetramers. We present a method based on fluorescence microscopy to determine the subunit composition of a tetrameric K(+) channel. We generated artificial "heteromers" of the K(+) channel hK(Ca)3.1 by coexpressing two differently tagged hK(Ca)3.1 constructs containing either an extracellular hemagglutinin (HA) or an intracellular V5 epitope. hK(Ca)3.1 channel subunits were detected in the plasma membrane of MDCK-F cells or HEK293 cells by labeling the extra- and intracellular epitopes with differently colored quantum dots (QDs). As previously shown for the extracellular part of hK(Ca)3.1 channels, its intracellular domain can also bind only one QD label at a time. When both channel subunits were coexpressed, 27.5 ± 1.8% and 24.9 ± 2.1% were homotetramers consisting of HA- and V5-tagged subunits, respectively. 47.6 ± 3.2% of the channels were heteromeric and composed of both subunits. The frequency distribution of HA- and V5-tagged homo- and heteromeric hK(Ca)3.1 channels is reminiscent of the binomial distribution (a + b)(2) = a(2) + 2ab + b(2). Along these lines, our findings are consistent with the notion that hK(Ca)3.1 channels are assembled from two homomeric dimers and not randomly from four independent subunits. We anticipate that our technique will be applicable to other heteromeric membrane proteins, too.

Standard model of knowledge representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Wensheng

2016-09-01

Knowledge representation is the core of artificial intelligence research. Knowledge representation methods include predicate logic, semantic network, computer programming language, database, mathematical model, graphics language, natural language, etc. To establish the intrinsic link between various knowledge representation methods, a unified knowledge representation model is necessary. According to ontology, system theory, and control theory, a standard model of knowledge representation that reflects the change of the objective world is proposed. The model is composed of input, processing, and output. This knowledge representation method is not a contradiction to the traditional knowledge representation method. It can express knowledge in terms of multivariate and multidimensional. It can also express process knowledge, and at the same time, it has a strong ability to solve problems. In addition, the standard model of knowledge representation provides a way to solve problems of non-precision and inconsistent knowledge.

Cognitive mechanisms of insight: the role of heuristics and representational change in solving the eight-coin problem.

PubMed

Öllinger, Michael; Jones, Gary; Faber, Amory H; Knoblich, Günther

2013-05-01

The 8-coin insight problem requires the problem solver to move 2 coins so that each coin touches exactly 3 others. Ormerod, MacGregor, and Chronicle (2002) explained differences in task performance across different versions of the 8-coin problem using the availability of particular moves in a 2-dimensional search space. We explored 2 further explanations by developing 6 new versions of the 8-coin problem in order to investigate the influence of grouping and self-imposed constraints on solutions. The results identified 2 sources of problem difficulty: first, the necessity to overcome the constraint that a solution can be found in 2-dimensional space and, second, the necessity to decompose perceptual groupings. A detailed move analysis suggested that the selection of moves was driven by the established representation rather than the application of the appropriate heuristics. Both results support the assumptions of representational change theory (Ohlsson, 1992).

75 FR 8920 - Grant of Authority; Establishment of a Foreign-Trade Zone, Kern County, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-26

...; Establishment of a Foreign-Trade Zone, Kern County, CA Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones... application to the Board (FTZ Docket 18-2009, filed 04/28/09) requesting the establishment of a foreign-trade... designated as a CBP user fee airport facility on October 31, 2006; Whereas, notice inviting public comment...

Learning to Read and Write Polysyllabic Words: The Effects of Morphology and Context on the Acquisition of Whole-Word Representations in Fourth and Fifth Grade

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Ghanem, Reem

2017-01-01

Accurate and rapid word recognition requires highly-specified phonological, orthographic, and semantic word-specific representations. It has been established that children acquire these representations through phonological decoding in a process known as orthographic learning. Studies examining orthographic learning and its predictors have thus far…

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is superior to National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network 5-minute protocol in predicting vascular cognitive impairment at 1 year.

PubMed

Dong, YanHong; Xu, Jing; Chan, Bernard Poon-Lap; Seet, Raymond Chee Seong; Venketasubramanian, Narayanaswamy; Teoh, Hock Luen; Sharma, Vijay Kumar; Chen, Christopher Li-Hsian

2016-04-12

The predictive ability of National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) 5-minute protocol and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) administered sub-acutely and at the convalescent phase after stroke for significant vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) at 1 year is unknown. We compared prognostic values of these tests. Patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) received MoCA sub-acutely (within 2 weeks) and 3-6 months after stroke followed by a formal neuropsychological evaluation at 1 year. The total score of NINDS-CSN 5-minutes protocol was derived from MoCA. Moderate-severe VCI was defined as neuropsychological impairment in ≥ 3 domains. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses were conducted to establish the optimal cutoff points and discriminatory properties of the MoCA and NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol in detecting moderate-severe VCI. Four hundre patients were recruited at baseline. Of these, 291 received a formal neuropsychological assessment 1 year after stroke. 19% patients had moderate-severe VCI. The MoCA was superior to the NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol [sub-acute AUCs: 0.89 vs 0.80, p < 0.01; 3-6 months AUCs: 0.90 vs 0.83, p < 0.01] in predicting for moderate-severe VCI at 1 year. At respective cutoff points, MoCA had significantly higher sensitivity than the NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol at baseline (p = 0.01) and 3-6 months (p = 0.04). MoCA administered sub-acutely and 3-6 months after stroke is superior to the NINDS-CSN 5-minute protocol in predicting moderate-severe VCI at 1 year.

A consensus embedding approach for segmentation of high resolution in vivo prostate magnetic resonance imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, Satish; Rosen, Mark; Madabhushi, Anant

2008-03-01

Current techniques for localization of prostatic adenocarcinoma (CaP) via blinded trans-rectal ultrasound biopsy are associated with a high false negative detection rate. While high resolution endorectal in vivo Magnetic Resonance (MR) prostate imaging has been shown to have improved contrast and resolution for CaP detection over ultrasound, similarity in intensity characteristics between benign and cancerous regions on MR images contribute to a high false positive detection rate. In this paper, we present a novel unsupervised segmentation method that employs manifold learning via consensus schemes for detection of cancerous regions from high resolution 1.5 Tesla (T) endorectal in vivo prostate MRI. A significant contribution of this paper is a method to combine multiple weak, lower-dimensional representations of high dimensional feature data in a way analogous to classifier ensemble schemes, and hence create a stable and accurate reduced dimensional representation. After correcting for MR image intensity artifacts, such as bias field inhomogeneity and intensity non-standardness, our algorithm extracts over 350 3D texture features at every spatial location in the MR scene at multiple scales and orientations. Non-linear dimensionality reduction schemes such as Locally Linear Embedding (LLE) and Graph Embedding (GE) are employed to create multiple low dimensional data representations of this high dimensional texture feature space. Our novel consensus embedding method is used to average object adjacencies from within the multiple low dimensional projections so that class relationships are preserved. Unsupervised consensus clustering is then used to partition the objects in this consensus embedding space into distinct classes. Quantitative evaluation on 18 1.5 T prostate MR data against corresponding histology obtained from the multi-site ACRIN trials show a sensitivity of 92.65% and a specificity of 82.06%, which suggests that our method is successfully able to detect suspicious regions in the prostate.

Influence of the K+ ions and the superstoichiometric manganese on structure defects, magneto-transport and dielectric properties of magnetoresistive La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMn1+xO3-δ ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liedienov, N. A.; Pashchenko, A. V.; Pashchenko, V. P.; Prokopenko, V. K.; Tatarchuk, D. D.; Revenko, Yu. F.; Turchenko, V. A.; Burchovetskii, V. V.; Sycheva, V. Ya.; Sil'cheva, A. G.; Didenko, Yu. V.; Levchenko, G. G.

2017-09-01

The structure, its defects, nanostructural clustering and functional properties of the La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMn1+xO3-δ ceramic with x = 0-0.3 have been investigated by x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, SEM, resistance, magnetic, magnetoresistance and dielectric spectroscopy methods. We establish that the lattice parameter of the cubic structure increases when the Ca2+ ions are substituted with ions of K+. We show that the real perovskite structure contains different valence states of manganese MnA2 +,MnB3 + and MnB4 + in A- and B-positions, as well as vacancy type point defects, in the form of anionic V(a) and cationic V(c) vacancies. The increase in the content of the superstoichiometric manganese is connected to the nanostructured clustering process. We find that K+ and superstoichiometric manganese cause the increase in relative permittivity ɛ' and dielectric loss tangent angle tg δ. The experimental phase diagram of the magnetic state has been constructed and allows determining the composition of the magnetoresistant La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMn1+xO3-δ ceramics with set magnetotransport properties. The optimal La0.7Ca0.3-xKxMn1+xO3-δ composition showing the highest magnetoresistance effect at room temperature has been determined by comparing the functional properties of lanthanum-calcium, lanthanum-strontium and lanthanum-calcium-potassium manganites.

Ince-Gaussian series representation of the two-dimensional fractional Fourier transform.

PubMed

Bandres, Miguel A; Gutiérrez-Vega, Julio C

2005-03-01

We introduce the Ince-Gaussian series representation of the two-dimensional fractional Fourier transform in elliptical coordinates. A physical interpretation is provided in terms of field propagation in quadratic graded-index media whose eigenmodes in elliptical coordinates are derived for the first time to our knowledge. The kernel of the new series representation is expressed in terms of Ince-Gaussian functions. The equivalence among the Hermite-Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, and Ince-Gaussian series representations is verified by establishing the relation among the three definitions.

Representation and design of wavelets using unitary circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evenbly, Glen; White, Steven R.

2018-05-01

The representation of discrete, compact wavelet transformations (WTs) as circuits of local unitary gates is discussed. We employ a similar formalism as used in the multiscale representation of quantum many-body wave functions using unitary circuits, further cementing the relation established in the literature between classical and quantum multiscale methods. An algorithm for constructing the circuit representation of known orthogonal, dyadic, discrete WTs is presented, and the explicit representation for Daubechies wavelets, coiflets, and symlets is provided. Furthermore, we demonstrate the usefulness of the circuit formalism in designing WTs, including various classes of symmetric wavelets and multiwavelets, boundary wavelets, and biorthogonal wavelets.

Single molecular image of cytosolic free Ca2+ of skeletal muscle cells in rats pre- and post-exercise-induced fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Zhang, Heming; Zhao, Yanping; Liu, Zhiming

2009-08-01

A growing body of literature indicated the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration of skeletal muscle cells changes significantly during exercise-induced fatigue. But it is confusing whether cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration increase or decrease. Furthermore, current researches mainly adopt muscle tissue homogenate as experiment material, but the studies based on cellular and subcellular level is seldom. This study is aimed to establish rat skeletal muscle cell model of exercise-induced fatigue, and confirm the change of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration of skeletal muscle cells in rats preand post- exercise-induced fatigue. In this research, six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=3) and exercise-induced fatigue group (n=3). The former group were allowed to freely move and the latter were forced to loaded swimming to exhaustive. Three days later, all the rats were sacrificed, the muscle tissue from the same site of skeletal muscle were taken out and digested to cells. After primary culture of the two kinds of skeletal muscle cells from tissue, a fluorescent dye-Fluo-3 AM was used to label the cytosolic free Ca2+. The fluorescent of Ca2+ was recorded by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results indicated that, the Ca2+ fluorescence intensity of cells from the rat of exercise-induced fatigue group was significantly higher than those in control group. In conclusion, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration of skeletal muscle cells has a close relation with exercise-induced fatigue, and the increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration may be one of the important factors of exercise-induced fatigue.

Europium concentration effect on characteristics and luminescent properties of hydroxyapatite nanocrystalline powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaev, Anton; Kolesnikov, Ilya; Frank-Kamenetskaya, Olga; Kuz'mina, Maria

2017-12-01

Series of Eu-apatites were synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions with the Eu/Ca atomic ratio from 0.5% to 5% at T = 90 °C. Resulting precipitates were studied using different experimental techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and raman spectroscopy, scanning elecrton microscopy, EDX and photoluminescent spectroscopy. Eu-doped Ca-deficit nanosized non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite with high water content has been obtained throughout the experiment. Europium content in the synthesized apatites reaches 0.24 apfu (Eu/Ca = 2.5%). Relations between Eu content is the solution and precipitate have been established. It was shown that Eu-monacite starts to precipitate as secondary phase at Eu/Ca ratio in starting solution 1% or higher. Maximum luminescence is observed in apatite with ∼2% Eu/Ca ratio (which equals to ∼0.2 apfu and corresponds to 3% Eu/Ca ratio in the starting solution). As an important and brand-new result, apatite with 2% Eu/Ca ratio can be considered as the most appropriate material for the producing biolabels for luminescent research in medicine and biology.

CRISPR-assisted receptor deletion reveals distinct roles for ERBB2 and ERBB3 in skin keratinocytes.

PubMed

Dahlhoff, Maik; Gaborit, Nadège; Bultmann, Sebastian; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Yarden, Yosef; Schneider, Marlon R

2017-10-01

While the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an established regulator of skin development and homeostasis, the functions of the related tyrosine kinase receptors ERBB2 and ERBB3 in this tissue have only recently been examined. Previously reported, skin-specific deletion of each of these receptors in mice resulted in similar defects in keratinocyte proliferation and migration, resulting in impaired wound healing and tumorigenesis. Because both ERBB2 and ERBB3 are targets for treating an array of cancer types, it is important to examine the consequences of receptor inhibition in human keratinocytes. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate HaCaT cells (an established human keratinocyte cell line) lacking ERBB2 or ERBB3. HaCaT clones lacking ERBB2 or ERBB3 showed comparable reductions in cell proliferation as assessed by BrdU staining. Apoptosis, in contrast, was reduced in ERBB3-deficient HaCaT cells only. Assessment of cell migration using a wound healing (scratch) assay showed that the closure of the wound gaps was completed by 48 h in mock and in ERBB3 knockout clones. In contrast, this process was considerably delayed in ERBB2 knockout clones, and a complete closure of the gap in the latter cells did not occur before 72 h. In conclusion, both ERBB2 and ERBB3 are essential for normal proliferation of skin keratinocytes, but in contrast to ERBB3, ERBB2 is essential for migration of human keratinocytes. These observations might bear significance to patient adverse effects of therapeutic agents targeting ERBB2 and ERBB3. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Calcium transient prevalence across the dendritic arbour predicts place field properties.

PubMed

Sheffield, Mark E J; Dombeck, Daniel A

2015-01-08

Establishing the hippocampal cellular ensemble that represents an animal's environment involves the emergence and disappearance of place fields in specific CA1 pyramidal neurons, and the acquisition of different spatial firing properties across the active population. While such firing flexibility and diversity have been linked to spatial memory, attention and task performance, the cellular and network origin of these place cell features is unknown. Basic integrate-and-fire models of place firing propose that such features result solely from varying inputs to place cells, but recent studies suggest instead that place cells themselves may play an active role through regenerative dendritic events. However, owing to the difficulty of performing functional recordings from place cell dendrites, no direct evidence of regenerative dendritic events exists, leaving any possible connection to place coding unknown. Using multi-plane two-photon calcium imaging of CA1 place cell somata, axons and dendrites in mice navigating a virtual environment, here we show that regenerative dendritic events do exist in place cells of behaving mice, and, surprisingly, their prevalence throughout the arbour is highly spatiotemporally variable. Furthermore, we show that the prevalence of such events predicts the spatial precision and persistence or disappearance of place fields. This suggests that the dynamics of spiking throughout the dendritic arbour may play a key role in forming the hippocampal representation of space.

Genetic polymorphism and prostate cancer aggressiveness: A case-only study of 1536 GWAS and candidate SNPs in African Americans and European Americans

PubMed Central

Bensen, Jeannette T.; Xu, Zongli; Smith, Gary J.; Mohler, James L.; Fontham, Elizabeth T.H.; Taylor, Jack A.

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies have established a number of replicated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for susceptibility to prostate cancer (CaP), but it is unclear whether these susceptibility SNPs are also associated with disease aggressiveness. This study evaluates whether such replication SNPs or other candidate SNPs are associated with CaP aggressiveness in African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) men. METHODS A 1,536 SNP panel which included 34 genome-wide association study (GWAS) replication SNPs, 38 flanking SNPs, a set of ancestry informative markers, and SNPs in candidate genes and other areas was genotyped in 1,060 AA and 1,087 EA men with incident CaP from the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). Tests for association were conducted using ordinal logistic regression with a log-additive genotype model and a 3-category CaP aggressiveness variable. RESULTS 4 GWAS replication SNPs (rs2660753, rs13254738, rs10090154, rs2735839) and 7 flanking SNPs were associated with CaP aggressiveness (P<0.05) in 3 genomic regions: one at 3p12 (EA), 7 at 8q24 (5 AA, 2 EA), and 3 at 19q13 at the kallilkrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) locus (2 AA, 1 AA and EA). The KLK3 SNPs also were associated with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in AA (p < 0.001) but not in EA. A number of the other SNPs showed some evidence of association but none met study-wide significance levels after adjusting for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS Some replicated GWAS susceptibility SNPs may play a role in CaP aggressiveness. However, like susceptibility, these associations are not consistent between racial groups. PMID:22549899

The Tlo Proteins Are Stoichiometric Components of Candida albicans Mediator Anchored via the Med3 Subunit

PubMed Central

Zhang, Anda; Petrov, Kostadin O.; Hyun, Emily R.; Liu, Zhongle; Gerber, Scott A.

2012-01-01

The amplification of the TLO (for telomere-associated) genes in Candida albicans, compared to its less pathogenic, close relative Candida dubliniensis, suggests a role in virulence. Little, however, is known about the function of the Tlo proteins. We have purified the Mediator coactivator complex from C. albicans (caMediator) and found that Tlo proteins are a stoichiometric component of caMediator. Many members of the Tlo family are expressed, and each is a unique member of caMediator. Protein expression analysis of individual Tlo proteins, as well as the purification of tagged Tlo proteins, demonstrate that there is a large free population of Tlo proteins in addition to the Mediator-associated population. Coexpression and copurification of Tloα12 and caMed3 in Escherichia coli established a direct physical interaction between the two proteins. We have also made a C. albicans med3Δ/Δ strain and purified an intact Mediator from this strain. The analysis of the composition of the med3Δ Mediator shows that it lacks a Tlo subunit. Regarding Mediator function, the med3Δ/Δ strain serves as a substitute for the difficult-to-make tloΔ/Δ C. albicans strain. A potential role of the TLO and MED3 genes in virulence is supported by the inability of the med3Δ/Δ strain to form normal germ tubes. This study of caMediator structure provides initial clues to the mechanism of action of the Tlo genes and a platform for further mechanistic studies of caMediator's involvement in gene regulatory patterns that underlie pathogenesis. PMID:22562472

Case Study: Lackland Air Force Base Commissary

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

DeCA chose to adopt a NH3/CO2 cascade system for two main reasons: (1) to control future capital and operating costs, and (2) to meet the energy and sustainability goals the U.S. Government has established for all public buildings.

Rectifying and photovoltaic properties of the heterojunction composed of CaMnO3 and Nb-doped SrTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, J. R.; Zhang, S. Y.; Shen, B. G.; Wong, H. K.

2005-01-01

A heterojunction composed of CaMnO3 (CMO) and Nb-doped SrTiO3 (STON) was fabricated and its properties were studied and compared with La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/STON and LaMnO3+δ/STON p-n, junctions. This CMO/STON junction exhibits an asymmetric current-voltage relation similar to a p-n junction. The most remarkable discovery is that the magnetic state of the manganites has a strong impact on the rectifying behaviors. The diffusion voltage, which is the critical voltage for the current rush, shows a tendency to decrease/increase with the establishment of the antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic order in the manganites of the junction. Similar to other manganite p-n junctions, CMO/STON also exhibits a significant photovoltaic effect, and the maximum photovoltage is ˜2.2mV under the illumination of ˜7mW light (λ=460nm). A qualitative explanation is given based on an analysis on the band diagram of the junctions.

Human inferior colliculus activity relates to individual differences in spoken language learning

PubMed Central

Chandrasekaran, Bharath; Kraus, Nina

2012-01-01

A challenge to learning words of a foreign language is encoding nonnative phonemes, a process typically attributed to cortical circuitry. Using multimodal imaging methods [functional magnetic resonance imaging-adaptation (fMRI-A) and auditory brain stem responses (ABR)], we examined the extent to which pretraining pitch encoding in the inferior colliculus (IC), a primary midbrain structure, related to individual variability in learning to successfully use nonnative pitch patterns to distinguish words in American English-speaking adults. fMRI-A indexed the efficiency of pitch representation localized to the IC, whereas ABR quantified midbrain pitch-related activity with millisecond precision. In line with neural “sharpening” models, we found that efficient IC pitch pattern representation (indexed by fMRI) related to superior neural representation of pitch patterns (indexed by ABR), and consequently more successful word learning following sound-to-meaning training. Our results establish a critical role for the IC in speech-sound representation, consistent with the established role for the IC in the representation of communication signals in other animal models. PMID:22131377

Ecosystem modeling of coastal acidification and hypoxia and structural uncertainties in the representation of sediment-water exchanges

EPA Science Inventory

Numerical ecosystem models of coastal acidification (CA) and hypoxia have been developed to synthesize current scientific understanding and provide predictions for nutrient management and policy. However, there is not a scientific consensus about the structure of these models an...

The jellification of north temperate lakes.

PubMed

Jeziorski, Adam; Tanentzap, Andrew J; Yan, Norman D; Paterson, Andrew M; Palmer, Michelle E; Korosi, Jennifer B; Rusak, James A; Arts, Michael T; Keller, Wendel Bill; Ingram, Ron; Cairns, Allegra; Smol, John P

2015-01-07

Calcium (Ca) concentrations are decreasing in softwater lakes across eastern North America and western Europe. Using long-term contemporary and palaeo-environmental field data, we show that this is precipitating a dramatic change in Canadian lakes: the replacement of previously dominant pelagic herbivores (Ca-rich Daphnia species) by Holopedium glacialis, a jelly-clad, Ca-poor competitor. In some lakes, this transformation is being facilitated by increases in macro-invertebrate predation, both from native (Chaoborus spp.) and introduced (Bythotrephes longimanus) zooplanktivores, to which Holopedium, with its jelly coat, is relatively invulnerable. Greater representation by Holopedium within cladoceran zooplankton communities will reduce nutrient transfer through food webs, given their lower phosphorus content relative to daphniids, and greater absolute abundances may pose long-term problems to water users. The dominance of jelly-clad zooplankton will likely persist while lakewater Ca levels remain low. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Electromagnetic multipole moments of elementary spin-1/2, 1, and 3/2 particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delgado-Acosta, E. G.; Kirchbach, M.; Napsuciale, M.; Rodríguez, S.

2012-06-01

We study multipole decompositions of the electromagnetic currents of spin-1/2, 1, and 3/2 particles described in terms of representation-specific wave equations which are second order in the momenta and which emerge within the recently elaborated Poincaré covariant-projector method, where the respective Lagrangians explicitly depend on the Lorentz group generators of the representations of interest. The currents are then the ordinary linear Noether currents related to phase invariance, and present themselves always as two-terms motion-plus spin-magnetization currents. The spin-magnetization currents appear weighted by the gyromagnetic ratio g, a free parameter in the method which we fix either by unitarity of forward Compton scattering amplitudes in the ultraviolet for spin-1 and spin-3/2, or in the spin-1/2 case, by their asymptotic vanishing, thus ending up in all three cases with the universal g value of g=2. Within the method under discussion, we calculate the electric multipoles of the above spins for the spinor, the four-vector, and the four-vector-spinor representations, and find it favorable in some aspects, specifically in comparison with the conventional Proca and Rarita-Schwinger frameworks. We furthermore attend to the most general non-Lagrangian spin-3/2 currents, which are allowed by Lorentz invariance to be up to third order in the momenta and construct the linear-current equivalent of identical multipole moments of one of them. We conclude that nonlinear non-Lagrangian spin-3/2 currents are not necessarily more general and more advantageous than the linear spin-3/2 Lagrangian current emerging within the covariant-projector formalism. Finally, we test the representation dependence of the multipoles by placing spin-1 and spin-3/2 in the respective (1,0)⊕(0,1) and (3/2,0)⊕(0,3/2) single-spin representations. We observe representation independence of the charge monopoles and the magnetic dipoles, in contrast to the higher multipoles, which turn out to be representation-dependent. In particular, we find the bi-vector (1,0)⊕(0,1) to be characterized by an electric quadrupole moment of opposite sign to the one found in (1/2,1/2), and consequently to the W boson. This observation allows us to explain the positive electric quadrupole moment of the ρ meson extracted from recent analyses of the ρ meson electric form factor. Our finding points toward the possibility that the ρ-meson could transform as part of an antisymmetric tensor with an a1 mesonlike state as its representation companion, a possibility consistent with the empirically established ρ and a1 vector meson dominance of the hadronic vector and axial-vector currents.

Role of CaCO3 and Charcoal Application on Organic Matter Retention in Silt-sized Aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berhe, A. A.; Kaiser, M.; Ghezzehei, T.; Myrold, D.; Kleber, M.

2011-12-01

The effectiveness of charcoal and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) applications to improve soil conditions has been well documented. However, their influence on the formation of silt-sized aggregates and the amount and protection of associated organic matter (OM) against microbial decomposition under differing soil mineralogical and microbiological conditions are still unknown. For sustainable management of agricultural soils, silt-sized aggregates (2-50 μm) are of particularly large importance because they store up to 60% of soil organic carbon and with mean residence times between 70 and 400 years. The objectives of this study are i) to analyze the ability of soil amendments (CaCO3, charcoal and their combined application) to increase the amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated organic matter, ii) vary soil mineral conditions to establish relevant boundary conditions for amendment-induced aggregation process, iii) to determine how amendment-induced changes in formation of silt-sized aggregates relate to microbial decomposition of OM. We set up artificial high reactive (clay: 40%, sand: 57%, SOM: 3%) and low reactive soils (clay: 10%, sand: 89%, SOM: 1%) and mixed them with charcoal (1%) and/or CaCO3 (0.2%). The samples were adjusted to a water potential of 0.3 bar using a nutrient solution and sub samples were incubated with microbial innoculum. After four months, silt-sized aggregates are separated by a combination of wet-sieving and sedimentation. We hypothesize that the relative increase in amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated OM is larger for less reactive soils than for high reactive soils because of a relative larger increase in binding agents by addition of charcoal and/or CaCO3 in less reactive soils. The effect of charcoal and/or CaCO3 application on the amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated OM is expected to increases with an increase in microbial activity. Between different treatments, we expect the incubated 'charcoal+CaCO3' combination to have the largest effect on silt-size scale aggregation processes because the amount of microbial derived cementing agents, charcoal derived functional groups containing OM, and Ca2+ ions are enhanced at the same time.

An In Vitro Comparison of PMMA and Calcium Sulfate as Carriers for the Local Delivery of Gallium(III) Nitrate to Staphylococcal Infected Surgical Sites

PubMed Central

Garcia, Rebecca A.; Tennent, David J.; Chang, David; Wenke, Joseph C.; Sanchez, Carlos J.

2016-01-01

Antibiotic-loaded bone cements, including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4), are often used for treatment of orthopaedic infections involving Staphylococcus spp., although the effectiveness of this treatment modality may be limited due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and/or the development of biofilms within surgical sites. Gallium(III) is an iron analog capable of inhibiting essential iron-dependent pathways, exerting broad antimicrobial activity against multiple microorganisms, including Staphylococcus spp. Herein, we evaluated PMMA and CaSO4 as carriers for delivery of gallium(III) nitrate (Ga(NO3)3) to infected surgical sites by assessing the release kinetics subsequent to incorporation and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. PMMA and to a lesser extent CaSO4 were observed to be compatible as carriers for Ga(NO3)3, eluting concentrations with antimicrobial activity against planktonic bacteria, inhibiting bacterial growth, and preventing bacterial colonization of beads, and effective against established bacterial biofilms of S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Collectively, our in vitro results indicate that PMMA is a more suitable carrier compared to CaSO4 for delivery of Ga(NO3)3; moreover they provide evidence for the potential use of Ga(NO3)3 with PMMA as a strategy for the prevention and/or treatment for orthopaedic infections. PMID:26885514

Study on 41Ca-AMS for diagnosis and assessment of cancer bone metastasis in rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Hongtao; Pang, Fangfang; Jiang, Shan; He, Ming; Dong, Kejun; Dou, Liang; Pang, Yijun; Yang, Xianlin; Ruan, Xiangdong; Liu, Manjun; Xia, Chunbo

2015-10-01

The annual incidence of new cancer patients in China is about 2 million, 30-40% of which will end up with bone metastasis. Profound study on the preclinical model and early diagnosis of cancer bone metastasis in rats are very significant for the drug development, better understanding and treatment of bone metastases. In order to monitor the process of bone metabolism and early detection of bone metastasis of cancer cells, a technique of 41Ca isotope tracer combined with AMS has been developed and applied in the study on the bone metastasis of cancer cells by rat model. In this work, 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into different groups, and tumor cells injected respectively into the tail vein, femoral artery, femoral cavity and the thigh muscle to establish the rat models for bone metastases. The most appropriate model, i.e., the thigh muscle group, was finally adopted in our real metastases experiment. Each rat in this group was intramuscularly (i.m.) injected with 250 μl CaCl2 solution (containing 1.4 mg Ca and 5nCi 41Ca). About 40 days later, the rat mammary gland carcinoma cells (Walker 256) were injected into these rats following the established protocol. After bone metastasis, medicine interventions were performed. The sequential urine and blood samples were collected and analyzed for 41Ca (by AMS) and N-terminal telopeptide (Ntx), respectively. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) values in the femur and the tibia were measured by CT scan. The results of 41Ca/Ca in longitudinal urinary samples can sensitively reveal the skeletal perturbations caused by bone metastasis of rats, suggests that 41Ca might be similarly developed for human use and improve clinical management through the assessment of the curative effect and non-invasive detection of the earliest stages of cancer growth in bone.

Changes in expression of BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75NTR in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence.

PubMed

Xu, R; Duan, S R; Zhao, J W; Wang, C Y

2015-08-01

Chronic ethanol consumption can produce learning and memory deficits. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors affect the pathogenesis of alcoholism. In this study, we examined the expression of BDNF, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in the hippocampus of a dog model of chronic alcoholism and abstinence. Twenty domestic dogs (9-10 months old, 15-20 kg; 10 males and 10 females) were obtained from Harbin Medical University. A stable alcoholism model was established through ad libitum feeding, and anti-alcohol drug treatment (Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling, the main ingredient was the stems of watermelon; developed in our laboratory), at low- and high-doses, was carried out. The Zhong Yao Jie Jiu Ling was effective for the alcoholism in dogs. The morphology of hippocampal neurons was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The number and morphological features of BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG), and the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions of the hippocampus were observed using immunohistochemistry. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR expression. BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR-positive cells were mainly localized in the granular cell layer of the DG and in the pyramidal cell layer of the CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions (DG>CA1>CA3>CA4). Expression levels of both BDNF and TrkB were decreased in chronic alcoholism, and increased after abstinence. The CA4 region appeared to show the greatest differences. Changes in p75NTR expression were the opposite of those of BDNF and TrkB, with the greatest differences observed in the DG and CA4 regions.

Absolute configuration of acremoxanthone C, a potent calmodulin inhibitor from Purpureocillium lilacinum.

PubMed

Madariaga-Mazón, Abraham; González-Andrade, Martín; González, María Del Carmen; Glenn, Anthony E; Cerda-García-Rojas, Carlos M; Mata, Rachel

2013-08-23

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract prepared from the culture medium and mycelium of Purpureocillium lilacinum allowed the isolation of two calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors, namely, acremoxanthone C (1) and acremonidin A (2). The absolute configuration of 1 was established as 2R, 3R, 1'S, 11'S, and 14'R through extensive NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling calculations at the DFT B3LYP/DGDZVP level, which included the comparison between theoretical and experimental specific rotation, ³J(C,H), and ³J(H,H) values. Compounds 1 and 2 bind to the human calmodulin (hCaM) biosensor hCaM M124C-mBBr, with dissociation constants (Kd) of 18.25 and 19.40 nM, respectively, 70-fold higher than that of chlorpromazine (Kd = 1.24 μM), used as positive control. Docking analysis using AutoDock 4.2 predicted that 1 and 2 bind to CaM at a similar site to that which KAR-2 binds, which is unusual. Furthermore, a novel, sensible, and specific fluorescent biosensor of hCaM, i.e., hCaM T110C-mBBr, was constructed; this device is labeled at a site where classical inhibitors do not interact and was successfully applied to measure the interaction of 1 with CaM. This is the first report of xanthone-anthraquinone heterodimers in species of Paecilomyces or Purpureocillium genera.

CLOVES syndrome: review of a PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS).

PubMed

Martinez-Lopez, A; Blasco-Morente, G; Perez-Lopez, I; Herrera-Garcia, J D; Luque-Valenzuela, M; Sanchez-Cano, D; Lopez-Gutierrez, J C; Ruiz-Villaverde, R; Tercedor-Sanchez, J

2017-01-01

Overgrowth syndromes are characterized by global or localized disproportionate growth associated with other anomalies, including vascular malformations and neurological and/or visceral disorders. CLOVES (Congenital Lipomatous asymmetric Overgrowth of the trunk with lymphatic, capillary, venous, and combined-type Vascular malformations, Epidermal naevi, Scoliosis/Skeletal and spinal anomalies) is an overgrowth syndrome caused by mosaic activating mutation in gene PIK3CA, which gives rise to abnormal PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway activation. These mutations are responsible for the clinical manifestations of the syndrome, which include low- and high-flow vascular malformations, thoracic lipomatous hyperplasia, asymmetric growth, and visceral and neurological disorders. These common anomalies are illustrated with figures from two personal cases. Identification of the clinical and genetic characteristics of CLOVES syndrome is crucial for the differential diagnosis with other overgrowth syndromes, such as Proteus or Klippel-Trenaunay (K-T) syndromes, and for the therapeutic management of the different anomalies. In this context, a new entity comprising different syndromes with phenotypic mutations in PIK3CA has been proposed, designated PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS), with the aim of facilitating clinical management and establishing appropriate genetic study criteria. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maxent Harmonic Grammars and Phonetic Duration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lefkowitz, Lee Michael

2017-01-01

Research in phonetics has established the grammatical status of gradient phonetic patterns in language, suggesting that there is a component of the grammar that governs systematic relationships between discrete phonological representations and gradiently continuous acoustic or articulatory phonetic representations. This dissertation joins several…

The sensitized luminescence of manganese-activated calcite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schulman, J.H.; Evans, L.W.; Ginther, R.J.; Murata, K.J.

1947-01-01

Synthetic manganese-activated calcites are shown to be practically inert to ultraviolet excitation in the range 2000-3500A, while they are luminescent under cathode-ray excitation. The incorporation of small amounts of an auxiliary impurity along with the manganese produces the strong response to ultraviolet radiation hitherto ascribed to CaCO3:Mn itself. Three such impurities have been studied: lead, thallium, and cerium. The first two induce excitation in the neighborhood of the mercury resonance line, while the cerium introduces a response principally to longer wave ultraviolet. The strong response to 2537A excitation shown by some natural calcites is likewise found to be due to the presence of lead along with the manganese, rather than to the manganese alone. The data do not warrant ascribing the longer wave-length ultraviolet-excited luminescence of all natural calcites to the action of an auxiliary impurity. The essential identity of the cathode-ray excited luminescence spectra of CaCO 3:Mn, CaCO3: (Pb+Mn), CaCO3:(Tl+Mn), and CaCO3:(Ce+Mn) with the 2537A-excited spectra of the latter three is evidence that the luminescent center in all cases is the manganese ion or the MnO6 group. It is shown that a "cascade" mechanism for the action of the auxiliary impurities, lead, thallium, and cerium, is incorrect; and that the phenomenon must be considered as a case of sensitized luminescence. Owing to the nature of cathode-ray excitation, the manganese activator can be excited by this agent even in the absence of a second impurity. For optical excitation, however, an absorption band for the ultraviolet must be established by building into the CaCO3:Mn a second impurity or "sensitizer.".

A phase width for CaGaSn. Crystal structure of mixed intermetallic Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x} and SmGa{sub x}Sn{sub 3−x}, stability, geometry and electronic structure

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

Tillard, Monique, E-mail: mtillard@univ-montp2.fr

X-ray single-crystal structure has been established for new compositions in intermetallic systems of tin and gallium. Crystals were successfully obtained in alloys prepared from elements. The structure of SmGaSn{sub 2} (cubic Pm3̄m, a=4.5778(8) Å, Z=1, R1=0.012) is described with atomic disorder at all Sn/Ga positions and the structure of Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4.9}Sn{sub 3.1} (hexagonal, P6{sub 3}/mmc, a=4.2233(9), c=17.601(7) Å, Z=1, R1=0.062) raises an interesting question about existence of a composition domain for CaGaSn. Finally, Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4.9}Sn{sub 3.1} should be considered as a particular composition of Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x}, a compound assumed to exist in the range x ~more » 0−1. Partial atomic ordering characterizes the Sn/Ga puckered layers of hexagons whose geometries are analyzed and discussed comparatively with analogous arrangements in AlB{sub 2} related hexagonal compounds. The study is supported by rigid band model and DFT calculations performed for different experimental and hypothetic arrangements. - Graphical abstract: A phase width for Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x} belonging to the hexagonal YPtAs structure-type. - Highlights: • Single crystals of mixed tin gallium ternary intermetallics were obtained. • Partial ordering at metal sites and phase width are evidenced for Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x}. • Layer deviation to flatness is studied comparatively with related structures. • Geometry and stability analyses based on DFT calculations are provided.« less

Vibrio cholerae ACE stimulates Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) secretion in T84 cells in vitro.

PubMed

Trucksis, M; Conn, T L; Wasserman, S S; Sears, C L

2000-09-01

ACE, accessory cholera enterotoxin, the third enterotoxin in Vibrio cholerae, has been reported to increase short-circuit current (I(sc)) in rabbit ileum and to cause fluid secretion in ligated rabbit ileal loops. We studied the ACE-induced change in I(sc) and potential difference (PD) in T84 monolayers mounted in modified Ussing chambers, an in vitro model of a Cl(-) secretory cell. ACE added to the apical surface alone stimulated a rapid increase in I(sc) and PD that was concentration dependent and immediately reversed when the toxin was removed. Ion replacement studies established that the current was dependent on Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-). ACE acted synergistically with the Ca(2+)-dependent acetylcholine analog, carbachol, to stimulate secretion in T84 monolayers. In contrast, the secretory response to cAMP or cGMP agonists was not enhanced by ACE. The ACE-stimulated secretion was dependent on extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+) but was not associated with an increase in intracellular cyclic nucleotides. We conclude that the mechanism of secretion by ACE involves Ca(2+) as a second messenger and that this toxin stimulates a novel Ca(2+)-dependent synergy.

Experimental Determination of the Cosmogenic Ar Production Rate From Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedermann, S.; Schäfer, J. M.; Wieler, R.; Naumann, R.

2005-12-01

Cosmogenic 38Ar is produced in terrestrial surface rocks by spallation of target nuclides, in particular K and Ca. Though the presence of cosmogenic Ar in Ca-rich minerals has been demonstrated earlier [1], is has proven difficult to establish its production rate. To circumvent problems connected to 36Ar production by 35Cl neutron capture and different production rates from K and Ca, we have analyzed the noble gases in seven pyroxene separates (px) from the Antarctic Dry Valleys which are essentially free of Cl and K. The px were obtained from dolerite rocks, for which 3He and 21Ne exposure ages from 1.5 to 6.5 Ma have been reported [2]. The noble gases were extracted in two or three heating steps at GFZ Potsdam, yielding 38Ar/36Ar ratios up to 0.2283 ± 0.0008 (air: 0.1880). Ca (3.7-11.2 wt. %) is expected to be the only relevant target element for Ar production in the five pure px (<0.05% K); the production rate from Fe is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from Ca [e.g. 3]. Assuming an 38Ar/36Ar production ratio of 1.5 ± 0.2, we obtain cosmogenic 38Ar concentrations between 130 and 530x106 atoms/g. The 38Ar production rate was calculated based on 21Ne exposure ages [2], corrected for elevated nuclide production in Antarctica due to prevailing low air pressure and for the revised 21Ne production rate from Si. We obtain values between 188 ± 17 and 243 +110/-24 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 at sea level and high (northern) latitudes for four out of the five pure px, while one yields a very high value of 348 ± 70 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1. Values above 250 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 are also obtained from two less pure px containing 0.3 and 0.9% K and from one feldspar/quartz accumulate, indicating that the production rate from K may be higher than that from Ca. The weighted mean (excluding the outlier) of ~200 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 is in excellent agreement with Lal's [3] theoretical estimate. [1] Renne et al., EPSL 188 (2001) 435. [2] Schäfer et al., EPSL 167 (1999) 215. [3] Lal, EPSL 104 (1991) 424.

CaSiO3 perovskite in diamond indicates the recycling of oceanic crust into the lower mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nestola, F.; Korolev, N.; Kopylova, M.; Rotiroti, N.; Pearson, D. G.; Pamato, M. G.; Alvaro, M.; Peruzzo, L.; Gurney, J. J.; Moore, A. E.; Davidson, J.

2018-03-01

Laboratory experiments and seismology data have created a clear theoretical picture of the most abundant minerals that comprise the deeper parts of the Earth’s mantle. Discoveries of some of these minerals in ‘super-deep’ diamonds—formed between two hundred and about one thousand kilometres into the lower mantle—have confirmed part of this picture. A notable exception is the high-pressure perovskite-structured polymorph of calcium silicate (CaSiO3). This mineral—expected to be the fourth most abundant in the Earth—has not previously been found in nature. Being the dominant host for calcium and, owing to its accommodating crystal structure, the major sink for heat-producing elements (potassium, uranium and thorium) in the transition zone and lower mantle, it is critical to establish its presence. Here we report the discovery of the perovskite-structured polymorph of CaSiO3 in a diamond from South African Cullinan kimberlite. The mineral is intergrown with about six per cent calcium titanate (CaTiO3). The titanium-rich composition of this inclusion indicates a bulk composition consistent with derivation from basaltic oceanic crust subducted to pressures equivalent to those present at the depths of the uppermost lower mantle. The relatively ‘heavy’ carbon isotopic composition of the surrounding diamond, together with the pristine high-pressure CaSiO3 structure, provides evidence for the recycling of oceanic crust and surficial carbon to lower-mantle depths.

78 FR 40076 - Proposed Establishment and Modification of Class E Airspace; Oakland, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

...; Oakland, CA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above... instrument approach procedures at the airport. This action would also modify Class E surface airspace...

Bioactive Surface Modification of Hydroxyapatite

PubMed Central

Okazaki, Yohei; Hiasa, Kyou; Yasuda, Keisuke; Nogami, Keisuke; Mizumachi, Wataru; Hirata, Isao

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to establish an acid-etching procedure for altering the Ca/P ratio of the nanostructured surface of hydroxyapatite (HAP) by using surface chemical and morphological analyses (XPS, XRD, SEM, surface roughness, and wettability) and to evaluate the in vitro response of osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1 cells) to the modified surfaces. This study utilized HAP and HAP treated with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% phosphoric acid solution for 10 minutes at 25°C, followed by rinsing 3 times with ultrapure water. The 30% phosphoric acid etching process that provided a Ca/P ratio of 1.50, without destruction of the grain boundary of HAP, was selected as a surface-modification procedure. Additionally, HAP treated by the 30% phosphoric acid etching process was stored under dry conditions at 25°C for 12 hours, and the Ca/P ratio approximated to 1.00 accidentally. The initial adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and relative mRNA level for ALP) of MC3T3-E1 cells on the modified surfaces were significantly promoted (P < 0.05 and 0.01). These findings show that the 30% phosphoric acid etching process for the nanostructured HAP surface can alter the Ca/P ratio effectively and may accelerate the initial adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. PMID:23862150

Spinor Structure and Internal Symmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varlamov, V. V.

2015-10-01

Spinor structure and internal symmetries are considered within one theoretical framework based on the generalized spin and abstract Hilbert space. Complex momentum is understood as a generating kernel of the underlying spinor structure. It is shown that tensor products of biquaternion algebras are associated with the each irreducible representation of the Lorentz group. Space-time discrete symmetries P, T and their combination PT are generated by the fundamental automorphisms of this algebraic background (Clifford algebras). Charge conjugation C is presented by a pseudoautomorphism of the complex Clifford algebra. This description of the operation C allows one to distinguish charged and neutral particles including particle-antiparticle interchange and truly neutral particles. Spin and charge multiplets, based on the interlocking representations of the Lorentz group, are introduced. A central point of the work is a correspondence between Wigner definition of elementary particle as an irreducible representation of the Poincaré group and SU(3)-description (quark scheme) of the particle as a vector of the supermultiplet (irreducible representation of SU(3)). This correspondence is realized on the ground of a spin-charge Hilbert space. Basic hadron supermultiplets of SU(3)-theory (baryon octet and two meson octets) are studied in this framework. It is shown that quark phenomenologies are naturally incorporated into presented scheme. The relationship between mass and spin is established. The introduced spin-mass formula and its combination with Gell-Mann-Okubo mass formula allows one to take a new look at the problem of mass spectrum of elementary particles.

A non-capacitative pathway activated by arachidonic acid is the major Ca2+ entry mechanism in rat A7r5 smooth muscle cells stimulated with low concentrations of vasopressin

PubMed Central

Broad, Lisa M; Cannon, Toby R; Taylor, Colin W

1999-01-01

Depletion of the Ca2+ stores of A7r5 cells stimulated Ca2+, though not Sr2+, entry. Vasopressin (AVP) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated Sr2+ entry. The cells therefore express a capacitative pathway activated by empty stores and a non-capacitative pathway stimulated by receptors; only the former is permeable to Mn2+ and only the latter to Sr2+. Neither empty stores nor inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) binding to its receptors are required for activation of the non-capacitative pathway, because microinjection of cells with heparin prevented PDGF-evoked Ca2+ mobilization but not Sr2+ entry. Low concentrations of Gd3+ irreversibly blocked capacitative Ca2+ entry without affecting AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry. After inhibition of the capacitative pathway with Gd3+, AVP evoked a substantial increase in cytosolic [Ca2+], confirming that the non-capacitative pathway can evoke a significant increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. Arachidonic acid mimicked the effect of AVP on Sr2+ entry without stimulating Mn2+ entry; the Sr2+ entry was inhibited by 100 μM Gd3+, but not by 1 μM Gd3+ which completely inhibited capacitative Ca2+ entry. The effects of arachidonic acid did not require its metabolism. AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry was unaffected by isotetrandrine, an inhibitor of G protein-coupled phospholipase A2. U73122, an inhibitor of phosphoinositidase C, inhibited AVP-evoked formation of inositol phosphates and Sr2+ entry. The effects of phorbol esters and Ro31-8220 (a protein kinase C inhibitor) established that protein kinase C did not mediate the effects of AVP on the non-capacitative pathway. An inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase, RHC-80267, inhibited AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry without affecting capacitative Ca2+ entry or release of Ca2+ stores. Selective inhibition of capacitative Ca2+ entry with Gd3+ revealed that the non-capacitative pathway is the major route for the Ca2+ entry evoked by low AVP concentrations. We conclude that in A7r5 cells, the Ca2+ entry evoked by low concentrations of AVP is mediated largely by a non-capacitative pathway directly regulated by arachidonic acid produced by the sequential activities of phosphoinositidase C and diacylglycerol lipase. PMID:10226154

X-Ray Microanalysis of Human Cementum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez-Pérez, Marco Antonio; Alvarez-Fregoso, Octavio; Ortiz-López, Jaime; Arzate, Higinio

2005-08-01

An energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis study was performed throughout the total length of cementum on five impacted human teeth. Mineral content of calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were determined with an electron probe from the cemento-enamel junction to the root apex on the external surface of the cementum. The concentration profiles for calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were compared by using Ca/P and Mg/Ca atomic percent ratio. Our findings demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio at the cemento-enamel junction showed the highest values (1.8 2.2). However, the area corresponding to the acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC) usually located on the coronal one-third of the root surface showed a Ca/P media value of 1.65. Nevertheless, on the area representing the fulcrum of the root there is an abrupt change in the Ca/P ratio, which decreases to 1.3. Our results revealed that Mg2+ distribution throughout the length of human cementum reached its maximum Mg/Ca ratio value of 1.3 1.4 at.% around the fulcrum of the root and an average value of 0.03%. A remarkable finding was that the Mg/Ca ratio pattern distribution showed that in the region where the Ca/P ratio showed a decreasing tendency, the Mg/Ca ratio reached its maximum value, showing a negative correlation. In conclusion, this study has established that clear compositional differences exist between AEFC and cellular mixed stratified cementum varieties and adds new knowledge about Mg2+ distribution and suggests its provocative role regulating human cementum metabolism.

Effect of Zn on the structural and electrical properties of high temperature HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, Bilal A.; Fathi, Sabah J.; Jassim, Kareem A.

2018-05-01

Bulk polycrystalline HgBa2Ca2-yZnyCu3O8+δ compound samples with y =0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3, are synthesized by a solid state reaction process. Study identifies Zinc partial substitution on superconductivity behavior. Structural properties are studied by using X-ray powder pattern, the high temperature phase superconductor (Hg-1223) of the tetragonal structure didn't change with the partial substitution of Zn ions in Ca site, lattice parameters c, c/a are established to vary Zn-substitution. The surface morphology has been studied by using atomic force microscopes (AFM), showed that all specimens have good crystalline and homogeneous surface. Also give a best nano size value is 83.29 nm at y=0.05. Four probe technique is used to measure Tc. The highest Tc and oxygen content were found to be Tc=132 K for y=0.05 after that, Tc decreases from 132 K to 115 K with increasing Zn. In addition, dielectric properties (dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and the alternating electrical conductivity) are characterized directly by relating with Zn concentration.

Calcium signaling in closely related protozoan groups (Alveolata): non-parasitic ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) vs. parasitic Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma).

PubMed

Plattner, H; Sehring, I M; Mohamed, I K; Miranda, K; De Souza, W; Billington, R; Genazzani, A; Ladenburger, E-M

2012-05-01

The importance of Ca2+-signaling for many subcellular processes is well established in higher eukaryotes, whereas information about protozoa is restricted. Recent genome analyses have stimulated such work also with Alveolates, such as ciliates (Paramecium, Tetrahymena) and their pathogenic close relatives, the Apicomplexa (Plasmodium, Toxoplasma). Here we compare Ca2+ signaling in the two closely related groups. Acidic Ca2+ stores have been characterized in detail in Apicomplexa, but hardly in ciliates. Two-pore channels engaged in Ca2+-release from acidic stores in higher eukaryotes have not been stingently characterized in either group. Both groups are endowed with plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-type Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA, SERCA), respectively. Only recently was it possible to identify in Paramecium a number of homologs of ryanodine and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate receptors (RyR, IP3R) and to localize them to widely different organelles participating in vesicle trafficking. For Apicomplexa, physiological experiments suggest the presence of related channels although their identity remains elusive. In Paramecium, IP3Rs are constitutively active in the contractile vacuole complex; RyR-related channels in alveolar sacs are activated during exocytosis stimulation, whereas in the parasites the homologous structure (inner membrane complex) may no longer function as a Ca2+ store. Scrutinized comparison of the two closely related protozoan phyla may stimulate further work and elucidate adaptation to parasitic life. See also "Conclusions" section. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanism of extracellular ion exchange and binding-site occlusion in the sodium-calcium exchanger

PubMed Central

Lee, ChangKeun; Huang, Yihe; Faraldo-Gómez, José D.; Jiang, Youxing

2016-01-01

Na+/Ca2+ exchangers utilize the Na+ electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane to extrude intracellular Ca2+, and play a central role in Ca2+ homeostasis. Here, we elucidate their mechanisms of extracellular ion recognition and exchange through a structural analysis of the exchanger from Methanococcus jannaschii (NCX_Mj) bound to Na+, Ca2+ or Sr2+ in various occupancies and in an apo state. This analysis defines the binding mode and relative affinity of these ions, establishes the structural basis for the anticipated 3Na+:1Ca2+ exchange stoichiometry, and reveals the conformational changes at the onset of the alternating-access transport mechanism. An independent analysis of the dynamics and conformational free-energy landscape of NCX_Mj in different ion-occupancy states, based on enhanced-sampling molecular-dynamics simulations, demonstrates that the crystal structures reflect mechanistically relevant, interconverting conformations. These calculations also reveal the mechanism by which the outward-to-inward transition is controlled by the ion-occupancy state, thereby explaining the emergence of strictly-coupled Na+/Ca2+ antiport. PMID:27183196

Mechanism of extracellular ion exchange and binding-site occlusion in a sodium/calcium exchanger

DOE PAGES

Liao, Jun; Marinelli, Fabrizio; Lee, Changkeun; ...

2016-05-16

Na +/Ca 2+ exchangers utilize the Na + electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane to extrude intracellular Ca 2+, and play a central role in Ca 2+ homeostasis. Here, we elucidate their mechanisms of extracellular ion recognition and exchange through a structural analysis of the exchanger from Methanococcus jannaschii (NCX_Mj) bound to Na +, Ca 2+ or Sr 2+ in various occupancies and in an apo state. This analysis defines the binding mode and relative affinity of these ions, establishes the structural basis for the anticipated 3:1Na +/Ca 2+ exchange stoichiometry, and reveals the conformational changes at the onset ofmore » the alternating-access transport mechanism. An independent analysis of the dynamics and conformational free-energy landscape of NCX_Mj in different ion-occupancy states, based on enhanced-sampling molecular-dynamics simulations, demonstrates that the crystal structures reflect mechanistically relevant, interconverting conformations. Lastly, these calculations also reveal the mechanism by which the outward-to-inward transition is controlled by the ion-occupancy state, thereby explaining the emergence of strictly-coupled Na +/Ca 2+ antiport.« less

A rash with a heavy heart

PubMed Central

Barros-Gomes, Sergio; Naksuk, Niyada; Jevremovic, Dragan

2017-01-01

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is relatively rare and frequently misdiagnosed. Other disorders presenting with increased left ventricular (LV) mass can mimic its diagnosis. This case illustrates unique findings of primary light chain (AL) amyloidosis in a patient with remarkable signs of CA. Here, we report a 49-year-old male with prior diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on an echocardiogram performed 1 year earlier, which presented with 8 weeks of periorbital rash. The patient had numbness in the past 3 years. More recently, the patient presented with shortness of breath. Physical examination was remarkable for periorbital purpura, macroglossia and orthostatic hypotension. Cardiac auscultation showed S3 and S4. Electrocardiography showed diffuse low-voltage QRS complexes. Echocardiography revealed severe diastolic impairment; granular ‘sparkling’ pattern of the myocardium with thickened walls, interatrial septum and valves; and pericardial effusion. Diastolic dysfunction and thick walls with low ECG voltage are compelling diagnostic findings. Laboratory workup showed increased free light chain-differential (FLC-diff), N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-BNP) and cardiac Troponin T (cTnT). Bone marrow biopsy confirmed AL amyloidosis. A diagnosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement mimicking HCM was made. The patient died during hospitalization due to sudden cardiac death. This case illustrates the importance of the combination of clinical, serological, and electro- and echocardiographic findings to establish the diagnosis of CA. Learning points: Several disorders presenting with increased LV mass can mimic CA. Echocardiography is one of the most important methods to diagnose CA and HCM. Signs of CA include LV wall thickness; thickening of interatrial septum, valves and right ventricular free wall; and pericardial effusion. Diastolic dysfunction and thick walls on echocardiography with low ECG voltage are the hallmark of disease. CA is a major prognostic factor in AL amyloidosis. Signs of HCM on echocardiography include several patterns of LV hypertrophy, such as sigmoidal, reverse curve, neutral and apical morphologies; LV outflow tract or mid-cavity obstruction; systolic anterior motion of mitral leaflets; mitral regurgitation and diastolic dysfunction. The combination of clinical and serological features, along morphological and functional structures, has an important role for establishing diagnosis and predicting prognosis. PMID:28687586

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

Hashimoto, Muneaki, E-mail: muneaki@juntendo.ac.jp; Nara, Takeshi, E-mail: tnara@juntendo.ac.jp; Enomoto, Masahiro, E-mail: menomoto@uhnres.utoronto.ca

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP{sub 3}R) is a key regulator of intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration that release Ca{sup 2+} from Ca{sup 2+} stores in response to various external stimuli. IP{sub 3}R also works as a signal hub which form a platform for interacting with various proteins involved in diverse cell signaling. Previously, we have identified an IP{sub 3}R homolog in the parasitic protist, Trypanosoma cruzi (TcIP{sub 3}R). Parasites expressing reduced or increased levels of TcIP{sub 3}R displayed defects in growth, transformation, and infectivity. In the present study, we established parasitic strains expressing a dominant negative form of TcIP{sub 3}R, named DN-TcIP{submore » 3}R, to further investigate the physiological role(s) of TcIP{sub 3}R. We found that the growth of epimastigotes expressing DN-TcIP{sub 3}R was significantly slower than that of parasites with TcIP{sub 3}R expression levels that were approximately 65% of wild-type levels. The expression of DN-TcIP{sub 3}R in epimastigotes induced metacyclogenesis even in the normal growth medium. Furthermore, these epimastigotes showed the presence of dense mitochondria under a transmission electron microscope. Our findings confirm that TcIP{sub 3}R is crucial for epimastigote growth, as previously reported. They also suggest that a strong inhibition of the IP{sub 3}R-mediated signaling induces metacyclogenesis and that mitochondrial integrity is closely associated with this signaling. - Highlights: • We established T. cruzi strains expressing a dominant negative form of the TcIP{sub 3}R. • DN-TcIP{sub 3}R expression inhibits epimastigote growth and induces metacyclogenesis. • Microscopic analysis indicated TcIP{sub 3}R role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity. • Growth, but not microbial density, was altered by mammalian IP{sub 3}R inhibitor (2-APB).« less

10 CFR Appendix E to Part 835 - Values for Establishing Sealed Radioactive Source Accountability and Radioactive Material Posting...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...+05 C-14 4.6E+06 Na-22 1.9E+01 Al-26 1.5E+01 Si-32 4.9E+04 S-35 2.4E+06 Cl-36 5.2E+05 K-40 2.7E+02 Ca-41 9.3E+06 Ca-45 1.1E+06 Sc-46 6.2E+01 Ti-44 1.5E+02 V-49 1.0E+08 Mn-53 7.5E+07 Mn-54 6.5E+01 Fe-55 2.9E+06 Fe-59 1.9E+02 Fe-60 8.1E+03 Co-56 3.9E+01 Co-57 2.3E+02 Co-58 1.3E+02 Co-60 1.7E+01 Ni-59 3.2E...

10 CFR Appendix E to Part 835 - Values for Establishing Sealed Radioactive Source Accountability and Radioactive Material Posting...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...+05 C-14 4.6E+06 Na-22 1.9E+01 Al-26 1.5E+01 Si-32 4.9E+04 S-35 2.4E+06 Cl-36 5.2E+05 K-40 2.7E+02 Ca-41 9.3E+06 Ca-45 1.1E+06 Sc-46 6.2E+01 Ti-44 1.5E+02 V-49 1.0E+08 Mn-53 7.5E+07 Mn-54 6.5E+01 Fe-55 2.9E+06 Fe-59 1.9E+02 Fe-60 8.1E+03 Co-56 3.9E+01 Co-57 2.3E+02 Co-58 1.3E+02 Co-60 1.7E+01 Ni-59 3.2E...

10 CFR Appendix E to Part 835 - Values for Establishing Sealed Radioactive Source Accountability and Radioactive Material Posting...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...+05 C-14 4.6E+06 Na-22 1.9E+01 Al-26 1.5E+01 Si-32 4.9E+04 S-35 2.4E+06 Cl-36 5.2E+05 K-40 2.7E+02 Ca-41 9.3E+06 Ca-45 1.1E+06 Sc-46 6.2E+01 Ti-44 1.5E+02 V-49 1.0E+08 Mn-53 7.5E+07 Mn-54 6.5E+01 Fe-55 2.9E+06 Fe-59 1.9E+02 Fe-60 8.1E+03 Co-56 3.9E+01 Co-57 2.3E+02 Co-58 1.3E+02 Co-60 1.7E+01 Ni-59 3.2E...

Adult dogs are capable of regulating calcium balance, with no adverse effects on health, when fed a high-calcium diet.

PubMed

Stockman, Jonathan; Watson, Phillip; Gilham, Matthew; Allaway, David; Atwal, Jujhar; Haydock, Richard; Colyer, Alison; Renfrew, Helen; Morris, Penelope J

2017-05-01

Although the implications of long-term high Ca intakes have been well documented in growing dogs, the health consequences of Ca excess in adult dogs remain to be established. To evaluate the impact of feeding a diet containing 7·1 g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) Ca for 40 weeks on Ca balance and health parameters in adult dogs, eighteen neutered adult Labrador Retrievers, (nine males and nine females) aged 2·5-7·4 years were randomised to one of two customised diets for 40 weeks. The diets were manufactured according to similar nutritional specifications, with the exception of Ca and P levels. The diets provided 1·7 and 7·1 g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) (200(SD26) and 881(SD145) mg/kg body weight0·75 per d, respectively) Ca, respectively, with a Ca:P ratio of 1·6. Clinical examinations, ultrasound scans, radiographs, health parameters, metabolic effects and mineral balance were recorded at baseline and at 8-week intervals throughout the study. Dogs in both groups were healthy throughout the trial without evidence of urinary, renal or orthopaedic disease. In addition, there were no clinically relevant changes in any of the measures made in either group (all P>0·05). The high-Ca diet resulted in a 3·3-fold increase in faecal Ca excretion (P0·05). Ca intakes of up to 7·1 g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) are well tolerated over a period of 40 weeks, with no adverse effects that could be attributed to the diet or to a high mineral intake.

Analysis of Distinct Roles of CaMKK Isoforms Using STO-609-Resistant Mutants in Living Cells.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Yuya; Hiraoka, Yuri; Fujimoto, Tomohito; Kanayama, Naoki; Magari, Masaki; Tokumitsu, Hiroshi

2015-06-30

To assess the isoform specificity of the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK)-mediated signaling pathway using a CaMKK inhibitor (STO-609) in living cells, we have established A549 cell lines expressing STO-609-resistant mutants of CaMKK isoforms. Following serial mutagenesis studies, we have succeeded in obtaining an STO-609-resistant CaMKKα mutant (Ala292Thr/Leu233Phe) and a CaMKKβ mutant (Ala328Thr/Val269Phe), which showed sensitivity to STO-609 that was 2-3 orders of magnitude lower without an appreciable effect on kinase activity or CaM requirement. These results are consistent with the results obtained for CaMKK activities in the extracts of A549 cells stably expressing the mutants of CaMKK isoforms. Ionomycin-induced 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation at Thr172 in A549 cells expressing either the wild-type or the STO-609-resistant mutant of CaMKKα was completely suppressed by STO-609 treatment but resistant to the inhibitor in the presence of the CaMKKβ mutant (Ala328Thr/Val269Phe). This result strongly suggested that CaMKKβ is responsible for ionomycin-induced AMPK activation, which supported previous reports. In contrast, ionomycin-induced CaMKIV phosphorylation at Thr196 was resistant to STO-609 treatment in A549 cells expressing STO-609-resistant mutants of both CaMKK isoforms, indicating that both CaMKK isoforms are capable of phosphorylating and activating CaMKIV in living cells. Considering these results together, STO-609-resistant CaMKK mutants developed in this study may be useful for distinguishing CaMKK isoform-mediated signaling pathways in combination with the use of an inhibitor compound.

Genetic polymorphism and prostate cancer aggressiveness: a case-only study of 1,536 GWAS and candidate SNPs in African-Americans and European-Americans.

PubMed

Bensen, Jeannette T; Xu, Zongli; Smith, Gary J; Mohler, James L; Fontham, Elizabeth T H; Taylor, Jack A

2013-01-01

Genome-wide association studies have established a number of replicated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for susceptibility to prostate cancer (CaP), but it is unclear whether these susceptibility SNPs are also associated with disease aggressiveness. This study evaluates whether such replication SNPs or other candidate SNPs are associated with CaP aggressiveness in African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) men. A 1,536 SNP panel which included 34 genome-wide association study (GWAS) replication SNPs, 38 flanking SNPs, a set of ancestry informative markers, and SNPs in candidate genes and other areas was genotyped in 1,060 AA and 1,087 EA men with incident CaP from the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). Tests for association were conducted using ordinal logistic regression with a log-additive genotype model and a 3-category CaP aggressiveness variable. Four GWAS replication SNPs (rs2660753, rs13254738, rs10090154, rs2735839) and seven flanking SNPs were associated with CaP aggressiveness (P < 0.05) in three genomic regions: One at 3p12 (EA), seven at 8q24 (5 AA, 2 EA), and three at 19q13 at the kallilkrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) locus (two AA, one AA and EA). The KLK3 SNPs also were associated with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in AA (P < 0.001) but not in EA. A number of the other SNPs showed some evidence of association but none met study-wide significance levels after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Some replicated GWAS susceptibility SNPs may play a role in CaP aggressiveness. However, like susceptibility, these associations are not consistent between racial groups. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

48 CFR 52.241-1 - Electric Service Territory Compliance Representation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Electric Service Territory Compliance Representation. 52.241-1 Section 52.241-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL... utility franchises or service territories established pursuant to State statute, State regulation, or...

Anthropogenic carbon in the ocean—Surface to interior connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groeskamp, Sjoerd; Lenton, Andrew; Matear, Richard; Sloyan, Bernadette M.; Langlais, Clothilde

2016-11-01

Quantifying the surface to interior transport of anthropogenic carbon (CA) is critical for projecting future carbon uptake and for improved understanding of the role of the oceans in the global carbon cycle. Here we develop and apply a diagnostic tool that provides a volumetric stream function in (CA,σ0) coordinates to calculate the total diapycnal CA transport in the ocean, where σ0 is the surface referenced potential density anomaly. We combine this with air-sea fluxes of CA to infer the internal ocean mixing of CA to obtain a closed globally integrated budget analyses of the ocean's CA transport. This diagnostic separates the contribution from the mean flow, seasonal cycles, trend, surface fluxes, and mixing in the distribution and the accumulation of CA in the ocean. We find that the redistribution of CA from the surface to the interior of the ocean is due to an interplay between circulation and mixing. The circulation component is dominated by the mean flow; however, effects due to seasonal cycles are significant for the CA redistribution. The two most important pathways for CA subduction are through the transformation of thermocline water (TW) into subantarctic mode water and by transformation of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) into lighter Antarctic Intermediate Water. The results suggest that an accurate representation of intermediate and mode water formation, deep water formation, and spatial and temporal distribution of ocean mixing in ocean models is essential to simulate and project the oceanic uptake of CA.

KCa2 channels activation prevents [Ca2+]i deregulation and reduces neuronal death following glutamate toxicity and cerebral ischemia

PubMed Central

Dolga, A M; Terpolilli, N; Kepura, F; Nijholt, I M; Knaus, H-G; D'Orsi, B; Prehn, J H M; Eisel, U L M; Plant, T; Plesnila, N; Culmsee, C

2011-01-01

Exacerbated activation of glutamate receptor-coupled calcium channels and subsequent increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) are established hallmarks of neuronal cell death in acute and chronic neurological diseases. Here we show that pathological [Ca2+]i deregulation occurring after glutamate receptor stimulation is effectively modulated by small conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa2) channels. We found that neuronal excitotoxicity was associated with a rapid downregulation of KCa2.2 channels within 3 h after the onset of glutamate exposure. Activation of KCa2 channels preserved KCa2 expression and significantly reduced pathological increases in [Ca2+]i providing robust neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest a critical role for KCa2 channels in excitotoxic neuronal cell death and propose their activation as potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. PMID:21509037

KCa2 channels activation prevents [Ca2+]i deregulation and reduces neuronal death following glutamate toxicity and cerebral ischemia.

PubMed

Dolga, A M; Terpolilli, N; Kepura, F; Nijholt, I M; Knaus, H-G; D'Orsi, B; Prehn, J H M; Eisel, U L M; Plant, T; Plesnila, N; Culmsee, C

2011-04-21

Exacerbated activation of glutamate receptor-coupled calcium channels and subsequent increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) are established hallmarks of neuronal cell death in acute and chronic neurological diseases. Here we show that pathological [Ca2+]i deregulation occurring after glutamate receptor stimulation is effectively modulated by small conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa2) channels. We found that neuronal excitotoxicity was associated with a rapid downregulation of KCa2.2 channels within 3 h after the onset of glutamate exposure. Activation of KCa2 channels preserved KCa2 expression and significantly reduced pathological increases in [Ca2+]i providing robust neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest a critical role for KCa2 channels in excitotoxic neuronal cell death and propose their activation as potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

Learning metathesis: Evidence for syllable structure constraints.

PubMed

Finley, Sara

2017-02-01

One of the major questions in the cognitive science of language is whether the perceptual and phonological motivations for the rules and patterns that govern the sounds of language are a part of the psychological reality of grammatical representations. This question is particularly important in the study of phonological patterns - systematic constraints on the representation of sounds, because phonological patterns tend to be grounded in phonetic constraints. This paper focuses on phonological metathesis, which occurs when two adjacent sounds switch positions (e.g., ca st pronounced as ca ts ). While many cases of phonological metathesis appear to be motivated by constraints on syllable structure, it is possible that these metathesis patterns are merely artifacts of historical change, and do not represent the linguistic knowledge of the speaker (Blevins & Garrett, 1998). Participants who were exposed to a metathesis pattern that can be explained in terms of structural or perceptual improvement were less likely to generalize to metathesis patterns that did not show the same improvements. These results support a substantively biased theory in which phonological patterns are encoded in terms of structurally motivated constraints.

Synthesis of Multicolor Core/Shell NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ln3+@CaF2 Upconversion Nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Hao, Shuwei; Yang, Chunhui; Chen, Guanying

2017-01-01

The ability to synthesize high-quality hierarchical core/shell nanocrystals from an efficient host lattice is important to realize efficacious photon upconversion for applications ranging from bioimaging to solar cells. Here, we describe a strategy to fabricate multicolor core @ shell α-NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ln3+@CaF2 (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) based on the newly established host lattice of sodium lutetium fluoride (NaLuF4). We exploited the liquid-solid-solution method to synthesize the NaLuF4 core of pure cubic phase and the thermal decomposition approach to expitaxially grow the calcium fluoride (CaF2) shell onto the core UCNCs, yielding cubic core/shell nanocrystals with a size of 15.6 ± 1.2 nm (the core ~9 ± 0.9 nm, the shell ~3.3 ± 0.3 nm). We showed that those core/shell UCNCs could emit activator-defined multicolor emissions up to about 772 times more efficient than the core nanocrystals due to effective suppression of surface-related quenching effects. Our results provide a new paradigm on heterogeneous core/shell structure for enhanced multicolor upconversion photoluminescence from colloidal nanocrystals. PMID:28336867

A Novel Workflow to Enrich and Isolate Patient-Matched EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow/negative CTCs Enables the Comparative Characterization of the PIK3CA Status in Metastatic Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Lampignano, Rita; Yang, Liwen; Neumann, Martin H. D.; Franken, André; Fehm, Tanja; Niederacher, Dieter; Neubauer, Hans

2017-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), potential precursors of most epithelial solid tumors, are mainly enriched by epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-dependent technologies. Hence, these approaches may overlook mesenchymal CTCs, considered highly malignant. Our aim was to establish a workflow to enrich and isolate patient-matched EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow/negative CTCs within the same blood samples, and to investigate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutational status within single CTCs. We sequentially processed metastatic breast cancer (MBC) blood samples via CellSearch® (EpCAM-based) and via Parsortix™ (size-based) systems. After enrichment, cells captured in Parsortix™ cassettes were stained in situ for nuclei, cytokeratins, EpCAM and CD45. Afterwards, sorted cells were isolated via CellCelector™ micromanipulator and their genomes were amplified. Lastly, PIK3CA mutational status was analyzed by combining an amplicon-based approach with Sanger sequencing. In 54% of patients′ blood samples both EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow/negative cells were identified and successfully isolated. High genomic integrity was observed in 8% of amplified genomes of EpCAMlow/negative cells vs. 28% of EpCAMhigh cells suggesting an increased apoptosis in the first CTC-subpopulation. Furthermore, PIK3CA hotspot mutations were detected in both EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow/negative CTCs. Our workflow is suitable for single CTC analysis, permitting—for the first time—assessment of the heterogeneity of PIK3CA mutational status within patient-matched EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow/negative CTCs. PMID:28858218

Investigation of the relationship between venticular fibrillation duration and cardiac/neurological damage in a rabbit model of electrically induced arrhythmia.

PubMed

Hu, Chun-Lin; Wei, Hong-Yan; Liu, Zi-You; Li, Xing; Liao, Xiao-Xing; Li, Yu-Jie; Zhan, Hong; Jing, Xiao-Li; Xiong, Yan; Liu, Yan-Yan; Wu, Gui-Fu

2010-12-01

To establish a simple, economic, and reliable alternating current (AC)-induced cardiac arrest (ACCA) model in rabbits for cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation research. Ventricular fibrillation was induced in 27 New Zealand rabbits by external transthoracic AC, which were randomly divided into three groups according to the duration of untreated ACCA (ACCA-3 minutes, ACCA-5 minutes, and ACCA-8 minutes). After ACCA, all animals received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 2 minutes and subsequent defibrillation until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The troponin I levels were measured at 4 hours after ROSC. Animals died spontaneously or were killed at 72 hours after ROSC. The hippocampus were removed and fixed in 3% formalin. TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling and Nissl stainings were performed in 10-μm thickness coronal sections. Furthermore, two rabbits (without induction of ventricular fibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and defibrillation) served as normal control group. Mean survival times after ROSC were 48.57 hours ± 24.70 hours, 18.0 hours ± 15.13 hours, and 3.88 hours ± 2.39 hours for groups ACCA-3 minutes, ACCA-5 minutes, and ACCA-8 minutes, respectively. Survival was significantly different between ACCA-3 minutes and other two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01). Neuronal necrosis and apoptosis were found in the hippocampus CA1, CA2, and CA3 areas of group ACCA-3 minutes. In contrast, neuronal necrosis and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling positive cells were fewer in control animals. The rabbits in group ACCA-3 minutes had significant neuronal damage with apoptosis in hippocampus CA1, CA2, and CA3 areas at 72 hours after ROSC and survived longer than those in other groups. The model we describe may be a simple, economic, and reliable model for experimental investigation on cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation.

Key role of integrin α(IIb)β (3) signaling to Syk kinase in tissue factor-induced thrombin generation.

PubMed

van der Meijden, Paola E J; Feijge, Marion A H; Swieringa, Frauke; Gilio, Karen; Nergiz-Unal, Reyhan; Hamulyák, Karly; Heemskerk, Johan W M

2012-10-01

The fibrin(ogen) receptor, integrin α(IIb)β(3), has a well-established role in platelet spreading, aggregation and clot retraction. How α(IIb)β(3) contributes to platelet-dependent coagulation is less well resolved. Here, we demonstrate that the potent suppressing effect of clinically used α(IIb)β(3) blockers on tissue factor-induced thrombin generation is linked to diminished platelet Ca(2+) responses and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. The same blockers suppress these responses in platelets stimulated with collagen and thrombin receptor agonists, whereas added fibrinogen potentiates these responses. In platelets spreading on fibrinogen, outside-in α(IIb)β(3) signaling similarly enhances thrombin-induced Ca(2+) rises and PS exposure. These responses are reduced in α(IIb)β(3)-deficient platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Furthermore, the contribution of α(IIb)β(3) to tissue factor-induced platelet Ca(2+) rises, PS exposure and thrombin generation in plasma are fully dependent on Syk kinase activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation analysis confirms a key role of Syk activation, which is largely but not exclusively dependent on α(IIb)β(3) activation. It is concluded that the majority of tissue factor-induced procoagulant activity of platelets relies on Syk activation and ensuing Ca(2+) signal generation, and furthermore that a considerable part of Syk activation relies on α(IIb)β(3) signaling. These results hence point to a novel role of Syk in integrin-dependent thrombin generation.

Homeostatic Regulation of the PI(4,5)P2-Ca2+ Signaling System at ER-PM Junctions

PubMed Central

Chang, Chi-Lun; Liou, Jen

2016-01-01

The phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)-Ca2+ signaling system is important for cell activation in response to various extracellular stimuli. This signaling system is initiated by receptor-induced hydrolysis of PI(4,5)P2 in the plasma membrane (PM) to generate the soluble second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). IP3 subsequently triggers the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) store to the cytosol to activate Ca2+-mediated responses, such as secretion and proliferation. The consumed PM PI(4,5)P2 and ER Ca2+ must be quickly restored to sustain signaling responses, and to maintain the homeostasis of PI(4,5)P2 and Ca2+. Since phosphatidylinositol (PI), the precursor lipid for PM PI(4,5)P2, is synthesized in the ER membrane, and a Ca2+ influx across the PM is required to refill the ER Ca2+ store, efficient communications between the ER and the PM are critical for the homeostatic regulation of the PI(4,5)P2-Ca2+ signaling system. This review describes the major findings that established the framework of the PI(4,5)P2-Ca2+ signaling system, and recent discoveries on feedback control mechanisms at ER-PM junctions that sustain the PI(4,5)P2-Ca2+ signaling system. Particular emphasis is placed on the characterization of ER-PM junctions where efficient communications between the ER and the PM occurs, and the activation mechanisms of proteins that dynamically localize to ER-PM junctions to provide the feedback control during PI(4,5)P2-Ca2+ signaling, including the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1, the extended synaptotagmin E-Syt1, and the PI transfer protein Nir2. This review is part of a Special Issue entitled The Cellular Lipid Landscape. PMID:26924250

Expression of Ca2+-permeable two-pore channels rescues NAADP signalling in TPC-deficient cells

PubMed Central

Ruas, Margarida; Davis, Lianne C; Chen, Cheng-Chang; Morgan, Anthony J; Chuang, Kai-Ting; Walseth, Timothy F; Grimm, Christian; Garnham, Clive; Powell, Trevor; Platt, Nick; Platt, Frances M; Biel, Martin; Wahl-Schott, Christian; Parrington, John; Galione, Antony

2015-01-01

The second messenger NAADP triggers Ca2+ release from endo-lysosomes. Although two-pore channels (TPCs) have been proposed to be regulated by NAADP, recent studies have challenged this. By generating the first mouse line with demonstrable absence of both Tpcn1 and Tpcn2 expression (Tpcn1/2−/−), we show that the loss of endogenous TPCs abolished NAADP-dependent Ca2+ responses as assessed by single-cell Ca2+ imaging or patch-clamp of single endo-lysosomes. In contrast, currents stimulated by PI(3,5)P2 were only partially dependent on TPCs. In Tpcn1/2−/− cells, NAADP sensitivity was restored by re-expressing wild-type TPCs, but not by mutant versions with impaired Ca2+-permeability, nor by TRPML1. Another mouse line formerly reported as TPC-null likely expresses truncated TPCs, but we now show that these truncated proteins still support NAADP-induced Ca2+ release. High-affinity [32P]NAADP binding still occurs in Tpcn1/2−/− tissue, suggesting that NAADP regulation is conferred by an accessory protein. Altogether, our data establish TPCs as Ca2+-permeable channels indispensable for NAADP signalling. PMID:25872774

(+)-Ascosalitoxin and vermelhotin, a calmodulin inhibitor, from an endophytic fungus isolated from Hintonia latiflora.

PubMed

Leyte-Lugo, Martha; González-Andrade, Martín; González, María del Carmen; Glenn, Anthony E; Cerda-García-Rojas, Carlos M; Mata, Rachel

2012-09-28

Chemical investigation of the endophytic MEXU 26343, isolated from the medicinal plant Hintonia latiflora, yielded the known polyketide vermelhotin (1) and a new salicylic aldehyde derivative, namely, 9S,11R-(+)-ascosalitoxin (2). The structure and absolute configuration of the new compound were established through extensive NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling calculations at the DFT B3LYP/DGDZVP level, which included the comparison between theoretical and experimental optical rotation values. In addition, chemical transformations of 2 yielded suitable derivatives for NOESY and (1)H-(1)H NMR coupling constant analyses, which reinforce the stereochemical assignment. The potential affinity of 1 and 2 with (Ca(2+))(4)-hCaM in solution was measured using the fluorescent biosensor hCaM M124C-mBBr. The results showed that 1 bound to the protein with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 0.25 ± 0.04 μM, close to that of chlorpromazine (K(d) = 0.64 ± 0.03 μM), a classical CaM inhibitor. The stoichiometry ratio of 1 to (Ca(2+))(4)-hCaM was 1:4, similar to other well-known CaM ligands.

Research of Uncertainty Reasoning in Pineapple Disease Identification System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liqun; Fan, Haifeng

In order to deal with the uncertainty of evidences mostly existing in pineapple disease identification system, a reasoning model based on evidence credibility factor was established. The uncertainty reasoning method is discussed,including: uncertain representation of knowledge, uncertain representation of rules, uncertain representation of multi-evidences and update of reasoning rules. The reasoning can fully reflect the uncertainty in disease identification and reduce the influence of subjective factors on the accuracy of the system.

Use of FDSS/μCell imaging platform for preclinical cardiac electrophysiology safety screening of compounds in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Zeng, Haoyu; Roman, Maria I; Lis, Edward; Lagrutta, Armando; Sannajust, Frederick

2016-01-01

FDSS/μCell is a high-speed acquisition imaging platform (Hamamatsu Ltd., Hamamatsu, Japan) that allows for simultaneous high-throughput reading under controlled conditions. We evaluated the Ca(2+) transients or optical membrane potential changes of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) (iCells) in the presence or absence of 44 pharmacological agents known to interfere with cardiac ion channels (e.g., hERG, IKs, NaV1.5, CaV1.2). We tested two Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence dyes (Codex ACTOne® and EarlyTox®) and a membrane potential dye (FLIPR® membrane potential dye). We were able to quantify and report drug-induced early-after depolarizations (EAD)-like waveforms, cardiomyocyte ectopic beats and changes in beating rate from a subgroup of pharmacological agents acting acutely (within a 1-hour period). Cardiovascular drugs, such as dofetilide and d,l-sotalol, exhibited EAD-like signals at 3nM and 10μM, respectively. CNS drugs, such as haloperidol and sertindole, exhibited EAD-like signals and ectopic beats at 30nM and 1μM, respectively. Other drugs, such as astemizole, solifenacin, and moxifloxacin, exhibited similar arrhythmias at 30nM, 3μM and 300μM, respectively. Our data suggest that the membrane potential and intracellular Ca(2+) signal are tightly coupled, supporting the idea that the EAD-like signals reported are the accurate representation of an EAD signal of the cardiac action potential. Finally, the EAD-like Ca(2+) signal was well correlated to clinically-relevant concentrations where Torsade de Pointes (TdPs) arrhythmias were noted in healthy volunteers treated orally with some of the compounds we tested, as reported in PharmaPendium®. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Establishing a group of endpoints to support collective operations without specifying unique identifiers for any endpoints

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J.; Blocksom, Michael A.; Ratterman, Joseph D.; Smith, Brian E.; Xue, Hanghon

2016-02-02

A parallel computer executes a number of tasks, each task includes a number of endpoints and the endpoints are configured to support collective operations. In such a parallel computer, establishing a group of endpoints receiving a user specification of a set of endpoints included in a global collection of endpoints, where the user specification defines the set in accordance with a predefined virtual representation of the endpoints, the predefined virtual representation is a data structure setting forth an organization of tasks and endpoints included in the global collection of endpoints and the user specification defines the set of endpoints without a user specification of a particular endpoint; and defining a group of endpoints in dependence upon the predefined virtual representation of the endpoints and the user specification.

Establishing a group of endpoints in a parallel computer

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J.; Blocksome, Michael A.; Ratterman, Joseph D.; Smith, Brian E.; Xue, Hanhong

2016-02-02

A parallel computer executes a number of tasks, each task includes a number of endpoints and the endpoints are configured to support collective operations. In such a parallel computer, establishing a group of endpoints receiving a user specification of a set of endpoints included in a global collection of endpoints, where the user specification defines the set in accordance with a predefined virtual representation of the endpoints, the predefined virtual representation is a data structure setting forth an organization of tasks and endpoints included in the global collection of endpoints and the user specification defines the set of endpoints without a user specification of a particular endpoint; and defining a group of endpoints in dependence upon the predefined virtual representation of the endpoints and the user specification.

Deep Residual Network Predicts Cortical Representation and Organization of Visual Features for Rapid Categorization.

PubMed

Wen, Haiguang; Shi, Junxing; Chen, Wei; Liu, Zhongming

2018-02-28

The brain represents visual objects with topographic cortical patterns. To address how distributed visual representations enable object categorization, we established predictive encoding models based on a deep residual network, and trained them to predict cortical responses to natural movies. Using this predictive model, we mapped human cortical representations to 64,000 visual objects from 80 categories with high throughput and accuracy. Such representations covered both the ventral and dorsal pathways, reflected multiple levels of object features, and preserved semantic relationships between categories. In the entire visual cortex, object representations were organized into three clusters of categories: biological objects, non-biological objects, and background scenes. In a finer scale specific to each cluster, object representations revealed sub-clusters for further categorization. Such hierarchical clustering of category representations was mostly contributed by cortical representations of object features from middle to high levels. In summary, this study demonstrates a useful computational strategy to characterize the cortical organization and representations of visual features for rapid categorization.

Promoting self-care through symptom management: a theory-based approach for nurse practitioners.

PubMed

Fowler, Christopher; Kirschner, Michelle; Van Kuiken, Debra; Baas, Linda

2007-05-01

To present a theory of illness representation useful in clinical practice along with two case studies as examples of theory implementation. Literature review of relevant theory and associated literature, case studies from clinical practice. An individual asks several questions when experiencing a physical sensation: "Am I sick, stressed, or is this a sign of aging? If I'm sick, is the symptom connected with a disease label?" After asking these questions, the individual develops a cognitive and emotional illness representation that includes the dimensions of identity, cause, consequences, control, and timeline. This representation is guided by personal, cultural, and environmental contexts and determines coping strategies. By assessing the individual's cognitive and emotional representations of the illness, the nurse practitioner (NP) can use the common sense model of illness representation (CSM) to establish interventions and action plans helpful in decreasing distress in the management of symptoms. NPs frequently care for patients who present with very severe symptoms related to their health problem. This becomes a major challenge in effective disease management. Leventhal's CSM can be used as a framework to identify the cognitive and emotional illness representations individuals develop when acute and chronic symptoms are presented. By assessing the individual's cognitive and emotional representations of the illness, the NP will be able to use the CSM to establish interventions and action plans that will be helpful in decreasing the patient's distress in the management of symptoms.

COX-2 and Prostate Cancer Angiogenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-01

papilloma virus -18 ing cell nuclear antigen staining), but induced ap- immortalization of PIN cell areas of radical-pros- optosis (TdT-mediated dUTP...the COX-2 surrounding basal cells (75%).3cA human PIN cell inhibitor had no effect on proliferation (proliferat- line was established by human

Psychological Health Screening of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operators and Supporting Units

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

with the MBI- GS has been established via principal component analyses with other constructs for each of the scales ( Schaufeli , Leiter, & Kalimo, 1995...Malasch Burnout Inventory Manual (3 rd ed.). Mountain View, CA: CPP, Inc. Schaufeli W, Leiter MP, Kalimo R. (1995, September). The Malasch Burnout

Quality characterization and pollution source identification of surface water using multivariate statistical techniques, Nalagarh Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herojeet, Rajkumar; Rishi, Madhuri S.; Lata, Renu; Dolma, Konchok

2017-09-01

Sirsa River flows through the central part of the Nalagarh valley, belongs to the rapid industrial belt of Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh (BBN). The appraisal of surface water quality to ascertain its utility in such ecologically sensitive areas is need of the hour. The present study envisages the application of multivariate analysis, water utility class and conventional graphical representation to reveal the hidden factor responsible for deterioration of water quality and determine the hydrochemical facies and its evolution processes of water types in Nalagarh valley, India. The quality assessment is made by estimating pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3 -, Cl-, SO4 2-, NO3 - and PO4 3-), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total coliform (TC) to determine its suitability for drinking and domestic purposes. The parameters like pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, HCO3 -, Cl-, SO4 2-, NO3 - are within the desirable limit as per Bureau of Indian Standards (Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification (Second Edition) IS:10500. Indian Standard Institute, New Delhi, pp 1-18, 2012). Mg2+, Na+ and K+ ions for pre monsoon and EC during pre and post monsoon at few sites and approx 40% samples of BOD and TC for both seasons exceeds the permissible limits indicate organic contamination from human activities. Water quality classification for designated use indicates that maximum surface water samples are not suitable for drinking water source without conventional treatment. The result of piper trillinear and Chadha's diagram classified majority of surface water samples for both seasons fall in the fields of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3 - water type indicating temporary hardness. PCA and CA reveal that the surface water chemistry is influenced by natural factors such as weathering of minerals, ion exchange processes and anthropogenic factors. Thus, the present paper illustrates the importance of multivariate techniques for reliable quality characterization of surface water quality to develop effective pollution reduction strategies and maintain a fine balance between the industrialization and ecological integrity.

12 CFR 240.11 - Unlawful representations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... forex account, for or on behalf of any person: (1) Guarantee such person or account against loss; (2... established for retail forex customers. (b) No implication of representation of engaging in prohibited acts... that any retail forex transaction or retail forex product has been sponsored, recommended, or approved...

Social Cognitive Perspective of Gender Disparities in Undergraduate Physics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Angela M.

2016-01-01

This article synthesizes sociopsychological theories and empirical research to establish a framework for exploring causal pathways and targeted interventions for the low representation of women in post-secondary physics. The rationale for this article is based upon disproportionate representation among undergraduate physics majors in the United…

7 CFR 1221.100 - Establishment and representation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... allow representation from a broad geographical area. The Board shall initially be composed of 13... 4 sorghum producers to serve as at-large national representatives with at least two representatives... State, there shall be one importer to serve as a representative plus an additional at-large national...

7 CFR 1221.100 - Establishment and representation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... allow representation from a broad geographical area. The Board shall initially be composed of 13... 4 sorghum producers to serve as at-large national representatives with at least two representatives... State, there shall be one importer to serve as a representative plus an additional at-large national...

7 CFR 1221.100 - Establishment and representation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... allow representation from a broad geographical area. The Board shall initially be composed of 13... 4 sorghum producers to serve as at-large national representatives with at least two representatives... State, there shall be one importer to serve as a representative plus an additional at-large national...

7 CFR 1221.100 - Establishment and representation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... allow representation from a broad geographical area. The Board shall initially be composed of 13... 4 sorghum producers to serve as at-large national representatives with at least two representatives... State, there shall be one importer to serve as a representative plus an additional at-large national...

Bandgap behavior and singularity of the domain-induced light scattering through the pressure-induced ferroelectric transition in relaxor ferroelectric AxBa1-xNb2O6 (A: Sr,Ca)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Fuertes, J.; Gomis, O.; Segura, A.; Bettinelli, M.; Burianek, M.; Mühlberg, M.

2018-01-01

In this letter, we have investigated the electronic structure of AxBa1-xNb2O6 relaxor ferroelectrics on the basis of optical absorption spectroscopy in unpoled single crystals with A = Sr and Ca under high pressure. The direct character of the fundamental transition could be established by fitting Urbach's rule to the photon energy dependence of the absorption edge yielding bandgaps of 3.44(1) eV and 3.57(1) eV for A = Sr and Ca, respectively. The light scattering by ferroelectric domains in the pre-edge spectral range has been studied as a function of composition and pressure. After confirming with x-ray diffraction the occurrence of the previously observed ferroelectric to paraelelectric phase transition at 4 GPa, the light scattering produced by micro- and nano-ferroelectric domains at 3.3 eV in Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 has been probed. The direct bandgap remains virtually constant under compression with a drop of only 0.01 eV around the phase transition. Interestingly, we have also found that light scattering by the polar nanoregions in the paraelectric phase is comparable to the dispersion due to ferroelectric microdomains in the ferroelectric state. Finally, we have obtained that the bulk modulus of the ferroelectric phase of Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 is B0 = 222(9) GPa.

A Genetic RNAi Screen for IP3/Ca2+ Coupled GPCRs in Drosophila Identifies the PdfR as a Regulator of Insect Flight

PubMed Central

Agrawal, Tarjani; Sadaf, Sufia; Hasan, Gaiti

2013-01-01

Insect flight is regulated by various sensory inputs and neuromodulatory circuits which function in synchrony to control and fine-tune the final behavioral outcome. The cellular and molecular bases of flight neuromodulatory circuits are not well defined. In Drosophila melanogaster, it is known that neuronal IP3 receptor mediated Ca2+ signaling and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) are required for air-puff stimulated adult flight. However, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the context of flight are unknown in Drosophila. We performed a genetic RNAi screen to identify GPCRs that regulate flight by activating the IP3 receptor. Among the 108 GPCRs screened, we discovered 5 IP3/Ca2+ linked GPCRs that are necessary for maintenance of air-puff stimulated flight. Analysis of their temporal requirement established that while some GPCRs are required only during flight circuit development, others are required both in pupal development as well as during adult flight. Interestingly, our study identified the Pigment Dispersing Factor Receptor (PdfR) as a regulator of flight circuit development and as a modulator of acute flight. From the analysis of PdfR expressing neurons relevant for flight and its well-defined roles in other behavioral paradigms, we propose that PdfR signaling functions systemically to integrate multiple sensory inputs and modulate downstream motor behavior. PMID:24098151

Effects of Oral Administration of CrCl3 on the Contents of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the Liver, Kidney, and Heart of Chicken.

PubMed

Liu, Yanhan; Zhao, Xiaona; Zhang, Xiao; Zhao, Xuejun; Liu, Yongxia; Liu, Jianzhu

2016-06-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of trivalent chromium on the contents of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the heart, liver, and kidney. Different levels of 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 LD50 (LD50 = 5000 mg/kg body mass) CrCl3 milligrams per kilogram body mass daily were added into the water to establish the chronic poisoning model. Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were detected with the flame atomic absorption spectrometry in the organs exposed 14, 28, and 42 days to CrCl3, respectively. Results showed that Cr was accumulated in the heart, liver, and kidney significantly (P < 0.05) with extended time and dose. The contents of Ca and Fe increased, whereas those of Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased in the heart, liver, and kidney of each treated group, which had a dose- and time-dependent relationship, but the contents of Mg and Zn in the heart took on a fluctuated change. These particular observations were different from those in the control group. In conclusion, the oral administration of CrCl3 could change the contents of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the heart, liver, and kidney, which may cause disorders in the absorption and metabolism of the metal elements of chickens.

On geodesics of the rotation group SO(3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novelia, Alyssa; O'Reilly, Oliver M.

2015-11-01

Geodesics on SO(3) are characterized by constant angular velocity motions and as great circles on a three-sphere. The former interpretation is widely used in optometry and the latter features in the interpolation of rotations in computer graphics. The simplicity of these two disparate interpretations belies the complexity of the corresponding rotations. Using a quaternion representation for a rotation, we present a simple proof of the equivalence of the aforementioned characterizations and a straightforward method to establish features of the corresponding rotations.

Oscillatory Activity in the Infant Brain and the Representation of Small Numbers

PubMed Central

Leung, Sumie; Mareschal, Denis; Rowsell, Renee; Simpson, David; Iaria, Leon; Grbic, Amanda; Kaufman, Jordy

2016-01-01

Gamma-band oscillatory activity (GBA) is an established neural signature of sustained occluded object representation in infants and adults. However, it is not yet known whether the magnitude of GBA in the infant brain reflects the quantity of occluded items held in memory. To examine this, we compared GBA of 6–8 month-old infants during occlusion periods after the representation of two objects vs. that of one object. We found that maintaining a representation of two objects during occlusion resulted in significantly greater GBA relative to maintaining a single object. Further, this enhancement was located in the right occipital region, which is consistent with previous object representation research in adults and infants. We conclude that enhanced GBA reflects neural processes underlying infants’ representation of small numbers. PMID:26903821

Oscillatory Activity in the Infant Brain and the Representation of Small Numbers.

PubMed

Leung, Sumie; Mareschal, Denis; Rowsell, Renee; Simpson, David; Iaria, Leon; Grbic, Amanda; Kaufman, Jordy

2016-01-01

Gamma-band oscillatory activity (GBA) is an established neural signature of sustained occluded object representation in infants and adults. However, it is not yet known whether the magnitude of GBA in the infant brain reflects the quantity of occluded items held in memory. To examine this, we compared GBA of 6-8 month-old infants during occlusion periods after the representation of two objects vs. that of one object. We found that maintaining a representation of two objects during occlusion resulted in significantly greater GBA relative to maintaining a single object. Further, this enhancement was located in the right occipital region, which is consistent with previous object representation research in adults and infants. We conclude that enhanced GBA reflects neural processes underlying infants' representation of small numbers.

A task-dependent causal role for low-level visual processes in spoken word comprehension.

PubMed

Ostarek, Markus; Huettig, Falk

2017-08-01

It is well established that the comprehension of spoken words referring to object concepts relies on high-level visual areas in the ventral stream that build increasingly abstract representations. It is much less clear whether basic low-level visual representations are also involved. Here we asked in what task situations low-level visual representations contribute functionally to concrete word comprehension using an interference paradigm. We interfered with basic visual processing while participants performed a concreteness task (Experiment 1), a lexical-decision task (Experiment 2), and a word class judgment task (Experiment 3). We found that visual noise interfered more with concrete versus abstract word processing, but only when the task required visual information to be accessed. This suggests that basic visual processes can be causally involved in language comprehension, but that their recruitment is not automatic and rather depends on the type of information that is required in a given task situation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Synthesis of dimeric analogs of adenophostin A that potently evoke Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR spectral data for all the new compounds. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra19413c Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Vibhute, Amol M.; Pushpanandan, Poornenth; Varghese, Maria; Koniecnzy, Vera; Taylor, Colin W.

2016-01-01

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are tetrameric intracellular channels through which many extracellular stimuli initiate the Ca2+ signals that regulate diverse cellular responses. There is considerable interest in developing novel ligands of IP3R. Adenophostin A (AdA) is a potent agonist of IP3R and since some dimeric analogs of IP3R ligands are more potent than the corresponding monomer; we considered whether dimeric AdA analogs might provide agonists with increased potency. We previously synthesized traizolophostin, in which a simple triazole replaced the adenine of AdA, and showed it to be equipotent to AdA. Here, we used click chemistry to synthesize four homodimeric analogs of triazolophostin, connected by oligoethylene glycol chains of different lengths. We evaluated the potency of these analogs to release Ca2+ through type 1 IP3R and established that the newly synthesized dimers are equipotent to AdA and triazolophostin. PMID:28066549

Metric 3-Leibniz algebras and M2-branes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Méndez-Escobar, Elena

2010-08-01

This thesis is concerned with superconformal Chern-Simons theories with matter in 3 dimensions. The interest in these theories is two-fold. On the one hand, it is a new family of theories in which to test the AdS/CFT correspondence and on the other, they are important to study one of the main objects of M-theory (M2-branes). All these theories have something in common: they can be written in terms of 3-Leibniz algebras. Here we study the structure theory of such algebras, paying special attention to a subclass of them that gives rise to maximal supersymmetry and that was the first to appear in this context: 3-Lie algebras. In chapter 2, we review the structure theory of metric Lie algebras and their unitary representations. In chapter 3, we study metric 3-Leibniz algebras and show, by specialising a construction originally due to Faulkner, that they are in one to one correspondence with pairs of real metric Lie algebras and unitary representations of them. We also show a third characterisation for six extreme cases of 3-Leibniz algebras as graded Lie (super)algebras. In chapter 4, we study metric 3-Lie algebras in detail. We prove a structural result and also classify those with a maximally isotropic centre, which is the requirement that ensures unitarity of the corresponding conformal field theory. Finally, in chapter 5, we study the universal structure of superpotentials in this class of superconformal Chern-Simons theories with matter in three dimensions. We provide a uniform formulation for all these theories and establish the connection between the amount of supersymmetry preserved and the gauge Lie algebra and the appropriate unitary representation to be used to write down the Lagrangian. The conditions for supersymmetry enhancement are then expressed equivalently in the language of representation theory of Lie algebras or the language of 3-Leibniz algebras.

Synthesis of novel 4-functionalized 1,5-diaryl-1,2,3-triazoles containing benzenesulfonamide moiety as carbonic anhydrase I, II, IV and IX inhibitors.

PubMed

Vats, Lalit; Sharma, Vikas; Angeli, Andrea; Kumar, Rajiv; Supuran, Claudiu T; Sharma, Pawan K

2018-04-25

The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a library of 1,2,3-triazole carboxylates incorporating carboxylic acid, hydroxymethyl, carboxylic acid hydrazide, carboxamide and benzenesulfonamide moieties is disclosed. All the novel compounds were investigated for their inhibition potential against carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) human (h) isoforms hCA I, II, IV and IX, well established drug targets. The cytosolic isoform hCA I was inhibited with K i 's ranging between 53.2 nM and 7.616 μM whereas the glaucoma associated cytosolic isoform hCA II was inhibited with K i 's in the range 21.8 nM-0.807 μM. The membrane bound isoform hCA IV, involved in glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa among others, was effectively inhibited by some of these compounds with K i  < 60 nM, better than the reference drug acetazolamide (AAZ). The tumor associated isoform hCA IX, a recently validated antitumor/antimetastatic drug target, was also effectively inhibited by some of the new sulfonamides, which possess thus the potential to be used as tools for exploring in more details the selective inhibition of hCAs involved in various pathologies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Higher leukocyte count predicts 3-month poor outcome of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

PubMed

Yao, Pei-Sen; Chen, Guo-Rong; Xie, Xue-Ling; Shang-Guan, Huang-Cheng; Gao, Jin-Zhen; Lin, Yuan-Xiang; Zheng, Shu-Fa; Lin, Zhang-Ya; Kang, De-Zhi

2018-04-11

It is not fully established whether leukocyte can predict the poor outcome for ruptured cerebral aneurysms (CA) or not. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 428 patients with ruptured CA between 2010 and 2015. Patients' demographic data, including gender, age, history of smoking, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, Hunt-Hess and Fisher grade, occurrence of hydrocephalus, aneurysm location, time to surgery, delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) and peak leukocyte of blood test from day 1 to 3 after aneurysmal rupture were recorded and analyzed. In the multivariable analysis model, gender, Fisher grade, time to surgery and hydrocephalus were not relevant to poor outcome. However, Hunt-Hess grade, DIND and preoperative leukocyte count (>13.84 × 10 9 /L) were significantly associated with adverse outcome. The respective increased risks were 5.2- (OR5.24, 95% CI 1.67-16.50, p = 0.005), 6.2-(OR 6.24, 95% CI 3.55-10.99, p < 0.001) and 10.9-fold (OR 9.35, 95% CI 5.98-19.97, p < 0.001). The study revealed that Hunt-Hess grade, DIND and preoperative leukocyte count (>13.84 × 10 9 /L) were independent risk factors for poor outcome of ruptured CA at 3 months. Higher leukocyte count is a convenient and useful marker to predict 3-month poor outcome for ruptured CA.

X-ray spectra and electronic structure of the Ca3Ga2Ge3О12 compound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherba, I. D.; Kostyk, L. V.; Noga, H.; Bekenov, L. V.; Uskokovich, D.; Jatsyk, B. M.

2017-09-01

The band structure of Ca3Ga2Ge3О12 with the garnet structure has been determined for the first time by X-ray emission and photoelectron spectroscopy. It has been established that the bottom of the valence band is formed by Ge d states, which are not dominant in the chemical bonding. Strong hybridization of oxygen 2s states with 4p states of Ga and Ge revealed by the presence of an extra structure in the X-ray emission spectra has been found. The middle of the valence band has been demonstrated to be occupied by d states of Ga, while Ga and Ge 4рstates with a considerable admixture of oxygen 2p states form the top of the valence band.

76 FR 28379 - Proposed Amendment and Establishment of Air Traffic Service Routes; Northeast United States

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-17

... rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments...; Paradise, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Blythe, CA; Buckeye, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; INT Phoenix 155[deg] and Stanfield...

12 CFR 349.11 - Unlawful representations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... forex account, for or on behalf of any person: (1) Guarantee such person or account against loss; (2... established for retail forex customers. (b) No implication of representation of engaging in prohibited acts... represent or imply in any manner whatsoever that any retail forex transaction or retail forex product has...

12 CFR 349.11 - Unlawful representations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... forex account, for or on behalf of any person: (1) Guarantee such person or account against loss; (2... established for retail forex customers. (b) No implication of representation of engaging in prohibited acts... represent or imply in any manner whatsoever that any retail forex transaction or retail forex product has...

12 CFR 349.11 - Unlawful representations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... forex account, for or on behalf of any person: (1) Guarantee such person or account against loss; (2... established for retail forex customers. (b) No implication of representation of engaging in prohibited acts... represent or imply in any manner whatsoever that any retail forex transaction or retail forex product has...

Social Representation of Intercultural Exchange in an International University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kudo, Kazuhiro

2016-01-01

This paper provides an interpretive investigation into the social representation of intercultural exchange at one of the newly established international universities in Japan. The author conducted quasi-structured interviews with 5 staff members and 22 students to gain insight into their perceptions of intercultural exchange and interactions. The…

Children's Orthographic Knowledge and Their Word Reading Skill: Testing Bidirectional Relations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conrad, Nicole J.; Deacon, S. Hélène

2016-01-01

Prominent models of word reading concur that the development of efficient word reading depends on the establishment of lexical orthographic representations in memory. In turn, word reading skills are conceptualised as supporting the development of these orthographic representations. As such, models of word reading development make clear…

Proactive human-computer collaboration for information discovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DiBona, Phil; Shilliday, Andrew; Barry, Kevin

2016-05-01

Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories (LM ATL) is researching methods, representations, and processes for human/autonomy collaboration to scale analysis and hypotheses substantiation for intelligence analysts. This research establishes a machinereadable hypothesis representation that is commonsensical to the human analyst. The representation unifies context between the human and computer, enabling autonomy in the form of analytic software, to support the analyst through proactively acquiring, assessing, and organizing high-value information that is needed to inform and substantiate hypotheses.

Statistical compilation of NAPAP chemical erosion observations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mossotti, Victor G.; Eldeeb, A. Raouf; Reddy, Michael M.; Fries, Terry L.; Coombs, Mary Jane; Schmiermund, Ron L.; Sherwood, Susan I.

2001-01-01

In the mid 1980s, the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), initiated a Materials Research Program (MRP) that included a series of field and laboratory studies with the broad objective of providing scientific information on acid rain effects on calcareous building stone. Among the several effects investigated, the chemical dissolution of limestone and marble by rainfall was given particular attention because of the pervasive appearance of erosion effects on cultural materials situated outdoors. In order to track the chemical erosion of stone objects in the field and in the laboratory, the Ca 2+ ion concentration was monitored in the runoff solution from a variety of test objects located both outdoors and under more controlled conditions in the laboratory. This report provides a graphical and statistical overview of the Ca 2+ chemistry in the runoff solutions from (1) five urban and rural sites (DC, NY, NJ, NC, and OH) established by the MRP for materials studies over the period 1984 to 1989, (2) subevent study at the New York MRP site, (3) in situ study of limestone and marble monuments at Gettysburg, (4) laboratory experiments on calcite dissolution conducted by Baedecker, (5) laboratory simulations by Schmiermund, and (6) laboratory investigation of the surface reactivity of calcareous stone conducted by Fries and Mossotti. The graphical representations provided a means for identifying erroneous data that can randomly appear in a database when field operations are semi-automated; a purged database suitable for the evaluation of quantitative models of stone erosion is appended to this report. An analysis of the sources of statistical variability in the data revealed that the rate of stone erosion is weakly dependent on the type of calcareous stone, the ambient temperature, and the H + concentration delivered in the incident rain. The analysis also showed that the rate of stone erosion is strongly dependent on the rain-delivery conditions and on the surface morphology and orientation.

Redox-Dependent Modulation of T-Type Ca(2+) Channels in Sensory Neurons Contributes to Acute Anti-Nociceptive Effect of Substance P.

PubMed

Huang, Dongyang; Huang, Sha; Gao, Haixia; Liu, Yani; Qi, Jinlong; Chen, Pingping; Wang, Caixue; Scragg, Jason L; Vakurov, Alexander; Peers, Chris; Du, Xiaona; Zhang, Hailin; Gamper, Nikita

2016-08-10

Neuropeptide substance P (SP) is produced and released by a subset of peripheral sensory neurons that respond to tissue damage (nociceptors). SP exerts excitatory effects in the central nervous system, but peripheral SP actions are still poorly understood; therefore, here, we aimed at investigating these peripheral mechanisms. SP acutely inhibited T-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in nociceptors. The effect was mediated by neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor-induced stimulation of intracellular release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as it can be prevented or reversed by the reducing agent dithiothreitol and mimicked by exogenous or endogenous ROS. This redox-mediated T-type Ca(2+) channel inhibition operated through the modulation of CaV3.2 channel sensitivity to ambient zinc, as it can be prevented or reversed by zinc chelation and mimicked by exogenous zinc. Elimination of the zinc-binding site in CaV3.2 rendered the channel insensitive to SP-mediated inhibition. Importantly, peripherally applied SP significantly reduced bradykinin-induced nociception in rats in vivo; knock-down of CaV3.2 significantly reduced this anti-nociceptive effect. This atypical signaling cascade shared the initial steps with the SP-mediated augmentation of M-type K(+) channels described earlier. Our study established a mechanism underlying the peripheral anti-nociceptive effect of SP whereby this neuropeptide produces ROS-dependent inhibition of pro-algesic T-type Ca(2+) current and concurrent enhancement of anti-algesic M-type K(+) current. These findings will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms of endogenous analgesia. SP modulates T-type channel activity in nociceptors by a redox-dependent tuning of channel sensitivity to zinc; this novel modulatory pathway contributes to the peripheral anti-nociceptive effect of SP. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 233-251.

Seventh Joint Meeting of K-J-CaP and CaPSURE: extending the global initiative to improve prostate cancer management

PubMed Central

Akaza, Hideyuki; Kim, Choung Soo; Carroll, Peter; Choi, In Young; Chung, Byung Ha; Cooperberg, Matthew R.; Hirao, Yoshihiko; Hinotsu, Shiro; Horie, Shigeo; Lee, Ji Youl; Namiki, Mikio; Ng, Chi-Fai; Onozawa, Mizuki; Ozono, Seiichiro; Ueno, Satoru; Umbas, Rainy; Ye, Dingwei; Zhu, Gang

2014-01-01

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place at the Seventh Joint Meeting of the Korea–Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (K-J-CaP) and the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) held in Seoul, Korea, in September 2013. The original J-CaP and CaPSURE Joint Initiative has now been established since 2007 and since the initial collaboration between research teams in the United States (US) and Japan, the project has expanded to include several other Asian countries. The objective of the initiative is to analyze and compare data for prostate cancer patients in the participating countries, looking at similarities and differences in patient management and outcomes. Until now the focus has been primarily on data generated within J-CaP and CaPSURE, both large-scale, longitudinal, observational databases of prostate cancer patients in Japan and the US, respectively. This year’s meeting was hosted for the first time in Korea which has recently established its own national database–K-CaP–to add to the wealth of data generated by J-CaP and CaPSURE. As a newly-developed database, K-CaP has also provided a valuable ‘template’ for other countries, such as China and Indonesia, planning to establish their own national databases and this will ultimately allow greater opportunities for international data comparisons. A range of topics was discussed at this Seventh Joint Meeting including comparison of outcomes following androgen deprivation therapy or radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer, the use of active surveillance as a treatment option and the triggers for intervention when employing this regimen, patient quality of life during treatment, the impact of comorbidities on outcomes, and a comparison of recent outcomes data between J-CaP and CaPSURE. The participants recognized that prostate cancer was now a global disease and therefore major insights into understanding and improving the management of this condition would arise from global interactions such as this joint initiative. PMID:26153555

Seventh Joint Meeting of K-J-CaP and CaPSURE: extending the global initiative to improve prostate cancer management.

PubMed

Akaza, Hideyuki; Kim, Choung Soo; Carroll, Peter; Choi, In Young; Chung, Byung Ha; Cooperberg, Matthew R; Hirao, Yoshihiko; Hinotsu, Shiro; Horie, Shigeo; Lee, Ji Youl; Namiki, Mikio; Ng, Chi-Fai; Onozawa, Mizuki; Ozono, Seiichiro; Ueno, Satoru; Umbas, Rainy; Ye, Dingwei; Zhu, Gang

2014-01-01

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place at the Seventh Joint Meeting of the Korea-Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (K-J-CaP) and the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) held in Seoul, Korea, in September 2013. The original J-CaP and CaPSURE Joint Initiative has now been established since 2007 and since the initial collaboration between research teams in the United States (US) and Japan, the project has expanded to include several other Asian countries. The objective of the initiative is to analyze and compare data for prostate cancer patients in the participating countries, looking at similarities and differences in patient management and outcomes. Until now the focus has been primarily on data generated within J-CaP and CaPSURE, both large-scale, longitudinal, observational databases of prostate cancer patients in Japan and the US, respectively. This year's meeting was hosted for the first time in Korea which has recently established its own national database-K-CaP-to add to the wealth of data generated by J-CaP and CaPSURE. As a newly-developed database, K-CaP has also provided a valuable 'template' for other countries, such as China and Indonesia, planning to establish their own national databases and this will ultimately allow greater opportunities for international data comparisons. A range of topics was discussed at this Seventh Joint Meeting including comparison of outcomes following androgen deprivation therapy or radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer, the use of active surveillance as a treatment option and the triggers for intervention when employing this regimen, patient quality of life during treatment, the impact of comorbidities on outcomes, and a comparison of recent outcomes data between J-CaP and CaPSURE. The participants recognized that prostate cancer was now a global disease and therefore major insights into understanding and improving the management of this condition would arise from global interactions such as this joint initiative.

Object-based attention: strength of object representation and attentional guidance.

PubMed

Shomstein, Sarah; Behrmann, Marlene

2008-01-01

Two or more features belonging to a single object are identified more quickly and more accurately than are features belonging to different objects--a finding attributed to sensory enhancement of all features belonging to an attended or selected object. However, several recent studies have suggested that this "single-object advantage" may be a product of probabilistic and configural strategic prioritizations rather than of object-based perceptual enhancement per se, challenging the underlying mechanism that is thought to give rise to object-based attention. In the present article, we further explore constraints on the mechanisms of object-based selection by examining the contribution of the strength of object representations to the single-object advantage. We manipulated factors such as exposure duration (i.e., preview time) and salience of configuration (i.e., objects). Varying preview time changes the magnitude of the object-based effect, so that if there is ample time to establish an object representation (i.e., preview time of 1,000 msec), then both probability and configuration (i.e., objects) guide attentional selection. If, however, insufficient time is provided to establish a robust object-based representation, then only probabilities guide attentional selection. Interestingly, at a short preview time of 200 msec, when the two objects were sufficiently different from each other (i.e., different colors), both configuration and probability guided attention selection. These results suggest that object-based effects can be explained both in terms of strength of object representations (established at longer exposure durations and by pictorial cues) and probabilistic contingencies in the visual environment.

Data on PKO biodiesel production using CaO catalyst from Turkey bones.

PubMed

Ayoola, A A; Fayomi, O S I; Usoro, I F

2018-08-01

In this research paper the production of biodiesel from palm kernel oil (PKO) using CaO obtained from waste turkey bones (WTB) and analytical grade calcium oxide was investigated. Treated WTB was reduced to fine particulate size of <150 µm and then calcinated at 800 °C for 3 h to increase its catalytic activity by its conversion from Calcium phosphate hydroxide (Ca 10 P 6 O 26 H 2 ) to CaO. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analysis of the analytical grade CaO, uncalcined and calcined WTB were carried out to establish their elemental chemical composition. The transesterification reaction between the triglyceride of palm kernel oil (PKO) and methanol was carried out at a constant agitation speed of 600 rpm and temperature of 65 °C, with varied methanol to oil molar ratio (8-14), catalyst concentration (1-7 wt/wt%) and the reaction time (1-3 h). Minitab 17 software (using response surface method) was employed for the design of experiment and statistical analysis required in the transesterification process of biodiesel production. The qualities of the biodiesel produced were assessed and the results obtained showed conformity of the biodiesel produced to the ASTM standard for biodiesel.

The structural and magnetic investigation of ( x) BiFe0.95Co0.05O3: (1- x) La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongguang; Fu, Dexiang; Wang, Yang; Xie, Liang; Li, Yongtao; Chen, Wei

2017-12-01

The structural and magnetic behaviors are studied in the composites ( x) BiFe0.95Co0.05O3: (1- x) La0.7Ca0.3MnO3. An influence on the lattice parameters and magnetic states of BiFe0.95Co0.05O3 (BFCO) to the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) are investigated. Although the variation of the relative X-ray intensity of LCMO to BFCO with composition ( x) in XRD patterns and the randomly distributed small nanoparticle of LCMO ( 200 nm) mixed in the large nanoparticle of BFCO ( 900 nm) given by SEM images indicate an almost immiscibility of BFCO and LCMO in composites obtained by solid solution method, an obvious change of lattice parameters indicates their mutual influence on lattice structure. A detail magnetic investigation of the composites shows that the Griffiths phase is increased with increase of composition x due to the incorporation of ferromagnetism of BFCO to the paramagnetic phase of LCMO. An approximate magnetic phase diagram for the composites is established, which would be helpful for understanding the magnetic singularity of the composites with colossal magnetoresistance and multiferroics.

Determination of MUC1 in sera of ovarian cancer patients and in sera of patients with benign changes of the ovaries with CA15-3, CA27.29, and PankoMab.

PubMed

Jeschke, Udo; Wiest, Irmi; Schumacher, Anamur Lan; Kupka, Markus; Rack, Brigitte; Stahn, Renate; Karsten, Uwe; Mayr, Doris; Friese, Klaus; Dian, Darius

2012-05-01

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a high molecular weight transmembrane glycoprotein with unique properties which is used as a tumour marker in sera of ovarian cancer patients. The common test kit for the cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is not sufficient for the discrimination between sera from healthy individuals and sera from patients with benign changes of the ovaries. In this study, the newly developed anti-MUC1 antibody PankoMab was tested in normal and patient sera with an ELISA, and the obtained data were compared against data from experiments using the commercial kits for CA15-3 and CA27.29. Sera of 123 patients diagnosed with benign or malignant changes of the ovaries were obtained before surgery. CA15-3 was analysed with an automated ELISA system (Immulite 2000). CA27.29 was measured with the ST AIA-PACK CA27.29 for the AIA-600II-Analyzer (Tosoh Bioscience, Belgium). The release of MUC1 fragments carrying the TA-MUC1 epitope was analysed with an ELISA using the PankoMab antibody. Using the already established markers CA15-3 and CA27.29, significant differences between benign and malignant changes of the ovaries were found. The same result was obtained with the newly developed TA-MUC1 test. In contrast to CA15-3 and CA27.29, however, the median of TA-MUC1 was lower in sera from patients with ovarian cancer compared to sera from patients with benign diseases of the ovary. However, sera of patients with benign ovarian diseases had significantly higher TA-MUC1 values compared to sera of healthy individuals. The risk score of TA-MUC1 achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 78.4% in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a sensitivity of 37% for the prediction of ovarian disease, at 95% specificity. In this study we employed an additional marker for MUC1 which recognizes a more tumour-specific MUC1 epitope (TA-MUC1). We obtained results showing significant differences between detection in benign and malignant ovarian diseases. Although the mean MUC1 values were elevated in sera of patients with ovarian cancer compared to values of patients with benign cysts, by using all three test systems, a different result was found by analysing the median TA-MUC1 values. PankoMab could be a useful, additional tool for obtaining conclusive information on the transformation process from benign to malignant state in ovarian tissues.

Individual differences in ensemble perception reveal multiple, independent levels of ensemble representation.

PubMed

Haberman, Jason; Brady, Timothy F; Alvarez, George A

2015-04-01

Ensemble perception, including the ability to "see the average" from a group of items, operates in numerous feature domains (size, orientation, speed, facial expression, etc.). Although the ubiquity of ensemble representations is well established, the large-scale cognitive architecture of this process remains poorly defined. We address this using an individual differences approach. In a series of experiments, observers saw groups of objects and reported either a single item from the group or the average of the entire group. High-level ensemble representations (e.g., average facial expression) showed complete independence from low-level ensemble representations (e.g., average orientation). In contrast, low-level ensemble representations (e.g., orientation and color) were correlated with each other, but not with high-level ensemble representations (e.g., facial expression and person identity). These results suggest that there is not a single domain-general ensemble mechanism, and that the relationship among various ensemble representations depends on how proximal they are in representational space. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Spatially variant morphological restoration and skeleton representation.

PubMed

Bouaynaya, Nidhal; Charif-Chefchaouni, Mohammed; Schonfeld, Dan

2006-11-01

The theory of spatially variant (SV) mathematical morphology is used to extend and analyze two important image processing applications: morphological image restoration and skeleton representation of binary images. For morphological image restoration, we propose the SV alternating sequential filters and SV median filters. We establish the relation of SV median filters to the basic SV morphological operators (i.e., SV erosions and SV dilations). For skeleton representation, we present a general framework for the SV morphological skeleton representation of binary images. We study the properties of the SV morphological skeleton representation and derive conditions for its invertibility. We also develop an algorithm for the implementation of the SV morphological skeleton representation of binary images. The latter algorithm is based on the optimal construction of the SV structuring element mapping designed to minimize the cardinality of the SV morphological skeleton representation. Experimental results show the dramatic improvement in the performance of the SV morphological restoration and SV morphological skeleton representation algorithms in comparison to their translation-invariant counterparts.

Extracellular nucleotides potentiate the cytosolic Ca2+, but not cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate response to parathyroid hormone in rat osteoblastic cells.

PubMed

Kaplan, A D; Reimer, W J; Feldman, R D; Dixon, S J

1995-04-01

Binding to PTH to its cell surface receptor activates both adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase-C, leading to elevation of cytosolic cAMP and free Ca2+. We have shown previously that extracellular nucleotides interact with P2U and P2Y subtypes of purinoceptor on osteoblastic cells, both linked to Ca2+ mobilization. In the present study, we investigated possible interactions between nucleotide and PTH signaling pathways in osteoblastic cells. The cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of UMR-106 osteoblastic cells was monitored by fluorescence spectrophotometry. PTH (0.01-1 microM; bovine 1-84 or human 1-34) induced a small transient elevation of [Ca2+]i, lasting less than 1 min. A number of nucleotides, including ATP, UTP, and UDP, induced transient elevation of [Ca2+]i and potentiated the subsequent Ca2+ response to PTH. Of the nucleotides tested, UDP was the most effective at potentiating the PTH-induced Ca2+ transient. Treatment of cells with UDP (100 microM for 2.5 min), but not inorganic phosphate or uridine, reversibly potentiated the Ca2+ response to PTH (0.1 microM) by 11 +/- 2-fold (mean +/- SEM; n = 39). In contrast, UDP did not affect the cAMP response to PTH, indicating a selective action on Ca2+ signaling. Potentiation of the Ca2+ signal was still observed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, establishing that nucleotides enhance PTH-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Studies using selective purinoceptor agonists suggest that potentiation of PTH signaling is mediated by the P2U receptor subtype. In vivo, nucleotides released during trauma or inflammation may modulate PTH-induced Ca2+ signaling in osteoblasts.

Air Force Journal of Logistics. Volume 24, Number 3, Fall 2000

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

senior officers environment. 49 should hold key positions. The joint practice of assigning an In The Argument Culture, Deborah Tannen suggests Americans...Action Division, Directorate of Plans and Integration, Deputy 44. Deborah Tannen , The Argument Culture, New York: Random House, Chief of Staff for...staff.4 " Proportionate representation would Americans must find the opposing view. Tannen says Americans * establish multinationalism as the norm and

Some mineral stability relations in the system CaOMgOSiO2H2OHCl

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luce, R.W.; Cygan, G.L.; Hemley, J.J.; d'Angelo, W. M.

1985-01-01

Mineral-aqueous solution equilibria for the assemblages talc-quartz, tremolite-talc-quartz, diopside-tremolite-quartz, wollastonite-diopside-quartz and wollastonite-quartz have been studied at 2 kb total pressure, 500?? to 700??C and chloride concentrations from 0.03 to 6.0 molal. Most work was at 1 m chloride. Both buffered and unbuffered data were obtained and a recalibration of the Ag-AgCl buffer is presented. Log equilibrium quotients at 500??, 600?? and 700??C are respectively: Ta-Qz ( mMgCl2 mHCl2) 2.57, 1.71, 0.73; Tr-Ta-Qz and Di-Tr-Qz ( mCaCl2 mMgCl2mHCl2) 4.98, 3.99, 2.21 and 7.29, 5.30, 3.56; WoDi-Qz ( mCaCl2 mMgCl2) 3.30, 3.00, 2.79: Wo-Qz ( mCaCl2 mHCl2) 5.15, 3.95, 2.68. Mineral stability fields plotted in terms of these concentration data more tangibly represent the compositional character of real systems and the mass transfer capabilities of their fluids than do the analogous theoretical activity diagrams. Overall dissociation constants of MgCl2 and CaCl2 were calculated from the experimental data using the calculated ionic activity constants for the reactions and the established dissociation constants of HCl. The negative log values are respectively: 3.88. 6.63, 9.20 for CaCl2 and 4.60, 7.54, 10.37 for MgCl2 at 500??, 600?? and 700??C, 2 kb. The Ca values are about an order of magnitude more positive than the conductance-derived values by Frantz and Marshall (1982). The phase relations developed in this study have application to the genesis of talc, tremolite, and diopside-bearing assemblages in some regional metamorphic rocks, but more specifically to the calcsilicate skarn assemblages of many metasomatic aureoles. The equilibrium fluids are characterized by high concentrations of Ca relative to Mg and increasing Ca Mg ratios with decreasing temperatures. The stability fields of talc, tremolite, and quartz expand relative to those of diopside and wollastonite with decreasing temperature, hence their more common appearance as retrograde products in skarn systems. ?? 1985.

Possible observation of Griffith phase over large temperature range in plasma sintered La0.67Ca0.33MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, D. K.; Roul, B. K.; Singh, S. K.; Srinivasu, V. V.

2018-02-01

We report on the possible observation of Griffith phase in a wide range of temperature (>272-378 K) in the 2.5 min plasma sintered La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) as deduced from careful electron spin resonance studies. This is 106 K higher than the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition (Curie transition ∼272 K) temperature. The indication of Griffith phase in such a wide range is not reported earlier by any group. We purposefully prepared LCMO samples by plasma sintering technique so as to create a disordered structure by rapid quenching which we believe, is the prime reason for the observation of Griffith Phase above the Curie transition temperature. The inverse susceptibility curve represents the existence of ferromagnetic cluster in paramagnetic region. The large resonance peak width (40-60 mT) within the temperature range 330-378 K confirms the sample magnetically inhomogeneity which is also established from our electron probe microstructure analysis (EPMA). EPMA establishes the presence of higher percentage of Mn3+ cluster in comparison to Mn4+. This is the reason for which Griffith state is enhanced largely to a higher range of temperature.

Excitatory Synaptic Drive and Feedforward Inhibition in the Hippocampal CA3 Circuit Are Regulated by SynCAM 1.

PubMed

Park, Kellie A; Ribic, Adema; Laage Gaupp, Fabian M; Coman, Daniel; Huang, Yuegao; Dulla, Chris G; Hyder, Fahmeed; Biederer, Thomas

2016-07-13

Select adhesion proteins control the development of synapses and modulate their structural and functional properties. Despite these important roles, the extent to which different synapse-organizing mechanisms act across brain regions to establish connectivity and regulate network properties is incompletely understood. Further, their functional roles in different neuronal populations remain to be defined. Here, we applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a modality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to map connectivity changes in knock-out (KO) mice lacking the synaptogenic cell adhesion protein SynCAM 1. This identified reduced fractional anisotropy in the hippocampal CA3 area in absence of SynCAM 1. In agreement, mossy fiber refinement in CA3 was impaired in SynCAM 1 KO mice. Mossy fibers make excitatory inputs onto postsynaptic specializations of CA3 pyramidal neurons termed thorny excrescences and these structures were smaller in the absence of SynCAM 1. However, the most prevalent targets of mossy fibers are GABAergic interneurons and SynCAM 1 loss unexpectedly reduced the number of excitatory terminals onto parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons in CA3. SynCAM 1 KO mice additionally exhibited lower postsynaptic GluA1 expression in these PV-positive interneurons. These synaptic imbalances in SynCAM 1 KO mice resulted in CA3 disinhibition, in agreement with reduced feedforward inhibition in this network in the absence of SynCAM 1-dependent excitatory drive onto interneurons. In turn, mice lacking SynCAM 1 were impaired in memory tasks involving CA3. Our results support that SynCAM 1 modulates excitatory mossy fiber inputs onto both interneurons and principal neurons in the hippocampal CA3 area to balance network excitability. This study advances our understanding of synapse-organizing mechanisms on two levels. First, the data support that synaptogenic proteins guide connectivity and can function in distinct brain regions even if they are expressed broadly. Second, the results demonstrate that a synaptogenic process that controls excitatory inputs to both pyramidal neurons and interneurons can balance excitation and inhibition. Specifically, the study reveals that hippocampal CA3 connectivity is modulated by the synapse-organizing adhesion protein SynCAM 1 and identifies a novel, SynCAM 1-dependent mechanism that controls excitatory inputs onto parvalbumin-positive interneurons. This enables SynCAM 1 to regulate feedforward inhibition and set network excitability. Further, we show that diffusion tensor imaging is sensitive to these cellular refinements affecting neuronal connectivity. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/367465-12$15.00/0.

Effect of Deoxidation Process on Inclusion and Fatigue Performance of Spring Steel for Automobile Suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yang; Chen, Weiqing; Wan, Changjie; Wang, Fangjun; Han, Huaibin

2018-04-01

55SiCrA spring steel was smelted in a vacuum induction levitation furnace. The liquid steel was treated by Si deoxidation, Al modification with Ca treatment and Al modification, and the steel samples were obtained with deformable Al2O3-SiO2-CaO-MgO inclusions closely contacted with steel matrix, Al2O3-CaO-CaS-SiO2-MgO inclusions surrounded by small voids or Al2O3(> 80 pct)-SiO2-CaO-MgO inclusions surrounded by big voids, respectively. Effect of three types of inclusions on steel fatigue cracks was studied. The perpendicular and transverse fatigue cracks around the three types of inclusions leading to fracture were found to vary in behavior. Under the applied stress amplitude of 775 MPa, the fatigue lives of the three spring steels decreased from 4.0 × 107 to 3.8 × 107, and to 3.1 × 107 cycles. For the applied stress amplitude of 750 MPa, the fatigue lives of the three spring steels decreased from 5.2 × 107 to 4.1 × 107, and to 3.4 × 107 cycles. Based on the voids around inclusions, the equivalent size of initial fatigue crack has been newly defined as √ {{{area}_{inclusion} }/{(1 - {CC)}}} , where the contraction coefficient CC of inclusion was introduced. A reliable forecast model of the critical size of inclusion leading to fracture was established by the incorporation of actual width b inclusion or diameter d inclusion of internal inclusion; the model prediction was found to be in agreement with experimental results.

Absolute configuration of acremoxanthone C, a potent calmodulin inhibitor from Purpureocillium lilacinum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract prepared from the culture medium and mycelium of Purpureocillium lilacinum allowed the isolation of two calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors, namely, acremoxanthone C (1) and acremonidin A (2). The absolute configuration of 1 was established as 2R, 3R, 1'S, 11'S, ...

A novel mouse model of human prostate cancer to study intraprostatic tumor growth and the development of lymph node metastases.

PubMed

Linxweiler, Johannes; Körbel, Christina; Müller, Andreas; Hammer, Markus; Veith, Christian; Bohle, Rainer M; Stöckle, Michael; Junker, Kerstin; Menger, Michael D; Saar, Matthias

2018-06-01

In this study, we aimed to establish a versatile in vivo model of prostate cancer, which adequately mimics intraprostatic tumor growth, and the natural routes of metastatic spread. In addition, we analyzed the capability of high-resolution ultrasonography (hrUS), in vivo micro-CT (μCT), and 9.4T MRI to monitor tumor growth and the development of lymph node metastases. A total of 5 × 10 5 VCaP cells or 5 × 10 5 cells of LuCaP136- or LuCaP147 spheroids were injected into the prostate of male CB17-SCID mice (n = 8 for each cell type). During 12 weeks of follow-up, orthotopic tumor growth, and metastatic spread were monitored by repetitive serum-PSA measurements and imaging studies including hrUS, μCT, and 9.4T MRI. At autopsy, primary tumors and metastases were harvested and examined by histology and immunohistochemistry (CK5, CK8, AMACR, AR, Ki67, ERG, and PSA). From imaging results and PSA-measurements, tumor volume doubling time, tumor-specific growth rate, and PSA-density were calculated. All 24 mice developed orthotopic tumors. The tumor growth could be reliably monitored by a combination of hrUS, μCT, MRI, and serum-PSA measurements. In most animals, lymph node metastases could be detected after 12 weeks, which could also be well visualized by hrUS, and MRI. Immunohistochemistry showed positive signals for CK8, AMACR, and AR in all xenograft types. CK5 was negative in VCaP- and focally positive in LuCaP136- and LuCaP147-xenografts. ERG was positive in VCaP- and negative in LuCaP136- and LuCaP147-xenografts. Tumor volume doubling times and tumor-specific growth rates were 21.2 days and 3.9 %/day for VCaP-, 27.6 days and 3.1 %/day for LuCaP136- and 16.2 days and 4.5 %/day for LuCaP147-xenografts, respectively. PSA-densities were 433.9 ng/mL per milliliter tumor for VCaP-, 6.5 ng/mL per milliliter tumor for LuCaP136-, and 11.2 ng/mL per milliliter tumor for LuCaP147-xenografts. By using different monolayer and 3D spheroid cell cultures in an orthotopic xenograft model, we established an innovative, versatile in vivo model of prostate cancer, which enables the study of both intraprostatic tumor growth as well as metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes. HrUS and MRI are feasible tools to monitor tumor growth and the development of lymph node metastases while these cannot be visualized by μCT. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effect of Oxygen Flow on the Transition Temperature of Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr2-yBayCa2Cu3O8+ δ Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasim, Kareem A.; Al-Khafaji, Raghad S.

2018-05-01

In this paper, there are three different high temperature superconductors which are Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr2-y BayCa2Cu3O8+δ with deferent weight fractions y = 0.10, 0.20 and 0.25 that have been prepared successfully by solid state reaction and the samples have been equipped with/without O2 flow. The optimum calcinations is 1073 K and the sintering process that has been achieved within 1128-1133 K. Transition temperature Tc has been found by using four probe technique through electrical resistivity measurements. The greatest Tc that has been found for Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr1.75 Ba0.25Ca2Cu3O8.31 is 115 oK. Oxygen content (O2) flow exhibits high-phased superconductors that is similar to the samples prepared without O2. Investigation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) is revealed (tetragonal structure) by the c-axis lattice parameter increasing of the samples substituted with Ba. It has been established, from the calculated results, that the Ba variation concentrations of all samples products a modification in the density (ρm), (c/a) and volume fraction (VPh(2223)).

REPRESENTATIONS OF WEAK AND STRONG INTEGRALS IN BANACH SPACES

PubMed Central

Brooks, James K.

1969-01-01

We establish a representation of the Gelfand-Pettis (weak) integral in terms of unconditionally convergent series. Moreover, absolute convergence of the series is a necessary and sufficient condition in order that the weak integral coincide with the Bochner integral. Two applications of the representation are given. The first is a simplified proof of the countable additivity and absolute continuity of the indefinite weak integral. The second application is to probability theory; we characterize the conditional expectation of a weakly integrable function. PMID:16591755

Evolution of a volcanic island on the shoulder of an oceanic rift and geodynamic implications: S. Jorge Island on the Terceira Rift, Azores Triple Junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, F. O.; Hildenbrand, A.; Hübscher, C.

2018-07-01

The S. Jorge Island in the Azores lies on a peculiar setting, the southern shoulder of the Terceira Rift (TR), which raises a series of questions that we address in this study. We first established the main volcanic stratigraphy by recognizing, in the field, the main unconformities/discontinuities and their meaning (major erosion surfaces and faults), then we collected critical samples, and finally dated them by K/Ar to calibrate the stratigraphy and the age of inferred large-scale flank collapses. Based on field, geochronological and marine geophysical data: (1) we found much older rocks in S. Jorge than in previous studies (ca. 1.85 Ma), and established a new volcanic stratigraphy (from bottom to top): Old Volcanic Complex (ca. 1.9-1.2 Ma), cropping out in the eastern third of the island; Intermediate Volcanic Complex (ca. 0.8-0.2 Ma), cropping out in the western two thirds of the island and separated from the underlying complex by a major fault; Young Volcanic Complex (

Student Connections between Algebraic and Graphical Polynomial Representations in the Context of a Polynomial Relation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adu-Gyamfi, Kwaku; Bossé, Michael J.; Chandler, Kayla

2017-01-01

When establishing connections among representations of associated mathematical concepts, students encounter different difficulties and successes along the way. The purpose of this study was to uncover information about and gain greater insight into how student processes connections. Pre-calculus students were observed and interviewed while…

The Role of Visual Experience on the Representation and Updating of Novel Haptic Scenes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pasqualotto, Achille; Newell, Fiona N.

2007-01-01

We investigated the role of visual experience on the spatial representation and updating of haptic scenes by comparing recognition performance across sighted, congenitally and late blind participants. We first established that spatial updating occurs in sighted individuals to haptic scenes of novel objects. All participants were required to…

Using Students' Representations Constructed during Problem Solving to Infer Conceptual Understanding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Domin, Daniel; Bodner, George

2012-01-01

The differences in the types of representations constructed during successful and unsuccessful problem-solving episodes were investigated within the context of graduate students working on problems that involve concepts from 2D-NMR. Success at problem solving was established by having the participants solve five problems relating to material just…

Auditory Processing Skills and Phonological Representation in Dyslexic Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Ulla; Thomson, Jennifer M.; Scott, Sophie K.; Goswami, Usha

2004-01-01

It is now well-established that there is a causal connection between children's phonological skills and their acquisition of reading and spelling. Here we study low-level auditory processes that may underpin the development of phonological representations in children. Dyslexic and control children were given a battery of phonological tasks,…

Forming Tool Use Representations: A Neurophysiological Investigation into Tool Exposure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mizelle, John Christopher; Tang, Teresa; Pirouz, Nikta; Wheaton, Lewis A.

2011-01-01

Prior work has identified a common left parietofrontal network for storage of tool-related information for various tasks. How these representations become established within this network on the basis of different modes of exposure is unclear. Here, healthy subjects engaged in physical practice (direct exposure) with familiar and unfamiliar tools.…

Representations as mediation between purposes as junior secondary science students learn about the human body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olander, Clas; Wickman, Per-Olof; Tytler, Russell; Ingerman, Åke

2018-01-01

The aim of this article is to investigate students' meaning-making processes of multiple representations during a teaching sequence about the human body in lower secondary school. Two main influences are brought together to accomplish the analysis: on the one hand, theories on signs and representations as scaffoldings for learning and, on the other hand, pragmatist theories on how continuity between the purposes of different inquiry activities can be sustained. Data consist of 10 videotaped and transcribed lessons with 14-year-old students (N = 26) in Sweden. The analysis focused instances where meaning of representations was negotiated. Findings indicate that continuity is established in multiple ways, for example, as the use of metaphors articulated as an interlanguage expression that enables the students (and the teacher) to maintain the conversation and explain pressing issues in ways that support of the end-in-view of the immediate action. Continuity is also established between every day and scientific registers and between organisation levels as well as between the smaller parts and the whole system.

Role of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channel isoforms for brain function.

PubMed

Striessnig, J; Koschak, A; Sinnegger-Brauns, M J; Hetzenauer, A; Nguyen, N K; Busquet, P; Pelster, G; Singewald, N

2006-11-01

Voltage-gated LTCCs (L-type Ca2+ channels) are established drug targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. LTCCs are also expressed outside the cardiovascular system. In the brain, LTCCs control synaptic plasticity in neurons, and DHP (dihydropyridine) LTCC blockers such as nifedipine modulate brain function (such as fear memory extinction and depression-like behaviour). Voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels Cav1 .2 and Cav1.3 are the predominant brain LTCCs. As DHPs and other classes of organic LTCC blockers inhibit both isoforms, their pharmacological distinction is impossible and their individual contributions to defined brain functions remain largely unknown. Here, we summarize our recent experiments with two genetically modified mouse strains, which we generated to explore the individual biophysical features of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 LTCCs and to determine their relative contributions to various physiological peripheral and neuronal functions. The results described here also allow predictions about the pharmacotherapeutic potential of isoform-selective LTCC modulators.

Identifying the T=5 states in 48Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upadhyayula, Sriteja; Ahn, Sunghoon; Anastasiou, Maria; Bedoor, Shadi; Browne, Justin; Blackmon, Jeffrey; Deibel, Catherine; Hood, Ashley; Hooker, Joshua; Hunt, Curtis; Koshchiy, Yevgen; Lighthall, Jon; Ong, Wei Jia; Rijal, Nabin; Rogachev, Grigory; Santiago-Gonzalez, Daniel; Nscl, Michigan State University, Ingo

2017-09-01

Particle-hole excitations near closed shells carry information on single-particle energies and on two-body interactions. The particle-hole excitations near the doubly magic nuclei are of special interest. Information on the charge-changing particle-hole excitations (T=5 negative parity states) in 48Ca is not available. We performed an experiment to establish the level scheme of the low-lying negative parity T=5 states in 48Ca. Excitation functions for the 1H(47K,p)47K(g.s.) and 1H(47K,p)47K(3/2+) reactions in the c.m. energy range from 1 MeV to 4.5 MeV were measured. The T=5 states are expected to show up in the p+47K excitation function as narrow resonances. This experiment was performed at NSCL using the ReA3 beam of 47K at energy of 4.6 MeV/u. ANASEN, set in active target mode, was used for this experiment. Experimental results from this experiment will be presented.

Serum Ionized Calcium Quantification for Staging Canine Periodontal Disease: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Miguel Carreira, L; Daniela, Dias; Pedro, Azevedo

2015-06-01

Periodontal diseases (PD) are infectious, inflammatory, progressive diseases of the oral cavity affecting people and dogs. PD takes 2 forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Diagnosing or staging PD can be achieved only with dental x-rays and periodontal probing, both of which require the use of general anesthesia in dogs. This study aimed to determine whether serum ionized calcium ([iCa(2+)]) levels can be useful in preliminary PD staging in dogs. A sample of 40 dogs (n = 40) was divided into 4 groups (n = 10 each) based on the following PD stages: G1 (gingivitis), G2 (initial periodontitis), G3 (moderate periodontitis), and G4 (severe periodontitis). The groups were then subjected to [iCa(2+)] quantification. Statistically significant differences were observed between PD stages and [iCa(2+)] for all stages except G3 and G4. Therefore, this parameter can be used as an additional tool to establish and monitor preliminary PD status. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A model of cardiac ryanodine receptor gating predicts experimental Ca2+-dynamics and Ca2+-triggered arrhythmia in the long QT syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Dan; Ermentrout, Bard; Němec, Jan; Salama, Guy

2017-09-01

Abnormal Ca2+ handling is well-established as the trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and digoxin toxicity, but its role remains controversial in Torsade de Pointes (TdP), the arrhythmia associated with the long QT syndrome (LQTS). Recent experimental results show that early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that initiate TdP are caused by spontaneous (non-voltage-triggered) Ca2+ release from Ca2+-overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) rather than the activation of the L-type Ca2+-channel window current. In bradycardia and long QT type 2 (LQT2), a second, non-voltage triggered cytosolic Ca2+ elevation increases gradually in amplitude, occurs before overt voltage instability, and then precedes the rise of EADs. Here, we used a modified Shannon-Puglisi-Bers model of rabbit ventricular myocytes to reproduce experimental Ca2+ dynamics in bradycardia and LQT2. Abnormal systolic Ca2+-oscillations and EADs caused by SR Ca2+-release are reproduced in a modified 0-dimensional model, where 3 gates in series control the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) conductance. Two gates control RyR2 activation and inactivation and sense cytosolic Ca2+ while a third gate senses luminal junctional SR Ca2+. The model predicts EADs in bradycardia and low extracellular [K+] and cessation of SR Ca2+-release terminate salvos of EADs. Ca2+-waves, systolic cell-synchronous Ca2+-release, and multifocal diastolic Ca2+ release seen in subcellular Ca2+-mapping experiments are observed in the 2-dimensional version of the model. These results support the role of SR Ca2+-overload, abnormal SR Ca2+-release, and the subsequent activation of the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchanger as the mechanism of TdP. The model offers new insights into the genesis of cardiac arrhythmia and new therapeutic strategies.

Resilience in carbonate production despite three coral bleaching events in 5 years on an inshore patch reef in the Florida Keys.

PubMed

Manzello, Derek P; Enochs, Ian C; Kolodziej, Graham; Carlton, Renée; Valentino, Lauren

2018-01-01

The persistence of coral reef frameworks requires that calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) production by corals and other calcifiers outpaces CaCO 3 loss via physical, chemical, and biological erosion. Coral bleaching causes declines in CaCO 3 production, but this varies with bleaching severity and the species impacted. We conducted census-based CaCO 3 budget surveys using the established ReefBudget approach at Cheeca Rocks, an inshore patch reef in the Florida Keys, annually from 2012 to 2016. This site experienced warm-water bleaching in 2011, 2014, and 2015. In 2017, we obtained cores of the dominant calcifying coral at this site, Orbicella faveolata , to understand how calcification rates were impacted by bleaching and how they affected the reef-wide CaCO 3 budget. Bleaching depressed O. faveolata growth and the decline of this one species led to an overestimation of mean (± std. error) reef-wide CaCO 3 production by + 0.68 (± 0.167) to + 1.11 (± 0.236) kg m -2  year -1 when using the static ReefBudget coral growth inputs. During non-bleaching years, the ReefBudget inputs slightly underestimated gross production by - 0.10 (± 0.022) to - 0.43 (± 0.100) kg m -2  year -1 . Carbonate production declined after the first year of back-to-back bleaching in 2014, but then increased after 2015 to values greater than the initial surveys in 2012. Cheeca Rocks is an outlier in the Caribbean and Florida Keys in terms of coral cover, carbonate production, and abundance of O. faveolata , which is threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Given the resilience of this site to repeated bleaching events, it may deserve special management attention.

Alterations in Ca2+ Signalling via ER-Mitochondria Contact Site Remodelling in Cancer.

PubMed

Kerkhofs, Martijn; Giorgi, Carlotta; Marchi, Saverio; Seitaj, Bruno; Parys, Jan B; Pinton, Paolo; Bultynck, Geert; Bittremieux, Mart

2017-01-01

Inter-organellar contact sites establish microdomains for localised Ca 2+ -signalling events. One of these microdomains is established between the ER and the mitochondria. Importantly, the so-called mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) contain, besides structural proteins and proteins involved in lipid exchange, several Ca 2+ -transport systems, mediating efficient Ca 2+ transfer from the ER to the mitochondria. These Ca 2+ signals critically control several mitochondrial functions, thereby impacting cell metabolism, cell death and survival, proliferation and migration. Hence, the MAMs have emerged as critical signalling hubs in physiology, while their dysregulation is an important factor that drives or at least contributes to oncogenesis and tumour progression. In this book chapter, we will provide an overview of the role of the MAMs in cell function and how alterations in the MAM composition contribute to oncogenic features and behaviours.

Influence of solution chemistry on the boron content in inorganic calcite grown in artificial seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchikawa, Joji; Harper, Dustin T.; Penman, Donald E.; Zachos, James C.; Zeebe, Richard E.

2017-12-01

The ratio of boron to calcium (B/Ca) in marine biogenic carbonates has been proposed as a proxy for properties of seawater carbonate chemistry. Applying this proxy to planktic foraminifera residing in the surface seawater largely in equilibrium with the atmosphere may provide a valuable handle on past atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, precise controls on B/Ca in planktic foraminifera remain enigmatic because it has been shown to depend on multiple physicochemical seawater properties. To help establish a firm inorganic basis for interpreting the B/Ca records, we examined the effect of a suite of chemical parameters ([Ca2+], pH, [DIC], salinity and [PO43-]) on B/Ca in inorganic calcite precipitated in artificial seawater. These parameters were primarily varied individually while keeping all others constant, but we also tested the influence of pH and [DIC] at a constant calcite precipitation rate (R) by concurrent [Ca2+] adjustments. In the simple [Ca2+], pH and [DIC] experiments, both R and B/Ca increased with these parameters. In the pH-[Ca2+] and [DIC]-[Ca2+] experiments at constant R, on the other hand, B/Ca was invariant at different pH and decreased with [DIC], respectively. These patterns agree with the behavior of solution [BTotal/DIC] ratio such that, at a fixed [BTotal], it is independent of pH but decreases with [DIC]. Based on these results, R and [BTotal/DIC] ratio appear to be the primary controls on B/Ca in inorganic calcite, suggesting that both B(OH)4- and B(OH)3 are possibly involved in B incorporation. Moreover, B/Ca modestly increased with salinity and [PO43-]. Inorganic calcite precipitated at higher R and in the presence of oxyanions such as SO42- and PO43- in growth solutions often undergoes surface roughening due to formation of crystallographic defects, vacancies and, occasionally, amorphous/hydrous CaCO3. These non-lattice sites may provide additional space for B, particularly B(OH)3. Consequently, besides the macroscopic influence of R and bulk solution chemistry, molecular-scale processes associated with calcite nucleation can be an important consideration for B incorporation, especially in complex ionic solutions. Lastly, the covariance of B/Ca with [DIC] and salinity observed here qualitatively agrees with those in planktic foraminifers. It follows that their impact on foraminiferal B/Ca is partly inorganically driven, which may explain why the effect is evident across different species.

Efficient Biotransformation of Astragaloside IV to Cycloastragenol by Bacillus sp. LG-502.

PubMed

Wang, Liming; Chen, Yan

2017-12-01

Cycloastragenol (CA), an exclusive telomerase activator, was derived from the Astragali Radix which is widely distributed in Turkey. Until now, there is no report to produce CA with effective and environment-friendly methods. Biotransformation is considered to be a promising technology. Thus, the present study was aimed to establish a biotransformation technology that could efficiently produce CA. In this paper, a microorganism, LG-502, was used to successfully transform astragaloside IV (ASI) to CA by analysis of thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA indicated that this strain belongs to Bacillus sp. Three metabolites were separated during the fermentation and characterized to be cyclogaleginoside B, CA, and 20R, 24S-epoxy-6α, 16β, 25-trihydroxy-9, 19-cycloartan-3-one based on NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. The conversion rate of ASI and yield rate of CA were achieved as high as 89 and 84%, respectively, under optimized conditions. Enzymatic analysis showed that the glycosidases were mainly located inside the bacterial body, and the activities of glucosidases were much higher than the xylosidases under the experimental conditions. This study provides a feasible, effective, and eco-friendly way to prepare CA from ASI, which might greatly contribute to the applications of ASI.

MG53 participates in ischaemic postconditioning through the RISK signalling pathway

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan; Lv, Fengxiang; Jin, Li; Peng, Wei; Song, Ruisheng; Ma, Jianjie; Cao, Chun-Mei; Xiao, Rui-Ping

2011-01-01

Aims Recent studies show that ischaemic postconditioning (PostC), similar to the well-established ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), confers cardioprotection against ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, and both IPC and PostC can activate the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway and the survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathway. PostC is clinically more attractive because of its therapeutic application at the predictable onset of reperfusion. Our previous studies have demonstrated that MG53 is a primary component of the IPC machinery. Here, we investigated the potential role of MG53 in PostC-mediated myocardial protection and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods and results Using Langendorff perfusion, we investigated IR injury in wild-type (wt) and MG53-deficient (mg53−/−) mouse hearts with or without PostC. IR-induced myocardial damage was markedly exacerbated in mg53−/− hearts compared with wt controls. PostC protected wt hearts against IR-induced myocardial infarction, myocyte necrosis, and apoptosis, but failed to protect mg53−/− hearts. The loss of PostC protection in mg53−/− hearts was attributed to selectively impaired PostC-activated RISK signalling. Mechanistically, MG53 is required for the interaction between caveolin 3 (CaV3) and the p85 subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p85-PI3K) and PostC-mediated activation of the RISK pathway. Importantly, a structure–function study revealed that the MG53 tripartite motif (TRIM) domain (aa1–284) physically interacted with CaV3 but not p85-PI3K, whereas the MG53 SPRY domain (aa285–477) interacted with p85-PI3K but not CaV3, indicating that MG53 binds to CaV3 and p85 at its N- and C-terminus, respectively. Conclusions We conclude that MG53 participates in PostC-mediated cardioprotection largely through tethering CaV3 and PI3K and subsequent activation of the RISK pathway. PMID:21285295

The major-ion composition of Carboniferous seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holt, Nora M.; García-Veigas, Javier; Lowenstein, Tim K.; Giles, Peter S.; Williams-Stroud, Sherilyn

2014-06-01

The major-ion chemistry (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, SO42-, and Cl-) of Carboniferous seawater was determined from chemical analyses of fluid inclusions in marine halites, using the cryo scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) technique. Fluid inclusions in halite from the Mississippian Windsor and Mabou Groups, Shubenacadie Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada (Asbian and Pendleian Substages, 335.5-330 Ma), and from the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation, Utah, USA, (Desmoinesian Stage 309-305 Ma) contain Na+-Mg2+-K+-Ca2+-Cl- brines, with no measurable SO42-, which shows that the Carboniferous ocean was a “CaCl2 sea”, relatively enriched in Ca2+ and low in SO42- with equivalents Ca2+ > SO42- + HCO3-. δ34S values from anhydrite in the Mississippian Shubenacadie Basin (13.2-14.0 ‰) and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation (11.2-12.6 ‰) support seawater sources. Br in halite from the Shubenacadie Basin (53-111 ppm) and the Paradox Basin (68-147 ppm) also indicate seawater parentages. Carboniferous seawater, modeled from fluid inclusions, contained ∼22 mmol Ca2+/kg H2O (Mississippian) and ∼24 mmol Ca2+/kg H2O (Pennsylvanian). Estimated sulfate concentrations are ∼14 mmol SO42-/kg H2O (Mississippian), and ∼12 mmol SO42-/kg H2O (Pennsylvanian). Calculated Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios are 2.5 (Mississippian) and 2.3 (Pennsylvanian), with an estimated range of 2.0-3.2. The fluid inclusion record of seawater chemistry shows a long period of CaCl2 seas in the Paleozoic, from the Early Cambrian through the Carboniferous, when seawater was enriched in Ca2+ and relatively depleted in SO42-. During this ∼200 Myr interval, Ca2+ decreased and SO42- increased, but did not cross the Ca2+-SO42- chemical divide to become a MgSO4 sea (when SO42- in seawater became greater than Ca2+) until the latest Pennsylvanian or earliest Permian (∼309-295 Ma). Seawater remained a MgSO4 sea during the Permian and Triassic, for ∼100 Myr. Fluid inclusions also record a long interval, from the Early Cambrian to the Middle Devonian, when seawater had low Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios (<2) that coincide with calcite seas. The Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of seawater rose from 0.9 in the Middle Devonian, to 2.5 in the Middle/Late Mississippian, 2.3 in the Middle Pennsylvanian, and 3.5 in the Early Permian. The transition from calcite seas to aragonite seas, established from the mineralogy of oölites and early marine cements, occurred in the Late Mississippian. Fluid inclusions show that seawater Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios rose above 2 by the Middle to Late Mississippian coinciding exactly with the shift to aragonite seas. Aragonite seas existed for ∼100 Myr, from the Late Mississippian until the Late Triassic/Early Jurassic.

In Vitro and In Vivo Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Chemoresistance Can Be Modulated by Expression of either CD44 or CD147

PubMed Central

Hao, Jingli; Madigan, Michele C.; Khatri, Aparajita; Power, Carl A.; Hung, Tzong-Tyng; Beretov, Julia; Chang, Lei; Xiao, Weiwei; Cozzi, Paul J.; Graham, Peter H.; Kearsley, John H.; Li, Yong

2012-01-01

CD44 and CD147 are associated with cancer metastasis and progression. Our purpose in the study was to investigate the effects of down-regulation of CD44 or CD147 on the metastatic ability of prostate cancer (CaP) cells, their docetaxel (DTX) responsiveness and potential mechanisms involved in vitro and in vivo. CD44 and CD147 were knocked down (KD) in PC-3M-luc CaP cells using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Expression of CD44, CD147, MRP2 (multi-drug resistance protein-2) and MCT4 (monocarboxylate tranporter-4) was evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The DTX dose-response and proliferation was measured by MTT and colony assays, respectively. The invasive potential was assessed using a matrigel chamber assay. Signal transduction proteins in PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk pathways were assessed by Western blotting. An in vivo subcutaneous (s.c.) xenograft model was established to assess CaP tumorigenecity, lymph node metastases and DTX response. Our results indicated that KD of CD44 or CD147 decreased MCT4 and MRP2 expression, reduced CaP proliferation and invasive potential and enhanced DTX sensitivity; and KD of CD44 or CD147 down-regulated p-Akt and p-Erk, the main signal modulators associated with cell growth and survival. In vivo, CD44 or CD147-KD PC-3M-luc xenografts displayed suppressed tumor growth with increased DTX responsiveness compared to control xenografts. Both CD44 and CD147 enhance metastatic capacity and chemoresistance of CaP cells, potentially mediated by activation of the PI3K and MAPK pathways. Selective targeting of CD44/CD147 alone or combined with DTX may limit CaP metastasis and increase chemosensitivity, with promise for future CaP treatment. PMID:22870202

Increased Frequency of KRAS Mutations in African Americans Compared with Caucasians in Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Staudacher, Jonas J; Yazici, Cemal; Bul, Vadim; Zeidan, Joseph; Khalid, Ahmer; Xia, Yinglin; Krett, Nancy; Jung, Barbara

2017-10-19

The basis for over-representation of colorectal cancer (CRC) in African-American (AA) populations compared with Caucasians are multifactorial and complex. Understanding the mechanisms for this racial disparity is critical for delivery of better care. Several studies have investigated sporadic CRC for differences in somatic mutations between AAs and Caucasians, but owing to small study sizes and conflicting results to date, no definitive conclusions have been reached. Here, we present the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis investigating the mutational differences in sporadic CRC between AAs and Caucasians focused on frequent driver mutations (APC,TP53, KRAS,PI3CA, FBXW7,SMAD4, and BRAF). Publication inclusion criteria comprised sporadic CRC, human subjects, English language, information on ethnicity (AA, Caucasian, or both), total subject number >20, and information on mutation frequencies. We identified 6,234 publications. Meta-analysis for APC, TP54, FBXW7, or SMAD4 was not possible owing to paucity of data. KRAS mutations were statistically less frequent in non-Hispanic Whites when compared with AAs (odds ratio, 0.640; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5342-0.7666; P=0.0001), while the mutational differences observed in BRAF and PI3CA did not reach statistical significance. Here, we report the mutational patterns for KRAS, BRAF, and PI3CA in sporadic CRC of AAs and Caucasians in a systematic meta-analysis of previously published data. We identified an increase in KRAS mutations in sporadic CRC in AAs, which may contribute to worse prognosis and increased mortality of CRC in AAs. Future studies investigating health-care disparities in CRC in AAs should control for KRAS mutational frequency.

Neural representations of kinematic laws of motion: evidence for action-perception coupling.

PubMed

Dayan, Eran; Casile, Antonino; Levit-Binnun, Nava; Giese, Martin A; Hendler, Talma; Flash, Tamar

2007-12-18

Behavioral and modeling studies have established that curved and drawing human hand movements obey the 2/3 power law, which dictates a strong coupling between movement curvature and velocity. Human motion perception seems to reflect this constraint. The functional MRI study reported here demonstrates that the brain's response to this law of motion is much stronger and more widespread than to other types of motion. Compliance with this law is reflected in the activation of a large network of brain areas subserving motor production, visual motion processing, and action observation functions. Hence, these results strongly support the notion of similar neural coding for motion perception and production. These findings suggest that cortical motion representations are optimally tuned to the kinematic and geometrical invariants characterizing biological actions.

Le(x) glycan mediates homotypic adhesion of embryonal cells independently from E-cadherin: a preliminary note.

PubMed

Handa, Kazuko; Takatani-Nakase, Tomoka; Larue, Lionel; Stemmler, Marc P; Kemler, Rolf; Hakomori, Sen-itiroh

2007-06-22

Le(x) glycan and E-cadherin (Ecad) are co-expressed at embryonal stem (ES) cells and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. While the structure and function of Ecad mediating homotypic adhesion of these cells have been well established, evidence that Le(x) glycan also mediates such adhesion is weak, despite the fact that Le(x) oligosaccharide inhibits the compaction process. To provide stronger evidence, we knocked out Ecad gene in EC and ES cells to establish F9 Ecad (-/-) and D3M Ecad (-/-) cells, which highly express Le(x) glycan but do not express Ecad at all. Both F9 Ecad (-/-) and D3M Ecad (-/-) cells displayed strong autoaggregation in the presence of Ca(2+), while PYS-2 cells, which express trace amount of Ecad and undetectable level of Le(x) glycan, did not display autoaggregation. In addition, F9 Ecad (-/-) and D3M Ecad (-/-) cells displayed strong adhesion to plates coated with Le(x) glycosphingolipid (III(3)FucnLc4Cer), in dose-dependent manner, in the presence of Ca(2+). Thus, ES or EC cells display autoaggregation and strong adhesion to Le(x)-coated plates in the absence of Ecad, further supporting the notion of Le(x) self-recognition (i.e., Le(x)-to-Le(x) interaction) in cell adhesion.

A Diffusible Signal from Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Elicits a Transient Cytosolic Calcium Elevation in Host Plant Cells1[W

PubMed Central

Navazio, Lorella; Moscatiello, Roberto; Genre, Andrea; Novero, Mara; Baldan, Barbara; Bonfante, Paola; Mariani, Paola

2007-01-01

The implication of calcium as intracellular messenger in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis has not yet been directly demonstrated, although often envisaged. We used soybean (Glycine max) cell cultures stably expressing the bioluminescent Ca2+ indicator aequorin to detect intracellular Ca2+ changes in response to the culture medium of spores of Gigaspora margarita germinating in the absence of the plant partner. Rapid and transient elevations in cytosolic free Ca2+ were recorded, indicating that diffusible molecules released by the mycorrhizal fungus are perceived by host plant cells through a Ca2+-mediated signaling. Similar responses were also triggered by two Glomus isolates. The fungal molecules active in generating the Ca2+ transient were constitutively released in the medium, and the induced Ca2+ signature was not modified by the coculture of germinating spores with plant cells. Even ungerminated spores were able to generate the signaling molecules, as proven when the germination was blocked by a low temperature. The fungal molecules were found to be stable to heat treatment, of small molecular mass (<3 kD), and, on the basis of extraction with an organic solvent, partially lipophilic. Evidence for the specificity of such an early fungal signal to the AM symbiosis is suggested by the lack of a Ca2+ response in cultured cells of the nonhost plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and by the up-regulation in soybean cells of genes related to Medicago truncatula DMI1, DMI2, and DMI3 and considered essential for the establishment of the AM symbiosis. PMID:17142489

Low-dimensional representations of the three component loop braid group

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

Bruillard, Paul; Chang, Liang; Hong, Seung-Moon

2015-11-01

Motivated by physical and topological applications, we study representations of the group LB3 o motions of 3 unlinked oriented circles in R3. Our point of view is to regard the three strand braid group B3 as a subgroup of LB3 and study the problem of extending B3 representations. We introduce the notion of a standard extension and characterize B3 represenations admiting such an extension. In particular we show, using a classification result of Tuba and Wenzl, that every irreducible B3 representation of dimension at most 5 has a (standard) extension. We show that this result is sharp by exhibiting anmore » irreducible 6-dimensional B3 representation that has no extension (standard or otherwise). We obtain complete classifications of (1) irreducible 2-dimensional LB3 representations (2) extensions of irreducible B3 representations and (3) irreducible LB3 representations whose restriction to B3 has abelian image.« less

33 CFR 165.T11-630 - Safety zone; Giants Enterprises Fireworks Display, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Francisco Bay, San Francisco, CA. (a) Location. This temporary safety zone is established in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay near Pier 48 in San Francisco, CA as depicted in National Oceanic and... Fireworks Display, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, CA. 165.T11-630 Section 165.T11-630 Navigation and...

Women in Mathematics: Scaling the Heights. MAA Notes Number 46.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolan, Deborah, Ed.

Women and mathematics have been thought of as two totally separate subjects for decades. In July, 1994 a group of mathematicians from around the country gathered in Berkeley, CA for three days to discuss ways to increase the representation of women in Ph.D. programs in the mathematical sciences. The primary goal of this conference was to broaden…

"As if Reviewing His Life": Bull Lodge's Narrative and the Mediation of Self-Representation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gone, Joseph P.

2006-01-01

In 1980, on behalf of the Gros Ventre people, George P. Horse Capture published "The Seven Visions of Bull Lodge, as Told by His Daughter, Garter Snake." "The Seven Visions" describes a lifetime of personal encounters with Powerful other-than-human Persons by the noted Gros Ventre warrior and ritual leader, Bull Lodge (ca.…

Long-term effect of neonatal inhibition of APP gamma-secretase on hippocampal development in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome.

PubMed

Stagni, Fiorenza; Raspanti, Alessandra; Giacomini, Andrea; Guidi, Sandra; Emili, Marco; Ciani, Elisabetta; Giuliani, Alessandro; Bighinati, Andrea; Calzà, Laura; Magistretti, Jacopo; Bartesaghi, Renata

2017-07-01

Neurogenesis impairment is considered a major determinant of the intellectual disability that characterizes Down syndrome (DS), a genetic condition caused by triplication of chromosome 21. Previous evidence obtained in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS showed that the triplicated gene APP (amyloid precursor protein) is critically involved in neurogenesis alterations. In particular, excessive levels of AICD (amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain) resulting from APP cleavage by gamma-secretase increase the transcription of Ptch1, a Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) receptor that keeps the mitogenic Shh pathway repressed. Previous evidence showed that neonatal treatment with ELND006, an inhibitor of gamma-secretase, reinstates the Shh pathway and fully restores neurogenesis in Ts65Dn pups. In the framework of potential therapies for DS, it is extremely important to establish whether the positive effects of early intervention are retained after treatment cessation. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to establish whether early treatment with ELND006 leaves an enduring trace in the brain of Ts65Dn mice. Ts65Dn and euploid pups were treated with ELND006 in the postnatal period P3-P15 and the outcome of treatment was examined at ~one month after treatment cessation. We found that in treated Ts65Dn mice the pool of proliferating cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and total number of granule neurons were still restored as was the number of pre- and postsynaptic terminals in the stratum lucidum of CA3, the site of termination of the mossy fibers from the DG. Accordingly, patch-clamp recording from field CA3 showed functional normalization of the input to CA3. Unlike in field CA3, the number of pre- and postsynaptic terminals in the DG of treated Ts65Dn mice was no longer fully restored. The finding that many of the positive effects of neonatal treatment were retained after treatment cessation provides proof of principle demonstration of the efficacy of early inhibition of gamma-secretase for the improvement of brain development in DS. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SLO3 auxiliary subunit LRRC52 controls gating of sperm KSPER currents and is critical for normal fertility

PubMed Central

Zeng, Xu-Hui; Yang, Chengtao; Xia, Xiao-Ming; Liu, Min; Lingle, Christopher J.

2015-01-01

Following entry into the female reproductive tract, mammalian sperm undergo a maturation process termed capacitation that results in competence to fertilize ova. Associated with capacitation is an increase in membrane conductance to both Ca2+ and K+, leading to an elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ critical for activation of hyperactivated swimming motility. In mice, the Ca2+ conductance (alkalization-activated Ca2+-permeable sperm channel, CATSPER) arises from an ensemble of CATSPER subunits, whereas the K+ conductance (sperm pH-regulated K+ current, KSPER) arises from a pore-forming ion channel subunit encoded by the slo3 gene (SLO3) subunit. In the mouse, both CATSPER and KSPER are activated by cytosolic alkalization and a concerted activation of CATSPER and KSPER is likely a common facet of capacitation-associated increases in Ca2+ and K+ conductance among various mammalian species. The properties of heterologously expressed mouse SLO3 channels differ from native mouse KSPER current. Recently, a potential KSPER auxiliary subunit, leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52), was identified in mouse sperm and shown to shift gating of SLO3 to be more equivalent to native KSPER. Here, we show that genetic KO of LRRC52 results in mice with severely impaired fertility. Activation of KSPER current in sperm lacking LRRC52 requires more positive voltages and higher pH than for WT KSPER. These results establish a critical role of LRRC52 in KSPER channels and demonstrate that loss of a non-pore-forming auxiliary subunit results in severe fertility impairment. Furthermore, through analysis of several genotypes that influence KSPER current properties we show that in vitro fertilization competence correlates with the net KSPER conductance available for activation under physiological conditions. PMID:25675513

Terminal Field and Firing Selectivity of Cholecystokinin-Expressing Interneurons in the Hippocampal CA3 Area

PubMed Central

Lasztóczi, Bálint; Tukker, John J.; Somogyi, Peter; Klausberger, Thomas

2015-01-01

Hippocampal oscillations reflect coordinated neuronal activity on many timescales. Distinct types of GABAergic interneuron participate in the coordination of pyramidal cells over different oscillatory cycle phases. In the CA3 area, which generates sharp waves and gamma oscillations, the contribution of identified GABAergic neurons remains to be defined. We have examined the firing of a family of cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons during network oscillations in urethane-anesthetized rats and compared them with firing of CA3 pyramidal cells. The position of the terminals of individual visualized interneurons was highly diverse, selective, and often spatially coaligned with either the entorhinal or the associational inputs to area CA3. The spike timing in relation to theta and gamma oscillations and sharp waves was correlated with the innervated pyramidal cell domain. Basket and dendritic-layer-innervating interneurons receive entorhinal and associational inputs and preferentially fire on the ascending theta phase, when pyramidal cell assemblies emerge. Perforant-path-associated cells, driven by recurrent collaterals of pyramidal cells fire on theta troughs, when established pyramidal cell assemblies are most active. In the CA3 area, slow and fast gamma oscillations occurred on opposite theta oscillation phases. Perforant-path-associated and some COUP-TFII-positive interneurons are strongly coupled to both fast and slow gamma oscillations, but basket and dendritic-layer-innervating cells are weakly coupled to fast gamma oscillations only. During sharp waves, different interneuron types are activated, inhibited, or remain unaffected. We suggest that specialization in pyramidal cell domain and glutamatergic input-specific operations, reflected in the position of GABAergic terminals, is the evolutionary drive underlying the diversity of cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons. PMID:22159120

Effects of dorsal hippocampus catecholamine depletion on paired-associates learning and place learning in rats.

PubMed

Roschlau, Corinna; Hauber, Wolfgang

2017-04-14

Growing evidence suggests that the catecholamine (CA) neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline support hippocampus-mediated learning and memory. However, little is known to date about which forms of hippocampus-mediated spatial learning are modulated by CA signaling in the hippocampus. Therefore, in the current study we examined the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced CA depletion in the dorsal hippocampus on two prominent forms of hippocampus-based spatial learning, that is learning of object-location associations (paired-associates learning) as well as learning and choosing actions based on a representation of the context (place learning). Results show that rats with CA depletion of the dorsal hippocampus were able to learn object-location associations in an automated touch screen paired-associates learning (PAL) task. One possibility to explain this negative result is that object-location learning as tested in the touchscreen PAL task seems to require relatively little hippocampal processing. Results further show that in rats with CA depletion of the dorsal hippocampus the use of a response strategy was facilitated in a T-maze spatial learning task. We suspect that impaired hippocampus CA signaling may attenuate hippocampus-based place learning and favor dorsolateral striatum-based response learning. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Radiation dose in coronary angiography and intervention: initial results from the establishment of a multi-centre diagnostic reference level in Queensland public hospitals

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

Crowhurst, James A, E-mail: jimcrowhurst@hotmail.com; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland; Whitby, Mark

Radiation dose to patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is relatively high. Guidelines suggest that a local benchmark or diagnostic reference level (DRL) be established for these procedures. This study sought to create a DRL for ICA procedures in Queensland public hospitals. Data were collected for all Cardiac Catheter Laboratories in Queensland public hospitals. Data were collected for diagnostic coronary angiography (CA) and single-vessel percutaneous intervention (PCI) procedures. Dose area product (P{sub KA}), skin surface entrance dose (K{sub AR}), fluoroscopy time (FT), and patient height and weight were collected for 3 months. The DRL was set from the 75th percentilemore » of the P{sub KA.} 2590 patients were included in the CA group where the median FT was 3.5 min (inter-quartile range = 2.3–6.1). Median K{sub AR} = 581 mGy (374–876). Median P{sub KA} = 3908 uGym{sup 2} (2489–5865) DRL = 5865 uGym{sup 2}. 947 patients were included in the PCI group where median FT was 11.2 min (7.7–17.4). Median K{sub AR} = 1501 mGy (928–2224). Median P{sub KA} = 8736 uGym{sup 2} (5449–12,900) DRL = 12,900 uGym{sup 2}. This study established a benchmark for radiation dose for diagnostic and interventional coronary angiography in Queensland public facilities.« less

Influence of local objects on hippocampal representations: landmark vectors and memory

PubMed Central

Deshmukh, Sachin S.; Knierim, James J.

2013-01-01

The hippocampus is thought to represent nonspatial information in the context of spatial information. An animal can derive both spatial information as well as nonspatial information from the objects (landmarks) it encounters as it moves around in an environment. Here, we demonstrate correlates of both object-derived spatial as well as nonspatial information in the hippocampus of rats foraging in the presence of objects. We describe a new form of CA1 place cells, called landmark-vector cells, that encode spatial locations as a vector relationship to local landmarks. Such landmark vector relationships can be dynamically encoded. Of the 26 CA1 neurons that developed new fields in the course of a day’s recording sessions, in 8 cases the new fields were located at a similar distance and direction from a landmark as the initial field was located relative to a different landmark. We also demonstrate object-location memory in the hippocampus. When objects were removed from an environment or moved to new locations, a small number of neurons in CA1 and CA3 increased firing at the locations where the objects used to be. In some neurons, this increase occurred only in one location, indicating object +place conjunctive memory; in other neurons the increase in firing was seen at multiple locations where an object used to be. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the spatially restricted firing of hippocampal neurons encode multiple types of information regarding the relationship between an animal’s location and the location of objects in its environment. PMID:23447419

SRXRF Study of Chemical Elements Content in the Atherosclerotic Plaque of Heart Vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuravskaya, E. Ya.; Savchenko, T. I.; Chankina, O. V.; Polonskaya, Ya. V.; Chernyavskii, A. M.; Ragino, Yu. I.; Shcherbakova, L. V.

The SRXRF method has made it possible, for the first time, to determine the multielement composition in the atherosclerotic substrates of heart vessels after surgical interventions. The main advantage of the method is the possibility to analyze small samples without their destruction. As the amount of material to test is insufficient, we have developed a special technique for sample preparation. The concentrations of K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Zr, and Pb were measured in stable and unstable plaques. In all the samples studied, Ca is dominating, particularly, in the unstable plaque. No reliable difference was established for other elements measured. A high degree of the association of Ca with Fe, Zn and Sr has been revealed in the atherosclerotic plaques. Measurements were performed using SR from the VEPP-3 storage ring.

Predicate Structures, Gesture, and Simultaneity in the Representation of Action in British Sign Language: Evidence From Deaf Children and Adults

PubMed Central

Cormier, Kearsy

2013-01-01

British Sign Language (BSL) signers use a variety of structures, such as constructed action (CA), depicting constructions (DCs), or lexical verbs, to represent action and other verbal meanings. This study examines the use of these verbal predicate structures and their gestural counterparts, both separately and simultaneously, in narratives by deaf children with various levels of exposure to BSL (ages 5;1 to 7;5) and deaf adult native BSL signers. Results reveal that all groups used the same types of predicative structures, including children with minimal BSL exposure. However, adults used CA, DCs, and/or lexical signs simultaneously more frequently than children. These results suggest that simultaneous use of CA with lexical and depicting predicates is more complex than the use of these predicate structures alone and thus may take deaf children more time to master. PMID:23670881

A Task-Dependent Causal Role for Low-Level Visual Processes in Spoken Word Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ostarek, Markus; Huettig, Falk

2017-01-01

It is well established that the comprehension of spoken words referring to object concepts relies on high-level visual areas in the ventral stream that build increasingly abstract representations. It is much less clear whether basic low-level visual representations are also involved. Here we asked in what task situations low-level visual…

Indigenous Cultural Self-Representation and Its Internal Critiques: A Case Study of the Woodland Cultural Centre, Canada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakamura, Naohiro

2014-01-01

This research report discusses Indigenous cultural representation and its internal critiques, based on the case study of an Indigenous-run museum, the Woodland Cultural Centre, in Canada. Since its establishment in 1972, the Woodland Cultural Centre has strived to promote Indigenous culture, especially First Nations art, and has challenged the…

Neural Differentiation of Incorrectly Predicted Memories.

PubMed

Kim, Ghootae; Norman, Kenneth A; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B

2017-02-22

When an item is predicted in a particular context but the prediction is violated, memory for that item is weakened (Kim et al., 2014). Here, we explore what happens when such previously mispredicted items are later reencountered. According to prior neural network simulations, this sequence of events-misprediction and subsequent restudy-should lead to differentiation of the item's neural representation from the previous context (on which the misprediction was based). Specifically, misprediction weakens connections in the representation to features shared with the previous context and restudy allows new features to be incorporated into the representation that are not shared with the previous context. This cycle of misprediction and restudy should have the net effect of moving the item's neural representation away from the neural representation of the previous context. We tested this hypothesis using human fMRI by tracking changes in item-specific BOLD activity patterns in the hippocampus, a key structure for representing memories and generating predictions. In left CA2/3/DG, we found greater neural differentiation for items that were repeatedly mispredicted and restudied compared with items from a control condition that was identical except without misprediction. We also measured prediction strength in a trial-by-trial fashion and found that greater misprediction for an item led to more differentiation, further supporting our hypothesis. Therefore, the consequences of prediction error go beyond memory weakening. If the mispredicted item is restudied, the brain adaptively differentiates its memory representation to improve the accuracy of subsequent predictions and to shield it from further weakening. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Competition between overlapping memories leads to weakening of nontarget memories over time, making it easier to access target memories. However, a nontarget memory in one context might become a target memory in another context. How do such memories get restrengthened without increasing competition again? Computational models suggest that the brain handles this by reducing neural connections to the previous context and adding connections to new features that were not part of the previous context. The result is neural differentiation away from the previous context. Here, we provide support for this theory, using fMRI to track neural representations of individual memories in the hippocampus and how they change based on learning. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/372022-10$15.00/0.

Complementary learning systems within the hippocampus: a neural network modelling approach to reconciling episodic memory with statistical learning

PubMed Central

Turk-Browne, Nicholas B.; Botvinick, Matthew M.; Norman, Kenneth A.

2017-01-01

A growing literature suggests that the hippocampus is critical for the rapid extraction of regularities from the environment. Although this fits with the known role of the hippocampus in rapid learning, it seems at odds with the idea that the hippocampus specializes in memorizing individual episodes. In particular, the Complementary Learning Systems theory argues that there is a computational trade-off between learning the specifics of individual experiences and regularities that hold across those experiences. We asked whether it is possible for the hippocampus to handle both statistical learning and memorization of individual episodes. We exposed a neural network model that instantiates known properties of hippocampal projections and subfields to sequences of items with temporal regularities. We found that the monosynaptic pathway—the pathway connecting entorhinal cortex directly to region CA1—was able to support statistical learning, while the trisynaptic pathway—connecting entorhinal cortex to CA1 through dentate gyrus and CA3—learned individual episodes, with apparent representations of regularities resulting from associative reactivation through recurrence. Thus, in paradigms involving rapid learning, the computational trade-off between learning episodes and regularities may be handled by separate anatomical pathways within the hippocampus itself. This article is part of the themed issue ‘New frontiers for statistical learning in the cognitive sciences’. PMID:27872368

Complementary learning systems within the hippocampus: a neural network modelling approach to reconciling episodic memory with statistical learning.

PubMed

Schapiro, Anna C; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B; Botvinick, Matthew M; Norman, Kenneth A

2017-01-05

A growing literature suggests that the hippocampus is critical for the rapid extraction of regularities from the environment. Although this fits with the known role of the hippocampus in rapid learning, it seems at odds with the idea that the hippocampus specializes in memorizing individual episodes. In particular, the Complementary Learning Systems theory argues that there is a computational trade-off between learning the specifics of individual experiences and regularities that hold across those experiences. We asked whether it is possible for the hippocampus to handle both statistical learning and memorization of individual episodes. We exposed a neural network model that instantiates known properties of hippocampal projections and subfields to sequences of items with temporal regularities. We found that the monosynaptic pathway-the pathway connecting entorhinal cortex directly to region CA1-was able to support statistical learning, while the trisynaptic pathway-connecting entorhinal cortex to CA1 through dentate gyrus and CA3-learned individual episodes, with apparent representations of regularities resulting from associative reactivation through recurrence. Thus, in paradigms involving rapid learning, the computational trade-off between learning episodes and regularities may be handled by separate anatomical pathways within the hippocampus itself.This article is part of the themed issue 'New frontiers for statistical learning in the cognitive sciences'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Efficacy of chlorine dioxide against Listeria monocytogenes in brine chilling solutions.

PubMed

Valderrama, W B; Mills, E W; Cutter, C N

2009-11-01

Chilled brine solutions are used by the food industry to rapidly cool ready-to-eat meat products after cooking and before packaging. Chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)) was investigated as an antimicrobial additive to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes. Several experiments were performed using brine solutions made of sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) inoculated with L. monocytogenes and/or treated with 3 ppm of ClO(2). First, 10 and 20% CaCl(2) and NaCl solutions (pH 7.0) were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes to obtain approximately 7 log CFU/ml and incubated 8 h at 0 degrees C. The results demonstrated that L. monocytogenes survived in 10% CaCl(2), 10 and 20% NaCl, and pure water. L. monocytogenes levels were reduced approximately 1.2 log CFU/ml in 20% CaCl(2). Second, inoculated ( approximately 7 log CFU/ml) brine solutions (10 and 20% NaCl and 10% CaCl(2)) treated with 3 ppm of ClO(2) resulted in a approximately 4-log reduction of the pathogen within 90 s. The same was not observed in a solution of 20% CaCl(2); further investigation demonstrated that high levels of divalent cations interfere with the disinfectant. Spent brine solutions from hot dog and ham chilling were treated with ClO(2) at concentrations of 3 or 30 ppm. At these concentrations, ClO(2) did not reduce L. monocytogenes. Removal of divalent cations and organic material in brine solutions prior to disinfection with ClO(2) should be investigated to improve the efficacy of the compound against L. monocytogenes. The information from this study may be useful to processing establishments and researchers who are investigating antimicrobials in chilling brine solutions.

Regulation of insulin secretion from islets of Langerhans rendered permeable by electric discharge

PubMed Central

Yaseen, M. Adel; Pedley, Kevin C.; Howell, Simon L.

1982-01-01

1. High-voltage electric discharge has been used to increase the permeability of B-cells of isolated islets of Langerhans to facilitate studies of the effects of normally impermeable substances on insulin secretion. 2. The application of an intense electric field increased the [14C]sucrose space of the islets from 37.8±3.1% to 86.2±5.2% of their total volume as assessed by 3H2O content. The cells remained permeable for at least 40min. 3. Ultrastructural studies showed no deleterious changes in the structure of the B-cells after discharge. 4. Insulin secretion from normal islets was unaffected by increasing the medium [Ca2+] from 10nm to 10μm. In the islets that had been rendered permeable by discharge, insulin secretion was significantly increased under these conditions, without any alteration in the release of lactate dehydrogenase, a cytoplasmic marker enzyme. 5. Studies of the dynamics of insulin release during perifusion showed that the response to increased (10μm) Ca2+ concentration was rapid and sustained over a period of at least 13min. 6. Secretion responses to Ca2+ in perifusion established that maximum release in permeabilized islets occurs at approx. 1μm-Ca2+ and half-maximum release occurs at approx. 0.6μm-Ca2+. 7. The study of the effect of agents that interfere with the microtubular microfilamentous system in B-cells using a perifusion system revealed that cytochalasin B caused a considerable increase, whereas vinblastine sulphate caused a significant inhibition, in insulin release in response to 1μm-Ca2+. 8. This technique should facilitate the study of the role of normally impermeable ions and metabolic intermediates in the regulation of insulin secretion. ImagesPLATE 1 PMID:6751326

Calcium and Superoxide-Mediated Pathways Converge to Induce Nitric Oxide-Dependent Apoptosis in Mycobacterium fortuitum-Infected Fish Macrophages.

PubMed

Datta, Debika; Khatri, Preeti; Banerjee, Chaitali; Singh, Ambika; Meena, Ramavatar; Saha, Dhira Rani; Raman, Rajagopal; Rajamani, Paulraj; Mitra, Abhijit; Mazumder, Shibnath

2016-01-01

Mycobacterium fortuitum causes 'mycobacteriosis' in wide range of hosts although the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate the role of calcium (Ca+2)-signalling cascade on M. fortuitum-induced apoptosis in headkidney macrophages (HKM) of Clarias sp. M. fortuitum could trigger intracellular-Ca+2 influx leading to the activation of calmodulin (CaM), protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and Calmodulin kinase II gamma (CaMKIIg). Gene silencing and inhibitor studies established the role of CaM in M. fortuitum pathogenesis. We noted that CaMKIIg activation is regulated by CaM as well as PKCα-dependent superoxide anions. This is altogether first report of oxidised CaMKIIg in mycobacterial infections. Our studies with targeted-siRNA and pharmacological inhibitors implicate CaMKIIg to be pro-apoptotic and critical for the activation of extra-cellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway attenuated nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Conversely, inhibiting the NOS2-NO axis by specific-siRNA and inhibitors down-regulated ERK1/2 activation suggesting the crosstalk between ERK1/2 and NO is essential for pathogenesis induced by the bacterium. Silencing the NOS2-NO axis enhanced intracellular bacterial survival and attenuated caspase-8 mediated activation of caspase-3 in the infected HKM. Our findings unveil hitherto unknown mechanism of M. fortuitum pathogenesis. We propose that M. fortuitum triggers intracellular Ca+2 elevations resulting in CaM activation and PKCα-mediated superoxide generation. The cascade converges in common pathway mediated by CaMKIIg resulting in the activation of ERK1/2-NOS2 axis. The crosstalk between ERK1/2 and NO shifts the balance in favour of caspase dependent apoptosis of M. fortuitum-infected HKM.

Congo red modulates ACh-induced Ca2+ oscillations in single pancreatic acinar cells of mice

PubMed Central

Huang, Ze-bing; Wang, Hai-yan; Sun, Na-na; Wang, Jing-ke; Zhao, Meng-qin; Shen, Jian-xin; Gao, Ming; Hammer, Ronald P; Fan, Xue-gong; Wu, Jie

2014-01-01

Aim: Congo red, a secondary diazo dye, is usually used as an indicator for the presence of amyloid fibrils. Recent studies show that congo red exerts neuroprotective effects in a variety of models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, its pharmacological profile remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of congo red on ACh-induced Ca2+ oscillations in mouse pancreatic acinar cells in vitro. Methods: Acutely dissociated pancreatic acinar cells of mice were prepared. A U-tube drug application system was used to deliver drugs into the bath. Intracellular Ca2+ oscillations were monitored by whole-cell recording of Ca2+-activated Cl− currents and by using confocal Ca2+ imaging. For intracellular drug application, the drug was added in pipette solution and diffused into cell after the whole-cell configuration was established. Results: Bath application of ACh (10 nmol/L) induced typical Ca2+ oscillations in dissociated pancreatic acinar cells. Addition of congo red (1, 10, 100 μmol/L) dose-dependently enhanced Ach-induced Ca2+ oscillations, but congo red alone did not induce any detectable response. Furthermore, this enhancement depended on the concentrations of ACh: congo red markedly enhanced the Ca2+ oscillations induced by ACh (10–30 nmol/L), but did not alter the Ca2+ oscillations induced by ACh (100–10000 nmol/L). Congo red also enhanced the Ca2+ oscillations induced by bath application of IP3 (30 μmol/L). Intracellular application of congo red failed to alter ACh-induced Ca2+ oscillations. Conclusion: Congo red significantly modulates intracellular Ca2+ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells, and this pharmacological effect should be fully considered when developing congo red as a novel therapeutic drug. PMID:25345744

Ferroelectric, elastic, piezoelectric, and dielectric properties of Ba(Ti0.7Zr0.3)O3-x(Ba0.82Ca0.18)TiO3 Pb-free ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ruihao; Xue, Deqing; Zhou, Yumei; Ding, Xiangdong; Sun, Jun; Xue, Dezhen

2017-07-01

We designed and synthesized a pseudo-binary Pb-free system, Ba(Ti0.7Zr0.3)O3-x(Ba0.82Ca0.18)TiO3, by combining a rhombohedral end (with only cubic to rhombohedral ferroelectric phase transition) and a tetragonal end (with only cubic to tetragonal ferroelectric phase transition). The established composition-temperature phase diagram is characterized by a tricritical point type morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), and the MPB composition has better ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric properties than the compositions deviating from MPB. Moreover, a full set of material constants (including elastic stiffness constants, elastic compliance constants, piezoelectric constants, dielectric constants, and electromechanical coupling factors) of the MPB composition are determined using a resonance method. The good piezoelectric performance of the MPB composition can be ascribed to the high dielectric constants, elastic softening, and large electromechanical coupling factor.

Path-integral representation for the relativistic particle propagators and BFV quantization

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

Fradkin, E.S.; Gitman, D.M.

1991-11-15

The path-integral representations for the propagators of scalar and spinor fields in an external electromagnetic field are derived. The Hamiltonian form of such expressions can be interpreted in the sense of Batalin-Fradkin-Vilkovisky quantization of one-particle theory. The Lagrangian representation as derived allows one to extract in a natural way the expressions for the corresponding gauge-invariant (reparametrization- and supergauge-invariant) actions for pointlike scalar and spinning particles. At the same time, the measure and ranges of integrations, admissible gauge conditions, and boundary conditions can be exactly established.

Service Level Agreements in BREIN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koller, Bastian; Frutos, Henar Munoz; Laria, Giuseppe

With electronic business (eBusiness) becoming ubiquitous, the traditional ways of doing commerce need to be changed or completely replaced to support the end users effectively in performing their business. This includes especially the representation of business relationships with an electronic format to allow for automated processing of the respective parts of e.g. contractual obligations. One prominent representation tool are Service Level Agreements. Conceptually established as paper representation to describe parts of contracts of telecom operators, SLAs have become a research topic in the ICT domain now since several years.

Non-AdS holography in 3-dimensional higher spin gravity — General recipe and example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afshar, H.; Gary, M.; Grumiller, D.; Rashkov, R.; Riegler, M.

2012-11-01

We present the general algorithm to establish the classical and quantum asymptotic symmetry algebra for non-AdS higher spin gravity and implement it for the specific example of spin-3 gravity in the non-principal embedding with Lobachevsky ( {{{{H}}^2}× {R}} ) boundary conditions. The asymptotic symmetry algebra for this example consists of a quantum W_3^{(2) } (Polyakov-Bershadsky) and an affine û(1) algebra. We show that unitary representations of the quantum W_3^{(2) } algebra exist only for two values of its central charge, the trivial c = 0 "theory" and the simple c = 1 theory.

3D surface parameterization using manifold learning for medial shape representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Aaron D.; Hamarneh, Ghassan

2007-03-01

The choice of 3D shape representation for anatomical structures determines the effectiveness with which segmentation, visualization, deformation, and shape statistics are performed. Medial axis-based shape representations have attracted considerable attention due to their inherent ability to encode information about the natural geometry of parts of the anatomy. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, based on nonlinear manifold learning, to the parameterization of medial sheets and object surfaces based on the results of skeletonization. For each single-sheet figure in an anatomical structure, we skeletonize the figure, and classify its surface points according to whether they lie on the upper or lower surface, based on their relationship to the skeleton points. We then perform nonlinear dimensionality reduction on the skeleton, upper, and lower surface points, to find the intrinsic 2D coordinate system of each. We then center a planar mesh over each of the low-dimensional representations of the points, and map the meshes back to 3D using the mappings obtained by manifold learning. Correspondence between mesh vertices, established in their intrinsic 2D coordinate spaces, is used in order to compute the thickness vectors emanating from the medial sheet. We show results of our algorithm on real brain and musculoskeletal structures extracted from MRI, as well as an artificial multi-sheet example. The main advantages to this method are its relative simplicity and noniterative nature, and its ability to correctly compute nonintersecting thickness vectors for a medial sheet regardless of both the amount of coincident bending and thickness in the object, and of the incidence of local concavities and convexities in the object's surface.

Extracellular calmodulin regulates growth and cAMP-mediated chemotaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum

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

O'Day, Danton H., E-mail: danton.oday@utoronto.ca; Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 1C6; Huber, Robert J.

2012-09-07

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extracellular calmodulin is present throughout growth and development in Dictyostelium. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extracellular calmodulin localizes within the ECM during development. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extracellular calmodulin inhibits cell proliferation and increases chemotaxis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extracellular calmodulin exists in eukaryotic microbes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extracellular calmodulin may be functionally as important as intracellular calmodulin. -- Abstract: The existence of extracellular calmodulin (CaM) has had a long and controversial history. CaM is a ubiquitous calcium-binding protein that has been found in every eukaryotic cell system. Calcium-free apo-CaM and Ca{sup 2+}/CaM exert their effects by binding to and regulating the activity of CaM-binding proteins (CaMBPs). Most of themore » research done to date on CaM and its CaMBPs has focused on their intracellular functions. The presence of extracellular CaM is well established in a number of plants where it functions in proliferation, cell wall regeneration, gene regulation and germination. While CaM has been detected extracellularly in several animal species, including frog, rat, rabbit and human, its extracellular localization and functions are less well established. In contrast the study of extracellular CaM in eukaryotic microbes remains to be done. Here we show that CaM is constitutively expressed and secreted throughout asexual development in Dictyostelium where the presence of extracellular CaM dose-dependently inhibits cell proliferation but increases cAMP mediated chemotaxis. During development, extracellular CaM localizes within the slime sheath where it coexists with at least one CaMBP, the matricellular CaM-binding protein CyrA. Coupled with previous research, this work provides direct evidence for the existence of extracellular CaM in the Dictyostelium and provides insight into its functions in this model amoebozoan.« less

Characterization of fibroblast-free CWR-R1ca castration-recurrent prostate cancer cell line.

PubMed

Shourideh, Mojgan; DePriest, Adam; Mohler, James L; Wilson, Elizabeth M; Koochekpour, Shahriar

2016-09-01

The previously established CWR-R1 cell line has been used as an in vitro model representing castration-recurrent prostate cancer. Microscopic observation of subconfluent cells demonstrated two distinct cellular morphologies: polygonal closely aggregated epithelial cells surrounded by bipolar fibroblastic cells with long processes. This study sought to establish and characterize a fibroblast-free derivative of the CWR-R1 cell line. The CWR-R1ca cell line was established from CWR-R1 cells by removing fibroblasts using multiple cycles of short-term trypsinization, cloning, and pooling single-cell colonies. Authentication of fibroblast-free CWR-R1ca cells was demonstrated by analyzing the expression of cytodifferentiation and prostate-associated markers, DNA and cytogenetic profiling, and growth pattern in the absence or presence of androgen. CWR-R1ca is an androgen-sensitive cell line that expresses the androgen receptor (AR) and its splice variant 7 and the luminal epithelia markers, CK-8, CK-18, and c-Met. CWR-R1fb fibroblasts isolated from CWR-R1 cells express AR, hepatocyte growth factor-α, and mouse β-actin but not AR-V7 or epithelial markers. Cytogenetic analysis of CWR-R1ca cells revealed a hyperdiploid male with numerical gains in chromosomes 1, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12, deletion of one chromosome 2 allele, structural abnormalities that include der(1)t(1:4), der(4)t(2:4), der(10)t(4:10), and an unbalanced reciprocal translocation between chromosome 6 and 14. DNA-profiling revealed that CWR-R1ca cells had significant short-tandem repeat marker homology with CWR22Pc and CWR22Rv1 cell lines, which indicated lineage derivation from CWR22 prostate cancer xenografts. CWR-R1ca cells were responsive to the growth stimulatory effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the femtomolar range. This study establishes CWR-R1ca cells as a fibroblast-free derivative of the castration-recurrent CWR-R1 cell line. Prostate 76:1067-1077, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

77 FR 19095 - Security Zone; USCGC STRATTON Commissioning Ceremony, Alameda, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-30

...-AA87 Security Zone; USCGC STRATTON Commissioning Ceremony, Alameda, CA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Temporary final rule. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay, Alameda, CA within the San Francisco Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone...

Calcium handling precedes cardiac differentiation to initiate the first heartbeat

PubMed Central

Tyser, Richard CV; Miranda, Antonio MA; Chen, Chiann-mun; Davidson, Sean M

2016-01-01

The mammalian heartbeat is thought to begin just prior to the linear heart tube stage of development. How the initial contractions are established and the downstream consequences of the earliest contractile function on cardiac differentiation and morphogenesis have not been described. Using high-resolution live imaging of mouse embryos, we observed randomly distributed spontaneous asynchronous Ca2+-oscillations (SACOs) in the forming cardiac crescent (stage E7.75) prior to overt beating. Nascent contraction initiated at around E8.0 and was associated with sarcomeric assembly and rapid Ca2+ transients, underpinned by sequential expression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) and L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC). Pharmacological inhibition of NCX1 and LTCC revealed rapid development of Ca2+ handling in the early heart and an essential early role for NCX1 in establishing SACOs through to the initiation of beating. NCX1 blockade impacted on CaMKII signalling to down-regulate cardiac gene expression, leading to impaired differentiation and failed crescent maturation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17113.001 PMID:27725084

Cyclostratigraphic constraints on the duration of the Datangpo Formation and the onset age of the Nantuo (Marinoan) glaciation in South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Xiujuan; Zhang, Shihong; Jiang, Ganqing; Wu, Huaichun; Li, Haiyan; Wang, Xinqiang; An, Zhengze; Yang, Tianshui

2018-02-01

Constructing an accurate timeline is critical for reconstructing the Earth systems through critical transitions in climate, geochemistry, and life. Existing dates constrain synchronous initiation (ca. 717 Ma) and termination (ca. 660 Ma) of the Sturtian glaciation from multiple continents. The termination of the younger Marinoan glaciation is also well dated at ca. 635 Ma, but the onset of this glaciation is only roughly constrained as ≤ ca. 654 Ma (South China) and ≥ ca. 639 Ma (Namibia). To test if the Marinoan glaciation started close to ca. 654 Ma or ca. 639 Ma, we have conducted a cyclostratigraphic study on the Cryogenian non-glacial Datangpo Formation that conformably overlies and underlies Sturtian and Marinoan glacial diamictites, respectively, in a deep-water basin section in South China. A total of 28,765 magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements from a drillcore of the 292-m-thick, muddy siltstone- and shale-dominated Datangpo Formation are used for cyclostratigraphic analysis. The results reveal significant decameter- to meter-scale sedimentary cycles of 16-12 m, 3.6-3.0 m, 1.0-0.8 m, and 0.6-0.4 m. The ratios of these cycle wavelengths match well with those of the Milankovitch cycles calibrated for the Cryogenian Period. The established astrochronologic time scale suggests that the duration of the Datangpo Formation is about 9.8 million years. Together with the radiometric age of ca. 660 Ma for the termination of the Sturtian glaciation, the cyclostratigraphic data suggest that the Nantuo (Marinoan) glaciation in South China initiated at ca. 650 Ma, which is slightly younger than but consistent with the ca. 654 Ma U-Pb age from the top of the Datangpo Formation in shelf sections. This age, however, is significantly older than the ages obtained from Marinoan-age glacial diamictites in South China (ca. 636 Ma) and Namibia (ca. 639 Ma). Given that most of the shelf sections may have suffered from glacial erosion, obtaining the onset age of the Marinoan glaciation should focus on relatively complete, deep-water successions.

Integrated VR platform for 3D and image-based models: a step toward interactive image-based virtual environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Jayoung; Kim, Gerard J.

2003-04-01

Traditionally, three dimension models have been used for building virtual worlds, and a data structure called the "scene graph" is often employed to organize these 3D objects in the virtual space. On the other hand, image-based rendering has recently been suggested as a probable alternative VR platform for its photo-realism, however, due to limited interactivity, it has only been used for simple navigation systems. To combine the merits of these two approaches to object/scene representations, this paper proposes for a scene graph structure in which both 3D models and various image-based scenes/objects can be defined, traversed, and rendered together. In fact, as suggested by Shade et al., these different representations can be used as different LOD's for a given object. For instance, an object might be rendered using a 3D model at close range, a billboard at an intermediate range, and as part of an environment map at far range. The ultimate objective of this mixed platform is to breath more interactivity into the image based rendered VE's by employing 3D models as well. There are several technical challenges in devising such a platform: designing scene graph nodes for various types of image based techniques, establishing criteria for LOD/representation selection, handling their transitions, implementing appropriate interaction schemes, and correctly rendering the overall scene. Currently, we have extended the scene graph structure of the Sense8's WorldToolKit, to accommodate new node types for environment maps billboards, moving textures and sprites, "Tour-into-the-Picture" structure, and view interpolated objects. As for choosing the right LOD level, the usual viewing distance and image space criteria are used, however, the switching between the image and 3D model occurs at a distance from the user where the user starts to perceive the object's internal depth. Also, during interaction, regardless of the viewing distance, a 3D representation would be used, it if exists. Before rendering, objects are conservatively culled from the view frustum using the representation with the largest volume. Finally, we carried out experiments to verify the theoretical derivation of the switching rule and obtained positive results.

New insights to the formation of dolomite and magnesite through hydrothermal alteration of Ca-carbonates: An experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kell-Duivestein, Isaac; Dietzel, Martin; Baldermann, Andre; Mavromatis, Vasileios

2017-04-01

Advanced knowledge about the physicochemical conditions and reaction paths underlying Ca-Mg carbonate formation, such as dolomite and magnesite, during the advanced stage of diagenesis is a pre-requirement for the accurate interpretation of proxy signals established from carbonate-hosting sedimentary archives. In this study, hydrothermal precipitation experiments were performed in order to trace and quantify the evolution of elemental (Ca, Mg and Sr) and stable isotopic δ18O signatures during the (trans)formation of intermediate aragonite and low-Mg calcite to more stable dolomite and magnesite in the presence of Mg- and Na-chloride-rich brines. Therefore, 330 mg of inorganic CaCO3 seed material (aragonite or calcite) was reacted with 30 mL of an artificial brine solution, originally containing 0.2 M of MgCl2(aq) and 0.1 M or 0.05 M of NaHCO3, in Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclaves at temperatures of 150, 180 and 220˚ C over the course of 365 days. The evolution of reaction products and of the experimental solutions was monitored by ICP-OES, CRDS, FTIR, XRD, EMPA and SEM analyses as well as pH and alkalinity measurements. Based on the apparent solid-phase composition and reactive fluid chemistry the following sequence of mineral growth was established: aragonite and/or low-Mg calcite reacted with aqueous Mg2+ ions to form intermediate huntite, brucite and high-Mg calcite, subsequently altered to Ca-excess dolomite and Ca-rich magnesite and finally converted to nearly stoichiometric endmembers. A progressive evolution in the stoichiometry of dolomite (from 42 to 50 mol% MgCO3) and magnesite (from 80 to 98 mol% MgCO3) as well as the increase in the degree of cation order in dolomite (from 0.26 to 0.74) were observed during this reaction sequence, implying a kinetic drive towards the (thermodynamically stable) end members. The latter processes were also traced, by means of δ18O isotope exchange kinetics between fluid and precipitating solids in bulk (Δ = δ18Ofluid-dolomite±magnesite) which was possible by using a reactive fluid highly depleted in 18O (δ18OV SMOW = -46.4). Our first results show the progressive evolution towards near-equilibrium conditions is highly temperature-dependent but is also affected by the nature of the seed material initially introduced to the reactor, with aragonite reacting much faster than calcite. Plotting the 1000 ln(α18Ofluid-dolomite±magnesite) values for almost pure dolomite and magnesite or mixtures between the two phases against 1/T supports existing experimental and theoretical fractionation lines for dolomite and magnesite. Our obtained results indicate that in the presence of Mg-rich brines metastable CaCO3 polymorphs are on the long term transformed into more stable magnesite and dolomite through the formation of intermediate Mg-Ca carbonates. The experimental results are discussed in the scope of dolomitization of limestone platforms in natural surroundings.

The effect of long-term feeding of fresh and ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta) foliage on gastrointestinal nematode infections in goats.

PubMed

Sokerya, S; Waller, P J; Try, P; Höglund, J

2009-02-01

The benefit of long-term feeding of fresh or ensiled cassava foliage on gastrointestinal parasite in goats was evaluated. Eighteen male goats (15.15 +/- 2.83 kg and between 4-6 months) were randomly allocated into three treatments supplemented with 200 g of wheat bran head(-1) day(-1). All groups were fed ad-libitum on either grass (CO), fresh cassava (CaF) or ensiled cassava foliage (CaS). At the beginning of the trial, each goat was inoculated with 3000 L3 containing approximately 50% Haemonchus contortus. Individual LWt, FEC and PCV were measured at weekly intervals for 10 weeks. At the termination of the experiment all goats were slaughtered for worm recovery and enumeration. The goats in CaF and CaS had similar weight gains while those in CO lost weight (p < 0.05) through the trial. FEC in CaF and CaS were lower (p < 0.05) than CO during the patency of parasite infections, but there was no difference between CaF and CaS goats. PCV of all groups decreased from above 30% to around 25% at the end of the trial. The compositions of established worm burdens were mainly H. contortus (19-40%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (55-76%). TWB did not differ among the groups, however, CaS significantly reduced H. contortus burdens, as compared to CaF and CO (p < or = 0.005). Thus, ensiled cassava foliage reduced the H. contortus population while the fresh foliage only reduced worm fecundity.

Sharp wave ripples during learning stabilize hippocampal spatial map

PubMed Central

Roux, Lisa; Hu, Bo; Eichler, Ronny; Stark, Eran; Buzsáki, György

2017-01-01

Cognitive representation of the environment requires a stable hippocampal map but the mechanisms maintaining map representation are unknown. Because sharp wave-ripples (SPW-R) orchestrate both retrospective and prospective spatial information, we hypothesized that disrupting neuronal activity during SPW-Rs affects spatial representation. Mice learned daily a new set of three goal locations on a multi-well maze. We used closed-loop SPW-R detection at goal locations to trigger optogenetic silencing of a subset of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Control place cells (non-silenced or silenced outside SPW-Rs) largely maintained the location of their place fields after learning and showed increased spatial information content. In contrast, the place fields of SPW-R-silenced place cells remapped, and their spatial information remained unaltered. SPW-R silencing did not impact the firing rates or the proportions of place cells. These results suggest that interference with SPW-R-associated activity during learning prevents the stabilization and refinement of the hippocampal map. PMID:28394323

Global Representations of Goal-Directed Behavior in Distinct Cell Types of Mouse Neocortex

PubMed Central

Allen, William E.; Kauvar, Isaac V.; Chen, Michael Z.; Richman, Ethan B.; Yang, Samuel J.; Chan, Ken; Gradinaru, Viviana; Deverman, Benjamin E.; Luo, Liqun; Deisseroth, Karl

2017-01-01

SUMMARY The successful planning and execution of adaptive behaviors in mammals may require long-range coordination of neural networks throughout cerebral cortex. The neuronal implementation of signals that could orchestrate cortex-wide activity remains unclear. Here, we develop and apply methods for cortex-wide Ca2+ imaging in mice performing decision-making behavior and identify a global cortical representation of task engagement encoded in the activity dynamics of both single cells and superficial neuropil distributed across the majority of dorsal cortex. The activity of multiple molecularly defined cell types was found to reflect this representation with type-specific dynamics. Focal optogenetic inhibition tiled across cortex revealed a crucial role for frontal cortex in triggering this cortex-wide phenomenon; local inhibition of this region blocked both the cortex-wide response to task-initiating cues and the voluntary behavior. These findings reveal cell-type-specific processes in cortex for globally representing goal-directed behavior and identify a major cortical node that gates the global broadcast of task-related information. PMID:28521139

Association of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patient Outcomes With Duration of Cerebrovascular Autoregulation Impairment Events.

PubMed

Preiksaitis, Aidanas; Krakauskaite, Solventa; Petkus, Vytautas; Rocka, Saulius; Chomskis, Romanas; Dagi, Teodoro Forcht; Ragauskas, Arminas

2016-07-01

Cerebrovascular autoregulation (CA) is an important hemodynamic mechanism that protects the brain against inappropriate fluctuations in cerebral blood flow in the face of changing cerebral perfusion pressure. Temporal CA failure is associated with worse outcomes in various acute neurological diseases. An integrative approach is presently used according to the existing paradigm for the association of series of temporal CA impairments with the outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). To explore the influence of the duration of CA impairment events on severe TBI patient outcomes. Patient age was also included in the analysis of the prospectively collected clinical data. CA monitoring included 33 prospective severe TBI patients. The pressure reactivity index [PRx(t)] was continuously monitored to collect information on the dynamics of CA status and to analyze associations between the duration of the longest CA impairment event and patient outcomes. The Glasgow outcome scale and the duration of the longest CA impairment were negatively correlated. The duration of autoregulation impairment significantly correlated with worse outcomes. Multidimensional representation of Glasgow outcome scale plots showed that better outcomes were obtained for younger patients (age < 47 years) and those whose longest CA impairment event was shorter than 40 minutes if PRx(t) was above 0.7 in the CA impairment event. Unfavorable outcomes for TBI patients are more significantly associated with the duration of the single longest CA impairment episode at a high PRx(t) value, rather than with averaged PRx(t) values or the average time of all CA impairment episodes. ABP, arterial blood pressureABP(t), continuous reference arterial blood pressureCA, cerebrovascular autoregulationCBF, cerebral blood flowCPP, cerebral perfusion pressureGOS, Glasgow outcome scaleGOSHD, Glasgow outcome scale after hospital dischargeGOS6M, Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months after dischargeICP, intracranial pressureICP(t), continuously monitored intracranial pressureLCAI, longest CA impairmentoptCPP, optimal cerebral perfusion pressurePRx(t), pressure reactivity indexTBI, traumatic brain injury.

Uninformative memories will prevail: the storage of correlated representations and its consequences.

PubMed

Kropff, Emilio; Treves, Alessandro

2007-11-01

Autoassociative networks were proposed in the 80's as simplified models of memory function in the brain, using recurrent connectivity with Hebbian plasticity to store patterns of neural activity that can be later recalled. This type of computation has been suggested to take place in the CA3 region of the hippocampus and at several levels in the cortex. One of the weaknesses of these models is their apparent inability to store correlated patterns of activity. We show, however, that a small and biologically plausible modification in the "learning rule" (associating to each neuron a plasticity threshold that reflects its popularity) enables the network to handle correlations. We study the stability properties of the resulting memories (in terms of their resistance to the damage of neurons or synapses), finding a novel property of autoassociative networks: not all memories are equally robust, and the most informative are also the most sensitive to damage. We relate these results to category-specific effects in semantic memory patients, where concepts related to "non-living things" are usually more resistant to brain damage than those related to "living things," a phenomenon suspected to be rooted in the correlation between representations of concepts in the cortex.

Role of Ce 4 + in the scintillation mechanism of codoped Gd 3 Ga 3 Al 2 O 12 : Ce

DOE PAGES

Wu, Yuntao; Meng, Fang; Li, Qi; ...

2014-10-17

To control the time-response performance of widely used cerium-activated scintillators in cutting-edge medical-imaging devices, such as time-of-flight positron-emission tomography, a comprehensive understanding of the role of Ce valence states, especially stable Ce 4+, in the scintillation mechanism is essential. However, despite some progress made recently, an understanding of the physical processes involving Ce 4+ is still lacking. The aim of this work is to clarify the role of Ce 4+ in scintillators by studying Ca 2+ codoped Gd 3Ga 3Al 2O1 2∶Ce (GGAG∶Ce). By using a combination of optical absorption spectra and x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopies, the correlation between Ca 2+codopingmore » content and the Ce 4+ fraction is seen. The energy-level diagrams of Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ in the Gd 3Ga 3Al 2O 12 host are established by using theoretical and experimental methods, which indicate a higher position of the 5d 1 state of Ce 4+ in the forbidden gap in comparison to that of Ce 3+. Underlying reasons for the decay-time acceleration resulting from Ca 2+ codoping are revealed, and the physical processes of the Ce 4+-emission model are proposed and further demonstrated by temperature-dependent radioluminescence spectra under x-ray excitation.« less

Role of Ce4+ in the Scintillation Mechanism of Codoped Gd3Ga3Al2O12∶Ce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuntao; Meng, Fang; Li, Qi; Koschan, Merry; Melcher, Charles L.

2014-10-01

To control the time-response performance of widely used cerium-activated scintillators in cutting-edge medical-imaging devices, such as time-of-flight positron-emission tomography, a comprehensive understanding of the role of Ce valence states, especially stable Ce44, in the scintillation mechanism is essential. However, despite some progress made recently, an understanding of the physical processes involving Ce4+ is still lacking. The aim of this work is to clarify the role of Ce4+ in scintillators by studying Ca2+ codoped Gd3Ga3Al2O12∶Ce (GGAG ∶Ce). By using a combination of optical absorption spectra and x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopies, the correlation between Ca2+ codoping content and the Ce4+ fraction is seen. The energy-level diagrams of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the Gd3Ga3Al2O12 host are established by using theoretical and experimental methods, which indicate a higher position of the 5d1 state of Ce4+ in the forbidden gap in comparison to that of Ce3+. Underlying reasons for the decay-time acceleration resulting from Ca2+ codoping are revealed, and the physical processes of the Ce4+-emission model are proposed and further demonstrated by temperature-dependent radioluminescence spectra under x-ray excitation.

Knowledge Management for Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

interfaces relies on rich visual and conceptual understanding of what is sketched, rather than the pattern-recognition technologies that most systems use...recognizers) required by other approaches. • The underlying conceptual representations that nuSketch uses enable it to serve as a front end to knowledge...constructing enemy-intent hypotheses via mixed visual and conceptual analogies. II.C. Multi-ViewPoint Clustering Analysis (MVP-CA) technology To

Reserve networks based on richness hotspots and representation vary with scale

Treesearch

Susan A. Shriner; Kenneth R. Wilson; Curtis H. Flather

2006-01-01

While the importance of spatial scale in ecology is well established, few studies have investigated the impact of data grain on conservation planning outcomes. In this study, we compared species richness hotspot and representation networks developed at five grain sizes. We used species distribution maps for mammals and birds developed by the Arizona and New Mexico Gap...

Calbindin-D(28k) controls [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin release. Evidence obtained from calbindin-d(28k) knockout mice and beta cell lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sooy, K.; Schermerhorn, T.; Noda, M.; Surana, M.; Rhoten, W. B.; Meyer, M.; Fleischer, N.; Sharp, G. W.; Christakos, S.

1999-01-01

The role of the calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D(28k) in potassium/depolarization-stimulated increases in the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and insulin release was investigated in pancreatic islets from calbindin-D(28k) nullmutant mice (knockouts; KO) or wild type mice and beta cell lines stably transfected and overexpressing calbindin. Using single islets from KO mice and stimulation with 45 mM KCl, the peak of [Ca(2+)](i) was 3.5-fold greater in islets from KO mice compared with wild type islets (p < 0.01) and [Ca(2+)](i) remained higher during the plateau phase. In addition to the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in response to KCl there was also a significant increase in insulin release in islets isolated from KO mice. Evidence for modulation by calbindin of [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin release was also noted using beta cell lines. Rat calbindin was stably expressed in betaTC-3 and betaHC-13 cells. In response to depolarizing concentrations of K(+), insulin release was decreased by 45-47% in calbindin expressing betaTC cells and was decreased by 70-80% in calbindin expressing betaHC cells compared with insulin release from vector transfected betaTC or betaHC cells (p < 0.01). In addition, the K(+)-stimulated intracellular calcium peak was markedly inhibited in calbindin expressing betaHC cells compared with vector transfected cells (225 nM versus 1,100 nM, respectively). Buffering of the depolarization-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) was also observed in calbindin expressing betaTC cells. In summary, our findings, using both isolated islets from calbindin-D(28k) KO mice and beta cell lines, establish a role for calbindin in the modulation of depolarization-stimulated insulin release and suggest that calbindin can control the rate of insulin release via regulation of [Ca(2+)](i).

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 mediates Epac‐induced spontaneous transient outward currents in rat vascular smooth muscle

PubMed Central

Humphries, Edward S. A.; Kamishima, Tomoko; Quayle, John M.

2017-01-01

Key points The Ca2+ and redox‐sensing enzyme Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) is a crucial and well‐established signalling molecule in the heart and brain.In vascular smooth muscle, which controls blood flow by contracting and relaxing in response to complex Ca2+ signals and oxidative stress, surprisingly little is known about the role of CaMKII.The vasodilator‐induced second messenger cAMP can relax vascular smooth muscle via its effector, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), by activating spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) that hyperpolarize the cell membrane and reduce voltage‐dependent Ca2+ influx. How Epac activates STOCs is unknown.In the present study, we map the pathway by which Epac increases STOC activity in contractile vascular smooth muscle and show that a critical step is the activation of CaMKII.To our knowledge, this is the first report of CaMKII activation triggering cellular activity known to induce vasorelaxation. Abstract Activation of the major cAMP effector, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation by increasing the activity of ryanodine (RyR)‐sensitive release channels on the peripheral sarcoplasmic reticulum. Resultant Ca2+ sparks activate plasma membrane Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels, evoking spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) that hyperpolarize the cell and reduce voltage‐dependent Ca2+ entry. In the present study, we investigate the mechanism by which Epac increases STOC activity. We show that the selective Epac activator 8‐(4‐chloro‐phenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine‐3′, 5‐cyclic monophosphate‐AM (8‐pCPT‐AM) induces autophosphorylation (activation) of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) and also that inhibition of CaMKII abolishes 8‐pCPT‐AM‐induced increases in STOC activity. Epac‐induced CaMKII activation is probably initiated by inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐mobilized Ca2+: 8‐pCPT‐AM fails to induce CaMKII activation following intracellular Ca2+ store depletion and inhibition of IP3 receptors blocks both 8‐pCPT‐AM‐mediated CaMKII phosphorylation and STOC activity. 8‐pCPT‐AM does not directly activate BKCa channels, but STOCs cannot be generated by 8‐pCPT‐AM in the presence of ryanodine. Furthermore, exposure to 8‐pCPT‐AM significantly slows the initial rate of [Ca2+]i rise induced by the RyR activator caffeine without significantly affecting the caffeine‐induced Ca2+ transient amplitude, a measure of Ca2+ store content. We conclude that Epac‐mediated STOC activity (i) occurs via activation of CaMKII and (ii) is driven by changes in the underlying behaviour of RyR channels. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CaMKII initiating cellular activity linked to vasorelaxation and suggests novel roles for this Ca2+ and redox‐sensing enzyme in the regulation of vascular tone and blood flow. PMID:28731505

[Approach to the relationship between the changes of the content of free zinc in hippocampus and ischemic neuronal damage].

PubMed

Zhou, Zhu-Juan; Zheng, Jian; He, Ying

2002-08-01

To make approach to the relationship between the changes of free zinc and ischemic neuronal damage in hippocampus after forebrain ischemia/reperfusion. The models of forebrain ischemia/reperfusion were established in rats. The contents of free Zn2+ were measured by TSQ fluorescence method. The Zn2+ chelator (CaEDTA) was injected into lateral ventricles in order to evaluate the effect of free Zn2+ on ischemic neuronal damage. (1) Zn2+ fluorescence in the hilus of dentate gyrus, CA3 region and the stratum radiatum and stratum oriens of CA1 decreased slightly at forty-eight hours after reperfusion. From seventy-two hours to ninety-six hour after reperfusion, the decreased fluorescence gradually returned to the normal level, but some fluorescence dots were found in pyramidal neurons of CA1 and the hilus of dentate gyrus. Seven days after reperfusion, all the changes of the fluorescence almost recovered. (2) The cell membrane-impermeable Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA could reduce the intracellular concentration of free Zn2+ and reduced neuronal damage after forebrain ischemia/reperfusion. (1) The synaptic vesicle Zn2+ released and then translocated into postsynaptic neurons after forebrain ischemia/reperfusion and played a role in ischemic neuronal damage. (2) The cell membrane-impermeable chelator CaEDTA could provide neuroprotection.

Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera bifolia and Listera ovata survive N application under P limitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hejcman, Michal; Schellberg, Jürgen; Pavlů, Vilém

2010-11-01

Increased nutrient availability is generally believed to be harmful for terrestrial orchids. However, no information is available on whether grassland orchids survive decades-long calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) application. We took advantage of sampling in one of the oldest long-term experiments in the world, the Rengen Grassland Experiment (RGE), which was established in Germany in 1941 on low-productive Violion caninae grassland, and we monitored orchids from 2005 to 2009. Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera bifolia and Listera ovata survived decades-long application of Ca and CaN fertilizer, but not CaN together with P. Cover of D. maculata was highest in areas of Ca treatment. The number of flowers per plant of L. ovata was significantly higher in the CaN treatment compared with the control indicating that enhanced N availability stimulated its growth. Long-term N application (NH 4NO 3 at an annual rate of 100 kg N ha -1) was not fatal to the studied orchids if not accompanied by P application. It is more likely that enhanced N availability can cause loss of studied orchids only where the availability of P in soil is high enough to enable the growth of productive species that can better compete for light on eutrophic soils.

Fabricated and investigated the structure and super conductivity properties of Bi2Sr2Can-1CunO2n+4+δ compound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdi, Shatha H.; Salim, Faiza M.; Jasim, Kareem Ail; Ali, Mohammed Abdulmuhsin; Ahmed, Saja Amer; Fadhel, Noor Q.

2018-05-01

This paper investigated the influence of Cu-O and Ca-O layers change on the superconductivity properties and crystal structure of Bi2Sr2Can-1CunO2n+4+δ superconductor fabricated via conventional solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction technique was utilized to study the structure of the specimens. The results showed that a change in the lattice parameters a, b, and c, and lattice ratio c/a appeared as a function of Cu-O and Ca-O layers change, while c/a ratio increased with the increasing of n(of Cu-O and Ca-O layers). However, the electrical resistivity as a function of temperature was used to calculate critical temperature of transition Tc, Tc (offset) = 137k,138k and 139k and Tc(onset)=144k, 160k,161k for n=1,2 and 3 specimens respectively. The study was came to conclusion that the increase in critical temperature was established due to the increase in n (Ca-O and Cu-O layers) of specimens. Atomic force microscopy showed that the Roughness average and root mean square change with the change of n of all specimens.

Standardized cell samples for midIR technology development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastl, Lena; Rommel, Christina E.; Kemper, Björn; Schnekenburger, Jürgen

2015-03-01

The application of midIR spectroscopy towards human cell and tissue samples is impaired by the need for technical solutions and lacking sample standards for technology development. We here present the standardization of stable test samples for the continuous development and testing of novel optical system components. We have selected cell lines representing the major cellular skin constituents keratinocytes and fibroblasts (NIH-3T3, HaCaT). In addition, two skin cancer cell types (A-375 and SK-MEL-28 cells) were analyzed. Cells were seeded on CaF2 substrates and measured dried and under aqueous medium as well as fixated and unfixated. Several independent cell preparations were analyzed with an FTIR spectrometer in the wave number range from 1000 - 4000 cm-1. The obtained data demonstrate that fixed and dehydrated cells on CaF2 can be stored in pure ethanol for several weeks without significant losses in quality of the spectral properties. The established protocol of cell seeding on CaF2 substrates, chemical fixation, dehydration, storage under ethanol and air-drying is suitable for the production of reliable midIR standards. The retrieved spectra demonstrate that fixed cells on CaF2 can be prepared reproducibly; with stable midIR spectral properties over several weeks and properties mimicking reliable unfixed cells. Moreover, the fixated samples on CaF2 show clear differences in the cell type specific spectra that can be identified by principle component analysis. In summary, the standardized cell culture samples on CaF2 substrates are suitable for the development of a midIR device and the optimization of the specific midIR spectra.

Comparison of treatment outcomes between convergent procedure and catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation evaluated with implantable loop recorder monitoring.

PubMed

Jan, Matevž; Žižek, David; Geršak, Živa Miriam; Geršak, Borut

2018-05-03

While catheter ablation (CA) is an established treatment for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), convergent epicardial and endocardial ablation procedure (CVP) has been primarily used to treat persistent AF. The aim of this single-center, prospective, randomized study was to compare treatment efficacy of CA and CVP in paroxysmal AF patients by monitoring AF, atrial tachycardia (AT), and atrial flutter (AFL) recurrence with Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR). Fifty patients (74% male) with history of paroxysmal AF were randomized between CA and CVP. Outcomes were determined by ILRs; every episode of AF/AT/AFL lasting 6 minutes or more was defined as a recurrence. AF burden (AFB) and required AF reinterventions (cardioversions and repeat ablations) were quantified after a 3-month blanking period. Total procedural (266 ± 44 vs. 242 ± 39 minutes) and ablation duration (52 ± 10 vs. 48 ± 12 minutes) was similar in both groups. Recurrence of AF/AT/AFL was more likely in the CA group compared to the CVP group (OR 3.78 (95% CI (1.17, 12.19), P  =  0.048)). During the follow-up period (mean 30.5 ± 6.9 months), higher AF burden and more reinterventions for recurrent AF were recorded in the CA group. There were more periprocedural complications in the CVP group (12.5%) compared to the CA group (0%). Treatment of paroxysmal AF with CVP showed less arrhythmia recurrence compared to CA. In addition, patients after CVP had fewer reinterventions and lower AF burden, but more periprocedural complications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development of a stable cation modified graphene oxide membrane for water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Wenzheng; (Yet Yu, Tong; Graham, Nigel

2017-12-01

Membranes prepared from layers of graphene oxide (GO) offer substantial advantages over conventional materials for water treatment (e.g. greater flux), but the stability of GO membranes in water has not been achieved until now. In this study the behavior of GO membranes prepared with different quantities and species of cations has been investigated to establish the feasibility of their application in water treatment. A range of cation-modified GO membranes were prepared and exposed to aqueous solutions containing specific chemical constituents. In pure water, unmodified and Na-modified GO membranes were highly unstable, while GO membranes modified with multivalent cations were stable provided there were sufficient quantities of cations present; their relative capability to achieve GO stability was as follows: Al3+  >  Ca2+  >  Mg2+  >  Na+. It is believed that the mechanism of cross-linking, and membrane stability, is via metal-carboxylate chelates and cation-graphite surface interactions (cation-π interaction), and that the latter appears to increase with increasing cation valency. The instability of cation (Ca or Al)-modified GO membranes by NaCl solutions during permeation occurred as Na+ exchanged with the incorporated multivalent cations, but a high content of Al3+ in the GO membrane impeded Al3+/Na+ exchange and thus retained membrane stability. In solutions containing biopolymers representative of surface waters or seawater (protein and polysaccharide solutions), Ca-GO membranes (even with high Ca2+ content) were not stable, while Al-GO membranes were stable if the Al3+ content was sufficiently high; Al-formed membranes also had a greater flux than Ca-GO membranes.

Cervical auscultation as an adjunct to the clinical swallow examination: a comparison with fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

PubMed

Bergström, Liza; Svensson, Per; Hartelius, Lena

2014-10-01

This prospective, single-blinded study investigated the validity and reliability of cervical auscultation (CA) under two conditions; (1) CA-only, using isolated swallow-sound clips, and (2) CSE + CA, using extra clinical swallow examination (CSE) information such as patient case history, oromotor assessment, and the same swallow-sound clips as condition one. The two CA conditions were compared against a fibre-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) reference test. Each CA condition consisted of 18 swallows samples compiled from 12 adult patients consecutively referred to the FEES clinic. Patients' swallow sounds were simultaneously recorded during FEES via a Littmann E3200 electronic stethoscope. These 18 swallow samples were sent to 13 experienced dysphagia clinicians recruited from the UK and Australia who were blinded to the FEES results. Samples were rated in terms of (1) if dysphagic, (2) if the patient was safe on consistency trialled, and (3) dysphagia severity. Sensitivity measures ranged from 83-95%, specificity measures from 50-92% across the conditions. Intra-rater agreement ranged from 69-97% total agreement. Inter-rater reliability for dysphagia severity showed substantial agreement (rs = 0.68 and 0.74). Results show good rater reliability for CA-trained speech-language pathologists. Sensitivity and specificity for both CA conditions in this study are comparable to and often better than other well-established CSE components.

Partial substitution of Zn Effects on the Structural and Electrical Properties of High Temperature Hg0.95Ag0.05Ba2Ca2Cu3O8+δ Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abed, Noor S.; Fathi, Sabah J.; Jassim, Kareem A.; Mahdi, Shatha H.

2018-05-01

The effect of the Ag partial substitution at Hg site in HgOδ layer and Zn partial substitution at Ca site in CaO layer on the structure,Tc,electrical properties, and oxygen content for Hg-1223 have been studied. Bulk polycrystalline Hg1-xAgxBa2Ca2-yZnyCu3O8+δ compound samples with x=0.05 and y=0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3, are synthesized by a solid state reaction process. Structural properties are studied by using X-ray powder pattern, the high temperature phase superconductor (Hg-1223) of the tetragonal structure didn't change with the partial substitution of Zn and Ag ions, lattice parameters c,c/a are established to vary with Ag and Zn- substitution. The surface morphology has been studied by using atomic force microscopes (AFM), showed that all specimens have good crystalline and homogeneous surface. Also give a best nano size value is 75.72 nm at x=0.05 and y=0.3. Four probe technique is used to measure Tc. The Tc were found to be increases from 129 K to 147 K and oxygen content were found to be increases with increasing Zn. In addition, dielectric properties (dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and the alternating electrical conductivity) are characterized directly by relating with Ag and Zn concentration.

Effects of long-term poultry litter application on phosphorus soil chemistry and runoff water quality.

PubMed

Reiter, Mark S; Daniel, Tommy C; DeLaune, Paul B; Sharpley, Andrew N; Lory, John A

2013-11-01

Continuous application of poultry litter (PL) significantly changes many soil properties, including soil test P (STP); Al, Fe, and Ca concentrations; and pH, which can affect the potential for P transport in surface runoff water. We conducted rainfall simulations on three historically acidic silt loam soils in Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia to establish if long-term PL applications would affect soil inorganic P fractions and the resulting dissolved reactive P (DRP) in runoff water. Soil samples (0-5 cm depth) were taken to find sites ranging in Mehlich-3 STP from 20 to 1154 mg P kg. Simulated rainfall events were conducted on 3-m plots at 6.7 cm h, and runoff was collected for 30 min. Correlation between Mehlich-3 and runoff DRP indicated a linear relationship to 833 mg Mehlich-3 P kg. As Mehlich-3 STP increased, a concomitant increase in soil pH and Ca occurred on all soils. Soil P fractionation demonstrated that, as Mehlich-3 STP generally increased above 450 mg P kg (from high to very high), the easily soluble and loosely bound P fractions decreased by 3 to 10%. Water-insoluble complexes of P bound to Al and Ca were the main drivers in the reduction of DRP in runoff, accounting for up to 43 and 38% of total P, respectively. Basing runoff DRP concentration projections solely on Mehlich-3 STP may overestimate runoff P losses from soils receiving long-term PL applications due to dissolution of water-insoluble Ca-P compounds. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Calcium and the heat-shock response in the human monocytic line U-937.

PubMed

Kantengwa, S; Capponi, A M; Bonventre, J V; Polla, B S

1990-07-01

In the human monocytic line U-937, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] increases cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). 1,25-(OH)2D3 also enhances the synthesis of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) when U-937 cells are exposed to elevated temperatures. To establish whether these two effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 are related, we examined the effects of calcium on the heat-shock (HS) response, as well as the influence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on this system. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of the fluorescent probe used to measure [Ca2+]i, fura-2, at 37 and 45 degrees C was found to be 191 and 234 nM, respectively. Exposure of U-937 cells to 45 degrees C did not increase [Ca2+]i under conditions in which active efflux of the dye was prevented by the organic anion transport inhibitor probenecid (1 mM). In cells preincubated in calcium-free medium, with subsequent addition of 4 mM EGTA before HS, or exposed to the calmodulin antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide (W-7), the increase in HSPs synthesis was not affected. Cell viability, assessed by [3H]thymidine uptake, was not different between cells exposed to HS in calcium-containing or calcium-free media. Moreover, the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the HS response were also observed in a calcium-depleted medium, indicating that the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HSP synthesis were not mediated by [Ca2+]i.

Coastal 'Big Data' and nature-inspired computation: Prediction potentials, uncertainties, and knowledge derivation of neural networks for an algal metric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millie, David F.; Weckman, Gary R.; Young, William A.; Ivey, James E.; Fries, David P.; Ardjmand, Ehsan; Fahnenstiel, Gary L.

2013-07-01

Coastal monitoring has become reliant upon automated sensors for data acquisition. Such a technical commitment comes with a cost; particularly, the generation of large, high-dimensional data streams ('Big Data') that personnel must search through to identify data structures. Nature-inspired computation, inclusive of artificial neural networks (ANNs), affords the unearthing of complex, recurring patterns within sizable data volumes. In 2009, select meteorological and hydrological data were acquired via autonomous instruments in Sarasota Bay, Florida (USA). ANNs estimated continuous chlorophyll (CHL) a concentrations from abiotic predictors, with correlations between measured:modeled concentrations >0.90 and model efficiencies ranging from 0.80 to 0.90. Salinity and water temperature were the principal influences for modeled CHL within the Bay; concentrations steadily increased at temperatures >28° C and were greatest at salinities <36 (maximizing at ca. 35.3). Categorical ANNs modeled CHL classes of 6.1 and 11 μg CHL L-1 (representative of local and state-imposed constraint thresholds, respectively), with an accuracy of ca. 83% and class precision ranging from 0.79 to 0.91. The occurrence likelihood of concentrations > 6.1 μg CHL L-1 maximized at a salinity of ca. 36.3 and a temperature of ca. 29.5 °C. A 10th-order Chebyshev bivariate polynomial equation was fit (adj. r2 = 0.99, p < 0.001) to a three-dimensional response surface portraying modeled CHL concentrations, conditional to the temperature-salinity interaction. The TREPAN algorithm queried a continuous ANN to extract a decision tree for delineation of CHL classes; turbidity, temperature, and salinity (and to lesser degrees, wind speed, wind/current direction, irradiance, and urea-nitrogen) were key variables for quantitative rules in tree formalisms. Taken together, computations enabled knowledge provision for and quantifiable representations of the non-linear relationships between environmental variables and CHL a.

Curcumin Attenuates Opioid Tolerance and Dependence by Inhibiting Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II α Activity

PubMed Central

Hu, Xiaoyu; Huang, Fang; Szymusiak, Magdalena

2015-01-01

Chronic use of opioid analgesics has been hindered by the development of opioid addiction and tolerance. We have reported that curcumin, a natural flavonoid from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, attenuated opioid tolerance, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that curcumin may inhibit Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α (CaMKIIα), a protein kinase that has been previously proposed to be critical for opioid tolerance and dependence. In this study, we used state-of-the-art polymeric formulation technology to produce poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-curcumin nanoparticles (nanocurcumin) to overcome the drug’s poor solubility and bioavailability, which has made it extremely difficult for studying in vivo pharmacological actions of curcumin. We found that PLGA-curcumin nanoparticles reduced the dose requirement by 11- to 33-fold. Pretreatment with PLGA-curcumin (by mouth) prevented the development of opioid tolerance and dependence in a dose-dependent manner, with ED50 values of 3.9 and 3.2 mg/kg, respectively. PLGA-curcumin dose-dependently attenuated already-established opioid tolerance (ED50 = 12.6 mg/kg p.o.) and dependence (ED50 = 3.1 mg/kg p.o.). Curcumin or PLGA-curcumin did not produce antinociception by itself or affect morphine (1–10 mg/kg) antinociception. Moreover, we found that the behavioral effects of curcumin on opioid tolerance and dependence correlated with its inhibition of morphine-induced CaMKIIα activation in the brain. These results suggest that curcumin may attenuate opioid tolerance and dependence by suppressing CaMKIIα activity. PMID:25515789

On the dual equivalence of the self-dual and topologically massive /p-form models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menezes, R.; Nascimento, J. R. S.; Ribeiro, R. F.; Wotzasek, C.

2003-07-01

We study the duality symmetry in p-form models containing a generalized Bq∧Fp+1 term in spacetime manifolds of arbitrary dimensions. The equivalence between the Bq∧Fp+1 self-dual (SDB∧F) and the Bq∧Fp+1 topologically massive (TMB∧F) models is established using a gauge embedding procedure, including the minimal coupling to conserved charged matter current. The minimal coupling adopted for both tensor fields in the self-dual representation is transformed into a non-minimal magnetic like coupling in the topologically massive representation but with the currents swapped. It is known that to establish this equivalence a current-current interaction term is needed to render the matter sector unchanged. We show that both terms arise naturally from the embedding adopted. Comparison with Higgs/Julia-Toulouse duality is established.

The influence of redox status on inter-individual variability in the response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to ionizing radiation.

PubMed

Pajic, Jelena; Rovcanin, Branislav; Kekic, Dusan; Jovicic, Dubravka; Milovanovic, Aleksandar P S

2018-04-30

Ionizing radiation (IR) can act on atomic structures, producing damage to biomolecules. Earlier investigations evaluating individual radiosensitivity in vitro were focused on cytogenetic biomarkers (chromosomal aberrations - CA and micronuclei - MN). Since IR can also cause oxidative damage by producing reactive oxygen species, the main goal of this investigation was to establish the influence of redox status on CA and MN frequency in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Blood samples from 56 healthy donors were irradiated at doses of 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3 Gy and then analyzed cytogenetically and biochemically. The results showed inter-individual variability in all analyzed parameters, as well as dose-dependent increases in almost all of them. Correlation analysis indicated no association between CA, MN and oxidative stress parameters. However, findings for overall response (HRR) parameters showed that donors with lower values for parameters of antioxidant status had increased levels of cytogenetic damage and higher responses to irradiation and vice versa. Besides well-established cytogenetic biomarkers of radiation exposure, our results indicated promising future use for biochemical oxidative status parameters in routine radiation protection practice, since together they can provide a complete radiation response profile in cases of continuous low-dose exposure, as well as in a radiation emergency.

78 FR 39992 - Safety Zone; Feast of Lanterns Fireworks Display, Pacific Grove, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Feast of Lanterns Fireworks Display, Pacific Grove, CA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... zone in the navigable waters near Lover's Point Park in the Pacific Grove, CA in support of The Feast of Lanterns Fireworks Event on July 27, 2013. This safety zone is established to ensure the safety of...

Microvillar Ca++ signaling: a new view of an old problem.

PubMed

Lange, K

1999-07-01

Proceeding from the recent finding that the main components of the Ca++ signal pathway are located in small membrane protrusions on the surface of differentiated cells, called microvilli, a novel concept of cellular Ca++ signaling was developed. The main features of this concept can be summarized as follows: Microvilli are formed on the cell surface of differentiating or resting cells from exocytic membrane domains, growing out from the cell surface by elongation of an internal bundle of actin filaments. The microvillar tip membranes contain all functional important proteins synthesized such as ion channels and transporters for energy-providing substrates and structural components, which are, in rapidly growing undifferentiated cells, distributed over the whole cell surface by lateral diffusion. The microvillar shaft structure, a bundle of actin filaments, forms a dense cytoskeletal matrix tightly covered by the microvillar lipid membrane and represents an effective diffusion barrier separating the microvillar tip compartment (entrance compartment) from the cytoplasm. This diffusion barrier prevents the passage of low molecular components such as Ca++ glucose and other relevant substrates from the entrance compartment into the cytoplasm. The effectiveness of the actin-based diffusion barrier is modulated by various signal pathways and effectors, most importantly, by the actin-depolymerizing/reorganizing activity of the phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled Ca++ signaling. Moreover, the microvillar bundle of actin filaments plays a dual role in Ca++ signaling. It combines the function of a diffusion barrier, preventing Ca++ influx into the resting cell, with that of a high-affinity, ATP-dependent, and IP3-sensitive Ca++ store. Activation of Ca++ signaling via PLC-coupled receptors simultaneously empties Ca++ stores and activates the influx of external Ca++. The presented concept of Ca++ signaling is compatible with all established data on Ca++ signaling. Properties of Ca++ signaling, that could not be reconciled with the basic principles of the current hypothesis, are intrinsic properties of the new concept. Quantal Ca++ release, Ca(++)-induced Ca++ release (CICR), the coupling phenomen between the filling state of the Ca++ store and the activity of the Ca++ influx pathway, as well as the various yet unexplained complex kinetics of Ca++ uptake and release can be explained on a common mechanistic basis.

Role of the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/Ca2+ signaling pathway in the pyrogenic effect of interleukin-1beta.

PubMed

Palmi, Mitri; Meini, Antonella

2002-04-01

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has a wide spectrum of inflammatory, metabolic, haemopoietic, and immunological properties. Because it produces fever when injected into animals and humans, it is considered an endogenous pyrogen. There is evidence to suggest that Ca2+ plays a critical role in the central mechanisms of thermoregulation, and in the intracellular signaling pathways controlling fever induced by IL-1beta and other pyrogens. Data from different labs indicate that Ca2+ and Na+ determine the temperature set point in the posterior hypothalamus (PH) of various mammals and that changes in Ca2+ and PGE2 concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these animals are associated with IL-1beta-induced fever. Antipyretic drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid, dexamethasone, and lipocortin 5-(204-212) peptide counteract IL-1beta-induced fever and abolish changes in Ca2+ and PGE2 concentrations in CSF. In vitro studies have established that activation of the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP (cGMP) pathway is part of the signaling cascade transducing Ca2+ mobilization in response to IL-1beta and that the ryanodine (RY)- and inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive pools are the main source of the mobilized Ca2+. It is concluded that the NO/cGMP/Ca2+ pathway is part of the signaling cascade subserving some of the multiple functions of IL-1beta.

caCORE: a common infrastructure for cancer informatics.

PubMed

Covitz, Peter A; Hartel, Frank; Schaefer, Carl; De Coronado, Sherri; Fragoso, Gilberto; Sahni, Himanso; Gustafson, Scott; Buetow, Kenneth H

2003-12-12

Sites with substantive bioinformatics operations are challenged to build data processing and delivery infrastructure that provides reliable access and enables data integration. Locally generated data must be processed and stored such that relationships to external data sources can be presented. Consistency and comparability across data sets requires annotation with controlled vocabularies and, further, metadata standards for data representation. Programmatic access to the processed data should be supported to ensure the maximum possible value is extracted. Confronted with these challenges at the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics, we decided to develop a robust infrastructure for data management and integration that supports advanced biomedical applications. We have developed an interconnected set of software and services called caCORE. Enterprise Vocabulary Services (EVS) provide controlled vocabulary, dictionary and thesaurus services. The Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) provides a metadata registry for common data elements. Cancer Bioinformatics Infrastructure Objects (caBIO) implements an object-oriented model of the biomedical domain and provides Java, Simple Object Access Protocol and HTTP-XML application programming interfaces. caCORE has been used to develop scientific applications that bring together data from distinct genomic and clinical science sources. caCORE downloads and web interfaces can be accessed from links on the caCORE web site (http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/core). caBIO software is distributed under an open source license that permits unrestricted academic and commercial use. Vocabulary and metadata content in the EVS and caDSR, respectively, is similarly unrestricted, and is available through web applications and FTP downloads. http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/core/publications contains links to the caBIO 1.0 class diagram and the caCORE 1.0 Technical Guide, which provide detailed information on the present caCORE architecture, data sources and APIs. Updated information appears on a regular basis on the caCORE web site (http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/core).

Adipose Stem Cell-Based Therapeutic Targeting of Residual Androgens in African Americans With Bone-Metastatic Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

survival rate than CA males [3-7]. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, such as diet , access to care, and screening, have been cited as factors...cDNA clone coding for 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) was obtained from Origene. The 3α-HSD, also known as aldo- keto reductase family 1 member...growth of established human prostate LNCaP tumors in nude mice fed a low-fat diet . J Natl Cancer Inst 87: 1456–1462 17. Aronson WJ et al. (1999

Benthic foraminiferal paleoecology and depositional patterns during the Albian at DSDP Site 327 (Falkland Plateau)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Fernando M.; Koutsoukos, Eduardo A. M.; Kochhann, Karlos G. D.; Savian, Jairo F.; Fauth, Gerson

2017-10-01

The present paleoenvironmental study uses a spectrum of analytical methods, such as benthic foraminiferal assemblages, total organic carbon (TOC), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents and magnetic susceptibility (MS), to monitor variations in primary productivity, bottom-water oxygenation and depositional patterns within the Albian interval recovered at DSDP Site 327, Hole A, Falkland Plateau. Thirty-three benthic foraminiferal species were identified in the studied section and, based on the abundances of morphogroups (epifaunal and shallow infaunal), two distinct associations were identified. Stratigraphic intervals dominated by the epifaunal morphogroup can be interpreted as indicative of bottom-waters with low-oxygen content. However, these decreases in oxygenation were not vigorous enough to establish a dominance of deep-infaunal morphotypes, as supported by the low TOC values. Intervals dominated by the shallow infaunal morphogroup were interpreted as subjected to moderate to high nutrient flux to the ocean floor. These intervals are associated with high MS values and low CaCO3 content, suggesting that dissolution processes, rather than increased primary productivity, controlled CaCO3 accumulation in the studied section. Furthermore, faunal analysis points to deposition in an outer neritic to upper bathyal paleoenvironment.

Boronate ligands in materials: determining their local environment by using a combination of IR/solid-state NMR spectroscopies and DFT calculations.

PubMed

Sene, Saad; Reinholdt, Marc; Renaudin, Guillaume; Berthomieu, Dorothée; Zicovich-Wilson, Claudio M; Gervais, Christel; Gaveau, Philippe; Bonhomme, Christian; Filinchuk, Yaroslav; Smith, Mark E; Nedelec, Jean-Marie; Bégu, Sylvie; Mutin, P Hubert; Laurencin, Danielle

2013-01-14

Boronic acids (R-B(OH)(2)) are a family of molecules that have found a large number of applications in materials science. In contrast, boronate anions (R-B(OH)(3)(-)) have hardly been used so far for the preparation of novel materials. Here, a new crystalline phase involving a boronate ligand is described, Ca[C(4)H(9)-B(OH)(3)](2), which is then used as a basis for the establishment of the spectroscopic signatures of boronates in the solid state. The phase was characterized by IR and multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, (11)B and (43)Ca), and then modeled by periodic DFT calculations. Anharmonic OH vibration frequencies were calculated as well as NMR parameters (by using the Gauge Including Projector Augmented Wave--GIPAW--method). These data allow relationships between the geometry around the OH groups in boronates and the IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopic data to be established, which will be key to the future interpretation of the spectra of more complex organic-inorganic materials containing boronate building blocks. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The acute toxicity of major ion salts to Ceriodaphnia dubia: I. ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The ions Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, and HCO3-/CO32- (referred to as “major ions”) are present in all fresh waters and are physiologically required by aquatic organisms, but can be increased to harmful levels by a variety of anthropogenic activities that speed geochemical weathering or otherwise introduce or concentrate ions. While toxicity of these ions to aquatic organisms has been previously shown, it is also known that their toxicity can vary depending on the concentrations of other co-occurring anions, and understanding these relationships is key to predicting toxicity and establishing appropriate environmental limits. In this paper we conduct a series of experiments with Ceriodaphnia dubia to evaluate the acute toxicity of all twelve major ionsalts (pairing one of the cations with one of the anions) and to determine how toxicity of these salts varies as a function of background water chemistry. All salts except CaSO4 and CaCO3 were acutely toxic to C. dubia below saturation, with the lowest LC50s found for K salts. Of the remaining salts, all but CaCl2 showed some degree of decreased toxicity as the ionic content of the background water increased. Experiments that independently varied Ca:Mg ratio, Na:K ratio, Cl:SO4 ratio, and alkalinity/pH were used to show that Ca concentration was the primary factor influencing the toxicities of Na and Mg salts. In contrast, the toxicities of K salts were primarily influenced by the concentration of Na. Th

Cognitive representations of AIDS: a phenomenological study.

PubMed

Anderson, Elizabeth H; Spencer, Margaret Hull

2002-12-01

Cognitive representations of illness determine behavior. How persons living with AIDS image their disease might be key to understanding medication adherence and other health behaviors. The authors' purpose was to describe AIDS patients' cognitive representations of their illness. A purposive sample of 58 men and women with AIDS were interviewed. Using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method, rigor was established through application of verification, validation, and validity. From 175 significant statements, 11 themes emerged. Cognitive representations included imaging AIDS as death, bodily destruction, and just a disease. Coping focused on wiping AIDS out of the mind, hoping for the right drug, and caring for oneself. Inquiring about a patient's image of AIDS might help nurses assess coping processes and enhance nurse-patient relationships.

Proper Sterol Distribution Is Required for Candida albicans Hyphal Formation and Virulence

PubMed Central

McCourt, Paula; Liu, Hsing-Yin; Parker, Josie E.; Gallo-Ebert, Christina; Donigan, Melissa; Bata, Adam; Giordano, Caroline; Kelly, Steven L.; Nickels, Joseph T.

2016-01-01

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus responsible for the majority of systemic fungal infections. Multiple factors contribute to C. albicans pathogenicity. C. albicans strains lacking CaArv1 are avirulent. Arv1 has a conserved Arv1 homology domain (AHD) that has a zinc-binding domain containing two cysteine clusters. Here, we explored the role of the CaAHD and zinc-binding motif in CaArv1-dependent virulence. Overall, we found that the CaAHD was necessary but not sufficient for cells to be virulent, whereas the zinc-binding domain was essential, as Caarv1/Caarv1 cells expressing the full-length zinc-binding domain mutants, Caarv1C3S and Caarv1C28S, were avirulent. Phenotypically, we found a direct correlation between the avirulence of Caarv1/Caarv1, Caarrv1AHD, Caarv1C3S, and Caarv1C28S cells and defects in bud site selection, septa formation and localization, and hyphal formation and elongation. Importantly, all avirulent mutant strains lacked the ability to maintain proper sterol distribution. Overall, our results have established the importance of the AHD and zinc-binding domain in fungal invasion, and have correlated an avirulent phenotype with the inability to maintain proper sterol distribution. PMID:27587298

Re-presentations of space in Hollywood movies: an event-indexing analysis.

PubMed

Cutting, James; Iricinschi, Catalina

2015-03-01

Popular movies present chunk-like events (scenes and subscenes) that promote episodic, serial updating of viewers' representations of the ongoing narrative. Event-indexing theory would suggest that the beginnings of new scenes trigger these updates, which in turn require more cognitive processing. Typically, a new movie event is signaled by an establishing shot, one providing more background information and a longer look than the average shot. Our analysis of 24 films reconfirms this. More important, we show that, when returning to a previously shown location, the re-establishing shot reduces both context and duration while remaining greater than the average shot. In general, location shifts dominate character and time shifts in event segmentation of movies. In addition, over the last 70 years re-establishing shots have become more like the noninitial shots of a scene. Establishing shots have also approached noninitial shot scales, but not their durations. Such results suggest that film form is evolving, perhaps to suit more rapid encoding of narrative events. Copyright © 2014 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

A facile, efficient, and sustainable chitosan/CaHAp catalyst and one-pot synthesis of novel 2,6-diamino-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitriles.

PubMed

Maddila, Suresh; Gangu, Kranthi Kumar; Maddila, Surya Narayana; Jonnalagadda, Sreekantha B

2017-02-01

A simple and versatile one-pot three-component synthetic protocol is devised for heterocycles, viz. 2,6-diamino-4-substituted-4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives, in short reaction times ([Formula: see text]30 min) at room temperature using ethanol as a solvent. This method involves the three-component reaction of malononitrile, substituted aldehydes, and cyanoacetamide catalyzed by chitosan-doped calcium hydroxyapatites (CS/CaHAps) giving good to excellent yields (86-96%). Twelve new pyran derivatives (4a-l) were synthesized and their structures were established and confirmed by different spectroscopic methods ([Formula: see text]H NMR, [Formula: see text]C NMR, [Formula: see text]N NMR, and HRMS). The heterogeneous catalyst, CS/CaHAp, was characterized by various instrumental techniques including XRD, TEM, SEM, and FT-IR and TGA spectroscopies. The catalyst was easily separable and reusable for up to six runs without any apparent loss of activity. The reported protocol has many benefits, such as ease of preparation, use of a green solvent, reduced reaction times, excellent product yields, and operational simplicity.

Identification of Calcium Sulphoaluminate Formation between Alunite and Limestone

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyung-Seok; Han, Gi-Chun; Ahn, Ji-Whan; Cho, Kye-Hong; Cho, Hee-Chan

2009-01-01

This study was carried out to identify the conditions of formation of calcium sulphoaluminate (3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4) by the sintering of a limestone (CaCO3) and alunite [K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·4Al(OH)3] mixture with the following reagents: K2SO4, CaCO3, Al(OH)3, CaSO4·2H2O, and SiO2. When K2SO4, CaCO3, Al(OH)3, CaSO4·2H2O were mixed in molar ratios of 1:3:6:3 and sintered at 1,200∼1,300 °C, only 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 and calcium langbeinite (2CaSO4·K2SO4) were generated. With an amount of CaO that is less than the stoichiometric molar ratio, 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 was formed and anhydrite (CaSO4) did not react and remained behind. With the amount of CaSO4 that is less than the stoichiometric molar ratio, the amounts of 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 and 2CaSO4·K2SO4 decreased, and that of CaO·Al2O3 increased. In the K2SO4-CaO-Al2O3-CaSO4-SiO2 system, to stabilize the formation of 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4, 2CaSO4·K2SO4, and β-2CaO·SiO2, the molar ratios of CaO: Al2O3: CaSO4 must be kept at 3:3:1 and that of CaO/SiO2, over 2.0; otherwise, the generated amount of 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 decreased and that of gehlenite (2CaO·Al2O3·SiO2) with no hydration increased quantitatively. Therefore, if all SO3(g) generated by the thermal decomposition of alunite reacts with CaCO3 (or CaO, the thermal decomposition product of limestone) to form CaSO4 in an alunite- limestone system, 1 mol of pure alunite reacts with 6 mol of limestone to form 1 mol of 3CaO·3Al2O3·CaSO4 and 1 mol of 2CaSO4·K2SO4. PMID:22346687

Rational Solutions of the Painlevé-II Equation Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Peter D.; Sheng, Yue

2017-08-01

The rational solutions of the Painlevé-II equation appear in several applications and are known to have many remarkable algebraic and analytic properties. They also have several different representations, useful in different ways for establishing these properties. In particular, Riemann-Hilbert representations have proven to be useful for extracting the asymptotic behavior of the rational solutions in the limit of large degree (equivalently the large-parameter limit). We review the elementary properties of the rational Painlevé-II functions, and then we describe three different Riemann-Hilbert representations of them that have appeared in the literature: a representation by means of the isomonodromy theory of the Flaschka-Newell Lax pair, a second representation by means of the isomonodromy theory of the Jimbo-Miwa Lax pair, and a third representation found by Bertola and Bothner related to pseudo-orthogonal polynomials. We prove that the Flaschka-Newell and Bertola-Bothner Riemann-Hilbert representations of the rational Painlevé-II functions are explicitly connected to each other. Finally, we review recent results describing the asymptotic behavior of the rational Painlevé-II functions obtained from these Riemann-Hilbert representations by means of the steepest descent method.

Asymptotic Representations of Quantum Affine Superalgebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huafeng

2017-08-01

We study representations of the quantum affine superalgebra associated with a general linear Lie superalgebra. In the spirit of Hernandez-Jimbo, we construct inductive systems of Kirillov-Reshetikhin modules based on a cyclicity result that we established previously on tensor products of these modules, and realize their inductive limits as modules over its Borel subalgebra, the so-called q-Yangian. A new generic asymptotic limit of the same inductive systems is proposed, resulting in modules over the full quantum affine superalgebra. We derive generalized Baxter's relations in the sense of Frenkel-Hernandez for representations of the full quantum group.

Data Representation, Coding, and Communication Standards.

PubMed

Amin, Milon; Dhir, Rajiv

2015-06-01

The immense volume of cases signed out by surgical pathologists on a daily basis gives little time to think about exactly how data are stored. An understanding of the basics of data representation has implications that affect a pathologist's daily practice. This article covers the basics of data representation and its importance in the design of electronic medical record systems. Coding in surgical pathology is also discussed. Finally, a summary of communication standards in surgical pathology is presented, including suggested resources that establish standards for select aspects of pathology reporting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of processing non-symbolic number: An ERP source localization study

PubMed Central

Hyde, Daniel C.; Spelke, Elizabeth S.

2013-01-01

Coordinated studies with adults, infants, and nonhuman animals provide evidence for two distinct systems of non-verbal number representation. The ‘parallel individuation’ system selects and retains information about 1–3 individual entities and the ‘numerical magnitude’ system establishes representations of the approximate cardinal value of a group. Recent ERP work has demonstrated that these systems reliably evoke functionally and temporally distinct patterns of brain response that correspond to established behavioral signatures. However, relatively little is known about the neural generators of these ERP signatures. To address this question, we targeted known ERP signatures of these systems, by contrasting processing of small versus large non-symbolic numbers, and used a source localization algorithm (LORETA) to identify their cortical origins. Early processing of small numbers, showing the signature effects of parallel individuation on the N1 (∼150 ms), was localized primarily to extrastriate visual regions. In contrast, qualitatively and temporally distinct processing of large numbers, showing the signatures of approximate number representation on the mid-latency P2p (∼200–250 ms), was localized primarily to right intraparietal regions. In comparison, mid-latency small number processing was localized to the right temporal-parietal junction and left-lateralized intraparietal regions. These results add spatial information to the emerging ERP literature documenting the process by which we represent number. Furthermore, these results substantiate recent claims that early attentional processes determine whether a collection of objects will be represented through parallel individuation or as an approximate numerical magnitude by providing evidence that downstream processing diverges to distinct cortical regions. PMID:21830257

Thin film growth of the 2122-phase of BCSCO superconductor with high degree of crystalline perfection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raina, K. K.; Narayanan, S.; Pandey, R. K.

1992-01-01

Thin films of the 80 K-phase of BiCaSrCu-oxide superconductor having the composition of Bi2Ca1.05Sr2.1Cu2.19O(x) and high degree of crystalline perfection have been grown on c-axis oriented twin free single crystal substrates of NdGaO3. This has been achieved by carefully establishing the growth conditions of the LPE experiments. The temperature regime of 850 to 830 C and quenching of the specimens on the termination of the growth period are found to be pertinent for the growth of quasi-single crystalline superconducting BCSCO films on NdGaO3 substrates. The TEM analysis reveals a single crystalline nature of these films which exhibit 100 percent reflectivity in infrared regions at liquid nitrogen temperature.

An Antibody Biosensor Establishes the Activation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor during Learning and Memory*♦

PubMed Central

Butcher, Adrian J.; Bradley, Sophie J.; Prihandoko, Rudi; Brooke, Simon M.; Mogg, Adrian; Bourgognon, Julie-Myrtille; Macedo-Hatch, Timothy; Edwards, Jennifer M.; Bottrill, Andrew R.; Challiss, R. A. John; Broad, Lisa M.; Felder, Christian C.; Tobin, Andrew B.

2016-01-01

Establishing the in vivo activation status of G protein-coupled receptors would not only indicate physiological roles of G protein-coupled receptors but would also aid drug discovery by establishing drug/receptor engagement. Here, we develop a phospho-specific antibody-based biosensor to detect activation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR) in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics identified 14 sites of phosphorylation on the M1 mAChR. Phospho-specific antibodies to four of these sites established that serine at position 228 (Ser228) on the M1 mAChR showed extremely low levels of basal phosphorylation that were significantly up-regulated by orthosteric agonist stimulation. In addition, the M1 mAChR-positive allosteric modulator, 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, enhanced acetylcholine-mediated phosphorylation at Ser228. These data supported the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser228 was an indicator of M1 mAChR activation. This was further supported in vivo by the identification of phosphorylated Ser228 on the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus of mice following administration of the muscarinic ligands xanomeline and 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Finally, Ser228 phosphorylation was seen to increase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus following memory acquisition, a response that correlated closely with up-regulation of CA1 neuronal activity. Thus, determining the phosphorylation status of the M1 mAChR at Ser228 not only provides a means of establishing receptor activation following drug treatment both in vitro and in vivo but also allows for the mapping of the activation status of the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus following memory acquisition thereby establishing a link between M1 mAChR activation and hippocampus-based memory and learning. PMID:26826123

An Antibody Biosensor Establishes the Activation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor during Learning and Memory.

PubMed

Butcher, Adrian J; Bradley, Sophie J; Prihandoko, Rudi; Brooke, Simon M; Mogg, Adrian; Bourgognon, Julie-Myrtille; Macedo-Hatch, Timothy; Edwards, Jennifer M; Bottrill, Andrew R; Challiss, R A John; Broad, Lisa M; Felder, Christian C; Tobin, Andrew B

2016-04-22

Establishing the in vivo activation status of G protein-coupled receptors would not only indicate physiological roles of G protein-coupled receptors but would also aid drug discovery by establishing drug/receptor engagement. Here, we develop a phospho-specific antibody-based biosensor to detect activation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR) in vitro and in vivo Mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics identified 14 sites of phosphorylation on the M1 mAChR. Phospho-specific antibodies to four of these sites established that serine at position 228 (Ser(228)) on the M1 mAChR showed extremely low levels of basal phosphorylation that were significantly up-regulated by orthosteric agonist stimulation. In addition, the M1 mAChR-positive allosteric modulator, 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, enhanced acetylcholine-mediated phosphorylation at Ser(228) These data supported the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser(228) was an indicator of M1 mAChR activation. This was further supported in vivo by the identification of phosphorylated Ser(228) on the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus of mice following administration of the muscarinic ligands xanomeline and 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Finally, Ser(228) phosphorylation was seen to increase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus following memory acquisition, a response that correlated closely with up-regulation of CA1 neuronal activity. Thus, determining the phosphorylation status of the M1 mAChR at Ser(228) not only provides a means of establishing receptor activation following drug treatment both in vitro and in vivo but also allows for the mapping of the activation status of the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus following memory acquisition thereby establishing a link between M1 mAChR activation and hippocampus-based memory and learning. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Exploring Middle School Students' Representational Competence in Science: Development and Verification of a Framework for Learning with Visual Representations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tippett, Christine Diane

Scientific knowledge is constructed and communicated through a range of forms in addition to verbal language. Maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, formulae, models, and drawings are just some of the ways in which science concepts can be represented. Representational competence---an aspect of visual literacy that focuses on the ability to interpret, transform, and produce visual representations---is a key component of science literacy and an essential part of science reading and writing. To date, however, most research has examined learning from representations rather than learning with representations. This dissertation consisted of three distinct projects that were related by a common focus on learning from visual representations as an important aspect of scientific literacy. The first project was the development of an exploratory framework that is proposed for use in investigations of students constructing and interpreting multimedia texts. The exploratory framework, which integrates cognition, metacognition, semiotics, and systemic functional linguistics, could eventually result in a model that might be used to guide classroom practice, leading to improved visual literacy, better comprehension of science concepts, and enhanced science literacy because it emphasizes distinct aspects of learning with representations that can be addressed though explicit instruction. The second project was a metasynthesis of the research that was previously conducted as part of the Explicit Literacy Instruction Embedded in Middle School Science project (Pacific CRYSTAL, http://www.educ.uvic.ca/pacificcrystal). Five overarching themes emerged from this case-to-case synthesis: the engaging and effective nature of multimedia genres, opportunities for differentiated instruction using multimodal strategies, opportunities for assessment, an emphasis on visual representations, and the robustness of some multimodal literacy strategies across content areas. The third project was a mixed-methods verification study that was conducted to refine and validate the theoretical framework. This study examined middle school students' representational competence and focused on students' creation of visual representations such as labelled diagrams, a form of representation commonly found in science information texts and textbooks. An analysis of the 31 Grade 6 participants' representations and semistructured interviews revealed five themes, each of which supports one or more dimensions of the exploratory framework: participants' use of color, participants' choice of representation (form and function), participants' method of planning for representing, participants' knowledge of conventions, and participants' selection of information to represent. Together, the results of these three projects highlight the need for further research on learning with rather than learning from representations.

Hyperspherical Symmetry of Hydrogenic Orbitals and Recoupling Coefficients among Alternative Bases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aquilanti, Vincenzo; Cavalli, Simonetta; Coletti, Cecilia

1998-04-01

Fock's representation of momentum space hydrogenic orbitals in terms of harmonics on the hypersphere S3 of a four-dimensional space is extended to classify alternative bases. These orbitals are of interest for Sturmian expansions of use in atomic and molecular structure calculations and for the description of atoms in fields. Because of the correspondence between the S3 manifold and the SU\\(2\\) group, new sum rules are established which are of relevance for the connection, not only among hydrogen atom orbitals in different bases, but also among the usual vector coupling coefficients and rotation matrix elements.

Late Pliocene vegetation and orbital-scale climate changes from the western Mediterranean area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Moreno, Gonzalo; Burjachs, Francesc; Expósito, Isabel; Oms, Oriol; Carrancho, Ángel; Villalaín, Juan José; Agustí, Jordi; Campeny, Gerard; Gómez de Soler, Bruno; van der Made, Jan

2013-09-01

The Late Pliocene is a very interesting period as climate deteriorated from a warm optimum at ca. 3.3-3.0 Ma to a progressive climate cooling. Simultaneously, the Mediterranean area witnessed the establishment of the Mediterranean-type seasonal precipitation rhythm (summer drought). These important climate changes produced significant vegetation changes, such as the extinction of several thermophilous and hygrophilous plant taxa from the European latitudes. Besides these long-term trends, climate was also characterized by cyclical variability (i.e., orbital changes) that forced vegetation changes (forested vs. open vegetation). In the Mediterranean area, cyclical changes in the vegetation were mostly forced by precession. In this study we analyzed pollen from a Late Pliocene maar lake core from NE Spain. An increase in aridity is observed as well as cyclic variations throughout the studied sequence. Cyclicity was mostly forced by precession but also by obliquity and eccentricity. Precipitation seems to be the main factor controlling these cycles. These data allowed estimating a sedimentary rate of ca. 0.19 mm/yr and the time duration covered by the studied core, close to 200 ka. The combination of biostratigraphy, palaeomagnetism and cyclostratigraphy allowed for a very precise dating of the sediments between ca. 3.3 and 3.1 Ma. Climate and paleobiogeographical implications are discussed within the context of the Late Pliocene Northern Hemisphere glacial intensification.

Komatiites of the Onverwacht Group, S. Africa: REE geochemistry, Sm/Nd age and mantle evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahn, Bor-Ming; Gruau, G.; Glikson, A. Y.

1982-08-01

Komatiites of the Tjakastad Subgroup of the Onverwacht Group (S. Africa) were dated by the Sm/Nd method. A whole-rock isochron yields an age of 3.56±0.24 (2 σ) AE, with initial 143Nd/144Nd ratio of 0.50818±23 (2 σ), corresponding to ɛ Nd( T)= + 1.9±4.5. This age is interpreted as the time of initial Onverwacht volcanism. This result agrees with earlier Sm/Nd data of Hamilton et al. (1979) and is consistent with the Rb-Sr result of Jahn and Shih (1974). Komatiites may be divided into 3 groups based on the typology of heavy REE distributions (Jahn and Gruau 1981). According to this scheme, the Onverwacht komatiites of the present study belong to two groups: the predominant Group II rocks showing (Gd/Yb)N≃1.4, CaO/Al2O3 = 1.33, Al2O3/TiO2≃10.6; and the subordinate Group III rocks with (Gd/Yb)N<1.0; CaO/Al2O3≃0.6 and A12O3/ TiO2≃40. This contrasting feature is best explained by garnet fractionation within the mantle sources. Younger komatiites (˜2.7 AE) from Finland, Canada, Rhodesia, and Australia have (Gd/Yb)N≃1.0, CaO/ Al2O3<1.1 and Al2O3/TiO2≃21 based on 58 analyses. These ratios are nearly chondritic or of the bulk earth value (Anders 1977). It appears that some late Archean komatiites are different in chemistry from many early Archean komatiites. This may imply that the upper mantle chemistry has evolved through Archean times. However, the age connotation of the chemical parameters, such as CaO/Al2O3, (Gd/Yb)N or Al2O3/TiO2 ratio has not been firmly established. The characteristic “high” CaO/Al2O3 or (Gd/Yb)N ratios in many Onverwacht Group rocks can also be explained as a result of local short-term mantle heterogeneity.

Coronary versus carotid blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure in a pig model of prolonged cardiac arrest treated by different modes of venoarterial ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation.

PubMed

Bělohlávek, Jan; Mlček, Mikuláš; Huptych, Michal; Svoboda, Tomáš; Havránek, Stěpán; Ošt'ádal, Petr; Bouček, Tomáš; Kovárník, Tomáš; Mlejnský, František; Mrázek, Vratislav; Bělohlávek, Marek; Aschermann, Michael; Linhart, Aleš; Kittnar, Otomar

2012-12-12

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in cardiac arrest (CA). Adequacy of carotid and coronary blood flows (CaBF, CoBF) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) in ECMO treated CA is not well established. This study compares femoro-femoral (FF) to femoro-subclavian (FS) ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) contribution based on CaBF, CoBF, CoPP, myocardial and brain oxygenation in experimental CA managed by ECMO. In 11 female pigs (50.3 ± 3.4 kg), CA was randomly treated by FF versus FS ECMO ± IABP. Animals under general anesthesia had undergone 15 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) with ECMO flow of 5 to 10 mL/kg/min simulating low-flow CA followed by continued VF with ECMO flow of 100 mL/kg/min. CaBF and CoBF were measured by a Doppler flow wire, cerebral and peripheral oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy. CoPP, myocardial oxygen metabolism and resuscitability were determined. CaBF reached values > 80% of baseline in all regimens. CoBF > 80% was reached only by the FF ECMO, 90.0% (66.1, 98.6). Addition of IABP to FF ECMO decreased CoBF to 60.7% (55.1, 86.2) of baseline, P = 0.004. FS ECMO produced 70.0% (49.1, 113.2) of baseline CoBF, significantly lower than FF, P = 0.039. Addition of IABP to FS did not change the CoBF; however, it provided significantly higher flow, 76.7% (71.9, 111.2) of baseline, compared to FF + IABP, P = 0.026. Both brain and peripheral regional oxygen saturations decreased after induction of CA to 23% (15.0, 32.3) and 34% (23.5, 34.0), respectively, and normalized after ECMO institution. For brain saturations, all regimens reached values exceeding 80% of baseline, none of the comparisons between respective treatment approaches differed significantly. After a decline to 15 mmHg (9.5, 20.8) during CA, CoPP gradually rose with time to 68 mmHg (43.3, 84.0), P = 0 .003, with best recovery on FF ECMO. Resuscitability of the animals was high, both 5 and 60 minutes return of spontaneous circulation occured in eight animals (73%). In a pig model of CA, both FF and FS ECMO assure adequate brain perfusion and oxygenation. FF ECMO offers better CoBF than FS ECMO. Addition of IABP to FF ECMO worsens CoBF. FF ECMO, more than FS ECMO, increases CoPP over time.

Coronary versus carotid blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure in a pig model of prolonged cardiac arrest treated by different modes of venoarterial ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in cardiac arrest (CA). Adequacy of carotid and coronary blood flows (CaBF, CoBF) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) in ECMO treated CA is not well established. This study compares femoro-femoral (FF) to femoro-subclavian (FS) ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) contribution based on CaBF, CoBF, CoPP, myocardial and brain oxygenation in experimental CA managed by ECMO. Methods In 11 female pigs (50.3 ± 3.4 kg), CA was randomly treated by FF versus FS ECMO ± IABP. Animals under general anesthesia had undergone 15 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) with ECMO flow of 5 to 10 mL/kg/min simulating low-flow CA followed by continued VF with ECMO flow of 100 mL/kg/min. CaBF and CoBF were measured by a Doppler flow wire, cerebral and peripheral oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy. CoPP, myocardial oxygen metabolism and resuscitability were determined. Results CaBF reached values > 80% of baseline in all regimens. CoBF > 80% was reached only by the FF ECMO, 90.0% (66.1, 98.6). Addition of IABP to FF ECMO decreased CoBF to 60.7% (55.1, 86.2) of baseline, P = 0.004. FS ECMO produced 70.0% (49.1, 113.2) of baseline CoBF, significantly lower than FF, P = 0.039. Addition of IABP to FS did not change the CoBF; however, it provided significantly higher flow, 76.7% (71.9, 111.2) of baseline, compared to FF + IABP, P = 0.026. Both brain and peripheral regional oxygen saturations decreased after induction of CA to 23% (15.0, 32.3) and 34% (23.5, 34.0), respectively, and normalized after ECMO institution. For brain saturations, all regimens reached values exceeding 80% of baseline, none of the comparisons between respective treatment approaches differed significantly. After a decline to 15 mmHg (9.5, 20.8) during CA, CoPP gradually rose with time to 68 mmHg (43.3, 84.0), P = 0 .003, with best recovery on FF ECMO. Resuscitability of the animals was high, both 5 and 60 minutes return of spontaneous circulation occured in eight animals (73%). Conclusions In a pig model of CA, both FF and FS ECMO assure adequate brain perfusion and oxygenation. FF ECMO offers better CoBF than FS ECMO. Addition of IABP to FF ECMO worsens CoBF. FF ECMO, more than FS ECMO, increases CoPP over time. PMID:22424292

A spatially explicit representation of conservation agriculture for application in global change studies.

PubMed

Prestele, Reinhard; Hirsch, Annette L; Davin, Edouard L; Seneviratne, Sonia I; Verburg, Peter H

2018-05-10

Conservation agriculture (CA) is widely promoted as a sustainable agricultural management strategy with the potential to alleviate some of the adverse effects of modern, industrial agriculture such as large-scale soil erosion, nutrient leaching and overexploitation of water resources. Moreover, agricultural land managed under CA is proposed to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation through reduced emission of greenhouse gases, increased solar radiation reflection, and the sustainable use of soil and water resources. Due to the lack of official reporting schemes, the amount of agricultural land managed under CA systems is uncertain and spatially explicit information about the distribution of CA required for various modeling studies is missing. Here, we present an approach to downscale present-day national-level estimates of CA to a 5 arcminute regular grid, based on multicriteria analysis. We provide a best estimate of CA distribution and an uncertainty range in the form of a low and high estimate of CA distribution, reflecting the inconsistency in CA definitions. We also design two scenarios of the potential future development of CA combining present-day data and an assessment of the potential for implementation using biophysical and socioeconomic factors. By our estimates, 122-215 Mha or 9%-15% of global arable land is currently managed under CA systems. The lower end of the range represents CA as an integrated system of permanent no-tillage, crop residue management and crop rotations, while the high estimate includes a wider range of areas primarily devoted to temporary no-tillage or reduced tillage operations. Our scenario analysis suggests a future potential of CA in the range of 533-1130 Mha (38%-81% of global arable land). Our estimates can be used in various ecosystem modeling applications and are expected to help identifying more realistic climate mitigation and adaptation potentials of agricultural practices. © 2018 The Authors. Global Change Biology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Calcium in the Oxygen-Evolving Complex: Structural and Mechanistic Role Determined by X-ray Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko

2011-01-01

This review describes the results from X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies that have contributed to an understanding of the role of Ca in the photosynthetic water oxidation reaction. The results include the first Mn, Ca and Sr X-ray spectroscopy studies using Ca or Sr-substituted PS II samples that established the presence of a MnCa heteronuclear structure and its orientation, and the most recent Sr X-ray spectroscopy study using biosynthetically prepared Sr-containing PS II in the various S-states that provide important insights into the requirement for Ca in the mechanism of the Mn4Ca catalytic center. PMID:21524917

Sodium recognition by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the outward-facing conformation

PubMed Central

Marinelli, Fabrizio; Almagor, Lior; Hiller, Reuben; Giladi, Moshe; Khananshvili, Daniel; Faraldo-Gómez, José D.

2014-01-01

Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) are ubiquitous membrane transporters with a key role in Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling. NCXs mediate the bidirectional translocation of either Na+ or Ca2+, and thus can catalyze uphill Ca2+ transport driven by a Na+ gradient, or vice versa. In a major breakthrough, a prokaryotic NCX homolog (NCX_Mj) was recently isolated and its crystal structure determined at atomic resolution. The structure revealed an intriguing architecture consisting of two inverted-topology repeats, each comprising five transmembrane helices. These repeats adopt asymmetric conformations, yielding an outward-facing occluded state. The crystal structure also revealed four putative ion-binding sites, but the occupancy and specificity thereof could not be conclusively established. Here, we use molecular-dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations to identify the ion configuration that best corresponds to the crystallographic data and that is also thermodynamically optimal. In this most probable configuration, three Na+ ions occupy the so-called Sext, SCa, and Sint sites, whereas the Smid site is occupied by one water molecule and one H+, which protonates an adjacent aspartate side chain (D240). Experimental measurements of Na+/Ca2+ and Ca2+/Ca2+ exchange by wild-type and mutagenized NCX_Mj confirm that transport of both Na+ and Ca2+ requires protonation of D240, and that this side chain does not coordinate either ion at Smid. These results imply that the ion exchange stoichiometry of NCX_Mj is 3:1 and that translocation of Na+ across the membrane is electrogenic, whereas transport of Ca2+ is not. Altogether, these findings provide the basis for further experimental and computational studies of the conformational mechanism of this exchanger. PMID:25468964

Sodium recognition by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the outward-facing conformation.

PubMed

Marinelli, Fabrizio; Almagor, Lior; Hiller, Reuben; Giladi, Moshe; Khananshvili, Daniel; Faraldo-Gómez, José D

2014-12-16

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers (NCXs) are ubiquitous membrane transporters with a key role in Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling. NCXs mediate the bidirectional translocation of either Na(+) or Ca(2+), and thus can catalyze uphill Ca(2+) transport driven by a Na(+) gradient, or vice versa. In a major breakthrough, a prokaryotic NCX homolog (NCX_Mj) was recently isolated and its crystal structure determined at atomic resolution. The structure revealed an intriguing architecture consisting of two inverted-topology repeats, each comprising five transmembrane helices. These repeats adopt asymmetric conformations, yielding an outward-facing occluded state. The crystal structure also revealed four putative ion-binding sites, but the occupancy and specificity thereof could not be conclusively established. Here, we use molecular-dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations to identify the ion configuration that best corresponds to the crystallographic data and that is also thermodynamically optimal. In this most probable configuration, three Na(+) ions occupy the so-called Sext, SCa, and Sint sites, whereas the Smid site is occupied by one water molecule and one H(+), which protonates an adjacent aspartate side chain (D240). Experimental measurements of Na(+)/Ca(2+) and Ca(2+)/Ca(2+) exchange by wild-type and mutagenized NCX_Mj confirm that transport of both Na(+) and Ca(2+) requires protonation of D240, and that this side chain does not coordinate either ion at Smid. These results imply that the ion exchange stoichiometry of NCX_Mj is 3:1 and that translocation of Na(+) across the membrane is electrogenic, whereas transport of Ca(2+) is not. Altogether, these findings provide the basis for further experimental and computational studies of the conformational mechanism of this exchanger.

33 CFR 165.T11-504 - Safety zone; Independence Day Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner Harbor, Richmond, CA. (a) Location. This temporary safety zone is established for the navigable waters of Richmond Inner Harbor near Richmond, CA as... Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner Harbor, Richmond, CA. 165.T11-504 Section 165...

33 CFR 165.T11-504 - Safety zone; Independence Day Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner Harbor, Richmond, CA. (a) Location. This temporary safety zone is established for the navigable waters of Richmond Inner Harbor near Richmond, CA as... Fireworks Celebration for the City of Richmond, Richmond Inner Harbor, Richmond, CA. 165.T11-504 Section 165...

78 FR 38835 - Safety Zone: City of Vallejo Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Mare Island Strait, Vallejo, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-28

...-AA00 Safety Zone: City of Vallejo Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Mare Island Strait, Vallejo, CA... temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of Mare Island Strait near Vallejo, CA in support of the City of Vallejo Fourth of July Fireworks Display on July 4, 2013. This safety zone is established to...

78 FR 38833 - Safety Zone: City of Martinez Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Carquinez Strait, Martinez, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-28

...-AA00 Safety Zone: City of Martinez Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Carquinez Strait, Martinez, CA... temporary safety zone in the navigable waters of Carquinez Strait near Martinez, CA in support of the City of Martinez Fourth of July Fireworks Display on July 4, 2013. This safety zone is established to...

77 FR 39413 - Safety Zone: Crescent City Fourth of July Fireworks Event, Crescent City, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-03

...-AA00 Safety Zone: Crescent City Fourth of July Fireworks Event, Crescent City, CA AGENCY: Coast Guard... the navigable waters near Crescent City Harbor in Crescent City, CA in support of the Crescent City... establish safety zones (33 U.S.C sections 1221 et seq.). Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce...

Effect of promoter driving selectable marker on corn transformation.

PubMed

Prakash, N Shiva; Prasad, V; Chidambram, Thillai P; Cherian, Shoba; Jayaprakash, T L; Dasgupta, Santanu; Wang, Qi; Mann, Michael T; Spencer, T Michael; Boddupalli, Raghava S

2008-08-01

Identification of an appropriate selection agent and its corresponding selectable marker gene is one of the first steps in establishing a transformation protocol for a given plant species. As the promoter controls expression level of the genes, the promoter driving the selectable marker gene can affect transformation. However, investigations into the direct effect of promoters driving selectable marker on transformation are lacking in the literature though many reports of relative strengths of promoters driving reporter genes like GUS or CAT or GFP are available. In the present study, we have compared rice Actin1 and CaMV.35S (commonly used promoters in monocotyledonous plant transformation) promoters driving nptII for their effectiveness in paromomycin selection of transgenic corn events. To enable statistically meaningful analysis of the results, a large sample size of nearly 5,000 immature embryos (explants) was employed producing approximately 1,250 independent events from each of the two constructs in four independent experiments. The rate of appearance of resistant calli and percentage of resistant calli recovered was higher with P-Os.Actin1/nptII/nos3' as compared to P-CaMV.35S/nptII/nos3' in all four experiments. There was no appreciable difference either in the frequency of plant regeneration or in the morphological characteristics of plants recovered from the two constructs. Although the escape rate trended lower with P-Os.Actin1 as compared to P-CaMV.35S, the recovery of low copy events was significantly higher with P-CaMV.35S. The higher transformation frequency with P-Os.Actin1 could be related to the strength of this promoter as compared to P-CaMV.35S in the explants and/or calli. Based on these results, we infer that the promoter driving the selectable marker is an important factor to be considered while establishing a high throughput transformation protocol as it could not only influence the transformation frequency but also the copy number of the transgene in the recovered transgenics.

Retrieval-induced NMDA receptor-dependent Arc expression in two models of cocaine-cue memory.

PubMed

Alaghband, Yasaman; O'Dell, Steven J; Azarnia, Siavash; Khalaj, Anna J; Guzowski, John F; Marshall, John F

2014-12-01

The association of environmental cues with drugs of abuse results in persistent drug-cue memories. These memories contribute significantly to relapse among addicts. While conditioned place preference (CPP) is a well-established paradigm frequently used to examine the modulation of drug-cue memories, very few studies have used the non-preference-based model conditioned activity (CA) for this purpose. Here, we used both experimental approaches to investigate the neural substrates of cocaine-cue memories. First, we directly compared, in a consistent setting, the involvement of cortical and subcortical brain regions in cocaine-cue memory retrieval by quantifying activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated (Arc) protein expression in both the CPP and CA models. Second, because NMDA receptor activation is required for Arc expression, we investigated the NMDA receptor dependency of memory persistence using the CA model. In both the CPP and CA models, drug-paired animals showed significant increases in Arc immunoreactivity in regions of the frontal cortex and amygdala compared to unpaired controls. Additionally, administration of a NMDA receptor antagonist (MK-801 or memantine) immediately after cocaine-CA memory reactivation impaired the subsequent conditioned locomotion associated with the cocaine-paired environment. The enhanced Arc expression evident in a subset of corticolimbic regions after retrieval of a cocaine-context memory, observed in both the CPP and CA paradigms, likely signifies that these regions: (i) are activated during retrieval of these memories irrespective of preference-based decisions, and (ii) undergo neuroplasticity in order to update information about cues previously associated with cocaine. This study also establishes the involvement of NMDA receptors in maintaining memories established using the CA model, a characteristic previously demonstrated using CPP. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the CA model for studies of cocaine-context memory and suggest the involvement of an NMDA receptor-dependent Arc induction pathway in drug-cue memory interference. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Retrieval-induced NMDA receptor-dependent Arc expression in two models of cocaine-cue memory

PubMed Central

Alaghband, Yasaman; O'Dell, Steven J.; Azarnia, Siavash; Khalaj, Anna J.; Guzowski, John F.; Marshall, John F.

2014-01-01

The association of environmental cues with drugs of abuse results in persistent drug-cue memories. These memories contribute significantly to relapse among addicts. While conditioned place preference (CPP) is a well-established paradigm frequently used to examine the modulation of drug-cue memories, very few studies have used the non-preference-based model conditioned activity (CA) for this purpose. Here, we used both experimental approaches to investigate the neural substrates of cocaine-cue memories. First, we directly compared, in a consistent setting, the involvement of cortical and subcortical brain regions in cocaine-cue memory retrieval by quantifying activity-regulated cytoskeletal associated gene (Arc) protein expression in both the CPP and CA models. Second, because NMDA receptor activation is required for Arc expression, we investigated the NMDA receptor dependency of memory persistence using the CA model. In both the CPP and CA models, drug-paired animals showed significant increases in Arc immunoreactivity in regions of the frontal cortex and amygdala compared to unpaired controls. Additionally, administration of a NMDA receptor antagonist (MK-801 or memantine) immediately after cocaine-CA memory reactivation impaired the subsequent conditioned locomotion associated with the cocaine-paired environment. The enhanced Arc expression evident in a subset of corticolimbic regions after retrieval of a cocaine-context memory, observed in both the CPP and CA paradigms, likely signifies that these regions: (i) are activated during retrieval of these memories irrespective of preference-based decisions, and (ii) undergo neuroplasticity in order to update information about cues previously associated with cocaine. This study also establishes the involvement of NMDA receptors in maintaining memories established using the CA model, a characteristic previously demonstrated using CPP. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the CA model for studies of cocaine-context memory and suggest the involvement of an NMDA receptor-dependent Arc induction pathway in drug-cue memory interference. PMID:25225165

The Nature of the Phonological Processing in French Dyslexic Children: Evidence for the Phonological Syllable and Linguistic Features' Role in Silent Reading and Speech Discrimination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maionchi-Pino, Norbert; Magnan, Annie; Ecalle, Jean

2010-01-01

This study investigated the status of phonological representations in French dyslexic children (DY) compared with reading level- (RL) and chronological age-matched (CA) controls. We focused on the syllable's role and on the impact of French linguistic features. In Experiment 1, we assessed oral discrimination abilities of pairs of syllables that…

Study on TL and OSL characteristics of indigenously developed CaF 2:Mn phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakshi, A. K.; Dhabekar, Bhushan; Rawat, N. S.; Singh, S. G.; Joshi, V. J.; Kumar, Vijay

2009-02-01

CaF 2:Mn phosphor is known for its high thermoluminescent sensitivity and dose linearity up to few kGy. In the present study CaF 2 phosphor with different concentration of Mn dopant was prepared and was characterized through different techniques. The phosphor was prepared through chemical root using CaCO 3, HF acid and MnCl 2 as raw materials following co-precipitation method. TL sensitivity of the prepared phosphor was compared with other well established phosphors used for radiation dosimetry. It was found that the TL sensitivity is higher by a factor of 10 with respect to LiF:Mg, Ti, TLD-100 and half to that of CaSO 4:Dy (0.05 mol%) phosphor. X-ray diffraction, TL emission spectrum and ESR spectrum taken of the prepared phosphor confirms the crystal structure, Mn 2+ emission and incorporation Mn in the crystal, respectively. No significant fading of the dosimetric peak was observed of the prepared phosphor for a storage period of 45 days. The dose linearity of the phosphor was found to be in the range of 50 Gy-3 kGy within an uncertainty of about 10%. An attempt was made to determine the kinetic parameters of TL glow curve and the parameters related to optically stimulated luminescence. In view of its long range of dose linearity, it can be used for the dosimetry of commercial irradiator generally used for the irradiation of food and grains in our country.

On the three-dimensional instability of strained vortices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waleffe, Fabian

1990-01-01

The three-dimensional (3-D) instability of a two-dimensional (2-D) flow with elliptical streamlines has been proposed as a generic mechanism for the breakdown of many 2-D flows. A physical interpretation for the mechanism is presented together with an analytical treatment of the problem. It is shown that the stability of an elliptical flow is governed by an Ince equation. An analytical representation for a localized solution is given and establishes a direct link with previous computations and experiments.

Calcium dependence of rapid auxin action in maize roots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasenstein, K. H.; Evans, M. L.

1986-01-01

We investigated the interaction of Ca2+ and auxin on root elongation in seedlings of Zea mays L. The seedlings were raised either in the presence of Ca2+ (high calcium; HC = imbibed and raised in 10 millimolar CaCl2), in the absence of additional Ca2+ (intermediate calcium; IC = imbibed and raised in distilled H2O, calcium supply from seed only), or without additional Ca2+ and subsequently depleting them of Ca2+ (low calcium; LC = imbibed and raised in distilled H2O and subsequently treated with 1 millimolar ethyleneglycol-bis-[beta-aminoethylether]-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid [EGTA]). Exposure of roots of either HC or IC seedlings to auxin concentrations from 0.1 to 10 micromolar resulted in strong inhibition of elongation. In roots of LC seedlings, on the other hand, auxin concentrations as high as 10 micromolar caused only slight inhibition of elongation. Adding 0.5 millimolar Ca2+ to LC roots in the presence of IAA allowed normal expression of the inhibitory action of the hormone. Inhibition of elongation in IC roots by indoleacetic acid was reversible upon treatment of the roots with 1 millimolar EGTA. The inhibitory action of auxin could then be re-established by supplying 0.5 millimolar Ca2+. The data indicate that Ca2+ may be necessary to the growth-regulating action of auxin. The significance of this finding is discussed with respect to the potential role of Ca2+ as a second messenger of auxin action and the relevance of this model to recent evidence for gravi-induced redistribution of Ca2+ and its role in establishing gravitropic curvature.

The Fractions SNARC Revisited: Processing Fractions on a Consistent Mental Number Line.

PubMed

Toomarian, Elizabeth Y; Hubbard, Edward M

2017-07-12

The ability to understand fractions is key to establishing a solid foundation in mathematics, yet children and adults struggle to comprehend them. Previous studies have suggested that these struggles emerge because people fail to process fraction magnitude holistically on the mental number line (MNL), focusing instead on fraction components (Bonato et al. 2007). Subsequent studies have produced evidence for default holistic processing (Meert et al., 2009; 2010), but examined only magnitude processing, not spatial representations. We explored the spatial representations of fractions on the MNL in a series of three experiments: Experiment 1 replicated Bonato et al. (2007); 30 naïve undergraduates compared unit fractions (1/1-1/9) to 1/5, resulting in a reverse SNARC effect. Experiment 2 countered potential strategic biases induced by the limited set of fractions used by Bonato et al. by expanding the stimulus set to include all irreducible, single-digit proper fractions, and asked participants to compare them against 1/2. We observed a classic SNARC effect, completely reversing the pattern from Experiment 1. Together, Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that stimulus properties dramatically impact spatial representations of fractions. In Experiment 3, we demonstrated within-subjects reliability of the SNARC effect across both a fractions and whole number comparison task. Our results suggest that adults can indeed process fraction magnitudes holistically, and that their spatial representations occur on a consistent MNL for both whole numbers and fractions.

AmeriFlux CA-TP2 Ontario - Turkey Point 1989 Plantation White Pine

DOE Data Explorer

Arain, M. Altaf [McMaster University

2016-01-01

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-TP2 Ontario - Turkey Point 1989 Plantation White Pine. Site Description - Plantation established in 1989 over sandy agriculture land

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.

Highly efficient photocatalysis by BiFeO3/α(γ)-Fe2O3 ferromagnetic nano p/n junctions formed by dopant-induced phase separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramadan, Wegdan; Shaikh, Parvez A.; Ebrahim, Sh.; Ramadan, Abdallah; Hannoyer, Beatrice; Jouen, Samuel; Sauvage, Xavier; Ogale, Satishchandra

2013-08-01

A series of Bi1- x Ca x FeO3 (BCFO) nanoparticles (with x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.07, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) have been synthesized by sol-gel reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns establish the formation of hexagonal bismuth ferrite as the prominent phase, with a small contribution of the Bi2Fe4O9 phase (as reported by others as well) which diminishes rapidly with the increase in Ca concentration. Interestingly, above a calcium dopant concentration of about 10 % peaks of Fe2O3 (both α and γ components) are observed with a concomitant enhancement of ferromagnetism. Small contribution of the Bi6Ca4O13 phase is also noted in these samples. This phase evolution is driven by dopant-induced strain energy and increasing oxygen vacancy concentration for local charge balance. Transmission electron microscopy (with elemental scanning) and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques bring out the evolution of nanoparticle morphology (and elemental distribution) and phase configuration, respectively. Measurements of photocatalytic activity (and photo-Fenton activity with H2O2) reveal that Ca doping at the Bi site in BFO enhances the activity significantly in the concentration regime where BFO/α(γ)-Fe2O3 phases coexist in the form of a nanocomposite. The enhancement can thus be attributed to the carrier transfer between BFO and α(γ)-Fe2O3 across nano p/n junctions leading to enhanced carrier lifetime. Importantly, the magnetization of the nanocomposite (about 16 emu gm-1 at x = 0.20) provides a convenient way to collect the photocatalyst with the help of an external magnet for reuse.

The voltage gated Ca(2+)-channel Cav3.2 and therapeutic responses in breast cancer.

PubMed

Pera, Elena; Kaemmerer, Elke; Milevskiy, Michael J G; Yapa, Kunsala T D S; O'Donnell, Jake S; Brown, Melissa A; Simpson, Fiona; Peters, Amelia A; Roberts-Thomson, Sarah J; Monteith, Gregory R

2016-01-01

Understanding the cause of therapeutic resistance and identifying new biomarkers in breast cancer to predict therapeutic responses will help optimise patient care. Calcium (Ca(2+))-signalling is important in a variety of processes associated with tumour progression, including breast cancer cell migration and proliferation. Ca(2+)-signalling is also linked to the acquisition of multidrug resistance. This study aimed to assess the expression level of proteins involved in Ca(2+)-signalling in an in vitro model of trastuzumab-resistance and to assess the ability of identified targets to reverse resistance and/or act as potential biomarkers for prognosis or therapy outcome. Expression levels of a panel of Ca(2+)-pumps, channels and channel regulators were assessed using RT-qPCR in resistant and sensitive age-matched SKBR3 breast cancer cells, established through continuous culture in the absence or presence of trastuzumab. The role of Cav3.2 in the acquisition of trastuzumab-resistance was assessed through pharmacological inhibition and induced overexpression. Levels of Cav3.2 were assessed in a panel of non-malignant and malignant breast cell lines using RT-qPCR and in patient samples representing different molecular subtypes (PAM50 cohort). Patient survival was also assessed in samples stratified by Cav3.2 expression (METABRIC and KM-Plotter cohort). Increased mRNA of Cav3.2 was a feature of both acquired and intrinsic trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3 cells. However, pharmacological inhibition of Cav3.2 did not restore trastuzumab-sensitivity nor did Cav3.2 overexpression induce the expression of markers associated with resistance, suggesting that Cav3.2 is not a driver of trastuzumab-resistance. Cav3.2 levels were significantly higher in luminal A, luminal B and HER2-enriched subtypes compared to the basal subtype. High levels of Cav3.2 were associated with poor outcome in patients with oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers, whereas Cav3.2 levels were correlated positively with patient survival after chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancers. Our study identified elevated levels of Cav3.2 in trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3 cell lines. Although not a regulator of trastuzumab-resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells, Cav3.2 may be a potential differential biomarker for survival and treatment response in specific breast cancer subtypes. These studies add to the complex and diverse role of Ca(2+)-signalling in breast cancer progression and treatment.

Desiderata for computable representations of electronic health records-driven phenotype algorithms

PubMed Central

Mo, Huan; Thompson, William K; Rasmussen, Luke V; Pacheco, Jennifer A; Jiang, Guoqian; Kiefer, Richard; Zhu, Qian; Xu, Jie; Montague, Enid; Carrell, David S; Lingren, Todd; Mentch, Frank D; Ni, Yizhao; Wehbe, Firas H; Peissig, Peggy L; Tromp, Gerard; Larson, Eric B; Chute, Christopher G; Pathak, Jyotishman; Speltz, Peter; Kho, Abel N; Jarvik, Gail P; Bejan, Cosmin A; Williams, Marc S; Borthwick, Kenneth; Kitchner, Terrie E; Roden, Dan M; Harris, Paul A

2015-01-01

Background Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly used for clinical and translational research through the creation of phenotype algorithms. Currently, phenotype algorithms are most commonly represented as noncomputable descriptive documents and knowledge artifacts that detail the protocols for querying diagnoses, symptoms, procedures, medications, and/or text-driven medical concepts, and are primarily meant for human comprehension. We present desiderata for developing a computable phenotype representation model (PheRM). Methods A team of clinicians and informaticians reviewed common features for multisite phenotype algorithms published in PheKB.org and existing phenotype representation platforms. We also evaluated well-known diagnostic criteria and clinical decision-making guidelines to encompass a broader category of algorithms. Results We propose 10 desired characteristics for a flexible, computable PheRM: (1) structure clinical data into queryable forms; (2) recommend use of a common data model, but also support customization for the variability and availability of EHR data among sites; (3) support both human-readable and computable representations of phenotype algorithms; (4) implement set operations and relational algebra for modeling phenotype algorithms; (5) represent phenotype criteria with structured rules; (6) support defining temporal relations between events; (7) use standardized terminologies and ontologies, and facilitate reuse of value sets; (8) define representations for text searching and natural language processing; (9) provide interfaces for external software algorithms; and (10) maintain backward compatibility. Conclusion A computable PheRM is needed for true phenotype portability and reliability across different EHR products and healthcare systems. These desiderata are a guide to inform the establishment and evolution of EHR phenotype algorithm authoring platforms and languages. PMID:26342218

Adaptive learning in a compartmental model of visual cortex—how feedback enables stable category learning and refinement

PubMed Central

Layher, Georg; Schrodt, Fabian; Butz, Martin V.; Neumann, Heiko

2014-01-01

The categorization of real world objects is often reflected in the similarity of their visual appearances. Such categories of objects do not necessarily form disjunct sets of objects, neither semantically nor visually. The relationship between categories can often be described in terms of a hierarchical structure. For instance, tigers and leopards build two separate mammalian categories, both of which are subcategories of the category Felidae. In the last decades, the unsupervised learning of categories of visual input stimuli has been addressed by numerous approaches in machine learning as well as in computational neuroscience. However, the question of what kind of mechanisms might be involved in the process of subcategory learning, or category refinement, remains a topic of active investigation. We propose a recurrent computational network architecture for the unsupervised learning of categorial and subcategorial visual input representations. During learning, the connection strengths of bottom-up weights from input to higher-level category representations are adapted according to the input activity distribution. In a similar manner, top-down weights learn to encode the characteristics of a specific stimulus category. Feedforward and feedback learning in combination realize an associative memory mechanism, enabling the selective top-down propagation of a category's feedback weight distribution. We suggest that the difference between the expected input encoded in the projective field of a category node and the current input pattern controls the amplification of feedforward-driven representations. Large enough differences trigger the recruitment of new representational resources and the establishment of additional (sub-) category representations. We demonstrate the temporal evolution of such learning and show how the proposed combination of an associative memory with a modulatory feedback integration successfully establishes category and subcategory representations. PMID:25538637

16. 'EXCELLENT NEW PARADE GROUND BEST SINCE POST ESTABLISHED. STARTED ...

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

16. 'EXCELLENT NEW PARADE GROUND BEST SINCE POST ESTABLISHED. STARTED BY COL. RALPH PARKER, FINISHED BY COL. TROUPE MILLER, PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY CALIFORNIA.' No date, probably ca. 1936. No signature, photographer probably Anton C. Heidrick. This panoramic view looks east over Soldier Field to the Bay, from the cannons at the west end. Original hand tinted silver gelatin print measures 90.4 cm by 20.2 cm, flush mounted on mat board. - Presidio of Monterey, Soldier Field, Monterey, Monterey County, CA

77 FR 59339 - State Plan Approval and Grant Procedures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-27

.... * * * * * Agent of a Child means a caretaker relative having custody of or responsibility for the child... either the child or the child's resident parent to provide legal representation to the child or resident parent related to establishment of paternity, or the establishment, modification, or enforcement of child...

Ca2+-binding Motif of βγ-Crystallins*

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Shanti Swaroop; Mishra, Amita; Krishnan, Bal; Sharma, Yogendra

2014-01-01

βγ-Crystallin-type double clamp (N/D)(N/D)XX(S/T)S motif is an established but sparsely investigated motif for Ca2+ binding. A βγ-crystallin domain is formed of two Greek key motifs, accommodating two Ca2+-binding sites. βγ-Crystallins make a separate class of Ca2+-binding proteins (CaBP), apparently a major group of CaBP in bacteria. Paralleling the diversity in βγ-crystallin domains, these motifs also show great diversity, both in structure and in function. Although the expression of some of them has been associated with stress, virulence, and adhesion, the functional implications of Ca2+ binding to βγ-crystallins in mediating biological processes are yet to be elucidated. PMID:24567326

Demonstration of the lack of cytotoxicity of unmodified and folic acid modified graphene oxide quantum dots, and their application to fluorescence lifetime imaging of HaCaT cells.

PubMed

Goreham, Renee V; Schroeder, Kathryn L; Holmes, Amy; Bradley, Siobhan J; Nann, Thomas

2018-01-24

The authors describe the synthesis of water-soluble and fluorescent graphene oxide quantum dots via acid exfoliation of graphite nanoparticles. The resultant graphene oxide quantum dots (GoQDs) were then modified with folic acid. Folic acid receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells and hence can bind to functionalized graphene oxide quantum dots. On excitation at 305 nm, the GoQDs display green fluorescence with a peak wavelength at ~520 nm. The modified GoQDs are non-toxic to macrophage cells even after prolonged exposure and high concentrations. Fluorescence lifetime imaging and multiphoton microscopy was used (in combination) to image HeCaT cells exposed to GoQDs, resulting in a superior method for bioimaging. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of graphene oxide quantum dots, folic acid modified graphene oxide quantum dots (red), and the use of fluorescence lifetime to discriminate against green auto-fluorescence of HeCaT cells.

Social representations of the health care of the Mbyá-Guarani indigenous population by health workers 1

PubMed Central

Falkenberg, Mirian Benites; Shimizu, Helena Eri; Bermudez, Ximena Pamela Díaz

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the social representations of health care of the Mbyá-Guarani ethnic group by multidisciplinary teams from the Special Indigenous Health District in the south coast of Rio Grande do Sul state (Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Litoral Sul do Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil. Method: a qualitative method based on the theory of social representations was used. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 health workers and by participant observation. The interviews were analyzed with ALCESTE software, which conducts a lexical content analysis using quantitative techniques for the treatment of textual data. Results: there were disagreements in the health care concepts and practices between traditional medicine and biomedicine; however, some progress has been achieved in the area of intermedicality. The ethnic boundaries established between health workers and indigenous peoples based on their representations of culture and family, together with the lack of infrastructure and organization of health actions, are perceived as factors that hinder health care in an intercultural context. Conclusion: a new basis for the process of indigenous health care needs to be established by understanding the needs identified and by agreement among individuals, groups, and health professionals via intercultural exchange. PMID:28177056

Acute Effects of Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners on Small Intestinal Sugar Transport: A Study Using CaCo-2 Cells As an In Vitro Model of the Human Enterocyte.

PubMed

O'Brien, Patrick; Corpe, Christopher Peter

2016-01-01

The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for the assimilation of nutrients and plays a key role in the regulation of nutrient metabolism and energy balance. The molecular mechanisms by which intestinal sugar transport are regulated are controversial. Based on rodent studies, two models currently exist that involve activation of the sweet-taste receptor, T1R2/3: an indirect model, whereby luminal carbohydrates activate T1R2/3 expressed on enteroendocrine cells, resulting in the release of gut peptides which in turn regulate enterocyte sugar transport capacity; and a direct model, whereby T1R2/3 expressed on the enterocyte regulates enterocyte function. To study the direct model of intestinal sugar transport using CaCo-2 cells, a well-established in vitro model of the human enterocyte. Uptake of 10mM 14C D-Glucose and D-Fructose into confluent CaCo-2/TC7 cells was assessed following 3hr preincubation with sugars and artificial sweeteners in the presence and absence of the sweet taste receptor inhibitor, lactisole. Expression of the intestinal sugar transporters and sweet-taste receptors were also determined by RT-PCR. In response to short term changes in extracellular glucose and glucose/fructose concentrations (2.5mM to 75mM) carrier-mediated sugar uptake mediated by SGLT1 and/or the facilitative hexose transporters (GLUT1,2,3 and 5) was increased. Lactisole and artificial sweeteners had no effect on sugar transport regulated by glucose alone; however, lactisole increased glucose transport in cells exposed to glucose/fructose. RT-PCR revealed Tas1r3 and SGLT3 gene expression in CaCo-2/TC7 cells, but not Tas1r2. In the short term, enterocyte sugar transport activities respond directly to extracellular glucose levels, but not fructose or artificial sweeteners. We found no evidence of a functional heterodimeric sweet taste receptor, T1R2/3 in CaCo-2 cells. However, when glucose/fructose is administered together there is an inhibitory effect on glucose transport possibly mediated by T1R3.

First evidence on phloem transport of nanoscale calcium oxide in groundnut using solution culture technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deepa, Manchala; Sudhakar, Palagiri; Nagamadhuri, Kandula Venkata; Balakrishna Reddy, Kota; Giridhara Krishna, Thimmavajjula; Prasad, Tollamadugu Naga Venkata Krishna Vara

2015-06-01

Nanoscale materials, whose size typically falls below 100 nm, exhibit novel chemical, physical and biological properties which are different from their bulk counterparts. In the present investigation, we demonstrated that nanoscale calcium oxide particles (n-CaO) could transport through phloem tissue of groundnut unlike the corresponding bulk materials. n-CaO particles are prepared using sol-gel method. The size of the as prepared n-CaO measured (69.9 nm) using transmission electron microscopic technique (TEM). Results of the hydroponics experiment using solution culture technique revealed that foliar application of n-CaO at different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 ppm) on groundnut plants confirmed the entry of calcium into leaves and stems through phloem compared to bulk source of calcium sprayed (CaO and CaNO3). After spraying of n-CaO, calcium content in roots, shoots and leaves significantly increased. Based on visual scoring of calcium deficiency correction and calcium content in plant parts, we may establish the fact that nanoscale calcium oxide particles (size 69.9 nm) could move through phloem tissue in groundnut. This is the first report on phloem transport of nanoscale calcium oxide particles in plants and this result points to the use of nanoscale calcium oxide particles as calcium source to the plants through foliar application, agricultural crops in particular, as bulk calcium application through foliar nutrition is restricted due to its non-mobility in phloem.

33 CFR 165.1182 - Safety/Security Zone: San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. (a) Regulated area. The following area is established as a moving... Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. 165.1182 Section 165.1182 Navigation and... vessels transit from a line drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 & 4195...

33 CFR 165.1182 - Safety/Security Zone: San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. (a) Regulated area. The following area is established as a moving... Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. 165.1182 Section 165.1182 Navigation and... vessels transit from a line drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 & 4195...

33 CFR 165.1182 - Safety/Security Zone: San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. (a) Regulated area. The following area is established as a moving... Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. 165.1182 Section 165.1182 Navigation and... vessels transit from a line drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 & 4195...

33 CFR 165.1182 - Safety/Security Zone: San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. (a) Regulated area. The following area is established as a moving... Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. 165.1182 Section 165.1182 Navigation and... vessels transit from a line drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 & 4195...

33 CFR 165.1182 - Safety/Security Zone: San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. (a) Regulated area. The following area is established as a moving... Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and Suisun Bay, CA. 165.1182 Section 165.1182 Navigation and... vessels transit from a line drawn between San Francisco Main Ship Channel buoys 7 and 8 (LLNR 4190 & 4195...

AmeriFlux CA-TP4 Ontario - Turkey Point 1939 Plantation White Pine

DOE Data Explorer

Arain, M. Altaf [McMaster University

2016-01-01

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-TP4 Ontario - Turkey Point 1939 Plantation White Pine. Site Description - White pine plantation established in 1939 over sandy abandoned land

Vitamin D receptor displays DNA binding and transactivation as a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor, but not with the thyroid hormone receptor.

PubMed

Thompson, P D; Hsieh, J C; Whitfield, G K; Haussler, C A; Jurutka, P W; Galligan, M A; Tillman, J B; Spindler, S R; Haussler, M R

1999-12-01

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a transcription factor believed to function as a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). However, it was reported [Schräder et al., 1994] that, on putative vitamin D response elements (VDREs) within the rat 9k and mouse 28k calcium binding protein genes (rCaBP 9k and mCaBP 28k), VDR and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) form heterodimers that transactivate in response to both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). We, therefore, examined associations of these receptors on the putative rCaBP 9k and mCaBP 28k VDREs, as well as on established VDREs from the rat osteocalcin (rOC) and mouse osteopontin (mOP) genes, plus the thyroid hormone response element (TRE) from the rat myosin heavy chain (rMHC) gene. In gel mobility shift assays, we found no evidence for VDR-TR heterodimer interaction with any tested element. Further, employing these hormone response elements linked to reporter genes in transfected cells, VDR and TR mediated responses to their cognate ligands only from the rOC/mOP and rMHC elements, respectively, while the CaBP elements were unresponsive to any combination of ligand(s). Utilizing the rOC and mOP VDREs, two distinct repressive actions of TR on VDR-mediated signaling were demonstrated: a T(3)-independent action, presumably via direct TR-RXR competition for DNA binding, and a T(3)-dependent repression, likely by diversion of limiting RXR from VDR-RXR toward the formation of TR-RXR heterodimers. The relative importance of these two mechanisms differed in a response element-specific manner. These results may provide a partial explanation for the observed association between hyperthyroidism and bone demineralization/osteoporosis. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A Lactose-Binding Lectin from the Marine Sponge Cinachyrella Apion (Cal) Induces Cell Death in Human Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Rabelo, Luciana; Monteiro, Norberto; Serquiz, Raphael; Santos, Paula; Oliveira, Ruth; Oliveira, Adeliana; Rocha, Hugo; Morais, Ana Heloneida; Uchoa, Adriana; Santos, Elizeu

2012-01-01

Cancer represents a set of more than 100 diseases, including malignant tumors from different locations. Strategies inducing differentiation have had limited success in the treatment of established cancers. Marine sponges are a biological reservoir of bioactive molecules, especially lectins. Several animal and plant lectins were purified with antitumor activity, mitogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral, but there are few reports in the literature describing the mechanism of action of lectins purified from marine sponges to induce apoptosis in human tumor cells. In this work, a lectin purified from the marine sponge Cinachyrella apion (CaL) was evaluated with respect to its hemolytic, cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties, besides the ability to induce cell death in tumor cells. The antiproliferative activity of CaL was tested against HeLa, PC3 and 3T3 cell lines, with highest growth inhibition for HeLa, reducing cell growth at a dose dependent manner (0.5–10 µg/mL). Hemolytic activity and toxicity against peripheral blood cells were tested using the concentration of IC50 (10 µg/mL) for both trials and twice the IC50 for analysis in flow cytometry, indicating that CaL is not toxic to these cells. To assess the mechanism of cell death caused by CaL in HeLa cells, we performed flow cytometry and western blotting. Results showed that lectin probably induces cell death by apoptosis activation by pro-apoptotic protein Bax, promoting mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, cell cycle arrest in S phase and acting as both dependent and/or independent of caspases pathway. These results indicate the potential of CaL in studies of medicine for treating cancer. PMID:22690140

Regional and interspecific variation in Sr, Ca, and Sr/Ca ratios in avian eggshells from the USA.

PubMed

Mora, Miguel A; Brattin, Bryan; Baxter, Catherine; Rivers, James W

2011-08-01

To examine regional variation in strontium (Sr), which at high concentrations may reduce eggshell quality, increase egg breakage and reproductive failure, we analyzed Sr, and calcium (Ca) concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in eggshells from 20 avian species from California, Texas, Idaho, Kansas, and Michigan. In addition, we included data previously reported from Arizona to expand the regional comparisons and to better establish patterns of Sr, and Sr/Ca ratios in bird species across the United States. We found Sr concentrations varied significantly among regions, among species, and among foraging guilds; this variability is strongly influenced by the Sr/Ca ratios in surface water from locations close to the region where the eggshells were collected. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios were significantly higher in bird eggshells from the Volta wildlife region in the San Joaquin Valley, California and in various locales from Arizona. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in bird eggshells from other locations in the USA were lower than those detected in these two regions. Among foraging guilds, invertivores had the highest Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios and carnivores had the lowest. In general, the Sr/Ca ratio increased strongly with increasing Sr concentrations (R(2) = 0.99, P < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation (R(2) = 0.58, P < 0.0001) between Sr/Ca ratios in water and the average Sr/Ca ratios in eggshells suggesting that these values could be determined from Sr/Ca ratios in water. Eggshell thickness was poorly correlated with Sr (R(2) = 0.03) but had a significant and positive correlation with Ca and was more properly correlated by a quadratic equation (R(2) = 0.50, Thickness = 2.13 - 0.02Ca - 3.07 * 10(-5)Ca(2)). Our study provides further evidence that Sr accumulates significantly in the avian eggshell, in some regions at concentrations which could be of concern for potential negative effects on reproduction. We suggest that when assessing the effects of metals on avian reproduction in regions with high Sr deposits in rock and soil, Sr concentrations in the eggshell also should be measured to evaluate additional effects on thickness and reproduction.

Environmental Controls on Mg/Ca in Neogloboquadrina incompta: A Core-Top Study From the Subpolar North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morley, Audrey; Babila, Tali L.; Wright, James; Ninnemann, Ulysses; Kleiven, Kikki; Irvali, Nil; Rosenthal, Yair

2017-12-01

Magnesium/calcium paleothermometry is an established tool for reconstructing past surface and deep-sea temperatures. However, our understanding of nonthermal environmental controls on the uptake of Mg into the calcitic lattice of foraminiferal tests remains limited. Here we present a combined analysis of multiple trace element/calcium ratios and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) geochemistry on the subpolar planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina incompta to assess the validity of Mg/Ca as a proxy for surface ocean temperature. We identify small size-specific offsets in Mg/Ca and δ18Oc values for N. incompta that are consistent with depth habitat migration patterns throughout the life cycle of this species. Additionally, an assessment of nonthermal controls on Mg/Ca values reveals that (1) the presence of volcanic ash, (2) the addition of high-Mg abiotic overgrowths, and (3) ambient seawater carbonate chemistry can have a significant impact on the Mg/Ca-to-temperature relationship. For carbonate-ion concentrations of values > 200 μmol kg-1, we find that temperature exerts the dominant control on Mg/Ca values, while at values < 200 μmol kg-1 the carbonate-ion concentration of seawater increases the uptake of Mg, thereby resulting in higher-than-expected Mg/Ca values at low temperatures. We propose two independent correction schemes to remove the effects of volcanic ash and carbonate-ion concentration on Mg/Ca values in N. incompta within the calibration data set. Applying the corrections improves the fidelity of past ocean temperature reconstructions.

Imaging of a glucose analog, calcium and NADH in neurons and astrocytes: dynamic responses to depolarization and sensitivity to pioglitazone

PubMed Central

Pancani, Tristano; Anderson, Katie L.; Porter, Nada M.; Thibault, Olivier

2011-01-01

Neuronal Ca2+ dyshomeostasis associated with cognitive impairment and mediated by changes in several Ca2+ sources has been seen in animal models of both aging and diabetes. In the periphery, dysregulation of intracellular Ca2+ signals may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. In the brain, while it is well-established that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for the development of dementia in the elderly, it is not clear whether Ca2+ dysregulation might also affect insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization. Here we present a combination of imaging techniques testing the disappearance of the fluorescent glucose analog 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) as an indication of glycolytic activity in neurons and astrocytes. Our work shows that glucose utilization at rest is greater in neurons compared to astrocytes, and ceases upon activation in neurons with little change in astrocytes. Pretreatment of hippocampal cultures with pioglitazone, a drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, significantly reduced glycolytic activity in neurons and enhanced it in astrocytes. This series of experiments, including FURA-2 and NADH imaging, provides results that are consistent with the idea that Ca2+ levels may rapidly alter glycolytic activity, and that downstream events beyond Ca2+ dysregulation with aging, may alter cellular metabolism in the brain. PMID:21978418

Carcinoma gallbladder.

PubMed

Biswas, P K

2010-07-01

Carcinoma gallbladder (CaGb) is a rare disease. The aetiology of CaGb is yet not known. However the risk of CaGb is increased in anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction (APBDJ), gall stones, xanthogranulomatus cholecystitis, calcified or porcelain gallbladder, cholelithiasis with typhoid carriers, gallbladder adenoma, red meat consumption and tobacco uses. There are protective effects of vegetables on CaGb. Most of the cases present with advanced disease. In early carcinoma of a gallbladder sign and symptoms mimic benign disease. The diagnosis is established by ultrasonography, computerized tomography and guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Biochemical tests are of very little value in making a diagnosis. The treatment depends on the clinical stage at presentation. Surgery offers the best chance of cure. In stage T1a, laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy alone is curative, and in T1b, cholecystectomy with hepatoduodenal lymph node dissection without combined resection of an adjacent organ is required. Segment S4a+5 hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection (BDR) and D2 lymph node dissection is a highly recommended operation for the treatment of T2 and T3 CaGb. The dye injection method is useful in determining the appropriate extent of hepatic resection for advanced CaGb. Resurgery is required only in those cases where tumour has invaded the serosa and/ or adjacent structures when diagnosed postoperatively. Biliary bypass is required for palliation. Prognosis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate surgical excision.

[Clinical and pathological definition of temporal medium epilepsy subtypes with hypocampic sclerosis].

PubMed

Olivares-Granados, Gonzalo; Ríos-Pelegrina, Rosa María; Ruiz-Giménez, Jesús; Galdón-Castillo, Alberto; Escobar-Delgado, Teresa; García Del Moral, Raimundo

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis is the most common cause of refractory epilepsy, and the most common indication for surgery. Although effective, surgery fails in up to 40% of patients. The objective of our study was to establish a correlation between the different histological subtypes of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis and the prognosis, seizures control, side effects and anticonvulsivant drug withdrawal in patients with refractory epilepsy. Clinical histories and anatomopathological specimens of 228 patients with temporal epilepsy surgically obtained at our hospital between 1993 and 2014 were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent a standard preoperative evaluation and anterior temporal resection (modified from Spencer). The anatomopathological study included the standard hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical protocol, with special interest in the assessment of neuronal loss with NeuN. Seizure control was assessed according to the scale of results of the ILAE and Engel. The mean follow-up was 8.6 years (2-19). At 10 years after the intervention, 67.9% of patients were seizure-free (ILAE 1) and as many as 77.5% of the patients were seizure-free (Engel 1) at the end of the follow-up. The probability of not having a seizure (ILAE 1) after surgery at 2 (p=.042), 5 (p=.001) and 7 years (p=.22) was higher in classic and severe forms compared to isolated sclerosis CA1 and CA4 forms. Higher neuronal loss measured with the NeuN immunostain in CA1 was associated with better outcome in seizure management (multivariate analysis, p=.08). The presence of a personal history of epilepsy was associated with greater neuronal loss in CA1 (p=.028) and CA3 (p=.034), and the presence of psychic auras was related with greater neuronal loss in CA3 (p=.025). In our case, the probability of medication withdrawal was related to the presence of personal history (p=.003) and, inversely, to neuronal loss in CA1 (p=.036) and CA3 (p=.038). The greatest impairment of verbal memory occurred in those patients with a lower neuronal loss in CA1 (p=.023), CA2 (p=.049) and CA3 (p=.035). The results indicate that the classical and severe subtypes have a better prognosis in the control of seizures against the atypical forms, validating the clinical and prognostic utility of the classification of histological subtypes of hippocampal sclerosis from the ILAE. The value of the immunohistochemistry in the mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis has been demonstrated as a key element to determine the neuropsychological prognosis and seizure management of the patients after surgery. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Evidence for view-invariant face recognition units in unfamiliar face learning.

PubMed

Etchells, David B; Brooks, Joseph L; Johnston, Robert A

2017-05-01

Many models of face recognition incorporate the idea of a face recognition unit (FRU), an abstracted representation formed from each experience of a face which aids recognition under novel viewing conditions. Some previous studies have failed to find evidence of this FRU representation. Here, we report three experiments which investigated this theoretical construct by modifying the face learning procedure from that in previous work. During learning, one or two views of previously unfamiliar faces were shown to participants in a serial matching task. Later, participants attempted to recognize both seen and novel views of the learned faces (recognition phase). Experiment 1 tested participants' recognition of a novel view, a day after learning. Experiment 2 was identical, but tested participants on the same day as learning. Experiment 3 repeated Experiment 1, but tested participants on a novel view that was outside the rotation of those views learned. Results revealed a significant advantage, across all experiments, for recognizing a novel view when two views had been learned compared to single view learning. The observed view invariance supports the notion that an FRU representation is established during multi-view face learning under particular learning conditions.

Asymmetry of Neuronal Combinatorial Codes Arises from Minimizing Synaptic Weight Change.

PubMed

Leibold, Christian; Monsalve-Mercado, Mauro M

2016-08-01

Synaptic change is a costly resource, particularly for brain structures that have a high demand of synaptic plasticity. For example, building memories of object positions requires efficient use of plasticity resources since objects can easily change their location in space and yet we can memorize object locations. But how should a neural circuit ideally be set up to integrate two input streams (object location and identity) in case the overall synaptic changes should be minimized during ongoing learning? This letter provides a theoretical framework on how the two input pathways should ideally be specified. Generally the model predicts that the information-rich pathway should be plastic and encoded sparsely, whereas the pathway conveying less information should be encoded densely and undergo learning only if a neuronal representation of a novel object has to be established. As an example, we consider hippocampal area CA1, which combines place and object information. The model thereby provides a normative account of hippocampal rate remapping, that is, modulations of place field activity by changes of local cues. It may as well be applicable to other brain areas (such as neocortical layer V) that learn combinatorial codes from multiple input streams.

Identifying Thoracic Malignancies Through Pleural Fluid Biomarkers: A Predictive Multivariate Model.

PubMed

Porcel, José M; Esquerda, Aureli; Martínez-Alonso, Montserrat; Bielsa, Silvia; Salud, Antonieta

2016-03-01

The diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions may be challenging when cytological examination of aspirated pleural fluid is equivocal or noncontributory. The purpose of this study was to identify protein candidate biomarkers differentially expressed in the pleural fluid of patients with mesothelioma, lung adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and tuberculosis (TB).A multiplex protein biochip comprising 120 biomarkers was used to determine the pleural fluid protein profile of 29 mesotheliomas, 29 lung adenocarcinomas, 12 lymphomas, and 35 tuberculosis. The relative abundance of these predetermined biomarkers among groups served to establish the differential diagnosis of: malignant versus benign (TB) effusions, lung adenocarcinoma versus mesothelioma, and lymphoma versus TB. The selected putative markers were validated using widely available commercial techniques in an independent sample of 102 patients.Significant differences were found in the protein expressions of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cathepsin-B, C-reactive protein, and chondroitin sulfate between malignant and TB effusions. When integrated into a scoring model, these proteins yielded 85% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98 for labeling malignancy in the verification sample. For lung adenocarcinoma-mesothelioma discrimination, combining CA19-9, CA15-3, and kallikrein-12 had maximal discriminatory capacity (65% sensitivity, 100% specificity, AUC 0.94); figures which also refer to the validation set. Last, cathepsin-B in isolation was only moderately useful (sensitivity 89%, specificity 62%, AUC 0.75) in separating lymphomatous and TB effusions. However, this last differentiation improved significantly when cathepsin-B was used with respect to the patient's age (sensitivity 72%, specificity 100%, AUC 0.94).In conclusion, panels of 4 (i.e., MMP-9, cathepsin-B, C-reactive protein, chondroitin sulfate), or 3 (i.e., CA19-9, CA15-3, kallikrein-12) different protein biomarkers on pleural fluid samples are highly discriminative for signaling a malignant versus tuberculous effusion, or lung adenocarcinoma versus mesothelioma, respectively. Cathepsin-B could also be helpful in establishing the presence of a lymphomatous effusion versus that of TB, if the patient's age is simultaneously taken into consideration.