77 FR 12320 - Information Collection Request: GFIRST Conference Stakeholder Evaluation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... Communications (CS&C), National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team... personal information provided. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of DHS's premier cyber conference is to continually seek to enhance collaborative efforts between cyber constituencies, partners and...

Closure of the R Reactor Disassembly Basin at the SRS

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

Austin, W.E.

The Facilities Disposition Division (FDD) at the Savannah River Site is engaged in planning the deactivation/closure of three of the site's five reactor disassembly basins. Activities are currently underway at R-Reactor Disassembly Basin and will continue with the P and C disassembly basins. The basins still contain the cooling and shielding water that was present when operations ceased. Low concentrations of radionuclides are present, with tritium, Cs-137, and Sr-90 being the major contributors. Although there is no evidence that any of the basins have leaked, the 50-year-old facilities will eventually contaminate the surrounding groundwaters. The FDD is pursuing a pro-activemore » solution to close the basins in-place and prevent a release to the groundwater. In-situ ion exchange is currently underway at the R-Reactor Disassembly Basin to reduce the Cs and Sr concentrations to levels that would allow release of the treated water to previously used on-site cooling ponds or to prevent ground water impact. The closure will be accomplished under CERCLA.« less

76 FR 43696 - Nationwide Cyber Security Review (NCSR) Assessment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-21

... DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [Docket No. DHS-2011-0012] Nationwide Cyber Security Review (NCSR... Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C), National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), Cyber Security Evaluation Program (CSEP), will submit the following Information...

Berkeley Lab - Materials Sciences Division

Science.gov Websites

(powerpoint) Research Highlights 2018 Predictive Theory Of Multiexciton Decay In Organic Crystals Reveals New -CsPbX3 Perovskite Nanocrystal Composite The Inorganic-Organic Nanocomposites program at MSD has achieved Assemblies in Supramolecule Nanocomposites Via Cylindrical Confinement The Inorganic/Organic Nanocomposites

Robust QRS detection for HRV estimation from compressively sensed ECG measurements for remote health-monitoring systems.

PubMed

Pant, Jeevan K; Krishnan, Sridhar

2018-03-15

To present a new compressive sensing (CS)-based method for the acquisition of ECG signals and for robust estimation of heart-rate variability (HRV) parameters from compressively sensed measurements with high compression ratio. CS is used in the biosensor to compress the ECG signal. Estimation of the locations of QRS segments is carried out by applying two algorithms on the compressed measurements. The first algorithm reconstructs the ECG signal by enforcing a block-sparse structure on the first-order difference of the signal, so the transient QRS segments are significantly emphasized on the first-order difference of the signal. Multiple block-divisions of the signals are carried out with various block lengths, and multiple reconstructed signals are combined to enhance the robustness of the localization of the QRS segments. The second algorithm removes errors in the locations of QRS segments by applying low-pass filtering and morphological operations. The proposed CS-based method is found to be effective for the reconstruction of ECG signals by enforcing transient QRS structures on the first-order difference of the signal. It is demonstrated to be robust not only to high compression ratio but also to various artefacts present in ECG signals acquired by using on-body wireless sensors. HRV parameters computed by using the QRS locations estimated from the signals reconstructed with a compression ratio as high as 90% are comparable with that computed by using QRS locations estimated by using the Pan-Tompkins algorithm. The proposed method is useful for the realization of long-term HRV monitoring systems by using CS-based low-power wireless on-body biosensors.

Medial Auditory Thalamus Inactivation Prevents Acquisition and Retention of Eyeblink Conditioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halverson, Hunter E.; Poremba, Amy; Freeman, John H.

2008-01-01

The auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) pathway that is necessary for delay eyeblink conditioning was investigated using reversible inactivation of the medial auditory thalamic nuclei (MATN) consisting of the medial division of the medial geniculate (MGm), suprageniculate (SG), and posterior intralaminar nucleus (PIN). Rats were given saline or…

Deactivation of the P, C, and R Reactor Disassembly Basins at the SRS

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

Pickett, J.B.

The Facilities Disposition Division (FDD) at the Savannah River Site is engaged in planning the deactivation/closure of three of the site's five reactor disassembly basins. Activities are currently underway at 105-R Disassembly Basin and will continue with the 105-P and 105-C disassembly basins. The basins still contain the cooling and shielding water that was present when operations ceased. Low concentrations of radionuclides are present, with tritium, Cs-137, and Sr-90 being the major contributors. Although there is no evidence that any of the basins have leaked, the 50-year-old facilities will eventually contaminate the surrounding groundwaters. The FDD is pursuing a pro-activemore » solution to close the basins in-place and prevent a release to the groundwater. In-situ ion-exchange is currently underway at the R-Reactor Disassembly Basin to reduce the Cs and Sr concentrations to levels that would allow release of the treated water to previously used on-site cooling ponds. A NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to propose the preferred closure alternative for each of the three basins. The EA will be the primary mechanism to inform the public and gain stakeholder and regulatory approval.« less

WINDOW OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE (PFOS)-INDUCED NEONATAL MORTALITY IN THE RAT

EPA Science Inventory

GRASTY1, 2, R.C., B.E. GREY1, C.S. LAU1 and J.M. ROGERS1, 2. 1Reproductive Toxicology Division, NHEERL, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC; and 2Curriculum in Toxicology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. Window of susceptibility to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)-induce...

TA-3-38 Carpenter's Shop SWPPP Rev 2 Jan 2017-Final

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

Burgin, Jillian Elizabeth

The TA-3-38 CS is part of LANL’s Utilities and Infrastructure (UI) Facilities Operations Directorate (FOD) with day-to-day management provided by the Logistics Division Central Shops (LOG-CS); which has established a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Team (PPT) whose members are responsible for assisting the facility manager in developing and revising the facility’s SWPPP as well as maintaining control measures and taking corrective actions when required. All PPT members will have access to either a hard copy or an electronic version of this SWPPP. A list of PPT members along with duties and contact information is provided in Appendix A of this SWPPP

Channel estimation based on quantized MMP for FDD massive MIMO downlink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yao-ting; Wang, Bing-he; Qu, Yi; Cai, Hua-jie

2016-10-01

In this paper, we consider channel estimation for Massive MIMO systems operating in frequency division duplexing mode. By exploiting the sparsity of propagation paths in Massive MIMO channel, we develop a compressed sensing(CS) based channel estimator which can reduce the pilot overhead. As compared with the conventional least squares (LS) and linear minimum mean square error(LMMSE) estimation, the proposed algorithm is based on the quantized multipath matching pursuit - MMP - reduced the pilot overhead and performs better than other CS algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate the advantage of the proposed algorithm over various existing methods including the LS, LMMSE, CoSaMP and conventional MMP estimators.

Deactivation of the P, C, and R Reactor Disassembly Basins at the SRS

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

Pickett, J.B.

The Facilities Disposition Division (FDD) at the Savannah River Site is engaged in planning the deactivation/closure of three of the site's five reactor disassembly basins. Activities are currently underway at 105-R Disassembly Basin and will continue with the 105-P and 105-C disassembly basins. The basins still contain the cooling and shielding water that was present when operations ceased. Low concentrations of radionuclides are present, with tritium, Cs-137, and Sr-90 being the major contributors. Although there is no evidence that any of the basins have leaked, the 50-year-old facilities will eventually contaminate the surrounding groundwaters. The FDD is pursuing a pro-activemore » solution to close the basins in-place and prevent a release to the groundwater. In-situ ion-exchange is currently underway at the R-Reactor Disassembly Basin to reduce the Cs and Sr concentrations to levels that would allow release of the treated water to previously used on-site cooling ponds. A NEPA Environm ental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to propose the preferred closure alternative for each of the three basins. The EA will be the primary mechanism to inform the public and gain stakeholder and regulatory approval.« less

Teambuilding: A Strategic Leader Imperative

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-10

at least initially) examples from the private sector. Yet looking to leaders like Jack Welch, former CEO for General Electric, and Warren Buffett , a...at Division Command Level – 2004. Ulmer, Shaler, Bullis, DiClemente, and Jacobs – 5 Nov 2004, 10. 44 “ Warren Buffet Biography,” available from http:// beginnersinvest.about.com/cs / warrenbuffett/a/aawarrenbio.htm; accessed 8 March 2006.

Chondroitin sulfate synthase-2 is necessary for chain extension of chondroitin sulfate but not critical for skeletal development.

PubMed

Ogawa, Hiroyasu; Hatano, Sonoko; Sugiura, Nobuo; Nagai, Naoko; Sato, Takashi; Shimizu, Katsuji; Kimata, Koji; Narimatsu, Hisashi; Watanabe, Hideto

2012-01-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of repeating disaccharide units of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-glucuronic acid residues, modified with sulfated residues at various positions. Based on its structural diversity in chain length and sulfation patterns, CS provides specific biological functions in cell adhesion, morphogenesis, neural network formation, and cell division. To date, six glycosyltransferases are known to be involved in the biosynthesis of chondroitin saccharide chains, and a hetero-oligomer complex of chondroitin sulfate synthase-1 (CSS1)/chondroitin synthase-1 and chondroitin sulfate synthase-2 (CSS2)/chondroitin polymerizing factor is known to have the strongest polymerizing activity. Here, we generated and analyzed CSS2(-/-) mice. Although they were viable and fertile, exhibiting no overt morphological abnormalities or osteoarthritis, their cartilage contained CS chains with a shorter length and at a similar number to wild type. Further analysis using CSS2(-/-) chondrocyte culture systems, together with siRNA of CSS1, revealed the presence of two CS chain species in length, suggesting two steps of CS chain polymerization; i.e., elongation from the linkage region up to Mr ∼10,000, and further extension. There, CSS2 mainly participated in the extension, whereas CSS1 participated in both the extension and the initiation. Our study demonstrates the distinct function of CSS1 and CSS2, providing a clue in the elucidation of the mechanism of CS biosynthesis.

Comparison between Pixelated Scintillators: CsI(Tl), LaCl 3(Ce) and LYSO(Ce) when coupled to a Silicon Photomultipliers Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Manhee; Van, Benjamin; Wells, Byron T.; D'Aries, Lawrence J.; Hammig, Mark D.

2018-06-01

A large area SiPM array is individually coupled to five different types of scintillators in and each is evaluated for the development of a coded aperture imaging system. In order to readout signals from the 144 pixel array, a resistor network with symmetric charge division circuitry was developed, which successfully provides a significant reduction in the multiplicity of the analog outputs and reduces the size of the accumulated data. Energy resolutions at 662 keV for pixelated arrays of dimensions and material types as follows: 3 × 3 × 20 mm3 CsI(Tl), 4 × 4 × 20 mm3 CsI(Tl), 4 × 4 × 5 mm3 LYSO(Ce), 4 × 4 × 10 mm3 LYSO(Ce), and 2 × 2 × 5 mm3 LaCl3(Ce) have been determined. In addition, sub-millimeter FWHM pixel-identification resolutions were acquired from all of the scintillators tested.

Memory Is Not Extinguished along with CS Presentation but within a Few Seconds after CS-Offset

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez-Cuesta, Luis Maria; Hepp, Yanil; Pedreira, Maria Eugenia; Maldonado, Hector

2007-01-01

Prior work with the crab's contextual memory model showed that CS-US conditioned animals undergoing an unreinforced CS presentation would either reconsolidate or extinguish the CS-US memory, depending on the length of the reexposure to the CS. Either memory process is only triggered once the CS is terminated. Based on these results, the following…

Detection of radioactive particles offshore by γ-ray spectrometry Part I: Monte Carlo assessment of detection depth limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maučec, M.; de Meijer, R. J.; Rigollet, C.; Hendriks, P. H. G. M.; Jones, D. G.

2004-06-01

A joint research project between the British Geological Survey and Nuclear Geophysics Division of the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, Groningen, the Netherlands, was commissioned by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to establish the efficiency of a towed seabed γ-ray spectrometer for the detection of 137Cs-containing radioactive particles offshore Dounreay, Scotland. Using the MCNP code, a comprehensive Monte Carlo feasibility study was carried out to model various combinations of geological matrices, particle burial depth and lateral displacement, source activity and detector material. To validate the sampling and absolute normalisation procedures of MCNP for geometries including multiple (natural and induced) heterogeneous sources in environmental monitoring, a benchmark experiment was conducted. The study demonstrates the ability of seabed γ-ray spectrometry to locate radioactive particles offshore and to distinguish between γ count rate increases due to particles from those due to enhanced natural radioactivity. The information presented in this study will be beneficial for estimation of the inventory of 137Cs particles and their activity distribution and for the recovery of particles from the sea floor. In this paper, the Monte Carlo assessment of the detection limits is presented. The estimation of the required towing speed and acquisition times and their application to radioactive particle detection and discrimination offshore formed a supplementary part of this study.

Atmospheric Data Requirements for Battlefield Obscuration Applications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

34 ECOM-5572, August 1975. 9. Miers, B., G. Blackman, D. Langer, and N. Lorimier, " Analysis of SMS/GOES Film Data," ECOM-5573, September 1975. 10...ATEC-PL-M Combined Arms Combat Developments Activity; ATZLCA-RS Concepts Analysis Agency; CSCA-SMC Dugway Proving Ground; STEDP-PP Electronic Warfare...CS-SA Materiel Systems Analysis Activity, Ground Warfare Division; DRXSY-GS Missile Research and Development Command, Research Directorate; DRDMI-TRA

Autoshaping in the rat: conditioned licking response to a stimulus that signals sucrose reinforcement.

PubMed

Reilly, Steve; Grutzmacher, Richard P.

2002-07-31

The present experiments were designed to determine if repeated presentations of an empty sipper tube (the conditioned stimulus or CS) with the response-independent delivery of a sucrose solution (the unconditioned stimulus or US) from a second spout results in the development of Pavlovian conditioned responding. In Experiment 1, rats in the experimental condition received paired CS-US presentations whereas subjects in the control condition were exposed to random presentations of CS and US. In Experiment 2, an additional control condition (CS alone) was included and, to encourage generalized responding between the US and CS, the CS tube was filled with water for all groups. The results of both experiments indicate that the CS-directed responding in the paired CS-US condition was Pavlovian in nature. Thus, the present procedure serves as an autoshaping task in which conditioned licking is generated.

Characterization of antigen-presenting cells from the porcine respiratory system.

PubMed

López-Robles, Guadalupe; Silva-Campa, Erika; Burgara-Estrella, Alexel; Hernández, Jesús

2015-06-01

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are strategically placed in all anatomic sites with high antigen exposure such as the respiratory system. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and functional properties of APCs from the lung (L-Cs), mediastinal lymph node (LN-Cs) and bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BAL-Cs). The APCs were first analyzed based on forward scatter and side scatter profiles and the selection of MHC-II(high)CD172a(+) cells (referred to as APCs); then the expression of CD1a, CD163, CD206, CD16 and CD11R3 was evaluated in the APCs. The results showed that CD1a, CD163 and CD206 were differentially expressed among L-Cs, LN-Cs and BAL-Cs, suggesting the phenotype MHC-II(high)CD172a(+)CD1a(low/-)CD163(low)CD206(-) for L-Cs and MHC-II(high)CD172a(+)CD1a(+)CD163(low/-)CD206(+) for LN-Cs. BAL-Cs were MHC-II(high)CD172a(+)CD1a(-)CD163(high)CD206(+/-). The functional characteristics of L-Cs and LN-Cs were different from those of BAL-Cs, confirming that L-Cs and LN-Cs resemble specialized APCs. In conclusion, we present the characterization of APCs from L-Cs, LN-Cs and BAL-Cs of the porcine respiratory system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Capgras syndrome: a review of the neurophysiological correlates and presenting clinical features in cases involving physical violence.

PubMed

Bourget, Dominique; Whitehurst, Laurie

2004-11-01

Acts of violence have been frequently reported in cases of Capgras syndrome (CS), a misidentification syndrome characterized by the delusional belief that imposters have replaced people familiar to the individual. CS has been observed in many neuropsychiatric and organic disorders, and neuroimaging studies indicate an association between CS and right hemisphere abnormalities. However, CS has received limited attention from a forensic psychiatric perspective. We propose that elucidating demographic and clinical features noted in cases of violence secondary to CS may highlight important factors in the progression of CS to violence. We review the neurophysiological correlates and clinical factors observed in CS and present characteristics of a series of cases that demonstrate the potential of CS patients for severe physical violence toward the misidentified person. For patients with CS involving assault, we present and discuss commonly reported demographic and clinical features that may contribute to an increased risk for violence. An understanding of the presenting clinical features of CS resulting in aggressive acts may assist clinicians to assess the potential for violence in these patients.

Crew Health Care System (CHeCS) Design Research, Documentations, and Evaluations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

CLement, Bethany M.

2011-01-01

The Crew Health Care System (CHeCS) is a group within the Space Life Science Directorate (SLSD) that focuses on the overall health of astronauts by reinforcing the three divisions - the Environmental Maintenance System (EMS), the Countermeasures System (CMS), and the Health Maintenance System (HMS). This internship provided opportunity to gain knowledge, experience, and skills in CHeCS engineering and operations tasks. Various and differing tasks allowed for occasions to work independently, network to get things done, and show leadership abilities. Specific exercises included reviewing hardware certification, operations, and documentation within the ongoing Med Kit Redesign (MKR) project, and learning, writing, and working various common pieces of paperwork used in the engineering and design process. Another project focused on the distribution of various pieces of hardware to off-site research facilities with an interest in space flight health care. The main focus of this internship, though, was on a broad and encompassing understanding of the engineering process as time was spent looking at each individual step in a variety of settings and tasks.

CSI feedback-based CS for underwater acoustic adaptive modulation OFDM system with channel prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuai, Xiao-yan; Sun, Hai-xin; Qi, Jie; Cheng, En; Xu, Xiao-ka; Guo, Yu-hui; Chen, You-gan

2014-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the performance of adaptive modulation (AM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system in underwater acoustic (UWA) communications. The aim is to solve the problem of large feedback overhead for channel state information (CSI) in every subcarrier. A novel CSI feedback scheme is proposed based on the theory of compressed sensing (CS). We propose a feedback from the receiver that only feedback the sparse channel parameters. Additionally, prediction of the channel state is proposed every several symbols to realize the AM in practice. We describe a linear channel prediction algorithm which is used in adaptive transmission. This system has been tested in the real underwater acoustic channel. The linear channel prediction makes the AM transmission techniques more feasible for acoustic channel communications. The simulation and experiment show that significant improvements can be obtained both in bit error rate (BER) and throughput in the AM scheme compared with the fixed Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation scheme. Moreover, the performance with standard CS outperforms the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) method.

The United States Army Logistics Center Historical Summary. (RCS-HIS-6 (R2)). 1 October 1976 to 30 September 1978.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-10

Experimentation (FDTE) 138 Corps Automation Requirements Baseline Identification Test (CARBIT) 138 Division Materiel Management Center (DMMC) 139 Concept...Evaluation Programs (CEP) 139 Test Design and Evaluation 140 Test and Evaluation Milestone Management System (TEMMS) 140 Manpower Analysis/Force...System (CS3) Maintenance Reporting and Management (MRM) 153 DA - Standard Port System (DASPS) 154 DA - Standard Port System - Enhancement (DASPS-E) 155 DA

What does the Cantril Ladder measure in adolescence?

PubMed

Mazur, Joanna; Szkultecka-Dębek, Monika; Dzielska, Anna; Drozd, Mariola; Małkowska-Szkutnik, Agnieszka

2018-01-01

The Cantril Scale (CS) is a simple visual scale which makes it possible to assess general life satisfaction. The result may depend on the health, living, and studying conditions, and quality of social relations. The objective of this study is to identify key factors influencing the CS score in Polish adolescents. The survey comprised 1,423 parent-child pairs (54% girls; age range: 10-17; 67.3% urban inhabitants; 89.4% of parents were mothers). Linear and logistic models were estimated; the latter used alternative divisions into "satisfied" and "dissatisfied" with life. In addition to age and gender, child-reported KIDSCREEN-52 quality of life indexes were taken into account, along with some information provided by parents - child physical (CSHCN) and mental (SDQ) health, and family socio-economic conditions. According to the linear model, nine independent predictors, including six dimensions of KIDSCREEN-52, explain 47.2% of the variability of life satisfaction on the Cantril Scale. Self-perception was found to have a dominating influence (Δ R 2 = 0.301, p < 0.001). Important CS predictors also included Psychological Well-being (Δ R 2 = 0.088, p < 0.001) and Parent Relations (Δ R 2 = 0.041, p < 0.001). The impact of socioeconomic factors was more visible in boys and in older adolescents. According to logistic models, the key factors enhancing the chance of higher life satisfaction are Moods and Emotions (cut-off point CS > 5) and School Environment (CS > 8 points). None of the models indicated a relationship between the CS and physical health. The Cantril Scale can be considered a useful measurement tool in a broad approach to psychosocial adolescent health.

Verbal instructions targeting valence alter negative conditional stimulus evaluations (but do not affect reinstatement rates).

PubMed

Luck, Camilla C; Lipp, Ottmar V

2018-02-01

Negative conditional stimulus (CS) valence acquired during fear conditioning may enhance fear relapse and is difficult to remove as it extinguishes slowly and does not respond to the instruction that unconditional stimulus (US) presentations will cease. We examined whether instructions targeting CS valence would be more effective. In Experiment 1, an image of one person (CS+) was paired with an aversive US, while another (CS-) was presented alone. After acquisition, participants were given positive information about the CS+ poser and negative information about the CS- poser. Instructions reversed the pattern of differential CS valence present during acquisition and eliminated differential electrodermal responding. In Experiment 2, we compared positive and negative CS revaluation by providing positive/negative information about the CS+ and neutral information about CS-. After positive revaluation, differential valence was removed and differential electrodermal responding remained intact. After negative revaluation, differential valence was strengthened and differential electrodermal responding was eliminated. Unexpectedly, the instructions did not affect the reinstatement of differential electrodermal responding.

Is evaluative conditioning really resistant to extinction? Evidence for changes in evaluative judgements without changes in evaluative representations.

PubMed

Gawronski, Bertram; Gast, Anne; De Houwer, Jan

2015-01-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is defined as the change in the evaluation of a conditioned stimulus (CS) due to its pairing with a positive or negative unconditioned stimulus (US). Although several individual studies suggest that EC is unaffected by unreinforced presentations of the CS without the US, a recent meta-analysis indicates that EC effects are less pronounced for post-extinction measurements than post-acquisition measurements. The disparity in research findings suggests that extinction of EC may depend on yet unidentified conditions. In an attempt to uncover these conditions, three experiments (N = 784) investigated the influence of unreinforced post-acquisition CS presentations on EC effects resulting from simultaneous versus sequential pairings and pairings with single versus multiple USs. For all four types of CS-US pairings, EC effects on self-reported evaluations were reduced by unreinforced CS presentations, but only when the CSs had been rated after the initial presentation of CS-US pairings. EC effects on an evaluative priming measure remained unaffected by unreinforced CS presentations regardless of whether the CSs had been rated after acquisition. The results suggest that reduced EC effects resulting from unreinforced CS presentations are due to judgement-related processes during the verbal expression of CS evaluations rather than genuine changes in the underlying evaluative representations.

SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) Data Collection and Processing Summary - 1984 SARSEX (SAR Internal Wave Signature Experiment) Experiment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

DIVISION ;! -0 N xr-0 n 0n4 1 1 I- C) 0 Ic 0 C WIx W Qr - - r -r 01............................. I Cq I1 -a I- I X 0’ an w I w kI~r 1 0r- r- r . 0~~~ Cs CW 1...object from the SAR platform . Ground range, the 102 ~RIM RADAR DIVISION 0 0 sc 0’. C4 C4 Xn en % >4-4 441i V-u -- - W 1-11 04 v4 0o 0 4 0 (A~U Go 4J...Rg = rRF -hy ,(3) for the flat earth or low-altitude case, where h is the platform altitude. Because the range and azimuth scales are not the same

CS Line Profiles in Hot Cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayet, E.; Yates, J.; Viti, S.

2011-02-01

We present a theoretical study of CS line profiles in archetypal hot cores. We provide estimates of line fluxes from the CS(1-0) to the CS(15-14) transitions and present the temporal variation of these fluxes. We find that (1) the CS(1-0) transition is a better tracer of the Envelope of the hot core whereas the higher-J CS lines trace the ultracompact core (UCC); (2) the peak temperature of the CS transitions is a good indicator of the temperature inside the hot core; (3) in the Envelope, the older the hot core the stronger the self-absorption of CS; (4) the fractional abundance of CS is highest in the innermost parts of the UCC, confirming the CS molecule as one of the best tracers of very dense gas.

Effect of low body temperature on associative interference in conditioned taste aversion.

PubMed

Christianson, John P; Anderson, Mathew J; Misanin, James R; Hinderliter, Charles F

2005-06-01

When two novel conditioned stimuli precede an unconditioned stimulus (US), the interval between the two conditioned stimuli (CS1 and CS2) influences the magnitude of the CS-US associability of each CS. As the interval between CS1 and CS2 increases, the associability of CS1 with the US decreases due to interference by CS2 and the associability of CS2 increases, given its temporal proximity to the US. Because hypothermia has been reported to increase the interval at which conditioned taste aversions can be formed, its influence was examined on the above relationship, i.e., how interference from CS2 affects the associability of CS1 with the US. Rats received a conditioned taste aversion procedure where CS1 and CS2 were presented either one after the other or separated by an 80-min. delay. For all subjects, the US or pseudo-US was presented immediately after CS2. When hypothermia was interpolated between the two flavor stimuli that were spaced 80 min. apart, CS2-interference with the CS1-US association was greatly attenuated. We propose that hypothermia modifies internal timing mechanisms such that the externally timed 80-min. CS1-CS2 interval was perceived as much shorter for rats made hypothermic. As a result of this perceived shortened inter-CS interval, CS2 produced less interference for the CS1-US association than would be expected for such a relatively long delay between CS1 and CS2.

Startle modulation and explicit valence evaluations dissociate during backward fear conditioning.

PubMed

Luck, Camilla C; Lipp, Ottmar V

2017-05-01

Blink startle magnitude is linearly modulated by affect such that, relative to neutral stimuli, startle magnitude is inhibited during pleasant stimuli and potentiated during unpleasant stimuli. Andreatta, Mühlberger, Yarali, Gerber, and Pauli (2010), however, report a dissociation between startle modulation and explicit valence evaluations during backward conditioning, a procedure in which the unconditional stimulus precedes the conditional stimulus (CS). Relative to controls, startles elicited during the CS were inhibited, suggesting that the CS had acquired positive valence, but participants still evaluated the CS as unpleasant after the experiment. In Experiment 1, we aimed to replicate this dissociation using a trial-by-trial measure of CS valence to measure startle modulation and CS valence simultaneously during forward and backward differential fear conditioning. In Experiment 2, we examined whether early and late portions of the CS could acquire differential valence by presenting startle probes at early and late probe positions during the CS. In both experiments, the dissociation between startle modulation and explicit valence evaluations in backward conditioning replicated, with CS+ evaluated as less pleasant than CS-, but startles elicited during CS+ inhibited relative to CS-. In Experiment 2, we provide preliminary evidence that this inhibition was present early, but not late, during the CS+. The results replicate the dissociation between implicit and explicit CS valence reported by Andreatta et al. (2010) using a trial-by-trial measure of valence. We also provide preliminary evidence that this dissociation may occur because the implicit and explicit measures are recorded at different times during the CS presentation. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

High-efficient full-duplex WDM-RoF system with sub-central station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Anliang; Yin, Hongxi; Wu, Bin

2018-05-01

With an additional sub-central station (S-CS), a high-efficient full-duplex radio-over-fiber (RoF) system compatible with the wavelength-division-multiplexing technology is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in this paper. To improve the dispersion tolerance of the RoF system, the baseband data format for the downlink and an all-optical down-conversion approach for the uplink are employed. In addition, this RoF system can not only make full use of the fiber link resources but also realize the upstream transmission without any local light sources at remote base stations (BSs). A 10-GHz RoF experimental system with a 1.25-Gb/s rate bidirectional transmission is established based on the S-CS structure. The feasibility and reliability of this RoF system are verified through eye diagrams and bit error rate (BER) curves experimentally obtained.

Strong-field dissociation of CS2+ via a pump/dump-like mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severt, T.; Zohrabi, M.; Betsch, K. J.; Ablikim, U.; Jochim, Bethany; Carnes, K. D.; Zeng, S.; Esry, B. D.; Ben-Itzhak, I.; Uhlíková, T.

2014-05-01

Laser-induced dissociation of the quasi-bound electronic ground state of CS2+ is investigated in intense laser pulses (<55 fs, <1016 W/cm2). Photodissociation is observed to be the dominant dissociation pathway; however, a more curious feature in the kinetic energy release spectrum suggests no significant energy gain from the initial states. We propose a pump/dump-like mechanism to explain this observed feature. Contrary to the conventional pump/dump control scheme, this process occurs within a single laser pulse, where the time delay is caused by the molecular structure. The process begins when the vibrational wavepacket in the electronic ground state of CS2+ is pumped into the electronic first excited state's continuum by a single photon. After a period of stretching at an energy above the potential barrier, the emission of a second photon is stimulated by the same laser pulse, most likely at the Condon point. Supported by the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy, Grants DE-FG02-86ER13491 and DE-FG02-09ER16115. TU supported by GACR and MetaCentrum.

A Preliminary Analysis of Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue With Considerations for Nursing Unit Specialization and Demographic Factors.

PubMed

Mooney, Claire; Fetter, Katrina; Gross, Brian W; Rinehart, Cole; Lynch, Caitlin; Rogers, Frederick B

Compassion fatigue (CF), or vicarious traumatization, is a state of physical/emotional distress that results from caring for those experiencing pain. We sought to characterize levels of CF in intensive care unit (ICU) and oncology nursing populations with subanalyses comparing specific personal/professional demographic factors. The Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, a validated tool for assessing CF, burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS), was distributed to the ICU and oncology divisions of a community hospital. Demographic data and ProQOL scale scores were collected and compared within specialty and gender subgroups. Two-sample t tests and regression analyses were used to compare groups. Statistical significance was defined as p < .05. A total of 86 nurses submitted completed surveys able to be analyzed. Levels of CS were significantly lower (p = .023) and levels of BO were significantly higher (p = .029) in ICU nurses than in oncology nurses. Male nurses exhibited significantly higher CS (p = .001) and significantly lower BO (p = .021) and CF (p = .014) than female nurses. Intensive care unit nurses and female nurses from both ICU and oncology specialties may be at increased risk for developing a poorer overall ProQOL and CF.

Protection from Extinction by Concurrent Presentation of an Excitor or an Extensively Extinguished CS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pineno, Oskar

2007-01-01

One conditioned taste aversion experiment with rats assessed the impact of extinguishing a target conditioned stimulus (CS), S, in compound with a second CS, A, upon conditioned responding elicited by CS S when presented alone at test. Following initial conditioning treatment with CSs A and S, the experiment manipulated number of extinction trials…

High Temperature Properties and Aging-Stress Related Changes of FeCo Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Power Generation Branch (AFRL/PRPG) Power Division Propulsion...SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY ACRONYM(S) AFRL-PR-WP Propulsion Directorate Air Force...fcc), α-(bcc) and α’-(CsCl) phases (produced using TAPP @TM software, ES Microware) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 2 4 6 8 10 103 0 20 40 60 80 100 In iti

Coded DS-CDMA Systems with Iterative Channel Estimation and no Pilot Symbols

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

ar X iv :1 00 8. 31 96 v1 [ cs .I T ] 1 9 A ug 2 01 0 1 Coded DS - CDMA Systems with Iterative Channel Estimation and no Pilot Symbols Don...sequence code-division multiple-access ( DS - CDMA ) systems with quadriphase-shift keying in which channel estimation, coherent demodulation, and decoding...amplitude, phase, and the interference power spectral density (PSD) due to the combined interference and thermal noise is proposed for DS - CDMA systems

MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Management of pregnant patients with Cushing's syndrome.

PubMed

Bronstein, M D; Machado, M C; Fragoso, M C B V

2015-08-01

Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases has turned pregnancy into a possibility for women with such medical disorders, including Cushing's syndrome (CS). Nevertheless, despite its rarity, pregnancy in patients with CS can be troublesome because of the risk of maternal-fetal complications. Therefore, hypercortisolism, if present, should be surgically or medically controlled in most cases. Moreover, changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during normal pregnancy may mislead the diagnosis of CS during this period, because many laboratory assessments suggestive of CS may be present in normal pregnancy, with clinical features mimicking those seen in patients with CS. The aim of the present review is to update the diagnostic approach to this medical condition, mainly for pregnant women without previous diagnosis of CS, and to describe the therapeutic strategies for CS during pregnancy in order to minimize complications for both mother and fetus. © 2015 European Society of Endocrinology.

Recovery of Pavlovian sign-tracking (autoshaping) following the discontinuation of inter-trial interval food in rats.

PubMed

Kearns, David N; Weiss, Stanley J

2007-07-01

In pigeons, Pavlovian autoshaped keypecking produced by keylight-food pairings has been eliminated by introducing food during periods between CS presentations (i.e., during the inter-trial intervals). Keypecking eliminated in this manner reappears when the inter-trial USs are discontinued even though the CS is no longer paired with US. The present experiment investigated whether this recovery of responding produced by discontinuing unpaired inter-trial US presentations could be extended to another species, rats, within a Pavlovian sign-tracking paradigm. Rats were initially trained on a procedure where insertion of one retractable lever (CS(+)) was followed, response independently, with food, while insertion of another lever (CS(-)) was not paired with food. Rats quickly came to contact the CS(+) lever at high rates, but contacted the CS(-) lever infrequently. In the next phase, CS(+) was no longer followed by food. Explicitly unpaired food was presented only during the inter-trial intervals when both levers were absent. This treatment essentially eliminated the sign-tracking response. In the final phase, the unpaired inter-trial food presentations were discontinued while both CSs continued to be presented without food. This produced a significant recovery of the sign-tracking elicited by the CS(+) lever, extending the species generality of the Pavlovian resurgence phenomenon that has previously only been reported in pigeons, to rats.

Medial prefrontal cortex circuit function during retrieval and extinction of associative learning under anesthesia.

PubMed

Fenton, G E; Halliday, D M; Mason, R; Stevenson, C W

2014-04-18

Associative learning is encoded under anesthesia and involves the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Neuronal activity in mPFC increases in response to a conditioned stimulus (CS+) previously paired with an unconditioned stimulus (US) but not during presentation of an unpaired stimulus (CS-) in anesthetized animals. Studies in conscious animals have shown dissociable roles for different mPFC subregions in mediating various memory processes, with the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) cortex involved in the retrieval and extinction of conditioned responding, respectively. Therefore PL and IL may also play different roles in mediating the retrieval and extinction of discrimination learning under anesthesia. Here we used in vivo electrophysiology to examine unit and local field potential (LFP) activity in PL and IL before and after auditory discrimination learning and during later retrieval and extinction testing in anesthetized rats. Animals received repeated presentations of two distinct sounds, one of which was paired with footshock (US). In separate control experiments animals received footshocks without sounds. After discrimination learning the paired (CS+) and unpaired (CS-) sounds were repeatedly presented alone. We found increased unit firing and LFP power in PL and, to a lesser extent, IL after discrimination learning but not after footshocks alone. After discrimination learning, unit firing and LFP power increased in PL and IL in response to presentation of the first CS+, compared to the first CS-. However, PL and IL activity increased during the last CS- presentation, such that activity during presentation of the last CS+ and CS- did not differ. These results confirm previous findings and extend them by showing that increased PL and IL activity result from encoding of the CS+/US association rather than US presentation. They also suggest that extinction may occur under anesthesia and might be represented at the neural level in PL and IL. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of cesium iodide for use as a particle discriminator for high energy cosmic rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crannell, C. J.; Kurz, R. J.; Viehmann, W.

1973-01-01

The possible use of CsI to discriminate between high energy cosmic ray electrons and interacting protons has been investigated. The pulse-shape properties as a function of ionization density, temperature, and spectral response are presented for thallium-activated CsI and as a function of ionization density for sodium-activated CsI. The results are based on previously published data and on corroborative measurements from the present work. Experimental results on the response of CsI to electron-induced electromagnetic cascades and to interacting hadrons are described. Bibliographies of publications dealing with the properties of CsI and with pulse-shape discrimination techniques are presented.

Management of breech presentation at term: a retrospective cohort study of 10 years of experience.

PubMed

Burgos, J; Rodríguez, L; Cobos, P; Osuna, C; Del Mar Centeno, M; Larrieta, R; Martínez-Astorquiza, T; Fernández-Llebrez, L

2015-10-01

To evaluate the impact of management of childbirth (external cephalic version (ECV) plus planned vaginal delivery (PVD)) of breech presentation at term (⩾37 weeks of gestation). This retrospective cohort study was based on data collected of singleton breech presentations at term in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service, Cruces University Hospital (Biscay, Spain), from January 2003 to December 2012. We attended 2377 singleton breech pregnancies at term. We attended 1684 singleton breech term deliveries, attempting vaginal delivery after selection in 52.9% of cases and were successful in 57.5% of attempts. A total of 1360 ECV were attempted, with a success rate of 50.3% of those attempted. The use of ECV has decreased the rate of breech presentation at delivery by 39.0%, the rate of breech presentation as a caesarean section (CS) indication by 47.1% (CS due to breech presentation/total of CS) and the rate of CS for breech presentation out of the total of deliveries by 39.1% (CS due to breech presentation/total of deliveries). Early postnatal parameters (5-min Apgar score, umbilical cord arterial pH and acid-base analysis) were significantly lower following PVD compared with planned CS for breech presentation. However, we did not find any differences in the rates of admissions to the neonatal unit or neonatal mortality. Management of breech presentation with a protocol that includes ECV, careful selection criteria and active management of vaginal delivery achieve a great decrease in the rate of CS for breech presentation.

Temporal specificity of extinction in autoshaping.

PubMed

Drew, Michael R; Yang, Cynthia; Ohyama, Tatsuya; Balsam, Peter D

2004-07-01

Three experiments investigated the effects of varying the conditioned stimulus (CS) duration between training and extinction. Ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) were autoshaped on a fixed CS-unconditioned stimulus (US) interval and extinguished with CS presentations that were longer, shorter, or the same as the training duration. During a subsequent test session, the training CS duration was reintroduced. Results suggest that the cessation of responding during an extinction session is controlled by generalization of excitation between the training and extinction CSs and by the number of nonreinforced CS presentations. Transfer of extinction to the training CS is controlled by the similarity between the extinction and training CSs. Extinction learning is temporally specific. (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved

The Neural Basis of Speech Perception through Lipreading and Manual Cues: Evidence from Deaf Native Users of Cued Speech

PubMed Central

Aparicio, Mario; Peigneux, Philippe; Charlier, Brigitte; Balériaux, Danielle; Kavec, Martin; Leybaert, Jacqueline

2017-01-01

We present here the first neuroimaging data for perception of Cued Speech (CS) by deaf adults who are native users of CS. CS is a visual mode of communicating a spoken language through a set of manual cues which accompany lipreading and disambiguate it. With CS, sublexical units of the oral language are conveyed clearly and completely through the visual modality without requiring hearing. The comparison of neural processing of CS in deaf individuals with processing of audiovisual (AV) speech in normally hearing individuals represents a unique opportunity to explore the similarities and differences in neural processing of an oral language delivered in a visuo-manual vs. an AV modality. The study included deaf adult participants who were early CS users and native hearing users of French who process speech audiovisually. Words were presented in an event-related fMRI design. Three conditions were presented to each group of participants. The deaf participants saw CS words (manual + lipread), words presented as manual cues alone, and words presented to be lipread without manual cues. The hearing group saw AV spoken words, audio-alone and lipread-alone. Three findings are highlighted. First, the middle and superior temporal gyrus (excluding Heschl’s gyrus) and left inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis constituted a common, amodal neural basis for AV and CS perception. Second, integration was inferred in posterior parts of superior temporal sulcus for audio and lipread information in AV speech, but in the occipito-temporal junction, including MT/V5, for the manual cues and lipreading in CS. Third, the perception of manual cues showed a much greater overlap with the regions activated by CS (manual + lipreading) than lipreading alone did. This supports the notion that manual cues play a larger role than lipreading for CS processing. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the role of manual cues as support of visual speech perception in the framework of the multimodal nature of human communication. PMID:28424636

Combining Symbolic Computation and Theorem Proving: Some Problems of Ramanujan

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

1994 CMU-CS--94- 103 ¶ DTIC MAY 0e o99 c -rnepe Combining symbolic computation and theorem proving: some problems of Ramanujan Edmund Clarke Xudong Zhao...Research and Development Center, Aeronautical Systems Division (AFSC), U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-6543 under Contract F33615-90- C ...Availability Codes n n = f Avail and Ior7. k= f(k) = _L k~of(nk Dist Special 8. =I f (k + c ) =_k=,+ I f (k) A .[ 3. List of problems The list of challenge

Critical role of aldehydes in cigarette smoke-induced acute airway inflammation

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Cigarette smoking (CS) is the most important risk factor for COPD, which is associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation. We hypothesize, that highly reactive aldehydes are critical for CS-induced neutrophilic airway inflammation. Methods BALB/c mice were exposed to CS, water filtered CS (WF-CS) or air for 5 days. Levels of total particulate matter (TPM) and aldehydes in CS and WF-CS were measured. Six hours after the last exposure, inflammatory cells and cytokine levels were measured in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, Beas-2b bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to CS extract (CSE) or WF-CS extract (WF-CSE) in the absence or presence of the aldehyde acrolein and IL-8 production was measured after 24 hrs. Results Compared to CS, in WF-CS strongly decreased (CS; 271.1 ± 41.5 μM, WF-CS; 58.5 ± 8.2 μM) levels of aldehydes were present whereas levels of TPM were only slightly reduced (CS; 20.78 ± 0.59 mg, WF-CS; 16.38 ± 0.36 mg). The numbers of mononuclear cells in BALF (p<0.01) and lung tissue (p<0.01) were significantly increased in the CS- and WF-CS-exposed mice compared to air control mice. Interestingly, the numbers of neutrophils (p<0.001) in BALF and neutrophils and eosinophils (p<0.05) in lung tissue were significantly increased in the CS-exposed but not in WF-CS-exposed mice as compared to air control mice. Levels of the neutrophil and eosinophil chemoattractants KC, MCP-1, MIP-1α and IL-5 were all significantly increased in lung tissue from CS-exposed mice compared to both WF-CS-exposed and air control mice. Interestingly, depletion of aldehydes in WF-CS extract significantly reduced IL-8 production in Beas-2b as compared to CSE, which could be restored by the aldehyde acrolein. Conclusion Aldehydes present in CS play a critical role in inflammatory cytokine production and neutrophilic- but not mononuclear airway inflammation. PMID:23594194

Associative Processes in Early Olfactory Preference Acquisition

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Regina M.; Wilson, Donald A.; Leon, Michael

2007-01-01

Acquisition of behavioral conditioned responding and learned odor preferences during olfactory classical conditioning in rat pups requires forward or simultaneous pairings of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). Other temporal relationships between the CS and US do not usually result in learning. The present study examined the influence of this CS-US relationship upon the neural olfactory bulb modifications that are acquired during early classical conditioning. Wistar rat pups were trained from Postnatal Days (PN) 1-18 with either forward (odor overlapping temporally with reinforcing stroking) or backward (stroking followed by odor) CS-US pairings. On PN 19, pups received either a behavioral odor preference test to the odor CS or an injection of 14C 2-DG and exposure to the odor CS, or olfactory bulb single unit responses were recorded in response to exposure to the odor CS. Only pups that received forward presentations of the CS and US exhibited both a preference for the CS and modified olfactory bulb neural responses to the CS. These results, then, suggest that the modified olfactory bulb neural responses acquired during classical conditioning are guided by the same temporal constraints as those which govern the acquisition of behavioral conditioned responses. PMID:17572798

Cesium Speciation in Dust from Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge Incineration by Synchrotron Radiation Micro-X-ray Analysis.

PubMed

Shiota, Kenji; Takaoka, Masaki; Fujimori, Takashi; Oshita, Kazuyuki; Terada, Yasuko

2015-11-17

The chemical behavior of Cs in waste incineration processes is important to consider when disposing of radionuclide-contaminated waste from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in Japan. To determine the speciation of Cs, we attempted the direct speciation of trace amounts of stable Cs in the dust from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and sewage sludge incineration (SSI) by micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption fine structure (μ-XAFS) at the SPring-8 facility. The μ-XRF results revealed that locally produced Cs was present in MSWI and SSI dust within the cluster size range of 2-10 μm. The μ-XAFS analysis confirmed that the speciation of Cs in MSWI dust was similar to that of CsCl, while in SSI dusts it was similar to pollucite. The solubility of Cs was considered to be influenced by the exact Cs species present in incineration residue.

Vascular Physiology according to Clinical Scenario in Patients with Acute Heart Failure: Evaluation using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index.

PubMed

Goto, Toshihiko; Wakami, Kazuaki; Mori, Kento; Kikuchi, Shohei; Fukuta, Hidekatsu; Ohte, Nobuyuki

2016-09-01

Increased aortic stiffness may be an important cause of acute heart failure (AHF). Clinical scenario (CS), which classifies the pathophysiology of AHF based on the initial systolic blood pressure (sBP), was proposed to provide the most appropriate therapy for AHF patients. In CS, elevated aortic stiffness, vascular failure, has been considered as a feature of patients categorized as CS1 (sBP > 140 mmHg at initial presentation). However, whether elevated aortic stiffness, vascular failure, is present in such patients has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we assessed aortic stiffness in AHF patients using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), which is considered to be independent of instantaneous blood pressure. Sixty-four consecutive AHF patients (mean age, 70.6 ± 12.8 years; 39 men) were classified with CS, based on their initial sBP: CS1: sBP > 140 mmHg (n = 29); CS2: sBP 100-140 mmHg (n = 22); and CS3: sBP < 100 mmHg (n = 13). There were significant group differences in CAVI (CS1 vs. CS2 vs. CS3: 9.7 ± 1.4 vs. 8.4 ± 1.7 vs. 8.3 ± 1.7, p = 0.006, analysis of variance). CAVI was significantly higher in CS1 than in CS2 (p = 0.02) and CS3 (p = 0.04). CAVI did not significantly correlate with sBP at the time of measurement of CAVI (r = 0.24 and p = 0.06). Aortic stiffness assessed using blood pressure-independent methodology apparently increased in CS1 AHF patients. We conclude that vascular failure is a feature of CS1 AHF initiation.

[Early congenital syphilis: a case report].

PubMed

Cavagnaro S M, Felipe; Pereira R, Teresita; Pérez P, Carla; Vargas Del V, Fernanda; Sandoval C, Carmen

2014-02-01

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a multisystemic infection of the newborn (NB) which can produce severe symptoms, and in some cases, even be fatal. In recent years, the incidence of syphilis has increased worldwide and similarly, the cases of CS in neonates have increased. To report two cases of early and severe presentation of CS, focusing on the importance of prevention of vertical transmission and monitoring of treated mothers. The diagnostic difficulties are discussed. Two premature newborns that were diagnosed with probable CS present in the newborn period are presented. In the first case, due to a high index of suspicion, but without confirmatory testing, treatment was started with good clinical response. In the second case, CS was confirmed through positive serology and the specific treatment was given. CS has significant diagnostic challenges as there is no test for early confirmation, therefore, a high index of suspicion might be key in the treatment and consequent prognosis. Due to the current epidemiology of the condition, it is also important to focus on preventive measures.

A patient with Alzheimer's disease complicated by elderly-onset Cushing's syndrome who had undergone surgical treatment for adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

PubMed

Haraguchi, Yoshinori; Mizoguchi, Yoshito; Noguchi, Tomoyuki; Arai, Takeo; Fukuyama, Junko; Kato, Takahiro A; Kawashima, Toshiro; Monji, Akira

2016-07-01

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disorder, especially in older people. Loss of brain volume and neurocognitive impairment of varying degrees has been demonstrated in patients with CS. However, there is a large difference between the median age of presentation of CS and that of Alzheimer's disease. We herein report a case of a patient with Alzheimer's disease complicated by elderly-onset CS who had undergone surgical treatment for adrenal hyperplasia. Surgical correction of hypercortisolism seems to have slowed the progression of brain volume loss and cognitive dysfunction and improved psychiatric symptoms such as visual hallucination, restlessness, and psychomotor excitement. These improvements have remarkably reduced the burden on the patient's caregivers. The present case suggests that subclinical CS may be present, particularly in rapidly progressive dementia, and that surgical treatment of CS for neuropsychiatric symptoms is useful. © 2015 The Authors. Psychogeriatrics © 2015 Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.

Collagenous spherulosis presenting as a mass of the breast.

PubMed

Jan, Yee-Jee; Li, Mu-Chun; Ho, William L

2002-10-01

Collagenous spherulosis (CS) is a rare benign lesion which typically presents as an incidental microscopic finding accompanying other breast lesions. Pathologists who are not familiar with this entity occasionally misdiagnose CS as adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), cribriform ductal carcinoma in situ (C-DCIS), or atypical intraductal hyperplasia (AIH), especially when it presents as a mass. It is of utmost importance to differentiate benign CS from its malignant mimics in order to avoid unnecessary treatment. We report an unusual case of CS manifested as a mass in the right breast of a 45-year-old female and discuss the problems of differential diagnosis and histogenesis.

Memory Reconsolidation and Extinction in the Crab: Mutual Exclusion or Coexistence?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez-Cuesta, Luis Maria; Maldonado, Hector

2009-01-01

A conditioned stimulus (CS) exposure has the ability to induce two qualitatively different mnesic processes: memory reconsolidation and memory extinction. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that upon a single CS presentation the triggering of one or the other process depends on CS duration (short CS exposure triggers reconsolidation,…

Research on fluorescence from photoionization, photodissociation, and vacuum, along with bending quantrum study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Judge, D. L.

1975-01-01

Reports of research concerning the fluorescence of CS2 are presented. Fluorescence from fragments of CS2 vapor produced by vacuum ultraviolet radiation, and fluorescence from photoionization of CS2 vapor are discussed along with fluorescence produced by photodissociation of CS2, and fluorescence from photoionization of OCS.

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate is covalently associated with collagen fibrils in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus body wall.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Chang, Yaoguang; Wu, Fanxiu; Xu, Xiaoqi; Xue, Changhu

2018-04-15

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) is the major carbohydrate constituent of sea cucumber. However, the distribution of fCS in the sea cucumber body wall has not been fully described. We addressed this in the present study employing Apostichopus japonicus as the material, a sea cucumber species with significant commercial importance. It was found that fCS was covalently attached to collagen fibrils via O-glycosidic linkages. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that fCS precipitate was present in gap regions of collagen fibrils as roughly globular or ellipsoidal dots. The fCS dots arranged circumferentially around the fibrils with an axial repeat period that matched the periodicity of the fibrils. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the presence of fCS significantly increased the negative charge of the fibrils. These findings provide novel insight into fCS distribution in the sea cucumber body wall and its supramolecular organization with other macromolecules. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluative conditioning increases with temporal contiguity. The influence of stimulus order and stimulus interval on evaluative conditioning.

PubMed

Gast, Anne; Langer, Sebastian; Sengewald, Marie-Ann

2016-10-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is a change in valence that is due to pairing a conditioned stimulus (CS) with another, typically valent, unconditioned stimulus (US). This paper investigates how basic presentation parameters moderate EC effects. In two studies we tested the effectiveness of different temporal relations of the CS and the US, that is, the order in which the stimuli were presented and the temporal distance between them. Both studies showed that the size of EC effects was independent of the presentation order of CS and US within a stimulus pair. Contrary to classical conditioning effects, EC effects are thus not most pronounced after CS-first presentations. Furthermore, as shown in Experiment 2, EC effects increased in magnitude as the temporal interval between CS and US presentations decreased. Experiment 1 showed largest EC effects in the condition with simultaneous presentations - which can be seen as the condition with the temporally closest presentation. In this Experiment stimuli were presented in two different modalities, which might have facilitated simultaneous processing. In Experiment 2, in which all stimuli were presented visually, this advantage of simultaneous presentation was not found. We discuss practical and theoretical implications of our findings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of anti-Toxoplasma activity of SDZ 215-918, a cyclosporin derivative lacking immunosuppressive and peptidyl-prolyl-isomerase-inhibiting activity: possible role of a P glycoprotein in Toxoplasma physiology.

PubMed Central

Silverman, J A; Hayes, M L; Luft, B J; Joiner, K A

1997-01-01

The immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A (CsA) also possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Previous investigators have reported that the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is sensitive to CsA. We have measured the sensitivity of Toxoplasma to 26 CsA derivatives that maintain only a subset of the parent compound's activity. We identified one compound, SDZ 215-918, that is a particularly potent inhibitor of parasite invasion and replication, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.45 microg/ml, which is 10-fold lower than that of CsA. Kinetic studies demonstrate that activity has a rapid onset (half-life, < or = 20 min) and is initially reversible, although long-term exposure (> 24 h) to 5 microg/ml is lethal; in contrast, this concentration had no effect on host cell protein synthesis or cell division. SDZ 215-918 acts directly on the parasite, as demonstrated by inhibition of macromolecular synthesis in host-free extracellular parasites. Inhibition of invasion is due to a reduction in parasite motility. SDZ 215-918 does not bind to cyclophilins, the ubiquitous cyclosporin-binding proteins, but is a potent inhibitor of the mammalian P glycoprotein, a member of the ATP binding cassette transporter superfamily and the pump responsible for multidrug resistance in cancer and parasite cell lines. SDZ 215-918 blocks the efflux of rhodamine 123 from extracellular parasites, consistent with inhibition of a P glycoprotein-like pump. We suggest that a P glycoprotein or a related transporter plays a crucial role in the biology of Toxoplasma and may be a novel target for antiparasitic compounds. Preliminary studies with animals indicate that SDZ 215-918 inhibits parasite growth in vivo; its relationship to CsA may make it suitable for clinical development. PMID:9303374

Spontaneous Recovery after Extinction of the Conditioned Proboscis Extension Response in the Honeybee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sandoz, Jean-Christophe; Pham-Delegue, Minh-Ha

2004-01-01

In honeybees, the proboscis extension response (PER) can be conditioned by associating an odor stimulus (CS) to a sucrose reward (US). Conditioned responses to the CS, which are acquired by most bees after a single CS-US pairing, disappear after repeated unrewarded presentations of the CS, a process called extinction. Extinction is usually thought…

Oral Conditioned Cues Can Enhance or Inhibit Ethanol (EtOH)-Seeking and EtOH-Relapse Drinking by Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats.

PubMed

Knight, Christopher P; Hauser, Sheketha R; Deehan, Gerald A; Toalston, Jamie E; McBride, William J; Rodd, Zachary A

2016-04-01

Conditioned cues can elicit drug-seeking in both humans and rodents. The majority of preclinical research has employed excitatory conditioned cues (stimuli present throughout the availability of a reinforcer), but oral consumption of alcohol is similar to a conditional stimuli (presence of stimuli is paired with the delivery of the reinforcer) approach. The current experiments attempted to determine the effects of conditional stimuli (both excitatory and inhibitory) on the expression of context-induced ethanol (EtOH)-seeking. Alcohol-preferring (P) rats self-administered EtOH and water in standard 2-lever operant chambers. A flavor was added to the EtOH solution (CS+) during the EtOH self-administration sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent extinction training (7 sessions), followed by a 2-week home cage period. Another flavor was present during extinction (CS-). Rats were exposed to a third flavor in a non-drug-paired environment (CS(0)). EtOH-seeking was assessed in the presence of no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0) in the dipper previously associated with EtOH self-administration (no EtOH available). Rats were maintained a week in their home cage before being returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH (flavored with no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0)). The results indicated that the presence of the CS+ enhanced EtOH-seeking, while the presence of the CS- suppressed EtOH-seeking. Similarly, adding the CS- flavor to 15% EtOH reduced responding for EtOH while the CS+ enhanced responding for EtOH during relapse testing. Overall, the data indicate that conditional stimuli are effective at altering both EtOH-seeking behavior and EtOH-relapse drinking. Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Oral Conditioned Cues Can Enhance or Inhibit EtOH-Seeking and EtOH Relapse Drinking by Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats

PubMed Central

Knight, Christopher P.; Hauser, Sheketha R.; Deehan, Gerald A.; Toalston, Jamie E.; McBride, William J.; Rodd, Zachary A.

2016-01-01

Background Conditioned cues can elicit drug-seeking in both humans and rodents. The majority of preclinical research has employed excitatory conditioned cues (stimuli present throughout the availability of a reinforcer), but oral consumption of alcohol is similar to a conditional stimuli (presence of stimuli is paired with the delivery of the reinforcer) approach. The current experiments attempted to determine the effects of conditional stimuli (both excitatory and inhibitory) on the expression of context-induced ethanol (EtOH)-seeking. Methods Alcohol-preferring (P) rats self-administered EtOH and water in standard 2-lever operant chambers. A flavor was added to the EtOH solution (CS+) during the EtOH self-administration sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent extinction training (7 sessions), followed by a 2-week home cage period. Another flavor was present during extinction (CS-). Rats were exposed to a third flavor in a non-drug paired environment (CS0). EtOH-seeking was assessed in the presence of no cue, CS+, CS- or CS0 in the dipper previously associated with EtOH self-administration (no EtOH available). Rats were maintained a week in their home cage before being returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH (flavored with no Cue, CS+, CS- or CS0). Results The results indicated that the presence of the CS+ enhanced EtOH-seeking, while the presence of the CS- suppressed EtOH-seeking. Similarly, adding the CS- flavor to 15% EtOH reduced responding for EtOH while the CS+ enhanced responding for EtOH during relapse testing. Conclusions Overall, the data indicate that conditional stimuli are effective at altering both EtOH-seeking behavior and EtOH relapse drinking. PMID:27038599

Conditioned stimulus control in the rat circadian system depends on clock resetting during conditioning.

PubMed

Arvanitogiannis, A; Amir, S

1999-12-01

The authors examined the ability of a conditioned stimulus (CS; mild air disturbance) previously paired with an entraining light pulse to reset the circadian pacemaker in rats. Rats were entrained to a single 30-min light stimulus delivered every 25 hr or 24 hr (T cycle). Each daily light presentation was paired with the CS. After at least 20 days of stable entrainment to each of the T cycles, the rats were allowed to free run and were then presented with the CS at circadian time 15. CS-induced phase shifts in wheel-running activity rhythms were taken as evidence for conditioning. For the most part, conditioning occurred after CS-light pairings on the 25-hr but not 24-hr T cycle. The results suggest that CS control of the circadian clock phase depends on the effect that the entraining light pulse has on the clock during conditioning.

Calcium Phosphate Cement with Antimicrobial Properties and Radiopacity as an Endodontic Material

PubMed Central

Shieh, Tzong-Ming; Hsu, Shih-Ming; Chang, Kai-Chi; Lin, Dan-Jae

2017-01-01

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have several advantages for use as endodontic materials, and such advantages include ease of use, biocompatibility, potential hydroxyapatite-forming ability, and bond creation between the dentin and appropriate filling materials. However, unlike tricalcium silicate (CS)-based materials, CPCs do not have antibacterial properties. The present study doped a nonwashable CPC with 0.25–1.0 wt % hinokitiol and added 0, 5, and 10 wt % CS. The CPCs with 0.25–0.5 wt % hinokitiol showed appreciable antimicrobial properties without alterations in their working or setting times, mechanical properties, or cytocompatibility. Addition of CS slightly retarded the apatite formation of CPC and the working and setting time was obviously reduced. Moreover, addition of CS dramatically increased the compressive strength of CPC. Doping CS with 5 wt % ZnO provided additional antibacterial effects to the present CPC system. CS and hinokitiol exerted a synergic antibacterial effect, and the CPC with 0.25 wt % hinokitiol and 10 wt % CS (doped with 5 wt % ZnO) had higher antibacterial properties than that of pure CS. The addition of 10 wt % bismuth subgallate doubled the CPC radiopacity. The results demonstrate that hinokitiol and CS can improve the antibacterial properties of CPCs, and they can thus be considered for endodontic applications. PMID:29088119

Mitochondria-targeted therapies for acute kidney injury.

PubMed

Tábara, Luis Carlos; Poveda, Jonay; Martin-Cleary, Catalina; Selgas, Rafael; Ortiz, Alberto; Sanchez-Niño, Maria D

2014-08-08

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical condition with no effective treatment. Tubular cells are key targets in AKI. Tubular cells and, specifically, proximal tubular cells are extremely rich in mitochondria and mitochondrial changes had long been known to be a feature of AKI. However, only recent advances in understanding the molecules involved in mitochondria biogenesis and dynamics and the availability of mitochondria-targeted drugs has allowed the exploration of the specific role of mitochondria in AKI. We now review the morphological and functional mitochondrial changes during AKI, as well as changes in the expression of mitochondrial genes and proteins. Finally, we summarise the current status of novel therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mitochondria such as mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening inhibitors (cyclosporine A (CsA)), quinone analogues (MitoQ, SkQ1 and SkQR1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics (Mito-CP), Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptides (Bendavia) and mitochondrial division inhibitors (mdivi-1). MitoQ, SkQ1, SkQR1, Mito-CP, Bendavia and mdivi-1 have improved the course of diverse experimental models of AKI. Evidence for a beneficial effect of CsA on human cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion injury derives from a clinical trial; however, CsA is nephrotoxic. MitoQ and Bendavia have been shown to be safe for humans. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the efficacy of Bendavia in AKI prevention following renal artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Effects of an ethanol-paired CS on responding for ethanol and food: Comparisons with a stimulus in a Truly-Random-Control group and to a food-paired CS on responding for food.

PubMed

Lamb, R J; Ginsburg, Brett C; Schindler, Charles W

2016-12-01

Motivational increases due to exposure to alcohol-paired Conditioned Stimuli (CS) are central to some accounts of alcoholism. However, few studies isolate a stimulus's function as a CS from its other potential functions. Pavlovian-Instrumental-Transfer (PIT) procedures isolate a stimulus's function as a CS from its other functions. Though there are several relevant studies using PIT, knowledge gaps exist. Particularly, it is not clear that an alcohol-paired CS will increase alcohol seeking compared to the same stimulus in a Truly-Random-Control group, nor whether such increases are specific to alcohol seeking. To address these knowledge gaps in Experiment 1, rats responded for ethanol (0.1 ml 8% w/v) under an RI 30-sec schedule, then the lever was removed and half the rats had ethanol delivered during occasional 120-sec light presentations, while the remainder had ethanol and the light presented under independent RT schedules. Later the lever was returned and the light was presented during responding in extinction (PIT test). Following this test, levers were again removed and the light was presented without ethanol (light extinction), following again by a PIT test. Responding in the two groups during light presentations did not differ in either PIT test. Experiment 2 repeated Experiment 1 using food instead of ethanol. In Experiment 2, responding during light presentations increased in the paired group. In Experiment 3, rats were trained on a concurrent FR schedule of food and ethanol delivery. Ethanol was delivered following 5 responses and the response requirement for food adjusted so that similar numbers of food and ethanol deliveries were obtained. Subsequently, rats underwent conditioning, control and testing procedures identical to those in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3, the ethanol-paired CS increased ethanol-responding, but not food-responding. These results are most easily interpreted as changes in responding resulting from CS-elicited behavior rather than motivational changes. This interpretation is more compatible with some descriptions of the role of an alcohol-paired CS in alcoholism than others. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nucleus accumbens neurons encode Pavlovian approach behaviors: evidence from an autoshaping paradigm.

PubMed

Day, Jeremy J; Wheeler, Robert A; Roitman, Mitchell F; Carelli, Regina M

2006-03-01

Environmental stimuli predictive of appetitive events can elicit Pavlovian approach responses that enhance an organism's ability to track and secure natural rewards, but may also contribute to the compulsive nature of drug addiction. Here, we examined the activity of individual nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons during an autoshaping paradigm. One conditioned stimulus (CS+, a retractable lever presented for 10 s) was immediately followed by the delivery of a 45-mg sucrose pellet to a food receptacle, while another stimulus (CS-, a separate retractable lever presented for 10 s) was never followed by sucrose. Approach responses directed at the CS+ and CS- were recorded as lever presses and had no experimental consequence. Rats (n = 9) selectively approached the CS+ on more than 80% of trials and were surgically prepared for electrophysiological recording. Of 76 NAc neurons, 57 cells (75%) exhibited increases and/or decreases in firing rate (i.e. termed 'phasically active') during the CS+ presentation and corresponding approach response. Forty-seven percent of phasically active cells (27 out of 57) were characterized by time-locked but transient increases in cell firing, while 53% (30 out of 57) showed a significant reduction in firing for the duration of the CS+. In contrast, the same excitatory subpopulation exhibited smaller increases in activity relative to CS- onset, while the inhibitory subpopulation showed no change in firing during the CS- period. The magnitude and prevalence of cue-related neural responses reported here indicates that the NAc encodes biologically significant, repetitive approach responses that may model the compulsive nature of drug addiction in humans.

Unconditioned- and Conditioned- Stimuli Induce Differential Memory Reconsolidation and β-AR-Dependent CREB Activation

PubMed Central

Huang, Bing; Zhu, Huiwen; Zhou, Yiming; Liu, Xing; Ma, Lan

2017-01-01

Consolidated long-term fear memories become labile and reconsolidated upon retrieval by the presentation of conditioned stimulus (CS) or unconditioned stimulus (US). Whether CS-retrieval or US-retrieval will trigger different memory reconsolidation processes is unknown. In this study, we introduced a sequential fear conditioning paradigm in which footshock (FS) was paired with two distinct sounds (CS-A and CS-B). The treatment with propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) antagonist, after US (FS)-retrieval impaired freezing behavior evoked by either CS-A or CS-B. Betaxolol, a selective β1-AR antagonist, showed similar effects. However, propranolol treatment after retrieval by one CS (e.g., CS-A) only inhibited freezing behavior evoked by the same CS (i.e., CS-A), not the other CS (CS-B). These data suggest that β-AR is critically involved in reconsolidation of fear memory triggered by US- and CS-retrieval, whereas β-AR blockade after US-retrieval disrupts more CS-US associations than CS-retrieval does. Furthermore, significant CREB activation in almost the whole amygdala and hippocampus was observed after US-retrieval, but CS-retrieval only stimulated CREB activation in the lateral amygdala and the CA3 of hippocampus. In addition, propranolol treatment suppressed memory retrieval-induced CREB activation. These data indicate that US-retrieval activates more memory traces than CS-retrieval does, leading to memory reconsolidation of more CS-US associations. PMID:28848401

Contextual fear conditioning differs for infant, adolescent, and adult rats

PubMed Central

Esmorís-Arranz, Francisco J.; Méndez, Cástor; Spear, Norman E.

2009-01-01

Contextual fear conditioning was tested in infant, adolescent, and adult rats in terms of Pavlovian conditioned suppression. When a discrete auditory conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with footshock (unconditioned stimulus, US) within the largely olfactory context, infants and adolescents conditioned to the context with substantial effectiveness but adult rats did not. When unpaired presentations of the CS and US occurred within the context, contextual fear conditioning was strong for adults, weak for infants, but about as strong for adolescents as when pairings of CS and US occurred in the context. Nonreinforced presentations of either the CS or context markedly reduced contextual fear conditioning in infants, but, in adolescents, CS extinction had no effect on contextual fear conditioning, although context extinction significantly reduced it. Neither CS extinction nor context extinction affected responding to the CS-context compound in infants, suggesting striking discrimination between the compound and its components. Female adolescents showed the same lack of effect of component extinction on response to the compound as infants, but CS extinction reduced responding to the compound in adolescent males, a sex difference seen also in adults. Theoretical implications are discussed for the development of perceptual-cognitive processing and hippocampus role. PMID:18343048

Changing the Paradigm: Preparing Students for the Computing Profession in the 21st Century

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robbins, Kay A.

2003-01-01

The dramatic technological developments of the past decade have led to a tremendous growth in the demand for computer science professionals well-versed in advanced technology and techniques. NASA, traditionally a haven for cutting-edge innovators, is now competing with every industrial and government sector for computer science talent. The computer science program at University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) faces challenges beyond those intrinsically presented by rapid technological change, because a significant number of UTSA students come from low-income families with no Internet or computer access at home. An examination of enrollment statistics for the computer science program at UTSA showed that very few students who entered as freshmen successfully graduated. The upper division courses appeared to be populated by graduate students removing deficiencies and by transfer students. The faculty was also concerned that the students who did graduate from the program did not have the strong technical and programming skills that the CS program had been noted for in the community during the 1980's.

Amorphous solid dispersion of cyclosporine A prepared with fine droplet drying process: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterization.

PubMed

Suzuki, Hiroki; Moritani, Tatsuru; Morinaga, Tadahiko; Seto, Yoshiki; Sato, Hideyuki; Onoue, Satomi

2017-03-15

The present study aimed to develop an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of cyclosporine A (CsA) by a fine droplet drying (FDD) process for improvement in oral absorption of CsA. CsA and hydroxypropyl cellulose-SSL were dissolved in 1,4-dioxane, and the solution was powdered by the FDD process to obtain the ASD formulation of CsA (ASD/CsA). The ASD/CsA was characterized in terms of morphology, particle size distribution, crystallinity, dissolution behavior, physicochemical stability, and pharmacokinetic behavior in rats. The ASD/CsA was obtained in the form of uniform spherical particles, and the span factor was calculated to be ca. 0.4. CsA in the formulation existed in an amorphous state. The ASD/CsA exhibited a higher dissolution behavior of CsA than amorphous CsA, whereas storage of the ASD/CsA under accelerated conditions led to impairment in the dissolution behavior. The constant release of CsA from non-aged ASD/CsA was observed during dissolution testing. After oral administration of CsA samples (10mg-CsA/kg) in rats, the ASD/CsA showed a high and sustained plasma concentration of CsA as evidenced by a 18-fold increase in the oral bioavailability of CsA compared with amorphous CsA. From these findings, the FDD process might be an efficacious option for the ASD formulation of CsA with enhanced biopharmaceutics properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of UCS intensity and duration of exposure of nonreinforced CS on conditioned electrodermal responses: an experimental analysis of the incubation theory of anxiety.

PubMed

Chorot, P; Sandín, B

1993-12-01

Eysenck's incubation theory of fear or anxiety was examined in a human Pavlovian conditioning experiment with skin-conductance responses as the dependent variable. The conditioned stimuli (CSs) were fear-relevant slides (snakes and spiders) and the unconditioned stimuli (UCSs) were aversive tones. Different groups of subjects were presented two tone intensities during the acquisition phase and three durations of nonreinforced CS (extinction phase) in a delay differential conditioning paradigm. Resistance to extinction of conditioned skin-conductance responses (conditioned fear responses) exhibited was largest for high intensity of tone and short presentations of the nonreinforced CS (CS+presented alone). The result tends to support Eysenck's incubation theory of anxiety.

Structural and electronic studies of metal carbide clusterfullerene Sc2C2@Cs-C72

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yongqiang; Wang, Taishan; Wu, Jingyi; Feng, Lai; Xiang, Junfeng; Ma, Yihan; Zhang, Zhuxia; Jiang, Li; Shu, Chunying; Wang, Chunru

2013-07-01

We present a metal carbide clusterfullerene Sc2C2@Cs(10528)-C72, whose structure has been baffling for many years. A motional endohedral Sc2C2 cluster, special molecule geometry and electronic structure were found in Sc2C2@Cs(10528)-C72. The paramagnetic Sc2C2@Cs-C72 anion radical was successfully prepared by a chemical reduction method and hyperfine couplings in the ESR spectrum were observed.We present a metal carbide clusterfullerene Sc2C2@Cs(10528)-C72, whose structure has been baffling for many years. A motional endohedral Sc2C2 cluster, special molecule geometry and electronic structure were found in Sc2C2@Cs(10528)-C72. The paramagnetic Sc2C2@Cs-C72 anion radical was successfully prepared by a chemical reduction method and hyperfine couplings in the ESR spectrum were observed. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, HPLC chromatogram, and DFT calculations. CCDC 917712. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01739g

Classic conditioning of the ventilatory responses in rats.

PubMed

Nsegbe, E; Vardon, G; Perruchet, P; Gallego, J

1997-10-01

Recent authors have stressed the role of conditioning in the control of breathing, but experimental evidence of this role is still sparse and contradictory. To establish that classic conditioning of the ventilatory responses can occur in rats, we performed a controlled experiment in which a 1-min tone [conditioned stimulus (CS)] was paired with a hypercapnic stimulus [8.5% CO2, unconditioned stimulus (US)]. The experimental group (n = 9) received five paired CS-US presentations, followed by one CS alone to test conditioning. This sequence was repeated six times. The control group (n = 7) received the same number of CS and US, but each US was delivered 3 min after the CS. We observed that after the CS alone, breath duration was significantly longer in the experimental than in the control group and mean ventilation was significantly lower, thus showing inhibitory conditioning. This conditioning may have resulted from the association between the CS and the inhibitory and aversive effects of CO2. The present results confirmed the high sensitivity of the respiratory controller to conditioning processes.

Chondroitin Sulfate Is Indispensable for Pluripotency and Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izumikawa, Tomomi; Sato, Ban; Kitagawa, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans are present on the surfaces of virtually all cells and in the extracellular matrix and are required for cytokinesis at early developmental stages. Studies have shown that heparan sulfate (HS) is essential for maintaining mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that are primed for differentiation, whereas the function of CS has not yet been elucidated. To clarify the role of CS, we generated glucuronyltransferase-I-knockout ESCs lacking CS. We found that CS was required to maintain the pluripotency of ESCs and promoted initial ESC commitment to differentiation compared with HS. In addition, CS-A and CS-E polysaccharides, but not CS-C polysaccharides, bound to E-cadherin and enhanced ESC differentiation. Multiple-lineage differentiation was inhibited in chondroitinase ABC-digested wild-type ESCs. Collectively, these results suggest that CS is a novel determinant in controlling the functional integrity of ESCs via binding to E-cadherin.

Removal of radioactive iodine and cesium in water purification processes after an explosion at a nuclear power plant due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

PubMed

Kosaka, Koji; Asami, Mari; Kobashigawa, Naoya; Ohkubo, Keiko; Terada, Hiroshi; Kishida, Naohiro; Akiba, Michihiro

2012-09-15

The presence of radionuclides at five water purification plants was investigated after an explosion at a nuclear power plant hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011. Radioactive iodine (¹³¹I) and cesium (¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs) were detected in raw water in Fukushima and neighboring prefectures. ¹³¹I was not removed by coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation. ¹³¹I was removed by granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC) at a level of about 30%-40%, although ¹³¹I was not removed in some cases. This was also confirmed by laboratory-scale experiments using PAC. The removal percentages of ¹³¹I in river and pond waters by 25 mg dry/L of PAC increased from 36% to 59% and from 41% to 48%, respectively, with chlorine dosing before PAC. ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs were effectively removed by coagulation at both a water purification plant and in laboratory-scale experiments when turbidity was relatively high. In contrast, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in pond water with low turbidity were not removed by coagulation. This was because ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in river water were present mainly in particulate form, while in pond water they were present mainly as cesium ions (¹³⁴Cs+ and ¹³⁷Cs+). However, the removal of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in pond water by coagulation increased markedly when ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs were mixed with sediment 24 h before coagulation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method for ultra-trace cesium isotope ratio measurements from environmental samples using thermal ionization mass spectrometry

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

Snow, Mathew S.; Snyder, Darin C.; Mann, Nick R.

2015-05-01

135Cs/ 137Cs isotope ratios can provide the age, origin and history of environmental Cs contamination. Relatively high precision 135Cs/ 137Cs isotope ratio measurements from samples containing femtogram quantities of 137Cs are needed to accurately track contamination resuspension and redistribution following environmental 137Cs releases; however, mass spectrometric analyses of environmental samples are limited by the large quantities of ionization inhibitors and isobaric interferences which are present at relatively high concentrations in the environment. We report a new approach for Cs purification from environmental samples. An initial ammonium molybdophosphate-polyacrylonitrile (AMP-PAN) column provides a robust method for extracting Cs under a wide varietymore » of sample matrices and mass loads. Cation exchange separations using a second AMP-PAN column result in more than two orders of magnitude greater Cs/Rb separation factors than commercially available strong cation exchangers. Coupling an AMP-PAN cation exchanging step to a microcation column (AG50W resin) enables consistent 2-4% (2σ) measurement errors for samples containing 3-6,000 fg 137Cs, representing the highest precision 135Cs/ 137Cs ratio measurements currently reported for soil samples at the femtogram level.« less

135Cs activity and 135Cs/137Cs atom ratio in environmental samples before and after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

PubMed Central

Yang, Guosheng; Tazoe, Hirofumi; Yamada, Masatoshi

2016-01-01

135Cs/137Cs is a potential tracer for radiocesium source identification. However, due to the challenge to measure 135Cs, there were no 135Cs data available for Japanese environmental samples before the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. It was only 3 years after the accident that limited 135Cs values could be measured in heavily contaminated environmental samples. In the present study, activities of 134Cs, 135Cs, and 137Cs, along with their ratios in 67 soil and plant samples heavily and lightly contaminated by the FDNPP accident were measured by combining γ spectrometry with ICP-MS/MS. The arithmetic means of the 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio (1.033 ± 0.006) and 135Cs/137Cs atom ratio (0.334 ± 0.005) (decay corrected to March 11, 2011), from old leaves of plants collected immediately after the FDNPP accident, were confirmed to represent the FDNPP derived radiocesium signature. Subsequently, for the first time, trace 135Cs amounts before the FDNPP accident were deduced according to the contribution of global and FDNPP accident-derived fallout. Apart from two soil samples with a tiny global fallout contribution, contributions of global fallout radiocesium in other soil samples were observed to be 0.338%–52.6%. The obtained 135Cs/137Cs database will be useful for its application as a geochemical tracer in the future. PMID:27052481

Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test Scores and Lower Extremity Injury in NCAA Division I Athletes.

PubMed

Lai, Wilson C; Wang, Dean; Chen, James B; Vail, Jeremy; Rugg, Caitlin M; Hame, Sharon L

2017-08-01

Functional movement tests that are predictive of injury risk in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes are useful tools for sports medicine professionals. The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) measures single-leg balance and reach distances in 3 directions. To assess whether the YBT-LQ predicts the laterality and risk of sports-related lower extremity (LE) injury in NCAA athletes. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. The YBT-LQ was administered to 294 NCAA Division I athletes from 21 sports during preparticipation physical examinations at a single institution. Athletes were followed prospectively over the course of the corresponding season. Correlation analysis was performed between the laterality of reach asymmetry and composite scores (CS) versus the laterality of injury. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal asymmetry cutoff score for YBT-LQ. A multivariate regression analysis adjusting for sex, sport type, body mass index, and history of prior LE surgery was performed to assess predictors of earlier and higher rates of injury. Neither the laterality of reach asymmetry nor the CS correlated with the laterality of injury. ROC analysis found optimal cutoff scores of 2, 9, and 3 cm for anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach, respectively. All of these potential cutoff scores, along with a cutoff score of 4 cm used in the majority of prior studies, were associated with poor sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, none of the asymmetric cutoff scores were associated with earlier or increased rate of injury in the multivariate analyses. YBT-LQ scores alone do not predict LE injury in this collegiate athlete population. Sports medicine professionals should be cautioned against using the YBT-LQ alone to screen for injury risk in collegiate athletes.

Conversion to Sirolimus Ameliorates Cyclosporine-Induced Nephropathy in the Rat: Focus on Serum, Urine, Gene, and Protein Renal Expression Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Sereno, José; Nunes, Sara; Rodrigues-Santos, Paulo; Rocha-Pereira, Petronila; Fernandes, João; Teixeira, Frederico; Reis, Flávio

2014-01-01

Protocols of conversion from cyclosporin A (CsA) to sirolimus (SRL) have been widely used in immunotherapy after transplantation to prevent CsA-induced nephropathy, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these protocols remain nuclear. This study aimed to identify the molecular pathways and putative biomarkers of CsA-to-SRL conversion in a rat model. Four animal groups (n = 6) were tested during 9 weeks: control, CsA, SRL, and conversion (CsA for 3 weeks followed by SRL for 6 weeks). Classical and emergent serum, urinary, and kidney tissue (gene and protein expression) markers were assessed. Renal lesions were analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome stains. SRL-treated rats presented proteinuria and NGAL (serum and urinary) as the best markers of renal impairment. Short CsA treatment presented slight or even absent kidney lesions and TGF-β, NF-κ β, mTOR, PCNA, TP53, KIM-1, and CTGF as relevant gene and protein changes. Prolonged CsA exposure aggravated renal damage, without clear changes on the traditional markers, but with changes in serums TGF-β and IL-7, TBARs clearance, and kidney TGF-β and mTOR. Conversion to SRL prevented CsA-induced renal damage evolution (absent/mild grade lesions), while NGAL (serum versus urine) seems to be a feasible biomarker of CsA replacement to SRL. PMID:24971338

Compressive Sensing Image Sensors-Hardware Implementation

PubMed Central

Dadkhah, Mohammadreza; Deen, M. Jamal; Shirani, Shahram

2013-01-01

The compressive sensing (CS) paradigm uses simultaneous sensing and compression to provide an efficient image acquisition technique. The main advantages of the CS method include high resolution imaging using low resolution sensor arrays and faster image acquisition. Since the imaging philosophy in CS imagers is different from conventional imaging systems, new physical structures have been developed for cameras that use the CS technique. In this paper, a review of different hardware implementations of CS encoding in optical and electrical domains is presented. Considering the recent advances in CMOS (complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) technologies and the feasibility of performing on-chip signal processing, important practical issues in the implementation of CS in CMOS sensors are emphasized. In addition, the CS coding for video capture is discussed. PMID:23584123

Computational Exploration of the Surface Properties of Cs2Te5 Photoemissive Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruth, Anthony; Nemeth, Karoly; Harkay, Katherine; Spentzouris, Linda; Terry, Jeff

2013-03-01

Cs2Te is a broadly used photoemissive material due to its exceptionally high quantum efficiency (~ 20%). Our group has recently predicted that the acetylation of this material (Cs2TeC2) would lower its workfunction down to about 2.4 eV from ~ 3 eV, and preserve its high quantum efficiency. Such a modification is advantageous because visible light can be used in the operation of such a photoemissive device instead of ultraviolet light. To explore other variants of Cs2Te, we conducted DFT-based computational analysis of the photoemissive properties of Cs2Te5 which is a known phase of Cs and Te. Cs2Te5 attracted our attention for its rod-like 1D Te substructures embedded in a Cs matrix. This structure is similar to Cs2TeC2 as Cs2TeC2 contains TeC2 polymeric rods in a Cs matrix. In addition to that, exploration of various Cesium Telluride phases is necessary to better understand the working of Cs2Te photocathodes. We have calculated surface energies, workfunctions, and optical absorption spectra of several different surfaces of Cs2Te5. A comparison of the properties of various Cs2Te5 surfaces and their utilization in photoemissive devices will be presented.

Dissociable effects of cingulate and medial frontal cortex lesions on stimulus-reward learning using a novel Pavlovian autoshaping procedure for the rat: implications for the neurobiology of emotion.

PubMed

Bussey, T J; Everitt, B J; Robbins, T W

1997-10-01

The effects of quinolinic acid-induced lesions of the anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, and medial frontal cortices on stimulus-reward learning were investigated with a novel Pavlovian autoshaping procedure in an apparatus allowing the automated presentation of computer-graphic stimuli to rats (T. J. Bussey, J. L. Muir, & T. W. Robbins, 1994). White vertical rectangles were presented on the left or the right of a computer screen. One of these conditioned stimuli (the CS+) was always followed by the presentation of a sucrose pellet; the other, the CS-, was never followed by reward. With training, rats came to approach the CS+ more often than the CS-. Anterior cingulate cortex-lesioned rats failed to demonstrate normal discriminated approach, making significantly more approaches to the CS- than did sham-operated controls. Medial frontal cortex-lesioned rats acquired the task normally but had longer overall approach latencies. Posterior cingulate cortex lesions did not affect acquisition.

CsMAP34, a teleost MAP with dual role: A promoter of MASP-assisted complement activation and a regulator of immune cell activity.

PubMed

Li, Mo-Fei; Li, Jun; Sun, Li

2016-12-23

In teleost fish, the immune functions of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) associated protein (MAP) and MBL associated serine protease (MASP) are scarcely investigated. In the present study, we examined the biological properties both MAP (CsMAP34) and MASP (CsMASP1) molecules from tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). We found that CsMAP34 and CsMASP1 expressions occurred in nine different tissues and were upregulated by bacterial challenge. CsMAP34 protein was detected in blood, especially during bacterial infection. Recombinant CsMAP34 (rCsMAP34) bound C. semilaevis MBL (rCsBML) when the latter was activated by bacteria, while recombinant CsMASP1 (rCsMASP1) bound activated rCsBML only in the presence of rCsMAP34. rCsMAP34 stimulated the hemolytic and bactericidal activities of serum complement, whereas anti-CsMAP34 antibody blocked complement activities. Knockdown of CsMASP1 in C. semilaevis resulted in significant inhibition of complement activities. Furthermore, rCsMAP34 interacted directly with peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and enhanced the respiratory burst, acid phosphatase activity, chemotactic activity, and gene expression of PBL. These results indicate for the first time that a teleost MAP acts one hand as a regulator that promotes the lectin pathway of complement activation via its ability to recruit MBL to MASP, and other hand as a modulator of immune cell activity.

Inter-BSs virtual private network for privacy and security enhanced 60 GHz radio-over-fiber system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chongfu; Chen, Chen; Zhang, Wei; Jin, Wei; Qiu, Kun; Li, Changchun; Jiang, Ning

2013-06-01

A novel inter-basestations (inter-BSs) based virtual private network (VPN) for the privacy and security enhanced 60 GHz radio-over-fiber (RoF) system using optical code-division multiplexing (OCDM) is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. By establishing inter-BSs VPN overlaying the network structure of a 60 GHz RoF system, the express and private paths for the communication of end-users under different BSs can be offered. In order to effectively establish the inter-BSs VPN, the OCDM encoding/decoding technology is employed in the RoF system. In each BS, a 58 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) is used as the inter-BSs VPN channel, while a 60 GHz MMW is used as the common central station (CS)-BSs communication channel. The optical carriers used for the downlink, uplink and VPN link transmissions are all simultaneously generated in a lightwave-centralized CS, by utilizing four-wave mixing (FWM) effect in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The obtained results properly verify the feasibility of our proposed configuration of the inter-BSs VPN in the 60 GHz RoF system.

Civil society in a divided society: Linking legitimacy and ethnicness of civil society organizations in Bosnia-Herzegovina

PubMed Central

Puljek-Shank, Randall; Verkoren, Willemijn

2016-01-01

Civil society (CS) strengthening is central to peacebuilding policies for divided, post-war societies. However, it has been criticized for creating internationalized organizations without local backing, unable to represent citizens’ interests. Based on in-depth empirical research in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this article focuses on the legitimacy of CS organizations (CSOs). It explores why legitimacy for donors rarely accompanies legitimacy for local actors. We hypothesized that whilst donors avoid supporting mono-ethnic organizations, seen as problematic for peacebuilding, ‘ethnicness’ may provide local legitimacy. However, our analysis of CSOs’ ethnicness nuances research characterizing organizations as either inclusive or divisive. Moreover, local legitimacy is not based on ethnicness per se, but CSOs’ ability to skilfully interact with ethnically divided constituencies and political structures. In addition, we offer novel explanations why few organizations enjoy both donor and local legitimacy, including local mistrust of donors’ normative frameworks and perceived lack of results. However, we also show that a combination of local and donor legitimacy is possible, and explore this rare but interesting category of organizations. PMID:28546640

Civil society in a divided society: Linking legitimacy and ethnicness of civil society organizations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

PubMed

Puljek-Shank, Randall; Verkoren, Willemijn

2017-06-01

Civil society (CS) strengthening is central to peacebuilding policies for divided, post-war societies. However, it has been criticized for creating internationalized organizations without local backing, unable to represent citizens' interests. Based on in-depth empirical research in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this article focuses on the legitimacy of CS organizations (CSOs). It explores why legitimacy for donors rarely accompanies legitimacy for local actors. We hypothesized that whilst donors avoid supporting mono-ethnic organizations, seen as problematic for peacebuilding, 'ethnicness' may provide local legitimacy. However, our analysis of CSOs' ethnicness nuances research characterizing organizations as either inclusive or divisive. Moreover, local legitimacy is not based on ethnicness per se, but CSOs' ability to skilfully interact with ethnically divided constituencies and political structures. In addition, we offer novel explanations why few organizations enjoy both donor and local legitimacy, including local mistrust of donors' normative frameworks and perceived lack of results. However, we also show that a combination of local and donor legitimacy is possible, and explore this rare but interesting category of organizations.

137Cs contained in books printed during the 1960s in Japan.

PubMed

Kobashi, A

2001-09-01

Radioactivity values of 137Cs in printed pages and covers of hardbound books issued during the 1960s in Japan were measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. The result showed that the main source of 137Cs present in the books was rice straw used to make the backing board of covers. The 1965 peak of 137Cs content of the book was explained by the variation of 137Cs content of rice straw with the harvest year and a change of the kind of board.

Comparison between capillary electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography for detection and quantification of Hb constant spring [Hb CS; α142, Term→Gln (TAA>CAA IN α2)].

PubMed

Waneesorn, Jarurin; Panyasai, Sitthichai; Kongthai, Kanyakan; Singboottra, Panthong; Pornprasert, Sakorn

2011-01-01

Hb Constant Spring [Hb CS; α142, Term→Gln (TAA>CAA in α2)] is often missed by routine laboratory testing since its mRNA as well as gene product are unstable and presented at a low level in peripheral blood. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for detecting and quantifying Hb CS in 19 heterozygotes and 14 homozygotes with Hb CS as well as 10 Hb H-CS disease subjects who were detected by molecular analysis. In the CE electrophoregram, Hb CS was seen at zone 2 and was observed in all samples, while the chromatogram of Hb CS peaks was found in 26.32% heterozygotes, 42.86% homozygotes and 90% Hb H-CS disease subjects, respectively. In addition, the Hb CS levels in each group of subjects quantified by CE were significantly higher than those quantified by HPLC. Based on the CE method, the lowest Hb CS level was found in the heterozygotes, whereas the highest level was found in the Hb H-CS disease patients. Therefore, the CE method was superior to the HPLC method for detecting Hb CS. Furthermore, the level of Hb CS quantified by CE proved useful in screening heterozygotes and homozygotes with Hb CS as well as Hb H-CS disease.

Carbon Disulfide (CS2) Mechanisms in Formation of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Formation from Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction and Processing Operations and Global Climate Change.

PubMed

Rich, Alisa L; Patel, Jay T

2015-01-01

Carbon disulfide (CS2) has been historically associated with the production of rayon, cellophane, and carbon tetrachloride. This study identifies multiple mechanisms by which CS2 contributes to the formation of CO2 in the atmosphere. CS2 and other associated sulfide compounds were found by this study to be present in emissions from unconventional shale gas extraction and processing (E&P) operations. The breakdown products of CS2; carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The heat-trapping nature of CO2 has been found to increase the surface temperature, resulting in regional and global climate change. The purpose of this study is to identify five mechanisms by which CS2 and the breakdown products of CS2 contribute to atmospheric concentrations of CO2. The five mechanisms of CO2 formation are as follows: Chemical Interaction of CS2 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) present in natural gas at high temperatures, resulting in CO2 formation;Combustion of CS2 in the presence of oxygen producing SO2 and CO2;Photolysis of CS2 leading to the formation of COS, CO, and SO2, which are indirect contributors to CO2 formation;One-step hydrolysis of CS2, producing reactive intermediates and ultimately forming H2S and CO2;Two-step hydrolysis of CS2 forming the reactive COS intermediate that reacts with an additional water molecule, ultimately forming H2S and CO2. CS2 and COS additionally are implicated in the formation of SO2 in the stratosphere and/or troposphere. SO2 is an indirect contributor to CO2 formation and is implicated in global climate change.

Social opportunity and ethanol drinking in rats.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Burger, Kelly M; Di Poce, Jason; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2004-11-01

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of pairings of ethanol sipper conditioned stimulus (CS) with social opportunity unconditioned stimulus (US) on ethanol sipper CS-directed drinking in rats. In both experiments, rats were deprived of neither food nor water, and initiation of drinking of unsweetened 3% ethanol was evaluated, as were the effects of increasing the concentration of unsweetened ethanol (3-10%) across sessions. In Experiment 1, Group Paired (n=8) received 35 trials per session wherein the ethanol sipper CS was presented for 10 s immediately prior to 15 s of social opportunity US. All rats initiated sipper CS-directed drinking of 3% ethanol. Increasing the concentration of ethanol in the sipper CS [(3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% (vol./vol.)] across sessions induced escalation of daily g/kg ethanol intake. To evaluate the hypothesis that the drinking in Group Paired was due to autoshaping, Experiment 2 included a pseudoconditioning control that received sipper CS and social opportunity US randomly with respect to one another. All rats in Group Paired (n=6) and in Group Random (n=6) initiated sipper CS-directed drinking of 3% ethanol and daily mean g/kg ethanol intake in the two groups was comparable. Also comparable was daily g/kg ethanol intake, which increased for both groups with the availability of higher concentrations of ethanol in the sipper CS, up to a maximum of approximately 0.8 g/kg ethanol intake of 10% ethanol. Results indicate that random presentations of ethanol sipper CS and social opportunity US induced reliable initiation and escalation of ethanol intake, and close temporally contiguous presentations of CS and US did not induce still additional ethanol intake. This may indicate that autoshaping CR performance is not induced by these procedures, or that high levels of ethanol intake induced by factors related to pseudoconditioning produces a ceiling effect. Implications for ethanol drinking in humans are discussed.

Comparative study of four interleukin 17 cytokines of tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis: Genomic structure, expression pattern, and promoter activity.

PubMed

Chi, Heng; Sun, Li

2015-11-01

The interleukin (IL)-17 cytokine family participates in the regulation of many cellular functions. In the present study, we analyzed the genomic structure, expression, and promoter activity of four IL-17 members from the teleost fish tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), i.e. CsIL-17C CsIL-17D, CsIL-17F, and IL-17F like (IL-17Fl). We found that CsIL-17C, CsIL-17D, CsIL-17F, and CsIL-17Fl share 21.2%-28.6% overall sequence identities among themselves and 31.5%-71.2% overall sequence identities with their counterparts in other teleost. All four CsIL-17 members possess an IL-17 domain and four conserved cysteine residues. Phylogenetic analysis classified the four CsIL-17 members into three clusters. Under normal physiological conditions, the four CsIL-17 expressed in multiple tissues, especially non-immune tissues. Bacterial infection upregulated the expression of all four CsIL-17, while viral infection upregulated the expression of CsIL-17D and CsIL-17Fl but downregulated the expression of CsIL-17C and CsIL-17F. The 1.2 kb 5'-flanking regions of the four CsIL-17 exhibited apparent promoter activity and contain a number of putative transcription factor-binding sites. Furthermore, the promoter activities of CsIL-17C, CsIL-17D, and CsIL-17F, but not CsIL-17Fl, were modulated to significant extents by lipopolysaccharide, PolyI:C, and PMA. This study provides the first evidence that in teleost, different IL-17 members differ in expression pattern and promoter activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and Evaluation of Newly Developed Chitosan Salt Coating Dispersions for Colon Delivery without Requiring Overcoating.

PubMed

Yamada, Kyohei; Iwao, Yasunori; Bani-Jaber, Ahmad; Noguchi, Shuji; Itai, Shigeru

2015-01-01

Although chitosan (CS) has been recognized as a good material for colon-specific drug delivery systems, an overcoating with an enteric coating polymer on the surface of CS is absolutely necessary because CS is soluble in acidic conditions before reaching the colon. In the present study, to improve its stability in the presence of acid, a newly developed CS-laurate (CS-LA) material was evaluated as a coating dispersion for the development of colon-specific drug delivery systems. Two types of CS with different molecular weights, CS250 and CS600, were used to prepare CS-LA films by the casting method. The CS250-LA films had smooth surfaces, whereas the surfaces of the CS600-LA films were rough, indicating that the CS250-LA dispersion could form a denser film than CS600-LA. Both of these CS-LA films maintained a constant shape over 22 h in a pH 1.2 HCl/NaCl buffer, where the corresponding CS films rapidly disintegrated. In addition, the CS250-LA film showed specific colon degradability in a pH 6.0 phosphate buffered solution containing 1.0% (w/v) β-glucosidase. As a result of tensile strength and elongation at the break, both CS-LA films were found to have flexible film properties. Finally, the release of acetaminophen from disks coated with CS250-LA dispersions was significantly suppressed in fluids at pH 1.2 and 6.8, whereas disks coated with CS solution rapidly released the drug in pH 1.2 fluids. Taken together, this study shows that LA modification could be a useful approach in preparing CS films with acid stability and colonic degradability properties without requiring overcoating.

A clinical study and meta-analysis of carotid stenosis with coexistent intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Yang, Ximeng; Lu, Jun; Wang, Junjie; Wang, Lijun; Qi, Peng; Hu, Shen; Chen, Kunpeng; Wang, Daming

2018-06-01

Carotid stenosis (CS) and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) may concur in one person. We studied the prevalence of IAs in CS patients in our retrospectively collected database and systematically reviewed this issue. Five hundred and fifty-seven CS (≥50%) patients confirmed by DSA in our hospital from 2010-06 to 2015-06 were screened for coexistent IAs. After searching the related literatures from English and Chinese journal literature databases, a meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence of CS with coexistent IAs. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the causes of heterogeneity among studies. IAs were detected in 98(17.0%) out of the 577 CS patients. 12 literatures and the present study including a total of 6965 CS patients and 446 cases with coexistent IAs. The pooled prevalence of CS with coexistent IAs was 6.3% (95%CI: 4.2-8.3%) in all the CS patients. The pooled RR for female to male CS patients to have coexistent IAs was 1.67 (95%CI: 1.34-2.08, P = 0.000). 3 studies and the present study were carried out in Asian countries with a pooled prevalence of 10.8% (95%CI: 5.3-16.3%); 6 studies in European countries with 3.0% (95%CI: 2.2-3.7%); and 3 studies in USA with 6.0% (95%CI: 2.2-9.7%). There was a statistically significant difference between the three subgroups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of IAs in CS patients seems higher in our clinical study and the meta-analysis than in the general population and previously reported. The eastern and the women CS patients have a higher risk for coexistent IAs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interoceptive fear conditioning and panic disorder: the role of conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus predictability.

PubMed

Acheson, Dean T; Forsyth, John P; Moses, Erica

2012-03-01

Interoceptive fear conditioning is at the core of contemporary behavioral accounts of panic disorder. Yet, to date only one study has attempted to evaluate interoceptive fear conditioning in humans (see Acheson, Forsyth, Prenoveau, & Bouton, 2007). That study used brief (physiologically inert) and longer-duration (panicogenic) inhalations of 20% CO(2)-enriched air as an interoceptive conditioned (CS) and unconditioned (US) stimulus and evaluated fear learning in three conditions: CS only, CS-US paired, and CS-US unpaired. Results showed fear conditioning in the paired condition, and fearful responding and resistance to extinction in an unpaired condition. The authors speculated that such effects may be due to difficulty discriminating between the CS and the US. The aims of the present study are to (a) replicate and expand this line of work using an improved methodology, and (b) clarify the role of CS-US discrimination difficulties in either potentiating or depotentiating fear learning. Healthy participants (N=104) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) CS only, (b) contingent CS-US pairings, (c) unpaired CS and US presentations, or (d) an unpaired "discrimination" contingency, which included an exteroceptive discrimination cue concurrently with CS onset. Electrodermal and self-report ratings served as indices of conditioned responding. Consistent with expectation, the paired contingency and unpaired contingencies yielded elevated fearful responding to the CS alone. Moreover, adding a discrimination cue to the unpaired contingency effectively attenuated fearful responding. Overall, findings are consistent with modern learning theory accounts of panic and highlight the role of interoceptive conditioning and unpredictability in the etiology of panic disorder. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Carbon Disulfide (CS2) Interference in Glucose Metabolism from Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction and Processing Emissions.

PubMed

Rich, Alisa L; Patel, Jay T; Al-Angari, Samiah S

2016-01-01

Carbon disulfide (CS2) has been historically associated with the manufacturing of rayon, cellophane, and carbon tetrachloride production. This study is one of the first to identify elevated atmospheric levels of CS2 above national background levels and its mechanisms to dysregulate normal glucose metabolism. Interference in glucose metabolism can indirectly cause other complications (diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and retinopathy), which may be preventable if proper precautions are taken. Rich et al found CS2 and 12 associated sulfide compounds present in the atmosphere in residential areas where unconventional shale oil and gas extraction and processing operations were occurring. Ambient atmospheric concentrations of CS2 ranged from 0.7 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) to 103 ppbv over a continuous 24-hour monitoring period. One-hour ambient atmospheric concentrations ranged from 3.4 ppbv to 504.6 ppbv. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Urban Air Toxic Monitoring Program study as a baseline comparison for atmospheric CS2 concentrations found in this study, it was determined that CS2 atmospheric levels were consistently elevated in areas where unconventional oil and gas extraction and processing occurred. The mechanisms by which CS2 interferes in normal glucose metabolism by dysregulation of the tryptophan metabolism pathway are presented in this study. The literature review found an increased potential for alteration of normal glucose metabolism in viscose rayon occupational workers exposed to CS2. Occupational workers in the energy extraction industry exposed to CS2 and other sulfide compounds may have an increased potential for glucose metabolism interference, which has been an indicator for diabetogenic effect and other related health impacts. The recommendation of this study is for implementation of regular monitoring of blood glucose levels in CS2-exposed populations as a preventative health measure.

The attribution of incentive salience to Pavlovian alcohol cues: a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking.

PubMed

Srey, Chandra S; Maddux, Jean-Marie N; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

Environmental stimuli that are reliably paired with alcohol may acquire incentive salience, a property that can operate in the use and abuse of alcohol. Here we investigated the incentive salience of Pavlovian alcohol cues using a preclinical animal model. Male, Long-Evans rats (Harlan) with unrestricted access to food and water were acclimated to drinking 15% ethanol (v/v) in their home-cages. Rats then received Pavlovian autoshaping training in which the 10 s presentation of a retractable lever served as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and 15% ethanol served as the unconditioned stimulus (US) (0.2 ml/CS; 12 CS presentations/session; 27 sessions). Next, in an operant test of conditioned reinforcement, nose pokes into an active aperture delivered presentations of the lever-CS, whereas nose pokes into an inactive aperture had no consequences. Across initial autoshaping sessions, goal-tracking behavior, as measured by entries into the fluid port where ethanol was delivered, developed rapidly. However, with extended training goal-tracking diminished, and sign-tracking responses, as measured by lever-CS activations, emerged. Control rats that received explicitly unpaired CS and US presentations did not show goal-tracking or sign-tracking responses. In the test for conditioned reinforcement, rats with CS-US pairings during autoshaping training made more active relative to inactive nose pokes, whereas rats in the unpaired control group did not. Moreover, active nose pokes were positively correlated with sign-tracking behavior during autoshaping. Extended training may produce a shift in the learned properties of Pavlovian alcohol cues, such that after initially predicting alcohol availability they acquire robust incentive salience.

Gradients of Fear Potentiated Startle During Generalization, Extinction, and Extinction Recall--and Their Relations With Worry.

PubMed

Dunning, Jonathan P; Hajcak, Greg

2015-09-01

It is well established that fear conditioning plays a role in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Moreover, abnormalities in fear generalization, extinction, and extinction recall have also been associated with anxiety. The present study used a generalization paradigm to examine fear processing during phases of generalization, extinction, and extinction recall. Specifically, participants were shocked following a CS+ and were also presented with stimuli that ranged in perceptual similarity to the CS+ (i.e., 20%, 40%, or 60% smaller or larger than the CS+) during a fear generalization phase. Participants were also presented with the same stimuli during an extinction phase and an extinction recall phase 1week later; no shocks were presented during extinction or recall. Lastly, participants completed self-report measures of worry and trait anxiety. Results indicated that fear potentiated startle (FPS) to the CS+ and GS±20% shapes was present in generalization and extinction, suggesting that fear generalization persisted into extinction. FPS to the CS+ was also evident 1 week later during extinction recall. Higher levels of worry were associated with greater FPS to the CS+ during generalization and extinction phases. Moreover, individuals high in worry had fear response gradients that were steeper during both generalization and extinction. This suggests that high levels of worry are associated with greater discriminative fear conditioning to threatening compared to safe stimuli and less fear generalization to perceptually similar stimuli. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Decontamination Efficiencies of Pot-Type Water Purifiers for 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs in Rainwater Contaminated during Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

PubMed Central

Higaki, Shogo; Hirota, Masahiro

2012-01-01

Rainwater was contaminated by a large release of radionuclides into the environment during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It became a matter of concern for Japan when several water purification plants detected 131I contamination in the drinking water. In the present study, the decontamination efficiency of two easily obtainable commercial water purifiers were examined for rainwater contaminated with 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs. The water purifiers removed 94.2–97.8% of the 131I and 84.2–91.5% of the 134Cs and 137Cs after one filtration. Seven filtrations removed 98.2–99.6% of the 131I and over 98.0% of the 134Cs and 137Cs. From a practical perspective, over the fourth filtrations were not needed because of no significant improvements after the third filtration. PMID:22615935

Site-specific identification of heparan and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans in hybrid proteoglycans.

PubMed

Noborn, Fredrik; Gomez Toledo, Alejandro; Green, Anders; Nasir, Waqas; Sihlbom, Carina; Nilsson, Jonas; Larson, Göran

2016-10-03

Heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are complex polysaccharides that regulate important biological pathways in virtually all metazoan organisms. The polysaccharides often display opposite effects on cell functions with HS and CS structural motifs presenting unique binding sites for specific ligands. Still, the mechanisms by which glycan biosynthesis generates complex HS and CS polysaccharides required for the regulation of mammalian physiology remain elusive. Here we present a glycoproteomic approach that identifies and differentiates between HS and CS attachment sites and provides identity to the core proteins. Glycopeptides were prepared from perlecan, a complex proteoglycan known to be substituted with both HS and CS chains, further digested with heparinase or chondroitinase ABC to reduce the HS and CS chain lengths respectively, and thereafter analyzed by nLC-MS/MS. This protocol enabled the identification of three consensus HS sites and one hybrid site, carrying either a HS or a CS chain. Inspection of the amino acid sequence at the hybrid attachment locus indicates that certain peptide motifs may encode for the chain type selection process. This analytical approach will become useful when addressing fundamental questions in basic biology specifically in elucidating the functional roles of site-specific glycosylations of proteoglycans.

Radiation doses for Marshall Islands Atolls affected by U.S. nuclear testing: all exposure pathways, remedial measures, and environmental loss of (137)Cs.

PubMed

Robison, William L; Hamilton, Terry F

2010-01-01

Radiation doses calculated for people resettling Bikini Island at Bikini Atoll, Enjebi Island at Enewetak Atoll, Rongelap Island at Rongelap Atoll, and Utrōk Island at Utrōk Atoll are presented. Residence is assumed to begin in 2010. In previous dose assessments it was shown that (137)Cs accounts for about 98% of the total dose for returning residents. About 85 to 90% (depending on the atoll) is via consumption of locally grown foods containing (137)Cs, and about 10 to 15% is due to external exposure from (137)Cs in the soil. These assessments were made using only the radiological half-life of (137)Cs (30.1 y). We have shown since that there is an environmental loss of (137)Cs from soil to groundwater that results in a more rapid loss of (137)Cs from the atoll ecosystem. The mean effective half-life of (137)Cs at the atolls is 8.5 y. Moreover, treatment of coconut trees with potassium (K) reduces (137)Cs concentration in drinking coconut meat at Bikini Atoll to about 5% of pretreatment concentrations. The magnitude of reduction is dependent on the concentration of (137)Cs in soil, and thereby in food crops, and is less for Enjebi and Rongelap Islands than for Bikini Island. Treatment of food crops and fruit trees with K and removal of the top 15 cm of soil around houses and community buildings prior to construction to reduce external exposure where people spend most of their time has been presented to the communities as a "Combined Option" remediation strategy. Doses presented here are calculated using the Combined Option, effective half-life of (137)Cs at the atolls, and a diet of both imported and local foods. The average natural background dose in the Marshall Islands, plus the anthropogenic nuclear test-related dose at Bikini, Enjebi, and Rongelap Islands, is less for each of the islands than the average background dose in the U.S. and Europe.

Enhanced desorption of cesium from collapsed interlayer regions in vermiculite by hydrothermal treatment with divalent cations.

PubMed

Yin, Xiangbiao; Wang, Xinpeng; Wu, Hao; Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Takeshita, Kenji

2017-03-15

Adsorption of cesium (Cs) on phyllosilicates has been intensively investigated because natural soils have strong ability of immobilizing Cs within clay minerals resulting in difficulty of decontamination. The objectives of present study are to clarify how Cs fixation on vermiculite is influenced by structure change caused by Cs sorption at different loading levels and how Cs desorption is affected by various replacing cations induced at different treating temperature. As a result, more than 80% of Cs was readily desorbed from vermiculite with loading amount of 2% saturated Cs (5.49×10 -3 mmolg -1 ) after four cycles of treatment of 0.01M Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ at room temperature, but less than 20% of Cs was desorbed from saturated vermiculite. These distinct desorption patterns were attributed to inhibition of Cs desorption by interlayer collapse of vermiculite, especially at high Cs loadings. In contrast, elevated temperature significantly facilitated divalent cations to efficiently desorb Cs from collapsed regions. After five cycles of treatment at 250°C with 0.01M Mg 2+ , ∼100% removal of saturated Cs was achieved. X-ray diffraction analysis results suggested that Cs desorption was completed through enhanced diffusion of Mg 2+ cations into collapsed interlayer space under hydrothermal condition resulting in subsequent interlayer decollapse and readily release of Cs + . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Desferrioxamine in warm reperfusion media decreases liver injury aggravated by cold storage

PubMed Central

Arthur, Peter G; Niu, Xian-Wa; Huang, Wen-Hua; DeBoer, Bastiaan; Lai, Ching Tat; Rossi, Enrico; Joseph, John; Jeffrey, Gary P

2013-01-01

AIM: To evaluate whether desferrioxamine decreases ischemia and perfusion injury aggravated by cold storage (CS) in a rat liver perfusion model. METHODS: Isolated rat livers were kept in CS in University of Wisconsin Solution for 20 h at 4 °C, then exposed to 25 min of warm ischemia (WI) at 37 °C followed by 2 h of warm perfusion (WP) at 37 °C with oxygenated (95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide) Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Desferrioxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, was added at different stages of storage, ischemia and perfusion: in CS only, in WI only, in WP only, in WI and perfusion, or in all stages. Effluent samples were collected after CS and after WI. Perfusate samples and bile were collected every 30 min (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 h) during liver perfusion. Cellular injury was assessed by the determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the effluent and perfusate samples. Total iron was analysed in the perfusate samples. After WP, the liver was collected for the determination of liver swelling (wet to dry ratio) and liver morphological examination (hematoxylin and eosin staining). RESULTS: Increased CS time caused increased liver dysfunction during WP. After 2 h of WP, liver injury was indicated by increased release of AST (0.5 h CS: 9.4 ± 2.2 U/g liver vs 20 h CS: 45.9 ± 10.8 U/g liver, P < 0.05) and LDH (0.5 h CS: 59 ± 14 U/g liver vs 20 h CS: 297 ± 71 U/g liver, P < 0.05). There was an associated increase in iron release into the perfusate (0.5 h CS: 0.11 ± 0.03 μmoL/g liver vs 20 h CS: 0.58 ± 0.10 μmoL/g liver, P < 0.05) and reduction in bile flow (0.5 h CS: 194 ± 12 μL/g vs 20 h CS: 71 ± 8 μL/g liver, P < 0.05). When DFO was added during WI and WP following 20 h of CS, release of iron into the perfusate was decreased (DFO absent 0.58 ± 0.10 μmoL/g liver vs DFO present 0.31 ± 0.06 μmoL/g liver, P < 0.05), and liver function substantially improved with decreased release of AST (DFO absent 45.9 ± 10.8 U/g liver vs DFO present 8.1 ± 0.9 U/g liver, P < 0.05) and LDH (DFO absent 297 ± 71 U/g liver vs DFO present 56 ± 7 U/g liver, P < 0.05), and increased bile flow (DFO absent 71 ± 8 μL/g liver vs DFO present 237 ± 36 μL/g liver, P < 0.05). DFO was also shown to improve liver morphology after WP. Cellular injury (the release of LDH and AST) was significantly reduced with the addition of DFO in CS medium but to a lesser extent compared to the addition of DFO in WP or WI and perfusion. There was no effect on liver swelling or bile flow when DFO was only added to the CS medium. CONCLUSION: DFO added during WI and perfusion decreased liver perfusion injury aggravated by extended CS. PMID:23429835

An exploratory study of recycled sputtering and CsF2- current enhancement for AMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, X.-L.; Charles, C. R. J.; Cornett, R. J.; Kieser, W. E.; MacDonald, C.; Kazi, Z.; St-Jean, N.

2016-01-01

The analysis of 135Cs/Cs ratios at levels below 10-12 by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) would preferably use commonly available negative ion injection systems. The sputter ion sources in these injectors should ideally produce currents of Cs- or Cs-containing molecular anions approaching μA levels from targets containing mg quantities of Cs. However, since Cs is the most electro-positive stable element in nature with a low electron affinity, the generation of large negative atomic, or molecular beams containing Cs, has been very challenging. In addition, the reduction of the interferences from the 135Ba isobar and the primary 133Cs+ beam used for sputtering are also necessary. The measurement of a wide range of the isotope ratios also requires the ion source memory of previous samples be minimized. This paper describes some progresses towards a potential solution of all these problems by recycled sputtering using fluorinating targets of PbF2 with mg CsF mixed in. The problems encountered indicate that considerable further studies and some redesign of the present ion sources will be desirable.

Heterogeneity of Purkinje cell simple spike-complex spike interactions: zebrin- and non-zebrin-related variations.

PubMed

Tang, Tianyu; Xiao, Jianqiang; Suh, Colleen Y; Burroughs, Amelia; Cerminara, Nadia L; Jia, Linjia; Marshall, Sarah P; Wise, Andrew K; Apps, Richard; Sugihara, Izumi; Lang, Eric J

2017-08-01

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) generate two types of action potentials, simple and complex spikes. Although they are generated by distinct mechanisms, interactions between the two spike types exist. Zebrin staining produces alternating positive and negative stripes of PCs across most of the cerebellar cortex. Thus, here we compared simple spike-complex spike interactions both within and across zebrin populations. Simple spike activity undergoes a complex modulation preceding and following a complex spike. The amplitudes of the pre- and post-complex spike modulation phases were correlated across PCs. On average, the modulation was larger for PCs in zebrin positive regions. Correlations between aspects of the complex spike waveform and simple spike activity were found, some of which varied between zebrin positive and negative PCs. The implications of the results are discussed with regard to hypotheses that complex spikes are triggered by rises in simple spike activity for either motor learning or homeostatic functions. Purkinje cells (PCs) generate two types of action potentials, called simple and complex spikes (SSs and CSs). We first investigated the CS-associated modulation of SS activity and its relationship to the zebrin status of the PC. The modulation pattern consisted of a pre-CS rise in SS activity, and then, following the CS, a pause, a rebound, and finally a late inhibition of SS activity for both zebrin positive (Z+) and negative (Z-) cells, though the amplitudes of the phases were larger in Z+ cells. Moreover, the amplitudes of the pre-CS rise with the late inhibitory phase of the modulation were correlated across PCs. In contrast, correlations between modulation phases across CSs of individual PCs were generally weak. Next, the relationship between CS spikelets and SS activity was investigated. The number of spikelets/CS correlated with the average SS firing rate only for Z+ cells. In contrast, correlations across CSs between spikelet numbers and the amplitudes of the SS modulation phases were generally weak. Division of spikelets into likely axonally propagated and non-propagated groups (based on their interspikelet interval) showed that the correlation of spikelet number with SS firing rate primarily reflected a relationship with non-propagated spikelets. In sum, the results show both zebrin-related and non-zebrin-related physiological heterogeneity in SS-CS interactions among PCs, which suggests that the cerebellar cortex is more functionally diverse than is assumed by standard theories of cerebellar function. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

Biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles by aqueous fruit extract of Chaenomeles sinensis and screening of their biomedical activities.

PubMed

Oh, Keun Hyun; Soshnikova, Veronika; Markus, Josua; Kim, Yeon Ju; Lee, Sang Chul; Singh, Priyanka; Castro-Aceituno, Verónica; Ahn, Sungeun; Kim, Dong Hyun; Shim, Yeon Jae; Kim, Yu Jin; Yang, Deok Chun

2018-05-01

The design of mild and non-toxic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is a topical subject in the nanotechnology field. The objective of this present study is to screen the bioactivity of biosynthesized nanoparticles by aqueous fruit extract of Chaenomeles sinensis. The reducing and stabilizing ability of C. sinensis to fabricate gold (Cs-AuNps) and silver (Cs-AgNps) nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at 562 nm and 477 nm, respectively. The field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) verify the nano-scale morphology and crystallinity of Cs-AuNps (20-40 nm) and Cs-AgNps (5-20 nm). Furthermore, we evaluated the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. The results showed that Cs-AuNps (IC 50 : 725.93 μg/mL) displayed superior inhibitory activities on DPPH than Cs-AuNps. The biosynthesized Cs-AuNps successfully inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and E. coli (BL21). The cytotoxic effect of Cs-AuNps and Cs-AgNps was evaluated in murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) by MTT assay. Thus, the present study explores the biomedical applications of gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized by C. sinensis.

Interface engineering of CsPbBr3/TiO2 heterostructure with enhanced optoelectronic properties for all-inorganic perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Chong-Xin; Deng, Zun-Yi; Yang, Kang; Feng, Jiangshan; Wang, Ming-Zi; Yang, Zhou; Liu, Shengzhong Frank; Feng, Hong-Jian

2018-02-01

Interface engineering has become a vital method in accelerating the development of perovskite solar cells in the past few years. To investigate the effect of different contacted surfaces of a light absorber with an electron transporting layer, TiO2, we synthesize CsPbBr3/TiO2 thin films with two different interfaces (CsBr/TiO2 and PbBr2/TiO2). Both interfacial heterostructures exhibit enhanced visible light absorption, and the CsBr/TiO2 thin film presents higher absorption than the PbBr2/TiO2 interface, which is attributed to the formation of interface states and the decreased interface bandgap. Furthermore, compared with the PbBr2/TiO2 interface, CsBr/TiO2 solar devices present larger output short circuit current and shorter photoluminescence decay time, which indicates that the CsBr contacting layer with TiO2 can better extract and separate the photo-induced carriers. The first-principles calculations confirm that, due to the existence of staggered gap (type II) offset junction and the interface states, the CsBr/TiO2 interface can more effectively separate the photo-induced carriers and thus drive the electron transfer from the CsPbBr3 perovskite layer to the TiO2 layer. These results may be beneficial to exploit the potential application of all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3-based solar cells through the interface engineering route.

TA-3-38 Metals Fab SWPPP Rev 2 Jan 2017-Final

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

Burgin, Jillian Elizabeth

The TA-3-38 MFS is part of LANL’s Utilities and Infrastructures (UI) Facilities Operations Directorate (FOD) with day-to-day management provided by the Logistics Division Central Shops (LOG-CS); which has established a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Team (PPT) whose members are responsible for assisting the facility manager in developing and revising the facility’s SWPPP as well as maintaining control measures and taking corrective actions when required. All PPT members will have access to either a hard copy or an electronic version of this SWPPP. A list of PPT members along with duties and contact information is provided in Appendix A of this SWPPP.

Dependable control systems with Internet of Things.

PubMed

Tran, Tri; Ha, Q P

2015-11-01

This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled dependable control system (DepCS) for continuous processes. In a DepCS, an actuator and a transmitter form a regulatory control loop. Each processor inside such actuator and transmitter is designed as a computational platform implementing the feedback control algorithm. The connections between actuators and transmitters via IoT create a reliable backbone for a DepCS. The centralized input-output marshaling system is not required in DepCSs. A state feedback control synthesis method for DepCS applying the self-recovery constraint is presented in the second part of the paper. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CS-duration and partial-reinforcement effects counteract overshadowing in select situations

PubMed Central

Urushihara, Kouji; Miller, Ralph R.

2008-01-01

Two experiments used rats in a conditioned lick suppression preparation to investigate how the conditioned stimulus (CS)-duration and partial-reinforcement effects (i.e., weakened responding due to conditioning with a CS of longer duration and presenting nonreinforced CSs intermingled with CS-unconditioned stimulus [US] pairings, respectively) interact with overshadowing. Experiment 1 found that when overshadowing treatment was combined with either extended CS duration or partial reinforcement, the response deficit was weaker than when either of these three treatments was administered alone. In Experiment 2, the generality of the findings in Experiment 1 was investigated by replicating it with various US-US intervals. This time counteraction was observed only when both the absolute duration of total CS exposure and the US-US interval were short. The results support neither the view that the ratio between the total CS exposure and total time in the context determines the CS-duration and the partial-reinforcement effects nor the view that these two effects arise from a loss of effectiveness of the excitatory CS-US association during CS-alone exposures in partial reinforcement or early periods of CS exposure with long CSs. PMID:18047218

Molecular dynamics simulations of cesium adsorption on illite nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lammers, Laura N; Bourg, Ian C; Okumura, Masahiko; Kolluri, Kedarnath; Sposito, Garrison; Machida, Masahiko

2017-03-15

The charged surfaces of micaceous minerals, especially illite, regulate the mobility of the major radioisotopes of Cs ( 134 Cs, 135 Cs, 137 Cs) in the geosphere. Despite the long history of Cs adsorption studies, the nature of the illite surface sites remains incompletely understood. To address this problem, we present atomistic simulations of Cs competition with Na for three candidate illite adsorption sites - edge, basal plane, and interlayer. Our simulation results are broadly consistent with affinities and selectivities that have been inferred from surface complexation models. Cation exchange on the basal planes is thermodynamically ideal, but exchange on edge surfaces and within interlayers shows complex, thermodynamically non-ideal behavior. The basal planes are weakly Cs-selective, while edges and interlayers have much higher affinity for Cs. The dynamics of NaCs exchange are rapid for both cations on the basal planes, but considerably slower for Cs localized on edge surfaces. In addition to new insights into Cs adsorption and exchange with Na on illite, we report the development of a methodology capable of simulating fully-flexible clay mineral nanoparticles with stable edge surfaces using a well-tested interatomic potential model. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A rare cause of Cushing's syndrome: an ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Folkestad, Lars; Andersen, Marianne Skovsager; Nielsen, Anne Lerberg; Glintborg, Dorte

2014-01-01

Excess glucocorticoid levels cause Cushing's syndrome (CS) and may be due to pituitary, adrenal or ectopic tumours. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels are useful in identifying adrenal tumours. In rare cases, ACTH-producing phaeochromocytomas are the cause of CS. We present two cases of ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma as the underlying cause of CS. In both cases, female patients presented with the classical clinical signs of CS and an adrenal mass. High ACTH levels raised the suspicion of an ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by urinary catecholamine levels and positive fluorine-18-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) CT (Case 1) and fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT (Case 2). Both patients were treated with an α-blocker prior to surgical intervention. The two cases underline the importance of thorough diagnostic workup in patients with CS. An ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma should be checked for in patients with an adrenal mass and elevated ACTH levels. PMID:25297883

Cs-135 - Ba-135: A new cosmochronometric constraint on the origin of the Earth and the astrophysical site of the origin of the solar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, C. L.; Wiesmann, H.; Nyquist, L. E.

1991-01-01

It is argued that if Cs-135 was indeed present in the early solar system at the level inferred from evidence presented here, then two major conclusions follow. (1) A supernova contributed newly synthesized r-process matter into the protosolar reservoir within approx. 5 Ma of the Cs/Ba fractionation recorded in LEW 86010; (2) The strong Cs depletion in the bulk Earth reservoir (Cs-133/Ba-135 approx. 0.1) took place very early in solar system history. If this volatile loss was pre-accretionary, then the accretionary chronology of the Earth is not constrained. However, if it is a consequence of accretion, then the very tight time constraint of approx. less than 5 Ma (rel. to LEW 86010) is obtained for accretion of most of the Earth's mass.

Cs-135 - Ba-135: A new cosmochronometric constraint on the origin of the Earth and the astrophysical site of the origin of the solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, C. L.; Wiesmann, H.; Nyquist, L. E.

It is argued that if Cs-135 was indeed present in the early solar system at the level inferred from evidence presented here, then two major conclusions follow. (1) A supernova contributed newly synthesized r-process matter into the protosolar reservoir within approx. 5 Ma of the Cs/Ba fractionation recorded in LEW 86010; (2) The strong Cs depletion in the bulk Earth reservoir (Cs-133/Ba-135 approx. 0.1) took place very early in solar system history. If this volatile loss was pre-accretionary, then the accretionary chronology of the Earth is not constrained. However, if it is a consequence of accretion, then the very tight time constraint of approx. less than 5 Ma (rel. to LEW 86010) is obtained for accretion of most of the Earth's mass.

Characterizing fallout material using Cs and Pu atom ratios in environmental samples from the FDNPP fallout zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, David; Dunne, James; Martin, Peter; Scott, Tom; Yamashiki, Yosuke; Coath, Chris; Chen, Hart

2017-04-01

Here we report the use of combined of Cs and Pu isotope measurements to investigate the extensive plumes of radioactive fallout from the disaster at Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FNDPP) in March 2011. Among the aims of our study are improved assessment of the physico-chemical nature and changing distribution of land-based fallout. 135Cs/137Cs and 134Cs/137Cs atom ratios are indicative of conditions that relate to the nuclear fission reactions responsible for producing the respective radiocaesium isotopes, and offer much more in terms of forensic and chronological analysis than monitoring 137Cs alone. We briefly present methods to quantify the atom ratios of Cs and Pu isotopes in soil, lichen and moss samples from FDNPP catchment using mass spectrometry (ThermoTRITON for Cs and ThermoNEPTUNE for Pu). High precision data from Fukushima are presented (e.g decay corrected 135Cs/137Cs atom ratio = 0.384 ± 0.001 (n = 5) for roadside dust from Iitate region), and these are in agreement with prelimary estimates by others. We also confirm results for IAEA-330, a spinach sample collected from Polesskoe, Ukraine and subject to contamination from the Chernobyl accident. In addition to Cs isotopes, we adopt Pu isotopes to add a further dimension to the forensic analysis. We discuss the corrections required for background levels prior to the disaster, possibility for multiple components of fallout and complicating factors associated with remobilisation during the clean-up operation. In parallel with this work on digests and leaches from bulk environmental samples, we are refining methods for particle identification, isolation and characterisation using a complementary sequence of cutting-edge materials and manipulation techniques, including combined electron microscopy, focused ion beam techniques (Dualbeam), nano/micro manipulators and nano-scale imaging x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NanoESCA) and microCT.

A procedure to observe context-induced renewal of pavlovian-conditioned alcohol-seeking behavior in rats.

PubMed

Maddux, Jean-Marie; Lacroix, Franca; Chaudhri, Nadia

2014-09-19

Environmental contexts in which drugs of abuse are consumed can trigger craving, a subjective Pavlovian-conditioned response that can facilitate drug-seeking behavior and prompt relapse in abstinent drug users. We have developed a procedure to study the behavioral and neural processes that mediate the impact of context on alcohol-seeking behavior in rats. Following acclimation to the taste and pharmacological effects of 15% ethanol in the home cage, male Long-Evans rats receive Pavlovian discrimination training (PDT) in conditioning chambers. In each daily (Mon-Fri) PDT session, 16 trials each of two different 10 sec auditory conditioned stimuli occur. During one stimulus, the CS+, 0.2 ml of 15% ethanol is delivered into a fluid port for oral consumption. The second stimulus, the CS-, is not paired with ethanol. Across sessions, entries into the fluid port during the CS+ increase, whereas entries during the CS- stabilize at a lower level, indicating that a predictive association between the CS+ and ethanol is acquired. During PDT each chamber is equipped with a specific configuration of visual, olfactory and tactile contextual stimuli. Following PDT, extinction training is conducted in the same chamber that is now equipped with a different configuration of contextual stimuli. The CS+ and CS- are presented as before, but ethanol is withheld, which causes a gradual decline in port entries during the CS+. At test, rats are placed back into the PDT context and presented with the CS+ and CS- as before, but without ethanol. This manipulation triggers a robust and selective increase in the number of port entries made during the alcohol predictive CS+, with no change in responding during the CS-. This effect, referred to as context-induced renewal, illustrates the powerful capacity of contexts associated with alcohol consumption to stimulate alcohol-seeking behavior in response to Pavlovian alcohol cues.

Alcohol-Seeking Triggered by Discrete Pavlovian Cues is Invigorated by Alcohol Contexts and Mediated by Glutamate Signaling in the Basolateral Amygdala

PubMed Central

Sciascia, Joanna M; Reese, Rebecca M; Janak, Patricia H; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

The environmental context in which a discrete Pavlovian conditioned stimulus (CS) is experienced can profoundly impact conditioned responding elicited by the CS. We hypothesized that alcohol-seeking behavior elicited by a discrete CS that predicted alcohol would be influenced by context and require glutamate signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Male, Long-Evans rats were allowed to drink 15% ethanol (v/v) until consumption stabilized. Next, rats received Pavlovian conditioning sessions in which a 10 s CS (15 trials/session) was paired with ethanol (0.2 ml/CS). Entries into a port where ethanol was delivered were measured. Pavlovian conditioning occurred in a specific context (alcohol context) and was alternated with sessions in a different context (non-alcohol context) where neither the CS nor ethanol was presented. At test, the CS was presented without ethanol in the alcohol context or the non-alcohol context, following a bilateral microinfusion (0.3 μl/hemisphere) of saline or the AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide disodium salt) in the BLA (0, 0.3, or 1.0 μg/0.3 μl). The effect of NBQX (0, 0.3 μg/0.3 μl) in the caudate putamen (CPu) on CS responding in the non-alcohol context was also tested. The discrete alcohol CS triggered more alcohol-seeking behavior in the alcohol context than the non-alcohol context. NBQX in the BLA reduced CS responding in both contexts but had no effect in the CPu. These data indicate that AMPA glutamate receptors in the BLA are critical for alcohol-seeking elicited by a discrete CS and that behavior triggered by the CS is strongly invigorated by an alcohol context. PMID:25953360

Unconscious classical conditioning of sexual arousal: evidence for the conditioning of female genital arousal to subliminally presented sexual stimuli.

PubMed

Both, Stephanie; Spiering, Mark; Laan, Ellen; Belcome, Sarah; van den Heuvel, Birre; Everaerd, Walter

2008-01-01

Although the assumption that sexual behavior is at least partly learned is common across theories of sexual behavior, classical conditioning of sexual response in women has been seldom studied. The study of unconscious classical conditioning of appetitive sexual responses in women. Vaginal pulse amplitude assessed by vaginal photoplethysmography, and ratings of sexual affective value. Pavlovian conditioning was examined in 18 sexually functional women by using two erotic pictures as conditional stimuli (CSs) and genital vibrotactile stimulation as unconditional stimulus (US). During the acquisition phase, the CSs were presented briefly (30 ms) and were masked by an immediately following masking stimulus. Only one CS (the CS+) was followed by the US during the acquisition phase. Conditioned responses were assessed during the extinction phase with supraliminal presentations of the CS+ and the CS-. Vaginal pulse amplitude was higher in response to the CS+ than during the CS- during the first extinction trial. There was no conditioning effect on ratings of affective value. The experiment demonstrates evidence for unconscious conditioning of genital responses in women, but no evidence for evaluative conditioning. The results add to the limited evidence for classical conditioning of sexual arousal in women, and to increasing evidence for associative emotional learning without awareness.

Re-examination of chewing and spitting behavior: characteristics within and across eating disorder diagnoses.

PubMed

Durkin, Nora E; Swanson, Sonja A; Crow, Scott J; Mitchell, James; Peterson, Carol B; Crosby, Ross

2014-01-01

Chewing and spitting (CS) out food is a relatively understudied eating disorder behavior. The aim of this study was to examine lifetime and current frequencies of CS across eating disorder diagnostic groups and to compare the severity of eating disorder symptomatology between participants who did and did not endorse CS. A total of 972 individuals presenting for outpatient eating disorder treatment between 1985 and 1996 completed a questionnaire that included items regarding current and lifetime eating disorder behaviors, including CS. Results indicated that both lifetime and current prevalence estimates of CS varied cross-diagnostically, with CS being more common among those with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa compared to those with eating disorder not otherwise specified. CS was significantly associated with several eating disorder symptoms, including compensatory behaviors, meal restriction, and lower BMI. Those who reported CS were also younger in age compared to those who did not report CS. These findings indicate that CS is associated with more severe eating and weight pathology and is not equally prevalent across eating disorder diagnoses. These results also support the relatively high occurrence of CS and the importance of targeting this behavior in eating disorder treatment. Future research should clarify the correlates, mechanisms, and function of CS in eating disorders.

Cushing disease with pregnancy.

PubMed

Gopal, Raju A; Acharya, Shrikrishna V; Bandgar, Tushar R; Menon, Padma S; Shah, Nalini S

2012-07-01

Pregnancy occurs rarely in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) due to hypercortisolism. So far, about 150 cases of CS in pregnancy have been reported in the literature. We describe a 22-year-old female who presented in pregnancy with clinical features of CS. She delivered at 34 weeks of gestation and baby had transient adrenal insufficiency in the neonatal period. Mother underwent transsphenoidal surgery 1 year postpartum and on follow up she is under remission. Neonatal hypoadrenalism should be anticipated in maternal CS.

Autoshaping of chlordiazepoxide drinking in non-deprived rats.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Wong, Lauren E; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2005-02-28

Effects of autoshaping procedures (Paired versus Random) and sipper fluid [chlordiazepoxide (CDP) versus water] on sipper-directed drinking were evaluated in 32 male Long-Evans rats maintained with free access to food and water. For the Paired/CDP group (n = 16), autoshaping procedures consisted of the presentation of the CDP sipper conditioned stimulus (CS) followed by the response-independent presentation of the food unconditioned stimulus (US). The concentration of CDP in the sipper CS (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 mg/ml CDP) was increased across sessions. The Paired/Water group (n = 8) received only water in the sipper CS. The Random/CDP group (n = 8) received the CDP sipper CS and food US randomly with respect to one another. The Paired/CDP group drank significantly more of the 0.20 mg/ml and 0.25 mg/ml CDP solutions than the Random/CDP control, and more fluid than the Paired/Water control group when the sipper CS for the Paired/CDP group contained the three highest concentrations of CDP. CS-Only extinction procedures reliably reduced sipper CS-directed drinking in the Paired/CDP and the Paired/Water groups, but not in the Random/CDP group. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that Pavlovian autoshaping procedures induce sipper CS-directed drinking of CDP in rats deprived of neither food nor fluid. Implications for the autoshaping model of drug abuse are discussed.

Summation of reinforcement rates when conditioned stimuli are presented in compound.

PubMed

Andrew, Benjamin J; Harris, Justin A

2011-10-01

Three experiments used delay conditioning of magazine approach in rats to examine the summation of responding when two conditioned stimuli (CSs) are presented together as a compound. The duration of each CS varied randomly from trial-to-trial around a mean that differed between the CSs. This meant that the rats' response rate to each CS was systematically related to the reinforcement rate of that CS, but remained steady as time elapsed during the CS (Harris & Carpenter, 2011; Harris, Gharaei, & Pincham, 2011). When the rats were presented with a compound of two CSs that had been conditioned separately, they responded more during the compound than during either of the CSs individually. More significantly, however, in all three experiments, the rats responded to the compound at the same rate as they responded to a third CS that had been reinforced at a rate equal to the sum of the reinforcement rates of the two CSs in compound. We discuss the implications of this finding for associative models (e.g., Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) and rate-based models (Gallistel & Gibbon, 2000) of conditioning.

137Cs activities and 135Cs/137Cs isotopic ratios from soils at Idaho National Laboratory: a case study for contaminant source attribution in the vicinity of nuclear facilities.

PubMed

Snow, Mathew S; Snyder, Darin C; Clark, Sue B; Kelley, Morgan; Delmore, James E

2015-03-03

Radiometric and mass spectrometric analyses of Cs contamination in the environment can reveal the location of Cs emission sources, release mechanisms, modes of transport, prediction of future contamination migration, and attribution of contamination to specific generator(s) and/or process(es). The Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) represents a complicated case study for demonstrating the current capabilities and limitations to environmental Cs analyses. (137)Cs distribution patterns, (135)Cs/(137)Cs isotope ratios, known Cs chemistry at this site, and historical records enable narrowing the list of possible emission sources and release events to a single source and event, with the SDA identified as the emission source and flood transport of material from within Pit 9 and Trench 48 as the primary release event. These data combined allow refining the possible number of waste generators from dozens to a single generator, with INL on-site research and reactor programs identified as the most likely waste generator. A discussion on the ultimate limitations to the information that (135)Cs/(137)Cs ratios alone can provide is presented and includes (1) uncertainties in the exact date of the fission event and (2) possibility of mixing between different Cs source terms (including nuclear weapons fallout and a source of interest).

137 Cs Activities and 135 Cs/ 137 Cs Isotopic Ratios from Soils at Idaho National Laboratory: A Case Study for Contaminant Source Attribution in the Vicinity of Nuclear Facilities

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

Snow, Mathew S.; Snyder, Darin C.; Clark, Sue B.

2015-03-03

Radiometric and mass spectrometric analyses of Cs contamination in the environment can reveal the location of Cs emission sources, release mechanisms, modes of transport, prediction of future contamination migration, and attribution of contamination to specific generator(s) and/or process(es). The Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) represents a complicated case study for demonstrating the current capabilities and limitations to environmental Cs analyses. 137Cs distribution patterns, 135Cs/ 137Cs isotope ratios, known Cs chemistry at this site, and historical records enable narrowing the list of possible emission sources and release events to a single source and event, with the SDAmore » identified as the emission source and flood transport of material from within Pit 9 and Trench 48 as the primary release event. These data combined allow refining the possible number of waste generators from dozens to a single generator, with INL on-site research and reactor programs identified as the most likely waste generator. A discussion on the ultimate limitations to the information that 135Cs/ 137Cs ratios alone can provide is presented and includes (1) uncertainties in the exact date of the fission event and (2) possibility of mixing between different Cs source terms (including nuclear weapons fallout and a source of interest).« less

A Taxonomy of Consumer Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction Measures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andreasen, Alan R.

1977-01-01

Government and business have become more concerned with measuring market performance in terms of consumer satisfactions and dissatisfactions (CS/D). This research is concerned with the question of how one ought to measure CS/D. Offers a taxonomy of alternative CS/D measures and presents data from a national urban study of consumer complaints to…

The attribution of incentive salience to Pavlovian alcohol cues: a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking

PubMed Central

Srey, Chandra S.; Maddux, Jean-Marie N.; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

Environmental stimuli that are reliably paired with alcohol may acquire incentive salience, a property that can operate in the use and abuse of alcohol. Here we investigated the incentive salience of Pavlovian alcohol cues using a preclinical animal model. Male, Long-Evans rats (Harlan) with unrestricted access to food and water were acclimated to drinking 15% ethanol (v/v) in their home-cages. Rats then received Pavlovian autoshaping training in which the 10 s presentation of a retractable lever served as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and 15% ethanol served as the unconditioned stimulus (US) (0.2 ml/CS; 12 CS presentations/session; 27 sessions). Next, in an operant test of conditioned reinforcement, nose pokes into an active aperture delivered presentations of the lever-CS, whereas nose pokes into an inactive aperture had no consequences. Across initial autoshaping sessions, goal-tracking behavior, as measured by entries into the fluid port where ethanol was delivered, developed rapidly. However, with extended training goal-tracking diminished, and sign-tracking responses, as measured by lever-CS activations, emerged. Control rats that received explicitly unpaired CS and US presentations did not show goal-tracking or sign-tracking responses. In the test for conditioned reinforcement, rats with CS-US pairings during autoshaping training made more active relative to inactive nose pokes, whereas rats in the unpaired control group did not. Moreover, active nose pokes were positively correlated with sign-tracking behavior during autoshaping. Extended training may produce a shift in the learned properties of Pavlovian alcohol cues, such that after initially predicting alcohol availability they acquire robust incentive salience. PMID:25784867

Molecular characterization of Clonorchis sinensis secretory myoglobin: Delineating its role in anti-oxidative survival

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Clonorchiasis is a globally important, neglected food-borne disease caused by Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis), and it is highly related to cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increased molecular evidence has strongly suggested that the adult worm of C. sinensis continuously releases excretory-secretory proteins (ESPs), which play important roles in the parasite-host interactions, to establish successful infection and ensure its own survival. Myoglobin, a hemoprotein, is present in high concentrations in trematodes and ESPs. To further understand the biological function of CsMb and its putative roles in the interactions of C. sinensis with its host, we explored the molecular characterization of CsMb in this paper. Methods We expressed CsMb and its mutants in E. coli BL21 and identified its molecular characteristics using bioinformatics analysis and experimental approaches. Reverse transcription PCR analysis was used to measure myoglobin transcripts of C. sinensis with different culture conditions. The peroxidase activity of CsMb was confirmed by spectrophotometry. We co-cultured RAW264.7 cells with recombinant CsMb (rCsMb), and we then measured the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) in addition to the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in activated RAW264.7 cells. Results In the in vitro culture of adult worms, the transcripts of CsMb increased with the increase of oxygen content. Oxidative stress conditions induced by H2O2 increased the levels of CsMb transcripts in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CsMb catalyzed oxidation reactions in the presence of H2O2, and amino acid 34 of CsMb played an essential role in its reaction with H2O2. In addition, CsMb significantly reduced H2O2 and NO levels in LPS-activated macrophages, and CsMb downregulated iNOS and SOD expression in activated macrophages. Conclusion The present study is the first to investigate the peroxidase activity of CsMb. This investigation suggested that C. sinensis may decrease the redox activation of macrophages by CsMb expression to evade host immune responses. These studies contribute to a better understanding of the role of CsMb in the molecular mechanisms involved in ROS detoxification by C. sinensis. PMID:24885788

Anxiety Partially Mediates Cybersickness Symptoms in Immersive Virtual Reality Environments.

PubMed

Pot-Kolder, Roos; Veling, Wim; Counotte, Jacqueline; van der Gaag, Mark

2018-03-01

The use of virtual reality (VR) in psychological treatment is expected to increase. Cybersickness (CS) is a negative side effect of VR exposure and is associated with treatment dropout. This study aimed to investigate the following: (a) if gender differences in CS can be replicated, (b) if differences in anxiety and CS symptoms between patients and controls can be replicated, and (c) whether the relationship between exposure to VR and CS symptoms is mediated by anxiety. A sample (N = 170) of participants with different levels of psychosis liability was exposed to VR environments. CS and anxiety were assessed with self-report measures before and after the VR experiment. This study replicated gender differences in CS symptoms, most of which were present before exposure to VR. It also replicated findings that a significant correlation between anxiety and CS can be found in healthy individuals, but not in patients. In a VR environment, anxiety partially mediated CS symptoms, specifically nausea and disorientation. A partial explanation for the differences found between patients and controls may lie in a ceiling effect for the symptoms of CS. A second explanation may be the partial overlap between CS symptoms and physiological anxiety responses. CS symptoms reported at baseline cannot be explained by exposure to VR, but are related to anxiety. Caution is required when interpreting studies on both CS and anxiety, until the specificity in measurements has been improved. Since anxiety mediated the CS symptoms, CS is expected to decline during treatment together with the reduction of anxiety.

Influenza A virus infection and cigarette smoke impair bronchodilator responsiveness to β-adrenoceptor agonists in mouse lung.

PubMed

Donovan, Chantal; Seow, Huei Jiunn; Bourke, Jane E; Vlahos, Ross

2016-05-01

β2-adrenoceptor agonists are the mainstay therapy for patients with asthma but their effectiveness in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited. In addition, bronchodilator efficacy of β2-adrenoceptor agonists is decreased during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), caused by respiratory viruses including influenza A. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the β2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol (SALB) on small airway reactivity using mouse precision cut lung slices (PCLS) prepared from CS-exposed mice and from CS-exposed mice treated with influenza A virus (Mem71, H3N1). CS exposure alone reduced SALB potency and efficacy associated with decreased β2-adrenoceptor mRNA expression, and increased tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression. This impaired relaxation was restored by day 12 in the absence of further CS exposure. In PCLS prepared after Mem71 infection alone, responses to SALB were transient and were not well maintained. CS exposure prior to Mem71 infection almost completely abolished relaxation, although β2-adrenoceptor and TNFα and IL-1β expression were unaltered. The present study has shown decreased sensitivity to SALB after CS or a combination of CS and Mem71 occurs by different mechanisms. In addition, the PCLS technique and our models of CS and influenza infection provide a novel setting for assessment of alternative bronchodilators. © 2016 The Author(s).

Replay of conditioned stimuli during late REM and stage N2 sleep influences affective tone rather than emotional memory strength.

PubMed

Rihm, Julia S; Rasch, Björn

2015-07-01

Emotional memories are reprocessed during sleep, and it is widely assumed that this reprocessing occurs mainly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In support for this notion, vivid emotional dreams occur mainly during REM sleep, and several studies have reported emotional memory enhancement to be associated with REM sleep or REM sleep-related parameters. However, it is still unknown whether reactivation of emotional memories during REM sleep strengthens emotional memories. Here, we tested whether re-presentation of emotionally learned stimuli during REM sleep enhances emotional memory. In a split-night design, participants underwent Pavlovian conditioning after the first half of the night. Neutral sounds served as conditioned stimuli (CS) and were either paired with a negative odor (CS+) or an odorless vehicle (CS-). During sound replay in subsequent late REM or N2 sleep, half of the CS+ and half of the CS- were presented again. In contrast to our hypothesis, replay during sleep did not affect emotional memory as measured by the differentiation between CS+ and CS- in expectancy, arousal and valence ratings. However, replay unspecifically decreased subjective arousal ratings of both emotional and neutral sounds and increased positive valence ratings also for both CS+ and CS- sounds, respectively. These effects were slightly more pronounced for replay during REM sleep. Our results suggest that re-exposure to previously conditioned stimuli during late sleep does not affect emotional memory strength, but rather influences the affective tone of both emotional and neutral memories. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Towards Acid-Tolerated Ethanol Dehydration: Chitosan-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing Cyano-Bridged Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wu, C-W; Kang, Chao-Hsiang; Lin, Yi-Feng; Tung, Kuo-Lun; Deng, Yu-Heng; Ahamad, Tansir; Alshehri, Saad M; Suzuki, Norihiro; Yamauchi, Yusuke

2016-04-01

Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles, one of many cyano-bridged coordination polymers, are successfully incorporated into chitosan (CS) polymer to prepare PB/CS mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The PB nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the MMMs without the collapse of the original PB structure. As-prepared PB/CS MMMs are used for ethanol dehydration at 25 °C in the pervaporation process. The effect of loading PB in CS matrix on pervaporation performance is carefully investigated. The PB/CS membrane with 30 wt% PB loading shows the best performance with a permeate flux of 614 g. m-2 . h-1 and a separation factor of 1472. The pervaporation using our PB/CS membranes exhibits outstanding performance in comparison with the previously reported CS-based membranes and MMMs. Furthermore, the addition of PB allows PB/CS MMMs to be tolerant of acidic environment. The present work demonstrates good pervaporation performance of PB/CS MMMs for the separation of an ethanol/water (90:10 in wt%) solution. Our new system provides an opportunity for dehydration of bioethanol in the future.

Transformation of Cs-IONSIV® into a ceramic wasteform by hot isostatic pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tzu-Yu; Maddrell, Ewan R.; Hyatt, Neil C.; Gandy, Amy S.; Stennett, Martin C.; Hriljac, Joseph A.

2018-01-01

A simple method to directly convert Cs-exchanged IONSIV® IE-911 into a ceramic wasteform by hot isostatic pressing (1100 °C/190 MPa/2 hr) is presented. Two major Cs-containing phases, Cs2TiNb6O18 and Cs2ZrSi6O15, and a series of mixed oxides form. The microstructure and phase assemblage of the samples as a function of Cs content were examined using XRD, XRF, SEM and TEM/EDX. The chemical aqueous durability of the materials was investigated using the MCC-1 and PCT-B standard test methods. For HIPed Cs-IONSIV® samples, the MCC-1 normalised release rates of Cs were <1.57 × 10-1 g m-2 d-1 at 0-28 days, and <3.78 × 10-2 g m-2 d-1 for PCT-B at 7 days. The low rates are indicative of a safe long-term immobilisation matrix for Cs formed directly from spent IONSIV®. It was also demonstrated that the phase formation can be altered by adding Ti metal due to a controlled redox environment.

APPLICATION OF BAYESIAN AND GEOSTATISTICAL MODELING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF CS-137 AT THE IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY

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

Kara G. Eby

2010-08-01

At the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Cs-137 concentrations above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency risk-based threshold of 0.23 pCi/g may increase the risk of human mortality due to cancer. As a leader in nuclear research, the INL has been conducting nuclear activities for decades. Elevated anthropogenic radionuclide levels including Cs-137 are a result of atmospheric weapons testing, the Chernobyl accident, and nuclear activities occurring at the INL site. Therefore environmental monitoring and long-term surveillance of Cs-137 is required to evaluate risk. However, due to the large land area involved, frequent and comprehensive monitoring is limited. Developing a spatial model thatmore » predicts Cs-137 concentrations at unsampled locations will enhance the spatial characterization of Cs-137 in surface soils, provide guidance for an efficient monitoring program, and pinpoint areas requiring mitigation strategies. The predictive model presented herein is based on applied geostatistics using a Bayesian analysis of environmental characteristics across the INL site, which provides kriging spatial maps of both Cs-137 estimates and prediction errors. Comparisons are presented of two different kriging methods, showing that the use of secondary information (i.e., environmental characteristics) can provide improved prediction performance in some areas of the INL site.« less

Direct accumulation pathway of radioactive cesium to fruit-bodies of edible mushroom from contaminated wood logs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Aiba, Yukitoshi; Sakamoto, Fuminori; Kozai, Naofumi; Niizato, Tadafumi; Sasaki, Yoshito

2016-07-01

This paper presents the accumulation process of radioactive Cs in edible mushrooms. We here first report the direct accumulation pathway of radioactive Cs from contaminated wood logs to the fruit-bodies of shiitake mushrooms through the basal portion of the stipe. In this pathway, radioactive Cs is not transported through the hyphae. This pathway results in a high accumulation of radioactive Cs in the fruit-body, more by the excess accumulation of radioactive Cs from the wood logs than that through the hyphae. We grew the fruit-bodies of Shiitake mushroom from radioactive-Cs-contaminated wood logs. The spatial distributions of radioactive Cs and Prussian blue as a tracer of interstitial water in the cross section of the wood log measured after the harvest of the fruit-body from the inoculated sawdust spawn area indicated that some fraction of the radioactive Cs and Prussian blue were transported directly to the basal portion of the stipe during the growth of the fruit-bodies.

The 13th order resonance from Navy tracking on a diademe 2 fragment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagner, C. A.

1974-01-01

A strong constraint on 13th order (odd degree) terms in the geopotential has been derived from Navy tracking on a DIADEME 2 fragment (1967-14F). This object (perigee height: 580 km, orbit inclination: 38.9 deg) is presently decaying slowly through perfect commensurability with these terms. The resonance forces will increase its inclination by 0.02 deg when the passage is complete by late 1974. The constraint (lumped harmonics), derived by adjustment of a pair of harmonic coefficients to the Navy inclination data (principally) is: 10 to the 9th power (14.8 + or - 0.8, 48.3 + or - 0.7) = 0.023(C,S)13,13 -0.172(C,S)15,13 0.505(C,S)17,13 - 0.884(C,S)19,13 + (C,S)21,13 0.673(C,S)23,13 0.099(C,S)25,13 0.295(C,S)27,13 -0.279(C,S)29,13 0.018(C,S)31,13 + There should be a significant contribution to this result from terms as high as 29th degree. But current geopotential solutions (for 13th order terms) to this degree are about 20% in error when judged by this independent data.

A novel cold-regulated gene from Camellia sinensis, CsCOR1, enhances salt- and dehydration-tolerance in tobacco

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

Li, Xian-Wen, E-mail: xianwenli01@sina.com; College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000; Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070

In present research, the full-length cDNA and the genomic sequence of a novel cold-regulated gene, CsCOR1, were isolated from Camellia sinensis L. The deduced protein CsCOR1 contains a hydrophobic N-terminus as a signal peptide and a hydrophilic C-terminal domain that is rich in glycine, arginine and proline. Two internal repetitive tridecapeptide fragments (HSVTAGRGGYNRG) exist in the middle of the C-terminal domain and the two nucleotide sequences encoding them are identical. CsCOR1 was localized in the cell walls of transgenic-tobaccos via CsCOR1::GFP fusion approach. The expression of CsCOR1 in tea leaves was enhanced dramatically by both cold- and dehydration-stress. And overexpressionmore » of CsCOR1 in transgenic-tobaccos improved obviously the tolerance to salinity and dehydration.« less

Facing Challenges in Differential Classical Conditioning Research: Benefits of a Hybrid Design for Simultaneous Electrodermal and Electroencephalographic Recording.

PubMed

Pastor, M Carmen; Rehbein, Maimu Alissa; Junghöfer, Markus; Poy, Rosario; López, Raul; Moltó, Javier

2015-01-01

Several challenges make it difficult to simultaneously investigate central and autonomous nervous system correlates of conditioned stimulus (CS) processing in classical conditioning paradigms. Such challenges include, for example, the discrepant requirements of electroencephalography (EEG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) recordings with regard to multiple repetitions of conditions and sufficient trial duration. Here, we propose a MultiCS conditioning set-up, in which we increased the number of CSs, decreased the number of learning trials, and used trials of short and long durations for meeting requirements of simultaneous EEG-EDA recording in a differential aversive conditioning task. Forty-eight participants underwent MultiCS conditioning, in which four neutral faces (CS+) were paired four times each with aversive electric stimulation (unconditioned stimulus) during acquisition, while four different neutral faces (CS-) remained unpaired. When comparing after relative to before learning measurements, EEG revealed an enhanced centro-posterior positivity to CS+ vs. CS- during 368-600 ms, and subjective ratings indicated CS+ to be less pleasant and more arousing than CS-. Furthermore, changes in CS valence and arousal were strong enough to bias subjective ratings when faces of CS+/CS- identity were displayed with different emotional expression (happy, angry) in a post-experimental behavioral task. In contrast to a persistent neural and evaluative CS+/CS- differentiation that sustained multiple unreinforced CS presentations, electrodermal differentiation was rapidly extinguished. Current results suggest that MultiCS conditioning provides a promising paradigm for investigating pre-post-learning changes under minimal influences of extinction and overlearning of simple stimulus features. Our data also revealed methodological pitfalls, such as the possibility of occurring artifacts when combining different acquisition systems for central and peripheral psychophysiological measures.

An attempt to condition flavour preference induced by oral and/or postoral administration of 16% sucrose in pigs.

PubMed

Clouard, Caroline; Loison, Florence; Meunier-Salaün, Marie-Christine; Val-Laillet, David

2014-01-30

The present study investigated the acquisition of conditioned flavour preferences in pigs using the caloric value and/or sweet taste of sucrose. Nine water-deprived juvenile pigs were given four three-day conditioning sessions during which they received flavoured solutions as conditioned stimuli (CS). The CS solutions were paired with three treatments that generated a gustatory and/or a caloric reinforcement (US). The CS++ solution was added with 16% sucrose and paired with an intraduodenal (ID) infusion of water, the CS+ solution was paired with an ID infusion of 16% sucrose and the CS- solution was paired with an ID infusion of water. One and two weeks after conditioning, the water-deprived pigs were subjected to two-choice preference tests with the unreinforced CS solutions. Solutions intake, behavioural activity and some drinking parameters were measured. Despite no difference in CS intake during conditioning, the animals spent less time inactive and more time standing during CS++ than CS+ conditioning. When receiving CS++, the pigs explored the drinking trough more than when receiving CS-. Compared to the CS- condition, the numbers of drinking episodes and intra-drinking episode (IDE) pauses were also 36% and 49% lesser in the CS++ condition, but these differences were not significant. During the two-choice tests, the pigs did not show significant preferences. Nevertheless, during the first session, the pigs seemed to show a slight preference for the CS++ (57% of total intake) compared to CS+. The duration of CS++ drinking episodes represented 64% of the total duration compared to CS+ and CS- . The total time spent drinking the CS++ also represented 57% of the total time in the CS++ vs. CS- test. To conclude, although no clear-cut preferences were found during two-choice tests, the oral perception of 16% sucrose during conditioning induced changes in behavioural activities, motivational responses and microstructure of CS intake, suggesting the importance of oral food perception for food selection processes in pigs. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of water deprivation on the expression of flavour preferences in pigs. © 2013.

Space Station Freedom CHeCS overview. [Crew Health Care System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyce, Joey B.

1990-01-01

The current status, progress, and future plans for development of the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS) for the International Space Station Freedom are presented. Essential operational biomedical support requirements for the astronauts, including medical care, environmental habitat monitoring, and countermeasures for the potentially maladaptive physiological effects of space flight will be provided by the CHeCS. Three integral parts will make up the system: a health maintenance facility, an environmental health system, and the exercise countermeasures facility. Details of each of the major systems and their subsystems are presented.

Discovery of multiple, ionization-created CS{sub 2} anions and a new mode of operation for drift chambers

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

Snowden-Ifft, Daniel P.

2014-01-15

This paper focuses on the surprising discovery of multiple species of ionization-created CS{sub 2} anions in gas mixtures containing electronegative CS{sub 2} and O{sub 2}, identified by their slightly different drift velocities. Data are presented to understand the formation mechanism and identity of these new anions. Regardless of the micro-physics, however, this discovery offers a new, trigger-less mode of operation for the drift chambers. A demonstration of trigger-less operation is presented.

Colon-specific delivery of curcumin by exploiting Eudragit-decorated chitosan nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khatik, Renuka; Mishra, Ramakant; Verma, Ashwni; Dwivedi, Pankaj; Kumar, Vivek; Gupta, Varsha; Paliwal, Sarvesh Kumar; Mishra, Prabhat Ranjan; Dwivedi, Anil Kumar

2013-09-01

The aim of present investigation was to prepare chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) and to study the targeting ability of Eudragit S 100 (ES)-coated chitosan nanoparticles (ES-CS-NPs) in comparison with CS-NPs; both loaded with curcumin (CU); to colon, when administered orally, by restricting the size of formulation up to few nanometers and exploiting the pH sensitivity of ES. The CU-loaded CS-NPs (CS-NPs-CU) have been prepared by ionic gelation method. The coating of ES on CS-NPs-CU (ES-CS-NPs-CU) was performed by oil-in-oil solvent evaporation method using coat:core ratio (2:1). The cross-linking of CS with tri poly phosphate during the preparation of CS-NPs has been confirmed by FTIR. CS-NPs-CU and ES-CS-NPs-CU were evaluated for particle size, their size distribution, percentage drug entrapment, and in vitro drug release study. CS-NPs-CU has an average size 173 ± 4.5 nm and poly dispersity index (PDI) 0.16, whereas ES-CS-NPs-CU shows average size 236 ± 3.2 nm and PDI 0.22. Surface morphology of prepared NPs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The release profile reveals that the ES coating on the ES-CS-NPs-CU protects the release of CU in upper gastrointestinal tract while maximum release of CU occurred in simulated colonic fluids of pH 6.8. There was no major difference in cell viability between ES-CS-NPs-CU and CS-NPs-CU when they were exposed to Caco-2 cells at all equivalent concentrations. The in vivo uptake studies revealed preferential uptake of ES-CS-NPs-CU in the colon. The significantly higher ( P < 0.01) AUC0-∞ has been observed in case of ES-CS-NPs-CU as compared to CU and CS-NPs-CU representing that ES-CS-NPs-CU was more bioavailable. These results demonstrated that ES-CS-NPs-CU may be useful as potential delivery system for treatment of colon cancer.

Comparative analysis of immune effects in mice model: Clonorchis sinensis cysteine protease generated from recombinant Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis spores.

PubMed

Wu, Zhanshuai; Tang, Zeli; Shang, Mei; Zhao, Lu; Zhou, Lina; Kong, Xiangzhan; Lin, Zhipeng; Sun, Hengchang; Chen, Tingjin; Xu, Jin; Li, Xuerong; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2017-07-01

Clonorchiasis remains a nonnegligible public health problem in endemic areas. Cysteine protease of Clonorchis sinensis (CsCP) plays indispensable roles in the parasitic physiology and pathology, and has been exploited as a promising drug and vaccine candidate. In recent years, development of spore-based vaccines against multiple pathogens has attracted many investigators' interest. In previous studies, the recombinant Escherichia coli (BL21) and Bacillus subtilis spores expressing CsCP have been successfully constructed, respectively. In this study, the immune effects of CsCP protein purified from recombinant BL21 (rCsCP) and B. subtilis spores presenting CsCP (B.s-CsCP) in Balb/c mice model were conducted with comparative analysis. Levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a were significantly increased in sera from both rCsCP and B.s-CsCP intraperitoneally immunized mice. Additionally, recombinant spores expressing abundant fusion CsCP (0.03125 pg/spore) could strongly enhance the immunogenicity of CsCP with significantly higher levels of IgG and isotypes. Compared with rCsCP alone, intraperitoneal administration of mice with spores expressing CsCP achieved a better effect of fighting against C. sinensis infection by slowing down the process of fibrosis. Our results demonstrated that a combination of Th1/Th2 immune responses could be elicited by rCsCP, while spores displaying CsCP prominently induced Th1-biased specific immune responses, and the complex cytokine network maybe mediates protective immune responses against C. sinensis. This work further confirmed that the usage of B. subtilis spores displaying CsCP is an effective way to against C. sinensis.

Atomic Structure of a Cesium Aluminosilicate Geopolymer: A Pair Distribution Function Study

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

Bell, J.; Sarin, P; Provis, J

2008-01-01

The atomic pair distribution function (PDF) method was used to study the structure of cesium aluminosilicate geopolymer. The geopolymer was prepared by reacting metakaolin with cesium silicate solution followed by curing at 50C for 24 h in a sealed container. Heating of Cs-geopolymer above 1000C resulted in formation of crystalline pollucite (CsAlSi{sub 2}O{sub 6}). PDF refinement of the pollucite phase formed displayed an excellent fit over the 10-30 {angstrom} range when compared with a cubic pollucite model. A poorer fit was attained from 1-10 {angstrom} due to an additional amorphous phase present in the heated geopolymer. On the basis ofmore » PDF analysis, unheated Cs-geopolymer displayed structural ordering similar to pollucite up to a length scale of 9 {angstrom}, despite some differences. Our results suggest that hydrated Cs{sup +} ions were an integral part of the Cs-geopolymer structure and that most of the water present was not associated with Al-OH or Si-OH bonds.« less

A rare cause of Cushing's syndrome: an ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma.

PubMed

Folkestad, Lars; Andersen, Marianne Skovsager; Nielsen, Anne Lerberg; Glintborg, Dorte

2014-10-08

Excess glucocorticoid levels cause Cushing's syndrome (CS) and may be due to pituitary, adrenal or ectopic tumours. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels are useful in identifying adrenal tumours. In rare cases, ACTH-producing phaeochromocytomas are the cause of CS. We present two cases of ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma as the underlying cause of CS. In both cases, female patients presented with the classical clinical signs of CS and an adrenal mass. High ACTH levels raised the suspicion of an ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by urinary catecholamine levels and positive fluorine-18-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) CT (Case 1) and fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT (Case 2). Both patients were treated with an α-blocker prior to surgical intervention. The two cases underline the importance of thorough diagnostic workup in patients with CS. An ACTH-secreting phaeochromocytoma should be checked for in patients with an adrenal mass and elevated ACTH levels. 2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Measurement of keV-neutron capture cross sections and capture gamma-ray spectra of Cs-133 and I-127

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umezawa, Seigo; Igashira, Masayuki; Katabuchi, Tatuya; Dominic, Moraru; Yanagida, Shotaro; Okamiya, Tomohiro

2017-09-01

The neutron capture cross sections and the capture gamma-ray spectra of 127I and 133Cs at incident neutron energies from 15 to 100 keV have been measured by the time-of-flight method. Capture gamma-rays were detected with an anti-Compton NaI(Tl) spectrometer, and the pulse-height weighting technique was applied to derive capture yields. The capture cross sections of 127I and 133Cs were determined using the standard capture cross section of 197Au. The total errors of the cross sections were 3.8-5.1%. The obtained cross sections were compared with evaluated values in JENDL-4.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1. For 127I, the energy dependence is different between the present results and the evaluations. For 133Cs, the evaluated values in JENDL-4.0 agree with the present results but the evaluated values in ENDF/B-VII.1 are smaller than the present results by 14%-18%. The capture gamma-ray spectra of 133Cs and 127I were derived by unfolding the pulse height spectra with detector response functions.

Who Needs What: Recommendations for Designing Effective Online Professional Development for Computer Science Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Qian, Yizhou; Hambrusch, Susanne; Yadav, Aman; Gretter, Sarah

2018-01-01

The new Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science (CS) Principles course increases the need for quality CS teachers and thus the need for professional development (PD). This article presents the results of a 2-year study investigating how teachers teaching the AP CS Principles course for the first time used online PD material. Our results showed…

Narrating Data Structures: The Role of Context in CS2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yarosh, Svetlana; Guzdial, Mark

2008-01-01

Learning computing with respect to the context of its use has been linked in previous reports to student motivation in introductory Computer Science (CS) courses. In this report, we consider the role of context in a second course. We present a case study of a CS2 data structures class that uses a media computation context. In this course, students…

Thermodynamics of soluble fission products cesium and iodine in the Molten Salt Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capelli, E.; Beneš, O.; Konings, R. J. M.

2018-04-01

The present study describes the full thermodynamic assessment of the Li,Cs,Th//F,I system. The existing database for the relevant fluoride salts considered as fuel for the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) has been extended with two key fission products, cesium and iodine. A complete evaluation of all the common-ion binary and ternary sub-systems of the LiF-ThF4-CsF-LiI-ThI4-CsI system has been performed and the optimized parameters are presented in this work. New equilibrium data have been measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry and were used to assess the reciprocal ternary systems and confirm the extrapolated phase diagrams. The developed database significantly contributes to the understanding of the behaviour of cesium and iodine in the MSR, which strongly depends on their concentration and chemical form. Cesium bonded with fluorine is well retained in the fuel mixture while in the form of CsI the solubility of these elements is very limited. Finally, the influence of CsI and CsF on the physico-chemical properties of the fuel mixture was calculated as function of composition.

Nuclear factor 45 of tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis): evidence for functional differentiation between two isoforms in immune defense against viral and bacterial pathogens.

PubMed

Chi, Heng; Hu, Yong-hua; Xiao, Zhi-zhong; Sun, Li

2014-02-01

Nuclear factor 45 (NF45) is known to play an important role in regulating interleukin-2 expression in mammals. The function of fish NF45 is largely unknown. In a previous study, we reported the identification of a NF45 (named CsNF45) from half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In the present study, we identified an isoform of CsNF45 (named CsNF45i) from half smooth tongue sole and examined its biological properties in comparison with CsNF45. We found that CsNF45i is a truncated version of CsNF45 and lacks the N-terminal 38 residues of CsNF45. Genetic analysis showed that the CsNF45 gene consists of 14 exons and 13 introns, and that CsNF45 and CsNF45i are the products of alternative splicing. Constitutive expression of CsNF45 and CsNF45i occurred in multiple tissues but differed in patterns. Experimental infection with viral and bacterial pathogens upregulated the expression of both isoforms but to different degrees, with potent induction of CsNF45 being induced by bacterial pathogen, while dramatic induction of CsNF45i being induced by viral pathogen. Transient transfection analysis showed that both isoforms were localized in the nucleus and able to stimulate the activity of IL-2 promoter to comparable extents. To examine their in vivo effects, the two isoforms were overexpressed in tongue sole. Subsequent analysis showed that following viral and bacterial infection, the viral loads in CsNF45i-overexpressing fish were significantly lower than those in CsNF45-overexpressing fish, whereas the bacterial loads in CsNF45-overexpressing fish were significantly lower than those in CsNF45i-overexpressing fish. These results indicate that both CsNF45 and CsNF45i possess immunoregulatory properties, however, the two isoforms most likely participate in different aspects of host immune defense that target different pathogens. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Screening for germline phosphatase and tensin homolog-mutations in suspected Cowden syndrome and Cowden syndrome-like families among uterine cancer patients

PubMed Central

TZORTZATOS, GERASIMOS; ARAVIDIS, CHRISTOS; LINDBLOM, ANNIKA; MINTS, MIRIAM; THAM, EMMA

2015-01-01

Cowden syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomas in the breast, thyroid and endometrium, with a prevalence of 1 per 250,000. Females with CS have a 21–28% lifetime risk of developing uterine cancer. Germline mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, a tumor suppressor gene, are responsible for 30–80% of CS cases. PTEN is a nine-exon gene, located on chromosome 10q23.3, which encodes the 403 amino acid PTEN protein. It negatively regulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, affecting various cellular processes and signaling pathways. The present study examined whether PTEN mutations are present in CS-like families with uterine cancer (UC). UC patients underwent surgery at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (2008–2012). Pedigrees were analyzed and 54 unrelated CS-like families were identified. CS-like families were defined as having at least one occurrence of uterine cancer and one of breast cancer, as well as at least one additional Cowden-associated tumor (uterine, breast, thyroid, colon or kidney cancer) in the same individual or in first-degree relatives. Genomic DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing analysis of all nine exons of the PTEN gene was conducted. No germline PTEN mutations or polymorphisms were identified. Germline PTEN mutations are rare in CS-like families with uterine cancer, therefore, genetic screening must be restricted to patients that meet the strict National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. Gynecologists must be aware of the CS criteria and identify potential cases of CS in females where uterine cancer is the sentinel cancer. PMID:25789042

Photoassociation studies of ultracold NaCs from the Cs 6(2)P(3/2) asymptote.

PubMed

Wakim, A; Zabawa, P; Bigelow, N P

2011-11-14

A combination of pulsed depletion spectroscopy and photoassociation spectroscopy is utilized to assign photoassociation spectra of NaCs. These methods investigate the ab initio Ω = 2 potential energy curve and indicate a previously unknown avoided crossing between the (3)Ω = 1 and (4)Ω = 1 electronic states. We present rotational assignments of deeply bound singlet ground state molecules, an improved C(6) coefficient for the (4)Ω = 1 and assignments for all twenty-three photoassociation resonances detuned from the Cs 6(2)P(3/2) asymptote.

Formation of zeolites in metakaolin-based geopolymers and their potential application for Cs immobilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arbel Haddad, M.; Ofer-Rozovsky, E.; Bar-Nes, G.; Borojovich, E. J. C.; Nikolski, A.; Mogiliansky, D.; Katz, A.

2017-09-01

Alkali-activated aluminisilicate materials, also known as geopolymers, have been considered as attractive candidates for nuclear waste immobilization, due to their ability to incorporate cations, combined with high chemical resistance and suitable mechanical and thermal properties. The goal of the present research was to study the incorporation and immobilization of Cs in low-Si geopolymers (SiO2:Al2O3 molar ratio ≤ 2) which are known to have a relatively high crystalline phase content. A series of low-Si geopolymers was prepared from metakaolin using activating solutions containing CsOH and NaOH at different proportions. The structural evolution of the resulting products was followed using X-ray diffraction, the incorporation of Cs in the geopolymer was followed by pore water analysis, and its immobilization efficiency was determined from leaching tests following the ANSI/ANS-16.1 standard procedure. Like low-Si NaOH-based geopolymers, the mixed CsOH-NaOH geopolymers contain a significant amount of crystalline material which is imbedded within an amorphous matrix. Formulations with 1%Cs yielded the crystalline phases zeolite A and zeolite X. At 50%Cs the Cs-bearing zeolite F was formed. All three phases were observed at an intermediate Cs content (7%Cs). Pore water analysis indicated a preference for Cs uptake from the activating solution, while leaching experiments indicated selectivity for Cs immobilization in the mixed CsOH-NaOH geopolymers. Correlation of the apparent diffusion constants for both Na and Cs, as obtained from the leaching experiments, with the structural data lead to the conclusion that Cs is more efficiently bound by zeolite F, whereas Na binding is preferred by zeolites A and X. Nevertheless, the leachability indices for both Cs and Na were well above 6, indicating that such matrices may be considered as waste forms for 137Cs.

Cascaded chirped narrow bandpass filter with flat-top based on two-dimensional photonic crystals.

PubMed

Zhuang, Yuyang; Chen, Heming; Ji, Ke

2017-05-10

We propose a structure of a cascaded chirped narrow bandpass filter with a flat-top based on two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals (PhCs). The filter discussed here consists of three filter units, each with a resonator and two reflectors. Coupled mode theory and transfer matrix method are methodologies applied in the analysis of the features. The calculations show that the bandwidth of the filter can be adjusted by changing the distances between resonators and reflectors, and based on this, a flat-top response can be achieved by chirped-cascading the filter units. According to the theoretical model, we design a narrow bandpass filter based on 2D PhCs with a triangular lattice of air holes, the parameters of which are calculated using the finite element method. The simulation results show that the filter has a center frequency of 193.40 THz, an insertion loss of 0.18 dB, a flat bandwidth of 40 GHz, and ripples of about 0.2 dB in the passband. The filter is suitable for dense-wavelength-division-multiplexed optical communication systems with 100 GHz channel spacing.

Simultaneous conditioning of valence and arousal.

PubMed

Gawronski, Bertram; Mitchell, Derek G V

2014-01-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) refers to the change in the valence of a conditioned stimulus (CS) due to its pairing with a positive or negative unconditioned stimulus (US). To the extent that core affect can be characterised by the two dimensions of valence and arousal, EC has important implications for the origin of affective responses. However, the distinction between valence and arousal is rarely considered in research on EC or conditioned responses more generally. Measuring the subjective feelings elicited by a CS, the results from two experiments showed that (1) repeated pairings of a CS with a positive or negative US of either high or low arousal led to corresponding changes in both CS valence and CS arousal, (2) changes in CS arousal, but not changes in CS valence, were significantly related to recollective memory for CS-US pairings, (3) subsequent presentations of the CS without the US reduced the conditioned valence of the CS, with conditioned arousal being less susceptible to extinction and (4) EC effects were stronger for high arousal than low arousal USs. The results indicate that the conditioning of affective responses can occur simultaneously along two independent dimensions, supporting evidence in related areas that calls for a consideration of both valence and arousal. Implications for research on EC and the acquisition of emotional dispositions are discussed.

Shaking that icky feeling: effects of extinction and counterconditioning on disgust-related evaluative learning.

PubMed

Engelhard, Iris M; Leer, Arne; Lange, Emma; Olatunji, Bunmi O

2014-09-01

Learned disgust appears to play an important role in certain anxiety disorders, and can be explained by the process of evaluative conditioning, in which an affective evaluative reaction evoked by an unconditional stimulus (US) is transferred to a conditional stimulus (CS). Much remains unknown about how disgust-related evaluative learning can be effectively eliminated. Study 1 of the present investigation examined the effects of extinction on reducing the negative evaluation of a CS that was acquired during disgust conditioning. Participants completed acquisition trials, with a disgusting picture as US and two neutral pictures as CS (CS+ was paired with the US; CS- was unpaired), followed by extinction trials ("CS only"; experimental condition) or a filler task (control condition). Extinction trials reduced acquired US expectancy to the CS+, but did not extinguish negative evaluations of the CS+. Study 2 examined the effects of counterconditioning on evaluative learned disgust. After disgust acquisition trials, counterconditioning trials followed in which the CS+ was paired with a pleasant US (experimental condition) or a filler task (control condition). Counterconditioning trials reduced acquired US expectancy to the CS+ and reduced evaluative conditioned disgust. Implications of the potential differential effects of extinction and counterconditioning on evaluative learning for exposure-based treatment of specific anxiety disorders are discussed. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Fractionation of (137)Cs and Pu in natural peatland.

PubMed

Mihalík, Ján; Bartusková, Miluše; Hölgye, Zoltán; Ježková, Tereza; Henych, Ondřej

2014-08-01

High Cs-137 concentrations in plants growing on peatland inspired us to investigate the quantity of its bioavailable fraction in natural peat. Our investigation aims to: a) estimate the quantity of bioavailable Cs-137 and Pu present in peat, b) verify the similarity of Cs-137 and K-40 behaviours, and c) perform a quantification of Cs-137 and Pu transfer from peat to plants. We analysed the vertical distribution of Cs-137 and Pu isotopes in the peat and their concentrations in plants growing on these places. Bioavailability of radionuclides was investigated by sequential extraction. Sequential analyses revealed that it was the upper layer which contained the majority of Cs-137 in an available form while deeper layers retained Cs-137 in immobile fractions. We can conclude that 18% of all Cs-137 in the peat is still bioavailable. Despite of the low quantity of bioavailable fraction of Cs-137 its transfer factor reached extremely high values. In the case of Pu, 64% of its total amount was associated with fulvic/humic acids which resulted in the high transfer factor from peat to plants. 27 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the significant part of radionuclides deposited in peatland is still bioavailable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal Design of Boiler Unit (Standard Method).

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-29

T-0411-80" h EhlllllEI mhEhhhhh m~lEElhElllllE Elhllllllhllll llllllllmllllu llllllllhllllu "’FTD-ID(RS)T-0411-80 FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY DIVISION THERMAL...Block italic Transliter. - - A a A, a P p p p R, r S B, b C C S B V, v T m , t r g Y y SD, d SE a Ye, ye; E, e* x X x Kh, , W Zc h , z h L 4 Ti , L...sh sn arc_4n 6 ch cosh arc or -. tar. th tanh arc t- Scot zth cct arc c’- h sec Sch sech arc sc- . - o-ec csc cscn cs ch aronc sc Russian Er.I n h rot

Structural modulation of gut microbiota by chondroitin sulfate and its oligosaccharide.

PubMed

Shang, Qingsen; Shi, Jingjing; Song, Guanrui; Zhang, Meifang; Cai, Chao; Hao, Jiejie; Li, Guoyun; Yu, Guangli

2016-08-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) as a dietary supplement and a symptomatic slow acting (SYSA) drug has been used for years. Recently, CS has been demonstrated to be readily degraded and fermented in vitro by specific human gut microbes, hinting that dietary CS may pose a potential effect on gut microbiota composition in vivo. However, until now, little information is available on modulations of gut microbiota by CS. In the present study, modulations of gut microbiota in Kunming mice by CS and its oligosaccharide (CSO) were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. As evidenced by Heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA), the female microbiota were more vulnerable than the male microbiota to CS and CSO treatment. Besides, it is of interest to found that CS and CSO had differing effects on the abundance of Bacteroidales S24-7, Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Odoribacter, Prevotellaceae and Lactobacillus in male mice versus female mice. Collectively, we demonstrated a sex-dependent effect on gut microbiota of CS and CSO. In addition, since gut microbiota exerts a major effect on host physiology, our study highlighted that certain beneficial effects of CS may be associated with modulations of gut microbiota, which merits further investigation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of minerals on accumulation of Cs by fungus Saccaromyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Sakamoto, Fuminori; Yamasaki, Shinya; Kozai, Naofumi; Shiotsu, Hiroyuki; Utsunomiya, Satoshi; Watanabe, Naoko; Kozaki, Tamotsu

2015-06-01

The accumulation of Cs by unicellular fungus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of minerals has been studied to elucidate the role of microorganisms in the migration of radioactive Cs in the environment. Two different types of experiments were employed: experiments using stable Cs to examine the effect of a carbon source on the accumulation of Cs, and accumulation experiments of radioactive Cs from agar medium containing (137)Cs and zeolite, vermiculite, phlogopite, smectite, mica, or illite as mineral supplements. In the former type of experiments, the Cs-accumulated cells were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS). In the latter type, the radioactivity in the yeast cells was measured by an autoradiography technique. When a carbon source was present, higher amounts of Cs accumulated in the cells than in the resting condition without a carbon source. Analyses with SEM-EDS showed that no mineral formed on the cell surface. These results indicate that the yeast cells accumulate Cs by adsorption on the cell surface and intracellular accumulation. In the presence of minerals in the agar medium, the radioactivity in the yeast cells was in the order of mica > smectite, illite > vermiculite, phlogopite, zeolite. This order is inversely correlated to the ratio of the concentration of radioactive Cs between the minerals and the medium solution. These results strongly suggest that the yeast accumulates radioactive Cs competitively with minerals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of number and type of cations in water-soluble Cs+ and Na+ calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 complexes by using ESI-TOF-MS.

PubMed

Kumagai, Shogo; Hayashi, Kotaro; Kameda, Tomohito; Morohashi, Naoya; Hattori, Tetsutaro; Yoshioka, Toshiaki

2018-04-01

The treatment of cesium-contaminated wastewater has become one of the biggest issues. The selective Cs + removal from wastewater containing competitive alkali metal ions such as Na + is desired to reduce the volume of sludge. Therefore, the present work focused on water-soluble calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 (W-BisC6) to selectively capture Cs + . For characterization of the complex, UV-vis spectroscopy is commonly used, however, due to the limited availability of information it can be hard to quickly identify the specific structures of some complexes. In this work, the electrospray ionization time of flight spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) is successfully utilized to identify the number and type of cations in W-BisC6-cation complexes. ESI-TOF-MS accurately recognized 4 types of complex (W-BisC6-Na + , W-BisC6-Cs + , W-BisC6-2Na + , W-BisC6-Na + -Cs + ), and the experimental and simulated results were almost perfectly matched. It also revealed the difficulty of W-BisC6-2Cs + complex formation under the present conditions. Thus, this technique is significantly helpful for rapid identification of the specific structures of complexes during Cs + -contaminated wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

137Cs in soil and fallout around Zagreb (Croatia) at the time of the Fukushima accident.

PubMed

Šoštarić, Marko; Petrinec, Branko; Babić, Dinko

2013-12-01

This paper addresses the noticeable increase of 137Cs activity concentrations in soil and fallout in the area surrounding Zagreb (Croatia) that occurred at the time of the 2011 Fukushima accident. This topic is important for public health as 137Cs is highly toxic due to its long half-life of radioactive decay and chemical similarity to potassium. 137Cs concentrations in fallout were much greater than in soil, but remained present longer in the latter. While being detectable in our measurements, 137Cs did not spread through the food chain in amounts exceeding the maximum allowed level of radioactive food contamination. However, more thorough and consistent measurements need to be done in order to establish the precise activity trends of 137Cs in Zagreb soil and fallout.

[Prediction of 137Cs behaviour in the soil-plant system in the territory of Semipalatinsk test site].

PubMed

Spiridonov, S I; Mukusheva, M K; Gontarenko, I A; Fesenko, S V; Baranov, S A

2005-01-01

A mathematical model of 137Cs behaviour in the soil-plant system is presented. The model has been parameterized for the area adjacent to the testing area Ground Zero of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The model describes the main processes responsible for the changes in 137Cs content in the soil solution and, thereby, dynamics of the radionuclide uptake by vegetation. The results are taken from predictive and retrospective calculations that reflect the dynamics of 137Cs distribution by species in soil after nuclear explosions. The importance of factors governing 137Cs accumulation in plants within the STS area is assessed. The analysis of sensitivity of the output model variable to changes in its parameters revealed that the key soil properties significantly influence the results of prediction of 137Cs content in plants.

Chern-Simons Modified Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efstratiou, P.

2013-09-01

This presentation will be based on my, undergraduate, thesis at Aristotle University of Thessoliniki with the same subject, supervised by Professor Demetrios Papadopoulos. I will first present the general mathematical formulation of the Chern-Simons (CS) modified gravity, which is split in a dynamical and a non-dynamical context, and the different physical theories which suggest this modification. Then proceed by examing the possibility that the CS theory shares solutions with General Relativity in both contexts. In the non-dynamical context I will present a new, undocumented solution as well as all the other possible solutions found to date. I will conclude by arguing that General Relativity and CS Theory share any solutions in the dynamical context.

Decontamination efficiencies of pot-type water purifiers for ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in rainwater contaminated during Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

PubMed

Higaki, Shogo; Hirota, Masahiro

2012-01-01

Rainwater was contaminated by a large release of radionuclides into the environment during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It became a matter of concern for Japan when several water purification plants detected ¹³¹I contamination in the drinking water. In the present study, the decontamination efficiency of two easily obtainable commercial water purifiers were examined for rainwater contaminated with ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs. The water purifiers removed 94.2-97.8% of the ¹³¹I and 84.2-91.5% of the ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs after one filtration. Seven filtrations removed 98.2-99.6% of the ¹³¹I and over 98.0% of the ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs. From a practical perspective, over the fourth filtrations were not needed because of no significant improvements after the third filtration.

The synergistic effect of non-stoichiometry and Sb-doping on air-stable α-CsPbI3 for efficient carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Xiang, Sisi; Li, Weiping; Wei, Ya; Liu, Jiaming; Liu, Huicong; Zhu, Liqun; Chen, Haining

2018-05-18

α-CsPbI3 with the most suitable band gap for all-inorganic perovskite solar cell (PSC) application faces an issue of phase instability at low temperature in an air atmosphere. Herein, through stoichiometric investigation, α-CsPbI3 is successfully obtained with excess CsI at 110 °C in an air atmosphere. By doping α-CsPbI3 with Sb, phase stability is further enhanced and the film morphology is also improved. Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) based on CsPb0.96Sb0.04I3 achieve a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.18%, a record value for α-CsPbI3-based PSCs without hole transport materials. Significantly, the CsPb0.96Sb0.04I3 C-PSCs retain 93% of the initial PCE after 37 days of storage in an air atmosphere. Therefore, the synergistic effect of non-stoichiometry and Sb-doping presents a promising strategy to design all-inorganic lead halide PSCs with high performance and stability.

Radioactive Cs capture in the early solar system

PubMed Central

Hidaka, Hiroshi; Yoneda, Shigekazu

2013-01-01

Barium isotopic compositions of primitive materials in the solar system are generally affected by s- and r-process nucleosynthetic components that hide the contribution of the isotopic excess of 135Ba formed by decay of radioactive 135Cs. However, the Ba isotopic composition of the chemical separates from chondrules in the Sayama CM2 chondrite shows an excess of 135Ba isotopic abundance up to (0.33 ± 0.06)%, which is independent of the isotopic components from s- and r-process nucleosyntheses. The isotopic excesses of 135Ba correlate with the elemental abundance of Ba relative to Cs, providing chemical and isotopic evidence for the existence of the presently extinct radionuclide 135Cs (t1/2 = 2.3 million years) in the early solar system. The estimated abundance of 135Cs/133Cs = (6.8 ± 1.9) × 10−4 is more than double that expected from the uniform production model of the short-lived radioisotopes, suggesting remobilization of Cs including 135Cs in the chondrules of the meteorite parent body. PMID:23435551

Comparison of two serpins of Clonorchis sinensis by bioinformatics, expression, and localization in metacercaria

PubMed Central

Yang, Yabo; Hu, Dong; Wang, Lexun; Liang, Chi; Hu, Xuchu; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2014-01-01

Clonorchiasis, which has been an important public health problem in China, is caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked fish contaminated by live metacercaria. Therefore, preventing fish from infecting is of great significance for controlling the disease. SERPINs (serine protease inhibitors) are well known as negative regulators of hemostasis, thrombolysis, and innate immune responses. In the present study, two full-length sequences encoding SERPIN were identified from metacercaria cDNA library of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) and were denominated as CsSERPIN and CsSERPIN3, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the two sequences shares 35.9% identity to each other. Both of the sequences have SERPIN domain and the greatest difference between the two domains is the reactive centre loop. Transmembrane region was found in CsSERPIN3 while not in CsSERPIN. The expression of the two CsSERPINs was significantly higher at the life stage of metacercaria than that of adult. The transcription levels of CsSERPIN and CsSERPIN3 at metacercaria stage were 3.249- and 11.314-fold of that at adult stage, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of CsSERPIN was 4.32-fold of that of CsSERPIN3 at metacercaria stage. Immunobiochemistry revealed that CsERPIN was dispersed at subtegument and oral sucker of metacercaria, while CsSERPIN3 localized intensely in the tegument of metacercaria of C. sinensis inside of the cyst wall. All these indicated that the CsSERPINs play important roles at metacercaria stage of the parasite. CsSERPIN may take part in regulation of endogenous serine proteinase and CsSERPIN3 may be involved in immune evasion and be a potential candidate for vaccine and drug target for clonorchiasis. PMID:24831344

Comparison of two serpins of Clonorchis sinensis by bioinformatics, expression, and localization in metacercaria.

PubMed

Yang, Yabo; Hu, Dong; Wang, Lexun; Liang, Chi; Hu, Xuchu; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2014-06-01

Clonorchiasis, which has been an important public health problem in China, is caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked fish contaminated by live metacercaria. Therefore, preventing fish from infecting is of great significance for controlling the disease. SERPINs (serine protease inhibitors) are well known as negative regulators of hemostasis, thrombolysis, and innate immune responses. In the present study, two full-length sequences encoding SERPIN were identified from metacercaria cDNA library of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) and were denominated as CsSERPIN and CsSERPIN3, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the two sequences shares 35.9% identity to each other. Both of the sequences have SERPIN domain and the greatest difference between the two domains is the reactive centre loop. Transmembrane region was found in CsSERPIN3 while not in CsSERPIN. The expression of the two CsSERPINs was significantly higher at the life stage of metacercaria than that of adult. The transcription levels of CsSERPIN and CsSERPIN3 at metacercaria stage were 3.249- and 11.314-fold of that at adult stage, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of CsSERPIN was 4.32-fold of that of CsSERPIN3 at metacercaria stage. Immunobiochemistry revealed that CsERPIN was dispersed at subtegument and oral sucker of metacercaria, while CsSERPIN3 localized intensely in the tegument of metacercaria of C. sinensis inside of the cyst wall. All these indicated that the CsSERPINs play important roles at metacercaria stage of the parasite. CsSERPIN may take part in regulation of endogenous serine proteinase and CsSERPIN3 may be involved in immune evasion and be a potential candidate for vaccine and drug target for clonorchiasis.

C3H/He Mice as an Incompatible Cholangiocarcinoma Model by Clonorchis sinensis, Dicyclanil and N-Nitrosodimethylamine.

PubMed

Uddin, Md Hafiz; Li, Shunyu; Jin, Yan; Choi, Min-Ho; Jang, Ja June; Hong, Sung-Tae

2016-06-01

Clonorchis sinensis is a Group-I bio-carcinogen, associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The hamster is the only experimental model of C. sinensis-mediated CCA, but we oblige another animal model. The present study intended to develop a C. sinensis (Cs) mediated CCA model using C3H/He mice, co-stimulated with N-nitrosodimethyl-amine (NDMA) and dicyclanil (DC). The mice were divided into 8 groups with different combinations of Cs, NDMA, and DC. Six months later the mice were sacrificed and subjected to gross and histopathological examination. The body weights were significantly reduced among the groups treated with 2 or more agents (eg. Cs+NDMA, Cs+DC, NDMA+DC, and Cs+NDMA+DC). In contrast, liver weight percentages to body weight were increased in above groups by 4.1% to 4.7%. A Change of the spleen weight was observed only in Cs+NDMA group. Though C. sinensis infection is evident from hyperplastic changes, only 1 worm was recovered. T wo mice, 1 from Cs and the other from Cs+DC group, showed mass forming lesions; 1 (281.2 mm(3)) from the Cs group was a hepatocellular adenoma and the other (280.6 mm(3)) from the Cs+DC group was a cystic mass (peliosis). Higher prevalence of gray-white nodules was observed in Cs group (42.9%) followed by Cs+NDMA+DC group (21.4%). The mice of the Cs+NDMA+DC group showed hyper-proliferation of the bile duct with fibrotic changes. No characteristic change for CCA was recognized in any of the groups. In conclusion, C3H/He mice produce no CCA but extensive fibrosis when they are challenged by Cs, NDMA, and DC together.

Functional and Biochemical Characterization of Cucumber Genes Encoding Two Copper ATPases CsHMA5.1 and CsHMA5.2*

PubMed Central

Migocka, Magdalena; Posyniak, Ewelina; Maciaszczyk-Dziubinska, Ewa; Papierniak, Anna; Kosieradzaka, Anna

2015-01-01

Plant copper P1B-type ATPases appear to be crucial for maintaining copper homeostasis within plant cells, but until now they have been studied mostly in model plant systems. Here, we present the molecular and biochemical characterization of two cucumber copper ATPases, CsHMA5.1 and CsHMA5.2, indicating a different function for HMA5-like proteins in different plants. When expressed in yeast, CsHMA5.1 and CsHMA5.2 localize to the vacuolar membrane and are activated by monovalent copper or silver ions and cysteine, showing different affinities to Cu+ (Km ∼1 or 0.5 μm, respectively) and similar affinity to Ag+ (Km ∼2.5 μm). Both proteins restore the growth of yeast mutants sensitive to copper excess and silver through intracellular copper sequestration, indicating that they contribute to copper and silver detoxification. Immunoblotting with specific antibodies revealed the presence of CsHMA5.1 and CsHMA5.2 in the tonoplast of cucumber cells. Interestingly, the root-specific CsHMA5.1 was not affected by copper stress, whereas the widely expressed CsHMA5.2 was up-regulated or down-regulated in roots upon copper excess or deficiency, respectively. The copper-induced increase in tonoplast CsHMA5.2 is consistent with the increased activity of ATP-dependent copper transport into tonoplast vesicles isolated from roots of plants grown under copper excess. These data identify CsHMA5.1 and CsHMA5.2 as high affinity Cu+ transporters and suggest that CsHMA5.2 is responsible for the increased sequestration of copper in vacuoles of cucumber root cells under copper excess. PMID:25963145

C3H/He Mice as an Incompatible Cholangiocarcinoma Model by Clonorchis sinensis, Dicyclanil and N-Nitrosodimethylamine

PubMed Central

Uddin, Md. Hafiz; Li, Shunyu; Jin, Yan; Choi, Min-Ho; Jang, Ja June; Hong, Sung-Tae

2016-01-01

Clonorchis sinensis is a Group-I bio-carcinogen, associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The hamster is the only experimental model of C. sinensis-mediated CCA, but we oblige another animal model. The present study intended to develop a C. sinensis (Cs) mediated CCA model using C3H/He mice, co-stimulated with N-nitrosodimethyl-amine (NDMA) and dicyclanil (DC). The mice were divided into 8 groups with different combinations of Cs, NDMA, and DC. Six months later the mice were sacrificed and subjected to gross and histopathological examination. The body weights were significantly reduced among the groups treated with 2 or more agents (eg. Cs+NDMA, Cs+DC, NDMA+DC, and Cs+NDMA+DC). In contrast, liver weight percentages to body weight were increased in above groups by 4.1% to 4.7%. A Change of the spleen weight was observed only in Cs+NDMA group. Though C. sinensis infection is evident from hyperplastic changes, only 1 worm was recovered. T wo mice, 1 from Cs and the other from Cs+DC group, showed mass forming lesions; 1 (281.2 mm3) from the Cs group was a hepatocellular adenoma and the other (280.6 mm3) from the Cs+DC group was a cystic mass (peliosis). Higher prevalence of gray-white nodules was observed in Cs group (42.9%) followed by Cs+NDMA+DC group (21.4%). The mice of the Cs+NDMA+DC group showed hyper-proliferation of the bile duct with fibrotic changes. No characteristic change for CCA was recognized in any of the groups. In conclusion, C3H/He mice produce no CCA but extensive fibrosis when they are challenged by Cs, NDMA, and DC together. PMID:27417082

Repeated Activation of a CS-US-Contingency Memory Results in Sustained Conditioned Responding

PubMed Central

Joos, Els; Vansteenwegen, Debora; Vervliet, Bram; Hermans, Dirk

2013-01-01

Individuals seem to differ in conditionability, i.e., the ease by which the contingent presentation of two stimuli will lead to a conditioned response. In contemporary learning theory, individual differences in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders are, among others, explained by individual differences in temperamental variables (Mineka and Zinbarg, 2006). One such individual difference variable is how people process a learning experience when the conditioning stimuli are no longer present. Repeatedly thinking about the conditioning experience, as in worry or rumination, might prolong the initial (fear) reactions and as such, might leave certain individuals more vulnerable to developing an anxiety disorder. However, in human conditioning research, relatively little attention has been devoted to the processing of a memory trace after its initial acquisition, despite its potential influences on subsequent performance. Post-acquisition processing can be induced by mental reiteration of a conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US)-contingency. Using a human conditioned suppression paradigm, we investigated the effect of repeated activations of a CS-US-contingency memory on the level of conditioned responding at a later test. Results of three experiments showed more sustained responding to a “rehearsed” CS+ as compared to a “non-rehearsed” CS+. Moreover, the second experiment showed no effect of rehearsal when only the CS was rehearsed instead of the CS-US-contingency. The third experiment demonstrated that mental CS-US-rehearsal has the same effect regardless of whether it was cued by the CS and a verbal reference to the US or by a neutral signal, making the rehearsal “purely mental.” In sum, it was demonstrated that post-acquisition activation of a CS-US-contingency memory can impact conditioned responding, underlining the importance of post-acquisition processes in conditioning. This might indicate that individuals who are more prone to mentally rehearse information condition more easily. PMID:23755034

Investigation on oxidative stress of nitric oxide synthase interacting protein from Clonorchis sinensis.

PubMed

Bian, Meng; Xu, Qingxia; Xu, Yanquan; Li, Shan; Wang, Xiaoyun; Sheng, Jiahe; Wu, Zhongdao; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2016-01-01

Numerous evidences indicate that excretory-secretory products (ESPs) from liver flukes trigger the generation of free radicals that are associated with the initial pathophysiological responses in host cells. In this study, we first constructed a Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis, Cs)-infected BALB/c mouse model and examined relative results respectively at 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks postinfection (p.i.). Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR indicated that the transcriptional level of both endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) gradually decreased with lastingness of infection, while the transcriptional level of inducible NOS (iNOS) significantly increased. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in sera of infected mouse significantly increased versus the healthy control group. These results showed that the liver of C. sinensis-infected mouse was in a state with elevated levels of oxidation stress. Previously, C. sinensis NOS interacting protein coding gene (named CsNOSIP) has been isolated and recombinant CsNOSIP (rCsNOSIP) has been expressed in Escherichia coli, which has been confirmed to be a component present in CsESPs and confirmed to play important roles in immune regulation of the host. In the present paper, we investigated the effects of rCsNOSIP on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated RAW264.7, a murine macrophage cell line. We found that endotoxin-free rCsNOSIP significantly promoted the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) after pretreated with rCsNOSIP, while the level of SOD decreased. Furthermore, rCsNOSIP could also increase the level of lipid peroxidation MDA. Taken together, these results suggested that CsNOSIP was a key molecule which was involved in the production of nitric oxide (NO) and its reactive intermediates, and played an important role in oxidative stress during C. sinensis infection.

Moderate Perinatal Choline Deficiency Elicits Altered Physiology and Metabolomic Profiles in the Piglet.

PubMed

Getty, Caitlyn M; Dilger, Ryan N

2015-01-01

Few studies have evaluated the impact of dietary choline on the health and well-being of swine, and those pivotal papers were aimed at determining dietary requirements for sows and growing pigs. This is of importance as the piglet is becoming a widely accepted model for human infant nutrition, but little is known about the impacts of perinatal choline status on overall health and metabolism of the growing piglet. In the present study, sows were provided either a choline deficient (CD, 625 mg choline/kg dry matter) or choline sufficient (CS, 1306 mg choline/kg dry matter) diet for the last 65 d of gestation (prenatal intervention). Piglets were weaned from the sow 48 h after farrowing and provided either a CD (477 mg choline/kg dry matter) or CS (1528 mg choline/kg dry matter) milk replacer (postnatal intervention) for 29 ± 2 d, resulting in a factorial arrangement of 4 treatment (prenatal/postnatal) groups: CS/CS, CS/CD, CD/CS, and CD/CD. Piglet growth was normal for artificially-reared piglets, and was not impacted by perinatal choline status. Piglets receiving the postnatal CD treatment had lower (P < 0.01) plasma choline and choline-containing phospholipid concentrations and higher (P < 0.05) liver enzyme (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) values compared with piglets receiving the postnatal CS treatment. Hepatic lipid content of piglets receiving the postnatal CD treatment was higher (P < 0.01) compared with piglets receiving the postnatal CS treatment. Additionally, postnatally CD piglets had lower (P = 0.01) plasma cholesterol than postnatally CS piglets. Brain development was also impacted by perinatal choline status, with brains of piglets exposed to prenatal CD being smaller (P = 0.01) than those of prenatally CS piglets. These findings support the hypothesis that the piglet is a sensitive model for choline deficiency during the perinatal period. In the present study, piglets exhibited similarities in health markers and metabolomic profiles to rodents and humans when exposed to moderate choline deficiency.

Repeated Activation of a CS-US-Contingency Memory Results in Sustained Conditioned Responding.

PubMed

Joos, Els; Vansteenwegen, Debora; Vervliet, Bram; Hermans, Dirk

2013-01-01

Individuals seem to differ in conditionability, i.e., the ease by which the contingent presentation of two stimuli will lead to a conditioned response. In contemporary learning theory, individual differences in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders are, among others, explained by individual differences in temperamental variables (Mineka and Zinbarg, 2006). One such individual difference variable is how people process a learning experience when the conditioning stimuli are no longer present. Repeatedly thinking about the conditioning experience, as in worry or rumination, might prolong the initial (fear) reactions and as such, might leave certain individuals more vulnerable to developing an anxiety disorder. However, in human conditioning research, relatively little attention has been devoted to the processing of a memory trace after its initial acquisition, despite its potential influences on subsequent performance. Post-acquisition processing can be induced by mental reiteration of a conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US)-contingency. Using a human conditioned suppression paradigm, we investigated the effect of repeated activations of a CS-US-contingency memory on the level of conditioned responding at a later test. Results of three experiments showed more sustained responding to a "rehearsed" CS+ as compared to a "non-rehearsed" CS+. Moreover, the second experiment showed no effect of rehearsal when only the CS was rehearsed instead of the CS-US-contingency. The third experiment demonstrated that mental CS-US-rehearsal has the same effect regardless of whether it was cued by the CS and a verbal reference to the US or by a neutral signal, making the rehearsal "purely mental." In sum, it was demonstrated that post-acquisition activation of a CS-US-contingency memory can impact conditioned responding, underlining the importance of post-acquisition processes in conditioning. This might indicate that individuals who are more prone to mentally rehearse information condition more easily.

The ecophysiology of sulfur isotope fractionation by sulfate reducing bacteria in response to variable environmental conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leavitt, W.; Bradley, A. S.; Johnston, D. T.; Pereira, I. A. C.; Venceslau, S.; Wallace, C.

2014-12-01

Microbial sulfate reducers (MSR) drive the Earth's biogeochemical sulfur cycle. At the heart of this energy metabolism is a cascade of redox transformations coupling organic carbon and/or hydrogen oxidation to the dissimilatory reduction of sulfate to sulfide. The sulfide produced is depleted in the heavier isotopes of sulfur relative to sulfate. The magnitude of discrimination (fractionation) depends on: i) the cell-specific sulfate reduction rate (csSRR, Kaplan & Rittenberg (1964) Can. J. Microbio.; Chambers et al. (1975) Can. J. Microbio; Sim et al. (2011) GCA; Leavitt et al. (2013) PNAS), ii) the ambient sulfate concentration (Harrison & Thode (1958) Research; Habicht et al. (2002) Science; Bradley et al. in review), iii) both sulfate and electron donor availability, or iv) an intrinsic physiological limitation (e.g. cellular division rate). When neither sulfate nor electron donor limits csSRR a more complex function relates the magnitude of isotope fractionation to cell physiology and environmental conditions. In recent and on-going work we have examined the importance of enzyme-specific fractionation factors, as well as the influence of electron donor or electron acceptor availability under carefully controlled culture conditions (e.g. Leavitt et al. (2013) PNAS). In light of recent advances in MSR genetics and biochemistry we utilize well-characterized mutant strains, along with a continuous-culture methodology (Leavitt et al. (2013) PNAS) to further probe the fractionation capacity of this metabolism under controlled physiological conditions. We present our latest findings on the magnitude of S and D/H isotope fractionation in both wild type and mutant strains. We will discuss these in light of recent theoretical advances (Wing & Halevy (2014) PNAS), examining the mode and relevance of MSR isotope fractionation in the laboratory to modern and ancient environmental settings, particularly anoxic marine sediments.

Cryogenic fountain development at NIST and INRIM: preliminary characterization.

PubMed

Levi, Filippo; Calosso, Claudio; Calonico, Davide; Lorini, Luca; Bertacco, Elio K; Godone, Aldo; Costanzo, Giovanni A; Mongino, Barbara; Jefferts, Steven R; Heavner, Thomas P; Donley, Elizabeth A

2010-03-01

This paper describes the new twin laser-cooled Cs fountain primary frequency standards NIST-F2 and ITCsF2, and presents some of their design features. Most significant is a cryogenic microwave interrogation region which dramatically reduces the blackbody radiation shift. We also present a preliminary accuracy evaluation of IT-CsF2.

Activation of the Human MT Complex by Motion in Depth Induced by a Moving Cast Shadow

PubMed Central

Katsuyama, Narumi; Usui, Nobuo; Taira, Masato

2016-01-01

A moving cast shadow is a powerful monocular depth cue for motion perception in depth. For example, when a cast shadow moves away from or toward an object in a two-dimensional plane, the object appears to move toward or away from the observer in depth, respectively, whereas the size and position of the object are constant. Although the cortical mechanisms underlying motion perception in depth by cast shadow are unknown, the human MT complex (hMT+) is likely involved in the process, as it is sensitive to motion in depth represented by binocular depth cues. In the present study, we examined this possibility by using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. First, we identified the cortical regions sensitive to the motion of a square in depth represented via binocular disparity. Consistent with previous studies, we observed significant activation in the bilateral hMT+, and defined functional regions of interest (ROIs) there. We then investigated the activity of the ROIs during observation of the following stimuli: 1) a central square that appeared to move back and forth via a moving cast shadow (mCS); 2) a segmented and scrambled cast shadow presented beside the square (sCS); and 3) no cast shadow (nCS). Participants perceived motion of the square in depth in the mCS condition only. The activity of the hMT+ was significantly higher in the mCS compared with the sCS and nCS conditions. Moreover, the hMT+ was activated equally in both hemispheres in the mCS condition, despite presentation of the cast shadow in the bottom-right quadrant of the stimulus. Perception of the square moving in depth across visual hemifields may be reflected in the bilateral activation of the hMT+. We concluded that the hMT+ is involved in motion perception in depth induced by moving cast shadow and by binocular disparity. PMID:27597999

Does attitude acquisition in evaluative conditioning without explicit CS-US memory reflect implicit misattribution of affect?

PubMed

Mierop, Adrien; Hütter, Mandy; Stahl, Christoph; Corneille, Olivier

2018-02-05

Research that dissociates different types of processes within a given task using a processing tree approach suggests that attitudes may be acquired through evaluative conditioning in the absence of explicit encoding of CS-US pairings in memory. This research distinguishes explicit memory for the CS-US pairings from CS-liking acquired without encoding of CS-US pairs in explicit memory. It has been suggested that the latter effect may be due to an implicit misattribution process that is assumed to operate when US evocativeness is low. In the present research, the latter assumption was supported neither by two high-powered experiments nor by complementary meta-analytic evidence, whereas evocativeness exerted an influence on explicit memory. This pattern of findings is inconsistent with the view that CS-liking acquired without encoding of CS-US pairs in explicit memory reflects an implicit misattribution process at learning. Hence, the underlying learning process is awaiting further empirical scrutiny.

Pavlovian conditioning of lung anaphylactic response in rats.

PubMed

Palermo-Neto, J; Guimarães, R K

2000-12-29

The present experiment was undertaken to verify if it is possible to impose Pavlovian conditioning on a lung anaphylactic response (LAR) in rats. Two experiments were done. In the 1st, egg albumin (OVA) aerosol inhalation, which induces signs and symptoms of LAR in OVA- sensitized rats, was paired with an audiovisual cue (conditional stimulus, CS). After reexposure to the CS, the signs and symptoms of LAR were quantitatively measured using a scoring system specially developed for this evaluation; the levels of stress response and anxiety were also quantified. Results showed that the rats reexposed to CS only, displayed LAR scores not significantly different from those reexposed to both CS and the antigen; animals of these groups showed significantly higher LAR scores than rats that received no OVA aerosol challenge. High levels of stress and anxiety were observed 30-40 min after the challenge with OVA aerosol. In the 2nd experiment, rats sensitized with OVA and submitted or not to Pavlovian conditioning were observed in the open-field and in the plus maze apparatus in the absence of OVA aerosol but in the presence of the CS; after behavioral observations the animals were sacrificed for serum corticosterone level determination. Both behavioral and biochemical data showed high levels of stress and anxiety in rats for which the antigen was previously paired with the CS; these changes were not observed in animals which received the antigen 24 h after the presentation of the CS (unpaired) or in those exposed to PBS aerosol (the OVA vehicle) only. The present data show not only that LAR can be submitted to Pavlovian conditioning, but also and importantly, that high levels of stress and anxiety are related to the course of LAR.

137Cs soil-to-plant transfer for individual species in a semi-natural grassland. Influence of potassium soil content.

PubMed

Ciuffo, Liliana; Velasco, Hugo; Belli, Mar; Sansone, Umberto

2003-09-01

In the present study we assessed the radiocaesium uptake by plants in order to piece together information on factors affecting the uptake processes, particularly K supply and plant species differences. Vegetation uptake from soil contaminated by the Chernobyl accident was compared at two semi-natural grasslands. The Cs/K discrimination factor (DF), which is often used to evaluate a plant's efficiency in absorbing nutrients from soil, was estimated. The obtained DF values (0.01 to 0.8) vary with K soil concentrations and plant species, indicating that the (40)K is more efficiently absorbed than (137)Cs. The soil-to-plant relationship was evaluated by means of the transfer factor (TF). The (137)Cs TF(sp) values obtained from separated plant species varied within the range of 0.016 to 0.400 (site 1) and 0.017 to 0.171 (site 2). When mixed grass samples were considered a large variation was observed, mainly for site 1. The (137)Cs TF(mix) ranges were: 0.018 to 0.250 for site 1 and 0.017 to 0.167 for site 2. These values fall within the range of TFs commonly reported (0.0001-1). Our present data suggest that these pastures are apt for forage use. Different plant species presented different individual behavior regarding their (137)Cs TF(sp) when the (40)K soil activity concentration was taken in account. For most of the species analyzed, we observed a gradual decrease in the individual (137)Cs TF(sp) when the (40)K soil activity concentration was increased, with the exception of Taraxacum officinale at one of the sampling sites.

Kinetics of caesium and potassium absorption by roots of three grass pastures and competitive effects of potassium on caesium uptake in Cynodon sp.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayub, J. Juri; Valverde, L. Rubio; Garcia-Sanchez, M. J.; Fernandez, J. A.; Velasco, R. H.

2008-08-01

Caesium uptake by plant roots has been normally associated with the uptake of potassium as the potassium transport systems present in plants have also the capacity to transport caesium. Three grass species (Eragrostis curvula, Cynodon sp and Distichlis spicata) growing in seminatural grassland of central Argentina were selected to study their capability to incorporate Cs+ (and K+) using electrophysiological techniques. Although the 137Cs soil inventory ranged between 328-730 Bq m-2 in this region, no 137Cs activity was detected in these plants. However, all the species, submitted previously to K+ starvation, showed the uptake of both Cs+ and K+ when micromolar concentrations of these cations were present in the medium. The uptake showed saturation kinetics for both cations that could be fitted to the Michelis-Menten model. KM values were smaller for K+ than for Cs+, indicating a higher affinity for the first cation. The presence of increasing K+ concentrations in the assay medium inhibited Cs+ uptake in Cynodon sp., as expected if both cations are transported by the same transport systems. This effect is due to the competition of both ions for the union sites of the high affinity potassium transporters. In field situation, where soil concentration of Cs+ is smaller than K+ concentration, is then expectable that caesium activity in plants is not detectable. Nevertheless, the studied plants would have the capacity to incorporate caesium if its availability in soil solution increases. In addition, studies of Cs/K interaction can help us to understand the variability in transfer factors.

Characterization of scintillator-based detectors for few-ten-keV high-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging

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

Larsson, Jakob C., E-mail: jakob.larsson@biox.kth.se; Lundström, Ulf; Hertz, Hans M.

2016-06-15

Purpose: High-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging in the few-ten-keV range is becoming increasingly important in several applications, such as small-animal imaging and phase-contrast imaging. The detector properties critically influence the quality of such imaging. Here the authors present a quantitative comparison of scintillator-based detectors for this energy range and at high spatial frequencies. Methods: The authors determine the modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency for Gadox, needle CsI, and structured CsI scintillators of different thicknesses and at different photon energies. An extended analysis of the NPS allows for direct measurements of the scintillator effective absorption efficiency andmore » effective light yield as well as providing an alternative method to assess the underlying factors behind the detector properties. Results: There is a substantial difference in performance between the scintillators depending on the imaging task but in general, the CsI based scintillators perform better than the Gadox scintillators. At low energies (16 keV), a thin needle CsI scintillator has the best performance at all frequencies. At higher energies (28–38 keV), the thicker needle CsI scintillators and the structured CsI scintillator all have very good performance. The needle CsI scintillators have higher absorption efficiencies but the structured CsI scintillator has higher resolution. Conclusions: The choice of scintillator is greatly dependent on the imaging task. The presented comparison and methodology will assist the imaging scientist in optimizing their high-resolution few-ten-keV imaging system for best performance.« less

Characterization of scintillator-based detectors for few-ten-keV high-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging.

PubMed

Larsson, Jakob C; Lundström, Ulf; Hertz, Hans M

2016-06-01

High-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging in the few-ten-keV range is becoming increasingly important in several applications, such as small-animal imaging and phase-contrast imaging. The detector properties critically influence the quality of such imaging. Here the authors present a quantitative comparison of scintillator-based detectors for this energy range and at high spatial frequencies. The authors determine the modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency for Gadox, needle CsI, and structured CsI scintillators of different thicknesses and at different photon energies. An extended analysis of the NPS allows for direct measurements of the scintillator effective absorption efficiency and effective light yield as well as providing an alternative method to assess the underlying factors behind the detector properties. There is a substantial difference in performance between the scintillators depending on the imaging task but in general, the CsI based scintillators perform better than the Gadox scintillators. At low energies (16 keV), a thin needle CsI scintillator has the best performance at all frequencies. At higher energies (28-38 keV), the thicker needle CsI scintillators and the structured CsI scintillator all have very good performance. The needle CsI scintillators have higher absorption efficiencies but the structured CsI scintillator has higher resolution. The choice of scintillator is greatly dependent on the imaging task. The presented comparison and methodology will assist the imaging scientist in optimizing their high-resolution few-ten-keV imaging system for best performance.

Not all glucocorticoid-induced obesity is the same: differences in adiposity among various diagnostic groups of Cushing syndrome.

PubMed

London, E; Lodish, M; Keil, M; Lyssikatos, C; de la Luz Sierra, M; Nesterova, M; Stratakis, C A

2014-11-01

The cAMP signaling pathway is implicated in bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasias (BAHs), which are often associated with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (CS). Although CS is invariably associated with obesity and is frequently associated with PKA signaling defects, we recently reported that its different forms appear to also present with variable weight gain and adiposity. The present study was aimed at characterizing further the phenotypic and molecular differences in periadrenal adipose tissue (PAT) among patients with subtypes of CS, by anthropometric/biochemical analyses and quantification of PKA expression and activity in BAHs in comparison to a non-CS group with aldosterone producing adenomas (APAs). Glucocorticoid levels, serum parameters, and BMI were analyzed among a larger patient cohort including those with different forms of CS, APAs, and Cushing disease. Abdominal CT scans were available for a small subset of patients examined for fat distribution. PAT collected during adrenalectomy was assayed for PKA activity, cAMP, and PKA expression. BMI and BMI z-score were lower in adults with PPNAD with PRKAR1A mutations and in pediatric patients with PPNAD with and without PRKAR1A mutations, respectively. Patients with PPNAD had higher cAMP levels in PAT and different fat distribution. Thus, PKA activity in PAT differed between CS diagnostic groups. Increased cAMP and PKA activity may have contributed to phenotypic differences among subtypes of CS. In agreement with the known roles of cAMP signaling in the regulation of adiposity, patients with PPNAD were less obese than other patients with CS. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Emotional eating and Pavlovian learning: does negative mood facilitate appetitive conditioning?

PubMed

Bongers, Peggy; van den Akker, Karolien; Havermans, Remco; Jansen, Anita

2015-06-01

Emotional eating has been suggested to be a learned behaviour; more specifically, classical conditioning processes might be involved in its development. In the present study we investigated whether a negative mood facilitates appetitive conditioning and whether trait impulsivity influences this process. After undergoing either a negative or neutral mood induction, participants were subjected to a differential classical conditioning procedure, using neutral stimuli and appetizing food. Two initially neutral distinctive vases with flowers were (CS+) or were not (CS-) paired with chocolate mousse intake. We measured participants' expectancy and desire to eat (4 CS+ and 4 CS- trials), salivation response, and actual food intake. The BIS-11 was administered to assess trait impulsivity. In both mood conditions, participants showed a classically conditioned appetite. Unexpectedly, there was no evidence of facilitated appetitive learning in a negative mood with regard to expectancy, desire, salivation, or intake. However, immediately before the taste test, participants in the negative mood condition reported a stronger desire to eat in the CS+ compared to the CS- condition, while no such effect occurred in the neutral group. An effect of impulsivity was found with regard to food intake in the neutral mood condition: high-impulsive participants consumed less food when presented with the CS+ compared to the CS-, and also less than low-impulsive participants. An alternative pathway to appetitive conditioning with regard to emotions is that it is not the neutral stimuli, but the emotions themselves that become conditioned stimuli and elicit appetitive responses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unexpected source of Fukushima-derived radiocesium to the coastal ocean of Japan

PubMed Central

Sanial, Virginie; Buesseler, Ken O.; Charette, Matthew A.; Nagao, Seiya

2017-01-01

There are 440 operational nuclear reactors in the world, with approximately one-half situated along the coastline. This includes the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), which experienced multiple reactor meltdowns in March 2011 followed by the release of radioactivity to the marine environment. While surface inputs to the ocean via atmospheric deposition and rivers are usually well monitored after a nuclear accident, no study has focused on subterranean pathways. During our study period, we found the highest cesium-137 (137Cs) levels (up to 23,000 Bq⋅m−3) outside of the FDNPP site not in the ocean, rivers, or potable groundwater, but in groundwater beneath sand beaches over tens of kilometers away from the FDNPP. Here, we present evidence of a previously unknown, ongoing source of Fukushima-derived 137Cs to the coastal ocean. We postulate that these beach sands were contaminated in 2011 through wave- and tide-driven exchange and sorption of highly radioactive Cs from seawater. Subsequent desorption of 137Cs and fluid exchange from the beach sands was quantified using naturally occurring radium isotopes. This estimated ocean 137Cs source (0.6 TBq⋅y−1) is of similar magnitude as the ongoing releases of 137Cs from the FDNPP site for 2013–2016, as well as the input of Fukushima-derived dissolved 137Cs via rivers. Although this ongoing source is not at present a public health issue for Japan, the release of Cs of this type and scale needs to be considered in nuclear power plant monitoring and scenarios involving future accidents. PMID:28973919

Neural circuitry of abdominal pain-related fear learning and reinstatement in irritable bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Icenhour, A; Langhorst, J; Benson, S; Schlamann, M; Hampel, S; Engler, H; Forsting, M; Elsenbruch, S

2015-01-01

Altered pain anticipation likely contributes to disturbed central pain processing in chronic pain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the learning processes shaping the expectation of pain remain poorly understood. We assessed the neural circuitry mediating the formation, extinction, and reactivation of abdominal pain-related memories in IBS patients compared to healthy controls (HC) in a differential fear conditioning paradigm. During fear acquisition, predictive visual cues (CS(+)) were paired with rectal distensions (US), while control cues (CS(-)) were presented unpaired. During extinction, only CSs were presented. Subsequently, memory reactivation was assessed with a reinstatement procedure involving unexpected USs. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, group differences in neural activation to CS(+) vs CS(-) were analyzed, along with skin conductance responses (SCR), CS valence, CS-US contingency, state anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase activity. The contribution of anxiety symptoms was addressed in covariance analyses. Fear acquisition was altered in IBS, as indicated by more accurate contingency awareness, greater CS-related valence change, and enhanced CS(+)-induced differential activation of prefrontal cortex and amygdala. IBS patients further revealed enhanced differential cingulate activation during extinction and greater differential hippocampal activation during reinstatement. Anxiety affected neural responses during memory formation and reinstatement. Abdominal pain-related fear learning and memory processes are altered in IBS, mediated by amygdala, cingulate cortex, prefrontal areas, and hippocampus. Enhanced reinstatement may contribute to hypervigilance and central pain amplification, especially in anxious patients. Preventing a 'relapse' of learned fear utilizing extinction-based interventions may be a promising treatment goal in IBS. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computational design of soft materials for the capture of Cs-137 in contaminated environments: From 2D covalent cucurbituril networks to 3D supramolecular materials

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

Pichierri, Fabio, E-mail: fabio@che.tohoku.ac.jp

Using computational quantum chemistry methods we design novel 2D and 3D soft materials made of cucurbituril macrocycles covalently connected with each other via rigid linkers. Such covalent cucurbituril networks might be useful for the capture of radioactive Cs-137 (present as Cs{sup +}) in the contaminated environment.

Motion of Cesium Atoms in the One-Dimensional Magneto-Optical Trap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Yimin; Chen, Xuzong; Wang, Qingji; Wang, Yiqiu

1996-01-01

The force to which Cs atoms are subjected in the one-dimensional magneto-optical trap (lD-MOT) is calculated, and properties of this force are discussed. Several methods to increase the number of Cs atoms in the lD-MOT are presented on the basis of the analysis of the capture and escape of Cs atoms in the ID-MOT.

Effects of Multiple Contexts and Context Similarity on the Renewal of Extinguished Conditioned Behaviour in an ABA Design with Humans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balooch, Siavash Bandarian; Neumann, David L.

2011-01-01

The ABA renewal procedure involves pairing a conditional stimulus (CS) and an unconditional stimulus (US) in one context (A), presenting extinction trials of the CS alone in a second context (B), and nonreinforced test trials of the CS in the acquisition context (A). The renewal of extinguished conditioned behaviour is observed during test. The…

Intracellular Targeting Specificity of Novel Phthalocyanines Assessed in a Host-Parasite Model for Developing Potential Photodynamic Medicine

PubMed Central

Dutta, Sujoy; Ongarora, Benson G.; Li, Hairong; Vicente, Maria da Graca H.; Kolli, Bala K.; Chang, Kwang Poo

2011-01-01

Photodynamic therapy, unlikely to elicit drug-resistance, deserves attention as a strategy to counter this outstanding problem common to the chemotherapy of all diseases. Previously, we have broadened the applicability of this modality to photodynamic vaccination by exploiting the unusual properties of the trypanosomatid protozoa, Leishmania, i.e., their innate ability of homing to the phagolysosomes of the antigen-presenting cells and their selective photolysis therein, using transgenic mutants endogenously inducible for porphyrin accumulation. Here, we extended the utility of this host-parasite model for in vitro photodynamic therapy and vaccination by exploring exogenously supplied photosensitizers. Seventeen novel phthalocyanines (Pcs) were screened in vitro for their photolytic activity against cultured Leishmania. Pcs rendered cationic and soluble (csPcs) for cellular uptake were phototoxic to both parasite and host cells, i.e., macrophages and dendritic cells. The csPcs that targeted to mitochondria were more photolytic than those restricted to the endocytic compartments. Treatment of infected cells with endocytic csPcs resulted in their accumulation in Leishmania-containing phagolysosomes, indicative of reaching their target for photodynamic therapy, although their parasite versus host specificity is limited to a narrow range of csPc concentrations. In contrast, Leishmania pre-loaded with csPc were selectively photolyzed intracellularly, leaving host cells viable. Pre-illumination of such csPc-loaded Leishmania did not hinder their infectivity, but ensured their intracellular lysis. Ovalbumin (OVA) so delivered by photo-inactivated OVA transfectants to mouse macrophages and dendritic cells were co-presented with MHC Class I molecules by these antigen presenting cells to activate OVA epitope-specific CD8+T cells. The in vitro evidence presented here demonstrates for the first time not only the potential of endocytic csPcs for effective photodynamic therapy against Leishmania but also their utility in photo-inactivation of Leishmania to produce a safe carrier to express and deliver a defined antigen with enhanced cell-mediated immunity. PMID:21673971

The interoceptive Pavlovian stimulus effects of caffeine

PubMed Central

Murray, Jennifer E.; Li, Chia; Palmatier, Matthew I.

2007-01-01

The present research sought to test whether caffeine functioned as a Pavlovian cue in two ways—as a positive drug feature or as a conditional stimulus (CS). As a positive feature (Experiment 1), brief light presentations were followed by sucrose only on sessions in which caffeine (10 mg/kg) was administered. On intermixed saline sessions, light presentations were not followed by sucrose. The light came to control robust goal-tracking (i.e., conditioned responding) only in caffeine sessions. Thus, caffeine disambiguates when the light was paired with sucrose. Decreasing the dose of caffeine decreased the conditioned responding evoked by the light (ED50=4.16 mg/kg). Neither nicotine nor amphetamine substituted for the caffeine feature. As a CS, caffeine (10 or 30 mg/kg, Experiments 2a and 2b, respectively) signaled intermittent access to sucrose—no light presentations. No sucrose or lights were presented on intermixed saline sessions. The caffeine CS, regardless of training dose, acquired the ability to evoke only a weak goal-tracking CR. The nature of this dissociation between caffeine as a drug feature versus a CS is discussed within the context of past research finding a similar dissociation with amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide, but not with nicotine. PMID:17477964

Chitosan and silver nanoparticles as pudding with raisins with antimicrobial properties.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Argüelles, M Carmen; Sieiro, Carmen; Cao, Roberto; Nasi, Lucia

2011-12-01

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NP) containing small silver nanoparticles are reported (Ag@CS-NP). CS-NP was synthesized using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a polyanionic template. TPP also served to electrostatically attract Ag(+) inside CS-NP, where it was reduced by the terminal glucosamine units of the biopolymer. This procedure is environmental friendly, inexpensive, and permits the synthesis of very small AgNP (0.93-1.7 nm), with only a discrete dependence from the amount of silver nitrate used (5-200mg). The obtained hybrid nanocomposites Ag@CS-NP were characterized by DLS, HRTEM, and HAADF-STEM presenting a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 78 nm. The antimicrobial activity of Ag@CS-NP against Candida glabrata, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus corresponded to MIC values lower than for AgNO(3). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Properties of CsI, CsBr and GaAs thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition

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

Brendel, V M; Garnov, S V; Yagafarov, T F

2014-09-30

CsI, CsBr and GaAs thin films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition on glass substrates. The morphology and structure of the films have been studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The CsI and CsBr films were identical in stoichiometry to the respective targets and had a polycrystalline structure. Increasing the substrate temperature led to an increase in the density of the films. All the GaAs films differed in stoichiometry from the target. An explanation was proposed for this fact. The present results demonstrate that, when the congruent transport condition is not fulfilled, films identical in stoichiometry tomore » targets can be grown by pulsed laser deposition in the case of materials with a low melting point and thermal conductivity. (interaction of laser radiation with matter)« less

A New Microfluidic Polymer Chip with an Embedded Cationic Surfactant Ion-selective Optode as a Detector for the Determination of Cationic Surfactants.

PubMed

Ashagre, Mekonnen Abiyot; Masadome, Takashi

2018-01-01

A new microfluidic polymer chip with an embedded cationic surfactant (CS) ion-selective optode (CS-optode) as a detector of flow-injection analysis (FIA) for the determination of CSs was developed. The optode sensing membrane is based on a poly(vinyl chloride) membrane plasticized with 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether containing tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester. Under the optimal flow conditions of the FIA system, the CS-optode showed a good linear relationship between the peak heights in the absorbance, and the concentrations of CS in a concentration range from 50 to 400 μmol dm -3 . The sample throughput of the present system for the determination of a CS ion (300 μmol dm -3 zephiramine) was ca. 11 samples h -1 . The proposed FIA system was applied to determine the level of CS in dental rinses.

Multiple delivery cesium oven system for negative ion sources

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

Bansal, G.; Bhartiya, S.; Pandya, K.

2012-02-15

Distribution of cesium in large negative ion beam sources to be operational in ITER, is presently based on the use of three or more cesium ovens, which operate simultaneously and are controlled remotely. However, use of multiple Cs ovens simultaneously is likely to pose difficulties in operation and maintenance of the ovens. An alternate method of Cs delivery, based on a single oven distribution system is proposed as one which could reduce the need of simultaneous operation of many ovens. A proof of principle experiment verifying the concept of a multinozzle distributor based Cs oven has been carried out atmore » Institute for Plasma Research. It is also observed that the Cs flux is not controlled by Cs reservoir temperature after few hours of operation but by the temperature of the distributor which starts behaving as a Cs reservoir.« less

Exclusion of the Sonic Hedgehog gene as responsible for Currarino syndrome and anorectal malformations with sacral hypodevelopment.

PubMed

Seri, M; Martucciello, G; Paleari, L; Bolino, A; Priolo, M; Salemi, G; Forabosco, P; Caroli, F; Cusano, R; Tocco, T; Lerone, M; Cama, A; Torre, M; Guys, J M; Romeo, G; Jasonni, V

1999-01-01

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are common congenital anomalies that account for 1:4 digestive malformations. ARM patients show different degrees of sacral hypodevelopment while the hemisacrum is characteristic of the Currarino syndrome (CS). Cases of CS present an association of ARM, hemisacrum and presacral mass. A gene responsible for CS has recently been mapped in 7q36. Among the genes localized in this critical region, sonic hedgehog (SHH) was thought to represent a candidate gene for CS as well as for ARM with different levels of sacral hypodevelopment according to its role in the differentiation of midline mesoderm. By linkage analysis we confirmed the critical region in one large family with recurrence of CS. In addition, the screening of SHH in 7 CS and in 15 sporadic ARM patients with sacral hypodevelopment allowed us to exclude its role in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Biological proliferation of cesium-137 through the detrital food chain in a forest ecosystem in Japan

PubMed Central

Murakami, Masashi; Ohte, Nobuhito; Suzuki, Takahiro; Ishii, Nobuyoshi; Igarashi, Yoshiaki; Tanoi, Keitaro

2014-01-01

Radionuclides, including 137Cs, were released from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and had been deposited broadly over forested areas of north-eastern Honshu Island, Japan. In the forest, 137Cs was highly concentrated on leaf litters deposited in autumn 2010, before the accident. Monitoring of the distribution of 137Cs among functional groups clearly showed the role of the detrital food chain as the primary channel of 137Cs transfer to consumer organisms. Although many studies have reported the bioaccumulation (or dilution) of radioactive materials through trophic interactions, the present results highlight the importance of examining multiple possible pathways (e.g., grazing vs. detrital chains) in the proliferation of 137Cs through food webs. These results provide important insight into the future distribution and transfer of 137Cs within forest ecosystems. PMID:24398571

Overshadowing and CS Duration: Counteraction and a Reexamination of the Role of Within-Compound Associations in Cue Competition

PubMed Central

Sissons, Heather T.; Urcelay, Gonzalo P.; Miller, Ralph R.

2009-01-01

The present experiments examined the role of within-compound associations in the interaction of the overshadowing procedure with conditioned stimulus (CS) duration, using a conditioned suppression procedure with rats. Experiment 1 found that, with elemental reinforced training, conditioned suppression to the target stimulus decreased as CS duration increased (i.e., the CS-duration effect), whereas with compound reinforced training (i.e., the overshadowing procedure) conditioned suppression to the target stimulus increased as CS duration increased. Subsequent experiments replicated these findings in sensory preconditioning and demonstrated that extinction of the overshadowing stimulus results in retrospective revaluation with short CSs and mediated extinction with long CSs. These results highlight the role of the duration of the stimulus in behavioral control. Moreover, these results illuminate one cause (the CS duration) of whether retrospective revaluation or mediated extinction will be observed. PMID:19542092

Development of new ionic gelation strategy: Towards the preparation of new monodisperse and stable hyaluronic acid/β-cyclodextrin-grafted chitosan nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers for doxorubicin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihoub, Amina Ben; Saidat, Boubakeur; Bal, Youssef; Frochot, Céline; Vanderesse, Régis; Acherar, Samir

2018-03-01

In the present study, β-cyclodextrin-grafted chitosan nanoparticles (β-CD- g-CS NPs) were prepared using a new ionic gelation strategy involving a synergistic effect of NaCl (150 mmol/L), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES, 10 mmol/L), and water bath sonication. This new strategy afforded smaller and more monodisperse β-CD- g-CS NPs vs. the classical ionic gelation method. New HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs were also prepared using the above-mentioned strategy by adding hyaluronic acid (HA) to the β-CD- g-CS copolymer at different weight ratios until the ZP values conversion. The best result was obtained with the weight ratio of w(HA): w(β-CD- g-CS) = 2:1 and furnished new spherical and smooth HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs. Furthermore, the stability of β- CD- g-CS NPs and HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs at 4°C in physiological medium (pH 7.4) was compared for 3 weeks period and showed that HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs were more stable all maintaining their monodispersity and high negative ZP values compared to β-CD- g-CS NPs. Finally, preliminary study of HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs as carrier for the controlled release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin was investigated. These new HA/β-CD- g-CS NPs can potentially be used as drug delivery and targeting systems for cancer treatment.

CS and IOS approximations for fine structure transitions in Na(/sup 2/P)--He(/sup 1/S) collisions

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

Fitz, D.E.; Kouri, D.J.

1980-11-15

The l-average CS and IOS approximations are extended to treat fine structure transitions in /sup 2/P atom--/sup 1/S atom scattering. Calculations of degeneracy averaged probabilities and differential cross sections for Na(/sup 2/P)+He(/sup 1/S) collisions in the CS and IOS methods agree well with the CC results. The present nonunitarized form of the CS approximation fails to properly predict all of the jm..-->..j'm' sections and in particular leads to a selection rule forbidding jm..-->..j--m transitions for j=half-odd integer values.

Newly developed chitosan-silver hybrid nanoparticles: biosafety and apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Sherbiny, Ibrahim M.; Salih, Ehab; Yassin, Abdelrahman M.; Hafez, Elsayed E.

2016-07-01

The present study reports the biosafety assessment, the exact molecular effects, and apoptosis induction of newly developed chitosan-silver hybrid nanoparticles (Cs-Ag NPs) in HepG2 cells. The investigated hybrid NPs were green synthesized using Cs/grape leaves aqueous extract (Cs/GLE) or Cs/GLE NPs as reducing and stabilizing agents. The successful formation of Cs/GLE NPs and Cs-Ag hybrid NPs has been confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and HRTEM. From the TEM analysis, the prepared Cs/GLE NPs are uniform and spherical with an average size of 150 nm, and the AgNPs (5-10 nm) were formed mainly on their surface. The UV-Vis spectra of Cs-Ag NPs showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at about 450 nm confirming their formation. The synthesized Cs-Ag NPs were found to be crystalline as shown by XRD patterns with fcc phase oriented along the (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes. The cytotoxicity patterns, the antiproliferative activities, and the possible mechanisms of anticancer activity at molecular level of the newly developed Cs-Ag hybrid NPs were investigated. Cytotoxicity patterns of all the preparations demonstrated that the nontoxic treatment concentrations are ranged from 0.39 to 50 %, and many of the newly prepared Cs-Ag hybrid NPs showed high anticancer activities against HpG2 cells, and induced cellular apoptosis by downregulating BCL2 gene and upregulating P53.

Molecular characterization of edestin gene family in Cannabis sativa L.

PubMed

Docimo, Teresa; Caruso, Immacolata; Ponzoni, Elena; Mattana, Monica; Galasso, Incoronata

2014-11-01

Globulins are the predominant class of seed storage proteins in a wide variety of plants. In many plant species globulins are present in several isoforms encoded by gene families. The major seed storage protein of Cannabis sativa L. is the globulin edestin, widely known for its nutritional potential. In this work, we report the isolation of seven cDNAs encoding for edestin from the C. sativa variety Carmagnola. Southern blot hybridization is in agreement with the number of identified edestin genes. All seven sequences showed the characteristic globulin features, but they result to be divergent members/forms of two edestin types. According to their sequence similarity four forms named CsEde1A, CsEde1B, CsEde1C, CsEde1D have been assigned to the edestin type 1 and the three forms CsEde2A, CsEde2B, CsEde2C to the edestin type 2. Analysis of the coding sequences revealed a high percentage of similarity (98-99%) among the different forms belonging to the same type, which decreased significantly to approximately 64% between the forms belonging to different types. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that both edestin types are expressed in developing hemp seeds and the amount of CsEde1 was 4.44 ± 0.10 higher than CsEde2. Both edestin types exhibited a high percentage of arginine (11-12%), but CsEde2 resulted particularly rich in methionine residues (2.36%) respect to CsEde1 (0.82%). The amino acid composition determined in CsEde1 and CsEde2 types suggests that these seed proteins can be used to improve the nutritional quality of plant food-stuffs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A possible mechanism of the enhancement and maintenance of the shear magnetic field component in the current sheet of the Earth’s magnetotail

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

Grigorenko, E. E., E-mail: elenagrigorenko2003@yahoo.com; Malova, H. V., E-mail: hmalova@yandex.ru; Malykhin, A. Yu., E-mail: anmaurdreg@gmail.com

2015-01-15

The influence of the shear magnetic field component, which is directed along the electric current in the current sheet (CS) of the Earth’s magnetotail and enhanced near the neutral plane of the CS, on the nonadiabatic dynamics of ions interacting with the CS is studied. The results of simulation of the nonadiabatic ion motion in the prescribed magnetic configuration similar to that observed in the magnetotail CS by the CLUSTER spacecraft demonstrated that, in the presence of some initial shear magnetic field, the north-south asymmetry in the ion reflection/refraction in the CS is observed. This asymmetry leads to the formationmore » of an additional current system formed by the oppositely directed electric currents flowing in the northern and southern parts of the plasma sheet in the planes tangential to the CS plane and in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the electric current in the CS. The formation of this current system perhaps is responsible for the enhancement and further maintenance of the shear magnetic field near the neutral plane of the CS. The CS structure and ion dynamics observed in 17 intervals of the CS crossings by the CLUSTER spacecraft is analyzed. In these intervals, the shear magnetic field was increased near the neutral plane of the CS, so that the bell-shaped spatial distribution of this field across the CS plane was observed. The results of the present analysis confirm the suggested scenario of the enhancement of the shear magnetic field near the neutral plane of the CS due to the peculiarities of the nonadiabatic ion dynamics.« less

Evaluation of the effects of polymeric chitosan/tripolyphosphate and solid lipid nanoparticles on germination of Zea mays, Brassica rapa and Pisum sativum.

PubMed

Nakasato, Daniele Y; Pereira, Anderson E S; Oliveira, Jhones L; Oliveira, Halley C; Fraceto, Leonardo F

2017-08-01

Although the potential toxicity of many metallic and carbon nanoparticles to plants has been reported, few studies have evaluated the phytotoxic effects of polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles. The present work described the preparation and characterization of chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and evaluated the effects of different concentrations of these nanoparticles on germination of Zea mays, Brassica rapa, and Pisum sativum. CS/TPP nanoparticles presented an average size of 233.6±12.1nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.30±0.02, and zeta potential of +21.4±1.7mV. SLN showed an average size of 323.25±41.4nm, PDI of 0.23±0.103, and zeta potential of -13.25±3.2mV. Nanotracking analysis enabled determination of concentrations of 1.33×10 10 (CS/TPP) and 3.64×10 12 (SLN) nanoparticles per mL. At high concentrations, CS/TPP nanoparticles caused complete inhibition of germination, and thus negatively affected the initial growth of all tested species. Differently, SLN presented no phytotoxic effects. The different size and composition and the opposite charges of SLN and CS/TPP nanoparticles could be associated with the differential phytotoxicity of these nanomaterials. The present study reports the phytotoxic potential of polymeric CS/TPP nanoparticles towards plants, indicating that further investigation is needed on the effects of such formulations intended for future use in agricultural systems, in order to avoid damage to the environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chitosan composite three dimensional macrospheric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Vyas, Veena; Kaur, Tejinder; Thirugnanam, Arunachalam

2017-11-01

The present work deals with the fabrication of chitosan composite scaffolds with controllable and predictable internal architecture for bone tissue engineering. Chitosan (CS) based composites were developed by varying montmorillonite (MMT) and hydroxyapatite (HA) combinations to fabricate macrospheric three dimensional (3D) scaffolds by direct agglomeration of the sintered macrospheres. The fabricated CS, CS/MMT, CS/HA and CS/MMT/HA 3D scaffolds were characterized for their physicochemical, biological and mechanical properties. The XRD and ATR-FTIR studies confirmed the presence of the individual constituents and the molecular interaction between them, respectively. The reinforcement with HA and MMT showed reduced swelling and degradation rate. It was found that in comparison to pure CS, the CS/HA/MMT composites exhibited improved hemocompatibility and protein adsorption. The sintering of the macrospheres controlled the swelling ability of the scaffolds which played an important role in maintaining the mechanical strength of the 3D scaffolds. The CS/HA/MMT composite scaffold showed 14 folds increase in the compressive strength when compared to pure CS scaffolds. The fabricated scaffolds were also found to encourage the MG 63 cell proliferation. Hence, from the above studies it can be concluded that the CS/HA/MMT composite 3D macrospheric scaffolds have wider and more practical application in bone tissue regeneration applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resonance lines and energy levels of Cs III, Ba IV, and La V

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Epstein, G. L.; Reader, J.

1976-01-01

Spectra of Cs III, Ba IV, and La V were photographed in a low-voltage sliding spark on a 10.7 m normal-incidence vacuum spectrograph. These ions are isoelectronic with neutral iodine and display a halogen-like energy level structure. Detailed isoelectronic comparisons, level transition diagrams, and tabular data on the transitions of the ions and percentage compositions of Cs III configurations are presented.

In vitro bioactivity, tribological property, and antibacterial ability of Ca-Si-based coatings doped with cu particles in-situ fabricated by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Baoping; Yang, Zhao; Yang, Yuling; Zhang, Erlin; Qin, Gaowu

2018-03-01

The present study aimed to in-situ fabricate Ca-Si-based coatings doped with copper particles (Cu-CS coatings) to enhance in vitro bioactivity, tribological property, and antibacterial ability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The effects of copper addition on the multiple properties were evaluated. Our results showed that Ca2SiO4, CaTiO3, and Cu2O were in-situ fabricated after laser processing. The Cu-CS coatings exhibited an excellent wear resistance and enhanced wettability. Regarding the in vitro bioactivity, after soaking in simulated body fluid, Cu-CS coatings developed an apatite surface layer that was reduced in the coatings with higher weight percent Cu addition. The Cu-CS coatings enhanced the inhibitory action against E. coli strains, especially for the coating with a higher concentration of Cu in it. Hence, the synthesized Cu-CS coatings present excellent tribological properties, enhanced bioactivity, and antibacterial property, and, therefore, would be used to modify the surface properties of Ti-6Al-4V implants for bone tissue engineering applications.

Domestic cooking and food skills: A review.

PubMed

McGowan, Laura; Caraher, Martin; Raats, Monique; Lavelle, Fiona; Hollywood, Lynsey; McDowell, Dawn; Spence, Michelle; McCloat, Amanda; Mooney, Elaine; Dean, Moira

2017-07-24

Domestic cooking skills (CS) and food skills (FS) encompass multiple components, yet there is a lack of consensus on their constituent parts, inter-relatedness, or measurement, leading to limited empirical support for their role in influencing dietary quality. This review assessed the measurement of CS and FS in adults (>16 years); critically examining study designs, psychometric properties of measures, theoretical basis, and associations of CS/FS with diet. Electronic databases (PsychInfo), published reports, and systematic reviews on cooking and home food preparation interventions provided 834 articles of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Multiple CS/FS measures were identified across three study designs-qualitative, cross-sectional, and dietary interventions-conducted from 1998 to 2013. Most measures were not theory-based, limited psychometric data were available, with little consistency of items or scales used for CS/FS measurements. Some positive associations between CS/FS and fruit and vegetables intake were reported, though lasting dietary changes were uncommon. The role of psycho-social (e.g., gender, attitudes) and external factors (e.g., food availability) on CS/FS is discussed. A conceptual framework of CS/FS components is presented for future measurement facilitation, which highlights the role for CS/FS on food-related behavior and dietary quality. This will aid future dietary intervention design.

Immediate extinction promotes the return of fear.

PubMed

Merz, Christian J; Hamacher-Dang, Tanja C; Wolf, Oliver T

2016-05-01

Accumulating evidence indicates that immediate extinction is less effective than delayed extinction in attenuating the return of fear. This line of fear conditioning research impacts the proposed onset of psychological interventions after threatening situations. In the present study, forty healthy men were investigated in a differential fear conditioning paradigm with fear acquisition in context A, extinction in context B, followed by retrieval testing in both contexts 24h later to test fear renewal. Differently coloured lights served as conditioned stimuli (CS): two CS (CS+) were paired with an electrical stimulation that served as unconditioned stimulus, the third CS was never paired (CS-). Extinction took place immediately after fear acquisition or 24h later. One CS+ was extinguished whereas the second CS+ remained unextinguished to control for different time intervals between fear acquisition and retrieval testing. Immediate extinction led to larger skin conductance responses during fear retrieval to both the extinguished and unextinguished CS relative to the CS-, indicating a stronger return of fear compared to delayed extinction. Taken together, immediate extinction is less potent than delayed extinction and is associated with a stronger renewal effect. Thus, the time-point of psychological interventions relative to the offset of threatening situations needs to be carefully considered to prevent relapses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Distribution of 137Cs in surface soil of Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakar, Ahmad Sanadi Abu; Hamzah, Zaini; Saat, Ahmad

2017-01-01

Caesium-137 (137Cs) in an anthropogenic radionuclide originated from the fission of fissile materials. Nuclear weapons testing during the 1960s and the Chernobyl disaster introduced substantial amount of 137Cs into the atmosphere that are then eventually deposited back to earth's surface. Caesium-137 can be used as tracer to study soil movements since it adsorbs to soil particles. This paper aims to describe the distribution of 137Cs in surface soil of Fraser's Hill, Pahang, determine the levels of 137Cs here compared to other areas, and to check correlation of 137Cs levels to physical data. A series of sampling were carried out between February 2014 and August 2015. Soil samples were taken from 31 locations using soil scraper. The samples were then taken to the laboratory to be dried, homogenized, grinded and sieved. The activity concentration of 137Cs in the samples was determined using gamma spectroscopy. The activity concentration was found to be between 0.26 Bq/kg and 5.14 Bq/kg. Although this paper only studies surface soil, 137Cs is expected to be present within the soil body. Further study of 137Cs in the soil body can be used to predictive model for soil erosion.

Cushing syndrome: maybe not so uncommon of an endocrine disease.

PubMed

Guaraldi, Federica; Salvatori, Roberto

2012-01-01

Cushing syndrome (CS) is the result of extended exposure to excessive glucocorticoids from endogenous or exogenous sources. Traditionally, the most common cause of endogenous CS is a pituitary adenoma (Cushing disease). Less common causes are adrenocortical tumors and extrapituitary adrenocorticotropin-producing neoplasias. This review provides updated information regarding the potential for increased prevalence of CS in specific patient populations. Here the authors provide to family physicians clinical guidance for recognition of CS by presenting a case, discussing the advantages/disadvantages of the diagnostic tests, and discussing information about the treatment options. CS is expected to have an incidence of 10 to 15 people per million; however, studies of patients with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and osteoporosis found a high prevalence of CS among these populations. The clinical manifestations of CS range from the distinctive clinical features (purple striae, facial plethora, proximal myopathy) to common conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Clinical practice guidelines recommend biochemical tests to screen patients for CS; however, the sensitivity and specificity of these tests vary, so a careful analysis must be performed to avoid misdiagnosis. CS is challenging to diagnose. Nevertheless, with a systematic approach to testing patients and an increased awareness of the high-risk patient populations, the disease can be identified in a timely manner.

Rescaling of temporal expectations during extinction

PubMed Central

Drew, Michael R.; Walsh, Carolyn; Balsam, Peter D

2016-01-01

Previous research suggests that extinction learning is temporally specific. Changing the CS duration between training and extinction can facilitate the loss of the CR within the extinction session but impairs long-term retention of extinction. In two experiments using conditioned magazine approach with rats, we examined the relation between temporal specificity of extinction and CR timing. In Experiment 1 rats were trained on a 12-s, fixed CS-US interval and then extinguished with CS presentations that were 6, 12, or 24 s in duration. The design of Experiment 2 was the same except rats were trained using partial rather than continuous reinforcement. In both experiments, extending the CS duration in extinction facilitated the diminution of CRs during the extinction session, but shortening the CS duration failed to slow extinction. In addition, extending (but not shortening) the CS duration caused temporal rescaling of the CR, in that the peak CR rate migrated later into the trial over the course of extinction training. This migration partially accounted for the faster loss of the CR when the CS duration was extended. Results are incompatible with the hypothesis that extinction is driven by cumulative CS exposure and suggest that temporally extended nonreinforced CS exposure reduces conditioned responding via temporal displacement rather than through extinction per se. PMID:28045291

Interplay of Cation Ordering and Ferroelectricity in Perovskite Tin Iodides: Designing a Polar Halide Perovskite for Photovoltaic Applications

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

Gou, Gaoyang; Young, Joshua; Liu, Xian

2016-09-28

Owing to its ideal semiconducting band gap and good carrier transport properties, the fully inorganic perovskite CsSnI 3 has been proposed as a visible-light absorber for photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, compared to the organic inorganic lead halide perovskite CH 3NH 3PbI 3, CsSnI 3 solar cells display very low energy conversion efficiency. In this work, we propose a potential route to improve the PV properties of CsSnI 3. Using first-principles calculations, we examine the crystal structures and electronic properties of CsSnI 3, including its structural polymorphs. Next, we purposefully order Cs and Rb cations on the A site to createmore » the double perovskite (CsRb)Sn 2I 6. We find that a stable ferroelectric polarization arises from the nontrivial coupling between polar displacements and octahedral rotations of the SnI 6 network. These ferroelectric double perovskites are predicted to have energy band gaps and carrier effective masses similar to those of CsSnI 3. More importantly, unlike nonpolar CsSnI 3, the electric polarization present in ferroelectric (CsRb)Sn 2I 6 can effectively separate the photoexcited carriers, leading to novel ferroelectric PV materials with,potentially enhanced energy conversion efficiency.« less

Computational Discovery of Two Lead Free Halide Double Perovskites with Band Gaps in the Visible Range: Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filip, Marina; Volonakis, George; Haghighirad, Amir Abbas; Hillman, Samuel; Sakai, Nobuya; Wenger, Bernard; Snaith, Henry; Giustino, Feliciano

The perovskite solar cell is emerging as one of the most promising solution processable photovoltaic technologies, with an efficiency that now exceeds the performance of thin-film silicon devices. This performance is exclusively due to the optimum optoelectronic properties of the prototypical methylammonium lead-iodide perovskite (MAPI). However, the presence of lead in MAPI, and its problematic stability in ambient conditions poses concerns for its potential environmental impact. These concerns are motivating the search for novel non-toxic halide perovskites with similar optoelectronic properties to MAPI. In this work we will present the computational search for the homovalent and the heterovalent replacement of Pb in lead-halide perovskites. This search has lead to the computational discovery and experimental synthesis of two stable lead-free halide double perovskites based on Bi and Ag: Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6. These new compounds are highly stable, they are semiconducting and absorb light in the visible range. In this talk we will present the electronic and optical properties of Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 calculated within DFT and GW and discuss the stability and formability of the entire Cs2BB'X6 family of semiconductors (B = Bi, Sb, B = Cu, Ag, Au, X = Cl, Br, I). This work was supported by the and the Leverhulme Trust (RL-2012-001).

The binary fraction of planetary nebula central stars - III. the promise of VPHAS+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barker, Helen; Zijlstra, Albert; De Marco, Orsola; Frew, David J.; Drew, Janet E.; Corradi, Romano L. M.; Eislöffel, Jochen; Parker, Quentin A.

2018-04-01

The majority of planetary nebulae (PNe) are not spherical, and current single-star models cannot adequately explain all the morphologies we observe. This has led to the Binary Hypothesis, which states that PNe are preferentially formed by binary systems. This hypothesis can be corroborated or disproved by comparing the estimated binary fraction of all PNe central stars (CS) to that of the supposed progenitor population. One way to quantify the rate of CS binarity is to detect near infrared excess indicative of a low-mass main-sequence companion. In this paper, a sample of known PNe within data release 2 of the ongoing VPHAS+ is investigated. We give details of the method used to calibrate VPHAS+ photometry, and present the expected colours of CS and main-sequence stars within the survey. Objects were scrutinized to remove PN mimics from our sample and identify true CS. Within our final sample of seven CS, six had previously either not been identified or confirmed. We detected an i-band excess indicative of a low-mass companion star in three CS, including one known binary, leading us to conclude that VPHAS+ provides the precise photometry required for the IR excess method presented here, and will likely improve as the survey completes and the calibration process finalized. Given the promising results from this trial sample, the entire VPHAS+ catalogue should be used to study PNe and extend the IR excess-tested CS sample.

Curdlan sulfate-O-linked quaternized chitosan nanoparticles: potential adjuvants to improve the immunogenicity of exogenous antigens via intranasal vaccination.

PubMed

Zhang, Shu; Huang, Shengshi; Lu, Lu; Song, Xinlei; Li, Pingli; Wang, Fengshan

2018-01-01

The development of ideal vaccine adjuvants for intranasal vaccination can provide convenience for many vaccinations. As an ideal intranasal vaccine adjuvant, it should have the properties of assisting soluble antigens to pass the mucosal barrier and potentiating both systemic and mucosal immunity via nasal administration. By using the advantages of polysaccharides, which can promote both T-helper 1 and 2 responses, curdlan sulfate (CS)- O -(2-hydroxyl)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride ( O -HTCC) nanoparticles were prepared by interacting CS with O -HTCC, and the adjuvancy of the nanoparticles was investigated. The results showed that the polysaccharide-based nanoparticles induced the proliferation and activation of antigen-presenting cells. High protein-loading efficiency was obtained by testing with the model antigen ovalbumin (Ova), and the Ova adsorbed onto the cationic CS/ O -HTCC complexes was taken up easily by the epithelium. To evaluate the capacity of the Ova/CS/ O -HTCC nanoparticles for immune enhancement in vivo, we collected and analyzed immunocytes, serum, and mucosal lavage fluid from intranasally vaccinated mice. The results showed that Ova/CS/ O -HTCC nanoparticles induced activation and maturation of antigen-presenting cells and provoked the proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes more significantly compared to the immunization of Ova mixed with aluminum hydroxide gel. Furthermore, CS/ O -HTCC evoked a significantly higher level of Ova-specific antibodies. Therefore, these results suggest that CS/ O -HTCC nanoparticles are ideal vaccine adjuvants for soluble antigens used in intranasal or mucosal vaccination.

Molecular and biochemical characterizations of three fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases from Clonorchis sinensis.

PubMed

Li, Shan; Bian, Meng; Wang, Xiaoyun; Chen, Xueqing; Xie, Zhizhi; Sun, Hengchang; Jia, Feifei; Liang, Pei; Zhou, Chenhui; He, Lei; Mao, Qiang; Huang, Bo; Liang, Chi; Wu, Zhongdao; Li, Xuerong; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2014-01-01

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FbA) is a ubiquitous enzyme in glycolysis. In the present study, we screened out three distinct genes encoding FbA isozymes (CsFbAs, CsFbA-1/2/3) from Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) and characterized their sequences and structures profiles as well as biochemical properties. The amino acid sequences of CsFbAs shared homology with those of Class I FbAs from other species. The putative quaternary structures revealed that CsFbA-2 and CsFbA-3 were tetramers, while CsFbA-1 was dimer. Recombinant CsFbA-2 and CsFbA-3 (rCsFbA-2/3) were confirmed to be Class I FbAs for their stable enzymatic activities in the presence of EDTA or metal ions. However, recombinant CsFbA-1 (rCsFbA-1) did not show the catalytic activity, which might be due to the inappropriate fold and interaction between its subunits. Both rCsFbA-2 and rCsFbA-3 showed similar enzymatic properties such as optimal temperatures and broad pH ranges that similar to human FbA isozymes. They showed relatively higher affinities for fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) than fructose-1-phosphate (F-1-P). Their kcat ratios of FBP to F-1-P were in accordance with those of human FbA-A or C. In addition, CsFbAs were differentially transcribed in the developmental stages of C. sinensis, suggesting their essential roles throughout the life stages. Extensive distribution of CsFbAs in adult worms indicated that ubiquitous activities of CsFbAs took place in these organs. Collectively, these results suggested that long-term parasitic environment might adapt these isozymes similar to host FbAs for metabolic requirement. Our study will provide new insight into CsFbAs in the glycometabolism of C. sinensis and relationship between the host and the parasite. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elucidation and functional characterization of CsPSY and CsUGT promoters in Crocus sativus L.

PubMed Central

Bhat, Archana; Mishra, Sonal; Kaul, Sanjana

2018-01-01

The dried stigmas of Crocus sativus constitute the saffron, which is considered to be the costliest spice of the world. Saffron is valuable for its constituents, which are mainly apocarotenoids. In order to enhance the production of apocarotenoids, it is imperative to understand the regulation of apocarotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In C. sativus, although the pathway has been elucidated, the information regarding the regulation of the pathwaygenes is scanty. During the present investigation, the characterization of promoters regulating the expression of two important genes i.e. CsPSY and CsUGT was performed. We successfully cloned the promoters of both the genes, which were functionally characterized in Crocus sativus and Nicotiana tabaccum. In silico analysis of the promoters demonstrated the presence of several important cis regulatory elements responding tolight, hormonesand interaction with transcription factors (TFs). Further analysis suggested the regulation of CsPSY promoter by Abscisic acid (ABA) and that of CsUGT by Gibberellic acid (GA). In addition, we also observed ABA and GA mediated modulation in the expression of significant TFs and CsPSY and CsUGT transcripts. Overall, the study addresses issues related to regulation of key genes of apocarotenoid pathway in C.sativus. PMID:29634744

Elucidation and functional characterization of CsPSY and CsUGT promoters in Crocus sativus L.

PubMed

Bhat, Archana; Mishra, Sonal; Kaul, Sanjana; Dhar, Manoj K

2018-01-01

The dried stigmas of Crocus sativus constitute the saffron, which is considered to be the costliest spice of the world. Saffron is valuable for its constituents, which are mainly apocarotenoids. In order to enhance the production of apocarotenoids, it is imperative to understand the regulation of apocarotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In C. sativus, although the pathway has been elucidated, the information regarding the regulation of the pathwaygenes is scanty. During the present investigation, the characterization of promoters regulating the expression of two important genes i.e. CsPSY and CsUGT was performed. We successfully cloned the promoters of both the genes, which were functionally characterized in Crocus sativus and Nicotiana tabaccum. In silico analysis of the promoters demonstrated the presence of several important cis regulatory elements responding tolight, hormonesand interaction with transcription factors (TFs). Further analysis suggested the regulation of CsPSY promoter by Abscisic acid (ABA) and that of CsUGT by Gibberellic acid (GA). In addition, we also observed ABA and GA mediated modulation in the expression of significant TFs and CsPSY and CsUGT transcripts. Overall, the study addresses issues related to regulation of key genes of apocarotenoid pathway in C.sativus.

Radioactive status of seawater and its assessment in the northeast South China Sea and the Luzon Strait and its adjacent areas from 2011 to 2014.

PubMed

Zhou, Peng; Li, Dongmei; Zhao, Li; Li, Haitao; Zhao, Feng; Zheng, Yuanlai; Fang, Hongda; Lou, Quansheng; Cai, Weixu

2018-06-01

To understand the impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident (FNA), 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 90 Sr, and gross beta were analyzed in the northeast South China Sea (NSCS), the Luzon Strait (LS) and its adjacent areas. 137 Cs, 90 Sr, and gross beta values in the NSCS were similar to those prior to the FNA. 90 Sr and 137 Cs in the LS and its adjacent areas were consistent with those in the NSCS. The high 137 Cs-peak values occurred at depth of 150 m whereas the high 90 Sr-peak values occurred at depth of 0.5 m. The 137 Cs and gross beta mean values in Cruise I were higher than those in Cruise II whereas the 90 Sr mean value was just the reverse. 134 Cs in all seawater were below the minimum detectable activity. The past and present data since the 1970s suggested 137 Cs and 90 Sr in the study areas still originated from global fallout and the FNA influence were negligible. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A compressive sensing based secure watermark detection and privacy preserving storage framework.

PubMed

Qia Wang; Wenjun Zeng; Jun Tian

2014-03-01

Privacy is a critical issue when the data owners outsource data storage or processing to a third party computing service, such as the cloud. In this paper, we identify a cloud computing application scenario that requires simultaneously performing secure watermark detection and privacy preserving multimedia data storage. We then propose a compressive sensing (CS)-based framework using secure multiparty computation (MPC) protocols to address such a requirement. In our framework, the multimedia data and secret watermark pattern are presented to the cloud for secure watermark detection in a CS domain to protect the privacy. During CS transformation, the privacy of the CS matrix and the watermark pattern is protected by the MPC protocols under the semi-honest security model. We derive the expected watermark detection performance in the CS domain, given the target image, watermark pattern, and the size of the CS matrix (but without the CS matrix itself). The correctness of the derived performance has been validated by our experiments. Our theoretical analysis and experimental results show that secure watermark detection in the CS domain is feasible. Our framework can also be extended to other collaborative secure signal processing and data-mining applications in the cloud.

Enhanced sorption of trichloroethene by smectite clay exchanged with Cs+.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Vaneet; Li, Hui; Boyd, Stephen A; Teppen, Brian J

2006-02-01

Trichloroethene (TCE) is one of the most common pollutants in groundwater, and Cs+ can be a cocontaminant at nuclear facilities. Smectite clays have large surface areas, are common in soils, have high affinities for some organic contaminants, and hence can potentially influence the transport of organic pollutants entering soils and sediments. The exchangeable cations present near smectite clay surfaces can radically influence the sorption of organic pollutants by soil clays. This research was undertaken to determine the effect of Cs+, and other common interlayer cations, such as K+ and Ca2+, on the sorption of TCE by a reference smectite clay saponite. Cs-saturated clay sorbed the most TCE, up to 3500 mg/kg, while Ca-saturated smectite sorbed the least. We hypothesize that the stronger sorption of TCE by the Cs-smectite can be attributed to the lower hydration energy and hence smaller hydrated radius of Cs+, which expands the lateral clay surface domains available for sorption. Also, Cs-smectite interlayers are only one or two water layers thick, which may drive capillary condensation of TCE. Our results implicate enhanced retention of TCE in aquifer materials containing smectites accompanied by Cs+ cocontamination.

Protonic Conductors for Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cell Electrolytes: Superprotonic CsH2PO4 Stabilization and in-Doped SnP2O7 Structure Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez Salinas, Heber Jair

Proton conductor solid electrolytes CsH2PO4 and In-doped tin pyrophosphate have been investigated as candidates to fill a gap of suitable electrolytes for fuel cells at the intermediate temperature range due their unusually high conductivities between 200 and 300 °C. Unfortunately, in the case of CsH2PO4, complicated experimental conditions, like a humidified environment, or high pressure, are needed to preserve the sought high conducting phase. In the first stage of this work, X-ray diffraction on CsH2PO 4 samples performed in air, and under normal conditions of humidity and pressure, evidence of the cubic phase of CsH2PO4 was observed during short intervals of temperature and time, starting at 215 °C and disappearing completely at 265 °C into a dehydrated phase. An AC impedance spectroscopy experimental setup has been assembled and data has been successfully collected on undoped, and doped CsH2PO 4 samples to investigate the effects of chemical and environmental modifications. Measurements performed in the temperature range 200 - 260 °C, and using the frequency range 1 - 6 MHz, showed that the high conducting phase of undoped CsH2PO4 was present for a very short interval of temperature. Additionally, these measurements showed that nano-silica-doped CsH2PO4, and CsH2PO4 under a humidified environment achieve the highest values of conductivity, above 10-2 S cm-1 among the samples tested. In the second stage of this investigation, AC impedance spectroscopy measurements were successfully performed on CsH2PO4 samples in air, at temperatures from 200 - 260 °C, and in the frequency range 1 - 6 MHz, inside a hermetically sealed stainless-steel chamber, which was designed and assembled in-house. Results showed that the highly conducting phase of CsH2PO 4 was achieved at temperatures measured above 230 °C, reaching conductivity values up to 1.7 x10-2 S cm-1, and remaining stable for over 40 hours. Consequent X-ray diffraction analysis of such samples showed that a monoclinic structure, characteristic of room temperature CsH 2PO4, was the only phase present even after the samples had been heated for over 40 hours at a temperature of 250 °C. By using this novel contraption, this has been the first time that undoped CsH2PO 4 has achieved its high conductivity phase and maintained a stable conductivity for a significant amount of time in air, without the use of a humidified environment, and without high pressure in an AC impedance spectroscopy study. Finally, in-house and synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies performed in the Sn1-xInxP2O7 series showed the cubic structure characteristic of the undoped compound at room temperature remains present up to temperatures of 250 °C. Sn0.9In 0.1P2O7, which is known to have the highest conductivity of the compound series, presented an increased unit cell as compared to the rest of the series when measured in air. However, the increased unit cell was not observed when measured under vacuum or an inert gas. Doping did not produce any major distortions on the P2O7 tetrahedra.

A direct comparison of quality of life in obese and Cushing’s syndrome patients

PubMed Central

Abraham, Smita Baid; Abel, Brent S; Rubino, Domenica; Nansel, Tonja; Ramsey, Sheila; Nieman, Lynnette K

2014-01-01

Objective Obese (OB) individuals and patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) often have similar clinical presentations. While each group has reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL), it is not known whether the degree of impairment is different and might distinguish between them. The objective of this study was to compare HRQL in these two populations. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Three hundred and twenty-seven OB patients (48.1±11.7 years; 72.5% women) with weight gain and at least two features of CS were recruited from an outpatient weight management clinic. Sixty-six untreated patients with CS (41.6±13.2 years; 78.8% women) presented to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation. Subjects completed the SF-36 survey and a locally created symptom questionnaire. Results After adjusting for symptom count, OB patients had a significantly higher (better HRQL) mean physical component summary (PCS) score than CS patients (44.9±0.6 vs 35.4±1.5, P<0.0001). However, the mean mental component summary (MCS) score was lower (worse HRQL) in the OB group (41.6±0.6 vs 50.7±1.6, P<0.0001). Symptom count showed significant correlations with PCS and MCS scores. BMI correlated with PCS (r=−0.29) in OB but not in CS patients. BMI was not associated with MCS in either group. Conclusion HRQL is significantly different between OB and CS patients. Surprisingly, after adjusting for symptom count, OB patients showed worse mental health scores than the CS population. Significant differences in HRQL and symptom count may suggest which OB patients should be screened for CS. PMID:23444412

Asymmetries of the central sulcus in young adults: Effects of gender, age and sulcal pattern.

PubMed

Sun, Bo; Ge, Haitao; Tang, Yuchun; Hou, Zhongyu; Xu, Junhai; Lin, Xiangtao; Liu, Shuwei

2015-08-01

In this study, we clarified the gender and age-related asymmetries of the central sulcus (CS) in early adulthood using a parametric ribbon method. The CS was reconstructed and parameterized automatically from 3D MR images of 112 healthy right-handed subjects. The 3D anatomic morphology of the CS was presented using 5 sulcal parameters, including sulcal depth position-based profile (DPP), average depth (AD), average width (AW), top length (TL) and bottom length (BL). Asymmetry differences in DPPs were found in the medial and lateral part of the CS. In addition, significant gender differences were observed in the medial and middle parts of the right CS DPPs but scattered in the left side. We found leftward asymmetries of TL in males, but rightward asymmetries of AW in females. Males had a greater AW than females in the right hemisphere. Moreover, the females had bilateral longer TL and a longer left BL than did males. We also found significant age-related reductions in bilateral TL and increases in bilateral AW, with males presenting more obvious age-related change than females. There were sexual differences of the CS patterns, in which Type b was the most dominant sulcal pattern in males, whereas Type a was dominant in females. Three-way ANOVA revealed sexual and asymmetry changes of TL and BL among different CS patterns. Our findings indicate that the lateralization performances of the CS manifest as sexually and regionally different. In addition, it is suggested that males may undergo a faster progress of aging compared to females. Copyright © 2015 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictive value of the baseline electrocardiogram ST-segment pattern in cardiogenic shock: Results from the CardShock Study.

PubMed

Javanainen, Tuija; Tolppanen, Heli; Lassus, Johan; Nieminen, Markku S; Sionis, Alessandro; Spinar, Jindrich; Silva-Cardoso, José; Greve Lindholm, Matias; Banaszewski, Marek; Harjola, Veli-Pekka; Jurkko, Raija

2018-05-30

The most common aetiology of cardiogenic shock (CS) is acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but even up to 20%-50% of CS is caused by other disorders. ST-segment deviations in the electrocardiogram (ECG) have been investigated in patients with ACS-related CS, but not in those with other CS aetiologies. We set out to explore the prevalence of different ST-segment patterns and their associations with the CS aetiology, clinical findings and 90-day mortality. We analysed the baseline ECG of 196 patients who were included in a multinational prospective study of CS. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (a) ST-segment elevation (STE). (b) ST-segment depression (STDEP). (c) No ST-segment deviation or ST-segment impossible to analyse (NSTD). A subgroup analysis of the ACS patients was conducted. ST-segment deviations were present in 80% of the patients: 52% had STE and 29% had STDEP. STE was associated with the ACS aetiology, but one-fourth of the STDEP patients had aetiology other than ACS. The overall 90-day mortality was 41%: in STE 47%, STDEP 36% and NSTD 33%. In the multivariate mortality analysis, only STE predicted mortality (HR 1.74, CI 95 1.07-2.84). In the ACS subgroup, the patients were equally effectively revascularized, and no differences in the survival were noted between the study groups. ST-segment elevation is associated with the ACS aetiology and high mortality in the unselected CS population. If STE is not present, other aetiologies must be considered. When effectively revascularized, the prognosis is similar regardless of the ST-segment pattern in ACS-related CS. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Novel environmental class 1 integrons and cassette arrays recovered from an on-farm bio-purification plant.

PubMed

Martini, María Carla; Quiroga, María Paula; Pistorio, Mariano; Lagares, Antonio; Centrón, Daniela; Del Papa, María Florencia

2018-03-01

Rapid dissemination and emergence of novel antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria are rising problems worldwide. Since their discovery in clinical isolates in the late 1980s, class 1 integrons have been found in a wide range of bacterial genera and have been extensively studied as contributors to dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the presence and structure of class 1 integrons in plasmid-carrying bacterial isolates obtained from a biopurification system used for decontamination of pesticide-contaminated water as well as their possible role as reservoir of antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes. A total of 35 representative isolates were screened for the presence of class 1 integron integrase encoded by intI1. PCR and DNA sequencing revealed the presence of six class 1 integrons with four variable regions: 5΄CS-aadA1b-3΄CS, 5΄CS-aadA2-3΄CS, 5΄CS-aadA11cΔ-3΄CS and 5΄CS-dfrB3-aadA1di-catB2-aadA6k-3΄CS, the last two being unseen arrays of antimicrobial resistance gene cassettes associated with novel environmental alleles of intI1. These four class 1 integrons were identified as being present in four different genera, including Ochrobactrum, and Variovorax, where class 1 integrons have not been previously reported. The results provide evidence of the biopurification systems as a tank of class 1 integron carrying strains and novel environmental class 1 integron integrases associated with antimicrobial resistance gene cassette arrays. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

What do popular Spanish women's magazines say about caesarean section? A 21-year survey.

PubMed

Torloni, M R; Campos Mansilla, B; Merialdi, M; Betrán, A P

2014-04-01

Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide and maternal request is cited as one of the main reasons for this trend. Women's preferences for route of delivery are influenced by popular media, including magazines. We assessed the information on CS presented in Spanish women's magazines. Systematic review. Women's magazines printed from 1989 to 2009 with the largest national distribution. Articles with any information on CS. Articles were selected, read and abstracted in duplicate. Sources of information, scientific accuracy, comprehensiveness and women's testimonials were objectively extracted using a content analysis form designed for this study. Accuracy, comprehensiveness and sources of information. Most (67%) of the 1223 selected articles presented exclusively personal opinion/birth stories, 12% reported the potential benefits of CS, 26% mentioned the short-term and 10% mentioned the long-term maternal risks, and 6% highlighted the perinatal risks of CS. The most frequent short-term risks were the increased time for maternal recovery (n = 86), frustration/feelings of failure (n = 83) and increased post-surgical pain (n = 71). The most frequently cited long-term risks were uterine rupture (n = 57) and the need for another CS in any subsequent pregnancy (n = 42). Less than 5% of the selected articles reported that CS could increase the risks of infection (n = 53), haemorrhage (n = 31) or placenta praevia/accreta in future pregnancies (n = 6). The sources of information were not reported by 68% of the articles. The portrayal of CS in Spanish women's magazines is not sufficiently comprehensive and does not provide adequate important information to help the readership to understand the real benefits and risks of this route of delivery. © 2014 The Authors. BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

What do popular Spanish women's magazines say about caesarean section? A 21-year survey

PubMed Central

Torloni, MR; Campos Mansilla, B; Merialdi, M; Betrán, AP

2014-01-01

Objectives Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide and maternal request is cited as one of the main reasons for this trend. Women's preferences for route of delivery are influenced by popular media, including magazines. We assessed the information on CS presented in Spanish women's magazines. Design Systematic review. Setting Women's magazines printed from 1989 to 2009 with the largest national distribution. Sample Articles with any information on CS. Methods Articles were selected, read and abstracted in duplicate. Sources of information, scientific accuracy, comprehensiveness and women's testimonials were objectively extracted using a content analysis form designed for this study. Main outcome measures Accuracy, comprehensiveness and sources of information. Results Most (67%) of the 1223 selected articles presented exclusively personal opinion/birth stories, 12% reported the potential benefits of CS, 26% mentioned the short-term and 10% mentioned the long-term maternal risks, and 6% highlighted the perinatal risks of CS. The most frequent short-term risks were the increased time for maternal recovery (n = 86), frustration/feelings of failure (n = 83) and increased post-surgical pain (n = 71). The most frequently cited long-term risks were uterine rupture (n = 57) and the need for another CS in any subsequent pregnancy (n = 42). Less than 5% of the selected articles reported that CS could increase the risks of infection (n = 53), haemorrhage (n = 31) or placenta praevia/accreta in future pregnancies (n = 6). The sources of information were not reported by 68% of the articles. Conclusions The portrayal of CS in Spanish women's magazines is not sufficiently comprehensive and does not provide adequate important information to help the readership to understand the real benefits and risks of this route of delivery. PMID:24467797

Isotopic ratio and vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil affected by the accident of Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Takeshi; Saito, Takumi; Muroya, Yusa; Sawahata, Hiroyuki; Yamashita, Yuji; Nagasaki, Shinya; Okamoto, Koji; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Uesaka, Mitsuru; Katsumura, Yosuke; Tanaka, Satoru

2012-11-01

The results of γ analyses of soil samples obtained from 50 locations in Fukushima prefecture on April 20, 2011, revealed the presence of a spectrum of radionuclides resulted from the accident of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP). The sum γ radioactivity concentration ranged in more than 3 orders of magnitude, depending on the sampling locations. The contamination of soils in the northwest of the FDNPP was considerable. The (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratios of the soil samples plotted as a function of the distance from the F1 NPPs exhibited three distinctive patterns. Such patterns would reflect not only the different deposition behaviors of these radionuclides, but also on the conditions of associated release events such as temperature and compositions and physicochemical forms of released radionuclides. The (136)Cs/(137)Cs activity ratio, on the other hand, was considered to only reflect the difference in isotopic compositions of source materials. Two locations close to the NPP in the northwest direction were found to be depleted in short-lived (136)Cs. This likely suggested the presence of distinct sources with different (136)Cs/(137)Cs isotopic ratios, although their details were unknown at present. Vertical γ activity profiles of (131)I and (137)Cs were also investigated, using 20-30 cm soil cores in several locations. About 70% or more of the radionuclides were present in the uppermost 2-cm regions. It was found that the profiles of (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratios showed maxima in the 2-4 cm regions, suggesting slightly larger migration of the former nuclide. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of lesions of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle on conditioned suppression to a CS and to a contextual background stimulus.

PubMed

Tsaltas, E; Schugens, M M; Gray, J A

1989-01-01

The aim of the experiment was to determine whether the dorsal noradrenergic bundle (DB) plays a role in conditioning to context. Rats received either bilateral lesions of the DB by local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, vehicle injections only, or sham operations. All animals were then trained to barpress for food on a variable interval (VI) schedule. Two 5-min intrusion periods were superimposed on the VI baseline during each session. An 'envelope' stimulus (flashing light) was on throughout each intrusion period. In addition, embedded in the two intrusion periods of each session, there occurred 8 presentations of a 'punctate' conditioned stimulus (CS) (a 15-s clicker), and 8 presentations of a 0.5-s footshock. Within each surgical condition rats were randomly allocated to one of three conditioning groups, receiving 100%, 50% or 0% temporal association between CS and shock. Conditioning to the punctate CS and to the context provided by the envelope stimulus was assessed by the degree of suppression of the barpress response relative to the VI baseline. Responding was most suppressed in the punctate CS in the 100 and 50% conditions, and most suppressed in the envelope stimulus in the 0% condition. DB lesions released response suppression to the punctate CS, had no effect on suppression to the envelope stimulus, and reduced sensitivity to CS-shock probability as measured by response suppression during the punctate CS. These results confirm previous reports that DB lesions alleviate response suppression to shock-associated cues, identify some of the parameters that affect this phenomenon, but fail to support a role for the DB in contextual conditioning.

Roles of Chondroitin Sulfate and Dermatan Sulfate in the Formation of a Lesion Scar and Axonal Regeneration after Traumatic Injury of the Mouse Brain

PubMed Central

Li, Hong-Peng; Komuta, Yukari; Kimura-Kuroda, Junko; van Kuppevelt, Toin H.

2013-01-01

Abstract Dermatan sulfate (DS) is synthesized from chondroitin sulfate (CS) by epimerization of glucuronic acid of CS to yield iduronic acid. In the present study, the role of CS and DS was examined in mice that received transection of nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway followed by injection of glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes into the lesion site. Two weeks after injury, fibrotic and glial scars were formed around the lesion, and transected axons did not regenerate beyond the fibrotic scar. Injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), which degrades both CS and DS, completely suppressed the fibrotic scar formation, reduced the glial scar, and promoted the regeneration of dopaminergic axons. Injection of the DS-degrading enzyme chondroitinase B (ChB) also yielded similar results. By contrast, injection of chondroitinase AC (ChAC), a CS-degrading enzyme, did not suppress the fibrotic and glial scar formation, but reduced CS immunoreactivity and promoted the axonal regeneration. Addition of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to a co-culture of meningeal fibroblasts and cerebral astrocytes induces a fibrotic scar-like cell cluster. The effect of TGF-β1 on cluster formation was suppressed by treatment with ChABC or ChB, but not by ChAC. TGF-β1-induced cell cluster repelled neurites of neonatal cerebellar neurons, but addition of ChABC or ChAC suppressed the inhibitory property of clusters on neurite outgrowth. The present study is the first to demonstrate that DS and CS play different functions after brain injury: DS is involved in the lesion scar formation, and CS inhibits axonal regeneration. PMID:23438307

Further evidence for unconscious learning: preliminary support for the conditioning of facial EMG to subliminal stimuli.

PubMed

Bunce, S C; Bernat, E; Wong, P S; Shevrin, H

1999-01-01

This study investigated the predictive validity of facial electromyograms (EMGs) in a subliminal conditioning paradigm. Two schematic faces (pleasant; CS- and unpleasant; CS+), were presented to eight right-handed males during supraliminal pre- and postconditioning phases. Subliminal conditioning consisted of 36 energy-masked presentations of each face pairing the CS+ with an aversive shock 800 ms poststimulus. A forced-choice recognition task established that the energy mask effectively precluded conscious recognition of stimuli. For the obicularis oculi and corrugator EMGs, significant face x condition interactions were found at 20-100 ms and 400-792 ms poststimulus. The results demonstrate the existence of an expressive motoric response related to affect operating in response to a learned but unconscious event. Subjects were not aware of a contingency between the CS+ and the US, suggesting emotional contingencies can be unconsciously acquired.

Explicit Disassociation of a Conditioned Stimulus and Unconditioned Stimulus during Extinction Training Reduces Both Time to Asymptotic Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery of a Conditioned Taste Aversion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mickley, G. Andrew; DiSorbo, Anthony; Wilson, Gina N.; Huffman, Jennifer; Bacik, Stephanie; Hoxha, Zana; Biada, Jaclyn M.; Kim, Ye-Hyun

2009-01-01

Conditioned taste aversions (CTAs) may be acquired when an animal consumes a novel taste (CS) and then experiences the symptoms of poisoning (US). This aversion may be extinguished by repeated exposure to the CS alone. However, following a latency period in which the CS is not presented, the CTA will spontaneously recover (SR). In the current…

Cri du Chat Syndrome and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Common Genetic Cause on Chromosome 5p

PubMed Central

Shapiro, Adam J.; Weck, Karen E.; Chao, Kay C.; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Nygren, Anders O. H.; Knowles, Michael R.; Leigh, Margaret W.; Zariwala, Maimoona A.

2014-01-01

Cri du chat syndrome (CdCS) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are rare diseases that present with frequent respiratory symptoms. PCD can be caused by hemizygous DNAH5 mutation in combination with a 5p segmental deletion attributable to CdCS on the opposite chromosome. Chronic oto-sino-pulmonary symptoms or organ laterality defects in CdCS should prompt an evaluation for PCD. PMID:25066065

Gamabufotalin, a major derivative of bufadienolide, inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis by suppressing VEGFR-2 signaling pathway.

PubMed

Tang, Ning; Shi, Lei; Yu, Zhenlong; Dong, Peipei; Wang, Chao; Huo, Xiaokui; Zhang, Baojing; Huang, Shanshan; Deng, Sa; Liu, Kexin; Ma, Tonghui; Wang, Xiaobo; Wu, Lijun; Ma, Xiao-Chi

2016-01-19

Gamabufotalin (CS-6), a main active compound isolated from Chinese medicine Chansu, has been shown to strongly inhibit cancer cell growth and inflammatory response. However, its effects on angiogenesis have not been known yet. Here, we sought to determine the biological effects of CS-6 on signaling mechanisms during angiogenesis. Our present results fully demonstrate that CS-6 could significantly inhibit VEGF triggered HUVECs proliferation, migration, invasion and tubulogenesis in vitro and blocked vascularization in Matrigel plugs impregnated in C57/BL6 mice as well as reduced vessel density in human lung tumor xenograft implanted in nude mice. Computer simulations revealed that CS-6 interacted with the ATP-binding sites of VEGFR-2 using molecular docking. Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated that CS-6 inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 kinase and suppressed the activity of VEGFR-2-mediated signaling cascades. Therefore, our studies demonstrated that CS-6 inhibited angiogenesis by inhibiting the activation of VEGFR-2 signaling pathways and CS-6 could be a potential candidate in angiogenesis-related disease therapy.

Molecular characterization and expression of Rab7 from Clonorchis sinensis and its potential role in autophagy.

PubMed

Jia, Feifei; Li, Ye; Huang, Yan; Chen, Tingjin; Li, Shan; Xu, Yanquan; Wu, Zhongdao; Li, Xuerong; Yu, Xinbing

2013-07-01

Accumulating evidences suggest that Rab7 GTPase is important for the normal progression of autophagy. However, the role of Rab7 GTPase in regulation of autophagy in Clonorchis sinensis is not known. In this study, a gene encoding Rab7 was isolated from C. sinensis adult cDNA. Recombinant CsRab7 was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. CsRab7 transcripts were detected in the cDNA of adult worm, metacercaria, cercaria, and egg of C. sinensis, and were highly expressed in the metacercaria. Immunohistochemical localization results revealed that CsRab7 was specifically deposited on the vitellarium and eggs of adult worm. Furthermore, EGFP signal of CsRab7WT and the active mutant CsRab7Q67L were associated with autophagic vesicles in transiently transfected 293T cells. It is concluded from the present study that CsRab7 GTPase possibly contributes to the development of C. sinensis and that the autophagy pathway could be an important site of action with respect to the developmental role of CsRab7 in C. sinensis.

Crystal Structure and Regulation of the Citrus Pol III Repressor MAF1 by Auxin and Phosphorylation.

PubMed

Soprano, Adriana Santos; Giuseppe, Priscila Oliveira de; Shimo, Hugo Massayoshi; Lima, Tatiani Brenelli; Batista, Fernanda Aparecida Heleno; Righetto, Germanna Lima; Pereira, José Geraldo de Carvalho; Granato, Daniela Campos; Nascimento, Andrey Fabricio Ziem; Gozzo, Fabio Cesar; de Oliveira, Paulo Sérgio Lopes; Figueira, Ana Carolina Migliorini; Smetana, Juliana Helena Costa; Paes Leme, Adriana Franco; Murakami, Mario Tyago; Benedetti, Celso Eduardo

2017-09-05

MAF1 is the main RNA polymerase (Pol) III repressor that controls cell growth in eukaryotes. The Citrus ortholog, CsMAF1, was shown to restrict cell growth in citrus canker disease but its role in plant development and disease is still unclear. We solved the crystal structure of the globular core of CsMAF1, which reveals additional structural elements compared with the previously available structure of hMAF1, and explored the dynamics of its flexible regions not present in the structure. CsMAF1 accumulated in the nucleolus upon leaf excision, and this translocation was inhibited by auxin and by mutation of the PKA phosphorylation site, S45, to aspartate. Additionally, mTOR phosphorylated recombinant CsMAF1 and the mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 blocked canker formation in normal but not CsMAF1-silenced plants. These results indicate that the role of TOR on cell growth induced by Xanthomonas citri depends on CsMAF1 and that auxin controls CsMAF1 interaction with Pol III in citrus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migration of 137Cs in tributaries, lake water and sediment of Lago Maggiore (Italy, Switzerland) - analysis and comparison with Lago di Lugano and other lakes.

PubMed

Putyrskaya, Victoria; Klemt, Eckehard; Röllin, Stefan

2009-01-01

This paper describes the behaviour of 137Cs in Lago Maggiore and other pre-alpine lakes as a consequence of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing fallout and the fallout from the nuclear accident in Chernobyl. It presents data on the 137Cs distribution in tributaries, lake water, bottom sediments and reveals the role of (137)Cs as a marker of the sedimentation processes. The run-off of 137Cs from the watershed to the lake is described with a simple compartment model. Measurements of the activity concentration of (137)Cs in sediments are compared with the output of a model (diffusion-convection type) which describes the input of 137Cs into and its vertical distribution within the sediment. Varying sedimentation rates (0.05-0.90g(cm2y)(-1)) in Lago Maggiore are compared with data of other authors. Sedimentation rates and total distribution coefficients (of about 10(5) Lkg(-1)) in Lago Maggiore are discussed and compared with those of Lago di Lugano, Lake Constance, and Lake Vorsee.

Polylactide-based renewable composites from natural products residues by encapsulated film bag: characterization and biodegradability.

PubMed

Wu, Chin-San

2012-09-01

In the present study, the biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials consisting of acrylic acid-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-AA) and natural products residues (corn starch, CS) were evaluated. Composites containing acrylic acid-grafted PLA (PLA-g-AA/CS) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties due to their greater compatibility with CS compared with PLA/CS. The feasibility of using PLA-g-AA/CS as a film bag material to facilitate the controlled release of an encapsulated phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) Burkholderia cepacia as a fertilizer use promoter was then evaluated. For purposes of comparison and accurate characterization, a PLA film bag was also assessed. The results showed that the bacterium completely degraded both the PLA and the PLA-g-AA/CS composite film bags, resulting in cell release. The PLA-g-AA/CS (20 wt%) film bags were more biodegradable than those made of PLA, and displayed a higher loss of molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, indicating a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Small lytic peptides escape the inhibitory effect of heparan sulfate on the surface of cancer cells

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Several naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs), including bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB), display promising anticancer activities. These peptides are unaffected by multidrug resistance mechanisms and have been shown to induce a protective immune response against solid tumors, thus making them interesting candidates for developing novel lead structures for anticancer treatment. Recently, we showed that the anticancer activity by LfcinB was inhibited by the presence of heparan sulfate (HS) on the surface of tumor cells. Based on extensive structure-activity relationship studies performed on LfcinB, shorter and more potent peptides have been constructed. In the present study, we have investigated the anticancer activity of three chemically modified 9-mer peptides and the influence of HS and chondroitin sulfate (CS) on their cytotoxic activity. Methods Various cell lines and red blood cells were used to investigate the anticancer activity and selectivity of the peptides. The cytotoxic effect of the peptides against the different cell lines was measured by use of a colorimetric MTT viability assay. The influence of HS and CS on their cytotoxic activity was evaluated by using HS/CS expressing and HS/CS deficient cell lines. The ability of soluble HS and CS to inhibit the cytotoxic activity of the peptides and the peptides' affinity for HS and CS were also investigated. Results The 9-mer peptides displayed selective anticancer activity. Cells expressing HS/CS were equally or more susceptible to the peptides than cells not expressing HS/CS. The peptides displayed a higher affinity for HS compared to CS, and exogenously added HS inhibited the cytotoxic effect of the peptides. Conclusions In contrast to the previously reported inhibitory effect of HS on LfcinB, the present study shows that the cytotoxic activity of small lytic peptides was increased or not affected by cell surface HS. PMID:21453492

Stress and Sucrose Intake Modulate Neuronal Activity in the Anterior Hypothalamic Area in Rats

PubMed Central

Mitra, Arojit; Guèvremont, Geneviève; Timofeeva, Elena

2016-01-01

The anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) is an important integrative relay structure for a variety of autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses including feeding behavior and response to stress. However, changes in the activity of the AHA neurons during stress and feeding in freely moving rats are not clear. The present study investigated the firing rate and burst activity of neurons in the central nucleus of the AHA (cAHA) during sucrose intake in non-stressful conditions and after acute stress in freely behaving rats. Rats were implanted with micro-electrodes into the cAHA, and extracellular multi-unit activity was recorded during 1-h access to 10% sucrose in non-stressful conditions or after acute foot shock stress. Acute stress significantly reduced sucrose intake, total sucrose lick number, and lick frequency in licking clusters, and increased inter-lick intervals. At the cluster start (CS) of sucrose licking, the cAHA neurons increased (CS-excited, 20% of the recorded neurons), decreased (CS-inhibited, 42% of the neurons) or did not change (CS-nonresponsive, 38% of the neurons) their firing rate. Stress resulted in a significant increase in the firing rate of the CS-inhibited neurons by decreasing inter-spike intervals within the burst firing of these neurons. This increase in the stress-induced firing rate of the CS-inhibited neurons was accompanied by a disruption of the correlation between the firing rate of CS-inhibited and CS-nonresponsive neurons that was observed in non-stressful conditions. Stress did not affect the firing rate of the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons. However, stress changed the pattern of burst firing of the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons by decreasing and increasing the burst number in the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons, respectively. These results suggest that the cAHA neurons integrate the signals related to stress and intake of palatable food and play a role in the stress- and eating-related circuitry. PMID:27243579

Stress and Sucrose Intake Modulate Neuronal Activity in the Anterior Hypothalamic Area in Rats.

PubMed

Mitra, Arojit; Guèvremont, Geneviève; Timofeeva, Elena

2016-01-01

The anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) is an important integrative relay structure for a variety of autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses including feeding behavior and response to stress. However, changes in the activity of the AHA neurons during stress and feeding in freely moving rats are not clear. The present study investigated the firing rate and burst activity of neurons in the central nucleus of the AHA (cAHA) during sucrose intake in non-stressful conditions and after acute stress in freely behaving rats. Rats were implanted with micro-electrodes into the cAHA, and extracellular multi-unit activity was recorded during 1-h access to 10% sucrose in non-stressful conditions or after acute foot shock stress. Acute stress significantly reduced sucrose intake, total sucrose lick number, and lick frequency in licking clusters, and increased inter-lick intervals. At the cluster start (CS) of sucrose licking, the cAHA neurons increased (CS-excited, 20% of the recorded neurons), decreased (CS-inhibited, 42% of the neurons) or did not change (CS-nonresponsive, 38% of the neurons) their firing rate. Stress resulted in a significant increase in the firing rate of the CS-inhibited neurons by decreasing inter-spike intervals within the burst firing of these neurons. This increase in the stress-induced firing rate of the CS-inhibited neurons was accompanied by a disruption of the correlation between the firing rate of CS-inhibited and CS-nonresponsive neurons that was observed in non-stressful conditions. Stress did not affect the firing rate of the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons. However, stress changed the pattern of burst firing of the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons by decreasing and increasing the burst number in the CS-excited and CS-nonresponsive neurons, respectively. These results suggest that the cAHA neurons integrate the signals related to stress and intake of palatable food and play a role in the stress- and eating-related circuitry.

Transfer of classical eyeblink conditioning with electrical stimulation of mPFC or tone as conditioned stimulus in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Yao, Juan; Wu, Guang-Yan; Liu, Guo-Long; Liu, Shu-Lei; Yang, Yi; Wu, Bing; Li, Xuan; Feng, Hua; Sui, Jian-Feng

2014-11-01

Learning with a stimulus from one sensory modality can facilitate subsequent learning with a new stimulus from a different sensory modality. To date, the characteristics and mechanism of this phenomenon named transfer effect still remain ambiguous. Our previous work showed that electrical stimulation of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as a conditioned stimulus (CS) could successfully establish classical eyeblink conditioning (EBC). The present study aimed to (1) observe whether transfer of EBC learning would occur when CSs shift between central (mPFC electrical stimulation as a CS, mPFC-CS) and peripheral (tone as a CS, tone CS); (2) compare the difference in transfer effect between the two paradigms, delay EBC (DEBC) and trace EBC (TEBC). A total of 8 groups of guinea pigs were tested in the study, including 4 experimental groups and 4 control groups. Firstly, the experimental groups accepted central (or peripheral) CS paired with corneal airpuff unconditioned stimulus (US); then, CS shifted to the peripheral (or central) and paired with US. The control groups accepted corresponding central (or peripheral) CS and pseudo-paired with US, and then shifted CS from central (or peripheral) to peripheral (or central) and paired with US. The results showed that the acquisition rates of EBC were higher in experimental groups than in control groups after CS switching from central to peripheral or vice versa, and the CR acquisition rate was remarkably higher in DEBC than in TEBC in both transfer ways. The results indicate that EBC transfer can occur between learning established with mPFC-CS and tone CS. Memory of CS-US association for delay paradigm was less disturbed by the sudden switch of CS than for trace paradigm. This study provides new insight into neural mechanisms underlying conditioned reflex as well as the role of mPFC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydration behaviors of calcium silicate-based biomaterials.

PubMed

Lee, Yuan-Ling; Wang, Wen-Hsi; Lin, Feng-Huie; Lin, Chun-Pin

2017-06-01

Calcium silicate (CS)-based biomaterials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), have become the most popular and convincing material used in restorative endodontic treatments. However, the commercially available CS-based biomaterials all contain different minor additives, which may affect their hydration behaviors and material properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydration behavior of CS-based biomaterials with/without minor additives. A novel CS-based biomaterial with a simplified composition, without mineral oxides as minor additives, was produced. The characteristics of this biomaterial during hydration were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. The hydration behaviors of commercially available gray and white MTAs with mineral oxide as minor additives were also evaluated for reference. For all three test materials, the XRD analysis revealed similar diffraction patterns after hydration, but MTAs presented a significant decrease in the intensities of Bi 2 O 3 -related peaks. SEM results demonstrated similar porous microstructures with some hexagonal and facetted crystals on the outer surfaces. In addition, compared to CS with a simplified composition, the FTIR plot indicated that hydrated MTAs with mineral oxides were better for the polymerization of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), presenting Si-O band shifting to higher wave numbers, and contained more water crystals within CSH, presenting sharper bands for O-H bending. Mineral oxides might not result in significant changes in the crystal phases or microstructures during the hydration of CS-based biomaterials, but these compounds affected the hydration behavior at the molecular level. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Combined analysis of 1,3-benzodioxoles by crystalline sponge X-ray crystallography and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Hayashi, Yukako; Ohara, Kazuaki; Taki, Rika; Saeki, Tomomi; Yamaguchi, Kentaro

2018-03-12

The crystalline sponge (CS) method, which employs single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the structure of an analyte present as a liquid or an oil and having a low melting point, was used in combination with laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). 1,3-Benzodioxole derivatives were encapsulated in CS and their structures were determined by combining X-ray crystallography and MS. After the X-ray analysis, the CS was subjected to imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) with an LDI spiral-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). The ion detection area matched the microscopic image of the encapsulated CS. In addition, the accumulated 1D mass spectra showed that fragmentation of the guest molecule (hereafter, guest) can be easily visualized without any interference from the fragment ions of CS except for two strong ion peaks derived from the tridentate ligand TPT (2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) of the CS and its fragment. X-ray analysis clearly showed the presence of the guest as well as the π-π, CH-halogen, and CH-O interactions between the guest and the CS framework. However, some guests remained randomly diffused in the nanopores of CS. In addition, the detection limit was less than sub-pmol order based on the weight and density of CS determined by X-ray analysis. Spectroscopic data, such as UV-vis and NMR, also supported the encapsulation of the guest through the interaction between the guest and CS components. The results denote that the CS-LDI-MS method, which combines CS, X-ray analysis and LDI-MS, is effective for structure determination.

Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate associated to photobiomodulation prevents degenerative morphological changes in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats.

PubMed

Sanches, Marcella; Assis, Lívia; Criniti, Cyntia; Fernandes, Danilo; Tim, Carla; Renno, Ana Claudia Muniz

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of combined treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate (CS/Gl) and photobiomodulation (PBM) on the degenerative process related to osteoarthritis (OA) in the articular cartilage in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: OA control group (CG); OA animals submitted to PBM treatment (PBM); OA animals submitted to CS/Gl treatment (CS/Gl); OA submitted to CS/GS associated with PBM treatments (GS/Gl + PBM). The CS/Gl started 48 h after the surgery, and they were performed for 29 consecutive days. Moreover, PBM was performed after the CS/Gl administration on the left joint. Morphological characteristics and immunoexpression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and 1 beta (IL-1β) and collagen type II (Col II) of the articular cartilage were evaluated. The results showed that all treated groups (CS/Gl and PBM) presented attenuation signs of degenerative process (measured by histopathological analysis) and lower density chondrocytes [PBM (p = 0.0017); CS/Gl (p = 0.0153) and CS/Gl + PBM (p = 0.002)]. Additionally, CS/Gl [associated (p = 0.0089) or not with PBM (p = 0.0059)] showed significative lower values for OARSI grade evaluation. Furthermore, CS/GS + PBM decreased IL-1β protein expression (p = 0.0359) and increased IL-10 (p = 0.028) and Col II imunoexpression (p = 0.0204) compared to CG. This study showed that CS/Gl associated with PBM was effective in modulating inflammatory process and preventing the articular tissue degradation in the knees OA rats.

Radiocesium distribution in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) in eastern Japan: translocation from needles to pollen.

PubMed

Kanasashi, Tsutomu; Sugiura, Yuki; Takenaka, Chisato; Hijii, Naoki; Umemura, Mitsutoshi

2015-01-01

We assessed the radiocesium contamination of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests in eastern Japan from November 2012 to February 2013, including 80 sites in Fukushima and 35 sites in other regions (Tohoku and Kanto-Koshinetsu), by measuring the (137)Cs concentrations in needles of different ages, male flowers, and pollen. Over a wide geographic area, needles that were present at the time of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident contained much higher (137)Cs concentrations than needles that emerged after the accident. This result, together with visual analysis of (137)Cs distribution using autoradiography, indicated that some of the (137)Cs derived from direct fallout remained on the surface of the older needles. Since we also detected (137)Cs in younger needles and male flowers, we concluded that (137)Cs was translocated toward the tips of sugi needles. The (137)Cs concentration in male flowers was higher than and positively correlated with that in the currently growing (2012) needles. Also, a positive relationship was observed between the (137)Cs concentration of male flowers and pollen, and they were found to be nearly identical (137)Cs concentration. These results indicate the occurrence of acropetal translocation of (137)Cs from old needles to young needles, male flowers and pollen. However, the results as related to (137)Cs concentration in the needles of three different ages differed from the results of similar studies conducted more than 4 y after the Chernobyl accident. This suggests that, 2 y after the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP accident, the distribution of (137)Cs in the sugi forests has not yet reached a steady state. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of Robson classification to assess cesarean section rate in Brazil: the role of source of payment for childbirth.

PubMed

Nakamura-Pereira, Marcos; do Carmo Leal, Maria; Esteves-Pereira, Ana Paula; Domingues, Rosa Maria Soares Madeira; Torres, Jacqueline Alves; Dias, Marcos Augusto Bastos; Moreira, Maria Elisabeth

2016-10-17

Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide but there is some concern with this trend because of potential maternal and perinatal risks. The Robson classification is the standard method to monitor and compare CS rates. Our objective was to analyze CS rates in Brazil according to source of payment for childbirth (public or private) using the Robson classification. Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national hospital-based sample of 23,940 women. We categorized all women into Robson groups and reported the relative size of each Robson group, the CS rate in each group and the absolute and relative contributions made by each to the overall CS rate. Differences were analyzed through chi-square and Z-test with a significance level of < 0.05. The overall CS rate in Brazil was 51.9 % (42.9 % in the public and 87.9 % in the private health sector). The Robson groups with the highest impact on Brazil's CS rate in both public and private sectors were group 2 (nulliparous, term, cephalic with induced or cesarean delivery before labor), group 5 (multiparous, term, cephalic presentation and previous cesarean section) and group 10 (cephalic preterm pregnancies), which accounted for more than 70 % of CS carried out in the country. High-risk women had significantly greater CS rates compared with low-risk women in almost all Robson groups in the public sector only. Public policies should be directed at reducing CS in nulliparous women, particularly by reducing the number of elective CS in these women, and encouraging vaginal birth after cesarean to reduce repeat CS in multiparous women.

Social conditioning and extinction paradigm: a translational study in virtual reality.

PubMed

Shiban, Youssef; Reichenberger, Jonas; Neumann, Inga D; Mühlberger, Andreas

2015-01-01

In human beings, experiments investigating fear conditioning with social stimuli are rare. The current study aims at translating an animal model for social fear conditioning (SFC) to a human sample using an operant SFC paradigm in virtual reality. Forty participants actively (using a joystick) approached virtual male agents that served as conditioned stimuli (CS). During the acquisition phase, unconditioned stimuli (US), a combination of an air blast (5 bar, 10 ms) and a female scream (95 dB, 40 ms), were presented when participants reached a defined proximity to the agent with a contingency of 75% for CS+ agents and never for CS- agents. During the extinction and the test phases, no US was delivered. Outcome variables were pleasantness ratings and physiological reactions in heart rate (HR) and fear-potentiated startle. Additionally, the influence of social anxiety, which was measured with the Social Phobia Inventory scale, was evaluated. As expected after the acquisition phase the CS+ was rated clearly less pleasant than the CS-. This difference vanished during extinction. Furthermore, the HR remained high for the CS+, while the HR for the CS- was clearly lower after than before the acquisition. Furthermore, a clear difference between CS+ and CS- after the acquisition indicated successful conditioning on this translational measure. Contrariwise no CS+/CS- differences were observed in the physiological variables during extinction. Importantly, at the generalization test, higher socially fearful participants rated pleasantness of all agents as low whereas the lower socially fearful participants rated pleasantness as low only for the CS+. SFC was successfully induced and extinguished confirming operant conditioning in this SFC paradigm. These findings suggest that the paradigm is suitable to expand the knowledge about the learning and unlearning of social fears. Further studies should investigate the operant mechanisms of development and treatment of social anxiety disorder.

Investigating the protective effects of aged garlic extract on cyclosporin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Wongmekiat, Orawan; Thamprasert, Kamthorn

2005-10-01

Cyclosporin A (CsA) nephrotoxicity has been described in solid organ recipients and in the patients who were treated for autoimmune diseases. Reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidations are implicated in the pathophysiology of CsA-induced renal injury. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been reported to exhibit potent antioxidative and free radical scavenging abilities in various disease conditions. The present study was designed to investigate whether AGE could possibly have a protective effect against nephrotoxicity induced by CsA. Male Wistar rats were treated orally with CsA (50 mg/kg/day), CsA + AGE (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg/day started 3 days before the first dose of CsA), or the vehicle of CsA for a period of 10 days. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and renal histopathological changes were evaluated after 24 h of the last treatment. CsA caused an increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine by 117 and 100%, respectively, whereas it decreased creatinine clearance by 78% compared with the vehicle-treated rats (all P < 0.001). AGE treatment (0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg) significantly protected animals against CsA-induced biochemical changes, albeit blood urea nitrogen and creatinine clearance in the 0.5 g/kg AGE treated-animals were only partially restored. Kidney sections taken from CsA-treated rats showed severe vacuolations and tubular necrosis. These histopathological changes were markedly improved by pretreatment of rats with AGE at the dose of 0.5--2 g/kg. The results indicate that AGE ameliorates renal dysfunction and morphological changes induced by CsA, and imply that it could be a beneficial remedy for attenuating the CsA nephrotoxicity.

Structure and Interactions of the CS Domain of Human H/ACA RNP Assembly Protein Shq1

DOE PAGES

Singh, Mahavir; Wang, Zhonghua; Cascio, Duilio; ...

2014-12-29

Shq1 is an essential protein involved in the early steps of biogenesis and assembly of H/ACA ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Shq1 binds to dyskerin (Cbf5 in yeast) at an early step of H/ACA RNP assembly and is subsequently displaced by the H/ACA RNA. Shq1 contains an N-terminal CS and a C-terminal Shq1-specific domain (SSD). Dyskerin harbors many mutations associated with dyskeratosis congenita. Structures of yeast Shq1 SSD bound to Cbf5 revealed that only a subset of these mutations is in the SSD binding site, implicating another subset in the putative CS binding site. Here in this paper, we present the crystalmore » structure of human Shq1 CS (hCS) and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and crystal structures of hCS containing a serine substitution for proline 22 that is associated with some prostate cancers. The structure of hCS is similar to yeast Shq1 CS domain (yCS) and consists of two β-sheets that form an immunoglobulin-like β-sandwich fold. The N-terminal affinity tag sequence AHHHHHH associates with a neighboring protein in the crystal lattice to form an extra β-strand. Deletion of this tag was required to get spectra suitable for NMR structure determination, while the tag was required for crystallization. NMR chemical shift perturbation (CSP) experiments with peptides derived from putative CS binding sites on dyskerin and Cbf5 revealed a conserved surface on CS important for Cbf5/dyskerin binding. A HADDOCK (high-ambiguity-driven protein-protein docking) model of a Shq1-Cbf5 complex that defines the position of CS domain in the pre-H/ACA RNP was calculated using the CSP data.« less

Construction and characterization of Gal-chitosan graft methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (Gal-CS-mPEG) nanoparticles as efficient gene carrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Jiting; Fu, Wandong; Liao, Miaofei; Han, Baoqin; Chang, Jing; Yang, Yan

2017-10-01

In the present study, galactosylated chitosan (Gal-CS) was conjugated with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as a hydrophilic group. The structure of Gal-CS-mPEG polymer was characterized and the nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using ironic gelation method. The study was designed to investigate the characteristics and functions of Gal-CS-mPEG NPs. The morphology of Gal-CS-mPEG NPs was observed by SEM and it was a compact and spherical shape. The size of the NPs was approximately 200 nm in diameter under the ideal process parameters. The interaction between Gal-CS-mPEG NPs and pDNA, and the protection of pDNA against DNase I and serum degradation by Gal-CS-mPEG NPs were evaluated. Agarose gel electrophoresis results showed that Gal-CS-mPEG NPs had strong interaction with pDNA at the weight ratio of 12:1, 4:1 and 2:1 and could protect pDNA from DNase I and serum degradation. Gal-CS-mPEG NPs exhibited high loading efficiency and sustainable in vitro release. The blood compatibility studies demonstrated that Gal-CS-mPEG NPs had superior compatibility with erythrocytes in terms of aggregation degree and hemolysis level. Gal-CS-mPEG NPs showed no cytotoxicity on L929 cells, which is a normal mouse connective tissue fibroblast, but showed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Bel-7402 cells, which is a liver cancer cell line. In conclusion, Gal-CS-mPEG NP is a bio-safe and efficient gene carrier with potential application in gene delivery.

On a viscous critical-stress model of martensitic phase transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weatherwax, John; Vaynblat, Dimitri; Bruno, Oscar; Rosales, Ruben

2007-09-01

The solid-to-solid phase transitions that result from shock loading of certain materials, such as the graphite-to-diamond transition and the α-ɛ transition in iron, have long been subjects of a substantial theoretical and experimental literature. Recently a model for such transitions was introduced which, based on a CS condition (CS) and without use of fitting parameters, accounts quantitatively for existing observations in a number of systems [Bruno and Vaynblat, Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 457, 2871 (2001)]. While the results of the CS model match the main features of the available experimental data, disagreements in some details between the predictions of this model and experiment, attributable to an ideal character of the CS model, do exist. In this article we present a version of the CS model, the viscous CS model (vCS), as well as a numerical method for its solution. This model and the corresponding solver results in a much improved overall CS modeling capability. The innovations we introduce include: (1) Enhancement of the model by inclusion of viscous phase-transition effects; as well as a numerical solver that allows for a fully rigorous treatment of both, the (2) Rarefaction fans (which had previously been approximated by "rarefaction discontinuities"), and (3) viscous phase-transition effects, that are part of the vCS model. In particular we show that the vCS model accounts accurately for well known "gradual" rises in the α-ɛ transition which, in the original CS model, were somewhat crudely approximated as jump discontinuities.

Opiate System Mediate the Antinociceptive Effects of Coriandrum sativum in Mice

PubMed Central

Taherian, Abbas Ali; Vafaei, Abbas Ali; Ameri, Javad

2012-01-01

Our previous study showed that Coriandrum sativum (CS) has antinociceptive effects, but the mechanisms that mediate this effect are not clear. The present study was designed to test the role of opiate system in the antinociceptive effects of CS on acute and chronic pain in mice using Hot Plate (HP), Tail Flick (TF) and Formalin (FT) tests and also to compare its effect with dexamethasone (DEX) and stress (ST). Young adult male albino mice (25-30 g) in 33 groups (n = 8 in each group) were used in this study. CS (125 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg IP), DEX (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/Kg IP), vehicle (VEH) or swim stress were used 30 min before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by HP, TF and FT models. In addition, Naloxone (NAL, 2 mg/Kg, IP) was injected 15 min before the CS extract administration in order to assess the role of opiate system in the antinociception of CS. Results indicated that CS, DEX and ST have analgesic effects (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group and higher dose of CS was more effective (p < 0.001). Besides, pretreatment of NAL modulates the antinociceptive effects of CS in all models (p < 0.001). The above findings showed that CS, DEX and ST have modulator effects on pain. These findings further indicate that the CS extract has more analgesic effects than DEX and ST and also provides the evidence for the existence of an interaction between antinociceptive effects of CS and opiate system. PMID:24250493

Interspecific chromosomal effects on agronomic traits in Gossypium hirsutum by AD analysis using intermated G. barbadense chromosome substitution lines.

PubMed

Saha, S; Wu, J; Jenkins, J N; McCarty, J C; Stelly, D M

2013-01-01

The untapped potential of the beneficial alleles from Gossypium barbadense L. has not been well utilized in G. hirsutum L. (often referred to as Upland cotton) breeding programs. This is primarily due to genomic incompatibility and technical challenges associated with conventional methods of interspecific introgression. In this study, we used a hypoaneuploid-based chromosome substitution line as a means for systematically introgressing G. barbadense doubled-haploid line '3-79' germplasm into a common Upland genetic background, inbred 'Texas marker-1' ('TM-1'). We reported on the chromosomal effects, lint percentage, boll weight, seedcotton yield and lint yield in chromosome substitution CS-B (G. barbadense L.) lines. Using an additive-dominance genetic model, we studied the interaction of alleles located on two alien substituted chromosomes versus one alien substituted chromosome using a partial diallel mating design of selected CS-B lines (CS-B05sh, CS-B06, CS-B09, CS-B10, CS-B12, CS-B17 and CS-B18). Among these parents, CS-B09 and CS-B10 were reported for the first time. The donor parent 3-79, had the lowest additive effect for all of the agronomic traits. All of the CS-B lines had significant additive effects with boll weight and lint percentage. CS-B10 had the highest additive effects for lint percentage, and seedcotton and lint yield among all of the lines showing a transgressive genetic mode of inheritance for these traits. CS-B09 had greater additive genetic effects on lint yield, while CS-B06, CS-B10 and CS-B17 had superior additive genetic effects on both lint and seedcotton yield compared to TM-1 parent. The 3-79 line had the highest dominance effects for boll weight (0.513 g) and CS-B10 had the lowest dominance effect for boll weight (-0.702). Some major antagonistic genetic effects for the agronomic traits were present with most of the substituted chromosomes and chromosome arms, a finding suggested their recalcitrance to conventional breeding efforts. The results revealed that the substituted chromosomes and arms of 3-79 carried some cryptic beneficial alleles with potential to improve agronomic traits including yield, whose effects were masked at the whole genome level in 3-79.

Neonatal Cushing Syndrome: A Rare but Potentially Devastating Disease.

PubMed

Tatsi, Christina; Stratakis, Constantine A

2018-03-01

Neonatal Cushing syndrome (CS) is most commonly caused by exogenous administration of glucocorticoids and rarely by endogenous hypercortisolemia. CS owing to adrenal lesions is the most common cause of endogenous CS in neonates and infants, and adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) represent most cases. Many ACTs develop in the context of a TP53 gene mutation, which causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome. More rarely, neonatal CS presents as part of other syndromes such as McCune-Albright syndrome or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Management usually includes resection of the primary tumor with or without additional medical treatment, but manifestations may persist after resolution of hypercortisolemia. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Integrating dynamic and distributed compressive sensing techniques to enhance image quality of the compressive line sensing system for unmanned aerial vehicles application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Bing; Hou, Weilin; Caimi, Frank M.; Dalgleish, Fraser R.; Vuorenkoski, Anni K.; Gong, Cuiling

2017-07-01

The compressive line sensing imaging system adopts distributed compressive sensing (CS) to acquire data and reconstruct images. Dynamic CS uses Bayesian inference to capture the correlated nature of the adjacent lines. An image reconstruction technique that incorporates dynamic CS in the distributed CS framework was developed to improve the quality of reconstructed images. The effectiveness of the technique was validated using experimental data acquired in an underwater imaging test facility. Results that demonstrate contrast and resolution improvements will be presented. The improved efficiency is desirable for unmanned aerial vehicles conducting long-duration missions.

Nanoscale spatial analysis of clay minerals containing cesium by synchrotron radiation photoemission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshigoe, Akitaka; Shiwaku, Hideaki; Kobayashi, Toru; Shimoyama, Iwao; Matsumura, Daiju; Tsuji, Takuya; Nishihata, Yasuo; Kogure, Toshihiro; Ohkochi, Takuo; Yasui, Akira; Yaita, Tsuyoshi

2018-01-01

A synchrotron radiation photoemission electron microscope (SR-PEEM) was applied to demonstrate the pinpoint analysis of micrometer-sized weathered biotite clay particles with artificially adsorbed cesium (Cs) atoms. Despite the insulating properties of the clay, we observed the spatial distributions of constituent elements (Si, Al, Cs, Mg, and Fe) without charging issues and clarified reciprocal site-correlations among these elements with nanometer resolution. We found that Cs atoms were likely to be adsorbed evenly over the entire particle; however, we identified an occupational conflict between Cs and Mg atoms, implying that Cs sorption involves ion exchange processes. Spatially resolved X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of the Cs4,5 M-edge region showed Cs to be present in a monocation state (Cs+) as typically observed for Cs compounds. Further pinpoint XAS measurements were also performed at the Fe L2,3-edge to determine the chemical valence of the Fe atoms. The shapes of the spectra were similar to those for Fe2O3, indicating that Fe in the clay was in a 3+ oxidation state. From these observations, we infer that charge compensation facilitates Cs adsorption in the vicinity of a substitution site where Si4+ ions are replaced by Fe3+ ions in SiO4 tetrahedral sheets. Our results demonstrate the utility of SR-PEEM as a tool for spatially resolved chemical analyses of various environmental substances, which is not limited by the poor conductivity of samples.

Sulfation pattern of fucose branches affects the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate.

PubMed

Wu, Nian; Zhang, Yu; Ye, Xingqian; Hu, Yaqin; Ding, Tian; Chen, Shiguo

2016-08-20

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (fCSs) are glycosaminoglycans extracted from sea cucumbers, consisting of chondroitin sulfate E (CSE) backbones and sulfated fucose branches. The biological properties of fCSs could be affected by the sulfation pattern of their fucose branches. In the present study, two fCSs were isolated from sea cucumbers Isostichopus badionotus (fCS-Ib) and Pearsonothuria graeffei (fCS-Pg). Their monosaccharide compositions of glucuronic acid (GlcA), N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), fucose (Fuc) and sulfate were at similar molar ratio with 1.0/0.7/0.9/3.1 for fCS-Ib and 1.0/0.8/1.5/2.6 for fCS-Pg. The two fCSs have different sulfation patterns on their fucose branches, fCS-Pg with 3,4-O-disulfation while fCS-Ib with 2,4-O-disulfation. Their antihyperlipidemic effects were compared using a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice model. Both fCS-Ib and fCS-Pg had significant effects on lipid profile improvement, liver protection, blood glucose diminution and hepatic glycogen synthesis. Specifically, fCS-Pg with 3,4-O-disulfation fucose branches was more effective in reduction of blood cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and atherogenic index (AI). Our results indicate that both fCSs, especially fCS-Pg, could be used as a potential anti-hyperlipidemic drug. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Cs-Ba separation using N 2O as a reactant gas in a Multiple Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer collision-reaction cell: Application to the measurements of Cs isotopes in spent nuclear fuel samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granet, M.; Nonell, A.; Favre, G.; Chartier, F.; Isnard, H.; Moureau, J.; Caussignac, C.; Tran, B.

2008-11-01

In the general frameworks of the nuclear fuel cycle and environmental research field, the Cs isotopic composition must be known with high precision and accuracy. The direct determination of Cs isotopes by mass spectrometry techniques is generally hampered by the presence of Ba isobaric interferences however. Here we present a new method which takes advantage of the collision-reaction cell based Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) and allows to analyse Cs isotopes in the presence of Ba without prior separation step. The addition of N 2O gas in the cell leads to an antagonistic behavior of Cs + and Ba + as the latter reacts with the gas to form BaO + and BaOH + products whereas Cs + remains unreactive. The efficiency of the method was demonstrated for an UOx sample by comparing the results obtained (1) from the measurements of pure Cs fractions and (2) from Fission Products fractions containing more than 30 ionisable elements in addition to Cs, Ba, and where U and Pu were previously removed by using ion exchange resin. An excellent agreement is achieved between each set of experiments with an external reproducibility always better than 0.5% (RSD, k = 2). This study confirms the strong potential of collision-reaction cell to measure Cs isotopes in presence of interfering Ba, precluding therefore former systematic chemical separations.

Stable thermosensitive in situ gel-forming systems based on the lyophilizate of chitosan/α,β-glycerophosphate salts.

PubMed

Wu, Guanghao; Yuan, Yuan; He, Jintian; Li, Ying; Dai, Xiaojing; Zhao, Baohua

2016-09-10

In the present study, lyophilization was attempted to improve the long-term storage of CS/GP thermogelling systems for biopharmaceutical applications. After lyophilization, CS/α,β-GP lyophilizate could not be dissolved in water, but some metal salts, such as NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 surprisingly facilitated its dissolution. X-ray powder diffraction analysis suggested that calcium ions might preferentially form salts with α,β-GP, inhibit the transfer of protons from CS to α,β-GP, and then inhibit the aggregation of CS molecules during lyophilization. Comparison of the freshly prepared CS/α,β-GP/salt solutions and the reconstituted solutions from lyophilizates showed that lyophilization clearly influenced the properties of reconstituted CS/α,β-GP/salt solutions such as gelation time, viscosity, and pH. Furthermore, the reconstituted CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 solutions maintained thermogelling properties and formed hydrogels at 37°C within approximately 5min, but did not form hydrogels at 20°C and 4°C over 2 weeks. The model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was further incorporated into the CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 system. In vitro release experiments showed the sustained release of BSA from CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 hydrogels in a pH-sensitive manner, demonstrating that CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 may be useful as an in situ gel-forming system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Removal of glyphosate herbicide from water using biopolymer membranes.

PubMed

Carneiro, Rafael T A; Taketa, Thiago B; Gomes Neto, Reginaldo J; Oliveira, Jhones L; Campos, Estefânia V R; de Moraes, Mariana A; da Silva, Camila M G; Beppu, Marisa M; Fraceto, Leonardo F

2015-03-15

Enormous amounts of pesticides are manufactured and used worldwide, some of which reach soils and aquatic systems. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that is effective against all types of weeds and has been used for many years. It can therefore be found as a contaminant in water, and procedures are required for its removal. This work investigates the use of biopolymeric membranes prepared with chitosan (CS), alginate (AG), and a chitosan/alginate combination (CS/AG) for the adsorption of glyphosate present in water samples. The adsorption of glyphosate by the different membranes was investigated using the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models, as well as the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The membranes were characterized regarding membrane solubility, swelling, mechanical, chemical and morphological properties. The results of kinetics experiments showed that adsorption equilibrium was reached within 4 h and that the CS membrane presented the best adsorption (10.88 mg of glyphosate/g of membrane), followed by the CS/AG bilayer (8.70 mg of glyphosate/g of membrane). The AG membrane did not show any adsorption capacity for this herbicide. The pseudo-second order model provided good fits to the glyphosate adsorption data on CS and CS/AG membranes, with high correlation coefficient values. Glyphosate adsorption by the membranes could be fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model. There was a high affinity between glyphosate and the CS membrane and moderate affinity in the case of the CS/AG membrane. Physico-chemical characterization of the membranes showed low values of solubility in water, indicating that the membranes are stable and not soluble in water. The SEM and AFM analysis showed evidence of the presence of glyphosate on CS membranes and on chitosan face on CS/AG membranes. The results showed that the glyphosate herbicide can be adsorbed by chitosan membranes and the proposed membrane-based methodology was successfully used to treat a water sample contaminated with glyphosate. Biopolymer membranes therefore potentially offer a versatile method to eliminate agricultural chemicals from water supplies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pavlovian conditioning and cumulative reinforcement rate.

PubMed

Harris, Justin A; Patterson, Angela E; Gharaei, Saba

2015-04-01

In 5 experiments using delay conditioning of magazine approach with rats, reinforcement rate was varied either by manipulating the mean interval between onset of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) or by manipulating the proportion of CS presentations that ended with the US (trial-based reinforcement rate). Both manipulations influenced the acquisition of responding. In each experiment, a specific comparison was made between 2 CSs that differed in their mean CS-US interval and in their trial-based reinforcement rate, such that the cumulative reinforcement rate-the cumulative duration of the CS between reinforcements-was the same for the 2 CSs. For example, a CS reinforced on 100% of trials with a mean CS-US interval of 60 s was compared with a CS reinforced on 33% of trials and a mean duration of 20 s. Across the 5 experiments, conditioning was virtually identical for the 2 CSs with matched cumulative reinforcement rate. This was true as long as the timing of the US was unpredictable and, thus, response rates were uniform across the length of the CS. We conclude that the effects of CS-US interval and of trial-based reinforcement rate are reducible entirely to their common effect on cumulative reinforcement rate. We discuss the implications of this for rate-based, trial-based, and real-time associative models of conditioning. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Review of Contemporary Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment.

PubMed

Yatsynovich, Yan; Dittoe, Nathaniel; Petrov, Mikhail; Maroz, Natallia

2018-02-01

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by noncaseating granulomas and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The actual prevalence of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is unknown, as studies have demonstrated mixed data. CS may be asymptomatic and is likely more frequently encountered than previously thought. Sudden death may often be the presenting feature of CS. Most deaths attributed to CS are caused by arrhythmias or conduction system disease, and congestive heart failure may occur. Current expert consensus on diagnosis of CS continues to rely on endomyocardial biopsy, in the absence of which, histologic proof of extracardiac sarcoid involvement is necessitated. Emergence of newer noninvasive imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, have become increasingly popular tools utilized in patients with both clinical and asymptomatic CS, and have demonstrated good diagnostic capability. The main therapeutic approaches in patients with CS can be broadly divided into the following 2 categories: pharmacological management and invasive or device oriented. However, much remains unknown about the optimal screening protocols of asymptomatic patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis and treatment of biopsy-proven CS. Our knowledge about CS has amplified significantly over the last 30 years and the growing realization that this process is often asymptomatic is paving the way for better screening protocols and earlier detection of this serious condition. Copyright © 2018 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Suture anchor fixation strength with or without augmentation in osteopenic and severely osteoporotic bones in rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study on polyurethane foam model.

PubMed

Er, Mehmet Serhan; Altinel, Levent; Eroglu, Mehmet; Verim, Ozgur; Demir, Teyfik; Atmaca, Halil

2014-08-22

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of various types of anchor applications with or without augmentation in both osteopenic and severely osteoporotic bone models. Two different types of suture anchors were tested in severely osteoporotic (SOP) and osteopenic polyurethane (PU) foam blocks using an established protocol. An Instron machine applied static loading parallel to the axis of insertion until failure, and the mean anchor failure strengths were calculated. The mode of failure (anchor pullout, suture tear) was recorded. The anchors tested included the Corkscrew (CS) (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL, USA) (without augmentation, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-augmented, and bioabsorbable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) cement-augmented) and Corkscrew FT II (CS FT II) 5.5 mm (without augmentation as used routinely). The mean failure loads for both SOP and osteopenic PU foam blocks, respectively, were as follows: CS, 16.2 and 212.4 N; CS with TCP, 75.2 and 396 N; CS with PMMA, 101.2 and 528.8 N; CS FT II, 13.8 and 339.8 N. Augmentation of CS with TCP or PMMA would be essential to SOP bones. In the osteopenic bone model, although anchor fixation augmented with PMMA is the best fixation method, CS augmented with TCP cement or CS FT II without any need for augmentation may also be used as an alternative.

Optimized Preparation of Levofloxacin-loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles by Ionotropic Gelation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, J.; Cheng, P.; Huang, S. J.; Wu, J. M.; Li, Z. H.; You, X. D.; Hao, L. M.; Guo, Y.; Li, R. X.; Zhang, H.

The present work investigates the feasibility of fabricating chitosan (CS)-levofloxacin (LOF) nanoparticles by ionotropic gelation technology. An orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize its preparing parameters and multi-index comprehensive weighed score analysis method was used to study the effects of various factors including concentration of CS, concentration of tripolyphosphate (TPP), mass ratio of CS to TPP, and mass ratio of CS to LOF on the properties of nanoparticles. The particles prepared under optimal condition of 2 mg/ml CS concentration, 2 mg/ml TPP concentration, 0.5:1 mass ratio of oil to water and 4:1 mass ratio of CS to TPP had 140 nm diameter, 0.95 span, 6.13% loading capacity (LC) and 24.91% encapsulation efficiency (EE). In vitro release profile showed that LOF released fast initially and then slowly with T90 occurring at 76.5 h. Future studies should focus on antibacterial and biocompatible properties in order to evaluate its potential as sustainable delivery system.

Crystal Growth and Scintillation Properties of Eu2+ doped Cs4CaI6 and Cs4SrI6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stand, L.; Zhuravleva, M.; Chakoumakos, B.; Johnson, J.; Loyd, M.; Wu, Y.; Koschan, M.; Melcher, C. L.

2018-03-01

In this work we present the crystal growth and scintillation properties of two new ternarymetal halide scintillators activated with divalent europium, Cs4CaI6 and Cs4SrI6. Single crystals of each compound were grown in evacuated quartz ampoules via the vertical Bridgman technique using a two-zone transparent furnace. Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments showed that both crystals have a trigonal (R-3c) structure, with a density of 3.99 g/cm3 and 4.03 g/cm3. The radioluminescence and photoluminescence measurements showed typical luminescence properties due to the 5d-4f radiative transitions in Eu2+. At this early stage of development Cs4SrI6:Eu and Cs4CaI6:Eu have shown very promising scintillation properties, with light yields and energy resolutions of 62,300 ph/MeV and 3.3%, and 51,800 photons/MeV and 3.6% at 662 keV, respectively.

Temporal analysis of oxidative effects on the pulmonary inflammatory response in mice exposed to cigarette smoke.

PubMed

Campos, Keila Karine Duarte; Manso, Rafaela Gontijo; Gonçalves, Evandro Guedes; Silva, Marcelo Eustáquio; de Lima, Wanderson Geraldo; Menezes, Cristiane Alves Silva; Bezerra, Frank Silva

2013-01-01

The most common factor related to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development is the chronic smoking habit. Our study describes the temporal kinesis of pulmonary cellular influx through BALF analyses of mice acutely exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), the oxidative damage and antioxidative enzyme activities. Thirty-six mice (C57BL/6, 8weeks old, male) were divided in 6 groups: the control group (CG), exposed to ambient air, and the other 30 mice were exposed to CS. Mice exposed to CS presented, especially after the third day of exposure, different cellular subpopulations in BALF. The oxidative damage was significantly higher in CS exposed groups compared to CG. Our data showed that the evaluated inflammatory cells, observed after three days of CS exposure, indicate that this time point could be relevant to studies focusing on these cellular subpopulation activities and confirm the oxidative stress even in a short term CS exposure. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Seletskiy, S.; De Monte, V.; Di Lieto, A.

In the LEReC Cooling Section (CS) the RHIC ions are traveling together with and getting cooled by the LEReC electrons. The required cooling rate sets the limit of 150 urad on tolerable angles of the electrons in the CS. One of the components of overall electron angle is the angle of the e-beam trajectory with respect to the ion beam trajectory. We set the limit for electron trajectory angle to 100 urad. It is critical for preserving small trajectory angle to keep the transverse magnetic field inside the CS drifts within +/- 2.3 mG. The drifts in the CS mustmore » be shielded from the ambient magnetic fields of the RHIC tunnel, which can be as high as 0.5 G, to minimize the transverse field inside the CS vacuum chamber. In this paper we present the final design of the magnetic shielding of the LEReC CS and discuss the results of tests dedicated to studies of the shielding effectiveness.« less

Gender differences in cancer screening beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate: Implications for health promotion

PubMed Central

Buchanan, Kyrel L.; Katz, Ralph V.; Green, B. Lee

2013-01-01

Men have higher cancer mortality rates for all sites combined compared to women. Cancer screening (CS) participation is important for the early detection of cancer. This study explores gender differences in CS beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate. The data were collected from a stratified, random-digit dial survey of adults living in New York, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were computed to analyze gender associations among CS beliefs, behaviors, and willingness variables. Men and women believed cancer screenings were effective, though a higher percentage of men had never had a past CS. Men were less willing to participate in a CS at the present time and in a skin cancer exam; however, when given descriptions of screening conditions, men indicated more willingness to participate. These gender differences highlight the need for health professionals to examine their efforts in providing enhanced CS promotion and education among men. PMID:22071507

Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program (WARRP) Knowledge Enhancement Events: Waste Management Workshop After Action Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

approximately 2,300 curies of 137Cs (CsCl), and 1.5 tons of Ammonium nitrate / Fuel oil (ANFO). The explosive and the shielded CsCl sources are packaged into...previous findings. Experts also presented case studies on Hurricane Katrina, The British Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill, Fukushima Japan, Foot and Mouth...containers, conduct environmental monitoring. The waste streams were very organized into distinct categories. 1) oil , gasoline, pesticides, 2) batteries

Cri du chat syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia: a common genetic cause on chromosome 5p.

PubMed

Shapiro, Adam J; Weck, Karen E; Chao, Kay C; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Nygren, Anders O H; Knowles, Michael R; Leigh, Margaret W; Zariwala, Maimoona A

2014-10-01

Cri du chat syndrome (CdCS) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are rare diseases that present with frequent respiratory symptoms. PCD can be caused by hemizygous DNAH5 mutation in combination with a 5p segmental deletion attributable to CdCS on the opposite chromosome. Chronic oto-sino-pulmonary symptoms or organ laterality defects in CdCS should prompt an evaluation for PCD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chondroitin Sulfate-E Binds to Both Osteoactivin and Integrin αVβ3 and Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Tatsuya; Miyauchi, Satoshi; Anada, Takahisa; Tawada, Akira; Suzuki, Osamu

2015-10-01

Integrins and their ligands have been suggested to be associated with osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The present study was designed to investigate whether chondroitin sulfate E (CS-E), which is one of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), is involved in osteoactivin (OA) activity, and osteoclast differentiation. The binding affinity of sulfated GAGs to integrin and its ligand was measured using biotin-labeled CS-E, and the osteoclast differentiation was evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and a pit formation assay. CS-E as well as CS-B, synthetic chondroitin polysulfate, and heparin inhibited osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Pre-coating of OA to synthetic calcium phosphate-coated plates enhanced the osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264 cells, and addition of a neutralizing antibody to OA inhibited its differentiation. CS-E bound not only to OA, fibronectin, and vitronectin, but also to its receptor integrin αVβ3, and inhibited the direct binding of OA to integrin αVβ3. Furthermore, CS-E blocked the binding of OA to cells and inhibited OA-induced osteoclastic differentiation. On the other hand, heparinase treatment of RAW264 cells inhibited osteoclastic differentiation. Since binding of OA to the cells was inhibited by the presence of heparan sulfate or heparinase treatment of cells, heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) was also considered to be an OA receptor. Taken together, the present results suggest that CS-E is capable of inhibiting OA-induced osteoclast differentiation by blocking the interaction of OA to integrin αVβ3 and HSPG. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Improved anticoagulant effect of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate orally administered as gastro-resistant tablets.

PubMed

Fonseca, Roberto J C; Sucupira, Isabela D; Oliveira, Stephan Nicollas M C G; Santos, Gustavo R C; Mourão, Paulo A S

2017-04-03

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS) is a potent anticoagulant polysaccharide extracted from sea cucumber. Its anticoagulant activity is attributed to the presence of unique branches of sulfated fucose. Although this glycosaminoglycan exerts an antithrombotic effect following oral administration, high doses are necessary to achieve the maximum effect. The diminished activity of FucCS following oral administration is likely due to its degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and its limited ability to cross the intestinal cell membranes. The latter aspect is particularly difficult to overcome. However, gastro-resistant tablet formulation may help limit the degradation of FucCS in the gastrointestinal tract. In the present work, we found that the oral administration of FucCS as gastro-resistant tablets produces a more potent and prolonged anticoagulant effect compared with its administration as an aqueous solution, with no significant changes in the bleeding tendency or arterial blood pressure. Experiments using animal models of arterial thrombosis initiated by endothelial injury demonstrated that FucCS delivered as gastro-protective tablets produced a potent antithrombotic effect, whereas its aqueous solution was ineffective. However, there was no significant difference between the effects of FucCS delivered as gastro-resistant tablets or as aqueous solution in a venous thrombosis model, likely due to the high dose of thromboplastin used. New oral anticoagulants tested in these experimental models for comparison showed significantly increased bleeding tendencies. Our study provides a framework for developing effective oral anticoagulants based on sulfated polysaccharides from marine organisms. The present results suggest that FucCS is a promising oral anticoagulant.

Sex differences in discriminating between cues predicting threat and safety.

PubMed

Day, Harriet L L; Reed, Molly M; Stevenson, Carl W

2016-09-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent in women than men. PTSD is characterized by overgeneralization of fear to innocuous stimuli and involves impaired inhibition of learned fear by cues that predict safety. While evidence indicates that learned fear inhibition through extinction differs in males and females, less is known about sex differences in fear discrimination and safety learning. Here we examined auditory fear discrimination in male and female rats. In Experiment 1A, rats underwent 1-3days of discrimination training consisting of one tone predicting threat (CS+; presented with footshock) and another tone predicting safety (CS-; presented alone). Females, but not males, discriminated between the CS+ and CS- after one day of training. After 2-3days of training, however, males discriminated whereas females generalized between the CS+ and CS-. In Experiment 1B, females showed enhanced anxiety-like behaviour and locomotor activity in the open field, although these results were unlikely to explain the sex differences in fear discrimination. In Experiment 2, we found no differences in shock sensitivity between males and females. In Experiment 3, males and females again discriminated and generalized, respectively, after three days of training. Moreover, fear generalization in females resulted from impaired safety learning, as shown by a retardation test. Whereas subsequent fear conditioning to the previous CS- retarded learning in males, females showed no such retardation. These results suggest that, while females show fear discrimination with limited training, they show fear generalization with extended training due to impaired safety learning. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Autoshaping induces ethanol drinking in nondeprived rats: evidence of long-term retention but no induction of ethanol preference.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Kuo, Teresa; Apor, Khristine R; Salomon, Kimberly E; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2004-04-01

The effects of autoshaping procedures (paired vs. random) and sipper fluid (ethanol vs. water) on sipper-directed drinking were evaluated in male Long-Evans rats maintained with free access to food and water. For the paired/ethanol group (n=16), autoshaping procedures consisted of presenting the ethanol sipper (containing 0% to 28% unsweetened ethanol) conditioned stimulus (CS) followed by the response-independent presentation of food unconditioned stimulus (US). The random/ethanol group (n=8) received the sipper CS and food US randomly with respect to one another. The paired/water group (n=8) received only water in the sipper CS. The paired/ethanol group showed higher grams per kilogram ethanol intake than the random/ethanol group did at ethanol concentrations of 8% to 28%. The paired/ethanol group showed higher sipper CS-directed milliliter fluid consumption than the paired/water group did at ethanol concentrations of 1% to 6%, and 15%, 16%, 18%, and 20%. Following a 42-day retention interval, the paired/ethanol group showed superior retention of CS-directed drinking of 18% ethanol, relative to the random/ethanol group, and superior retention of CS-directed milliliter fluid drinking relative to the paired/water group. When tested for home cage ethanol preference using limited access two-bottle (28% ethanol vs. water) procedures, the paired/ethanol and random/ethanol groups did not differ on any drinking measures.

Cesium and strontium loads into a combined sewer system from rainwater runoff.

PubMed

Kamei-Ishikawa, Nao; Yoshida, Daiki; Ito, Ayumi; Umita, Teruyuki

2016-12-01

In this study, combined sewage samples were taken with time in several rain events and sanitary sewage samples were taken with time in dry weather to calculate Cs and Sr loads to sewers from rainwater runoff. Cs and Sr in rainwater were present as particulate forms at first flush and the particulate Cs and Sr were mainly bound with inorganic suspended solids such as clay minerals in combined sewage samples. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis showed Cs and Sr loads from rainwater runoff could be estimated by the total amount of rainfall and antecedent dry weather days. The variation of the Sr load from rainwater to sewers was more sensitive to total amount of rainfall and antecedent dry weather days than that of the Cs load. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post-Extinction Conditional Stimulus Valence Predicts Reinstatement Fear: Relevance for Long Term Outcomes of Exposure Therapy

PubMed Central

Zbozinek, Tomislav D.; Hermans, Dirk; Prenoveau, Jason M.; Liao, Betty; Craske, Michelle G.

2014-01-01

Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders is translated from fear conditioning and extinction. While exposure therapy is effective in treating anxiety, fear sometimes returns after exposure. One pathway for return of fear is reinstatement: unsignaled unconditional stimuli following completion of extinction. The present study investigated the extent to which valence of the conditional stimulus (CS+) after extinction predicts return of CS+ fear after reinstatement. Participants (N = 84) engaged in a differential fear conditioning paradigm and were randomized to reinstatement or non-reinstatement. We hypothesized that more negative post-extinction CS+ valence would predict higher CS+ fear after reinstatement relative to non-reinstatement and relative to extinction retest. Results supported the hypotheses and suggest that strategies designed to decrease negative valence of the CS+ may reduce the return of fear via reinstatement following exposure therapy. PMID:24957680

Enhanced absorption of cyclosporin A by complexation with dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin in bile duct-cannulated and -noncannulated rats.

PubMed

Miyake, K; Arima, H; Irie, T; Hirayama, F; Uekama, K

1999-01-01

The enhancing effects of dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CyD) on the absorption of cyclosporin A (CsA) after oral administration to rats under bile duct-cannulated and -noncannulated conditions were investigated. The dissolution rate of CsA was markedly augmented by complexation with DM-beta-CyD. In a closed loop in situ study, DM-beta-CyD considerably increased the cumulative amounts of CsA in the mesenteric venous blood after injection of the aqueous CsA suspension into the small intestinal sac of rats. In addition, the cumulative amount ratio of M1, the dominant metabolite of CsA in rats, to CsA in the mesenteric venous blood for up to 40 min after the injection of the CsA-DM-beta-CyD suspension into the sac was lower than that of the CsA suspension alone. DM-beta-CyD inhibited the bioconversion of CsA in the small intestinal microsomes of rats. These results indicate that the bioconversion of CsA was abated by complexation with DM-beta-CyD. An in vivo study revealed that DM-beta-CyD increased the transfer of CsA to blood, not lymph, with low variability in the absorption after oral administration of the CsA suspension to rats. The variability of bioavailability of DM-beta-CyD complex was lower than that of Sandimmune, although the extent of bioavailability of DM-beta-CyD was only a little higher than that of Sandimmune. The bioavailability of CsA or its DM-beta-CyD complex was appreciably decreased by the cannulation of the bile duct of rats, and the extent of the lowering in the bioavailability in the presence of DM-beta-CyD was much less serious than that of CsA alone. The present results suggest that DM-beta-CyD is particularly useful in designing oral preparations of CsA with an enhanced bioavailability and a reduced variability in absorption.

Is 137Cs Dating Becoming Obsolete in North America?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drexler, J. Z.; Fuller, C.; Salas, A.

2016-12-01

Dating of wetland sediments and peat is routinely carried out using 137Cs and 210Pb analysis. Unlike 210Pb, 137Cs is an anthropogenic radionuclide with a history of fallout from nuclear weapons testing. 137Cs is used as a single time marker; its peak is coincident with the height of atmospheric nuclear testing in 1963/4. During its use in the 1970s-90s, 137Cs peaks were usually highly distinct in wetland sediments (e.g., see 137Cs peaks from Louisiana marshes in Feijtel et al., 1988). This enabled its use as a check for dates assigned to a profile by 210Pb and other methods. However, recently, the efficacy of 137Cs dating in North America has deteriorated. In this presentation, we will provide specific examples of 137Cs as well as 210Pb dating in wetland sediments/peats we collected between 2005 and 2015 in Maine, California, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington. Two main reasons exist for this decline. First, 137Cs activities in our recent cores are 30-40 % of the original activities in 1963/4 due to decay of the original 137Cs in situ (half-life = 30.17 years) and no major new sources. This manifests in lower signal to noise ratio, with some peaks barely recognizable above the noise. Second, 137Cs peaks are much less distinct due to 137Cs migration through time independent of substrate (or sediment) particles. Migration of peaks has resulted in estimated accretion rates being systematically lower or higher than those derived from 210Pb dating. These issues with 137Cs dating have important implications because 137Cs is used with 210Pb dating or even alone to determine rates of recent wetland carbon accumulation. Such rates are required to enter wetland restoration projects into carbon markets and to document IPCC mandated reductions in carbon pollution. Our analysis shows that, although dating by 137Cs alone has always been highly tenuous, now it is especially contraindicated and should be disallowed for the purposes of carbon accounting.

A pharmacologically-based array to identify targets of cyclosporine A-induced toxicity in cultured renal proximal tubule cells

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

Sarró, Eduard, E-mail: eduard.sarro@vhir.org; Renal Physiopathology, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute; Jacobs-Cachá, Conxita, E-mail: conxita.jacobs@vhir.org

2012-01-15

Mechanisms of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity were generally thought to be hemodynamic in origin; however, there is now accumulating evidence of a direct tubular effect. Although genomic and proteomic experiments by our group and others provided overall information on genes and proteins up- or down-regulated by CsA in proximal tubule cells (PTC), a comprehensive view of events occurring after CsA exposure remains to be described. For this purpose, we applied a pharmacologic approach based on the use of known activities of a large panel of potentially protective compounds and evaluated their efficacy in preventing CsA toxicity in cultured mouse PTC.more » Our results show that compounds that blocked protein synthesis and apoptosis, together with the CK2 inhibitor DMAT and the PI3K inhibitor apigenin, were the most efficient in preventing CsA toxicity. We also identified GSK3, MMPs and PKC pathways as potential targets to prevent CsA damage. Additionally, heparinase-I and MAPK inhibitors afforded partial but significant protection. Interestingly, antioxidants and calcium metabolism-related compounds were unable to ameliorate CsA-induced cytotoxicity. Subsequent experiments allowed us to clarify the hierarchical relationship of targeted pathways after CsA treatment, with ER stress identified as an early effector of CsA toxicity, which leads to ROS generation, phenotypical changes and cell death. In summary, this work presents a novel experimental approach to characterizing cellular responses to cytotoxics while pointing to new targets to prevent CsA-induced toxicity in proximal tubule cells. Highlights: ► We used a novel pharmacological approach to elucidate cyclosporine (CsA) toxicity. ► The ability of a broad range of compounds to prevent CsA toxicity was evaluated. ► CsA toxicity was monitored using LDH release assay and PARP cleavage. ► Protein synthesis, PI3K, GSK3, MMP, PKC and caspase inhibitors prevented CsA toxicity. ► We also identified ER stress as an early effector of CsA toxicity.« less

M&S Smart System Contrast Sensitivity Measurements Compared With Standard Visual Function Measurements in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

PubMed

Liu, Jessica L; McAnany, J Jason; Wilensky, Jacob T; Aref, Ahmad A; Vajaranant, Thasarat S

2017-06-01

To evaluate the nature and extent of letter contrast sensitivity (CS) deficits in glaucoma patients using a commercially available computer-based system (M&S Smart System II) and to compare the letter CS measurements to standard clinical measures of visual function. Ninety-four subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma participated. Each subject underwent visual acuity, letter CS, and standard automated perimetry testing (Humphrey SITA 24-2). All subjects had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.3 log MAR (20/40 Snellen equivalent) or better and reliable standard automated perimetry (fixation losses, false positives, and false negatives <33%). CS functions were estimated from the letter CS and BCVA measurements. The area under the CS function (AUCSF), which is a combined index of CS and BCVA, was derived and analyzed. The mean (± SD) BCVA was 0.08±0.10 log MAR (∼20/25 Snellen equivalent), the mean CS was 1.38±0.17, and the mean Humphrey Visual Field mean deviation (HVF MD) was -7.22±8.10 dB. Letter CS and HVF MD correlated significantly (r=0.51, P<0.001). BCVA correlated significantly with letter CS (r=-0.22, P=0.03), but not with HVF MD (r=-0.12, P=0.26). A subset of the subject sample (∼20%) had moderate to no field loss (≤-6 dB MD) and minimal to no BCVA loss (≤0.3 log MAR), but had poor letter CS. AUCSF was correlated significantly with HVF MD (r=0.46, P<0.001). The present study is the first to evaluate letter CS in glaucoma using the digital M&S Smart System II display. Letter CS correlated significantly with standard HVF MD measurements, suggesting that letter CS may provide a useful adjunct test of visual function for glaucoma patients. In addition, the significant correlation between HVF MD and the combined index of CS and BCVA (AUCSF) suggests that this measure may also be useful for quantifying visual dysfunction in glaucoma patients.

Grape hexokinases are involved in the expression regulation of sucrose synthase- and cell wall invertase-encoding genes by glucose and ABA.

PubMed

Wang, Xiu-Qin; Zheng, Li-Li; Lin, Hao; Yu, Fei; Sun, Li-Hui; Li, Li-Mei

2017-05-01

Hexokinase (HXK, EC 2.7.1.1) is a multifunctional protein that both is involved in catalyzing the first step of glycolysis and plays an important role in sugar signaling. However, the supporting genetic evidence on hexokinases (CsHXKs) from grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berries has been lacking. Here, to investigate the role of CsHXK isoforms as glucose (Glc) and abscisic acid (ABA) sensors, we cloned two hexokinase isozymes, CsHXK1 and CsHXK2 with highly conserved genomic structure of nine exons and eight introns. We also found adenosine phosphate binding, substrate recognition and connection sites in their putative proteins. During grape berry development, the expression profiles of two CsHXK isoforms, sucrose synthases (SuSys) and cell wall invertase (CWINV) genes increased concomitantly with high levels of endogenous Glc and ABA. Furthermore, we showed that in wild type grape berry calli (WT), glucose repressed the expression levels of sucrose synthase (SuSy) and cell wall invertase (CWINV) genes, while ABA increased their expression levels. ABA could not only effectively improve the expression levels of SuSy and CWINV, but also block the repression induced by glucose on the expression of both genes. However, after silencing CsHXK1 or CsHXK2 in grape calli, SuSy and CWINV expression were enhanced, and the expressions of the two genes are insensitive in response to Glc treatment. Interestingly, exogenous ABA alone could not or less increase SuSy and CWINV expression in silencing CsHXK1 or CsHXK2 grape calli compared to WT. Meantime, ABA could not block the repression induced by glucose on the expression of SuSy and CWINV in CsHXK1 or CsHXK2 mutants. Therefore, Glc signal transduction depends on the regulation of CsHXK1 or CsHXK2. ABA signal was also disturbed by CsHXK1 or CsHXK2 silencing. The present results provide new insights into the regulatory role of Glc and ABA on the enzymes related to sugar metabolism in grape berry.

Exotic stable cesium polynitrides at high pressure

DOE PAGES

Peng, Feng; Han, Yunxia; Liu, Hanyu; ...

2015-11-19

New polynitrides containing metastable forms of nitrogen are actively investigated as potential high energy-density materials. Using a structure search method based on the CALYPSO methodology, we investigated the stable stoichiometries and structures of cesium polynitrides at high pressures. Along with the CsN 3, we identified five new stoichiometric compounds (Cs 3N, Cs 2N, CsN, CsN 2, and CsN 5) with interesting structures that may be experimentally synthesizable at modest pressures (i.e., less than 50 GPa). Nitrogen species in the predicted structures have various structural forms ranging from single atom (N) to highly endothermic molecules (N 2, N 3 , Nmore » 4, N 5, N 6) and chains (N ∞). Polymeric chains of nitrogen were found in the high-pressure C2/c phase of CsN 2. This structure contains a substantially high content of single N-N bonds that exceeds the previously known nitrogen chains in pure forms, and also exhibit metastability at ambient conditions. We also identified a very interesting CsN crystal that contains novel N 4 4- anion. In conclusion, to our best knowledge, this is the first time a charged N 4 species being reported. Results of the present study suggest that it is possible to obtain energetic polynitrogens in main-group nitrides under high pressure.« less

Evaluation of a thiolated chitosan scaffold for local delivery of BMP-2 for osteogenic differentiation and ectopic bone formation.

PubMed

Bae, In-Ho; Jeong, Byung-Chul; Kook, Min-Suk; Kim, Sun-Hun; Koh, Jeong-Tae

2013-01-01

Thiolated chitosan (Thio-CS) is a well-established pharmaceutical excipient for drug delivery. However, its use as a scaffold for bone formation has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Thio-CS in bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) delivery and bone formation. In vitro study showed that BMP-2 interacted with the Thio-CS and did not affect the swelling behavior. The release kinetics of BMP-2 from the Thio-CS was slightly delayed (70%) within 7 days compared with that from collagen gel (Col-gel, 85%), which is widely used in BMP-2 delivery. The BMP-2 released from Thio-CS increased osteoblastic cell differentiation but did not show any cytotoxicity until 21 days. Analysis of the in vivo ectopic bone formation at 4 weeks of posttransplantation showed that use of Thio-CS for BMP-2 delivery induced more bone formation to a greater extent (1.8 fold) than that of Col-gel. However, bone mineral density in both bones was equivalent, regardless of Thio-CS or Col-gel carrier. Taken together, Thio-CS system might be useful for delivering osteogenic protein BMP-2 and present a promising bone regeneration strategy.

Experimental approaches to assessing the impact of a cesium chloride radiological dispersal device

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, S.; Gibb, Snyder E.; Barzyk, J.; McGee, J.; Koenig, A.

2008-01-01

The US EPA, as a part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) project team, is currently working to assess the impacts of an urban radiological dispersion device (RDD) and to develop containment and decontamination strategies. Three efforts in this area are currently underway: development of a laboratory-scale cesium chloride deposition method to mimic a RDD; assessment of cesium (Cs) penetration depth and pathways in urban materials using two dimensional (2-D) mapping laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS); and experimental determination of distribution coefficients (kd) for Cs in water-building material systems. It is critical that, when performing laboratory-scale experiments to assess the fate of Cs from an RDD, the Cs particle deposition method mimics the RDD deposition. Once Cs particles are deposited onto urban surfaces, 2-D mapping of Cs concentrations using LA-ICP-MS is a critical tool for determining Cs transport pathways through these materials. Lastly, distribution coefficients are critical for understanding the transport of Cs in urban settings when direct measurements of its penetration depth are unavailable. An assessment of the newly developed deposition method along with preliminary results from the penetration experiments are presented in this paper.

Preparation and characterization of polymer nanocomposites coated magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabha, G.; Raj, V.

2016-06-01

In the present research work, the anticancer drug 'curcumin' is loaded with Chitosan (CS)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (CS-PEG-PVP) polymer nanocomposites coated with superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The system can be used for targeted and controlled drug delivery of anticancer drugs with reduced side effects and greater efficiency. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Curcumin drug loaded Fe3O4-CS, Fe3O4-CS-PEG and Fe3O4-CS-PEG-PVP nanoparticles exhibited the mean particle size in the range of 183-390 nm with a zeta potential value of 26-41 mV as measured using Malvern Zetasizer. The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and in-vitro drug release behavior of curcumin drug loaded Fe3O4-CS, Fe3O4-CS-PEG and Fe3O4-CS-PEG-PVP nanoparticles were studied using UV spectrophotometer. Besides, the cytotoxicity of the prepared nanoparticles using MTT assay was also studied. The curcumin drug release was examined at different pH medium and it was proved that the drug release depends upon the pH medium in addition to the nature of matrix.

Anti-cancer efficacy of biotinylated chitosan nanoparticles in liver cancer

PubMed Central

Dai, Dejian; Hou, Yiming

2017-01-01

The present study investigated the synthesis of biotinylated chitosan (Bio-CS) from chitosan using a nanomaterial skeleton with biotin and the successful targeting of the formulation in liver cancer cells. Bio-CS was validated by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Bio-CS and plasmid DNA were used to construct Bio-CS/plasmid DNA nanoparticles according to the optimal molar ratio of 1:1 and the optimal pH-value of 5.5. Under these conditions, the parameters mean particle size, potential, encapsulation rate and drug loading, were 82.9 nm, +21.8 mV, 85.7% and 35.4%, respectively. Bio-CS exhibited an apparent liver cancer targeting effect in vitro and in vivo, as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning, green fluorescent protein transfection, and in vivo imaging assays. In addition, the Bio-CS/plasmid DNA nanoparticles significantly increased the survival period of the orthotropic liver cancer mouse model compared with the plasmid DNA, with no apparent side effects on the cells. Bio-CS nanomaterials stimulated an immune response in hepatoma cells via increased expression of GM-CSF, IL-21 and Rae-1 markers. The data suggest that Bio-CS increased the inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation in vitro and the activation of the cellular immunity in vivo. PMID:28938619

Taste avoidance induced by wheel running: effects of backward pairings and robustness of conditioned taste aversion.

PubMed

Salvy, Sarah-Jeanne; Pierce, W David; Heth, Donald C; Russell, James C

2004-09-15

Rats repeatedly exposed to a distinctive novel solution (conditioned stimulus, CS) followed by the opportunity to run in a wheel subsequently drink less of this solution. Investigations on this phenomenon indicate that wheel running is an effective unconditioned stimulus (US) for establishing conditioned taste aversion (CTA) when using a forward conditioning procedure (i.e., the US-wheel running follows the CS-taste). However, other studies show that wheel running produces reliable preference for a distinctive place when pairings are backward (i.e., the CS-location follows the US-wheel running). One possibility to account for these results is that rewarding aftereffects of wheel running conditioned preference to the CS. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effects of backward conditioning using wheel running as the US and a distinctive taste as the CS. In a between-groups design, two experimental groups [i.e., forward (FC) and backward conditioning (BC)] and two control groups [CS-taste alone (TA) and CS-US unpaired (UNP)] were compared. Results from this experiment indicated that there is less suppression of drinking when a CS-taste followed a bout of wheel running. In fact, rats in the BC group drank more of the paired solution than all the other groups.

Reactions and products in the Cs-Zr-I-O system relevant to fission product chemistry — a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, T.-M.; Kauzlarich, S. M.; Corbett, J. D.

1988-02-01

Some results and problems associated with the known chemistry of cesium and iodine in the presence of Zr/ZrO 2 at 400-600°C and under anaerobic conditions are described and discussed. These aspects include (1) the recently synthesized cesium zirconates Cs 2ZrO 3 and Cs 4ZrO 4 and some of their thermal and hydrolytic properties (2) the demonstration that the supposedly stable CsI reacts with ZrO 2 at 400-700°C to form Cs 2ZrO 3 and ZrI 4 (as Cs 2ZrI 6) and its implications regarding cesium and iodine distributions (3) present knowledge of binary zirconium iodides, their contamination reactions, and the limited inhibition of the reduction of ZrI 4 by metal provided by static ZrO 2 films (4) newly discovered ternary and quaternary zirconium iodides that are obtained in the presence of many common impurity atoms and, when prsesent, CsI (e.g., Zr 6I 12C, CsZr 6I 14C, Zr 6I 14Fe), the ease with which some of those form at least as low as 450°C, and the complications these and related new phases provide.

Exotic stable cesium polynitrides at high pressure

PubMed Central

Peng, Feng; Han, Yunxia; Liu, Hanyu; Yao, Yansun

2015-01-01

New polynitrides containing metastable forms of nitrogen are actively investigated as potential high-energy-density materials. Using a structure search method based on the CALYPSO methodology, we investigated the stable stoichiometries and structures of cesium polynitrides at high pressures. Along with the CsN3, we identified five new stoichiometric compounds (Cs3N, Cs2N, CsN, CsN2, and CsN5) with interesting structures that may be experimentally synthesizable at modest pressures (i.e., less than 50 GPa). Nitrogen species in the predicted structures have various structural forms ranging from single atom (N) to highly endothermic molecules (N2, N3, N4, N5, N6) and chains (N∞). Polymeric chains of nitrogen were found in the high-pressure C2/c phase of CsN2. This structure contains a substantially high content of single N-N bonds that exceeds the previously known nitrogen chains in pure forms, and also exhibit metastability at ambient conditions. We also identified a very interesting CsN crystal that contains novel N44− anion. To our best knowledge, this is the first time a charged N4 species being reported. Results of the present study suggest that it is possible to obtain energetic polynitrogens in main-group nitrides under high pressure. PMID:26581175

Nature and extent of person recognition impairments associated with Capgras syndrome in Lewy body dementia

PubMed Central

Fiacconi, Chris M.; Barkley, Victoria; Finger, Elizabeth C.; Carson, Nicole; Duke, Devin; Rosenbaum, R. Shayna; Gilboa, Asaf; Köhler, Stefan

2014-01-01

Patients with Capgras syndrome (CS) adopt the delusional belief that persons well-known to them have been replaced by an imposter. Several current theoretical models of CS attribute such misidentification problems to deficits in covert recognition processes related to the generation of appropriate affective autonomic signals. These models assume intact overt recognition processes for the imposter and, more broadly, for other individuals. As such, it has been suggested that CS could reflect the “mirror-image” of prosopagnosia. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether overt person recognition abilities are indeed always spared in CS. Furthermore, we examined whether CS might be associated with any impairments in overt affective judgments of facial expressions. We pursued these goals by studying a patient with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) who showed clear signs of CS, and by comparing him to another patient with DLB who did not experience CS, as well as to a group of healthy control participants. Clinical magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) atrophy that appeared to be uniquely associated with the presence CS. We assessed overt person recognition with three fame recognition tasks, using faces, voices, and names as cues. We also included measures of confidence and probed pertinent semantic knowledge. In addition, participants rated the intensity of fearful facial expressions. We found that CS was associated with overt person recognition deficits when probed with faces and voices, but not with names. Critically, these deficits were not present in the DLB patient without CS. In addition, CS was associated with impairments in overt judgments of affect intensity. Taken together, our findings cast doubt on the traditional view that CS is the mirror-image of prosopagnosia and that it spares overt recognition abilities. These findings can still be accommodated by models of CS that emphasize deficits in autonomic responding, to the extent that the potential role of interoceptive awareness in overt judgments is taken into account. PMID:25309399

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates from the body wall of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali: conformation, selectin binding, and biological activity.

PubMed

Panagos, Charalampos G; Thomson, Derek S; Moss, Claire; Hughes, Adam D; Kelly, Maeve S; Liu, Yan; Chai, Wengang; Venkatasamy, Radhakrishnan; Spina, Domenico; Page, Clive P; Hogwood, John; Woods, Robert J; Mulloy, Barbara; Bavington, Charlie D; Uhrín, Dušan

2014-10-10

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) extracted from the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali is composed of the following repeating trisaccharide unit: → 3)GalNAcβ4,6S(1 → 4) [FucαX(1 → 3)]GlcAβ(1 →, where X stands for different sulfation patterns of fucose (X = 3,4S (46%), 2,4S (39%), and 4S (15%)). As revealed by NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, the fCS repeating unit adopts a conformation similar to that of the Le(x) blood group determinant, bringing several sulfate groups into close proximity and creating large negative patches distributed along the helical skeleton of the CS backbone. This may explain the high affinity of fCS oligosaccharides for L- and P-selectins as determined by microarray binding of fCS oligosaccharides prepared by Cu(2+)-catalyzed Fenton-type and photochemical depolymerization. No binding to E-selectin was observed. fCS poly- and oligosaccharides display low cytotoxicity in vitro, inhibit human neutrophil elastase activity, and inhibit the migration of neutrophils through an endothelial cell layer in vitro. Although the polysaccharide showed some anti-coagulant activity, small oligosaccharide fCS fragments had much reduced anticoagulant properties, with activity mainly via heparin cofactor II. The fCS polysaccharides showed prekallikrein activation comparable with dextran sulfate, whereas the fCS oligosaccharides caused almost no effect. The H. forskali fCS oligosaccharides were also tested in a mouse peritoneal inflammation model, where they caused a reduction in neutrophil infiltration. Overall, the data presented support the action of fCS as an inhibitor of selectin interactions, which play vital roles in inflammation and metastasis progression. Future studies of fCS-selectin interaction using fCS fragments or their mimetics may open new avenues for therapeutic intervention. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Galaxy Transformations In The Cosmic Web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jablonka, Pascale

2017-06-01

In this talk, I present a new survey, the Spatial Extended EDisCS Survey (SEEDisCS), that aims at understanding how clusters assemble and the level at which galaxies are preprocessed before falling on the cluster cores. SEEDisCS therefore focusses on the changes in galaxy properties along the large scale structures surrounding a couple of z 0.5 medium mass clusters, I first describe how spiral disc stellar populations are affected by the environment,and how we can get constraints on the timescale of star formation quenching. I then present new NOEMA and ALMA CO observations that trace the fate of the galaxy cold gas content along the infalling paths towards the cluster cores.

Single-crystal diffraction instrument TriCS at SINQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schefer, J.; Könnecke, M.; Murasik, A.; Czopnik, A.; Strässle, Th; Keller, P.; Schlumpf, N.

2000-03-01

The single-crystal diffractometer TriCS at the Swiss Continuous Spallation Source (SINQ) is presently in the commissioning phase. A two-dimensional wire detector produced by EMBL was delivered in March 1999. The instrument is presently tested with a single detector. First measurements on magnetic structures have been performed. The instrument is remotely controlled using JAVA-based software and a UNIX DEC-α host computer.

40K/137Cs discrimination ratios to the aboveground organs of tropical plants.

PubMed

Sanches, N; Anjos, R M; Mosquera, B

2008-07-01

In the present work, the accumulation of caesium and potassium in aboveground plant parts was studied in order to improve the understanding on the behaviour of monovalent cations in several compartments of tropical plants. We present the results for activity concentrations of (137)Cs and (40)K, measured by gamma spectrometry, from five tropical plant species: guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), papaya (Carica papaya), banana (Musa paradisíaca), and manioc (Manihot esculenta). Caesium and potassium have shown a high level of mobility within the plants, exhibiting the highest values of concentration in the growing parts (fruits, leaves, twigs, and barks) of the woody fruit and large herbaceous shrub (such as manioc) species. In contrast, the banana and papaya plants exhibited the lowest levels of (137)Cs and (40)K in their growing parts. However, a significant correlation between activity concentrations of (137)Cs and (40)K was observed in these tropical plants. The (40)K/(137)Cs discrimination ratios were approximately equal to unity in different compartments of each individual plant, suggesting the possibility of using caesium to predict the behaviour of potassium in several tropical species.

Dermatologic findings in 16 patients with Cockayne syndrome and cerebro-oculo-facial-skeletal syndrome.

PubMed

Frouin, Eric; Laugel, Vincent; Durand, Myriam; Dollfus, Hélène; Lipsker, Dan

2013-12-01

Cockayne syndrome (CS) and cerebro-oculo-facial-skeletal (COFS) syndrome are autosomal recessive diseases that belong to the family of nucleotide excision repair disorders. Our aim was to describe the cutaneous phenotype of patients with these rare diseases. A systematic dermatologic examination of 16 patients included in a European study of CS was performed. The patients were aged 1 to 28 years. Six patients (38%) had mutations in the Cockayne syndrome A (CSA) gene, and the remaining had Cockayne syndrome B (CSB) gene mutations. Fourteen patients were classified clinically as having CS and 2 as having COFS syndrome. Photosensitivity was present in 75% of the patients and was characterized by sunburn after brief sun exposure. Six patients developed symptoms after short sun exposure through a windshield. Six patients had pigmented macules on sun-exposed skin, but none developed a skin neoplasm. Twelve patients (75%) displayed cyanotic acral edema of the extremities. Eight patients had nail dystrophies and 7 had hair anomalies. The dermatologic findings of 16 cases of CS and COFS syndrome highlight the high prevalence of photosensitivity and hair and nail disorders. Cyanotic acral edema was present in 75% of our patients, a finding not previously reported in CS.

The Natural Enrichment of Stable Cesium in Weathered Micaceous Materials and Its Implications for 137Cs Sorption.

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

Elliott, W. Crawford; Kahn, Bernd; Rosson, Robert

2011-11-14

In this exploratory project, we are testing two interrelated hypotheses about the sorption of Cs within weathered micaceous materials in subsurface regolith materials from the Savannah River Site (SRS) located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain: 1) that stable cesium has become significantly enriched relative to potassium in subsurface micaceous particles as a result of chemical weathering processes; and 2) that the Cs so present is sufficient to be a major factor determining the ability of the subsurface materials to take up and hold 137Cs. To test these hypotheses, we collected by hand augur soil samples corresponding to soils representative atmore » the SRS: upland regolith (Fuquay series); soils formed on Tobacco Road Sandstone; and, soils formed on Quaternary Alluvium. From our data, the quantification of the amounts of stable cesium concentrated in various sites within 2:1 phyllosilicates by natural processes is highly relevant toward understanding the future sorption of 137Cs by the mica, illite, vermiculite, and hydroxyl interstratified vermiculite (HIV) phases present in the subsurface at and in proximity to SRS. Studying sorption and fixation of Cs in these micaceous phases interlayers potentially leads to increased knowledge to the extent that stable Cs resists exchange with ion exchange cations (Mg, NH4, or even alkyl ammonium compounds) and to the extent that Cs can become fixed over the long term. Such knowledge will help in the development of 137Cs remediation strategies for the long-term, which is a critical aspect of the SBR goals. We characterized the mineralogy, K-Ar ages of the soil and soil clay fractions (before and after acid treatment), and alkali element chemistry (K, Rb, Cs) of the clay fractions of soils collected from these three different types of soils. The clay fractions of the Fuquay soils are composed of kaolinite, and hydroxy interstratified vermiculite (HIV). Kaolinite, HIV, quartz, gibbsite and illite are found in the quaternary soils. Leach experiments using 10% nitric acid and 50% nitric acid were performed on 62 mesh fractions to show the amounts of Cs and Rb relative to K (Cs/K, Rb/K) that are exchangeable in these soils compared to Coastal Plain micas and upper continental crust. The Cs/K and Rb/K of the leachates are considerably higher relative to both upper continental crust and relative to weathered micas found in Georgia Coast Plain sediments. The K-Ar ages of the clay fractions of five different SRS soil series were ca. 320 Ma. After leaching with nitric acid, the ages of the soil clay fractions were approximately the same as the unleached soil clays. Based on the similarity of these ages to the ages of Coastal Plain micas, the K and Ar remaining after treatment is believed to be enclosed in a relect mica in the HIV phases in the soils. The HIV is likely a mica-HIV intergrade. Based on these data, stable cesium has become significantly enriched relative to potassium in subsurface micaceous particles as a result of chemical weathering processes in the SRS Fuquay soils studied thus far. Our data permit the interpretation describing the sorption of Cs and Rb in an apex site or in a hard to reach hard-to-exchange sorption site during pedogenesis. In terms of testing the second hypothesis, our work is ongoing and we report some preliminary data on Cs-137 and Rb-85 exchange experiments on select SRS Fuquay soils (-2 mm). Our isotopic equilibration experiments using Cs and Rb isotopes in separate exchange experiments show only small amounts of Cs and Rb in the original sample is exchangeable isotopically for a period of a few weeks in acidified conditions. The isotope exchange experiments provide support for our interpretation that pedogenically accumulated Cs (and Rb) occupy sites that are unavailable to exchange or exchange slowly in acid conditions corresponding to present conditions in SRS soils. In more basic solutions, greater exchange isotopic exchange is noted and suggests an expansion of interlayer sites thereby permitting more isotopic exchange of Cs and Rb.« less

Cesium migration in Hanford sediment: a multisite cation exchange model based on laboratory transport experiments.

PubMed

Steefel, Carl I; Carroll, Susan; Zhao, Pihong; Roberts, Sarah

2003-12-01

Cs+ transport experiments carried out in columns packed with uncontaminated Hanford formation sediment from the SX tank farm provide strong support for the use of a multisite, multicomponent cation exchange model to describe Cs+ migration in the Hanford vadose zone. The experimental results indicate a strong dependence of the effective Cs+ Kd on the concentrations of other cations, including Na+ that is present at high to extremely high concentrations in fluids leaking from the Hanford SX tanks. A strong dependence of the Cs+ Kd on the aqueous Cs+ concentration is also apparent, with retardation of Cs+ increasing from a value of 41 at a Cs+ concentration of 10(-4) M in the feed solution to as much as 282 at a Cs+ concentration of 5x10(-7) M, all in a background of 1 M NaNO3. The total cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the Hanford sediment was determined using 22Na isotopic equilibrium exchange in a flow-through column experiment. The value for the CEC of 120 microeq/g determined with this method is compatible with a value of 121.9 microeq/g determined by multi-cation elution. While two distinct exchange sites were proposed by Zachara et al. [Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 66 (2002) 193] based on binary batch exchange experiments, a third site is proposed in this study to improve the fit of the Cs+-Na+ and Cs+-Ca+ exchange data and to capture self-sharpened Cs+ breakthrough curves at low concentrations of Cs+. Two of the proposed exchange sites represent frayed edge sites (FES) on weathered micas and constitute 0.02% and 0.22% of the total CEC. Both of the FES show a very strong selectivity for Cs+ over Na+ (K(Na-Cs)=10(7.22) and 10(4.93), respectively). The third site, accounting for over 99% of the total CEC, is associated with planar sites on expansible clays and shows a smaller Na+-Cs+ selectivity coefficient of 10(1.99). Parameters derived from a fit of binary batch experiments alone tend to under predict Cs+ retardation in the column experiments. The transport experiments indicate 72-90% of the Cs+ sorbed in experiments targeting exchange on FES was desorbed over a 10- and 24-day period, respectively. At high Cs+ concentrations, where sorption is controlled primarily by exchange on planar sites, 95% of the Cs+ desorption was desorbed. Most of the difficulty in desorbing Cs+ from FES is a result of the extremely high selectivity of these sites for Cs+, although truly irreversible sorption as high as 23% was suggested in one experiment. The conclusion that Cs+ exchange is largely reversible in a thermodynamic sense is supported by the ability to match Cs+ desorption curves almost quantitatively with an equilibrium reactive transport simulation. The model for Cs+ retardation developed here qualitatively explains the behavior of Cs+ in the Hanford vadose zone underneath a variety of leaking tanks with differing salt concentrations. The high selectivity of FES for Cs+ implies that future desorption and migration is very unlikely to occur under natural recharge conditions.

Silk fibroin-chondroitin sulfate scaffold with immuno-inhibition property for articular cartilage repair.

PubMed

Zhou, Feifei; Zhang, Xianzhu; Cai, Dandan; Li, Jun; Mu, Qin; Zhang, Wei; Zhu, Shouan; Jiang, Yangzi; Shen, Weiliang; Zhang, Shufang; Ouyang, Hong Wei

2017-11-01

The demand of favorable scaffolds has increased for the emerging cartilage tissue engineering. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and silk fibroin have been investigated and reported with safety and excellent biocompatibility as tissue engineering scaffolds. However, the rapid degradation rate of pure CS scaffolds presents a challenge to effectively recreate neo-tissue similar to natural articular cartilage. Meanwhile the silk fibroin is well used as a structural constituent material because its remarkable mechanical properties, long-lasting in vivo stability and hypoimmunity. The application of composite silk fibroin and CS scaffolds for joint cartilage repair has not been well studied. Here we report that the combination of silk fibroin and CS could synergistically promote articular cartilage defect repair. The silk fibroin (silk) and silk fibroin/CS (silk-CS) scaffolds were fabricated with salt-leaching, freeze-drying and crosslinking methodologies. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was investigated in vitro by cell adhesion, proliferation and migration with human articular chondrocytes. We found that silk-CS scaffold maintained better chondrocyte phenotype than silk scaffold; moreover, the silk-CS scaffolds reduced chondrocyte inflammatory response that was induced by interleukin (IL)-1β, which is in consistent with the well-documented anti-inflammatory activities of CS. The in vivo cartilage repair was evaluated with a rabbit osteochondral defect model. Silk-CS scaffold induced more neo-tissue formation and better structural restoration than silk scaffold after 6 and 12weeks of implantation in ICRS histological evaluations. In conclusion, we have developed a silk fibroin/ chondroitin sulfate scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering that exhibits immuno-inhibition property and can improve the self-repair capacity of cartilage. Severe cartilage defect such as osteoarthritis (OA) is difficult to self-repair because of its avascular, aneural and alymphatic nature. Current scaffolds often focus on providing sufficient mechanical support or bio-mimetic structure to promote cartilage repair. Thus, silk has been adopted and investigated broadly. However, inflammation is one of the most important factors in OA. But few scaffolds for cartilage repair reported anti-inflammation property. Meanwhile, chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan present in the natural cartilage ECM, and has exhibited a number of useful biological properties including anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, we designed this silk-CS scaffold and proved that this scaffold exhibited good anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, promoted the repair of articular cartilage defect in animal model. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatially Common Sparsity Based Adaptive Channel Estimation and Feedback for FDD Massive MIMO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhen; Dai, Linglong; Wang, Zhaocheng; Chen, Sheng

2015-12-01

This paper proposes a spatially common sparsity based adaptive channel estimation and feedback scheme for frequency division duplex based massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems, which adapts training overhead and pilot design to reliably estimate and feed back the downlink channel state information (CSI) with significantly reduced overhead. Specifically, a non-orthogonal downlink pilot design is first proposed, which is very different from standard orthogonal pilots. By exploiting the spatially common sparsity of massive MIMO channels, a compressive sensing (CS) based adaptive CSI acquisition scheme is proposed, where the consumed time slot overhead only adaptively depends on the sparsity level of the channels. Additionally, a distributed sparsity adaptive matching pursuit algorithm is proposed to jointly estimate the channels of multiple subcarriers. Furthermore, by exploiting the temporal channel correlation, a closed-loop channel tracking scheme is provided, which adaptively designs the non-orthogonal pilot according to the previous channel estimation to achieve an enhanced CSI acquisition. Finally, we generalize the results of the multiple-measurement-vectors case in CS and derive the Cramer-Rao lower bound of the proposed scheme, which enlightens us to design the non-orthogonal pilot signals for the improved performance. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms its counterparts, and it is capable of approaching the performance bound.

Effect of Time Dependent Bending of Current Sheets in Response to Generation of Plasma Jets and Reverse Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Anna

Magnetic reconnection is a basis for many impulsive phenomena in space and laboratory plasmas accompanied by effective transformation of magnetic energy. Reconnection processes usually occur in relatively thin current sheets (CSs), which separate magnetic fields of different or opposite directions. We report on recent observations of time dependent bending of CSs, which results from plasma dynamics inside the sheet. The experiments are carried out with the CS-3D laboratory device (Institute of General Physics RAS, Moscow) [1]. The CS magnetic structure with an X line provides excitation of the Hall currents and plasma acceleration from the X line to both side edges [2]. In the presence of the guide field By the Hall currents give rise to bending of the sheet: the peripheral regions located away from the X line are deflected from CS middle plane (z=0) in the opposite directions ±z [3]. We have revealed generation of reverse currents jy near the CS edges, i.e. the currents flowing in the opposite direction to the main current in the sheet [4]. There are strong grounds to believe that reverse currents are generated by the outflow plasma jets [5], accelerated inside the sheet and penetrated into the regions with strong normal magnetic field component Bz [4]. An impressive effect of sudden change in the sign of the CS bend has been disclosed recently, when analyzing distributions of plasma density [6] and current away from the X line, in the presence of the guide field By. The CS configuration suddenly becomes opposite from that observed at the initial stage, and this effect correlates well with generation of reverse currents. Consequently this effect can be related to excitation of the reverse Hall currents owing to generation of reverse currents jy in the CS. Hence it may be concluded that CSs may exhibit time dependent vertical z-displacements, and the sheet geometry depends on excitation of the Hall currents, acceleration of plasma jets and generation of reverse currents. The work was supported in part by the Program (OFN-15) “Plasma Processes in Space and Laboratory” of the Division of Physical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 1. Frank A.G., Bogdanov S.Yu., Markov V.S. et al. // Phys. Plasmas 2005. 12, 052316(1-11). 2. Frank A.G., Bugrov S.G., Markov V.S. // Phys. Plasmas 2008. 15, 092102 (1-10). 3. Frank A.G., Bogdanov S.Yu., Dreiden G.V. et al. // Phys. Lett. A 2006. 348, 318-325. 4. Frank A.G., Kyrie N.P., Satunin S.N. // Phys. Plasmas 2011. 18, 111209 (1-9). 5. Kyrie N.P., Markov V.S., Frank A.G. // Plasma Phys. Reports 2010. 36, 357-364; JETP Lett. 2012. 95, 14-19. 6. Ostrovskaya G.V., Frank A.G. // Plasma Phys. Reports 2014. 40, 21-33.

Cytosolic and Plastoglobule-targeted Carotenoid Dioxygenases from Crocus sativus Are Both Involved in β-Ionone Release*

PubMed Central

Rubio, Angela; Rambla, José Luís; Santaella, Marcella; Gómez, M. Dolores; Orzaez, Diego; Granell, Antonio; Gómez-Gómez, Lourdes

2008-01-01

Saffron, the processed stigma of Crocus sativus, is characterized by the presence of several apocarotenoids that contribute to the color, flavor, and aroma of the spice. However, little is known about the synthesis of aroma compounds during the development of the C. sativus stigma. The developing stigma is nearly odorless, but before and at anthesis, the aromatic compound β-ionone becomes the principal norisoprenoid volatile in the stigma. In this study, four carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) genes, CsCCD1a, CsCCD1b, CsCCD4a, and CsCCD4b, were isolated from C. sativus. Expression analysis showed that CsCCD1a was constitutively expressed, CsCCD1b was unique to the stigma tissue, but only CsCCD4a and -b had expression patterns consistent with the highest levels of β-carotene and emission of β-ionone derived during the stigma development. The CsCCD4 enzymes were localized in plastids and more specifically were present in the plastoglobules. The enzymatic activities of CsCCD1a, CsCCD1b, and CsCCD4 enzymes were determined by Escherichia coli expression, and subsequent analysis of the volatile products was generated by GC/MS. The four CCDs fell in two phylogenetically divergent dioxygenase classes, but all could cleave β-carotene at the 9,10(9′,10′) positions to yield β-ionone. The data obtained suggest that all four C. sativus CCD enzymes may contribute in different ways to the production of β-ionone. In addition, the location and precise timing of β-ionone synthesis, together with its known activity as a fragrance and insect attractant, suggest that this volatile may have a role in Crocus pollination. PMID:18611853

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

Singh, Mahavir; Wang, Zhonghua; Cascio, Duilio

Shq1 is an essential protein involved in the early steps of biogenesis and assembly of H/ACA ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Shq1 binds to dyskerin (Cbf5 in yeast) at an early step of H/ACA RNP assembly and is subsequently displaced by the H/ACA RNA. Shq1 contains an N-terminal CS and a C-terminal Shq1-specific domain (SSD). Dyskerin harbors many mutations associated with dyskeratosis congenita. Structures of yeast Shq1 SSD bound to Cbf5 revealed that only a subset of these mutations is in the SSD binding site, implicating another subset in the putative CS binding site. Here in this paper, we present the crystalmore » structure of human Shq1 CS (hCS) and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and crystal structures of hCS containing a serine substitution for proline 22 that is associated with some prostate cancers. The structure of hCS is similar to yeast Shq1 CS domain (yCS) and consists of two β-sheets that form an immunoglobulin-like β-sandwich fold. The N-terminal affinity tag sequence AHHHHHH associates with a neighboring protein in the crystal lattice to form an extra β-strand. Deletion of this tag was required to get spectra suitable for NMR structure determination, while the tag was required for crystallization. NMR chemical shift perturbation (CSP) experiments with peptides derived from putative CS binding sites on dyskerin and Cbf5 revealed a conserved surface on CS important for Cbf5/dyskerin binding. A HADDOCK (high-ambiguity-driven protein-protein docking) model of a Shq1-Cbf5 complex that defines the position of CS domain in the pre-H/ACA RNP was calculated using the CSP data.« less

Facing Challenges in Differential Classical Conditioning Research: Benefits of a Hybrid Design for Simultaneous Electrodermal and Electroencephalographic Recording

PubMed Central

Pastor, M. Carmen; Rehbein, Maimu Alissa; Junghöfer, Markus; Poy, Rosario; López, Raul; Moltó, Javier

2015-01-01

Several challenges make it difficult to simultaneously investigate central and autonomous nervous system correlates of conditioned stimulus (CS) processing in classical conditioning paradigms. Such challenges include, for example, the discrepant requirements of electroencephalography (EEG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) recordings with regard to multiple repetitions of conditions and sufficient trial duration. Here, we propose a MultiCS conditioning set-up, in which we increased the number of CSs, decreased the number of learning trials, and used trials of short and long durations for meeting requirements of simultaneous EEG–EDA recording in a differential aversive conditioning task. Forty-eight participants underwent MultiCS conditioning, in which four neutral faces (CS+) were paired four times each with aversive electric stimulation (unconditioned stimulus) during acquisition, while four different neutral faces (CS−) remained unpaired. When comparing after relative to before learning measurements, EEG revealed an enhanced centro-posterior positivity to CS+ vs. CS− during 368–600 ms, and subjective ratings indicated CS+ to be less pleasant and more arousing than CS−. Furthermore, changes in CS valence and arousal were strong enough to bias subjective ratings when faces of CS+/CS− identity were displayed with different emotional expression (happy, angry) in a post-experimental behavioral task. In contrast to a persistent neural and evaluative CS+/CS− differentiation that sustained multiple unreinforced CS presentations, electrodermal differentiation was rapidly extinguished. Current results suggest that MultiCS conditioning provides a promising paradigm for investigating pre–post-learning changes under minimal influences of extinction and overlearning of simple stimulus features. Our data also revealed methodological pitfalls, such as the possibility of occurring artifacts when combining different acquisition systems for central and peripheral psychophysiological measures. PMID:26106318

Cross equator transport of 137Cs from North Pacific Ocean to South Pacific Ocean ( BEAGLE2003 cruises)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyama, M.; Fukasawa, M.; Hirose, K.; Hamajima, Y.; Kawano, T.; Povinec, P. P.; Sanchez-Cabeza, J. A.

2011-04-01

The anthropogenic radionuclides such as 137Cs, 90Sr, 99Tc, 129I and some transuranics are important tracers of transport and biogeochemical processes in the ocean. 137Cs, with a half-life of 30 years, a major fission product present in a dissolved form in seawater, is a good tracer of oceanic circulation at a time scale of several decades. At WOCE P6 line along 30°S during the BEAGLE cruise in 2003, surface seawater (around 80 L) was collected a few meters below the ocean surface by a pumping system. Water column samples (from 5 to 20 L) were collected using a Rosette multisampling system and Niskin bottles. 137Cs was separated from seawater samples using ammonium phosphomolybdate (AMP) and analysed for 137Cs in low-level HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. Results allowed to draw a detailed picture of the distribution of 137Cs in the South Pacific Ocean along P6 line. A 137Cs depth section was depicted from about 160 samples. 137Cs concentrations in the subsurface layers ranged from 0.07 ± 0.04 Bq m -3 to 1.85 ± 0.145 Bq m -3, high in the Tasman Sea and very low in the eastern region where upwelling occurs. Water column inventories of 137Cs from surface to 1000 dbar depth ranged from 270 ± 104 to 1048 ± 127 Bq m -2. It was concluded that the source of higher 137Cs concentration and inventories in the Tasman Sea was 137Cs deposited in the mid latitude of the North Pacific Ocean and transported across the equator during four decades.

Extinction, reacquisition, and rapid forgetting of eyeblink conditioning in developing rats

PubMed Central

Freeman, John H.

2014-01-01

Eyeblink conditioning is a well-established model for studying the developmental neurobiology of associative learning and memory. However, age differences in extinction and subsequent reacquisition have yet to be studied using this model. The present study examined extinction and reacquisition of eyeblink conditioning in developing rats. In Experiment 1, post-natal day (P) 17 and 24 rats were trained to a criterion of 80% conditioned responses (CRs) using stimulation of the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) as a conditioned stimulus (CS). Stimulation CS-alone extinction training commenced 24 h later, followed by reacquisition training after the fourth extinction session. Contrary to expected results, rats trained starting on P17 showed significantly fewer CRs to stimulation CS-alone presentations relative to P24s, including fewer CRs as early as the first block of extinction session 1. Furthermore, the P17 group was slower to reacquire following extinction. Experiment 2 was run to determine the extent to which the low CR percentage observed in P17s early in extinction reflected rapid forgetting versus rapid extinction. Twenty-four hours after reaching criterion, subjects were trained in a session split into 50 stimulation CS-unconditioned stimulus paired trials followed immediately by 50 stimulation CS-alone trials. With this “immediate” extinction protocol, CR percentages during the first block of stimulation CS-alone presentations were equivalent to terminal acquisition levels at both ages but extinction was more rapid in the P17 group. These findings indicate that forgetting is observed in P17 relative to P24 rats 24 h following acquisition. The forgetting in P17 rats has important implications for the neurobiological mechanisms of memory in the developing cerebellum. PMID:25403458

Disrupting reconsolidation of fear memory in humans by a noradrenergic β-blocker.

PubMed

Kindt, Merel; Soeter, Marieke; Sevenster, Dieuwke

2014-12-18

The basic design used in our human fear-conditioning studies on disrupting reconsolidation includes testing over different phases across three consecutive days. On day 1 - the fear acquisition phase, healthy participants are exposed to a series of picture presentations. One picture stimulus (CS1+) is repeatedly paired with an aversive electric stimulus (US), resulting in the acquisition of a fear association, whereas another picture stimulus (CS2-) is never followed by an US. On day 2 - the memory reactivation phase, the participants are re-exposed to the conditioned stimulus without the US (CS1-), which typically triggers a conditioned fear response. After the memory reactivation we administer an oral dose of 40 mg of propranolol HCl, a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist that indirectly targets the protein synthesis required for reconsolidation by inhibiting the noradrenaline-stimulated CREB phosphorylation. On day 3 - the test phase, the participants are again exposed to the unreinforced conditioned stimuli (CS1- and CS2-) in order to measure the fear-reducing effect of the manipulation. This retention test is followed by an extinction procedure and the presentation of situational triggers to test for the return of fear. Potentiation of the eye blink startle reflex is measured as an index for conditioned fear responding. Declarative knowledge of the fear association is measured through online US expectancy ratings during each CS presentation. In contrast to extinction learning, disrupting reconsolidation targets the original fear memory thereby preventing the return of fear. Although the clinical applications are still in their infancy, disrupting reconsolidation of fear memory seems to be a promising new technique with the prospect to persistently dampen the expression of fear memory in patients suffering from anxiety disorders and other psychiatric disorders.

Training-Dependent Associative Learning Induced Neocortical Structural Plasticity: A Trace Eyeblink Conditioning Analysis

PubMed Central

Chau, Lily S.; Prakapenka, Alesia V.; Zendeli, Liridon; Davis, Ashley S.; Galvez, Roberto

2014-01-01

Studies utilizing general learning and memory tasks have suggested the importance of neocortical structural plasticity for memory consolidation. However, these learning tasks typically result in learning of multiple different tasks over several days of training, making it difficult to determine the synaptic time course mediating each learning event. The current study used trace-eyeblink conditioning to determine the time course for neocortical spine modification during learning. With eyeblink conditioning, subjects are presented with a neutral, conditioned stimulus (CS) paired with a salient, unconditioned stimulus (US) to elicit an unconditioned response (UR). With multiple CS-US pairings, subjects learn to associate the CS with the US and exhibit a conditioned response (CR) when presented with the CS. Trace conditioning is when there is a stimulus free interval between the CS and the US. Utilizing trace-eyeblink conditioning with whisker stimulation as the CS (whisker-trace-eyeblink: WTEB), previous findings have shown that primary somatosensory (barrel) cortex is required for both acquisition and retention of the trace-association. Additionally, prior findings demonstrated that WTEB acquisition results in an expansion of the cytochrome oxidase whisker representation and synaptic modification in layer IV of barrel cortex. To further explore these findings and determine the time course for neocortical learning-induced spine modification, the present study utilized WTEB conditioning to examine Golgi-Cox stained neurons in layer IV of barrel cortex. Findings from this study demonstrated a training-dependent spine proliferation in layer IV of barrel cortex during trace associative learning. Furthermore, findings from this study showing that filopodia-like spines exhibited a similar pattern to the overall spine density further suggests that reorganization of synaptic contacts set the foundation for learning-induced neocortical modifications through the different neocortical layers. PMID:24760074

Separation of Time-Based and Trial-Based Accounts of the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect

PubMed Central

Bouton, Mark E.; Woods, Amanda M.; Todd, Travis P.

2013-01-01

Two appetitive conditioning experiments with rats examined time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). In the PREE, the loss of responding that occurs in extinction is slower when the conditioned stimulus (CS) has been paired with a reinforcer on some of its presentations (partially reinforced) instead of every presentation (continuously reinforced). According to a time-based or “time-accumulation” view (e.g., Gallistel & Gibbon, 2000), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger amount of time has accumulated in the CS over trials. In contrast, according to a trial-based view (e.g., Capaldi, 1967), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger number of CS presentations. Experiment 1 used a procedure that equated partially- and continuously-reinforced groups on their expected times to reinforcement during conditioning. A PREE was still observed. Experiment 2 then used an extinction procedure that allowed time in the CS and the number of trials to accumulate differentially through extinction. The PREE was still evident when responding was examined as a function of expected time units to the reinforcer, but was eliminated when responding was examined as a function of expected trial units to the reinforcer. There was no evidence that the animal responded according to the ratio of time accumulated during the CS in extinction over the time in the CS expected before the reinforcer. The results thus favor a trial-based account over a time-based account of extinction and the PREE. PMID:23962669

Separation of time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect.

PubMed

Bouton, Mark E; Woods, Amanda M; Todd, Travis P

2014-01-01

Two appetitive conditioning experiments with rats examined time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). In the PREE, the loss of responding that occurs in extinction is slower when the conditioned stimulus (CS) has been paired with a reinforcer on some of its presentations (partially reinforced) instead of every presentation (continuously reinforced). According to a time-based or "time-accumulation" view (e.g., Gallistel and Gibbon, 2000), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger amount of time has accumulated in the CS over trials. In contrast, according to a trial-based view (e.g., Capaldi, 1967), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger number of CS presentations. Experiment 1 used a procedure that equated partially and continuously reinforced groups on their expected times to reinforcement during conditioning. A PREE was still observed. Experiment 2 then used an extinction procedure that allowed time in the CS and the number of trials to accumulate differentially through extinction. The PREE was still evident when responding was examined as a function of expected time units to the reinforcer, but was eliminated when responding was examined as a function of expected trial units to the reinforcer. There was no evidence that the animal responded according to the ratio of time accumulated during the CS in extinction over the time in the CS expected before the reinforcer. The results thus favor a trial-based account over a time-based account of extinction and the PREE. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Associative and Temporal Learning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sex differences in fear discrimination do not manifest as differences in conditioned inhibition.

PubMed

Foilb, Allison R; Bals, Julia; Sarlitto, Mary C; Christianson, John P

2018-01-01

Distinguishing safety from danger is necessary for survival, but is aberrant in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD is more prevalent in women than men, research on sex differences in safety learning is limited. Here, female rats demonstrated greater fear discrimination than males in a CS+/CS- paradigm. To determine if this sex difference transferred to fear inhibition, rats were tested for conditioned inhibition in a summation test with the CS+ and CS- presented in compound; no sex difference emerged. The results suggest sex differences in the neural mechanisms of discrimination learning but not recall of a fear inhibitor. © 2018 Foilb et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Twenty-year follow-up study of radiocesium migration in soil.

PubMed

Clouvas, A; Xanthos, S; Takoudis, G; Antonopoulos-Domis, M; Zinoviadis, G; Vidmar, T; Likar, A

2007-01-01

The profile of (137)Cs present in undisturbed soil due to the Chernobyl accident was measured repeatedly for approximately 20 y. The vertical migration of (137)Cs in soil is a very slow process. The mean vertical migration velocity is estimated at approximately 0.1-0.2 cm y(-1). A method based on in situ gamma spectrometry measurements and Monte Carlo computations, aimed at estimating the profile of (137)Cs without performing any soil sampling, is investigated.

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Study of Influencing Factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Anupama; Taranjit

2011-12-01

Chitosan (CS), a cationic polysaccharide, offers great advantages for ionic interactions with negatively charged species such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) leading to the formation of biocompatible crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles In the present work, an attempt has been made to systematically study the following factors influencing the ionotropic gelation of chitosan with STPP to produce CS nanoparticles: effect of pH of solution, CS concentration, STPP concentration and CS/STPP ratio. The results show that with the increase in CS concentration, the yield of the nanoparticle decreases whereas size increases. The mean size of the prepared nanoparticles varied between 120 to 720 nm and zeta potential between +14 mV to +53 mV . Nanoparticle size and yield was found to be strongly dependent on solution pH. Nanoparticle size decreased with increase in solution pH from 4 to 5 and yield was found to be maximum at pH = 5. With increase in STPP concentration, the size and yield of the nanoparticle increased. The potential of CS nanoparticles to trap amoxicillin trihydrate, taken as the model drug, was also studied. The maximum drug loading capacity was found to be 35% at a solution pH = 5 for 0.2% CS and 0.086% STPP.

Effect of the chelation of metal cation on the antioxidant activity of chondroitin sulfates.

PubMed

Ajisaka, Katsumi; Oyanagi, Yutaka; Miyazaki, Tatsuo; Suzuki, Yasuhiro

2016-06-01

The antioxidant potencies of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) from shark cartilage, salmon cartilage, bovine trachea, and porcine intestinal mucosa were compared by three representative methods for the measurement of the antioxidant activity; DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. CSs from salmon cartilage and bovine trachea showed higher potency in comparison with CSs from shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa. Next, CS from salmon cartilage chelating with Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), or Zn(2+) were prepared, and their antioxidant potencies were compared. CS chelating with Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) ions showed rather decreased DPPH radical scavenging activity in comparison with CS of H(+) form. In contrast, CS chelating with Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) ion showed remarkably enhanced superoxide radical scavenging activity than CS of H(+) or Na(+) form. Moreover, CS chelating with divalent metal ions, Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), or Zn(2+), showed noticeably higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than CS of H(+) or Na(+) form. The present results revealed that the scavenging activities of, at least, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were enhanced by the chelation with divalent metal ions.

Single unit activity in the medial prefrontal cortex during Pavlovian heart rate conditioning: Effects of peripheral autonomic blockade.

PubMed

Powell, D A; Ginsberg, Jay P

2005-11-01

Electrical activity was recorded from single neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of rabbits during differential Pavlovian heart rate (HR) conditioning. A heterogeneous population of cells were found, some of which showed CS-evoked increases and others CS-evoked decreases in discharge, while some cells were biphasic. A subset of cells also showed trial-related changes in discharge that were related to acquisition of the HR discrimination between the reinforced CS+ and non-reinforced CS-. Administration of the peripheral cholinergic antagonist, methylscopolamine, and the andrenergic antagonist, atenolol, either increased or decreased maintained baseline activity of many cells, but had little or no effect on the CS-evoked activity of these cells. Waveform changes also did not result from administration of these drugs. This finding suggests that CS-evoked mPFC activity is not being driven by cardiac afferent input to CNS cardiac control centers. Previous studies have shown that ibotenic acid lesions of this area greatly decreases the magnitude of decelerative heart rate conditioned responses; the latter finding, plus the results of the present study, suggest that processing of CS/US contingencies by the prefrontal cortex contributes to the acquisition of autonomic changes during Pavlovian conditioning.

An essential role of a FoxD gene in notochord induction in Ciona embryos.

PubMed

Imai, Kaoru S; Satoh, Nori; Satou, Yutaka

2002-07-01

A key issue for understanding the early development of the chordate body plan is how the endoderm induces notochord formation. In the ascidian Ciona, nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin is the first step in the process of endoderm specification. We show that nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin directly activates the gene (Cs-FoxD) for a winged helix/forkhead transcription factor and that this gene is expressed transiently at the 16- and 32-cell stages in endodermal cells. The function of Cs-FoxD, however, is not associated with differentiation of the endoderm itself but is essential for notochord differentiation or induction. In addition, it is likely that the inductive signal that appears to act downstream of Cs-FoxD does not act over a long range. It has been suggested that FGF or Notch signal transduction pathway mediates ascidian notochord induction. Our previous study suggests that Cs-FGF4/6/9 is partially involved in the notochord induction. The present experimental results suggest that the expression and function of Cs-FGF4/6/9 and Cs-FoxD are not interdependent, and that the Notch pathway is involved in B-line notochord induction downstream of Cs-FoxD.

Redox transformations and transport of cesium and iodine (-1, 0, +5) in oxidizing and reducing zones of a sand and gravel aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fox, P.M.; Kent, D.B.; Davis, J.A.

2010-01-01

Tracer tests were performed in distinct biogeochemical zones of a sand and gravel aquifer in Cape Cod, MA, to study the redox chemistry (I) and transport (Cs, I) of cesium and iodine in a field setting. Injection of iodide (I -) into an oxic zone of the aquifer resulted in oxidation of I - to molecular iodine (I2) and iodate (IO3-) over transport distances of several meters. Oxidation is attributed to Mn-oxides present in the sediment. Transport of injected IO 3- and Cs+ was retarded in the mildly acidic oxic zone, with retardation factors of 1.6-1.8 for IO3- and 2.3-4.4for Cs. Cs retardation was likely due to cation exchange reactions. Injection of IO3- into a Fe-reducing zone of the aquifer resulted in rapid and complete reduction to I- within 3 m of transport. The nonconservative behavior of Cs and I observed during the tracer tests underscores the necessity of taking the redox chemistry of I as well as sorption properties of I species and Cs into account when predicting transport of radionuclides (e.g., 129I and 137Cs) in the environment.

Waste minimization/pollution prevention study of high-priority waste streams

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

Ogle, R.B.

1994-03-01

Although waste minimization has been practiced by the Metals and Ceramics (M&C) Division in the past, the effort has not been uniform or formalized. To establish the groundwork for continuous improvement, the Division Director initiated a more formalized waste minimization and pollution prevention program. Formalization of the division`s pollution prevention efforts in fiscal year (FY) 1993 was initiated by a more concerted effort to determine the status of waste generation from division activities. The goal for this effort was to reduce or minimize the wastes identified as having the greatest impact on human health, the environment, and costs. Two broadmore » categories of division wastes were identified as solid/liquid wastes and those relating to energy use (primarily electricity and steam). This report presents information on the nonradioactive solid and liquid wastes generated by division activities. More specifically, the information presented was generated by teams of M&C staff members empowered by the Division Director to study specific waste streams.« less

Analytical Chemistry Division annual progress report for period ending December 31, 1985

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

Shultz, W.D.

1986-05-01

Progress reports are presented for the four major sections of the division: analytical spectroscopy, radioactive materials laboratories, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. A brief discussion of the division's role in the Laboratory's Environmental Restoration and Facilities Upgrade is given. Information about quality assurance and safety programs is presented, along with a tabulation of analyses rendered. Publications, oral presentations, professional activities, educational programs, and seminars are cited.

Overview of the Applied Aerodynamics Division

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

A major reorganization of the Aeronautics Directorate of the Langley Research Center occurred in early 1989. As a result of this reorganization, the scope of research in the Applied Aeronautics Division is now quite different than that in the past. An overview of the current organization, mission, and facilities of this division is presented. A summary of current research programs and sample highlights of recent research are also presented. This is intended to provide a general view of the scope and capabilities of the division.

Perinatal features of the RASopathies: Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome and Costello syndrome.

PubMed

Myers, Angela; Bernstein, Jonathan A; Brennan, Marie-Luise; Curry, Cynthia; Esplin, Edward D; Fisher, Jamie; Homeyer, Margaret; Manning, Melanie A; Muller, Eric A; Niemi, Anna-Kaisa; Seaver, Laurie H; Hintz, Susan R; Hudgins, Louanne

2014-11-01

The RASopathies are a family of developmental disorders caused by heritable defects of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. While the postnatal presentation of this group of disorders is well known, the prenatal and neonatal findings are less widely recognized. We report on the perinatal presentation of 10 patients with Noonan syndrome (NS), nine with Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS) and three with Costello syndrome (CS), in conjunction with the results of a comprehensive literature review. The majority of perinatal findings in NS, CS, and CFCS are shared: polyhydramnios; prematurity; lymphatic dysplasia; macrosomia; relative macrocephaly; respiratory distress; hypotonia, as well as cardiac and renal anomalies. In contrast, fetal arrhythmia and neonatal hypoglycemia are relatively specific to CS. NS, CS, and CFCS should all be considered as a possible diagnosis in pregnancies with a normal karyotype and ultrasound findings of a RASopathy. Recognition of the common perinatal findings of these disorders should facilitate both their prenatal and neonatal diagnosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Magnetic excitations in the spin-1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Cs 2CuBr 4

DOE PAGES

Zvyagin, S. A.; Ozerov, M.; Kamenskyi, D.; ...

2015-11-27

We present on high- field electron spin resonance (ESR) studies of magnetic excitations in the spin- 1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Cs 2CuBr 4. Frequency- field diagrams of ESR excitations are measured for different orientations of magnetic fields up to 25 T. We show that the substantial zero- field energy gap, Δ ≈ 9.5 K, observed in the low-temperature excitation spectrum of Cs 2CuBr 4 [Zvyagin et al:, Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 077206 (2014)], is present well above T N. Noticeably, the transition into the long-range magnetically ordered phase does not significantly affect the size of the gap, suggesting that even belowmore » T N the high-energy spin dynamics in Cs 2CuBr 4 is determined by short-range-order spin correlations. The experimental data are compared with results of model spin-wave-theory calculations for spin-1/2 triangle-lattice antiferromagnet.« less

Bone Mineral Density and Growth in Children Having Undergone Liver Transplantation With Corticosteroid-Free Immunosuppressive Protocol.

PubMed

Mager, Diana; Al-Zaben, Abeer Salman; Robert, Cheri; Gilmour, Susan; Yap, Jason

2017-05-01

Children post-liver transplantation (post-LTX) are at risk of growth delay and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) secondary to corticosteroid (CS) therapy and suboptimal intake of nutrients important for bone health. The pediatric LTX program at Stollery Children's Hospital introduced a CS-free LTX regimen in 2003. This retrospective study investigated whether the implementation of a CS-free protocol resulted in improvements in BMD (dual x-ray absorptiometry) and growth following LTX. A retrospective chart review of all children undergoing LTX was conducted. The parameters included repeated measures of anthropometric (weight, weight z score, height, height z score), BMD/bone mineral content (BMC), laboratory variables, graft function (number/severity of rejection), and CS therapy (dose, duration). A total of 39 patients met study inclusion (20 male; n = 28 on CS; n = 11 CS-free). Mean duration of follow-up was 5.5 ± 3.3 years. The mean weight and height z scores were -0.31 ± 0.14 (CS) and 0.22 ± 0.23 (CS-free; P = .09) and -0.71 ± 0.13 (CS) and 0.23 ± 0.22 (CS-free; P = .002), respectively. Lumbar and whole-body BMD z score less than -2 were present in 15% and 8% of the cohort, respectively. There were no significant differences between CS and CS-free in lumbar BMC (22.2 ± 1.4 and 23.4 ± 2.02 g; P = .165) and lumbar BMD (0.57 ± 0.02 and 0.80 ± 0.22 g/cm 2 ; P = .152), respectively. Lumbar BMC ( r 2 = 0.89, P < .05) and whole-body BMC ( r 2 = 0.93, P < .05) were inversely related to CS dose >0.2 mg/kg/d and positively related to bone age ( P < .01). CS therapy in children post-LTX is associated with reduced BMC and delayed linear growth. Understanding the clinical and nutrition factors influencing bone health is important to optimizing growth and bone health in children post-LTX.

Segmental pancreatic allograft survival in baboons treated with combined irradiation and cyclosporine: a preliminary report

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

du Toit, D.F.; Heydenrych, J.J.; Smit, B.

1985-04-01

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of cyclosporine (CS) alone, total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) alone, and CS in combination with total body irradiation (TBI) in suppressing segmental pancreatic allograft rejection in totally pancreatectomized outbred chacma baboons. The administration of CS 25 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/ kg/day resulted in mean graft survival of 21.5 days and 24.5 days, respectively. CS 85 mg/kg/day resulted in median graft survival of 9 days. There was a wide daily fluctuation of CS serum trough levels exhibited between primates receiving the same oral dose. TBI in excess of 300 rads resulted in irreversiblemore » bone marrow suppression. Modest results were achieved in recipients of TBI-76 rads (38 x 2 rads), with median graft survival of 21 days, results not different from recipients treated with CS. TLI recipients of 600 rads (150 x 4 rads) resulted in median pancreatic graft survival of 16 days. TBI together with oral CS administration exhibited no synergistic or additive effect and a single peroperative donor-specific blood transfusion did not enhance pancreatic allograft survival in this model. However, of 10 primates receiving TBI 100 rads (50 x 2 rads) and CS 25 mg/kg/day administered orally indefinitely, four remained normoglycemic for more than 60 days. TBI 100 rads (50 x 2 rads) together with oral and parenteral CS resulted in necrotizing enterocolitis in four of six recipients.« less

Do chondroitin sulfates with different structures have different activities on chondrocytes and macrophages?

PubMed

da Cunha, André L; Aguiar, Jair A K; Correa da Silva, Flavio S; Michelacci, Yara M

2017-10-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of natural chondroitin sulfates (CS) with different structures on cultured chondrocytes and macrophages. CS were isolated from cartilages of bovine trachea (BT), porcine trachea (PT), chicken sternum (Ch) and skate (Sk). The preparations were 90-98% pure, with ∼1% proteins, nucleic acids and keratan sulfate contaminants. Structural analysis of these CS and of commercial chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate (C4S, C6S) have shown that most of their disaccharides are monosulfated, with varying proportions of 4- and 6-sulfation, and 2-7% non-sulfated disaccharides. Sk-CS and C6S contained detectable amounts of disulfated disaccharides. All the CS were polydisperse, with modal molecular weights of 26-135kDa. These CS had anti-inflammatory activities on both chondrocytes and macrophages, but with different efficiencies. On horse and human chondrocytes, they reduced the IL-1β-induced liberation of NO and PGE 2 , and on RAW 264.7 immortalized macrophage-like cell line, C4S, C6S, Ch and Sk-CS decreased the LPS-induced liberation of TNF-α, but did not affect IL-6. In contrast, on bone marrow derived macrophages, C4S, C6S, BT and PT-CS reduced the LPS-induced liberation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and NO, indicating that the RAW response to CS was different from that of primary macrophages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of CS in Neptune's atmosphere from ALMA observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno, R.; Lellouch, E.; Cavalié, T.; Moullet, A.

2017-12-01

Context. The large and vertically non-uniform abundance of CO in Neptune's atmosphere has been interpreted as the result of past cometary impact(s), either single or distributed in size and time, which could also be at the origin of Neptune's HCN. Aims: We aim to provide observational support for this scenario by searching for other comet-induced species, in particular carbon sulfide (CS) which has been observed continuously in Jupiter since the 1994 Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts. Methods: In April 2016 we used the ALMA interferometer to search for CS(7-6) at 342.883 GHz in Neptune. Results: We report on the detection of CS in Neptune's atmosphere, the first unambiguous observation of a sulfur-bearing species in a giant planet beyond Jupiter. Carbon sulfide appears to be present only at submillibar levels, with a column density of (2.0-3.1) × 1012 cm-2, and a typical mixing ratio of (2-20) × 10-11 that depends on its precise vertical location. The favoured origin of CS is deposition by a putative large comet impact several centuries ago, and the strong depletion of CS with respect to CO - compared to the Jupiter case - is likely due to the CS sticking to aerosols or clustering to form polymers in Neptune's lower stratosphere. Conclusions: The CS detection, along with recent analyses of the CO profile, reinforces the presumption of a large comet impact into Neptune 1000 yr ago, that delivered CO, CS, and HCN at the same time.

Investigation of the structural, mechanical, dynamical and thermal properties of CsCaF3 and CsCdF3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmankurt, Bahadır; Duman, Sıtkı

2016-04-01

The structural, mechanical, dynamical and thermal properties of CsCaF3 and CsCdF3 are presented by using an ab initio pseudopotential method and a linear response scheme, within the generalized gradient approximation. The obtained structural and mechanical properties are in good agreement with other available theoretical and experimental studies. The calculated elastic constants of these materials obey the cubic stability conditions. It has been found that CsCaF3 is brittle whereas CsCdF3 has ductile manner. The full phonon dispersion curves of these materials are reported for the first time in the literature. We have found that calculated phonon modes are positive along the all symmetry directions, indicating that these materials are dynamically stable at the cubic structure. The obtained zone-center phonon modes for CsCaF3 (IR data) are found to be 83 (98) cm-1, 104 (115) cm-1, 120 cm-1, 180 (192) cm-1, 231 (250.5) cm-1, 361 (374) cm-1, 446 (449) cm-1. Also, we have calculated internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, constant-volume specific heat, entropy and Debye temperature as function of temperature. At the 300 K, specific heats are calculated to be 113.36 J mol-1 K-1 and 115.58 J mol-1 K-1 for CsCaF3 and CsCdF3 ,respectively, which are lower than Doulong-Petit limit (12 472 J mol-1 K-1).

High temporal resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI using compressed sensing-combined sequence in quantitative renal perfusion measurement.

PubMed

Chen, Bin; Zhao, Kai; Li, Bo; Cai, Wenchao; Wang, Xiaoying; Zhang, Jue; Fang, Jing

2015-10-01

To demonstrate the feasibility of the improved temporal resolution by using compressed sensing (CS) combined imaging sequence in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of kidney, and investigate its quantitative effects on renal perfusion measurements. Ten rabbits were included in the accelerated scans with a CS-combined 3D pulse sequence. To evaluate the image quality, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between the proposed CS strategy and the conventional full sampling method. Moreover, renal perfusion was estimated by using the separable compartmental model in both CS simulation and realistic CS acquisitions. The CS method showed DCE-MRI images with improved temporal resolution and acceptable image contrast, while presenting significantly higher SNR than the fully sampled images (p<.01) at 2-, 3- and 4-X acceleration. In quantitative measurements, renal perfusion results were in good agreement with the fully sampled one (concordance correlation coefficient=0.95, 0.91, 0.88) at 2-, 3- and 4-X acceleration in CS simulation. Moreover, in realistic acquisitions, the estimated perfusion by the separable compartmental model exhibited no significant differences (p>.05) between each CS-accelerated acquisition and the full sampling method. The CS-combined 3D sequence could improve the temporal resolution for DCE-MRI in kidney while yielding diagnostically acceptable image quality, and it could provide effective measurements of renal perfusion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Suture anchor fixation strength with or without augmentation in osteopenic and severely osteoporotic bones in rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study on polyurethane foam model

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of various types of anchor applications with or without augmentation in both osteopenic and severely osteoporotic bone models. Methods Two different types of suture anchors were tested in severely osteoporotic (SOP) and osteopenic polyurethane (PU) foam blocks using an established protocol. An Instron machine applied static loading parallel to the axis of insertion until failure, and the mean anchor failure strengths were calculated. The mode of failure (anchor pullout, suture tear) was recorded. The anchors tested included the Corkscrew® (CS) (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL, USA) (without augmentation, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-augmented, and bioabsorbable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) cement-augmented) and Corkscrew® FT II (CS FT II) 5.5 mm (without augmentation as used routinely). Results The mean failure loads for both SOP and osteopenic PU foam blocks, respectively, were as follows: CS, 16.2 and 212.4 N; CS with TCP, 75.2 and 396 N; CS with PMMA, 101.2 and 528.8 N; CS FT II, 13.8 and 339.8 N. Conclusions Augmentation of CS with TCP or PMMA would be essential to SOP bones. In the osteopenic bone model, although anchor fixation augmented with PMMA is the best fixation method, CS augmented with TCP cement or CS FT II without any need for augmentation may also be used as an alternative. PMID:25148925

Cromolyn as surface active drug (surfadrug): Effect of the self-association on diffusion and percutaneous permeation.

PubMed

Tavano, Lorena; Nicoletta, Fiore Pasquale; Picci, Nevio; Muzzalupo, Rita

2016-03-01

Cromolyn sodium, or disodium cromoglycate (CS), is a surface active drug: a pharmacologically active compound with an amphiphilic nature. At certain conditions it is able to self-associate in several kind of supramolecular aggregates. Since CS could play the role of both carrier and drug, bypassing the use of additional excipients and increasing the system biocompatibility, the effects of cromolyn self-aggregates on diffusion and percutaneous permeation across rabbit ear skin were investigated. Niosomes (vesicular systems, 0.5wt% of CS), monomeric and isotropic solutions (0.5 and 5wt% of CS), nematic (15wt% of CS) and hexagonal phases (30wt% of CS) were selected as supramolecular systems and tested as transdermal delivery systems. Results demonstrated that CS was able to form vesicular structures of about 500nm of diameter and this formulation gave the higher percutaneous permeation profile (systemic action), while isotropic solution and liquid crystals mesophases acted as slower release reservoir of drug on the skin surface (local action), as confirmed by diffusion coefficients. Diffusion rates through a synthetic membrane were dependent both on CS concentration present into the formulations and on its structural organization: maximum diffusion was noticed with isotropic solution, a lower amount of diffused cromolyn sodium was achieved by hexagonal phase. Consequently, CS appears as a versatile surfadrug as, depending on the disease degree, it is possible to modulate its permeation profile by choosing the most appropriate formulation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Desferrioxamine for Stimulation of Fracture Healing and Revascularization in a Bone Defect Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

cartilaginous tissue still present. DBM + L-DFO: Fracture gap less evident with more complete bone bridging with denser trabecular bone and less...fracture callus volume by micro-CT, and qualitative histology for callus tissue quality and vascularity in 5 groups (No implant, CS implant, DFO+CS...Weinhold, P. North Carolina Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Meeting, November 4, 2011; Winston Salem, NC. (presented) • Desferroxamine with

Investigating the limitations of tree species classification using the Combined Cluster and Discriminant Analysis method for low density ALS data from a dense forest region in Aggtelek (Hungary)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koma, Zsófia; Deák, Márton; Kovács, József; Székely, Balázs; Kelemen, Kristóf; Standovár, Tibor

2016-04-01

Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) is a widely used technology for forestry classification applications. However, single tree detection and species classification from low density ALS point cloud is limited in a dense forest region. In this study we investigate the division of a forest into homogenous groups at stand level. The study area is located in the Aggtelek karst region (Northeast Hungary) with a complex relief topography. The ALS dataset contained only 4 discrete echoes (at 2-4 pt/m2 density) from the study area during leaf-on season. Ground-truth measurements about canopy closure and proportion of tree species cover are available for every 70 meter in 500 square meter circular plots. In the first step, ALS data were processed and geometrical and intensity based features were calculated into a 5×5 meter raster based grid. The derived features contained: basic statistics of relative height, canopy RMS, echo ratio, openness, pulse penetration ratio, basic statistics of radiometric feature. In the second step the data were investigated using Combined Cluster and Discriminant Analysis (CCDA, Kovács et al., 2014). The CCDA method first determines a basic grouping for the multiple circle shaped sampling locations using hierarchical clustering and then for the arising grouping possibilities a core cycle is executed comparing the goodness of the investigated groupings with random ones. Out of these comparisons difference values arise, yielding information about the optimal grouping out of the investigated ones. If sub-groups are then further investigated, one might even find homogeneous groups. We found that low density ALS data classification into homogeneous groups are highly dependent on canopy closure, and the proportion of the dominant tree species. The presented results show high potential using CCDA for determination of homogenous separable groups in LiDAR based tree species classification. Aggtelek Karst/Slovakian Karst Caves" (HUSK/1101/221/0180, Aggtelek NP), data evaluation: 'Multipurpose assessment serving forest biodiversity conservation in the Carpathian region of Hungary', Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme (SH/4/13 Project). BS contributed as an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow. J. Kovács, S. Kovács, N. Magyar, P. Tanos, I. G. Hatvani, and A. Anda (2014), Classification into homogeneous groups using combined cluster and discriminant analysis, Environmental Modelling & Software, 57, 52-59.

Performance of target detection algorithm in compressive sensing miniature ultraspectral imaging compressed sensing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gedalin, Daniel; Oiknine, Yaniv; August, Isaac; Blumberg, Dan G.; Rotman, Stanley R.; Stern, Adrian

2017-04-01

Compressive sensing theory was proposed to deal with the high quantity of measurements demanded by traditional hyperspectral systems. Recently, a compressive spectral imaging technique dubbed compressive sensing miniature ultraspectral imaging (CS-MUSI) was presented. This system uses a voltage controlled liquid crystal device to create multiplexed hyperspectral cubes. We evaluate the utility of the data captured using the CS-MUSI system for the task of target detection. Specifically, we compare the performance of the matched filter target detection algorithm in traditional hyperspectral systems and in CS-MUSI multiplexed hyperspectral cubes. We found that the target detection algorithm performs similarly in both cases, despite the fact that the CS-MUSI data is up to an order of magnitude less than that in conventional hyperspectral cubes. Moreover, the target detection is approximately an order of magnitude faster in CS-MUSI data.

Theoretical evaluation of the radiative lifetimes of LiCs and NaCs in the A1Σ+ state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabrouk, N.; Berriche, H.

2017-08-01

Calculations of the adiabatic potential energy curves and the transition dipole moments between the ground (A1Σ+) and the first excited (A1Σ+) states have been determined for the LiCs and NaCs molecules. The calculations are performed using an ab initio approach based on non-empirical pseudopotentials for Cs+, Li+ and Na+ cores, parameterized l-dependent polarization potentials and full configuration interaction calculations. The potential energy curves and the transition dipole moment are used to estimate the radiative lifetimes of the vibrational levels of the A+Σ+ state using the Franck-Condon (FC) approximation and the approximate sum rule method. The radiative lifetimes associated with the A+Σ+ state are presented here for the first time. These data can help experimentalists to optimize photoassociative formation of ultracold molecules and their longevity in a trap or in an optical lattice.

Cotard's Syndrome after breast surgery successfully treated with aripiprazole augmentation of escitalopram: a case report.

PubMed

De Berardis, Domenico; Brucchi, Maurizio; Serroni, Nicola; Rapini, Gabriella; Campanella, Daniela; Vellante, Federica; Valchera, Alessandro; Fornaro, Michele; Iasevoli, Felice; Mazza, Monica; Lucidi, Giuliana; Martinotti, Giovanni; di Giannantonio, Massimo

2015-01-01

In 1880 the French neurologist Jules Cotard described a condition characterized by delusion of negation (nihilistic delusion) in a melancholia context. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Cotard's syndrome (CS), but the nosographical figure of CS remains unclear. It isn't determined if it pertains to the delusional themes area or if it is related to the sense of immanent ruin in some depressive episodes. For these reasons CS has recently been supposed to be an intermediate form. Furthermore, since even less is known about secondary CS in subjects who had never suffered of psychiatric disorders, in the present case we report the development of a secondary CS in a female patient who underwent a lumpectomy for the removal of a benign fibroadenoma. The patient responded well to aripiprazole augmentation of escitalopram and totally remitted.

CS in nearby galaxies: Distribution, kinematics, and multilevel studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mauersberger, R.; Henkel, Christian

1990-01-01

As a result of observations at the Institute for Radio Astronomy in the Millimeter Range (IRAM) 30-m telescope, maps of the distribution of the J = 2-1 transition of CS toward the galaxies IC 342 and NGC 253 are presented. The distribution of the CS emission from NGC 253 is consistent with the CO 1-0 line. The distribution of the CS emission from IC 342, however, resembles more that seen in the CO 3-2 line. For the first time, the detection of the isotopic substitution C-34S is reported toward an external galaxy: The C-34S 2-1 line has been detected toward NGC 253 and M 82 and the C-34S line has been detected tentatively toward M 82. Also for the first time, extragalactic CS has been observed in the 3-2 (toward NGC 253, IC 342 and M 82) and 5-4 (NGC 253 and IC 342) transitions.

Chern-Simons forms in gravitation theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanelli, Jorge

2012-07-01

The Chern-Simons (CS) form evolved from an obstruction in mathematics into an important object in theoretical physics. In fact, the presence of CS terms in physics is more common than one may think: they seem to play an important role in high Tc superconductivity and in recently discovered topological insulators. In classical physics, the minimal coupling in electromagnetism and to the action for a mechanical system in Hamiltonian form are examples of CS functionals. CS forms are also the natural generalization of the minimal coupling between the electromagnetic field and a point charge when the source is not point like but an extended fundamental object, a membrane. They are found in relation with anomalies in quantum field theories, and as Lagrangians for gauge fields, including gravity and supergravity. A cursory review of the role of CS forms in gravitation theories is presented at an introductory level.

Mechanical properties of natural chitosan/hydroxyapatite/magnetite nanocomposites for tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Heidari, Fatemeh; Razavi, Mehdi; E Bahrololoom, Mohammad; Bazargan-Lari, Reza; Vashaee, Daryoosh; Kotturi, Hari; Tayebi, Lobat

2016-08-01

Chitosan (CS), hydroxyapatite (HA), and magnetite (Fe3O4) have been broadly employed for bone treatment applications. Having a hybrid biomaterial composed of the aforementioned constituents not only accumulates the useful characteristics of each component, but also provides outstanding composite properties. In the present research, mechanical properties of pure CS, CS/HA, CS/HA/magnetite, and CS/magnetite were evaluated by the measurements of bending strength, elastic modulus, compressive strength and hardness values. Moreover, the morphology of the bending fracture surfaces were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an image analyzer. Studies were also conducted to examine the biological response of the human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) on different composites. We conclude that, although all of these composites possess in-vitro biocompatibility, adding hydroxyapatite and magnetite to the chitosan matrix can noticeably enhance the mechanical properties of the pure chitosan. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ACCUMULATION OF RADIOCESIUM BY MUSHROOMS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

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

Duff, M

2007-05-28

During the last 50 years, a large amount of information on radionuclide accumulators or ''sentinel-type'' organisms in the environment has been published. Much of this work focused on the risks of food-chain transfer of radionuclides to higher organisms such as reindeer and man. However, until the 1980's and 1990's, there has been little published data on the radiocesium ({sup 134}Cs and {sup 137}Cs) accumulation by mushrooms. This presentation will consist of a review of the published data for {sup 134,137}Cs accumulation by mushrooms in nature. This review will discuss the aspects that promote {sup 134,137}Cs uptake by mushrooms and focusmore » on mushrooms that demonstrate a large propensity for use in the environmental biomonitoring of radiocesium contamination. It will also provide descriptions of habitats for many of these mushrooms and discuss on how growth media and other conditions relate to Cs accumulation.« less

Automating the solution of PDEs on the sphere and other manifolds in FEniCS 1.2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rognes, M. E.; Ham, D. A.; Cotter, C. J.; McRae, A. T. T.

2013-12-01

Differential equations posed over immersed manifolds are of particular importance in studying geophysical flows; for instance, ocean and atmosphere simulations crucially rely on the capability to solve equations over the sphere. This paper presents the extension of the FEniCS software components to the automated solution of finite element formulations of differential equations defined over general, immersed manifolds. We describe the implementation and, in particular detail, how the required extensions essentially reduce to the extension of the FEniCS form compiler to cover this case. The resulting implementation has all the properties of the FEniCS pipeline and we demonstrate its flexibility by an extensive range of numerical examples covering a number of geophysical benchmark examples and test cases. The results are all in agreement with the expected values. The description here relates to DOLFIN/FEniCS 1.2.

Automating the solution of PDEs on the sphere and other manifolds in FEniCS 1.2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rognes, M. E.; Ham, D. A.; Cotter, C. J.; McRae, A. T. T.

2013-07-01

Differential equations posed over immersed manifolds are of particular importance in studying geophysical flows; for instance, ocean and atmosphere simulations crucially rely on the capability to solve equations over the sphere. This paper presents the extension of the FEniCS software components to the automated solution of finite element formulations of differential equations defined over general, immersed manifolds. We describe the implementation and in particular detail how the required extensions essentially reduce to the extension of the FEniCS form compiler to cover this case. The resulting implementation has all the properties of the FEniCS pipeline and we demonstrate its flexibility by an extensive range of numerical examples covering a number of geophysical benchmark examples and test cases. The results are all in agreement with the expected values. The description here relates to DOLFIN/FEniCS 1.2.

Aggregating concept map data to investigate the knowledge of beginning CS students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mühling, Andreas

2016-07-01

Concept maps have a long history in educational settings as a tool for teaching, learning, and assessing. As an assessment tool, they are predominantly used to extract the structural configuration of learners' knowledge. This article presents an investigation of the knowledge structures of a large group of beginning CS students. The investigation is based on a method that collects, aggregates, and automatically analyzes the concept maps of a group of learners as a whole, to identify common structural configurations and differences in the learners' knowledge. It shows that those students who have attended CS education in their secondary school life have, on average, configured their knowledge about typical core CS/OOP concepts differently. Also, artifacts of their particular CS curriculum are visible in their externalized knowledge. The data structures and analysis methods necessary for working with concept landscapes have been implemented as a GNU R package that is freely available.

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

Chiaro, P.J.

A series of tests were performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to evaluate and characterize the radiological response of a ''Cricket'' radiation detection system. The ''Cricket'' is manufactured by RAD/COMM Systems Corp., which is located in Ontario, Canada. The system is designed to detect radioactive material that may be contained in scrap metal. The Cricket's detection unit is mounted to the base of a grappler and monitors material, while the grappler's tines hold the material. It can also be used to scan material in an attempt to isolate radioactive material if an alarm occurs. Testing was performed at themore » Environmental Effects Laboratory located at ORNL and operated by the Engineering Science and Technology Division. Tests performed included the following: (1) Background stability, (2) Energy response using {sup 241}Am, {sup 137}Cs, and {sup 60}Co, (3) Surface uniformity, (4) Angular dependence, (5) Alarm actuation, (6) Alarm threshold vs. background, (7) Shielding, (8) Response to {sup 235}U, (9) Response to neutrons using unmoderated {sup 252}Cf, and (10) Response to transient radiation. This report presents a summary of the test results. Background measurements were obtained prior to the performance of each individual test.« less

Preparation and in vivo absorption evaluation of spray dried powders containing salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery

PubMed Central

Sinsuebpol, Chutima; Chatchawalsaisin, Jittima; Kulvanich, Poj

2013-01-01

Purpose The aim of the present study was to prepare inhalable co-spray dried powders of salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (sCT-CS-NPs) with mannitol and investigate pulmonary absorption in rats. Methods The sCT-CS-NPs were prepared by the ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking polyion. Inhalable dry powders were obtained by co-spray drying aqueous dispersion of sCT-CS-NPs and mannitol. sCT-CS-NPs co-spray dried powders were characterized with respect to morphology, particle size, powder density, aerodynamic diameter, protein integrity, in vitro release of sCT, and aerosolization. The plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration of sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders to the rats was also determined. Results sCT-CS-NPs were able to be incorporated into mannitol forming inhalable microparticles by the spray drying process. The sCT-CS-NPs/mannitol ratios and spray drying process affected the properties of the microparticles obtained. The conformation of the secondary structures of sCTs was affected by both mannitol content and spray dry inlet temperature. The sCT-CS-NPs were recovered after reconstitution of spray dried powders in an aqueous medium. The sCT release profile from spray dried powders was similar to that from sCT-CS-NPs. In vitro inhalation parameters measured by the Andersen cascade impactor indicated sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders having promising aerodynamic properties for deposition in the deep lung. Determination of the plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration to rats revealed that the inhalable sCT-CS NPs spray dried powders provided higher protein absorption compared to native sCT powders. Conclusion The sCT-CS-NPs with mannitol based spray dried powders were prepared to have appropriate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery. The developed system was able to deliver sCT via a pulmonary route into the systemic circulation. PMID:24039397

Preparation and in vivo absorption evaluation of spray dried powders containing salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery.

PubMed

Sinsuebpol, Chutima; Chatchawalsaisin, Jittima; Kulvanich, Poj

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to prepare inhalable co-spray dried powders of salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (sCT-CS-NPs) with mannitol and investigate pulmonary absorption in rats. The sCT-CS-NPs were prepared by the ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking polyion. Inhalable dry powders were obtained by co-spray drying aqueous dispersion of sCT-CS-NPs and mannitol. sCT-CS-NPs co-spray dried powders were characterized with respect to morphology, particle size, powder density, aerodynamic diameter, protein integrity, in vitro release of sCT, and aerosolization. The plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration of sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders to the rats was also determined. sCT-CS-NPs were able to be incorporated into mannitol forming inhalable microparticles by the spray drying process. The sCT-CS-NPs/mannitol ratios and spray drying process affected the properties of the microparticles obtained. The conformation of the secondary structures of sCTs was affected by both mannitol content and spray dry inlet temperature. The sCT-CS-NPs were recovered after reconstitution of spray dried powders in an aqueous medium. The sCT release profile from spray dried powders was similar to that from sCT-CS-NPs. In vitro inhalation parameters measured by the Andersen cascade impactor indicated sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders having promising aerodynamic properties for deposition in the deep lung. Determination of the plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration to rats revealed that the inhalable sCT-CS NPs spray dried powders provided higher protein absorption compared to native sCT powders. The sCT-CS-NPs with mannitol based spray dried powders were prepared to have appropriate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery. The developed system was able to deliver sCT via a pulmonary route into the systemic circulation.

Mutations in CsPID encoding a Ser/Thr protein kinase are responsible for round leaf shape in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

PubMed

Zhang, Chaowen; Chen, Feifan; Zhao, Ziyao; Hu, Liangliang; Liu, Hanqiang; Cheng, Zhihui; Weng, Yiqun; Chen, Peng; Li, Yuhong

2018-06-01

Two round-leaf mutants, rl-1 and rl-2, were identified from EMS-induced mutagenesis. High throughput sequencing and map-based cloning suggested CsPID encoding a Ser/Thr protein kinase as the most possible candidate for rl-1. Rl-2 was allelic to Rl-1. Leaf shape is an important plant architecture trait that is affected by plant hormones, especially auxin. In Arabidopsis, PINOID (PID), a regulator for the auxin polar transporter PIN (PIN-FORMED) affects leaf shape formation, but this function of PID in crop plants has not been well studied. From an EMS mutagenesis population, we identified two round-leaf (rl) mutants, C356 and C949. Segregation analysis suggested that both mutations were controlled by single recessive genes, rl-1 and rl-2, respectively. With map-based cloning, we show that CsPID as the candidate gene of rl-1; a non-synonymous SNP in the second exon of CsPID resulted in an amino acid substitution and the round leaf phenotype. As compared in the wild type plant, CsPID had significantly lower expression in the root, leaf and female flowers in C356, which may result in the less developed roots, round leaves and abnormal female flowers, respectively in the rl-1 mutant. Among the three copies of PID genes, CsPID, CsPID2 and CSPID2L (CsPID2-like) in the cucumber genome, CsPID was the only one with significantly differential expression in adult leaves between WT and C356 suggesting CsPID plays a main role in leaf shape formation. The rl-2 mutation in C949 was also cloned, which was due to another SNP in a nearby location of rl-1 in the same CsPID gene. The two round leaf mutants and the work presented herein provide a good foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of CsPID in cucumber leaf development.

Lever conditioned stimulus-directed autoshaping induced by saccharin-ethanol unconditioned stimulus solution: effects of ethanol concentration and trial spacing.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Festa, Eugene D; Sparta, Dennis R; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2003-05-01

Two experiments were designed to evaluate whether brief access to a saccharin-ethanol solution would function as an effective unconditioned stimulus (US) in Pavlovian-autoshaping procedures. In these experiments, the insertion of a lever conditioned stimulus (CS) was followed by the brief presentation of a sipper tube containing saccharin-ethanol US solution. Experience with this Pavlovian-autoshaping procedure engendered lever CS-directed autoshaping conditioned responses (CRs) in all rats. In Experiment 1, the concentration of ethanol [0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% (vol./vol.)] in 0.1% saccharin was systematically increased within subjects across autoshaping sessions to evaluate the relation between a rat's drinking and lever pressing. In Experiment 2, the mean intertrial interval (ITI) duration (60, 90, 120 s) was systematically increased within subjects across autoshaping sessions to evaluate the effect of ITI duration on drinking and lever pressing. A pseudoconditioning control group received lever CS randomly with respect to the saccharin-ethanol US solution. In Experiment 1, lever-press autoshaping CRs developed in all rats, and the tendency of a rat to drink an ethanol concentration was predictive of the performance of lever-press autoshaping CRs. In Experiment 2, longer ITIs induced more lever CS-directed responding, and CS-US paired procedures yielded more lever CS-directed responding than that observed in CS-US random procedures. Saccharin-ethanol is an effective US in Pavlovian-autoshaping procedures, inducing more CS-directed responding than in pseudoconditioning controls receiving CS-US random procedures. More lever CS-directed responding was observed when there was more drinking of the saccharin-ethanol US solution (Experiment 1); when the CS and US were paired, rather than random (Experiment 2); and with longer mean ITI durations (Experiment 2). This pattern of results is consistent with the hypothesis that lever CS-directed responding reflects performance of Pavlovian-autoshaping CRs.

Deficient fear extinction memory in posttraumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Wicking, Manon; Steiger, Frauke; Nees, Frauke; Diener, Slawomira J; Grimm, Oliver; Ruttorf, Michaela; Schad, Lothar R; Winkelmann, Tobias; Wirtz, Gustav; Flor, Herta

2016-12-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might be maintained by deficient extinction memory. We used a cued fear conditioning design with extinction and a post-extinction phase to provoke the return of fear and examined the role of the interplay of amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal regions. We compared 18 PTSD patients with two healthy control groups: 18 trauma-exposed subjects without PTSD (nonPTSD) and 18 healthy controls (HC) without trauma experience. They underwent a three-day ABC-conditioning procedure in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Two geometric shapes that served as conditioned stimuli (CS) were presented in the context of virtual reality scenes. Electric painful stimuli were delivered after one of the two shapes (CS+) during acquisition (in context A), while the other (CS-) was never paired with pain. Extinction was performed in context B and extinction memory was tested in a novel context C. The PTSD patients showed significantly higher differential skin conductance responses than the non-PTSD and HC and higher differential amygdala and hippocampus activity than the HC in context C. In addition, elevated arousal to the CS+ during extinction and to the CS- throughout the experiment was present in the PTSD patients but self-reported differential valence or contingency were not different. During extinction recall, differential amygdala activity correlated positively with the intensity of numbing and ventromedial prefrontal cortex activity correlated positively with behavioral avoidance. PTSD patients show heightened return of fear in neural and peripheral measures. In addition, self-reported arousal was high to both danger (CS+) and safety (CS-) cues. These results suggest that a deficient maintenance of extinction and a failure to identify safety signals might contribute to PTSD symptoms, whereas non-PTSD subjects seem to show normal responses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Health sciences descriptors in the brazilian speech-language and hearing science.

PubMed

Campanatti-Ostiz, Heliane; Andrade, Claudia Regina Furquim de

2010-01-01

Terminology in Speech-Language and Hearing Science. To propose a specific thesaurus about the Speech-Language and Hearing Science, for the English, Portuguese and Spanish languages, based on the existing keywords available on the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS). Methodology was based on the pilot study developed by Campanatti-Ostiz and Andrade; that had as a purpose to verify the methodological viability for the creation of a Speech-Language and Hearing Science category in the DeCS. The scientific journals selected for analyses of the titles, abstracts and keywords of all scientific articles were those in the field of the Speech-Language and Hearing Science, indexed on the SciELO. 1. Recovery of the Descriptors in the English language (Medical Subject Headings--MeSH); 2. Recovery and hierarchic organization of the descriptors in the Portuguese language was done (DeCS). The obtained data was analyzed as follows: descriptive analyses and relative relevance analyses of the DeCS areas. Based on the first analyses, we decided to select all 761 descriptors, with all the hierarchic numbers, independently of their occurrence (occurrence number--ON), and based on the second analyses, we decided to propose to exclude the less relevant areas and the exclusive DeCS areas. The proposal was finished with a total of 1676 occurrences of DeCS descriptors, distributed in the following areas: Anatomy; Diseases; Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipments; Psychiatry and Psychology; Phenomena and Processes; Health Care. The presented proposal of a thesaurus contains the specific terminology of the Brazilian Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and reflects the descriptors of the published scientific production. Being the DeCS a trilingual vocabulary (Portuguese, English and Spanish), the present descriptors organization proposition can be used in these three languages, allowing greater cultural interchange between different nations.

Masses of the Planetary Nebula Central Stars in the Galactic Globular Cluster System from HST Imaging and Spectroscopy

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

Jacoby, George H.; Marco, Orsola De; Davies, James

The globular cluster (GC) system of our Galaxy contains four planetary nebulae (PNe): K 648 (or Ps 1) in M15, IRAS 18333-2357 in M22, JaFu 1 in Pal 6, and JaFu 2 in NGC 6441. Because single-star evolution at the low stellar mass of present-epoch GCs was considered incapable of producing visible PNe, their origin presented a puzzle. We imaged the PN JaFu 1 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to obtain photometry of its central star (CS) and high-resolution morphological information. We imaged IRAS 18333-2357 with better depth and resolution, and we analyzed its archival HST spectra to constrainmore » its CS temperature and luminosity. All PNe in Galactic GCs now have quality HST data, allowing us to improve CS mass estimates. We find reasonably consistent masses between 0.53 and 0.58 M {sub ⊙} for all four objects, though estimates vary when adopting different stellar evolutionary calculations. The CS mass of IRAS 18333-2357, though, depends strongly on its temperature, which remains elusive due to reddening uncertainties. For all four objects, we consider their CS and nebula masses, their morphologies, and other incongruities to assess the likelihood that these objects formed from binary stars. Although generally limited by uncertainties (∼0.02 M {sub ⊙}) in post-AGB tracks and core mass versus luminosity relations, the high-mass CS in K 648 indicates a binary origin. The CS of JaFu 1 exhibits compact, bright [O iii] and H α emission, like EGB 6, suggesting a binary companion or disk. Evidence is weaker for a binary origin of JaFu 2.« less

Innate cellular sources of interleukin-17A regulate macrophage accumulation in cigarette- smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice.

PubMed

Bozinovski, Steven; Seow, Huei Jiunn; Chan, Sheau Pyng Jamie; Anthony, Desiree; McQualter, Jonathan; Hansen, Michelle; Jenkins, Brendan J; Anderson, Gary P; Vlahos, Ross

2015-11-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pivotal cytokine that regulates lung immunity and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate how IL-17A regulates CS-induced lung inflammation in vivo. IL-17A knockout (KO) mice and neutralization of IL-17A in wild-type (WT) mice reduced macrophage and neutrophil recruitment and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 mRNA expression in response to acute CS exposure. IL-17A expression was increased in non-obese diabetic (NOD) severe combined immunodeficiency SCID) mice with non-functional B- and T-cells over a 4-week CS exposure period, where macrophages accumulated to the same extent as in WT mice. Gene expression analysis by QPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) of isolated immune cell subsets detected increased levels of IL-17A transcript in macrophages, neutrophils and NK/NKT cells in the lungs of CS-exposed mice. In order to further explore the relative contribution of innate immune cellular sources, intracellular IL-17A staining was performed. In the present study, we demonstrate that CS exposure primes natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and γδ T-cells to produce more IL-17A protein and CS alone increased the frequency of IL17+ γδ T-cells in the lung, whereas IL-17A protein was not detected in macrophages and neutrophils. Our data suggest that activation of innate cellular sources of IL-17A is an essential mediator of macrophage accumulation in CS-exposed lungs. Targeting non-conventional T-cell sources of IL-17A may offer an alternative strategy to reduce pathogenic macrophages in COPD. © 2015 Authors; published by Portland Press Limited.

Efficient delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) with dextran sulfate-chitosan microspheres.

PubMed

Xia, Yuan-Jun; Xia, Hong; Chen, Ling; Ying, Qing-Shui; Yu, Xiang; Li, Li-Hua; Wang, Jian-Hua; Zhang, Ying

2018-04-01

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) serves an important role in the development of bone and cartilage. However, administration of BMP-2 protein alone by intravenous delivery is not very effective. Sustained delivery of stabilized BMP-2 by carriers has been proven necessary to improve the osteogenesis effect of BMP-2. The present study constructed a novel drug delivery system using dextran sulfate (DS)-chitosan (CS) microspheres and investigated the efficiency of the delivery system on recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). The microsphere morphology, optimal ratio of DS/CS/rhBMP-2, and drug loading rate and entrapment efficiency of rhBMP-2 CS nanoparticles were determined. L929 cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and effect of DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres on cell proliferation. Differentiation study was conducted using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-C57) cells treated with DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres or the control microspheres. The DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres delivery system was successfully established. Subsequent complexation of rhBMP-2-bound DS with polycations afforded well defined microspheres with a diameter of ~250 nm. High protein entrapment efficiency (85.6%) and loading ratio (47.245) µg/mg were achieved. Release of rhBMP-2 from resultant microspheres persisted for over 20 days as determined by ELISA assay. The bioactivity of rhBMP-2 encapsulated in the CS/DS microsphere was observed to be well preserved as evidenced by the alkaline phosphatase activity assay and calcium nodule formation of BMSCs-C57 incubated with rhBMP-2-loaded microspheres. The results demonstrated that microspheres based on CS-DS polyion complexes were a highly efficient vehicle for delivery of rhBMP-2 protein. The present study may provide novel orientation for bone tissue engineering for repairing and regenerating bone defects.

Treatment of trace organic compounds in common onsite wastewater systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robert Siegrist,; Conn, Kathleen E.

2015-01-01

Onsite wastewater systems (OWS) have historically been relied on to treat conventional pollutants and pathogens in a fashion similar to that expected from centralized wastewater systems. However, based on the occurrence of, and potential effects from, contaminants of emerging concern in wastewaters, OWS as well as centralized systems need to account for these compounds in system design and use. One group of contaminants involves organic compounds such as those associated with consumer product chemicals and pharmaceuticals, which are collectively referred to as trace organic compounds (TOrCs) due to their very low levels (e.g., ng/L to ug/L) relative to other pollutants. The question being confronted today is how best to account for TOrCs in onsite system design and use while also achieving other goals such as system simplicity, limited operation and maintenance requirements, low cost, and sustainability. In contrast to conventional pollutants such as nutrients and pathogens which have specific and achievable treatment goals, there are currently no enforceable treatment standards for TOrCs, which often have non-traditional toxicological endpoints (i.e. endocrine disruption). As highlighted in this paper, there are a large number of TOrCs that can be present in OWS and they have different properties, can be present at different frequencies of occurrence and concentrations, and have different susceptibilities to treatment in OWS. In general, based on the studies summarized in this paper, TOrCs normally should not require additional considerations beyond those for conventional pollutants and pathogens (e.g., nitrogen or bacteria and virus) during design and use of OWS. That said, there are situations where TOrCs could be a serious concern warranting special consideration in system design and use. In this paper, the frequency of occurrence of TOrCs and the range of concentrations encountered are highlighted. An evolving approach is outlined that could help assess the likelihood of occurrence and levels of TOrCs along with the treatment anticipated in different OWS and assimilation conditions.

Innate cellular sources of interleukin-17A regulate macrophage accumulation in cigarette- smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice

PubMed Central

Bozinovski, Steven; Seow, Huei Jiunn; Chan, Sheau Pyng Jamie; Anthony, Desiree; McQualter, Jonathan; Hansen, Michelle; Jenkins, Brendan J.; Anderson, Gary P.

2015-01-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a pivotal cytokine that regulates lung immunity and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate how IL-17A regulates CS-induced lung inflammation in vivo. IL-17A knockout (KO) mice and neutralization of IL-17A in wild-type (WT) mice reduced macrophage and neutrophil recruitment and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 mRNA expression in response to acute CS exposure. IL-17A expression was increased in non-obese diabetic (NOD) severe combined immunodeficiency SCID) mice with non-functional B- and T-cells over a 4-week CS exposure period, where macrophages accumulated to the same extent as in WT mice. Gene expression analysis by QPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) of isolated immune cell subsets detected increased levels of IL-17A transcript in macrophages, neutrophils and NK/NKT cells in the lungs of CS-exposed mice. In order to further explore the relative contribution of innate immune cellular sources, intracellular IL-17A staining was performed. In the present study, we demonstrate that CS exposure primes natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and γδ T-cells to produce more IL-17A protein and CS alone increased the frequency of IL17+ γδ T-cells in the lung, whereas IL-17A protein was not detected in macrophages and neutrophils. Our data suggest that activation of innate cellular sources of IL-17A is an essential mediator of macrophage accumulation in CS-exposed lungs. Targeting non-conventional T-cell sources of IL-17A may offer an alternative strategy to reduce pathogenic macrophages in COPD. PMID:26201093

Qualitative website analysis of information on birth after caesarean section.

PubMed

Peddie, Valerie L; Whitelaw, Natalie; Cumming, Grant P; Bhattacharya, Siladitya; Black, Mairead

2015-08-19

The United Kingdom (UK) caesarean section (CS) rate is largely determined by reluctance to augment trial of labour and vaginal birth. Choice between repeat CS and attempting vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) in the next pregnancy is challenging, with neither offering clear safety advantages. Women may access online information during the decision-making process. Such information is known to vary in its support for either mode of birth when assessed quantitatively. Therefore, we sought to explore qualitatively, the content and presentation of web-based health care information on birth after caesarean section (CS) in order to identify the dominant messages being conveyed. The search engine Google™ was used to conduct an internet search using terms relating to birth after CS. The ten most frequently returned websites meeting relevant purposive sampling criteria were analysed. Sampling criteria were based upon funding source, authorship and intended audience. Images and written textual content together with presence of links to additional media or external web content were analysed using descriptive and thematic analyses respectively. Ten websites were analysed: five funded by Government bodies or professional membership; one via charitable donations, and four funded commercially. All sites compared the advantages and disadvantages of both repeat CS and VBAC. Commercially funded websites favoured a question and answer format alongside images, 'pop-ups', social media forum links and hyperlinks to third-party sites. The relationship between the parent sites and those being linked to may not be readily apparent to users, risking perception of endorsement of either VBAC or repeat CS whether intended or otherwise. Websites affiliated with Government or health services presented referenced clinical information in a factual manner with podcasts of real life experiences. Many imply greater support for VBAC than repeat CS although this was predominantly conveyed through subtle use of words rather than overt messages, with the exception of the latter being apparent in one site. Websites providing information on birth after CS appear to vary in nature of content according to their funding source. The most user-friendly, balanced and informative websites appear to be those funded by government agencies.

12 CFR 262.2 - Procedure for regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... matter presented or ascertained, the appropriate division of the Board's staff, in collaboration with... the Legal Division, in collaboration with the other divisions of the staff. (d) Effective dates. Any...

12 CFR 262.2 - Procedure for regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... matter presented or ascertained, the appropriate division of the Board's staff, in collaboration with... the Legal Division, in collaboration with the other divisions of the staff. (d) Effective dates. Any...

Comparative analysis of long-term outcomes of Misgav Ladach technique cesarean section and traditional cesarean section.

PubMed

Ghahiry, Ata; Rezaei, Farimah; Karimi Khouzani, Reza; Ashrafinia, Mansoor

2012-10-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate pelvic adhesions, dehiscence and chronic pelvic pain in two groups of patients who underwent different cesarean section (CS) operations. One hundred and twelve eligible patients who met our criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 52 women who had been operated at their first CS by Misgav Ladach technique and had now undergone a second CS. Group 2 consisted of 60 women who had been operated at their first CS by traditional (Pfannenstiel) technique and had now undergone a second CS. The two groups were compared for long-term outcomes, including adhesion, pelvic pain and wound dehiscence. The rate of adhesion in group 2 was 50% filmy type and 1.7% dense type. However, in group 1 the adhesion rate was 50% filmy and there was no dense type (P = 0.12). The location of adhesions were significantly different (P = 0.04). Dehiscence of uterine incision in the second group was seen in three patients but no dehiscence was found in the first group (P = 0.012). The rate of chronic pelvic pain in Misgav Ladach group (group 1) was 17.2% versus 35% in the traditional method (P = 0.01). The present results support the method of single layer suturing of the uterus and leaving the peritoneum intact in CS. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pavlovian disgust conditioning as a model for contamination-based OCD: Evidence from an analogue study

PubMed Central

Armstrong, Thomas; Olatunji, Bunmi O.

2017-01-01

Pavlovian fear conditioning provides a model for anxiety-related disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, disgust is the predominant emotional response to contamination, which is a common theme in OCD. The present study sought to identify disgust conditioning abnormalities that may underlie excessive contamination concerns relevant to OCD. Individuals high and low in contamination concern (HCC, n = 32; LCC, n = 30) completed an associative learning task in which one neutral face (conditioned stimulus; CS+) was followed by a disgusting image (unconditioned stimulus; US) and another neutral face (CS−) was unreinforced. Following this acquisition procedure, there was an extinction procedure in which both CSs were presented unreinforced. The groups did not show significant differences in discriminant responding to the CSs following acquisition. However, following extinction, the HCC group reported less reduction in their expectancy of the US following the CS+, and also reported greater disgust to the CS+, compared to the LCC group. Increased disgust to the CS+ following both acquisition and extinction was correlated with increased symptoms of contamination-based OCD and increased disgust sensitivity. Additionally, disgust sensitivity mediated group differences in disgust responding to the CS+ at acquisition and extinction. Also, failure to adjust US expectancy in response to extinction partially mediated group differences in disgust to the CS+ following extinction. Together, these findings suggest that excessive contamination concerns observed in OCD may be related to difficulty inhibiting acquired disgust, possibly due to elevated disgust sensitivity that characterizes the disorder. PMID:28391115

Signals of threat do not capture, but prioritize, attention: a conditioning approach.

PubMed

Notebaert, Lies; Crombez, Geert; Van Damme, Stefaan; De Houwer, Jan; Theeuwes, Jan

2011-02-01

Research suggests that threatening information captures attention more rapidly than neutral information. However, in most studies threat stimuli differ perceptually from neutral stimuli and are instrumental to perform the task, leaving the question unanswered whether threat is sufficient to capture attention. In experiment 1, we designed a visual search task with stimuli of equal salience (colored circles) that have the potential to lead to efficient search (10 ms/item). In experiment 2, one of the colors (conditioned stimulus, CS+) was made threatening by means of fear conditioning. Participants responded to a target presented in one of the circles. Overall, the search was faster on congruent trials (where the target was presented in the CS+) than on baseline trials (where the CS + was absent). Furthermore, the search was slower on incongruent trials (where the target was presented in another color than the CS+) than on baseline trials. The search on congruent trials was affected by set size (90 ms/item), but to a lesser extent than on baseline trials (105 ms/item). We conclude that threat prioritizes, but does not capture attention. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved.

Cross sections for direct and dissociative ionization of NH3 and CS2 by electron impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, M. V. V. S.; Srivastava, S. K.

1991-01-01

A crossed electron beam-molecular beam collision geometry is used to measure cross sections for the production of positive ions by electron impact on NH3 and CS2. Ionization cross-section data for NH3 and the values of various cross sections are presented, as well as ionization efficiency curves for CS2. Considerable differences are found between the various results on NH3. The present values are close to the data of Djuric et al. (1981). The semiempirical calculations of Hare and Meath (1987) differ considerably in the absolute values of cross sections. Discrepancies were observed in comparisons of cross sections of other fragment ions resulting from the ionization and dissociate ionization of NH3.

Massive dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma affecting whole mandible with high recurrence potential

PubMed Central

Mishra, Niranjan; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar; Agrawal, Rahul; Singh, Shreya

2015-01-01

Chondrosarcomas (CS) are slow-growing, malignant mesenchymal tumors characterized by the formation of cartilage by the tumor cells. Benign cartilage-producing tumors within the jaws are extremely uncommon, but most ultimately prove to represent low-grade CS. In the maxillofacial region, the maxilla is more commonly affected than the mandible, it comprises less than 2% of all jaw tumors. Clinically, the tumor presents as a swelling that may be painful and cause loosening of the involved teeth, with widening of the periodontal ligament space. The treatment of such lesions is wide surgical excision with regular follow up. The present report discusses the case of a 55-year-old female patient with massive multiple recurring dedifferentiated CS of mandible. PMID:27390502

Absolute frequency of cesium 6S-8S 822 nm two-photon transition by a high-resolution scheme.

PubMed

Wu, Chien-Ming; Liu, Tze-Wei; Wu, Ming-Hsuan; Lee, Ray-Kuang; Cheng, Wang-Yau

2013-08-15

We present an alternative scheme for determining the frequencies of cesium (Cs) atom 6S-8S Doppler-free transitions. With the use of a single electro-optical crystal, we simultaneously narrow the laser linewidth, lock the laser frequency, and resolve a narrow spectrum point by point. The error budget for this scheme is presented, and we prove that the transition frequency obtained from the Cs cell at room temperature and with one-layer μ-metal shielding is already very near that for the condition of zero collision and zero magnetic field. We point out that a sophisticated linewidth measurement could be a good guidance for choosing a suitable Cs cell for better frequency accuracy.

The carcinogenic action of crystalline silica: a review of the evidence supporting secondary inflammation-driven genotoxicity as a principal mechanism.

PubMed

Borm, Paul J A; Tran, Lang; Donaldson, Ken

2011-10-01

In 1987 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified crystalline silica (CS) as a probable carcinogen and in 1997 reclassified it as a Group 1 carcinogen, i.e., that there was sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals and sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in humans. The Working Group noted that "carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied, carcinogenicity may be dependent on inherent characteristics of the crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or distribution of its polymorphs." This unusual statement that the physicochemical form of the CS influences its carcinogenicity is well understood at the toxicological level and arises as a consequence of the fact that CS activity depends on the reactivity of the CS surface, which can be blocked by a number of agents. We reviewed the literature on CS genotoxicity that has been published since the 1997 monograph, with special reference to the mechanism of CS genotoxicity. The mechanism of CS genotoxicity can be primary, a result of direct interaction of CS with target cells, or indirect, as a consequence of inflammation elicited by quartz, where the inflammatory cell-derived oxidants cause the genotoxicity. The review revealed a number of papers supporting the hypothesis that the CS genotoxic and inflammatory hazard is a variable one. In an attempt to attain a quantitative basis for the potential mechanism, we carried out analysis of published data and noted a 5-fold greater dose required to reach a threshold for genotoxic effects than for proinflammatory effects in the same cell line in vitro. When we related the calculated threshold dose at the proximal alveolar region for inflammation in a published study with the threshold dose for genotoxicity in vitro, we noted that a 60-120-fold greater dose was required for direct genotoxic effects in vitro. These data strongly suggests that inflammation is the driving force for genotoxicity and that primary genotoxicity of deposited CS would play a role only at very high, possibly implausible, exposures and deposited doses. Although based on rat studies and in vitro studies, and therefore with caveats, the analysis supports the hypothesis that the mechanism of CS genotoxicity is via inflammation-driven secondary genotoxicity. This may have implications for setting of the CS standard in workplaces. During the writing of this review (in May 2009), IARC undertook a review of carcinogenic substances, including CS. The Working Group met to reassess 10 separate agents including CS. This was not a normal monograph working group published as a large single monograph, but was published as a two-page report. This review group reaffirmed the carcinogenicity of "silica dust, crystalline in the form of quartz or cristobalite" as a Group 1 agent, with the lung as the sole tumor site. Of special relevance to the present review is that the cited "established mechanism events" for CS are restricted to the words "impaired particle clearance leading to macrophage activation and persistent inflammation." The lack of mention of direct genotoxicity is in line with the conclusions reached in the present review.

Temporal and spatial variations of radioactive cesium levels in Northeast Japan following the Fukushima nuclear accident.

PubMed

Arai, Takaomi

2016-10-01

Radioactive emissions into the environment from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident led to global contamination. Radionuclides such as 131 I, 134 Cs, and 137 Cs were further transported to North America and Europe. Thus, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is a global concern for both human health and the ecosystem because a number of countries ban or impose restrictions the import of Japanese products. In the present study, three-year (May 2011 to May 2014) fluctuations and accumulations of Cs, 134 Cs, and 137 Cs in two salmonid fish, white-spotted char and masu salmon were examined in Northeast Japan. The total Cs, 134 Cs, and 137 Cs levels in the fish gradually decreased throughout the three-year studied period after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident; however, higher levels (more than 100 Bq kg -1 ) were still detected in the Fukushima prefecture and neighboring prefectures in Japan 3 years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Spatial radiocesium levels gradually decreased with increasing distance from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Fukushima prefecture). The radiocesium levels facing the Pacific Ocean area were generally higher than those facing the Sea of Japan area. These results suggest that radionuclides from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant are still widely distributed and remain in the natural environment in Northeast Japan.

Duration of the peak of adolescent growth spurt in class i and ii malocclusion subjects using a cervical vertebrae maturation analysis.

PubMed

Salazar-Lazo, Rodrigo; Arriola-Guillén, Luis E; Flores-Mir, Carlos

2014-01-01

The aim of the present work was to determine the duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt using cervical vertebral maturation analysis in class I and II malocclusion subjects. The study was conducted on a sample which consisted of 154 lateral cephalograms of children and adolescents aged 9-15 years (84 females and 70 males). The evaluation of skeletal maturation stage was performed using a visual morphological analysis of CS3 and CS4 cervical vertebrae. The sagittal skeletal relation was evaluated according to Steiner analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize chronological age in each malocclusion group and for each CS3 and CS4 skeletal maturation stage. Due to a lack of normal distribution, comparisons of CS3 and CS4 age intervals on class I and II subjects were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The results show that the mean duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt was 10 months between CS3 and CS4 stages in class I malocclusion subjects, whereas in class II malocclusion patients the duration was 6 months. This difference of 4 months was statistically significant (p<0.001). Finally, a clinically significant difference of 4 months in the duration of the adolescent peak growth spurt for class I and II malocclusion subjects was identified.

Attenuating fearful memories: effect of cued extinction on intrusions.

PubMed

Marks, Elizabeth H; Zoellner, Lori A

2014-12-01

Exposure-based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder are thought to reduce intrusive memories through extinction processes. Methods that enhance extinction may translate to improved treatment. Rat research suggests retrieving a memory via a conditioned stimulus (CS) cue, and then modifying the retrieved memory within a specific reconsolidation window may enhance extinction. In humans, studies (e.g., Kindt & Soeter, 2013; Schiller et al., 2010) using basic learning paradigms show discrepant findings. Using a distressing film paradigm, participants (N = 148) completed fear acquisition and extinction. At extinction, they were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: CS cue within reconsolidation window, CS cue outside window, or non-CS cue within window. Intrusions were assessed 24 hr after extinction. Participants receiving the CS cue and completing extinction within the reconsolidation window had more intrusions (M = 2.40, SD = 2.54) than those cued outside (M = 1.65, SD = 1.70) or those receiving a non-CS cue (M = 1.24, SD = 1.26), F(2, 145) = 4.52, p = .01, d = 0.55. Consistent with the reconsolidation hypothesis, presenting a CS cue does appear to activate a specific period of time during which a memory can be updated. However, the CS cue caused increased, rather than decreased, frequency of intrusions. Understanding parameters of preextinction cueing may help us better understand reconsolidation as a potential memory updating mechanism.

Study on C-S and P-R EOS in pseudo-potential lattice Boltzmann model for two-phase flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yong; Mao, Yun Fei; Wang, Bo; Xie, Bo

Equations of State (EOS) is crucial in simulating multiphase flows by the pseudo-potential lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). In the present study, the Peng and Robinson (P-R) and Carnahan and Starling (C-S) EOS in the pseudo-potential LBM with Exact Difference Method (EDM) scheme for two-phase flows have been compared. Both of P-R and C-S EOS have been used to study the two-phase separation, surface tension, the maximum two-phase density ratio and spurious currents. The study shows that both of P-R and C-S EOS agree with the analytical solutions although P-R EOS may perform better. The prediction of liquid phase by P-R EOS is more accurate than that of air phase and the contrary is true for C-S EOS. Predictions by both of EOS conform with the Laplace’s law. Besides, adjustment of surface tension is achieved by adjusting T. The P-R EOS can achieve larger maximum density ratio than C-S EOS under the same τ. Besides, no matter the C-S EOS or the P-R EOS, if τ tends to 0.5, the computation is prone to numerical instability. The maximum spurious current for P-R is larger than that of C-S. The multiple-relaxation-time LBM still can improve obviously the numerical stability and can achieve larger maximum density ratio.

Robustness effect of gap junctions between Golgi cells on cerebellar cortex oscillations

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Previous one-dimensional network modeling of the cerebellar granular layer has been successfully linked with a range of cerebellar cortex oscillations observed in vivo. However, the recent discovery of gap junctions between Golgi cells (GoCs), which may cause oscillations by themselves, has raised the question of how gap-junction coupling affects GoC and granular-layer oscillations. To investigate this question, we developed a novel two-dimensional computational model of the GoC-granule cell (GC) circuit with and without gap junctions between GoCs. Results Isolated GoCs coupled by gap junctions had a strong tendency to generate spontaneous oscillations without affecting their mean firing frequencies in response to distributed mossy fiber input. Conversely, when GoCs were synaptically connected in the granular layer, gap junctions increased the power of the oscillations, but the oscillations were primarily driven by the synaptic feedback loop between GoCs and GCs, and the gap junctions did not change oscillation frequency or the mean firing rate of either GoCs or GCs. Conclusion Our modeling results suggest that gap junctions between GoCs increase the robustness of cerebellar cortex oscillations that are primarily driven by the feedback loop between GoCs and GCs. The robustness effect of gap junctions on synaptically driven oscillations observed in our model may be a general mechanism, also present in other regions of the brain. PMID:22330240

Blockade of NMDA receptors blocks the acquisition of cocaine conditioned approach in rats.

PubMed

Galaj, Ewa; Seepersad, Neal; Dakmak, Zena; Ranaldi, Robert

2018-01-05

Conditioned stimuli (CSs) exert motivational effects on both adaptive and pathological reward-related behaviors, including drug taking and seeking. We developed a paradigm that allows us to investigate the neuropharmacology by which previously neutral stimuli acquire the capacity to function as CSs and elicit (intravenous) cocaine conditioned approach and used this paradigm to test the role of NMDA receptor stimulation in the acquisition of cocaine conditioned approach. Rats were injected systemically with the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, before the start of 4 consecutive conditioning sessions, each of which consisted of 20 randomly presented light/tone (CS) presentations paired with cocaine infusion contingent upon nose pokes. Rats later were subjected to a CS-only test. To test the role of NMDA receptor stimulation in the already established conditioned approach, rats were injected with MK-801 prior to the CS-only test that occurred after 18 CS-cocaine conditioning sessions. Blockade of NMDA receptors significantly impaired the acquisition of cocaine-conditioned approach as indicated by the emission of significantly fewer nose pokes and significantly longer latencies to nose poke during CS presentations. When MK-801 treatment was applied after the acquisition of conditioned approach responding it had no effect on these measures. These results suggest that NMDA receptor stimulation plays an important role in the acquisition of reward-related conditioned responses driven by intravenous cocaine-associated CSs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High risk of neonatal complications in children of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus in their first pregnancy.

PubMed

Wielandt, Hanne Benedicte; Schønemann-Rigel, Helena; Holst, Charlotte Blunck; Fenger-Grøn, Jesper

2015-06-01

THE study presents the neonatal outcome from a cohort of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in their first pregnancy. During a five-year period (2009-2013), a prospective follow-up study was performed at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Lillebaelt Hospital - Kolding. The study included 535 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. A study population of nulliparous GDM patients was sampled, and during the period from 1 January 2010 to 1 March 2013, a total of 137 women delivered for the first time. The present study population considers the 131 offspring, excluding six pairs of twins. The overwhelming majority of the offspring had a birth weight within the normal range and only six (4.6%) were large for gestational age. There were 95 (72.5%) vaginal deliveries, whereas 36 (27.5%) were born by caesarean section (CS). Nearly half of the 25 nulliparous GDM patients with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m² delivered by CS - six by emergency CS and three by planned CS. A total of 20 neonates (15.3%) developed neonatal hypoglycaemia and four (3.1%) had an Apgar score < 7 after 5 min. A total of 25 (19.1%) among the offspring were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The present study supports the notion of high-risk pregnancy among GDM patients. Compared with nulliparous in general, the offspring were more likely to be delivered by emergency CS. Despite the prophylactic procedures, one in six had neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Intercomparison of Pb-210, Cs-137, Pu-239,240 and C-14-Based Chronologies of Recent Sediments - Problems and Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baskaran, M. M.

2016-12-01

Short-lived naturally-occurring Pb-210 and anthropogenically-delivered Cs-137 are the two most extensively utilized chronometers over the time scale of less than a decade to 60 (Cs-137) to 120 yrs (Pb-210) in a variety of environment including terrestrial and aqueous systems and glaciers. Despite all the advances in the field, still major issues, we confront several issues on the robustness of their applications in these environments. Those include: i) how does the temporal and spatial variations of Pb-210 input to an aqueous environment affect the Pb-210 chronology? ii) how well we are able to quantify the multiple source inputs (atmospheric fallout, watershed erosional input, production of Pb-210 from the decay of SGD-derived Rn-222 and Ra-226, etc); iii) How well are we able to sort out a number of processes that affect the vertical profiles of both Cs-137 and Pb-210 which include sediment mixing (biological and/or physical), sediment focusing/erosion due to bottom currents and transport of sediments in subsurface environment and post-depositional mobility of Cs-137 and Pb-210. In this presentation, the following case studies will be discussed: 1) where there is excellent as well non-agreement between Pb-210 and Cs-137-based chronologies; 2) agreement between Cs-137-based chronology with historical time-marker from Hg mining, while no chronology obtainable from Pb-210; 3) agreement between five different methods of dating in a reservoir; 4) evidence of Cs-137 diffusion in some of the sediment cores, but not in all cores in a small reservoir; and 5) evidence of long-term remineralization based on a comparison of C-14-based ages with those of Pb-210, Cs-137 and Pu-239,240-based methods. We also show evidence Cs-137 diffusion based on a set of laboratory-based diffusion experiments under different pore water chemical conditions. A brief discussion on time resolution and error estimation on ages will be discussed. The challenges in the field of `Anthropocene geochronology' will be discussed. In view of the recent technological developments in gamma-ray spectrometry and ICPMS and analytical methodology for Pu analysis, the new opportunities to move forward this research area will be presented.

Contingency Awareness Shapes Acquisition and Extinction of Emotional Responses in a Conditioning Model of Pain-Related Fear.

PubMed

Labrenz, Franziska; Icenhour, Adriane; Benson, Sven; Elsenbruch, Sigrid

2015-01-01

As a fundamental learning process, fear conditioning promotes the formation of associations between predictive cues and biologically significant signals. In its application to pain, conditioning may provide important insight into mechanisms underlying pain-related fear, although knowledge especially in interoceptive pain paradigms remains scarce. Furthermore, while the influence of contingency awareness on excitatory learning is subject of ongoing debate, its role in pain-related acquisition is poorly understood and essentially unknown regarding extinction as inhibitory learning. Therefore, we addressed the impact of contingency awareness on learned emotional responses to pain- and safety-predictive cues in a combined dataset of two pain-related conditioning studies. In total, 75 healthy participants underwent differential fear acquisition, during which rectal distensions as interoceptive unconditioned stimuli (US) were repeatedly paired with a predictive visual cue (conditioned stimulus; CS(+)) while another cue (CS(-)) was presented unpaired. During extinction, both CS were presented without US. CS valence, indicating learned emotional responses, and CS-US contingencies were assessed on visual analog scales (VAS). Based on an integrative measure of contingency accuracy, a median-split was performed to compare groups with low vs. high contingency accuracy regarding learned emotional responses. To investigate predictive value of contingency accuracy, regression analyses were conducted. Highly accurate individuals revealed more pronounced negative emotional responses to CS(+) and increased positive responses to CS(-) when compared to participants with low contingency accuracy. Following extinction, highly accurate individuals had fully extinguished pain-predictive cue properties, while exhibiting persistent positive emotional responses to safety signals. In contrast, individuals with low accuracy revealed equally positive emotional responses to both, CS(+) and CS(-). Contingency accuracy predicted variance in the formation of positive responses to safety cues while no predictive value was found for danger cues following acquisition and for neither cue following extinction. Our findings underscore specific roles of learned danger and safety in pain-related acquisition and extinction. Contingency accuracy appears to distinctly impact learned emotional responses to safety and danger cues, supporting aversive learning to occur independently from CS-US awareness. The interplay of cognitive and emotional factors in shaping excitatory and inhibitory pain-related learning may contribute to altered pain processing, underscoring its clinical relevance in chronic pain.

Fabrication of chitosan/polyacrylonitrile blend and semi-IPN hydrogel with epichlorohydrin

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

Aijaz, Muhammad Omer; Haider, Sajjad, E-mail: shaider@ksu.edu.sa; Al Mubddel, Fahad S.

2015-05-22

The present study is focused on the preparation of chitosan (CS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blend and semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN). Blend CS/PAN hydrogel films (HFs) were prepared by solution blending and casting technique. CS in the blend was crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (ECH) to prepare sIPN. The developed CS/PAN blend and sIPN hydrogels were characterized with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermagravimetric analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The result showed good miscibility between CS and PAN and crosslinking of CS in the blend. The swelling of the different blended and sIPN hydrogels samples were examinedmore » at room temperature (T{sub r}). Blend (C80/P20) sample showed highest swelling (∼2400%) and fair degree of stability (∼28% until 96 h), whereas sIPN hydrogel exhibited relatively low degree of swelling (∼244%) and high degree of aqueous (∼85 % until 96 h), and thermal (onset temperature 304°C) stabilities.« less

pH-controlled doxorubicin anticancer loading and release from carbon nanotube noncovalently modified by chitosan: MD simulations.

PubMed

Rungnim, Chompoonut; Rungrotmongkol, Thanyada; Poo-Arporn, Rungtiva P

2016-11-01

In the present study, we describe here the pH condition activating doxorubicin (DOX) anticancer drugs loading and release over single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) non-covalently wrapped with chitosan (CS). The possibility of drug displacement on DOX/CS/SWNT nanocarrier was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The drug loading and release were monitored via displacement analysis and binding energy calculations. The simulated results clearly showed that the drugs well interacted with the CS/SWNT at physiological pH (pH 7.4), where CS was in the deprotonated form. Contrastingly, in weakly acidic environments (pH 5.0-6.5) which is a pH characteristics of certain cancer environments, the protonated CS became loosen wrapped around the SWNT and triggered drugs release as a result of charge-charge repulsion between CS and drug molecules. The obtained data fulfil the understanding at atomic level of drug loading and release controlled by pH-sensitive polymer, which might be useful for further cancer therapy researches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C and RB Fountains:. Recent Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bize, S.; Sortais, Y.; Abgrall, M.; Zhang, S.; Calonico, D.; Mandache, C.; Lemonde, P.; Laurent, P.; Santarelli, G.; Salomon, C.; Clairon, A.; Luiten, A.; Tobar, M.

2002-04-01

We discuss the present performance and limits of our Cs and Rb fountains. The BNM/LPTF operates three cold atom clocks: two Cs fountains and a dual Cs-Rb fountain. By using an ultra-stable cryogenic sapphire oscillator to interrogate the atoms the frequency stability reaches 3.6 × 10-14τ-1/2. The accuracy of our fountains is now near 10-15. We discuss here the problems to be solved to reach a 10-16 accuracy. For instance this implies a continuous monitoring of the collisional frequency shift at the percent level in Cs. In contrast, 87Rb cold atom clocks exhibit a collisional shift ~ 100 times smaller than Cs which should lead to a better ultimate accuracy. Comparing the hyperfine energies of atoms with different atomic numbers Z, one can search for a possible violation of the Einstein Equivalence Principle. When interpreted as a test of the stability of the fine structure constant (α = e2/4πγ0ħc), measurements of the ratio νRb/νCs spread over a two year interval show no change of α at the 7 × 10-15/year level.

Assessment of the genotoxicity of 137Cs radiation using Vicia-micronucleus, Tradescantia-micronucleus and Tradescantia-stamen-hair mutation bioassays.

PubMed

Minouflet, Marion; Ayrault, Sophie; Badot, Pierre-Marie; Cotelle, Sylvie; Ferard, Jean-François

2005-01-01

Since the middle of the 20th century, ionizing radiations from radioactive isotopes including 137Cs have been investigated to determine their genotoxic impact on living organisms. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of three plant bioassays to assess DNA damage induced by low doses of 137Cs: Vicia-micronucleus test (Vicia-MCN), Tradescantia-micronucleus test (Trad-MCN) and Tradescantia-stamen-hair mutation test (Trad-SH) were used. Vicia faba (broad bean) and Tradescantia clone 4430 (spiderwort) were exposed to 137Cs according to different scenarios: external and internal (contamination) irradiations. Experiments were conducted with various levels of radioactivity in solution or in soil, using solid or liquid 137Cs sources. The three bioassays showed different sensitivities to the treatments. Trad-MCN appeared to be the most sensitive test (significative response from 1.5 kBq/200 ml after 30 h of contamination). Moreover, at comparable doses, internal irradiations led to larger effects for the three bioassays. These bioassays are effective tests for assessing the genotoxic effects of radioactive 137Cs pollution.

Topological and morphological analysis of gamma rays irradiated chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol) blends using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Rinkesh; Bisen, D. S.; Bajpai, R.; Bajpai, A. K.

2017-04-01

In the present communication, binary blends of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by solution cast method and the roughness parameters of PVA, native CS and CS-PVA blend films were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, the changes in the morphology of the samples were also investigated after irradiation of gamma rays at absorbed dose of 1 Mrad and 10 Mrad for the scanning areas of 5×5 μm2, 10×10 μm2 and 20×20 μm2. Amplitude, statistical and spatial parameters, including line, 3D and 2D image profiles of the experimental surfaces were examined and compared to un-irradiated samples. For gamma irradiated CS-PVA blends the larger waviness over the surface was found as compared to un-irradiated CS-PVA blends but the values of average roughness for both the films were found almost same. The coefficient of skewness was positive for gamma irradiated CS-PVA blends which revealed the presence of more peaks than valleys on the blend surfaces.

Mediating factors in martial arts and combat sports: an analysis of the type of martial art, characteristics, and social background of young participants.

PubMed

Vertonghen, Jikkemien; Theeboom, Marc; Pieter, Willy

2014-02-01

To date, most studies regarding the social-psychological effects of martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) on young people focus on measuring effects without considering mediating factors. The aim of the present study was to analyze three mediating factors that might be influential when examining outcomes of MA&CS for youth (i.e., the type of MA&CS, participants' characteristics, and social background). Young MA&CS participants (N = 477, M age = 14.0 yr., SD = 2.13) practicing judo, aikido, kick-/Thai boxing or karate, as well as their parents (N = 307), were assessed in terms of their goal orientations, aggressiveness, psychosocial behavior, and social background. It was concluded that differences exist in the characteristics and social background of participants depending on the type of MA&CS being practiced. The fact that differences in these mediating factors can be identified indicates that in future research these and possible other mediating factors should be considered when trying to determine social-psychological outcomes of MA&CS.

Uncovering human METTL12 as a mitochondrial methyltransferase that modulates citrate synthase activity through metabolite-sensitive lysine methylation.

PubMed

Małecki, Jędrzej; Jakobsson, Magnus E; Ho, Angela Y Y; Moen, Anders; Rustan, Arild C; Falnes, Pål Ø

2017-10-27

Lysine methylation is an important and much-studied posttranslational modification of nuclear and cytosolic proteins but is present also in mitochondria. However, the responsible mitochondrial lysine-specific methyltransferases (KMTs) remain largely elusive. Here, we investigated METTL12, a mitochondrial human S -adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferase and found it to methylate a single protein in mitochondrial extracts, identified as citrate synthase (CS). Using several in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrated that METTL12 methylates CS on Lys-395, which is localized in the CS active site. Interestingly, the METTL12-mediated methylation inhibited CS activity and was blocked by the CS substrate oxaloacetate. Moreover, METTL12 was strongly inhibited by the reaction product S -adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). In summary, we have uncovered a novel human mitochondrial KMT that introduces a methyl modification into a metabolic enzyme and whose activity can be modulated by metabolic cues. Based on the established naming nomenclature for similar enzymes, we suggest that METTL12 be renamed CS-KMT (gene name CSKMT ). © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Bioadhesive chitosan-coated cyclodextrin-based superamolecular nanomicelles to enhance the oral bioavailability of doxorubicin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuhai; Zhai, Yinglei; Han, Xiaopeng; Liu, Xiaohong; Liu, Wanjun; Wu, Chunnuan; Li, Lin; Du, Yuqian; Lian, He; Wang, Yongjun; He, Zhonggui; Sun, Jin

2014-10-01

In order to improve the oral bioavailability of doxorubicin (Dox), a novel bioadhesive nanomicelle based on host-guest interaction was developed in this study. Hyaluronic acid-linked β-cyclodextrin (HA-CD) was synthesized. The primary nanomicelles were formed through the self-assemble of HA-CD and retinoic acid (RA) which was included as the hydrophobic core to anchor CD cavity by host-guest interaction. Chitosan (CS) was then coated on the surface of primary nanomicelles by ionic interaction with the negatively charged HA. The critical micellar concentration of HA-CD-RA was as low as 22.5 μg/mL. Dox was successfully encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of CS-coated HA-CD-RA nanomicelles (CS/HA-CD-RA-Dox), with encapsulation efficiency as high as 89.2 %. The CS/HA-CD-RA-Dox particle size was 234 nm and was stable over 30 days. In vitro Dox release showed that CS/HA-CD-RA nanomicelles were more sustained than HA-CD-RA nanomicelles, and Dox encapsulated into CS-coated nanomicelles was stable at low pH. The in situ single pass intestinal perfusion revealed that encapsulation of Dox into CS/HA-CD-RA nanomicelles could significantly improve the intestinal permeability of Dox. The mucoadhesion results indicated that the retention percentage of CS/HA-CD-RA nanomicelles was significantly higher than that of HA-CD-RA nanomicelles in gastrointestinal tract. In vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed that AUC(0-∞) of CS/HA-CD-RA nanomicelles was about fourfold higher than that of Dox solution. The present study suggested that CS/HA-CD-RA nanomicelles as biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioadhesive nanostructure can be a promising nanocarrier in improving the bioavailability of anticancer drugs to facilitate the oral chemotherapy.

Uptake of 40K and 137Cs in native plants of the Marshall Islands.

PubMed

Simon, S L; Graham, J C; Terp, S D

2002-01-01

Uptake of 137Cs and 40K was studied in seven native plant species of the Marshall Islands. Plant and soil samples were obtained across a broad range of soil 137Cs concentrations (0.08-3900 Bq/kg) and a narrower range of 40K soil concentrations (2.3-55 Bq/kg), but with no systematic variation of 40K relative to 137Cs. Potassium-40 concentrations in plants varied little within the range of 40K soil concentrations observed. Unlike the case for 40K, 137Cs concentrations increased in plants with increasing 137Cs soil concentrations though not precisely in a proportionate manner. The best-fit relationship between soil and plant concentrations was P = aSb where a and b are regression coefficients and P and S are plant and soil concentrations, respectively. The exponent b for 40K was zero, implying plant concentrations were a single value, while b for 137Cs varied between 0.51 and 0.82, depending on the species. For both 40K and 137Cs, we observed a decreasing concentration ratio (where concentration ratio=plant concentration/soil concentration) with increasing soil concentrations. For the CR values, the best-fit relationship was of the form CR = aSb/S = aSb(-1). For the 40K CR functions, the exponent b - 1 was close to - 1 for all species. For the 137Cs CR functions, the exponent b - 1 varied from -0.19 to -0.48. The findings presented here, aswell as those by other investigators, collectively argue against the usefulness of simplistic ratio models to accurately predict uptake of either 40K or 137Cs in plants over wide ranges of soil concentration.

Molecular dissection of placental malaria protein VAR2CSA interaction with a chemo-enzymatically synthesized chondroitin sulfate library.

PubMed

Sugiura, Nobuo; Clausen, Thomas Mandel; Shioiri, Tatsumasa; Gustavsson, Tobias; Watanabe, Hideto; Salanti, Ali

2016-12-01

Placental malaria, a serious infection caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, is characterized by the selective accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the placentas of the pregnant women. Placental adherence is mediated by the malarial VAR2CSA protein, which interacts with chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans present in the placental tissue. CS is a linear acidic polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine that are modified by sulfate groups at different positions. Previous reports have shown that placental-adhering IEs were associated with an unusually low sulfated form of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and that a partially sulfated dodecasaccharide is the minimal motif for the interaction. However, the fine molecular structure of this CS chain remains unclear. In this study, we have characterized the CS chain that interacts with a recombinant minimal CS-binding region of VAR2CSA (rVAR2) using a CS library of various defined lengths and sulfate compositions. The CS library was chemo-enzymatically synthesized with bacterial chondroitin polymerase and recombinant CS sulfotransferases. We found that C-4 sulfation of the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residue is critical for supporting rVAR2 binding, whereas no other sulfate modifications showed effects. Interaction of rVAR2 with CS is highly correlated with the degree of C-4 sulfation and CS chain length. We confirmed that the minimum structure binding to rVAR2 is a tri-sulfated CSA dodecasaccharide, and found that a highly sulfated CSA eicosasaccharide is a more potent inhibitor of rVAR2 binding than the dodecasaccharides. These results suggest that CSA derivatives may potentially serve as targets in therapeutic strategies against placental malaria.

Chronic stress accelerates ligature-induced periodontitis by suppressing glucocorticoid receptor-α signaling.

PubMed

Lu, Huaixiu; Xu, Minguang; Wang, Feng; Liu, Shisen; Gu, Jing; Lin, Songshan; Zhao, Lisheng

2016-03-25

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress (CS) might modulate periodontal disease, but there are few models of CS-induced periodontitis, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study established a rat model of periodontitis associated with CS induced by nylon thread ligatures. The severity of periodontitis was evaluated in this model by radiographic and pathological examination. The inflammatory reaction indicated by the elevated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and glucocorticoid receptor-α (GR-α) expressions were detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR and western blotting. Open-field tests and serum corticosterone were used to evaluate CS. The results showed that CS induced behavioral changes and increased corticosterone levels of the animals with periodontitis. CS stimulation markedly increased alveolar bone loss, periodontal pocket depth and the number of plaques. It also enhanced the inflammatory reaction. These results suggest that CS accelerated the ligature-induced pathological changes associated with periodontitis. Further analysis of the mechanisms involved showed that GR-α expression was significantly downregulated in periodontal tissues of the animals undergoing CS. Blocking GR-α signaling in lipopolysaccharide and corticosteroid-treated human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells in vitro significantly upregulated the expression of p-Akt (protein kinase B) and TLR4, promoted nuclear factor-κB activity and increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. This research suggests that CS might accelerate the pathological progression of periodontitis by a GR-α signaling-mediated inflammatory response and that this may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontal disease, particularly in patients with CS.

Chronic stress accelerates ligature-induced periodontitis by suppressing glucocorticoid receptor-α signaling

PubMed Central

Lu, Huaixiu; Xu, Minguang; Wang, Feng; Liu, Shisen; Gu, Jing; Lin, Songshan; Zhao, Lisheng

2016-01-01

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress (CS) might modulate periodontal disease, but there are few models of CS-induced periodontitis, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study established a rat model of periodontitis associated with CS induced by nylon thread ligatures. The severity of periodontitis was evaluated in this model by radiographic and pathological examination. The inflammatory reaction indicated by the elevated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and glucocorticoid receptor-α (GR-α) expressions were detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR and western blotting. Open-field tests and serum corticosterone were used to evaluate CS. The results showed that CS induced behavioral changes and increased corticosterone levels of the animals with periodontitis. CS stimulation markedly increased alveolar bone loss, periodontal pocket depth and the number of plaques. It also enhanced the inflammatory reaction. These results suggest that CS accelerated the ligature-induced pathological changes associated with periodontitis. Further analysis of the mechanisms involved showed that GR-α expression was significantly downregulated in periodontal tissues of the animals undergoing CS. Blocking GR-α signaling in lipopolysaccharide and corticosteroid-treated human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells in vitro significantly upregulated the expression of p-Akt (protein kinase B) and TLR4, promoted nuclear factor-κB activity and increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. This research suggests that CS might accelerate the pathological progression of periodontitis by a GR-α signaling-mediated inflammatory response and that this may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontal disease, particularly in patients with CS. PMID:27012709

Microsphere-based scaffolds encapsulating chondroitin sulfate or decellularized cartilage

PubMed Central

Gupta, Vineet; Tenny, Kevin M; Barragan, Marilyn; Berkland, Cory J; Detamore, Michael S

2016-01-01

Extracellular matrix materials such as decellularized cartilage (DCC) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) may be attractive chondrogenic materials for cartilage regeneration. The goal of the current study was to investigate the effects of encapsulation of DCC and CS in homogeneous microsphere-based scaffolds, and to test the hypothesis that encapsulation of these extracellular matrix materials would induce chondrogenesis of rat bone marrow stromal cells. Four different types of homogeneous scaffolds were fabricated from microspheres of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid): Blank (poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) only; negative control), transforming growth factor-β3 encapsulated (positive control), DCC encapsulated, and CS encapsulated. These scaffolds were then seeded with rat bone marrow stromal cells and cultured for 6 weeks. The DCC and CS encapsulation altered the morphological features of the microspheres, resulting in higher porosities in these groups. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were impacted due to differences in the degree of sintering, with the CS group exhibiting the highest compressive modulus. Biochemical evidence suggested a mitogenic effect of DCC and CS encapsulation on rat bone marrow stromal cells with the matrix synthesis boosted primarily by the inherently present extracellular matrix components. An important finding was that the cell seeded CS and DCC groups at week 6 had up to an order of magnitude higher glycosaminoglycan contents than their acellular counterparts. Gene expression results indicated a suppressive effect of DCC and CS encapsulation on rat bone marrow stromal cell chondrogenesis with differences in gene expression patterns existing between the DCC and CS groups. Overall, DCC and CS were easily included in microsphere-based scaffolds; however, there is a requirement to further refine their concentrations to achieve the differentiation profiles we seek in vitro. PMID:27358376

Chemosaturation with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Unresectable Isolated Hepatic Metastases from Sarcoma

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

Deneve, Jeremiah L., E-mail: Jeremiah.Deneve@Moffitt.org; Choi, Junsung; Gonzalez, Ricardo J.

Purpose: Treatment of patients with unresectable liver metastases is challenging. Regional therapies to the liver have been developed that maximize treatment of the localized disease process without systemic toxic adverse effects. We discuss the procedural aspects of liver chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (CS-PHP). Methods: We present as an illustration of this technique a case report of the treatment of unresectable metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the liver. Results: A randomized phase III trial for unresectable liver metastases from melanoma was recently completed comparing CS-PHP with melphalan vs. best alternative care (BAC). When compared with BAC, CS-PHP was associated with a significantmore » improvement in hepatic progression-free survival (8.0 months CS-PHP vs. 1.6 months BAC, p < 0.0001) and overall progression-free survival (6.7 months CS-PHP vs. 1.6 months BAC, p < 0.0001), respectively. On the basis of these results, and given our experience as one of the treating institutions for this phase III trial, we appealed for compassionate use of CS-PHP in a patient with isolated bilobar unresectable hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma. Four target lesions were identified and monitored to assess treatment response. A total of 4 CS-PHP procedures were performed, with a 25 % reduction in size of the largest lesion observed and 16 month hepatic progression-free survival. Toxicity was mild (neutropenia) and manageable on an outpatient basis. Conclusion: CS-PHP offers several advantages for unresectable hepatic sarcoma metastases. CS-PHP is minimally invasive and repeatable, and it has a predictable and manageable systemic toxicity profile. For appropriately selected patients, CS-PHP can delay tumor progression and could potentially improve survival.« less

Electronic structure and optical properties of Cs2HgI4: Experimental study and band-structure DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavrentyev, A. A.; Gabrelian, B. V.; Vu, V. T.; Shkumat, P. N.; Myronchuk, G. L.; Khvyshchun, M.; Fedorchuk, A. O.; Parasyuk, O. V.; Khyzhun, O. Y.

2015-04-01

High-quality single crystal of cesium mercury tetraiodide, Cs2HgI4, has been synthesized by the vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger method and its crystal structure has been refined. In addition, electronic structure and optical properties of Cs2HgI4 have been studied. For the crystal under study, X-ray photoelectron core-level and valence-band spectra for pristine and Ar+-ion irradiated surfaces have been measured. The present X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that the Cs2HgI4 single crystal surface is very sensitive with respect to Ar+ ion-irradiation. In particular, Ar+ bombardment of the single crystal surface alters the elemental stoichiometry of the Cs2HgI4 surface. To elucidate peculiarities of the energy distribution of the electronic states within the valence-band and conduction-band regions of the Cs2HgI4 compound, we have performed first-principles band-structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) as incorporated in the WIEN2k package. Total and partial densities of states for Cs2HgI4 have been calculated. The DFT calculations reveal that the I p states make the major contributions in the upper portion of the valence band, while the Hg d, Cs p and I s states are the dominant contributors in its lower portion. Temperature dependence of the light absorption coefficient and specific electrical conductivity has been explored for Cs2HgI4 in the temperature range of 77-300 K. Main optical characteristics of the Cs2HgI4 compound have been elucidated by the first-principles calculations.

2017 T Division Lightning Talks

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

Ramsey, Marilyn Leann; Abeywardhana, Jayalath AMM; Adams, Colin Mackenzie

All members of the T Division Community, students, staff members, group leaders, division management, and other interested individuals are invited to come and support the following student(s) as they present their Lightning Talks.

Holographic entanglement for Chern-Simons terms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azeyanagi, Tatsuo; Loganayagam, R.; Ng, Gim Seng

2017-02-01

We derive the holographic entanglement entropy contribution from pure and mixed gravitational Chern-Simons(CS) terms in AdS2 k+1. This is done through two different methods: first, by a direct evaluation of CS action in a holographic replica geometry and second by a descent of Dong's derivation applied to the corresponding anomaly polynomial. In lower dimensions ( k = 1 , 2), the formula coincides with the Tachikawa formula for black hole entropy from gravitational CS terms. New extrinsic curvature corrections appear for k ≥ 3: we give explicit and concise expressions for the two pure gravitational CS terms in AdS7 and present various consistency checks, including agreements with the black hole entropy formula when evaluated at the bifurcation surface.

Simulated Biomass Retrieval from the Spaceborne Tomographic SAOCOM-CS Mission at L-Band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blomberg, Erik; Soja, Maciej J.; Ferro-Famil, Laurent; Ulander, Lars M. H.; Tebaldini, Stefano

2016-08-01

This paper presents an evaluation of above-ground biomass (ABG) retrieval in boreal forests using simulated tomographic synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data corresponding to the future SAOCOM-CS (L-band 1.275 GHz) mission. Using forest and radar data from the BioSAR 2008 campaign at the Krycklan test site in northern Sweden the expected performance of SAOCOM-CS is evaluated and compared with the E-SAR airborne L- band SAR (1.300 GHz). It is found that SAOCOM-CS data produce retrievals on par with those obtained with E-SAR, with retrievals having a relative RMSE of 30% or less. This holds true even if the acquisitions are limited to a single polarization, with HH results shown as an example.

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

Tumurugoti, P.; Clark, B.M.; Edwards, D.J.

Hollandite-rich multiphase waste form compositions processed by melt-solidification and spark plasma sintering (SPS) were characterized, compared, and validated for nuclear waste incorporation. Phase identification by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) confirmed hollandite as the major phase present in these samples along with perovskite, pyrochlore and zirconolite. Distribution of selected elements observed by wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) maps indicated that Cs formed a secondary phase during SPS processing, which was considered undesirable. On the other hand, Cs partitioned into the hollandite phase in melt-processed samples. Further analysis of hollandite structure in melt-processed composition by selected area electron diffractionmore » (SAED) revealed ordered arrangement of tunnel ions (Ba/Cs) and vacancies, suggesting efficient Cs incorporation into the lattice.« less

Cognitive restructuring and exposure with a compulsive washer: a test of reciprocal inhibition.

PubMed

Giles, T R

1982-09-01

Reciprocal inhibition was tested with a compulsive washer using the affect elicited by rational self-statements as the response competitor to anxiety. Three conditions, CS alone, CS plus irrational self-statements, and CS plus rational self-statements, were randomly and continuously repeated over six trials. The CS was presented both imaginally and in vivo. It was hypothesized: (1) that subjective anxiety in all conditions would substantially diminish by the experiment's end; (2) that the rational self-statement condition would reduce (inhibit) subjective anxiety to a significantly greater degree than the other two conditions; and (3) that significant anxiety reduction would occur only during the rational restructuring trials. All three hypotheses were supported by the results.

Suitability of Biomorphic Silicon Carbide Ceramics as Drug Delivery Systems against Bacterial Biofilms

PubMed Central

Díaz-Rodríguez, P.; Pérez-Estévez, A.; Seoane, R.; González, P.; Serra, J.; Landin, M.

2013-01-01

The present work is aimed at getting a new insight into biomorphic silicon carbides (bioSiCs) as bone replacement materials. BioSiCs from a variety of precursors were produced, characterized, and loaded with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The capacity of loaded bioSiCs for preventing and/or treating preformed S. aureus biofilms has been studied. The differences in precursor characteristics are maintained after the ceramic production process. All bioSiCs allow the loading process by capillarity, giving loaded materials with drug release profiles dependent on their microstructure. The amount of antibiotic released in liquid medium during the first six hours depends on bioSiC porosity, but it could exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of Staphylococcus aureus, for all the materials studied, thus preventing the proliferation of bacteria. Differences in the external surface and the number and size of open external pores of bioSiCs contribute towards the variations in the effect against bacteria when experiments are carried out using solid media. The internal structure and surface properties of all the systems seem to facilitate the therapeutic activity of the antibiotic on the preformed biofilms, reducing the number of viable bacteria present in the biofilm compared to controls. PMID:23936680

Developmental differences in aversive conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement: A study with children, adolescents, and adults.

PubMed

Waters, Allison M; Theresiana, Cindy; Neumann, David L; Craske, Michelle G

2017-07-01

This study investigated developmental differences in aversive conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement (i.e., the recovery of conditioned aversive associations following reexposure to the unconditioned stimulus [US] post-extinction). This study examined these mechanisms in children (M age =8.8years), adolescents (M age =16.1years), and adults (M age =32.3years) using differential aversive conditioning with a geometric shape conditional stimulus (CS+) paired with an aversive sound US and another shape (CS-) presented alone. Following an extinction phase in which both CSs were presented alone, half of the participants in each age group received three US exposures (reinstatement condition) and the other half did not (control condition), followed by all participants completing an extinction retest phase on the same day. Findings indicated (a) significant differences in generalizing aversive expectancies to safe stimuli during conditioning and extinction that persisted during retest in children relative to adults and adolescents, (b) significantly less positive CS reevaluations during extinction that persisted during retest in adolescents relative to adults and children, and (c) reinstatement of US expectancies to the CS+ relative to the CS- in all age groups. Results suggest important differences in stimulus safety learning in children and stimulus valence reevaluation in adolescents relative to adults. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vivo effects of chronic contamination with 137 cesium on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis.

PubMed

Grignard, Elise; Guéguen, Yann; Grison, Stéphane; Lobaccaro, Jean-Marc A; Gourmelon, Patrick; Souidi, Maâmar

2008-09-01

More than 20 years after Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, radionuclides are still mainly bound to the organic soil layers. The radiation exposure is dominated by the external exposure to gamma-radiation following the decay of (137)Cs and by soil-to-plant-to-human transfer of (137)Cs into the food chain. Because of this persistence of contamination with (137)Cs, questions regarding public health for people living in contaminated areas were raised. We investigated the biological effects of chronic exposure to (137)Cs on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis metabolisms in rat. Animals were exposed to radionuclide in their drinking water for 9 months at a dose of 6,500 Bq/l (610 Bq/kg/day). Cesium contamination decreases the level of circulating 17beta-estradiol, and increases corticosterone level. In testis, several nuclear receptors messenger expression is disrupted; levels of mRNA encoding Liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) and LXRbeta are increased, whereas farnesoid X receptor mRNA presents a lower level. Adrenal metabolism presents a paradoxical decrease in cyp11a1 gene expression. In conclusion, our results show for the first time molecular and hormonal modifications in testicular and adrenal steroidogenic metabolism, induced by chronic contamination with low doses of (137)Cs.

Exposure to histone deacetylase inhibitors during Pavlovian conditioning enhances subsequent cue-induced reinstatement of operant behavior.

PubMed

Ploense, Kyle L; Kerstetter, Kerry A; Wade, Matthew A; Woodward, Nicholas C; Maliniak, Dan; Reyes, Michael; Uchizono, Russell S; Bredy, Timothy W; Kippin, Tod E

2013-06-01

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) strengthen memory following fear conditioning and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Here, we examined the effects of two nonspecific HDACIs, valproic acid (VPA) and sodium butyrate (NaB), on appetitive learning measured by conditioned stimulus (CS)-induced reinstatement of operant responding. Rats were trained to lever press for food reinforcement and then injected with VPA (50-200 mg/kg, i.p.), NaB (250-1000 mg/kg, i.p.), or saline vehicle (1.0 ml/kg), 2 h before receiving pairings of noncontingent presentation of food pellets preceded by a tone+light cue CS. Rats next underwent extinction of operant responding followed by response-contingent re-exposure to the CS. Rats receiving VPA (100 mg/kg) or NaB (1000 mg/kg) before conditioning displayed significantly higher cue-induced reinstatement than did saline controls. Rats that received either vehicle or VPA (100 mg/kg) before a conditioning session with a randomized relation between presentation of food pellets and the CS failed to show subsequent cue-induced reinstatement with no difference between the two groups. These findings indicate that, under certain contexts, HDACIs strengthen memory formation by specifically increasing the associative strength of the CS, not through an increasing motivation to seek reinforcement. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Exposure to histone deacetylase inhibitors during Pavlovian conditioning enhances subsequent cue-induced reinstatement of operant behavior

PubMed Central

Ploense, Kyle L.; Kerstetter, Kerry A.; Wade, Matthew A.; Woodward, Nicholas C.; Maliniak, Dan; Reyes, Michael; Uchizono, Russell S.; Bredy, Timothy W.; Kippin, Tod E.

2014-01-01

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) strengthen memory following fear conditioning and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Here, we examined the effects of two non-specific HDACIs, valproic acid (VPA) and sodium butyrate (NaB), on appetitive learning measured via conditioned stimulus (CS)-induced reinstatement of operant responding. Rats were trained to lever press for food reinforcement and then injected with VPA (50–200 mg/kg, i.p.), NaB (250–1000 mg/kg, i.p.), or saline vehicle (1.0 ml/kg), 2h before receiving pairings of noncontingent presentation of food pellets preceded by a tone+light cue CS. Rats next underwent extinction of operant responding followed by response-contingent re-exposure to the CS. Rats receiving VPA (100 mg/kg) or NaB (1000 mg/kg) prior to conditioning displayed significantly higher cue-induced reinstatement than did saline controls. Rats that receiving either vehicle or VPA (100 mg/kg) prior to a conditioning session with a randomized relation between presentation of food pellets and the CS failed to show subsequent cue-induced reinstatement with no difference between the two groups. These findings indicate that, under certain contexts, HDACIs strengthen memory formation by specifically increasing the associative strength of the CS, not through an increasing motivation to seek reinforcement. PMID:23604166

Reinstatement in Honeybees Is Context-Dependent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plath, Jenny Aino; Felsenberg, Johannes; Eisenhardt, Dorothea

2012-01-01

During extinction animals experience that the previously learned association between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an unconditioned stimulus (US) no longer holds true. Accordingly, the conditioned response (CR) to the CS decreases. This decrease of the CR can be reversed by presentation of the US alone following extinction, a phenomenon termed…

Robust Methods for Sensing and Reconstructing Sparse Signals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrillo, Rafael E.

2012-01-01

Compressed sensing (CS) is an emerging signal acquisition framework that goes against the traditional Nyquist sampling paradigm. CS demonstrates that a sparse, or compressible, signal can be acquired using a low rate acquisition process. Since noise is always present in practical data acquisition systems, sensing and reconstruction methods are…

Expression profiles of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Clonorchis sinensis: a glycolytic enzyme with plasminogen binding capacity.

PubMed

Hu, Yue; Zhang, Erhong; Huang, Lisi; Li, Wenfang; Liang, Pei; Wang, Xiaoyun; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2014-12-01

Globally, 15-20 million people are infected with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) which results in clonorchiasis. In China, clonorchiasis is considered to be one of the fastest-growing food-borne parasitic diseases. That more key molecules of C. sinensis are characterized will be helpful to understand biology and pathogenesis of the carcinogenic liver fluke. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDHs) from many species have functions other than their catalytic role in glycolysis. In the present study, we analyzed the sequence and structure of GAPDH from C. sinensis (CsGAPDH) by using bioinformatics tools and obtained its recombinant protein by prokaryotic expression system, to learn its expression profiles and molecular property. CsGAPDH could bind to human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cell in vivo and in vitro by the method of immunofluorescence assays. CsGAPDH also disturbed in lumen of biliary tract near to the parasite in the liver of infected rat. Western blotting analysis together with immunofluorescence assay indicated that CsGAPDH was a component of excretory/secretory proteins (CsESPs) and a surface-localized protein of C. sinensis. Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) and Western blotting demonstrated that CsGAPDHs are expressed at the life stages of adult worm, metacercaria, and egg, but the expression levels were different from each other. Recombinant CsGAPDH (rCsGAPDH) was confirmed to have the capacity to catalyze the conversion of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to D-glycerate 1,3-bisphosphate which was inhibited by AMP in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rCsGAPDH was able to interact with human plasminogen in a dose-dependent manner by ELISA. The interaction could be inhibited by lysine. The plasminogen binding capacity of rCsGAPDH along with the distribution of CsGAPDH in vivo and in the liver of C. sinensis-infected rat hinted that surface-localized CsGAPDH might play an important role in host invasion of the worm besides its glycolytic activity. Our work will be a cornerstone for getting more messages about CsGAPDH and its role in biology and parasitism of C. sinensis.

Mass spectrometry for the determination of fission products 135Cs, 137Cs and 90Sr: A review of methodology and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Wenting; Zheng, Jian; Liu, Xuemei; Long, Kaiming; Hu, Sheng; Uchida, Shigeo

2016-05-01

The radioactive fission products 135Cs, 137Cs and 90Sr have been released into the environment by human activities such as nuclear weapon tests, nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear power plant accidents. Monitoring of these radionuclides is important for dose assessment. Moreover, the 135Cs/137Cs isotopic ratio can be used as an important long-term fingerprint for radioactive source identification as it varies with weapon, reactor and fuel types. In recent years, mass spectrometry has become a powerful method for the determination of 135Cs, 137Cs and 90Sr in environmental samples. Mass spectrometry is characterized by the high sensitivity and low detection limit and the relatively shorter sample preparation and analysis times compared with radiometric methods. However, the mass spectrometric determination of radiocesium and 90Sr is affected by the peak tailings of the stable nuclides 133Cs and 88Sr, respectively, and the related isobaric and polyatomic interferences. Chemical separation and optimization of the mass spectrometry instrumental setup are strongly needed prior to the mass spectrometry detection. In this paper, we have reviewed the published works about the determination of 135Cs, 137Cs and 90Sr by mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric techniques we cover are resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS), thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For each technique, the principles or strategies used for the analysis of these radionuclides are discussed; these included the abundance sensitivity, ways to suppress the interference signals, and the instrumental setup. In particular, the chemical procedures for eliminating the interferences are also summarized. To date, triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) showed great ability for the analysis of these radionuclides and the detection limits were as low as 0.01 pg/mL levels. Finally, some investigations on the behaviors of radiocesium and radioactive source identifications are presented with the results of 135Cs/137Cs isotopic ratios measured in various environmental samples.

Preparation and evaluation of cyclosporin A-containing proliposomes: a comparison of the supercritical antisolvent process with the conventional film method

PubMed Central

Karn, Pankaj Ranjan; Jin, Su-Eon; Lee, Benjamin Joon; Sun, Bo Kyung; Kim, Min-Soo; Sung, Jong-Hyuk; Hwang, Sung-Joo

2014-01-01

Objectives The objectives of this study were to prepare cyclosporin A (CsA)-containing proliposomes using the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process and the conventional thin film method for the comparative study of proliposomal formulations and to evaluate the physicochemical properties of these proliposomes. Methods CsA-containing proliposomes were prepared by the SAS process and the conventional film method, composed of natural and synthetic phospholipids. We investigated particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of CsA-containing proliposomes. In addition, both production yield and entrapment efficiency of CsA in different proliposomes were analyzed. Physicochemical properties of CsA-containing proliposomes were also evaluated, using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The morphology and size of CsA-containing proliposomes were confirmed, using scanning electron microscopy. We checked the in vitro release of CsA from CsA-containing proliposomes prepared by different preparation methods, comparing them with Restasis® as a positive control and the stability of SAS-mediated proliposomes was also studied. Results CsA-containing proliposomes formed by the SAS process had a relatively smaller particle size, with a narrow size distribution and spherical particles compared with those of conventionally prepared proliposomes. The yield and entrapment efficiency of CsA in all proliposomes varied from 85% to 92% and from 86% to 89%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the anhydrous lactose powder used in this formulation retained its crystalline form and that CsA was present in an amorphous form. Proliposome powders were rapidly converted to liposomes on contact with water. The in vitro release study of proliposomal formulations demonstrated a similar pattern to Restasis®. The SAS-mediated CsA-containing proliposomes were stable on storage, with no significant changes in particle size, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency. Conclusion These results show promising features of CsA-containing proliposomal formulations, using the SAS process for the large-scale industrial application. PMID:25395846

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate presenting with Cushing Syndrome. A narrative review of an uncommon condition.

PubMed

Rueda-Camino, José Antonio; Losada-Vila, Beatriz; De Ancos-Aracil, Cristina Lucía; Rodríguez-Lajusticia, Laura; Tardío, Juan Carlos; Zapatero-Gaviria, Antonio

2016-01-01

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is an uncommon condition; there are very few cases in which presenting symptoms are consistent with Cushing Syndrome (CS). We report a new case in which CS triggers the suspicion of an SCC of the prostate and a review of the published cases of SCC of the prostate presenting with CS. The origin of these neoplasms is still unclear. It may be suspected when laboratory features appear in patients diagnosed with prostatic adenocarcinoma which becomes resistant to specific therapy. SCC usually occurs after the 6th decade. Patients suffering SCC of the prostate presenting with CS usually present symptoms such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, alkalosis or hypokalemia; cushingoid phenotype is less frequent. Cortisol and ACTH levels are often high. Prostatic-specific antigen levels are usually normal. CT scan is the preferred imaging test to localize the lesion, but its performance may be improved by adding other tests, such as FDG-PET scan. All patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Lymph nodes, liver and bone are the most frequent metastases sites. Surgery and Ketokonazole are the preferred treatments for CS. The prognosis is very poor: 2- and 5-year survival rates are 27.5 and 14.3%, respectively. Key messages When a patient presents with ectopic Cushing Syndrome but lungs are normal, an atypical localization should be suspected. We should suspect a prostatic origin if Cushing Syndrome is accompanied by obstructive inferior urinary tract symptoms or in the setting of a prostatic adenocarcinoma with rapid clinical and radiological progression with relatively low PSA levels. Although no imaging test is preferred to localize these tumors, FDG-PET-TC can be very useful. Hormone marker scintigraphy (e.g. somatostatin) could be used too. As Cushing Syndrome is a paraneoplastic phenomenon, treatment of the underlying disease may help control hypercortisolism manifestations. These tumors are usually metastatic by the time of diagnosis. They have very poor prognosis.

Coherent states: a contemporary panorama Coherent states: a contemporary panorama

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Twareque Ali, S.; Antoine, Jean-Pierre; Bagarello, Fabio; Gazeau, Jean-Pierre

2012-06-01

Coherent states (CS) of the harmonic oscillator (also called canonical CS) were introduced in 1926 by Schrödinger in answer to a remark by Lorentz on the classical interpretation of the wave function. They were rediscovered in the early 1960s, first (somewhat implicitly) by Klauder in the context of a novel representation of quantum states, then by Glauber and Sudarshan for the description of coherence in lasers. Since then, CS have grown into an extremely rich domain that pervades almost every corner of physics and have also led to the development of several flourishing topics in mathematics. Along the way, a number of review articles have appeared in the literature, devoted to CS, notably the 1985 reprint volume of Klauder and Skagerstam [1], the 1990 review paper by Zhang et al [2], the 1993 Oak Ridge Conference [3] and the 1995 review paper by Ali et al [4]. Textbooks also have been published, among which one might mention the ground breaking text of Perelomov [5] focusing on the group-theoretical aspects, that of Ali et al [6]1 analyzing systematically the mathematical structure beyond the group-theoretical approach and also the relation to wavelet analysis, that of Dodonov and Man'ko [7] mostly devoted to quantum optics, that of Gazeau [8] more oriented towards the physical, probabilistic and quantization aspects, and finally the very recent one by Combescure and Robert [9]. In retrospect, one can see that the development of CS has gone through a two-phase transition. First, the (simultaneous) discovery in 1972 by Gilmore and Perelomov that CS were rooted in group theory, then the realization that CS can be defined in a purely algebraic way, as an eigenvalue problem or by a series expansion (Malkin and Man'ko 1969, Barut and Girardello 1971, Gazeau and Klauder 1999; references to the original articles may be found in the textbooks quoted above). Both facts resulted in an explosive expansion of the CS literature. We thought, therefore, that the time was ripe to devote a special issue of Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical to CS. However, because of limitations of space and time, it would have been impossible to get a fully representative cross-section of papers, covering all the different facets of the subject. Consequently, we have selected 37 articles, including some by a few of the originators of the field. We thank all the authors for submitting their up-to-date thoughts on this fascinating subject. The contents of this special issue are subdivided into five categories: (1) review papers; (2) physics-oriented CS; (3) physics and quantum information; (4) mathematics, general topics; and (5) mathematics, particular problems. (1) Review papers We start with five review papers. The first paper, by Klauder, surveys the many possible applications of affine variables, both in classical and quantum physics. The second, by Sanders, proposes a grand tour of entangled CS, which are present in many fields, such as quantum optics, quantum information processing, etc. The next paper, by Rowe, surveys the field of vector CS and the attendant group representation problems (including induced representations). Then Oriti et al describe a particular class of CS relevant to (loop) quantum gravity. Finally, Combescure and Robert present a comprehensive review of fermionic CS, including all mathematical details. (2) Physics-oriented CS The six contributions in this section deal with specific physical problems: (i) Dajka-Luczka study Gazeau-Klauder cat states associated with a nonlinear Kerr oscillator, instead of the usual canonical CS leading to Schrödinger cat states; (ii) Angelova et al discuss squeezed CS associated with a 1D Morse potential, used in molecular physics; (iii) Bagrov et al study CS in a magnetic solenoid field and prove their completeness; (iv) Blasone-Jizba treat Nambu-Goldstone dynamics in spontaneously broken symmetries, using CS functional integrals; (v) Calixto et al describe accelerated relativistic particles in the context of spontaneous breakdown of conformal SU(2,2) symmetry, using SU(2,2) CS; and (vi) Mortazavi-Tavassoly study f-deformed charge CS and their physical properties (nonclassical features, sub-Poissonian statistical behavior, etc). (3) Physics and quantum information The second group of physically related CS contains four contributions with a distinct quantum information theoretic flavor. First, Thilagam describes the dynamical behavior of entanglement of a pair of qubits (excitons), using a CS basis. Next, Lavoie-de Guise study SU(3) intelligent states (i.e., minimal uncertainty states), of interest in the quantum information community. Then Muñoz constructs discrete CS for n qubits. Finally, Wagner-Kendon explore the continuous variable Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm known in quantum computing in a discrete formulation. (4) Mathematics, general topics In this subgroup, there are eight papers dealing with general properties of CS, independently of any particular system or application. A whole series discusses the interaction between CS and various mathematical objects: pseudodifferential operators and Weyl calculus (Unterberger); induced representations of the affine group and intertwining operators (Elmabrok-Hutnik) measure-free CS and reproducing kernels (Horzela-Szafraniec) extremal POV measures (Heinosaari-Pellonpää) Hilbert W*-modules (Bhattacharyya-Roy) Toeplitz operators (Hutníková-Hutník) and operator localization and homogeneous structure of nilpotent Lie groups (Kisil). In addition, Balazs et al consider multipliers for continuous frames, including CS or wavelet frames. (5) Mathematics, particular problems The second group of mathematically oriented papers contains 14 contributions, devoted to CS in particular systems. We start with a paper by Gilmore, which explores the (sometimes chaotic) evolution of atomic CS under a time-periodic driving field, using sphere maps S2 → S2. Next, we include a paper on CS on the 2-sphere in a magnetic field (Hall-Mitchell) a paper on CS for a quantum particle on a Möbius strip (Cirilo-Lombardo) a discussion of quantization on the circle (Chadzitaskos et al); SUSY CS for Pöschl-Teller potentials (Bergeron et al); generalized Bargmann functions and von Neumann lattices (Vourdas et al); partial reconstruction for a finite CS system, using the Fock-Bargmann representation (Calixto et al); phase operators for SU(3) irreps, thus for finite quantum systems (de Guise); semiclassical CS in periodic potentials (Carles-Sparber) complexified CS with non-Hermitian Hamiltonians (Graefe-Schubert) minimal uncertainty states in the context of (semisimple) group representation theory (Oszmaniec); localization operators in the time-frequency domain, i.e., in Gabor analysis (Muzhikyan-Avanesyan) and, finally, two papers about fermionic CS (Daoud-Kibler and Trifonov). This brief description illustrates perfectly the extreme versatility of the CS concept. As already stressed, coherent states constitute nowadays a flourishing research topic, with applications to a wide spectrum of domains. Indeed, CS are everywhere in physics: condensed matter physics, atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, quantum optics, dynamics—both quantum and classical potentials—quantum gravity, quantization and quantum information theory. On the other hand, CS have grown into a fully-fledged domain in mathematics, incorporating many tools such as group representations, POV measures, frames, holomorphic functions, orthogonal polynomials and so on. Interestingly enough, the majority of contributions to this special issue (22 out of 37) are mathematically minded, demonstrating the widespread interest CS have generated in various areas of mathematics. A third field related to CS (but almost not represented in the present collection) is signal processing. Indeed both Gabor analysis and wavelet analysis derive in the first place from CS theory, namely, CS associated to the Weyl-Heisenberg and the ax + b group, respectively. Here too, a tremendous development has taken place in recent years, another testimony to the richness of the notion of CS. We leave it to the jury of public opinion to judge whether the call for a special issue of the journal, devoted to coherent states, has been justified. References [1] Klauder J R and Skagerstam B S 1985 Coherent States—Applications in Physics and Mathematical Physics (Singapore: World Scientific) [2] Zhang W-M, Feng D H and Gilmore R 1990 Coherent states: theory and some applications Rev. Mod. Phys. 62 867-927 [3] Feng D H, Klauder J R and Strayer M (ed) 1994 Coherent States: Past, Present and Future (Singapore: World Scientific) [4] Ali S T, Antoine J-P, Gazeau J-P and Mueller U A 1995 Coherent states and their generalizations: a mathematical overview Rev. Math. Phys. 7 1013-104 [5] Perelomov A M 1986 Generalized Coherent States and Their Applications (New York: Springer) [6] Ali S T, Antoine J-P and Gazeau J-P 2000 Coherent States, Wavelets and Their Generalizations (New York: Springer) [7] Dodonov V V and Man'ko V I (ed) 2003 Theory of Nonclassical States of Light (London: Taylor & Francis) [8] Gazeau J-P 2009 Coherent States in Quantum Physics (Berlin: Wiley) [9] Combescure M and Robert D 2012 Coherent States and Applications in Mathematical Physics (New York: Springer) 1 A second edition of that volume is in preparation.

Introduction to the special issue: 50th anniversary of APA Division 28: The past, present, and future of psychopharmacology and substance abuse.

PubMed

Stoops, William W; Sigmon, Stacey C; Evans, Suzette M

2016-08-01

This is an introduction to the special issue "50th Anniversary of APA Division 28: The Past, Present, and Future of Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse." Taken together, the scholarly contributions included in this special issue serve as a testament to the important work conducted by our colleagues over the past five decades. Division 28 and its members have advanced and disseminated knowledge on the behavioral effects of drugs, informed efforts to prevent and treat substance abuse, and influenced education and policy issues more generally. As past and current leaders of the division, we are excited to celebrate 50 years of Division 28 and look forward to many more successful decades for our division and its members. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

SEEDisCs: How Clusters Form and Galaxies Transform in the Cosmic Web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jablonka, P.

2017-08-01

This presentation introduces a new survey, the Spatial Extended EDisCS Survey (SEEDisCS), which aims at understanding how clusters assemble and the level at which galaxies are preprocessed before falling on the cluster cores. I focus on the changes in galaxy properties in the cluster large scale environments, and how we can get constraints on the timescale of star formation quenching. I also discuss new ALMA CO observations, which trace the fate of the galaxy cold gas content along the infalling paths towards the cluster cores.

Circumstellar chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glassgold, Alfred E.; Huggins, Patrick J.

1987-01-01

The study of the outer envelopes of cool evolved stars has become an active area of research. The physical properties of CS envelopes are presented. Observations of many wavelengths bands are relevant. A summary of observations and a discussion of theoretical considerations concerning the chemistry are summarized. Recent theoretical considerations show that the thermal equilibrium model is of limited use for understanding the chemistry of the outer CS envelopes. The theoretical modeling of the chemistry of CS envelopes provides a quantitive test of chemical concepts which have a broader interest than the envelopes themselves.

Spontaneous Recovery After Extinction of the Conditioned Proboscis Extension Response in the Honeybee

PubMed Central

Sandoz, Jean-Christophe; Pham-Delègue, Minh-Hà

2004-01-01

In honeybees, the proboscis extension response (PER) can be conditioned by associating an odor stimulus (CS) to a sucrose reward (US). Conditioned responses to the CS, which are acquired by most bees after a single CS-US pairing, disappear after repeated unrewarded presentations of the CS, a process called extinction. Extinction is usually thought to be based either on (1) the disruption of the stored CS-US association, or (2) the formation of an inhibitory “CS-no US” association that is better retrieved than the initial CS-US association. The observation of spontaneous recovery, i.e., the reappearance of responses to the CS after time passes following extinction, is traditionally interpreted as a proof for the formation of a transient inhibitory association. To provide a better understanding of extinction in honeybees, we examined whether time intervals during training and extinction or the number of conditioning and extinction trials have an effect on the occurrence of spontaneous recovery. We found that spontaneous recovery mostly occurs when conditioning and testing took place in a massed fashion (1-min intertrial intervals). Moreover, spontaneous recovery depended on the time elapsed since extinction, 1 h being an optimum. Increasing the number of conditioning trials improved the spontaneous recovery level, whereas increasing the number of extinction trials reduced it. Lastly, we show that after single-trial conditioning, spontaneous recovery appears only once after extinction. These elements suggest that in honeybees extinction of the PER actually reflects the impairment of the CS-US association, but that depending on training parameters different memory substrates are affected. PMID:15466313

Morphogenesis and three-dimensional movement of the stomach during the human embryonic period.

PubMed

Kaigai, N; Nako, A; Yamada, S; Uwabe, C; Kose, K; Takakuwa, T

2014-05-01

The stomach develops as the local widening of the foregut after Carnegie stage (CS) 13 that moves in a dramatic and dynamic manner during the embryonic period. Using the magnetic resonance images of 377 human embryos, we present the morphology, morphometry, and three-dimensional movement of the stomach during CS16 and CS23. The stomach morphology revealed stage-specific features. The angular incisura and the cardia were formed at CS18. The change in the angular incisura angle was approximately 90° during CS19 and CS20, and was <90° after CS 21. The prominent formations of the fundus and the pylorus differentiate at around CS20. Morphometry of the stomach revealed that the stomach gradually becomes "deflected" during development. The stomach may appear to move to the left laterally and caudally due to its deflection and differential growth. The track of the reference points in the stomach may reflect the visual three-dimensional movement. The movement of point M, representing the movement of the greater curvature, was different from that of points C (cardia) and P (pyloric antrum). The P and C were located just around the midsagittal plane in all the stages observed. Point M moved in the caudal-left lateral direction until CS22. Moreover, the vector CP does not rotate around the dorsoventral axis, as widely believed, but around the transverse axis. The plane CPM rotated mainly around the longitudinal axis. The data obtained will be useful for prenatal diagnosis in the near future. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nuclear-cytoplasmic localization of acetyl coenzyme A synthetase-1 in the rat brain

PubMed Central

Ariyannur, Prasanth S.; Moffett, John R.; Madhavarao, Chikkathur N; Arun, Peethambaran; Vishnu, Nisha; Jacobowitz, David M.; Hallows, William C.; Denu, John M.; Namboodiri, Aryan M.A.

2011-01-01

Acetyl coenzyme A synthetase 1 (AceCS1) catalyzes the synthesis of acetyl coenzyme A from acetate and coenzyme A, and is thought to play diverse roles ranging from fatty acid synthesis to gene regulation. Using an affinity purified antibody generated against an 18-mer peptide sequence of AceCS1, and a polyclonal antibody directed against recombinant AceCS1 protein, we examined the expression of AceCS1 in the rat brain. AceCS1 immunoreactivity in the adult rat brain was present predominantly in cell nuclei, with only light to moderate cytoplasmic staining in some neurons, axons and oligodendrocytes. Some non-neuronal cell nuclei were very strongly immunoreactive, including those of some oligodendrocytes, whereas neuronal nuclei ranged from unstained to moderately stained. Both antibodies stained some neuronal cell bodies and axons, especially in the hindbrain. AceCS1 immunoreactivity was stronger and more widespread in the brains of 18 day old rats than in adults, with increased expression in oligodendrocytes and neurons, including cortical pyramidal cells. Expression of AceCS1 was substantially upregulated in neurons throughout the brain after controlled cortical impact injury. The strong AceCS1 expression observed in the nuclei of CNS cells during brain development and after injury is consistent with a role in nuclear histone acetylation and therefore the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. The cytoplasmic staining observed in some oligodendrocytes, especially during postnatal brain development, suggests an additional role in CNS lipid synthesis and myelination. Neuronal and axonal localization implicates AceCS1 in cytoplasmic acetylation reactions in some neurons. PMID:20533355

Attenuation of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Airway Mucus Production by Hydrogen-Rich Saline in Rats

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jingxi; Dong, Yuchao; Xu, Wujian; Li, Qiang

2013-01-01

Background Over-production of mucus is an important pathophysiological feature in chronic airway disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Cigarette smoking (CS) is the leading cause of COPD. Oxidative stress plays a key role in CS-induced airway abnormal mucus production. Hydrogen protected cells and tissues against oxidative damage by scavenging hydroxyl radicals. In the present study we investigated the effect of hydrogen on CS-induced mucus production in rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham control, CS group, hydrogen-rich saline pretreatment group and hydrogen-rich saline control group. Lung morphology and tissue biochemical changes were determined by immunohistochemistry, Alcian Blue/periodic acid-Schiff staining, TUNEL, western blot and realtime RT-PCR. Results Hydrogen-rich saline pretreatment attenuated CS-induced mucus accumulation in the bronchiolar lumen, goblet cell hyperplasia, muc5ac over-expression and abnormal cell apoptosis in the airway epithelium as well as malondialdehyde increase in the BALF. The phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyr1068 and Nrf2 up-regulation expression in the rat lungs challenged by CS exposure were also abrogated by hydrogen-rich saline. Conclusion Hydrogen-rich saline pretreatment ameliorated CS-induced airway mucus production and airway epithelium damage in rats. The protective role of hydrogen on CS-exposed rat lungs was achieved at least partly by its free radical scavenging ability. This is the first report to demonstrate that intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline protected rat airways against CS damage and it could be promising in treating abnormal airway mucus production in COPD. PMID:24376700

Optimising Extinction of Conditioned Disgust.

PubMed

Bosman, Renske C; Borg, Charmaine; de Jong, Peter J

2016-01-01

Maladaptive disgust responses are tenacious and resistant to exposure-based interventions. In a similar vein, laboratory studies have shown that conditioned disgust is relatively insensitive to Conditioned Stimulus (CS)-only extinction procedures. The relatively strong resistance to extinction might be explained by disgust's adaptive function to motivate avoidance from contamination threats (pathogens) that cannot be readily detected and are invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, the mere visual presentation of unreinforced disgust eliciting stimuli might not be sufficient to correct a previously acquired threat value of the CS+. Following this, the current study tested whether the efficacy of CS-only exposure can be improved by providing additional safety information about the CS+. For the CSs we included two neutral items a pea soup and a sausage roll, whereas for the Unconditioned Stimulus (US) we used one video clip of a woman vomiting and a neutral one about glass blowing. The additional safety information was conveyed by allowing actual contact with the CS+ or by observing an actress eating the food items representing the CS+. When additional safety information was provided via allowing direct contact with the CS+, there was a relatively strong post-extinction increase in participants' willingness-to-eat the CS+. This beneficial effect was still evident at one-week follow up. Also self-reported disgust was lower at one-week follow up when additional safety information was provided. The current findings help explain why disgust is relatively insensitive to CS-only extinction procedures, and provide helpful starting points to improve interventions that are aimed to reduce distress in disgust-related psychopathology.

Cyclophilin B mediates cyclosporin A incorporation in human blood T-lymphocytes through the specific binding of complexed drug to the cell surface.

PubMed

Allain, F; Denys, A; Spik, G

1996-07-15

Cyclophilin B (CyPB) is a cyclosporin A (CsA)-binding protein located within intracellular vesicles and released in biological fluids. We recently reported the specific binding of this protein to T-cell surface receptor which is internalized even in the presence of CsA. These results suggest that CyPB might target the drug to lymphocytes and consequently modify its activity. To verify this hypothesis, we have first investigated the binding capacity and internalization of the CsA-CyPB complex in human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes and secondly compared the inhibitory effect of both free and CyPB-complexed CsA on the CD3-induced activation and proliferation of T-cells. Here, we present evidence that both the CsA-CyPB complex and free CyPB bind to the T-lymphocyte surface, with similar values of Kd and number of sites. At 37 degrees C, the complex is internalized but, in contrast to the protein, the drug is accumulated within the cell. Moreover, CyPB receptors are internalized together with the ligand and rapidly recycled to the cell surface. Finally, we demonstrate that CyPB-complexed CsA remains as efficient as uncomplexed CsA and that CyPB enhances the immunosuppressive activity of the drug. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that surface CyPB receptors may be related to the selective and variable action of CsA, through specific binding and targeting of the CyPB-CsA complex to peripheral blood T-lymphocytes.

Study of leaching mechanisms of caesium ions incorporated in Ordinary Portland Cement.

PubMed

Papadokostaki, Kyriaki G; Savidou, Anastasia

2009-11-15

In this work, a study of the leaching kinetics of Cs(+) ions from cement paste solids, containing inactive Cs(2)SO(4), is presented, involving (i) the parallel performance of leaching experiments at two temperatures (30 degrees C and 70 degrees C); (ii) the performance of leaching tests with intermediate changes in temperature between 30 degrees C and 70 degrees C; (iii) the use of specimens of two different thicknesses and (iv) the determination of the distribution of Cs(+) in the cement specimen at various stages of the leaching test. The results of leaching studies at 30 degrees C with cement solids simulating the composition of real radioactive wastes, containing NaNO(3), small amounts of inactive CsNO(3) and traces of (137)Cs(+) are also reported. Concentration profiles of Cs(+) in inactive specimens showed that part of the Cs(+) (20-30%) tends to be immobilized in the matrix, while elution of the readily leachable portion follows Fick's law reasonably well. No immobilized Cs(+) was detected in the samples containing considerable amounts of NaNO(3). Long-term leaching experiments (up to 8 years) revealed acceleration of the elution process (not detectable in short-term tests), attributable to increase in porosity caused by erosion of the cement matrix. Sorption experiments of Cs(+) ions by cement granules indicated that adsorption on cement pore surfaces is not significant. On the other hand, the leaching tests at two different temperatures or with intermediate changes in temperature between 30 degrees C and 70 degrees C, yielded activation energies that indicated a more complicated kinetic behavior.

Ablation of atrial-ventricular junction tissues via the coronary sinus using cryo balloon technology.

PubMed

Avitall, Boaz; Lafontaine, Daniel; Rozmus, Grzegorz; Adoni, Naveed; Dehnee, Abed; Urbonas, Arvydas; Le, Khoi M; Aleksonis, Dinas

2005-04-01

The coronary sinus (CS) can provide access to targets across and within the atrioventricular (AV) junction. In 12 dogs (32 +/- 3 Kg), cryo balloons (10-19 mm) were applied to regions of the AV junction for 3 minutes at a temperature of -75.9( composite function) +/- 9(composite function)C (ranging -57 to -83). Electrical activity and pacing within the CS were assessed pre and post ablation and at least 3 months later in 9 dogs. In the 3 other dogs, hearts were examined immediately after cryo ablation. CS and circumflex angiography was performed pre and post ablation. The hearts, CS, and Cx were then examined for structural injury. The AV junction was sectioned and the hearts were immersed in Tetrazolium, and the lesions were inspected for transmurality across the AV groove. In 3/12 dogs the distal CS cryo lesions resulted in inferior ST segment depression that resolved within 5 minutes. There was no arrhythmia or hemodynamic changes. No CS electrical activity was noted post ablation. The pacing threshold increased from 2 +/- 2.3 mA to 7.4 +/- 3.6 mA (p < 0.001). Pathological examination of 3 acute hearts revealed hematomas. There was no pericardial effusion. No evidence of stenosis or thrombosis was seen within the CS and the circumflex artery. After 3 months of recovery, transmural lesions across the AV groove were present in all of the targeted AV regions. Intra-CS cryo balloon ablation is safe and can potentially replace endocardial RF ablation targeting the AV junction and the CS muscular sleeve.

Immobilization of biomolecules on cysteamine-modified polyaniline film for highly sensitive biosensing.

PubMed

Cai, Qi; Xu, Baojian; Ye, Lin; Di, Zengfeng; Zhang, Jishen; Jin, Qinghui; Zhao, Jianlong; Xue, Jian; Chen, Xianfeng

2014-03-01

We present a new cysteamine (CS)-modified polyaniline (PANI) film for highly efficient immobilization of biomolecules in biosensing technology. This electrochemical deposited PANI film treated with CS and glutaraldehyde could be employed as an excellent substrate for biomolecules immobilization. The parameters of PANI growth were optimized to obtain suitable surface morphology of films for biomolecules combination with the help of electron and atomic force microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was utilized to illustrate the different electrochemical activities of each modified electrode. Due to the existence of sulfydryl group and amino group in CS, surface modification with CS was proven to reduce oxidized units on PANI film remarkably, as evidenced by both ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy characterizations. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the model protein to investigate the immobilization efficiency of biomolecules on the PANI film, comparative study using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) showed that BSA immobilized on CS-modified PANI could be increased by at least 20% than that without CS-modified PANI in BSA solution with the concentration of 0.1-1mg/mL. The CS-modified PANI film would be significant for the immobilization and detection of biomolecules and especially promising in the application of immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

A Hybrid Metaheuristic DE/CS Algorithm for UCAV Three-Dimension Path Planning

PubMed Central

Wang, Gaige; Guo, Lihong; Duan, Hong; Wang, Heqi; Liu, Luo; Shao, Mingzhen

2012-01-01

Three-dimension path planning for uninhabited combat air vehicle (UCAV) is a complicated high-dimension optimization problem, which primarily centralizes on optimizing the flight route considering the different kinds of constrains under complicated battle field environments. A new hybrid metaheuristic differential evolution (DE) and cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is proposed to solve the UCAV three-dimension path planning problem. DE is applied to optimize the process of selecting cuckoos of the improved CS model during the process of cuckoo updating in nest. The cuckoos can act as an agent in searching the optimal UCAV path. And then, the UCAV can find the safe path by connecting the chosen nodes of the coordinates while avoiding the threat areas and costing minimum fuel. This new approach can accelerate the global convergence speed while preserving the strong robustness of the basic CS. The realization procedure for this hybrid metaheuristic approach DE/CS is also presented. In order to make the optimized UCAV path more feasible, the B-Spline curve is adopted for smoothing the path. To prove the performance of this proposed hybrid metaheuristic method, it is compared with basic CS algorithm. The experiment shows that the proposed approach is more effective and feasible in UCAV three-dimension path planning than the basic CS model. PMID:23193383

Physicochemical properties of 3D collagen-CS scaffolds for potential use in neural tissue engineering.

PubMed

Pietrucha, Krystyna

2015-09-01

Collagen-based composite scaffolds have considerable potential due to their well-known ability to regenerate skin, bone and cartilage. However, the precise composition and structure of scaffolds that optimize their interaction with neural cells remains incompletely understood and yet to be explored. In the present study, a new family of bi-component 3D scaffolds consisting of collagen (Col) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) were synthesized using a two-stage process: multiple freeze-drying followed by carbodiimide modification. Col-CS matrices had an average pore diameter of 31 μm and a relatively high surface area to pore volume ratio. Importantly, the FTIR data indicated that the ratio between the intensity of amide III and 1452 cm(-1) for Col-CS scaffold was 0.87, which indicates that the Col triple helix was preserved during the formation of the bond between Col and CS. All experiments also clearly showed that the Col-CS matrices have a lower enzyme sensitivity and higher thermal resistance than Col alone. These differences are likely due to the relatively large amount of CS in the collagen sponges, which hinders access for attack at specific active sites of the Col triple helix. Improved binary composite scaffolds were designed for neural tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chondroitin sulfate immobilization at the surface of electrospun nanofiber meshes for cartilage tissue regeneration approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piai, Juliana Francis; da Silva, Marta Alves; Martins, Albino; Torres, Ana Bela; Faria, Susana; Reis, Rui L.; Muniz, Edvani Curti; Neves, Nuno M.

2017-05-01

Aiming at improving the biocompatibility of biomaterial scaffolds, surface modification presents a way to preserve their mechanical properties and to improve the surface bioactivity. In this work, chondroitin sulfate (CS) was immobilized at the surface of electrospun poly(caprolactone) nanofiber meshes (PCL NFMs), previously functionalized by UV/O3 exposure and aminolysis. Contact angle, SEM, optical profilometry, FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques confirmed the success of CS-immobilization in PCL NFMs. Furthermore, CS-immobilized PCL NFMs showed lower roughness and higher hydrophilicity than the samples without CS. Human articular chondrocytes (hACs) were cultured on electrospun PCL NFMs with or without CS immobilization. It was observed that hACs proliferated through the entire time course of the experiment in both types of nanofibrous scaffolds, as well as for the production of glycosaminoglycans. Quantitative-PCR results demonstrated over-expression of cartilage-related genes such as Aggrecan, Collagen type II, COMP and Sox9 on both types of nanofibrous scaffolds. Morphological observations from SEM and LSCM revealed that hACs maintained their characteristic round shape and cellular agglomeration exclusively on PCL NFMs with CS immobilization. In conclusion, CS immobilization at the surface of PCL NFMs was achieved successfully and provides a valid platform enabling further surface functionalization methods in scaffolds to be developed for cartilage tissue engineering.

Cyclosporin A treatment induces overexpression of P-glycoprotein in the kidney and other tissues.

PubMed

Jetté, L; Beaulieu, E; Leclerc, J M; Béliveau, R

1996-05-01

To see whether P-glycoprotein (PGP) expressed in renal brush-border membranes (BBM) could interact with compounds known as modulators of multidrug resistance (MDR), photoaffinity-labeling experiments were performed. A 145k-Da protein was photolabeled with [125I] iodoarylazidoprazosin, and this labeling was reduced in the presence of cyclosporin A (CsA) and PSC-833 (PSC). Interaction of CsA with PGP was further investigated by treating rats with daily subcutaneous injections of CsA (10 mg.kg-1.day-1). After this treatment, PGP expression levels were dramatically increased in renal BBM, intestine, liver, and many other tissues except the brain. This induction was a reversible process, since after cessation of CsA administration PGP levels declined to reach values similar to those of the control groups. The increase in PGP expression in the kidney was also detected in photolabeling experiments, suggesting the induction of a functional PGP. A higher dose of CsA (50 mg/kg) given as a bolus injection did not modify PGP expression] in renal BBM. These results demonstrate that CsA induces reversible overexpression of PGP in the rat. This may present significant relevance in the design of clinical trials using CsA as a chemosensitizing agent.

A hybrid metaheuristic DE/CS algorithm for UCAV three-dimension path planning.

PubMed

Wang, Gaige; Guo, Lihong; Duan, Hong; Wang, Heqi; Liu, Luo; Shao, Mingzhen

2012-01-01

Three-dimension path planning for uninhabited combat air vehicle (UCAV) is a complicated high-dimension optimization problem, which primarily centralizes on optimizing the flight route considering the different kinds of constrains under complicated battle field environments. A new hybrid metaheuristic differential evolution (DE) and cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is proposed to solve the UCAV three-dimension path planning problem. DE is applied to optimize the process of selecting cuckoos of the improved CS model during the process of cuckoo updating in nest. The cuckoos can act as an agent in searching the optimal UCAV path. And then, the UCAV can find the safe path by connecting the chosen nodes of the coordinates while avoiding the threat areas and costing minimum fuel. This new approach can accelerate the global convergence speed while preserving the strong robustness of the basic CS. The realization procedure for this hybrid metaheuristic approach DE/CS is also presented. In order to make the optimized UCAV path more feasible, the B-Spline curve is adopted for smoothing the path. To prove the performance of this proposed hybrid metaheuristic method, it is compared with basic CS algorithm. The experiment shows that the proposed approach is more effective and feasible in UCAV three-dimension path planning than the basic CS model.

Screening for confabulations with the confabulation screen.

PubMed

Dalla Barba, Gianfranco; Brazzarola, Marta; Marangoni, Sara; La Corte, Valentina

2018-04-24

The objective of this work is to devise and validate a sensitive and specific test for confabulatory impairment. We conceived a screening test for confabulation, the Confabulation Screen (CS), a brief test using 10 questions of episodic memory (EM), where confabulators most frequently confabulate. It was postulated that the CS would predict confabulations not only in EM, but also in the other subordinate structures of personal temporality, namely the present and the future. Thirty confabulating amnesic patients of various aetiologies and 97 normal controls entered the study. Participants were administered the CS and the Confabulation Battery (Dalla Barba, G., & Decaix, C. (2009). "Do you remeber what you did on March 13 1985?" A case study of confabulatory hypermnesia. Cortex, 45(5), 566-574). Confabulations in the CS positively and significantly correlated with confabulations in personal temporality domains of the CB, namely EM, orientation in time and place and episodic plans. Conversely, as expected, they did not correlate with confabulations in impersonal temporality domains of the CB. Consistent with results of previous studies, the most frequently observed type of confabulation in the CS was Habits Confabulation. The CS had high construct validity and good discriminative validity in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Cut-off scores for clinical and research purposes are proposed. The CS provides efficient and valid screening for confabulatory impairment.

Hyaluronic acid modified chitosan nanoparticles for effective management of glaucoma: development, characterization, and evaluation.

PubMed

Wadhwa, Sheetu; Paliwal, Rishi; Paliwal, Shivani R; Vyas, S P

2010-05-01

In clinical practices, solution of dorzolamide hydrochloride (DH) and timolol maléate (TM) is recommended for the treatment of glaucoma. However, low drug-contact time and poor ocular bioavailability of drugs due to drainage of solution, tear turnover and its dilution or lacrimation limits its uses. In addition, systemic absorption of TM may induce undesirable cardiovascular side effects. Chitosan (CS) is a polycationic biodegradable polymer which provides sustained and local delivery of drugs to the ocular sites. Hyaluronic acid (HA) also provides synergistic effect for mucoadhesion in association with chitosan. In the present study, hyaluronic acid modified chitosan nanoparticles (CS-HA-NPs) loaded with TM and DH were developed and characterized. The CS-HA-NPs were evaluated for size, shape, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and mucoadhesive strength. The in vitro release study was also performed in PBS pH 7.4. The ocular irritation potential of CS-HA-NPs was estimated using draize test on albino rabbits. A significant reduction in IOP level was obtained using CS-HA-NPs as compared to plain solution of drug and a comparable higher reduction in IOP level was observed as to CS-NPs. These results suggest that HA potentialy enhance the mucoadhesiveness and efficiency of CS-NPs and may be promising carrier for ocular drug delivery.

Enhanced efficiency of inverted polymer solar cells by using solution-processed TiOx/CsOx cathode buffer layer.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaodong; Fan, Xi; Sun, Xianke; Zhang, Yunli; Zhu, Ziqiang

2015-01-01

In this work, a double-buffer film of TiOx coated with CsOx (TiOx/CsOx) was solution prepared to be applied in poly(3-hexylthiophene):indene-C60 bisadduct (P3HT:ICBA) and P3HT:[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs). Compared with TiOx films and CsOx films, the TiOx/CsOx double-buffer film exhibited a favorable energy-level alignment among TiOx, CsOx, and the electron acceptor of PCBM or ICBA a better surface morphology; and an enhanced wetting and adhesion property with a contact angle of 21.0°, leading to a higher electron mobility of 5.52 × 10(-3) cm(2) V(-1)·s(-1). Moreover, the P3HT:ICBA and P3HT:PCBM photovoltaic devices with the double-buffer film showed the best power conversion efficiency up to 5.65% and 3.76%, respectively. Our results not only present that the double-buffer film is superior than the single film of TiOx and CsOx, but also imply that the solution-processed film has a potential to be generally used in roll-to-roll processed organic photovoltaic devices.

Validation of a Janus role of methotrexate-based PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Fanghong; Li, Yang; Jia, Mengmeng; Cui, Fei; Wu, Hongjie; Yu, Fei; Lin, Jinyan; Yang, Xiangrui; Hou, Zhenqing; Zhang, Qiqing

2014-07-01

Recently, methotrexate (MTX) has been used to target to folate (FA) receptor-overexpressing cancer cells for targeted drug delivery. However, the systematic evaluation of MTX as a Janus-like agent has not been reported before. Here, we explored the validity of using MTX playing an early-phase cancer-specific targeting ligand cooperated with a late-phase therapeutic anticancer agent based on the PEGylated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers. Some advantages of these nanoscaled drug delivery systems are as follows: (1) the NPs can ensure minimal premature release of MTX at off-target site to reduce the side effects to normal tissue; (2) MTX can function as a targeting ligand at target site prior to cellular uptake; and (3) once internalized by the target cell, the NPs can function as a prodrug formulation, releasing biologically active MTX inside the cells. The (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs presented a sustained/proteases-mediated drug release. More importantly, compared with the PEG-CS-NPs and (FA + PEG)-CS-NPs, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs showed a greater cellular uptake. Furthermore, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs demonstrated a superior cytotoxicity compare to the free MTX. Our findings therefore validated that the MTX-loaded PEGylated CS-NPs can simultaneously target and treat FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells.

Photoinduced charge separation at polymer-fullerene interfaces of BHJ solar cells (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poluektov, Oleg G.; Niklas, Jens; Mardis, Kristy

2016-09-01

While photovoltaic cells are highly promising man-made devices for direct solar energy utilization, a number of fundamental questions about how the organic bulk heterojunction cell enables efficient long-lived and long-range charge separation remain unanswered. These questions were address by employing an advanced suite of EPR spectroscopy in combination with DFT calculations to study mechanism of charge separation at the polymer-fullerene interfaces of photo-active BHJ. Observed charge delocalization in BHJ upon photoinduced ET is analogous to that in organic donor-acceptor material. This is an efficient mechanism of charge stabilization in photosynthetic assemblies. Time-resolved EPR spectra show a strong polarization pattern for all polymer-fullerene blends under study, which is caused by non-Boltzmann population of the electron spin energy levels in the radical pairs. The first observation of this phenomenon was reported in natural and artificial photosynthetic assemblies, and comparison with these systems allows us to better understand charge separation processes in OPVs. The spectral analysis presented here, in combination with DFT calculations, shows that CS processes in OPV materials are similar to that in organic photosynthetic systems. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences, under Contract DE-AC02-06CH11357 at Argonne National Laboratory.

Synthesis of and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel TGF-β1-SF-CS three-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Tong, Shuang; Xu, Da-Peng; Liu, Zi-Mei; Du, Yang; Wang, Xu-Kai

2016-08-01

The role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in normal human fracture healing has been previously demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to examine the biocompatibility of TGF-β1-silk fibroin-chitosan (TGF-β1-SF-CS) three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds in order to construct an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering. We added TGF-β1 directly to the SF-CS scaffold to construct a 3D scaffold for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, and performed evaluations to determine whether it may have potential applications as a growth factor delivery device. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded on the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds and the silk fibroin-chitosan (SF-CS) scaffolds. On the TGF-β1‑SF-CS and the SF-CS scaffolds, the cell adhesion rate increased in a time‑dependent manner. Using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and analyzing the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression proved that TGF-β1 significantly enhanced the growth and proliferation of BMSCs on the SF-CS scaffolds in a time-dependent manner. To examine the in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis of the TGF-β1‑SF-CS scaffolds, the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds and the SF-CS scaffolds were implanted in rabbit mandibles and studied histologically and microradiographically. The 3D computed tomography (CT) scan and histological examinations of the samples showed that the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and extensive osteoconductivity with the host bone after 8 weeks. Moreover, the introduction of TGF-β1 to the SF-CS scaffolds markedly enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation, and this was confirmed using bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical evaluation, particularly at 8 weeks after implantation. We demonstrated that the TGF-β1‑SF-CS scaffolds possessed as good biocompatibility and osteogenesis as the hybrid ones. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds fulfilled the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering, and have the potential to be applied in orthopedic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery. Thus, TGF-β1-SF-CS composite scaffolds represent a promising, novel type of scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering.

Effects of local-scale decontamination in a secondary forest contaminated after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.

PubMed

Ayabe, Yoshiko; Hijii, Naoki; Takenaka, Chisato

2017-09-01

We investigated whether local-scale decontamination (removal of the litter layer, superficial soil layer, and understory) in a secondary forest contaminated by the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident reduced 137 Cs contamination of the soil and litter. We also measured 137 Cs concentrations in plants and in the web-building spider Nephila clavata (Nephilidae: Arachnida), as an indicator species, to examine 137 Cs contamination in arthropods. One month after decontamination, the total 137 Cs contamination (soil + litter) was reduced by 20% (100 kBq·m -2 ) relative to that in an adjacent untreated (i.e., contaminated) area, which was however not statistically significant. Four months after decontamination, 137 Cs in the decontaminated area had increased to a level similar to those in the untreated area, and the air radiation dose in the decontaminated area was about 2.1 μSv·h -1 , significantly higher than that in the untreated area (1.9 μSv·h -1 ). This may have been attributed to a torrential rain event. Although no statistically significant reduction was observed, most spiders had a lower 137 Cs contamination than that before the decontamination. This implied that the decontamination may have reduced 137 Cs transfer from soil via litter to N. clavata through the detrital food chains, but may not have reduced the amount of 137 Cs transfer through grazing food chains because the concentration of 137 Cs in living tree leaves was not reduced by the decontamination. In autumn, about 2 kBq·m -2 of 137 Cs was supplied from foliage to the ground by litterfall. The results suggested that removal of the litter and superficial soil layers in a contaminated forest may be ineffective. The present study suggests that the local-scale decontamination in a secondary forest had no effect on the reduction of 137 Cs contamination in the treated area. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reconstructing the deposition environment and long-term fate of Chernobyl 137Cs at the floodplain scale through mobile gamma spectrometry.

PubMed

Varley, Adam; Tyler, Andrew; Bondar, Yuri; Hosseini, Ali; Zabrotski, Viachaslau; Dowdall, Mark

2018-09-01

Cs-137 is considered to be the most significant anthropogenic contributor to human dose and presents a particularly difficult remediation challenge after a dispersal following nuclear incident. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant meltdown in April 1986 represents the largest nuclear accident in history and released over 80 PBq of 137 Cs into the environment. As a result, much of the land in close proximity to Chernobyl, which includes the Polessie State Radioecology Reserve in Belarus, remains highly contaminated with 137 Cs to such an extent they remain uninhabitable. Whilst there is a broad scale understanding of the depositional patterns within and beyond the exclusion zone, detailed mapping of the distribution is often limited. New developments in mobile gamma spectrometry provide the opportunity to map the fallout of 137 Cs and begin to reconstruct the depositional environment and the long-term behaviour of 137 Cs in the environment. Here, full gamma spectrum analysis using algorithms based on the peak-valley ratio derived from Monte Carlo simulations are used to estimate the total 137 Cs deposition and its depth distribution in the soil. The results revealed a pattern of 137 Cs distribution consistent with the deposition occurring at a time of flooding, which is validated by review of satellite imagery acquired at similar times of the year. The results were also consistent with systematic burial of the fallout 137 Cs by annual flooding events. These results were validated by sediment cores collected along a transect across the flood plain. The true merit of the approach was confirmed by exposing new insights into the spatial distribution and long term fate of 137 Cs across the floodplain. Such systematic patterns of behaviour are likely to be fundamental to the understanding of the radioecological behaviour of 137 Cs whilst also providing a tracer for quantifying the ecological controls on sediment movement and deposition at a landscape scale. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Altered Pain Perception and Fear-Learning Deficits in Subjects With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

PubMed

Jenewein, Josef; Erni, Jeannine; Moergeli, Hanspeter; Grillon, Christian; Schumacher, Sonja; Mueller-Pfeiffer, Christoph; Hassanpour, Katayun; Seiler, Annina; Wittmann, Lutz; Schnyder, Ulrich; Hasler, Gregor

2016-12-01

There is growing evidence that fear-learning abnormalities are involved in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. More than 50% of PTSD patients suffer from chronic pain. This study aimed to examine the role of fear-learning deficits in the link between pain perception and PTSD. We included 19 subjects with PTSD and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects in a fear-conditioning experiment. The conditioned stimulus (CS) consisted of visual signs flashed upon a screen in front of each subject. The unconditioned stimulus was either a low or high temperature impulse delivered through a thermal contact thermode on the subjects' hand. A designation of 'CS-' was assigned to CS always followed by nonpainful low-temperature stimuli; a designation of 'CS+' was given to CS that were randomly followed by either a low or a more painful high temperature. Skin conductance was used as a physiological marker of fear. In healthy control subjects, CS+ induced more fear than CS-, and a low-temperature stimulus induced less subjective pain after CS- than after CS+. PTSD subjects failed to demonstrate such adaptive conditioning. Fear ratings after CS presentation were significantly higher in the PTSD group than in the control group. There were significant interaction effects between group and the type of CS on fear and pain ratings. Fear-learning deficits are a potentially promising, specific psychopathological factor in altered pain perception associated with PTSD. Deficits in safety learning may increase fear and, consequently, pain sensations. These findings may contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis behind the highly prevalent comorbidity that exists between PTSD and pain disorders, and to developing new treatments. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of chronic pain in patients with PTSD. The findings may help to develop new treatment strategies for this highly prevalent comorbidity in PTSD. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. All rights reserved.

Quantitative study of controlled substance bedside wasting, disposal and evaluation of potential ecologic effects.

PubMed

Mankes, Russell F; Silver, Charles D

2013-02-01

Drugs in wastewater arise from many sources. For health care, these include excretion and direct disposal (bedside wasting). The present study reports on the dispensing and wasting of 15 controlled substances (CS) at two health care facilities in Albany, NY over a nearly two year period. The study considered measures of ecotoxicity, drug metabolism, excretion and disposal of these CS. Potential alternatives to flushing of CS into wastewaters from healthcare facilities are discussed. Drug medication and waste collection records (12,345) included: numbers of drugs dispensed, returned and wasted. Overall, 8528 g of 15 CS were wasted. Three (midazolam, acetaminophen-codeine and fentanyl) accounted for 87.5% of the total wasted. Wasting varied by hospital, 14 CS at the academic medical center hospital and 8 at the surgical care center were wasted. Liquids were more frequently wasted than tablets or pills. Some combination drugs (acetaminophen (APAP)-codeine) were frequently (50% of drug dispensed) wasted while others were less wasted (APAP-hydrocodone-6.3%; APAP-oxycodone-1.3%). The 8 CS judged more hazardous to aquatic life were: APAP-codeine, APAP-hydrocodone, APAP-oxycodone, alprazolam, diazepam, fentanyl, midazolam, and testosterone. Ketamine, morphine, oxycodone and zolpidem were of lesser acute toxicity based on available LC50 values. These CS might provide a therapeutically equivalent alternative to the more environmentally harmful drugs. In health care facilities, professionals dispose of CS by bedside wasting into water or other receptacles. This can be avoided by returning CS to the hospital's pharmacy department, thence to a licensed distributor. Study of this process of drug wasting can identify opportunities for process improvements. We found 3 CS (APAP-codeine, midazolam and testosterone) where ½ to 1/3 of the drug was wasted and 5 others with 30 to 13% wasted. Knowledge of the adverse impacts from the release of highly toxic drugs into the environment might influence CS selection and disposal alternatives. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vivo immuno-reactivity analysis of the porous three-dimensional chitosan/SiO2 and chitosan/SiO2 /hydroxyapatite hybrids.

PubMed

Guo, Mengxia; Dong, Yifan; Xiao, Jiangwei; Gu, Ruicai; Ding, Maochao; Huang, Tao; Li, Junhua; Zhao, Naru; Liao, Hua

2018-05-01

Inorganic/organic hybrid silica-chitosan (CS) scaffolds have promising potential for bone defect repair, due to the controllable mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and scaffold morphology. However, the precise in vivo immuno-reactivity of silica-CS hybrids with various compositions is still poorly defined. In this study, we fabricated the three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous chitosan-silica (CS/SiO 2 ) and chitosan-silica-hydroxyapatite (CS/SiO 2 /HA) hybrids, through sol-gel process and 3D plotting skill, followed by the naturally or freeze drying separately. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the hybrids possessed the uniform geometric structure, while, transmission electron microscopy displayed nanoscale silica, or HA nanoparticles dispersed homogeneously in the CS matrix, or CS/silica hybrids. After intramuscular implantation, CS/SiO 2 and CS/SiO 2 /HA hybrids triggered a local and limited monocyte/macrophage infiltration and myofiber degeneration. Naturally dried CS/SiO 2 hybrid provoked a more severe inflammation than the freeze-dried ones. Dendritic cells were attracted to invade into the implants embedded-muscle, but not be activated to prime the adaptive immunity, because the absence of cytotoxic T cells and B cells in muscle received the implants. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated the implanted hybrids were incapable to initiate splenocytes activation. Plasma complement C3 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay showed the hybrids induced C3 levels increase in early implanting phase, and the subsequent striking decrease. Thus, the present results suggest that, in vivo, 3D plotted porous CS/SiO 2 and CS/SiO 2 /HA hybrids are relatively biocompatible in vivo, which initiate a localized inflammatory procedure, instead of a systematic immune response. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1223-1235, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Markers of atherosclerosis in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a meta-analysis of literature studies.

PubMed

Lupoli, Roberta; Ambrosino, Pasquale; Tortora, Anna; Barba, Livia; Lupoli, Gelsy Arianna; Di Minno, Matteo Nicola Dario

2017-05-01

Several studies reported an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in Cushing's syndrome (CS). We performed a meta-analysis on the impact of CS on major markers of atherosclerosis. Studies on intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid plaques prevalence, and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in CS patients and controls were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Differences between cases and controls were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for continuous variables, and as Odds Ratio (OR) with 95%CI for dichotomous variables. Fourteen studies (332 CS, 462 controls) were included. Compared with controls, CS patients showed higher IMT (MD: 0.20 mm; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.28; p < .001), increased prevalence of carotid plaques (OR: 8.85, 95%CI: 4.09, 19.14; p < .001), and lower FMD (MD: -2.65%; 95% CI: -3.65, -1.65; p < .001). Difference in IMT and in the prevalence of carotid plaques was confirmed also in patients with CS remission (MD: 0.24 mm; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.40; p = .005 and OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 2.69, 36.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Regression models showed that age, diabetes, obesity, ACTH-dependent CS, serum and urinary cortisol levels impacted on the observed difference in IMT. CS is significantly associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk. These findings could help establish more specific CV prevention strategies in this clinical setting. Key messages A series of studies reported an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). In the present meta-analysis we demonstrated that CS is associated with an increased intima-media thickness, higher prevalence of carotid plaques, and lower flow-mediated dilation as compared with controls. These data consistently suggest the need for a strict monitoring of early signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in CS patients.

Effects of intestinal bacteria-derived p-cresyl sulfate on Th1-type immune response in vivo and in vitro

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

Shiba, Takahiro, E-mail: takahiro-shiba@yakult.co.jp; Kawakami, Koji; Sasaki, Takashi

2014-01-15

Protein fermentation by intestinal bacteria generates various compounds that are not synthesized by their hosts. An example is p-cresol, which is produced from tyrosine. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) accumulate high concentrations of intestinal bacteria-derived p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), which is the major metabolite of p-cresol, in their blood, and this accumulation contributes to certain CKD-associated disorders. Immune dysfunction is a CKD-associated disorder that frequently contributes to infectious diseases among CKD patients. Although some studies imply pCS as an etiological factor, the relation between pCS and immune systems is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the immunological effectsmore » of pCS derived from intestinal bacteria in mice. For this purpose, we fed mice a tyrosine-rich diet that causes the accumulation of pCS in their blood. The mice were shown to exhibit decreased Th1-driven 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity response. The concentration of pCS in blood was negatively correlated with the degree of the contact hypersensitivity response. In contrast, the T cell-dependent antibody response was not influenced by the accumulated pCS. We also examined the in vitro cytokine responses by T cells in the presence of pCS. The production of IFN-γ was suppressed by pCS. Further, pCS decreased the percentage of IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells. Our results suggest that intestinal bacteria-derived pCS suppressesTh1-type cellular immune responses. - Highlights: • Mice fed a tyrosine-rich diet accumulated p-cresyl sulfate in their blood. • p-Cresyl sulfate negatively correlated with contact hypersensitivity response. • The in vitro production of IFN-γ was suppressed by p-cresyl sulfate. • p-Cresyl sulfate decreased the percentage of IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells in vitro.« less

Body concentration of caesium-137 in patients from Western Isles of Scotland.

PubMed Central

Isles, C G; Robertson, I; Macleod, J A; Preston, T; East, B W; Hole, D J; Lever, A F

1991-01-01

OBJECTIVES--To compare caesium-137 concentrations in patients from the Western Isles Health Board, Glasgow area, and other parts of the Scottish mainland, and to investigate the source of 137Cs in patients from the Western Isles. DESIGN--Study of hypertensive patients having electrolyte concentrations measured, including 137Cs. Interview by questionnaire of island subjects about intake of foods likely to contain radiocaesium and the source of these foods. Measurement of 137Cs and 134Cs in food, urine, and vegetation. SETTING--Scottish mainland and Western Isles, 1979-86. All measurements before Chernobyl nuclear accident. PATIENTS--413 consecutive patients referred to the blood pressure unit for investigation of hypertension. 60 from the Western Isles, including 44 from North Uist; 32 from North Uist participated in the dietary analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Concentration of radiocaesium in the body, urine, food, and vegetation. Islanders' consumption of local produce. RESULTS--Patients from the Western Isles had five times higher body concentrations of 137Cs (median 2.54 (interquartile range 1.25-3.73)) Bq/gK) than did patients from around Glasgow (0.47 (0.26-0.66) Bq/gK) and other parts of the Scottish mainland (0.42 (0.24-0.71) Bq/gK). Islanders often consumed local milk and mutton, but ate local fish rarely. 137Cs and 134Cs were present in coastal (21.6 Bq/kg 137Cs, 0.25 Bq/kg 134Cs) and moorland (135.9, 0.65 Bq/kg) grasses and in islanders' urine (2.01, 0.013 Bq/l). Lower concentrations (0.336, 0.004 Bq/l), were found in the urine of Glasgow controls (p less than 0.001 for both isotopes). CONCLUSIONS--Islanders have excess body 137Cs concentrations, most of which probably comes from local milk and lamb. The radioactivity is not above the recommended safety limit. The presence of 134Cs suggests that nuclear reprocessing is the source of some of the radiocaesium. PMID:1906765

Cell surface chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan in melanoma: role in the activation of pro-MMP-2 (pro-gelatinase A)

PubMed Central

Iida, Joji; Wilhelmson, Krista L.; Ng, Janet; Lee, Peter; Morrison, Charlotte; Tam, Eric; Overall, Christopher M.; McCarthy, James B.

2007-01-01

We previously reported that CS (chondroitin sulfate) GAG (glycosaminoglycan), expressed on MCSP (melanoma-specific CS proteoglycan), is important for regulating MT3-MMP [membrane-type 3 MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)]-mediated human melanoma invasion and gelatinolytic activity in vitro. In the present study, we sought to determine if CS can directly enhance MT3-MMP-mediated activation of pro-MMP-2. Co-immunoprecipitation studies suggest that MCSP forms a complex with MT3-MMP and MMP-2 on melanoma cell surface. When melanoma cells were treated with βDX (p-nitro-β-D-xylopyranoside) to inhibit coupling of CS on the core protein, both active form and proform of MMP-2 were no longer co-immunoprecipitated with either MCSP or MT3-MMP, suggesting a model in which CS directly binds to MMP-2 and presents the gelatinase to MT3-MMP to be activated. By using recombinant proteins, we determined that MT3-MMP directly activates pro-MMP-2 and that this activation requires the interaction of the C-terminal domain of pro-MMP-2 with MT3-MMP. Activation of pro-MMP-2 by suboptimal concentrations of MT3-MMP is also significantly enhanced in the presence of excess C4S (chondroitin 4-sulfate), whereas C6S (chondroitin 6-sulfate) or low-molecular-mass hyaluronan was ineffective. Affinity chromatography studies using CS isolated from aggrecan indicate that the catalytic domain of MT3-MMP and the C-terminal domain of MMP-2 directly bind to the GAG. Thus the direct binding of pro-MMP-2 with CS through the C-domain would present the catalytic domain of pro-MMP-2 to MT3-MMP, which facilitates the generation of the active form of MMP-2. These results suggest that C4S, which is expressed on tumour cell surface, can function to bind to pro-MMP-2 and facilitate its activation by MT3-MMP-expressing tumour cells to enhance invasion and metastasis. PMID:17217338

Cellular proliferation in the urorectal septation complex of the human embryo at Carnegie stages 13-18: a nuclear area-based morphometric analysis.

PubMed

Nebot-Cegarra, Josep; Fàbregas, Pere Jordi; Sánchez-Pérez, Inma

2005-10-01

In order to analyse the patterns of cellular proliferation both in the mesenchyme of the urorectal septum (URS) and in the adjacent territories (posterior urogenital mesenchyme, anterior intestinal mesenchyme and cloacal folds mesenchyme), as well as their contribution to the process of cloacal division, a computer-assisted method was used to obtain the nuclear area of 3874 mesenchymal cells from camera lucida drawings of nuclear contours of selected sections of human embryos [Carnegie stages (CSs) 13-18]. Based on changes in the size of the nucleus during the cellular cycle, we considered proliferating cells in each territory to be those with a nuclear area over the 75th percentile. The URS showed increasing cell proliferation, with proliferation patterns that coincided closely with cloacal folds mesenchyme, and with less overall proliferation than urogenital and intestinal mesenchymes. Furthermore, at CS 18, we observed the beginning of the rupture in the cloacal membrane; however, no fusion has been demonstrated either between the URS and the cloacal membrane or between the cloacal folds. The results suggest that cloacal division depends on a morphogenetic complex where the URS adjacent territories could determine septal displacement at the time that their mesenchymes could be partially incorporated within the proliferating URS.

Cellular proliferation in the urorectal septation complex of the human embryo at Carnegie stages 13–18: a nuclear area-based morphometric analysis

PubMed Central

Nebot-Cegarra, Josep; Fàbregas, Pere Jordi; Sánchez-Pérez, Inma

2005-01-01

In order to analyse the patterns of cellular proliferation both in the mesenchyme of the urorectal septum (URS) and in the adjacent territories (posterior urogenital mesenchyme, anterior intestinal mesenchyme and cloacal folds mesenchyme), as well as their contribution to the process of cloacal division, a computer-assisted method was used to obtain the nuclear area of 3874 mesenchymal cells from camera lucida drawings of nuclear contours of selected sections of human embryos [Carnegie stages (CSs) 13–18]. Based on changes in the size of the nucleus during the cellular cycle, we considered proliferating cells in each territory to be those with a nuclear area over the 75th percentile. The URS showed increasing cell proliferation, with proliferation patterns that coincided closely with cloacal folds mesenchyme, and with less overall proliferation than urogenital and intestinal mesenchymes. Furthermore, at CS 18, we observed the beginning of the rupture in the cloacal membrane; however, no fusion has been demonstrated either between the URS and the cloacal membrane or between the cloacal folds. The results suggest that cloacal division depends on a morphogenetic complex where the URS adjacent territories could determine septal displacement at the time that their mesenchymes could be partially incorporated within the proliferating URS. PMID:16191164

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles and their effect on Fusarium head blight and oxidative activity in wheat.

PubMed

Kheiri, A; Moosawi Jorf, S A; Malihipour, A; Saremi, H; Nikkhah, M

2017-09-01

The main aim of present study was to prepare chitosan (CS) and chitosan nanoparticles (CS/NPs) to evaluate their antifungal and oxidative activity. CS/NPs were prepared based on the ionic gelation of CS with tripolyphosphate (TPP) anions by using centrifugation and pH change. The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by size and zeta potential analysis. The antifungal activity of the CS and CS/NPs were evaluated on the Fusarium graminearum, which causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat by the method of spraying on the Potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that particle diameter (z-average) was approximately 180.9±35.5-339.4±50.9 and 225.7±42.81-595.7±81.7nm for NPs prepared from CS with different molecular weights by using centrifugation and pH change methods, respectively. Different concentrations of CS and NPs were tested to know the inhibitory effect of F. graminearum. Low molecular weight (LMW) CS and its NPs had high potential of antifungal activity on suppress of fungus growth. The maximum percentage of growth reduction was 68.18%, and 77.5% by CS and its NPs at concentrations of 1000 and 5000ppm, respectively. In greenhouse trials, at 28days after inoculation (dpi), the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) from 7 dpi to 28 dpi of control plants treated with acetic acid aqueous solution and distilled water was almost up to 7.36 and 7.7, respectively, while plants treated with CS and NPs only had approximately 3.61 and 3.34, respectively. Results revealed that H 2 O 2 accumulations displayed a different pattern during the activation of plant defense systems, it had brownish sites on the infected palea. Since 24h post inoculation (hpi), the H 2 O 2 accumulations were shown in both CS and NPs, and the elevated H 2 O 2 accumulation appeared in 72 hpi in both treatments. CS and NPs at high concentration increased the degree of tissue and cell injury. The obtained results clearly suggest that CS and its NPs have remarkable potential for further field screening towards crop protection. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Atypical cerebellar slump syndrome and external hydrocephalus following craniocervical decompression for Chiari I malformation: case report.

PubMed

Thakar, Sumit; Dadlani, Ravi; Tawari, Manish; Hegde, Alangar S

2014-01-01

Symptomatic cerebellar slump (CS) and external hydrocephalus (EH) are amongst the rarer complications of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) for Chiari I malformation (CM). CS typically presents with delayed onset headache related to dural traction or with neurological deficit offsetting the benefit of FMD. EH, consisting of ventriculomegaly along with subdural fluid collection(s) (SFCs), has been related to cerebrospinal fluid egress from a tiny breach in an otherwise intact arachnoid. We describe the case of a 21-year-old man with CM and syringomyelia who presented with impaired gag, spastic quadriparesis, and raised intracranial pressure 1 week following an uneventful FMD during which the arachnoid had been widely fenestrated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an infratentorial SFC, dilated aqueduct and triventriculomegaly, features of CS, and a residual but resolving syrinx. His symptoms resolved following a high pressure ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. At a 6-month follow-up visit, he was asymptomatic and demonstrated partial resolution of the syrinx, with no recurrence of the SFC. The unusual features in the clinical course of this patient were an atypical CS syndrome presenting with concomitantly resolving syringomyelia, and the development of EH after a wide arachnoidal fenestration. This is the first case in indexed literature describing such a combination of unusual postoperative complications of a FMD. A hypothesis is presented to explain the clinico-radiological findings of the case.

Atypical Cerebellar Slump Syndrome and External Hydrocephalus following Craniocervical Decompression for Chiari I Malformation: Case Report

PubMed Central

THAKAR, Sumit; DADLANI, Ravi; TAWARI, Manish; HEGDE, Alangar S

2014-01-01

Symptomatic cerebellar slump (CS) and external hydrocephalus (EH) are amongst the rarer complications of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) for Chiari I malformation (CM). CS typically presents with delayed onset headache related to dural traction or with neurological deficit offsetting the benefit of FMD. EH, consisting of ventriculomegaly along with subdural fluid collection(s) (SFCs), has been related to cerebrospinal fluid egress from a tiny breach in an otherwise intact arachnoid. We describe the case of a 21-year-old man with CM and syringomyelia who presented with impaired gag, spastic quadriparesis, and raised intracranial pressure 1 week following an uneventful FMD during which the arachnoid had been widely fenestrated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an infratentorial SFC, dilated aqueduct and triventriculomegaly, features of CS, and a residual but resolving syrinx. His symptoms resolved following a high pressure ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. At a 6-month follow-up visit, he was asymptomatic and demonstrated partial resolution of the syrinx, with no recurrence of the SFC. The unusual features in the clinical course of this patient were an atypical CS syndrome presenting with concomitantly resolving syringomyelia, and the development of EH after a wide arachnoidal fenestration. This is the first case in indexed literature describing such a combination of unusual postoperative complications of a FMD. A hypothesis is presented to explain the clinico-radiological findings of the case. PMID:24257499

Surface-functionalized, pH-responsive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based microparticles for intranasal vaccine delivery: Effect of surface modification with chitosan and mannan.

PubMed

Li, Ze; Xiong, Fangfang; He, Jintian; Dai, Xiaojing; Wang, Gaizhen

2016-12-01

In the present study, surface-functionalized, pH-responsive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were investigated for nasal delivery of hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg). pH-responsive PLGA, chitosan modified PLGA (CS-PLGA), mannan modified PLGA (MN-PLGA), mannan and chitosan co-modified PLGA (MN-CS-PLGA) microparticles were prepared utilizing a double-emulsion method. Antigen was released rapidly from four types of microparticles at pH5.0 and pH 6.0, but slowly released at pH 7.4. Mannan and chitosan surface modification enhanced intracellular microparticle uptake by macrophages. Following intracellular macrophage antigen uptake, antigen release occurred in three different patterns: fast release from PLGA and MN-PLGA microparticles in endosomes/lysosomes, slow release from CS-PLGA microparticles in cytoplasm and a combination of fast release and slow release patterns from MN-CS-PLGA microparticles. Furthermore, chitosan coating modification increased the residence time of CS-PLGA and MN-CS-PLGA microparticles in the nasal cavity. In vivo immunogenicity studies indicated that MN-CS-PLGA microparticles induced stronger humoral and cell-mediated immune responses compared with PLGA, MN-PLGA and CS-PLGA microparticles. These results suggest that surface modification of pH-responsive PLGA microparticles with mannan and chitosan is a promising tool for nasal delivery of HBsAg. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of cigarette smoke on salivary proteins and enzyme activities.

PubMed

Nagler, R; Lischinsky, S; Diamond, E; Drigues, N; Klein, I; Reznick, A Z

2000-07-15

Exposure of human plasma in vitro to gas-phase cigarette smoke (CS) causes a marked modification of plasma proteins as measured by protein carbonyl assay. Aldehydes present in CS may cause this elevation of protein carbonyls by reacting with sulfhydryl groups of proteins. Saliva is the first body fluid to confront the inhaled CS. Thus, in vitro exposure of saliva to nine "puffs" of CS also showed a distinct increase in protein carbonyls. Ascorbate and desferrioxamine mesylate had little effect on protein carbonyl formation, while GSH and N-acetylcysteine considerably inhibited the accumulation of protein carbonyls due to CS exposure. Following the exposure to CS, the activities of several salivary enzymes-amylase, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and acid phosphatase-were found to be significantly reduced (34, 57, and 77%, respectively). However, CS had no effect on the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Addition of 1 mM of GSH and N-acetylcysteine considerably protected LDH and amylase activities, suggesting that sulfhydryl groups are affected in LDH and amylase. On the other hand, addition of 1 mM ascorbate caused a further loss of LDH and amylase activities, which could be partially prevented by the addition of desferrioxamine mesylate, implicating metal-catalyzed oxidation processes. Finally, loss of acid phosphatase activity was completely unaffected by any of the above antioxidants. It is concluded that the loss of salivary enzyme activities may be due to various agents in the CS that affect the enzyme activities via different mechanisms. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Changing facial phenotype in Cohen syndrome: towards clues for an earlier diagnosis.

PubMed

El Chehadeh-Djebbar, Salima; Blair, Edward; Holder-Espinasse, Muriel; Moncla, Anne; Frances, Anne-Marie; Rio, Marlène; Debray, François-Guillaume; Rump, Patrick; Masurel-Paulet, Alice; Gigot, Nadège; Callier, Patrick; Duplomb, Laurence; Aral, Bernard; Huet, Frédéric; Thauvin-Robinet, Christel; Faivre, Laurence

2013-07-01

Cohen syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations and/or large rearrangements in the VPS13B gene. CS clinical features, including developmental delay, the typical facial gestalt, chorioretinal dystrophy (CRD) and neutropenia, are well described. CS diagnosis is generally raised after school age, when visual disturbances lead to CRD diagnosis and to VPS13B gene testing. This relatively late diagnosis precludes accurate genetic counselling. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of CS facial features in the early period of life, particularly before school age (6 years), to find clues for an earlier diagnosis. Photographs of 17 patients with molecularly confirmed CS were analysed, from birth to preschool age. By comparing their facial phenotype when growing, we show that there are no special facial characteristics before 1 year. However, between 2 and 6 years, CS children already share common facial features such as a short neck, a square face with micrognathia and full cheeks, a hypotonic facial appearance, epicanthic folds, long ears with an everted upper part of the auricle and/or a prominent lobe, a relatively short philtrum, a small and open mouth with downturned corners, a thick lower lip and abnormal eye shapes. These early transient facial features evolve to typical CS facial features with aging. These observations emphasize the importance of ophthalmological tests and neutrophil count in children in preschool age presenting with developmental delay, hypotonia and the facial features we described here, for an earlier CS diagnosis.

Curcumin-loaded redox response of self-assembled micelles for enhanced antitumor and anti-inflammation efficacy.

PubMed

Zhao, Shuang; Ma, Litao; Cao, Chengwen; Yu, Qianqian; Chen, Lanmei; Liu, Jie

2017-01-01

At present, it has become evident that inflammation plays a critical role in tumor growth; meanwhile, chemotherapeutic agents using nanocarriers have been suggested as a promising strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, novel redox-responsive micelles were prepared from monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-chitosan-S-S-hexadecyl (C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG). These micelles were able to carry and deliver drugs into tumor cells. To serve as a control, monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-chitosan-C-C-hexadecyl (C 16 -CC-CS-mPEG) was developed in a similar fashion to that used to yield C 16 -CC-CS-mPEG without a redox-responsive disulfide bond. The cellular uptake mechanisms of both micelles were determined. The efficient intracellular drug release from micelles in MCF-7 cells was further confirmed. Results indicated that curcumin (Cur) could rapidly form C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG@ Cur micelles when exposed to reducing agents and efficaciously enhance intracellular accumulation. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG@Cur exhibited satisfactory cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. Anti-inflammation assay results indicated that C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG@Cur treatment significantly downregulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expression and showed good anti-inflammatory effects in tumor microenvironment. Most importantly, antitumor effects in vivo showed satisfactory therapeutic effects with C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG@Cur. Hence, C 16 -SS-CS-mPEG@Cur micelles can be useful in tumor therapy.

Curcumin-loaded redox response of self-assembled micelles for enhanced antitumor and anti-inflammation efficacy

PubMed Central

Zhao, Shuang; Ma, Litao; Cao, Chengwen; Yu, Qianqian; Chen, Lanmei; Liu, Jie

2017-01-01

At present, it has become evident that inflammation plays a critical role in tumor growth; meanwhile, chemotherapeutic agents using nanocarriers have been suggested as a promising strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, novel redox-responsive micelles were prepared from monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-chitosan-S-S-hexadecyl (C16-SS-CS-mPEG). These micelles were able to carry and deliver drugs into tumor cells. To serve as a control, monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-chitosan-C-C-hexadecyl (C16-CC-CS-mPEG) was developed in a similar fashion to that used to yield C16-CC-CS-mPEG without a redox-responsive disulfide bond. The cellular uptake mechanisms of both micelles were determined. The efficient intracellular drug release from micelles in MCF-7 cells was further confirmed. Results indicated that curcumin (Cur) could rapidly form C16-SS-CS-mPEG@ Cur micelles when exposed to reducing agents and efficaciously enhance intracellular accumulation. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that C16-SS-CS-mPEG@Cur exhibited satisfactory cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. Anti-inflammation assay results indicated that C16-SS-CS-mPEG@Cur treatment significantly downregulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expression and showed good anti-inflammatory effects in tumor microenvironment. Most importantly, antitumor effects in vivo showed satisfactory therapeutic effects with C16-SS-CS-mPEG@Cur. Hence, C16-SS-CS-mPEG@Cur micelles can be useful in tumor therapy. PMID:28408820

Reconstruction of a Large-scale Pre-flare Coronal Current Sheet Associated with a Homologous X-shaped Flare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chaowei; Yan, Xiaoli; Feng, Xueshang; Duan, Aiying; Hu, Qiang; Zuo, Pingbing; Wang, Yi

2017-11-01

As a fundamental magnetic structure in the solar corona, electric current sheets (CSs) can form either prior to or during a solar flare, and they are essential for magnetic energy dissipation in the solar corona because they enable magnetic reconnection. However, the static reconstruction of a CS is rare, possibly due to limitations that are inherent in the available coronal field extrapolation codes. Here we present the reconstruction of a large-scale pre-flare CS in solar active region 11967 using an MHD-relaxation model constrained by the SDO/HMI vector magnetogram. The CS is associated with a set of peculiar homologous flares that exhibit unique X-shaped ribbons and loops occurring in a quadrupolar magnetic configuration.This is evidenced by an ’X’ shape, formed from the field lines traced from the CS to the photosphere. This nearly reproduces the shape of the observed flare ribbons, suggesting that the flare is a product of the dissipation of the CS via reconnection. The CS forms in a hyperbolic flux tube, which is an intersection of two quasi-separatrix layers. The recurrence of the X-shaped flares might be attributed to the repetitive formation and dissipation of the CS, as driven by the photospheric footpoint motions. These results demonstrate the power of a data-constrained MHD model in reproducing a CS in the corona as well as providing insight into the magnetic mechanism of solar flares.

2016 T Division Lightning Talks

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

Ramsey, Marilyn Leann; Adams, Luke Clyde; Ferre, Gregoire Robing

These are the slides for all of the 2016 T Division lightning talks. There are 350 pages worth of slides from different presentations, all of which cover different topics within the theoretical division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).

[Regression of glomerulosclerosis in a girl with C3 nephropathy].

PubMed

Jarmoliński, Tomasz; Borucka, Barbara; Wozniak, Aldona

2005-01-01

Regression of glomerular sclerosis was documented in experimental models as a result of RAA system blocking and/or cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment. Here we present a case of a girl suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) in whom unusual healing of glomerular changes appeared. First time the girl was admitted to our department at the age of 4 year with 2 years history of steroid-dependent NS. Kidney biopsy studied in light microscopy revealed 11 glomeruli among which 5 were totally sclerosed and the others showed mesangial proliferation and segmental mesangial matrix expansion. Diffuse interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration was also visible. In fluorescence microscopy only granular C3 and fibrinogen deposits were seen. C3 nephropathy was diagnosed and cyclophosphamide therapy started. As no effects appeared, CsA was introduced together with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) enalapril for two years without any relapse during treatment. Prednisone was gradually reduced and finally stopped after a year. On the second biopsy performed to assess CsA nephrotoxicity among 16 glomeruli evaluated in light microscopy only 1 was sclerosed, while the others presented just mild mesangial proliferation. No interstitial changes were found. Fluorescence showed IgA and IgM added to glomerular C3 deposits. CsA was then stopped and after 4 months relapses and steroid-dependency appeared again, so CsA was reintroduced. Actually the girl is 8-year-old, remission of NS has been observed for six months. As a conclusion we would like to suggest that treatment with CsA and ACEI may cause glomerular healing even in a case of advanced glomerulosclerosis.

Hypertrophic remodeling of subcutaneous small resistance arteries in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

PubMed

Rizzoni, Damiano; Porteri, Enzo; De Ciuceis, Carolina; Rodella, Luigi F; Paiardi, Silvia; Rizzardi, Nicola; Platto, Caterina; Boari, Gianluca E M; Pilu, Annamaria; Tiberio, Guido A M; Giulini, Stefano M; Favero, Gaia; Rezzani, Rita; Rosei, Claudia Agabiti; Bulgari, Giuseppe; Avanzi, Daniele; Rosei, Enrico Agabiti

2009-12-01

Structural alterations of small resistance arteries in essential hypertensive patients (EH) are mostly characterized by inward eutrophic remodeling. However, we observed hypertrophic remodeling in patients with renovascular hypertension, in those with acromegaly, as well as in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, suggesting a relevant effect of humoral growth factors on vascular structure, even independent from the hemodynamic load. Cortisol may stimulate the renin-angiotensin system and may induce cardiac hypertrophy. However, presently no data are available about small artery structure in patients with Cushing's syndrome. We have investigated the structure of sc small resistance arteries in 12 normotensive subjects (NT), in 12 EH subjects, and in eight patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). Small arteries from sc fat were dissected and mounted on a micromyograph. The normalized internal diameter, media thickness, media to lumen ratio, and the media cross-sectional area were measured, as well as indices of oxidative stress. Demographic variables were similar in the three groups, except for clinic blood pressure. The media to lumen ratio was significantly greater in EH and CS, compared with NT; no difference was observed between EH and CS. The media cross-sectional area was significantly greater in CS compared with EH and with NT. An increased vascular oxidative stress was present in CS, as demonstrated by increased levels of superoxide anions, cyclooxygenase-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the microvessels. Our results suggest the presence of hypertrophic remodeling in sc small resistance arteries of CS, probably as a consequence of growth-promoting properties of circulating cortisol and/or increased vascular oxidative stress.

Effects of Nicotine on Olfactogustatory Incentives: Preference, Palatability, and Operant Choice Tests

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction: The use of additives in tobacco may capitalize on the incentive motivational properties of tastes and scents such as mint (menthol), vanilla, and strawberry. These incentives are intended to increase tobacco experimentation, but their salience may also be enhanced by the incentive amplifying effects of nicotine (NIC). The goal of the present studies was to investigate the potential interaction between the incentive amplifying effects of NIC and gustatory incentives. Methods: One of two discriminable tastes (grape or cherry Kool-Aid®; 0.05% wt/vol; unsweetened) was paired with sucrose (20% wt/vol; conditioned stimulus [CS+]) in deionized water, whereas the other taste (CS−) was presented in deionized water. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of NIC pretreatment on preference for the CS+ versus CS− in 2-bottle choice tests. Experiment 2 investigated the effects of NIC on palatability of the CS+ and CS− using orofacial taste reactions. Experiment 3 investigated the effects of NIC on reinforcement by the CS+ and CS− using a concurrent choice operant task. Results: NIC pretreatment robustly increased operant responding for the CS+ but did not alter responding for the CS− in the operant choice task (Experiment 3). However, NIC pretreatment did not alter intake or palatability of the CS+ or CS− (Experiments 1 and 2). Conclusions: NIC increases the reinforcing effects of gustatory incentive stimuli, even though these stimuli were not paired with NIC administration. The findings suggest that adding taste incentives to tobacco products may increase the attractiveness of these products to consumers and the probability of repeated use. PMID:23430737

Burkitt lymphoma expresses oncofetal chondroitin sulfate without being a reservoir for placental malaria sequestration.

PubMed

Agerbaek, Mette Ø; Pereira, Marina A; Clausen, Thomas M; Pehrson, Caroline; Oo, Htoo Zarni; Spliid, Charlotte; Rich, Jamie R; Fung, Vincent; Nkrumah, Francis; Neequaye, Janet; Biggar, Robert J; Reynolds, Steven J; Tosato, Giovanna; Pullarkat, Sheeja T; Ayers, Leona W; Theander, Thor G; Daugaard, Mads; Bhatia, Kishor; Nielsen, Morten A; Mbulaiteye, Sam M; Salanti, Ali

2017-04-01

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a malignant disease, which is frequently found in areas with holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum malaria. We have previously found that the VAR2CSA protein is present on malaria-infected erythrocytes and facilitates a highly specific binding to the placenta. ofCS is absent in other non-malignant tissues and thus VAR2CSA generally facilitates parasite sequestration and accumulation in pregnant women. In this study, we show that the specific receptor for VAR2CSA, the oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS), is likewise present in BL tissue and cell lines. We therefore explored whether ofCS in BL could act as anchor site for VAR2CSA-expressing infected erythrocytes. In contrast to the placenta, we found no evidence of in vivo sequestering of infected erythrocytes in the BL tissue. Furthermore, we found VAR2CSA-specific antibody titers in children with endemic BL to be lower than in control children from the same malaria endemic region. The abundant presence of ofCS in BL tissue and the absence of ofCS in non-malignant tissue encouraged us to examine whether recombinant VAR2CSA could be used to target BL. We confirmed the binding of VAR2CSA to BL-derived cells and showed that a VAR2CSA drug conjugate efficiently killed the BL-derived cell lines in vitro. These results identify ofCS as a novel therapeutic BL target and highlight how VAR2CSA could be used as a tool for the discovery of novel approaches for directing BL therapy. © 2016 UICC.

Burkitt lymphoma express oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate without being a reservoir for placental malaria sequestration

PubMed Central

Agerbæk, Mette Ø.; Pereira, Marina A.; Clausen, Thomas M.; Pehrson, Caroline; Oo, Htoo Zarni; Spliid, Charlotte; Rich, Jamie R.; Fung, Vincent; Nkrumah, Francis; Neequaye, Janet; Biggar, Robert J.; Reynolds, Steven J.; Tosato, Giovanna; Pullarkat, Sheeja T.; Ayers, Leona W.; Theander, Thor G.; Daugaard, Mads; Bhatia, Kishor; Nielsen, Morten A.; Mbulaiteye, Sam M.; Salanti, Ali

2016-01-01

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a malignant disease, which is frequently found in areas with holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum malaria. We have previously found that the VAR2CSA protein is present on malaria-infected erythrocytes and facilitates a highly specific binding to the placenta. OfCS is absent from other non-malignant tissues and thus VAR2CSA generally facilitates parasite sequestration and accumulation in pregnant women. In this study, we show that the specific receptor for VAR2CSA, the oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS), is likewise present in BL tissue and cell lines. We therefore explored whether ofCS in BL could act as anchor-site for VAR2CSA-expressing infected erythrocytes. In contrast to the placenta, we found no evidence of in vivo sequestering of infected erythrocytes in the BL tissue. Furthermore, we found VAR2CSA specific antibody titers in children with endemic BL to be lower than in control children from the same malaria endemic region. The abundant presence of ofCS in BL tissue and the absence of ofCS in non-malignant tissue, encouraged us to examine whether recombinant VAR2CSA could be used to target BL. We confirmed the binding of VAR2CSA to BL-derived cells and showed that a VAR2CSA drug conjugate efficiently killed the BL-derived cell lines in vitro. These results identify ofCS as a novel therapeutic BL target and highlight how VAR2CSA could be used as a tool for the discovery of novel approaches for directing BL therapy. PMID:27997697

Extinction of a conditioned response in rainbow trout selected for high or low responsiveness to stress.

PubMed

Moreira, P S A; Pulman, K G T; Pottinger, T G

2004-11-01

Two lines of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that exhibit divergent endocrine responsiveness to stressors also display disparate behavioral traits. To investigate whether the high-responding (HR) and low-responding (LR) fish also differ in cognitive function, the rate of extinction of a conditioned response was compared between the two lines. Groups of HR and LR fish were exposed to a paired conditioned stimulus (CS; water off) and unconditioned stimulus (US; confinement stressor). After exposure to 18 CS-US pairings, at least 70% of individuals of both lines acquired a conditioned response (CR) manifested as an elevation of blood cortisol levels on presentation of the CS only. Post-conditioning, the fish were tested by presentation of the CS at weekly intervals, for 4 weeks, with no further reinforcement, and the extinction of the CR in the two lines was compared. The decline in mean plasma cortisol levels after exposure to the CS over successive tests suggested that the CR was retained for a shorter period among the HR (<14 days) than LR fish (<21 days). The frequency of individuals within each line whose plasma cortisol levels indicated a stress response when exposed to the CS was significantly greater among the LR than HR fish at 14 and 21 days with no HR fish falling into this category at 21 days. At 28 days post-conditioning, there were no HR fish and only three LR fish were categorized as "stressed". These results suggest that there are differences in cognitive function between the two lines. Possible mechanisms underlying these differences are discussed.

Sample Training Based Wildfire Segmentation by 2D Histogram θ-Division with Minimum Error

PubMed Central

Dong, Erqian; Sun, Mingui; Jia, Wenyan; Zhang, Dengyi; Yuan, Zhiyong

2013-01-01

A novel wildfire segmentation algorithm is proposed with the help of sample training based 2D histogram θ-division and minimum error. Based on minimum error principle and 2D color histogram, the θ-division methods were presented recently, but application of prior knowledge on them has not been explored. For the specific problem of wildfire segmentation, we collect sample images with manually labeled fire pixels. Then we define the probability function of error division to evaluate θ-division segmentations, and the optimal angle θ is determined by sample training. Performances in different color channels are compared, and the suitable channel is selected. To further improve the accuracy, the combination approach is presented with both θ-division and other segmentation methods such as GMM. Our approach is tested on real images, and the experiments prove its efficiency for wildfire segmentation. PMID:23878526

Generalization of Extinguished Skin Conductance Responding in Human Fear Conditioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vervliet, Bram; Vansteenwegen, Debora; Eelen, Paul

2004-01-01

In a human fear conditioning paradigm using the skin conductance response (SCR), participants were assigned to two groups. Following identical acquisition, group ABA (n = 16) was extinguished to a generalization stimulus (GS), whereas group AAB (n = 20) was extinguished to the conditioned stimulus (CS). At test, presenting the CS in group ABA…

Examining Teacher Framing, Student Reasoning, and Student Agency in School-Based Citizen Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Emily Mae

2017-01-01

This dissertation presents three interrelated studies examining opportunities for student learning through contributory citizen science (CS), where students collect and contribute data to help generate new scientific knowledge. I draw on sociocultural perspectives of learning to analyze three cases where teachers integrated CS into school science,…

TASTE DISCRIMINATION LEARNING IN PREWEANLING RATS

EPA Science Inventory

Seventeen-day-old rat pups received intraoral infusions of two novel flavors, coffee (.625% w/v Sanka, decaffeinated) and saccharin (.5% w/v), of which one (CS+) was paired with a .75X body weight, i.p. injection of 0.4 M LiCl, and the other (CS-) was presented alone. n the follo...

A Placement Test for Computer Science: Design, Implementation, and Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nugent, Gwen; Soh, Leen-Kiat; Samal, Ashok; Lang, Jeff

2006-01-01

An introductory CS1 course presents problems for educators and students due to students' diverse background in programming knowledge and exposure. Students who enroll in CS1 also have different expectations and motivations. Prompted by the curricular guidelines for undergraduate programmes in computer science released in 2001 by the ACM/IEEE, and…

Behavioral Theory and Culture Special Issue: Authors' Response to Commentaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pasick, Rena J.; Burke, Nancy J.; Joseph, Galen

2009-01-01

This article presents the authors' response to commentaries that focus on the "Behavioral Constructs and Culture in Cancer Screening" (3Cs) study. The 3Cs study had an unremarkable beginning, with two colleagues discussing their frustration over the narrow range of behavioral theories and the limited guidance the theories offered for a study…

Clonorchis sinensis granulin: identification, immunolocalization, and function in promoting the metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Wang, Caiqin; Lei, Huali; Tian, Yanli; Shang, Mei; Wu, Yinjuan; Li, Ye; Zhao, Lu; Shi, Mengchen; Tang, Xin; Chen, Tingjin; Lv, Zhiyue; Huang, Yan; Tang, Xiaoping; Yu, Xinbing; Li, Xuerong

2017-05-25

Long-term infections by Clonorchis sinensis are associated with cholangitis, cholecystitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Molecules from the worm play vital roles in disease progress. In the present study, we identified and explored molecular characterization of C. sinensis granulin (CsGRN), a growth factor-like protein from C. sinensis excretory/secretory products (CsESPs). The encoding sequence and conserved domains of CsGRN were identified and analysed by bioinformatics tools. Recombinant CsGRN (rCsGRN) protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The localisation of CsGRN in adult worms and Balb/c mice infected with C. sinensis was investigated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Stable CsGRN-overexpressed cell lines of hepatoma cells (PLC-GRN cells) and cholangiocarcinoma cells (RBE-GRN cells) were constructed by transfection of eukaryotic expression plasmid of pEGFP-C1-CsGRN. The effects on cell migration and invasion of CsGRN were assessed through the wound-healing assay and transwell assay. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) in PLC-GRN or RBE-GRN cells were detected by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, zona occludens proteins (ZO-1), β-catenin, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) were analysed by Western blotting. CsGRN, including the conserved GRN domains, was confirmed to be a member of the granulin family. CsGRN was identified as an ingredient of CsESPs. CsGRN was localised in the tegument and testes of the adult worm. Furthermore, it appeared in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and biliary epithelium cells from infected Balb/c mouse. The enhancement of cell migration and invasion of PLC-GRN and RBE-GRN cells were observed. In addition, CsGRN upregulated the levels of vimentin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, MMP2 and MMP9, while it downregulated the level of ZO-1 in PLC-GRN/RBE-GRN cells. In total proteins of liver tissue from rCsGRN immunised Balb/c mice, vimentin level decreased, while E-cadherin level increased when compared with the control groups. Meanwhile, the levels of p-ERK reached a peak at 4 weeks post immunisation and the level of p-AKT did at 2 weeks after immunisation. The encoding sequence and molecular characteristics of CsGRN were identified. As a member of granulin superfamily, CsGRN induced mesenchymal characteristics of PLC and RBE cells and was found to regulate the activities of the downstream molecules of the ERK and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways, which could contribute to the enhancement of cell migration and invasion.

In the Blink of an Eye: Investigating the Role of Awareness in Fear Responding by Measuring the Latency of Startle Potentiation

PubMed Central

Åsli, Ole; Flaten, Magne A.

2012-01-01

The latency of startle reflex potentiation may shed light on the aware and unaware processes underlying associative learning, especially associative fear learning. We review research suggesting that single-cue delay classical conditioning is independent of awareness of the contingency between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). Moreover, we discuss research that argues that conditioning independent of awareness has not been proven. Subsequently, three studies from our lab are presented that have investigated the role of awareness in classical conditioning, by measuring the minimum latency from CS onset to observed changes in reflexive behavior. In sum, research using this method shows that startle is potentiated 30 to 100 ms after CS onset following delay conditioning. Following trace fear conditioning, startle is potentiated 1500 ms after CS presentation. These results indicate that the process underlying delay conditioned responding is independent of awareness, and that trace fear conditioned responding is dependent on awareness. Finally, this method of investigating the role of awareness is discussed and future research possibilities are proposed. PMID:24962686

Distribution of soap molecules in flowing soap films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ildoo; Sane, Aakash; Mandre, Shreyas

Flowing soap films are useful tools to simulate two-dimensional flows. The Marangoni elasticity due to the presence of soap molecules not only stabilizes the soap film but also imparts it compressibility to the two-dimensional flow in the soap film. Therefore, it is desirable to measure the surface concentration cs of soap molecules to understand the physics flowing soap films. In this study, we present an indirect measurement of cs, by making a direct measurement of the surface tension and the Marangoni elasticity. Using a two-stage model for soap distribution in the flows, the range of cs is calculated for different thickness and the soap solution concentration. Our model shows that the soap film will have the same cs for the range of parameters in popular use and in agreements with experimental data.

Dual species entanglement of Rb and Cs qubits with Rydberg blockade for crosstalk free qubit measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Kevin; Yu, Zhaoning; Ebert, Matthew; Sun, Yuan; Saffman, Mark

2016-05-01

One of the outstanding challenges facing neutral atom qubit approaches to quantum computation is suppression of crosstalk between proximal qubits due to scattered light that is generated during optical pumping and measurement operations. We have recently proposed a dual species approach to solving this challenge whereby computational qubits encoded in Cs atoms are entangled with Rb atoms via an interspecies Rydberg interaction. The quantum state of a Cs atom can then be readout by measuring the state of a Rb atom. The difference in resonant wavelengths of the two species effectively suppresses crosstalk. We will present progress towards experimental demonstration of dual species entanglement using Rb and Cs atoms cotrapped in a single beam optical trap. Work supported by the ARL CDQI.

An Overview of the Human Systems Integration Division

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gore, Brian F.

2015-01-01

This presentation will provide an overview of the Human Systems Integration Division, and will highlight some of the human performance modeling efforts undertaken in previously presented MIDAS human performance modeling efforts.

What is learned from repeated pairings? On the scope and generalizability of evaluative conditioning.

PubMed

Hütter, Mandy; Kutzner, Florian; Fiedler, Klaus

2014-04-01

The investigation of evaluative conditioning (EC) has been mainly concerned with the conditioning of individual stimuli. Namely, a specific conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with a positive or negative unconditioned stimulus and consequently acquires the valence of the unconditioned stimulus. In the present article, we expand the notion of EC to CS cues (e.g., gender) as distinguished from CS objects (e.g., an individual). We developed a conditioning paradigm that allows for the simultaneous investigation of both types of EC effects, evaluative identity conditioning and evaluative cue conditioning. The experiments demonstrate that EC has the potential to change attitudes not only toward CS individuals but also toward CS cues. We applied this twofold approach to both impoverished and more complex learning environments, demonstrating that evaluative identity conditioning is dependent on stimulus complexity while evaluative cue conditioning depends on the complexity of the stimulus context. The findings have distinct implications for the generalization of EC effects as well as for the investigation of EC.

X-ray spectroscopy with silicon pin and avalanche photo diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desai, U. D.

1992-01-01

Results of an evaluation of silicon P-Intrinsic-N (PIN) photodiodes and Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) for the direct detection of soft x rays from 1 to 20 keV and for the detection of scintillation light output from CsI(TI) for higher x ray energies (30 to 1000 keV) are presented. About one keV resolution was achieved at room temperature for both the PIN and APD detectors for soft x rays (1 to 20 keV). Commercially available, low power (18 mV), low noise, hybrid preamplifiers, were used. These photodiodes were also coupled to CsI(TI) scintillator and obtained about 6 resolution at 662 keV. The photodiode frequency response matches well with the emission spectrum of the CsI(TI) scintillator providing good spectral resolution and a higher signal than NaI(TI) when viewed by conventional photomultipliers. A PIN-CsI(TI) combination provides a low energy threshold of around 60 keV while for the APD-CsI(TI) it is 15 keV.

Fabrication of porous chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) reinforced single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites for neural tissue engineering.

PubMed

Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Mottaghitalab, Fatemeh; Mottaghitalab, Vahid; Farokhi, Mehdi

2011-04-01

With the ability to form a nano-sized fibrous structure with large pore sizes mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM), electrospinning was used to fabricate chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT-CS/PVA) for potential use in neural tissue engineering. Moreover, ultrasonication was performed to fabricate highly dispersed SWNT/CS solution with 7%, 12%, and 17% SWNT content prior to electrospinning process. In the present study, a number of properties of CS/PVA reinforced SWNTs nanocomposites were evaluated. The in vitro biocompatibility of the electrospun fiber mats was also assessed using human brain-derived cells and U373 cell lines. The results have shown that SWNTs as reinforcing phase can augment the morphology, porosity, and structural properties of CS/PVA nanofiber composites and thus benefit the proliferation rate of both cell types. In addition, the cells exhibit their normal morphology while integrating with surrounding fibers. The results confirmed the potential of SWNT-CS/PVA nanocomposites as scaffold for neural tissue engineering.

Overexpression of CsCaM3 Improves High Temperature Tolerance in Cucumber

PubMed Central

Yu, Bingwei; Yan, Shuangshuang; Zhou, Huoyan; Dong, Riyue; Lei, Jianjun; Chen, Changming; Cao, Bihao

2018-01-01

High temperature (HT) stress affects the growth and production of cucumbers, but genetic resources with high heat tolerance are very scarce in this crop. Calmodulin (CaM) has been confirmed to be related to the regulation of HT stress resistance in plants. CsCaM3, a CaM gene, was isolated from cucumber inbred line “02-8.” Its expression was characterized in the present study. CsCaM3 transcripts differed among the organs and tissues of cucumber plants and could be induced by HTs or abscisic acid, but not by salicylic acid. CsCaM3 transcripts exhibited subcellular localization to the cytoplasm and nuclei of cells. Overexpression of CsCaM3 in cucumber plants has the potential to improve their heat tolerance and protect against oxidative damage and photosynthesis system damage by regulating the expression of HT-responsive genes in plants, including chlorophyll catabolism-related genes under HT stress. Taken together, our results provide useful insights into stress tolerance in cucumber. PMID:29946334

Inactivation of the Ventrolateral Orbitofrontal Cortex Impairs Flexible Use of Safety Signals.

PubMed

Sarlitto, Mary C; Foilb, Allison R; Christianson, John P

2018-05-21

Survival depends on adaptation to shifting environmental risks and opportunities. Regarding risks, the mechanisms which permit acquisition, recall, and flexible use of aversive associations is poorly understood. Drawing on the evidence that the orbital frontal cortex is critical to integrating outcome expectancies with flexible appetitive behavioral responses, we hypothesized that OFC would contribute to behavioral flexibility within an aversive learning domain. We introduce a fear conditioning procedure in which adult male rats were presented with shock-paired conditioned stimulus (CS+) or a safety cue (CS-). In a recall test, rats exhibit greater freezing to the CS+ than the CS-. Temporary inactivation of the ventrolateral OFC with muscimol prior to conditioning did not affect later discrimination, but inactivation after learning and prior to recall impaired discrimination between safety and danger cues. This result complements prior research in the appetitive domain and suggests that the OFC plays a general role in behavioral flexibility regardless of the valence of the CS. Copyright © 2018 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Daily propranolol administration reduces persistent injury-associated anemia after severe trauma and chronic stress.

PubMed

Alamo, Ines G; Kannan, Kolenkode B; Bible, Letitia E; Loftus, Tyler J; Ramos, Harry; Efron, Philip A; Mohr, Alicia M

2017-04-01

After severe trauma, patients develop a norepinephrine-mediated persistent, injury-associated anemia. This anemia is associated with suppression of bone marrow (BM) erythroid colony growth, along with decreased iron levels, and elevated erythropoietin (EPO) levels, which are insufficient to promote effective erythropoiesis. The impact of norepinephrine on iron regulators, such as ferroportin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor-1 (TFR-1), is unknown. Using a clinically relevant rodent model of lung contusion (LC), hemorrhagic shock (HS), and chronic stress (CS), we hypothesize that daily propranolol (BB), a nonselective β blocker, restores BM function and improves iron homeostasis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to LCHS ± BB and LCHS/CS ± BB. BB was achieved with propranolol (10 mg/kg) daily until the day of sacrifice. Hemoglobin, plasma EPO, plasma hepcidin, BM cellularity and BM erythroid colony growth were assessed. RNA was isolated to measure transferrin, TFR-1 and ferroportin expression. Data are presented as mean ± SD; *p < 0.05 versus untreated counterpart by t test. The addition of CS to LCHS leads to persistent anemia on posttrauma day 7, while the addition of BB improved hemoglobin levels (LCHS/CS: 10.6 ± 0.8 vs. LCHS/CS + BB: 13.9 ± 0.4* g/dL). Daily BB use after LCHS/CS improved BM cellularity, colony-forming units granulocyte, erythrocyte, monocyte megakaryocyte, burst-forming unit erythroid and colony-forming unit erythroid cell colony growth. LCHS/CS + BB significantly reduced plasma EPO levels and increased plasma hepcidin levels on day 7. The addition of CS to LCHS resulted in decreased liver ferroportin expression as well as decreased BM transferrin and TFR-1 expression, thus, blocking iron supply to erythroid cells. However, daily BB after LCHS/CS improved expression of all iron regulators. Daily propranolol administration after LCHS/CS restored BM function and improved anemia after severe trauma. In addition, iron regulators are significantly reduced after LCHS/CS, which may contribute to iron restriction after injury. However, daily propranolol administration after LCHS/CS improved iron homeostasis.

Effect of HX108-CS supplementation on exercise capacity and lactate accumulation after high-intensity exercise.

PubMed

Oh, Seung-Lyul; Chang, Hyukki; Kim, Hee-Jae; Kim, Yong-An; Kim, Dong-Sik; Ho, Seong-Hyun; Kim, Seon-Hee; Song, Wook

2013-04-15

In the present study, we determined the effects of HX108-CS (mixed extract of Schisandra chinensis and Chaenomeles sinensis) supplementation on lactate accumulation and endurance capacity. Furthermore, we examined CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activity to determine whether the HX108-CS affected markers of skeletal muscle injury in vivo and in vitro. Exercise capacity was measured by an exhaustive swimming test using ICR mice divided into four groups; one group received distilled water (DW) (Control group, n = 10), and the other groups received three different dosages of HX108-CS (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg, n = 10 per group) solution in water orally. Then, for the time-dependent measurements of blood lactate, CK, and LDH, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups; one received DW (Control group, n = 10), and the other group received HX108-CS (100 mg/kg, n = 10) solution in the same way as mice. Before the exercise test, the animals were given either DW or HX108-CS for 2 weeks. High-intensity treadmill exercise was performed for 30 minutes. Blood samples were collected and analyzed during and after exercise. For the in vitro experiment, C2C12 cells were treated with HX108-CS to examine its effect on lactate production, CK, and LDH activity. Blood lactate concentration was significantly lowered immediately after treadmill exercise in HX108-CS group; however, there were no significant differences in activities of CK and LDH between HX108-CS and control during treadmill exercise and recovery phase. Furthermore, treatment with 100 mg/kg of HX108-CS led to a significant increase in the time to exhaustion in swimming test, and concurrently blood lactate concentration was significantly decreased in 50 and 100 mg/kg treated group. Moreover, our results of in vitro experiment showed that HX108-CS suppressed lactate production, CK, and LDH activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that supplementation with HX108-CS may enhance exercise capacity by lowering lactate accumulation. This may in part be related to an amelioration of skeletal muscle injury.

Insight into the structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of the alkali hydride compounds, XH (X = Rb and Cs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaradat, Raed; Abu-Jafar, Mohammed; Abdelraziq, Issam; Mousa, Ahmad; Ouahrani, Tarik; Khenata, Rabah

2018-04-01

The equilibrium structural parameters, electronic and optical properties of the alkali hydrides RbH and CsH compounds in rock-salt (RS) and cesium chloride (CsCl) structures have been studied using the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method. Wu and Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA) was used for the exchange-correlation potential to compute the equilibrium structural parameters, such as the lattice constant (a0), the bulk modulus (B) and bulk modulus first order pressure derivative (B'). In addition to the WC-GGA, the modified Becke Johnson (mBJ) scheme has been also used to overcome the underestimation of the band gap energies. RbH and CsH compounds are found to be semiconductors (wide energy-band gap) using the WC-GGA method, while they are insulators using the mBJ-GGA method. Elastic constants, mechanical and thermodynamic properties were obtained by using the IRelast package. RbH and CsH compounds at ambient pressure are mechanically stable in RS and CsCl structures; they satisfy the Born mechanical stability criteria. Elastic constants (Cij), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (S) and Debye temperatures (θD) of RbH and CsH compounds decrease as the alkali radius increases. The RS structure of these compounds at ambient conditions is mechanically stronger than CsCl structure. RbH and CsH in RS and CsCl structures are suitable as dielectric compounds. The wide direct energy band gap for these compounds make them promising compounds for optoelectronic UV device applications. Both RbH and CsH have a wide absorption region, on the other hand RbH absorption is very huge compared to the CsH absorption, RbH is an excellent absorbent material, maximum absorption regions are located in the middle ultraviolet (MUV) region and far ultraviolet (FUV) region. The absorption coefficient α (w), imaginary part of the dielectric constant ɛ2(w) and the extinction coefficient k(w) vary in the same way. The present calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data, indicating the high accuracy of the performed calculations and reliability of the obtained results.

Nicotine disrupts safety learning by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue via the dorsal hippocampus.

PubMed

Connor, David A; Kutlu, Munir G; Gould, Thomas J

2017-07-01

Learned safety, a learning process in which a cue becomes associated with the absence of threat, is disrupted in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A bi-directional relationship exists between smoking and PTSD and one potential explanation is that nicotine-associated changes in cognition facilitate PTSD emotional dysregulation by disrupting safety associations. Therefore, we investigated whether nicotine would disrupt learned safety by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were administered acute or chronic nicotine and trained over three days in a differential backward trace conditioning paradigm consisting of five trials of a forward conditioned stimulus (CS)+ (Light) co-terminating with a footshock unconditioned stimulus followed by a backward CS- (Tone) presented 20 s after cessation of the unconditioned stimulus. Summation testing found that acute nicotine disrupted learned safety, but chronic nicotine had no effect. Another group of animals administered acute nicotine showed fear when presented with the backward CS (Light) alone, indicating the formation of a maladaptive fear association with the backward CS. Finally, we investigated the brain regions involved by administering nicotine directly into the dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, and prelimbic cortex. Infusion of nicotine into the dorsal hippocampus disrupted safety learning.

Volumetric analysis of chronic maxillary atelectasis.

PubMed

Lin, Giant C; Sedaghat, Ahmad R; Bleier, Benjamin S; Holbrook, Eric H; Busaba, Nicolas Y; Yoon, Michael K; Gray, Stacey T

2015-01-01

The relationship between orbit and maxillary sinus volumes in patients with chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA), commonly known as silent sinus syndrome if enophthalmos is present, is poorly understood. A retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CMA from 2005 to 2013 was performed. Computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed using OsiriX 5.8.2 software for volumetric analysis of the orbit and maxillary sinus at presentation and after surgical treatment with ESS. Pretreatment mean orbit volumes on the diseased side (DS) and the contralateral side (CS) were 29.22 and 26.50 mL, respectively (p < 0.001); mean sinus volumes on the DS and CS were 8.51 and 17.20 mL, respectively (p < 0.001); and pretreatment mean midorbit heights (MOHs) on the DS and CS were 3.39 cm and 3.07 cm, respectively (p < 0.001). The percent decrease in sinus volume on the DS compared to that on the CS did not correlate significantly with the percent orbit-volume increase. Enophthalmos was present in nine (41%) patients, and diplopia was present in three (14%) patients. The measured degree of increased orbit volume and decreased sinus volume secondary to CMA did not significantly predict the presence of enophthalmos at presentation. Seven patients underwent sinus CT more than 6 months after ESS. In these patients, orbit volume on the DS decreased from 29.67 to 27.52 mL (p = 0.005), and sinus volume on the DS increased from 9.78 to 11.84 mL (p = 0.08). Volumetric analysis is a powerful and novel method for objectively demonstrating the degree of orbit expansion and maxillary sinus contraction seen with CMA. Spontaneous maxillary sinus expansion and a decrease in orbit volume can occur after ESS, but post-ESS volumes do not return to the normal volume of the CS.

Engineering Research Division publication report, calendar year 1980

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

Miller, E.K.; Livingston, P.L.; Rae, D.C.

Each year the Engineering Research Division of the Electronics Engineering Department at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has issued an internal report listing all formal publications produced by the Division during the calendar year. Abstracts of 1980 reports are presented.

The role of chitosan as nanofiller of graphite oxide for the removal of toxic mercury ions.

PubMed

Kyzas, George Z; Travlou, Nikolina A; Deliyanni, Eleni A

2014-01-01

The present study focuses on the role of chitosan (CS) as nanofiller of graphite oxide (GO) in order to prepare composite materials with improved Hg(II) adsorption properties. The removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions was studied using adsorbents as graphite oxide (GO), graphite oxide nanofilled with chitosan (GO/CS) and magnetic chitosan (GO/mCS). Many possible interactions between materials and Hg(II) were observed after adsorption and explained via characterization with various techniques (SEM/EDAX, FTIR, XRD, DTG). The adsorption evaluation was done studying various parameters as the effect of pH (both in adsorption and desorption), contact time (pseudo-second order fitting), temperature (isotherms at 25, 45, 65 °C), in line with a brief thermodynamic analysis (ΔG(0), ΔH(0), ΔS(0)). The maximum adsorption capacity (fitting with Langmuir model) of GO at 25 °C was Qmax=187 mg/g, while after the CS nanofilling (formation of the composite GO/CS), Qmax was increased to 381 mg/g with a further enhancement for GO/mCS (Qmax=397 mg/g). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cesium-137 Fallout in Indiana Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitman, Richard T.

Atomic weapons testing during the Cold War and accidents at nuclear power plants have resulted in the release of radioactive fallout over great distances. Little is known about levels of fallout deposited in Indiana. The reported study sampled soil in all 92 Indiana counties to determine the present level of cesium-137 from the 2 to 12 centimeter depth from previous nuclear tests and other nuclear releases. A total of 67 samples were collected from forested areas and 25 from grasslands, both undisturbed since 1940, along with four controls from crawl spaces. Greater Cs-137 retention occurred in the forested areas at approximately a 2:1 ratio. Other parameters investigated included soil clay content, rate of rainfall, and soil pH. Each variable was examined for possible statistical correlation with Cs-137 retention. Both clay content and combined clay content/rainfall were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with soil Cs-137 levels. The four controls showed very low values of Cs-137 indicating the movement of sub-micron sized fallout into areas considered safe from fallout. The Cs-137 data from this study will serve as a reliable baseline of Cs-137 levels in the event of a future release of fallout.