Genome-Wide Detection of Allele Specific Copy Number Variation Associated with Insulin Resistance in African Americans from the HyperGEN Study

PubMed Central

Pajewski, Nicholas M.; Kabagambe, Edmond K.; Gu, Charles C.; Pankow, Jim; North, Kari E.; Wilk, Jemma B.; Freedman, Barry I.; Franceschini, Nora; Broeckel, Uli; Tiwari, Hemant K.; Arnett, Donna K.

2011-01-01

African Americans have been understudied in genome wide association studies of diabetes and related traits. In the current study, we examined the joint association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs) with fasting insulin and an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the HyperGEN study, a family based study with proband ascertainment for hypertension. This analysis is restricted to 1,040 African Americans without diabetes. We generated allele specific CNV genotypes at 872,243 autosomal loci using Birdsuite, a freely available multi-stage program. Joint tests of association for SNPs and CNVs were performed using linear mixed models adjusting for covariates and familial relationships. Our results highlight SNPs associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (rs6576507 and rs8026527, 3.7*10−7≤P≤1.1*10−5) near ATPase, class V, type 10A (ATP10A), and the L Type voltage dependent calcium channel (CACNA1D, rs1401492, P≤5.2*10−6). ATP10A belongs to a family of aminophospholipid-transporting ATPases and has been associated with type 2 diabetes in mice. CACNA1D has been linked to pancreatic beta cell generation in mice. The two most significant copy variable markers (rs10277702 and rs361367; P<2.0*10−4) were in the beta variable region of the T-cell receptor gene (TCRVB). Human and mouse TCR has been shown to mimic insulin and its receptor and could contribute to insulin resistance. Our findings differ from genome wide association studies of fasting insulin and other diabetes related traits in European populations, highlighting the continued need to investigate unique genetic influences for understudied populations such as African Americans. PMID:21901158

Genome-wide detection of allele specific copy number variation associated with insulin resistance in African Americans from the HyperGEN study.

PubMed

Irvin, Marguerite R; Wineinger, Nathan E; Rice, Treva K; Pajewski, Nicholas M; Kabagambe, Edmond K; Gu, Charles C; Pankow, Jim; North, Kari E; Wilk, Jemma B; Freedman, Barry I; Franceschini, Nora; Broeckel, Uli; Tiwari, Hemant K; Arnett, Donna K

2011-01-01

African Americans have been understudied in genome wide association studies of diabetes and related traits. In the current study, we examined the joint association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs) with fasting insulin and an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the HyperGEN study, a family based study with proband ascertainment for hypertension. This analysis is restricted to 1,040 African Americans without diabetes. We generated allele specific CNV genotypes at 872,243 autosomal loci using Birdsuite, a freely available multi-stage program. Joint tests of association for SNPs and CNVs were performed using linear mixed models adjusting for covariates and familial relationships. Our results highlight SNPs associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (rs6576507 and rs8026527, 3.7*10(-7)≤P≤1.1*10(-5)) near ATPase, class V, type 10A (ATP10A), and the L Type voltage dependent calcium channel (CACNA1D, rs1401492, P≤5.2*10(-6)). ATP10A belongs to a family of aminophospholipid-transporting ATPases and has been associated with type 2 diabetes in mice. CACNA1D has been linked to pancreatic beta cell generation in mice. The two most significant copy variable markers (rs10277702 and rs361367; P<2.0*10(-4)) were in the beta variable region of the T-cell receptor gene (TCRVB). Human and mouse TCR has been shown to mimic insulin and its receptor and could contribute to insulin resistance. Our findings differ from genome wide association studies of fasting insulin and other diabetes related traits in European populations, highlighting the continued need to investigate unique genetic influences for understudied populations such as African Americans.

Social Security: The Notch Issue.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-24

the Exact Match Study, see Beth Kilss, Fritz Scheuren, Fay Aziz, and Linda DelBane, "The 1973 CPS-IRS-SSA Exact Match Study: Past, Present and Future...34 inPolicy Analysis with Social Security Research Files, Proceedings, SSA, 1978. 2For more discussion of the project, see Haber (1985) and, in the

MCT IR detection modules with 15 µm pitch for high-reliability applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, R.; Ihle, T.; Wendler, J.; Lutz, H.; Rutzinger, S.; Schallenberg, T.; Hofmann, K.; Ziegler, J.

2010-04-01

Additional to the development of 3rd Gen IR modules like dual-band and dual-color devices AIM is focused on IR FPAs with reduced pitch. These FPAs allow manufacturing of compact low cost IR modules with minimum power consumption for state-of-the-art high performance IR systems. AIM has realized full TV format MCT 640x512 mid-wave and long-wave IR detection modules with a 15 μm pitch to meet the requirements of critical military applications like thermal weapon sights or thermal imagers in UAV applications. In typical configurations like a F/4.6 cold shield for the 640x512 MWIR module an NETD < 25 mK @ 5 ms integration time is achieved, while the LWIR modules achieve an NETD < 38 mK @ F/2 and 180 μs integration time. For the LWIR modules FPAs with a cut-off of 9 and 10 μm have been realized. The modules are available either with different integral rotary cooler configurations for portable applications which require minimum cooling power or a new split linear cooler providing long lifetime with a MTTF > 20,000 h as required e.g. for warning sensors in 24/7 operation. The modules are available with an optional image processing electronics providing non-uniformity correction and further image processing for a complete IR imaging solution. A double field of view FLIR for an upgrade of the German Army UAV LUNA has been developed by AIM using the MCT 640x512 MWIR 15μm pitch engine. The latest results and performance of those modules and their applications are presented.

Identification of duck plague virus by polymerase chain reaction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, W.R.; Brown, Sean E.; Nashold, S.W.; Knudson, D.L.

1999-01-01

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for detecting duck plague virus. A 765-bp EcoRI fragment cloned from the genome of the duck plague vaccine (DP-VAC) virus was sequenced for PCR primer development. The fragment sequence was found by GenBank alignment searches to be similar to the 3a?? ends of an undefined open reading frame and the gene for DNA polymerase protein in other herpesviruses. Three of four primer sets were found to be specific for the DP-VAC virus and 100% (7/7) of field isolates but did not amplify DNA from inclusion body disease of cranes virus. The specificity of one primer set was tested with genome templates from other avian herpesviruses, including those from a golden eagle, bald eagle, great horned owl, snowy owl, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, pigeon, psittacine, and chicken (infectious laryngotracheitis), but amplicons were not produced. Hence, this PCR test is highly specific for duck plague virus DNA. Two primer sets were able to detect 1 fg of DNA from the duck plague vaccine strain, equivalent to five genome copies. In addition, the ratio of tissue culture infectious doses to genome copies of duck plague vaccine virus from infected duck embryo cells was determined to be 1:100, making the PCR assay 20 times more sensitive than tissue culture for detecting duck plague virus. The speed, sensitivity, and specificity of this PCR provide a greatly improved diagnostic and research tool for studying the epizootiology of duck plague. /// Se desarroll?? una prueba de reacci??n en cadena por la polimerasa para detectar el virus de la peste del pato. Un fragmento EcoRI de 765 pares de bases clonado del genoma del virus vacunal de la peste del pato fue secuenciado para la obtenci??n de los iniciadores de la prueba de la reacci??n en cadena por la polimerasa. En investigaciones de alineaci??n en el banco de genes ('GenBank') se encontr?? que la secuencia del fragmento era similar a los extremos 3a?? de un marco de lectura abierto indefinido y al gen para la proteina de la DNA polimerasa en otros virus herpes. Se encontraron tres o cuatro grupos de iniciadores especificos para el virus vacunal y para el 100% (7/7) de los a??slamientos de campo, pero no amplificaron el DNA del virus de hepatitis por cuerpos de inclusi??n de grullas. Se analiz?? la especificidad de un primer juego de iniciadores con moldes del genoma de otros virus herpes aviares, incluyendo el ?!guila dorada, ?!guila de cabeza blanca, lechuza de cuernos grandes, lechuza blanca, halc??n peregrino, palomas, aves psit?!cidas y pollos (virus de laringotraqueitis infecciosa), pero no se produjeron los productos finales. Por lo tanto, esta prueba de reacci??n en cadena por la polimerasa es altamente especifica para el DNA del virus. Dos grupos de iniciadores fueron capaces de detectar un fragmento de DNA de la cepa vacunal equivalente a cinco copias del genoma. Adem?!s, se determin?? que la proporci??n de la dosis infecciosa en cultivo celular y copias del genoma del virus vacunal de c??lulas de embri??n de pato infectadas era de 10 a 100 respectivamente, haciendo la prueba de la reacci??n en cadena por la polimerasa 20 veces m?!s sensible que el cultivo celular para detectar el virus. La velocidad, sensibilidad y especificidad de la prueba de la reacci??n en cadena por la polimerasa suministra una herramienta de investigaci??n y de diagn??stico altamente mejorada para el estudio de la epizootiolog?-a del virus.

Delphinus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

(the Dolphin; abbrev. Del, gen. Delphini; area 189 sq. deg.) A northern constellation which lies between Pegasus and Aquila, and culminates at midnight in late July. It represents either the messenger that the god Poseidon in Greek mythology sent to fetch the sea nymph Amphitrite to be his bride, or the dolphin that was said to have rescued Arion, a semilegendary poet and musician of Lesbos, who ...

--No Title--

Science.gov Websites

$offtext $stitle set definition sets G Power Generators /gen1*gen2/ F Fuels /oil,gas/ K Constants in the fuel consumption equations 0 1 2 gen1.oil 1.4609 .15186 .00145 gen1.gas 1.5742 .16310 .001358 gen2.oil 0.8008 .20310 .000916 gen2.gas 0.7266 .22560 .000778; PARAMETER PMAX(G) Maximum power outputs

User ratings of prosthetic usability and satisfaction in VA study to optimize DEKA arm.

PubMed

Resnik, Linda; Borgia, Matthew

2014-01-01

The Department of Veterans Affairs study to optimize the DEKA Arm provided feedback to inform optimization of the gen 2 (second-generation) prototype and evaluate the gen 3 (third-generation) prototype. This article summarizes recommendations to improve gen 2 and reports satisfaction and usability ratings of gen 2 and gen 3. Data were collected from 39 subjects; 37 subjects were included in this analysis. Of the subjects, 24 were fit with gen 2 (8 radial configuration [RC], 6 humeral configuration [HC], and 10 shoulder configuration [SC]), 13 were fit with gen 3 (4 RC, 5 HC, and 4 SC), and 5 were fit with both. Usability and satisfaction were evaluated using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale (TAPES) and study-specific usability and satisfaction scales. Descriptive statistics were examined and prototypes compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum. Results were stratified by configuration level and outcomes compared by prototype. Satisfaction and usability were greater for gen 3 than gen 2. Overall TAPES scores were similar; however, scores of the TAPES aesthetic satisfaction subscale were higher for gen 3. Compared with gen 2 users, gen 3 users were more satisfied with appearance, grips, and doffing and rated overall usability higher. Features of gen 3, including weight, external cables and wires, hand covering, and fingernails, would benefit from further optimization.

--No Title--

Science.gov Websites

$stitle set definition sets G Power Generators /gen1*gen2/ F Fuels /oil,gas/ K Constants in Fuel better TABLE A(G,F,K) Coefficients in the fuel consumption equations 0 1 gen1.oil 1.4609 .18223 gen1.gas 1.5742 .19572 gen2.oil 0.8008 .24372 gen2.gas 0.7266 .27072; PARAMETER PMAX(G) Maximum power outputs of

Theoretical study on the antitumor properties of Ru(II) complexes containing 2-pyridyl, 2-pyridine-4-carboxylic acid ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erkan kariper, Sultan; Sayin, Koray; Karakaş, Duran

2017-12-01

[Ru(bipy)2(CppH)]2+(1), [Ru(bipy)2(Cpp-NH-Hex-COOH)]2+(2), [Ru(dppz)2(CppH)]2+(3) and [Ru(dppz)2(Cpp-NH-Hex-COOH)]2+(4) were calculated by Hartree-Fock (HF), Density Functional Theory (DFT) hybrid B3LYP and Moller-Plesset Perturbation (MPn n = 2,3) theory method and CEP-4G, CEP-31G, CEP-121G, LANL2DZ, LANL2MB, SDD basic sets and a mixed basic set with the keyword GEN in gas phase and water. Structure parameters obtained from optimized structures were compared with experimental parameters. M062X/(6-31G(d))(CEP-4G) level was taken into account for the most appropriate calculation level. IR, UV-VIS and NMR spectrums were examined for structural characterization. The optimal structure was identified via structure parameters, IR, UV-VIS and NMR spectrums. For the most compatible structure, the highest molecular orbital energy (EHOMO) which one of the most effective chemical determiners on the antitumor activity of the complexes, the lowest molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), LUMO-HOMO energy gap, hardness (η), softness (σ), electronegativity (χ), chemical potential (μ), electrophilicity index (ω), molar volume (V), dipole moment (DM), total negative charge (TNC), enthalpy (H), entropy (S) and total energy (E) were calculated. The causes of anticancer activity of the complexes have been studied.

Size, weight, and power reduction of mercury cadmium telluride infrared detection modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, Rainer; Ihle, Tobias; Wendler, Joachim C.; Lutz, Holger; Rutzinger, Stefan; Schallenberg, Timo; Hofmann, Karl C.; Ziegler, Johann

2011-06-01

Application requirements driving present IR technology development activities are improved capability to detect and identify a threat as well as the need to reduce size weight and power consumption (SWaP) of thermal sights. In addition to the development of 3rd Gen IR modules providing dual-band or dual-color capability, AIM is focused on IR FPAs with reduced pitch and high operating temperature for SWaP reduction. State-of-the-art MCT technology allows AIM the production of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) detectors operating at temperatures exceeding 120 K without any need to sacrifice the 5-μm cut-off wavelength. These FPAs allow manufacturing of low cost IR modules with minimum size, weight, and power for state-of-the-art high performance IR systems. AIM has realized full TV format MCT 640×512 mid-wave and long-wave IR detection modules with a 15-μm pitch to meet the requirements of critical military applications like thermal weapon sights or thermal imagers in unmanned aerial vehicles applications. In typical configurations like an F/4.6 cold shield for the 640×512 MWIR module an noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) <25 mK @ 5 ms integration time is achieved, while the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) modules achieve an NETD <38 mK @ F/2 and 180 μs integration time. For the LWIR modules, FPAs with a cut-off up to 10 μm have been realized. The modules are available either with different integral rotary cooler configurations for portable applications that require minimum cooling power or a new split linear cooler providing long lifetime with a mean time to failure (MTTF) > 20000, e.g., for warning sensors in 24/7 operation. The modules are available with optional image processing electronics providing nonuniformity correction and further image processing for a complete IR imaging solution. The latest results and performance of those modules and their applications are presented.

Antimicrobial activities of secondary metabolites and phylogenetic study of sponge endosymbiotic bacteria, Bacillus sp. at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Archipelago.

PubMed

Mohan, Gopi; Thipparamalai Thangappanpillai, Ajith Kumar; Ramasamy, Balagurunathan

2016-09-01

Twenty-one species of sponges were recorded under the class of Demospongiae and Calcareous sponges of which 19 species were new to Agatti reef. A total of 113 Sponge endosymbiotic bacterial strains were isolated from twenty-one species of sponges and screened for antimicrobial activity. Five bacterial strains of sponge endosymbiotic bacteria (SEB) namely SEB32, SEB33, SEB36, SEB43 and SEB51 showed antimicrobial activity against virulent marine fish pathogens such as Vibrio alginolyticus , Vibrio vulnificus , Vibrio parahaemolyticus , Aeromonas salmonicida , Flavobacterium sp., Edwardsiella sp., Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter brackii . The secondary metabolites produced by SEB32 from sponge Dysidea fragilis (Montagu, 1818) [48] was selected with broad range of antibacterial activity and subjected for production, characterization by series of chromatography techniques and spectroscopic methods. Based on the results of FT-IR and mass spectrometry, the active molecule was tentatively predicted as "Pyrrol" and the structure is Pyrrolo[1,2 -a ]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro- with molecular formula of C7H10N2O2. The LC 50 of active molecule was 31 μg/ml and molecular weight of the metabolites was 154. The potential strain SEB32 was identified by gene sequence (GenBank Accession number JX985748) and identified as Bacillus sp. from GenBank database.

[Transient congenital hypothyroidism due to biallelic defects of DUOX2 gene. Two clinical cases].

PubMed

Enacán, Rosa E; Masnata, María E; Belforte, Fiorella; Papendieck, Patricia; Olcese, María C; Siffo, Sofía; Gruñeiro-Papendieck, Laura; Targovnik, Héctor; Rivolta, Carina M; Chiesa, Ana E

2017-06-01

Congenital hypothyroidism affects 1:2000-3000 newborns detected by neonatal screening programs. Dual oxidases, DUOX1 and 2, generate hydrogen peroxide needed for the thyroid hormone synthesis. Hipotiroidismo congénito transitorio por defectos bialélicos del gen DUOX2. Dos casos clínicos Transient congenital hypothyroidism due to biallelic defects of DUOX2 gene. Two clinical cases Mutations in the DUOX2 gene have been described in transient and permanent congenital hypothyroidism. Two brothers with congenital hypothyroidism detected by neonatal screening with eutopic gland and elevated thyroglobulin are described. They were treated with levothyroxine until it could be suspended in both during childhood, assuming the picture as transient. Organification disorder was confirmed. Both patients were compounds heterozygous for a mutation in exon 9 of the paternal allele (c.1057_1058delTT, p.F353PfsX36 or p.F353fsX388) and in exon 11 of the maternal allele (c.1271T > G, p.Y425X) of DUOX2 gene. Our finding confirms that the magnitude of the defect of DUOX2 is not related to the number of inactivated alleles, suggesting compensatory mechanisms in the peroxide supply. Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.

Advanced generation anti-prostate specific membrane antigen designer T cells for prostate cancer immunotherapy.

PubMed

Ma, Qiangzhong; Gomes, Erica M; Lo, Agnes Shuk-Yee; Junghans, Richard P

2014-02-01

Adoptive immunotherapy by infusion of designer T cells (dTc) engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for tumoricidal activity represents a potentially highly specific modality for the treatment of cancer. In this study, 2nd generation (gen) anti-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) dTc were developed for improving the efficacy of previously developed 1st gen dTc for prostate cancer immunotherapy. The 1st gen dTc are modified with chimeric immunoglobulin-T cell receptor (IgTCR) while the 2nd gen dTc are engineered with an immunoglobulin-CD28-T cell receptor (IgCD28TCR), which incorporates a CD28 costimulatory signal for optimal T cell activation. A 2nd gen anti-PSMA IgCD28TCR CAR was constructed by inserting the CD28 signal domain into the 1st gen CAR. 1st and 2nd gen anti-PSMA dTc were created by transducing human T cells with anti-PSMA CARs and their antitumor efficacy was compared for specific activation on PSMA-expressing tumor contact, cytotoxicity against PSMA-expressing tumor cells in vitro, and suppression of tumor growth in an animal model. The 2nd gen dTc can be optimally activated to secrete larger amounts of cytokines such as IL2 and IFNγ than 1st gen and to proliferate more vigorously on PSMA-expressing tumor contact. More importantly, the 2nd gen dTc preserve the PSMA-specific cytotoxicity in vitro and suppress tumor growth in animal models with significant higher potency. Our results demonstrate that 2nd gen anti-PSMA designer T cells exhibit superior antitumor functions versus 1st gen, providing a rationale for advancing this improved agent toward clinical application in prostate cancer immunotherapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fuel Cells Advanced Drivetrain

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-09

T800 Silverado Military specific system upscale (4WD) HydroGen3 – CH2 HydroGen3 – LH2 4010 – Early Adopter Engineering Model (GEN Nadeau) Gen4...Timeline Maintenance Infrastructure Fort Belvoir, VA 2003-ongoing Full FCV and Volt Maintenance 350,700bar LH2 (Decommissioned) Volt Charging(pending

[In Process Citation].

PubMed

Fófano do Lago, Márcia; Chaia Kaippert, Vanessa; Lopes Souto, Débora; Lopes Rosado, Eliane

2016-03-25

Introducción: el tipo de ácido graso de la dieta presenta diferentes efectos sobre la obesidad y sus complicaciones, pero estos efectos pueden verse influenciados por los genes y sus polimorfismos, tales como los receptores activados por el proliferador de los peroxisomas isoforma γ2 (PPARγ2). Además, no está claro si el grado de insaturación de los lípidos posee diferentes efectos en el metabolismo de los lípidos y de la glucosa y, particularmente, en la pérdida de peso. Objetivos: evaluar la influencia de dietas ricas en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI) y monoinsaturados (AGMI) en las variables antropométricas y bioquímicas en el peso corporal y el perfil glucémico y lipémico en mujeres obesas con el genotipo Pro12Pro en el gen PPARγ2. Métodos: dieciocho mujeres obesas con genotipo Pro12Pro fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente para una de las dietas, rica en AGPI (n = 8) o AGMI (n = 10). Las variables antropométricas (índice de masa corporal [IMC] y circunferencia de la cintura) y bioquímicas (glucosa, insulina, HOMA-IR, colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL colesterol y triglicéridos) fueron evaluadas antes y después de un periodo de 45 días. Resultados: las variables antropométricas y bioquímicas fueron similares entre los grupos antes y después de la intervención (p > 0,05). El IMC disminuyó después de la ingesta de AGPI (p = 0,01), probablemente debido al menor contenido de lípidos. El AGMI redujo la glucosa (p = 0,03), insulina (p = 0,03) y HOMA-IR (p = 0,02). Conclusión: los AGMI fueron más eficientes para reducir la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres obesas con el genotipo Pro12Pro en el gen PPARγ2, aunque las mujeres presentaran una elevada ingesta de lípidos totales y ácidos grasos saturados.

Common System and Software Testing Pitfalls

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-03

GEN- TTE -1) Target Platform Difficult to Access (GEN- TTE -2) → Inadequate Test Environments (GEN- TTE -3) Poor Fidelity of Test Environments (GEN- TTE -4...Inadequate Test Environment Quality (GEN- TTE -5) Test Environments Inadequately Tested (GEN- TTE -6) [new pitfall] Inadequate Test Configuration...Management (GEN- TTE -7) 29Common System/SW Testing PitfallsDonald G. Firesmith, 3 November 2014 General Pitfalls – Automated Testing [new pitfall category

Paleoserranus lakamhae gen. et sp. nov., a Paleocene seabass (Perciformes: Serranidae) from Palenque, Chiapas, southeastern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantalice, Kleyton M.; Alvarado-Ortega, Jesús; Alaniz-Galvan, Abril

2018-04-01

Paleoserranus lakamhae gen. et sp. nov. is here described based on well-preserved fossils from the Paleocene marine sediments of the Tenejapa-Lacandón geological unit, belonging to both Division del Norte and Belisario Domínguez quarries, near Palenque, Chiapas, southeastern Mexico. This species exhibits distinctive characters of the order Perciformes, such as the presence of spines in the dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins, as well as the pelvic and pectoral girdles in contact between them. This fish also has neither procurrent spur nor posterior uroneural, characters that support its place within the family Serranidae. It also has a distinctive combination of characters, including a serrated lacrimal and a toothed ectopterygoid, never recorded before among serranids. Additionally, this fossil fish shares some characters with different species nested within the subfamilies Serraninae, Anthiinae, and Ephinephelinae; these include a predorsal formula of 0/0/0 + 2/1 + 1/1; a preopercle with its ventral edge sinuous and showing a strong antrorse spine; its dorsal fin consists of nine spines and eight to ten soft rays; 13 rays in its pectoral fin; and its rounded caudal fin structured with formula I+8-7+I. Paleoserranus lakamhae gen. et sp. nov. is a Serranidae incertae sedis because it does not fit into any subgroup; however, this Paleocene fish is the earliest fossil record of the family Serranidae. The place of occurrence of this new fossil record suggests that the origin and of the seabasses took place in the Caribbean region of North America.

Pooled nucleic acid testing increases the diagnostic yield of acute HIV infections in a high-risk population compared to 3rd and 4th generation HIV enzyme immunoassays.

PubMed

Krajden, Mel; Cook, Darrel; Mak, Annie; Chu, Ken; Chahil, Navdeep; Steinberg, Malcolm; Rekart, Michael; Gilbert, Mark

2014-09-01

We compared a 3rd generation (gen) and two 4th gen HIV enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to pooled nucleic acid testing (PNAT) for the identification of pre- and early seroconversion acute HIV infection (AHI). 9550 specimens from males >18 year from clinics attended by men who have sex with men were tested by Siemens ADVIA Centaur(®) HIV 1/O/2 (3rd gen) and HIV Combo (4th gen), as well as by Abbott ARCHITECT(®) HIV Ag/Ab Combo (4th gen). Third gen non-reactive specimens were also tested by Roche COBAS(®) Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan HIV-1 Test v.2 in pools of 24 samples. Sensitivity and specificity of the three EIAs for AHI detection were compared. 7348 persons contributed 9435 specimens and had no evidence of HIV infection, 79 (94 specimens) had established HIV infection, 6 (9 specimens) had pre-seroconversion AHI and 9 (12 specimens) had early seroconversion AHI. Pre-seroconversion AHI cases were not detected by 3rd gen EIA, whereas 2/6 (33.3%) were detected by Siemens 4th gen, 4/6 (66.7%) by Abbott 4th gen and 6/6 (100%) by PNAT. All three EIAs and PNAT detected all individuals with early seroconversion AHI. Overall sensitivity/specificity for the EIAs relative to WB or NAT resolved infection status was 93.6%/99.9% for Siemens 3rd gen, 95.7%/99.7% for Siemens 4th gen and 97.9%/99.2% for Abbott 4th gen. While both 4th gen EIAs demonstrated improved sensitivity for AHI compared to 3rd gen EIA, PNAT identified more AHI cases than either 4th gen assay. PNAT is likely to remain a useful strategy to identify AHI in high-risk populations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

GenSSI 2.0: multi-experiment structural identifiability analysis of SBML models.

PubMed

Ligon, Thomas S; Fröhlich, Fabian; Chis, Oana T; Banga, Julio R; Balsa-Canto, Eva; Hasenauer, Jan

2018-04-15

Mathematical modeling using ordinary differential equations is used in systems biology to improve the understanding of dynamic biological processes. The parameters of ordinary differential equation models are usually estimated from experimental data. To analyze a priori the uniqueness of the solution of the estimation problem, structural identifiability analysis methods have been developed. We introduce GenSSI 2.0, an advancement of the software toolbox GenSSI (Generating Series for testing Structural Identifiability). GenSSI 2.0 is the first toolbox for structural identifiability analysis to implement Systems Biology Markup Language import, state/parameter transformations and multi-experiment structural identifiability analysis. In addition, GenSSI 2.0 supports a range of MATLAB versions and is computationally more efficient than its previous version, enabling the analysis of more complex models. GenSSI 2.0 is an open-source MATLAB toolbox and available at https://github.com/genssi-developer/GenSSI. thomas.ligon@physik.uni-muenchen.de or jan.hasenauer@helmholtz-muenchen.de. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Hand-held optical imager (Gen-2): improved instrumentation and target detectability

PubMed Central

Gonzalez, Jean; DeCerce, Joseph; Erickson, Sarah J.; Martinez, Sergio L.; Nunez, Annie; Roman, Manuela; Traub, Barbara; Flores, Cecilia A.; Roberts, Seigbeh M.; Hernandez, Estrella; Aguirre, Wenceslao; Kiszonas, Richard

2012-01-01

Abstract. Hand-held optical imagers are developed by various researchers towards reflectance-based spectroscopic imaging of breast cancer. Recently, a Gen-1 handheld optical imager was developed with capabilities to perform two-dimensional (2-D) spectroscopic as well as three-dimensional (3-D) tomographic imaging studies. However, the imager was bulky with poor surface contact (∼30%) along curved tissues, and limited sensitivity to detect targets consistently. Herein, a Gen-2 hand-held optical imager that overcame the above limitations of the Gen-1 imager has been developed and the instrumentation described. The Gen-2 hand-held imager is less bulky, portable, and has improved surface contact (∼86%) on curved tissues. Additionally, the forked probe head design is capable of simultaneous bilateral reflectance imaging of both breast tissues, and also transillumination imaging of a single breast tissue. Experimental studies were performed on tissue phantoms to demonstrate the improved sensitivity in detecting targets using the Gen-2 imager. The improved instrumentation of the Gen-2 imager allowed detection of targets independent of their location with respect to the illumination points, unlike in Gen-1 imager. The developed imager has potential for future clinical breast imaging with enhanced sensitivity, via both reflectance and transillumination imaging. PMID:23224163

Chemopreventive activity of GEN-27, a genistein derivative, in colitis-associated cancer is mediated by p65-CDX2-β-catenin axis

PubMed Central

Wang, Hong; Fan, Huimin; Li, Yan; Wang, Jianing; Zhang, Xu; Lu, Jinrong; Ji, Hui; Hu, Rong

2016-01-01

Nonresolving inflammation in the intestine predisposes individuals to colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), which leads to high morbidity and mortality. Here we show that genistein-27 (GEN-27), a derivative of genistein, inhibited proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells through inhibiting β-catenin activity. Our results showed that GEN-27 increased expressions of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2), and reduced β-catenin nuclear localization, which resulted from the inhibition of NF-κB/p65 nuclear localization and up-regulation of caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2). Furthermore, GEN-27 decreased binding of p65 to the silencer region of CDX2 and increased binding of CDX2 to the promoter regions of APC and AXIN2, thus inhibiting the activation of β-catenin induced by TNF-α. Importantly, GEN-27 protected mice from azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colon carcinogenesis, with reduced mortality, tumor number and tumor volume. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry revealed that dietary GEN-27 significantly decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, GEN-27 inhibited AOM/DSS-induced p65 and β-catenin nuclear translocation, while promoted the expression of CDX2, APC, and AXIN2. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the anti-proliferation effect of GEN-27 in vitro and the prevention of CAC in vivo is mediated by p65-CDX2-β-catenin axis via inhibiting β-catenin target genes. Our results imply that GEN-27 could be a promising candidate for the chemoprevention of CAC. PMID:26910375

Alteration of renal excretion pathways in gentamicin-induced renal injury in rats.

PubMed

Ma, Yan-Rong; Luo, Xuan; Wu, Yan-Fang; Zhang, Tiffany; Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Guo-Qiang; Wu, Xin-An

2018-07-01

The kidney plays a major part in the elimination of many drugs and their metabolites, and drug-induced kidney injury commonly alters either glomerular filtration or tubular transport, or both. However, the renal excretion pathway of drugs has not been fully elucidated at different stages of renal injury. This study aimed to evaluate the alteration of renal excretion pathways in gentamicin (GEN)-induced renal injury in rats. Results showed that serum cystatin C, creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were greatly increased by the exposure of GEN (100 mg kg -1 ), and creatinine concentration was increased by 39.7% by GEN (50 mg kg -1 ). GEN dose-dependently upregulated the protein expression of rOCT1, downregulated rOCT2 and rOAT1, but not affected rOAT2. Efflux transporters, rMRP2, rMRP4 and rBCRP expressions were significantly increased by GEN(100), and the rMATE1 level was markedly increased by GEN(50) but decreased by GEN(100). GEN(50) did not alter the urinary excretion of inulin, but increased metformin and furosemide excretion. However, GEN(100) resulted in a significant decrease of the urinary excretion of inulin, metformin and p-aminohippurate. In addition, urinary metformin excretions in vivo were significantly decreased by GEN(100), but slightly increased by GEN(50). These results suggested that GEN(50) resulted in the induction of rOCTs-rMATE1 and rOAT3-rMRPs pathway, but not changed the glomerular filtration rate, and GEN(100)-induced acute kidney injury caused the downregulated function of glomerular filtration -rOCTs-rMATE1 and -rOAT1-rMRPs pathway. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research on Secure Systems and Automatic Programming. Volume II

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-10-14

X,Ow) X x for all X in the range of w. wr t. * -.- -. . Flowchart:-7 ’pol" f c p and. f hao a uniform Inverse and w is associative, 0 IrI P ARENT (X...CANDO IFD0’IE GDIPENSION -- < ( BINDINGS) (GEN-CLAUSE )<C <IFCANl RULE) <IFCA!|) <DIMENSION) < IFCAIBODY) > SPN-CLAUSE - (GOAL ( GPROPOSITION) > IT MEN ...age, some hobbies,a worth, some at-ribute, a sex, an emotion , a marriage, and may have a wife, or a husband (spouse). The template for this is shown

Thermal enhancement cartridge heater modified (TECH Mod) tritium hydride bed development, Part 1 - Design and fabrication

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

Klein, J.E.; Estochen, E.G.

The Savannah River Site (SRS) tritium facilities have used first generation (Gen1) LaNi{sub 4.25}Al{sub 0.75} (LANA0.75) metal hydride storage beds for tritium absorption, storage, and desorption. The Gen1 design utilizes hot and cold nitrogen supplies to thermally cycle these beds. Second and third generation (Gen2 and Gen3) storage bed designs include heat conducting foam and divider plates to spatially fix the hydride within the bed. For thermal cycling, the Gen2 and Gen3 beds utilize internal electric heaters and glovebox atmosphere flow over the bed inside the bed external jacket for cooling. The currently installed Gen1 beds require replacement due tomore » tritium aging effects on the LANA0.75 material, and cannot be replaced with Gen2 or Gen3 beds due to different designs of these beds. At the end of service life, Gen1 bed desorption efficiencies are limited by the upper temperature of hot nitrogen supply. To increase end-of-life desorption efficiency, the Gen1 bed design was modified, and a Thermal Enhancement Cartridge Heater Modified (TECH Mod) bed was developed. Internal electric cartridge heaters in the new design to improve end-of-life desorption, and also permit in-bed tritium accountability (IBA) calibration measurements to be made without the use of process tritium. Additional enhancements implemented into the TECH Mod design are also discussed. (authors)« less

THERMAL ENHANCEMENT CARTRIDGE HEATER MODIFIED TECH MOD TRITIUM HYDRIDE BED DEVELOPMENT PART I DESIGN AND FABRICATION

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

Klein, J.; Estochen, E.

The Savannah River Site (SRS) tritium facilities have used 1{sup st} generation (Gen1) LaNi{sub 4.25}Al{sub 0.75} (LANA0.75) metal hydride storage beds for tritium absorption, storage, and desorption. The Gen1 design utilizes hot and cold nitrogen supplies to thermally cycle these beds. Second and 3{sup rd} generation (Gen2 and Gen3) storage bed designs include heat conducting foam and divider plates to spatially fix the hydride within the bed. For thermal cycling, the Gen2 and Gen 3 beds utilize internal electric heaters and glovebox atmosphere flow over the bed inside the bed external jacket for cooling. The currently installed Gen1 beds requiremore » replacement due to tritium aging effects on the LANA0.75 material, and cannot be replaced with Gen2 or Gen3 beds due to different designs of these beds. At the end of service life, Gen1 bed desorption efficiencies are limited by the upper temperature of hot nitrogen supply. To increase end-of-life desorption efficiency, the Gen1 bed design was modified, and a Thermal Enhancement Cartridge Heater Modified (TECH Mod) bed was developed. Internal electric cartridge heaters in the new design to improve end-of-life desorption, and also permit in-bed tritium accountability (IBA) calibration measurements to be made without the use of process tritium. Additional enhancements implemented into the TECH Mod design are also discussed.« less

Irrelevance of CHEK2 variants to diagnosis of breast/ovarian cancer predisposition in Polish cohort.

PubMed

Myszka, Aleksander; Karpinski, Pawel; Slezak, Ryszard; Czemarmazowicz, Halina; Stembalska, Agnieszka; Gil, Justyna; Laczmanska, Izabela; Bednarczyk, Damian; Szmida, Elzbieta; Sasiadek, Maria Malgorzata

2011-05-01

CHEK2 gen encodes cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 that participates in the DNA repair pathway, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. Mutations in CHEK2 gene may result in kinase inactivation or reduce both catalytic activity and capability of binding other proteins. Some studies indicate that alterations in CHEK2 gene confers increase the risk of breast cancer and some other malignancies, while the results of other studies are inconclusive. Thus the significance of CHEK2 mutations in aetiology of breast cancer is still debatable. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the breast/ovarian cancer and CHEK2 variants by: i) the analysis of the frequency of selected CHEK2 variants in breast and ovarian cancer patients compared to the controls; ii) evaluation of relationships between the certain CHEK2 variants and clinico-histopathological and pedigree data. The study was performed on 284 breast cancer patients, 113 ovarian cancer patients and 287 healthy women. We revealed the presence of 430T > C, del5395 and IVS2 + 1G > A variants but not 1100delC in individuals from both study and control groups. We did not observe significant differences between cancer patients and controls neither in regard to the frequency nor to the type of CHEK2 variants. We discussed the potential application of CHEK2 variants in the evaluation of breast and ovarian cancer predisposition.

Hemofagocitinė limfohistiocitozė: literatūros apžvalga

PubMed Central

Bereikienė, Simona; Rascon, Jelena

2017-01-01

Hemofagocitinė limfohistiocitozė – tai sindromas, besivystantis dėl sutrikusios imuninio atsako aktyvacijos ir slopinimo pusiausvyros. Išskiriama pirminė (genetinė arba šeiminė) sindromo forma, nulemta genų, dalyvaujančių imuninių ląstelių sąveikoje, mutacijų; ir antrinė (sporadinė) forma, besivystanti dėl infekcijos, navikinio, autoimuninio proceso ar metabolinių sutrikimų. Antrinės hemofagocitinės limfohistiocitozės genetinis pagrindas kol kas nežinomas. Pirminei ir antrinei formoms būdingas toks pats specifinis hiperuždegiminių reakcijų bei klinikinių simptomų kompleksas, kuriuo grindžiama patologijos diagnostika. Tačiau pirminės ir antrinės formų atskyrimas dažnai tampa iššūkiu dėl patologijos retumo, plataus klinikinių požymių spektro, dėl riboto specifinių testų prieinamumo ir, svarbiausia, gydymo taktikos ypatumų. Etiopatogenetinis pirminės formos gydymas yra skubi alogeninė kraujodaros kamieninių ląstelių transplantacija, be kurios išeitis neišvengiamai fatali. Antrinės formos gydymas priklauso nuo klinikinės išraiškos ir ją sukėlusios infekcijos pobūdžio. Labai svarbi laiku atlikta diagnostika norint kuo skubiau pradėti tinkamą gydymą bei pagerinti išgyvenamumą. Hemofagocitinės limfohistiocitozės gydymą komplikuoja didelis su gydymu susijęs mirtingumo dažnis bei ligos polinkis recidyvuoti. PMID:28630593

The Battle of Aschaffenburg: An Example of Late World War 2 Urban Combat in Europe

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-02

Division (LTC Abams) German Units - ARMY: Seventh ( Gen . der Inf. Felber) ( Gen . der Inf. Obstfelder, 26 March) CORPS: L)XOII ( Gen . dir Inf. Hahn...4 Armored Division (LTC Abrams) Ist Bn, 104 Infantry (attached to 4 AD) German Units - ARMY: Seventh ( Gen . dir Inf. Obstfelder) CORPS: DOCOII ( Gen ...Haislip) DIVISION: 44 Infantry Division (MG Dean) 45 Infantry Division (MG Fredericks) German Units - ARMY: Seventh ( Gen . dir Inf. Obstfelder) CORPS

DNA Barcode Reference Library for the African Citrus Triozid, Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Vector of African Citrus Greening.

PubMed

Khamis, F M; Rwomushana, I; Ombura, L O; Cook, G; Mohamed, S A; Tanga, C M; Nderitu, P W; Borgemeister, C; Sétamou, M; Grout, T G; Ekesi, S

2017-12-05

Citrus (Citrus spp.) production continues to decline in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, the two major producers in the region. This decline is attributed to pests and diseases including infestation by the African citrus triozid, Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). Besides direct feeding damage by adults and immature stages, T. erytreae is the main vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter africanus', the causative agent of Greening disease in Africa, closely related to Huanglongbing. This study aimed to generate a novel barcode reference library for T. erytreae in order to use DNA barcoding as a rapid tool for accurate identification of the pest to aid phytosanitary measures. Triozid samples were collected from citrus orchards in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa and from alternative host plants. Sequences generated from populations in the study showed very low variability within acceptable ranges of species. All samples analyzed were linked to T. erytreae of GenBank accession number KU517195. Phylogeny of samples in this study and other Trioza reference species was inferred using the Maximum Likelihood method. The phylogenetic tree was paraphyletic with two distinct branches. The first branch had two clusters: 1) cluster of all populations analyzed with GenBank accession of T. erytreae and 2) cluster of all the other GenBank accession of Trioza species analyzed except T. incrustata Percy, 2016 (KT588307.1), T. eugeniae Froggatt (KY294637.1), and T. grallata Percy, 2016 (KT588308.1) that occupied the second branch as outgroups forming sister clade relationships. These results were further substantiated with genetic distance values and principal component analyses. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.

An Adjuvanted Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Subunit Vaccine Elicits a T Cell Response in Mice and Is an Effective Therapeutic Vaccine in Guinea Pigs

PubMed Central

Skoberne, Mojca; Cardin, Rhonda; Lee, Alexander; Kazimirova, Ana; Zielinski, Veronica; Garvie, Danielle; Lundberg, Amy; Larson, Shane; Bravo, Fernando J.; Bernstein, David I.; Flechtner, Jessica B.

2013-01-01

Immunotherapeutic herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) vaccine efficacy depends upon the promotion of antigen-specific immune responses that inhibit reactivation or reactivated virus, thus controlling both recurrent lesions and viral shedding. In the present study, a candidate subunit vaccine, GEN-003/MM-2, was evaluated for its ability to induce a broad-spectrum immune response in mice and therapeutic efficacy in HSV-2-infected guinea pigs. GEN-003 is comprised of HSV-2 glycoprotein D2 (gD2ΔTMR340-363) and a truncated form of infected cell polypeptide 4 (ICP4383-766), formulated with Matrix M-2 (MM-2) adjuvant (GEN-003/MM-2). In addition to eliciting humoral immune responses, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells characterized by the secretion of multiple cytokines and cytolytic antigen-specific T cell responses that were able to be recalled at least 44 days after the last immunization were induced in immunized mice. Furthermore, vaccination with either GEN-003 or GEN-003/MM-2 led to significant reductions in both the prevalence and severity of lesions in HSV-2-infected guinea pigs compared to those of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control-vaccinated animals. While vaccination with MM-2 adjuvant alone decreased recurrent disease symptoms compared to the PBS control group, the difference was not statistically significant. Importantly, the frequency of recurrent viral shedding was considerably reduced in GEN-003/MM-2-vaccinated animals but not in GEN-003- or MM-2-vaccinated animals. These findings suggest a possible role for immunotherapeutic GEN-003/MM-2 vaccination as a viable alternative to chronic antiviral drugs in the treatment and control of genital herpes disease. PMID:23365421

J3Gen: A PRNG for Low-Cost Passive RFID

PubMed Central

Melià-Seguí, Joan; Garcia-Alfaro, Joaquin; Herrera-Joancomartí, Jordi

2013-01-01

Pseudorandom number generation (PRNG) is the main security tool in low-cost passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technologies, such as EPC Gen2. We present a lightweight PRNG design for low-cost passive RFID tags, named J3Gen. J3Gen is based on a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) configured with multiple feedback polynomials. The polynomials are alternated during the generation of sequences via a physical source of randomness. J3Gen successfully handles the inherent linearity of LFSR based PRNGs and satisfies the statistical requirements imposed by the EPC Gen2 standard. A hardware implementation of J3Gen is presented and evaluated with regard to different design parameters, defining the key-equivalence security and nonlinearity of the design. The results of a SPICE simulation confirm the power-consumption suitability of the proposal. PMID:23519344

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of the Cherskii's Sculpin Cottus czerskii and Siberian Taimen Hucho taimen Reveal GenBank Entry Errors: Incorrect Species Identification and Recombinant Mitochondrial Genome.

PubMed

Balakirev, Evgeniy S; Saveliev, Pavel A; Ayala, Francisco J

2017-01-01

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome is sequenced in 2 individuals of the Cherskii's sculpin Cottus czerskii . A surprisingly high level of sequence divergence (10.3%) has been detected between the 2 genomes of C czerskii studied here and the GenBank mt genome of C czerskii (KJ956027). At the same time, a surprisingly low level of divergence (1.4%) has been detected between the GenBank C czerskii (KJ956027) and the Amur sculpin Cottus szanaga (KX762049, KX762050). We argue that the observed discrepancies are due to incorrect taxonomic identification so that the GenBank accession number KJ956027 represents actually the mt genome of C szanaga erroneously identified as C czerskii . Our results are of consequence concerning the GenBank database quality, highlighting the potential negative consequences of entry errors, which once they are introduced tend to be propagated among databases and subsequent publications. We illustrate the premise with the data on recombinant mt genome of the Siberian taimen Hucho taimen (NCBI Reference Sequence Database NC_016426.1; GenBank accession number HQ897271.1), bearing 2 introgressed fragments (≈0.9 kb [kilobase]) from 2 lenok subspecies, Brachymystax lenok and Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis , submitted to GenBank on June 12, 2011. Since the time of submission, the H taimen recombinant mt genome leading to incorrect phylogenetic inferences was propagated in multiple subsequent publications despite the fact that nonrecombinant H taimen genomes were also available (submitted to GenBank on August 2, 2014; KJ711549, KJ711550). Other examples of recombinant sequences persisting in GenBank are also considered. A GenBank Entry Error Depositary is urgently needed to monitor and avoid a progressive accumulation of wrong biological information.

DD 21A-A Capable, Affordable, Modular 21st Century Destroyer

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

1 1.000 2 0.OOOOE+00 3 0.OOOOE+00 4 1.000 5 1.000 ARRANGEMENT OPERATION SEP SS GEN OP ARRAY = ( 2X 1) 1 2.000 2 2.000 ARRANGEMENT CG MACHY KG IND... GEN SIZE IND = GIVEN SEP SS GEN KW = 2000.00 KW SS ENGINES SS ENG SELECT IND = GIVEN SS ENG MODEL IND = DDA-501-K17 SS ENG TYPE IND = GT SS ENG SIZE...1733.6 PROPELLERS: 2 - CP - 17.0 FT DIA AREA SUMMARY - FT2 SEP GEN : 3 CT 0 2000.0 KW HULL AREA - 55529.2 SUPERSTRUCTURE AREA - 21232.1 24 HR LOAD 1858.1

Effects of Chronic Genistein Treatment in Mammary Gland, Uterus, and Vagina

PubMed Central

Rimoldi, Guillermo; Christoffel, Julie; Seidlova-Wuttke, Dana; Jarry, Hubertus; Wuttke, Wolfgang

2007-01-01

Background The isoflavone genistein (GEN) is found in soy (Glycine max) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). The estrogenic activity of GEN is known, and it is widely advertised as a phytoestrogen useful in alleviating climacteric complaints and other postmenopausal disorders. Knowledge of effects of long-term administration of GEN in laboratory animals is scarce, and effects in the uterus and mammary gland after long-term administration have not been studied. The uterus and mammary gland are known to be negatively influenced by estrogens used in hormone therapy. Objectives We administered two doses of GEN [mean daily uptake 5.4 (low) or 54 mg/kg (high) body weight (bw)] orally over a period of 3 months to ovariectomized (ovx) rats and compared the effects with a treatment with two doses of 17β-estradiol [E2; 0.17 (low) or 0.7 mg/kg bw (high)]. Mammary glands, vaginae, and uteri were investigated morphologically and immunohistochemically. We quantified the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the mammary gland. Results In rats treated with either of the E2 doses or the high GEN dose, we found increased uterine weight, and histologic analysis showed estrogen-induced features in the uteri. In vaginae, either E2 dose or GEN high induced hyperplastic epithelium compared with the atrophic controls. In the mammary gland, E2 (either dose) or GEN increased proliferation and PR expression. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone were decreased by E2 (both doses) but not by GEN. Conclusions In summary, E2 and GEN share many effects in the studied organs, particularly in the vagina, uterus, and mammary gland but not in the hypothalamo/pituitary unit. PMID:18174952

Genistein supplementation increases bone turnover but does not prevent alcohol-induced bone loss in male mice.

PubMed

Yang, Carrie S; Mercer, Kelly E; Alund, Alexander W; Suva, Larry J; Badger, Thomas M; Ronis, Martin J J

2014-10-01

Chronic alcohol consumption results in bone loss through increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. These effects can be reversed by estradiol (E2) supplementation. Soy diets are suggested to have protective effects on bone loss in men and women, as a result of the presence of soy protein-associated phytoestrogens such as genistein (GEN). In this study, male mice were pair-fed (PF), a control diet, an ethanol (EtOH) diet, or EtOH diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg of GEN for 8 weeks to test if GEN protects against bone loss associated with chronic drinking. Interestingly, alcohol consumption reduced cortical area and thickness and trabecular bone volume in both EtOH and EtOH/GEN groups when compared to the corresponding PF and PF/GEN controls, P < 0.05. However, in the trabecular bone compartment, we observed a significant increase in overall trabecular bone density in the PF/GEN group compared to the PF controls. Bone loss in the EtOH-treated mice was associated with the inhibition of osteoblastogenesis as indicated by decreased alkaline phosphatase staining in ex vivo bone marrow cultures, P < 0.05. GEN supplementation improved osteoblastogenesis in the EtOH/GEN cultures compared to the EtOH group, P < 0.05. Vertebral expression of bone-formation markers, osteocalcin, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was also significantly up-regulated in the PF/GEN and EtOH/GEN groups compared to the PF and EtOH-treated groups. GEN supplementation also increased the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) in the PF/GEN, an increase that persisted in the EtOH/GEN-treated animals (P < 0.05), and increased basal hydrogen peroxide production and RANKL mRNA expression in primary bone marrow cultures in vitro, P < 0.05. These findings suggest that GEN supplementation increases the overall bone remodeling and, in the context of chronic alcohol consumption, does not protect against the oxidative stress-associated EtOH-mediated bone resorption. © 2014 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Estudio de mutaciones en los genes IDH1 e IDH2 en una muestra de gliomas de población colombiana.

PubMed

Ricaurte, Orlando; Neita, Karina; Valero, Danyela; Ortega-Rojas, Jenny; Arboleda-Bustos, Carlos E; Zubieta, Camilo; Penagos, José; Arboleda, Gonzalo

2018-05-01

Introducción. Los gliomas son los tumores primarios más comunes del sistema nervioso central y se clasifican de I a IV según su grado de malignidad. En recientes investigaciones se ha encontrado que su aparición está relacionada con mutaciones en el exón 4 de los genes que codifican las deshidrogenasas de isocitrato 1 y 2 (IDH1: codón 132; IDH2: codón 172).Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de mutaciones en los genes IDH1 e IDH2 en una muestra de gliomas de pacientes colombianos.Materiales y métodos. La extracción de ADN se hizo a partir de tejido tumoral. El exón 4 de los genes IDH1 e IDH2 se amplificó mediante PCR utilizando iniciadores específicos y, posteriormente, se secuenciaron. Para la determinación de las mutaciones, se emplearon los programas 4Peaks y MAFFT.Resultados. Se determinó la presencia de mutaciones en el gen IDH1 en el 34 % de las muestras, con predominio de la mutación no sinónima R132H. En el 7,5 % de los casos se detectaron mutaciones en el gen IDH2, principalmente las mutaciones no sinónimas R172K y R172W.Conclusiones. La frecuencia de mutaciones en los genes IDH1 e IDH2 en la muestra fue similar a la reportada en otros estudios. El análisis de estas mutaciones puede ser importante como factor pronóstico y para su uso como potenciales blancos terapéuticos en gliomas.

Therapeutic Vaccine for Genital Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Infection: Findings From a Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Bernstein, David I; Wald, Anna; Warren, Terri; Fife, Kenneth; Tyring, Stephen; Lee, Patricia; Van Wagoner, Nick; Magaret, Amalia; Flechtner, Jessica B; Tasker, Sybil; Chan, Jason; Morris, Amy; Hetherington, Seth

2017-03-15

Genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection causes recurrent lesions and frequent viral shedding. GEN-003 is a candidate therapeutic vaccine containing HSV-2 gD2∆TMR and ICP4.2, and Matrix-M2 adjuvant. Persons with genital herpes were randomized into 3 dose cohorts to receive 3 intramuscular doses 21 days apart of 10 µg, 30 µg, or 100 µg of GEN-003, antigens without adjuvant, or placebo. Participants obtained genital swab specimens twice daily for HSV-2 detection and monitored genital lesions for 28-day periods at baseline and at intervals after the last dose. One hundred and thirty-four persons received all 3 doses. Reactogenicity was associated with adjuvant but not with antigen dose or dose number. No serious adverse events were attributed to GEN-003. Compared with baseline, genital HSV-2 shedding rates immediately after dosing were reduced with GEN-003 (from 13.4% to 6.4% for 30 μg [P < .001] and from 15.0% to 10.3% for 100 µg [P < .001]). Lesion rates were also significantly (P < .01) reduced immediately following immunization with 30 µg or 100 µg of GEN-003. GEN-003 elicited increases in antigen binding, virus neutralizing antibody, and T-cell responses. GEN-003 had an acceptable safety profile and stimulated humoral and cellular immune responses. GEN-003 at doses of 30 µg and 100 µg reduced genital HSV shedding and lesion rates. NCT01667341 (funded by Genocea). © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of the Cherskii’s Sculpin Cottus czerskii and Siberian Taimen Hucho taimen Reveal GenBank Entry Errors: Incorrect Species Identification and Recombinant Mitochondrial Genome

PubMed Central

Balakirev, Evgeniy S; Saveliev, Pavel A; Ayala, Francisco J

2017-01-01

The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome is sequenced in 2 individuals of the Cherskii’s sculpin Cottus czerskii. A surprisingly high level of sequence divergence (10.3%) has been detected between the 2 genomes of C czerskii studied here and the GenBank mt genome of C czerskii (KJ956027). At the same time, a surprisingly low level of divergence (1.4%) has been detected between the GenBank C czerskii (KJ956027) and the Amur sculpin Cottus szanaga (KX762049, KX762050). We argue that the observed discrepancies are due to incorrect taxonomic identification so that the GenBank accession number KJ956027 represents actually the mt genome of C szanaga erroneously identified as C czerskii. Our results are of consequence concerning the GenBank database quality, highlighting the potential negative consequences of entry errors, which once they are introduced tend to be propagated among databases and subsequent publications. We illustrate the premise with the data on recombinant mt genome of the Siberian taimen Hucho taimen (NCBI Reference Sequence Database NC_016426.1; GenBank accession number HQ897271.1), bearing 2 introgressed fragments (≈0.9 kb [kilobase]) from 2 lenok subspecies, Brachymystax lenok and Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis, submitted to GenBank on June 12, 2011. Since the time of submission, the H taimen recombinant mt genome leading to incorrect phylogenetic inferences was propagated in multiple subsequent publications despite the fact that nonrecombinant H taimen genomes were also available (submitted to GenBank on August 2, 2014; KJ711549, KJ711550). Other examples of recombinant sequences persisting in GenBank are also considered. A GenBank Entry Error Depositary is urgently needed to monitor and avoid a progressive accumulation of wrong biological information. PMID:28890653

The complete plastid genome of the middle Asian endemic of Stipa lipskyi (Poaceae).

PubMed

Myszczyński, Kamil; Nobis, Marcin; Szczecinska, Monika; Sawicki, Jakub; Nowak, Arkadiusz

2016-11-01

The structure of the Stipa lipskyi (GenBank accession no. KT692644) plastid genome is similar to that of closely related Poaceae species: it has a total length of 137 755 bp, the base composition of the plastome is the following: A (30.7%), C (19.3%), G (19.4%) and T (30.5%). The S. lipskyi plastid genome contains 71 genes, excluding second IR region. A complete plastome sequence of S. lipskyi will help the development of primers for examining phylogeny and hybridization events in this taxonomically difficult genus.

Helminth parasites in some Spanish bats.

PubMed

Alvarez, F; Rey, J; Quinteiro, P; Iglesias, R; Santos, M; Sanmartin, M L

1991-01-01

Nineteen bats of the species Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros, Myotis myotis, M. nattereri, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Barbastella barbastellus, Eptesicus serotinus and Plecotus auritus captured in N. W. Spain in 1983-85 were found to contain the following helminth parasites: Mesotretes peregrinus (found in 4 host species and making up 31% of all helminths); Plagiorchis vespertilionis (10.5%, in 2 host species); Strongylacantha glycirrhiza, Molinostrongylus alatus, Molineidae gen. sp., Capillariidae gen. sp., Hymenolepis acuta, Cestoda gen. sp. and Trematoda gen. sp. I and II (5.2% in 1 host species).

TideGen LCOE Workbooks

DOE Data Explorer

Jarlath McEntee

2016-03-21

Workbooks showing Annualized Energy Production, Cost Breakdown Structure, Levelized Cost of Electricity for DOE Refernce Tidal Project 1) Baseline TidGen Power System 2) TidGen Power System with the application of Advanced Controls 3) Advanced TidGen Power System with several enhancements These files are provided as a zipped set. Files are linked together and must be viewed in the same folder.

Micellar emulsions composed of mPEG-PCL/MCT as novel nanocarriers for systemic delivery of genistein: a comparative study with micelles

PubMed Central

Zhang, Tianpeng; Wang, Huan; Ye, Yanghuan; Zhang, Xingwang; Wu, Baojian

2015-01-01

Polymeric micelles receive considerable attention as drug delivery vehicles, depending on the versatility in drug solubilization and targeting therapy. However, their use invariably suffers with poor stability both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Here, we aimed to develop a novel nanocarrier (micellar emulsions, MEs) for a systemic delivery of genistein (Gen), a poorly soluble anticancer agent. Gen-loaded MEs (Gen-MEs) were prepared from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-(ε-caprolactone) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) by solvent-diffusion technique. Nanocarriers were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and in vitro release. The resulting Gen-MEs were approximately 46 nm in particle size with a narrow distribution. Gen-MEs produced a different in vitro release profile from the counterpart of Gen-ME. The incorporation of MCT significantly enhanced the stability of nanoparticles against dilution with simulated body fluid. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that MEs could notably extend the mean retention time of Gen, 1.57- and 7.38-fold as long as that of micelles and solution formulation, respectively, following intravenous injection. Furthermore, MEs markedly increased the elimination half-life (t1/2β) of Gen, which was 2.63-fold larger than that of Gen solution. Interestingly, Gen distribution in the liver and kidney for MEs group was significantly low relative to the micelle group in the first 2 hours, indicating less perfusion in such two tissues, which well accorded with the elongated mean retention time. Our findings suggested that MEs may be promising carriers as an alternative of micelles to systemically deliver poorly soluble drugs. PMID:26491290

GenGIS 2: Geospatial Analysis of Traditional and Genetic Biodiversity, with New Gradient Algorithms and an Extensible Plugin Framework

PubMed Central

Parks, Donovan H.; Mankowski, Timothy; Zangooei, Somayyeh; Porter, Michael S.; Armanini, David G.; Baird, Donald J.; Langille, Morgan G. I.; Beiko, Robert G.

2013-01-01

GenGIS is free and open source software designed to integrate biodiversity data with a digital map and information about geography and habitat. While originally developed with microbial community analyses and phylogeography in mind, GenGIS has been applied to a wide range of datasets. A key feature of GenGIS is the ability to test geographic axes that can correspond to routes of migration or gradients that influence community similarity. Here we introduce GenGIS version 2, which extends the linear gradient tests introduced in the first version to allow comprehensive testing of all possible linear geographic axes. GenGIS v2 also includes a new plugin framework that supports the development and use of graphically driven analysis packages: initial plugins include implementations of linear regression and the Mantel test, calculations of alpha-diversity (e.g., Shannon Index) for all samples, and geographic visualizations of dissimilarity matrices. We have also implemented a recently published method for biomonitoring reference condition analysis (RCA), which compares observed species richness and diversity to predicted values to determine whether a given site has been impacted. The newest version of GenGIS supports vector data in addition to raster files. We demonstrate the new features of GenGIS by performing a full gradient analysis of an Australian kangaroo apple data set, by using plugins and embedded statistical commands to analyze human microbiome sample data, and by applying RCA to a set of samples from Atlantic Canada. GenGIS release versions, tutorials and documentation are freely available at http://kiwi.cs.dal.ca/GenGIS, and source code is available at https://github.com/beiko-lab/gengis. PMID:23922841

GenCade Version 1 Quick-Start Guide: How to Start a Successful GenCade Project

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

Properly defining the inlets is a crucial part of a GenCade project and can be difficult. A user should become familiar with the Inlet Reservoir Model ( IRM ...GenCade Report 2 provide additional documentation on IRM variable names and functions. 3.9.4 Export data The data may easily be exported to a text

An Antarctic hypotrichous ciliate, Parasterkiella thompsoni (Foissner) nov. gen., nov. comb., recorded in Argentinean peat-bogs: morphology, morphogenesis, and molecular phylogeny.

PubMed

Küppers, Gabriela Cristina; Paiva, Thiago da Silva; Borges, Bárbara do Nascimento; Harada, Maria Lúcia; Garraza, Gabriela González; Mataloni, Gabriela

2011-05-01

The ciliate Parasterkiella thompsoni (Foissner, 1996) nov. gen., nov. comb. was originally described from Antarctica. In the present study, we report the morphology, morphogenesis during cell division, and molecular phylogeny inferred from the 18S-rDNA sequence of a population isolated from the Rancho Hambre peat bog, Tierra del Fuego Province (Argentina). The study is based on live and protargol-impregnated specimens. Molecular phylogeny was inferred from trees constructed by means of the maximum parsimony, neighbor joining, and Bayesian analyses. The interphase morphology matches the original description of the species. During the cell division, stomatogenesis begins with the de novo proliferation of two fields of basal bodies, each one left of the postoral ventral cirri and of transverse cirri, which later unify. Primordia IV-VI of the proter develop from disaggregation of cirrus IV/3, while primordium IV of the opisthe develops from cirrus IV/2 and primordia V and VI from cirrus V/4. Dorsal morphogenesis occurs in the Urosomoida pattern-that is, the fragmentation of kinety 3 is lacking. Three macronuclear nodules are generated before cytokinesis. Phylogenetic analyses consistently placed P. thompsoni within the stylonychines. New data on the morphogenesis of the dorsal ciliature justifies the transference of Sterkiella thompsoni to a new genus Parasterkiella. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Estimation and Mapping of Clouds and Rainfall Areas with an Interactive Computer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

test. C . TEST PROCEDURES The following lis1t is the set of procedures for this test of the SPADS Cloud Model. The steps taken were to: 1. Capture...12, 1640-1648. 121 0 APPENDIX4 SPADS CLOUD MlDEL COMPUTER PROGrRArt C CLOY) -IS DRIVER/IMAIN PROGRAIM C T41S PROC.RAM ANALYZES VIS AND IR. TOGETHEI TO...NITH AN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER(U) NAYAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA C A NELSON DEC 92 UNLSSIFIED F/G 9/2 NUC MENOMONE NONI smhhhhhhhhohh

International Conference on Chemistry and Physics of Electrified Interfaces Solid/Electrolyte and Biological Systems: Extended Abstracts and Programme Held in Bologna, Italy on 29 August - 2 September 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-01

Consiglio del Kiistri (propasta IRS!) Proviucia di Bologna Regions iallia-R0555na Societa Chimica Italisna (SD SocietA Italians, di Fisica U.S. Azy... Fisica , Universidad de Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080 Alicante (SPAIN); * Laboratoire d’Electrochimie Interfaciale, 1 P. Aristide Briand, 92195 Meudon...CNRS n*350, Universit& de Poitiers, 40, avenue du Recteur Pineau, 86022 - POITIERS , France, J-L. VAZQUEZ and A. ALDAZ, Departamento de Quimica Fisica

Benzoate Metabolism Intermediate Benzoyl Coenzyme A Affects Gentisate Pathway Regulation in Comamonas testosteroni

PubMed Central

Chen, Dong-Wei; Zhang, Yun; Jiang, Cheng-Ying

2014-01-01

A previous study showed that benzoate was catabolized via a coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent epoxide pathway in Azoarcus evansii (R. Niemetz, U. Altenschmidt, S. Brucker, and G. Fuchs, Eur. J. Biochem. 227:161-168, 1995), but gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase was induced. Similarly, we found that the Comamonas testosteroni strain CNB-1 degraded benzoate via a CoA-dependent epoxide pathway and that gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (GenA) was also induced when benzoate or 3-hydroxybenzoate served as a carbon source for growth. Genes encoding the CoA-dependent epoxide (box genes) and gentisate (gen genes) pathways were identified. Genetic disruption revealed that the gen genes were not involved in benzoate and 3-hydroxybenzoate degradation. Hence, we investigated gen gene regulation in the CNB-1 strain. The PgenA promoter, a MarR-type regulator (GenR), and the GenR binding site were identified. We found that GenR took gentisate, 3-hydroxybenzoate, and benzoyl-CoA as effectors and that binding of GenR to its target DNA sequence was prohibited when these effectors were present. In vivo studies showed that the CNB-1 mutant that lost benzoyl-CoA synthesis was not able to activate PgenA promoter, while transcription of genA was upregulated in another CNB-1 mutant that lost the ability to degrade benzoyl-CoA. The finding that benzoyl-CoA (a metabolic intermediate of benzoate degradation) and 3-hydroxybenzoate function as GenR effectors explains why GenA was induced when CNB-1 grew on benzoate or 3-hydroxybenzoate. Regulation of gentisate pathways by MarR-, LysR-, and IclR-type regulators in diverse bacterial groups is discussed in detail. PMID:24771026

Pine growth following chemical site prep and postplant herbaceous weed control compared to chemical site prep only

Treesearch

Dwight K. Lauer; Harold E. Quicke

2013-01-01

Three site prep vegetation control systems were compared on two Piedmont and two Upper Coastal Plain sites. Systems were (1) a one-time site prep application of Chopper® GEN2™ 2, (2) a one-time application of Chopper® GEN2™ tank mixed with sulfometuron, and (3) two applications consisting of site prep with Chopper® GEN2™ followed by herbaceous weed control with Arsenal...

Vector and Axial Form Factors Applied to Neutrino Quasielastic Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budd, H.; Bodek, A.; Arrington, J.

2005-02-01

We calculate the quasielastic cross sections for neutrino scattering on nucleons using up to date fits to the nucleon elastic electromagnetic form factors GEp, GEn, GMp, GMn, and weak form factors. We show the extraction of F(q). We show the that F(q) has a different contribution to the anti-neutrino cross section, and how the anti-neutrino data can be used to check F(q) extracted from neutrino scattering. (Presented by Howard Budd at NuInt04, Mar. 2004, Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso - INFN - Assergi, Italy [ http://nuint04.lngs.infn.it/])

Supplementation of OmniGen-AF alters the metabolic response to a glucose tolerance test in beef heifers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study was designed to determine whether feeding OmniGen-AF to feedlot heifers would alter metabolic profiles in response to a glucose tolerance test. Heifer calves (n=184; 216±1 kg) were allocated into 2 treatment diets: 1) Control, fed a standard receiving ration, and 2) OmniGen-AF (OG), fed t...

The absolute magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars. II - DX Delphini

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skillen, I.; Fernley, J. A.; Jameson, R. F.; Lynas-Gray, A. E.; Longmore, A. J.

1989-11-01

UV, IR and visual photometry of the short-period RR Lyrae star DX Del is presented and treated by means of the Blackwell and Shallis (1977) IR Flux Method-based formulation of the Baade-Wesselink method. Upon correcting to common reddening, extinction, and radial-velocity conversion factors, as well as applying the Baade-Wesselink analysis of Burki and Meylan (1986), it proved impossible to reproduce their results. It is suggested that the present methods are inherently more stable than those of Burki and Meylan, given their reliance on optical colors and magnitudes to derive effective temperatures and radii.

Efficacy and Safety of Ixekizumab in a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3b Study of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Genital Psoriasis.

PubMed

Ryan, C; Menter, A; Guenther, L; Blauvelt, A; Bissonnette, R; Meeuwis, K; Sullivan, J; Cather, J C; Yosipovitch, G; Gottlieb, A B; Merola, J F; Callis Duffin, K; Fretzin, S; Osuntokun, O O; Burge, R; Naegeli, A N; Yang, F E; Lin, C-Y; Todd, K; Potts Bleakman, A

2018-05-10

Genital psoriasis (GenPs) is a common, debilitating, and difficult to treat manifestation of plaque psoriasis. However, few controlled, interventional studies of GenPs exist. To determine the efficacy of ixekizumab versus placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe GenPs with BSA≥1%. Subjects with moderate-to-severe GenPs (defined as a baseline static Physician's Global Assessment of Genitalia [sPGA-G] score of ≥3) with BSA≥1% were randomized 1:1 to receive placebo (N=74) or the recommended dosing of ixekizumab (N=75). Major outcomes included the percentage of patients achieving 0 or 1 scores on the sPGA-G (primary endpoint), overall sPGA, GenPs Sexual Frequency Questionnaire (GenPs-SFQ) item 2, and a ≥3-point improvement from baseline on the GenPs itch numeric rating scale. At week 12, ixekizumab was superior to placebo on the sPGA-G 0/1 (73.3% versus 8.1%, p<0.001), overall sPGA 0/1 (73.3% versus 2.7%, p<0.001), GenPs-SFQ item 2 0/1 (78.4% versus 21.4%, p<0.001), and genital itch (59.7% versus 8.3%, p<0.001). No candidiasis was reported, no deaths occurred, and one (1.4%) serious adverse event was reported in a patient receiving placebo. Ixekizumab was superior to placebo for the treatment of moderate-to-severe GenPs with BSA≥1%. The safety profile of ixekizumab was consistent with previous studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Increase in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injuries in Opa1+/- Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Fauconnier, Jérémy; Cellier, Laura; Tamareille, Sophie; Gharib, Abdallah; Chevrollier, Arnaud; Loufrani, Laurent; Grenier, Céline; Kamel, Rima; Sarzi, Emmanuelle; Lacampagne, Alain; Ovize, Michel; Henrion, Daniel; Reynier, Pascal; Lenaers, Guy; Mirebeau-Prunier, Delphine

2016-01-01

Background Recent data suggests the involvement of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. Whilst excessive mitochondrial fission has been described as detrimental, the role of fusion proteins in this context remains uncertain. Objectives To investigate whether Opa1 (protein involved in mitochondrial inner-membrane fusion) deficiency affects I/R injuries. Methods and Results We examined mice exhibiting Opa1delTTAG mutations (Opa1+/-), showing 70% Opa1 protein expression in the myocardium as compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Cardiac left-ventricular systolic function assessed by means of echocardiography was observed to be similar in 3-month-old WT and Opa1+/- mice. After subjection to I/R, infarct size was significantly greater in Opa1+/- than in WTs both in vivo (43.2±4.1% vs. 28.4±3.5%, respectively; p<0.01) and ex vivo (71.1±3.2% vs. 59.6±8.5%, respectively; p<0.05). No difference was observed in the expression of other main fission/fusion protein, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptotic markers, or mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) function. Analysis of calcium transients in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes demonstrated a lower sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake, whereas cytosolic Ca2+ removal from the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) was increased, whilst SERCA2a, phospholamban, and NCX protein expression levels were unaffected in Opa1+/- compared to WT mice. Simultaneous whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of mitochondrial Ca2+ movements and ventricular action potential (AP) showed impairment of dynamic mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and a marked increase in the AP late repolarization phase in conjunction with greater occurrence of arrhythmia in Opa1+/- mice. Conclusion Opa1 deficiency was associated with increased sensitivity to I/R, imbalance in dynamic mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, and subsequent increase in NCX activity. PMID:27723783

Synthesis and characterization of drug loaded albumin mesospheres for intratumoral chemotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freeman, Shema Taian

Conventional chemotherapy is problematic due to toxic complications. Intratumoral (IT) drug delivery, offers a new, less toxic, potentially more effective treatment concept. The objectives of this research encompassed (1) an investigation of the synthesis of BSA mesospheres (MS) employing genipin (GEN) as a novel crosslinking agent, (2) comparison with glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinked mesosphere, (3) a study of process parameters to define conditions for the synthesis of 1-10microm drug loaded mesospheres, and (4) investigation of the drug delivery properties of such mesospheres for IT chemotherapy. Smooth, spherical BSA-MS, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and genipin, were prepared in a dry particle size range of 1microm to 10microm. It was shown that increasing dispersion stirring rate, crosslinking time and GEN/BSA ratio led to a decrease in particle size and a narrower particle distribution. It was also shown that increasing crosslinking time, GEN/BSA ratio, BSA concentrations, GEN concentration slowed enzymatic degradation. Post-loading and in situ drug loading methods were studied for the incorporation of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin into mesospheres. Maximum post loading of cisplatin was 3.2% (w/w) and 2.6% (w/w) with GEN and with GTA crosslinking. For cyclophosphamide 8.2% (w/w) and 7.1% (w/w) loading was achieved with GEN and GTA respectively. In situ drug loaded MS genipin and glutaraldehyde crosslinked mesospheres were also synthesized with 1.8% (w/w) cisplatin (using GEN) and 1.2% (w/w) (using GTA). Maximum loading of 13.3% (w/w) was achieved for cyclophosphamide in genipin crosslinked mesospheres. The cytotoxicity of in situ loaded genipin and glutaraldehyde crosslinked cisplatin mesospheres was evaluated using a murine Lewis lung model. Both genipin and glutaraldehyde crosslinked BSA-cisplatin mesospheres proved to be cytotoxic during a 48 hour test. Ultimately a standard set of processing parameters (BSA concentration, CAB concentration, GEN concentration, GEN/BSA ratio, stabilization stirring rate and crosslinking time) were defined to produce both GEN and GTA crosslinked cisplatin and cyclophosphamide BSA mesospheres. In vitro analysis confirmed the utility of mesosphere bound drug. In several related studies, (1) IT delivered dispersions of mitoxantrone loaded albumin microspheres were shown to afford an effective treatment, with significantly prolonging animal survival and (2) genipin and gadolinium crosslinked MS were prepared from HA and BSA/HA.

Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin-Gentamicin Combination Therapy in Murine Bubonic Plague

PubMed Central

Lemaître, Nadine; Ricard, Isabelle; Pradel, Elizabeth; Foligné, Benoît; Courcol, René; Simonet, Michel; Sebbane, Florent

2012-01-01

Potential benefits of combination antibiotic therapy for the treatment of plague have never been evaluated. We compared the efficacy of a ciprofloxacin (CIN) and gentamicin (GEN) combination therapy with that of each antibiotic administered alone (i) against Yersinia pestis in vitro and (ii) in a mouse model of bubonic plague in which animals were intravenously injected with antibiotics for five days, starting at two different times after infection (44 h and 56 h). In vitro, the CIN+GEN combination was synergistic at 0.5x the individual drugs’ MICs and indifferent at 1x- or 2x MIC. In vivo, the survival rate for mice treated with CIN+GEN was similar to that observed with CIN alone and slightly higher than that observed for GEN alone 100, 100 and 85%, respectively when treatment was started 44 h post challenge. 100% of survivors were recorded in the CIN+GEN group vs 86 and 83% in the CIN and GEN groups, respectively when treatment was delayed to 56 h post-challenge. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Five days after the end of treatment, Y. pestis were observed in lymph nodes draining the inoculation site (but not in the spleen) in surviving mice in each of the three groups. The median lymph node log10 CFU recovered from persistently infected lymph nodes was significantly higher with GEN than with CIN (5.8 vs. 3.2, p = 0.04) or CIN+GEN (5.8 vs. 2.8, p = 0.01). Taken as the whole, our data show that CIN+GEN combination is as effective as CIN alone but, regimens containing CIN are more effective to eradicate Y. pestis from the draining lymph node than the recommended GEN monotherapy. Moreover, draining lymph nodes may serve as a reservoir for the continued release of Y. pestis into the blood – even after five days of intravenous antibiotic treatment. PMID:23285069

Efficacy of ciprofloxacin-gentamicin combination therapy in murine bubonic plague.

PubMed

Lemaître, Nadine; Ricard, Isabelle; Pradel, Elizabeth; Foligné, Benoît; Courcol, René; Simonet, Michel; Sebbane, Florent

2012-01-01

Potential benefits of combination antibiotic therapy for the treatment of plague have never been evaluated. We compared the efficacy of a ciprofloxacin (CIN) and gentamicin (GEN) combination therapy with that of each antibiotic administered alone (i) against Yersinia pestis in vitro and (ii) in a mouse model of bubonic plague in which animals were intravenously injected with antibiotics for five days, starting at two different times after infection (44 h and 56 h). In vitro, the CIN+GEN combination was synergistic at 0.5x the individual drugs' MICs and indifferent at 1x- or 2x MIC. In vivo, the survival rate for mice treated with CIN+GEN was similar to that observed with CIN alone and slightly higher than that observed for GEN alone 100, 100 and 85%, respectively when treatment was started 44 h post challenge. 100% of survivors were recorded in the CIN+GEN group vs 86 and 83% in the CIN and GEN groups, respectively when treatment was delayed to 56 h post-challenge. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Five days after the end of treatment, Y. pestis were observed in lymph nodes draining the inoculation site (but not in the spleen) in surviving mice in each of the three groups. The median lymph node log(10) CFU recovered from persistently infected lymph nodes was significantly higher with GEN than with CIN (5.8 vs. 3.2, p = 0.04) or CIN+GEN (5.8 vs. 2.8, p = 0.01). Taken as the whole, our data show that CIN+GEN combination is as effective as CIN alone but, regimens containing CIN are more effective to eradicate Y. pestis from the draining lymph node than the recommended GEN monotherapy. Moreover, draining lymph nodes may serve as a reservoir for the continued release of Y. pestis into the blood - even after five days of intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Long-term Follow-up of Treatment with Ibrutinib and Rituximab in Patients with High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

PubMed

Jain, Preetesh; Keating, Michael J; Wierda, William G; Sivina, Mariela; Thompson, Philip A; Ferrajoli, Alessandra; Estrov, Zeev; Kantarjian, Hagop; O'Brien, Susan; Burger, Jan A

2017-05-01

Background: Ibrutinib is an active therapy with an acceptable safety profile for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including high-risk patients with del17p or with TP53 mutations. Ibrutinib is broadly indicated for the treatment of patients with CLL and specifically including those with 17p deletion. The optimal use of ibrutinib in combination with other agents remains controversial. Experimental Design: We report the long-term outcome [median follow-up of 47 months (range, 36-51 months)] of 40 patients with high-risk CLL, treated on the first ibrutinib combination trial with rituximab (IR). The majority of patients (36/40) were previously treated. Results: Median age was 65 years, and 21 patients (52%) had 17p deletion. Median duration on treatment was 41 months (range, 2-51 months), and median number of treatment cycles was 42 (range, 2-49). Overall response rate was 95%, and 9 patients (23%) attained a complete remission. Twenty-one patients discontinued treatment, 10 due to disease progression, 9 for other causes, and 2 due to stem cell transplantation; the remaining 19 patients continue on ibrutinib. Median progression-free survival for all patients was 45 months, which was significantly shorter in the subgroup of patients with del17p ( n = 21, 32.3 months, P = 0.02). Fourteen patients (35%) died, five from progressive disease, five from infections, and four from other causes. Median overall survival has not been reached. Conclusions: IR combination therapy leads to durable remissions in high-risk CLL; the possible benefit from the addition of rituximab is currently explored in a randomized trial. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2154-8. ©2016 AACR . ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

Lg and Other Regional Phases in South America

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

L-StLdi’: del sistema crtoza -- mantc’ super io:r; entre eil’:’s s!:, puioden men’: ir-nar lo:s sig~uientest Mt:dc’s Sismi’:os, ciravime-tr icc’s...difarentes prc’piedades fisi’:ez. Este rn~ toc utiliza las leyes de Snell y de las velcidades aparuntes (Dcubrin y Olhc’vich, 1959). Con la api icaci~’I de...2.97 45 3.0 4.45 3.30 4t 8.0 4.40 3.32 140 S . 5 .50 3.35 100 TCC-CUS ( tabla * 2 ) El per fil Toc -onc:e-Cuzco (fig.2) est6 reduc.ido casi

Effect of application timing on efficacy of site preparation treatments using Chopper® GEN2™

Treesearch

A.W. Ezell; J.L. Yeiser; D.K. Lauer; H.E. Quicke

2013-01-01

Chopper® GEN2™ is a new imazapyr product for use in forestry site preparation. A single treatment (32 ounces of Chopper® GEN2™ per acre) was applied at three timings on three sites (Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia) to test the effect of application timing on treatment efficacy. Hardwood control was excellent for all applications. Pine growth varied by site, but...

Flight Test of an Adaptive Controller and Simulated Failure/Damage on the NASA NF-15B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buschbacher, Mark; Maliska, Heather

2006-01-01

The method of flight-testing the Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) Second Generation (Gen-2) project on the NASA NF-15B is herein described. The Gen-2 project objective includes flight-testing a dynamic inversion controller augmented by a direct adaptive neural network to demonstrate performance improvements in the presence of simulated failure/damage. The Gen-2 objectives as implemented on the NASA NF-15B created challenges for software design, structural loading limitations, and flight test operations. Simulated failure/damage is introduced by modifying control surface commands, therefore requiring structural loads measurements. Flight-testing began with the validation of a structural loads model. Flight-testing of the Gen-2 controller continued, using test maneuvers designed in a sequenced approach. Success would clear the new controller with respect to dynamic response, simulated failure/damage, and with adaptation on and off. A handling qualities evaluation was conducted on the capability of the Gen-2 controller to restore aircraft response in the presence of a simulated failure/damage. Control room monitoring of loads sensors, flight dynamics, and controller adaptation, in addition to postflight data comparison to the simulation, ensured a safe methodology of buildup testing. Flight-testing continued without major incident to accomplish the project objectives, successfully uncovering strengths and weaknesses of the Gen-2 control approach in flight.

Structural and electronic properties of Genm- and KGen- Zintl anions (n=3-10;m=2-4) from density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Si-Dian; Guo, Qiao-Ling; Zhao, Xiu-Feng; Wu, Hai-Shun; Jin, Zhi-Hao

2002-07-01

Structural optimizations and frequency analyses have been performed on free Genm- and KGen- (n=3-10, m=2-4) Zintl anions and ionization potentials and electron affinities calculated for KGen using the density functional theory (DFT) of Becke's three-parameter hybrid functional with the Perdew/Wang 91 expression. The DFT results obtained for small clusters (n=3-5) are further checked with both the second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and the configuration interaction calculations with all single and double substitutions from the Hartree-Fock reference determinant (CISD). Free Gen2- anions are found to share the same geometries as naked Zintl anions observed in solids with a systematical expansion in bond lengths within about 5%. Intensive searches indicate that two isomers, a tricapped trigonal prism (D3h) and a slightly distorted tricapped trigonal prism (C2v), exist for Ge92- and Ge93-, while nido-Ge94- clearly favors the monocapped antisquare prism (C4v) structure. HOMO-LUMO energy gaps >2.23 eV are obtained for Genm- series at the DFT level, except Ge93- which has a much narrower energy gap of 1.16 eV. The calculated Gibbs free energy change of Ge92-+Ge94-=2 Ge93- conversion reaction involving nonagermanides has the value of Delta]G[deg=-2.91 x105 J mol-1, providing the first quantum chemistry evidence that the geometrically deduced mixed valent couple of Ge92- and Ge94- in a previous study is thermodynamically unstable compared to two Ge93- anions. The calculated stabilization energies of Gen2-, Gen-, and Gen exhibit similar variation trends, clearly indicating a maximum at n=7, a minimum at n=8, and an obvious recovery at n=9 and 10. The calculated normal vibrational frequencies reproduce the six observed Raman peaks of naked Ge52- with an averaged discrepancy of 11 cm-1. Face-capped or edge-capped deltahedral structures are predicted for binary KGen- anions and KGen and K2Gen neutrals. The magic numbers at n=5, 9, and 10 obtained in both stabilization energies and ionization potentials well reproduce the abundance distributions of KGen- observed in time-of-flight mass spectra. The validity of the Zintl-Klemm-Busmann principle in KGen and K2Gen neutrals is supported by the finding that sizable electron transfers from K atoms to Gen nuclei occur in these clusters and the Gen nuclei approach corresponding structures of free closo-Gen2- anions.

[Effects of genistein on contractility of isolated right ventricular muscles in guinea pig].

PubMed

Wu, Jin-xia; Li, Hong-fang; Liu, Chong-bin; Tian, Zhi-feng

2008-11-01

To study the effect of genistein (GEN) on contractility of isolated right ventricular muscles in guinea pig and its mechanisms. Isolated guinea pig ventricular muscles were suspended in organ baths containing K-H solution.After an equilibration period, the effect of GEN on contraction of myocardium was observed. GEN and isoprenaline hydrochloride had the positive inotropic effects on contractity of myocardium. Meanwhile, the effect of GEN (1-100 micromol x L(-1)) was in dose-dependent manner. Propranolol (1 micromol x L(-1)) and verapamil hydrochloride (0.5 micromol x L(-1)) attenuated the positive inotropic effect of isoprenaline hydrochloride (1 micromol x L(-1)), but did not change the effect of GEN (50 micromol x L(-1)). Further more, the enhancement of the contraction induced by elevation of extracellular Ca2+ concentration in ventricular muscles had no change after pretreatment with GEN (1.10 micromol x L(-1)). In addition,the positive inotropic effect of GEN was inhibited partially by tamoxifen (1 micromol x L(-1)) and SQ22536 (1 micromol x L(-1)), also, could be attenuated by bpV (1 micromol x L(-1)). GEN has the positive inotropic effect on guinea pig ventricular muscles, which is not related to the activation of beta adrenoceptor, Ca2+ channel on cell membrane,but may involve in cAMP of intracellular signal transduction and tyrosine kinase pathway.

Neonatal exposure to daidzein, genistein, or the combination modulates bone development in female CD-1 mice.

PubMed

Kaludjerovic, Jovana; Ward, Wendy E

2009-03-01

Neonatal exposure to genistein (GEN), an isoflavone abundant in soy, favorably modulates bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in mice at adulthood. The study objective was to determine whether early exposure to a combination of the soy isoflavones daidzein (DAI) and GEN that naturally exists in soy protein-based infant formula results in greater benefits to bone at adulthood than either treatment alone. Male and female CD-1 mice (n = 8-16 pups per group per gender) were randomized to subcutaneous injections of DAI (2 mg x kg body weight(-1) x d(-1)), GEN (5 mg x kg body weight(-1) x d(-1)), DAI+GEN (7 mg x kg body weight(-1) x d(-1)), diethylstilbesterol (DES; positive control) (2 mg x kg body weight(-1) x d(-1)), or control (CON) from postnatal d 1-5 and were studied to 4 mo of age. BMD, biomechanical bone strength, and bone microarchitecture were assessed at the femur and lumbar vertebrae (LV). Females treated with DAI, GEN, DAI+GEN, or DES had greater (P < 0.05) BMD at the LV compared with CON and vertebra in the DAI and DES group were more resistant to compression fractures. Microstructural analyses demonstrated that treatment with DAI and GEN resulted in greater (P < 0.05) trabecular connectivity and trabecular thickness, respectively, than the CON. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to DAI and/or GEN had a positive effect on the skeleton of female mice at adulthood, but, compared with individual treatments, DAI+GEN did not have a greater benefit to bone in females or males.

Complete cDNAs from Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). --GenBank accession numbers: HM130684-HM130685.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

2 new gene sequences were identified from workers of Solenopsis invicta, and submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. GenBank accession numbers are HM130684-HM130685. This information will provide scientists with genetic tools to study the populations of this ant....

Paramagnetic-to-nonmagnetic transition in antiperovskite nitride Cr3GeN studied by 14N-NMR and µSR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takao, K.; Liu, Z.; Uji, K.; Waki, T.; Tabata, Y.; Watanabe, I.; Nakamura, H.

2017-06-01

The antiperovskite-related nitride Cr3GeN forms a tetragonal structure with the space group P\\bar{4}{2}1m at room temperature. It shows a tetragonal (P\\bar{4}{2}1m) to tetragonal (I4/mcm) structural transition with a large hysteresis at 300-400 K. The magnetic susceptibility of Cr3GeN shows Curie-Weiss type temperature dependence at high temperature, but is almost temperature-independent below room temperature. We carried out µSR and 14N-NMR microscopy measurements to reveal the magnetic ground state of Cr3GeN. Gradual muon spin relaxation, which is nearly temperature-independent below room temperature, was observed, indicating that Cr3GeN is magnetically inactive. In the 14N-NMR measurement, a quadrupole-split spectrum was obtained at around 14 K = 0. The temperature dependence of 14(1/T1) satisfies the Korringa relation. These experimental results indicate that the ground state of Cr3GeN is Pauli paramagnetic, without antiferromagnetic long-range order.

Curvas de fusión de regiones genómicas específicas: una herramienta prometedora para el diagnóstico y tipificación de las especies causantes de la leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.

PubMed

Marin, Johana; Urrea, Daniel; Muskus, Carlos; Echeverry, María Clara; Mejía, Ana María; Triana, Omar

2017-12-01

Introducción. La leishmaniasis cutánea es una enfermedad causada por parásitos del género Leishmania que tiene gran incidencia en Colombia. El diagnóstico y la identificación de la especie infecciosa son factores críticos en el momento de escoger e iniciar el tratamiento. Actualmente, los métodos de diagnóstico y tipificación requieren procedimientos complejos, por lo que es necesario validar nuevos marcadores moleculares y métodos que simplifiquen el proceso.Objetivo. Desarrollar una herramienta basada en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) con curvas de fusión (High Resolution Melting; PCR-HRM) para el diagnóstico y tipificación de las tres especies de Leishmania de importancia epidemiológica en casos de leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Los genomas de Leishmania panamensis, L. braziliensis y L. guyanensis se compararon mediante métodos bioinformáticos. Las regiones específicas de especie identificadas se validaron mediante PCR. Para los marcadores seleccionados se diseñó una PCR-HRM y se estimaron algunos parámetros de validez y seguridad usando aislamientos de pacientes colombianos caracterizados previamente mediante PCR y análisis de polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - RFLP; PCR-RFLP) del gen hsp70.Resultados. El análisis genómico comparativo mostró 24 regiones específicas de especie. Sin embargo, la validación mediante PCR solo identificó un marcador específico para cada especie de Leishmania. Los otros marcadores mostraron amplificación cruzada. El límite de detección para los tres marcadores seleccionados fue de un parásito, mientras que la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo y el negativo fueron de 91,4, 100, 100 y 75 %, respectivamente.Conclusiones. Las tres regiones seleccionadas pueden emplearse como marcadores moleculares en el diagnóstico y tipificación de las especies causantes de la leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.

Four new genera and five new species of lecanicephalideans (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) from elasmobranchs in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

PubMed

Jensen, K

2001-08-01

A total of 53 spiral intestines from 3 species of rays collected in the Gulf of California, Baja, Mexico, was examined for cestodes of the order Lecanicephalidea. Four new genera and 5 new species were discovered as a result of this study. These are Aberrapex senticosus n. gen., n. sp., from Myliobatis californica, Paraberrapex manifestus n. gen., n. sp., from Squatina californica and Healyum harenamica n. gen., n. sp., Healyum pulvis n. sp. and Quadcuspibothrium francisi n. gen., n. sp., from Mobula japanica. Aberrapex n. gen. and Paraberrapex n. gen. can be distinguished from all other lecanicephalidean genera based on the lack of an apical structure (pars apicalis) on their scolex. Aberrapex n. gen. can be distinguished from Paraberrapex n. gen. based on the presence of an external seminal vesicle, a vagina positioned lateral rather than medial in the proglottid, and an ovary that is tetralobed rather than bilobed in cross section. Healyum n. gen. and Quadcuspibothrium n. gen. are unique among lecanicephalidean genera, including Aberrapex n. gen. and Paraberrapex n. gen., in their possession of a trilobed ovary in cross section. Quadcuspibothrium n. gen. can be distinguished from Healyum n. gen. based on its unique shape of the acetabula, which are diamond-shaped. The 2 species of Healyum n. gen. can be distinguished from one another based on the dimensions and the shape of the scolex, the diameter of the suckerlike acetabula, as well as the shape of the spiniform microtriches on the acetabular rims. Discobothrium arrhynchum is transferred to the genus Aberrapex n. gen. and the original description of this species is emended to include details of the vas deferens and the uterine duct and uterus. The microtrich patterns of the 5 new species and Aberrapex arrhynchum n. comb. are described. These are the first records of tapeworms of the Lecanicephalidea from the Gulf of California. Squatina californica and Mobula japanica represent new host records for lecanicephalidean tapeworms. The ordinal diagnosis of the Lecanicephalidea by Euzet (1994) is emended to include these 4 new genera.

Cholecystokinin like immunoreactivity in the brains of young Meishan and Duroc pigs(4).

PubMed

Elmquist, J K; Ross, L R; Hsu, W; Rothschild, M F; Jacobson, C D

1993-01-12

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide found in both the gastrointestinal tract and brain, has been shown to be involved in the control of feed intake in a variety of animals including the pig. Chinese breeds of pigs such as the Meishan are noted for slow growth and heavy adipose deposition. In this study we have described the regional cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-IR) concentrations in the brain of young Duroc and Meishan pigs utilizing radioimmunoassay. Brains of days 1, 10, and 20 postnatal pigs from each breed were examined. The CCK-IR increased with age in all three areas examined (cortex, medulla, and hypothalamus). The cortical concentrations rose significantly from days 1 to 10 and from days 10 to 20. The levels in the hypothalamus and medulla increased significantly between days 1 and 20. There were no statistically significant differences in CCK-IR between the breeds at any of the three ages examined. Our results indicate that a rise in CCK-IR in the regions of the brain involved in the control of feed intake may parallel the ability of the young pigs to assimilate nutrients from a solid diet. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Cholecystokinin-ähnliche Immunreaktivität in den Gehirnen junger Meishan- und Durocschweine Das Peptid Cholecystokinin (CCK) wird im Gastrointestinaltrakt und im Gehirn gefunden und beeinflußt Futteraufnahme in einer Reihe von Tieren einschließlich Schwein. Chinesische Rassen wie Meishan sind wegen ihres langsamen Wachstums und der starken Fettablagerung bekannt. In dieser Studie beschreiben wir regionale Cholecystokinin-ähnliche Immunreaktivitäts-(CCK-IR)Konzentrationen im Gehirn junger Duroc- und Meishantiere, mittels Radioimmunassay bestimmt. Gehirne von 1, 10 und 20 Tage alten Ferkeln jeder Rasse wurden untersucht. CCK-IR nahm mit dem Alter in allen drei untersuchten Organen zu (Kortex, Medulla und Hypothalamus). Die kortikalen Spiegel stiegen vom Tag 1 bis 10 und vom Tag 10 bis 20 signifikant, die des Hypothalamus und der Medulla zwischen Tag 1 und 20. Zwischen Rassen waren keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede in CCK-IR. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen einen Anstieg in CCK-IR in Gehirnregionen, die bei Futteraufnahme involviert sind, und könnten der Fähigkeit junger Schweine zur Assimilation von Nährstoffen aus festen Rationen parallel sein. RÉSUMÉ: Immunoréactivité de type cholécyctokinine dans le cerveau de jeunes porcs Meishan et Duroc La cholécystokinine (CCK) est peptide présent à la fois dans le tractus gastro-intestinal et le cerveau. Son influence sur le contrôle de la consommation alimentaire a été mise en évidence dans plusieurs espèces d'animaux dont le porc. Les races porcines chinoises comme la Meishan présentent une faible croissance et un dépôt de gras important. Cette étude décrit les concentrations régionales des composés présentant une réactivité immunologique similaire à la cholécystokinine (CCK-IR), déterminés par dosage radio-immunologique, dans le cerveau de porcelets Duroc et Meishan. Des cerveaux de porcelets de chacune des deux races ont été examinés à 1, 10 et 20 jours après la naissance. La CCK-IR augmente avec l'âge dans les trois zones du cerveau examinées (cortex, moelle et hypothalamus). Les concentrations corticales augmentent significativement etre 1 et 10 jours d'â ainsi qu'entre 10 et 20 jours d'âge. Les concentrations dans l'hypothalamus et la moelle croissent significativement entre 1 et 20 jours d'âge. Les différences de CCK-IR entre races ne sont statistiquement significatives pour aucun des trois âges étudiés. Nos résultats montrent qu'un accroissement de CCK-IR dans les régions du cerveau impliquées dans le contrôle de la consommation alimentaire peutètre mis en parallèle avec la capacité de porcelets à assimiler les éléments nutritifs d'un régime alimentaire solide. RESUMEN: Immunoreactividad similar a la de la colecistoquinina en los cerebros de lechones jovenes Meishan y Duroc La colecistoquinina (CCK), un péptido que se encuentra en el sistema digestivo y el cerebro, esta rela-cionado con el control del apetito en varias especies, incluido el cerdo. Las razas chinas como la Meishan se distinguen por su crecimiento lento y deposición de tejido adiposo. En este estudio hemos descrito las concentraciones de sustancias immunoló-gicamente similares a la colecistoquinina (CCK-IR) en tres regiones del cerebro de lechones Duroc y Meishan utilizando radioimmunoensayo. Los cerebros de cerdos de 1, 10 y 20 días de edad de cada raza fueron examinados. La CCK-IR aumentó con la edad en las tres áreas examinadas (córtex, médula e hipotálamo). Las concentraciones en el córtex aumentaron significativamente de 1 a 10 y de 10 a 20 dias de edad. Las concentraciones en el hipotálamo y médula aumentaron significativamente entre los días 1 y 20. No hubo diferencias significativas en CCK-IR entre las razas en ninguna de las edades estudiadas. Nuestros resultados indican que un aumento en CCK-IR en las regiones del cerebro que participan en el control del consumo de alimente podrían ir paralelas a la habilidad de los lechones para asimilar nutrientes de una dieta sólida. 1993 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

A Revision of the Argyritarsis Section of the Subgenus Nyssorhynchus of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae)

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

specimens: lM, 1M gen). Cayo: Cayo, BHL 40, lM, 1M gen. BOLIVIA (37 specimens: 21M, 1M gen, 15F). La Paz: Apolo, 15 Jan 1946, S. Blatman, 3M, 3F. Chulumani... La 152 Dorada, 25 Jun 1943, KO 112-6, lM, 1F. Meta: Cumaral, COB 45, IlpF, llpM, 1M gen. Pt. Lopez, COM 547, 1F. Restrepo, 21 Aug 1935, W. H. Kemp...and collector, 16 Feb 1927, La Ese, CR 32, 41pF, lpF, 21p, 2F. Orotina, 20 Dee 1920, A. Alfaro, 3F. Rio Tiribi, 1921, A. Alfaro, 2M, 1F. San Isidro

CpGAVAS, an integrated web server for the annotation, visualization, analysis, and GenBank submission of completely sequenced chloroplast genome sequences

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The complete sequences of chloroplast genomes provide wealthy information regarding the evolutionary history of species. With the advance of next-generation sequencing technology, the number of completely sequenced chloroplast genomes is expected to increase exponentially, powerful computational tools annotating the genome sequences are in urgent need. Results We have developed a web server CPGAVAS. The server accepts a complete chloroplast genome sequence as input. First, it predicts protein-coding and rRNA genes based on the identification and mapping of the most similar, full-length protein, cDNA and rRNA sequences by integrating results from Blastx, Blastn, protein2genome and est2genome programs. Second, tRNA genes and inverted repeats (IR) are identified using tRNAscan, ARAGORN and vmatch respectively. Third, it calculates the summary statistics for the annotated genome. Fourth, it generates a circular map ready for publication. Fifth, it can create a Sequin file for GenBank submission. Last, it allows the extractions of protein and mRNA sequences for given list of genes and species. The annotation results in GFF3 format can be edited using any compatible annotation editing tools. The edited annotations can then be uploaded to CPGAVAS for update and re-analyses repeatedly. Using known chloroplast genome sequences as test set, we show that CPGAVAS performs comparably to another application DOGMA, while having several superior functionalities. Conclusions CPGAVAS allows the semi-automatic and complete annotation of a chloroplast genome sequence, and the visualization, editing and analysis of the annotation results. It will become an indispensible tool for researchers studying chloroplast genomes. The software is freely accessible from http://www.herbalgenomics.org/cpgavas. PMID:23256920

Three new anascosporic genera of the Saccharomycotina: Danielozyma gen. nov., Deakozyma gen. nov. and Middelhovenomyces gen. nov.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Three new non-ascosporic, ascomycetous yeast genera are proposed based on their isolation from currently described species and genera. Phylogenetic placement of the genera was determined from analysis of nuclear gene sequences for D1/D2 large subunit rRNA, small subunit rRNA, translation elongation...

76 FR 22162 - Third Meeting RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-20

... Committee (NAC) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). DATES: The meeting will be held May 19, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ADDRESSES...

[Not Available].

PubMed

San Mauro Martin, Ismael; Mendive Dubourdieu, Paula; Paredes Barato, Víctor; Garicano Vilar, Elena

2016-07-19

Introducción: la tradición de la comida picante desempeña un papel muy importante en el gusto por este tipo de comida y su tolerancia. Las preferencias alimentarias muestran influencia genética y ambiental.Objetivos: estudiar la tolerancia y el gusto por el picante de tres poblaciones, y la influencia hereditaria y del ambiente.Métodos:se realizó una encuesta a 522 sujetos, de tres continentes (Asia, Europa y Latinoamérica) en tres idiomas (español, inglés y chino) a través de Internet. Se realizaron preguntas acerca de la tolerancia al picante, el gusto por los alimentos picantes, su uso, la edad de comienzo de consumo, el gusto del padre y de la madre y si ella lo consumía durante el embarazo y/o lactancia.Resultados: existe diferencia entre el gusto por el picante del hijo y el sexo (p < 0,001), la tolerancia (p < 0,001) y, solo en el sexo femenino, el gusto de la madre por el picante (p < 0,001), su consumo durante el embarazo (p < 0,001) y la lactancia (p = 0,005) y el gusto del padre por el picante (p = 0,003). Existe correlación entre el continente de residencia (p = 0,007) y de nacimiento (p = 0,012) y la tolerancia a los alimentos picantes.Conclusión: la influencia de los progenitores, el género y la composición corporal se relacionaron con gustos y tolerancias diferentes.

GenX (FRD-902, ammonium (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoate) Does Not Display Estrogenic, (anti)androgenic or Glucocorticoid-like Activity In Vitro Whereas In Utero Exposure Induces Dose-related Maternal And Fetal Rat Liver PPAR Pathway Gene Expression Without Affecting Fetal Testis Testosterone Production.

EPA Science Inventory

GenX (CAS 13252-13-6) is an unregulated, persistent contaminant that has been found in both the Cape Fear River and in Wilmington NC drinking water. Concerns exist about the potential health effects of GenX exposure because it is not removed using traditional water treatment met...

Dietary genistein supplementation in laying broiler breeder hens alters the development and metabolism of offspring embryos as revealed by hepatic transcriptome analysis.

PubMed

Lv, Zengpeng; Fan, Hao; Zhang, Beibei; Ning, Chao; Xing, Kun; Guo, Yuming

2018-03-08

Genistein (GEN) is a type of isoflavone mainly derived from soy products. In this experiment, we added 40 and 400 mg/kg GEN to the diet of laying broiler breeder hens to clarify the maternal effects of GEN on the development and metabolism of chick embryos. GEN treatment at 40 mg/kg increased embryonic length, weight, and liver index, as well as the width of the proliferative zone in the tibial growth plate of chick embryos. Gene ontology (GO) cluster analysis of the hepatic transcriptome showed that GEN treatment promoted embryonic development and cell proliferation. Low-dose GEN treatment increased insulin growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)3 mRNA expression in the embryonic liver, whereas high-dose GEN treatment increased IGFBP5 expression and activated the apoptosis and protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. Furthermore, adding supplemental GEN to the diet of hens promoted the glycolysis process in the embryonic liver through the insulin-signaling pathway, upregulated target genes (phosphoglucomutase-2, hexokinase 1, dihydroxyacetone phosphate by aldolase, phosphofructokinase, platelet, and enolase 2), and enhanced the transport of carboxylic acids and cholesterol and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid (arachidonic acid) in the embryonic liver through upregulation of liver X receptor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, and patatin-like phospholipase A. Additionally, GEN treatment increased fatty acid β-oxidation and Na + /K + -ATPase activity in the embryonic liver through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs; PPARα and PPARδ) and the AMPK signaling pathway, which could provide energy for embryonic development. In addition, GEN treatment in hens increased superoxide dismutase activity and metallothionein expression in the chick embryonic liver and promoted lymphocyte proliferation through upregulation of mRNA expression of CDKN1A, IL12RB1, Sox11, PRKAR1A, PRKCQ, and TCF3. The improved immunity and antioxidant capacity, as a result of maternal GEN effects, was conducive to embryonic development. In conclusion, the addition of GEN to the diet of laying broiler breeder hens significantly promoted the development and metabolism of chick embryos.-Lv, Z., Fan, H., Zhang, B., Ning, C., Xing, K., Guo, Y. Dietary genistein supplementation in laying broiler breeder hens alters the development and metabolism of offspring embryos as revealed by hepatic transcriptome analysis.

From AWE-GEN to AWE-GEN-2d: a high spatial and temporal resolution weather generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peleg, Nadav; Fatichi, Simone; Paschalis, Athanasios; Molnar, Peter; Burlando, Paolo

2016-04-01

A new weather generator, AWE-GEN-2d (Advanced WEather GENerator for 2-Dimension grid) is developed following the philosophy of combining physical and stochastic approaches to simulate meteorological variables at high spatial and temporal resolution (e.g. 2 km x 2 km and 5 min for precipitation and cloud cover and 100 m x 100 m and 1 h for other variables variable (temperature, solar radiation, vapor pressure, atmospheric pressure and near-surface wind). The model is suitable to investigate the impacts of climate variability, temporal and spatial resolutions of forcing on hydrological, ecological, agricultural and geomorphological impacts studies. Using appropriate parameterization the model can be used in the context of climate change. Here we present the model technical structure of AWE-GEN-2d, which is a substantial evolution of four preceding models (i) the hourly-point scale Advanced WEather GENerator (AWE-GEN) presented by Fatichi et al. (2011, Adv. Water Resour.) (ii) the Space-Time Realizations of Areal Precipitation (STREAP) model introduced by Paschalis et al. (2013, Water Resour. Res.), (iii) the High-Resolution Synoptically conditioned Weather Generator developed by Peleg and Morin (2014, Water Resour. Res.), and (iv) the Wind-field Interpolation by Non Divergent Schemes presented by Burlando et al. (2007, Boundary-Layer Meteorol.). The AWE-GEN-2d is relatively parsimonious in terms of computational demand and allows generating many stochastic realizations of current and projected climates in an efficient way. An example of model application and testing is presented with reference to a case study in the Wallis region, a complex orography terrain in the Swiss Alps.

Comparability of AMH levels among commercially available immunoassays

PubMed Central

Su, H. Irene; Sammel, Mary D.; Homer, Michael V.; Bui, Kim; Haunschild, Carolyn; Stanczyk, Frank Z.

2015-01-01

Objective To compare AMH levels among three commercially available AMH immunoassays (AMH Gen II, Beckman Coulter; Ultrasensitive AMH, AnshLab; picoAMH, AnshLab) Design Cross-sectional Setting Academic reproductive endocrinology program Patients 90 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients prior to cancer treatment Interventions None Outcome 1) proportion of detectable AMH levels by immunoassay, 2) comparability among assays Results At a mean age of 38.1, the median (interquartile range) for AMH levels for the cohort were 0.92 [1.35] ng/mL for the Gen II assay, 1.68 [2.30] ng/mL for the Ultrasensitive and 1.5 [2.41] ng/mL for the picoAMH assays. Significantly higher proportions of detectable AMH levels were observed with the picoAMH kit (97%) compared to both Gen II (84%) and Ultrasensitive (92%) assays. Although AMH results were highly correlated among assays (r=0.92–0.99), Gen II AMH levels were consistently lower than both Ultrasensitive and picoAMH levels. Moreover, as AMH levels increased, the magnitude of difference grew larger between Gen II and each of the other two assays. Conclusions Measurement of AMH levels with the picoAMH kit maximized detection at very low levels, particularly in contrast to the Gen II kit. Conversion of AMH levels from different immunoassays using regression equations is potentially highly inaccurate. PMID:24726216

76 FR 30532 - Amendment of Class D and E Airspace; Palmdale, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

..., Gen. William J. Fox Airfield, CA (Lat. 34[deg]44' 28'' N., long. 118[deg]13' 07'' W.) That airspace... 1.8 miles each side of the 310[deg] bearing from the Gen. William J. Fox Airfield extending from a 4-mile radius of Gen. William J. Fox Airfield to 9.1 miles northwest of the Airfield, and within 5.2...

Space Ops 2002: Bringing Space Operations into the 21st Century. Track 3: Operations, Mission Planning and Control. 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle-Concepts for Flight Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagopian, Jeff

2002-01-01

With the successful implementation of the International Space Station (ISS), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) enters a new era of opportunity for scientific research. The ISS provides a working laboratory in space, with tremendous capabilities for scientific research. Utilization of these capabilities requires a launch system capable of routinely transporting crew and logistics to/from the ISS, as well as supporting ISS assembly and maintenance tasks. The Space Shuttle serves as NASA's launch system for performing these functions. The Space Shuttle also serves as NASA's launch system for supporting other science and servicing missions that require a human presence in space. The Space Shuttle provides proof that reusable launch vehicles are technically and physically implementable. However, a couple of problems faced by NASA are the prohibitive cost of operating and maintaining the Space Shuttle and its relative inability to support high launch rates. The 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (2nd Gen RLV) is NASA's solution to this problem. The 2nd Gen RLV will provide a robust launch system with increased safety, improved reliability and performance, and less cost. The improved performance and reduced costs of the 2nd Gen RLV will free up resources currently spent on launch services. These resource savings can then be applied to scientific research, which in turn can be supported by the higher launch rate capability of the 2nd Gen RLV. The result is a win - win situation for science and NASA. While meeting NASA's needs, the 2nd Gen RLV also provides the United States aerospace industry with a commercially viable launch capability. One of the keys to achieving the goals of the 2nd Gen RLV is to develop and implement new technologies and processes in the area of flight operations. NASA's experience in operating the Space Shuttle and the ISS has brought to light several areas where automation can be used to augment or eliminate functions performed by crew and ground controllers. This experience has also identified the need for new approaches to staffing and training for both crew and ground controllers. This paper provides a brief overview of the mission capabilities provided by the 2nd Gen RLV, a description of NASA's approach to developing the 2nd Gen RLV, a discussion of operations concepts, and a list of challenges to implementing those concepts.

Second generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with faster scan time and wider angular span.

PubMed

Calliste, Jabari; Wu, Gongting; Laganis, Philip E; Spronk, Derrek; Jafari, Houman; Olson, Kyle; Gao, Bo; Lee, Yueh Z; Zhou, Otto; Lu, Jianping

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to characterize a new generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with higher tube flux and increased angular span over a first generation system. The linear CNT x-ray source was designed, built, and evaluated to determine its performance parameters. The second generation system was then constructed using the CNT x-ray source and a Hologic gantry. Upon construction, test objects and phantoms were used to characterize system resolution as measured by the modulation transfer function (MTF), and artifact spread function (ASF). The results indicated that the linear CNT x-ray source was capable of stable operation at a tube potential of 49 kVp, and measured focal spot sizes showed source-to-source consistency with a nominal focal spot size of 1.1 mm. After construction, the second generation (Gen 2) system exhibited entrance surface air kerma rates two times greater the previous s-DBT system. System in-plane resolution as measured by the MTF is 7.7 cycles/mm, compared to 6.7 cycles/mm for the Gen 1 system. As expected, an increase in the z-axis depth resolution was observed, with a decrease in the ASF from 4.30 mm to 2.35 mm moving from the Gen 1 system to the Gen 2 system as result of an increased angular span. The results indicate that the Gen 2 stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system, which has a larger angular span, increased entrance surface air kerma, and faster image acquisition time over the Gen 1 s-DBT system, results in higher resolution images. With the detector operating at full resolution, the Gen 2 s-DBT system can achieve an in-plane resolution of 7.7 cycles per mm, which is better than the current commercial DBT systems today, and may potentially result in better patient diagnosis. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

IR-detection modules from SWIR to VLWIR: performance and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breiter, R.; Wendler, J.; Lutz, H.; Rutzinger, S.; Hofmann, K.; Ziegler, J.

2009-05-01

The predominant spectral bands for IR applications are the 3-5μm MWIR and 8-10μm LWIR. AIM covers all these bands since many years with a mature MCT technology. For weight, size, power consumption and - last but not least - cost reduction, detection modules for these applications move to a pitch of 15μm. This is in both bands still a good match referring to the optical blur spot size and detector performance. Due to the compact design, the modules are equally well suited for new programs as well as retrofits of 1st GEN systems. Typical configurations at AIM are a 640x512 MWIR module, achieving an NETD < 25 mK @ F/4.6 and 5 ms integration time equivalent to half well fill conditions and an LWIR version with NETD < 30 mK @ F/2 and 110μs integration time. The modules are available either with an integral rotary cooler for portable applications which require minimum cooling power or a split linear cooler with a flexure bearing compressor providing long lifetimes with a MTTF >20,000h as required e.g. for warning sensors in 24/7 operation. A new field of applications supplied by AIM is the short wave infrared SWIR. The major advantage of MCT, the tunable bandgap i.e. cut-off wavelength, allows to match various requirements. So far specifically driven by spaceborne programs, a 1024x256 SWIR focal plane array (FPA) integrated detector cooler assembly (IDCA) with flexure bearing cooler and pulse tube cold finger was developed. The same technology including charge transimpedance amplifier for the low flux in the SWIR is available in a half TV 384x288 configuration. The read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) provides among other features 8 outputs for high frame rates up to 450Hz. Again for spaceborne commercial but also military applications like sensors in ballistic missile defense systems AIM develops MCT based very long wave (VLWIR) detectors with a cut-off wavelength >15μm. The current status and trends at AIM on IR detection modules sensitive in spectral ranges from short wave IR (SWIR) to very long wave IR (VLWIR) together with the requirements of the demanding applications are summarized.

genRE: A Method to Extend Gridded Precipitation Climatology Data Sets in Near Real-Time for Hydrological Forecasting Purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Osnabrugge, B.; Weerts, A. H.; Uijlenhoet, R.

2017-11-01

To enable operational flood forecasting and drought monitoring, reliable and consistent methods for precipitation interpolation are needed. Such methods need to deal with the deficiencies of sparse operational real-time data compared to quality-controlled offline data sources used in historical analyses. In particular, often only a fraction of the measurement network reports in near real-time. For this purpose, we present an interpolation method, generalized REGNIE (genRE), which makes use of climatological monthly background grids derived from existing gridded precipitation climatology data sets. We show how genRE can be used to mimic and extend climatological precipitation data sets in near real-time using (sparse) real-time measurement networks in the Rhine basin upstream of the Netherlands (approximately 160,000 km2). In the process, we create a 1.2 × 1.2 km transnational gridded hourly precipitation data set for the Rhine basin. Precipitation gauge data are collected, spatially interpolated for the period 1996-2015 with genRE and inverse-distance squared weighting (IDW), and then evaluated on the yearly and daily time scale against the HYRAS and EOBS climatological data sets. Hourly fields are compared qualitatively with RADOLAN radar-based precipitation estimates. Two sources of uncertainty are evaluated: station density and the impact of different background grids (HYRAS versus EOBS). The results show that the genRE method successfully mimics climatological precipitation data sets (HYRAS/EOBS) over daily, monthly, and yearly time frames. We conclude that genRE is a good interpolation method of choice for real-time operational use. genRE has the largest added value over IDW for cases with a low real-time station density and a high-resolution background grid.

Incadendron : a new genus of Euphorbiaceae tribe Hippomaneae from the sub-Andean cordilleras of Ecuador and Peru

PubMed Central

Wurdack, Kenneth J.; Farfan-Rios, William

2017-01-01

Abstract Incadendron esseri K.Wurdack & Farfan, gen. & sp. nov., from the wet sub-Andean cordilleras of Ecuador (Cordillera del Cóndor) and Peru (Cusco, Oxapampa) is described and illustrated. This recently discovered large canopy tree with a narrow elevational range presents an unusual combination of rare morphological characters in Hippomaneae including mucilage-secreting sheathing stipules, conduplicate ptyxis, and large, woody fruits. The broader significance of these characters in Hippomaneae is discussed. The morphology and anatomy of Incadendron were investigated, highlighting its fruit similarities with Guiana Shield endemic Senefelderopsis, and the systematics value of ptyxis variation, which remains poorly studied for the family. PMID:29033661

Evaluation of Delcath Systems' Generation 2 (GEN 2) melphalan hemofiltration system in a porcine model of percutaneous hepatic perfusion.

PubMed

Moeslein, Fred M; McAndrew, Elizabeth G; Appling, William M; Hryniewich, Nicole E; Jarvis, Kevin D; Markos, Steven M; Sheets, Timothy P; Uzgare, Rajneesh P; Johnston, Daniel S

2014-06-01

A new melphalan hemoperfusion filter (GEN 2) was evaluated in a simulated-use porcine model of percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP). The current study evaluated melphalan filtration efficiency, the transfilter pressure gradient, and the removal of specific blood products. A porcine PHP procedure using the GEN 2 filter was performed under Good Laboratory Practice conditions to model the 60-min clinical PHP procedure. The mean filter efficiency for removing melphalan in six filters was 99.0 ± 0.4 %. The transfilter pressure gradient across the filter averaged 20.9 mmHg for the 60-min procedure. Many blood components, including albumin and platelets, decreased on average from 3.55 to 2.02 g/dL and from 342 to 177 × 10.e3/μL, respectively, during the procedure. The increased melphalan extraction efficiency of the new filter is expected to decrease systemic melphalan exposure. In addition, the low transfilter pressure gradient resulted in low resistance to blood flow in the GEN 2 filter, and the changes to blood components are expected to be clinically manageable.

Genistein and daidzein stimulate hyaluronic acid production in transformed human keratinocyte culture and hairless mouse skin.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Kouji; Hanamizu, Tomoko; Iizuka, Ryoko; Chiba, Katsuyoshi

2002-01-01

We examined the effects of the soy isoflavones genistein (Gen) and daidzein (Dai) on the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in a transformed human keratinocyte culture and in hairless mouse skin following topical application for 2 weeks. Gen and Dai, but not the glycosides thereof, significantly enhanced the production of HA in vitro and in vivo. Histochemistry using an HA-binding protein revealed that topical Gen and estradiol raised both the density and intensity of HA staining, which was abundant in the murine dermis. It is suggested that Gen and Dai are not released from their respective glycosides in culture or murine skin. Moreover, topical Gen and Dai may prevent and improve the cutaneous alterations caused by the loss of HA in skin. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Influence of natural and synthetic crosslinking reagents on the structural and mechanical properties of chitosan-based hybrid hydrogels.

PubMed

Garnica-Palafox, I M; Sánchez-Arévalo, F M

2016-10-20

The objective of this work was to correlate the physical and chemical properties of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/genipin (CS/PVA/GEN) and chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/glutaraldehyde (CS/PVA/GA) hydrogels with their structural and mechanical responses. In addition, their molecular structures were determined and confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the hybrid hydrogels crosslinked with genipin showed similar crystallinity, thermal properties, elongation ratio and structural parameters as those crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. However, it was found that the elastic moduli of the two hybrid hydrogels were slightly different: 2.82±0.33MPa and 2.08±0.11MPa for GA and GEN, respectively. Although the hybrid hydrogels crosslinked with GEN presented a lower elastic modulus, the main advantage is that GEN is five to ten thousand times less cytotoxic than GA. This means that the structural and mechanical properties of hybrid hydrogels crosslinked with GEN can easily be tuned and could have potential applications in the tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, food, agriculture and environmental industries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ERRATUM: Papers published in incorrect sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2004-04-01

A number of J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. articles have mistakenly been placed in the wrong subject section in recent issues of the journal. We would like to apologize to the authors of these articles for publishing their papers in the Fluid and Plasma Theory section. The correct section for each article is given below. Statistical Physics Issue 4: Microcanonical entropy for small magnetizations Behringer H 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 1443 Mathematical Physics Issue 9: On the solution of fractional evolution equations Kilbas A A, Pierantozzi T, Trujillo J J and Vázquez L 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 3271 Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Theory Issue 6: New exactly solvable isospectral partners for PT-symmetric potentials Sinha A and Roy P 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 2509 Issue 9: Symplectically entangled states and their applications to coding Vourdas A 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 3305 Classical and Quantum Field Theory Issue 6: Pairing of parafermions of order 2: seniority model Nelson C A 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 2497 Issue 7: Jordan-Schwinger map, 3D harmonic oscillator constants of motion, and classical and quantum parameters characterizing electromagnetic wave polarization Mota R D, Xicoténcatl M A and Granados V D 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 2835 Issue 9: Could only fermions be elementary? Lev F M 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 3285

In Utero Exposure to Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Induces Testicular Effects in Neonatal Rats That Are Antagonized by Genistein Cotreatment1

PubMed Central

Jones, Steven; Boisvert, Annie; Francois, Sade; Zhang, Liandong; Culty, Martine

2015-01-01

Fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) is believed to predispose males to reproductive abnormalities. Although males are exposed to combinations of chemicals, few studies have evaluated the effects of ED mixtures at environmentally relevant doses. Our previous work showed that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induced unique alterations in adult testis. In this follow-up study, we examined Postnatal Day 3 (PND3) and PND6 male offspring exposed from Gestational Day 14 to parturition to corn oil, 10mg/kg GEN, DEHP, or their combination, to gain insight into the early molecular events driving long-term alterations. DEHP stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of the steroidogenic enzyme HSD3B, uniquely at PND3. DEHP also increased the mRNA expression of Nestin, a Leydig progenitor/Sertoli cell marker, and markers of Sertoli cell (Wt1), gonocyte (Plzf, Foxo1), and proliferation (Pcna) at PND3, while these genes were unchanged by the mixture. Redox (Nqo1, Sod2, Sod3, Trx, Gst, Cat) and xenobiotic transporter (Abcb1b, Abcg2) gene expression was also increased by DEHP at PND3, while attenuated when combined with GEN, suggesting the involvement of cellular stress in short-term DEHP effects and a protective effect of GEN. The direct effects of GEN and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, the principal bioactive metabolite of DEHP, on testis were investigated in PND3 organ cultures, showing a stimulatory effect of 10 μM mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on basal testosterone production that was normalized by GEN. These effects contrasted with previous reports of androgen suppression and decreased gene expression in perinatal rat testis by high DEHP doses, implying that neonatal effects are not predictive of adult effects. We propose that GEN, through an antioxidant action, normalizes reactive oxygen species-induced neonatal effects of DEHP. The notion that these EDs do not follow classical dose-response effects and involve different mechanisms of toxicity from perinatal ages to adulthood highlights the importance of assessing impacts across a range of doses and ages. PMID:26316063

Estrogenic compounds inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication in mouse Leydig TM3 cells

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

Iwase, Yumiko; Fukata, Hideki; Mori, Chisato

2006-05-01

Some estrogenic compounds are reported to cause testicular disorders in humans and/or experimental animals by direct action on Leydig cells. In carcinogenesis and normal development, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis. In this study, we examine the effects of diethylstilbestrol (DES, a synthetic estrogen), 17{beta}-estradiol (E{sub 2}, a natural estrogen), and genistein (GEN, a phytoestrogen) on GJIC between mouse Leydig TM3 cells using Lucifer yellow microinjection. The three compounds tested produced GJIC inhibition in the TM3 cells after 24 h. Gradually, 10 {mu}M DES began to inhibit GJIC for 24 h and this effectmore » was observed until 72 h. On the other hand, both 20 {mu}M E{sub 2} and 25 {mu}M GEN rapidly inhibited GJIC in 6 h and 2 h, respectively. The effects continued until 24 h, but weakened by 72 h. Furthermore, a combined effect at {mu}M level between DES and E{sub 2} on GJIC inhibition was observed, but not between GEN and E{sub 2}. DES and E{sub 2} showed GJIC inhibition at low dose levels (nearly physiological estrogen levels) after 72 h, but GEN did not. DES-induced GJIC inhibition at 10 pM and 10 {mu}M was completely counteracted by ICI 182,780 (ICl), an estrogen receptor antagonist. On the other hand, the inhibitory effects on GJIC with E{sub 2} (10 pM and 20 {mu}M) and GEN (25 {mu}M) were partially blocked by ICI or calphostin C, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, and were completely blocked by the combination of ICI and calphostin C. These results demonstrate that DES inhibits GJIC between Leydig cells via the estrogen receptor (ER), and that E{sub 2} and GEN inhibit GJIC via ER and PKC. These estrogenic compounds may have different individual nongenotoxic mechanism including PKC pathway on testicular carcinogenesis or development.« less

A phase I trial of intraperitoneal GEN-1, an IL-12 plasmid formulated with PEG-PEI-cholesterol lipopolymer, administered with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study

PubMed Central

Thaker, Premal H.; Brady, William E.; Lankes, Heather A.; Odunsi, Kunle; Bradley, William H.; Moore, Kathleen N.; Muller, Carolyn Y.; Anwer, Khursheed; Schilder, Russell J.; Alvarez, Ronald D.; Fracasso, Paula M.

2017-01-01

Objective The study’s purpose was to assess safety and efficacy of escalating doses of weekly GEN-1 with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers (EOC). Methods Patients had persistent or recurrent platinum-resistant EOC. The trial was a standard 3 + 3 phase I dose escalation design with patients receiving intravenous PLD 40 mg/m2 (dose level 1 and 2) or 50 mg/m2 (dose level 3) every 28 days and intraperitoneal GEN-1 at 24 mg/m2 (dose level 1) or 36 mg/m2 (dose level 2 and 3) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28 day cycle. Cycles were repeated every 28 days until disease progression. Patients were monitored for toxicity, clinical efficacy, and evidence of systemic and intraperitoneal immunologic effect. Results Sixteen evaluable patients received a median of 4 cycles (range 1–8). No dose limiting toxicities were found. The adverse side effects were 4 grade 3 anemia, 2 grade 3 abdominal pain, 7 grade 3 neutropenia, and 2 grade 4 neutropenia. A clinical benefit of 57.1% (PR = 21.4%; SD = 35.7%) was found in the 14 patients with measurable disease. The highest number of partial responses (28.6%) and stable disease (57.1%) were found at dose level 3. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Increases in IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were found in peritoneal fluid following GEN-1 treatment. Conclusions GEN-1 in combination with PLD has encouraging clinical benefit and biological activity in recurrent or persistent EOC and warrants further investigation with escalating doses of GEN-1. PMID:28802766

The regulatory effect of Genistein on granulosa cell in ovary of rat with PCOS through Bcl-2 and Bax signaling pathways.

PubMed

Chi, Xiao-Xing; Zhang, Tao; Chu, Xiao-Li; Zhen, Jing-Long; Zhang, Dong-Jie

2018-06-22

The effect of genistein on Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in the ovarian tissue of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was evaluated. Sixty rats were divided into six groups. Rats in the Dose group received genistein at a concentration of either 5 (L-gen), 10 (M-Gen) or 20 (H-Gen) mg per kg of body weight per day. The expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and Bax mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization. Bcl-2 and Bax protein concentration was quantified by ELISA. The results showed that the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and Bcl-2 protein was significantly higher in the high genistein Dose group (H-Gen) when compared to the Model group (MG) (P<0.05). Genistein induced higher expression of the Bcl-2 gene at the transcriptional and translational level. Treatment with genistein resulted in an improvement of ovarian function with Bcl-2 expression being enhanced and Bax expression being suppressed. These alterations may be due to the structural and functional modifications that take place in these cells, and could be related to apoptotic changes that occur in rats with PCOS.

An Analysis of Success in Systems Program Management.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-27

D’Neill Lt en. Edmund F. O’Connor Lt :en. john B. Hudson I t. Cen. Robert T. Marsh ’t. ’-en. Rotert C . Mathis It. Cen. Z.eorge H. 2yivester...Snaveiy Lt. Gen. Harry E. Goldsworthy Lt. Gen. Robert C . Ruegg Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Gerrity OSD/DDR&E Dr. m.J. Perry Dr. M. Currie Dr. John Foster OSD/PA&E...UNCLASSIFIED NI*2 fflfflfllfllflfflfEEhEhEEE El/llEEEEEl/E- EEEEEE/I/I- mE....-.I/1 Report F33615-8 - C -5184.11 rmi AN ANALYSIS OF SUCCESS IN SYSTEMS

Maglev Launch: Ultra-low Cost, Ultra-high Volume Access to Space for Cargo and Humans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, James; Maise, George; Rather, John

2010-01-01

Despite decades of efforts to reduce rocket launch costs, improvements are marginal. Launch cost to LEO for cargo is ~$10,000 per kg of payload, and to higher orbit and beyond much greater. Human access to the ISS costs $20 million for a single passenger. Unless launch costs are greatly reduced, large scale commercial use and human exploration of the solar system will not occur. A new approach for ultra low cost access to space-Maglev Launch-magnetically accelerates levitated spacecraft to orbital speeds, 8 km/sec or more, in evacuated tunnels on the surface, using Maglev technology like that operating in Japan for high speed passenger transport. The cost of electric energy to reach orbital speed is less than $1 per kilogram of payload. Two Maglev launch systems are described, the Gen-1System for unmanned cargo craft to orbit and Gen-2, for large-scale access of human to space. Magnetically levitated and propelled Gen-1 cargo craft accelerate in a 100 kilometer long evacuated tunnel, entering the atmosphere at the tunnel exit, which is located in high altitude terrain (~5000 meters) through an electrically powered ``MHD Window'' that prevents outside air from flowing into the tunnel. The Gen-1 cargo craft then coasts upwards to space where a small rocket burn, ~0.5 km/sec establishes, the final orbit. The Gen-1 reference design launches a 40 ton, 2 meter diameter spacecraft with 35 tons of payload. At 12 launches per day, a single Gen-1 facility could launch 150,000 tons annually. Using present costs for tunneling, superconductors, cryogenic equipment, materials, etc., the projected construction cost for the Gen-1 facility is 20 billion dollars. Amortization cost, plus Spacecraft and O&M costs, total $43 per kg of payload. For polar orbit launches, sites exist in Alaska, Russia, and China. For equatorial orbit launches, sites exist in the Andes and Africa. With funding, the Gen-1 system could operate by 2020 AD. The Gen-2 system requires more advanced technology. Passenger spacecraft enter the atmosphere at 70,000 feet, where deceleration is acceptable. A levitated evacuated launch tube is used, with the levitation force generated by magnetic interaction between superconducting cables on the levitated launch tube and superconducting cables on the ground beneath. The Gen-2 system could launch 100's of thousands of passengers per year, and operate by 2030 AD. Maglev launch will enable large human scale exploration of space, thousands of gigawatts of space solar power satellites for beamed power to Earth, a robust defense against asteroids and comets, and many other applications not possible now.

AutoGen Version 5.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gladden, Roy E.; Khanampornpan, Teerapat; Fisher, Forest W.

2010-01-01

Version 5.0 of the AutoGen software has been released. Previous versions, variously denoted Autogen and autogen, were reported in two articles: Automated Sequence Generation Process and Software (NPO-30746), Software Tech Briefs (Special Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs), September 2007, page 30, and Autogen Version 2.0 (NPO- 41501), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 10 (October 2007), page 58. To recapitulate: AutoGen (now signifying automatic sequence generation ) automates the generation of sequences of commands in a standard format for uplink to spacecraft. AutoGen requires fewer workers than are needed for older manual sequence-generation processes, and greatly reduces sequence-generation times. The sequences are embodied in spacecraft activity sequence files (SASFs). AutoGen automates generation of SASFs by use of another previously reported program called APGEN. AutoGen encodes knowledge of different mission phases and of how the resultant commands must differ among the phases. AutoGen also provides means for customizing sequences through use of configuration files. The approach followed in developing AutoGen has involved encoding the behaviors of a system into a model and encoding algorithms for context-sensitive customizations of the modeled behaviors. This version of AutoGen addressed the MRO (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter) primary science phase (PSP) mission phase. On previous Mars missions this phase has more commonly been referred to as mapping phase. This version addressed the unique aspects of sequencing orbital operations and specifically the mission specific adaptation of orbital operations for MRO. This version also includes capabilities for MRO s role in Mars relay support for UHF relay communications with the MER rovers and the Phoenix lander.

Ibrutinib plus rituximab for patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a single-arm, phase 2 study

PubMed Central

Burger, Jan A.; Keating, Michael J.; Wierda, William G.; Hartmann, Elena; Hoellenriegel, Julia; Rosin, Nathalie Y.; de Weerdt, Iris; Jeyakumar, Ghayathri; Ferrajoli, Alessandra; Cardenas-Turanzas, Marylou; Lerner, Susan; Jorgensen, Jeffrey L; Nogueras-González, Graciela M.; Zacharian, Gracy; Huang, Xuelin; Kantarjian, Hagop; Garg, Naveen; Rosenwald, Andreas; O’Brien, Susan

2014-01-01

Summary Background Ibrutinib, an orally administered covalent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), is an effective therapy for patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We investigated the activity and safety of the combination of ibrutinib with the monoclonal antibody rituximab (iR) in patients with high-risk CLL. Methods In this single-arm, phase 2 studywe enrolled 40 patients with high-risk CLL at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. Patients with symptomatic CLL requiring therapy received 28 day cycles of once-daily ibrutinib 420 mg , together with rituximab (weekly during cycle 1, then once per cycle until cycle 6), followed by continuous single-agent ibrutinib. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01520519 and is no longer accruing patients. Findings Between February 28, 2012 and September 11, 2012, we enrolled 40 CLL patients with high-risk disease features. 20 patients had del17p or TP53 mutations (16 previously treated, 4 untreated), 13 had relapsed CLL with del11q, and 7 patients a PFS < 36 months after frontline chemo-immunotherapy. Toxicity was mainly of mild to moderate severity (grade 1–2). 10 (25%) patients had diarrhea (grade 1 in 9 [22.5%] patients, grade 2 in 1 [2.5%]), bleeding events occurred in 14 (35%) patients (8 [20%] patients with grade 1, 5 [12.5%] patients grade 2, and 1 [2.5%] grade 3), nausea in 15 (37.5) patients (10 [25%] grade 1, 5 [12.5%] grade 2), and fatigue in 7 (17.5%) patients (4 [10%] grade 1, 3 [7.5%] grade 2). Grade 3 infections occurred in 4 patients (10%), no grade 4 or 5 infections occurred. At 18 months, the Kaplan Meier estimate of progression-free survival was 78% (95% CI 60.6–88.5) (del[17p] or TP53 mutation: 72%, 95% CI: 45.6–87.6) Interpretation Ibrutinib in combination with rituximab is a well-tolerated regimen for patients with high-risk CLL. It induces high rates of remissions and has positive impact on QOL in this difficult-to-treat patient population. These encouraging data merit further investigation of the added benefit of rituximab as combination partner for ibrutinib in an ongoing randomized trial, in which single-agent ibrutinib is compared to iR combination therapy (NCT02007044). Funding Pharmacyclics, Inc., Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, NCI Grant P30 CA016672, MD Anderson’s Moon Shot Program in CLL, and MD Anderson Cancer Center Support Grant CA016672. PMID:25150798

A novel acute HIV infection staging system based on 4th generation immunoassay.

PubMed

Ananworanich, Jintanat; Fletcher, James L K; Pinyakorn, Suteeraporn; van Griensven, Frits; Vandergeeten, Claire; Schuetz, Alexandra; Pankam, Tippawan; Trichavaroj, Rapee; Akapirat, Siriwat; Chomchey, Nitiya; Phanuphak, Praphan; Chomont, Nicolas; Michael, Nelson L; Kim, Jerome H; de Souza, Mark

2013-05-29

Fourth generation (4thG) immunoassay (IA) is becoming the standard HIV screening method but was not available when the Fiebig acute HIV infection (AHI) staging system was proposed. Here we evaluated AHI staging based on a 4thG IA (4thG staging). Screening for AHI was performed in real-time by pooled nucleic acid testing (NAT, n=48,828 samples) and sequential enzyme immunoassay (EIA, n=3,939 samples) identifying 63 subjects with non-reactive 2nd generation EIA (Fiebig stages I (n=25), II (n=7), III (n=29), IV (n=2)). The majority of samples tested (n=53) were subtype CRF_01AE (77%). NAT+ subjects were re-staged into three 4thG stages: stage 1 (n=20; 4th gen EIA-, 3rd gen EIA-), stage 2 (n=12; 4th gen EIA+, 3rd gen EIA-), stage 3 (n=31; 4th gen EIA+, 3rd gen EIA+, Western blot-/indeterminate). 4thG staging distinguishes groups of AHI subjects by time since presumed HIV exposure, pattern of CD8+ T, B and natural killer cell absolute numbers, and HIV RNA and DNA levels. This staging system further stratified Fiebig I subjects: 18 subjects in 4thG stage 1 had lower HIV RNA and DNA levels than 7 subjects in 4thG stage 2. Using 4th generation IA as part of AHI staging distinguishes groups of patients by time since exposure to HIV, lymphocyte numbers and HIV viral burden. It identifies two groups of Fiebig stage I subjects who display different levels of HIV RNA and DNA, which may have implication for HIV cure. 4th generation IA should be incorporated into AHI staging systems.

Genome Sequence Analysis of Vibrio cholerae clinical isolates from 2013 in Mexico reveals the presence of the strain responsible for the 2010 Haiti outbreak.

PubMed

Díaz-Quiñonez, José Alberto

2017-01-01

La primera semana de septiembre de 2013, el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica identificó dos casos de cólera en Ciudad de México. Los cultivos de ambas muestras se confirmaron como Vibrio cholerae serogrupo O1, serotipo Ogawa, biotipo El Tor. Los análisis iniciales por electroforesis por campos pulsados y por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa indicaron que ambas cepas eran similares, pero diferentes de las previamente reportadas en México. La semana siguiente se identificaron cuatro casos más en una comunidad del Estado de Hidalgo, ubicada a 121 kilómetros al noreste de Ciudad de México. Posteriormente se inició un brote de cólera en la región de La Huasteca. Los análisis genómicos de cuatro cepas obtenidas en este estudio confirmaron la presencia de las islas de patogenicidad VPI -1 y VPI-2, VSP-1 y VSP-2, y del elemento integrador SXT. La estructura genómica de los cuatro aislamientos fue similar a la de V. cholerae cepa 2010 EL-1786, identificada durante la epidemia en Haití en 2010. Este estudio pone de manifiesto que la epidemiología molecular es una herramienta muy poderosa para vigilar, prevenir y controlar enfermedades de importancia en salud pública en México. The first week of September 2013, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System identified two cases of cholera in Mexico City. The cultures of both samples were confirmed as Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1, serotype Ogawa, biotype El Tor. Initial analyses by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and by polymerase chain reaction-amplification of the virulence genes, suggested that both strains were similar, but different from those previously reported in Mexico. The following week, four more cases were identified in a community in the state of Hidalgo, located 121 km northeast of Mexico City. Thereafter a cholera outbreak started in the region of La Huasteca. Genomic analyses of the strains obtained in this study confirmed the presence of pathogenicity islands VPI-1 and VPI-2, VSP-1 and VSP-2, and of the integrative element SXT. The genomic structure of the 4 isolates was similar to that of V. cholerae strain 2010 EL-1786, identified during the epidemic in Haiti in 2010. This study shows that molecular epidemiology is a very powerful tool to monitor, prevent and control diseases of public health importance in Mexico. Copyright: © 2017 SecretarÍa de Salud.

Structural, Electronic, and Thermodynamic Properties of Tetragonal t-SixGe3−xN4

PubMed Central

Han, Chenxi; Chai, Changchun; Fan, Qingyang; Yang, Jionghao; Yang, Yintang

2018-01-01

The structural, mechanical, anisotropic, electronic, and thermal properties of t-Si3N4, t-Si2GeN4, t-SiGe2N4, and t-Ge3N4 in the tetragonal phase are systematically investigated in the present work. The mechanical stability is proved by the elastic constants of t-Si3N4, t-Si2GeN4, t-SiGe2N4, and t-Ge3N4. Moreover, they all demonstrate brittleness, because B/G < 1.75, and v < 0.26. The elastic anisotropy of t-Si3N4, t-Si2GeN4, t-SiGe2N4, and t-Ge3N4 is characterized by Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, the percentage of elastic anisotropy for bulk modulus AB, the percentage of elastic anisotropy for shear modulus AG, and the universal anisotropic index AU. The electronic structures of t-Si3N4, t-Si2GeN4, t-SiGe2N4, and t-Ge3N4 are all wide band gap semiconductor materials, with band gaps of 4.26 eV, 3.94 eV, 3.83 eV, and 3.25 eV, respectively, when using the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functional. Moreover, t-Ge3N4 is a quasi-direct gap semiconductor material. The thermodynamic properties of t-Si3N4, t-Si2GeN4, t-SiGe2N4, and t-Ge3N4 are investigated utilizing the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The effects of temperature and pressure on the thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, Debye temperature, and Grüneisen parameters are discussed in detail. PMID:29518943

Magnesioferrite from the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, Caravaca, Spain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bohor, B.F.; Foord, E.E.; Ganapathy, R.

1986-01-01

Magnesioferrite grading toward magnetite has been identified as a very small but meaningful constituent of the basal iron-rich portion of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary clay at the Barranco del Gredero section, Caravaca, Spain. This spinel-type phase and others of the spinel group, found in K-T boundary clays at many widely separated sites, have been proposed as representing unaltered remnants of ejecta deposited from an earth-girdling dust cloud formed from the impact of an asteroid or other large bolide at the end of the Cretaceous period. The magnesioferrite occurs as euhedral, frequently skeletal, micron-sized octahedral crystals. The magnesioferrite contains 29 ?? 11 ppb Ir, which accounts for only part of the Ir anomaly at this K-T boundary layer (52 ?? 1 ppb Ir). Major element analyses of the magnesioferrite show variable compositions. Some minor solid solution exists toward hercynite-spinel and chromite-magnesiochromite. A trevorite-nichromite (NiFe2O4NiCr2O4) component is also present. The analyses are very similar to those reported for sites at Furlo and Petriccio, Umbria, Italy. On the basis of the morphology and general composition of the magnesioferrite grains, rapid crystallization at high temperature is indicated, most likely directly from a vapor phase and in an environment of moderate oxygen fugacity. Elemental similarity with metallic alloy injected into rocks beneath two known impact craters suggests that part of the magnesioferrite may be derived from the vaporized chondritic bolide itself, or from the mantle; there is no supporting evidence for its derivation from crustal target rocks. ?? 1986.

Positive and negative gestational handling influences placental traits and mother-offspring behavior in dairy goats.

PubMed

Baxter, Emma M; Mulligan, Johan; Hall, Sarah A; Donbavand, Jo E; Palme, Rupert; Aldujaili, Emad; Zanella, Adroaldo J; Dwyer, Cathy M

2016-04-01

Dairy animals are subjected to a number of potential stressors throughout their lives, including daily interactions with humans. The quality of these interactions may have direct consequences for the animal undergoing the experience, but if such events occur during gestation it may also affect the developing fetus. This study examined the effects of differential handling during mid-gestation in 40 twin-bearing Saanen×Toggenburg primiparous goats. Between days 80 and 115 of gestation (gestation=150 days), goats were subjected to aversive (AVS, n=13), gentle (GEN, n=13) or minimal (M, n=14) handling protocols for 10 minute periods twice daily. The control (M) group did not receive handling treatments and all goats received normal husbandry procedures outside treatment periods. Salivary cortisol measured during the treatment period was higher in AVS goats (mean cortisol (sem) in pg/μl: AVS: 176.7 (18.2), GEN: 119.6 (11.1), M: 126.5 (13.7); P=0.007). Data collection was focussed on mother-offspring behaviors 2h post-partum, placental morphology and colostrum quality. AVS goats were the only treatment group to suffer fetal loss (16% loss vs 0% in GEN and M, P=0.05). Treatment also influenced placental morphology with a tendency for fewer cotyledons evident in placentae from the aversive treatment (AVS: 87.9 (7.8), GEN: 107.1 (7.9), M: 112.1 (9.3), P=0.093), and significantly fewer medium sized cotyledons (AVS: 67.6 (7.8), GEN: 89.3 (6.4), M: 84.3 (5.4), P=0.042). GEN goats displayed more grooming and nosing behaviors towards their young during the first 2h post-partum (grooming: GEN: 89.3% (7.1), AVS: 72.6% (7.7), M: 63.4% (9.0), P=0.045; nosing frequency: GEN: 58.8 (12.5), AVS: 28.6 (11.1), M: 34.7 (6.5), P=0.021). There was an overall trend for kids from mothers experiencing the AVS treatment to take longer to stand, reach the udder and suck compared to kids from GEN and M treatment groups. Treatment significantly affected latency to perform play behavior, with kids from AVS goats taking on average 25 min longer to play for the first time than kids from GEN and M treatment groups (P<0.001). The results show that handling during gestation affects placental morphology, fetal survival and post-partum maternal behaviors, and influences kid behavioral development. Such results have important animal welfare implications, demonstrating that negative handling of pregnant females results in poorer placental quality with potential for fetal loss. It also demonstrates the beneficial effects of positive handling on enhancement of maternal behaviors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extraction of the neutron electric form factor from measurements of inclusive double spin asymmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulkosky, V.; Jin, G.; Long, E.; Zhang, Y.-W.; Mihovilovic, M.; Kelleher, A.; Anderson, B.; Higinbotham, D. W.; Širca, S.; Allada, K.; Annand, J. R. M.; Averett, T.; Bertozzi, W.; Boeglin, W.; Bradshaw, P.; Camsonne, A.; Canan, M.; Cates, G. D.; Chen, C.; Chen, J.-P.; Chudakov, E.; De Leo, R.; Deng, X.; Deur, A.; Dutta, C.; El Fassi, L.; Flay, D.; Frullani, S.; Garibaldi, F.; Gao, H.; Gilad, S.; Gilman, R.; Glamazdin, O.; Golge, S.; Gomez, J.; Hansen, J.-O.; Holmstrom, T.; Huang, J.; Ibrahim, H.; de Jager, C. W.; Jensen, E.; Jiang, X.; Jones, M.; Kang, H.; Katich, J.; Khanal, H. P.; King, P.; Korsch, W.; LeRose, J.; Lindgren, R.; Lu, H.-J.; Luo, W.; Markowitz, P.; Meekins, D.; Meziane, M.; Michaels, R.; Moffit, B.; Monaghan, P.; Muangma, N.; Nanda, S.; Norum, B. E.; Pan, K.; Parno, D.; Piasetzky, E.; Posik, M.; Punjabi, V.; Puckett, A. J. R.; Qian, X.; Qiang, Y.; Qui, X.; Riordan, S.; Saha, A.; Sawatzky, B.; Shabestari, M.; Shahinyan, A.; Shoenrock, B.; John, J. St.; Subedi, R.; Tobias, W. A.; Tireman, W.; Urciuoli, G. M.; Wang, D.; Wang, K.; Wang, Y.; Watson, J.; Wojtsekhowski, B.; Ye, Z.; Zhan, X.; Zhang, Y.; Zheng, X.; Zhao, B.; Zhu, L.; Jefferson Lab Hall A Collaboration

2017-12-01

Background: Measurements of the neutron charge form factor, GEn, are challenging because the neutron has no net charge. In addition, measurements of the neutron form factors must use nuclear targets which require accurately accounting for nuclear effects. Extracting GEn with different targets and techniques provides an important test of our handling of these effects. Purpose: The goal of the measurement was to use an inclusive asymmetry measurement technique to extract the neutron charge form factor at a four-momentum transfer of 1 (GeV/c ) 2 . This technique has very different systematic uncertainties than traditional exclusive measurements and thus serves as an independent check of whether nuclear effects have been taken into account correctly. Method: The inclusive quasielastic reaction 3He ⃗(e ⃗,e') was measured at Jefferson Laboratory. The neutron electric form factor, GEn, was extracted at Q2=0.98 (GeV/c ) 2 from ratios of electron-polarization asymmetries measured for two orthogonal target spin orientations. This Q2 is high enough that the sensitivity to GEn is not overwhelmed by the neutron magnetic contribution, and yet low enough that explicit neutron detection is not required to suppress pion production. Results: The neutron electric form factor, GEn, was determined to be 0.0414 ±0.0077 (stat)±0.0022 (syst) , providing the first high-precision inclusive extraction of the neutron's charge form factor. Conclusions: The use of the inclusive quasielastic 3He ⃗(e ⃗,e') with a four-momentum transfer near 1 (GeV/c ) 2 has been used to provide a unique measurement of GEn. This new result provides a systematically independent validation of the exclusive extraction technique results and implies that the nuclear corrections are understood. This is contrary to the proton form factor where asymmetry and differential cross section measurements have been shown to have large systematic differences.

Genes del receptor variable beta de células T en células circulantes de pacientes con lupus eritematoso generalizado y sus familiares sanos.

PubMed

Jakez-Ocampo, Juan; Paulín-Vera, Carmen María; Rivadeneyra-Espinoza, Liliana; Gómez-Martín, Diana; Carrillo-Maravilla, Eduardo; Lima, Guadalupe; Vargas-Rojas, María Inés; Pérez-Romano, Beatriz; Calva-Cevenini, Gabriella; García-Carrasco, Mario; Ruiz-Argüelles, Alejandro; Llorente, Luis

Se investigó la proporción de la expresión génica del receptor variable beta de células T (Vβ TCR) en linfocitos periféricos CD3+ en pacientes con lupus eritematoso generalizado (LEG) familiar y no familiar. El repertorio de Vβ TCR se estudió en 14 familias que presentaban más de un miembro con LEG. El uso de Vβ TCR en pacientes con LEG (n = 27) se comparó con el de los miembros sanos de estas familias (n = 47), con 37 pacientes con LEG esporádico y con 15 controles sanos. La expresión del repertorio de Vβ TCR se estudió por citometría de flujo multiparamétrica utilizando un arreglo de 24 diferentes anticuerpos monoclonales específicos de genes familiares para Vβ TCR. Se encontró el mismo perfil de expresión en las comparaciones entre los casos de LEG esporádico y familiar, así como en los consanguíneos sanos de las familias multicasos, que incluía una expresión incrementada de Vβ 5.2, Vβ 11 y Vβ 16, y una menor expresión de Vβ 3, Vβ4, Vβ 7.1 y Vβ 7. De manera interesante, solo Vβ 17 se expresó de modo diferente entre casos familiares y esporádicos de LEG. Igualmente, la expresión incrementada de Vβ 9 fue el distintivo entre los casos de LEG familiar (casos y consanguíneos sanos) y los controles sanos. Estos resultados refuerzan la noción de que el perfil final del repertorio Vβ TCR observado en LEG familiar y no familiar parece surgir de la interacción de factores genéticos, ambientales e inmunorreguladores, además de que pueden explicar las alteraciones inmunitarias que se observan en los consanguíneos sanos de pacientes con LEG. Copyright: © 2018 SecretarÍa de Salud

Protective Effect of Adhesive Systems associated with Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser on Enamel Erosive/Abrasive Wear.

PubMed

Crastechini, Erica; Borges, Alessandra B; Becker, Klaus; Attin, Thomas; Torres, Carlos Rg

2017-10-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of self-etching adhesive systems associated or not associated with the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on the protection against enamel erosive/abrasive wear. Bovine enamel specimens were demineralized with 0.3% citric acid (5 minutes). The samples were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 20): SB - Single Bond Universal (3M/ESPE); SB+L - Single Bond Universal + laser (80 mJ/10 Hz); FB - Futurabond U (Voco); FB+L -Futurabond U + laser; GEN - G-aenial bond (GC); GEN+L -G-aenial bond + laser; L - laser irradiation; and C - no treatment. The laser was applied before light curing. The samples were subjected to erosive/abrasive challenges (0.3% citric acid - 2 minutes and tooth brushing four times daily for 5 days). Enamel surface loss was recovered profilometrically by comparison of baseline and final profiles. The adhesive layer thickness, retention percentage of the protective layer, and microhardness of cured adhesive were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (5%). There were significant differences for all parameters (p = 0.0001). Mean values ± SD and results of the Tukey's test were: Surface wear: GEN - 4.88 (±1.09)a, L - 5.04 ± 0.99)a, FB - 5.32 (±0.93)ab, GEN + L - 5.46 (±1.27)abc, SB + L - 5.78 (±1.12)abc, FB + L - 6.23 (±1.25)bc, SB - 6.35 (±1.11)c, and C - 6.46 (±0.61)c; layer thickness: GEN - 15.2 (±8.63)c, FB - 5.06 (±1.96)a, GEN + L - 13.96 (±7.07)bc, SB + L - 4.24 (±2.68)a, FB + L - 9.03 (±13.02)abc, and SB - 7.49 (±2.80)ab; retention: GEN - 68.89 (±20.62)c, FB - 54.53 (±24.80)abc, GEN + L - 59.90 (±19.79)abc, SB + L - 63.37 (±19.30)bc, FB + L - 42.23 (±17.68) a, and SB - 47.78 (±18.29)ab; microhardness: GEN - 9.27 (±1.75)c; FB - 6.99 (±0.89)b; GEN + L - 6.22 (±0.87)ab; SB + L - 15.48 (±2.51)d; FB + L - 10.67 (±1.58)c; SB - 5.00 (±1.60)a. The application of Futurabond U and G-aenial bond on enamel surface, as well as the Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone, was able to reduce the enamel wear. The use of laser after the adhesive systems did not improve their efficacy. Erosive/abrasive wear is a prevalent condition in clinical practice affecting many patients. The association of adhesive systems and Nd:YAG laser is of considerable clinical interest because it assesses new treatments to reduce the erosive/abrasive wear that would help dentists in clinical treatment decisions to reduce enamel wear and achieve a successful treatment.

Comparability of antimüllerian hormone levels among commercially available immunoassays.

PubMed

Su, H Irene; Sammel, Mary D; Homer, Michael V; Bui, Kim; Haunschild, Carolyn; Stanczyk, Frank Z

2014-06-01

To compare antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels among three commercially available AMH immunoassays: AMH Gen II (Beckman Coulter), Ultrasensitive AMH (Ansh Labs), and picoAMH (Ansh Labs). Cross-sectional. Academic reproductive endocrinology program. 90 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients before cancer treatment. None. Proportion of detectable AMH levels by immunoassay, and comparability among assays. At a mean age of 38.1 years, the median (interquartile range) AMH level for the cohort was 0.92 [1.35] ng/mL for the Gen II assay, 1.68 [2.30] ng/mL for the Ultrasensitive assay, and 1.52 [2.41] ng/mL for the picoAMH assay. Significantly higher proportions of detectable AMH levels were observed with the picoAMH kit (97%) compared with both the Gen II (84%) and Ultrasensitive (92%) assays. Although the AMH results were highly correlated among the assays (r = 0.92-0.99), the Gen II AMH levels were consistently lower than both Ultrasensitive and picoAMH levels. Moreover, as AMH levels increased, the magnitude of difference grew larger between Gen II and each of the other two assays. Measurement of AMH levels with the picoAMH kit maximized detection at very low levels, particularly in contrast with the Gen II kit. Conversion of AMH levels from different immunoassays using regression equations is potentially highly inaccurate. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Talkin' 'bout My Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rickes, Persis C.

2010-01-01

The monikers are many: (1) "Generation Y"; (2) "Echo Boomers"; (3) "GenMe"; (4) the "Net Generation"; (5) "RenGen"; and (6) "Generation Next". One name that appears to be gaining currency is "Millennials," perhaps as a way to better differentiate the current generation from its…

United States Forces Korea > Home

Science.gov Websites

commander; Gen. Leem Ho Young, Combined Forces Command deputy commander; and Gen. Lee Sun-jin, Gen. Lee, Sun Forces Command deputy commander; and Gen. Lee Sun-jin, Gen. Lee, Sun-Jin, Chairman of the Republic of deputy commander; and Gen. Lee Sun-jin, Gen. Lee, Sun-Jin, Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs

Geophysical Monitoring Methods Evaluation for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

DOE PAGES

Strickland, Chris E.; USA, Richland Washington; Vermeul, Vince R.; ...

2014-12-31

A comprehensive monitoring program will be needed in order to assess the effectiveness of carbon sequestration at the FutureGen 2.0 carbon capture and storage (CCS) field-site. Geophysical monitoring methods are sensitive to subsurface changes that result from injection of CO 2 and will be used for: (1) tracking the spatial extent of the free phase CO 2 plume, (2) monitoring advancement of the pressure front, (3) identifying or mapping areas where induced seismicity occurs, and (4) identifying and mapping regions of increased risk for brine or CO 2 leakage from the reservoir. Site-specific suitability and cost effectiveness were evaluated formore » a number of geophysical monitoring methods including: passive seismic monitoring, reflection seismic imaging, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, pulsed neutron capture logging, cross-borehole seismic, electrical resistivity tomography, magnetotellurics and controlled source electromagnetics. The results of this evaluation indicate that CO 2 injection monitoring using reflection seismic methods would likely be difficult at the FutureGen 2.0 site. Electrical methods also exhibited low sensitivity to the expected CO 2 saturation changes and would be affected by metallic infrastructure at the field site. Passive seismic, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, and pulsed neutron capture monitoring were selected for implementation as part of the FutureGen 2.0 storage site monitoring program.« less

Geophysical Monitoring Methods Evaluation for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

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

Strickland, Chris E.; USA, Richland Washington; Vermeul, Vince R.

A comprehensive monitoring program will be needed in order to assess the effectiveness of carbon sequestration at the FutureGen 2.0 carbon capture and storage (CCS) field-site. Geophysical monitoring methods are sensitive to subsurface changes that result from injection of CO 2 and will be used for: (1) tracking the spatial extent of the free phase CO 2 plume, (2) monitoring advancement of the pressure front, (3) identifying or mapping areas where induced seismicity occurs, and (4) identifying and mapping regions of increased risk for brine or CO 2 leakage from the reservoir. Site-specific suitability and cost effectiveness were evaluated formore » a number of geophysical monitoring methods including: passive seismic monitoring, reflection seismic imaging, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, pulsed neutron capture logging, cross-borehole seismic, electrical resistivity tomography, magnetotellurics and controlled source electromagnetics. The results of this evaluation indicate that CO 2 injection monitoring using reflection seismic methods would likely be difficult at the FutureGen 2.0 site. Electrical methods also exhibited low sensitivity to the expected CO 2 saturation changes and would be affected by metallic infrastructure at the field site. Passive seismic, integrated surface deformation, time-lapse gravity, and pulsed neutron capture monitoring were selected for implementation as part of the FutureGen 2.0 storage site monitoring program.« less

User Requirements Analyzer (URA) User’s Manual H6180/Multics/Version 3.3.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-07-01

4.3 Enterinq Data Into An Input File 11 4.4 Using NAME- GEN 11 4.5 Using PUNCH Files 12 5. Receiving Output From URA Commands 12 5.1 The...CONSISTENCY RBPOPT 2fc^ KWIC INDEX 27? LIST-CHANGES Report 276 NAME- GEN 28C NAME LIST 29? PICTURE 313 PROCESS CHAIN...428 FREQUENCY U32 HELP U33 INPUT-PSL 434 INTERVAL-CONSISTENCY 435 KWIC 436 LIST-CtlANGES 437 N Af.E- GEN 4 38 NAf’B-LIST

Gen 2.0 Mixer/Ejector Nozzle Test at LSAF June 1995 to July 1996

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arney, L. D.; Sandquist, D. L.; Forsyth, D. W.; Lidstone, G. L.; Long-Davis, Mary Jo (Technical Monitor)

2005-01-01

Testing of the HSCT Generation 2.0 nozzle model hardware was conducted at the Boeing Low Speed Aeroacoustic Facility, LSAF. Concurrent measurements of noise and thrust were made at critical takeoff design conditions for a variety of mixer/ejector model hardware. Design variables such as suppressor area ratio, mixer area ratio, liner type and thickness, ejector length, lobe penetration, and mixer chute shape were tested. Parallel testing was conducted at G.E.'s Cell 41 acoustic free jet facility to augment the LSAF test. The results from the Gen 2.0 testing are being used to help shape the current nozzle baseline configuration and guide the efforts in the upcoming Generation 2.5 and 3.0 nozzle tests. The Gen 2.0 results have been included in the total airplane system studies conducted at MDC and Boeing to provide updated noise and thrust performance estimates.

Environmental Estrogens Differentially Engage the Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 to Increase Risk of Uterine Tumorigenesis

PubMed Central

Greathouse, K. Leigh; Bredfeldt, Tiffany; Everitt, Jeffrey I.; Lin, Kevin; Berry, Tia; Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Mittelstadt, Megan L.; Ho, Shuk-mei; Walker, Cheryl L.

2013-01-01

Environmental exposures during sensitive windows of development can reprogram normal physiological responses and alter disease susceptibility later in life in a process known as developmental reprogramming. For example, exposure to the xenoestrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) during reproductive tract development can reprogram estrogen-responsive gene expression in the myometrium, resulting in hyper-responsiveness to hormone in the adult uterus and promotion of hormone-dependent uterine leiomyoma. We show here that the environmental estrogens genistein (GEN), a soy phytoestrogen, and the plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA), differ in their pattern of developmental reprogramming and promotion of tumorigenesis (leiomyomas) in the uterus. While both GEN and BPA induce genomic estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in the developing uterus, only GEN induced PI3K/AKT non-genomic ER signaling to the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). As a result, this “pre-genomic” signaling phosphorylates and represses EZH2, and reduces levels of H3K27 repressive mark in chromatin. Furthermore, only GEN caused estrogen-responsive genes in the adult myometrium to become hyper-responsive to hormone; estrogen-responsive genes were repressed in BPA exposed uteri. Importantly, this pattern of EZH2 engagement to decrease versus increase H3K27 methylation correlated with the effect of these xenoestrogens on tumorigenesis. Developmental reprogramming by GEN promoted development of uterine leiomyomas, increasing tumor incidence and multiplicity, while BPA did not. These data demonstrate that environmental estrogens have distinct non-genomic effects in the developing uterus that determines their ability to engage the epigenetic regulator EZH2, decrease levels of the repressive epigenetic histone H3K27 methyl mark in chromatin during developmental reprogramming, and promote uterine tumorigenesis. PMID:22504913

Differences in immunolocalization of Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 in kidneys of gentamicin-, cisplatin-, and valproic acid-treated rats: potential role of iNOS and nitrotyrosine.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun; Goering, Peter L; Espandiari, Parvaneh; Shaw, Martin; Bonventre, Joseph V; Vaidya, Vishal S; Brown, Ronald P; Keenan, Joe; Kilty, Cormac G; Sadrieh, Nakissa; Hanig, Joseph P

2009-08-01

The present study compared the immunolocalization of Kim-1, renal papillary antigen (RPA)-1, and RPA-2 with that of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine in kidneys of gentamicin sulfate (Gen)- and cisplatin (Cis)-treated rats. The specificity of acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine was evaluated by dosing rats with valproic acid (VPA). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected subcutaneously (sc) with 100 mg/kg/day of Gen for six or fourteen days; a single intraperitoneal (ip) dose of 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg of Cis; or 650 mg/kg/day of VPA (ip) for four days. In Gen-treated rats, Kim-1 was expressed in the epithelial cells, mainly in the S1/S2 segments but less so in the S3 segment, and RPA-1 was increased in the epithelial cells of collecting ducts (CD) in the cortex. Spatial expression of iNOS or nitrotyrosine with Kim-1 or RPA-1 was detected. In Cis-treated rats, Kim-1 was expressed only in the S3 segment cells, and RPA-1 and RPA-2 were increased in the epithelial cells of medullary CD or medullary loop of Henle (LH), respectively. Spatial expression of iNOS or nitrotyrosine with RPA-1 or RPA-2 was also identified. These findings suggest that peroxynitrite formation may be involved in the pathogenesis of Gen and Cis nephrotoxicity and that Kim-1, RPA-1, and RPA-2 have the potential to serve as site-specific biomarkers for Gen or Cis AKI.

PubMed

Oliver Bonet, Maria; Mach, Núria

2016-09-20

Introducción: la infertilidad es un problema global en aumento. Se estima que aproximadamente un 15% de las parejas en edad reproductiva tiene dificultades a la hora de concebir. De estas, alrededor de la mitad presentan uno o varios factores masculinos asociados a infertilidad o subfertilidad, aislados o en combinación con problemas de origen femenino. Durante la última década se ha empezado a estudiar la infertilidad desde una perspectiva multifactorial, considerando las interacciones y conexiones entre diferentes situaciones genéticas, epigenéticas, bioquímicas y fisiológicas del paciente.Objetivo: la presente revisión pretende describir mecanismos epigenéticos que pueden ser modulados mediante aspectos nutricionales y que están relacionados con la etiología de la infertilidad masculina y con la herencia transgeneracional de este fenotipo.Material y métodos: se ha realizado una extensa búsqueda de publicaciones científicas en las principales bases de datos electrónicas especializadas: NBCI, Elsevier, Scielo, Scirus y Science Direct.Resultados y conclusión: varios trabajos que muestran la importancia del estado nutricional en la fertilidad del hombre y, más específicamente, la capacidad de los componentes de la dieta para modificar los perfiles epigenéticos que no únicamente pueden afectar a su fertilidad, sino que también pueden ser transmitidos a la descendencia mediante lo que se ha denominado herencia transgeneracional, ocasionándoles problemas de salud diversos entre los que también se hallan problemas en la fertilidad.

PoMaMo--a comprehensive database for potato genome data.

PubMed

Meyer, Svenja; Nagel, Axel; Gebhardt, Christiane

2005-01-01

A database for potato genome data (PoMaMo, Potato Maps and More) was established. The database contains molecular maps of all twelve potato chromosomes with about 1000 mapped elements, sequence data, putative gene functions, results from BLAST analysis, SNP and InDel information from different diploid and tetraploid potato genotypes, publication references, links to other public databases like GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or SGN (Solanaceae Genomics Network, http://www.sgn.cornell.edu/), etc. Flexible search and data visualization interfaces enable easy access to the data via internet (https://gabi.rzpd.de/PoMaMo.html). The Java servlet tool YAMB (Yet Another Map Browser) was designed to interactively display chromosomal maps. Maps can be zoomed in and out, and detailed information about mapped elements can be obtained by clicking on an element of interest. The GreenCards interface allows a text-based data search by marker-, sequence- or genotype name, by sequence accession number, gene function, BLAST Hit or publication reference. The PoMaMo database is a comprehensive database for different potato genome data, and to date the only database containing SNP and InDel data from diploid and tetraploid potato genotypes.

PoMaMo—a comprehensive database for potato genome data

PubMed Central

Meyer, Svenja; Nagel, Axel; Gebhardt, Christiane

2005-01-01

A database for potato genome data (PoMaMo, Potato Maps and More) was established. The database contains molecular maps of all twelve potato chromosomes with about 1000 mapped elements, sequence data, putative gene functions, results from BLAST analysis, SNP and InDel information from different diploid and tetraploid potato genotypes, publication references, links to other public databases like GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or SGN (Solanaceae Genomics Network, http://www.sgn.cornell.edu/), etc. Flexible search and data visualization interfaces enable easy access to the data via internet (https://gabi.rzpd.de/PoMaMo.html). The Java servlet tool YAMB (Yet Another Map Browser) was designed to interactively display chromosomal maps. Maps can be zoomed in and out, and detailed information about mapped elements can be obtained by clicking on an element of interest. The GreenCards interface allows a text-based data search by marker-, sequence- or genotype name, by sequence accession number, gene function, BLAST Hit or publication reference. The PoMaMo database is a comprehensive database for different potato genome data, and to date the only database containing SNP and InDel data from diploid and tetraploid potato genotypes. PMID:15608284

Irs2 and Irs4 synergize in non-LepRb neurons to control energy balance and glucose homeostasis.

PubMed

Sadagurski, Marianna; Dong, X Charlie; Myers, Martin G; White, Morris F

2014-02-01

Insulin receptor substrates (Irs1, 2, 3 and Irs4) mediate the actions of insulin/IGF1 signaling. They have similar structure, but distinctly regulate development, growth, and metabolic homeostasis. Irs2 contributes to central metabolic sensing, partially by acting in leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons. Although Irs4 is largely restricted to the hypothalamus, its contribution to metabolic regulation is unclear because Irs4-null mice barely distinguishable from controls. We postulated that Irs2 and Irs4 synergize and complement each other in the brain. To examine this possibility, we investigated the metabolism of whole body Irs4(-/y) mice that lacked Irs2 in the CNS (bIrs2(-/-)·Irs4(-/y)) or only in LepRb-neurons (Lepr (∆Irs2) ·Irs4 (-/y) ). bIrs2(-/-)·Irs4(-/y) mice developed severe obesity and decreased energy expenditure, along with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Unexpectedly, the body weight and fed blood glucose levels of Lepr (∆Irs2) ·Irs4 (-/y) mice were not different from Lepr (∆Irs2) mice, suggesting that the functions of Irs2 and Irs4 converge upon neurons that are distinct from those expressing LepRb.

Geochemical Monitoring Considerations for the FutureGen 2.0 Project

DOE PAGES

Amonette, James E.; Johnson, Timothy A.; Spencer, Clayton F.; ...

2014-12-31

Geochemical monitoring is an essential component of a suite of monitoring technologies designed to evaluate CO2 mass balance and detect possible loss of containment at the FutureGen 2.0 geologic sequestration site near Jacksonville, IL. This presentation gives an overview of the potential geochemical approaches and tracer technologies that were considered, and describes the evaluation process by which the most cost-effective and robust of these were selected for implementation

Insulin receptor substrate 1 expression enhances the sensitivity of 32D cells to chemotherapy-induced cell death

PubMed Central

Porter, Holly A.; Carey, Gregory B.; Keegan, Achsah D.

2012-01-01

The adaptors IRS1 and IRS2 link growth factor receptors to downstream signaling pathways that regulate proliferation and survival. Both suppress factor-withdrawal-induced apoptosis and have been implicated in cancer progression. However, recent studies suggest IRS1 and IRS2 mediate differential functions in cancer pathogenesis. IRS1 promoted breast cancer proliferation, while IRS2 promoted metastasis. The role of IRS1 and IRS2 in controlling cell responses to chemotherapy is unknown. To determine the role of IRS1 and IRS2 in the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy, we treated 32D cells lacking or expressing IRS proteins with various concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. We found that expression of IRS1, in contrast to IRS2, enhanced the sensitivity of 32D cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. When IRS2 was expressed with IRS1, the cells no longer showed enhanced sensitivity. Expression of IRS1 did not alter the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins; however, 32D-IRS1 cells expressed higher levels of Annexin A2. In 32D-IRS1 cells, IRS1 and Annexin A2 were both located in cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. We also found that IRS1 coprecipitated with Annexin A2, while IRS2 did not. Decreasing Annexin A2 levels reduced 32D-IRS1 cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. These results suggest IRS1 enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy in part through Annexin A2. PMID:22652453

Indirubin, a component of Ban-Lan-Gen, activates CYP3A4 gene transcription through the human pregnane X receptor.

PubMed

Kumagai, Takeshi; Aratsu, Yusuke; Sugawara, Ryosuke; Sasaki, Takamitsu; Miyairi, Shinichi; Nagata, Kiyoshi

2016-04-01

Ban-Lan-Gen is the common name for the dried roots of indigo plants, including Polygonum tinctorium, Isatis indigotica, Isatis tinctoria, and Strobilanthes cusia. Ban-Lan-Gen is frequently used as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-viral for the treatment of hepatitis, influenza, and various types of inflammation. One of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, CYP3A4, is responsible for the metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics, including an estimated 60% of all clinically used drugs. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ban-Lan-Gen on the transcriptional activation of the CYP3A4 gene. Ban-Lan-Gen extract increased CYP3A4 gene reporter activity in a dose-dependent manner. Indirubin, one of the biologically active ingredients in the Ban-Lan-Gen, also dose-dependently increased CYP3A4 gene reporter activity. Expression of short hairpin RNA for the human pregnane X receptor (hPXR-shRNA) inhibited CYP3A4 gene reporter activity, and overexpression of human PXR increased indirubin- and rifampicin-induced CYP3A4 gene reporter activity. Furthermore, indirubin induced CYP3A4 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that indirubin, a component of Ban-Lan-Gen, activated CYP3A4 gene transcription through the activation of the human PXR. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Next-Gen 3: Sequencing, Modeling, and Advanced Biofuels - Final Technical Report

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

Zengler, Karsten; Palsson, Bernhard; Lewis, Nathan

Successful, scalable implementation of biofuels is dependent on the efficient and near complete utilization of diverse biomass sources. One approach is to utilize the large recalcitrant biomass fraction (or any organic waste stream) through the thermochemical conversion of organic compounds to syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and hydrogen (H 2), which can subsequently be metabolized by acetogenic microorganisms to produce next-gen biofuels. The goal of this proposal was to advance the development of the acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii as a chassis organism for next-gen biofuel production from cheap, renewable sources and to detail the interconnectivitymore » of metabolism, energy conservation, and regulation of acetogens using next-gen sequencing and next-gen modeling. To achieve this goal we determined optimization of carbon and energy utilization through differential translational efficiency in C. ljungdahlii. Furthermore, we reconstructed a next-generation model of all major cellular processes, such as macromolecular synthesis and transcriptional regulation and deployed this model to predicting proteome allocation, overflow metabolism, and metal requirements in this model acetogen. In addition we explored the evolutionary significance of tRNA operon structure using the next-gen model and determined the optimal operon structure for bioproduction. Our study substantially enhanced the knowledgebaase for chemolithoautotrophs and their potential for advanced biofuel production. It provides next-generation modeling capability, offer innovative tools for genome-scale engineering, and provide novel methods to utilize next-generation models for the design of tunable systems that produce commodity chemicals from inexpensive sources.« less

78 FR 28940 - Ninth Meeting: RTCA Next Gen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-16

.... Huerta FAA NextGen Performance SnapShots Featured PBN Implementation Location Data Sources for Measuring... by the Business Case and Performance Metrics Work Group Recommendation for Implementing Categorical Exclusion Contained in FAA Modernization Act of 2012 Recommendation developed by CatEx2 Task Group for...

78 FR 5860 - Eighth Meeting: RTCA Next Gen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-28

...] Preliminary report to identify and mitigate barriers to implementing PBN. Issues associated with Implementing RNAV/RNP [cir] An open discussion by the Committee of Non-technical barriers of PBN procedures... NextGen. Cat Ex 2 Task Group [cir] Preliminary report on the recommendation for implementing new...

The complete chloroplast DNA sequence of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Araliaceae); comparative evolutionary analyses with other three asterids.

PubMed

Yi, Dong-Keun; Lee, Hae-Lim; Sun, Byung-Yun; Chung, Mi Yoon; Kim, Ki-Joong

2012-05-01

This study reports the complete chloroplast (cp) DNA sequence of Eleutherococcus senticosus (GenBank: JN 637765), an endangered endemic species. The genome is 156,768 bp in length, and contains a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,930 bp each, a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,755 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,153 bp. The structural organization, gene and intron contents, gene order, AT content, codon usage, and transcription units of the E. senticosus chloroplast genome are similar to that of typical land plant cp DNA. We aligned and analyzed the sequences of 86 coding genes, 19 introns and 113 intergenic spacers (IGS) in three different taxonomic hierarchies; Eleutherococcus vs. Panax, Eleutherococcus vs. Daucus, and Eleutherococcus vs. Nicotiana. The distribution of indels, the number of polymorphic sites and nucleotide diversity indicate that positional constraint is more important than functional constraint for the evolution of cp genome sequences in Asterids. For example, the intron sequences in the LSC region exhibited base substitution rates 5-11-times higher than that of the IR regions, while the intron sequences in the SSC region evolved 7-14-times faster than those in the IR region. Furthermore, the Ka/Ks ratio of the gene coding sequences supports a stronger evolutionary constraint in the IR region than in the LSC or SSC regions. Therefore, our data suggest that selective sweeps by base collection mechanisms more frequently eliminate polymorphisms in the IR region than in other regions. Chloroplast genome regions that have high levels of base substitutions also show higher incidences of indels. Thirty-five simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were identified in the Eleutherococcus chloroplast genome. Of these, 27 are homopolymers, while six are di-polymers and two are tri-polymers. In addition to the SSR loci, we also identified 18 medium size repeat units ranging from 22 to 79 bp, 11 of which are distributed in the IGS or intron regions. These medium size repeats may contribute to developing a cp genome-specific gene introduction vector because the region may use for specific recombination sites.

Insulin receptor substrate 1 expression enhances the sensitivity of 32D cells to chemotherapy-induced cell death

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

Porter, Holly A., E-mail: hport001@umaryland.edu; Molecular Medicine Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201; Carey, Gregory B., E-mail: gcarey@som.umaryland.edu

2012-08-15

The adapters IRS1 and IRS2 link growth factor receptors to downstream signaling pathways that regulate proliferation and survival. Both suppress factor-withdrawal-induced apoptosis and have been implicated in cancer progression. However, recent studies suggest IRS1 and IRS2 mediate differential functions in cancer pathogenesis. IRS1 promoted breast cancer proliferation, while IRS2 promoted metastasis. The role of IRS1 and IRS2 in controlling cell responses to chemotherapy is unknown. To determine the role of IRS1 and IRS2 in the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy, we treated 32D cells lacking or expressing IRS proteins with various concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. We found that expression ofmore » IRS1, in contrast to IRS2, enhanced the sensitivity of 32D cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. When IRS2 was expressed with IRS1, the cells no longer showed enhanced sensitivity. Expression of IRS1 did not alter the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins; however, 32D-IRS1 cells expressed higher levels of Annexin A2. In 32D-IRS1 cells, IRS1 and Annexin A2 were both located in cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. We also found that IRS1 coprecipitated with Annexin A2, while IRS2 did not. Decreasing Annexin A2 levels reduced 32D-IRS1 cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. These results suggest IRS1 enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy in part through Annexin A2. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer IRS1 enhanced the sensitivity of 32D cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This sensitivity is abrogated by the expression of IRS2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Expressing IRS1 in 32D cells increased levels of Annexin A2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Both IRS1 and Annexin A2 were located in cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Decreasing Annexin A2 in 32D-IRS1 cells abated their sensitivity to chemotherapy.« less

Face and construct validation of a next generation virtual reality (Gen2-VR) surgical simulator.

PubMed

Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; Li, Baichun; Manser, Kelly; Jones, Stephanie B; Jones, Daniel B; Schwaitzberg, Steven; Cao, Caroline G L; De, Suvranu

2016-03-01

Surgical performance is affected by distractors and interruptions to surgical workflow that exist in the operating room. However, traditional surgical simulators are used to train surgeons in a skills laboratory that does not recreate these conditions. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a novel, immersive virtual reality (Gen2-VR) system to train surgeons in these environments. This study was to establish face and construct validity of our system. The study was a within-subjects design, with subjects repeating a virtual peg transfer task under three different conditions: Case I: traditional VR; Case II: Gen2-VR with no distractions and Case III: Gen2-VR with distractions and interruptions. In Case III, to simulate the effects of distractions and interruptions, music was played intermittently, the camera lens was fogged for 10 s and tools malfunctioned for 15 s at random points in time during the simulation. At the completion of the study subjects filled in a 5-point Likert scale feedback questionnaire. A total of sixteen subjects participated in this study. Friedman test showed significant difference in scores between the three conditions (p < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction further showed that all the three conditions were significantly different from each other (Case I, Case II, p < 0.0001), (Case I, Case III, p < 0.0001) and (Case II, Case III, p = 0.009). Subjects rated that fog (mean 4.18) and tool malfunction (median 4.56) significantly hindered their performance. The results showed that Gen2-VR simulator has both face and construct validity and that it can accurately and realistically present distractions and interruptions in a simulated OR, in spite of limitations of the current HMD hardware technology.

Face and Construct Validation of a Next Generation Virtual Reality (Gen2-VR©) Surgical Simulator

PubMed Central

Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; Li, Baichun; Manser, Kelly; Jones, Stephanie B.; Jones, Daniel B.; Schwaitzberg, Steven; Cao, Caroline G. L.; De, Suvranu

2015-01-01

Introduction Surgical performance is affected by distractors and interruptions to surgical workflow that exist in the operating room. However, traditional surgical simulators are used to train surgeons in a skills lab that does not recreate these conditions. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a novel, immersive virtual reality (Gen2-VR©) system to train surgeons in these environments. This study was to establish face and construct validity of our system. Methods and Procedures The study was a within-subjects design, with subjects repeating a virtual peg transfer task under three different conditions: CASE I: traditional VR; CASE II: Gen2-VR© with no distractions and CASE III: Gen2-VR© with distractions and interruptions.. In Case III, to simulate the effects of distractions and interruptions, music was played intermittently, the camera lens was fogged for 10 seconds and tools malfunctioned for 15 seconds at random points in time during the simulation. At the completion of the study subjects filled in a 5-point Likert scale feedback questionnaire. A total of sixteen subjects participated in this study. Results Friedman test showed significant difference in scores between the three conditions (p < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests with Bonferroni correction further showed that all the three conditions were significantly different from each other (Case I, Case II, p < 0.001), (Case I, Case III, p < 0.001) and (Case II, Case III, p = 0.009). Subjects rated that fog (mean= 4.18) and tool malfunction (median = 4.56) significantly hindered their performance. Conclusion The results showed that Gen2-VR© simulator has both face and construct validity and it can accurately and realistically present distractions and interruptions in a simulated OR, in spite of limitations of the current HMD hardware technology. PMID:26092010

Measurement of the neutron electric to magnetic form factor ratio at Q2=1.58  GeV2 using the reaction 3He[over →](e[over →],e'n)pp.

PubMed

Schlimme, B S; Achenbach, P; Ayerbe Gayoso, C A; Bernauer, J C; Böhm, R; Bosnar, D; Challand, Th; Distler, M O; Doria, L; Fellenberger, F; Fonvieille, H; Gómez Rodríguez, M; Grabmayr, P; Hehl, T; Heil, W; Kiselev, D; Krimmer, J; Makek, M; Merkel, H; Middleton, D G; Müller, U; Nungesser, L; Ott, B A; Pochodzalla, J; Potokar, M; Sánchez Majos, S; Sargsian, M M; Sick, I; Sirca, S; Weinriefer, M; Wendel, M; Yoon, C J

2013-09-27

A measurement of beam helicity asymmetries in the reaction 3He[over →](e[over →],e'n)pp is performed at the Mainz Microtron in quasielastic kinematics to determine the electric to magnetic form factor ratio of the neutron GEn/GMn at a four-momentum transfer Q2=1.58  GeV2. Longitudinally polarized electrons are scattered on a highly polarized 3He gas target. The scattered electrons are detected with a high-resolution magnetic spectrometer, and the ejected neutrons are detected with a dedicated neutron detector composed of scintillator bars. To reduce systematic errors, data are taken for four different target polarization orientations allowing the determination of GEn/GMn from a double ratio. We find μnGEn/GMn=0.250±0.058(stat)±0.017(syst).

Lifetime genistein intake increases the response of mammary tumors to tamoxifen in rats

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiyuan; Cook, Katherine L; Warri, Anni; Cruz, Idalia M; Rosim, Mariana; Riskin, Jeffrey; Helferich, William; Doerge, Daniel; Clarke, Robert; Hilakivi-Clarke, Leena

2016-01-01

Purpose Whether it is safe for estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer patients to consume soy isoflavone genistein (GEN) remains controversial. We compared the effects of GEN intake mimicking either Asian (lifetime) or Caucasian (adulthood) intake patterns to that of starting its intake during tamoxifen (TAM) therapy using a preclinical model. Experimental Design Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an AIN93G diet supplemented with 0 (control diet) or 500 ppm GEN from postnatal day 15 onwards (lifetime GEN). Mammary tumors were induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), after which a group of control diet fed rats were switched to GEN diet (adult GEN). When the first tumor in a rat reached 1.4 cm in diameter, TAM was added to the diet, and a subset of previously only control diet fed rats also started GEN intake (post-diagnosis GEN). Results Lifetime GEN intake reduced de novo resistance to TAM, compared with post-diagnosis GEN groups. Risk of recurrence was lower both in the lifetime and adult GEN groups than in the post-diagnosis GEN group. We observed downregulation of unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy related genes (GRP78, IRE1α, ATF4 and Beclin-1), and genes linked to immunosuppression (TGFβ and Foxp3), and upregulation of cytotoxic T cell marker CD8a in the tumors of the lifetime GEN group, compared with controls, post-diagnosis, and/or adult GEN groups. Conclusions GEN intake mimicking Asian consumption patterns improved response of mammary tumors to TAM therapy, and this effect was linked to reduced activity of UPR and pro-survival autophagy signaling, and increased anti-tumor immunity. PMID:28148690

First report and molecular identification of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in human communities from Lower Myanmar.

PubMed

Aung, Win Pa Pa; Htoon, Thi Thi; Tin, Htay Htay; Thinn, Kyi Kyi; Sanpool, Oranuch; Jongthawin, Jurairat; Sadaow, Lakkhana; Phosuk, Issarapong; Rodpai, Rutchanee; Intapan, Pewpan M; Maleewong, Wanchai

2017-01-01

Opisthorchis viverrini is endemic in the South East Asian region, especially in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vietnam and Thailand, but there have been no previous records from Myanmar. During stool surveys of rural populations in three regions of Lower Myanmar, Opisthorchis-like eggs were found in 34 out of 364 (9.3%) participants by stool microscopy after using the modified formalin-ether concentration technique. DNA was extracted from these positive stool samples and a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced. DNA sequences, successfully obtained from 18 of 34 positive samples (Bago Region, n = 13; Mon State, n = 3; Yangon Region, n = 2), confirmed that the eggs were of O. viverrini. Sequences showed 99.7% identity with O. viverrini mitochondrial cox1 (GenBank accession no. JF739555) but 95%, 88.7%, 82.6% and 81.4% identities with those of Opisthorchis lobatus from Lao People's Democratic Republic (GenBank accession nos. HQ328539-HQ328541), Metorchis orientalis from China (KT239342), Clonorchis sinensis from China (JF729303) and Opisthorchis felineus from Russia (EU921260), respectively. When alignement with other Opisthorchiidae trematodes, 81% similarity with Metorchis bilis from Czech Republic (GenBank accession nos. KT740966, KT740969, KT740970) and Slovakia (GenBank accession nos. KT740971-KT740973), 84.6% similarity with Metorchis xanthosomus from Czech Republic (GenBank accession no. KT740974), 78.6% similarity with M. xanthosomus from Poland (GenBank accession no. KT740968) and 82.2% similarity with Euamphimerus pancreaticus from Czech Republic (GenBank accession no. KT740975) were revealed. This study demonstrated, for the first time, O. viverrini from rural people in Myanmar using molecular methods and is an urgent call for surveillance and control activities against opisthorchiasis in Myanmar.

Force majeure: Will climate change affect our ability to attain Good Environmental Status for marine biodiversity?

PubMed

Elliott, Michael; Borja, Ángel; McQuatters-Gollop, Abigail; Mazik, Krysia; Birchenough, Silvana; Andersen, Jesper H; Painting, Suzanne; Peck, Myron

2015-06-15

The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires that Good Environmental Status (GEnS), is achieved for European seas by 2020. These may deviate from GEnS, its 11 Descriptors, targets and baselines, due to endogenic managed pressures (from activities within an area) and externally due to exogenic unmanaged pressures (e.g. climate change). Conceptual models detail the likely or perceived changes expected on marine biodiversity and GEnS Descriptors in the light of climate change. We emphasise that marine management has to accommodate 'shifting baselines' caused by climate change particularly during GEnS monitoring, assessment and management and 'unbounded boundaries' given the migration and dispersal of highly-mobile species. We suggest climate change may prevent GEnS being met, but Member States may rebut legal challenges by claiming that this is outside its control, force majeure or due to 'natural causes' (Article 14 of the MSFD). The analysis is relevant to management of other global seas. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Summary of CPAS Gen II Parachute Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Aaron L.; Bledsoe, Kristin J.; Fraire, Usbaldo, Jr.; Moore, James W.; Olson, Leah M.; Ray, Eric

2011-01-01

The Orion spacecraft is currently under development by NASA and Lockheed Martin. Like Apollo, Orion will use a series of parachutes to slow its descent and splashdown safely. The Orion parachute system, known as the CEV Parachute Assembly System (CPAS), is being designed by NASA, the Engineering and Science Contract Group (ESCG), and Airborne Systems. The first generation (Gen I) of CPAS testing consisted of thirteen tests and was executed in the 2007-2008 timeframe. The Gen I tests provided an initial understanding of the CPAS parachutes. Knowledge gained from Gen I testing was used to plan the second generation of testing (Gen II). Gen II consisted of six tests: three singleparachute tests, designated as Main Development Tests, and three Cluster Development Tests. Gen II required a more thorough investigation into parachute performance than Gen I. Higher fidelity instrumentation, enhanced analysis methods and tools, and advanced test techniques were developed. The results of the Gen II test series are being incorporated into the CPAS design. Further testing and refinement of the design and model of parachute performance will occur during the upcoming third generation of testing (Gen III). This paper will provide an overview of the developments in CPAS analysis following the end of Gen I, including descriptions of new tools and techniques as well as overviews of the Gen II tests.

Non contiguous-finished genome sequence and description of Senegalemassilia anaerobia gen. nov., sp. nov.

PubMed Central

Lagier, Jean-Christophe; Elkarkouri, Khalid; Rivet, Romain; Couderc, Carine; Raoult, Didier; Fournier, Pierre-Edouard

2013-01-01

Senegalemassilia anaerobia strain JC110T sp.nov. is the type strain of Senegalemassilia anaerobia gen. nov., sp. nov., the type species of a new genus within the Coriobacteriaceae family, Senegalemassilia gen. nov. This strain, whose genome is described here, was isolated from the fecal flora of a healthy Senegalese patient. S. anaerobia is a Gram-positive anaerobic coccobacillus. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 2,383,131 bp long genome contains 1,932 protein-coding and 58 RNA genes. PMID:24019984

Electric Form Factor of the Neutron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feuerbach, Robert

2007-10-01

Recent polarization-based precision measurements of the nucleons' elastic electric form factors have led to surprising results. The measurement of the ratio of the proton's electromagnetic form factors, μpGE^p/GM^p, was found to drop nearly linearly with Q^2 out to at least 5 GeV^2, inconsistent with the older Rosenbluth-type experiments. A recent measurement of GE^n, the neutron's electric form-factor saw GE^n does not fall off as quickly as commonly expected up to Q^2 1.5 GeV^2. Extending this study, a precision measurement of GE^n up to Q^2=3.5 GeV^2 was completed in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. The ratio GE^n/GM^n was measured through the beam-target asymmetry A of electrons quasi-elastically scattered off polarized neutrons in the reaction ^3He(e,e' n). The experiment took full advantage of the electron beam, recent target developments, as well as two detectors new to Jefferson Lab. The measurement used the accelerator's 100% duty-cycle high-polarization (typically 84%) electron beam and a new, hybrid optically-pumped polarized ^3He target which achieved in-beam polarizations in excess of 50%. A medium acceptance (80msr) open-geometry magnetic spectrometer (BigBite) detected the scattered electron, while a geometrically matched neutron detector observed the struck neutron. Preliminary results from this measurement will be discussed and compared to modern calculations of GE^n.

Thermal abuse performance of high-power 18650 Li-ion cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, E. P.; Doughty, D. H.

High-power 18650 Li-ion cells have been developed for hybrid electric vehicle applications as part of the DOE Advanced Technology Development (ATD) program. The thermal abuse response of two advanced chemistries (Gen1 and Gen2) were measured and compared with commercial Sony 18650 cells. Gen1 cells consisted of an MCMB graphite based anode and a LiNi 0.85Co 0.15O 2 cathode material while the Gen2 cells consisted of a MAG10 anode graphite and a LiNi 0.80Co 0.15 Al 0.05O 2 cathode. Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the thermal response and properties of the cells and cell materials up to 400 °C. The MCMB graphite was found to result in increased thermal stability of the cells due to more effective solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation. The Al stabilized cathodes were seen to have higher peak reaction temperatures that also gave improved cell thermal response. The effects of accelerated aging on cell properties were also determined. Aging resulted in improved cell thermal stability with the anodes showing a rapid reduction in exothermic reactions while the cathodes only showed reduced reactions after more extended aging.

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

Allcorn, Eric

A standard electrolyte mixture of 1.2M LiPF6 in EC:EMC (Gen2) was prepared and combined with various weight percentages of the BFR additive Tribromoneopentyl Alcohol (TBNPA) of the values 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.%. The additive amounts of 1,2,5,10, and 20 wt.% TBNPA were visually fully dissolved within 10 minutes of mixing with the Gen2 electrolyte while the 30 wt.% mixture showed full dissolution after 24 hours and the 40 wt.% mixture after 36 hours. A baseline of Gen2 electrolyte with no TBNPA was also included in testing as a baseline. Once the mixtures were fully dissolved,more » electrolyte conductivity was carried out on prepared samples of <1mL using a tee-cell with glassy carbon electrodes. The tests were conducted with a Solartron potentiostat and frequency response analyzer with a voltage amplitude of 5mV and frequency range from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. Each mixture was tested at room temperature (~25°C).« less

Generation-X: An X-ray observatory designed to observe first light objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Windhorst, Rogier A.; Cameron, R. A.; Brissenden, R. J.; Elvis, M. S.; Fabbiano, G.; Gorenstein, P.; Reid, P. B.; Schwartz, D. A.; Bautz, M. W.; Figueroa-Feliciano, E.; Petre, R.; White, N. E.; Zhang, W. W.

2006-03-01

The new cosmological frontier will be the study of the very first stars, galaxies and black holes in the early Universe. These objects are invisible to the current generation of X-ray telescopes, such as Chandra. In response, the Generation-X ("Gen-X") Vision Mission has been proposed as a future X-ray observatory which will be capable of detecting the earliest objects. X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of such faint objects demands a large collecting area and high angular resolution. The Gen-X mission plans 100 m 2 collecting area at 1 keV (1000× that of Chandra), and with an angular resolution of 0.1″. The Gen-X mission will operate at Sun-Earth L2, and might involve four 8 m diameter telescopes or even a single 20 m diameter telescope. To achieve the required effective area with reasonable mass, very lightweight grazing incidence X-ray optics must be developed, having an areal density 100× lower than in Chandra, with mirrors as thin as 0.1 mm requiring active on-orbit figure control. The suite of available detectors for Gen-X should include a large-area high resolution imager, a cryogenic imaging spectrometer, and a grating spectrometer. We discuss use of Gen-X to observe the birth of the first black holes, stars and galaxies, and trace their cosmic evolution.

Characterization and design of the FutureGen 2.0 carbon storage site

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

Gilmore, Tyler; Bonneville, Alain; Sullivan, Charlotte

2016-10-01

The objective of the FutureGen 2.0 Project was to demonstrate, at the commercial scale, the technical feasibility of implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) in a deep saline formation in Illinois, USA. Over approximately 5 years, the FutureGen Alliance conducted a detailed site-selection process and identified a site for carbon sequestration storage in Morgan County, Illinois. The storage site was fully characterized, including the collection of seismic data and the drilling and characterization of a stratigraphic borehole. The characterization data provided critical input for developing a site-specific conceptual model and subsequent numerical modeling simulations. The modeling simulations, coupled with themore » upstream designs of the pipeline and power plant supported the development of a detailed 90 percent design that included the injection wells and associated control and monitoring infrastructure. Collectively, all these data were used by the FutureGen Alliance to develop the required documentation to support the applications for four underground injection control (UIC) permits (one for each proposed well). In August 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued four, first-of-their-kind, Class VI UIC permits for carbon sequestration in the United States to the FutureGen Alliance. The information and data generated under this project have been made publically available through reports and publications, including this journal and others.« less

Back-Up/ Peak Shaving Fuel Cell System

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

Staudt, Rhonda L.

2008-05-28

This Final Report covers the work executed by Plug Power from 8/11/03 – 10/31/07 statement of work for Topic 2: advancing the state of the art of fuel cell technology with the development of a new generation of commercially viable, stationary, Back-up/Peak-Shaving fuel cell systems, the GenCore II. The Program cost was $7.2 M with the Department of Energy share being $3.6M and Plug Power’s share being $3.6 M. The Program started in August of 2003 and was scheduled to end in January of 2006. The actual program end date was October of 2007. A no cost extension was grated.more » The Department of Energy barriers addressed as part of this program are: Technical Barriers for Distributed Generation Systems: o Durability o Power Electronics o Start up time Technical Barriers for Fuel Cell Components: o Stack Material and Manufacturing Cost o Durability o Thermal and water management Background The next generation GenCore backup fuel cell system to be designed, developed and tested by Plug Power under the program is the first, mass-manufacturable design implementation of Plug Power’s GenCore architected platform targeted for battery and small generator replacement applications in the telecommunications, broadband and UPS markets. The next generation GenCore will be a standalone, H2 in-DC-out system. In designing the next generation GenCore specifically for the telecommunications market, Plug Power is teaming with BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc., a leading industry end user. The final next generation GenCore system is expected to represent a market-entry, mass-manufacturable and economically viable design. The technology will incorporate: • A cost-reduced, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack tailored to hydrogen fuel use • An advanced electrical energy storage system • A modular, scalable power conditioning system tailored to market requirements • A scaled-down, cost-reduced balance of plant (BOP) • Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS), UL and CE certifications.« less

76 FR 28973 - Terra-Gen Dixie Valley, LLC; Order on Rehearing and Accepting Tariff Filing, Subject to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-19

.... Clustering and Effective Date i. Terra-Gen Tariff Provisions 15. Terra-Gen proposes provisions to address clustering of transmission system impact studies, consistent with the guidance provided in the January 14... on how Terra-Gen may cluster studies.\\22\\ Terra-Gen's proposed clustering provisions provide, among...

Ovario-protective effects of genistein against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats: Role of anti-müllerian hormone and oestradiol.

PubMed

Saleh, Dalia O; Mansour, Dina F

2016-10-15

Cyclophosphamide (CP), the commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment, is proven to cause ovarian toxicity and infertility in women. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen found in the soy protein, against CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Forty female adult rats were allocated into five groups. A normal control group received the vehicle; another group was injected with a single acute intraperitoneal dose of CP (200mg/kg). Three other groups were pretreated with GEN (0.5, 1 or 2mg/kg; s.c.) for 14 days. Sera and ovaries were obtained 48h after CP treatment. Serum levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and oestradiol (E2) were detected as well as the ovarian level of reduced glutathione (GSH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) were conducted. Results of the present study revealed that CP-induced severe ovarian toxicity via decreasing serum levels of AMH and E2 and elevating oxidative stress and inflammation in ovarian tissues. Histologically, CP caused increase in primordial follicles with less graafian follicles and corpora lutea in ovarian tissues as well as severe induction of iNOS. GEN inhibited the severe decrease in serum AMH and E2 with alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation significantly compared to CP-treated group. GEN improved ovarian histology and immunostaining of ovarian iNOS disrupted by CP. Finally, it can be concluded that GEN exerted protective effects against CP-induced ovarian toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generalized background error covariance matrix model (GEN_BE v2.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Descombes, G.; Auligné, T.; Vandenberghe, F.; Barker, D. M.; Barré, J.

2015-03-01

The specification of state background error statistics is a key component of data assimilation since it affects the impact observations will have on the analysis. In the variational data assimilation approach, applied in geophysical sciences, the dimensions of the background error covariance matrix (B) are usually too large to be explicitly determined and B needs to be modeled. Recent efforts to include new variables in the analysis such as cloud parameters and chemical species have required the development of the code to GENerate the Background Errors (GEN_BE) version 2.0 for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) community model. GEN_BE allows for a simpler, flexible, robust, and community-oriented framework that gathers methods used by some meteorological operational centers and researchers. We present the advantages of this new design for the data assimilation community by performing benchmarks of different modeling of B and showing some of the new features in data assimilation test cases. As data assimilation for clouds remains a challenge, we present a multivariate approach that includes hydrometeors in the control variables and new correlated errors. In addition, the GEN_BE v2.0 code is employed to diagnose error parameter statistics for chemical species, which shows that it is a tool flexible enough to implement new control variables. While the generation of the background errors statistics code was first developed for atmospheric research, the new version (GEN_BE v2.0) can be easily applied to other domains of science and chosen to diagnose and model B. Initially developed for variational data assimilation, the model of the B matrix may be useful for variational ensemble hybrid methods as well.

Insulin receptor substrate-2 regulates aerobic glycolysis in mouse mammary tumor cells via glucose transporter 1.

PubMed

Pankratz, Shannon L; Tan, Ernest Y; Fine, Yumiko; Mercurio, Arthur M; Shaw, Leslie M

2009-01-23

The insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are cytoplasmic adaptor molecules that function as signaling intermediates downstream of activated cell surface receptors. Based on data implicating IRS-2 but not IRS-1 in breast cancer invasion, survival, and metastasis, we assessed the contribution of IRS-1 and IRS-2 to aerobic glycolysis, which is known to impact tumor growth and progression. For this purpose, we used tumor cell lines derived from transgenic mice that express the polyoma virus middle T antigen (PyV-MT) in the mammary gland and that are wild-type (WT) or null for either Irs-1 (Irs-1-/-) or Irs-2 (Irs-2-/-). Aerobic glycolysis, as assessed by the rate of lactic acid production and glucose consumption, was diminished significantly in Irs-2-/- cells when compared with WT and Irs-1-/- cells. Expression of exogenous Irs-2 in Irs-2-/- cells restored the rate of glycolysis to that observed in WT cells. The transcription factor FoxO1 does not appear to be involved in Irs-2-mediated glycolysis. However, Irs-2 does regulate the surface expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) as assessed by flow cytometry using a Glut1-specific ligand. Suppression of Glut1 expression inhibits Irs-2-dependent invasion, which links glycolysis to mammary tumor progression. Irs-2 was shown to be important for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor) activation, and Irs-2-dependent regulation of Glut1 surface expression is rapamycin-sensitive. Collectively, our data indicate that Irs-2, but not Irs-1, promotes invasion by sustaining the aerobic glycolysis of mouse mammary tumor cells and that it does so by regulating the mTor-dependent surface expression of Glut1.

HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR indexes in identifying insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome: Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study (BRAMS).

PubMed

Geloneze, Bruno; Vasques, Ana Carolina Junqueira; Stabe, Christiane França Camargo; Pareja, José Carlos; Rosado, Lina Enriqueta Frandsen Paez de Lima; Queiroz, Elaine Cristina de; Tambascia, Marcos Antonio

2009-03-01

To investigate cut-off values for HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR to identify insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), and to assess the association of the indexes with components of the MS. Nondiabetic subjects from the Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study were studied (n = 1,203, 18 to 78 years). The cut-off values for IR were determined from the 90th percentile in the healthy group (n = 297) and, for MS, a ROC curve was generated for the total sample. In the healthy group, HOMA-IR indexes were associated with central obesity, triglycerides and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). The cut-off values for IR were: HOMA1-IR > 2.7 and HOMA2-IR > 1.8; and, for MS were: HOMA1-IR > 2.3 (sensitivity: 76.8%; specificity: 66.7%) and HOMA2-IR > 1.4 (sensitivity: 79.2%; specificity: 61.2%). The cut-off values identified for HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR indexes have a clinical and epidemiological application for identifying IR and MS in Westernized admixtured multi-ethnic populations.

The collaborative African genomics network training program: a trainee perspective on training the next generation of African scientists.

PubMed

Mlotshwa, Busisiwe C; Mwesigwa, Savannah; Mboowa, Gerald; Williams, Lesedi; Retshabile, Gaone; Kekitiinwa, Adeodata; Wayengera, Misaki; Kyobe, Samuel; Brown, Chester W; Hanchard, Neil A; Mardon, Graeme; Joloba, Moses; Anabwani, Gabriel; Mpoloka, Sununguko W

2017-07-01

The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) aims to establish sustainable genomics research programs in Botswana and Uganda through long-term training of PhD students from these countries at Baylor College of Medicine. Here, we present an overview of the CAfGEN PhD training program alongside trainees' perspectives on their involvement. Historically, collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), or North-South collaborations, have been criticized for the lack of a mutually beneficial distribution of resources and research findings, often undermining LMICs. CAfGEN plans to address this imbalance in the genomics field through a program of technology and expertise transfer to the participating LMICs. An overview of the training program is presented. Trainees from the CAfGEN project summarized their experiences, looking specifically at the training model, benefits of the program, challenges encountered relating to the cultural transition, and program outcomes after the first 2 years. Collaborative training programs like CAfGEN will not only help establish sustainable long-term research initiatives in LMICs but also foster stronger North-South and South-South networks. The CAfGEN model offers a framework for the development of training programs aimed at genomics education for those for whom genomics is not their "first language." Genet Med advance online publication 06 April 2017.

The collaborative African genomics network training program: a trainee perspective on training the next generation of African scientists

PubMed Central

Mlotshwa, Busisiwe C.; Mwesigwa, Savannah; Mboowa, Gerald; Williams, Lesedi; Retshabile, Gaone; Kekitiinwa, Adeodata; Wayengera, Misaki; Kyobe, Samuel; Brown, Chester W.; Hanchard, Neil A.; Mardon, Graeme; Joloba, Moses; Anabwani, Gabriel; Mpoloka, Sununguko W.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) aims to establish sustainable genomics research programs in Botswana and Uganda through long-term training of PhD students from these countries at Baylor College of Medicine. Here, we present an overview of the CAfGEN PhD training program alongside trainees’ perspectives on their involvement. Background: Historically, collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), or North–South collaborations, have been criticized for the lack of a mutually beneficial distribution of resources and research findings, often undermining LMICs. CAfGEN plans to address this imbalance in the genomics field through a program of technology and expertise transfer to the participating LMICs. Methods: An overview of the training program is presented. Trainees from the CAfGEN project summarized their experiences, looking specifically at the training model, benefits of the program, challenges encountered relating to the cultural transition, and program outcomes after the first 2 years. Conclusion: Collaborative training programs like CAfGEN will not only help establish sustainable long-term research initiatives in LMICs but also foster stronger North–South and South–South networks. The CAfGEN model offers a framework for the development of training programs aimed at genomics education for those for whom genomics is not their “first language.” Genet Med advance online publication 06 April 2017 PMID:28383545

Oxygen generation by combined electrolysis and fuel-cell technology: clinical use in COPD patients requiring long time oxygen therapy.

PubMed

Hirche, T O; Born, T; Jungblut, S; Sczepanski, B; Kenn, K; Köhnlein, T; Hirche, H; Wagner, T O

2008-10-27

Oxy-Gen lite, a recently developed combined electrolysis and fuel cell technology, de-novo generates oxygen with high purity for medical use from distilled water and room air. However, its use in patients with chronic respiratory failure has never been evaluated. To test the clinical applicability and safety of Oxy-Gen lite technology, we enrolled 32 COPD patients with chronic hypoxemia and long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in a controlled, randomized, multicenter clinical trial. Standard continuous oxygen therapy with a maximal flow rate of 2 L/min was tested against pulsatile oxygen delivery by Oxy-Gen lite. Oxygen saturation at seated-rest was recorded over 30 min and used as a primary read-out parameter. Oxygen saturation was also recorded during mild physical strain (speaking out loud) or overnight's sleep. Both methods of oxygen supply established oxygen saturations within the normal range (i.e., upper plateau of the sigmoid oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve) compared to breathing room air (p<0.0001). Mean oxygen saturation under standard continuous oxygen flow or Oxy-Gen lite technology during rest, physical strain or sleep proved statistically equivalent (95%CI<2.5% of reference saturation). The use of Oxy-Gen lite in COPD patients with hypoxemia and LTOT

Synthesis and characterization of carbazolide-based iridium PNP pincer complexes. Mechanistic and computational investigation of alkene hydrogenation: evidence for an Ir(III)/Ir(V)/Ir(III) catalytic cycle.

PubMed

Cheng, Chen; Kim, Bong Gon; Guironnet, Damien; Brookhart, Maurice; Guan, Changjian; Wang, David Y; Krogh-Jespersen, Karsten; Goldman, Alan S

2014-05-07

New carbazolide-based iridium pincer complexes ((carb)PNP)Ir(C2H4), 3a, and ((carb)PNP)Ir(H)2, 3b, have been prepared and characterized. The dihydride, 3b, reacts with ethylene to yield the cis-dihydride ethylene complex cis-((carb)PNP)Ir(C2H4)(H)2. Under ethylene this complex reacts slowly at 70 °C to yield ethane and the ethylene complex, 3a. Kinetic analysis establishes that the reaction rate is dependent on ethylene concentration and labeling studies show reversible migratory insertion to form an ethyl hydride complex prior to formation of 3a. Exposure of cis-((carb)PNP)Ir(C2H4)(H)2 to hydrogen results in very rapid formation of ethane and dihydride, 3b. DFT analysis suggests that ethane elimination from the ethyl hydride complex is assisted by ethylene through formation of ((carb)PNP)Ir(H)(Et)(C2H4) and by H2 through formation of ((carb)PNP)Ir(H)(Et)(H2). Elimination of ethane from Ir(III) complex ((carb)PNP)Ir(H)(Et)(H2) is calculated to proceed through an Ir(V) complex ((carb)PNP)Ir(H)3(Et) which reductively eliminates ethane with a very low barrier to return to the Ir(III) dihydride, 3b. Under catalytic hydrogenation conditions (C2H4/H2), cis-((carb)PNP)Ir(C2H4)(H)2 is the catalyst resting state, and the catalysis proceeds via an Ir(III)/Ir(V)/Ir(III) cycle. This is in sharp contrast to isoelectronic (PCP)Ir systems in which hydrogenation proceeds through an Ir(III)/Ir(I)/Ir(III) cycle. The basis for this remarkable difference is discussed.

Traffic Generator (TrafficGen) Version 1.4.2: Users Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

events, the user has to enter them manually . We will research and implement a way to better define and organize the multicast addresses so they can be...the network with Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol Internet Protocol traffic. Each node generating network traffic in an...TrafficGen Graphical User Interface (GUI) 3 3.1 Anatomy of the User Interface 3 3.2 Scenario Configuration and MGEN Files 4 4. Working with

Tadaridanema delicatus (Schwartz, 1927) n. gen., n. comb. (Trichostrongylina: Molineidae) parasite of Molossidae bats.

PubMed

Falcón-Ordaz, Jorge; Guzmán-Cornejo, Carmen; García-Prieto, Luis; Gardner, Scott Lyell

2006-10-01

On the basis of the revision of the type material of Anoplostrongylus delicatus Schwartz, 1927, and new specimens collected from Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure, 1860) in 4 arid localities from Mexico, we describe a new genus (Tadaridanema n. gen.), to which A. delicatus is transferred (as Tadaridanema delicatus (Schwartz, 1927) n. gen., n. comb.). This new genus differs from all other genera included in Anoplostrongylinae by having ray 2 larger than ray 3. In addition, T. delicatus can be differentiated from the type species of Anoplostrongylus (Anoplostrongylus paradoxus (Travassos, 1918)) because it possess vestibular branches equal in length, cephalic inflation divided into 2 regions, and synlophe with many small ridges at the midbody level, whereas in T. delicatus, vestibular branches are equal in size, cephalic inflation is simple in structure, and the synlophe has only 2 well-developed dorsal cuticular ridges.

SH2-B promotes insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)- and IRS2-mediated activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in response to leptin.

PubMed

Duan, Chaojun; Li, Minghua; Rui, Liangyou

2004-10-15

Leptin regulates energy homeostasis primarily by binding and activating its long form receptor (LRb). Deficiency of either leptin or LRb causes morbid obesity. Leptin stimulates LRb-associated JAK2, thus initiating multiple pathways including the Stat3 and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase pathways that mediate leptin biological actions. Here we report that SH2-B, a JAK2-interacting protein, promotes activation of the PI 3-kinase pathway by recruiting insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and IRS2 in response to leptin. SH2-B directly bound, via its PH and SH2 domain, to both IRS1 and IRS2 both in vitro and in intact cells and mediated formation of a JAK2/SH2-B/IRS1 or IRS2 tertiary complex. Consequently, SH2-B dramatically enhanced leptin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 and IRS2 in HEK293 cells stably expressing LRb, thus promoting association of IRS1 and IRS2 with the p85 regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase and phosphorylation and activation of Akt. SH2-B mutants with lower affinity for IRS1 and IRS2 exhibited reduced ability to promote association of JAK2 with IRS1, tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1, and association of IRS1 with p85 in response to leptin. Moreover, deletion of the SH2-B gene impaired leptin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous IRS1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), which was reversed by reintroduction of SH2-B. Similarly, SH2-B promoted growth hormone-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1 in both HEK293 and MEF cells. Our data suggest that SH2-B is a novel mediator of the PI 3-kinase pathway in response to leptin or other hormones and cytokines that activate JAK2.

Traditional and confocal descriptions of a new genus and two new species of deep water Cerviniinae Sars, 1903 from the Southern Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea: with a discussion on the use of digital media in taxonomy (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Aegisthidae).

PubMed

Corgosinho, Paulo H C; Kihara, Terue C; Schizas, Nikolaos V; Ostmann, Alexandra; Arbizu, Pedro Martínez; Ivanenko, Viatcheslav N

2018-01-01

Aegisthidae is one of the most abundant and diverse families of harpacticoid copepods living in deep-sea benthos, and the phylogenetic relationships within the family are in state of flux. Females of two new deep-water species of harpacticoid copepods belonging to the Hase gen. n. (Aegisthidae: Cerviniinae) are described. The first taxonomic description of marine copepod species based on the combined use of interference and confocal microscopy for the study of the habitus and dissected appendages is presented here. CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy) is a non-destructive method, comparable in quality to SEM (scanning electron microscopy) at the same magnifications. To observe and reconstruct in detail the habitus and dissected appendages, whole specimens and dissected parts were stained with Congo Red, mounted on slides with glycerine for CLSM and scanned under three visible-light lasers. Hase lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. and Hase talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. were collected from the sediments of the Southern Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea, from 2270 m and 5468 m depths, respectively. Hase gen. n. is included within Cerviniinae based on the caudal rami which are relatively divergent. Hase gen. n. is the sister taxon of Cerviniella based on the following synapomorphies: sturdy body, exopodites 1-3 of pereopods 1-3 heavily built, transformed into digging limbs, with strong outer and distal spines/setae, two-segmented endopod on the pereopods 2 and 3, and a reduced pereopod 5. Compared to Cerviniella, Hase gen. n. exhibits a more developed armature on the pereopod 1, which has outer and distal elements transformed into strong and long spines vs. stiff setae on Cerviniella.Hase gen. n. has one or two strong and long spines on the inner margin of the exopodite 3 of pereopod 4 and pereopod 5 is fused to the somite, ornamented with three distal setae. The telson of Hase gen. n. is subquadratic, and the furca is among the shortest yet described for Aegisthidae. The new species differ in a number of diagnostic characters, three of which are: a) the somite bearing pereopods 3 and 4 with latero-distal spiniform processes in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. but smooth in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. , b) antenna is armed with three stout spines on the lateral inner margin of the exopod in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. and two proximal setae in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. , and c) pereopod 4 exopodite 3 has two long and strong spines on the inner margin in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. and one spine in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. The high quality of CLSM images should foster discussion about the use of high quality digital images as type or as part of the type series in zoological studies, especially when studying rare and small macrofaunal and meiofaunal taxa.

Traditional and confocal descriptions of a new genus and two new species of deep water Cerviniinae Sars, 1903 from the Southern Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea: with a discussion on the use of digital media in taxonomy (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Aegisthidae)

PubMed Central

Corgosinho, Paulo H. C.; Kihara, Terue C.; Schizas, Nikolaos V.; Ostmann, Alexandra; Arbizu, Pedro Martínez; Ivanenko, Viatcheslav N.

2018-01-01

Abstract Aegisthidae is one of the most abundant and diverse families of harpacticoid copepods living in deep-sea benthos, and the phylogenetic relationships within the family are in state of flux. Females of two new deep-water species of harpacticoid copepods belonging to the Hase gen. n. (Aegisthidae: Cerviniinae) are described. The first taxonomic description of marine copepod species based on the combined use of interference and confocal microscopy for the study of the habitus and dissected appendages is presented here. CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy) is a non-destructive method, comparable in quality to SEM (scanning electron microscopy) at the same magnifications. To observe and reconstruct in detail the habitus and dissected appendages, whole specimens and dissected parts were stained with Congo Red, mounted on slides with glycerine for CLSM and scanned under three visible-light lasers. Hase lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. and Hase talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. were collected from the sediments of the Southern Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea, from 2270 m and 5468 m depths, respectively. Hase gen. n. is included within Cerviniinae based on the caudal rami which are relatively divergent. Hase gen. n. is the sister taxon of Cerviniella based on the following synapomorphies: sturdy body, exopodites 1–3 of pereopods 1–3 heavily built, transformed into digging limbs, with strong outer and distal spines/setae, two-segmented endopod on the pereopods 2 and 3, and a reduced pereopod 5. Compared to Cerviniella, Hase gen. n. exhibits a more developed armature on the pereopod 1, which has outer and distal elements transformed into strong and long spines vs. stiff setae on Cerviniella.Hase gen. n. has one or two strong and long spines on the inner margin of the exopodite 3 of pereopod 4 and pereopod 5 is fused to the somite, ornamented with three distal setae. The telson of Hase gen. n. is subquadratic, and the furca is among the shortest yet described for Aegisthidae. The new species differ in a number of diagnostic characters, three of which are: a) the somite bearing pereopods 3 and 4 with latero-distal spiniform processes in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. but smooth in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n., b) antenna is armed with three stout spines on the lateral inner margin of the exopod in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. and two proximal setae in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n., and c) pereopod 4 exopodite 3 has two long and strong spines on the inner margin in H. lagomorphicus gen. et sp. n. and one spine in H. talpamorphicus gen. et sp. n. The high quality of CLSM images should foster discussion about the use of high quality digital images as type or as part of the type series in zoological studies, especially when studying rare and small macrofaunal and meiofaunal taxa. PMID:29930476

Insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 but not Shc can activate the insulin receptor independent of insulin and induce proliferation in CHO-IR cells

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

Niessen, Markus; Jaschinski, Frank; Item, Flurin

2007-02-15

Ligand-activated insulin receptor (IR) attracts and phosphorylates various substrates such as insulin receptor substrates 1-4 (IRS) and Shc. To investigate how binding affinity for substrate affects signalling we generated chimeric receptors with the {beta}-chain of the insulin receptor containing NPXY motives with different affinities for receptor substrates. We found that the extent of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation positively correlates with binding affinity towards IRS1/2 but not towards Shc. Moreover, overexpression of IRS1 or IRS2 but not of Shc increased IR tyrosine phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, also independent of insulin. Molecular truncations of IRS1 revealed that neither the isolated PH andmore » PTB domains nor the C-terminus with the tyrosine phosphorylation sites alone are sufficient for substrate-dependent receptor activation. Overexpression of IRS1 and IRS2 impaired insulin-induced internalization of the IR in a dose-dependent manner suggesting that IRS proteins prevent endosome-associated receptor dephosphorylation/inactivation. IRS1 and IRS2 could therefore target the activated IR to different cellular compartments. Overexpression of IRS1 and IRS2 inhibited insulin-stimulated activation of the MAP kinases Erk1/2 while it increased/induced activation of Akt/PKB. Finally, overexpression of IRS1 and IRS2 but not of Shc induced DNA synthesis in starved CHO-IR cells independent of exogenous growth factors. Our results demonstrate that variations in cellular IRS1 and IRS2 concentration affect insulin signalling both upstream and downstream and that IRS proteins could play instructive rather than just permissive roles in signal transmission.« less

75 FR 80046 - ORPC Alaska, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-21

... study the feasibility of the Nenana RivGen Power Project (Nenana Project) to be located on the Tanana... RivGen turbine-generator modules with a combined capacity of 300 kilowatts; (2) an approximately 450... north bank of the Tanana River, or an alternate transmission cable configuration that is yet to be...

Modulation of the metabolic response to an endotoxin challenge in Brahman heifers through OmniGen-AF supplementation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study examined the effect of feeding OmniGen-AF (OG; Prince Agri Products) on the metabolic response of newly-weaned heifers to an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) challenge. Brahman heifers (n=24; 183±5 kilograms) from the Texas AgriLife Research Center in Overton, TX, were separated into 2...

Advanced Silicon Detectors for High Energy Astrophysics Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricker, George

2005-01-01

A viewgraph presentation on the development of silicon detectors for high energy astrophysics missions is presented. The topics include: 1) Background: Motivation for Event-Driven CCD; 2) Report of Grant Activity; 3) Packaged EDCCD; 4) Measured X-ray Energy Resolution of the Gen1 EDCCDs Operated in "Conventional Mode"; and 5) EDCCD Gen 1.5-Lot 1 Planning.

Presence of Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in River and Drinking Water near a Fluorochemical Production Plant in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Gebbink, Wouter A; van Asseldonk, Laura; van Leeuwen, Stefan P J

2017-10-03

The present study investigated the presence of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in river water collected in 2016 up- and downstream from a fluorochemical production plant, as well as in river water from control sites, in The Netherlands. Additionally, drinking water samples were collected from municipalities in the vicinity from the production plant, as well as in other regions in The Netherlands. The PFOA replacement chemical GenX was detected at all downstream river sampling sites with the highest concentration (812 ng/L) at the first sampling location downstream from the production plant, which was 13 times higher than concentrations of sum perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids and perfluoroalkanesulfonates (∑PFCA+∑PFSA). Using high resolution mass spectrometry, 11 polyfluoroalkyl acids belonging to the C 2n H 2n F 2n O 2 , C 2n H 2n+2 F 2n SO 4 or C 2n+1 H 2n F 2n+4 SO 4 homologue series were detected, but only in downstream water samples. These emerging PFASs followed a similar distribution as GenX among the downstream sampling sites, suggesting the production plant as the source. Polyfluoroalkyl sulfonates (C 2n H 2 F 4n SO 3 ) were detected in all collected river water samples, and therefore appear to be ubiquitous contaminants in Dutch rivers. GenX was also detected in drinking water collected from 3 out of 4 municipalities in the vicinity of the production plant, with highest concentration at 11 ng/L. Drinking water containing the highest level of GenX also contained two C 2n H 2n F 2n O 2 homologues.

Presence of Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in River and Drinking Water near a Fluorochemical Production Plant in the Netherlands

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The present study investigated the presence of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in river water collected in 2016 up- and downstream from a fluorochemical production plant, as well as in river water from control sites, in The Netherlands. Additionally, drinking water samples were collected from municipalities in the vicinity from the production plant, as well as in other regions in The Netherlands. The PFOA replacement chemical GenX was detected at all downstream river sampling sites with the highest concentration (812 ng/L) at the first sampling location downstream from the production plant, which was 13 times higher than concentrations of sum perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids and perfluoroalkanesulfonates (∑PFCA+∑PFSA). Using high resolution mass spectrometry, 11 polyfluoroalkyl acids belonging to the C2nH2nF2nO2, C2nH2n+2F2nSO4 or C2n+1H2nF2n+4SO4 homologue series were detected, but only in downstream water samples. These emerging PFASs followed a similar distribution as GenX among the downstream sampling sites, suggesting the production plant as the source. Polyfluoroalkyl sulfonates (C2nH2F4nSO3) were detected in all collected river water samples, and therefore appear to be ubiquitous contaminants in Dutch rivers. GenX was also detected in drinking water collected from 3 out of 4 municipalities in the vicinity of the production plant, with highest concentration at 11 ng/L. Drinking water containing the highest level of GenX also contained two C2nH2nF2nO2 homologues. PMID:28853567

Taxonomic dissection of the genus Micrococcus: Kocuria gen. nov., Nesterenkonia gen. nov., Kytococcus gen. nov., Dermacoccus gen. nov., and Micrococcus Cohn 1872 gen. emend.

PubMed

Stackebrandt, E; Koch, C; Gvozdiak, O; Schumann, P

1995-10-01

The results of a phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analysis of the genus Micrococcus indicated that it is significantly heterogeneous. Except for Micrococcus lylae, no species groups phylogenetically with the type species of the genus, Micrococcus luteus. The other members of the genus form three separate phylogenetic lines which on the basis of chemotaxonomic properties can be assigned to four genera. These genera are the genus Kocuria gen. nov. for Micrococcus roseus, Micrococcus varians, and Micrococcus kristinae, described as Kocuria rosea comb. nov., Kocuria varians comb. nov., and Kocuria kristinae comb. nov., respectively; the genus Nesterenkonia gen. nov. for Micrococcus halobius, described as Nesterenkonia halobia comb. nov.; the genus Nesterenkonia gen. nov. for Micrococcus halobius, described as Nesterenkonia halobia comb. nov.; the genus Dermacoccus gen. nov. for Micrococcus nishinomiyaensis, described as Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis comb. nov.; and the genus Kytocossus gen. nov. for Micrococcus sedentarius, described as Kytococcus sedentarius comb. nov. M. luteus and M. lylae, which are closely related phylogenetically but differ in some chemotaxonomic properties, are the only species that remain in the genus Micrococcus Cohn 1872. An emended description of the genus Micrococcus is given [corrected].

DOE/NNSA perspective safeguard by design: GEN III/III+ light water reactors and beyond

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

Pan, Paul Y

2010-12-10

An overview of key issues relevant to safeguards by design (SBD) for GEN III/IV nuclear reactors is provided. Lessons learned from construction of typical GEN III+ water reactors with respect to SBD are highlighted. Details of SBD for safeguards guidance development for GEN III/III+ light water reactors are developed and reported. This paper also identifies technical challenges to extend SBD including proliferation resistance methodologies to other GEN III/III+ reactors (except HWRs) and GEN IV reactors because of their immaturity in designs.

Construction of Potent Recombinant Strain Through Intergeneric Protoplast Fusion in Endophytic Fungi for Anticancerous Enzymes Production Using Rice Straw.

PubMed

El-Gendy, Mervat Morsy Abbas Ahmed; Al-Zahrani, Salha Hassan Mastour; El-Bondkly, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed

2017-09-01

Among all fungal endophytes isolates derived from different ethno-medical plants, the hyper-yield L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase wild strains Trichoderma sp. Gen 9 and Cladosporium sp. Gen 20 using rice straw under solid-state fermentation (SSF) were selected. The selected strains were used as parents for the intergeneric protoplast fusion program to construct recombinant strain for prompt improvement production of these enzymes in one recombinant strain. Among 21 fusants obtained, the recombinant strain AYA 20-1, with 2.11-fold and 2.58-fold increase in L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase activities more than the parental isolates Trichoderma sp. Gen 9 and Cladosporium sp. Gen 20, respectively, was achieved using rice straw under SSF. Both therapeutic enzymes L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase were purified and characterized from the culture supernatant of the recombinant AYA 20-1 strain with molecular weights of 50.6 and 83.2 kDa, respectively. Both enzymes were not metalloenzymes. Whereas thiol group blocking reagents such as p-chloromercurybenzoate and iodoacetamide totally inhibited L-asparaginase activity, which refer to sulfhydryl groups and cysteine residues involved in its catalytic activity, they have no effect toward L-glutaminase activity. Interestingly, potent anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were detected for both enzymes.

Flight Test Implementation of a Second Generation Intelligent Flight Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams-Hayes, Peggy S.

2005-01-01

The NASA F-15 Intelligent Flight Control System project team has developed a series of flight control concepts designed to demonstrate the benefits of a neural network-based adaptive controller. The objective of the team was to develop and flight-test control systems that use neural network technology, to optimize the performance of the aircraft under nominal conditions, and to stabilize the aircraft under failure conditions. Failure conditions include locked or failed control surfaces as well as unforeseen damage that might occur to the aircraft in flight. The Intelligent Flight Control System team is currently in the process of implementing a second generation control scheme, collectively known as Generation 2 or Gen 2, for flight testing on the NASA F-15 aircraft. This report describes the Gen 2 system as implemented by the team for flight test evaluation. Simulation results are shown which describe the experiment to be performed in flight and highlight the ways in which the Gen 2 system meets the defined objectives.

Addressing Control Research Issues Leading to Piloted Simulations in Support of the IFCS F-15

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Napolitano, Marcello; Perhinschi, Mario; Campa, Giampiero; Seanor, Brad

2004-01-01

This report summarizes the research effort by a team of researchers at West Virginia University in support of the NASA Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) F-15 program. In particular, WVU researchers assisted NASA Dryden researchers in the following technical tasks leading to piloted simulation of the 'Gen_2' IFCS control laws. Task #1- Performance comparison of different neural network (NN) augmentation for the Dynamic Inversion (DI) -based VCAS 'Gen_2' control laws. Task #2- Development of safety monitor criteria for transition to research control laws with and without failure during flight test. Task #3- Fine-tuning of the 'Gen_2' control laws for cross-coupling reduction at post-failure conditions. Matlab/Simulink-based simulation codes were provided to the technical monitor on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project. Additional deliverables for the project were Power Point-based slides prepared for different project meetings. This document provides a description of the methodology and discusses the general conclusions from the simulation results.

Brachyceran Diptera (Insecta) in Cretaceous ambers, Part IV, Significant New Orthorrhaphous Taxa.

PubMed

Grimaldi, David A; Arillo, Antonio; Cumming, Jeffrey M; Hauser, Martin

2011-01-01

Thirteen species of basal Brachycera (11 described as new) are reported, belonging to nine families and three infraorders. They are preserved in amber from the Early Cretaceous (Neocomian) of Lebanon, Albian of northern Spain, upper Albian to lower Cenomanian of northern Myanmar, and Late Cretaceous of New Jersey USA (Turonian) and Alberta, Canada (Campanian). Taxa are as follows, with significance as noted: In Stratiomyomorpha: Stratiomyidae (Cretaceogaster pygmaeus Teskey [2 new specimens in Canadian amber], Lysistrata emerita Grimaldi & Arillo, gen. et sp. n. [stem-group species of the family in Spanish amber]), and Xylomyidae (Cretoxyla azari Grimaldi & Cumming, gen. et sp. n. [in Lebanese amber], and an undescribed species from Spain). In Tabanomorpha: Tabanidae (Cratotabanus newjerseyensis Grimaldi, sp. n., in New Jersey amber). In Muscomorpha: Acroceridae (Schlingeromyia minuta Grimaldi & Hauser, gen. et sp. n. and Burmacyrtus rusmithi Grimaldi & Hauser gen. etsp. n., in Burmese amber, the only definitive species of the family from the Cretaceous); Mythicomyiidae (Microburmyia analvena Grimaldi & Cumming gen. et sp. n. and Microburmyia veanalvena Grimaldi & Cumming, sp. n., stem-group species of the family, both in Burmese amber); Apsilocephalidae or near (therevoid family-group) (Kumaromyia burmitica Grimaldi & Hauser, gen. et sp. n. [in Burmese amber]); Apystomyiidae (Hilarimorphites burmanica Grimaldi & Cumming, sp. n. [in Burmese amber], whose closest relatives are from the Late Jurassic of Kazachstan, the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey, and Recent of California). Lastly, two species belonging to families incertae sedis, both in Burmese amber: Tethepomyiidae (Tethepomyia zigrasi Grimaldi & Arillo sp. n., the aculeate oviscapt of which indicates this family was probably parasitoidal and related to Eremochaetidae); and unplaced to family is Myanmyia asteiformia Grimaldi, gen. et sp. n., a minute fly with highly reduced venation. These new taxa significantly expand the Mesozoic fossil record of rare and phylogenetically significant taxa of lower Brachycera.

Design for Maintainability with Modified Petri Nets (MPNs): Shipboard Propulsion System Application.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-01

hazard (in acco- Fance with current environmental protection requirements). P20 YES T20 T2 1 EOOW report to 000, "Fire hazards removed from No engine room...8217-..! AARCA: GAS TURBINE MAIN ENGINE - GENERATOR Room NO 2 , .’ .- " SE7 NO. 2 \\ N 2 GEN MRGA GTM ,RZT 4o i .. .E rAF- _....Pr AJ*~ IAMR...GA Z0GYM GEN "-- ~ ~ P LL-L GIM. I I - GT MAIN ENGINE/ \\ t I . ROOM NO. I GAS 7RBINE ALIX MCHRY AUX MCHRY O OROO NO OOM NO. GENEU.ATOF ROOM NO 2 R

Influence of radiation quality on mouse chromosome 2 deletions in radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia.

PubMed

Brown, Natalie; Finnon, Rosemary; Manning, Grainne; Bouffler, Simon; Badie, Christophe

2015-11-01

Leukaemia is the prevailing neoplastic disorder of the hematopoietic system. Epidemiological analyses of the survivors of the Japanese atomic bombings show that exposure to ionising radiation (IR) can cause leukaemia. Although a clear association between radiation exposure and leukaemia development is acknowledged, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A hemizygous deletion on mouse chromosome 2 (del2) is a common feature in several mouse strains susceptible to radiation-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (rAML). The deletion is an early event detectable 24h after exposure in bone marrow cells. Ultimately, 15-25% of exposed animals develop AML with 80-90% of cases carrying del2. Molecular mapping of leukaemic cell genomes identified a minimal deleted region (MDR) on chromosome 2 (chr2) in which a tumour suppressor gene, Sfpi1 is located, encoding the transcription factor PU.1, essential in haematopoiesis. The remaining copy of Sfpi1 has a point mutation in the coding sequence for the DNA-binding domain of the protein in 70% of rAML, which alters a single CpG sequence in the codon for arginine residue R235. In order to identify chr2 deletions and Sfpi.1/PU.1 loss, we performed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on a unique panel of 79rAMLs. Using a custom made CGH array specifically designed for mouse chr2, we analysed at unprecedentedly high resolution (1.4M array- 148bp resolution) the size of the MDR in low LET and high-LET induced rAMLs (32 X-ray- and 47 neutron-induced). Sequencing of Sfpi1/PU.1DNA binding domain identified the presence of R235 point mutations, showing no influence of radiation quality on R235 type or frequency. We identified for the first time rAML cases with complex del2 in a subset of neutron-induced AMLs. This study allowed us to re-define the MDR to a much smaller 5.5Mb region (still including Sfpi1/PU.1), identical regardless of radiation quality. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increased expression of both insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 confers increased sensitivity to IGF-1 stimulated cell migration.

PubMed

de Blaquière, Gail E; May, Felicity E B; Westley, Bruce R

2009-06-01

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are thought to promote tumour progression and metastasis in part by stimulating cell migration. Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 are multisite docking proteins positioned immediately downstream from the type I IGF and insulin receptors. IRS-2 but not IRS-1 has been reported to be involved in the migratory response of breast cancer cells to IGFs. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if IRS-1 is involved in, and to assess the contributions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 to, the migratory response of breast cancer cells to IGFs. The expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 varied considerably between ten breast cancer cell lines. Oestrogen increases expression of the type I IGF receptor, IRS-1 and IRS-2 in MCF-7 and ZR-75 cells. Oestrogens may control the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to IGFs by regulating the expression of components of the IGF signal transduction pathway. The migratory response to a range of IGF-1 concentrations was measured in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in which IRS-1 and IRS-2 levels were modulated using a doxycycline-inducible expression system. Induction of both IRS-1 and IRS-2 expression increased the sensitivity of the migratory response to IGF-1 but did not increase the magnitude of the response stimulated at higher concentrations of IGF-1. Knockdown of IRS-1, IRS-2 and the type I IGF receptor in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-2231 cells decreased sensitivity to IGF-1. We conclude that both IRS-1 and IRS-2 control the migratory response of breast cancer cells to IGF-1 and may, therefore, be key molecules in determining breast cancer spread.

78 FR 63459 - Names of Members of the Performance Review Board for the Department of the Air Force

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-24

.... Air Force are: 1. Board President--Gen Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command 2. Lt Gen... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Names of Members of the Performance Review Board for the Department of the Air Force ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is given of the names of members...

Detection prospects for high energy neutrino sources from the anisotropic matter distribution in the local Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mertsch, Philipp; Rameez, Mohamed; Tamborra, Irene

2017-03-01

Constraints on the number and luminosity of the sources of the cosmic neutrinos detected by IceCube have been set by targeted searches for point sources. We set complementary constraints by using the 2MASS Redshift Survey (2MRS) catalogue, which maps the matter distribution of the local Universe. Assuming that the distribution of the neutrino sources follows that of matter, we look for correlations between ``warm'' spots on the IceCube skymap and the 2MRS matter distribution. Through Monte Carlo simulations of the expected number of neutrino multiplets and careful modelling of the detector performance (including that of IceCube-Gen2), we demonstrate that sources with local density exceeding 10-6 Mpc-3 and neutrino luminosity Lν lesssim 1042 erg s-1 (1041 erg s-1) will be efficiently revealed by our method using IceCube (IceCube-Gen2). At low luminosities such as will be probed by IceCube-Gen2, the sensitivity of this analysis is superior to requiring statistically significant direct observation of a point source.

Spin orientations of the spin-half Ir 4+ ions in Sr 3NiIrO 6, Sr 2IrO 4 and Na 2IrO 3: Density functional, perturbation theory and Madelung potential analyses

DOE PAGES

Gordon, Elijah E.; Xiang, Hongjun; Koehler, Jurgen; ...

2016-03-01

The spins of the low-spin Ir 4+ (S = 1/2, d 5) ions at the octahedral sites of the oxides Sr 3NiIrO 6, Sr 2IrO 4 and Na 2IrO 3 exhibit preferred orientations with respect to their IrO6 octahedra. We evaluated the magnetic anisotropies of these S = 1/2 ions on the basis of DFT calculations including spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and probed their origin by performing perturbation theory analyses with SOC as perturbation within the LS coupling scheme. The observed spin orientations of Sr 3NiIrO 6 and Sr 2IrO 4 are correctly predicted by DFT calculations, and are accounted formore » by the perturbation theory analysis. As for the spin orientation of Na 2IrO 3, both experimental studies and DFT calculations have not been unequivocal. Our analysis reveals that the Ir 4+ spin orientation of Na 2IrO 3 should have nonzero components along the c- and a-axes directions. The spin orientations determined by DFT calculations are sensitive to the accuracy of the crystal structures employed, which is explained by perturbation theory analyses when interactions between adjacent Ir 4+ ions are taken into consideration. There are indications implying that the 5d electrons of Na 2IrO 3 are less strongly localized compared with those of Sr 3NiIrO 6 and Sr 2IrO 4. This implication was confirmed by showing that the Madelung potentials of the Ir 4+ ions are less negative in Na 2IrO 3 than in Sr 3NiIrO 6, Sr 2IrO 4. Most transition-metal S = 1/2 ions do have magnetic anisotropies because the SOC induces interactions among their crystal-field split d-states, and the associated mixing of the states modifies only the orbital parts of the states. This finding cannot be mimicked by a spin Hamiltonian because this model Hamiltonian lacks the orbital degree of freedom, thereby leading to the spin-half syndrome. As a result, the spin-orbital entanglement for the 5d spin-half ions Ir 4+ is not as strong as has been assumed lately.« less

Spin orientations of the spin-half Ir4+ ions in Sr3NiIrO6, Sr2IrO4, and Na2IrO3: Density functional, perturbation theory, and Madelung potential analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Elijah E.; Xiang, Hongjun; Köhler, Jürgen; Whangbo, Myung-Hwan

2016-03-01

The spins of the low-spin Ir4+ (S = 1/2, d5) ions at the octahedral sites of the oxides Sr3NiIrO6, Sr2IrO4, and Na2IrO3 exhibit preferred orientations with respect to their IrO6 octahedra. We evaluated the magnetic anisotropies of these S = 1/2 ions on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations including spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and probed their origin by performing perturbation theory analyses with SOC as perturbation within the LS coupling scheme. The observed spin orientations of Sr3NiIrO6 and Sr2IrO4 are correctly predicted by DFT calculations, and are accounted for by the perturbation theory analysis. As for the spin orientation of Na2IrO3, both experimental studies and DFT calculations have not been unequivocal. Our analysis reveals that the Ir4+ spin orientation of Na2IrO3 should have nonzero components along the c- and a-axis directions. The spin orientations determined by DFT calculations are sensitive to the accuracy of the crystal structures employed, which is explained by perturbation theory analyses when interactions between adjacent Ir4+ ions are taken into consideration. There are indications implying that the 5d electrons of Na2IrO3 are less strongly localized compared with those of Sr3NiIrO6 and Sr2IrO4. This implication was confirmed by showing that the Madelung potentials of the Ir4+ ions are less negative in Na2IrO3 than in Sr3NiIrO6 and Sr2IrO4. Most transition-metal S = 1/2 ions do have magnetic anisotropies because the SOC induces interactions among their crystal-field split d-states, and the associated mixing of the states modifies only the orbital parts of the states. This finding cannot be mimicked by a spin Hamiltonian because this model Hamiltonian lacks the orbital degree of freedom, thereby leading to the spin-half syndrome. The spin-orbital entanglement for the 5d spin-half ions Ir4+ is not as strong as has been assumed.

Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insula del Centenario

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola. Results The aims of this research are two: to verify the presence of lipidic and proteinaceous material to spread the pigments, and to identify organic matter in painting materials owing to previous restoration works. The samples collected from the wall paintings of different rooms have been investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Conclusions The analytical results show that these Roman wall paintings were realized without the use of lipidic and proteinaceous materials, supposedly in fresco technique. Moreover, it was detected that wax, egg, and animal glue were used in previous restoration works for protective purpose and to restore the wall paintings to their original brilliant colours. PMID:23006771

Review of the taxonomy of the genus Arthrobacter, emendation of the genus Arthrobacter sensu lato, proposal to reclassify selected species of the genus Arthrobacter in the novel genera Glutamicibacter gen. nov., Paeniglutamicibacter gen. nov., Pseudoglutamicibacter gen. nov., Paenarthrobacter gen. nov. and Pseudarthrobacter gen. nov., and emended description of Arthrobacter roseus.

PubMed

Busse, Hans-Jürgen

2016-01-01

In this paper, the taxonomy of the genus Arthrobacter is discussed, from its first description in 1947 to the present state. Emphasis is given to intrageneric phylogeny and chemotaxonomic characteristics, concentrating on quinone systems, peptidoglycan compositions and polar lipid profiles. Internal groups within the genus Arthrobacter indicated from homogeneous chemotaxonomic traits and corresponding to phylogenetic grouping and/or high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities are highlighted. Furthermore, polar lipid profiles and quinone systems of selected species are shown, filling some gaps concerning these chemotaxonomic traits. Based on phylogenetic groupings, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and homogeneity in peptidoglycan types, quinone systems and polar lipid profiles, a description of the genus Arthrobacter sensu lato and an emended description of Arthrobacter roseus are provided. Furthermore, reclassifications of selected species of the genus Arthrobacter into novel genera are proposed, namely Glutamicibacter gen. nov. (nine species), Paeniglutamicibacter gen. nov. (six species), Pseudoglutamicibacter gen. nov. (two species), Paenarthrobacter gen. nov. (six species) and Pseudarthrobacter gen. nov. (ten species).

New data on two remarkable Antarctic species Amblydorylaimus isokaryon (Loof, 1975) Andrássy, 1998 and Pararhyssocolpus paradoxus (Loof, 1975), gen. n., comb. n. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida)

PubMed Central

Elshishka, Milka; Lazarova, Stela; Radoslavov, Georgi; Hristov, Petar; Peneva, Vlada K.

2015-01-01

Abstract The taxonomic position of two antarctic dorylaimid species Amblydorylaimus isokaryon (Loof, 1975) Andrássy, 1998 and Pararhyssocolpus paradoxus (Loof, 1975), gen. n., comb. n. are discussed on the basis of morphological, including SEM study, morphometric, postembryonic and sequence data of 18S rDNA and the D2-D3 expansion fragments of large subunit rDNA. The evolutionary trees inferred from 18S sequences show insufficient resolution to determine the assignment of the two species to particular families, moreover Pararhyssocolpus paradoxus gen. n., comb. n. (=Rhyssocolpus paradoxus) previously regarded as a member of Nordiidae or Qudsianematidae, showed distant relationship both to Rhyssocolpus vinciguerrae and Eudorylaimus spp. The phylogram inferred from 28S sequences revealed that Amblydorylaimus isokaryon is a member of a well-supported group comprised of several Aporcelaimellus spp., while, no close relationships could be revealed for the Pararhyssocolpus paradoxus gen. n., comb. n. to any nematode genus. On the basis of molecular data and morphological characteristics, some taxonomic changes are proposed. Amblydorylaimus isokaryon is transferred from family Qudsianematidae to family Aporcelaimidae, and a new monotypic genus Pararhyssocolpus gen. n. is proposed, attributed to Pararhyssocolpidae fam. n. The diagnosis of the new family is provided together with emended diagnosis of the genera Amblydorylaimus and Pararhyssocolpus gen. n. Data concerning distribution of these endemic genera in the Antarctic region are also given. PMID:26257550

First calibration measurements of an FTIR absorption spectroscopy system for liquid hydrogen isotopologues for the isotope separation system of fusion power plants

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

Groessle, R.; Beck, A.; Bornschein, B.

2015-03-15

Fusion facilities like ITER and DEMO will circulate huge amounts of deuterium and tritium in their fuel cycle with an estimated throughput of kg per hour. One important capability of these fuel cycles is to separate the hydrogen isotopologues (H{sub 2}, D{sub 2}, T{sub 2}, HD, HT, DT). For this purpose the Isotope Separation System (ISS), using cryogenic distillation, as part of the Tritium Enrichment Test Assembly (TRENTA) is under development at Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe. Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) has been selected to prove its capability for online monitoring of the tritium concentration in the liquid phase atmore » the bottom of the distillation column of the ISS. The actual research-development work is focusing on the calibration of such a system. Two major issues are the identification of appropriate absorption lines and their dependence on the isotopic concentrations and composition. For this purpose the Tritium Absorption IR spectroscopy experiment has been set up as an extension of TRENTA. For calibration a Raman spectroscopy system is used. First measurements, with equilibrated mixtures of H{sub 2}, D{sub 2} and HD demonstrate that FTIR can be used for quantitative analysis of liquid hydro-gen isotopologues and reveal a nonlinear dependence of the integrated absorbance from the D{sub 2} concentration in the second vibrational branch of D{sub 2} FTIR spectra. (authors)« less

Comparison of sequencing the D2 region of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (MicroSEQ®) versus the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions using two public databases for identification of common and uncommon clinically relevant fungal species.

PubMed

Arbefeville, S; Harris, A; Ferrieri, P

2017-09-01

Fungal infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Rapid and accurate identification of fungi is essential to guide accurately targeted antifungal therapy. With the advent of molecular methods, clinical laboratories can use new technologies to supplement traditional phenotypic identification of fungi. The aims of the study were to evaluate the sole commercially available MicroSEQ® D2 LSU rDNA Fungal Identification Kit compared to the in-house developed internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions assay in identifying moulds, using two well-known online public databases to analyze sequenced data. 85 common and uncommon clinically relevant fungi isolated from clinical specimens were sequenced for the D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene with the MicroSEQ® Kit and the ITS regions with the in house developed assay. The generated sequenced data were analyzed with the online GenBank and MycoBank public databases. The D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene identified 89.4% or 92.9% of the 85 isolates to the genus level and the full ITS region (f-ITS) 96.5% or 100%, using GenBank or MycoBank, respectively, when compared to the consensus ID. When comparing species-level designations to the consensus ID, D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene aligned with 44.7% (38/85) or 52.9% (45/85) of these isolates in GenBank or MycoBank, respectively. By comparison, f-ITS possessed greater specificity, followed by ITS1, then ITS2 regions using GenBank or MycoBank. Using GenBank or MycoBank, D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene outperformed phenotypic based ID at the genus level. Comparing rates of ID between D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS regions in GenBank or MycoBank at the species level against the consensus ID, f-ITS and ITS2 exceeded performance of the D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene, but ITS1 had similar performance to the D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene using MycoBank. Our results indicated that the MicroSEQ® D2 LSU rDNA Fungal Identification Kit was equivalent to the in-house developed ITS regions assay to identify fungi at the genus level. The MycoBank database gave a better curated database and thus allowed a better genus and species identification for both D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and ITS regions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Size and Site Dependence of the Catalytic Activity of Iridium Clusters toward Ethane Dehydrogenation.

PubMed

Ge, Yingbin; Jiang, Hao; Kato, Russell; Gummagatta, Prasuna

2016-12-01

This research focuses on optimizing transition metal nanocatalyst immobilization and activity to enhance ethane dehydrogenation. Ethane dehydrogenation, catalyzed by thermally stable Ir n (n = 8, 12, 18) atomic clusters that exhibit a cuboid structure, was studied using the B3LYP method with triple-ζ basis sets. Relativistic effects and dispersion corrections were included in the calculations. In the dehydrogenation reaction Ir n + C 2 H 6 → H-Ir n -C 2 H 5 → (H) 2 -Ir n -C 2 H 4 , the first H-elimination is the rate-limiting step, primarily because the reaction releases sufficient heat to facilitate the second H-elimination. The catalytic activity of the Ir clusters strongly depends on the Ir cluster size and the specific catalytic site. Cubic Ir 8 is the least reactive toward H-elimination in ethane: Ir 8 + C 2 H 6 → H-Ir 8 -C 2 H 5 has a large (65 kJ/mol) energy barrier, whereas Ir 12 (3 × 2 × 2 cuboid) and Ir 18 (3 × 3 × 2 cuboid) lower this energy barrier to 22 and 3 kJ/mol, respectively. The site dependence is as prominent as the size effect. For example, the energy barrier for the Ir 18 + C 2 H 6 → H-Ir 18 -C 2 H 5 reaction is 3, 48, and 71 kJ/mol at the corner, edge, or face-center sites of the Ir 18 cuboid, respectively. Energy release due to Ir cluster insertion into an ethane C-H bond facilitates hydrogen migration on the Ir cluster surface, and the second H-elimination of ethane. In an oxygen-rich environment, oxygen molecules may be absorbed on the Ir cluster surface. The oxygen atoms bonded to the Ir cluster surface may slightly increase the energy barrier for H-elimination in ethane. However, the adsorption of oxygen and its reaction with H atoms on the Ir cluster releases sufficient heat to yield an overall thermodynamically favored reaction: Ir n + C 2 H 6 + 1 / 2 O 2 → Ir n + C 2 H 4 + H 2 O. These results will be useful toward reducing the energy cost of ethane dehydrogenation in industry.

Genistein promotes DNA demethylation of the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) promoter in endometrial stromal cells

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

Matsukura, Hiroshi, E-mail: hmatsukura.epi@mri.tmd.ac.jp; Aisaki, Ken-ichi; Igarashi, Katsuhide

2011-08-26

Highlights: {yields} Genistein (GEN) is a phytoestrogen found in soy products. {yields} GEN demethylated/unsilenced the steroidogenic factor 1 gene in endometrial tissue. {yields} GEN thus altered mRNA expression in uteri of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. {yields} A high-resolution melting assay was used to screen for epigenetic change. {yields} We isolated an endometrial cell clone that was epigenetically modulated by GEN. -- Abstract: It has recently been demonstrated that genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen in soy products, is an epigenetic modulator in various types of cells; but its effect on endometrium has not yet been determined. We investigated the effects of GEN onmore » mouse uterine cells, in vivo and in vitro. Oral administration of GEN for 1 week induced mild proliferation of the endometrium in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, which was accompanied by the induction of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) gene expression. GEN administration induced demethylation of multiple CpG sites in the SF-1 promoter; these sites are extensively methylated and thus silenced in normal endometrium. The GEN-mediated promoter demethylation occurred predominantly on the luminal side, as opposed to myometrium side, indicating that the epigenetic change was mainly shown in regenerated cells. Primary cultures of endometrial stromal cell colonies were screened for GEN-mediated alterations of DNA methylation by a high-resolution melting (HRM) method. One out of 20 colony-forming cell clones showed GEN-induced demethylation of SF-1. This clone exhibited a high proliferation capacity with continuous colony formation activity through multiple serial clonings. We propose that only a portion of endometrial cells are capable of receiving epigenetic modulation by GEN.« less

KC-135 Crew System Criteria.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

Instrarf.ent Landing System (IT,S) f. Microwave Landing System (MLS) . Marker Beacon 2. OPEiRA’TiONAL :. Gen ~eral • b. Navigation (1) inertial (2...system with integrated navigation course guidance. 5. ENVIRONMENT. The pressurization, air conditioning, ox,- gen and liqhting must be suitable for...8217) ,nStruments, ~s s t-r se drsoal, cuae~ area covc. ace and I* i0n to + 1/4 inch. Thie com.uica i on systems must be fanc - i n I lv s imulated ( i. e

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Actinidia arguta using the PacBio RS II platform

PubMed Central

Lin, Miaomiao; Qi, Xiujuan; Chen, Jinyong; Sun, Leiming; Zhong, Yunpeng; Fang, Jinbao; Hu, Chungen

2018-01-01

Actinidia arguta is the most basal species in a phylogenetically and economically important genus in the family Actinidiaceae. To better understand the molecular basis of the Actinidia arguta chloroplast (cp), we sequenced the complete cp genome from A. arguta using Illumina and PacBio RS II sequencing technologies. The cp genome from A. arguta was 157,611 bp in length and composed of a pair of 24,232 bp inverted repeats (IRs) separated by a 20,463 bp small single copy region (SSC) and an 88,684 bp large single copy region (LSC). Overall, the cp genome contained 113 unique genes. The cp genomes from A. arguta and three other Actinidia species from GenBank were subjected to a comparative analysis. Indel mutation events and high frequencies of base substitution were identified, and the accD and ycf2 genes showed a high degree of variation within Actinidia. Forty-seven simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 155 repetitive structures were identified, further demonstrating the rapid evolution in Actinidia. The cp genome analysis and the identification of variable loci provide vital information for understanding the evolution and function of the chloroplast and for characterizing Actinidia population genetics. PMID:29795601

Identification of some novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as InhA inhibitors through pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular docking.

PubMed

Modi, Palmi; Patel, Shivani; Chhabria, Mahesh T

2018-05-04

The InhA inhibitors play key role in mycolic acid synthesis by preventing the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. In this present article, Pharmacophore modelling and molecular docking study followed by in silico virtual screening could be considered as effective strategy to identify newer enoyl-ACP reductase inhibitors. Pyrrolidine carboxamide derivatives were opted to generate pharmacophore models using HypoGen algorithm in Discovery studio 2.1. Further it was employed to screen Zinc and Minimaybridge databases to identify and design newer potent hit molecules. The retrieved newer hits were further evaluated for their drug likeliness and docked against enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase. Here, novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine analogues were designed and synthesized with good yields. Structural elucidation of synthesized final molecules was perform through IR, MASS, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR spectroscopy and further tested for its in vitro anti-tubercular activity against H37Rv strain using Microplate Alamar blue assay (MABA) method. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed strong anti-tubercular activities. Further, these potent compounds were gauged for MDR-TB, XDR-TB and cytotoxic study.

Interleukins 2, 4, 7, and 15 stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 in T cells. Potential role of JAK kinases.

PubMed

Johnston, J A; Wang, L M; Hanson, E P; Sun, X J; White, M F; Oakes, S A; Pierce, J H; O'Shea, J J

1995-12-01

The signaling molecules insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and the newly described IRS-2 (4PS) molecule are major insulin and interleukin 4 (IL-4)-dependent phosphoproteins. We report here that IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15, as well as IL-4, rapidly stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in human peripheral blood T cells, NK cells, and in lymphoid cell lines. In addition, we show that the Janus kinases, JAK1 and JAK3, associate with IRS-1 and IRS-2 in T cells. Coexpression studies demonstrate that these kinases can tyrosine-phosphorylate IRS-2, suggesting a possible mechanism by which cytokine receptors may induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2. We further demonstrate that the p85 subunit of phosphoinositol 3-kinase associates with IRS-1 in response to IL-2 and IL-4 in T cells. Therefore, these data indicate that IRS-1 and IRS-2 may have important roles in T lymphocyte activation not only in response to IL-4, but also in response to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15.

The complete genome sequence and proteomics of Yersinia pestis phage Yep-phi.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiangna; Wu, Weili; Qi, Zhizhen; Cui, Yujun; Yan, Yanfeng; Guo, Zhaobiao; Wang, Zuyun; Wang, Hu; Deng, Haijun; Xue, Yan; Chen, Weijun; Wang, Xiaoyi; Yang, Ruifu

2011-01-01

Yep-phi, a lytic phage of Yersinia pestis, was isolated in China and is routinely used as a diagnostic phage for the identification of the plague pathogen. Yep-phi has an isometric hexagonal head containing dsDNA and a short non-contractile conical tail. In this study, we sequenced the Yep-phi genome (GenBank accession no. HQ333270) and performed proteomics analysis. The genome consists of 38 ,616 bp of DNA, including direct terminal repeats of 222 bp, and is predicted to contain 45 ORFs. Most structural proteins were identified by proteomics analysis. Compared with the three available genome sequences of lytic phages for Y. pestis, the phages could be divided into two subgroups. Yep-phi displays marked homology to the bacteriophages Berlin (GenBank accession no. AM183667) and Yepe2 (GenBank accession no. EU734170), and these comprise one subgroup. The other subgroup is represented by bacteriophage ΦA1122 (GenBank accession no. AY247822). Potential recombination was detected among the Yep-phi subgroup.

Investigating the Nature of and Methods for Managing Metroplex Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkins, Stephen; Capozzi, Brian; Hinkey, Jim; Idris, Husni; Kaiser, Kent

2011-01-01

A combination of traffic demand growth, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technologies and operational concepts, and increased utilization of regional airports is expected to increase the occurrence and severity of coupling between operations at proximate airports. These metroplex phenomena constrain the efficiency and/or capacity of airport operations and, in NextGen, have the potential to reduce safety and prevent environmental benefits. Without understanding the nature of metroplexes and developing solutions that provide efficient coordination of operations between closely-spaced airports, the use of NextGen technologies and distribution of demand to regional airports may provide little increase in the overall metroplex capacity. However, the characteristics and control of metroplex operations have not received significant study. This project advanced the state of knowledge about metroplexes by completing three objectives: 1. developed a foundational understand of the nature of metroplexes; 2. provided a framework for discussing metroplexes; 3. suggested and studied an approach for optimally managing metroplexes that is consistent with other NextGen concepts

The Integrated Airport: Building a Successful NextGen Testbed

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

Frederick-Recascino, Christina; Sweigard, Doug; Lester, Wade

2009-02-18

This presentation will describe a unique public-private partnership - the Integrated Airport - that was created to engage in research and testing related to NextGen Technology deployment.  NextGen refers to the program that will be initiated to modernize the US National Airspace.  As with any major, multi-decade initiative, such as NextGen, integration of work efforts by multiple partners in the modernization is critical for success.  This talk will focus on the development of the consortium, how the consortium plans for NextGen initiatives, the series of technology demonstrations we have produced and plans for the future of NextGen testing and implementation. 

Records of Tortricidae from the Afrotropical region, with descriptions of new taxa (Lepidoptera)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Four new genera (Bichrompotamia Razowski & Brown, gen. n., Nkandla Razowski & Brown, gen. n., Vacanara Razowski & Brown, gen. n., Birutia Razowski & Brown, gen. n.) and six new species (Bichrompotamia rhodesiae Razowski & Brown, sp. n., Vacanara caravanica Razowski & Brown, sp. n., Birutia meridafri...

76 FR 52643 - Notice Is Given of the Names of Members of a Performance Review Board for the Department of the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-23

.... Air Force are: 1. Board President--Gen. Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command; 2. Lt. Gen. Lord... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Notice Is Given of the Names of Members of a Performance Review Board for the Department of the Air Force AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, DOD. ACTION...

YouGenMap: a web platform for dynamic multi-comparative mapping and visualization of genetic maps

Treesearch

Keith Batesole; Kokulapalan Wimalanathan; Lin Liu; Fan Zhang; Craig S. Echt; Chun Liang

2014-01-01

Comparative genetic maps are used in examination of genome organization, detection of conserved gene order, and exploration of marker order variations. YouGenMap is an open-source web tool that offers dynamic comparative mapping capability of users' own genetic mapping between 2 or more map sets. Users' genetic map data and optional gene annotations are...

Ready for TFI Prime Time? A Closer Examination of the Dual Component Commander and the Integrated Wing

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-17

Structure of the Air Force. "Report to the President and Congress of the United States." January 30, 2014, 2. 44 Brig Gen Timothy J. Cathcart , (Special...30, 2014, 55-59 50 This report was provided to the author by email by Brig Gen Cathcart on 3 October 2014, “Hill F-35 I-Wing Concept, Draft

MCT (HgCdTe) IR detectors: latest developments in France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reibel, Yann; Rubaldo, Laurent; Vaz, Cedric; Tribolet, Philippe; Baier, Nicolas; Destefanis, Gérard

2010-10-01

This paper presents an overview of the very recent developments of the MCT infrared detector technology developed by CEA-LETI and Sofradir in France. New applications require high sensitivity, higher operating temperature and dual band detectors. The standard n on p technology in production at Sofradir for 25 years is well mastered with an extremely robust and reliable process. Sofradir's interest in p on n technology opens the perspective of reducing dark current of diodes so detectors could operate in lower flux or higher operating temperature. In parallel, MCT Avalanche Photo Diodes (APD) have demonstrated ideal performances for low flux and high speed application like laser gated imaging during the last few years. This technology also opens new prospects on next generation of imaging detectors for compact, low flux and low power applications. Regarding 3rd Gen IR detectors, the development of dual-band infrared detectors has been the core of intense research and technological improvements for the last ten years. New TV (640 x 512 pixels) format MWIR/LWIR detectors on 20μm pixel pitch, made from Molecular Beam Epitaxy, has been developed with dedicated Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) for real simultaneous detection and maximum SNR. Technological and products achievements, as well as latest results and performances are presented outlining the availability of p/n, avalanche photodiodes and dual band technologies for new applications at system level.

Predicting fat, lean and the weights of primal cuts for growing pigs of different genotypes and sexes using computed tomography.

PubMed

Carabús, A; Sainz, R D; Oltjen, J W; Gispert, M; Font-i-Furnols, M

2015-03-01

The aim of the present study was to find single equations to predict the amounts of fat, lean, and the weights of the primal cuts (ham, loin, belly, and shoulder) as well as ham composition of pigs from 30 to 120 kg BW of different genotypes (GEN; Exp. 1) and sexual conditions (SEX; Exp. 2). Two types of regression equations, taking into account different work situations, were developed: 1) research applications, using computed tomography (CT) parameters, and 2) potential on-farm applications, which could be obtained using easily accessible equipment. Two data sets were used: Exp. 1 included 90 gilts from 3 different GEN: 30 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White), 30 Pietrain × (Landrace × Large White), and 30 Landrace × Large White, and Exp. 2 included 92 Pietrain × (Landrace × Duroc) pigs of different SEX: 24 each of females, entire males, castrated males, and 20 immunocastrated males. Pigs were fully CT scanned in vivo at 30, 70, 100, and 120 kg BW. A subsample of pigs of each GEN ( = 5) or SEX ( = 4) were slaughtered at 30, 70, and 100 kg BW, and all remaining pigs were slaughtered after weighing and scanning at 120 kg BW. For all the slaughtered pigs, the 4 main cuts were fully (GEN) or partially dissected (SEX). CT images were analyzed and used to predict the lean and fat contents as well as the weights of the primal cuts and the composition of the ham. Total amounts of fat and lean for both populations were predicted with high levels of accuracy ( = 0.994 and 0.993, respectively) and proportions of random error for GEN and SEX effects (0.998 and 0.946 for the fat and 0.997 and 0.836 for the lean predictions, respectively). Moreover, the composition of ham (fat, lean, and bone) was very well predicted with high proportions (> 80%) of random error for GEN and SEX effect using CT and potential on-farm predictors.

Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS)-2 negatively regulates alternative macrophage activation and allergic lung inflammation

PubMed Central

Dasgupta, Preeta; Dorsey, Nicolas J.; Li, Jiaqi; Qi, Xiulan; Smith, Elizabeth P.; Yamaji-Kegan, Kazuyo; Keegan, Achsah D.

2017-01-01

Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS)-2 is an adaptor protein that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated in response to IL-4 and IL-13 resulting in activation of the PI-3′ kinase/Akt pathway. While the contribution of IL-4 and IL-13 to allergic lung inflammation has been studied extensively, the functional significance of the IRS2 pathway is unclear. To examine the role of IRS2 in allergic disease, we evaluated responses in IRS2-deficient mice. Deficiency of IRS2 resulted in a substantial increase in expression of a subset of genes associated with alternatively activated macrophages (AAM) in response to IL-4 or IL-13 in vitro. Moreover, IRS2+/− and IRS2−/− mice developed enhanced pulmonary inflammation, accumulation of eosinophils and AAM, and airway and vascular remodeling upon allergen stimulation in comparison to IRS2+/+ mice; this enhanced response was in part macrophage intrinsic. Loss of IRS2 led to greater phosphorylation of Akt and ribosomal S6 protein in the basal state and upon IL-4 stimulation. Thus, we identify a critical negative regulatory loop downstream of IRS2, demonstrating a previously unrecognized role for IRS2 in suppressing allergic lung inflammation and remodeling. PMID:27330190

A new species of big-eared climbing rat, genus Ototylomys (Cricetidae: Tylomyinae), from Chiapas, Mexico

PubMed Central

Porter, Calvin A; Beasley, Nia E; Ordóñez-Garza, Nicté; Lindsey, Laramie L; Rogers, Duke S; Lewis-Rogers, Nicole; Sites, Jack W; Bradley, Robert D

2017-01-01

Abstract An allopatric population of big-eared climbing rats (Ototylomys) from the Northern Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, is described as a new species. The new taxon is part of a unique montane rainforest community that includes several other endemic species in the limited geographic range between the Río Grijalva and the Central Depression of Chiapas. Several cranial, external, and molecular characters distinguish this new species of big-eared climbing rat from its more widely distributed congener, Ototylomys phyllotis. We performed principal component and discriminate function analyses of cranial measurements, and found that specimens of the new species consistently could be distinguished from other Ototylomys with strong statistical support. Compared with exemplars of Ototylomys from elsewhere in their range, the new species possesses a karyotype that differs by 3 additional biarmed chromosome pairs, is fixed or nearly fixed for distinct electromorphs at 12 allozyme loci, and the mean genetic distance exceeds 14%, based on comparisons of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene between the new species of Ototylomys and representatives of O. phyllotis. The restricted distribution in montane karst rainforest suggests that the species and its habitat may be a matter of conservation concern. Una población alopátrica de rata orejuda trepadora (Ototylomys) de las Tierras Altas del Norte de Chiapas, México se describe como una nueva especie. El nuevo taxón es parte de una comunidad única de bosque lluvioso montano que incluye varias especies endémicas en el área de distribución geográfica limitada entre el Río Grijalva y la Depresión Central de Chiapas. Varios caracteres craneales, externos, y moleculares distinguen la nueva rata orejuda trepadora de su congénere más ampliamente distribuido, Ototylomys phyllotis. Se realizaron análisis de componentes principales y de función discriminante de los caracteres craneales, y se encontró que los especímenes de La Pera fueron consistentemente distinguidos de otros Ototylomys con un fuerte soporte estadístico. En comparación con ejemplares de Ototylomys del rango, la nueva especie posee un cariotipo que difiere por 3 pares adicionales de cromosomas biarmados, está fijo o casi fijo por distintos electromorfos en 12 loci alozímicos. Adicionalmente, la media de la distancia genética comparada del gen mitochondrial citocromo b entre la nueva especie de Ototylomys y representantes de O. phyllotis, excede el 14%. La distribución restringida en el bosque lluvioso montano kárstico sugiere que la especie y su hábitat pueden ser de importancia para la conservación. PMID:29674786

A new species of big-eared climbing rat, genus Ototylomys (Cricetidae: Tylomyinae), from Chiapas, Mexico.

PubMed

Porter, Calvin A; Beasley, Nia E; Ordóñez-Garza, Nicté; Lindsey, Laramie L; Rogers, Duke S; Lewis-Rogers, Nicole; Sites, Jack W; Bradley, Robert D

2017-10-03

An allopatric population of big-eared climbing rats ( Ototylomys ) from the Northern Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, is described as a new species. The new taxon is part of a unique montane rainforest community that includes several other endemic species in the limited geographic range between the Río Grijalva and the Central Depression of Chiapas. Several cranial, external, and molecular characters distinguish this new species of big-eared climbing rat from its more widely distributed congener, Ototylomys phyllotis . We performed principal component and discriminate function analyses of cranial measurements, and found that specimens of the new species consistently could be distinguished from other Ototylomys with strong statistical support. Compared with exemplars of Ototylomys from elsewhere in their range, the new species possesses a karyotype that differs by 3 additional biarmed chromosome pairs, is fixed or nearly fixed for distinct electromorphs at 12 allozyme loci, and the mean genetic distance exceeds 14%, based on comparisons of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene between the new species of Ototylomys and representatives of O. phyllotis . The restricted distribution in montane karst rainforest suggests that the species and its habitat may be a matter of conservation concern. Una población alopátrica de rata orejuda trepadora ( Ototylomys ) de las Tierras Altas del Norte de Chiapas, México se describe como una nueva especie. El nuevo taxón es parte de una comunidad única de bosque lluvioso montano que incluye varias especies endémicas en el área de distribución geográfica limitada entre el Río Grijalva y la Depresión Central de Chiapas. Varios caracteres craneales, externos, y moleculares distinguen la nueva rata orejuda trepadora de su congénere más ampliamente distribuido, Ototylomys phyllotis . Se realizaron análisis de componentes principales y de función discriminante de los caracteres craneales, y se encontró que los especímenes de La Pera fueron consistentemente distinguidos de otros Ototylomys con un fuerte soporte estadístico. En comparación con ejemplares de Ototylomys del rango, la nueva especie posee un cariotipo que difiere por 3 pares adicionales de cromosomas biarmados, está fijo o casi fijo por distintos electromorfos en 12 loci alozímicos. Adicionalmente, la media de la distancia genética comparada del gen mitochondrial citocromo b entre la nueva especie de Ototylomys y representantes de O. phyllotis , excede el 14%. La distribución restringida en el bosque lluvioso montano kárstico sugiere que la especie y su hábitat pueden ser de importancia para la conservación.

GenCLiP 2.0: a web server for functional clustering of genes and construction of molecular networks based on free terms.

PubMed

Wang, Jia-Hong; Zhao, Ling-Feng; Lin, Pei; Su, Xiao-Rong; Chen, Shi-Jun; Huang, Li-Qiang; Wang, Hua-Feng; Zhang, Hai; Hu, Zhen-Fu; Yao, Kai-Tai; Huang, Zhong-Xi

2014-09-01

Identifying biological functions and molecular networks in a gene list and how the genes may relate to various topics is of considerable value to biomedical researchers. Here, we present a web-based text-mining server, GenCLiP 2.0, which can analyze human genes with enriched keywords and molecular interactions. Compared with other similar tools, GenCLiP 2.0 offers two unique features: (i) analysis of gene functions with free terms (i.e. any terms in the literature) generated by literature mining or provided by the user and (ii) accurate identification and integration of comprehensive molecular interactions from Medline abstracts, to construct molecular networks and subnetworks related to the free terms. http://ci.smu.edu.cn. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Epitaxial growth of Al9Ir2 intermetallic compound on Al(100): Mechanism and interface structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadok, J.; Pussi, K.; Šturm, S.; Ambrožič, B.; Gaudry, É.; de Weerd, M.-C.; Fournée, V.; Ledieu, J.

2018-04-01

The adsorption of Ir adatoms on Al(100) has been investigated under various exposures and temperature conditions. The experimental and theoretical results reveal a diffusion of Ir adatoms within the Al(100) surface selvedge already at 300 K. Above 593 K, two domains of a (√{5 }×√{5 }) R 26 .6∘ phase are identified by low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements. This phase corresponds to the initial growth of an Al9Ir2 compound at the Al(100) surface. The Al9Ir2 intermetallic domains are terminated by bulklike pure Al layers. The structural stability of Al9Ir2 (001) grown on Al(100) has been analyzed by density functional theory based calculations. Dynamical LEED analysis is consistent with an Ir adsorption leading to the growth of an Al9Ir2 intermetallic compound. We propose that the epitaxial relationship Al9Ir2(001 ) ∥Al (100) and Al9Ir2[100 ] ∥Al [031 ]/[013 ] originates from a matching of Al atomic arrangements present both on Al(100) and on pure Al(001) layers present in the Al9Ir2 compound. Finally, the interface between Al9Ir2 precipitates and the Al matrix has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy measurements. The cross-sectional observations are consistent with the formation of Al9Ir2 (001) compounds. These measurements indicate an important Ir diffusion within Al(100) near the surface region. The coherent interface between Al9Ir2 and the Al matrix is sharp.

75 FR 52790 - Small Business Size Standards: Waiver of the Nonmanufacturer Rule

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-27

... for GEN II and GEN III Image Intensifier Tubes. SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA... Image Intensifier Tubes, Product Service Code (PSC) 5855, Night Vision Equipment, Emitted and Reflected... business GEN II and GEN III image intensifier tube manufacturers. If granted, the waiver would allow...

Microfossils from oolites and pisolites of the Upper Proterozoic Eleonore Bay Group, Central East Greenland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, J. W.; Knoll, A. H.; Swett, K.

1988-01-01

Silicified oolites and pisolites from Bed 18 of the Upper Proterozoic (about 700-800 Ma) Limestone-Dolomite "Series" of the Eleonore Bay Group, central East Greenland, contain a diverse suite of organically preserved microfossils that is, for the most part. [Of the] assemblages previously described from Proterozoic cherts and shales. Three principal assemblages occur in these rocks: 1) a class bound assemblage found in detrital carbonate grains (now silicified) that served as nuclei for ooid and pisoid growth, as well as in uncoated mud and mat clasts that were carried into the zone of ooid and pisoid deposition; 2) an epilithic and interstitial assemblage consisting of microorganisms that occurred on top of and between grains; and 3) a euendolithic assemblage composed of microbes that actively bored into coated grains. The Upper Proterozoic euendolithic assemblage closely resembles a community of euendolithic cyanobacteria found today in shallow marine ooid sands of the Bahama Banks. Thirteen species are described, of which eight are new, five representing new genera: Eohyella dichotoma n. sp., Eohyella endoatracta n. sp., Eohyella rectoclada n. sp., Thylacocausticus globorum n. gen. and sp., Cunicularius halleri n. gen. and sp., Graviglomus incrustus n. gen. and sp., Perulagranum obovatum n. gen. and sp., and Parenchymodiscus endolithicus n. gen. and sp.

pGenN, a gene normalization tool for plant genes and proteins in scientific literature.

PubMed

Ding, Ruoyao; Arighi, Cecilia N; Lee, Jung-Youn; Wu, Cathy H; Vijay-Shanker, K

2015-01-01

Automatically detecting gene/protein names in the literature and connecting them to databases records, also known as gene normalization, provides a means to structure the information buried in free-text literature. Gene normalization is critical for improving the coverage of annotation in the databases, and is an essential component of many text mining systems and database curation pipelines. In this manuscript, we describe a gene normalization system specifically tailored for plant species, called pGenN (pivot-based Gene Normalization). The system consists of three steps: dictionary-based gene mention detection, species assignment, and intra species normalization. We have developed new heuristics to improve each of these phases. We evaluated the performance of pGenN on an in-house expertly annotated corpus consisting of 104 plant relevant abstracts. Our system achieved an F-value of 88.9% (Precision 90.9% and Recall 87.2%) on this corpus, outperforming state-of-art systems presented in BioCreative III. We have processed over 440,000 plant-related Medline abstracts using pGenN. The gene normalization results are stored in a local database for direct query from the pGenN web interface (proteininformationresource.org/pgenn/). The annotated literature corpus is also publicly available through the PIR text mining portal (proteininformationresource.org/iprolink/).

GWAS in a Box: Statistical and Visual Analytics of Structured Associations via GenAMap

PubMed Central

Xing, Eric P.; Curtis, Ross E.; Schoenherr, Georg; Lee, Seunghak; Yin, Junming; Puniyani, Kriti; Wu, Wei; Kinnaird, Peter

2014-01-01

With the continuous improvement in genotyping and molecular phenotyping technology and the decreasing typing cost, it is expected that in a few years, more and more clinical studies of complex diseases will recruit thousands of individuals for pan-omic genetic association analyses. Hence, there is a great need for algorithms and software tools that could scale up to the whole omic level, integrate different omic data, leverage rich structure information, and be easily accessible to non-technical users. We present GenAMap, an interactive analytics software platform that 1) automates the execution of principled machine learning methods that detect genome- and phenome-wide associations among genotypes, gene expression data, and clinical or other macroscopic traits, and 2) provides new visualization tools specifically designed to aid in the exploration of association mapping results. Algorithmically, GenAMap is based on a new paradigm for GWAS and PheWAS analysis, termed structured association mapping, which leverages various structures in the omic data. We demonstrate the function of GenAMap via a case study of the Brem and Kruglyak yeast dataset, and then apply it on a comprehensive eQTL analysis of the NIH heterogeneous stock mice dataset and report some interesting findings. GenAMap is available from http://sailing.cs.cmu.edu/genamap. PMID:24905018

APPL1 potentiates insulin sensitivity by facilitating the binding of IRS1/2 to the insulin receptor.

PubMed

Ryu, Jiyoon; Galan, Amanda K; Xin, Xiaoban; Dong, Feng; Abdul-Ghani, Muhammad A; Zhou, Lijun; Wang, Changhua; Li, Cuiling; Holmes, Bekke M; Sloane, Lauren B; Austad, Steven N; Guo, Shaodong; Musi, Nicolas; DeFronzo, Ralph A; Deng, Chuxia; White, Morris F; Liu, Feng; Dong, Lily Q

2014-05-22

Binding of insulin receptor substrate proteins 1 and 2 (IRS1/2) to the insulin receptor (IR) is essential for the regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis. However, the mechanism of IRS1/2 recruitment to the IR remains elusive. Here, we identify adaptor protein APPL1 as a critical molecule that promotes IRS1/2-IR interaction. APPL1 forms a complex with IRS1/2 under basal conditions, and this complex is then recruited to the IR in response to insulin or adiponectin stimulation. The interaction between APPL1 and IR depends on insulin- or adiponectin-stimulated APPL1 phosphorylation, which is greatly reduced in insulin target tissues in obese mice. appl1 deletion in mice consistently leads to systemic insulin resistance and a significant reduction in insulin-stimulated IRS1/2, but not IR, tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that APPL1 sensitizes insulin signaling by acting at a site downstream of the IR. Our study uncovers a mechanism regulating insulin signaling and crosstalk between the insulin and adiponectin pathways. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of cationic iridium(I) complexes of water-soluble phosphine ligands, [Ir(CO)(TPPMS){sub 3}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}, [Ir(CO)(H{sub 2}O)(TPPTS){sub 2}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}, and [Ir(CO){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]ClO{sub 4} (TPPMS = PPh{sub 2}(m-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}SO{sub 3}K), TPPTS = P(m-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}SO{sub 3}Na){sub 3})

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

Paterniti, D.P.; Francisco, L.W.; Atwood, J.D.

Several new water-soluble iridium(I) complexes were synthesized and their reactivities with small molecules (H{sub 2} or CO) in polar solvents (DMSO or H{sub 2}O) examined. Reaction of H{sub 2} with [Ir(CO)(TPPMS){sub 3}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3} (TPPMS = P(C{sub 6}H{sub 5}){sub 2}(m-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}SO{sub 3}K)) in DMSO or H{sub 2}O produces [cis,mer-Ir(CO)(H){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}, while the reaction of CO with [Ir(CO)(TPPMS){sub 3}]-CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3} in water yields [Ir(CO){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}. Carbonylation of [Ir(CO){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]ClO{sub 4} in DMSO produces [Ir(CO){sub 3}(TPPMS){sub 2}]ClO{sub 4} and TPPMS; no reaction is observed in H{sub 2}O. Hydrogenation of [Ir(CO){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]ClO{sub 4}more » in DMSO or H{sub 2}O yields [cis,mer-Ir(CO)(H){sub 2}(TPPMS){sub 3}]ClO{sub 4}, while reaction of H{sub 2} with an aqueous solution of [Ir(CO)(H{sub 2}O)(TPPTS){sub 2}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3} produces [Ir(CO)(H{sub 2}O)(H){sub 2}(TPPTS){sub 2}]CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}. Reaction of trans-Ir(CO)ClL{sub 2} (L = TPPMS or TPPTS) with excess L in H{sub 2}O produces [Ir(CO)L{sub 3}]Cl, while no reaction occurs in DMSO, [Ir(CO){sub 3}(TPPMS){sub 2}]Cl reacts irreversibly with TPPMS in H{sub 2}O to produce [Ir(CO){sub 2}-(TPPMS){sub 3}]Cl.« less

A Virtual Reality Framework to Optimize Design, Operation and Refueling of GEN-IV Reactors.

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

Rizwan-uddin; Nick Karancevic; Stefano Markidis

2008-04-23

many GEN-IV candidate designs are currently under investigation. Technical issues related to material, safety and economics are being addressed at research laboratories, industry and in academia. After safety, economic feasibility is likely to be the most important crterion in the success of GEN-IV design(s). Lessons learned from the designers and operators of GEN-II (and GEN-III) reactors must play a vital role in achieving both safety and economic feasibility goals.

Membrane localization of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) is associated with decreased overall survival in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Clark, Jennifer L.; Dresser, Karen; Hsieh, Chung-Cheng; Sabel, Michael; Kleer, Celina G.; Khan, Ashraf

2011-01-01

Recent studies have identified a role for insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) in promoting motility and metastasis in breast cancer. However, no published studies to date have examined IRS-2 expression in human breast tumors. We examined IRS-2 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal breast tissue, benign breast lesions, and malignant breast tumors from the institutional pathology archives and a tumor microarray from a separate institution. Three distinct IRS-2 staining patterns were noted: diffusely cytoplasmic, punctate cytoplasmic, and localized to the cell membrane. The individual and pooled datasets were analyzed for associations of IRS-2 staining pattern with core clinical parameters and clinical outcomes. Univariate analysis revealed a trend toward decreased overall survival (OS) with IRS-2 membrane staining, and this association became significant upon multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). In progesterone receptor negative (PR−) tumors, in particular, IRS-2 staining at the membrane correlated with significantly worse OS than other IRS-2 staining patterns (P < 0.001). When PR status and IRS-2 staining pattern were evaluated in combination, PR− tumors with IRS-2 at the membrane were associated with a significantly decreased OS when compared with all other combinations (P = 0.002). Evaluation of IRS-2 staining patterns could potentially be used to identify patients with PR− tumors who would most benefit from aggressive treatment. PMID:21258861

Association of Plasma Ghrelin Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Saudi Subjects

PubMed Central

Al Qarni, Ali Ahmed; Joatar, Faris Elbahi; Das, Nagalla; Awad, Mohamed; Eltayeb, Mona; Al-Zubair, Ahmed Gasim; Ali, Muhalab E.; Al Masaud, Abdulaziz; Shire, Abdirashid M.; Gumaa, Khalid

2017-01-01

Background Although the exact mechanism of insulin resistance (IR) has not yet been established, IR is the hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and IR in Saudi subjects with T2DM. Methods Patients with T2DM (n=107, cases) and non-diabetic apparently healthy subjects (n=101, controls) from Saudi Arabia were included in this study. The biochemical profiles and plasma insulin levels of all subjects were analyzed, and IR was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Active ghrelin levels in plasma were measured using the radioimmunoassay technique. Results Only 46.7% (50 of 107) of the T2DM subjects had IR, including 26% (28 of 107) with severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥5), while 5.9% (six of 101) of the controls had moderate IR (3 ≤HOMA-IR <5). HOMA-IR values were not associated with age, disease duration, or gender. Importantly, T2DM itself and the co-occurrence of IR with T2DM were significantly associated with low plasma ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin levels were inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR index, body weight, and fasting plasma insulin levels, mainly in the control subjects, which was indicative of the breakdown of metabolic homeostasis in T2DM. Conclusion The prevalence of IR was relatively low, and IR may be inversely associated with plasma ghrelin levels among Saudi patients with T2DM. PMID:28555463

Structure and properties of α-NaFeO{sub 2}-type ternary sodium iridates

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

Baroudi, Kristen, E-mail: kbaroudi@princeton.edu; Yim, Cindi; Wu, Hui

2014-02-15

The synthesis, structure, and elementary magnetic and electronic properties are reported for layered compounds of the type Na{sub 3−x}MIr{sub 2}O{sub 6} and Na{sub 3−x}M{sub 2}IrO{sub 6}, where M is a transition metal from the 3d series (M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn). The rhombohedral structures, in space group R−3m, were determined by refinement of neutron and synchrotron powder diffraction data. No clear evidence for long range 2:1 or 1:2 honeycomb-like M/Ir ordering was found in the neutron powder diffraction patterns except in the case of M=Zn, and thus in general the compounds are best designated as sodium deficient α-NaFeO{submore » 2}-type phases with formulas Na{sub 1−x}M{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} or Na{sub 1−x}M{sub 2/3}Ir{sub 1/3}O{sub 2}. Synchrotron powder diffraction patterns indicate that several of the compounds likely have honeycomb in-plane metal–iridium ordering with disordered stacking of the layers. All the compounds are sodium deficient under our synthetic conditions and are black and insulating. Weiss constants derived from magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that Na{sub 0.62}Mn{sub 0.61}Ir{sub 0.39}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.80}Fe{sub 2/3}Ir{sub 1/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.86}Cu{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, and Na{sub 0.89}Zn{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} display dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. For Na{sub 0.90}Co{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} the dominant magnetic interactions at low temperature are ferromagnetic while at high temperatures they are antiferromagnetic; there is also a change in the effective moment. Low temperature specific heat measurements (to 2 K) on Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} indicate the presence of a broad magnetic ordering transition. X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that iridium is at or close to the 4+ oxidation state in all compounds. {sup 23}Na nuclear magnetic resonance measurements comparing Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} to Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} and Na{sub 0.89}Zn{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} provide strong indications that the electron spins are short-range ordered in the latter two materials. Na{sub 0.62}Mn{sub 0.61}Ir{sub 0.39}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.80}Fe{sub 2/3}Ir{sub 1/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.90}Co{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.86}Cu{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} and Na{sub 0.89}Zn{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} are spin glasses. (CSD-numbers: Na{sub 0.62}Mn{sub 0.61}Ir{sub 0.39}O{sub 2}: 426657, Na{sub 0.80}Fe{sub 2/3}Ir{sub 1/3}O{sub 2}: 426659, Na{sub 0.90}Co{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}: 426658, Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}: 426656, Na{sub 0.86}Cu{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}: 426655, and Na{sub 2.8}ZnIr{sub 2}O{sub 6}: 426660.) - Graphical abstract: Diffraction patterns of Na{sub 0.92}Ni{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, Na{sub 0.86}Cu{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2} and Na{sub 0.89}Zn{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}: neutron diffraction patterns in the main panel and synchrotron diffraction in the insets. The patterns show a small amount of ordering in the transition metal iridium layer. Display Omitted - Highlights: • We report six ternary sodium iridates with the α-NaFeO{sub 2} structure. • Compounds Na{sub 1−x}M{sub 1/3}Ir{sub 2/3}O{sub 2}, M=Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Na{sub 1−x}M{sub 2/3}Ir{sub 1/3}O{sub 2}, M=Mn, Fe. • Rietveld refinement of powder neutron diffraction data. • All compounds are spin glasses. • NMR comparison to Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3}.« less

The Integrated Airport: Building a Successful NextGen Testbed

ScienceCinema

Frederick-Recascino, Christina; Sweigard, Doug; Lester, Wade

2018-01-24

This presentation will describe a unique public-private partnership - the Integrated Airport - that was created to engage in research and testing related to NextGen Technology deployment.  NextGen refers to the program that will be initiated to modernize the US National Airspace.  As with any major, multi-decade initiative, such as NextGen, integration of work efforts by multiple partners in the modernization is critical for success.  This talk will focus on the development of the consortium, how the consortium plans for NextGen initiatives, the series of technology demonstrations we have produced and plans for the future of NextGen testing and implementation. 

Gen-2 hand-held optical imager towards cancer imaging: reflectance and transillumination phantom studies.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Jean; Roman, Manuela; Hall, Michael; Godavarty, Anuradha

2012-01-01

Hand-held near-infrared (NIR) optical imagers are developed by various researchers towards non-invasive clinical breast imaging. Unlike these existing imagers that can perform only reflectance imaging, a generation-2 (Gen-2) hand-held optical imager has been recently developed to perform both reflectance and transillumination imaging. The unique forked design of the hand-held probe head(s) allows for reflectance imaging (as in ultrasound) and transillumination or compressed imaging (as in X-ray mammography). Phantom studies were performed to demonstrate two-dimensional (2D) target detection via reflectance and transillumination imaging at various target depths (1-5 cm deep) and using simultaneous multiple point illumination approach. It was observed that 0.45 cc targets were detected up to 5 cm deep during transillumination, but limited to 2.5 cm deep during reflectance imaging. Additionally, implementing appropriate data post-processing techniques along with a polynomial fitting approach, to plot 2D surface contours of the detected signal, yields distinct target detectability and localization. The ability of the gen-2 imager to perform both reflectance and transillumination imaging allows its direct comparison to ultrasound and X-ray mammography results, respectively, in future clinical breast imaging studies.

Magnetism and anisotropy of Ir5+ based double perovskites Sr2CoIrO6andSr2FeIrO6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terzic, Jasminka; Yuan, S. J.; Song, W. H.; Aswartham, S.; Cao, G.

2015-03-01

We report on structural, thermodynamic and transport study of single-crystal double perovskites Sr2CoIrO6andSr2FeIrO6.TheisostructuralSr2CoIrO6andSr2FeIrO6 feature a cubic crystal structure with pentavalent Ir5+(5d4) which are anticipated to have J =0 singlet ground states in the strong spin-orbit coupling limit. Here we observe magnetic coupling between 5d and 3d (Co, Fe) elements, which result in antiferromagnetic order at high temperatures in both double perovskites. Of the two, Sr2CoIrO6 displays antiferromagnetic metallic behavior with a pronounced magnetic anisotropy; in sharp contrast, the isostructural Sr2FeIrO6 exhibits an antiferroamagnetic, insulating ground state without discernible magnetic anisotropy. The data will be discussed and presented with comparisons drawn with similar systems. This work was supported by NSF via Grant DMR 1265162.

GenBank

PubMed Central

Benson, Dennis A.; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J.; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L.

2007-01-01

GenBank (R) is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 240 000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the EMBL Data Library in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage (). PMID:17202161

Silurian sponges and some associated fossils from the Heceta Limestone, Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rigby, J.K.; Rohr, D.M.; Blodgett, R.B.; Britt, B.B.

2008-01-01

A small faunule of hypercalcified agelasiid demosponges has been recovered from outcrops of the Silurian Heceta Formation on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. Included are abundant Girtyocoeliana epiporata (Rigby and Potter, 1986), of the Girtyocoeliidae Finks and Rigby, 2004; fragments of Alaskaspongiella laminosa n. gen. and sp., Polyplacospongia nodosa n. gen. and sp., and Monolaminospongia gigantia n. gen. and sp., of the Auriculospongiidae Termier and Termier, 1977, and Cladospongia alaskensis n. gen. and sp., Virgulaspongia uniforma n. gen. and sp., and Stipespongia laminata n. gen. and sp. of the Preperonidellidae Finks and Rigby, 2004. Also included are a few fossils of uncertain taxonomic placement, including Turbospongia biperforata n. gen. and sp., along with a small, chambered, tubular fragment and several porous tubular stems that may be additional poriferans. Some isolated octactine-based heteractinid spicules were also recovered from the etched residues. Copyright ?? 2008, The Paleontological Society.

A Comparison of the Single-sided (Gen II) and Double-sided (Gen I) Combat Arms Earplugs (CAE): Acoustic Properties, Human Performance, and User Acceptance

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

results of steady-state and impulse noise attenuation objective and real-ear measurements; localization and speech intelligibility human performance... Intelligibility 12 6.1 Method...12 Figure 8. Speech intelligibility testing of Gen I CAE and Gen II CAE

Reliability and construct validity of the Instrument to Measure the Impact of Valve Heart Disease on the Patient's Daily Life.

PubMed

Anjos, Daniela Brianne Martins Dos; Rodrigues, Roberta Cunha Matheus; Padilha, Kátia Melissa; Pedrosa, Rafaela Batista Dos Santos; Gallani, Maria Cecília Bueno Jayme

2016-12-19

evaluate the practicality, acceptability and the floor and ceiling effects, estimate the reliability and verify the convergent construct's validity with the instrument called the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life (IDCV) of the valve disease in patients with mitral and or aortic heart valve disease. data was obtained from 86 heart valve disease patients through 3 phases: a face to face interview for a socio-demographic and clinic characterization and then other two done through phone calls of the interviewed patients for application of the instrument (test and repeat test). as for the practicality and acceptability, the instrument was applied with an average time of 9,9 minutes and with 110% of responses, respectively. Ceiling and floor effects observed for all domains, especially floor effect. Reliability was tested using the test - repeating pattern to give evidence of temporal stability of the measurement. Significant negative correlations with moderate to strong magnitude were found between the score of the generic question about the impact of the disease and the scores of IDCV, which points to the validity of the instrument convergent construct. the instrument to measure the impact of valve heart disease on the patient's daily life showed evidence of reliability and validity when applied to patients with heart valve disease. avaliar a praticabilidade, aceitabilidade e os efeitos teto e chão, estimar a confiabilidade e verificar a validade de construto convergente do Instrumento para Mensuração do Impacto da Doença no Cotidiano do Valvopata em pacientes com valvopatia mitral e/ou aórtica. dados foram obtidos junto a 86 pacientes valvopatas por meio de três etapas: uma entrevista presencial para caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica e as duas outras realizadas por meio de contato telefônico para as aplicações do instrumento (Teste e teste de repetição). quanto à praticabilidade e aceitabilidade, o instrumento foi aplicado com tempo médio de 9,9 minutos e com 110% de respostas, respectivamente. Constatados efeitos teto e chão para todos os domínios, principalmente efeito chão. A confiabilidade foi testada por meio do teste-teste de repetição, obtendo-se evidências de estabilidade temporal da medida. Foram constatadas correlações negativas significantes de moderada a forte magnitude entre o escore da questão genérica sobre o impacto da doença e os escores do IDCV, o que aponta para validade de construto convergente do instrumento. o Instrumento para Mensuração do Impacto da Doença no Cotidiano do Valvopata apresentou evidências de confiabilidade e validade quando aplicado em pacientes com valvopatia. evaluar la viabilidad, aceptabilidad y los efectos techo y suelo, estimar la confiabilidad y verificar la validez de constructo convergente del Instrumento para Medir el Impacto en lo Cotidiano (IDCV) del sujeto con valvulopatías mitral y/o aórtica. los datos fueron obtenidos de 86 pacientes con valvulopatías por medio de tres etapas: una entrevista presencial para caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica y las otras dos realizadas por medio de contacto telefónico para las aplicaciones del instrumento (test y test de repetición). en cuanto a la viabilidad y aceptabilidad, el instrumento fue aplicado con un tiempo promedio de 9,9 minutos y con 110% de respuestas, respectivamente. Fueron constatados los efectos techo y suelo para todos los dominios, principalmente el efecto suelo. La confiabilidad fue comprobada por medio del test de repetición, obteniéndose evidencias de estabilidad temporal de la medida. Fueron constatadas correlaciones negativas significativas de moderada a fuerte magnitud entre el puntaje de la pregunta genérica sobre el impacto de la enfermedad y los puntajes del IDCV, lo que apunta para la validez de constructo convergente del instrumento. el instrumento para medir el impacto de la valvulopatía en lo cotidiano del sujeto, presentó evidencias de confiabilidad y validez cuando aplicado en pacientes con esa enfermedad.

Genistein Promotes Proliferation of Human Cervical Cancer Cells Through Estrogen Receptor-Mediated PI3K/Akt-NF-κB Pathway

PubMed Central

Chen, Hai-Hong; Chen, Shu-Ping; Zheng, Qiu-Ling; Nie, Shao-Ping; Li, Wen-Juan; Hu, Xiao-Juan; Xie, Ming-Yong

2018-01-01

Phytoestrogens are polyphenol compounds which have similar structure to 17β-estradiol (E2), a kind of main estrogen in women. Thus, phytoestrogens may affect the reproductive and endocrine systems, leading to the development of estrogen-related cancers. The effect of genistein (Gen), one of the most studied phytoestrogens, on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) was investigated in this study. It was found that Gen at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µmol·L-1 promoted the proliferation of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Gen increased the portion of HeLa cells in S phase and decreased the portion of the cells in G1 phase. Besides, apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly lower when treated with Gen compared with the control group. It was also found that the expression of ERα, Akt or nuclear NF-κB p65 protein was activated by Gen. The correlation between these three proteins may be as following: ERα was the upstream, followed by Akt, and then nuclear NF-κB p65 protein. In addition, the downstream genes of activated nuclear NF-κB p65 were found to be associated with cell cycle and apoptosis of cancer cells. Our results suggested that Gen may stimulate cell proliferation partially through the estrogen receptor-mediated PI3K/Akt-NF-κB pathway and the further activation of the downstream genes of nuclear NF-κB p65. PMID:29344275

Roles of SLX1–SLX4, MUS81–EME1, and GEN1 in avoiding genome instability and mitotic catastrophe

PubMed Central

Sarbajna, Shriparna; Davies, Derek; West, Stephen C.

2014-01-01

The resolution of recombination intermediates containing Holliday junctions (HJs) is critical for genome maintenance and proper chromosome segregation. Three pathways for HJ processing exist in human cells and involve the following enzymes/complexes: BLM–TopoIIIα–RMI1–RMI2 (BTR complex), SLX1–SLX4–MUS81–EME1 (SLX–MUS complex), and GEN1. Cycling cells preferentially use the BTR complex for the removal of double HJs in S phase, with SLX–MUS and GEN1 acting at temporally distinct phases of the cell cycle. Cells lacking SLX–MUS and GEN1 exhibit chromosome missegregation, micronucleus formation, and elevated levels of 53BP1-positive G1 nuclear bodies, suggesting that defects in chromosome segregation lead to the transmission of extensive DNA damage to daughter cells. In addition, however, we found that the effects of SLX4, MUS81, and GEN1 depletion extend beyond mitosis, since genome instability is observed throughout all phases of the cell cycle. This is exemplified in the form of impaired replication fork movement and S-phase progression, endogenous checkpoint activation, chromosome segmentation, and multinucleation. In contrast to SLX4, SLX1, the nuclease subunit of the SLX1–SLX4 structure-selective nuclease, plays no role in the replication-related phenotypes associated with SLX4/MUS81 and GEN1 depletion. These observations demonstrate that the SLX1–SLX4 nuclease and the SLX4 scaffold play divergent roles in the maintenance of genome integrity in human cells. PMID:24831703

Spin orientations of the spin-half Ir{sup 4+} ions in Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6}, Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}, and Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3}: Density functional, perturbation theory, and Madelung potential analyses

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

Gordon, Elijah E.; Whangbo, Myung-Hwan, E-mail: mike-whangbo@ncsu.edu; Xiang, Hongjun

2016-03-21

The spins of the low-spin Ir{sup 4+} (S = 1/2, d{sup 5}) ions at the octahedral sites of the oxides Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6}, Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}, and Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} exhibit preferred orientations with respect to their IrO{sub 6} octahedra. We evaluated the magnetic anisotropies of these S = 1/2 ions on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations including spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and probed their origin by performing perturbation theory analyses with SOC as perturbation within the LS coupling scheme. The observed spin orientations of Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4} are correctly predicted by DFT calculations,more » and are accounted for by the perturbation theory analysis. As for the spin orientation of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3}, both experimental studies and DFT calculations have not been unequivocal. Our analysis reveals that the Ir{sup 4+} spin orientation of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} should have nonzero components along the c- and a-axis directions. The spin orientations determined by DFT calculations are sensitive to the accuracy of the crystal structures employed, which is explained by perturbation theory analyses when interactions between adjacent Ir{sup 4+} ions are taken into consideration. There are indications implying that the 5d electrons of Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} are less strongly localized compared with those of Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}. This implication was confirmed by showing that the Madelung potentials of the Ir{sup 4+} ions are less negative in Na{sub 2}IrO{sub 3} than in Sr{sub 3}NiIrO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}IrO{sub 4}. Most transition-metal S = 1/2 ions do have magnetic anisotropies because the SOC induces interactions among their crystal-field split d-states, and the associated mixing of the states modifies only the orbital parts of the states. This finding cannot be mimicked by a spin Hamiltonian because this model Hamiltonian lacks the orbital degree of freedom, thereby leading to the spin-half syndrome. The spin-orbital entanglement for the 5d spin-half ions Ir{sup 4+} is not as strong as has been assumed.« less

A New Classification of the Dictyostelids.

PubMed

Sheikh, Sanea; Thulin, Mats; Cavender, James C; Escalante, Ricardo; Kawakami, Shin-Ichi; Lado, Carlos; Landolt, John C; Nanjundiah, Vidyanand; Queller, David C; Strassmann, Joan E; Spiegel, Frederick W; Stephenson, Steven L; Vadell, Eduardo M; Baldauf, Sandra L

2018-02-01

Traditional morphology-based taxonomy of dictyostelids is rejected by molecular phylogeny. A new classification is presented based on monophyletic entities with consistent and strong molecular phylogenetic support and that are, as far as possible, morphologically recognizable. All newly named clades are diagnosed with small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequence signatures plus morphological synapomorphies where possible. The two major molecular clades are given the rank of order, as Acytosteliales ord. nov. and Dictyosteliales. The two major clades within each of these orders are recognized and given the rank of family as, respectively, Acytosteliaceae and Cavenderiaceae fam. nov. in Acytosteliales, and Dictyosteliaceae and Raperosteliaceae fam. nov. in Dictyosteliales. Twelve genera are recognized: Cavenderia gen. nov. in Cavenderiaceae, Acytostelium, Rostrostelium gen. nov. and Heterostelium gen. nov. in Acytosteliaceae, Tieghemostelium gen. nov., Hagiwaraea gen. nov., Raperostelium gen. nov. and Speleostelium gen. nov. in Raperosteliaceae, and Dictyostelium and Polysphondylium in Dictyosteliaceae. The "polycephalum" complex is treated as Coremiostelium gen. nov. (not assigned to family) and the "polycarpum" complex as Synstelium gen. nov. (not assigned to order and family). Coenonia, which may not be a dictyostelid, is treated as a genus incertae sedis. Eighty-eight new combinations are made at species and variety level, and Dictyostelium ammophilum is validated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

In search of the elusive IrB{sub 2}: Can mechanochemistry help?

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

Xie, Zhilin; Blair, Richard G.; Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816

The previously unknown hexagonal ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{sub 2} diboride and orthorhombic IrB monoboride phases were produced by mechanochemical syntheses. High energy ball milling of elemental Ir and B powder for 30 h, followed by annealing of the powder at 1050 °C for 48 h, resulted in the formation of the desired phases. Both traditional laboratory and high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for phase identification of the synthesized powder. In addition to XRD, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to further characterize the microstructure of the phases produced. - Graphical abstract: ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{submore » 2} and a new IrB have been successfully synthesized for the first time using mechanochemical method. Crystal structures of IrB{sub 2} and IrB were studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM. - Highlights: • ReB{sub 2}-type IrB{sub 2} and a new IrB have been synthesized by mechanochemical method. • Crystal structures of IrB{sub 2} and IrB were studied by synchrotron XRD. • Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM.« less

Ultra Barrier Topsheet Film for Flexible Photovoltaics with 3M Company

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

Funkenbusch, Arnie; Ruth, Charles

2014-12-30

In this DOE sponsored program, 3M achieved the critical UBT features to enable durable flexible high efficiency modules to be produced by a range of customers who have now certified the 3M UBT and are actively developing said flexible modules. The specific objectives and accomplishments of the work under this program were; Scale-up the current Generation-1 UBT from 12” width, as made on 3M’s pilot line, to 1+meter width full-scale manufacturing, while maintaining baseline performance metrics (see table below); This objective was fully met; Validate service life of Generation-1 UBT for the 25+ year lifetime demanded by the photovoltaic market;more » Aggressive testing revealed potential failure modes in the Gen 1 UBT. Deficiencies were identified and corrective action taken in the Gen 2 UBT; Develop a Generation-2 UBT on the pilot line, targeting improved performance relative to baseline, including higher %T (percent transmission), lower water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) with targets based on what the technology needs for 25 year lifetime, proven lifetime of 25 years in solar module construction in the field, and lower cost; Testing of UBT Gen 2 under a wide range of conditions presented in this report failed to reveal any failure mode. Therefore UBT Gen 2 is known to be highly durable. 3M will continue to test towards statistically validating a 25 year lifetime under 3M funding; Transfer Generation-2 UBT from the pilot line to the full-scale manufacturing line within three years; and This objective was fully met.« less

Controlled tuning of thin film deposition of IrO{sub 2} on Si using pulsed laser ablation technique

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

Koshy, Abraham M., E-mail: abraham@ug.iisc.in; Bhat, Shwetha G., E-mail: shwethabhat@physics.iisc.ernet.in; Kumar, P. S. Anil, E-mail: anil@physics.iisc.ernet.in

2016-05-06

We have successfully grown a stable phase of polycrystalline IrO{sub 2} on Si (100) substrate. We have found that the phase of IrO{sub 2} can be controllably tuned to obtain either Ir or IrO{sub 2} using pulsed laser ablation technique. O{sub 2} conditions during the deposition influences the phase directly and drastically whereas annealing conditions do not show any variation in the phase of thin film. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission experiments confirm both Ir and IrO{sub 2} can be successively grown on Si using IrO{sub 2} target. Also, the morphology is found to be influenced by the O{sub 2}more » conditions.« less

Virtual Airport Simulation Technology: Perceptions of Airport Operations Initial Training Program Variables and Effectiveness for Airside Professional Competence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeCarlo, Jeffrey

2010-01-01

Air travel is expected to grow by a factor of 2 to 3 times by 2025 and people working in the aviation system, including airport personnel, pilots, and air traffic controllers, must be able to safely and efficiently operate in this arena ("NextGen"). In response to the personnel training and education requirements concomitant with "NextGen,"…

U.S. Army Special Forces Roles in Asymmetric Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

1Jonathan B . Tucker, “Asymmetric Warfare: An Emerging Threat to U.S. Security,” Forum For Applied Research and Public Policy (Monterey...8Ibid., 34. 9Tucker, 11. 10Ibid., 2. 11 Henry H . Shelton, GEN, USA, Commander in Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command...the Senate Armed Services Committee, “Military Threats and Security Challenges Through 2015,” (Washington: 3 February 2000), 3. 26GEN Henry H

Tidal Energy: The benthic effects of an operational tidal stream turbine.

PubMed

O'Carroll, J P J; Kennedy, R M; Creech, A; Savidge, G

2017-08-01

The effect of modified flow on epifaunal boulder reef communities adjacent to the SeaGen, the world's first grid-compliant tidal stream turbine, were assessed. The wake of the SeaGen was modelled and the outputs were used in conjunction with positional and substrate descriptor variables, to relate variation in epifaunal community structure to the modified physical environment. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Generalised Linear Model (GLM) were used to make predictions on the distribution of Ecological Status (ES) of epifaunal communities in relation to the turbulent wake of the SeaGen. ES was assigned using the High Energy Hard Substrate (HEHS) index. ES was largely High throughout the survey area and it was not possible to make predictions on the spatial distribution of ES using an ANN or GLM. Spatial pattern in epifaunal community structure was detected when the study area was partitioned into three treatment areas: area D1; within one rotor diameter (16 m) of the centre of SeaGen, area D2; between one and three rotor diameters, and area D3; outside of three rotor diameters. Area D1 was found to be significantly more variable than D2 and D3 in terms of epifaunal community structure, bare rock distributions and ES. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of PTP1B Restores IRS1-Mediated Hepatic Insulin Signaling in IRS2-Deficient Mice

PubMed Central

González-Rodríguez, Águeda; Gutierrez, Jose A. Mas; Sanz-González, Silvia; Ros, Manuel; Burks, Deborah J.; Valverde, Ángela M.

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE Mice with complete deletion of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) develop hyperglycemia, impaired hepatic insulin signaling, and elevated gluconeogenesis, whereas mice deficient for protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B display an opposing hepatic phenotype characterized by increased sensitivity to insulin. To define the relationship between these two signaling pathways in the regulation of liver metabolism, we used genetic and pharmacological approaches to study the effects of inhibiting PTP1B on hepatic insulin signaling and expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in IRS2−/− mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling in liver and isolated hepatocytes from IRS2−/− and IRS2−/−/PTP1B−/− mice. Additionally, hepatic insulin signaling was assessed in control and IRS2−/− mice treated with resveratrol, an antioxidant present in red wine. RESULTS In livers of hyperglycemic IRS2−/− mice, the expression levels of PTP1B and its association with the insulin receptor (IR) were increased. The absence of PTP1B in the double-mutant mice restored hepatic IRS1-mediated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt/Foxo1 signaling. Moreover, resveratrol treatment of hyperglycemic IRS2−/− mice decreased hepatic PTP1B mRNA and inhibited PTP1B activity, thereby restoring IRS1-mediated PI 3-kinase/Akt/Foxo1 signaling and peripheral insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS By regulating the phosphorylation state of IR, PTB1B determines sensitivity to insulin in liver and exerts a unique role in the interplay between IRS1 and IRS2 in the modulation of hepatic insulin action. PMID:20028942

Detection prospects for high energy neutrino sources from the anisotropic matter distribution in the local Universe

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

Mertsch, Philipp; Rameez, Mohamed; Tamborra, Irene, E-mail: mertsch@nbi.ku.dk, E-mail: mohamed.rameez@nbi.ku.dk, E-mail: tamborra@nbi.ku.dk

Constraints on the number and luminosity of the sources of the cosmic neutrinos detected by IceCube have been set by targeted searches for point sources. We set complementary constraints by using the 2MASS Redshift Survey (2MRS) catalogue, which maps the matter distribution of the local Universe. Assuming that the distribution of the neutrino sources follows that of matter, we look for correlations between ''warm'' spots on the IceCube skymap and the 2MRS matter distribution. Through Monte Carlo simulations of the expected number of neutrino multiplets and careful modelling of the detector performance (including that of IceCube-Gen2), we demonstrate that sourcesmore » with local density exceeding 10{sup −6} Mpc{sup −3} and neutrino luminosity L {sub ν} ∼< 10{sup 42} erg s{sup −1} (10{sup 41} erg s{sup −1}) will be efficiently revealed by our method using IceCube (IceCube-Gen2). At low luminosities such as will be probed by IceCube-Gen2, the sensitivity of this analysis is superior to requiring statistically significant direct observation of a point source.« less

77 FR 54648 - Seventh Meeting: RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-05

...' license/State-issued ID Card Number and State of Issuance Company Phone number contact Non-U.S. Citizens... can be used for NextGen Metrics Data Sources for Measuring NextGen Fuel Impact A discussion of a preliminary report on a critical data source to track and analyze the impact of NextGen Non-Technical Barriers...

Brachyceran Diptera (Insecta) in Cretaceous ambers, Part IV, Significant New Orthorrhaphous Taxa

PubMed Central

Grimaldi, David A.; Arillo, Antonio; Cumming, Jeffrey M.; Hauser, Martin

2011-01-01

Abstract Thirteen species of basal Brachycera (11 described as new) are reported, belonging to nine families and three infraorders. They are preserved in amber from the Early Cretaceous (Neocomian) of Lebanon, Albian of northern Spain, upper Albian to lower Cenomanian of northern Myanmar, and Late Cretaceous of New Jersey USA (Turonian) and Alberta, Canada (Campanian). Taxa are as follows, with significance as noted: In Stratiomyomorpha: Stratiomyidae (Cretaceogaster pygmaeus Teskey [2 new specimens in Canadian amber], Lysistrata emerita Grimaldi & Arillo, gen. et sp. n. [stem-group species of the family in Spanish amber]), and Xylomyidae (Cretoxyla azari Grimaldi & Cumming, gen. et sp. n. [in Lebanese amber], and an undescribed species from Spain). In Tabanomorpha: Tabanidae (Cratotabanus newjerseyensis Grimaldi, sp. n., in New Jersey amber). In Muscomorpha: Acroceridae (Schlingeromyia minuta Grimaldi & Hauser, gen. et sp. n. and Burmacyrtus rusmithi Grimaldi & Hauser gen. et sp. n., in Burmese amber, the only definitive species of the family from the Cretaceous); Mythicomyiidae (Microburmyia analvena Grimaldi & Cumming gen. et sp. n. and Microburmyia veanalvena Grimaldi & Cumming, sp. n., stem-group species of the family, both in Burmese amber); Apsilocephalidae or near (therevoid family-group) (Kumaromyia burmitica Grimaldi & Hauser, gen. et sp. n. [in Burmese amber]); Apystomyiidae (Hilarimorphites burmanica Grimaldi & Cumming, sp. n. [in Burmese amber], whose closest relatives are from the Late Jurassic of Kazachstan, the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey, and Recent of California). Lastly, two species belonging to families incertae sedis, both in Burmese amber: Tethepomyiidae (Tethepomyia zigrasi Grimaldi & Arillo sp. n., the aculeate oviscapt of which indicates this family was probably parasitoidal and related to Eremochaetidae); and unplaced to family is Myanmyia asteiformia Grimaldi, gen. et sp. n., a minute fly with highly reduced venation. These new taxa significantly expand the Mesozoic fossil record of rare and phylogenetically significant taxa of lower Brachycera. PMID:22287902

k - dependent Jeff=1/2 band splitting and the electron-hole asymmetry in SrIrO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vijeta; Pulikkotil, J. J.

2017-02-01

The Ir ion in Srn+1 IrnO 3 n + 1 series of compounds is octahedrally coordinated. However, unlike Sr2IrO4 (n=1) and Sr3Ir2O7 (n=2) which are insulating due to spin-orbit induced Jeff splitting of the t2g bands, SrIrO3 (n= ∞) is conducting. To explore whether such a splitting is relevant in SrIrO3, and if so to what extent, we investigate the electronic structure of orthorhombic SrIrO3 using density functional theory. Calculations reveal that the crystal field split Ir t2 g bands in SrIrO3 are indeed split into Jeff=3/2 and and Jeff=1/2 states. However, the splitting is found to be strongly k - dependent with its magnitude determined by the Ir - O orbital hybridization. Besides, we find that the spin-orbit induced pseudo-gap, into which the Fermi energy is positioned, is composed of both light electron-like and heavy hole-like bands. These features in the band structure of SrIrO3 suggest that variations in the carrier concentration control the electronic transport properties in SrIrO3, which is consistent with the experiments.

High temperature Ir segregation in Ir-B ceramics: Effect of oxygen presence on stability of IrB 2 and other Ir-B phases

DOE PAGES

Xie, Zhilin; Terracciano, Anthony C.; Cullen, David A.; ...

2015-05-13

The formation of IrB 2, IrB 1.35, IrB 1.1 and IrB monoboride phases in the Ir–B ceramic nanopowder was confirmed during mechanochemical reaction between metallic Ir and elemental B powders. The Ir–B phases were analysed after 90 h of high energy ball milling and after annealing of the powder for 72 h at 1050°C in vacuo. The iridium monoboride (IrB) orthorhombic phase was synthesised experimentally for the first time and identified by powder X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the ReB 2 type IrB 2 hexagonal phase was also produced for the first time and identified by high resolution transmission electron microscope. Irmore » segregation along disordered domains of the boron lattice was found to occur during high temperature annealing. Furthermore, these nanodomains may have useful catalytic properties.« less

IRS2 silencing increases apoptosis and potentiates the effects of ruxolitinib in JAK2V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms

PubMed Central

de Melo Campos, Paula; Machado-Neto, João A.; Eide, Christopher A.; Savage, Samantha L.; Scopim-Ribeiro, Renata; da Silva Souza Duarte, Adriana; Favaro, Patricia; Lorand-Metze, Irene; Costa, Fernando F.; Tognon, Cristina E.; Druker, Brian J.; Saad, Sara T. Olalla; Traina, Fabiola

2016-01-01

The recurrent V617F mutation in JAK2 (JAK2V617F) has emerged as the primary contributor to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). However, the lack of complete response in most patients treated with the JAK1/2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, indicates the need for identifying pathways that cooperate with JAK2. Activated JAK2 was found to be associated with the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in non-hematological cells. We identified JAK2/IRS2 binding in JAK2V617F HEL cells, but not in the JAK2WT U937 cell line. In HEL cells, IRS2 silencing decreased STAT5 phosphorylation, reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis; these effects were enhanced when IRS2 silencing was combined with ruxolitinib. In U937 cells, IRS2 silencing neither reduced cell viability nor induced apoptosis. IRS1/2 pharmacological inhibition in primary MPN samples reduced cell viability in JAK2V617F-positive but not JAK2WT specimens; combination with ruxolitinib had additive effects. IRS2 expression was significantly higher in CD34+ cells from essential thrombocythemia patients compared to healthy donors, and in JAK2V617F MPN patients when compared to JAK2WT. Our data indicate that IRS2 is a binding partner of JAK2V617F in MPN. IRS2 contributes to increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis in JAK2-mutated cells. Combined pharmacological inhibition of IRS2 and JAK2 may have a potential clinical application in MPN. PMID:26755644

(CaO)nIrO2 (n = 1, 2, 4) family: Chemical scissors effects of CaO on structural characteristics correlated to physical properties. Ab initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matar, Samir F.; Etourneau, Jean

2017-11-01

Based on crystal chemistry analysis within Ca-Ir-O ternary, the generic (CaO)nIrO2 formula leading to CaIrO3 for n = 1, Ca2IrO4 for n = 2 and Ca4IrO6 for n = 4 actual chemical compounds show significant structural changes regarding the spatial arrangement of IrO6 octahedra whereby increasing amounts of CaO act as 'chemical scissor' decreasing the dimensionality of stacking octahedra from 3D (IrO2) to 0D (Ca4IrO6). This is accompanied by changes in the electronic structure investigated within density functional theory. Such changes are particularly exhibited by linear increase of Ir density of states at the Fermi level revealing increasing localization of d states with crystal field effects. Eventually only for Ca4IrO6 a magnetic instability occurs in non magnetic configuration. Spin polarized calculations lead to development of small magnitude but finite magnetization on Ir with M 0.50 μB totally polarized along minority spin channel ↓.

Role of IRS-2 in insulin and cytokine signalling.

PubMed

Sun, X J; Wang, L M; Zhang, Y; Yenush, L; Myers, M G; Glasheen, E; Lane, W S; Pierce, J H; White, M F

1995-09-14

The protein IRS-1 acts as an interface between signalling proteins with Src-homology-2 domains (SH2 proteins) and the receptors for insulin, IGF-1, growth hormone, several interleukins (IL-4, IL-9, IL-13) and other cytokines. It regulates gene expression and stimulates mitogenesis, and appears to mediate insulin/IGF-1-stimulated glucose transport. Thus, survival of the IRS-1-/- mouse with only mild resistance to insulin was surprising. This dilemma is provisionally resolved with our discovery of a second IRS-signalling protein. We purified and cloned a likely candidate called 4PS from myeloid progenitor cells and, because of its resemblance to IRS-1, we designate it IRS-2. Alignment of the sequences of IRS-2 and IRS-1 revealed a highly conserved amino terminus containing a pleckstrin-homology domain and a phosphotyrosine-binding domain, and a poorly conserved carboxy terminus containing several tyrosine phosphorylation motifs. IRS-2 is expressed in many cells, including tissues from IRS-1-/- mice, and may be essential for signalling by several receptor systems.

Generic revision of the ant subfamily Dorylinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

PubMed Central

Borowiec, Marek L.

2016-01-01

Abstract The generic classification of the ant subfamily Dorylinae is revised, with the aim of facilitating identification of easily-diagnosable monophyletic genera. The new classification is based on recent molecular phylogenetic evidence and a critical reappraisal of doryline morphology. New keys and diagnoses based on workers and males are provided, along with reviews of natural history and phylogenetic relationships, distribution maps, and a list of valid species for each lineage. Twenty-eight genera (27 extant and 1 extinct) are recognized within the subfamily, an increase from 20 in the previous classification scheme. Species classified in the polyphyletic Cerapachys and Sphinctomyrmex prior to this publication are here distributed among 9 and 3 different genera, respectively. Amyrmex and Asphinctanilloides are synonymized under Leptanilloides and the currently recognized subgenera are synonymized for Dorylus. No tribal classification is proposed for the subfamily, but several apparently monophyletic genus-groups are discussed. Valid generic names recognized here include: Acanthostichus (= Ctenopyga), Aenictogiton, Aenictus (= Paraenictus, Typhlatta), Cerapachys (= Ceratopachys), Cheliomyrmex, Chrysapace gen. rev., Cylindromyrmex (= Holcoponera, Hypocylindromyrmex, Metacylindromyrmex), Dorylus (= Alaopone syn. n., Anomma syn. n., Cosmaecetes, Dichthadia syn. n., Rhogmus syn. n., Shuckardia, Sphecomyrmex, Sphegomyrmex, Typhlopone syn. n.), Eburopone gen. n., Eciton (= Camptognatha, Holopone, Mayromyrmex), Eusphinctus gen. rev., Labidus (= Nycteresia, Pseudodichthadia), Leptanilloides (= Amyrmex syn. n., Asphinctanilloides syn. n.), Lioponera gen. rev. (= Neophyracaces syn. n., Phyracaces syn. n.), Lividopone, Neivamyrmex (= Acamatus, Woitkowskia), Neocerapachys gen. n., Nomamyrmex, Ooceraea gen. rev. (= Cysias syn. n.), Parasyscia gen. rev., †Procerapachys, Simopone, Sphinctomyrmex, Syscia gen. rev., Tanipone, Vicinopone, Yunodorylus gen. rev., Zasphinctus gen. rev. (= Aethiopopone syn. n., Nothosphinctus syn. n.). PMID:27559303

Perceptions of clinical utility of an Augmented Reality musical software among health care professionals.

PubMed

Corrêa, Ana Grasielle Dionísio; de Assis, Gilda Aparecida; do Nascimento, Marilena; de Deus Lopes, Roseli

2017-04-01

Augmented Reality musical software (GenVirtual) is a technology, which primarily allows users to develop music activities for rehabilitation. This study aimed to analyse the perceptions of health care professionals regarding the clinical utility of GenVirtual. A second objective was to identify improvements to GenVirtual software and similar technologies. Music therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapist who assist people with physical and cognitive disabilities were enrolled in three focus groups. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected through inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: the use of GenVirtual in health care areas; opportunities for realistic application of GenVirtual; and limitations in the use of GenVirtual. The registration units identified were: motor stimulation, cognitive stimulation, verbal learning, recreation activity, musicality, accessibility, motivation, sonic accuracy, interference of lighting, poor sound, children and adults. This research suggested that the GenVirtual is a complementary tool to conventional clinical practice and has great potential to motor and cognitive rehabilitation of children and adults. Implications for Rehabilitation Gaining health professional' perceptions of the Augmented Reality musical game (GenVirtual) give valuable information as to the clinical utility of the software. GenVirtual was perceived as a tool that could be used as enhancing the motor and cognitive rehabilitation process. GenVirtual was viewed as a tool that could enhance clinical practice and communication among various agencies, but it was suggested that it should be used with caution to avoid confusion and replacement of important services.

Genistein and bisphenol A exposure cause estrogen receptor 1 to bind thousands of sites in a cell type-specific manner

PubMed Central

Gertz, Jason; Reddy, Timothy E.; Varley, Katherine E.; Garabedian, Michael J.; Myers, Richard M.

2012-01-01

Endogenous estrogens that are synthesized in the body impact gene regulation by activating estrogen receptors in diverse cell types. Exogenous compounds that have estrogenic properties can also be found circulating in the blood in both children and adults. The genome-wide impact of these environmental estrogens on gene regulation is unclear. To obtain an integrated view of gene regulation in response to environmental and endogenous estrogens on a genome-wide scale, we performed ChIP-seq to identify estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; previously estrogen receptor α) binding sites, and RNA-seq in endometrial cancer cells exposed to bisphenol A (BPA; found in plastics), genistein (GEN; found in soybean), or 17β-estradiol (E2; an endogenous estrogen). GEN and BPA treatment induces thousands of ESR1 binding sites and >50 gene expression changes, representing a subset of E2-induced gene regulation changes. Genes affected by E2 were highly enriched for ribosome-associated proteins; however, GEN and BPA failed to regulate most ribosome-associated proteins and instead enriched for transporters of carboxylic acids. Treatment-dependent changes in gene expression were associated with treatment-dependent ESR1 binding sites, with the exception that many genes up-regulated by E2 harbored a BPA-induced ESR1 binding site but failed to show any expression change after BPA treatment. GEN and BPA exhibited a similar relationship to E2 in the breast cancer line T-47D, where cell type specificity played a much larger role than treatment specificity. Overall, both environmental estrogens clearly regulate gene expression through ESR1 on a genome-wide scale, although with lower potency resulting in less ESR1 binding sites and less gene expression changes compared to the endogenous estrogen, E2. PMID:23019147

Genetic analysis of maternal ability in Iberian pigs.

PubMed

Rodriguez, C; Rodrigañez, J; Silio, L

1994-01-12

A practical measure of milk yield of the sow is the weight of the litter at three weeks of age when the piglet growth is entirely dependent on the milking ability of the dam. Genetic parameters of litter size at birth (LS) and litter weight at 21 days (LW21) were estimated using a DFREML procedure from records of 4883 litters (2,049 for LW21) of Iberian breed. Preliminary analysis showed negligible maternal genetic effects. The model for both traits included the fixed effects of farrowing period (86 levels), parity (6) and inbreeding coefficients of dam (Fd) and litter (F(1) ) as co-variables, and three random effects-additive genetic value, permanent environmental effect and residual on both traits. Heritability and repeatability estimates were 0.064 and 0.126 (LS) and 0.163 and 0.270 (LW21) respectively. Estimated genetic and phenotypic correlations were 0.214 and 0.043. The inbreeding depression per 10 % increase of Fd or F(1) was -0.150 or -0.170 in live piglets and -0.983 or -1.023 kg of litter weight. When the model for LW21 included the dam inbreeding and the number of suckling piglets as co-variables, the heritability and repeatability estimates were 0.243 and 0.431 respectively. A complementary analysis was carried out on individual records (weight at 21 days) of 26206 piglets farrowed by 1317 sows. The model included the fixed effects of sex, farrowing period, parity, and the inbreeding coefficients of dam and individual, as co-variables. A total of four random effects were also included: direct and maternal genetic effects, common environmental effects and residual. Estimates of heritability, maternal heritability and common environmental coefficient were, respectively, 0.019, 0.163 and 0.128, reinforcing the evidence of genetic variance for milk producing ability in Iberian sows. The estimated values of inbreeding depression for piglet weight at 21 days were -0.072 and -0.098 kg per 10 % increase in dam or litter inbreeding. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Genetische Analyse von Muttereigenschaften iberischer Schweine Ein praktisches Maß für Milchleistung von Sauen ist das Drei-Wochen-Wurfgewicht, das völlig von der Muttermilchleistung abhängt. Genetische Parameter für Geburtswurfgröße (LS) und Geburtswurfgewicht bei 21 Tagen (LW21) wurden mit DFREML von 4883 Würfen (2049 für LW21) geschätzt. Vorläufige Analysen zeigten vernachläßigbare maternale Wirkungen. Das Modell enthält fixe Wirkungen der Wurfperiode (86), Wurffolge (6) und Inzuchtkoeffizienten von Muttersau (Fd) und Wurf (F(1) ) als Ko-variable und dazu drei zufällige Wirkungen: additiv-genetischer Wert, permanenter Umwelteinfluß und der Rest, bei beiden Merkmalen. Heritabilität und Wiederholbarkeit wurden auf 0,064 und 0,126 (LS) und auf 0,163 und 0,270 (LW21) geschätzt. Genetische und phänotypische Korrelationen waren 0,214 bzw. 0,043. Inzuchtdepression pro 10 % für Fd bzw. Fl waren -0,15 bzw. -0,17 bei lebenden Ferkeln und -0,983 bzw. -1,023 Kg in Wurfgewicht. Wenn im Modell für LW21 Mutterinzucht und Zahl saugender Ferkel berücksichtigt wurde, waren die Heritabilitäts- und Wiederholbarkeitsschätzungen 0,243 und 0,431. Eine komplementäre Analyse wurde für Einzelgewichte bei 21 Tagen an 26206 Ferkel von 1317 Sauen durchgeführt. Das Modell enthält festgesetzte Wirkungen von Geschlecht, Wurfperiode, Wurffolge und Inzuchtkoeffizient von Mutter und Ferkel sowie vier zufällige Wirkungen: direkte und maternale Wirkungen, gemeinsame Umweltwirkungen und den Rest. Schätzwerte für Heritabilität, maternale Heritabilität und Wurfumwelt waren 0,019, 0,163 bzw. 0,128, was auf genetische Varianz bei Milchleistung iberischer Sauen hinweist. Die geschätzten Werte für Inzucht-depression für Drei-Wochen-Ferkelgewicht waren -0,072 und -0,098 pro 10% Inzuchtsteigerung von Muttersau und Wurf. RESUMEN: Análisis genético de la aptitud maternal en cerdos ibéricos Una medida práctica de la capacidad lechera de la cerda es el peso de la camada con tres semanas cuando el crecimiento del lechón depende exclusivamente de la producción lechera de la madre. Mediante el procedimiento DFREML se han estimado parámetros genéticos para el tamaño de camada al nacimiento (LS) y peso de la camada a 21 dias (LW21) a partir de 4883 camadas (2049 para LW21) de cerdos Ibéricos. Análisis preliminares mostraron la inexistencia de efectos genéticos maternales significativos sobre ambos caracteres. El modelo ha incluido el efecto fijo de la paridera (86 niveles), orden de parto (6) y los coeficientes de consanguinidad de la madre (Fd) y de la camada (Fl) como covariables, y tres efectos aleatorios: valor genético aditivo, ambiente permanente y residuo. La heredabilidad y repetibilidad estimadas fueron 0,064 y 0,126 (LS) y 0,163 y 0,270 (LW21). Las correlaciones genética y fenotipica fueron 0,214 y 0,043. La depresión consanguinea por 10 % de aumento de Fd o Fl fue -0,150 y -0,170 lechones vivos para LS y -0,983 y - 1,023 kg para LW21. Cuando el modelo para LW21 incluyó como covariables la consanguinidad de la madre y el número de lechones criados, la heredabilidad y repetibilidad estimadas fueron 0,243 y 0,431. Se efectuó un análisis complementario mediante un modelo con efectos maternos de registros de peso a 21 dias de 26206 lechones nacidos de 1317 cerdas. Las estimas de heredabilidad, heredabilidad maternal y coeficiente de ambiente común de camada fueron 0,019, 0,163 y 0,128 respectivamente, reforzando la evidencia de variabilidad genética para la aptitud lechera en cerdas Ibéricas. Los valores de depresión consanguinea estimados para el peso del lechón a 21 dias fueron -0,072 y -0,098 kg por 10 % de aumento de consanguinidad de la madre o del individuo. 1994 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Gen-27, a newly synthesized flavonoid, inhibits glycolysis and induces cell apoptosis via suppression of hexokinase II in human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Tao, Lei; Wei, Libing; Liu, Yishi; Ding, Yang; Liu, Xiuting; Zhang, Xin; Wang, Xiaoping; Yao, Yuyuan; Lu, Jinrong; Wang, Qing; Hu, Rong

2017-02-01

We have previously reported that Gen-27, a newly synthesized flavonoid, exhibits anticancer effects against human colorectal cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects in human breast cancer cell lines and its underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that Gen-27 inhibited the growth and proliferation of human breast cancer cells in concentration and time-dependent manners. It was found that Gen-27 induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, characterized by the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cytochrome c (Cyt c) release from mitochondria to cytosol, activation of caspases and induction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In addition, Gen-27 inhibited the glycolysis in human breast cancer cells. After treatment with Gen-27, the expression of HKII was down-regulated, accompanied by weakened interaction of HKII and VDAC. Further research revealed that the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis was associated with the decrease of HKII expression by Gen-27. Finally, in vivo studies demonstrated that Gen-27 significantly suppressed the growth and promoted apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer orthotopic tumors with low systemic toxicity. In conclusion, the results showed that Gen-27 had significant anticancer effects against human breast cancer and it may potentially be used as a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of breast cancer. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

IRS-1 acts as an endocytic regulator of IGF-I receptor to facilitate sustained IGF signaling.

PubMed

Yoneyama, Yosuke; Lanzerstorfer, Peter; Niwa, Hideaki; Umehara, Takashi; Shibano, Takashi; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki; Chida, Kazuhiro; Weghuber, Julian; Hakuno, Fumihiko; Takahashi, Shin-Ichiro

2018-04-11

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) preferentially regulates the long-term IGF activities including growth and metabolism. Kinetics of ligand-dependent IGF-IR endocytosis determines how IGF induces such downstream signaling outputs. Here, we find that the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 modulates how long ligand-activated IGF-IR remains at the cell surface before undergoing endocytosis in mammalian cells. IRS-1 interacts with the clathrin adaptor complex AP2. IRS-1, but not an AP2-binding-deficient mutant, delays AP2-mediated IGF-IR endocytosis after the ligand stimulation. Mechanistically, IRS-1 inhibits the recruitment of IGF-IR into clathrin-coated structures; for this reason, IGF-IR avoids rapid endocytosis and prolongs its activity on the cell surface. Accelerating IGF-IR endocytosis via IRS-1 depletion induces the shift from sustained to transient Akt activation and augments FoxO-mediated transcription. Our study establishes a new role for IRS-1 as an endocytic regulator of IGF-IR that ensures sustained IGF bioactivity, independent of its classic role as an adaptor in IGF-IR signaling. © 2018, Yoneyama et al.

IRS-1 acts as an endocytic regulator of IGF-I receptor to facilitate sustained IGF signaling

PubMed Central

Yoneyama, Yosuke; Lanzerstorfer, Peter; Niwa, Hideaki; Umehara, Takashi; Shibano, Takashi; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki; Chida, Kazuhiro; Weghuber, Julian

2018-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) preferentially regulates the long-term IGF activities including growth and metabolism. Kinetics of ligand-dependent IGF-IR endocytosis determines how IGF induces such downstream signaling outputs. Here, we find that the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)−1 modulates how long ligand-activated IGF-IR remains at the cell surface before undergoing endocytosis in mammalian cells. IRS-1 interacts with the clathrin adaptor complex AP2. IRS-1, but not an AP2-binding-deficient mutant, delays AP2-mediated IGF-IR endocytosis after the ligand stimulation. Mechanistically, IRS-1 inhibits the recruitment of IGF-IR into clathrin-coated structures; for this reason, IGF-IR avoids rapid endocytosis and prolongs its activity on the cell surface. Accelerating IGF-IR endocytosis via IRS-1 depletion induces the shift from sustained to transient Akt activation and augments FoxO-mediated transcription. Our study establishes a new role for IRS-1 as an endocytic regulator of IGF-IR that ensures sustained IGF bioactivity, independent of its classic role as an adaptor in IGF-IR signaling. PMID:29661273

Factors Influencing Retention of Gen Y and Non-Gen Y Teachers Working at International Schools in Asia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fong, Hoi Wah Benny

2018-01-01

Quantitative studies on international-school teacher retention are few, especially studies that differentiate between Gen Y and non-Gen Y teachers. This article reports on the findings of a study that examined the relationship of job satisfaction factors to the likelihood of contract renewal by international-school teachers. Results from the study…

Interaction between nuclear insulin receptor substrate-2 and NF-κB in IGF-1 induces response in breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Wu, Shufang; Zhou, Bo; Xu, Lin; Sun, Hongzhi

2010-12-01

Despite significant homology between IRS-1 and IRS-2, recent studies have revealed distinct functions for these adaptor proteins in regulating breast cancer progression. Thus far, most of the studies on breast cancer have focused upon IRS-1, the biological pattern of IRS-2 is limited. We demonstrated that depletion of endogenous IRS-2 by antisense strategies impaired cell proliferation after serum withdrawal, blunted PI3K/Akt and NF-κB activation in IGF-1 induced response in MCF-7 and BT-20 breast cancer cells. In addition, IGF-1 promote nuclear translocation of IRS-2 and NF-κB in MCF-7 and BT-20 cells. Nuclear IRS-2 interaction with NF-κB-p65 and PI3K binding tyrosine residues of IRS-2 are crucial for the NF-κB activities. Moreover, nuclear IRS-2 is recruited to the cyclin D1 promoter both in MCF-7 and BT-20 cells. The selective inhibition of NF-κB-65 abolished the occupancy of IRS-2 to the cyclin D1 promoters. Our studies suggest that IRS-2 plays a significant role by activating, at least in part, NF-κB via PI3K/Akt pathway in IGF-1-induced responses in breast cancer cells and the crosstalk between nuclear IRS-2 and NF-κB might be responsible for transcriptional progression of the breast cancer cells.

Head-Worn Displays for NextGen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Randall E.; Shelton, Kevin J.; Arthur, J. J.

2011-01-01

The operating concepts emerging under the Next Generation air transportation system (NextGen) require new technology and procedures - not only on the ground-side - but also on the flight deck. Flight deck display and decision support technologies are specifically targeted to overcome aircraft safety barriers that might otherwise constrain the full realization of NextGen. One such technology is the very lightweight, unobtrusive head-worn display (HWD). HWDs with an integrated head-tracking system are being researched as they offer significant potential benefit under emerging NextGen operational concepts. Two areas of benefit for NextGen are defined. First, the HWD may be designed to be equivalent to the Head-Up Display (HUD) using Virtual HUD concepts. As such, these operational credits may be provided to significantly more aircraft for which HUD installation is neither practical nor possible. Second, the HWD provides unique display capabilities, such as an unlimited field-of-regard. These capabilities may be integral to emerging NextGen operational concepts, eliminating safety issues which might otherwise constrain the full realization of NextGen. The paper details recent research results, current HWD technology limitations, and future technology development needed to realize HWDs as a enabling technology for NextGen.

Enhanced Activity and Durability of Nanosized Pt-SnO2/IrO2/CNTs Catalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation.

PubMed

Wang, Hongjuan; Wang, Xiaohui; Zheng, Jiadao; Peng, Feng; Yu, Hao

2015-05-01

Pt-SnO2/IrO2/CNTs anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell was designed and prepared with IrO2/CNTs as support for the subsequent immobilization of Pt and SnO2 at the same time. The structure of the catalysts and their catalytic performance in methanol electrooxidation were investigated and the roles of IrO2 and SnO2 in methanol electrooxidation were discussed as well. Results show that Pt-SnO2/IrO2/CNTs catalyst exhibits the best activity and durability for methanol electrooxidation when compared with Pt/CNTs, Pt/IrO2/CNTs and Pt-SnO2/CNTs. According to the results of electrochemical tests and physicochemical characterizations, the enhancements of Pt-SnO2/IrO2/CNTs were attributed to the special properties of IrO2 and SnO2, in which IrO2 mainly increases the methanol oxidation activity and SnO2 mainly improves the CO oxidation ability and durability. Therefore, Pt-SnO2/IrO2/CNTs exhibits excellent performance for methanol oxidation with higher electrocatalytic activity (I(f) of 1054 A g(Pt(-1)) and powerful anti-poisoning ability (the onset potential for CO oxidation of 0.3 V) and outstanding durability (the sustained time t in CP of 617 s), revealing a suitable anode catalyst for DMFCs.

BH3-Only Molecule Bim Mediates β-Cell Death in IRS2 Deficiency

PubMed Central

Ren, Decheng; Sun, Juan; Mao, Liqun; Ye, Honggang

2014-01-01

Irs2-deficient mice develop type 2–like diabetes due to a reduction in β-cell mass and a failure of pancreatic islets to undergo compensatory hyperplasia in response to insulin resistance. In order to define the molecular mechanisms, we knocked down Irs2 gene expression in mouse MIN6 insulinoma cells. Insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) suppression induced apoptotic cell death, which was associated with an increase in expression of the BH3-only molecule Bim. Knockdown (KD) of Bim reduced apoptotic β-cell death induced by IRS2 suppression. In Irs2-deficient mice, Bim ablation restored β-cell mass, decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and restored normal glucose tolerance after glucose challenge. FoxO1 mediates Bim upregulation induced by IRS2 suppression, and FoxO1 KD partially inhibits β-cell death induced by IRS2 suppression. These results suggest that Bim plays an important role in mediating the increase in β-cell apoptosis and the reduction in β-cell mass that occurs in IRS2-deficient diabetes. PMID:24760140

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L

2007-01-01

GenBank (R) is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 240 000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the EMBL Data Library in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L

2005-01-01

GenBank is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available DNA sequences for more than 165,000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the EMBL Data Library in the UK and the DNA Data Bank of Japan helps to ensure worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, go to the NCBI Homepage at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L

2006-01-01

GenBank (R) is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available DNA sequences for more than 205 000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the Web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the EMBL Data Library in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, go to the NCBI Homepage at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L

2008-01-01

GenBank (R) is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 260 000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Nucleotide Sequence Database in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

GenBank

PubMed Central

Benson, Dennis A.; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J.; Ostell, James; Wheeler, David L.

2008-01-01

GenBank (R) is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 260 000 named organisms, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Nucleotide Sequence Database in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through NCBI's retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov PMID:18073190

Effect of the substituents on the photophysical, electrochemical and electroluminescence properties of OLED dopant Iridium bis(2-phenylbenzothiozolato- N,C2')(acetylacetonate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, P.; Tomova, R.; Petrova, P.

2014-12-01

The effect of two substituents: clorine and 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dionate, placed on different position in the molecule of Iridium (III) bis(2-phenylbenzothiozolato-N,C2')- (acetylacetonate) (bt)2Ir(acac), on its electrochemical behaviour, photophysical and electroluminescence properties were investigated. Three complexes (bt)2Ir(acac), Iridium (III) bis[2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzothiazolato-N,C2']-acetylacetonate (Clbt)2Ir(acac), in which the Cl atom was introduced on the 4-position in the benzothiazole ring, and the new Iridium (Ill) bis[2 -phenylbenzothiazolato -N,C2'] -(1,3 -diphenylpropane-1,3 -dionate) (bt)2Ir(dbm), where ancillary acetylacetonate ligand was replaced by 1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dionate, were synthesized and characterised by 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. The HOMO/LUMO energy levels of the complexes were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and their properties were established by UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The application of (Clbt)2Ir(acac), (bt)2Ir(bsm) and (bt)2Ir(acac) as dopants in hole transporting layer (HTL) of Organic light- emitting diodes(OLEDs). It was found that with respect to the reference (bt)2Ir(acac): both LUMO and HOMO of the substituted complexes were shifted to more positive values accordingly with 0.23 and 0.19 eV for (Clbt)2Ir(acac) and 0.14 and 0.12 eV for (bt)2Ir(dbm). OLEDs doped with 1 w% of the complexes irradiated the warm white light with Commission internationale de l'eclairage (CIE) coordinates: 0.24;0.38 for (Clbt)2Ir(acac), 0.30;0.44 for (bt)2Ir(acac) and 0.28;0.46 for (bt)2Ir(dbm). Devices doped with 10 w% of all complexes irradiated in the yellow orange region of the spectrum.

Extremely High Peak Power Pulsed RF and UWB EMR Effects on Genomic Transcription - Microarray Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-26

Homo sapiens decorin variant C mRNA, complete cds. 2.117 PKNOX2 HUM408A08B Human fetal brain (TFujiwara) Homo sapiens cDNA clone GEN -408A08 5’, mRNA...mRNA, complete cds. 2.117 PKNOX2 HUM408A08B Human fetal brain (TFujiwara) Homo sapiens cDNA clone GEN -408A08 5’, mRNA sequence. 2.076 SEC23B...RAS oncogene family ; RAB33B, member RAS oncogene family 205300_s_at 0.37 U1SNRNPBP U11/U12 snRNP 35K 220728_at 0.349 218689_at 0.342 FANCF Fanconi

R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) and RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd): Crystal structures with nets of Ir atoms

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

Yarema, Maksym; Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology; Zaremba, Oksana

The crystal structures of the new ternary compounds Sm{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} and LaIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} were determined and refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. They belong to the Ho{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} (oP52, Pmmn) and CeCo{sub 3}B{sub 2} (hP5, P6/mmm) structure types, respectively. The formation of isotypic compounds R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} with R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} with R=Ce, Pr, Nd, was established by powder X-ray diffraction. The RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) compounds exist only in as-cast samples and decompose during annealing at 800 Degree-Sign C with the formationmore » of R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9}. The structure of Sm{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} contains intersecting, slightly puckered nets of Ir atoms (4{sup 4})(4{sup 3}.6){sub 2}(4.6{sup 2}){sub 2} and (4{sup 4}){sub 2}(4{sup 3}.6){sub 4}(4.6{sup 2}){sub 2} that are perpendicular to [0 1 1] as well as to [0 -1 1] and [0 0 1]. The Ir atoms are surrounded by Ge atoms that form tetrahedra or square pyramids (where the layers intersect). The Sm and additional Ir atoms (in trigonal-planar coordination) are situated in channels along [1 0 0] (short translation vector). In the structure of LaIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} the Ir atoms form planar Kagome nets (3.6.3.6) perpendicular to [0 0 1]. These nets alternate along the short translation vector with layers of La and Ge atoms. - Graphical abstract: The crystal structures contain the nets of Ir atoms as main structural motif: R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} contains intersecting slightly puckered nets of Ir atoms, whereas in the structure of RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} the Ir atoms form planar Kagome nets. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The Ir-rich ternary germanides R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) and RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) have been synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} compounds exist only in as-cast samples and decompose during annealing at 800 Degree-Sign C with the formation of R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structure of R{sub 4}Ir{sub 13}Ge{sub 9} contains intersecting slightly puckered nets of Ir atoms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In the structure of RIr{sub 3}Ge{sub 2} the Ir atoms form planar Kagome nets.« less

Preparation of activated carbon from cherry stones by chemical activation with ZnCl 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivares-Marín, M.; Fernández-González, C.; Macías-García, A.; Gómez-Serrano, V.

2006-06-01

Cherry stones (CS), an industrial product generated abundantly in the Valle del Jerte (Cáceres province, Spain), were used as precursor in the preparation of activated carbon by chemical activation with ZnCl 2. The influence of process variables such as the carbonisation temperature and the ZnCl 2:CS ratio (impregnation ratio) on textural and chemical-surface properties of the products obtained was studied. Such products were characterised texturally by adsorption of N 2 at -196 °C, mercury porosimetry and density measurements. Information on the surface functional groups and structures of the carbons was provided by FT-IR spectroscopy. Activated carbon with a high development of surface area and porosity is prepared. When using the 4:1 impregnation ratio, the specific surface area (BET) of the resultant carbon is as high as 1971 m 2 g -1. The effect of the increase in the impregnation ratio on the porous structure of activated carbon is stronger than that of the rise in the carbonisation temperature, whereas the opposite applies to the effect on the surface functional groups and structures.

The Unique IR2 Protein of Equine Herpesvirus 1 Negatively Regulates Viral Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Kim, Seong K.; Ahn, Byung C.; Albrecht, Randy A.; O'Callaghan, Dennis J.

2006-01-01

The IR2 protein (IR2P) is a truncated form of the immediate-early protein (IEP) lacking the essential acidic transcriptional activation domain (TAD) and serine-rich tract and yet retaining binding domains for DNA and TFIIB and nuclear localization signal (NLS). Analysis of the IR2 promoter indicated that the IR2 promoter was upregulated by the EICP0P. The IR2P was first detected in the nucleus at 5 h postinfection in equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1)-infected HeLa and equine NBL6 cells. Transient-transfection assays revealed that (i) the IR2P by itself downregulated EHV-1 early promoters (EICP0, TK, EICP22, and EICP27) in a dose-dependent manner; (ii) the IR2P abrogated the IEP and the EICP27P (UL5) mediated transactivation of viral promoters in a dose-dependent manner; and (iii) the IR2P, like the IEP itself, also downregulated the IE promoter, indicating that the IEP TAD is not necessary to downregulate the IE promoter. In vitro interaction assays revealed that the IR2P interacts with TATA box-binding protein (TBP). The essential domain(s) of the IR2P that mediate negative regulation were mapped to amino acid residues 1 to 706, indicating that the DNA-binding domain and the NLS of the IR2P may be important for the downregulation. In transient-transfection and virus growth assays, the IR2P reduced EHV-1 production by 23-fold compared to virus titers achieved in cells transfected with the empty vector. Overall, these studies suggest that the IR2P downregulates viral gene expression by acting as a dominant-negative protein that blocks IEP-binding to viral promoters and/or squelching the limited supplies of TFIIB and TBP. PMID:16641295

The unique IR2 protein of equine herpesvirus 1 negatively regulates viral gene expression.

PubMed

Kim, Seong K; Ahn, Byung C; Albrecht, Randy A; O'Callaghan, Dennis J

2006-05-01

The IR2 protein (IR2P) is a truncated form of the immediate-early protein (IEP) lacking the essential acidic transcriptional activation domain (TAD) and serine-rich tract and yet retaining binding domains for DNA and TFIIB and nuclear localization signal (NLS). Analysis of the IR2 promoter indicated that the IR2 promoter was upregulated by the EICP0P. The IR2P was first detected in the nucleus at 5 h postinfection in equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1)-infected HeLa and equine NBL6 cells. Transient-transfection assays revealed that (i) the IR2P by itself downregulated EHV-1 early promoters (EICP0, TK, EICP22, and EICP27) in a dose-dependent manner; (ii) the IR2P abrogated the IEP and the EICP27P (UL5) mediated transactivation of viral promoters in a dose-dependent manner; and (iii) the IR2P, like the IEP itself, also downregulated the IE promoter, indicating that the IEP TAD is not necessary to downregulate the IE promoter. In vitro interaction assays revealed that the IR2P interacts with TATA box-binding protein (TBP). The essential domain(s) of the IR2P that mediate negative regulation were mapped to amino acid residues 1 to 706, indicating that the DNA-binding domain and the NLS of the IR2P may be important for the downregulation. In transient-transfection and virus growth assays, the IR2P reduced EHV-1 production by 23-fold compared to virus titers achieved in cells transfected with the empty vector. Overall, these studies suggest that the IR2P downregulates viral gene expression by acting as a dominant-negative protein that blocks IEP-binding to viral promoters and/or squelching the limited supplies of TFIIB and TBP.

pGenN, a Gene Normalization Tool for Plant Genes and Proteins in Scientific Literature

PubMed Central

Ding, Ruoyao; Arighi, Cecilia N.; Lee, Jung-Youn; Wu, Cathy H.; Vijay-Shanker, K.

2015-01-01

Background Automatically detecting gene/protein names in the literature and connecting them to databases records, also known as gene normalization, provides a means to structure the information buried in free-text literature. Gene normalization is critical for improving the coverage of annotation in the databases, and is an essential component of many text mining systems and database curation pipelines. Methods In this manuscript, we describe a gene normalization system specifically tailored for plant species, called pGenN (pivot-based Gene Normalization). The system consists of three steps: dictionary-based gene mention detection, species assignment, and intra species normalization. We have developed new heuristics to improve each of these phases. Results We evaluated the performance of pGenN on an in-house expertly annotated corpus consisting of 104 plant relevant abstracts. Our system achieved an F-value of 88.9% (Precision 90.9% and Recall 87.2%) on this corpus, outperforming state-of-art systems presented in BioCreative III. We have processed over 440,000 plant-related Medline abstracts using pGenN. The gene normalization results are stored in a local database for direct query from the pGenN web interface (proteininformationresource.org/pgenn/). The annotated literature corpus is also publicly available through the PIR text mining portal (proteininformationresource.org/iprolink/). PMID:26258475

JPRS Report, Proliferation Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-23

talks with nator of Faction Fatherland, General Lieutenant Gen - Ukraine. nadiy Benov declared that the START-2 Treaty "is draw- "Recently," he noted...borders were in English 13 Apr 93 p 13 recently equipped with radioactive detectors, although, [Report by Matthias Lifkens in Vilnius: "Safety Fear...members." Now for some figures: by 1933, when our chemical gen - Fedorov on Abuses in Secrecy on CW erals took over all the experience from the Germans, a

Hydrogen storage and evolution catalysed by metal hydride complexes.

PubMed

Fukuzumi, Shunichi; Suenobu, Tomoyoshi

2013-01-07

The storage and evolution of hydrogen are catalysed by appropriate metal hydride complexes. Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide by hydrogen is catalysed by a [C,N] cyclometalated organoiridium complex, [Ir(III)(Cp*)(4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl-κN(2))benzoic acid-κC(3))(OH(2))](2)SO(4) [Ir-OH(2)](2)SO(4), under atmospheric pressure of H(2) and CO(2) in weakly basic water (pH 7.5) at room temperature. The reverse reaction, i.e., hydrogen evolution from formate, is also catalysed by [Ir-OH(2)](+) in acidic water (pH 2.8) at room temperature. Thus, interconversion between hydrogen and formic acid in water at ambient temperature and pressure has been achieved by using [Ir-OH(2)](+) as an efficient catalyst in both directions depending on pH. The Ir complex [Ir-OH(2)](+) also catalyses regioselective hydrogenation of the oxidised form of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) to produce the 1,4-reduced form (NADH) under atmospheric pressure of H(2) at room temperature in weakly basic water. In weakly acidic water, the complex [Ir-OH(2)](+) also catalyses the reverse reaction, i.e., hydrogen evolution from NADH to produce NAD(+) at room temperature. Thus, interconversion between NADH (and H(+)) and NAD(+) (and H(2)) has also been achieved by using [Ir-OH(2)](+) as an efficient catalyst and by changing pH. The iridium hydride complex formed by the reduction of [Ir-OH(2)](+) by H(2) and NADH is responsible for the hydrogen evolution. Photoirradiation (λ > 330 nm) of an aqueous solution of the Ir-hydride complex produced by the reduction of [Ir-OH(2)](+) with alcohols resulted in the quantitative conversion to a unique [C,C] cyclometalated Ir-hydride complex, which can catalyse hydrogen evolution from alcohols in a basic aqueous solution (pH 11.9). The catalytic mechanisms of the hydrogen storage and evolution are discussed by focusing on the reactivity of Ir-hydride complexes.

Differential insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1)-related modulation of neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin expression in nondiabetic and diabetic IRS2-/- mice.

PubMed

Burgos-Ramos, Emma; González-Rodríguez, Agueda; Canelles, Sandra; Baquedano, Eva; Frago, Laura M; Revuelta-Cervantes, Jesús; Gómez-Ambrosi, Javier; Frühbeck, Gema; Chowen, Julie A; Argente, Jesús; Valverde, Angela M; Barrios, Vicente

2012-03-01

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes correlate with impaired leptin and insulin signaling. Insulin receptor substrate-2 deficient (IRS2(-/-)) mice are an accepted model for the exploration of alterations in these signaling pathways and their relationship with diabetes; however, disturbances in hypothalamic signaling and the effect on neuropeptides controlling food intake remain unclear. Our aim was to analyze how leptin and insulin signaling may differentially affect the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides regulating food intake and hypothalamic inflammation in diabetic (D) and nondiabetic (ND) IRS2(-/-) mice. We analyzed the activation of leptin and insulin targets by Western blotting and their association by immunoprecipitation, as well as the mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin, and inflammatory markers by real-time PCR and colocalization of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and NPY by double immunohistochemistry in the hypothalamus. Serum leptin and insulin levels and hypothalamic Janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 activation were increased in ND IRS2(-/-) mice. IRS1 levels and its association with Janus kinase 2 and p85 and protein kinase B activation were increased in ND IRS2(-/-). Increased FOXO1 positively correlated with NPY mRNA levels in D IRS2(-/-) mice, with FOXO1 showing mainly nuclear localization in D IRS2(-/-) and cytoplasmic in ND IRS2(-/-) mice. D IRS2(-/-) mice exhibited higher hypothalamic inflammation markers than ND IRS2(-/-) mice. In conclusion, differential activation of these pathways and changes in the expression of NPY and inflammation may exert a protective effect against hypothalamic deregulation of appetite, suggesting that manipulation of these targets could be of interest in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

A Measurement of GE^n at High Momentum Transfer in Hall A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feuerbach, Robert J.; Wojtsekhowski, Bogdan

2006-10-01

A precision measurement of the electric form-factor of the neutron, GE^n, at Q^2 up to 3.5 GeV^2 was recently completed in Hall A at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility(Jefferson Lab). The ratio GE^n/GM^n was measured through the beam-target asymmetry A of electrons quasi-elastically scattered off neutrons in the reaction ^3He(e,e' n). The experiment took advantage of recent developments of the electron beam and target, as well as two detectors new to Jefferson Lab. The measurement used the accelerator's 100% duty-cycle high-polarization (typically 84%) electron beam and a new, hybrid optically-pumped polarized ^3He target which achieved polarizations above 50%. A medium acceptance (80msr) open-geometry magnetic spectrometer (BigBite) detected the scattered electron, while a new neutron detector was constructed to observe the released neutron. An overview of the experiment and the experimental motivation will be discussed, in particular the large range of predictions from modern calculations for GE^n at this relatively high Q^2. Finally, the analysis progress and preliminary results will be presented.

Differential co-localisation of the P2X7 receptor subunit with vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in rat CNS.

PubMed

Atkinson, L; Batten, T F C; Moores, T S; Varoqui, H; Erickson, J D; Deuchars, J

2004-01-01

Presynaptic P2X(7) receptors are thought to play a role in the modulation of transmitter release and have been localised to terminals with the location and morphology typical of excitatory boutons. To test the hypothesis that this receptor is preferentially associated with excitatory terminals we combined immunohistochemistry for the P2X(7) receptor subunit (P2X(7)R) with that for two vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1 and VGLUT2) in the rat CNS. This confirmed that P2X(7)R immunoreactivity (IR) is present in glutamatergic terminals; however, whether it was co-localised with VGLUT1-IR or VGLUT2-IR depended on the CNS region examined. In the spinal cord, P2X(7)R-IR co-localised with VGLUT2-IR. In the brainstem, co-localisation of P2X(7)R-IR with VGLUT2-IR was widespread, but co-localisation with VGLUT1-IR was seen only in the external cuneate nucleus and spinocerebellar tract region of the ventral medulla. In the cerebellum, P2X(7)R-IR co-localised with both VGLUT1 and VGLUT2-IR in the granular layer. In the hippocampus it was co-localised only with VGLUT1-IR, including in the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus and the substantia radiatum of the CA3 region. In other forebrain areas, P2X(7)R-IR co-localised with VGLUT1-IR throughout the amygdala, caudate putamen, striatum, reticular thalamic nucleus and cortex and with VGLUT2-IR in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Dual labelling studies performed using markers for cholinergic, monoaminergic, GABAergic and glycinergic terminals indicated that in certain brainstem and spinal cord nuclei the P2X(7)R is also expressed by subpopulations of cholinergic and GABAergic/glycinergic terminals. These data support our previous hypothesis that the P2X(7)R may play a role in modulating glutamate release in functionally different systems throughout the CNS but further suggest a role in modulating release of inhibitory transmitters in some regions.

Transduction of Photoreceptors With Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Lentiviral Vectors: Safety and Biodistribution of StarGen for Stargardt Disease

PubMed Central

Binley, Katie; Widdowson, Peter; Loader, Julie; Kelleher, Michelle; Iqball, Sharifah; Ferrige, Georgina; de Belin, Jackie; Carlucci, Marie; Angell-Manning, Diana; Hurst, Felicity; Ellis, Scott; Miskin, James; Fernandes, Alcides; Wong, Paul; Allikmets, Rando; Bergstrom, Christopher; Aaberg, Thomas; Yan, Jiong; Kong, Jian; Gouras, Peter; Prefontaine, Annick; Vezina, Mark; Bussieres, Martin; Naylor, Stuart; Mitrophanous, Kyriacos A.

2013-01-01

Purpose. StarGen is an equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)-based lentiviral vector that expresses the photoreceptor-specific adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter (ABCA4) protein that is mutated in Stargardt disease (STGD1), a juvenile macular dystrophy. EIAV vectors are able to efficiently transduce rod and cone photoreceptors in addition to retinal pigment epithelium in the adult macaque and rabbit retina following subretinal delivery. The safety and biodistribution of StarGen following subretinal delivery in macaques and rabbits was assessed. Methods. Regular ophthalmic examinations, IOP measurements, ERG responses, and histopathology were carried out in both species to compare control and vector-treated eyes. Tissue and fluid samples were obtained to evaluate the persistence, biodistribution, and shedding of the vector following subretinal delivery. Results. Ophthalmic examinations revealed a slightly higher level of inflammation in StarGen compared with control treated eyes in both species. However, inflammation was transient and no overt toxicity was observed in StarGen treated eyes and there were no abnormal clinical findings. There was no StarGen-associated rise in IOP or abnormal ERG response in either rabbits or macaques. Histopathologic examination of the eyes did not reveal any detrimental changes resulting from subretinal administration of StarGen. Although antibodies to StarGen vector components were detected in rabbit but not macaque serum, this immunologic response did not result in any long-term toxicity. Biodistribution analysis demonstrated that the StarGen vector was restricted to the ocular compartment. Conclusions. In summary, these studies demonstrate StarGen to be well tolerated and localized following subretinal administration. PMID:23620430

193Ir Mössbauer spectroscopy of Pt-IrO 2 nanoparticle catalysts developed for detection and removal of carbon monoxide from air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawicki, J. A.; Marcinkowska, K.; Wagner, F. E.

2010-08-01

Mössbauer spectroscopy of 73.0 keV gamma-ray transition in 193Ir and supplementary analytical techniques were used to study the microstructure and chemical form of polymer-supported hydrophobic bimetallic Pt-Ir catalysts for detection and removal of CO from humid air at ambient conditions. The catalysts, typically with a composition of 9 wt.% Pt and 1 wt.% Ir, were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of polystyrene-divinylbenzene (SDB) granules with ethanol solutions of hexachloroplatinic and hexachloroiridic acids. This procedure, followed by reduction in H 2 or CO at only 200 °C or 250 °C, resulted in formation of highly-dispersed Pt-Ir particles usually smaller than 20 nm and having high catalytic activity and selectivity. Mössbauer spectra of 73.0 keV gamma-ray transition in 193Ir were taken after consecutive steps of preparation and exposure of catalysts to better understand and further improve the fabrication processes. In the as-impregnated state, iridium was found mostly as Ir(III) in [IrCl 6] 3- ions, with only a small fraction of Ir(IV) in [IrCl 6] 2- ions. The iridium in bimetallic clusters formed by reduction in hydrogen showed a strong tendency towards oxidation on exposure to air at room temperature, while Pt remained mostly metallic. In the most active and stable catalysts, the Ir and Pt in metallic regions of the clusters did not tend to segregate, unlike in Pt-Ir/silica-supported catalysts studied by us earlier. Further, this study shows that the IrO 2-like regions in the clusters exhibit stronger deviations from local symmetry and stoichiometry of crystalline IrO 2 than observed previously in Pt-Ir/silica catalysts. Our study also indicates that in the examined Pt-IrO 2 nanoparticles iridium largely provides the dissociative O 2 adsorption sites, while the CO adsorption occurs primarily at metallic Pt sites.

Epitaxial growth of iridate pyrochlore Nd 2Ir 2O 7 films

DOE PAGES

Gallagher, J. C.; Esser, B. D.; Morrow, R.; ...

2016-02-29

Epitaxial films of the pyrochlore Nd 2Ir 2O 7 have been grown on (111)-oriented yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates by off-axis sputtering followed by post-growth annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate phase-pure epitaxial growth of the pyrochlore films on YSZ. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) investigation of an Nd 2Ir 2O 7 film with a short post-annealing provides insight into the mechanism for crystallization of Nd 2Ir 2O 7 during the post-annealing process. STEM images reveal clear pyrochlore ordering of Nd and Ir in the films. As a result, the epitaxial relationship between the YSZ and Nd 2Ir 2O 7 ismore » observed clearly while some interfacial regions show a thin region with polycrystalline Ir nanocrystals.« less

Highly Efficient Red and White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency beyond 20% by Employing Pyridylimidazole-Based Metallophosphors.

PubMed

Miao, Yanqin; Tao, Peng; Wang, Kexiang; Li, Hongxin; Zhao, Bo; Gao, Long; Wang, Hua; Xu, Bingshe; Zhao, Qiang

2017-11-01

Two highly efficient red neutral iridium(III) complexes, Ir1 and Ir2, were rationally designed and synthesized by selecting two pyridylimidazole derivatives as the ancillary ligands. Both Ir1 and Ir2 show nearly the same photoluminescence emission with the maximum peak at 595 nm (shoulder band at about 638 nm) and achieve high solution quantum yields of up to 0.47 for Ir1 and 0.57 for Ir2. Employing Ir1 and Ir2 as emitters, the fabricated red organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) show outstanding performance with the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), current efficiency (CE), and power efficiency (PE) of 20.98%, 33.04 cd/A, and 33.08 lm/W for the Ir1-based device and 22.15%, 36.89 cd/A, and 35.85 lm/W for the Ir2-based device, respectively. Furthermore, using Ir2 as red emitter, a trichromatic hybrid white OLED, showing good warm white emission with low correlated color temperature of <2200 K under the voltage of 4-6 V, was fabricated successfully. The white device also realizes excellent device efficiencies with the maximum EQE, CE, and PE reaching 22.74%, 44.77 cd/A, and 46.89 lm/W, respectively. Such high electroluminescence performance for red and white OLEDs indicates that Ir1 and Ir2 as efficient red phosphors have great potential for future OLED displays and lightings applications.

Ultrafast structural molecular dynamics investigated with 2D infrared spectroscopy methods.

PubMed

Kraack, Jan Philip

2017-10-25

Ultrafast, multi-dimensional infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been advanced in recent years to a versatile analytical tool with a broad range of applications to elucidate molecular structure on ultrafast timescales, and it can be used for samples in a many different environments. Following a short and general introduction on the benefits of 2D IR spectroscopy, the first part of this chapter contains a brief discussion on basic descriptions and conceptual considerations of 2D IR spectroscopy. Outstanding classical applications of 2D IR are used afterwards to highlight the strengths and basic applicability of the method. This includes the identification of vibrational coupling in molecules, characterization of spectral diffusion dynamics, chemical exchange of chemical bond formation and breaking, as well as dynamics of intra- and intermolecular energy transfer for molecules in bulk solution and thin films. In the second part, several important, recently developed variants and new applications of 2D IR spectroscopy are introduced. These methods focus on (i) applications to molecules under two- and three-dimensional confinement, (ii) the combination of 2D IR with electrochemistry, (iii) ultrafast 2D IR in conjunction with diffraction-limited microscopy, (iv) several variants of non-equilibrium 2D IR spectroscopy such as transient 2D IR and 3D IR, and (v) extensions of the pump and probe spectral regions for multi-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy towards mixed vibrational-electronic spectroscopies. In light of these examples, the important open scientific and conceptual questions with regard to intra- and intermolecular dynamics are highlighted. Such questions can be tackled with the existing arsenal of experimental variants of 2D IR spectroscopy to promote the understanding of fundamentally new aspects in chemistry, biology and materials science. The final part of the chapter introduces several concepts of currently performed technical developments, which aim at exploiting 2D IR spectroscopy as an analytical tool. Such developments embrace the combination of 2D IR spectroscopy and plasmonic spectroscopy for ultrasensitive analytics, merging 2D IR spectroscopy with ultra-high-resolution microscopy (nanoscopy), future variants of transient 2D IR methods, or 2D IR in conjunction with microfluidics. It is expected that these techniques will allow for groundbreaking research in many new areas of natural sciences.

Relationships between field performance tests in high-level soccer players.

PubMed

Ingebrigtsen, Jørgen; Brochmann, Marit; Castagna, Carlo; Bradley, Paul S; Ade, Jack; Krustrup, Peter; Holtermann, Andreas

2014-04-01

To reduce athlete testing time, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test levels 1 (IR1) and 2 (IR2) performances, maximal sprinting speed (10, 20, and 35 m), repeated sprint ability (RSA; 7 × 35 m), and submaximal heart rates (HRs) after 2 and 4 minutes of the Yo-Yo IR tests by testing 57 high-level soccer players. All players played regularly in one of 3 highest levels of Norwegian soccer and were tested during 3 sessions on 3 consecutive days. Large correlations were observed between Yo-Yo IR1 and IR2 test performances (r = 0.753, p ≤ 0.05). Small and moderate correlations were found between 20- and 35-m sprinting speed and Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = -0.289 and -0.321, respectively, p ≤ 0.05), whereas 35-m sprinting speed correlated moderately to Yo-Yo IR2 performance (r = -0.371, p ≤ 0.05). Repeated sprint ability at 10, 20, and 35 m all showed moderate to large correlations to Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = -0.337 to -0.573, p ≤ 0.05). Repeated sprint ability at 20 m (r = -0.348, p ≤ 0.05) and 35 m (r = -0.552, p ≤ 0.01) correlated moderately and largely to Yo-Yo IR2 performance. In addition, moderate and large correlations were found between submaximal Yo-Yo IR1 HRs after 2 (r = -0.483, p ≤ 0.01) and 4 minutes (r = -0.655, p ≤ 0.01) and Yo-Yo IR1 performance, and 2 minutes Yo-Yo IR2 HR and Yo-Yo IR2 performance (r = -0.530, p ≤ 0.01). Intraclass correlation measures of submaximal HR after 2 and 4 minutes of Yo-Yo IR1 test and after 2 minutes of the Yo-Yo IR2 were 0.92 (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.1%, n = 33), 0.93 (CV = 3.8%, n = 33), and 0.72 (CV = 2.9%, n = 10). Adjusted ordinary least square (OLS) regressions revealed associations (p ≤ 0.05) between sprint speed at 20 and 35 m and Yo-Yo IR1 test performance, but only between 35 m and IR2 test performance (p ≤ 0.05). Further, OLS showed that RSA at 35 m was related to both levels of the Yo-Yo IR test (p ≤ 0.01), and that submaximal HRs after 2 and 4 minutes were independently associated with Yo-Yo IR1 and IR2 performances (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, Yo-Yo IR1 and 2 test performances, as well as sprint and RSA performances, correlated very largely, and it may therefore be considered using only one of the Yo-Yo tests and a RSA test, in a general soccer-specific field test protocol. The submaximal HR measures during Yo-Yo tests are reproducible and may be used for frequent, time-efficient, and nonexhaustive testing of intermittent exercise capacity of high-level soccer players.

Non-peptidergic small diameter primary afferents expressing VGluT2 project to lamina I of mouse spinal dorsal horn

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Unmyelinated primary afferent nociceptors are commonly classified into two main functional types: those expressing neuropeptides, and non-peptidergic fibers that bind the lectin IB4. However, many small diameter primary afferent neurons neither contain any known neuropeptides nor bind IB4. Most express high levels of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and are assumed to be glutamatergic nociceptors but their terminations within the spinal cord are unknown. We used in vitro anterograde axonal tracing with Neurobiotin to identify the central projections of these putative glutamatergic nociceptors. We also quantitatively characterised the spatial arrangement of these terminals with respect to those that expressed the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Results Neurobiotin-labeled VGluT2-immunoreactive (IR) terminals were restricted to lamina I, with a medial-to-lateral distribution similar to CGRP-IR terminals. Most VGluT2-IR terminals in lateral lamina I were not labeled by Neurobiotin implying that they arose mainly from central neurons. 38 ± 4% of Neurobiotin-labeled VGluT2-IR terminals contained CGRP-IR. Conversely, only 17 ± 4% of Neurobiotin-labeled CGRP-IR terminals expressed detectable VGluT2-IR. Neurobiotin-labeled VGluT2-IR or CGRP-IR terminals often aggregated into small clusters or microdomains partially surrounding intrinsic lamina I neurons. Conclusions The central terminals of primary afferents which express high levels of VGluT2-IR but not CGRP-IR terminate mainly in lamina I. The spatial arrangement of VGluT2-IR and CGRP-IR terminals suggest that lamina I neurons receive convergent inputs from presumptive nociceptors that are primarily glutamatergic or peptidergic. This reveals a previously unrecognized level of organization in lamina I consistent with the presence of multiple nociceptive processing pathways. PMID:22152428

Anion-Anion Bonding and Topology in Ternary Iridium Seleno-Stannides.

PubMed

Trump, Benjamin A; Tutmaher, Jake A; McQueen, Tyrel M

2015-12-21

The synthesis and physical properties of two new and one known Ir-Sn-Se compound are reported. Their crystal structures are elucidated with transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. IrSn0.45Se1.55 is a pyrite phase which consists of tilted corner-sharing IrX6 octahedra with randomly distributed (Sn-Se)(4-) and (Se-Se)(2-) dimers. Ir2Sn3Se3 is a known trigonally distorted skutterudite that consists of cooperatively tilted corner-sharing IrSn3Se3 octahedra with ordered (Sn-Se)2(4-) tetramers. Ir2SnSe5 is a layered, distorted β-MnO2 (pyrolusite) structure consisting of a double IrSe6 octrahedral row, corner sharing in the a direction and edge sharing in the b direction. This distorted pyrolusite contains (Se-Se)(2-) dimers and Se(2-) anions, and each double row is "capped" with a (Sn-Se)n polymeric chain. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements show that all three have insulating and diamagnetic behavior, indicative of low-spin 5d(6) Ir(3+). Electronic structure calculations on Ir2Sn3Se3 show a single, spherical, nonspin-orbit split valence band and suggest that Ir2Sn3Se3 is topologically nontrivial under tensile strain due to inversion of Ir-d and Se-p states.

Phenol Contaminated Water Treatment on Several Modified Dimensionally Stable Anodes.

PubMed

Jayathilaka, Pavithra Bhakthi; Hapuhinna, Kushani Umanga Kumari; Bandara, Athula; Nanayakkara, Nadeeshani; Subasinghe, Nalaka Deepal

2017-08-01

  Phenolic compounds are some of the most common hazardous organics in wastewater. Removal of these pollutants is important. Physiochemical method such as electrochemical oxidation on dimensionally stable anodes is more convenient in removing such organic pollutants. Therefore, this study focuses on development of three different anodes for phenol contaminated water treatment. The performances of steel/IrO2, steel/IrO2-Sb2O3, and Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anodes were tested and compared. Nearly 50, 76, and 84% of chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies were observed for steel/IrO2, steel/IrO2-Sb2O3, and Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anodes, respectively. The formation of intermediates was monitored for three anodes and the Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anode showed the most promising results. Findings suggest that the developed anode materials can enhance phenol oxidation efficiency and that mixed metal oxide layer has major influence on the anode. Among the selected metal oxide mixtures IrO2-Sb2O3 was the most suitable under given experimental conditions.

Highly Stable Bimetallic AuIr/TiO₂ Catalyst: Physical Origins of the Intrinsic High Stability against Sintering.

PubMed

Han, Chang Wan; Majumdar, Paulami; Marinero, Ernesto E; Aguilar-Tapia, Antonio; Zanella, Rodolfo; Greeley, Jeffrey; Ortalan, Volkan

2015-12-09

It has been a long-lived research topic in the field of heterogeneous catalysts to find a way of stabilizing supported gold catalyst against sintering. Herein, we report highly stable AuIr bimetallic nanoparticles on TiO2 synthesized by sequential deposition-precipitation. To reveal the physical origin of the high stability of AuIr/TiO2, we used aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), STEM-tomography, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Three-dimensional structures of AuIr/TiO2 obtained by STEM-tomography indicate that AuIr nanoparticles on TiO2 have intrinsically lower free energy and less driving force for sintering than Au nanoparticles. DFT calculations on segregation behavior of AuIr slabs on TiO2 showed that the presence of Ir near the TiO2 surface increases the adhesion energy of the bimetallic slabs to the TiO2 and the attractive interactions between Ir and TiO2 lead to higher stability of AuIr nanoparticles as compared to Au nanoparticles.

Long-lived room-temperature deep-red-emissive intraligand triplet excited state of naphthalimide in cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes and its application in triplet-triplet annihilation-based upconversion.

PubMed

Sun, Jifu; Wu, Wanhua; Zhao, Jianzhang

2012-06-25

Cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with acetylide ppy and bpy ligands were prepared (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in which naphthal (Ir-2) and naphthalimide (NI) were attached onto the ppy (Ir-3) and bpy ligands (Ir-4) through acetylide bonds. [Ir(ppy)(3)] (Ir-1) was also prepared as a model complex. Room-temperature phosphorescence was observed for the complexes; both neutral and cationic complexes Ir-3 and Ir-4 showed strong absorption in the visible range (ε=39,600  M(-1)  cm(-1) at 402 nm and ε=25,100  M(-1)  cm(-1) at 404 nm, respectively), long-lived triplet excited states (τ(T)=9.30 μs and 16.45 μs) and room-temperature red emission (λ(em)=640 nm, Φ(p)=1.4 % and λ(em)=627 nm, Φ(p)=0.3 %; cf. Ir-1: ε=16,600  M(-1)  cm(-1) at 382 nm, τ(em)=1.16 μs, Φ(p)=72.6 %). Ir-3 was strongly phosphorescent in non-polar solvent (i.e., toluene), but the emission was completely quenched in polar solvents (MeCN). Ir-4 gave an opposite response to the solvent polarity, that is, stronger phosphorescence in polar solvents than in non-polar solvents. Emission of Ir-1 and Ir-2 was not solvent-polarity-dependent. The T(1) excited states of Ir-2, Ir-3, and Ir-4 were identified as mainly intraligand triplet excited states ((3)IL) by their small thermally induced Stokes shifts (ΔE(s)), nanosecond time-resolved transient difference absorption spectroscopy, and spin-density analysis. The complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion and quantum yields of 7.1 % and 14.4 % were observed for Ir-2 and Ir-3, respectively, whereas the upconversion was negligible for Ir-1 and Ir-4. These results will be useful for designing visible-light-harvesting transition-metal complexes and for their applications as triplet photosensitizers for photocatalysis, photovoltaics, TTA upconversion, etc. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

NextGen Home Sperm Banking Kit: Outcomes of Offsite vs Onsite Collection--Preliminary Findings.

PubMed

Agarwal, Ashok; Sharma, Reecha; Gupta, Sajal; Sharma, Rakesh

2015-06-01

To compare cryosurvival rates between remote collections with NextGen kit (offsite) and onsite collection of semen samples from infertile men and those with cancer. Prefreeze and post-thaw sperm motility, total motile sperm, and percent cryosurvival rates were compared between samples collected from infertile men onsite at the Andrology Center (n = 10) and samples collected from infertile patients at home (offsite; n = 9), which were shipped by NextGen to our laboratory. A second group (n = 17) consisted of 10 semen samples from cancer patients collected onsite, which were compared with 7 semen samples from cancer patients shipped by the NextGen. All semen samples were assessed within 18 hours of collection. In the infertile men, percent cryosurvival rates were similar with NextGen compared with those of onsite collection (53.14 ± 28.9% vs 61.90 ± 20.46%; P = .51). Similarly, in the cancer patients, all 4 parameters were comparable between the onsite and NextGen. Cryosurvival rates were also similar between NextGen compared with those of onsite collection (52.71 ± 20.37% vs 58.90 ± 22.68%; P = .46). Cancer patients can bank sperm as effectively as men banking for infertility reasons using the NextGen kit. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Setup: What the Air Force Did in Vietnam and Why

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

4, no. 2 (Fall 1950) : 12 . 18 . Ibid . 19 . Giulio Douhet, The Command ofthe Air, trans . Dino Ferrari, reprinted by the Office of Air Force History...demilitarized zone (DMZ). Ironically, in November 1954, Gen Tran Van Don and other leading Vietnamese generals suggested that the MAAG organize their...Office ofAir Force History, 1981), 36. 37 . Ibid., 49-50. 38 . According to formerSouth Vietnamese minister ofnational defense Gen Tran Van Don, he and

Investigating the specific core genetic-and-epigenetic networks of cellular mechanisms involved in human aging in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

PubMed Central

Li, Cheng-Wei; Wang, Wen-Hsin; Chen, Bor-Sen

2016-01-01

Aging is an inevitable part of life for humans, and slowing down the aging process has become a main focus of human endeavor. Here, we applied a systems biology approach to construct protein-protein interaction networks, gene regulatory networks, and epigenetic networks, i.e. genetic and epigenetic networks (GENs), of elderly individuals and young controls. We then compared these GENs to extract aging mechanisms using microarray data in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, microRNA (miRNA) data, and database mining. The core GENs of elderly individuals and young controls were obtained by applying principal network projection to GENs based on Principal Component Analysis. By comparing the core networks, we identified that to overcome the accumulated mutation of genes in the aging process the transcription factor JUN can be activated by stress signals, including the MAPK signaling, T-cell receptor signaling, and neurotrophin signaling pathways through DNA methylation of BTG3, G0S2, and AP2B1 and the regulations of mir-223 let-7d, and mir-130a. We also address the aging mechanisms in old men and women. Furthermore, we proposed that drugs designed to target these DNA methylated genes or miRNAs may delay aging. A multiple drug combination comprising phenylalanine, cholesterol, and palbociclib was finally designed for delaying the aging process. PMID:26895224

HS3D, A Dataset of Homo Sapiens Splice Regions, and its Extraction Procedure from a Major Public Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollastro, Pasquale; Rampone, Salvatore

The aim of this work is to describe a cleaning procedure of GenBank data, producing material to train and to assess the prediction accuracy of computational approaches for gene characterization. A procedure (GenBank2HS3D) has been defined, producing a dataset (HS3D - Homo Sapiens Splice Sites Dataset) of Homo Sapiens Splice regions extracted from GenBank (Rel.123 at this time). It selects, from the complete GenBank Primate Division, entries of Human Nuclear DNA according with several assessed criteria; then it extracts exons and introns from these entries (actually 4523 + 3802). Donor and acceptor sites are then extracted as windows of 140 nucleotides around each splice site (3799 + 3799). After discarding windows not including canonical GT-AG junctions (65 + 74), including insufficient data (not enough material for a 140 nucleotide window) (686 + 589), including not AGCT bases (29 + 30), and redundant (218 + 226), the remaining windows (2796 + 2880) are reported in the dataset. Finally, windows of false splice sites are selected by searching canonical GT-AG pairs in not splicing positions (271 937 + 332 296). The false sites in a range +/- 60 from a true splice site are marked as proximal. HS3D, release 1.2 at this time, is available at the Web server of the University of Sannio: http://www.sci.unisannio.it/docenti/rampone/.

New Jurassic Hangingflies (Insecta: Mecoptera: Bittacidae) from Inner Mongolia, China.

PubMed

Liu, Sulin; Shih, Chungkun; Bashkuev, Alexei; Ren, Dong

2016-01-20

A new bittacid genus, Composibittacus gen. nov., with two new species, C. bipunctatus gen. et sp. nov. and C. reticulatus sp. nov., and a new species of Orthobittacus Willmann 1989, O. maculosus sp. nov., are described from the latest Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. Composibittacus gen. nov. has unique wing characters, such as five pterostigmal crossveins between R₁ and R₂ and R₁ and R₂₊₃ and an elongated pterostigma area, which distinguishes it from all other known genera in Bittacidae. Orthobittacus maculosus sp. nov. differs from other species of Orthobittacus by a combination of the following wing characters: M with six branches in forewings and hind wings, two crossveins between C and Sc, and two pterostigmal crossveins in the forewing. In addition, O. maculosus sp. nov. has light-colored or white spots on the fore- and hind wings. These new venational characters of Composibittacus gen. nov. and O. maculosus sp. nov. enhance our understanding of the diverse morphological characters of early hangingflies. Furthermore, based on the striking similarity of the wings of O. maculosus sp. nov. and Juracimbrophlebia ginkgofolia Wang, Labandeira, Shih & Ren 2012 (Cimbrophlebiidae), we propose that leaf mimesis and mutualism with ginkgo plants might have been present in the Bittacidae, as has been proposed in the Cimbrophlebiidae.

Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 900131I1. 10269,Telesoft and MODCOMP, MODCOMP TeleGen2 Ada System, MODCOMP 9730 Host and Target

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-31

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GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Sayers, Eric W

2010-01-01

GenBank is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 300,000 organisms named at the genus level or lower, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects, including whole genome shotgun (WGS) and environmental sampling projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs, and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Nucleotide Sequence Database in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through the NCBI Entrez retrieval system, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bi-monthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI homepage: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Using GenBank.

PubMed

Wheeler, David

2007-01-01

GenBank(R) is a comprehensive database of publicly available DNA sequences for more than 205,000 named organisms and for more than 60,000 within the embryophyta, obtained through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Daily data exchange with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) retrieval system, Entrez, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure, and domain information and the biomedical journal literature through PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available through FTP. GenBank usage scenarios ranging from local analyses of the data available through FTP to online analyses supported by the NCBI Web-based tools are discussed. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, go to the NCBI Homepage at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Sayers, Eric W

2011-01-01

GenBank® is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 380,000 organisms named at the genus level or lower, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects, including whole genome shotgun (WGS) and environmental sampling projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs, and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) and the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through the NCBI Entrez retrieval system that integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

GenBank.

PubMed

Benson, Dennis A; Karsch-Mizrachi, Ilene; Lipman, David J; Ostell, James; Sayers, Eric W

2009-01-01

GenBank is a comprehensive database that contains publicly available nucleotide sequences for more than 300,000 organisms named at the genus level or lower, obtained primarily through submissions from individual laboratories and batch submissions from large-scale sequencing projects. Most submissions are made using the web-based BankIt or standalone Sequin programs, and accession numbers are assigned by GenBank(R) staff upon receipt. Daily data exchange with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Nucleotide Sequence Database in Europe and the DNA Data Bank of Japan ensures worldwide coverage. GenBank is accessible through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Entrez retrieval system, which integrates data from the major DNA and protein sequence databases along with taxonomy, genome, mapping, protein structure and domain information, and the biomedical journal literature via PubMed. BLAST provides sequence similarity searches of GenBank and other sequence databases. Complete bimonthly releases and daily updates of the GenBank database are available by FTP. To access GenBank and its related retrieval and analysis services, begin at the NCBI Homepage: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Synthesis and oxidation of CpIrIII compounds: functionalization of a Cp methyl group.

PubMed

Park-Gehrke, Lisa S; Freudenthal, John; Kaminsky, Werner; Dipasquale, Antonio G; Mayer, James M

2009-03-21

[CpIrCl(2)](2) () and new CpIr(III)(L-L)X complexes (L-L = N-O or C-N chelating ligands; X = Cl, I, Me) have been prepared and their reactivity with two-electron chemical oxidants explored. Reaction of with PhI(OAc)(2) in wet solvents yields a new chloro-bridged dimer in which each of the Cp ligands has been singly acetoxylated to form [Cp(OAc)Ir(III)Cl(2)](2) () (Cp(OAc) = eta(5)-C(5)Me(4)CH(2)OAc). Complex and related carboxy- and alkoxy-functionalized Cp(OR) complexes can also be prepared from plus (PhIO)(n) and ROH. [Cp(OAc)Ir(III)Cl(2)](2) () and the methoxy analogue [Cp(OMe)Ir(III)Cl(2)](2) () have been structurally characterized. Treatment of [CpIrCl(2)](2) () with 2-phenylpyridine yields CpIr(III)(ppy)Cl () (ppy = cyclometallated 2-phenylpyridyl) which is readily converted to its iodide and methyl analogues CpIr(III)(ppy)I and CpIr(III)(ppy)Me (). CpIr(III) complexes were also prepared with N-O chelating ligands derived from anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid) and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (H(2)NCMe(2)COOH), ligands chosen to be relatively oxidation resistant. These complexes and were reacted with potential two-electron oxidants including PhI(OAc)(2), hexachlorocyclohexadienone (C(6)Cl(6)O), N-fluoro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium (Me(3)pyF(+)), [Me(3)O]BF(4) and MeOTf (OTf = triflate, CF(3)SO(3)). Iridium(V) complexes were not observed or implicated in these reactions, despite the similarity of the potential products to known CpIr(V) species. The carbon electrophiles [Me(3)O]BF(4) and MeOTf appear to react preferentially at the N-O ligands, to give methyl esters in some cases. Overall, the results indicate that Cp is not inert under oxidizing conditions and is therefore not a good supporting ligand for oxidizing organometallic complexes.

mTORC2 promotes type I insulin-like growth factor receptor and insulin receptor activation through the tyrosine kinase activity of mTOR.

PubMed

Yin, Yancun; Hua, Hui; Li, Minjing; Liu, Shu; Kong, Qingbin; Shao, Ting; Wang, Jiao; Luo, Yuanming; Wang, Qian; Luo, Ting; Jiang, Yangfu

2016-01-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a core component of raptor-mTOR (mTORC1) and rictor-mTOR (mTORC2) complexes that control diverse cellular processes. Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 regulate several elements downstream of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (InsR). However, it is unknown whether and how mTOR regulates IGF-IR and InsR themselves. Here we show that mTOR possesses unexpected tyrosine kinase activity and activates IGF-IR/InsR. Rapamycin induces the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of IGF-IR/InsR, which is largely dependent on rictor and mTOR. Moreover, mTORC2 promotes ligand-induced activation of IGF-IR/InsR. IGF- and insulin-induced IGF-IR/InsR phosphorylation is significantly compromised in rictor-null cells. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) directly interacts with SIN1 thereby recruiting mTORC2 to IGF-IR/InsR and promoting rapamycin- or ligand-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR/InsR. mTOR exhibits tyrosine kinase activity towards the general tyrosine kinase substrate poly(Glu-Tyr) and IGF-IR/InsR. Both recombinant mTOR and immunoprecipitated mTORC2 phosphorylate IGF-IR and InsR on Tyr1131/1136 and Tyr1146/1151, respectively. These effects are independent of the intrinsic kinase activity of IGF-IR/InsR, as determined by assays on kinase-dead IGF-IR/InsR mutants. While both rictor and mTOR immunoprecitates from rictor(+/+) MCF-10A cells exhibit tyrosine kinase activity towards IGF-IR and InsR, mTOR immunoprecipitates from rictor(-/-) MCF-10A cells do not induce IGF-IR and InsR phosphorylation. Phosphorylation-deficient mutation of residue Tyr1131 in IGF-IR or Tyr1146 in InsR abrogates the activation of IGF-IR/InsR by mTOR. Finally, overexpression of rictor promotes IGF-induced cell proliferation. Our work identifies mTOR as a dual-specificity kinase and clarifies how mTORC2 promotes IGF-IR/InsR activation.

mTORC2 promotes type I insulin-like growth factor receptor and insulin receptor activation through the tyrosine kinase activity of mTOR

PubMed Central

Yin, Yancun; Hua, Hui; Li, Minjing; Liu, Shu; Kong, Qingbin; Shao, Ting; Wang, Jiao; Luo, Yuanming; Wang, Qian; Luo, Ting; Jiang, Yangfu

2016-01-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a core component of raptor-mTOR (mTORC1) and rictor-mTOR (mTORC2) complexes that control diverse cellular processes. Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 regulate several elements downstream of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (InsR). However, it is unknown whether and how mTOR regulates IGF-IR and InsR themselves. Here we show that mTOR possesses unexpected tyrosine kinase activity and activates IGF-IR/InsR. Rapamycin induces the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of IGF-IR/InsR, which is largely dependent on rictor and mTOR. Moreover, mTORC2 promotes ligand-induced activation of IGF-IR/InsR. IGF- and insulin-induced IGF-IR/InsR phosphorylation is significantly compromised in rictor-null cells. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) directly interacts with SIN1 thereby recruiting mTORC2 to IGF-IR/InsR and promoting rapamycin- or ligand-induced phosphorylation of IGF-IR/InsR. mTOR exhibits tyrosine kinase activity towards the general tyrosine kinase substrate poly(Glu-Tyr) and IGF-IR/InsR. Both recombinant mTOR and immunoprecipitated mTORC2 phosphorylate IGF-IR and InsR on Tyr1131/1136 and Tyr1146/1151, respectively. These effects are independent of the intrinsic kinase activity of IGF-IR/InsR, as determined by assays on kinase-dead IGF-IR/InsR mutants. While both rictor and mTOR immunoprecitates from rictor+/+ MCF-10A cells exhibit tyrosine kinase activity towards IGF-IR and InsR, mTOR immunoprecipitates from rictor−/− MCF-10A cells do not induce IGF-IR and InsR phosphorylation. Phosphorylation-deficient mutation of residue Tyr1131 in IGF-IR or Tyr1146 in InsR abrogates the activation of IGF-IR/InsR by mTOR. Finally, overexpression of rictor promotes IGF-induced cell proliferation. Our work identifies mTOR as a dual-specificity kinase and clarifies how mTORC2 promotes IGF-IR/InsR activation. PMID:26584640

Specific Glucose-Induced Control of Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 Expression Is Mediated via Ca2+-Dependent Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling in Primary Pancreatic Islet β-Cells

PubMed Central

Demozay, Damien; Tsunekawa, Shin; Briaud, Isabelle; Shah, Ramila; Rhodes, Christopher J.

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE Insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) plays an essential role in pancreatic islet β-cells by promoting growth and survival. IRS-2 turnover is rapid in primary β-cells, but its expression is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, especially by glucose. The aim was to investigate the molecular mechanism on how glucose regulates IRS-2 gene expression in β-cells. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Rat islets were exposed to inhibitors or subjected to adenoviral vector–mediated gene manipulations and then to glucose-induced IRS-2 expression analyzed by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) interaction with IRS-2 promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and glucose-induced NFAT translocation by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Glucose-induced IRS-2 expression occurred in pancreatic islet β-cells in vivo but not in liver. Modulating rat islet β-cell Ca2+ influx with nifedipine or depolarization demonstrated that glucose-induced IRS-2 gene expression was dependent on a rise in intracellular calcium concentration derived from extracellular sources. Calcineurin inhibitors (FK506, cyclosporin A, and a peptide calcineurin inhibitor [CAIN]) abolished glucose-induced IRS-2 mRNA and protein levels, whereas expression of a constitutively active calcineurin increased them. Specific inhibition of NFAT with the peptide inhibitor VIVIT prevented a glucose-induced IRS-2 transcription. NFATc1 translocation to the nucleus in response to glucose and association of NFATc1 to conserved NFAT binding sites in the IRS-2 promoter were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism behind glucose-induced transcriptional control of IRS-2 gene expression specific to the islet β-cell is mediated by the Ca2+/calcineurin/NFAT pathway. This insight into the IRS-2 regulation could provide novel therapeutic means in type 2 diabetes to maintain an adequate functional mass. PMID:21940781

Oxidation of CO by NO on planar and faceted Ir(210)

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

Chen, Wenhua; Bartynski, Robert A.; Kaghazchi, Payam

2012-06-11

Oxidation of CO by pre-adsorbed NO has been studied on planar Ir(210) and nanofaceted Ir(210) with average facet sizes of 5 nm and 14 nm by temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Both surfaces favor oxidation of CO to CO 2, which is accompanied by simultaneous reduction of NO with high selectivity to N 2. At low NO pre-coverage, the temperature (T i) for the onset of CO 2 desorption as well as CO 2 desorption peak temperature (T p) decreases with increasing CO exposure, and NO dissociation is affected by co-adsorbed CO. At high NO pre-coverage, T i and T pmore » are independent of CO exposure, and co-adsorbed CO has no influence on dissociation of NO. Moreover, at low NO pre-coverage, planar Ir(210) is more active than faceted Ir(210) for oxidation of CO to CO 2: T i and T p are much lower on planar Ir(210) than that on faceted Ir(210). In addition, faceted Ir(210) with an average facet size of 5 nm is more active for oxidation of CO to CO 2 than faceted Ir(210) with an average facet size of 14 nm, i.e., oxidation of CO by pre-adsorbed NO on faceted Ir(210) exhibits size effects on the nanometer scale. In comparison, at low O pre-coverage planar Ir(210) is more active than faceted Ir(210) for oxidation of CO to CO 2 but no evidence has been found for size effects in oxidation of CO by pre-adsorbed oxygen on faceted Ir(210) for average facet sizes of 5 nm and 14 nm. The TPD data indicate the same reaction pathway for CO 2 formation from CO + NO and CO + O reactions on planar Ir(210). Lastly, the adsorption sites of CO, NO, O, CO + O, and CO + NO on Ir are characterized by density functional theory.« less

Use of HOMA-IR to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based and inter-laboratory study.

PubMed

Isokuortti, Elina; Zhou, You; Peltonen, Markku; Bugianesi, Elisabetta; Clement, Karine; Bonnefont-Rousselot, Dominique; Lacorte, Jean-Marc; Gastaldelli, Amalia; Schuppan, Detlef; Schattenberg, Jörn M; Hakkarainen, Antti; Lundbom, Nina; Jousilahti, Pekka; Männistö, Satu; Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Sirkka; Saltevo, Juha; Anstee, Quentin M; Yki-Järvinen, Hannele

2017-10-01

Recent European guidelines for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) call for reference values for HOMA-IR. In this study, we aimed to determine: (1) the upper limit of normal HOMA-IR in two population-based cohorts; (2) the HOMA-IR corresponding to NAFLD; (3) the effect of sex and PNPLA3 genotype at rs738409 on HOMA-IR; and (4) inter-laboratory variations in HOMA-IR. We identified healthy individuals in two population-based cohorts (FINRISK 2007 [n = 5024] and the Programme for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Finland [FIN-D2D; n = 2849]) to define the upper 95th percentile of HOMA-IR. Non-obese individuals with normal fasting glucose levels, no excessive alcohol use, no known diseases and no use of any drugs were considered healthy. The optimal HOMA-IR cut-off for NAFLD (liver fat ≥5.56%, based on the Dallas Heart Study) was determined in 368 non-diabetic individuals (35% with NAFLD), whose liver fat was measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). Samples from ten individuals were simultaneously analysed for HOMA-IR in seven European laboratories. The upper 95th percentiles of HOMA-IR were 1.9 and 2.0 in healthy individuals in the FINRISK (n = 1167) and FIN-D2D (n = 459) cohorts. Sex or PNPLA3 genotype did not influence these values. The optimal HOMA-IR cut-off for NAFLD was 1.9 (sensitivity 87%, specificity 79%). A HOMA-IR of 2.0 corresponded to normal liver fat (<5.56% on 1 H-MRS) in linear regression analysis. The 2.0 HOMA-IR measured in Helsinki corresponded to 1.3, 1.6, 1.8, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.1 in six other laboratories. The inter-laboratory CV% of HOMA-IR was 25% due to inter-assay variation in insulin (25%) rather than glucose (5%) measurements. The upper limit of HOMA-IR in population-based cohorts closely corresponds to that of normal liver fat. Standardisation of insulin assays would be the first step towards definition of normal values for HOMA-IR.

An advanced stochastic weather generator for simulating 2-D high-resolution climate variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peleg, Nadav; Fatichi, Simone; Paschalis, Athanasios; Molnar, Peter; Burlando, Paolo

2017-07-01

A new stochastic weather generator, Advanced WEather GENerator for a two-dimensional grid (AWE-GEN-2d) is presented. The model combines physical and stochastic approaches to simulate key meteorological variables at high spatial and temporal resolution: 2 km × 2 km and 5 min for precipitation and cloud cover and 100 m × 100 m and 1 h for near-surface air temperature, solar radiation, vapor pressure, atmospheric pressure, and near-surface wind. The model requires spatially distributed data for the calibration process, which can nowadays be obtained by remote sensing devices (weather radar and satellites), reanalysis data sets and ground stations. AWE-GEN-2d is parsimonious in terms of computational demand and therefore is particularly suitable for studies where exploring internal climatic variability at multiple spatial and temporal scales is fundamental. Applications of the model include models of environmental systems, such as hydrological and geomorphological models, where high-resolution spatial and temporal meteorological forcing is crucial. The weather generator was calibrated and validated for the Engelberg region, an area with complex topography in the Swiss Alps. Model test shows that the climate variables are generated by AWE-GEN-2d with a level of accuracy that is sufficient for many practical applications.

Moth flies and sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Cretaceous Burmese amber

PubMed Central

Solórzano Kraemer, Mónica M.; Ibáñez-Bernal, Sergio; Wagner, Rüdiger

2015-01-01

One new subfamily, four new genera and 10 new species of Psychodidae are described from Burmese amber which significantly increases our knowledge about this group in the Cretaceous. Protopsychodinae n. subfam. probably represents the oldest known ancestor of modern Psychodinae and includes three species within two genera: Datzia setosa gen. et sp. n., Datzia bispina gen. et sp. n., and Mandalayia beumersorum gen. et sp. n. Sycoracinae and Phlebotominae are represented by two genera each in the studied material, Palaeoparasycorax globosus gen. et sp. n., Palaeoparasycorax suppus gen. et sp. n., Parasycorax simplex sp. n., and Phlebotomites aphoe sp. n. and Phlebotomus vetus sp. n., respectively. Bruchomyiinae is represented by Nemopalpus quadrispiculatus sp. n. Furthermore, one genus of an incertae sedis subfamily, Bamara groehni gen. et sp. n., is described. The systematic positions of the new taxa are discussed. PMID:26401462

An informatics project and online "Knowledge Centre" supporting modern genotype-to-phenotype research.

PubMed

Webb, Adam J; Thorisson, Gudmundur A; Brookes, Anthony J

2011-05-01

Explosive growth in the generation of genotype-to-phenotype (G2P) data necessitates a concerted effort to tackle the logistical and informatics challenges this presents. The GEN2PHEN Project represents one such effort, with a broad strategy of uniting disparate G2P resources into a hybrid centralized-federated network. This is achieved through a holistic strategy focussed on three overlapping areas: data input standards and pipelines through which to submit and collect data (data in); federated, independent, extendable, yet interoperable database platforms on which to store and curate widely diverse datasets (data storage); and data formats and mechanisms with which to exchange, combine, and extract data (data exchange and output). To fully leverage this data network, we have constructed the "G2P Knowledge Centre" (http://www.gen2phen.org). This central platform provides holistic searching of the G2P data domain allied with facilities for data annotation and user feedback, access to extensive G2P and informatics resources, and tools for constructing online working communities centered on the G2P domain. Through the efforts of GEN2PHEN, and through combining data with broader community-derived knowledge, the Knowledge Centre opens up exciting possibilities for organizing, integrating, sharing, and interpreting new waves of G2P data in a collaborative fashion. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ba3M Ir2O9 hexagonal perovskites in the light of spin-orbit coupling and local structural distortions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nag, Abhishek; Bhowal, Sayantika; Bert, F.; Hillier, A. D.; Itoh, M.; Carlomagno, Ilaria; Meneghini, C.; Sarkar, T.; Mathieu, R.; Dasgupta, I.; Ray, Sugata

2018-02-01

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is found to be crucial for understanding the magnetic and electronic properties of 5 d transition metal oxides. In 5 d systems, with Ir5 + ions, where ideally a nonmagnetic J =0 ground state is expected to be stabilized in the presence of strong SOC, often spontaneous moments are generated due to hopping induced superexchange. This effect is more pronounced when the Ir atoms are close by, as in systems with Ir2O9 dimers in 6 H Ba3M Ir2O9 compounds where magnetism is an outcome of complex Ir-O-Ir exchange paths, and is strongly influenced by the presence of local distortions. We find that subtle variations in the local structure of Ba3M Ir2O9 (M = Mg, Sr, and Ca) lead to markedly different magnetic properties. While SOC plays a pivotal role in explaining the insulating ground states of these systems, it is seen that Ba3MgIr2O9 , having a P 63 /m m c symmetry, does not order down to low temperature despite having antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, while Ba3CaIr2O9 shows weak dimer-like features and stabilizes in C 2 /c' magnetic configuration with no net moment, and Ba3SrIr2O9 possesses a ground state corresponding to the magnetic space group C 2'/c' and exhibits ferromagnet-like features.

Epitaxially stabilized iridium spinel oxide without cations in the tetrahedral site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuriyama, Hiromichi; Matsuno, Jobu; Niitaka, Seiji; Uchida, Masaya; Hashizume, Daisuke; Nakao, Aiko; Sugimoto, Kunihisa; Ohsumi, Hiroyuki; Takata, Masaki; Takagi, Hidenori

2010-05-01

Single-crystalline thin film of an iridium dioxide polymorph Ir2O4 has been fabricated by the pulsed laser deposition of LixIr2O4 precursor and the subsequent Li-deintercalation using soft chemistry. Ir2O4 crystallizes in a spinel (AB2O4) without A cations in the tetrahedral site, which is isostructural to λ-MnO2. Ir ions form a pyrochlore sublattice, which is known to give rise to a strong geometrical frustration. This Ir spinel was found to be a narrow gap insulator, in remarkable contrast to the metallic ground state of rutile-type IrO2. We argue that an interplay of a strong spin-orbit coupling and a Coulomb repulsion gives rise to an insulating ground state as in a layered perovskite Sr2IrO4.

First report of vertically aligned (Sn,Ir)O2:F solid solution nanotubes: Highly efficient and robust oxygen evolution electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane based water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghadge, Shrinath Dattatray; Patel, Prasad P.; Datta, Moni K.; Velikokhatnyi, Oleg I.; Shanthi, Pavithra M.; Kumta, Prashant N.

2018-07-01

One dimensional (1D) vertically aligned nanotubes (VANTs) of (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F are synthesized for the first time by a sacrificial template assisted approach. The aim is to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of F doped (Sn,Ir)O2 solid solution electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) based water electrolysis by generating (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F nanotubes (NTs). The 1D vertical channels and the high electrochemically active surface area (ECSA ∼38.46 m2g-1) provide for facile electron transport. This results in low surface charge transfer resistance (4.2 Ω cm2), low Tafel slope (58.8 mV dec-1) and excellent electrochemical OER performance with ∼2.3 and ∼2.6 fold higher electrocatalytic activity than 2D thin films of (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F and benchmark IrO2 electrocatalysts, respectively. Furthermore, (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F NTs exhibit excellent mass activity (21.67 A g-1), specific activity (0.0056 mAcm-2) and TOF (0.016 s-1), which is ∼2-2.6 fold higher than thin film electrocatalysts at an overpotential of 270 mV, with a total mass loading of 0.3 mg cm-2. In addition, (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F NTs demonstrate remarkable electrochemical durability - comparable to thin films of (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F and pure IrO2, operated under identical testing conditions in PEM water electrolysis. These results therefore indicate promise of (Sn0.8Ir0.2)O2:10F NTs as OER electrocatalysts for efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.

Synthesis, structures, and phase transitions of barium bismuth iridium oxide perovskites Ba{sub 2}BiIrO{sub 6} and Ba{sub 3}BiIr{sub 2}O{sub 9}

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

Ling, Chris D., E-mail: c.ling@chem.usyd.edu.a; Bragg Institute, ANSTO, PMB 1, Menai 2234; Kennedy, Brendan J.

The Ba-Bi-Ir-O system is found to contain two distinct perovskite-type phases: a rock-salt ordered double perovskite Ba{sub 2}BiIrO{sub 6}; and a 6H-type hexagonal perovskite Ba{sub 3}BiIr{sub 2}O{sub 9}. Ba{sub 2}BiIrO{sub 6} undergoes a series of symmetry-lowering phase transitions on cooling Fm3-barm->R3-barc->12/m(C2/m)->I1-bar(P1-bar), all of which are second order except the rhombohedral->monoclinic one, which is first order. The monoclinic phase is only observed in a 2-phase rhombohedral+monoclinic regime. The transition and 2-phase region lie very close to 300 K, making the room-temperature X-ray diffraction patterns extremely complex and potentially explaining why Ba{sub 2}BiIrO{sub 6} had not previously been identified and reported. Amore » solid solution Ba{sub 2}Bi{sub 1+x}Ir{sub 1-x}O{sub 6}, analogous to Ba{sub 2}Bi{sub 1+x}Ru{sub 1-x}O{sub 6}, 0<=x<=2/3, was not observed. The 6H-type phase Ba{sub 3}BiIr{sub 2}O{sub 9} undergoes a clean second-order phase transition P6{sub 3}/mmc->C2/c at 750 K, unlike 6H-type Ba{sub 3}LaIr{sub 2}O{sub 9}, the P6{sub 3}/mmc structure of which is highly strained below {approx}750 K but fails to distort coherently to the monoclinic phase. - Graphical abstract: Structure of Ba{sub 3}BiIr{sub 2}O{sub 9} at 300 K. BiO{sub 6} octahedra are purple, IrO{sub 6} octahedra are gold, and Ba atoms are green. Thermal ellipsoids at 90% probability.« less

Half-metallic ferromagnetism in {Ti}2 {IrZ} (Z = B, Al, Ga, and In) Heusler alloys: A density functional study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, K. H.; Ahmadian, F.

2018-02-01

The first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the electronic structures, magnetic properties and half-metallicity of {Ti}2 {IrZ} (Z = B, Al, Ga, and In) Heusler alloys with {AlCu}2 {Mn}- and {CuHg}2 {Ti}-type structures within local density approximation and generalised gradient approximation for the exchange correlation potential. It was found that {CuHg}2 {Ti}-type structure in ferromagnetic state was energetically more favourable than {AlCu}2 {Mn}-type structure in all compounds except {Ti}2 {IrB} which was stable in {AlCu}2 {Mn}-type structure in non-magnetic state. {Ti}2 {IrZ} (Z = B, Al, Ga, and In) alloys in {CuHg}2 {Ti}-type structure were half-metallic ferromagnets at their equilibrium lattice constants. Half-metallic band gaps were respectively equal to 0.87, 0.79, 0.75, and 0.73 eV for {Ti}2 {IrB}, {Ti}2 {IrAl}, {Ti}2 {IrGa}, and {Ti}2 {IrIn}. The origin of half-metallicity was discussed for {Ti}2 {IrGa} using the energy band structure. The total magnetic moments of {Ti}2 {IrZ} (Z = B, Al, Ga, and In) compounds in {CuHg}2 {Ti}-type structure were obtained as 2μ B per formula unit, which were in agreement with Slater-Pauling rule (M_{tot} =Z_{tot}-18). All the four compounds were half-metals in a wide range of lattice constants indicating that they may be suitable and promising materials for future spintronic applications.

Distribution of CGRP and TRPV2 in Human Paranasal Sinuses.

PubMed

Sato, Tadasu; Sasahara, Nobuyuki; Kanda, Noriyuki; Sasaki, Yu; Yamaguma, Yu; Kokubun, Souichi; Yajima, Takehiro; Ichikawa, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) was performed on human paranasal sinuses. It was found that in the paranasal sinuses, mucous membranes contain PGP 9.5-immunoreactive (PGP 9.5-IR) nerve fibers. Such nerve fibers terminated around large blood vessels as fine varicosities. Isolated PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers were scattered beneath the epithelium. Glandular tissues were also innervated by PGP 9.5-IR nerve fibers. These fibers were numerous in the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, and relatively rare in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. CGRP-IR nerve fibers were common in the maxillary sinus whereas TRPV2-IR nerve fibers were abundant in the ethmoid sinus. They were located around large blood vessels in the lamina propria. Many subepithelial nerve fibers contained TRPV2 immunoreactivity in the ethmoid sinus. CGRP- and TRPV2-IR nerve fibers were very infrequent in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. In the human trigeminal ganglion (TG), sensory neurons contained CGRP or TRPV2 immunoreactivity. CGRP-IR TG neurons were more common than TRPV2-IR TG neurons. CGRP-IR TG neurons were of various cell body sizes, whereas TRPV2-IR TG neurons were mostly medium-to-large. In addition, human spinal and principal trigeminal sensory nuclei contained abundant CGRP- and TRPV2-IR varicosities. This study indicates that CGRP- and TRPV2-containing TG neurons probably innervate the paranasal sinus mucosae, and project into spinal and principal trigeminal sensory nuclei. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Reaction mechanism for oxygen evolution on RuO 2, IrO 2, and RuO 2@IrO 2 core-shell nanocatalysts

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

Ma, Zhong; Zhang, Yu; Liu, Shizhong

Iridium dioxide, IrO 2, is second to the most active RuO 2 catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid, and is used in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers due to its high durability. In order to improve the activity of IrO 2-based catalysts, we prepared RuO 2@IrO 2 core-shell nanocatalysts using carbon-supported Ru as the template. At 1.48 V, the OER specific activity of RuO 2@IrO 2 is threefold that of IrO 2. While the activity volcano plots over wide range of materials have been reported, zooming into the top region to clarify the rate limiting steps ofmore » most active catalysts is important for further activity enhancement. Here, we verified theory-proposed sequential water dissociation pathway in which the O—O bond forms on a single metal site, not via coupling of two adsorbed intermediates, by fitting measured polarization curves using a kinetic equation with the free energies of adsorption and activation as the parameters. Consistent with theoretical calculations, we show that the OER activities of IrO 2 and RuO 2@IrO 2 are limited by the formation of O adsorbed phase, while the OOH formation on the adsorbed O limits the reaction rate on RuO 2.« less

Reaction mechanism for oxygen evolution on RuO 2, IrO 2, and RuO 2@IrO 2 core-shell nanocatalysts

DOE PAGES

Ma, Zhong; Zhang, Yu; Liu, Shizhong; ...

2017-10-28

Iridium dioxide, IrO 2, is second to the most active RuO 2 catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid, and is used in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers due to its high durability. In order to improve the activity of IrO 2-based catalysts, we prepared RuO 2@IrO 2 core-shell nanocatalysts using carbon-supported Ru as the template. At 1.48 V, the OER specific activity of RuO 2@IrO 2 is threefold that of IrO 2. While the activity volcano plots over wide range of materials have been reported, zooming into the top region to clarify the rate limiting steps ofmore » most active catalysts is important for further activity enhancement. Here, we verified theory-proposed sequential water dissociation pathway in which the O—O bond forms on a single metal site, not via coupling of two adsorbed intermediates, by fitting measured polarization curves using a kinetic equation with the free energies of adsorption and activation as the parameters. Consistent with theoretical calculations, we show that the OER activities of IrO 2 and RuO 2@IrO 2 are limited by the formation of O adsorbed phase, while the OOH formation on the adsorbed O limits the reaction rate on RuO 2.« less

An insulin resistance associated neural correlate of impulsivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Eckstrand, Kristen L.; Mummareddy, Nishit; Kang, Hakmook; Cowan, Ronald; Zhou, Minchun; Zald, David; Silver, Heidi J.; Niswender, Kevin D.; Avison, Malcolm J.

2017-01-01

Central insulin resistance (IR) influences striatal dopamine (DA) tone, an important determinant of behavioral self-regulation. We hypothesized that an association exists between the degree of peripheral IR and impulse control, mediated by the impact of IR on brain circuits controlling the speed of executing “go” and/or “stop” responses. We measured brain activation and associated performance on a stop signal task (SST) in obese adults with type 2 diabetes (age, 48.1 ± 6.9 yrs (mean ± SD); BMI, 36.5 ± 4.0 kg/m2; HOMA-IR, 7.2 ± 4.1; 12 male, 18 female). Increasing IR, but not BMI, was a predictor of shorter critical stop signal delay (cSSD), a measure of the time window during which a go response can be successfully countermanded (R2 = 0.12). This decline was explained by an IR-associated increase in go speed (R2 = 0.13) with little impact of IR or BMI on stop speed. Greater striatal fMRI activation contrast in stop error (SE) compared with stop success (SS) trials (CONSE>SS) was a significant predictor of faster go speeds (R2 = 0.33, p = 0.002), and was itself predicted by greater IR (CONSE>SS vs HOMA-IR: R2 = 0.10, p = 0.04). Furthermore, this impact of IR on striatal activation was a significant mediator of the faster go speeds and greater impulsivity observed with greater IR. These findings suggest a neural mechanism by which IR may increase impulsivity and degrade behavioral self-regulation. PMID:29228027

[IR study on a series of tungsten clusters].

PubMed

Yu, R; Chen, J; Lu, S

2000-10-01

In this paper, the IR study on a series of tungsten clusters which contain a [W2S4]2+ or [W2MM'S4]4+ (M,M'=Cu,Ag) core is reported. According to the results of X-ray structural analysis and the IR spectra of the clusters, some characteristic IR absorptions of the clusters were assigned. The study of IR spectra of these clusters shows that the variation of structure can reflect on the IR spectra significantly.

Safer Systems: A NextGen Aviation Safety Strategic Goal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Darr, Stephen T.; Ricks, Wendell R.; Lemos, Katherine A.

2008-01-01

The Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), is charged by Congress with developing the concepts and plans for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The National Aviation Safety Strategic Plan (NASSP), developed by the Safety Working Group of the JPDO, focuses on establishing the goals, objectives, and strategies needed to realize the safety objectives of the NextGen Integrated Plan. The three goal areas of the NASSP are Safer Practices, Safer Systems, and Safer Worldwide. Safer Practices emphasizes an integrated, systematic approach to safety risk management through implementation of formalized Safety Management Systems (SMS) that incorporate safety data analysis processes, and the enhancement of methods for ensuring safety is an inherent characteristic of NextGen. Safer Systems emphasizes implementation of safety-enhancing technologies, which will improve safety for human-centered interfaces and enhance the safety of airborne and ground-based systems. Safer Worldwide encourages coordinating the adoption of the safer practices and safer systems technologies, policies and procedures worldwide, such that the maximum level of safety is achieved across air transportation system boundaries. This paper introduces the NASSP and its development, and focuses on the Safer Systems elements of the NASSP, which incorporates three objectives for NextGen systems: 1) provide risk reducing system interfaces, 2) provide safety enhancements for airborne systems, and 3) provide safety enhancements for ground-based systems. The goal of this paper is to expose avionics and air traffic management system developers to NASSP objectives and Safer Systems strategies.

Measurement of activation cross sections of alpha particle induced reactions on iridium up to an energy of 50 MeV.

PubMed

Takács, S; Ditrói, F; Szűcs, Z; Aikawa, M; Haba, H; Komori, Y; Saito, M

2018-06-01

Cross sections of alpha particle induced nuclear reactions on iridium were investigated using a 51.2-MeV alpha particle beam. The standard stacked-foil target technique and the activation method were applied. The activity of the reaction products was assessed without chemical separation using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Excitation functions for production of gold, platinum and iridium isotopes ( 196m2 Au, 196m,g Au, 195m,g Au, 194 Au, 193 m,g Au, 192 Au, 191m,g Au, 191 Pt, 195m Pt, 194g Ir, 194m Ir, 192g Ir, 190g Ir and 189 Ir) were determined and compared with available earlier measured experimental data and results of theoretical calculations using TALYS code system. Cross section data were reported for the first time for the nat Ir(α,x) 196m2 Au, nat Ir(α,x) 196m,g Au, nat Ir(α,x) 191 Pt, nat Ir(α,x) 195m Pt, nat Ir(α,x) 194g Ir, nat Ir(α,x) 194m Ir, nat Ir(α,x) 190g Ir and nat Ir(α,x) 189 Ir processes. A possible production route for 195m Pt, the potentially important radionuclide in nuclear medicine, is discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Fyn tyrosine kinase binds Irs-1 and forms a distinct signaling complex during insulin stimulation.

PubMed

Sun, X J; Pons, S; Asano, T; Myers, M G; Glasheen, E; White, M F

1996-05-03

Irs-proteins link the receptors for insulin/IGF-1, growth hormones, and several interleukins and interferons to signaling proteins that contain Src homology-2 (SH2). To identify new Irs-1-binding proteins, we screened a mouse embryo expression library with recombinant [32P]Irs-1, which revealed a specific association between p59fyn and Irs-1. The SH2 domain in p59fyn bound to phosphorylated Tyr895 and Tyr1172, which are located in YXX(L/I) motifs. Mutation of p59fyn at the COOH-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation site (Tyr531) enhanced its binding to Irs-1 during insulin stimulation. Binding experiments with various SH2 protein revealed that Grb-2 was largely excluded from Irs-1 complexes containing p59fyn, whereas Grb-2 and p85 occurred in the same Irs-1 complex. By comparison with the insulin receptor, p59fyn kinase phosphorylated a unique cohort of tyrosine residues in Irs-1. These results outline a role for p59fyn or other related Src-kinases during insulin and cytokine signaling.

Modeling and Evaluating Pilot Performance in NextGen: Review of and Recommendations Regarding Pilot Modeling Efforts, Architectures, and Validation Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickens, Christopher; Sebok, Angelia; Keller, John; Peters, Steve; Small, Ronald; Hutchins, Shaun; Algarin, Liana; Gore, Brian Francis; Hooey, Becky Lee; Foyle, David C.

2013-01-01

NextGen operations are associated with a variety of changes to the national airspace system (NAS) including changes to the allocation of roles and responsibilities among operators and automation, the use of new technologies and automation, additional information presented on the flight deck, and the entire concept of operations (ConOps). In the transition to NextGen airspace, aviation and air operations designers need to consider the implications of design or system changes on human performance and the potential for error. To ensure continued safety of the NAS, it will be necessary for researchers to evaluate design concepts and potential NextGen scenarios well before implementation. One approach for such evaluations is through human performance modeling. Human performance models (HPMs) provide effective tools for predicting and evaluating operator performance in systems. HPMs offer significant advantages over empirical, human-in-the-loop testing in that (1) they allow detailed analyses of systems that have not yet been built, (2) they offer great flexibility for extensive data collection, (3) they do not require experimental participants, and thus can offer cost and time savings. HPMs differ in their ability to predict performance and safety with NextGen procedures, equipment and ConOps. Models also vary in terms of how they approach human performance (e.g., some focus on cognitive processing, others focus on discrete tasks performed by a human, while others consider perceptual processes), and in terms of their associated validation efforts. The objectives of this research effort were to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in identifying HPMs that are appropriate for predicting pilot performance in NextGen operations, to provide guidance on how to evaluate the quality of different models, and to identify gaps in pilot performance modeling research, that could guide future research opportunities. This research effort is intended to help the FAA evaluate pilot modeling efforts and select the appropriate tools for future modeling efforts to predict pilot performance in NextGen operations.

RxGen General Optical Model Prescription Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sigrist, Norbert

2012-01-01

RxGen is a prescription generator for JPL's in-house optical modeling software package called MACOS (Modeling and Analysis for Controlled Optical Systems), which is an expert optical analysis software package focusing on modeling optics on dynamic structures, deformable optics, and controlled optics. The objectives of RxGen are to simplify and automate MACOS prescription generations, reducing errors associated with creating such optical prescriptions, and improving user efficiency without requiring MACOS proficiency. RxGen uses MATLAB (a high-level language and interactive environment developed by MathWorks) as the development and deployment platform, but RxGen can easily be ported to another optical modeling/analysis platform. Running RxGen within the modeling environment has the huge benefit that variations in optical models can be made an integral part of the modeling state. For instance, optical prescription parameters determined as external functional dependencies, optical variations by controlling the in-/exclusion of optical components like sub-systems, and/or controlling the state of all components. Combining the mentioned capabilities and flexibilities with RxGen's optical abstraction layer completely eliminates the hindering aspects for requiring proficiency in writing/editing MACOS prescriptions, allowing users to focus on the modeling aspects of optical systems, i.e., increasing productivity and efficiency. RxGen provides significant enhancements to MACOS and delivers a framework for fast prototyping as well as for developing very complex controlled optical systems.

Gelidium elegans Regulates the AMPK-PRDM16-UCP-1 Pathway and Has a Synergistic Effect with Orlistat on Obesity-Associated Features in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

PubMed

Choi, Jia; Kim, Kui-Jin; Koh, Eun-Jeong; Lee, Boo-Yong

2017-03-30

The incidence of obesity is rising at an alarming rate throughout the world and is becoming a major public health concern with incalculable social and economic costs. Gelidium elegans (GENS), also previously known as Gelidium amansii , has been shown to exhibit anti-obesity effects. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which GENS is able to do this remains unclear. In the present study, our results showed that GENS prevents high-fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain through modulation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PR domain-containing16 (PRDM16)-uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) pathway in a mice model. We also found that GENS decreased hyperglycemia in mice that had been fed a HFD compared to corresponding controls. We also assessed the beneficial effect of the combined treatment with GENS and orlistat (a Food and Drug Administration-approved obesity drug) on obesity characteristics in HFD-fed mice. We found that in HFD-fed mice, the combination of GENS and orlistat is associated with more significant weight loss than orlistat treatment alone. Moreover, our results demonstrated a positive synergistic effect of GENS and orlistat on hyperglycemia and plasma triglyceride level in these animals. Thus, we suggest that a combination therapy of GENS and orlistat may positively influence obesity-related health outcomes in a diet-induced obese population.

Gelidium elegans Regulates the AMPK-PRDM16-UCP-1 Pathway and Has a Synergistic Effect with Orlistat on Obesity-Associated Features in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

PubMed Central

Choi, Jia; Kim, Kui-Jin; Koh, Eun-Jeong; Lee, Boo-Yong

2017-01-01

The incidence of obesity is rising at an alarming rate throughout the world and is becoming a major public health concern with incalculable social and economic costs. Gelidium elegans (GENS), also previously known as Gelidium amansii, has been shown to exhibit anti-obesity effects. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which GENS is able to do this remains unclear. In the present study, our results showed that GENS prevents high-fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain through modulation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PR domain-containing16 (PRDM16)-uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) pathway in a mice model. We also found that GENS decreased hyperglycemia in mice that had been fed a HFD compared to corresponding controls. We also assessed the beneficial effect of the combined treatment with GENS and orlistat (a Food and Drug Administration-approved obesity drug) on obesity characteristics in HFD-fed mice. We found that in HFD-fed mice, the combination of GENS and orlistat is associated with more significant weight loss than orlistat treatment alone. Moreover, our results demonstrated a positive synergistic effect of GENS and orlistat on hyperglycemia and plasma triglyceride level in these animals. Thus, we suggest that a combination therapy of GENS and orlistat may positively influence obesity-related health outcomes in a diet-induced obese population. PMID:28358328

An evaluation of the accuracy of the ORange (Gen II) by comparing it to the IOLMaster in the prediction of postoperative refraction.

PubMed

Chen, Ming

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ORange(®) Gen II (WaveTec Vision, Aliso Viejo, CA). The Surgical Suites, Honolulu, HI. The prospective 28 consecutive cataract surgical cases were selected from 85 cataract surgical cases between December 16, 2010 and February 24, 2011. With the same intraocular lens implantation, the predicted spherical equivalent refraction from IOLMaster(®) (Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany) and ORange Gen II were statistically compared and verified with 1-month postoperative manifest refraction. The data were put into IBM SPSS 19 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) for analysis of variance. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to evaluate the correlation between the IOLMaster, ORange Gen II, and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean spherical equivalent refraction from the IOLMaster, ORange Gen II, and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction (IOLMaster -0.40 diopters, P = 0.07; ORange Gen II -0.43 diopters, P = 0.16; 1-month refraction -0.41 diopters, P = 0.07). Pearson's correlation study demonstrated that all three were positively correlated (P < 0.05), with the strongest correlation between the ORange Gen II and 1-month postoperative manifest refraction (r = +0.6, P < 0.01). The ORange Gen II can be considered as an alternative method for intraocular lens selection for cataract patients.

Perinatal exposure to genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, improves spatial learning and memory but impairs passive avoidance learning and memory in offspring.

PubMed

Kohara, Yumi; Kuwahara, Rika; Kawaguchi, Shinichiro; Jojima, Takeshi; Yamashita, Kimihiro

2014-05-10

This study investigated the effects of perinatal genistein (GEN) exposure on the central nervous system of rat offspring. Pregnant dams orally received GEN (1 or 10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (1 ml/kg/day) from gestation day 10 to postnatal day 14. In order to assess the effects of GEN on rat offspring, we used a battery of behavioral tests, including the open-field, elevated plus-maze, MAZE and step-through passive avoidance tests. MAZE test is an appetite-motivation test, and we used this mainly for assessing spatial learning and memory. In the MAZE test, GEN groups exhibited shorter latency from start to goal than the vehicle-treated group in both sexes. On the other hand, performances in the step-through passive avoidance test were non-monotonically inhibited by GEN in both sexes, and a significant difference was observed in low dose of the GEN-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group in female rats. Furthermore, we found that perinatal exposure to GEN did not significantly alter locomotor activity or emotionality as assessed by the open-field and elevated-plus maze tests. These results suggest that perinatal exposure to GEN improved spatial learning and memory of rat offspring, but impaired their passive avoidance learning and memory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theoretical and experimental studies of hydrogen adsorption and desorption on Ir surfaces

DOE PAGES

Kaghazchi, Payam; Jacob, Timo; Chen, Wenhua; ...

2013-06-03

Here, we report adsorption and desorption of hydrogen on planar Ir(210) and faceted Ir(210), consisting of nanoscale {311} and (110) facets, by means of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and density functional theory (DFT) in combination with the ab initio atomistic thermodynamics approach. TPD spectra show that only one H 2 peak is seen from planar Ir(210) at all coverages whereas a single H 2 peak is observed at around 440 K (F1) at fractional monolayer (ML) coverage and an additional H 2 peak appears at around 360 K (F2) at 1 ML coverage on faceted Ir(210), implying structure sensitivity inmore » recombination and desorption of hydrogen on faceted Ir(210) versus planar Ir(210), but no evidence is found for size effects in recombination and desorption of hydrogen on faceted Ir(210) for average facet sizes of 5-14 nm. Calculations indicate that H prefers to bind at the two-fold short-bridge sites of the Ir surfaces. In addition, we studied the stability of the Ir surfaces in the presence of hydrogen at different H coverages through surface free energy plots as a function of the chemical potential, which is also converted to a temperature scale. Moreover, the calculations revealed the origin of the two TPD peaks of H 2 from faceted Ir(210): F1 from desorption of H 2 on {311} facets while F2 from desorption of H 2 on (110) facets.« less

Archeological Echocardiography: Digitization and Speckle Tracking Analysis of Archival Echocardiograms in the HyperGEN Study.

PubMed

Aguilar, Frank G; Selvaraj, Senthil; Martinez, Eva E; Katz, Daniel H; Beussink, Lauren; Kim, Kwang-Youn A; Ping, Jie; Rasmussen-Torvik, Laura; Goyal, Amita; Sha, Jin; Irvin, Marguerite R; Arnett, Donna K; Shah, Sanjiv J

2016-03-01

Several large epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have included echocardiography, but images were stored in analog format and these studies predated tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). We hypothesized that digitization of analog echocardiograms, with subsequent quantification of cardiac mechanics using STE, is feasible, reproducible, accurate, and produces clinically valid results. In the NHLBI HyperGEN study (N = 2234), archived analog echocardiograms were digitized and subsequently analyzed using STE to obtain tissue velocities/strain. Echocardiograms were assigned quality scores and inter-/intra-observer agreement was calculated. Accuracy was evaluated in: (1) a separate second study (N = 50) comparing prospective digital strain versus post hoc analog-to-digital strain, and (2) in a third study (N = 95) comparing prospectively obtained TDI e' velocities with post hoc STE e' velocities. Finally, we replicated previously known associations between tissue velocities/strain, conventional echocardiographic measurements, and clinical data. Of the 2234 HyperGEN echocardiograms, 2150 (96.2%) underwent successful digitization and STE analysis. Inter/intra-observer agreement was high for all STE parameters, especially longitudinal strain (LS). In accuracy studies, LS performed best when comparing post hoc STE to prospective digital STE for strain analysis. STE-derived e' velocities correlated with, but systematically underestimated, TDI e' velocity. Several known associations between clinical variables and cardiac mechanics were replicated in HyperGEN. We also found a novel independent inverse association between fasting glucose and LS (adjusted β = -2.4 [95% CI -3.6, -1.2]% per 1-SD increase in fasting glucose; P < 0.001). Archeological echocardiography, the digitization and speckle tracking analysis of archival echocardiograms, is feasible and generates indices of cardiac mechanics similar to contemporary studies. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Archeological Echocardiography: Digitization and Speckle-Tracking Analysis of Archival Echocardiograms in the HyperGEN Study

PubMed Central

Aguilar, Frank G.; Selvaraj, Senthil; Martinez, Eva E.; Katz, Daniel H.; Beussink, Lauren; Kim, Kwang-Youn A.; Ping, Jie; Rasmussen-Torvik, Laura; Goyal, Amita; Sha, Jin; Irvin, Marguerite R.; Arnett, Donna K.; Shah, Sanjiv J.

2015-01-01

Background Several large epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have included echocardiography, but images were stored in analog format and these studies predated tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). We hypothesized that digitization of analog echocardiograms, with subsequent quantification of cardiac mechanics using STE, is feasible, reproducible, accurate, and produces clinically valid results. Methods In the NHLBI HyperGEN study (N=2234), archived analog echocardiograms were digitized and subsequently analyzed using STE to obtain tissue velocities/strain. Echocardiograms were assigned quality scores and inter/intraobserver agreement was calculated. Accuracy was evaluated in (1) a separate second study (N=50) comparing prospective digital strain vs. post-hoc analog-to-digital strain; and (2) in a third study (N=95) comparing prospectively-obtained TDI e′ velocities with post-hoc STE e′ velocities. Finally, we replicated previously known associations between tissue velocities/strain, conventional echocardiographic measurements, and clinical data. Results Of the 2234 HyperGEN echocardiograms, 2150 (96.2%) underwent successful digitization and STE analysis. Inter/intraobserver agreement was high for all STE parameters, especially longitudinal strain (LS). In accuracy studies, LS performed best when comparing post-hoc STE to prospective digital STE for strain analysis. STE-derived e′ velocities correlated with, but systematically underestimated, TDI e′ velocity. Several known associations between clinical variables and cardiac mechanics were replicated in HyperGEN. We also found a novel independent inverse association between fasting glucose and LS (adjusted β =−2.4 [95% CI −3.6,−1.2]% per 1-SD increase in fasting glucose; P<0.001). Conclusions Archeological echocardiography, the digitization and speckle-tracking analysis of archival echocardiograms, is feasible and generates parameters of cardiac mechanics similar to contemporary studies. PMID:26525308

Generalized Background Error covariance matrix model (GEN_BE v2.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Descombes, G.; Auligné, T.; Vandenberghe, F.; Barker, D. M.

2014-07-01

The specification of state background error statistics is a key component of data assimilation since it affects the impact observations will have on the analysis. In the variational data assimilation approach, applied in geophysical sciences, the dimensions of the background error covariance matrix (B) are usually too large to be explicitly determined and B needs to be modeled. Recent efforts to include new variables in the analysis such as cloud parameters and chemical species have required the development of the code to GENerate the Background Errors (GEN_BE) version 2.0 for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) community model to allow for a simpler, flexible, robust, and community-oriented framework that gathers methods used by meteorological operational centers and researchers. We present the advantages of this new design for the data assimilation community by performing benchmarks and showing some of the new features on data assimilation test cases. As data assimilation for clouds remains a challenge, we present a multivariate approach that includes hydrometeors in the control variables and new correlated errors. In addition, the GEN_BE v2.0 code is employed to diagnose error parameter statistics for chemical species, which shows that it is a tool flexible enough to involve new control variables. While the generation of the background errors statistics code has been first developed for atmospheric research, the new version (GEN_BE v2.0) can be easily extended to other domains of science and be chosen as a testbed for diagnostic and new modeling of B. Initially developed for variational data assimilation, the model of the B matrix may be useful for variational ensemble hybrid methods as well.

Distinct signalling properties of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 in mediating insulin/IGF-1 action.

PubMed

Rabiee, Atefeh; Krüger, Marcus; Ardenkjær-Larsen, Jacob; Kahn, C Ronald; Emanuelli, Brice

2018-07-01

Insulin/IGF-1 action is driven by a complex and highly integrated signalling network. Loss-of-function studies indicate that the major insulin/IGF-1 receptor substrate (IRS) proteins, IRS-1 and IRS-2, mediate different biological functions in vitro and in vivo, suggesting specific signalling properties despite their high degree of homology. To identify mechanisms contributing to the differential signalling properties of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in the mediation of insulin/IGF-1 action, we performed comprehensive mass spectrometry (MS)-based phosphoproteomic profiling of brown preadipocytes from wild type, IRS-1 -/- and IRS-2 -/- mice in the basal and IGF-1-stimulated states. We applied stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) for the accurate quantitation of changes in protein phosphorylation. We found ~10% of the 6262 unique phosphorylation sites detected to be regulated by IGF-1. These regulated sites included previously reported substrates of the insulin/IGF-1 signalling pathway, as well as novel substrates including Nuclear Factor I X and Semaphorin-4B. In silico prediction suggests the protein kinase B (PKB), protein kinase C (PKC), and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) as the main mediators of these phosphorylation events. Importantly, we found preferential phosphorylation patterns depending on the presence of either IRS-1 or IRS-2, which was associated with specific sets of kinases involved in signal transduction downstream of these substrates such as PDHK1, MAPK3, and PKD1 for IRS-1, and PIN1 and PKC beta for IRS-2. Overall, by generating a comprehensive phosphoproteomic profile from brown preadipocyte cells in response to IGF-1 stimulation, we reveal both common and distinct insulin/IGF-1 signalling events mediated by specific IRS proteins. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

360-Degree Feedback: Key to Translating Air Force Core Values into Behavioral Change

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-01

Their Say.” People Management 2, no. 6 (March 1996): 28-31. Tornow , Walter W ., Manuel London, et al. Maximizing the Value of 360-Degree Feedback...Leadership Effectiveness While 360-degree feedback has yet to be adopted by the military, Lt Gen Walter F. Ulmer, Jr., USA (Ret), former Director of the...United States Air Force Corps Values. January 1997. n.p. 8 Lt Gen Walter F. Ulmer, “Leadership Learnings and Relearnings,” 21 July, 1996. n.p. On

T-Cell Gene Therapy to Eradicate Disseminated Breast Cancers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

CD27 Functional tests were stalled by mycoplasma contamination of one of the parental cell lines for making VPCs. During this reporting period, new ...Rathinam C. A new role for an old cytokine: M-CSF regulates functions of human hemetopoietic stem cells, YCEMH mini symposium, New Haven, CT, July 23rd...efficacy of 3rd gen designer T cells III. Clinical ( new agent) BODY Aim 1. To test 2nd gen designer T cells in metastatic breast cancer A

U. S. Industrial Mobilization 1916 - 1988 and Historical Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

a dispute over authority. The clash was between William Denman, head of the Shipping Board, and Maj. Gen . George Goethals, head of the Emergency...between the two men was Gen . Goethals wanted his agency to be independent of the Shipping Board as opposed to being the Shipping Board’s operating...April 1917 and 11 November 1918) (33:334) From From From TXRATotl Fanc EngladU- Artillery 4,194 3,532 180 502 Howitzer, 9.2 in. 40 0 40 0 8-in. 208 0

The Impact of the Franco-German Relationship on the Security of Western Europe

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

the Western zones, tensions between Fance and Germany wre still high. Adenauer Gives Ipetus to Idea of Franc*Q-gaemn Reconciliation in the Realm of...Here, again, Fra- Gen -an cooperation has played an important role in finding a solution to a sensitive issue involving European defense. M-e special...enhancing European security. 3 2 Mie Frarw- Gen Brigade. hiile the Frex± FAR andI subsequent joint exercises represent a rcurdabcut way for the Franco

Lucrative Targets: The U.S. Air Force in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

led initially by Brig. Gen. Frederic N. Buckingham and, after November 11, by Brig. Gen. Edwin E. Tenoso—had the same responsibility for MAC/Commander...117s destroying vital C2 centers and the Navy’s Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) hitting electrical powerplants, the presidential palace , the Ba‘ath...By the opening of the Iran-Iraq War in September 1980, the Iraqi dictator had increased his elite force to two brigades of palace guards, and during

The Effects of Postoperative Activity on Subcuranious Tissue Oxygen Tension and Blood Flow in Orthopedic Surgical Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

use of diuretics, beta blocking drugs , or steroids were also excluded. Because...1293. Zurier, R.B. & Weissman, G. (1979) Antiimmunologic and anti - inflammatory effects of steroid therapy. In D.L. Azarnoff (Ed.), Steroid Therapy...4.16 NSAID use (Y/N) 4/1 3/2 Diuretic use (Y/N) 0/5 1/4 Cardiac Med use (Y/N) 1/4 1/4 Pain Med use (Y/N) 1/4 1/4 Anaesthetic (Gen/Gen+Epi/Epi) 0/5/0

Responsibility Determinations of Department of Defense Environmental Cleanup Contractors: Caveat Vendori

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

114 b. DE FACTO SUSPENSIONS/DEBARMENTS ............ 117 c. INTEGRITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTS ........ 119 7. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS...Dec. 28, 1973); Comp. Gen. Dec. B-135718, 37 Comp. Gen. 798 (May 28, 1958). 294 4 C.F.R. S 21.3(m)(5) (1991); Ingenieria Y Construcciones, S.A., B...Marathon Watch Co., Ltd., B-247043, Apr. 23, 1992, 92- 1 CPD 11 384; Ingenieria Y Construcciones, S.A., B-241043, Dec. 28, 1990, 90-2 CPD 1 524; Garten-und

Automated detection of records in biological sequence databases that are inconsistent with the literature.

PubMed

Bouadjenek, Mohamed Reda; Verspoor, Karin; Zobel, Justin

2017-07-01

We investigate and analyse the data quality of nucleotide sequence databases with the objective of automatic detection of data anomalies and suspicious records. Specifically, we demonstrate that the published literature associated with each data record can be used to automatically evaluate its quality, by cross-checking the consistency of the key content of the database record with the referenced publications. Focusing on GenBank, we describe a set of quality indicators based on the relevance paradigm of information retrieval (IR). Then, we use these quality indicators to train an anomaly detection algorithm to classify records as "confident" or "suspicious". Our experiments on the PubMed Central collection show assessing the coherence between the literature and database records, through our algorithms, is an effective mechanism for assisting curators to perform data cleansing. Although fewer than 0.25% of the records in our data set are known to be faulty, we would expect that there are many more in GenBank that have not yet been identified. By automated comparison with literature they can be identified with a precision of up to 10% and a recall of up to 30%, while strongly outperforming several baselines. While these results leave substantial room for improvement, they reflect both the very imbalanced nature of the data, and the limited explicitly labelled data that is available. Overall, the obtained results show promise for the development of a new kind of approach to detecting low-quality and suspicious sequence records based on literature analysis and consistency. From a practical point of view, this will greatly help curators in identifying inconsistent records in large-scale sequence databases by highlighting records that are likely to be inconsistent with the literature. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2nd Gen FeCrAl ODS Alloy Development For Accident-Tolerant Fuel Cladding

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

Dryepondt, Sebastien N.; Massey, Caleb P.; Edmondson, Philip D.

Extensive research at ORNL aims at developing advanced low-Cr high strength FeCrAl alloys for accident tolerant fuel cladding. One task focuses on the fabrication of new low Cr oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl alloys. The first Fe-12Cr-5Al+Y 2O 3 (+ ZrO 2 or TiO 2) ODS alloys exhibited excellent tensile strength up to 800 C and good oxidation resistance in steam up to 1400 C, but very limited plastic deformation at temperature ranging from room to 800 C. To improve alloy ductility, several fabrication parameters were considered. New Fe-10-12Cr-6Al gas-atomized powders containing 0.15 to 0.5wt% Zr were procured and ballmore » milled for 10h, 20h or 40h with Y2O3. The resulting powder was then extruded at temperature ranging from 900 to 1050 C. Decreasing the ball milling time or increasing the extrusion temperature changed the alloy grain size leading to lower strength but enhanced ductility. Small variations of the Cr, Zr, O and N content did not seem to significantly impact the alloy tensile properties, and, overall, the 2nd gen ODS FeCrAl alloys showed significantly better ductility than the 1st gen alloys. Tube fabrication needed for fuel cladding will require cold or warm working associated with softening heat treatments, work was therefore initiated to assess the effect of these fabrications steps on the alloy microstructure and properties. This report has been submitted as fulfillment of milestone M3FT 16OR020202091 titled, Report on 2nd Gen FeCrAl ODS Alloy Development for the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy, Advanced Fuel Campaign of the Fuel Cycle R&D program.« less

Attracting and maintaining the Y Generation in nursing: a literature review.

PubMed

Hutchinson, Dianne; Brown, Janie; Longworth, Karen

2012-05-01

This paper explores the literature related to attracting the Y Generation (Y Gen: people born between 1980 and 2000) to the nursing profession and retaining them in our current workforce. A comprehensive review of the literature supported the need for further research. Three searches were conducted and all relevant literature was reviewed by each researcher. Literature included in the review was chosen based on specific search-term inclusion. Structured searches were conducted with no limitations on publication type, date or language. Search engines used included: Australian Family and Society, CINAHL, Expanded Academic, Google Scholar, Medline, ProQuest and PubMed. A critical review of the literature, particularly empirical work on the subject has informed decision making regarding the research questions that remain to be explored. The literature revealed that the Y Gen is currently contributing to the nursing workforce demographics. Much discussion exists surrounding the integration of the Y Gen into the workplace along with the other three generations of nurses. There is also an abundance of descriptions of the Y Gen characteristics and values. There is, however, limited reference relating to what attracted this generation to nursing or what might retain them in the nursing workforce. The Y Gen is the largest generation to enter our workforce since the Baby Boomers. Health services need to recognize the needs of the Y Gen nurses and develop strategies to move the profession forward by preparing the current workforce and environment for a generation that is already here. The focus should be on their strengths with development made to structure a workforce that will support the Y Gen in their professional nursing role. Understanding what attracts the Y Gen to nursing, what managers can do to retain the Y Gen in nursing and how the nursing profession can support the Y Gen to assume a role in nursing and nursing governance will ensure that the retiring generation has left the nursing profession in capable hands. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Yo-Yo IR2 testing of elite and sub-elite soccer players: performance, heart rate response and correlations to other interval tests.

PubMed

Ingebrigtsen, Jørgen; Bendiksen, Mads; Randers, Morten Bredsgaard; Castagna, Carlo; Krustrup, Peter; Holtermann, Andreas

2012-01-01

We examined performance, heart rate response and construct validity of the Yo-Yo IR2 test by testing 111 elite and 92 sub-elite soccer players from Norway and Denmark. VO₂max, Yo-Yo IR1 and repeated sprint tests (RSA) (n = 51) and match-analyses (n = 39) were also performed. Yo-Yo IR2 and Yo-Yo IR1 performance was 41 and 25% better (P < 0.01) for elite than sub-elite players, respectively, and heart rate after 2 and 4 min of the Yo-Yo IR2 test was 20 and 15 bpm (9 and 6% HRmax), respectively, lower (P < 0.01) for elite players. RSA performance and VO₂max was not different between competitive levels (P > 0.05). For top-teams, Yo-Yo IR2 performance (28%) and sprinting distance (25%) during match were greater (P < 0.05) than for bottom-teams. For elite and sub-elite players, Yo-Yo IR2 performance was correlated (P < 0.05) with Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = 0.74 and 0.76) and mean RSA time (r = -0.74 and -0.34). We conclude that the Yo-Yo IR2 test has a high discriminant and concurrent validity, as it discriminates between players of different within- and between-league competitive levels and is correlated to other frequently used intermittent elite soccer tests.

IRS-1 activates phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase by associating with src homology 2 domains of p85.

PubMed Central

Myers, M G; Backer, J M; Sun, X J; Shoelson, S; Hu, P; Schlessinger, J; Yoakim, M; Schaffhausen, B; White, M F

1992-01-01

IRS-1 is an insulin receptor substrate that undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation and associates with the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3'-kinase immediately after insulin stimulation. Recombinant IRS-1 protein was tyrosine phosphorylated by the insulin receptor in vitro and associated with the PtdIns 3'-kinase from lysates of quiescent 3T3 fibroblasts. Bacterial fusion proteins containing the src homology 2 domains (SH2 domains) of the 85-kDa subunit (p85) of the PtdIns 3'-kinase bound quantitatively to tyrosine phosphorylated, but not unphosphorylated, IRS-1, and this association was blocked by phosphotyrosine-containing synthetic peptides. Moreover, the phosphorylated peptides and the SH2 domains each inhibited binding of PtdIns 3'-kinase to IRS-1. Phosphorylated IRS-1 activated PtdIns 3'-kinase in anti-p85 immunoprecipitates in vitro, and this activation was blocked by SH2 domain fusion proteins. These data suggest that the interaction between PtdIns 3'-kinase and IRS-1 is mediated by tyrosine phosphorylated motifs on IRS-1 and the SH2 domains of p85, and IRS-1 activates PtdIns 3'-kinase by binding to the SH2 domains of p85. Thus, IRS-1 likely serves to transmit the insulin signal by binding and regulating intracellular enzymes containing SH2 domains. Images PMID:1332046

Anion–Anion Bonding and Topology in Ternary Iridium Seleno–Stannides

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

Trump, Benjamin A.; Tutmaher, Jake A.; McQueen, Tyrel M.

2015-12-21

The synthesis and physical properties of two new and one known Ir–Sn–Se compound are reported. Their crystal structures are elucidated with transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. IrSn0.45Se1.55 is a pyrite phase which consists of tilted corner-sharing IrX6 octahedra with randomly distributed (Sn–Se)4– and (Se–Se)2– dimers. Ir2Sn3Se3 is a known trigonally distorted skutterudite that consists of cooperatively tilted corner-sharing IrSn3Se3 octahedra with ordered (Sn–Se)24– tetramers. Ir2SnSe5 is a layered, distorted β-MnO2 (pyrolusite) structure consisting of a double IrSe6 octrahedral row, corner sharing in the a direction and edge sharing in the b direction. This distorted pyrolusite contains (Se–Se)2– dimersmore » and Se2– anions, and each double row is “capped” with a (Sn–Se)n polymeric chain. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements show that all three have insulating and diamagnetic behavior, indicative of low-spin 5d6 Ir3+. Electronic structure calculations on Ir2Sn3Se3 show a single, spherical, nonspin–orbit split valence band and suggest that Ir2Sn3Se3 is topologically nontrivial under tensile strain due to inversion of Ir-d and Se-p states.« less

Identification and Characterization of Key Human Performance Issues and Research in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Paul U.; Sheridan, Tom; Poage, james L.; Martin, Lynne Hazel; Jobe, Kimberly K.

2010-01-01

This report identifies key human-performance-related issues associated with Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) research in the NASA NextGen-Airspace Project. Four Research Focus Areas (RFAs) in the NextGen-Airspace Project - namely Separation Assurance (SA), Airspace Super Density Operations (ASDO), Traffic Flow Management (TFM), and Dynamic Airspace Configuration (DAC) - were examined closely. In the course of the research, it was determined that the identified human performance issues needed to be analyzed in the context of NextGen operations rather than through basic human factors research. The main gaps in human factors research in NextGen were found in the need for accurate identification of key human-systems related issues within the context of specific NextGen concepts and better design of the operational requirements for those concepts. By focusing on human-system related issues for individual concepts, key human performance issues for the four RFAs were identified and described in this report. In addition, mixed equipage airspace with components of two RFAs were characterized to illustrate potential human performance issues that arise from the integration of multiple concepts.

Single-Site Zeolite-Anchored Organoiridium Carbonyl Complexes: Characterization of Structure and Reactivity by Spectroscopy and Computational Chemistry

DOE PAGES

Martinez-Macias, Claudia; Chen, Mingyang; Dixon, David A.; ...

2015-07-03

We formed a family of HY zeolite-supported cationic organoiridium carbonyl complexes by reaction of Ir(CO) 2(acac) (acac=acetylacetonate) to form supported Ir(CO) 2 complexes, which were treated at 298K and 1atm with flowing gas-phase reactants, including C 2H 4, H 2, (CO)-C-12, (CO)-C-13, and D 2O. Mass spectrometry was used to identify effluent gases, and infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopies were used to characterize the supported species, with the results bolstered by DFT calculations. The support is crystalline and presents a nearly uniform array of bonding sites for the iridium species, so these were characterized by a high degree of uniformity,more » which allowed a precise determination of the species involved in the replacement, for example, of one CO ligand of each Ir(CO) 2 complex with ethylene. The supported species include the following: Ir(CO) 2, Ir(CO)(C 2H 4) 2, Ir(CO)(C 2H 4), Ir(CO)(C 2H 5), and (tentatively) Ir(CO)(H). The data determine a reaction network involving all of these species.« less

Identification of functional domains of the IR2 protein of equine herpesvirus 1 required for inhibition of viral gene expression and replication

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

Kim, Seong K., E-mail: skim1@lsuhsc.edu; Kim, Seongman; Dai Gan

2011-09-01

The equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) negative regulatory IR2 protein (IR2P), an early 1,165-amino acid (aa) truncated form of the 1487-aa immediate-early protein (IEP), lacks the trans-activation domain essential for IEP activation functions but retains domains for binding DNA, TFIIB, and TBP and the nuclear localization signal. IR2P mutants of the N-terminal region which lack either DNA-binding activity or TFIIB-binding activity were unable to down-regulate EHV-1 promoters. In EHV-1-infected cells expressing full-length IR2P, transcription and protein expression of viral regulatory IE, early EICP0, IR4, and UL5, and late ETIF genes were dramatically inhibited. Viral DNA levels were reduced to 2.1% ofmore » control infected cells, but were vey weakly affected in cells that express the N-terminal 706 residues of IR2P. These results suggest that IR2P function requires the two N-terminal domains for binding DNA and TFIIB as well as the C-terminal residues 707 to 1116 containing the TBP-binding domain. - Highlights: > We examine the functional domains of IR2P that mediates negative regulation. > IR2P inhibits at the transcriptional level. > DNA-binding mutant or TFIIB-binding mutant fails to inhibit. > C-terminal aa 707 to 1116 are required for full inhibition. > Inhibition requires the DNA-binding domain, TFIIB-binding domain, and C-terminus.« less

Molecular Engineering toward Stabilized Interface: An Electrolyte Additive for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Lu; Huang, Jinhua; Youssef, Kyrrilos; ...

2014-10-31

A novel electrolyte additive, 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,4-dione (OHD), has been discovered and evaluated in Li- 1.1(Mn 1/3Ni 1/3Co 1/3) 0.9O 2/graphite cells under elevated temperature. When an appropriate amount of OHD is used, the cell capacity retention is improved from 60% (Gen 2 electrolyte alone) to 82% (Gen 2 electrolyte plus OHD) after 200 cycles with no obvious impedance increase. The amount of OHD added is the key to achieving the superior cell performance. In conclusion, the effect of OHD additive was investigated by means of electrochemical analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and density functional theory computation.

17β-Estradiol protects the liver against cold ischemia/reperfusion injury through the Akt kinase pathway.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaohua; Qin, Lei; Liu, Jianxia; Tian, Liping; Qian, Haixin

2012-12-01

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury occurs during liver resection and transplantation. Recent studies have shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) can protect the heart and liver against warm IR. The present study focused on the cytoprotective effects of E2 on cold IR injury to the liver. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, IR, and IR plus E2. The model of rat orthotopic liver transplantation was used. The rats in the IR plus E2 group were intraperitoneally injected with E2 (100 μg/kg/d) for 7 d before surgery. The sham and IR group received the same quantity of saline. The donor livers were then orthotopically transplanted into rats after cold ischemia preservation for 4 h at 4°C lactated Ringer's solution. After 6 h reperfusion, liver function, bile flow volume, hepatocyte apoptosis, and activation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and Bcl-2-associated death promoter were assessed. The survival rate of the rats was also investigated. The administration of E2 significantly prolonged the survival of liver grafts by improving liver function and decreasing hepatocyte apoptosis. Rats undergoing E2 demonstrated a greater level activation of Akt in the liver compared with the IR group. In addition, E2 also inhibited the activities of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, Bcl-2-associated death promoter, and caspase-3-induced by IR injury. E2 pretreatment attenuated the hepatocellular damage caused by hepatic cold IR injury through the Akt pathway. Estrogen therapy might be important in clinical settings associated with cold IR injury during liver transplantation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Connections between EM2-containing terminals and GABA/μ-opioid receptor co-expressing neurons in the rat spinal trigeminal caudal nucleus

PubMed Central

Li, Meng-Ying; Wu, Zhen-Yu; Lu, Ya-Cheng; Yin, Jun-Bin; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Ting; Dong, Yu-Lin; Wang, Feng

2014-01-01

Endomorphin-2 (EM2) demonstrates a potent antinociceptive effect via the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). To provide morphological evidence for the pain control effect of EM2, the synaptic connections between EM2-immunoreactive (IR) axonal terminals and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)/MOR co-expressing neurons in lamina II of the spinal trigeminal caudal nucleus (Vc) were investigated in the rat. Dense EM2-, MOR- and GABA-IR fibers and terminals were mainly observed in lamina II of the Vc. Within lamina II, GABA- and MOR-neuronal cell bodies were also encountered. The results of immunofluorescent histochemical triple-staining showed that approximately 14.2 or 18.9% of GABA-IR or MOR-IR neurons also showed MOR- or GABA-immunopositive staining in lamina II; approximately 45.2 and 36.1% of the GABA-IR and MOR-IR neurons, respectively, expressed FOS protein in their nuclei induced by injecting formalin into the left lower lip of the mouth. Most of the GABA/MOR, GABA/FOS, and MOR/FOS double-labeled neurons made close contacts with EM2-IR fibers and terminals. Immuno-electron microscopy confirmed that the EM2-IR terminals formed synapses with GABA-IR or MOR-IR dendritic processes and neuronal cell bodies in lamina II of the Vc. These results suggest that EM2 might participate in pain transmission and modulation by binding to MOR-IR and GABAergic inhibitory interneuron in lamina II of the Vc to exert inhibitory effect on the excitatory interneuron in lamina II and projection neurons in laminae I and III. PMID:25386121

Influence of iridium doping in MgB2 superconducting wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grivel, J.-C.

2018-04-01

MgB2 wires with iridium doping were manufactured using the in-situ technique in a composite Cu-Nb sheath. Reaction was performed at 700 °C, 800 °C or 900 °C for 1 h in argon atmosphere. A maximum of about 1.5 at.% Ir replaces Mg in MgB2. The superconducting transition temperature is slightly lowered by Ir doping. The formation of IrMg3 and IrMg4 secondary phase particles is evidenced, especially for a nominal stoichiometry with 2.0 at.% Ir doping. The critical current density and accommodation field of the wires are strongly dependent on the Ir content and are generally weakened in the presence of Ir, although the effect is less pronounced at lower temperatures.

Description of two smallest field crickets from South America, Laureopsis nauta Jaiswara gen. nov., sp. nov. and Perugryllus estiron Jaiswara gen. nov., sp. nov. (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Gryllidae, Gryllinae).

PubMed

Jaiswara, Ranjana; Desutter-Grandcolas, Laure

2017-11-20

Gryllinae are one of the most diverse and widely distributed cricket groups. However, in South America they are known only from 10 genera. We update this list by describing two new genera and species of field crickets i.e. Laureopsis nauta Jaiswara gen. nov., sp. nov. and Perugryllus estiron Jaiswara gen. nov., sp. nov. from Peru.

Scalable cross-point resistive switching memory and mechanism through an understanding of H2O2/glucose sensing using an IrOx/Al2O3/W structure.

PubMed

Chakrabarti, Somsubhra; Maikap, Siddheswar; Samanta, Subhranu; Jana, Surajit; Roy, Anisha; Qiu, Jian-Tai

2017-10-04

The resistive switching characteristics of a scalable IrO x /Al 2 O 3 /W cross-point structure and its mechanism for pH/H 2 O 2 sensing along with glucose detection have been investigated for the first time. Porous IrO x and Ir 3+ /Ir 4+ oxidation states are observed via high-resolution transmission electron microscope, field-emission scanning electron spectroscopy, and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. The 20 nm-thick IrO x devices in sidewall contact show consecutive long dc cycles at a low current compliance (CC) of 10 μA, multi-level operation with CC varying from 10 μA to 100 μA, and long program/erase endurance of >10 9 cycles with 100 ns pulse width. IrO x with a thickness of 2 nm in the IrO x /Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 /p-Si structure has shown super-Nernstian pH sensitivity of 115 mV per pH, and detection of H 2 O 2 over the range of 1-100 nM is also achieved owing to the porous and reduction-oxidation (redox) characteristics of the IrO x membrane, whereas a pure Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 membrane does not show H 2 O 2 sensing. A simulation based on Schottky, hopping, and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling conduction, and a redox reaction, is proposed. The experimental I-V curve matches very well with simulation. The resistive switching mechanism is owing to O 2- ion migration, and the redox reaction of Ir 3+ /Ir 4+ at the IrO x /Al 2 O 3 interface through H 2 O 2 sensing as well as Schottky barrier height modulation is responsible. Glucose at a low concentration of 10 pM is detected using a completely new process in the IrO x /Al 2 O 3 /W cross-point structure. Therefore, this cross-point memory shows a method for low cost, scalable, memory with low current, multi-level operation, which will be useful for future highly dense three-dimensional (3D) memory and as a bio-sensor for the future diagnosis of human diseases.

Healthy Chilean Adolescents with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6 Have Increased Cardiometabolic Risk: Association with Genetic, Biological, and Environmental Factors

PubMed Central

Burrows, R.; Correa-Burrows, P.; Reyes, M.; Blanco, E.; Albala, C.; Gahagan, S.

2015-01-01

Objective. To determine the optimal cutoff of the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and examine whether insulin resistance (IR), determined by this method, was related to genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Methods. In 667 adolescents (16.8 ± 0.3 y), BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, diet, and physical activity were measured. Fat and fat-free mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Family history of type 2 diabetes (FHDM) was reported. We determined the optimal cutoff of HOMA-IR to diagnose MetS (IDF criteria) using ROC analysis. IR was defined as HOMA-IR values above the cutoff. We tested the influence of genetic, biological, and environmental factors on IR using logistic regression analyses. Results. Of the participants, 16% were obese and 9.4 % met criteria for MetS. The optimal cutoff for MetS diagnosis was a HOMA-IR value of 2.6. Based on this value, 16.3% of participants had IR. Adolescents with IR had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, and MetS compared to those who were not IR. FHDM, sarcopenia, obesity, and low adiponectin significantly increased the risk of IR. Conclusions. In adolescents, HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6 was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk. PMID:26273675

Healthy Chilean Adolescents with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6 Have Increased Cardiometabolic Risk: Association with Genetic, Biological, and Environmental Factors.

PubMed

Burrows, R; Correa-Burrows, P; Reyes, M; Blanco, E; Albala, C; Gahagan, S

2015-01-01

To determine the optimal cutoff of the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and examine whether insulin resistance (IR), determined by this method, was related to genetic, biological, and environmental factors. In 667 adolescents (16.8 ± 0.3 y), BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, diet, and physical activity were measured. Fat and fat-free mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Family history of type 2 diabetes (FHDM) was reported. We determined the optimal cutoff of HOMA-IR to diagnose MetS (IDF criteria) using ROC analysis. IR was defined as HOMA-IR values above the cutoff. We tested the influence of genetic, biological, and environmental factors on IR using logistic regression analyses. Of the participants, 16% were obese and 9.4 % met criteria for MetS. The optimal cutoff for MetS diagnosis was a HOMA-IR value of 2.6. Based on this value, 16.3% of participants had IR. Adolescents with IR had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, and MetS compared to those who were not IR. FHDM, sarcopenia, obesity, and low adiponectin significantly increased the risk of IR. In adolescents, HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6 was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk.

Assessing infrared intensity using the evaporation rate of liquid hydrogen inside a cryogenic integrating sphere for laser fusion targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwano, K.; Iwamoto, A.; Asahina, T.; Yamanoi, K.; Arikawa, Y.; Nagatomo, H.; Nakai, M.; Norimatsu, T.; Azechi, H.

2017-07-01

Infrared (IR) heating processes have been studied to form a deuterium layer in an inertial confinement fusion target. To understand the relationship between the IR intensity and the fuel layering time constant, we have developed a new method to assess the IR intensity during irradiation. In our method, a glass flask acting as a dummy target is filled with liquid hydrogen (LH2) and is then irradiated with 2-μm light. The IR intensity is subsequently calculated from the time constant of the LH2 evaporation rate. Although LH2 evaporation is also caused by the heat inflow from the surroundings and by the background heat, the evaporation rate due to IR heating can be accurately determined by acquiring the time constant with and without irradiation. The experimentally measured IR intensity is 0.66 mW/cm2, which agrees well with a value estimated by considering the IR photon energy balance. Our results suggest that the present method can be used to measure the IR intensity inside a cryogenic system during IR irradiation of laser fusion targets.

Assessing infrared intensity using the evaporation rate of liquid hydrogen inside a cryogenic integrating sphere for laser fusion targets.

PubMed

Iwano, K; Iwamoto, A; Asahina, T; Yamanoi, K; Arikawa, Y; Nagatomo, H; Nakai, M; Norimatsu, T; Azechi, H

2017-07-01

Infrared (IR) heating processes have been studied to form a deuterium layer in an inertial confinement fusion target. To understand the relationship between the IR intensity and the fuel layering time constant, we have developed a new method to assess the IR intensity during irradiation. In our method, a glass flask acting as a dummy target is filled with liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) and is then irradiated with 2-μm light. The IR intensity is subsequently calculated from the time constant of the LH 2 evaporation rate. Although LH 2 evaporation is also caused by the heat inflow from the surroundings and by the background heat, the evaporation rate due to IR heating can be accurately determined by acquiring the time constant with and without irradiation. The experimentally measured IR intensity is 0.66 mW/cm 2 , which agrees well with a value estimated by considering the IR photon energy balance. Our results suggest that the present method can be used to measure the IR intensity inside a cryogenic system during IR irradiation of laser fusion targets.

Foreign Trip Report MATGEN-IV Sep 24- Oct 26, 2007

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

de Caro, M S

2007-10-30

Gen-IV activities in France, Japan and US focus on the development of new structural materials for Gen-IV nuclear reactors. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) F/M steels have raised considerable interest in nuclear applications. Promising collaborations can be established seeking fundamental knowledge of relevant Gen-IV ODS steel properties (see attached travel report on MATGEN- IV 'Materials for Generation IV Nuclear Reactors'). Major highlights refer to results on future Ferritic/Martensitic steel cladding candidates (relevant to Gen-IV materials properties for LFR Materials Program) and on thermodynamic and mechanic behavior of metallic FeCr binary alloys, base matrix for future candidate steels (for the LLNL-LDRD projectmore » on Critical Issues on Materials for Gen-IV Reactors).« less

Electroacupuncture prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury via a cyclooxygenase-2-dependent mechanism: A randomized controlled crossover trial

PubMed Central

Park, Jimin; Woo, Jong Shin; Leem, Jungtae; Park, Jun Hyeong; Lee, Sanghoon; Chung, Hyemoon; Lee, Jung Myung; Kim, Jin-Bae; Kim, Woo-Shik; Kim, Kwon Sam; Kim, Weon

2017-01-01

Objective Exploring clinically effective methods to reduce ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in humans is critical. Several drugs have shown protective effects, but studies using other interventions have been rare. Electroacupuncture (EA) has induced similar protection in several animal studies but no study has investigated how the effects could be translated and reproduced in humans. This study aimed to explore the potential effect and mechanisms of EA in IR-induced endothelial dysfunction in humans. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, crossover, sham-controlled trial consisting of two protocols. Protocol 1 was a crossover study to investigate the effect of EA on IR-induced endothelial dysfunction. Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to EA or sham EA (sham). Flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery (BA), nitroglycerin-mediated endothelial independent dilation, blood pressure before and after IR were measured. In protocol 2, seven volunteers were administered COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (200 mg orally twice daily) for five days. After consumption, volunteers underwent FMD before and after IR identical to protocol 1. Results In protocol 1, baseline BA diameter, Pre-IR BA diameter and FMD were similar between the two groups (p = NS). After IR, sham group showed significantly blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 11.41 ± 3.10%, Post-IR: 4.49 ± 2.04%, p < 0.001). However, EA protected this blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 10.96 ± 5.30%, Post-IR: 9.47 ± 5.23%, p = NS, p < 0.05 compared with sham EA after IR). In protocol 2, this protective effect was completely abolished by pre-treatment with celecoxib (Pre-IR: 11.05 ± 3.27%; Post-IR: 4.20 ± 1.68%, p = 0.001). Conclusion EA may prevent IR-induced endothelial dysfunction via a COX-2 dependent mechanism. PMID:28591155

[Puerariae Lobatae Radix elevated expression levels of OB-R, IRS2, GLUT1 and GLUT2 to regulate glucose metabolism in insulin-resistance HepG2 cells].

PubMed

Li, Yu; Luo, Xin-Xin; Yan, Feng-Dong; Wei, Zhang-Bin; Tu, Jun

2017-05-01

To observe the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Puerariae Lobatae Radix in hepatocyte insulin resistance(IR) models, and investigate its preliminary molecular mechanism. IR-HepG2 cell model was stably established with 1×10-9 mol•L⁻¹ insulin plus 3.75×10-6 mol•L-1 dexamethasone treatment for 48 h according to optimized protocol in our research group. After IR-HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations(5%,10% and 15%) of Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay; the glucose consumptions in IR-HepG2 cells were separately detected at different time points (12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36 h) by using glucose oxidase method; intracellular glycogen content was detected by anthrone method; and the protein expression levels of leptin receptor (Ob-R), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2), glucose transporter 1(GLUT1) and GLUT2 were detected by Western blot assay. The results showed that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum (5%, 10% and 15%) had no significant effect on IR-HepG2 cell viability; 5% and 10% Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum significantly increased glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells (P<0.01) at 18, 21 and 24 h; 15% Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum elevated the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells at 15 h (P<0.05), and significantly elevated the glucose consumption at 18, 21, 24 and 30 h (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. The optimized time of anti-hyperglycemic effect was defined as 24 h, and further study showed that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum could increase intracellular glycogen content after 24 h treatment (P<0.01), and up-regulate IRS2, Ob-R, GLUT1 and GLUT2 protein expression levels. Our results indicated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix-containing serum could achieve the anti-hyperglycemic effect through important PI3K/PDK signaling pathway partially by up-regulating the expression levels of Ob-R and IRS2, GLUT1 and GLUT2 in IR-HepG2 cells, accelerating the glucose transport into hepatocytes and increasing hepatic glycogen synthesis to enhance the anti-hyperglycemic effect of IR-HepG2 cells. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

75 FR 56654 - RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-16

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC) SUMMARY: The FAA published a Notice in the Federal Register on September 3, 2010 (75-FR-54221...

Rebound upbeat nystagmus after lateral gaze in episodic ataxia type 2.

PubMed

Kim, Hyo-Jung; Kim, Ji-Soo; Choi, Jae-Hwan; Shin, Jin-Hong; Choi, Kwang-Dong; Zee, David S

2014-06-01

Rebound nystagmus is a transient nystagmus that occurs on resuming the straight-ahead position after prolonged eccentric gaze. Even though rebound nystagmus is commonly associated with gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), development of rebound nystagmus in a different plane of gaze has not been described. We report a patient with episodic ataxia type 2 who showed transient upbeat nystagmus on resuming the straight-ahead position after sustained lateral gaze that had induced GEN and downbeat nystagmus. The rebound upbeat nystagmus may be ascribed to a shifting null in the vertical plane as a result of an adaptation to the downbeat nystagmus that developed during lateral gaze.

Argyritarsis Section of the Subgenus Nyssorhynchus of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae). Revision

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

Cayo: Cayo, BHL 40, IM, IM gen. BOLIVIA (37 specimens: 21M, IM gen, 15F). La Paz: Apolo, 15 Jan 1946, S. Blatman, 3M, 3F. Chulumani, 12 Feb 1939, 4M...55P&p, 58L&I; 15 ind rear: lli, 4 p). Atlantico: Barranquilla, 1923, L. H. Dunn, 2M, 3F. Caldas: La 152 Dorada, 25 Jun 1943, KO 112-6, 1M, iF. Meta...Puiniarenas: Esparta, CR 574, lF, lip, IP, 1L. San Jose: Essasu, 7 Feb 1921, A. Alfaro, 2F; same locality and collector, 16 Feb 1927, La Ese, CR 32

Measuring GE^n at High Momentum Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feuerbach, Robert

2006-11-01

A precision measurement of the electric form-factor of the neutron, GE^n, at Q^2 up to 3.5 GeV^2 was recently completed in Hall A at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility(Jefferson Lab). The ratio of the electric to magnetic form-factors of the neutron, GE^n/GM^n, was measured through the beam-target asymmetry A of electrons quasi-elastically scattered off neutrons in the reaction ^3He(e,e' n). The experiment took advantage of recent developments of the electron beam and target, as well as two detectors new to Jefferson Lab. The measurement used the accelerator's 100% duty-cycle high-polarization (typically 84%) electron beam and a new, hybrid optically-pumped polarized ^3He target which achieved in-beam polarizations in excess of 50%. A medium acceptance (80msr) open-geometry magnetic spectrometer (BigBite) detected the scattered electron, while a newly contructed neutron detector observed the released neutron. An overview of the experiment and the experimental motivation will be discussed, in particular the large range of predictions from modern calculations for GE^n at this relatively high Q^2. Finally, the analysis progress and preliminary results will be presented.

New Ir Bis-Carbonyl Precursor for Water Oxidation Catalysis

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

Huang, Daria L.; Beltrán-Suito, Rodrigo; Thomsen, Julianne M.

2016-02-05

This paper introduces IrI(CO)2(pyalc) (pyalc = (2-pyridyl)-2-propanoate) as an atom-efficient precursor for Ir-based homogeneous oxidation catalysis. This compound was chosen to simplify analysis of the water oxidation catalyst species formed by the previously reported Cp*IrIII(pyalc)OH water oxidation precatalyst. Here, we present a comparative study on the chemical and catalytic properties of these two precursors. Previous studies show that oxidative activation of Cp*Ir-based precursors with NaIO4 results in formation of a blue IrIV species. This activation is concomitant with the loss of the placeholder Cp* ligand which oxidatively degrades to form acetic acid, iodate, and other obligatory byproducts. The activation processmore » requires substantial amounts of primary oxidant, and the degradation products complicate analysis of the resulting IrIV species. The species formed from oxidation of the Ir(CO)2(pyalc) precursor, on the other hand, lacks these degradation products (the CO ligands are easily lost upon oxidation) which allows for more detailed examination of the resulting Ir(pyalc) active species both catalytically and spectroscopically, although complete structural analysis is still elusive. Once Ir(CO)2(pyalc) is activated, the system requires acetic acid or acetate to prevent the formation of nanoparticles. Investigation of the activated bis-carbonyl complex also suggests several Ir(pyalc) isomers may exist in solution. By 1H NMR, activated Ir(CO)2(pyalc) has fewer isomers than activated Cp*Ir complexes, allowing for advanced characterization. Future research in this direction is expected to contribute to a better structural understanding of the active species. A diol crystallization agent was needed for the structure determination of 3.« less

Zirconocene-iridium hydrido complexes: arene carbon-hydrogen bond activation and formation of a planar square Zr2Ir2 complex.

PubMed

Oishi, Masataka; Suzuki, Hiroharu

2009-03-16

New early-late heterobimetallic hydrides (L(2)ZrCl)(Cp*Ir)(mu-H)(3) (1; L = Cp derivative, Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) were synthesized from zirconocene derivatives (L(2)ZrCl(2)) and LiCp*IrH(3) via a salt elimination reaction and structurally characterized by NMR and X-ray analyses. Upon treatment of 1 with an alkyllithium reagent, hydride abstraction complex 4 underwent thermolytic ligand elimination at the Zr-Ir system to yield a novel planar square complex (L(2)Zr)(2)(Cp*Ir)(2)(mu(3)-H)(4) (2). When a labeling study of the reaction was conducted, it was found that the conversion of 1 to 2 involves rapid aromatic and benzylic C-H activation by a coordinatively unsaturated dinuclear complex (L(2)Zr)(Cp*Ir)(H)(2) (3).

A novel IrNi@PdIr/C core-shell electrocatalyst with enhanced activity and durability for the hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells.

PubMed

Qin, Bowen; Yu, Hongmei; Jia, Jia; Jun, Chi; Gao, Xueqiang; Yao, Dewei; Sun, Xinye; Song, Wei; Yi, Baolian; Shao, Zhigang

2018-03-08

Herein, a novel non-platinum core-shell catalyst, namely, IrNi@PdIr/C was prepared via a galvanic replacement reaction; it exhibits enhanced hydrogen oxidation activity and excellent stability under alkaline conditions. Electrochemical experiments demonstrated that the mass and specific activities at 50 mV of IrNi@PdIr/C are 2.1 and 2.2 times that of commercial Pt/C in 0.1 M KOH at 298 K, respectively. Moreover, accelerated degradation tests have shown that the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of IrNi@PdIr/C reduces by only 5.1%, which is almost 4 times less than that of commercial Pt/C and the mass activity at 50 mV of IrNi@PdIr/C after 2000 potential cycles is still 1.8 times higher than that of aged Pt/C. XRD and XPS analysis suggest that the enhanced HOR activity is attributed to the weakening of the hydrogen binding to the PdIr overlayers induced by the IrNi core. The better stability to potential cycling can be associated with the PdIr shell, which inhibits oxide formation. These results suggest that IrNi@PdIr/C is a promising non-platinum anode catalyst for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells.

Reference-free comparative genomics of 174 chloroplasts.

PubMed

Kua, Chai-Shian; Ruan, Jue; Harting, John; Ye, Cheng-Xi; Helmus, Matthew R; Yu, Jun; Cannon, Charles H

2012-01-01

Direct analysis of unassembled genomic data could greatly increase the power of short read DNA sequencing technologies and allow comparative genomics of organisms without a completed reference available. Here, we compare 174 chloroplasts by analyzing the taxanomic distribution of short kmers across genomes [1]. We then assemble de novo contigs centered on informative variation. The localized de novo contigs can be separated into two major classes: tip = unique to a single genome and group = shared by a subset of genomes. Prior to assembly, we found that ~18% of the chloroplast was duplicated in the inverted repeat (IR) region across a four-fold difference in genome sizes, from a highly reduced parasitic orchid [2] to a massive algal chloroplast [3], including gnetophytes [4] and cycads [5]. The conservation of this ratio between single copy and duplicated sequence was basal among green plants, independent of photosynthesis and mechanism of genome size change, and different in gymnosperms and lower plants. Major lineages in the angiosperm clade differed in the pattern of shared kmers and de novo contigs. For example, parasitic plants demonstrated an expected accelerated overall rate of evolution, while the hemi-parasitic genomes contained a great deal more novel sequence than holo-parasitic plants, suggesting different mechanisms at different stages of genomic contraction. Additionally, the legumes are diverging more quickly and in different ways than other major families. Small duplicated fragments of the rrn23 genes were deeply conserved among seed plants, including among several species without the IR regions, indicating a crucial functional role of this duplication. Localized de novo assembly of informative kmers greatly reduces the complexity of large comparative analyses by confining the analysis to a small partition of data and genomes relevant to the specific question, allowing direct analysis of next-gen sequence data from previously unstudied genomes and rapid discovery of informative candidate regions.

Reference-Free Comparative Genomics of 174 Chloroplasts

PubMed Central

Kua, Chai-Shian; Ruan, Jue; Harting, John; Ye, Cheng-Xi; Helmus, Matthew R.; Yu, Jun; Cannon, Charles H.

2012-01-01

Direct analysis of unassembled genomic data could greatly increase the power of short read DNA sequencing technologies and allow comparative genomics of organisms without a completed reference available. Here, we compare 174 chloroplasts by analyzing the taxanomic distribution of short kmers across genomes [1]. We then assemble de novo contigs centered on informative variation. The localized de novo contigs can be separated into two major classes: tip = unique to a single genome and group = shared by a subset of genomes. Prior to assembly, we found that ∼18% of the chloroplast was duplicated in the inverted repeat (IR) region across a four-fold difference in genome sizes, from a highly reduced parasitic orchid [2] to a massive algal chloroplast [3], including gnetophytes [4] and cycads [5]. The conservation of this ratio between single copy and duplicated sequence was basal among green plants, independent of photosynthesis and mechanism of genome size change, and different in gymnosperms and lower plants. Major lineages in the angiosperm clade differed in the pattern of shared kmers and de novo contigs. For example, parasitic plants demonstrated an expected accelerated overall rate of evolution, while the hemi-parasitic genomes contained a great deal more novel sequence than holo-parasitic plants, suggesting different mechanisms at different stages of genomic contraction. Additionally, the legumes are diverging more quickly and in different ways than other major families. Small duplicated fragments of the rrn23 genes were deeply conserved among seed plants, including among several species without the IR regions, indicating a crucial functional role of this duplication. Localized de novo assembly of informative kmers greatly reduces the complexity of large comparative analyses by confining the analysis to a small partition of data and genomes relevant to the specific question, allowing direct analysis of next-gen sequence data from previously unstudied genomes and rapid discovery of informative candidate regions. PMID:23185288

Multimodal information Management: Evaluation of Auditory and Haptic Cues for NextGen Communication Displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begault, Durand R.; Bittner, Rachel M.; Anderson, Mark R.

2012-01-01

Auditory communication displays within the NextGen data link system may use multiple synthetic speech messages replacing traditional ATC and company communications. The design of an interface for selecting amongst multiple incoming messages can impact both performance (time to select, audit and release a message) and preference. Two design factors were evaluated: physical pressure-sensitive switches versus flat panel "virtual switches", and the presence or absence of auditory feedback from switch contact. Performance with stimuli using physical switches was 1.2 s faster than virtual switches (2.0 s vs. 3.2 s); auditory feedback provided a 0.54 s performance advantage (2.33 s vs. 2.87 s). There was no interaction between these variables. Preference data were highly correlated with performance.

[Variation of insulin receptor substrate-2 gene 3'-untranslated region in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Zeng, Wei-Min; Chen, Shu-Hua; Xie, Ping; Liu, Mei-Lian; Song, Hui-Ping

2003-08-01

Insulin receptor substrate-2(IRS-2) belongs to a family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins, which link insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), and cytokine receptor tyrosine kinases to signaling pathways regulating metabolism, growth, differentiation, reproduction, and homestasis. Deficiency of IRS-2 in mice causes type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), suggesting that abnormal structure and dysfunction of the IRS-2 gene may contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Variations in the open reading frame (ORF) and promoter region of IRS-2 gene in patients with T2DM have been reported over the past few years. These genetic variations are from ethnically different patients, confounding any analysis of the contribution of IRS-2 gene variations to the development of T2DM. The 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR) of IRS-2 gene variation may be contribute to the T2DM. So far, the relationship between 3'-UTR of IRS-2 gene variations and T2DM have not been investigated. Based on the 3'-UTR of eukaryotic gene plays an important role in the eukaryotic gene regulation, we investigated abnormalities of IRS-2 gene 3'-UTR and their relation with T2DM in the Chinese population. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocyte of 128 patients with T2DM and 125 control subjects in Hunan, China. A segment of IRS-2 gene 3'-UTR was scanned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). All PCR products with abnormal DHPLC pattern were submitted to DNA sequence analysis. A T-->C mutation at 4064 bp of IRS-2 gene 3'-UTR was found in 18 patients with T2DM, while it was only found in 5 control subjects. The incidence of the mutation in patients with T2DM were much higher than that in contol subjects (14.1% vs 4.0%, x2 = 7.748, P = 0.005). These results indicate that the T4064-->C in IRS-2 gene 3'-UTR may be related to Chinese patients with T2DM.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 625-715.

PubMed

Crous, P W; Wingfield, M J; Burgess, T I; Carnegie, A J; Hardy, G E St J; Smith, D; Summerell, B A; Cano-Lira, J F; Guarro, J; Houbraken, J; Lombard, L; Martín, M P; Sandoval-Denis, M; Alexandrova, A V; Barnes, C W; Baseia, I G; Bezerra, J D P; Guarnaccia, V; May, T W; Hernández-Restrepo, M; Stchigel, A M; Miller, A N; Ordoñez, M E; Abreu, V P; Accioly, T; Agnello, C; Agustin Colmán, A; Albuquerque, C C; Alfredo, D S; Alvarado, P; Araújo-Magalhães, G R; Arauzo, S; Atkinson, T; Barili, A; Barreto, R W; Bezerra, J L; Cabral, T S; Camello Rodríguez, F; Cruz, R H S F; Daniëls, P P; da Silva, B D B; de Almeida, D A C; de Carvalho Júnior, A A; Decock, C A; Delgat, L; Denman, S; Dimitrov, R A; Edwards, J; Fedosova, A G; Ferreira, R J; Firmino, A L; Flores, J A; García, D; Gené, J; Giraldo, A; Góis, J S; Gomes, A A M; Gonçalves, C M; Gouliamova, D E; Groenewald, M; Guéorguiev, B V; Guevara-Suarez, M; Gusmão, L F P; Hosaka, K; Hubka, V; Huhndorf, S M; Jadan, M; Jurjević, Ž; Kraak, B; Kučera, V; Kumar, T K A; Kušan, I; Lacerda, S R; Lamlertthon, S; Lisboa, W S; Loizides, M; Luangsa-Ard, J J; Lysková, P; Mac Cormack, W P; Macedo, D M; Machado, A R; Malysheva, E F; Marinho, P; Matočec, N; Meijer, M; Mešić, A; Mongkolsamrit, S; Moreira, K A; Morozova, O V; Nair, K U; Nakamura, N; Noisripoom, W; Olariaga, I; Oliveira, R J V; Paiva, L M; Pawar, P; Pereira, O L; Peterson, S W; Prieto, M; Rodríguez-Andrade, E; Rojo De Blas, C; Roy, M; Santos, E S; Sharma, R; Silva, G A; Souza-Motta, C M; Takeuchi-Kaneko, Y; Tanaka, C; Thakur, A; Smith, M Th; Tkalčec, Z; Valenzuela-Lopez, N; van der Kleij, P; Verbeken, A; Viana, M G; Wang, X W; Groenewald, J Z

2017-12-01

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica : Cadophora antarctica from soil. Australia : Alfaria dandenongensis on Cyperaceae , Amphosoma persooniae on Persoonia sp., Anungitea nullicana on Eucalyptus sp . , Bagadiella eucalypti on Eucalyptus globulus , Castanediella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Cercospora dianellicola on Dianella sp., Cladoriella kinglakensis on Eucalyptus regnans , Cladoriella xanthorrhoeae (incl. Cladoriellaceae fam. nov. and Cladoriellales ord. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Cochlearomyces eucalypti (incl. Cochlearomyces gen. nov. and Cochlearomycetaceae fam. nov.) on Eucalyptus obliqua , Codinaea lambertiae on Lambertia formosa , Diaporthe obtusifoliae on Acacia obtusifolia , Didymella acaciae on Acacia melanoxylon , Dothidea eucalypti on Eucalyptus dalrympleana , Fitzroyomyces cyperi (incl. Fitzroyomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae , Murramarangomyces corymbiae (incl. Murramarangomyces gen. nov., Murramarangomycetaceae fam. nov. and Murramarangomycetales ord. nov.) on Corymbia maculata , Neoanungitea eucalypti (incl. Neoanungitea gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus obliqua , Neoconiothyrium persooniae (incl. Neoconiothyrium gen. nov.) on Persoonia laurina subsp. laurina , Neocrinula lambertiae (incl. Neocrinulaceae fam. nov.) on Lambertia sp., Ochroconis podocarpi on Podocarpus grayae , Paraphysalospora eucalypti (incl. Paraphysalospora gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus sieberi , Pararamichloridium livistonae (incl. Pararamichloridium gen. nov., Pararamichloridiaceae fam. nov. and Pararamichloridiales ord. nov.) on Livistona sp., Pestalotiopsis dianellae on Dianella sp., Phaeosphaeria gahniae on Gahnia aspera , Phlogicylindrium tereticornis on Eucalyptus tereticornis , Pleopassalora acaciae on Acacia obliquinervia , Pseudodactylaria xanthorrhoeae (incl. Pseudodactylaria gen. nov., Pseudodactylariaceae fam. nov. and Pseudodactylariales ord. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Pseudosporidesmium lambertiae (incl. Pseudosporidesmiaceae fam. nov.) on Lambertia formosa , Saccharata acaciae on Acacia sp., Saccharata epacridis on Epacris sp., Saccharata hakeigena on Hakea sericea , Seiridium persooniae on Persoonia sp., Semifissispora tooloomensis on Eucalyptus dunnii , Stagonospora lomandrae on Lomandra longifolia , Stagonospora victoriana on Poaceae , Subramaniomyces podocarpi on Podocarpus elatus , Sympoventuria melaleucae on Melaleuca sp . , Sympoventuria regnans on Eucalyptus regnans , Trichomerium eucalypti on Eucalyptus tereticornis , Vermiculariopsiella eucalypticola on Eucalyptus dalrympleana , Verrucoconiothyrium acaciae on Acacia falciformis , Xenopassalora petrophiles (incl. Xenopassalora gen. nov.) on Petrophile sp . , Zasmidium dasypogonis on Dasypogon sp., Zasmidium gahniicola on Gahnia sieberiana. Brazil : Achaetomium lippiae on Lippia gracilis , Cyathus isometricus on decaying wood, Geastrum caririense on soil, Lycoperdon demoulinii (incl. Lycoperdon subg. Arenicola ) on soil, Megatomentella cristata (incl. Megatomentella gen. nov.) on unidentified plant, Mutinus verrucosus on soil, Paraopeba schefflerae (incl. Paraopeba gen. nov.) on Schefflera morototoni , Phyllosticta catimbauensis on Mandevilla catimbauensis , Pseudocercospora angularis on Prunus persica , Pseudophialophora sorghi on Sorghum bicolor , Spumula piptadeniae on Piptadenia paniculata. Bulgaria : Yarrowia parophonii from gut of Parophonus hirsutulus . Croatia : Pyrenopeziza velebitica on Lonicera borbasiana. Cyprus : Peziza halophila on coastal dunes. Czech Republic : Aspergillus contaminans from human fingernail. Ecuador : Cuphophyllus yacurensis on forest soil, Ganoderma podocarpense on fallen tree trunk. England : Pilidium anglicum (incl. Chaetomellales ord. nov.) on Eucalyptus sp. France : Planamyces parisiensis (incl. Planamyces gen. nov.) on wood inside a house. French Guiana : Lactifluus ceraceus on soil. Germany : Talaromyces musae on Musa sp. India : Hyalocladosporiella cannae on Canna indica , Nothophoma raii from soil. Italy : Setophaeosphaeria citri on Citrus reticulata , Yuccamyces citri on Citrus limon. Japan : Glutinomyces brunneus (incl. Glutinomyces gen. nov.) from roots of Quercus sp. Netherlands (all from soil): Collariella hilkhuijsenii , Fusarium petersiae , Gamsia kooimaniorum , Paracremonium binnewijzendii , Phaeoisaria annesophieae , Plectosphaerella niemeijerarum , Striaticonidium deklijnearum , Talaromyces annesophieae , Umbelopsis wiegerinckiae , Vandijckella johannae (incl. Vandijckella gen. nov. and Vandijckellaceae fam. nov.), Verhulstia trisororum (incl. Verhulstia gen. nov.). New Zealand : Lasiosphaeria similisorbina on decorticated wood. Papua New Guinea : Pseudosubramaniomyces gen. nov. (based on Pseudosubramaniomyces fusisaprophyticus comb. nov.). Slovakia : Hemileucoglossum pusillum on soil. South Africa : Tygervalleyomyces podocarpi (incl. Tygervalleyomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus falcatus. Spain : Coniella heterospora from herbivorous dung, Hymenochaete macrochloae on Macrochloa tenacissima , Ramaria cistophila on shrubland of Cistus ladanifer. Thailand : Polycephalomyces phaothaiensis on Coleoptera larvae, buried in soil. Uruguay : Penicillium uruguayense from soil. Vietnam : Entoloma nigrovelutinum on forest soil, Volvariella morozovae on wood of unknown tree. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Hungatella effluvii gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligately anaerobic bacterium isolated from an effluent treatment plant, and reclassification of Clostridium hathewayi as Hungatella hathewayi gen. nov., comb. nov.

PubMed

Kaur, Sukhpreet; Yawar, Mir; Kumar, P Anil; Suresh, K

2014-03-01

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming and strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated UB-B.2(T), was isolated from an industrial effluent anaerobic digester sample. It grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that strain UB-B.2(T) was closely related to Clostridium hathewayi DSM 13479(T) (97.84% similarity), a member of rRNA gene cluster XIVa of the genus Clostridium, and formed a coherent cluster with other related members of the Blautia (Clostridium) coccoides rRNA group in phylogenetic analyses. The end products of glucose fermentation by strain UB-B.2(T) were acetate and propionate. The G+C content of the DNA was 51.4 mol%. Although strain UB-B.2(T) showed 97.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to the type strain of C. hathewayi, it exhibited only 38.4% relatedness at the whole-genome level. It also showed differences from its closest phylogenetic relative, C. hathewayi DSM 13479(T), in phenotypic characteristics such as hydrolysis of aesculin, starch and urea and fermentation end products. Both strains showed phenotypic differences from the members of rRNA gene cluster XIVa of the genus Clostridium. Based on these differences, C. hathewayi DSM 13479(T) and strain UB-B.2(T) were identified as representatives of a new genus of the family Clostridiaceae. Thus, we propose the reclassification of Clostridium hathewayi as Hungatella hathewayi gen. nov., comb. nov., the type species of the new genus (type strain DSM 13479(T) = CCUG 43506(T) = MTCC 10951(T)). Strain UB-B.2(T) ( = MTCC 11101(T) = DSM 24995(T)) is assigned to the novel species Hungatella effluvii gen. nov., sp. nov as the type strain.

Thermo-Acidic Pretreatment of Beach Macroalgae from Rügen to Optimize Biomethane Production—Double Benefit with Simultaneous Bioenergy Production and Improvement of Local Beach and Waste Management

PubMed Central

Barbot, Yann Nicolas; Thomsen, Laurenz; Benz, Roland

2015-01-01

Eutrophication is a phenomenon which can rapidly generate masses of marine macroalgae, particularly in areas with high nutrient pollution. Washed ashore, this biomass impairs coastal tourism and negatively affects the coastal ecosystem. The present study evaluates the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of a macroalgae mix (Rügen-Mix, RM (RM = Rügen-Mix)) originating from Rügen, Germany. To improve biomethane recovery, thermo-acidic pretreatment was applied to the biomass prior to biomethanation to disintegrate the biomass macrostructure. Acid hydrolysis was successfully triggered with 0.2 M industry-grade HCl at 80 °C for a 2 h period, increasing biomethane recovery by +39%, with a maximum BMP of 121 mL·g−1 volatile solids (VS). To reduce the necessity for input material, HCl was replaced by the acidic waste product flue gas condensate (FGC). Improved performance was achieved by showing an increase in biomethane recovery of +24% and a maximum BMP of 108 mL·g−1 VS. Continuous anaerobic digestion trials of RM were conducted for three hydraulic retention times, showing the feasibility of monodigestion. The biomethane recovery was 60 mL and 65 mL·g−1 VS·d−1 for thermophilic and mesophilic operation, respectively. The quality of biomethanation performance aligned to the composition of the source material which exhibited a low carbon/nitrogen ratio and an increased concentration of sulfur compounds. PMID:26404327

Thermo-Acidic Pretreatment of Beach Macroalgae from Rügen to Optimize Biomethane Production--Double Benefit with Simultaneous Bioenergy Production and Improvement of Local Beach and Waste Management.

PubMed

Barbot, Yann Nicolas; Thomsen, Laurenz; Benz, Roland

2015-09-03

Eutrophication is a phenomenon which can rapidly generate masses of marine macroalgae, particularly in areas with high nutrient pollution. Washed ashore, this biomass impairs coastal tourism and negatively affects the coastal ecosystem. The present study evaluates the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of a macroalgae mix (Rügen-Mix, RM (RM = Rügen-Mix)) originating from Rügen, Germany. To improve biomethane recovery, thermo-acidic pretreatment was applied to the biomass prior to biomethanation to disintegrate the biomass macrostructure. Acid hydrolysis was successfully triggered with 0.2 M industry-grade HCl at 80 °C for a 2 h period, increasing biomethane recovery by +39%, with a maximum BMP of 121 mL·g(-1) volatile solids (VS). To reduce the necessity for input material, HCl was replaced by the acidic waste product flue gas condensate (FGC). Improved performance was achieved by showing an increase in biomethane recovery of +24% and a maximum BMP of 108 mL·g(-1) VS. Continuous anaerobic digestion trials of RM were conducted for three hydraulic retention times, showing the feasibility of monodigestion. The biomethane recovery was 60 mL and 65 mL·g(-1) VS·d(-1) for thermophilic and mesophilic operation, respectively. The quality of biomethanation performance aligned to the composition of the source material which exhibited a low carbon/nitrogen ratio and an increased concentration of sulfur compounds.

Tziminema unachi n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Strongylidae: Strongylinae) parasite of Baird's tapir Tapirus bairdii from Mexico.

PubMed

Güiris-Andrade, D M; Oceguera-Figueroa, A; Osorio-Sarabia, D; Pérez-Escobar, M E; Nieto-López, M G; Rojas-Hernández, N M; García-Prieto, L

2017-11-20

A new genus and species of nematode, Tziminema unachi n. gen., n. sp. is described from the caecum and colon of Baird's tapir Tapirus bairdii (Gill, 1865), found dead in the Reserva de la Biósfera El Triunfo, Chiapas State, in the Neotropical realm of Mexico. Tziminema n. gen. differs from the other nine genera included in the Strongylinae by two main characteristics: having 7-9 posteriorly directed tooth-like structures at the anterior end of the buccal capsule, and the external surface of the buccal capsule being heavily striated. Phylogenetic analyses of the DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase and nuclear DNA, including a partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 1, 5.8S and a partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 2 of the new taxon, confirmed its inclusion in Strongylinae and its rank as a new genus.

Monoclinic 122-Type BaIr2Ge2 with a Channel Framework: A Structural Connection between Clathrate and Layered Compounds

DOE PAGES

Gui, Xin; Chang, Tay-Rong; Kong, Tai; ...

2017-07-18

A new 122-type phase, monoclinic BaIr2Ge2 is successfully synthesized by arc melting; X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to purify the phase and determine its crystal structure. BaIr2Ge2 adopts a clathrate-like channel framework structure of the monoclinic BaRh2Si2-type, with space group P21/c. Structural comparisons of clathrate, ThCr2Si2, CaBe2Ge2, and BaRh2Si2 structure types indicate that BaIr2Ge2 can be considered as an intermediate between clathrate and layered compounds. Magnetic measurements show it to be diamagnetic and non-superconducting down to 1.8 K. Different from many layered or clathrate compounds, monoclinic BaIr2Ge2 displays a metallic resistivity. Electronic structure calculations performed for BaIr2Ge2more » support its observed structural stability and physical properties.« less

Monoclinic 122-Type BaIr2Ge2 with a Channel Framework: A Structural Connection between Clathrate and Layered Compounds

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

Gui, Xin; Chang, Tay-Rong; Kong, Tai

A new 122-type phase, monoclinic BaIr2Ge2 is successfully synthesized by arc melting; X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to purify the phase and determine its crystal structure. BaIr2Ge2 adopts a clathrate-like channel framework structure of the monoclinic BaRh2Si2-type, with space group P21/c. Structural comparisons of clathrate, ThCr2Si2, CaBe2Ge2, and BaRh2Si2 structure types indicate that BaIr2Ge2 can be considered as an intermediate between clathrate and layered compounds. Magnetic measurements show it to be diamagnetic and non-superconducting down to 1.8 K. Different from many layered or clathrate compounds, monoclinic BaIr2Ge2 displays a metallic resistivity. Electronic structure calculations performed for BaIr2Ge2more » support its observed structural stability and physical properties.« less

Analysis of a Phase 2b Study of GEN-003, a Genital Herpes Immunotherapy, Showed Significant Reductions in Viral Shedding and Lesion Rate Vs Placebo

PubMed Central

Heineman, Thomas C; Bernstein, David; Wald, Anna; Van Wagoner, Nicholas; Leone, Peter; Mayer, Kenneth; Lucksinger, Gregg; Win, Sandra; Koltun, William; Desai, Nisha; Oliphant, Thomas; Natenshon, Andrew; McNeil, Lisa K; Flechtner, Jessica B; Hetherington, Seth

2017-01-01

Abstract Background GEN-003 is an investigational genital herpes immunotherapy comprising gD2ΔTMR, an HSV-2 antigen that induces neutralizing antibody and T cell responses, ICP4.2, an HSV-2 T cell antigen selected through human T cell screens, and Matrix-M2™, a saponin-based adjuvant. This Phase 2b study was designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of GEN-003 vs. placebo. Methods Healthy persons, age 18–50 years, with 3–9 HSV-2 genital herpes outbreaks annually were randomized to 3 groups: placebo, or 60 µg of each antigen combined with 50 µg (60/50 group) or 75 µg (60/75 group) of adjuvant, administered 3 times 21 days apart. Study endpoints included safety, immunogenicity, HSV-2 shedding frequency, lesion rate and recurrence frequency. Viral shedding was measured from anogenital swabs by PCR. Swabs were collected for 28 days at baseline, and after the third dose, 6 months and 1 year. The presence of herpes lesions was recorded daily by electronic diary. Results One hundred and thirty-one participants enrolled and >90% received all 3 doses. In the 28-day post-treatment period, viral shedding was reduced by 40% and 27% in the 60/50 and 60/75 groups, respectively, compared with a 5% increase in the placebo group. At 6 months post-treatment, median lesion rates were significantly lower in the 60/50 and 60/75 groups (2.7% and 1.9%, respectively) vs. the placebo group (5.6%, p < 0.05), resulting in median reductions of 52% and 66%. In participants not receiving suppressive antivirals, the median recurrence frequency was 1.0/6 months in the 60/50 group vs. 2.0 in the placebo group (p = 0.08). The median recurrence duration in the 60/50 group was lower than in the placebo group (2.8 vs. 4.2 days; p < 0.05). The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) following GEN-003 vaccination were injection site pain/tenderness (97%), fatigue (82%), headache (82%) and myalgia (80%). No vaccine-related serious AEs, autoimmune events or other AEs of special interest were reported. Conclusion In adults with recurrent genital herpes, GEN-003 reduced HSV-2 shedding frequency, genital herpes lesion rate, recurrence frequency and recurrence duration through 6 months after the last dose. Local and systemic symptoms were common in GEN-003 recipients, but treatment completion was high with few discontinuations due to AEs. Disclosures T. C. Heineman, GSK group of companies: Consultant and Shareholder, Consulting fee; D. Bernstein, Genocea Biosciences: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support; A. Wald, Genocea Biosciences: Investigator, Research grant and Support for travel to meetings for the study; N. Van Wagoner, Genocea Biosciences: Consultant, Research support and Travel support to present at scientific meetings; P. Leone, Genocea Biosciences: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee, Research grant and Speaker honorarium; 
T. Oliphant, Genocea Biosciences: Consultant, Consulting fee; A. Natenshon, Genocea Biosciences: Employee, Salary; L. K. McNeil, Genocea Biosciences: Employee, Salary; J. B. Flechtner, Genocea Biosciences: Employee, Salary; S. Hetherington, Genocea Biosciences: Employee, Salary

Differences in outcome with subspecialty care: pyloromyotomy in North Carolina.

PubMed

Pranikoff, Thomas; Campbell, Brendan T; Travis, Jeffrey; Hirschl, Ronald B

2002-03-01

Proponents of subspecialization in surgery claim that fellowship training improves the quality of care. Others claim that general training is adequate for most routine surgical procedures. The authors questioned whether there were differences in outcomes when general surgeons (GEN) operate on children and infants with common surgical conditions compared with the care of their pediatric surgical (PED) colleagues. The authors retrospectively reviewed the Healthcare Investment Analysts North Carolina Information Network database to identify patients who underwent pyloromyotomy for congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in North Carolina during the period from October 1995 through September 1998 (n = 780). Information obtained included demographics, insurance type, hospital, length of stay, total hospital charges, occurrence of mucosal perforation, and type of surgeon (general v pediatric). Of the 780 pyloromyotomies performed, 363 (48%) were performed by pediatric surgeons. Pediatric surgeons cared for more Medicaid patients than general surgeons (PED, 52% v GEN, 40%; P =.001). Infants treated by pediatric surgeons had a lower incidence of mucosal perforation (PED, 0.5% v GEN, 2.9%; P =.0015), which was associated with decreased overall total hospital charges (no perforation, $4,806 plus minus 79 v perforation, $6,592 plus minus 492; P =.002). When patients with uncomplicated pyloric stenosis were evaluated (96% of cases), those cared for by pediatric surgeons had lower total hospital charges (PED, $4,496 plus minus 95 v GEN, $5,121 plus minus 121; P =.0001) and shorter length of stay (PED, 2.7 plus minus 0.1 days v GEN, 3.1 plus minus 0.1 days; P =.01). In North Carolina, general surgeons treat more than half the patients who have pyloric stenosis, though fewer with Medicaid. The cost and incidence of mucosal perforation were increased in infants with pyloric stenosis when care was provided by general rather than pediatric surgeons. Copyright 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Mexorchestia: a new genus of talitrid amphipod (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae) from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, with the description of a new species and two new subspecies.

PubMed

Wildish, David J; Lecroy, Sara E

2014-08-26

Two species of supralittoral Tethorchestia were reported by Bousfield (1984) to occur on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and closely adjacent waters: T. antillensis Bousfield, 1984 from Quintana Roo, Mexico and an undescribed species, Tethorchestia sp. B of Bousfield (1984), from Florida and the U.S. Gulf coast. In this paper, we rediagnose and illustrate the former taxon based on material from Goodland Bay, Florida, which represents a range extension for that species. We examined the latter taxon from many locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico using classical morphology, epidermal pigment pattern recognition and allometry, reinforced by molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I, Radulovici 2012), determining that Tethorchestia sp. B represents a new genus and species, comprising two subspecies. The nominate subspecies, Mexorchestia carpenteri carpenteri n. gen., sp. and subsp., is described from Tiger Tail Beach, Florida, based on conventional morphological criteria and its distinctive epidermal pigment patterns. The Tiger Tail Beach ecotope of M. c. carpenteri n. gen., sp. and subsp. was distinct from that of other locations examined in Florida and was associated with epidermal pigment pattern polymorphism, absent at other locations. A second subspecies, distinguished by differences in size, number of articles in the flagellum of antenna 2, the number of marginal setae on oostegite 2 of the female and the number of distal dorsolateral robust setae on the telson, was found in samples from Belize and Mexico. This subspecies is described from material collected at Turneffe Island, Belize, as Mexorchestia carpenteri raduloviciae n. gen., sp. and subsp. Like M. c. carpenteri n. gen., sp. and subsp., this taxon is also associated with epidermal pigment pattern polymorphism. A key is provided for the three currently described species of Tethorchestia (two extant) and two new subspecies of Mexorchestia n.gen. 

Preparation and characterization of iridium dioxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. M.; Cai, J. H.; Huang, Y. S.; Lee, K. Y.; Tsai, D. S.

2011-03-01

A thin film of novel hierarchical structure, suitable for supercapacitor applications, has been developed through combining conductive multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and square IrO2 nanotubes (IrO2NT) of nanometer size. Synthesis of this hierarchical structure with open porosity is performed by depositing IrO2 short tubes densely along the long wires of carbon nanotube on a substrate of stainless steel. A IrO2 tube of rutile structure grows in the [001] direction, with an opening at its top, surrounded by very thin walls. The IrO2 addition on the MWCNT template increases the capacitance of the CNT thin film effectively, because of pseudocapacitance of the IrO2 surface. For this particular composite, featured with two tubular nanostructures, the specific capacitance increases from 15 F g - 1 (MWCNT) to 69 F g - 1 (IrO2NT/MWCNT), measured using the galvanostatic discharge experiment. Its property of fast retrieval of the stored charge is assured in the impedance measurement, showing that the internal resistance of the IrO2NT/MWCNT nanocomposite electrode is lower than that of the bare MWCNTs.

Preparation and characterization of iridium dioxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Chen, Y M; Cai, J H; Huang, Y S; Lee, K Y; Tsai, D S

2011-03-18

A thin film of novel hierarchical structure, suitable for supercapacitor applications, has been developed through combining conductive multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and square IrO(2) nanotubes (IrO(2)NT) of nanometer size. Synthesis of this hierarchical structure with open porosity is performed by depositing IrO(2) short tubes densely along the long wires of carbon nanotube on a substrate of stainless steel. A IrO(2) tube of rutile structure grows in the [001] direction, with an opening at its top, surrounded by very thin walls. The IrO(2) addition on the MWCNT template increases the capacitance of the CNT thin film effectively, because of pseudocapacitance of the IrO(2) surface. For this particular composite, featured with two tubular nanostructures, the specific capacitance increases from 15 F g(-1) (MWCNT) to 69 F g(-1) (IrO(2)NT/MWCNT), measured using the galvanostatic discharge experiment. Its property of fast retrieval of the stored charge is assured in the impedance measurement, showing that the internal resistance of the IrO(2)NT/MWCNT nanocomposite electrode is lower than that of the bare MWCNTs.

Identification of functional domains of the IR2 protein of equine herpesvirus 1 required for inhibition of viral gene expression and replication

PubMed Central

Kim, Seong K.; Kim, Seongman; Dai, Gan; Zhang, Yunfei; Ahn, Byung C.; O'Callaghan, Dennis J.

2012-01-01

The equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) negative regulatory IR2 protein (IR2P), an early 1,165-amino acid (aa) truncated form of the 1,487-aa immediate-early protein (IEP), lacks the trans-activation domain essential for IEP activation functions but retains domains for binding DNA, TFIIB, and TBP and the nuclear localization signal. IR2P mutants of the N-terminal region which lack either DNA-binding activity or TFIIB-binding activity were unable to down-regulate EHV-1 promoters. In EHV-1-infected cells expressing full-length IR2P, transcription and protein expression of viral regulatory IE, early EICP0, IR4, and UL5, and late ETIF genes were dramatically inhibited. Viral DNA levels were reduced to 2.1% of control infected cells, but were vey weakly affected in cells that express the N-terminal 706 residues of IR2P. These results suggest that IR2P function requires the two N-terminal domains for binding DNA and TFIIB as well as the C-terminal residues 707 to 1116 containing the TBP-binding domain. PMID:21794889

NASA 2nd Generation RLV Program Introduction, Status and Future Plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Dan L.; Smith, Dennis E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Space Launch Initiative (SLI), managed by the Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (2ndGen RLV) Program, was established to examine the possibility of revolutionizing space launch capabilities, define conceptual architectures, and concurrently identify the advanced technologies required to support a next-generation system. Initial Program funds have been allocated to design, evaluate, and formulate realistic plans leading to a 2nd Gen RLV full-scale development (FSD) decision by 2006. Program goals are to reduce both risk and cost for accessing the limitless opportunities afforded outside Earth's atmosphere fo civil, defense, and commercial enterprises. A 2nd Gen RLV architecture includes a reusable Earth-to-orbit launch vehicle, an on-orbit transport and return vehicle, ground and flight operations, mission planning, and both on-orbit and on-the-ground support infrastructures All segments of the architecture must advance in step with development of the RLV if a next-generation system is to be fully operational early next decade. However, experience shows that propulsion is the single largest contributor to unreliability during ascent, requires the largest expenditure of time for maintenance, and takes a long time to develop; therefore, propulsion is the key to meeting safety, reliability, and cost goals. For these reasons, propulsion is SLI's top technology investment area.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of DXS and DXR Genes in the Terpenoid Biosynthetic Pathway of Tripterygium wilfordii

PubMed Central

Tong, Yuru; Su, Ping; Zhao, Yujun; Zhang, Meng; Wang, Xiujuan; Liu, Yujia; Zhang, Xianan; Gao, Wei; Huang, Luqi

2015-01-01

1-Deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) genes are the key enzyme genes of terpenoid biosynthesis but still unknown in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. Here, three full-length cDNA encoding DXS1, DXS2 and DXR were cloned from suspension cells of T. wilfordii with ORF sizes of 2154 bp (TwDXS1, GenBank accession no.KM879187), 2148 bp (TwDXS2, GenBank accession no.KM879186), 1410 bp (TwDXR, GenBank accession no.KM879185). And, the TwDXS1, TwDXS2 and TwDXR were characterized by color complementation in lycopene accumulating strains of Escherichia coli, which indicated that they encoded functional proteins and promoted lycopene pathway flux. TwDXS1 and TwDXS2 are constitutively expressed in the roots, stems and leaves and the expression level showed an order of roots > stems > leaves. After the suspension cells were induced by methyl jasmonate, the mRNA expression level of TwDXS1, TwDXS2, and TwDXR increased, and triptophenolide was rapidly accumulated to 149.52 µg·g−1, a 5.88-fold increase compared with the control. So the TwDXS1, TwDXS2, and TwDXR could be important genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. PMID:26512659

CottonGen: a genomics, genetics and breeding database for cotton research

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

CottonGen (http://www.cottongen.org) is a curated and integrated web-based relational database providing access to publicly available genomic, genetic and breeding data for cotton. CottonGen supercedes CottonDB and the Cotton Marker Database, with enhanced tools for easier data sharing, mining, vis...

75 FR 61739 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-06

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 1 September... Numbers: ER10-2968-000. Applicants: GenConn Energy LLC. Description: GenConn Energy LLC submits tariff filing per 35.12: GenConn Energy FERC Electric Tariff to be effective 9/24/2010. Filed Date: 09/24/2010...

Case study of read-across predictions using a Generalized Read-Across (GenRA) Approach (10th World Congress)

EPA Science Inventory

We developed the Generalized Read-Across (GenRA) approach to facilitate automated, algorithmic read across predictions. GenRA uses in vitro bioactivity data in conjunction with chemical information to predict up to 574 different apical outcomes from repeat-dose toxicity studies. ...

Essential Elements for Recruitment and Retention: Generation Y

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luscombe, Jenna; Lewis, Ioni; Biggs, Herbert C.

2013-01-01

Purpose: Generation Y (Gen Y) is the newest and largest generation entering the workforce. Gen Y may differ from previous generations in work-related characteristics which may have recruitment and retention repercussions. Currently, limited theoretically-based research exists regarding Gen Y's work expectations and goals in relation to…

Titanogryllus n. gen., the largest Gryllinae cricket from the Neotropical Region with three new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Gryllidae).

PubMed

Jaiswara, Ranjana; Souza-Dias, Pedro G B; De Campos, Lucas Denadai; RedÜ, Darlan R; De Mello, Francisco de A G; Desutter-Grandcolas, Laure

2018-03-29

Titanogryllus, a new genus and three new species T. salgado n. gen. n. sp., T. oxossi n. gen. n. sp., and T. oxente n. gen. n. sp. from subfamily Gryllinae (Grylloidea, Gryllidae) are described from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This genus is characterized by its very large size, and establishes a new record for the largest known cricket from Neotropical Region. The new taxa are characterized by their external morphology and male and female genitalia.

Expansion of the 'Reticulosphere': Diversity of Novel Branching and Network-forming Amoebae Helps to Define Variosea (Amoebozoa).

PubMed

Berney, Cédric; Geisen, Stefan; Van Wichelen, Jeroen; Nitsche, Frank; Vanormelingen, Pieter; Bonkowski, Michael; Bass, David

2015-05-01

Amoebae able to form cytoplasmic networks or displaying a multiply branching morphology remain very poorly studied. We sequenced the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene of 15 new amoeboid isolates, 14 of which are branching or network-forming amoebae (BNFA). Phylogenetic analyses showed that these isolates all group within the poorly-known and weakly-defined class Variosea (Amoebozoa). They are resolved into six lineages corresponding to distinct new morphotypes; we describe them as new genera Angulamoeba (type species Angulamoeba microcystivorans n. gen., n. sp.; and A. fungorum n. sp.), Arboramoeba (type species Arboramoeba reticulata n. gen., n. sp.), Darbyshirella (type species Darbyshirella terrestris n. gen., n. sp.), Dictyamoeba (type species Dictyamoeba vorax n. gen., n. sp.), Heliamoeba (type species Heliamoeba mirabilis n. gen., n. sp.), and Ischnamoeba (type species Ischnamoeba montana n. gen., n. sp.). We also isolated and sequenced four additional variosean strains, one belonging to Flamella, one related to Telaepolella tubasferens, and two members of the cavosteliid protosteloid lineage. We identified a further 104 putative variosean environmental clone sequences in GenBank, comprising up to 14 lineages that may prove to represent additional novel morphotypes. We show that BNFA are phylogenetically widespread in Variosea and morphologically very variable, both within and between lineages. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

MitoGen: A Framework for Generating 3D Synthetic Time-Lapse Sequences of Cell Populations in Fluorescence Microscopy.

PubMed

Svoboda, David; Ulman, Vladimir

2017-01-01

The proper analysis of biological microscopy images is an important and complex task. Therefore, it requires verification of all steps involved in the process, including image segmentation and tracking algorithms. It is generally better to verify algorithms with computer-generated ground truth datasets, which, compared to manually annotated data, nowadays have reached high quality and can be produced in large quantities even for 3D time-lapse image sequences. Here, we propose a novel framework, called MitoGen, which is capable of generating ground truth datasets with fully 3D time-lapse sequences of synthetic fluorescence-stained cell populations. MitoGen shows biologically justified cell motility, shape and texture changes as well as cell divisions. Standard fluorescence microscopy phenomena such as photobleaching, blur with real point spread function (PSF), and several types of noise, are simulated to obtain realistic images. The MitoGen framework is scalable in both space and time. MitoGen generates visually plausible data that shows good agreement with real data in terms of image descriptors and mean square displacement (MSD) trajectory analysis. Additionally, it is also shown in this paper that four publicly available segmentation and tracking algorithms exhibit similar performance on both real and MitoGen-generated data. The implementation of MitoGen is freely available.

Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety of riociguat given as an oral suspension or crushed tablet with and without food

PubMed Central

Frey, Reiner; Becker, Corina; Unger, Sigrun; Wensing, Georg; Mück, Wolfgang

2016-01-01

Abstract Riociguat is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Some patients have difficulty swallowing tablets; therefore, 2 randomized, nonblinded, crossover studies compared the relative bioavailability of riociguat oral suspensions and immediate-release (IR) tablet and of crushed-tablet preparations versus whole IR tablet. In study 1, 30 healthy subjects received 5 single riociguat doses: 0.3 and 2.4 mg (0.15 mg/mL suspensions), 0.15 mg (0.03 mg/mL), and 1.0 mg (whole IR tablet) under fasted conditions and 2.4 mg (0.15 mg/mL) after a high-fat, high-calorie American-style breakfast. In study 2, 25 healthy men received 4 single 2.5-mg doses: whole IR tablet and crushed IR tablet suspended in applesauce and water, respectively, under fasted conditions, and whole IR tablet after a continental breakfast. In study 1, dose-normalized pharmacokinetics of riociguat oral suspensions and 1.0-mg whole IR tablet were similar in fasted conditions; 90% confidence intervals for riociguat area under the curve (AUC) to dose and mean maximum concentration (Cmax) to dose were within bioequivalence criteria. After food, dose-normalized AUC and Cmax decreased by 15% and 38%, respectively. In study 2, riociguat exposure was similar for all preparations; AUC ratios for crushed-IR-tablet preparations to whole IR tablet were within bioequivalence criteria. The Cmax increased by 17% for crushed IR tablet in water versus whole IR tablet. Food intake decreased Cmax of the whole tablet by 16%, with unaltered AUC versus fasted conditions. Riociguat bioavailability was similar between the oral suspensions and the whole IR tablet; exposure was similar between whole IR tablet and crushed-IR-tablet preparations. Minor food effects were observed. Results suggest that riociguat formulations are interchangeable. PMID:27162630

Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and safety of riociguat given as an oral suspension or crushed tablet with and without food.

PubMed

Saleh, Soundos; Frey, Reiner; Becker, Corina; Unger, Sigrun; Wensing, Georg; Mück, Wolfgang

2016-03-01

Riociguat is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Some patients have difficulty swallowing tablets; therefore, 2 randomized, nonblinded, crossover studies compared the relative bioavailability of riociguat oral suspensions and immediate-release (IR) tablet and of crushed-tablet preparations versus whole IR tablet. In study 1, 30 healthy subjects received 5 single riociguat doses: 0.3 and 2.4 mg (0.15 mg/mL suspensions), 0.15 mg (0.03 mg/mL), and 1.0 mg (whole IR tablet) under fasted conditions and 2.4 mg (0.15 mg/mL) after a high-fat, high-calorie American-style breakfast. In study 2, 25 healthy men received 4 single 2.5-mg doses: whole IR tablet and crushed IR tablet suspended in applesauce and water, respectively, under fasted conditions, and whole IR tablet after a continental breakfast. In study 1, dose-normalized pharmacokinetics of riociguat oral suspensions and 1.0-mg whole IR tablet were similar in fasted conditions; 90% confidence intervals for riociguat area under the curve (AUC) to dose and mean maximum concentration (C max) to dose were within bioequivalence criteria. After food, dose-normalized AUC and C max decreased by 15% and 38%, respectively. In study 2, riociguat exposure was similar for all preparations; AUC ratios for crushed-IR-tablet preparations to whole IR tablet were within bioequivalence criteria. The C max increased by 17% for crushed IR tablet in water versus whole IR tablet. Food intake decreased C max of the whole tablet by 16%, with unaltered AUC versus fasted conditions. Riociguat bioavailability was similar between the oral suspensions and the whole IR tablet; exposure was similar between whole IR tablet and crushed-IR-tablet preparations. Minor food effects were observed. Results suggest that riociguat formulations are interchangeable.

Terrestrial and lacustrine gastropods from the Priabonian (upper Eocene) of the Sultanate of Oman.

PubMed

Harzhauser, Mathias; Neubauer, Thomas A; Kadolsky, Dietrich; Pickford, Martin; Nordsieck, Hartmut

2016-01-01

Terrestrial and aquatic gastropods from the upper Eocene (Priabonian) Zalumah Formation in the Salalah region of the Sultanate of Oman are described. The assemblages reflect the composition of the continental mollusc fauna of the Palaeogene of Arabia, which, at that time, formed parts of the southeastern Tethys coast. Several similarities with European faunas are observed at the family level, but are rarer at the genus level. These similarities point to an Eocene (Priabonian) rather than to a Rupelian age, although the latter correlation cannot be entirely excluded. At the species level, the Omani assemblages lack any relations to coeval faunas. This suggests the possible presence of a distinct biogeographic province during the Palaeogene or may simply reflect the extremely sparse non-marine fossil record of the Eocene in the Tethys region. The occurrence of the genera Lanistes, Pila, and Gulella along with some pomatiids, probably related to extant genera, suggests that the modern African-Arabian continental faunas can be partly traced back to Eocene times and reflect very old autochthonous developments. In contrast, the diverse Vidaliellidae went extinct, and the morphologically comparable Neogene Achatinidae may have occupied the equivalent niches in extant environments. Carnevalea Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Arabiella Kadolsky, Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Pyrgulella Harzhauser, Kadolsky and Neubauer nov. gen., Salalahia Kadolsky, Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Omanitopsis Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Arabicolaria Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Pacaudiella Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Goniodomulus Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Eoquickia Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. gen., Omanillya H. Nordsieck nov. gen. and Omanifera H. Nordsieck nov. gen. are introduced as new genera. Pila neuberti Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Arabiella arabica Kadolsky, Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Pyrgulella parva Harzhauser, Kadolsky and Neubauer nov. sp., Salalahia thaytinitiensis Kadolsky, Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Omanitopsis vandammei Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Procyclotopsis eocenica Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Palaeocyclotus kuehschelmi Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Arabicolaria arabica Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Pacaudiella omanica Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Pacaudiella flammulata Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Goniodomulus solaniformis Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Cerastus hyznyi Harzhauser and Neubauer nov. sp., Omanillya lunellifera H. Nordsieck nov. sp., Omanillya costellata H. Nordsieck nov. sp., and Omanifera euclista H. Nordsieck nov. sp. are described as new species.

New Therapeutic Agent against Arterial Thrombosis: An Iridium(III)-Derived Organometallic Compound.

PubMed

Hsia, Chih-Wei; Velusamy, Marappan; Tsao, Jeng-Ting; Hsia, Chih-Hsuan; Chou, Duen-Suey; Jayakumar, Thanasekaran; Lee, Lin-Wen; Li, Jiun-Yi; Sheu, Joen-Rong

2017-12-05

Platelet activation plays a major role in cardio and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer progression. Disruption of platelet activation represents an attractive therapeutic target for reducing the bidirectional cross talk between platelets and tumor cells. Platinum (Pt) compounds have been used for treating cancer. Hence, replacing Pt with iridium (Ir) is considered a potential alternative. We recently developed an Ir(III)-derived complex, [Ir(Cp*)1-(2-pyridyl)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine Cl]BF₄ (Ir-11), which exhibited strong antiplatelet activity; hence, we assessed the therapeutic potential of Ir-11 against arterial thrombosis. In collagen-activated platelets, Ir-11 inhibited platelet aggregation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization, P-selectin expression, and OH · formation, as well as the phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt. Neither the adenylate cyclase inhibitor nor the guanylate cyclase inhibitor reversed the Ir-11-mediated antiplatelet effects. In experimental mice, Ir-11 prolonged the bleeding time and reduced mortality associated with acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Ir-11 plays a crucial role by inhibiting platelet activation through the inhibition of the PLCγ2-PKC cascade, and the subsequent suppression of Akt and MAPK activation, ultimately inhibiting platelet aggregation. Therefore, Ir-11 can be considered a new therapeutic agent against either arterial thrombosis or the bidirectional cross talk between platelets and tumor cells.

DDT-based indoor residual spraying suboptimal for visceral leishmaniasis elimination in India

PubMed Central

Coleman, Michael; Foster, Geraldine M.; Deb, Rinki; Pratap Singh, Rudra; Ismail, Hanafy M.; Shivam, Pushkar; Ghosh, Ayan Kumar; Dunkley, Sophie; Kumar, Vijay; Coleman, Marlize; Hemingway, Janet; Paine, Mark J. I.; Das, Pradeep

2015-01-01

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is used to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in India, but it is poorly quality assured. Quality assurance was performed in eight VL endemic districts in Bihar State, India, in 2014. Residual dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was sampled from walls using Bostik tape discs, and DDT concentrations [grams of active ingredient per square meter (g ai/m2)] were determined using HPLC. Pre-IRS surveys were performed in three districts, and post-IRS surveys were performed in eight districts. A 20% threshold above and below the target spray of 1.0 g ai/m2 was defined as “in range.” The entomological assessments were made in four districts in IRS and non-IRS villages. Vector densities were measured: pre-IRS and 1 and 3 mo post-IRS. Insecticide susceptibility to 4% DDT and 0.05% deltamethrin WHO-impregnated papers was determined with wild-caught sand flies. The majority (329 of 360, 91.3%) of pre-IRS samples had residual DDT concentrations of <0.1 g ai/m2. The mean residual concentration of DDT post-IRS was 0.37 g ai/m2; 84.9% of walls were undersprayed, 7.4% were sprayed in range, and 7.6% were oversprayed. The abundance of sand flies in IRS and non-IRS villages was significantly different at 1 mo post-IRS only. Sand flies were highly resistant to DDT but susceptible to deltamethrin. The Stockholm Convention, ratified by India in 2006, calls for the complete phasing out of DDT as soon as practical, with limited use in the interim where no viable IRS alternatives exist. Given the poor quality of the DDT-based IRS, ready availability of pyrethroids, and susceptibility profile of Indian sand flies, the continued use of DDT in this IRS program is questionable. PMID:26124110

DDT-based indoor residual spraying suboptimal for visceral leishmaniasis elimination in India.

PubMed

Coleman, Michael; Foster, Geraldine M; Deb, Rinki; Pratap Singh, Rudra; Ismail, Hanafy M; Shivam, Pushkar; Ghosh, Ayan Kumar; Dunkley, Sophie; Kumar, Vijay; Coleman, Marlize; Hemingway, Janet; Paine, Mark J I; Das, Pradeep

2015-07-14

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is used to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in India, but it is poorly quality assured. Quality assurance was performed in eight VL endemic districts in Bihar State, India, in 2014. Residual dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was sampled from walls using Bostik tape discs, and DDT concentrations [grams of active ingredient per square meter (g ai/m(2))] were determined using HPLC. Pre-IRS surveys were performed in three districts, and post-IRS surveys were performed in eight districts. A 20% threshold above and below the target spray of 1.0 g ai/m(2) was defined as "in range." The entomological assessments were made in four districts in IRS and non-IRS villages. Vector densities were measured: pre-IRS and 1 and 3 mo post-IRS. Insecticide susceptibility to 4% DDT and 0.05% deltamethrin WHO-impregnated papers was determined with wild-caught sand flies. The majority (329 of 360, 91.3%) of pre-IRS samples had residual DDT concentrations of <0.1 g ai/m(2). The mean residual concentration of DDT post-IRS was 0.37 g ai/m(2); 84.9% of walls were undersprayed, 7.4% were sprayed in range, and 7.6% were oversprayed. The abundance of sand flies in IRS and non-IRS villages was significantly different at 1 mo post-IRS only. Sand flies were highly resistant to DDT but susceptible to deltamethrin. The Stockholm Convention, ratified by India in 2006, calls for the complete phasing out of DDT as soon as practical, with limited use in the interim where no viable IRS alternatives exist. Given the poor quality of the DDT-based IRS, ready availability of pyrethroids, and susceptibility profile of Indian sand flies, the continued use of DDT in this IRS program is questionable.

Associations between uncoupling protein 2, body composition, and resting energy expenditure in lean and obese African American, white, and Asian children.

PubMed

Yanovski, J A; Diament, A L; Sovik, K N; Nguyen, T T; Li, H; Sebring, N G; Warden, C H

2000-06-01

Little is known about genes that affect childhood body weight. The objective of this study was to examine the association between alleles of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene and obesity because UCP2 may influence energy expenditure. We related UCP2 genotype to body composition and resting energy expenditure in 105 children aged 6-10 y. Overweight children and nonoverweight children of overweight parents were genotyped for a 45-base pair deletion/insertion (del/ins) in 3'-untranslated region of exon 8 and for an exon 4 C to T transition. Eighty-nine children were genotyped for the exon 8 allele: 50 children had del/del, 33 had del/ins, and 6 had ins/ins. Mean (+/-SD) body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) was greater for children with del/ins (24.1 +/- 5.9) than for children with del/del (20.4 +/- 4.8; P < 0.001). BMI of ins/ins children (23.7 +/- 7.8) was not significantly different from that of del/ins children. A greater BMI in del/ins children was independent of race and sex. Body composition was also different according to UCP2 genotype. All body circumferences and skinfold thicknesses examined were significantly greater in del/ins than in del/del children. Body fat mass as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was also greater in del/ins than in del/del children (P < 0.005). For 104 children genotyped at exon 4, no significant differences in BMI or body composition were found among the 3 exon 4 genotypes. Neither resting energy expenditure nor respiratory quotient were different according to UCP2 exon 4 or exon 8 genotype. The exon 8 ins/del polymorphism of UCP2 appears to be associated with childhood-onset obesity. The UCP2/UCP3 genetic locus may play a role in childhood body weight.

Integrating Genomic Resources with Electronic Health Records using the HL7 Infobutton Standard

PubMed Central

Overby, Casey Lynnette; Del Fiol, Guilherme; Rubinstein, Wendy S.; Maglott, Donna R.; Nelson, Tristan H.; Milosavljevic, Aleksandar; Martin, Christa L.; Goehringer, Scott R.; Freimuth, Robert R.; Williams, Marc S.

2016-01-01

Summary Background The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Workgroup aims to integrate ClinGen resources with EHRs. A promising option to enable this integration is through the Health Level Seven (HL7) Infobutton Standard. EHR systems that are certified according to the US Meaningful Use program provide HL7-compliant infobutton capabilities, which can be leveraged to support clinical decision-making in genomics. Objectives To integrate genomic knowledge resources using the HL7 infobutton standard. Two tactics to achieve this objective were: (1) creating an HL7-compliant search interface for ClinGen, and (2) proposing guidance for genomic resources on achieving HL7 Infobutton standard accessibility and compliance. Methods We built a search interface utilizing OpenInfobutton, an open source reference implementation of the HL7 Infobutton standard. ClinGen resources were assessed for readiness towards HL7 compliance. Finally, based upon our experiences we provide recommendations for publishers seeking to achieve HL7 compliance. Results Eight genomic resources and two sub-resources were integrated with the ClinGen search engine via OpenInfobutton and the HL7 infobutton standard. Resources we assessed have varying levels of readiness towards HL7-compliance. Furthermore, we found that adoption of standard terminologies used by EHR systems is the main gap to achieve compliance. Conclusion Genomic resources can be integrated with EHR systems via the HL7 Infobutton standard using OpenInfobutton. Full compliance of genomic resources with the Infobutton standard would further enhance interoperability with EHR systems. PMID:27579472

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN UNCOUPLING PROTEIN 2, BODY COMPOSITION, AND RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN LEAN AND OBESE AFRICAN AMERICAN, CAUCASIAN, AND ASIAN CHILDREN

PubMed Central

Yanovski, J.A.; Diament, A.L.; Sovik, K.N.; Nguyen, T.T.; Li, H.; Sebring, N.G.; Warden, C.H.

2015-01-01

Background Little is known about genes affecting childhood body weight. Objective To examine alleles of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) gene for association with obesity, since UCP2 may influence energy expenditure. Design We related UCP2 genotype to body composition, and to resting energy expenditure, in 105 children aged 6–10y. Overweight children and non-overweight children of overweight parents were genotyped for a 45 bp deletion/insertion (del/ins) in 3’ UTR of exon 8 and for an exon 4 C to T transition. Results 89 children were genotyped for the exon 8 allele: 50 children had del/del, 33 del/ins, and 6 ins/ins. Body mass index (BMI) was greater for del/ins (24.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2) than for del/del (20.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2, p<0.001). BMI of ins/ins (23.7 ± 7.8 kg/m2) was not different from del/ins. This effect was independent of race and gender (ANOVAs, p< 0.05). Body composition was also different according to UCP2 genotype. All body circumferences and skin fold thicknesses examined were significantly greater in del/ins than in del/del. DXA body fat mass (p<0.005) was also greater in del/ins than del/del. For 104 children genotyped at exon 4, no significant differences in BMI or body composition were found among the three exon 4 genotypes. Neither resting energy expenditure nor respiratory quotient were different according to UCP2 exon 4 or exon 8 genotype. Conclusion The exon 8 ins/del polymorphism of UCP2 appears to be associated with childhood-onset obesity. The UCP2/UCP3 genetic locus may play a role in childhood body weight. PMID:10837279

Nanoparticle Nucleation Is Termolecular in Metal and Involves Hydrogen: Evidence for a Kinetically Effective Nucleus of Three {Ir3H2x·P2W15Nb3O62}6- in Ir(0)n Nanoparticle Formation From [(1,5-COD)IrI·P2W15Nb3O62]8- Plus Dihydrogen.

PubMed

Özkar, Saim; Finke, Richard G

2017-04-19

The nucleation process yielding Ir(0) ∼300 nanoparticles from (Bu 4 N) 5 Na 3 [(1,5-COD)Ir·P 2 W 15 Nb 3 O 62 ] (abbreviated hereafter as (COD)Ir·POM 8- , where POM 9- = the polyoxometalate, P 2 W 15 Nb 3 O 62 9- ) under H 2 is investigated to learn the true molecularity, and hence the associated kinetically effective nucleus (KEN), for nanoparticle formation for the first time. Recent work with this prototype transition-metal nanoparticle formation system ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014 , 136 , 17601 - 17615 ) revealed that nucleation in this system is an apparent second-order in the precatalyst, A = (COD)Ir·POM 8- , not the higher order implied by classic nucleation theory and its nA ⇌ A n , "critical nucleus", A n concept. Herein, the three most reasonable more intimate mechanisms of nucleation are tested: bimolecular nucleation, termolecular nucleation, and a mechanism termed "alternative termolecular nucleation" in which 2(COD)Ir + and 1(COD)Ir·POM 8- yield the transition state of the rate-determining step of nucleation. The results obtained definitively rule out a simple bimolecular nucleation mechanism and provide evidence for the alternative termolecular mechanism with a KEN of 3, Ir 3 . All higher molecularity nucleation mechanisms were also ruled out. Further insights into the KEN and its more detailed composition involving hydrogen, {Ir 3 H 2x POM} 6- , are also obtained from the established role of H 2 in the Ir(0) ∼300 formation balanced reaction stoichiometry, from the p(H 2 ) dependence of the kinetics, and from a D 2 /H 2 kinetic isotope effect of 1.2(±0.3). Eight insights and conclusions are presented. A section covering caveats in the current work, and thus needed future studies, is also included.

Military Standard Generators Prototype Modifications. Volume 2. 30 kW DoD Generator Set

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-31

GE14 SET S,./14 KZO 5EJ41 70 KM,,*68 ý0 GEN S¢ET SIRN tɘ 5841 C 1 EXHAUST ± 484.71 DEG. F C I EXHAUST ± 545. 67 DEG. F C 2 EXHAUST 2 473.2-9 DEG. F...584t ý󈧣 Kid.- N Z GE14 SET SoN K20 584 ±i EXHAUST ± 85.64 bEG. F C. EXHAUST 1 062.12 DEG. F C 2 EXHAUSIT 2 75854 PEG.F C 2 EXHAUST 2 7M2± DEG. F c 7...E: 2ŗ GE14 . UVLT. P.RG. 78. 165 DEIG. F AL". C 23 GEN. UDLT. RIG. 69..945 DEG. F AL? C: 24 r:D[4TROL PANEL 68S.7 35% DEG. F ALM! C 24 CO4TRTOL PANEL

Sevoflurane pretreatment enhance HIF-2α expression in mice after renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

PubMed Central

Zheng, Beijie; Zhan, Qionghui; Chen, Jue; Xu, Huan; He, Zhenzhou

2015-01-01

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury often occurs, which is one of the major causes of acute kidney injury, thus increasing in-hospital mortality. HIF-2α has a protective role against ischemia of the kidney. Renal ischemia/reperfusion under sevoflurane anesthesia resulted in drastic improvements in renal function. We hypothesized that underlying mechanism responsible for renal protection from sevoflurane pretreatment involves the upregulation of HIF-2α. Sevoflurane pretreatment were performed on WT and HIF-2α knockout mice before renal ischemia/reperfusion. Levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) were determined with a standard clinical automatic analyzer. The left kidneys were taken for morphological examination. Expression of HIF-2α in kidney tissue was examined by western blotting. In WT mice, group I/R injury had significantly higher BUN and Cr levels than group control, whereas group I/R + Sev had significantly lower BUN and Cr levels than group I/R injury. Renal HIF-2α expression levels were significantly higher in WT mice of group I/R + Sev than group control and group I/R. In HIF-2α-/- mice, group I/R + Sev showed much higher BUN and Cr levels and severer histological damage than group I/R and group control. Renal HIF-2α expression levels were significantly higher in WT mice of group I/R + Sev than group control and group I/R. Our findings suggested that HIF-2α might contribute to the beneficial effect of sevoflurane in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. PMID:26722509

Dual-Enzyme Characteristics of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Capped Iridium Nanoparticles and Their Cellular Protective Effect against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage.

PubMed

Su, Hua; Liu, Dan-Dan; Zhao, Meng; Hu, Wei-Liang; Xue, Shan-Shan; Cao, Qian; Le, Xue-Yi; Ji, Liang-Nian; Mao, Zong-Wan

2015-04-22

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized iridium nanoparticles (PVP-IrNPs), synthesized by the facile alcoholic reduction method using abundantly available PVP as protecting agents, were first reported as enzyme mimics showing intrinsic catalase- and peroxidase-like activities. The preparation procedure was much easier and more importantly, kinetic studies found that the catalytic activity of PVP-IrNPs was comparable to previously reported platinum nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization indicated that PVP-IrNPs had the average size of approximately 1.5 nm and mainly consisted of Ir(0) chemical state. The mechanism of PVP-IrNPs' dual-enzyme activities was investigated using XPS, Electron spin resonance (ESR) and cytochrome C-based electron transfer methods. The catalase-like activity was related to the formation of oxidized species Ir(0)@IrO2 upon reaction with H2O2. The peroxidase-like activity originated from their ability acting as electron transfer mediators during the catalysis cycle, without the production of hydroxyl radicals. Interestingly, the protective effect of PVP-IrNPs against H2O2-induced cellular oxidative damage was investigated in an A549 lung cancer cell model and PVP-IrNPs displayed excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant activity. Upon pretreatment of cells with PVP-IrNPs, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in response to H2O2 was decreased and the cell viability increased. This work will facilitate studies on the mechanism and biomedical application of nanomaterials-based enzyme mimic.

The study on the relationship between IRS-1 Gly972Arg and IRS-2 Gly1057Asp polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes in the Kurdish ethnic group in West Iran.

PubMed

Haghani, Karimeh; Bakhtiyari, Salar

2012-11-01

An association between the IRS-1 Gly972Arg and IRS-2 Gly1057Asp polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different ethnic groups is controversial. We aimed to identify the association of these polymorphisms with T2DM in the Kurdish ethnic group of Iran. Study groups included 336 T2DM and 341 normoglycemic subjects. Genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were then evaluated. GR and RR genotypes of IRS-1 Gly972Arg variant gave a higher risk for T2DM (odds ratios [OR]=1.76 and OR=3.86, respectively). IRS-1 Gly972Arg polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with T2DM (OR=1.63) for the dominant model (GG vs. GR+RR). GD genotypes of the IRS-2 Gly1057Asp variant gave a higher risk for T2DM (OR=1.63). The dominant model analysis of the IRS-2 Gly1057Asp genotypes (GG vs. GD+DD) also showed an enhanced association with T2DM (OR=1.69). Among several combinations, GR/GD gave the highest risk for T2DM (OR=3.1). Other combinations were also significantly associated with T2DM, including, GR/GG (OR=1.86), RR/GG (OR=1.76), GG/GD (OR=1.83), and GG/DD (OR=2.35). HbA1c, serum triglyceride, and systolic blood pressure were higher in the control subjects with GR+RR genotypes compared with the GG genotype. Among the T2DM subjects, fasting plasma glucose was significantly lower in subjects with the GG genotype in relation to those with the GR+RR genotypes. Normoglycemic subjects carrying GD+DD genotypes of IRS-2 Gly1057Asp variation had a significantly higher fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol, as compared with those with the GG genotype. Our findings revealed that IRS-1 Gly972Arg and IRS-2 Gly1057Asp polymorphisms are associated with T2DM in the Kurdish ethnic group.

Pressure-tuning of bond-directional exchange interactions and magnetic frustration in hyperhoneycomb iridate β-Li 2IrO 3

DOE PAGES

Veiga, L. S. I.; Etter, M.; Glazyrin, K.; ...

2017-10-10

Here, we explore the response of Ir 5d orbitals to pressure in β-Li 2IrO 3, a hyperhoneycomb iridate in proximity to a Kitaev quantum spin-liquid (QSL) ground state. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals a reconstruction of the electronic ground state below 2 GPa, the same pressure range where x-ray magnetic circular dichroism shows an apparent collapse of magnetic order. The electronic reconstruction, which manifests a reduction in the effective spin-orbit interaction in 5d orbitals, pushes β-Li 2IrO 3 further away from the pure J eff = 1/2 limit. Although lattice symmetry is preserved across the electronic transition, x-ray diffraction shows amore » highly anisotropic compression of the hyperhoneycomb lattice which affects the balance of bond-directional Ir-Ir exchange interactions driven by spin-orbit coupling at Ir sites. An enhancement of symmetric anisotropic exchange over Kitaev and Heisenberg exchange interactions seen in theoretical calculations that use precisely this anisotropic Ir-Ir bond compression provides one possible route to the realization of a QSL state in this hyperhoneycomb iridate at high pressures.« less

Pressure tuning of bond-directional exchange interactions and magnetic frustration in the hyperhoneycomb iridate β -Li2IrO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiga, L. S. I.; Etter, M.; Glazyrin, K.; Sun, F.; Escanhoela, C. A.; Fabbris, G.; Mardegan, J. R. L.; Malavi, P. S.; Deng, Y.; Stavropoulos, P. P.; Kee, H.-Y.; Yang, W. G.; van Veenendaal, M.; Schilling, J. S.; Takayama, T.; Takagi, H.; Haskel, D.

2017-10-01

We explore the response of Ir 5 d orbitals to pressure in β -Li2IrO3 , a hyperhoneycomb iridate in proximity to a Kitaev quantum spin-liquid (QSL) ground state. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals a reconstruction of the electronic ground state below 2 GPa, the same pressure range where x-ray magnetic circular dichroism shows an apparent collapse of magnetic order. The electronic reconstruction, which manifests a reduction in the effective spin-orbit interaction in 5 d orbitals, pushes β -Li2IrO3 further away from the pure Jeff=1 /2 limit. Although lattice symmetry is preserved across the electronic transition, x-ray diffraction shows a highly anisotropic compression of the hyperhoneycomb lattice which affects the balance of bond-directional Ir-Ir exchange interactions driven by spin-orbit coupling at Ir sites. An enhancement of symmetric anisotropic exchange over Kitaev and Heisenberg exchange interactions seen in theoretical calculations that use precisely this anisotropic Ir-Ir bond compression provides one possible route to the realization of a QSL state in this hyperhoneycomb iridate at high pressures.

Genome-Wide Linkage and Positional Association Analyses Identify Associations of Novel AFF3 and NTM Genes with Triglycerides: The GenSalt Study

PubMed Central

Li, Changwei; Bazzano, Lydia A.L.; Rao, Dabeeru C.; Hixson, James E.; He, Jiang; Gu, Dongfeng; Gu, Charles C.; Shimmin, Lawrence C.; Jaquish, Cashell E.; Schwander, Karen; Liu, De-Pei; Huang, Jianfeng; Lu, Fanghong; Cao, Jie; Chong, Shen; Lu, Xiangfeng; Kelly, Tanika N.

2016-01-01

We conducted a genome-wide linkage scan and positional association study to identify genes and variants influencing blood lipid levels among participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt-Sensitivity (GenSalt) study. The GenSalt study was conducted among 1906 participants from 633 Han Chinese families. Lipids were measured from overnight fasting blood samples using standard methods. Multipoint quantitative trait genome-wide linkage scans were performed on the high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and log-transformed triglyceride phenotypes. Using dense panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), single-marker and gene-based association analyses were conducted to follow-up on promising linkage signals. Additive associations between each SNP and lipid phenotypes were tested using mixed linear regression models. Gene-based analyses were performed by combining P-values from single-marker analyses within each gene using the truncated product method (TPM). Significant associations were assessed for replication among 777 Asian participants of the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple testing. In the GenSalt study, suggestive linkage signals were identified at 2p11.2–2q12.1 [maximum multipoint LOD score (MML) = 2.18 at 2q11.2] and 11q24.3–11q25 (MML = 2.29 at 11q25) for the log-transformed triglyceride phenotype. Follow-up analyses of these two regions revealed gene-based associations of charged multivesicular body protein 3 (CHMP3), ring finger protein 103 (RNF103), AF4/FMR2 family, member 3 (AFF3), and neurotrimin (NTM ) with triglycerides (P = 4 × 10−4, 1.00 × 10−5, 2.00 × 10−5, and 1.00 × 10−7, respectively). Both the AFF3 and NTM triglyceride associations were replicated among MESA study participants (P = 1.00 × 10−7 and 8.00 × 10−5, respectively). Furthermore, NTM explained the linkage signal on chromosome 11. In conclusion, we identified novel genes associated with lipid phenotypes in linkage regions on chromosomes 2 and 11. PMID:25819087

Successful synthesis and thermal stability of immiscible metal Au-Rh, Au-Ir andAu-Ir-Rh nanoalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shubin, Yury; Plyusnin, Pavel; Sharafutdinov, Marat; Makotchenko, Evgenia; Korenev, Sergey

2017-05-01

We successfully prepared face-centred cubic nanoalloys in systems of Au-Ir, Au-Rh and Au-Ir-Rh, with large bulk miscibility gaps, in one-run reactions under thermal decomposition of specially synthesised single-source precursors, namely, [AuEn2][Ir(NO2)6], [AuEn2][Ir(NO2)6] х [Rh(NO2)6]1-х and [AuEn2][Rh(NO2)6]. The precursors employed contain all desired metals ‘mixed’ at the atomic level, thus providing significant advantages for obtaining alloys. The observations using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that the nanoalloy structures are composed of well-dispersed aggregates of crystalline domains with a mean size of 5 ± 3 nm. Еnergy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements confirm the formation of AuIr, AuRh, AuIr0.75Rh0.25, AuIr0.50Rh0.50 and AuIr0.25Rh0.75 metastable solid solutions. In situ high-temperature synchrotron XRD (HTXRD) was used to study the formation mechanism of nanoalloys. The observed transformations are described by the ‘conversion chemistry’ mechanism characterised by the primary development of particles comprising atoms of only one type, followed by a chemical reaction resulting in the final formation of a nanoalloy. The obtained metastable nanoalloys exhibit essential thermal stability. Exposure to 180 °C for 30 h does not cause any dealloying process.

Successful synthesis and thermal stability of immiscible metal Au-Rh, Au-Ir andAu-Ir-Rh nanoalloys.

PubMed

Shubin, Yury; Plyusnin, Pavel; Sharafutdinov, Marat; Makotchenko, Evgenia; Korenev, Sergey

2017-05-19

We successfully prepared face-centred cubic nanoalloys in systems of Au-Ir, Au-Rh and Au-Ir-Rh, with large bulk miscibility gaps, in one-run reactions under thermal decomposition of specially synthesised single-source precursors, namely, [AuEn 2 ][Ir(NO 2 ) 6 ], [AuEn 2 ][Ir(NO 2 ) 6 ] х [Rh(NO 2 ) 6 ] 1-х and [AuEn 2 ][Rh(NO 2 ) 6 ]. The precursors employed contain all desired metals 'mixed' at the atomic level, thus providing significant advantages for obtaining alloys. The observations using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that the nanoalloy structures are composed of well-dispersed aggregates of crystalline domains with a mean size of 5 ± 3 nm. Еnergy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements confirm the formation of AuIr, AuRh, AuIr 0.75 Rh 0.25 , AuIr 0.50 Rh 0.50 and AuIr 0.25 Rh 0.75 metastable solid solutions. In situ high-temperature synchrotron XRD (HTXRD) was used to study the formation mechanism of nanoalloys. The observed transformations are described by the 'conversion chemistry' mechanism characterised by the primary development of particles comprising atoms of only one type, followed by a chemical reaction resulting in the final formation of a nanoalloy. The obtained metastable nanoalloys exhibit essential thermal stability. Exposure to 180 °C for 30 h does not cause any dealloying process.

Regulation of Blood Pressure, Appetite, and Glucose by Leptin After Inactivation of Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 Signaling in the Entire Brain or in Proopiomelanocortin Neurons.

PubMed

do Carmo, Jussara M; da Silva, Alexandre A; Wang, Zhen; Freeman, Nathan J; Alsheik, Ammar J; Adi, Ahmad; Hall, John E

2016-02-01

Insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) is one of the 3 major leptin receptor signaling pathways, but its role in mediating the chronic effects of leptin on blood pressure, food intake, and glucose regulation is unclear. We tested whether genetic inactivation of IRS2 in the entire brain (IRS2/Nestin-cre mice) or specifically in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons (IRS2/POMC-cre mice) attenuates the chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, and antidiabetic effects of leptin. Mice were instrumented with telemetry probes for measurement of blood pressure and heart rate and with venous catheters for intravenous infusions. After a 5-day control period, mice received leptin infusion (2 μg/kg per minute) for 7 days. Compared with control IRS2(flox/flox) mice, IRS2/POMC-cre mice had similar body weight and food intake (33±1 versus 35±1 g and 3.6±0.5 versus 3.8±0.2 g per day) but higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (110±2 versus 102±2 mm Hg and 641±9 versus 616±5 bpm). IRS2/Nestin-cre mice were heavier (38±2 g), slightly hyperphagic (4.5±1.0 g per day), and had higher MAP and heart rate (108±2 mm Hg and 659±9 bpm) compared with control mice. Leptin infusion gradually increased MAP despite decreasing food intake by 31% in IRS2(flox/flox) and in Nestin-cre control mice. In contrast, leptin infusion did not change MAP in IRS2/Nestin-cre or IRS2/POMC-cre mice. The anorexic and antidiabetic effects of leptin, however, were similar in all 3 groups. These results indicate that IRS2 signaling in the central nervous system, and particularly in POMC neurons, is essential for the chronic actions of leptin to raise MAP but not for its anorexic or antidiabetic effects. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Heat Melt Compactor Development Progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jeffrey M.; Fisher, John W.; Pace, Gregory

2017-01-01

The status of the Heat Melt Compactor (HMC) development project is reported. HMC Generation 2 (Gen 2) has been assembled and initial testing has begun. A baseline mission use case for trash volume reduction, water recovery, trash sterilization, and the venting of effluent gases and water vapor to space has been conceptualized. A test campaign to reduce technical risks is underway. This risk reduction testing examines the many varied operating scenarios and conditions needed for processing trash during a space mission. The test results along with performance characterization of HMC Gen 2 will be used to prescribe requirements and specifications for a future ISS flight Technology Demonstration. We report on the current status, technical risks, and test results in the context of an ISS vent-to-space Technology Demonstration.

Sensitivity of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and cardiac autonomic responses to training in futsal players.

PubMed

de Freitas, Victor H; Pereira, Lucas A; de Souza, Eberton A; Leicht, Anthony S; Bertollo, Maurizio; Nakamura, Fábio Y

2015-07-01

This study examined the sensitivity of maximal (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery [IR] 1 and 2) and submaximal (5'-5') tests to identify training adaptations in futsal players along with the suitability of heart-rate (HR) and HR-variability (HRV) measures to identify these adaptations. Eleven male professional futsal players were assessed before (pretraining) and after (posttraining) a 5-wk period. Assessments included 5'-5' and Yo-Yo IR1 and IR2 performances and HR and HRV at rest and during the IR and 5'-5' tests. Magnitude-based-inference analyses examined the differences between pre- and posttraining, while relationships between changes in variables were determined via correlation. Posttraining, Yo-Yo IR1 performance likely increased while Yo-Yo IR2 performance almost certainly increased. Submaximal HR during the Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2 almost certainly and likely, respectively, decreased with training. HR during the 5'-5' was very likely decreased, while HRV at rest and during the 5'-5' was likely increased after training. Changes in both Yo-Yo IR performances were negatively correlated with changes in HR during the Yo-Yo IR1 test and positively correlated with the change in HRV during the 5'-5'. The current study has identified the Yo-Yo IR2 as more responsive for monitoring training-induced changes of futsal players than the Yo-Yo IR1. Changes in submaximal HR during the Yo-Yo IR and HRV during the 5'-5' were highly sensitive to changes in maximal performance and are recommended for monitoring training. The 5'-5' was recommended as a time-efficient method to assess training adaptations for futsal players.

[6]-Gingerol enhances the radiosensitivity of gastric cancer via G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induction.

PubMed

Luo, Youjun; Chen, Xue; Luo, Lumeng; Zhang, Qi; Gao, Caixia; Zhuang, Xibing; Yuan, Sujuan; Qiao, Tiankui

2018-05-01

Ionizing radiation (IR) is the main modality for locoregional control of unresectable gastric cancer (GC). [6]-Gingerol is an active major phenolic compound isolated from ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and it has been demonstrated to possess antitumor activity in previous studies. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential activity of [6]-gingerol as a radiosensitizer and to further explore the underlying mechanism. A CCK-8 assay revealed that [6]-gingerol inhibited the cell viability of HGC-27 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Colony formation assay indicated that pretreatment of [6]-gingerol prior to IR decreased the clonogenic survival of HGC-27 cells. Notably, the combination of [6]-gingerol with IR enhanced IR-induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase compared with IR alone (41.3% in IR alone vs. 53.5% in [6]-gingerol+IR; P=0.006), and increased IR-induced apoptosis compared with IR alone (9.6% in IR alone group vs. 15.1% in [6]-gingerol+IR; P=0.07). DAPI staining detected the apoptotic nuclear morphological changes in the cells treated with [6]-gingerol and/or IR. Furthermore, western blotting and qRT-PCR revealed that [6]-gingerol pretreatment following IR downregulated the protein expression of cyclin B1, cyclin A2, CDC2 and cyclin D1, upregulated the mRNA expression of p27, and induced active caspase-9, active caspase-3 and cytochrome c. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that [6]-gingerol enhanced radiosensitivity of GC cells, and that the mechanisms involved at least G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induction.

Complete Decomposition of Li 2 CO 3 in Li–O 2 Batteries Using Ir/B 4 C as Noncarbon-Based Oxygen Electrode

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

Song, Shidong; Xu, Wu; Zheng, Jianming

Incomplete decomposition of Li2CO3 during charge process is a critical barrier for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. Here we report complete decomposition of Li2CO3 in Li-O2 batteries using ultrafine iridium-decorated boron carbide (Ir/B4C) nanocomposite as oxygen electrode. The systematic investigation on charging the Li2CO3 preloaded Ir/B4C electrode in an ether-based electrolyte demonstrates that Ir/B4C electrode can decompose Li2CO3 with an efficiency close to 100% at below 4.37 V. In contrast, the bare B4C without Ir electrocatalyst can only decompose 4.7% of preloaded Li2CO3. The reaction mechanism of Li2CO3 decomposition in the presence of Ir/B4C electrocatalyst has been further investigated. A Li-O2 batterymore » using Ir/B4C as oxygen electrode material shows highly enhanced cycling stability than that using bare B4C oxygen electrode. These results clearly demonstrate that Ir/B4C is an effecitive oxygen electrode amterial to completely decompose Li2CO3 at relatively low charge voltages and is of significant importance in improving the cycle performanc of aprotic Li-O2 batteries.« less

The IRS-1 signaling system.

PubMed

White, M F

1994-02-01

IRS-1 is a principal substrate of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. It undergoes multi-site tyrosine phosphorylation and mediates the insulin signal by associating with various signaling molecules containing Src homology 2 domains. Interleukin-4 also stimulates IRS-1 phosphorylation, and it is suspected that a few more growth factors or cytokines will be added to form a select group of receptors that utilize the IRS-1 signaling pathway. More IRS-1-like adapter molecules, such as 4PS (IRS-2), may remain to be found.

Hyperhoneycomb Iridate β -Li2IrO3 as a Platform for Kitaev Magnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayama, T.; Kato, A.; Dinnebier, R.; Nuss, J.; Kono, H.; Veiga, L. S. I.; Fabbris, G.; Haskel, D.; Takagi, H.

2015-02-01

A complex iridium oxide β -Li2IrO3 crystallizes in a hyperhoneycomb structure, a three-dimensional analogue of honeycomb lattice, and is found to be a spin-orbital Mott insulator with Jeff=1 /2 moment. Ir ions are connected to the three neighboring Ir ions via Ir -O2-Ir bonding planes, which very likely gives rise to bond-dependent ferromagnetic interactions between the Jeff=1 /2 moments, an essential ingredient of Kitaev model with a spin liquid ground state. Dominant ferromagnetic interaction between Jeff=1 /2 moments is indeed confirmed by the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility χ (T ) which shows a positive Curie-Weiss temperature θCW˜+40 K . A magnetic ordering with a very small entropy change, likely associated with a noncollinear arrangement of Jeff=1 /2 moments, is observed at Tc=38 K . With the application of magnetic field to the ordered state, a large moment of more than 0.35 μB/Ir is induced above 3 T, a substantially polarized Jeff=1 /2 state. We argue that the close proximity to ferromagnetism and the presence of large fluctuations evidence that the ground state of hyperhoneycomb β -Li2IrO3 is located in close proximity of a Kitaev spin liquid.

Mobilization: Preparedness, Manpower, Industrial. A Selective Bibliography, 1918-1979

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

Affetting the Strengthening of the U.S. Army." Paul. H. Nitze. Armor 70: 9-11, November-December 1961 y "The ^l^l^^Ai^Delense." Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor ...Air De- - fense. 8: 61-69, Spring 1956 "The Facts Bear Out Taylor , Army Chief Says We’re Not Ready for Any War." John Wiant. Army Navy Air Force...Summer 1957 "Improving Our Capabilities for Limited War." Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor . Army Information Digest 14: 2-9, February 1959; Armor 68; 22-23

Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

bendwise. 1949-30 Apr 195. Group. 22d: 1 Aug Motto: FORTITUDO ET PRE - 1948-16 Jun 1952 (detached 1 Aug 41 71. 777.- - - COMBAT WINGS 1948-30 Jun 1949, 14...all within ; 1973; 0-2, 1971-; A-7, 1972-. diminished b,’rdure of the last. MGtto: Operutions. Served in the defense of LOS PROFESIONALES -The profes...S 13 Jul 1959; Col Samuel Gy. Porterfield, 20 Aug 1959; Maj Gen Jol-ph J. Pres - ’’"T ton, 12 Oct 1959; Brig Gen William E. Creer, 28 Sep 1960; Brig

Unleashing Gen Y: Marketing Mars to Millennials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leahy, Bart D.; Hidalgo, Loretta; Kloberdanz, Cassie

2007-01-01

Space advocates need to engage Generation Y (born 1977-1999).This outreach is necessary to recruit the next generation of scientists and engineers to explore Mars. Space advocates in the non-profit, private, and government sectors need to use a combination of technical communication, marketing, and politics, to develop messages that resonate with Gen Y. Until now, space messages have been generated by and for college-educated white males; Gen Y is much more diverse, including as much as one third minorities. Young women, too, need to be reached. My research has shown that messages emphasizing technology, fun, humor, and opportunity are the best means of reaching the Gen Y audience of 60 million (US population is 300 million). The important things space advocates must avoid are talking down to this generation, making false promises, or expecting them to "wait their turn" before they can participate. This is the MTV generation! We need to find ways of engaging Gen Y now to build a future where human beings can live and work on the planet Mars. In addition to the messages themselves, advocates need to keep up with Gen Y' s social networking and use of iPods, cell phones, and the Internet. NASA and space advocacy groups can use these tools for "viral marketing," where young people share targeted space-related information via cell phones or the Internet because they like it. Overall, Gen Y is a socially dynamic and media-savvy group; advocates' space messages need to be sincere, creative, and placed in locations where Gen Y lives. Mars messages must be memorable!

A survey of linyphiid spiders from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China (Araneae, Linyphiidae)

PubMed Central

Zhao, Qingyuan; Li, Shuqiang

2014-01-01

Abstract Eight new genera and 30 new species are described: Cirrosus gen. n. (type species Cirrosus atrocaudatus sp. n. (♂♀)), Conglin gen. n. (type species Conglin personatus sp. n. (♀)), Curtimeticus gen. n. (type species Curtimeticus nebulosus sp. n. (♂)), Gladiata gen. n. (type species Gladiata fengli sp. n. (♂)), Glebala gen. n. (type species Glebala aspera sp. n. (♂)), Glomerosus gen. n. (type species Glomerosus lateralis sp. n. (♂)), Smerasia gen. n. (type species Smerasia obscurus sp. n. (♂♀)), Vittatus gen. n. (type species Vittatus fencha sp. n. (♂♀)); Batueta cuspidata sp. n. (♂♀), Capsulia laciniosa sp. n. (♂), Dactylopisthes separatus sp. n. (♀), Gongylidiellum bracteatum sp. n. (♀), Houshenzinus xiaolongha sp. n. (♂♀), Laogone bai sp. n. (♂), Laogone lunata sp. n. (♂♀), Maro bulbosus sp. n. (♀), Nasoonaria circinata sp. n. (♂♀), Neriene circifolia sp. n. (♂♀), Oedothorax biantu sp. n. (♀), Oilinyphia hengji sp. n. (♂♀), Paikiniana furcata sp. n. (♂♀), Parameioneta bishou sp. n. (♂♀), Parameioneta multifida sp. n. (♂♀), Parameioneta tricolorata sp. n. (♂♀), Tapinopa undata sp. n. (♂), Theoa bidentata sp. n. (♂♀), Theoa vesica sp. n. (♂♀), Vittatus bian sp. n. (♂♀), Vittatus latus sp. n. (♂♀), Vittatus pan sp. n. (♂♀). The male of Kaestneria bicultrata Chen & Yin, 2000 and the females of Asiagone perforata Tanasevitch, 2014 and Batueta similis Wunderlich & Song, 1995 are described for the first time; photos of Bathyphantes paracymbialis Tanasevitch, 2014 are provided. PMID:25561858

Pulsed infrared radiation excites cultured neonatal spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons by modulating mitochondrial calcium cycling

PubMed Central

Lumbreras, Vicente; Bas, Esperanza; Gupta, Chhavi

2014-01-01

Cochlear implants are currently the most effective solution for profound sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular prostheses are under development to treat bilateral vestibulopathies. Electrical current spread in these neuroprostheses limits channel independence and, in some cases, may impair their performance. In comparison, optical stimuli that are spatially confined may result in a significant functional improvement. Pulsed infrared radiation (IR) has previously been shown to elicit responses in neurons. This study analyzes the response of neonatal rat spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons in vitro to IR (wavelength = 1,863 nm) using Ca2+ imaging. Both types of neurons responded consistently with robust intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transients that matched the low-frequency IR pulses applied (4 ms, 0.25–1 pps). Radiant exposures of ∼637 mJ/cm2 resulted in continual neuronal activation. Temperature or [Ca2+] variations in the media did not alter the IR-evoked transients, ruling out extracellular Ca2+ involvement or primary mediation by thermal effects on the plasma membrane. While blockage of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ plasma membrane channels did not alter the IR-evoked response, blocking of mitochondrial Ca2+ cycling with CGP-37157 or ruthenium red reversibly inhibited the IR-evoked [Ca2+]i transients. Additionally, the magnitude of the IR-evoked transients was dependent on ryanodine and cyclopiazonic acid-dependent Ca2+ release. These results suggest that IR modulation of intracellular calcium cycling contributes to stimulation of spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons. As a whole, the results suggest selective excitation of neurons in the IR beam path and the potential of IR stimulation in future auditory and vestibular prostheses. PMID:24920028

Pulsed infrared radiation excites cultured neonatal spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons by modulating mitochondrial calcium cycling.

PubMed

Lumbreras, Vicente; Bas, Esperanza; Gupta, Chhavi; Rajguru, Suhrud M

2014-09-15

Cochlear implants are currently the most effective solution for profound sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular prostheses are under development to treat bilateral vestibulopathies. Electrical current spread in these neuroprostheses limits channel independence and, in some cases, may impair their performance. In comparison, optical stimuli that are spatially confined may result in a significant functional improvement. Pulsed infrared radiation (IR) has previously been shown to elicit responses in neurons. This study analyzes the response of neonatal rat spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons in vitro to IR (wavelength = 1,863 nm) using Ca(2+) imaging. Both types of neurons responded consistently with robust intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) transients that matched the low-frequency IR pulses applied (4 ms, 0.25-1 pps). Radiant exposures of ∼637 mJ/cm(2) resulted in continual neuronal activation. Temperature or [Ca(2+)] variations in the media did not alter the IR-evoked transients, ruling out extracellular Ca(2+) involvement or primary mediation by thermal effects on the plasma membrane. While blockage of Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+) plasma membrane channels did not alter the IR-evoked response, blocking of mitochondrial Ca(2+) cycling with CGP-37157 or ruthenium red reversibly inhibited the IR-evoked [Ca(2+)]i transients. Additionally, the magnitude of the IR-evoked transients was dependent on ryanodine and cyclopiazonic acid-dependent Ca(2+) release. These results suggest that IR modulation of intracellular calcium cycling contributes to stimulation of spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons. As a whole, the results suggest selective excitation of neurons in the IR beam path and the potential of IR stimulation in future auditory and vestibular prostheses. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Eastern U.S. Infrared, Enhancement 4 - NOAA GOES Geostationary Satellite

Science.gov Websites

Enhancement 4 Eastern U.S. Infrared Enhancements IR Enhancement 1 Eastern U.S. Infrared Enhancement 1 IR Enhancement 2 Eastern U.S. Infrared Enhancement 2 IR Enhancement 3 Eastern U.S. Infrared Enhancement 3 IR large amount of water vapor. » Enhancement types In an infrared (IR) image cold clouds are high clouds

Boosting water oxidation layer-by-layer.

PubMed

Hidalgo-Acosta, Jonnathan C; Scanlon, Micheál D; Méndez, Manuel A; Amstutz, Véronique; Vrubel, Heron; Opallo, Marcin; Girault, Hubert H

2016-04-07

Electrocatalysis of water oxidation was achieved using fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) electrodes modified with layer-by-layer deposited films consisting of bilayers of negatively charged citrate-stabilized IrO2 NPs and positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) polymer. The IrO2 NP surface coverage can be fine-tuned by controlling the number of bilayers. The IrO2 NP films were amorphous, with the NPs therein being well-dispersed and retaining their as-synthesized shape and sizes. UV/vis spectroscopic and spectro-electrochemical studies confirmed that the total surface coverage and electrochemically addressable surface coverage of IrO2 NPs increased linearly with the number of bilayers up to 10 bilayers. The voltammetry of the modified electrode was that of hydrous iridium oxide films (HIROFs) with an observed super-Nernstian pH response of the Ir(III)/Ir(IV) and Ir(IV)-Ir(IV)/Ir(IV)-Ir(V) redox transitions and Nernstian shift of the oxygen evolution onset potential. The overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was essentially pH independent, varying only from 0.22 V to 0.28 V (at a current density of 0.1 mA cm(-2)), moving from acidic to alkaline conditions. Bulk electrolysis experiments revealed that the IrO2/PDDA films were stable and adherent under acidic and neutral conditions but degraded in alkaline solutions. Oxygen was evolved with Faradaic efficiencies approaching 100% under acidic (pH 1) and neutral (pH 7) conditions, and 88% in alkaline solutions (pH 13). This layer-by-layer approach forms the basis of future large-scale OER electrode development using ink-jet printing technology.

Rubitecan: 9-NC, 9-Nitro-20(S)-camptothecin, 9-nitro-camptothecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, RFS 2000, RFS2000.

PubMed

2004-01-01

Rubitecan [Orathecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, 9NC, RFS 2000] is a topoisomerase I inhibitor extracted from the bark and leaves of the Camptotheca acuminata tree, which is native to China. Rubitecan is an oral compound being developed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other solid tumours by SuperGen. One of the major benefits of rubitecan is that it can be administered in an outpatient setting, so patients can be treated in their homes. Rubitecan was isolated by the Stehlin Foundation in the US. SuperGen is currently awaiting regulatory approval in the US and the EU for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the BIO-2004 conference, SuperGen announced it is seeking a partner for rubitecan for territories outside the US. SuperGen acquired exclusive worldwide rights to rubitecan from the Stehlin Foundation in 1997 except in Mexico, Canada, Spain, Japan, the UK, France, Italy and Germany. SuperGen has also received approval from the US FDA to use its own manufactured rubitecan in clinical trials. SuperGen and the Stehlin Foundation have an 8-year research agreement that secures global rights to other camptothecins and additional anticancer compounds for the former. In December 1999, SuperGen and Abbott signed a worldwide sales and marketing agreement for rubitecan. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott had exclusive distribution and promotion rights for rubitecan outside the US, and co-promotion rights with SuperGen within the US. In return, Abbott made an initial equity investment in SuperGen. SuperGen and Abbott Laboratories ended their collaboration agreement in February 2002 by mutual consent with SuperGen stating that the dissolution of the agreement was based on commercial motivation rather than anything to do with rubitecan's safety or efficacy. Abbott no longer has rights or obligations to purchase shares of SuperGen stock or an option to purchase up to 49% of the company. For its part, SuperGen will no longer receive milestone payments worth up to $US57 million. SuperGen has formed a clinical and business alliance with US Oncology (created by the merger between American Oncology Resources and Physician Reliance Network in the US), and will collaborate on clinical trials of rubitecan. SuperGen believes that this relationship will increase the patient population available for trials and enable it to market the drug directly to Oncologists. SuperGen and Capital Research and Management Company have completed a $US16.6 million private placement transaction that will enable future funding for the rubitecan programme as well as other oncology programmes. In July 2004, SuperGen's European subsidiary, EuroGen Pharmaceuticals, submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The application will be reviewed under the EMEA Centralised Procedure. In June 2003, the EMEA granted SuperGen orphan drug status for rubitecan for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The US FDA has also granted orphan drug status for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and fast-track status for rubitecan for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer that is resistant or refractory to chemotherapy. SuperGen has conducted three phase III pivotal trials in patients with pancreatic cancer. A phase III randomised trial in chemotherapy-naive patients was conducted at 132 centres throughout the US. The trial enrolled approximately 994 patients who were randomised to receive rubitecan or gemcitabine. Enrollment was completed in October 2001. Another phase III trial has compared rubitecan with the most appropriate chemotherapy in chemotherapy-resistant patients. Enrollment of over 400 patients at 200 medical centres across the US was completed in June 2001. Results from the trial were presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO-2003) [Chicago, US; 31 May - 3 June 2003], after they had been compiled, analysed and submitted to the FDA. The results of the study showed that rubitecan could not help all chemotherapy-resistant patients, but could increase survival in those that do respond. The other phase III pivotal trial was conducted in patients with pancreatic cancer who had failed treatment with gemcitabine. This trial completed enrollment in October 2001, and had enrolled approximately 448 patients. SuperGen is conducting phase II trials of rubitecan in patients with solid tumours in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. Each trial will enroll 100-150 patients with various tumour types, including colorectal, lung, breast, gastric, prostate, cervical and head and neck cancers. Phase I/II trials are underway to investigate rubitecan as a radiosensitiser in patients with lung cancer, and phase II trials in patients with breast cancer are also being conducted. A phase II study in ovarian cancer patients is also being conducted. Results from an ongoing phase II study in cancer patients have shown that rubitecan was effective against chordomas, a rare type of bone cancer. Phase II studies are also underway in haematological malignancies including myelodysplastic syndrome (preleukaemia) and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. In February 2000, SuperGen announced that its IND submission for rubitecan had been approved by the Therapeutics Products Programme of Canada. The company stated that it intended to begin clinical trials in Canada in the near future. In February 2004, SuperGen announced an offering of shares of its common stock to finance the commercialisation of rubitecan capsules. In July 2003, SuperGen was granted a US patent covering combination therapies with chemotherapeutic anthracycline agents and structural modifications that may one day lead to next-generation rubitecan compounds. In December 2002, SuperGen was granted US patent No. 6,482,830, covering its polymorphic formulations of rubitecan. The patent also covers a class of polymorphs that are similar to the one at the centre of rubitecan. In addition, SuperGen was also issued US patent No. 6,485,514 in December 2002, covering the local delivery of rubitecan via stents and/or catheters to sites of proliferating cells. Stent- or catheter-delivered rubitecan may be beneficial in certain types of cardiac procedures, such as ablation or angioplasty, as well as for direct injection into a certain number of solid tumours. SuperGen is also developing an inhaled, liposomal formulation of rubitecan. It acquired the worldwide rights to this formulation from the Clayton Foundation in December 1999. Inhaled rubitecan is in clinical trials in the US for the treatment of lung cancer and pulmonary metastatic cancer. Copyright 2004 Adis Data Information BV

Study on the mechanism of using IR illumination to improve the carrier transport performance of CdZnTe detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Yifei; Zhang, Jijun; Lin, Liwen; Lai, Jianming; Min, Jiahua; Liang, Xiaoyan; Huang, Jian; Tang, Ke; Wang, Linjun

2018-04-01

Different wavelength IR light (770-1150 nm) was used to evaluate the effect of IR light on the carrier transport performance of CdZnTe detector. The effective mobility-lifetime product (μτ*) of CdZnTe achieved 10-2 cm2 V-1 when the IR wavelength was in the range of 820-920 nm, but decreased to 1 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 when the wavelength was longer than 920 nm. The mechanism about how IR light affecting the carrier transport property of CdZnTe detector was analyzed with Shockley-Read-Hall model. The defect of doubly ionized Cd vacancy ([VCd]2-) was found to be the main factor that assist IR light affecting the μτ of CdZnTe detector. The photoconductive experiment under 770-1150 nm IR illumination was carried out, and three kinds of photocurrent curve were detected and analyzed by solving the Hecht equation. The experiments demonstrated the effect of [VCd]2- defect on the carrier transport property of CdZnTe detector under IR illumination.

75 FR 59247 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-27

... Segundo Power II LLC, Long Beach Generation LLC, Long Beach Peakers LLC, NRG Power Marketing Inc., Cabrillo Power I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, El Segundo Power LLC, NRG Solar Blythe LLC, Saguaro Power... LLC, Dunkirk Power LLC, GenConn Energy LLC, GenCon Devon LLC, GenConn Middletown LLC, Huntley Power...

75 FR 54221 - RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-03

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC... (NAC). SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). DATES: The meeting will be held September 23, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m...

VitisGen on the road: mapping the way to the next generation of grapes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The USDA-NIFA VitisGen project (Award No. 2011-51181-30635) aims to optimize grape cultivar improvement through the integration of grape breeding, cutting edge genomics technology, precision phenotyping, socioeconomic research, and extension. VitisGen is a five-year project involving 25 co-PIs at 11...

Newsroom

Science.gov Websites

from Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson during a ceremony held at Peterson Air Force Base today. May 24, 2018 Gen. O'Shaughnessy assumes command of NORAD, USNORTHCOM Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. - Air Force Gen terminal Sept. 22, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field. The cargo was being staged at the Federal

Complete cDNAs from Brachymyrmex patagonicus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). --GenBank accession numbers: GU582126-GU582140.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

15 new gene sequences were identified from workers of Brachymyrmex patagonicus, and submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. GenBank accession numbers are GU582126-GU582140. This information will provide scientists with genetic tools to study the development and the p...

78 FR 77670 - AlphaGen Power LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER14-630-000] AlphaGen Power LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of AlphaGen Power...

Safety Sufficiency for NextGen: Assessment of Selected Existing Safety Methods, Tools, Processes, and Regulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Xidong; Ulrey, Mike L.; Brown, John A.; Mast, James; Lapis, Mary B.

2013-01-01

NextGen is a complex socio-technical system and, in many ways, it is expected to be more complex than the current system. It is vital to assess the safety impact of the NextGen elements (technologies, systems, and procedures) in a rigorous and systematic way and to ensure that they do not compromise safety. In this study, the NextGen elements in the form of Operational Improvements (OIs), Enablers, Research Activities, Development Activities, and Policy Issues were identified. The overall hazard situation in NextGen was outlined; a high-level hazard analysis was conducted with respect to multiple elements in a representative NextGen OI known as OI-0349 (Automation Support for Separation Management); and the hazards resulting from the highly dynamic complexity involved in an OI-0349 scenario were illustrated. A selected but representative set of the existing safety methods, tools, processes, and regulations was then reviewed and analyzed regarding whether they are sufficient to assess safety in the elements of that OI and ensure that safety will not be compromised and whether they might incur intolerably high costs.

GenAlEx 6.5: genetic analysis in Excel. Population genetic software for teaching and research--an update.

PubMed

Peakall, Rod; Smouse, Peter E

2012-10-01

GenAlEx: Genetic Analysis in Excel is a cross-platform package for population genetic analyses that runs within Microsoft Excel. GenAlEx offers analysis of diploid codominant, haploid and binary genetic loci and DNA sequences. Both frequency-based (F-statistics, heterozygosity, HWE, population assignment, relatedness) and distance-based (AMOVA, PCoA, Mantel tests, multivariate spatial autocorrelation) analyses are provided. New features include calculation of new estimators of population structure: G'(ST), G''(ST), Jost's D(est) and F'(ST) through AMOVA, Shannon Information analysis, linkage disequilibrium analysis for biallelic data and novel heterogeneity tests for spatial autocorrelation analysis. Export to more than 30 other data formats is provided. Teaching tutorials and expanded step-by-step output options are included. The comprehensive guide has been fully revised. GenAlEx is written in VBA and provided as a Microsoft Excel Add-in (compatible with Excel 2003, 2007, 2010 on PC; Excel 2004, 2011 on Macintosh). GenAlEx, and supporting documentation and tutorials are freely available at: http://biology.anu.edu.au/GenAlEx. rod.peakall@anu.edu.au.

New Heteroceratidae (Ammonoidea) from the late Barremian deepening succession of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône, France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frau, Camille; Delanoy, Gérard; Masse, Jean-Pierre; Lanteaume, Cyprien; Tendil, Anthony J. B.

2016-06-01

Investigation of the late Barremian deepening succession of the Provence platform, cropping out south of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), has yielded a new ammonite fauna belonging to the Martelites sarasini Subzone (Martelites sarasini Zone). The fauna is dominated by representatives of the Heteroceratidae Spath, characterized by different patterns of coiling, high intraspecific variabilities and dwarfism. These heteroceratids are distinctive and utterly different from all previously known taxa, and this justifies the introduction of the new taxa Heteroceras denizoti sp. nov., Heteroceras veratiae sp. nov., Calanquites gen. nov., based on Imerites katsharavai Rouchadzé; Giovaraites gen. nov., based on Giovaraites massiliae gen. et sp. nov., Barguesiella gen. nov., based on Barguesiella goudesense gen. et sp. nov. and the closely allied Barguesiella mantei gen. et sp. nov. The occurrence of the latter species at the top of the Maiolica Formation in Italy questions its early Aptian age assumed in the literature. The newly described fauna could be considered as the first case of micromorphy in the Heteroceratidae. Its biostratigraphy, palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographical significance are discussed.

Decision validity should determine whether a generic or condition-specific HRQOL measure is used in health care decisions.

PubMed

Dowie, Jack

2002-01-01

When a HRQOL measure is needed in health care decision making should it be a generic measure (a GEN), intended to cover the entire domain of health, a condition-specific measure (a CSM) intended to embrace those aspects of health associated with the condition concerned, or both? This paper proposes that it will never be appropriate to use both a CSM and a GEN for the same decision; that a GEN alone will probably be the appropriate measure in the majority of decisions; that a CSM alone will sometimes be appropriate; and that whether it is a GEN alone or a CSM alone that is appropriate depends entirely on the structure of the decision. The argument rests on the distinction between knowledge validity and decision validity. But it has a supplementary basis in rejection of the widespread (but unjustifiable) belief that CSMs are more "sensitive" or "responsive" than GENs and hence can detect "small but important changes" that GENs always or often miss. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Design Support of an Above Cap-rock Early Detection Monitoring System using Simulated Leakage Scenarios at the FutureGen2.0 Site

DOE PAGES

Williams, Mark D.; USA, Richland Washington; Vermuel, Vince R.; ...

2014-12-31

The FutureGen 2.0 Project will design and build a first-of-its-kind, near-zero emissions coal-fueled power plant with carbon capture and storage (CCS). To assess storage site performance and meet the regulatory requirements of the Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program for CO 2 Geologic Sequestration, the FutureGen 2.0 project will implement a suite of monitoring technologies designed to evaluate CO 2 mass balance and detect any unforeseen loss in CO 2 containment. The monitoring program will include direct monitoring of the reservoir, and early-leak-detection monitoring directly above the primary confining zone. This preliminary modeling study described here focuses on hypotheticalmore » leakage scenarios into the first permeable unit above the primary confining zone (Ironton Sandstone) and is used to support assessment of early-leak detection capabilities. Future updates of the model will be used to assess potential impacts on the lowermost underground source of drinking water (Saint Peter Sandstone) for a range of theoretical leakage scenarios. This preliminary modeling evaluation considers both pressure response and geochemical signals in the overlying Ironton Sandstone. This model is independent of the FutureGen 2.0 reservoir model in that it does not simulate caprock discontinuities, faults, or failure scenarios. Instead this modeling effort is based on theoretical, volumetric-rate based leakage scenarios. The scenarios include leakage of 1% of the total injected CO 2 mass, but spread out over different time periods (20, 100, and 500 years) with each case yielding a different mass flux (i.e., smaller mass fluxes for longer duration leakage cases]. A brine leakage scenario using a volumetric leakage similar to the 20 year 1% CO 2 case was also considered. A framework for the comparison of the various cases was developed based on the exceedance of selected pressure and geochemical thresholds at different distances from the point of leakage and at different vertical positions within the Ironton Sandstone. These preliminary results, and results from an updated models that incorporate additional site-specific characterization data, support development/refinement of the monitoring system design.« less

Lipoprotein lipase links vitamin D, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional epidemiological study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] play important roles in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Although dyslipidemia is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), there are limited data available regarding the relationship of LPL and 25(OH)D to IR and T2D at a population level. The objective of the present study is to investigate the associations of LPL and 25(OH)D with IR and T2D in a Chinese population. Methods The study cohort consisted of 2708 subjects (1326 males, 1382 females; mean age 48.5 ± 12.6 years) in main communities of Harbin, China. Serum 25(OH)D, LPL, free fatty acids (FFAs), fasting glucose (FG), fasting insulin, lipid profile, apoA and apoB concentrations were measured. Results Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively associated with LPL (β = 0.168, P < 0.001). LPL was inversely associated with IR and T2D. Subjects in the lowest quartile of LPL had the highest risk of IR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.22-2.68] and T2D (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.14-2.38). Serum 25(OH)D was also inversely associated with IR and T2D. Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml] was associated with an increasing risk of IR (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.23-2.76) and T2D (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.37-3.24). The associations of 25(OH)D with IR and T2D were attenuated by further adjustment for LPL. Conclusions LPL is associated with serum 25(OH)D, IR and T2D in the Chinese population. These results suggest a potential mediating role of LPL in the associations of 25(OH)D with IR and T2D. PMID:23320821

X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study of the Effect of Rh doping in Sr2IrO4

PubMed Central

Sohn, C. H.; Cho, Deok-Yong; Kuo, C.-T.; Sandilands, L. J.; Qi, T. F.; Cao, G.; Noh, T. W.

2016-01-01

We investigate the effect of Rh doping in Sr2IrO4 using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). We observed appearance of new electron-addition states with increasing Rh concentration (x in Sr2Ir1−xRhxO4) in accordance with the concept of hole doping. The intensity of the hole-induced state is however weak, suggesting weakness of charge transfer (CT) effect and Mott insulating ground states. Also, Ir Jeff = 1/2 upper Hubbard band shifts to lower energy as x increases up to x = 0.23. Combined with optical spectroscopy, these results suggest a hybridisation-related mechanism, in which Rh doping can weaken the (Ir Jeff = 1/2)–(O 2p) orbital hybridisation in the in-planar Rh-O-Ir bond networks. PMID:27025538

A rapid UPLC method for simultaneous determination of eleven components in 'Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian' decoction.

PubMed

An, Rui; You, Lisha; Zhang, Yizhu; Wang, Xinhong; Ma, Yuemin

2014-10-01

'Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian' Decoction derived from 'Shang-Han-Lun' compiled by Zhang Zhongjing. It is widely used in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis, bacillary dysentery, virus diarrhea. This paper describes a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of the 11-marker compounds using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). To develop an UPLC method for simultaneous determination of 11 bioactive compounds in 'Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian' preparations. The chromatography analysis was performed on an Agilent Proshell 120 EC-C18 column (4.6 × 50 mm, 2.7 μm) at 30°C with a gradient elution of methanol, 0.5% formic acid and 0.5% ammonium acetate at a flow rate 1.0 ml/min and UV detected at 270 nm. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r ≥ 0.9993) within tested ranges. Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) fell in the range between 0.0691-1.04 μg/ml and 0.23-3.43 μg/ml, respectively. The mean recovery of each herbal medicine ranged from 96.60 to 102.11%. The method was validated for repeatability, precision, stability, accuracy, and selectivity. The validated method was successfully applied to simultaneous analysis of these active components in 'Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian' decoction.

A Network Pharmacology Approach to Determine Active Compounds and Action Mechanisms of Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian Decoction for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Li, Huiying; Zhao, Linhua; Zhang, Bo; Jiang, Yuyu; Wang, Xu; Guo, Yun; Liu, Hongxing; Li, Shao; Tong, Xiaolin

2014-01-01

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formulae can be valuable therapeutic strategies and drug discovery resources. However, the active ingredients and action mechanisms of most TCM formulae remain unclear. Therefore, the identification of potent ingredients and their actions is a major challenge in TCM research. In this study, we used a network pharmacology approach we previously developed to help determine the potential antidiabetic ingredients from the traditional Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction (GGQLD) formula. We predicted the target profiles of all available GGQLD ingredients to infer the active ingredients by clustering the target profile of ingredients with FDA-approved antidiabetic drugs. We also applied network target analysis to evaluate the links between herbal ingredients and pharmacological actions to help explain the action mechanisms of GGQLD. According to the predicted results, we confirmed that a novel antidiabetic ingredient from Puerariae Lobatae radix (Ge-Gen), 4-Hydroxymephenytoin, increased the insulin secretion in RIN-5F cells and improved insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The network pharmacology strategy used here provided a powerful means for identifying bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of action for TCM herbal formulae, including Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction. PMID:24527048

Predicting body fat percentage based on gender, age and BMI by using artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Kupusinac, Aleksandar; Stokić, Edita; Doroslovački, Rade

2014-02-01

In the human body, the relation between fat and fat-free mass (muscles, bones etc.) is necessary for the diagnosis of obesity and prediction of its comorbidities. Numerous formulas, such as Deurenberg et al., Gallagher et al., Jackson and Pollock, Jackson et al. etc., are available to predict body fat percentage (BF%) from gender (GEN), age (AGE) and body mass index (BMI). These formulas are all fairly similar and widely applicable, since they provide an easy, low-cost and non-invasive prediction of BF%. This paper presents a program solution for predicting BF% based on artificial neural network (ANN). ANN training, validation and testing are done by randomly divided dataset that includes 2755 subjects: 1332 women (GEN = 0) and 1423 men (GEN = 1), with AGE from 18 to 88 y and BMI from 16.60 to 64.60 kg/m(2). BF% was estimated by using Tanita bioelectrical impedance measurements (Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). ANN inputs are: GEN, AGE and BMI, and output is BF%. The predictive accuracy of our solution is 80.43%. The main goal of this paper is to promote a new approach to predicting BF% that has same complexity and costs but higher predictive accuracy than above-mentioned formulas. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transitioning Resolution Responsibility between the Controller and Automation Team in Simulated NextGen Separation Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cabrall, C.; Gomez, A.; Homola, J.; Hunt, S..; Martin, L.; Merccer, J.; Prevott, T.

2013-01-01

As part of an ongoing research effort on separation assurance and functional allocation in NextGen, a controller- in-the-loop study with ground-based automation was conducted at NASA Ames' Airspace Operations Laboratory in August 2012 to investigate the potential impact of introducing self-separating aircraft in progressively advanced NextGen timeframes. From this larger study, the current exploratory analysis of controller-automation interaction styles focuses on the last and most far-term time frame. Measurements were recorded that firstly verified the continued operational validity of this iteration of the ground-based functional allocation automation concept in forecast traffic densities up to 2x that of current day high altitude en-route sectors. Additionally, with greater levels of fully automated conflict detection and resolution as well as the introduction of intervention functionality, objective and subjective analyses showed a range of passive to active controller- automation interaction styles between the participants. Not only did the controllers work with the automation to meet their safety and capacity goals in the simulated future NextGen timeframe, they did so in different ways and with different attitudes of trust/use of the automation. Taken as a whole, the results showed that the prototyped controller-automation functional allocation framework was very flexible and successful overall.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 469-557.

PubMed

Crous, P W; Wingfield, M J; Burgess, T I; Hardy, G E St J; Crane, C; Barrett, S; Cano-Lira, J F; Le Roux, J J; Thangavel, R; Guarro, J; Stchigel, A M; Martín, M P; Alfredo, D S; Barber, P A; Barreto, R W; Baseia, I G; Cano-Canals, J; Cheewangkoon, R; Ferreira, R J; Gené, J; Lechat, C; Moreno, G; Roets, F; Shivas, R G; Sousa, J O; Tan, Y P; Wiederhold, N P; Abell, S E; Accioly, T; Albizu, J L; Alves, J L; Antoniolli, Z I; Aplin, N; Araújo, J; Arzanlou, M; Bezerra, J D P; Bouchara, J-P; Carlavilla, J R; Castillo, A; Castroagudín, V L; Ceresini, P C; Claridge, G F; Coelho, G; Coimbra, V R M; Costa, L A; da Cunha, K C; da Silva, S S; Daniel, R; de Beer, Z W; Dueñas, M; Edwards, J; Enwistle, P; Fiuza, P O; Fournier, J; García, D; Gibertoni, T B; Giraud, S; Guevara-Suarez, M; Gusmão, L F P; Haituk, S; Heykoop, M; Hirooka, Y; Hofmann, T A; Houbraken, J; Hughes, D P; Kautmanová, I; Koppel, O; Koukol, O; Larsson, E; Latha, K P D; Lee, D H; Lisboa, D O; Lisboa, W S; López-Villalba, Á; Maciel, J L N; Manimohan, P; Manjón, J L; Marincowitz, S; Marney, T S; Meijer, M; Miller, A N; Olariaga, I; Paiva, L M; Piepenbring, M; Poveda-Molero, J C; Raj, K N A; Raja, H A; Rougeron, A; Salcedo, I; Samadi, R; Santos, T A B; Scarlett, K; Seifert, K A; Shuttleworth, L A; Silva, G A; Silva, M; Siqueira, J P Z; Souza-Motta, C M; Stephenson, S L; Sutton, D A; Tamakeaw, N; Telleria, M T; Valenzuela-Lopez, N; Viljoen, A; Visagie, C M; Vizzini, A; Wartchow, F; Wingfield, B D; Yurchenko, E; Zamora, J C; Groenewald, J Z

2016-12-01

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia : Apiognomonia lasiopetali on Lasiopetalum sp., Blastacervulus eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus adesmophloia , Bullanockia australis (incl. Bullanockia gen. nov.) on Kingia australis , Caliciopsis eucalypti on Eucalyptus marginata , Celerioriella petrophiles on Petrophile teretifolia , Coleophoma xanthosiae on Xanthosia rotundifolia , Coniothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Diatrypella banksiae on Banksia formosa , Disculoides corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla , Elsinoë eelemani on Melaleuca alternifolia , Elsinoë eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus kingsmillii , Elsinoë preissianae on Eucalyptus preissiana , Eucasphaeria rustici on Eucalyptus creta , Hyweljonesia queenslandica (incl. Hyweljonesia gen. nov.) on the cocoon of an unidentified microlepidoptera, Mycodiella eucalypti (incl. Mycodiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus diversicolor , Myrtapenidiella sporadicae on Eucalyptus sporadica , Neocrinula xanthorrhoeae (incl. Neocrinula gen. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Ophiocordyceps nooreniae on dead ant, Phaeosphaeriopsis agavacearum on Agave sp., Phlogicylindrium mokarei on Eucalyptus sp., Phyllosticta acaciigena on Acacia suaveolens , Pleurophoma acaciae on Acacia glaucoptera , Pyrenochaeta hakeae on Hakea sp., Readeriella lehmannii on Eucalyptus lehmannii , Saccharata banksiae on Banksia grandis , Saccharata daviesiae on Daviesia pachyphylla , Saccharata eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus bigalerita , Saccharata hakeae on Hakea baxteri , Saccharata hakeicola on Hakea victoria , Saccharata lambertiae on Lambertia ericifolia , Saccharata petrophiles on Petrophile sp., Saccharata petrophilicola on Petrophile fastigiata , Sphaerellopsis hakeae on Hakea sp., and Teichospora kingiae on Kingia australis. Brazil : Adautomilanezia caesalpiniae (incl . Adautomilanezia gen. nov.) on Caesalpina echinata , Arthrophiala arthrospora (incl. Arthrophiala gen. nov.) on Sagittaria montevidensis , Diaporthe caatingaensis (endophyte from Tacinga inamoena ), Geastrum ishikawae on sandy soil, Geastrum pusillipilosum on soil, Gymnopus pygmaeus on dead leaves and sticks, Inonotus hymenonitens on decayed angiosperm trunk, Pyricularia urashimae on Urochloa brizantha , and Synnemellisia aurantia on Passiflora edulis . Chile : Tubulicrinis australis on Lophosoria quadripinnata. France : Cercophora squamulosa from submerged wood, and Scedosporium cereisporum from fluids of a wastewater treatment plant. Hawaii : Beltraniella acaciae , Dactylaria acaciae , Rhexodenticula acaciae , Rubikia evansii and Torula acaciae (all on Acacia koa ) . India : Lepidoderma echinosporum on dead semi-woody stems, and Rhodocybe rubrobrunnea from soil. Iran : Talaromyces kabodanensis from hypersaline soil. La Réunion : Neocordana musarum from leaves of Musa sp. Malaysia : Anungitea eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus grandis × pellita , Camptomeriphila leucaenae (incl. Camptomeriphila gen. nov.) on Leucaena leucocephala , Castanediella communis on Eucalyptus pellita , Eucalyptostroma eucalypti (incl. Eucalyptostroma gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus pellita , Melanconiella syzygii on Syzygium sp., Mycophilomyces periconiae (incl. Mycophilomyces gen. nov.) as hyperparasite on Periconia on leaves of Albizia falcataria , Synnemadiella eucalypti (incl. Synnemadiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus pellita , and Teichospora nephelii on Nephelium lappaceum. Mexico : Aspergillus bicephalus from soil. New Zealand : Aplosporella sophorae on Sophora microphylla , Libertasomyces platani on Platanus sp., Neothyronectria sophorae (incl. Neothyronectria gen. nov.) on Sophora microphylla , Parastagonospora phoenicicola on Phoenix canariensis , Phaeoacremonium pseudopanacis on Pseudopanax crassifolius , Phlyctema phoenicis on Phoenix canariensis , and Pseudoascochyta novae-zelandiae on Cordyline australis. Panama : Chalara panamensis from needle litter of Pinus cf. caribaea . South Africa : Exophiala eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., Fantasmomyces hyalinus (incl. Fantasmomyces gen. nov.) on Acacia exuvialis , Paracladophialophora carceris (incl. Paracladophialophora gen. nov.) on Aloe sp., and Umthunziomyces hagahagensis (incl. Umthunziomyces gen. nov.) on Mimusops caffra. Spain : Clavaria griseobrunnea on bare ground in Pteridium aquilinum field, Cyathus ibericus on small fallen branches of Pinus halepensis , Gyroporus pseudolacteus in humus of Pinus pinaster , and Pseudoascochyta pratensis (incl. Pseudoascochyta gen. nov.) from soil. Thailand : Neoascochyta adenii on Adenium obesum , and Ochroconis capsici on Capsicum annuum . UK : Fusicolla melogrammae from dead stromata of Melogramma campylosporum on bark of Carpinus betulus . Uruguay : Myrmecridium pulvericola from house dust. USA : Neoscolecobasidium agapanthi (incl. Neoscolecobasidium gen. nov.) on Agapanthus sp . , Polyscytalum purgamentum on leaf litter, Pseudopithomyces diversisporus from human toenail, Saksenaea trapezispora from knee wound of a soldier, and Sirococcus quercus from Quercus sp . Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Early evolution of the extraordinary Nova Delphini 2013 (V339 Del)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skopal, A.; Drechsel, H.; Tarasova, T.; Kato, T.; Fujii, M.; Teyssier, F.; Garde, O.; Guarro, J.; Edlin, J.; Buil, C.; Antao, D.; Terry, J.-N.; Lemoult, T.; Charbonnel, S.; Bohlsen, T.; Favaro, A.; Graham, K.

2014-09-01

Aims: We determine the temporal evolution of the luminosity (LWD), radius (RWD) and effective temperature (Teff) of the white dwarf (WD) pseudophotosphere of V339 Del from its discovery to around day 40. Another main objective was studying the ionization structure of the ejecta. Methods: These aims were achieved by modelling the optical/near-IR spectral energy distribution (SED) using low-resolution spectroscopy (3500-9200 Å), UBVRCIC and JHKLM photometry. Important insights in the physical conditions of the ejecta were gained from an analysis of the evolution of the Hα and Raman-scattered 6825 Å O vi line using medium-resolution spectroscopy (R ~ 10 000). Results: During the fireball stage (Aug. 14.8-19.9, 2013), Teff was in the range of 6000-12 000 K, RWD was expanding non-uniformly in time from ~66 to ~300 (d/ 3 kpc) R⊙, and LWD was super-Eddington, but not constant. Its maximum of ~9 × 1038 (d/ 3 kpc)2 erg s-1 occurred around Aug. 16.0, at the maximum of Teff, half a day before the visual maximum. After the fireball stage, a large emission measure of 1.0-2.0 × 1062 (d/ 3 kpc)2 cm-3 constrained the lower limit of LWD to be well above the super-Eddington value. The mass of the ionized region was a few × 10-4 M⊙, and the mass-loss rate was decreasing from ~5.7 (Aug. 22) to ~0.71 × 10-4 M⊙ yr-1 (Sept. 20). The evolution of the Hα line and mainly the transient emergence of the Raman-scattered O vi 1032 Å line suggested a biconical ionization structure of the ejecta with a disk-like H i region persisting around the WD until its total ionization, around day 40. On Sept. 20 (day 35), the model SED indicated a dust emission component in the spectrum. The dust was located beyond the H i zone, where it was shielded from the hard, ≳105 K, radiation of the burning WD at that time. Conclusions: Our extensive spectroscopic observations of the classical nova V339 Del allowed us to map its evolution from the very early phase after its explosion. It is evident that the nova was not evolving according to the current theoretical prediction. The unusual non-spherically symmetric ejecta of nova V339 Del and its extreme physical conditions and evolution during and after the fireball stage represent interesting new challenges for the theoretical modelling of the nova phenomenon. Based on data collected by amateur astronomers.

Underrepresentation of Women and Minorities in the United States IR Academic Physician Workforce.

PubMed

Higgins, Mikhail C S S; Hwang, Wei-Ting; Richard, Chase; Chapman, Christina H; Laporte, Angelique; Both, Stefan; Thomas, Charles R; Deville, Curtiland

2016-12-01

To assess the United States interventional radiology (IR) academic physician workforce diversity and comparative specialties. Public registries were used to assess demographic differences among 2012 IR faculty and fellows, diagnostic radiology (DR) faculty and residents, DR subspecialty fellows (pediatric, abdominal, neuroradiology, and musculoskeletal), vascular surgery and interventional cardiology trainees, and 2010 US medical school graduates and US Census using binomial tests with .001 significance level (Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons). Significant trends in IR physician representation were evaluated from 1992 to 2012. Women (15.4%), blacks (2.0%), and Hispanics (6.2%) were significantly underrepresented as IR fellows compared with the US population. Women were underrepresented as IR (7.3%) versus DR (27.8%) faculty and IR fellows (15.4%) versus medical school graduates (48.3%), DR residents (27.8%), pediatric radiology fellows (49.4%), and vascular surgery trainees (27.7%) (all P < .001). IR ranked last in female representation among radiologic subspecialty fellows. Blacks (1.8%, 2.1%, respectively, for IR faculty and fellows); Hispanics (1.8%, 6.2%); and combined American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (1.8%, 0) showed no significant differences in representation as IR fellows compared with IR faculty, DR residents, other DR fellows, or interventional cardiology or vascular surgery trainees. Over 20 years, there was no significant increase in female or black representation as IR fellows or faculty. Women, blacks, and Hispanics are underrepresented in the IR academic physician workforce relative to the US population. Given prevalent health care disparities and an increasingly diverse society, research and training efforts should address IR physician workforce diversity. Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dedicated Caravan Sites for French Gens du Voyage: Public Health Policy or Construction of Health and Environmental Inequalities?

PubMed

Foisneau, Lise

2017-12-01

In France, gens du voyage ("people who travel" or "travellers") is a term used by the government to categorize various itinerant populations, the majority of which are diverse Romani groups. People categorized as gens du voyage are legally required to reside in particular locations called "dedicated caravan sites." Parliamentary debates about these dedicated caravan sites have clarified that one of the objectives of such sites is to help fulfill the gens du voyage 's right to health. However, there is a significant gap between the officially stated goals of such sites and the reality of life within them. This paper draws on research finding that the conditions in most dedicated caravan sites do not conform with the rights of gens du voyage to acceptable sanitary conditions and other underlying determinants of health.

Performance Analysis of Combined Methods of Genetic Algorithm and K-Means Clustering in Determining the Value of Centroid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adya Zizwan, Putra; Zarlis, Muhammad; Budhiarti Nababan, Erna

2017-12-01

The determination of Centroid on K-Means Algorithm directly affects the quality of the clustering results. Determination of centroid by using random numbers has many weaknesses. The GenClust algorithm that combines the use of Genetic Algorithms and K-Means uses a genetic algorithm to determine the centroid of each cluster. The use of the GenClust algorithm uses 50% chromosomes obtained through deterministic calculations and 50% is obtained from the generation of random numbers. This study will modify the use of the GenClust algorithm in which the chromosomes used are 100% obtained through deterministic calculations. The results of this study resulted in performance comparisons expressed in Mean Square Error influenced by centroid determination on K-Means method by using GenClust method, modified GenClust method and also classic K-Means.

Dedicated Caravan Sites for French Gens du Voyage

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract In France, gens du voyage (“people who travel” or “travellers”) is a term used by the government to categorize various itinerant populations, the majority of which are diverse Romani groups. People categorized as gens du voyage are legally required to reside in particular locations called “dedicated caravan sites.” Parliamentary debates about these dedicated caravan sites have clarified that one of the objectives of such sites is to help fulfill the gens du voyage’s right to health. However, there is a significant gap between the officially stated goals of such sites and the reality of life within them. This paper draws on research finding that the conditions in most dedicated caravan sites do not conform with the rights of gens du voyage to acceptable sanitary conditions and other underlying determinants of health. PMID:29302165

IR Spectra of Different O2-Content Hemoglobin from Computational Study: Promising Detector of Hemoglobin Variant in Medical Diagnosis.

PubMed

Zhou, Su-Qin; Chen, Tu-Nan; Ji, Guang-Fu; Wang, En-Ren

2017-06-01

IR spectra of heme and different O 2 -content hemoglobin were studied by the quantum computation method at the molecule level. IR spectra of heme and different O 2 -content hemoglobin were quantificationally characterized from 0 to 100 THz. The IR spectra of oxy-heme and de-oxy-heme are obviously different at the frequency regions of 9.08-9.48, 38.38-39.78, 50.46-50.82, and 89.04-91.00 THz. At 24.72 THz, there exists the absorption peak for oxy-heme, whereas there is not the absorption peak for de-oxy-heme. Whether the heme contains Fe-O-O bond or not has the great influence on its IR spectra and vibration intensities of functional groups in the mid-infrared area. The IR adsorption peak shape changes hardly for different O 2 -content hemoglobin. However, there exist three frequency regions corresponding to the large change of IR adsorption intensities for containing-O 2 hemoglobin in comparison with de-oxy-hemoglobin, which are 11.08-15.93, 44.70-50.22, and 88.00-96.68 THz regions, respectively. The most differential values with IR intensity of different O 2 -content hemoglobin all exceed 1.0 × 10 4  L mol -1  cm -1 . With the increase of oxygen content, the absorption peak appears in the high-frequency region for the containing-O 2 hemoglobin in comparison with de-oxy-hemoglobin. The more the O 2 -content is, the greater the absorption peak is at the high-frequency region. The IR spectra of different O 2 -content hemoglobin are so obviously different in the mid-infrared region that it is very easy to distinguish the hemoglobin variant by means of IR spectra detector. IR spectra of hemoglobin from quantum computation can provide scientific basis and specific identification of hemoglobin variant resulting from different O 2 contents in medical diagnosis.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: FIR data of IR-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) (Toba+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toba, Y.; Nagao, T.; Wang, W.-H.; Matsuhara, H.; Akiyama, M.; Goto, T.; Koyama, Y.; Ohyama, Y.; Yamamura, I.

2017-11-01

We investigate the star-forming activity of a sample of infrared (IR)-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) that show an extreme red color in the optical and IR regime, (i-[22])AB>7.0. Combining an IR-bright DOG sample with the flux at 22μm>3.8mJy discovered by Toba & Nagao (2016ApJ...820...46T) with the IRAS faint source catalog version 2 and AKARI far-IR (FIR) all-sky survey bright source catalog version 2, we selected 109 DOGs with FIR data. For a subsample of seven IR-bright DOGs with spectroscopic redshifts (0.07

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of vibrational polaritons.

PubMed

Xiang, Bo; Ribeiro, Raphael F; Dunkelberger, Adam D; Wang, Jiaxi; Li, Yingmin; Simpkins, Blake S; Owrutsky, Jeffrey C; Yuen-Zhou, Joel; Xiong, Wei

2018-05-08

We report experimental 2D infrared (2D IR) spectra of coherent light-matter excitations--molecular vibrational polaritons. The application of advanced 2D IR spectroscopy to vibrational polaritons challenges and advances our understanding in both fields. First, the 2D IR spectra of polaritons differ drastically from free uncoupled excitations and a new interpretation is needed. Second, 2D IR uniquely resolves excitation of hybrid light-matter polaritons and unexpected dark states in a state-selective manner, revealing otherwise hidden interactions between them. Moreover, 2D IR signals highlight the impact of molecular anharmonicities which are applicable to virtually all molecular systems. A quantum-mechanical model is developed which incorporates both nuclear and electrical anharmonicities and provides the basis for interpreting this class of 2D IR spectra. This work lays the foundation for investigating phenomena of nonlinear photonics and chemistry of molecular vibrational polaritons which cannot be probed with traditional linear spectroscopy.

Structuring the Chief Information Security Officer Organization

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-07

GP9 Objectively Evaluate Adherence CERT-RMM HRM Human Resource Management CERT-RMM ID Identity Management CERT-RMM IMC Incident Management and...Detect, triage, analyze, respond to, and recover from suspicious events and security incidents Security incident management IMC IR IR-1, IR- 2, IR-3...2015-TN-007 | SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INSTITUTE | CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY 6 Table 2: Source Acronyms3 CERT-RMM NIST 800-53 C2M2 IMC Incident

Stable "superoxide" opens the door to a new class of batteries | Argonne

Science.gov Websites

between LiO₂ and Ir₃Li may be responsible for the LiO₂ discharge product found for the Ir-rGO cathode material. The lattice match between LiO2 and Ir3Li may be responsible for the LiO2 discharge product found for the Ir-rGO cathode material

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Insulin Resistance in Adults from Maracaibo City, Venezuela

PubMed Central

Palmar, Jim; Cabrera, Mayela

2016-01-01

Background and Aim. Insulin resistance (IR) is a prominent pathophysiologic component in a myriad of metabolic disorders, including obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are common in our locality. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IR and factors associated with this condition in an adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methodology. A cross-sectional, descriptive study with multistaged randomized sampling was carried out in 2026 adults. IR was defined as HOMA2-IR ≥ 2. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed in order to evaluate factors associated with IR. Results. The prevalence of IR was 46.5% (n = 943), with 46.7% (n = 450) in the general population, 46.4% (n = 493) in females, and 47.90% (n = 970) in males (p = 0.895). IR prevalence tended to increase with age and was significantly greater in subjects aged ≥30 years (χ 2 = 16.726; p = 2.33 × 10−4). Employment, alcohol consumption, obesity, high triacylglycerides, low HDL-C, and dysglycemia were associated with greater odds of IR, whereas a high level of physical activity appeared to be weak protective factor against IR. Conclusions. The prevalence of IR is elevated in our locality. The main determinants of this condition appear to be the presence of obesity, high triacylglycerides, low HDL-C, dysglycemia, and alcohol intake. PMID:27579182

A Family of A-Site Cation-Deficient Double-Perovskite-Related Iridates: Ln9Sr2Ir4O24 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm).

PubMed

Ferreira, Timothy; Smith, Mark D; Zur Loye, Hans-Conrad

2018-06-21

The compositions of the general formula Ln 11- x Sr x Ir 4 O 24 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm; 1.37 ≥ x ≥ 2) belonging to a family of A-site cation-deficient double-perovskite-related oxide iridates were grown as highly faceted single crystals from a molten strontium chloride flux. Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. On the basis of the single-crystal results, additional compositions, Ln 9 Sr 2 Ir 4 O 24 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm), were prepared as polycrystalline powders via solid-state reactions and structurally characterized by Rietveld refinement. The compositions Ln 9 Sr 2 Ir 4 O 24 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) contain Ir(V) and Ir(IV) in a 1:3 ratio with an average iridium oxidation state of 4.25. The single-crystal compositions La 9.15 Sr 1.85 Ir 4 O 24 and Pr 9.63 Sr 1.37 Ir 4 O 24 contain relatively less Ir(V), with the average iridium oxidation states being 4.21 and 4.09, respectively. The magnetic properties of Ln 9 Sr 2 Ir 4 O 24 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) were measured, and complex magnetic behavior was observed in all cases at temperatures below 30 K.

Reassessment and division of the genus Agraecia Audinet-Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini).

PubMed

Chamorro-Rengifo, Juliana; Braun, Holger; Lopes-Andrade, Cristiano

2015-07-29

Agraecia Audinet-Serville, the type-genus of Agraeciini, comprises fifteen species names: thirteen used for extant species, one junior synonym, and one fossil. The species are morphologically very dissimilar, and were collected and described from different localities of the world. The genus was reassessed based on recently collected specimens from Brazil and Argentina as well as museum specimens. Based on morphological characteristics we re-delimit Agraecia sensu novo, keeping only two of the previously assigned species: A. punctata Saint-Fargeau & Audinet-Serville and A. dorsalis Karny. The subtribe Agraeciina subtrib. nov. is defined, which include Agraecia s. nov. and three new genera (Iaratrox Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov., Starkonsa Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov., and Yvelinula Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov.). Three additional genera treated here, Parasubria Karny, Ragoniella Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov., Redtenbachus Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov. and Sylvainhugiella Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov. currently remain unclassified inside Agraeciini. We desig-nate a neotype and describe the female and male for A. punctata. Bertoniella Rehn is proposed as a junior synonym of Agraecia, and Parasubria ziczac Karny as syn. nov. of Parasubria vittipes (Redtenbacher) comb. nov. The fossil species is transferred to Senexefigia† Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade gen. nov. We also describe two new species of Iaratrox gen. nov., I. brasilienses Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade sp. nov. and I. longicornia Chamorro-Rengifo & Lopes-Andrade sp. nov. The holotype of Agraecia fallax Karny nomen dubium seems to be lost and the syntypes of Agraecia festae Griffini are currently unavailable for examination, therefore, these two species are treated as incertae sedis, and should probably be transferred. A key to the studied genera is provided, as well as a key to species of Agraecia s. nov. and Iaratrox gen. nov. The calling songs of Parasubria vittipes (Redtenbacher) comb. nov. and Ragoniella pulchella (Hebard) comb. nov. are described. Numerous morphological details and some natural history aspects are discussed.

26 CFR 301.9000-2 - Considerations in responding to a request or demand for IRS records or information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... demand for IRS records or information. 301.9000-2 Section 301.9000-2 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE... or demand for IRS records or information. (a) Situations in which disclosure shall not be authorized... requests or demands if testimony or disclosure of IRS records or information would— (1) Violate a Federal...

Synthesis of monoclinic IrTe 2 under high pressure and its physical properties

DOE PAGES

Li, X.; Yan, J. -Q.; Singh, D. J.; ...

2015-10-12

In a pressure-temperature (P-T) diagram for synthesizing IrTe 2 compounds, the well-studied trigonal (H) phase with the CdI 2-type structure is stable at low pressures. The superconducting cubic (C) phase can be synthesized under higher temperatures and pressures. A rhombohedral phase with the crystal structure similar to the C phase can be made at ambient pressure; but the phase contains a high concentration of Ir deficiency. Here, we report that a rarely studied monoclinic (M) phase can be stabilized in narrow ranges of pressure and temperature in this P-T diagram. Moreover, the peculiar crystal structure of the M-IrTe 2 eliminatesmore » the tendency to form Ir-Ir dimers found in the H phase. The M phase has been fully characterized by structural determination and measurements of electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power, DC magnetization, and specific heat. These physical properties have been compared with those in the H and C phases of Ir 1-xTe 2. Finally, we present magnetic and transport properties and specific heat of the M-IrTe 2 can be fully justified by calculations with the density-functional theory.« less

Diphosphine- and CO-Induced Fragmentation of Chloride-bridged Dinuclear Complex and Cp*Ir(mu-Cl)(3)Re(CO)(3) and Attempted Synthesis of Cp*Ir(mu-Cl)(3)Mn(CO)(3): Spectroscopic Data and X-ray Diffraction Structures of the Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Compounds [Cp*IrCl{(Z)-Ph2PCH = CHPPh2}][Cl]center dot 2CHCl(3) and Cp*Ir(CO)Cl-2

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

Hammons, Casey; Wang, Xiaoping; Nesterov, Vladimir

2010-01-01

The confacial bioctahedral compound Cp*Ir(mu-Cl)(3)Re(CO)(3) (1) undergoes rapid fragmentation in the presence of the unsaturated diphosphine ligand (Z)-Ph2PCH = CHPPh2 to give the mononuclear compounds [Cp*IrCl {(Z)-Ph2PCH = CHPPh2}][Cl] (2) and fac-ClRe(CO)(3)[(Z)-Ph2PCH = CHPPh2] (3). 2 has been characterized by H-1 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. 2 center dot 2CHCl(3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 35.023 (8) angstrom, b = 10.189 (2) angstrom, c = 24.003 (6) angstrom, b = 103.340 (3), V = 8,335 (3) angstrom 3, Z = 8, and d(calc) = 1.647 Mg/m(3); R = 0.0383, R-w = 0.1135 formore » 8,178 reflections with I> 2 sigma(I). The Ir(III) center in 2 exhibits a six-coordinate geometry and displays a chelating diphosphine group. Compound 1 reacts with added CO with fragmentation to yield the known compounds Cp*Ir(CO)Cl-2 (4) and ClRe(CO)(5) (5) in near quantitative yield by IR spectroscopy. Using the protocol established by our groups for the synthesis of 1, we have explored the reaction of [Cp*IrCl2](2) with ClMn(CO)(5) as a potential route to Cp*Ir(mu-Cl)(3)Mn(CO)(3); unfortunately, 4 was the only product isolated from this reaction. The solid-state structure of 4 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, a = 7.4059 (4) angstrom, b = 7.8940 (4) angstrom, c = 11.8488 (7) angstrom, alpha = 80.020 (1), beta = 79.758 (1), gamma = 68.631 (1), V = 630.34 (6) angstrom(3), Z = 2, and d(calc) = 2.246 Mg/m(3); R = 0.0126, R-w = 0.0329 for 2,754 reflections with I> 2 sigma(I). The expected three-legged piano-stool geometry in 4 has been crystallographically confirmed.« less

[Relationship between the changes in ischemia/reperfusion cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury and gelatinase system in senile rat].

PubMed

Li, Jian-sheng; Liu, Ke; Liu, Jing-xia; Wang, Ming-hang; Zhao, Yue-wu; Liu, Zheng-guo

2008-11-01

To study the relationship of cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury and gelatinase system after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in aged rats. Cerebral I/R injury model was reproduced by intraluminal silk ligature thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were divided randomly into sham control and I/R groups in young rats [ischemia 3 hours (I 3 h) and reperfusion 6 hours (I/R 6 h), 12 hours (I/R 12 h), 24 hours (I/R 24 h), 3 days (I/R 3 d), 6 days (I/R 6 d)], and sham control group and I/R group in aged rats (I 3 h and I/R 6 h, I/R 12 h, I/R 24 h , I/R 3 d, I/R 6 d). The change in cerebro-cortex microvessel basement membrane structure, basement membrane type IV collagen (Col IV) and laminin (LN) contents, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression in every group were determined with immunohistochemical method and zymogram analysis. With the increase in age, Col IV and LN contents of the microvessel basement membrane were increased, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were stronger. With prolongation of I/R, the degradation of microvessel basement membrane components (Col IV and LN) was positively correlated with the duration of cerebral I/R. MMP-2 expression was increased gradually, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression increased at the beginning and decreased subsequently. Col IV(I 3 h, I/R 6 h , I/R 12 h), LN (I 3 h, I/R 6-24 h), MMP-2 (I 3 h, I/R 6 h-6 d) and MMP-9 (I 3 h, I/R 6-24 h) expression level in aged rats with I/R injury were higher, and TIMP-1 (I/R 24 h) expression was lower than those in young rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, changes in MMP-2 and MMP-9 contents as determined by zymogram analysis method coincided with their immunoexpression. With the increase of age, alteration in membrane components of cerebro-microvessel basement membrane in rats is related with MMPs and TIMP. Cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury is more serious in aged rats than that of young rats. Changes in cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury in aged rats is related with gelatinase system change.

Molecular Analysis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Identifies Subsets with Different Sensitivity to Insulin like Growth Factor I Receptor (IGF-IR) Inhibition

PubMed Central

Gualberto, Antonio; Dolled-Filhart, Marisa; Gustavson, Mark; Christiansen, Jason; Wang, Yu-Fen; Hixon, Mary L.; Reynolds, Jennifer; McDonald, Sandra; Ang, Agnes; Rimm, David L.; Langer, Corey J.; Blakely, Johnetta; Garland, Linda; Paz-Ares, Luis G.; Karp, Daniel D.; Lee, Adrian V.

2010-01-01

Purpose Identify molecular determinants of sensitivity of NSCLC to anti-insulin like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) therapy. Experimental Design 216 tumor samples were investigated. 165 consisted of retrospective analyses of banked tissue and an additional 51 were from patients enrolled in a phase 2 study of figitumumab (F), a monoclonal antibody against the IGF-IR, in stage IIIb/IV NSCLC. Biomarkers assessed included IGF-IR, EGFR, IGF-2, IGF-2R, IRS-1, IRS-2, vimentin and E-cadherin. Sub-cellular localization of IRS-1 and phosphorylation levels of MAPK and Akt1 were also analyzed. Results IGF-IR was differentially expressed across histological subtypes (P=0.04), with highest levels observed in squamous cell tumors. Elevated IGF-IR expression was also observed in a small number of squamous cell tumors responding to chemotherapy combined with F (p=0.008). Since no other biomarker/response interaction was observed using classical histological sub-typing, a molecular approach was undertaken to segment NSCLC into mechanism-based subpopulations. Principal component analysis and unsupervised Bayesian clustering identified 3 NSCLC subsets that resembled the steps of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition: E-cadherin high/IRS-1 low (Epithelial-like), E-cadherin intermediate/IRS-1 high (Transitional) and E-cadherin low/IRS-1 low (Mesenchymal-like). Several markers of the IGF-IR pathway were over-expressed in the Transitional subset. Furthermore, a higher response rate to the combination of chemotherapy and F was observed in Transitional tumors (71%) compared to those in the Mesenchymal-like subset (32%, p=0.03). Only one Epithelial-like tumor was identified in the phase 2 study, suggesting that advanced NSCLC has undergone significant de-differentiation at diagnosis. Conclusion NSCLC comprises molecular subsets with differential sensitivity to IGF-IR inhibition. PMID:20670944

Analysis of in vitro interactions of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B with insulin receptors.

PubMed

Wang, X Y; Bergdahl, K; Heijbel, A; Liljebris, C; Bleasdale, J E

2001-02-28

One strategy to treat the insulin resistance that is central to type II diabetes mellitus may be to maintain insulin receptors (IR) in the active (tyrosine phosphorylated) form. Because protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) binds and subsequently dephosphorylates IR, inhibitors of PTP1B-IR binding are potential insulin 'sensitizers.' A Scintillation Proximity Assay (SPA) was developed to characterize and quantitate PTP1B-IR binding. Human IR were solubilized and captured on wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-coated SPA beads. Subsequent binding of human, catalytically inactive [35S] PTP1B Cys(215)/Ser (PTP1B(C215S)) to the lectin-anchored IR results in scintillation from the SPA beads that can be quantitated. Binding of PTP1B to IR was pH- and divalent cation-sensitive. Ca(2+) and Mn(2+), but not Mg(2+), dramatically attenuated the loss of PTP1B-IR binding observed when pH was raised from 6.2 to 7.8. PTP1B binding to IR from insulin-stimulated cells was much greater than to IR from unstimulated cells and was inhibited by either an antiphosphotyrosine antibody or treatment of IR with alkaline phosphatase, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation of IR is required for PTP1B binding. Phosphopeptides modeled after various IR phosphotyrosine domains each only partially inhibited PTP1B-IR binding, indicating that multiple domains of IR are likely involved in binding PTP1B. However, competitive displacement of [35S]PTP1B(C215S) by PTP1B(C215S) fitted best to a single binding site with a K(d) in the range 100-1000 nM, depending upon pH and divalent cations. PNU-200898, a potent and selective inhibitor of PTP1B whose orientation in the active site of PTP1B has been solved, competitively inhibited catalysis and PTP1B-IR binding with equal potency. The results of this novel assay for PTP1B-IR binding suggest that PTP1B binds preferentially to tyrosine phosphorylated IR through its active site and that binding may be susceptible to therapeutic disruption by small molecules.

Rutile IrO2/TiO2 superlattices: A hyperconnected analog to the Ruddelsden-Popper structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawasaki, Jason K.; Baek, David; Paik, Hanjong; Nair, Hari P.; Kourkoutis, Lena F.; Schlom, Darrell G.; Shen, Kyle M.

2018-05-01

Dimensionality and connectivity among octahedra play important roles in determining the properties, electronic structure, and phase transitions of transition-metal oxides. Here we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of (110)-oriented alternating layers of IrO2 and TiO2, both of which have the rutile structure. These (IrO2)n/(TiO2)2 superlattices consist of IrO6 and TiO6 octahedra tiled in a hyperconnected, edge- and corner-sharing network. Despite the large lattice mismatch between constituent layers (Δ d∥=-2.1 % and Δ c =+6.6 % ), our reactive molecular-beam epitaxy-grown superlattices show high structural quality as determined by x-ray diffraction and sharp interfaces as observed by transmission electron microscopy. The large strain at the interface is accommodated by an ordered interfacial reconstruction. The superlattices show persistent metallicity down to n =3 atomic layers, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal quantized sub-bands with signatures of IrO2-IrO2 interlayer coupling.

Upconversion of the mid-IR pulses to the near-IR in LiGaS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Kiyoshi; Umemura, Nobuhiro; Okamoto, Takuya; Petrov, Valentin

2018-02-01

This paper reports on the phase-matching properties of LiGaS2 for upconverting a Nd:YAG laser-pumped KTP and AgGaS2 optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at mid-IR to the near-IR by mixing with its pump source together with the new Sellmeier equations that provide a good reproduction of the present experimental results as well as the published data points of second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum-frequency generation (SFG) of a CO2 laser, a Ti:Al2O3 laser-pumped optical parametric amplifier (OPA), and a Nd:YAG laser-pumped OPO in the mid-IR. This index formula gives the important information that group velocity mismatch (GVM) (Δsp = 1/υs - 1/υp) of LiGaS2 in the 4 - 11 μm range is 12 27 fs/mm lower than that of the widely used LiInS2, which makes it ideal for the upconversion of the mid-IR femtosecond pulses having large spectral bandwidths to the near-IR.

NGC 2024: Multi-wavelength Infrared and Radio Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, H. A.; Fischer, J.; Geballe, T. R.; Thronson, H. A., Jr.; Johnston, K. J.; Schwartz, P. R.; Wilson, T. L.; Crutcher, R. M.; Henkel, C.; Bieging, J.

1984-01-01

A series of far-infrared maps obtained on the KAO find the total IR luminosity of NGC 2024 is to the 4th power L, and show a peak in flux density and optical depth about 1' south of IRS 2. High resolution spectra of IRS 2 in Brackett alfa and Pfund gamma indicate the presence of an optically thick wind with M approx. 7 x 10 to the minus 7 power M sub yr to minus 1 power, from which we infer that IRS 2 is unable to supply the luminosity observed. A six centimeter continuum map peaks near the location of the far-infrared peak and confirms it as a likely site for a source to provide this luminosity. Maps in HCN, CS, and H2CO show the gas is dense in the direction of the far IR peak. Velocity analysis shows the H2 region created by the far IR source and IRS 2 forms an expanding bubble in front of which the H2CO is seen in absorption, and which is bounded in the south and behind by dense material.

Improved Reference Sampling and Subtraction: A Technique for Reducing the Read Noise of Near-infrared Detector Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauscher, Bernard J.; Arendt, Richard G.; Fixsen, D. J.; Greenhouse, Matthew A.; Lander, Matthew; Lindler, Don; Loose, Markus; Moseley, S. H.; Mott, D. Brent; Wen, Yiting; Wilson, Donna V.; Xenophontos, Christos

2017-10-01

Near-infrared array detectors, like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec’s Teledyne’s H2RGs, often provide reference pixels and a reference output. These are used to remove correlated noise. Improved reference sampling and subtraction (IRS2) is a statistical technique for using this reference information optimally in a least-squares sense. Compared with the traditional H2RG readout, IRS2 uses a different clocking pattern to interleave many more reference pixels into the data than is otherwise possible. Compared with standard reference correction techniques, IRS2 subtracts the reference pixels and reference output using a statistically optimized set of frequency-dependent weights. The benefits include somewhat lower noise variance and much less obvious correlated noise. NIRSpec’s IRS2 images are cosmetically clean, with less 1/f banding than in traditional data from the same system. This article describes the IRS2 clocking pattern and presents the equations needed to use IRS2 in systems other than NIRSpec. For NIRSpec, applying these equations is already an option in the calibration pipeline. As an aid to instrument builders, we provide our prototype IRS2 calibration software and sample JWST NIRSpec data. The same techniques are applicable to other detector systems, including those based on Teledyne’s H4RG arrays. The H4RG’s interleaved reference pixel readout mode is effectively one IRS2 pattern.

Insulin receptor substrate proteins create a link between the tyrosine phosphorylation cascade and the Ca2+-ATPases in muscle and heart.

PubMed

Algenstaedt, P; Antonetti, D A; Yaffe, M B; Kahn, C R

1997-09-19

Following phosphorylation by the insulin receptor kinase, the insulin receptor substrates (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 bind to and activate several Src homology 2 (SH2) domain proteins. To identify novel proteins that interact with IRS proteins in muscle, a human skeletal muscle cDNA expression library was created in the lambdaEXlox system and probed with baculovirus-produced and tyrosine-phosphorylated human IRS-1. One clone of the 10 clones which was positive through three rounds of screening represented the C terminus of the human homologue of the adult fast twitch skeletal muscle Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1) including the cytoplasmic tail and part of transmembrane region 10. Western blot analysis of extracts of rat muscle demonstrated co-immunoprecipitation of both IRS-1 and IRS-2 with the skeletal muscle Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1) and the cardiac muscle isoform (SERCA2). In both cases, injection of insulin stimulated a 2- to 6-fold increase in association of which was maximal within 5 min. In primary cultures of aortic smooth muscle cells and C2C12 cells, the insulin-stimulated interaction between IRS proteins and SERCA1 and -2 was dose-dependent with a maximum induction at 100 nM insulin. This interaction was confirmed in a "pull down" experiment using a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing the C terminus of the human SERCA isoform and phosphorylated IRS-1 in vitro and could be blocked by a FLVRES-like domain peptide present in the human SERCA sequence. Affinity chromatography of phosphopeptide libraries using the glutathione S-transferase fusion protein of the C terminus of SERCA1 indicated a consensus sequence for binding of XpYGSS; this is identical to potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites at position 431 of human IRS-1 and at position 500 of human IRS-2. In streptozotocin diabetic rats the interaction between IRS proteins and SERCA1 in skeletal muscle and SERCA2 in cardiac muscle was significantly reduced. Taken together, these results indicate that the IRS proteins bind to the Ca2+-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in an insulin-regulated fashion, thus creating a potential link between the tyrosine phosphorylation cascade and effects of insulin on calcium.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo para infecciones del tracto urinario de inicio en la comunidad causadas por Escherichia coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en Colombia

PubMed Central

Blanco, Victor M.; Maya, Juan J.; Correa, Adriana; Perenguez, Marcela; Muñoz, Juan S.; Motoa, Gabriel; Pallares, Christian J.; Rosso, Fernando; Matta, Lorena; Celis, Yamile; Garzon, Martha; Villegas, y María V.

2016-01-01

RESUMEN Introducción Las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) son frecuentes en la comunidad. Sin embargo, la información de aislamientos resistentes en este contexto es limitada en Latinoamérica. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo asociados con ITU de inicio en la comunidad (ITU-IC) causadas por Escherichia coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos Entre agosto y diciembre de 2011 se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en 3 instituciones de salud de tercer nivel en Colombia. Se invitó a participar a todos los pacientes admitidos a urgencias con diagnóstico probable de ITU-IC, y se les pidió una muestra de orina. En los aislamien-tos de E. coli se realizaron pruebas confirmatorias para BLEE, susceptibilidad antibiótica, caracterización molecular (PCR en tiempo real para genes bla, repetitive element palindromic PCR [rep-PCR], multilocus sequence typing [MLST] y factores de virulencia por PCR). Se obtuvo información clínica y epidemiológica, y posteriormente se realizó el análisis estadístico. Resultados De los 2.124 pacientes seleccionados, 629 tuvieron un urocultivo positivo, en 431 de estos se aisló E. coli, 54 fueron positivos para BLEE y 29 correspondieron a CTX-M-15. La mayoría de los aislamientos de E. coli productor de BLEE fueron sensibles a ertapenem, fosfomicina y amikacina. La ITU complicada se asoció fuertemente con infecciones por E. coli productor de BLEE (OR = 3,89; IC 95%: 1,10–13,89; p = 0,03). E. coli productor de CTX-M-15 mostró 10 electroferotipos diferentes; de estos, el 65% correspondieron al ST131. La mayoría de estos aislamientos tuvieron 8 de los 9 factores de virulencia analizados. Discusión E. coli portador del gen blaCTX-M-15 asociado al ST131 sigue siendo frecuente en Colombia. La presencia de ITU-IC complicada aumenta el riesgo de tener E. coli productor de BLEE, lo cual debe tenerse en cuenta para ofrecer una terapia empírica adecuada. PMID:26774256

The insulin resistance phenotype (muscle or liver) interacts with the type of diet to determine changes in disposition index after 2 years of intervention: the CORDIOPREV-DIAB randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Blanco-Rojo, Ruth; Alcala-Diaz, Juan F; Wopereis, Suzan; Perez-Martinez, Pablo; Quintana-Navarro, Gracia M; Marin, Carmen; Ordovas, Jose M; van Ommen, Ben; Perez-Jimenez, Francisco; Delgado-Lista, Javier; Lopez-Miranda, Jose

2015-10-16

The aim of the study was to determine whether basal insulin resistance (IR) phenotype (muscle and/or liver) determines the effect of long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet on tissue-specific IR and beta cell function. The study was performed in 642 patients included in The effect of an olive oil rich Mediterranean diet on type 2 diabetes mellitus risk and incidence study (CORDIOPREV-DIAB). A total of 327 patients were randomised to a Mediterranean diet (35% fat; 22% from monounsaturated fatty acids) and 315 to a low-fat diet (<28% fat). At baseline, the patients were classified into four phenotypes according to the type of IR: (1) no IR; (2) muscle IR; (3) liver IR; (4) muscle + liver IR. The hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI), muscular insulin sensitivity index (MISI) and disposition index were analysed at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. At baseline, 322 patients presented no IR, 106 presented muscle IR, 109 presented liver IR, and 105 presented muscle + liver IR. With both dietary interventions, HIRI decreased in all patients (p < 0.001) and MISI increased in muscle IR and muscle + liver IR patients (p < 0.01). Long-term intake of the Mediterranean diet increased the disposition index and insulinogenic index in the muscle IR patients (p = 0.042 and p = 0.044, respectively) and the disposition index in the muscle + liver IR patients (p = 0.048), whereas the low-fat diet increased the disposition index in the liver IR patients (p = 0.017). Although both diets improve insulin sensitivity, there are differences based on basal IR phenotypes. Moreover, according to insulinogenic and disposition index data, a low-fat diet might be more beneficial to patients with liver IR, whereas patients with muscle IR and muscle + liver IR might benefit more from a Mediterranean diet. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00924937 FUNDING: The study was supported by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (AGL2012/39615) and by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (PIE14/00005 and PI13/00023).

Low frequency vibrational spectra and the nature of metal-oxygen bond of alkaline earth metal acetylacetonates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fakheri, Hamideh; Tayyari, Sayyed Faramarz; Heravi, Mohammad Momen; Morsali, Ali

2017-12-01

Theoretical quantum chemistry calculations were used to assign the observed vibrational band frequencies of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba acetylacetonates complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out at the B3LYP level, using LanL2DZ, def2SVP, and mixed, GenECP, (def2SVP for metal ions and 6-311++G** for all other atoms) basis sets. The B3LYP level, with mixed basis sets, was utilized for calculations of vibrational frequencies, IR intensity, and Raman activity. Analysis of the vibrational spectra indicates that there are several bands which could almost be assigned mainly to the metal-oxygen vibrations. The strongest Raman band in this region could be used as a measure of the stability of the complex. The effects of central metal on the bond orders and charge distributions in alkaline earth metal acetylacetonates were studied by the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) method for fully optimized compounds. Optimization were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level for the lighter alkaline earth metal complexes (Be, Mg, and Ca acetylacetonates) while the B3LYP level, using LanL2DZ (extrabasis, d and f on oxygen and metal atoms), def2SVP and mixed (def2SVP on metal ions and 6-311++G** for all other atoms) basis sets for all understudy complexes. Calculations indicate that the covalence nature of metal-oxygen bonds considerably decreases from Be to Ba complexes. The nature of metal-oxygen bond was further studied by using Atoms In Molecules (AIM) analysis. The topological parameters, Wiberg bond orders, natural charges of O and metal ions, and also some vibrational band frequencies were correlated with the stability constants of understudy complexes.

CCL2 Serum Levels and Adiposity Are Associated with the Polymorphic Phenotypes -2518A on CCL2 and 64ILE on CCR2 in a Mexican Population with Insulin Resistance.

PubMed

Guzmán-Ornelas, Milton-Omar; Petri, Marcelo Heron; Vázquez-Del Mercado, Mónica; Chavarría-Ávila, Efraín; Corona-Meraz, Fernanda-Isadora; Ruíz-Quezada, Sandra-Luz; Madrigal-Ruíz, Perla-Monserrat; Castro-Albarrán, Jorge; Sandoval-García, Flavio; Navarro-Hernández, Rosa-Elena

2016-01-01

Genetic susceptibility has been described in insulin resistance (IR). Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2) is overexpressed in white adipose tissue and is the ligand of C-C motif receptor-2 (CCR2). The CCL2 G-2518A polymorphism is known to regulate gene expression, whereas the physiological effects of the CCR2Val64Ile polymorphism are unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between these polymorphisms with soluble CCL2 levels (sCCL2), metabolic markers, and adiposity. In a cross-sectional study we included 380 Mexican-Mestizo individuals, classified with IR according to Stern criteria. Polymorphism was identified using PCR-RFLP/sequence-specific primers. Anthropometrics and metabolic markers were measured by routine methods and adipokines and sCCL2 by ELISA. The CCL2 polymorphism was associated with IR (polymorphic A+ phenotype frequencies were 70.9%, 82.6%, in individuals with and without IR, resp.). Phenotype carriers CCL2 (A+) displayed lower body mass and fat indexes, insulin and HOMA-IR, and higher adiponectin levels. Individuals with IR presented higher sCCL2 compared to individuals without IR and was associated with CCR2 (Ile+) phenotype. The double-polymorphic phenotype carriers (A+/Ile+) exhibited higher sCCL2 than double-wild-type phenotype carriers (A-/Ile-). The present findings suggest that sCCL2 production possibly will be associated with the adiposity and polymorphic phenotypes of CCL2 and CCR2, in Mexican-Mestizos with IR.

Surface enrichment of Pt in stable Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles on MgAl 2 O 4 spinel in oxidizing atmosphere

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

Li, Wei-Zhen; Nie, Lei; Cheng, Yingwen

With the capability of MgAl2O4 spinel {111} nano-facets in stabilizing small Rh, Ir and Pt particles, bimetallic Ir-Pt catalysts on the same support were investigated, aiming at further lowering the catalyst cost by substituting expensive Pt with cheaper Ir in the bulk. Small Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles (< 2nm) were successfully stabilized on the spinel {111} nano-facets as expected. Interestingly, methanol oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) rate on the surface Pt atoms increases with oxidizing aging but decreases upon reducing treatment, where Ir is almost inactive under the same reaction conditions. Up to three times enhancement in Pt exposure was achieved when themore » sample was oxidized at 800 °C in air for 1 week and subsequently reduced by H2 for 2 h, demonstrating successful surface enrichment of Pt on Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles. A dynamic stabilization mechanism involving wetting\

Absence of Local Fluctuating Dimers in Superconducting Ir 1-x(Pt,Rh) xTe 2

DOE PAGES

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.; ...

2018-06-01

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2 and Ir 0.8Rh 0.2Te 2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model downmore » to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.« less

Absence of Local Fluctuating Dimers in Superconducting Ir 1-x(Pt,Rh) xTe 2

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

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2 and Ir 0.8Rh 0.2Te 2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model downmore » to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.« less

Absence of local fluctuating dimers in superconducting Ir1 -x(Pt,Rh ) xTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Runze; Banerjee, S.; Lei, H. C.; Sinclair, Ryan; Abeykoon, M.; Zhou, H. D.; Petrovic, C.; Guguchia, Z.; Bozin, E. S.

2018-05-01

The compound IrTe2 is known to exhibit a transition to a modulated state featuring Ir-Ir dimers, with large associated atomic displacements. Partial substitution of Pt or Rh for Ir destabilizes the modulated structure and induces superconductivity. It has been proposed that quantum critical dimer fluctuations might be associated with the superconductivity. Here we test for such local dimer correlations and demonstrate their absence. X-ray pair distribution function approach reveals that the local structure of Ir0 :95Pt0 :05Te2 and Ir0 :8Rh0 :2Te2 dichalcogenide superconductors with compositions just past the dimer/superconductor boundary is explained well by a dimer-free model down to 10 K, ruling out the possibility of there being nanoscale dimer fluctuations in this regime. This is inconsistent with the proposed quantum-critical-point-like interplay of the dimer state and superconductivity, and precludes scenarios for dimer fluctuations mediated superconducting pairing.

A New Basal Sauropodomorph (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from Quebrada del Barro Formation (Marayes-El Carrizal Basin), Northwestern Argentina

PubMed Central

Apaldetti, Cecilia; Martinez, Ricardo N.; Alcober, Oscar A.; Pol, Diego

2011-01-01

Background Argentinean basal sauropodomorphs are known by several specimens from different basins; Ischigualasto, El Tranquilo, and Mogna. The Argentinean record is diverse and includes some of the most primitive known sauropodomorphs such as Panphagia and Chromogisaurus, as well as more derived forms, including several massospondylids. Until now, the Massospondylidae were the group of basal sauropodomorphs most widely spread around Pangea with a record in almost all continents, mostly from the southern hemisphere, including the only record from Antarctica. Methodology/Principal Finding We describe here a new basal sauropodomorph, Leyesaurus marayensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Quebrada del Barro Formation, an Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic unit that crops out in northwestern Argentina. The new taxon is represented by a partial articulated skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, scapular and pelvic girdles, and hindlimb. Leyesaurus is diagnosed by a set of unique features, such as a sharply acute angle (50 degrees) formed by the ascending process of the maxilla and the alveolar margin, a straight ascending process of the maxilla with a longitudinal ridge on its lateral surface, noticeably bulging labial side of the maxillary teeth, greatly elongated cervical vertebrae, and proximal articular surface of metatarsal III that is shelf-like and medially deflected. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Leyesaurus as a basal sauropodomorph, sister taxon of Adeopapposaurus within the Massospondylidae. Moreover, the results suggest that massospondylids achieved a higher diversity than previously thought. Conclusions/Significance Our phylogenetic results differ with respect to previous analyses by rejecting the massospondylid affinities of some taxa from the northern hemisphere (e.g., Seitaad, Sarahsaurus). As a result, the new taxon Leyesaurus, coupled with other recent discoveries, suggests that the diversity of massospondylids in the southern hemisphere was higher than in other regions of Pangea. Finally, the close affinities of Leyesaurus with the Lower Jurassic Massospondylus suggest a younger age for the Quebrada del Barro Formation than previously postulated. PMID:22096511

A new basal sauropodomorph (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from Quebrada del Barro Formation (Marayes-El Carrizal Basin), northwestern Argentina.

PubMed

Apaldetti, Cecilia; Martinez, Ricardo N; Alcober, Oscar A; Pol, Diego

2011-01-01

Argentinean basal sauropodomorphs are known by several specimens from different basins; Ischigualasto, El Tranquilo, and Mogna. The Argentinean record is diverse and includes some of the most primitive known sauropodomorphs such as Panphagia and Chromogisaurus, as well as more derived forms, including several massospondylids. Until now, the Massospondylidae were the group of basal sauropodomorphs most widely spread around Pangea with a record in almost all continents, mostly from the southern hemisphere, including the only record from Antarctica. We describe here a new basal sauropodomorph, Leyesaurus marayensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Quebrada del Barro Formation, an Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic unit that crops out in northwestern Argentina. The new taxon is represented by a partial articulated skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, scapular and pelvic girdles, and hindlimb. Leyesaurus is diagnosed by a set of unique features, such as a sharply acute angle (50 degrees) formed by the ascending process of the maxilla and the alveolar margin, a straight ascending process of the maxilla with a longitudinal ridge on its lateral surface, noticeably bulging labial side of the maxillary teeth, greatly elongated cervical vertebrae, and proximal articular surface of metatarsal III that is shelf-like and medially deflected. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Leyesaurus as a basal sauropodomorph, sister taxon of Adeopapposaurus within the Massospondylidae. Moreover, the results suggest that massospondylids achieved a higher diversity than previously thought. Our phylogenetic results differ with respect to previous analyses by rejecting the massospondylid affinities of some taxa from the northern hemisphere (e.g., Seitaad, Sarahsaurus). As a result, the new taxon Leyesaurus, coupled with other recent discoveries, suggests that the diversity of massospondylids in the southern hemisphere was higher than in other regions of Pangea. Finally, the close affinities of Leyesaurus with the Lower Jurassic Massospondylus suggest a younger age for the Quebrada del Barro Formation than previously postulated.

The novel c.247_249delTTC (p.F83del) GJB2 mutation in a family with prelingual sensorineural deafness.

PubMed

Petersen, Michael B; Grigoriadou, Maria; Koutroumpe, Maria; Kokotas, Haris

2012-07-01

Non-syndromic hearing loss is one of the most common hereditary determined diseases in human, and the disease is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Mutations in the GJB2 gene, encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), are a major cause of non-syndromic recessive hearing impairment in many countries and are largely dependent on ethnic groups. Due to the high frequency of the c.35delG GJB2 mutation in the Greek population, we have previously suggested that Greek patients with sensorineural, non-syndromic deafness should be tested for the c.35delG mutation and the coding region of the GJB2 gene should be sequenced in c.35delG heterozygotes. Here we present on the clinical and molecular genetic evaluation of a family suffering from prelingual, sensorineural, non-syndromic deafness. A novel c.247_249delTTC (p.F83del) GJB2 mutation was detected in compound heterozygosity with the c.35delG GJB2 mutation in the proband and was later confirmed in the father, while the mother was homozygous for the c.35delG GJB2 mutation. We conclude that compound heterozygosity of the novel c.247_249delTTC (p.F83del) and the c.35delG mutations in the GJB2 gene was the cause of deafness in the proband and his father. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Towards an International Culture: Gen Y Students and SNS?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lichy, Jessica

2012-01-01

This article reports the findings of a small-scale investigation into the Internet user behaviour of generation Y (Gen Y) students, with particular reference to social networking sites. The study adds to the literature on cross-cultural Internet user behaviour with specific reference to Gen Y and social networking. It compares how a cohort of…

Farewell to the Chairman - Marine Gen. Peter Pace

Science.gov Websites

oath of office from Marine Gen. Peter Pace, who retired after more than 40 years active duty military wife Lynne after giving the general his retirement certificate. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A solutions, Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today as he retired from the Marine Corps after more than 40

76 FR 54526 - Fourth Meeting RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-01

... Committee (NAC) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). DATES: The meeting will be held September 29, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m...

76 FR 3931 - Second Meeting RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-21

... Committee (NAC) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC). DATES: The meeting will be held February 11, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m...

Complete cDNAs from Nylanderia cf. pubens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). --GenBank accession numbers: JF815100-JF815104

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

5 new gene sequences were identified from workers of Caribbean crazy ant, Nylanderia cf. pubens, and submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. GenBank accession numbers are JF815100-JF815104. This information will provide scientists with genetic tools to study the popu...

The Effects of Academic, Behavioral and Organizational Factors on Mathematics Achievement in Secondary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez, Miguel S.

2013-01-01

The nation's generation of "Baby Boomers" is now the grandparents of a new generation of students known as "Gen Y" and "Gen Z," respectively. "Gen X," parents of our current students, have the enormous task of raising their children as "digital natives" in a technological-savvy world. The idea of…

Complete cDNAs from Nylanderia sp. nr. pubens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). GenBank GU980916-GU980928.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

13 new gene sequences were identified from workers of Rasberry crazy ant, Nylanderia sp.nr. pubens, and submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. GenBank accession numbers are GU980916-GU980928. This information will provide scientists with genetic tools to study the p...

Discourses in Conflict: The Relationship between Gen Y Pre-Service Teachers, Digital Technologies and Lifelong Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donnison, Sharn

2009-01-01

This paper analyses Gen Y pre-service primary school teachers' conceptualisations of lifelong learning. It is situated within a context of improving the provision and delivery of pre-service teacher education. This paper argues that Gen Y's understanding of lifelong learning has been influenced by their engagements with digital technologies and…

Experimental bandstructure of the 5 d transition metal oxide IrO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawasaki, Jason; Nie, Yuefeng; Uchida, Masaki; Schlom, Darrell; Shen, Kyle

2015-03-01

In the 5 d iridium oxides the close energy scales of spin-orbit coupling and electron-electron correlations lead to emergent quantum phenomena. Much research has focused on the ternary iridium oxides, e.g. the Ruddlesden-Poppers An + 1BnO3 n + 1 , which exhibit behavior from metal to antiferromagnetic insulator ground states, share common features with the cuprates, and may host a number of topological phases. The binary rutile IrO2 is another important 5 d oxide, which has technological importance for spintronics due to its large spin Hall effect and also applications in catalysis. IrO2 is expected to share similar physics as its perovskite-based cousins; however, due to bond-length distortions of the IrO6 octahedra in the rutile structure, the extent of similarities remains an open question. Here we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to perform momentum-resolved measurements of the electronic structure of IrO2 . IrO2 thin films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on TiO2 (110) substrates using an Ir e-beam source and distilled ozone. Films were subsequently transferred through ultrahigh vacuum to a connected ARPES system. Combined with first-principles calculations we explore the interplay of spin-orbit coupling and correlations in IrO2 .

Experimental implementations of 2D IR spectroscopy through a horizontal pulse shaper design and a focal plane array detector

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Ayanjeet; Serrano, Arnaldo L.; Oudenhoven, Tracey A.; Ostrander, Joshua S.; Eklund, Elliot C.; Blair, Alexander F.; Zanni, Martin T.

2017-01-01

Aided by advances in optical engineering, two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D IR) has developed into a promising method for probing structural dynamics in biophysics and material science. We report two new advances for 2D IR spectrometers. First, we report a fully reflective and totally horizontal pulse shaper, which significantly simplifies alignment. Second, we demonstrate the applicability of mid-IR focal plane arrays (FPAs) as suitable detectors in 2D IR experiments. FPAs have more pixels than conventional linear arrays and can be used to multiplex optical detection. We simultaneously measure the spectra of a reference beam, which improves the signal-to-noise by a factor of 4; and two additional beams that are orthogonally polarized probe pulses for 2D IR anisotropy experiments. PMID:26907414

Preparation of Ti/IrO2 Anode with Low Iridium Content by Thermal Decomposition Process: Electrochemical removal of organic pollutants in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaqub, Asim; Isa, Mohamed Hasnain; Ajab, Huma; Kutty, S. R. M.; Ezechi, Ezerie H.; Farooq, Robina

2018-04-01

In this study IrO2 (Iridium oxide) was coated onto a titanium plate anode from a dilute (50 mg/10 ml) IrCl3×H2O salt solution. Coating was done at high temperature (550∘C) using thermal decomposition. Surface morphology and characteristics of coated surface of Ti/IrO2 anode were examined by FESEM and XRD. The coated anode was applied for electrochemical removal of organic pollutants from synthetic water samples in 100 mL compartment of batch electrochemical cell. About 50% COD removal was obtained at anode prepared with low Ir content solution while 72% COD removal was obtained with anode prepared at high Ir content. Maximum COD removal was obtained at 10 mA/cm2 current density.

Zr 2Ir 6B with an eightfold superstructure of the cubic perovskite-like boride ZrIr 3B 0.5: Synthesis, crystal structure and bonding analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermus, Martin; Fokwa, Boniface P. T.

2010-04-01

Single phase powder samples and single crystals of Zr 2Ir 6B were successfully synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled copper crucible under an argon atmosphere. Superstructure reflections were observed both on powder and on single crystal diffraction data, leading to an eightfold superstructure of ZrIr 3B x phase. The new phase, which has a metallic luster, crystallizes in space group Fm3¯m (no. 225) with the lattice parameters a=7.9903(4) Å, V=510.14(4) Å 3. Its crystal structure was refined on the basis of powder as well as single crystal data. The single crystal refinement converged to R1=0.0239 and w R2=0.0624 for all 88 unique reflections and 6 parameters. Zr 2Ir 6B is isotypic to Ti 2Rh 6B and its structure can be described as a defect double perovskite, A2BB' O6, where the A site is occupied by zirconium, the B site by boron, the O site by iridium but the B' site is vacant, leading to the formation of empty and boron-filled octahedral Ir 6 clusters. According to the result of tight-binding electronic structure calculations, Ir-B and Ir-Zr interactions are mainly responsible for the structural stability of the phase. According to COHP bonding analysis, the strongest bonding occurs for the Ir-B contacts, and the Ir-Ir bonding within the empty clusters is two times stronger than that in the BIr 6 octahedra.