UCTM2: An updated User friendly Configurable Trigger, scaler and delay Module for nuclear and particle physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourrion, O.; Boyer, B.; Derome, L.; Pignol, G.

2016-06-01

We developed a highly integrated and versatile electronic module to equip small nuclear physics experiments and lab teaching classes: the User friendly Configurable Trigger, scaler and delay Module for nuclear and particle physics (UCTM). It is configurable through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and provides a large number of possible trigger conditions without any Hardware Description Language (HDL) required knowledge. This new version significantly enhances the previous capabilities by providing two additional features: signal digitization and time measurements. The design, performances and a typical application are presented.

FPGA in-the-loop simulations of cardiac excitation model under voltage clamp conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othman, Norliza; Adon, Nur Atiqah; Mahmud, Farhanahani

2017-01-01

Voltage clamp technique allows the detection of single channel currents in biological membranes in identifying variety of electrophysiological problems in the cellular level. In this paper, a simulation study of the voltage clamp technique has been presented to analyse current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of ion currents based on Luo-Rudy Phase-I (LR-I) cardiac model by using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Nowadays, cardiac models are becoming increasingly complex which can cause a vast amount of time to run the simulation. Thus, a real-time hardware implementation using FPGA could be one of the best solutions for high-performance real-time systems as it provides high configurability and performance, and able to executes in parallel mode operation. For shorter time development while retaining high confidence results, FPGA-based rapid prototyping through HDL Coder from MATLAB software has been used to construct the algorithm for the simulation system. Basically, the HDL Coder is capable to convert the designed MATLAB Simulink blocks into hardware description language (HDL) for the FPGA implementation. As a result, the voltage-clamp fixed-point design of LR-I model has been successfully conducted in MATLAB Simulink and the simulation of the I-V characteristics of the ionic currents has been verified on Xilinx FPGA Virtex-6 XC6VLX240T development board through an FPGA-in-the-loop (FIL) simulation.

Separation and characterization of high-density lipoprotein subpopulations by gel permeation chromatography.

PubMed

Clifton, P M; MacKinnon, A M; Barter, P J

1987-02-20

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) contain at least five distinct subpopulations when analyzed by gradient gel electrophoresis. This report represents the first description of a simple technique for isolating these subpopulations of HDL in quantities sufficient to enable characterization in terms of particle size, apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein AII content and chemical composition. Lipoproteins were separated and subfractionated on a column of Superose 6B using a fast protein liquid chromatography system. Five normal subjects were studied: HDL2b and HDL3a were isolated as essentially single subpopulations from all subjects, while HDL2a could be isolated from only three of the subjects. HDL3b was isolated in a relatively impure form (70%) from all subjects. Identical subpopulations were identified in each subject by gradient gel electrophoresis of unseparated HDL.

Psychological well-being and restorative biological processes: HDL-C in older English adults.

PubMed

Soo, Jackie; Kubzansky, Laura D; Chen, Ying; Zevon, Emily S; Boehm, Julia K

2018-05-14

Psychological well-being is associated with better cardiovascular health, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study investigates one possible mechanism by examining psychological well-being's prospective association with lipid levels, focusing on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Participants were 4757 healthy men and women ages ≥50 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing with clinical data from three times, three to five years apart. Psychological well-being was assessed at baseline using the Control, Autonomy, Satisfaction, and Pleasure scale; HDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were assayed from blood samples. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to examine associations between psychological well-being and lipid levels over time; the latter controlled for confounders and health behaviours. In descriptive analyses, HDL-C levels were initially higher in people with greater psychological well-being. Among those who met recommended levels of HDL-C at baseline, fewer individuals with higher versus lower psychological well-being dropped below HDL-C recommendations over time. Mixed models indicated that HDL-C increased over time (β = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.69) and higher baseline psychological well-being was associated with higher baseline HDL-C (β = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.99). A significant well-being by time interaction indicated individuals with higher versus lower well-being exhibited a more rapid rate of increase in HDL-C over follow-up. Higher psychological well-being was also significantly associated with lower triglycerides, but main effects for both HDL-C and triglycerides were attenuated after accounting for health behaviours. Higher psychological well-being is associated with healthier HDL-C levels; these effects may compound over time. This protective effect may be partly explained by health behaviours. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimized FPGA Implementation of the Thyroid Hormone Secretion Mechanism Using CAD Tools.

PubMed

Alghazo, Jaafar M

2017-02-01

The goal of this paper is to implement the secretion mechanism of the Thyroid Hormone (TH) based on bio-mathematical differential eqs. (DE) on an FPGA chip. Hardware Descriptive Language (HDL) is used to develop a behavioral model of the mechanism derived from the DE. The Thyroid Hormone secretion mechanism is simulated with the interaction of the related stimulating and inhibiting hormones. Synthesis of the simulation is done with the aid of CAD tools and downloaded on a Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) Chip. The chip output shows identical behavior to that of the designed algorithm through simulation. It is concluded that the chip mimics the Thyroid Hormone secretion mechanism. The chip, operating in real-time, is computer-independent stand-alone system.

Replication of Space-Shuttle Computers in FPGAs and ASICs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, Roscoe C.

2008-01-01

A document discusses the replication of the functionality of the onboard space-shuttle general-purpose computers (GPCs) in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The purpose of the replication effort is to enable utilization of proven space-shuttle flight software and software-development facilities to the extent possible during development of software for flight computers for a new generation of launch vehicles derived from the space shuttles. The replication involves specifying the instruction set of the central processing unit and the input/output processor (IOP) of the space-shuttle GPC in a hardware description language (HDL). The HDL is synthesized to form a "core" processor in an FPGA or, less preferably, in an ASIC. The core processor can be used to create a flight-control card to be inserted into a new avionics computer. The IOP of the GPC as implemented in the core processor could be designed to support data-bus protocols other than that of a multiplexer interface adapter (MIA) used in the space shuttle. Hence, a computer containing the core processor could be tailored to communicate via the space-shuttle GPC bus and/or one or more other buses.

Rapid-X - An FPGA Development Toolset Using a Custom Simulink Library for MTCA.4 Modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prędki, Paweł; Heuer, Michael; Butkowski, Łukasz; Przygoda, Konrad; Schlarb, Holger; Napieralski, Andrzej

2015-06-01

The recent introduction of advanced hardware architectures such as the Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MTCA) caused a change in the approach to implementation of control schemes in many fields. The development has been moving away from traditional programming languages ( C/C++), to hardware description languages (VHDL, Verilog), which are used in FPGA development. With MATLAB/Simulink it is possible to describe complex systems with block diagrams and simulate their behavior. Those diagrams are then used by the HDL experts to implement exactly the required functionality in hardware. Both the porting of existing applications and adaptation of new ones require a lot of development time from them. To solve this, Xilinx System Generator, a toolbox for MATLAB/Simulink, allows rapid prototyping of those block diagrams using hardware modelling. It is still up to the firmware developer to merge this structure with the hardware-dependent HDL project. This prevents the application engineer from quickly verifying the proposed schemes in real hardware. The framework described in this article overcomes these challenges, offering a hardware-independent library of components that can be used in Simulink/System Generator models. The components are subsequently translated into VHDL entities and integrated with a pre-prepared VHDL project template. Furthermore, the entire implementation process is run in the background, giving the user an almost one-click path from control scheme modelling and simulation to bit-file generation. This approach allows the application engineers to quickly develop new schemes and test them in real hardware environment. The applications may range from simple data logging or signal generation ones to very advanced controllers. Taking advantage of the Simulink simulation capabilities and user-friendly hardware implementation routines, the framework significantly decreases the development time of FPGA-based applications.

Algorithmic synthesis using Python compiler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cieszewski, Radoslaw; Romaniuk, Ryszard; Pozniak, Krzysztof; Linczuk, Maciej

2015-09-01

This paper presents a python to VHDL compiler. The compiler interprets an algorithmic description of a desired behavior written in Python and translate it to VHDL. FPGA combines many benefits of both software and ASIC implementations. Like software, the programmed circuit is flexible, and can be reconfigured over the lifetime of the system. FPGAs have the potential to achieve far greater performance than software as a result of bypassing the fetch-decode-execute operations of traditional processors, and possibly exploiting a greater level of parallelism. This can be achieved by using many computational resources at the same time. Creating parallel programs implemented in FPGAs in pure HDL is difficult and time consuming. Using higher level of abstraction and High-Level Synthesis compiler implementation time can be reduced. The compiler has been implemented using the Python language. This article describes design, implementation and results of created tools.

Maturation of high-density lipoproteins

PubMed Central

Shih, Amy Y.; Sligar, Stephen G.; Schulten, Klaus

2009-01-01

Human high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are involved in the transport of cholesterol. The mechanism by which HDL assembles and functions is not well understood owing to a lack of structural information on circulating spherical HDL. Here, we report a series of molecular dynamics simulations that describe the maturation of discoidal HDL into spherical HDL upon incorporation of cholesterol ester as well as the resulting atomic level structure of a mature circulating spherical HDL particle. Sixty cholesterol ester molecules were added in a stepwise fashion to a discoidal HDL particle containing two apolipoproteins wrapped around a 160 dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lipid bilayer. The resulting matured particle, captured in a coarse-grained description, was then described in a consistent all-atom representation and analysed in chemical detail. The simulations show that maturation results from the formation of a highly dynamic hydrophobic core comprised of cholesterol ester surrounded by phospholipid and protein; the two apolipoprotein strands remain in a belt-like conformation as seen in the discoidal HDL particle, but with flexible N- and C-terminal helices and a central region stabilized by salt bridges. In the otherwise flexible lipoproteins, a less mobile central region provides an ideal location to bind lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, the key enzyme that converts cholesterol to cholesterol ester during HDL maturation. PMID:19570799

Programmable Logic Device (PLD) Design Description for the Integrated Power, Avionics, and Software (iPAS) Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) Radio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shalkhauser, Mary Jo W.

2017-01-01

The Space Telecommunications Radio System (STRS) provides a common, consistent framework for software defined radios (SDRs) to abstract the application software from the radio platform hardware. The STRS standard aims to reduce the cost and risk of using complex, configurable and reprogrammable radio systems across NASA missions. To promote the use of the STRS architecture for future NASA advanced exploration missions, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) developed an STRS compliant SDR on a radio platform used by the Advance Exploration System program at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in their Integrated Power, Avionics, and Software (iPAS) laboratory. At the conclusion of the development, the software and hardware description language (HDL) code was delivered to JSC for their use in their iPAS test bed to get hands-on experience with the STRS standard, and for development of their own STRS Waveforms on the now STRS compliant platform.The iPAS STRS Radio was implemented on the Reconfigurable, Intelligently-Adaptive Communication System (RIACS) platform, currently being used for radio development at JSC. The platform consists of a Xilinx ML605 Virtex-6 FPGA board, an Analog Devices FMCOMMS1-EBZ RF transceiver board, and an Embedded PC (Axiomtek eBox 620-110-FL) running the Ubuntu 12.4 operating system. Figure 1 shows the RIACS platform hardware. The result of this development is a very low cost STRS compliant platform that can be used for waveform developments for multiple applications.The purpose of this document is to describe the design of the HDL code for the FPGA portion of the iPAS STRS Radio particularly the design of the FPGA wrapper and the test waveform.

FPGA Coprocessor for Accelerated Classification of Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pingree, Paula J.; Scharenbroich, Lucas J.; Werne, Thomas A.

2008-01-01

An effort related to that described in the preceding article focuses on developing a spaceborne processing platform for fast and accurate onboard classification of image data, a critical part of modern satellite image processing. The approach again has been to exploit the versatility of recently developed hybrid Virtex-4FX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to run diverse science applications on embedded processors while taking advantage of the reconfigurable hardware resources of the FPGAs. In this case, the FPGA serves as a coprocessor that implements legacy C-language support-vector-machine (SVM) image-classification algorithms to detect and identify natural phenomena such as flooding, volcanic eruptions, and sea-ice break-up. The FPGA provides hardware acceleration for increased onboard processing capability than previously demonstrated in software. The original C-language program demonstrated on an imaging instrument aboard the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite implements a linear-kernel SVM algorithm for classifying parts of the images as snow, water, ice, land, or cloud or unclassified. Current onboard processors, such as on EO-1, have limited computing power, extremely limited active storage capability and are no longer considered state-of-the-art. Using commercially available software that translates C-language programs into hardware description language (HDL) files, the legacy C-language program, and two newly formulated programs for a more capable expanded-linear-kernel and a more accurate polynomial-kernel SVM algorithm, have been implemented in the Virtex-4FX FPGA. In tests, the FPGA implementations have exhibited significant speedups over conventional software implementations running on general-purpose hardware.

A SOPC-BASED Evaluation of AES for 2.4 GHz Wireless Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ken, Cai; Xiaoying, Liang

In modern systems, data security is needed more than ever before and many cryptographic algorithms are utilized for security services. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) is an example of such technologies. In this paper an innovative SOPC-based approach for the security services evaluation in WSN is proposed that addresses the issues of scalability, flexible performance, and silicon efficiency for the hardware acceleration of encryption system. The design includes a Nios II processor together with custom designed modules for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) which has become the default choice for various security services in numerous applications. The objective of this mechanism is to present an efficient hardware realization of AES using very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language (Verilog HDL) and expand the usability for various applications. As compared to traditional customize processor design, the mechanism provides a very broad range of cost/performance points.

Evaluation of the FIR Example using Xilinx Vivado High-Level Synthesis Compiler

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

Jin, Zheming; Finkel, Hal; Yoshii, Kazutomo

Compared to central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have major advantages in reconfigurability and performance achieved per watt. This development flow has been augmented with high-level synthesis (HLS) flow that can convert programs written in a high-level programming language to Hardware Description Language (HDL). Using high-level programming languages such as C, C++, and OpenCL for FPGA-based development could allow software developers, who have little FPGA knowledge, to take advantage of the FPGA-based application acceleration. This improves developer productivity and makes the FPGA-based acceleration accessible to hardware and software developers. Xilinx Vivado HLSmore » compiler is a high-level synthesis tool that enables C, C++ and System C specification to be directly targeted into Xilinx FPGAs without the need to create RTL manually. The white paper [1] published recently by Xilinx uses a finite impulse response (FIR) example to demonstrate the variable-precision features in the Vivado HLS compiler and the resource and power benefits of converting floating point to fixed point for a design. To get a better understanding of variable-precision features in terms of resource usage and performance, this report presents the experimental results of evaluating the FIR example using Vivado HLS 2017.1 and a Kintex Ultrascale FPGA. In addition, we evaluated the half-precision floating-point data type against the double-precision and single-precision data type and present the detailed results.« less

Modeling biology with HDL languages: a first step toward a genetic design automation tool inspired from microelectronics.

PubMed

Gendrault, Yves; Madec, Morgan; Lallement, Christophe; Haiech, Jacques

2014-04-01

Nowadays, synthetic biology is a hot research topic. Each day, progresses are made to improve the complexity of artificial biological functions in order to tend to complex biodevices and biosystems. Up to now, these systems are handmade by bioengineers, which require strong technical skills and leads to nonreusable development. Besides, scientific fields that share the same design approach, such as microelectronics, have already overcome several issues and designers succeed in building extremely complex systems with many evolved functions. On the other hand, in systems engineering and more specifically in microelectronics, the development of the domain has been promoted by both the improvement of technological processes and electronic design automation tools. The work presented in this paper paves the way for the adaptation of microelectronics design tools to synthetic biology. Considering the similarities and differences between the synthetic biology and microelectronics, the milestones of this adaptation are described. The first one concerns the modeling of biological mechanisms. To do so, a new formalism is proposed, based on an extension of the generalized Kirchhoff laws to biology. This way, a description of all biological mechanisms can be made with languages widely used in microelectronics. Our approach is therefore successfully validated on specific examples drawn from the literature.

Corpus-Based Approaches to Language Description for Specialized Academic Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flowerdew, John

2017-01-01

Language description is a fundamental requirement for second language (L2) syllabus design. The greatest advances in language description in recent decades have been done with the help of electronic corpora. Such language description is the theme of this article. The article first introduces some basic concepts and principles in corpus research.…

Extended behavioural device modelling and circuit simulation with Qucs-S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brinson, M. E.; Kuznetsov, V.

2018-03-01

Current trends in circuit simulation suggest a growing interest in open source software that allows access to more than one simulation engine while simultaneously supporting schematic drawing tools, behavioural Verilog-A and XSPICE component modelling, and output data post-processing. This article introduces a number of new features recently implemented in the 'Quite universal circuit simulator - SPICE variant' (Qucs-S), including structure and fundamental schematic capture algorithms, at the same time highlighting their use in behavioural semiconductor device modelling. Particular importance is placed on the interaction between Qucs-S schematics, equation-defined devices, SPICE B behavioural sources and hardware description language (HDL) scripts. The multi-simulator version of Qucs is a freely available tool that offers extended modelling and simulation features compared to those provided by legacy circuit simulators. The performance of a number of Qucs-S modelling extensions are demonstrated with a GaN HEMT compact device model and data obtained from tests using the Qucs-S/Ngspice/Xyce ©/SPICE OPUS multi-engine circuit simulator.

FPGA-Based Efficient Hardware/Software Co-Design for Industrial Systems with Consideration of Output Selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deliparaschos, Kyriakos M.; Michail, Konstantinos; Zolotas, Argyrios C.; Tzafestas, Spyros G.

2016-05-01

This work presents a field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based embedded software platform coupled with a software-based plant, forming a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) that is used to validate a systematic sensor selection framework. The systematic sensor selection framework combines multi-objective optimization, linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG)-type control, and the nonlinear model of a maglev suspension. A robustness analysis of the closed-loop is followed (prior to implementation) supporting the appropriateness of the solution under parametric variation. The analysis also shows that quantization is robust under different controller gains. While the LQG controller is implemented on an FPGA, the physical process is realized in a high-level system modeling environment. FPGA technology enables rapid evaluation of the algorithms and test designs under realistic scenarios avoiding heavy time penalty associated with hardware description language (HDL) simulators. The HIL technique facilitates significant speed-up in the required execution time when compared to its software-based counterpart model.

A Systematic Review of the Huntington Disease-Like 2 Phenotype.

PubMed

Anderson, David G; Walker, Ruth H; Connor, Myles; Carr, Jonathan; Margolis, Russell L; Krause, Amanda

2017-01-01

Huntington Disease-like 2 (HDL2) is a neurodegenerative disorder similar to Huntington Disease (HD) in its clinical phenotype, genetic characteristics, neuropathology and longitudinal progression. Proposed specific differences include an exclusive African ancestry, lack of eye movement abnormalities, increased Parkinsonism, and acanthocytes in HDL2. The objective was to determine the similarities and differences between HD and HDL2 by establishing the clinical phenotype of HDL2 with the published cases. A literature review of all clinically described cases of HDL2 until the end of 2016 was performed and a descriptive analysis was carried out. Sixty-nine new cases were described between 2001 and 2016. All cases had likely African ancestry, and most were found in South Africa and the USA. Many features were found to be similar to HD, including a strong negative correlation between repeat length and age of onset. Chorea was noted in 48/57 cases (84%). Dementia was reported in 74% patients, and Parkinsonism in 37%. Psychiatric features were reported in 44 out of 47 cases. Patients with chorea had lower expanded repeat lengths compared to patients without chorea. Eye movements were described in 19 cases, 8 were abnormal. Acanthocytes were detected in 4 of the 13 patients tested. Nineteen out of 20 MRIs were reported as abnormal with findings similar to HD. This review clarifies some aspects of the HDL2 phenotype and highlights others which require further investigation. Features that are unique to HDL2 have been documented in a minority of subjects and require prospective validation.

Programmable Numerical Function Generators: Architectures and Synthesis Method

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-01

generates HDL (Hardware Descrip- tion Language) code from the design specification described by Scilab [14], a MATLAB-like numerical calculation soft...cad.com/Error-NFG/. [14] Scilab 3.0, INRIA-ENPC, France, http://scilabsoft.inria.fr/ [15] M. J. Schulte and J. E. Stine, “Approximating elementary functions

Hardware description languages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, Jerry H.

1994-01-01

Hardware description languages are special purpose programming languages. They are primarily used to specify the behavior of digital systems and are rapidly replacing traditional digital system design techniques. This is because they allow the designer to concentrate on how the system should operate rather than on implementation details. Hardware description languages allow a digital system to be described with a wide range of abstraction, and they support top down design techniques. A key feature of any hardware description language environment is its ability to simulate the modeled system. The two most important hardware description languages are Verilog and VHDL. Verilog has been the dominant language for the design of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). However, VHDL is rapidly gaining in popularity.

Structured Natural-Language Descriptions for Semantic Content Retrieval of Visual Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tam, A. M.; Leung, C. H. C.

2001-01-01

Proposes a structure for natural language descriptions of the semantic content of visual materials that requires descriptions to be (modified) keywords, phrases, or simple sentences, with components that are grammatical relations common to many languages. This structure makes it easy to implement a collection's descriptions as a relational…

[A capillary blood flow velocity detection system based on linear array charge-coupled devices].

PubMed

Zhou, Houming; Wang, Ruofeng; Dang, Qi; Yang, Li; Wang, Xiang

2017-12-01

In order to detect the flow characteristics of blood samples in the capillary, this paper introduces a blood flow velocity measurement system based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA), linear charge-coupled devices (CCD) and personal computer (PC) software structure. Based on the analysis of the TCD1703C and AD9826 device data sheets, Verilog HDL hardware description language was used to design and simulate the driver. Image signal acquisition and the extraction of the real-time edge information of the blood sample were carried out synchronously in the FPGA. Then a series of discrete displacement were performed in a differential operation to scan each of the blood samples displacement, so that the sample flow rate could be obtained. Finally, the feasibility of the blood flow velocity detection system was verified by simulation and debugging. After drawing the flow velocity curve and analyzing the velocity characteristics, the significance of measuring blood flow velocity is analyzed. The results show that the measurement of the system is less time-consuming and less complex than other flow rate monitoring schemes.

Active vibration control of a full scale aircraft wing using a reconfigurable controller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Shashikala; Renjith Kumar, T. G.; Raja, S.; Dwarakanathan, D.; Subramani, H.; Karthikeyan, C.

2016-01-01

This work highlights the design of a Reconfigurable Active Vibration Control (AVC) System for aircraft structures using adaptive techniques. The AVC system with a multichannel capability is realized using Filtered-X Least Mean Square algorithm (FxLMS) on Xilinx Virtex-4 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform in Very High Speed Integrated Circuits Hardware Description Language, (VHDL). The HDL design is made based on Finite State Machine (FSM) model with Floating point Intellectual Property (IP) cores for arithmetic operations. The use of FPGA facilitates to modify the system parameters even during runtime depending on the changes in user's requirements. The locations of the control actuators are optimized based on dynamic modal strain approach using genetic algorithm (GA). The developed system has been successfully deployed for the AVC testing of the full-scale wing of an all composite two seater transport aircraft. Several closed loop configurations like single channel and multi-channel control have been tested. The experimental results from the studies presented here are very encouraging. They demonstrate the usefulness of the system's reconfigurability for real time applications.

What Is Grammar and Why Teach It?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenbaum, Sidney

The word "grammar" can be used in many ways: a general theory of language description; a theory for describing one language; a description of a particular language, either in the form of a book (an "English grammar") or the contents of that book; an ideal as opposed to actual description of a language; the properties and processes of a language…

[Atherogenic indices in workers of different occupational sectors of the Spanish Mediterranean area].

PubMed

López González, Ángel Arturo; Rivero Ledo, Yarianne Inalvis; Vicente Herrero, M Teófila; Gil Llinás, María; Tomás Salvá, Matías; Riutord Fe, Bartomeu

2015-01-01

Atherogenic indices predict cardiovascular disease, as they provide a good reflection of the clinical and metabolic interactions of lipid fractions. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 60,798 workers in the Spanish Mediterranean area on whom different atherogenic indices (cholesterol/HDL, LDL/HDL, triglycerides/HDL) were determined, and the influence they have in the different productive work sectors. In women, the mean values of the different atherogenic indices are better in the health sector, while they are better in men in the primary sector. The percentage of working women with low values is also greater in the healthcare sector, while in men there is no clear predominant sector, with the best values being shown in the hospitality and primary sector. The distribution of cardiovascular risk factors and the values of the different atherogenic indices analyzed vary in different industrial sectors. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Work, sleep, and cholesterol levels of U.S. long-haul truck drivers

PubMed Central

LEMKE, Michael K.; APOSTOLOPOULOS, Yorghos; HEGE, Adam; WIDEMAN, Laurie; SÖNMEZ, Sevil

2016-01-01

Long-haul truck drivers in the United States experience elevated cardiovascular health risks, possibly due to hypercholesterolemia. The current study has two objectives: 1) to generate a cholesterol profile for U.S. long-haul truck drivers; and 2) to determine the influence of work organization characteristics and sleep quality and duration on cholesterol levels of long-haul truck drivers. Survey and biometric data were collected from 262 long-haul truck drivers. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographic, work organization, sleep, and cholesterol measures. Linear regression and ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine for possible predictive relationships between demographic, work organization, and sleep variables, and cholesterol outcomes. The majority (66.4%) of drivers had a low HDL (<40 mg/dL), and nearly 42% of drivers had a high-risk total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio. Sleep quality was associated with HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol, and daily work hours were associated with LDL cholesterol. Workday sleep duration was associated with non-HDL cholesterol, and driving experience and sleep quality were associated with cholesterol ratio. Long-haul truck drivers have a high risk cholesterol profile, and sleep quality and work organization factors may induce these cholesterol outcomes. Targeted worksite health promotion programs are needed to curb these atherosclerotic risks. PMID:28049935

The language parallel Pascal and other aspects of the massively parallel processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reeves, A. P.; Bruner, J. D.

1982-01-01

A high level language for the Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) was designed. This language, called Parallel Pascal, is described in detail. A description of the language design, a description of the intermediate language, Parallel P-Code, and details for the MPP implementation are included. Formal descriptions of Parallel Pascal and Parallel P-Code are given. A compiler was developed which converts programs in Parallel Pascal into the intermediate Parallel P-Code language. The code generator to complete the compiler for the MPP is being developed independently. A Parallel Pascal to Pascal translator was also developed. The architecture design for a VLSI version of the MPP was completed with a description of fault tolerant interconnection networks. The memory arrangement aspects of the MPP are discussed and a survey of other high level languages is given.

Digital systems design language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiva, S. G.

1979-01-01

Digital Systems Design Language (DDL) is implemented on the SEL-32 Computer Systems. The detaileds of the language, the translator, and the simulator, and the smulator programs are given. Several example descriptions and a tutorial on hardware description languages are provided, to guide the user.

Digital systems design language. Design synthesis of digital systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiva, S. G.

1979-01-01

The Digital Systems Design Language (DDL) is implemented on the SEL-32 computer systems. The details of the language, translator and simulator programs are included. Several example descriptions and a tutorial on hardware description languages are provided, to guide the user.

The Loyal Opposition Comments on Plan Domain Description Languages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, Jeremy; Golden, Keith; Jonsson, Ari

2003-01-01

In this paper we take a critical look at PDDL 2.1 as designers and users of plan domain description languages. We describe planning domains that have features which are hard to model using PDDL 2.1. We then offer some suggestions on domain description language design, and describe how these suggestions make modeling our chosen domains easier.

The Manu-Facturing of a Language.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washabaugh, William

1980-01-01

Discusses Providence Island Sign Language (PSL), an autochthonous and relatively immature language of about 20 speakers. It is a nascent and evolving language whose description can produce rich results for linguistic theory. Such a description will also be an explanation of the phylogeny of a linguistic system. (Author/PJM)

106-17 Telemetry Standards Metadata Configuration Chapter 23

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

23-1 23.2 Metadata Description Language ...Chapter 23, July 2017 iii Acronyms HTML Hypertext Markup Language MDL Metadata Description Language PCM pulse code modulation TMATS Telemetry...Attributes Transfer Standard W3C World Wide Web Consortium XML eXtensible Markup Language XSD XML schema document Telemetry Network Standard

Truth and probability in evolutionary games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, Jeffrey A.

2017-01-01

This paper concerns two composite Lewis-Skyrms signalling games. Each consists in a base game that evolves a language descriptive of nature and a metagame that coevolves a language descriptive of the base game and its evolving language. The first composite game shows how a pragmatic notion of truth might coevolve with a simple descriptive language. The second shows how a pragmatic notion of probability might similarly coevolve. Each of these pragmatic notions is characterised by the particular game and role that it comes to play in the game.

A Domain Description Language for Data Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, Keith

2003-01-01

We discuss an application of planning to data processing, a planning problem which poses unique challenges for domain description languages. We discuss these challenges and why the current PDDL standard does not meet them. We discuss DPADL (Data Processing Action Description Language), a language for describing planning domains that involve data processing. DPADL is a declarative, object-oriented language that supports constraints and embedded Java code, object creation and copying, explicit inputs and outputs for actions, and metadata descriptions of existing and desired data. DPADL is supported by the IMAGEbot system, which we are using to provide automation for an ecological forecasting application. We compare DPADL to PDDL and discuss changes that could be made to PDDL to make it more suitable for representing planning domains that involve data processing actions.

Descriptive Metadata: Emerging Standards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahronheim, Judith R.

1998-01-01

Discusses metadata, digital resources, cross-disciplinary activity, and standards. Highlights include Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML); Extensible Markup Language (XML); Dublin Core; Resource Description Framework (RDF); Text Encoding Initiative (TEI); Encoded Archival Description (EAD); art and cultural-heritage metadata initiatives;…

Impact on Dyslipidemia After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PubMed

Vigilante, Agustina; Signorini, Franco; Marani, Marcos; Paganini, Virginia; Viscido, Germán; Navarro, Luciano; Obeide, Lucio; Moser, Federico

2018-06-16

Improvement of dyslipidemia is an important benefit of bariatric surgery. The benefits of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among dyslipidemia are still a matter of debate. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study between 2010 and 2013. Obese patients undergoing LSG, with recorded dyslipidemia at admission and a follow-up for at least 1 year, were included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, medication in use, and a complete lipid profile were collected before surgery. After surgery, weight was controlled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Lipid profile was re-evaluated 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided according to weight loss into two groups: (A) adequate weight loss and (B) inadequate weight loss. Lipid profile evolution was then compared between groups. One hundred seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Pre-op mean BMI was 45.13 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 . One year after LSG, mean BMI was 30.6 ± 7.1 kg/m 2 with a change in BMI of 11.5 ± 6.6 kg/m 2 , a %TWL of 26.9 ± 13.5%, and a %EWL of 60.3 ± 36.6%. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia remission was achieved in 45 and 86% of the patients and improved in another 19 and 4% respectively. Seventy-four percent improved HDL levels. LDL levels improved in 39% and remitted in 37%. Medication was discontinued in 43.7%. HDL increase and LDL, TG, and non-HDL-C decrease were significantly greater in group A. LSG produces an improvement in lipid profile, with a significant increase in HDL and a decrease in LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL-C.

Instrumentation Hardware Abstraction Language (IHAL) Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

1-1 1.1 The Range Commanders Council (RCC) and IHAL ....................................................... 1-1 1.2 Problem Description ...1-5 1.3.1 IHAL as a Description Language...Figure 2-6. Generic IHAL Device Schema Diagram ............................................................. 2-7 Figure 2-7. Device Description Schema

Full-body gestures and movements recognition: user descriptive and unsupervised learning approaches in GDL classifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachaj, Tomasz; Ogiela, Marek R.

2014-09-01

Gesture Description Language (GDL) is a classifier that enables syntactic description and real time recognition of full-body gestures and movements. Gestures are described in dedicated computer language named Gesture Description Language script (GDLs). In this paper we will introduce new GDLs formalisms that enable recognition of selected classes of movement trajectories. The second novelty is new unsupervised learning method with which it is possible to automatically generate GDLs descriptions. We have initially evaluated both proposed extensions of GDL and we have obtained very promising results. Both the novel methodology and evaluation results will be described in this paper.

The Subsystem of Numerals in Catalan Sign Language: Description and Examples from a Psycholinguistic Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuentes, Mariana; Tolchinsky, Liliana

2004-01-01

Linguistic descriptions of sign languages are important to the recognition of their linguistic status. These languages are an essential part of the cultural heritage of the communities that create and use them and vital in the education of deaf children. They are also the reference point in language acquisition studies. Ours is exploratory…

A MULTIPLE TESTING OF THE ABC METHOD AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SECOND GENERATION MODEL. PART I, PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS OF METHODOLOGY. SUPPLEMENT, COMPUTER PROGRAMS OF THE HDL INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ALTMANN, BERTHOLD; BROWN, WILLIAM G.

THE FIRST-GENERATION APPROACH BY CONCEPT (ABC) STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL METHOD, A METHOD WHICH UTILIZES AS A SUBJECT APPROACH APPROPRIATE STANDARDIZED ENGLISH-LANGUAGE STATEMENTS PROCESSED AND PRINTED IN A PERMUTED INDEX FORMAT, UNDERWENT A PERFORMANCE TEST, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF WHICH WAS TO SPOT DEFICIENCIES AND TO DEVELOP A SECOND-GENERATION…

Variation and Linguistic Theory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Charles-James N.

This volume presents principles and models for describing language variation, and introduces a time-based, dynamic framework for linguistic description. The book first summarizes some of the problems of grammatical description encountered from Saussure through the present and then outlines possibilities for new descriptions of language which take…

Linguistic Corpora and Language Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murison-Bowie, Simon

1996-01-01

Examines issues raised by corpus linguistics concerning the description of language. The article argues that it is necessary to start from correct descriptions of linguistic units and the contexts in which they occur. Corpus linguistics has joined with language teaching by sharing a recognition of the importance of a larger, schematic view of…

A comparison of hardware description languages. [describing digital systems structure and behavior to a computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiva, S. G.

1978-01-01

Several high level languages which evolved over the past few years for describing and simulating the structure and behavior of digital systems, on digital computers are assessed. The characteristics of the four prominent languages (CDL, DDL, AHPL, ISP) are summarized. A criterion for selecting a suitable hardware description language for use in an automatic integrated circuit design environment is provided.

La Description des langues naturelles en vue d'applications linguistiques: Actes du colloque (The Description of Natural Languages with a View to Linguistic Applications: Conference Papers). Publication K-10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouellon, Conrad, Comp.

Presentations from a colloquium on applications of research on natural languages to computer science address the following topics: (1) analysis of complex adverbs; (2) parser use in computerized text analysis; (3) French language utilities; (4) lexicographic mapping of official language notices; (5) phonographic codification of Spanish; (6)…

DPADL: An Action Language for Data Processing Domains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, Keith; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This paper presents DPADL (Data Processing Action Description Language), a language for describing planning domains that involve data processing. DPADL is a declarative object-oriented language that supports constraints and embedded Java code, object creation and copying, explicit inputs and outputs for actions, and metadata descriptions of existing and desired data. DPADL is supported by the IMAGEbot system, which will provide automation for an ecosystem forecasting system called TOPS.

EDAC Test Collection Catalogue: A Description of Tests for Use in Bilingual Education Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolfsfeld, Lynn

The descriptions of 200 tests for a variety of language groups are designed for use with the test file maintained by the Evaluation, Dissemination, and Assessment Center for Bilingual Education (EDAC). The content areas covered include reading, mathematics, self-concept, language dominance, language proficiency, and intelligence. Tests are…

How the Potawatomi Language Lives: A Grammar of Potawatomi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lockwood, Hunter Thompson

2017-01-01

This dissertation is a descriptive grammar of Potawatomi, a critically endangered Algonquian language now only spoken as a first language by a handful of elders in northern Wisconsin. Throughout, the goal is to present an authoritative linguistic description of Potawatomi by drawing on direct elicitation, a corpus of new texts gathered in close…

Using Pipelined XNOR Logic to Reduce SEU Risks in State Machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Martin; Zheng, Xin; Katanyoutant, Sunant

2008-01-01

Single-event upsets (SEUs) pose great threats to avionic systems state machine control logic, which are frequently used to control sequence of events and to qualify protocols. The risks of SEUs manifest in two ways: (a) the state machine s state information is changed, causing the state machine to unexpectedly transition to another state; (b) due to the asynchronous nature of SEU, the state machine's state registers become metastable, consequently causing any combinational logic associated with the metastable registers to malfunction temporarily. Effect (a) can be mitigated with methods such as triplemodular redundancy (TMR). However, effect (b) cannot be eliminated and can degrade the effectiveness of any mitigation method of effect (a). Although there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of SEU-induced errors, the risk can be made very small by use of a combination of very fast state-machine logic and error-detection logic. Therefore, one goal of two main elements of the present method is to design the fastest state-machine logic circuitry by basing it on the fastest generic state-machine design, which is that of a one-hot state machine. The other of the two main design elements is to design fast error-detection logic circuitry and to optimize it for implementation in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture: In the resulting design, the one-hot state machine is fitted with a multiple-input XNOR gate for detection of illegal states. The XNOR gate is implemented with lookup tables and with pipelines for high speed. In this method, the task of designing all the logic must be performed manually because no currently available logic synthesis software tool can produce optimal solutions of design problems of this type. However, some assistance is provided by a script, written for this purpose in the Python language (an object-oriented interpretive computer language) to automatically generate hardware description language (HDL) code from state-transition rules.

Comparative-Descriptive Study of Academic Vocabulary Specific Instruction on 3rd Grade English Language Learner Reading Scores

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Shelley

2017-01-01

Language must be taught with academic vocabulary that is meaningful and that can be transferred between content and context. This comparative-descriptive research study examines how academic specific instruction increases students' learning of a second language acquisition (i.e., English). The conceptual framework of the study drew research…

Putting Practice into Words: The State of Data and Methods Transparency in Grammatical Descriptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gawne, Lauren; Kelly, Barbara F.; Berez-Kroeker, Andrea L.; Heston, Tyler

2017-01-01

Language documentation and description are closely related practices, often performed as part of the same fieldwork project on an un(der)-studied language. Research trends in recent decades have seen a great volume of publishing in regards to the methods of language documentation, however, it is not clear that linguists' awareness of the…

Chomsky's Universal Grammar and Halliday's Systemic Functional Linguistics: An Appraisal and a Compromise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bavali, Mohammad; Sadighi, Firooz

2008-01-01

Recent developments in theories of language (grammars) seem to share a number of tenets which mark a drastic shift from traditional disentangled descriptions of language: emphasis on a big number of discrete grammatical rules or a corpus of structure patterns has given way to a more unitary, explanatory powerful description of language informed by…

Research: Research in Language Arts Education: Notes on How It Works.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dilworth, Collett B., Jr.

1980-01-01

Provides an overview of different types of educational research in language arts, including the quasi-experiment, the controlled methodological experiment, the controlled descriptive experiment, the non-controlled description, and textual analysis. (RL)

The Experience of Teaching of Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics in Russian Language as a Foreign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voronina, Marianna V.; Tretyakova, Zlata O.

2017-01-01

The article considers the peculiarities of training foreign students subject "Descriptive geometry and Engineering Graphics" in a modern engineering university of Russia. The relevance of the problem conditioned by the fact that virtually there are no special studies of teaching Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics in Russian…

On the System of Person-Denoting Signs in Estonian Sign Language: Estonian Name Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paales, Liina

2010-01-01

This article discusses Estonian personal name signs. According to study there are four personal name sign categories in Estonian Sign Language: (1) arbitrary name signs; (2) descriptive name signs; (3) initialized-descriptive name signs; (4) loan/borrowed name signs. Mostly there are represented descriptive and borrowed personal name signs among…

[Dyslipidemia in schoolchildren with a history of a high birth weight].

PubMed

Rodríguez Vargas, Nuris; Martínez Pérez, Tania P; Martínez García, Rolando; Garriga Reyes, Mailin; Ortega Soto, Manuel; Rojas, Teresa

2014-01-01

The process of atherosclerosis begins at early ages and is closely related to plasma lipid levels, specifically, an increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and a decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL). To determine if high birth weight, or macrosomia, is of predictive value for dyslipidemia in school children. A descriptive study with a case control design was conducted on two groups of children; one group of 140 children with a history of macrosomia, and another group of 100 children with normal weight at birth, born between January 1992 and December 1995. The aim was the early identification of atherosclerotic risk factors in school children with high weight at birth. Anthropometric variables and lipid profile were studied (cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides). There were significant differences between the mean weights of the two groups. There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in the cholesterol levels (93.57% normal and 6.43% abnormal in the study group, and 90.00% normal and 10.00% abnormal in the control group), or in the values of HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol was abnormal in more children in the control group, and abnormal values of triglycerides were observed in 14.00% of cases in the study group 0.00% in the control group. High birth weight is not a predictive factor for hypercholesterolemia or HDL and LDL-cholesterol esters, but is positive for triglycerides in our study. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

The association of the blood lead level and serum lipid concentrations may be modified by the genetic combination of the metallothionein 2A polymorphisms rs10636 GC and rs28366003 AA.

PubMed

Yang, Chen-Cheng; Chuang, Chih-Shien; Lin, Chia-I; Wang, Chao-Ling; Huang, Yung-Cheng; Chuang, Hung-Yi

Lead in blood can stimulate lipid oxidation in phosphatidylcholine and increase peroxidation in lipids. Metallothionein (MT) is a cysteine-rich protein that can influence the detoxification of heavy metals and scavenge oxidative stress for free radicals. One of the most expressive functional genes in humans is the MT2A gene. This study aims to determine if the association of the blood lead level and lipid biomarkers was influenced by MT2A polymorphisms. We recruited 677 participants after informed consent was obtained. All the samples collected were analyzed for lipid biomarkers and blood lead levels and were genotyped for MT2A polymorphisms by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A short questionnaire collected the medical history and alcohol and cigarette consumption information. The data were used for descriptive analyses and linear regression models. The investigation revealed that lead elevated concentration increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by multiple linear models. The carriers of the rs10636 GC-rs28366003 AA genetic combination may be less susceptive to lead elevated concentration on HDL-C than other types. In conclusion, the association of the blood lead level and HDL-C may be modified by the MT2A genetic combination: the rs10636 GC-rs28366003 AA genotype could play a protective role in lead elevated concentration on HDL-C in humans. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of age, gender, TG/HDL-C ratio and behavioral lifestyles on the metabolic syndrome in the high risk Mediterranean Island population of Malta.

PubMed

Cuschieri, Sarah; Vassallo, Josanne; Calleja, Neville; Pace, Nikolai; Mamo, Julian

2017-11-01

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a public health epidemic, typically with female predominance. The aim was to analyse the effect of gender and age on MetS and its components; analyse effects of lifestyle, diabetes mellitus and identify predictors for MetS including TG/HDL ratio, on a national level in a Mediterranean island. Findings will provide evidence-based data for neighboring countries to aid in combat of this epidemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Malta (2014-2016) on a randomized adults population sample. Various components of MetS were measured along with lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol and physical activity) and family history (cardiovascular and diabetes). Both descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. A total of 80,788 Maltese adults estimated to suffer from MetS. Males were predominantly affected with significant difference from females. All MetS components were found to be significant predictors along with alcohol habits but not smoking. Neither physical inactivity nor family history of cardiovascular disease, showed any predictive ability for MetS even after adjustment. Elevated triglyceride levels exhibited highest predictive effect on MetS. TG/HDL ratio showed predictive ability in the Maltese population. Males were at higher risk for MetS in Malta. A number of predictors were established but not sedentary lifestyle. TG/HDL ratio may provide to be a good indicator for development of MetS. Copyright © 2017 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Open Geographic Data to Generate Natural Language Descriptions for Hydrological Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Molina, Martin; Sanchez-Soriano, Javier; Corcho, Oscar

2015-07-03

Providing descriptions of isolated sensors and sensor networks in natural language, understandable by the general public, is useful to help users find relevant sensors and analyze sensor data. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of using geographic knowledge from public databases available on the Web (such as OpenStreetMap, Geonames, or DBpedia) to automatically construct such descriptions. We present a general method that uses such information to generate sensor descriptions in natural language. The results of the evaluation of our method in a hydrologic national sensor network showed that this approach is feasible and capable of generating adequate sensor descriptions with a lower development effort compared to other approaches. In the paper we also analyze certain problems that we found in public databases (e.g., heterogeneity, non-standard use of labels, or rigid search methods) and their impact in the generation of sensor descriptions.

Using Open Geographic Data to Generate Natural Language Descriptions for Hydrological Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Molina, Martin; Sanchez-Soriano, Javier; Corcho, Oscar

2015-01-01

Providing descriptions of isolated sensors and sensor networks in natural language, understandable by the general public, is useful to help users find relevant sensors and analyze sensor data. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of using geographic knowledge from public databases available on the Web (such as OpenStreetMap, Geonames, or DBpedia) to automatically construct such descriptions. We present a general method that uses such information to generate sensor descriptions in natural language. The results of the evaluation of our method in a hydrologic national sensor network showed that this approach is feasible and capable of generating adequate sensor descriptions with a lower development effort compared to other approaches. In the paper we also analyze certain problems that we found in public databases (e.g., heterogeneity, non-standard use of labels, or rigid search methods) and their impact in the generation of sensor descriptions. PMID:26151211

The effect of consumption of soy foods on the blood lipid profile of women: a pilot study from Qwa-Qwa.

PubMed

Oldewage-Theron, Wilna; Egal, Abdulkadir

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare the long-term effect of 40-g daily whole bean soy consumption for a period of 18 mo on blood lipid levels of women. A single-system design was used and 90 women randomly selected in peri-urban Qwa-Qwa, South Africa. Measurements included dietary intake (24-h recall), anthropometric (weight and height) and biochemical lipid parameters with venous blood samples. The respondents were divided into a hypercholesterolemic and normo-cholesterolemic (NC) group and data analyses included descriptive statistics and t-tests on SPSS, version 21.0. The results showed that a large percentage (40%) of the women was hypercholesterolemic. The hypercholesterolemic group showed abnormal mean values for all the lipid parameters at baseline whereas the NC group showed total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) values in the normal range, but abnormally low mean HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.9±0.6) and high mean triglyceride (TG) (2.3±0.8) levels. At follow-up, the hypercholesterolemic group had significantly improved HDL-C (p=0.000), LDL-C (p=0.032) and TG (p=0.000) levels, but with significantly increased TC (p=0.01). A similar trend was observed in the NC group; however, no significantly improved HDL-C or TG values were observed. It can be concluded that dyslipidemia and obesity were prevalent amongst this group of women. The daily consumption of 40 g of whole soybean, had no significant positive effect on TC, but had a beneficial effect on LDL-C in the women in Qwa-Qwa. The HDL:LDL ratio was also improved in the in the hypercholesterolemic group, thus reducing the risk for CVD. The consumption of whole soybean thus had a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of the women in Qwa-Qwa.

The Immersion Effect

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

C.   METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................4 D.   LITERATURE REVIEW... Descriptions ................................................10 Table 3.   Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Table 4. Descriptions ...and cultural acquisition. METHODOLOGY D. In this project the author analyzed official documents associated with Military Information Support

FRED user's manual

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

Shilling, J.

1984-02-01

FRED, the friendly editor, is a screen-based structured editor. This manual is intended to serve the needs of a wide range of users of the FRED text editor. Most users will find it sufficient to read the introductory material in section 2, supplemented with the full command set description in section 3. Advanced users may wish to change the keystroke sequences which invoke editor commands. Section 4 describes how to change key bindings and how to define command macros. Some users may need to modify a language description or create an entirely new language description for use with FRED. Sectionmore » 5 describes the format of the language descriptions used by the editor, and describes how to construct a language grammar. Section 6 describes known portability problems of the FRED editor and should concern only system installation personnel. The editor points out syntax errors in the file being edited and does automatic pretty printing.« less

Choguita Rarámuri (Tarahumara) Language Description and Documentation: A Guide to the Deposited Collection and Associated Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caballero, Gabriela

2017-01-01

Choguita Rarámuri (Tarahumara) is a Uto-Aztecan language spoken in Northern Mexico of great typological, theoretical, and historical significance. This paper presents an overview and background of the Choguita Rarámuri language description and documentation project and provides a guide to the documentary collection emerging from this project. This…

Automatic Requirements Specification Extraction from Natural Language (ARSENAL)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

designers, implementers) involved in the design of software systems. However, natural language descriptions can be informal, incomplete, imprecise...communication of technical descriptions between the various stakeholders (e.g., customers, designers, imple- menters) involved in the design of software systems...the accuracy of the natural language processing stage, the degree of automation, and robustness to noise. 1 2 Introduction Software systems operate in

Putting the Plain into Pain Language in English for Medical Purposes: Learner Inquiry into Patients' Online Descriptive Accounts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plastina, Anna Franca

2016-01-01

The need to teach medical students plain language for their future engagement in pain communication can no longer be underestimated. Pain education has traditionally neglected the teaching of pain language, yet patients' descriptive accounts have been acknowledged as the standard in medical care. English for Medical Purposes (EMP) can make its…

A Proposed Pattern of Enterprise Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

consistent architecture descriptions. UPDM comprises extensions to both OMG’s Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Systems Modelling Language ( SysML ...those who use UML and SysML . These represent significant advancements that enable architecture trade-off analyses, architecture model execution...Language ( SysML ), and thus provides for architectural descriptions that contain a rich set of (formally) connected DoDAF/MoDAF viewpoints expressed

Novel Designs of Quantum Reversible Counters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Xuemei; Zhu, Haihong; Chen, Fulong; Zhu, Junru; Zhang, Ziyang

2016-11-01

Reversible logic, as an interesting and important issue, has been widely used in designing combinational and sequential circuits for low-power and high-speed computation. Though a significant number of works have been done on reversible combinational logic, the realization of reversible sequential circuit is still at premature stage. Reversible counter is not only an important part of the sequential circuit but also an essential part of the quantum circuit system. In this paper, we designed two kinds of novel reversible counters. In order to construct counter, the innovative reversible T Flip-flop Gate (TFG), T Flip-flop block (T_FF) and JK flip-flop block (JK_FF) are proposed. Based on the above blocks and some existing reversible gates, the 4-bit binary-coded decimal (BCD) counter and controlled Up/Down synchronous counter are designed. With the help of Verilog hardware description language (Verilog HDL), these counters above have been modeled and confirmed. According to the simulation results, our circuits' logic structures are validated. Compared to the existing ones in terms of quantum cost (QC), delay (DL) and garbage outputs (GBO), it can be concluded that our designs perform better than the others. There is no doubt that they can be used as a kind of important storage components to be applied in future low-power computing systems.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 are reduced in women with rheumatoid arthritis and may augment the cardiovascular risk of women with RA: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Arts, Elke; Fransen, Jaap; Lemmers, Heidi; Stalenhoef, Anton; Joosten, Leo; van Riel, Piet; Popa, Calin D

2012-05-14

Higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions HDL3-chol and particularly HDL2-chol protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD), but inflammation reduces the HDL level and may impair its anti-atherogenic effect. Changed HDL composition through the impact of inflammation on HDL subfractions may contribute to the excess risk of CVD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we investigated whether HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol concentrations differ between RA patients and healthy controls, and whether these levels are related to the level of RA disease activity. Non-fasting blood samples were collected from 45 RA patients and 45 healthy controls. None of the participants had a history of CVD, diabetes, or used lipid-lowering drugs. HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol concentrations were obtained by ultracentrifugation. Regression modeling was used to compare HDL subfraction levels between RA patients and healthy controls, and to analyze the effect of disease activity on HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol. HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol were significantly lower in RA patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.01, P = 0.005, respectively). The HDL2:HDL3 ratio was significantly lower in patients compared to controls (P = 0.04). Reduced HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol levels were primarily present in female RA patients and not in male RA patients. A modest effect of the disease activity score in 28 joins ( DAS28) on HDL2-chol concentrations was found, after correction for disease duration, glucocorticosteroid use and body mass index (BMI), with a 0.06 mmol/L decrease with every point increase in DAS28 (P = 0.05). DAS28 did not significantly affect HDL3-chol concentrations (P = 0.186). Both HDL subfractions but particularly HDL2-chol concentrations were decreased in RA, primarily in women. This seems to be associated with disease activity and is of clinical relevance. The reduction of the HDL subfraction concentrations, particularly the supposedly beneficial HDL2-chol, may negatively impact the cardiovascular risk profile of women with RA.

Determinants of HDL Cholesterol Efflux Capacity after Virgin Olive Oil Ingestion: Interrelationships with Fluidity of HDL Monolayer.

PubMed

Fernández-Castillejo, Sara; Rubió, Laura; Hernáez, Álvaro; Catalán, Úrsula; Pedret, Anna; Valls, Rosa-M; Mosele, Juana I; Covas, Maria-Isabel; Remaley, Alan T; Castañer, Olga; Motilva, Maria-José; Solá, Rosa

2017-12-01

Cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL (CEC) is inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. HDL composition, fluidity, oxidation, and size are related with CEC. We aimed to assess which HDL parameters were CEC determinants after virgin olive oil (VOO) ingestion. Post-hoc analyses from the VOHF study, a crossover intervention with three types of VOO. We assessed the relationship of 3-week changes in HDL-related variables after intervention periods with independence of the type of VOO. After univariate analyses, mixed linear models were fitted with variables related with CEC and fluidity. Fluidity and Apolipoprotein (Apo)A-I content in HDL was directly associated, and HDL oxidative status inversely, with CEC. A reduction in free cholesterol, an increase in triglycerides in HDL, and a decrease in small HDL particle number or an increase in HDL mean size, were associated to HDL fluidity. HDL fluidity, ApoA-I concentration, and oxidative status are major determinants for CEC after VOO. The impact on CEC of changes in free cholesterol and triglycerides in HDL, and those of small HDL or HDL mean size, could be mechanistically linked through HDL fluidity. Our work points out novel therapeutic targets to improve HDL functionality in humans through nutritional or pharmacological interventions. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Myeloperoxidase-oxidized high density lipoprotein impairs atherosclerotic plaque stability by inhibiting smooth muscle cell migration.

PubMed

Zhou, Boda; Zu, Lingyun; Chen, Yong; Zheng, Xilong; Wang, Yuhui; Pan, Bing; Dong, Min; Zhou, Enchen; Zhao, Mingming; Zhang, Youyi; Zheng, Lemin; Gao, Wei

2017-01-10

High density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proved to be a protective factor for coronary heart disease. Notably, HDL in atherosclerotic plaques can be nitrated (NO 2 -oxHDL) and chlorinated (Cl-oxHDL) by myeloperoxidase (MPO), likely compromising its cardiovascular protective effects. Here we determined the effects of NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL on SMC migration using wound healing and transwell assays, proliferation using MTT and BrdU assays, and apoptosis using Annexin-V assay in vitro, as well as on atherosclerotic plaque stability in vivo using a coratid artery collar implantation mice model. Our results showed that native HDL promoted SMC proliferation and migration, whereas NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL inhibited SMC migration and reduced capacity of stimulating SMC proliferation as well as migration, respectively. OxHDL had no significant influence on SMC apoptosis. In addition, we found that ERK1/2-phosphorylation was significantly lower when SMCs were incubated with NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL. Furthermore, transwell experiments showed that differences between native HDL, NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL was abolished after PD98059 (MAPK kinase inhibitor) treatment. In aortic SMCs from scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) deficient mice, differences between migration of native HDL, NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL treated SMCs vanished, indicating SR-BI's possible role in HDL-associated SMC migration. Importantly, NO 2 -oxHDL and Cl-oxHDL induced neointima formation and reduced SMC positive staining cells in atherosclerotic plaque, resulting in elevated vulnerable index of atherosclerotic plaque. These findings implicate MPO-catalyzed oxidization of HDL may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque instability by inhibiting SMC proliferation and migration through MAPK-ERK pathway which was dependent on SR-BI.

Myeloperoxidase mediated HDL oxidation and HDL proteome changes do not contribute to dysfunctional HDL in Chinese subjects with coronary artery disease

PubMed Central

Yu, Haiyi; Li, Lei; He, Liyun; Gao, Wei; Liu, Xiaodan; Guo, Yanhong; Byun, Jaeman; Zhang, Jifeng; Chen, Y. Eugene

2018-01-01

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) are inversely correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) derived oxidants and HDL proteome changes are implicated in HDL dysfunction in subjects with CAD in the United States; however, the effect of MPO on HDL function and HDL proteome in ethnic Chinese population is unknown. We recruited four matched ethnic Chinese groups (20 patients each): subjects with 1) low HDL levels (HDL levels in men <40mg/dL and women <50mg/dL) and non-CAD (identified by coronary angiography or cardiac CT angiography); 2) low HDL and CAD; 3) high HDL (men >50mg/dL; women >60mg/dL) with no CAD; and 4) high HDL with CAD. Serum cytokines, serum MPO levels, serum CEC, MPO-oxidized HDL tyrosine moieties, and HDL proteome were assessed by mass spectrometry individually in the four groups. The cytokines, MPO levels, and HDL proteome profiles were not significantly different between the four groups. As expected, CEC was depressed in the entire CAD group but more specifically in the CAD low-HDL group. HDL of CAD subjects had significantly higher 3-nitrotyrosine than non-CAD subjects, but the MPO-specific 3-chlorotyrosine was unchanged; CEC in the CAD low-HDL group did not correlate with either HDL 3-chlorotyrosine or 3-nitrotyrosine levels. Neither 3-chlorotyrosine, which is MPO-specific, nor 3-nitrotyrosine generated from MPO or other reactive nitrogen species was associated with CEC. MPO mediated oxidative stress and HDL proteome composition changes are not the primary cause HDL dysfunction in Chinese subjects with CAD. These studies highlight ethnic differences in HDL dysfunction between United States and Chinese cohorts raising possibility of unique pathways of HDL dysfunction in this cohort. PMID:29505607

Small and medium sized HDL particles are protectively associated with coronary calcification in a cross-sectional population-based sample.

PubMed

Ditah, Chobufo; Otvos, James; Nassar, Hisham; Shaham, Dorith; Sinnreich, Ronit; Kark, Jeremy D

2016-08-01

Failure of trials to observe benefits by elevating plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has raised serious doubts about HDL-C's atheroprotective properties. We aimed to identify protective HDL biomarkers by examining the association of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measures of total HDL-particle (HDL-P), large HDL-particle, and small and medium-sized HDL-particle (MS-HDL-P) concentrations and average HDL-particle size with coronary artery calcification (CAC), which reflects the burden of coronary atherosclerosis, and compare with that of HDL-C. Using a cross-sectional design, 504 Jerusalem residents (274 Arabs and 230 Jews), recruited by population-based probability sampling, had HDL measured by NMR spectroscopy. CAC was determined by multidetector helical CT-scanning using Agatston scoring. Independent associations between the NMR measures and CAC (comparing scores ≥100 vs. <100) were assessed with multivariable binary logistic models. Comparing tertile 3 vs. tertile 1, we observed protective associations of HDL-P (multivariable-adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.79, plinear trend = 0.002) and MS-HDL-P (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.69), plinear trend = 0.006 with CAC, which persisted after further adjustment for HDL-C. HDL-C was not significantly associated with CAC (multivariable-adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.27-1.29 for tertiles 3 vs. 1, plinear trend = 0.49). Large HDL-P and average particle size (which are highly correlated; r = 0.83) were not associated with CAC: large HDL-P (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.33-1.83, plinear trend = 0.29) and average HDL-P size (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.35-1.48, plinear trend = 0.58). MS-HDL-P represents a protective subpopulation of HDL particles. HDL-P and MS-HDL-P were more strongly associated with CAC than HDL-C. Based on the accumulating evidence, incorporation of MS-HDL-P or HDL-P into the routine prediction of CHD risk should be evaluated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of information-retrieval languages in automated retrieval of experimental data from long-term storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khovanskiy, Y. D.; Kremneva, N. I.

1975-01-01

Problems and methods are discussed of automating information retrieval operations in a data bank used for long term storage and retrieval of data from scientific experiments. Existing information retrieval languages are analyzed along with those being developed. The results of studies discussing the application of the descriptive 'Kristall' language used in the 'ASIOR' automated information retrieval system are presented. The development and use of a specialized language of the classification-descriptive type, using universal decimal classification indices as the main descriptors, is described.

HDL-associated dehydroepiandrosterone fatty acyl esters: enhancement of vasodilatory effect of HDL.

PubMed

Paatela, Hanna; Mervaala, Eero; Deb, Somdatta; Wähälä, Kristiina; Tikkanen, Matti J

2009-10-01

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are both vascular relaxants. In the circulation, HDL transports DHEA fatty acyl esters (DHEA-FAEs), which are naturally occurring lipophilic derivatives of DHEA. We studied in isolated rat mesenteric arteries whether HDL-associated DHEA-FAE improves the vasodilatory effect of HDL. To prepare DHEA-FAE-enriched HDL, we incubated DHEA with human plasma. After incubation, HDL was isolated, purified, and added in cumulative doses (0.1-125 microg/ml) to noradrenaline-precontracted rat arterial rings. DHEA-FAE-enriched HDL caused a dose-dependent relaxation (maximal 43+/-4%), which was significantly stronger than the effect of HDL from the control incubation without addition of DHEA (25+/-2%, p<0.001). When plasma incubation of DHEA was carried out in the presence of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) inhibitor, the relaxation response to HDL (25+/-3%) did not differ from the control HDL (p=0.98). Pretreatment of the arterial rings with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonist impaired the relaxation response to DHEA-FAE-enriched HDL (43+/-4% vs. 30+/-3%, p=0.008). Similar experiments were performed with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Compared to control HDL, E(2)-FAE-enriched HDL induced slightly but non-significantly stronger relaxation. DHEA-FAE-enriched HDL was a stronger vasodilator than native HDL, and vascular relaxation was in part mediated by NOS, suggesting that DHEA-FAE may improve HDL's antiatherogenic function.

Natural Language Description of Emotion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kazemzadeh, Abe

2013-01-01

This dissertation studies how people describe emotions with language and how computers can simulate this descriptive behavior. Although many non-human animals can express their current emotions as social signals, only humans can communicate about emotions symbolically. This symbolic communication of emotion allows us to talk about emotions that we…

South Korea: Language Policy and Planning in the Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Song, Jae Jung

2012-01-01

This monograph discusses South Korea's language situation in a language policy and planning context. This monograph consists of four parts. Part 1 presents a genetic, typological and sociolinguistic description of South Korea's national language, and an overview of minority languages, including English as well as other languages, recently…

FLAX: Flexible and Open Corpus-Based Language Collections Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzgerald, Alannah; Wu, Shaoqun; Marín, María José

2015-01-01

In this case study we present innovative work in building open corpus-based language collections by focusing on a description of the opensource multilingual Flexible Language Acquisition (FLAX) language project, which is an ongoing example of open materials development practices for language teaching and learning. We present language-learning…

HDL-3 is a superior predictor of carotid artery disease in a case-control cohort of 1725 participants.

PubMed

Kim, Daniel Seung; Burt, Amber A; Rosenthal, Elisabeth A; Ranchalis, Jane E; Eintracht, Jason F; Hatsukami, Thomas S; Furlong, Clement E; Marcovina, Santica; Albers, John J; Jarvik, Gail P

2014-06-25

Recent data suggest that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are likely not in the causative pathway of atheroprotection, shifting focus from HDL-C to its subfractions and associated proteins. This study's goal was to determine which HDL phenotype was the better predictor of carotid artery disease (CAAD). HDL-2 and HDL-3 were measured in 1725 participants of European ancestry in a prevalent case-control cohort study of CAAD. Stratified analyses were conducted for men (n=1201) and women (n=524). Stepwise linear regression was used to determine whether HDL-C, HDL-2, HDL-3, or apolipoprotein A1 was the best predictor of CAAD, while adjusting for the confounders of censored age, diabetes, and current smoking status. In both men and women, HDL-3 was negatively associated with CAAD (P=0.0011 and 0.033 for men and women, respectively); once HDL-3 was included in the model, no other HDL phenotype was significantly associated with CAAD. Addition of paraoxonase 1 activity to the aforementioned regression model showed a significant and independent (of HDL-3) association with CAAD in men (P=0.001) but not in the smaller female subgroup. This study is the first to contrast the associations of HDL-2 and HDL-3 with CAAD. We found that HDL-3 levels were more predictive of CAAD status than HDL-2, HDL-C, or apolipoprotein A1. In addition, for men, paraoxonase 1 activity improved the overall model prediction for CAAD independently and additively with HDL-3 levels. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms through which HDL-3 is associated with protection from CAAD is warranted. © 2014 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

HDL2-cholesterol/HDL3-cholesterol ratio was associated with insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, and components for metabolic syndrome in Japanese.

PubMed

Moriyama, Kengo; Negami, Masako; Takahashi, Eiko

2014-11-01

Recent data have suggested a relationship between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass ratio and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, limited information is available regarding the relationships between the HDL subclass ratio and insulin resistance, associated adipocytokine levels, and MetS components. The associations of the high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL2-C) to high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) ratio with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels, and MetS components were examined. The study included 1155 Japanese subjects who met our inclusion criteria and underwent an annual health examination that included an HDL subclass analysis. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio and the HMW-Ad level gradually decreased as the number of MetS components increased. In contrast, HOMA-IR gradually increased as the number of MetS components increased. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio correlated inversely with HOMA-IR and positively with the HMW-Ad level. A strong positive correlation was observed between the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio and the HDL-C level. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio exhibited moderate negative correlations with the body mass index, waist circumference, and triglyceride level. Weak negative correlations were observed for the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose levels. Our data indicated that the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio was associated with insulin resistance, the HMW-Ad level, and MetS components, and it was useful for evaluating MetS in Japanese individuals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by hepatic lipase in discoidal and spheroidal recombinant high-density lipoprotein.

PubMed

Tansey, J T; Thuren, T Y; Jerome, W G; Hantgan, R R; Grant, K; Waite, M

1997-10-07

Hepatic lipase (HL) hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) was studied in recombinant high-density lipoprotein particles (r-HDL). r-HDL were made from cholate mixed micelles that contained PC, apo AI, and, in some cases, unesterified cholesterol. r-HDL were characterized using chemical composition, nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The r-HDL were found to be discoidal and in the size range of native HDL. Upon treatment of cholesterol-containing r-HDL with lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), to form cholesteryl ester, the discoidal r-HDL became spheroidal. The effects of r-HDL morphology and size on HL activity were studied on r-HDL made of palmitoyloleoyl-PC, unesterified cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, and apolipoprotein AI. Spheroidal r-HDL were hydrolyzed at a faster rate than discoidal r-HDL. Protein-poor r-HDL were hydrolyzed by HL at a faster rate than protein rich r-HDL. Unesterified cholesterol had no apparent effect on particle PC hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of different species of PC [dipalmitoyl (DPPC), dioleoyl(DOPC), palmitoylarachidonoyl (PAPC), and palmitoyloleoyl (POPC)] in r-HDL was also investigated. In discoidal r-HDL, we found that POPC >/= DOPC = PAPC/DPPC. However, in LCAT-treated spheroidal r-HDL, POPC = DOPC > PAPC/DPPC. In both discoidal and spheroidal rHDL, DPPC containing r-HDL were not hydrolyzed to a significant extent. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the physico-chemical properties of particles (such as phospholipid packing and phospholipid acyl composition) play a significant role in hydrolysis of HDL phospholipid by HL and, therefore, in reverse cholesterol transport.

Systems Biology Graphical Notation: Process Description language Level 1 Version 1.3.

PubMed

Moodie, Stuart; Le Novère, Nicolas; Demir, Emek; Mi, Huaiyu; Villéger, Alice

2015-09-04

The Systems Biological Graphical Notation (SBGN) is an international community effort for standardized graphical representations of biological pathways and networks. The goal of SBGN is to provide unambiguous pathway and network maps for readers with different scientific backgrounds as well as to support efficient and accurate exchange of biological knowledge between different research communities, industry, and other players in systems biology. Three SBGN languages, Process Description (PD), Entity Relationship (ER) and Activity Flow (AF), allow for the representation of different aspects of biological and biochemical systems at different levels of detail. The SBGN Process Description language represents biological entities and processes between these entities within a network. SBGN PD focuses on the mechanistic description and temporal dependencies of biological interactions and transformations. The nodes (elements) are split into entity nodes describing, e.g., metabolites, proteins, genes and complexes, and process nodes describing, e.g., reactions and associations. The edges (connections) provide descriptions of relationships (or influences) between the nodes, such as consumption, production, stimulation and inhibition. Among all three languages of SBGN, PD is the closest to metabolic and regulatory pathways in biological literature and textbooks, but its well-defined semantics offer a superior precision in expressing biological knowledge.

A preliminary comparison of Cantonese and American-English as taste languages.

PubMed

O'Mahony, M; Tsang, T

1980-05-01

Groups of monolingual American-English speaking Americans of Chinese descent were compared with Cantonese/American-English bilingual Chinese living in America to examine their taste descriptions for a set of aqueous solutions. Cantonese, unlike other languages, did not appear to differ greatly from American-English in its general taste descriptive strategy and depth of vocabulary, although Cantonese speakers had a tendency to use 'glutamic' as a descriptive term for monosodium glutamate.

Classification and Counter-Classification of Language on Saint Barthelemy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pressman, Jon F.

1998-01-01

Analyzes the use of metapragmatic description in the ethnoclassification of language by native speakers on the Franco-Antillean island of Saint Barthelemy. A prevalent technique for metapragmatic description based on honorific pronouns that reflects the varied geolinguistic and generational attributes of the speakers is described. (Author/MSE)

Two Types of Definites in Natural Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwarz, Florian

2009-01-01

This thesis is concerned with the description and analysis of two semantically different types of definite articles in German. While the existence of distinct article paradigms in various Germanic dialects and other languages has been acknowledged in the descriptive literature for quite some time, the theoretical implications of their existence…

An Introduction to the Resource Description Framework.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Eric

1998-01-01

Explains the Resource Description Framework (RDF), an infrastructure developed under the World Wide Web Consortium that enables the encoding, exchange, and reuse of structured metadata. It is an application of Extended Markup Language (XML), which is a subset of Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), and helps with expressing semantics.…

Towards a Bernsteinian Language of Description for Mathematics Classroom Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Straehler-Pohl, Hauke; Gellert, Uwe

2013-01-01

This article aims at developing an external language of description to investigate the problem of why particular groups of students are systematically not provided access to school mathematical knowledge. Based on Basil Bernstein's conceptualisation of power in classification, we develop a three-dimensional model that operationalises the…

Properties of the Products Formed by the Activity of Serum Opacity Factor against Human Plasma High Density Lipoproteins

PubMed Central

Pownall, Henry J.; Courtney, Harry S.; Gillard, Baiba K.; Massey, John B.

2010-01-01

Serum opacity factor from Streptococcus pyogenes transfers the cholesteryl esters (CE) of ~100,000 plasma high density lipoprotein particles (HDL) to a CE-rich microemulsion (CERM) while forming neo HDL, a cholesterol-poor HDL-like particle. HDL, neo HDL, and CERM are distinct. Neo HDL is lower in free cholesterol and has lower surface and total microviscosities than HDL; the surface polarity of neo HDL and HDL are similar. CERM is much larger than HDL and richer in cholesterol and CE. Although the surface microviscosity of HDL is higher than that of CERM, they have similar total microviscosities because cholesterol partitions into the neutral lipid core. Because of its unique surface properties apo E preferentially associates with the CERM. In contrast, the composition and properties of neo HDL make it a potential acceptor of cellular cholesterol and its esterification. Thus, neo HDL and CERM are possible vehicles for improving cholesterol transport to the liver. PMID:18838065

Composing Models of Geographic Physical Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofer, Barbara; Frank, Andrew U.

Processes are central for geographic information science; yet geographic information systems (GIS) lack capabilities to represent process related information. A prerequisite to including processes in GIS software is a general method to describe geographic processes independently of application disciplines. This paper presents such a method, namely a process description language. The vocabulary of the process description language is derived formally from mathematical models. Physical processes in geography can be described in two equivalent languages: partial differential equations or partial difference equations, where the latter can be shown graphically and used as a method for application specialists to enter their process models. The vocabulary of the process description language comprises components for describing the general behavior of prototypical geographic physical processes. These process components can be composed by basic models of geographic physical processes, which is shown by means of an example.

Apolipoprotein AI Deficiency Inhibits Serum Opacity Factor Activity against Plasma High Density Lipoprotein via a Stabilization Mechanism

PubMed Central

Rosales, Corina; Patel, Niket; Gillard, Baiba K.; Yelamanchili, Dedipya; Yang, Yaliu; Courtney, Harry S.; Santos, Raul D.; Gotto, Antonio M.; Pownall, Henry J.

2016-01-01

The reaction of Streptococcal serum opacity factor (SOF) against plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) produces a large cholesteryl ester-rich microemulsion (CERM), a smaller neo HDL that is apolipoprotein (apo) AI-poor, and lipid-free apo AI. SOF is active vs. both human and mouse plasma HDL. In vivo injection of SOF into mice reduces plasma cholesterol ~40% in 3 hours while forming the same products observed in vitro, but at different ratios. Previous studies supported the hypothesis that labile apo AI is required for the SOF reaction vs. HDL. Here we further tested that hypothesis by studies of SOF against HDL from apo AI-null mice. When injected into apo AI-null mice, SOF reduced plasma cholesterol ~35% in three hours. The reaction of SOF vs. apo AI-null HDL in vitro produced a CERM and neo HDL, but no lipid-free apo. Moreover, according to the rate of CERM formation, the extent and rate of the SOF reaction vs. apo AI-null mouse HDL was less than that against wild-type (WT) mouse HDL. Chaotropic perturbation studies using guanidine hydrochloride showed that apo AI-null HDL was more stable than WT HDL. Human apo AI added to apo AI-null HDL was quantitatively incorporated, giving reconstituted HDL. Both SOF and guanidine hydrochloride displaced apo AI from the reconstituted HDL. These results support the conclusion that apo AI-null HDL is more stable than WT HDL because it lacks apo AI, a labile protein that is readily displaced by physico-chemical and biochemical perturbations. Thus, apo AI-null HDL is less SOF-reactive than WT HDL. The properties of apo AI-null HDL can be partially restored to those of WT HDL by the spontaneous incorporation of human apo AI. It remains to be determined what other HDL functions are affected by apo AI deletion. PMID:25790332

English-Language Writing Instruction in Poland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reichelt, Melinda

2005-01-01

Second language writing scholars have undertaken descriptions of English-language writing instruction in a variety of international settings, describing the role of various contextual factors in shaping English-language writing instruction. This article describes English-language writing instruction at various levels in Poland, noting how it is…

Pharmacokinetics and atherosclerotic lesions targeting effects of tanshinone IIA discoidal and spherical biomimetic high density lipoproteins.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenli; He, Hongliang; Liu, Jianping; Wang, Ji; Zhang, Suyang; Zhang, Shuangshuang; Wu, Zimei

2013-01-01

High density lipoproteins (HDL) have been successfully reconstructed to deliver a large number of lipophilic drugs. Here, discoidal and spherical recombinant HDL loaded with cardiovascular drug tanshinone IIA (TA) were constructed (TA-d-rHDL and TA-s-rHDL), respectively. And next their in vitro physiochemical and biomimetic properties were characterized. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics, atherosclerotic lesions targeting effects and antiatherogenic efficacies were elaborately performed and compared in atherosclerotic New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. In vitro characterizations results showed that both TA-d-rHDL and TA-s-rHDL had nano-size diameter, high entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug-loading capacity (DL). Additionally, similar to their native counterparts, TA-d-rHDL maintained remodeling behaviors induced by lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and TA leaked during remodeling behaviors. Pharmacokinetic studies manifested that both TA-d-rHDL and TA-s-rHDL markedly improved pharmacokinetic behaviors of TA in vivo. Ex vivo imaging demonstrated that both d-rHDL and s-rHDL bound more avidly to atherosclerotic lesions than to normal vessel walls, and s-rHDL had better targeting effect than d-rHDL. Pharmacodynamic tests illustrated that both TA-d-rHDL and TA-s-rHDL had much stronger antiatherogenic efficacies than conventional TA nanostructured lipid carriers (TA-NLC), TA liposomes (TA-L) and commercially available preparation Sulfotanshinone Sodium Injection (SSI). Moreover, TA-s-rHDL had more potent antiatherogenic efficacies than TA-d-rHDL. Collectively our studies indicated that rHDL could be exploited as potential delivery vehicles of TA targeting atherosclerotic lesions as well as synergistically improving efficacies, especially for s-rHDL. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Glycoxidized HDL, HDL enriched with oxidized phospholipids and HDL from diabetic patients inhibit platelet function

PubMed Central

Lê, Quang Huy; El Alaoui, Meddy; Véricel, Evelyne; Ségrestin, Bérénice; Soulère, Laurent; Guichardant, Michel; Lagarde, Michel; Moulin, Philippe; Calzada, Catherine

2015-01-01

Context High-density lipoproteins (HDL) possess atheroprotective properties including anti-thrombotic and antioxidant effects. Very few studies relate to the functional effects of oxidized HDL on platelets in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of in vitro glycoxidized HDL, and HDL from T2D patients on platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid signaling cascade. At the same time, the contents of hydroxylated fatty acids were assessed in HDL. Results Compared to control HDL, in vitro glycoxidized HDL had decreased proportions of linoleic (LA) and arachidonic (AA) acids in phospholipids and cholesteryl esters, and increased concentrations of hydroxy-octadecadienoic acids (9-HODE and 13-HODE) and 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), derived from LA and AA respectively, especially hydroxy derivatives esterified in phospholipids. Glycoxidized HDL dose-dependently decreased collagen-induced platelet aggregation by binding to SR-BI. Glycoxidized HDL prevented collagen-induced increased phosphorylation of platelet p38 MAPK and cytosolic phospholipase A2, as well as intracellular calcium mobilization. HDL enriched with oxidized phospholipids, namely PC(16:0/13-HODE) dose-dependently inhibited platelet aggregation. Increased concentrations of 9-HODE, 13-HODE and 15-HETE in phospholipids (2.1, 2.1 and 2.4-fold increase respectively) were found in HDL from patients with T2D, and these HDL also inhibited platelet aggregation via SR-BI. Conclusions Altogether, our results indicate that in vitro glycoxidized HDL as well as HDL from T2D patients inhibit platelet aggregation, and suggest that oxidized LA-containing phospholipids may contribute to the anti-aggregatory effects of glycoxidized HDL and HDL from T2D patients. PMID:25794249

Triglyceride enrichment of HDL enhances in vivo metabolic clearance of HDL apo A-I in healthy men

PubMed Central

Lamarche, Benoît; Uffelman, Kristine D.; Carpentier, André; Cohn, Jeffrey S.; Steiner, George; Barrett, P. Hugh; Lewis, Gary F.

1999-01-01

Triglyceride (TG) enrichment of HDL resulting from cholesteryl ester transfer protein–mediated exchange with TG-rich lipoproteins may enhance the lipolytic transformation and subsequent metabolic clearance of HDL particles in hypertriglyceridemic states. The present study investigates the effect of TG enrichment of HDL on the clearance of HDL-associated apo A-I in humans. HDL was isolated from plasma of six normolipidemic men (mean age: 29.7 ± 2.7 years) in the fasting state and after a five-hour intravenous infusion with a synthetic TG emulsion, Intralipid. Intralipid infusion resulted in a 2.1-fold increase in the TG content of HDL. Each tracer was then whole-labeled with 125I or 131I and injected intravenously into the subject. Apo A-I in TG-enriched HDL was cleared 26% more rapidly than apo A-I in fasting HDL. A strong correlation between the Intralipid-induced increase in the TG content of HDL and the increase in HDL apo A-I fractional catabolic rate reinforced the importance of TG enrichment of HDL in enhancing its metabolic clearance. HDL was separated further into lipoproteins containing apo A-II (LpAI:AII) and those without apo A-II (LpAI). Results revealed that the enhanced clearance of apo A-I from TG-enriched HDL could be largely attributed to differences in the clearance of LpAI but not LpAI:AII. This is, to our knowledge, the first direct demonstration in humans that TG enrichment of HDL enhances the clearance of HDL apo A-I from the circulation. This phenomenon could provide an important mechanism explaining how HDL apo A-I and HDL cholesterol are lowered in hypertriglyceridemic states. PMID:10207171

The carbohydrate sequence markup language (CabosML): an XML description of carbohydrate structures.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Norihiro; Kameyama, Akihiko; Nakaya, Shuuichi; Ito, Hiromi; Sato, Takashi; Shikanai, Toshihide; Takahashi, Yoriko; Narimatsu, Hisashi

2005-04-15

Bioinformatics resources for glycomics are very poor as compared with those for genomics and proteomics. The complexity of carbohydrate sequences makes it difficult to define a common language to represent them, and the development of bioinformatics tools for glycomics has not progressed. In this study, we developed a carbohydrate sequence markup language (CabosML), an XML description of carbohydrate structures. The language definition (XML Schema) and an experimental database of carbohydrate structures using an XML database management system are available at http://www.phoenix.hydra.mki.co.jp/CabosDemo.html kikuchi@hydra.mki.co.jp.

Associations between eating competence and cardiovascular disease biomarkers.

PubMed

Psota, Tricia L; Lohse, Barbara; West, Sheila G

2007-01-01

Explore the relationship between eating competence (EC) and biomarkers of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Secondary analysis of data collected for a larger, 2-way crossover clinical trial. Outpatient clinical research center. Forty-eight hypercholesterolemic (LDL cholesterol > or = 110 mg/dL) men (n = 19) and women (n = 29) 21 to 70 years of age. Participant descriptives, cardiovascular disease biomarker levels, and eating competence (EC) determined by the ecSatter Inventory (ecSI). T tests for differences in eating competence between males and females, analysis of variance for differences in risk between those categorized as EC or not. Associations between EC and baseline biochemical measures, as well as participant characteristics and dietary intake, were assessed by Pearson correlation analyses. Logistic regression estimated relative risk of CVD risk factors from ecSI scores. Several significant associations were found between EC total and CVD risk factors. Eating competence was positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol, and inversely associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. High EC participants had significantly lower ratios of total cholesterol: HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides: HDL-cholesterol. Participants who were not eating competent were 5 times more likely to have LDL-cholesterol levels > or =130 mg/dL and 7 times more likely to have triglyceride levels > or =150 mg/dL. Eating competence appears to be a cognitive, affective construct with physiological manifestations, making nutrition education to increase eating competence a medical nutrition therapy.

Selective evaluation of high density lipoprotein from mouse small intestine by an in situ perfusion technique[S

PubMed Central

Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Zhang, Bo; Tomonaga, Takeshi; Seino, Utako; Kanagawa, Akiko; Segawa, Masaru; Nagasaka, Hironori; Suzuki, Akira; Miida, Takashi; Yamada, Sohsuke; Sasaguri, Yasuyuki; Doi, Takefumi; Saku, Keijiro; Okazaki, Mitsuyo; Tochino, Yoshihiro; Hirano, Ken-ichi

2014-01-01

The small intestine (SI) is the second-greatest source of HDL in mice. However, the selective evaluation of SI-derived HDL (SI-HDL) has been difficult because even the origin of HDL obtained in vivo from the intestinal lymph duct of anesthetized rodents is doubtful. To shed light on this question, we have developed a novel in situ perfusion technique using surgically isolated mouse SI, with which the possible filtration of plasma HDL into the SI lymph duct can be prevented. With the developed method, we studied the characteristics of and mechanism for the production and regulation of SI-HDL. Nascent HDL particles were detected in SI lymph perfusates in WT mice, but not in ABCA1 KO mice. SI-HDL had a high protein content and was smaller than plasma HDL. SI-HDL was rich in TG and apo AIV compared with HDL in liver perfusates. SI-HDL was increased by high-fat diets and reduced in apo E KO mice. In conclusion, with our in situ perfusion model that enables the selective evaluation of SI-HDL, we demonstrated that ABCA1 plays an important role in intestinal HDL production, and SI-HDL is small, dense, rich in apo AIV, and regulated by nutritional and genetic factors. PMID:24569139

Mechanistic studies of high-density lipoproteins.

PubMed

Kashyap, M L

1998-12-17

There is increasing evidence that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and its subfractions are protective against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Physical exercise, weight reduction, smoking cessation, diabetes mellitus control, and specific drugs, including niacin, fibrates, and estrogens, are effective methods to increase HDL levels. Niacin is the oldest and most powerful clinical agent for raising HDL levels. Niaspan, an extended-release niacin formulation, is as potent as immediate-release niacin in increasing levels of HDL cholesterol; subfractions HDL2 and HDL3; apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein of HDL, and its cardioprotective subfraction lipoprotein A-I. Recent research from our laboratory suggests a novel mechanism by which niacin inhibits hepatic removal of HDL-apoprotein A-I without interfering with the removal of cholesterol carried by HDL, thus augmenting reverse cholesterol transport. Other mechanistic studies indicate that fibrates and estrogens stimulate the synthesis and production of HDL-apoprotein A-I. Because niacin decreases HDL-apoprotein A-I removal, and fibrates and estrogens increase HDL-apoprotein A-I production, combinations of niacin with these agents may raise HDL levels more than fibrates or estrogens alone.

Small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses are increased with decreased activity of HDL-associated phospholipase A₂ in subjects with prediabetes.

PubMed

Filippatos, Theodosios D; Rizos, Evangelos C; Tsimihodimos, Vasilios; Gazi, Irene F; Tselepis, Alexandros D; Elisaf, Moses S

2013-06-01

Alterations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution, as well as in the activities of HDL-associated enzymes, have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. HDL subclass distribution and the activities of HDL-associated enzymes remain unknown in prediabetic patients, a condition also associated with increased CVD risk. The aim of the present study was to assess any differences in HDL subclass distribution (using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and in activities of HDL-associated enzymes between prediabetic (impaired fasting glucose, IFG, n = 80) and non-prediabetic subjects (n = 105). Subjects with prediabetes had significantly increased waist circumference, blood pressure and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels compared with subjects with fasting glucose levels <100 mg/dL (all p < 0.05). The proportion of small HDL3 over HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls (p < 0.05). The activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-associated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-LpPLA₂) was significantly lower in subjects with prediabetes (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of paraoxonase 1 (using both paraoxon and phenyl acetate as substrates) did not significantly differ between subjects with or without prediabetes. In a stepwise linear regression analysis, the proportion of small HDL3 over HDL-C concentration was independently associated with the presence of prediabetes and with total cholesterol and TAG concentration (positively), as well as with HDL-C levels (negatively). We also observed a trend of increased small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls. Subjects with IFG exhibit increased proportion of small HDL3 particles combined with decreased activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-LpPLA₂.

Association of the TG/HDL-C and Non-HDL-C/HDL-C Ratios with Chronic Kidney Disease in an Adult Chinese Population.

PubMed

Wen, Jia; Chen, Yiyin; Huang, Yun; Lu, Yao; Liu, Xing; Zhou, Honghao; Yuan, Hong

2017-01-01

Evidence indicates a role for dyslipidemia in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association of lipid abnormalities and their ratios with kidney disease using the new CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation is not well understood. This cross-sectional study included 48,054 adult subjects. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or dipstick-positive proteinuria. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between lipid variables and CKD. The prevalence of CKD in this study was 3.7%. When the participants exhibited higher serum triglyceride (TG), a higher TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio or a higher non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio or HDL-c in a lower quartile, the prevalence of CKD tended to be higher. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios for CKD per 1 standard deviation increase in lipid level were 1.17 (1.10-1.23) for TG, 0.86 (0.79-0.93) for HDL-c, 1.21 (1.13-1.31) for the TG/HDL-c ratio, and 1.14 (1.06-1.22) for the non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio. No significant association was detected between CKD and total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-c or the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-c (LDL-c/HDL-c) ratio. In this relatively healthy adult Chinese population, the CKD-EPI equation determined that the TG/HDL-c and non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratios as well as TG and HDL-c correlate with the prevalence of CKD. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

A program code generator for multiphysics biological simulation using markup languages.

PubMed

Amano, Akira; Kawabata, Masanari; Yamashita, Yoshiharu; Rusty Punzalan, Florencio; Shimayoshi, Takao; Kuwabara, Hiroaki; Kunieda, Yoshitoshi

2012-01-01

To cope with the complexity of the biological function simulation models, model representation with description language is becoming popular. However, simulation software itself becomes complex in these environment, thus, it is difficult to modify the simulation conditions, target computation resources or calculation methods. In the complex biological function simulation software, there are 1) model equations, 2) boundary conditions and 3) calculation schemes. Use of description model file is useful for first point and partly second point, however, third point is difficult to handle for various calculation schemes which is required for simulation models constructed from two or more elementary models. We introduce a simulation software generation system which use description language based description of coupling calculation scheme together with cell model description file. By using this software, we can easily generate biological simulation code with variety of coupling calculation schemes. To show the efficiency of our system, example of coupling calculation scheme with three elementary models are shown.

Creating Body Shapes From Verbal Descriptions by Linking Similarity Spaces.

PubMed

Hill, Matthew Q; Streuber, Stephan; Hahn, Carina A; Black, Michael J; O'Toole, Alice J

2016-11-01

Brief verbal descriptions of people's bodies (e.g., "curvy," "long-legged") can elicit vivid mental images. The ease with which these mental images are created belies the complexity of three-dimensional body shapes. We explored the relationship between body shapes and body descriptions and showed that a small number of words can be used to generate categorically accurate representations of three-dimensional bodies. The dimensions of body-shape variation that emerged in a language-based similarity space were related to major dimensions of variation computed directly from three-dimensional laser scans of 2,094 bodies. This relationship allowed us to generate three-dimensional models of people in the shape space using only their coordinates on analogous dimensions in the language-based description space. Human descriptions of photographed bodies and their corresponding models matched closely. The natural mapping between the spaces illustrates the role of language as a concise code for body shape that captures perceptually salient global and local body features. © The Author(s) 2016.

Aerobic Exercise and Lipids and Lipoproteins in Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PubMed Central

Kelley, George A.; Kelley, Kristi S.; Tran, Zung VU

2007-01-01

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is the leading cause of mortality in the United States, and less than optimal lipid and lipoprotein levels are major risk factors for CVD. The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoproteins in women. Methods Studies were retrieved via computerized literature searches, review of reference lists, hand searching selected journals, and expert review of our reference list. The inclusion of studies was limited to randomized controlled trials published in the English language literature between January 1955 and January 2003 in which aerobic exercise was used as the primary intervention in adult women aged ≥18 years. One or more of the following lipids and lipoproteins were assessed: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Results Using a random effects model, statistically significant improvements were observed for all lipids and lipoproteins (TC, X̄ ± SEM, −4.3 ± 1.3 mg/dl, 95% CI −6.9 to −1.7 mg/dl; HDL-C, X̄± SEM, 1.8 ± 0.9 mg/dl, 95% CI 0.1 to 3.5 mg/dl; LDL-C, X̄ ± SEM, −4.4 ± 1.1 mg/dl, 95% CI −6.5 to −2.2 mg/dl; TG, X̄ ± SEM, −4.2 ± 2.1 mg/dl, 95% CI −8.4 to −0.1 mg/dl). Reductions of approximately 2%, 3%, and 5%, respectively, were observed for TC, LDL-C, and TG, whereas an increase of 3% was observed for HDL-C. Conclusions Aerobic exercise is efficacious for increasing HDL-C and decreasing TC, LDL-C, and TG in women. PMID:15650348

A case-control study on reduced HDL2b in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Hu, Weihong; Chen, Lin; Mao, Sha; Qiao, Jie

2016-10-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an important factor associated with the increasing risk of future ischaemic heart disease. In this study, we analyzed serum HDL2b level in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Total of 60 female patients with PCOS was enrolled for assessment and another 60 non-PCOS females with matched age and weight were selected as control. A highly sensitive microfluidic chip was employed to analyze the serum HDL subfractions. Serum HDL2b and HDL2b/HDL ratio were decreased in PCOS group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that serum HDL2b level was negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, INS0, HOMA-IR, T, estradiol, triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C; and the ratio of HDL2b/HDL was negatively correlated with T, TG and LDL-C. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed a reverse correlation for HDL2b and its ratio to HDL with hyperandrogenism. The results suggested that a reduction of serum HDL2b and its ratio to total serum HDL in PCOS patients by using the microfluidic chip method assessment. Hyperandrogenism was the main factor to affect HDL2b and its ratio to total HDL in PCOS patients, and it might increase the incidence of atherosclerosis as well as the risk of coronary heart disease.

An Electronic Finding Aid Using Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Encoded Archival Description (EAD).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, May

2000-01-01

Describes the development of electronic finding aids for archives at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that used XML (extensible markup language) and EAD (encoded archival description) to enable more flexible information management and retrieval than using MARC or a relational database management system. EAD template is appended.…

Object Language and the Language Subject: On the Mediating Role of Applied Linguistics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Widdowson, Henry G.

2000-01-01

Examines the extent to which linguistic descriptions can adequately account for their reality for learners and provide a reference point for the design of language courses. Special concern is focused on second language learners as a particular kind of language user. (Author/VWL)

Understanding How Babies Build Language Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Honig, Alice Sterling

2006-01-01

Language is a great communication system. Through language, humans can express logical reasoning, grief, happiness, wishes, descriptions, and a rich array of feelings and ideas. Every baby deserves the gift of language power! In this article, the author discusses how babies build language skills and presents activities to help babies build…

Effects of Dietary Flavonoids on Reverse Cholesterol Transport, HDL Metabolism, and HDL Function12

PubMed Central

Millar, Courtney L; Duclos, Quinn

2017-01-01

Strong experimental evidence confirms that HDL directly alleviates atherosclerosis. HDL particles display diverse atheroprotective functions in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic processes. In certain inflammatory disease states, however, HDL particles may become dysfunctional and proatherogenic. Flavonoids show the potential to improve HDL function through their well-documented effects on cellular antioxidant status and inflammation. The aim of this review is to summarize the basic science and clinical research examining the effects of dietary flavonoids on RCT and HDL function. Based on preclinical studies that used cell culture and rodent models, it appears that many flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanidins, flavonols, and flavone subclasses) influence RCT and HDL function beyond simple HDL cholesterol concentration by regulating cellular cholesterol efflux from macrophages and hepatic paraoxonase 1 expression and activity. In clinical studies, dietary anthocyanin intake is associated with beneficial changes in serum biomarkers related to HDL function in a variety of human populations (e.g., in those who are hyperlipidemic, hypertensive, or diabetic), including increased HDL cholesterol concentration, as well as HDL antioxidant and cholesterol efflux capacities. However, clinical research on HDL functionality is lacking for some flavonoid subclasses (e.g., flavanols, flavones, flavanones, and isoflavones). Although there has been a tremendous effort to develop HDL-targeted drug therapies, more research is warranted on how the intake of foods or specific nutrients affects HDL function. PMID:28298268

Research accomplished at the Knowledge Based Systems Lab: IDEF3, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayer, Richard J.; Menzel, Christopher P.; Mayer, Paula S. D.

1991-01-01

An overview is presented of the foundations and content of the evolving IDEF3 process flow and object state description capture method. This method is currently in beta test. Ongoing efforts in the formulation of formal semantics models for descriptions captured in the outlined form and in the actual application of this method can be expected to cause an evolution in the method language. A language is described for the representation of process and object state centered system description. IDEF3 is a scenario driven process flow modeling methodology created specifically for these types of descriptive activities.

Apolipoproteins regulate the kinetics of endothelial lipase-mediated hydrolysis of phospholipids in reconstituted high-density lipoproteins.

PubMed

Caiazza, Daniela; Jahangiri, Anisa; Rader, Daniel J; Marchadier, Dawn; Rye, Kerry-Anne

2004-09-21

Endothelial lipase (EL) is a newly identified member of the triglyceride lipase gene family that hydrolyzes high-density lipoprotein (HDL) phospholipids. This study investigates the ability of the major apolipoproteins of rHDL to regulate the kinetics of EL-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis in well-characterized, homogeneous preparations of spherical rHDL. The rHDL contained either apoA-I as the only apolipoprotein, (A-I)rHDL, apoA-II as the only apolipoprotein, (A-II)rHDL, or apoA-I as well as apoA-II, (A-I/A-II)rHDL. The rHDL were comparable in terms of size and lipid composition and contained cholesteryl esters (CE) as their sole core lipid. Phospholipid hydrolysis was quantitated as the mass of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) released from the rHDL during incubation with EL. The V(max) of phospholipid hydrolysis for (A-I/A-II)rHDL [391.9 +/- 12.9 nmol of NEFA formed (mL of EL)(-1) h(-1)] was greater than (A-I)rHDL [152.8 +/- 4.7 nmol of NEFA formed (mL of EL)(-1) h(-1)]. The energy of activation (E(a)) for the hydrolysis reactions was calculated to be 52.1 and 34.8 kJ mol(-1) for (A-I)rHDL and (A-I/A-II)rHDL, respectively. Minimal phospholipid hydrolysis was observed for the (A-II)rHDL. Kinetic analysis showed that EL has a higher affinity for the phospholipids in (A-I)rHDL [K(m)(app) = 0.10 +/- 0.01 mM] than in (A-I/A-II)rHDL [K(m)(app) = 0.27 +/- 0.03 mM]. Furthermore, (A-I)rHDL is a competitive inhibitor of the EL-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis of (A-I/A-II)rHDL. These results establish that apolipoproteins are major determinants of the kinetics of EL-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis in rHDL.

Separation of the principal HDL subclasses by iodixanol ultracentrifugation

PubMed Central

Harman, Nicola L.; Griffin, Bruce A.; Davies, Ian G.

2013-01-01

HDL subclasses detection, in cardiovascular risk, has been limited due to the time-consuming nature of current techniques. We have developed a time-saving and reliable separation of the principal HDL subclasses employing iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation (IxDGUC) combined with digital photography. HDL subclasses were separated in 2.5 h from prestained plasma on a three-step iodixanol gradient. HDL subclass profiles were generated by digital photography and gel scan software. Plasma samples (n = 46) were used to optimize the gradient for the resolution of HDL heterogeneity and to compare profiles generated by IxDGUC with gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE); further characterization from participants (n = 548) with a range of lipid profiles was also performed. HDL subclass profiles generated by IxDGUC were comparable to those separated by GGE as indicated by a significant association between areas under the curve for both HDL2 and HDL3 (HDL2, r = 0.896, P < 0.01; HDL3, r = 0.894, P < 0.01). The method was highly reproducible, with intra- and interassay coefficient of variation percentage < 5 for percentage area under the curve HDL2 and HDL3, and < 1% for peak Rf and peak density. The method provides time-saving and cost-effective detection and preparation of the principal HDL subclasses. PMID:23690506

Which Methodology Works Better? English Language Teachers' Awareness of the Innovative Language Learning Methodologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurt, Mustafa

2015-01-01

The present study investigated whether English language teachers were aware of the innovative language learning methodologies in language learning, how they made use of these methodologies and the learners' reactions to them. The descriptive survey method was employed to disclose the frequencies and percentages of 175 English language teachers'…

High-density lipoprotein from patients with coronary heart disease loses anti-thrombotic effects on endothelial cells: impact on arterial thrombus formation.

PubMed

Holy, Erik W; Besler, Christian; Reiner, Martin F; Camici, Giovanni G; Manz, Jasmin; Beer, Jürg H; Lüscher, Thomas F; Landmesser, Ulf; Tanner, Felix C

2014-11-01

Thrombus formation is determined by the balance between pro- thrombotic mediators and anti-thrombotic factors.High-density lipoprotein (HDL) from healthy subjects exerts anti-thrombotic properties. Whether this is also the case for HDL from patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown.In human aortic endothelial cells in culture,HDL (50 µg/ml) from healthy subjects (HS) inhibited thrombin-induced tissue factor (TF) expression and activity, while HDL (50 µg/ml) from CHD and ACS patients did not. Similarly, only healthy HDL increased endothelial tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) expression and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) release, while HDL from CHD and ACS patients had no effect. Healthy HDL inhibited thrombin-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) expression, while HDL from ACS patients enhanced endothelial PAI-1 expression. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) formation with L-NAME (100 µmol/l) abolished the anti-thrombotic effects of healthy HDL on TF, TFPI, and tPA expression. The exogenous nitric oxide donor, DETANO, mimicked the effects of healthy HDL and counterbalanced the loss of anti-thrombotic effects of HDL from CHD and ACS patients in endothelial cells. In line with this observation, healthy HDL, in contrast to HDL from CHD and ACS patients, increased endothelial NO production. In the laser-injured carotid artery of the mouse, thrombus formation was delayed in animals treated with healthy HDL compared with mice treated with vehicle or HDL from patients with CHD or ACS. In conclusion, HDL from CHD and ACS patients loses the ability of healthy HDL to suppress TF and to increase TFPI and t-PA and instead enhances PAI-1 and arterial thrombus formation.

Improving reconstituted HDL composition for efficient post-ischemic reduction of ischemia reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Brulhart-Meynet, Marie-Claude; Braunersreuther, Vincent; Brinck, Jonas; Montecucco, Fabrizio; Prost, Jean-Christophe; Thomas, Aurelien; Galan, Katia; Pelli, Graziano; Pedretti, Sarah; Vuilleumier, Nicolas; Mach, François; Lecour, Sandrine; James, Richard W; Frias, Miguel A

2015-01-01

New evidence shows that high density lipoproteins (HDL) have protective effects beyond their role in reverse cholesterol transport. Reconstituted HDL (rHDL) offer an attractive means of clinically exploiting these novel effects including cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). However, basic rHDL composition is limited to apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and phospholipids; addition of bioactive compound may enhance its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rHDL in post-ischemic model, and to analyze the potential impact of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in rHDL formulations. The impact of HDL on IRI was investigated using complementary in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro IRI models. Acute post-ischemic treatment with native HDL significantly reduced infarct size and cell death in the ex vivo, isolated heart (Langendorff) model and the in vivo model (-48%, p<0.01). Treatment with rHDL of basic formulation (apoAI + phospholipids) had a non-significant impact on cell death in vitro and on the infarct size ex vivo and in vivo. In contrast, rHDL containing S1P had a highly significant, protective influence ex vivo, and in vivo (-50%, p<0.01). This impact was comparable with the effects observed with native HDL. Pro-survival signaling proteins, Akt, STAT3 and ERK1/2 were similarly activated by HDL and rHDL containing S1P both in vitro (isolated cardiomyocytes) and in vivo. HDL afford protection against IRI in a clinically relevant model (post-ischemia). rHDL is significantly protective if supplemented with S1P. The protective impact of HDL appears to target directly the cardiomyocyte.

Language Contact Means Language Conflict.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelde, Peter H.

1987-01-01

Describes the characteristics of language conflict and examines the areas of emphasis in the literature, including multilingualism and linguistic identity, glottophagia and minority/majority relations, the danger of reliance on language censuses, conflict resolution/avoidance, and the importance of ecolinguistics in conflict description and for…

The Cooperate Assistive Teamwork Environment for Software Description Languages.

PubMed

Groenda, Henning; Seifermann, Stephan; Müller, Karin; Jaworek, Gerhard

2015-01-01

Versatile description languages such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML) are commonly used in software engineering across different application domains in theory and practice. They often use graphical notations and leverage visual memory for expressing complex relations. Those notations are hard to access for people with visual impairment and impede their smooth inclusion in an engineering team. Existing approaches provide textual notations but require manual synchronization between the notations. This paper presents requirements for an accessible and language-aware team work environment as well as our plan for the assistive implementation of Cooperate. An industrial software engineering team consisting of people with and without visual impairment will evaluate the implementation.

Subfractions of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and dysfunctional HDL in chronic kidney disease patients.

PubMed

Rysz-Górzyńska, Magdalena; Banach, Maciej

2016-08-01

A number of studies have shown that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronic kidney disease is characterized by significant disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism, including differences in quantitative and qualitative content of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. Recent studies have revealed that serum HDL cholesterol levels do not predict CVD in CKD patients; thus CKD-induced modifications in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may be responsible for the increase in CV risk in CKD patients. Various methods are available to separate several subclasses of HDL and confirm their atheroprotective properties. However, under pathological conditions associated with inflammation and oxidation, HDL can progressively lose normal biological activities and be converted into dysfunctional HDL. In this review, we highlight the current state of knowledge on subfractions of HDL and HDL dysfunction in CKD.

Lipids, cardiovascular disease, and oral contraceptives: a practical perspective.

PubMed

Upton, G V

1990-01-01

Figure 9 is an attempt to summate the influences of life-style on lipid parameters. Based on the work of Nikkila, it shows the source of the production of HDL and LDL, the factors that can affect these lipoprotein levels, and where in the cascade of lipoprotein metabolism these factors exert influence. The source of HDL production is the liver and the intestine. At this stage, diet, exercise, hormones, genetics, drugs, and certain disease states can affect HDL levels. Lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) esterifies HDL-free cholesterol in plasma, and HDL3 is formed that in turn is transformed to HDL2. At the same time, VLDL from the gut and the liver will be converted, under the influence of LPL, to HDL2 and LDL. Thus HDL2 is being formed by the breakdown of VLDL and from the transformation of HDL3 to HDL2. Insulin, exercise, alcohol, fats, drugs, and diet affect lipoprotein lipase and consequently influence levels of LDL and HDL2 indirectly. Progestogens increase and estrogens decrease hepatic endothelial lipase, thus affecting the HDL2 concentration. It is at this point that combination OCs influence HDL2. The balance between estrogen and progestogen in a given contraceptive determines the extent and direction of HDL2 concentration. A separate pathway in the liver also catabolizes HDL2 and HDL3. LDL is generated partly from catabolism of VLDL and is partly secreted from the liver. The removal of LDL is mediated by receptors in both the liver and peripheral tissues. It is here that the Brown-Goldstein theory plays a major role. If LDL receptors are present in an insufficient number or are defective, then the C will accumulate and atherosclerosis may follow. Thus two key enzymes, LCAT and LPL, control the production of HDL2 and LDL, whereas a third enzyme, hepatic endothelial lipase, catabolizes HDL2.

Do Decision Rules Matter? A Descriptive Study of English Language Proficiency Assessment Classifications for English-Language Learners and Native English Speakers in Fifth Grade

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carroll, Patricia E.; Bailey, Alison L.

2016-01-01

English language proficiency assessments (ELPA) are used in the United States to measure annually the English language progress and proficiency of English-language learners (ELLs), a subgroup of language minority students who receive language acquisition support mandated and largely funded by Title III (NCLB, 2001). ELPA proficient and…

Dysfunctional HDL as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis prevention.

PubMed

Ossoli, Alice; Pavanello, Chiara; Giorgio, Eleonora; Calabresi, Laura; Gomaraschi, Monica

2018-03-15

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the main risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. Among the various lipoprotein classes, however, high density lipoproteins (HDL) are inversely associated with the incidence of atherosclerosis, since they are able to exert a series of atheroprotective functions. The central role of HDL within the reverse cholesterol transport, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to preserve endothelial homeostasis are likely responsible for HDL-mediated atheroprotection. However, drugs that effectively raise HDL-C failed to result in a decreased incidence of cardiovascular event, suggesting that plasma levels of HDL-C and HDL function are not always related. Several evidences are showing that different pathologic conditions, especially those associated with an inflammatory response, can cause dramatic alterations of HDL protein and lipid cargo resulting in HDL dysfunction. Established and investigational drugs designed to affect lipid metabolism and to increase HDL-C are only partly effective in correcting HDL dysfunction. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

The Use of Descriptive Data from Bilingual Children to Inform Theories of Specific Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weismer, Susan Ellis; Kaushanskaya, Margarita

2010-01-01

In her Keynote Article, Paradis reviews evidence from bilingual language development to assess the claims of two opposing theoretical views of language disorders. Specifically, she examines the evidence for similarities in language profiles of typically developing (TD) sequential bilingual (second language [L2]) children and monolingual children…

Sources, Developments and Directions of Task-Based Language Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bygate, Martin

2016-01-01

This paper provides an outline of the origins, the current shape and the potential directions of task-based language teaching (TBLT) as an approach to language pedagogy. It first offers a brief description of TBLT and considers its origins within language teaching methodology and second language acquisition. It then summarises the current position…

Mechanism of transfer of LDL-derived free cholesterol to HDL subfractions in human plasma

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

Miida, T.; Fielding, C.J.; Fielding, P.E.

1990-11-01

The transfer of ({sup 3}H)cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to different high-density lipoprotein (HDL) species in native human plasma was determined by using nondenaturing two-dimensional electrophoresis. Transfer from LDL had a t{sub 1/2} at 37{degree}C of 51 {plus minus} 8 min and an activation energy of 18.0 kCal mol{sup {minus}1}. There was unexpected specificity among HDL species as acceptors of LDL-derived labeled cholesterol. The largest fraction of the major {alpha}-migrating class (HDL{sub 2b}) was the major initial acceptor of LDL-derived cholesterol. Kinetic analysis indicated a rapid secondary transfer from HDL{sub 2b} to smaller {alpha}HDL (particularly HDL{sub 3}) driven enzymatically bymore » the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase reaction. Rates of transfer among {alpha}HDL were most rapid from the largest {alpha}HDL fraction (HDL{sub 2b}), suggesting possible protein-mediated facilitation. Simultaneous measurements of the transport of LDL-derived and cell-derived isotopic cholesterol indicated that the former preferably utilized the {alpha}HDL pathyway, with little label in pre-{beta}HDL. The same experiments confirmed earlier data that cell-derived cholesterol is preferentially channeled through pre-{beta}HDL. The authors suggest that the functional heterogeneity of HDL demonstrated here includes the ability to independently process cell- and LDL-derived free cholesterol.« less

77 FR 17467 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-26

... Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: Admin. Filing to Re-instate Missing Language in PJM Tariff Attach Q (V-0.1.0.... Filing to Re-instate Missing Language in PJM Tariff Attach Q (V-2.1.0) to be effective 1/1/2011. Filed...-1284-002. Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: Admin. Filing to Re-instate Missing...

Effects of estrogens and progestins on high density lipoproteins

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

Krauss, R.M.; Lindgren, F.T.; Wingerd, J.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are knwon to be higher in women than in men, and to increase with estrogen use. To assess the effects of estrogens on HDL subspecies, analytic ultracentrifuge measurements of HDL were compared in 11 menopausal estrogen users and 16 controls. The difference in mean schlieren patterns between the groups showed a significantly higher level of HDL with flotation rate (F/sub 1/ /sub 20//sup 0/) > 1.5 (predominantly HDL/sub 2/) in the users. This was similar to the difference in HDL seen between nonusers of hormones and age-matched males. A previous study had shown that usersmore » of combination oral contraceptives had increased levels of HDL with F/sub 1/ /sub 20//sup 0/ less than or equal to 3.5 (primarily HDL/sub 3/) suggesting that the estrogen effect on HDL is altered by the presence of added progestin. The progestin effect was studied here in detail in two women with type V hyperlipoproteinemia treated with norethindrone acetate. Reduction in serum triglyceride was accompanied by a reduction in HDL, predominantly in the less dense species (HDL/sub 2/). Among groups of oral contraceptive and noncontraceptive estrogen and progestin users whose HDL-cholesterol levels have been reported recently, there was a direct correlation (r = 0.86, p < .001) between mean HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Endogenous hormonal influences on HDL were assessed by serum hormone and lipoprotein measurements at weekly intervals during two consecutive menstrual cycles in four healthy females. An increase in HDL of highest flotation rate (F/sub 1/ /sub 20//sup 0/ 5 to 9) was seen, which corresponded with the time of ovulation, raising the possibility of pituitary as well as gonadal hormone effects on HDL.« less

Utility of high density lipoprotein particle concentration in predicting future major adverse cardiovascular events among patients undergoing angiography.

PubMed

May, Heidi T; Anderson, Jeffrey L; Winegar, Deborah A; Rollo, Jeffrey; Connelly, Margery A; Otvos, James D; Muhlestein, Joseph B

2016-10-01

HDL-C is recognized to be inversely associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, attenuation of the association of HDL-C with CV risk may occur after adjustment for other lipoprotein parameters and in various disease states, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recently, the number of HDL particles (HDL-P) has been suggested to improve CV risk prediction. Patients (n=2999) in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study who underwent angiography and had lipoprotein particle measurements determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were studied. Multivariable Cox hazard regression was utilized to evaluate the association of HDL-C, HDL-P, and HDL-P subclasses with future major adverse CV events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke). Patients averaged 64±12years, 66% male, 26% diabetic, and 42% ACS. At angiography, 65% of patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). HDL-C and HDL-P averaged 41±13mg/dL and 28±8μmol/L, respectively. HDL-P (HR=0.903, p=0.001), but not HDL-C (HR=0.947, p=0.102) was significantly associated with MACE. In a model that included all HDL-P subclasses, both small (HR=0.862, p<0.0001) and medium (HR=0.922, p=0.020) were associated with CV risk, but not large HDL-P (HR=1.0042, p=0.185). Small HDL-P continued to be associated with all of the individual components of MACE, but not stroke. In this study of patients undergoing angiography, HDL-P was a strong, independent predictor of future MACE, with the smaller HDL-P accounting for this association. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extra-virgin olive oil consumption reduces the age-related decrease in HDL and paraoxonase 1 anti-inflammatory activities.

PubMed

Loued, Soumaya; Berrougui, Hicham; Componova, Pamela; Ikhlef, Souad; Helal, Olfa; Khalil, Abdelouahed

2013-10-01

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is associated with HDL and modulates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role of HDL. The goals of the present study were to investigate the effect of ageing and the role of PON1 on the anti-inflammatory activity of HDL, and to determine whether extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption could improve the atheroprotective activity of HDL. HDL and PON1 were isolated from the plasma of ten young (Y-HDL and Y-PON1) and ten elderly (E-HDL and E-PON1) healthy volunteers before and after 12 weeks of EVOO consumption. Inflammation was assessed by measuring intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression. THP-1 (human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line) monocyte chemotaxis was measured using a Boyden chamber. Oxidative damage to HDL was assessed by measuring conjugated diene formation and changes in electrophoretic migration. Y-HDL had more anti-inflammatory activity than E-HDL. The conjugated diene content and the electrophoretic mobility of E-HDL were higher than those of Y-HDL. Y-PON1 had significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing ICAM-1 expression by 32·64 (SD 2·63)%, while E-PON1 had no significant effect. THP-1 chemotaxis measurements confirmed the ICAM-1 expression results. The 12 weeks of EVOO consumption significantly increased the anti-inflammatory activities of both HDL and PON1. The anti-inflammatory activity of HDL was modulated by PON1 and was lower in the elderly volunteers. EVOO consumption increased the anti-inflammatory effect of HDL and reduced the age-related decrease in anti-atherogenic activity.

Intercorrelations among plasma high density lipoprotein, obesity and triglycerides in a normal population.

PubMed

Albrink, M J; Krauss, R M; Lindgrem, F T; von der Groeben, J; Pan, S; Wood, P D

1980-09-01

The interrelationships among fatness measures, plasma triglycerides and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were examined in 131 normal adult subjects: 38 men aged 27-46, 40 men aged 47-66, 29 women aged 27-46 and 24 women aged 47-66. None of the women were taking estrogens or oral contraceptive medication. The HDL concentration was subdivided into HDL2b, HDL2a and HDL3 by a computerized fitting of the total schlieren pattern to reference schlieren patterns. Anthropometric measures employed included skinfolds at 3 sites. 2 weight/height indices and 2 girth measurements. A high correlation was found among the various fatness measures. These measures were negatively correlated with total HDL, reflecting the negative correlation between fatness measures and HDL2 (as the sum of HDL2a and 2b). Fatness measures showed no relationship to HDL3. There was also an inverse correlation between triglyceride concentration and HDL2. No particular fatness measure was better than any other for demonstrating the inverse correlation with HDL but multiple correlations using all of the measures of obesity improved the correlations. Partial correlations controlling for fatness did not reduce any of the significant correlations between triglycerides and HDL2 to insignificance. The weak correlation between fatness and triglycerides was reduced to insignificance when controlled for HDL2.

Kidneys: Key Modulators of HDL Levels and Function

PubMed Central

Yang, Haichun; Fogo, Agnes B.; Kon, Valentina

2016-01-01

Purpose of review This review will examine advances in our understanding of the role kidneys play in HDL metabolism and the effect on levels, composition, and function of HDL particles. Recent findings Components of the HDL particles can cross the glomerular filtration barrier. Some of these components, including apolipoproteins and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, are taken up by the proximal tubule and degraded, modified, salvaged/returned to the circulation, or lost in the urine. Injury of the glomerular capillaries or tubules can affect these intrarenal processes and modify HDL. Changes in the plasma and urine levels of HDL may be novel markers of kidney damage and/or mechanism(s) of kidney disease. Summary The kidneys have a significant role in metabolism of individual HDL components, which in turn modulate HDL levels, composition and functionality of HDL particles. These intrarenal effects may be useful markers of kidney damage and have consequences on kidney-related perturbations in HDL. PMID:27008596

[Effects of adiponectin gene SNP45T/G on changes of serum lipid ratios induced by high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet in healthy Chinese youth].

PubMed

Li, Yu-jia; Fang, Ding-zhi; Gong, Ren-rong; Du, Juan; Huang, Xin

2010-09-01

To investigate the effects of adiponectin gene (APM1) SNP45T/G on serum lipid ratios and their responses to high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet in healthy young Chinese. Fifty-six healthy young subjects were given two consecutive diets. The first was control diet (54% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 31% fat) for 7 days, and the second was HC/LF diet (70% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 15% fat) for 6 days. Before and after each diet, serum lipids and SNP45T/G were analyzed. The ratios of TG/HDL-C, log (TG/HDL-C), TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C were calculated. There was no significant difference of baseline lipid ratios between subjects with TT genotype and subjects carrying G allele (G carriers) in the whole population or in the males and females separately. The G allele was associated with significantly higher TC/HDL-C after HC/LF diet in the males (P < 0.05); and the males with TT genotype had significant decreases of LDL-C/HDL-C (P < 0.05) and TC/HDL-C (P < 0.05) after HC/LF diet compared with those before the diet, while G carriers only experienced significant decrease of TC/HDL-C (P < 0.01). In the females, TT genotype was associated with significantly higher TG/HDL-C (P < 0.05) and log (TG/HDL-C) (P < 0.05) both before and after the HC/LF diet. When compared with those before HC/LF diet, elevated TG/HDL-C (P < 0.05) and log (TG/ HDL-C) (P < 0.05) and declined TC/HDL-C (P < 0.01) were observed in the subjects with TT genotype after the diet. In the female subjects of G carriers, LDL-C/HDL-C (P < 0.05) and TC/HDL-C (P < 0.01) decreased significantly after the HC/LF diet. G allele of APM1 45T/G could inhibit increase of TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) and promote the decrease of LDL-C/HDL-C induced by HC/LF diet in healthy young females. But in the healthy young males, it might eliminate the decline of LDL-C/HDL-C induced by HC/LF diet and increase TC/HDL-C.

Apolipoproteins E and CIII interact to regulate HDL metabolism and coronary heart disease risk

PubMed Central

Morton, Allyson M.; Koch, Manja; Mendivil, Carlos O.; Furtado, Jeremy D.; Tjønneland, Anne; Overvad, Kim; Wang, Liyun; Jensen, Majken K.; Sacks, Frank M.

2018-01-01

BACKGROUND. Subspecies of HDL contain apolipoprotein E (apoE) and/or apoCIII. Both proteins have properties that could affect HDL metabolism. The relation between HDL metabolism and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is not well understood. METHODS. Eighteen participants were given a bolus infusion of [D3]L-leucine to label endogenous proteins on HDL. HDL was separated into subspecies containing apoE and/or apoCIII and then into 4 sizes. Metabolic rates for apoA-I in HDL subspecies and sizes were determined by interactive modeling. The concentrations of apoE in HDL that contain or lack apoCIII were measured in a prospective study in Denmark including 1,949 incident CHD cases during 9 years. RESULTS. HDL containing apoE but not apoCIII is disproportionately secreted into the circulation, actively expands while circulating, and is quickly cleared. These are key metabolic steps in reverse cholesterol transport, which may protect against atherosclerosis. ApoCIII on HDL strongly attenuates these metabolic actions of HDL apoE. In the epidemiological study, the relation between HDL apoE concentration and CHD significantly differed depending on whether apoCIII was present. HDL apoE was associated significantly with lower risk of CHD only in the HDL subspecies lacking apoCIII. CONCLUSIONS. ApoE and apoCIII on HDL interact to affect metabolism and CHD. ApoE promotes metabolic steps in reverse cholesterol transport and is associated with lower risk of CHD. ApoCIII, when coexisting with apoE on HDL, abolishes these benefits. Therefore, differences in metabolism of HDL subspecies pertaining to reverse cholesterol transport are reflected in differences in association with CHD. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01399632. FUNDING. This work was supported by NIH grant R01HL095964 to FMS and by a grant to the Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (8UL1TR0001750) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science. PMID:29467335

Relationship of adiposity to the population distribution of plasma triglyceride concentrations in vigorously active men and women

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

Williams, Paul T.

2002-12-21

Context and Objective: Vigorous exercise, alcohol and weight loss are all known to increase HDL-cholesterol, however, it is not known whether these interventions raise low HDL as effectively as has been demonstrated for normal HDL. Design: Physician-supplied medical data from 7,288 male and 2,359 female runners were divided into five strata according to their self-reported usual running distance, reported alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference. Within each stratum, the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for HDL-cholesterol were then determined. Bootstrap resampling of least-squares regression was applied to determine the cross-sectional relationships between thesemore » factors and each percentile of the HDL-cholesterol distribution. Results: In both sexes, the rise in HDL-cholesterol per unit of vigorous exercise or alcohol intake was at least twice as great at the 95th percentile as at the 5th percentile of the HDL-distribution. There was also a significant graded increase in the slopes relating exercise (km run) and alcohol intake to HDL between the 5th and the 95th percentile. Men's HDL-cholesterol decreased in association with fatness (BMI and waist circumference) more sharply at the 95th than at the 5th percentile of the HDL-distribution. Conclusions: Although exercise, alcohol and adiposity were all related to HDL-cholesterol, the elevation in HDL per km run or ounce of alcohol consumed, and reduction in HDL per kg of body weight (men only), was least when HDL was low and greatest when HDL was high. These cross-sectional relationships support the hypothesis that men and women who have low HDL-cholesterol will be less responsive to exercise and alcohol (and weight loss in men) as compared to those who have high HDL-cholesterol.« less

Apolipoprotein AI tertiary structures determine stability and phospholipid-binding activity of discoidal high-density lipoprotein particles of different sizes

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

Chen, Bin; Ren, Xuefeng; Neville, Tracey

2009-05-18

Human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays a key role in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway that delivers excess cholesterol back to the liver for clearance. In vivo, HDL particles vary in size, shape and biological function. The discoidal HDL is a 140-240 kDa, disk-shaped intermediate of mature HDL. During mature spherical HDL formation, discoidal HDLs play a key role in loading cholesterol ester onto the HDL particles by activating the enzyme, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). One of the major problems for high-resolution structural studies of discoidal HDL is the difficulty in obtaining pure and, foremost, homogenous sample. We demonstrate here that themore » commonly used cholate dialysis method for discoidal HDL preparation usually contains 5-10% lipid-poor apoAI that significantly interferes with the high-resolution structural analysis of discoidal HDL using biophysical methods. Using an ultracentrifugation method, we quickly removed lipid-poor apoAI. We also purified discoidal reconstituted HDL (rHDL) into two pure discoidal HDL species of different sizes that are amendable for high-resolution structural studies. A small rHDL has a diameter of 7.6 nm, and a large rHDL has a diameter of 9.8 nm. We show that these two different sizes of discoidal HDL particles display different stability and phospholipid-binding activity. Interestingly, these property/functional differences are independent from the apoAI -helical secondary structure, but are determined by the tertiary structural difference of apoAI on different discoidal rHDL particles, as evidenced by two-dimensional NMR and negative stain electron microscopy data. Our result further provides the first high-resolution NMR data, demonstrating a promise of structural determination of discoidal HDL at atomic resolution using a combination of NMR and other biophysical techniques.« less

Teaching EFL outside the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.

The guide contains profiles of the linguistic situation and English language teaching conditions, in both public and private sectors, in 48 foreign countries. Descriptions include such information as official language(s), qualifications and requirements for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), typical class sizes and hours, accessibility…

Exercise-mediated changes in high-density lipoprotein: impact on form and function.

PubMed

Blazek, Alisa; Rutsky, Jessica; Osei, Kwame; Maiseyeu, Andrei; Rajagopalan, Sanjay

2013-09-01

The goal of this systematic review was to assess the current understanding of the effects of exercise intervention on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) and changes in HDL function as well as modification of these effects by genomic factors. The reviewed studies demonstrate that exercise has modest effects on HDL-C with limited data suggesting an effect on HDL function. Genetic polymorphisms in proteins associated with HDL metabolism play a role in modifying the HDL-C response to exercise and possibly its function. Exercise as an intervention for patients at risk for cardiovascular events can lead to small improvements in HDL-C and potential changes in HDL function. There is an important modifier effect of genetics in determining these changes. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Issues and solutions for storage, retrieval, and searching of MPEG-7 documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yuan-Chi; Lo, Ming-Ling; Smith, John R.

2000-10-01

The ongoing MPEG-7 standardization activity aims at creating a standard for describing multimedia content in order to facilitate the interpretation of the associated information content. Attempting to address a broad range of applications, MPEG-7 has defined a flexible framework consisting of Descriptors, Description Schemes, and Description Definition Language. Descriptors and Description Schemes describe features, structure and semantics of multimedia objects. They are written in the Description Definition Language (DDL). In the most recent revision, DDL applies XML (Extensible Markup Language) Schema with MPEG-7 extensions. DDL has constructs that support inclusion, inheritance, reference, enumeration, choice, sequence, and abstract type of Description Schemes and Descriptors. In order to enable multimedia systems to use MPEG-7, a number of important problems in storing, retrieving and searching MPEG-7 documents need to be solved. This paper reports on initial finding on issues and solutions of storing and accessing MPEG-7 documents. In particular, we discuss the benefits of using a virtual document management framework based on XML Access Server (XAS) in order to bridge the MPEG-7 multimedia applications and database systems. The need arises partly because MPEG-7 descriptions need customized storage schema, indexing and search engines. We also discuss issues arising in managing dependence and cross-description scheme search.

HDL-C Response Variability to Niacin ER in US Adults

PubMed Central

Christian, Jennifer B.; Olson, Eric J.; Allen, Jeffery K.; Lowe, Kimberly A.

2013-01-01

Background. Niacin is the most effective treatment currently available for raising HDL-C levels. Objective. To evaluate if gender and baseline lipid levels have an effect on the HDL-C response of niacin ER and to identify factors that predict response to niacin ER at the 500 mg dose. Material and Methods. The change in HDL-C effect between baseline and follow-up levels was quantified in absolute change as well as dichotomized into high versus low response (high response was defined as an HDL-C effect of >15% increase and low response was HDL-C <5%) in a sample of 834 individuals. Results. Both males and females with low HDL-C levels at baseline exhibited a response to treatment in the multivariate model (males, HDL-C <40 mg/dL: OR = 5.18, 95% CI: 2.36–11.39; females, HDL-C <50 mg/dL: OR = 5.40, 95% CI: 1.84–15.79). There was also a significant difference in the mean HDL-C effect between baseline and follow-up HDL-C levels in the 500 mg niacin ER dose group for both males (mean HDL-C effect = 0.08, P < 0.001) and females (mean HDL-C effect = 0.10, P = 0.019). Conclusion. Baseline HDL-C levels are the biggest predictor of response to niacin ER treatment for both males and females among the factors evaluated. PMID:23533734

Historical milestones in measurement of HDL-cholesterol: impact on clinical and laboratory practice.

PubMed

Langlois, Michel R; Blaton, Victor H

2006-07-23

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) comprises a family of particles with differing physicochemical characteristics. Continuing progress in improving HDL-C analysis has originated from two separate fields-one clinical, reflecting increased attention to HDL-C in estimating risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), and the other analytical, reflecting increased emphasis on finding more reliable and cost-effective HDL-C assays. Epidemiologic and prospective studies established the inverse association of HDL-C with CHD risk, a relationship that is consistent with protective mechanisms demonstrated in basic research and animal studies. Atheroprotective and less atheroprotective HDL subpopulations have been described. Guidelines on primary and secondary CHD prevention, which increased the workload in clinical laboratories, have led to a revolution in HDL-C assay technology. Many analytical techniques including ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis, chromatography, and polyanion precipitation methods have been developed to separate and quantify HDL-C and HDL subclasses. More recently developed homogeneous assays enable direct measurement of HDL-C on an automated analyzer, without the need for manual pretreatment to separate non-HDL. Although homogeneous assays show improved accuracy and precision in normal serum, discrepant results exist in samples with atypical lipoprotein characteristics. Hypertriglyceridemia and monoclonal paraproteins are important interfering factors. A novel approach is nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that allows rapid and reliable analysis of lipoprotein subclasses, which may improve the identification of individuals at increased CHD risk. Apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein of HDL, has been proposed as an alternative cardioprotective marker avoiding the analytical limitations of HDL-C.

Children's attention to task-relevant information accounts for relations between language and spatial cognition.

PubMed

Miller, Hilary E; Simmering, Vanessa R

2018-08-01

Children's spatial language reliably predicts their spatial skills, but the nature of this relation is a source of debate. This investigation examined whether the mechanisms accounting for such relations are specific to language use or reflect a domain-general mechanism of selective attention. Experiment 1 examined whether 4-year-olds' spatial skills were predicted by their selective attention or their adaptive language use. Children completed (a) an attention task assessing attention to task-relevant color, size, and location cues; (b) a description task assessing adaptive language use to describe scenes varying in color, size, and location; and (c) three spatial tasks. There was correspondence between the cue types that children attended to and produced across description and attention tasks. Adaptive language use was predicted by both children's attention and task-related language production, suggesting that selective attention underlies skills in using language adaptively. After controlling for age, gender, receptive vocabulary, and adaptive language use, spatial skills were predicted by children's selective attention. The attention score predicted variance in spatial performance previously accounted for by adaptive language use. Experiment 2 followed up on the attention task (Experiment 2a) and description task (Experiment 2b) from Experiment 1 to assess whether performance in the tasks related to selective attention or task-specific demands. Performance in Experiments 2a and 2b paralleled that in Experiment 1, suggesting that the effects in Experiment 1 reflected children's selective attention skills. These findings show that selective attention is a central factor supporting spatial skill development that could account for many effects previously attributed to children's language use. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Foreign Language Training in the United States Peace Corps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kulakow, Allan

This document reports on the foreign language training offered in the Peace Corps. Following a brief introductory statement, a list of languages taught by the Peace Corps in the years 1961-67 is provided, as well as a brief description of Peace Corps language training methods. Guidelines for language coordinators are outlined, and the approach to…

Defining English Language Proficiency for Malaysian Tertiary Education: Past, Present and Future Efforts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heng, Chan Swee

2012-01-01

Any attempt to define English language proficiency can never be divorced from the theories that describe the nature of language, language acquisition and human cognition. By virtue of such theories being socially constructed, the descriptions are necessarily value-laden. Thus, a definition of language proficiency can only, at best, be described as…

A Grammar of Sierra Popoluca (Soteapanec, a Mixe-Zoquean Language)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Jong Boudreault, Lynda J.

2009-01-01

This dissertation is a comprehensive description of the grammar of Sierra Popoluca (SP, aka Soteapanec), a Mixe-Zoquean language spoken by approximately 28,000 people in Veracruz, Mexico. This grammar begins with an introduction to the language, its language family, a typological overview of the language, a brief history of my fieldwork, and the…

Effects of curcumin on HDL functionality.

PubMed

Ganjali, Shiva; Blesso, Christopher N; Banach, Maciej; Pirro, Matteo; Majeed, Muhammed; Sahebkar, Amirhossein

2017-05-01

Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol, is a yellow pigment of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) plant. Curcumin has many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, it has been found that curcumin affects lipid metabolism, and subsequently, may alleviate hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent negative risk predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, numerous clinical and genetic studies have yielded disappointing results about the therapeutic benefit of raising plasma HDL-C levels. Therefore, research efforts are now focused on improving HDL functionality, independent of HDL-C levels. The quality of HDL particles can vary considerably due to heterogeneity in composition. Consistent with its complexity in composition and metabolism, a wide range of biological activities is reported for HDL, including antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic and immune modulatory activities. Protective properties of curcumin may influence HDL functionality; therefore, we reviewed the literature to determine whether curcumin can augment HDL function. In this review, we concluded that curcumin may modulate markers of HDL function, such as apo-AI, CETP, LCAT, PON1, MPO activities and levels. Curcumin may subsequently improve conditions in which HDL is dysfunctional and may have potential as a therapeutic drug in future. Further clinical trials with bioavailability-improved formulations of curcumin are warranted to examine its effects on lipid metabolism and HDL function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Weight Loss Surgery in Adolescents Corrects High Density Lipoprotein Subspecies and their Function

PubMed Central

Davidson, W. Sean; Inge, Thomas H.; Sexmith, Hannah; Heink, Anna; Elder, Deborah; Hui, David Y.; Melchior, John T; Kelesidis, Theodoros; Shah, Amy S.

2016-01-01

Background/Objective Youth with obesity have an altered HDL subspecies profile characterized by depletion of large apoE rich HDL particles and an enrichment of small HDL particles. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that this atherogenic HDL profile would be reversed and that HDL function would improve with metabolic surgery. Methods Serum samples from adolescent males with severe obesity mean ± SD age of 17.4 ± 1.6 years were studied at baseline and 1 year following vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). HDL subspecies and HDL function were evaluated pre and post VSG using paired t-tests. A lean group of adolescents was included as a reference group. Results After VSG, BMI decreased by 32% and insulin resistance as estimated by HOMA-IR decreased by 75% (both p<0.01). Large apoE rich HDL subspecies increased following VSG (p<0.01) and approached that of lean adolescents despite participants with considerable residual obesity. Additionally, HDL function improved compared to baseline (cholesterol efflux capacity increased by 12%, HDL lipid peroxidation potential decreased by 30%, and HDL anti-oxidative capacity improved by 25%, all p<0.01). Conclusions Metabolic surgery results in a significant improvement in the quantity of large HDL subspecies and HDL function. Our data suggest metabolic surgery may improve cardiovascular risk in adolescents and young adults. PMID:27780977

[Research and realization of signal processing algorithms based on FPGA in digital ophthalmic ultrasonography imaging].

PubMed

Fang, Simin; Zhou, Sheng; Wang, Xiaochun; Ye, Qingsheng; Tian, Ling; Ji, Jianjun; Wang, Yanqun

2015-01-01

To design and improve signal processing algorithms of ophthalmic ultrasonography based on FPGA. Achieved three signal processing modules: full parallel distributed dynamic filter, digital quadrature demodulation, logarithmic compression, using Verilog HDL hardware language in Quartus II. Compared to the original system, the hardware cost is reduced, the whole image shows clearer and more information of the deep eyeball contained in the image, the depth of detection increases from 5 cm to 6 cm. The new algorithms meet the design requirements and achieve the system's optimization that they can effectively improve the image quality of existing equipment.

DRFM Cordic Processor and Sea Clutter Modeling for Enhancing Structured False Target Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

was implemented using the Verilog hardware description language. The second investigation concerns generating sea clutter to impose on the false target...to achieve accuracy at 5.625o. The resulting design was implemented using the Verilog hardware description language. The second investigation...33 3. Initialization of the Angle Accumulator ....................................34 4. Design Methodology for I/Q Phase

Text-Based Argumentation with Multiple Sources: A Descriptive Study of Opportunity to Learn in Secondary English Language Arts, History, and Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Litman, Cindy; Marple, Stacy; Greenleaf, Cynthia; Charney-Sirott, Irisa; Bolz, Michael J.; Richardson, Lisa K.; Hall, Allison H.; George, MariAnne; Goldman, Susan R.

2017-01-01

This study presents a descriptive analysis of 71 videotaped lessons taught by 34 highly regarded secondary English language arts, history, and science teachers, collected to inform an intervention focused on evidence-based argumentation from multiple text sources. Studying the practices of highly regarded teachers is valuable for identifying…

Development of a test and flight engineering oriented language. Phase 3: Presentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamsler, W. F.; Case, C. W.; Kinney, E. L.; Gyure, J.

1970-01-01

The format material used in an oral presentation of the phase 3 study effort is given. The material includes a description of the language ALOFT and a terminology comparison with other test languages.

Rethinking reverse cholesterol transport and dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins.

PubMed

Gillard, Baiba K; Rosales, Corina; Xu, Bingqing; Gotto, Antonio M; Pownall, Henry J

2018-04-12

Human plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations are a negative risk factor for atherosclerosis-linked cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological attempts to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by increasing plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol have been disappointing so that recent research has shifted from HDL quantity to HDL quality, that is, functional vs dysfunctional HDL. HDL has varying degrees of dysfunction reflected in impaired reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). In the context of atheroprotection, RCT occurs by 2 mechanisms: one is the well-known trans-hepatic pathway comprising macrophage free cholesterol (FC) efflux, which produces early forms of FC-rich nascent HDL (nHDL). Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase converts HDL-FC to HDL-cholesteryl ester while converting nHDL from a disc to a mature spherical HDL, which transfers its cholesteryl ester to the hepatic HDL receptor, scavenger receptor B1 for uptake, conversion to bile salts, or transfer to the intestine for excretion. Although widely cited, current evidence suggests that this is a minor pathway and that most HDL-FC and nHDL-FC rapidly transfer directly to the liver independent of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity. A small fraction of plasma HDL-FC enters the trans-intestinal efflux pathway comprising direct FC transfer to the intestine. SR-B1 -/- mice, which have impaired trans-hepatic FC transport, are characterized by high plasma levels of a dysfunctional FC-rich HDL that increases plasma FC bioavailability in a way that produces whole-body hypercholesterolemia and multiple pathologies. The design of future therapeutic strategies to improve RCT will have to be formulated in the context of these dual RCT mechanisms and the role of FC bioavailability. Copyright © 2018 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum HDL-C levels, log (TG/HDL-C) values and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios significantly correlate with radiological extent of disease in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Deniz, Omer; Tozkoparan, Ergun; Yaman, Halil; Cakir, Erdinc; Gumus, Seyfettin; Ozcan, Omer; Bozlar, Ugur; Bilgi, Cumhur; Bilgic, Hayati; Ekiz, Kudret

2006-03-01

In several studies, it was shown that there was a marked decrease in serum levels of HDL-C during infection and inflammation in general. In particular, a decrease in the level of serum HDL-C was also shown in pneumonia. Correlations between inflammatory markers such as acute phase proteins, cytokines and serum HDL-C levels were shown. However, there are no studies indicating a correlation between serum HDL-C levels and the radiological extent of the disease (RED) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We hypothesized that there could be a relationship between serum HDL-C levels and RED in CAP. A case-controlled study, including 97 patients with CAP and 45 healthy subjects, was performed. Chest X-rays of CAP patients were scored for RED, and correlations were investigated between RED scores, serum lipid parameters, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum albumin levels. The mean serum HDL-C level was lower in CAP patients than in controls. A significant and negative correlation between RED scores (REDS) and serum HDL-C levels was detected (r = -0.64, P = 0.0001). There were also significant correlations between REDS and other lipid parameters. Significant correlations between ESR and serum HDL-C levels and between ESR and other serum lipid parameters were also found. It appears that serum HDL-C levels are generally lower in CAP cases than in healthy controls. Serum HDL-C levels and serum albumin levels might decrease and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios and log (TG/HDL-C) values might increase proportionally with RED in CAP patients. These results might have some significance for individuals having long-standing and/or recurrent pneumonia and other cardiovascular risk factors.

BEYSIK: Language description and handbook for programmers (system for the collective use of the Institute of Space Research, Academy of Sciences USSR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orlov, I. G.

1979-01-01

The BASIC algorithmic language is described, and a guide is presented for the programmer using the language interpreter. The high-level algorithm BASIC is a problem-oriented programming language intended for solution of computational and engineering problems.

SDL: A Surface Description Language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maple, Raymond C.

1992-01-01

A new interpreted language specifically designed for surface grid generation is introduced. Many unique aspects of the language are discussed, including the farray, vector, curve, and surface data types and the operators used to manipulate them. Custom subroutine libraries written in the language are used to easily build surface grids for generic missile shapes.

The Sociolinguistic Model in Speech and Language Pathology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolfram, Walt

A discussion of the role of sociolinguistics in the treatment of communication disorders focuses on issues related to dialect and language variation. It begins with an examination of linguistic diversity and dynamic description of language, reporting on a study of speech and language pathologists' judgments of sentences in African American…

Accurately Predicting Future Reading Difficulty for Bilingual Latino Children at Risk for Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petersen, Douglas B.; Gillam, Ronald B.

2013-01-01

Sixty-three bilingual Latino children who were at risk for language impairment were administered reading-related measures in English and Spanish (letter identification, phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, and sentence repetition) and descriptive measures including English language proficiency (ELP), language ability (LA),…

The High-Density Lipoprotein Puzzle: Why Classic Epidemiology, Genetic Epidemiology, and Clinical Trials Conflict?

PubMed

Rosenson, Robert S

2016-05-01

Classical epidemiology has established the incremental contribution of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol measure in the assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk; yet, genetic epidemiology does not support a causal relationship between HDL cholesterol and the future risk of myocardial infarction. Therapeutic interventions directed toward cholesterol loading of the HDL particle have been based on epidemiological studies that have established HDL cholesterol as a biomarker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. However, therapeutic interventions such as niacin, cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors increase HDL cholesterol in patients treated with statins, but have repeatedly failed to reduce cardiovascular events. Statin therapy interferes with ATP-binding cassette transporter-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux via miR33 and thus may diminish certain HDL functional properties. Unraveling the HDL puzzle will require continued technical advances in the characterization and quantification of multiple HDL subclasses and their functional properties. Key mechanistic criteria for clinical outcomes trials with HDL-based therapies include formation of HDL subclasses that improve the efficiency of macrophage cholesterol efflux and compositional changes in the proteome and lipidome of the HDL particle that are associated with improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These measures require validation in genetic studies and clinical trials of HDL-based therapies on the background of statins. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Unbiased and targeted mass spectrometry for the HDL proteome.

PubMed

Singh, Sasha A; Aikawa, Masanori

2017-02-01

Mass spectrometry is an ever evolving technology that is equipped with a variety of tools for protein research. Some lipoprotein studies, especially those pertaining to HDL biology, have been exploiting the versatility of mass spectrometry to understand HDL function through its proteome. Despite the role of mass spectrometry in advancing research as a whole, however, the technology remains obscure to those without hands on experience, but still wishing to understand it. In this review, we walk the reader through the coevolution of common mass spectrometry workflows and HDL research, starting from the basic unbiased mass spectrometry methods used to profile the HDL proteome to the most recent targeted methods that have enabled an unprecedented view of HDL metabolism. Unbiased global proteomics have demonstrated that the HDL proteome is organized into subgroups across the HDL size fractions providing further evidence that HDL functional heterogeneity is in part governed by its varying protein constituents. Parallel reaction monitoring, a novel targeted mass spectrometry method, was used to monitor the metabolism of HDL apolipoproteins in humans and revealed that apolipoproteins contained within the same HDL size fraction exhibit diverse metabolic properties. Mass spectrometry provides a variety of tools and strategies to facilitate understanding, through its proteins, the complex biology of HDL.

Effect of alcohol on hepatic receptor of high density lipoproteins (HDL)

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

Lin, R.C.; Miller, B.M.

1991-03-11

Moderate alcohol intake has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and proteins. The seemingly protective effect' of moderate alcohol drinking against cardiovascular diseases has been attributed to an increase in serum HDL. In this study, the authors show that a receptor for HDL is present in rat liver. Rat liver membrane was prepared by stepwise ultracentrifugation. Apo Al was iodinated using {sup 125}I-NaI and IODO-beads. HDL was labeled by incubating with {sup 125}I-apo Al then refloated be centrifugation. Binding of {sup 125}I-HDL to rat liver membrane reached equilibrium by 2-3 h and was saturable at 37C. The binding was inhibitedmore » 80% by excess unlabeled HDL, but was inhibited only 25% by excess LDL. It could also be inhibited by preincubating HDL with anti-apo Al or anti-apo E antisera but not with anti-apo AIV or control sera. The binding affinity of HDL to the liver membrane of rats fed alcohol for 5 wk was 50% that of their pair-fed controls. Thus a decrease in the binding of HDL to liver membrane due to alcohol-drinking may result in a slower clearance of HDL by the liver and consequently a higher HDL concentration in the serum.« less

Strategies for human-driven robot comprehension of spatial descriptions by older adults in a robot fetch task.

PubMed

Carlson, Laura; Skubic, Marjorie; Miller, Jared; Huo, Zhiyu; Alexenko, Tatiana

2014-07-01

This contribution presents a corpus of spatial descriptions and describes the development of a human-driven spatial language robot system for their comprehension. The domain of application is an eldercare setting in which an assistive robot is asked to "fetch" an object for an elderly resident based on a natural language spatial description given by the resident. In Part One, we describe a corpus of naturally occurring descriptions elicited from a group of older adults within a virtual 3D home that simulates the eldercare setting. We contrast descriptions elicited when participants offered descriptions to a human versus robot avatar, and under instructions to tell the addressee how to find the target versus where the target is. We summarize the key features of the spatial descriptions, including their dynamic versus static nature and the perspective adopted by the speaker. In Part Two, we discuss critical cognitive and perceptual processing capabilities necessary for the robot to establish a common ground with the human user and perform the "fetch" task. Based on the collected corpus, we focus here on resolving the perspective ambiguity and recognizing furniture items used as landmarks in the descriptions. Taken together, the work presented here offers the key building blocks of a robust system that takes as input natural spatial language descriptions and produces commands that drive the robot to successfully fetch objects within our eldercare scenario. Copyright © 2014 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Small dense HDLs display potent vasorelaxing activity, reflecting their elevated content of sphingosine-1-phosphate.

PubMed

Perségol, Laurence; Darabi, Maryam; Dauteuille, Carolane; Lhomme, Marie; Chantepie, Sandrine; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Therond, Patrice; Chapman, M John; Salvayre, Robert; Nègre-Salvayre, Anne; Lesnik, Philippe; Monier, Serge; Kontush, Anatol

2018-01-01

The functional heterogeneity of HDL is attributed to its diverse bioactive components. We evaluated whether the vasodilatory effects of HDL differed across HDL subpopulations, reflecting their distinct molecular composition. The capacity of five major HDL subfractions to counteract the inhibitory effects of oxidized LDL on acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was tested in a rabbit aortic rings model. NO production, an essential pathway in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, was studied in simian vacuolating virus 40-transformed murine endothelial cells (SVECs). Small dense HDL3 subfractions displayed potent vasorelaxing activity (up to +31% vs. baseline, P < 0.05); in contrast, large light HDL2 did not induce aortic-ring relaxation when compared on a total protein basis. HDL3 particles were enriched with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) (up to 3-fold vs. HDL2), with the highest content in HDL3b and -3c that concomitantly revealed the strongest vasorelaxing properties. NO generation was enhanced by HDL3c in SVECs (1.5-fold, P < 0.01), a phenomenon that was blocked by the S1P receptor antagonist, VPC 23019. S1P-enriched reconstituted HDL (rHDL) was a 1.8-fold ( P < 0.01) more potent vasorelaxant than control rHDL in aortic rings. Small dense HDL3 particles displayed potent protective effects against oxidative stress-associated endothelium dysfunction, potentially reflecting their elevated content of S1P that might facilitate interaction with S1P receptors and ensuing NO generation. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Nutrient intake, body fat, and lipid profiles of competitive male and female bodybuilders.

PubMed

Bazzarre, T L; Kleiner, S M; Litchford, M D

1990-04-01

The purpose of this research was to measure nutrient intake, body fat, [estimated from seven skinfolds: chest, axilla, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac, and thigh (Jackson and Pollock, 1985)], total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2-C, and HDL3-C of 19 male and 8 female bodybuilders competing in the National Physique Committee's USA Bodybuilding Championships (Raleigh, NC, April 1988). Casual blood samples and anthropometric data were collected 18 hours prior to competition, whereas 7-day diet records were completed 1 week prior to competition. Only 11 males and 2 females provided blood samples. Competitors were not tested for steroid use. These data are unique because the measurements were collected on site at the competition. Data are presented as means and standard deviations. Estimated body fat for males (6.0 +/- 1.8%) and females (9.8 +/- 1.5%) was quite low. Blood lipids (mg%) for males (TC = 187 +/- 11, HDL-C = 37 +/- 6, HDL2-C = 13 +/- 4, and HDL3-C = 24 +/- 4) were not indicative of increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Data for the 2 females (TC = 190, 205; HDL-C = 56, 56; HDL2-C = 22, 8; and HDL3-C = 34, 48) could only be evaluated on an individual basis. Body fat was significantly correlated with HDL-C (r = 0.63; p = 0.04) and HDL3-C (r = 0.65; p = 0.03), but not TC nor HDL2-C. Of the dietary variables, only saturated fat was significantly correlated with HDL2-C (r = 0.60; p = 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Semantic message oriented middleware for publish/subscribe networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Han; Jiang, Guofei

2004-09-01

The publish/subscribe paradigm of Message Oriented Middleware provides a loosely coupled communication model between distributed applications. Traditional publish/subscribe middleware uses keywords to match advertisements and subscriptions and does not support deep semantic matching. To this end, we designed and implemented a Semantic Message Oriented Middleware system to provide such capabilities for semantic description and matching. We adopted the DARPA Agent Markup Language and Ontology Inference Layer, a formal knowledge representation language for expressing sophisticated classifications and enabling automated inference, as the topic description language in our middleware system. A simple description logic inference system was implemented to handle the matching process between the subscriptions of subscribers and the advertisements of publishers. Moreover our middleware system also has a security architecture to support secure communication and user privilege control.

A randomised controlled trial of increasing fruit and vegetable intake and how this influences the carotenoid concentration and activities of PON-1 and LCAT in HDL from subjects with type 2 diabetes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background High density lipoproteins (HDL) have many cardioprotective roles; however, in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) these cardioprotective properties are diminished. Conversely, increased fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake may reduce cardiovascular disease risk, although direct trial evidence of a mechanism by which this occurs in subjects with T2D is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine if increased F&V consumption influenced the carotenoid content and enzymes associated with the antioxidant properties of HDL in subjects with T2D. Methods Eighty obese subjects with T2D were randomised to a 1- or ≥6-portion/day F&V diet for 8-weeks. Fasting serum was collected pre- and post-intervention. HDL was subfractionated into HDL2 and HDL3 by rapid ultracentrifugation. Carotenoids were measured in serum, HDL2 and HDL3 by high performance liquid chromatography. The activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) was measured in serum, HDL2 and HDL3 by a spectrophotometric assay, while the activity of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was measured in serum, HDL2 and HDL3 by a fluorometric assay. Results In the ≥6- vs. 1-portion post-intervention comparisons, carotenoids increased in serum, HDL2 and particularly HDL3, (α-carotene, p = 0.008; β-cryptoxanthin, p = 0.042; lutein, p = 0.012; lycopene, p = 0.016), as did the activities of PON-1 and LCAT in HDL3 (p = 0.006 and 0.044, respectively). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study in subjects with T2D to demonstrate that increased F&V intake augmented the carotenoid content and influenced enzymes associated with the antioxidant properties of HDL. We suggest that these changes would enhance the cardioprotective properties of this lipoprotein. Clinical trial registration ISRCTN21676269 PMID:24423117

Defective functionality of small, dense HDL3 subpopulations in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: Relevance of enrichment in lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidic acid and serum amyloid A.

PubMed

Rached, Fabiana; Lhomme, Marie; Camont, Laurent; Gomes, Fernando; Dauteuille, Carolane; Robillard, Paul; Santos, Raul D; Lesnik, Philippe; Serrano, Carlos V; Chapman, M John; Kontush, Anatol

2015-09-01

Low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are typical of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and predict risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. The potential relationships between modifications in the molecular composition and the functionality of HDL subpopulations in acute MI however remain indeterminate. ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients were recruited within 24h after diagnosis (n=16) and featured low HDL-C (-31%, p<0.05) and acute-phase inflammation (determined as marked elevations in C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA) and interleukin-6) as compared to age- and sex-matched controls (n=10). STEMI plasma HDL and its subpopulations (HDL2b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 3c) displayed attenuated cholesterol efflux capacity from THP-1 cells (up to -32%, p<0.01, on a unit phospholipid mass basis) vs. Plasma HDL and small, dense HDL3b and 3c subpopulations from STEMI patients exhibited reduced anti-oxidative activity (up to -68%, p<0.05, on a unit HDL mass basis). HDL subpopulations in STEMI were enriched in two proinflammatory bioactive lipids, lysophosphatidylcholine (up to 3.0-fold, p<0.05) and phosphatidic acid (up to 8.4-fold, p<0.05), depleted in apolipoprotein A-I (up to -23%, p<0.05) and enriched in SAA (up to +10.2-fold, p<0.05); such changes were most marked in the HDL3b subfraction. In vitro HDL enrichment in both lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid exerted deleterious effects on HDL functionality. In the early phase of STEMI, HDL particle subpopulations display marked, concomitant alterations in both lipidome and proteome which are implicated in impaired HDL functionality. Such modifications may act synergistically to confer novel deleterious biological activities to STEMI HDL. Our present data highlight complex changes in the molecular composition and functionality of HDL particle subpopulations in the acute phase of STEMI, and for the first time, reveal that concomitant modifications in both the lipidome and proteome contribute to functional deficiencies in cholesterol efflux and antioxidative activities of HDL particles. These findings may provide new biomarkers and new insights in therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in this clinical setting where such net deficiency in HDL function, multiplied by low circulating HDL concentrations, can be expected to contribute to accelerated atherogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An amodal shared resource model of language-mediated visual attention

PubMed Central

Smith, Alastair C.; Monaghan, Padraic; Huettig, Falk

2013-01-01

Language-mediated visual attention describes the interaction of two fundamental components of the human cognitive system, language and vision. Within this paper we present an amodal shared resource model of language-mediated visual attention that offers a description of the information and processes involved in this complex multimodal behavior and a potential explanation for how this ability is acquired. We demonstrate that the model is not only sufficient to account for the experimental effects of Visual World Paradigm studies but also that these effects are emergent properties of the architecture of the model itself, rather than requiring separate information processing channels or modular processing systems. The model provides an explicit description of the connection between the modality-specific input from language and vision and the distribution of eye gaze in language-mediated visual attention. The paper concludes by discussing future applications for the model, specifically its potential for investigating the factors driving observed individual differences in language-mediated eye gaze. PMID:23966967

Reproducible computational biology experiments with SED-ML--the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language.

PubMed

Waltemath, Dagmar; Adams, Richard; Bergmann, Frank T; Hucka, Michael; Kolpakov, Fedor; Miller, Andrew K; Moraru, Ion I; Nickerson, David; Sahle, Sven; Snoep, Jacky L; Le Novère, Nicolas

2011-12-15

The increasing use of computational simulation experiments to inform modern biological research creates new challenges to annotate, archive, share and reproduce such experiments. The recently published Minimum Information About a Simulation Experiment (MIASE) proposes a minimal set of information that should be provided to allow the reproduction of simulation experiments among users and software tools. In this article, we present the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML). SED-ML encodes in a computer-readable exchange format the information required by MIASE to enable reproduction of simulation experiments. It has been developed as a community project and it is defined in a detailed technical specification and additionally provides an XML schema. The version of SED-ML described in this publication is Level 1 Version 1. It covers the description of the most frequent type of simulation experiments in the area, namely time course simulations. SED-ML documents specify which models to use in an experiment, modifications to apply on the models before using them, which simulation procedures to run on each model, what analysis results to output, and how the results should be presented. These descriptions are independent of the underlying model implementation. SED-ML is a software-independent format for encoding the description of simulation experiments; it is not specific to particular simulation tools. Here, we demonstrate that with the growing software support for SED-ML we can effectively exchange executable simulation descriptions. With SED-ML, software can exchange simulation experiment descriptions, enabling the validation and reuse of simulation experiments in different tools. Authors of papers reporting simulation experiments can make their simulation protocols available for other scientists to reproduce the results. Because SED-ML is agnostic about exact modeling language(s) used, experiments covering models from different fields of research can be accurately described and combined.

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD--INDO-PACIFIC FASCICLE FIVE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VOEGELIN, C. F.; AND OTHERS

THIS REPORT CONTAINS A HISTORY OF RESEARCH CONCERNED WITH THE AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGES, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE 228 LANGUAGES IN THE AUSTRALIAN MACRO-PHYLUM. (THE REPORT IS PART OF A SERIES, ED 010 350 TO ED 010 367.) (JK)

Temporal Analysis and Automatic Calibration of the Velodyne HDL-32E LiDAR System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, T. O.; Lichti, D. D.; Belton, D.

2013-10-01

At the end of the first quarter of 2012, more than 600 Velodyne LiDAR systems had been sold worldwide for various robotic and high-accuracy survey applications. The ultra-compact Velodyne HDL-32E LiDAR has become a predominant sensor for many applications that require lower sensor size/weight and cost. For high accuracy applications, cost-effective calibration methods with minimal manual intervention are always desired by users. However, the calibrations are complicated by the Velodyne LiDAR's narrow vertical field of view and the very highly time-variant nature of its measurements. In the paper, the temporal stability of the HDL-32E is first analysed as the motivation for developing a new, automated calibration method. This is followed by a detailed description of the calibration method that is driven by a novel segmentation method for extracting vertical cylindrical features from the Velodyne point clouds. The proposed segmentation method utilizes the Velodyne point cloud's slice-like nature and first decomposes the point clouds into 2D layers. Then the layers are treated as 2D images and are processed with the Generalized Hough Transform which extracts the points distributed in circular patterns from the point cloud layers. Subsequently, the vertical cylindrical features can be readily extracted from the whole point clouds based on the previously extracted points. The points are passed to the calibration that estimates the cylinder parameters and the LiDAR's additional parameters simultaneously by constraining the segmented points to fit to the cylindrical geometric model in such a way the weighted sum of the adjustment residuals are minimized. The proposed calibration is highly automatic and this allows end users to obtain the time-variant additional parameters instantly and frequently whenever there are vertical cylindrical features presenting in scenes. The methods were verified with two different real datasets, and the results suggest that up to 78.43% accuracy improvement for the HDL-32E can be achieved using the proposed calibration method.

SR-BI selective lipid uptake: subsequent metabolism of acute phase HDL.

PubMed

de Beer, Maria C; Webb, Nancy R; Whitaker, Nathan L; Wroblewski, Joanne M; Jahangiri, Anisa; van der Westhuyzen, Deneys R; de Beer, Frederick C

2009-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction of SAA and SR-BI in remodeling of acute phase HDL (AP HDL). We used SAA and SR-BI adenoviral vector expression models to study the interaction between these entities. SR-BI processing of mouse AP HDL generated progressively smaller discreet HDL particles with distinct apolipoprotein compositions. SR-BI actions segregated apolipoproteins with the smallest particles containing only apoA-I. Larger remnants contained apoA-I, apoA-II, and SAA. Small apoA-I only particles failed to associate with preformed HDL, whereas larger remnants readily did. The presence of SAA on SR-BI-processed HDL particles propelled apoA-I to a small lipid-poor form and accelerated apoA-I catabolism. Data indicate that after core and surface HDL lipid perturbation by SR-BI, SAA propels apoA-I to a small lipid-poor form while accelerating HDL metabolism.

HDL surface lipids mediate CETP binding as revealed by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Meng; Charles, River; Tong, Huimin; Zhang, Lei; Patel, Mili; Wang, Francis; Rames, Matthew J.; Ren, Amy; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Qiu, Xiayang; Johns, Douglas G.; Charles, M. Arthur; Ren, Gang

2015-01-01

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesterol esters (CE) from atheroprotective high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to atherogenic low-density lipoproteins (LDL). CETP inhibition has been regarded as a promising strategy for increasing HDL levels and subsequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although the crystal structure of CETP is known, little is known regarding how CETP binds to HDL. Here, we investigated how various HDL-like particles interact with CETP by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that CETP binds to HDL via hydrophobic interactions rather than protein-protein interactions. The HDL surface lipid curvature generates a hydrophobic environment, leading to CETP hydrophobic distal end interaction. This interaction is independent of other HDL components, such as apolipoproteins, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Thus, disrupting these hydrophobic interactions could be a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating the interaction of CETP with HDL. PMID:25737239

SR-BI Selective Lipid Uptake: Subsequent Metabolism of Acute Phase HDL

PubMed Central

de Beer, Maria C.; Webb, Nancy R.; Whitaker, Nathan L.; Wroblewski, Joanne M.; Jahangiri, Anisa; van der Westhuyzen, Deneys R.; de Beer, Frederick C.

2009-01-01

Objective To investigate the interaction of SAA and SR-BI in remodeling of acute phase HDL (AP HDL). Methods and Results We used SAA and SR-BI adenoviral vector expression models to study the interaction between these entities. SR-BI processing of mouse AP HDL generated progressively smaller discreet HDL particles with distinct apolipoprotein compositions. SR-BI actions segregated apolipoproteins with the smallest particles containing only apoA-I. Larger remnants contained apoA-I, apoA-II and SAA. Small apoA-I only particles failed to associate with preformed HDL whereas larger remnants readily did. The presence of SAA on SR-BI processed HDL particles propelled apoA-I to a small lipid-poor form and accelerated apoA-I catabolism. Conclusions Data indicate that after core and surface HDL lipid perturbation by SR-BI, SAA propels apoA-I to a small lipid-poor form while accelerating HDL metabolism. PMID:19304574

HDL surface lipids mediate CETP binding as revealed by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Meng; Charles, River; Tong, Huimin; ...

2015-03-04

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesterol esters (CE) from atheroprotective high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to atherogenic low-density lipoproteins (LDL). CETP inhibition has been regarded as a promising strategy for increasing HDL levels and subsequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although the crystal structure of CETP is known, little is known regarding how CETP binds to HDL. Here, we investigated how various HDL-like particles interact with CETP by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that CETP binds to HDL via hydrophobic interactions rather than protein-protein interactions. The HDL surface lipid curvature generates a hydrophobicmore » environment, leading to CETP hydrophobic distal end interaction. This interaction is independent of other HDL components, such as apolipoproteins, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Thus, disrupting these hydrophobic interactions could be a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating the interaction of CETP with HDL.« less

HDL surface lipids mediate CETP binding as revealed by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Meng; Charles, River; Tong, Huimin; Zhang, Lei; Patel, Mili; Wang, Francis; Rames, Matthew J.; Ren, Amy; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Qiu, Xiayang; Johns, Douglas G.; Charles, M. Arthur; Ren, Gang

2015-03-01

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesterol esters (CE) from atheroprotective high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to atherogenic low-density lipoproteins (LDL). CETP inhibition has been regarded as a promising strategy for increasing HDL levels and subsequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although the crystal structure of CETP is known, little is known regarding how CETP binds to HDL. Here, we investigated how various HDL-like particles interact with CETP by electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that CETP binds to HDL via hydrophobic interactions rather than protein-protein interactions. The HDL surface lipid curvature generates a hydrophobic environment, leading to CETP hydrophobic distal end interaction. This interaction is independent of other HDL components, such as apolipoproteins, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Thus, disrupting these hydrophobic interactions could be a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating the interaction of CETP with HDL.

Intercorrelations among plasma high density lipoprotein, obesity and triglycerides in a normal population

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

Albrink, M.J.; Krauss, R.M.; Lindgren, F.T.

The interrelationships among fatness measures, plasma triglycerides and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were examined in 131 normal adult subjects: 38 men aged 27 to 46, 50 men aged 47 to 66, 29 women aged 27 to 46 and 24 women aged 47 to 66. None of the women were taking estrogens or oral contraceptive medication. The HDL concentration was subdivided into HDL/sub 2b/, HDL/sub 2a/ and HDL by a computerized fitting of the total schileren pattern to reference schlieren patterns. Anthropometric measures employed included skinfolds at 3 sites, 2 weight/height indices and 2 girth measurements. A high correlation was foundmore » among the various fatness measures. These measures were negatively correlated with total HDL, reflecting the negative correlation between fatness measures and HDL/sub 2/ (as the sum of HDL/sub 2a/ and /sub 2b/). Fatness measures showed no relationship to HDL/sub 3/. There was also an inverse correlation between triglyceride concentration and HDL/sub 2/. No particular fatness measure was better than any other for demonstrating the inverse correlation with HDL but multiple correlations using all of the measures of obesity improved the correlations. Partial correlations controlling for fatness did not reduce any of the significnt correlations between triglycerides and HDL/sub 2/ to insignificance. The weak correlation between fatness and triglycerides was reduced to insigifnicance when controlled for HDL/sub 2/.« less

Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease Affects HDL Impact on Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL)-Mediated VLDL Lipolysis Efficiency.

PubMed

Ćwiklińska, Agnieska; Cackowska, Monika; Wieczorek, Ewa; Król, Ewa; Kowalski, Robert; Kuchta, Agnieszka; Kortas-Stempak, Barbara; Gliwińska, Anna; Dąbkowski, Kamil; Zielińska, Justyna; Dębska-Ślizień, Alicja; Jankowski, Maciej

2018-06-15

Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) and reduction and dysfunction of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are common lipid disturbances in chronic kidney disease (CKD). HTG in CKD is caused mainly by the decreased efficiency of lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated very low density lipoprotein triglyceride (VLDL-TG) lipolysis. It has not been clarified whether HDL dysfunction in CKD contributes directly to HTG development; thus, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of CKD progression on the ability of HDL to enhance LPL-mediated VLDL-TG lipolysis efficiency. VLDL was isolated from non-dialysis patients in CKD stages 3 and 4 and from non-CKD patients. The VLDL was incubated with LPL at the constant LPL:VLDL-TG ratio, in the absence or presence of HDL. After incubation, the VLDL was separated and the percentage (%) of hydrolyzed TG was calculated. HDL presence increased the lipolysis efficiency of VLDL isolated from CKD and non-CKD patients, for the VLDL-TG> 50 mg/dl. Its effect was dependent on the VLDL-TG and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the reaction mixtures: the higher the concentrations of VLDL-TG and HDL-cholesterol, the greater the effect. The positive impact of HDL on VLDL lipolysis was modified by CKD progression: the percentage of lipolyzed VLDL-TG in the presence of HDL decreased with a reduction in eGFR (r=0.43, p=0.009), and for patients with stage 4 CKD, no positive impact of HDL on lipolysis was observed. The percentage of lipolyzed TG correlated negatively with apoE and apoCs content in VLDL, and positively with HDL-apoCII, as well as with VLDL and HDL apoCII/ apoCIII ratios. The progression of CKD was associated with unfavourable changes in VLDL and HDL composition; apoE and apoCs levels increased in VLDL with a decrease in eGFR whereas the HDL-cholesterol level decreased. The progression of CKD affects lipoprotein composition and properties, and modulates the positive impact of HDL on VLDL lipolysis efficiency. In CKD patients, HDL deficiency and dysfunction can directly affect hypertriglyceridaemia development. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Pleiotropy and genotype by diet interaction: A multivariate genetic analysis of HDL-C subfractions

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

Mahaney, M.C.; Blangero, J.; Comuzzie, A.G.

1994-09-01

Reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in humans. Both major genes and major genotype by diet interaction have been reported for HDL-C, but the genetics of the HDL-C subfractions are less well known. In a baboon model for human atherosclerosis, we investigated the pleiotropic effects of genes on normal quantitative variation in three HDL-C subfractions (HDL{sub 1}-C, HDL{sub 2}-C, and HDL{sub 3}-C) in two dietary environments -- a basal diet and a 7 week high cholesterol, saturated fat (HCSF) diet. We analyzed data on serum HDL-C subfraction levels, quantified by gradient gel eletrophoresis,more » for 942 baboons (Papo hamadryas, sensu lato) from 17 pedigrees. We used multivariate maximum likelihood methods to simultaneously estimate phenotypic means, standard deviations, and heritabilities (h{sup 2}); effects of sex, age-by-sex, age{sup 2}-by-sex, percent subspecies admixture, and infant feeding modality; plus estimated significant h{sup 2} values for all three subfractions on both diets. When tested within dietary environments, we obtained significant genetic correlations between all three subfractions [i.e., P({rho}{sub G} = 0) < 0.001] and evidence of complete pleiotropy [i.e., P({vert_bar}{rho}{sub G}{vert_bar} = 1.0) > 0.1] between HDL{sub 1}-C and HDL{sub 3}-C ({rho}{sub G} = 0.81) on the basal diet. On the HCSF diet, only the genetic correlation between HDL{sub 1}-C and HDL{sub 3}-C ({rho}{sub g} = 0.61) was significant (p > 0.1). Complete pleiotropy was observed for each of the three subfractions between both diets. Given these results, we reject genotype by diet interaction for HDL{sub 1}-C, HDL{sub 2}-C or HDL{sub 3}-C; i.e., the same genes influence variation in each subfraction to the same degree on either diet. However, the apparent disruption of pleiotropy between HDL{sub 2}-C and the other two subfractions needs to be investigated further.« less

Synthesis and Characterization of Biomimetic High Density Lipoprotein Nanoparticles To Treat Lymphoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damiano, Marina Giacoma

High density lipoproteins (HDLs), natural nanoparticles that function as vehicles for cholesterol transport, have enhanced uptake by several human cancers. This uptake is mediated, in part, by the high affinity HDL receptor, scavenger receptor B-1 (SR-B1). More specifically, studies show that the rate of cellular proliferation of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes, is directly proportional to the amount of HDL-cholesterol available. Thus, targeting of HDL-cholesterol uptake by these cells could be an effective therapeutic approach that may have lower toxicity to healthy cells compared to conventional therapies. Biomimetic HDL can be synthesized using a gold nanoparticle template (HDL-AuNPs), which provides control over size, shape, and surface chemistry. Like their natural counterparts, HDL-AuNPs sequester cholesterol. However, since the gold nanoparticle replaces the cholesterol core of natural HDL, HDL-AuNPs inherently deliver less cholesterol. We show that HDL-AuNPs are able to induce dose dependent apoptosis in B cell lymphoma cell lines and reduce tumor volume following systemic administration to mice bearing B cell lymphoma tumors. Furthermore, HDL-AuNPs are neither toxic to healthy human lymphocytes (SR-B1-), nor to hepatocytes and macrophages (SR-B1+), which are cells naturally encountered by HDLs. Manipulation of cholesterol flux and targeting of SR-B1 are responsible for the efficacy of HDL-AuNPs against B cell lymphoma. HDL-AuNPs could be used to treat B cell lymphomas and other diseases that involve pathologic accumulation of cholesterol. Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) core HDLs (HDL-TiO 2 NPs) have been synthesized for high resolution cellular localization studies and for future use as a therapeutic and imaging agent. In initial studies, HDL-TiO(2 NPs display maximum uptake in B cell lymphoma cell lines. X-ray fluorescence microscopy studies show interaction between HDL-TiO2 NPs and cells 10 minutes after treatment and internalization after 1 hour. HDL-TiO2 NPs induce apoptosis in B cell lymphoma cell lines. These results suggest that HDL-TiO2 NPs may be used as therapeutics for lymphoma and other cancers by inducing apoptosis through manipulation of cellular cholesterol flux.

Relevance of the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as an important lipid fraction in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men

PubMed Central

Kohli, Aparna; Siddhu, Anupa; Pandey, Ravindra M.; Reddy, K. Srinath

2017-01-01

Context: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of mortality in Indians. Insulin resistance and related dyslipidemia of increased triglyceride (TG), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) particles, and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risk of CVD. TG/HDL-C ratio could be a potential surrogate marker for this South Asian phenotype. Data are scarce on the relevance of TG/HDL-C ratio as a useful lipid marker among Indians. Aims: To study the prevalence of TG/HDL-C ratio among healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men (25–44 years) and its relationship with other lipid and nonlipid factors. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, fasting blood samples from 236 healthy participants recruited from an urban community setting were tested for TG/HDL-C ratio, HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. Results: Mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 34.7 (7.7) years; median (interquartile range) TG/HDL-C ratio was 4 (2.85-5.2). More than half (51.3%) the participants (n = 121) recorded abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio (≥4.0). Across tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, there was a significant trend of higher conventional lipid parameters such as non-HDL-C*, TC/HDL-C ratio*, TG*, HDL-C*, TC**; and non-lipid parameters body-fat* and BMI*** (*P < 0.001, **P = 0.015, ***P = 0.002). LDL-C showed moderate and nonsignificant (P = 0.646) increase across tertiles. Conclusion: In a sample of apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio levels were observed among more than half the participants. The TG/HDL-C ratio was closely associated with other lipid parameters and measures of adiposity, such as BMI and body fat, apart from its previously documented unique association with sd-LDL particles. TG/HDL-C ratio should be evaluated in future for risk prediction of incident CVD among Indians. PMID:28217509

Relevance of the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as an important lipid fraction in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men.

PubMed

Kohli, Aparna; Siddhu, Anupa; Pandey, Ravindra M; Reddy, K Srinath

2017-01-01

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of mortality in Indians. Insulin resistance and related dyslipidemia of increased triglyceride (TG), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) particles, and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with increased risk of CVD. TG/HDL-C ratio could be a potential surrogate marker for this South Asian phenotype. Data are scarce on the relevance of TG/HDL-C ratio as a useful lipid marker among Indians. To study the prevalence of TG/HDL-C ratio among healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men (25-44 years) and its relationship with other lipid and nonlipid factors. In this cross-sectional analysis, fasting blood samples from 236 healthy participants recruited from an urban community setting were tested for TG/HDL-C ratio, HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. Mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 34.7 (7.7) years; median (interquartile range) TG/HDL-C ratio was 4 (2.85-5.2). More than half (51.3%) the participants ( n = 121) recorded abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio (≥4.0). Across tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, there was a significant trend of higher conventional lipid parameters such as non-HDL-C*, TC/HDL-C ratio*, TG*, HDL-C*, TC**; and non-lipid parameters body-fat* and BMI*** (* P < 0.001, ** P = 0.015, *** P = 0.002). LDL-C showed moderate and nonsignificant ( P = 0.646) increase across tertiles. In a sample of apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged Indian men abnormal TG/HDL-C ratio levels were observed among more than half the participants. The TG/HDL-C ratio was closely associated with other lipid parameters and measures of adiposity, such as BMI and body fat, apart from its previously documented unique association with sd-LDL particles. TG/HDL-C ratio should be evaluated in future for risk prediction of incident CVD among Indians.

Studies in the Major Modern Languages (English, German, French) at University Level in Denmark by 1980/81.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dollerup, Cay

This is a descriptive outline of the language situation in the Danish education system. The introductory material discusses the reason for foreign language study. A major reason is that Denmark is a small country with a difficult native language for speakers of other languages to learn. Therefore, the Danish population is exposed to foreign…

Effects of Sound, Vocabulary, and Grammar Learning Aptitude on Adult Second Language Speech Attainment in Foreign Language Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saito, Kazuya

2017-01-01

This study examines the relationship between different types of language learning aptitude (measured via the LLAMA test) and adult second language (L2) learners' attainment in speech production in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classrooms. Picture descriptions elicited from 50 Japanese EFL learners from varied proficiency levels were analyzed…

Thick Descriptions: A Language for Articulating Ethnographic Media Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman-Segall, Ricki

"Thick descriptions" are descriptions that are layered enough to draw conclusions and uncover the intentions of a given act, event, or process. In a video environment, thick descriptions are images, gestures, or sequences that convey meaning. Neither the quantity nor the resolution of the images makes the descriptions thick. Thickness is…

Lipid regulation in lipodystrophy versus the obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: the dissociation of HDL-C and triglycerides.

PubMed

Joseph, Jalaja; Shamburek, Robert D; Cochran, Elaine K; Gorden, Phillip; Brown, Rebecca J

2014-09-01

There is an inverse relationship between triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in insulin resistance, such that improvement in insulin resistance decreases triglycerides and increases HDL-C. Patients with lipodystrophy have extreme insulin resistance with high triglycerides and low HDL-C. Leptin replacement in lipodystrophy leads to a marked decrease in triglycerides (∼60%). Our objective was to study the effects of metreleptin on triglycerides and HDL-C in lipodystrophy in contrast to changes in triglycerides and HDL-C in interventions for the obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. This open-label nonrandomized study at the National Institutes of Health included 82 patients with various forms of lipodystrophy. Metreleptin (0.06-0.24 mg/kg/d) was administered for 24 months in lipodystrophy. Serum triglycerides and HDL-C were measured. At baseline, lipodystrophy patients had low HDL-C (30 ± 1 mg/dL) and high triglycerides (961 ± 220 mg/dL) with an inverse relationship between the two (R = -0.37, P = .0006). There was no change in HDL-C with metreleptin despite major improvement in triglycerides, and individual changes in triglycerides only weakly predicted HDL-C change. On linear regression, in obesity, a decrease of 0.1 mg/dL in log(triglycerides) was associated with a 4.2 mg/dL rise in HDL-C, whereas in lipodystrophy, a decrease of 0.1 mg/dL in log(triglycerides) was associated with only a 0.6 mg/dL rise in HDL-C. The normal reciprocal relationship between triglyceride and HDL-C change seen in response to interventions for the obesity-associated metabolic syndrome is quantitatively different from that seen in lipodystrophy in response to metreleptin. Further work is needed to understand HDL-C regulation in this condition.

Gender differences in the lipid profile of dyslipidemic subjects.

PubMed

Kolovou, Genovefa D; Anagnostopoulou, Katherine K; Damaskos, Dimitris S; Bilianou, Helen I; Mihas, Constantinos; Milionis, Haralampos J; Kostakou, Peggy M; Cokkinos, Dennis V

2009-03-01

We evaluated the gender-associated differences in lipid profile of subjects intended to receive lipid-lowering therapy with emphasis on the associations between triglycerides (TG) and other plasma lipid variables. Lipid profiles of 1385 patients [aged 55+/-11 years, 549 women (40%)] were evaluated. Eligible subjects fulfilled one or more of the following criteria: total cholesterol (TC)>or=6.2 mmol/l, TG>or=1.7 mmol/l, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)<1.0 mmol/l. Patients were divided into subgroups according to TG and HDL-C levels. Women aged on average 3.5 years older, had higher TC and HDL-C, lower TG and a correspondingly lower TC/HDL-C ratio than men. High TG and low HDL-C in tandem appeared twice more frequently in men. Inverse correlations between HDL-C and TG levels were found to exist in the entire cohort (r=-0.354, p<0.001) and in all various subgroups. In the subgroup with TG<1.7 mmol/l, women had higher TC and HDL-C, lower TG levels and lower TC/HDL-C ratio compared with men. In the subgroup with TG>or=1.7 mmol/l, women had higher TC and HDL-C levels and lower TC/HDL ratio compared with men. In the subgroup with HDL-C>or=1.0 mmol/l women had higher HDL-C, lower TG levels and lower TC/HDL-C ratio compared with men. Elevated TG levels and low HDL-C in tandem are common lipid abnormalities in the clinical setting of primary and secondary preventions. Gender-associated differences in the lipid profile are evident in subjects presenting with dyslipidemia and might be of potential relevance for diagnostics and therapy for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Glycemic control and high-density lipoprotein characteristics in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Medina-Bravo, Patricia; Medina-Urrutia, Aída; Juárez-Rojas, Juan Gabriel; Cardoso-Saldaña, Guillermo; Jorge-Galarza, Esteban; Posadas-Sánchez, Rosalinda; Coyote-Estrada, Ninel; Nishimura-Meguro, Elisa; Posadas-Romero, Carlos

2013-09-01

Recent evidence suggests that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) physicochemical characteristics and functional capacity may be more important that HDL-C levels in predicting coronary heart disease. There is little data regarding HDL subclasses distribution in youth with type 1 diabetes. To assess the relationships between glycemic control and HDL subclasses distribution, composition, and function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. This cross-sectional study included 52 adolescents with type 1 diabetes aged 12-16 years and 43 age-matched non-diabetic controls. Patients were divided into two groups: one in fair control [hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 9.6%] and the second group with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 9.6%). In all participants, we determined HDL subclasses distribution, composition, and the ability of plasma and of isolated HDL to promote cellular cholesterol efflux. Levels of soluble adhesion molecules were also measured. Although both groups of patients and the control group had similar HDL-C levels, linear regression analyses showed that compared with non-diabetic subjects, the poor control group had a lower proportion of HDL2b subclass (p = 0.029), triglyceride enriched (p = 0.045), and cholesteryl ester depleted (p = 0.028) HDL particles. Despite these HDL changes, cholesterol efflux was comparable among the three groups. The poor control group also had significantly higher intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 plasma concentrations. In adolescents with type 1 diabetes, poor glycemic control is associated with abnormalities in HDL subclasses distribution and HDL lipid composition, however, in spite of these HDL changes, the ability of HDL to promote cholesterol efflux remains comparable to that of healthy subjects. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Enhancement of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Functions by Encapsulation of Policosanol Exerts Anti-Senescence and Tissue Regeneration Effects Via Improvement of Anti-Glycation, Anti-Apoptosis, and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Inhibition.

PubMed

Lim, So-Mang; Yoo, Jeong-Ah; Lee, Eun-Young; Cho, Kyung-Hyun

2016-02-01

Consumption of policosanol (PCO), a refined mixture of sugar cane wax alcohols, can elevate serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), although the molecular mechanism is still unknown. To investigate the mechanism of action responsible for the anti-senescence effects of PCO on lipoprotein metabolism and HDL functionality, we synthesized reconstituted HDL (rHDL) containing PCO. Encapsulation of PCO by rHDL (PCO-rHDL) enhanced anti-oxidant activity against cupric ion-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. PCO-rHDL (final concentration, 9 μM PCO) showed more potent anti-oxidant activity than vitamin C treatment (final concentration, 100 μM). PCO-rHDL inhibited fructose-mediated glycation, which is a major pathological mechanism of diabetic complications, in a dose-dependent manner. PCO also showed cytoprotective effects in monocytes and macrophages with less triggering of apoptotic processes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). PCO-rHDL strongly inhibited uptake of acetylated LDL into macrophages, which is an initial atherosclerotic process. Surprisingly, PCO-rHDL inhibited human serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity by up to 47% (final concentration, 10 μM PCO). Subcutaneous injection of PCO-rHDL dose-dependently enhanced tissue regeneration activity by 2.4-fold and 3.6-fold compared to that of the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control. In conclusion, PCO in HDL showed potent anti-oxidant, anti-glycation, and CETP inhibitory activities along with tissue regenerative activity, especially upon incorporation into HDL. These results suggest that PCO can enhance functionality of HDL in serum to exert anti-senescence and longevity effects.

Weight Loss and Exercise Alter the High-Density Lipoprotein Lipidome and Improve High-Density Lipoprotein Functionality in Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Khan, Anmar A; Mundra, Piyushkumar A; Straznicky, Nora E; Nestel, Paul J; Wong, Gerard; Tan, Ricardo; Huynh, Kevin; Ng, Theodore W; Mellett, Natalie A; Weir, Jacquelyn M; Barlow, Christopher K; Alshehry, Zahir H; Lambert, Gavin W; Kingwell, Bronwyn A; Meikle, Peter J

2018-02-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) lipid composition and function may better reflect cardiovascular risk than HDL cholesterol concentration. This study characterized the relationships between HDL composition, metabolism, and function in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients and how changes in composition after weight loss (WL) and exercise treatments are related to function. Plasma samples from MetS patients (n=95) and healthy individuals (n=40) were used in this study. Subsets of the MetS group underwent 12 weeks of no treatment (n=17), WL (n=19), or WL plus exercise (WLEX; n=17). HDL was isolated using density-gradient ultracentrifugation. The HDL lipidome was analyzed by mass spectrometry, and particle size determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and ex vivo HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) were assessed. The HDL lipidome in the MetS patients was substantially different from that in healthy individuals, mean particle size was smaller, and CEC was lower. Several HDL phospholipid and sphingolipid species were associated with HDL diameter and CEC. The HDL lipidome and particle size were modified toward the healthy individuals after WL and WLEX treatments, with greater effects observed in the latter group. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity was reduced after WL and WLEX, and CEC was improved after WLEX. WLEX treatment in MetS patients normalizes the HDL lipidome and particle size profile and enhances CEC. HDL lipids associated with diminished CEC may represent novel biomarkers for early prediction of HDL dysfunction and disease risk and may represent potential therapeutic targets for future HDL therapies. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00163943. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Impaired lipoprotein processing in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy: aberrant high-density lipoprotein lipids, stability, and function.

PubMed

Gillard, Baiba K; Raya, Joe L; Ruiz-Esponda, Raul; Iyer, Dinakar; Coraza, Ivonne; Balasubramanyam, Ashok; Pownall, Henry J

2013-07-01

HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (HIV/ART) exhibit a unique atherogenic dyslipidemic profile with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and low plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In the Heart Positive Study of HIV/ART patients, a hypolipidemic therapy of fenofibrate, niacin, diet, and exercise reduced HTG and plasma non-HDL cholesterol concentrations and raised plasma HDL cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations. We tested the hypothesis that HIV/ART HDL have abnormal structures and properties and are dysfunctional. Hypolipidemic therapy reduced the TG contents of low-density lipoprotein and HDL. At baseline, HIV/ART low-density lipoproteins were more triglyceride (TG)-rich and HDL were more TG- and cholesteryl ester-rich than the corresponding lipoproteins from normolipidemic (NL) subjects. Very-low-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein, and HDL were larger than the corresponding lipoproteins from NL subjects; HIV/ART HDL were less stable than NL HDL. HDL-[(3)H]cholesteryl ester uptake by Huh7 hepatocytes was used to assess HDL functionality. HIV/ART plasma were found to contain significantly less competitive inhibition activity for hepatocyte HDL-cholesteryl ester uptake than NL plasma were found to contain (P<0.001). Compared with NL subjects, lipoproteins from HIV/ART patients are larger and more neutral lipid-rich, and their HDL are less stable and less receptor-competent. On the basis of this work and previous studies of lipase activity in HIV, we present a model in which plasma lipolytic activities or hepatic cholesteryl ester uptake are impaired in HIV/ART patients. These findings provide a rationale to determine whether the distinctive lipoprotein structure, properties, and function of HIV/ART HDL predict atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid artery intimal medial thickness.

TATAR MANUAL, DESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR AND TEXTS WITH A TATAR-ENGLISH GLOSSARY. URALIC AND ALTAIC SERIES, VOLUME 25.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

POPPE, NICHOLAS

THIS MANUAL PRESENTS A COMPREHENSIVE GRAMMAR OF TATAR, ONE OF THE TURKIC LANGUAGES BELONGING TO THE NORTH-WESTERN (KIPCHAK) BRANCH. IT IS SPOKEN BY NEARLY FIVE MILLION PEOPLE IN THE AUTONOMOUS TATAR SOVIET REPUBLIC OF THE USSR. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE LANGUAGE AND ITS MAIN DIALECTS IS GIVEN IN THE INTRODUCTION, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES A SELECTED…

A UML model for the description of different brain-computer interface systems.

PubMed

Quitadamo, Lucia Rita; Abbafati, Manuel; Saggio, Giovanni; Marciani, Maria Grazia; Cardarilli, Gian Carlo; Bianchi, Luigi

2008-01-01

BCI research lacks a universal descriptive language among labs and a unique standard model for the description of BCI systems. This results in a serious problem in comparing performances of different BCI processes and in unifying tools and resources. In such a view we implemented a Unified Modeling Language (UML) model for the description virtually of any BCI protocol and we demonstrated that it can be successfully applied to the most common ones such as P300, mu-rhythms, SCP, SSVEP, fMRI. Finally we illustrated the advantages in utilizing a standard terminology for BCIs and how the same basic structure can be successfully adopted for the implementation of new systems.

How the linguistic intergroup bias affects group perception: effects of language abstraction on generalization to the group.

PubMed

Assilaméhou, Yvette; Lepastourel, Nadia; Testé, Benoit

2013-01-01

The present research investigated whether the impact of the Linguistic Intergroup Bias (LIB; Maass, 1999) is related to the effects of linguistic abstraction on social attribution (Yzerbyt & Rogier, 2001). We did this by assessing the impact of abstract descriptions versus concrete descriptions on the generalization of a group member's behaviors to the whole group. A target's behaviors were more attributed to the group when the description was abstract than when it was concrete, and this effect of language abstraction was stronger when the description was positive than when it was negative. Our results provide an insight into how the LIB is involved in the perpetuation of intergroup bias.

Postmenopausal Women Have Higher HDL and Decreased Incidence of Low HDL than Premenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

PubMed Central

Fernandez, Maria Luz; Murillo, Ana Gabriela

2016-01-01

It is well known that plasma lipids, waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure (BP) increase following menopause. In addition, there is a perceived notion that plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations also decrease in postmenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated plasma lipids, fasting glucose, anthropometrics and BP in 88 post and 100 pre-menopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. No differences were observed in plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose or systolic and diastolic BP between groups. However, plasma HDL-C was higher (p < 0.01) in postmenopausal women and the percentage of women who had low HDL (<50 mg/dL) was higher (p < 0.01) among premenopausal women. In addition, negative correlations were found between WC and HDL-C (r = −0.148, p < 0.05) and BMI and HDL-C (r = −0.258, p < 0.01) for all subjects indicating that increases in weight and abdominal fat have a deleterious effect on plasma HDL-C. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between age and plasma HDL-C (r = 0.237 p < 0.01). The results from this study suggest that although HDL is decreased by visceral fat and overall weight, low HDL is not a main characteristic of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Further, HDL appears to increase, not decrease, with age. PMID:27417608

Berber Dialects. Materials Status Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Applied Linguistics, Washington, DC. Language/Area Reference Center.

The materials status report for the Berber languages, minority languages spoken in northern Africa, is one of a series intended to provide the nonspecialist with a picture of the availability and quality of texts for teaching various languages to English speakers. The report consists of: (1) a brief narrative description of the Berber language,…

Language and Ageing--Exploring Propositional Density in Written Language--Stability over Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spencer, Elizabeth; Craig, Hugh; Ferguson, Alison; Colyvas, Kim

2012-01-01

This study investigated the stability of propositional density (PD) in written texts, as this aspect of language shows promise as an indicator and as a predictor of language decline with ageing. This descriptive longitudinal study analysed written texts obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health in which participants were…

What Is a Language?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le Page, R. B.

A discussion on the nature of language argues the following: (1) the concept of a closed and finite rule system is inadequate for the description of natural languages; (2) as a consequence, the writing of variable rules to modify such rule systems so as to accommodate the properties of natural language is inappropriate; (3) the concept of such…

Legal Language: What Is It and What Can We Do About It?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charrow, Veda R.; Crandall, Jo Ann

The simplification of legal language is required by President Carter's Executive Order requiring "clear and simple English" in government regulations. A major problem in the simplification process is the absence of any adequate description or classification of legal language. This paper defines some specific features of legal language,…

Curriculum Guide, English as a Second Language, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berrios, Ana Teresa; And Others

This curriculum guide provides a detailed description of the program in English as a second language (ESL) in the Newark Public Schools. After an introduction that describes the audiolingual method of teaching foreign languages and that defines briefly the cognitive approach to language instruction and the "silent way," the guide…

Anthropology and Language Science in Educational Development Newsletter, No. 2/3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France). Div. of Structures and Content of Life-Long Education.

This issue of the ALSED newsletter contains: (1) a description of the Anthropology and Language Science in Educational Development (ALSED) program; (2) information on the meeting of experts on diversification of methods and techniques for teaching a second language or foreign languages (Paris, Unesco, 15-20 September, 1975), which discussed such…

Classroom Management in Foreign Language Education: An Exploratory Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macías, Diego Fernando

2018-01-01

This review examines studies in the area of classroom management in foreign language education. It is organized into three large areas: The first area focuses on the distinctive characteristics of foreign language instruction that are more likely to impact classroom management in foreign language classes. The second area provides a description of…

Foreign Language Week: A Successful Public Relations Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reschke, Claus

A detailed description is presented of a foreign language (FL) week project that was organized and executed by the Houston Area Teachers of Foreign Languages (HATFL) during the 1979-80 academic year. The document describes the preparation activities of the organizing committee, the pre-foreign language week advertising campaigns, the design of…

Intestinal ABCA1 directly contributes to HDL biogenesis in vivo

PubMed Central

Brunham, Liam R.; Kruit, Janine K.; Iqbal, Jahangir; Fievet, Catherine; Timmins, Jenelle M.; Pape, Terry D.; Coburn, Bryan A.; Bissada, Nagat; Staels, Bart; Groen, Albert K.; Hussain, M. Mahmood; Parks, John S.; Kuipers, Folkert; Hayden, Michael R.

2006-01-01

Plasma HDL cholesterol levels are inversely related to risk for atherosclerosis. The ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1) mediates the rate-controlling step in HDL particle formation, the assembly of free cholesterol and phospholipids with apoA-I. ABCA1 is expressed in many tissues; however, the physiological functions of ABCA1 in specific tissues and organs are still elusive. The liver is known to be the major source of plasma HDL, but it is likely that there are other important sites of HDL biogenesis. To assess the contribution of intestinal ABCA1 to plasma HDL levels in vivo, we generated mice that specifically lack ABCA1 in the intestine. Our results indicate that approximately 30% of the steady-state plasma HDL pool is contributed by intestinal ABCA1 in mice. In addition, our data suggest that HDL derived from intestinal ABCA1 is secreted directly into the circulation and that HDL in lymph is predominantly derived from the plasma compartment. These data establish a critical role for intestinal ABCA1 in plasma HDL biogenesis in vivo. PMID:16543947

HDL-transferred microRNA-223 regulates ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells

PubMed Central

Tabet, Fatiha; Vickers, Kasey C.; Cuesta Torres, Luisa F.; Wiese, Carrie B.; Shoucri, Bassem M.; Lambert, Gilles; Catherinet, Claire; Prado-Lourenco, Leonel; Levin, Michael G.; Thacker, Seth; Sethupathy, Praveen; Barter, Philip J.; Remaley, Alan T.; Rye, Kerry-Anne

2014-01-01

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have many biological functions, including reducing endothelial activation and adhesion molecule expression. We recently reported that HDL transport and deliver functional microRNAs (miRNA). Here we show that HDL suppresses expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) through the transfer of miR-223 to endothelial cells. After incubation of endothelial cells with HDL, mature miR-223 levels are significantly increased in endothelial cells and decreased on HDL. However, miR-223 is not transcribed in endothelial cells and is not increased in cells treated with HDL from miR-223−/− mice. HDL inhibit ICAM-1 protein levels, but not in cells pretreated with miR-223 inhibitors. ICAM-1 is a direct target of HDL-transferred miR-223 and this is the first example of an extracellular miRNA regulating gene expression in cells where it is not transcribed. Collectively, we demonstrate that HDL’s anti-inflammatory properties are conferred, in part, through HDL-miR-223 delivery and translational repression of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells. PMID:24576947

High Pre-β1 HDL Concentrations and Low Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activities Are Strong Positive Risk Markers for Ischemic Heart Disease and Independent of HDL-Cholesterol

PubMed Central

Sethi, Amar A.; Sampson, Maureen; Warnick, Russell; Muniz, Nehemias; Vaisman, Boris; Nordestgaard, Børge G.; Tybjærg-Hansen, Anne; Remaley, Alan T.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that patients with high HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) may have dysfunctional HDL or unrecognized nonconventional risk factors. METHODS Individuals with IHD (Copenhagen University Hospital) and either high HDL-C (n = 53; women ≥735 mg/L; men ≥619 mg/L) or low HDL-C (n = 42; women ≤387 mg/L; men ≤341 mg/L) were compared with individuals without IHD (Copenhagen City Heart Study) matched by age, sex, and HDL-C concentrations (n = 110). All participants had concentrations within reference intervals for LDL-C (<1600 mg/L) and triglyceride (<1500 mg/L), and none were treated with lipid-lowering medications. Pre-β1 HDL and phospholipid transfer protein concentrations were measured by using commercial kits and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity by using a proteoliposome cholesterol esterification assay. RESULTS Pre-β1 HDL concentrations were 2-fold higher in individuals with IHD vs no IHD in both the high [63 (5.7) vs 35 (2.3) mg/L; P < 0.0001] and low HDL-C [49 (5.0) vs 27 (1.5) mg/L; P = 0.001] groups. Low LCAT activity was also associated with IHD in the high [95.2 (6.7) vs 123.0 (5.3) μmol · L−1 · h−1; P = 0.002] and low [93.4 (8.3) vs 113.5 (4.9) μmol · L−1 · h−1; P = 0.03] HDL-C groups. ROC curves for pre-β1 HDL in the high–HDL-C groups yielded an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61–0.81) for predicting IHD, which increased to 0.92 (0.87–0.97) when LCAT was included. Similar results were obtained for low HDL-C groups. An inverse correlation between LCAT activity and pre-β1 HDL was observed (r2 = 0.30; P < 0.0001) in IHD participants, which was stronger in the low HDL-C group (r2 = 0.56; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS IHD was associated with high pre-β1 HDL concentrations and low LCAT levels, yielding correct classification in more than 90% of the IHD cases for which both were measured, thus making pre-β1 HDL concentration and LCAT activity level potentially useful diagnostic markers for cardiovascular disease. PMID:20511449

[The role of CD14 promoter - 159 C-> T polymorphism on changes of serum lipid ratios induced by high-carbohydrate/low-fat diets in healthy Chinese Han youth].

PubMed

Jiang, Zhe; Gong, Ren-rong; Li, Yuan-hao; Fan, Mei; Fang, Ding-zhi

2012-05-01

To investigate the role of CD14 promoter - 159 C-> T polymorphism on ratios of serum lipids and its interaction on the ratios with a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet in a young and healthy Chinese Han population. After a washout diet for seven days, fifty six healthy young subjects (22.89 +/- 1.80 years) were given the HC/LF diet for six days. Twelve-hour fasting venous blood samples were collected in the mornings of the first, the eighth and the fourteenth days. The serum lipid profiles and the CD14 -159 C->T polymorphism were analyzed. The ratios of triglyceride/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-c), log (TG/HDL-c), total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c/HDL-c) were calculated. The male carriers of the C allele had significantly higher TG/HDL-c and log (TG/HDL-c) than the female carriers at baseline, after the washout diet and after the HC/LF diet, higher TC/HDL-c at baseline and after the washout diet, and higher LDL-c/HDL-c only after the washout diet. The female subjects with the TT genotype had higher TG/HDL-c and log (TG/HDL-c) than the female carriers of the C allele at baseline, after the washout diet and after the HC/LF diet, higher LDL-c/HDL-c at baseline and after the HC/LF diet, and higher TC/HDL-c only after the washout diet. Compared with that before the HC/LF diet, TC/HDL-c was significantly decreased after the HC/LF diet regardless of gender and the genotype of the CD14 -159 polymorphism. LDL-c/HDL-c was significantly decreased in both the male and female carriers of the C allele. TG/HDL-c and log (TG/HDL-c) were significantly increased only in the female carriers of the C allele. In the subjects with C allele, the HC/LF diet is a minor factor and its effects on the lipid ratios can be masked by the effects of the C allele at CD14 -159. The interaction between the HC/LF diet and the C allele at CD14 -159 can decrease LDL-c/HDL-c in both males and females and increase TG/ HDL-c and log (TG/HDL-c) in the females.

Student Centered WebCT Instruction for African Language.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moshi, Lioba; Ojo, Akinloye

2000-01-01

Explores theoretical issues concerning instructional technology for African language instruction, gives a brief description of WebCT (a web-based instruction framework), and describes its practicality in the instruction of African languages with special focus on Swahili and Yoruba. (Author/VWL)

Impact of the consumption of a rich diet in butter and it replacement for a rich diet in extra virgin olive oil on anthropometric, metabolic and lipid profile in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Anderson-Vasquez, Hazel Ester; Pérez-Martínez, Pablo; Ortega Fernández, Pablo; Wanden-Berghe, Carmina

2015-06-01

To analyze the impact of the substitution of a rich diet in saturated fats with a rich diet in monounsaturated fats on anthropometric, metabolic and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. A prospective, longitudinal and comparative study where 18 postmenopausal women participated in two periods of dietary intervention of 28 days each one: 1) (SAT diet) consumed butter. Caloric formula (CF) = 15% protein, 38% fat. [20% saturated fat (SFA), 12% monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and 47% carbohydrates and 6% polyunsaturated (PUFA)]. b) Period MONO: with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). CF = 15% protein, 38% fat (<10% SFA, 22% PUFA and 6% MUFA) and 47% carbohydrates. Size and body composition, glucose, insulin, HOMA, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL.C were measured; dietary Anamnesis/24 hours, daily food record. ANOVA and Bonferroni statistical analysis (SPSS 20) was applied. The age was 56 ± 5 years, BMI 29.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2, waist circumference: 93.2 ± 10.1 cm, waist/hip ratio: 0.86 ± 0.14, waist/height: 0.59 ± 0.06 and 38.6 ± 4% body fat (NS). Lipid profile: SAT diet increased TC (p <0.001), LDL-C (p <0.002) and non HDL-Cholesterol (p <0.000), HDL-C increased in MONO diet (p <0.000). SAT diet: TC/HDL-c ratio, Non col HDL-c/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c (p <0.000) and TG/HDL-c (p <0.000). In MONO diet decreased TC/HDL-c (p <0.015) and TG/HDL-c (p <0.016). The SAT diet increased cardiovascular risk, while the MONO diet decreased the risk to develop the metabolic syndrome components and choronary heart disease. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

HDL to verification logic translator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gambles, J. W.; Windley, P. J.

1992-01-01

The increasingly higher number of transistors possible in VLSI circuits compounds the difficulty in insuring correct designs. As the number of possible test cases required to exhaustively simulate a circuit design explodes, a better method is required to confirm the absence of design faults. Formal verification methods provide a way to prove, using logic, that a circuit structure correctly implements its specification. Before verification is accepted by VLSI design engineers, the stand alone verification tools that are in use in the research community must be integrated with the CAD tools used by the designers. One problem facing the acceptance of formal verification into circuit design methodology is that the structural circuit descriptions used by the designers are not appropriate for verification work and those required for verification lack some of the features needed for design. We offer a solution to this dilemma: an automatic translation from the designers' HDL models into definitions for the higher-ordered logic (HOL) verification system. The translated definitions become the low level basis of circuit verification which in turn increases the designer's confidence in the correctness of higher level behavioral models.

Hadl: HUMS Architectural Description Language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukkamala, R.; Adavi, V.; Agarwal, N.; Gullapalli, S.; Kumar, P.; Sundaram, P.

2004-01-01

Specification of architectures is an important prerequisite for evaluation of architectures. With the increase m the growth of health usage and monitoring systems (HUMS) in commercial and military domains, the need far the design and evaluation of HUMS architectures has also been on the increase. In this paper, we describe HADL, HUMS Architectural Description Language, that we have designed for this purpose. In particular, we describe the features of the language, illustrate them with examples, and show how we use it in designing domain-specific HUMS architectures. A companion paper contains details on our design methodology of HUMS architectures.

Quantification of HDL Proteins, Cardiac Events, and Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Kopecky, Chantal; Genser, Bernd; Drechsler, Christiane; Krane, Vera; Kaltenecker, Christopher C.; Hengstschläger, Markus; März, Winfried; Wanner, Christoph; Säemann, Marcus D.

2015-01-01

Background and objectives Impairment of HDL function has been associated with cardiovascular events in patients with kidney failure. The protein composition of HDLs is altered in these patients, presumably compromising the cardioprotective effects of HDLs. This post hoc study assessed the relation of distinct HDL-bound proteins with cardiovascular outcomes in a dialysis population. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The concentrations of HDL-associated serum amyloid A (SAA) and surfactant protein B (SP-B) were measured in 1152 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on hemodialysis participating in The German Diabetes Dialysis Study who were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment of 20 mg atorvastatin daily or matching placebo. The association of SAA(HDL) and SP-B(HDL) with cardiovascular outcomes was assessed in multivariate regression models adjusted for known clinical risk factors. Results High concentrations of SAA(HDL) were significantly and positively associated with the risk of cardiac events (hazard ratio per 1 SD higher, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.19). High concentrations of SP-B(HDL) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio per 1 SD higher, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.19). Adjustment for HDL cholesterol did not affect these associations. Conclusions In patients with diabetes on hemodialysis, SAA(HDL) and SP-B(HDL) were related to cardiac events and all-cause mortality, respectively, and they were independent of HDL cholesterol. These findings indicate that a remodeling of the HDL proteome was associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with ESRD. PMID:25424990

Intracellular cholesterol transport proteins enhance hydrolysis of HDL-CEs and facilitate elimination of cholesterol into bile.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Bie, Jinghua; Ghosh, Shobha

2016-09-01

While HDL-associated unesterified or free cholesterol (FC) is thought to be rapidly secreted into the bile, the fate of HDL-associated cholesteryl esters (HDL-CEs) that represent >80% of HDL-cholesterol, is only beginning to be understood. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that intracellular cholesterol transport proteins [sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) and fatty acid binding protein-1 (FABP1)] not only facilitate CE hydrolase-mediated hydrolysis of HDL-CEs, but also enhance elimination of cholesterol into bile. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of FABP1 or SCP2 in primary hepatocytes significantly increased hydrolysis of HDL-[(3)H]CE, reduced resecretion of HDL-CE-derived FC as nascent HDL, and increased its secretion as bile acids. Consistently, the flux of [(3)H]cholesterol from HDL-[(3)H]CE to biliary bile acids was increased by overexpression of SCP2 or FABP1 in vivo and reduced in SCP2(-/-) mice. Increased flux of HDL-[(3)H]CE to biliary FC was noted with FABP1 overexpression and in SCP2(-/-) mice that have increased FABP1 expression. Lack of a significant decrease in the flux of HDL-[(3)H]CE to biliary FC or bile acids in FABP1(-/-) mice indicates the likely compensation of its function by an as yet unidentified mechanism. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that FABP1 and SCP2 facilitate the preferential movement of HDL-CEs to bile for final elimination. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Intracellular cholesterol transport proteins enhance hydrolysis of HDL-CEs and facilitate elimination of cholesterol into bile

PubMed Central

Wang, Jing; Bie, Jinghua; Ghosh, Shobha

2016-01-01

While HDL-associated unesterified or free cholesterol (FC) is thought to be rapidly secreted into the bile, the fate of HDL-associated cholesteryl esters (HDL-CEs) that represent >80% of HDL-cholesterol, is only beginning to be understood. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that intracellular cholesterol transport proteins [sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) and fatty acid binding protein-1 (FABP1)] not only facilitate CE hydrolase-mediated hydrolysis of HDL-CEs, but also enhance elimination of cholesterol into bile. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of FABP1 or SCP2 in primary hepatocytes significantly increased hydrolysis of HDL-[3H]CE, reduced resecretion of HDL-CE-derived FC as nascent HDL, and increased its secretion as bile acids. Consistently, the flux of [3H]cholesterol from HDL-[3H]CE to biliary bile acids was increased by overexpression of SCP2 or FABP1 in vivo and reduced in SCP2−/− mice. Increased flux of HDL-[3H]CE to biliary FC was noted with FABP1 overexpression and in SCP2−/− mice that have increased FABP1 expression. Lack of a significant decrease in the flux of HDL-[3H]CE to biliary FC or bile acids in FABP1−/− mice indicates the likely compensation of its function by an as yet unidentified mechanism. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that FABP1 and SCP2 facilitate the preferential movement of HDL-CEs to bile for final elimination. PMID:27381048

Spontaneous remodeling of HDL particles at acidic pH enhances their capacity to induce cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells[S

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Su Duy; Öörni, Katariina; Lee-Rueckert, Miriam; Pihlajamaa, Tero; Metso, Jari; Jauhiainen, Matti; Kovanen, Petri T.

2012-01-01

HDL particles may enter atherosclerotic lesions having an acidic intimal fluid. Therefore, we investigated whether acidic pH would affect their structural and functional properties. For this purpose, HDL2 and HDL3 subfractions were incubated for various periods of time at different pH values ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, after which their protein and lipid compositions, size, structure, and cholesterol efflux capacity were analyzed. Incubation of either subfraction at acidic pH induced unfolding of apolipoproteins, which was followed by release of lipid-poor apoA-I and ensuing fusion of the HDL particles. The acidic pH-modified HDL particles exhibited an enhanced ability to promote cholesterol efflux from cholesterol-laden primary human macrophages. Importantly, treatment of the acidic pH-modified HDL with the mast cell-derived protease chymase completely depleted the newly generated lipid-poor apoA-I, and prevented the acidic pH-dependent increase in cholesterol efflux. The above-found pH-dependent structural and functional changes were stronger in HDL3 than in HDL2. Spontaneous acidic pH-induced remodeling of mature spherical HDL particles increases HDL-induced cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, and therefore may have atheroprotective effects. PMID:22855736

High-Density Lipoprotein-Targeted Therapy and Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptides.

PubMed

Uehara, Yoshinari; Chiesa, Giulia; Saku, Keijiro

2015-01-01

Numerous randomized clinical trials have established statins as the major standard therapy for atherosclerotic diseases because these molecules decrease the plasma level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and moderately increase that of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The reverse cholesterol transport pathway, mediated by HDL particles, has a relevant antiatherogenic potential. An important approach to HDL-targeted therapy is optimization of the HDL-cholesterol level and enhanced removal of plasma cholesterol, together with the prevention and mitigation of inflammation related to atherosclerosis. Small-molecule inhibitors of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) increase the HDL-cholesterol level in subjects with normal or low HDL-cholesterol. However, CETP inhibitors do not seem to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. HDL therapies using reconstituted HDL, including apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I Milano, ApoA-I mimetics, or full-length ApoA-I, are dramatically effective in animal models. Of those, the ApoA-I-mimetic peptide called FAMP effectively removes cholesterol via the ABCA1 transporter and acts as an antiatherosclerotic agent by enhancing the biological functions of HDL without elevating the HDL-cholesterol level. Our review of the literature leads us to conclude that HDL-targeted therapies have significant atheroprotective potential and thus may effectively treat patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Dalcetrapib and anacetrapib differently impact HDL structure and function in rabbits and monkeys[S

PubMed Central

Brodeur, Mathieu R.; Rhainds, David; Charpentier, Daniel; Mihalache-Avram, Teodora; Mecteau, Mélanie; Brand, Geneviève; Chaput, Evelyne; Perez, Anne; Niesor, Eric J.; Rhéaume, Eric; Maugeais, Cyrille; Tardif, Jean-Claude

2017-01-01

Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) increases HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. However, the circulating CETP level varies and the impact of its inhibition in species with high CETP levels on HDL structure and function remains poorly characterized. This study investigated the effects of dalcetrapib and anacetrapib, the two CETP inhibitors (CETPis) currently being tested in large clinical outcome trials, on HDL particle subclass distribution and cholesterol efflux capacity of serum in rabbits and monkeys. New Zealand White rabbits and vervet monkeys received dalcetrapib and anacetrapib. In rabbits, CETPis increased HDL-C, raised small and large α-migrating HDL, and increased ABCA1-induced cholesterol efflux. In vervet monkeys, although anacetrapib produced similar results, dalcetrapib caused opposite effects because the LDL-C level was increased by 42% and HDL-C decreased by 48% (P < 0.01). The levels of α- and preβ-HDL were reduced by 16% (P < 0.001) and 69% (P < 0.01), resulting in a decrease of the serum cholesterol efflux capacity. CETPis modulate the plasma levels of mature and small HDL in vivo and consequently the cholesterol efflux capacity. The opposite effects of dalcetrapib in different species indicate that its impact on HDL metabolism could vary greatly according to the metabolic environment. PMID:28515138

Evaluation of HDL-modulating interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction using a systems pharmacology approach[S

PubMed Central

Gadkar, Kapil; Lu, James; Sahasranaman, Srikumar; Davis, John; Mazer, Norman A.; Ramanujan, Saroja

2016-01-01

The recent failures of cholesteryl ester transport protein inhibitor drugs to decrease CVD risk, despite raising HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, suggest that pharmacologic increases in HDL-C may not always reflect elevations in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the process by which HDL is believed to exert its beneficial effects. HDL-modulating therapies can affect HDL properties beyond total HDL-C, including particle numbers, size, and composition, and may contribute differently to RCT and CVD risk. The lack of validated easily measurable pharmacodynamic markers to link drug effects to RCT, and ultimately to CVD risk, complicates target and compound selection and evaluation. In this work, we use a systems pharmacology model to contextualize the roles of different HDL targets in cholesterol metabolism and provide quantitative links between HDL-related measurements and the associated changes in RCT rate to support target and compound evaluation in drug development. By quantifying the amount of cholesterol removed from the periphery over the short-term, our simulations show the potential for infused HDL to treat acute CVD. For the primary prevention of CVD, our analysis suggests that the induction of ApoA-I synthesis may be a more viable approach, due to the long-term increase in RCT rate. PMID:26522778

Evaluation of HDL-modulating interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction using a systems pharmacology approach.

PubMed

Gadkar, Kapil; Lu, James; Sahasranaman, Srikumar; Davis, John; Mazer, Norman A; Ramanujan, Saroja

2016-01-01

The recent failures of cholesteryl ester transport protein inhibitor drugs to decrease CVD risk, despite raising HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, suggest that pharmacologic increases in HDL-C may not always reflect elevations in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the process by which HDL is believed to exert its beneficial effects. HDL-modulating therapies can affect HDL properties beyond total HDL-C, including particle numbers, size, and composition, and may contribute differently to RCT and CVD risk. The lack of validated easily measurable pharmacodynamic markers to link drug effects to RCT, and ultimately to CVD risk, complicates target and compound selection and evaluation. In this work, we use a systems pharmacology model to contextualize the roles of different HDL targets in cholesterol metabolism and provide quantitative links between HDL-related measurements and the associated changes in RCT rate to support target and compound evaluation in drug development. By quantifying the amount of cholesterol removed from the periphery over the short-term, our simulations show the potential for infused HDL to treat acute CVD. For the primary prevention of CVD, our analysis suggests that the induction of ApoA-I synthesis may be a more viable approach, due to the long-term increase in RCT rate. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Expression of the human apolipoprotein A-I gene in transgenic mice alters high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size distribution and diminishes selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters

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

Chajekshaul, T.; Hayek, T.; Walsh, A.

1991-08-01

Transgenic mice carrying the human apolipoprotein (apo) A-I gene (HuAITg mice) were used to examine the effects of overexpression of the human gene on high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size distribution and metabolism. On a chow diet, control mice had HDL cholesterol and apo A-I levels of 49 {plus minus} 2 and 137 {plus minus} 12 mg/dl of plasma, respectively. HuAITg mice had HDL cholesterol, human apo A-I, and mouse apo A-I levels of 88 {plus minus} 2, 255 {plus minus} 19, and 16 {plus minus} 2 mg/dl, respectively. Nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed control mouse plasma HDL to bemore » primarily monodisperse with a particle diameter of 10.2 nm, whereas HuAITg mouse plasma HDL was polydisperse with particles of diameter 11.4, 10.2, and 8.7 nm, which correspond in size to human HDL1, HDL2, and HDL3, respectively. In vivo turnover studies of HDL labeled with (3H)cholesteryl linoleyl ether and 125I-apo A-I were performed. In control animals, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for HDL cholesteryl ester was significantly more than the apo A-I FCR. In the HuAITg mice, the HDL cholesteryl ester FCR was the same as the apo A-I FCR. There were no significant differences between control and HuAITg animals in the sites of tissue removal of HDL cholesteryl ester, with the liver extracting most of the injected radioactivity. Control and HuAITg animals had comparable liver and intestinal cholesterol synthesis and LDL FCR. In conclusion, HuAITg mice have principally human and not mouse apo A-I in their plasma. This apparently causes a change in HDL particle size distribution in the transgenic mice to one resembling the human pattern. The replacement of mouse by human apo A-I also apparently causes the loss of the selective uptake pathway of HDL cholesteryl esters present in control mice.« less

Relationship of baseline HDL subclasses, small dense LDL and LDL triglyceride to cardiovascular events in the AIM-HIGH clinical trial.

PubMed

Albers, John J; Slee, April; Fleg, Jerome L; O'Brien, Kevin D; Marcovina, Santica M

2016-08-01

Previous results of the AIM-HIGH trial showed that baseline levels of the conventional lipid parameters were not predictive of future cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. The aims of this secondary analysis were to examine the levels of cholesterol in high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses (HDL2-C and HDL3-C), small dense low density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), and LDL triglyceride (LDL-TG) at baseline, as well as the relationship between these levels and CV outcomes. Individuals with CV disease and low baseline HDL-C levels were randomized to simvastatin plus placebo or simvastatin plus extended release niacin (ERN), 1500 to 2000 mg/day, with ezetimibe added as needed in both groups to maintain an on-treatment LDL-C in the range of 40-80 mg/dL. The primary composite endpoint was death from coronary disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, or symptom-driven coronary or cerebrovascular revascularization. HDL-C, HDL3-C, sdLDL-C and LDL-TG were measured at baseline by detergent-based homogeneous assays. HDL2-C was computed by the difference between HDL-C and HDL3-C. Analyses were performed on 3094 study participants who were already on statin therapy prior to enrollment in the trial. Independent contributions of lipoprotein fractions to CV events were determined by Cox proportional hazards modeling. Baseline HDL3-C was protective against CV events (HR: 0.84, p = 0.043) while HDL-C, HDL2-C, sdLDL-C and LDL-TG were not event-related (HR: 0.96, p = 0.369; HR: 1.07, p = 0.373; HR: 1.05, p = 0.492; HR: 1.03, p = 0.554, respectively). The results of this secondary analysis of the AIM-HIGH Study indicate that levels of HDL3-C, but not other lipoprotein fractions, are predictive of CV events, suggesting that the HDL3 subclass may be primarily responsible for the inverse association of HDL-C and CV disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship of baseline HDL subclasses, small dense LDL and LDL triglyceride to cardiovascular events in the AIM-HIGH clinical trial

PubMed Central

Albers, John J; Slee, April; Fleg, Jerome L; O’Brien, Kevin D; Marcovina, Santica M

2016-01-01

Background and aims Previous results of the AIM-HIGH trial showed that baseline levels of the conventional lipid parameters were not predictive of future cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. The aims of this secondary analysis were to examine the levels of cholesterol in high density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses (HDL2-C and HDL3-C), small dense low density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), and LDL triglyceride (LDL-TG) at baseline, as well as the relationship between these levels and CV outcomes. Methods Individuals with CV disease and low baseline HDL-C levels were randomized to simvastatin plus placebo or simvastatin plus extended release niacin (ERN), 1,500 to 2,000 mg/day, with ezetimibe added as needed in both groups to maintain an on-treatment LDL-C in the range of 40 to 80 mg/dL. The primary composite endpoint was death from coronary disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, or symptom-driven coronary or cerebrovascular revascularization. HDL-C, HDL3-C, sdLDL-C and LDL-TG were measured at baseline by detergent-based homogeneous assays. HDL2-C was computed by the difference between HDL-C and HDL3-C. Analyses were performed on 3,094 study participants who were already on statin therapy prior to enrollment in the trial. Independent contributions of lipoprotein fractions to CV events were determined by Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Baseline HDL3-C was protective against CV events (HR: 0.84, p=0.043) while HDL-C, HDL2-C, sdLDL-C and LDL-TG were not event-related (HR: 0.96, p=0.369; HR: 1.07, p=0.373; HR: 1.05, p=0.492; HR: 1.03, p=0.554, respectively). Conclusions The results of this secondary analysis of the AIM-HIGH Study indicate that levels of HDL3-C, but not other lipoprotein fractions, are predictive of CV events, suggesting that the HDL3 subclass may be primarily responsible for the inverse association of HDL-C and CV disease. PMID:27320173

Smoking and obesity make a bad problem worse: genetics and lifestyle affect high density lipoprotein levels in Turks.

PubMed

Hodoğlugil, Uğur; Mahley, Robert W

2006-03-01

Low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. The Turkish Heart Study revealed very low levels of plasma HDL-C in the Turkish population, a fact confirmed by the Heart Disease and Risk Factors in Turkish Adults study. Low HDL-C levels have also been observed in Turks living in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. Dietary habits do not explain the low HDL-C levels, which were found in Turkish Heart Study participants from six regions of Turkey with significant differences in typical diets. Among newborns and pre-pubescent children, plasma HDL-C levels were similar in Turks and western Europeans. After puberty, however, HDL-C levels declined significantly in Turkish boys and girls. These results suggest a genetic basis for the low HDL-C levels. In fact, hepatic lipase activity modulated by sex hormones was 25-30% higher in the Turkish population than in other populations. Elevated hepatic lipase activity is clearly associated with low plasma HDL-C in many studies. Results of a recent genome-wide scan for plasma HDL-C in Turks revealed a linkage on chromosome 15q22 where the hepatic lipase gene is located and that low HDL-C was 80% heritable. In addition, evidence for an interaction between HDL-C levels and modifiable environmental factors, particularly smoking and obesity, came from the study of cholesterol ester transfer protein TaqIB polymorphism. This polymorphism was associated with plasma HDL-C levels in Turks. Subjects with the B2B2 genotype-both smokers and nonsmokers-had higher plasma HDL-C levels. Interestingly, B2B2 subjects were protected from the HDL-C-lowering effect of smoking, whereas B1B1 subjects who smoked had significantly lower HDL-C levels. A similar interaction was observed between TaqIB polymorphism and obesity. In conclusion, low HDL-C levels in Turks were modulated by genetic factors and their interaction with modifiable environmental factors, such as smoking and obesity.

Adolescent and Adult African Americans Have Similar Metabolic Dyslipidemia

PubMed Central

Gidding, Samuel S.; Keith, Scott W.; Falkner, Bonita

2015-01-01

Background African Americans (AA) have lower triglycerides (TG) and higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) than other ethnic groups yet they also have higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus despite the strong relationship of dyslipidemia with insulin resistance. No studies directly compare adolescents and adults with regard to relationships amongst dyslipidemia, C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and insulin resistance. Here we compare AA adolescents to adults with regard to the relationships of adiposity-related lipid risk markers (TG/HDL ratio and non HDL-C) with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA), and hsCRP. Methods Two cohorts of healthy AA were recruited from the same urban community. Participants in each cohort were stratified by TG/HDL ratio (based on adult tertiles) and non-HDL-C levels. BMI, WC, HOMA and hsCRP were compared in adolescents and adults in the low, middle and high lipid strata. Results Prevalence of TG/HDL ratio greater than 2.028 (high group) was 16% (44/283) in adolescents and 33% (161/484) in adults; prevalence of non HDL-C above 145 and 160 respectively was 8% (22/283) in adolescents and 12% (60/484) in adults. HsCRP values were lower and HOMA values were higher in adolescents (both p < 0.01). As both TG/HDL ratio and non HDL-C strata increased, BMI, WC, HOMA, and hsCRP increased in both adolescents and adults. In the high TG/HDL and non HDL-C groups, BMI and WC were similar in adolescents vs. adults (BMI 34 kg/m2 vs 32 kg/m2; WC 101 cm vs 101 cm). After adjusting for non-HDL-C and other covariates, a 2-fold increase in TG/HDL was associated with increases of 10.4% in hsCRP (95% CI: 1.1% – 20.5%) and 24.2% in HOMA (95% CI: 16.4% – 32.6%). Non-HDL-C was not significant in models having TG/HDL. Conclusions Elevated TG/HDL ratio is associated with similar inflammation and metabolic risk relationships in adolescent and adult African-Americans. PMID:26073396

Evidence for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Australian indigenous peoples: a systematic review.

PubMed

Lyons, Jasmine G; O'Dea, Kerin; Walker, Karen Z

2014-06-02

Low plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are a strong, independent, but poorly understood risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although this atherogenic lipid abnormality has been widely reported in Australia's Indigenous peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the evidence has not come under systematic review. This review therefore examines published data for Indigenous Australians reporting 1) mean HDL-C levels for both sexes and 2) factors associated with low HDL-C. PubMed, Medline and Informit ATSI Health databases were systematically searched between 1950 and 2012 for studies on Indigenous Australians reporting mean HDL-C levels in both sexes. Retrieved studies were evaluated by standard criteria. Low HDL-C was defined as: <1.0 mmol/L. Analyses of primary data associating measures of HDL-C with other CVD risk factors were also performed. Fifteen of 93 retrieved studies were identified for inclusion. These provided 58 mean HDL-C levels; 29 for each sex, most obtained in rural/regional (20%) or remote settings (60%) and including 51-1641 participants. For Australian Aborigines, mean HDL-C values ranged between 0.81-1.50 mmol/L in females and 0.76-1.60 mmol/L in males. Two of 15 studies reported HDL-C levels for Torres Strait Islander populations, mean HDL-C: 1.00 or 1.11 mmol/L for females and 1.01 or 1.13 mmol/L for males. Low HDL-C was observed only in rural/regional and remote settings--not in national or urban studies (n = 3) in either gender. Diabetes prevalence, mean/median waist-to-hip ratio and circulating C-reactive protein levels were negatively associated with HDL-C levels (all P < 0.05). Thirty-four per cent of studies reported lower mean HDL-C levels in females than in males. Very low mean HDL-C levels are common in Australian Indigenous populations living in rural and remote communities. Inverse associations between HDL-C and central obesity, diabetes prevalence and inflammatory markers suggest a particularly adverse CVD risk factor profile. An absence of sex dichotomy in HDL-C levels warrants further investigation.

HDL-mimetic PLGA nanoparticle to target atherosclerosis plaque macrophages.

PubMed

Sanchez-Gaytan, Brenda L; Fay, Francois; Lobatto, Mark E; Tang, Jun; Ouimet, Mireille; Kim, YongTae; van der Staay, Susanne E M; van Rijs, Sarian M; Priem, Bram; Zhang, Liangfang; Fisher, Edward A; Moore, Kathryn J; Langer, Robert; Fayad, Zahi A; Mulder, Willem J M

2015-03-18

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a natural nanoparticle that exhibits an intrinsic affinity for atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. Its natural targeting capability as well as the option to incorporate lipophilic payloads, e.g., imaging or therapeutic components, in both the hydrophobic core and the phospholipid corona make the HDL platform an attractive nanocarrier. To realize controlled release properties, we developed a hybrid polymer/HDL nanoparticle composed of a lipid/apolipoprotein coating that encapsulates a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core. This novel HDL-like nanoparticle (PLGA-HDL) displayed natural HDL characteristics, including preferential uptake by macrophages and a good cholesterol efflux capacity, combined with a typical PLGA nanoparticle slow release profile. In vivo studies carried out with an ApoE knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis showed clear accumulation of PLGA-HDL nanoparticles in atherosclerotic plaques, which colocalized with plaque macrophages. This biomimetic platform integrates the targeting capacity of HDL biomimetic nanoparticles with the characteristic versatility of PLGA-based nanocarriers.

HDL-Mimetic PLGA Nanoparticle To Target Atherosclerosis Plaque Macrophages

PubMed Central

Sanchez-Gaytan, Brenda L.; Fay, Francois; Lobatto, Mark E.; Tang, Jun; Ouimet, Mireille; Kim, YongTae; van der Staay, Susanne E. M.; van Rijs, Sarian M.; Priem, Bram; Zhang, Liangfang; Fisher, Edward A; Moore, Kathryn J.; Langer, Robert; Fayad, Zahi A.; Mulder, Willem J M

2015-01-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a natural nanoparticle that exhibits an intrinsic affinity for atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. Its natural targeting capability as well as the option to incorporate lipophilic payloads, e.g., imaging or therapeutic components, in both the hydrophobic core and the phospholipid corona make the HDL platform an attractive nanocarrier. To realize controlled release properties, we developed a hybrid polymer/HDL nanoparticle composed of a lipid/apolipoprotein coating that encapsulates a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core. This novel HDL-like nanoparticle (PLGA–HDL) displayed natural HDL characteristics, including preferential uptake by macrophages and a good cholesterol efflux capacity, combined with a typical PLGA nanoparticle slow release profile. In vivo studies carried out with an ApoE knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis showed clear accumulation of PLGA–HDL nanoparticles in atherosclerotic plaques, which colocalized with plaque macrophages. This biomimetic platform integrates the targeting capacity of HDL biomimetic nanoparticles with the characteristic versatility of PLGA-based nanocarriers. PMID:25650634

High density lipoproteins: Measurement techniques and potential biomarkers of cardiovascular risk

PubMed Central

Hafiane, Anouar; Genest, Jacques

2015-01-01

Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) comprises a heterogeneous family of lipoprotein species, differing in surface charge, size and lipid and protein compositions. While HDL cholesterol (C) mass is a strong, graded and coherent biomarker of cardiovascular risk, genetic and clinical trial data suggest that the simple measurement of HDL-C may not be causal in preventing atherosclerosis nor reflect HDL functionality. Indeed, the measurement of HDL-C may be a biomarker of cardiovascular health. To assess the issue of HDL function as a potential therapeutic target, robust and simple analytical methods are required. The complex pleiotropic effects of HDL make the development of a single measurement challenging. Development of laboratory assays that accurately HDL function must be developed validated and brought to high-throughput for clinical purposes. This review discusses the limitations of current laboratory technologies for methods that separate and quantify HDL and potential application to predict CVD, with an emphasis on emergent approaches as potential biomarkers in clinical practice. PMID:26674734

The Relationship between Anxiety and Attitude of Students Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language and Their Achievement on Target Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gocer, Ali

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the anxiety connected with target language of the high school students learning Turkish as a foreign language. In this study, descriptive relational screening model was used. Two scales were used for collecting data. First scale was FLCAS-Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale; it was developed by Horwitz…

Does language guide event perception? Evidence from eye movements

PubMed Central

Papafragou, Anna; Hulbert, Justin; Trueswell, John

2008-01-01

Languages differ in how they encode motion. When describing bounded motion, English speakers typically use verbs that convey information about manner (e.g., slide, skip, walk) rather than path (e.g., approach, ascend), whereas Greek speakers do the opposite. We investigated whether this strong cross-language difference influences how people allocate attention during motion perception. We compared eye movements from Greek and English speakers as they viewed motion events while (a) preparing verbal descriptions, or (b) memorizing the events. During the verbal description task, speakers’ eyes rapidly focused on the event components typically encoded in their native language, generating significant cross-language differences even during the first second of motion onset. However, when freely inspecting ongoing events, as in the memorization task, people allocated attention similarly regardless of the language they speak. Differences between language groups arose only after the motion stopped, such that participants spontaneously studied those aspects of the scene that their language does not routinely encode in verbs. These findings offer a novel perspective on the relation between language and perceptual/cognitive processes. They indicate that attention allocation during event perception is not affected by the perceiver’s native language; effects of language arise only when linguistic forms are recruited to achieve the task, such as when committing facts to memory. PMID:18395705

Design Language for Digital Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiva, S. G.

1985-01-01

Digital Systems Design Language (DDL) is convenient hardware description language for developing and testing digital designs and for inputting design details into design automation system. Describes digital systems at gate, register transfer, and combinational block levels. DDL-based programs written in FORTRAN IV for batch execution.

Can phosphatidylserine enhance atheroprotective activities of high-density lipoprotein?

PubMed

Darabi, Maryam; Kontush, Anatol

2016-01-01

Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is well known to be protective against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, therapeutic interventions to raise HDL-cholesterol levels do not translate into reduction in cardiovascular risk. Due to the compositional complexity of HDL particles, molecular determinants of their atheroprotective function still remain to be clarified. Recent structural and functional data identify phospholipid as a major bioactive component of HDL. Such a role has recently been specifically evidenced for phosphatidylserine (PS); indeed, HDL content of PS displayed positive correlations with all metrics of HDL functionality assessed. This review summarizes current knowledge about HDL-associated PS; possible mechanisms for its atheroprotective role are discussed and potential applications of PS to HDL-based therapies are highlighted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

Statin action enriches HDL3 in polyunsaturated phospholipids and plasmalogens and reduces LDL-derived phospholipid hydroperoxides in atherogenic mixed dyslipidemia

PubMed Central

Tan, Ricardo; Giral, Philippe; Robillard, Paul; Kontush, Anatol; Chapman, M. John

2016-01-01

Atherogenic mixed dyslipidemia associates with oxidative stress and defective HDL antioxidative function in metabolic syndrome (MetS). The impact of statin treatment on the capacity of HDL to inactivate LDL-derived, redox-active phospholipid hydroperoxides (PCOOHs) in MetS is indeterminate. Insulin-resistant, hypertriglyceridemic, hypertensive, obese males were treated with pitavastatin (4 mg/day) for 180 days, resulting in marked reduction in plasma TGs (−41%) and LDL-cholesterol (−38%), with minor effects on HDL-cholesterol and apoAI. Native plasma LDL (baseline vs. 180 days) was oxidized by aqueous free radicals under mild conditions in vitro either alone or in the presence of the corresponding pre- or poststatin HDL2 or HDL3 at authentic plasma mass ratios. Lipidomic analyses revealed that statin treatment i) reduced the content of oxidizable polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PUPC) species containing DHA and linoleic acid in LDL; ii) preferentially increased the content of PUPC species containing arachidonic acid (AA) in small, dense HDL3; iii) induced significant elevation in the content of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) plasmalogens containing AA and DHA in HDL3; and iv) induced formation of HDL3 particles with increased capacity to inactivate PCOOH with formation of redox-inactive phospholipid hydroxide. Statin action attenuated LDL oxidability Concomitantly, the capacity of HDL3 to inactivate redox-active PCOOH was enhanced relative to HDL2, consistent with preferential enrichment of PE plasmalogens and PUPC in HDL3. PMID:27581680

ApoA-II modulates the association of HDL with class B scavenger receptors SR-BI and CD36.

PubMed

de Beer, Maria C; Castellani, Lawrence W; Cai, Lei; Stromberg, Arnold J; de Beer, Frederick C; van der Westhuyzen, Deneys R

2004-04-01

The class B scavenger receptors SR-BI and CD36 exhibit a broad ligand binding specificity. SR-BI is well characterized as a HDL receptor that mediates selective cholesteryl ester uptake from HDL. CD36, a receptor for oxidized LDL, also binds HDL and mediates selective cholesteryl ester uptake, although much less efficiently than SR-BI. Apolipoprotein A-II (apoA-II), the second most abundant HDL protein, is considered to be proatherogenic, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We previously showed that apoA-II modulates SR-BI-dependent binding and selective uptake of cholesteryl ester from reconstituted HDL. To investigate the effect of apoA-II in naturally occurring HDL on these processes, we compared HDL without apoA-II (from apoA-II null mice) with HDLs containing differing amounts of apoA-II (from C57BL/6 mice and transgenic mice expressing a mouse apoA-II transgene). The level of apoA-II in HDL was inversely correlated with HDL binding and selective cholesteryl ester uptake by both scavenger receptors, particularly CD36. Interestingly, for HDL lacking apoA-II, the efficiency with which CD36 mediated selective uptake reached a level similar to that of SR-BI. These results demonstrate that apoA-II exerts a marked effect on HDL binding and selective lipid uptake by the class B scavenger receptors and establishes a potentially important relationship between apoA-II and CD36.

The application of multiple reaction monitoring and multi-analyte profiling to HDL proteins

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background HDL carries a rich protein cargo and examining HDL protein composition promises to improve our understanding of its functions. Conventional mass spectrometry methods can be lengthy and difficult to extend to large populations. In addition, without prior enrichment of the sample, the ability of these methods to detect low abundance proteins is limited. Our objective was to develop a high-throughput approach to examine HDL protein composition applicable to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods We optimized two multiplexed assays to examine HDL proteins using a quantitative immunoassay (Multi-Analyte Profiling- MAP) and mass spectrometric-based quantitative proteomics (Multiple Reaction Monitoring-MRM). We screened HDL proteins using human xMAP (90 protein panel) and MRM (56 protein panel). We extended the application of these two methods to HDL isolated from a group of participants with diabetes and prior cardiovascular events and a group of non-diabetic controls. Results We were able to quantitate 69 HDL proteins using MAP and 32 proteins using MRM. For several common proteins, the use of MRM and MAP was highly correlated (p < 0.01). Using MAP, several low abundance proteins implicated in atherosclerosis and inflammation were found on HDL. On the other hand, MRM allowed the examination of several HDL proteins not available by MAP. Conclusions MAP and MRM offer a sensitive and high-throughput approach to examine changes in HDL proteins in diabetes and CVD. This approach can be used to measure the presented HDL proteins in large clinical studies. PMID:24397693

Kinetics of incorporation/redistribution of photosensitizer hypericin to/from high-density lipoproteins.

PubMed

Joniova, Jaroslava; Buriankova, Luboslava; Buzova, Diana; Miskovsky, Pavol; Jancura, Daniel

2014-11-20

By means of fluorescence spectroscopy we have studied the kinetics of interaction of a photosensitizer hypericin (Hyp) with high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Hyp is incorporated into HDL molecules as monomer till ratio Hyp/HDL ∼8:1 and above this ratio forms non-fluorescent aggregates. This number is different from that found in the case of Hyp incorporation into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) molecules (8:1 vs 30:1). The difference is mainly attributed to the smaller size of HDL in comparison with LDL molecule. Biphasic kinetics of Hyp association with HDL was observed. The rapid phase of incorporation is completed within seconds, while the slow one lasts several minutes. The kinetics of the association of Hyp molecules with free HDL, Hyp/HDL=10:1 complex and the redistribution of Hyp from Hyp/HDL=70:1 complex to free HDL molecules reveal a qualitative similar characteristics of these processes with those observed for the interaction of Hyp with LDL. However, the incorporation of Hyp into HDL in the "slow" phase is more rapid than to LDL and extend of Hyp penetration into lipoproteins in the fast phase is also much higher in the case of HDL. The lower concentration of cholesterol molecules in outer shell of HDL particles is probably the determining factor for the more rapid kinetics of Hyp incorporation to and redistribution from these molecules when comparing with LDL particles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) – Nature’s Multi-Functional Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Kuai, Rui; Li, Dan; Chen, Y. Eugene; Moon, James J.; Schwendeman, Anna

2016-01-01

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are endogenous nanoparticles involved in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides. HDL is well known as the ―good‖ cholesterol because it not only removes excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques but also has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, which protect the cardiovascular system. Circulating HDL also transports endogenous proteins, vitamins, hormones, and microRNA to various organs. Compared with other synthetic nanocarriers, such as liposomes, micelles, inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles, HDL has unique features that allow them to deliver cargo to specific targets more efficiently. These attributes include their ultra-small size (8-12 nm in diameter), high tolerability in humans (up to 8 g of protein per infusion), long circulating half-life (12-24 hours), and intrinsic targeting properties to different recipient cells. Various recombinant ApoA proteins and ApoA mimetic peptides have been recently developed for the preparation of reconstituted HDL that exhibits properties similar to endogenous HDL and has a potential for industrial scale-up. In this review, we will summarize: a) clinical pharmacokinetics and safety of reconstituted HDL products, b) comparison of HDL with inorganic and other organic nanoparticles, c) the rationale for using HDL as drug delivery vehicles for important therapeutic indications, d) the current state-of-the-art in HDL production, and e) HDL-based drug delivery strategies for small molecules, peptides/proteins, nucleic acids, and imaging agents targeted to various organs. PMID:26889958

High density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: measurement of HDL turnover using tritiated HDL

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

Golay, A.; Zech, L.; Shi, M.Z.

1987-09-01

High density lipoprotein (HDL) kinetics were studied by injecting (/sup 3/H)apoprotein A-I (apoA-I)/HDL into 12 subjects with normal glucose tolerance and 12 patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The results indicate that the mean fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of apoA-I/HDL was significantly faster (0.63 +/- 0.07 (+/- SEM) vs. 0.39 +/- 0.02 1/day; P less than 0.001) and the apoA-I/HDL synthetic rate greater (29.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 22.9 +/- 1.3 mg/kg X day; P less than 0.02) in patients with NIDDM than in normal subjects. Furthermore, there were statistically significant inverse relationships between apoA-I/HDL FCR and plasma levels of bothmore » HDL cholesterol (r = -0.71; P less than 0.001) and apoA-I (r = -0.63; P less than 0.001). In addition, the increase in apoA-I/HDL FCR was directly related to fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.78; P less than 0.001) and insulin (r = 0.76; P less than 0.001) concentrations. These data support the view that the decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol and apoA-I levels commonly found in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes is due to an increase in the catabolic rate of apoA-I/HDL secondary to the defects in carbohydrate metabolism present in these patients.« less

Cholesterol binding, efflux, and a PDZ-interacting domain of scavenger receptor–BI mediate HDL-initiated signaling

PubMed Central

Assanasen, Chatchawin; Mineo, Chieko; Seetharam, Divya; Yuhanna, Ivan S.; Marcel, Yves L.; Connelly, Margery A.; Williams, David L.; de la Llera-Moya, Margarita; Shaul, Philip W.; Silver, David L.

2005-01-01

The binding of HDL to scavenger receptor–BI (SR-BI) mediates cholesterol movement. HDL also induces multiple cellular signals, which in endothelium occur through SR-BI and converge to activate eNOS. To determine the molecular basis of a signaling event induced by HDL, we examined the proximal mechanisms in HDL activation of eNOS. In endothelial cells, HDL and methyl-β-cyclodextrin caused comparable eNOS activation, whereas cholesterol-loaded methyl-β-cyclodextrin had no effect. Phosphatidylcholine-loaded HDL caused greater stimulation than native HDL, and blocking antibody against SR-BI, which prevents cholesterol efflux, prevented eNOS activation. In a reconstitution model in COS-M6 cells, wild-type SR-BI mediated eNOS activation by both HDL and small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), whereas the SR-BI mutant AVI, which is incapable of efflux to SUV, transmitted signal by only HDL. In addition, eNOS activation by methyl-β-cyclodextrin was SR-BI dependent. Studies of mutant and chimeric class B scavenger receptors revealed that the C-terminal cytoplasmic PDZ-interacting domain and the C-terminal transmembrane domains of SR-BI are both necessary for HDL signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrated direct binding of cholesterol to the C-terminal transmembrane domain using a photoactivated derivative of cholesterol. Thus, HDL signaling requires cholesterol binding and efflux and C-terminal domains of SR-BI, and SR-BI serves as a cholesterol sensor on the plasma membrane. PMID:15841181

The Study of the Use of Picture Descriptions in Enhancing Communication Skills among the 8th- Grade Students--Learners of English as a Foreign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavalle, Pamela I.; Briesmaster, Mark

2017-01-01

Teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) encourage students to take a more active role in the oral activities in the classroom through different strategies. This study examines the use of picture descriptions as a strategy to develop and enhance communication skills among the eighth-grade students attending a private English school in…

Automatic Digital Hardware Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

VHDL to PALASM, a hardware synthesis language. The PALASM description is then directly implemented into a field programmable gate array (FPGAI using...process of translating VHDL to PALASM, a hardware synthesis language. The PALASM description is then directly implemented into a field programmable gate...allows the engineer to use VHDL to create and validate a design, and then to implement it in a gate array. The development of software o translate VHDL

From a concept to a word in a syntactically complete sentence: an fMRI study on spontaneous language production in an overt picture description task.

PubMed

Grande, Marion; Meffert, Elisabeth; Schoenberger, Eva; Jung, Stefanie; Frauenrath, Tobias; Huber, Walter; Hussmann, Katja; Moormann, Mareike; Heim, Stefan

2012-07-02

Spontaneous language has rarely been subjected to neuroimaging studies. This study therefore introduces a newly developed method for the analysis of linguistic phenomena observed in continuous language production during fMRI. Most neuroimaging studies investigating language have so far focussed on single word or - to a smaller extent - sentence processing, mostly due to methodological considerations. Natural language production, however, is far more than the mere combination of words to larger units. Therefore, the present study aimed at relating brain activation to linguistic phenomena like word-finding difficulties or syntactic completeness in a continuous language fMRI paradigm. A picture description task with special constraints was used to provoke hesitation phenomena and speech errors. The transcribed speech sample was segmented into events of one second and each event was assigned to one category of a complex schema especially developed for this purpose. The main results were: conceptual planning engages bilateral activation of the precuneus. Successful lexical retrieval is accompanied - particularly in comparison to unsolved word-finding difficulties - by the left middle and superior temporal gyrus. Syntactic completeness is reflected in activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) (area 44). In sum, the method has proven to be useful for investigating the neural correlates of lexical and syntactic phenomena in an overt picture description task. This opens up new prospects for the analysis of spontaneous language production during fMRI. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rare variant in scavenger receptor BI raises HDL cholesterol and increases risk of coronary heart disease

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is the major receptor for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C). In humans, high amounts of HDL-C in plasma are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Mice that have depleted Scarb1 (SR-BI knockout mice) have markedly elevated HDL-C l...

[Effect of healthy diet and physical activity on the level of non-HDL cholesterol in obese subjects without cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Móczár, Csaba

2015-10-18

Prevention program including lifestyle changes was initiated with the participation of obese and overweight subjects recruited from the practices of 29 family doctors. The aim of the author was to analyse changes of non-HDL-cholesterol levels, especially when triglyceride levels were above 2.26 mmol/l, and when non-HDL cholesterol levels were high in association with low HDL-cholesterol levels in overweight or obese subjects who had no cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Data obtained from 1192 subjects (424 men and 768 women) before and 12 month after inclusion into the prevention program was analysed. The average level of non-HDL-cholesterol in the whole group of subjects decreased from 4.74 to 4.64 mmol/l, but the change was not significant. However, the average concentration of non-HDL-cholesterol was reduced significantly from 4.87 to 4.4 mmol/l in men, whereas no significant change was detected in women. In cases when triglyceride levels were higher than 2.26 mmol/l, the non-HDL-cholesterol level was reduced by 0.65 mmol/l. In cases when the non-HDL-cholesterol level was high in association with low HDL-cholesterol level, the non-HDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased from 5.22 to 4.48 mmol/l. In addition, in cases when HDL-cholesterol levels were low, the average level of the HDL-cholesterol significantly increased from 0.84 to 1.3 mmol/l. Lifestyle changes decrease the level of atherogenic lipid fractions, particularly in men with high triglyceride levels. Improvement of the atherogenic lipid profile in response to lifestyle changes is related not only to the reduction of atherogenic lipid fractions, but also to the increase of HDL-cholesterol level.

Associations of anthropometry and lifestyle factors with HDL subspecies according to apolipoprotein C-III.

PubMed

Koch, Manja; Furtado, Jeremy D; Jiang, Gordon Z; Gray, Brianna E; Cai, Tianxi; Sacks, Frank; Tjønneland, Anne; Overvad, Kim; Jensen, Majken K

2017-06-01

The presence of apoC-III on HDL impairs HDL's inverse association with coronary heart disease (CHD). Little is known about modifiable factors explaining variation in HDL subspecies defined according to apoC-III. The aim was to investigate cross-sectional associations of anthropometry and lifestyle with HDL subspecies in 3,631 participants from the Diet, Cancer, and Health study originally selected for a case-cohort study (36% women; age 50-65 years) who were all free of CHD. Greater adiposity and less activity were associated with higher HDL containing apoC-III and lower HDL lacking apoC-III. Per each 15 cm higher waist circumference, the level of HDL containing apoC-III was 2.8% higher (95% CI: 0.4, 5.3; P = 0.024) and the level of HDL not containing apoC-III was 4.7% lower (95% CI: -6.0, -3.4; P = <0.0001). Associations for physical activity were most robust to multivariable modeling. Each 20 metabolic equivalent task hours per week reported higher physical activity was associated with 0.9% (95% CI: -1.7, -0.1; P = 0.031) lower HDL containing apoC-III and 0.5% higher (95% CI: 0.1, 1.0; P = 0.029) HDL lacking apoC-III. Lower alcohol consumption was associated with lower HDL lacking apoC-III (percent difference per 15 g/day: 1.58 (95% CI: 0.84, 2.32; P = <0.0001). Adiposity and sedentary lifestyle were associated with a less favorable HDL subspecies profile. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in anorexia nervosa; the effect of nutritional treatment.

PubMed

Jáuregui-Garrido, B; Bolaños-Ríos, P; Santiago-Fernández, M J; Jaúregui-Lobera, I

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the lipid profile in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and the changes with refeeding. The sample comprised 102 AN outpatients (mean age 22.32 ± 3.17). Blood tests, after 12-hour overnight fast, were performed before refeeding (M(0)) and after weight restoration (M(1)). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TRG) were determined and the following cardiovascular risk markers were calculated: LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios. These cut-off points were considered: TC < 200 mg/dl; HDL > 40 mg/dl; LDL < 100 mg/dl and TRG < 150 mg/dl. The time leading to weight restoration was 8.16 ± 7.35 months. Considering patients with scores higher and lower than the corresponding cut-off points, X²-test revealed a significant difference (M(0)-M(1)) in case of TC (p < 0.05) as well as between LDL/HDL(0) and LDL/HDL(1) (p < 0.05) and between TC/HDL(0) and TC/HDL(1) (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found between HDL(0) and HDL(1) (p < 0.01) and between TRG(0) and TRG(1) (p < 0.01). Significant and negative associations between BMI(0) and TC(0) (r = -0.331; p < 0.05) and between TRG(0) and HDL(0) (r = -0.387; p < 0.05) were found. The association between TRG(1) and LDL(1) was significant and positive. Weight restoration tends to decrease the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios despite a considerable percentage of patients maintain scores on the different variables of the lipid profile usually considered at risk.

Association between ethnicity and obesity with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function and subclass distribution.

PubMed

Woudberg, Nicholas J; Goedecke, Julia H; Blackhurst, Dee; Frias, Miguel; James, Richard; Opie, Lionel H; Lecour, Sandrine

2016-05-11

Obesity and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are associated with cardiovascular risk. Surprisingly, despite a greater prevalence of obesity and lower HDL concentrations than white women, black South African women are relatively protected against ischaemic heart disease. We investigated whether this apparent discrepancy may be related to different HDL function and subclass distribution in black and white, normal-weight and obese South African women (n = 40). HDL functionality was assessed by measuring paraoxonase (PON) activity, platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and quantification of the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule in endothelial cells. PON-1 and PAF-AH expression was determined in isolated HDL and serum using Western blotting. Levels of large, intermediate and small HDL subclasses were measured using the Lipoprint® system. PON activity was lower in white compared to black women (0.49 ± 0.09 U/L vs 0.78 ± 0.10 U/L, p < 0.05), regardless of PON-1 protein levels. Obese black women had lower PAF-AH activity (9.34 ± 1.15 U/L vs 13.89 ± 1.21 U/L, p <0.05) and HDL-associated PAF-AH expression compared to obese white women. Compared to normal-weight women, obese women had lower large HDL, greater intermediate and small HDL; an effect that was more pronounced in white women than black women. There were no differences in antioxidant capacity or anti-inflammatory function across groups. Our data show that both obesity and ethnicity are associated with differences in HDL functionality, while obesity was associated with decreases in large HDL subclass distribution. Measuring HDL functionality and subclass may, therefore, be important factors to consider when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated With Reduced High-Density Lipoprotein Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Content and Impaired High-Density Lipoprotein Cardiac Cell Protection.

PubMed

Brinck, Jonas W; Thomas, Aurélien; Lauer, Estelle; Jornayvaz, François R; Brulhart-Meynet, Marie-Claude; Prost, Jean-Christophe; Pataky, Zoltan; Löfgren, Patrik; Hoffstedt, Johan; Eriksson, Mats; Pramfalk, Camilla; Morel, Sandrine; Kwak, Brenda R; van Eck, Miranda; James, Richard W; Frias, Miguel A

2016-05-01

The dyslipidemia of type 2 diabetes mellitus has multiple etiologies and impairs lipoprotein functionality, thereby increasing risk for cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) have several beneficial effects, notably protecting the heart from myocardial ischemia. We hypothesized that glycation of HDL could compromise this cardioprotective effect. We used in vitro (cardiomyocytes) and ex vivo (whole heart) models subjected to oxidative stress together with HDL isolated from diabetic patients and nondiabetic HDL glycated in vitro (methylglyoxal). Diabetic and in vitro glycated HDL were less effective (P<0.05) than control HDL in protecting from oxidative stress. Protection was significantly, inversely correlated with the degree of in vitro glycation (P<0.001) and the levels of hemoglobin A1c in diabetic patients (P<0.007). The ability to activate protective, intracellular survival pathways involving Akt, Stat3, and Erk1/2 was significantly reduced (P<0.05) using glycated HDL. Glycation reduced the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content of HDL, whereas the S1P concentrations of diabetic HDL were inversely correlated with hemoglobin A1c (P<0.005). The S1P contents of in vitro glycated and diabetic HDL were significantly, positively correlated (both <0.01) with cardiomyocyte survival during oxidative stress. Adding S1P to diabetic HDL increased its S1P content and restored its cardioprotective function. Our data demonstrate that glycation can reduce the S1P content of HDL, leading to increased cardiomyocyte cell death because of less effective activation of intracellular survival pathways. It has important implications for the functionality of HDL in diabetes mellitus because HDL-S1P has several beneficial effects on the vasculature. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Reduction in postoperative high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in children undergoing the Fontan operation.

PubMed

Zyblewski, Sinai C; Argraves, W Scott; Graham, Eric M; Slate, Elizabeth H; Atz, Andrew M; Bradley, Scott M; McQuinn, Tim C; Wilkerson, Brent A; Wing, Shane B; Argraves, Kelley M

2012-10-01

Despite the emerging relevance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the inflammatory cascade and vascular barrier integrity, HDL levels in children undergoing cardiac surgery are unexplored. As a measure of HDL levels, the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in single-ventricle patients was quantified before and after the Fontan operation, and it was determined whether relationships existed between the duration and the type of postoperative pleural effusions. The study prospectively enrolled 12 children undergoing the Fontan operation. Plasma HDL-C levels were measured before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. The outcome variables of interest were the duration and type of chest tube drainage (chylous vs. nonchylous). The Kendall rank correlation coefficient and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used. There were 11 complete observations. The median preoperative HDL-C level for all the subjects was 30 mg/dl (range, 24-53 mg/dl), and the median postcardiopulmonary bypass level was 21 mg/dl (range, 14-46 mg/dl) (p = 0.004). There was a tendency toward a moderate inverse correlation (-0.42) between the postcardiopulmonary bypass HDL-C level and the duration of chest tube drainage, but the result was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). In the chylous effusion group, the median postcardiopulmonary bypass HDL-C tended to be lower (16 vs. 23 mg/dl; p = 0.09). After the Fontan operation, the plasma HDL-C levels in children are significantly reduced. It is reasonable to conclude that the reduction in HDL-C reflects reduced plasma levels of HDL particles, which may have pertinent implications in postoperative pleural effusions given the antiinflammatory and endothelial barrier functions of HDL.

Utility of serum lipid ratios for predicting incident type 2 diabetes: the Isfahan Diabetes Prevention Study.

PubMed

Janghorbani, Mohsen; Amini, Masoud

2016-09-01

In this study, we evaluate the association between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio and total cholesterol (TC) to HDL (TC/HDL) ratio and the risks of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in an Iranian high-risk population. We analysed 7-year follow-up data (n = 1771) in non-diabetic first-degree relatives of consecutive patients with T2D 30-70 years old. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of T2D based on repeated oral glucose tolerance tests. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratio for incident T2D across tertiles of TG/HDL and TC/HDL ratios and plotted a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to assess discrimination. The highest tertile of TG/HDL and TC/HDL ratios compared with the lowest tertile was not associated with T2D in age- and gender-adjusted models (HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.11 for TG/HDL ratio and 1.10, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.23 for TC/HDL ratio). Further adjustment for waist circumference or body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not appreciably alter the hazard ratio compared with the age- and gender-adjusted model. The area under the ROC curve for TG/HDL ratio was 57.7% (95% CI: 54.0, 61.5) and for TC/HDL ratio was 55.1% (95% CI: 51.2, 59.0). TG/HDL and TC/HDL ratios were not robust predictors of T2D in high-risk individuals in Iran. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Physical inactivity interacts with an endothelial lipase polymorphism to modulate high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the GOLDN study

PubMed Central

Smith, Caren E.; Arnett, Donna K.; Tsai, Michael Y.; Lai, Chao-Qiang; Parnell, Laurence D.; Shen, Jian; Laclaustra, Martin; Junyent, Mireia; Ordovás, José M.

2009-01-01

Background Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is highly heritable but is also modifiable by environmental factors including physical activity. HDL-C response to exercise varies among individuals, and this variability may be associated with genetic polymorphisms in the key regulators of HDL metabolism including endothelial lipase (LIPG). Methods We examined associations between variants LIPG T111I (rs2000813) and LIPG i24582 (rs6507931), HDL and television viewing/computer use (“screen time”) as a marker for physical inactivity in a population with high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Subjects consisted of 539 White men and 584 women (mean ± S.D., 49 ± 16 years) participating in the GOLDN study. Results We did not observe an association with either LIPG SNP or HDL independently of screen time. In multi-adjusted linear regression models, HDL interacted significantly with screen time as a continuous variable in LIPG i24582 subjects with TT genotype (P < 0.05). By dichotomizing screen time into high and low levels, we found significant genotype-associated differences in HDL in women but not men. When screen time was ≥2.6 h/day, the concentrations of total HDL-C, large HDL, large low density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower, the concentration of small LDL was higher and HDL and LDL particle sizes were smaller in subjects with LIPG i24582 TT compared to CT and CC subjects (P < 0.05). Conclusions We found a significant gene-physical inactivity interaction for HDL and some LDL measures for the LIPG i24582 polymorphism. Higher levels of physical activity may be protective for HDL-C concentrations and low activity detrimental in LIPG i24582 TT individuals, especially in women. PMID:19380136

Physical inactivity interacts with an endothelial lipase polymorphism to modulate high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the GOLDN study.

PubMed

Smith, Caren E; Arnett, Donna K; Tsai, Michael Y; Lai, Chao-Qiang; Parnell, Laurence D; Shen, Jian; Laclaustra, Martin; Junyent, Mireia; Ordovás, José M

2009-10-01

Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is highly heritable but is also modifiable by environmental factors including physical activity. HDL-C response to exercise varies among individuals, and this variability may be associated with genetic polymorphisms in the key regulators of HDL metabolism including endothelial lipase (LIPG). We examined associations between variants LIPG T111I (rs2000813) and LIPG i24582 (rs6507931), HDL and television viewing/computer use ("screen time") as a marker for physical inactivity in a population with high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Subjects consisted of 539 White men and 584 women (mean+/-S.D., 49+/-16 years) participating in the GOLDN study. We did not observe an association with either LIPG SNP or HDL independently of screen time. In multi-adjusted linear regression models, HDL interacted significantly with screen time as a continuous variable in LIPG i24582 subjects with TT genotype (P<0.05). By dichotomizing screen time into high and low levels, we found significant genotype-associated differences in HDL in women but not men. When screen time was >or=2.6h/day, the concentrations of total HDL-C, large HDL, large low density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower, the concentration of small LDL was higher and HDL and LDL particle sizes were smaller in subjects with LIPG i24582 TT compared to CT and CC subjects (P<0.05). We found a significant gene-physical inactivity interaction for HDL and some LDL measures for the LIPG i24582 polymorphism. Higher levels of physical activity may be protective for HDL-C concentrations and low activity detrimental in LIPG i24582 TT individuals, especially in women.

An Alignment of the Canadian Language Benchmarks to the BC ESL Articulation Levels. Final Report - January 2007

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barbour, Ross; Ostler, Catherine; Templeman, Elizabeth; West, Elizabeth

2007-01-01

The British Columbia (BC) English as a Second Language (ESL) Articulation Committee's Canadian Language Benchmarks project was precipitated by ESL instructors' desire to address transfer difficulties of ESL students within the BC transfer system and to respond to the recognition that the Canadian Language Benchmarks, a descriptive scale of ESL…

Moving beyond Communicative Language Teaching: A Situated Pedagogy for Japanese EFL Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lochland, Paul W.

2013-01-01

This article questions the appropriateness of communicative language teaching (CLT) in classrooms teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to Japanese students. The four main criticisms of CLT are the ambiguity of its description, the benefits of CLT for language learning, the amalgamation of CLT methods with local classroom practices, and the…

Effect of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety on Turkish University Students' Academic Achievement in Foreign Language Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuncer, Murat; Dogan, Yunus

2015-01-01

This study was carried out in order to identify to what extent the Turkish students' English classroom anxiety affects their academic achievement in English language. In this quantitative descriptive study, a correlational survey model was employed, and the convenience sampling was done. In order to collect data, the Foreign Language Classroom…

Learning Through Survival: An Approach to Foreign Language Teaching. A Program Description and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Travers, Claudia S.; Reilly, Joseph T. M.

A foreign travel program for eighth grade French language students from Shoreham, New York was developed to provide language speaking practice in Quebec, Canada. The program was designed to allow students to spend as much time as possible speaking the language and interacting with the people. The following "survival through speaking"…

Interagency Language Roundtable Invitational Symposium on Language Aptitude Testing (Rosslyn, Virginia, September 14-16, 1988).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stansfield, Charles W.; Kenyon, Dorry Mann

The report of the Interagency Language Roundtable's invitational symposium on language aptitude testing consists of a description of the project and appendixes which include the following: (1) the symposium program and abstracts of papers; (2) a list of participants; and (3) summaries of the discussions of three working groups (on applications,…

First Steps to Endangered Language Documentation: The Kalasha Language, a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mela-Athanasopoulou, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

The present paper based on extensive fieldwork D conducted on Kalasha, an endangered language spoken in the three small valleys in Chitral District of Northwestern Pakistan, exposes a spontaneous dialogue-based elicitation of linguistic material used for the description and documentation of the language. After a brief display of the basic typology…

Philippine and North Bornean Languages: Issues in Description, Subgrouping, and Reconstruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lobel, Jason William

2013-01-01

The Philippines, northern Sulawesi, and northern Borneo are home to two or three hundred languages that can be described as Philippine-type. In spite of nearly five hundred years of language documentation in the Philippines, and at least a century of work in Borneo and Sulawesi, the majority of these languages remain grossly underdocumented, and…

Challenges of Implementing a Top-Down Curriculum Innovation in English Language Teaching: Perspectives of Form Iii English Language Teachers in Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okoth, Teresa A.

2016-01-01

This study investigated the challenges Form III English language teachers face when implementing the revised integrated English language curriculum. A mixed-method descriptive design was used in Eldoret East SubCounty in Kenya. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and reflective conversations. Cluster, purposive and random…

Issues of Identity in Minority Language Media Production in Colombia and Wales

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uribe-Jongbloed, Enrique

2016-01-01

This paper addresses how different media production teams negotiate the use of their minority languages in their practice. After a brief discussion of the concepts of language and description of a linguistic minority, a short review of similar research in the area of Minority Language Media is presented. Within this area, radio producers from…

Teacher Language Competence Description: Towards a New Framework of Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sokolova, Nataliya

2012-01-01

The article is centred around the concept of "language competence of a foreign language (FL) teacher" and the ways it can be evaluated. Though the definition of teacher language competence might sound obvious it has not yet been clearly structured and, therefore, no component has been thoroughly described. I use this fact as a starting…

The Multifaceted Ecology of Language Play in an Elementary School EFL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kang, Dae-Min

2017-01-01

Language play (LP) in second language (L2) classrooms has attracted increasing attention in recent years, but descriptions and explanations of LP construction in English as a foreign language (EFL) settings remain insufficient. This paper reports the discursive processes of LP construction in an elementary school EFL classroom in Korea. I found…

SWAHILI LANGUAGE HANDBOOK.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

POLOME, EDGAR C.

THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE STRUCTURE AND BACKGROUND OF THE SWAHILI LANGUAGE WAS WRITTEN FOR THE NON-SPECIALIST. ALTHOUGH THE LINGUISTIC TERMINOLOGY USED IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THE LANGUAGE ASSUMES THE READER HAS HAD SOME TRAINING IN LINGUISTICS, THIS HANDBOOK PROVIDES BASIC LINGUISTIC AND SOCIOLINGUISTIC INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS OF AFRICAN CULTURE…

The Language of Qualitative Issues. AIR Forum 1982 Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duckwall, Julia M.; Johnson, F. Craig

The communication of research findings among collegiate institutional researchers is considered in relation to the contribution of qualitative language in general, and catastrophe theory in particular. The qualitative language of catastrophe theory may help reduce the arbitrariness of description, through identification of qualitative features…

Descriptions of Selected Career-Related College Language Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knodel, Arthur J.; And Others

1977-01-01

Seven courses or programs at different colleges emphasizing specific career applications of languages are described. They include: Technical French; Spanish for Law Enforcement and Correctional Personnel; Executive German; Proyecto Desarrollo Economico; Spanish for Medical Professions; Elements of Foreign Language, and Business French and Business…

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD--INDO-PACIFIC FASCICLE FOUR.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VOEGELIN, C. F.; VOEGELIN, FLORENCE M.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS A LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE AUSTRONESIAN FAMILY OF LANGUAGES WHICH INCLUDE THE LANGUAGES OF INDONESIA, FORMOSA, MADAGASCAR, THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, AND PART OF SOUTHEAST ASIA. (THE REPORT IS PART OF A SERIES, ED 010 350 TO ED 010 367.) (JK)

A Grammar of Kurtop

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyslop, Gwendolyn

2011-01-01

Kurtop is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by approximately 15,000 people in Northeastern Bhutan. This dissertation is the first descriptive grammar of the language, based on extensive fieldwork and community-driven language documentation in Bhutan. When possible, analyses are presented in typological and historical/comparative perspectives and…

The Sizing and Optimization Language, (SOL): Computer language for design problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucas, Stephen H.; Scotti, Stephen J.

1988-01-01

The Sizing and Optimization Language, (SOL), a new high level, special purpose computer language was developed to expedite application of numerical optimization to design problems and to make the process less error prone. SOL utilizes the ADS optimization software and provides a clear, concise syntax for describing an optimization problem, the OPTIMIZE description, which closely parallels the mathematical description of the problem. SOL offers language statements which can be used to model a design mathematically, with subroutines or code logic, and with existing FORTRAN routines. In addition, SOL provides error checking and clear output of the optimization results. Because of these language features, SOL is best suited to model and optimize a design concept when the model consits of mathematical expressions written in SOL. For such cases, SOL's unique syntax and error checking can be fully utilized. SOL is presently available for DEC VAX/VMS systems. A SOL package is available which includes the SOL compiler, runtime library routines, and a SOL reference manual.

Extraction of phenotypic traits from taxonomic descriptions for the tree of life using natural language processing.

PubMed

Endara, Lorena; Cui, Hong; Burleigh, J Gordon

2018-03-01

Phenotypic data sets are necessary to elucidate the genealogy of life, but assembling phenotypic data for taxa across the tree of life can be technically challenging and prohibitively time consuming. We describe a semi-automated protocol to facilitate and expedite the assembly of phenotypic character matrices of plants from formal taxonomic descriptions. This pipeline uses new natural language processing (NLP) techniques and a glossary of over 9000 botanical terms. Our protocol includes the Explorer of Taxon Concepts (ETC), an online application that assembles taxon-by-character matrices from taxonomic descriptions, and MatrixConverter, a Java application that enables users to evaluate and discretize the characters extracted by ETC. We demonstrate this protocol using descriptions from Araucariaceae. The NLP pipeline unlocks the phenotypic data found in taxonomic descriptions and makes them usable for evolutionary analyses.

Subject descriptions, control groups, and research designs in published studies of language-impaired children.

PubMed

Schmitt, J F; Meline, T J

1990-12-01

We reviewed the 1983-1988 issues of six journals that frequently publish papers including specifically language-impaired (LI) subjects. A total of 92 research reports provided data for our review. The research reports included experimental studies, ex post facto studies, and intervention studies. These studies represent a broad spectrum of the theoretical and empirical foundations of knowledge regarding LI children. The analysis of the published research centered on subject descriptions and the use of control groups. A descriptive analysis of the data showed few consistent trends among the studies with respect to subject selection, subject description, and the number and types of control groups. We discuss the importance of more complete subject descriptions in studies of LI children as well as the importance of the choice of matching criteria for control groups in between-subjects designs.

Genetic association with low concentrations of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in a pediatric population of the Middle East and North Africa: the CASPIAN-III study.

PubMed

Kelishadi, Roya; Haghjooy Javanmard, Shaghayegh; Tajadini, Mohammad Hasan; Mansourian, Marjan; Motlagh, Mohammad Esmaeil; Ardalan, Gelayol; Ban, Matthew

2014-11-01

Depressed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is prevalent the Middle East and North Africa. Some studies have documented associations between HDL-C and several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate gene polymorphisms. We investigated the associations between SNP genotypes and HDL-C levels in Iranian students, aged 10-18 years. Genotyping was performed in 750 randomly selected participants among those with low HDL-C levels (below 5th percentile), intermediate HDL-C levels (5-95th) and high HDL-C levels (above the 95th percentile). Minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of the SNPs of interest were compared between the three HDL-C groups. The vast majority of pairwise comparisons of MAFs between HDL-C groups were significant. Pairwise comparisons between low and high HDL-C groups showed significant between-group differences in MAFs for all SNPs, except for APOC3 rs5128. Pairwise comparisons between low and intermediate HDL-C groups showed significant between-group differences in MAFs for all SNPs, except for APOC3 rs5128 and APOA1 rs2893157. Pairwise comparisons between intermediate and high HDL-C groups showed significant between-group differences in MAFs for all SNPs, except for ABCA1 APOC3 rs5128 and APOA1 rs2893157. After adjustment for confounding factors, including age, sex, body mass index, low physical activity, consumption of saturated fats, and socioeconomic status, ABCA1 r1587K and CETP A373P significantly increased the risk of depressed HDL-C, and CETP Taq1 had a protective role. This study replicated several associations between HDL-C levels and candidate gene SNPs from genome-wide associations with HDL-C in Iranians from the pediatric age group. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lipid Regulation in Lipodystrophy Versus the Obesity-Associated Metabolic Syndrome: The Dissociation of HDL-C and Triglycerides

PubMed Central

Joseph, Jalaja; Shamburek, Robert D.; Cochran, Elaine K.; Gorden, Phillip

2014-01-01

Context: There is an inverse relationship between triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in insulin resistance, such that improvement in insulin resistance decreases triglycerides and increases HDL-C. Patients with lipodystrophy have extreme insulin resistance with high triglycerides and low HDL-C. Leptin replacement in lipodystrophy leads to a marked decrease in triglycerides (∼60%). Objective: Our objective was to study the effects of metreleptin on triglycerides and HDL-C in lipodystrophy in contrast to changes in triglycerides and HDL-C in interventions for the obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. Design, Setting, and Patients: This open-label nonrandomized study at the National Institutes of Health included 82 patients with various forms of lipodystrophy. Intervention: Metreleptin (0.06–0.24 mg/kg/d) was administered for 24 months in lipodystrophy. Main Outcome Measures: Serum triglycerides and HDL-C were measured. Results: At baseline, lipodystrophy patients had low HDL-C (30 ± 1 mg/dL) and high triglycerides (961 ± 220 mg/dL) with an inverse relationship between the two (R = −0.37, P = .0006). There was no change in HDL-C with metreleptin despite major improvement in triglycerides, and individual changes in triglycerides only weakly predicted HDL-C change. On linear regression, in obesity, a decrease of 0.1 mg/dL in log(triglycerides) was associated with a 4.2 mg/dL rise in HDL-C, whereas in lipodystrophy, a decrease of 0.1 mg/dL in log(triglycerides) was associated with only a 0.6 mg/dL rise in HDL-C. Conclusions: The normal reciprocal relationship between triglyceride and HDL-C change seen in response to interventions for the obesity-associated metabolic syndrome is quantitatively different from that seen in lipodystrophy in response to metreleptin. Further work is needed to understand HDL-C regulation in this condition. PMID:24926953

Impact of a 1-year lifestyle modification program on cholesterol efflux capacities in men with abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia.

PubMed

Boyer, Marjorie; Mitchell, Patricia L; Poirier, Dr Paul; Alméras, Natalie; Tremblay, Angelo; Bergeron, Jean; Despres, Jean-Pierre; Arsenault, Benoit J

2018-06-05

Cholesterol efflux capacities (CECs) are negatively associated with cardiovascular disease risk, irrespective of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Whether interventions targeting lifestyle improve HDL-CECs is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether improving dietary quality and increasing physical activity levels improves HDL-CECs in abdominally obese men with dyslipidemia. Our study sample included men (488.5 years) with an elevated waist circumference ({greater than or equal to}90 cm) associated with dyslipidemia (triglycerides {greater than or equal to}1.69 and/or HDL cholesterol <1.03 mmol/l); 113 men completed a 1-year intervention, consisting of a healthy eating and physical activity/exercise program and 32 were included in a control group. An oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) was performed in a subsample of 28 men who completed the intervention and blood was collected every 2 hours during 8 hours. HDL-CECs were measured using 3 H cholesterol labeled J774 macrophages and HepG2 hepatocytes. The lifestyle modification program led to an overall improvement in the cardiometabolic risk profile, increases in J774-HDL-CEC by 14.1% (+0.881.09%, p<0.0001), HepG2-HDL-CEC by 3.4% (+0.170.75%, p=0.01), HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-1 levels (13.5%, p<0.0001 and 14.9%, p<0.0001, respectively). J774-HDL-CECs and HepG2-HDL-CECs did not change in the control group. The best predictor for changes in HDL-CEC was Apo A1 level. The lifestyle modification program also improved HDL-CECs response in postprandial lipemia during an OLTT. HDL-CEC did not change during the OLTT. Our results suggest that increasing physical activity levels and improving diet quality can have a positive impact on both HDL quantity and quality in abdominally obese men with dyslipidemia.

The triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in overweight Korean children and adolescents.

PubMed

Yoo, Dong-Yoon; Kang, Yu Sun; Kwon, Eun Byul; Yoo, Eun-Gyong

2017-09-01

The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio has recently been reported as a biomarker of cardiometabolic risk in obese children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to describe the TG/HDL-C ratio and related factors in overweight and normal weight Korean children and to evaluate whether the high TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with insulin resistance in overweight children and adolescents. Data from 255 overweight (aged 8.7±2.0 years) and 514 normal weight (aged 8.9±1.8 years) children and adolescents were evaluated. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and TG levels were measured after overnight fasting, and the TG/HDL-C ratio, non-HDL-C and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The TG/HDL-C ratio was higher in overweight group compared to normal weight group (P<0.001). Among overweight children and adolescents, alanine aminotransferase (P=0.018), non-HDL-C (P<0.001), and HOMA-IR (P=0.004) were different between the TG/HDL-C ratio tertile groups. The prevalence of elevated HOMA-IR was increased with increasing TG/HDL-C ratio tertiles (P for trend=0.003). On regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, the BMI (β=0.402, P=0.001) and TG/HDL-C ratio (β=0.251, P=0.014) were independently associated with HOMA-IR (adjusted R2=0.324). The TG/HDL-C ratio of 2.0 or more showed higher sensitivity (55.6%) and specificity (72.9%), when compared to TC (≥200 mg/dL), non-HDL-C (≥145 mg/dL), and LDL-C (≥130 mg/dL) for identifying overweight children with elevated HOMA-IR. The TG/HDL-C ratio is independently associated with insulin resistance in overweight children and adolescents, and it can be useful in identifying those at higher cardiometabolic risk.

Association between Lipid Ratios and Insulin Resistance in a Chinese Population

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liying; Chen, Shanying; Deng, Aiwen; Liu, Xinyu; Liang, Yan; Shao, Xiaofei; Sun, Mingxia; Zou, Hequn

2015-01-01

Aim To explore the association of lipid ratios and triglyceride (TG) with insulin resistance (IR) in a Chinese population. We also provide the clinical utility of lipid ratios to identify men and women with IR. Methods This cross-sectional study included 614 men and 1055 women without diabetes. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of IR > 2.69. Lipid ratios included the TG/ high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C and the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL –C. Logistic regression models and accurate estimates of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were obtained. Results In normal-weight men, none of lipid ratios nor TG was associated with IR. In overweight/obese men, normal-weight women and overweight/obese women, the TG/HDL-C, the TC/HDL-C and TG were significantly associated with IR, and the associations were independent of waist circumference. All of the AUROCs for the TG/HDL-C and TG were > 0.7. The AUROCs for TC/HDL-C ratio were 0.69–0.77. The optimal cut-offs for TG/HDL-C were 1.51 in men and 0.84 in women. The optimal cut-offs for TG were 1.78 mmol/L in men and 1.49 mmol/L in women, respectively. In men, the optimal cut-off for LDL-C/HDL-C is 3.80. In women, the optimal cut-off for LDL-C/HDL-C is 3.82. Conclusion The TG/HDL-C, the TC/HDL-C and TG are associated with IR in overweight/obese men, normal-weight and overweight/obese women. The LDL-C/HDL-C is only associated with IR in normal-weight women. The TG/HDL-C and TG might be used as surrogate markers for assessing IR. PMID:25635876

The triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in overweight Korean children and adolescents

PubMed Central

Yoo, Dong-Yoon; Kang, Yu Sun; Kwon, Eun Byul

2017-01-01

Purpose The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio has recently been reported as a biomarker of cardiometabolic risk in obese children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to describe the TG/HDL-C ratio and related factors in overweight and normal weight Korean children and to evaluate whether the high TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with insulin resistance in overweight children and adolescents. Methods Data from 255 overweight (aged 8.7±2.0 years) and 514 normal weight (aged 8.9±1.8 years) children and adolescents were evaluated. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and TG levels were measured after overnight fasting, and the TG/HDL-C ratio, non–HDL-C and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results The TG/HDL-C ratio was higher in overweight group compared to normal weight group (P<0.001). Among overweight children and adolescents, alanine aminotransferase (P=0.018), non–HDL-C (P<0.001), and HOMA-IR (P=0.004) were different between the TG/HDL-C ratio tertile groups. The prevalence of elevated HOMA-IR was increased with increasing TG/HDL-C ratio tertiles (P for trend=0.003). On regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, the BMI (β=0.402, P=0.001) and TG/HDL-C ratio (β=0.251, P=0.014) were independently associated with HOMA-IR (adjusted R2=0.324). The TG/HDL-C ratio of 2.0 or more showed higher sensitivity (55.6%) and specificity (72.9%), when compared to TC (≥200 mg/dL), non–HDL-C (≥145 mg/dL), and LDL-C (≥130 mg/dL) for identifying overweight children with elevated HOMA-IR. Conclusions The TG/HDL-C ratio is independently associated with insulin resistance in overweight children and adolescents, and it can be useful in identifying those at higher cardiometabolic risk. PMID:29025201

Association between Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Ren, Xingxing; Chen, Zeng Ai; Zheng, Shuang; Han, Tingting; Li, Yangxue; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2016-01-01

To explore the association between the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (272 men and 288 women) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to TG/HDL-C tertiles. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Demographic information and clinical characteristics were obtained. Spearman's correlation was used to estimate the association between TG/HDL-C and other variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were adopted to obtain probabilities of insulin resistance. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of TG/HDL-C to discriminate insulin resistance. TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.01). Patients in the higher tertiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than patients in the lower tertiles [T1: 2.68(1.74-3.70); T2: 2.96(2.29-4.56); T3: 3.09(2.30-4.99)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR, and patients in the higher TG/HDL-C tertile had a higher OR than those in the lower TG/HDL-C tertile, after adjusting for multiple covariates including indices for central obesity [T1: 1; T2: 4.02(1.86-8.71); T3: 4.30(1.99-9.29)]. Following stratification of waist circumference into quartiles, the effect of TG/HDL-C on insulin resistance remained significant irrespective of waist circumference. TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance independent of waist circumference. Whether it could be a surrogate marker for insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus still needs to be confirmed by more researches.

CETP genotypes and HDL-cholesterol phenotypes in the HERITAGE Family Study.

PubMed

Spielmann, Nadine; Leon, Arthur S; Rao, D C; Rice, Treva; Skinner, James S; Bouchard, Claude; Rankinen, Tuomo

2007-09-19

Associations between cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) polymorphisms and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels before and after 20 wk of endurance training were investigated in the HERITAGE Family Study. Plasma HDL-c, HDL(2)-c, HDL(3)-c, and apolipoprotein (apo)A1 levels were measured, and 13 CETP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 265 blacks and 486 whites. Three haplotypes defined by SNPs at the -1337, -971, and -629 sites were strongly associated with baseline HDL-c levels in whites. Both C-1337T and C-629A were associated with baseline HDL-c (P < 0.001) and apoA1 (P < 0.01) when tested separately. However, only C-629A remained significant in a combined model. G-971A was not associated with HDL phenotypes, but showed significant interactions with C-629A (P = 0.002) on baseline traits. Genotype-by-sex interactions were observed at the -629 locus for HDL(3)-c (P = 0.004) and apoA1 (P = 0.02) training responses in whites. In women, the -629 A/A homozygotes showed greater increases in HDL(3)-c (P = 0.02) and apoA1 (P = 0.02) levels than the other genotypes. Finally, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and the CETP C-629A locus contributed independently and in additive fashion to the HDL traits, explaining 6.0-8.8% of the variance. The CETP -1337T and -629A alleles are associated with higher baseline HDL-c and apoA1 levels. The beneficial effects of endurance training on plasma HDL(3)-c and apoA1 levels are evident in white women homozygous for the -629A allele. The CETP and APOE genotypes account for up to 9% of the variance in HDL-c phenotypes in the HERITAGE Family Study.

Can Nomenclature for the Body be Explained by Embodiment Theories?

PubMed

Majid, Asifa; van Staden, Miriam

2015-10-01

According to widespread opinion, the meaning of body part terms is determined by salient discontinuities in the visual image; such that hands, feet, arms, and legs, are natural parts. If so, one would expect these parts to have distinct names which correspond in meaning across languages. To test this proposal, we compared three unrelated languages-Dutch, Japanese, and Indonesian-and found both naming systems and boundaries of even basic body part terms display variation across languages. Bottom-up cues alone cannot explain natural language semantic systems; there simply is not a one-to-one mapping of the body semantic system to the body structural description. Although body parts are flexibly construed across languages, body parts semantics are, nevertheless, constrained by non-linguistic representations in the body structural description, suggesting these are necessary, although not sufficient, in accounting for aspects of the body lexicon. Copyright © 2015 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Just a preference: racialised language in the sex-seeking profiles of gay and bisexual men.

PubMed

Callander, Denton; Holt, Martin; Newman, Christy E

2012-10-01

Racialised language is a salient and contested aspect of contemporary sexual cultures, particularly in the online domain. This paper explores the ways in which gay men in Australia employ race-related language when using online sex/dating websites. Using inductive content analysis, descriptive categories were developed to identify recurrent patterns in the racialised language employed by website users. A coding framework was then constructed to identify the 'subject' (self, other or concept) of each piece of race-related content, its 'purpose' (marketing, negative or positive discrimination, commentary) and the 'position' adopted (defensive, normalised or critical). Descriptive and comparative analyses revealed differences in the ways in which members of racial groups employed racialised language online. These differences are reviewed in relation to broader discourses on Whiteness and race in Australia, as well as recent community-produced anti-racism campaigns.

Plasma cholesterol homeostasis, HDL remodeling and function during the acute phase reaction.

PubMed

Zimetti, Francesca; De Vuono, Stefano; Gomaraschi, Monica; Adorni, Maria Pia; Favari, Elda; Ronda, Nicoletta; Ricci, Maria Anastasia; Veglia, Fabrizio; Calabresi, Laura; Lupattelli, Graziana

2017-10-01

Acute phase reaction (APR) is a systemic inflammation triggered by several conditions associated with lipid profile alterations. We evaluated whether APR also associates with changes in cholesterol synthesis and absorption, HDL structure, composition, and cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). We analyzed 59 subjects with APR related to infections, oncologic causes, or autoimmune diseases and 39 controls. We detected no difference in markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption. Conversely, a significant reduction of LpA-I- and LpAI:AII-containing HDL (-28% and -44.8%, respectively) and of medium-sized HDL (-10.5%) occurred in APR. Total HDL CEC was impaired in APR subjects (-18%). Evaluating specific CEC pathways, we found significant reductions in CEC by aqueous diffusion and by the transporters scavenger receptor B-I and ABCG1 (-25.5, -41.1 and -30.4%, respectively). ABCA1-mediated CEC was not affected. Analyses adjusted for age and gender provided similar results. In addition, correcting for HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, the differences in aqueous diffusion total and ABCG1-CEC remained significant. APR subjects displayed higher levels of HDL serum amyloid A (+20-folds; P = 0.003). In conclusion, APR does not associate with cholesterol synthesis and absorption changes but with alterations of HDL composition and a marked impairment of HDL CEC, partly independent of HDL-C serum level reduction. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

High-density lipoproteins induce a rapid and transient release of Ca2+ in cultured fibroblasts.

PubMed Central

Pörn, M I; Akerman, K E; Slotte, J P

1991-01-01

Several different cell types showed increased rates of proliferation and cholesterol mobilization in response to treatment with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This would suggest that one main function of HDL is the activation of signal pathways in cells. In the current study we have used the fluorescent indicator fura-2 to monitor the level of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure of subconfluent as well as confluent fibroblasts to HDL3 (20-60 micrograms/ml) resulted in a rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i. Sequential additions of HDL3 resulted in diminished rises in [Ca2+]i. The transient rise in [Ca2+]i was observed with HDL prepared from plasma either by conventional ultracentrifugation or by precipitation with dextran sulphate. Chelation of the extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA prior to the addition of HDL3 did not prevent the HDL3-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that the mobilized Ca2+ was derived mainly from intracellular stores. Covalent modification of the apoproteins of HDL3 with dimethyl suberimidate or tetranitromethane did not inhibit the HDL3-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. This indicates that the binding of HDL3 to cell surface receptors may not be necessary for the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, the Ca(2+)-releasing effect of HDL3 was not inhibited by the presence of albumin (1%, w/v) in the extracellular medium, suggesting that non-esterified fatty acids were not the cause of the increased [Ca2+]i. The exposure of fibroblasts to lysophosphatidic acid, a potent mitogen and Ca(2+)-releasing agent, before addition of HDL3 completely inhibited the HDL3-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate blocked the HDL3-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. The results of this study imply that exposure of cells to HDL generates an intracellular signal which is induced by a component of the lipid fraction. PMID:1930148

Native and reconstituted HDL activate Stat3 in ventricular cardiomyocytes via ERK1/2: role of sphingosine-1-phosphate.

PubMed

Frias, Miguel A; James, Richard W; Gerber-Wicht, Christine; Lang, Ursula

2009-05-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been reported to have cardioprotective properties independent from its cholesterol transport activity. The influence of native HDL and reconstituted HDL (rHDL) on Stat3, the transcription factor playing an important role in myocardium adaptation to stress, was analysed in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. We have investigated modulating the composition of rHDL as a means of expanding its function and potential cardioprotective effects. Stat3 phosphorylation and activation were determined by western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). In ventricular cardiomyocytes, HDL and the HDL constituent sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) induce a concentration- and time-dependent increase in Stat3 activation. They also enhance extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. U0126, a specific inhibitor of MEK1/2, the upstream activator of ERK1/2, abolishes HDL- and S1P-induced Stat3 activation, whereas the p38 MAPK blocker SB203580 has no significant effect. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinase family Src (Src) caused a significant reduction of Stat3 activation, whereas inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) had no effect. S1P and rHDL containing S1P have a similar strong stimulatory action on Stat3, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK comparable to native HDL. S1P-free rHDL has a much weaker effect. Experiments with agonists and antagonists of the S1P receptor subtypes indicate that HDL and S1P activate Stat3 mainly through the S1P2 receptor. In ventricular cardiomyocytes, addition of S1P to rHDL enhances its therapeutic potential by improving its capacity to activate Stat3. Activation of Stat3 occurs mainly via the S1P constituent and the lipid receptor S1P2 requiring stimulation of ERK1/2 and Src but not p38 MAPK or PI3K. The study underlines the therapeutic potential of tailoring rHDL to confront particular clinical situations.

Summary report for the Engineering Script Language (ESL)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The following subject areas are covered: ESL methodology concept; ESL specification; user interface description; engineering scripting language command statements specification; and recommendations for further research and development.

Can dysfunctional HDL explain high coronary artery disease risk in South Asians?

PubMed

Dodani, Sunita; Kaur, Rajwinderjit; Reddy, Srinavasa; Reed, Guy L; Navab, Mohammad; George, Varghese

2008-09-16

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in United States, and South Asian immigrants (SAIs) have a higher risk for CAD compare to Caucasians. Traditional risk factors do not completely explain high risk, and some of the unknown risk factors need to be explored. We assessed dysfunctional pro-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) in SAIs and assessed its association with sub-clinical CAD using carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional study on SAIs aged 40-65 years. Sub-clinical CAD was measured using carotid intima media thickness (IMT) as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. Dysfunctional or pro-inflammatory HDL was determined by novel cell free assay and HDL inflammatory Index. Dysfunctional HDL was found in the 50% participants, with HDL-inflammatory index of >or=1.00, suggesting pro-inflammatory HDL (95% CI, 0.8772-1.4333). The prevalence of sub-clinical CAD using carotid IMT (>or=0.80 mm) was seen in 41.4% (95% CI, 0.2347-0.5933). On logistic regression analysis, positive carotid IMT was found to be associated with dysfunctional HDL after adjusting for age, family history of cardiovascular disease, and hypertension (p=0.030). The measurement of HDL level as well as functionality plays an important role in CAD risk assessment. Those SAIs with dysfunctional HDL and without known CAD can be a high risk group requiring treatment with lipid lowering drugs to reduce future risk of CAD. Further large studies are required to explore association of dysfunctional HDL with CAD and identify additional CAD risk caused by dysfunctional HDL.

Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein suppresses leukocyte NADPH oxidase activation by disrupting lipid rafts.

PubMed

Peshavariya, Hitesh; Dusting, Gregory J; Di Bartolo, Belinda; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Barter, Philip J; Jiang, Fan

2009-08-01

Reconstituted discoidal high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) has potent vascular protective actions. Native HDL suppresses cellular generation of reactive oxygen species, whereas this antioxidant effect of rHDL is less clear. This study examined the effects of rHDL on NADPH oxidase, a major source of cellular superoxide generation, in both leukocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Superoxide was measured with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Expression of NADPH oxidase sub-units was determined by real-time PCR. Pre-treatment of HL-60 cells with rHDL (10 and 25 microM) for 1 h significantly reduced phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated superoxide production. Treatment with rHDL for up to 24 h did not change the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase sub-units. In HL-60 cells, depletion of cholesterol from the plasma membrane by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin mimicked the effect of rHDL, whereas cholesterol repletion blunted the effects of rHDL. Treatment with rHDL induced disruption of the lipid raft structures and blunted PMA-induced redistribution of p47phox into lipid rafts. In contrast, treatment of endothelial cells with rHDL for up to 18 h had no effect on either basal or tumour necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated NADPH oxidase activity, but markedly suppressed the cytokine-induced expression of proinflammatory adhesion molecules. The results suggest that rHDL inhibits NADPH oxidase activation in leukocytes, probably by interrupting the assembly of NADPH oxidase sub-units at the lipid rafts. This effect may contribute to the vascular protective actions of rHDL against inflammation-mediated oxidative damage.

Effect of two lipid-lowering strategies on high-density lipoprotein function and some HDL-related proteins: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Lee, Chan Joo; Choi, Seungbum; Cheon, Dong Huey; Kim, Kyeong Yeon; Cheon, Eun Jeong; Ann, Soo-Jin; Noh, Hye-Min; Park, Sungha; Kang, Seok-Min; Choi, Donghoon; Lee, Ji Eun; Lee, Sang-Hak

2017-02-28

The influence of lipid-lowering therapy on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is incompletely understood. We compared the effect of two lipid-lowering strategies on HDL functions and identified some HDL-related proteins. Thirty two patients were initially screened and HDLs of 21 patients were finally analyzed. Patients were randomized to receive atorvastatin 20 mg (n = 11) or atorvastatin 5 mg/ezetimibe 10 mg combination (n = 10) for 8 weeks. The cholesterol efflux capacity and other anti-inflammatory functions were assessed based on HDLs of the participants before and after treatment. Pre-specified HDL proteins of the same HDL samples were measured. The post-treatment increase in cholesterol efflux capacities was similar between the groups (35.6% and 34.6% for mono-therapy and combination, respectively, p = 0.60). Changes in nitric oxide (NO) production, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were similar between the groups. The baseline cholesterol efflux capacity correlated positively with apolipoprotein (apo)A1 and C3, whereas apoA1 and apoC1 showed inverse associations with VCAM-1 expression. The changes in the cholesterol efflux capacity were positively correlated with multiple HDL proteins, especially apoA2. Two regimens increased the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL comparably. Multiple HDL proteins, not limited to apoA1, showed a correlation with HDL functions. These results indicate that conventional lipid therapy may have additional effects on HDL functions with changes in HDL proteins. ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02942602 .

Associations of anthropometry and lifestyle factors with HDL subspecies according to apolipoprotein C-III[S

PubMed Central

Koch, Manja; Furtado, Jeremy D.; Jiang, Gordon Z.; Gray, Brianna E.; Cai, Tianxi; Sacks, Frank; Tjønneland, Anne; Overvad, Kim; Jensen, Majken K.

2017-01-01

The presence of apoC-III on HDL impairs HDL’s inverse association with coronary heart disease (CHD). Little is known about modifiable factors explaining variation in HDL subspecies defined according to apoC-III. The aim was to investigate cross-sectional associations of anthropometry and lifestyle with HDL subspecies in 3,631 participants from the Diet, Cancer, and Health study originally selected for a case-cohort study (36% women; age 50–65 years) who were all free of CHD. Greater adiposity and less activity were associated with higher HDL containing apoC-III and lower HDL lacking apoC-III. Per each 15 cm higher waist circumference, the level of HDL containing apoC-III was 2.8% higher (95% CI: 0.4, 5.3; P = 0.024) and the level of HDL not containing apoC-III was 4.7% lower (95% CI: −6.0, −3.4; P = <0.0001). Associations for physical activity were most robust to multivariable modeling. Each 20 metabolic equivalent task hours per week reported higher physical activity was associated with 0.9% (95% CI: −1.7, −0.1; P = 0.031) lower HDL containing apoC-III and 0.5% higher (95% CI: 0.1, 1.0; P = 0.029) HDL lacking apoC-III. Lower alcohol consumption was associated with lower HDL lacking apoC-III (percent difference per 15 g/day: 1.58 (95% CI: 0.84, 2.32; P = <0.0001). Adiposity and sedentary lifestyle were associated with a less favorable HDL subspecies profile. PMID:28365588

A Counterexample Guided Abstraction Refinement Framework for Verifying Concurrent C Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-24

source code are routinely executed. The source code is written in languages ranging from C/C++/Java to ML/ Ocaml . These languages differ not only in...from the difficulty to model computer programs—due to the complexity of programming languages as compared to hardware description languages —to...intermediate specification language lying between high-level Statechart- like formalisms and transition systems. Actions are encoded as changes in

Mediterranean Diet Improves High-Density Lipoprotein Function in High-Cardiovascular-Risk Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Hernáez, Álvaro; Castañer, Olga; Elosua, Roberto; Pintó, Xavier; Estruch, Ramón; Salas-Salvadó, Jordi; Corella, Dolores; Arós, Fernando; Serra-Majem, Lluis; Fiol, Miquel; Ortega-Calvo, Manuel; Ros, Emilio; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel; de la Torre, Rafael; López-Sabater, M Carmen; Fitó, Montserrat

2017-02-14

The biological functions of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) contribute to explaining the cardioprotective role of the lipoprotein beyond quantitative HDL cholesterol levels. A few small-scale interventions with a single antioxidant have improved some HDL functions. However, to date, no long-term, large-scale, randomized controlled trial has been conducted to assess the effects of an antioxidant-rich dietary pattern (such as a traditional Mediterranean diet [TMD]) on HDL function in humans. This study was performed in a random subsample of volunteers from the PREDIMED Study (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea; n=296) after a 1-year intervention. We compared the effects of 2 TMDs, one enriched with virgin olive oil (TMD-VOO; n=100) and the other enriched with nuts (TMD-Nuts; n=100), with respect to a low-fat control diet (n=96). We assessed the effects of both TMDs on the role of HDL particles on reverse cholesterol transport (cholesterol efflux capacity, HDL ability to esterify cholesterol, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity), HDL antioxidant properties (paraoxonase-1 arylesterase activity and total HDL antioxidant capacity on low-density lipoproteins), and HDL vasodilatory capacity (HDL ability to induce the release of nitric oxide in endothelial cells). We also studied the effects of a TMD on several HDL quality-related characteristics (HDL particle oxidation, resistance against oxidative modification, main lipid and protein composition, and size distribution). Both TMDs increased cholesterol efflux capacity relative to baseline ( P =0.018 and P =0.013 for TMD-VOO and TMD-Nuts, respectively). The TMD-VOO intervention decreased cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity (relative to baseline, P =0.028) and increased HDL ability to esterify cholesterol, paraoxonase-1 arylesterase activity, and HDL vasodilatory capacity (relative to control, P =0.039, P =0.012, and P =0.026, respectively). Adherence to a TMD induced these beneficial changes by improving HDL oxidative status and composition. The 3 diets increased the percentage of large HDL particles (relative to baseline, P <0.001). The TMD, especially when enriched with virgin olive oil, improved HDL atheroprotective functions in humans. URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN35739639. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

BioSWR – Semantic Web Services Registry for Bioinformatics

PubMed Central

Repchevsky, Dmitry; Gelpi, Josep Ll.

2014-01-01

Despite of the variety of available Web services registries specially aimed at Life Sciences, their scope is usually restricted to a limited set of well-defined types of services. While dedicated registries are generally tied to a particular format, general-purpose ones are more adherent to standards and usually rely on Web Service Definition Language (WSDL). Although WSDL is quite flexible to support common Web services types, its lack of semantic expressiveness led to various initiatives to describe Web services via ontology languages. Nevertheless, WSDL 2.0 descriptions gained a standard representation based on Web Ontology Language (OWL). BioSWR is a novel Web services registry that provides standard Resource Description Framework (RDF) based Web services descriptions along with the traditional WSDL based ones. The registry provides Web-based interface for Web services registration, querying and annotation, and is also accessible programmatically via Representational State Transfer (REST) API or using a SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language. BioSWR server is located at http://inb.bsc.es/BioSWR/and its code is available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/bioswr/under the LGPL license. PMID:25233118

BioSWR--semantic web services registry for bioinformatics.

PubMed

Repchevsky, Dmitry; Gelpi, Josep Ll

2014-01-01

Despite of the variety of available Web services registries specially aimed at Life Sciences, their scope is usually restricted to a limited set of well-defined types of services. While dedicated registries are generally tied to a particular format, general-purpose ones are more adherent to standards and usually rely on Web Service Definition Language (WSDL). Although WSDL is quite flexible to support common Web services types, its lack of semantic expressiveness led to various initiatives to describe Web services via ontology languages. Nevertheless, WSDL 2.0 descriptions gained a standard representation based on Web Ontology Language (OWL). BioSWR is a novel Web services registry that provides standard Resource Description Framework (RDF) based Web services descriptions along with the traditional WSDL based ones. The registry provides Web-based interface for Web services registration, querying and annotation, and is also accessible programmatically via Representational State Transfer (REST) API or using a SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language. BioSWR server is located at http://inb.bsc.es/BioSWR/and its code is available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/bioswr/under the LGPL license.

Applications of Quality Management in Language Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heyworth, Frank

2013-01-01

This review examines applications of quality management (QM) in language education. QM approaches have been adapted from methodologies developed in industrial and commercial settings, and these are briefly described. Key aspects of QM in language education are the definition of purpose, descriptions of principles and practice, including various…

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD--SINO-TIBETAN FASCICLE THREE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VOEGELIN, C. F.; VOEGELIN, FLORENCE M.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS A LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF THE LANGUAGES OF THE CHINA-TIBET-BURMA REGION OF ASIA, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MIAO-YAO LANGUAGE FAMILY AND THE CHINESE DIALECTS. (THE REPORT IS PART OF A SERIES, ED 010 350 TO ED 010 367.) (JK)

TESOL Technology Standards: Description, Implementation, Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL), 2011

2011-01-01

The "TESOL Technology Standards" are applicable in a wide range of contexts: foreign language, second language, child, teen, adult, higher education, vocational education, language for specific purposes, and fully online programs; and in settings with low, medium, or high resources and access to communication technologies. Students, teachers,…

Syntactic Markedness and Language Acquisition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazurkewich, Irene

1985-01-01

Argues that Chomsky's theory of generative grammar provides a model for second language acquisition that meets the criteria of descriptive and exploratory adequacy in accounting for the language learning process. Illustrates this by presenting data on the acquisition of dative complements and dative questions in a passive context by second…

Britain's South Asian Languages.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mobbs, Michael

This book focuses on the languages spoken by people of South Asian origin living in Britain and is intended to assist individuals in Britain whose work involves them with speakers of these languages. The approach taken is descriptive and practical, offering linguistic, geographic, and historical background information leading to appreciation of…

Urban Elementary Teachers' Perspectives on Teaching Science to English Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Okhee; Maerten-Rivera, Jaime; Buxton, Cory; Penfield, Randall; Secada, Walter G.

2009-01-01

This descriptive study examined urban elementary school teachers' perceptions of their science content knowledge, science teaching practices, and support for language development of English language learners. Also examined were teachers' perceptions of organizational supports and barriers associated with teaching science to nonmainstream students.…

Denials of Racism in Canadian English Language Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gulliver, Trevor; Thurrell, Kristy

2016-01-01

This critical discourse analysis examines denials of racism in descriptions of Canada and Canadians from English language textbooks. Denials of racism often accompany racist and nationalist discourse, preempting observations of racism. The study finds that in representations of Canada or Canadians, English language texts minimize and downplay…

A Grammar of Bih

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nguyen, Tam Thi Minh

2013-01-01

Bih is a Chamic (Austronesian) language spoken by approximately 500 people in the Southern highlands of Vietnam. This dissertation is the first descriptive grammar of the language, based on extensive fieldwork and community-based language documentation in Vietnam and written from a functional/typological perspective. The analysis in this work is…

[The language disorders in schizophrenia in neurolinguistic and psycholinguistic perspectives].

PubMed

Piovan, Cristiano

2012-01-01

The descriptive psychopathology has classically equated the language with the formal aspects of thought. Recent developments in experimental and clinical research have emphasized the study of the language as a specific communicative ability. Within the framework of cognitive neuropsychology, the development of innovative research models, such as those based on the mentalizing ability, has allowed to formulate new hypotheses on the pathogenetic aspects of schizophrenia. Furthermore, mentalizing ability appears to be a basic skill for the pragmatic dimension of language. The author, after a brief description of the methods of investigation of neurolinguistics and psycholinguistics, presents a review of recent studies obtained by consulting the PubMed and PsycINFO databases. Finally, he focuses on the relationship between research findings and issues related to clinical practice.

Task Description Language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, Reid; Apfelbaum, David

2005-01-01

Task Description Language (TDL) is an extension of the C++ programming language that enables programmers to quickly and easily write complex, concurrent computer programs for controlling real-time autonomous systems, including robots and spacecraft. TDL is based on earlier work (circa 1984 through 1989) on the Task Control Architecture (TCA). TDL provides syntactic support for hierarchical task-level control functions, including task decomposition, synchronization, execution monitoring, and exception handling. A Java-language-based compiler transforms TDL programs into pure C++ code that includes calls to a platform-independent task-control-management (TCM) library. TDL has been used to control and coordinate multiple heterogeneous robots in projects sponsored by NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It has also been used in Brazil to control an autonomous airship and in Canada to control a robotic manipulator.

Evaluating Pragmatic Competence in Nigerian Undergraduates' Language Errors within Descriptive ESL Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muhammad, Anas Sa'idu; Nair, Subadrah Madhawa

2017-01-01

This study investigates the level of pragmatic competence for ESL writing skills among Nigerian undergraduates. Methodologically, it adopts descriptive research design within the explanatory framework of the QUAN-Qual model. The instruments used are descriptive essay text and focus group interview questions. In writing the descriptive essays, a…

On the Semantics of SPARQL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arenas, Marcelo; Gutierrez, Claudio; Pérez, Jorge

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is the standard data model for representing information about World Wide Web resources. In January 2008, it was released the recommendation of the W3C for querying RDF data, a query language called SPARQL. In this chapter, we give a detailed description of the semantics of this language. We start by focusing on the definition of a formal semantics for the core part of SPARQL, and then move to the definition for the entire language, including all the features in the specification of SPARQL by the W3C such as blank nodes in graph patterns and bag semantics for solutions.

A Kurdish Grammar: Descriptive Analysis of the Kurdish of Sulaimaniya, Iraq. American Council of Learned Societies Program in Oriental Languages, Publications Series B - Aids - Number 10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarus, Ernest N.

This study is a description of the Kurdish of the city of Sulaimaniya, Iraq. Kurdish dialects cover an area embracing parts of eastern Turkey, Soviet Armenia, northern Syria, western Iran, and Khorasan in Iran. The language is described in terms of (1) phonology, (2) morphology, (3) morphophonemics, (4) word formation, and (5) syntax. An appendix,…

A comparison of English and Japanese taste languages: taste descriptive methodology, codability and the umami taste.

PubMed

O'Mahony, M; Ishii, R

1986-05-01

Everyday taste descriptions for a range of stimuli were obtained from selected groups of American and Japanese subjects, using a variety of stimuli, stimulus presentation procedures and response conditions. In English there was a tendency to use a quadrapartite classification system: 'sweet', 'sour', 'salty' and 'bitter'. The Japanese had a different strategy, adding a fifth label: 'Ajinomoto', referring to the taste of monosodium glutamate. This label was generally replaced by umami--the scientific term--by Japanese who were workers or trained tasters involved with glutamate manufacture. Cultural differences in taste language have consequences for taste psychophysicists who impose a quadrapartite restriction on allowable taste descriptions. Stimulus presentation by filter-paper or aqueous solution elicited the same response trends. Language codability was only an indicator of degree of taste mixedness/singularity if used statistically with samples of sufficient size; it had little value as an indicator for individual subjects.

The Role of High-Density Lipoproteins in Reducing the Risk of Vascular Diseases, Neurogenerative Disorders, and Cancer

PubMed Central

McGrowder, Donovan; Riley, Cliff; Morrison, Errol Y. St. A.; Gordon, Lorenzo

2011-01-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is one of the major carriers of cholesterol in the blood. It attracts particular attention because, in contrast with other lipoproteins, as many physiological functions of HDL influence the cardiovascular system in favourable ways unless HDL is modified pathologically. The functions of HDL that have recently attracted attention include anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. High anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of HDL are associated with protection from cardiovascular disease. Atheroprotective activities, as well as a functional deficiency of HDL, ultimately depend on the protein and lipid composition of HDL. Further, numerous epidemiological studies have shown a protective association between HDL-cholesterol and cognitive impairment. Oxidative stress, including lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be the mediator of the pathologic effects of numerous risk factors of Alzheimer's disease. Lifestyle interventions proven to increase HDL- cholesterol levels including “healthy” diet, regular exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation have also been shown to provide neuro-protective effects. This review will focus on current knowledge of the beneficial effects of HDL-cholesterol as it relates to cardiovascular diseases, breast and lung cancers, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as its neuroprotective potential in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. PMID:21490772

Phenol-enriched olive oils improve HDL antioxidant content in hypercholesterolemic subjects. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, controlled trial.

PubMed

Farràs, Marta; Fernández-Castillejo, Sara; Rubió, Laura; Arranz, Sara; Catalán, Úrsula; Subirana, Isaac; Romero, Mari-Paz; Castañer, Olga; Pedret, Anna; Blanchart, Gemma; Muñoz-Aguayo, Daniel; Schröder, Helmut; Covas, Maria-Isabel; de la Torre, Rafael; Motilva, Maria-José; Solà, Rosa; Fitó, Montserrat

2018-01-01

At present, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function is thought to be more relevant than HDL cholesterol quantity. Consumption of olive oil phenolic compounds (PCs) has beneficial effects on HDL-related markers. Enriched food with complementary antioxidants could be a suitable option to obtain additional protective effects. Our aim was to ascertain whether virgin olive oils (VOOs) enriched with (a) their own PC (FVOO) and (b) their own PC plus complementary ones from thyme (FVOOT) could improve HDL status and function. Thirty-three hypercholesterolemic individuals ingested (25 ml/day, 3 weeks) (a) VOO (80 ppm), (b) FVOO (500 ppm) and (c) FVOOT (500 ppm) in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial. A rise in HDL antioxidant compounds was observed after both functional olive oil interventions. Nevertheless, α-tocopherol, the main HDL antioxidant, was only augmented after FVOOT versus its baseline. In conclusion, long-term consumption of phenol-enriched olive oils induced a better HDL antioxidant content, the complementary phenol-enriched olive oil being the one which increased the main HDL antioxidant, α-tocopherol. Complementary phenol-enriched olive oil could be a useful dietary tool for improving HDL richness in antioxidants. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Rare variant in scavenger receptor BI raises HDL cholesterol and increases risk of coronary heart disease.

PubMed

Zanoni, Paolo; Khetarpal, Sumeet A; Larach, Daniel B; Hancock-Cerutti, William F; Millar, John S; Cuchel, Marina; DerOhannessian, Stephanie; Kontush, Anatol; Surendran, Praveen; Saleheen, Danish; Trompet, Stella; Jukema, J Wouter; De Craen, Anton; Deloukas, Panos; Sattar, Naveed; Ford, Ian; Packard, Chris; Majumder, Abdullah al Shafi; Alam, Dewan S; Di Angelantonio, Emanuele; Abecasis, Goncalo; Chowdhury, Rajiv; Erdmann, Jeanette; Nordestgaard, Børge G; Nielsen, Sune F; Tybjærg-Hansen, Anne; Schmidt, Ruth Frikke; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Liu, Dajiang J; Perola, Markus; Blankenberg, Stefan; Salomaa, Veikko; Männistö, Satu; Amouyel, Philippe; Arveiler, Dominique; Ferrieres, Jean; Müller-Nurasyid, Martina; Ferrario, Marco; Kee, Frank; Willer, Cristen J; Samani, Nilesh; Schunkert, Heribert; Butterworth, Adam S; Howson, Joanna M M; Peloso, Gina M; Stitziel, Nathan O; Danesh, John; Kathiresan, Sekar; Rader, Daniel J

2016-03-11

Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is the major receptor for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C). In humans, high amounts of HDL-C in plasma are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Mice that have depleted Scarb1 (SR-BI knockout mice) have markedly elevated HDL-C levels but, paradoxically, increased atherosclerosis. The impact of SR-BI on HDL metabolism and CHD risk in humans remains unclear. Through targeted sequencing of coding regions of lipid-modifying genes in 328 individuals with extremely high plasma HDL-C levels, we identified a homozygote for a loss-of-function variant, in which leucine replaces proline 376 (P376L), in SCARB1, the gene encoding SR-BI. The P376L variant impairs posttranslational processing of SR-BI and abrogates selective HDL cholesterol uptake in transfected cells, in hepatocyte-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from the homozygous subject, and in mice. Large population-based studies revealed that subjects who are heterozygous carriers of the P376L variant have significantly increased levels of plasma HDL-C. P376L carriers have a profound HDL-related phenotype and an increased risk of CHD (odds ratio = 1.79, which is statistically significant). Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Lipoprotein hydrophobic core lipids are partially extruded to surface in smaller HDL: “Herniated” HDL, a common feature in diabetes

PubMed Central

Amigó, Núria; Mallol, Roger; Heras, Mercedes; Martínez-Hervás, Sergio; Blanco-Vaca, Francisco; Escolà-Gil, Joan Carles; Plana, Núria; Yanes, Óscar; Masana, Lluís; Correig, Xavier

2016-01-01

Recent studies have shown that pharmacological increases in HDL cholesterol concentrations do not necessarily translate into clinical benefits for patients, raising concerns about its predictive value for cardiovascular events. Here we hypothesize that the size-modulated lipid distribution within HDL particles is compromised in metabolic disorders that have abnormal HDL particle sizes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). By using NMR spectroscopy combined with a biochemical volumetric model we determined the size and spatial lipid distribution of HDL subclasses in a cohort of 26 controls and 29 DM2 patients before and after two drug treatments, one with niacin plus laropiprant and another with fenofibrate as an add-on to simvastatin. We further characterized the HDL surface properties using atomic force microscopy and fluorescent probes to show an abnormal lipid distribution within smaller HDL particles, a subclass particularly enriched in the DM2 patients. The reduction in the size, force cholesterol esters and triglycerides to emerge from the HDL core to the surface, making the outer surface of HDL more hydrophobic. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions had no effect on this undesired configuration, which may explain the lack of clinical benefits in DM2 subjects. PMID:26778677

The plasma parameter log (TG/HDL-C) as an atherogenic index: correlation with lipoprotein particle size and esterification rate in apoB-lipoprotein-depleted plasma (FER(HDL)).

PubMed

Dobiásová, M; Frohlich, J

2001-10-01

To evaluate if logarithm of the ratio of plasma concentration of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol (Log[TG/HDL-C]) correlates with cholesterol esterification rates in apoB-lipoprotein-depleted plasma (FER(HDL)) and lipoprotein particle size. We analyzed previous data dealing with the parameters related to the FER(HDL) (an indirect measure of lipoprotein particle size). In a total of 1433 subjects from 35 cohorts with various risk of atherosclerosis (cord plasma, children, healthy men and women, pre- and postmenopausal women, patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and patients with positive or negative angiography findings) were studied. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.803) between FER(HDL) and Log(TG/HDL-C). This parameter, which we propose to call "atherogenic index of plasma" (AIP) directly related to the risk of atherosclerosis in the above cohorts. We also confirmed in a cohort of 35 normal subjects a significant inverse correlation of LDL size with FER(HDL) (r = -0.818) and AIP (r = -0.776). Values of AIP correspond closely to those of FER(HDL) and to lipoprotein particle size and thus could be used as a marker of plasma atherogenicity.

The Possible Contribution of Social Grammar of Language Analysis to Inter-Cultural Communication and the Avoidance of Misunderstanding.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grayshon, Matthew C.

Different languages code messages in different ways and use different channels for sending messages; thus there are many places for misinterpreting and mishearing messages in an intercultural context. To move from one language to another requires a description of the total language communication system, one that has its universals in social and…

Linguistic Theory and the Study of Legal and Bureaucratic Language. Document Design Project, Technical Report No. 16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charrow, Veda R.

This paper studies legal language from three perspectives. First, legal language is defined as the variety of English that lawyers, judges, and other members of the legal community use in the course of their work. In a second section, it reviews descriptions of legal language by lawyers, linguists, and social scientists. These studies indicate…

Dialogue as a Constituent Resource for Dramatic Discourse: Language, Person and Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zheltukhina, Marina R.; Zinkovskaya, Anastasia V.; Katermina, Veronika V.; Shershneva, Natalia B.

2016-01-01

The article is devoted to the description of peculiarities of a person, language and culture. The offered approach of studying the human factor in the language singles out implicit connotations and makes it possible to see the differences in the perception of the reality by the members of the nation. The idea of the language as an environment of…

The Neural Correlates of Highly Iconic Structures and Topographic Discourse in French Sign Language as Observed in Six Hearing Native Signers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtin, C.; Herve, P. -Y.; Petit, L.; Zago, L.; Vigneau, M.; Beaucousin, V.; Jobard, G.; Mazoyer, B.; Mellet, E.; Tzourio-Mazoyer, N.

2010-01-01

"Highly iconic" structures in Sign Language enable a narrator to act, switch characters, describe objects, or report actions in four-dimensions. This group of linguistic structures has no real spoken-language equivalent. Topographical descriptions are also achieved in a sign-language specific manner via the use of signing-space and…

Caught in the Middle: Child Language Brokering as a Form of Unrecognised Language Service

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Antonini, Rachele

2016-01-01

This paper will present the findings of a wide-scale research aimed at studying the phenomenon of Child Language Brokering (henceforth CLB) in Italy. After providing a description of recent immigration patterns and the provision of language services in Italy, and an overview of current research in this field, this study will discuss narrative data…

Data-driven approach to human motion modeling with Lua and gesture description language

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachaj, Tomasz; Koptyra, Katarzyna; Ogiela, Marek R.

2017-03-01

The aim of this paper is to present the novel proposition of the human motion modelling and recognition approach that enables real time MoCap signal evaluation. By motions (actions) recognition we mean classification. The role of this approach is to propose the syntactic description procedure that can be easily understood, learnt and used in various motion modelling and recognition tasks in all MoCap systems no matter if they are vision or wearable sensor based. To do so we have prepared extension of Gesture Description Language (GDL) methodology that enables movements description and real-time recognition so that it can use not only positional coordinates of body joints but virtually any type of discreetly measured output MoCap signals like accelerometer, magnetometer or gyroscope. We have also prepared and evaluated the cross-platform implementation of this approach using Lua scripting language and JAVA technology. This implementation is called Data Driven GDL (DD-GDL). In tested scenarios the average execution speed is above 100 frames per second which is an acquisition time of many popular MoCap solutions.

Characterization of lipoproteins from the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, in fasted and fed states.

PubMed

Cain, William; Song, Li; Stephens, Gregory; Usher, David

2003-04-01

The lipid and apolipoprotein composition of VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL(2) and HDL(3) were examined in the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, in fasted and fed states. The lipid composition of turtle lipoproteins was very similar to their human counterparts. The major apolipoprotein found in LDL, IDL and VLDL, which has a molecular weight of approximately 550 kD, is a homologue of apoB100. The major apolipoprotein found in both HDL(2) and HDL(3), has a molecular weight of 28-kD and is homologous to human apoA-I. HDL(3) also contains a 6.5 kD protein that is homologous to apoA-II, while HDL(2) has two low molecular weight proteins of 6 kD and 7 kD which are also found on the triglyceride rich lipoproteins (TRL). The 7 kD protein is homologous to apoC-III, while the 6 kD protein has a similar size and distribution as apoC-II or apoC-I. In addition, HDL(2) also possesses a protein of 15.8 kD that has no obvious mammalian homologue. In both size and apolipoprotein composition, turtle HDL(2) resembles human HDL(2b) while turtle HDL(3) resembles human HDL(3). In the fasted state, turtles contained very little TRL. When fed a high fat diet, the amount of IDL and LDL sized particles increased significantly.

Pleiotropic effects of apolipoprotein C3 on HDL functionality and adipose tissue metabolic activity.

PubMed

Zvintzou, Evangelia; Lhomme, Marie; Chasapi, Stella; Filou, Serafoula; Theodoropoulos, Vassilis; Xapapadaki, Eva; Kontush, Anatol; Spyroulias, George; Tellis, Constantinos C; Tselepis, Alexandros D; Constantinou, Caterina; Kypreos, Kyriakos E

2017-09-01

APOC3 is produced mainly by the liver and intestine and approximately half of plasma APOC3 associates with HDL. Though it was believed that APOC3 associates with HDL by simple binding to preexisting particles, recent data support that biogenesis of APOC3-containing HDL (APOC3-HDL) requires Abca1. Moreover, APOC3-HDL contributes to plasma triglyceride homeostasis by preventing APOC3 association with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Interestingly, APOC3-HDL also shows positive correlation with the morbidly obese phenotype. However, the roles of APOC3 in HDL functionality and adipose tissue metabolic activity remain unknown. Therefore, here we investigated the direct effects of APOC3 expression on HDL structure and function, as well as white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolic activity. C57BL/6 mice were infected with an adenovirus expressing human APOC3 or a recombinant attenuated control adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein and blood and tissue samples were collected at 5 days postinfection. HDL was then analyzed for its apolipoprotein and lipid composition and particle functionality. Additionally, purified mitochondria from BAT and WAT were analyzed for uncoupling protein 1, cytochrome c (Cytc), and Cytc oxidase subunit 4 protein levels as an indirect measure of their metabolic activity. Serum metabolomic analysis was performed by NMR. Combined, our data show that APOC3 modulates HDL structure and function, while it selectively promotes BAT metabolic activation. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

A complete backbone spectral assignment of human apolipoprotein AI on a 38 kDa preβHDL (Lp1-AI) particle

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

Ren, Xuefeng; Yang, Yunhuang; Neville, T.

2007-06-12

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI, 243-residues) is the major protein component of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that has been a hot subject of interests because of its anti-atherogenic properties. This important property of apoAI is related to its roles in reverse cholesterol transport pathway. Upon lipid-binding, apoAI undergoes conformational changes from lipid-free to several different HDL-associated states (1). These different conformational states regulate HDL formation, maturation and transportation. Two initial conformational states of apoAI are lipid-free apoAI and apoAI/preβHDL that recruit phospholipids and cholesterol to form HDL particles. In particular, lipid-free apoAI specifically binds to phospholipids to form lipid-poor apoAI, including apoAI/preβ-HDLmore » (~37 kDa). As a unique class of lipid poor HDL, both in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrates that apoAI/preβ-HDLs are the most effective acceptors specifically for free cholesterol in human plasma and serves as the precursor of HDL particles (2). Here we report a complete backbone spectral assignment of human apoAI/preβHDL. Secondary structure prediction using backbone NMR parameters indicates that apoAI/preβHDL displays a two-domain structure: the N-terminal four helix-bundle domain (residues 1-186) and the C-terminal flexible domain (residues 187-243). A structure of apoAI/preβ-HDL is the first lipid-associated structure of apoAI and is critical for us to understand how apoAI recruits cholesterol to initialize HDL formation. BMRB deposit with accession number: 15093.« less

Potential for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, subfractions HDL2-C and HDL3-C, and apoprotein AI among middle-age women.

PubMed

Meilahn, E N; Kuller, L H; Matthews, K A; Wing, R R; Caggiula, A W; Stein, E A

1991-07-01

Studies have shown high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Determinants of HDL-C and apoprotein AI concentrations were evaluated cross-sectionally in 1987 among 429 women, ages 45-54, from a population-based study of CVD risk factors through menopause (the Healthy Women Study, University of Pittsburgh). Subjects were healthy and not taking hormone replacement therapy. Results showed levels of HDL-C (mg/dl) to range from 23 to 117, HDL2-C from 0 to 53, HDL3-C from 16 to 66, and apoprotein AI from 87 to 204. Multivariate analyses which included age, cigarettes/day, alcohol intake (g/day), physical activity (Paffenbarger questionnaire), body mass index (BMI), and waist/hip ratio (WHR) showed that women who smoked greater than or equal to 20 cigarettes a day, reported little or no alcohol intake, expended less than 500 kcal/week, and were in the highest quintile of BMI and WHR had, on average, 33 mg/dl lower HDL-C than slender, nonsmoking women who drank moderately and exercised. HDL2-C showed a similar pattern, whereas the HDL3-C concentration had only a modest association with these factors. HDL-C was somewhat lower among women who had stopped menstruating than among premenopausal women. The apoprotein AI level was associated with alcohol intake (positively) and BMI (negatively). Theoretically, by raising their HDL-C by 10 mg/dl, women could reduce their CVD risk by as much as one-third (based on results from the Framingham Heart Study). As CVD is the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women, the potential impact of such a reduction in risk would be large.

Streptococcal serum opacity factor promotes cholesterol ester metabolism and bile acid secretion in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Gillard, Baiba K; Rodriguez, Perla J; Fields, David W; Raya, Joe L; Lagor, William R; Rosales, Corina; Courtney, Harry S; Gotto, Antonio M; Pownall, Henry J

2016-03-01

Plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations negatively correlate with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. HDL is thought to have several atheroprotective functions, which are likely distinct from the epidemiological inverse relationship between HDL-C levels and risk. Specifically, strategies that reduce HDL-C while promoting reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) may have therapeutic value. The major product of the serum opacity factor (SOF) reaction versus HDL is a cholesteryl ester (CE)-rich microemulsion (CERM), which contains apo E and the CE of ~400,000 HDL particles. Huh7 hepatocytes take up CE faster when delivered as CERM than as HDL, in part via the LDL-receptor (LDLR). Here we compared the final RCT step, hepatic uptake and subsequent intracellular processing to cholesterol and bile salts for radiolabeled HDL-, CERM- and LDL-CE by Huh7 cells and in vivo in C57BL/6J mice. In Huh7 cells, uptake from LDL was greater than from CERM (2-4X) and HDL (5-10X). Halftimes for [(14)C]CE hydrolysis were 3.0±0.2, 4.4±0.6 and 5.4±0.7h respectively for HDL, CERM and LDL-CE. The fraction of sterols secreted as bile acids was ~50% by 8h for all three particles. HDL, CERM and LDL-CE metabolism in mice showed efficient plasma clearance of CERM-CE, liver uptake and metabolism, and secretion as bile acids into the gall bladder. This work supports the therapeutic potential of the SOF reaction, which diverts HDL-CE to the LDLR, thereby increasing hepatic CE uptake, and sterol disposal as bile acids. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Streptococcal Serum Opacity Factor Increases Hepatocyte Uptake of Human Plasma High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol1

PubMed Central

Gillard, Baiba K.; Rosales, Corina; Pillai, Biju K.; Lin, Hu Yu; Courtney, Harry S.; Pownall, Henry J.

2010-01-01

Serum opacity factor (SOF), a virulence determinant of Streptococcus pyogenes, converts plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) to three distinct species: lipid-free apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, neo HDL, a small discoidal HDL-like particle, and a large cholesteryl ester-rich microemulsion (CERM), that contains the cholesterol esters (CE) of up to ~400,000 HDL particles and apo E as its major protein. Similar SOF reaction products are obtained with HDL, total plasma lipoproteins and whole plasma. We hypothesized that hepatic uptake of CERM-CE via multiple apo E dependent receptors would be faster than that of HDL-CE. We tested our hypothesis using human hepatoma cells and lipoprotein receptor-specific Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. [3H]CE uptake by HepG2 and Huh7 cells from HDL after SOF treatment, which transfers >90% of HDL-CE to CERM, was respectively 2.4 and 4.5 times faster than from control HDL. CERM-[3H]CE uptake was inhibited by LDL and HDL, suggestive of uptake by both the LDL receptor (LDL-R) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Studies in CHO cells specifically expressing LDL-R and SR-BI confirmed CERM-[3H]CE uptake by both receptors. RAP and heparin inhibit CERM-[3H]CE but not HDL-[3H]CE uptake thereby implicating LRP-1 and cell surface proteoglycans in this process. These data demonstrate that SOF treatment of HDL increases CE uptake via multiple hepatic apo E receptors. In so doing, SOF might increase hepatic disposal of plasma cholesterol in a way that is therapeutically useful. PMID:20879789

Associations between HDL-cholesterol and polymorphisms in hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase genes are modified by dietary fat intake in African American and White Adults 123

PubMed Central

Nettleton, Jennifer A.; Steffen, Lyn M.; Ballantyne, Christie M.; Boerwinkle, Eric; Folsom, Aaron R.

2008-01-01

Polymorphisms in genes involved in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism influence plasma HDL-C concentrations. We examined whether dietary fat intake modified relations between HDL-C and polymorphisms in hepatic lipase (LIPC-514C→T), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP TaqIB), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL S447X) genes. Diet (food frequency questionnaire), plasma lipids, and LIPC, CETP, and LPL genotypes were assessed in ~12,000 White and African American adults. In both races and all genotypes studied, minor allele homozygotes had highest HDL-C concentrations compared to the other genotypes (P <0.001). However, main effects were modified by usual dietary fat intake. In African Americans— women somewhat more strongly than men— LIPC TT homozygotes with fat intake ≥33.2% of energy had ~3-4 mg/dL higher HDL-C concentrations than CC and CT genotypes. In contrast, when fat intake was <33.2% of energy, TT homozygotes had HDL-C concentrations ~3.5 mg/dL greater than those with the CC genotype but not different from those with the CT genotype (Pinteraction =0.013). In Whites, LPL GG homozygotes had greatest HDL-C at lower total, saturated, and monounsaturated fat intakes but lowest HDL-C at higher intakes of these fats (Pinteraction ≤0.002). Dietary fat did not modify associations between CETP and HDL-C. In conclusion, these data show that plasma HDL-C differs according to LIPC, LPL, and CETP genotypes. In the case of LIPC and LPL, data suggest dietary fat modifies these relations. PMID:17157861

2H2O-Based HDL Turnover Method for the Assessment of Dynamic HDL Function in Mice

PubMed Central

Kasumov, Takhar; Willard, Belinda; Li, Ling; Li, Min; Conger, Heather; Buffa, Jennifer A.; Previs, Stephen; McCullough, Arthur; Hazen, Stanley L.; Smith, Jonathan D.

2014-01-01

Objective High-density lipoprotein (HDL) promotes reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from peripheral tissues to the liver for clearance. Reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) is associated with atherosclerosis; however, as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, HDLc has limitations as it is not a direct marker of HDL functionality. Our objective was to develop a mass spectrometry based method for the simultaneous measurement of HDLc and ApoAI kinetics in mice using a single 2H2O tracer, and use it to examine genetic and drug perturbations on HDL turnover in vivo. Approach and Results Mice were given 2H2O in the drinking water and serial blood samples were collected at different time points. HDLc and ApoAI gradually incorporated 2H, allowing experimental measurement of fractional catabolic rates (FCR) and production rates (PR) for HDLc and ApoA1. ApoE−/− mice displayed increased FCR (p<0.01) and reduced PR of both HDLc and ApoAI (p<0.05) compared to controls. In human ApoAI transgenic mice, levels and PRs of HDLc and human ApoAI were strikingly higher than in wild type mice. Myriocin, an inhibitor of sphingolipid synthesis, significantly increased both HDL flux and macrophage-to-feces RCT, indicating compatibility of this HDL turnover method with the macrophage specific RCT assay. Conclusions 2H2O-labeling can be used to measure HDLc and ApoAI flux in vivo, and to assess the role of genetic and pharmacological interventions on HDL turnover in mice. Safety, simplicity, and low cost of the 2H2O-based HDL turnover approach suggest that this assay can be scaled for human use to study effects of HDL targeted therapies on dynamic HDL function. PMID:23766259

A brief description and comparison of programming languages FORTRAN, ALGOL, COBOL, PL/1, and LISP 1.5 from a critical standpoint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, F. P.

1972-01-01

Several common higher level program languages are described. FORTRAN, ALGOL, COBOL, PL/1, and LISP 1.5 are summarized and compared. FORTRAN is the most widely used scientific programming language. ALGOL is a more powerful language for scientific programming. COBOL is used for most commercial programming applications. LISP 1.5 is primarily a list-processing language. PL/1 attempts to combine the desirable features of FORTRAN, ALGOL, and COBOL into a single language.

Understanding and Forecasting Ethnolinguistic Vitality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karan, Mark E.

2011-01-01

Forecasting of ethnolinguistic vitality can only be done within a well-functioning descriptive and explanatory model of the dynamics of language stability and shift. It is proposed that the Perceived Benefit Model of Language Shift, used with a taxonomy of language shift motivations, provides that model. The model, based on individual language…

Child Language Research: Building on the Past, Looking to the Future.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perera, Katharine

1994-01-01

Outlines descriptive, theoretical, and methodological advances in child language research since the first volume of the "Journal of Child Language" was published. Papers in this volume build on earlier research, point the way to new research avenues, and open new lines of inquiry. (Contains 36 references.) (JP)

Information Retrieval and the Philosophy of Language.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, David C.

2003-01-01

Provides an overview of some of the main ideas in the philosophy of language that have relevance to the issues of information retrieval, focusing on the description of the intellectual content. Highlights include retrieval problems; recall and precision; words and meanings; context; externalism and the philosophy of language; and scaffolding and…

Task-Induced Variability in FL Composition: Language-Specific Perspectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koda, Keiko

1993-01-01

Investigated ways in which different writing tasks influence quality and quantity of foreign language composition, as well as writing strategies used by American college students when composing in Japanese as a foreign language. Study proposed to compare qualitative and quantitative differences between descriptive and narrative writing tasks; to…

DESIGN FOR THINKING, A FIRST BOOK IN SEMANTICS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

UPTON, ALBERT

THIS BOOK ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE IN HUMAN LIFE EMPHASIZES LEARNING HOW TO CLASSIFY, DEFINE, AND ANALYZE. FOLLOWING AN EXPLANATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ROOTS OF LANGUAGE, CHAPTERS ON ANALYSIS, MEANING, SIGNS, AMBIGUITY, SEMANTIC GROWTH, AND METAPHOR LEAD TO A DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMUNICATIVE FUNCTION OF LANGUAGE,…

End-User Use of Data Base Query Language: Pros and Cons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicholes, Walter

1988-01-01

Man-machine interface, the concept of a computer "query," a review of database technology, and a description of the use of query languages at Brigham Young University are discussed. The pros and cons of end-user use of database query languages are explored. (Author/MLW)

Across the Threshold: A Call for ILR Proficiency Descriptor Banks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holman, Don

2017-01-01

Whereas the Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions broke new ground for assessing proficiency in foreign languages, the need for user-oriented (rather than assessment-oriented) proficiency scales has led, especially in Europe, to the creation of scales consisting of positively formulated "can-do" statements,…

Mississippi Language Arts Framework with the Process of Instructional Intervention, 2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi State Dept. of Education, Jackson.

This Language Arts Framework provides a description of what students should know and do in English, language arts, and reading classrooms, kindergarten through twelfth grade. The framework addresses the interrelatedness of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. The intent is to raise expectations for student performance, provide…

Pronouns in Akebu

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koffi, Yao

2010-01-01

(Purpose) The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the pronouns in Akebu. Akebu is a language spoken in South-West Togo and in the neighboring towns in Ghana. Akebu belongs to a group of languages formerly called "Togo Remnant Languages", now (Ghana Togo Mountains, GTM). The native Akebu speakers call their…

Competency: The Language of the Behavioral Objectives Movement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Samuel B., Jr.

Several external and internal factors combine to hinder optimal communication in "Competency," the language of behavior modification. As a language, Competency a) is spoken with varying degrees of fluency and facility, b) is difficult to translate into English because the common vocabulary is used descriptively in English while it is…

A Strategy for Language Assessment of Young Children: A Combination of Two Approaches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Donna J.; Rice, Mabel L.

1986-01-01

A proposed strategy for language assessment advocates a combination of descriptive and formal assessment measures. This approach involves a parent-clinician interview, parent-child observations, clinician-directed formal and nonformal assessment procedures, and a parent-clinician interpretation. An elaborated sample of language assessment is…

An Empirical Study of the Dominating Predictive Features of Spoken Language in a Representative Sample of School Pupils: A Multivariate Description and Analysis of Oral Language Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marascuilo, Leonard A.; Loban, Walter

To determine whether language behavior represents an early conditioned verbal response or whether it changes with age and experience was the purpose of this study which attempted to define unique isolates of language on the basis of actual language produced by young children. Tape recorded data were collected for 12 years from 211 children in…

Relationship of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio to the remainder of the lipid profile: The Very Large Database of Lipids-4 (VLDL-4) study.

PubMed

Quispe, Renato; Manalac, Raoul J; Faridi, Kamil F; Blaha, Michael J; Toth, Peter P; Kulkarni, Krishnaji R; Nasir, Khurram; Virani, Salim S; Banach, Maciej; Blumenthal, Roger S; Martin, Seth S; Jones, Steven R

2015-09-01

High levels of the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. We evaluated variability in the remaining lipid profile, especially remnant lipoprotein particle cholesterol (RLP-C) and its components (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfraction 3 and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol), with variability in the TG/HDL-C ratio in a very large study cohort representative of the general U.S. We examined data from 1,350,908 US individuals who were clinically referred for lipoprotein cholesterol ultracentrifugation (Atherotech, Birmingham, AL) from 2009 to 2011. Demographic information other than age and sex was not available. Changes to the remaining lipid profile across percentiles of the TG/HDL-C ratio were quantified, as well as by three TG/HDL-C cut-off points previously proposed in the literature: 2.5 (male) and 2 (female), 3.75 (male) and 3 (female), and 3.5 (male and female). The mean age of our study population was 58.7 years, and 48% were men. The median TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.2. Across increasing TG/HDL-C ratios, we found steadily increasing levels of RLP-C, non-HDL-C and LDL density. Among the lipid parameters studied, RLP-C and LDL density had the highest relative increase when comparing individuals with elevated TG/HDL-C levels to those with lower TG/HDL-C levels using established cut-off points. Approximately 47% of TG/HDL-C ratio variance was attributable to RLP-C. In the present analysis, a higher TG/HDL-C ratio was associated with an increasingly atherogenic lipid phenotype, characterized by higher RLP-C along with higher non-HDL-C and LDL density. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Apolipoprotein A1 genotype affects the change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions with exercise training.

PubMed

Ruaño, Gualberto; Seip, Richard L; Windemuth, Andreas; Zöllner, Stefan; Tsongalis, Gregory J; Ordovas, Jose; Otvos, James; Bilbie, Cherie; Miles, Mary; Zoeller, Robert; Visich, Paul; Gordon, Paul; Angelopoulos, Theodore J; Pescatello, Linda; Moyna, Niall; Thompson, Paul D

2006-03-01

High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA1) is the major HDL-associated apolipoprotein. The -75G/A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the apolipoprotein A1 gene (APOA1) promoter has been reported to be associated with HDL-C concentrations as well as HDL-C response to dietary changes in polyunsaturated fat intake. We examined the effect of this APOA1 SNP on exercise-induced changes in HDL subfraction distribution. From a cohort of healthy normolipidemic adults who volunteered for 6 months of supervised aerobic exercise, 75 subjects were genotyped for the -75G/A SNP. Of these, 53 subjects were G homozygotes (G/G) and 22 were A carriers (A/G and A/A). HDL subfractions were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy by adding categories HDL-C 1+2 for the small subfraction, and HDL-C 3+4+5 for the large. The change in total HDL-C after exercise was 0.8+/-7.2 mg/dL (+1.7%), and was not statistically significant. HDL subfraction amounts also did not significantly change with exercise training in the total cohort or in G homozygotes or A carriers. The amount of the large HDL subfraction increased in the G homozygotes and decreased in the A carriers (mean+/-S.E.M., 1.8+/-6.6 mg/dL versus -6.1+/-2.3 mg/dL, p<0.0005). In contrast, the amount of the small HDL subfraction decreased in G homozygotes and increased in A carriers (-1.3+/-6.6 mg/dL versus 4.7+/-1.2 mg/dL, p<0.005). These results show that genetic variation at the APOA1 gene promoter is associated with HDL subfraction redistribution resulting from exercise training.

Functional test generation for digital circuits described with a declarative language: LUSTRE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almahrous, Mazen

1990-08-01

A functional approach to the test generation problem starting from a high level description is proposed. The circuit tested is modeled, using the LUSTRE high level data flow description language. The different LUSTRE primitives are translated to a SATAN format graph in order to evaluate the testability of the circuit and to generate test sequences. Another method of testing the complex circuits comprising an operative part and a control part is defined. It consists of checking experiments for the control part observed through the operative part. It was applied to the automata generated from a LUSTRE description of the circuit.

Reproducible computational biology experiments with SED-ML - The Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The increasing use of computational simulation experiments to inform modern biological research creates new challenges to annotate, archive, share and reproduce such experiments. The recently published Minimum Information About a Simulation Experiment (MIASE) proposes a minimal set of information that should be provided to allow the reproduction of simulation experiments among users and software tools. Results In this article, we present the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML). SED-ML encodes in a computer-readable exchange format the information required by MIASE to enable reproduction of simulation experiments. It has been developed as a community project and it is defined in a detailed technical specification and additionally provides an XML schema. The version of SED-ML described in this publication is Level 1 Version 1. It covers the description of the most frequent type of simulation experiments in the area, namely time course simulations. SED-ML documents specify which models to use in an experiment, modifications to apply on the models before using them, which simulation procedures to run on each model, what analysis results to output, and how the results should be presented. These descriptions are independent of the underlying model implementation. SED-ML is a software-independent format for encoding the description of simulation experiments; it is not specific to particular simulation tools. Here, we demonstrate that with the growing software support for SED-ML we can effectively exchange executable simulation descriptions. Conclusions With SED-ML, software can exchange simulation experiment descriptions, enabling the validation and reuse of simulation experiments in different tools. Authors of papers reporting simulation experiments can make their simulation protocols available for other scientists to reproduce the results. Because SED-ML is agnostic about exact modeling language(s) used, experiments covering models from different fields of research can be accurately described and combined. PMID:22172142

Size, density and cholesterol load of HDL predict microangiopathy, coronary artery disease and β-cell function in men with T2DM.

PubMed

Hermans, Michel P; Amoussou-Guenou, K Daniel; Bouenizabila, Evariste; Sadikot, Shaukat S; Ahn, Sylvie A; Rousseau, Michel F

The role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease is increasingly debated, notwithstanding the finding that small-dense and dysfunctional HDL are associated with the metabolic syndrome and T2DM. In order to better clarify the epidemiological risk related to HDL of different size/density, without resorting to direct measures, it would seem appropriate to adjust HDL-C to the level of its main apolipoprotein (apoA-I), thereby providing an [HDL-C/apoA-I] ratio. The latter allows not only to estimate an average size for HDLs, but also to derive indices on particle number, cholesterol load, and density. So far, the potential usefulness of this ratio in diabetes is barely addressed. To this end, we sorted 488 male patients with T2DM according to [HDL-C/apoA-I] quartiles (Q), to determine how the ratio relates to cardiometabolic risk, β-cell function, glycaemic control, and micro- and macrovascular complications. Five lipid parameters were derived from the combined determination of HDL-C and apoA-I, namely HDL size; particle number; cholesterol load/particle; apoA-I/particle; and particle density. An unfavorable cardiometabolic profile characterized patients from QI and QII, in which HDLs were pro-atherogenic, denser and apoA-I-depleted. By contrast, QIII patients had an [HDL-C/apoA-I] ratio close to that of non-diabetic controls. QIV patients had better than average HDL size and composition, and in those patients whose [HDL-C/apoA-I] ratio was above normal, a more favorable phenotype was observed regarding lifestyle, anthropometry, metabolic comorbidities, insulin sensitivity, MetS score/severity, glycaemic control, and target-organ damage pregalence in small or large vessels. In conclusion, [HDL-C/apoA-I] and the resulting indices of HDL composition and functionality predict macrovascular risk and β-cell function decline, as well as overall microangiopathic risk, suggesting that this ratio could serve both in cardiometabolic assessment and as biomarker of vascular complications. Copyright © 2016 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Insulin Resistance in Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Ren, Xingxing; Chen, Zeng.ai; Zheng, Shuang; Han, Tingting; Li, Yangxue; Liu, Wei; Hu, Yaomin

2016-01-01

Objectives To explore the association between the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (272 men and 288 women) were enrolled and divided into three groups according to TG/HDL-C tertiles. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Demographic information and clinical characteristics were obtained. Spearman’s correlation was used to estimate the association between TG/HDL-C and other variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were adopted to obtain probabilities of insulin resistance. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of TG/HDL-C to discriminate insulin resistance. Results TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.01). Patients in the higher tertiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than patients in the lower tertiles [T1: 2.68(1.74–3.70); T2: 2.96(2.29–4.56); T3: 3.09(2.30–4.99)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR, and patients in the higher TG/HDL-C tertile had a higher OR than those in the lower TG/HDL-C tertile, after adjusting for multiple covariates including indices for central obesity [T1: 1; T2: 4.02(1.86–8.71); T3: 4.30(1.99–9.29)]. Following stratification of waist circumference into quartiles, the effect of TG/HDL-C on insulin resistance remained significant irrespective of waist circumference. Conclusions TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance independent of waist circumference. Whether it could be a surrogate marker for insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus still needs to be confirmed by more researches. PMID:27115999

Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates atherosclerosis through oxidation of high-density lipoprotein

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) to induce oxidation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and to determine whether the oxidized HDL induced by P. gingivalis exhibited altered antiatherogenic function or became proatherogenic. Methods P. gingivalis and THP-1 monocytes were cultured, and the extent of HDL oxidation induced by P. gingivalis was evaluated by a thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. To evaluate the altered antiatherogenic and proatherogenic properties of P. gingivalis-treated HDL, lipid oxidation was quantified by the TBARS assay, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels and the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were also measured. After incubating macrophages with HDL and P. gingivalis, Oil Red O staining was performed to examine foam cells. Results P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation. The HDL treated by P. gingivalis did not reduce lipid oxidation and may have enhanced the formation of MMP-9 and TNF-α. P. gingivalis-treated macrophages exhibited more lipid aggregates than untreated macrophages. Conclusions P. gingivalis induced HDL oxidation, impairing the atheroprotective function of HDL and making it proatherogenic by eliciting a proinflammatory response through its interaction with monocytes/macrophages. PMID:29535891

[Protective role of high density lipoproteins in sepsis: basic issues and clinical implications].

PubMed

Contreras-Duarte, Susana; Varas, Pablo; Awad, Fernanda; Busso, Dolores; Rigotti, Attilio

2014-02-01

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible of reverse cholesterol transport and play an important antiatherogenic role. In recent years, several studies suggest that HDL have additional functions, including a possible anti-inflammatory activity in infectious conditions. Furthermore, available evidence indicates that the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) within the circulation during infectious states induced by gram-negative bacteria may be involved in the decrease in HDL cholesterol levels and changes in lipoprotein composition, which have been associated with a higher mortality due to sepsis in animal models and in humans. In this article, we review this subject and also discuss possible mechanisms that explain the positive impact achieved by native HDL, reconstituted HDL, or HDL apolipoprotein peptides on the inflammatory response and mortality in models of endotoxemia. In this regard, it has been proposed that one of the mechanisms by which HDL protect against sepsis may be mediated by its binding ability and/or neutralizing capacity on LPS, avoiding an excessive response of the immune system. Thus, increasing blood levels of HDL and/or parenteral HDL administration may represent a new anti-inflammatory tool for managing septic states in humans.

ATP binding cassette G1-dependent cholesterol efflux during inflammation.

PubMed

de Beer, Maria C; Ji, Ailing; Jahangiri, Anisa; Vaughan, Ashley M; de Beer, Frederick C; van der Westhuyzen, Deneys R; Webb, Nancy R

2011-02-01

ATP binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) mediates the transport of cellular cholesterol to HDL, and it plays a key role in maintaining macrophage cholesterol homeostasis. During inflammation, HDL undergoes substantial remodeling, acquiring lipid changes and serum amyloid A (SAA) as a major apolipoprotein. In the current study, we investigated whether remodeling of HDL that occurs during acute inflammation impacts ABCG1-dependent efflux. Our data indicate that lipid free SAA acts similarly to apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in mediating sequential efflux from ABCA1 and ABCG1. Compared with normal mouse HDL, acute phase (AP) mouse HDL containing SAA exhibited a modest but significant 17% increase in ABCG1-dependent efflux. Interestingly, AP HDL isolated from mice lacking SAA (SAAKO mice) was even more effective in promoting ABCG1 efflux. Hydrolysis with Group IIA secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) significantly reduced the ability of AP HDL from SAAKO mice to serve as a substrate for ABCG1-mediated cholesterol transfer, indicating that phospholipid (PL) enrichment, and not the presence of SAA, is responsible for alterations in efflux. AP human HDL, which is not PL-enriched, was somewhat less effective in mediating ABCG1-dependent efflux compared with normal human HDL. Our data indicate that inflammatory remodeling of HDL impacts ABCG1-dependent efflux independent of SAA.

Serum Opacity Factor Enhances HDL-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux, Esterification and Anti Inflammatory Effects

PubMed Central

Tchoua, Urbain; Rosales, Corina; Tang, Daming; Gillard, Baiba K.; Vaughan, Ashley; Lin, Hu Yu; Courtney, Harry S.

2011-01-01

Serum opacity factor (SOF) is a streptococcal protein that disrupts the structure of human high density lipoproteins (HDL) releasing lipid-free apo A-I while forming a large cholesteryl ester-rich particle and a small neo HDL. Given its low cholesterol and high phospholipid contents, we tested the hypotheses that neo HDL is a better substrate for cholesterol esterification via lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), better than HDL as an acceptor of THP-1 macrophage cholesterol efflux, and improves reduction of oxidized LDL-induced production of inflammatory markers. We observed that both cholesterol efflux and esterification were improved by recombinant (r)SOF treatment of whole plasma and that the underlying cause of the improved cholesterol esterification in plasma and macrophage cholesterol efflux to rSOF-treated plasma was due to the rSOF-mediated conversion of HDL to neo HDL. Moreover, the reduction of secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by THP-1 cells by neo HDL was twice that of HDL. Studies in BHK cells overexpressing cholesterol transporters showed that efflux to neo HDL occurred primarily via ABCA1 not ABCG1. Thus, rSOF improves two steps in reverse cholesterol transport with a concomitant reduction in the release of macrophage markers of inflammation. We conclude that rSOF catalyzes a novel reaction that might be developed as a new therapy that prevents or reverses atherosclerosis via improved reverse cholesterol transport. PMID:20972840

The Triglyceride to HDL Ratio and Its Relationship to Insulin Resistance in Pre- and Postpubertal Children: Observation from the Wausau SCHOOL Project

PubMed Central

Olson, Karen; Hendricks, Bryan; Murdock, David K.

2012-01-01

Insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and diabetes and raises the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio in adults, but is not well defined in children. Purpose. To investigate the TG/HDL ratios in children as an IR marker. Methods. Wausau SCHOOL Project assessed 99 prepubertal and 118 postpubertal children. The TG/HDL ratio was correlated with numerous risk factors. Results. TG/HDL ratio was significantly correlated with QUICKI, HOMA-IR, zBMI, waist-to hip ratio, systolic and diastolic BP, LDL size and LDL number. A group of 32 IR children (HOMA-IR > 1 SD from the mean, i.e., >2.45) had significantly higher TG/HDL (3.11 ± 1.77) compared to non-IR children (1.86 ± 0.75). A TG/HDL ratio of ≥2.0 identified 32 of the 40 children deemed IR by HOMA-IR (>2.45) with a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.66. Children with TG/HDL ratio ≥3 were heavier and had higher BP, glucose, HOMA-IR, LDL number, and lower HDL level, QUICKI, and LDL size, regardless of pubertal status. Conclusion. The TG/HDL ratio is strongly associated with IR in children, and with higher BMI, waist hip ratio, BP, and more athrogenic lipid profile. PMID:22811895

The Triglyceride to HDL Ratio and Its Relationship to Insulin Resistance in Pre- and Postpubertal Children: Observation from the Wausau SCHOOL Project.

PubMed

Olson, Karen; Hendricks, Bryan; Murdock, David K

2012-01-01

Insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and diabetes and raises the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio in adults, but is not well defined in children. Purpose. To investigate the TG/HDL ratios in children as an IR marker. Methods. Wausau SCHOOL Project assessed 99 prepubertal and 118 postpubertal children. The TG/HDL ratio was correlated with numerous risk factors. Results. TG/HDL ratio was significantly correlated with QUICKI, HOMA-IR, zBMI, waist-to hip ratio, systolic and diastolic BP, LDL size and LDL number. A group of 32 IR children (HOMA-IR > 1 SD from the mean, i.e., >2.45) had significantly higher TG/HDL (3.11 ± 1.77) compared to non-IR children (1.86 ± 0.75). A TG/HDL ratio of ≥2.0 identified 32 of the 40 children deemed IR by HOMA-IR (>2.45) with a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.66. Children with TG/HDL ratio ≥3 were heavier and had higher BP, glucose, HOMA-IR, LDL number, and lower HDL level, QUICKI, and LDL size, regardless of pubertal status. Conclusion. The TG/HDL ratio is strongly associated with IR in children, and with higher BMI, waist hip ratio, BP, and more athrogenic lipid profile.

HDL subclasses are heterogeneous in their associations with body fat, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: the Kitakata Kids Health Study.

PubMed

Kouda, Katsuyasu; Nakamura, Harunobu; Fujita, Yuki; Hamada, Masami; Kajita, Etsuko; Nakatani, Yoshimi; Sato, Yuho; Uenishi, Kazuhiro; Iki, Masayuki

2015-04-15

Obesity, defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat, is frequently associated with low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, HDL particles are heterogeneous in size and composition. HDL subclasses may be differentially associated with body fat. This study investigated associations between the cholesterol concentrations of HDL subclasses, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and body fat variables, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The source population was all ninth grade students who attended Shiokawa Junior High School in Japan. Cross-sectional data on body fat and serum HDL subclasses were obtained for 87 students (72.5% of the source population). The cholesterol concentration of the large HDL subclass showed a significant (P<0.05) inverse relationship with whole body fat and trunk fat (r=-0.24 and -0.30), whereas the concentration of the small HDL subclass showed a significant positive relationship with these body fat variables (r=0.25 and 0.31). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the mean concentration of small HDL significantly increased from the lowest to highest tertiles of trunk fat mass index. These results indicate that HDL subclasses are heterogeneous in their associations with body fat variables that were accurately measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry among Japanese students. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio as a predictor of insulin resistance but not of β cell function in a Chinese population with different glucose tolerance status.

PubMed

Zhou, Meicen; Zhu, Lixin; Cui, Xiangli; Feng, Linbo; Zhao, Xuefeng; He, Shuli; Ping, Fan; Li, Wei; Li, Yuxiu

2016-06-07

Triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio was a surrogate marker of IR; however, the relationship of TG/HDL-C with IR might vary by ethnicity. This study aims to investigate whether lipid ratios-TG/HDL-C, cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C)) could be potential clinical markers of insulin resistance (IR) and β cell function and further to explore the optimal cut-offs in a Chinese population with different levels of glucose tolerance. Four hundred seventy-nine subjects without a history of diabetes underwent a 75 g 2 h Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). New-onset diabetes (n = 101), pre-diabetes (n = 186), and normal glucose tolerance (n = 192) were screened. IR was defined by HOMA-IR > 2.69. Based on indices (HOMA-β, early-phase disposition index [DI30], (ΔIns30/ΔGlu30)/HOMA-IR and total-phase index [DI120]) that indicated different phases of insulin secretion, the subjects were divided into two groups, and the lower group was defined as having inadequate β cell compensation. Logistic regression models and accurate estimates of the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were obtained. In all of the subjects, TG/HDL, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG were significantly associated with IR. The AUROCs of TG/HDL-C and TG were 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.66-0.75) and 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.65-0.75), respectively. The optimal cut-offs of TG/HDL-C and TG for IR diagnosis were 1.11 and 1.33 mmol/L, respectively. The AUROCs of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C were 0.66 and 0.65, respectively, but they were not acceptable for IR diagnosis. TG/HDL-C,LDL-C/HDL-C and TG were significantly associated with HOMA-β, but AUROCs were less than 0.50; therefore, the lipid ratios could not be predictors of basal β cell dysfunction. None of the lipid ratios was associated with early-phase insulin secretion. Only TG/HDL-C and TG were significantly correlated with total-phase insulin secretion, but they also were not acceptable predictors of total-phase insulin secretion (0.60 < AUROC < 0.70). In a Chinese population with different levels of glucose tolerance, TG/HDL-C and TG could be the predictors of IR. The lipid ratios could not be reliable makers of β cell function in the population.

[Association of lipid parameters with insulin resistance in different glycemic among the elderly population].

PubMed

Pang, S J; Man, Q Q; Song, S; Song, P K; Liu, Z; Li, Y Q; He, L; Zhao, W H; Zhang, J

2018-06-06

Objective: This study was to analyze the association of lipid parameters with insulin resistance of Chinese elderly population in different glycemic status. Methods: Data were from China National Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Survey (2015). A total of 15 535 participants aged 60 and above who had completed survey questionnaire, physical examination, fasting blood biochemistry and insulin measurements were included in this study. According to the American Diabetes Association (2010) criteria, the participants were divided into normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes, newly-diagnosed diabetes and previously-diagnosed diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression was preformed to assess the effects of lipid parameters on insulin resistance in different glycemic among the elderly population. Results: The proportion of normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes, newly-diagnosed diabetes and previously-diagnosed diabetes was 50.46% ( n =7 839), 22.19% ( n =3 448), 12.46% ( n =1 937) and 14.88% ( n =2 311), respectively. The risk of insulin resistance increased with the elevated per quartile of triglycerides (TG) ( OR= 1.48,95 %CI: 1.35-1.62), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL)/HDL-C ( OR= 1.23, 95 %CI: 1.12-1.35) and TG/HDL-C ( OR= 1.50, 95 %CI: 1.36-1.65) and decreased with the elevated per quartile of HDL-C ( OR= 0.83, 95 %CI: 0.76-0.90) after multivariate adjustment among normal glucose regulation participants. As for pre-diabetes participants, the risk of insulin resistance increased with the elevated per quartile of TG ( OR= 1.26, 95 %CI: 1.14-1.39) and TG/HDL-C ( OR= 1.38, 95 %CI: 1.24-1.54) and decreased with the elevated per quartile of HDL-C ( OR= 0.79, 95 %CI: 0.71-0.87). The risk of insulin resistance increased with the elevated per quartiles of TG/HDL-C ( OR= 1.29, 95 %CI: 1.12-1.48) among newly-diagnosed diabetes. As for previously-diagnosed diabetes, the risk of insulin resistance increased with the elevated per quartile of TG, Non-HDL/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C with adjusted OR (95 %CI ) about 1.28 (1.16-1.41), 1.37(1.21-1.55) and 1.51 (1.33-1.72) repsectivley and decreased with the elevated per quartile of HDL-C ( OR= 0.77, 95 %CI: 0.67-0.87). Conclusion: The relationship between lipid parameters and insulin resistance presented diversely in different glycemic status. The elderly with normal glucose regulation and previously-diagnosed diabetes should pay close attention to the change of TG/HDL-C, TG, HDL-C and Non-HDL/HDL-C. As for prediabetes participants, the TG/HDL-C, TG and HDL-C level change should be focused.

A Production-Quality Unix Very High Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) Hardware Description Language (VHDL) Subset Analyzer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

1985:55; Nash, 1984:18). Because of this, the Department of Defense began a program , VHDL, to standardize a hardware description language for VHSIC... Deitel , 1984:507-508). This operating system (or environment) is in general use in the commercial world. Universities, given the responsibility to ...though not necessarily exhaustive) test suite designed to exercise each VHDL grammar rule and associated program modules as thor- oughly as possible. The

Nanotechnology for Synthetic High Density Lipoproteins

PubMed Central

Luthi, Andrea J.; Patel, Pinal C.; Ko, Caroline H.; Mutharasan, R. Kannan; Mirkin, Chad A.; Thaxton, C. Shad

2014-01-01

Atherosclerosis is the disease mechanism responsible for coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of death worldwide. One strategy to combat atherosclerosis is to increase the amount of circulating high density lipoproteins (HDL), which transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. The process, known as reverse cholesterol transport, is thought to be one of the main reasons for the significant inverse correlation observed between HDL blood levels and the development of CHD. This article highlights the most common strategies for treating atherosclerosis using HDL. We further detail potential treatment opportunities that utilize nanotechnology to increase the amount of HDL in circulation. The synthesis of biomimetic HDL nanostructures that replicate the chemical and physical properties of natural HDL provides novel materials for investigating the structure-function relationships of HDL and for potential new therapeutics to combat CHD. PMID:21087901

[High-density lipoproteins (HDL) size and composition are modified in the rat by a diet supplemented with "Hass" avocado (Persea americana Miller)].

PubMed

Pérez Méndez, Oscar; García Hernández, Lizbeth

2007-01-01

To determine the effects of dietary avocado on HDL structure and their associated enzyme, paraoxonase 1 (PON1). Fifteen Wistar male rats received avocado as part of their daily meal (5 g by 17.5 g chow diet), keeping the caloric intake similar to the control group (n=15) that received their usual chow diet. After 5 weeks, HDL were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation and their size and chemical composition were analyzed. PON1 was determined in serum spectrophotometrically using phenylacetate as substrate. Rats that received avocado had about 27% lower triglycerides plasma levels whereas their HDL-cholesterol was 17% higher as compared to control group. The mean HDL Stokes diameter was significantly lower in avocado group (11.71 +/- 0.8 vs. 12.27 +/- 0.26 nm, in control group, p < 0.05). The HDL size decrease was associated to a lower content of protein, particularly of apo Al, with a concomitant higher proportion of phospholipids in HDL isolated from avocado group. HDL structural modifications induced by avocado were not related to modifications of LCAT and PLTP activities, but occurred in parallel with higher serum levels of PON1 activity when compared to the controls (57.4 +/- 8.9 vs. 43.0 +/- 5.6 micromol/min/mL serum, p < 0.05). The inclusion of avocado in the diet decreased plasma triglycerides, increased HDL-cholesterol plasma levels and modified HDL structure. The latter effect may enhance the antiatherogenic properties of HDL since PON1 activity also increased as a consequence of avocado.

Transcoronary gradients of HDL-associated MicroRNAs in unstable coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Choteau, Sébastien A; Cuesta Torres, Luisa F; Barraclough, Jennifer Y; Elder, Alexander M M; Martínez, Gonzalo J; Chen Fan, William Y; Shrestha, Sudichhya; Ong, Kwok L; Barter, Philip J; Celermajer, David S; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Patel, Sanjay; Tabet, Fatiha

2018-02-15

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are transported on high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and HDL-associated miRNAs are involved in intercellular communication. We explored HDL-associated miRNAs concentration gradients across the coronary circulation in stable and unstable coronary artery disease patients and whether changes in the transcoronary gradient were associated with changes in HDL composition and size. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n=17) patients, those with stable coronary artery disease (stable CAD, n=19) and control subjects without CAD (n=6) were studied. HDLs were isolated from plasma obtained from the coronary sinus (CS), aortic root (arterial blood) and right atrium (venous blood). HDL-associated miRNAs (miR-16, miR-20a, miR-92a, miR-126, miR-222 and miR-223) were quantified by TaqMan miRNA assays. HDL particle sizes were determined by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. HDL composition was measured immunoturbidometrically or enzymatically. A concentration gradient across the coronary circulation was observed for all the HDL-associated miRNAs. In ACS patients, there was a significant inverse transcoronary gradient for HDL-associated miR-16, miR-92a and miR-223 (p<0.05) compared to patients with stable CAD. Changes in HDL-miRNA transcoronary gradients were not associated with changes in HDL composition or size. HDLs are depleted of miR-16, miR-92a and miR-223 during the transcoronary passage in patients with ACS compared to patients with stable CAD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of non-HDL-cholesterol versus triglycerides-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors and preclinical organ damage in overweight/obese children: the CARITALY study.

PubMed

Di Bonito, P; Valerio, G; Grugni, G; Licenziati, M R; Maffeis, C; Manco, M; Miraglia del Giudice, E; Pacifico, L; Pellegrin, M C; Tomat, M; Baroni, M G

2015-05-01

Lipid ratios to estimate atherosclerotic disease risk in overweight/obese children are receiving great attention. We aimed to compare the performance of non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) versus triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio (Tg/HDL-C) in identifying cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) or preclinical signs of organ damage in outpatient Italian overweight/obese children. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 5505 children (age 5-18 years) were recruited from 10 Italian centers for the care of obesity, of which 4417 (78%) showed obesity or morbid obesity. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure variables were analyzed in all children. Liver ultrasound scan, carotid artery ultrasound, and echocardiography were performed in 1257, 601, and 252 children, respectively. The entire cohort was divided based on the 75th percentile of non-HDL-C (≥130 mg/dl) or Tg/HDL-C ratio (≥2.2). The odds ratio for insulin resistance, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, presence of liver steatosis, increased levels of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (cLVH) was higher in children with high levels of Tg/HDL-C with respect to children with high levels of non-HDL-C. In an outpatient setting of overweight/obese children, Tg/HDL-C ratio discriminated better than non-HDL-C children with CMRFs or preclinical signs of liver steatosis, and increased cIMT and cLVH. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CC-Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) Suppresses High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Internalization and Cholesterol Efflux via CC-Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) Induction and p42/44 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Activation in Human Endothelial Cells *

PubMed Central

Sun, Run-Lu; Huang, Can-Xia; Bao, Jin-Lan; Jiang, Jie-Yu; Zhang, Bo; Zhou, Shu-Xian; Cai, Wei-Bin; Wang, Hong; Wang, Jing-Feng; Zhang, Yu-Ling

2016-01-01

High density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to be internalized and to promote reverse cholesterol transport in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the mechanism underlying these processes has not been studied. In this study, we aim to characterize HDL internalization and cholesterol efflux in ECs and regulatory mechanisms. We found mature HDL particles were reduced in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which was associated with an increase in CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). In cultured primary human coronary artery endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, we determined that CCL2 suppressed the binding (4 °C) and association (37 °C) of HDL to/with ECs and HDL cellular internalization. Furthermore, CCL2 inhibited [3H]cholesterol efflux to HDL/apoA1 in ECs. We further found that CCL2 induced CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression and siRNA-CCR2 reversed CCL2 suppression on HDL binding, association, internalization, and on cholesterol efflux in ECs. Moreover, CCL2 induced p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation via CCR2, and p42/44 MAPK inhibition reversed the suppression of CCL2 on HDL metabolism in ECs. Our study suggests that CCL2 was elevated in CAD patients. CCL2 suppressed HDL internalization and cholesterol efflux via CCR2 induction and p42/44 MAPK activation in ECs. CCL2 induction may contribute to impair HDL function and form atherosclerosis in CAD. PMID:27458015

A novel compound inhibits rHDL assembly and blocks nascent HDL biogenesis downstream of apoAI binding to ABCA1 expressing cells

PubMed Central

Lyssenko, Nicholas N.; Brubaker, Gregory; Smith, Bradley D.; Smith, Jonathan D.

2011-01-01

Objective Nascent high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles form from cellular lipids and extracellular lipid-free apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) in a process mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). We have sought out compounds that inhibit nascent HDL biogenesis without affecting ABCA1 activity. Methods and Results Reconstituted HDL (rHDL) formation and cellular cholesterol efflux assays were used to show that two compounds that bond via hydrogen with phospholipids inhibit rHDL and nascent HDL production. In rHDL formation assays, the inhibitory effect of compound 1 (methyl 3α-acetoxy-7α,12α-di[(phenylaminocarbonyl)amino]-5β-cholan-24-oate), the more active of the two, depended on its ability to associate with phospholipids. In cell assays, compound 1 suppressed ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux to apoAI, the 18A peptide, and taurocholate with high specificity, without affecting ABCA1-independent cellular cholesterol efflux to HDL and endocytosis of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL) and transferrin. Furthermore, compound 1 did not affect ABCA1 activity adversely, as ABCA1-mediated shedding of microparticles proceeded unabated and apoAI binding to ABCA1-expressing cells increased in its presence. Conclusions The inhibitory effects of compound 1 support a three-step model of nascent HDL biogenesis: plasma membrane remodeling by ABCA1, apoAI binding to ABCA1, and lipoprotein particle assembly. The compound inhibits the final step, causing accumulation of apoAI in ABCA1-expressing cells. PMID:21836073

Effect of exercise training on plasma levels and functional properties of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Casella-Filho, Antonio; Chagas, Antonio Carlos P; Maranhão, Raul C; Trombetta, Ivani C; Cesena, Fernando H Y; Silva, Vanessa M; Tanus-Santos, Jose Eduardo; Negrão, Carlos E; da Luz, Protasio L

2011-04-15

Intense lifestyle modifications can change the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration. The aim of the present study was to analyze the early effects of short-term exercise training, without any specific diet, on the HDL cholesterol plasma levels and HDL functional characteristics in patients with the metabolic syndrome (MS). We studied 30 sedentary subjects, 20 with and 10 without the MS. The patients with the MS underwent moderate intensity exercise training for 3 months on bicycle ergometers. Blood was sampled before and after training for biochemical analysis, paraoxonase-1 activity, and HDL subfraction composition and antioxidative capacity. Lipid transfer to HDL was assayed in vitro using a labeled nanoemulsion as the lipid donor. At baseline, the MS group had greater triglyceride levels and a lower HDL cholesterol concentration and lower paraoxonase-1 activity than did the controls. Training decreased the plasma triglycerides but did not change the low-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol levels. Nonetheless, exercise training increased the HDL subfractions' antioxidative capacity and paraoxonase-1 activity. After training, the MS group had compositional changes in the smallest HDL subfractions associated with increased free cholesterol and cholesterol ester transfers to HDL, reaching normal values. In conclusion, the present investigation has added relevant information about the dissociation between the quantitative and qualitative aspects of HDL after short-term exercise training without any specific diet in those with the MS, highlighting the importance of evaluating the functional aspects of the lipoproteins, in addition to their plasma levels. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Examination of Sign Language Education According to the Opinions of Members from a Basic Sign Language Certification Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akmese, Pelin Pistav

2016-01-01

Being hearing impaired limits one's ability to communicate in that it affects all areas of development, particularly speech. One of the methods the hearing impaired use to communicate is sign language. This study, a descriptive study, intends to examine the opinions of individuals who had enrolled in a sign language certification program by using…

Linguistic and Cultural Variations as Barriers to the TEFL Settings in Papua

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yembise, Yohana Susana

2011-01-01

The article aims at presenting a description of languages and cultures and the effect on the teaching of English as a Foreign Language in schools in Papua. It starts with a general picture of the uniqueness of languages and cultures in Papua: its geography, the originality of the people, and the languages and cultures of both NAN and AN. The word…

Talking about Poetry--Using the Model of Language in Systemic Functional Linguistics to Talk about Poetic Texts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huisman, Rosemary

2016-01-01

Poetry is the art shaped through language; to talk about a poem we need at least to talk about its language--but what can be said will depend on the particular linguistic theory, with its particular modelling of language, which we bring to the description. This paper outlines the approach of SFL (Systemic Functional Linguistics), describing in…

Pyomo v5.0

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

Woodruff, David; Hackebeil, Gabe; Laird, Carl Damon

Pyomo supports the formulation and analysis of mathematical models for complex optimization applications. This capability is commonly associated with algebraic modeling languages (AMLs), which support the description and analysis of mathematical models with a high-level language. Although most AMLs are implemented in custom modeling languages, Pyomo's modeling objects are embedded within Python, a full- featured high-level programming language that contains a rich set of supporting libraries.

HDL measures, particle heterogeneity, proposed nomenclature, and relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular events

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A growing body of evidence from epidemiological data, animal studies, and clinical trials supports HDL as the next target to reduce residual cardiovascular risk in statin-treated, high-risk patients. For more than 3 decades, HDL cholesterol has been employed as the principal clinical measure of HDL ...

Statechart-based design controllers for FPGA partial reconfiguration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Łabiak, Grzegorz; Wegrzyn, Marek; Rosado Muñoz, Alfredo

2015-09-01

Statechart diagram and UML technique can be a vital part of early conceptual modeling. At the present time there is no much support in hardware design methodologies for reconfiguration features of reprogrammable devices. Authors try to bridge the gap between imprecise UML model and formal HDL description. The key concept in author's proposal is to describe the behavior of the digital controller by statechart diagrams and to map some parts of the behavior into reprogrammable logic by means of group of states which forms sequential automaton. The whole process is illustrated by the example with experimental results.

Psycholinguistic Descriptions and Their Relevance to Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vejleskov, Hans

1976-01-01

Article deals with the Osgood model of sign learning...and the Chomskian approach. Both...approaches are discussed in terms of their appropriateness with respect to teachers' questions about language development and language stimulation. (Author)

Time is of the Essence: A Review of Electroencephalography (EEG) and Event-Related Brain Potentials (ERPs) in Language Research.

PubMed

Beres, Anna M

2017-12-01

The discovery of electroencephalography (EEG) over a century ago has changed the way we understand brain structure and function, in terms of both clinical and research applications. This paper starts with a short description of EEG and then focuses on the event-related brain potentials (ERPs), and their use in experimental settings. It describes the typical set-up of an ERP experiment. A description of a number of ERP components typically involved in language research is presented. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of using ERPs in language research are discussed. EEG has an extensive use in today's world, including medical, psychology, or linguistic research. The excellent temporal resolution of EEG information allows one to track a brain response in milliseconds and therefore makes it uniquely suited to research concerning language processing.

Using bio.tools to generate and annotate workbench tool descriptions

PubMed Central

Hillion, Kenzo-Hugo; Kuzmin, Ivan; Khodak, Anton; Rasche, Eric; Crusoe, Michael; Peterson, Hedi; Ison, Jon; Ménager, Hervé

2017-01-01

Workbench and workflow systems such as Galaxy, Taverna, Chipster, or Common Workflow Language (CWL)-based frameworks, facilitate the access to bioinformatics tools in a user-friendly, scalable and reproducible way. Still, the integration of tools in such environments remains a cumbersome, time consuming and error-prone process. A major consequence is the incomplete or outdated description of tools that are often missing important information, including parameters and metadata such as publication or links to documentation. ToolDog (Tool DescriptiOn Generator) facilitates the integration of tools - which have been registered in the ELIXIR tools registry (https://bio.tools) - into workbench environments by generating tool description templates. ToolDog includes two modules. The first module analyses the source code of the bioinformatics software with language-specific plugins, and generates a skeleton for a Galaxy XML or CWL tool description. The second module is dedicated to the enrichment of the generated tool description, using metadata provided by bio.tools. This last module can also be used on its own to complete or correct existing tool descriptions with missing metadata. PMID:29333231

Paradigms of Evaluation in Natural Language Processing: Field Linguistics for Glass Box Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Kevin Bretonnel

2010-01-01

Although software testing has been well-studied in computer science, it has received little attention in natural language processing. Nonetheless, a fully developed methodology for glass box evaluation and testing of language processing applications already exists in the field methods of descriptive linguistics. This work lays out a number of…

Organizations of Language among Adolescents in Superdiverse Copenhagen

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Møller, Janus Spindler; Jørgensen, Jens Normann

2013-01-01

In this paper we analyze how adolescents in a Copenhagen school classify and systematically organize the different types of language they come across in their linguistic everyday. Furthermore, we analyse descriptions of how this metapragmatic system affect the adolescents' language use in their daily life. Our primary data consist of 74 essays on…

Indigenous Minority Languages of Russia: A Bibliographical Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matsumura, Kazuto, Ed.

This publication is a printed version of 54 Web documents as they were at the end of March 2002. It includes selected lists of school textbooks, dictionaries, grammars, grammatical descriptions, and folklore collections in and on 54 indigenous minority languages of Russia, many of which are endangered. The 54 languages are arranged in the…

Great-Grandfather, Please Teach Me My Language!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ka'ai, Tania M.

2017-01-01

Inspired by Joshua Fishman's lifetime dedication to the revitalisation of minority languages, especially Yiddish, this paper presents my personal story of the loss of the Maori language in my family in New Zealand/Aotearoa and our attempts to reverse this decline over several generations. The paper includes a description of several policy reforms…

"Scissors, Paper, Stone": Perceptual Foundations of Noun Classifier Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erbaugh, Mary S.

While all languages use shape to classify unfamiliar objects, some languages as diverse as Mandarin, Thai, Japanese, Mohawk, and American Sign Language lexicalize these and other types of description as noun classifiers. Classification does not develop from a fixed set of features in the object, but is discourse-sensitive and invoked when it would…

Lexical Properties of Slovene Sign Language: A Corpus-Based Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vintar, Špela

2015-01-01

Slovene Sign Language (SZJ) has as yet received little attention from linguists. This article presents some basic facts about SZJ, its history, current status, and a description of the Slovene Sign Language Corpus and Pilot Grammar (SIGNOR) project, which compiled and annotated a representative corpus of SZJ. Finally, selected quantitative data…

A Comparison of Verbal and Written Language in Alzheimer's Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groves-Wright, Kathy; Neils-Strunjas, Jean; Burnett, Rebecca; O'Neill, Mary Jane

2004-01-01

Few studies have examined characteristics of both verbal and written language of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study used parallel measures (picture description, word fluency, spelling to dictation, and confrontational naming) to compare verbal and written language of individuals with mild AD, moderate AD, and normal controls (14…

Innovative Methods in Language Intervention: Treatment Outcome Measures--Can the Data Support the Claims?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szabo Wankoff, Lorain

2005-01-01

This much-needed text presents detailed descriptions of current treatment methodologies for children with language impairments. Professionals in the fields of special education, speech language pathology, psychology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy as well as audiologists who deal with central auditory processing disorders will find this book…

Research on the Language of the English Classroom: A Disconnected Dream.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kluwin, Thomas N.

Methods used in studies of the classroom language of the English teacher are described in this paper and some results of the research are reported. The paper first describes three methods traditionally employed in the description of the language of the English classroom--live observation systems, coding systems based on transcripts, and…

A Computer Assisted Language Analysis System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rush, J. E.; And Others

A description is presented of a computer-assisted language analysis system (CALAS) which can serve as a method for isolating and displaying language utterances found in conversation. The purpose of CALAS is stated as being to deal with the question of whether it is possible to detect, isolate, and display information indicative of what is…

A Descriptive Study on EFL Learners' Perceptions of Facebook

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydin, Selami

2017-01-01

There is a strong need to investigate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' perceptions of Facebook as a language-learning environment, as their perceptions that directly influence their language development and achievement have not been examined within the EFL learning context. Thus, this study aims to investigate EFL learners'…

Spatial Language, Visual Attention, and Perceptual Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coventry, Kenny R.; Lynott, Dermot; Cangelosi, Angelo; Monrouxe, Lynn; Joyce, Dan; Richardson, Daniel C.

2010-01-01

Spatial language descriptions, such as "The bottle is over the glass", direct the attention of the hearer to particular aspects of the visual world. This paper asks how they do so, and what brain mechanisms underlie this process. In two experiments employing behavioural and eye tracking methodologies we examined the effects of spatial language on…

Critical Thinking Dispositions of Pre-Service Turkish Language Teachers and Primary Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maltepe, Sadet

2016-01-01

The present study aimed to determine critical thinking dispositions of pre-service Turkish language and primary teachers in terms of several variables by employing descriptive survey design. The study group consisted of 215 senior students attending Turkish Language Teaching and Primary Education Departments of Necatibey Faculty of Education at…

A Study of Learning Strategies in Foreign Language Instruction: Findings of the Longitudinal Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chamot, Anna Uhl; And Others

Part of a larger research project, this longitudinal study analyzed differences between effective and ineffective high school and college language learners and changes in strategy uses over time. Related studies include a descriptive study, which identified learning strategies used in studying foreign languages, and a course development study, in…

The Production of Complement Clauses in Children with Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steel, Gillian; Rose, Miranda; Eadie, Patricia

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to provide a comprehensive description of complement-clause production in children with language impairment. Complement clauses were examined with respect to types of complement structure produced, verb use, and both semantic and syntactic accuracy. Method: A group of 17 children with language impairment…

Sex Differences in L2 Vocabulary Learning Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Catalan, Rosa Maria Jimenez

2003-01-01

Reports the results of a descriptive study on sex differences in the use of a second language. A questionnaire was administered to 581 Spanish-speaking students learning Basque and English as second language to answer the following question: Do male and female second language learners differ in the number and the range of vocabulary strategies…

REPORT ON THE INTENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSES FOR THE BLIND, 1960-1966.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MACDONALD, R. ROSS

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION IS GIVEN OF AN EXPERIMENT CONDUCTED AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY FROM 1960 TO 1966 IN WHICH SELECTED BLIND STUDENTS, THROUGH INTENSIVE AUDIOLINGUAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION, WERE TRAINED TO BROADEN THEIR EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL. ALTHOUGH ONLY RUSSIAN AND THE TRANSCRIPTION OF ORAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE MATERIALS WERE TAUGHT IN THE PILOT…

Investigation of Pre-Service Teachers' Communication Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kana, Fatih

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of Turkish language pre-service teachers' communication skills. Descriptive survey model was used in this study. 218 pre-service Turkish language teachers, who are studying at Department of Turkish Language Teaching at a university in the west of Turkey, participated in the study. Criterion…

Automated database design from natural language input

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gomez, Fernando; Segami, Carlos; Delaune, Carl

1995-01-01

Users and programmers of small systems typically do not have the skills needed to design a database schema from an English description of a problem. This paper describes a system that automatically designs databases for such small applications from English descriptions provided by end-users. Although the system has been motivated by the space applications at Kennedy Space Center, and portions of it have been designed with that idea in mind, it can be applied to different situations. The system consists of two major components: a natural language understander and a problem-solver. The paper describes briefly the knowledge representation structures constructed by the natural language understander, and, then, explains the problem-solver in detail.

Symbiotic symbolization by hand and mouth in sign language*

PubMed Central

Sandler, Wendy

2010-01-01

Current conceptions of human language include a gestural component in the communicative event. However, determining how the linguistic and gestural signals are distinguished, how each is structured, and how they interact still poses a challenge for the construction of a comprehensive model of language. This study attempts to advance our understanding of these issues with evidence from sign language. The study adopts McNeill’s criteria for distinguishing gestures from the linguistically organized signal, and provides a brief description of the linguistic organization of sign languages. Focusing on the subcategory of iconic gestures, the paper shows that signers create iconic gestures with the mouth, an articulator that acts symbiotically with the hands to complement the linguistic description of objects and events. A new distinction between the mimetic replica and the iconic symbol accounts for the nature and distribution of iconic mouth gestures and distinguishes them from mimetic uses of the mouth. Symbiotic symbolization by hand and mouth is a salient feature of human language, regardless of whether the primary linguistic modality is oral or manual. Speakers gesture with their hands, and signers gesture with their mouths. PMID:20445832

Excessive centrifugal fields damage high density lipoprotein[S

PubMed Central

Munroe, William H.; Phillips, Martin L.; Schumaker, Verne N.

2015-01-01

HDL is typically isolated ultracentrifugally at 40,000 rpm or greater, however, such high centrifugal forces are responsible for altering the recovered HDL particle. We demonstrate that this damage to HDL begins at approximately 30,000 rpm and the magnitude of loss increases in a rotor speed-dependent manner. The HDL is affected by elevated ultracentrifugal fields resulting in a lower particle density due to the shedding of associated proteins. To circumvent the alteration of the recovered HDL, we utilize a KBr-containing density gradient and a lowered rotor speed of 15,000 rpm to separate the lipoproteins using a single 96 h centrifugation step. This recovers the HDL at two density ranges; the bulk of the material has a density of about 1.115 g/ml, while lessor amounts of material are recovered at >1.2 g/ml. Thus, demonstrating the isolation of intact HDL is possible utilizing lower centrifuge rotor speeds. PMID:25910941

Sphingomyelin in High-Density Lipoproteins: Structural Role and Biological Function

PubMed Central

Martínez-Beamonte, Roberto; Lou-Bonafonte, Jose M.; Martínez-Gracia, María V.; Osada, Jesús

2013-01-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are an inverse risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and sphingomyelin (SM) is the second most abundant phospholipid component and the major sphingolipid in HDL. Considering the marked presence of SM, the present review has focused on the current knowledge about this phospholipid by addressing its variable distribution among HDL lipoparticles, how they acquire this phospholipid, and the important role that SM plays in regulating their fluidity and cholesterol efflux from different cells. In addition, plasma enzymes involved in HDL metabolism such as lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase or phospholipid transfer protein are inhibited by HDL SM content. Likewise, HDL SM levels are influenced by dietary maneuvers (source of protein or fat), drugs (statins or diuretics) and modified in diseases such as diabetes, renal failure or Niemann–Pick disease. Furthermore, increased levels of HDL SM have been shown to be an inverse risk factor for coronary heart disease. The complexity of SM species, described using new lipidomic methodologies, and their distribution in different HDL particles under many experimental conditions are promising avenues for further research in the future. PMID:23571495

High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Increasing Therapy: The Unmet Cardiovascular Need

PubMed Central

Cimmino, Giovanni; Ciccarelli, Giovanni; Morello, Alberto; Ciccarelli, Michele; Golino, Paolo

2015-01-01

Despite aggressive strategies are now available to reduce LDL-cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease remains substantial. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown that drug therapy ultimately leads to a regression of the angiographic lesions but also results in a reduction in cardiovascular events. The dramatic failure of clinical trials evaluating the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CEPT) inhibitors, torcetrapib and dalcetrapib, has led to considerable doubt about the value of the current strategy to raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as a treatment for cardiovascular disease. These clinical results, as well as animal studies, have revealed the complexity of HDL metabolism, assessing a more important role of functional quality compared to circulating quantity of HDL. As a result, HDL-based therapeutic interventions that maintain or enhance HDL functionality, such as improving its main property, the reverse cholesterol transport, require closer investigation. In this review, we will discuss HDL metabolism and function, clinical-trial data available for HDL-raising agents, and potential strategies for future HDL-based therapies. PMID:26535185

Severe decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the combination of fibrates and ezetimibe: A case series.

PubMed

Nobecourt, Estelle; Cariou, Bertrand; Lambert, Gilles; Krempf, Michel

A sudden and severe drug-induced decrease in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a rare condition. We report 2 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia treated with statins and fibrates and 2 others with mixed dyslipidemia treated with fibrates, who presented with a sudden and severe decrease in HDL-C (from -44% to -95%, compared with baseline). Three of the patients were treated with fibrates and had a sudden decrease in HDL-C after the adjunction of ezetimibe. HDL-C returned to normal levels after discontinuation of the offending therapies. In 2 of these patients, the reintroduction of ezetimibe with no fibrates did not affect HDL-C. In conclusion, we report a new profile of patients who are at risk for a sudden drop of HDL-C related to treatment with a combination of fibrates and ezetimibe. Although a sudden drop of HDL-C is a rare event, we recommend to carefully monitor plasma HDL-C in patients submitted to both drugs. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mild Oxidation Promotes and Advanced Oxidation Impairs Remodeling of Human High-Density Lipoprotein in vitro

PubMed Central

Gao, Xuan; Jayaraman, Shobini; Gursky, Olga

2008-01-01

SUMMARY High-density lipoproteins (HDL) prevent atherosclerosis by removing cholesterol from macrophages and by exerting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidation is thought to impair HDL functions, yet certain oxidative modifications may be advantageous; thus, mild oxidation reportedly enhances cell cholesterol uptake by HDL whereas extensive oxidation impairs it. To elucidate the underlying energetic and structural basis, we analyzed the effects of copper and hypochlorite (that preferentially oxidize lipids and proteins, respectively) on thermal stability of plasma spherical HDL. Circular dichroism, light scattering, calorimetry, gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy showed that mild oxidation destabilizes HDL and accelerates protein dissociation and lipoprotein fusion, while extensive oxidation inhibits these reactions; this inhibition correlates with massive protein cross-linking and lipolysis. We propose that mild oxidation lowers kinetic barriers for HDL remodeling due to diminished apolipoprotein affinity for lipids resulting from oxidation of methionine and aromatic residues in apolipoproteins A-I and A-II followed by protein cross-linking into dimers and/or trimers. In contrast, advanced oxidation inhibits protein dissociation and HDL fusion due to lipid re-distribution from core to surface upon lipolysis and to massive protein cross-linking. Our results help reconcile the apparent controversy in the studies of oxidized HDL and suggest that mild oxidation may benefit HDL functions. PMID:18190928

Serum lipid levels and steroidal hormones in women runners with irregular menses.

PubMed

Thompson, D L; Snead, D B; Seip, R L; Weltman, J Y; Rogol, A D; Weltman, A

1997-02-01

This study compared the lipid profile of women runners with menstrual cycle irregularities with their normally menstruating counterparts. Relationships among selected steroid hormones and serum lipid levels in 10 eumenorrheic (EU) and 8 oligo-/amenorrheic (O/A) women runners and 6 eumenorrheic controls (CON) were examined. Serum 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (Prog), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations were determined in daily blood samples for 21 days, and integrated concentrations were calculated. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2, HDL3, triglycerides (Trig), and apolipoproteins A-1, A-II, and B. The O/A group had significantly lower E2 and Prog than EU or CON groups. Women in the CON group had lower HDL-C and HDL3 than the runners. With all women grouped together, E2 was not significantly correlated with any measured blood lipid parameters. On the other hand, DHEAS was significantly correlated with HDL-C, HDL2, and apolipoprotein A-I. These data demonstrate that women runners, regardless of menstrual cycle status, exhibit higher HDL-C concentrations than CON and supports previous research reporting a positive association between DHEAS and HDL-C.

Novel QTLs for HDL levels identified in mice by controlling for Apoa2 allelic effects: confirmation of a chromosome 6 locus in a congenic strain.

PubMed

Welch, Carrie L; Bretschger, Sara; Wen, Ping-Zi; Mehrabian, Margarete; Latib, Nashat; Fruchart-Najib, Jamila; Fruchart, Jean Charles; Myrick, Christy; Lusis, Aldons J

2004-03-12

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple genes, including those causing dyslipidemia. Relatively few of the causative genes have been identified. Previously, we identified Apoa2 as a major determinant of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the mouse model. To identify additional HDL-C level quantitative trait loci (QTLs), while controlling for the effect of the Apoa2 locus, we performed linkage analysis in 179 standard diet-fed F(2) mice derived from strains BALB/cJ and B6.C-H25(c) (a congenic strain carrying the BALB/c Apoa2 allele). Three significant QTLs and one suggestive locus were identified. A female-specific locus mapping to chromosome 6 (Chr 6) also exhibited effects on plasma non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein AII (apoAII), apoB, and apoE levels. A Chr 6 QTL was independently isolated in a related congenic strain (C57BL/6J vs. B6.NODc6: P = 0.003 and P = 0.0001 for HDL-C and non-HDL-C levels, respectively). These data are consistent with polygenic inheritance of HDL-C levels in the mouse model and provide candidate loci for HDL-C and non-HDL-C level determination in humans.

HDL and Cognition in Neurodegenerative Disorders

PubMed Central

Hottman, David A.; Chernick, Dustin; Cheng, Shaowu; Wang, Zhe; Li, Ling

2014-01-01

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins composed of various lipids and proteins. HDL is formed both in the systemic circulation and in the brain. In addition to being a crucial player in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, HDL possesses a wide range of other functions including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-endothelial function, anti-thrombosis, and modulation of immune function. It has been firmly established that high plasma levels of HDL protect against cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that the beneficial role of HDL extends to many other systems including the central nervous system. Cognition is a complex brain function that includes all aspects of perception, thought, and memory. Cognitive function often declines during aging and this decline manifests as cognitive impairment/dementia in age-related and progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A growing concern is that no effective therapy is currently available to prevent or treat these devastating diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that HDL may play a pivotal role in preserving cognitive function under normal and pathological conditions. This review attempts to summarize recent genetic, clinical and experimental evidence for the impact of HDL on cognition in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders as well as the potential of HDL-enhancing approaches to improve cognitive function. PMID:25131449

Obesity and altered glucose metabolism impact HDL composition in CETP transgenic mice: a role for ovarian hormones[S

PubMed Central

Martinez, Melissa N.; Emfinger, Christopher H.; Overton, Matthew; Hill, Salisha; Ramaswamy, Tara S.; Cappel, David A.; Wu, Ke; Fazio, Sergio; McDonald, W. Hayes; Hachey, David L.; Tabb, David L.; Stafford, John M.

2012-01-01

Mechanisms underlying changes in HDL composition caused by obesity are poorly defined, partly because mice lack expression of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which shuttles triglyceride and cholesteryl ester between lipoproteins. Because menopause is associated with weight gain, altered glucose metabolism, and changes in HDL, we tested the effect of feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) and ovariectomy (OVX) on glucose metabolism and HDL composition in CETP transgenic mice. After OVX, female CETP-expressing mice had accelerated weight gain with HFD-feeding and impaired glucose tolerance by hyperglycemic clamp techniques, compared with OVX mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD). Sham-operated mice (SHAM) did not show HFD-induced weight gain and had less glucose intolerance than OVX mice. Using shotgun HDL proteomics, HFD-feeding in OVX mice had a large effect on HDL composition, including increased levels of apoA2, apoA4, apoC2, and apoC3, proteins involved in TG metabolism. These changes were associated with decreased hepatic expression of SR-B1, ABCA1, and LDL receptor, proteins involved in modulating the lipid content of HDL. In SHAM mice, there were minimal changes in HDL composition with HFD feeding. These studies suggest that the absence of ovarian hormones negatively influences the response to high-fat feeding in terms of glucose tolerance and HDL composition. CETP-expressing mice may represent a useful model to define how metabolic changes affect HDL composition and function. PMID:22215797

High density lipoprotein is an inappropriate substrate for hepatic lipase in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Zago, Valeria; Miksztowicz, Verónica; Cacciagiú, Leonardo; Basilio, Francisco; Berg, Gabriela; Schreier, Laura

2012-12-24

HDL antiatherogenic effects would not only depend on its concentration but also on its biological quality. Hepatic lipase (HL) action on HDL acts in one of the last steps of reverse cholesterol transport. Cardiovascular risk increases after menopause, however HDL does not decrease even when HL is increased. We evaluated HDL capacity as a substrate of HL in healthy postmenopausal women (PMW). We studied 20 PMW (51-60 y) and 20 premenopausal (PreMW) (26-40 y). In fasting serum, lipid-lipoprotein profile and HDL composition were assessed. Optimal assay conditions for HDL/HL ex vivo incubation were established. Increasing HDL-triglyceride concentrations (0.015 to 0.20 mmol/l) were incubated with post-heparin plasma obtained from a single healthy donor as a source of HL. Free fatty acids were measured and kinetic parameters calculated: K(m)(app), inverse to enzyme affinity, and V(max). HDL composition in PMW exhibits triglyceride enrichment (p<0.001). Kinetic analysis revealed higher K(m)(app) in PMW [130 (40-380) vs 45 (20-91) mmol/l, p<0.0001)] correlating directly with HDL-triglycerides (r=0.7, p=0.0001). Catalytic efficiency, V(max)/K(m)(app) was reduced when compared to controls (p=0.0001). Triglyceride-enriched HDL from PMW constitutes a poor substrate for HL suggesting that this particle may not exert efficiently its antiatherogenic function, regardless of plasma concentration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Residual Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of High-density Lipoprotein

PubMed Central

Kon, Valentina; Yang, Haichun; Fazio, Sergio

2016-01-01

Although reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with lipid-lowering agents (statins) decreases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, a substantial residual risk (up to 70% of baseline) remains after treatment in most patient populations. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a potential contributor to residual risk, and low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) is an established risk factor for CVD. However, in contrast to conventional lipid-lowering therapies, recent studies show that pharmacologic increases in HDL-C levels do not bring about clinical benefits. These observations have given rise to the concept of dysfunctional HDL where increases in serum HDL-C may not be beneficial because HDL loss of function is not corrected by or even intensified by the therapy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases CVD risk, and patients whose CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis are at the highest CVD risk of any patient type studied. The ESRD population is also unique in its lack of significant benefit from standard lipid-lowering interventions. Recent studies indicate that HDL-C levels do not predict CVD in the CKD population. Moreover, CKD profoundly alters metabolism and composition of HDL particles and impairs their protective effects on functions such as cellular cholesterol efflux, endothelial protection, and control of inflammation and oxidation. Thus, CKD-induced perturbations in HDL may contribute to the excess CVD in CKD patients. Understanding the mechanisms of vascular protection in renal disease can present new therapeutic targets for intervention in this population. PMID:26009251

Pharmacologic management of isolated low high-density lipoprotein syndrome.

PubMed

Bermúdez, Valmore; Cano, Raquel; Cano, Clímaco; Bermúdez, Fernando; Arraiz, Nailet; Acosta, Luis; Finol, Freddy; Pabón, María Rebeca; Amell, Anilsa; Reyna, Nadia; Hidalgo, Joaquin; Kendall, Paúl; Manuel, Velasco; Hernández, Rafael

2008-01-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins exhibiting a variety of properties like prostacyclin production stimulation, decrease in platelet aggregation, endothelial cell apoptosis inhibition, and low-density lipoprotein oxidation blockade. Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relation between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. Low HDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, sudden death, peripheral artery disease, and postangioplasty restenosis. In contrast, high HDL levels are associated with longevity and protection against atherosclerotic disease development. Given the evolving epidemic of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of low HDL will continue to rise. In the United States, low HDL is present in 35% of men, 15% of women, and approximately 63% of patients with coronary artery disease. Data extracted from the Framingham study highlight that 1-mg increase in HDL levels decreases by 2% to 3% the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is no doubt regarding clinical importance about isolated low HDL, but relatively few clinicians consider a direct therapeutic intervention of this dyslipidemia. In this sense, lifestyle measures should be the first-line strategy to manage low HDL levels. On the other hand, pharmacologic options include niacin, fibrates, and statins. Fibrates appear to reduce risk preferentially in patients with low HDL with metabolic syndrome, whereas statins reduce risk across all levels of HDL. Torcetrapib, a cholesteryl esters transfer protein inhibitor, represented a hope to raise this lipoprotein; however, all clinical trials on this drug had ceased after ILLUMINATE, RADIANCE and ERASE trials had recorded an increase in mortality, rates of myocardial infarction, angina, and heart failure. In the near future, drugs as beta-glucans, Apo-A1 mimetic peptides, and ACAT inhibitors, are the new promises to treat this condition.

Depletion in LpA-I:A-II particles enhances HDL-mediated endothelial protection in familial LCAT deficiency[S

PubMed Central

Gomaraschi, Monica; Ossoli, Alice; Castelnuovo, Samuela; Simonelli, Sara; Pavanello, Chiara; Balzarotti, Gloria; Arca, Marcello; Di Costanzo, Alessia; Sampietro, Tiziana; Vaudo, Gaetano; Baldassarre, Damiano; Veglia, Fabrizio; Franceschini, Guido; Calabresi, Laura

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vasoprotective effects of HDL isolated from carriers of LCAT deficiency, which are characterized by a selective depletion of LpA-I:A-II particles and predominance of preβ migrating HDL. HDLs were isolated from LCAT-deficient carriers and tested in vitro for their capacity to promote NO production and to inhibit vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in cultured endothelial cells. HDLs from carriers were more effective than control HDLs in promoting eNOS activation with a gene-dose-dependent effect (PTrend = 0.048). As a consequence, NO production induced by HDL from carriers was significantly higher than that promoted by control HDL (1.63 ± 0.24-fold vs. 1.34 ± 0.07-fold, P = 0.031). HDLs from carriers were also more effective than control HDLs in inhibiting the expression of VCAM-1 (homozygotes, 65.0 ± 8.6%; heterozygotes, 53.1 ± 7.2%; controls, 44.4 ± 4.1%; PTrend = 0.0003). The increased efficiency of carrier HDL was likely due to the depletion in LpA-I:A-II particles. The in vitro findings might explain why carriers of LCAT deficiency showed flow-mediated vasodilation and plasma-soluble cell adhesion molecule concentrations comparable to controls, despite low HDL-cholesterol levels. These results indicate that selective depletion of apoA-II-containing HDL, as observed in carriers of LCAT deficiency, leads to an increased capacity of HDL to stimulate endothelial NO production, suggesting that changes in HDL apolipoprotein composition may be the target of therapeutic interventions designed to improve HDL functionality. PMID:28351888

CC-Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) Suppresses High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Internalization and Cholesterol Efflux via CC-Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) Induction and p42/44 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Activation in Human Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

Sun, Run-Lu; Huang, Can-Xia; Bao, Jin-Lan; Jiang, Jie-Yu; Zhang, Bo; Zhou, Shu-Xian; Cai, Wei-Bin; Wang, Hong; Wang, Jing-Feng; Zhang, Yu-Ling

2016-09-09

High density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to be internalized and to promote reverse cholesterol transport in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the mechanism underlying these processes has not been studied. In this study, we aim to characterize HDL internalization and cholesterol efflux in ECs and regulatory mechanisms. We found mature HDL particles were reduced in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which was associated with an increase in CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). In cultured primary human coronary artery endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, we determined that CCL2 suppressed the binding (4 °C) and association (37 °C) of HDL to/with ECs and HDL cellular internalization. Furthermore, CCL2 inhibited [(3)H]cholesterol efflux to HDL/apoA1 in ECs. We further found that CCL2 induced CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression and siRNA-CCR2 reversed CCL2 suppression on HDL binding, association, internalization, and on cholesterol efflux in ECs. Moreover, CCL2 induced p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation via CCR2, and p42/44 MAPK inhibition reversed the suppression of CCL2 on HDL metabolism in ECs. Our study suggests that CCL2 was elevated in CAD patients. CCL2 suppressed HDL internalization and cholesterol efflux via CCR2 induction and p42/44 MAPK activation in ECs. CCL2 induction may contribute to impair HDL function and form atherosclerosis in CAD. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Effects of apoA-V on HDL and VLDL metabolism in APOC3 transgenic mice.

PubMed

Qu, Shen; Perdomo, German; Su, Dongming; D'Souza, Fiona M; Shachter, Neil S; Dong, H Henry

2007-07-01

Apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V) and apoC-III are exchangeable constituents of VLDL and HDL. ApoA-V counteracts the effect of apoC-III on triglyceride (TG) metabolism with poorly defined mechanisms. To better understand the effects of apoA-V on TG and cholesterol metabolism, we delivered apoA-V cDNA into livers of hypertriglyceridemic APOC3 transgenic mice by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. In response to hepatic apoA-V production, plasma TG levels were reduced significantly as a result of enhanced VLDL catabolism without alternations in VLDL production. This effect was associated with reduced apoC-III content in VLDL. Increased apoA-V production also resulted in decreased apoC-III and increased apoA-I content in HDL. Furthermore, apoA-V-enriched HDL was associated with enhanced LCAT activity and increased cholesterol efflux. This effect, along with apoE enrichment in HDL, contributed to HDL core expansion and alpha-HDL formation, accounting for significant increases in both the number and size of HDL particles. As a result, apoA-V-treated APOC3 transgenic mice exhibited decreased VLDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels. ApoA-V-mediated reduction of apoC-III content in VLDL represents an important mechanism by which apoA-V acts to ameliorate hypertriglyceridemia in adult APOC3 transgenic mice. In addition, increased apoA-V levels accounted for cholesterol redistribution from VLDL to larger HDL particles. These data suggest that in addition to its TG-lowering effect, apoA-V plays a significant role in modulating HDL maturation and cholesterol metabolism.

Effects of apoA-V on HDL and VLDL metabolism in APOC3 transgenic mice1

PubMed Central

Qu, Shen; Perdomo, German; Su, Dongming; D’Souza, Fiona M.; Shachter, Neil S.; Dong, H. Henry

2009-01-01

Apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V) and apoC-III are exchangeable constituents of VLDL and HDL. ApoA-V counteracts the effect of apoC-III on triglyceride (TG) metabolism with poorly defined mechanisms. To better understand the effects of apoA-V on TG and cholesterol metabolism, we delivered apoA-V cDNA into livers of hypertriglyceridemic APOC3 transgenic mice by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. In response to hepatic apoA-V production, plasma TG levels were reduced significantly as a result of enhanced VLDL catabolism without alternations in VLDL production. This effect was associated with reduced apoC-III content in VLDL. Increased apoA-V production also resulted in decreased apoC-III and increased apoA-I content in HDL. Furthermore, apoA-V-enriched HDL was associated with enhanced LCAT activity and increased cholesterol efflux. This effect, along with apoE enrichment in HDL, contributed to HDL core expansion and α-HDL formation, accounting for significant increases in both the number and size of HDL particles. As a result, apoA-V-treated APOC3 transgenic mice exhibited decreased VLDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels. ApoA-V-mediated reduction of apoC-III content in VLDL represents an important mechanism by which apoA-V acts to ameliorate hypertriglyceridemia in adult APOC3 transgenic mice. In addition, increased apoA-V levels accounted for cholesterol redistribution from VLDL to larger HDL particles. These data suggest that in addition to its TG-lowering effect, apoA-V plays a significant role in modulating HDL maturation and cholesterol metabolism PMID:17438339

Associations between hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-aged men and women: Independence of habitual alcohol drinking, smoking and regular exercise.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Ichiro; Daimon, Takashi

Hypo-HDL cholesterolemia is a potent cardiovascular risk factor, and HDL cholesterol level is influenced by lifestyles including alcohol drinking, smoking and regular exercise. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships between hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and cardiovascular risk factors and to determine whether or not these relationships depend on the above-mentioned lifestyles. The subjects were 3456 men and 2510 women (35-60 years of age) showing low HDL cholesterol levels (<40mg/dl for men and <50mg/dl for women) and their age-matched control subjects showing normal HDL cholesterol levels. Each cardiometabolic risk factor was compared between the groups with and without hypo-HDL cholesterolemia. Data for hypo-HDL cholesterolemic subjects not having habits of alcohol drinking, smoking and regular exercise (men, n=333; women, n=1410) and their age-matched control subjects were also analysed. Both in men and in women of overall subjects and subjects without histories of alcohol drinking, smoking and regular exercise, odds ratios of subjects with hypo-HDL cholesterolemia vs. subjects with normo-HDL cholesterolemia for high body mass index, high waist-to-height ratio, high triglycerides, high lipid accumulation product and multiple risk factors (three or more out of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes) were significantly higher than the reference level of 1.00. These associations in overall subjects were found when the above habits were adjusted. Hypo-HDL cholesterolemic men and women have adverse cardiovascular profiles, such as obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and multiple risk factors, independently of age, alcohol drinking, smoking and regular exercise. Copyright © 2016 Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio: association with insulin resistance in obese youths of different ethnic backgrounds.

PubMed

Giannini, Cosimo; Santoro, Nicola; Caprio, Sonia; Kim, Grace; Lartaud, Derek; Shaw, Melissa; Pierpont, Bridget; Weiss, Ram

2011-08-01

We evaluated whether the triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is associated with insulin resistance (IR) in a large multiethnic cohort of obese youths. Obese youths (1,452) had an oral glucose tolerance test and a fasting lipid profile. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR and evaluated, in a subgroup of 146 obese youths, by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. The cohort was divided by ethnicity (612 whites, 357 Hispanics, and 483 African Americans) and then stratified into ethnicity-specific tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio. Differences across tertiles were evaluated, and the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and insulin sensitivity (WBISI) was defined by a multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was determined to calculate the TG/HDL-C ratio cutoff to identify insulin-resistant subjects by ethnicity. In each ethnic group and across rising tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, insulin sensitivity (WBISI) progressively decreased, whereas 2-h glucose and the AUC-glucose progressively increased. The cutoff for TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.27, and the odds of presenting with IR, in youths with TG/HDL-C ratio higher than the cutoff, was 6.023 (95% CI 2.798-12.964; P < 0.001) in white girls and boys, whereas for both Hispanics and African Americans the AUC-ROCs were not significant, thus not allowing the calculation of an optimal cutoff TG/HDL-C value. The TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with IR mainly in white obese boys and girls and thus may be used with other risk factors to identify subjects at increased risk of IR-driven morbidity.

Triglyceride-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio and metabolic syndrome as contributors to cardiovascular risk in overweight patients.

PubMed

Marotta, Teodoro; Russo, Barbara F; Ferrara, L Aldo

2010-08-01

Insulin resistance increases cardiovascular risk of obese patients. Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL) >or=3.0 (in mg/dl) is a marker of insulin resistance in overweight persons. We aimed at assessing cardiovascular risk profile in 301 overweight elderly Neapolitan outpatients, according to TG/HDL ratio and metabolic syndrome (MS), diagnosed by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. TG/HDL ratio was >or=3.0 in 97 patients (group A) and <3.0 in 204 (group B). Overall, 93-97% of group A patients and 38-51% of group B patients had MS, depending on the diagnostic criterion. Group A patients with MS had significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio, total and non-HDL cholesterol than group B patients with MS. In group B, MS and non-MS patients had similar waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, total and non-HDL cholesterol. Ten year coronary risk, calculated by the Framingham equations (n = 243), was 10.3 +/- 5% in group B, non-MS patients; 13.1 +/- 6% in group B, MS patients; 19.9 +/- 8% in group A (F = 32.8; P < 0.001). At the multiple regression analysis, TG/HDL ratio was associated with coronary risk (r(2) = 0.227) more closely than gender, blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, non HDL cholesterol, and MS considered as a whole. A separate regression analysis showed that the logarithmically transformed TG/HDL ratio, an index of the HDL cholesterol esterification rate, is also associated with coronary risk (r(2) = 0.252). Thus, TG/HDL ratio could help to characterize high-risk overweight patients deserving a special therapeutic effort. Cardiovascular risk profile of insulin-sensitive patients, identified by lower values of this parameter, is only moderately affected by MS.

Influence of age and gender on triglycerides-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL ratio) and its association with adiposity index.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Ichiro

2012-01-01

TG/HDL ratio has been proposed to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether TG/HDL ratio and its association with adiposity index are modified by age and gender. Subjects were younger (35-40 years) and older (60-70 years) Japanese men and women (n=16,825) receiving health checkup examinations. TG/HDL ratio and its relationship with adiposity index such as waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were compared between the age pair and between the gender pair. Log-transformed TG/HDL ratio was significantly higher in older women than in younger women, while log-transformed TG/HDL ratio was comparable in younger and older men. The odds ratio (OR) for high TG/HDL ratio in subjects with vs. subjects without high WHtR was significantly lower in older men and women than in younger men and women, respectively. The OR was significantly lower in younger men than in younger women [4.08 (3.63-4.58) (younger men) vs. 8.42 (5.55-12.78) (younger women), p<0.01], whereas the OR was significantly lower in older women than in older men [3.36 (2.87-3.93) (older men) vs. 1.93 (1.31-2.85) (older women), p<0.01]. The results suggest that TG/HDL ratio is comparable in younger and older men but that TG/HDL ratio is higher in older women than in younger women and that the association between obesity and high TG/HDL ratio declines with age and is stronger in younger women than in younger men, while the association is weaker in older women than in older men. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the relationship between lipid parameters and obesity indices in non-diabetic obese patients: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Stępień, Anna; Stępień, Mariusz; Wlazeł, Rafał N; Paradowski, Marek; Banach, Maciej; Rysz, Jacek

2014-12-16

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between obesity and lipid markers. We divided 66 non-diabetic adult obese patients (mean age: 55.8±11.6 years) into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI). All patients were measured for waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were determined, and lipid indices TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and TG/HDL were also estimated. TC and LDL-C in Group III were lower than in Group I (5.0±1.0 vs. 6.0±1.0 mmol/L, and 2.9±0.9 vs. 3.8±1.2 mmol/L; p<0.05 for both). Negative correlations were found between: BMI and TC, LDL, and HDL (r=-0.291; r=-0.310, r=-0.240, respectively); and WC, WHR, VAI, and HDL (r=-0.371, r=-0.296, r=-0.376, respectively). Positive correlations were found between WC, WHR, and TG/HDL (r=0.279, r=0.244, respectively) and between VAI and: TC (r=0.327), TG (r=0.885), TC/HDL (r=0.618), LDL/HDL (r=0.480), and TG/HDL (r=0.927). Obesity is associated with lipid disturbances, especially with HDL-C reduction, in obese non-diabetic patients. VAI is strongly related to lipid profile and thus may be the most valuable obesity index in obese patients with dyslipidemias.

The Triglyceride-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio

PubMed Central

Giannini, Cosimo; Santoro, Nicola; Caprio, Sonia; Kim, Grace; Lartaud, Derek; Shaw, Melissa; Pierpont, Bridget; Weiss, Ram

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether the triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is associated with insulin resistance (IR) in a large multiethnic cohort of obese youths. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Obese youths (1,452) had an oral glucose tolerance test and a fasting lipid profile. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR and evaluated, in a subgroup of 146 obese youths, by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. The cohort was divided by ethnicity (612 whites, 357 Hispanics, and 483 African Americans) and then stratified into ethnicity-specific tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio. Differences across tertiles were evaluated, and the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and insulin sensitivity (WBISI) was defined by a multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was determined to calculate the TG/HDL-C ratio cutoff to identify insulin-resistant subjects by ethnicity. RESULTS In each ethnic group and across rising tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, insulin sensitivity (WBISI) progressively decreased, whereas 2-h glucose and the AUC-glucose progressively increased. The cutoff for TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.27, and the odds of presenting with IR, in youths with TG/HDL-C ratio higher than the cutoff, was 6.023 (95% CI 2.798–12.964; P < 0.001) in white girls and boys, whereas for both Hispanics and African Americans the AUC-ROCs were not significant, thus not allowing the calculation of an optimal cutoff TG/HDL-C value. CONCLUSIONS The TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with IR mainly in white obese boys and girls and thus may be used with other risk factors to identify subjects at increased risk of IR-driven morbidity. PMID:21730284

Association of triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio to cardiorespiratory fitness in men.

PubMed

Vega, Gloria Lena; Grundy, Scott M; Barlow, Carolyn E; Leonard, David; Willis, Benjamin L; DeFina, Laura F; Farrell, Stephen W

Both triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impart risk for all-cause morbidity and mortality independently of conventional risk factors. To determine prevalence and/or incidence of high TG/HDL-C ratio in men with low CRF. Clinical characteristics and CRF were used to determine prevalence of a TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.5 (high ratio) in 13,954 men of the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. High-ratio conversion was determined in 10,424 men with normal baseline TG/HDL-C ratio. Hazard ratio (HR) of incident high TG/HDL-C was adjusted for age and waist girth. Men with low CRF had the highest prevalence of a high TG/HDL-C ratio. In the population with normal TG/HDL-C, age-adjusted HR of incident high TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.77 times higher in men with lowest CRF than in those with highest CRF. Incidence of conversion of normal to high ratio was 5.5% per year in low CRF population, compared with 1.7% in high CRF subjects. Incidence HR was independent of waist girth. Men who converted from normal to high TG/HDL-C ratio during the follow-up period had increased number of metabolic risk factors and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Men who did not convert to a high TG/HDL-C ratio retained a low prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors. A high TG/HDL-C ratio is common in men with low CRF. Metabolic syndrome also is common among those with a high ratio. Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.

Association of Air Pollution Exposures With High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Particle Number: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Bell, Griffith; Mora, Samia; Greenland, Philip; Tsai, Michael; Gill, Ed; Kaufman, Joel D

2017-05-01

The relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease may be explained by changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). We examined the cross-sectional relationship between air pollution and both HDL cholesterol and HDL particle number in the MESA Air study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution). Study participants were 6654 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese men and women aged 45 to 84 years. We estimated individual residential ambient fine particulate pollution exposure (PM 2.5 ) and black carbon concentrations using a fine-scale likelihood-based spatiotemporal model and cohort-specific monitoring. Exposure periods were averaged to 12 months, 3 months, and 2 weeks prior to examination. HDL cholesterol and HDL particle number were measured in the year 2000 using the cholesterol oxidase method and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the relationship between air pollution exposure and HDL measures. A 0.7×10 - 6 m - 1 higher exposure to black carbon (a marker of traffic-related pollution) averaged over a 1-year period was significantly associated with a lower HDL cholesterol (-1.68 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, -2.86 to -0.50) and approached significance with HDL particle number (-0.55 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, -1.13 to 0.03). In the 3-month averaging time period, a 5 μg/m 3 higher PM 2.5 was associated with lower HDL particle number (-0.64 μmol/L; 95% confidence interval, -1.01 to -0.26), but not HDL cholesterol (-0.05 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, -0.82 to 0.71). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to air pollution is adversely associated with measures of HDL. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Phospholipid Transfer Protein Is Expressed in Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells and Involved in High Density Lipoprotein Biogenesis and Remodeling at the Blood-Brain Barrier*

PubMed Central

Chirackal Manavalan, Anil Paul; Kober, Alexandra; Metso, Jari; Lang, Ingrid; Becker, Tatjana; Hasslitzer, Karin; Zandl, Martina; Fanaee-Danesh, Elham; Pippal, Jyotsna Brijesh; Sachdev, Vinay; Kratky, Dagmar; Stefulj, Jasminka; Jauhiainen, Matti; Panzenboeck, Ute

2014-01-01

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is a key protein involved in biogenesis and remodeling of plasma HDL. Several neuroprotective properties have been ascribed to HDL. We reported earlier that liver X receptor (LXR) activation promotes cellular cholesterol efflux and formation of HDL-like particles in an established in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) consisting of primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (pBCEC). Here, we report PLTP synthesis, regulation, and its key role in HDL metabolism at the BBB. We demonstrate that PLTP is highly expressed and secreted by pBCEC. In a polarized in vitro model mimicking the BBB, pBCEC secreted phospholipid-transfer active PLTP preferentially to the basolateral (“brain parenchymal”) compartment. PLTP expression levels and phospholipid transfer activity were enhanced (up to 2.5-fold) by LXR activation using 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (a cerebral cholesterol metabolite) or TO901317 (a synthetic LXR agonist). TO901317 administration elevated PLTP activity in BCEC from C57/BL6 mice. Preincubation of HDL3 with human plasma-derived active PLTP resulted in the formation of smaller and larger HDL particles and enhanced the capacity of the generated HDL particles to remove cholesterol from pBCEC by up to 3-fold. Pre-β-HDL, detected by two-dimensional crossed immunoelectrophoresis, was generated from HDL3 in pBCEC-derived supernatants, and their generation was markedly enhanced (1.9-fold) upon LXR activation. Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated PLTP silencing (up to 75%) reduced both apoA-I-dependent (67%) and HDL3-dependent (30%) cholesterol efflux from pBCEC. Based on these findings, we propose that PLTP is actively involved in lipid transfer, cholesterol efflux, HDL genesis, and remodeling at the BBB. PMID:24369175

Structure-function relationships in reconstituted HDL: Focus on antioxidative activity and cholesterol efflux capacity.

PubMed

Cukier, Alexandre M O; Therond, Patrice; Didichenko, Svetlana A; Guillas, Isabelle; Chapman, M John; Wright, Samuel D; Kontush, Anatol

2017-09-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) contains multiple components that endow it with biological activities. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and surface phospholipids contribute to these activities; however, structure-function relationships in HDL particles remain incompletely characterised. Reconstituted HDLs (rHDLs) were prepared from apoA-I and soy phosphatidylcholine (PC) at molar ratios of 1:50, 1:100 and 1:150. Oxidative status of apoA-I was varied using controlled oxidation of Met112 residue. HDL-mediated inactivation of PC hydroperoxides (PCOOH) derived from mildly pre-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was evaluated by HPLC with chemiluminescent detection in HDL+LDL mixtures and re-isolated LDL. Cellular cholesterol efflux was characterised in RAW264.7 macrophages. rHDL inactivated LDL-derived PCOOH in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The capacity of rHDL to both inactivate PCOOH and efflux cholesterol via ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) increased with increasing apoA-I/PC ratio proportionally to the apoA-I content in rHDL. Controlled oxidation of apoA-I Met112 gradually decreased PCOOH-inactivating capacity of rHDL but increased ABCA1-mediated cellular cholesterol efflux. Increasing apoA-I content in rHDL enhanced its antioxidative activity towards oxidized LDL and cholesterol efflux capacity via ABCA1, whereas oxidation of apoA-I Met112 decreased the antioxidative activity but increased the cholesterol efflux. These findings provide important considerations in the design of future HDL therapeutics. Non-standard abbreviations and acronyms: AAPH, 2,2'-azobis(-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride; ABCA1, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1; apoA-I, apolipoprotein A-I; BHT, butylated hydroxytoluene; CV, cardiovascular; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LOOH, lipid hydroperoxides; Met(O), methionine sulfoxide; Met112, methionine 112 residue; Met86, methionine 86 residue; oxLDL, oxidized low-density lipoprotein; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; PC, phosphatidylcholine; PL, phospholipid; PCOOH, phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide; PLOOH, phospholipid hydroperoxide. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relation of Gemfibrozil Treatment and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Subpopulation Profile with Cardiovascular Events in the Veterans Affairs HDL Intervention Trial (VA-HIT)

PubMed Central

Asztalos, Bela F.; Collins, Dorothea; Horvath, Katalin V.; Bloomfield, Hanna E.; Robins, Sander J.; Schaefer, Ernst J.

2007-01-01

Objective The significant cardiovascular disease (CVD) event reduction in VA-HIT could not be fully explained by the 6% increase in HDL-C with the fibrate, gemfibrozil. We examined whether measurement of HDL subpopulations provided additional information relative to CVD-risk reduction. Methods and Results HDL subpopulations were characterized by 2-dimensional gel-electrophoresis in subjects who were treated with gemfibrozil (n=754) or placebo (n=741). In this study, samples obtained at the 3-month visit were used and data were analyzed prospectively using CVD events (CHD death, MI, or stroke) during the 5.1 years follow up. Analyses in the gemfibrozil arm showed that subjects with recurrent CVD events had significantly higher preβ-1 and had significantly lower α-1 and α-2 HDL levels than those without such events. Preβ-1 level was a significant positive predictor; α-1 and α-2 levels were significant negative risk factors for future CVD events. α-2 level was superior to HDL-C level in CVD-risk assessment after adjustment for established risk factors. Gemfibrozil treatment was associated with 3%-6% decreases in the small, lipid-poor preβ-1 HDL and in the large, lipid-rich α-1 and α-2 HDL and with increases in the small α-3 (3%) and preα-3 (16%) HDLs. Conclusions While the use of gemfibrozil has been associated with reduction in CVD events in VA-HIT, HDL subpopulation analysis indicates that gemfibrozil-mediated improvement in CVD risk might not be the result of its effects on HDL. It is quite possible that much of the cardiovascular benefits of gemfibrozil are due to a much wider spectrum of effects on metabolic processes that is not reflected by changes in blood lipids and HDL subpopulations. PMID:18078862

[HDL-C/apoA-I]: A multivessel cardiometabolic risk marker in women with T2DM.

PubMed

Hermans, Michel P; Valensi, Paul; Ahn, Sylvie A; Rousseau, Michel F

2018-01-01

Although women have higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) than have men, their HDL particles are also prone to become small, dense, and dysfunctional in case of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To assess the vascular risk related to HDLs of different sizes/densities without direct measurement, we adjusted HDL-C to its main apolipoprotein (apoA-I) as [HDL-C/apoA-I]. This ratio estimates HDL sizes and provides indices as to their number, cholesterol load, and density. We stratified 280 Caucasian T2DM women according to [HDL-C/apoA-I] quartiles (Q) to determine how they are segregated according to cardiometabolic risk, β-cell function, glycaemic control, and vascular complications. Five parameters were derived from combined determination of HDL-C and apoA-I: HDL size, HDL number, cholesterol load per particle (pP), apoA-I pP, and HDL density. An adverse cardiometabolic profile characterized QI and QII patients whose HDLs were denser and depleted in apoA-I, whereas QIII patients had HDLs with characteristics closer to those of controls. QIV patients had HDLs of supernormal size/composition and a more favourable phenotype in terms of fat distribution; insulin sensitivity (64% vs 41%), metabolic syndrome, and β-cell function (32% vs 23%); exogenous insulin (44 vs 89 U·d -1 ); and glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin, 56 vs 61 mmol·mol -1 ), associated with lower prevalence of microvascular/macrovascular complications: all-cause microangiopathy 47% vs 61%; retinopathy 22% vs 34%; all-cause macroangiopathy 19% vs 31%; and coronary artery disease 6% vs 24% (P < .05). [HDL-C/apoA-I] can stratify T2DM women according to metabolic phenotype, macrovascular and coronary damage, β-cell function, microangiopathic risk, and retinopathy. This ratio is a versatile and readily available marker of cardiometabolic status and vascular complications in T2DM women. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Decreased APOE-containing HDL subfractions and cholesterol efflux capacity of serum in mice lacking Pcsk9

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Studies in animals showed that PCSK9 is involved in HDL metabolism. We investigated the molecular mechanism by which PCSK9 regulates HDL cholesterol concentration and also whether Pcsk9 inactivation might affect cholesterol efflux capacity of serum and atherosclerotic fatty streak volume. Methods Mass spectrometry and western blot were used to analyze the level of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and A1 (APOA1). A mouse model overexpressing human LDLR was used to test the effect of high levels of liver LDLR on the concentration of HDL cholesterol and APOE-containing HDL subfractions. Pcsk9 knockout males lacking LDLR and APOE were used to test whether LDLR and APOE are necessary for PCSK9-mediated HDL cholesterol regulation. We also investigated the effects of Pcsk9 inactivation on cholesterol efflux capacity of serum using THP-1 and J774.A1 macrophage foam cells and atherosclerotic fatty streak volume in the aortic sinus of Pcsk9 knockout males fed an atherogenic diet. Results APOE and APOA1 were reduced in the same HDL subfractions of Pcsk9 knockout and human LDLR transgenic male mice. In Pcsk9/Ldlr double-knockout mice, HDL cholesterol concentration was lower than in Ldlr knockout mice and higher than in wild-type controls. In Pcsk9/Apoe double-knockout mice, HDL cholesterol concentration was similar to that of Apoe knockout males. In Pcsk9 knockout males, THP-1 macrophage cholesterol efflux capacity of serum was reduced and the fatty streak lesion volume was similar to wild-type controls. Conclusions In mice, LDLR and APOE are important factors for PCSK9-mediated HDL regulation. Our data suggest that, although LDLR plays a major role in PCSK9-mediated regulation of HDL cholesterol concentration, it is not the only mechanism and that, regardless of mechanism, APOE is essential. Pcsk9 inactivation decreases the HDL cholesterol concentration and cholesterol efflux capacity in serum, but does not increase atherosclerotic fatty streak volume. PMID:23883163

NASH resolution is associated with improvements in HDL and triglyceride levels but not improvement in LDL or non-HDL-C levels.

PubMed

Corey, K E; Vuppalanchi, R; Wilson, L A; Cummings, O W; Chalasani, N

2015-02-01

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To determine the relationship between resolution of NASH and dyslipidemia. Individuals in the Pioglitazone vs. Vitamin E vs. Placebo for the Treatment of Nondiabetic Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (PIVENS) trial with paired liver biopsies and fasting lipid levels were included (N = 222). In the PIVENS trial individuals were randomised to pioglitazone 30 mg, vitamin E 800 IU or placebo for 96 weeks. Change in lipid levels at 96 weeks was compared between those with and without NASH resolution. Dyslipidemia at baseline was frequent, with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women) in 63%, hypertriglyceridaemia (≥150 mg/dL) in 46%, hypercholesterolaemia (≥200 mg/dL) in 47% and triglycerides (TG)/HDL >5.0 in 25%. Low-density lipoprotein (LD) ≥160 mg/dL was found in 16% and elevated non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (≥130 mg/dL) in 73%. HDL increased with NASH resolution but decreased in those without resolution (2.9 mg/dL vs. -2.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001). NASH resolution was associated with significant decreases in TG and TG/HDL ratio compared to those without resolution (TG: -21.1 vs. -2.3 mg/dL, P = 0.03 and TG/HDL: -0.7 vs. 0.1, P = 0.003). Non-HDL-C, LDL and cholesterol decreased over 96 weeks in both groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. Treatment group did not impact lipids. NASH resolution is associated with improvements in TG and HDL but not in other cardiovascular disease risk factors including LDL and non-HDL-C levels. Individuals with resolution of NASH may still be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00063622. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Data Definition Language for GLAD (Graphic Language for Databases).

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-20

basic premises. These principles state that a DBMS interface must be descriptive, powerful, easy-to use and easy to learn . This thesis proposes a data...basic premises. These principles state that a DBMS interface must be descriptive, powerful, easy to use and easy to learn . This thesis proposes a data...criteria will be the most successful. 9 If a system is hard to learn , of those capable of mastering the system few may be willing to expend the time and

Use of Unified Modeling Language (UML) in Model-Based Development (MBD) For Safety-Critical Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

appears that UML is becoming the de facto MBD language. OMG® states the following on the MDA® FAQ page: “Although not formally required [for MBD], UML...a known limitation [42], so UML users should plan accordingly, especially for safety-critical programs. For example, “models are not used to...description of the MBD tool chain can be produced. That description could be resident in a Plan for Software Aspects of Certification (PSAC) or Software

A Note on Intelligence Assessment within Studies of Specific Language Impairment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camarata, Stephen; Swisher, Linda

1990-01-01

Research procedures used to evaluate the intelligence of children with specific language impairment are reviewed. Almost half of the 167 studies did not include adequate descriptions of intelligence assessment. (Author/JDD)

Effect of apoA-I Mutations in the Capacity of Reconstituted HDL to Promote ABCG1-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux.

PubMed

Daniil, Georgios; Zannis, Vassilis I; Chroni, Angeliki

2013-01-01

ATP binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) mediates the cholesterol transport from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), but the role of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the main protein constituent of HDL, in this process is not clear. To address this, we measured cholesterol efflux from HEK293 cells or J774 mouse macrophages overexpressing ABCG1 using as acceptors reconstituted HDL (rHDL) containing wild-type or various mutant apoA-I forms. It was found that ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux was severely reduced (by 89%) when using rHDL containing the carboxyl-terminal deletion mutant apoA-I[Δ(185-243)]. ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux was not affected or moderately decreased by rHDL containing amino-terminal deletion mutants and several mid-region deletion or point apoA-I mutants, and was restored to 69-99% of control by double deletion mutants apoA-I[Δ(1-41)Δ(185-243)] and apoA-I[Δ(1-59)Δ(185-243)]. These findings suggest that the central helices alone of apoA-I associated to rHDL can promote ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Further analysis showed that rHDL containing the carboxyl-terminal deletion mutant apoA-I[Δ(185-243)] only slightly reduced (by 22%) the ABCG1-mediated efflux of 7-ketocholesterol, indicating that depending on the sterol type, structural changes in rHDL-associated apoA-I affect differently the ABCG1-mediated efflux of cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol. Overall, our findings demonstrate that rHDL-associated apoA-I structural changes affect the capacity of rHDL to accept cellular cholesterol by an ABCG1-mediated process. The structure-function relationship seen here between rHDL-associated apoA-I mutants and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux closely resembles that seen before in lipid-free apoA-I mutants and ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, suggesting that both processes depend on the same structural determinants of apoA-I.

Interrelationships between postprandial lipoprotein B:CIII particle changes and high-density lipoprotein subpopulation profiles in mixed hyperlipoproteinemia.

PubMed

Saïdi, Y; Sich, D; Camproux, A; Egloff, M; Federspiel, M C; Gautier, V; Raisonnier, A; Turpin, G; Beucler, I

1999-01-01

We studied the relationships postprandially between triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in 11 mixed hyperlipoproteinemia (MHL) and 11 hypercholesterolemia (HCL) patients. The high and prolonged postprandial triglyceridemia response observed in MHL but not HCL patients was essentially dependent on very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) changes. This abnormal response was related to decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity (-48.7%, P<.01) in MHL compared with HCL subjects. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity was postprandially enhanced only in MHL patients, and this elevation persisted in the late period (+19% at 12 hours, P<.05), sustaining the delayed enrichment of VLDL with cholesteryl ester (CE). The late postprandial period in MHL patients was also characterized by high levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins with apoCIII ([LpB:CIII] +36% at 12 hours, P<.01) and decreased levels of apoCIII contained in HDL ([LpCIII-HDL] -34% at 12 hours, P<.01), reflecting probably a defective return of apoCIII from TRL toward HDL. In MHL compared with HCL patients, decreased HDL2 levels were related to both HDL2b and HDL2a subpopulations (-57% and -49%, respectively, P<.01 for both) and decreased apoA-I levels (-53%, P<.01) were equally linked to decreased HDL2 with apoA-I only (LpA-I) and HDL2 with both apoA-I and apoA-II ([LpA-I:A-II] -55% and -52%, respectively, P<.01 for both). The significant inverse correlations between the postprandial magnitude of LpB:CIII and HDL2-LpA-I and HDL2b levels in MHL patients underline the close TRL-HDL interrelationships. Our findings indicate that TRL and HDL abnormalities evidenced at fasting were postprandially amplified, tightly interrelated, and persistent during the late fed period in mixed hyperlipidemia. Thus, these fasting abnormalities are likely postprandially originated and may constitute proatherogenic lipoprotein disorders additional to the HCL in MHL patients.

Low HDL cholesterol as a cardiovascular risk factor in rural, urban, and rural-urban migrants: PERU MIGRANT cohort study

PubMed Central

Lazo-Porras, María; Bernabe-Ortiz, Antonio; Málaga, Germán; Gilman, Robert H.; Acuña-Villaorduña, Ana; Cardenas-Montero, Deborah; Smeeth, Liam; Miranda, J. Jaime

2016-01-01

Introduction Whilst the relationship between lipids and cardiovascular mortality has been well studied and appears to be controversial, very little has been explored in the context of rural-to-urban migration in low-resource settings. Objective Determine the profile and related factors for HDL-c patterns (isolated and non-isolated low HDL-c) in three population-based groups according to their migration status, and determine the effect of HDL-c patterns on the rates of cardiovascular outcomes (i.e. non-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction) and mortality. Methods Cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal data from the PERU MIGRANT study, designed to assess the effect of migration on cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality in Peru. Two different analyses were performed: first, we estimated prevalence and associated factors with isolated and non-isolated low HDL-c at baseline. Second, using longitudinal information, relative risk ratios (RRR) of composite outcomes of mortality, non-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction were calculated according to HDL-c levels at baseline. Results Data from 988 participants, rural (n = 201), rural-to-urban migrants (n = 589), and urban (n = 199) groups, was analysed. Low HDL-c was present in 56.5% (95%CI: 53.4%–59.6%) without differences by study groups. Isolated low HDL-c was found in 36.5% (95%CI: 33.5–39.5%), with differences between study groups. In multivariable analysis, urban group (vs. rural), female gender, overweight and obesity were independently associated with isolated low HDL-c. Only female gender, overweight and obesity were associated with non-isolated low HDL-c. Longitudinal analyses showed that non-isolated low HDL-c increased the risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes (RRR = 3.46; 95%CI: 1.23–9.74). Conclusions Isolated low HDL-c was the most common dyslipidaemia in the study population and was more frequent in rural subjects. Non-isolated low HDL-c increased three-to fourfold the 5-year risk of cardiovascular outcomes. PMID:26752691

Low HDL cholesterol as a cardiovascular risk factor in rural, urban, and rural-urban migrants: PERU MIGRANT cohort study.

PubMed

Lazo-Porras, María; Bernabe-Ortiz, Antonio; Málaga, Germán; Gilman, Robert H; Acuña-Villaorduña, Ana; Cardenas-Montero, Deborah; Smeeth, Liam; Miranda, J Jaime

2016-03-01

Whilst the relationship between lipids and cardiovascular mortality has been well studied and appears to be controversial, very little has been explored in the context of rural-to-urban migration in low-resource settings. Determine the profile and related factors for HDL-c patterns (isolated and non-isolated low HDL-c) in three population-based groups according to their migration status, and determine the effect of HDL-c patterns on the rates of cardiovascular outcomes (i.e. non-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction) and mortality. Cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal data from the PERU MIGRANT study, designed to assess the effect of migration on cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality in Peru. Two different analyses were performed: first, we estimated prevalence and associated factors with isolated and non-isolated low HDL-c at baseline. Second, using longitudinal information, relative risk ratios (RRR) of composite outcomes of mortality, non-fatal stroke and non-fatal myocardial infarction were calculated according to HDL-c levels at baseline. Data from 988 participants, rural (n = 201), rural-to-urban migrants (n = 589), and urban (n = 199) groups, was analysed. Low HDL-c was present in 56.5% (95%CI: 53.4%-59.6%) without differences by study groups. Isolated low HDL-c was found in 36.5% (95%CI: 33.5-39.5%), with differences between study groups. In multivariable analysis, urban group (vs. rural), female gender, overweight and obesity were independently associated with isolated low HDL-c. Only female gender, overweight and obesity were associated with non-isolated low HDL-c. Longitudinal analyses showed that non-isolated low HDL-c increased the risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes (RRR = 3.46; 95%CI: 1.23-9.74). Isolated low HDL-c was the most common dyslipidaemia in the study population and was more frequent in rural subjects. Non-isolated low HDL-c increased three-to fourfold the 5-year risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Disruption of Human Plasma High Density Lipoproteins by Streptococcal Serum Opacity Factor Requires Labile Apolipoprotein A-I

PubMed Central

Han, Mikyung; Gillard, Baiba K.; Courtney, Harry S.; Ward, Kathryn; Rosales, Corina; Khant, Htet; Ludtke, Steven J.; Pownall, Henry J.

2010-01-01

Human plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL), the primary vehicle for reverse cholesterol transport, are the target of serum opacity factor (SOF), a virulence determinant of Streptococcus pyogenes that turns serum opaque. HDL comprise a core of neutral lipids–cholesteryl esters and some triglyceride–surrounded by a surface monolayer of cholesterol, phospholipids, and specialized proteins–apolipoproteins (apos) A-I and A-II. HDL is an unstable particle residing in a kinetic trap from which it can escape via chaotropic, detergent or thermal perturbation. Recombinant (r) SOF catalyzes the transfer of nearly all neutral lipids of ~100,000 HDL particles (D ~ 8.5 nm) into a single, large cholesteryl ester-rich microemulsion (CERM; D >100 nm) leaving a new HDL-like particle–neo HDL (D ~5.8 nm) while releasing lipid-free (LF) apo A-I. CERM formation and apo A-I release have similar kinetics suggesting parallel or rapid consecutive steps. By using complementary physico-chemical methods, we have refined the mechanistic model for HDL opacification. According to size exclusion chromatography, HDL containing non-labile apo A-I resists rSOF-mediated opacification. Based on kinetic cryo electron microscopy, rSOF (10 nM) catalyzes the conversion of HDL (4 μM) to neo HDL via a step-wise mechanism in which intermediate-size particles are seen. Kinetic turbidimetry revealed opacification as a rising exponential reaction with a rate constant k = (4.400 ± 0.004) × 10−2 min−1. Analysis of the kinetic data using transition state theory gave an enthalpy, entropy and free energy of activation of ΔH‡ = 73.9 kJ/mol, ΔS‡ = −66.87 J/°K, and ΔG‡ = 94.6 kJ/mol respectively. The free energy of activation for opacification is nearly identical to that for the displacement of apo A-I from HDL by guanidine hydrochloride. We conclude that apo A-I lability is required for HDL opacification, LF apo A-I desorption is the rate-limiting step, and nearly all HDL particles contain at least one labile copy of apo A-I. PMID:19191587

Chronic kidney disease alters lipid trafficking and inflammatory responses in macrophages: effects of liver X receptor agonism.

PubMed

Kaseda, Ryohei; Tsuchida, Yohei; Yang, Hai-Chun; Yancey, Patricia G; Zhong, Jianyong; Tao, Huan; Bian, Aihua; Fogo, Agnes B; Linton, Mac Rae F; Fazio, Sergio; Ikizler, Talat Alp; Kon, Valentina

2018-01-27

Our aim was to evaluate lipid trafficking and inflammatory response of macrophages exposed to lipoproteins from subjects with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to investigate the potential benefits of activating cellular cholesterol transporters via liver X receptor (LXR) agonism. LDL and HDL were isolated by sequential density gradient ultracentrifugation of plasma from patients with stage 3-4 CKD and individuals without kidney disease (HDL CKD and HDL Cont , respectively). Uptake of LDL, cholesterol efflux to HDL, and cellular inflammatory responses were assessed in human THP-1 cells. HDL effects on inflammatory markers (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β), Toll-like receptors-2 (TLR-2) and - 4 (TLR-4), ATP-binding cassette class A transporter (ABCA1), NF-κB, extracellular signal regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot before and after in vitro treatment with an LXR agonist. There was no difference in macrophage uptake of LDL isolated from CKD versus controls. By contrast, HD CKD was significantly less effective than HDL Cont in accepting cholesterol from cholesterol-enriched macrophages (median 20.8% [IQR 16.1-23.7] vs control (26.5% [IQR 19.6-28.5]; p = 0.008). LXR agonist upregulated ABCA1 expression and increased cholesterol efflux to HDL of both normal and CKD subjects, although the latter continued to show lower efflux capacity. HDL CKD increased macrophage cytokine response (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, and NF-κB) versus HDL Cont . The heightened cytokine response to HDL CKD was further amplified in cells treated with LXR agonist. The LXR-augmentation of inflammation was associated with increased TLR-2 and TLR-4 and ERK1/2. Moderate to severe impairment in kidney function promotes foam cell formation that reflects impairment in cholesterol acceptor function of HDL CKD . Activation of cellular cholesterol transporters by LXR agonism improves but does not normalize efflux to HDL CKD . However, LXR agonism actually increases the pro-inflammatory effects of HDL CKD through activation of TLRs and ERK1/2 pathways.

Hepatic lipase gene -514C>T variant is associated with exercise training-induced changes in VLDL and HDL by lipoprotein lipase

PubMed Central

Brinkley, Tina E.; Halverstadt, Amy; Phares, Dana A.; Ferrell, Robert E.; Prigeon, Ronald L.; Goldberg, Andrew P.

2011-01-01

Our objective was to test the hypothesis that a common polymorphism in the hepatic lipase (HL) gene (LIPC -514C>T, rs1800588) influences aerobic exercise training-induced changes in TG, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) through genotype-specific increases in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and that sex may affect these responses. Seventy-six sedentary overweight to obese men and women aged 50–75 yr at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) underwent a 24-wk prospective study of the LIPC -514 genotype-specific effects of exercise training on lipoproteins measured enzymatically and by nuclear magnetic resonance, postheparin LPL and HL activities, body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and computer tomography scan, and aerobic capacity. CT genotype subjects had higher baseline total cholesterol, HDL-C, HDL2-C, large HDL, HDL particle size, and large LDL than CC homozygotes. Exercise training elicited genotype-specific decreases in VLDL-TG (−22 vs. +7%; P < 0.05; CC vs. CT, respectively), total VLDL and medium VLDL, and increases in HDL-C (7 vs. 4%; P < 0.03) and HDL3-C with significant genotype×sex interactions for the changes in HDL-C and HDL3-C (P values = 0.01–0.02). There were also genotype-specific changes in LPL (+23 vs. −6%; P < 0.05) and HL (+7 vs. −24%; P < 0.01) activities, with LPL increasing only in CC subjects (P < 0.006) and HL decreasing only in CT subjects (P < 0.007). Reductions in TG, VLDL-TG, large VLDL, and medium VLDL and increases in HDL3-C and small HDL particles correlated significantly with changes in LPL, but not HL, activity only in CC subjects. This suggests that the LIPC -514C>T variant significantly affects training-induced anti-atherogenic changes in VLDL-TG, VLDL particles, and HDL through an association with increased LPL activity in CC subjects, which could guide therapeutic strategies to reduce CHD risk. PMID:21960661

Total HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in healthy children - Associations with adiposity and dietary intakes of mother and child.

PubMed

Khalil, H; Murrin, C; O'Reilly, M; Viljoen, K; Segurado, R; O'Brien, J; Somerville, R; McGillicuddy, F; Kelleher, C C

2017-01-01

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol efflux capacity in adults may be a measure of the atheroprotective property of HDL. Little however, is known about HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in childhood. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and childhood anthropometrics in a longitudinal study. Seventy-five children (mean age = 9.4 ± 0.4 years) were followed from birth until the age of 9 years. HDL cholesterol efflux capacity was determined at age 9 by incubating serum-derived HDL-supernatants with 3 H-cholesterol labeled J774 macrophages and percentage efflux determined. Mothers provided dietary information by completing food frequency questionnaires in early pregnancy and then 5 years later on behalf of themselves and their children. Pearson's correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to confirm independent associations with HDL efflux. There was a negative correlation between HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and waist circumference at age 5 (r = -0.3, p = 0.01) and age 9 (r = -0.24, p = 0.04) and BMI at age 5 (r = -0.45, p = 0.01) and age 9 (r = -0.19, p = 0.1). Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI at age 5 remained significantly associated with reduced HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). HDL-C was negatively correlated with energy-adjusted fat intake (r = -0.24, p = 0.04) and positively correlated with energy-adjusted protein (r = 0.24, p = 0.04) and starch (r = 0.29, p = 0.01) intakes during pregnancy. HDL-C was not significantly correlated with children dietary intake at age 5. There were no significant correlations between maternal or children dietary intake and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity. This novel analysis shows that efflux capacity is negatively associated with adiposity in early childhood independent of HDL-C. Copyright © 2016 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Endothelial lipase is a major determinant of HDL level

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

Ishida, Tatsuro; Choi, Sungshin; Kundu, Ramendra K.

2003-01-30

For the past three decades, epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated an inverse relationship between plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD). Population-based studies have provided compelling evidence that low HDL-C levels are a risk factor for CHD, and several clinical interventions that increased plasma levels of HDL-C were associated with a reduction in CHD risk. These findings have stimulated extensive investigation into the determinants of plasma HDL-C levels. Turnover studies using radiolabeled apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein component of HDL, suggest that plasma HDL-C concentrations are highly correlated with the rate of clearance of apolipoprotein AI. However,more » the metabolic mechanisms by which HDL are catabolized have not been fully defined. Previous studies in humans with genetic deficiency of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and in mice lacking the scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI), have demonstrated that these proteins participate in the removal of cholesterol from HDL, while observations in individuals with mutations in hepatic lipase indicate that this enzyme hydrolyzes HDL triglycerides. In this issue of the JCI, reports from laboratories of Tom Quertermous and Dan Rader now indicate that endothelial lipase (LIPG), a newly identified member of the lipase family, catalyzes the hydrolysis of HDL phospholipids and facilitates the clearance of HDL from the circulation. Endothelial lipase was initially cloned by both of these laboratories using entirely different strategies. Quertermous and his colleagues identified endothelial lipase as a transcript that was upregulated in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells undergoing tube formation, whereas the Rader group cloned endothelial lipase as a transcript that was upregulated in the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1 exposed to oxidized LDL. Database searches revealed that endothelial lipase shows strong sequence similarity to lipoprotein lipase (44 percent identity) and hepatic lipase (41 percent identity), two well-characterized lipases that function at vascular endothelial surfaces. Critical motifs associated with lipase activity (GXSXG and the catalytic triad S169, D193, H274), and with heparin binding were strongly conserved. Interestingly, in contrast to both lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, endothelial lipase has little triglyceride hydrolase activity in vitro but instead cleaves fatty acids from the sn-1 position of phosphatidylcho-line. In in vitro assays the enzyme is most active on lipids presented in HDL, although it will release fatty acids from all classes of lipoproteins. Consistent with this finding, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of endothelial lipase in LDL receptor-deficient mice reduced plasma concentrations of VLDL and LDL cholesterol by about 50 percent, whereas HDL-C decreased to almost zero in these animals. These data suggested that endothelial lipase may play a role in HDL catabolism.« less

The Hmong Language: Sounds and Alphabets. General Information Series, No. 14. Indochinese Refugee Education Guides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Applied Linguistics, Arlington, VA.

The purpose of this guide is to provide Americans working with the Hmongs with: (1) some practical information on the Hmongs, their origins and language; (2) a detailed description of the sounds of the Hmong language; and (3) a discussion on Hmong as an unwritten language. This is the first of three guides to be published on the Hmongs, a people…

Trends in lipid profiles and descriptive characteristics of U.S. adults with and without diabetes and cholesterol-lowering medication use-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2012, United States.

PubMed

Mercado, Carla I; Gregg, Edward; Gillespie, Cathleen; Loustalot, Fleetwood

2018-01-01

With a cholesterol-lowering focus for diabetic adults and in the age of polypharmacy, it is important to understand how lipid profile levels differ among those with and without diabetes. Investigate the means, differences, and trends in lipid profile measures [TC, total cholesterol; LDL-c, low-density lipoprotein; HDL-c, high-density lipoprotein; and TG, triglycerides] among US adults by diabetes status and cholesterol-lowering medication. Population number and proportion of adults aged ≥21 years with diabetes and taking cholesterol-lowering medication were estimated using data on 10,384 participants from NHANES 2003-2012. Age-standardized means, trends, and differences in lipid profile measures were estimated by diabetes status and cholesterol medication use. For trends and differences, linear regression analysis were used adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Among diabetic adults, 52% were taking cholesterol-lowering medication compared to the 14% taking cholesterol-lowering medication without diabetes. Although diabetic adults had significantly lower TC and LDL-c levels than non-diabetic adults [% difference (95% confidence interval): TC = -5.2% (-6.8 --3.5), LDL-c = -8.0% (-10.4 --5.5)], the percent difference was greater among adults taking cholesterol medication [TC = -8.0% (-10.3 --5.7); LDL-c = -13.7% (-17.1 --10.2)] than adults not taking cholesterol medication [TC = -3.5% (-5.2 --1.6); LDL-c = -4.3% (-7.1 --1.5)] (interaction p-value: TC = <0.001; LDL-c = <0.001). From 2003-2012, mean TC and HDL-c significantly decreased among diabetic adults taking cholesterol medication [% difference per survey cycle (p-value for linear trend): TC = -2.3% (0.003) and HDL-c = -2.3% (0.033)]. Mean TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c levels did not significantly change from 2003 to 2012 in non-diabetic adults taking cholesterol medication or for adults not taking cholesterol medications. Diabetic adults were more likely to have lower lipid levels, except for triglyceride levels, than non-diabetic adults with profound differences when considering cholesterol medication use, possibly due to the positive effects from clinical diabetes management.

Use of data description languages in the interchange of data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pignede, M.; Real-Planells, B.; Smith, S. R.

1994-01-01

The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is developing Standards for the interchange of information between systems, including those operating under different environments. The objective is to perform the interchange automatically, i.e. in a computer interpretable manner. One aspect of the concept developed by CCSDS is the use of a separate data description to specify the data being transferred. Using the description, data can then be automatically parsed by the receiving computer. With a suitably expressive Data Description Language (DDL), data formats of arbitrary complexity can be handled. The advantages of this approach are: (1) that the description need only be written and distributed once to all users, and (2) new software does not need to be written for each new format, provided generic tools are available to support writing and interpretation of descriptions and the associated data instances. Consequently, the effort of 'hard coding' each new format is avoided and problems of integrating multiple implementations of a given format by different users are avoided. The approach is applicable in any context where computer parsable description of data could enhance efficiency (e.g. within a spacecraft control system, a data delivery system or an archive). The CCSDS have identified several candidate DDL's: EAST (Extended Ada Subset), TSDN (Transfer Syntax Data Notation) and MADEL (Modified ASN.1 as a Data Description Language -- a DDL based on the Abstract Syntax Notation One - ASN.1 - specified in the ISO/IEC 8824). This paper concentrates on ESA's development of MADEL. ESA have also developed a 'proof of concept' prototype of the required support tools, implemented on a PC under MS-DOS, which has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the approach, including the capability within an application of retrieving and displaying particular data elements, given its MADEL description (i.e. a data description written in MADEL). This paper outlines the work done to date and assesses the applicability of this modified ASN.1 as a DDL. The feasibility of the approach is illustrated with several examples.

Pharmacogenomics of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol-raising therapies

PubMed Central

Aslibekyan, Stella; Straka, Robert J.; Irvin, Marguerite R.; Claas, Steven A.; Arnett, Donna K.

2017-01-01

High levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) have traditionally been linked to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, prompting the search for effective and safe HDL-C raising pharmaceutical agents. Although drugs such as niacin and fibrates represent established therapeutic approaches, HDL-C response to such therapies is variable and heritable, suggesting a role for pharmacogenomic determinants. Multiple genetic polymorphisms, located primarily in genes encoding lipoproteins, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, transporters and CYP450 genes have been shown to associate with HDL-C drug response in vitro and in epidemiologic studies. However, few of the pharmacogenomic findings have been independently validated, precluding the development of clinical tools that can be used to predict HDL-C response and leaving the goal of personalized medicine to future efforts. PMID:23469915

Dynamic mapping of EDDL device descriptions to OPC UA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atta Nsiah, Kofi; Schappacher, Manuel; Sikora, Axel

2017-07-01

OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is already a well-known concept used widely in the automation industry. In the area of factory automation, OPC UA models the underlying field devices such as sensors and actuators in an OPC UA server to allow connecting OPC UA clients to access device-specific information via a standardized information model. One of the requirements of the OPC UA server to represent field device data using its information model is to have advanced knowledge about the properties of the field devices in the form of device descriptions. The international standard IEC 61804 specifies EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) as a generic language for describing the properties of field devices. In this paper, the authors describe a possibility to dynamically map and integrate field device descriptions based on EDDL into OPCUA.

Neural systems language: a formal modeling language for the systematic description, unambiguous communication, and automated digital curation of neural connectivity.

PubMed

Brown, Ramsay A; Swanson, Larry W

2013-09-01

Systematic description and the unambiguous communication of findings and models remain among the unresolved fundamental challenges in systems neuroscience. No common descriptive frameworks exist to describe systematically the connective architecture of the nervous system, even at the grossest level of observation. Furthermore, the accelerating volume of novel data generated on neural connectivity outpaces the rate at which this data is curated into neuroinformatics databases to synthesize digitally systems-level insights from disjointed reports and observations. To help address these challenges, we propose the Neural Systems Language (NSyL). NSyL is a modeling language to be used by investigators to encode and communicate systematically reports of neural connectivity from neuroanatomy and brain imaging. NSyL engenders systematic description and communication of connectivity irrespective of the animal taxon described, experimental or observational technique implemented, or nomenclature referenced. As a language, NSyL is internally consistent, concise, and comprehensible to both humans and computers. NSyL is a promising development for systematizing the representation of neural architecture, effectively managing the increasing volume of data on neural connectivity and streamlining systems neuroscience research. Here we present similar precedent systems, how NSyL extends existing frameworks, and the reasoning behind NSyL's development. We explore NSyL's potential for balancing robustness and consistency in representation by encoding previously reported assertions of connectivity from the literature as examples. Finally, we propose and discuss the implications of a framework for how NSyL will be digitally implemented in the future to streamline curation of experimental results and bridge the gaps among anatomists, imagers, and neuroinformatics databases. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Teaching Computer Languages and Elementary Theory for Mixed Audiences at University Level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christiansen, Henning

2004-09-01

Theoretical issues of computer science are traditionally taught in a way that presupposes a solid mathematical background and are usually considered more or less inaccessible for students without this. An effective methodology is described which has been developed for a target group of university students with different backgrounds such as natural science or humanities. It has been developed for a course that integrates theoretical material on computer languages and abstract machines with practical programming techniques. Prolog used as meta-language for describing language issues is the central instrument in the approach: Formal descriptions become running prototypes that are easy and appealing to test and modify, and can be extended into analyzers, interpreters, and tools such as tracers and debuggers. Experience shows a high learning curve, especially when the principles are extended into a learning-by-doing approach having the students to develop such descriptions themselves from an informal introduction.

"Review of English Language Proficiency Tests," J. Alderson, K. Krahnke & C. Stanfield, Eds. Book Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Nancy; Ovando, Carlos, Ed.

1988-01-01

Reviews a volume of descriptive and evaluative information on 47 commercially available English language proficiency tests used in North America, Great Britain, and Australia. The book includes discussions of uses and misuses of tests, and overviews of English as second language testing in North America and Great Britain. (SV)

Second-Language Composition Instruction, Computers and First-Language Pedagogy: A Descriptive Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, T. Edward

1987-01-01

A national survey of full-time instructional faculty (N=208) at universities, 2-year colleges, and high schools regarding attitudes toward using computers in second-language composition instruction revealed a predomination of Apple and IBM-PC computers used, a major frustration in lack of foreign character support, and mixed opinions about real…

A Study of English Language Learning Beliefs, Strategies, and English Academic Achievement of the ESP Students of STIENAS Samarinda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayati, Noor

2015-01-01

This research aimed to investigate; students' English academic achievement, beliefs about English language learning, English language learning strategies, and the relationship of them. Descriptive and correlational design, quantitative methods were applied in this research. The students' final English scores of the first year, BALLI, and SILL were…

English as a Second Language (ESL) in Alberta Schools. Parent Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton.

Schools in Alberta provide English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program support to immigrant students while they are adjusting to Canadian culture and learning the English language. This booklet is for parents who are new to Alberta, whose children are learning ESL and/or who need more information about ESL program support. A description of the…

THE GBAYA LANGUAGE, GRAMMAR, TEXTS, AND VOCABULARIES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

SAMARIN, WILLIAM J.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE GBAYA PEOPLES LIVING IN THE DISTRICT OF BOSSANGOA IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC IS PRESENTED IN THE INTRODUCTION TO THIS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE GBAYA LANGUAGE. (THE LANGUAGE IS SPELLED VARIOUSLY BEA, GBEA, AND GBAYA.) IN THREE SECTIONS, THE FIRST PART OF THE TEXT DEALS WITH THE PHONOLOGY AND…

Unlocking Australia's Language Potential. Profiles of 9 Key Languages in Australia. Volume 6: Italian.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Di Biase, Bruno; And Others

The status of the Italian language in Australia, particularly in the educational system at all levels, in Australian society in general, and in trade, technology, and tourism is discussed in this report. It begins with a description of the teaching of Italian in elementary, secondary, higher, adult/continuing, and teacher education. Trends are…

An Insight into Secondary School Students' Beliefs Regarding Learning English Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aziz, Fakhra; Quraishi, Uzma

2017-01-01

The present descriptive study aimed to get an insight into secondary school students' beliefs regarding English language learning. The survey method was employed for obtaining data from the secondary school students (N = 664). A modified version of "beliefs about language learning inventory" was used to collect data. Five out of nine…

The Impact of Task Type on Oral Performance of English Language Preparatory School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baturay, Meltem Huri; Sancar Tokmak, Hatice; Dogusoy, Berrin; Daloglu, Aysegul

2011-01-01

In this study, the effects of narrative, descriptive and prediction-personal reaction task types with visuals on the oral performance of intermediate level English language learners were compared. The study was carried out at Gazi University Preparatory School, Research and Application Center for the Instruction of Foreign Languages with the…

Practices and Strategies of Self-Initiated Language Learning in an Online Social Network Discussion Forum: A Descriptive Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hsieh, Hsiu-Wei

2012-01-01

The proliferation of information and communication technologies and the prevalence of online social networks have facilitated the opportunities for informal learning of foreign languages. However, little educational research has been conducted on how individuals utilize those social networks to take part in self-initiated language learning without…

Inferring heuristic classification hierarchies from natural language input

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hull, Richard; Gomez, Fernando

1993-01-01

A methodology for inferring hierarchies representing heuristic knowledge about the check out, control, and monitoring sub-system (CCMS) of the space shuttle launch processing system from natural language input is explained. Our method identifies failures explicitly and implicitly described in natural language by domain experts and uses those descriptions to recommend classifications for inclusion in the experts' heuristic hierarchies.

Historical Development of Hong Kong Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sze, Felix; Lo, Connie; Lo, Lisa; Chu, Kenny

2013-01-01

This article traces the origins of Hong Kong Sign Language (hereafter HKSL) and its subsequent development in relation to the establishment of Deaf education in Hong Kong after World War II. We begin with a detailed description of the history of Deaf education with a particular focus on the role of sign language in such development. We then…

The Phonology and Morphology of Kubeo: The Documentation, Theory, and Description of an Amazonian Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chacon, Thiago Costa

2012-01-01

This dissertation offers a detailed account of the phonology, morphophonology and elements of the morphosyntax of Kubeo, a language from the Eastern Tukanoan family, spoken in the Northwest Amazon. The dissertation is itself an experiment of how language documentation and empowering of the native speaker community can be combined with academic…

Metacognition in Speech and Language Therapy for Children with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorders: Implications for a Theory of Therapy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaile, Jacqueline; Adams, Catherine

2018-01-01

Background: Metacognition is a significant component of complex interventions for children who have developmental language disorders. Research into how metacognition operates in the content or process of developmental language therapy delivery is limited. Identification and description of proposed active therapy components, such as metacognition,…

Web Delivery of Adaptive and Interactive Language Tutoring: Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heift, Trude

2016-01-01

This commentary reconsiders the description and assessment of the design and implementation of "German Tutor," an Intelligent Language Tutoring System (ILTS) for learners of German as a foreign language, published in 2001. Based on our experience over the past 15 years with the design and real classroom use of an ILTS, we address a…

More than "Hello" and "Bye-Bye": Opening and Closing the Online Chats in Mandarin Chinese

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, De

2014-01-01

Reporting on a descriptive study on the first semester Chinese language learners' openings and closings in online chats with age-peer native speakers of Chinese, this paper demonstrates the great promise that telecollaboration holds for foreign language education, and argues for an increasing role of pragmatics in Chinese language instruction, and…

YURAK CHRESTOMATHY. URALIC AND ALTAIC SERIES, VOLUME 50.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DECSY, GYULA

THE YURAK LANGUAGE, THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE SAMOYED LANGUAGE GROUP, IS SPOKEN BY ABOUT 25,000 YURAKS IN AN AREA WHICH EXTENDS FROM ARKHANGEL TO THE YENISEY RIVER IN NORTHWESTERN SIBERIA. THIS CHRESTOMATHY PRESENTS A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE AND ITS MAIN DIALECTS. PART ONE, DESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR, IS PREFACED BY AN EXPLANATION OF THE…

Investigating Lifelong Learning Dispositions of Students Studying English Language and Literature in Terms of Different Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elaldi, Senel

2015-01-01

This study aims to determine lifelong learning dispositions of English Language and Literature students in terms of gender, grade levels, and age variables. Descriptive research design was used. The study group consisted of 402 students studying English Language and Literature at Cumhuriyet University in Sivas, Turkey. Research data were collected…

A Guide to Internet Resources in Language Arts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Homme, John, Comp.; And Others

This paper presents a list of 154 Internet resources (listservs, freenets, telnet sites, gophers, etc.) dealing with language arts. Each entry in the list includes the name of the resource, and subscription and electronic mail addresses. Some of the entries in the list include a brief description of the resource. The paper lists 17 language arts…

Task-Based Language Teaching with Smartphones: A Case Study in Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rashid, Shaista; Cunningham, Una; Watson, Kevin

2017-01-01

Integration of technology in task-based language teaching (TBLT) has long been a source of attraction for language teachers (Pierson, 2015). In the case of developing countries, such as Pakistan, mobile phones are the modern form of technology commonly available at low cost to individuals as well as institutions. The present descriptive case study…

Characteristics of English Language Learners in the School District of Philadelphia. PERC Research Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Joshua; Hughes, Rosemary; Long, Daniel; Kim, Dae

2016-01-01

As a group, English Language Learners (ELLs) are diverse and come from a variety of home languages, cultures, educational backgrounds, and educational needs. This brief focuses on descriptive characteristics of the ELL students served by the School District of Philadelphia in 2014-2015. Specifically, this brief highlights the diversity of the ELL…

A Synthesis of Language Learning Strategies: Current Issues, Problems and Claims Made in Learner Strategy Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barjesteh, Hamed; Mukundan, Jayakaran; Vaseghi, Reza

2014-01-01

The current paper presented theoretical assumptions behind language learning strategies (LLS) and an overview of methods used to identify learners' strategies, first, and then summarized what have been reported from large number of descriptive studies of strategies by language learners. Moreover, the paper tried to present the variety of…

On Selected Morphemes in Saudi Arabian Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Carla; Schneider, Erin

2012-01-01

Following a year of study of Saudi Arabian Sign Language (SASL), we are documenting our findings to provide a grammatical sketch of the language. This paper represents one part of that endeavor and focuses on a description of selected morphemes, both manual and non-manual, that have appeared in the course of data collection. While some of the…

Cultural Studies and Foreign Language Teaching in Denmark. ROLIG-papir 41.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Risager, Karen

A description is provided of foreign language and related cultural education (English, French, and German) in Denmark since the 1950s. The first section gives an overview of the development of Danish society in general since the second world war, and more specifically, of developments in foreign language teaching. The second section briefly…

Pluricentric Views towards English and Implications for ELT in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jianli, Liang

2015-01-01

Descriptions of the classifications or models of English language have been proposed by a number of scholars who attempt to explain the differences in the ways English is used in different localities. This paper reviews three models of classification of English language, with an aim of drawing implications on how English Language Teaching (ELT) in…

Language Assessment and the Inseparability of Lexis and Grammar: Focus on the Construct of Speaking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Römer, Ute

2017-01-01

This paper aims to connect recent corpus research on phraseology with current language testing practice. It discusses how corpora and corpus-analytic techniques can illuminate central aspects of speech and help in conceptualizing the notion of lexicogrammar in second language speaking assessment. The description of speech and some of its core…

The Foreign Language Classroom: Current Perspectives and Future Considerations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Laura; Muñoz, Carmen

2016-01-01

"The Modern Language Journal" has long been an important venue for the publication of research and reflection on the teaching and learning of foreign languages (FL) in classroom contexts. In this article, we offer a perspective on the contemporary FL classroom, informed by a descriptive survey of all studies that took place in FL classes…

Conditions Restraining the Teaching of Major Nigerian Languages in Secondary School in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chidi-Ehiem, Ugochi Ijeoma

2015-01-01

This descriptive survey was carried out in order to determine the conditions handicapping the teaching of major Nigerian languages in secondary schools in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A random sample of 953 students and 602 language teachers completed a corresponding copies of questionnaire designed for the study. Out of 1555 copies of questionnaire…

Social Positioning, Participation, and Second Language Learning: Talkative Students in an Academic ESL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kayi-Aydar, Hayriye

2014-01-01

Guided by positioning theory and poststructural views of second language learning, the two descriptive case studies presented in this article explored the links between social positioning and the language learning experiences of two talkative students in an academic ESL classroom. Focusing on the macro- and micro-level contexts of communication,…

Current Issues in LPP Research and Their Impact on Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darquennes, Jeroen

2013-01-01

After a very broad description of what language policy and planning is about this paper presents an overview of some of the current preoccupations of researchers focusing on language policy and planning as one of the blooming fields of applied linguistics. The current issues in language policy and planning research that are dealt with include…

What Do Learners Make of Teachers' Gestures in the Language Classroom?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sime, Daniela

2006-01-01

This study explores the meanings that learners of English as a foreign language give to teachers' gestures. It is a qualitative, descriptive study of the perceived functions that gestures perform in the EFL classroom, viewed mainly from the language learners' perspective. The data for the study was collected through interviews with twenty-two…

Technologies and Second Language: Nigerian Students' Adaptive Strategies to Cope with Language Barrier in Northern Cyprus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elega, Adeola Abdulateef; Özad, Bahire Efe

2017-01-01

This study sought to investigate how Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus cope with language barrier and increase interactions with people of the host community beyond the classroom via utilizing technological adaptive strategies. In order to complete this study, a descriptive design based on a survey conducted among 238 Nigerian students studying…

Cognitive, cultural, and linguistic sources of a handshape distinction expressing agentivity.

PubMed

Brentari, Diane; Di Renzo, Alessio; Keane, Jonathan; Volterra, Virginia

2015-01-01

In this paper the cognitive, cultural, and linguistic bases for a pattern of conventionalization of two types of iconic handshapes are described. Work on sign languages has shown that handling handshapes (H-HSs: those that represent how objects are handled or manipulated) and object handshapes (O-HSs: those that represent the class, size, or shape of objects) express an agentive/non-agentive semantic distinction in many sign languages. H-HSs are used in agentive event descriptions and O-HSs are used in non-agentive event descriptions. In this work, American Sign Language (ASL) and Italian Sign Language (LIS) productions are compared (adults and children) as well as the corresponding groups of gesturers in each country using "silent gesture." While the gesture groups, in general, did not employ an H-HS/O-HS distinction, all participants (signers and gesturers) used iconic handshapes (H-HSs and O-HSs together) more often in agentive than in no-agent event descriptions; moreover, none of the subjects produced an opposite pattern than the expected one (i.e., H-HSs associated with no-agent descriptions and O-HSs associated with agentive ones). These effects are argued to be grounded in cognition. In addition, some individual gesturers were observed to produce the H-HS/O-HS opposition for agentive and non-agentive event descriptions-that is, more Italian than American adult gesturers. This effect is argued to be grounded in culture. Finally, the agentive/non-agentive handshape opposition is confirmed for signers of ASL and LIS, but previously unreported cross-linguistic differences were also found across both adult and child sign groups. It is, therefore, concluded that cognitive, cultural, and linguistic factors contribute to the conventionalization of this distinction of handshape type. Copyright © 2014 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Descriptive epidemiology of metabolic syndrome among obese adolescent population.

PubMed

Mahbuba, Sharmin; Mohsin, Fauzia; Rahat, Farhana; Nahar, Jebun; Begum, Tahmina; Nahar, Nazmun

2018-05-01

The study was done to assess the magnitude of problems of metabolic syndrome among obese adolescents. It was a cross-sectional study done from January 2013 to June 2014 in paediatric endocrine outpatient department in BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total 172 adolescents having exogenous obesity aged 10-18 years were included. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were defined as per WHO criteria.The adolescents having Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥95th centile were classified as obese.Waist circumference was measured at the level midway between the lower rib margin & the iliac crest, at the level of umbilicus with the person breathing out gently in centimeter. Hip circumference was measured at the maximum width over the buttocks at the level of the greater trochanters in centimeter. Among 172 obese adolescents, metabolic syndrome was found in 66 patients (38.4%). The commonest metabolic abnormality among those having metabolic syndrome was low HDL level (77.3%) followed by high triglyceride level(71.2%). Glucose intolerance (IFG and/or IGT) was found in 16.7%, Type 2 DM in 10.6%, systolic hypertension in 10.7% and diastolic hypertension in 12.1%. Triglyceride (p = 0.042) and Cholesterol level (p = 0.016) were significantly higher and HDL-cholesterol level (p = 0.000) was significantly lower among obese adolescents having metabolic syndrome. Less physical activity (p = 0.04) was significantly related to the development of metabolic syndrome. On logistic regression analysis male sex, family history of obesity and low HDL-cholesterol correlated to metabolic syndrome. The High rate of metabolic syndrome among obese adolescents is alarming. Copyright © 2018 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2010 ESMD Faculty Fellowship Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carmen, Christina L.; Morris, Tommy; Schmidt, Peter; van Susante, Paul; Zalewski, Janusz; Murphy, Gloria

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews is composed of 6 individual sections. The first is a introductory section that explains the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) Faculty Fellowship Project, the purpose of which is to prepare selected university faculty to work with senior design students to complete projects that have potential to contribute to NASA objectives. The following university presentations represent the chosen projects: (1) the use of Exploration Toolset for the Optimization of Launch and Space Systems (X-TOOLSS) to optimize the Lunar Wormbot design; (2) development of Hardware Definition Language (HDL) realization of ITU G.729 for FGPA; (3) cryogenic fluid and electrical quick connect system and a lunar regolith design; (4) Lunar Landing Pad development; and (5) Prognostics for complex systems.

Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Children

PubMed Central

Iwani, Nur Ahmad Kamil Zati; Jalaludin, Muhammad Yazid; Zin, Ruziana Mona Wan Mohd; Fuziah, Md Zain; Hong, Janet Yeow Hua; Abqariyah, Yahya; Mokhtar, Abdul Halim; Wan Nazaimoon, Wan Mohamud

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of triglyceride to hdl-c ratio (TG:HDL-C) as an insulin resistance (IR) marker for overweight and obese children. A total of 271 blood samples of obese and overweight children aged 9–16 years were analysed for fasting glucose, lipids and insulin. Children were divided into IR and non-insulin resistance, using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The children were then stratified by tertiles of TG: HDL-C ratio. The strength between TG:HDL-C ratio and other parameters of IR were quantified using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Odds ratio was estimated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, pubertal stages and IR potential risk factors. Children with IR had significantly higher TG:HDL-C ratio (2.48) (p = 0.01). TG:HDL-C ratio was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.104, p < 0.005) and waist circumference (r = 0.134, p < 0.001). Increasing tertiles of TG:HDL-C ratio showed significant increase in mean insulin level (p = 0.03), HOMA-IR (p = 0.04) and significantly higher number of children with acanthosis nigricans and metabolic syndrome. The odds of having IR was about 2.5 times higher (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.23, 4.95; p = 0.01) for those in the highest tertiles of TG:HDL-C ratio. Hence, TG:HDL-C may be a useful tool to identify high risk individuals. PMID:28059134

Is High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Causally Related to Kidney Function? Evidence From Genetic Epidemiological Studies.

PubMed

Coassin, Stefan; Friedel, Salome; Köttgen, Anna; Lamina, Claudia; Kronenberg, Florian

2016-11-01

A recent observational study with almost 2 million men reported an association between low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and worse kidney function. The causality of this association would be strongly supported if genetic variants associated with HDL cholesterol were also associated with kidney function. We used 68 genetic variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) associated with HDL cholesterol in genome-wide association studies including >188 000 subjects and tested their association with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using summary statistics from another genome-wide association studies meta-analysis of kidney function including ≤133 413 subjects. Fourteen of the 68 SNPs (21%) had a P value <0.05 compared with the 5% expected by chance (Binomial test P=5.8×10 - 6 ). After Bonferroni correction, 6 SNPs were still significantly associated with eGFR. The genetic variants with the strongest associations with HDL cholesterol concentrations were not the same as those with the strongest association with kidney function and vice versa. An evaluation of pleiotropy indicated that the effects of the HDL-associated SNPs on eGFR were not mediated by HDL cholesterol. In addition, we performed a Mendelian randomization analysis. This analysis revealed a positive but nonsignificant causal effect of HDL cholesterol-increasing variants on eGFR. In summary, our findings indicate that HDL cholesterol does not causally influence eGFR and propose pleiotropic effects on eGFR for some HDL cholesterol-associated SNPs. This may cause the observed association by mechanisms other than the mere HDL cholesterol concentration. © 2016 The Authors.

Apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and E are independently distributed among intracellular and newly secreted HDL of human hepatoma cells

PubMed Central

Gillard, Baiba K.; Lin, Hu-Yu Alice; Massey, John B.; Pownall, Henry J.

2009-01-01

Whereas hepatocytes secrete the major human plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL)-protein, apo A-I, as lipid-free and lipidated species, the biogenic itineraries of apo A-II and apo E are unknown. Human plasma and HepG2 cell-derived apo A-II and apo E occur as monomers, homodimers and heterodimers. Dimerization of apo A-II, which is more lipophilic than apo A-I, is catalyzed by lipid surfaces. Thus, we hypothesized that lipidation of intracellular and secreted apo A-II exceeds that of apo A-I, and once lipidated, apo A-II dimerizes. Fractionation of HepG2 cell lysate and media by size exclusion chromatography showed that intracellular apo A-II and apo E are fully lipidated and occur on nascent HDL and VLDL respectively, while only 45% of intracellular apo A-I is lipidated. Secreted apo A-II and apo E occur on small HDL and on LDL and large HDL respectively. HDL particles containing both apo A-II and apo A-I form only after secretion from both HepG2 and Huh7 hepatoma cells. Apo A-II dimerizes intracellularly while intracellular apo E is monomeric but after secretion associates with HDL and subsequently dimerizes. Thus, HDL apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and E have distinct intracellular and post-secretory pathways of hepatic lipidation and dimerization in the process of HDL formation. These early forms of HDL are expected to follow different apolipoprotein-specific pathways through plasma remodeling and reverse cholesterol transport. PMID:19635584

Relationship between Triglyceride and HDL-C ratio with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PubMed

Islam, M Z; Islam, M N; Bhowmik, T K; Saha, B; Hossain, M S; Ahmed, H; Ali, M S; Shakil, S S; Paul, P K

2018-04-01

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for one third of death, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause. Dyslipidaemiais one of the major contributors increased of CAD risk. This study was aimed to find out the relationship between triglyceride and HDL cholesterol ratio with acute coronary syndrome. This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from August 2009 to May 2010. Smoking, hypertension, serum total cholesterol level, serum HDL-C, LDL-C, triglyceride (TG) level were important variable considered. A total number of 100 respondents consisted of 50 cases (patient) and 50 healthy persons (control). Investigations included ECG, Troponin-I, FBS and lipid profile. The data was analyzed by computer with the help of SPSS; Chi-square test, 't' test, ANOVA test used as test of significance. The mean level in cases of TG 168.2±88.0 vs. HDL 41.3±5.1 in control level TG 141.2±45.3 and HDL 34.2±3.4. TG/HDL ratio cases 4.2±1.7 and control 4.1±1.3. This ratio >4 is atherogenic for CAD. Unadjusted odds ratio TG/HDL ratio level high (>1). In multivariable regression analysis, TG/HDL ratio was strong relation with ACS. The study reflected that high TG/HDL ratio is associated with ACS. Categorization of patient with ACS on the basis of high TG/HDL ratio will be helpful for risk stratification and management.

ApoA-I/A-II-HDL positively associates with apoB-lipoproteins as a potential atherogenic indicator.

PubMed

Kido, Toshimi; Kondo, Kazuo; Kurata, Hideaki; Fujiwara, Yoko; Urata, Takeyoshi; Itakura, Hiroshige; Yokoyama, Shinji

2017-11-29

We recently reported distinct nature of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) subgroup particles with apolipoprotein (apo) A-I but not apoA-II (LpAI) and HDL having both (LpAI:AII) based on the data from 314 Japanese. While plasma HDL level almost exclusively depends on concentration of LpAI having 3 to 4 apoA-I molecules, LpAI:AII appeared with almost constant concentration regardless of plasma HDL levels having stable structure with two apoA-I and one disulfide-dimeric apoA-II molecules (Sci. Rep. 6; 31,532, 2016). The aim of this study is further characterization of LpAI:AII with respect to its role in atherogenesis. Association of LpAI, LpAI:AII and other HDL parameters with apoB-lipoprotein parameters was analyzed among the cohort data above. ApoA-I in LpAI negatively correlated with the apoB-lipoprotein parameters such as apoB, triglyceride, nonHDL-cholesterol, and nonHDL-cholesterol + triglyceride, which are apparently reflected in the relations of the total HDL parameters to apoB-lipoproteins. In contrast, apoA-I in LpAI:AII and apoA-II positively correlated to the apoB-lipoprotein parameters even within their small range of variation. These relationships are independent of sex, but may slightly be influenced by the activity-related CETP mutations. The study suggested that LpAI:AII is an atherogenic indicator rather than antiatherogenic. These sub-fractions of HDL are to be evaluated separately for estimating atherogenic risk of the patients.

Interleukin-6 genotype is associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol responses to exercise training.

PubMed

Halverstadt, Amy; Phares, Dana A; Roth, Stephen; Ferrell, Robert E; Goldberg, Andrew P; Hagberg, James M

2005-05-15

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and its subfractions are modifiable with exercise training and these responses are heritable. The interleukin-6 (IL6)-174G/C polymorphism may be associated with HDL-C levels. We hypothesized that the IL6-174G/C polymorphism would be associated with plasma HDL-C response to exercise training. Sixty-five 50- to 75-year-olds on a standardized diet were studied before and after 24 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Significant differences existed among genotype groups for change with exercise training in HDL-C, HDL3-C, integrated HDL4,5NMR-C, and HDLsize. The CC genotype group increased HDL-C more than the GG (7.0 +/- 1.3 v. 1.0 +/- 1.1 mg/dL, p = 0.001) and GC groups (3.3 +/- 0.9 mg/dL, p = 0.02); for HDL3-C, the CC group increased more than the GG (6.1 +/- 1.0 v. 0.9 +/- 0.9, mg/dL p < 0.001) and GC groups (2.5 +/- 0.7 mg/dL, p = 0.006). Integrated HDL4,5NMR-C increased more in the CC than GG group (6.5 +/- 1.6 mg/dL v. 1.0 +/- 1.3 mg/dL, p = 0.01), as did HDLsize compared to the GG (CC: 0.3 +/- 0.1 v. GG: 0.1 +/- 0.1 nm, p = 0.02) and GC (0.0 +/- 0.0 nm, p = 0.007) groups. IL6 genotype is associated with HDL-C response to exercise training.

Plasma triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk in young adults

PubMed Central

Murguía-Romero, Miguel; Jiménez-Flores, J. Rafael; Sigrist-Flores, Santiago C.; Espinoza-Camacho, Miguel A.; Jiménez-Morales, Mayra; Piña, Enrique; Méndez-Cruz, A. René; Villalobos-Molina, Rafael; Reaven, Gerald M.

2013-01-01

Studies in mature adults suggest that the plasma concentration ratio of triglyceride (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) provides a simple way to identify apparently healthy individuals who are insulin resistant (IR) and at increased cardiometabolic risk. This study extends these observations by examining the clinical utility of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 2,244 healthy college students (17–24 years old) of Mexican Mestizo ancestry. The TG/HDL-C ratio separating the 25% with the highest value was used to identify IR and increased cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors were more adverse in men and women whose TG/HDL-C ratios exceeded 3.5 and 2.5, respectively, and approximately one third were identified as being IR. The MetS identified fewer individuals as being IR, but their risk profile was accentuated. In conclusion, both a higher TG/HDL-C ratio and a diagnosis of the MetS identify young IR individuals with an increased cardiometabolic risk profile. The TG/HDL-C ratio identified a somewhat greater number of “high risk” subjects, whereas the MetS found a group whose risk profile was somewhat magnified. These findings suggest that the TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as a simple and clinically useful approach to identify apparently healthy, young individuals who are IR and at increased cardiometabolic risk. PMID:23863983

Triglyceride to HDL-C ratio and increased arterial stiffness in children, adolescents, and young adults.

PubMed

Urbina, Elaine M; Khoury, Philip R; McCoy, Connie E; Dolan, Lawrence M; Daniels, Stephen R; Kimball, Thomas R

2013-04-01

Lipid levels are linked to early atherosclerosis. Risk stratification may be improved by using triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which relates to arterial stiffness in adults. We tested whether TG/HDL-C was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in youth. Subjects 10 to 26 years old (mean 18.9 years, 39% male, 56% non-Caucasian, n = 893) had laboratory, anthropometric, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness data collected (brachial distensibility, augmentation index, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity). Subjects were stratified into tertiles of TG/HDL-C (low, n = 227; mid, n = 288; high, n = 379). There was a progressive rise in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and arterial stiffness across TG/HDL-C ratio. The high TG/HDL-C ratio group had the stiffest vessels (all P < .03 by analysis of variance). TG/HDL-C as a continuous variable was an independent determinant of brachial distensibility in CV risk factor adjusted model and for carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity in obese subjects, with trend for higher augmentation index. TG/HDL-C, an estimate of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is an independent determinant of arterial stiffness in adolescents and young adults, especially in obese youth. These data suggest that use of TG/HDL-C may be helpful in identifying young adults requiring aggressive intervention to prevent atherosclerotic CV diseases.

Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio and Increased Arterial Stiffness in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

PubMed Central

Khoury, Philip R.; McCoy, Connie E.; Dolan, Lawrence M.; Daniels, Stephen R.; Kimball, Thomas R.

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lipid levels are linked to early atherosclerosis. Risk stratification may be improved by using triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which relates to arterial stiffness in adults. We tested whether TG/HDL-C was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in youth. METHODS: Subjects 10 to 26 years old (mean 18.9 years, 39% male, 56% non-Caucasian, n = 893) had laboratory, anthropometric, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness data collected (brachial distensibility, augmentation index, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity). Subjects were stratified into tertiles of TG/HDL-C (low, n = 227; mid, n = 288; high, n = 379). RESULTS: There was a progressive rise in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and arterial stiffness across TG/HDL-C ratio. The high TG/HDL-C ratio group had the stiffest vessels (all P < .03 by analysis of variance). TG/HDL-C as a continuous variable was an independent determinant of brachial distensibility in CV risk factor adjusted model and for carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity in obese subjects, with trend for higher augmentation index. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL-C, an estimate of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is an independent determinant of arterial stiffness in adolescents and young adults, especially in obese youth. These data suggest that use of TG/HDL-C may be helpful in identifying young adults requiring aggressive intervention to prevent atherosclerotic CV diseases. PMID:23460684

Metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity in high HDL-C healthy normal weight subjects.

PubMed

Leança, Camila C; Nunes, Valéria S; Panzoldo, Natália B; Zago, Vanessa S; Parra, Eliane S; Cazita, Patrícia M; Jauhiainen, Matti; Passarelli, Marisa; Nakandakare, Edna R; de Faria, Eliana C; Quintão, Eder C R

2013-11-22

We have searched if plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration interferes simultaneously with whole-body cholesterol metabolism and insulin sensitivity in normal weight healthy adult subjects. We have measured the activities of several plasma components that are critically influenced by insulin and that control lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with low and high HDL-C concentrations. These parameters included cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), pre-beta-₁HDL, and plasma sterol markers of cholesterol synthesis and intestinal absorption. In the high-HDL-C group, we found lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, HOMA-IR index, activities of LCAT and HL compared with the low HDL-C group; additionally, we found higher activity of LPL and pre-beta-₁HDL concentration in the high-HDL-C group. There were no differences in the plasma CETP and PLTP activities. These findings indicate that in healthy hyperalphalipoproteinemia subjects, several parameters that control the metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoproteins are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity.

HDL particles incorporate into lipid bilayers - a combined AFM and single molecule fluorescence microscopy study.

PubMed

Plochberger, Birgit; Röhrl, Clemens; Preiner, Johannes; Rankl, Christian; Brameshuber, Mario; Madl, Josef; Bittman, Robert; Ros, Robert; Sezgin, Erdinc; Eggeling, Christian; Hinterdorfer, Peter; Stangl, Herbert; Schütz, Gerhard J

2017-11-21

The process, how lipids are removed from the circulation and transferred from high density lipoprotein (HDL) - a main carrier of cholesterol in the blood stream - to cells, is highly complex. HDL particles are captured from the blood stream by the scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI), the so-called HDL receptor. The details in subsequent lipid-transfer process, however, have not yet been completely understood. The transfer has been proposed to occur directly at the cell surface across an unstirred water layer, via a hydrophobic channel in the receptor, or after HDL endocytosis. The role of the target lipid membrane for the transfer process, however, has largely been overlooked. Here, we studied at the single molecule level how HDL particles interact with synthetic lipid membranes. Using (high-speed) atomic force microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) we found out that, upon contact with the membrane, HDL becomes integrated into the lipid bilayer. Combined force and single molecule fluorescence microscopy allowed us to directly monitor the transfer process of fluorescently labelled amphiphilic lipid probe from HDL particles to the lipid bilayer upon contact.