Drought Effects on Agricultural Yield: Comparison Across Regions and Crop Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daryanto, S.; Wang, L.; Jacinthe, P. A.

2014-12-01

Global agricultural production is dominated by rainfed agriculture, and is therefore prone to disruption from climate extreme weathers. These uncertainties become more problematic when considering the projection of increased drought frequency suggested by several climate models for various world regions. Curiously, few regional analyses of drought impact of food production have been attempted. We collated and analyzed data from the last 25 years to disentangle the effects of drought (i.e. timing, intensity and duration) on agricultural production in different eco-regions and with varying crop types. Our preliminary results suggested greater yield reduction in annual (-21.5%) than perennial plants (-16%), in C4 (-21%) compared to C3 crops (-17%), and when drought occurred during generative (i.e. flowering until maturity; -16.5%) than vegetative stage (-15.5%). Although drought caused similar amounts of yield reduction in both tropical and subtropical regions (i.e. -17%), it carries a greater food security risk in the tropics due to inherently low productivity (i.e. less than half than in the subtropical regions). Consequently, cultivating drought-resistant C3 perennial plants (e.g. sweet potato and cassava) in the tropics could prove a viable adaptive strategy to mitigate the effects of climate variability. In addition, these crops have limited input requirements, are well adapted to nutrient-poor Oxisols and Ultisols of the tropics, and generally outyield cereal crops in the region. Our analysis is ongoing and needs to take into account agronomic traits (e.g. water requirement), as well as the energy and nutritional values (e.g. protein, minerals) of alternative crops. Our results could inform the selection and development of new cultivars for the drought-prone regions of the world.

Empirical STORM-E Model. [I. Theoretical and Observational Basis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mertens, Christopher J.; Xu, Xiaojing; Bilitza, Dieter; Mlynczak, Martin G.; Russell, James M., III

2013-01-01

Auroral nighttime infrared emission observed by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument onboard the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite is used to develop an empirical model of geomagnetic storm enhancements to E-region peak electron densities. The empirical model is called STORM-E and will be incorporated into the 2012 release of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). The proxy for characterizing the E-region response to geomagnetic forcing is NO+(v) volume emission rates (VER) derived from the TIMED/SABER 4.3 lm channel limb radiance measurements. The storm-time response of the NO+(v) 4.3 lm VER is sensitive to auroral particle precipitation. A statistical database of storm-time to climatological quiet-time ratios of SABER-observed NO+(v) 4.3 lm VER are fit to widely available geomagnetic indices using the theoretical framework of linear impulse-response theory. The STORM-E model provides a dynamic storm-time correction factor to adjust a known quiescent E-region electron density peak concentration for geomagnetic enhancements due to auroral particle precipitation. Part II of this series describes the explicit development of the empirical storm-time correction factor for E-region peak electron densities, and shows comparisons of E-region electron densities between STORM-E predictions and incoherent scatter radar measurements. In this paper, Part I of the series, the efficacy of using SABER-derived NO+(v) VER as a proxy for the E-region response to solar-geomagnetic disturbances is presented. Furthermore, a detailed description of the algorithms and methodologies used to derive NO+(v) VER from SABER 4.3 lm limb emission measurements is given. Finally, an assessment of key uncertainties in retrieving NO+(v) VER is presented

Regional and depth variability of porcine meniscal mechanical properties through biaxial testing.

PubMed

Kahlon, A; Hurtig, M B; Gordon, K D

2015-01-01

The menisci in the knee joint undergo complex loading in-vivo resulting in a multidirectional stress distribution. Extensive mechanical testing has been conducted to investigate the tissue properties of the knee meniscus, but the testing conditions do not replicate this complex loading regime. Biaxial testing involves loading tissue along two different directions simultaneously, which more accurately simulates physiologic loading conditions. The purpose of this study was to report mechanical properties of meniscal tissue resulting from biaxial testing, while simultaneously investigating regional variations in properties. Ten left, fresh porcine joints were obtained, and the medial and lateral menisci were harvested from each joint (twenty menisci total). Each menisci was divided into an anterior, middle and posterior region; and three slices (femoral, deep and tibial layers) were obtained from each region. Biaxial and constrained uniaxial testing was performed on each specimen, and Young's moduli were calculated from the resulting stress strain curves. Results illustrated significant differences in regional mechanical properties, with the medial anterior (Young's modulus (E)=11.14 ± 1.10 MPa), lateral anterior (E=11.54 ± 1.10 MPa) and lateral posterior (E=9.0 ± 1.2 MPa) regions exhibiting the highest properties compared to the medial central (E=5.0 ± 1.22 MPa), medial posterior (E=4.16 ± 1.13 MPa) and lateral central (E=5.6 ± 1.20 MPa) regions. Differences with depth were also significant on the lateral meniscus, with the femoral (E=12.7 ± 1.22 MPa) and tibial (E=8.6 ± 1.22 MPa) layers exhibiting the highest Young's moduli. This data may form the basis for future modeling of meniscal tissue, or may aid in the design of synthetic replacement alternatives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regional cholinesterase activity in white-throated sparrow brain is differentially affected by acephate (Orthene®)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vyas, N.B.; Kuenzel, W.J.; Hill, E.F.; Romo, G.A.; Komaragiri, M.V.S.

1996-01-01

Effects of a 14-day dietary exposure to an organophosphorus pesticide, acephate (acetylphosphoramidothioic acid O,S-dimethyl ester), were determined on cholinesterase activity in three regions (basal ganglia, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) of the white-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis, brain. All three regions experienced depressed cholinesterase activity between 0.5–2 ppm acephate. The regions exhibited cholinesterase recovery at 2–16 ppm acephate; however, cholinesterase activity dropped and showed no recovery at higher dietary levels (>16 ppm acephate). Evidence indicates that the recovery is initiated by the magnitude of depression, not the duration. In general, as acephate concentration increased, differences in ChE activity among brain regions decreased. Three terms are introduced to describe ChE response to acephate exposure: 1) ChE resistance threshold, 2) ChE compensation threshold, and 3) ChE depression threshold. It is hypothesized that adverse effects to birds in the field may occur at pesticide exposure levels customarily considered negligible.

Rocket measurements of electron temperature in the E region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, R. K., Jr.; Smith, L. G.

1980-01-01

The rocket borne equipment, experimental method, and data reduction techniques used in the measurement of electron temperature in the E region are fully described. Electron temperature profiles from one daytime equatorial flight and two nighttime midlatitude flights are discussed. The last of these three flights, Nike Apache 14.533, showed elevated E region temperatures which are interpreted as the heating effect of a stable auroral red arc.

H-NS Facilitates Sequence Diversification of Horizontally Transferred DNAs during Their Integration in Host Chromosomes

PubMed Central

Higashi, Koichi; Tobe, Toru; Kanai, Akinori; Uyar, Ebru; Ishikawa, Shu; Suzuki, Yutaka; Ogasawara, Naotake; Kurokawa, Ken; Oshima, Taku

2016-01-01

Bacteria can acquire new traits through horizontal gene transfer. Inappropriate expression of transferred genes, however, can disrupt the physiology of the host bacteria. To reduce this risk, Escherichia coli expresses the nucleoid-associated protein, H-NS, which preferentially binds to horizontally transferred genes to control their expression. Once expression is optimized, the horizontally transferred genes may actually contribute to E. coli survival in new habitats. Therefore, we investigated whether and how H-NS contributes to this optimization process. A comparison of H-NS binding profiles on common chromosomal segments of three E. coli strains belonging to different phylogenetic groups indicated that the positions of H-NS-bound regions have been conserved in E. coli strains. The sequences of the H-NS-bound regions appear to have diverged more so than H-NS-unbound regions only when H-NS-bound regions are located upstream or in coding regions of genes. Because these regions generally contain regulatory elements for gene expression, sequence divergence in these regions may be associated with alteration of gene expression. Indeed, nucleotide substitutions in H-NS-bound regions of the ybdO promoter and coding regions have diversified the potential for H-NS-independent negative regulation among E. coli strains. The ybdO expression in these strains was still negatively regulated by H-NS, which reduced the effect of H-NS-independent regulation under normal growth conditions. Hence, we propose that, during E. coli evolution, the conservation of H-NS binding sites resulted in the diversification of the regulation of horizontally transferred genes, which may have facilitated E. coli adaptation to new ecological niches. PMID:26789284

Tonga Trench gabbros and peridotites: A suit of temporal and spatial forearc materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michibayashi, K.; Shinkai, Y.; Tani, K.; Uehara, S.; Harigane, Y.; Ishii, T.; Bloomer, S. H.

2012-12-01

The Tonga trench is one of the deepest oceanic regions in the world (10,866 m). Various types of rocks have been dredged and drilled at several localities on the landward slopes of the trench during Boomerang Leg8 in 1996. In particular, very pristine peridotites outcrop at the most deep landward trench slope. We show that the trench can be divided into two regions: southern region and northern region. The peridotites in the southern region have high-Cr# (0.46-0.83) which were typical of forearc peridotites, whereas the peridotites in the northern region have evidences of the reaction with magma during partial melting. Olivine fabrics are characterized by E-type and D-type. Although E-type and D-type are no clear relationship of mineral composition, grain size and equilibrium temperature, the only difference between E-type and D-type were fabric intensities: D-type has higher fabric intensity than that for E-type. Geochronological study revealed that the gabbros in the southern region have the oldest ages of ~52 Ma that are as old as the oldest rocks in the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc recording the subduction infancy (e.g., Ishizuka et al., 2011 EPSL). We argue that the southern region preserves the oldest mantle fabrics that took place during the subduction infancy, where pristine and serpentinized peridotites have been deformed in the region where high strain field occurred due to the dragged flow. Eventually, they expose in a very neat condition (i.e. active tectonic erosion and fast ascent rate) resulting from an unique tectonic setting including fast subducting plate (24 cm/yr), fast spreading plate (15 cm/yr) and slab rollback.

H-NS Facilitates Sequence Diversification of Horizontally Transferred DNAs during Their Integration in Host Chromosomes.

PubMed

Higashi, Koichi; Tobe, Toru; Kanai, Akinori; Uyar, Ebru; Ishikawa, Shu; Suzuki, Yutaka; Ogasawara, Naotake; Kurokawa, Ken; Oshima, Taku

2016-01-01

Bacteria can acquire new traits through horizontal gene transfer. Inappropriate expression of transferred genes, however, can disrupt the physiology of the host bacteria. To reduce this risk, Escherichia coli expresses the nucleoid-associated protein, H-NS, which preferentially binds to horizontally transferred genes to control their expression. Once expression is optimized, the horizontally transferred genes may actually contribute to E. coli survival in new habitats. Therefore, we investigated whether and how H-NS contributes to this optimization process. A comparison of H-NS binding profiles on common chromosomal segments of three E. coli strains belonging to different phylogenetic groups indicated that the positions of H-NS-bound regions have been conserved in E. coli strains. The sequences of the H-NS-bound regions appear to have diverged more so than H-NS-unbound regions only when H-NS-bound regions are located upstream or in coding regions of genes. Because these regions generally contain regulatory elements for gene expression, sequence divergence in these regions may be associated with alteration of gene expression. Indeed, nucleotide substitutions in H-NS-bound regions of the ybdO promoter and coding regions have diversified the potential for H-NS-independent negative regulation among E. coli strains. The ybdO expression in these strains was still negatively regulated by H-NS, which reduced the effect of H-NS-independent regulation under normal growth conditions. Hence, we propose that, during E. coli evolution, the conservation of H-NS binding sites resulted in the diversification of the regulation of horizontally transferred genes, which may have facilitated E. coli adaptation to new ecological niches.

Influence of aerosol-cloud interaction on austral summer precipitation over Southern Africa during ENSO events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruchith, R. D.; Sivakumar, V.

2018-04-01

In the present study, we are investigating the role of aerosols-and clouds in modulating the austral summer precipitation (December-February) during ENSO events over southern Africa region for the period from 2002 to2012 by using satellite and complimentary data sets. Aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) and Cloud radiative forcing (CRF) shows distinct patterns for El-Nina and La-Nina years. Further analysis were carried out by selecting the four Southern Africa regions where the precipitation shows remarkable difference during El-Nino and La-Nina years. These regions are R1 (33°S-24°S, 18°E-30°E), R2 (17°S-10°S, 24°E-32°E), R3 (19°S-9°S, 33°E-41°E) and R4 (7°S-0°S, 27°E-36°E). Aerosol Optical depth (AOD) shows considerable differences during these events. In region R1, R2 and R3 AOD shows more abundance in El-Nino years as compared to La-Nina years where as in R4 the AOD shows more abundance in La-Nina years. Cloud Droplet Effective radius (CDER) shows higher values during La-Nina years over R1, R2 and R3 regions but in R4 region CDER shows higher values in El-Nino years. Aerosol indirect effect (AIE) is estimated both for fixed cloud liquid water path (CLWP) and for fixed cloud ice path (CIP) bins, ranging from 1 to 300 gm -2 at 25 gm -2 interval over all the selected regions for El-Nino and La-Nina years. The results indicate more influence of positive indirect effect (Twomey effect) over R1 and R3 region during El-Nino years as compared to La-Nina years. This analysis reveals the important role of aerosol on cloud-precipitation interaction mechanism illustrating the interlinkage between dynamics and microphysics during austral summer season over southern Africa.

Chlorophyll-a variability in the Seychelles-Chagos Thermocline Ridge: Analysis of a coupled biophysical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dilmahamod, A. F.; Hermes, J. C.; Reason, C. J. C.

2016-02-01

The biological variability of the upwelling region of the Seychelles-Chagos Thermocline Ridge (SCTR), both at surface and subsurface levels, is investigated using monthly outputs of a coupled biophysical model from 1958 to 2011. Owing to its large spatial distribution and sensitivity to climate variability, the SCTR is studied as three distinct regions; namely, sub-regions 1 (western; 5°S-12°S, 55°E-65°E), 2 (central; 5°S-12°S, 65°E-75°E) and 3 (eastern; 5°S-12°S, 75°E-90°E). Surface and subsurface chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) exhibit completely different response mechanisms in sub-region 3 compared to sub-regions 1 and 2 during El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events. During the intense 1997/1998 ENSO-IOD event, the high Chl-a tongue observed in the eastern Indian Ocean induces an increase in surface concentration in sub-region 3, whose subsurface variability is also substantially less (more) impacted by downwelling (upwelling) Rossby waves generated by El Niño (La Niña) forcing. After filtering out the annual signal, wavelet analysis of surface Chl-a revealed a significant 6 month periodicity in sub-regions 1 and 2 whereas a 5-year signal dominated in sub-region 3. The latter suggests that sub-region 3 is more prone to different ENSO/IOD influences, due to its proximity to the eastern Indian Ocean. In the unfiltered data, the subsurface Chl-a in sub-region 3 exhibits a strong signal near 1 year, with sub-regions 1 and 2 having a pronounced 6-year and 5-year signals respectively. These analyses show that the SCTR cannot be investigated as a single homogeneous region due to its large spatial distribution and different response mechanisms to climate events. Furthermore, changes in SST, thermocline depth, winds and Chl-a before and after the 1976-1977 climate shift differed across the SCTR, further highlighting the heterogeneity of this sensitive region in the Indian Ocean.

Mapping of IgE-binding regions on recombinant Cyn d 1, a major allergen from Bermuda Grass Pollen (BGP).

PubMed

Tiwari, Ruby; Bhalla, Prem L; Singh, Mohan B

2009-02-02

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon; subfamily Chloridoideae) is an important source of seasonal aeroallergens in warm tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide. Improved approaches to diagnosis and therapy of allergic diseases require a thorough understanding of the structure and epitopes on the allergen molecule that are crucial for the antigen-antibody interaction. This study describes the localization of the human IgE-binding regions of the major group 1 pollen allergen Cyn d 1 from Bermuda grass. A cDNA library was constructed from Bermuda grass pollen (BGP) using a Lambda gt11 expression vector. The gene encoding the Cyn d 1 allergen was isolated by screening the library with a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against grass group 1 allergen. In order to characterize the IgE epitopes on Cyn d 1, seven overlapping fragments and three deletion mutants were cloned and over-expressed in E. coli. The recombinant fragments and deletion mutants were evaluated for their comparative IgE reactivity with sera of non atopic individuals and grass pollen allergic patients by ELISA and a dot-blot assay. Analysis of IgE binding regions by overlapping fragments and deletion mutants identified two major allergenic regions corresponding to amino acids 120-170 and 224-244. Deletion of either or both regions led to a significant reduction in IgE binding, emphasizing the importance of the C-terminal region on Cyn d 1 in epitope-IgE interaction. Anti-Cyn d 1 IgE antibodies from allergic human sera recognize two epitopes located at the C-terminal end of the molecule. These data will enable the design of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for BGP hypersensitivity.

An evaluation of genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to map the Breviaristatum-e (ari-e) locus in cultivated barley.

PubMed

Liu, Hui; Bayer, Micha; Druka, Arnis; Russell, Joanne R; Hackett, Christine A; Poland, Jesse; Ramsay, Luke; Hedley, Pete E; Waugh, Robbie

2014-02-06

We explored the use of genotyping by sequencing (GBS) on a recombinant inbred line population (GPMx) derived from a cross between the two-rowed barley cultivar 'Golden Promise' (ari-e.GP/Vrs1) and the six-rowed cultivar 'Morex' (Ari-e/vrs1) to map plant height. We identified three Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL), the first in a region encompassing the spike architecture gene Vrs1 on chromosome 2H, the second in an uncharacterised centromeric region on chromosome 3H, and the third in a region of chromosome 5H coinciding with the previously described dwarfing gene Breviaristatum-e (Ari-e). Barley cultivars in North-western Europe largely contain either of two dwarfing genes; Denso on chromosome 3H, a presumed ortholog of the rice green revolution gene OsSd1, or Breviaristatum-e (ari-e) on chromosome 5H. A recessive mutant allele of the latter gene, ari-e.GP, was introduced into cultivation via the cv. 'Golden Promise' that was a favourite of the Scottish malt whisky industry for many years and is still used in agriculture today. Using GBS mapping data and phenotypic measurements we show that ari-e.GP maps to a small genetic interval on chromosome 5H and that alternative alleles at a region encompassing Vrs1 on 2H along with a region on chromosome 3H also influence plant height. The location of Ari-e is supported by analysis of near-isogenic lines containing different ari-e alleles. We explored use of the GBS to populate the region with sequence contigs from the recently released physically and genetically integrated barley genome sequence assembly as a step towards Ari-e gene identification. GBS was an effective and relatively low-cost approach to rapidly construct a genetic map of the GPMx population that was suitable for genetic analysis of row type and height traits, allowing us to precisely position ari-e.GP on chromosome 5H. Mapping resolution was lower than we anticipated. We found the GBS data more complex to analyse than other data types but it did directly provide linked SNP markers for subsequent higher resolution genetic analysis.

Hydro-power production and fish habitat suitability: Assessing impact and effectiveness of ecological flows at regional scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceola, Serena; Pugliese, Alessio; Ventura, Matteo; Galeati, Giorgio; Montanari, Alberto; Castellarin, Attilio

2018-06-01

Anthropogenic activities along streams and rivers may be of major concern for fluvial ecosystems, e.g. abstraction and impoundment of surface water resources may profoundly alter natural streamflow regimes. An established approach aimed at preserving the behavior and distribution of fluvial species relies on the definition of ecological flows (e-flows) downstream of dams and diversion structures. E-flow prescriptions are usually set by basin authorities at regional scale, often without a proper assessment of their impact and effectiveness. On the contrary, we argue that e-flows should be identified on the basis of (i) regional and (ii) quantitative assessments. We focus on central Italy and evaluate the effects on habitat suitability of two near-threatened fish species (i.e. Barbel and Chub) and an existing hydro-power network when shifting from the current time-invariant e-flow policy to a tighter and seasonally-varying soon-to-be-enforced one. Our example clearly shows that: (a) quantitative regional scale assessments are viable even when streamflow observations are entirely missing at study sites; (b) aprioristic e-flows policies may impose releases that exceed natural streamflows for significantly long time intervals (weeks, or months); (c) unduly tightening e-flow policies may heavily impact regional hydro-power productivity (15% and 42% losses on annual and seasonal basis, respectively), yet resulting in either marginal or negligible improvements of fluvial ecosystem.

Upper limits of the proton magnetic form factor in the time-like region from p¯p--> e+e- at the CERN-ISR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baglin, C.; Baird, S.; Bassompierre, G.; Borreani, G.; Brient, J. C.; Broll, C.; Brom, J. M.; Bugge, L.; Buran, T.; Burq, J. P.; Bussière, A.; Buzzo, A.; Cester, R.; Chemarin, M.; Chevallier, M.; Escoubes, B.; Fay, J.; Ferroni, S.; Gracco, V.; Guillaud, J. P.; Khan-Aronsen, E.; Kirsebom, K.; Ille, B.; Lambert, M.; Leistam, L.; Lundby, A.; Macri, M.; Marchetto, F.; Mattera, L.; Menichetti, E.; Mouellic, B.; Pastrone, N.; Petrillo, L.; Pia, M. G.; Poulet, M.; Pozzo, A.; Rinaudo, G.; Santroni, A.; Severi, M.; Skjevling, G.; Stapnes, S.; Stugu, B.; Tomasini, F.; Valbusa, U.

1985-11-01

From the measurement of e+e- pairs from the reaction p¯p-->e+e- at the CERN-ISR, using an antiproton beam and a hydrogen jet target, we derived upper limits for the proton magnetic form factor in the time-like region at Q2⋍8.9(GeV/c)2 and Q2⋍12.5(GeV/c)2.

7 CFR Exhibit E to Subpart E of... - List of Regional Offices, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), U.S. Department...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 12 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false List of Regional Offices, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), U.S. Department of Labor (USDL) E Exhibit E to Subpart E of Part 1901 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVIC...

Virtual Compton scattering and neutral pion electroproduction in the resonance region up to the deep inelastic region at backward angles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laveissière, G.; Degrande, N.; Jaminion, S.; Jutier, C.; Todor, L.; Salvo, R. Di; Hoorebeke, L. Van; Alexa, L. C.; Anderson, B. D.; Aniol, K. A.; Arundell, K.; Audit, G.; Auerbach, L.; Baker, F. T.; Baylac, M.; Berthot, J.; Bertin, P. Y.; Bertozzi, W.; Bimbot, L.; Boeglin, W. U.; Brash, E. J.; Breton, V.; Breuer, H.; Burtin, E.; Calarco, J. R.; Cardman, L. S.; Cavata, C.; Chang, C.-C.; Chen, J.-P.; Chudakov, E.; Cisbani, E.; Dale, D. S.; de Jager, C. W.; de Leo, R.; Deur, A.; D'Hose, N.; Dodge, G. E.; Domingo, J. J.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Epstein, M. B.; Ewell, L. A.; Finn, J. M.; Fissum, K. G.; Fonvieille, H.; Fournier, G.; Frois, B.; Frullani, S.; Furget, C.; Gao, H.; Gao, J.; Garibaldi, F.; Gasparian, A.; Gilad, S.; Gilman, R.; Glamazdin, A.; Glashausser, C.; Gomez, J.; Gorbenko, V.; Grenier, P.; Guichon, P. A. M.; Hansen, J. O.; Holmes, R.; Holtrop, M.; Howell, C.; Huber, G. M.; Hyde, C. E.; Incerti, S.; Iodice, M.; Jardillier, J.; Jones, M. K.; Kahl, W.; Kamalov, S.; Kato, S.; Katramatou, A. T.; Kelly, J. J.; Kerhoas, S.; Ketikyan, A.; Khayat, M.; Kino, K.; Kox, S.; Kramer, L. H.; Kumar, K. S.; Kumbartzki, G.; Kuss, M.; Leone, A.; Lerose, J. J.; Liang, M.; Lindgren, R. A.; Liyanage, N.; Lolos, G. J.; Lourie, R. W.; Madey, R.; Maeda, K.; Malov, S.; Manley, D. M.; Marchand, C.; Marchand, D.; Margaziotis, D. J.; Markowitz, P.; Marroncle, J.; Martino, J.; McCormick, K.; McIntyre, J.; Mehrabyan, S.; Merchez, F.; Meziani, Z. E.; Michaels, R.; Miller, G. W.; Mougey, J. Y.; Nanda, S. K.; Neyret, D.; Offermann, E. A. J. M.; Papandreou, Z.; Perdrisat, C. F.; Perrino, R.; Petratos, G. G.; Platchkov, S.; Pomatsalyuk, R.; Prout, D. L.; Punjabi, V. A.; Pussieux, T.; Quémenér, G.; Ransome, R. D.; Ravel, O.; Real, J. S.; Renard, F.; Roblin, Y.; Rowntree, D.; Rutledge, G.; Rutt, P. M.; Saha, A.; Saito, T.; Sarty, A. J.; Serdarevic, A.; Smith, T.; Smirnov, G.; Soldi, K.; Sorokin, P.; Souder, P. A.; Suleiman, R.; Templon, J. A.; Terasawa, T.; Tiator, L.; Tieulent, R.; Tomasi-Gustaffson, E.; Tsubota, H.; Ueno, H.; Ulmer, P. E.; Urciuoli, G. M.; de Vyver, R. Van; der Meer, R. L. J. Van; Vernin, P.; Vlahovic, B.; Voskanyan, H.; Voutier, E.; Watson, J. W.; Weinstein, L. B.; Wijesooriya, K.; Wilson, R.; Wojtsekhowski, B. B.; Zainea, D. G.; Zhang, W.-M.; Zhao, J.; Zhou, Z.-L.

2009-01-01

We have made the first measurements of the virtual Compton scattering (VCS) process via the H(e, e'p)γ exclusive reaction in the nucleon resonance region, at backward angles. Results are presented for the W-dependence at fixed Q2=1GeV2 and for the Q2 dependence at fixed W near 1.5 GeV. The VCS data show resonant structures in the first and second resonance regions. The observed Q2 dependence is smooth. The measured ratio of H(e, e'p)γ to H(e, e'p)π0 cross sections emphasizes the different sensitivity of these two reactions to the various nucleon resonances. Finally, when compared to real Compton scattering (RCS) at high energy and large angles, our VCS data at the highest W (1.8-1.9 GeV) show a striking Q2 independence, which may suggest a transition to a perturbative scattering mechanism at the quark level.

Identification of the razor clam species Ensis arcuatus, E. siliqua, E. directus, E. macha, and Solen marginatus using PCR-RFLP analysis of the 5S rDNA region.

PubMed

Fernandez-Tajes, Juan; Méndez, Josefina

2007-09-05

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 5S ribosomal DNA region has been applied to the establishment of DNA-based molecular markers for the identification of five razor clam species: Ensis arcuatus, E. siliqua, E. directus, E. macha, and Solen marginatus. PCR amplifications were carried out using a pair of universal primers from the coding region of 5S rDNA. S. marginatus was simply distinguished by the different size of the amplicons obtained. Species-specific restriction endonuclease patterns were found with the enzymes Hae III for E. arcuatus, E. siliqua, and E. directus, and Acs I for E. macha, and when two enzymes were combined, the four species were also identified. Thus, this work provides a simple, reliable, and rapid protocol for the accurate identification of Ensis and Solen species in fresh and canned products, which is very useful for traceability and to enforce labeling regulations.

Studying precipitation recycling over the Tibetan Plateau using evaporation-tagging and back-trajectory analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Y.

2017-12-01

Regional precipitation recycling (i.e., the contribution of local evaporation to local precipitation) is an important component of water cycle over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Two methods were used to investigate regional precipitation recycling: 1) tracking of tagged atmospheric water parcels originating from evaporation in a source region (i.e., E-tagging), and 2) back-trajectory approach to track the evaporative sources contributed to precipitation in a specific region. These two methods were applied to Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional climate simulations to quantify the precipitation recycling ratio in the TP for three selected years: climatologically normal, dry and wet year. The simulation region is characterized by high average elevation above 4000 m and complex terrain. The back-trajectory approach is also calculated over three sub-regions over the TP: namely western, northeastern and southeastern TP, and the E-tagging approach could provide recycling-ratio distributions over the whole TP. Three aspects are investigated to characterize the precipitation recycling: annual mean, seasonal variations and spatial distributions. Averaged over the TP, the precipitation recycling ratio estimated by the E-tagging approach is higher than that from the back-trajectory method. The back-trajectory approach uses a precipitation threshold as total precipitation in five days divided by a random number, and this number was set to 500 as a tread off between equilibrium and computational efficiency. Lower recycling ratio derived from the back-trajectory approach is related to the precipitation threshold used. The E-tagging, however, tracks every air parcel of evaporation regardless of the precipitation amount. There is no obvious seasonal variation in the recycling ratio using both methods. The E-tagging approach shows high recycling ratios in the center TP, indicating stronger land-atmospheric interactions than elsewhere.

Variations of E-region total electron content and electron density profiles over high latitudes during winter solstice 2007 using radio occultation measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Kajli

The space weather phenomenon involves the Sun, interplanetary space and the Earth. Different space weather conditions have diverse effects on the various layers of the Earth's atmosphere Technological advancements have created a situation in which human civilization is not only dependent on resources from deep inside the Earth, but also on the upper atmosphere and outer space region. Therefore, it is essential to improve the understanding of the impacts of space weather conditions on the ionosphere. This research focuses on the variation of total electron content (TEC) and the electron density within the E-region of the ionosphere, which extends from 80-150 km above the surface of the Earth, using radio occultation measurements obtained by COSMIC satellites and using Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four-Dimensional algorithm (IDA4D) which is used to mitigate the effects of F-region in the E-region estimation (Bust, Garner, & Gaussiran, 2004). E-region TEC and the electron density estimation for geomagnetic latitude range of 45°--80°, geomagnetic longitude range of -180°--180° and 1800--0600 MLT (magnetic local time) are presented for two active and two quiet days during winter solstice 2007. Active and quiet days are identified based on the Kp index values. Some of the important findings are (1) E-region electron peak density is higher during active days than during quiet days, and (2) during both types of days, higher density values were found at the magnetic latitude of >60° early morning MLT. Prominent E-region features (TEC and electron density) were observed during most active days over the magnetic latitude range of 60°-70° at ~02:00 MLT.

Factors Influencing Watershed Average Erosion Rates Calculated from Reservoir Sedimentation in Eastern USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahamed, A.; Snyder, N. P.; David, G. C.

2014-12-01

The Reservoir Sedimentation Database (ResSed), a catalogue of reservoirs and depositional data that has recently become publically available, allows for rapid calculation of sedimentation rates and rates of capacity loss over short (annual to decadal) timescales. This study is a statistical investigation of factors controlling watershed average erosion rates (E) in eastern United States watersheds. We develop an ArcGIS-based model that delineates watersheds upstream of ResSed dams and calculate drainage areas to determine E for 191 eastern US watersheds. Geomorphic, geologic, regional, climatic, and land use variables are quantified within study watersheds using GIS. Erosion rates exhibit a large amount of scatter, ranging from 0.001 to 1.25 mm/yr. A weak inverse power law relationship between drainage area (A) and E (R2 = 0.09) is evident, similar to other studies (e.g. Milliman and Syvitski, 1992; Koppes and Montgomery, 2009). Linear regressions reveal no relationship between mean watershed slope (S) and E, possibly due to the relatively low relief of the region (mean S for all watersheds is 6°). Analysis of Variance shows that watersheds in formerly glaciated regions exhibit a statistically significant lower mean E (0.06 mm/year) than watersheds in unglaciated regions (0.12 mm/year), but that watersheds with different dam purposes show no significant differences in mean E. Linear regressions reveal no relationships between E and land use parameters like percent agricultural land and percent impervious surfaces (I), but classification and regression trees indicate that watersheds in highly developed regions (I > 34%) exhibit mean E (0.36 mm/year) that is four times higher than watersheds in less developed (I < 34%) regions (0.09 mm/year). Further, interactions between land use variables emerge in formerly glaciated regions, where increased agricultural land results in higher rates of annual capacity loss in reservoirs (R2 = 0.56). Plots of E versus timescale of measurement (e.g., Sadler and Jerolmack, 2014) show that nearly the full range of observed E, including the highest values, are seen over short survey intervals (< 20 years), suggesting that whether or not large sedimentation events (such as floods) occur between two surveys may explain the high degree of variability in measured rates.

77 FR 42427 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Grinnell, IA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-19

...-1430; Airspace Docket No. 11-ACE-23] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Grinnell, IA AGENCY: Federal... Class E airspace at Grinnell Regional Airport, Grinnell, IA, by removing reference to the Grinnell NDB... Regional Airport, Grinnell, IA, and amends the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the...

In vivo assessment of regional mechanics post-myocardial infarction: A focus on the road ahead.

PubMed

Romito, Eva; Shazly, Tarek; Spinale, Francis G

2017-10-01

Cardiovascular disease, particularly the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality (Go et al., Circulation 127: e6-e245, 2013; Go et al. Circulation 129: e28-e292, 2014). There is growing recognition that a key factor for post-MI outcomes is adverse remodeling and changes in the regional structure, composition, and mechanical properties of the MI region itself. However, in vivo assessment of regional mechanics post-MI can be confounded by the species, temporal aspects of MI healing, as well as size, location, and extent of infarction across myocardial wall. Moreover, MI regional mechanics have been assessed over varying phases of the cardiac cycle, and thus, uniform conclusions regarding the material properties of the MI region can be difficult. This review assesses past studies that have performed in vivo measures of MI mechanics and attempts to provide coalescence on key points from these studies, as well as offer potential recommendations for unifying approaches in terms of regional post-MI mechanics. A uniform approach to biophysical measures of import will allow comparisons across studies, as well as provide a basis for potential therapeutic markers.

Reliability and accuracy of Crystaleye spectrophotometric system.

PubMed

Chen, Li; Tan, Jian Guo; Zhou, Jian Feng; Yang, Xu; Du, Yang; Wang, Fang Ping

2010-01-01

to develop an in vitro shade-measuring model to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the Crystaleye spectrophotometric system, a newly developed spectrophotometer. four shade guides, VITA Classical, VITA 3D-Master, Chromascop and Vintage Halo NCC, were measured with the Crystaleye spectrophotometer in a standardised model, ten times for 107 shade tabs. The shade-matching results and the CIE L*a*b* values of the cervical, body and incisal regions for each measurement were automatically analysed using the supporting software. Reliability and accuracy were calculated for each shade tab both in percentage and in colour difference (ΔE). Difference was analysed by one-way ANOVA in the cervical, body and incisal regions. range of reliability was 88.81% to 98.97% and 0.13 to 0.24 ΔE units, and that of accuracy was 44.05% to 91.25% and 1.03 to 1.89 ΔE units. Significant differences in reliability and accuracy were found between the body region and the cervical and incisal regions. Comparisons made among regions and shade guides revealed that evaluation in ΔE was prone to disclose the differences. measurements with the Crystaleye spectrophotometer had similar, high reliability in different shade guides and regions, indicating predictable repeated measurements. Accuracy in the body region was high and less variable compared with the cervical and incisal regions.

Ionospheric model-observation comparisons: E layer at Arecibo Incorporation of SDO-EVE solar irradiances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sojka, Jan J.; Jensen, Joseph B.; David, Michael; Schunk, Robert W.; Woods, Tom; Eparvier, Frank; Sulzer, Michael P.; Gonzalez, Sixto A.; Eccles, J. Vincent

2014-05-01

This study evaluates how the new irradiance observations from the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) can, with its high spectral resolution and 10 s cadence, improve the modeling of the E region. To demonstrate this a campaign combining EVE observations with that of the NSF Arecibo incoherent scatter radar (ISR) was conducted. The ISR provides E region electron density observations with high-altitude resolution, 300 m, and absolute densities using the plasma line technique. Two independent ionospheric models were used, the Utah State University Time-Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM) and Space Environment Corporation's Data-Driven D Region (DDDR) model. Each used the same EVE irradiance spectrum binned at 1 nm resolution from 0.1 to 106 nm. At the E region peak the modeled TDIM density is 20% lower and that of the DDDR is 6% higher than observed. These differences could correspond to a 36% lower (TDIM) and 12% higher (DDDR) production rate if the differences were entirely attributed to the solar irradiance source. The detailed profile shapes that included the E region altitude and that of the valley region were only qualitatively similar to observations. Differences on the order of a neutral-scale height were present. Neither model captured a distinct dawn to dusk tilt in the E region peak altitude. A model sensitivity study demonstrated how future improved spectral resolution of the 0.1 to 7 nm irradiance could account for some of these model shortcomings although other relevant processes are also poorly modeled.

New global electron density observations from GPS-RO in the D- and E-Region ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Dong L.

2018-06-01

A novel retrieval technique is developed for electron density (Ne) in the D- and E-region (80-120 km) using the high-quality 50-Hz GPS radio occultation (GPS-RO) phase measurements. The new algorithm assumes a slow, linear variation in the F-region background when the GPS-RO passes through the D- and E-region, and extracts the Ne profiles at 80-130 km from the phase advance signal caused by Ne. Unlike the conventional Abel function, the new approach produces a sharp Ne weighting function in the lower ionosphere, and the Ne retrievals are in good agreement with the IRI (International Reference Ionosphere) model in terms of monthly maps, zonal means and diurnal variations. The daytime GPS-RO Ne profiles can be well characterized by the α-Chapman function of three parameters (NmE, hmE and H), showing that the bottom of E-region is deepening and sharpening towards the summer pole. At high latitudes the monthly GPS-RO Ne maps at 80-120 km reveal clear enhancement in the auroral zones, more prominent at night, as a result of energetic electron precipitation (EEP) from the outer radiation belt. The D-/E-region auroral Ne is strongly correlated with Kp on a daily basis. The new Ne data allow further comprehensive analyses of the sporadic E (Es) phenomena in connection with the background Ne in the E-region. The layered (2-10 km) and fluctuated (<2 km) Es components, namely Ne_Layer than Ne_Pert, are extracted with respect to the background Ne_Region on a profile-by-profile basis. The Ne_Layer component has a strong but highly-refined peak at ∼105 km, with an amplitude smaller than Ne_Region approximately by an order of magnitude. The Ne_Pert component, which was studied extensively in the past, is ∼2 orders of magnitude weaker than Ne_Layer. Both Ne_Layer and Ne_Pert are subject to significant diurnal and semidiurnal variations, showing downward progression with local time in amplitude. The 11-year solar cycle dominates the Ne interannual variations, showing larger Ne_Region and Ne_Layer but smaller Ne_Pert amplitudes in the solar maximum years. Enhanced Ne profiles are often observed in the polar winter, showing good correlation with solar proton events (SPEs) and geomagnetic activity. The new methodology offers great potential for retrieving low Ne in the D-region, where radio propagation and communication blackouts can occur due to enhanced ionization. For space weather applications it is recommended for GPS-RO operations to raise the top of high-rate data acquisition to ∼140 km in the future.

Differences in regional brain volume related to the extraversion-introversion dimension--a voxel based morphometry study.

PubMed

Forsman, Lea J; de Manzano, Orjan; Karabanov, Anke; Madison, Guy; Ullén, Fredrik

2012-01-01

Extraverted individuals are sociable, behaviorally active, and happy. We report data from a voxel based morphometry study investigating, for the first time, if regional volume in gray and white matter brain regions is related to extraversion. For both gray and white matter, all correlations between extraversion and regional brain volume were negative, i.e. the regions were larger in introverts. Gray matter correlations were found in regions that included the right prefrontal cortex and the cortex around the right temporo-parietal junction--regions that are known to be involved in behavioral inhibition, introspection, and social-emotional processing, e.g. evaluation of social stimuli and reasoning about the mental states of others. White matter correlations extended from the brainstem to widespread cortical regions, and were largely due to global effects, i.e. a larger total white matter volume in introverts. We speculate that these white matter findings may reflect differences in ascending modulatory projections affecting cortical regions involved in behavioral regulation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

The Min Oscillator Uses MinD-Dependent Conformational Changes in MinE to Spatially Regulate Cytokinesis.

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

Park, Kyung-Tase; Wu, Wei; Battaile, Kevin P.

In E. coli, MinD recruits MinE to the membrane, leading to a coupled oscillation required for spatial regulation of the cytokinetic Z ring. How these proteins interact, however, is not clear because the MinD-binding regions of MinE are sequestered within a six-stranded {beta} sheet and masked by N-terminal helices. minE mutations that restore interaction between some MinD and MinE mutants were isolated. These mutations alter the MinE structure leading to release of the MinD-binding regions and the N-terminal helices that bind the membrane. Crystallization of MinD-MinE complexes revealed a four-stranded {beta} sheet MinE dimer with the released {beta} strands (MinD-bindingmore » regions) converted to {alpha} helices bound to MinD dimers. These results identify the MinD-dependent conformational changes in MinE that convert it from a latent to an active form and lead to a model of how MinE persists at the MinD-membrane surface.« less

5-ALA induced fluorescent image analysis of actinic keratosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Yong-Jin; Bae, Youngwoo; Choi, Eung-Ho; Jung, Byungjo

2010-02-01

In this study, we quantitatively analyzed 5-ALA induced fluorescent images of actinic keratosis using digital fluorescent color and hyperspectral imaging modalities. UV-A was utilized to induce fluorescent images and actinic keratosis (AK) lesions were demarcated from surrounding the normal region with different methods. Eight subjects with AK lesion were participated in this study. In the hyperspectral imaging modality, spectral analysis method was utilized for hyperspectral cube image and AK lesions were demarcated from the normal region. Before image acquisition, we designated biopsy position for histopathology of AK lesion and surrounding normal region. Erythema index (E.I.) values on both regions were calculated from the spectral cube data. Image analysis of subjects resulted in two different groups: the first group with the higher fluorescence signal and E.I. on AK lesion than the normal region; the second group with lower fluorescence signal and without big difference in E.I. between two regions. In fluorescent color image analysis of facial AK, E.I. images were calculated on both normal and AK lesions and compared with the results of hyperspectral imaging modality. The results might indicate that the different intensity of fluorescence and E.I. among the subjects with AK might be interpreted as different phases of morphological and metabolic changes of AK lesions.

Investigation of Antarctic Marine Metazoan Biodiversity Through Metagenomic Analysis of Environmental DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cowart, D. A.; Cheng, C. C.; Murphy, K.

2016-02-01

Environmental DNA (eDNA), or DNA extracted from environmental collections, is frequently used to gauge biodiversity and identify the presence of rare or invasive species within a habitat. Previous studies have demonstrated that compared to traditional surveying methods, high-throughput sequencing of eDNA can provide increased detection sensitivity of aquatic taxa, holding promise for various conservation applications. To determine the potential of eDNA for assessing biodiversity of Antarctic marine metazoan communities, we have extracted eDNA from seawater sampled from four regions near Palmer Station in West Antarctic Peninsula. Metagenomic sequencing of the eDNA was performed on Illumina HiSeq2500, and produced 325 million quality-processed reads. Preliminary read mapping for two regions, Gerlache Strait and Bismarck Strait, identified approximately 4% of reads mapping to eukaryotes for each region, with >50% of the those reads mapping to metazoan animals. Key groups investigated include the nototheniidae family of Antarctic fishes, to which 0.2 and 0.8 % of the metazoan reads were assigned for each region respectively. The presence of the recently invading lithodidae king crabs was also detected at both regions. Additionally, to estimate the persistence of eDNA in polar seawater, a rate of eDNA decay will be quantified from seawater samples collected over 20 days from Antarctic fish holding tanks and held at ambient Antarctic water temperatures. The ability to detect animal signatures from eDNA, as well as the quantification of eDNA decay over time, could provide another method for reliable monitoring of polar habitats at various spatial and temporal scales.

Genomic analysis of the chromosome 15q11-q13 Prader-Willi syndrome region and characterization of transcripts for GOLGA8E and WHCD1L1 from the proximal breakpoint region.

PubMed

Jiang, Yong-Hui; Wauki, Kekio; Liu, Qian; Bressler, Jan; Pan, Yanzhen; Kashork, Catherine D; Shaffer, Lisa G; Beaudet, Arthur L

2008-01-28

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by neonatal hypotonia, childhood obesity, dysmorphic features, hypogonadism, mental retardation, and behavioral problems. Although PWS is most often caused by a paternal interstitial deletion of a 6-Mb region of chromosome 15q11-q13, the identity of the exact protein coding or noncoding RNAs whose deficiency produces the PWS phenotype is uncertain. There are also reports describing a PWS-like phenotype in a subset of patients with full mutations in the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene. Taking advantage of the human genome sequence, we have performed extensive sequence analysis and molecular studies for the PWS candidate region. We have characterized transcripts for the first time for two UCSC Genome Browser predicted protein-coding genes, GOLGA8E (golgin subfamily a, 8E) and WHDC1L1 (WAS protein homology region containing 1-like 1) and have further characterized two previously reported genes, CYF1P1 and NIPA2; all four genes are in the region close to the proximal/centromeric deletion breakpoint (BP1). GOLGA8E belongs to the golgin subfamily of coiled-coil proteins associated with the Golgi apparatus. Six out of 16 golgin subfamily proteins in the human genome have been mapped in the chromosome 15q11-q13 and 15q24-q26 regions. We have also identified more than 38 copies of GOLGA8E-like sequence in the 15q11-q14 and 15q23-q26 regions which supports the presence of a GOLGA8E-associated low copy repeat (LCR). Analysis of the 15q11-q13 region by PFGE also revealed a polymorphic region between BP1 and BP2. WHDC1L1 is a novel gene with similarity to mouse Whdc1 (WAS protein homology region 2 domain containing 1) and human JMY protein (junction-mediating and regulatory protein). Expression analysis of cultured human cells and brain tissues from PWS patients indicates that CYFIP1 and NIPA2 are biallelically expressed. However, we were not able to determine the allele-specific expression pattern for GOLGA8E and WHDC1L1 because these two genes have highly related sequences that might also be expressed. We have presented an updated version of a sequence-based physical map for a complex chromosomal region, and we raise the possibility of polymorphism in the genomic orientation of the BP1 to BP2 region. The identification of two new proteins GOLGA8E and WHDC1L1 encoded by genes in the 15q11-q13 region may extend our understanding of the molecular basis of PWS. In terms of copy number variation and gene organization, this is one of the most polymorphic regions of the human genome, and perhaps the single most polymorphic region of this type.

76 FR 64041 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Show Low, AZ

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-17

...-1023; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-15] Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Show Low, AZ AGENCY... action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Show Low Regional Airport, Show Low, AZ. Controlled...) standard instrument approach procedures at Show Low Regional Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to...

A Multi-Language System for Knowledge Extraction in E-Learning Videos

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sood, Aparesh; Mittal, Ankush; Sarthi, Divya

2006-01-01

The existing multimedia software in E-Learning does not provide par excellence multimedia data service to the common user, hence E-Learning services are still short of intelligence and sophisticated end user tools for visualization and retrieval. An efficient approach to achieve the tasks such as, regional language narration, regional language…

Case study of simultaneous observations of sporadic sodium layer, E-region field-aligned irregularities and sporadic E layer at low latitude of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, H. Y.; Ning, B. Q.; Zhao, X. K.; Hu, L. H.

2017-03-01

Using the Na lidar at Haikou (20.0°N, 110.3°E), the VHF coherent radar and the digital ionosonde both at Sanya (18.4°N, 109.6°E), cases of simultaneous observations of sporadic sodium layer (SSL), E-region field-aligned irregularities (FAI) and sporadic E layer (Es) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region at low latitude of China are studied. It is found that SSL occurs simultaneously or follows the enhancement of Es and FAI. The Es, FAI and SSL descend slowly with time which is mostly controlled by the diurnal tide (DT). Besides, the interaction of gravity wave (GW) with tides can cause oscillations in FAI and SSL. Our observations support the neutralization of ions for SSL formation: when the metallic ions layer descents to the altitudes where models predict, the sodium ions convert rapidly to atomic Na that may form an SSL event. Moreover, the SSL peak density will increase (decrease) in the convergence (divergence) vertical shear region of zonal wind.

Seasonal and regional change in vertical distribution and diel vertical migration of four euphausiid species (Euphausia pacifica, Thysanoessa inspinata, T. longipes, and Tessarabrachion oculatum) in the northwestern Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sogawa, Sayaka; Sugisaki, Hiroya; Saito, Hiroaki; Okazaki, Yuji; Ono, Tsuneo; Shimode, Shinji; Kikuchi, Tomohiko

2016-03-01

We studied seasonal and regional change in vertical distribution and DVM patterns of four euphausiid species (Euphausia pacifica, Thysanoessa inspinata, Thysanoessa longipes, and Tessarabrachion oculatum) from two years of surveys using MOCNESS above 1500 m depth across a transect in 3 regions of the northwestern (NW) Pacific, off east of Japan; Oyashio, Kuroshio, and Oyashio-Kuroshio Mixed Water Regions (MWR). The four euphausiid species exhibited a regional change in vertical distribution, i.e., slightly deeper in the MWR and much deeper in the Kuroshio region than in the Oyashio region. They found in higher and wider temperature ranges in the MWR than in the Oyashio region, which demonstrated that the four species were able to adapt to different temperatures in different regions. In the MWR and Oyashio regions, E. pacifica is a surface migrant (differences between day and night mean median depths, D-N, were ca. 300 m) and T. oculatum is a moderate subsurface migrant that performs short DVM in the upper mesopelagic zone (D-N ca. 100 m). The other two morphologically similar Thysanoessa species (T. inspinata and T. longipes) segregated vertically between E. pacifica and T. oculatum at night in the Oyashio region, suggesting vertical habitat partitioning with the former two species but not with themselves. However, a seasonal pattern was observed in the vertical distribution and DVM of T. longipes in the Oyashio region. It behaves as a surface migrant in May, whereas most of individuals were found in the mesopelagic layer in September. In contrast, T. inspinata did not exhibit a clear DVM throughout the year (i.e., a moderate subsurface migrant). This seasonal difference might be a strategy to minimize competition between related species. Among the four species, only E. pacifica was found in higher temperatures at night than during the daytime, and the highest temperatures at the median depth varied among species (from 7.5 °C to 13.7 °C) although the lowest temperature did not vary greatly (from 1.0 °C to 1.8 °C), which indicates high temperatures act as a limiting factor as opposed to low temperatures. Furthermore, the integrated chlorophyll a values exhibited significant negative correlation with median depths of only E. pacifica at night. These results indicate a strategy which makes E. pacifica the dominant species in the area, that is, it has a trade-off of long migrations and a warmer environment that accelerates metabolism, in return for obtaining a food-rich environment.

Regional differences in the psychological recovery of Christchurch residents following the 2010/2011 earthquakes: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Greaves, Lara M; Milojev, Petar; Huang, Yanshu; Stronge, Samantha; Osborne, Danny; Bulbulia, Joseph; Grimshaw, Michael; Sibley, Chris G

2015-01-01

We examined changes in psychological distress experienced by residents of Christchurch following two catastrophic earthquakes in late 2010 and early 2011, using data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS), a national probability panel study of New Zealand adults. Analyses focused on the 267 participants (172 women, 95 men) who were living in central Christchurch in 2009 (i.e., before the Christchurch earthquakes), and who also provided complete responses to our yearly panel questionnaire conducted in late 2010 (largely between the two major earthquakes), late 2011, and late 2012. Levels of psychological distress were similar across the different regions of central Christchurch immediately following the September 2010 earthquake, and remained comparable across regions in 2011. By late 2012, however, average levels of psychological distress in the regions had diverged as a function of the amount of property damage experienced within each given region. Specifically, participants in the least damaged region (i.e., the Fendalton-Waimairi and Riccarton-Wigram wards) experienced greater drops in psychological distress than did those in the moderately damaged region (i.e., across the Spreydon-Heathcote and Hagley-Ferrymead wards). However, the level of psychological distress reported by participants in the most damaged region (i.e., across Shirley-Papanui and Burwood-Pegasus) were not significantly different to those in the least damaged region of central Christchurch. These findings suggest that different patterns of psychological recovery emerged across the different regions of Christchurch, with the moderately damaged region faring the worst, but only after the initial shock of the destruction had passed.

Regional Differences in the Psychological Recovery of Christchurch Residents Following the 2010/2011 Earthquakes: A Longitudinal Study

PubMed Central

Greaves, Lara M.; Milojev, Petar; Huang, Yanshu; Stronge, Samantha; Osborne, Danny; Bulbulia, Joseph; Grimshaw, Michael; Sibley, Chris G.

2015-01-01

We examined changes in psychological distress experienced by residents of Christchurch following two catastrophic earthquakes in late 2010 and early 2011, using data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS), a national probability panel study of New Zealand adults. Analyses focused on the 267 participants (172 women, 95 men) who were living in central Christchurch in 2009 (i.e., before the Christchurch earthquakes), and who also provided complete responses to our yearly panel questionnaire conducted in late 2010 (largely between the two major earthquakes), late 2011, and late 2012. Levels of psychological distress were similar across the different regions of central Christchurch immediately following the September 2010 earthquake, and remained comparable across regions in 2011. By late 2012, however, average levels of psychological distress in the regions had diverged as a function of the amount of property damage experienced within each given region. Specifically, participants in the least damaged region (i.e., the Fendalton-Waimairi and Riccarton-Wigram wards) experienced greater drops in psychological distress than did those in the moderately damaged region (i.e., across the Spreydon-Heathcote and Hagley-Ferrymead wards). However, the level of psychological distress reported by participants in the most damaged region (i.e., across Shirley-Papanui and Burwood-Pegasus) were not significantly different to those in the least damaged region of central Christchurch. These findings suggest that different patterns of psychological recovery emerged across the different regions of Christchurch, with the moderately damaged region faring the worst, but only after the initial shock of the destruction had passed. PMID:25932919

Triple probe interrogation of spokes in a HiPIMS discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockwood Estrin, F.; Karkari, S. K.; Bradley, J. W.

2017-07-01

Using a triple probe situated above the racetrack and inside the magnetic trap of a magnetron, rotating spoke-like structures have been clearly identified in a single HiPIMS pulse as periodic modulations of the electron temperature T e, electron density n e, ion saturation current I isat, floating potential V f and plasma potential V p. The spokes rotate in the E  ×  B direction with a velocity of ~8.8 km s-1. Defining the spoke shape from the footprint of the ion current, they deliver to flush-mounted probes embedded in the target, each spoke can be characterised by a dense but cool leading edge (n e ~ 2.0  ×  1019 m-3, T e ~ 2.1 eV) and a relatively hotter but more rarefied trailing edge (n e ~ 1  ×  1019 m-3, T e ~ 3.9 eV). Measurements of V p show a potential hump towards the rear of the spoke, separated from regions of the highest density, with plasma potentials up to 8 V more positive than the inter-spoke regions. Azimuthal electric fields of ~1 kV m-1 associated with these structures are calculated. Transforming the triple probe time-traces to functions of the azimuthal angle θ and assuming a Gaussian radial profile for the plasma parameters, 2D spatial maps of n e, T e and V p have been constructed as well as the target ion current density J p from the embedded probes. The phase relationship between T e, V p and n e can be clearly seen using this representation with n e leading T e and V p with a phase shift between them of ~50°. Regions of maximum ion current to the target, delivered by individual spokes, coincide with the overlap of regions of high n e and T e measured above the target at a height of 15 mm. Ions created at elevated positions above the target in the observed dense region will take several micro-seconds to reach that surface, so contributing to the target ion current in the following spokes.

Localized excitons in fluoroperovskite LiBaF3 crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Springis, Maris; Trukhin, Anatoly N.; Tale, Ivar

2003-08-01

Two radiating processes in LiBaF3 crystals, fast valence-core transitions (5.4 - 6.5 eV) and slow, so called self-trapped exciton luminescence (about 4.3 eV), are important for practical application. Here we present a study of 4.3 eV luminescence under X-ray excitation and photoexcitation as well as under photostimulation after X-irradiation of undoped and Ag-doped LiBaF3 crystals at various temperatures. It is shown that 4.3 eV luminescence appears under X-ray excitation at least from 85 K to 400 K in both undoped and doped crystals. In all samples studied the excitation spectra of 4.3 eV luminescence contain both the main exciton like band at the edge of fundamental absorption at about 10 eV and weaker band in 7.8 - 8.6 eV region. Luminescence spectrum in the 3.8 - 4.8 eV region under 7.8 - 8.6 eV excitation differs slightly from that under 10 eV excitation. Several luminescence bands in 3.8 - 4.8 eV region arises in the temperature range 85 - 230 K under photostimulation in absorption band of F-type center at 2.9 eV created previously under X-irradiation. We propose the luminescence of LiBaF3 crystals in the 3.8 - 4.8 eV region may be caused by localized excitons formed not only under excitation near the fundamental absorption but also in result of electron recombination with localized holes thermally destroyed above 230 K.

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

Subramanian, T.; Zhao, Ling-jun; Chinnadurai, G., E-mail: chinnag@slu.edu

Adenovirus E1A induces cell proliferation, oncogenic transformation and promotes viral replication through interaction with p300/CBP, TRRAP/p400 multi-protein complex and the retinoblastoma (pRb) family proteins through distinct domains in the E1A N-terminal region. The C-terminal region of E1A suppresses E1A/Ras co-transformation and interacts with FOXK1/K2, DYRK1A/1B/HAN11 and CtBP1/2 (CtBP) protein complexes. To specifically dissect the role of CtBP interaction with E1A, we engineered a mutation (DL→AS) within the CtBP-binding motif, PLDLS, and investigated the effect of the mutation on immortalization and Ras cooperative transformation of primary cells and viral replication. Our results suggest that CtBP–E1A interaction suppresses immortalization and Ras co-operativemore » transformation of primary rodent epithelial cells without significantly influencing the tumorigenic activities of transformed cells in immunodeficient and immunocompetent animals. During productive infection, CtBP–E1A interaction enhances viral replication in human cells. Between the two CtBP family proteins, CtBP2 appears to restrict viral replication more than CtBP1 in human cells. - Highlights: • Adenovirus E1A C-terminal region suppresses E1A/Ras co-transformation. • This E1A region binds with FOXK, DYRK1/HAN11 and CtBP cellular protein complexes. • We found that E1A–CtBP interaction suppresses immortalization and transformation. • The interaction enhances viral replication in human cells.« less

Etiology of Childhood Infectious Diarrhea in a Developed Region of China: Compared to Childhood Diarrhea in a Developing Region and Adult Diarrhea in a Developed Region.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Wang, Jing; Sun, Hao; Xia, Shengli; Duan, Ran; Liang, Junrong; Xiao, Yuchun; Qiu, Haiyan; Shan, Guangliang; Jing, Huaiqi

2015-01-01

In China, great differences in economy, social characteristics and hygiene exist between developing and developed regions. A comparative study of infectious diarrhea between two regions was needed. Three groups of diarrheal patients were collected: children ≤5 year-olds from Beijing (developed region) and Henan Province (developing region), and adults over 18 year-olds from Beijing. A questionnaire was used to survey and feces samples were examined for 16 enteropathogens. We enrolled 1422 children and 1047 adults from developed region and 755 children from developing region. Virus positive rates were 32.98% for children and 23.67% for adults in developed region. The most prevalent pathogen for children was rotavirus whereas for adults was norovirus. Bacterial isolation rates were 13.92% for children from developed region, while 29.14% for children from the developing regions. For the greatest difference, Shigella accounted for 50.79% and was the dominant pathogen in the developing region, whereas in the developed region it was only 1.45%. There was no significant relationship between the local levels of development with diarrheogenic Escherichia coli (DEC) categories. But it was seen the notable differences between the population with different age: enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) and enteroaggregative E.coli (EAggEC) were the primary classes of DEC in children from both regions, whereas it was enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) in adults. The symptoms of Shigella and Salmonella infection, such as bloody stools, white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) positivity and fever were similar in children, which may lead to the misidentification. Yersinia enterocolitica and shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) infections were firstly reported in Beijing. There was a large difference in etiology of bacterial diarrhea between children in developing and developed regions of China.

Regional carbon sequestration and climate change: It’s all about water

Treesearch

Ge Sun; Peter Caldwell; Steve McNulty; Eric Ward; Jean-Christophe Domec; Asko Noormets

2013-01-01

Forests need a lot of water to produce the goods (e.g., timber) and services (e.g., carbon sequestration and climate moderation) that benefit humans. Forests grow naturally in water-rich regions where precipitation is abundant or where groundwater is available, such as riparian areas in arid regions. For example, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)...

RNA-Seq Mouse Brain Regions Expression Data Analysis: Focus on ApoE Functional Network

PubMed

Babenko, Vladimir N; Smagin, Dmitry A; Kudryavtseva, Natalia N

2017-09-13

ApoE expression status was proved to be a highly specific marker of energy metabolism rate in the brain. Along with its neighbor, Translocase of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 kDa (TOMM40) which is involved in mitochondrial metabolism, the corresponding genomic region constitutes the neuroenergetic hotspot. Using RNA-Seq data from a murine model of chronic stress a significant positive expression coordination of seven neighboring genes in ApoE locus in five brain regions was observed. ApoE maintains one of the highest absolute expression values genome-wide, implying that ApoE can be the driver of the neighboring gene expression alteration observed under stressful loads. Notably, we revealed the highly statistically significant increase of ApoE expression in the hypothalamus of chronically aggressive (FDR < 0.007) and defeated (FDR < 0.001) mice compared to the control. Correlation analysis revealed a close association of ApoE and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression profiles implying the putative neuroendocrine stress response background of ApoE expression elevation therein.

Specific IgE and IgG measured by the MeDALL allergen-chip depend on allergen and route of exposure: The EGEA study.

PubMed

Siroux, Valérie; Lupinek, Christian; Resch, Yvonne; Curin, Mirela; Just, Jocelyne; Keil, Thomas; Kiss, Renata; Lødrup Carlsen, Karin; Melén, Erik; Nadif, Rachel; Pin, Isabelle; Skrindo, Ingebjørg; Vrtala, Susanne; Wickman, Magnus; Anto, Josep Maria; Valenta, Rudolf; Bousquet, Jean

2017-02-01

The nature of allergens and route and dose of exposure may affect the natural development of IgE and IgG responses. We sought to investigate the natural IgE and IgG responses toward a large panel of respiratory and food allergens in subjects exposed to different respiratory allergen loads. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 340 adults of the EGEA (Epidemiological study of the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy) (170 with and 170 without asthma) cohort. IgE and IgG responses to 47 inhalant and food allergen components were analyzed in sera using allergen microarray and compared between 5 French regions according to the route of allergen exposure (inhaled vs food allergens). Overall 48.8% of the population had allergen-specific IgE levels of 0.3 ISAC standardized units (ISU) or more to at least 1 of the 47 allergens with no significant differences across the regions. For ubiquitous respiratory allergens (ie, grass, olive/ash pollen, house dust mites), specific IgE did not show marked differences between regions and specific IgG (≥0.5 ISU) was present in most subjects everywhere. For regionally occurring pollen allergens (ragweed, birch, cypress), IgE sensitization was significantly associated with regional pollen exposure. For airborne allergens cross-reacting with food allergens, frequent IgG recognition was observed even in regions with low allergen prevalence (Bet v 1) or for allergens less frequently recognized by IgE (profilins). The variability in allergen-specific IgE and IgG frequencies depends on exposure, route of exposure, and overall immunogenicity of the allergen. Allergen contact by the oral route might preferentially induce IgG responses. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Frequency Backscatter from the Polar and Auroral E-Region Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsythe, Victoriya V.

The Earth's ionosphere contains collisional and partially-ionized plasma. The electric field, produced by the interaction between the Earth's magnetosphere and the solar wind, drives the plasma bulk motion, also known as convection, in the F-region of the ionosphere. It can also destabilize the plasma in the E-region, producing irregularities or waves. Intermediate-scale waves with wavelengths of hundreds of meters can cause scintillation and fading of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, whereas the small-scale waves (lambda < 100 m) can scatter radar signals, making possible detection of these plasma structures and measurements of their characteristics such as their phase velocity and intensity. In this work, production of the decameter-scale (lambda ≈ 10 m) irregularities in the ionospheric E-region (100-120 km in altitude) at high latitudes is investigated both theoretically, using linear fluid theory of plasma instability processes that generate small-scale plasma waves, and experimentally, by analyzing data collected with the newly-deployed high-southern-latitude radars within the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). The theoretical part of this work focuses on symmetry properties of the general dispersion relation that describes wave propagation in the collisional plasma in the two-stream and gradient-drift instability regimes. The instability growth rate and phase velocity are examined under the presence of a background parallel electric field, whose influence is demonstrated to break the spatial symmetry of the wave propagation patterns. In the observational part of this thesis, a novel dual radar setup is used to examine E-region irregularities in the magnetic polar cap by probing the E-region along the same line from opposite directions. The phase velocity analysis together with raytracing simulations demonstrated that, in the polar cap, the radar backscatter is primarily controlled by the plasma density conditions. In particular, when the E-region layer is strong and stratified, the radar backscatter properties are controlled by the convection velocity, whereas for a tilted E-layer, the height and aspect angle conditions are more important. Finally, the fundamental dependence of the E-region irregularity phase velocity on the component of the plasma convection is investigated using two new SuperDARN radars at high southern latitudes where plasma convection estimates are accurately deduced from all SuperDARN radars in the southern hemisphere. Statistical analysis is presented showing that the predominance of the E-region echoes of a particular polarity is strongly dictated by the orientation of the convection plasma flow which itself has a significant asymmetry towards westward zonal flow.

Variation in the Nucleotide Sequence of Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus a and b Subtypes Affects Wart Regression and Malignant Transformation and Level of Viral Replication in Domestic Rabbits

PubMed Central

Salmon, Jérôme; Nonnenmacher, Mathieu; Cazé, Sandrine; Flamant, Patricia; Croissant, Odile; Orth, Gérard; Breitburd, Françoise

2000-01-01

We previously reported the partial characterization of two cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) subtypes with strikingly divergent E6 and E7 oncoproteins. We report now the complete nucleotide sequences of these subtypes, referred to as CRPVa4 (7,868 nucleotides) and CRPVb (7,867 nucleotides). The CRPVa4 and CRPVb genomes differed at 238 (3%) nucleotide positions, whereas CRPVa4 and the prototype CRPV differed by only 5 nucleotides. The most variable region (7% nucleotide divergence) included the long regulatory region (LRR) and the E6 and E7 genes. A mutation in the stop codon resulted in an 8-amino-acid-longer CRPVb E4 protein, and a nucleotide deletion reduced the coding capacity of the E5 gene from 101 to 25 amino acids. In domestic rabbits homozygous for a specific haplotype of the DRA and DQA genes of the major histocompatibility complex, warts induced by CRPVb DNA or a chimeric genome containing the CRPVb LRR/E6/E7 region showed an early regression, whereas warts induced by CRPVa4 or a chimeric genome containing the CRPVa4 LRR/E6/E7 region persisted and evolved into carcinomas. In contrast, most CRPVa, CRPVb, and chimeric CRPV DNA-induced warts showed no early regression in rabbits homozygous for another DRA-DQA haplotype. Little, if any, viral replication is usually observed in domestic rabbit warts. When warts induced by CRPVa and CRPVb virions and DNA were compared, the number of cells positive for viral DNA or capsid antigens was found to be greater by 1 order of magnitude for specimens induced by CRPVb. Thus, both sequence variation in the LRR/E6/E7 region and the genetic constitution of the host influence the expression of the oncogenic potential of CRPV. Furthermore, intratype variation may overcome to some extent the host restriction of CRPV replication in domestic rabbits. PMID:11044121

Characteristics of nighttime E-region over Arecibo: Dependence on solar flux and geomagnetic variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raizada, Shikha; Brum, Christiano G. M.; Mathews, John D.; Gonzalez, Cristina; Franco, Efmi

2018-04-01

Electron concentration (Ne) inferred from Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) measurements has been used to determine the influence of solar flux and geomagnetic activity in the ionospheric E-region over Arecibo Observatory (AO). The approach is based on the determination of column integrated Ne, referred to as E-region total electron content (ErTEC) between 80 and 150 km altitude regions. The results discussed in this work are for the AO nighttime period. The study reveals higher ErTEC values during the low solar flux periods for all the seasons except for summer period. It is found that the E-region column abundance is higher in equinox periods than in the winter for low solar activity conditions. The column integrated Ne during the post-sunset/pre-sunrise periods always exceeds the midnight minima, independent of season or solar activity. This behavior has been attributed to the variations in the coupling processes from the F-region. The response of ErTEC to the geomagnetic variability is also examined for different solar flux conditions and seasons. During high solar flux periods, changes in Kp cause an ErTEC increase in summer and equinox, while producing a negative storm-like effect during the winter. Variations in ErTEC due to geomagnetic activity during low solar flux periods produce maximum variability in the E-region during equinox periods, while resulting in an increase/decrease in ErTEC before local midnight during the winter/summer periods, respectively.

Development of the Avian Dorsal Thalamus: Patterns and Gradients of Neurogenesis.

PubMed

Lynn, Allison M; Schneider, Danielle A; Bruce, Laura L

2015-01-01

The dorsal thalamus is a region of the diencephalon that relays sensory and motor information between areas of the brain stem and the telencephalon. Although a dorsal thalamic region is recognized in all vertebrates and believed to be homologous, little is known about how the regions within it evolved and whether some or all regions within the dorsal thalamus are homologous among different vertebrate species. To characterize the gradients and patterns of neurogenesis of the avian dorsal thalamus, a single application of a low dose of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was delivered to each chick between embryonic day (E)3 and E8 (stages 21 and 34), and chicks were followed up to E8 or E10 (stage 34 or 36). Comparisons of anti-BrdU labeling patterns across the different injection days suggest that nearly all dorsal thalamic neurons are born early in chick embryogenesis, between E3 and E8. Furthermore, neurons in the lateral, dorsal, and posterior parts of the dorsal thalamus are generally born earlier than those in the medial, ventral, and anterior parts. Analyses of the birth dates for nine regions show that the general pattern of neurogenesis in the avian dorsal thalamus resembles that of homologous regions within the rodent thalamus, with the exception of the auditory region, the nucleus ovoidalis, which is born later than the mammalian auditory medial geniculate nucleus. The similar pattern of neurogenesis in birds and mammals may represent a highly conserved developmental pattern that was present in the common ancestor of living birds and mammals, or may represent independently derived states. Additional studies in reptiles and amphibians are needed to distinguish between these evolutionary histories. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Adeno-associated virus vectors can be efficiently produced without helper virus.

PubMed

Matsushita, T; Elliger, S; Elliger, C; Podsakoff, G; Villarreal, L; Kurtzman, G J; Iwaki, Y; Colosi, P

1998-07-01

The purpose of this work was to develop an efficient method for the production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in the absence of helper virus. The adenovirus regions that mediate AAV vector replication were identified and assembled into a helper plasmid. These included the VA, E2A and E4 regions. When this helper plasmid was cotransfected into 293 cells, along with plasmids encoding the AAV vector, and rep and cap genes, AAV vector was produced as efficiently as when using adenovirus infection as a source of help. CMV-driven constructs expressing the E4orf6 and the 72-M(r), E2A proteins were able to functionally replace the E4 and E2A regions, respectively. Therefore the minimum set of genes required to produce AAV helper activity equivalent to that provided by adenovirus infection consists of, or is a subset of, the following genes: the E4orf6 gene, the 72-M(r), E2A protein gene, the VA RNA genes and the E1 region. AAV vector preparations made with adenovirus and by the helper virus-free method were essentially indistinguishable with respect to particle density, particle to infectivity ratio, capsimer ratio and efficiency of muscle transduction in vivo. Only AAV vector preparations made by the helper virus-free method were not reactive with anti-adenovirus sera.

Molecular and Genetic Characterization of the Drosophila Melanogaster 87e Actin Gene Region

PubMed Central

Manseau, L. J.; Ganetzky, B.; Craig, E. A.

1988-01-01

A combined molecular and genetic analysis of the 87E actin gene (Act87E) in Drosophila melanogaster was undertaken. A clone of Act87E was isolated and characterized. The Act87E transcription unit is 1.57 kb and includes a 556-base intervening sequence in the 5' leader of the gene. The protein-coding region is contiguous and encodes a protein that is >93% identical to the other Drosophila actins. By in situ hybridization with a series of deficiencies that break in 87E, Act87E was localized to a region encompassing one to three faint, polytene chromosome bands. The region between the deficiency endpoints that flank the actin gene was isolated and measures approximately 24-30 kb. The closest proximal deficiency endpoint lies 8-10 kb 5' to the actin gene; the closest distal deficiency endpoint lies 16-20 kb 3' to the actin gene. A single, recessive lethal complementation group lies between the deficiency endpoints that flank the actin gene. An EMS mutagenesis screen produced four additional members of this recessive lethal complementation group. Molecular analysis of the members of this complementation group indicated that two of the newly induced mutations have deletions of approximately 1 kb in a transcribed region 4-5 kb 3' (distal) to the actin gene. This result suggests that the recessive lethal complementation group represents a gene separate from and distal to the actin gene. The mutagenesis screen failed to identify additional recessive lethal complementation groups in the actin gene-containing region. The implications of the failure to identify recessive lethal mutations in the actin gene are discussed in reference to studies of other conserved multigene families and other muscle protein mutations. PMID:2840338

Magnetism of toroidal field in two-fluid equilibrium of CHI driven spherical torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanki, T.; Nagata, M.

2016-10-01

Double-pulsing CHI (D-CHI) experiment has been conducted in the HIST device to achieve a quasi-steady sustainment and good confinement of spherical torus (ST) plasmas. The feature of CHI driven ST such as diamagnetic toroidal field in the central open flux column (OFC) region and strong poloidal flow shear around the separatrix in the high field side suggests the two-fluid effect. The relationship between the magnetism of the toroidal field and the poloidal flow velocity is investigated by modelling the D-CHI (mainly driving the poloidal electron flow along the open flux) in the two-fluid equilibrium calculations. The poloidal component of Ampere's law leads that the toroidal field is related to the difference between the stream functions of ion ψi and electron ψe for the poloidal flow, indicating that the toroidal field with ψe >ψi results in a diamagnetic profile, while that with ψe <ψi results in a paramagnetic one. The gradient of the stream function determines the polarity and the strength of the poloidal flow velocity. It is found that the two-fluid equilibrium of CHI driven ST satisfies ψe > 0 and ψi < 0 in the OFC region, and ψe < 0 and ψi < 0 in the closed flux region. The toroidal field is a diamagnetic profile in the OFC region due to ψe >ψi and |uez | > |uiz | , where uez and uiz denote the poloidal electron and ion flow velocities, respectively. It becomes from a diamagnetic to a paramagnetic profile in the closed flux region, because ψe (uez) approaches ψi (uiz) around the magnetic axis. The poloidal ion flow shear is enhanced in the OFC region due to the ion inertial effect through the toroidal ion flow velocity.

Variations in evapotranspiration and climate for an Amazonian semi-deciduous forest over seasonal, annual, and El Niño cycles.

PubMed

Vourlitis, George L; de Souza Nogueira, José; de Almeida Lobo, Francisco; Pinto, Osvaldo Borges

2015-02-01

Tropical forests exchange large amounts of water and energy with the atmosphere and are important in controlling regional and global climate; however, climate and evaportranspiration (E) vary significantly across multiple time scales. To better understand temporal patterns in E and climate, we measured the energy balance and meteorology of a semi-deciduous forest in the rainforest-savanna ecotone of northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, over a 7-year period and analyzed regional climate patterns over a 16-year period. Spectral analysis revealed that E and local climate exhibited consistent cycles over annual, seasonal, and weekly time scales. Annual and seasonal cycles were also apparent in the regional monthly rainfall and humidity time series, and a cycle on the order of 3-5.5 years was also apparent in the regional air temperature time series, which is coincident with the average return interval of El Niño. Annual rates of E were significantly affected by the 2002 El Niño. Prior to this event, annual E was on average 1,011 mm/year and accounted for 52% of the annual rainfall, while after, annual E was 931 mm/year and accounted for 42% of the annual rainfall. Our data also suggest that E declined significantly over the 7-year study period while air temperature significantly increased, which was coincident with a long-term, regional warming and drying trend. These results suggest that drought and warming induced by El Niño and/or climate change cause declines in E for semi-deciduous forests of the southeast Amazon Basin.

Variations in evapotranspiration and climate for an Amazonian semi-deciduous forest over seasonal, annual, and El Niño cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vourlitis, George L.; de Souza Nogueira, José; de Almeida Lobo, Francisco; Pinto, Osvaldo Borges

2015-02-01

Tropical forests exchange large amounts of water and energy with the atmosphere and are important in controlling regional and global climate; however, climate and evaportranspiration ( E) vary significantly across multiple time scales. To better understand temporal patterns in E and climate, we measured the energy balance and meteorology of a semi-deciduous forest in the rainforest-savanna ecotone of northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, over a 7-year period and analyzed regional climate patterns over a 16-year period. Spectral analysis revealed that E and local climate exhibited consistent cycles over annual, seasonal, and weekly time scales. Annual and seasonal cycles were also apparent in the regional monthly rainfall and humidity time series, and a cycle on the order of 3-5.5 years was also apparent in the regional air temperature time series, which is coincident with the average return interval of El Niño. Annual rates of E were significantly affected by the 2002 El Niño. Prior to this event, annual E was on average 1,011 mm/year and accounted for 52 % of the annual rainfall, while after, annual E was 931 mm/year and accounted for 42 % of the annual rainfall. Our data also suggest that E declined significantly over the 7-year study period while air temperature significantly increased, which was coincident with a long-term, regional warming and drying trend. These results suggest that drought and warming induced by El Niño and/or climate change cause declines in E for semi-deciduous forests of the southeast Amazon Basin.

Equatorial E Region Electric Fields and Sporadic E Layer Responses to the Recovery Phase of the November 2004 Geomagnetic Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moro, J.; Resende, L. C. A.; Denardini, C. M.; Xu, J.; Batista, I. S.; Andrioli, V. F.; Carrasco, A. J.; Batista, P. P.; Schuch, N. J.

2017-12-01

Equatorial E region electric fields (EEFs) inferred from coherent radar data, sporadic-E (Es) layers observed from a digital ionosonde data, and modeling results are used to study the responses of the equatorial E region over São Luís (SLZ, 2.3°S, 44.2°W, -7° dip angle), Brazil, during the super storm of November 2004. The EEF is presented in terms of the zonal (Ey) and vertical (Ez) components in order to analyze the corresponding characteristics of different types of Es seen in ionograms and simulated with the E region ionospheric model. We bring out the variabilities of Ey and Ez components with storm time changes in the equatorial E region. In addition, some aspects of the electric fields and Es behavior in three cases of weak, very weak, and strong Type II occurrences during the recovery phase of the geomagnetic storm are discussed. The connection between the enhanced occurrence and suppressions of the Type II irregularities and the q-type Es (Esq) controlled by electric fields, with the development or disruption of the blanketing sporadic E (Esb) layers produced by wind shear mechanism, is also presented. The mutual presence of Esq along with the Esb occurrences is a clear indicator of the secular drift of the magnetic equator and hence that of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) over SLZ. The results show evidence about the EEJ and Es layer electrodynamics and coupling during geomagnetic disturbance time electric fields.

EAS spectrum in the primary energy region above 10 to the 15th power eV by the Akeno and Yakutsk array data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krasilnikov, D. D.; Knurenko, S. P.; Krasilnikov, A. D.; Pavlov, V. N.; Sleptsov, I. Y.; Yegorova, V. P.

1985-01-01

The extensive air showers spectrum on scintillation desity Rko in primary energy region E sub approx. 10 to the 15th power - 10 to the 20th power eV on the Yakutsk array data and recent results of the Akeno is given.

iss012e23442

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-12-02

ISS012-E-23442 (2 Dec. 2005) --- The coastal region in Somalia, south of the capital of Mogadishu (out of frame), is featured in this image photographed during normal conditions by an Expedition 12 crewmember on the International Space Station. An image captured during the Expedition 14 mission (ISS014-E-13848) shows the same coastal region with contrasting wet conditions.

Temperature and voltage dependence of barrier height and ideality factor in Au/0.07 graphene-doped PVA/n-Si structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altındal Yerişkin, S.; Balbaşı, M.; Demirezen, S.

2017-04-01

In this study, Au/0.07 graphene-doped PVA/n-Si structures were fabricated and current conduction mechanism in these structures were investigated in the temperature range of 80-380 K through forward bias current-voltage ( I- V) measurements. Main electrical parameters were extracted from I-V data. Zero-bias barrier height (\\overline{Φ}_{B0}) and ideality factor (n) were found strong functions of temperature and their values ranged from 0.234 eV and 4.98 (at 80 K) to 0.882 eV and 1.15 (at 380 K), respectively. Φ ap versus q/2k T plot was drawn to obtain an evidence of a Gaussian distribution of the barrier heights (BHs) and it revealed two distinct linear regions with different slopes and intercepts. The mean values of BH ( Φ Bo) and zero-bias standard deviation (σ s ) were obtained from the intercept and slope of the linear regions of this plot as 1.30 eV and 0.16 V for the first region (280-380 K) and 0.74 eV and 0.085 V for the second region (80-240 K), respectively. Thus, the values of \\overline{Φ}_{B0} and effective Richardson constant ( A*) were also found from the intercept and slope of the modified Richardson plot [ln( I s /T 2) - q 2 σ o 2 /2k 2 T 2 vs q/ kT] as 1.31 eV and 130 A/cm2 K2 for the first region and 0.76 eV and 922 A/cm2 K2 for the second region, respectively. The value of A* for the first region was very close to the theoretical value for n-Si (112 A/cm2 K2). The energy density distribution profile of surface states (Nss) was also extracted from the forward bias I-V data by taking into account voltage dependent effective BH (Φe) and n.

Neuroimaging social emotional processing in women: fMRI study of script-driven imagery

PubMed Central

Dozois, David J. A.; Neufeld, Richard W. J.; Densmore, Maria; Stevens, Todd K.; Lanius, Ruth A.

2011-01-01

Emotion theory emphasizes the distinction between social vs non-social emotional-processing (E-P) although few functional neuroimaging studies have examined whether the neural systems that mediate social vs non-social E-P are similar or distinct. The present fMRI study of script-driven imagery in 20 women demonstrates that social E-P, independent of valence, more strongly recruits brain regions involved in social- and self-referential processing, specifically the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate/precuneus, bilateral temporal poles, bilateral temporoparietal junction and right amygdala. Functional response within brain regions involved in E-P was also significantly more pronounced during negatively relative to positively valenced E-P. Finally, the effect for social E-P was increased for positive relative to negative stimuli in many of these same regions. Future research directions for social and affective neuroscience are discussed. PMID:20525743

Flagellar region 3b supports strong expression of integrated DNA and the highest chromosomal integration efficiency of the Escherichia coli flagellar regions.

PubMed

Juhas, Mario; Ajioka, James W

2015-07-01

The Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli is routinely used as the chassis for a variety of biotechnology and synthetic biology applications. Identification and analysis of reliable chromosomal integration and expression target loci is crucial for E. coli engineering. Chromosomal loci differ significantly in their ability to support integration and expression of the integrated genetic circuits. In this study, we investigate E. coli K12 MG1655 flagellar regions 2 and 3b. Integration of the genetic circuit into seven and nine highly conserved genes of the flagellar regions 2 (motA, motB, flhD, flhE, cheW, cheY and cheZ) and 3b (fliE, F, G, J, K, L, M, P, R), respectively, showed significant variation in their ability to support chromosomal integration and expression of the integrated genetic circuit. While not reducing the growth of the engineered strains, the integrations into all 16 target sites led to the loss of motility. In addition to high expression, the flagellar region 3b supports the highest efficiency of integration of all E. coli K12 MG1655 flagellar regions and is therefore potentially the most suitable for the integration of synthetic genetic circuits. © 2015 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

Regional GRACE-based estimates of water mass variations over Australia: validation and interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seoane, L.; Ramillien, G.; Frappart, F.; Leblanc, M.

2013-04-01

Time series of regional 2°-by-2° GRACE solutions have been computed from 2003 to 2011 with a 10 day resolution by using an energy integral method over Australia [112° E 156° E; 44° S 10° S]. This approach uses the dynamical orbit analysis of GRACE Level 1 measurements, and specially accurate along-track K Band Range Rate (KBRR) residuals (1 μm s-1 level of error) to estimate the total water mass over continental regions. The advantages of regional solutions are a significant reduction of GRACE aliasing errors (i.e. north-south stripes) providing a more accurate estimation of water mass balance for hydrological applications. In this paper, the validation of these regional solutions over Australia is presented as well as their ability to describe water mass change as a reponse of climate forcings such as El Niño. Principal component analysis of GRACE-derived total water storage maps show spatial and temporal patterns that are consistent with independent datasets (e.g. rainfall, climate index and in-situ observations). Regional TWS show higher spatial correlations with in-situ water table measurements over Murray-Darling drainage basin (80-90%), and they offer a better localization of hydrological structures than classical GRACE global solutions (i.e. Level 2 GRGS products and 400 km ICA solutions as a linear combination of GFZ, CSR and JPL GRACE solutions).

MinD-dependent conformational changes in MinE required for the Min oscillator to spatially regulate cytokinesis

PubMed Central

Park, Kyung-Tae; Wu, Wei; Battaile, Kevin P.; Lovell, Scott; Holyoak, Todd; Lutkenhaus, Joe

2011-01-01

Summary MinD recruits MinE to the membrane leading to a coupled oscillation required for spatial regulation of the cytokinetic Z ring in E. coli. How these proteins interact, however, is not clear since the MinD binding regions of MinE are sequestered within a 6-stranded β-sheet and masked by N-terminal helices. Here, minE mutations are isolated that restore interaction to some MinD and MinE mutants. These mutations alter the MinE structure releasing the MinD binding regions and N-terminal helices that bind MinD and the membrane, respectively. Crystallization of MinD-MinE complexes reveals a 4-stranded β-sheet MinE dimer with the released β strands (MinD binding regions) converted to α-helices bound to MinD dimers. These results suggest a 6 stranded, β-sheet dimer of MinE ‘senses’ MinD and switches to a 4-stranded β-sheet dimer that binds MinD and contributes to membrane binding. Also, the results indicate how MinE persists at the MinD-membrane surface. PMID:21816275

Empirical Storm-Time Correction to the International Reference Ionosphere Model E-Region Electron and Ion Density Parameterizations Using Observations from TIMED/SABER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mertens, Christoper J.; Winick, Jeremy R.; Russell, James M., III; Mlynczak, Martin G.; Evans, David S.; Bilitza, Dieter; Xu, Xiaojing

2007-01-01

The response of the ionospheric E-region to solar-geomagnetic storms can be characterized using observations of infrared 4.3 micrometers emission. In particular, we utilize nighttime TIMED/SABER measurements of broadband 4.3 micrometers limb emission and derive a new data product, the NO+(v) volume emission rate, which is our primary observation-based quantity for developing an empirical storm-time correction the IRI E-region electron density. In this paper we describe our E-region proxy and outline our strategy for developing the empirical storm model. In our initial studies, we analyzed a six day storm period during the Halloween 2003 event. The results of this analysis are promising and suggest that the ap-index is a viable candidate to use as a magnetic driver for our model.

Revealing the Physical Properties of GMC Complexes in the Spiral Arms of NGC 6946

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topal, Selçuk; Bayet, Estelle; Bureau, Martin; Walsh, Wilfred; Davis, Timothy A.

2013-03-01

In this study, we probe for the first time the molecular gas physical properties of several star forming regions located in the arms and inter-arms of the spiral galaxy NGC 6946. Combining our observations with additional data found in the literature, we provide in this study the most complete CO ladder ever obtained in these inter-arm and arm regions, i.e. the CO(1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 6-5) and 13CO(1-0, 2-1) transitions. For each region studied, we use more precisely the large velocity gradient (LVG) assumption in order to derive the beam-averaged molecular gas physical properties. Namely, we obtained the gas kinetic temperature (i.e. 'best' T K), volume number gas density (i.e. 'best' n(H2)) and CO column density (i.e. 'best' N(CO)) which best reproduce the data for 8 regions investigated. Optical depths were also estimated for a large variety of CO lines in these regions. To identify the best values found, we used two complementary theoretical approaches when comparing the model predictions with the observations, i.e. the χ2 minimisation and the likelihood. Very different physical conditions for the molecular gas from a region to another have been obtained: T K ranges from 10 to 250 K, n(H2) ranges from 102.3 to 107.0 cm-3 and N(CO) ranges from 1015.0 to 1019.3 cm-2 among the arm and inter-arm regions. For each region probed, we also published for the first time the CO spectral line energy distribution (SLED) from CO(1-0) to CO(10-9) for this galaxy, mixing observations and model predictions which provide an essential insight for future follow-up observational programmes. Finally, in this work, we discuss the physical properties we obtained for each region in relation with the presence of young stellar population characteristics such as supernovae remnants (SNRs), Hi holes, Hii regions.

Synergistic Interactions between Chemokine Receptor Elements in Recognition of Interleukin-8 by Soluble Receptor Mimics†

PubMed Central

Barter, Emily F.; Stone, Martin J.

2012-01-01

Interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8), the archetypal member of the CXC chemokine subfamily, stimulates neutrophil chemotaxis by activation of the receptors CXCR1/IL8RA and CXCR2/IL8RB. Previous mutational studies have implicated both the N-terminal and third extracellular loop (E3) regions of these receptors in binding to IL-8. To investigate the interactions of these receptor elements with IL-8, we have constructed soluble proteins in which the N-terminal and E3 elements of either CXCR1 or CXCR2 are juxtaposed on a soluble scaffold protein; these are referred to as CROSS-NX1E3X1 and CROSS-NX2E3X2, respectively. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and NMR spectroscopy were used to compare the IL-8 binding properties of the receptor mimics to those of control proteins containing only the N-terminal or the E3 receptor element. CROSS-NX2E3X2 bound to monomeric IL-8 with the same affinity and induced the same chemical shift changes as the control protein containing only the N-terminal element of CXCR2, indicating that the E3 element of CXCR2 did not contribute to IL-8 binding. In contrast, CROSS-NX1E3X1 bound to IL-8 with ~10-fold increased affinity and induced different chemical shift changes compared to the control protein containing only the N-terminal element of CXCR1, suggesting that the E3 region of CXCR1 was interacting with IL-8. However, a chimeric protein containing the N-terminal region of CXCR1 and the E3 region of CXCR2 (CROSS-NX1E3X2) bound to IL-8 with thermodynamic properties and induced chemical shift changes indistinguishable from those of CROSS-NX1E3X1 and substantially different from those of CROSS-NX2E3X2. These results indicate that the N-terminal and E3 regions of CXCR1 interact synergistically to achieve optimal binding interactions with IL-8. PMID:22242662

On the domain-specificity of the visual and non-visual face-selective regions.

PubMed

Axelrod, Vadim

2016-08-01

What happens in our brains when we see a face? The neural mechanisms of face processing - namely, the face-selective regions - have been extensively explored. Research has traditionally focused on visual cortex face-regions; more recently, the role of face-regions outside the visual cortex (i.e., non-visual-cortex face-regions) has been acknowledged as well. The major quest today is to reveal the functional role of each this region in face processing. To make progress in this direction, it is essential to understand the extent to which the face-regions, and particularly the non-visual-cortex face-regions, process only faces (i.e., face-specific, domain-specific processing) or rather are involved in a more domain-general cognitive processing. In the current functional MRI study, we systematically examined the activity of the whole face-network during face-unrelated reading task (i.e., written meaningful sentences with content unrelated to faces/people and non-words). We found that the non-visual-cortex (i.e., right lateral prefrontal cortex and posterior superior temporal sulcus), but not the visual cortex face-regions, responded significantly stronger to sentences than to non-words. In general, some degree of sentence selectivity was found in all non-visual-cortex cortex. Present result highlights the possibility that the processing in the non-visual-cortex face-selective regions might not be exclusively face-specific, but rather more or even fully domain-general. In this paper, we illustrate how the knowledge about domain-general processing in face-regions can help to advance our general understanding of face processing mechanisms. Our results therefore suggest that the problem of face processing should be approached in the broader scope of cognition in general. © 2016 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Skill and predictability in multimodel ensemble forecasts for Northern Hemisphere regions with dominant winter precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehsan, Muhammad Azhar; Tippett, Michael K.; Almazroui, Mansour; Ismail, Muhammad; Yousef, Ahmed; Kucharski, Fred; Omar, Mohamed; Hussein, Mahmoud; Alkhalaf, Abdulrahman A.

2017-05-01

Northern Hemisphere winter precipitation reforecasts from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast System-4 and six of the models in the North American Multi-Model Ensemble are evaluated, focusing on two regions (Region-A: 20°N-45°N, 10°E-65°E and Region-B: 20°N-55°N, 205°E-255°E) where winter precipitation is a dominant fraction of the annual total and where precipitation from mid-latitude storms is important. Predictability and skill (deterministic and probabilistic) are assessed for 1983-2013 by the multimodel composite (MME) of seven prediction models. The MME climatological mean and variability over the two regions is comparable to observation with some regional differences. The statistically significant decreasing trend observed in Region-B precipitation is captured well by the MME and most of the individual models. El Niño Southern Oscillation is a source of forecast skill, and the correlation coefficient between the Niño3.4 index and precipitation over region A and B is 0.46 and 0.35, statistically significant at the 95 % level. The MME reforecasts weakly reproduce the observed teleconnection. Signal, noise and signal to noise ratio analysis show that the signal variance over two regions is very small as compared to noise variance which tends to reduce the prediction skill. The MME ranked probability skill score is higher than that of individual models, showing the advantage of a multimodel ensemble. Observed Region-A rainfall anomalies are strongly associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation, but none of the models reproduce this relation, which may explain the low skill over Region-A. The superior quality of multimodel ensemble compared with individual models is mainly due to larger ensemble size.

A second locus for very-late-onset Alzheimer disease: a genome scan reveals linkage to 20p and epistasis between 20p and the amyloid precursor protein region.

PubMed

Olson, Jane M; Goddard, Katrina A B; Dudek, Doreen M

2002-07-01

We used a covariate-based linkage method to reanalyze genome scan data from affected sibships collected by the Alzheimer Disease (AD) Genetics Initiative of the National Institute of Mental Health. As reported in an earlier article, the amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) region is strongly linked to affected sib pairs of the oldest current age (i.e., age either at last exam or at death) who lack E4 alleles at the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) locus. We now report that a region on 20p shows the same pattern. A model that includes current age and the number of E2 alleles as covariates gives a LOD score of 4.1. The signal on 20p is near the location of the gene coding for cystatin-C, previously shown to be associated with late-onset AD and to codeposit with APP in the brains of patients with AD. Two-locus analysis provides evidence of strong epistasis between 20p and the APP region, limited to the oldest age group and to those lacking ApoE4 alleles. We speculate that high-risk polymorphisms in both regions produce a biological interaction between these two proteins that increases susceptibility to a very-late-onset form of AD.

Improvement of GPS radio occultation retrieval error of E region electron density: COSMIC measurement and IRI model simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kang-Hung; Su, Ching-Lun; Chu, Yen-Hsyang

2015-03-01

In this article, we use the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model to simulate temporal and spatial distributions of global E region electron densities retrieved by the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites by means of GPS radio occultation (RO) technique. Despite regional discrepancies in the magnitudes of the E region electron density, the IRI model simulations can, on the whole, describe the COSMIC measurements in quality and quantity. On the basis of global ionosonde network and the IRI model, the retrieval errors of the global COSMIC-measured E region peak electron density (NmE) from July 2006 to July 2011 are examined and simulated. The COSMIC measurement and the IRI model simulation both reveal that the magnitudes of the percentage error (PE) and root mean-square-error (RMSE) of the relative RO retrieval errors of the NmE values are dependent on local time (LT) and geomagnetic latitude, with minimum in the early morning and at high latitudes and maximum in the afternoon and at middle latitudes. In addition, the seasonal variation of PE and RMSE values seems to be latitude dependent. After removing the IRI model-simulated GPS RO retrieval errors from the original COSMIC measurements, the average values of the annual and monthly mean percentage errors of the RO retrieval errors of the COSMIC-measured E region electron density are, respectively, substantially reduced by a factor of about 2.95 and 3.35, and the corresponding root-mean-square errors show averaged decreases of 15.6% and 15.4%, respectively. It is found that, with this process, the largest reduction in the PE and RMSE of the COSMIC-measured NmE occurs at the equatorial anomaly latitudes 10°N-30°N in the afternoon from 14 to 18 LT, with a factor of 25 and 2, respectively. Statistics show that the residual errors that remained in the corrected COSMIC-measured NmE vary in a range of -20% to 38%, which are comparable to or larger than the percentage errors of the IRI-predicted NmE fluctuating in a range of -6.5% to 20%.

Proton Source Size Measurements in the eA→e'ppX Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stavinsky, A. V.; Mikhailov, K. R.; Lednicky, R.; Vlassov, A. V.; Adams, G.; Ambrozewich, P.; Anciant, E.; Anghinolfi, M.; Asavapibhop, B.; Asryan, G.; Audit, G.; Auger, T.; Avakian, H.; Bagdasaryan, H.; Ball, J. P.; Barrow, S.; Batourine, V.; Battaglieri, M.; Beard, K.; Bektasoglu, M.; Bellis, M.; Benmouna, N.; Bianchi, N.; Biselli, A. S.; Boiarinov, S.; Bonner, B. E.; Bouchigny, S.; Bradford, R.; Branford, D.; Brooks, W. K.; Burkert, V. D.; Butuceanu, C.; Calarco, J. R.; Carman, D. S.; Cetina, C.; Chen, S.; Cole, P. L.; Cords, D.; Coleman, A.; Corvisiero, P.; Crabb, D.; Cummings, J. P.; Dashyan, N.; Sanctis, E. De; Vita, R. De; Degtyarenko, P. V.; Denizli, H.; Dennis, L.; Deur, A.; Dharmawardane, K. V.; Djalali, C.; Dodge, G. E.; Doughty, D.; Dragovitsch, P.; Dugger, M.; Dytman, S.; Dzyubak, O. P.; Egiyan, H.; Egiyan, K. S.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Empl, A.; Eugenio, P.; Fatemi, R.; Fersch, R. G.; Feuerbach, R. J.; Forest, T. A.; Funsten, H.; Garçon, M.; Gavalian, G.; Gilad, S.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Giovanetti, K. L.; Girard, P.; Gordon, C. I.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K.; Guidal, M.; Guillo, M.; Guler, N.; Guo, L.; Gyurjyan, V.; Hadjidakis, C.; Hakobyan, R. S.; Hardie, J.; Heddle, D.; Hersman, F. W.; Hicks, K.; Hleiqawi, I.; Holtrop, M.; Hu, J.; Hyde-Wright, C. E.; Ireland, D. G.; Ito, M. M.; Jenkins, D.; Joo, K.; Juengst, H. G.; Kelley, J. H.; Kellie, J. D.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, K. Y.; Kim, K.; Kim, M. S.; Kim, W.; Klein, A.; Klein, F. J.; Klimenko, A. V.; Klusman, M.; Kossov, M. V.; Kramer, L. H.; Kubarovski, V.; Kuhn, S. E.; Kuhn, J.; Lachniet, J.; Laget, J. M.; Langheinrich, J.; Lawrence, D.; Leksin, G. A.; Lee, T.; Li, Ji; Livingston, K.; Lukashin, K.; Manak, J. J.; Marchand, C.; McAleer, S.; McNabb, J. W.; Mecking, B. A.; Mehrabyan, S.; Melone, J. J.; Mestayer, M. D.; Meyer, C. A.; Mirazita, M.; Miskimen, R.; Mokeev, V.; Morand, L.; Morrow, S. A.; Muccifora, V.; Mueller, J.; Mutchler, G. S.; Napolitano, J.; Nasseripour, R.; Nelson, S. O.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Niculescu, I.; Niczyporuk, B. B.; Niyazov, R. A.; Nozar, M.; O'Rielly, G. V.; Osipenko, M.; Ostrovidov, A. I.; Park, K.; Pasyuk, E.; Peterson, G.; Philips, S. A.; Pivnyuk, N. A.; Pocanic, D.; Pogorelko, O.; Polli, E.; Pozdniakov, S.; Preedom, B. M.; Price, J. W.; Prok, Y.; Protopopescu, D.; Qin, L. M.; Raue, B. A.; Riccardi, G.; Ricco, G.; Ripani, M.; Ritchie, B. G.; Ronchetti, F.; Rosner, G.; Rossi, P.; Rowntree, D.; Rubin, P. D.; Sabatié, F.; Sabourov, K.; Salgado, C.; Santoro, J. P.; Sapunenko, V.; Schumacher, R. A.; Serov, V. S.; Sharabian, Y. G.; Shaw, J.; Simionatto, S.; Skabelin, A. V.; Smith, E. S.; Smith, L. C.; Sober, D. I.; Spraker, M.; Stepanyan, S.; Stepanyan, S. S.; Stokes, B. E.; Stoler, P.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Taiuti, M.; Taylor, S.; Tedeschi, D. J.; Thoma, U.; Thompson, R.; Tkabladze, A.; Todor, L.; Tur, C.; Ungaro, M.; Vineyard, M. F.; Vorobeyev, L. S.; Wang, K.; Weinstein, L. B.; Weller, H.; Weygand, D. P.; Whisnant, C. S.; Williams, M.; Wolin, E.; Wood, M. H.; Yegneswaran, A.; Yun, J.; Zana, L.

2004-11-01

Two-proton correlations at small relative momentum q were studied in the eA(3He,4He,C,Fe)→e'ppX reaction at E0=4.46 GeV using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. The enhancement of the correlation function at small q was found to be in accordance with theoretical expectations. Sizes of the emission region were extracted, and proved to be dependent on A and on the proton momentum. The size of the two-proton emission region for He was measured in eA reactions for the first time.

Energetic electrons in the midlatitude nighttime E region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, L. G.; Geller, M. A.; Voss, H. D.

1973-01-01

Nike Apache 14.439 was launched from Wallops Island at 0003 EST on 1 November 1972, a very disturbed night (K sub P = 8). A Geiger counter in the payload detected electrons ( keV) with a maximum flux of 1086 + or -261/sq cm/sec/ster. The height-averaged ionization rate in the upper E region is calculated from the measured electron density profile and has a value of 35 1/cu/cm/sec. The ionization rate can be reconciled with the observed flux of electrons ( 70 2 keV) if the spectrum ( keV) is of the form J ( E) = J sub O exp(-E/E sub O) with E sub O equal to 8.3 keV. The ionization rate on this and other nights is found to be strongly dependent on geomagnetic activity. It is suggested that energetic electrons are the principal source of ionization at midlatitudes in the upper E region near midnight, even under rather quiet geomagnetic conditions.

Arecibo - HF experiments in the E_region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nossa, E.; Jain, K.; Sulzer, M. P.; Perillat, P.

2017-12-01

The new Arecibo Observatory - HF facility started operations in 2015. The HF facility is fully operational, acquiring consecutive days of data without unwanted interruptions. It has a maximum transmitted power of 600kW, with center frequencies at 5.125 MHz and 8.175 MHz. The 8.175 (5.125) MHz band frequency has a gain of 25.5 (22) dB and HPBW of 8.5 (13) degrees. The effects of the HF experiments in the ionosphere are being observed with the Arecibo incoherent scatter radar (ISR). The ISR has two beams that simultaneously could sense the modified region and the region outside of the affected volume. The ISR has height resolution of 300 m. and allows to observe from altitudes 95 km to the topside ionosphere. Observation of the E-region - HF experiments are sparse but possible at Arecibo. High ionization at a height 100 km are needed to modify the region artificially. This paper presents examples of E-region enhanced plasma lines (See Figure). Diagnostic of the layers is made using the ISR to estimate electron density, temperatures, ion drifts, among others. The data shows exceptional modifications of the ionosphere that range from creating artificial cavities and layers, induced irregularities, substantial variations in temperature profiles to enhanced ion and plasma densities.Previously, the HF experiments were performed to study specific effects in a narrow region. However, the extent of the data collected with the ISR during 2017 is revealing new features and different kind of forces that artificially modify extended regions of the ionosphere. This paper exhibits examples where the interaction between the E and F-region when HF experiments are evident. A theory of a correlation between the two layers due to different conductivities is explored to illustrate how the enhancement of irregularities is produced and maintained over time. Examples of strong artificially induced irregularities formed at F-region heights when Sporadic E-layer is present are shown to support the theory.The Figure shows an enhanced plasma line for the diurnal E-region. For this HF experiment, the plasma density increased from 3.6 MHz to 5.1MHz (which corresponds to the HF frequency). The vertical lines observed in the Figure are artifacts from the data, as well as the fake enhanced plasma lines at frequencies different than the HF frequency.

High resolution ultrasound-guided microinjection for interventional studies of early embryonic and placental development in vivo in mice

PubMed Central

Slevin, John C; Byers, Lois; Gertsenstein, Marina; Qu, Dawei; Mu, Junwu; Sunn, Nana; Kingdom, John CP; Rossant, Janet; Adamson, S Lee

2006-01-01

Background In utero microinjection has proven valuable for exploring the developmental consequences of altering gene expression, and for studying cell lineage or migration during the latter half of embryonic mouse development (from embryonic day 9.5 of gestation (E9.5)). In the current study, we use ultrasound guidance to accurately target microinjections in the conceptus at E6.5–E7.5, which is prior to cardiovascular or placental dependence. This method may be useful for determining the developmental effects of targeted genetic or cellular interventions at critical stages of placentation, gastrulation, axis formation, and neural tube closure. Results In 40 MHz ultrasound images at E6.5, the ectoplacental cone region and proamniotic cavity could be visualized. The ectoplacental cone region was successfully targeted with 13.8 nL of a fluorescent bead suspension with few or no beads off-target in 51% of concepti microinjected at E6.5 (28/55 injected). Seventy eight percent of the embryos survived 2 to 12 days post injection (93/119), 73% (41/56) survived to term of which 68% (38/56) survived and appeared normal one week after birth. At E7.5, the amniotic and exocoelomic cavities, and ectoplacental cone region were discernable. Our success at targeting with few or no beads off-target was 90% (36/40) for the ectoplacental cone region and 81% (35/43) for the exocoelomic cavity but tended to be less, 68% (34/50), for the smaller amniotic cavity. At E11.5, beads microinjected at E7.5 into the ectoplacental cone region were found in the placental spongiotrophoblast layer, those injected into the exocoelomic cavity were found on the surface or within the placental labyrinth, and those injected into the amniotic cavity were found on the surface or within the embryo. Following microinjection at E7.5, survival one week after birth was 60% (26/43) when the amniotic cavity was the target and 66% (19/29) when the target was the ectoplacental cone region. The survival rate was similar in sham experiments, 54% (33/61), for which procedures were identical but no microinjection was performed, suggesting that surgery and manipulation of the uterus were the main causes of embryonic death. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided microinjection into the ectoplacental cone region at E6.5 or E7.5 and the amniotic cavity at E7.5 was achieved with a 7 day postnatal survival of ≥60%. Target accuracy of these sites and of the exocoelomic cavity at E7.5 was ≥51%. We suggest that this approach may be useful for exploring gene function during early placental and embryonic development. PMID:16504164

The complete chloroplast genome of a medicinal plant Epimedium koreanum Nakai (Berberidaceae).

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Hoon; Kim, Kyunghee; Kim, Na-Rae; Lee, Sang-Choon; Yang, Tae-Jin; Kim, Young-Dong

2016-11-01

Epimedium koreanum is a perennial medicinal plant distributed in Eastern Asia. The complete chloroplast genome sequences of E. koreanum was obtained by de novo assembly using whole genome next-generation sequences. The chloroplast genome of E. koreanum was 157 218 bp in length and separated into four distinct regions such as large single copy region (89 600 bp), small single copy region (17 222 bp) and a pair of inverted repeat regions (25 198 bp). The genome contained a total of 112 genes including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with the reported chloroplast genomes revealed that E. koreanum is most closely related to Berberis bealei, a traditional medicinal plant in the Berberidaceae family.

Adenovirus EIIA early promoter: transcriptional control elements and induction by the viral pre-early EIA gene, which appears to be sequence independent.

PubMed Central

Murthy, S C; Bhat, G P; Thimmappaya, B

1985-01-01

A molecular dissection of the adenovirus EIIA early (E) promoter was undertaken to study the sequence elements required for transcription and to examine the nucleotide sequences, if any, specific for its trans-activation by the viral pre-early EIA gene product. A chimeric gene in which the EIIA-E promoter region fused to the coding sequences of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was used in transient assays to identify the transcriptional control regions. Deletion mapping studies revealed that the upstream DNA sequences up to -86 were sufficient for the optimal basal level transcription in HeLa cells and also for the EIA-induced transcription. A series of linker-scanning (LS) mutants were constructed to precisely identify the nucleotide sequences that control transcription. Analysis of these LS mutants allowed us to identify two regions of the promoter that are critical for the EIIA-E transcription. These regions are located between -29 and -21 (region I) and between -82 and -66 (region II). Mutations in region I affected initiation and appeared functionally similar to the "TATA" sequence of the commonly studied promoters. To examine whether or not the EIIA-E promoter contained DNA sequences specific for the trans-activation by the EIA, the LS mutants were analyzed in a cotransfection assay containing a plasmid carrying the EIA gene. CAT activity of all of the LS mutants was induced by the EIA gene in this assay, suggesting that the induction of transcription of the EIIA-E promoter by the EIA gene is not sequence-specific. Images PMID:3857577

Multiparticipant Chat Analysis: A Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-26

language variation (e.g., regional speech in Germany [6]; code-switching in German-speaking regions of Switzerland [84] and Indian IRC channels [77]), and...messages which may be missed in high- tempo situations [19], and automated analysis of chat messages [13]. Finally, the high number of chat messages can...Androutsopoulos, E. Ziegler, Exploring language variation on the internet: Regional speech in a chat community, in: Proceedings of the Second International

Significance of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) in the energy budget of the Southern Hemisphere tropics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurrell, James W.; Vincent, Dayton G.

1987-01-01

An in-depth investigation of the energetics, including boundary transports, was conducted on four equal-area regions in the tropical Southern Hemisphere during the SOP-1 period in 1979. The regions, each approximately centered on one of the wave axes of maximum warm rising air, include the SPCZ (115 deg W - 155 deg E) and the Australian (155-65 deg E), the African (65 deg E - 25 deg W), and the South American (25-115 deg W) regions. Daily variations of the energy conversions were examined, and time-averaged result of energy contents, conversions, and boundary transports were compiled for January 10-27. Results show that the eddy kinetic energy (KE) exceeds the eddy available potential energy (AE) in all four regions, with the largest excess being in the SPCZ. Of the conversion and flux terms, only the conversion of AE to KE is significant (again, with the greatest value in the SPCZ). An evaluation of boundary fluxes of KE indicates that the only significant transport between regions is a flow of KE from the SPCZ region into the South American region.

Modulating immunogenic properties of HIV-1 gp41 membrane-proximal external region by destabilizing six-helix bundle structure

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

Banerjee, Saikat; Shi, Heliang; Habte, Habtom H.

The C-terminal alpha-helix of gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER; {sup 671}NWFDITNWLWYIK{sup 683}) encompassing 4E10/10E8 epitopes is an attractive target for HIV-1 vaccine development. We previously reported that gp41-HR1-54Q, a trimeric protein comprised of the MPER in the context of a stable six-helix bundle (6HB), induced strong immune responses against the helix, but antibodies were directed primarily against the non-neutralizing face of the helix. To better target 4E10/10E8 epitopes, we generated four putative fusion intermediates by introducing double point mutations or deletions in the heptad repeat region 1 (HR1) that destabilize 6HB in varying degrees. One variant, HR1-∆10-54K, elicited antibodies inmore » rabbits that targeted W672, I675 and L679, which are critical for 4E10/10E8 recognition. Overall, the results demonstrated that altering structural parameters of 6HB can influence immunogenic properties of the MPER and antibody targeting. Further exploration of this strategy could allow development of immunogens that could lead to induction of 4E10/10E8-like antibodies. - Highlights: • Four gp41 MPER-based immunogens that resemble fusion intermediates were generated. • C-terminal region of MPER that contains 4E10/10E8 epitopes was highly immunogenic. • Altering 6HB structure can influence immunogenic properties of the MPER. • Induced antibodies targeted multiple residues critical for 4E10/10E8 binding. • Development of immunogens based on fusion intermediates is a promising strategy.« less

Understanding of the sources of the F-region field-aligned irregularities in the middle latitude using ground-based and satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwak, Y. S.; Kil, H.; Yang, T. Y.; Park, J.; Choi, J. M.

2017-12-01

The electron density irregularities in the F region are problematic in satellite communication and navigation systems. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the onset conditions and sources of such irregularities and to predict or avoid the impact of these irregularities on the society. A VHF radar was built at Daejeon (36.2°N, 127.1°E, 26.7°N dip latitude) in South Korea in December 2009 to study the characteristics and source of the irregularities in middle latitudes. Our study investigates the occurrence climatology of the field-aligned irregularities (FAIs) and their association with medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) and sporadic E. The activity of FAIs is investigated with the Daejeon radar data acquired in 2010-2016, and the occurrences of MSTIDs and sporadic E are monitored with the total electron content maps over Japan and ionosonde data at Icheon in South Korea, respectively. Swarm satellite observations are used to investigate the field-aligned properties in the F-region FAIs. Through the comparison of the activities of F-region FAIs, MSTIDs, and sporadic E, we assess the role of MSTIDs and sporadic E in the creation of the F-region FAIs.

Conformational Dissection of a Viral Intrinsically Disordered Domain Involved in Cellular Transformation

PubMed Central

Perrone, Sebastián; Salvay, Andres G.; Chemes, Lucía B.; de Prat-Gay, Gonzalo

2013-01-01

Intrinsic disorder is abundant in viral genomes and provides conformational plasticity to its protein products. In order to gain insight into its structure-function relationships, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of structural propensities within the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain from the human papillomavirus type-16 E7 oncoprotein (E7N). Two E7N segments located within the conserved CR1 and CR2 regions present transient α-helix structure. The helix in the CR1 region spans residues L8 to L13 and overlaps with the E2F mimic linear motif. The second helix, located within the highly acidic CR2 region, presents a pH-dependent structural transition. At neutral pH the helix spans residues P17 to N29, which include the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor LxCxE binding motif (residues 21–29), while the acidic CKII-PEST region spanning residues E33 to I38 populates polyproline type II (PII) structure. At pH 5.0, the CR2 helix propagates up to residue I38 at the expense of loss of PII due to charge neutralization of acidic residues. Using truncated forms of HPV-16 E7, we confirmed that pH-induced changes in α-helix content are governed by the intrinsically disordered E7N domain. Interestingly, while at both pH the region encompassing the LxCxE motif adopts α-helical structure, the isolated 21–29 fragment including this stretch is unable to populate an α-helix even at high TFE concentrations. Thus, the E7N domain can populate dynamic but discrete structural ensembles by sampling α-helix-coil-PII-ß-sheet structures. This high plasticity may modulate the exposure of linear binding motifs responsible for its multi-target binding properties, leading to interference with key cell signaling pathways and eventually to cellular transformation by the virus. PMID:24086265

Quasifree π0 and π- Electroproduction on 4He in the Δ-Resonance Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steenbakkers, M. F. M.; van Batenburg, M. F.; Bauer, Th. S.; Blok, H. P.; Botto, T.; Dodge, G. E.; Groep, D. L.; Heimberg, P.; Hesselink, W. H. A.; Higinbotham, D. W.; Jans, E.; Jun, Y.; Ketel, T. J.; Lapikás, L.; de Lange, D. J. J.; Norum, B. E.; Passchier, I.; Starink, R.; Todor, L.; de Vries, H.

2005-10-01

The reactions He4(e,e'pHe3)π- and He4(e,e'pHe3)π0 were studied simultaneously, and for the first time, in a large kinematical domain including the Δ-resonance region. This was achieved by detecting the recoiling He3 and H3 nuclei instead of the emitted pions. The dependences of the cross section on the recoil momentum prec, the invariant mass WπN, and the direction θπ,q' and ϕπ,q' of the produced pion, are globally well described by the results of (quasifree) distorted-wave impulse approximation calculations. However, in the Δ-resonance region there are clear discrepancies, which point to medium modifications of the Δ in He4.

SHINE: Strategic Health Informatics Networks for Europe.

PubMed

Kruit, D; Cooper, P A

1994-10-01

The mission of SHINE is to construct an open systems framework for the development of regional community healthcare telematic services that support and add to the strategic business objectives of European healthcare providers and purchasers. This framework will contain a Methodology, that identifies healthcare business processes and develops a supporting IT strategy, and the Open Health Environment. This consists of an architecture and information standards that are 'open' and will be available to any organisation wishing to construct SHINE conform regional healthcare telematic services. Results are: generic models, e.g., regional healthcare business networks, IT strategies; demonstrable, e.g., pilot demonstrators, application and service prototypes; reports, e.g., SHINE Methodology, pilot specifications & evaluations; proposals, e.g., service/interface specifications, standards conformance.

Molecular organization and chromosomal localization of 5S rDNA in Amazonian Engystomops (Anura, Leiuperidae)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background For anurans, knowledge of 5S rDNA is scarce. For Engystomops species, chromosomal homeologies are difficult to recognize due to the high level of inter- and intraspecific cytogenetic variation. In an attempt to better compare the karyotypes of the Amazonian species Engystomops freibergi and Engystomops petersi, and to extend the knowledge of 5S rDNA organization in anurans, the 5S rDNA sequences of Amazonian Engystomops species were isolated, characterized, and mapped. Results Two types of 5S rDNA, which were readily differentiated by their NTS (non-transcribed spacer) sizes and compositions, were isolated from specimens of E. freibergi from Brazil and E. petersi from two Ecuadorian localities (Puyo and Yasuní). In the E. freibergi karyotypes, the entire type I 5S rDNA repeating unit hybridized to the pericentromeric region of 3p, whereas the entire type II 5S rDNA repeating unit mapped to the distal region of 6q, suggesting a differential localization of these sequences. The type I NTS probe clearly detected the 3p pericentromeric region in the karyotypes of E. freibergi and E. petersi from Puyo and the 5p pericentromeric region in the karyotype of E. petersi from Yasuní, but no distal or interstitial signals were observed. Interestingly, this probe also detected many centromeric regions in the three karyotypes, suggesting the presence of a satellite DNA family derived from 5S rDNA. The type II NTS probe detected only distal 6q regions in the three karyotypes, corroborating the differential distribution of the two types of 5S rDNA. Conclusions Because the 5S rDNA types found in Engystomops are related to those of Physalaemus with respect to their nucleotide sequences and chromosomal locations, their origin likely preceded the evolutionary divergence of these genera. In addition, our data indicated homeology between Chromosome 5 in E. petersi from Yasuní and Chromosomes 3 in E. freibergi and E. petersi from Puyo. In addition, the chromosomal location of the type II 5S rDNA corroborates the hypothesis that the Chromosomes 6 of E. petersi and E. freibergi are homeologous despite the great differences observed between the karyotypes of the Yasuní specimens and the others. PMID:22433220

Molecular organization and chromosomal localization of 5S rDNA in Amazonian Engystomops (Anura, Leiuperidae).

PubMed

Rodrigues, Débora Silva; Rivera, Miryan; Lourenço, Luciana Bolsoni

2012-03-20

For anurans, knowledge of 5S rDNA is scarce. For Engystomops species, chromosomal homeologies are difficult to recognize due to the high level of inter- and intraspecific cytogenetic variation. In an attempt to better compare the karyotypes of the Amazonian species Engystomops freibergi and Engystomops petersi, and to extend the knowledge of 5S rDNA organization in anurans, the 5S rDNA sequences of Amazonian Engystomops species were isolated, characterized, and mapped. Two types of 5S rDNA, which were readily differentiated by their NTS (non-transcribed spacer) sizes and compositions, were isolated from specimens of E. freibergi from Brazil and E. petersi from two Ecuadorian localities (Puyo and Yasuní). In the E. freibergi karyotypes, the entire type I 5S rDNA repeating unit hybridized to the pericentromeric region of 3p, whereas the entire type II 5S rDNA repeating unit mapped to the distal region of 6q, suggesting a differential localization of these sequences. The type I NTS probe clearly detected the 3p pericentromeric region in the karyotypes of E. freibergi and E. petersi from Puyo and the 5p pericentromeric region in the karyotype of E. petersi from Yasuní, but no distal or interstitial signals were observed. Interestingly, this probe also detected many centromeric regions in the three karyotypes, suggesting the presence of a satellite DNA family derived from 5S rDNA. The type II NTS probe detected only distal 6q regions in the three karyotypes, corroborating the differential distribution of the two types of 5S rDNA. Because the 5S rDNA types found in Engystomops are related to those of Physalaemus with respect to their nucleotide sequences and chromosomal locations, their origin likely preceded the evolutionary divergence of these genera. In addition, our data indicated homeology between Chromosome 5 in E. petersi from Yasuní and Chromosomes 3 in E. freibergi and E. petersi from Puyo. In addition, the chromosomal location of the type II 5S rDNA corroborates the hypothesis that the Chromosomes 6 of E. petersi and E. freibergi are homeologous despite the great differences observed between the karyotypes of the Yasuní specimens and the others.

Apolipoprotein E4 causes early olfactory network abnormalities and short-term olfactory memory impairments.

PubMed

Peng, Katherine Y; Mathews, Paul M; Levy, Efrat; Wilson, Donald A

2017-02-20

While apolipoprotein (Apo) E4 is linked to increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is growing evidence that it plays a role in functional brain irregularities that are independent of AD pathology. However, ApoE4-driven functional differences within olfactory processing regions have yet to be examined. Utilizing knock-in mice humanized to ApoE4 versus the more common ApoE3, we examined a simple olfactory perceptual memory that relies on the transfer of information from the olfactory bulb (OB) to the piriform cortex (PCX), the primary cortical region involved in higher order olfaction. In addition, we have recorded in vivo resting and odor-evoked local field potentials (LPF) from both brain regions and measured corresponding odor response magnitudes in anesthetized young (6-month-old) and middle-aged (12-month-old) ApoE mice. Young ApoE4 compared to ApoE3 mice exhibited a behavioral olfactory deficit coinciding with hyperactive odor-evoked response magnitudes within the OB that were not observed in older ApoE4 mice. Meanwhile, middle-aged ApoE4 compared to ApoE3 mice exhibited heightened response magnitudes in the PCX without a corresponding olfactory deficit, suggesting a shift with aging in ApoE4-driven effects from OB to PCX. Interestingly, the increased ApoE4-specific response in the PCX at middle-age was primarily due to a dampening of baseline spontaneous activity rather than an increase in evoked response power. Our findings indicate that early ApoE4-driven olfactory memory impairments and OB network abnormalities may be a precursor to later network dysfunction in the PCX, a region that not only is targeted early in AD, but may be selectively vulnerable to ApoE4 genotype. Copyright © 2016 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifying a Network of Brain Regions Involved in Aversion-Related Processing: A Cross-Species Translational Investigation

PubMed Central

Hayes, Dave J.; Northoff, Georg

2011-01-01

The ability to detect and respond appropriately to aversive stimuli is essential for all organisms, from fruit flies to humans. This suggests the existence of a core neural network which mediates aversion-related processing. Human imaging studies on aversion have highlighted the involvement of various cortical regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, while animal studies have focused largely on subcortical regions like the periaqueductal gray and hypothalamus. However, whether and how these regions form a core neural network of aversion remains unclear. To help determine this, a translational cross-species investigation in humans (i.e., meta-analysis) and other animals (i.e., systematic review of functional neuroanatomy) was performed. Our results highlighted the recruitment of the anterior cingulate cortex, the anterior insula, and the amygdala as well as other subcortical (e.g., thalamus, midbrain) and cortical (e.g., orbitofrontal) regions in both animals and humans. Importantly, involvement of these regions remained independent of sensory modality. This study provides evidence for a core neural network mediating aversion in both animals and humans. This not only contributes to our understanding of the trans-species neural correlates of aversion but may also carry important implications for psychiatric disorders where abnormal aversive behavior can often be observed. PMID:22102836

Regional and local species richness in an insular environment: Serpentine plants in California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harrison, S.; Safford, H.D.; Grace, J.B.; Viers, J.H.; Davies, K.F.

2006-01-01

We asked how the richness of the specialized (endemic) flora of serpentine rock outcrops in California varies at both the regional and local scales. Our study had two goals: first, to test whether endemic richness is affected by spatial habitat structure (e.g., regional serpentine area, local serpentine outcrop area, regional and local measures of outcrop isolation), and second, to conduct this test in the context of a broader assessment of environmental influences (e.g., climate, soils, vegetation, disturbance) and historical influences (e.g., geologic age, geographic province) on local and regional species richness. We measured endemic and total richness and environmental variables in 109 serpentine sites (1000-m2 paired plots) in 78 serpentine-containing regions of the state. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to simultaneously relate regional richness to regionalscale predictors, and local richness to both local-scale and regional-scale predictors. Our model for serpentine endemics explained 66% of the variation in local endemic richness based on local environment (vegetation, soils, rock cover) and on regional endemic richness. It explained 73% of the variation in regional endemic richness based on regional environment (climate and productivity), historical factors (geologic age and geographic province), and spatial structure (regional total area of serpentine, the only significant spatial variable in our analysis). We did not find a strong influence of spatial structure on species richness. However, we were able to distinguish local vs. regional influences on species richness to a novel extent, despite the existence of correlations between local and regional conditions. ?? 2006 by the Ecological Society of America.

Crystal Structure of the Minimalist Max-E47 Protein Chimera

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

Ahmadpour, Faraz; Ghirlando, Rodolfo; De Jong, Antonia T.

Max-E47 is a protein chimera generated from the fusion of the DNA-binding basic region of Max and the dimerization region of E47, both members of the basic region/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) superfamily of transcription factors. Like native Max, Max-E47 binds with high affinity and specificity to the E-box site, 5'-CACGTG, both in vivo and in vitro. We have determined the crystal structure of Max-E47 at 1.7 Å resolution, and found that it associates to form a well-structured dimer even in the absence of its cognate DNA. Analytical ultracentrifugation confirms that Max-E47 is dimeric even at low micromolar concentrations, indicating that the Max-E47more » dimer is stable in the absence of DNA. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrates that both non-specific DNA and the E-box site induce similar levels of helical secondary structure in Max-E47. These results suggest that Max-E47 may bind to the E-box following the two-step mechanism proposed for other bHLH proteins. In this mechanism, a rapid step where protein binds to DNA without sequence specificity is followed by a slow step where specific protein:DNA interactions are fine-tuned, leading to sequence-specific recognition. Collectively, these results show that the designed Max-E47 protein chimera behaves both structurally and functionally like its native counterparts.« less

Self-focusing of a high current density ion beam extracted with concave electrodes in a low energy region around 150 eV.

PubMed

Hirano, Y; Kiyama, S; Koguchi, H; Sakakita, H

2014-02-01

Spontaneous self-focusing of ion beam with high current density (Jc ∼ 2 mA/cm(2), Ib ∼ 65 mA) in low energy region (∼150 eV) is observed in a hydrogen ion beam extracted from an ordinary bucket type ion source with three electrodes having concave shape (acceleration, deceleration, and grounded electrodes). The focusing appears abruptly in the beam energy region over ∼135-150 eV, and the Jc jumps up from 0.7 to 2 mA/cm(2). Simultaneously a strong electron flow also appears in the beam region. The electron flow has almost the same current density. Probably these electrons compensate the ion space charge and suppress the beam divergence.

Single-Mode, Distributed Feedback Interband Cascade Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frez, Clifford F. (Inventor); Borgentun, Carl E. (Inventor); Briggs, Ryan M. (Inventor); Bagheri, Mahmood (Inventor); Forouhar, Siamak (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Single-mode, distributed feedback interband cascade lasers (ICLs) using distributed-feedback gratings (e.g., lateral Bragg gratings) and methods of fabricating such ICLs are provided. The ICLs incorporate distributed-feedback gratings that are formed above the laser active region and adjacent the ridge waveguide (RWG) of the ICL. The ICLs may incorporate a double-ridge system comprising an optical confinement structure (e.g., a RWG) disposed above the laser active region that comprises the first ridge of the double ridge system, a DFB grating (e.g., lateral Bragg grating) disposed above the laser active region and adjacent the optical confinement structure, and an electric confinement structure that passes at least partially through the laser active region and that defines the boundary of the second ridge comprises and the termination of the DFB grating.

Sequence diversity of the C-terminal region of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 in southern Iran.

PubMed

Zamani, Zahra; Razavi, Mohammad Reza; Sadeghi, Sedigheh; Naddaf, Saeed; Pourfallah, Fatemeh; Mirkhani, Fatemeh; Arjmand, Mohammad; Feizhaddad, Hossein; Rad, Mina Ebrahimi; Ebrahimi Rad, Mina; Tameemi, Marzieh; Assmar, Mehdi

2009-01-01

The C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) of Plasmodium falciparum is a strong vaccine candidate as it is associated with immunity to the parasite. This corresponds approximately to the conserved 17th block of the gene and is composed of two EGF- like domains. These domains exhibit only four single amino acid substitutions which show several potential variants in this region of the gene. As the variations might be important for a regional vaccine design, a study was carried out to determine the variations present in P. falciparum isolates from southern Iran. Besides the usual E-T-S-R-L and the Q-K-N-G-F types, we found Q-T-S-R-L, E-K-N-G-F, E-T-S-G-L, Z-T-S-G-L and Z-T-S-R-L types, where Z was E or Q signifying the presence of mixed clones in single isolates.

The juxtamembrane domain of the E-cadherin cytoplasmic tail contributes to its interaction with Myosin VI

PubMed Central

Mangold, Sabine; Norwood, Suzanne J.; Yap, Alpha S.; Collins, Brett M.

2012-01-01

We recently identified the atypical myosin, Myosin VI, as a component of epithelial cell-cell junctions that interacts with E-cadherin. Recombinant proteins bearing the cargo-binding domain of Myosin VI (Myo VI-CBD) or the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin can interact directly with one another. In this report we further investigate the molecular requirements of the interaction between Myo VI-CBD and E-cadherin combining truncation mutation analysis with in vitro binding assays. We report that a short (28 amino acid) juxtamembrane region of the cadherin cytoplasmic tail is sufficient to bind Myo VI-CBD. However, central regions of the cadherin tail adjacent to the juxtamembrane sequence also display binding activity for Myo VI-CBD. It is therefore possible that the cadherin tail bears two binding sites for Myosin VI, or an extended binding site that includes the juxtamembrane region. Nevertheless, our biochemical data highlight the capacity for the juxtamembrane region to interact with functionally-significant cytoplasmic proteins. PMID:23007415

Performance, Defect Behavior and Carrier Enhancement in Low Energy, Proton Irradiated p(+)nn(+) InP Solar Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinberg, I.; Rybicki, G. C.; Vargas-Aburto, C.; Jain, R. K.; Scheiman, D.

1994-01-01

InP p(+)nn(+) cells, processed by MOCVD, were irradiated by 0.2 MeV protons and their performance and defect behavior observed to a maximum fluence of 10(exp 13)/sq cm. Their radiation induced degradation, over this fluence range, was considerably+less than observed for similarly irradiated, diffused junction n p InP cells. Significant degradation occurred in both the cell's emitter and base regions the least degradation occurring in the depletion region. A significant increase in series resistance occurs at the highest fluenc.e. Two majority carrier defect levels, E7 and E10, are observed by DLTS with activation energies at (E(sub C) - 0.39)eV and (E(sub C) - 0.74)eV respectively. The relative concentration of these defects differs considerably from that observed after 1 MeV electron irradiation. An increased carrier concentration in the cell's n-region was observed at the highest proton fluence, the change in carrier concentration being insignificant at the lower fluences. In agreement with previous results, for 1 and 1.5 MeV electron irradiated InP p(+)n junctions, the defect level E10 is attributed to a complex between zinc, diffused into the n-region from the zinc doped emitter, and a radiation induced defect. The latter is assumed to be either a phosphorus vacancy or interstitial. The increased, or enhanced carrier concentration is attributed to this complex acting as a donor.

Zonal Wave Number 2 Rossby Wave (3.5-day oscillation) Over The Martian Lower Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, P.; Thokuluwa, R. K.

2013-12-01

Over the Mars, height (800-50 Pascal pressure coordinate) profiles of temperature (K), measured by radio occultation technique during the MGS (Mars Global Surveyor) mission, obtained for the period of 1-10 January 2006 at the Martian latitude of ~63N in almost all the longitudes are analyzed to study the characteristics of the 3.5-day oscillation. To avoid significant data gaps in a particular longitude sector, we selected a set of 7 Mars longitude regions with ranges of 0-30E, 35-60E, 65-95E, 190-230E, 250-280E, 290-320E, and 325-360E to study the global characteristics of the 3.5-day oscillation. The 3.5-day oscillation is not selected as a-priori but observed as a most significant oscillation during this period of 1-10 January 2006. It is observed that in the longitude of 0-30E, the 3.5-day oscillation shows statistically significant power (above the 95% confidence level white noise) from the lowest height (800 Pascal, 8 hPa) itself and up to the height of 450 Pascal level with the maximum power of ~130 K^2 at the 600 & 650 Pascal levels. It started to grow from the power of ~ 50 K^2 at the lowest height of 800 Pascal level and reached the maximum power in the height of 600-650 Pascal level and then it started to get lessened monotonously up to the height of 450 Pascal level where its power is ~ 20 K^2. Beyond this height and up to the height of 50 Pascal level, the wave amplitude is below the white noise level. As the phase of the wave is almost constant at all the height levels, it seems that the observed 3.5-day oscillation is a stationary wave with respect to the height. In the 35-60 E longitude sector, the vertical structure of the 3.5-day oscillation is similar to what observed for the 0-30 E longitude region but the power is statistically insignificant at all the heights. However in the 65-95E longitude sector, the wave grows from the lowest level (70 K^2) of 800 Pascal to its maximum power of 280 K^2 in the height of 700 Pascal level and then it started to get decreasing monotonously to the statistically significant lowest power of 20 K^2 in the height of 450 Pascal level. Similar to the 0-30E longitude region, there is no significant wave in all the heights above the 450 Pascal level. The 190-230 E region shows similar wave characteristics (both the power and height structure) as observed for the 0-30 E region. This would indicate that the here reporting 3.5 day wave might be associated with eastward propagating (observed the zonal phase speed of ~0.5 days per 30 degree longitude) wave number 2 Rossby wave as the wave shows similar characteristics in the two longitude regions of 0-30E and 190-230 E with the longitudinal interval of 180 degrees. Peculiarly, in the 250-280 E region, the wave shows maximum power (120 K^2) in the two heights of 550 and 700 Pascal levels. As a further support for the zonal wave number 2 structure, there is no significant 3.5-day oscillation in all the height levels in the 290-320 E longitude region which is similar to what observed in the 35-60E longitude sector. A detailed investigation of this 3.5 day oscillation will be presented also for other periods of different years.

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 241 - Geographical Boundaries of FRA's Regions and Addresses of FRA's Regional Headquarters

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) address of the Regional Administrator for Region 1 is: [email protected]gov. (2) Region 2 consists of....dot.gov. (3) Region 3 consists of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia... E-mail address of the Regional Administrator for Region 3 is: [email protected]gov. (4) Region 4...

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 241 - Geographical Boundaries of FRA's Regions and Addresses of FRA's Regional Headquarters

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) address of the Regional Administrator for Region 1 is: [email protected]gov. (2) Region 2 consists of....dot.gov. (3) Region 3 consists of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia... E-mail address of the Regional Administrator for Region 3 is: [email protected]gov. (4) Region 4...

Tracking urban carbon footprints from production and consumption perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jianyi; Hu, Yuanchao; Cui, Shenghui; Kang, Jiefeng; Ramaswami, Anu

2015-05-01

Cities are hotspots of socio-economic activities and greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to extend the research range of the urban carbon footprint (CF) to cover emissions embodied in products traded among regions and intra-city sectors. Using Xiamen City as a study case, the total urban-related emissions were evaluated, and the carbon flows among regions and intra-city sectors were tracked. Then five urban CF accountings were evaluated, including purely geographic accounting (PGA), community-wide infrastructure footprint (CIF), and consumption-based footprint (CBF) methods, as well as the newly defined production-based footprint (PBF) and purely production footprint (PPF). Research results show that the total urban-related emissions of Xiamen City in 2010 were 55.2 Mt CO2e/y, of which total carbon flow among regions or intra-city sectors accounted for 53.7 Mt CO2e/y. Within the total carbon flow, import and export respectively accounted for 59 and 65%, highlighting the importance of emissions embodied in trade. By regional trade balance, North America and Europe were the largest net carbon exported-to regions, and Mainland China and Taiwan the largest net carbon imported-from regions. Among intra-sector carbon flows, manufacturing was the largest emission-consuming sector of the total urban carbon flow, accounting for 77.4, and 98% of carbon export was through industrial products trade. By the PBF, PPF, CIF, PGA and CBF methods, the urban CFs were respectively 53.7 Mt CO2e/y, 44.8 Mt CO2e/y, 28.4 Mt CO2e/y, 23.7 Mt CO2e/y, and 19.0 Mt CO2e/y, so all of the other four CFs were higher than the CBF. All of these results indicate that urban carbon mitigation must consider the supply chain management of imported goods, the production efficiency within the city, the consumption patterns of urban consumers, and the responsibility of the ultimate consumers outside the city.

Vegetation and Channel Morphology Responses to Ordinary High Water Discharge Events in Arid West Stream Channels

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

a rc h a n d E n gi n e e ri n g La b o ra to ry Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. ERDC/CRREL TR-09-5 May 2009...21 Appendix B . Aerial Imagery and Discharge Events..........................................................................22 Appendix C...3 Figure 2. The Arid West region as defined by Land Resource Regions B , C, and D

First measurement of the double spin asymmetry in (-->)e(-->)p-->e(prime)pi(+)n in the resonance region.

PubMed

De Vita, R; Anghinolfi, M; Burkert, V D; Dodge, G E; Minehart, R; Taiuti, M; Weller, H; Adams, G; Amaryan, M J; Anciant, E; Armstrong, D S; Asavapibhop, B; Asryan, G; Audit, G; Auger, T; Avakian, H; Bagdasaryan, H; Ball, J P; Barrow, S; Battaglieri, M; Beard, K; Bektasoglu, M; Bianchi, N; Biselli, A S; Boiarinov, S; Bonner, B E; Bosted, P; Bouchigny, S; Branford, D; Brooks, W K; Bueltmann, S; Calarco, J R; Capitani, G P; Carman, D S; Carnahan, B; Cazes, A; Ciciani, L; Cole, P L; Coleman, A; Connelly, J; Cords, D; Corvisiero, P; Crabb, D; Crannell, H; Cummings, J P; De Sanctis, E; Degtyarenko, P V; Demirchyan, R; Denizli, H; Dennis, L; Dharmawardane, K V; Dhuga, K S; Djalali, C; Doughty, D; Dragovitsch, P; Dugger, M; Dytman, S; Eckhause, M; Egiyan, H; Egiyan, K S; Elouadrhiri, L; Empl, A; Farhi, L; Fatemi, R; Feuerbach, R J; Ficenec, J; Forest, T A; Frolov, V; Funsten, H; Gaff, S J; Gai, M; Garçon, M; Gavalian, G; Gilad, S; Gilfoyle, G P; Giovanetti, K L; Girard, P; Golovatch, E; Griffioen, K; Guidal, M; Guillo, M; Gyurjyan, V; Hadjidakis, C; Hancock, D; Hardie, J; Heddle, D; Heimberg, P; Hersman, F W; Hicks, K; Hicks, R S; Holtrop, M; Hu, J; Hyde-Wright, C E; Ishkanov, B S; Ito, M M; Jenkins, D; Joo, K; Kelley, J H; Kellie, J D; Khandaker, M; Kim, K Y; Kim, K; Kim, W; Klein, A; Klein, F J; Klusman, M; Kossov, M; Kramer, L H; Kuang, Y; Kuhn, S E; Lachniet, J; Laget, J M; Lawrence, D; Li, Ji; Livingston, K; Longhi, A; Loukachine, K; Lucas, M; Major, W; Manak, J J; Marchand, C; McAleer, S; McCarthy, J; McNabb, J W C; Mecking, B A; Mestayer, M D; Meyer, C A; Mikhailov, K; Mirazita, M; Miskimen, R; Mokeev, V; Muccifora, V; Mueller, J; Mutchler, G S; Napolitano, J; Nelson, S O; Niculescu, G; Niculescu, I; Niczyporuk, B B; Niyazov, R A; Opper, A K; O'Rielly, G V; Osipenko, M; Park, K; Pasyuk, E; Peterson, G; Philips, S A; Pivnyuk, N; Pocanic, D; Pogorelko, O; Polli, E; Pozdniakov, S; Preedom, B M; Price, J W; Prok, Y; Protopopescu, D; Qin, L M; Raue, B A; Reolon, A R; Riccardi, G; Ricco, G; Ripani, M; Ritchie, B G; Rock, S; Ronchetti, F; Rossi, P; Rowntree, D; Rubin, P D; Sabatié, F; Sabourov, K; Salgado, C; Sapunenko, V; Sargsyan, M; Schumacher, R A; Serov, V S; Shafi, A; Sharabian, Y G; Shaw, J; Skabelin, A V; Smith, E S; Smith, T; Smith, L C; Sober, D I; Sorrell, L; Spraker, M; Stavinsky, A; Stepanyan, S; Stoler, P; Strakovsky, I I; Taylor, S; Tedeschi, D J; Thompson, R; Todor, L; Ungaro, M; Vineyard, M F; Vlassov, A V; Wang, K; Weinstein, L B; Weisberg, A; Weygand, D P; Whisnant, C S; Wolin, E; Yegneswaran, A; Yun, J; Zhang, B; Zhao, J; Zhou, Z

2002-02-25

The double spin asymmetry in the (-->)e(-->)p --> e(prime)pi(+)n reaction has been measured for the first time in the resonance region for four-momentum transfer Q2 = 0.35-1.5 GeV(2). Data were taken at Jefferson Lab with the CLAS detector using a 2.6 GeV polarized electron beam incident on a polarized solid NH3 target. Comparison with predictions of phenomenological models shows strong sensitivity to resonance contributions. Helicity-1/2 transitions are found to be dominant in the second and third resonance regions. The measured asymmetry is consistent with a faster rise with Q(2) of the helicity asymmetry A1 for the F(15)(1680) resonance than expected from the analysis of the unpolarized data.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for identification of Escherichia coli, Escherichia albertii and Escherichia fergusonii.

PubMed

Lindsey, Rebecca L; Garcia-Toledo, L; Fasulo, D; Gladney, L M; Strockbine, N

2017-09-01

Escherichia coli, Escherichia albertii, and Escherichia fergusonii are closely related bacteria that can cause illness in humans, such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections and diarrhea. Current identification strategies for these three species vary in complexity and typically rely on the use of multiple phenotypic and genetic tests. To facilitate their rapid identification, we developed a multiplex PCR assay targeting conserved, species-specific genes. We used the Daydreamer™ (Pattern Genomics, USA) software platform to concurrently analyze whole genome sequence assemblies (WGS) from 150 Enterobacteriaceae genomes (107 E. coli, 5 Shigella spp., 21 E. albertii, 12 E. fergusonii and 5 other species) and design primers for the following species-specific regions: a 212bp region of the cyclic di-GMP regulator gene (cdgR, AW869_22935 from genome K-12 MG1655, CP014225) for E. coli/Shigella; a 393bp region of the DNA-binding transcriptional activator of cysteine biosynthesis gene (EAKF1_ch4033 from genome KF1, CP007025) for E. albertii; and a 575bp region of the palmitoleoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP)-dependent acyltransferase (EFER_0790 from genome ATCC 35469, CU928158) for E. fergusonii. We incorporated the species-specific primers into a conventional multiplex PCR assay and assessed its performance with a collection of 97 Enterobacteriaceae strains. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific for detecting the expected species and offers a quick and accurate strategy for identifying E. coli, E. albertii, and E. fergusonii in either a single reaction or by in silico PCR with sequence assemblies. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Relation of obesity to neural activation in response to food commercials

PubMed Central

Yokum, Sonja; Stice, Eric; Harris, Jennifer L.; Brownell, Kelly D.

2014-01-01

Adolescents view thousands of food commercials annually, but the neural response to food advertising and its association with obesity is largely unknown. This study is the first to examine how neural response to food commercials differs from other stimuli (e.g. non-food commercials and television show) and to explore how this response may differ by weight status. The blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging activation was measured in 30 adolescents ranging from lean to obese in response to food and non-food commercials imbedded in a television show. Adolescents exhibited greater activation in regions implicated in visual processing (e.g. occipital gyrus), attention (e.g. parietal lobes), cognition (e.g. temporal gyrus and posterior cerebellar lobe), movement (e.g. anterior cerebellar cortex), somatosensory response (e.g. postcentral gyrus) and reward [e.g. orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)] during food commercials. Obese participants exhibited less activation during food relative to non-food commercials in neural regions implicated in visual processing (e.g. cuneus), attention (e.g. posterior cerebellar lobe), reward (e.g. ventromedial prefrontal cortex and ACC) and salience detection (e.g. precuneus). Obese participants did exhibit greater activation in a region implicated in semantic control (e.g. medial temporal gyrus). These findings may inform current policy debates regarding the impact of food advertising to minors. PMID:23576811

Entrepreneurial Regions: Do Macro-Psychological Cultural Characteristics of Regions Help Solve the “Knowledge Paradox” of Economics?

PubMed Central

Obschonka, Martin; Stuetzer, Michael; Gosling, Samuel D.; Rentfrow, Peter J.; Lamb, Michael E.; Potter, Jeff; Audretsch, David B.

2015-01-01

In recent years, modern economies have shifted away from being based on physical capital and towards being based on new knowledge (e.g., new ideas and inventions). Consequently, contemporary economic theorizing and key public policies have been based on the assumption that resources for generating knowledge (e.g., education, diversity of industries) are essential for regional economic vitality. However, policy makers and scholars have discovered that, contrary to expectations, the mere presence of, and investments in, new knowledge does not guarantee a high level of regional economic performance (e.g., high entrepreneurship rates). To date, this “knowledge paradox” has resisted resolution. We take an interdisciplinary perspective to offer a new explanation, hypothesizing that “hidden” regional culture differences serve as a crucial factor that is missing from conventional economic analyses and public policy strategies. Focusing on entrepreneurial activity, we hypothesize that the statistical relation between knowledge resources and entrepreneurial vitality (i.e., high entrepreneurship rates) in a region will depend on “hidden” regional differences in entrepreneurial culture. To capture such “hidden” regional differences, we derive measures of entrepreneurship-prone culture from two large personality datasets from the United States (N = 935,858) and Great Britain (N = 417,217). In both countries, the findings were consistent with the knowledge-culture-interaction hypothesis. A series of nine additional robustness checks underscored the robustness of these results. Naturally, these purely correlational findings cannot provide direct evidence for causal processes, but the results nonetheless yield a remarkably consistent and robust picture in the two countries. In doing so, the findings raise the idea of regional culture serving as a new causal candidate, potentially driving the knowledge paradox; such an explanation would be consistent with research on the psychological characteristics of entrepreneurs. PMID:26098674

Entrepreneurial Regions: Do Macro-Psychological Cultural Characteristics of Regions Help Solve the "Knowledge Paradox" of Economics?

PubMed

Obschonka, Martin; Stuetzer, Michael; Gosling, Samuel D; Rentfrow, Peter J; Lamb, Michael E; Potter, Jeff; Audretsch, David B

2015-01-01

In recent years, modern economies have shifted away from being based on physical capital and towards being based on new knowledge (e.g., new ideas and inventions). Consequently, contemporary economic theorizing and key public policies have been based on the assumption that resources for generating knowledge (e.g., education, diversity of industries) are essential for regional economic vitality. However, policy makers and scholars have discovered that, contrary to expectations, the mere presence of, and investments in, new knowledge does not guarantee a high level of regional economic performance (e.g., high entrepreneurship rates). To date, this "knowledge paradox" has resisted resolution. We take an interdisciplinary perspective to offer a new explanation, hypothesizing that "hidden" regional culture differences serve as a crucial factor that is missing from conventional economic analyses and public policy strategies. Focusing on entrepreneurial activity, we hypothesize that the statistical relation between knowledge resources and entrepreneurial vitality (i.e., high entrepreneurship rates) in a region will depend on "hidden" regional differences in entrepreneurial culture. To capture such "hidden" regional differences, we derive measures of entrepreneurship-prone culture from two large personality datasets from the United States (N = 935,858) and Great Britain (N = 417,217). In both countries, the findings were consistent with the knowledge-culture-interaction hypothesis. A series of nine additional robustness checks underscored the robustness of these results. Naturally, these purely correlational findings cannot provide direct evidence for causal processes, but the results nonetheless yield a remarkably consistent and robust picture in the two countries. In doing so, the findings raise the idea of regional culture serving as a new causal candidate, potentially driving the knowledge paradox; such an explanation would be consistent with research on the psychological characteristics of entrepreneurs.

Moderate solar geoengineering greatly reduces the largest changes in climate whilst modestly increasing the changes in climate over a small fraction of the Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irvine, P. J.; Keith, D.; He, J.; Vecchi, G.; Horowitz, L. W.

2017-12-01

Whilst solar geoengineering reduces global temperature it cannot perfectly offset the climate effects of elevated CO2 concentrations. Solar geoengineering has been shown to have a greater effect on the global hydrological cycle than CO2 and substantial differences in regional precipitation relative to a scenario without elevated CO2­ concentrations have been noted. In this study we evaluate a moderate scenario of solar geoengineering, one which offsets 50% of the forcing from elevated CO2 concentrations, using a 25 Km resolution global climate model and verify these results using the Geoengineering model Intercomparison project ensemble. We calculate the fraction of regions that would be better or worse off after solar geoengineering deployment, defining those which see greater absolute change as worse off and vice versa. We find that 51% of the land area would be statistically significantly better off for precipitation, 33% for Precipitation minus evaporation (P-E), and that less than 3% would be worse off for precipitation, and 1% for P-E. We find that the fraction of the land area experiencing the largest changes in climate, defined as the upper quartile of the CO2 minus control anomaly, is greatly reduced for precipitation, P-E and 5-day maximum precipitation, and eliminated for mean and max annual temperature. The regions which are made worse off in precipitation or P-E by solar geoengineering typically saw relatively little to no CO2 induced climate change and see relatively little to moderate change in the solar geoengineering scenario. There is little overlap between the regions made worse off in terms of precipitation and P-E. In fact, whilst precipitation is reduced in almost all regions made worse off by solar geoengineering, P-E is increased in the majority of regions made worse off. Overall, we find that for each variable considered solar geoengineering greatly reduces the fraction of the world experiencing relatively large change and that those regions made worse off by solar geoengineering are still, relatively speaking, much better off than those regions which fare badly under a climate change scenario.

Coupled nature of evening-time ionospheric electrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, L. M.; Tsai, L. C.

2018-04-01

The F region evening electrodynamics in the equatorial region is characterized by a pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) in the zonal eastward electric field. Although the theoretical mechanisms for PRE are known, its variability, particularly day-to-day variability is not fully resolved. PRE is a large scale phenomenon driven by the F region dynamo after the sunset hours. This paper investigates whether the variability of the E region conductivity (particularly the one associated with the sporadic E, Es) has any influence on the F region dynamo and hence on the PRE of zonal electric field. Interestingly, ionosonde observations have indicated a higher occurrence of the blanketing type Es (Esb) over the low latitude on days with highly suppressed PRE of zonal electric field in comparison with the days with significantly larger PRE. Observational evidences presented in this paper suggests that the formation of the Esb in the evening hours is a sovereign process, not always controlled by the sheared F region vertical electric field of equatorial origin, mapping along the magnetic field line on to the low latitude E region. Model computations of the PRE suppression based on the measured Es densities have further substantiated the observational findings presented in this paper. These results clearly indicate that the low latitude Es has the potential to suppress the PRE of zonal electric field and possibly can play a vital role in explaining the PRE variability, particularly the day-to-day variability. Results have been discussed in light of earlier reports on PRE mechanisms and E-F region coupling processes.

Negative soil moisture-precipitation feedback in dry and wet regions.

PubMed

Yang, Lingbin; Sun, Guoqing; Zhi, Lu; Zhao, Jianjun

2018-03-05

Soil moisture-precipitation (SM-P) feedback significantly influences the terrestrial water and energy cycles. However, the sign of the feedback and the associated physical mechanism have been debated, leaving a research gap regarding global water and climate changes. Based on Koster's framework, we estimate SM-P feedback using satellite remote sensing and ground observation data sets. Methodologically, the sign of the feedback is identified by the correlation between monthly soil moisture and next-month precipitation. The physical mechanism is investigated through coupling precipitation and soil moisture (P-SM), soil moisture ad evapotranspiration (SM-E) and evapotranspiration and precipitation (E-P) correlations. Our results demonstrate that although positive SM-P feedback is predominant over land, non-negligible negative feedback occurs in dry and wet regions. Specifically, 43.75% and 40.16% of the negative feedback occurs in the arid and humid climate zones. Physically, negative SM-P feedback depends on the SM-E correlation. In dry regions, evapotranspiration change is soil moisture limited. In wet regions, evapotranspiration change is energy limited. We conclude that the complex SM-E correlation results in negative SM-P feedback in dry and wet regions, and the cause varies based on the environmental and climatic conditions.

International Conference on Harmonisation; Electronic Transmission of Postmarket Individual Case Safety Reports for Drugs and Biologics, Excluding Vaccines; Availability of Food and Drug Administration Regional Implementation Specifications for ICH E2B(R3) Reporting to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. Notice of Availability.

PubMed

2016-06-23

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of its FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Regional Implementation Specifications for the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E2B(R3) Specification. FDA is making this technical specifications document available to assist interested parties in electronically submitting individual case safety reports (ICSRs) (and ICSR attachments) to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). This document, entitled "FDA Regional Implementation Specifications for ICH E2B(R3) Implementation: Postmarket Submission of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) for Drugs and Biologics, Excluding Vaccines" supplements the "E2B(R3) Electronic Transmission of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) Implementation Guide--Data Elements and Message Specification" final guidance for industry and describes FDA's technical approach for receiving ICSRs, for incorporating regionally controlled terminology, and for adding region-specific data elements when reporting to FAERS.

Navigating Financial and Supply Reliability Tradeoffs in Regional Drought Portfolios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeff, H. B.; Herman, J. D.; Characklis, G. W.; Reed, P. M.

2013-12-01

Rising development costs and growing concerns over environmental impacts have led many communities to explore more diversified regional portfolio-type approaches to managing their water supplies. These strategies coordinate existing supply infrastructure with other ';assets' such as conservation measures or water transfers, reducing the capacity and costs required to meet demand by providing greater adaptability to changing hydrologic conditions. For many water utilities, however, this additional flexibility can also cause unexpected reductions in revenue (i.e. conservation) or increased costs (i.e. transfers), fluctuations that can be very difficult for a regulated entity to manage. Thus, despite the advantages, concerns over the resulting financial disruptions provide a disincentive for utilities to develop more adaptive methods, potentially limiting the role of some very effective tools. This study seeks to design portfolio strategies that employ financial instruments (e.g. contingency funds, index insurance) to reduce fluctuations in revenues and costs and therefore do not sacrifice financial stability for improved performance (e.g. lower expected costs, high reliability). This work describes the development of regional water supply portfolios in the ';Research Triangle' region of North Carolina, an area comprising four rapidly growing municipalities supplied by nine surface water reservoirs in two separate river basins. Disparities in growth rates and the respective individual storage capacities of the reservoirs provide the region with the opportunity to increase the efficiency of the regional supply infrastructure through inter-utility water transfers, even as each utility engages in its own conservation activities. The interdependence of multiple utilities navigating shared conveyance and treatment infrastructure to engage in transfers forces water managers to consider regional objectives, as the actions of any one utility can affect the others. Results indicate the inclusion of inter-utility water transfers allows the water utilities to improve on regional operational objectives (i.e. higher reliability and lower restriction frequencies) at a lower expected cost, while financial mitigation tools introduce a tradeoff between expected costs and cost variability. Financial mitigation schemes, including both third-party financial insurance contracts and contingency funds (i.e. self-insurance), were able to reduce cost variability at a lower expected cost than mitigation schemes which use self-insurance alone. The dynamics of the Research Triangle scenario (e.g. rapid population growth, constrained supply, and sensitivity to cost/revenue swings) suggest that this work may have the potential to more generally inform utilities on the effects of coordinated regional water supply planning and the resulting financial implications of more flexible, portfolio-type management techniques.

Attribution of regional flood changes based on scaling fingerprints

PubMed Central

Merz, Bruno; Viet Dung, Nguyen; Parajka, Juraj; Nester, Thomas; Blöschl, Günter

2016-01-01

Abstract Changes in the river flood regime may be due to atmospheric processes (e.g., increasing precipitation), catchment processes (e.g., soil compaction associated with land use change), and river system processes (e.g., loss of retention volume in the floodplains). This paper proposes a new framework for attributing flood changes to these drivers based on a regional analysis. We exploit the scaling characteristics (i.e., fingerprints) with catchment area of the effects of the drivers on flood changes. The estimation of their relative contributions is framed in Bayesian terms. Analysis of a synthetic, controlled case suggests that the accuracy of the regional attribution increases with increasing number of sites and record lengths, decreases with increasing regional heterogeneity, increases with increasing difference of the scaling fingerprints, and decreases with an increase of their prior uncertainty. The applicability of the framework is illustrated for a case study set in Austria, where positive flood trends have been observed at many sites in the past decades. The individual scaling fingerprints related to the atmospheric, catchment, and river system processes are estimated from rainfall data and simple hydrological modeling. Although the distributions of the contributions are rather wide, the attribution identifies precipitation change as the main driver of flood change in the study region. Overall, it is suggested that the extension from local attribution to a regional framework, including multiple drivers and explicit estimation of uncertainty, could constitute a similar shift in flood change attribution as the extension from local to regional flood frequency analysis. PMID:27609996

Chimpanzee GB virus C and GB virus A E2 envelope glycoproteins contain a peptide motif that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in human CD4+ T-cells

PubMed Central

McLinden, James H.; Stapleton, Jack T.; Klinzman, Donna; Murthy, Krishna K.; Chang, Qing; Kaufman, Thomas M.; Bhattarai, Nirjal

2013-01-01

GB virus type C (GBV-C) is a lymphotropic virus that can cause persistent infection in humans. GBV-C is not associated with any disease, but is associated with reduced mortality in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals. Related viruses have been isolated from chimpanzees (GBV-Ccpz) and from New World primates (GB virus type A, GBV-A). These viruses are also capable of establishing persistent infection. We determined the nucleotide sequence encoding the envelope glycoprotein (E2) of two GBV-Ccpz isolates obtained from the sera of captive chimpanzees. The deduced GBV-Ccpz E2 protein differed from human GBV-C by 31 % at the amino acid level. Similar to human GBV-C E2, expression of GBV-Ccpz E2 in a tet-off human CD4+ Jurkat T-cell line significantly inhibited the replication of diverse HIV-1 isolates. This anti-HIV-replication effect of GBV-Ccpz E2 protein was reversed by maintaining cells in doxycycline to reduce E2 expression. Previously, we found a 17 aa region within human GBV-C E2 that was sufficient to inhibit HIV-1. Although GBV-Ccpz E2 differed by 3 aa differences in this region, the chimpanzee GBV-C 17mer E2 peptide inhibited HIV-1 replication. Similarly, the GBV-A peptide that aligns with this GBV-C E2 region inhibited HIV-1 replication despite sharing only 5 aa with the human GBV-C E2 sequence. Thus, despite amino acid differences, the peptide region on both the GBV-Ccpz and the GBV-A E2 protein inhibit HIV-1 replication similar to human GBV-C. Consequently, GBV-Ccpz or GBV-A infection of non-human primates may provide an animal model to study GB virus–HIV interactions. PMID:23288422

Maturity group classification and maturity locus genotyping of early-maturing soybean varieties from high-latitude cold regions.

PubMed

Jia, Hongchang; Jiang, Bingjun; Wu, Cunxiang; Lu, Wencheng; Hou, Wensheng; Sun, Shi; Yan, Hongrui; Han, Tianfu

2014-01-01

With the migration of human beings, advances of agricultural sciences, evolution of planting patterns and global warming, soybeans have expanded to both tropical and high-latitude cold regions (HCRs). Unlike other regions, HCRs have much more significant and diverse photoperiods and temperature conditions over seasons or across latitudes, and HCR soybeans released there show rich diversity in maturity traits. However, HCR soybeans have not been as well classified into maturity groups (MGs) as other places. Therefore, it is necessary to identify MGs in HCRs and to genotype the maturity loci. Local varieties were collected from the northern part of Northeast China and the far-eastern region of Russia. Maturity group reference (MGR) soybeans of MGs MG000, MG00, and MG0 were used as references during field experiments. Both local varieties and MGR soybeans were planted for two years (2010-2011) in Heihe (N 50°15', E 127°27', H 168.5 m), China. The days to VE (emergence), R1 (beginning bloom) and R7 (beginning maturity) were recorded and statistically analyzed. Furthermore, some varieties were further genotyped at four molecularly-identified maturity loci E1, E2, E3 and E4. The HCR varieties were classified into MG0 or even more early-maturing. In Heihe, some varieties matured much earlier than MG000, which is the most early-maturing known MG, and clustered into a separate group. We designated the group as MG0000, following the convention of MGs. HCR soybeans had relatively stable days to beginning bloom from emergence. The HCR varieties diversified into genotypes of E1, E2, E3 and E4. These loci had different effects on maturity. HCRs diversify early-maturing MGs of soybean. MG0000, a new MG that matures much earlier than known MGs, was developed. HCR soybean breeding should focus more on shortening post-flowering reproductive growth. E1, E2, E3, and E4 function differentially.

Plasma mixing glow discharge device for analytical applications

DOEpatents

Pinnaduwage, Lal A.

1999-01-01

An instrument for analyzing a sample has an enclosure that forms a chamber containing an anode which divides the chamber into a discharge region and an analysis region. A gas inlet and outlet are provided to introduce and exhaust a rare gas into the discharge region. A cathode within the discharge region has a plurality of pins projecting in a geometric pattern toward the anode for exciting the gas and producing a plasma discharge between the cathode and the anode. Low energy electrons (e.g. <0.5 eV) pass into the analysis region through an aperture. The sample to be analyzed is placed into the analysis region and bombarded by the metastable rare gas atoms and the low energy electrons extracted into from the discharge region. A mass or optical spectrometer can be coupled to a port of the analysis region to analyze the resulting ions and light emission.

Plasma mixing glow discharge device for analytical applications

DOEpatents

Pinnaduwage, L.A.

1999-04-20

An instrument for analyzing a sample has an enclosure that forms a chamber containing an anode which divides the chamber into a discharge region and an analysis region. A gas inlet and outlet are provided to introduce and exhaust a rare gas into the discharge region. A cathode within the discharge region has a plurality of pins projecting in a geometric pattern toward the anode for exciting the gas and producing a plasma discharge between the cathode and the anode. Low energy electrons (e.g. <0.5 eV) pass into the analysis region through an aperture. The sample to be analyzed is placed into the analysis region and bombarded by the metastable rare gas atoms and the low energy electrons extracted into from the discharge region. A mass or optical spectrometer can be coupled to a port of the analysis region to analyze the resulting ions and light emission. 3 figs.

Antigenic regions within the hepatitis C virus envelope 1 and non-structural proteins: identification of an IgG3-restricted recognition site with the envelope 1 protein.

PubMed Central

Sällberg, M; Rudén, U; Wahren, B; Magnius, L O

1993-01-01

Antibody binding to antigenic regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope 1 (E1; residues 183-380, E2/non-structural (NS) 1 (residues 380-437), NS1 (residues 643-690), and NS4 (1684-1751) proteins were assayed for 50 sera with antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and for 46 sera without anti-HCV. Thirty-four peptides, 18 residues long with an eight-amino acid overlap within each HCV region, were synthesized and tested with all 96 sera. Within the E region 183-380, the major binding site was located to residues 203-220, and was recognized by eight sera. Within the E2/NS1 region 380-437, the peptide covering residues 410-427 was recognized by two sera, and within the NS1 region 643-690, peptides covering residues 663-690 were recognized by four sera. Within the NS4 region 1684-1751, 27 sera were reactive to one or more of the NS4 peptides, and 21 out of these were reactive with peptide 1694-1711. One part of the major binding site could be located to residues 1701-1704, with the sequence Leu-Tyr-Arg-Glu. The IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 subclasses were reactive with the five antigenic regions of HCV core, residues 1-18, 11-28, 21-38, 51-68 and 101-118. Reactivity to the major envelope site consisted almost exclusively of IgG3, and reactivity to the major site of NS4 consisted only of IgG1. Thus, a non-restricted IgG response to linear HCV-encoded binding sites was found to the core protein, whereas IgG subclass-restricted linear binding sites were found within the E1 protein, and within the NS4 protein. PMID:7680297

Projected changes to short- and long-duration precipitation extremes over the Canadian Prairie Provinces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masud, M. B.; Khaliq, M. N.; Wheater, H. S.

2017-09-01

The effects of climate change on April-October short- and long-duration precipitation extremes over the Canadian Prairie Provinces were evaluated using a multi-Regional Climate Model (RCM) ensemble available through the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program. Simulations considered include those performed with six RCMs driven by the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis II product for the 1981-2000 period and those driven by four Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs) for the current 1971-2000 and future 2041-2070 periods (i.e. a total of 11 current-to-future period simulation pairs). A regional frequency analysis approach was used to develop 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 50-year return values of precipitation extremes from NCEP and AOGCM-driven current and future period simulations that respectively were used to study the performance of RCMs and projected changes for selected return values at regional, grid-cell and local scales. Performance errors due to internal dynamics and physics of RCMs studied for the 1981-2000 period reveal considerable variation in the performance of the RCMs. However, the performance errors were found to be much smaller for RCM ensemble averages than for individual RCMs. Projected changes in future climate to selected regional return values of short-duration (e.g. 15- and 30-min) precipitation extremes and for longer return periods (e.g. 50-year) were found to be mostly larger than those to the longer duration (e.g. 24- and 48-h) extremes and short return periods (e.g. 2-year). Overall, projected changes in precipitation extremes were larger for southeastern regions followed by southern and northern regions and smaller for southwestern and western regions of the study area. The changes to return values were also found to be statistically significant for the majority of the RCM-AOGCM simulation pairs. These projections might be useful as a key input for the future planning of urban drainage infrastructure and development of strategic climate change adaptation measures.

Identification of G-quadruplex forming sequences in three manatee papillomaviruses

PubMed Central

Zahin, Maryam; Dean, William L.; Ghim, Shin-je; Joh, Joongho; Gray, Robert D.; Khanal, Sujita; Bossart, Gregory D.; Mignucci-Giannoni, Antonio A.; Rouchka, Eric C.; Jenson, Alfred B.; Trent, John O.; Chaires, Jonathan B.

2018-01-01

The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirotris) is a threatened aquatic mammal in United States coastal waters. Over the past decade, the appearance of papillomavirus-induced lesions and viral papillomatosis in manatees has been a concern for those involved in the management and rehabilitation of this species. To date, three manatee papillomaviruses (TmPVs) have been identified in Florida manatees, one forming cutaneous lesions (TmPV1) and two forming genital lesions (TmPV3 and TmPV4). We identified DNA sequences with the potential to form G-quadruplex structures (G4) across the three genomes. G4 were located on both DNA strands and across coding and non-coding regions on all TmPVs, offering multiple targets for viral control. Although G4 have been identified in several viral genomes, including human PVs, most research has focused on canonical structures comprised of three G-tetrads. In contrast, the vast majority of sequences we identified would allow the formation of non-canonical structures with only two G-tetrads. Our biophysical analysis confirmed the formation of G4 with parallel topology in three such sequences from the E2 region. Two of the structures appear comprised of multiple stacked two G-tetrad structures, perhaps serving to increase structural stability. Computational analysis demonstrated enrichment of G4 sequences on all TmPVs on the reverse strand in the E2/E4 region and on both strands in the L2 region. Several G4 sequences occurred at similar regional locations on all PVs, most notably on the reverse strand in the E2 region. In other cases, G4 were identified at similar regional locations only on PVs forming genital lesions. On all TmPVs, G4 sequences were located in the non-coding region near putative E2 binding sites. Together, these findings suggest that G4 are possible regulatory elements in TmPVs. PMID:29630682

What if? Neural activity underlying semantic and episodic counterfactual thinking.

PubMed

Parikh, Natasha; Ruzic, Luka; Stewart, Gregory W; Spreng, R Nathan; De Brigard, Felipe

2018-05-25

Counterfactual thinking (CFT) is the process of mentally simulating alternative versions of known facts. In the past decade, cognitive neuroscientists have begun to uncover the neural underpinnings of CFT, particularly episodic CFT (eCFT), which activates regions in the default network (DN) also activated by episodic memory (eM) recall. However, the engagement of DN regions is different for distinct kinds of eCFT. More plausible counterfactuals and counterfactuals about oneself show stronger activity in DN regions compared to implausible and other- or object-focused counterfactuals. The current study sought to identify a source for this difference in DN activity. Specifically, self-focused counterfactuals may also be more plausible, suggesting that DN core regions are sensitive to the plausibility of a simulation. On the other hand, plausible and self-focused counterfactuals may involve more episodic information than implausible and other-focused counterfactuals, which would imply DN sensitivity to episodic information. In the current study, we compared episodic and semantic counterfactuals generated to be plausible or implausible against episodic and semantic memory reactivation using fMRI. Taking multivariate and univariate approaches, we found that the DN is engaged more during episodic simulations, including eM and all eCFT, than during semantic simulations. Semantic simulations engaged more inferior temporal and lateral occipital regions. The only region that showed strong plausibility effects was the hippocampus, which was significantly engaged for implausible CFT but not for plausible CFT, suggestive of binding more disparate information. Consequences of these findings for the cognitive neuroscience of mental simulation are discussed. Published by Elsevier Inc.

TRANSITIONS IN FOREST FRAGMENTATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESTORATION OPPORTUNITIES AT REGIONAL SCALES

EPA Science Inventory

Where the potential natural vegetation is continuous forest (e.g., eastern US), a region can be divided into smaller units (e.g., counties, watersheds), and a graph of the proportion of forest in the largest patch versus the proportion in anthropogenic cover can be used as an ind...

New models of hepatitis E virus replication in human and porcine hepatocyte cell lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute, enterically-transmitted hepatitis. It is associated with large epidemics in tropical and subtropical regions where it is endemic or with sporadic cases in non-endemic regions. Unlike other hepatitis viruses, HEV has several animal reservoirs. Phylogenetic studie...

A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine (DRYG) mediates eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) self-association and interaction with eIF3.

PubMed Central

Méthot, N; Song, M S; Sonenberg, N

1996-01-01

The binding of mRNA to the ribosome is mediated by eukaryotic initiation factors eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F), eIF4B, eIF4A, and eIF3, eIF4F binds to the mRNA cap structure and, in combination with eIF4B, is believed to unwind the secondary structure in the 5' untranslated region to facilitate ribosome binding. eIF3 associates with the 40S ribosomal subunit prior to mRNA binding. eIF4B copurifies with eIF3 and eIF4F through several purification steps, suggesting the involvement of a multisubunit complex during translation initiation. To understand the mechanism by which eIF4B promotes 40S ribosome binding to the mRNA, we studied its interactions with partner proteins by using a filter overlay (protein-protein [far Western]) assay and the two-hybrid system. In this report, we show that eIF4B self-associates and also interacts directly with the p170 subunit of eIF3. A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine, termed the DRYG domain, is sufficient for self-association of eIF4B, both in vitro and in vivo, and for interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3. These experiments suggest that eIF4B participates in mRNA-ribosome binding by acting as an intermediary between the mRNA and eIF3, via a direct interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3. PMID:8816444

Strong positive selection and recombination drive the antigenic variation of the PilE protein of the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis.

PubMed

Andrews, T Daniel; Gojobori, Takashi

2004-01-01

The PilE protein is the major component of the Neisseria meningitidis pilus, which is encoded by the pilE/pilS locus that includes an expressed gene and eight homologous silent fragments. The silent gene fragments have been shown to recombine through gene conversion with the expressed gene and thereby provide a means by which novel antigenic variants of the PilE protein can be generated. We have analyzed the evolutionary rate of the pilE gene using the nucleotide sequence of two complete pilE/pilS loci. The very high rate of evolution displayed by the PilE protein appears driven by both recombination and positive selection. Within the semivariable region of the pilE and pilS genes, recombination appears to occur within multiple small sequence blocks that lie between conserved sequence elements. Within the hypervariable region, positive selection was identified from comparison of the silent and expressed genes. The unusual gene conversion mechanism that operates at the pilE/pilS locus is a strategy employed by N. meningitidis to enhance mutation of certain regions of the PilE protein. The silent copies of the gene effectively allow "parallelized" evolution of pilE, thus enabling the encoded protein to rapidly explore a large area of sequence space in an effort to find novel antigenic variants.

Study of midlatitude ionospheric irregularities and E- and F-region coupling based on rocket and radar observations from Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, M.

2015-12-01

We have been studying ionspheric irregularities in mid-latitude region by using radars, sounding rockets, etc. The mid-latitude ionosphere was considered much stable than those in the equatorial or polar region in the past, but our studies for years have revealed that there are much active variabilities. We found variety of wave-like structures that are specific in the mid-latitudes. One of the phenomena is quasi-periodic echoes (QP echoes) first observed by the MU radar that reflects horizontal plasma-density structures associated to sporadic-E layers. Another phenomenon is medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbance (MSTID) in the F-region. In the generation mechanism we think that Ionospheric E- and F-region coupling process is important. In this presentation, we will discuss nature of mid-latitude ionosphere based on our observations; the MU radar, sounding rocket campaigns of SEEK-1/2, and recent MSTID rocket experiment from JAXA Uchinoura Space Center in July 2013.

E and F region study of the evening sector auroral oval - A Chatanika/Dynamics Explorer 2/NOAA 6 comparison

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senior, C.; Sharber, J. R.; Winningham, J. D.; De La Beaujardiere, O.; Heelis, R. A.; Evans, D. S.; Sugiura, M.; Hoegy, W. R.

1987-01-01

Simultaneous data from the Chatanika radar and the DE 2 and NOAA 6 satellites are used to study the typical behavior of the winter evening-sector auroral plasma during moderate and steady magnetic activity. The equatorward edge of the auroral E layer, of the region 2 field-aligned currents, and of the region of intense convection are colocated. The auroral E layer extends several degrees south of the equatorward edge of the keV electron precipitation from the CPS. Although the main trough and ionization channel are embedded in a region of intense electric field where the plasma flows sunward at high speed, the flux tubes associated with these two features have different time histories. The midlatitude trough is located south of the region of electron precipitation, above a proton aurora. The ionization channel marks the poleward edge of the main trough and is colocated with the equatorward boundary of the electron precipitation from the central plasma sheet.

Regional Topographic Views of Mars from MOLA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

With one year of global mapping of the Mars Global Surveyor mission completed, the MOLA dataset has achieved excellent spatial and vertical resolution. The maps below (and above) have been produced from the altimetric observations collected during MOLA's first year of global mapping and provide a variety of regional topographic views of the Martian surface. The maps were compiled from a data base of 266.7 million laser altimetric measurements collected between March 1, 1999 and February 29, 2000. In each map the spatial resolution is approximately 1/16o by 1/32o (where 1o on Mars is about 59 km) and the vertical accuracy is approximately 1 meter. Note that the sizes of the regions vary. Click on image for to see full resolution (Warning! these are large files) [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Nirgal Vallis region: 23o to 33o S; 313 to 323o E.

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Locras Valles region: 5o to 15o N; 45 to 55o E.

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Syrtis Major: 5o to 15o S; 62 to 72o E.

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Viking 1 landing site: 20o to 25o N; 310 to 315o E. The landing site is marked by the plus sign.

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Nicholson crater: 5o S to 5o N; 190 to 200o E. [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Schiaparelli crater: 8o S to 2o N; 12 to 22o E.

78 FR 35149 - Addresses of Regional Offices

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-12

..., and Texas), 500 Gold Avenue SW., Room 9018 (P.O. Box 1306), Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. (c) Midwest... 01035. (f) Mountain-Prairie Regional Office (Region 6--comprising the States of Colorado, Kansas...), Lakewood, Colorado 80228. (g) Alaska Regional Office (Region 7--comprising the State of Alaska), 1011 E...

Analyzing and Assessing Brain Structure with Graph Connectivity Measures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-09

structural brain networks, i.e. determining which regions of the brain are physically connected. Meanwhile, functional MRI ( fMRI ) yields an image of...produced by fMRI is a map of which parts are of the brain are active and which are not at a given time. In creating functional networks, regions of...the brain which often activitate together, i.e., often show up on fMRI as deoxygenated regions together, are considered connected. DTI allows the

Effects of Nonconvective Electric Fields on Magnetospheric Plasma Dynamics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-31

I.S.E.E. data (June, 1981 issue J. Geophys. Res.) has made a large contribution toward describing the structure of the foreshock region just upstream from...narrow layer on the most sunward region of the foreshock [Bonifazi and Moreno, 1981a,b] and form the distribution which is classified as "reflected...the foreshock region toughes the quasi perpendicular bow shock [Eastman et. al., 1981]. Therefore, ions reflected at this point may run along the

Analysis of Transcriptional Regulation of the Human miR-17-92 Cluster; Evidence for Involvement of Pim-1

PubMed Central

Thomas, Maren; Lange-Grünweller, Kerstin; Hartmann, Dorothee; Golde, Lara; Schlereth, Julia; Streng, Dennis; Aigner, Achim; Grünweller, Arnold; Hartmann, Roland K.

2013-01-01

The human polycistronic miRNA cluster miR-17-92 is frequently overexpressed in hematopoietic malignancies and cancers. Its transcription is in part controlled by an E2F-regulated host gene promoter. An intronic A/T-rich region directly upstream of the miRNA coding region also contributes to cluster expression. Our deletion analysis of the A/T-rich region revealed a strong dependence on c-Myc binding to the functional E3 site. Yet, constructs lacking the 5′-proximal ~1.3 kb or 3′-distal ~0.1 kb of the 1.5 kb A/T-rich region still retained residual specific promoter activity, suggesting multiple transcription start sites (TSS) in this region. Furthermore, the protooncogenic kinase, Pim-1, its phosphorylation target HP1γ and c-Myc colocalize to the E3 region, as inferred from chromatin immunoprecipitation. Analysis of pri-miR-17-92 expression levels in K562 and HeLa cells revealed that silencing of E2F3, c-Myc or Pim-1 negatively affects cluster expression, with a synergistic effect caused by c-Myc/Pim-1 double knockdown in HeLa cells. Thus, we show, for the first time, that the protooncogene Pim-1 is part of the network that regulates transcription of the human miR-17-92 cluster. PMID:23749113

Synthesis, microsome-mediated metabolism, and identification of major metabolites of environmental pollutant naphtho[8,1,2-ghi]chrysene.

PubMed

Sharma, Arun K; Gowdahalli, Krishnegowda; Gimbor, Melissa; Amin, Shantu

2008-05-01

Naphtho[8,1,2- ghi]chrysene, commonly known as naphtho[1,2- e]pyrene (N[1,2- e]P) is a widespread environmental pollutant, identified in coal tar extract, air borne particulate matter, marine sediment, cigarette smoke condensate, and vehicle exhaust. Herein, we determined the ability of rat liver microsomes to metabolize N[1,2- e]P and an unequivocal assignment of the metabolites by comparing them with independently synthesized standards. We developed the synthesis of both the fjord region and the K-region dihydrodiols and various phenolic derivatives for metabolite identification. The 12-OH-N[1,2- e]P, fjord region dihydrodiol 14 and diol epoxide 15 were synthesized using a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction followed by the appropriate manipulation of the functional groups. The K-region trans-4,5-dihydrodiol ( 18) was prepared by the treatment of N[1,2- e]P with OsO 4 to give cis-dihydrodiol 16, followed by pyridinium chlorochromate oxidation to quinone 17, and finally reduction with NaBH 4 to afford the dihydrodiol 18 with the desired trans stereochemistry. The 9-OH-N[1,2- e]P ( 30) and N[1,2- e]P trans-9,10-dihydrodiol ( 32) were also synthesized following a Suzuki cross-coupling approach starting from 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydropyrene-4-boronic acid. The metabolism of N[1,2- e]P with rat liver microsomes led to several dihydrodiol and phenolic metabolites as assessed by the HPLC trace. The 11,12-dihydrodiol and 4,5-dihydrodiol were identified as major dihydrodiol metabolites. The synthesized 9,10-dihydrodiol, on the other hand, did not match with any of the peaks in the metabolism trace. Among the phenols, only 12-OH-N[1,2- e]P was identified in the metabolism. The other phenolic derivatives synthesized, that is, the 4-/5-, 9-, 10-, and 11-hydroxy derivatives, were not detected in the metabolism trace. In summary, N[1,2- e]P trans-11,12-dihydrodiol was the major metabolite formed along with N[1,2- e]P 4,5- trans-dihydrodiol and 12-OH-N[1,2- e]P on exposure of rat liver microsomes to N[1,2- e]P. The presence of N[1,2- e]P in the environment and formation of fjord region dihydrodiol 14 as a major metabolite in in vitro metabolism studies strongly suggest the role of N[1,2- e]P as a potential health hazard.

Vaccinia virus recombinants encoding the truncated structural gene region of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) give solid protection against peripheral challenge but only partial protection against airborne challenge with virulent VEEV.

PubMed

Phillpotts, R J; Lescott, T L; Jacobs, S C

2000-10-01

Vaccinia virus (VV) recombinants that contain the genes encoding the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) structural gene region (C-E3-E2-6 K-E1) solidly protect mice against peripheral challenge with virulent VEEV, but provide only partial protection against airborne challenge. To improve upon these results we focussed on the principal antigens involved in protection. VV recombinants encoding the structural genes E3-E2-6 K-E1, E3-E2-6 K or 6 K-E1 were prepared and evaluated for their ability to protect Balb/c mice after a single dorsal scarification with 10(8) PFU against peripheral or airborne challenge with virulent VEEV. The antibody response was also examined. Our experiments provide new evidence that truncates of the VEEV structural region (E3-E2-6 K-E1, E3-E2-6 K), cloned and expressed in VV, protect against challenge with virulent virus. They also confirm the important role of E2 in protection. However, we were unable to improve upon previously reported levels of protection against airborne challenge. A substantial level of circulating antibodies and the presence of local IgA (not always induced by mucosal immunization) (Greenway et al., 1992) appear essential for protection against the airborne virus. Current VV-VEEV recombinants seem unable to elicit this level of immune response and further improvements are therefore required to increase the immunogenicity of VV-VEEV vaccines.

Computational and experimental analysis of TMS-induced electric field vectors critical to neuronal activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieg, Todd D.; Salinas, Felipe S.; Narayana, Shalini; Fox, Peter T.; Mogul, David J.

2015-08-01

Objective. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) represents a powerful technique to noninvasively modulate cortical neurophysiology in the brain. However, the relationship between the magnetic fields created by TMS coils and neuronal activation in the cortex is still not well-understood, making predictable cortical activation by TMS difficult to achieve. Our goal in this study was to investigate the relationship between induced electric fields and cortical activation measured by blood flow response. Particularly, we sought to discover the E-field characteristics that lead to cortical activation. Approach. Subject-specific finite element models (FEMs) of the head and brain were constructed for each of six subjects using magnetic resonance image scans. Positron emission tomography (PET) measured each subject’s cortical response to image-guided robotically-positioned TMS to the primary motor cortex. FEM models that employed the given coil position, orientation, and stimulus intensity in experimental applications of TMS were used to calculate the electric field (E-field) vectors within a region of interest for each subject. TMS-induced E-fields were analyzed to better understand what vector components led to regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses recorded by PET. Main results. This study found that decomposing the E-field into orthogonal vector components based on the cortical surface geometry (and hence, cortical neuron directions) led to significant differences between the regions of cortex that were active and nonactive. Specifically, active regions had significantly higher E-field components in the normal inward direction (i.e., parallel to pyramidal neurons in the dendrite-to-axon orientation) and in the tangential direction (i.e., parallel to interneurons) at high gradient. In contrast, nonactive regions had higher E-field vectors in the outward normal direction suggesting inhibitory responses. Significance. These results provide critical new understanding of the factors by which TMS induces cortical activation necessary for predictive and repeatable use of this noninvasive stimulation modality.

Chloroplast Genome Differences between Asian and American Equisetum arvense (Equisetaceae) and the Origin of the Hypervariable trnY-trnE Intergenic Spacer

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyoung Tae; Kim, Ki-Joong

2014-01-01

Comparative analyses of complete chloroplast (cp) DNA sequences within a species may provide clues to understand the population dynamics and colonization histories of plant species. Equisetum arvense (Equisetaceae) is a widely distributed fern species in northeastern Asia, Europe, and North America. The complete cp DNA sequences from Asian and American E. arvense individuals were compared in this study. The Asian E. arvense cp genome was 583 bp shorter than that of the American E. arvense. In total, 159 indels were observed between two individuals, most of which were concentrated on the hypervariable trnY-trnE intergenic spacer (IGS) in the large single-copy (LSC) region of the cp genome. This IGS region held a series of 19 bp repeating units. The numbers of the 19 bp repeat unit were responsible for 78% of the total length difference between the two cp genomes. Furthermore, only other closely related species of Equisetum also show the hypervariable nature of the trnY-trnE IGS. By contrast, only a single indel was observed in the gene coding regions: the ycf1 gene showed 24 bp differences between the two continental individuals due to a single tandem-repeat indel. A total of 165 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were recorded between the two cp genomes. Of these, 52 SNPs (31.5%) were distributed in coding regions, 13 SNPs (7.9%) were in introns, and 100 SNPs (60.6%) were in intergenic spacers (IGS). The overall difference between the Asian and American E. arvense cp genomes was 0.12%. Despite the relatively high genetic diversity between Asian and American E. arvense, the two populations are recognized as a single species based on their high morphological similarity. This indicated that the two regional populations have been in morphological stasis. PMID:25157804

Genes in one megabase of the HLA class I region

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

Wei, H.; Fan, Wu-Fang; Xu, Hongxia

1993-11-15

To define the gene content of the HLA class I region, cDNA selection was applied to three overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) that spanned 1 megabase (Mb) of this region of the human major histocompatibility complex. These YACs extended from the region centromeric to HLA-E to the region telomeric to HLA-F. In additions to the recognized class I genes and pseudogenes and the anonymous non-class-I genes described recently by the authors and others, 20 additional anonymous cDNA clones were identified from this 1-Mb region. They also identified a long repetitive DNA element in the region between HLA-B and HLA-E. Homologuesmore » of this outside of the HLA complex. The portion of the HLA class I region represented by these YACs shows an average gene density as high as the class II and class III regions. Thus, the high gene density portion of the HLA complex is extended to more than 3 Mb.« less

Cold ion demagnetization near the X-line of magnetic reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toledo Redondo, S.; Andre, M.; Khotyaintsev, Y. V.; Vaivads, A.; Walsh, A. P.; Li, W.; Graham, D. B.; Lavraud, B.; Masson, A.; Aunai, N.; Divin, A. V.; Dargent, J.; Fuselier, S. A.; Gershman, D. J.; Dorelli, J.; Giles, B. L.; Avanov, L. A.; Pollock, C. J.; Saito, Y.; Moore, T. E.; Coffey, V. N.; Chandler, M. O.; Lindqvist, P. A.; Torbert, R. B.; Russell, C. T.

2016-12-01

We report observatios of the Ion Diffusion Region (IDR) of magnetic reconnection by MMS at the dayside magnetopause. Cold plasma (tens of eV) of ionospheric origin was present inside the IDR the 22 October 2015 and its behavior differed from the hot plasma (several keV). In particular, cold ions remained magnetized and followed E x B inside most of the IDR. We identify a sub-region and name it the cold IDR of the size of the cold ion gyroradius ( 15 km) where cold ions are demagnetized and accelerated parallel to E. Using multi-spacecraft measurements we identify a sharp cold ion density gradient separating the two regions.

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

Nugraha, Andri Dian, E-mail: andridn104@gmail.com; Widiyantoro, Sri; Shiddiqi, Hasbi Ash

Indonesian archipelago region is located in active tectonic setting and high seismicity zone. During the last decade, Indonesian was experienced with destructive major earthquakes causing damage and victims. The information of precise earthquake location parameters are very important in partular for earthquake early warning to the society and for advance seismic studies. In this study, we attempted to improve hypocenter location compiled by BMKG for time periods of April, 2009 up to June, 2014 for about 22,000 earthquake events around Indonesian region. For the firts time, we applied teleseismic double-difference relocation algorithm (teletomoDD) to improve hypocenter region in Indonesia regionmore » combining regional and teleseismic stations. Hypocenter relocation was performed utilizing local, regional, and teleseismic P-wave arrival time data. Our relocation result show that travel-time RMS errors were greatly reduced compared to the BMKG catalog. Seismicity at shallower depth (less than 50 km) shows significantly improvement especially in depth, and refined shallow geological structures, e.g. trench and major strike slip faults. Clustered seismicity is also detected beneath volcanic region, and probably related volcano activities and also major faults nearby. In the Sunda arc region, seismicity at shallower depth centered at two major distributions parallel to the trench strike direction, i.e. around fore-arc and in mainland that related to major fault, e.g. the Sumatran fault, and volcanic fronts. Below Central Java region, relocated hypocenter result showed double seismic zone pattern. A seismic gap is detected around the Sunda-Banda transition zone where transition between oceanic subduction to continental crust collision of Australian plate occurs. In Eastern Indonesia region, shallow earthquakes are observed related to major strike slip faults, e.g. Sorong and Palu-Koro fault, volcanism, and shallow part of subduction and collision zones. We also compare our result in the Sunda Arc region with slab1.0 model and our relocated seismicity shows good agreement with the previous slab geometry. Horizontal position shift of relocated events are mostly perpendicular to the trench directions.« less

Improvements of data quality of the LHD Thomson scattering diagnostics in high-temperature plasma experiments.

PubMed

Yamada, I; Narihara, K; Funaba, H; Hayashi, H; Kohmoto, T; Takahashi, H; Shimozuma, T; Kubo, S; Yoshimura, Y; Igami, H; Tamura, N

2010-10-01

In Large Helical Device (LHD) experiments, an electron temperature (T(e)) more than 15 keV has been observed by the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser Thomson scattering diagnostic. Since the LHD Thomson scattering system has been optimized for the temperature region, 50 eV≤T(e)≤10 keV, the data quality becomes worse in the higher T(e) region exceeding 10 keV. In order to accurately determine T(e) in the LHD high-T(e) experiments, we tried to increase the laser pulse energy by simultaneously firing three lasers. The technique enables us to decrease the uncertainties in the measured T(e). Another signal accumulation method was also tested. In addition, we estimated the influence of high-energy electrons on T(e) obtained by the LHD Thomson scattering system.

Relation of obesity to neural activation in response to food commercials.

PubMed

Gearhardt, Ashley N; Yokum, Sonja; Stice, Eric; Harris, Jennifer L; Brownell, Kelly D

2014-07-01

Adolescents view thousands of food commercials annually, but the neural response to food advertising and its association with obesity is largely unknown. This study is the first to examine how neural response to food commercials differs from other stimuli (e.g. non-food commercials and television show) and to explore how this response may differ by weight status. The blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging activation was measured in 30 adolescents ranging from lean to obese in response to food and non-food commercials imbedded in a television show. Adolescents exhibited greater activation in regions implicated in visual processing (e.g. occipital gyrus), attention (e.g. parietal lobes), cognition (e.g. temporal gyrus and posterior cerebellar lobe), movement (e.g. anterior cerebellar cortex), somatosensory response (e.g. postcentral gyrus) and reward [e.g. orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)] during food commercials. Obese participants exhibited less activation during food relative to non-food commercials in neural regions implicated in visual processing (e.g. cuneus), attention (e.g. posterior cerebellar lobe), reward (e.g. ventromedial prefrontal cortex and ACC) and salience detection (e.g. precuneus). Obese participants did exhibit greater activation in a region implicated in semantic control (e.g. medial temporal gyrus). These findings may inform current policy debates regarding the impact of food advertising to minors. © The Author (2013). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Characterization of the breakpoints of a polymorphic inversion complex detects strict and broad breakpoint reuse at the molecular level.

PubMed

Puerma, Eva; Orengo, Dorcas J; Salguero, David; Papaceit, Montserrat; Segarra, Carmen; Aguadé, Montserrat

2014-09-01

Inversions are an integral part of structural variation within species, and they play a leading role in genome reorganization across species. Work at both the cytological and genome sequence levels has revealed heterogeneity in the distribution of inversion breakpoints, with some regions being recurrently used. Breakpoint reuse at the molecular level has mostly been assessed for fixed inversions through genome sequence comparison, and therefore rather broadly. Here, we have identified and sequenced the breakpoints of two polymorphic inversions-E1 and E2 that share a breakpoint-in the extant Est and E1 + 2 chromosomal arrangements of Drosophila subobscura. The breakpoints are two medium-sized repeated motifs that mediated the inversions by two different mechanisms: E1 via staggered breaks and subsequent repair and E2 via repeat-mediated ectopic recombination. The fine delimitation of the shared breakpoint revealed its strict reuse at the molecular level regardless of which was the intermediate arrangement. The occurrence of other rearrangements in the most proximal and distal extended breakpoint regions reveals the broad reuse of these regions. This differential degree of fragility might be related to their sharing the presence outside the inverted region of snoRNA-encoding genes. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Nutritional value of daily diets prepared in several regions of the country. Part VI. Value of retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E].

PubMed

Nadolna, I; Okolska, G; Kunachowicz, H

1992-01-01

Determinations of retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E were carried out in daily diets of manual and mental workers with medium incomes. The diets were prepared on the basis of the analysis of the Central Statistical Office in 1986 under laboratory conditions in five regions of Poland (Warszawa, Lublin, Olsztyn, Poznań, Wrocław). It was found that these diets contained respectively: vitamin A (retinol and beta-carotene) 844 and 859 micrograms, retinol 466 and 496 micrograms, beta-carotene 2267 and 2167 micrograms and vitamin E 4.82 and 5.12 mg per day. In relation to the realization of daily recommended dietary allowances by these diets, for vitamin A were met respectively 102 and 104% and for vitamin E 58 and 61%. There were considerable differences in the content of beta-carotene and vitamin E between diets prepared in all five regions of Poland.

P.E.O.P.L.E. 32: B.C. College Region Population Projections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, 2007

2007-01-01

Each year BC Stats, Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, projects the population of British Columbia (BC) and its regions. These projections are based on assumptions about future fertility, mortality and migration levels. Assumptions are derived from demographic trends modified to include potential impacts of future economic factors. The…

LANDSCAPE INDICATORS OF CHANGES TO AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS RELATED TO CHANGES IN GLOBAL CLIMATE AND LAND USE

EPA Science Inventory

Water supply from ground water (i.e. well) or surface water (i.e reservoirs) is of great importance to the planning for future needs for local and regional use. However, despite scientific evidence that climatic shifts are likely to affect every part of the region and availabili...

40 CFR 52.985 - Visibility protection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... requirements of 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3) and 51.308(e) with respect to emissions of NOX and SO2 from electric... for regional haze as it relies on deficient non-electric generating units Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) analyses; and 40 CFR 51.308(e), BART requirements for regional haze visibility impairment...

40 CFR 52.985 - Visibility protection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... requirements of 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3) and 51.308(e) with respect to emissions of NOX and SO2 from electric... for regional haze as it relies on deficient non-electric generating units Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) analyses; and 40 CFR 51.308(e), BART requirements for regional haze visibility impairment...

Delinquent Medical Service Accounts at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Need Additional Management Oversight

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-28

L 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 Report No. DODIG-2016-079 Delinquent Medical Service Accounts at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Need Additional Management...Department of Defense F r a u d , W a s t e & A b u s e DODIG-2016-079 (Project No. D2015-D000CL-0214.000) │ i Results in Brief Delinquent Medical...objective was to determine whether Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) effectively managed accounts delinquent over 120 days by properly

Modelling the horizontal structure of mid-latitude E(s) from its refraction effects on F-region echoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, R. I.

1991-02-01

The observation of the refraction of F-region echoes presently reported implies that significant horizontal structure exists within some E(s) clouds. A modeling of the data collected with the Bribie Island HF radar indicates that wind shear variations can account for examples in which irregularities either pass through, or pass with, existing layers of E(s) which create the cloudy, nonblanketing variety of E(s). The blanketing variety of E(s) seems to have little or no horizontal structure, and most likely drifts with the same velocity as the irregularities which produce nonblanketing E(s). Irregularities with strong horizontal gradients act as diverging lenses, leading to an overestimation of cloud size via simple occulting geometry.

Uranyl mediated photofootprinting reveals strong E. coli RNA polymerase--DNA backbone contacts in the +10 region of the DeoP1 promoter open complex.

PubMed Central

Jeppesen, C; Nielsen, P E

1989-01-01

Employing a newly developed uranyl photofootprinting technique (Nielsen et al. (1988) FEBS Lett. 235, 122), we have analyzed the structure of the E. coli RNA polymerase deoP1 promoter open complex. The results show strong polymerase DNA backbone contacts in the -40, -10, and most notably in the +10 region. These results suggest that unwinding of the -12 to +3 region of the promoter in the open complex is mediated through polymerase DNA backbone contacts on both sides of this region. The pattern of bases that are hyperreactive towards KMnO4 or uranyl within the -12 to +3 region furthermore argues against a model in which this region is simply unwound and/or single stranded. The results indicate specific protein contacts and/or a fixed DNA conformation within the -12 to +3 region. Images PMID:2503811

Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of seven Eucalyptus species essential oils leaves.

PubMed

Sebei, Khaled; Sakouhi, Fawzi; Herchi, Wahid; Khouja, Mohamed Larbi; Boukhchina, Sadok

2015-01-19

In this paper, we have studied the essential oils chemical composition of the leaves of seven Eucalyptus species developed in Tunisia. Eucalyptus leaves were picked from trees growing in different arboretums in Tunisia. Choucha and Mrifeg arboretums located in Sedjnene, region of Bizerte (Choucha: E. maideni, E. astrengens et E. cinerea; Mrifeg : E. leucoxylon), Korbous arboretums located in the region of Nabeul, North East Tunisia with sub-humid bioclimate, (E. lehmani), Souiniet-Ain Drahem arboretum located in region of Jendouba (E. sideroxylon, E. bicostata). Essential oils were individually tested against a large panel of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6539), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), Listeria ivanovii (RBL 30), Bacillus cereus (ATCC11778). The yield of essential oils ranged from 1.2% to 3% (w/w) for the different Eucalyptus species. All essential oils contain α-pinene, 1,8-cineol and pinocarveol-trans for all Eucalyptus species studied. The 1,8-cineol was the major compound in all species (49.07 to 83.59%). Diameter of inhibition zone of essential oils of Eucalyptus species varied from 10 to 29 mm. The largest zone of inhibition was obtained for Bacillus cereus (E. astrengens) and the lowest for Staphylococcus aureus (E. cinerea). The essential oils from E. maideni, E. astrengens, E. cinerea (arboretum of Bizerte), E. bicostata (arboretum of Aindraham) showed the highest antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii and Bacillus cereus. The major constituents of Eucalyptus leaves essential oils are 1,8-cineol (49.07 to 83.59%) and α-pinene (1.27 to 26.35%). The essential oils from E. maideni, E. astrengens, E. cinerea, E. bicostata showed the highest antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii and Bacillus cereus, they may have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products.

Comparative study of immunological and structural properties of two recombinant vaccine candidates against botulinum neurotoxin type E.

PubMed

Rostamian, Mosayeb; Mousavy, Seyed Jafar; Ebrahimi, Firouz; Ghadami, Seyyed Abolghasem; Sheibani, Nader; Minaei, Mohammad Ebrahim; Arefpour Torabi, Mohammad Ali

2012-01-01

Recently, botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-derived recombinant proteins have been suggested as potential botulism vaccines. Here, with concentrating on BoNT type E (BoNT/E), we studied two of these binding domain-based recombinant proteins: a multivalent chimer protein, which is composed of BoNT serotypes A, B and E binding subdomains, and a monovalent recombinant protein, which contains 93 amino acid residues from recombinant C-terminal heavy chain of BoNT/E (rBoNT/E-HCC). Both proteins have an identical region (48 aa) that contains one of the most important BoNT/E epitopes (YLTHMRD sequence). The recombinant protein efficiency in antibody production, their structural differences, and their BoNT/E-epitope location were compared by using ELISA, circular dichroism, computational modeling, and hydrophobicity predictions. Immunological studies indicated that the antibody yield against rBoNT/E-HCC was higher than chimer protein. Cross ELISA confirmed that the antibodies against the chimer protein recognized rBoNT/E-HCC more efficiently. However, both antibody groups (anti-chimer and anti-rBoNT/E-HCC antibodies) were able to recognize other proteins. Structural studies with circular dichroism showed that chimer proteins have slightly more secondary structures than rBoNT/E-HCC. The immunological results suggested that the above-mentioned identical region in rBoNT/E-HCC is more exposed. Circular dichroism, computational protein modeling and hydrophobicity predictions indicated a more exposed location for the identical region in rBoNT/E-HCC than the chimer protein, which is strongly in agreement with immunological results.

The infrared spectrum of M8 E - Evidence for circumstellar CO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, H. P.; Fink, U.; Hofmann, R.

1986-01-01

High-resolution spectroscopic observations of the compact infrared source M8 E are reported in the region from 3 to 5 microns. Very prominent CO absorption lines are observed in the v = 1-0 band at 4.7 microns. The velocity width and rotational temperature suggest that this CO absorption occurs in a highly excited region. The high background continuum flux level and the prominent appearance of the CO features suggest that the CO line-forming region must be in front of the dust emission region. A blister model for M8 E, which places most of the dust continuum emission behind the source, satisfies this requirement. According to this picture, the observed circumstellar CO spectrum shows a high rotational temperature and a large velocity dispersion because of the combined effects of the strong stellar wind and possible shock heating near the dust zone as the wind encounters the ambient molecular cloud.

Detection of classical swine fever virus E2 gene in cattle serum samples from cattle herds of Meghalaya.

PubMed

Chakraborty, A K; Karam, A; Mukherjee, P; Barkalita, L; Borah, P; Das, S; Sanjukta, R; Puro, K; Ghatak, S; Shakuntala, I; Sharma, I; Laha, R G; Sen, A

2018-03-01

The present study focused on the detection and genetic characterisation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and E2 gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV, family Flaviviridae , genus Pestivirus ) from bovine population of the northeastern region of India. A total of 134 cattle serum samples were collected from organised cattle farms and were screened for CSFV antigen with a commercial antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 10 samples were positive for CSFV antigen by ELISA, while all of them were positive in PCR for 5'UTR region. Full length E2 region of CSFV were successfully amplified from two positive samples and used for subsequent phylogenetic analysis and determination of protein 3D structure which showed similarity with reported CSFV isolate from Assam of sub-genogroup 2.1, with minor variations in protein structure.

Interferometric molecular line observations of W51

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudolph, Alexander; Welch, William J.; Palmer, Patrick; Dubrulle, Berengere

1989-01-01

Observations are presented of the H II region complex in W51 made with a mm interferometer. W51 is a region of massive star formation approx. 7 kpc distant from the sun. This region has been well studied in both the IR and submillimeter, the radio, as well as the maser transitions. These previous observations have revealed three regions of interest: (1) W51MAIN, a know of bright maser emission near two compact H II regions W51e1 and W51e2 (W51MAIN is also the peak of the 400 micron emission indicating that the bulk of the mass is centered there; (2) W51IRS1 is a long curving structure seen at 20 micron and at 2 and 6 cm but not at 400 micron; (3) W51IRS2 (also known as W51NORTH) is another compact H II region slightly offset from an 8 and a 20 micron peak and a collection of masers. Some conclusions are as follows: (1) SO and H(13)CN emission are similar and coincide with outflow activity; (2) HCO+ spectra show evidence for overall collapse of the W51 cloud toward W51MAIN; (3) A previously undetected continuum peak, W51DUST, coincides with the molecular peak H(13)CN-4; and (4) Dust emission at 3.4 mm reveals that about half of the 400 micron emission comes from the ultracompact H II region e2, and the rest from W51e1 and W51DUST.

Molecular genetics of Erwinia amylovora involved in the development of fire blight.

PubMed

Oh, Chang-Sik; Beer, Steven V

2005-12-15

The bacterial plant pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, causes the devastating disease known as fire blight in some Rosaceous plants like apple, pear, quince, raspberry and several ornamentals. Knowledge of the factors affecting the development of fire blight has mushroomed in the last quarter century. On the molecular level, genes encoding a Hrp type III secretion system, genes encoding enzymes involved in synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and genes facilitating the growth of E. amylovora in its host plants have been characterized. The Hrp pathogenicity island, delimited by genes suggesting horizontal gene transfer, is composed of four distinct regions, the hrp/hrc region, the HEE (Hrp effectors and elicitors) region, the HAE (Hrp-associated enzymes) region, and the IT (Island transfer) region. The Hrp pathogenicity island encodes a Hrp type III secretion system (TTSS), which delivers several proteins from bacteria to plant apoplasts or cytoplasm. E. amylovora produces two exopolysaccharides, amylovoran and levan, which cause the characteristic fire blight wilting symptom in host plants. In addition, other genes, and their encoded proteins, have been characterized as virulence factors of E. amylovora that encode enzymes facilitating sorbitol metabolism, proteolytic activity and iron harvesting. This review summarizes our understanding of the genes and gene products of E. amylovora that are involved in the development of the fire blight disease.

Attribution of regional flood changes based on scaling fingerprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viglione, A.; Merz, B.; Dung, N.; Parajka, J.; Nester, T.; Bloeschl, G.

2017-12-01

Changes in the river flood regime may be due to atmospheric processes (e.g., increasing precipitation), catchment processes (e.g., soil compaction associated with land use change), and river system processes (e.g., loss of retention volume in the floodplains). We propose a framework for attributing flood changes to these drivers based on a regional analysis. We exploit the scaling characteristics (i.e., fingerprints) with catchment area of the effects of the drivers on flood changes. The estimation of their relative contributions is framed in Bayesian terms. Analysis of a synthetic, controlled case suggests that the accuracy of the regional attribution increases with increasing number of sites and record lengths, decreases with increasing regional heterogeneity, increases with increasing difference of the scaling fingerprints, and decreases with an increase of their prior uncertainty. The applicability of the framework is illustrated for a case study set in Austria, where positive flood trends have been observed at many sites in the past decades. The individual scaling fingerprints related to the atmospheric, catchment, and river system processes are estimated from rainfall data and simple hydrological modeling. Although the distributions of the contributions are rather wide, the attribution identifies precipitation change as the main driver of flood change in the study region.

Analysis of the disturbed electric field effects in the sporadic E-layers at equatorial and low latitude regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araujo Resende, Laysa Cristina; Moro, Juliano; Denardini, Clezio Marcos; Carrasco, Alexander J.; Batista, Paulo; Chen, Sony Su; Batista, Inez S.; Andrioli, Vania Fatima

2016-07-01

In the present work we analyze the disturbed electric field effects in the sporadic E-layers at equatorial regions, Jicamarca (11.57°S, 76.52°O, I: -2°) and São Luís (2°S, 44° O, I: -2.3°), and at low latitude regions, Fortaleza (3.9°S, 38.45°O, I: -9°) and Cachoeira Paulista (22.42°S, 45°O, I: -15°). We have conducted a deep analysis to investigate these effects using a theoretical model for the ionospheric E region, called MIRE. This model is able to simulate the Es layers taking into account the E region winds and electric fields. It calculates the densities for the main molecular (NO^{+}, O_{2}^{+}, N_{2}^{+}) and metallic ions (Fe^{+}, Mg^{+}) by solving the continuity and momentum equations for each species. The main purpose of this analysis is to verify the disturbed electric fields role in the occurrence or disruption of Es layers through simulations. The analysis show that the Es layer formation and dynamics can be influenced by the prompt penetration electric fields that occur during magnetic disturbances. Therefore, the simulations present interesting results that helps to improve the understanding of Es layer behavior during the disturbed periods.

Extreme primary and secondary protein structure variability in the chimeric male-transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein in freshwater mussels: Evidence for an elevated amino acid substitution rate in the face of domain-specific purifying selection

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

Background Freshwater unionoidean bivalves, and species representing two marine bivalve orders (Mytiloida and Veneroida), exhibit a mode of mtDNA inheritance involving distinct maternal (F) and paternal (M) transmission routes concomitant with highly divergent gender-associated mtDNA genomes. Additionally, male unionoidean bivalves have a ~550 bp 3' coding extension to the cox2 gene (Mcox2e), that is apparently absent from all other metazoan taxa. Results Our molecular sequence analyses of MCOX2e indicate that both the primary and secondary structures of the MCOX2e region are evolving much faster than other regions of the F and M COX2-COX1 gene junction. The near N-terminus ~2/3 of the MCOX2e region contains an interspecifically variable number of predicted transmembrane helices (TMH) and interhelical loops (IHL) whereas the C-terminus ~1/3 is relatively conserved and hydrophilic while containing conserved functional motifs. MCOX2e displays an overall pattern of purifying selection that leads to the preservation of TMH/IHL and C-terminus tail sub-regions. However, 14 amino acid positions in the MCOX2e TMH/IHL sub-region might be targeted by diversifying selection, each representing a site where there exists interspecific variation for the constituent amino acids residing in a TMH or IHL. Conclusion Our results indicate that Mcox2e is unique to unionoidean bivalves, likely the result of a single insertion event that took place over 65 MYA and that MCOX2e is functional. The predicted TMH number, length and position variability likely stems from substitution-based processes rather than the typically implicated insertion/deletion events. MCOX2e has relatively high rates of primary and secondary structure evolution, with some amino acid residues potentially subjected to site-specific positive selection, yet an overall pattern of purifying selection leading to the preservation of the TMH/IHL and hydrophilic C-terminus tail subregions. The more conserved C-terminus tail (relative to the TMH/IHL sub-region of MCOX2e) is likely biologically active because it contains functional motifs. The rapid evolution of primary and secondary structure in MCOX2e, combined with the action of both positive and purifying selection, provide supporting evidence for the hypothesis that MCOX2e has a novel reproductive function within unionoidean bivalves. All tolled, our data indicate that unionoidean bivalve MCOX2 is the first reported chimeric animal mtDNA-encoded protein. PMID:18513440

A regional-scale ecological risk framework for environmental flow evaluations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, Gordon C.; Dickens, Chris; Hines, Eleanor; Wepener, Victor; Stassen, Retha; Quayle, Leo; Fouchy, Kelly; MacKenzie, James; Graham, P. Mark; Landis, Wayne G.

2018-02-01

Environmental flow (E-flow) frameworks advocate holistic, regional-scale, probabilistic E-flow assessments that consider flow and non-flow drivers of change in a socio-ecological context as best practice. Regional-scale ecological risk assessments of multiple stressors to social and ecological endpoints, which address ecosystem dynamism, have been undertaken internationally at different spatial scales using the relative-risk model since the mid-1990s. With the recent incorporation of Bayesian belief networks into the relative-risk model, a robust regional-scale ecological risk assessment approach is available that can contribute to achieving the best practice recommendations of E-flow frameworks. PROBFLO is a holistic E-flow assessment method that incorporates the relative-risk model and Bayesian belief networks (BN-RRM) into a transparent probabilistic modelling tool that addresses uncertainty explicitly. PROBFLO has been developed to evaluate the socio-ecological consequences of historical, current and future water resource use scenarios and generate E-flow requirements on regional spatial scales. The approach has been implemented in two regional-scale case studies in Africa where its flexibility and functionality has been demonstrated. In both case studies the evidence-based outcomes facilitated informed environmental management decision making, with trade-off considerations in the context of social and ecological aspirations. This paper presents the PROBFLO approach as applied to the Senqu River catchment in Lesotho and further developments and application in the Mara River catchment in Kenya and Tanzania. The 10 BN-RRM procedural steps incorporated in PROBFLO are demonstrated with examples from both case studies. PROBFLO can contribute to the adaptive management of water resources and contribute to the allocation of resources for sustainable use of resources and address protection requirements.

[Accumulation, distribution and pollution assessment of heavy metals in surface sediment of Caohai plateau wetland, Guizhou province].

PubMed

Zhang, Qing-Hai; Lin, Chang-Hu; Tan, Hong; Lin, Shao-Xia; Yang, Hong-Bo

2013-03-01

The objective of this paper is to investigate the concentrations and distribution characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of different areas in the Caohai plateau wetland. 16 samples of surface sediments were collected and 7 heavy metals were analyzed. Heavy metal pollution in surface sediments of different areas in the Caohai plateau wetland was estimated by the Tomlinson Pollution Load Index (PLI) method. The analyzed results indicated that the average contents of Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn were 0.985, 0.345, 15.8, 38.9, 38.6, 22.8 and 384 mg x kg(-1), respectively. The heavy metal distributions varied with regional environment changes, the order of average contents of Cd and Hg in different regions was E (the eastern region) > S (the southern region) > N (the northern region), the order of the average content of Pb was N > E > S, and that of Zn was S > E > N. The results also suggested a medium heavy metal pollution level in the surface sediment of the Caohai plateau wetland with the PLI(zone) reaching 1.17. The order of pollution level in surface sediments of different regions was E > S > N. The results showed medium pollution levels in E and Hg which reached the extreme intensity pollution level were also the major polluted elements in surface sediments of the Caohai plateau wetland. And also, results showed medium pollution levels of Cd and Pb in surface sediments of Caohai plateau wetland. Cluster analysis results showed similar pollution sources of Cd, Zn, Pb and Hg, which should be attached great importance in terms of the prevention of the Caohai plateau wetland.

Calibration of Attenuation Structure in Eurasia to Improve Discrimination and Yield

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

and travel-times over large and tectonically complicated regions. As a result regional discrimination methods (e.g., high-frequency P/S, Ms:mb) and...a poor job of predicting both regional amplitudes and travel-times over large and tectonically complicated regions. As a result regional...regions. Earthquake-explosion discrimination using high-frequency regional P/S amplitude ratios over large and tectonically complicated regions can only

Toward Effective HIV Vaccination INDUCTION OF BINARY EPITOPE REACTIVE ANTIBODIES WITH BROAD HIV NEUTRALIZING ACTIVITY

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

Nishiyama, Yasuhiro; Planque, Stephanie; Mitsuda, Yukie

2009-11-23

We describe murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised by immunization with an electrophilic gp120 analog (E-gp120) expressing the rare ability to neutralize genetically heterologous human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains. Unlike gp120, E-gp120 formed covalent oligomers. The reactivity of gp120 and E-gp120 with mAbs to reference neutralizing epitopes was markedly different, indicating their divergent structures. Epitope mapping with synthetic peptides and electrophilic peptide analogs indicated binary recognition of two distinct gp120 regions by anti-E-gp120 mAbs, the 421-433 and 288-306 peptide regions. Univalent Fab and single chain Fv fragments expressed the ability to recognize both peptides. X-ray crystallography of an anti-E-gp120 Fab fragmentmore » revealed two neighboring cavities, the typical antigen-binding cavity formed by the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and another cavity dominated by antibody heavy chain variable (VH) domain framework (FR) residues. Substitution of the FR cavity VH Lys-19 residue by an Ala residue resulted in attenuated binding of the 421-433 region peptide probe. The CDRs and VH FR replacement/silent mutation ratios exceeded the ratio for a random mutation process, suggesting adaptive development of both putative binding sites. All mAbs studied were derived from VH1 family genes, suggesting biased recruitment of the V gene germ line repertoire by E-gp120. The conserved 421-433 region of gp120 is essential for HIV binding to host CD4 receptors. This region is recognized weakly by the FR of antibodies produced without exposure to HIV, but it usually fails to induce adaptive synthesis of neutralizing antibodies. We present models accounting for improved CD4-binding site recognition and broad HIV neutralizing activity of the mAbs, long sought goals in HIV vaccine development.« less

Recent Recombination Events in the Core Genome Are Associated with Adaptive Evolution in Enterococcus faecium

PubMed Central

de Been, Mark; van Schaik, Willem; Cheng, Lu; Corander, Jukka; Willems, Rob J.

2013-01-01

Reasons for the rising clinical impact of the bacterium Enterococcus faecium include the species’ rapid acquisition of adaptive genetic elements. Here, we focused on the impact of recombination on the evolution of E. faecium. We used the recently developed BratNextGen algorithm to detect recombinant regions in the core genome of 34 E. faecium strains, including three newly sequenced clinical strains. Recombination was found to have a significant impact on the E. faecium genome: of the original 1.2 million positions in the core genome, 0.5 million were predicted to have been affected by recombination in at least one strain. Importantly, strains in one of the two major E. faecium clades (clade B), which contains most of the E. faecium human gut commensals, formed the most important reservoir for donating foreign DNA to the second major E. faecium clade (clade A), which contains most of the clinical isolates. Also, several genomic regions were found to mainly recombine in specific hospital-associated E. faecium strains. One of these regions (the epa-like locus) likely encodes the biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides. These findings suggest a crucial role for recombination in the emergence of E. faecium as a successful hospital-associated pathogen. PMID:23882129

Electronic energy density in chemical reaction systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachibana, Akitomo

2001-08-01

The energy of chemical reaction is visualized in real space using the electronic energy density nE(r⃗) associated with the electron density n(r⃗). The electronic energy density nE(r⃗) is decomposed into the kinetic energy density nT(r⃗), the external potential energy density nV(r⃗), and the interelectron potential energy density nW(r⃗). Using the electronic energy density nE(r⃗) we can pick up any point in a chemical reaction system and find how the electronic energy E is assigned to the selected point. We can then integrate the electronic energy density nE(r⃗) in any region R surrounding the point and find out the regional electronic energy ER to the global E. The kinetic energy density nT(r⃗) is used to identify the intrinsic shape of the reactants, the electronic transition state, and the reaction products along the course of the chemical reaction coordinate. The intrinsic shape is identified with the electronic interface S that discriminates the region RD of the electronic drop from the region RA of the electronic atmosphere in the density distribution of the electron gas. If the R spans the whole space, then the integral gives the total E. The regional electronic energy ER in thermodynamic ensemble is realized in electrochemistry as the intrinsic Volta electric potential φR and the intrinsic Herring-Nichols work function ΦR. We have picked up first a hydrogen-like atom for which we have analytical exact expressions of the relativistic kinetic energy density nTM(r⃗) and its nonrelativistic version nT(r⃗). These expressions are valid for any excited bound states as well as the ground state. Second, we have selected the following five reaction systems and show the figures of the nT(r⃗) as well as the other energy densities along the intrinsic reaction coordinates: a protonation reaction to He, addition reactions of HF to C2H4 and C2H2, hydrogen abstraction reactions of NH3+ from HF and NH3. Valence electrons possess their unique delocalized drop region remote from those heavily localized drop regions adhered to core electrons. The kinetic energy density nT(r⃗) and the tension density τ⃗S(r⃗) can vividly demonstrate the formation of the chemical bond. Various basic chemical concepts in these chemical reaction systems have been clearly visualized in real three-dimensional space.

HPV16 E2 gene disruption and polymorphisms of E2 and LCR: some significant associations with cervical cancer in Indian women.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, Bornali; Sengupta, Sharmila

2006-02-01

We evaluated the status of the HPV16 E2 gene (disrupted or intact), nucleotide sequence alterations within intact E2 genes and LCR of HPV16 isolates in a group of CaCx cases (invasive squamous cell carcinomas, n = 81) and population controls (normal cervical scrapes, n = 27) from Indian women. E2 disruption was detected by amplifying the entire E2 gene with single set of primers, while overlapping primers were used to determine if any particular region got selectively disrupted. Nucleotide variations in E2 and LCR were analyzed by PCR amplification followed by bi-directional sequencing. The associations between the viral factors and CaCx were analyzed using Fisher's Exact or Chi-squared test and interpreted as OR (95% CI) and P values. E2 disruption was significantly higher among the cases [3.38 (1.07-10.72); P = 0.02], which was maximum in the region between nucleotides 3650 and 3872 (DNA-binding region). The European (E) variant was found to be the prevalent subgroup (87.76% among cases and 96.30% among the controls), and the remaining samples were Asian-American variants. Among the E subgroup, variation at position 7450 (T > C) within the E2-binding site-IV was found to be significantly higher among the E2 undisrupted cases (21/37; 56.76%), compared to controls (5/18; 27.78%) [3.41 (1.01-11.55); P = 0.03]. Besides HPV16 E2 disruption, LCR 7450T > C variation within undisrupted E2 of E subgroup appears to be a major factor contributing to the risk of CaCx development in Indian women. Furthermore, polymorphisms in the E2 gene of HPV16 may not be significant for disease risk.

Extremely Low Ionospheric Peak Altitudes in the Polar-Hole Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, Robert F.; Grebowsky, Joseph M.

1999-01-01

Vertical electron-density (N (sub e)) profiles, deduced from newly-available ISIS-II digital ionospheric topside-sounder data, are used to investigate the "polar-hole" region within the winter, nighttime polar cap ionosphere during solar minimum. The hole region is located around 0200 MLT near the poleward side of the auroral oval. Earlier investigations had revealed very low N (sub e) values in this region (down to 200/cu cm near 300 km). In the present study, such low N, values (approx. 100/cu cm) were only found near the ISIS (International Satellite for Ionospheric Study)-II altitude of 1400 km. The peak ionospheric concentration below the spacecraft remained fairly constant (approx. 10 (exp 5)/cu cm across the hole region but the altitude of the peak dropped dramatically. This peak dropped, surprisingly, to the vicinity of 100 km. These observations suggest that the earlier satellite in situ measurements, interpreted as deep holes in the ionospheric F-region concentration, could have been made during conditions of an extreme decrease in the altitude of the ionospheric N (sub e) peak. The observations, in combination with other data, indicate that the absence of an F-layer peak may be a frequent occurrence at high latitudes.

Energy spectrum of sputtered uranium - A new technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weller, R. A.; Tombrello, T. A.

1978-01-01

The fission track technique for detecting U-235 has been used in conjunction with a mechanical time-of-flight spectrometer in order to measure the energy spectrum in the region 1 eV to 1 keV of material sputtered from a 93% enriched U-235 foil by 80 keV Ar-40(+) ions. The spectrum was found to exhibit a peak in the region 2-4 eV and to decrease approximately as E exp -1.77 for E not less than 100 eV. The design, construction and resolution of the mechanical spectrometer are discussed and comparisons are made between the data and the predictions of the random collision cascade model of sputtering.

Energy spectrum of sputtered uranium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weller, R. A.; Tombrello, T. A.

1977-01-01

The fission track technique for detecting uranium 235 was used in conjunction with a mechanical time-of-flight spectrometer to measure the energy spectrum in the region 1 eV to 1 keV of material sputtered from a 93% enriched U-235 foil by 80 keV Ar-40(+) ions. The spectrum was found to exhibit a peak in the region 2-4 eV and to decrease approximately as E to the -1.77 power for E is approximately greater than 100 eV. The design, construction and resolution of the mechanical spectrometer are discussed and comparisons are made between the data and the predictions of the ramdom collision cascade model of sputtering.

Influence of Convection and Aerosol Pollution on Ice Cloud Particle Effective Radius

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, J. H.; Su, H.; Zhai, C.; Massie, S. T.; Schoeberl, M. R.; Colarco, P. R.; Platnick, S.; Gu, Y.; Liou, K.-N.

2011-01-01

Satellite observations show that ice cloud effective radius (r(sub e)) increases with ice water content (IWC) but decreases with aerosol optical thickness (AOT). Using least-squares fitting to the observed data, we obtain an analytical formula to describe the variations of r(sub e) with IWC and AOT for several regions with distinct characteristics of r(sub e) -IWC-AOT relationships. As IWC directly relates to convective strength and AOT represents aerosol loading, our empirical formula provides a means to quantify the relative roles of dynamics and aerosols in controlling r(sub e) in different geographical regions, and to establish a framework for parameterization of aerosol effects on r(sub e) in climate models.

Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma in Regional Hospitals With eHealth Support: Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptance by Parents and Doctors

PubMed Central

van Os-Medendorp, Harmieke; van Renselaar, Wilco; Breugem, Corstiaan C; Pasmans, Suzanne GMA

2014-01-01

Background Since beta blockers became the preferred treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH), the number of patients eligible for treatment is increasing. Currently treatment of IH with beta blockers is mainly reserved for expert centers, where wait times are lengthening. This demonstrated the need for development of a more efficient and accessible way of providing care for children needing treatment for IH. An eHealth intervention, Hemangioma Treatment Plan (HTP), was developed to treat IH in regional hospitals with online support from an academic doctor. Objective Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of the eHealth intervention by determining its use, acceptance, and usability. By evaluating the feasibility, usage can be predicted and points for improvement can be defined, thereby facilitating implementation of the intervention. Methods Parents of children with an IH, presenting between October 2012 and November 2013 at the tertiary expert Center for Congenital Vascular Anomalies Utrecht, requiring treatment with a beta blocker, were asked to participate in the digital HTP. Both parents and regional doctors were sent a study questionnaire. Acceptance and usability of the HTP were evaluated by using the modified Technology Acceptance Model. Results A total of 31 parents and 22 regional doctors participated in the eHealth intervention and received the questionnaire, and 25 parents and 15 doctors responded (response rates respectively 81% and 68%). A majority of the parents (96%, 24/25) and the regional doctors (87%, 13/15) considered the eHealth intervention useful in the care for IH. Most parents (76%, 19/25) and over half of the regional doctors (53%, 8/15) found the HTP easy to use. Technical problems using the HTP were reported by 28% (7/25) of the parents and 73% (11/15) of the doctors. The majority of parents (92%, 23/25) felt positive about usage of the HTP during treatment of their child. All regional doctors (100%, 15/15) felt positive about transition of treatment from the tertiary expert center to them, and 93% (14/15) felt positive about using the HTP. Conclusions Our eHealth intervention shows good feasibility, especially among parents. Improvement with respect to technical problems, training of regional doctors, and achieving organizational support might be needed for successful implementation in the future. PMID:25367558

Boreal spring precipitation variability in the cold arid western Himalaya during the last millennium, regional linkages, and socio-economic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadava, Akhilesh K.; Bräuning, Achim; Singh, Jayendra; Yadav, Ram R.

2016-07-01

Precipitation in the monsoon shadow zone of the western Himalayan region, largely under the influence of mid-latitude westerlies, is the dominant regional socioeconomic driver. Current knowledge of long-term regional precipitation variability is scarce due to spatially and temporally limited weather and high-resolution proxy climate records. We developed the first boreal spring precipitation reconstruction for the western Himalaya covering the last millennium (1030-2011 C.E.). The annually resolved reconstruction is based on a large tree-ring data set of Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) and neoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) from 16 ecologically homogeneous moisture stressed settings in Kinnaur, western Indian Himalaya. The precipitation reconstruction revealed persistent long-term spring droughts from the 12th to early 16th century C.E. and pluvial from the late 16th century C.E. to recent decades. The late 15th and early 16th centuries (1490-1514 C.E.) displayed the driest episode, with precipitation being ∼15% lower than the long-term mean. The early 19th century (1820-1844 C.E.) was the wettest period of the past millennium, with mean precipitation ∼13% above the long-term mean. The reconstructed boreal spring precipitation from the western Himalaya revealed large-scale consistency with hydrological records from westerly dominated regions in Central Asia, indicating synoptic-scale changes in atmospheric circulation during the major part of the Medieval and Little Ice Age periods. Protracted droughts in Central Asia could have caused severe contraction of the regional economy, as indicated by striking coherence of reconstructed drought periods and historic social upheavals and invasions of India from Central and Western Asian invaders. Vulnerability to climatic extremes underpins the need to develop a better understanding of the temporal and spatial variability in regional hydroclimate in order to devise viable water resource management plans.

Long-Term Evolution of the Hypervariable Region of Hepatitis C Virus in a Common-Source-Infected Cohort

PubMed Central

McAllister, Jane; Casino, Carmela; Davidson, Fiona; Power, Joan; Lawlor, Emer; Yap, Peng Lee; Simmonds, Peter; Smith, Donald B.

1998-01-01

The long-term evolution of the hepatitis C virus hypervariable region (HVR) and flanking regions of the E1 and E2 envelope proteins have been studied in a cohort of women infected from a common source of anti-D immunoglobulin. Whereas virus sequences in the infectious source were relatively homogeneous, distinct HVR variants were observed in each anti-D recipient, indicating that this region can evolve in multiple directions from the same point. Where HVR variants with dissimilar sequences were present in a single individual, the frequency of synonymous substitution in the flanking regions suggested that the lineages diverged more than a decade previously. Even where a single major HVR variant was present in an infected individual, this lineage was usually several years old. Multiple lineages can therefore coexist during long periods of chronic infection without replacement. The characteristics of amino acid substitution in the HVR were not consistent with the random accumulation of mutations and imply that amino acid replacement in the HVR was strongly constrained. Another variable region of E2 centered on codon 60 shows similar constraints, while HVR2 was relatively unconstrained. Several of these features are difficult to explain if a neutralizing immune response against the HVR is the only selective force operating on E2. The impact of PCR artifacts such as nucleotide misincorporation and the shuffling of dissimilar templates is discussed. PMID:9573256

Predicting Regional Self-identification from Spatial Network Models

PubMed Central

Almquist, Zack W.; Butts, Carter T.

2014-01-01

Social scientists characterize social life as a hierarchy of environments, from the micro level of an individual’s knowledge and perceptions to the macro level of large-scale social networks. In accordance with this typology, individuals are typically thought to reside in micro- and macro-level structures, composed of multifaceted relations (e.g., acquaintanceship, friendship, and kinship). This article analyzes the effects of social structure on micro outcomes through the case of regional identification. Self identification occurs in many different domains, one of which is regional; i.e., the identification of oneself with a locationally-associated group (e.g., a “New Yorker” or “Parisian”). Here, regional self-identification is posited to result from an influence process based on the location of an individual’s alters (e.g., friends, kin or coworkers), such that one tends to identify with regions in which many of his or her alters reside. The structure of this paper is laid out as follows: initially, we begin with a discussion of the relevant social science literature for both social networks and identification. This discussion is followed with one about competing mechanisms for regional identification that are motivated first from the social network literature, and second by the social psychological and cognitive literature of decision making and heuristics. Next, the paper covers the data and methods employed to test the proposed mechanisms. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of its findings and further implications for the larger social science literature. PMID:25684791

A spatially resolved estimate of High Mountain Asia glacier mass balances from 2000 to 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, Fanny; Berthier, Etienne; Wagnon, Patrick; Kääb, Andreas; Treichler, Désirée

2017-09-01

High Mountain Asia hosts the largest glacier concentration outside the polar regions. These glaciers are important contributors to streamflow in one of the most populated areas of the world. Past studies have used methods that can provide only regionally averaged glacier mass balances to assess the glacier contribution to rivers and sea level rise. Here we compute the mass balance for about 92% of the glacierized area of High Mountain Asia using time series of digital elevation models derived from satellite stereo-imagery. We calculate a total mass change of -16.3 +/- 3.5 Gt yr-1 (-0.18 +/- 0.04 m w.e. yr-1) between 2000 and 2016, which is less negative than most previous estimates. Region-wide mass balances vary from -4.0 +/- 1.5 Gt yr-1 (-0.62 +/- 0.23 m w.e. yr-1) in Nyainqentanglha to +1.4 +/- 0.8 Gt yr-1 (+0.14 +/- 0.08 m w.e. yr-1) in Kunlun, with large intra-regional variability of individual glacier mass balances (standard deviation within a region ~0.20 m w.e. yr-1). Specifically, our results shed light on the Nyainqentanglha and Pamir glacier mass changes, for which contradictory estimates exist in the literature. They provide crucial information for the calibration of the models used for projecting glacier response to climatic change, as these models do not capture the pattern, magnitude and intra-regional variability of glacier changes at present.

DNA sequence of a ColV plasmid and prevalence of selected plasmid-encoded virulence genes among avian Escherichia coli strains.

PubMed

Johnson, Timothy J; Siek, Kylie E; Johnson, Sara J; Nolan, Lisa K

2006-01-01

ColV plasmids have long been associated with the virulence of Escherichia coli, despite the fact that their namesake trait, ColV production, does not appear to contribute to virulence. Such plasmids or their associated sequences appear to be quite common among avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and are strongly linked to the virulence of these organisms. In the present study, a 180-kb ColV plasmid was sequenced and analyzed. This plasmid, pAPEC-O2-ColV, possesses a 93-kb region containing several putative virulence traits, including iss, tsh, and four putative iron acquisition and transport systems. The iron acquisition and transport systems include those encoding aerobactin and salmochelin, the sit ABC iron transport system, and a putative iron transport system novel to APEC, eit. In order to determine the prevalence of the virulence-associated genes within this region among avian E. coli strains, 595 APEC and 199 avian commensal E. coli isolates were examined for genes of this region using PCR. Results indicate that genes contained within a portion of this putative virulence region are highly conserved among APEC and that the genes of this region occur significantly more often in APEC than in avian commensal E. coli. The region of pAPEC-O2-ColV containing genes that are highly prevalent among APEC appears to be a distinguishing trait of APEC strains.

DNA Sequence of a ColV Plasmid and Prevalence of Selected Plasmid-Encoded Virulence Genes among Avian Escherichia coli Strains

PubMed Central

Johnson, Timothy J.; Siek, Kylie E.; Johnson, Sara J.; Nolan, Lisa K.

2006-01-01

ColV plasmids have long been associated with the virulence of Escherichia coli, despite the fact that their namesake trait, ColV production, does not appear to contribute to virulence. Such plasmids or their associated sequences appear to be quite common among avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and are strongly linked to the virulence of these organisms. In the present study, a 180-kb ColV plasmid was sequenced and analyzed. This plasmid, pAPEC-O2-ColV, possesses a 93-kb region containing several putative virulence traits, including iss, tsh, and four putative iron acquisition and transport systems. The iron acquisition and transport systems include those encoding aerobactin and salmochelin, the sit ABC iron transport system, and a putative iron transport system novel to APEC, eit. In order to determine the prevalence of the virulence-associated genes within this region among avian E. coli strains, 595 APEC and 199 avian commensal E. coli isolates were examined for genes of this region using PCR. Results indicate that genes contained within a portion of this putative virulence region are highly conserved among APEC and that the genes of this region occur significantly more often in APEC than in avian commensal E. coli. The region of pAPEC-O2-ColV containing genes that are highly prevalent among APEC appears to be a distinguishing trait of APEC strains. PMID:16385064

Functional analysis of the C-terminal region of human adenovirus E1A reveals a misidentified nuclear localization signal

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

Cohen, Michael J.; King, Cason R.; Dikeakos, Jimmy D.

The immortalizing function of the human adenovirus 5 E1A oncoprotein requires efficient localization to the nucleus. In 1987, a consensus monopartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was identified at the C-terminus of E1A. Since that time, various experiments have suggested that other regions of E1A influence nuclear import. In addition, a novel bipartite NLS was recently predicted at the C-terminal region of E1A in silico. In this study, we used immunofluorescence microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation analysis with importin-α to verify that full nuclear localization of E1A requires the well characterized NLS spanning residues 285–289, as well as a second basic patch situatedmore » between residues 258 and 263 ({sup 258}RVGGRRQAVECIEDLLNEPGQPLDLSCKRPRP{sup 289}). Thus, the originally described NLS located at the C-terminus of E1A is actually a bipartite signal, which had been misidentified in the existing literature as a monopartite signal, altering our understanding of one of the oldest documented NLSs. - Highlights: • Human adenovirus E1A is localized to the nucleus. • The C-terminus of E1A contains a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). • This signal was previously misidentified to be a monopartite NLS. • Key basic amino acid residues within this sequence are highly conserved.« less

Resonant slepton production yields CMS e e j j and e p Tj j excesses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allanach, Ben; Biswas, Sanjoy; Mondal, Subhadeep; Mitra, Manimala

2015-01-01

Recent CMS searches for dileptoquark production report local excesses of 2.4 σ in an e e j j channel and 2.6 σ in an e p Tj j channel. Here, we simultaneously explain both excesses with resonant slepton production in R -parity violating supersymmetry. We consider resonant slepton production, which decays to a lepton and a chargino/neutralino, followed by three-body decays of the neutralino/chargino via an R -parity violating coupling. There are regions of parameter space which are also compatible at the 95% confidence level with a 2.8 σ e e j j excess in a recent CMS WR search, while being compatible with other direct search constraints. Phase II of the GERDA neutrinoless double beta decay (0 ν β β ) experiment will probe a sizable portion of the good-fit region.

78 FR 11950 - Identification of Entities and Vessels Pursuant to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-20

.... The listing for these entities and vessels is as follows: 1. ANSAR BANK (a.k.a. ANSAR FINANCE AND..., Iran [IRAN] 9. ISLAMIC REGIONAL COOPERATION BANK (a.k.a. BANK-E TAAWON MANTAGHEEY-E ESLAMI; a.k.a. REGIONAL COOPERATION OF THE ISLAMIC BANK FOR DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT), Tohid Street, Before Tohid Circle...

Lesion Analysis of Cortical Regions Associated with the Comprehension of Nonreversible and Reversible Yes/No Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Race, David S.; Ochfeld, Elisa; Leigh, Richard; Hillis, Argye E.

2012-01-01

We investigated the association between yes/no sentence comprehension and dysfunction in anterior and posterior left-hemisphere cortical regions in acute stroke patients. More specifically, we manipulated whether questions were Nonreversible (e.g., Are limes sour?) or Reversible (e.g., Is a horse larger than a dog?) to investigate the regions…

Monitoring landscape level processes using remote sensing of large plots

Treesearch

Raymond L. Czaplewski

1991-01-01

Global and regional assessaents require timely information on landscape level status (e.g., areal extent of different ecosystems) and processes (e.g., changes in land use and land cover). To measure and understand these processes at the regional level, and model their impacts, remote sensing is often necessary. However, processing massive volumes of remotely sensing...

LOCAL RIPARIAN VERSUS WATERSHED INFLUENCE ON CHEMICAL AND MACROINVERTEBRATE INDICATORS OF STREAM WATER QUALITY IN TWO REGIONAL SURVEYS

EPA Science Inventory

We compiled data from regional stream surveys in two areas of the U.S. to examine whether indicators of human disturbance at the local riparian scale (e.g., site canopy density, riparian human disturbance) or the watershed scale (e.g., percent basin in agriculture, basin road den...

Molecular basis of pollen-related food allergy: identification of a second cross-reactive IgE epitope on Pru av 1, the major cherry (Prunus avium) allergen

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

Birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen-associated food allergy is a well-characterized syndrome, which is due to the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies to homologous allergens in various foods. One crossreacting area on the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and its homologue in cherry (Prunus avium) Pru av 1 has already been identified. This is the so-called ‘P-loop’ region, which encompasses amino acid residues around position 45 and is found on the two virtually identical tertiary protein structures. We tried to determine an additional IgE cross-reacting patch on Pru av 1 and Bet v 1. The putative IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 was localized with a mAb (monoclonal antibody) that was generated against Bet v 1, and cross-reacts with several Bet v 1 homologues in food and inhibits the binding of patients' IgE to Pru av 1. mAb reactivity pattern was analysed and amino acid positions 28 and 108 of Pru av 1 were selected and mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. The Pru av 1 mutants were produced as recombinant proteins and characterized for their folding, mAb- and IgE-binding capacity and allergenic potency with a cellular assay using the humanized rat basophilic leukaemia cell line RBL-25/30. Amino acid position 28 is involved in a second major IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 and probably on Bet v 1. The identification of this second major IgE-binding region is an essential prerequisite to understand the phenomenon of cross-reactivity and its clinical consequences, and to produce hypoallergenic proteins for an improved immunotherapy of type I allergy. PMID:15330760

Molecular basis of pollen-related food allergy: identification of a second cross-reactive IgE epitope on Pru av 1, the major cherry (Prunus avium) allergen.

PubMed

Wiche, Regina; Gubesch, Michaela; König, Herbert; Fötisch, Kay; Hoffmann, Andreas; Wangorsch, Andrea; Scheurer, Stephan; Vieths, Stefan

2005-01-01

Birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen-associated food allergy is a well-characterized syndrome, which is due to the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies to homologous allergens in various foods. One crossreacting area on the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and its homologue in cherry (Prunus avium) Pru av 1 has already been identified. This is the so-called 'P-loop' region, which encompasses amino acid residues around position 45 and is found on the two virtually identical tertiary protein structures. We tried to determine an additional IgE cross-reacting patch on Pru av 1 and Bet v 1. The putative IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 was localized with a mAb (monoclonal antibody) that was generated against Bet v 1, and cross-reacts with several Bet v 1 homologues in food and inhibits the binding of patients' IgE to Pru av 1. mAb reactivity pattern was analysed and amino acid positions 28 and 108 of Pru av 1 were selected and mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. The Pru av 1 mutants were produced as recombinant proteins and characterized for their folding, mAb- and IgE-binding capacity and allergenic potency with a cellular assay using the humanized rat basophilic leukaemia cell line RBL-25/30. Amino acid position 28 is involved in a second major IgE-binding region on Pru av 1 and probably on Bet v 1. The identification of this second major IgE-binding region is an essential prerequisite to understand the phenomenon of cross-reactivity and its clinical consequences, and to produce hypoallergenic proteins for an improved immunotherapy of type I allergy.

Dissemination of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in a ricotta processing plant and evaluation of pathogenic and antibiotic resistance profiles.

PubMed

Fernandes, Meg da Silva; Fujimoto, Graciela; de Souza, Leandro Pio; Kabuki, Dirce Yorika; da Silva, Márcio José; Kuaye, Arnaldo Yoshiteru

2015-04-01

In this work, the sources of contamination by Enterococcus spp. in a ricotta processing line were evaluated. The isolated strains were tested for virulence genes (gelE, cylA,B, M, esp, agg, ace, efaA, vanB), expression of virulence factors (hemolysin and gelatinase), and the resistance to 10 different antibiotics. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis were subjected to discriminatory identification by intergenic spacer region (ITS)-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the ITS region. The results showed that Enterococcus spp. was detected in the raw materials, environment samples and the final product. None of the 107 Enterococcus isolates were completely free from all virulence genes considered. A fraction of 21.5% of the isolates containing all of the genes of the cylA, B, M operon also expressed β-hemolysis. Most of the isolates showed the gelE gene, but only 9.3% were able to hydrolyze gelatin. In addition, 23.5% of the observed Enterococcus isolates had the vanB gene but were susceptible to vancomycin in vitro. The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant enterococci was revealed in this study: 19.3% of the E. faecium samples and 78.0% of the E. faecalis samples were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested. Sequencing of region discriminated 5 and 7 distinct groups among E. faecalis and E. faecium, respectively. Although some similarity was observed among some of the isolates, all E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates had genetic differences both in the ITS region and in the virulence profile, which makes them different from each other. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Genetic Heterogeneity of Sjögren’s Syndrome According to Ancestry

PubMed Central

Taylor, Kimberly E.; Wong, Quenna; Levine, David M.; McHugh, Caitlin; Laurie, Cathy; Doheny, Kimberly; Lam, Mi Y.; Baer, Alan N.; Challacombe, Stephen; Lanfranchi, Hector; Schiødt, Morten; Srinivasan, M.; Umehara, Hisanori; Vivino, Frederick B.; Zhao, Yan; Shiboski, Stephen; Daniels, Troy E.; Greenspan, John S.; Shiboski, Caroline H.; Criswell, Lindsey A.

2017-01-01

Objective Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting primarily the lacrimal and salivary glands. The Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) is an international multisite observational study whose participants have been genotyped on the Omni 2.5M platform and undergone deep phenotyping using common protocol-directed methods, providing a unique opportunity to examine the genetic etiology of SS across ancestry and disease subsets. Methods We perform GWAS analyses utilizing dbGaP controls on all subjects (1405 cases, 1622 SICCA controls, 3125 external controls), European (similarly 585, 966, 2580), and Asian (similarly 460, 224, 901) with ancestry adjustments via principal component analyses. We also investigate whether subphenotype distributions differ by ethnicity and if this contributes to heterogeneity of genetic associations. Results We see significant associations in established regions of the MHC, IRF5, and STAT4 (p=3e-42, p=3e-14, p=9e-10, respectively), and several suggestive novel regions (2 or more associations with p<1e-5). Two regions have been previously implicated in autoimmune disease: KLRG1 (p=6e-7, Asian) and SH2D2A (p=2e-6, all). We observe striking differences between the European and Asian associations, with high heterogeneity especially in the MHC; representative SNPs from established and suggestive regions have highly significant differences in population allele frequencies. We show that SSA/SSB autoantibody production and labial salivary gland Focus Score criteria are associated with higher non-European ancestry (p=4e-15, 4e-5, respectively), but that subphenotype differences do not explain most of the ancestry differences in genetic associations. Conclusion Genetic associations with SS differ markedly by ancestry, however this is not explained by differences in subphenotypes. PMID:28076899

Reconstitution of wild type viral DNA in simian cells transfected with early and late SV40 defective genomes.

PubMed

O'Neill, F J; Gao, Y; Xu, X

1993-11-01

The DNAs of polyomaviruses ordinarily exist as a single circular molecule of approximately 5000 base pairs. Variants of SV40, BKV and JCV have been described which contain two complementing defective DNA molecules. These defectives, which form a bipartite genome structure, contain either the viral early region or the late region. The defectives have the unique property of being able to tolerate variable sized reiterations of regulatory and terminus region sequences, and portions of the coding region. They can also exchange coding region sequences with other polyomaviruses. It has been suggested that the bipartite genome structure might be a stage in the evolution of polyomaviruses which can uniquely sustain genome and sequence diversity. However, it is not known if the regulatory and terminus region sequences are highly mutable. Also, it is not known if the bipartite genome structure is reversible and what the conditions might be which would favor restoration of the monomolecular genome structure. We addressed the first question by sequencing the reiterated regulatory and terminus regions of E- and L-SV40 DNAs. This revealed a large number of mutations in the regulatory regions of the defective genomes, including deletions, insertions, rearrangements and base substitutions. We also detected insertions and base substitutions in the T-antigen gene. We addressed the second question by introducing into permissive simian cells, E- and L-SV40 genomes which had been engineered to contain only a single regulatory region. Analysis of viral DNA from transfected cells demonstrated recombined genomes containing a wild type monomolecular DNA structure. However, the complete defectives, containing reiterated regulatory regions, could often compete away the wild type genomes. The recombinant monomolecular genomes were isolated, cloned and found to be infectious. All of the DNA alterations identified in one of the regulatory regions of E-SV40 DNA were present in the recombinant monomolecular genomes. These and other findings indicate that the bipartite genome state can sustain many mutations which wtSV40 cannot directly sustain. However, the mutations can later be introduced into the wild type genomes when the E- and L-SV40 DNAs recombine to generate a new monomolecular genome structure.

Maturity Group Classification and Maturity Locus Genotyping of Early-Maturing Soybean Varieties from High-Latitude Cold Regions

PubMed Central

Lu, Wencheng; Hou, Wensheng; Sun, Shi; Yan, Hongrui; Han, Tianfu

2014-01-01

Background With the migration of human beings, advances of agricultural sciences, evolution of planting patterns and global warming, soybeans have expanded to both tropical and high-latitude cold regions (HCRs). Unlike other regions, HCRs have much more significant and diverse photoperiods and temperature conditions over seasons or across latitudes, and HCR soybeans released there show rich diversity in maturity traits. However, HCR soybeans have not been as well classified into maturity groups (MGs) as other places. Therefore, it is necessary to identify MGs in HCRs and to genotype the maturity loci. Methods Local varieties were collected from the northern part of Northeast China and the far-eastern region of Russia. Maturity group reference (MGR) soybeans of MGs MG000, MG00, and MG0 were used as references during field experiments. Both local varieties and MGR soybeans were planted for two years (2010-2011) in Heihe (N 50°15′, E 127°27′, H 168.5 m), China. The days to VE (emergence), R1 (beginning bloom) and R7 (beginning maturity) were recorded and statistically analyzed. Furthermore, some varieties were further genotyped at four molecularly-identified maturity loci E1, E2, E3 and E4. Results The HCR varieties were classified into MG0 or even more early-maturing. In Heihe, some varieties matured much earlier than MG000, which is the most early-maturing known MG, and clustered into a separate group. We designated the group as MG0000, following the convention of MGs. HCR soybeans had relatively stable days to beginning bloom from emergence. The HCR varieties diversified into genotypes of E1, E2, E3 and E4. These loci had different effects on maturity. Conclusion HCRs diversify early-maturing MGs of soybean. MG0000, a new MG that matures much earlier than known MGs, was developed. HCR soybean breeding should focus more on shortening post-flowering reproductive growth. E1, E2, E3, and E4 function differentially. PMID:24740097

Point mutations in the post-M2 region of human alpha-ENaC regulate cation selectivity.

PubMed

Ji, H L; Parker, S; Langloh, A L; Fuller, C M; Benos, D J

2001-07-01

We tested the hypothesis that an arginine-rich region immediately following the second transmembrane domain may constitute part of the inner mouth of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) pore and, hence, influence conduction and/or selectivity properties of the channel by expressing double point mutants in Xenopus oocytes. Double point mutations of arginines in this post-M2 region of the human alpha-ENaC (alpha-hENaC) led to a decrease and increase in the macroscopic conductance of alphaR586E,R587Ebetagamma- and alphaR589E,R591Ebetagamma-hENaC, respectively, but had no effect on the single-channel conductance of either double point mutant. However, the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for Na+ was decreased for both alphaR586E,R587Ebetagamma- and alphaR589E,R591Ebetagamma-hENaC, and the maximum amiloride-sensitive Na+ current was decreased for alphaR586E,R587Ebetagamma-hENaC and increased for alphaR589E,R591Ebetagamma-hENaC. The relative permeabilities of Li+ and K+ vs. Na+ were increased 11.25- to 27.57-fold for alphaR586E,R587Ebetagamma-hENaC compared with wild type. The relative ion permeability of these double mutants and wild-type ENaC was inversely related to the crystal diameter of the permeant ions. Thus the region of positive charge is important for the ion permeation properties of the channel and may form part of the pore itself.

Support for targeted sampling of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) feces in Sweden: a method to improve the probability of finding Echinococcus multilocularis.

PubMed

Miller, Andrea L; Olsson, Gert E; Sollenberg, Sofia; Skarin, Moa; Wahlström, Helene; Höglund, Johan

2016-11-29

Localized concentrations of Echinococcus multilocularis eggs from feces of infected red fox (Vulpes vulpes) can create areas of higher transmission risk for rodent hosts and possibly also for humans; therefore, identification of these areas is important. However, in a low prevalence environment, such as Sweden, these areas could be easily overlooked. As part of a project investigating the role of different rodents in the epidemiology of E. multilocularis in Sweden, fox feces were collected seasonally from rodent trapping sites in two regions with known parasite status and in two regions with unknown parasite status, 2013-2015. The aim was to evaluate background contamination in rodent trapping sites from parasite eggs in these regions. To maximize the likelihood of finding fox feces positive for the parasite, fecal collection was focused in habitats with the assumed presence of suitable rodent intermediate hosts (i.e. targeted sampling). Parasite eggs were isolated from feces through sieving-flotation, and parasite species were then confirmed using PCR and sequencing. Most samples were collected in the late winter/early spring and in open fields where both Arvicola amphibius and Microtus agrestis were captured. Fox feces positive for E. multilocularis (41/714) were found within 1-3 field collection sites within each of the four regions. The overall proportion of positive samples was low (≤5.4%) in three regions, but was significantly higher in one region (22.5%, P < 0.001). There was not a significant difference between seasons or years. Compared to previous national screenings, our sampling strategy identified multiple E. multilocularis positive feces in all four regions, including the two regions with previously unknown parasite status. These results further suggest that the distribution of E. multilocularis is highly aggregated in the environment and provide support for further development of a targeted sampling strategy. Our results show that it was possible to identify new areas of high contamination in low endemic environments. After further elaboration, such a strategy may be particularly useful for countries designing surveillance to document freedom from disease.

Secular trends in regional differences in nutritional biomarkers and self-reported dietary intakes among American adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1988-1994 to 2009-2010.

PubMed

Kant, Ashima K; Graubard, Barry I

2018-04-01

To understand the contribution of regional differentials in dietary exposures to regional gradients in health, we examined 20-year trends in the association of US census region of residence with nutritional biomarkers and dietary intakes of American adults. Observational. The biomarker and 24 h dietary recall data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) conducted during 1988-1994 and 1999-2010. The US census region was operationalized as Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Nutritional biomarker outcomes were serum folate, vitamins B6, B12, C, D and E, and carotenoids; dietary outcomes were intakes of nutrients, food groups and eating patterns. US adults, n>8000-40 000 for biomarkers and >43 000 for dietary outcomes. The interactions of survey time period and region were not significant for the examined biomarker and dietary outcomes, indicating similar secular trends among regions. The main effect of region was significant for all nutritional biomarkers except serum vitamin B6, most dietary micronutrients, food groups and eating patterns (P<0·001). The mean serum folate, vitamins B12, C and E, and all carotenoid (except lycopene) biomarker levels, and intakes of dietary fibre, vitamins A, E, C and B6, folate, K, Ca, Mg and Fe, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, were higher in the West and Northeast regions, relative to the South and Midwest regions. Overall, the regional gradients in dietary exposure, expressed objectively as biomarkers or as self-reported nutrient and food group intakes, paralleled trajectories reported for health outcomes and were remarkably persistent over time.

Neural activity associated with repetitive simulation of episodic counterfactual thoughts.

PubMed

De Brigard, Felipe; Parikh, Natasha; Stewart, Gregory W; Szpunar, Karl K; Schacter, Daniel L

2017-11-01

When people revisit past autobiographical events they often imagine alternative ways in which such events could have occurred. Often these episodic counterfactual thoughts (eCFT) are momentary and fleeting, but sometimes they are simulated frequently and repeatedly. However, little is known about the neural differences between frequently versus infrequently repeated eCFT. The current study explores this issue. In a three-session study, participants were asked to simulate alternative ways positive, negative, and neutral autobiographical memories could have occurred. Half of these eCFT were repeatedly re-simulated while the other half were not. Immediately after, participants were asked to simulate all these eCFT again while undergoing fMRI. A partial least squares analysis on the resultant fMRI data revealed that eCFT that were not frequently repeated preferentially engaged brain regions including middle (BA 21) and superior temporal gyri (BA 38/39), middle (BA 11) and superior frontal gyri (BA 9), and hippocampus. By contrast, frequently repeated eCFT preferentially engaged regions including medial frontal gyri (BA 10), anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and inferior parietal lobule (BA 40). Direct contrasts for each type of eCFT were also conducted. The results of these analyses suggest differential contributions of regions traditionally associated with eCFT, such as BA 10, anterior cingulate cortex, and hippocampus, as a function of kind of eCFT and frequency of repetition. Consequences for future research on eCFT and rumination are considered. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Functional Role of eL19 and eB12 Intersubunit Bridge in the Eukaryotic Ribosome.

PubMed

Kisly, Ivan; Gulay, Suna P; Mäeorg, Uno; Dinman, Jonathan D; Remme, Jaanus; Tamm, Tiina

2016-05-22

During translation, the two eukaryotic ribosomal subunits remain associated through 17 intersubunit bridges, five of which are eukaryote specific. These are mainly localized to the peripheral regions and are believed to stabilize the structure of the ribosome. The functional importance of these bridges remains largely unknown. Here, the essentiality of the eukaryote-specific bridge eB12 has been investigated. The main component of this bridge is ribosomal protein eL19 that is composed of an N-terminal globular domain, a middle region, and a long C-terminal α-helix. The analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the globular domain and middle region of eL19 are essential for cell viability, most likely functioning in ribosome assembly. The eB12 bridge, formed by contacts between the C-terminal α-helix of eL19 and 18S rRNA in concert with additional stabilizing interactions involving either eS7 or uS17, is dispensable for viability. Nevertheless, eL19 mutants impaired in eB12 bridge formation displayed slow growth phenotypes, altered sensitivity/resistance to translational inhibitors, and enhanced hyperosmotic stress tolerance. Biochemical analyses determined that the eB12 bridge contributes to the stability of ribosome subunit interactions in vitro. 60S subunits containing eL19 variants defective in eB12 bridge formation failed to form 80S ribosomes regardless of Mg(2+) concentration. The reassociation of 40S and mutant 60S subunits was markedly improved in the presence of deacetylated tRNA, emphasizing the importance of tRNAs during the subunit association. We propose that the eB12 bridge plays an important role in subunit joining and in optimizing ribosome functionality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CloudSat 2C-ICE product update with a new Ze parameterization in lidar-only region.

PubMed

Deng, Min; Mace, Gerald G; Wang, Zhien; Berry, Elizabeth

2015-12-16

The CloudSat 2C-ICE data product is derived from a synergetic ice cloud retrieval algorithm that takes as input a combination of CloudSat radar reflectivity ( Z e ) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation lidar attenuated backscatter profiles. The algorithm uses a variational method for retrieving profiles of visible extinction coefficient, ice water content, and ice particle effective radius in ice or mixed-phase clouds. Because of the nature of the measurements and to maintain consistency in the algorithm numerics, we choose to parameterize (with appropriately large specification of uncertainty) Z e and lidar attenuated backscatter in the regions of a cirrus layer where only the lidar provides data and where only the radar provides data, respectively. To improve the Z e parameterization in the lidar-only region, the relations among Z e , extinction, and temperature have been more thoroughly investigated using Atmospheric Radiation Measurement long-term millimeter cloud radar and Raman lidar measurements. This Z e parameterization provides a first-order estimation of Z e as a function extinction and temperature in the lidar-only regions of cirrus layers. The effects of this new parameterization have been evaluated for consistency using radiation closure methods where the radiative fluxes derived from retrieved cirrus profiles compare favorably with Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System measurements. Results will be made publicly available for the entire CloudSat record (since 2006) in the most recent product release known as R05.

Investigations of conjugate MSTIDS over the Brazilian sector during daytime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonah, O. F.; Kherani, E. A.; De Paula, E. R.

2017-09-01

This study focuses on the daytime medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) observed at conjugate hemispheres. It is the first time that the geomagnetical conjugate daytime MSTIDs are observed over the South America sector. To observe the MSTID characteristics, we used detrended total electron content (TEC) derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems receivers located at Brazilian sector covering the Northern and Southern Hemispheres along the same magnetic meridian. The geographic grid of 1°N to 14°S in latitude and 60°S to 50°S in longitude was selected for this study. The cross-correlation method between two latitudes and longitudes in time was used to observe the propagation of the MSTID waves. The following features are noted: (a) MSTIDs are well developed at both hemispheres; (b) the peak MSTIDs amplitudes vary from one hemisphere to another; hence, we suppose that MSTIDs generated in Southern Hemisphere or Northern Hemisphere mirrored in the conjugate hemisphere; (c) the gravity wave-induced electric fields from one hemisphere map along the field lines and generate the mirrored MSTIDs in the conjugate region. To investigate the hemispheric mapping mechanism, a rough approximation for the integrated field line conductivity ratio of E and F regions is calculated using digisonde E and F region parameters. We noted that during the period of mapping the decrease in E region conductivity results in an increase in total conductivity. This shows that the E region was partially short circuited; hence, electric field generated at F region could map to the conjugate hemisphere during daytime: daytime MSTIDs at conjugate regions; mechanisms responsible for daytime electrified MSTIDs; gravity wave-induced electric field role in daytime MSTIDs.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in weaned cattle on cow-calf operations in the United States.

PubMed

Santin, Monica; Dargatz, David; Fayer, Ronald

2012-02-10

To determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in weaned beef calves on cow-calf operations in the United States, fecal specimens were collected from 819 calves (6-18 months of age) from 49 operations. After cleaning and concentration procedures to maximize recovery of cysts from feces, DNA was extracted from each of the 819 specimens. The presence of G. duodenalis was determined by nested PCR of a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. All positive PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis. The overall sample level prevalence of Giardia was 33.5% with prevalence ranging from 0 to 100% among operations. The highest within herd prevalence of infected beef calves was found in one cow-calf operation from the South region (100%), followed by a cow-calf operation from the West region (90%), and three cow-calf operations from the Midwest region (87.5, 85, and 85%). Giardia was not detected in samples from 7 operations including 5 cow-calf operations from the South region, and 1 cow-calf operation each from the Midwest and West regions. Molecular analysis of the Giardia-positive samples identified assemblage E (or E-like) in 31.7% of all samples (260/819) and assemblage A in 1.2% (10/819). A mixed infection with assemblages A and E was observed in four calves from an operation in Midwest region. The potentially zoonotic assemblage A was detected in specimens from four operations in Midwest region. These findings indicate that most G. duodenalis found in weaned beef calves was assemblage E which represents no known zoonotic threat. However, the presence of assemblage A in a small number of animals poses a potential risk of infection to humans. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Tracking the Global Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants Accounting for E-Waste Exports to Developing Regions.

PubMed

Breivik, Knut; Armitage, James M; Wania, Frank; Sweetman, Andrew J; Jones, Kevin C

2016-01-19

Elevated concentrations of various industrial-use Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), have been reported in some developing areas in subtropical and tropical regions known to be destinations of e-waste. We used a recent inventory of the global generation and exports of e-waste to develop various global scale emission scenarios for industrial-use organic contaminants (IUOCs). For representative IUOCs (RIUOCs), only hypothetical emissions via passive volatilization from e-waste were considered whereas for PCBs, historical emissions throughout the chemical life-cycle (i.e., manufacturing, use, disposal) were included. The environmental transport and fate of RIUOCs and PCBs were then simulated using the BETR Global 2.0 model. Export of e-waste is expected to increase and sustain global emissions beyond the baseline scenario, which assumes no export. A comparison between model predictions and observations for PCBs in selected recipient regions generally suggests a better agreement when exports are accounted for. This study may be the first to integrate the global transport of IUOCs in waste with their long-range transport in air and water. The results call for integrated chemical management strategies on a global scale.

Communicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: prevention and control 2010-2011.

PubMed

Haq, Z; Mahjour, J; Khan, W

2013-10-01

One-third of all morbidities and mortalities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are attributed to communicable diseases. A continued situation of war and conflict, and growing political unrest in the Region, coupled with factors such as travel and migration, and insufficient infrastructure and inadequate technical and managerial capacity ofthe programmes are the major challenges. Despite these challenges, the Region continued making progress towards the elimination of specific diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, measles, malaria, schistosomiasis and dracunculiasis during 2010-11. Coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases was enhanced. Preparedness and response to emerging (e.g. dengue fever in Pakistan and Yemen) and re-emerging (e.g. cholera in Sudan) infections was improved. The Region has continued its efforts for controlling tuberculosis and curbing HIV/AIDS. Looking ahead, the Region aims to improve surveillance and response capacities, legislation issues, coordination, bio-risk and bio-security and quality management in the coming years.

Electric fields in the ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirchhoff, V. W. J. H.

1975-01-01

F-region drift velocities, measured by incoherent-scatter radar were analyzed in terms of diurnal, seasonal, magnetic activity, and solar cycle effects. A comprehensive electric field model was developed that includes the effects of the E and F-region dynamos, magnetospheric sources, and ionospheric conductivities, for both the local and conjugate regions. The E-region dynamo dominates during the day but at night the F-region and convection are more important. This model provides much better agreement with observations of the F-region drifts than previous models. Results indicate that larger magnitudes occur at night, and that daily variation is dominated by the diurnal mode. Seasonal variations in conductivities and thermospheric winds indicate a reversal in direction in the early morning during winter from south to northward. On magnetic perturbed days and the drifts deviate rather strongly from the quiet days average, especially around 13 L.T. for the northward and 18 L.T. for the westward component.

40 CFR 93.155 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... determination on the action. If the action has multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action will cause....164 must provide to the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s), State and local air quality agencies, any... Regions), the Federal agency, as an alternative to sending it to EPA Regional Offices, can provide the...

40 CFR 93.155 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... determination on the action. If the action has multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action will cause....164 must provide to the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s), State and local air quality agencies, any... Regions), the Federal agency, as an alternative to sending it to EPA Regional Offices, can provide the...

40 CFR 93.155 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... determination on the action. If the action has multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action will cause....164 must provide to the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s), State and local air quality agencies, any... Regions), the Federal agency, as an alternative to sending it to EPA Regional Offices, can provide the...

77 FR 37432 - Final Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment and Finding of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-21

...-FF03E00000] Final Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment and Finding of... Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan (Plan) and Environmental Assessment and Finding of No... Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment (77 FR 1717). The public comment...

Dual baseline search for muon neutrino disappearance at 0.5 eV 2 < Delta m 2 < 40 eV 2

DOE PAGES

Mahn, K B.M.

2011-06-01

The SciBooNE and MiniBooNE collaborations report the results of a ν μ disappearance search in the &Delta'm 2 region of 0.5-40 eV 2. The neutrino rate as measured by the SciBooNE tracking detectors is used to constrain the rate at the MiniBooNE Cherenkov detector in the first joint analysis of data from both collaborations. Two separate analyses of the combined data samples set 90% confidence level (CL) limits on ν μ disappearance in the 0.5-40 eV 2 Δm 2 region, with an improvement over previous experimental constraints between 10 and 30 eV 2

Dual baseline search for muon neutrino disappearance at 0.5eV2<Δm2<40eV2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahn, K. B. M.; Nakajima, Y.; Aguilar-Arevalo, A. A.; Alcaraz-Aunion, J. L.; Anderson, C. E.; Bazarko, A. O.; Brice, S. J.; Brown, B. C.; Bugel, L.; Cao, J.; Catala-Perez, J.; Cheng, G.; Coney, L.; Conrad, J. M.; Cox, D. C.; Curioni, A.; Dharmapalan, R.; Djurcic, Z.; Dore, U.; Finley, D. A.; Fleming, B. T.; Ford, R.; Franke, A. J.; Garcia, F. G.; Garvey, G. T.; Giganti, C.; Gomez-Cadenas, J. J.; Grange, J.; Green, C.; Green, J. A.; Guzowski, P.; Hanson, A.; Hart, T. L.; Hawker, E.; Hayato, Y.; Hiraide, K.; Huelsnitz, W.; Imlay, R.; Johnson, R. A.; Jones, B. J. P.; Jover-Manas, G.; Karagiorgi, G.; Kasper, P.; Katori, T.; Kobayashi, Y. K.; Kobilarcik, T.; Kourbanis, I.; Koutsoliotas, S.; Kubo, H.; Kurimoto, Y.; Laird, E. M.; Linden, S. K.; Link, J. M.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Y.; Louis, W. C.; Loverre, P. F.; Ludovici, L.; Mariani, C.; Marsh, W.; Masuike, S.; Matsuoka, K.; Mauger, C.; McGary, V. T.; McGregor, G.; Metcalf, W.; Meyers, P. D.; Mills, F.; Mills, G. B.; Mitsuka, G.; Miyachi, Y.; Mizugashira, S.; Monroe, J.; Moore, C. D.; Mousseau, J.; Nakaya, T.; Napora, R.; Nelson, R. H.; Nienaber, P.; Nowak, J. A.; Orme, D.; Osmanov, B.; Otani, M.; Ouedraogo, S.; Patterson, R. B.; Pavlovic, Z.; Perevalov, D.; Polly, C. C.; Prebys, E.; Raaf, J. L.; Ray, H.; Roe, B. P.; Russell, A. D.; Sanchez, F.; Sandberg, V.; Schirato, R.; Schmitz, D.; Shaevitz, M. H.; Shibata, T.-A.; Shoemaker, F. C.; Smith, D.; Soderberg, M.; Sorel, M.; Spentzouris, P.; Spitz, J.; Stancu, I.; Stefanski, R. J.; Sung, M.; Takei, H.; Tanaka, H. A.; Tanaka, H.-K.; Tanaka, M.; Tayloe, R.; Taylor, I. J.; Tesarek, R. J.; Tzanov, M.; Uchida, Y.; van de Water, R.; Walding, J. J.; Wascko, M. O.; White, D. H.; White, H. B.; Wilking, M. J.; Yokoyama, M.; Yang, H. J.; Zeller, G. P.; Zimmerman, E. D.

2012-02-01

The SciBooNE and MiniBooNE collaborations report the results of a νμ disappearance search in the Δm2 region of 0.5-40eV2. The neutrino rate as measured by the SciBooNE tracking detectors is used to constrain the rate at the MiniBooNE Cherenkov detector in the first joint analysis of data from both collaborations. Two separate analyses of the combined data samples set 90% confidence level (CL) limits on νμ disappearance in the 0.5-40eV2 Δm2 region, with an improvement over previous experimental constraints between 10 and 30eV2.

The Development Model Electronic Commerce of Regional Agriculture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jun; Cai, Lecai; Li, Hongchan

With the developing of the agricultural information, it is inevitable trend of the development of agricultural electronic commercial affairs. On the basis of existing study on the development application model of e-commerce, combined with the character of the agricultural information, compared with the developing model from the theory and reality, a new development model electronic commerce of regional agriculture base on the government is put up, and such key issues as problems of the security applications, payment mode, sharing mechanisms, and legal protection are analyzed, etc. The among coordination mechanism of the region is discussed on, it is significance for regulating the development of agricultural e-commerce and promoting the regional economical development.

Microfabricated thermoelectric power-generation devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre (Inventor); Phillips, Wayne (Inventor); Borshchevsky, Alex (Inventor); Kolawa, Elizabeth A. (Inventor); Ryan, Margaret A. (Inventor); Caillat, Thierry (Inventor); Mueller, Peter (Inventor); Snyder, G. Jeffrey (Inventor); Kascich, Thorsten (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.

Microfabricated thermoelectric power-generation devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre (Inventor); Ryan, Margaret A. (Inventor); Borshchevsky, Alex (Inventor); Phillips, Wayne (Inventor); Kolawa, Elizabeth A. (Inventor); Snyder, G. Jeffrey (Inventor); Caillat, Thierry (Inventor); Kascich, Thorsten (Inventor); Mueller, Peter (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.

Discussing the Future of U. S. Western Mountains, Climate Change, and Ecosystems

Treesearch

Henry F. Diaz; Constance I. Millar

2004-01-01

Mountain regions are uniquely sensitive to changes in climate, and are especially vulnerable to climate effects acting on many biotic systems and the physical settings. Because mountain regions serve as sources of needed natural resources (e.g.,water, forests) and as foundations for desired human activities (e.g., tourism, places to live),changes in mountain systems...

Momentum distribution of nucleons in the deuteron on the basis of the Moscow potential

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

Neudatchin, V. G.; Khokhlov, N. A.

Themomentum distribution of nucleons in the deuteron is calculated for the Moscow and Paris nucleon-nucleon potentials. It is shown that the Moscow potential provides a better description of the distribution deduced from data on the reaction d(e, e Prime p)n in the region close to the kinematical region of quasielastic proton knockout.

Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version 2.0)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

are OBL, FACW, or FAC to be considered hydrophytic by this indicator. Species that are dominant in two or more strata should be counted two or more...are thin layers or coatings of fine-grained mineral material (e.g., silt or clay) or organic matter (e.g., pollen ), sometimes mixed with other

Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Caribbean Islands Region (Version 2.0)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

are dominant in two or more strata should be counted two or more times in the dominance test. Procedure for Selecting Dominant Species by the 50/20...Sediment deposits are thin layers or coatings of fine-grained mineral material (e.g., silt or clay) or organic matter (e.g., pollen ), sometimes mixed

Curvature and the Visual Perception of Shape: Theory on Information along Object Boundaries and the Minima Rule Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lim, Ik Soo; Leek, E. Charles

2012-01-01

Previous empirical studies have shown that information along visual contours is known to be concentrated in regions of high magnitude of curvature, and, for closed contours, segments of negative curvature (i.e., concave segments) carry greater perceptual relevance than corresponding regions of positive curvature (i.e., convex segments). Lately,…

40 CFR 2.101 - Where requests for records are to be filed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (2822T), NW, Washington, DC 20460; e-mail: [email protected]gov. You may also access EPA Headquarters and Regional Freedom of Information Offices' Web sites at http://www.epa.gov/foia and submit a request via an...; e-mail: [email protected]gov. (2) Region II (NJ, NY, PR, VI): EPA, FOI Officer, 290 Broadway, 26th Floor...

40 CFR 2.101 - Where requests for records are to be filed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (2822T), NW, Washington, DC 20460; e-mail: [email protected]gov. You may also access EPA Headquarters and Regional Freedom of Information Offices' Web sites at http://www.epa.gov/foia and submit a request via an...; e-mail: [email protected]gov. (2) Region II (NJ, NY, PR, VI): EPA, FOI Officer, 290 Broadway, 26th Floor...

40 CFR 2.101 - Where requests for records are to be filed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (2822T), NW, Washington, DC 20460; e-mail: [email protected]gov. You may also access EPA Headquarters and Regional Freedom of Information Offices' Web sites at http://www.epa.gov/foia and submit a request via an...; e-mail: [email protected]gov. (2) Region II (NJ, NY, PR, VI): EPA, FOI Officer, 290 Broadway, 26th Floor...

Transitions in forest fragmentation: implications for restoration opportunities at regional scales

Treesearch

James D. Wickham; K. Bruce Jones; Kurt H. Riitters; Timothy G. Wade; Robert V. O' Neill

1999-01-01

Where the potential natural vegetation is continuous forest (e.g., eastern US), a region can be divided into smaller units (e.g., counties, watersheds), and a graph of the proportion of forest in the largest patch versus the proportion in anthropogenic cover can be used as an index of forest fragmentation. If forests are not fragmented beyond that converted to...

77 FR 40492 - Revocation of Class D Airspace; Andalusia, AL; and Amendment of Class E Airspace; Fort Rucker, AL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

... Alabama Regional Airport at Bill Benton Field has closed, and amends Class E Airspace at Fort Rucker, AL, by recognizing the airport's name change to South Alabama Regional Airport at Bill Benton Field. This... reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA...

Auroral E-region Plasma Irregularities and their Control by the Plasma Convection in the Southern Hemisphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsythe, V. V.; Makarevich, R. A.

2016-12-01

Small-scale ionospheric plasma irregularities in the high-latitude E region and their control by F-region plasma convection are investigated using Super Dual Auroral Network (SuperDARN) observations at high southern latitudes over a 1-year period. Significant asymmetries are found in the velocity occurrence distribution due to the clustering of the high-velocity echoes of a particular velocity polarity. Statistical analysis of convection showed that some radars observe predominantly negative bias in the convection component within their short, E-region ranges, while others have a predominantly positive bias. A hypothesis that this bias is caused by asymmetric sectoring of the high-latitude plasma convection pattern is investigated. A new algorithm is developed that samples the plasma convection map and evaluates the convection pattern asymmetry along the particular latitude that corresponds to the radar location. It is demonstrated that the convection asymmetry has a particular seasonal and diurnal pattern, which is different for the polar and auroral radars. Possible causes for the observed convection pattern asymmetry are discussed. It is further proposed that the statistical occurrence of high-velocity E-region echoes generated by the Farley-Buneman instability (FBI) is highly sensitive to small changes in the convection pattern, which is consistent with the electric field threshold for the FBI onset being perhaps sharper and lower than previously thought.

Attributes for MRB_E2RF1 Catchments by Major River Basins in the Conterminous United States: Hydrologic Landscape Regions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieczorek, Michael; LaMotte, Andrew E.

2010-01-01

This tabular data set represents the area of Hydrologic Landscape Regions (HLR) compiled for every MRB_E2RF1 catchment of the Major River Basins (MRBs, Crawford and others, 2006). The source data set is a 100-meter version of Hydrologic Landscape Regions of the United States (Wolock, 2003). HLR groups watersheds on the basis of similarities in land-surface form, geologic texture, and climate characteristics. The MRB_E2RF1 catchments are based on a modified version of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) ERF1_2 and include enhancements to support national and regional-scale surface-water quality modeling (Nolan and others, 2002; Brakebill and others, 2011). Data were compiled for every MRB_E2RF1 catchment for the conterminous United States covering New England and Mid-Atlantic (MRB1), South Atlantic-Gulf and Tennessee (MRB2), the Great Lakes, Ohio, Upper Mississippi, and Souris-Red-Rainy (MRB3), the Missouri (MRB4), the Lower Mississippi, Arkansas-White-Red, and Texas-Gulf (MRB5), the Rio Grande, Colorado, and the Great basin (MRB6), the Pacific Northwest (MRB7) river basins, and California (MRB8).

Untangling the relationships among regional occupancy, species traits, and niche characteristics in stream invertebrates

PubMed Central

Heino, Jani; Grönroos, Mira

2014-01-01

The regional occupancy and local abundance of species are affected by various species traits, but their relative effects are poorly understood. We studied the relationships between species traits and occupancy (i.e., proportion of sites occupied) or abundance (i.e., mean local abundance at occupied sites) of stream invertebrates using small-grained data (i.e., local stream sites) across a large spatial extent (i.e., three drainage basins). We found a significant, yet rather weak, linear relationship between occupancy and abundance. However, occupancy was strongly related to niche position (NP), but it showed a weaker relationship with niche breadth (NB). Abundance was at best weakly related to these explanatory niche-based variables. Biological traits, including feeding modes, habit traits, dispersal modes and body size classes, were generally less important in accounting for variation in occupancy and abundance. Our findings showed that the regional occupancy of stream invertebrate species is mostly related to niche characteristics, in particular, NP. However, the effects of NB on occupancy were affected by the measure itself. We conclude that niche characteristics determine the regional occupancy of species at relatively large spatial extents, suggesting that species distributions are determined by environmental variation among sites. PMID:24963387

Linking soil type and rainfall characteristics towards estimation of surface evaporative capacitance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Or, D.; Bickel, S.; Lehmann, P.

2017-12-01

Separation of evapotranspiration (ET) to evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) components for attribution of surface fluxes or for assessment of isotope fractionation in groundwater remains a challenge. Regional estimates of soil evaporation often rely on plant-based (Penman-Monteith) ET estimates where is E is obtained as a residual or a fraction of potential evaporation. We propose a novel method for estimating E from soil-specific properties, regional rainfall characteristics and considering concurrent internal drainage that shelters soil water from evaporation. A soil-dependent evaporative characteristic length defines a depth below which soil water cannot be pulled to the surface by capillarity; this depth determines the maximal soil evaporative capacitance (SEC). The SEC is recharged by rainfall and subsequently emptied by competition between drainage and surface evaporation (considering canopy interception evaporation). We show that E is strongly dependent on rainfall characteristics (mean annual, number of storms) and soil textural type, with up to 50% of rainfall lost to evaporation in loamy soil. The SEC concept applied to different soil types and climatic regions offers direct bounds on regional surface evaporation independent of plant-based parameterization or energy balance calculations.

In-vivo measurements of regional acetylcholine esterase activity in degenerative dementia: comparison with blood flow and glucose metabolism.

PubMed

Herholz, K; Bauer, B; Wienhard, K; Kracht, L; Mielke, R; Lenz, M O; Strotmann, T; Heiss, W D

2000-01-01

Memory and attention are cognitive functions that depend heavily on the cholinergic system. Local activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) is an indicator of its integrity. Using a recently developed tracer for positron emission tomography (PET), C-11-labeled N-methyl-4-piperidyl-acetate (C11-MP4A), we measured regional AChE activity in 4 non-demented subjects, 4 patients with dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and 1 patient with senile dementia of Lewy body type (SDLT), and compared the findings with measurements of blood flow (CBF) and glucose metabolism (CMRGlc). Initial tracer extraction was closely related to CBF. AChE activity was reduced significantly in all brain regions in demented subjects, whereas reduction of CMRGlc and CBF was more limited to temporo-parietal association areas. AChE activity in SDLT was in the lower range of values in DAT. Our results indicate that, compared to non-demented controls, there is a global reduction of cortical AChE activity in dementia. Dementia, cholinergic system, acetylcholine esterase, positron emission tomography, cerebral blood flow, cerebral glucose metabolism.

The cell wall and cell division gene cluster in the Mra operon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: cloning, production, and purification of active enzymes.

PubMed

Azzolina, B A; Yuan, X; Anderson, M S; El-Sherbeini, M

2001-04-01

We have cloned the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cell wall biosynthesis and cell division gene cluster that corresponds to the mra operon in the 2-min region of the Escherichia coli chromosome. The organization of the two chromosomal regions in P. aeruginosa and E. coli is remarkably similar with the following gene order: pbp3/pbpB, murE, murF, mraY, murD, ftsW, murG, murC, ddlB, ftsQ, ftsA, ftsZ, and envA/LpxC. All of the above P. aeruginosa genes are transcribed from the same strand of DNA with very small, if any, intragenic regions, indicating that these genes may constitute a single operon. All five amino acid ligases, MurC, MurD, MurE, MurF, and DdlB, in addition to MurG and MraY were cloned in expression vectors. The four recombinant P. aeruginosa Mur ligases, MurC, MurD, MurE, and MurF were overproduced in E. coli and purified as active enzymes. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

A method for acetylcholinesterase staining of brain sections previously processed for receptor autoradiography.

PubMed

Lim, M M; Hammock, E A D; Young, L J

2004-02-01

Receptor autoradiography using selective radiolabeled ligands allows visualization of brain receptor distribution and density on film. The resolution of specific brain regions on the film often can be difficult to discern owing to the general spread of the radioactive label and the lack of neuroanatomical landmarks on film. Receptor binding is a chemically harsh protocol that can render the tissue virtually unstainable by Nissl and other conventional stains used to delineate neuroanatomical boundaries of brain regions. We describe a method for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining of slides previously processed for receptor binding. AChE staining is a useful tool for delineating major brain nuclei and tracts. AChE staining on sections that have been processed for receptor autoradiography provides a direct comparison of brain regions for more precise neuroanatomical description. We report a detailed thiocholine protocol that is a modification of the Koelle-Friedenwald method to amplify the AChE signal in brain sections previously processed for autoradiography. We also describe several temporal and experimental factors that can affect the density and clarity of the AChE signal when using this protocol.

In vitro evaluation of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides targeted to the E2 mRNA of papillomavirus: potential treatment for genital warts.

PubMed Central

Cowsert, L M; Fox, M C; Zon, G; Mirabelli, C K

1993-01-01

Papillomaviruses induce benign proliferative lesions, such as genital warts, in humans. The E2 gene product is thought to play a major role in the regulation of viral transcription and DNA replication and may represent a rational target for an antisense oligonucleotide drug action. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides complementary to E2 mRNAs were synthesized and tested in a series of in vitro bovine papillomavirus (BPV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) models for the ability to inhibit E2 transactivation and virus-induced focus formation. The most active BPV-specific compounds were complementary to the mRNA cap region (ISIS 1751), the translation initiation region for the full-length E2 transactivator (ISIS 1753), and the translation initiation region for the E2 transrepressor mRNA (ISIS 1755). ISIS 1751 and ISIS 1753 were found to reduce E2-dependent transactivation and viral focus formation in a sequence-specific and concentration-dependent manner. ISIS 1755 increased E2 transactivation in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on focus formation. Oligonucleotides with a chain length of 20 residues had optimal activity in the E2 transactivation assay. On the basis of the above observations, ISIS 2105, a 20-residue phosphorothioate oligonucleotide targeted to the translation initiation of both HPV type 6 (HPV-6) and HPV-11 E2 mRNA, was designed and shown to inhibit E2-dependent transactivation by HPV-11 E2 expressed from a surrogate promoter. These observations support the rationale of E2 as a target for antiviral therapy against papillomavirus infections and specifically identify ISIS 2105 as a candidate antisense oligonucleotide for the treatment of genital warts induced by HPV-6 and HPV-11. Images PMID:8383937

Resolution and evolution of the duck-billed platypus karyotype with an X1Y1X2Y2X3Y3X4Y4X5Y5 male sex chromosome constitution

PubMed Central

Rens, Willem; Grützner, Frank; O'Brien, Patricia C. M.; Fairclough, Helen; Graves, Jennifer A. M.; Ferguson-Smith, Malcolm A.

2004-01-01

The platypus (2n = 52) has a complex karyotype that has been controversial over the last three decades. The presence of unpaired chromosomes and an unknown sex-determining system especially has defied attempts at conventional analysis. This article reports on the preparation of chromosome-specific probes from flow-sorted chromosomes and their application in the identification and classification of all platypus chromosomes. This work reveals that the male karyotype has 21 pairs of chromosomes and 10 unpaired chromosomes (E1-E10), which are linked by short regions of homology to form a multivalent chain in meiosis. The female karyotype differs in that five of these unpaired elements (E1, E3, E5, E7, and E9) are each present in duplicate, whereas the remaining five unpaired elements (E2, E4, E6, E8, and E10) are absent. This finding indicates that sex is determined by the alternate segregation of the chain of 10 during spermatogenesis so that equal numbers of sperm bear either one of the two groups of five elements, i.e., five X and five Y chromosomes. Chromosome painting reveals that these X and Y chromosomes contain pairing (XY shared) and differential (X- or Y-specific) segments. Y differential regions must contain male-determining genes, and X differential regions should be dosage-compensated in the female. Two models for the evolution of the sex-determining system are presented. The resolution of the longstanding debate over the platypus karyotype is an important step toward the understanding of mechanisms of sex determination, dosage compensation, and karyotype evolution. PMID:15534209

Resolution and evolution of the duck-billed platypus karyotype with an X1Y1X2Y2X3Y3X4Y4X5Y5 male sex chromosome constitution.

PubMed

Rens, Willem; Grützner, Frank; O'brien, Patricia C M; Fairclough, Helen; Graves, Jennifer A M; Ferguson-Smith, Malcolm A

2004-11-16

The platypus (2n = 52) has a complex karyotype that has been controversial over the last three decades. The presence of unpaired chromosomes and an unknown sex-determining system especially has defied attempts at conventional analysis. This article reports on the preparation of chromosome-specific probes from flow-sorted chromosomes and their application in the identification and classification of all platypus chromosomes. This work reveals that the male karyotype has 21 pairs of chromosomes and 10 unpaired chromosomes (E1-E10), which are linked by short regions of homology to form a multivalent chain in meiosis. The female karyotype differs in that five of these unpaired elements (E1, E3, E5, E7, and E9) are each present in duplicate, whereas the remaining five unpaired elements (E2, E4, E6, E8, and E10) are absent. This finding indicates that sex is determined by the alternate segregation of the chain of 10 during spermatogenesis so that equal numbers of sperm bear either one of the two groups of five elements, i.e., five X and five Y chromosomes. Chromosome painting reveals that these X and Y chromosomes contain pairing (XY shared) and differential (X- or Y-specific) segments. Y differential regions must contain male-determining genes, and X differential regions should be dosage-compensated in the female. Two models for the evolution of the sex-determining system are presented. The resolution of the longstanding debate over the platypus karyotype is an important step toward the understanding of mechanisms of sex determination, dosage compensation, and karyotype evolution.

DNA sequences of three beta-1,4-endoglucanase genes from Thermomonospora fusca.

PubMed Central

Lao, G; Ghangas, G S; Jung, E D; Wilson, D B

1991-01-01

The DNA sequences of the Thermomonospora fusca genes encoding cellulases E2 and E5 and the N-terminal end of E4 were determined. Each sequence contains an identical 14-bp inverted repeat upstream of the initiation codon. There were no significant homologies between the coding regions of the three genes. The E2 gene is 73% identical to the celA gene from Microbispora bispora, but this was the only homology found with other cellulase genes. E2 belongs to a family of cellulases that includes celA from M. bispora, cenA from Cellulomonas fimi, casA from an alkalophilic Streptomyces strain, and cellobiohydrolase II from Trichoderma reesei. E4 shows 44% identity to an avocado cellulase, while E5 belongs to the Bacillus cellulase family. There were strong similarities between the amino acid sequences of the E2 and E5 cellulose binding domains, and these regions also showed homology with C. fimi and Pseudomonas fluorescens cellulose binding domains. PMID:1904434

Human Monoclonal Antibodies to a Novel Cluster of Conformational Epitopes on HCV E2 with Resistance to Neutralization Escape in a Genotype 2a Isolate

PubMed Central

Keck, Zhen-yong; Xia, Jinming; Wang, Yong; Wang, Wenyan; Krey, Thomas; Prentoe, Jannick; Carlsen, Thomas; Li, Angela Ying-Jian; Patel, Arvind H.; Lemon, Stanley M.; Bukh, Jens; Rey, Felix A.; Foung, Steven K. H.

2012-01-01

The majority of broadly neutralizing antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) are against conformational epitopes on the E2 glycoprotein. Many of them recognize overlapping epitopes in a cluster, designated as antigenic domain B, that contains residues G530 and D535. To gain information on other regions that will be relevant for vaccine design, we employed yeast surface display of antibodies that bound to genotype 1a H77C E2 mutant proteins containing a substitution either at Y632A (to avoid selecting non-neutralizing antibodies) or D535A. A panel of nine human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) was isolated and designated as HC-84-related antibodies. Each HMAb neutralized cell culture infectious HCV (HCVcc) with genotypes 1–6 envelope proteins with varying profiles, and each inhibited E2 binding to the viral receptor CD81. Five of these antibodies neutralized representative genotypes 1–6 HCVcc. Epitope mapping identified a cluster of overlapping epitopes that included nine contact residues in two E2 regions encompassing aa418–446 and aa611–616. Effect on virus entry was measured using H77C HCV retroviral pseudoparticles, HCVpp, bearing an alanine substitution at each of the contact residues. Seven of ten mutant HCVpp showed over 90% reduction compared to wild-type HCVpp and two others showed approximately 80% reduction. Interestingly, four of these antibodies bound to a linear E2 synthetic peptide encompassing aa434–446. This region on E2 has been proposed to elicit non-neutralizing antibodies in humans that interfere with neutralizing antibodies directed at an adjacent E2 region from aa410–425. The isolation of four HC-84 HMAbs binding to the peptide, aa434–446, proves that some antibodies to this region are to highly conserved epitopes mediating broad virus neutralization. Indeed, when HCVcc were passaged in the presence of each of these antibodies, virus escape was not observed. Thus, the cluster of HC-84 epitopes, designated as antigenic domain D, is relevant for vaccine design for this highly diverse virus. PMID:22511875

Method for manufacturing solid-state thermal neutron detectors with simultaneous high thermal neutron detection efficiency (>50%) and neutron to gamma discrimination (>1.0E4)

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

Nikolic, Rebecca J.; Conway, Adam M.; Heineck, Daniel

2013-10-15

Methods for manufacturing solid-state thermal neutron detectors with simultaneous high thermal neutron detection efficiency (>50%) and neutron to gamma discrimination (>10.sup.4) are provided. A structure is provided that includes a p+ region on a first side of an intrinsic region and an n+ region on a second side of the intrinsic region. The thickness of the intrinsic region is minimized to achieve a desired gamma discrimination factor of at least 1.0E+04. Material is removed from one of the p+ region or the n+ region and into the intrinsic layer to produce pillars with open space between each pillar. The openmore » space is filed with a neutron sensitive material. An electrode is placed in contact with the pillars and another electrode is placed in contact with the side that is opposite of the intrinsic layer with respect to the first electrode.« less

On the role of circulation changes in future Northern Hemisphere hydroclimate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seager, R.; Ting, M.; Simpson, I.; Shaw, T.

2015-12-01

The "dry-get-drier, wet-get-wetter", otherwise known as "rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer" concept of the hydrological cycle response to rising greenhouse gases was a major advance in terms of perception of climate change in the research community and the winder public. It provides a good description of hydroclimate change in many regions but especially over the oceans. Here there is a clear divide between wet regions, with positive precipitation minus evaporation (P-E), and dry regions with negative P-E. However over land, long term P-E is either zero or positive and balanced by streamflow and it is not so simple to divide between wet and dry regions. What is more, the simple wet-get-wetter, dry-get-drier paradigm is based only on thermodynamics with rising humidity causing increased amplitude of moisture convergence and moisture divergence and, hence, larger variations in P-E. It is now being realized more and more that changes in atmospheric circulation can also drive changes in moisture convergence/divergence and that a full explanation of hydrological cycle change requires attention to circulation change. This will be illustrated with reference to North America and the Mediterranean region. In both case changes in the mean circulation are important drivers of regional hydroclimate change. Model-projected North American hydroclimate change in winter is strongly influenced by a lengthening of the zonal scale of intermediate-scale stationary waves forced by extratropical heating. Wetting at the west coast, drying in the interior southwest and wetting at the US east coast are stronger in models that have a climatological wave field that exaggerates these waves than in models that have more realistic amplitude wave fields. Intense Mediterranean region drying in both summer and winter is also explained in part by shifts towards regional high pressure that, as of now, have not been fully explained. In neither southwest North America nor the Mediterranean, despite the importance of storm systems in delivering moisture to the regions, is projected drying caused by reduced transient eddy moisture convergence. Instead thermodynamic drying and mean flow changes share the responsibility for shifting the regions to drier, more water-stressed, climates.

Transcription of the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus early region and identification of two E6 polypeptides in COS-7 cells.

PubMed Central

Barbosa, M S; Wettstein, F O

1987-01-01

Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) early proteins are present at very low levels in virus-induced tumors and cannot be detected by immunological methods. Furthermore, cells in culture are not readily transformed by the virus. To overcome these difficulties in identifying and characterizing the putative transforming protein(s) coded by the E6 open reading frame, the early cottontail rabbit papillomavirus region was expressed under the control of the late simian virus 40 promoter. Mapping of the transcripts in transiently transfected COS-7 cells indicated that transcription was initiated in the late region of simian virus 40. Two E6-coded polypeptides were identified, representing translation products initiated at the first and second AUG codons. Images PMID:3039182

Observations of the California Countercurrent.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

m S. P. Tucker Approved for public release; distribut ion tin] imi ted. UnCLASS IFIED W S4(CWftIY CLASSIVICATIOkO r 7.1% PAGE "Wh., Owe Ent.,eai...Idtinity by block number) - -R6sults from moored current meters, 150-350 m , Uru describec~for ai region over the continental slope off Cape San Martin...from ,.ored current net e r 15) - 35q m , are z2-CUS.eJ tar a region over th1e continental _sioLp, .2 "a,, .San rrtin, Cali orn ra . .I nLlarv 1979 to

The temporal evolution of 3-m striations in the modified ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coster, A. J.; Djuth, F. T.; Jost, R. J.; Gordon, W. E.

1985-01-01

Experiments were performed at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to investigate the evolution times of 3-m field-aligned striations produced in the ionosphere by powerful high-frequency (HF) radio waves. The results of this investigation are now summarized. First, the striations' rise times are dependent on the HF electric field. The E region data suggest that this dependence is nonlinear. Second, the threshold value of the HF electric field required to produce detectable striations was experimentally determined. At threshold the component of the HF electric field perpendicular to the geomagnetic field is calculated to be 0.09 V/m in the F region and 0.37 V/m in the E region. Third, both the E and the F region data verify theoretical predictions that the striations' decay times are directly proportional to the electron diffusion across B. Finally, a one-to-one correspondence between the growth of the 3-m striations and the decline of the HF-enhanced plasma line during overshoot is sometimes observed.

Influence of the St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm on the mid-latitude E and F regions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnett Marques Brum, C.; Raizada, S.; Hajra, R.; Echer, E.

2016-12-01

We will discuss the impact of St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm that occurred between 17 -19 March 2015 on the E and F-region of the ionosphere. During the initial phase of this event the foF2 increases about 3 MHz in respect to the quiet period followed by a sharp decrease in foF2 values of about 10 MHz, reaching -6 MHz in the end of the main phase (Dst dropped to -225 nT on 17th March) as observed using Incoherent Scatter Radar and ionosonde located in Puerto Rico. However, during the rest of the disturbance, the F-region showed an increase in the electron concentration, in particular during the nighttime periods. Large fluctuations were observed in hmF2 with variations up to 150 km relative to quiet time period. This paper will also investigate the coupling between high and mid latitudes along with E and F region of the ionosphere over Arecibo.

Intelligence is associated with the modular structure of intrinsic brain networks.

PubMed

Hilger, Kirsten; Ekman, Matthias; Fiebach, Christian J; Basten, Ulrike

2017-11-22

General intelligence is a psychological construct that captures in a single metric the overall level of behavioural and cognitive performance in an individual. While previous research has attempted to localise intelligence in circumscribed brain regions, more recent work focuses on functional interactions between regions. However, even though brain networks are characterised by substantial modularity, it is unclear whether and how the brain's modular organisation is associated with general intelligence. Modelling subject-specific brain network graphs from functional MRI resting-state data (N = 309), we found that intelligence was not associated with global modularity features (e.g., number or size of modules) or the whole-brain proportions of different node types (e.g., connector hubs or provincial hubs). In contrast, we observed characteristic associations between intelligence and node-specific measures of within- and between-module connectivity, particularly in frontal and parietal brain regions that have previously been linked to intelligence. We propose that the connectivity profile of these regions may shape intelligence-relevant aspects of information processing. Our data demonstrate that not only region-specific differences in brain structure and function, but also the network-topological embedding of fronto-parietal as well as other cortical and subcortical brain regions is related to individual differences in higher cognitive abilities, i.e., intelligence.

Strike-Slip Faulting Processes on Ganymede: Global Morphological Mapping and Structural Interpretation of Grooved and Transitional Terrains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkhard, L. M.; Cameron, M. E.; Smith-Konter, B. R.; Seifert, F.; Pappalardo, R. T.; Collins, G. C.

2015-12-01

Ganymede's fractured surface reveals many large-scale, morphologically distinct regions of inferred distributed shear and strike-slip faulting that may be important to the structural development of its surface and in the transition from dark to light (grooved) materials. To better understand the role of strike-slip tectonism in shaping Ganymede's complex icy surface, we perform a detailed mapping of key examples of strike-slip morphologies (i.e., en echelon structures, strike-slip duplexes, laterally offset pre-existing features, and possible strained craters) from Galileo and Voyager images. We focus on complex structures associated with grooved terrain (e.g. Nun Sulcus, Dardanus Sulcus, Tiamat Sulcus, and Arbela Sulcus) and terrains transitional from dark to light terrain (e.g. the boundary between Nippur Sulcus and Marius Regio, including Byblus Sulcus and Philus Sulcus). Detailed structural interpretations suggest strong evidence of strike-slip faulting in some regions (i.e., Nun and Dardanus Sulcus); however, further investigation of additional strike-slip structures is required of less convincing regions (i.e., Byblus Sulcus). Where applicable, these results are synthesized into a global database representing an inferred sense of shear for many of Ganymede's fractures. Moreover, when combined with existing observations of extensional features, these results help to narrow down the range of possible principal stress directions that could have acted at the regional or global scale to produce grooved terrain on Ganymede.

Comparison of measured and modeled solar EUV flux and its effect on the E-F1 region ionosphere

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

Buonsanto, M.J.; Solomon, S.C.; Tobiska, W.K.

The response of the E-F1 region ionosphere to different solar EUV flux models is investigated theoretically using two different photochemical schemes, and the results are compared with incoherent scatter radar electron density measurements taken at Millstone Hill. The latest EUV flux model (Tobiska, 1991), which incorporates more recent measurements, has generally more flux at short wavelengths compared to the Hinteregger et al. (1981) flux model based on AE-E satellite data. This results in better agreement with the measurements in the E-F1 region and above. The Tobiska flux model, however, gives a smaller E{prime} region peak density, due to the influencemore » of low Lyman {beta} flux in the November 10, 1988, rocket measurements of Woods and Rottman (1990). The photochemical scheme of Buonsanto (1990) has been improved and now gives results similar to the more comprehensive scheme of (Solomon et al., 1988; Solomon and Abreu, 1989; S.C. Solomon and R.G. Roble, Simulation of the global thermospheric airglow, 1, Methodology, submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research, 1992), provided that the ratios of photoelectron impact ionization to photoionization (pe/pi) given by this latter model are included. The pe/pi ratios calculated by this model and by the models of Lilensten et al. (1989) and Richards and Torr (1988) differ significantly, and work is needed to resolve these differences.« less

Sequence variation and phylogenetic analysis of envelope glycoprotein of hepatitis G virus.

PubMed

Lim, M Y; Fry, K; Yun, A; Chong, S; Linnen, J; Fung, K; Kim, J P

1997-11-01

A transfusion-transmissible agent provisionally designated hepatitis G virus (HGV) was recently identified. In this study, we examined the variability of the HGV genome by analysing sequences in the putative envelope region from 72 isolates obtained from diverse geographical sources. The 1561 nucleotide sequence of the E1/E2/NS2a region of HGV was determined from 12 isolates, and compared with three published sequences. The most variability was observed in 400 nucleotides at the N terminus of E2. We next analysed this 400 nucleotide envelope variable region (EV) from an additional 60 HGV isolates. This sequence varied considerably among the 75 isolates, with overall identity ranging from 79.3% to 99.5% at the nucleotide level, and from 83.5% to 100% at the amino acid level. However, hypervariable regions were not identified. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the 75 HGV isolates belong to a single genotype. A single-tier distribution of evolutionary distances was observed among the 15 E1/E2/NS2a sequences and the 75 EV sequences. In contrast, 11 isolates of HCV were analysed and showed a three-tiered distribution, representing genotypes, subtypes, and isolates. The 75 isolates of HGV fell into four clusters on the phylogenetic tree. Tight geographical clustering was observed among the HGV isolates from Japan and Korea.

Dissociable Brain States Linked to Common and Creative Object Use

PubMed Central

Chrysikou, Evangelia G.; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L.

2013-01-01

Studies of conceptual processing have revealed that the prefrontal cortex is implicated in close-ended, deliberate memory retrieval, especially the left ventrolateral prefrontal regions. However, much of human thought—particularly that which is characterized as creative—requires more open-ended, spontaneous memory retrieval. To explore the neural systems that support conceptual processing under these two distinct circumstances, we obtained functional magnetic resonance images from 24 participants either while retrieving the common use of an everyday object (e.g., “blowing your nose,” in response to a picture of a tissue) or while generating a creative (i.e., uncommon but plausible) use for it (e.g., “protective padding in a package”). The patterns of activation during open- and closed-ended tasks were reliably different, with regard to the magnitude of anterior versus posterior activation. Specifically, the close-ended task (i.e., Common Use task) reliably activated regions of lateral prefrontal cortex, whereas the open-ended task (i.e., Uncommon Use task) reliably activated regions of occipito-temporal cortex. Furthermore, there was variability across subjects in the types of responses produced on the open-ended task that was associated with the magnitude of activation in the middle occipital gyrus on this task. The present experiment is the first to demonstrate a dynamic tradeoff between anterior frontal and posterior occipitotemporal regions brought about by the close- or open-ended task demands. PMID:20533561

Native Language Experience Shapes Neural Basis of Addressed and Assembled Phonologies

PubMed Central

Mei, Leilei; Xue, Gui; Lu, Zhong-Lin; He, Qinghua; Wei, Miao; Zhang, Mingxia; Dong, Qi; Chen, Chuansheng

2015-01-01

Previous studies have suggested differential engagement of addressed and assembled phonologies in reading Chinese and alphabetic languages (e.g., English) and the modulatory role of native language in learning to read a second language. However, it is not clear whether native language experience shapes the neural mechanisms of addressed and assembled phonologies. To address this question, we trained native Chinese and native English speakers to read the same artificial language (based on Korean Hangul) either through addressed (i.e., whole-word mapping) or assembled (i.e., grapheme-to-phoneme mapping) phonology. We found that, for both native Chinese and native English speakers, addressed phonology relied on the regions in the ventral pathway, whereas assembled phonology depended on the regions in the dorsal pathway. More importantly, we found that the neural mechanisms of addressed and assembled phonologies were shaped by native language experience. Specifically, two key regions for addressed phonology (i.e., the left middle temporal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus) showed greater activation for addressed phonology in native Chinese speakers, while one key region for assembled phonology (i.e., the left supramarginal gyrus) showed more activation for assembled phonology in native English speakers. These results provide direct neuroimaging evidence for the effect of native language experience on the neural mechanisms of phonological access in a new language and support the assimilation-accommodation hypothesis. PMID:25858447

RRE: a tool for the extraction of non-coding regions surrounding annotated genes from genomic datasets.

PubMed

Lazzarato, F; Franceschinis, G; Botta, M; Cordero, F; Calogero, R A

2004-11-01

RRE allows the extraction of non-coding regions surrounding a coding sequence [i.e. gene upstream region, 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), introns, 3'-UTR, downstream region] from annotated genomic datasets available at NCBI. RRE parser and web-based interface are accessible at http://www.bioinformatica.unito.it/bioinformatics/rre/rre.html

Modeling global Hammond landform regions from 250-m elevation data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Karagulle, Deniz; Frye, Charlie; Sayre, Roger; Breyer, Sean P.; Aniello, Peter; Vaughan, Randy; Wright, Dawn J.

2017-01-01

In 1964, E.H. Hammond proposed criteria for classifying and mapping physiographic regions of the United States. Hammond produced a map entitled “Classes of Land Surface Form in the Forty-Eight States, USA”, which is regarded as a pioneering and rigorous treatment of regional physiography. Several researchers automated Hammond?s model in GIS. However, these were local or regional in application, and resulted in inadequate characterization of tablelands. We used a global 250 m DEM to produce a new characterization of global Hammond landform regions. The improved algorithm we developed for the regional landform modeling: (1) incorporated a profile parameter for the delineation of tablelands; (2) accommodated negative elevation data values; (3) allowed neighborhood analysis window (NAW) size to vary between parameters; (4) more accurately bounded plains regions; and (5) mapped landform regions as opposed to discrete landform features. The new global Hammond landform regions product builds on an existing global Hammond landform features product developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, which, while globally comprehensive, did not include tablelands, used a fixed NAW size, and essentially classified pixels rather than regions. Our algorithm also permits the disaggregation of “mixed” Hammond types (e.g. plains with high mountains) into their component parts.

Quantifying biological integrity by taxonomic completeness: its utility in regional and global assessments.

PubMed

Hawkins, Charles P

2006-08-01

Water resources managers and conservation biologists need reliable, quantitative, and directly comparable methods for assessing the biological integrity of the world's aquatic ecosystems. Large-scale assessments are constrained by the lack of consistency in the indicators used to assess biological integrity and our current inability to translate between indicators. In theory, assessments based on estimates of taxonomic completeness, i.e., the proportion of expected taxa that were observed (observed/expected, O/E) are directly comparable to one another and should therefore allow regionally and globally consistent summaries of the biological integrity of freshwater ecosystems. However, we know little about the true comparability of O/E assessments derived from different data sets or how well O/E assessments perform relative to other indicators in use. I compared the performance (precision, bias, and sensitivity to stressors) of O/E assessments based on five different data sets with the performance of the indicators previously applied to these data (three multimetric indices, a biotic index, and a hybrid method used by the state of Maine). Analyses were based on data collected from U.S. stream ecosystems in North Carolina, the Mid-Atlantic Highlands, Maine, and Ohio. O/E assessments resulted in very similar estimates of mean regional conditions compared with most other indicators once these indicators' values were standardized relative to reference-site means. However, other indicators tended to be biased estimators of O/E, a consequence of differences in their response to natural environmental gradients and sensitivity to stressors. These results imply that, in some cases, it may be possible to compare assessments derived from different indicators by standardizing their values (a statistical approach to data harmonization). In situations where it is difficult to standardize or otherwise harmonize two or more indicators, O/E values can easily be derived from existing raw sample data. With some caveats, O/E should provide more directly comparable assessments of biological integrity across regions than is possible by harmonizing values of a mix of indicators.

Effect of specific amino acid substitutions in the putative fusion peptide of structural glycoprotein E2 on Classical Swine Fever Virus replication

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

Fernández-Sainz, I.J.; Largo, E.; Gladue, D.P.

E2, along with E{sup rns} and E1, is an envelope glycoprotein of Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). E2 is involved in several virus functions: cell attachment, host range susceptibility and virulence in natural hosts. Here we evaluate the role of a specific E2 region, {sup 818}CPIGWTGVIEC{sup 828}, containing a putative fusion peptide (FP) sequence. Reverse genetics utilizing a full-length infectious clone of the highly virulent CSFV strain Brescia (BICv) was used to evaluate how individual amino acid substitutions within this region of E2 may affect replication of BICv. A synthetic peptide representing the complete E2 FP amino acid sequence adoptedmore » a β-type extended conformation in membrane mimetics, penetrated into model membranes, and perturbed lipid bilayer integrity in vitro. Similar peptides harboring amino acid substitutions adopted comparable conformations but exhibited different membrane activities. Therefore, a preliminary characterization of the putative FP {sup 818}CPIGWTGVIEC{sup 828} indicates a membrane fusion activity and a critical role in virus replication. - Highlights: • A putative fusion peptide (FP) region in CSFV E2 protein was shown to be critical for virus growth. • Synthetic FPs were shown to efficiently penetrate into lipid membranes using an in vitro model. • Individual residues in the FP affecting virus replication were identified by reverse genetics. • The same FP residues are also responsible for mediating membrane fusion.« less

Localization of excitons by molecular layer formation in a polymer film

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

Chattopadhyay, S.; Datta, A.

2005-10-15

Spin coated films of atactic polystyrene of two different molecular weights have been studied with uv spectroscopy and x-ray reflectivity, the film thickness (d) varying from {approx}2R{sub g} to {approx}12R{sub g} where R{sub g} is the unperturbed radius of gyration of the polymer. uv extinction due to the pure electronic singlet {sup 1}A{sub 1g}{yields}{sup 1}E{sub 1u} is seen to increase with d{sup -1} for 4R{sub g}{<=}d{<=}12R{sub g} (region 1). This suggests excitonic interaction along d. The variation of total exciton energy (E) of the A{sub 1g}{yields}E{sub 1u} singlet with d in region 1 can be well explained by formation ofmore » linear J-aggregates of polystyrene molecules, in a lattice with spacing 'a' (in A) R{sub g}0 at d{approx_equal}4R{sub g}, where the exciton is still delocalized. Layering reduces the Hamaker constant (A{sub H}), deciding the cohesive force, between the layers and this reduction, {delta}A{sub H}, is found to be less than A{sub e} at d{>=}4R{sub g}, where iA{sub e}/({Dirac_h}/2{pi}) is the amplitude for exciton transfer between neighboring molecules in the excitonic lattice of region 1. On the other hand, {delta}A{sub H} in region 2 starts from a value larger than A{sub e}. This indicates that {delta}A{sub H} acts as a barrier between the layer, which localizes the exciton within the layers.« less

Prevalence of allergic sensitization in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006

PubMed Central

Salo, Päivi M.; Arbes, Samuel J.; Jaramillo, Renee; Calatroni, Agustin; Weir, Charles H.; Sever, Michelle L.; Hoppin, Jane A.; Rose, Kathryn M.; Liu, Andrew H.; Gergen, Peter J.; Mitchell, Herman E.; Zeldin, Darryl C.

2014-01-01

Background Allergic sensitization is an important risk factor for the development of atopic disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 provides the most comprehensive information on IgE-mediated sensitization in the general US population. Objective We investigated clustering, sociodemographic and regional patterns of allergic sensitization and examined risk factors associated with IgE-mediated sensitization. Methods Data for this cross-sectional analysis were obtained from NHANES 2005–2006. Participants aged ≥1 year (N=9440) were tested for sIgEs to inhalant and food allergens; participants ≥6 years were tested for 19 sIgEs, and children aged 1–5 years for 9 sIgEs. Serum samples were analyzed using the ImmunoCAP System. Information on demographics and participant characteristics was collected by questionnaire. Results Of the study population aged 6 and older, 44.6% had detectable sIgEs, while 36.2% of children aged 1–5 years were sensitized to ≥1 allergen. Allergen-specific IgEs clustered into 7 groups that might have largely reflected biological cross-reactivity. Although sensitization to individual allergens and allergen types showed regional variation, the overall prevalence of sensitization did not differ across census regions, except in early childhood. In multivariate modeling, young age, male gender, non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity, geographic location (census region), and reported pet avoidance measures were most consistently associated with IgE-mediated sensitization. Conclusions The overall prevalence of allergic sensitization does not vary across US census regions, except in early life, although allergen-specific sensitization differs by sociodemographic and regional factors. Biological cross-reactivity may be an important, but not a sole, contributor to the clustering of allergen-specific IgEs. Clinical implications IgE-mediated sensitization shows clustering patterns and differs by sociodemographic and regional factors, but the overall prevalence of sensitization may not vary across US census regions. PMID:24522093

Reconstructing Plate Motions on Europa with GPlates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cutler, B. B.; Collins, G. C.; Prockter, L. M.; Patterson, G.; Kattenhorn, S. A.; Rhoden, A.; Cooper, C. M.

2015-12-01

Observations of past plate tectonic - like motions in Europa's icy lithosphere have been reported in previous studies. Quantifying the nature, age, and amount of plate motion is important for geophysical models of Europa's ice shell and for astrobiology, since subsumed pates could drive the flow of nutrients into the subsurface ocean. We have used GPlates software (Williams et al., GSA Today 2012) and a mosaic of regional-resolution Galileo SSI data from orbits E11, E15, E17, and E19 to make interactive reconstructions of both the Northern Falga region (60N, 220W) and the Castalia Macula region (0N, 225W). The advantage of this method is that plate motions are calculated on a sphere, while still maintaining the original Galileo image pieces in their proper geographic locations. Previous work on the Castalia Macula region (Patterson et al. J.Struct.Geol. 2006) and the adjacent Phaidra Linea region (Patterson and Ernst, LPSC 2011) found offsets along spreading boundaries, and then calculated the best fit finite rotations to close those offsets. Though this method is mathematically rigorous and gives a statistical goodness of fit, it is not easy to test multiple hypotheses for candidate piercing points or divisions of candidate plate boundaries. Through the interactive environment, we found that we could better account for observed offsets in this region by breaking it into 32 different plates. Patterson and Ernst broke the Phaidra region into 6 plates which exhibited nonrigid behavior, where our study breaks it into 16 rigid plates. The Northern Falga Regio area is interesting due to the potential for large amounts of subsumption of Europa's icy crust in this location. The previous reconstruction (Kattenhorn and Prockter, Nat.Geosci. 2014) was based on planar geometry, and we have replicated these results using a spherically-based reconstruction. We will present the plate maps and reconstructions for both of these regions, along with the best fit rotation poles.

A novel RNase G mutant that is defective in degradation of adhE mRNA but proficient in the processing of 16S rRNA precursor.

PubMed

Wachi, M; Kaga, N; Umitsuki, G; Clark, D P; Nagai, K

2001-12-21

Escherichia coli RNase G, encoded by the rng gene, is involved in both the processing of 16S rRNA precursor and the degradation of adhE mRNA. Consequently, defects in RNase G result in elevation of AdhE levels. Furthermore, the adhR430 mutant strain, DC430, is reported to overproduce the AdhE protein in a manner dependent on the adhC81 mutation. We found that overproduction of AdhE by DC430 was reversed to wild-type levels by introduction of a plasmid carrying the wild-type allele of rng. Mapping by P1-phage-mediated transduction also indicated that a mutation involved in AdhE overproduction was located around the rng region in DC430. DNA sequencing of the rng region revealed that DC430 indeed had a mutation in the rng gene: a G1022 to A transition that caused substitution of Gly341 with Ser and which was named rng430. This lies in the highly conserved region of the RNase E/RNase G family, called high similarity region 2 (HSR2). However, very interestingly, rng430 mutant strains did not accumulate the 16.3S precursor of 16S rRNA unlike rng::cat mutants. We also found that the Rng1 mutant protein, which is truncated in its C-terminal domain encompassing HSR2, exhibited a residual processing activity against the 16S rRNA precursor, when overproduced. These results indicate that the HSR2 of RNase G plays an important role in substrate recognition and/or ribonucleolytic action.

Global view of the E region irregularity and convection velocities in the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsythe, Victoriya V.; Makarevich, Roman A.

2017-02-01

Occurrence of the E region plasma irregularities is investigated using two Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) South Pole (SPS) and Zhongshan (ZHO) radars that sample the same magnetic latitude deep within the high-latitude plasma convection pattern but from two opposite directions. It is shown that the SPS and ZHO velocity distributions and their variations with the magnetic local time are different, with each distribution being asymmetric; i.e., a particular velocity polarity is predominant. This asymmetry in the E region velocity distribution is associated with the bump-on-tail of the distribution near the nominal ion acoustic speed Cs that is most likely due to the Farley-Buneman instability (FBI) echoes or an inflection point of the distribution below nominal Cs that is most likely due to the gradient drift instability echoes. In contrast, the distribution of the convection velocity component was found to be symmetric, i.e., with no bump-on-tail or an inflection point, but with a bias (i.e., uniform shift) toward a particular polarity. It is demonstrated that the asymmetry in the convection pattern between the eastward and westward zonal components is unexpectedly strong, with the westward zonal component being predominant, especially at lower latitudes, while also exhibiting a strong interplanetary magnetic field By dependence. The observations are consistent with the notion that the asymmetry in the E region velocity distribution is highly sensitive to the bias in the convection component caused by the zonal convection component asymmetry and that the bump-on-tail or inflection point features may also depend on the irregularity height and the presence of strong density gradients modifying the FBI threshold value.

Sephardic signature in haplogroup T mitochondrial DNA

PubMed Central

Bedford, Felice L

2012-01-01

A rare combination of mutations within mitochondrial DNA subhaplogroup T2e is identified as affiliated with Sephardic Jews, a group that has received relatively little attention. Four investigations were pursued: Search of the motif in 250 000 control region records across 8 databases, comparison of frequencies of T subhaplogroups (T1, T2b, T2c, T2e, T4, T*) across 11 diverse populations, creation of a phylogenic median-joining network from public T2e control region entries, and analysis of one Sephardic mitochondrial full genomic sequence with the motif. It was found that the rare motif belonged only to Sephardic descendents (Turkey, Bulgaria), to inhabitants of North American regions known for secret Spanish–Jewish colonization, or were consistent with Sephardic ancestry. The incidence of subhaplogroup T2e decreased from the Western Arabian Peninsula to Italy to Spain and into Western Europe. The ratio of sister subhaplogroups T2e to T2b was found to vary 40-fold across populations from a low in the British Isles to a high in Saudi Arabia with the ratio in Sephardim more similar to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Italy than to hosts Spain and Portugal. Coding region mutations of 2308G and 14499T may locate the Sephardic signature within T2e, but additional samples and reworking of current T2e phylogenetic branch structure is needed. The Sephardic Turkish community has a less pronounced founder effect than some Ashkenazi groups considered singly (eg, Polish), but other comparisons of interest await comparable averaging. Registries of signatures will benefit the study of populations with a large number of smaller-size founders. PMID:22108605

Highlights from the Future Earth Water-Energy-Food (W-E-F) Nexus Cluster Project Consultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawford, R. G.

2017-12-01

Future Earth launched its W-E-F Nexus project in 2015. The focus of the project was to explore how improved governance and integrated information systems could support sustainability in the W-E-F Nexus. Workshops were held in four regions of the world (North America, Europe, Eastern Asia, and Southern Africa) which facilitated a better understanding of the current role of information in decision-making within the W-E-F Nexus. In each of these workshops, needs and options for improving the provision of relevant integrated data and information to support decision-making were discussed. The workshops provided distinct perspectives on W-E-F issues for each region and each sector. Regional differences arise from climate, geomorphology, natural resources and existing infrastructure as well as the economic and social policies within each country. While the needs associated with this diversity are large, it is still possible to identify unifying themes and requirements for data and information which appeared very similar in all the regions. Important themes involve developing a common rigorous definition of the Nexus, ensuring the availability of data of all types are available in the scales, frequencies, and accuracies needed to support better decision making; and promoting the gathering, analysis and use of information to break down the silos associated with the three sectors are made. Information is also needed to monitor the effects of land ownership and land management on W-E-F issues, to maximize the efficiencies that can be realized from joint planning and increased coherence in the sectoral policy approaches to address climate and environmental issues. After commenting on these opportunities the presentation will outline possible elements of a research agenda for moving the W-E-F Nexus approach forward.

The phosphotransferase system-dependent sucrose utilization regulon in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains is located in a variable chromosomal region containing iap sequences.

PubMed

Treviño-Quintanilla, Luis Gerardo; Escalante, Adelfo; Caro, Alma Delia; Martínez, Alfredo; González, Ricardo; Puente, José Luis; Bolívar, Francisco; Gosset, Guillermo

2007-01-01

The capacity to utilize sucrose as a carbon and energy source (Scr(+) phenotype) is a highly variable trait among Escherichia coli strains. In this study, seven enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains from different sources were studied for their capacity to grow using sucrose. Liquid media cultures showed that all analyzed strains have the Scr(+) phenotype and two distinct groups were defined: one of five and another of two strains displaying doubling times of 67 and 125 min, respectively. The genes conferring the Scr(+) phenotype in one of the fast-growing strains (T19) were cloned and sequenced. Comparative sequence analysis revealed that this strain possesses the scr regulon genes scrKYABR, encoding phosphoenolpyruvate:phosphotransferase system-dependent sucrose transport and utilization activities. Transcript level quantification revealed sucrose-dependent induction of scrK and scrR genes in fast-growing strains, whereas no transcripts were detected in slow-growing strains. Sequence comparison analysis revealed that the scr genes in strain T19 are almost identical to those present in the scr regulon of prototype EPEC E2348/69 and in both strains, the scr genes are inserted in the chromosomal intergenic region of hypothetical genes ygcE and ygcF. Comparison of the ygcE-ygcF intergenic region sequence of strains MG1655, enterohemorrhagic EDL933, uropathogenic ECFT073 and EPEC T19-E2348/69 revealed that the number of extragenic highly repeated iap sequences corresponded to nine, four, two and none, respectively. These results show that the iap sequence-containing chromosomal ygcE-ygcF intergenic region is highly variable in E. coli. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Assessing the Coverage of E-Health Services in Sub-Saharan Africa. A Systematic Review and Analysis.

PubMed

Adeloye, Davies; Adigun, Taiwo; Misra, Sanjay; Omoregbe, Nicholas

2017-05-18

E-Health has attracted growing interests globally. The relative lack of facilities, skills, funds and information on existing e-Health initiatives has affected progress on e-Health in Africa. To review publicly available literature on e-Health in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) towards providing information on existing and ongoing e-Health initiatives in the region. Searches of relevant literature were conducted on Medline, EMBASE and Global Health, with search dates set from 1990 to 2016. We included studies on e-Health initiatives (prototypes, designs, or completed projects) targeting population groups in sSA. Our search returned 2322 hits, with 26 studies retained. Included studies were conducted in 14 countries across the four sub-regions in sSA (Central, East, South and West) and spreading over a 12-year period, 2002-2014. Six types of e-Health interventions were reported, with 17 studies (65 %) based on telemedicine, followed by mHealth with 5 studies (19 %). Other e-Health types include expert system, electronic medical records, e-mails, and online health module. Specific medical specialties covered include dermatology (19 %), pathology (12 %) and radiology (8 %). Successes were 'widely reported' (representing 50 % overall acceptance or positive feedbacks in a study) in 10 studies (38 %). The prominent challenges reported were technical problems, poor internet and connectivity, participants' selection biases, contextual issues, and lack of funds. E-Health is evolving in sSA, but with poorly published evidence. While we call for more quality research in the region, it is also important that population-wide policies and on-going e-Health initiatives are contextually feasible, acceptable, and sustainable.

Measurement of the running of the fine structure constant below 1 GeV with the KLOE detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anastasi, A.; Babusci, D.; Bencivenni, G.; Berlowski, M.; Bloise, C.; Bossi, F.; Branchini, P.; Budano, A.; Caldeira Balkeståhl, L.; Cao, B.; Ceradini, F.; Ciambrone, P.; Curciarello, F.; Czerwiński, E.; D'Agostini, G.; Dané, E.; De Leo, V.; De Lucia, E.; De Santis, A.; De Simone, P.; Di Cicco, A.; Di Domenico, A.; Di Salvo, R.; Domenici, D.; D'Uffizi, A.; Fantini, A.; Felici, G.; Fiore, S.; Gajos, A.; Gauzzi, P.; Giardina, G.; Giovannella, S.; Graziani, E.; Happacher, F.; Heijkenskjöld, L.; Johansson, T.; Kamińska, D.; Krzemien, W.; Kupsc, A.; Loffredo, S.; Lukin, P. A.; Mandaglio, G.; Martini, M.; Mascolo, M.; Messi, R.; Miscetti, S.; Morello, G.; Moricciani, D.; Moskal, P.; Papenbrock, M.; Passeri, A.; Patera, V.; Perez del Rio, E.; Ranieri, A.; Santangelo, P.; Sarra, I.; Schioppa, M.; Selce, A.; Silarski, M.; Sirghi, F.; Tortora, L.; Venanzoni, G.; Wiślicki, W.; Wolke, M.; Jegerlehner, F.; KLOE-2 Collaboration

2017-04-01

We have measured the running of the effective QED coupling constant α (s) in the time-like region 0.6 <√{ s} < 0.975 GeV with the KLOE detector at DAΦNE using the Initial-State Radiation process e+e- →μ+μ- γ. It represents the first measurement of the running of α (s) in this energy region. Our results show a more than 5σ significance of the hadronic contribution to the running of α (s), which is the strongest direct evidence both in time- and space-like regions achieved in a single measurement. By using the e+e- →π+π- cross section measured by KLOE, the real and imaginary parts of the shift Δα (s) have been extracted. From a fit of the real part of Δα (s) and assuming the lepton universality the branching ratio BR (ω →μ+μ-) = (6.6 ±1.4stat ±1.7syst) ṡ10-5 has been determined.

A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of hepatitis E vaccination among pregnant women in epidemic regions.

PubMed

Zhao, Yueyuan; Zhang, Xuefeng; Zhu, Fengcai; Jin, Hui; Wang, Bei

2016-08-02

Objective To estimate the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis E vaccination among pregnant women in epidemic regions. Methods A decision tree model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 3 hepatitis E virus vaccination strategies from societal perspectives. The model parameters were estimated on the basis of published studies and experts' experience. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the uncertainties of the model. Results Vaccination was more economically effective on the basis of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER< 3 times China's per capital gross domestic product/quality-adjusted life years); moreover, screening and vaccination had higher QALYs and lower costs compared with universal vaccination. No parameters significantly impacted ICER in one-way sensitivity analysis, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis also showed screening and vaccination to be the dominant strategy. Conclusion Screening and vaccination is the most economical strategy for pregnant women in epidemic regions; however, further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of the hepatitis E vaccines.

Dual-mode E region plasma wave observations from Millstone Hill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Pozo, C. F.; Foster, J. C.; St.-Maurice, J.-P.

1993-04-01

Observations and analysis of the unstable auroral E region during local afternoon to early morning hours, and modified two-stream waves as well as two kinds of waves associated with the turbulence created by such waves are identified. One of these types exhibits properties similar to those of type II waves reported in the literature, whereas the second type has a broader spectrum, is detected in all directions, and appears to be new. The onset of turbulence corresponds to an electric field threshold of the order of 20 m/Vm. The presence of an azimuthal asymmetry in both the threshold field and the observed phase velocities with systematically greater values is detected; they are attributed to the presence of a 50-m/s E-W neutral wind at E region heights. The maximum observed volume reflectivity for type I wave ranges exceeded 10 exp -11, and that of the secondaries was of the order of 20 dB smaller.

E-health: determinants, opportunities, challenges and the way forward for countries in the WHO African Region.

PubMed

Kirigia, Joses M; Seddoh, Anthony; Gatwiri, Doris; Muthuri, Lenity H K; Seddoh, Janet

2005-12-20

The implementation of the 58th World Health Assembly resolution on e-health will pose a major challenge for the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region due to lack of information and communications technology (ICT) and mass Internet connectivity, compounded by a paucity of ICT-related knowledge and skills. The key objectives of this article are to: (i) explore the key determinants of personal computers (PCs), telephone mainline and cellular and Internet penetration/connectivity in the African Region; and (ii) to propose actions needed to create an enabling environment for e-health services growth and utilization in the Region. The effects of school enrolment, per capita income and governance variables on the number of PCs, telephone mainlines, cellular phone subscribers and Internet users were estimated using a double-log regression model and cross-sectional data on various Member States in the African Region. The analysis was based on 45 of the 46 countries that comprise the Region. The data were obtained from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) sources. There were a number of main findings: (i) the adult literacy and total number of Internet users had a statistically significant (at 5% level in a t-distribution test) positive effect on the number of PCs in a country; (ii) the combined school enrolment rate and per capita income had a statistically significant direct effect on the number of telephone mainlines and cellular telephone subscribers; (iii) the regulatory quality had statistically significant negative effect on the number of telephone mainlines; (iv) similarly, the combined school enrolment ratio and the number of telephone mainlines had a statistically significant positive relationship with Internet usage; and (v) there were major inequalities in ICT connectivity between upper-middle, lower-middle and low income countries in the Region. By focusing on the adoption of specific technologies we attempted to interpret correlates in terms of relationships instead of absolute "causals". In order to improve access to health care, especially for the majority of Africans living in remote rural areas, there is need to boost the availability and utilization of e-health services. Thus, universal access to e-health ought to be a vision for all countries in the African Region. Each country ought to develop a road map in a strategic e-health plan that will, over time, enable its citizens to realize that vision.

E-health: Determinants, opportunities, challenges and the way forward for countries in the WHO African Region

PubMed Central

Kirigia, Joses M; Seddoh, Anthony; Gatwiri, Doris; Muthuri, Lenity HK; Seddoh, Janet

2005-01-01

Background The implementation of the 58th World Health Assembly resolution on e-health will pose a major challenge for the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region due to lack of information and communications technology (ICT) and mass Internet connectivity, compounded by a paucity of ICT-related knowledge and skills. The key objectives of this article are to: (i) explore the key determinants of personal computers (PCs), telephone mainline and cellular and Internet penetration/connectivity in the African Region; and (ii) to propose actions needed to create an enabling environment for e-health services growth and utilization in the Region. Methods The effects of school enrolment, per capita income and governance variables on the number of PCs, telephone mainlines, cellular phone subscribers and Internet users were estimated using a double-log regression model and cross-sectional data on various Member States in the African Region. The analysis was based on 45 of the 46 countries that comprise the Region. The data were obtained from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) sources. Results There were a number of main findings: (i) the adult literacy and total number of Internet users had a statistically significant (at 5% level in a t-distribution test) positive effect on the number of PCs in a country; (ii) the combined school enrolment rate and per capita income had a statistically significant direct effect on the number of telephone mainlines and cellular telephone subscribers; (iii) the regulatory quality had statistically significant negative effect on the number of telephone mainlines; (iv) similarly, the combined school enrolment ratio and the number of telephone mainlines had a statistically significant positive relationship with Internet usage; and (v) there were major inequalities in ICT connectivity between upper-middle, lower-middle and low income countries in the Region. By focusing on the adoption of specific technologies we attempted to interpret correlates in terms of relationships instead of absolute "causals". Conclusion In order to improve access to health care, especially for the majority of Africans living in remote rural areas, there is need to boost the availability and utilization of e-health services. Thus, universal access to e-health ought to be a vision for all countries in the African Region. Each country ought to develop a road map in a strategic e-health plan that will, over time, enable its citizens to realize that vision. PMID:16364186

Virtual Special Issue Preface: Forest Response to Environmental Stress: Impacts and Adaptation

Treesearch

Steven McNulty; Enzai Du; Elena Paoletti

2017-01-01

The current distribution of forest typeswas largely established at the beginning of the Holocene epoch (approximately 12,000 BCE), but forests are constantly in flux. Many regional scale stresses (e.g., drought, heat, fire, and insect) and even a few multi-regional or global stresses (e.g., 8200 BCE cooling, or the medievalwarming period) have occurred over the past 12...

The Technological Impact of the E-Rate Program on a School District of the Texas Coastal Bend Region

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vazquez-Cruz, Juan Diego

2012-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of the E-Rate program on students, teachers, administrators, and the technology environment of a public school district in the Texas Gulf Coast Region. The study was conducted through a mixed methods design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection; the research design was a…

Quantitative fluorescence loss in photobleaching for analysis of protein transport and aggregation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) is a widely used imaging technique, which provides information about protein dynamics in various cellular regions. In FLIP, a small cellular region is repeatedly illuminated by an intense laser pulse, while images are taken with reduced laser power with a time lag between the bleaches. Despite its popularity, tools are lacking for quantitative analysis of FLIP experiments. Typically, the user defines regions of interest (ROIs) for further analysis which is subjective and does not allow for comparing different cells and experimental settings. Results We present two complementary methods to detect and quantify protein transport and aggregation in living cells from FLIP image series. In the first approach, a stretched exponential (StrExp) function is fitted to fluorescence loss (FL) inside and outside the bleached region. We show by reaction–diffusion simulations, that the StrExp function can describe both, binding/barrier–limited and diffusion-limited FL kinetics. By pixel-wise regression of that function to FL kinetics of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), we determined in a user-unbiased manner from which cellular regions eGFP can be replenished in the bleached area. Spatial variation in the parameters calculated from the StrExp function allow for detecting diffusion barriers for eGFP in the nucleus and cytoplasm of living cells. Polyglutamine (polyQ) disease proteins like mutant huntingtin (mtHtt) can form large aggregates called inclusion bodies (IB’s). The second method combines single particle tracking with multi-compartment modelling of FL kinetics in moving IB’s to determine exchange rates of eGFP-tagged mtHtt protein (eGFP-mtHtt) between aggregates and the cytoplasm. This method is self-calibrating since it relates the FL inside and outside the bleached regions. It makes it therefore possible to compare release kinetics of eGFP-mtHtt between different cells and experiments. Conclusions We present two complementary methods for quantitative analysis of FLIP experiments in living cells. They provide spatial maps of exchange dynamics and absolute binding parameters of fluorescent molecules to moving intracellular entities, respectively. Our methods should be of great value for quantitative studies of intracellular transport. PMID:23148417

Endothelial glycocalyx, apoptosis and inflammation in an atherosclerotic mouse model.

PubMed

Cancel, Limary M; Ebong, Eno E; Mensah, Solomon; Hirschberg, Carly; Tarbell, John M

2016-09-01

Previous experiments suggest that both increased endothelial cell apoptosis and endothelial surface glycocalyx shedding could play a role in the endothelial dysfunction and inflammation of athero-prone regions of the vasculature. We sought to elucidate the possibly synergistic mechanisms by which endothelial cell apoptosis and glycocalyx shedding promote atherogenesis. 4- to 6-week old male C57Bl/6 apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice were fed a Western diet for 10 weeks and developed plaques in their brachiocephalic arteries. Glycocalyx coverage and thickness were significantly reduced over the plaque region compared to the non-plaque region (coverage plaque: 71 ± 23%, non-plaque: 97 ± 3%, p = 0.02; thickness plaque: 0.85 ± 0.15 μm, non-plaque: 1.2 ± 0.21 μm, p = 0.006). Values in the non-plaque region were not different from those found in wild type mice fed a normal diet (coverage WT: 92 ± 3%, p = 0.7 vs. non-plaque ApoE(-/-), thickness WT: 1.1 ± 0.06 μm, p = 0.2 vs. non-plaque ApoE(-/-)). Endothelial cell apoptosis was significantly increased in ApoE(-/-) mice compared to wild type mice (ApoE(-/-):64.3 ± 33.0, WT: 1.1 ± 0.5 TUNEL-pos/cm, p = 2 × 10(-7)). The number of apoptotic endothelial cells per unit length was 2 times higher in the plaque region than in the non-plaque region of the same vessel (p = 3 × 10(-5)). Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 co-localized with glycocalyx shedding and plaque buildup. Our results suggest that, in concert with endothelial apoptosis that increases lipid permeability, glycocalyx shedding initiated by inflammation facilitates monocyte adhesion and macrophage infiltration that promote lipid retention and the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The rpoE operon regulates heat stress response in Burkholderia pseudomallei.

PubMed

Vanaporn, Muthita; Vattanaviboon, Paiboon; Thongboonkerd, Visith; Korbsrisate, Sunee

2008-07-01

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of melioidosis, one of the important lethal diseases in tropical regions. In this article, we demonstrate the crucial role of the B. pseudomallei rpoE locus in the response to heat stress. The rpoE operon knockout mutant exhibited growth retardation and reduced survival when exposed to a high temperature. Expression analysis using rpoH promoter-lacZ fusion revealed that heat stress induction of rpoH, which encodes heat shock sigma factor (sigma(H)), was abolished in the B. pseudomallei rpoE mutant. Analysis of the rpoH promoter region revealed sequences sharing high homology to the consensus sequence of sigma(E)-dependent promoters. Moreover, the putative heat-induced sigma(H)-regulated heat shock proteins (i.e. GroEL and HtpG) were also absent in the rpoE operon mutant. Altogether, our data suggest that the rpoE operon regulates B. pseudomallei heat stress response through the function of rpoH.

The Recombinant Sea Urchin Immune Effector Protein, rSpTransformer-E1, Binds to Phosphatidic Acid and Deforms Membranes

PubMed Central

Lun, Cheng Man; Samuel, Robin L.; Gillmor, Susan D.; Boyd, Anthony; Smith, L. Courtney

2017-01-01

The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, possesses a sophisticated innate immune system that functions without adaptive capabilities and responds to pathogens effectively by expressing the highly diverse SpTransformer gene family (formerly the Sp185/333 gene family). The swift gene expression response and the sequence diversity of SpTransformer cDNAs suggest that the encoded proteins have immune functions. Individual sea urchins can express up to 260 distinct SpTransformer proteins, and their diversity suggests that different versions may have different functions. Although the deduced proteins are diverse, they share an overall structure of a hydrophobic leader, a glycine-rich N-terminal region, a histidine-rich region, and a C-terminal region. Circular dichroism analysis of a recombinant SpTransformer protein, rSpTransformer-E1 (rSpTrf-E1) demonstrates that it is intrinsically disordered and transforms to α helical in the presence of buffer additives and binding targets. Although native SpTrf proteins are associated with the membranes of perinuclear vesicles in the phagocyte class of coelomocytes and are present on the surface of small phagocytes, they have no predicted transmembrane region or conserved site for glycophosphatidylinositol linkage. To determine whether native SpTrf proteins associate with phagocyte membranes through interactions with lipids, when rSpTrf-E1 is incubated with lipid-embedded nylon strips, it binds to phosphatidic acid (PA) through both the glycine-rich region and the histidine-rich region. Synthetic liposomes composed of PA and phosphatidylcholine show binding between rSpTrf-E1 and PA by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, which is associated with leakage of luminal contents suggesting changes in lipid organization and perhaps liposome lysis. Interactions with liposomes also change membrane curvature leading to liposome budding, fusion, and invagination, which is associated with PA clustering induced by rSpTrf-E1 binding. Longer incubations result in the extraction of PA from the liposomes, which form disorganized clusters. CD shows that when rSpTrf-E1 binds to PA, it changes its secondary structure from disordered to α helical. These results provide evidence for how SpTransformer proteins may associate with molecules that have exposed phosphates including PA on cell membranes and how the characteristic of protein multimerization may drive changes in the organization of membrane lipids. PMID:28553283

A Role for the Left Angular Gyrus in Episodic Simulation and Memory.

PubMed

Thakral, Preston P; Madore, Kevin P; Schacter, Daniel L

2017-08-23

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies indicate that episodic simulation (i.e., imagining specific future experiences) and episodic memory (i.e., remembering specific past experiences) are associated with enhanced activity in a common set of neural regions referred to as the core network. This network comprises the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and left angular gyrus, among other regions. Because fMRI data are correlational, it is unknown whether activity increases in core network regions are critical for episodic simulation and episodic memory. In the current study, we used MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess whether temporary disruption of the left angular gyrus would impair both episodic simulation and memory (16 participants, 10 females). Relative to TMS to a control site (vertex), disruption of the left angular gyrus significantly reduced the number of internal (i.e., episodic) details produced during the simulation and memory tasks, with a concomitant increase in external detail production (i.e., semantic, repetitive, or off-topic information), reflected by a significant detail by TMS site interaction. Difficulty in the simulation and memory tasks also increased after TMS to the left angular gyrus relative to the vertex. In contrast, performance in a nonepisodic control task did not differ statistically as a function of TMS site (i.e., number of free associates produced or difficulty in performing the free associate task). Together, these results are the first to demonstrate that the left angular gyrus is critical for both episodic simulation and episodic memory. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Humans have the ability to imagine future episodes (i.e., episodic simulation) and remember episodes from the past (i.e., episodic memory). A wealth of neuroimaging studies have revealed that these abilities are associated with enhanced activity in a core network of neural regions, including the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and left angular gyrus. However, neuroimaging data are correlational and do not tell us whether core regions support critical processes for simulation and memory. In the current study, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation and demonstrated that temporary disruption of the left angular gyrus leads to impairments in simulation and memory. The present study provides the first causal evidence to indicate that this region is critical for these fundamental abilities. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/378142-08$15.00/0.

A Role for the Left Angular Gyrus in Episodic Simulation and Memory

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies indicate that episodic simulation (i.e., imagining specific future experiences) and episodic memory (i.e., remembering specific past experiences) are associated with enhanced activity in a common set of neural regions referred to as the core network. This network comprises the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and left angular gyrus, among other regions. Because fMRI data are correlational, it is unknown whether activity increases in core network regions are critical for episodic simulation and episodic memory. In the current study, we used MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess whether temporary disruption of the left angular gyrus would impair both episodic simulation and memory (16 participants, 10 females). Relative to TMS to a control site (vertex), disruption of the left angular gyrus significantly reduced the number of internal (i.e., episodic) details produced during the simulation and memory tasks, with a concomitant increase in external detail production (i.e., semantic, repetitive, or off-topic information), reflected by a significant detail by TMS site interaction. Difficulty in the simulation and memory tasks also increased after TMS to the left angular gyrus relative to the vertex. In contrast, performance in a nonepisodic control task did not differ statistically as a function of TMS site (i.e., number of free associates produced or difficulty in performing the free associate task). Together, these results are the first to demonstrate that the left angular gyrus is critical for both episodic simulation and episodic memory. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Humans have the ability to imagine future episodes (i.e., episodic simulation) and remember episodes from the past (i.e., episodic memory). A wealth of neuroimaging studies have revealed that these abilities are associated with enhanced activity in a core network of neural regions, including the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and left angular gyrus. However, neuroimaging data are correlational and do not tell us whether core regions support critical processes for simulation and memory. In the current study, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation and demonstrated that temporary disruption of the left angular gyrus leads to impairments in simulation and memory. The present study provides the first causal evidence to indicate that this region is critical for these fundamental abilities. PMID:28733357

Spatial taxation effects on regional coal economic activities

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

Yang, C.W.; Labys, W.C.

1980-01-01

Spatial taxation effects related to economic activities at the regional level can be directly evaluated using the Kuhn-Tucker system of equations based on a commodity model. In particular, the impacts of a specific tax are predictable within a given set of trade patterns. However, the impacts of an ad valorem tax are difficult to evaluate analytically, mainly because of nonlinearity in the associated response surface. The aspect of spatial-taxation analysis of present relevance for the coal industry related to coal policy, i.e., the share of tax burdens coal producers and consumers are able to bear. Each supplier in a givenmore » market boundary shares the same amount of tax burden, which may eliminate the weakest coal producers, i.e., Southern West Virginia coal mines. The same analogy also applies to the weakest demand region, i.e., Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota utilities. Consequently, a proper policy requires that some preferential tax treatment be given to these regions. Since the taxation effects depend critically on the trade patterns and market boundaries, the successful policy application of present regional energy models will not be possible unless effects of this type are included in the evaluation.« less

On the anisotropy of E 0 ⩾ 5.5× 1019 eV cosmic rays according to data of the Pierre Auger Collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glushkov, A. V.

2012-02-01

The Pierre Auger Collaboration discovered, in a solid angle of radius about 18°, a local group of cosmic rays having energies in the region E 0 ≥ 5.5 × 1019 eV and coming from the region of the Gen A radio galaxy, whose galactic coordinates are l G = 309.5° and b G = 19.4°. Near it, there is the Centaur supercluster of galaxies, its galactic coordinates being l G = 302.4° and b G = 21.6°. It is noteworthy that the Great Attractor, which may have a direct bearing on the observed picture, is also there.

Models of reforestation productivity and carbon sequestration for land use and climate change adaptation planning in South Australia.

PubMed

Hobbs, Trevor J; Neumann, Craig R; Meyer, Wayne S; Moon, Travis; Bryan, Brett A

2016-10-01

Environmental management and regional land use planning has become more complex in recent years as growing world population, climate change, carbon markets and government policies for sustainability have emerged. Reforestation and agroforestry options for environmental benefits, carbon sequestration, economic development and biodiversity conservation are now important considerations of land use planners. New information has been collected and regionally-calibrated models have been developed to facilitate better regional land use planning decisions and counter the limitations of currently available models of reforestation productivity and carbon sequestration. Surveys of above-ground biomass of 264 reforestation sites (132 woodlots, 132 environmental plantings) within the agricultural regions of South Australia were conducted, and combined with spatial information on climate and soils, to develop new spatial and temporal models of plant density and above-ground biomass productivity from reforestation. The models can be used to estimate productivity and total carbon sequestration (i.e. above-ground + below-ground biomass) under a continuous range of planting designs (e.g. variable proportions of trees and shrubs or plant densities), timeframes and future climate scenarios. Representative spatial models (1 ha resolution) for 3 reforestation designs (i.e. woodlots, typical environmental planting, biodiverse environmental plantings) × 3 timeframes (i.e. 25, 45, 65 years) × 4 possible climates (i.e. no change, mild, moderate, severe warming and drying) were generated (i.e. 36 scenarios) for use within land use planning tools. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

X-Ray Emission from the Nuclear Region of Arp 220

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paggi, Alessandro; Fabbiano, Giuseppina; Risaliti, Guido; Wang, Junfeng; Karovska, Margarita; Elvis, Martin; Maksym, W. Peter; McDowell, Jonathan; Gallagher, Jay

2017-05-01

We present an imaging and spectral analysis of the nuclear region of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy merger of Arp 220, using deep Chandra-ACIS observations summing up to ˜ 300 {{ks}}. Narrowband imaging with subpixel resolution of the innermost nuclear region reveals two distinct Fe-K emitting sources, coincident with the infrared and radio nuclear clusters. These sources are separated by 1‧ (˜380 pc). The X-ray emission is extended and elongated in the eastern (E) nucleus, like the disk emission observed in millimeter radio images, suggesting a starburst dominance in this region. We estimate an Fe-K equivalent width of ≳ 1 {keV} for both sources and observe 2-10 keV luminosities of ˜ 2× {10}40 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (western, W) and ˜ 3× {10}40 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (E). In the 6-7 keV band the emission from these regions is dominated by the 6.7 keV Fe xxv line, suggesting a contribution from collisionally ionized gas. The thermal energy content of this gas is consistent with the kinetic energy injection in the interstellar medium by SNe II. However, nuclear winds from a hidden active galactic nucleus (AGN) (\\upsilon ˜ 2000 {{km}} {{{s}}}-1) cannot be excluded. The 3σ upper limits on the neutral Fe-Kα flux of the nuclear regions correspond to the intrinsic AGN 2-10 keV luminosities of < 1× {10}42 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (W) and < 0.4× {10}42 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (E). For typical AGN spectral energy distributions the bolometric luminosities are < 3× {10}43 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (W) and < 8× {10}43 {{erg}} {{{s}}}-1 (E), and black hole masses of < 1× {10}5 {M}⊙ (W) and < 5× {10}5 {M}⊙ (E) are evaluated for Eddington limited AGNs with a standard 10% efficiency.

First molecular identification of Echinococcus vogeli and Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto) G1 revealed in feces of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) from Acre, Brazil.

PubMed

das Neves, Leandro Batista; Teixeira, Paulo Eduardo Ferlini; Silva, Sidnei; de Oliveira, Fernanda Bittencourt; Garcia, Daniel Daipert; de Almeida, Fernanda Barbosa; Rodrigues-Silva, Rosângela; Machado-Silva, José Roberto

2017-01-14

Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) (s.l.) and Echinococcus vogeli are causative agents of chronic zoonotic diseases such as cystic and polycystic echinococcosis, respectively. In Brazil, polycystic echinococcosis has a restricted geographical distribution in the North Region, while cystic echinococcosis is observed in the South Region. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) fed with raw viscera represent a risk factor for E. granulosus (s.l.) infection in the South Region. Although this practice is frequent, it remains unclear whether domestic dogs are infected with E. vogeli in the state of Acre, located in the Amazon basin in the North Region of Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate this gap in the polycystic echinococcosis epidemiology. Sixty-five fecal samples were collected from the ground in five municipalities (Sena Madureira, n = 14; Rio Branco, n = 06; Bujari, n = 06; Xapuri, n = 30; and Epitaciolândia, n = 09) located in the state of Acre, northern Brazil. The samples were screened for parasites by copro-PCR using the cox1 gene associated with automated sequencing. Echinococcus vogeli was molecularly confirmed in a sample from Sena Madureira and E. granulosus (sensu stricto) (s.s.) (G1) in a sample from Rio Branco. These findings indicate that molecular assays are useful in typing Echinococcus taxa from fecal samples of dogs in northern Brazil. The present study is the first molecular record of E. vogeli in domestic dogs found in the state of Acre, reinforcing their role as a source of infection for humans. Because E. granulosus (s.s.) (G1) was detected for the first time in the North Region, from the epidemiological standpoint this finding is highly relevant, because it expands the known geographical distribution, which was previously restricted to the South Region of Brazil.

Characterization of a prototype strain of hepatitis E virus.

PubMed

Tsarev, S A; Emerson, S U; Reyes, G R; Tsareva, T S; Legters, L J; Malik, I A; Iqbal, M; Purcell, R H

1992-01-15

A strain of hepatitis E virus (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, was characterized extensively. Six cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were infected with a strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the pattern of virus shedding in feces, bile, and serum relative to hepatitis and induction of specific antibodies. Virtually the entire genome of SAR-55 (7195 nucleotides) was sequenced. Comparison of the sequence of SAR-55 with that of a Burmese strain revealed a high level of homology except for one region encoding 100 amino acids of a putative nonstructural polyprotein. Identification of this region as hypervariable was obtained by partial sequencing of a third isolate of hepatitis E virus from Kirgizia.

Dielectron azimuthal anisotropy at mid-rapidity in Au + Au collisions at s N N = 200 GeV

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

Adamczyk, L.; Adkins, J. K.; Agakishiev, G.

We report on the first measurement of the azimuthal anisotropy (v2) of dielectrons (e+e- pairs) at mid-rapidity from √sNN=200 GeV Au + Au collisions with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), presented as a function of transverse momentum (pT) for different invariant-mass regions. In the mass region Mee<1.1 GeV/c2 the dielectron v2 measurements are found to be consistent with expectations from π0,η,ω, and Φ decay contributions. In the mass region 1.1

Wave particle interactions in Jupiter's magnetosphere: Implications for auroral and magnetospheric particle distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saur, Joachim; Schreiner, Anne; Barry, Mauk; Clark, George; Kollman, Peter

2017-04-01

We investigate the occurrence and the role of wave particle interaction processes, i.e., Landau and cyclotron damping, in Jupiter's magnetosphere. Therefore we calculate kinetic length and temporal scales, which we cross-compare at various regions within Jupiter's magnetosphere. Based on these scales, we investigate the roles of possible wave particle mechanisms in each region, e.g., Jupiter's plasma sheet, the auroral acceleration region and the polar ionosphere. We thereby consider that the magnetospheric regions are coupled through convective transport, Alfven and other wave modes. We particularly focus on the role of kinetic Alfven waves in contributing to Jupiter's aurora. Our results will aid the interpretation of particle distribution functions measured by the JEDI instrument onboard the JUNO spacecraft.

Nanostructures, systems, and methods for photocatalysis

DOEpatents

Reece, Steven Y.; Jarvi, Thomas D.

2015-12-08

The present invention generally relates to nanostructures and compositions comprising nanostructures, methods of making and using the nanostructures, and related systems. In some embodiments, a nanostructure comprises a first region and a second region, wherein a first photocatalytic reaction (e.g., an oxidation reaction) can be carried out at the first region and a second photocatalytic reaction (e.g., a reduction reaction) can be carried out at the second region. In some cases, the first photocatalytic reaction is the formation of oxygen gas from water and the second photocatalytic reaction is the formation of hydrogen gas from water. In some embodiments, a nanostructure comprises at least one semiconductor material, and, in some cases, at least one catalytic material and/or at least one photosensitizing agent.

Photo electron emission microscopy of polarity-patterned materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, W.-C.; Rodriguez, B. J.; Gruverman, A.; Nemanich, R. J.

2005-04-01

This study presents variable photon energy photo electron emission microscopy (PEEM) of polarity-patterned epitaxial GaN films, and ferroelectric LiNbO3 (LNO) single crystals and PbZrTiO3 (PZT) thin films. The photo electrons were excited with spontaneous emission from the tunable UV free electron laser (FEL) at Duke University. We report PEEM observation of polarity contrast and measurement of the photothreshold of each polar region of the materials. For a cleaned GaN film with laterally patterned Ga- and N-face polarities, we found a higher photoelectric yield from the N-face regions compared with the Ga-face regions. Through the photon energy dependent contrast in the PEEM images of the surfaces, we can deduce that the threshold of the N-face region is less than ~4.9 eV while that of the Ga-face regions is greater than 6.3 eV. In both LNO and PZT, bright emission was detected from the negatively poled domains, indicating that the emission threshold of the negative domain is lower than that of the positive domain. For LNO, the measured photothreshold was ~4.6 eV at the negative domain and ~6.2 eV at the positive domain, while for PZT, the threshold of the negative domain was less than 4.3 eV. Moreover, PEEM observation of the PZT surface at elevated temperatures displayed that the domain contrast disappeared near the Curie temperature of ~300 °C. The PEEM polarity contrast of the polar materials is discussed in terms of internal screening from free carriers and defects and the external screening due to adsorbed ions.

High resolution infrared spectroscopy of [1.1.1]propellane: The region of the ν 9 band

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

Maki, Arthur; Weber, Alfons; Nibler, Joseph W.

2010-11-01

The region of the infrared-active band of the ν 9 CH2 bending mode [1.1.1]propellane has been recorded at a resolution (0.0025 cm -1) sufficient to distinguish individual rovibrational lines. This region includes the partially overlapping bands ν 9 (e') = 1459 cm -1, 2ν 18 (l = 2, E') = 1430 cm -1, ν 6 + ν 12 (E') = 1489 cm-1, and ν 4 + ν 15 (A 2") = 1518 cm -1. In addition, the difference band ν 4 - ν 15 (A2") was observed in the far infrared near 295 cm -1 and analyzed to give goodmore » constants for the upper ν 4 levels. The close proximities of the four bands in the ν 9 region suggest that Coriolis and Fermi resonance couplings could be significant and theoretical band parameters obtained from Gaussian ab initio calculations were helpful in guiding the band analyses. The analyses of all four bands were accomplished, based on our earlier report of ground state constants determined from combination differences involving more than 4000 pairs of transitions from five fundamental and four combination bands. This paper presents the analyses and the determination of the upper state constants of all four bands in the region of the ν 9 band. Complications were most evident in the 2ν 18 (l = 2, E') band, which showed significant perturbations due to mixing with the nearby 2ν 18 (l = 0, A 1') and ν 4 + ν 12 (E') levels which are either infrared inactive as transitions from the ground state, or, in the latter case, too weak to observe. Finally, these complications are discussed and a comparison of all molecular constants with those available from the ab initio calculations at the anharmonic level is presented.« less

Low-Latitude Ionospheric Density Irregularities and Associated Scintillations Investigated by Combining COSMIC RO and Ground-Based Global Positioning System Observations Over a Solar Active Period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhe; Liu, Zhizhao

2018-05-01

This study for the first time presents a locally integrated analysis of occurrences of ionospheric E and F region irregularities/scintillations in southeast China, by employing radio occultation (RO) profile data retrieved from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites and observations from a ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System receiver over a solar active period from 2014 to 2015. Their occurrences in both nighttime and daytime were examined by using both amplitude scintillation index (S4) and the rate of change of total electron content index. It is found that (1) F region irregularities occurred predominantly during 20-03 local time (LT) and exhibited maximum (minimum) during equinoxes (solstices) and equinoctial (solstice) asymmetry. Their geographic mapping reveals the maximum occurrence in the westward tilted structure of equatorial plasma bubbles. In addition, the altitude-time variations indicate that their occurrences at higher altitudes were prevailing at 20-22 LT. (2) The E region irregularities were found prominently during 15-00 LT at altitudes of 90-110 km with an even geographic distribution. Their occurrences with maximum in summer (May-August) were distinctly detected by RO observations but insignificantly by ground-based observations. (3) By examining simultaneous observations of E and F region irregularities, it is found that they appeared absent during 21-00 LT and predominant after midnight. This could be related to the weakening/disruption of sporadic E (Es) layers during the development of equatorial plasma bubbles. A sign of coupling of E and F regions during nighttime is likely revealed from RO profile data.

Characterizing commercial oil palm expansion in Latin America: land use change and trade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumo, Paul Richard; Aide, T. Mitchell

2017-02-01

Commodity crop expansion has increased with the globalization of production systems and consumer demand, linking distant socio-ecological systems. Oil palm plantations are expanding in the tropics to satisfy growing oilseed and biofuel markets, and much of this expansion has caused extensive deforestation, especially in Asia. In Latin America, palm oil output has doubled since 2001, and the majority of expansion seems to be occurring on non-forested lands. We used MODIS satellite imagery (250 m resolution) to map current oil palm plantations in Latin America and determined prior land use and land cover (LULC) using high-resolution images in Google Earth. In addition, we compiled trade data to determine where Latin American palm oil flows, in order to better understand the underlying drivers of expansion in the region. Based on a sample of 342 032 ha of oil palm plantations across Latin America, we found that 79% replaced previously intervened lands (e.g. pastures, croplands, bananas), primarily cattle pastures (56%). The remaining 21% came from areas that were classified as woody vegetation (e.g. forests), most notably in the Amazon and the Petén region in northern Guatemala. Latin America is a net exporter of palm oil but the majority of palm oil exports (70%) stayed within the region, with Mexico importing about half. Growth of the oil palm sector may be driven by global factors, but environmental and economic outcomes vary between regions (i.e. Asia and Latin America), within regions (i.e. Colombia and Peru), and within single countries (i.e. Guatemala), suggesting that local conditions are influential. The present trend of oil palm expanding onto previously cleared lands, guided by roundtable certifications programs, provides an opportunity for more sustainable development of the oil palm sector in Latin America.

Exploring the Links in Monthly to Decadal Variability of the Atmospheric Water Balance Over the Wettest Regions in ERA-20C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nogueira, M.

2017-10-01

Monthly-to-decadal variability of the regional precipitation over Intertropical Convergence Zone and north-Atlantic and north-Pacific storm tracks was investigated using ERA-20C reanalysis. Satellite-based precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) climatological patterns were well reproduced by ERA-20C. Regional P and E monthly time series displayed 20% differences, but these decreased rapidly with time scale ( 10% at yearly time scales). Spectral analysis showed good scale-by-scale statistical agreement between ERA-20C and observations. Using ERA-Interim showed no improvement despite the much wider range of information assimilated (including satellites). Remarkably high Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis coefficients (ρDCCA > 0.7 and often ρDCCA > 0.9) revealed tight links between the nonperiodic variability of P, moisture divergence (DIV), and pressure velocity (ω) at monthly-to-decadal time scales over all the wet regions. In contrast, ρDCCA was essentially nonsignificant between nonperiodic P and E or sea surface temperature (SST). Thus, the nonperiodic monthly-to-decadal variability of precipitation in these regions is almost fully controlled by dynamics and not by local E or SST (suggested by Clausius-Clapeyron relation). Analysis of regional nonperiodic standard deviations and power spectra (and respective spectral exponents, β) provided further robustness to this conclusion. Finally, clear transitions in β for P, DIV, and ω between tropical and storm track regions were found. The latter is dominated by transient storms, with energy accumulation at synoptic scales and β < 0.1 at monthly-to-decadal time scales, implying that variability and information creation decrease rapidly with time scale. Larger β values (0.2 to 0.4) were found in the tropics, implying longer-range autocorrelations and slower decreasing variability and information creation with time scale, consistent with the important forcing from internal modes of variability (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation).

Optical and near-infrared survey of the stellar contents associated with the star-forming complex Sh2-252

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, Jessy; Pandey, A. K.; Ogura, K.; Samal, M. R.; Ojha, D. K.; Bhatt, B. C.; Chauhan, N.; Eswaraiah, C.; Mito, H.; Kobayashi, N.; Yadav, R. K.

2012-08-01

We present the analyses of the stellar contents associated with the extended H II region Sh2-252 using deep optical UBVRI photometry, slit and slitless spectroscopy along with the near-infrared (NIR) data from Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) for an area ˜ 1 × 1 deg2. We have studied the sub-regions of Sh2-252, which includes four compact-H II (CH II ) regions, namely A, B, C and E, and two clusters, NGC 2175s and Teutsch 136 (Teu 136). Of the 15 spectroscopically observed bright stars, eight have been identified as massive members of spectral class earlier than B3. From the spectrophotometric analyses, we derived the average distance of the region as 2.4 ± 0.2 kpc, and the reddening E(B - V) of the massive members is found to vary between 0.35 and 2.1 mag. We found that NGC 2175s and Teu 136, located towards the eastern edge of the complex, are the sub-clusters of Sh2-252. The stellar surface density distribution in K band shows clustering associated with the regions A, C, E, NGC 2175s and Teu 136. We have also identified the candidate ionizing sources of the CH II regions. 61 Hα emission sources are identified using slitless spectroscopy. The distribution of the Hα emission sources and candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) with IR excess on the V/(V - I) colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) shows that a majority of them have approximate ages between 0.1 and 5 Myr and masses in the range of 0.3-2.5 M⊙. The optical CMDs of the candidate pre-main-sequence (PMS) sources in the individual regions also show an age spread of 0.1-5 Myr for each of them. We calculated the K-band luminosity functions (KLFs) for the sub-regions A, C, E, NGC 2175s and Teu 136. Within errors, the KLFs for all the sub-regions are found to be similar and comparable to that of young clusters of age <5 Myr. We also estimated the mass function of the PMS sample of the individual regions in the mass range of 0.3-2.5 M⊙. In general, the slopes of the MFs of all the sub-regions are found comparable to the Salpeter value.

Importance of individual amino acids in the Switch I region in eEF2 studied by functional complementation in S. cerevisiae.

PubMed

Bartish, Galyna; Nygård, Odd

2008-05-01

Elongation factor 2 (eEF2) is a member of the G-protein super family. G-proteins undergo conformational changes associated with binding of the guanosine nucleotide and hydrolysis of the bound GTP. These structural rearrangements affects the Switch I region (also known as the Effector loop). We have studied the role of individual amino acids in the Switch I region (amino acids 25-73) of S. cerevisiae eEF2 using functional complementation in yeast. 21 point mutations in the Switch I region were created by site-directed mutagenesis. Mutants K49R, E52Q, A53G, F55Y, K60R, Q63A, T68S, I69M and A73G were functional while mutants R54H, F55N, D57A, D57E, D57S, R59K, R59M, Q63E, R65A, R65N, T68A and T68M were inactive. Expression of mutants K49R, A53G, Q63A, I69M and A73G was associated with markedly decreased growth rates and yeast cells expressing mutants A53G and I69M became temperature sensitive. The functional capacity of eEF2 in which the major part Switch I (amino acids T56 to I69) was converted into the homologous sequence found in EF-G from E. coli was also studied. This protein chimera could functionally replace yeast eEF2 in vivo. Yeast cells expressing this mutant grew extremely slowly, showed increased cell death and became temperature sensitive. The ability of the mutant to replace authentic eEF2 in vivo indicates that the structural rearrangement of Switch I necessary for eEF2 function is similar in eukaryotes and bacteria. The effect of two point mutations in the P-loop was also studied. Mutant A25G but not A25V could functionally replace yeast eEF2 even if cells expressing the mutant grew slowly. The A25G mutation converted the consensus sequences AXXXXGK[T/S] in eEF2 to the corresponding motif GXXXXGK[T/S] found in all other G-proteins, suggesting that the alanine found in the P-loop of peptidyltranslocases are not essential for function.

Therapeutic Effects of Monoclonal Antibody against Dengue Virus NS1 in a STAT1 Knockout Mouse Model of Dengue Infection.

PubMed

Wan, Shu-Wen; Chen, Pei-Wei; Chen, Chin-Yu; Lai, Yen-Chung; Chu, Ya-Ting; Hung, Chia-Yi; Lee, Han; Wu, Hsuan Franziska; Chuang, Yung-Chun; Lin, Jessica; Chang, Chih-Peng; Wang, Shuying; Liu, Ching-Chuan; Ho, Tzong-Shiann; Lin, Chiou-Feng; Lee, Chien-Kuo; Wu-Hsieh, Betty A; Anderson, Robert; Yeh, Trai-Ming; Lin, Yee-Shin

2017-10-15

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome and is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Our previous studies showed the existence of epitopes in the C-terminal region of DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) which are cross-reactive with host Ags and trigger anti-DENV NS1 Ab-mediated endothelial cell damage and platelet dysfunction. To circumvent these potentially harmful events, we replaced the C-terminal region of DENV NS1 with the corresponding region from Japanese encephalitis virus NS1 to create chimeric DJ NS1 protein. Passive immunization of DENV-infected mice with polyclonal anti-DJ NS1 Abs reduced viral Ag expression at skin inoculation sites and shortened DENV-induced prolonged bleeding time. We also investigated the therapeutic effects of anti-NS1 mAb. One mAb designated 2E8 does not recognize the C-terminal region of DENV NS1 in which host-cross-reactive epitopes reside. Moreover, mAb 2E8 recognizes NS1 of all four DENV serotypes. We also found that mAb 2E8 caused complement-mediated lysis in DENV-infected cells. In mouse model studies, treatment with mAb 2E8 shortened DENV-induced prolonged bleeding time and reduced viral Ag expression in the skin. Importantly, mAb 2E8 provided therapeutic effects against all four serotypes of DENV. We further found that mAb administration to mice as late as 1 d prior to severe bleeding still reduced prolonged bleeding time and hemorrhage. Therefore, administration with a single dose of mAb 2E8 can protect mice against DENV infection and pathological effects, suggesting that NS1-specific mAb may be a therapeutic option against dengue disease. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Comparison of Two Air Pollution Episodes over Northeast China in Winter 2016/17 Using Ground-Based Lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yanjun; Zhao, Hujia; Dong, Yunsheng; Che, Huizheng; Li, Xiaoxiao; Hong, Ye; Li, Xiaolan; Yang, Hongbin; Liu, Yuche; Wang, Yangfeng; Liu, Ningwei; Sun, Cuiyan

2018-04-01

This study analyzes and compares aerosol properties and meteorological conditions during two air pollution episodes in 19-22 (E1) and 25-26 (E2) December 2016 in Northeast China. The visibility, particulate matter (PM) mass concentration, and surface meteorological observations were examined, together with the planetary boundary layer (PBL) properties and vertical profiles of aerosol extinction coefficient and volume depolarization ratio that were measured by a ground-based lidar in Shenyang of Liaoning Province, China during December 2016-January 2017. Results suggest that the low PBL height led to poor pollution dilution in E1, while the high PBL accompanied by low visibility in E2 might have been due to cross-regional and vertical air transmission. The PM mass concentration decreased as the PBL height increased in E1 while these two variables were positively correlated in E2. The enhanced winds in E2 diffused the pollutants and contributed largely to the aerosol transport. Strong temperature inversion in E1 resulted in increased PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, and the winds in E2 favoured the southwesterly transport of aerosols from the North China Plain into the region surrounding Shenyang. The large extinction coefficient was partially attributed to the local pollution under the low PBL with high ground-surface PM mass concentrations in E1, whereas the cross-regional transport of aerosols within a high PBL and the low PM mass concentration near the ground in E2 were associated with severe aerosol extinction at high altitudes. These results may facilitate better understanding of the vertical distribution of aerosol properties during winter pollution events in Northeast China.

Cone structure and focusing of VLF and LF electromagnetic waves at high altitudes in the ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alpert, Ya. L.; Green, J. L.

1994-01-01

The frequency and angle dependencies of the electric field radiated by an electric dipole E = E(sub 0) cos omega(t) are studied through numerical calculations of absolute value of E in the VLF and LF frequency bands where F is less than or equal 0.02 to 0.05 f(sub b) in a model ionosphere over an altitude region of 800-6000 km where the wave frequency and electron gyrofrequency varies between F approximately 4-500 kHz and f(sub b) is approximately equal (1.1 to 0.2) MHz respectively. It is found that the amplitudes of the electric field have large maxima in four regions: close to the direction of the Earth magnetic field line B(sub 0) (it is called the axis field E(sub 0), in the Storey E(sub St), reversed Storey E(sub RevSt), and resonance E(sub Res) cones. The maximal values of E(sub 0), E(sub Res), and E(sub RevSt) are the most pronounced close to the lower hybrid frequency, F approximately F(sub L). The flux of the electric field is concentrated in very narrow regions, with the apex angles of the cones Delta-B is approximately (0.1-1) deg. The enhancement and focusing of the electric field increases with altitude starting at Z greater than 800 km. At Z greater than or equal to 1000 up to 6000 km, the relative value of absolute value of E, in comparison with its value at Z = 800 km is about (10(exp 2) to 10(exp 4)) times larger. Thus the flux of VLF and LF electromagnetic waves generated at high altitudes in the Earth's ionosphere are trapped into very narrow conical beams similar to laser beams.

Brain region-specific effects of immobilization stress on cholinesterases in mice.

PubMed

Valuskova, Paulina; Farar, Vladimir; Janisova, Katerina; Ondicova, Katarina; Mravec, Boris; Kvetnansky, Richard; Myslivecek, Jaromir

2017-01-01

Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) variant AChE R expression increases with acute stress, and this persists for an extended period, although the timing, strain and laterality differences, have not been explored previously. Acute stress transiently increases acetylcholine release, which in turn may increase activity of cholinesterases. Also the AChE gene contains a glucocorticoid response element (GRE), and stress-inducible AChE transcription and activity changes are linked to increased glucocorticoid levels. Corticotropin-releasing hormone knockout (CRH-KO) mice have basal glucocorticoid levels similar to wild type (WT) mice, but much lower levels during stress. Hence we hypothesized that CRH is important for the cholinesterase stress responses, including butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). We used immobilization stress, acute (30 or 120 min) and repeated (120 min daily × 7) in 48 male mice (24 WT and 24 CRH-KO) and determined AChE R , AChE and BChE mRNA expression and AChE and BChE activities in left and right brain areas (as cholinergic signaling shows laterality). Immobilization decreased BChE mRNA expression (right amygdala, to 0.5, 0.3 and 0.4, × control respectively) and AChE R mRNA expression (to 0.5, 0.4 and 0.4, × control respectively). AChE mRNA expression increased (1.3, 1.4 and 1.8-fold, respectively) in the left striatum (Str). The AChE activity increased in left Str (after 30 min, 1.2-fold), decreased in right parietal cortex with repeated stress (to 0.5 × control). BChE activity decreased after 30 min in the right CA3 region (to 0.4 × control) but increased (3.8-fold) after 120 min in the left CA3 region. The pattern of changes in CRH-KO differed from that in WT mice.

[PBDEs pollution in the atmosphere of a typical E-waste dismantling region].

PubMed

Chen, Duo-hong; Li, Li-ping; Bi, Xin-hui; Zhao, Jin-ping; Sheng, Guo-ying; Fu, Jia-mo

2008-08-01

The vapor-phase and particulate-phase samples were collected from the E-waste dismantling region (E) and a reference region (S), which is located in the upwind direction of the E and where the costume industry is developed. The aim was to acquire information about the concentrations, gas/particle partitioning and distribution of polybrominated diphenyt ethers (PBDEs). 11 congeners PBDEs were detected with GC-NCI-MS. The results showed that E-waste dismantling has resulted in serious pollution and the PBDE concentrations (from tri-to deca-BDE) ranged from 51.1 pg x m(-3) to 2685 pg x m(-3) (mean:830 pg x m(-3)), while the PBDE concentrations (from tri-to deca-BDE) in S were in the range of 1.00 pg x m(-3) to 98.9 pg x m(-3) (mean: 28.7 pg x m(-3)). The gas/particle partitioning of PBDEs exhibited a strong dependence on bromine number. Low-brominated PBDEs tend to have a higher concentration in the gas-phase while highly brominated PBDEs are mostly associated with the particulate. The mass distribution of PBDEs in E (including vapor-phase and particulate-phase) was dominated by penta-BDE, accounting for 54.3% of the total PBDEs, followed by deca-BDE, accounting for 23.8%. This pollution characters validated that the E-waste did not only come from Asia, but also from North America and Europe.

Uncertainty in hydrological signatures for gauged and ungauged catchments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westerberg, Ida K.; Wagener, Thorsten; Coxon, Gemma; McMillan, Hilary K.; Castellarin, Attilio; Montanari, Alberto; Freer, Jim

2016-03-01

Reliable information about hydrological behavior is needed for water-resource management and scientific investigations. Hydrological signatures quantify catchment behavior as index values, and can be predicted for ungauged catchments using a regionalization procedure. The prediction reliability is affected by data uncertainties for the gauged catchments used in prediction and by uncertainties in the regionalization procedure. We quantified signature uncertainty stemming from discharge data uncertainty for 43 UK catchments and propagated these uncertainties in signature regionalization, while accounting for regionalization uncertainty with a weighted-pooling-group approach. Discharge uncertainty was estimated using Monte Carlo sampling of multiple feasible rating curves. For each sampled rating curve, a discharge time series was calculated and used in deriving the gauged signature uncertainty distribution. We found that the gauged uncertainty varied with signature type, local measurement conditions and catchment behavior, with the highest uncertainties (median relative uncertainty ±30-40% across all catchments) for signatures measuring high- and low-flow magnitude and dynamics. Our regionalization method allowed assessing the role and relative magnitudes of the gauged and regionalized uncertainty sources in shaping the signature uncertainty distributions predicted for catchments treated as ungauged. We found that (1) if the gauged uncertainties were neglected there was a clear risk of overconditioning the regionalization inference, e.g., by attributing catchment differences resulting from gauged uncertainty to differences in catchment behavior, and (2) uncertainty in the regionalization results was lower for signatures measuring flow distribution (e.g., mean flow) than flow dynamics (e.g., autocorrelation), and for average flows (and then high flows) compared to low flows.

Interoperability after deployment: persistent challenges and regional strategies in Denmark.

PubMed

Kierkegaard, Patrick

2015-04-01

The European Union has identified Denmark as one of the countries who have the potential to provide leadership and inspiration for other countries in eHealth implementation and adoption. However, Denmark has historically struggled to facilitate data exchange between their public hospitals' electronic health records (EHRs). Furthermore, state-led projects failed to adequately address the challenges of interoperability after deployment. Changes in the organizational setup and division of responsibilities concerning the future of eHealth implementations in hospitals took place, which granted the Danish regions the full responsibility for all hospital systems, specifically the consolidation of EHRs to one system per region. The regions reduced the number of different EHRs to six systems by 2014. Additionally, the first version of the National Health Record was launched to provide health care practitioners with an overview of a patient's data stored in all EHRs across the regions and within the various health sectors. The governance of national eHealth implementation plays a crucial role in the development and diffusion of interoperable technologies. Changes in the organizational setup and redistribution of responsibilities between the Danish regions and the state play a pivotal role in producing viable and coherent solutions in a timely manner. Interoperability initiatives are best managed on a regional level or by the authorities responsible for the provision of local health care services. Cross-regional communication is essential during the initial phases of planning in order to set a common goal for countrywide harmonization, coherence and collaboration. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care; all rights reserved.

Upward electron beams measured by DE-1 - A primary source of dayside region-1 Birkeland currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burch, J. L.; Reiff, P. H.; Sugiura, M.

1983-01-01

Measurements made by the High Altitude Plasma Instrument on DE-1 have shown that intense upward electron beams with energies from about 20 eV to about 200 eV are a common feature of the region just equatorward of the morning-side polar cusp. Computations of the currents carried by these beams and by the precipitating cusp electrons show excellent agreement with the simultaneous DE-1 magnetometer measurements for both upward and downward Birkeland currents. The data indicate that cold ionospheric electrons, which carry the downward region-1 Birkeland currents on the morning side, are accelerated upward by potential drops of a few tens of eV at altitudes of several thousand kilometers. This acceleration process allows spacecraft above those altitudes to measure routinely the charge carriers of both downward and upward current systems.

Graphene heat dissipating structure

DOEpatents

Washburn, Cody M.; Lambert, Timothy N.; Wheeler, David R.; Rodenbeck, Christopher T.; Railkar, Tarak A.

2017-08-01

Various technologies presented herein relate to forming one or more heat dissipating structures (e.g., heat spreaders and/or heat sinks) on a substrate, wherein the substrate forms part of an electronic component. The heat dissipating structures are formed from graphene, with advantage being taken of the high thermal conductivity of graphene. The graphene (e.g., in flake form) is attached to a diazonium molecule, and further, the diazonium molecule is utilized to attach the graphene to material forming the substrate. A surface of the substrate is treated to comprise oxide-containing regions and also oxide-free regions having underlying silicon exposed. The diazonium molecule attaches to the oxide-free regions, wherein the diazonium molecule bonds (e.g., covalently) to the exposed silicon. Attachment of the diazonium plus graphene molecule is optionally repeated to enable formation of a heat dissipating structure of a required height.

Structure, Dynamics, and Interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DprE1 and DprE2 Examined by Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Electrostatic Studies

PubMed Central

Bhutani, Isha; Loharch, Saurabh; Gupta, Pawan; Madathil, Rethi; Parkesh, Raman

2015-01-01

The enzymes decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose oxidase (DprE1) and decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose-2-epimerase (DprE2) catalyze epimerization of decaprenylphosporyl ribose (DPR) todecaprenylphosporyl arabinose (DPA) and are critical for the survival of Mtb. Crystal structures of DprE1 so far reported display significant disordered regions and no structural information is known for DprE2. We used homology modeling, protein threading, molecular docking and dynamics studies to investigate the structural and dynamic features of Mtb DprE1 and DprE2 and DprE1-DprE2 complex. A three-dimensional model for DprE2 was generated using the threading approach coupled with ab initio modeling. A 50 ns simulation of DprE1 and DprE2 revealed the overall stability of the structures. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the convergence of sampling in both DprE1 and DprE2. In DprE1, residues in the 269–330 area showed considerable fluctuation in agreement with the regions of disorder observed in the reported crystal structures. In DprE2, large fluctuations were detected in residues 95–113, 146–157, and 197–226. The study combined docking and MD simulation studies to map and characterize the key residues involved in DprE1-DprE2 interaction. A 60 ns MD simulation for DprE1-DprE2 complex was also performed. Analysis of data revealed that the docked complex is stabilized by H-bonding, hydrophobic and ionic interactions. The key residues of DprE1 involved in DprE1-DprE2 interactions belong to the disordered region. We also examined the docked complex of DprE1-BTZ043 to investigate the binding pocket of DprE1 and its interactions with the inhibitor BTZ043. In summary, we hypothesize that DprE1-DprE2 interaction is crucial for the synthesis of DPA and DprE1-DprE2 complex may be a new therapeutic target amenable to pharmacological validation. The findings have important implications in tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery and will facilitate drug development efforts against TB. PMID:25789990

Structure, dynamics, and interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DprE1 and DprE2 examined by molecular modeling, simulation, and electrostatic studies.

PubMed

Bhutani, Isha; Loharch, Saurabh; Gupta, Pawan; Madathil, Rethi; Parkesh, Raman

2015-01-01

The enzymes decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose oxidase (DprE1) and decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose-2-epimerase (DprE2) catalyze epimerization of decaprenylphosporyl ribose (DPR) todecaprenylphosporyl arabinose (DPA) and are critical for the survival of Mtb. Crystal structures of DprE1 so far reported display significant disordered regions and no structural information is known for DprE2. We used homology modeling, protein threading, molecular docking and dynamics studies to investigate the structural and dynamic features of Mtb DprE1 and DprE2 and DprE1-DprE2 complex. A three-dimensional model for DprE2 was generated using the threading approach coupled with ab initio modeling. A 50 ns simulation of DprE1 and DprE2 revealed the overall stability of the structures. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the convergence of sampling in both DprE1 and DprE2. In DprE1, residues in the 269-330 area showed considerable fluctuation in agreement with the regions of disorder observed in the reported crystal structures. In DprE2, large fluctuations were detected in residues 95-113, 146-157, and 197-226. The study combined docking and MD simulation studies to map and characterize the key residues involved in DprE1-DprE2 interaction. A 60 ns MD simulation for DprE1-DprE2 complex was also performed. Analysis of data revealed that the docked complex is stabilized by H-bonding, hydrophobic and ionic interactions. The key residues of DprE1 involved in DprE1-DprE2 interactions belong to the disordered region. We also examined the docked complex of DprE1-BTZ043 to investigate the binding pocket of DprE1 and its interactions with the inhibitor BTZ043. In summary, we hypothesize that DprE1-DprE2 interaction is crucial for the synthesis of DPA and DprE1-DprE2 complex may be a new therapeutic target amenable to pharmacological validation. The findings have important implications in tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery and will facilitate drug development efforts against TB.

Conservation of proteins involved in oocyst wall formation in Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria acervulina

PubMed Central

Belli, Sabina I.; Ferguson, David J.P.; Katrib, Marilyn; Slapetova, Iveta; Mai, Kelly; Slapeta, Jan; Flowers, Sarah A.; Miska, Kate B.; Tomley, Fiona M.; Shirley, Martin W.; Wallach, Michael G.; Smith, Nicholas C.

2009-01-01

Vaccination with proteins from gametocytes of Eimeria maxima protects chickens, via transfer of maternal antibodies, against infection with several species of Eimeria. Antibodies to E. maxima gametocyte proteins recognise proteins in the wall forming bodies of macrogametocytes and oocyst walls of E. maxima, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria acervulina. Homologous genes for two major gametocyte proteins – GAM56 and GAM82 – were found in E. maxima, E. tenella and E. acervulina. Alignment of the predicted protein sequences of these genes reveals that, as well as sharing regions of tyrosine richness, strong homology exists in their amino-terminal regions, where protective antibodies bind. This study confirms the conservation of the roles of GAM56 and GAM82 in oocyst wall formation and shows that antibodies to gametocyte antigens of E. maxima cross-react with homologous proteins in other species, helping to explain cross-species maternal immunity. PMID:19477178

A new species of the genus Eurhadina Haupt (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from Korea, with a key to Korean species.

PubMed

Oh, Sumin; Lim, Jongok; Jung, Sunghoon

2016-04-11

The leafhopper genus Eurhadina Haupt, 1929 belongs to the tribe Typhlocybini of subfamily Typhlocybinae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae). Currently, genus Eurhadina includes 3 subgenera, Eurhadina Haupt 1929, Singhardina Mahmood 1967, Zhihadina Yang & Li 1991. A total of 20 valid species of subgenus Eurhadina have been described in the Nearctic and Palaearctic region and the subgenus Singhardina includes 57 species in the Oriental and Palaearctic region (Huang & Zhang 1999, Dworakowska 2002). The subgenus Zhihadina includes only 1 species from China (Yang & Lee, 1991). So far, four species of subgenus Eurhadina were recorded in the Korean Peninsula (Kwon & Huh 2001): Eurhadina (Eurhadina) betularia Anufriev, 1969, E. (E.) koreana Dworakowska, 1971, E. (E.) pulchella (Fallen, 1806), and E. (E.) wagneri Dworakowska, 1969. The majority of species belonging to the subgenus Eurhadina are difficult to distinguish by external appearance because the color patterns of the forewings are very similar among species.

Generation of neutralising antibodies against porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs)

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

Kaulitz, Danny; Fiebig, Uwe; Eschricht, Magdalena

2011-03-01

Antibodies neutralising porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) were induced in different animal species by immunisation with the transmembrane envelope protein p15E. These antibodies recognised epitopes, designated E1, in the fusion peptide proximal region (FPPR) of p15E, and E2 in the membrane proximal external region (MPER). E2 is localised in a position similar to that of an epitope in the transmembrane envelope protein gp41 of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), recognised by the monoclonal antibody 4E10 that is broadly neutralising. To detect neutralising antibodies specific for PERV, a novel assay was developed, which is based on quantification of provirus integration by real-timemore » PCR. In addition, for the first time, highly effective neutralising antibodies were obtained by immunisation with the surface envelope protein of PERV. These data indicate that neutralising antibodies can be induced by immunisation with both envelope proteins.« less

78 FR 53638 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-30

.... Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL- 600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of erratic pitch movement and...

77 FR 67267 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-09

... (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL- 600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report...

Local topography increasingly influences the mass balance of a retreating cirque glacier

USGS Publications Warehouse

Florentine, Caitlyn; Harper, Joel T.; Fagre, Daniel B.; Moore, Johnnie; Peitzsch, Erich H.

2018-01-01

Local topographically driven processes – such as wind drifting, avalanching, and shading – are known to alter the relationship between the mass balance of small cirque glaciers and regional climate. Yet partitioning such local effects from regional climate influence has proven difficult, creating uncertainty in the climate representativeness of some glaciers. We address this problem for Sperry Glacier in Glacier National Park, USA, using field-measured surface mass balance, geodetic constraints on mass balance, and regional climate data recorded at a network of meteorological and snow stations. Geodetically derived mass changes during 1950–1960, 1960–2005, and 2005–2014 document average mass change rates during each period at −0.22 ± 0.12, −0.18 ± 0.05, and −0.10 ± 0.03 m w.e. yr−1, respectively. A correlation of field-measured mass balance and regional climate variables closely (i.e., within 0.08 m w.e. yr−1) predicts the geodetically measured mass loss from 2005 to 2014. However, this correlation overestimates glacier mass balance for 1950–1960 by +1.20 ± 0.95 m w.e. yr−1. Our analysis suggests that local effects, not represented in regional climate variables, have become a more dominant driver of the net mass balance as the glacier lost 0.50 km2 and retreated further into its cirque.

Subtropical grass pollen allergens are important for allergic respiratory diseases in subtropical regions

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Grass pollen allergens are a major cause of allergic respiratory disease but traditionally prescribing practice for grass pollen allergen-specific immunotherapy has favoured pollen extracts of temperate grasses. Here we aim to compare allergy to subtropical and temperate grass pollens in patients with allergic rhinitis from a subtropical region of Australia. Methods Sensitization to pollen extracts of the subtropical Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) as well as the temperate Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were measured by skin prick in 233 subjects from Brisbane. Grass pollen-specific IgE reactivity was tested by ELISA and cross-inhibition ELISA. Results Patients with grass pollen allergy from a subtropical region showed higher skin prick diameters with subtropical Bahia grass and Bermuda grass pollens than with Johnson grass and Ryegrass pollens. IgE reactivity was higher with pollen of Bahia grass than Bermuda grass, Johnson grass and Ryegrass. Patients showed asymmetric cross-inhibition of IgE reactivity with subtropical grass pollens that was not blocked by temperate grass pollen allergens indicating the presence of species-specific IgE binding sites of subtropical grass pollen allergens that are not represented in temperate grass pollens. Conclusions Subtropical grass pollens are more important allergen sources than temperate grass pollens for patients from a subtropical region. Targeting allergen-specific immunotherapy to subtropical grass pollen allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in subtropical regions could improve treatment efficacy thereby reducing the burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma. PMID:22409901

Human papillomavirus type 18 variant lineages in United States populations characterized by sequence analysis of LCR-E6, E2, and L1 regions.

PubMed

Arias-Pulido, Hugo; Peyton, Cheri L; Torrez-Martínez, Norah; Anderson, D Nelson; Wheeler, Cosette M

2005-07-20

While HPV 16 variant lineages have been well characterized, the knowledge about HPV 18 variants is limited. In this study, HPV 18 nucleotide variations in the E2 hinge region were characterized by sequence analysis in 47 control and 51 tumor specimens. Fifty of these specimens were randomly selected for sequencing of an LCR-E6 segment and 20 samples representative of LCR-E6 and E2 sequence variants were examined across the L1 region. A total of 2770 nucleotides per HPV 18 variant genome were considered in this study. HPV 18 variant nucleotides were linked among all gene segments analyzed and grouped into three main branches: Asian-American (AA), European (E), and African (Af). These three branches were equally distributed among controls and cases and when stratified by Hispanic and non-Hispanic ethnicities. Among invasive cervical cancer cases, no significant differences in the three HPV variant branches were observed among ethnic groups or when stratified by histopathology (squamous vs. adenocarcinoma). The Af branch showed the greatest nucleotide variability when compared to the HPV 18 reference sequence and was more closely related to HPV 45 than either AA or E branches. Our data also characterize nucleotide and amino acid variations in the L1 capsid gene among HPV 18 variants, which may be relevant to vaccine strategies and subsequent studies of naturally occurring HPV 18 variants. Several novel HPV 18 nucleotide variations were identified in this study.

Anopheles culicifacies sibling species in Odisha, eastern India: First appearance of Anopheles culicifacies E and its vectorial role in malaria transmission.

PubMed

Das, Mumani; Das, Biswadeep; Patra, Aparna P; Tripathy, Hare K; Mohapatra, Namita; Kar, Santanu K; Hazra, Rupenangshu K

2013-07-01

To identify the Anopheles culicifacies sibling species complex and study their vectorial role in malaria endemic regions of Odisha. Mosquitoes were collected from 6 malaria endemic districts using standard entomological collection methods. An. culicifacies sibling species were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) region of mitochondrial DNA. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite rate and human blood fed percentage (HBF) were estimated by PCR using Pf- and human-specific primers. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to confirm the type of sibling species of An. culicifacies found in Odisha. Multiplex PCR detected An. culicifacies sibling species A, B, C, D and E in the malaria endemic regions of Odisha. An. culicifacies E was detected for the first time in Odisha, which was further confirmed by molecular phylogenetics. Highest sporozoite rate and HBF percentage were observed in An. culicifacies E in comparison with other sibling species. An. culicifacies E collected from Nawarangapur, Nuapara and Keonjhar district showed high HBF percentage and sporozoite rates. An. culicifacies B was the most abundant species, followed by An. culicifacies C and E. High sporozoite rate and HBF of An. culicifacies E indicated that it plays an important role in malaria transmission in Odisha. Appropriate control measures against An. culicifacies E at an early stage are needed to prevent further malaria transmission in Odisha. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Bioinformatics analysis identifies several intrinsically disordered human E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases.

PubMed

Boomsma, Wouter; Nielsen, Sofie V; Lindorff-Larsen, Kresten; Hartmann-Petersen, Rasmus; Ellgaard, Lars

2016-01-01

The ubiquitin-proteasome system targets misfolded proteins for degradation. Since the accumulation of such proteins is potentially harmful for the cell, their prompt removal is important. E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases mediate substrate ubiquitination by bringing together the substrate with an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, which transfers ubiquitin to the substrate. For misfolded proteins, substrate recognition is generally delegated to molecular chaperones that subsequently interact with specific E3 ligases. An important exception is San1, a yeast E3 ligase. San1 harbors extensive regions of intrinsic disorder, which provide both conformational flexibility and sites for direct recognition of misfolded targets of vastly different conformations. So far, no mammalian ortholog of San1 is known, nor is it clear whether other E3 ligases utilize disordered regions for substrate recognition. Here, we conduct a bioinformatics analysis to examine >600 human and S. cerevisiae E3 ligases to identify enzymes that are similar to San1 in terms of function and/or mechanism of substrate recognition. An initial sequence-based database search was found to detect candidates primarily based on the homology of their ordered regions, and did not capture the unique disorder patterns that encode the functional mechanism of San1. However, by searching specifically for key features of the San1 sequence, such as long regions of intrinsic disorder embedded with short stretches predicted to be suitable for substrate interaction, we identified several E3 ligases with these characteristics. Our initial analysis revealed that another remarkable trait of San1 is shared with several candidate E3 ligases: long stretches of complete lysine suppression, which in San1 limits auto-ubiquitination. We encode these characteristic features into a San1 similarity-score, and present a set of proteins that are plausible candidates as San1 counterparts in humans. In conclusion, our work indicates that San1 is not a unique case, and that several other yeast and human E3 ligases have sequence properties that may allow them to recognize substrates by a similar mechanism as San1.

Regional variation in canopy transpiration of Central European beech forests.

PubMed

Schipka, Florian; Heimann, Jutta; Leuschner, Christoph

2005-03-01

Forest hydrologists have hypothesised that canopy transpiration (E(c)) of European temperate forests occurs at rather similar rates in stands with different tree species and hydrologic regimes. We tested this hypothesis by synchronously measuring xylem sap flow in four mature stands of Fagus sylvatica along a precipitation gradient with the aim (1) of exploring the regional variability of annual canopy transpiration (E(c(t))) in this species, and (2) of analysing the relationship between precipitation (P) and E(c(t)). E(c(t)) rates of 216, 225, 272 and 303 mm year(-1) corresponded to precipitation averages of 520, 710, 801 and 1,040 mm year(-1) in the four stands. We explored the regional variability of E(c(t)) in Central European colline to sub-montane beech stands in two meta-analyses based on (1) existing sap flow data on beech (n=5 observations), or (2) all canopy transpiration data on beech obtained by different techniques (sap flow, micrometeorological or soil water budget approaches, n=25). With a coefficient of variation (CV) of 20%, the regional variability of E(c(t)) (213-421 mm year(-1)) was smaller than the variation in corresponding precipitation (550-1,480 mm year(-1)). The mean E(c(t)) for beech was 289 (+/-58) mm year(-1) (n=25). A humped-shaped relationship between E(c(t)) and P, with a broad transpiration maximum in the precipitation range from ca. 700 to 1,000 mm year(-1), was found which may indicate soil moisture limitation of transpiration for P 1,000 mm year(-1). Thus, the precipitation level significantly influences canopy transpiration of humid temperate forests; however, the size of the P influence on E(c(t)) and, in part, the direction of its effect differ from forests in semi-arid or arid climates. European beech has the capacity to maintain high E(c) rates in both humid and partly dry summer climates (P<550 mm year(-1)).

[Effect of ceramic thickness and resin cement shades on final color of heat-pressed ceramic veneers].

PubMed

Ren, D F; Zhan, K R; Chen, X D; Xing, W Z

2017-02-09

Objective: To analyze the effect of ceramic materials thickness and resin cement shades on the final color of ceramic veneers in the discolored teeth, and to investigate the color agreement of try-in pastes to the corresponding resin cements. Methods: Sixty artificial maxillary central incisor teeth (C2 shade) were used to simulate the natural discolored teeth and prepared according to veneer tooth preparation protocol. Veneers of different thickness in the body region (0.50 and 0.75 mm) were fabricated using ceramic materials (LT A2 shade, IPS e.max Press). The ceramic veneer specimens were bonded to the artificial teeth using the 6 shades of resin cements (Variolink Veneer: shades of LV-3, LV-2, HV+3; RelyX™ Veneer: shades of TR, A3, WO) ( n= 5). A clinical spectrophotometer was used to measure the color parameters of ceramic veneers at the cervical, body and incisal regions. Color changes of veneers before and after cementation were calculated and registered as ΔE1, and the changes between try-in paste and the corresponding resin cements were registered as ΔE2. Results: Three-way ANOVA indicated that ΔE1 and ΔE2 values were significantly affected by the ceramic thickness, resin cement shades and measuring regions ( P< 0.05). The ΔE1 values of six shades ranged from 0.59-8.27. The ΔE1 values were more than 2.72 when the ceramic veneers were cemented with resin cements in shades of HV+3 and WO. The ΔE2 values of six shades ranged from 0.60-2.56. The shades of HV+3, WO and A3 resin cements were more than 1.60. Conclusions: Different thickness of ceramic materials, resin cement shades and measuring regions could affect the final color of ceramic veneers. The color differences of some resin cements and corresponding try-in pastes might be observed in clinical practice.

False-color representation of electron-density structures of the polar ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlegel, K.

The use of false-color displays to represent EISCAT electron-density measurements for the polar E and F regions is described and demonstrated. Consideration is given to images of a spring sunrise, wavelike structures, the total-electron-content trough, E-region structures, and midnight-sun phenomena. It is suggested that examination of false-color images can facilitate the selection of structures for more detailed analysis.

A new dipole index of the salinity anomalies of the tropical Indian Ocean.

PubMed

Li, Junde; Liang, Chujin; Tang, Youmin; Dong, Changming; Chen, Dake; Liu, Xiaohui; Jin, Weifang

2016-04-07

With the increased interest in studying the sea surface salinity anomaly (SSSA) of the tropical Indian Ocean during the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), an index describing the dipole variability of the SSSA has been pursued recently. In this study, we first use a regional ocean model with a high spatial resolution to produce a high-quality salinity simulation during the period from 1982 to 2014, from which the SSSA dipole structure is identified for boreal autumn. On this basis, by further analysing the observed data, we define a dipole index of the SSSA between the central equatorial Indian Ocean (CEIO: 70°E-90°E, 5°S-5°N) and the region off the Sumatra-Java coast (SJC: 100°E-110°E, 13°S-3°S). Compared with previous SSSA dipole indices, this index has advantages in detecting the dipole signals and in characterizing their relationship to the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) dipole variability. Finally, the mechanism of the SSSA dipole is investigated by dynamical diagnosis. It is found that anomalous zonal advection dominates the SSSA in the CEIO region, whereas the SSSA in the SJC region are mainly influenced by the anomalous surface freshwater flux. This SSSA dipole provides a positive feedback to the formation of the IOD events.

Fabrication of microtemplates for the control of bacterial immobilization

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

Miyahara, Yasuhiro; Mitamura, Koji; Saito, Nagahiro

2009-09-15

The authors described a region-selective immobilization methods of bacteria by using superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) micropatterns for culture scaffold templates. In the case of superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic micropatterns, the superhydrophobic surface was prepared first by microwave-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) from trimethylmethoxysilane. Then the superhydrophilic regions were fabricated by irradiating the superhydrophobic surface with vuv light through a stencil mask. In the case of the superhydrophobic/PEG micropatterned surfaces, PEG surfaces were fabricated first by chemical reaction of ester groups of p-nitrophenyl PEG with NH{sub 2} group of NH{sub 2}-terminated self assembled monolayer from n-6-hexyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The superhydrophobic regions were fabricated bymore » MPECVD thorough a stencil mask. In this study four bacteria were selected from viewpoint of peptidoglycan cell wall (E. coli versus B. subtilis), extracellular polysaccharide (E.coli versus P. stutzeri, P. aeruginosa), and growth rate (P. stutzeri versus P. aeruginosa). The former micropattern brought discrete adhesions of E. coli and B. subtilis specifically on the hydrophobic regions, Furthermore, using the superhydrophobic/PEG micropattern, adhesion of bacteria expanded for E. coli, B. subtilis, P. stutzeri, and P. aeruginosa. They observed a high bacterial adhesion onto superhydrophobic surfaces and the inhibitive effect of bacterial adhesion on PEG surfaces.« less

Epilepsy in multiple sclerosis: The role of temporal lobe damage.

PubMed

Calabrese, M; Castellaro, M; Bertoldo, A; De Luca, A; Pizzini, F B; Ricciardi, G K; Pitteri, M; Zimatore, S; Magliozzi, R; Benedetti, M D; Manganotti, P; Montemezzi, S; Reynolds, R; Gajofatto, A; Monaco, S

2017-03-01

Although temporal lobe pathology may explain some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), its role in the pathogenesis of seizures has not been clarified yet. To investigate the role of temporal lobe damage in MS patients suffering from epilepsy, by the application of advanced multimodal 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. A total of 23 relapsing remitting MS patients who had epileptic seizures (RRMS/E) and 23 disease duration matched RRMS patients without any history of seizures were enrolled. Each patient underwent advanced 3T MRI protocol specifically conceived to evaluate grey matter (GM) damage. This includes grey matter lesions (GMLs) identification, evaluation of regional cortical thickness and indices derived from the Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging model. Regional analysis revealed that in RRMS/E, the regions most affected by GMLs were the hippocampus (14.2%), the lateral temporal lobe (13.5%), the cingulate (10.0%) and the insula (8.4%). Cortical thinning and alteration of diffusion metrics were observed in several regions of temporal lobe, in insular cortex and in cingulate gyrus of RRMS/E compared to RRMS ( p< 0.05 for all comparisons). Compared to RRMS, RRMS/E showed more severe damage of temporal lobe, which exceeds what would be expected on the basis of the global GM damage observed.

15 CFR 290.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS REGIONAL CENTERS FOR THE TRANSFER... efficiency. (b) The term Center or Regional Center means a NIST-established Regional Center for the Transfer... Standards and Technology. (e) The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S...

15 CFR 290.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS REGIONAL CENTERS FOR THE TRANSFER... efficiency. (b) The term Center or Regional Center means a NIST-established Regional Center for the Transfer... Standards and Technology. (e) The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S...

15 CFR 290.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS REGIONAL CENTERS FOR THE TRANSFER... efficiency. (b) The term Center or Regional Center means a NIST-established Regional Center for the Transfer... Standards and Technology. (e) The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S...

15 CFR 290.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS REGIONAL CENTERS FOR THE TRANSFER... efficiency. (b) The term Center or Regional Center means a NIST-established Regional Center for the Transfer... Standards and Technology. (e) The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S...

15 CFR 290.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NIST EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS REGIONAL CENTERS FOR THE TRANSFER... efficiency. (b) The term Center or Regional Center means a NIST-established Regional Center for the Transfer... Standards and Technology. (e) The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S...

Charged particle multiplicities in deep inelastic scattering at HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aid, S.; Anderson, M.; Andreev, V.; Andrieu, B.; Appuhn, R.-D.; Babaev, A.; Bähr, J.; Bán, J.; Ban, Y.; Baranov, P.; Barrelet, E.; Barschke, R.; Bartel, W.; Barth, M.; Bassler, U.; Beck, H. P.; Behrend, H.-J.; Belousov, A.; Berger, Ch.; Bernardi, G.; Bertrand-Coremans, G.; Besançon, M.; Beyer, R.; Biddulph, P.; Bispham, P.; Bizot, J. C.; Blobel, V.; Borras, K.; Botterweck, F.; Boudry, V.; Braemer, A.; Braunschweig, W.; Brisson, V.; Bruel, P.; Bruncko, D.; Brune, C.; Buchholz, R.; Büngener, L.; Bürger, J.; Büsser, F. W.; Buniatian, A.; Burke, S.; Burton, M. J.; Calvet, D.; Campbell, A. J.; Carli, T.; Charlet, M.; Clarke, D.; Clegg, A. B.; Clerbaux, B.; Cocks, S.; Contreras, J. G.; Cormack, C.; Coughlan, J. A.; Courau, A.; Cousinou, M.-C.; Cozzika, G.; Criegee, L.; Cussans, D. G.; Cvach, J.; Dagoret, S.; Dainton, J. B.; Dau, W. D.; Daum, K.; David, M.; Davis, C. L.; Delcourt, B.; de Roeck, A.; de Wolf, E. A.; Dirkmann, M.; Dixon, P.; di Nezza, P.; Dlugosz, W.; Dollfus, C.; Dowell, J. D.; Dreis, H. B.; Droutskoi, A.; Dünger, O.; Duhm, H.; Ebert, J.; Ebert, T. R.; Eckerlin, G.; Efremenko, V.; Egli, S.; Eichler, R.; Eisele, F.; Eisenhandler, E.; Elsen, E.; Erdmann, M.; Erdmann, W.; Evrard, E.; Fahr, A. B.; Favart, L.; Fedotov, A.; Feeken, D.; Felst, R.; Feltesse, J.; Ferencei, J.; Ferrarotto, F.; Flamm, K.; Fleischer, M.; Flieser, M.; Flügge, G.; Fomenko, A.; Fominykh, B.; Formánek, J.; Foster, J. M.; Franke, G.; Fretwurst, E.; Gabathuler, E.; Gabathuler, K.; Gaede, F.; Garvey, J.; Gayler, J.; Gebauer, M.; Genzel, H.; Gerhards, R.; Glazov, A.; Goerlach, U.; Goerlich, L.; Gogitidze, N.; Goldberg, M.; Goldner, D.; Golec-Biernat, K.; Gonzalez-Pineiro, B.; Gorelov, I.; Grab, C.; Grässler, H.; Greenshaw, T.; Griffiths, R. K.; Grindhammer, G.; Gruber, A.; Gruber, C.; Haack, J.; Hadig, T.; Haidt, D.; Hajduk, L.; Hampel, M.; Haynes, W. J.; Heinzelmann, G.; Henderson, R. C. W.; Henschel, H.; Herynek, I.; Hess, M. F.; Hewitt, K.; Hildesheim, W.; Hiller, K. H.; Hilton, C. D.; Hladký, J.; Hoeger, K. C.; Höppner, M.; Hoffmann, D.; Holtom, T.; Horisberger, R.; Hudgson, V. L.; Hütte, M.; Ibbotson, M.; Itterbeck, H.; Jacholkowska, A.; Jacobsson, C.; Jaffre, M.; Janoth, J.; Jansen, T.; Jönsson, L.; Johnson, D. P.; Jung, H.; Kalmus, P. I. P.; Kander, M.; Kant, D.; Kaschowitz, R.; Kathage, U.; Katzy, J.; Kaufmann, H. H.; Kaufmann, O.; Kazarian, S.; Kenyon, I. R.; Kermiche, S.; Keuker, C.; Kiesling, C.; Klein, M.; Kleinwort, C.; Knies, G.; Köhler, T.; Köhne, J. H.; Kolanoski, H.; Kole, F.; Kolya, S. D.; Korbel, V.; Korn, M.; Kostka, P.; Kotelnikov, S. K.; Krämerkämper, T.; Krasny, M. W.; Krehbiel, H.; Krücker, D.; Küster, H.; Kuhlen, M.; Kurča, T.; Kurzhöfer, J.; Lacour, D.; Laforge, B.; Lander, R.; Landon, M. P. J.; Lange, W.; Langenegger, U.; Laporte, J.-F.; Lebedev, A.; Lehner, F.; Levonian, S.; Lindström, G.; Lindstroem, M.; Link, J.; Linsel, F.; Lipinski, J.; List, B.; Lobo, G.; Lomas, J. W.; Lopez, G. C.; Lubimov, V.; Lüke, D.; Magnussen, N.; Malinovski, E.; Mani, S.; Maraček, R.; Marage, P.; Marks, J.; Marshall, R.; Martens, J.; Martin, G.; Martin, R.; Martyn, H.-U.; Martyniak, J.; Mavroidis, T.; Maxfield, S. J.; McMahon, S. J.; Mehta, A.; Meier, K.; Meyer, A.; Meyer, A.; Meyer, H.; Meyer, J.; Meyer, P.-O.; Migliori, A.; Mikocki, S.; Milstead, D.; Moeck, J.; Moreau, F.; Morris, J. V.; Mroczko, E.; Müller, D.; Müller, G.; Müller, K.; Müller, M.; Murín, P.; Nagovizin, V.; Nahnhauer, R.; Naroska, B.; Naumann, Th.; Négri, I.; Newman, P. R.; Newton, D.; Nguyen, H. K.; Nicholls, T. C.; Niebergall, F.; Niebuhr, C.; Niedzballa, Ch.; Niggli, H.; Nisius, R.; Nowak, G.; Noyes, G. W.; Nyberg-Werther, M.; Oakden, M.; Oberlack, H.; Olsson, J. E.; Ozerov, D.; Palmen, P.; Panaro, E.; Panitch, A.; Pascaud, C.; Patel, G. D.; Pawletta, H.; Peppel, E.; Perez, E.; Phillips, J. P.; Pieuchot, A.; Pitzl, D.; Pope, G.; Prell, S.; Rabbertz, K.; Rädel, G.; Reimer, P.; Reinshagen, S.; Rick, H.; Riech, V.; Riedlberger, J.; Riepenhausen, F.; Riess, S.; Rizvi, E.; Robertson, S. M.; Robmann, P.; Roloff, H. E.; Roosen, R.; Rosenbauer, K.; Rostovtsev, A.; Rouse, F.; Royon, C.; Rüter, K.; Rusakov, S.; Rybicki, K.; Sankey, D. P. C.; Schacht, P.; Schiek, S.; Schleif, S.; Schleper, P.; von Schlippe, W.; Schmidt, D.; Schmidt, G.; Schöning, A.; Schröder, V.; Schuhmann, E.; Schwab, B.; Sefkow, F.; Seidel, M.; Sell, R.; Semenov, A.; Shekelyan, V.; Sheviakov, I.; Shtarkov, L. N.; Siegmon, G.; Siewert, U.; Sirois, Y.; Skillicorn, I. O.; Smirnov, P.; Smith, J. R.; Solochenko, V.; Soloviev, Y.; Specka, A.; Spiekermann, J.; Spielman, S.; Spitzer, H.; Squinabol, F.; Steenbock, M.; Steffen, P.; Steinberg, R.; Steiner, H.; Steinhart, J.; Stella, B.; Stellberger, A.; Stier, J.; Stiewe, J.; Stößlein, U.; Stolze, K.; Straumann, U.; Struczinski, W.; Sutton, J. P.; Tapprogge, S.; Taševský, M.; Tchernyshov, V.; Tchetchelnitski, S.; Theissen, J.; Thiebaux, C.; Thompson, G.; Truöl, P.; Tsipolitis, G.; Turnau, J.; Tutas, J.; Uelkes, P.; Usik, A.; Valkár, S.; Valkárová, A.; Vallée, C.; Vandenplas, D.; van Esch, P.; van Mechelen, P.; Vazdik, Y.; Verrecchia, P.; Villet, G.; Wacker, K.; Wagener, A.; Wagener, M.; Walther, A.; Waugh, B.; Weber, G.; Weber, M.; Wegener, D.; Wegner, A.; Wengler, T.; Werner, M.; West, L. R.; Wilksen, T.; Willard, S.; Winde, M.; Winter, G.-G.; Wittek, C.; Wobisch, M.; Wünsch, E.; Žáček, J.; Zarbock, D.; Zhang, Z.; Zhokin, A.; Zini, P.; Zomer, F.; Zsembery, J.; Zuber, K.; Zurnedden, M.

1996-12-01

Using the H1 detector at HERA, charged particle multiplicity distributions in deep inelastic e + p scattering have been measured over a large kinematical region. The evolution with W and Q 2 of the multiplicity distribution and of the multiplicity moments in pseudorapidity domains of varying size is studied in the current fragmentation region of the hadronic centre-of-mass frame. The results are compared with data from fixed target lepton-nucleon interactions, e + e - annihilations and hadron-hadron collisions as well as with expectations from QCD based parton models. Fits to the Negative Binomial and Lognormal distributions are presented.

A new species of Eunice (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from Hainan Island, South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xuwen; Sun, Ruiping; Liu, Ruiyu

2013-01-01

A taxonomic survey of benthic marine animals from coastal regions of Hainan Island, South China Sea, revealed specimens of a new species of Eunice (Polychaeta: Eunicida: Eunicidae), Eunice uschakovi n. sp., collected from the intertidal zone. The species belongs to the group of Eunice that has yellow tridentate subacicular hooks and branchiae scattered over an extensive region of the body. It resembles E. miurai and E. havaica in having both bidentate and tridentate falcigers, but can be readily distinguished by branchial features. Comparisons between E. uschakovi and the two related species are presented.

Region Evolution eXplorer - A tool for discovering evolution trends in ontology regions.

PubMed

Christen, Victor; Hartung, Michael; Groß, Anika

2015-01-01

A large number of life science ontologies has been developed to support different application scenarios such as gene annotation or functional analysis. The continuous accumulation of new insights and knowledge affects specific portions in ontologies and thus leads to their adaptation. Therefore, it is valuable to study which ontology parts have been extensively modified or remained unchanged. Users can monitor the evolution of an ontology to improve its further development or apply the knowledge in their applications. Here we present REX (Region Evolution eXplorer) a web-based system for exploring the evolution of ontology parts (regions). REX provides an analysis platform for currently about 1,000 versions of 16 well-known life science ontologies. Interactive workflows allow an explorative analysis of changing ontology regions and can be used to study evolution trends for long-term periods. REX is a web application providing an interactive and user-friendly interface to identify (un)stable regions in large life science ontologies. It is available at http://www.izbi.de/rex.

Evidence for similar patterns of neural activity elicited by picture- and word-based representations of natural scenes.

PubMed

Kumar, Manoj; Federmeier, Kara D; Fei-Fei, Li; Beck, Diane M

2017-07-15

A long-standing core question in cognitive science is whether different modalities and representation types (pictures, words, sounds, etc.) access a common store of semantic information. Although different input types have been shown to activate a shared network of brain regions, this does not necessitate that there is a common representation, as the neurons in these regions could still differentially process the different modalities. However, multi-voxel pattern analysis can be used to assess whether, e.g., pictures and words evoke a similar pattern of activity, such that the patterns that separate categories in one modality transfer to the other. Prior work using this method has found support for a common code, but has two limitations: they have either only examined disparate categories (e.g. animals vs. tools) that are known to activate different brain regions, raising the possibility that the pattern separation and inferred similarity reflects only large scale differences between the categories or they have been limited to individual object representations. By using natural scene categories, we not only extend the current literature on cross-modal representations beyond objects, but also, because natural scene categories activate a common set of brain regions, we identify a more fine-grained (i.e. higher spatial resolution) common representation. Specifically, we studied picture- and word-based representations of natural scene stimuli from four different categories: beaches, cities, highways, and mountains. Participants passively viewed blocks of either phrases (e.g. "sandy beach") describing scenes or photographs from those same scene categories. To determine whether the phrases and pictures evoke a common code, we asked whether a classifier trained on one stimulus type (e.g. phrase stimuli) would transfer (i.e. cross-decode) to the other stimulus type (e.g. picture stimuli). The analysis revealed cross-decoding in the occipitotemporal, posterior parietal and frontal cortices. This similarity of neural activity patterns across the two input types, for categories that co-activate local brain regions, provides strong evidence of a common semantic code for pictures and words in the brain. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genotype by region and season interactions on weaning weight in United States Angus cattle.

PubMed

Williams, J L; Lukaszewicz, M; Bertrand, J K; Misztal, I

2012-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine if weaning weight performance is genetically consistent across different environments in the United States. The American Angus Association provided weight and pedigree data. Weaning weights observed in the Southeast (SoE) and Northwest (NW) were the focus of this study, as these regions are perceived as opposite extremes in climate. The 2 most represented calving seasons in each region were fall and winter in the SoE and winter and spring in the NW. The original data were edited to remove weaning weight records outside of 3 SD from the respective region-season mean, contemporary groups smaller than 20, and single-sire contemporary groups. The final dataset included 884,465 weaning weight records with 64,907 from fall-born calves in the SoE, 74,820 from winter-born calves in the SoE, 346,724 from winter-born calves in the NW and 398,014 from spring-born calves in the NW. Weaning weights of calves born in different region-season classes adjusted to 205 d of age were considered different but genetically correlated traits in a multivariate analysis. The sole fixed effect was weaning contemporary group and random effects included direct, maternal, maternal permanent environment, and a residual. Direct heritability estimates differed little across environments: 0.31 and 0.35 for weight in fall- and winter-born calves in the SoE, and 0.29 and 0.32 for winter- and spring-born calves in NW. Maternal heritability estimates ranged from 0.12 in the NW to 0.16 the SoE. Genetic correlations spanned from 0.69 to 0.93 among direct effects and from 0.65 to 0.95 among maternal effects. All heritability estimates had small (0.01 to 0.04) SE. The most distinct environments appeared to be winter in SoE and spring in NW (correlations of 0.69 and 0.65 for the direct and maternal effects). Different choices of sires for different environments might be justified to achieve the growth performance expected.

Lytic and transforming functions of individual products of the adenovirus E1A gene.

PubMed Central

Moran, E; Grodzicker, T; Roberts, R J; Mathews, M B; Zerler, B

1986-01-01

To distinguish the individual roles of the 13S, 12S, and 9S adenovirus E1A gene products, we isolated the corresponding cDNA clones and recombined them into both plasmids and viruses. Only the expected E1A mRNA products were made from the corresponding 12S and 13S viruses. The 9S mRNA was detected when the 9S virus was coinfected with the 13S virus but not when either virus was infected alone. The 13S virus formed plaques equally well in 293 cells, HeLa cells, and A549 cells, a human lung oat cell carcinoma line. Plaque titers of the 12S virus were much reduced in HeLa and A549 cells compared with 293 cells, although the 12S virus is multiplicity-dependent leaky in both HeLa and A549 cells. A549 cells were significantly more permissive than HeLa cells for growth of the 12S virus. In A549 cells even at low multiplicities of infection the final yield of 12S virus eventually approached the maximum yield from 293 cells. Expression from the adenovirus early region 2 and early region 3 promoters in HeLa cells was activated in the presence of a 13S cDNA E1A region but not in the presence of a 12S E1A cDNA region. Although defective for lytic growth in HeLa cells, the 12S virus immortalized BRK cells at very high efficiency, whereas infection of these cells with 13S virus, as with wild-type E1A virus, resulted mainly in cell death. The 13S product does have an immortalization function, however, revealed in the absence of adenovirus lytic functions when a plasmid containing the E1A 13S cDNA region was transfected into BRK cells. The 9S virus failed to immortalize infected BRK cells or to interfere with focus formation when coinfected with the 12S virus. Images PMID:2936898

Regional variations in hospital management and post-discharge mortality in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

PubMed

Bueno, Héctor; Rossello, Xavier; Pocock, Stuart; Van de Werf, Frans; Chin, Chee Tang; Danchin, Nicolas; Lee, Stephen W-L; Medina, Jesús; Vega, Ana; Huo, Yong

2018-04-16

Therapeutic variability not explained by patient clinical characteristics is a potential source of avoidable morbidity and mortality. We aimed to explore regional variability in the management and mortality of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). 11,931 NSTE-ACS hospital survivors enrolled in two prospective registries: EPICOR [5625 patients, 555 hospitals, 20 countries in Europe (E) and Latin America (LA), September 2010-March 2011] and EPICOR Asia (6306 patients, 218 hospitals, 8 countries, June 2011-May 2012) were compared among eight pre-defined regions: Northern E (NE), Southern E (SE), Eastern E (EE); Latin America (LA); China (CN), India (IN), South-East Asia (SA), and South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore (KS). Patient characteristics differed between regions: mean age (lowest 59 years, IN; highest 65.9 years, SE), diabetes (21.4% NE; 35.5% IN) and smoking (32% NE; 62% IN). Variations in dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge (lowest 83.1%, IN; highest 97.5%, SA), coronary angiography (53.9% SA; 90.6% KS), percutaneous coronary intervention (35.8% SA; 78.6% KS) and coronary artery bypass graft (0.7% KS; 5.7% NE) were observed. Unadjusted 2-year mortality ranged between 3.8% in KS and 11.7% in SE. Two-year, risk-adjusted mortality rates ranged between 5.1% (95% confidence interval 2.9-7.3%) in KS to 10.5% (8.3-12.7%) in LA. Wide regional variations in patient features, hospital care, coronary revascularization and post-discharge mortality are present among patients hospitalized for NSTE-ACS. Focused regional interventions to improve the quality of care for NSTE-ACS patients are still needed.

Risk assessment of water pollution sources based on an integrated k-means clustering and set pair analysis method in the region of Shiyan, China.

PubMed

Li, Chunhui; Sun, Lian; Jia, Junxiang; Cai, Yanpeng; Wang, Xuan

2016-07-01

Source water areas are facing many potential water pollution risks. Risk assessment is an effective method to evaluate such risks. In this paper an integrated model based on k-means clustering analysis and set pair analysis was established aiming at evaluating the risks associated with water pollution in source water areas, in which the weights of indicators were determined through the entropy weight method. Then the proposed model was applied to assess water pollution risks in the region of Shiyan in which China's key source water area Danjiangkou Reservoir for the water source of the middle route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project is located. The results showed that eleven sources with relative high risk value were identified. At the regional scale, Shiyan City and Danjiangkou City would have a high risk value in term of the industrial discharge. Comparatively, Danjiangkou City and Yunxian County would have a high risk value in terms of agricultural pollution. Overall, the risk values of north regions close to the main stream and reservoir of the region of Shiyan were higher than that in the south. The results of risk level indicated that five sources were in lower risk level (i.e., level II), two in moderate risk level (i.e., level III), one in higher risk level (i.e., level IV) and three in highest risk level (i.e., level V). Also risks of industrial discharge are higher than that of the agricultural sector. It is thus essential to manage the pillar industry of the region of Shiyan and certain agricultural companies in the vicinity of the reservoir to reduce water pollution risks of source water areas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nucleotide sequence of the ribosomal RNA gene of Physarum polycephalum: intron 2 and its flanking regions of the 26S rRNA gene.

PubMed Central

Nomiyama, H; Kuhara, S; Kukita, T; Otsuka, T; Sakaki, Y

1981-01-01

The 26S ribosomal RNA gene of Physarum polycephalum is interrupted by two introns, and we have previously determined the sequence of one of them (intron 1) (Nomiyama et al. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 78, 1376-1380, 1981). In this study we sequenced the second intron (intron 2) of about 0.5 kb length and its flanking regions, and found that one nucleotide at each junction is identical in intron 1 and intron 2, though the junction regions share no other sequence homology. Comparison of the flanking exon sequences to E. coli 23S rRNA sequences shows that conserved sequences are interspersed with tracts having little homology. In particular, the region encompassing the intron 2 interruption site is highly conserved. The E. coli ribosomal protein L1 binding region is also conserved. Images PMID:6171776

Investigation on the relationship among sporadic Na, sporadic E, Field aligned irregularities and neutral winds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundararajan, Sridharan; Patra, Amit Kumar; Pant, Tarun; Gurubaran, Subramanian; Raghunath, Karnam

In the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere region (80-100 km), metallic atoms, namely, sodium, potassium, lithium, Iron etc are formed due to ablation of meteors. The lidars based on resonance fluorescence principle has been used to study the vertical distribution of sodium atoms, because of their large abundance than other metals. The profiles of sodium density sometimes show enhancement by a factor of 2 than the normal layer in a narrow altitude region of 2 km and on these occasions, they are called sporadic sodium layer, or briefly Ns. On the other hand, there are observations on sporadic E and radar observations of Field Aligned Irregularities (FAI) associated with these sporadic E. Some investigations have been made to understand the relationship between sporadic E and FAI. Considering that sporadic E is composed of metallic ions and the time of metallic ions are larger compared to other ions, the sodium observations in the same height region would be of significant importance to understand the process involved. Despite a few past observations, no clear picture has emerged due to lack of simultaneous measurements of these parameters. The simultaneous observations of FAI echoes by the Indian MST radar and sodium concentration by the sodium lidar at Gadanki (13.5o N, 79.2o E) are being used to investigate the above mentioned relationship. The Sporadic E and neutral wind information are obtained from the ionosonde, meteor/MF radar observations from Trivandrum (8.5o N, 77E) and Tirunelveli (8.7o N, 77.8o E). The results obtained will be presented during the meeting.

Identification of a molecular recognition feature in the E1A oncoprotein that binds the SUMO conjugase UBC9 and likely interferes with polySUMOylation.

PubMed

Yousef, A F; Fonseca, G J; Pelka, P; Ablack, J N G; Walsh, C; Dick, F A; Bazett-Jones, D P; Shaw, G S; Mymryk, J S

2010-08-19

Hub proteins have central roles in regulating cellular processes. By targeting a single cellular hub, a viral oncogene may gain control over an entire module in the cellular interaction network that is potentially comprised of hundreds of proteins. The adenovirus E1A oncoprotein is a viral hub that interacts with many cellular hub proteins by short linear motifs/molecular recognition features (MoRFs). These interactions transform the architecture of the cellular protein interaction network and virtually reprogram the cell. To identify additional MoRFs within E1A, we screened portions of E1A for their ability to activate yeast pseudohyphal growth or differentiation. This identified a novel functional region within E1A conserved region 2 comprised of the sequence EVIDLT. This MoRF is necessary and sufficient to bind the N-terminal region of the SUMO conjugase UBC9, which also interacts with SUMO noncovalently and is involved in polySUMOylation. Our results suggest that E1A interferes with polySUMOylation, but not with monoSUMOylation. These data provide the first insight into the consequences of the interaction of E1A with UBC9, which was initially described in 1996. We further demonstrate that polySUMOylation regulates pseudohyphal growth and promyelocytic leukemia body reorganization by E1A. In conclusion, the interaction of the E1A oncogene with UBC9 mimics the normal binding between SUMO and UBC9 and represents a novel mechanism to modulate polySUMOylation.

Requirement of Sur2 for Efficient Replication of Mouse Adenovirus Type 1

PubMed Central

Fang, Lei; Stevens, Jennitte L.; Berk, Arnold J.; Spindler, Katherine R.

2004-01-01

Mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) early region 1A (E1A) encodes a virulence gene in viral infection of mice. To broaden our understanding of the functions of E1A in MAV-1 pathogenesis, an unbiased experimental approach, glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown, was used to screen for cellular proteins that interact with E1A protein. We identified mouse Sur2, a subunit of Mediator complex, as a protein that binds to MAV-1 E1A. The interaction between Sur2 and MAV-1 E1A was confirmed in virus-infected cells. Conserved region 3 (CR3) of MAV-1 E1A was mapped as the region required for Sur2-E1A interaction, as is the case for human adenovirus E1A. Although it has been proposed that human adenovirus E1A recruits the Mediator complex to transactivate transcription of viral early genes, Sur2 function in adenovirus replication has not been directly tested previously. Studies on the functions of Sur2 with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed that there was a multiplicity-dependent growth defect of MAV-1 in Sur2−/− MEFs compared to Sur2+/+ MEFs. Comparison of the viral DNA and viral mRNA levels in Sur2+/+ and Sur2−/− MEFs confirmed that Sur2 was important for efficient viral replication. The viral replication defects in Sur2−/− MEFs appeared to be due at least in part to a defect in viral early gene transcription. PMID:15542641

Cloning and bacterial expression of adenosine-5'-triphosphate sulfurylase from the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

PubMed

Nozaki, T; Arase, T; Shigeta, Y; Asai, T; Leustek, T; Takeuchi, T

1998-12-08

A gene encoding adenosine-5'-triphosphate sulfurylase (AS) was cloned from the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica by polymerase chain reaction using degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to conserved regions of the protein from a variety of organisms. The deduced amino acid sequence of E. histolytica AS revealed a calculated molecular mass of 47925 Da and an unusual basic pI of 9.38. The amebic protein sequence showed 23-48% identities with AS from bacteria, yeasts, fungi, plants, and animals with the highest identities being to Synechocystis sp. and Bacillus subtilis (48 and 44%, respectively). Four conserved blocks including putative sulfate-binding and phosphate-binding regions were highly conserved in the E. histolytica AS. The upstream region of the AS gene contained three conserved elements reported for other E. histolytica genes. A recombinant E. histolytica AS revealed enzymatic activity, measured in both the forward and reverse directions. Expression of the E. histolytica AS complemented cysteine auxotrophy of the AS-deficient Escherichia coli strains. Genomic hybridization revealed that the AS gene exists as a single copy gene. In the literature, this is the first description of an AS gene in Protozoa.

eMODIS Expedited: Overview of a Near Real Time MODIS Production System for Operational Vegetation Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkerson, C.; Meyer, D. J.; Werpy, J.; Evenson, K.; Merritt, M.

2010-12-01

The expedited MODIS, or eMODIS production system derives near-real time Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface reflectance provided by the Land and Atmosphere Near-real time Capability for EOS (LANCE). There are currently three regions covered by this U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) capability, including the continental U.S., Africa, and the Central America/Caribbean regions. Each of the eMODIS production streams is configured to output its data in map projections, compositing intervals, spatial resolutions, and file formats specific to its region and user community. The challenges of processing 1,000-meter, 500-m, and especially 250-m products by midnight on the last day of a product interval have been met with increasingly effective software and system architecture. An anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) distribution site (ftp://emodisftp.cr.usgs.gov/eMODIS) allows users direct access to eMODIS NDVI products for operational (near-real time) monitoring of vegetation conditions like drought, crop failure, insect infestation, and other threats, thus supporting subsequent early warning of famine and the targeting of vulnerable populations for insecure food situations.

Observations of and Influences on Low-Latitude Vertical Plasma Drifts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, E. S.; Chartier, A.; Paxton, L. J.

2016-12-01

Many workers have suggested that the morphology (position and relative intensities) of the crests of the equatorial ionization anomaliesis related to the time history of the equatorial vertical drift. In this work, we compare observations of the vertical drift using an HF radiosignals of opportunity in the Central Pacific with UV 135.6-nm observations of the equatorial anomalies from the DMSP/SSUSI andTIMED/GUVI instruments. Furthermore, we explore the role of E region density in modulating the vertical plasma drift using a passive HFsounding experiment in the Caribbean. Coupling between nighttime medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) and sporadic-Elayers has been suggested as a growth-rate-increasing process. While we observe sporadic-E in the local hemisphere coincident to increases in thealtitude of the F-region altitude, we also observe uplifts without sporadic-E in the local hemisphere. Apart from the trivial explanation that sporadic-E is occurring in the conjugate hemisphere, another possible explanation is that the E region may enhance the vertical drift, but is not required to produce enhanced vertical drifts. These studies represent fruitful areas of future intersection between ground-based observations and ICON and GOLD science.

The Function of Embryonic Stem Cell-expressed RAS (E-RAS), a Unique RAS Family Member, Correlates with Its Additional Motifs and Its Structural Properties.

PubMed

Nakhaei-Rad, Saeideh; Nakhaeizadeh, Hossein; Kordes, Claus; Cirstea, Ion C; Schmick, Malte; Dvorsky, Radovan; Bastiaens, Philippe I H; Häussinger, Dieter; Ahmadian, Mohammad Reza

2015-06-19

E-RAS is a member of the RAS family specifically expressed in embryonic stem cells, gastric tumors, and hepatic stellate cells. Unlike classical RAS isoforms (H-, N-, and K-RAS4B), E-RAS has, in addition to striking and remarkable sequence deviations, an extended 38-amino acid-long unique N-terminal region with still unknown functions. We investigated the molecular mechanism of E-RAS regulation and function with respect to its sequence and structural features. We found that N-terminal extension of E-RAS is important for E-RAS signaling activity. E-RAS protein most remarkably revealed a different mode of effector interaction as compared with H-RAS, which correlates with deviations in the effector-binding site of E-RAS. Of all these residues, tryptophan 79 (arginine 41 in H-RAS), in the interswitch region, modulates the effector selectivity of RAS proteins from H-RAS to E-RAS features. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

76 FR 47061 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Lakeland, FL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-04

...-0005; Airspace Docket No. 10-ASO-42] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Lakeland, FL AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action amends Class E airspace at... proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Class E airspace at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, FL (75...

Marine water quality under climate change conditions/scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzi, Jonathan; Torresan, Silvia; Critto, Andrea; Zabeo, Alex; Brigolin, Daniele; Carniel, Sandro; Pastres, Roberto; Marcomini, Antonio

2016-04-01

The increase of sea temperature and the changes in marine currents are generating impacts on coastal waters such as changes in water biogeochemical and physical parameters (e.g. primary production, pH, salinity) leading to progressive degradation of the marine environment. With the main aim of analysing the potential impacts of climate change on coastal water quality, a Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) methodology was developed and applied to coastal marine waters of the North Adriatic (i.e. coastal water bodies of the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, Italy). RRA integrates the outputs of regional models providing information on macronutrients (i.e. dissolved inorganic nitrogen e reactive phosphorus), dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and temperature, etc., under future climate change scenarios with site-specific environmental and socio-economic indicators (e.g. biotic index, presence and extension of seagrasses, presence of aquaculture). The presented approach uses Geographic Information Systems to manage, analyse, and visualize data and employs Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for the integration of stakeholders preferences and experts judgments into the evaluation process. RRA outputs are hazard, exposure, vulnerability, risk and damage maps useful for the identification and prioritization of hot-spot areas and vulnerable targets in the considered region. Therefore, the main aim of this contribution is to apply the RRA methodology to integrate, visualize, and rank according to spatial distribution, physical and chemical data concerning the coastal waters of the North Adriatic Sea in order to predict possible changes of the actual water quality.

Does APO ε4 correlate with MRI changes in Alzheimer's disease?

PubMed Central

Doody, R; Azher, S; Haykal, H; Dunn, J; Liao, T; Schneider, L

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVE—To assess the relation between APO E genotype and MRI white matter changes in Alzheimer's disease. The APO ε4 allele is correlated with amyloid angiopathy and other neuropathologies in Alzheimer's disease and could be associated with white matter changes. If so, there should be a dose effect.
METHODS—104 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria) in this Alzheimer's Disease Research Centre were studied. Patients received MRI and APO E genotyping by standardised protocols. Axial MRI was scored (modified Schelten's scale) for the presence and degree of white matter changes and atrophy in several regions by a neuroradiologist blinded to genotype. Total white matter and total atrophy scores were also generated. Data analysis included Pearson's correlation for regional and total imaging scores and analysis of variance (ANOVA) (or Kruskal-Wallis) and χ2 for demographic and disease related variables.
RESULTS—30 patients had no ε4, 53 patients were heterozygous, and 21 patients were homozygous. The three groups did not differ in sex distribution, age of onset, age at MRI, MMSE, clinical dementia rating, or modified Hachinski ischaemia scores. There were no significant correlations between total or regional white matter scores and APO E genotype (Pearson correlation).
CONCLUSIONS—No correlation between total or regional white matter scores and APO E genotype was found. The pathogenesis of white matter changes in Alzheimer's disease may be independent of APO E genotype.

 PMID:11032626

E-Business, the impact of regional growth on the improvement of Information and Communication Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiawan, MI; Hasyim, C.; Kurniasih, N.; Abdullah, D.; Napitupulu, D.; Rahim, R.; Sukoco, A.; Dhaniarti, I.; Suyono, J.; Sudapet, IN; Nasihien, RD; Wulandari, DAR; Reswanda; Mudjanarko, SW; Sugeng; Wajdi, MBN

2018-04-01

ICT becomes a key element to improve industrial infrastructure efficiency and sustainable economic productivity. This study aims to analysis the impact of regional improvement on information and communication development in Indonesia. This research is a correlational study. Population of this research include 151 regions in Indonesia. By using a total sampling, there were 151 sample regions. The results show there are the strong impact of regional growth on increasing Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of information and communication. It can be seen from all regional improvement sub variables that have a high correlation in increasing GRDP of Information and Communication in Indonesia. Only two sub-variables that have low correlation to GRDP of Information and Communication variable i.e. GRDP of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (0.01) and GRDP of Mining and Quarrying (0.04). The correlation coefficient (R) is 0.981, means the variable of information and communication GRDP has a very strong correlation with regional growth variable. Thus the value of Adjusted R Square is 95.8%, means there are impact of regional growth variables in increasing GRDPof Information and Communication, while the increase of 4.2% of Information and Communication GRDP is influenced by other factors aside from regional improvement.

Geopotential models in the Australian region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kearsley, A. H. W.; Holloway, R. D.

1989-01-01

The ability of three high-order geopotential models (OSU81, GPM2 and OSU86E) to recover the gravity anomaly field (delta g) in the Australian region was tested. The region was divided into 2 x 2 deg blocks, and the mean and rms of the residual gravity (delta g measured - delta g modeled) was found to estimate the fit of the model to the point gravity data. The results showed that OSU81 and GPM2 performed similarly, recovering the delta g with a mean value of less than plus or minus 5 mGal in 63 and 70 percent of the blocks, respectively. However, both these models achieved a fit of worse that was plus or minus 13 mGal in 6 to 7 percent of cases. These were in areas either on or near the coast, or in the Central Australian region, inferring that for a precise geoid slope determination in these regions, a detailed analysis of delta g in region is needed. On the other hand, OSU86E produced a very good result, having a mean fit of less than plus or minus 5 mGal in 80 percent of the blocks, and worse than plus or minus 13 mGal in only 1 percent of cases. The rms values for this model were also improved over the other two models, indicating that for applications requiring highest precision, the preferred model is OSU86E.

Genome-wide comparisons of phylogenetic similarities between partial genomic regions and the full-length genome in Hepatitis E virus genotyping.

PubMed

Wang, Shuai; Wei, Wei; Luo, Xuenong; Cai, Xuepeng

2014-01-01

Besides the complete genome, different partial genomic sequences of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been used in genotyping studies, making it difficult to compare the results based on them. No commonly agreed partial region for HEV genotyping has been determined. In this study, we used a statistical method to evaluate the phylogenetic performance of each partial genomic sequence from a genome wide, by comparisons of evolutionary distances between genomic regions and the full-length genomes of 101 HEV isolates to identify short genomic regions that can reproduce HEV genotype assignments based on full-length genomes. Several genomic regions, especially one genomic region at the 3'-terminal of the papain-like cysteine protease domain, were detected to have relatively high phylogenetic correlations with the full-length genome. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the identical performances between these regions and the full-length genome in genotyping, in which the HEV isolates involved could be divided into reasonable genotypes. This analysis may be of value in developing a partial sequence-based consensus classification of HEV species.

Numerical modeling of short-term slow slip events in the Shikoku region considering the effect of earth tides and plate configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzawa, T.; Tanaka, Y.; Shibazaki, B.

2016-12-01

Several studies reported that occurrence of slow slip events (SSEs) in the Nankai region is affected by earth tides (e.g., Nakata et al., 2008; Ide and Tanaka, 2014; Yabe et al., 2015). The tidal effect on the SSEs is also examined by numerical studies (e.g., Hawthorne and Rubin, 2013). In our previous study, repeating SSEs in the Shikoku region are numerically reproduced, incorporating the actual plate configuration (Matsuzawa et al., 2013). In this study, we examined the behavior of SSEs in the Shikoku region, considering stress perturbation by earth tides. Our numerical model is similar to our previous study (Matsuzawa et al., 2013). A plate interface is expressed by small triangular elements. A rate- and state-dependent friction law (RS-law) with cutoff velocities is adopted as the friction law on each element. We assumed that (a-b) value in the RS-law is negative within the short-term SSE region, and positive outside the region. The short-term SSE region is based on the actual distribution of low-frequency tremor. Low effective normal stress is assumed at the depth of short-term SSEs. Calculating stress change by earth tides as in Yabe et al., (2015), we assume that the stress change is represented by periods of 10 major tides. Incorporating this stress perturbation, we calculate the evolution of slip on the plate interface. In the numerical result, repeating short-term SSEs are reproduced in the short-term SSE region. Recurrent intervals of SSEs at an isolated patch (e.g., northeastern Shikoku) have small fluctuation. Introducing tidal effect, peak velocity becomes faster than that in the case without tidal effect. On the other hand, the difference of peak velocities is not clear between the cases with and without tidal effect at widely connected SSE region (e.g., western Shikoku), as the intervals and peak velocities of SSEs are largely fluctuated in both cases. Hirahara (2016) suggested that the recurrence interval of events is synchronized to the period of external force, when these two periods are close. In our result, recurrence intervals of SSEs at the isolated patch seem to be less fluctuated in the case with tides, and perhaps, may be attracted to the period of integer multiple of the long period tides (e.g., Mf), although further examination is required to confirm this interpretation.

Comparing lecture and e-learning as pedagogies for new and experienced professionals in dentistry.

PubMed

Browne, L; Mehra, S; Rattan, R; Thomas, G

2004-07-24

To evaluate the relative effectiveness of e-learning versus lecture learning in VDPs and trainers. Experimental comparison of two groups' learning retention. VDPs and trainers from two regions were assessed by independent researchers. One region's VDPs and trainers received e-learning; another's received a traditional one hour lecture. Retention and understanding were tested and compared. Personal preference was assessed in group interviews. Significantly greater retention for the trainees occurred from lecturing rather than e-learning, and for the trainers e-learning was significantly more successful than lecturing. Small numbers in this study preclude wide generalisation. However, the results point to the benefits of face-to-face interaction for inexperienced staff, and the benefits of the speed and manageability of e-learning for busy, more experienced staff. The need for a discussion facility to be incorporated into ICT innovations to CPD (via, for example, online 'chatrooms') is also highlighted, with the potential of greatly enhancing e-learning efficacy.

Unveiling the Ionization Energy of the CN Radical.

PubMed

Gans, Bérenger; Boyé-Péronne, Séverine; Garcia, Gustavo A; Röder, Anja; Schleier, Domenik; Halvick, Philippe; Loison, Jean-Christophe

2017-09-07

The cyano radical is a ubiquitous molecule and was, for instance, one of the first species detected in astrophysical media such as comets or diffuse clouds. In photodissociation regions, the reaction rate of CN + + CO → CN + CO + is one of the critical parameters defining nitrile chemistry. The enthalpy of this charge transfer reaction is defined as the difference of ionization energies (E I ) between CN and CO. Although E I (CO) is known accurately, the E I (CN) values are more dispersed and deduced indirectly from thermodynamic thresholds only, all above E I (CO), leading to the assumption that the reaction is fast even at low temperature. Using a combination of synchrotron radiation, electron/ion imaging coincidence techniques, and supporting ab initio calculations, we directly determine the first adiabatic ionization energy of CN at 13.956(7) eV, and we demonstrate that E I (CN) < E I (CO). The findings suggest a very slow reaction in the cold regions of interstellar media.

Characterization of a prototype strain of hepatitis E virus.

PubMed Central

Tsarev, S A; Emerson, S U; Reyes, G R; Tsareva, T S; Legters, L J; Malik, I A; Iqbal, M; Purcell, R H

1992-01-01

A strain of hepatitis E virus (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, was characterized extensively. Six cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were infected with a strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the pattern of virus shedding in feces, bile, and serum relative to hepatitis and induction of specific antibodies. Virtually the entire genome of SAR-55 (7195 nucleotides) was sequenced. Comparison of the sequence of SAR-55 with that of a Burmese strain revealed a high level of homology except for one region encoding 100 amino acids of a putative nonstructural polyprotein. Identification of this region as hypervariable was obtained by partial sequencing of a third isolate of hepatitis E virus from Kirgizia. Images PMID:1731327

Structural modeling identifies Plasmodium vivax 4-diphosphocytidyl-2C-methyl-d-erythritol kinase (IspE) as a plausible new antimalarial drug target.

PubMed

Kadian, Kavita; Vijay, Sonam; Gupta, Yash; Rawal, Ritu; Singh, Jagbir; Anvikar, Anup; Pande, Veena; Sharma, Arun

2018-08-01

Malaria parasites utilize Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway for synthesis of isoprenoid precursors which are essential for maturation and survival of parasites during erythrocytic and gametocytic stages. The absence of MEP pathway in the human host establishes MEP pathway enzymes as a repertoire of essential drug targets. The fourth enzyme, 4-diphosphocytidyl-2C-methyl-d-erythritol kinase (IspE) has been proved essential in pathogenic bacteria, however; it has not yet been studied in any Plasmodium species. This study was undertaken to investigate genetic polymorphism and concomitant structural implications of the Plasmodium vivax IspE (PvIspE) by employing sequencing, modeling and bioinformatics approach. We report that PvIspE gene displayed six non-synonymous mutations which were restricted to non-conserved regions within the gene from seven topographically distinct malaria-endemic regions of India. Phylogenetic studies reflected that PvIspE occupies unique status within Plasmodia genus and reflects that Plasmodium vivax IspE gene has a distant and non-conserved relation with human ortholog Mevalonate Kinase (MAVK). Structural modeling analysis revealed that all PvIspE Indian isolates have critically conserved canonical galacto-homoserine-mevalonate-phosphomevalonate kinase (GHMP) domain within the active site lying in a deep cleft sandwiched between ATP and CDPME-binding domains. The active core region was highly conserved among all clinical isolates, may be due to >60% β-pleated rigid architecture. The mapped structural analysis revealed the critically conserved active site of PvIspE, both sequence, and spacially among all Indian isolates; showing no significant changes in the active site. Our study strengthens the candidature of Plasmodium vivax IspE enzyme as a future target for novel antimalarials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two-photon double ionization of helium in the region of photon energies 42-50eV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, I. A.; Kheifets, A. S.

2007-03-01

We report the total integrated cross section (TICS) of two-photon double ionization of helium in the photon energy range from 42to50eV . Our computational procedure relies on a numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation on a square-integrable basis and subsequent projection of this solution on a set of final field-free states describing correlation in the two-electron continuum. Our results suggest that the TICS grows monotonically as a function of photon energy in the region of 42-50eV , possibly reaching a maximum in the vicinity of 50eV . We also present fully resolved triple-differential cross sections for selected photon energies.

Plant traits, productivity, biomass and soil properties from forest sites in the Pacific Northwest, 1999-2014.

PubMed

Berner, Logan T; Law, Beverly E

2016-01-19

Plant trait measurements are needed for evaluating ecological responses to environmental conditions and for ecosystem process model development, parameterization, and testing. We present a standardized dataset integrating measurements from projects conducted by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research and Regional Analysis- Pacific Northwest (TERRA-PNW) research group between 1999 and 2014 across Oregon and Northern California, where measurements were collected for scaling and modeling regional terrestrial carbon processes with models such as Biome-BGC and the Community Land Model. The dataset contains measurements of specific leaf area, leaf longevity, leaf carbon and nitrogen for 35 tree and shrub species derived from more than 1,200 branch samples collected from over 200 forest plots, including several AmeriFlux sites. The dataset also contains plot-level measurements of forest composition, structure (e.g., tree biomass), and productivity, as well as measurements of soil structure (e.g., bulk density) and chemistry (e.g., carbon). Publically-archiving regional datasets of standardized, co-located, and geo-referenced plant trait measurements will advance the ability of earth system models to capture species-level climate sensitivity at regional to global scales.

Plant traits, productivity, biomass and soil properties from forest sites in the Pacific Northwest, 1999-2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berner, Logan T.; Law, Beverly E.

2016-01-01

Plant trait measurements are needed for evaluating ecological responses to environmental conditions and for ecosystem process model development, parameterization, and testing. We present a standardized dataset integrating measurements from projects conducted by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research and Regional Analysis- Pacific Northwest (TERRA-PNW) research group between 1999 and 2014 across Oregon and Northern California, where measurements were collected for scaling and modeling regional terrestrial carbon processes with models such as Biome-BGC and the Community Land Model. The dataset contains measurements of specific leaf area, leaf longevity, leaf carbon and nitrogen for 35 tree and shrub species derived from more than 1,200 branch samples collected from over 200 forest plots, including several AmeriFlux sites. The dataset also contains plot-level measurements of forest composition, structure (e.g., tree biomass), and productivity, as well as measurements of soil structure (e.g., bulk density) and chemistry (e.g., carbon). Publically-archiving regional datasets of standardized, co-located, and geo-referenced plant trait measurements will advance the ability of earth system models to capture species-level climate sensitivity at regional to global scales.

Ultrasound modulated optical tomography: Young's modulus of the insonified region from measurement of natural frequency of vibration.

PubMed

Chandran, R Sriram; Roy, Debasish; Kanhirodan, Rajan; Vasu, Ram Mohan; Devi, C Usha

2011-11-07

We demonstrate a method to recover the Young's modulus (E) of a tissue-mimicking phantom from measurements of ultrasound modulated optical tomography (UMOT). The object is insonified by a dual-beam, confocal ultrasound transducer (US) oscillating at frequencies f₀ and f₀ + Δf and the variation of modulation depth (M) in the autocorrelation of light traversed through the focal region of the US transducer against Δf is measured. From the dominant peaks observed in the above variation, the natural frequencies of the insonified region associated with the vibration along the US transducer axis are deduced. A consequence of the above resonance is that the speckle fluctuation at the resonance frequency has a higher signal-to-noise to ratio (SNR). From these natural frequencies and the associated eigenspectrum of the oscillating object, Young's modulus (E) of the material in the focal region is recovered. The working of this method is confirmed by recovering E in the case of three tissue-mimicking phantoms of different elastic modulus values.

A comparison of upper mantle subcontinental electrical conductivity for North America, Europe, and Asia.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Campbell, W.H.; Schiffmacher, E.R.

1986-01-01

Spherical harmonic analysis coefficients of the external and internal parts of the quiet-day geomagnetic field variations (Sq), separated for the N American, European, Central Asian and E Asian regions, were used to determine conductivity profiles to depths of about 600km by the Schmucker equivalent-substitute conductor method. All 3 regions showed a roughly exponential increase of conductivity with depth. Distinct discontinuities seemed to be evident near 255-300km and near 450-600km. Regional differences in the conductivity profiles were shown by the functional fittings to the data. For depths less than about 275km, the N American conductivities seemed to be significantly higher than the other regions. For depths greater than about 300km, the E Asian conductivities were largest. -Authors

Elmohardyia Rafael (Diptera, Pipunculidae) from northeastern Brazil: new records and description of new species.

PubMed

Marques, Dayse W A; Rafael, José A

2015-06-12

Eleven species of Elmohardyia are recorded for the first time in northeastern Brazil, the most arid Brazilian region. There are two new records, E. lindneri (Collin) and E. trinidadensis (Hardy), and nine new species, which are here described and illustrated: Elmohardyia cearensis sp. nov.; E. cheliformis sp. nov.; E. distincta sp. nov.; E. formosa sp. nov.; E. limeirai sp. nov.; E. martae sp. nov.; E. potiguar sp. nov.; E. quadricornis sp. nov. and E. rosalinae sp. nov.

Primary Health Care: care coordinator in regionalized networks?

PubMed

Almeida, Patty Fidelis de; Santos, Adriano Maia Dos

2016-12-22

To analyze the breadth of care coordination by Primary Health Care in three health regions. This is a quantitative and qualitative case study. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews with municipal, regional and state managers were carried out, besides a cross-sectional survey with the administration of questionnaires to physicians (74), nurses (127), and a representative sample of users (1,590) of Estratégia Saúde da Família (Family Health Strategy) in three municipal centers of health regions in the state of Bahia. Primary Health Care as first contact of preference faced strong competition from hospital outpatient and emergency services outside the network. Issues related to access to and provision of specialized care were aggravated by dependence on the private sector in the regions, despite progress observed in institutionalizing flows starting out from Primary Health Care. The counter-referral system was deficient and interprofessional communication was scarce, especially concerning services provided by the contracted network. Coordination capacity is affected both by the fragmentation of the regional network and intrinsic problems in Primary Health Care, which poorly supported in its essential attributes. Although the health regions have common problems, Primary Health Care remains a subject confined to municipal boundaries. Analisar o alcance da coordenação do cuidado pela Atenção Primária à Saúde em três regiões de saúde. Trata-se de estudo de caso, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Foram realizadas 31 entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores municipais, regionais e estaduais e estudo transversal com aplicação de questionários para médicos (74), enfermeiros (127) e amostra representativa de usuários (1.590) da Estratégia Saúde da Família em três municípios-sede de regiões de saúde do estado da Bahia. A função de porta de entrada preferencial pela Atenção Primária à Saúde deparava-se com forte concorrência de serviços ambulatoriais hospitalares e de pronto-atendimento, desarticulados da rede. Problemas de acesso e oferta de atenção especializada eram agravados pela dependência do setor privado nas regiões, ainda que tenham sido observados avanços na institucionalização de fluxos desde a Atenção Primária à Saúde. A contrarreferência era deficiente e a comunicação interprofissional escassa, principalmente quando o usuário era atendido na rede contratada ou conveniada. A capacidade de coordenação mostra-se afetada tanto pela fragmentação da rede regional, quanto por problemas intrínsecos à Atenção Primária à Saúde, pouco fortalecida em seus atributos essenciais. Apesar de as regiões de saúde apresentarem problemas em comum, a Atenção Primária à Saúde continua sendo um tema circunscrito aos limites municipais.

Cumulative effects of wildfires on forest dynamics in the eastern Cascade Mountains, USA.

PubMed

Reilly, Matthew J; Elia, Mario; Spies, Thomas A; Gregory, Matthew J; Sanesi, Giovanni; Lafortezza, Raffaele

2018-03-01

Wildfires pose a unique challenge to conservation in fire-prone regions, yet few studies quantify the cumulative effects of wildfires on forest dynamics (i.e., changes in structural conditions) across landscape and regional scales. We assessed the contribution of wildfire to forest dynamics in the eastern Cascade Mountains, USA from 1985 to 2010 using imputed maps of forest structure (i.e., tree size and canopy cover) and remotely sensed burn severity maps. We addressed three questions: (1) How do dynamics differ between the region as a whole and the unburned portion of the region? (2) How do dynamics vary among vegetation zones differing in biophysical setting and historical fire frequency? (3) How have forest structural conditions changed in a network of late successional reserves (LSRs)? Wildfires affected 10% of forests in the region, but the cumulative effects at this scale were primarily slight losses of closed-canopy conditions and slight gains in open-canopy conditions. In the unburned portion of the region (the remaining 90%), closed-canopy conditions primarily increased despite other concurrent disturbances (e.g., harvest, insects). Although the effects of fire were largely dampened at the regional scale, landscape scale dynamics were far more variable. The warm ponderosa pine and cool mixed conifer zones experienced less fire than the region as a whole despite experiencing the most frequent fire historically. Open-canopy conditions increased slightly in the mixed conifer zone, but declined across the ponderosa pine zone even with wildfires. Wildfires burned 30% of the cold subalpine zone, which experienced the greatest increase in open-canopy conditions and losses of closed-canopy conditions. LSRs were more prone to wildfire than the region as a whole, and experienced slight declines in late seral conditions. Despite losses of late seral conditions, wildfires contributed to some conservation objectives by creating open habitats (e.g., sparse early seral and woodland conditions) that otherwise generally decreased in unburned landscapes despite management efforts to increase landscape diversity. This study demonstrates the potential for wildfires to contribute to regional scale conservation objectives, but implications for management and biodiversity at landscape scales vary geographically among biophysical settings, and are contingent upon historical dynamics and individual species habitat preferences. © 2017 by the Ecological Society of America.

Spatial dimensions of the electron diffusion region in anti-parallel magnetic reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, Takuma; Nakamura, Rumi; Haseagwa, Hiroshi

2016-03-01

Spatial dimensions of the detailed structures of the electron diffusion region in anti-parallel magnetic reconnection were analyzed based on two-dimensional fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. The electron diffusion region in this study is defined as the region where the positive reconnection electric field is sustained by the electron inertial and non-gyrotropic pressure components. Past kinetic studies demonstrated that the dimensions of the whole electron diffusion region and the inner non-gyrotropic region are scaled by the electron inertial length de and the width of the electron meandering motion, respectively. In this study, we successfully obtained more precise scalings of the dimensions of these two regions than the previous studies by performing simulations with sufficiently small grid spacing (1/16-1/8 de) and a sufficient number of particles (800 particles cell-1 on average) under different conditions changing the ion-to-electron mass ratio, the background density and the electron βe (temperature). The obtained scalings are adequately supported by some theories considering spatial variations of field and plasma parameters within the diffusion region. In the reconnection inflow direction, the dimensions of both regions are proportional to de based on the background density. Both dimensions also depend on βe based on the background values, but the dependence in the inner region ( ˜ 0.375th power) is larger than the whole region (0.125th power) reflecting the orbits of meandering and accelerated electrons within the inner region. In the outflow direction, almost only the non-gyrotropic component sustains the positive reconnection electric field. The dimension of this single-scale diffusion region is proportional to the ion-electron hybrid inertial length (dide)1/2 based on the background density and weakly depends on the background βe with the 0.25th power. These firm scalings allow us to predict observable dimensions in real space which are indeed in reasonable agreement with past in situ spacecraft observations in the Earth's magnetotail and have important implications for future observations with higher resolutions such as the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission.

Macrophage-specific Up-regulation of Apolipoprotein E Gene Expression by STAT1 Is Achieved via Long Range Genomic Interactions*

PubMed Central

Trusca, Violeta Georgeta; Fuior, Elena Valeria; Florea, Irina Cristina; Kardassis, Dimitris; Simionescu, Maya; Gafencu, Anca Violeta

2011-01-01

In atherogenesis, macrophage-derived apolipoprotein E (apoE) has an athero-protective role by a mechanism that is not fully understood. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms involved in the modulation of apoE expression in macrophages. The experiments showed that the promoters of all genes of the apoE/apoCI/apoCIV/apoCII gene cluster are enhanced by multienhancer 2 (ME.2), a regulatory region that is located 15.9 kb downstream of the apoE gene. ME.2 interacts with the apoE promoter in a macrophage-specific manner. Transient transfections in RAW 264.7 macrophages showed that the activity of ME.2 was strongly decreased by deletion of either 87 bp from the 5′ end or 131 bp from the 3′ end. We determined that the minimal fragment of this promoter that can be activated by ME.2 is the proximal −100/+73 region. The analysis of the deletion mutants of ME.2 revealed the importance of the 5′ end of ME.2 in apoE promoter transactivation. Chromatin conformational capture assays demonstrated that both ME.2 and ME.1 physically interacted with the apoE promoter in macrophages. Our data showed that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced differentiation of macrophages is accompanied by a robust induction of apoE and STAT1 expression. In macrophages (but not in hepatocytes), STAT1 up-regulated apoE gene expression via ME.2. The STAT1 binding site was located in the 174–182 region of ME.2. In conclusion, the specificity of the interactions between the two multienhancers (ME.1 and ME.2) and the apoE promoter indicates that these distal regulatory elements play an important role in the modulation of apoE gene expression in a cell-specific manner. PMID:21372127

Analysis of Simultaneous Polar Fox II Backscatter and Ionospheric Sounding Data

DTIC Science & Technology

latitudes where vertical soundings show spread-E and -F. Those regions appear to be identical to the auroral E (night E) layer and ’ plasma ring ’ F layer known to be associated with the auroral oval.

Lens Coupled Quantum Cascade Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Alan Wei Min (Inventor); Hu, Qing (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Terahertz quantum cascade (QC) devices are disclosed that can operate, e.g., in a range of about 1 THz to about 10 THz. In some embodiments, QC lasers are disclosed in which an optical element (e.g., a lens) is coupled to an output facet of the laser's active region to enhance coupling of the lasing radiation from the active region to an external environment. In other embodiments, terahertz amplifier and tunable terahertz QC lasers are disclosed.

Development of a Regional 3-D Velocity Model of the Pakistan Region for Improved Seismic Event Location

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

the Engdahl, el al. (1998) database . Our results show that the new model better fits the data COm~ared to both the initial model and the alobal l -D...34SOUICU" m the cal-. Tbe Podvh-Lemmte method sohns the eikonal equation m a 3-D medium using a htd&mme . . spprmimatian. It c a n ~ e l y m o d e l ~ ~ o

Region of influence regression for estimating the 50-year flood at ungaged sites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tasker, Gary D.; Hodge, S.A.; Barks, C.S.

1996-01-01

Five methods of developing regional regression models to estimate flood characteristics at ungaged sites in Arkansas are examined. The methods differ in the manner in which the State is divided into subrogions. Each successive method (A to E) is computationally more complex than the previous method. Method A makes no subdivision. Methods B and C define two and four geographic subrogions, respectively. Method D uses cluster/discriminant analysis to define subrogions on the basis of similarities in watershed characteristics. Method E, the new region of influence method, defines a unique subregion for each ungaged site. Split-sample results indicate that, in terms of root-mean-square error, method E (38 percent error) is best. Methods C and D (42 and 41 percent error) were in a virtual tie for second, and methods B (44 percent error) and A (49 percent error) were fourth and fifth best.

Penetration of ELF currents and electromagnetic fields into the Earth's equatorial ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eliasson, B.; Papadopoulos, K.

2009-10-01

The penetration of extremely low frequency (ELF) transient electromagnetic fields and associated currents in the Earth's equatorial E-region plasma is studied theoretically and numerically. In the low-frequency regime, the plasma dynamics of the E-region is characterized by helicon waves since the ions are viscously coupled to neutrals while the electrons remain mobile. For typical equatorial E-region parameters, the plasma is magnetically insulated from penetration of very long timescale magnetic fields by a thin diffusive sheath. Wave penetration driven by a vertically incident pulse localized in space and time leads to both vertical penetration and the triggering of ELF helicon/whistler waves that carry currents obliquely to the magnetic field lines. The study presented here may have relevance for ELF wave generation by lightning discharges and seismic activity and can lead to new concepts in ELF/ULF injection in the earth-ionosphere waveguide.

Inhibition of adenovirus 5 replication in COS-1 cells by antisense RNAs against the viral E1a region.

PubMed

Miroshnichenko, O I; Ponomareva, T I; Tikchonenko, T I

1989-12-07

To study the effect of antisense E1a RNA (asRNA) on adenovirus development, two types of adenovirus 5 E1a antisense constructs have been engineered. One was complementary to the viral DNA region [nucleotide (nt) positions 500-720] regulated by the metallothionein-I promoter, and the other was complementary to the DNA regions (nt positions 630-1570) under control of the long terminal repeat Moloney mouse leukosis virus promoter. Both asRNA constructs were cloned into a plasmid containing the simian virus 40 origin of replication, the gene controlling geneticin (G418) resistance (G418R), and other regulatory elements. The COS-1 cells, which contained up to 100 copies of the engineered plasmids, synthesized antiviral asRNAs, which provided 71 to over 95% inhibition of adenoviral replication, in comparison to the control cells not synthesizing asRNAs.

Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID), eGRID2012

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States. These environmental characteristics include air emissions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide; emissions rates; net generation; resource mix; and many other attributes. eGRID2012 Version 1.0 is the eighth edition of eGRID, which contains the complete release of year 2009 data, as well as year 2007, 2005, and 2004 data. For year 2009 data, all the data are contained in a single Microsoft Excel workbook, which contains boiler, generator, plant, state, power control area, eGRID subregion, NERC region, U.S. total and grid gross loss factor tabs. Full documentation, summary data, eGRID subregion and NERC region representational maps, and GHG emission factors are also released in this edition. The fourth edition of eGRID, eGRID2002 Version 2.01, containing year 1996 through 2000 data is located on the eGRID Archive page (http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/egrid/archive.html). The current edition of eGRID and the archived edition of eGRID contain the following years of data: 1996 - 2000, 2004, 2005, and 2007. eGRID has no other years of data.

Molecular discrimination of Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis by sequencing and a new PCR-RFLP method with the potential use for other Echinococcus species.

PubMed

Şakalar, Çağrı; Kuk, Salih; Erensoy, Ahmet; Dağli, Adile Ferda; Özercan, İbrahim Hanifi; Çetınkaya, Ülfet; Yazar, Süleyman

2014-01-01

To develop a novel polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) protocol using a new genomic marker sequence and a novel set of restriction enzymes in order to detect and discriminate 2 Echinococcus species, E. granulosus and E. multilocularis, found in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues. DNA was isolated from 11 FFPE human tissue samples positive for cystic echinococcosis or alveolar echinococcosis. A mitochondrial genomic marker region was amplified and sequenced using a novel primer pair and a new PCR-RFLP protocol was developed for the detection and discrimination of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis using a set of restriction enzymes including AccI, MboI, MboII, and TsoI. The selected marker region was amplified using DNA isolated from FFPE human tissue samples positive for cystic echinococcosis or alveolar echinococcosis and the discrimination of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis was accomplished by use of the novel PCR-RFLP method. In this PCR-RFLP protocol, use of any single restriction enzyme is enough for the discrimination of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. The PCR-RFLP protocol can be potentially used for the discrimination of 5 other Echinococcus species: E. oligarthus, E. shiquicus, E. ortleppi, E. canadensis, and E. vogeli.

Discovery of VHE emission towards the Carina arm region with the H.E.S.S. telescope array: HESS J1018-589

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

H. E. S. S. Collaboration; Abramowski, A.; Acero, F.; Aharonian, F.; Akhperjanian, A. G.; Anton, G.; Balzer, A.; Barnacka, A.; Becherini, Y.; Becker, J.; Bernlöh, K.; Birsin, E.; Biteau, J.; Bochow, A.; Boisson, C.; Bolmont, J.; Bordas, P.; Brucker, J.; Brun, F.; Brun, P.; Bulik, T.; Büsching, I.; Carrigan, S.; Casanova, S.; Cerruti, M.; Chadwick, P. M.; Charbonnier, A.; Chaves, R. C. G.; Cheesebrough, A.; Cologna, G.; Conrad, J.; Dalton, M.; Daniel, M. K.; Davids, I. D.; Degrange, B.; Deil, C.; Dickinson, H. J.; Djannati-Ataï, A.; Domainko, W.; Drury, L. O'C.; Dubus, G.; Dutson, K.; Dyks, J.; Dyrda, M.; Egberts, K.; Eger, P.; Espigat, P.; Fallon, L.; Fegan, S.; Feinstein, F.; Fernandes, M. V.; Fiasson, A.; Fontaine, G.; Förster, A.; Füßling, M.; Gallant, Y. A.; Gast, H.; Gérard, L.; Gerbig, D.; Giebels, B.; Glicenstein, J. F.; Glück, B.; Göring, D.; Häffner, S.; Hague, J. D.; Hahn, J.; Hampf, D.; Harris, J.; Hauser, M.; Heinz, S.; Heinzelmann, G.; Henri, G.; Hermann, G.; Hillert, A.; Hinton, J. A.; Hofmann, W.; Hofverberg, P.; Holler, M.; Horns, D.; Jacholkowska, A.; de Jager, O. C.; Jahn, C.; Jamrozy, M.; Jung, I.; Kastendieck, M. A.; Katarzyński, K.; Katz, U.; Kaufmann, S.; Keogh, D.; Khélifi, B.; Klochkov, D.; Klużniak, D.; Kneiske, T.; Komin, Nu.; Kosack, K.; Kossakowski, R.; Krayzel, F.; Laffon, H.; Lamanna, G.; Lenain, J.-P.; Lennarz, D.; Lohse, T.; Lopatin, A.; Lu, C.-C.; Marandon, V.; Marcowith, A.; Masbou, J.; Maxted, N.; Mayer, M.; McComb, T. J. L.; Medina, M. C.; Méhault, J.; Moderski, R.; Mohamed, M.; Moulin, E.; Naumann, C. L.; Naumann-Godo, M.; de Naurois, M.; Nedbal, D.; Nekrassov, D.; Nguyen, N.; Nicholas, B.; Niemiec, J.; Nolan, S. J.; Ohm, S.; de Oña Wilhelmi, E.; Opitz, B.; Ostrowski, M.; Oya, I.; Panter, M.; Paz Arribas, M.; Pekeur, N. W.; Pelletier, G.; Perez, J.; Petrucci, P.-O.; Peyaud, B.; Pita, S.; Pühlhofer, G.; Punch, M.; Quirrenbach, A.; Raue, M.; Rayner, S. M.; Reimer, A.; Reimer, O.; Renaud, M.; de los Reyes, R.; Rieger, F.; Ripken, J.; Rob, L.; Rosier-Lees, S.; Rowell, G.; Rudak, B.; Rulten, C. B.; Sahakian, V.; Sanchez, D. A.; Santangelo, A.; Schlickeiser, R.; Schulz, A.; Schwanke, U.; Schwarzburg, S.; Schwemmer, S.; Sheidaei, F.; Skilton, J. L.; Sol, H.; Spengler, G.; Stawarz, Ł.; Steenkamp, R.; Stegmann, C.; Stinzing, F.; Stycz, K.; Sushch, I.; Szostek, A.; Tavernet, J.-P.; Terrier, R.; Tluczykont, M.; Valerius, K.; van Eldik, C.; Vasileiadis, G.; Venter, C.; Viana, A.; Vincent, P.; Völk, H. J.; Volpe, F.; Vorobiov, S.; Vorster, M.; Wagner, S. J.; Ward, M.; White, R.; Wierzcholska, A.; Zacharias, M.; Zajczyk, A.; Zdziarski, A. A.; Zech, A.; Zechlin, H.-S.

2012-05-01

The Carina arm region, containing the supernova remnant SNR G284.3-1.8, the high-energy (HE; E > 100 MeV) binary 1FGL J1018.6-5856 and the energetic pulsar PSR J1016-5857 and its nebula, has been observed with the H.E.S.S. telescope array. The observational coverage of the region in very-high-energy (VHE; E > 0.1 TeV) γ-rays benefits from deep exposure (40 h) of the neighboring open cluster Westerlund 2. The observations have revealed a new extended region of VHE γ-ray emission. The new VHE source HESS J1018-589 shows a bright, point-like emission region positionally coincident with SNR G284.3-1.8 and 1FGL J1018.6-5856 and a diffuse extension towards the direction of PSR J1016-5857. A soft (Γ = 2.7 ± 0.5stat)photon index, with a differential flux at 1 TeV of N0 = (4.2 ± 1.1) × 10-13 TeV-1 cm-2 s-1 is found for the point-like source, whereas the total emission region including the diffuse emission region is well fit by a power-law function with spectral index Γ = 2.9 ± 0.4stat and differential flux at 1 TeV of N0 = (6.8 ± 1.6) × 10-13 TeV-1 cm-2 s-1. This H.E.S.S. detection motivated follow-up X-ray observations with the XMM-Newton satellite to investigate the origin of the VHE emission. The analysis of the XMM-Newton data resulted in the discovery of a bright, non-thermal point-like source (XMMU J101855.4-58564) with a photon index of Γ = 1.65 ± 0.08 in the center of SNR G284.3-1.8, and a thermal, extended emission region coincident with its bright northern filament. The characteristics of this thermal emission are used to estimate the plasma density in the region as n ≈ 0.5 cm-3 (2.9 kpc/d)2. The position of XMMU J101855.4-58564 is compatible with the position reported by the Fermi-LAT collaboration for the binary system 1FGL J1018.6-5856 and the variable Swift XRT source identified with it. The new X-ray data are used alongside archival multi-wavelength data to investigate the relationship between the VHE γ-ray emission from HESS J1018-589 and the various potential counterparts in the Carina arm region.

40 CFR 93.155 - Reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... determination on the action. If the action has multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action will cause... Regional Office(s), State and local air quality agencies and, where applicable, affected Federal land... Federal agency must notify the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s), State and local air quality agencies...

75 FR 16739 - EDA Participation in the Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-02

... innovation and drivers of regional economic growth. The E-RIC should leverage the region's unique competitive... investment boards, institutions of higher education including community colleges, and other public and... activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium...

Socioeconomic and regional differences in active transportation in Brazil.

PubMed

Sá, Thiago Hérick de; Pereira, Rafael Henrique Moraes; Duran, Ana Clara; Monteiro, Carlos Augusto

2016-06-27

To present national estimates regarding walking or cycling for commuting in Brazil and in 10 metropolitan regions. By using data from the Health section of 2008's Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio (Brazil's National Household Sample Survey), we estimated how often employed people walk or cycle to work, disaggregating our results by sex, age range, education level, household monthly income per capita, urban or rural address, metropolitan regions, and macro-regions in Brazil. Furthermore, we estimated the distribution of this same frequency according to quintiles of household monthly income per capita in each metropolitan region of the country. A third of the employed men and women walk or cycle from home to work in Brazil. For both sexes, this share decreases as income and education levels rise, and it is higher among younger individuals, especially among those living in rural areas and in the Northeast region of the country. Depending on the metropolitan region, the practice of active transportation is two to five times more frequent among low-income individuals than among high-income individuals. Walking or cycling to work in Brazil is most frequent among low-income individuals and the ones living in less economically developed areas. Active transportation evaluation in Brazil provides important information for public health and urban mobility policy-making. Apresentar estimativas nacionais sobre o deslocamento a pé ou de bicicleta no trajeto casa-trabalho no Brasil e em 10 de suas regiões metropolitanas. Utilizando dados do Suplemento sobre Saúde da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2008, estimamos a frequência de pessoas empregadas que se deslocam a pé ou de bicicleta no trajeto casa-trabalho estratificada por sexo, e segundo faixa etária, escolaridade, renda domiciliar per capita, residência em área urbana ou rural, regiões metropolitanas e macrorregiões do país. Adicionalmente, estimamos a distribuição da mesma frequência segundo quintos da distribuição da renda domiciliar per capita em cada região metropolitana. Um terço dos homens e mulheres empregados desloca-se a pé ou de bicicleta de casa para o trabalho no Brasil. Em ambos os sexos, esta proporção diminui com o aumento da renda e da escolaridade e é maior entre os mais jovens, entre os que residem em área rural e naqueles residentes na região Nordeste. A depender da região metropolitana, a prática de deslocamento ativo entre os mais pobres é de duas a cinco vezes maior do que entre os mais ricos. O deslocamento a pé ou de bicicleta para o trabalho no Brasil é mais frequente entre os mais pobres e entre pessoas que vivem em áreas e regiões economicamente menos desenvolvidas. A avaliação do deslocamento ativo no País traz informações importantes para a discussão de políticas públicas de mobilidade.

Viewing socio-affective stimuli increases connectivity within an extended default mode network.

PubMed

Göttlich, Martin; Ye, Zheng; Rodriguez-Fornells, Antoni; Münte, Thomas F; Krämer, Ulrike M

2017-03-01

Empathy is an essential ability for prosocial behavior. Previous imaging studies identified a number of brain regions implicated in affective and cognitive aspects of empathy. In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of empathy from a network perspective using graph theory and beta-series correlations. Two independent data sets were acquired using the same paradigm that elicited empathic responses to socio-affective stimuli. One data set was used to define the network nodes and modular structure, the other data set was used to investigate the effects of emotional versus neutral stimuli on network connectivity. Emotional relative to neutral stimuli increased connectivity between 74 nodes belonging to different networks. Most of these nodes belonged to an extended default mode network (eDMN). The other nodes belonged to a cognitive control network or visual networks. Within the eDMN, posterior STG/TPJ regions were identified as provincial hubs. The eDMN also showed stronger connectivity to the cognitive control network encompassing lateral PFC regions. Connector hubs between the two networks were posterior cingulate cortex and ventrolateral PFC. This stresses the advantage of a network approach as regions similarly modulated by task conditions can be dissociated into distinct networks and regions crucial for network integration can be identified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Balanced conditions or slight mass gain of glaciers in the Lahaul and Spiti region (northern India, Himalaya) during the nineties preceded recent mass loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, C.; Ramanathan, Al.; Wagnon, P.; Dobhal, D. P.; Linda, A.; Berthier, E.; Sharma, P.; Arnaud, Y.; Azam, M. F.; Jose, P. G.; Gardelle, J.

2013-04-01

The volume change of the Chhota Shigri Glacier (India, 32° 20 N, 77° 30' E) between 1988 and 2010 has been determined using in situ geodetic measurements. This glacier has experienced only a slight mass loss between 1988 and 2010 (-3.8 ± 2.0 m w.e. (water equivalent) corresponding to -0.17 ± 0.09 m w.e. yr-1). Using satellite digital elevation models (DEM) differencing and field measurements, we measure a negative mass balance (MB) between 1999 and 2010 (-4.8 ± 1.8 m w.e. corresponding to -0.44 ± 0.16 m w.e. yr-1). Thus, we deduce a slightly positive or near-zero MB between 1988 and 1999 (+1.0 ± 2.7 m w.e. corresponding to +0.09 ± 0.24 m w.e. yr-1). Furthermore, satellite DEM differencing reveals that the MB of the Chhota Shigri Glacier (-0.39 ± 0.15 m w.e. yr-1) has been only slightly less negative than the MB of a 2110 km2 glaciarized area in the Lahaul and Spiti region (-0.44 ± 0.09 m w.e. yr-1) during 1999-2011. Hence, we conclude that the ice wastage is probably moderate in this region over the last 22 yr, with near equilibrium conditions during the nineties, and an ice mass loss after. The turning point from balanced to negative mass budget is not known but lies probably in the late nineties and at the latest in 1999. This positive or near-zero MB for Chhota Shigri Glacier (and probably for the surrounding glaciers of the Lahaul and Spiti region) during at least part of the 1990s contrasts with a recent compilation of MB data in the Himalayan range that indicated ice wastage since 1975. However, in agreement with this compilation, we confirm more negative balances since the beginning of the 21st century.

Spatial correlation of action potential duration and diastolic dysfunction in transgenic and drug-induced LQT2 rabbits.

PubMed

Odening, Katja E; Jung, Bernd A; Lang, Corinna N; Cabrera Lozoya, Rocio; Ziupa, David; Menza, Marius; Relan, Jatin; Franke, Gerlind; Perez Feliz, Stefanie; Koren, Gideon; Zehender, Manfred; Bode, Christoph; Brunner, Michael; Sermesant, Maxime; Föll, Daniela

2013-10-01

Enhanced dispersion of action potential duration (APD) is a major contributor to long QT syndrome (LQTS)-related arrhythmias. To investigate spatial correlations of regional heterogeneities in cardiac repolarization and mechanical function in LQTS. Female transgenic LQTS type 2 (LQT2; n = 11) and wild-type littermate control (LMC) rabbits (n = 9 without E4031 and n = 10 with E4031) were subjected to phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging to assess regional myocardial velocities. In the same rabbits' hearts, monophasic APDs were assessed in corresponding segments. In LQT2 and E4031-treated rabbits, APD was longer in all left ventricular segments (P < .01) and APD dispersion was greater than that in LMC rabbits (P < .01). In diastole, peak radial velocities (Vr) were reduced in LQT2 and E4031-treated compared to LMC rabbits in LV base and mid (LQT2: -3.36 ± 0.4 cm/s, P < .01; E4031-treated: -3.24 ± 0.6 cm/s, P < .0001; LMC: -4.42 ± 0.5 cm/s), indicating an impaired diastolic function. Regionally heterogeneous diastolic Vr correlated with APD (LQT2: correlation coefficient [CC] 0.38, P = .01; E4031-treated: CC 0.42, P < .05). Time-to-diastolic peak Vr were prolonged in LQT2 rabbits (LQT2: 196.8 ± 2.9 ms, P < .001; E4031-treated: 199.5 ± 2.2 ms, P < .0001, LMC 183.1 ± 1.5), indicating a prolonged contraction duration. Moreover, in transgenic LQT2 rabbits, diastolic time-to-diastolic peak Vr correlated with APD (CC 0.47, P = .001). In systole, peak Vr were reduced in LQT2 and E4031-treated rabbits (P < .01) but longitudinal velocities or ejection fraction did not differ. Finally, random forest machine learning algorithms enabled a differentiation between LQT2, E4031-treated, and LMC rabbits solely based on "mechanical" magnetic resonance imaging data. The prolongation of APD led to impaired diastolic and systolic function in transgenic and drug-induced LQT2 rabbits. APD correlated with regional diastolic dysfunction, indicating that LQTS is not purely an electrical but an electromechanical disorder. © 2013 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

An assessment of TropFlux and NCEP air-sea fluxes on ROMS simulations over the Bay of Bengal region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Dipanjan; Sil, Sourav; Jana, Sudip; Pramanik, Saikat; Pandey, P. C.

2017-12-01

This study presents an assessment of the TropFlux and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis air-sea fluxes in simulating the surface and subsurface oceanic parameters over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) region during 2002-2014 using the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS). The assessment has been made by comparing the simulated fields with in-situ and satellite observations. The simulated surface and subsurface temperatures in the TropFlux forced experiment (TropFlux-E) show better agreement with the Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis (RAMA) and Argo observations than the NCEP forced experiment (NCEP-E). The BoB domain averaged sea surface temperature (SST) simulated in the NCEP-E is consistently cooler than the satellite SST, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.79 °C. Moreover, NCEP-E shows a limitation in simulating the observed seasonal cycle of the SST due to substantial underestimation of the pre-monsoon SST peak. These limitations are mostly due to the lower values of the NCEP net heat flux. The seasonal and interannual variations of SST in the TropFlux-E are better comparable to the observations with correlations and skills more than 0.80 and 0.90 respectively. However, SST is overestimated during summer monsoon periods mainly due to higher net heat flux. The superiority of TropFlux forcing over the NCEP reanalysis can also be seen when simulating the interannual variabilities of the magnitude and vertical extent of Wyrtki jets at two equatorial RAMA buoy locations. The jet is weaker in the NCEP-E relative to the TropFlux-E and observations. The simulated sea surface height anomalies (SSHA) from both the experiments are able to capture the regions of positive and negative SSHA with respect to satellite-derived altimeter data with better performance in the TropFlux-E. The speed of the westward propagating Rossby wave along 18°N in the TropFlux-E is found to be about 4.7 cm/s, which is close to the theoretical phase speed of Rossby waves.

Health inequalities in Germany: do regional-level variables explain differentials in cardiovascular risk?

PubMed Central

Breckenkamp, Juergen; Mielck, Andreas; Razum, Oliver

2007-01-01

Background Socioeconomic status is a predictor not only of mortality, but also of cardiovascular risk and morbidity. An ongoing debate in the field of social inequalities and health focuses on two questions: 1) Is individual health status associated with individual income as well as with income inequality at the aggregate (e. g. regional) level? 2) If there is such an association, does it operate via a psychosocial pathway (e.g. stress) or via a "neo-materialistic" pathway (e.g. systematic under-investment in societal infrastructures)? For the first time in Germany, we here investigate the association between cardiovascular health status and income inequality at the area level, controlling for individual socio-economic status. Methods Individual-level explanatory variables (age, socio-economic status) and outcome data (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol level) as well as the regional-level variable (proportion of relative poverty) were taken from the baseline survey of the German Cardiovascular Prevention Study, a cross-sectional, community-based, multi-center intervention study, comprising six socio-economically diverse intervention regions, each with about 1800 participants aged 25–69 years. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the effects of individual and regional level variables. Results Regional effects are small compared to individual effects for all risk factors analyzed. Most of the total variance is explained at the individual level. Only for diastolic blood pressure in men and for cholesterol in both men and women is a statistically significant effect visible at the regional level. Conclusion Our analysis does not support the assumption that in Germany cardiovascular risk factors were to a large extent associated with income inequality at regional level. PMID:17603918

Transcriptional regulation of the Borrelia burgdorferi antigenically variable VlsE surface protein.

PubMed

Bykowski, Tomasz; Babb, Kelly; von Lackum, Kate; Riley, Sean P; Norris, Steven J; Stevenson, Brian

2006-07-01

The Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi can persistently infect humans and other animals despite host active immune responses. This is facilitated, in part, by the vls locus, a complex system consisting of the vlsE expression site and an adjacent set of 11 to 15 silent vls cassettes. Segments of nonexpressed cassettes recombine with the vlsE region during infection of mammalian hosts, resulting in combinatorial antigenic variation of the VlsE outer surface protein. We now demonstrate that synthesis of VlsE is regulated during the natural mammal-tick infectious cycle, being activated in mammals but repressed during tick colonization. Examination of cultured B. burgdorferi cells indicated that the spirochete controls vlsE transcription levels in response to environmental cues. Analysis of PvlsE::gfp fusions in B. burgdorferi indicated that VlsE production is controlled at the level of transcriptional initiation, and regions of 5' DNA involved in the regulation were identified. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays detected qualitative and quantitative changes in patterns of protein-DNA complexes formed between the vlsE promoter and cytoplasmic proteins, suggesting the involvement of DNA-binding proteins in the regulation of vlsE, with at least one protein acting as a transcriptional activator.

Risk Factors for Salmonella, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Campylobacter Occurrence in Primary Production of Leafy Greens and Strawberries

PubMed Central

Ceuppens, Siele; Johannessen, Gro S.; Allende, Ana; Tondo, Eduardo César; El-Tahan, Fouad; Sampers, Imca; Jacxsens, Liesbeth; Uyttendaele, Mieke

2015-01-01

The microbiological sanitary quality and safety of leafy greens and strawberries were assessed in the primary production in Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Norway and Spain by enumeration of Escherichia coli and detection of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Campylobacter. Water samples were more prone to containing pathogens (54 positives out of 950 analyses) than soil (16/1186) and produce on the field (18/977 for leafy greens and 5/402 for strawberries). The prevalence of pathogens also varied markedly according to the sampling region. Flooding of fields increased the risk considerably, with odds ratio (OR) 10.9 for Salmonella and 7.0 for STEC. A significant association between elevated numbers of generic E. coli and detection of pathogens (OR of 2.3 for STEC and 2.7 for Salmonella) was established. Generic E. coli was found to be a suitable index organism for Salmonella and STEC, but to a lesser extent for Campylobacter. Guidelines on frequency of sampling and threshold values for E. coli in irrigation water may differ from region to region. PMID:26295251

Optical absorption of zigzag single walled boron nitride nanotubes in axial magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chegel, Raad; Behzad, Somayeh

2013-11-01

We have investigated the effect of axial magnetic field on the band structure, dipole matrix elements and absorption spectrum in different energy ranges, using tight binding approximation. It is found that magnetic field breaks the degeneracy in the band structure and creates new allowed transitions in the dipole matrix which leads to creation of new peaks in the absorption spectrum. It is found that, unlike to CNTs which show metallic-semiconductor transition, the BNNTs remain semiconductor in any magnetic field strength. By calculation the diameter dependence of peak positions, we found that the positions of three first peaks in the lower energy region (E <5.3 eV) are proportional to n-2. In the middle energy region (7 < E < 7.5 eV) all (n, 0) zigzag BNNTs, with even and odd nanotube index, have two distinct peaks in the absence of magnetic field which these peaks may be used to identify zigzag BNNTs from other tube chiralities. For odd (even) tubes, in the middle energy region, applying the magnetic field leads to splitting of these two peaks into three (five) distinct peaks.

Definition and characterization of an extended multiple-demand network.

PubMed

Camilleri, J A; Müller, V I; Fox, P; Laird, A R; Hoffstaedter, F; Kalenscher, T; Eickhoff, S B

2018-01-15

Neuroimaging evidence suggests that executive functions (EF) depend on brain regions that are not closely tied to specific cognitive demands but rather to a wide range of behaviors. A multiple-demand (MD) system has been proposed, consisting of regions showing conjoint activation across multiple demands. Additionally, a number of studies defining networks specific to certain cognitive tasks suggest that the MD system may be composed of a number of sub-networks each subserving specific roles within the system. We here provide a robust definition of an extended MDN (eMDN) based on task-dependent and task-independent functional connectivity analyses seeded from regions previously shown to be convergently recruited across neuroimaging studies probing working memory, attention and inhibition, i.e., the proposed key components of EF. Additionally, we investigated potential sub-networks within the eMDN based on their connectional and functional similarities. We propose an eMDN network consisting of a core whose integrity should be crucial to performance of most operations that are considered higher cognitive or EF. This then recruits additional areas depending on specific demands. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of a potent antibiotic peptide based on the active region of human defensin 5.

PubMed

Wang, Cheng; Shen, Mingqiang; Gohain, Neelakshi; Tolbert, William D; Chen, Fang; Zhang, Naixin; Yang, Ke; Wang, Aiping; Su, Yongping; Cheng, Tianmin; Zhao, Jinghong; Pazgier, Marzena; Wang, Junping

2015-04-09

Human defensin 5 (HD5) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide with a C-terminal active region. To promote the development of this peptide into an antibiotic, we initially substituted Glu21 with Arg because it is an electronegative residue located around the active region. Although detrimental to dimer formation, the E21R substitution markedly enhanced the antibacterial activity of HD5 and increased its ability to penetrate cell membranes, demonstrating that increasing the electropositive charge compensated for the effect of dimer disruption. Subsequently, a partial Arg scanning mutagenesis was performed, and Thr7 was selected for replacement with Arg to further strengthen the antibacterial activity. The newly designed peptide, T7E21R-HD5, exhibited potent antibacterial activity, even in saline and serum solutions. In contrast to monomeric E21R-HD5, T7E21R-HD5 assembled into an atypical dimer with parallel β strands, thus expanding the role of increasing electropositive charge in bactericidal activity and providing a useful guide for further defensin-derived antibiotic design.

Characterization of Epithelial Progenitors in Normal Human Palatine Tonsils and Their HPV16 E6/E7-Induced Perturbation

PubMed Central

Kang, Sung Yoon Catherine; Kannan, Nagarajan; Zhang, Lewei; Martinez, Victor; Rosin, Miriam P.; Eaves, Connie J.

2015-01-01

Summary Human palatine tonsils are oropharyngeal lymphoid tissues containing multiple invaginations (crypts) in which the continuity of the outer surface epithelium is disrupted and the isolated epithelial cells intermingle with other cell types. We now show that primitive epithelial cells detectable in vitro in 2D colony assays and in a 3D culture system are CD44+NGFR+ and present in both surface and crypt regions. Transcriptome analysis indicated a high similarity between CD44+NGFR+ cells in both regions, although those isolated from the crypt contained a higher proportion of the most primitive (holo)clonogenic cells. Lentiviral transduction of CD44+NGFR+ cells from both regions with human papillomavirus 16-encoded E6/E7 prolonged their growth in 2D cultures and caused aberrant differentiation in 3D cultures. Our findings therefore reveal a shared, site-independent, hierarchical organization, differentiation potential, and transcriptional profile of normal human tonsillar epithelial progenitor cells. They also introduce a new model for investigating the mechanisms of their transformation. PMID:26527383

Localization of excitons by molecular layer formation in a polymer film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chattopadhyay, S.; Datta, A.

2005-10-01

Spin coated films of atactic polystyrene of two different molecular weights have been studied with uv spectroscopy and x-ray reflectivity, the film thickness (d) varying from ˜2Rg to ˜12Rg where Rg is the unperturbed radius of gyration of the polymer. uv extinction due to the pure electronic singlet A1g1→E1u1 is seen to increase with d-1 for 4Rg⩽d⩽12Rg (region 1). This suggests excitonic interaction along d . The variation of total exciton energy (E) of the A1g→E1u singlet with d in region 1 can be well explained by formation of linear J -aggregates of polystyrene molecules, in a lattice with spacing “ a ” (in Å) Rg0 at d≃4Rg , where the exciton is still delocalized. Layering reduces the Hamaker constant (AH) , deciding the cohesive force, between the layers and this reduction, ΔAH , is found to be less than Ae at d⩾4Rg , where iAe/ℏ is the amplitude for exciton transfer between neighboring molecules in the excitonic lattice of region 1. On the other hand, ΔAH in region 2 starts from a value larger than Ae . This indicates that ΔAH acts as a barrier between the layer, which localizes the exciton within the layers.

12 CFR 563e.23 - Investment test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Investment test. 563e.23 Section 563e.23 Banks... for Assessing Performance § 563e.23 Investment test. (a) Scope of test. The investment test evaluates... qualified investments that benefit its assessment area(s) or a broader statewide or regional area that...

The h-region of twin-arginine signal peptides supports productive binding of bacterial Tat precursor proteins to the TatBC receptor complex.

PubMed

Ulfig, Agnes; Fröbel, Julia; Lausberg, Frank; Blümmel, Anne-Sophie; Heide, Anna Katharina; Müller, Matthias; Freudl, Roland

2017-06-30

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway transports folded proteins across bacterial membranes. Tat precursor proteins possess a conserved twin-arginine (RR) motif in their signal peptides that is involved in their binding to the Tat translocase, but some facets of this interaction remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the hydrophobic (h-) region of the Escherichia coli trimethylamine N -oxide reductase (TorA) signal peptide in TatBC receptor binding in vivo and in vitro We show that besides the RR motif, a minimal, functional h-region in the signal peptide is required for Tat-dependent export in Escherichia coli Furthermore, we identified mutations in the h-region that synergistically suppressed the export defect of a TorA[KQ]-30aa-MalE Tat reporter protein in which the RR motif was replaced with a lysine-glutamine pair. Strikingly, all suppressor mutations increased the hydrophobicity of the h-region. By systematically replacing a neutral residue in the h-region with various amino acids, we detected a positive correlation between the hydrophobicity of the h-region and the translocation efficiency of the resulting reporter variants. In vitro cross-linking of residues located in the periplasmically-oriented part of the TatBC receptor to TorA[KQ]-30aa-MalE reporter variants harboring a more hydrophobic h-region in their signal peptides confirmed that unlike in TorA[KQ]-30aa-MalE with an unaltered h-region, the mutated reporters moved deep into the TatBC-binding cavity. Our results clearly indicate that, besides the Tat motif, the h-region of the Tat signal peptides is another important binding determinant that significantly contributes to the productive interaction of Tat precursor proteins with the TatBC receptor complex. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Different critical perinatal periods and hypothalamic sites of oestradiol action in the defeminisation of luteinising hormone surge and lordosis capacity in the rat.

PubMed

Sakakibara, M; Deura, C; Minabe, S; Iwata, Y; Uenoyama, Y; Maeda, K-I; Tsukamura, H

2013-03-01

Female rats show a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinising hormone (LH) surge in the presence of a preovulatory level of oestrogen, whereas males do not because of brain defeminisation during the developmental period by perinatal oestrogen converted from androgen. The present study aimed to identify the site(s) of oestrogen action and the critical period for defeminising the mechanism regulating the GnRH/LH surge. Animals given perinatal treatments, such as steroidal manipulations, brain local implantation of oestradiol (E(2) ) or administration of an NMDA antagonist, were examined for their ability to show an E(2) -induced LH surge at adulthood. Lordosis behaviour was examined to compare the mechanisms defeminising the GnRH/LH surge and sexual behaviour. A single s.c. oestradiol-benzoate administration on either the day before birth (E21), the day of birth (D0) or day 5 (D5) postpartum completely abolished the E(2) -induced LH surge at adulthood in female rats, although the same treatment did not inhibit lordosis. Perinatal castration on E21 or D0 partially rescued the E2-induced LH surge in genetically male rats, whereas castration from E21 to D5 totally rescued lordosis. Neonatal E(2) implantation in the anterior hypothalamus including the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV)/preoptic area (POA) abolished the E(2) -induced LH surge in female rats, whereas E(2) implantation in the mid and posterior hypothalamic regions had no inhibitory effect on the LH surge. Lordosis was not affected by neonatal E(2) implantation in any hypothalamic regions. In male rats, neonatal NMDA antagonist treatment rescued lordosis but not the LH surge. Taken together, these results suggest that an anterior hypothalamic region such as the AVPV/POA region is a perinatal site of oestrogen action where the GnRH/LH regulating system is defeminised to abolish the oestrogen-induced surge. The mechanism for defeminisation of the GnRH/LH surge system might be different from that of sexual behaviour, in terms of the site(s) of oestrogen action and critical period, as well as the neurotransmitter system involved. © 2012 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.

Differences in regional air trapping in current smokers with normal spirometry.

PubMed

Karimi, Reza; Tornling, Göran; Forsslund, Helena; Mikko, Mikael; Wheelock, Åsa M; Nyrén, Sven; Sköld, C Magnus

2017-01-01

We investigated regional air trapping on computed tomography in current smokers with normal spirometry. It was hypothesised that presence of regional air trapping may indicate a specific manifestation of smoking-related changes.40 current smokers, 40 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 40 healthy never- smokers underwent computed tomography scans. Regional air trapping was assessed on end-expiratory scans and emphysema, micronodules and bronchial wall thickening on inspiratory scans. The ratio of expiratory and inspiratory mean lung attenuation (E/I) was calculated as a measure of static (fixed) air trapping.Regional air trapping was present in 63% of current smokers, in 45% of never smokers and in 8% of COPD patients (p<0.001). Current smokers with and without regional air trapping had E/I ratio of 0.81 and 0.91, respectively (p<0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) was significantly higher and emphysema less frequent in current smokers with regional air trapping.Current smokers with regional air trapping had higher FEV 1 and less emphysema on computed tomography. In contrast, current smokers without regional air trapping resembled COPD. Our results highlight heterogeneity among smokers with normal spirometry and may contribute to early detection of smoking related structural changes in the lungs. Copyright ©ERS 2017.

Regional and State Trends

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page outlines how the ROE focuses on national-level indicators and also presents indicators at sub-national (e.g., regional and state) scales when sufficient data are available to depict a representative trend.

Genetic structure of Pilosocereus gounellei (Cactaceae) as revealed by AFLP marker to guide proposals for improvement and restoration of degraded areas in Caatinga biome.

PubMed

Monteiro, E R; Strioto, D K; Meirelles, A C S; Mangolin, C A; Machado, M F P S

2015-12-15

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to evaluate DNA polymorphism in Pilosocereus gounellei with the aim of differentiating samples grown in different Brazilian semiarid regions. Seven primer pairs were used to amplify 703 AFLP markers, of which 700 (99.21%) markers were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic markers ranged from 95.3% for the primer combination E-AAG/M-CTT to 100% for E-ACC/M-CAT, E-ACC/M-CAA, E-AGC/M-CAG, E-ACT/M-CTA, and E-AGG/M-CTG. The largest number of informative markers (126) was detected using the primer combination E-AAC/M-CTA. Polymorphism of the amplified DNA fragments ranged from 72.55% (in sample from Piauí State) to 82.79% (in samples from Rio Grande Norte State), with an average of 75.39%. Despite the high genetic diversity of AFLP markers in xiquexique, analysis using the STRUCTURE software identified relatively homogeneous clusters of xiquexique from the same location, indicating a differentiation at the molecular level, among the plant samples from different regions of the Caatinga biome. The AFLP methodology identified genetically homogeneous and contrasting plants, as well as plants from different regions with common DNA markers. Seeds from such plants can be used for further propagation of plants for establishment of biodiversity conservation units and restoration of degraded areas of the Caatinga biome.

Isovector and isoscalar dipole excitations in 9Be and 10Be studied with antisymmetrized molecular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanada-En'yo, Yoshiko

2016-02-01

Isovector and isoscalar dipole excitations in 9Be and 10Be are investigated in the framework of antisymmetrized molecular dynamics, in which angular-momentum and parity projections are performed. In the present method, 1p-1h excitation modes built on the ground state and a large amplitude α -cluster mode are taken into account. The isovector giant dipole resonance (GDR) in E >20 MeV shows the two-peak structure, which is understood from the dipole excitation in the 2 α core part with the prolate deformation. Because of valence neutron modes against the 2 α core, low-energy E 1 resonances appear in E <20 MeV, exhausting about 20 % of the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn sum rule and 10 % of the calculated energy-weighted sum. The dipole resonance at E ˜15 MeV in 10Be can be interpreted as the parity partner of the ground state having a 6He+α structure and has remarkable E 1 strength because of the coherent contribution of two valence neutrons. The isoscalar dipole strength for some low-energy resonances is significantly enhanced by the coupling with the α -cluster mode. For the E 1 strength of 9Be, the calculation overestimates the energy-weighted sum (EWS) in the low-energy (E <20 MeV) and GDR (20

Intrinsic brain subsystem associated with dietary restraint, disinhibition and hunger: an fMRI study.

PubMed

Zhao, Jizheng; Li, Mintong; Zhang, Yi; Song, Huaibo; von Deneen, Karen M; Shi, Yinggang; Liu, Yijun; He, Dongjian

2017-02-01

Eating behaviors are closely related to body weight, and eating traits are depicted in three dimensions: dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. The current study aims to explore whether these aspects of eating behaviors are related to intrinsic brain activation, and to further investigate the relationship between the brain activation relating to these eating traits and body weight, as well as the link between function connectivity (FC) of the correlative brain regions and body weight. Our results demonstrated positive associations between dietary restraint and baseline activation of the frontal and the temporal regions (i.e., food reward encoding) and the limbic regions (i.e., homeostatic control, including the hypothalamus). Disinhibition was positively associated with the activation of the frontal motivational system (i.e., OFC) and the premotor cortex. Hunger was positively related to extensive activations in the prefrontal, temporal, and limbic, as well as in the cerebellum. Within the brain regions relating to dietary restraint, weight status was negatively correlated with FC of the left middle temporal gyrus and left inferior temporal gyrus, and was positively associated with the FC of regions in the anterior temporal gyrus and fusiform visual cortex. Weight status was positively associated with the FC within regions in the prefrontal motor cortex and the right ACC serving inhibition, and was negatively related with the FC of regions in the frontal cortical-basal ganglia-thalamic circuits responding to hunger control. Our data depicted an association between intrinsic brain activation and dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger, and presented the links of their activations and FCs with weight status.

77 FR 65255 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Reidsville, GA, and Amendment of Class E Airspace; Vidalia, GA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-26

..., Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305-6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: History On July 5, 2012, the FAA... feet or more above the surface of the earth * * * * * ASO GA E5 Vidalia, GA [Amended] Vidalia Regional...

Sequences required for induction of neurotensin receptor gene expression during neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Tavares, D; Tully, K; Dobner, P R

1999-10-15

The promoter region of the mouse high affinity neurotensin receptor (Ntr-1) gene was characterized, and sequences required for expression in neuroblastoma cell lines that express high affinity NT-binding sites were characterized. Me(2)SO-induced neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells increased both the expression of the endogenous Ntr-1 gene and reporter genes driven by NTR-1 promoter sequences by 3-4-fold. Deletion analysis revealed that an 83-base pair promoter region containing the transcriptional start site is required for Me(2)SO activation. Detailed mutational analysis of this region revealed that a CACCC box and the central region of a large GC-rich palindrome are the crucial cis-regulatory elements required for Me(2)SO induction. The CACCC box is bound by at least one factor that is induced upon Me(2)SO treatment of N1E-115 cells. The Me(2)SO effect was found to be both selective and cell type-restricted. Basal expression in the neuroblastoma cell lines required a distinct set of sequences, including an Sp1-like sequence, and a sequence resembling an NGFI-A-binding site; however, a more distal 5' sequence was found to repress basal activity in N1E-115 cells. These results provide evidence that Ntr-1 gene regulation involves both positive and negative regulatory elements located in the 5'-flanking region and that Ntr-1 gene activation involves the coordinate activation or induction of several factors, including a CACCC box binding complex.

How much water flows? Examining water allocations using a mobile decision lab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strickert, G. E.; Gober, P.; Bradford, L. E.; Phillips, P.; Ross, J.

2016-12-01

Management of freshwater resources is a complex and multifaceted issues. Big challenges like scarcity, conflicts over water use and access, and ecosystem degradation are widespread around the world. These issues reflects ineffective past practices and signals the need for a fundamental change. Previous actions to mitigate these problems have been incremental rather than innovative, in part because of inherent conservatism in the water management community and an inability to experiment with water allocations in a safe environment. The influence of transboundary water policies was tested using a mobile decision lab which examined three theory areas: limited territorial sovereignty, absolute territorial sovereignty, and shared risk. The experiment allowed people engaged in the water sector to allocate incoming flows to different sectors: agriculture, municipal, industrial and environmental flows in two flow scenarios; slight shortage and extreme water shortage, and to pass on the remaining water to downstream regions. Mandatory sharing 50% of the natural flows between provinces (i.e. limited territorial sovereignty) achieved the most equitable allocation based on water units and points across the three regions. When there were no allocation rules (i.e. absolute territorial sovereignty) the downstream region received significantly less water (e.g. 8-11%. p < 0.001) less water to fulfill its demand. Allowing communication between up and down stream regions (i.e. shared risk) had a negligible affect on the amount of water flowing through the region. It is also notable that most participants sought a trade-off of water allocations, minimizing the allocations to agriculture and industry and prioritizing the municipal sector particularity under the severe drought scenario.

Modelling the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs in the northwest and in the southwest of Morocco.

PubMed

Azlaf, Rkia; Dakkak, Allal; Chentoufi, Abdelaziz; El Berrahmani, Mokhtar

2007-04-30

Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) infection was studied in 151 dogs in two regions of Morocco: 68 dogs in the northwest (Loukkos) and 83 dogs in the southwest (Tiznit). The mean prevalence rates of echinococcosis in dogs were 58.82% (46.23-70.63%) in Loukkos and 55.42% (44.10-66.34%) in Tiznit and the mean abundances of E. granulosus per dog were 75 (59-93) and 547 (504-595), respectively. The mean abundance of E. granulosus in dogs was fitted to a negative binomial distribution by the maximum likelihood techniques to define parameters. E. granulosus was aggregated in dogs in the two regions. The prevalence of infection and the abundance of E. granulosus in dogs were fitted to mathematical models in order to determine if the parasite population is partly regulated by definitive host immunity. The best fit was obtained with the models assuming the presence of immunity. The mean time of exposure to infection was similar in the two regions and ranged from 8 months to about 2 years. The infection pressures (number of E. granulosus) obtained per dog each year were 65 (8-294) in Loukkos and 476 (316-886) in Tiznit. The proportion of dogs susceptible to infection was still high along the life of the dogs in Loukkos, while it was not different from zero in old dogs of Tiznit.

Operationalizing safe operating space for regional social-ecological systems.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Sarwar; Dearing, John A; Eigenbrod, Felix; Johnson, Fiifi Amoako

2017-04-15

This study makes a first attempt to operationalize the safe operating space concept at a regional scale by considering the complex dynamics (e.g. non-linearity, feedbacks, and interactions) within a systems dynamic model (SD). We employ the model to explore eight 'what if' scenarios based on well-known challenges (e.g. climate change) and current policy debates (e.g. subsidy withdrawal). The findings show that the social-ecological system in the Bangladesh delta may move beyond a safe operating space when a withdrawal of a 50% subsidy for agriculture is combined with the effects of a 2°C temperature increase and sea level rise. Further reductions in upstream river discharge in the Ganges would push the system towards a dangerous zone once a 3.5°C temperature increase was reached. The social-ecological system in Bangladesh delta may be operated within a safe space by: 1) managing feedback (e.g. by reducing production costs) and the slow biophysical variables (e.g. temperature, rainfall) to increase the long-term resilience, 2) negotiating for transboundary water resources, and 3) revising global policies (e.g. withdrawal of subsidy) that negatively impact at regional scales. This study demonstrates how the concepts of tipping points, limits to adaptations, and boundaries for sustainable development may be defined in real world social-ecological systems. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic features observed on the secondary structures of Giardia SSU rRNAs and its phylogenetic implications.

PubMed

Hwang, Ui Wook

2007-04-01

Phylogenetic position of a diplomonad protist Giardia, a principle cause of diarrhea, among eukaryotes has been vigorously debated so far. Through the comparisons of primary and secondary structures of SSU rRNAs of G. intestinalis, G. microti, G. ardeae, and G. muris, I found two major indel regions (a 6-nt indel and a 22-26-nt indel), which correspond to the helix 10 of the V2 region and helices E23-8 to E23-9 of the V4 region, respectively. As generally shown in eukaryotes, G. intestinalis and G. microti have commonly a relatively longer helix 10 (a 7-bp stem and a 4-nt loop), and also the eukaryote-specific helices E23-6 to E23-9. On the other hand, G. muris and G. ardeae have a shorter helix 10: a 2-bp stem and a 6-nt loop in G. ardeae and a 3-bp stem and a 6-nt loop in G. muris. In the V4, they have a single long helix (like the P23-1 helix in prokaryotes) instead of the helices E23-6 to E23-9. Among the four Giardia species, co-appearance of prokaryote- and eukaryote-typical features might be significant evidence to suggest that Giardia (Archezoa) is a living fossil showing an "intermediate stage" during the evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.

Sel1 repeat protein LpnE is a Legionella pneumophila virulence determinant that influences vacuolar trafficking.

PubMed

Newton, Hayley J; Sansom, Fiona M; Dao, Jenny; McAlister, Adrian D; Sloan, Joan; Cianciotto, Nicholas P; Hartland, Elizabeth L

2007-12-01

The environmental pathogen Legionella pneumophila possesses five proteins with Sel1 repeats (SLRs) from the tetratricopeptide repeat protein family. Three of these proteins, LpnE, EnhC, and LidL, have been implicated in the ability of L. pneumophila to efficiently establish infection and/or manipulate host cell trafficking events. Previously, we showed that LpnE is important for L. pneumophila entry into macrophages and epithelial cells. In further virulence studies here, we show that LpnE is also required for efficient infection of Acanthamoeba castellanii by L. pneumophila and for replication of L. pneumophila in the lungs of A/J mice. In addition, we found that the role of LpnE in host cell invasion is dependent on the eight SLR regions of the protein. A truncated form of LpnE lacking the two C-terminal SLR domains was unable to complement the invasion defect of an lpnE mutant of L. pneumophila 130b in both the A549 and THP-1 cell lines. The lpnE mutant displayed impaired avoidance of LAMP-1 association, suggesting that LpnE influenced trafficking of the L. pneumophila vacuole, similar to the case for EnhC and LidL. We also found that LpnE was present in L. pneumophila culture supernatants and that its export was independent of both the Lsp type II secretion system and the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. The fact that LpnE was exported suggested that the protein may interact with a eukaryotic protein. Using LpnE as bait, we screened a HeLa cell cDNA library for interacting partners, using the yeast two-hybrid system. Examination of the protein-protein interaction between LpnE and a eukaryotic protein, obscurin-like protein 1, suggested that LpnE can interact with eukaryotic proteins containing immunoglobulin-like folds via the SLR regions. This investigation has further characterized the contribution of LpnE to L. pneumophila virulence and, more specifically, the importance of the SLR regions to LpnE function.

Nuclear Winter Source-Term Studies. Volume 2. The Classification of U.S. Cities

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-14

SELECTEH MAY 05 1988 ■ ■ 88 5 u4 008 I^KWNWA^V.V/^^^^^^Ä’ÄJV^TT.Vl.’VL-V.V’ -^. nr -Tr JWiru^Tiv w «rv« wv ir-^r-j B-W« DESTRUCTION NOTICE FOR...shake 1 000 000 X E -8 second Is) ’lu« 1 459 390 X E 4l kilogram II«) torr (mm Ht, o* n 1 333 12 X E -1 kilo pascal (k-Pa) •the...significant regional differences in all land use categories. Land use distinctions between the regions, but 12 VTJKW.^-1 V

e-Infrastructures for e-Sciences 2013 A CHAIN-REDS Workshop organised under the aegis of the European Commission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The CHAIN-REDS Project is organising a workshop on "e-Infrastructures for e-Sciences" focusing on Cloud Computing and Data Repositories under the aegis of the European Commission and in co-location with the International Conference on e-Science 2013 (IEEE2013) that will be held in Beijing, P.R. of China on October 17-22, 2013. The core objective of the CHAIN-REDS project is to promote, coordinate and support the effort of a critical mass of non-European e-Infrastructures for Research and Education to collaborate with Europe addressing interoperability and interoperation of Grids and other Distributed Computing Infrastructures (DCI). From this perspective, CHAIN-REDS will optimise the interoperation of European infrastructures with those present in 6 other regions of the world, both from a development and use point of view, and catering to different communities. Overall, CHAIN-REDS will provide input for future strategies and decision-making regarding collaboration with other regions on e-Infrastructure deployment and availability of related data; it will raise the visibility of e-Infrastructures towards intercontinental audiences, covering most of the world and will provide support to establish globally connected and interoperable infrastructures, in particular between the EU and the developing regions. Organised by IHEP, INFN and Sigma Orionis with the support of all project partners, this workshop will aim at: - Presenting the state of the art of Cloud computing in Europe and in China and discussing the opportunities offered by having interoperable and federated e-Infrastructures; - Exploring the existing initiatives of Data Infrastructures in Europe and China, and highlighting the Data Repositories of interest for the Virtual Research Communities in several domains such as Health, Agriculture, Climate, etc.

The vls antigenic variation systems of Lyme disease Borrelia: eluding host immunity through both random, segmental gene conversion and framework heterogeneity

PubMed Central

Norris, Steven J.

2015-01-01

Summary Spirochetes that cause Lyme borreliosis (also called Lyme disease) possess the vls locus, encoding an elaborate antigenic variation system. This locus contains the expression site vlsE as well as a contiguous array of vls silent cassettes, which contain variations of the central cassette region of vlsE. The locus is present on one of the many linear plasmids in the organism, e.g. plasmid lp28-1 in the strain B. burgdorferi B31. Changes in the sequence of vlsE occur continuously during mammalian infection and consist of random, segmental, unidirectional recombination events between the silent cassettes and the cassette region of vlsE. These gene conversion events do not occur during in vitro culture or the tick portion of the infection cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi or the other related Borrelia species that cause Lyme disease. The mechanism of recombination is largely unknown, but requires the RuvAB Holliday junction branch migrase. Other features of the vls locus also appear to be required, including cis locations of vlsE and the silent cassettes and high G+C content and GC skew. The vls system is required for long-term survival of Lyme Borrelia in infected mammals and represents an important mechanism of immune evasion. In addition to sequence variation, immune selection also results in significant heterogeneity in the sequence of the surface lipoprotein VlsE. Despite antigenic variation, VlsE generates a robust antibody response, and both full length VlsE and the C6 peptide (corresponding to invariant region 6) are widely used in immunodiagnostic tests for Lyme disease. PMID:26104445

Regional differences in the fescue toxicosis response of Bos taurus cattle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, J. S.; Bryant, J. K.; Scharf, B.; Kishore, D. K.; Coate, E. A.; Eichen, P. A.; Keisler, D. H.; Spiers, D. E.

2015-04-01

Cattle of the same breed from different regions of the USA may have altered responses to heat stress and fescue toxicosis. Angus steers from Missouri (MO ANG, n = 10, 513.6 ± 13.6 kg BW) and Oklahoma (OK ANG, n = 10, 552.8 ± 12.0 kg BW) were fed a diet containing either endophyte-infected (E+, 30 μg ergovaline/kg BW/day) or endophyte-uninfected (E-, 0 μg ergovaline/kg BW/day) tall fescue seed for 23 days. Diet treatment began on day 2. Animals were maintained at thermoneutrality (TN, 19-22 °C, days 1-8) and then exposed to heat stress (HS, cycling 26-36 °C, days 9-22). On day 23, ambient temperature was returned to TN and used as a recovery day. Feed intake (FI) was measured daily, with rectal and skin temperatures determined six times daily. Feed intake reduction from pretreatment levels was greater ( P < 0.01) for E + (13.9 ± 0.9 versus 11.9 ± 0.3 kg/day) compared to E - (12.6 ± 0.9 versus 12.4 ± 0.3 kg/day) steers over the entire TN period, regardless of Angus group. During HS, E + cattle had reduced FI ( P < 0.02; 6.9 ± 0.2 versus 8.4 ± 0.2 kg/day) compared to E - animals, independent of region of origin. A greater decrease in FI ( P < 0.01) was observed for OK (12.1 ± 0.3 versus 6.2 ± 0.2 kg/day) compared to MO ANG (12.2 ± 0.3 versus 7.9 ± 0.2 kg/day) when ambient temperature was increased from TN to HS. On day 13 and days 15-22, OK ANG (E+) had reduced FI ( P < 0.01, -2.21 kg) compared to OK ANG (E-), while there was no effect on MO ANG. From day 12 to day 22 of HS, daily minimum temperatures for ear, rump, and tail skin were less for E + ( P < 0.05) when compared with E-treated steers, signifying peripheral vasoconstriction in E + animals. This was supported by reduced shoulder and lower tail temperatures ( P < 0.01) for E + compared to E-treated OK ANG on the recovery day. In summary, regional differences in the response to fescue toxicosis exist, with peripheral vasomotor effects becoming most evident when animals are subjected to rapid changes in their environment.

Updated global 3+1 analysis of short-baseline neutrino oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gariazzo, S.; Giunti, C.; Laveder, M.; Li, Y. F.

2017-06-01

We present the results of an updated fit of short-baseline neutrino oscillation data in the framework of 3+1 active-sterile neutrino mixing. We first consider ν e and {\\overline{ν}}_e disappearance in the light of the Gallium and reactor anomalies. We discuss the implications of the recent measurement of the reactor {\\overline{ν}}_e spectrum in the NEOS experiment, which shifts the allowed regions of the parameter space towards smaller values of | U e4|2. The β-decay constraints of the Mainz and Troitsk experiments allow us to limit the oscillation length between about 2 cm and 7 m at 3 σ for neutrinos with an energy of 1 MeV. The corresponding oscillations can be discovered in a model-independent way in ongoing reactor and source experiments by measuring ν e and {\\overline{ν}}_e disappearance as a function of distance. We then consider the global fit of the data on short-baseline {}_{ν_{μ}}^{(-)}{\\to}_{ν_e}^{(-)} transitions in the light of the LSND anomaly, taking into account the constraints from {}_{ν_e}^{(-)} and {}_{ν_{μ}}^{(-)} disappearance experiments, including the recent data of the MINOS and IceCube experiments. The combination of the NEOS constraints on | U e4|2 and the MINOS and IceCube constraints on | U μ4|2 lead to an unacceptable appearance-disappearance tension which becomes tolerable only in a pragmatic fit which neglects the MiniBooNE low-energy anomaly. The minimization of the global χ 2 in the space of the four mixing parameters Δ m 41 2 , | U e4|2, | U μ4|2, and | U τ4|2 leads to three allowed regions with narrow Δ m 41 2 widths at Δ m 41 2 ≈ 1.7 (best-fit), 1.3 (at 2 σ), 2.4 (at 3 σ) eV2. The effective amplitude of short-baseline {}_{ν_{μ}}^{(-)}{\\to}_{ν_e}^{(-)} oscillations is limited by 0.00048 ≲ sin2 2 ϑ eμ ≲ 0.0020 at 3 σ. The restrictions of the allowed regions of the mixing parameters with respect to our previous global fits are mainly due to the NEOS constraints. We present a comparison of the allowed regions of the mixing parameters with the sensitivities of ongoing experiments, which show that it is likely that these experiments will determine in a definitive way if the reactor, Gallium and LSND anomalies are due to active-sterile neutrino oscillations or not.

Requirement for the E1 Helicase C-Terminal Domain in Papillomavirus DNA Replication In Vivo.

PubMed

Bergvall, Monika; Gagnon, David; Titolo, Steve; Lehoux, Michaël; D'Abramo, Claudia M; Melendy, Thomas; Archambault, Jacques

2016-01-06

The papillomavirus (PV) E1 helicase contains a conserved C-terminal domain (CTD), located next to its ATP-binding site, whose function in vivo is still poorly understood. The CTD is comprised of an alpha helix followed by an acidic region (AR) and a C-terminal extension termed the C-tail. Recent biochemical studies on bovine papillomavirus 1 (BPV1) E1 showed that the AR and C-tail regulate the oligomerization of the protein into a double hexamer at the origin. In this study, we assessed the importance of the CTD of human papillomavirus 11 (HPV11) E1 in vivo, using a cell-based DNA replication assay. Our results indicate that combined deletion of the AR and C-tail drastically reduces DNA replication, by 85%, and that further truncation into the alpha-helical region compromises the structural integrity of the E1 helicase domain and its interaction with E2. Surprisingly, removal of the C-tail alone or mutation of highly conserved residues within the domain still allows significant levels of DNA replication (55%). This is in contrast to the absolute requirement for the C-tail reported for BPV1 E1 in vitro and confirmed here in vivo. Characterization of chimeric proteins in which the AR and C-tail from HPV11 E1 were replaced by those of BPV1 indicated that while the function of the AR is transferable, that of the C-tail is not. Collectively, these findings define the contribution of the three CTD subdomains to the DNA replication activity of E1 in vivo and suggest that the function of the C-tail has evolved in a PV type-specific manner. While much is known about hexameric DNA helicases from superfamily 3, the papillomavirus E1 helicase contains a unique C-terminal domain (CTD) adjacent to its ATP-binding site. We show here that this CTD is important for the DNA replication activity of HPV11 E1 in vivo and that it can be divided into three functional subdomains that roughly correspond to the three conserved regions of the CTD: an alpha helix, needed for the structural integrity of the helicase domain, followed by an acidic region (AR) and a C-terminal tail (C-tail) that have been shown to regulate the oligomerization of BPV1 E1 in vitro. Characterization of E1 chimeras revealed that, while the function of the AR could be transferred from BPV1 E1 to HPV11 E1, that of the C-tail could not. These results suggest that the E1 CTD performs multiple functions in DNA replication, some of them in a virus type-specific manner. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Requirement for the E1 Helicase C-Terminal Domain in Papillomavirus DNA Replication In Vivo

PubMed Central

Bergvall, Monika; Gagnon, David; Titolo, Steve; Lehoux, Michaël; D'Abramo, Claudia M.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The papillomavirus (PV) E1 helicase contains a conserved C-terminal domain (CTD), located next to its ATP-binding site, whose function in vivo is still poorly understood. The CTD is comprised of an alpha helix followed by an acidic region (AR) and a C-terminal extension termed the C-tail. Recent biochemical studies on bovine papillomavirus 1 (BPV1) E1 showed that the AR and C-tail regulate the oligomerization of the protein into a double hexamer at the origin. In this study, we assessed the importance of the CTD of human papillomavirus 11 (HPV11) E1 in vivo, using a cell-based DNA replication assay. Our results indicate that combined deletion of the AR and C-tail drastically reduces DNA replication, by 85%, and that further truncation into the alpha-helical region compromises the structural integrity of the E1 helicase domain and its interaction with E2. Surprisingly, removal of the C-tail alone or mutation of highly conserved residues within the domain still allows significant levels of DNA replication (55%). This is in contrast to the absolute requirement for the C-tail reported for BPV1 E1 in vitro and confirmed here in vivo. Characterization of chimeric proteins in which the AR and C-tail from HPV11 E1 were replaced by those of BPV1 indicated that while the function of the AR is transferable, that of the C-tail is not. Collectively, these findings define the contribution of the three CTD subdomains to the DNA replication activity of E1 in vivo and suggest that the function of the C-tail has evolved in a PV type-specific manner. IMPORTANCE While much is known about hexameric DNA helicases from superfamily 3, the papillomavirus E1 helicase contains a unique C-terminal domain (CTD) adjacent to its ATP-binding site. We show here that this CTD is important for the DNA replication activity of HPV11 E1 in vivo and that it can be divided into three functional subdomains that roughly correspond to the three conserved regions of the CTD: an alpha helix, needed for the structural integrity of the helicase domain, followed by an acidic region (AR) and a C-terminal tail (C-tail) that have been shown to regulate the oligomerization of BPV1 E1 in vitro. Characterization of E1 chimeras revealed that, while the function of the AR could be transferred from BPV1 E1 to HPV11 E1, that of the C-tail could not. These results suggest that the E1 CTD performs multiple functions in DNA replication, some of them in a virus type-specific manner. PMID:26739052

Variation of D-region nitric-oxide density with solar activity and season at the dip equator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chakrabarty, D. K.; Pakhomov, S. V.; Beig, G.

1989-01-01

To study the solar control on electron density (N sub e) in the equatorial D region, a program was initiated with Soviet collaboration in 1979. A total of 31 rockets were launched during the high solar activity period, and 47 rockets during the low solar activity period, from Thumba to measure the N sub e profiles. Analysis of the data shows that the average values of N sub e for the high solar activity period are higher by a factor of about 2 to 3 compared to the low solar activity values. It was found that a single nitric oxide density, (NO), profile cannot reproduce all the observed N sub e profiles. An attempt was made to reproduce theoretically the observed N sub e profiles by introducing variation in (NO) for the different solar activity periods and seasons.

Development of Three PCR Assays for the Differentiation between Echinococcus shiquicus, E. granulosus (G1 genotype), and E. multilocularis DNA in the Co-Endemic Region of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China

PubMed Central

Boufana, Belgees; Umhang, Gérald; Qiu, Jiamin; Chen, Xingwang; Lahmar, Samia; Boué, Franck; Jenkins, David; Craig, Philip

2013-01-01

To investigate echinococcosis in co-endemic regions, three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays based on the amplification of a fragment within the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) mitochondrial gene were optimized for the detection of Echinococcus shiquicus, Echinococcus granulosus G1, and Echinococcus multilocularis DNA derived from parasite tissue or canid fecal samples. Specificity using parasite tissue-derived DNA was found to be 100% except for E. shiquicus primers that faintly detected E. equinus DNA. Sensitivity of the three assays for DNA detection was between 2 and 10 pg. Ethanol precipitation of negative PCR fecal samples was used to eliminate false negatives and served to increase sensitivity as exemplified by an increase in detection from 0% to 89% of E. shiquicus coproDNA using necropsy-positive fox samples. PMID:23438764

Regions of pollution with particulate matter in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawicki, Kacper; Czarnecka, Małgorzata; Nidzgorska-Lencewicz, Jadwiga

2018-01-01

The study presents the temporal and spatial variability of particulate matter concentration in Poland in the calendar winter season (December-February). The basis for the study were the hourly and daily values of particulate matter PM10 concentration from the period 2005/06 - 2014/15, obtained from 33 air pollution monitoring stations. In Poland, the obligation to monitor the concentration of the finer fraction of particles smaller than 2.5µm in aerodynamic diameter was introduced only in 2010. Consequently, data on PM2.5 concentration refer to a shorter period, i.e. 2009/10 - 2014/15, and were obtained from 23 stations. Using the cluster analysis (k-means method), three regions of comparable variability of particulate matter concentration were delineated. The largest region, i.e. Region I, comprises the northern and eastern central area of Poland, and its southern boundary is along the line Gorzów Wlkp-Bydgoszcz-Konin-Łódź-Kielce-Lublin. Markedly smaller Region II is located to the south of Region I. By far the smallest area was designated to Region III which covers the south west area of Poland. The delineated regions show a marked variability in terms of mean concentration of both PM fractions in winter (PM10: region I - 33 µg·m-3, region II - 55 µg·m-3, region III - 83 µg·m-3; PM2,5: region I - 35 µg·m-3, region II - 50 µg·m-3, region III - 60 µg·m-3) and, in the case of PM10, the frequency of excessive daily limit value.

The 1985 Army Experience Survey: Tabular Descriptions of First-Term Separatees. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

through survey receipt control and sample management systems . Data were also keyed, edited, coded, and weighted. The coding schemes developed to...270-271 048 R136 REGION OF RESIDENCE WHEN YOU JOINED ARMY ...... .................. ... 272-273 049 E137 # TERMS OF ACTIVE ENLISTMENT...STATISTIC VALUE D.F. PROB. CHISQUARE APPROX. 7.830 5 0.1658 e. U 272 R136 -- REGION OF RIESIDENCE WHEN YOU JOINED ARMY RECODED - WHAT STATE WERE YOU LIVING

Observations of neutral winds in the auroral E region during the magnetospheric storm of August 3-9, 1972

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brekke, A.; Doupnik, J. R.; Banks, P. M.

1974-01-01

Auroral zone E-region neutral winds have been derived from simultaneous measurements of ion drift velocities in different altitudes by the incoherent radar facility at Chatanika, Alaska, on a quiet day before and during the great magnetospheric storm of Aug. 3-9, 1972. The neutral wind expected for a day-night pressure asymmetry appears to be strongly opposed by ion drag and local pressure gradients in the auroral oval.

A new dipole index of the salinity anomalies of the tropical Indian Ocean

PubMed Central

Li, Junde; Liang, Chujin; Tang, Youmin; Dong, Changming; Chen, Dake; Liu, Xiaohui; Jin, Weifang

2016-01-01

With the increased interest in studying the sea surface salinity anomaly (SSSA) of the tropical Indian Ocean during the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), an index describing the dipole variability of the SSSA has been pursued recently. In this study, we first use a regional ocean model with a high spatial resolution to produce a high-quality salinity simulation during the period from 1982 to 2014, from which the SSSA dipole structure is identified for boreal autumn. On this basis, by further analysing the observed data, we define a dipole index of the SSSA between the central equatorial Indian Ocean (CEIO: 70°E-90°E, 5°S-5°N) and the region off the Sumatra-Java coast (SJC: 100°E-110°E, 13°S-3°S). Compared with previous SSSA dipole indices, this index has advantages in detecting the dipole signals and in characterizing their relationship to the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) dipole variability. Finally, the mechanism of the SSSA dipole is investigated by dynamical diagnosis. It is found that anomalous zonal advection dominates the SSSA in the CEIO region, whereas the SSSA in the SJC region are mainly influenced by the anomalous surface freshwater flux. This SSSA dipole provides a positive feedback to the formation of the IOD events. PMID:27052319

Designing probe from E6 genome region of human Papillomavirus 16 for sensing applications.

PubMed

Parmin, Nor Azizah; Hashim, Uda; Gopinath, Subash C B

2018-02-01

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a standout amongst the most commonly reported over 100 types, among them genotypes 16, 18, 31 and 45 are the high-risk HPV. Herein, we designed the oligonucleotide probe for the detection of predominant HPV type 16 for the sensing applications. Conserved amino acid sequences within E6 region of the open reading frame in the HPV genome was used as the basis to design oligonucleotide probe to detect cervical cancer. Analyses of E6 amino acid sequences from the high-risk HPVs were done to check the percentage of similarity and consensus regions that cause different cancers, including cervical cancer. Basic local alignment search tools (BLAST) have given extra statistical parameters, for example, desire values (E-values) and score bits. The probe, 'GGG GTC GGT GGA CCG GTC GAT GTA' was designed with 66.7% GC content. This oligonucleotide probe is designed with the length of 24 mer, GC percent is between 40 and 70, and the melting point (Tm) is above 50°C. The probe needed an acceptable length between 22 and 31 mer. The choice of region is identified here can be used as a probe, has implications for HPV detection techniques in biosensor especially for clinical determination of cervical cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interaction between physostigmine and soman on brain regional cholinesterase activity and /sup 3/H-physostigmine distribution

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

Hallak, M.E.; Woodruff, E.; Giacobini, E.

1986-03-05

Physostigmine (Phy) concentrations (as radioactivity) were studied in various brain areas after /sup 3/H-Phy administration as a function of time. Five min after 500 ..mu..g/kg i.m., cortex (CX) and total brain showed similar concentrations (370 ng/g) which were 50-90% higher than those of other brain regions (striatum, hippocampus, and medulla oblongata). Soman did not affect Phy levels in whole brain after pretreatment with Phy (100 or 500 ..mu..g/kg), however, the regional distribution of Phy was altered by soman as was ChE inhibition. A significant increase in Phy concentration was seen in HC (22 and 45% at 5 and 30 min,more » respectively) and CX (21% at 30 min). ChE activity in total brain was 12, 30, and 24% (5, 15 and 30 min after soman administration) lower than after Phy alone. If the pretreatment dose of Phy was increased to 500 ..mu..g/kg /sup 3/H-Phy, ChE activity was further reduced to 4, 13 and 19%. This might indicate that higher doses of Phy provide more protection of the enzyme from soman than lower doses. The protective role of Phy seen in total brain was not consistent for all brain regions. Soman alone produced a 95% ChE inhibition and there were no differences in its effect between total brain or brain areas. Pretreatment of the rat with Phy produced a protective effect upon ChE activity up to 30 min. However, no protective effect on survival was observed.« less

The Galactic Center observed with H.E.S.S.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jouvin, Lea

2017-08-01

The Galactic Center region has been a prime target region for the H.E.S.S. Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope Array observations since da ta taking started in 2003. H.E.S.S. has revealed the presence of a very high energy gamma-ray diffuse emission in the central 200 pc, in addition to the detection of a point like source coincident with the supermassive black hole SgrA*. With more than 250 hours of H.E.S.S. data and the continuous improvement of the analysis techniques, a detailed morphology and spectral analysis of the region is now possible. We will report on the new characterisation of the spectrum of the central source down to 100 GeV energies taking advantage of the H.E.S.S. II data, obtained after the inclusion of the large 28-meter CT5 telescope in the array centre. We will present the recent discovery of a powerful cosmic PeVatron accelerator at the center of our Galaxy as well as a new characterization of the diffuse gamma-ray emission in the central 200 pc of our Galaxy through a detailed morphology study. By analysing the nature of the various components of this emission, the existence of a strong cosmic-ray gradient and thus the presence of a strong cosmic-ray accelerator at the very centre of our Galaxy was found. We will also report on the discovery of an additional point-like source HESS J1746-285 in this region possibly associated with the pulsar wind nebula candidate G0.13-0.11.

Flux threshold determination for tungsten nano-fuzz formation using an 80 eV He-ion beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Fred W.; Bannister, Mark E.; Parish, Chad M.

2017-10-01

At the ORNL Multicharged Ion Research Facility (MIRF), we have extended our investigation of flux thresholds for He-ion induced nano-fuzz formation on hot tungsten surfaces down to plasma-edge-relevant energies of 80 eV. We measured the size of the incident ion beam by accurate flux-profile measurements, and the size of the region where tungsten nano-fuzz was formed by post-exposure SEM surface analysis and real-time monitoring of the hot W surface-emissivity change throughout the beam exposure. If tungsten nano-fuzz formation had a fluence threshold, the size of the observed nano-fuzz region would be expected to increase with exposure time, eventually filling the entire ion beam spot. Instead, we found that the region of nano-fuzz formation (1) was always smaller than the beam spot itself and (2) did not increase in size with time, i.e. with accumulated He ion fluence. By comparison of the flux profile and the spatial extent of the fuzz region we determined a flux threshold of 9.5 +-3×1019/m2s at 80 eV He ion impact energy. We show that the observed flux-threshold energy dependence for nano-fuzz formation, which we have now mapped out from 80 eV to 8.5 keV, is well reproduced by the combined energy dependences of He-ion reflection, He-ion range and target-damage creation, determined using SRIM. Research sponsored by the LDRD program at ORNL, managed by UT-Battelle for the USDOE, and by the DOE OFES.

Metabolic half-life of somatostatin and peptidase activities are altered in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Weber, S J; Louis, R B; Trombley, L; Bissette, G; Davies, P; Davis, T P

1992-01-01

Several reports have described decreased immunoreactive somatostatin levels in specific regions of post-mortem brain tissue from patients diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT). In an attempt to determine if the metabolism of somatostatin is also altered as a result of SDAT, we examined the regional metabolic half-life of somatostatin-28 (SS-28) and somatostatin-14 (SS-14). The activity of the following peptidases was also determined: neutral endopeptidase E.C. 3.4.24.11; metalloendopeptidase E.C. 3.4.24.15; carboxypeptidase E (E.C. 3.4.17.10); and trypsin-like serine protease. The metabolic half-life of SS-28 was significantly reduced in post-mortem Brodmann Area 22 of SDAT tissue. This decrease in SS-28 metabolic half-life was correlated with a significant increase in trypsin-like serine protease activity in the same SDAT brain region. The formation rate of SS-14 from SS-28 incubated with Brodmann Area 22 homogenates was also increased in SDAT tissues as compared to controls. A regional variation in neutral endopeptidase E.C. 3.4.24.11 was also noted in both controls and SDAT samples. Although postmortem intervals of samples varied significantly, no effect was seen on any biochemical parameter measured. Results from this study provide evidence that a correlation can be made between changes in metabolic half-life somatostatin and alterations in neuropeptidase activities due to SDAT. As these data show alterations in both proteolytic metabolism and peptidase activities, many other biologically active peptide substrates could also be affected in SDAT.

Comparative analysis of the Hrp pathogenicity island of Rubus- and Spiraeoideae-infecting Erwinia amylovora strains identifies the IT region as a remnant of an integrative conjugative element.

PubMed

Mann, Rachel A; Blom, Jochen; Bühlmann, Andreas; Plummer, Kim M; Beer, Steven V; Luck, Joanne E; Goesmann, Alexander; Frey, Jürg E; Rodoni, Brendan C; Duffy, Brion; Smits, Theo H M

2012-08-01

The Hrp pathogenicity island (hrpPAI) of Erwinia amylovora not only encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS) and other genes required for pathogenesis on host plants, but also includes the so-called island transfer (IT) region, a region that originates from an integrative conjugative element (ICE). Comparative genomic analysis of the IT regions of two Spiraeoideae- and three Rubus-infecting strains revealed that the regions in Spiraeoideae-infecting strains were syntenic and highly conserved in length and genetic information, but that the IT regions of the Rubus-infecting strains varied in gene content and length, showing a mosaic structure. None of the ICEs in E. amylovora strains were complete, as conserved ICE genes and the left border were missing, probably due to reductive genome evolution. Comparison of the hrpPAI region of E. amylovora strains to syntenic regions from other Erwinia spp. indicates that the hrpPAI and the IT regions are the result of several insertion and deletion events that have occurred within the ICE. It also suggests that the T3SS was present in a common ancestor of the pathoadapted Erwinia spp. and that insertion and deletion events in the IT region occurred during speciation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 93.156 - Public participation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. If the action has multi-regional or national impacts (e.g., the action...-regional or national impacts, the Federal agency, as an alternative, can publish the notice in the Federal...

Observation and modelling of main-sequence star chromospheres - XII. Two-component model chromospheres for five active dM1e stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houdebine, E. R.

2009-08-01

We aim to constrain the Hα, CaII H and CaII K profiles from quiescent and active regions on active dM1e stars. A preliminary analysis of all the data available for dM1e stars shows that the Hα/CaII equivalent width (EW) ratio varies by up to a factor of 7 for different stars in our sample. We find that spectroscopic binaries have a significantly smaller ratio than single dM1e stars. We also find that the pre-main-sequence stars Gl 616.2, GJ 1264 and Gl 803 have a ratio lower than main-sequence single dM1e stars. These differences imply that different chromospheric structures are present on different stars, notably the temperature minimum must decrease with an increasing Hα/CaII EW ratio. For these reasons, it is impossible to reproduce all observations with only one grid of model chromospheres. We show that the grid of model chromospheres of Paper VI is adequate to describe the physical conditions that prevail in the chromospheres of spectroscopic binaries and pre-main-sequence M1e stars, but not for the conditions in single dM1e stars. One or more additional grids of model chromospheres will be necessary to reproduce all observations. We use the method developed in Paper XI in this series, in order to build two-component model chromospheres for five M1e field stars: FF And A, FF And B, GJ 1264, AU Mic and Gl 815A. Our solutions provide an exact match of the Hα and the mean CaII H & K EWs within measurement uncertainties. We compare the theoretical profiles and the observed profiles of Hα and the CaII H & K resonance lines. On the one hand, our fits to the CaII lines are reasonably good. On the other hand, our models tend to produce Hα profiles with a central absorption that is too deep. This suggests that the column mass at the transition region for plages is underestimated, but this would imply that the contrast factor between quiescent and active regions in the CaII lines is larger than 5. We find that, except in the cases of FF And A and AU Mic, the total Hα profile is dominated by the contributions from plage regions. The Hα profiles in quiescent regions are typically filled in or slightly in emission. We also find that, as in the case of the less active dM1 stars, CaII emission in dM1e stars is generally dominated by the contribution from plage regions. We find plage filling factors typically in the range 10 to 60 per cent. These are on average (40 per cent) slightly larger than those derived for the less active dM1 stars (30 per cent). Our modelling shows that the grid of model chromospheres of Paper VI is adequate for only a subset of dM1e stars. Physical conditions that prevail in the chromospheres of dM1e stars are very different from one star to another. For this reason, this study demonstrates the critical need for several improved grids of model chromospheres as well as higher signal-to-noise ratio data. Based on observations collected at Observatoire de Haute Provence, France, and at the European Southern Observatory, Chile. E-mail: eric_houdebine@yahoo.fr

Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations of the Electron Diffusion Region of Large Guide Field Magnetic Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eriksson, S.; Wilder, F. D.; Ergun, R. E.; Schwartz, S. J.; Cassak, P. A.; Burch, J. L.; Chen, Li-Jen; Torbert, R. B.; Phan, T. D.; Lavraud, B.;

Aging Shapes the Population-Mean and -Dispersion of Gene Expression in Human Brains

PubMed Central

Brinkmeyer-Langford, Candice L.; Guan, Jinting; Ji, Guoli; Cai, James J.

2016-01-01

Human aging is associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease. Our objective for this study was to evaluate potential relationships between age and variation in gene expression across different regions of the brain. We analyzed the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data from 54 to 101 tissue samples across 13 brain regions in post-mortem donors of European descent aged between 20 and 70 years at death. After accounting for the effects of covariates and hidden confounding factors, we identified 1446 protein-coding genes whose expression in one or more brain regions is correlated with chronological age at a false discovery rate of 5%. These genes are involved in various biological processes including apoptosis, mRNA splicing, amino acid biosynthesis, and neurotransmitter transport. The distribution of these genes among brain regions is uneven, suggesting variable regional responses to aging. We also found that the aging response of many genes, e.g., TP37 and C1QA, depends on individuals' genotypic backgrounds. Finally, using dispersion-specific analysis, we identified genes such as IL7R, MS4A4E, and TERF1/TERF2 whose expressions are differentially dispersed by aging, i.e., variances differ between age groups. Our results demonstrate that age-related gene expression is brain region-specific, genotype-dependent, and associated with both mean and dispersion changes. Our findings provide a foundation for more sophisticated gene expression modeling in the studies of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:27536236

Determination of Littlest Higgs Model Parameters at the ILC

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

Conley, John A.; Hewett, JoAnne; Le, My Phuong

2005-07-27

We examine the effects of the extended gauge sector of the Littlest Higgs model in high energy e{sup +}e{sup -} collisions. We find that the search reach in e{sup +}e{sup -} {yields} f{bar f} at a {radical}s = 500 GeV International Linear Collider covers essentially the entire parameter region where the Littlest Higgs model is relevant to the gauge hierarchy problem. In addition, we show that this channel provides an accurate determination of the fundamental model parameters, to the precision of a few percent, provided that the LHC measures the mass of the heavy neutral gauge .eld. Additionally, we showmore » that the couplings of the extra gauge bosons to the light Higgs can be observed from the process e{sup +}e{sup -} {yields} Zh for a significant region of the parameter space. This allows for confirmation of the structure of the cancellation of the Higgs mass quadratic divergence and would verify the little Higgs mechanism.« less

Drug-Induced Alterations of Endocannabinoid-Mediated Plasticity in Brain Reward Regions.

PubMed

Zlebnik, Natalie E; Cheer, Joseph F

2016-10-05

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as one of the most important mediators of physiological and pathological reward-related synaptic plasticity. eCBs are retrograde messengers that provide feedback inhibition, resulting in the suppression of neurotransmitter release at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and they serve a critical role in the spatiotemporal regulation of both short- and long-term synaptic plasticity that supports adaptive learning of reward-motivated behaviors. However, mechanisms of eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity in reward areas of the brain are impaired following exposure to drugs of abuse. Because of this, it is theorized that maladaptive eCB signaling may contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction-related behavior. Here we review various forms of eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity present in regions of the brain involved in reward and reinforcement and explore the potential physiological relevance of maladaptive eCB signaling to addiction vulnerability. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/3610230-09$15.00/0.

Aseptic meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 30 in two regions in Bulgaria, May-August 2012.

PubMed

Mladenova, Z; Buttinelli, G; Dikova, A; Stoyanova, A; Troyancheva, M; Komitova, R; Stoycheva, M; Pekova, L; Parmakova, K; Fiore, L

2014-10-01

An aseptic meningitis outbreak emerged in two regions in Bulgaria in 2012 and echovirus 30 (E30) was established as the aetiological agent by cell culture isolation, serological test, and molecular-based techniques. A total of 157 patients with aseptic meningitis were investigated, of which 117 were confirmed as having E30-associated disease. Molecular analysis of 12 E30 isolates revealed 99-100% nucleotide and amino-acid identity between them and a close correlation with a Greek strain involved in an E30 outbreak in 2012. Children aged 5-14 years were mainly affected, which could reflect the absence of E30 epidemics in Bulgaria for a period of 11 years. The first case with E30 isolation (a 2-year-old patient from Plovdiv) was notified at the end of April 2012. This was most likely the index case, from which the spread of the virus started, causing sporadic cases first, which later led to an aseptic meningitis outbreak facilitated by person-to-person viral transmission.

Experience of nurses with using eHealth in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: a qualitative study in primary and secondary healthcare.

PubMed

Gulzar, Saleema; Khoja, Shariq; Sajwani, Afroz

2013-03-02

To improve the quality of health care in remote parts of Pakistan, a research project was initiated in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan using information and communication technology to improve patient care and support continuing education of health providers (eHealth). This paper describes the experience of nurses in using eHealth in their routine practices. All health centres of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan using eHealth as part of this study, were taken as a single case. These include four primary healthcare centres, three secondary care centres and one medical centre. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guide to study nurses' perspective about using eHealth, and its perceived impact on their professional lives. According to the respondents, eHealth enhanced access to care for remote communities, and improved quality of health services by providing opportunities for continuing learning. Nurses also appreciated eHealth for reducing their professional isolation, and providing exposure to new knowledge through teleconsultations and eLearning.The responses categorized under six major headings include: gaps in health services prior to eHealth; role of eHealth in addressing these gaps; benefits of eHealth; challenges in eHealth implementation; community's perception about eHealth; and future recommendations. Low-cost and simple eHealth solutions have shown to benefit nurses, and the communities in the remote mountainous regions of Pakistan.

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

Sprague, E.R.; Wang, C.; Baker, D.

Herpes simplex virus type-1 expresses a heterodimeric Fc receptor, gE-gI, on the surfaces of virions and infected cells that binds the Fc region of host immunoglobulin G and is implicated in the cell-to-cell spread of virus. gE-gI binds immunoglobulin G at the basic pH of the cell surface and releases it at the acidic pH of lysosomes, consistent with a role in facilitating the degradation of antiviral antibodies. Here we identify the C-terminal domain of the gE ectodomain (CgE) as the minimal Fc-binding domain and present a 1.78-{angstrom} CgE structure. A 5-{angstrom} gE-gI/Fc crystal structure, which was independently verified bymore » a theoretical prediction method, reveals that CgE binds Fc at the C{sub H}2-C{sub H}3 interface, the binding site for several mammalian and bacterial Fc-binding proteins. The structure identifies interface histidines that may confer pH-dependent binding and regions of CgE implicated in cell-to-cell spread of virus. The ternary organization of the gE-gI/Fc complex is compatible with antibody bipolar bridging, which can interfere with the antiviral immune response.« less

Accumulation of RNA homologous to human papillomavirus type 16 open reading frames in genital precancers.

PubMed Central

Crum, C P; Nuovo, G; Friedman, D; Silverstein, S J

1988-01-01

The accumulation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16)-specific RNAs in tissue sections from biopsies of patients with genital precancers was studied by in situ hybridization with single-stranded 35S-labeled RNA. These analyses revealed that the most abundant early-region RNAs were derived from the E4 and E5 open reading frames (ORFs). RNAs homologous to the E6/E7 ORFs were also detected, whereas RNAs homologous to the intervening E1 ORF were not. This suggests that the E4 and E5 mRNAs are derived by splicing to the upstream E6/E7 ORFs, consistent with studies of HPV-11 in condylomata (L. T. Chow et al., Cancer Cells (Cold Spring Harbor) 5:55-72, 1987). Abundant RNAs homologous to the 5' portion of L1 were also detected. These RNAs were localized to the apical strata of the epithelium. HPV-16 RNAs accumulated in discrete regions of these lesions, and when present were most abundant in the upper cell layers of the precancerous epithelium. RNAs homologous to early ORFs were also detected in some germinal cells within the basal layer of the epithelium. Images PMID:2824859

Accumulation of RNA homologous to human papillomavirus type 16 open reading frames in genital precancers.

PubMed

Crum, C P; Nuovo, G; Friedman, D; Silverstein, S J

1988-01-01

The accumulation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16)-specific RNAs in tissue sections from biopsies of patients with genital precancers was studied by in situ hybridization with single-stranded 35S-labeled RNA. These analyses revealed that the most abundant early-region RNAs were derived from the E4 and E5 open reading frames (ORFs). RNAs homologous to the E6/E7 ORFs were also detected, whereas RNAs homologous to the intervening E1 ORF were not. This suggests that the E4 and E5 mRNAs are derived by splicing to the upstream E6/E7 ORFs, consistent with studies of HPV-11 in condylomata (L. T. Chow et al., Cancer Cells (Cold Spring Harbor) 5:55-72, 1987). Abundant RNAs homologous to the 5' portion of L1 were also detected. These RNAs were localized to the apical strata of the epithelium. HPV-16 RNAs accumulated in discrete regions of these lesions, and when present were most abundant in the upper cell layers of the precancerous epithelium. RNAs homologous to early ORFs were also detected in some germinal cells within the basal layer of the epithelium.

Accumulation of RNA homologous to human papillomavirus type 16 open reading frames in genital precancers

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

Crum, C.P.; Nuovo, G.; Friedman, D.

1988-01-01

The accumulation of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16)-specific RNAs in tissue sections from biopsies of patients with genital precancers was studied by in situ hybridization with single-stranded /sup 35/S-labeled RNA. These analyses revealed that the most abundant early-region RNAs were derived from the E4 and E5 open reading frames (ORFs). RNAs homologous to the E6/E7 ORFs were also detected, whereas RNAs homologous to the intervening E1 ORF were not. This suggest that the E4 and E5 mRNAs are derived by splicing to the upstream E6/E7 ORFs, consistent with studies of HPV-11 in condylomata. Abundant RNAs homologous to the 5' portionmore » of L1 were also detected. These RNAs were localized to the apical strata of the epithelium. HPV-16 RNAs accumulated in discrete regions of these lesions, and when present were most abundant in the upper cell layers of the precancerous epithelium. RNAs homologous to early ORFs were also detected in some germinal cells within the basal layer of the epithelium.« less

eHealth for Remote Regions: Findings from Central Asia Health Systems Strengthening Project.

PubMed

Sajwani, Afroz; Qureshi, Kiran; Shaikh, Tehniat; Sayani, Saleem

2015-01-01

Isolated communities in remote regions of Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan and Tajikistan lack access to high-quality, low-cost health care services, forcing them to travel to distant parts of the country, bearing an unnecessary financial burden. The eHealth Programme under Central Asia Health Systems Strengthening (CAHSS) Project, a joint initiative between the Aga Khan Foundation, Canada and the Government of Canada, was initiated in 2013 with the aim to utilize Information and Communication Technologies to link health care institutions and providers with rural communities to provide comprehensive and coordinated care, helping minimize the barriers of distance and time. Under the CAHSS Project, access to low-cost, quality health care is provided through a regional hub and spoke teleconsultation network of government and non-government health facilities. In addition, capacity building initiatives are offered to health professionals. By 2017, the network is expected to connect seven Tier 1 tertiary care facilities with 14 Tier 2 secondary care facilities for teleconsultation and eLearning. From April 2013 to September 2014, 6140 teleconsultations have been provided across the project sites. Additionally, 52 new eLearning sessions have been developed and 2020 staff members have benefitted from eLearning sessions. Ethics and patient rights are respected during project implementation.

47 CFR 90.767 - Construction and implementation of EA and Regional licenses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) An EA or Regional licensee must construct a sufficient number of base stations (i.e., base stations... all of their base stations or fixed stations. [69 FR 75172, Dec. 15, 2004] ... constructed stations. (d) EA and Regional licensees will not be permitted to count the resale of the services...

A Directory of Educational Service Providers in the Northeast and Islands Region.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Karen H., Comp.

This directory contains information gathered by a 1987 survey by the Regional Laboratory for Educational Improvement of the Northeast and the Islands of educational resource organizations located within its region, i.e., Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Virgin Islands. Included…

76 FR 36450 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Nevada; Regional Haze...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-22

... Technology (BART) E. Long-Term Strategy (LTS) F. Coordination of the Regional Haze SIP and Reasonably... for 2018 2. Establishing the Reasonable Progress Goal 3. Interstate Consultation G. Long-Term Strategy... implementation of the regional haze program will require long-term coordination among states, Tribal governments...

77 FR 11879 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Mississippi; Regional...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-28

... Goals (RPGs) D. Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) E. Long-Term Strategy (LTS) F. Coordinating... analysis of Mississippi's regional haze submittal? A. No Affected Class I Areas in Mississippi B. Long-Term... haze program will require long-term regional coordination among states, tribal governments, and various...

Population Problems: A Constituent of General Culture in the 21st Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rath, Ferdinand J. C. M.

1993-01-01

Compares modern population problems with those of previous generations. Examines variations in population problems in different countries and world regions and the ways in which demographic events (e.g., rapid population growth or urbanization) in one region affect other regions. Advocates preparing for demographic changes through education. (DMM)

Demand for resident hunting in the southeastern United States

Treesearch

Neelam Poudyal; Seong Hoon Cho; J. Michael Bowker

2008-01-01

We modeled hunting demand among resident hunters in the Southeastern United States. Our model revealed that future hunting demand will likely decline in this region. Population growth in the region will increase demand but structural change in the region's demography (e.g., "browning" and "aging "), along with declining forestland access will...

USING RELATIVE RISK TO COMPARE THE EFFECTS OF AQUATIC STRESSORS AT A REGIONAL SCALE

EPA Science Inventory

The regional-scale importance of an aquatic stressor depends both on its regional extent (i.e., how widespread it is) and on the severity of its effects in ecosystems where it is found. Sample surveys, such as those developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency¿s Environm...

Semitransparent cirrus clouds in the upper troposphere and their contribution to the particulate scattering in the tropical UTLS region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thampi, Bijoy V.; Parameswaran, K.; Sunilkumar, S. V.

2012-01-01

Contribution of semitransparent cirrus (STC) to the scattering properties of particulates in the UTLS region is examined over the Indian region using the lidar data from Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) and SAGE-II measurements from 30°S to 30°N in the longitude region 70-90°E within the feasibility of these measurements. While the contribution of STC to particulate optical depth (τp) in UT is found to be quite significant in the equatorial and off-equatorial regions in both the hemispheres during summer, this is very small during winter in the off-equatorial regions. Dense STCs in UT also influences the aerosol scattering below the cloud-base and above the cloud-top (LS). This STC influence in LS is quite significant in the northern hemisphere and almost insignificant over the southern hemisphere, where the STC-cover as well as its optical depth is relatively low. This hemispheric difference is attributed to relatively strong tropospheric convection in the northern hemisphere.

E-Reflections: Comparative Exploration of the Role of e-learning in Training Higher Education Lecturers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Churchill, Tony

2005-01-01

This paper provides an initial evaluation of data gathered by running versions of a five-week online programme called "e-Reflections". This includes comparisons with a course specifically for academics from (or working in) the Gulf and the wider Middle East Region. "e-Reflections" is an online programme developed at University…

[Eukaryotic expression and application of HCV Hebei strain E2 extracellular core region].

PubMed

Ye, Chuantao; Bian, Peiyu; Weng, Daihui; Zhang, Hui; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Ying; Lei, Yingfeng; Jia, Zhansheng

2016-06-01

Objective To express core region of HCV1b (Hebei strain) E2 protein (E2c) by eukaryotic system, and establish the detection method of specific anti-HCV E2 antibody in the sera from hepatitis C patients. Methods Based on the literature, the E2c gene was modified from the HCV1b gene and synthesized via overlapping PCR. Thereafter, the E2c gene including tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) signal peptide was cloned into the pCI-neo eukaryotic expression vector, and the product was named pCI-tpa-1bE2c. After HEK293T cells were transfected with pCI-tpa-1bE2c, the supernatant was collected, condensed and purified. Its specificity was identified by Western blotting. Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-based ELISA was used to detect the antibody against HCVE2 in the sera from hepatitis C patients. Results Modified HCV E2c protein was successfully expressed in HEK293T cells and the GNA-based ELISA was developed for detecting the antibody against HCV E2 in the sera from hepatitis C patients. Conclusion HCV-1bE2c protein can be effectively expressed in HEK293T cells and applied clinically.

An Investigation of Seismicity for the West Sumatra Region Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syafriani, S.

2018-04-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the seismicity of the West Sumatra region in the coordinates area of 94° E – 104° E and 2° N - 4° S. Guttenberg-Richer magnitude-frequency relation and seismic risk have been computed. Historical data of earthquakes used from year of 1970 to 2017 with magnitude higher than 4. The study area was divided into 8 sub-regions based on seismotectonic characteristics, plate tectonic and geological models. The determination of seismotectonic characteristics was based on the level of seismic activity in a region (a value) and rock stress condition (b value). High a value was associated with high seismic activity, whereas high b values were associated with low stress rock conditions, and vice versa. Based on the calculation results, a and b values were obtained in the interval of 5.5-11.3 and 0.7-2. The highest b value was obtained in the sub region 5 (Nias islands), while the lowest b value was obtained in sub region 7 (the Mentawai islands). The sub region 7, Mentawai Islands was indicated as the seismic risk potential areas.

Machine detector interface studies: Layout and synchrotron radiation estimate in the future circular collider interaction region

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

Boscolo, Manuela; Burkhardt, Helmut; Sullivan, Michael

The interaction region layout for the e +e – future circular collider FCC-ee is presented together with a preliminary estimate of synchrotron radiation that affects this region. We describe in this paper the main guidelines of this design and the estimate of synchrotron radiation coming from the last bending magnets and from the final focus quadrupoles, with the software tools developed for this purpose. Here, the design follows the asymmetric optics layout as far as incoming bend radiation is concerned with the maximum foreseen beam energy of 175 GeV and we present a feasible initial layout with an indication ofmore » tolerable synchrotron radiation.« less

Machine detector interface studies: Layout and synchrotron radiation estimate in the future circular collider interaction region

DOE PAGES

Boscolo, Manuela; Burkhardt, Helmut; Sullivan, Michael

2017-01-27

The interaction region layout for the e +e – future circular collider FCC-ee is presented together with a preliminary estimate of synchrotron radiation that affects this region. We describe in this paper the main guidelines of this design and the estimate of synchrotron radiation coming from the last bending magnets and from the final focus quadrupoles, with the software tools developed for this purpose. Here, the design follows the asymmetric optics layout as far as incoming bend radiation is concerned with the maximum foreseen beam energy of 175 GeV and we present a feasible initial layout with an indication ofmore » tolerable synchrotron radiation.« less

Signs of Gas Trapping in Normal Lung Density Regions in Smokers.

PubMed

Bodduluri, Sandeep; Reinhardt, Joseph M; Hoffman, Eric A; Newell, John D; Nath, Hrudaya; Dransfield, Mark T; Bhatt, Surya P

2017-12-01

A substantial proportion of subjects without overt airflow obstruction have significant respiratory morbidity and structural abnormalities as visualized by computed tomography. Whether regions of the lung that appear normal using traditional computed tomography criteria have mild disease is not known. To identify subthreshold structural disease in normal-appearing lung regions in smokers. We analyzed 8,034 subjects with complete inspiratory and expiratory computed tomographic data participating in the COPDGene Study, including 103 lifetime nonsmokers. The ratio of the mean lung density at end expiration (E) to end inspiration (I) was calculated in lung regions with normal density (ND) by traditional thresholds for mild emphysema (-910 Hounsfield units) and gas trapping (-856 Hounsfield units) to derive the ND-E/I ratio. Multivariable regression analysis was used to measure the associations between ND-E/I, lung function, and respiratory morbidity. The ND-E/I ratio was greater in smokers than in nonsmokers, and it progressively increased from mild to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity. A proportion of 26.3% of smokers without airflow obstruction had ND-E/I greater than the 90th percentile of normal. ND-E/I was independently associated with FEV 1 (adjusted β = -0.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.032 to -0.007; P = 0.001), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores (adjusted β = 0.952; 95% CI, 0.529 to 1.374; P < 0.001), 6-minute-walk distance (adjusted β = -10.412; 95% CI, -12.267 to -8.556; P < 0.001), and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index (adjusted β = 0.169; 95% CI, 0.148 to 0.190; P < 0.001), and also with FEV 1 change at follow-up (adjusted β = -3.013; 95% CI, -4.478 to -1.548; P = 0.001). Subthreshold gas trapping representing mild small airway disease is prevalent in normal-appearing lung regions in smokers without airflow obstruction, and it is associated with respiratory morbidity. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00608764).

Characterizing Daytime GHZ Scintillation at Equatorial Regions Using Gnss Radio Occultation Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seif, A.; Zhang, K.; Tsunoda, R. T.; Abdullah, M.; Carter, B. A.; Norman, R.; Wu, S.

2015-12-01

Ionospheric scintillation of radio waves can behave differently at different locations with a strong diurnal dependence; particularly in the equatorial regions. Ionospheric scintillations at gigahertz (GHz) frequencies have been observed during both daytime and nighttime. It is believed that daytime scintillation is associated with blanketing sporadic E (Esb), whereas nighttime scintillation is attributed to F layer irregularities. Scintillation events associated with Esbduring daytime are of our primary interest. Recent studies show that in the ionosphere, electron density profiles from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) provide valuable information to help better understand the physics of the ionosphere. In particular, GNSS RO observations of GHz scintillation in the proximity of the E-layer have been interpreted as being caused by sporadic E. In this paper the characteristics of daytime scintillations at 1.5 GHz recorded simultaneously from two stations (i) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (2.55°N, 101.461°E; dip latitude 5.78°S), and (ii) Langkawi (6.19°N, 99.51°E; dip latitude 1.90°S) during November and December 2010 are analyzed. The characteristics of daytime GHz scintillation and its relationship with E region irregularities at equatorial regions are investigated. Ground-based scintillation and Total Electron Content (TEC) data recorded by the GSV4004 receivers were utilized in combination with the amplitude scintillation measurements in terms of GPS C/A code SNR fluctuations during a ground-based GPS and space-borne GNSS RO experiment at the two equatorial stations. Scintillation activity was found to be more prominent at UKM. Moreover, strong scintillation with the S4 index exceeding 0.6 has only been observed at UKM, while at Langkawi the scintillation intensity (S4 index) did not exceed 0.3. Signal-to-noise measurements obtained from GNSS RO indicate that daytime scintillations are very likely caused by Esb. Our further research will be concentrated on an in-depth investigation of day-time irregularities in equatorial regions using both ground and space-borne GNSS technologies.

Numerical Simulation of Regional Circulation in the Monterey Bay Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tseng, Y. H.; Dietrich, D. E.; Ferziger, J. H.

2003-01-01

The objective of this study is to produce a high-resolution numerical model of Mon- terey Bay area in which the dynamics are determined by the complex geometry of the coastline, steep bathymetry, and the in uence of the water masses that constitute the CCS. Our goal is to simulate the regional-scale ocean response with realistic dynamics (annual cycle), forcing, and domain. In particular, we focus on non-hydrostatic e ects (by comparing the results of hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic models) and the role of complex geometry, i.e. the bay and submarine canyon, on the nearshore circulation. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the rst to simulate the regional circulation in the vicinity of Monterey Bay using a non-hydrostatic model. Section 2 introduces the high resolution Monterey Bay area regional model (MBARM). Section 3 provides the results and veri cation with mooring and satellite data. Section 4 compares the results of hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic models.

Prx1 and Prx2 cooperatively regulate the morphogenesis of the medial region of the mandibular process

PubMed Central

Balic, Anamaria; Adams, Douglas; Mina, Mina

2009-01-01

Mice lacking both Prx1 and Prx2 display severe abnormalities in the mandible. Our analysis showed that complete loss of Prx gene products leads to growth abnormalities in the mandibular processes evident as early as E10.5 associated with changes in the survival of the mesenchyme in the medial region. Changes in the gene expression in the medial and lateral regions were related to gradual loss of a subpopulation of mesenchyme in the medial region expressing eHand. Our analysis also showed that Prx gene products are required for the initiation and maintenance of chondrogenesis and terminal differentiation of the chondrocytes in the caudal and rostral ends of Meckel’s cartilage. The fusion of the mandibular processes in the Prx1/Prx2 double mutants is caused by accelerated ossification. These observations together show that during mandibular morphogenesis Prx gene products play multiple roles including the cell survival, the region-specific terminal differentiation of Meckelian chondrocytes and osteogenesis. PMID:19777594

[Comprehensive evaluation of eco-tourism resources in Yichun forest region of Northeast China].

PubMed

Huang, Maozhu; Hu, Haiqing; Zhang, Jie; Chen, Lijun

2006-11-01

By using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Delphi method, a total of 30 representative evaluation factors in the aspects of tourism resources quantity, environmental quantity, tourism conditions, and tourism functions were chosen to build up a comprehensive quantitative evaluation model to evaluate the eco-tourism resources of Yichun forest region in Northeast China. The results showed that in Yichun forest region, the natural eco-tourism resources were superior to the humanity resources. On the regional distribution of favorable level eco-tourism resources quantity, 4 sites were very prominent, i.e., north (Jiayin) -center (Yichun) -east (Jinshantun) -south (Tieli). As for the distribution of eco-tourism resources type, it was basically in the sequence of north (Jiayin, Tangwang River, Wuying) -center (Yichun, Shangganling) -east (Jinshantun, Meixi) -south (Teli, Dailing). Based on the above analyses, Yichun forest region could be divided into four tourism areas, i.e., the south, the east, the central, and the north. Aimed at the special features of each area, the initial development directions were introduced.

The magnetotelluric phase tensor analysis of the Sembalun-Propok area, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Febriani, F.; Widarto, D. S.; Gaffar, E.; Nasution, A.; Grandis, H.

2017-04-01

The subsurface structure of the Sembalun-Propok area, NTB, Indonesia, has been investigated using magnetotelluric method (MT). To obtain the information of the dimensionality of the regional structure and determine the regional strike of the study area, the phase tensor analysis has been performed in this study. The results show that most of the skew angle values (β) are distributed within ± 5°. It indicates that the regional structure of the study area can be assumed as two dimensional. In addition, to determine the regional strike of the study area, we also calculated the major axes of the phase tensor. The result presents that the regional strike of the study area is about N330°E. According to the results of the phase tensor analysis, we rotated the impedance tensor to N330°E and performed 2-D inversion modeling. The result presents that the substructure model suits with the geological background of the study area.

Decreased cerebellar-cerebral connectivity contributes to complex task performance

PubMed Central

Knops, André

2016-01-01

The cerebellum's role in nonmotor processes is now well accepted, but cerebellar interaction with cerebral targets is not well understood. Complex cognitive tasks activate cerebellar, parietal, and frontal regions, but the effective connectivity between these regions has never been tested. To this end, we used psycho-physiological interactions (PPI) analysis to test connectivity changes of cerebellar and parietal seed regions in complex (2-digit by 1-digit multiplication, e.g., 12 × 3) vs. simple (1-digit by 1-digit multiplication, e.g., 4 × 3) task conditions (“complex − simple”). For cerebellar seed regions (lobule VI, hemisphere and vermis), we found significantly decreased cerebellar-parietal, cerebellar-cingulate, and cerebellar-frontal connectivity in complex multiplication. For parietal seed regions (PFcm, PFop, PFm) we found significantly increased parietal-parietal and parietal-frontal connectivity in complex multiplication. These results suggest that decreased cerebellar-cerebral connectivity contributes to complex task performance. Interestingly, BOLD activity contrasts revealed partially overlapping parietal areas of increased BOLD activity but decreased cerebellar-parietal PPI connectivity. PMID:27334957

Evolutionary characterization of the West Nile Virus complete genome.

PubMed

Gray, R R; Veras, N M C; Santos, L A; Salemi, M

2010-07-01

The spatial dynamics of the West Nile Virus epidemic in North America are largely unknown. Previous studies that investigated the evolutionary history of the virus used sequence data from the structural genes (prM and E); however, these regions may lack phylogenetic information and obscure true evolutionary relationships. This study systematically evaluated the evolutionary patterns in the eleven genes of the WNV genome in order to determine which region(s) were most phylogenetically informative. We found that while the E region lacks resolution and can potentially result in misleading conclusions, the full NS3 or NS5 regions have strong phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, we show that geographic structure of WNV infection within the US is more pronounced than previously reported in studies that used the structural genes. We conclude that future evolutionary studies should focus on NS3 and NS5 in order to maximize the available sequences while retaining maximal interpretative power to infer temporal and geographic trends among WNV strains. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Time of emergence in regional precipitation changes: an updated assessment using the CMIP5 multi-model ensemble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Thuy-Huong; Min, Seung-Ki; Paik, Seungmok; Lee, Donghyun

2018-01-01

This study conducted an updated time of emergence (ToE) analysis of regional precipitation changes over land regions across the globe using multiple climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). ToEs were estimated for 14 selected hotspots over two seasons of April to September (AS) and October to March (OM) from three RCP scenarios representing low (RCP2.6), medium (RCP4.5), and high (RCP8.5) emissions. Results from the RCP8.5 scenario indicate that ToEs would occur before 2040 over seven hotspots including three northern high-latitude regions (OM wettening), East Africa (OM wettening), South Asia (AS wettening), East Asia (AS wettening) and South Africa (AS drying). The Mediterranean (both OM and AS drying) is expected to experience ToEs in the mid-twenty-first century (2040-2080). In order to measure possible benefits from taking low-emission scenarios, ToE differences were examined between the RCP2.6 scenario and the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Significant ToE delays from 26 years to longer than 67 years were identified over East Africa (OM wettening), the Mediterranean (both AS and OM drying), South Asia (AS wettening), and South Africa (AS drying). Further, we investigated ToE differences between CMIP3-based and CMIP5-based models using the same number of models for the comparable scenario pairs (SRESA2 vs. RCP8.5, and SRESB1 vs. RCP4.5). Results were largely consistent between two model groups, indicating the robustness of ToE results. Considerable differences in ToEs (larger than 20 years) between two model groups appeared over East Asia and South Asia (AS wettening) and South Africa (AS drying), which were found due to stronger signals in CMIP5 models. Our results provide useful information on the timing of emerging signals in regional and seasonal hydrological changes, having important implications for associated adaptation and mitigation plans.

An Inverse U-Shaped Curve of Resting-State Networks in Individuals at High Risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Ye, Qing; Chen, Haifeng; Su, Fan; Shu, Hao; Gong, Liang; Xie, Chunming; Zhou, Hong; Bai, Feng

Higher functional connectivity (FC) in resting-state networks has been shown in individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by many studies. However, the longitudinal trajectories of the FC remain unknown. The present 35-month follow-up study aimed to explore longitudinal changes in higher FC in multiple resting-state networks in subjects with the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (ApoE4) and/or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Fifty-one subjects with aMCI and 64 cognitively normal (CN) subjects underwent neuropsychological tests and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans twice from April 2011 to June 2015. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to diagnosis and ApoE4 status. The CN non-ApoE4 group served as a control group, and other groups served as AD risk groups. The cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns of multiple resting-state networks, including default mode network, hippocampus network, executive control network, and salience network, were explored by comparing FC data between groups and between time points, respectively. At baseline, compared with the control group, the AD risk groups showed higher FC with 8 regions in multiple networks. At follow-up, 6 of the regions displayed longitudinally decreased FC in AD risk groups. In contrast, the FC with all of these regions was maintained in the control group. Notably, among the 3 risk groups, most of the higher FC at baseline (5 of the 8 regions) and longitudinally decreased FC at follow-up (4 of the 6 regions) were shown in the aMCI ApoE4 group. Higher resting-state FC is followed by a decline in subjects at AD risk, and this inverse U-shaped trajectory is more notable in subjects with higher risk. © Copyright 2018 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

The mitochondrial COB region in yeast codes for apocytochrome b and is mosaic.

PubMed

Haid, A; Schweyen, R J; Bechmann, H; Kaudewitz, F; Solioz, M; Schatz, G

1979-03-01

Mitochondrial mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in cytochrome b were analyzed genetically and biochemically in order to elucidate the role of the mitochondrial genetic system in the biosynthesis of this cytochrome. The mutants mapped between OLI1 and OLI2 on mitochondrial DNA in a region called COB. A fine structure map of the COB region was constructed by rho- deletion mapping and recombination analysis. The combined genetic and biochemical data indicate that the COB region is mosaic and contains at least five distinct clusters of mutants, A-E, with A being closest to OLI2 and E being closest to OLI1. Clusters A, C and E are probably coding regions for apocytochrome b, whereas clusters B and D seem to be involved in as yet unknown functions. These conclusions rest on the following evidence. 1. Most mutants in clusters A, C and E have specifically lost cytochrome b. Many of them accumulate smaller mitochondrial translation products; some of these were identified as fragments of apocytochrome b by proteolytic fingerprinting. The molecular weight of these fragments depends on the map position of the mutant, increasing in the direction OLI2 leads to OLI1. The mutant closest to OLI1 accumulates an apocytochrome b which is slightly larger than that of wild type. 2. A mutant in cluster C exhibits a spectral absorption band of cytochrome b that is shifted 1.5 nm to the red. 3. Mutants in clusters B and D are pleiotropic. A majority of them are conditional and lack the absorption bands of both cytochrome b and cytochrome aa3; these mutants also fail to accumulate apocytochrome b and subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase and instead form a large number of abnormal translation products whose nature is unknown. 4. Zygotic complementation tests reveal at least two complementation groups: The first group includes all mutants in cluster B and the second group includes mutants in clusters (A + C + D + E).

E-Estuary: Developing a Decision-support System for Coastal Management in the Conterminous United States

EPA Science Inventory

Ready access to geographic information is needed to support management decisions for estuaries at local, state, regional, and national scales. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is developing e-Estuary, a decision-support system for coastal management. E...

E3 Success Story - Working Together: E3 Ohio and the Ohio By-Product Synergy Network

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received funding to support the integration of the national E3 sustainability initiative with the Ohio By-Product Synergy (BPS) Network to create an efficient and replicable model for reducing GHGs.

Influences of Regional Climate Change on Air Quality Across the Continental U.S. Projected from Downscaling IPCC AR5 Simulations. Chapter 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nolte, Christopher; Otte, Tanya; Pinder, Robert; Bowden, J.; Herwehe, J.; Faluvegi, Gregory; Shindell, Drew

2013-01-01

Projecting climate change scenarios to local scales is important for understanding, mitigating, and adapting to the effects of climate change on society and the environment. Many of the global climate models (GCMs) that are participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) do not fully resolve regional-scale processes and therefore cannot capture regional-scale changes in temperatures and precipitation. We use a regional climate model (RCM) to dynamically downscale the GCM's large-scale signal to investigate the changes in regional and local extremes of temperature and precipitation that may result from a changing climate. In this paper, we show preliminary results from downscaling the NASA/GISS ModelE IPCC AR5 Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 6.0 scenario. We use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model as the RCM to downscale decadal time slices (1995-2005 and 2025-2035) and illustrate potential changes in regional climate for the continental U.S. that are projected by ModelE and WRF under RCP6.0. The regional climate change scenario is further processed using the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system to explore influences of regional climate change on air quality.

The Smad3 linker region contains a transcriptional activation domain

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads regulate a wide variety of biological responses through transcriptional regulation of target genes. Smad3 plays a key role in TGF-β/Smad-mediated transcriptional responses. Here, we show that the proline-rich linker region of Smad3 contains a transcriptional activation domain. When the linker region is fused to a heterologous DNA-binding domain, it activates transcription. We show that the linker region physically interacts with p300. The adenovirus E1a protein, which binds to p300, inhibits the transcriptional activity of the linker region, and overexpression of p300 can rescue the linker-mediated transcriptional activation. In contrast, an adenovirus E1a mutant, which cannot bind to p300, does not inhibit the linker-mediated transcription. The native Smad3 protein lacking the linker region is unable to mediate TGF-β transcriptional activation responses, although it can be phosphorylated by the TGF-β receptor at the C-terminal tail and has a significantly increased ability to form a heteromeric complex with Smad4. We show further that the linker region and the C-terminal domain of Smad3 synergize for transcriptional activation in the presence of TGF-β. Thus our findings uncover an important function of the Smad3 linker region in Smad-mediated transcriptional control. PMID:15588252

The Smad3 linker region contains a transcriptional activation domain.

PubMed

Wang, Guannan; Long, Jianyin; Matsuura, Isao; He, Dongming; Liu, Fang

2005-02-15

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smads regulate a wide variety of biological responses through transcriptional regulation of target genes. Smad3 plays a key role in TGF-beta/Smad-mediated transcriptional responses. Here, we show that the proline-rich linker region of Smad3 contains a transcriptional activation domain. When the linker region is fused to a heterologous DNA-binding domain, it activates transcription. We show that the linker region physically interacts with p300. The adenovirus E1a protein, which binds to p300, inhibits the transcriptional activity of the linker region, and overexpression of p300 can rescue the linker-mediated transcriptional activation. In contrast, an adenovirus E1a mutant, which cannot bind to p300, does not inhibit the linker-mediated transcription. The native Smad3 protein lacking the linker region is unable to mediate TGF-beta transcriptional activation responses, although it can be phosphorylated by the TGF-beta receptor at the C-terminal tail and has a significantly increased ability to form a heteromeric complex with Smad4. We show further that the linker region and the C-terminal domain of Smad3 synergize for transcriptional activation in the presence of TGF-beta. Thus our findings uncover an important function of the Smad3 linker region in Smad-mediated transcriptional control.

Satellite-Surface Perspectives of Air Quality and Aerosol-Cloud Effects on the Environment: An Overview of 7-SEAS BASELInE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsay, Si-Chee; Maring, Hal B.; Lin, Neng-Huei; Buntoung, Sumaman; Chantara, Somporn; Chuang, Hsiao-Chi; Gabriel, Philip M.; Goodloe, Colby S.; Holben, Brent N.; Hsiao, Ta-Chih;

Where You Live

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Click on your state or EPA Region on the map or from the list below to find information (e.g., EPA and Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit regional contacts) about children's health protection in that area. Includes U.S. territories.

76 FR 75559 - Notice of Meeting, National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-02

....gov for specific information regarding sites under consideration. (3) Review of H.R. 3278, a bill to... 7, 2011. Stephen E. Whitesell, Regional Director, National Capital Region. [FR Doc. 2011-31042 Filed...

PSHA in Israel by using the synthetic ground motions from simulated seismicity: the modified SvE procedure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meirova, T.; Shapira, A.; Eppelbaum, L.

2018-05-01

In this study, we updated and modified the SvE approach of Shapira and van Eck (Nat Hazards 8:201-215, 1993) which may be applied as an alternative to the conventional probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) in Israel and other regions of low and moderate seismicity where measurements of strong ground motions are scarce. The new computational code SvE overcomes difficulties associated with the description of the earthquake source model and regional ground-motion scaling. In the modified SvE procedure, generating suites of regional ground motion is based on the extended two-dimensional source model of Motazedian and Atkinson (Bull Seism Soc Amer 95:995-1010, 2005a) and updated regional ground-motion scaling (Meirova and Hofstteter, Bull Earth Eng 15:3417-3436, 2017). The analytical approach of Mavroeidis and Papageorgiou (Bull Seism Soc Amer 93:1099-1131, 2003) is used to simulate the near-fault acceleration with the near-fault effects. The comparison of hazard estimates obtained by using the conventional method implemented in the National Building Code for Design provisions for earthquake resistance of structures and the modified SvE procedure for rock-site conditions indicates a general agreement with some perceptible differences at the periods of 0.2 and 0.5 s. For the periods above 0.5 s, the SvE estimates are systematically greater and can increase by a factor of 1.6. For the soft-soil sites, the SvE hazard estimates at the period of 0.2 s are greater than those based on the CB2008 ground-motion prediction equation (GMPE) by a factor of 1.3-1.6. We suggest that the hazard estimates for the sites with soft-soil conditions calculated by the modified SvE procedure are more reliable than those which can be found by means of the conventional PSHA. This result agrees with the opinion that the use of a standard GMPE applying the NEHRP soil classification based on the V s, 30 parameter may be inappropriate for PSHA at many sites in Israel.

Epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing E. coli and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in the Northern Dutch-German Cross-Border Region.

PubMed

Zhou, Xuewei; García-Cobos, Silvia; Ruijs, Gijs J H M; Kampinga, Greetje A; Arends, Jan P; Borst, Dirk M; Möller, Lieke V; Holman, Nicole D; Schuurs, Theo A; Bruijnesteijn van Coppenraet, Lesla E; Weel, Jan F; van Zeijl, Jan H; Köck, Robin; Rossen, John W A; Friedrich, Alexander W

2017-01-01

Objectives: To reveal the prevalence and epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and/or plasmid AmpC (pAmpC)- and carbapenemase (CP) producing Enterobacteriaceae and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) across the Northern Dutch-German border region. Methods: A point-prevalence study on ESBL/pAmpC/CP producing Enterobacteriaceae and VRE was carried out in hospitalized patients in the Northern Netherlands ( n = 445, 2012-2013) and Germany ( n = 242, 2012). Healthy individuals from the Dutch community ( n = 400, 2010-2012) were also screened. In addition, a genome-wide gene-by-gene approach was applied to study the epidemiology of ESBL- Escherichia coli and VRE. Results: A total of 34 isolates from 27 patients (6.1%) admitted to Dutch hospitals were ESBL/pAmpC positive and 29 ESBL- E. coli , three pAmpC- E. coli , one ESBL- Enterobacter cloacae , and one pAmpC- Proteus mirabilis were found. In the German hospital, 18 isolates (16 E. coli and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae ) from 17 patients (7.7%) were ESBL positive. In isolates from the hospitalized patients CTX-M-15 was the most frequently detected ESBL-gene. In the Dutch community, 11 individuals (2.75%) were ESBL/pAmpC positive: 10 ESBL - E. coli (CTX-M-1 being the most prevalent gene) and one pAmpC E. coli . Six Dutch (1.3%) and four German (3.9%) hospitalized patients were colonized with VRE. Genetic relatedness by core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) was found between two ESBL- E. coli isolates from Dutch and German cross-border hospitals and between VRE isolates from different hospitals within the same region. Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL/pAmpC- Enterobacteriaceae was similar in hospitalized patients across the Dutch-German border region, whereas VRE prevalence was slightly higher on the German side. The overall prevalence of the studied pathogens was lower in the community than in hospitals in the Northern Netherlands. Cross-border transmission of ESBL- E. coli and VRE seems unlikely based on cgMLST analysis, however continuous monitoring is necessary to control their spread and stay informed about their epidemiology.

Identifying robust regional precipitation responses to regional aerosol emissions perturbations in three coupled chemistry-climate models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westervelt, D. M.; Fiore, A. M.; Lamarque, J. F.; Previdi, M. J.; Conley, A. J.; Shindell, D. T.; Mascioli, N. R.; Correa, G. J. P.; Faluvegi, G.; Horowitz, L. W.

2017-12-01

Regional emissions of anthropogenic aerosols and their precursors will likely decrease for the remainder of the 21st century, due to emission reduction policies enacted to protect human health. Although there is some evidence that regional climate effects of aerosols can be significant, we currently lack a robust understanding of the magnitude, spatio-temporal pattern, statistical significance, and physical processes responsible for these influences, especially for precipitation. Here, we aim to quantify systematically the precipitation response to regional changes in aerosols and investigate underlying mechanisms using three fully coupled chemistry-climate models: NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Coupled Model 3 (GFDL-CM3), NCAR Community Earth System Model (CESM), and NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE2 (GISS-E2). The central approach we use is to contrast a long control experiment (400 years, run with perpetual year 2000 emissions) with 14 individual aerosol emissions perturbation experiments ( 200 years each). We perturb emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbonaceous aerosol (BC and OM) within several world regions and assess which responses are significant relative to internal variability determined by the control run and robust across the three models. Initial results show significant changes in precipitation in several vulnerable regions including the Western Sahel and the Indian subcontinent. SO2 emissions reductions from Europe and the United States have the largest impact on precipitation among most of the selected response regions. The precipitation response to emissions changes from these regions projects onto known modes of variability, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Across all perturbation experiments, we find a strong linear relationship between the responses of Sahel precipitation and the interhemispheric temperature difference, suggesting a common mechanism of an anomalous Hadley cell circulation and a shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). GFDL-CM3 and CESM1 each show strong changes in regional precipitation in response to the various regional aerosol emissions perturbations, whereas a more modest response occurs in GISS-E2, owing to a weaker aerosol indirect effect.

Should Climatologists and Spatial Planners Interact? Weather regulation as an ecosystem service to be considered in the land-use planning field.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrin, Mathieu; De Noblet-Ducoudré, Nathalie; Strada, Susanna; Stéfanon, Marc; Torre, André

2016-04-01

In the last decade, climate considerations have received increasing attention from urban designers and land-use planners. Because of legal binding requirements and/or a growing awareness regarding climate change, scholars and practitioners have already started to think about urban designs and land-use patterns that may contribute to face the climate change challenge. (e.g. Bulkeley, 2006; Shaw et al., 2007; Davoudi et al., 2009) The thorough analysis of spatial planning documents - e.g. SCoT (Schéma de Cohérence Territoriale) adopted in the Île-de-France Region (i.e. Paris region) - we have made and will report on has revealed the two main ways through which climate change action is thought about and for which measures are encouraged at the territorial level: 1. via mitigation strategy, i.e. solutions to either limit atmospheric greenhouse gases emissions or to capture them (e.g. urban structures that aim at limiting transportation-related emissions by promoting compact settlements, bioclimatic principles in urban and architectural designs that aim at reducing energetic consumption). Such solutions will in fine affect the global level of CO2 in the atmosphere, and thereby contribute to limit global warming. Local/regional effects may however not be felt by citizens and decision makers as they depend on the magnitude of the changes at the global scale; 2. via adaptation strategy, i.e. solutions to cope with adverse local/regional consequences of climate change. The global climate in this case is seen as a driver of local changes. Actions will be undertaken to moderate negative impacts of global climate change, potentially at costs, by reducing the vulnerability of local human communities and biological ecosystems on the concerned area (e.g. flood prevention systems, countermeasures to urban heat islands). We can wonder whether this traditional way of approaching the climate change action, based on a double mitigation-adaptation strategy, does not restrain the scope of solutions to be considered in the spatial planning field. Regional meteorology/climatology has demonstrated over the past decades that changes in land-uses and/or land cover may have substantial impacts on a) mean regional/local climate (Lobell & Bonfils, 2008), b) the magnitude and duration of extreme events (e.g. Marshall et al., 2004, Davin et al., 2014), c) air quality and therefore human's and ecosystems' health (e.g. Corchnoy et al. 1992, Hewitt et al., 2009). Such studies support the hypothesis that a careful regional climate modelling may help to refine the global climate projections and assess the local benefits or drawbacks of various land use/land cover policies. There is however a lack of studies at such spatial scales (from local to regional) to carefully quantify the impacts realistic land scenarios may have on atmospheric conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, winds, incoming radiation). We have started to think about ways to evaluate those at the French national scale. That implies the choice of ad-hoc models, scenarios, data for evaluation, … that we will discuss. Our proposal is that in fine the regulation of the atmospheric boundary layer (where we live) may be considered as a service that land uses/cover/management may impact and that we need to study as much as other ecosystem services are. ____________ References: Bulkeley, H. (2006) A changing climate for spatial planning? In: Planning Theory and Practice, 7(2): 203-214. Corchnoy, S.B.; Arey, J.; Atkinson, R. (1992) Hydrocarbon emission from twelve urban shade trees of the Los Angeles, California, air basin. In: Atmospheric Environment, 26B(3): 339-348. Davoudi, S.; Crawford, Jenny; Mehmood, A. (2009) Planning for Climate Change: Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation for Spatial Planners. London: Earthscan, 344 p. Davin, E. L.; Seneviratne, S. I.; Ciais, P.; Olioso, A.; Wang, T. (2014) Preferential cooling of hot extremes from cropland albedo management, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(27): 9757-9761. Hewitt, C. N.; MacKenzie, A. R.; Di Carlo, P.; Di Marco, C. F.; Dorsey, J. R.; Evans, M.; Fowler, D.; Gallagher, M. W.; Hopkins, J. R.; Jones, C. E.; Langford, B.; Lee, J. D.; Lewis, A. C.; Lim, S. F.; McQuaid, J.; Misztal, P.; Moller, S. J.; Monks, P. S.; Nemitz, E.; Oram, D. E.; Owen, S. M.; Phillips, G. J.; Pugh, T. A M; Pyle, J. A.; Reeves, C. E.; Ryder, J.; Siong, J.; Skiba, U.; Stewart, D. J. (2009) Nitrogen management is essential to prevent tropical oil palm plantations from causing ground-level ozone pollution. In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America - PNAS, 106(44): 18447-18451. Lobell, D. B.; Bonfils, C. (2008) The Effect of Irrigation on Regional Temperatures: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Trends in California, 1934-2002. In: Journal of Climate, 21(10): 2063-2071. Shaw, R.; Colley, M. & Connell, R. (2007) Climate change adaptation by design: a guide for sustainable communities. London: Town and Country Planning Association, 50 p.

Regional acetylcholinesterase activity and its correlation with behavioral performances in 15-month old transgenic mice expressing the human C99 fragment of APP.

PubMed

Dumont, M; Lalonde, R; Ghersi-Egea, J-F; Fukuchi, K; Strazielle, C

2006-09-01

In addition to Abeta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by increased brain levels of APP C-terminal fragments. In the present investigation, the cholinergic innervation in forebrain regions of transgenic mice (Tg13592) expressing the human betaAPP C99 fragment was compared to that of non-transgenic controls by measuring the activity of the non-specific catabolic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The AchE activity of Tg13592 mice was altered in several regions implicated in the functional loop of regulation between septum and hippocampus, vulnerable in Alzheimer pathology and critically involved in cognitive functions. In particular, AChE activity was upregulated in three basal forebrain regions containing cholinergic cell bodies, prelimbic cortex, anterior subiculum, and paraventricular thalamus, but downregulated in lateral septum and reticular thalamus. The increased activity in medial septum and anterior subiculum was linearly correlated with poor performances in a spatial learning task, possibly due to cell stress mechanisms. Because of some similarities in terms of neurochemistry and behavior, this mouse model may be of use for studying prodromal AD.

Plant traits, productivity, biomass and soil properties from forest sites in the Pacific Northwest, 1999–2014

PubMed Central

Berner, Logan T.; Law, Beverly E.

2016-01-01

Plant trait measurements are needed for evaluating ecological responses to environmental conditions and for ecosystem process model development, parameterization, and testing. We present a standardized dataset integrating measurements from projects conducted by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research and Regional Analysis- Pacific Northwest (TERRA-PNW) research group between 1999 and 2014 across Oregon and Northern California, where measurements were collected for scaling and modeling regional terrestrial carbon processes with models such as Biome-BGC and the Community Land Model. The dataset contains measurements of specific leaf area, leaf longevity, leaf carbon and nitrogen for 35 tree and shrub species derived from more than 1,200 branch samples collected from over 200 forest plots, including several AmeriFlux sites. The dataset also contains plot-level measurements of forest composition, structure (e.g., tree biomass), and productivity, as well as measurements of soil structure (e.g., bulk density) and chemistry (e.g., carbon). Publically-archiving regional datasets of standardized, co-located, and geo-referenced plant trait measurements will advance the ability of earth system models to capture species-level climate sensitivity at regional to global scales. PMID:26784559

Identification of soybean genotypes with high stability for the Brazilian macro-region 402 via biplot analysis.

PubMed

Junior, E U Ramos; Brogin, R L; Godinho, V P C; Botelho, F J E; Tardin, F D; Teodoro, P E

2017-09-27

Biplot analysis has often been used to recommend genotypes from different crops in the presence of the genotype x environment interaction (GxE). The objective of this study was to verify the association between the AMMI and GGE biplot methods and to select soybean genotypes that simultaneously meet high grain yield and stability to the environments belonging to the Edaphoclimatic Region 402, from Soybean Cultivation Region 4 (Mid-West), which comprises the Center North and West of Mato Grosso, and the southern region of Rondônia. Grain yield of 12 soybean genotypes was evaluated in seven competition trials of soybean cultivars in the 2014/2015 harvest. Significant GxE interaction revealed the need to use methods for recommending genotypes with adaptability and yield stability. The methods were complementary regarding the recommendation of the best genotypes. The AMMI analysis recommended MG/BR46 (Conquista) (G10) widely for all environments evaluated, whereas the BRY23-55012 (G9) and BRAS11-0149 (G2) were the most indicated genotypes by the GGE biplot method. However, the methods were concordant as to Porto Velho (PV1) environment that contributed least to the GxE interaction.

Characteristics of convective structures of sodium layer in lower thermosphere (105-120 km) at Haikou (19.99°N, 110.34°E), China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Jing; Yang, Guotao; Wang, Jihong; Zhang, Tiemin; Peng, Hongyan; Xun, Yuchang; Liu, Zhengkuan; Wang, Chi

2017-11-01

The atmospheric sodium layer normally occurs in the mesopause (80-105 km) region, but rarely in the lower thermosphere region (>105 km) at low latitude. We observed a kind of peculiar sodium layer in lower thermosphere at Haikou (19.99°N, 110.34°E)-the thermospheric convective sodium layer (TCSL) in a lidargram. The TCSL's sodium density unstably developed over time and appeared as several discontinuous convective shapes vertically. It is the first time convective sodium layer observed in the lower thermosphere region (105-120 km). Based on Haikou lidar data, we obtained 14 TCSL events during 180 nights from March 2010 to August 2012. Most of the apogees of the TCSL events are higher than 108 km. A TCSL event lasts several hours and is composed of several convective structures, with each veitical shape lasting ∼5-30 min. All TCSL events occurred during spring and summer, and generally appear near midnight (22:00-00:00 LT). The TCSL has potential regional feature and appears to be related to the thermospheric sporadic E (Es) layers, winds, and field-aligned ionospheric irregularities (FAI).

The advantages of haplotype analysis of the promoter region of the human apolipoprotein E gene.

PubMed

McLaughlin, D P; Sharma, A; McGinley, A; Samra, G S

2001-12-15

Polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the human apolipoprotein E gene (gene, APOE; protein, apoE) have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Here we describe in detail the advantages of a simple method for haplotype analysis of this region (at -491 and -427 bases relative to the transcription start site of the gene). The promoter region of the APOE gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and this fragment was then used as a template for PCR with "nested" primers to generate a 228-bp product incorporating both the -491 and the -427 loci. PCR products were then digested with DraI and AluI together and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The distinct pattern of bands appearing on the gel was then used to ascribe [-491,-427] haplotypes to each subject, from which -491 and -427 genotypes were inferred. -491 and -427 genotypes were also confirmed by digestion with DraI alone or AluI alone. Haplotype analysis was successful in all 20 samples analyzed and was 100% consistent with genotyping. We suggest that this is a reliable, time-saving method that the will be useful in large-scale APOE promoter genotyping studies. (c)2001 Elsevier Science.

Correction of Electron Density Profiles in the Low Ionosphere Based on the Data of Vertical Sounding with the IRI Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denisenko, P. F.; Maltseva, O. A.; Sotsky, V. V.

2018-03-01

The method of correcting the daytime vertical profiles of electron plasma frequency in the low ionosphere from International Refererence Ionosphere (IRI) model in accordance with the measured data of the virtual heights and absorption of signal radiowaves (method A1) reflected from the bottom of E-region at vertical sounding (VS) is presented. The method is based on the replacement of the IRI model profile by an approximation of analytical dependence with parameters determined according to VS data and partially by the IRI model. The method is tested by the results of four joint ground-based and rocket experiments carried out in the 1970s at midlatitudes of the European part of Russia upon the launches of high-altitude geophysical rockets of the Vertical series. It is shown that the consideration of both virtual reflection heigths and absorption makes it possible to obtain electron density distributions that show the best agreement with the rocket measurements made at most height ranges in the D- and E-regions. In additional, the obtained distributions account more adequately than the IRI model for the contributions of D- and E-regions to absorption of signals reflected above these regions.

Plant traits, productivity, biomass and soil properties from forest sites in the Pacific Northwest, 1999–2014

DOE PAGES

Berner, Logan T.; Law, Beverly E.

2016-01-19

Plant trait measurements are needed for evaluating ecological responses to environmental conditions and for ecosystem process model development, parameterization, and testing. Here, we present a standardized dataset integrating measurements from projects conducted by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research and Regional Analysis- Pacific Northwest (TERRA-PNW) research group between 1999 and 2014 across Oregon and Northern California, where measurements were collected for scaling and modeling regional terrestrial carbon processes with models such as Biome-BGC and the Community Land Model. The dataset contains measurements of specific leaf area, leaf longevity, leaf carbon and nitrogen for 35 tree and shrub species derived from more thanmore » 1,200 branch samples collected from over 200 forest plots, including several AmeriFlux sites. The dataset also contains plot-level measurements of forest composition, structure (e.g., tree biomass), and productivity, as well as measurements of soil structure (e.g., bulk density) and chemistry (e.g., carbon). Publically-archiving regional datasets of standardized, co-located, and geo-referenced plant trait measurements will advance the ability of earth system models to capture species-level climate sensitivity at regional to global scales.« less

Profiles of Regional Efficiency in Pakistan: Comparison of Public and Private Sector Manufacturing Firms

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

Public and Private Sector Manufacturing Firms 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e...REGIONAL EFFICIENCY IN PAKISTAN: COMPARISON OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR MANUFACTURING FIRMS by Robert E. Looney In an examination of the relative...efficiency in public and private sector enter- prises should be explored in more detail. In this vein the purpose of the analysis below is to examine the

Techniques for computing regional radiant emittances of the earth-atmosphere system from observations by wide-angle satellite radiometers, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pina, J. F.; House, F. B.

1975-01-01

Radiometers on earth orbiting satellites measure the exchange of radiant energy between the earth-atmosphere (E-A) system and space at observation points in space external to the E-A system. Observations by wideangle, spherical and flat radiometers are analyzed and interpreted with regard to the general problem of the earth energy budget (EEB) and to the problem of determining the energy budget of regions smaller than the field of view (FOV) of these radiometers.

Electric fields and conductivity in the nighttime E-region - A new magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere coupling effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, P. M.; Yasuhara, F.

1978-01-01

Calculations have been made of the effects of intense poleward-directed electric fields upon the nighttime ionospheric E-region. The results show the Pedersen and Hall conductivities are substantially changed, thereby decreasing the ionospheric electrical load seen by magnetospheric sources. It appears that relatively large electric fields can exist in the absence of accompanying large field-aligned currents, as long as the underlying ionosphere remains in darkness and/or energetic particle precipitation is absent.

iss055e020372

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-10

iss055e020372 (April 10, 2018) --- Reunion Island, a French region off the coast of Madagascar, was pictured by an Expedition 55 crew member as the International Space Station orbited over the Indian Ocean.

Implementation of new tools in molecular epidemiology studies of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in South America.

PubMed

Avila, Héctor G; Santos, Guilherme B; Cucher, Marcela A; Macchiaroli, Natalia; Pérez, Matías G; Baldi, Germán; Jensen, Oscar; Pérez, Verónica; López, Raúl; Negro, Perla; Scialfa, Exequiel; Zaha, Arnaldo; Ferreira, Henrique B; Rosenzvit, Mara; Kamenetzky, Laura

2017-06-01

The aim of this work was to determine Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species and genotypes in intermediate and definitive hosts and in human isolates from endemic regions of Argentina and Brazil including those where no molecular data is available by a combination of classical and alternative molecular tools. A total of 227 samples were isolated from humans, natural intermediate and definitive hosts. Amplification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragment was performed and a combination of AluI digestion assay, High Resolution Melting analysis (HRM) assay and DNA sequencing was implemented for Echinococcus species/genotype determination. E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) was found in sheep (n=35), cattle (n=67) and dogs (n=5); E. ortleppi (G5) in humans (n=3) and cattle (n=108); E. canadensis (G6) in humans (n=2) and E. canadensis (G7) in pigs (n=7). We reported for the first time the presence of E. ortleppi (G5) and E. canadensis (G6) in humans from San Juan and Catamarca Argentinean provinces and E. canadensis (G7) in pigs from Cordoba Argentinean province. In this work, we widened molecular epidemiology studies of E. granulosus s. l. in South America by analyzing several isolates from definitive and intermediate hosts, including humans from endemic regions were such information was scarce or unavailable. The presence of different species/genotypes in the same region and host species reinforce the need of rapid and specific techniques for accurate determination of Echinococcus species such as the ones proposed in this work. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

USAID Expands eMODIS Coverage for Famine Early Warning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkerson, C.; Meyer, D. J.; Evenson, K.; Merritt, M.

2011-12-01

Food security in countries at risk is monitored by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) using many methods including Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data processed by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) into eMODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products. Near-real time production is used comparatively with trends derived from the eMODIS archive to operationally monitor vegetation anomalies indicating threatened cropland and rangeland conditions. eMODIS production over Central America and the Caribbean (CAMCAR) began in 2009, and processes 10-day NDVI composites every 5 days from surface reflectance inputs produced using predicted spacecraft and climatology information at Land and Atmosphere Near real time Capability for Earth Observing Systems (EOS) (LANCE). These expedited eMODIS composites are backed by a parallel archive of precision-based NDVI calculated from surface reflectance data ordered through Level 1 and Atmosphere Archive and Distribution System (LAADS). Success in the CAMCAR region led to the recent expansion of eMODIS production to include Africa in 2010, and Central Asia in 2011. Near-real time 250-meter products are available for each region on the last day of an acquisition interval (generally before midnight) from an anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) distribution site (ftp://emodisftp.cr.usgs.gov/eMODIS). The FTP site concurrently hosts the regional historical collections (2000 to present) which are also searchable using the USGS Earth Explorer (http://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/NewEarthExplorer). As eMODIS coverage continues to grow, these geographically gridded, georeferenced tagged image file format (GeoTIFF) NDVI composites increase their utility as effective tools for operational monitoring of near-real time vegetation data against historical trends.

Toward regional-scale adjoint tomography in the deep earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masson, Y.; Romanowicz, B. A.

2013-12-01

Thanks to the development of efficient numerical computation methods, such as the Spectral Element Method (SEM) and to the increasing power of computer clusters, it is now possible to obtain regional-scale images of the Earth's interior using adjoint-tomography (e.g. Tape, C., et al., 2009). As for now, these tomographic models are limited to the upper layers of the earth, i.e., they provide us with high-resolution images of the crust and the upper part of the mantle. Given the gigantic amount of calculation it represents, obtaing similar models at the global scale (i.e. images of the entire Earth) seems out of reach at the moment. Furthermore, it's likely that the first generation of such global adjoint tomographic models will have a resolution significantly smaller than the current regional models. In order to image regions of interests in the deep Earth, such as plumes, slabs or large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs), while keeping the computation tractable, we are developing new tools that will allow us to perform regional-scale adjoint-tomography at arbitrary depths. In a recent study (Masson et al., 2013), we showed that a numerical equivalent of the time reversal mirrors used in experimental acoustics permits to confine the wave propagation computations (i.e. using SEM simulations) inside the region to be imaged. With this ability to limit wave propagation modeling inside a region of interest, obtaining the adjoint sensitivity kernels needed for tomographic imaging is only two steps further. First, the local wavefield modeling needs to be coupled with field extrapolation techniques in order to obtain synthetic seismograms at the surface of the earth. These seismograms will account for the 3D structure inside the region of interest in a quasi-exact manner. We will present preliminary results where the field-extrapolation is performed using Green's function computed in a 1D Earth model thanks to the Direct Solution Method (DSM). Once synthetic seismograms can be obtained, it is possible to evaluate the misfit between observed and computed seismograms. The second step will then be to extrapolate the misfit function back into the SEM region in order to compute local adjoint sensitivity kernels. When available, these kernels will allow us to perform regional-scale adjoint tomography at arbitrary locations inside the earth. Masson Y., Cupillard P., Capdeville Y., & Romanowicz B., 2013. On the numerical implementation of time-reversal mirrors for tomographic imaging, Journal of Geophysical Research (under review). Tape, C., et al. (2009). "Adjoint tomography of the southern California crust." Science 325(5943): 988-992.

Linked Tumor-Selective Virus Replication and Transgene Expression from E3-Containing Oncolytic Adenoviruses†

PubMed Central

Zhu, Mingzhu; Bristol, J. Andrew; Xie, Yuefeng; Mina, Mervat; Ji, Hong; Forry-Schaudies, Suzanne; Ennist, David L.

2005-01-01

Historically, the adenoviral E3 region was found to be nonessential for viral replication in vitro. In addition, adenoviruses whose genome was more than approximately 105% the size of the native genome were inefficiently packaged. These profound observations were used experimentally to insert transgenes into the adenoviral backbone. More recently, however, the reintroduction of the E3 region into oncolytic adenoviruses has been found to positively influence antitumor efficacy in preclinical models and clinical trials. In the studies reported here, the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cDNA sequence has been substituted for the E3-gp19 gene in oncolytic adenoviruses that otherwise retained the E3 region. Five viruses that differed slightly in the method of transgene insertion were generated and compared to Ar6pAE2fGmF (E2F/GM/ΔE3), a previously described E3-deleted oncolytic adenovirus encoding GM-CSF. In all of the viruses, the human E2F-1 promoter regulated E1A expression and GM-CSF expression was under the control of the adenoviral E3 promoter and the packaging signal was relocated immediately upstream from the right terminal repeat. The E3-gp19-deleted viruses had similar cytolytic properties, as measured in vitro by cytotoxicity assays, but differed markedly in their capacity to express and secrete GM-CSF. Ar15pAE2fGmF (E2F/GM/E3b), the virus that produced the highest levels of GM-CSF and retained the native GM-CSF leader sequence, was selected for further analysis. The E2F/GM/E3b and E2F/GM/ΔE3 viruses exhibited similar cytotoxic activity and GM-CSF production in several tumor cell lines in vitro. However, when compared in vivo in nude mouse xenograft tumor models, E2F/GM/E3b spread through tumors to a greater extent, resulted in higher peak GM-CSF and total exposure levels in both tumor and serum, and was more efficacious than the E3-deleted virus. Using the matched WI-38 (parental) and WI-38-VA13 (simian virus 40 large T antigen transformed) cell pair, GM-CSF was shown to be selectively produced in cells expressing high levels of E2F, indicating that the tumor-selective E2F promoter controlled E1A and GM-CSF expression. PMID:15827160

PET Pharmacokinetic Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller-Schauenburg, Wolfgang; Reimold, Matthias

Positron Emission Tomography is a well-established technique that allows imaging and quantification of tissue properties in-vivo. The goal of pharmacokinetic modelling is to estimate physiological parameters, e.g. perfusion or receptor density from the measured time course of a radiotracer. After a brief overview of clinical application of PET, we summarize the fundamentals of modelling: distribution volume, Fick's principle of local balancing, extraction and perfusion, and how to calculate equilibrium data from measurements after bolus injection. Three fundamental models are considered: (i) the 1-tissue compartment model, e.g. for regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with the short-lived tracer [15O]water, (ii) the 2-tissue compartment model accounting for trapping (one exponential + constant), e.g. for glucose metabolism with [18F]FDG, (iii) the reversible 2-tissue compartment model (two exponentials), e.g. for receptor binding. Arterial blood sampling is required for classical PET modelling, but can often be avoided by comparing regions with specific binding with so called reference regions with negligible specific uptake, e.g. in receptor imaging. To estimate the model parameters, non-linear least square fits are the standard. Various linearizations have been proposed for rapid parameter estimation, e.g. on a pixel-by-pixel basis, for the prize of a bias. Such linear approaches exist for all three models; e.g. the PATLAK-plot for trapping substances like FDG, and the LOGAN-plot to obtain distribution volumes for reversibly binding tracers. The description of receptor modelling is dedicated to the approaches of the subsequent lecture (chapter) of Millet, who works in the tradition of Delforge with multiple-injection investigations.

Enterococcus faecalis urinary-tract infections: Do they have a zoonotic origin?

PubMed

Abat, Cédric; Huart, Michael; Garcia, Vincent; Dubourg, Grégory; Raoult, Didier

2016-10-01

Major human pathogens are frequently isolated from meat-producing animals, particularly poultry. Among them is Enterococcus faecalis, which is known to be one of the main cause of human urinary-tract infections worldwide. Early in 2015, we detected several, consecutive abnormal increases in the weekly number of human E. faecalis infections in various medical settings in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, especially including community-acquired urinary-tract infections. Speculating that this region-wide epidemiological event may have originated from animal-based food, we initiated this work to provide an overview of the epidemiology of E. faecalis, with a particular focus on the possible link between E. faecalis clones isolated from food-producing animals and those responsible for human urinary-tract infections. At that time, only one study had clearly identified strong epidemiological links between E. faecalis clones isolated from food-producing animals and human E. faecalis urinary-tract infections. This observation, coupled with our region-wide epidemiological experience, leads us to strongly believe that E. faecalis is a real zoonotic pathogen with potentially highly significant impact on human health. This is of particular concern because of its ability to acquire antibiotic-resistance genes and to infect animals and humans. Various strategies must be urgently implemented to address this public health threat, in particular through the development and implementation of large integrated automated surveillance systems based on animal and human health data to enable us to detect E. faecalis epidemiological events. Copyright © 2016 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crop Yield Simulations Using Multiple Regional Climate Models in the Southwestern United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stack, D.; Kafatos, M.; Kim, S.; Kim, J.; Walko, R. L.

2013-12-01

Agricultural productivity (described by crop yield) is strongly dependent on climate conditions determined by meteorological parameters (e.g., temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation). California is the largest producer of agricultural products in the United States, but crops in associated arid and semi-arid regions live near their physiological limits (e.g., in hot summer conditions with little precipitation). Thus, accurate climate data are essential in assessing the impact of climate variability on agricultural productivity in the Southwestern United States and other arid regions. To address this issue, we produced simulated climate datasets and used them as input for the crop production model. For climate data, we employed two different regional climate models (WRF and OLAM) using a fine-resolution (8km) grid. Performances of the two different models are evaluated in a fine-resolution regional climate hindcast experiment for 10 years from 2001 to 2010 by comparing them to the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) dataset. Based on this comparison, multi-model ensembles with variable weighting are used to alleviate model bias and improve the accuracy of crop model productivity over large geographic regions (county and state). Finally, by using a specific crop-yield simulation model (APSIM) in conjunction with meteorological forcings from the multi-regional climate model ensemble, we demonstrate the degree to which maize yields are sensitive to the regional climate in the Southwestern United States.

A face-selective ventral occipito-temporal map of the human brain with intracerebral potentials

PubMed Central

Jonas, Jacques; Jacques, Corentin; Liu-Shuang, Joan; Brissart, Hélène; Colnat-Coulbois, Sophie; Maillard, Louis; Rossion, Bruno

2016-01-01

Human neuroimaging studies have identified a network of distinct face-selective regions in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex (VOTC), with a right hemispheric dominance. To date, there is no evidence for this hemispheric and regional specialization with direct measures of brain activity. To address this gap in knowledge, we recorded local neurophysiological activity from 1,678 contact electrodes implanted in the VOTC of a large group of epileptic patients (n = 28). They were presented with natural images of objects at a rapid fixed rate (six images per second: 6 Hz), with faces interleaved as every fifth stimulus (i.e., 1.2 Hz). High signal-to-noise ratio face-selective responses were objectively (i.e., exactly at the face stimulation frequency) identified and quantified throughout the whole VOTC. Face-selective responses were widely distributed across the whole VOTC, but also spatially clustered in specific regions. Among these regions, the lateral section of the right middle fusiform gyrus showed the largest face-selective response by far, offering, to our knowledge, the first supporting evidence of two decades of neuroimaging observations with direct neural measures. In addition, three distinct regions with a high proportion of face-selective responses were disclosed in the right ventral anterior temporal lobe, a region that is undersampled in neuroimaging because of magnetic susceptibility artifacts. A high proportion of contacts responding only to faces (i.e., “face-exclusive” responses) were found in these regions, suggesting that they contain populations of neurons involved in dedicated face-processing functions. Overall, these observations provide a comprehensive mapping of visual category selectivity in the whole human VOTC with direct neural measures. PMID:27354526

Genotype by environment interactions for growth in Red Angus.

PubMed

Fennewald, D J; Weaber, R L; Lamberson, W R

2017-02-01

Accuracy of sire selection is limited by how well animals are characterized for their environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of genotype × environment interactions (G×E) for birth weight (BiW) and weaning weight (WW) for Red Angus in the United States. Adjusted weights were provided by the Red Angus Association of America. Environments were defined as 9 regions within the continental United States with similar temperature-humidity indices. Mean weights of calves were determined for each region and for each sire's progeny within each region. A reaction norm (RN) for each bull was estimated by regressing the sire means on the region means weighted for the number of progeny of each sire. The range for BiW and WW RN was -1.3 to 4.0 and -1.7 to 2.8, respectively. The heritabilities of BiW and WW RN were 0.40 and 0.39, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between BiW and WW RN were 0.19 and 0.54, respectively. The phenotypic correlation of the progeny mean to the RN was -0.20 ( <0.05) and suggests that sires with higher means are more stable in progeny performance across environments. Weights in different regions were considered separate traits and genetic correlations were estimated between all pairs of regions as another method to determine G×E. Genetic correlations < 0.80 indicate G×E at a level for concern, but existed for only 2 of 36 estimates for BiW and 12 of 36 estimates for WW. Genetic correlations between different regions ranged from 0.74 to 0.96 for BiW and 0.62 to 0.99 for WW and indicate that sires tend to rank similarly across environments for these traits.

E-waste collection in Italy: Results from an exploratory analysis.

PubMed

Favot, Marinella; Grassetti, Luca

2017-09-01

This study looks at the performance of household electrical and electronic waste (WEEE) collection in 20 Italian regions from 2008 to 2015. The impact of several explicative variables on the results of e-waste collection is evaluated. The independent variables are socio-economic and demographic ones (age, gender, household size, education level, migration and income) along with technical-organisational variables (population density, presence of metropoles, macro regions, characteristics of the territory, percentage of household waste collected separately and number of e-waste collection points). The results show that the presence of collection points, the percentage of household waste collected separately and the percentage of females are positively correlated with the kg collected per inhabitant per year. For example, a variation of 1% of input (presence of collection points) corresponds to a 0.25% variation in the output (collection results) while 1% difference in the percentage of females in the population corresponds to a 7.549% difference in the collection rate. Population density, instead, is negatively correlated. It is interesting to note that there is a discrepancy between the Southern regions and the Centre regions (the former have an outcome 0.66 times lower than the latter) while the Northern regions perform similarly to the Centre ones. Moreover, the first year (2008) had a very low performance compared to the following years when the scheme constantly improved, mainly due to the additional collection points available. The Stochastic Frontier Model allows for the identification of the optimal production function among the 20 Italian regions. The best performing region is Tuscany (in the Centre), followed by Sardinia and Sicily (in the South). Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Seismic Waveform Tomography of the Iranian Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, A.; Priestley, K.; Jackson, J.

2001-05-01

Surprisingly little is known about the detailed velocity structure of Iran, despite the region's importance in the tectonics of the Middle East. Previous studies have concentrated mainly on fundamental mode surface wave dispersion measurements along isolated paths (e.g.~Asudeh, 1982; Cong & Mitchell, 1998; Ritzwoller et.~al, 1998), and the propagation characteristics of crust and upper mantle body waves (e.g. Hearn & Ni 1994; Rodgers et.~al 1997). We use the partitioned waveform inversion method of Nolet (1990) on several hundred regional waveforms crossing the Iranian region to produce a 3-D seismic velocity map for the crust and upper mantle of the area. The method consists of using long period seismograms from earthquakes with well determined focal mechanisms and depths to constrain 1-D path-averaged shear wave models along regional paths. The constraints imposed on the 1-D models by the seismograms are then combined with independent constraints from other methods (e.g.~Moho depths from reciever function analysis etc.), to solve for the 3-D seismic velocity structure of the region. A dense coverage of fundamental mode rayleigh waves at a period of 100~s ensures good resolution of lithospheric scale structure. We also use 20~s period fundamental mode rayleigh waves and some Pnl wavetrains to make estimates of crustal thickness variations and average crustal velocities. A few deeper events give us some coverage of higher mode rayleigh waves and mantle S waves, which sample to the base of the upper mantle. Our crustal thickness estimates range from 45~km in the southern Zagros mountains, to 40~km in central Iran and 35~km towards the north of the region. We also find inconsistencies between the 1-D models required to fit the vertical and the tranverse seismograms, indicating the presence of anisotropy.

Effective atomic numbers of some tissue substitutes by different methods: A comparative study.

PubMed

Singh, Vishwanath P; Badiger, N M

2014-01-01

Effective atomic numbers of some human organ tissue substitutes such as polyethylene terephthalate, red articulation wax, paraffin 1, paraffin 2, bolus, pitch, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, polyvinylchloride, and modeling clay have been calculated by four different methods like Auto-Zeff, direct, interpolation, and power law. It was found that the effective atomic numbers computed by Auto-Zeff, direct and interpolation methods were in good agreement for intermediate energy region (0.1 MeV < E < 5 MeV) where the Compton interaction dominates. A large difference in effective atomic numbers by direct method and Auto-Zeff was observed in photo-electric and pair-production regions. Effective atomic numbers computed by power law were found to be close to direct method in photo-electric absorption region. The Auto-Zeff, direct and interpolation methods were found to be in good agreement for computation of effective atomic numbers in intermediate energy region (100 keV < E < 10 MeV). The direct method was found to be appropriate method for computation of effective atomic numbers in photo-electric region (10 keV < E < 100 keV). The tissue equivalence of the tissue substitutes is possible to represent by any method for computation of effective atomic number mentioned in the present study. An accurate estimation of Rayleigh scattering is required to eliminate effect of molecular, chemical, or crystalline environment of the atom for estimation of gamma interaction parameters.

Effective atomic numbers of some tissue substitutes by different methods: A comparative study

PubMed Central

Singh, Vishwanath P.; Badiger, N. M.

2014-01-01

Effective atomic numbers of some human organ tissue substitutes such as polyethylene terephthalate, red articulation wax, paraffin 1, paraffin 2, bolus, pitch, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, polyvinylchloride, and modeling clay have been calculated by four different methods like Auto-Zeff, direct, interpolation, and power law. It was found that the effective atomic numbers computed by Auto-Zeff, direct and interpolation methods were in good agreement for intermediate energy region (0.1 MeV < E < 5 MeV) where the Compton interaction dominates. A large difference in effective atomic numbers by direct method and Auto-Zeff was observed in photo-electric and pair-production regions. Effective atomic numbers computed by power law were found to be close to direct method in photo-electric absorption region. The Auto-Zeff, direct and interpolation methods were found to be in good agreement for computation of effective atomic numbers in intermediate energy region (100 keV < E < 10 MeV). The direct method was found to be appropriate method for computation of effective atomic numbers in photo-electric region (10 keV < E < 100 keV). The tissue equivalence of the tissue substitutes is possible to represent by any method for computation of effective atomic number mentioned in the present study. An accurate estimation of Rayleigh scattering is required to eliminate effect of molecular, chemical, or crystalline environment of the atom for estimation of gamma interaction parameters. PMID:24600169

Visualizing Confidence in Cluster-Based Ensemble Weather Forecast Analyses.

PubMed

Kumpf, Alexander; Tost, Bianca; Baumgart, Marlene; Riemer, Michael; Westermann, Rudiger; Rautenhaus, Marc

2018-01-01

In meteorology, cluster analysis is frequently used to determine representative trends in ensemble weather predictions in a selected spatio-temporal region, e.g., to reduce a set of ensemble members to simplify and improve their analysis. Identified clusters (i.e., groups of similar members), however, can be very sensitive to small changes of the selected region, so that clustering results can be misleading and bias subsequent analyses. In this article, we - a team of visualization scientists and meteorologists-deliver visual analytics solutions to analyze the sensitivity of clustering results with respect to changes of a selected region. We propose an interactive visual interface that enables simultaneous visualization of a) the variation in composition of identified clusters (i.e., their robustness), b) the variability in cluster membership for individual ensemble members, and c) the uncertainty in the spatial locations of identified trends. We demonstrate that our solution shows meteorologists how representative a clustering result is, and with respect to which changes in the selected region it becomes unstable. Furthermore, our solution helps to identify those ensemble members which stably belong to a given cluster and can thus be considered similar. In a real-world application case we show how our approach is used to analyze the clustering behavior of different regions in a forecast of "Tropical Cyclone Karl", guiding the user towards the cluster robustness information required for subsequent ensemble analysis.