Differential expression of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) estrogen receptor isotypes alpha, beta, and gamma by estradiol.

PubMed

Sabo-Attwood, Tara; Kroll, Kevin J; Denslow, Nancy D

2004-04-15

The expression levels of three estrogen receptor (ER) isotypes alpha, beta, and gamma were quantified in female largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (LMB) liver, ovary, brain, and pituitary tissues. ER alpha and beta expression predominated in the liver, while ERs beta and gamma predominated in the other tissues. Temporally in females, ER alpha was highly up-regulated, ER gamma was slightly up-regulated, and ER beta levels remained unchanged in the liver when plasma 17-beta estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (Vtg) levels were elevated in the spring. In ovarian tissue from these same fish, all three ERs were maximally expressed in the fall, during early oocyte development and prior to peak plasma E2 levels. When males were injected with E2, ER alpha was highly inducible, ER gamma was moderately up-regulated, and ER beta levels were not affected. None of the ER isotypes were induced by E2 in gonadal tissues. These results combined suggest that the ERs themselves are not regulated in the same manner by E2, and furthermore, do not contribute equally to the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in fish reproduction such as Vtg.

Assessment by cytogenetic analysis of the radioprotection properties of propolis extract.

PubMed

Montoro, A; Almonacid, M; Serrano, J; Saiz, M; Barquinero, J F; Barrios, L; Verdú, G; Pérez, J; Villaescusa, J I

2005-01-01

Propolis obtained from honeybee hives has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic or immunomodulatory agent. In animal studies, the radioprotector effect of propolis has been attributed to its free-radical scavenging properties. The present study was carried out to show the protective properties of propolis extract against DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation. The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of propolis has been carried out by the analysis of chromosome aberration induction after several doses of gamma rays. The results of an analysis in the presence of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were compared with the dose-effect calibration curve for gamma-rays by analysis of chromosome aberrations without propolis, a decrease in the radiation-induced chromosome aberrations has been observed to be higher than 50% for all the doses.

[Intragenic mitotic recombination induced by ultraviolet and gamma rays in radiosensitive mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts].

PubMed

Zakharov, I A; Kasinova, G V; Koval'tsova, S V

1983-01-01

The effect of UV- and gamma-irradiation on the survival and intragenic mitotic recombination (gene conversion) of 5 radiosensitive mutants was studied in comparison with the wild type. The level of spontaneous conversion was similar for RAD, rad2 and rad15, mutations xrs2 and xrs4 increasing and rad54 significantly decreasing it. The frequency of conversion induced by UV-light was greater in rad2, rad15 and xrs2 mutants and lower in xrs4, as compared to RAD. Gamma-irradiation caused induction of gene conversion with an equal frequency in RAD, rad2, rad15. Xrs2 and xrs4 mutations slightly decreased gamma-induced conversion. In rad54 mutant, UV-and gamma-induced conversion was practically absent. In the wild type yeast, a diploid strain is more resistant than a haploid, whereas in rad54 a diploid strain has the same or an increased sensitivity, as compared to a haploid strain (the "inverse ploidy effect"). This effect and also the block of induced mitotic recombination caused by rad54 indicate the presence in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae of repair pathways of UV- and gamma-induced damages acting in diploid cells and realised by recombination. The data obtained as a result of many years' investigation of genetic effects in radiosensitive mutants of yeast are summarised and considered.

Nuclear receptor ERR alpha and coactivator PGC-1 beta are effectors of IFN-gamma-induced host defense.

PubMed

Sonoda, Junichiro; Laganière, Josée; Mehl, Isaac R; Barish, Grant D; Chong, Ling-Wa; Li, Xiangli; Scheffler, Immo E; Mock, Dennis C; Bataille, Alain R; Robert, Francois; Lee, Chih-Hao; Giguère, Vincent; Evans, Ronald M

2007-08-01

Macrophage activation by the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a critical component of the host innate response to bacterial pathogenesis. However, the precise nature of the IFN-gamma-induced activation pathway is not known. Here we show using genome-wide expression and chromatin-binding profiling that IFN-gamma induces the expression of many nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial respiratory chain machinery via activation of the nuclear receptor ERR alpha (estrogen-related receptor alpha, NR3B1). Studies with macrophages lacking ERR alpha demonstrate that it is required for induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and efficient clearance of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in response to IFN-gamma. As a result, mice lacking ERR alpha are susceptible to LM infection, a phenotype that is localized to bone marrow-derived cells. Furthermore, we found that IFN-gamma-induced activation of ERR alpha depends on coactivator PGC-1 beta (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 beta), which appears to be a direct target for the IFN-gamma/STAT-1 signaling cascade. Thus, ERR alpha and PGC-1 beta act together as a key effector of IFN-gamma-induced mitochondrial ROS production and host defense.

Photon-induced positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy using ultrashort laser-Compton-scattered gamma-ray pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taira, Y.; Toyokawa, H.; Kuroda, R.; Yamamoto, N.; Adachi, M.; Tanaka, S.; Katoh, M.

2013-05-01

High-energy ultrashort gamma-ray pulses can be generated via laser Compton scattering with 90° collisions at the UVSOR-II electron storage ring. As an applied study of ultrashort gamma-ray pulses, a new photon-induced positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy approach has been developed. Ultrashort gamma-ray pulses with a maximum energy of 6.6 MeV and pulse width of 2.2 ps created positrons throughout bulk lead via pair production. Annihilation gamma rays were detected by a BaF2 scintillator mounted on a photomultiplier tube. A positron lifetime spectrum was obtained by measuring the time difference between the RF frequency of the electron storage ring and the detection time of the annihilation gamma rays. We calculated the response of the BaF2 scintillator and the time jitter caused by the variation in the total path length of the ultrashort gamma-ray pulses, annihilation gamma rays, and scintillation light using a Monte Carlo simulation code. The positron lifetime for bulk lead was successfully measured.

Endoxifen, 4-Hydroxytamoxifen and an Estrogenic Derivative Modulate Estrogen Receptor Complex Mediated Apoptosis in Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Maximov, Philipp Y; Abderrahman, Balkees; Fanning, Sean W; Sengupta, Surojeet; Fan, Ping; Curpan, Ramona F; Quintana Rincon, Daniela Maria; Greenland, Jeffery A; Rajan, Shyamala S; Greene, Geoffrey L; Jordan, V Craig

2018-05-08

Estrogen therapy was used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women for decades until the introduction of tamoxifen. Resistance to long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED) with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors used as a treatment for breast cancer inevitably occurs, but unexpectedly low dose estrogen can cause regression of breast cancer and increase disease free survival in some patients. This therapeutic effect is attributed to estrogen-induced apoptosis in LTED breast cancer. Here we describe modulation of the estrogen receptor liganded with antiestrogens (endoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen) and an estrogenic triphenylethylene (TPE) EthoxyTPE (EtOXTPE) on estrogen-induced apoptosis in LTED breast cancer cells. Our results show that the angular TPE estrogen (EtOXTPE) is able to induce the ER-mediated apoptosis only at a later time compared to planar estradiol in these cells. Using RT-PCR, ChIP, Western blotting, molecular modelling and X-ray crystallography techniques we report novel conformations of the ER complex with an angular estrogen EtOXTPE and endoxifen. We propose that alteration of the conformation of the ER complexes, with changes in coactivator binding, governs estrogen-induced apoptosis through the PERK sensor system to trigger an Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Bone mass density estimation: Archimede’s principle versus automatic X-ray histogram and edge detection technique in ovariectomized rats treated with germinated brown rice bioactives

PubMed Central

Muhammad, Sani Ismaila; Maznah, Ismail; Mahmud, Rozi Binti; Esmaile, Maher Faik; Zuki, Abu Bakar Zakaria

2013-01-01

Background Bone mass density is an important parameter used in the estimation of the severity and depth of lesions in osteoporosis. Estimation of bone density using existing methods in experimental models has its advantages as well as drawbacks. Materials and methods In this study, the X-ray histogram edge detection technique was used to estimate the bone mass density in ovariectomized rats treated orally with germinated brown rice (GBR) bioactives, and the results were compared with estimated results obtained using Archimede’s principle. New bone cell proliferation was assessed by histology and immunohistochemical reaction using polyclonal nuclear antigen. Additionally, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum and bone calcium and zinc concentrations were detected using a chemistry analyzer and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Rats were divided into groups of six as follows: sham (nonovariectomized, nontreated); ovariectomized, nontreated; and ovariectomized and treated with estrogen, or Remifemin®, GBR-phenolics, acylated steryl glucosides, gamma oryzanol, and gamma amino-butyric acid extracted from GBR at different doses. Results Our results indicate a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, serum and bone calcium, and zinc and ash content in the treated groups compared with the ovariectomized nontreated group (P < 0.05). Bone density increased significantly (P < 0.05) in groups treated with estrogen, GBR, Remifemin®, and gamma oryzanol compared to the ovariectomized nontreated group. Histological sections revealed more osteoblasts in the treated groups when compared with the untreated groups. A polyclonal nuclear antigen reaction showing proliferating new cells was observed in groups treated with estrogen, Remifemin®, GBR, acylated steryl glucosides, and gamma oryzanol. There was a good correlation between bone mass densities estimated using Archimede’s principle and the edge detection technique between the treated groups (r2 = 0.737, P = 0.004). Conclusion Our study shows that GBR bioactives increase bone density, which might be via the activation of zinc formation and increased calcium content, and that X-ray edge detection technique is effective in the measurement of bone density and can be employed effectively in this respect. PMID:24187491

Radiation-induced degradation of cyclohexanebutyric acid in aqueous solutions by gamma ray irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Wenbao; He, Yanquan; Ling, Yongsheng; Hei, Daqian; Shan, Qing; Zhang, Yan; Li, Jiatong

2015-04-01

The radiation-induced degradation of cyclohexanebutyric acid under gamma ray irradiation was investigated. Degradation experiments were performed with 100 mL sealed Pyrex glass vessels loaded with 80 mL of cyclohexanebutyric acid solutions at various initial concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg L-1. The absorbed doses were controlled at 0, 0.65, 1.95, 3.25, 6.5, 9.75, and 13 kGy. The results showed that gamma ray irradiation could effectively degrade cyclohexanebutyric acid in aqueous solutions. The removal rate of cyclohexanebutyric acid increased significantly with the increase of absorbed dose and the decrease of its initial concentration. At the same time, the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was as effective as that of cyclohexanebutyric acid. The kinetic studies showed that the degradation of cyclohexanebutyric acid followed pseudo first-order reaction. Above all, the proposed mechanism obtained when NaNO2, NaNO3 and tert-butanol were added showed that the •OH radical played a major role in the gamma degradation process of cyclohexanebutyric acid, while •H and eaq- played a minor role in the gamma degradation process. The degradation products were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) during cyclohexanebutyric acid degradation.

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} is essential for the expression of antioxidant protection genes and mitochondrial function

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

Rangwala, Shamina M.; Li, Xiaoyan; Lindsley, Loren

2007-05-25

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} (ERR{alpha}) is an important mediator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. To investigate the transcriptional network controlling these phenomena, we investigated mitochondrial gene expression in embryonic fibroblasts isolated from ERR{alpha} null mice. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) stimulated mitochondrial gene expression program in control cells, but not in the ERR{alpha} null cells. Interestingly, the induction of levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress protection genes in response to increased PGC-1{alpha} levels was dependent on ERR{alpha}. Furthermore, we found that the PGC-1{alpha}-mediated induction of estrogen-related receptor {gamma} and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2), was dependent on the presence of ERR{alpha}.more » Basal levels of NRF-2 were decreased in the absence of ERR{alpha}. The absence of ERR{alpha} resulted in a decrease in citrate synthase enzyme activity in response to PGC-1{alpha} overexpression. Our results indicate an essential role for ERR{alpha} as a key regulator of oxidative metabolism.« less

Structural and optical effects induced by gamma irradiation on NdPO{sub 4}: X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic and luminescence study

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

Sadhasivam, S.; Rajesh, N.P., E-mail: rajeshnp@hotmail.com

2016-02-15

Highlights: • Inorganic NdPO{sub 4} crystal was grown first time using potassium polyphosphate (K{sub 6}P{sub 4}O{sub 13}) flux. • NdPO{sub 4} crystal is insoluble in water, non-hygroscopic and high radiation resistance favoring for actinides host. • Actinide immobilization can be made at 1273 K. • High yield of 1061 nm photon emission. - Abstract: Rare earth orthophosphate (NdPO{sub 4}) monazite single crystals were grown using high temperature flux growth method employing K{sub 6}P{sub 4}O{sub 13} (K{sub 6}) as molten solvent. Their structural parameters were studied using single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The grown crystals were examined by SEM andmore » EDX techniques for their homogeniousity and inclusion in the crystals. The influence of gamma irradiation in structural and optical absorption properties were studied by the powder XRD, FTIR and reflectance spectroscopy. The effect of gamma irradiation on luminescence properties was recorded. No significant structural change is observed up to 150 kGy gamma dose. The gamma ray induced charge trap in the crystal was saturated to 40 kGy dose. The luminescence intensity decreases with an increase in the irradiation. The emission of luminescence intensity stabilizes above 40 kGy gamma dose.« less

Gamma-ray background induced by atmospheric neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Y.-Q.

1984-03-01

A small piggyback detector system is used to study the reduction of gamma-ray background induced by atmospheric neutrons in the type of actively shielded gamma-ray spectroscopes. The system consists of two 1.5 x 1.5 arcsec NaI crystal units, one of which is surrounded by some neutron shield material. The results of a balloon flight in 1981 are presented. The data show that a shield of 3 cm-thick pure paraffin cannot reduce the gamma-ray background. On the contrary, it may even cause some enhancement.

Ex-situ and in-situ observations of the effects of gamma radiation on lithium ion battery performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Chuting; Bashian, Nicholas H.; Hemmelgarn, Chase W.; Thio, Wesley J.; Lyons, Daniel J.; Zheng, Yuan F.; Cao, Lei R.; Co, Anne C.

2017-07-01

Radiation effects induced by gamma rays on battery performance were investigated by measuring the capacity and resistance of a series of battery coin cells in-situ directly under gamma radiation and ex-situ. An experimental setup was developed to charge and discharge batteries directly under gamma radiation, equipped with precise temperature control, at The Ohio State University Nuclear Reactor Lab. Latent effects induced by gamma radiation on battery components directly influence their performance. Charge and discharge capacity and overall resistance throughout a time span of several weeks post irradiation were monitored and compared to control groups. It was found that exposure to gamma radiation does not significantly alter the available capacity and the overall cell resistance immediately, however, battery performance significantly decreases with time post irradiation. Also, batteries exposed to a higher cumulative dose showed close-to-zero capacity at two-week post irradiation.

Low-dose gamma-ray irradiation induces translocation of Nrf2 into nuclear in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells.

PubMed

Tsukimoto, Mitsutoshi; Tamaishi, Nana; Homma, Takujiro; Kojima, Shuji

2010-01-01

The transcription factor nuclear erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates expression of genes encoding antioxidant proteins involved in cellular redox homeostasis, while gamma-ray irradiation is known to induce reactive oxygen species in vivo. Although activation of Nrf2 by various stresses has been studied, it has not yet been determined whether ionizing irradiation induces activation of Nrf2. Therefore, we investigated activation of Nrf2 in response to gamma-irradiation in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Irradiation of cells with gamma-rays induced an increase of Nrf2 expression. Even 0.1 Gy of gamma-irradiation induced a translocation of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to the nucleus, indicating the activation of Nrf2 by low-dose irradiation. Expression of heme oxygenase-1, which is regulated by Nrf2, was also increased at 24 h after irradiation with more than 0.1 Gy of gamma-rays. Furthermore, the activation of Nrf2 was suppressed by U0126, which is an inhibitor of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway, suggesting involvement of ERK1/2-dependent pathway in the irradiation-induced activation of Nrf2. Our results indicate that low-dose gamma-irradiation induces activation of Nrf2 through ERK1/2-dependent pathways.

Evaluation of the cosmic-ray induced background in coded aperture high energy gamma-ray telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owens, Alan; Barbier, Loius M.; Frye, Glenn M.; Jenkins, Thomas L.

1991-01-01

While the application of coded-aperture techniques to high-energy gamma-ray astronomy offers potential arc-second angular resolution, concerns were raised about the level of secondary radiation produced in a thick high-z mask. A series of Monte-Carlo calculations are conducted to evaluate and quantify the cosmic-ray induced neutral particle background produced in a coded-aperture mask. It is shown that this component may be neglected, being at least a factor of 50 lower in intensity than the cosmic diffuse gamma-rays.

Collection, analysis, and archival of LDEF activation data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laird, C. E.; Harmon, B. A.; Fishman, G. J.; Parnell, T. A.

1993-01-01

The study of the induced radioactivity of samples intentionally placed aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) and samples obtained from the LDEF structure is reviewed. The eight laboratories involved in the gamma-ray counting are listed and the scientists and the associated counting facilities are described. Presently, most of the gamma-ray counting has been completed and the spectra are being analyzed and corrected for efficiency and self absorption. The acquired spectra are being collected at Eastern Kentucky University for future reference. The results of these analyses are being compiled and reviewed for possible inconsistencies as well as for comparison with model calculations. These model calculations are being revised to include the changes in trapped-proton flux caused by the onset of the period of maximum solar activity and the rapidly decreasing spacecraft orbit. Tentative plans are given for the storage of the approximately 1000 gamma-ray spectra acquired in this study and the related experimental data.

Effect of Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation on Estrogen Receptor Methylation Status in Colon Cells of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

PubMed

Mokarram, P; Sheikhi, M; Mortazavi, S M J; Saeb, S; Shokrpour, N

2017-03-01

Over the past several years, the rapidly increasing use of mobile phones has raised global concerns about the biological effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can be associated with effects on the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, hematopoietic and ocular systems. In spite of genetic diversity, the onset and progression of cancer can be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as gene promoter methylation. There are extensive studies on the epigenetic changes of the tumor suppressor genes as well as the identification of methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Some studies have revealed that genetic changes can be induced by exposure to RF radiation. However, whether or not RF radiation is capable of inducing epigenetic alteration has not been clarified yet. To date, no study has been conducted on the effect of radiation on epigenetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have also shown that methylation of estrogen receptor α (ERα), MYOD, MGMT, SFRP2 and P16 play an important role in CRC. It can be hypothesized that RF exposure can be a reason for the high incidence of CRC in Iran. This study aimed to investigate whether epigenetic pattern of ERα is susceptible to RF radiation and if RF radiation can induce radioadaptive response as epigenetic changes after receiving the challenge dose (γ-ray). 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups (Group I: exposure to RF radiation of a GSM cell phone for 4 hours and sacrificed after 24 hours; Group II: RF exposure for 4 hours, exposure to Co-60 gamma radiation (3 Gy) after 24 hours and sacrificed after 72 hrs; Group III: only 3Gy gamma radiation; Group 4: control group). DNA from colon tissues was extracted to evaluate the methylation status by methylation specific PCR. Our finding showed that exposure to GSM cell phone RF radiation was capable of altering the pattern of ERα gene methylation compared to that of non-exposed controls. Furthermore, no adaptive response phenomenon was induced in the pattern of ERα gene methylation after exposure to the challenging dose of Co-60 γ-rays. It can be concluded that exposure to RF radiation emitted by GSM mobile phones can lead to epigenetic detrimental changes in ERα promoter methylation pattern.

Fermi large area telescope observations of the cosmic-ray induced {gamma}-ray emission of the Earth's atmosphere

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

Abdo, A. A.; National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C. 20001; Ackermann, M.

We report on measurements of the cosmic-ray induced {gamma}-ray emission of Earth's atmosphere by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The Large Area Telescope has observed the Earth during its commissioning phase and with a dedicated Earth limb following observation in September 2008. These measurements yielded {approx}6.4x10{sup 6} photons with energies >100 MeV and {approx}250 hours total live time for the highest quality data selection. This allows the study of the spatial and spectral distributions of these photons with unprecedented detail. The spectrum of the emission--often referred to as Earth albedo gamma-ray emission--has a power-lawmore » shape up to 500 GeV with spectral index {gamma}=2.79{+-}0.06.« less

Fission prompt gamma-ray multiplicity distribution measurements and simulations at DANCE

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

Chyzh, A; Wu, C Y; Ullmann, J

2010-08-24

The nearly energy independence of the DANCE efficiency and multiplicity response to {gamma} rays makes it possible to measure the prompt {gamma}-ray multiplicity distribution in fission. We demonstrate this unique capability of DANCE through the comparison of {gamma}-ray energy and multiplicity distribution between the measurement and numerical simulation for three radioactive sources {sup 22}Na, {sup 60}Co, and {sup 88}Y. The prospect for measuring the {gamma}-ray multiplicity distribution for both spontaneous and neutron-induced fission is discussed.

Estrogen reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress to protect against glucotoxicity induced-pancreatic β-cell death.

PubMed

Kooptiwut, Suwattanee; Mahawong, Pitchnischa; Hanchang, Wanthanee; Semprasert, Namoiy; Kaewin, Suchada; Limjindaporn, Thawornchai; Yenchitsomanus, Pa-Thai

2014-01-01

Estrogen can improve glucose homeostasis not only in diabetic rodents but also in humans. However, the molecular mechanism by which estrogen prevents pancreatic β-cell death remains unclear. To investigate this issue, INS-1 cells, a rat insulinoma cell line, were cultured in medium with either 11.1mM or 40mM glucose in the presence or the absence of estrogen. Estrogen significantly reduced apoptotic β-cell death by decreasing nitrogen-induced oxidative stress and the expression of the ER stress markers GRP 78, ATF6, P-PERK, PERK, uXBP1, sXBP1, and CHOP in INS-1 cells after prolonged culture in medium with 40mM glucose. In contrast, estrogen increased the expression of survival proteins, including sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA-2), Bcl-2, and P-p38, in INS-1 cells after prolonged culture in medium with 40mM glucose. The cytoprotective effect of estrogen was attenuated by addition of the estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ) antagonist ICI 182,780 and the estrogen membrane receptor inhibitor G15. We showed that estrogen decreases not only oxidative stress but also ER stress to protect against 40mM glucose-induced pancreatic β-cell death. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neutron, gamma ray, and temperature effects on the electrical characteristics of thyristors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frasca, A. J.; Schwarze, G. E.

1992-01-01

Experimental data showing the effects of neutrons, gamma rays, and temperature on the electrical and switching characteristics of phase-control and inverter-type SCR's are presented. The special test fixture built for mounting, heating, and instrumenting the test devices is described. Four SCR's were neutron irradiated at 300 K and four at 365 K for fluences up to 3.2 x 10 exp 13 n/sq. cm, and eight were gamma irradiated at 300 K only for gamma doses up to 5.1 Mrads. The electrical measurements were made during irradiation and the switching measurements were made only before and after irradiation. Radiation induced crystal defects, resulting primarily from fast neutrons, caused the reduction of minority carrier lifetime through the generation of R-G centers. The reduction in lifetime caused increases in the on-state voltage drop and in the reverse and forward leakage currents, and decreases in the turn-off time.

Neutron, gamma ray, and temperature effects on the electrical characteristics of thyristors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frasca, A. J.; Schwarze, G. E.

1992-01-01

Experimental data showing the effects of neutrons, gamma rays, and temperature on the electrical and switching characteristics of phase-control and inverter-type SCR's are presented. The special test fixture built for mounting, heating, and instrumenting the test devices is described. Four SCR's were neutron irradiated at 300 K and four at 365 K for fluences up to 3.2 x 10 exp 13 pn/sq. cm, and eight were gamma irradiated at 300 K only for gamma doses up to 5.1 Mrads. The electrical measurements were made during irradiation and the switching measurements were made only before and after irradiation. Radiation induced crystal defects, resulting primarily from fast neutrons, caused the reduction of minority carrier lifetime through the generation of R-G centers. The reduction in lifetime caused increases in the on-state voltage drop and in the reverse and forward leakage currents, and decreases in the turn-off time.

KASCADE-Grande Limits on the Isotropic Diffuse Gamma-Ray Flux between 100 TeV and 1 EeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apel, W. D.; Arteaga-Velázquez, J. C.; Bekk, K.; Bertaina, M.; Blümer, J.; Bozdog, H.; Brancus, I. M.; Cantoni, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Cossavella, F.; Daumiller, K.; de Souza, V.; Di Pierro, F.; Doll, P.; Engel, R.; Feng, Z.; Fuhrmann, D.; Gherghel-Lascu, A.; Gils, H. J.; Glasstetter, R.; Grupen, C.; Haungs, A.; Heck, D.; Hörandel, J. R.; Huege, T.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kang, D.; Klages, H. O.; Link, K.; Łuczak, P.; Mathes, H. J.; Mayer, H. J.; Milke, J.; Mitrica, B.; Morello, C.; Oehlschläger, J.; Ostapchenko, S.; Pierog, T.; Rebel, H.; Roth, M.; Schieler, H.; Schoo, S.; Schröder, F. G.; Sima, O.; Toma, G.; Trinchero, G. C.; Ulrich, H.; Weindl, A.; Wochele, J.; Zabierowski, J.; KASCADE-Grande Collaboration

2017-10-01

KASCADE and KASCADE-Grande were multi-detector installations to measure individual air showers of cosmic rays at ultra-high energy. Based on data sets measured by KASCADE and KASCADE-Grande, 90% C.L. upper limits to the flux of gamma-rays in the primary cosmic ray flux are determined in an energy range of {10}14{--}{10}18 eV. The analysis is performed by selecting air showers with a low muon content as expected for gamma-ray-induced showers compared to air showers induced by energetic nuclei. The best upper limit of the fraction of gamma-rays to the total cosmic ray flux is obtained at 3.7× {10}15 eV with 1.1× {10}-5. Translated to an absolute gamma-ray flux this sets constraints on some fundamental astrophysical models, such as the distance of sources for at least one of the IceCube neutrino excess models.

Gamma-rays attenuation of zircons from Cambodia and South Africa at different energies: A new technique for identifying the origin of gemstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limkitjaroenporn, P.; Kaewkhao, J.

2014-10-01

In this work, the gamma-rays interaction properties of zircons from Cambodia and South Africa have been studied. The densities of Cambodian and South African's zircons are 4.6716±0.0040 g/cm3 and 4.5505±0.0018 g/cm3, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient and the effective atomic number of gemstones were measured with the gamma-ray in energies range 223-662 keV using the Compton scattering technique. The mass attenuation coefficients of both zircons decreased with the increasing of gamma-rays energies. The different mass attenuation coefficients between the two zircons observed at gamma-ray energies below 400 keV are attributed to the differences in the photoelectric interaction. The effective atomic number of zircons was decreased with the increasing of gamma-ray energies and showed totally different values between the Cambodia and South Africa sources. The origins of the two zircons could be successfully identified by the method based on gamma-rays interaction with matter with advantage of being a non-destructive testing.

Gamma-ray Output Spectra from 239 Pu Fission

DOE PAGES

Ullmann, John

2015-05-25

The gamma-ray multiplicities, individual gamma-ray energy spectra, and total gamma energy spectra following neutron-induced fission of 239Pu were measured using the DANCE detector at Los Alamos. Corrections for detector response were made using a forward-modeling technique based on propagating sets of gamma rays generated from a paramaterized model through a GEANT model of the DANCE array and adjusting the parameters for best fit to the measured spectra. The results for the gamma-ray spectrum and multiplicity are in general agreement with previous results, but the measured total gamma-ray energy is about 10% higher. We found that a dependence of the gamma-raymore » spectrum on the gamma-ray multplicity was also observed. Finally, global model calculations of the multiplicity and gamma energy distributions are in good agreement with the data, but predict a slightly softer total-energy distribution.« less

Moisture effect in prompt gamma measurements from soil samples.

PubMed

Naqvi, A A; Khiari, F Z; Liadi, F A; Khateeb-Ur-Rehman; Raashid, M A; Isab, A H

2016-09-01

The variation in intensity of 1.78MeV silicon, 6.13MeV oxygen, and 2.22MeV hydrogen prompt gamma rays from soil samples due to the addition of 5.1, 7.4, 9.7, 11.9 and 14.0wt% water was studied for 14MeV incident neutron beams utilizing a LaBr3:Ce gamma ray detector. The intensities of 1.78MeV and 6.13MeV gamma rays from silicon and oxygen, respectively, decreased with increasing sample moisture. The intensity of 2.22MeV hydrogen gamma rays increases with moisture. The decrease in intensity of silicon and oxygen gamma rays with moisture concentration indicates a loss of 14MeV neutron flux, while the increase in intensity of 2.22MeV gamma rays with moisture indicates an increase in thermal neutron flux due to increasing concentration of moisture. The experimental intensities of silicon, oxygen and hydrogen prompt gamma rays, measured as a function of moisture concentration in the soil samples, are in good agreement with the theoretical results obtained through Monte Carlo calculations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reevaluation of induced radioactivity in 10MeV electron-irradiated pepper for public acceptance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuta, M.; Katayama, T.; Ito, N.; Mizohata, A.; Toratani, H.; Takeda, A.

In order to examine whether or not radioactivity could be produced in black pepper and white pepper with 10MeV electrons, the sample was irradiated with 10MeV electrons from a linear accelerator and its radioactivity was measured by gamma-ray spectrometry and beta-ray counting. The patterns of gamma-ray spectra showed that there was no difference between the irradiated and the non-irradiated samples, suggesting that the induced radioactivity in the irradiated sample was below the detection limit of its induced radioactivity. For further estimation, elemental composition was analyzed and photonuclear reactions which could produce radioactivity in the sample were investigated based on the data already published. Some photonuclear target nuclides in the list were spiked to the sample, being checked in the same way. Although short lived photonuclear products were observed, these radioactivities were found to decrease below the detection limit in a week. It is concluded that the induced radioactivity in the 10MeV electron-irradiated pepper and hence, its biological effect is far smaller than the natural radioactivity arising from 40K contained in the non-irradiated sample.

Neutron induced background in the COMPTEL detector on the Gamma Ray Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, D. J.; Aarts, H.; Bennett, K.; Busetta, M.; Byrd, R.; Collmar, W.; Connors, A.; Diehl, R.; Eymann, G.; Foster, C.

1992-01-01

Interactions of neutrons in a prototype of the Compton imaging telescope (COMPTEL) gamma ray detector for the Gamma Ray Observatory were studied to determine COMPTEL's sensitivity as a neutron telescope and to estimate the gamma ray background resulting from neutron interactions. The IUCF provided a pulsed neutron beam at five different energies between 18 and 120 MeV. These measurements showed that the gamma ray background from neutron interactions is greater than previously expected. It was thought that most such events would be due to interactions in the upper detector modules of COMPTEL and could be distinguished by pulse shape discrimination. Rather, the bulk of the gamma ray background appears to be due to interactions in passive material, primarily aluminum, surrounding the D1 modules. In a considerable fraction of these interactions, two or more gamma rays are produced simultaneously, with one interacting in the D1 module and the other interacting in the module of the lower (D2) detector. If the neutron interacts near the D1 module, the D1 D2 time of flight cannot distinguish such an event from a true gamma ray event. In order to assess the significance of this background, the flux of neutrons in orbit has been estimated based on observed events with neutron pulse shape signature in D1. The strength of this neutron induced background is estimated. This is compared with the rate expected from the isotropic cosmic gamma ray flux.

[Protective effects of astaxanthin against oxidative damage induced by 60Co gamma-ray irradiation].

PubMed

Zhao, Wei; Jing, Xuejun; Chen, Chen; Cui, Jie; Yang, Mo; Zhang, Zunzhen

2011-09-01

To investigate the protection effect of haematococcus pluvialis (containing astaxanthin) against the impairment of anti-oxidative system and DNA damage in mice induced by 60Co gamma-rays. Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups, i.e. three haematococcus pluvialis groups (41.7, 83.3 and 166.7 mg/kg in vegetable oil, respectively), control group and model group (vegetable oil only). All mice except control group were irradiated by 8 Gy 60Co gamma-rays 30 days later, and executed in the 4th day after irradiation. Liver cells were collected for the analysis of the integrity of DNA by comet assay, as well as MDA contents, SOD and GSH-Px activities in liver by commercial kits. Peripheral granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells were counted by hematocyte counter. MDA contents of model group were higher than those of control group (P < 0.01), and SOD, GSH-Px activities of model group were lower than those of control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, MDA contents were decreased (P < 0.01), and SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased (P < 0.01) in all haematococcus pluvialis groups, especially in the high haematococcus pluvialis group, and the more haematococcus pluvialis in the diet of mice, the lower rate of comet tail and OTM value were shown (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the counts of peripheral granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells of model group were lower than those of the control group, while the counts of peripheral granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells of medium and high haematococcus pluvialis groups were increased significantly when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). Astaxanthin might have some protective effect against oxidative impairment and DNA damage induced by 60Co gamma-rays in mice.

The Role of Beam Geometry in Population Statistics and Pulse Profiles of Radio and Gamma-ray Pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonthier, Peter L.; VanGuilder, Robert; Harding, Alice K.

2004-01-01

We present results of a pulsar population synthesis study that incorporates a number of recent developments and some significant improvements over our previous study. We have included the results of the Parkes multi-beam pulsar survey in our select group of nine radio surveys, doubling our sample of radio pulsars. More realistic geometries for the radio and gamma-ray beams are included in our Monte Carlo computer code that simulates the characteristics of the Galactic population of radio and gamma-ray pulsars. We adopted with some modifications the radio beam geometry of Arzoumanian, Chernoff & Cordes (2002). For the gamma-ray beam, we have assumed the slot gap geometry described in the work of Muslimov & Harding (2003). To account for the shape of the distribution of radio pulsars in the P(dot) - P diagram, we continue to find that decay of the magnetic field on a timescale of 2.8 Myr is needed. With all nine surveys, our model predicts that EGRET should have seen 7 radio-quiet (below the sensitivity of these radio surveys) and 19 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. AGILE (nominal sensitivity map) is expected to detect 13 radio-quiet and 37 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars, while GLAST, with greater sensitivity is expected to detect 276 radio-quiet and 344 radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. When the Parkes multi-beam pulsar survey is excluded, the ratio of radio-loud to radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars decreases, especially for GLAST. The decrease for EGRET is 45%, implying that some fraction of EGRET unidentified sources are radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. In the radio geometry adopted, short period pulsars are core dominated. Unlike the EGRET gamma-ray pulsars, our model predicts that when two gamma-ray peaks appear in the pulse profile, a dominant radio core peak appears in between the gamma-ray peaks. Our findings suggest that further improvements are required in describing both the radio and gamma-ray geometries.

Cell killing and chromatid damage in primary human bronchial epithelial cells irradiated with accelerated 56Fe ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suzuki, M.; Piao, C.; Hall, E. J.; Hei, T. K.

2001-01-01

We examined cell killing and chromatid damage in primary human bronchial epithelial cells irradiated with high-energy 56Fe ions. Cells were irradiated with graded doses of 56Fe ions (1 GeV/nucleon) accelerated with the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The survival curves for cells plated 1 h after irradiation (immediate plating) showed little or no shoulder. However, the survival curves for cells plated 24 h after irradiation (delayed plating) had a small initial shoulder. The RBE for 56Fe ions compared to 137Cs gamma rays was 1.99 for immediate plating and 2.73 for delayed plating at the D10. The repair ratio (delayed plating/immediate plating) was 1.67 for 137Cs gamma rays and 1.22 for 56Fe ions. The dose-response curves for initially measured and residual chromatid fragments detected by the Calyculin A-mediated premature chromosome condensation technique showed a linear response. The results indicated that the induction frequency for initially measured fragments was the same for 137Cs gamma rays and 56Fe ions. On the other hand, approximately 85% of the fragments induced by 137Cs gamma rays had rejoined after 24 h of postirradiation incubation; the corresponding amount for 56Fe ions was 37%. Furthermore, the frequency of chromatid exchanges induced by gamma rays measured 24 h after irradiation was higher than that induced by 56Fe ions. No difference in the amount of chromatid damage induced by the two types of radiations was detected when assayed 1 h after irradiation. The results suggest that high-energy 56Fe ions induce a higher frequency of complex, unrepairable damage at both the cellular and chromosomal levels than 137Cs gamma rays in the target cells for radiation-induced lung cancers.

Soda-lime-silica glass for radiation dosimetry.

PubMed

Ezz-Eldin, F M; Abdel-Rehim, F; Abdel-Azim, A A; Ahmed, A A

1994-07-01

The color developed in a commercially available soda-lime-silica glass when subjected to gamma-irradiation and the stability of such radiation-induced color were studied to test its sensitivity to small doses of gamma-rays (0.0-27 kGy). After irradiation, two absorption bands developed at 400 and 620 nm. The former band exhibited a stronger absorption than the later one. The intensity of both bands showed a gradual increase with increasing irradiation dose and a gradual decrease with increasing fading time after irradiation. The development of these bands is associated with the generation of defects at nonbridging oxygen atoms in the glass lattice and hole centers. The results obtained suggest that this glass simulated the Z of compact bone in terms of gamma rays absorption properties over broad radiation spectra (0.1 to 10 MeV).

Raman and AFM study of gamma irradiated plastic bottle sheets

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

Ali, Yasir; Kumar, Vijay; Dhaliwal, A. S.

2013-02-05

In this investigation, the effects of gamma irradiation on the structural properties of plastic bottle sheet are studied. The Plastic sheets were exposed with 1.25MeV {sup 60}Co gamma rays source at various dose levels within the range from 0-670 kGy. The induced modifications were followed by micro-Raman and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Raman spectrum shows the decrease in Raman intensity and formation of unsaturated bonds with an increase in the gamma dose. AFM image displays rough surface morphology after irradiation. The detailed Raman analysis of plastic bottle sheets is presented here, and the results are correlated with the AFMmore » observations.« less

Detection of pulsed bremsstrahlung-induced prompt neutron capture gamma rays with a HPGe detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, James L.

1997-02-01

The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) is developing a novel photoneutron-based nondestructive evaluation technique which uses a pulsed, high-energy electron accelerator and gamma-ray spectrometry. Highly penetrating pulses of bremsstrahlung photons are produced by each pulse of electrons. Interrogating neutrons are generated by the bremsstrahlung photons interacting within a photoneutron source material. The interactions of the neutrons within a target result in the emission of elemental characteristic gamma-rays. Spectrometry is performed by analyzing the photoneutron-induced, prompt gama-rays acquired between accelerator pulses with a unique, high- purity germanium gamma-ray detection system using a modified transistor reset preamplifier. The detection system, the experimental configuration, and the accelerator operation used to characterize the detection systems performance are described. Using a 6.5-MeV electron accelerator and a beryllium metal photoneutron source, gamma-ray spectra were successfully acquired for Al, Cu, polyethylene, NaCl, and depleted uranium targets as soon as 30 microsecond(s) after each bremsstrahlung flash.

Characterization of gamma rays existing in the NMIJ standard neutron field.

PubMed

Harano, H; Matsumoto, T; Ito, Y; Uritani, A; Kudo, K

2004-01-01

Our laboratory provides national standards on fast neutron fluence. Neutron fields are always accompanied by gamma rays produced in neutron sources and surroundings. We have characterised these gamma rays in the 5.0 MeV standard neutron field. Gamma ray measurement was performed using an NE213 liquid scintillator. Pulse shape discrimination was incorporated to separate the events induced by gamma rays from those by neutrons. The measured gamma ray spectra were unfolded with the HEPRO program package to obtain the spectral fluences using the response matrix prepared with the EGS4 code. Corrections were made for the gamma rays produced by neutrons in the detector assembly using the MCNP4C code. The effective dose equivalents were estimated to be of the order of 25 microSv at the neutron fluence of 10(7) neutrons cm(-2).

Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the device process-induced defects in 4H-SiC epilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, T.; Makino, T.; Takeyama, A.; Onoda, S.; Ohshima, T.; Tanaka, Y.; Kandori, M.; Yoshie, T.; Hijikata, Y.

2016-11-01

We investigated the gamma-ray irradiation effect on 4H-SiC device process-induced defects by photoluminescence (PL) imaging and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). We found that basal plane dislocations (BPDs) that were present before the irradiation were eliminated by gamma-ray irradiation of 1 MGy. The reduction mechanism of BPD was discussed in terms of BPD-threading edge dislocation (TED) transformation and shrinkage of stacking faults. In addition, the entire PL image was gradually darkened with increasing absorbed dose, which is presumably due to the point defects generated by gamma-ray irradiation. We obtained DLTS peaks that could be assigned to complex defects, termed RD series, and found that the peaks increased with absorbed dose.

Binding of radiation-induced phenylalanine radicals to DNA: influence on the biological activity of the DNA and on its sensitivity to the induction of breaks by gamma rays

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

Vanderschans, G.P.; Vanrijn, C.J.S.; Bleichrodt, J.F.

1975-11-01

When an aqueous solution of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of bacteriophage PM2 containing phenylalanine and saturated with N2O is irradiated with gamma rays, radiation induced phenylalanine radicals are bound covalently. Under the conditions used about 25 phenylalanine molecules may be bound per lethal hit. Also for single-stranded PM2 DNA most of the phenylalanine radicals bound are nonlethal. Evidence is presented that in double-stranded DNA an appreciable fraction of the single-strand breaks is induced by phenylalanine radicals. Radiation products of phenylalanine and the phenylalanine bound to the DNA decrease the sensitivity of the DNA to the induction of single-strand breaks. Theremore » are indications that the high efficiency of protection by radiation products of phenylalanine is due to their positive charge, which will result in a relatively high concentration of these compounds in the vicinity of the negatively charged DNA molecules. (Author) (GRA)« less

Fasting lowers gastrin-releasing peptide and Fsh mRNA in the ovine anterior pituitary gland

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Estrogen receptor beta (ER-ß), LH, and FSH are important mediators of reproduction. FSH stimulates follicle recruitment and development. During anorexia, serum concentrations of FSH and LH decrease. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuromedin B (NMB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma...

Fasting lowers gastrin-releasing peptide and FSH mRNA in the ovine anterior pituitary gland

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Estrogen receptor beta (ER-ß), LH, and FSH are important mediators of reproduction. FSH stimulates follicle recruitment and development. During anorexia, serum concentrations of FSH and LH decrease. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuromedin B (NMB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma...

mBAND analysis of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes exposed in vitro to alpha-particles and gamma-rays.

PubMed

Tawn, E Janet; Janet, E; Whitehouse, Caroline A; Holdsworth, Duncan; De Ruyck, Kim; Vandenbulcke, Katia; Thierens, Hubert

2008-06-01

To investigate the profiles of chromosome damage induced in vitro by exposure to alpha-particles and gamma-rays. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed to three dose regimes: alpha-particle doses of 0.2 and 0.5 Gy and a gamma-ray dose of 1.5 Gy. After culturing for 47 hours, chromosome aberrations involving the number 5 chromosomes were identified using a multi-coloured banding (mBAND) technique. Analysis of the frequencies of chromosome 5 breaks within aberrant cells and within aberrant number 5 chromosomes demonstrated that alpha-particle irradiation is more likely to result in multiple breaks in a chromosome than gamma-irradiation. Additionally, overdispersion was observed for all doses for the distribution of breaks amongst all cells analysed and breaks amongst total number 5 chromosomes, with this being greatest for the 0.2 Gy alpha-particle dose. The ratio of interchanges to intrachanges (F ratio) was 1.4 and 2.4 for 0.2 and 0.5 Gy alpha-particles respectively and 5.5 for 1.5 Gy gamma-rays. Evaluation of simple versus complex exchanges indicated ratios of 1.9 and 2.7 for 0.2 and 0.5 Gy alpha-particles respectively and 10.6 for 1.5 Gy gamma-rays. The majority of the intrachanges involving chromosomes 5 induced by alpha-particle radiation were associated with more complex exchanges. This study has confirmed that exchanges induced by exposure to high linear energy transfer (LET) alpha-particle radiation comprise a greater proportion of intrachanges than those induced by exposure to low LET gamma-rays. However, since the majority of these are associated with complex rearrangements and likely to be non-transmissible, this limits their applicability as a marker of past in vivo exposure.

[Exploration of relationship between the expression level of DNA polymerase beta and 60Co gamma-ray radiosensitivity].

PubMed

Cui, Jie; Xu, Xin; Yang, Mo; Chen, Chen; Zhao, Wei; Wu, Mei; Zhang, Zun-zhen

2011-11-01

To explore the relationship between the expression level of DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) and 60Co gamma-ray radiosensitivity and provide a basis on improving the efficiency of radiotherapy theoretically. pol beta wild-type cells (pol beta +/+), pol beta null cells (pol beta -/-) and pol beta overexpressed cells (polp beta oe) were applied as a model system. The radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-ray on the cell was detected by MTT assay and clone formation assay. The DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to examine the cellular ROS after 60Co gamma-rays radiation. MTT assay showed that after radiation by 60Co gamma-rays followed with 72 h incubation, the cell viabilities in the three kinds of cells decreased significantly with a dose-response relationship (r-/+ = -0.976, r-/- = -0.977, r(oe) = -0.982, P<0.05). In addition, the viability of pol beta -/- cell was lower than those of other two kinds of cells at the same dose (P<0.05). Likewise, the colony number and colony formation rate in all tested cells also decreased after exposure to 60Co gamma-rays. The ROS level in the three kinds of cells was enhanced after treatment with 60Co gamma-ray, and the ROS level in pol beta -/- cells was much higher than that in the other two kinds of cells (P<0.05). Cell death caused by 60Co gamma-ray may associated with the DNA oxidative damage mediated by ROS; Overexpression of pol beta could protect against oxidative DNA damage, thus the cell apoptosis/death, thereby leading to reducing the radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-rays, while null of DNA pol beta could increase radiosensitivity of 60Co gamma-rays by compromising the DNA repair.

Molecular analysis and comparison of radiation-induced large deletions of the HPRT locus in primary human skin fibroblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Y.; Park, M. S.; Okinaka, R. T.; Chen, D. J.

1996-01-01

Genetic alterations in gamma-ray- and alpha-particle-induced HPRT mutants were examined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. A total of 39-63% of gamma-ray-induced and 31-57% of alpha-particle-induced mutants had partial or total deletions of the HPRT gene. The proportion of these deletion events was dependent on radiation dose, and at the resolution limits employed there were no significant differences between the spectra induced by equitoxic doses of alpha particles (0.2-0.4 Gy) and gamma rays (3 Gy). The molecular nature of the deletions was analyzed by the use of sequence tagged site (STS) primers and PCR amplification as a "probe" for specific regions of the human X chromosome within the Xq26 region. These STSs were closely linked and spanned regions approximately 1.7 Mbp from the telomeric side and 1.7 Mbp from the centromeric side of the HPRT gene. These markers include: DXS53, 299R, DXS79, yH3L, 3/19, PR1, PR25, H2, yH3R, 1/44, 1/67, 1/1, DXS86, D8C6, DXS10 and DXS144. STS analyses indicated that the maximum size of total deletions in radiation-induced HPRT mutants can be greater than 2.7 Mbp and deletion size appears to be dependent on radiation dose. There were no apparent differences in the sizes of the deletions induced by alpha particles or gamma rays. On the other hand, deletions containing portions of the HPRT gene were observed to be 800 kbp or less, and the pattern of the partial deletion induced by alpha particles appeared to be different from that induced by gamma rays.

Enhanced neoplastic transformation by mammography X rays relative to 200 kVp X rays: indication for a strong dependence on photon energy of the RBE(M) for various end points.

PubMed

Frankenberg, D; Kelnhofer, K; Bär, K; Frankenberg-Schwager, M

2002-01-01

The fundamental assumption implicit in the use of the atomic bomb survivor data to derive risk estimates is that the gamma rays of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are considered to have biological efficiencies equal to those of other low-LET radiations up to 10 keV/microm, including mammography X rays. Microdosimetric and radiobiological data contradict this assumption. It is therefore of scientific and public interest to evaluate the efficiency of mammography X rays (25-30 kVp) to induce cancer. In this study, the efficiency of mammography X rays relative to 200 kVp X rays to induce neoplastic cell transformation was evaluated using cells of a human hybrid cell line (CGL1). For both radiations, a linear-quadratic dose-effect relationship was observed for neoplastic transformation of CGL1 cells; there was a strong linear component for the 29 kVp X rays. The RBE(M) of mammography X rays relative to 200 kVp X rays was determined to be about 4 for doses < or = 0.5 Gy. A comparison of the electron fluences for both X rays provides strong evidence that electrons with energies of < or = 15 keV can induce neoplastic transformation of CGL1 cells. Both the data available in the literature and the results of the present study strongly suggest an increase of RBE(M) for carcinogenesis in animals, neoplastic cell transformation, and clastogenic effects with decreasing photon energy or increasing LET to an RBE(M) approximately 8 for mammography X rays relative to 60Co gamma rays.

Enhanced high-energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar Cygnus X-3 detected by Fermi/LAT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loh, Alan; Corbel, Stephane

2017-02-01

Following the recent decrease of the hard X-ray emission from the high-mass X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 as seen by the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/results/transients/CygX-3/), the Large Area Telescope (LAT), one of the two instruments on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, has observed significant gamma-ray emission originating from the microquasar.

Effect of Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation on Estrogen Receptor Methylation Status in Colon Cells of Male Sprague Dawley Rats

PubMed Central

Mokarram, P.; Sheikhi, M.; Mortazavi, S.M.J.; Saeb, S.; Shokrpour, N.

2017-01-01

Background: Over the past several years, the rapidly increasing use of mobile phones has raised global concerns about the biological effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can be associated with effects on the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, hematopoietic and ocular systems. In spite of genetic diversity, the onset and progression of cancer can be controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as gene promoter methylation. There are extensive studies on the epigenetic changes of the tumor suppressor genes as well as the identification of methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Some studies have revealed that genetic changes can be induced by exposure to RF radiation. However, whether or not RF radiation is capable of inducing epigenetic alteration has not been clarified yet. To date, no study has been conducted on the effect of radiation on epigenetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have also shown that methylation of estrogen receptor α (ERα), MYOD, MGMT, SFRP2 and P16 play an important role in CRC. It can be hypothesized that RF exposure can be a reason for the high incidence of CRC in Iran. This study aimed to investigate whether epigenetic pattern of ERα is susceptible to RF radiation and if RF radiation can induce radioadaptive response as epigenetic changes after receiving the challenge dose (γ-ray). Material and Method: 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 equal groups (Group I: exposure to RF radiation of a GSM cell phone for 4 hours and sacrificed after 24 hours; Group II: RF exposure for 4 hours, exposure to Co-60 gamma radiation (3 Gy) after 24 hours and sacrificed after 72 hrs; Group III: only 3Gy gamma radiation; Group 4: control group). DNA from colon tissues was extracted to evaluate the methylation status by methylation specific PCR. Results: Our finding showed that exposure to GSM cell phone RF radiation was capable of altering the pattern of ERα gene methylation compared to that of non-exposed controls. Furthermore, no adaptive response phenomenon was induced in the pattern of ERα gene methylation after exposure to the challenging dose of Co-60 γ-rays. Conclusion: It can be concluded that exposure to RF radiation emitted by GSM mobile phones can lead to epigenetic detrimental changes in ERα promoter methylation pattern. PMID:28451581

Cosmic rays, gamma rays and synchrotron radiation from the Galaxy

DOE PAGES

Orlando, Elena

2012-07-30

Galactic cosmic rays (CR), interstellar gamma-ray emission and synchrotron radiation are related topics. CR electrons propagate in the Galaxy and interact with the interstellar medium, producing inverse-Compton emission measured in gamma rays and synchrotron emission measured in radio. I present an overview of the latest results with Fermi/LAT on the gamma-ray diffuse emission induced by CR nuclei and electrons. Then I focus on the recent complementary studies of the synchrotron emission in the light of the latest gamma-ray results. Relevant observables include spectral indices and their variations, using surveys over a wide range of radio frequencies. As a result, thismore » paper emphasizes the importance of using the parallel study of gamma rays and synchrotron radiation in order to constrain the low-energy interstellar CR electron spectrum, models of propagation of CRs, and magnetic fields.« less

Active Neutron and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for In Situ Planetary Science Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parsons, A.; Bodnarik, J.; Evans, L.; Floyd, A.; Lim, L.; McClanahan, T.; Namkung, M.; Nowicki, S.; Schweitzer, J.; Starr, R.;

Association with replication between estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRgamma) polymorphisms and bone phenotypes in women of European ancestry.

PubMed

Elfassihi, Latifa; Giroux, Sylvie; Bureau, Alexandre; Laflamme, Nathalie; Cole, David Ec; Rousseau, François

2010-04-01

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), a highly heritable polygenic trait. Women are more prone than men to develop osteoporosis owing to a lower peak bone mass and accelerated bone loss at menopause. Lack of estrogen thus is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. In addition to having strong similarity to the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), the orphan nuclear estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRgamma) is widely expressed and shows overlap with ESR1 expression in tissues where estrogen has important physiologic functions. For these reasons, we have undertaken a study of ESRRgamma sequence variants in association with bone measurements [heel quantitative ultrasound (QUS) by measurements of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS)]. A silent variant was found to be associated with multiple bone measurements (LS, BUA, SOS, and SI), the p values ranging from .006 to .04 in a sample of 5144 Quebec women. The region of this variant was analyzed using the HapMap database and the Gabriel method to define a block of 20 kb. Using the Tagger method, eight TagSNPs were identified and genotyped in a sample of 1335 women. Four of these SNPs capture the five major block haplotypes. One SNP (rs2818964) and one haplotype were significantly associated with multiple bone measures. All SNPs involved in the associations were analyzed in two other sample sets with significant results in the same direction. These results suggest involvement of ESRRgamma in the determination of bone density in women. Copyright 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Effects of irradiation source and dose level on quality characteristics of processed meat products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ham, Youn-Kyung; Kim, Hyun-Wook; Hwang, Ko-Eun; Song, Dong-Heon; Kim, Yong-Jae; Choi, Yun-Sang; Song, Beom-Seok; Park, Jong-Heum; Kim, Cheon-Jei

2017-01-01

The effect of irradiation source (gamma-ray, electron-beam, and X-ray) and dose levels on the physicochemical, organoleptic and microbial properties of cooked beef patties and pork sausages was studied, during 10 days of storage at 30±1 °C. The processed meat products were irradiated at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kGy by three different irradiation sources. The pH of cooked beef patties and pork sausages was unaffected by irradiation sources or their doses. The redness of beef patties linearly decreased with increasing dose level (P<0.05), obviously by e-beam irradiation compared to gamma-ray and X-ray (P<0.05). The redness of pork sausages was increased by gamma-ray irradiation, whereas it decreased by e-beam irradiation depending on absorbed dose level. No significant changes in overall acceptability were observed for pork sausages regardless of irradiation source (P>0.05), while gamma-ray irradiated beef patties showed significantly decreased overall acceptability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Lipid oxidation of samples was accelerated by irradiation depending on irradiation sources and dose levels during storage at 30 °C. E-beam reduced total aerobic bacteria of beef patties more effectively, while gamma-ray considerably decreased microbes in pork sausages as irradiation dose increased. The results of this study indicate that quality attributes of meat products, in particular color, lipid oxidation, and microbial properties are significantly influenced by the irradiation sources.

Role of estrogen and levodopa in 1-methyl-4-pheny-l-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (mptp)-induced cognitive deficit in Parkinsonian ovariectomized mice model: A comparative study.

PubMed

Yadav, Satyndra Kumar; Pandey, Shivani; Singh, Babita

2017-11-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease found in the aging population. Currently, many studies are being conducted to find a suitable and effective cure for PD, with an emphasis on the use of herbal plants. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of estrogen was evaluated in the 1-methyl-4-phe-nyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD with cognitive deficit and compared to Levodopa (LD), a well reported neuroprotective agent used for treating PD. Twenty-four Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control, MPTP, MPTP+LD and MPTP+estrogen. The behavioral recovery in both LD and estrogen treated mice were investigated using the rotarod, foot printing, narrow beam walking test and hanging tests. Non-motor behavioral recovery in both LD and estrogen treated were investigated using the Y-maze and Morris water maze. Furthermore, we performed the biochemical test i.e. catalase, lipid and nitrite in prefrontal cortex as well as nigrostriatal region of mouse brain. We also performed the acetylcholine esterase activity in prefrontal cortex and nigrostriatal region of mice brain. The recovery of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) region was estimated by immunostaining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Estrogen treatment restored all the deficits induced by MPTP more effectively than levodopa. Estrogen treatment recovered the number of TH-positive cells in both the SN region. Treatment with Estrogen significantly increased the levels of catalase, decreased the level of lipid and nitite in both region SN as well as prefrontal cortex region. Notably, the effect of estrogen was greater than that elicited by levodopa. Acetylcholine esterase activity was significantly increased in MPTP and it was found to be decreased by the treatment of estrogen as well as levodopa, although decrease in the activity was highly significant in estrogen treated group. Our result suggested that estrogen treatment significantly reduced the MPTP induced neurotoxicity as evident by decrease in oxidative damage, physiological abnormalities and immunohistochemical changes in the Parkinsonian mouse with cognitive deficit as compared to levodopa treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Investigation of gamma radiation induced changes in local structure of borosilicate glass by TDPAC and EXAFS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ashwani; Nayak, C.; Rajput, P.; Mishra, R. K.; Bhattacharyya, D.; Kaushik, C. P.; Tomar, B. S.

2016-12-01

Gamma radiation induced changes in local structure around the probe atom (Hafnium) were investigated in sodium barium borosilicate (NBS) glass, used for immobilization of high level liquid waste generated from the reprocessing plant at Trombay, Mumbai. The (NBS) glass was doped with 181Hf as a probe for time differential perturbed angular correlation (TDPAC) spectroscopy studies, while for studies using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, the same was doped with 0.5 and 2 % (mole %) hafnium oxide. The irradiated as well as un-irradiated glass samples were studied by TDPAC and EXAFS techniques to obtain information about the changes (if any) around the probe atom due to gamma irradiation. TDPAC spectra of unirradiated and irradiated glasses were similar and reminescent of amorphous materials, indicating negligible effect of gamma radiation on the microstructure around Hafnium probe atom, though the quaqdrupole interaction frequency ( ω Q) and asymmetry parameter ( η) did show a marginal decrease in the irradiated glass compared to that in the unirradiated glass. EXAFS measurements showed a slight decrease in the Hf-O bond distance upon gamma irradiation of Hf doped NBS glass indicating densification of the glass matrix, while the cordination number around hafnium remains unchanged.

Spectral analysis of paramagnetic centers induced in human tooth enamel by x-rays and gamma radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirillov, V. A.; Kuchuro, I. I.

2010-03-01

Based on study of spectral and relaxation characteristics, we have established that paramagnetic centers induced in tooth enamel by x-rays and gamma radiation are identical in nature. We show that for the same exposure dose, the intensity of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal induced by x-radiation with effective energy 34 keV is about an order of magnitude higher than the amplitude of the signal induced by gamma radiation. We have identified a three-fold attenuation of the EPR signal along the path of the x-radiation from the buccal to the lingual side of a tooth, which is evidence that the individual had undergone diagnostic x-ray examination of the dentition or skull. We have shown that the x-ray exposure doses reconstructed from the EPR spectra are an order of magnitude higher than the applied doses, while the dose loads due to gamma radiation are equal to the applied doses. The data obtained indicate that for adequate reconstruction of individual absorbed doses from EPR spectra of tooth enamel in the population subjected to the combined effect of x-radiation and accidental external gamma radiation as a result of the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, we need to take into account the contribution to the dose load from diagnostic x-rays in examination of the teeth, jaw, or skull.

Monte-Carlo gamma response simulation of fast/thermal neutron interactions with soil elements

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil elemental analysis using characteristic gamma rays induced by neutrons is an effective method of in situ soil content determination. The nuclei of soil elements irradiated by neutrons issue characteristic gamma rays due to both inelastic neutron scattering (e.g., Si, C) and thermal neutron capt...

Mechanism of Hydrophilicity by Radiation-Induced Surface Activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honjo, Yoshio; Furuya, Masahiro; Takamasa, Tomoji; Okamoto, Koji

When a metal oxide is irradiated by gamma rays, the irradiated surface becomes hydrophilic. This surface phenomenon is called as radiation-induced surface activation (RISA) hydrophilicity. In order to investigate gamma ray-induced and photoinduced hydrophilicity, the contact angles of water droplets on a titanium dioxide surface were measured in terms of irradiation intensity and time for gamma rays of cobalt-60 and for ultraviolet rays. Reciprocals of the contact angles increased in proportion to the irradiation time before the contact angles reached its super-hydrophilic state. The irradiation time dependency is equal to each other qualitatively. In addition, an effect of ambient gas was investigated. In pure argon gas, the contact angle remains the same against the irradiation time. This clearly indicates that certain humidity is required in ambient gas to take place of RISA hydrophilicity. A single crystal titanium dioxide (100) surface was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). After irradiation with gamma rays, a peak was found in the O1s spectrum, which indicates the adsorption of dissociative water to a surface 5-fold coordinate titanium site, and the formation of a surface hydroxyl group. We conclude that the RISA hydrophilicity is caused by chemisorption of the hydroxyl group on the surface.

Buildup factor and mechanical properties of high-density cement mixed with crumb rubber and prompt gamma ray study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aim-O, P.; Wongsawaeng, D.; Tancharakorn, S.; Sophon, M.

2017-09-01

High-density cement mixed with crumb rubber has been studied to be a gamma ray and neutron shielding material, especially for photonuclear reactions that may occur from accelerators where both types of radiation exist. The Buildup factors from gamma ray scattering, prompt and secondary gamma ray emissions from neutron capture and mechanical properties were evaluated. For buildup factor studies, two different geometries were used: narrow beam and broad beam. Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) was carried out to determine the prompt and secondary gamma ray emissions. The compressive strength of samples was evaluated by using compression testing machine which was central point loading crushing test. The results revealed that addition of crumb rubber increased the buildup factor. Gamma ray spectra following PGNAA revealed no prompt or secondary gamma ray emission. Mechanical testing indicated that the compressive strength of the shielding material decreased with increasing volume percentage of crumb rubber.

Gamma radiation effects on seed germination, growth and pigment content, and ESR study of induced free radicals in maize (Zea mays).

PubMed

Marcu, Delia; Damian, Grigore; Cosma, Constantin; Cristea, Victoria

2013-09-01

The effects of gamma radiation are investigated by studying plant germination, growth and development, and biochemical characteristics of maize. Maize dry seeds are exposed to a gamma source at doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 kGy. Our results show that the germination potential, expressed through the final germination percentage and the germination index, as well as the physiological parameters of maize seedlings (root and shoot lengths) decreased by increasing the irradiation dose. Moreover, plants derived from seeds exposed at higher doses (≤0.5 kGy) did not survive more than 10 days. Biochemical differences based on photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids) content revealed an inversely proportional relationship to doses of exposure. Furthermore, the concentration of chlorophyll a was higher than chlorophyll b in both irradiated and non-irradiated seedlings. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy used to evaluate the amount of free radicals induced by gamma ray treatment demonstrates that the relative concentration of radiation-induced free radicals depends linearly on the absorbed doses.

Energy- and time-resolved detection of prompt gamma-rays for proton range verification.

PubMed

Verburg, Joost M; Riley, Kent; Bortfeld, Thomas; Seco, Joao

2013-10-21

In this work, we present experimental results of a novel prompt gamma-ray detector for proton beam range verification. The detection system features an actively shielded cerium-doped lanthanum(III) bromide scintillator, coupled to a digital data acquisition system. The acquisition was synchronized to the cyclotron radio frequency to separate the prompt gamma-ray signals from the later-arriving neutron-induced background. We designed the detector to provide a high energy resolution and an effective reduction of background events, enabling discrete proton-induced prompt gamma lines to be resolved. Measuring discrete prompt gamma lines has several benefits for range verification. As the discrete energies correspond to specific nuclear transitions, the magnitudes of the different gamma lines have unique correlations with the proton energy and can be directly related to nuclear reaction cross sections. The quantification of discrete gamma lines also enables elemental analysis of tissue in the beam path, providing a better prediction of prompt gamma-ray yields. We present the results of experiments in which a water phantom was irradiated with proton pencil-beams in a clinical proton therapy gantry. A slit collimator was used to collimate the prompt gamma-rays, and measurements were performed at 27 positions along the path of proton beams with ranges of 9, 16 and 23 g cm(-2) in water. The magnitudes of discrete gamma lines at 4.44, 5.2 and 6.13 MeV were quantified. The prompt gamma lines were found to be clearly resolved in dimensions of energy and time, and had a reproducible correlation with the proton depth-dose curve. We conclude that the measurement of discrete prompt gamma-rays for in vivo range verification of clinical proton beams is feasible, and plan to further study methods and detector designs for clinical use.

Study on Effects of Gamma-Ray Irradiation on TlBr Semiconductor Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumura, Motohiro; Watanabe, Kenichi; Yamazaki, Atsushi; Uritani, Akira; Kimura, Norihisa; Nagano, Nobumichi; Hitomi, Keitaro

Radiation hardness of thallium bromide (TlBr) semiconductor detectors to 60Co gamma-ray irradiation was evaluated. The energy spectra and μτ products of electrons were measured to evaluate the irradiation effects. No significant degradation of spectroscopic performance of the TlBr detector for 137Cs gamma-rays was observed up to 45 kGy irradiation. Although the μτ products of electrons in the TlBr detector slightly decreased, position of the photo-peak was stable without significant degradation after the gamma-ray irradiation. We confirmed that the TlBr semiconductor detector has a high tolerance for gamma-ray irradiation at least up to 45 kGy.

Comparison of the effect of plasma treatment and gamma ray irradiation on PS-Cu nanocomposite films surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farag, O. F.

2018-06-01

Polystyrene-copper (PS-Cu) nanocomposite films were treated with DC N2 plasma and gamma rays irradiations. The plasma treatment of PS-Cu film surface was carried out at different treatment times, gas pressure 0.4 Torr and the applied power 3.5 W. On the other hand, the treatment with gamma rays irradiation were carried out at irradiation doses 10, 30 and 50 kGy. The induced changes in surface properties of PS-Cu films were investigated with UV-viss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated samples were studied by measuring the contact angle. The UV-viss spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical band gap decreases with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. SEM observations showed that the particle size of copper particles was increased with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose, but gamma treatment changes the copper particles size from nano scale to micro scale. The contact angle measurements showing that the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples were increased remarkably with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. The contact angle, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples are more influenced by plasma treatment than gamma treatment.

G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Antagonist G15 Decreases Estrogen-Induced Development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Liu, Changyu; Liao, Yongde; Fan, Sheng; Fu, Xiangning; Xiong, Jing; Zhou, Sheng; Zou, Man; Wang, Jianmiao

2017-08-25

G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was found to promote Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by estrogen, indicating the potential necessity of inhibiting GPER by selective antagonist. This study was performed to elucidate the function of GPER selective inhibitor G15 in NSCLC development. Cytoplasmic GPER (cGPER) and nuclear GPER (nGPER) were detected by immunohistochemical analysis in NSCLC samples. The relation of GPER and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression and correlation between GPER, ERβ and clinical factors were analyzed. The effects of activating GPER and function of G15 were analyzed in proliferation of A549, H1793 cell lines and development of urethane-induced adenocarcinoma. Overexpression of cGPER and nGPER was detected in 80.49% (120/150) and 52.00% (78/150) of the NSCLC samples. High expression of GPER related with higher stages, poorer differentiation and high expression of ERβ. Protein level of GPER in A549 and H1793 cell lines increased by treatment of E2, G1 (GPER agonist) or Ful (fulvestrant, ERβ antagonist), and decreased by G15. Administration with G15 reversed the E2- or G1-induced cell growth by inhibiting GPER. In urethane-induced adenocarcinoma mice, number of tumor nodules and tumor index increased in E2 or G1 group and decreased by treatment of G15. These findings deomonstrate that using of G15 to block GPER signaling may be considered as a new therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Gamma-ray irradiation enhanced boron-10 compound accumulation in murine tumors.

PubMed

Liu, Yong; Nagata, Kenji; Masunaga, Shin-ichiro; Suzuki, Minoru; Kashino, Genro; Kinashi, Yuko; Tanaka, Hiroki; Sakurai, Yoshinori; Maruhashi, Akira; Ono, Koji

2009-11-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that X-ray irradiation affects angiogenesis in tumors. Here, we studied the effects of gamma-ray irradiation on boron-10 compound accumulation in a murine tumor model. The mouse squamous cell carcinoma was irradiated with gamma-ray before BSH ((10)B-enriched borocaptate sodium) administration. Then, the boron-10 concentrations in tumor and normal muscle tissues were measured by prompt gamma-ray spectrometry (PGA). A tumor blood flow assay was performed, and cell killing effects of neutron irradiation with various combinations of BSH and gamma-rays were also examined. BSH concentrations of tumor tissues were 16.1 +/- 0.6 microg/g, 16.7 +/- 0.5 microg/g and 17.8 +/- 0.5 microg/g at 72 hours after gamma-ray irradiation at doses of 5, 10, and 20 Gy, compared with 13.1 +/- 0.5 microg/g in unirradiated tumor tissues. The enhancing inhibition of colony formation by neutron irradiation with BSH was also found after gamma-ray irradiation. In addition, increasing Hoechst 33342 perfusion was also observed. In this study, we demonstrated that gamma-ray irradiation enhances BSH accumulation in tumors. The present results suggest that the enhancement of (10)B concentration that occurs after gamma-ray irradiation may be due to the changes in the extracellular microenvironment, including in tumor vessels, induced by gamma-ray irradiation.

Gamma ray irradiated silicon nanowires: An effective model to investigate defects at the interface of Si/SiOx

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

Yin, Kui; Zhao, Yi; Liu, Liangbin

2014-01-20

The effect of gamma ray irradiation on silicon nanowires was investigated. Here, an additional defect emerged in the gamma-ray-irradiated silicon nanowires and was confirmed with electron spin resonance spectra. {sup 29}Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that irradiation doses had influence on the Q{sup 4} unit structure. This phenomenon indicated that the unique core/shell structure of silicon nanowires might contribute to induce metastable defects under gamma ray irradiation, which served as a satisfactory model to investigate defects at the interface of Si/SiOx.

Radioactivity observed in the sodium iodide gamma-ray spectrometer returned on the Apollo 17 mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyer, C. S.; Trombka, J. I.; Schmadebeck, R. L.; Eller, E.; Bielefeld, M. J.; Okelley, G. D.; Eldridge, J. S.; Northcutt, K. J.; Metzger, A. E.; Reedy, R. C.

1975-01-01

In order to obtain information on radioactive background induced in the Apollo 15 and 16 gamma-ray spectrometers (7 cm x 7 cm NaI) by particle irradiation during spaceflight, and identical detector was flown and returned to earth on the Apollo 17 mission. The induced radioactivity was monitored both internally and externally from one and a half hours after splashdown. When used in conjunction with a computation scheme for estimating induced activation from calculated trapped proton and cosmic-ray fluences, these results show an important contribution resulting from both thermal and energetic neutrons produced in the heavy spacecraft by cosmic-ray interactions.

Reactivation of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus; A Comparison After Gamma Rays and Proton Treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehta, Satish K.; Plante, Ianik; Bloom, David C.; Stowe, Raymond; Renner, Ashlie; Wu, Honglu; Crucian, Brian; Pierson, Duane L.

2017-01-01

Among different unique stressors astronauts are exposed to during spaceflight, cosmic radiation constitutes an important one that leads to various health effects. In particular, space radiation may contribute to decreased immunity, which has been observed in astronauts during short and long duration missions, as evidenced by several changes in cellular immunity and plasma cytokines levels. Reactivation of latent herpes viruses, either directly from radiation or resulting from perturbation in the immune system, is also observed in astronauts. While EBV is one of the eight human herpes viruses known to infect more than 90% human adults and stays latent for the life of the host without normally causing adverse effects of reactivation, increased reactivation in astronauts is well-documented, though the mechanism of this increase is not understood. In this work, we have studied the effect of two different types of radiations, Cs-137 gamma and 150-MeV proton on the reactivation rates of the Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) in vitro in EBV latent cell lines at doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 Gy. While we find that both types of radiations reactivated latent EBV in vitro, we observe that at equivalent doses, early response is stronger for protons but with time, the reactivation induced by gamma rays is more persistent. These differences between the protons and gamma rays curves in latent virus reactivation challenge the common paradigm that protons and gamma rays have similar biological effects.

Estrogen, aging and the cardiovascular system

PubMed Central

Stice, James P.; Lee, Jennifer S.; Pechenino, Angela S.; Knowlton, Anne A.

2014-01-01

Estrogen is a powerful hormone with pleiotropic effects. Estrogens have potent antioxidant effects and are able to reduce inflammation, induce vasorelaxation and alter gene expression in both the vasculature and the heart. Estrogen treatment of cultured cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells rapidly activates NFκB, induces heat-shock protein (HSP)-72, a potent intracellular protective protein, and protects cells from simulated ischemia. In in vivo models, estrogens protect against ischemia and trauma/hemorrhage. Estrogens may decrease the expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase, which has deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system through metabolism of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Natural (endogenous) estrogens in premenopausal women appear to protect against cardiovascular disease and yet controlled clinical trials have not indicated a benefit from estrogen replacement postmenopause. Much remains to be understood in regards to the many properties of this powerful hormone and how changes in this hormone interact with aging-associated changes. The unexpected negative results of trials of estrogen replacement postmenopause probably arise from our lack of understanding of the many effects of this hormone. PMID:19371207

Distinguishing fissions of 232Th, 237Np and 238U with beta-delayed gamma rays

DOE PAGES

Iyengar, A.; Norman, E. B.; Howard, C.; ...

2013-04-08

Measurements of beta-delayed gamma-ray spectra following 14-MeV neutron-induced fissions of 232Th, 238U, and 237Np were conducted at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s 88-Inch Cyclotron. Spectra were collected for times ranging from 1 minute to 14 hours after irradiation. Lastly, intensity ratios of gamma-ray lines were extracted from the data that allow identification of the fissioning isotope.

Chlorine signal attenuation in concrete.

PubMed

Naqvi, A A; Maslehuddin, M; Ur-Rehman, Khateeb; Al-Amoudi, O S B

2015-11-01

The intensity of prompt gamma-ray was measured at various depths from chlorine-contaminated silica fume (SF) concrete slab concrete specimens using portable neutron generator-based prompt gamma-ray setup. The intensity of 6.11MeV chloride gamma-rays was measured from the chloride contaminated slab at distance of 15.25, 20.25, 25.25, 30.25 and 35.25cm from neutron target in a SF cement concrete slab specimens. Due to attenuation of thermal neutron flux and emitted gamma-ray intensity in SF cement concrete at various depths, the measured intensity of chlorine gamma-rays decreases non-linearly with increasing depth in concrete. A good agreement was noted between the experimental results and the results of Monte Carlo simulation. This study has provided useful experimental data for evaluating the chloride contamination in the SF concrete utilizing gamma-ray attenuation method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulation of prompt gamma-ray emission during proton radiotherapy.

PubMed

Verburg, Joost M; Shih, Helen A; Seco, Joao

2012-09-07

The measurement of prompt gamma rays emitted from proton-induced nuclear reactions has been proposed as a method to verify in vivo the range of a clinical proton radiotherapy beam. A good understanding of the prompt gamma-ray emission during proton therapy is key to develop a clinically feasible technique, as it can facilitate accurate simulations and uncertainty analysis of gamma detector designs. Also, the gamma production cross-sections may be incorporated as prior knowledge in the reconstruction of the proton range from the measurements. In this work, we performed simulations of proton-induced nuclear reactions with the main elements of human tissue, carbon-12, oxygen-16 and nitrogen-14, using the nuclear reaction models of the GEANT4 and MCNP6 Monte Carlo codes and the dedicated nuclear reaction codes TALYS and EMPIRE. For each code, we made an effort to optimize the input parameters and model selection. The results of the models were compared to available experimental data of discrete gamma line cross-sections. Overall, the dedicated nuclear reaction codes reproduced the experimental data more consistently, while the Monte Carlo codes showed larger discrepancies for a number of gamma lines. The model differences lead to a variation of the total gamma production near the end of the proton range by a factor of about 2. These results indicate a need for additional theoretical and experimental study of proton-induced gamma emission in human tissue.

Analysis of Nuclear Lifetimes Using the Gamma-ray Induced Doppler Shift Attenuation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespi, F. C. L.

2018-05-01

Lifetime measurements allow extraction of fundamental information on the nature of the excited states of a nuclear system. Since nuclear lifetimes cover many orders of magnitude, a number of experimental techniques and detection setups have been developed depending on the range of the lifetime of interest. The Gamma-ray Induced Doppler Shift Attenuation (GRIDSA) Method presented here is applied to the measurement of very short lifetimes, in the femtosecond range. It allows determining the nuclear lifetime by measuring the Doppler shift of a gamma ray emitted from the state of interest, in different directions with respect to a coincident preceding gamma ray, populating the same state and inducing a recoil of the nucleus in the target material with velocities of the order of 104-105 m/s. We realized an experiment in order to test the GRIDSA technique for the measurement of fs lifetimes after (n,γ) reactions. The measurement was performed at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) with the 8 Ge-clover detectors of the FIPPS array. Preliminary results are discussed.

Intestinal radiation syndrome: sepsis and endotoxin

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

Geraci, J.P.; Jackson, K.L.; Mariano, M.S.

Rats were whole-body irradiated with 8-MeV cyclotron-produced neutrons and /sup 137/Cs ..gamma.. rays to study the role of enteric bacteria and endotoxin in the intestinal radiation syndrome. Decrease in intestinal weight was used as an index of radiation-induced breakdown of the mucosa. Neutron and ..gamma..-ray doses that were sublethal for intestinal death resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in intestinal weight, reaching minimal values 2 to 3 days after exposure, followed by recovery within 5 days after irradiation. Neutron and photon doses that caused intestinal death resulted in greater mucosal breakdown with little or no evidence of mucosal recovery. The presencemore » of fluid in the intestine and diarrhea, but not bacteremia or endotoxemia, were related to mucosal breakdown and recovery. Neither sepsis nor endotoxin could be detected in liver samples taken at autopsy from animals which died a short time earlier from intestinal injury. These results suggest that overt sepsis and endotoxemia do not play a significant role in the intestinal radiation syndrome.« less

Cosmic-ray effects on diffuse gamma-ray measurements.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fishman, G. J.

1972-01-01

Evaluation of calculations and experimental evidence from 600-MeV proton irradiation indicating that cosmic-ray-induced radioactivity in detectors used to measure the diffuse gamma-ray background produces a significant counting rate in the energy region around 1 MeV. It is concluded that these counts may be responsible for the observed flattening of the diffuse photon spectrum at this energy.

Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Ripening of Bartlett Pears 1

PubMed Central

Maxie, E. C.; Sommer, N. F.; Muller, Carlos J.; Rae, Henry L.

1966-01-01

Gamma radiation at doses of 300 Krad or more inhibits the ripening of Bartlett pears (Pyrus communis L.). Immediately after irradiation there is a transitory burst of C2H4, which subsequently declines in fruits subjected to inhibitory doses. Ethylene production associated with ripening begins at the same time in unirradiated fruits and those subjected to noninhibitory doses, but the latter produces much more C2H4 at the climacteric peak. Fruits subjected to inhibitory doses produce low levels of C2H4 unless subjected to exogenously applied C2H4, whereupon they produce enough of the gas to induce ripening in unirradiated fruits. Pears subjected to 300 and 400 Krad of gamma rays did not ripen even when held in a flowing atmosphere containing 1000 ppm of C2H4 for 8 days at 20°. It is concluded that the action of gamma rays on Bartlett pears involves both an inhibition of C2H4 production and a decreased sensitivity of the fruit to the ripening action of the gas. Ripening of Bartlett pears is inhibited by gamma radiation only when applied to preclimacteric fruit. PMID:16656274

Method and System for Gamma-Ray Localization Induced Spacecraft Navigation Using Celestial Gamma-Ray Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hisamoto, Chuck (Inventor); Arzoumanian, Zaven (Inventor); Sheikh, Suneel I. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A method and system for spacecraft navigation using distant celestial gamma-ray bursts which offer detectable, bright, high-energy events that provide well-defined characteristics conducive to accurate time-alignment among spatially separated spacecraft. Utilizing assemblages of photons from distant gamma-ray bursts, relative range between two spacecraft can be accurately computed along the direction to each burst's source based upon the difference in arrival time of the burst emission at each spacecraft's location. Correlation methods used to time-align the high-energy burst profiles are provided. The spacecraft navigation may be carried out autonomously or in a central control mode of operation.

Gadolinium-doped water cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma-ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system

DOEpatents

Dazeley, Steven A; Svoboda, Robert C; Bernstein, Adam; Bowden, Nathaniel

2013-02-12

A water Cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system using water doped with a Gadolinium (Gd)-based compound as the Cerenkov radiator. An optically opaque enclosure is provided surrounding a detection chamber filled with the Cerenkov radiator, and photomultipliers are optically connected to the detect Cerenkov radiation generated by the Cerenkov radiator from incident high energy gamma rays or gamma rays induced by neutron capture on the Gd of incident neutrons from a fission source. The PMT signals are then used to determine time correlations indicative of neutron multiplicity events characteristic of a fission source.

Measured neutron and gamma spectra from californium-252 in a tissue-equivalent medium.

PubMed

Elson, H R; Stupar, T A; Shapiro, A; Kereiakes, J G

1979-01-01

A method of experimentally obtaining both neutron and gamma-ray spectra in a scattering medium is described. The method utilizes a liquid-organic scintillator (NE-213) coupled with a pulse-shape discrimination circuit. This allows the separation of the neutron-induced pulse-height data from the gamma-ray pulse-height data. Using mathematical unfolding techniques, the two sets of pulse-height data were transformed to obtain the neutron and gamma-ray energy spectra. A small spherical detector was designed and constructed to reduce the errors incurred by attempting spectral measurements in a scattering medium. Demonstration of the utility of the system to obtain the neutron and gamma-ray spectra in a scattering medium was performed by characterizing the neutron and gamma-ray spectra at various sites about a 3.7-microgram (1.5 cm active length) californium-252 source in a tissue-equivalent medium.

The Effects of Gamma and Proton Radiation Exposure on Hematopoietic Cell Counts in the Ferret Model

PubMed Central

Sanzari, Jenine K.; Wan, X. Steven; Krigsfeld, Gabriel S.; Wroe, Andrew J.; Gridley, Daila S.; Kennedy, Ann R.

2014-01-01

Exposure to total-body radiation induces hematological changes, which can detriment one's immune response to wounds and infection. Here, the decreases in blood cell counts after acute radiation doses of γ-ray or proton radiation exposure, at the doses and dose-rates expected during a solar particle event (SPE), are reported in the ferret model system. Following the exposure to γ-ray or proton radiation, the ferret peripheral total white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts decreased whereas neutrophil count increased within 3 hours. At 48 hours after irradiation, the WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts decreased in a dose-dependent manner but were not significantly affected by the radiation type (γ-rays verses protons) or dose rate (0.5 Gy/minute verses 0.5 Gy/hour). The loss of these blood cells could accompany and contribute to the physiological symptoms of the acute radiation syndrome (ARS). PMID:25356435

Effects of gamma irradiations on reactive pulsed laser deposited vanadium dioxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madiba, I. G.; Émond, N.; Chaker, M.; Thema, F. T.; Tadadjeu, S. I.; Muller, U.; Zolliker, P.; Braun, A.; Kotsedi, L.; Maaza, M.

2017-07-01

Vanadium oxide films are considered suitable coatings for various applications such as thermal protective coating of small spacecrafts because of their thermochromic properties. While in outer space, such coating will be exposed to cosmic radiations which include γ-rays. To study the effect of these γ-rays on the coating properties, we have deposited vanadium dioxide (VO2) films on silicon substrates and subjected them to extensive γ-irradiations with typical doses encountered in space missions. The prevalent crystallographic phase after irradiation remains the monoclinic VO2 phase but the films preferential orientation shifts to lower angles due to the presence of disordered regions caused by radiations. Raman spectroscopy measurements also evidences that the VO2 structure is slightly affected by gamma irradiation. Indeed, increasing the gamma rays dose locally alters the crystalline and electronic structures of the films by modifying the V-V inter-dimer distance, which in turns favours the presence of the VO2 metallic phase. From the XPS measurements of V2p and O1s core level spectra, an oxidation of vanadium from V4+ towards V5+ is revealed. The data also reveal a hydroxylation upon irradiation which is corroborated by the vanishing of a low oxidation state peak near the Fermi energy in the valence band. Our observations suggest that gamma radiations induce the formation of Frenkel pairs. Moreover, THz transmission measurements show that the long range structure of VO2 remains intact after irradiation whilst the electrical measurements evidence that the coating resistivity decreases with gamma irradiation and that their transition temperature is slightly reduced for high gamma ray doses. Even though gamma rays are only one of the sources of radiations that are encountered in space environment, these results are very promising with regards to the potential of integration of such VO2 films as a protective coating for spacecrafts.

Prospects for future very high-energy gamma-ray sky survey: Impact of secondary gamma rays

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

Inoue, Yoshiyuki; Kalashev, Oleg E.; Kusenko, Alexander

2014-02-01

Very high-energy gamma-ray measurements of distant blazars can be well explained by secondary gamma rays emitted by cascades induced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The secondary gamma rays will enable one to detect a large number of blazars with future ground based gamma-ray telescopes such as Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). We show that the secondary emission process will allow CTA to detect 100, 130, 150, 87, and 8 blazars above 30 GeV, 100 GeV, 300 GeV, 1 TeV, and 10 TeV, respectively, up to z~8 assuming the intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF) strength B=10-17 G and an unbiased all sky survey withmore » 0.5 h exposure at each field of view, where total observing time is ~540 h. These numbers will be 79, 96, 110, 63, and 6 up to z~5 in the case of B=10-15 G. This large statistics of sources will be a clear evidence of the secondary gamma-ray scenarios and a new key to studying the IGMF statistically. We also find that a wider and shallower survey is favored to detect more and higher redshift sources even if we take into account secondary gamma rays.« less

[Protective Effect of S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine against DNA Damage in Irradiated Mice].

PubMed

Zheng, Qi-sheng; Yu, Guang-yun; He, Xin; Jiang, Ming; Chu, Xiao-fei; Zhao, Shu-yi; Fan, Sai-jun; Liu, Pei-xun

2015-10-01

To evaluate the protective effect of S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine,a new cysteine derivative,on DNA damage induced by radiation by using acute radiation injury animal models. Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups:the control group,1.0Gy gamma irradiation group,1.0Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group,7.2Gy gamma irradiation group,and 7.2Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group,with 8 mice in each group.The comet assay and bone marrow polychromatic micronucleus experiments were performed to evaluate the double-strand DNA breaks in ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray, respectively. The tail DNA percentage,tail length,tail moment,and olive tail moment of peripheral blood lymphocytes in 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01).And it was also observed that above experimental indexes of 7.2Gy gamma irradiation combined with S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine group was significantly less than that of 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group (P<0.05). In addition,the micronucleus rate of 1.0Gy gamma irradiation group and 7.2Gy gamma irradiation group were both significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.01). In addition,in mice given S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine before irradiation,the micronucleus rate of ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray decreased from (39.5000 ± 3.3141)‰ to (28.1667±4.1345)‰ (P=0.033) and from (76.5000 ± 4.6242)‰ to (22.8333 ± 3.6553)‰(P=0.000),respectively. The bone marrow polychromatic micronucleus experiment indicated that the value of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocyte(NCE) of ICR mice exposed to 1.0 and 7.2Gy gamma-ray was less than the control group(P<0.05). Meanwhile,after irradiating by certain dose,the value of PCE/NCE in mice given S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine before irradiation was significantly higher than the corresponding groups (P<0.05). S-isopentenyl-L-cysteine has a good protective effect against DNA damage induced by radiation.

Role of ERβ and GPR30 in the endocrine pancreas: A matter of estrogen dose.

PubMed

Ropero, Ana B; Pang, Yefei; Alonso-Magdalena, Paloma; Thomas, Peter; Nadal, Angel

2012-08-01

The endocrine pancreas has emerged as a target for estrogens. The functions of pancreatic α-, β- and δ-cells are modulated by the endogenous hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2). Low physiological concentrations (100pM-1nM) of E2 rapidly decrease the activity of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)) and enhance glucose-induced insulin release in β-cells in an estrogen receptor β (ERβ)-dependent manner. In addition to the insulinotropic action of ERβ, the newly described estrogen receptor, GPR30, is involved in the insulinotropic effects of high doses of E2 (100nM-5μM). The specific GPR30 agonist G1 also increases insulin secretion in β-cells. Low glucose-induced calcium oscillations and glucagon secretion are suppressed by E2. The effects on glucagon secretion may be mediated by GPR30. Somatostatin release is also decreased by E2 and G1. In this review we summarize all the data published up to date on the rapid insulinotropic effects of estrogens in the endocrine pancreas and propose a model to integrate the estrogen actions mediated through both receptors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fermi-LAT Observations of Continued Gamma-ray Activity from Nova ASASSN-16ma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kwan-Lok; Chomiuk, Laura; Strader, Jay; Cheung, C. C.; Jean, P.; Shore, S. N.; Fermi Large Area Telescope Collaboration

2016-11-01

Following the report of a sudden gamma-ray onset detection of nova ASASSN-16ma coincident with the optical peak of 5.5 mag on November 8 (ATel #9736), ASASSN-16ma was observed to slowly decrease in gamma-rays but has remained bright enough to be detectable with Fermi-LAT over the last 9 days (test statistic, TS > 10 per day, except for November 17 with TS=5).

Effects of gamma-sterilization on the physicochemical properties of natural sediments

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

Bank, Tracy L; Madden, Andrew; Baldwin, Mark E

2008-06-01

Batch U(VI) sorption/reduction experiments were completed on sterilized and non-sterilized sediment samples to elucidate biological and geochemical reduction mechanisms. Results from X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy revealed that {gamma}-sterilized sediments were actually better sorbents of U(VI), despite the absence of any measurable biological activity. These results indicate that {gamma}-irradiation induced significant physico-chemical changes in the sediment which is contrary to numerous other studies identifying {gamma}-sterilization as an effective and minimally invasive technique. To identify the extent and method of alteration of the soil as a result of {gamma}-sterilization, untreated soil samples, physically separated size fractions, and chemically extracted fractionsmore » of the soil were analyzed pre- and post-sterilization. The effects of sterilization on mineralogy, pH, natural organic matter (NOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and iron oxidation state were determined. Results indicated that major mineralogy of the clay and whole sediment samples was unchanged. Sediment pH decreased only slightly with {gamma}-irradiation; however, irradiation produced a significant decrease in CEC of the untreated sediments and affected both the organic and inorganic fractions. Moessbauer spectra of non-sterile and {gamma}-sterilized sediments measured more reduced iron present in {gamma}-sterilized sediments compared to non-sterile samples. Our results suggest that sterilization by {gamma}-irradiation induced iron reduction that may have increased the sorption and/or reduction of U(VI) onto these sediments. However, Moessbauer and batch sorption data are somewhat contradictory, the former indicates that the iron oxide or iron hydroxide minerals are more significantly reduced while the later indicates that reduced clay minerals account for greater sorption of U(VI).« less

Gamma-ray spectrometer experiment, Apollo 17: NaI(T1) detector crystal activation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trombka, J. I.; Schmadebeck, R. L.; Bielefeld, M.; Okelley, G. D.; Eldridge, J. S.; Northcutt, K. J.; Metzger, A. E.; Schonfeld, E.; Peterson, L. E.; Arnold, J. R.

1973-01-01

An attempt was made to obtain experimental data on proton induced activity and its effect on gamma ray spectral measurements. A NaI(T1) crystal flown in Apollo 17 command module was used for the experiment.

Gamma-Ray Emission from Galaxy Clusters : DARK MATTER AND COSMIC-RAYS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinzke, Anders

The quest for the first detection of a galaxy cluster in the high energy gamma-ray regime is ongoing, and even though clusters are observed in several other wave-bands, there is still no firm detection in gamma-rays. To complement the observational efforts we estimate the gamma-ray contributions from both annihilating dark matter and cosmic-ray (CR) proton as well as CR electron induced emission. Using high-resolution simulations of galaxy clusters, we find a universal concave shaped CR proton spectrum independent of the simulated galaxy cluster. Specifically, the gamma-ray spectra from decaying neutral pions, which are produced by CR protons, dominate the cluster emission. Furthermore, based on our derived flux and luminosity functions, we identify the galaxy clusters with the brightest galaxy clusters in gamma-rays. While this emission is challenging to detect using the Fermi satellite, major observations with Cherenkov telescopes in the near future may put important constraints on the CR physics in clusters. To extend these predictions, we use a dark matter model that fits the recent electron and positron data from Fermi, PAMELA, and H.E.S.S. with remarkable precision, and make predictions about the expected gamma-ray flux from nearby clusters. In order to remain consistent with the EGRET upper limit on the gamma-ray emission from Virgo, we constrain the minimum mass of substructures for cold dark matter halos. In addition, we find comparable levels of gamma-ray emission from CR interactions and dark matter annihilations without Sommerfeld enhancement.

GPR30 mediates anorectic estrogen-induced STAT3 signaling in the hypothalamus.

PubMed

Kwon, Obin; Kang, Eun Seok; Kim, Insook; Shin, Sora; Kim, Mijung; Kwon, Somin; Oh, So Ra; Ahn, Young Soo; Kim, Chul Hoon

2014-11-01

Estrogen plays an important role in the control of energy balance in the hypothalamus. Leptin-independent STAT3 activation (i.e., tyrosine(705)-phosphorylation of STAT3, pSTAT3) in the hypothalamus is hypothesized as the primary mechanism of the estrogen-induced anorexic response. However, the type of estrogen receptor that mediates this regulation is unknown. We investigated the role of the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in estradiol (E2)-induced STAT3 activation in the hypothalamus. Regulation of STAT3 activation by E2, G-1, a specific agonist of GPR30 and G-15, a specific antagonist of GPR30 was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Effect of GPR30 activation on eating behavior was analyzed in vivo. E2 stimulated pSTAT3 in cells expressing GPR30, but not expressing estrogen receptor ERα and ERβ. G-1 induced pSTAT3, and G-15 inhibited E2-induced pSTAT3 in primary cultures of hypothalamic neurons. A cerebroventricular injection of G-1 increased pSTAT3 in the arcuate nucleus of mice, which was associated with a decrease in food intake and body weight gain. These results suggest that GPR30 is the estrogen receptor that mediates the anorectic effect of estrogen through the STAT3 pathway in the hypothalamus. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disturbance of Mammary UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Represses Estrogen Metabolism and Exacerbates Experimental Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Zhou, Xueyan; Zheng, Ziqiang; Xu, Chang; Wang, Juan; Min, Mengjun; Zhao, Yun; Wang, Xi; Gong, Yinhan; Yin, Jiale; Guo, Meng; Guo, Dong; Zheng, Junnian; Zhang, Bei; Yin, Xiaoxing

2017-08-01

The progression of breast cancer is closely related to the levels of estrogens within the body. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) is an important class of phase II metabolizing enzymes, playing a pivotal role in detoxifying steroid hormone. In the present study, we aim at uncovering the potential dysregulation pattern of UGT and its role in estrogen metabolism and in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 100 mg/kg dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) to induce breast cancer. Our results showed that the expression and activity of UGT in mammary tissues were downregulated significantly in DMBA rats. Consistent with this, levels of estradiol, 4-hydroxylated estradiol, and 2-hydroxylated estradiol were increased in both mammary tissues and serum, supporting a notable accumulation of toxic estrogen species in the target tissue of breast cancer. In addition, we also observed the decreased cell migration, cell proliferation, and DNA damage in UGT-transfected MCF-7 cells, suggesting a protective role of UGT against estrogen-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Taken together, these results indicated that accumulation of estrogens induced by UGT deficiency is a critical factor to induce the development of breast cancer. UGT contributes to estrogen elimination, and its glucuronidation capacity influences the estrogen signaling pathway and the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High dose gamma ray exposure effect on the properties of CdSe nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narula, Chetna; Chauhan, R. P.

2018-03-01

We report high dose gamma-ray (γ-ray) induced modifications incurred by polycrystalline cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanowires of 80 nm diameter. The nanowires have been synthesized using polycarbonate template assisted electro-deposition technique. The samples were irradiated with 60Co γ-radiation at a dose rate of 4.533 kGy/h for different time intervals with doses varying from 0 to 400 kGy. The effects of γ rays on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of nanowires are discussed. XRD patterns of as-synthesized and gamma irradiated CdSe nanowires did not show any phase transformations but the variation in relative intensity was observed. The crystallite size evaluated using Scherrer's formula was found to vary. The optical parameters were obtained using UV-vis spectrometer measurements of absorption. Band gap was found to decrease with γ irradiation up to a dose of 300 kGy after which it was seen to increase. Refractive index and optical dielectric constants were also evaluated. Subjection of γ-radiation also brings about key changes in the electrical properties of CdSe nanowires. The attained data shows that the electrical conductivity varies with absorbed dose. The variations in the properties of CdSe nanowires can be considered as a consequence of ionization process, defect production and its annihilation.

Radiation-quality dependent cellular response in mutation induction in normal human cells.

PubMed

Suzuki, Masao; Tsuruoka, Chizuru; Uchihori, Yukio; Kitamura, Hisashi; Liu, Cui Hua

2009-09-01

We studied cellular responses in normal human fibroblasts induced with low-dose (rate) or low-fluence irradiations of different radiation types, such as gamma rays, neutrons and high linear energy transfer (LET) heavy ions. The cells were pretreated with low-dose (rate) or low-fluence irradiations (approximately 1 mGy/7-8 h) of 137Cs gamma rays, 241Am-Be neutrons, helium, carbon and iron ions before irradiations with an X-ray challenging dose (1.5 Gy). Helium (LET = 2.3 keV/microm), carbon (LET = 13.3 keV/microm) and iron (LET = 200 keV/microm) ions were produced by the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC), Japan. No difference in cell-killing effect, measured by a colony forming assay, was observed among the pretreatment with different radiation types. In mutation induction, which was detected in the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) locus to measure 6-thioguanine resistant clones, there was no difference in mutation frequency induced by the X-ray challenging dose between unpretreated and gamma-ray pretreated cells. In the case of the pretreatment of heavy ions, X-ray-induced mutation was around 1.8 times higher in helium-ion pretreated and 4.0 times higher in carbon-ion pretreated cells than in unpretreated cells (X-ray challenging dose alone). However, the mutation frequency in cells pretreated with iron ions was the same level as either unpretreated or gamma-ray pretreated cells. In contrast, it was reduced at 0.15 times in cells pretreated with neutrons when compared to unpretreated cells. The results show that cellular responses caused by the influence of hprt mutation induced in cells pretreated with low-dose-rate or low-fluence irradiations of different radiation types were radiation-quality dependent manner.

The effect of trans-ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol on ethanol-induced liver injury in C57BL mouse.

PubMed

Chotimarkorn, Chatchawan; Ushio, Hideki

2008-11-01

The effects of the oral administration of trans-ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol (mixture of steryl ferulates) with ethanol (5.0 g per kg) for 30 days to c57BL mice on ethanol-induced liver injury were investigated. Preventions of ethanol-induced liver injury by trans-ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol were reflected by markedly decreased serum activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and significant decreases in hepatic lipid hydroperoxide and TBARS levels. Furthermore, the trans-ferulic acid- and gamma-oryzanol-treated mice recovered ethanol-induced decrease in hepatic glutathione level together with enhancing superoxide dismutase activity. These results demonstrate that both trans-ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol exert a protective action on liver injury induced by chronic ethanol ingestion.

Supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eger, Peter

2015-08-01

The observation of very-high-energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) gamma rays is an excellent tool to study the most energetic and violent environments in the Galaxy. This energy range is only accessible with ground-based instruments such as Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) that reconstruct the energy and direction of the primary gamma ray by observing the Cherenkov light from the induced extended air showers in Earths atmosphere. The main goals of Galactic VHE gamma-ray science are the identification of individual sources of cosmic rays (CRs), such as supernova remnants (SNRs), and the study of other extreme astrophysical objects at the highest energies, such as gamma-ray binaries and pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). One of the main challenges is the discrimination between leptonic and hadronic gamma-ray production channels. To that end, the gamma-ray signal from each individual source needs to be brought into context with the multi-wavelength environment of the astrophysical object in question, particularly with observations tracing the density of the surrounding interstellar medium, or synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons. In this review presented at the European Cosmic Ray Symposium 2014 (ECRS2014), the most recent developments in the field of Galactic VHE gamma-ray science are highlighted, with particular emphasis on SNRs and PWNe.

Gynecomastia.

PubMed

Leung, A K

1989-04-01

Gynecomastia may be physiologic, familial, pathologic, drug-induced or, in many cases, of unknown etiology. Breast enlargement is usually unilateral and asymptomatic. Mechanisms of gynecomastia involve increased estrogen stimulation, decreased testosterone levels or a decreased androgen/estrogen ratio. Hyperprolactinemia is not a cause. Treatment of gynecomastia should be directed at the underlying cause when one can be identified. Most cases are benign and can be managed by explanation, reassurance and observation.

Effects of Sterilization on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Natural Sediments From the Oak Ridge Reservation

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

Bank, T.L.; Kukkadapu, R.K.; Madden, A.S.

2009-04-29

Batch U(VI) sorption/reduction experiments were completed on sterilized and non-sterilized sediment samples to elucidate biological and geochemical reduction mechanisms. Results from X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy revealed that {gamma}-sterilized sediments were actually better sorbents of U(VI), despite the absence of any measurable biological activity. These results indicate that {gamma}-irradiation induced significant physico-chemical changes in the sediment which is contrary to numerous other studies identifying {gamma}-sterilization as an effective and minimally invasive technique. To identify the extent and method of alteration of the soil as a result of {gamma}-sterilization, untreated soil samples, physically separated size fractions, and chemically extracted fractionsmore » of the soil were analyzed pre- and post-sterilization. The effects of sterilization on mineralogy, pH, natural organic matter (NOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and iron oxidation state were determined. Results indicated that major mineralogy of the clay and whole sediment samples was unchanged. Sediment pH decreased only slightly with {gamma}-irradiation; however, irradiation produced a significant decrease in CEC of the untreated sediments and affected both the organic and inorganic fractions. Moessbauer spectra of non-sterile and {gamma}-sterilized sediments measured more reduced iron present in {gamma}-sterilized sediments compared to non-sterile samples. Our results suggest that sterilization by {gamma}-irradiation induced iron reduction that may have increased the sorption and/or reduction of U(VI) onto these sediments. However, Moessbauer and batch sorption data are somewhat contradictory, the former indicates that the iron oxide or iron hydroxide minerals are more significantly reduced while the later indicates that reduced clay minerals account for greater sorption of U(VI).« less

AMPKα2 regulates expression of estrogen-related receptor alpha, a metabolic transcription factor related to heart failure development

PubMed Central

Hu, Xinli; Xu, Xin; Lu, Zhongbing; Zhang, Ping; Fassett, John; Zhang, Ying; Xin, Yi; Hall, Jennifer L.; Viollet, Benoit; Bache, Robert J.; Huang, Yimin; Chen, Yingjie

2011-01-01

The normal expression of myocardial mitochondrial enzymes is essential to maintain the cardiac energy reserve and facilitate responses to stress, but the molecular mechanisms to maintain myocardial mitochondrial enzyme expression have been elusive. Here we report that congestive heart failure is associated with a significant decrease of myocardial Estrogen-Related Receptor alpha (ERRα), but not PPAR gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC1α), in human heart failure samples. In addition, chronic pressure overload in mice caused a decrease of ERRα expression that was significantly correlated to the degree of LV dysfunction, pulmonary congestion and decreases of a group of myocardial energy metabolism related genes. We found that the metabolic sensor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates ERRα expression in vivo and in vitro. AMPKα2 KO decreased myocardial ERRα (both mRNA and protein) and its downstream targets under basal conditions, with no change in myocardial PGC1α expression. Using cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes, we found that overexpression of constitutively active AMPKα significantly induced ERRα mRNA, protein and promoter activity. Conversely, selective gene silencing of AMPKα2 repressed ERRα and its target gene levels, indicating that AMPKα2 is involved in the regulation of ERRα expression. In addition, over-expression of ERRα in AMPKα2 KO neonatal cardiac myocytes partially rescued the repressed expression of some energy metabolism related genes. These data support an important role for AMPKα2 in regulating the expression of myocardial ERRα and its downstream mitochondrial enzymes. PMID:21825219

The diffuse gamma-ray background, light element abundances, and signatures of early massive star formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silk, Joseph; Schramm, David N.

1992-01-01

Attention is drawn to a potentially observable flux of diffuse extragalactic gamma rays produced by inelastic cosmic-ray interactions that is inevitably a by-product of spallation-synthesized Be. The epoch of cosmic ray-induced Population II light element nucleosynthesis is constrained to be at redshift greater than 0.5. A spectral feature in the diffuse extragalactic gamma-ray background with amplitude 0.1 above 10 MeV is predicted if the Be is synthesized at z less than 10. The possibility is discussed that the cosmic-ray flux responsible for Population II Be and B synthesis may be associated with a precursor hypothesized Population III.

Effects of gamma-ray irradiation on the optical properties of amorphous Se100-xHgx thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shabir; Islam, Shama; Nasir, Mohd.; Asokan, K.; Zulfequar, M.

2018-06-01

In this study, the thermal quenching technique was employed to prepare bulk samples of Se100-xHgx (x = 0, 5, 10, 15). Thin films with a thickness of ∼250 nm were deposited on glass substrates using the thermal evaporation technique. These films were irradiated with gamma rays at doses of 25-100 kGy. The elemental compositions of the as-deposited thin films were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of these thin films upto the dose of 75 kGy. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy showed that the concentration of defects decreased after gamma irradiation. Microstructural analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that the grain size increases after irradiation. Optical study based on spectrophotometry showed that the optical band gap values of these films increase after the addition of Hg whereas they decrease after gamma irradiation. We found that the absorption coefficient increases with doses up to 75 kGy but decreases at higher doses. These remarkable shifts in the optical band gap and absorption coefficient values are interpreted in terms of the creation and annihilation of defects, which are the main effects produced by gamma irradiation.

Gamma-ray astronomy with a large muon detector in the ARGO-YBJ experiment

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

Di Sciascio, G.; Di Girolamo, T.; Megna, R.

2005-02-21

The ARGO-YBJ experiment, currently under construction at the YangBaJing Laboratory (Tibet, P.R. China, 4300 m a.s.l.), could be upgraded with a large ({approx} 2500 m2) muon detector both to extend the sensitivity to {gamma}-ray sources to energies greater than {approx} 20 TeV and to perform a cosmic ray primary composition study. In this paper we present an evaluation of the rejection power for proton-induced showers achievable with the upgraded ARGO-YBJ detector. Minimum detectable {gamma}-ray fluxes are calculated for different experimental setups.

Probing the Intergalactic Magnetic Field with the Anisotropy of the Extragalactic Gamma-Ray Background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venters, T. M.; Pavlidou, V.

2012-01-01

The intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF) may leave an imprint on the anisotropy properties of the extragalactic gamma-ray background, through its effect on electromagnetic cascades triggered by interactions between very high energy photons and the extragalactic background light. A strong IGMF will deflect secondary particles produced in these cascades and will thus tend to isotropize lower energy cascade photons, thus inducing a modulation in the anisotropy energy spectrum of the gamma-ray background. Here we present a simple, proof-of-concept calculation of the magnitude of this effect and demonstrate that the two extreme cases (zero IGMF and IGMF strong enough to completely isotropize cascade photons) would be separable by ten years of Fermi observations and reasonable model parameters for the gamma-ray background. The anisotropy energy spectrum of the Fermi gamma-ray background could thus be used as a probe of the IGMF strength.

High-LET radiation-induced aberrations in prematurely condensed G2 chromosomes of human fibroblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawata, T.; Gotoh, E.; Durante, M.; Wu, H.; George, K.; Furusawa, Y.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Dicello, J. F. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

PURPOSE: To determine the number of initial chromatid breaks induced by low- or high-LET irradiations, and to compare the kinetics of chromatid break rejoining for radiations of different quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exponentially growing human fibroblast cells AG1522 were irradiated with gamma-rays, energetic carbon (290MeV/u), silicon (490MeV/u) and iron (200 and 600 MeV/u). Chromosomes were prematurely condensed using calyculin A. Chromatid breaks and exchanges in G2 cells were scored. PCC were collected after several post-irradiation incubation times, ranging from 5 to 600 min. RESULTS: The kinetics of chromatid break rejoining following low- or high-LET irradiation consisted of two exponential components representing a rapid and a slow time constant. Chromatid breaks decreased rapidly during the first 10min after exposure, then continued to decrease at a slower rate. The rejoining kinetics were similar for exposure to each type of radiation. Chromatid exchanges were also formed quickly. Compared to low-LET radiation, isochromatid breaks were produced more frequently and the proportion of unrejoined breaks was higher for high-LET radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with gamma-rays, isochromatid breaks were observed more frequently in high-LET irradiated samples, suggesting that an increase in isochromatid breaks is a signature of high-LET radiation exposure.

Skeletal effects of estrogen deficiency as induced by an aromatase inhibitor in an aged male rat model.

PubMed

Vanderschueren, D; Boonen, S; Ederveen, A G; de Coster, R; Van Herck, E; Moermans, K; Vandenput, L; Verstuyf, A; Bouillon, R

2000-11-01

Aromatization of androgens into estrogens may be important for maintenance of the male skeleton. To address this hypothesis, we evaluated the skeletal effects of selective estrogen deficiency as induced by the aromatase inhibitor vorozole (Vor), with or without 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) administration (1.35 microg/day), in aged (12-month-old) male rats. A baseline group was killed at the start of the experiment (Base). The control group (Control), the group treated with vorozole alone (Vor), the group treated with E(2) alone (E(2)), or the group with a combination of both (Vor + E(2)) were killed 15 weeks later. Vorozole significantly increased serum testosterone (T) and reduced serum E(2) compared with Control. Body weight gain and serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were also lower in Vor, whereas significant weight loss and decrease of serum IGF-I occurred as a result of E(2) administration. Bone formation as assessed by serum osteocalcin was unaffected but osteoid surface in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia was increased in Vor-treated rats. Bone resorption as evaluated by urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion was increased in Vor. Biochemical parameters of bone turnover were reduced significantly in all E(2) treated rats. Premature closure of the growth plates and decreased osteoid and mineralizing surfaces were also observed in E(2) and Vor + E(2). Apparent bone density of lumbar vertebrae and femur, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), was significantly reduced in Vor. Vorozole decreased femoral bone density mainly in the distal femur (trabecular and cortical region). This decrease of bone density was not present in E(2) and Vor + E(2). Similar findings were observed when bone density was assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT); that is, trabecular density of the distal femur, the proximal tibia, and the distal lumbar vertebra were all lower in Vor. This decrease in density was not observed in all E(2)-treated animals. In conclusion, administration of the aromatase inhibitor, vorozole, to aged male rats induces net trabecular bone loss in both the appendicular and axial skeleton, despite a concomitant increase in serum testosterone. E(2) administration is able to prevent this trabecular bone loss in vorozole-treated animals.

Induction and quantification of gammma-H2AX foci following cx- and gamma-irradiaton

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leatherbarrow, E. L.; Cucinotta, F. A.; O'Neill, Peter

2004-01-01

Following DNA damage the histone H2AX becomes phosphorylated and can be visualised by immunofluorescence as an indicator of DSBs in individual cells. Using a wild type hamster cell line (V79-4) exposed to either a-particles or to Co-60 gamma-rays to induce DNA DSBs at different doses (20-200OmGy), the dose dependent induction of gamma-H2AX foci were scored both manually (by eye) and using image analysis. A linearly dependence on dose was found for both radiations. The number of DSBs determined by image analysis after a post-irradiation period of 30 minutes at 37 C, is 16.6 foci/cell/Gy for alpha-irradiation and 12.2 foci/cell/Gy for gamma-irradiation; the latter being 3-4 times the levels observed by eye and comparable to gamma-radiation-induced levels of prompt DSBs more recently reported using pulse field gel electrophoresis (approx. 16 DSBs/Gy). The average size of the gamma-H2AX foci induced by alpha-irradiation (0.30 square micrometers) is approximately 1.5 times larger than those induced by gamma-irradiation (0.19 square micrometers). The timescale of induction and removal of DSBs up to 24 hours post-irradiation, was investigated with gamma-H2AX foci levels found to remain significantly higher than controls for 4 or 6 hours in gamma-irradiated samples or alpha irradiated samples, respectively. These results demonstrate that not only gamma radiation but also alpha-radiation induce phosphorylation of the H2AX histone in response to DSBs even at low doses (20mGy for gamma-rays, 1 track/cell on average for alpha-particles) and the variation in size and dephosphorylation of the induced foci is dependent on radiation quality (LET).

Suppressing effect of low-dose gamma-ray irradiation on collagen-induced arthritis.

PubMed

Nakatsukasa, Hiroko; Tsukimoto, Mitsutoshi; Ohshima, Yasuhiro; Tago, Fumitoshi; Masada, Ayako; Kojima, Shuji

2008-07-01

We previously reported attenuation of autoimmune disease by low-dose gamma-ray irradiation in MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Here, we studied the effect of low-dose gamma-ray irradiation on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. Mice were immunized with type II collagen, and exposed to low-dose gamma-rays (0.5 Gy per week for 5 weeks). Paw swelling, redness, and bone degradation were suppressed by irradiation, which also delayed the onset of pathological change and reduced the severity of the arthritis. Production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-6, which play important roles in the onset of CIA, was suppressed by the irradiation. The level of anti-type II collagen antibody, which is essential for the onset of CIA, was also lower in irradiated CIA mice. The population of plasma cells was increased in CIA mice, but irradiation blocked this increase. Since regulatory T cells are known to be involved in suppression of autoimmune disease, the population of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells was measured. Intriguingly, a significant increase of these regulatory T cells was found in irradiated CIA mice. Overall, our data suggest that low-dose gamma-ray irradiation could attenuate CIA through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production, and induction of regulatory T cells.

Modulation of radiation-induced and mitomycin C-induced chromosome damage by apigenin in human lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Sharma, Narinder K

2013-09-01

Apigenin (APG), a flavone, is known to exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic and antitumorigenic activity, both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study is to investigate the modulatory effects of APG on human lymphocytes after irradiation with gamma rays (3 Gy) or treatment with the antineoplastic agent, mitomycin C (MMC), in vitro. Cytogenetic biomarkers such as chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and cytochalasin-B blocked micronuclei (CBMN), were studied in blood lymphocytes treated with radiation, or antineoplastic agent (MMC), and APG. Whole blood lymphocytes were cultured in vitro using a standard protocol. No significant differences were found in the frequency of CAs or micronuclei (MN) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes irradiated with gamma rays (3 Gy) and then post-treated with APG. There was an increase in the frequency of SCEs per cell in APG-treated samples compared with the controls. Lymphocytes treated with MMC in the presence of APG exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the frequency of SCEs compared with MMC treatment alone. The data for the MN test indicated that APG treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the frequency of MMC-induced MN.

Modulation of radiation-induced and mitomycin C-induced chromosome damage by apigenin in human lymphocytes in vitro

PubMed Central

Sharma, Narinder K.

2013-01-01

Apigenin (APG), a flavone, is known to exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic and antitumorigenic activity, both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study is to investigate the modulatory effects of APG on human lymphocytes after irradiation with gamma rays (3 Gy) or treatment with the antineoplastic agent, mitomycin C (MMC), in vitro. Cytogenetic biomarkers such as chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and cytochalasin-B blocked micronuclei (CBMN), were studied in blood lymphocytes treated with radiation, or antineoplastic agent (MMC), and APG. Whole blood lymphocytes were cultured in vitro using a standard protocol. No significant differences were found in the frequency of CAs or micronuclei (MN) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes irradiated with gamma rays (3 Gy) and then post-treated with APG. There was an increase in the frequency of SCEs per cell in APG-treated samples compared with the controls. Lymphocytes treated with MMC in the presence of APG exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the frequency of SCEs compared with MMC treatment alone. The data for the MN test indicated that APG treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the frequency of MMC-induced MN. PMID:23764456

[Induction of glutathione and activation of immune functions by low-dose, whole-body irradiation with gamma-rays].

PubMed

Kojima, Shuji

2006-10-01

We first examined the relation between the induction of glutathione and immune functions in mice after low-dose gamma-ray irradiation. Thereafter, inhibition of tumor growth by radiation was confirmed in Ehrlich solid tumor (EST)-bearing mice. The total glutathione level of the splenocytes transiently increased soon after irradiation and reached a maximum at around 4 h postirradiation. Thereafter, the level reverted to the 0 h value by 24 h postirradiation. A significantly high splenocyte proliferative response was also recognized 4 h postirradiation. Natural killer (NK) activity was also increased significantly in a similar manner. The time at which the response reached the maximum coincided well with that of maximum total glutathione levels of the splenocytes in the gamma-ray-irradiated mice. Reduced glutathione exogenously added to splenocytes obtained from normal mice enhanced the proliferative response and NK activity in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of radiation on tumor growth was then examined in EST-bearing mice. Repeated low-dose irradiation (0.5 Gy, four times, before and within an early time after inoculation) significantly delayed the tumor growth. Finally, the effect of single low-dose (0.5 Gy), whole-body gamma-ray irradiation on immune balance was examined to elucidate the mechanism underlying the antitumor immunity. The percentage of B cells in blood lymphocytes was selectively decreased after radiation, concomitant with an increase in that of the helper T cell population. The IFN-gamma level in splenocyte culture prepared from EST-bearing mice was significantly increased 48 h after radiation, although the level of IL-4 was unchanged. IL-12 secretion from macrophages was also enhanced by radiation. These results suggest that low-dose gamma-rays induce Th1 polarization and enhance the activities of tumoricidal effector cells, leading to an inhibition of tumor growth.

Lunar elemental analysis obtained from the Apollo gamma-ray and X-ray remote sensing experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trombka, J. I.; Arnold, J. R.; Adler, I.; Metzger, A. E.; Reedy, R. C.

1974-01-01

Gamma ray and X-ray spectrometers carried in the service module of the Apollo 15 and 16 spacecraft were employed for compositional mapping of the lunar surface. The measurements involved the observation of the intensity and characteristics energy distribution of gamma rays and X-rays emitted from the lunar surface. A large scale compositional map of over 10 percent of the lunar surface was obtained from an analysis of the observed spectra. The objective of the X-ray experiment was to measure the K spectral lines from Mg, Al, and Si. Spectra were obtained and the data were reduced to Al/Si and Mg/Si intensity ratios and ultimately to chemical ratios. The objective of the gamma-ray experiment was to measure the natural and cosmic ray induced activity emission spectrum. At this time, the elemental abundances for Th, U, K, Fe, Ti, Si, and O have been determined over a number of major lunar regions.

Analysis of mutant quantity and quality in human-hamster hybrid AL and AL-179 cells exposed to 137Cs-gamma or HZE-Fe ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waldren, C.; Vannais, D.; Drabek, R.; Gustafson, D.; Kraemer, S.; Lenarczyk, M.; Kronenberg, A.; Hei, T.; Ueno, A.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1998-01-01

We measured the number of mutants and the kinds of mutations induced by 137Cs-gamma and by HZE-Fe (56Fe [600 MeV/amu, LET = 190 KeV/micrometer) in standard AL human hamster hybrid cells and in a new variant hybrid, AL-179. We found that HZE-Fe was more mutagenic than 137Cs-gamma per unit dose (about 1.6 fold), but was slightly less mutagenic per mean lethal dose, DO, at both the S1 and hprt- loci of AL cells. On the other hand, HZE-Fe induced about nine fold more complex S1- mutants than 137Cs-gamma rays, 28% vs 3%. 137Cs-gamma rays induced about twice as many S1- mutants and hprt-mutants in AL-179 as in AL cells, and about nine times more of the former were complex, and potentially unstable kinds of mutations.

Cross-talk between IGF-1 and estrogen receptors attenuates intracellular changes in ventral spinal cord 4.1 motoneuron cells due to interferon-gamma exposure

PubMed Central

Park, Sookyoung; Nozaki, Kenkichi; Smith, Joshua A.; Krause, James S.; Banik, Naren L.

2014-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a neuroprotective growth factor that promotes neuronal survival by inhibition of apoptosis. In order to examine whether IGF-1 exerts cytoprotective effects against extracellular inflammatory stimulation, ventral spinal cord 4.1 (VSC4.1) motoneuron cells were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Our data demonstrated apoptotic changes, increased calpain:calpastatin and Bax:Bcl-2 ratios, and expression of apoptosis related proteases (caspase-3 and −12) in motoneurons rendered by IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. Post-treatment with IGF-1 attenuated these changes. In addition, IGF-1 treatment of motoneurons exposed to IFN-γ decreased expression of inflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B:inhibitor of kappa B ratio). Furthermore, IGF-1 attenuated the loss of expression of IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1Rα and IGF-1Rβ) and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) induced by IFN-γ. To determine whether the protective effects of IGF-1 are associated with ERs, ERs antagonist ICI and selective siRNA targeted against ERα and ERβ were used in VSC4.1 motoneurons. Distinctive morphological changes were observed following siRNA knockdown of ERα and ERβ. In particular, apoptotic cell death assessed by TUNEL assay was enhanced in both ERα and ERβ-silenced VSC4.1 motoneurons following IFN-γ and IGF-1 exposure. These results suggest that IGF-1 protects motoneurons from inflammatory insult by a mechanism involving pivotal interactions with ERα and ERβ. PMID:24188094

Cross-talk between IGF-1 and estrogen receptors attenuates intracellular changes in ventral spinal cord 4.1 motoneuron cells because of interferon-gamma exposure.

PubMed

Park, Sookyoung; Nozaki, Kenkichi; Smith, Joshua A; Krause, James S; Banik, Naren L

2014-03-01

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a neuroprotective growth factor that promotes neuronal survival by inhibition of apoptosis. To examine whether IGF-1 exerts cytoprotective effects against extracellular inflammatory stimulation, ventral spinal cord 4.1 (VSC4.1) motoneuron cells were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Our data demonstrated apoptotic changes, increased calpain:calpastatin and Bax:Bcl-2 ratios, and expression of apoptosis-related proteases (caspase-3 and -12) in motoneurons rendered by IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. Post-treatment with IGF-1 attenuated these changes. In addition, IGF-1 treatment of motoneurons exposed to IFN-γ decreased expression of inflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B:inhibitor of kappa B ratio). Furthermore, IGF-1 attenuated the loss of expression of IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1Rα and IGF-1Rβ) and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) induced by IFN-γ. To determine whether the protective effects of IGF-1 are associated with ERs, ERs antagonist ICI and selective siRNA targeted against ERα and ERβ were used in VSC4.1 motoneurons. Distinctive morphological changes were observed following siRNA knockdown of ERα and ERβ. In particular, apoptotic cell death assessed by TUNEL assay was enhanced in both ERα and ERβ-silenced VSC4.1 motoneurons following IFN-γ and IGF-1 exposure. These results suggest that IGF-1 protects motoneurons from inflammatory insult by a mechanism involving pivotal interactions with ERα and ERβ. © 2013 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Identification of Morphological Character and Esterase Isozyme Pattern in Second-Generation Black Rice Plant Irradiated to Gamma Rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartanti, R. S.; Putri, T. A. N.; Zulfa, F.; Sutarno; Suranto

2017-04-01

Black rice is one of the functional foods due to its high anthocyanin content. Black rice grain was irradiated by gamma rays with a dose of 200 Gy and 300 Gy. The main purpose of this irradiation is to induce mutation to the black rice plant in order to achieve the improved organism. This study was undertaken to elucidate the morphological character and esterase isozyme pattern of black rice plant after irradiated by gamma rays. There were morphological differences on leaves, stems and grains between irradiated and non irradiated black rice plant. Gamma radiation dose of 200 Gy showed the significant influence of the length of the stem, number of internodes, and length of leaves. The radiation dose of 300 Gy showed the significant influence of the decrease value of diameter of 3rd internodes, number of branches and width of leaves. Flowering time is getting faster as increasing radiation dose. At the age of 74 days after planting there are 9.15% plants of 200 Gy radiation dose that have flowered faster than normal plants. This value increased into 11.45% at the dose of radiation 300 Gy. There were differences in the esterase banding pattern between radiation dose of 200 Gy and 300 Gy than the control plants, indicated that randomly mutation has occurred.

Decreased serum estrogen improves fat graft retention by enhancing early macrophage infiltration and inducing adipocyte hypertrophy.

PubMed

Mok, Hsiaopei; Feng, Jingwei; Hu, Wansheng; Wang, Jing; Cai, Junrong; Lu, Feng

2018-06-18

Fat grafting is a commonly used procedure; however, the mechanisms that regulate graft outcomes are not clear. Estrogen has been associated with vascularization, inflammation and fat metabolism, yet its role in fat grafting is unclear. Mice were implanted with 17β-estradiol pellets (high estrogen, HE), underwent ovariectomy (low estrogen level, OVX) or sham surgery (normal estrogen level, CON). 45 days later, inguinal fat of mice was autografted subcutaneously. At 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks post-transplantation, grafts were dissected, weighed, and assessed for histology, angiogenesis and inflammation level. Serum estrogen level correlated to estrogen manipulation. 12 weeks after autografting, the retention rate was significantly higher in the OVX (79% ± 30%) than in the HE (16% ± 8%) and CON (35% ± 13%) groups. OVX-grafts had the least necrosis and most hypertrophic fat. OVX recruited the most pro-inflammatory macrophages and demonstrated a faster dead tissue removal process, however a higher fibrogenic tendency was found in this group. HE grafts had the most Sca1+ local stem cells and CD31  +  capillary content; however, with a low level of acute inflammation and insufficient adipokine PPAR-γ expression, their retention rate was impaired. Elevated serum estrogen increased stem cell density and early vascularization; however, by inhibiting the early inflammation, it resulted in delayed necrotic tissue removal and finally led to impaired adipose restoration. A low estrogen level induced favorable inflammation status and adipocyte hypertrophy to improve fat graft retention, but a continuing decreased estrogen level led to fat graft fibrosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fast Pb-glass neutron-to-light converter for ICF (Inertial Confinement Fusion) target burn history measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerche, R. A.; Cable, M. D.; Phillion, D. W.

1990-09-01

We are developing a streak camera based instrument to diagnose the fusion reaction rate (burn history) within laser-driven ICF targets filled with D-T fuel. Recently, we attempted measurements using the 16.7 MeV gamma ray emitted in the T(d,gamma)He(5) fusion reaction. Pb glass which has a large cross section for pair production acts as a gamma-ray-to-light converter. Gamma rays interact within the glass to form electron-positron pairs that produce large amounts (1000 photons/gamma ray) of prompt (less than 10 ps) Cerenkov light as they slow down. In our experimental instrument, an f/10 Cassegrain telescope optically couples light produced within the converter to a streak camera having 20-ps resolution. Experiments using high-yield (10(exp 13) D-T neutrons), direct-drive targets at Nova produced good signals with widths of 200 ps. Time-of-flight measurements show the signals to be induced by neutrons rather than gamma rays. The Pb glass appears to act as a fast neutron-to-light converter. We continue to study the interactions process and the possibility of using the 16.7 MeV gamma rays for burn time measurements.

A study of the sensitivity of an imaging telescope (GRITS) for high energy gamma-ray astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yearian, Mason R.

1990-01-01

When a gamma-ray telescope is placed in Earth orbit, it is bombarded by a flux of cosmic protons much greater than the flux of interesting gammas. These protons can interact in the telescope's thermal shielding to produce detectable gamma rays, most of which are vetoed. Since the proton flux is so high, the unvetoed gamma rays constitute a significant background relative to some weak sources. This background increases the observing time required to pinpoint some sources and entirely obscures other sources. Although recent telescopes have been designed to minimize this background, its strength and spectral characteristics were not previously calculated in detail. Monte Carlo calculations are presented which characterize the strength, spectrum and other features of the cosmic proton background using FLUKA, a hadronic cascade program. Several gamma-ray telescopes, including SAS-2, EGRET and the Gamma Ray Imaging Telescope System (GRITS), are analyzed, and their proton-induced backgrounds are characterized. In all cases, the backgrounds are either shown to be low relative to interesting signals or suggestions are made which would reduce the background sufficiently to leave the telescope unimpaired. In addition, several limiting cases are examined for comparison to previous estimates and calibration measurements.

Stimulatory Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Phytochemical Properties, Mitotic Behaviour, and Nutritional Composition of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.)

PubMed Central

Mat Taha, Rosna; Lay, Ma Ma; Khalili, Mahsa

2014-01-01

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. Syn. Onobrychis sativa L.) is a bloat-safe forage crop with high levels of tannins, which is renowned for its medicinal qualities in grazing animals. Mutagenesis technique was applied to investigate the influence of gamma irradiation at 30, 60, 90, and 120 Gy on mitotic behavior, in vitro growth factors, phytochemical and nutritional constituents of sainfoin. Although a percentage of plant necrosis and non-growing seed were enhanced by irradiation increment, the germination speed was significantly decreased. It was observed that gamma irradiated seeds had higher value of crude protein and dry matter digestibility compared to control seeds. Toxicity of copper was reduced in sainfoin irradiated seeds at different doses of gamma rays. Anthocyanin content also decreased in inverse proportion to irradiation intensity. Accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was enhanced by gamma irradiation exposure in leaf cells. HPLC profiles differed in peak areas of the two important alkaloids, Berberine and Sanguinarine, in 120 Gy irradiated seeds compared to control seeds. There were positive correlations between irradiation dose and some abnormality divisions such as laggard chromosome, micronucleus, binucleated cells, chromosome bridge, and cytomixis. In reality, radiocytological evaluation was proven to be essential in deducing the effectiveness of gamma irradiation to induce somaclonal variation in sainfoin. PMID:25147870

Role of estrogen receptor signaling in skeletal response to leptin in female ob/ob mice.

PubMed

Turner, Russell T; Philbrick, Kenneth A; Kuah, Amida F; Branscum, Adam J; Iwaniec, Urszula T

2017-06-01

Leptin, critical in regulation of energy metabolism, is also important for normal bone growth, maturation and turnover. Compared to wild type (WT) mice, bone mass is lower in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. Osteopenia in growing ob/ob mice is due to decreased bone accrual, and is associated with reduced longitudinal bone growth, impaired cancellous bone maturation and increased marrow adipose tissue (MAT). However, leptin deficiency also results in gonadal dysfunction, disrupting production of gonadal hormones which regulate bone growth and turnover. The present study evaluated the role of increased estrogen in mediating the effects of leptin on bone in ob/ob mice. Three-month-old female ob/ob mice were randomized into one of the 3 groups: (1) ob/ob  + vehicle (veh), (2) ob/ob  + leptin (leptin) or (3) ob/ob  + leptin and the potent estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (leptin + ICI). Age-matched WT mice received vehicle. Leptin (40 µg/mouse, daily) and ICI (10 µg/mouse, 2×/week) were administered by subcutaneous injection for 1 month and bone analyzed by X-ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography and static and dynamic histomorphometry. Uterine weight did not differ between ob/ob mice and ob/ob mice receiving leptin + ICI, indicating that ICI successfully blocked the uterine response to leptin-induced increases in estrogen levels. Compared to leptin-treated ob/ob mice, ob/ob mice receiving leptin + ICI had lower uterine weight; did not differ in weight loss, MAT or bone formation rate; and had higher longitudinal bone growth rate and cancellous bone volume fraction. We conclude that increased estrogen signaling following leptin treatment is dispensable for the positive actions of leptin on bone and may attenuate leptin-induced bone growth. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

The New Biology of Estrogen-induced Apoptosis Applied to Treat and Prevent Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Jordan, V Craig

2014-01-01

The successful use of high dose synthetic estrogens to treat post-menopausal metastatic breast cancer, is the first effective “chemical therapy” proven in clinical trial to treat any cancer. This review documents the clinical use of estrogen for breast cancer treatment or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for postmenopausal hysterectomized women which can either result in breast cancer cell growth or breast cancer regression. This has remained a paradox since the 1950s until the discovery of the new biology of estrogen induced apoptosis at the end of the 20th century. The key to triggering apoptosis with estrogen is the selection of breast cancer cell populations that are resistant to long term estrogen deprivation. However, through trial and error estrogen independent growth occurs. At the cellular level, estrogen induced apoptosis is dependent upon the presence of the estrogen receptor (ER) which can be blocked by non-steroidal or steroidal anti-estrogens. The shape of an estrogenic ligand programs the conformation of the ER complex which in turn can modulate estrogen induced apoptosis: class I planar estrogens (eg: estradiol) trigger apoptosis after 24 hours whereas class II angular estrogens (eg: bisphenol triphenylethylene) delay the process until after 72 hours. This contrasts with paclitaxel that causes G2 blockade with immediate apoptosis. The process is complete within 24 hours. Estrogen induced apoptosis is modulated by glucocorticoids and cSrc inhibitors but the target mechanism for estrogen action is genomic and not through a non-genomic pathway. The process is step wise through the creation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and, inflammatory responses that then initiate an unfolded protein response. This in turn initiates apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway (mitochondrial) with subsequent recruitment of the extrinsic pathway (death receptor) to complete the process. The symmetry of the clinical and laboratory studies now permits the creation of rules for the future clinical application of ERT or phytoestrogen supplements: a five year gap is necessary after menopause to permit the selection of estrogen deprived breast cancer cell populations to become vulnerable to apoptotic cell death. Earlier treatment with estrogen around the menopause encourages ER positive tumor cell growth, as the cells are still dependent on estrogen to maintain replication within the expanding population. An awareness of the evidence that the molecular events associated with estrogen induced apoptosis can be orchestrated in the laboratory in estrogen deprived breast cancers, now support the clinical findings for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer following estrogen deprivation, decreases in mortality following long term antihormonal adjuvant therapy, and the results of ERT and ERT plus progestin in the Women’s Health Initiative for women over the age of 60. Principles have emerged to understand and apply physiologic estrogen therapy appropriately by targeting the correct patient populations. PMID:25339261

Topics in Astrophysical X-Ray and Gamma Ray Spectroscopy. Ph.D. Thesis - Maryland Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bussard, R. W.

1978-01-01

A number of topics relating to astrophysical observations that have already been made or are currently planned of spectral features, mostly emission lines, in the X-ray and gamma ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum are investigated. These topics include: the production of characteristic X-ray and gamma ray lines by nonthermal ions, spectral features induced by processes occurring in strong magnetic fields, and the positron annihilation line at 0.5 MeV. The rate of X-ray production at 6.8 keV by the 2p to 1s transition in fast hydrogen- and helium-like iron ions, following both electron capture to excited levels and collisional excitation is calculated. The cross section for electron-ion Coulomb collisions in strong fields is also calculated.

Impulsive And Long Duration High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission From The Very Bright 2012 March 7 Solar Flares

DOE PAGES

Ajello, M.

2014-06-10

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observed two bright X-class solar ares on 2012 March 7, and detected gamma-rays up to 4 GeV. We detected gamma-rays both during the impulsive and temporally-extended emission phases, with emission above 100 MeV lasting for approximately 20 hours. Accurate localization of the gamma-ray production site(s) coincide with the solar active region from which X-ray emissions associated with these ares originated. Our analysis of the > 100 MeV gamma-ray emission shows a relatively rapid monotonic decrease in flux during the first hour of the impulsive phase, and a much slower, almost monotonic decrease in fluxmore » for the next 20 hours. The spectra can be adequately described by a power law with a high energy exponential cutoff, or as resulting from the decay of neutral pions produced by accelerated protons and ions with an isotropic power-law energy distribution. The required proton spectrum has a number index 3, with minor variations during the impulsive phase, while during the temporally extended phase the spectrum softens monotonically, starting with index 4. The > 30 MeV proton flux and spectra observed near the Earth by the GOES satellites also show a monotonic flux decrease and spectral softening during the extended phase, but with a harder spectrum, with index 3. Based on the Fermi-LAT and GOES observations of the flux and spectral evolution of these bright ares, we explore the relative merits of prompt and continuous acceleration scenarios, hadronic and leptonic emission processes, and acceleration at the solar corona by the fast Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) as explanations for the observations. We conclude that the most likely scenario is continuous acceleration of protons in the solar corona which penetrate the lower solar atmosphere and produce pions that decay into gamma-rays.« less

Impulsive And Long Duration High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission From The Very Bright 2012 March 7 Solar Flares

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

Ajello, M.

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observed two bright X-class solar ares on 2012 March 7, and detected gamma-rays up to 4 GeV. We detected gamma-rays both during the impulsive and temporally-extended emission phases, with emission above 100 MeV lasting for approximately 20 hours. Accurate localization of the gamma-ray production site(s) coincide with the solar active region from which X-ray emissions associated with these ares originated. Our analysis of the > 100 MeV gamma-ray emission shows a relatively rapid monotonic decrease in flux during the first hour of the impulsive phase, and a much slower, almost monotonic decrease in fluxmore » for the next 20 hours. The spectra can be adequately described by a power law with a high energy exponential cutoff, or as resulting from the decay of neutral pions produced by accelerated protons and ions with an isotropic power-law energy distribution. The required proton spectrum has a number index 3, with minor variations during the impulsive phase, while during the temporally extended phase the spectrum softens monotonically, starting with index 4. The > 30 MeV proton flux and spectra observed near the Earth by the GOES satellites also show a monotonic flux decrease and spectral softening during the extended phase, but with a harder spectrum, with index 3. Based on the Fermi-LAT and GOES observations of the flux and spectral evolution of these bright ares, we explore the relative merits of prompt and continuous acceleration scenarios, hadronic and leptonic emission processes, and acceleration at the solar corona by the fast Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) as explanations for the observations. We conclude that the most likely scenario is continuous acceleration of protons in the solar corona which penetrate the lower solar atmosphere and produce pions that decay into gamma-rays.« less

Dose--response of initial G2-chromatid breaks induced in normal human fibroblasts by heavy ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawata, T.; Durante, M.; Furusawa, Y.; George, K.; Takai, N.; Wu, H.; Cucinotta, F. A.; Dicello, J. F. (Principal Investigator)

2001-01-01

PURPOSE: To investigate initial chromatid breaks in prematurely condensed G2 chromosomes following exposure to heavy ions of different LET. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exponentially growing human fibroblast cells AG1522 were irradiated with gamma-rays, energetic carbon (13 keV/ microm, 80 keV/microm), silicon (55 keV/microm) and iron (140 keV/microm, 185keV/microm, 440keV/microm) ions. Chromosomes were prematurely condensed using calyculin-A. Initial chromatid-type and isochromatid breaks in G2 cells were scored. RESULTS: The dose response curves for total chromatid breaks were linear regardless of radiation type. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) showed a LET-dependent increase, peaking around 2.7 at 55-80keV/microm and decreasing at higher LET. The dose response curves for isochromatid-type breaks were linear for high-LET radiations, but linear-quadratic for gamma-rays and 13 keV/microm carbon ions. The RBE for the induction of isochromatid breaks obtained from linear components increased rapidly between 13keV/microm (about 7) and 80keV/microm carbon (about 71), and decreased gradually until 440 keV/microm iron ions (about 66). CONCLUSIONS: High-LET radiations are more effective at inducing isochromatid breaks, while low-LET radiations are more effective at inducing chromatid-type breaks. The densely ionizing track structures of heavy ions and the proximity of sister chromatids in G2 cells result in an increase in isochromatid breaks.

Relative effectiveness of HZE iron-56 particles for the induction of cytogenetic damage in vivo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, A.; Bao, S.; Rithidech, K.; Couch, L. A.; Braby, L. A.

2001-01-01

One of the risks of prolonged manned space flight is the exposure of astronauts to radiation from galactic cosmic rays, which contain heavy ions such as (56)Fe. To study the effects of such exposures, experiments were conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratory by exposing Wistar rats to high-mass, high-Z, high-energy (HZE) particles using the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS). The biological effectiveness of (56)Fe ions (1000 MeV/nucleon) relative to low-LET gamma rays and high-LET alpha particles for the induction of chromosome damage and micronuclei was determined. The mitotic index and the frequency of chromosome aberrations were evaluated in bone marrow cells, and the frequency of micronuclei was measured in cells isolated from the trachea and the deep lung. A marked delay in the entry of cells into mitosis was induced in the bone marrow cells that decreased as a function of time after the exposure. The frequencies of chromatid aberrations and micronuclei increased as linear functions of dose. The frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by HZE particles was about 3.2 times higher than that observed after exposure to (60)Co gamma rays. The frequency of micronuclei in rat lung fibroblasts, lung epithelial cells, and tracheal epithelial cells increased linearly, with slopes of 7 x 10(-4), 12 x 10(-4), and 11 x 10(-4) micronuclei/binucleated cell cGy(-1), respectively. When genetic damage induced by radiation from (56)Fe ions was compared to that from exposure to (60)Co gamma rays, (56)Fe-ion radiation was between 0.9 and 3.3 times more effective than (60)Co gamma rays. However, the HZE-particle exposures were only 10-20% as effective as radon in producing micronuclei in either deep lung or tracheal epithelial cells. Using microdosimetric techniques, we estimated that 32 cells were hit by delta rays for each cell that was traversed by the primary HZE (56)Fe particle. These calculations and the observed low relative effectiveness of the exposure to HZE particles suggest that at least part of the cytogenetic damage measured was caused by the delta rays. Much of the energy deposited by the primary HZE particles may result in cell killing and may therefore be "wasted" as far as production of detectable micronuclei is concerned. The role of wasted energy in studies of cancer induction may be important in risk estimates for exposure to HZE particles.

Changes in plasma volume during bed rest - Effects of menstrual cycle and estrogen administration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fortney, S. M.; Beckett, W. S.; Carpenter, A. J.; Davis, J.; Drew, H.

1988-01-01

The effect of increased blood estrogen concentration, caused either during normal menstrual cycles or by exogenous administration of premarin, on the bed-rest (BR) induced decrease in plasma volume (PV) was investigated. In women who underwent duplicate 11-day BR without estrogen supplementation, the PV was found to decrease significantly, during the first 5 days of BR, to a lower level at which it remained for the rest of the BR period. In women who began BR in the periovulatory stage of the menstrual cycle, the loss of PV was delayed, while women who began BR during other stages of the cycle exhibited the usual trend of the PV decrease during the BR. In women who underwent a single 12-day BR period while taking premarin (1.25 mg/day), PV was found to decrease during the first 4-5 days of BR, but then returned toward the pre-BR level during the remainder of the BR, indicating that estrogens have a role in stabilizing body fluid volume.

Genotoxic effects of high-energy iron particles in human lymphoblasts differing in radiation sensitivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, H. H.; Horng, M. F.; Evans, T. E.; Jordan, R.; Schwartz, J. L.

2001-01-01

The effects of (56)Fe particles and (137)Cs gamma radiation were compared in TK6 and WTK1 human lymphoblasts, two related cell lines which differ in TP53 status and in the ability to rejoin DNA double-strand breaks. Both cell lines were more sensitive to the cytotoxic and clastogenic effects of (56)Fe particles than to those of gamma rays. However, the mutagenicity of (56)Fe particles and gamma rays at the TK locus was the same per unit dose and was higher for gamma rays than for (56)Fe particles at isotoxic doses. The respective RBEs for TK6 and WTK1 cells were 1.5 and 1.9 for cytotoxicity and 2.5 and 1.9 for clastogenicity, but only 1 for mutagenicity. The results indicate that complex lesions induced by (56)Fe particles are repaired less efficiently than gamma-ray-induced lesions, leading to fewer colony-forming cells, a slightly higher proportion of aberrant cells at the first division, and a lower frequency of viable mutants at isotoxic doses. WTK1 cells (mutant TP53) were more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of both gamma rays and (56)Fe particles, but showed greater cytogenetic and mutagenic damage than TK6 cells (TP53(+)). A deficiency in the number of damaged TK6 cells (a) reaching the first mitosis after exposure and (b) forming viable mutants can explain these results.

An Overview of the XGAM Code and Related Software for Gamma-ray Analysis

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

Younes, W.

2014-11-13

The XGAM spectrum-fitting code and associated software were developed specifically to analyze the complex gamma-ray spectra that can result from neutron-induced reactions. The XGAM code is designed to fit a spectrum over the entire available gamma-ray energy range as a single entity, in contrast to the more traditional piecewise approaches. This global-fit philosophy enforces background continuity as well as consistency between local and global behavior throughout the spectrum, and in a natural way. This report presents XGAM and the suite of programs built around it with an emphasis on how they fit into an overall analysis methodology for complex gamma-raymore » data. An application to the analysis of time-dependent delayed gamma-ray yields from 235U fission is shown in order to showcase the codes and how they interact.« less

Probing the Intergalactic Magnetic Field with the Anisotropy of the Extragalactic Gamma-ray Background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venters, T. M.; Pavlidou, V.

2013-01-01

The intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF) may leave an imprint on the angular anisotropy of the extragalactic gamma-ray background through its effect on electromagnetic cascades triggered by interactions between very high energy photons and the extragalactic background light. A strong IGMF will deflect secondary particles produced in these cascades and will thus tend to isotropize lower energy cascade photons, thereby inducing a modulation in the anisotropy energy spectrum of the gamma-ray background. Here we present a simple, proof-of-concept calculation of the magnitude of this effect and demonstrate that current Fermi data already seem to prefer nonnegligible IGMF values. The anisotropy energy spectrum of the Fermi gamma-ray background could thus be used as a probe of the IGMF strength.

Neutron and gamma-ray dose-rates from the Little Boy replica

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

Plassmann, E.A.; Pederson, R.A.

1984-01-01

We report dose-rate information obtained at many locations in the near vicinity of, and at distances out to 0.64 km from, the Little Boy replica while it was operated as a critical assembly. The measurements were made with modified conventional dosimetry instruments that used an Anderson-Braun detector for neutrons and a Geiger-Mueller tube for gamma rays with suitable electronic modules to count particle-induced pulses. Thermoluminescent dosimetry methods provide corroborative data. Our analysis gives estimates of both neutron and gamma-ray relaxation lengths in air for comparison with earlier calculations. We also show the neutron-to-gamma-ray dose ratio as a function of distancemore » from the replica. Current experiments and further data analysis will refine these results. 7 references, 8 figures.« less

From estrogen-centric to aging and oxidative stress: a revised perspective of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

PubMed

Manolagas, Stavros C

2010-06-01

Estrogen deficiency has been considered the seminal mechanism of osteoporosis in both women and men, but epidemiological evidence in humans and recent mechanistic studies in rodents indicate that aging and the associated increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the proximal culprits. ROS greatly influence the generation and survival of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. Moreover, oxidative defense by the FoxO transcription factors is indispensable for skeletal homeostasis at any age. Loss of estrogens or androgens decreases defense against oxidative stress in bone, and this accounts for the increased bone resorption associated with the acute loss of these hormones. ROS-activated FoxOs in early mesenchymal progenitors also divert ss-catenin away from Wnt signaling, leading to decreased osteoblastogenesis. This latter mechanism may be implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 and 2 diabetes and ROS-mediated adverse effects of diabetes on bone formation. Attenuation of Wnt signaling by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma by ligands generated from lipid oxidation also contributes to the age-dependent decrease in bone formation, suggesting a mechanistic explanation for the link between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Additionally, increased glucocorticoid production and sensitivity with advancing age decrease skeletal hydration and thereby increase skeletal fragility by attenuating the volume of the bone vasculature and interstitial fluid. This emerging evidence provides a paradigm shift from the "estrogen-centric" account of the pathogenesis of involutional osteoporosis to one in which age-related mechanisms intrinsic to bone and oxidative stress are protagonists and age-related changes in other organs and tissues, such as ovaries, accentuate them.

Discovery of Pulsations from the Pulsar J0205 6449 in SNR 3C 58 with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope

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

Abdo, Aous A.; /Naval Research Lab, Wash., D.C.; Ackermann, M.

2011-12-01

We report the discovery of {gamma}-ray pulsations ({ge}0.1 GeV) from the young radio and X-ray pulsar PSR J0205 + 6449 located in the Galactic supernova remnant 3C 58. Data in the {gamma}-ray band were acquired by the Large Area Telescope aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly GLAST), while the radio rotational ephemeris used to fold {gamma}-rays was obtained using both the Green Bank Telescope and the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank. The light curve consists of two peaks separated by 0.49 {+-} 0.01 {+-} 0.01 cycles which are aligned with the X-ray peaks. The first {gamma}-ray peak trails themore » radio pulse by 0.08 {+-} 0.01 {+-} 0.01, while its amplitude decreases with increasing energy as for the other {gamma}-ray pulsars. Spectral analysis of the pulsed {gamma}-ray emission suggests a simple power law of index -2.1 {+-} 0.1 {+-} 0.2 with an exponential cutoff at 3.0{sub -0.7}{sup +1.1} {+-} 0.4 GeV. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The integral {gamma}-ray photon flux above 0.1 GeV is (13.7 {+-} 1.4 {+-} 3.0) x 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1}, which implies for a distance of 3.2 kpc and assuming a broad fan-like beam a luminosity of 8.3 x 10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1} and an efficiency {eta} of 0.3%. Finally, we report a 95% upper limit on the flux of 1.7 x 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} for off-pulse emission from the object.« less

DISCOVERY OF PULSATIONS FROM THE PULSAR J0205+6449 IN SNR 3C 58 WITH THE FERMI GAMMA-RAY SPACE TELESCOPE

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

Abdo, A. A.; Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.

2009-07-10

We report the discovery of {gamma}-ray pulsations ({>=}0.1 GeV) from the young radio and X-ray pulsar PSR J0205 + 6449 located in the Galactic supernova remnant 3C 58. Data in the {gamma}-ray band were acquired by the Large Area Telescope aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly GLAST), while the radio rotational ephemeris used to fold {gamma}-rays was obtained using both the Green Bank Telescope and the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank. The light curve consists of two peaks separated by 0.49 {+-} 0.01 {+-} 0.01 cycles which are aligned with the X-ray peaks. The first {gamma}-ray peak trails themore » radio pulse by 0.08 {+-} 0.01 {+-} 0.01, while its amplitude decreases with increasing energy as for the other {gamma}-ray pulsars. Spectral analysis of the pulsed {gamma}-ray emission suggests a simple power law of index -2.1 {+-} 0.1 {+-} 0.2 with an exponential cutoff at 3.0{sup +1.1} {sub -0.7} {+-} 0.4 GeV. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The integral {gamma}-ray photon flux above 0.1 GeV is (13.7 {+-} 1.4 {+-} 3.0) x 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1}, which implies for a distance of 3.2 kpc and assuming a broad fan-like beam a luminosity of 8.3 x 10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1} and an efficiency {eta} of 0.3%. Finally, we report a 95% upper limit on the flux of 1.7 x 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} for off-pulse emission from the object.« less

Photon attenuation and neutron moderation correction factors for the inspection of cargo containers with tagged neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carasco, C.; Perot, B.; Viesti, G.; Valkovic, V.; Sudac, D.; Bernard, S.; Mariani, A.; Szabo, J.-L.; Sannie, G.; Lunardon, M.; Bottosso, C.; Moretto, S.; Pesente, S.; Peerani, P.; Sequeira, V.; Salvato, M.

2007-11-01

The EURopean Illicit TRAfficking Countermeasures Kit (EURITRACK) inspection system uses 14 MeV neutrons produced by the D(T,n α) reaction to detect explosives in cargo containers. Fast-neutron-induced reactions inside the container produce gamma rays, which are detected in coincidence with the associated alpha particle. The definition of the neutron path and the time-of-flight measurement allow positioning the source of the gamma ray inside the container, while the chemical composition of the target material is correlated with the energy spectrum of the coincident gamma rays. However, in case of dense cargo, neutron moderation and photon attenuation inside the container make difficult the reconstruction of the material composition from the measured gamma-ray energy spectrum. An analytical method has been developed and validated against experimental data, which allows obtaining the chemical carbon-to-oxygen and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios of the inspected items from the gamma-ray energy spectra. The principle of the method is presented along with validation tests.

Inter-pulse high-resolution gamma-ray spectra using a 14 MeV pulsed neutron generator

USGS Publications Warehouse

Evans, L.G.; Trombka, J.I.; Jensen, D.H.; Stephenson, W.A.; Hoover, R.A.; Mikesell, J.L.; Tanner, A.B.; Senftle, F.E.

1984-01-01

A neutron generator pulsed at 100 s-1 was suspended in an artificial borehole containing a 7.7 metric ton mixture of sand, aragonite, magnetite, sulfur, and salt. Two Ge(HP) gamma-ray detectors were used: one in a borehole sonde, and one at the outside wall of the sample tank opposite the neutron generator target. Gamma-ray spectra were collected by the outside detector during each of 10 discrete time windows during the 10 ms period following the onset of gamma-ray build-up after each neutron burst. The sample was measured first when dry and then when saturated with water. In the dry sample, gamma rays due to inelastic neutron scattering, neutron capture, and decay were counted during the first (150 ??s) time window. Subsequently only capture and decay gamma rays were observed. In the wet sample, only neutron capture and decay gamma rays were observed. Neutron capture gamma rays dominated the spectrum during the period from 150 to 400 ??s after the neutron burst in both samples, but decreased with time much more rapidly in the wet sample. A signal-to-noise-ratio (S/N) analysis indicates that optimum conditions for neutron capture analysis occurred in the 350-800 ??s window. A poor S/N in the first 100-150 ??s is due to a large background continuum during the first time interval. Time gating can be used to enhance gamma-ray spectra, depending on the nuclides in the target material and the reactions needed to produce them, and should improve the sensitivity of in situ well logging. ?? 1984.

Swift and Fermi observations of the early afterglow of the short gamma-ray burst 090510

DOE PAGES

De Pasquale, M.

2010-01-14

Here, we present the observations of GRB090510 performed by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope and the Swift observatory. In a GeV range, we detected a bright, short burst that shows an extended emission. Furthermore, its optical emission initially rises, a feature so far observed only in long bursts, while the X-ray flux shows an initial shallow decrease, followed by a steeper decay. This exceptional behavior enables us to investigate the physical properties of the gamma-ray burst outflow, poorly known in short bursts. Here, we discuss internal and external shock models for the broadband energy emission of this object.

Galactic plane gamma-radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, R. C.; Kniffen, D. A.; Thompson, D. J.; Fichtel, C. E.; Ogelman, H. B.; Tumer, T.; Ozel, M. E.

1979-01-01

Analysis of the SAS 2 data together with the COS B results shows that the distribution of galactic gamma-radiation has several similarities to that of other large-scale tracers of galactic structure. The radiation is primarily confined to a thin disc which exhibits offsets from b = 0 degrees similar to warping at radio frequencies. The principal distinction of the gamma-radiation is a stronger contrast in intensity between the region from 310 to 45 degrees in longitude and the regions away from the center that can be attributed to a variation in cosmic-ray density as a function of position in Galaxy. The diffuse galactic gamma-ray energy spectrum shows no significant variation in direction, and the spectrum seen along the plane is the same as that for the galactic component of the gamma-radiation at high altitudes. The uniformity of the galactic gamma-ray spectrum, the smooth decrease in intensity as a function of altitude, and the absence of any galactic gamma-ray sources at high altitudes indicate a diffuse origin for bulk of the galactic gamma-radiation rather than a collection of localized sources.

Very-High-Energy Solar Gamma Rays From Cosmic-Ray Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Bei; Ng, Kenny; Beacom, John; Peter, Annika; Rott, Cartsen

2017-01-01

Cosmic-ray induced gamma rays from the Sun has been observed up to 100 GeV. However, there are no theoretical predictions beyond 10 GeV. We provide the first calculation of the hadronic disk component in TeV-PeV, where solar magnetic fields can be ignored. We also consider the leptonic gamma-ray halo, taking into account electrons from local pulsars. With Fermi and soon HAWC & LHAASO observations, our results provide new insights on local cosmic rays, solar magnetic fields, and solar dark matter studies. BZ is supported by OSU Fowler Fellowship. KN and FB are supported by NSF Grant PHY-1404311. AK is supported by NSF GRFP Grant No. DGE-1321846. CR is supported by the Korea Neutrino Research Center. KN is also supported by the OSU Presidential Fellowship.

Emission study on the gamma-ray irradiation effects on the ferroelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yunsang; Lim, Junwhi; Yang, Sun A.; Bu, S. D.

We investigated the photoluminescence of the gammy-ray irradiated Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin films with the various total doses up to 1000 kGy. The PZT thin films were prepared on the Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by using a sol-gel method with a spin-coating process. It was found that the visible emission emerges near 550 nm with the gamma-ray irradiation. The intensity of the emission increased with the increasing dose amount. The spectral feature of the gamma-ray induced emission was quite narrow, which was distinguished from that formed by normal defects such as oxygen vacancy. We suggest that the gamma-ray irradiation should generate a specific type of defect state inside the PZT films, which could be detected by the low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy.

A deep-level transient spectroscopy study of gamma-ray irradiation on the passivation properties of silicon nitride layer on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Peng; Yu, Xuegong; Ma, Yao; Xie, Meng; Li, Yun; Huang, Chunlai; Li, Mo; Dai, Gang; Zhang, Jian

2017-08-01

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited silicon nitride (SiNx) films are extensively used as passivation material in the solar cell industry. Such SiNx passivation layers are the most sensitive part to gamma-ray irradiation in solar cells. In this work, deep-level transient spectroscopy has been applied to analyse the influence of gamma-ray irradiation on the passivation properties of SiNx layer on silicon. It is shown that the effective carrier lifetime decreases with the irradiation dose. At the same time, the interface state density is significantly increased after irradiation, and its energy distribution is broadened and shifts deeper with respect to the conduction band edge, which makes the interface states becoming more efficient recombination centers for carriers. Besides, C-V characteristics show a progressive negative shift with increasing dose, indicating the generation of effective positive charges in SiNx films. Such positive charges are beneficial for shielding holes from the n-type silicon substrates, i. e. the field-effect passivation. However, based on the reduced carrier lifetime after irradiation, it can be inferred that the irradiation induced interface defects play a dominant role over the trapped positive charges, and therefore lead to the degradation of passivation properties of SiNx on silicon.

Discovery of gamma-ray pulsations from the transitional redback PSR J1227-4853

DOE PAGES

Johnson, Tyrel J.; Ray, Paul S.; Roy, Jayanta; ...

2015-06-10

Here, the 1.69 ms spin period of PSR J1227–4853 was recently discovered in radio observations of the low-mass X-ray binary XSS J12270–4859 following the announcement of a possible transition to a rotation-powered millisecond pulsar state, inferred from decreases in optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray flux from the source. We report the detection of significant (5σ) gamma-ray pulsations after the transition, at the known spin period, using ~1 year of data from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The gamma-ray light curve of PSR J1227–4853 can be fit by one broad peak, which occurs at nearlymore » the same phase as the main peak in the 1.4 GHz radio profile. The partial alignment of light-curve peaks in different wavebands suggests that at least some of the radio emission may originate at high altitude in the pulsar magnetosphere, in extended regions co-located with the gamma-ray emission site. We folded the LAT data at the orbital period, both pre- and post-transition, but find no evidence for significant modulation of the gamma-ray flux. Analysis of the gamma-ray flux over the mission suggests an approximate transition time of 2012 November 30. Continued study of the pulsed emission and monitoring of PSR J1227–4853, and other known redback systems, for subsequent flux changes will increase our knowledge of the pulsar emission mechanism and transitioning systems.« less

Gamma-ray pulsars: Radiation processes in the outer magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romani, Roger W.

1996-01-01

We describe an emission model for gamma ray pulsars based on curvature radiation-reaction limited charges in the outer magnetosphere. We show how pair production on thermal surface flux can limit the acceleration zones. Estimates for the efficiency of GeV photon production eta gamma and the gamma-ray beaming fraction are derived, including their dependence on pulsar parameters. In general eta gamma increases with pulsar age, but is decreased for low magnetic fields and for small magnetic inclinations. We argue that this produces GeV pulse profiles, curvature spectra and detection statistics consistent with the observations. We also describe the optical through X-ray pulsar synchrotron spectrum and the spectral variations with pulsar phase. A test computation for Vela-like parameters reproduces phase-resolved GeV spectra consistent with those observed by EGRET. Finally we comment on very high energy pulsed emission and particle production and note extensions needed to allow a more complete pulsar model.

Defect center characteristics of silica optical fiber material by gamma ray radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Wenyun; Xiao, Zhongyin; Wen, Jianxiang; Yin, Jianchong; Chen, Zhenyi; Wang, Zihua; Wang, Tingyun

2011-12-01

Defect centers play a major role in the radiation-induced transmission loss for silica optical fibers. We have investigated characteristics of the best known defect centers E' in silica optical fiber material irradiated with γ ray at room temperature, and measured by using electron spin resonance (ESR) and spectrophotometer. The results show that the defect concentrations increase linearly with radiation doses from 1kGy to 50kGy. We have established the mechanism models of radiation induced defect centers' formation. We have also studied the influences of thermal annealing on defect centers. The radiation induced defect centers can be efficiently decreased by thermal annealing. Particularly, the defect concentration is less than the initial one when the temperature of thermal annealing is over 500°C for our silica samples. These phenomena can also be explained by the optical absorption spectra we have obtained.

Simultaneous beta and gamma spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Farsoni, Abdollah T.; Hamby, David M.

2010-03-23

A phoswich radiation detector for simultaneous spectroscopy of beta rays and gamma rays includes three scintillators with different decay time characteristics. Two of the three scintillators are used for beta detection and the third scintillator is used for gamma detection. A pulse induced by an interaction of radiation with the detector is digitally analyzed to classify the type of event as beta, gamma, or unknown. A pulse is classified as a beta event if the pulse originated from just the first scintillator alone or from just the first and the second scintillator. A pulse from just the third scintillator is recorded as gamma event. Other pulses are rejected as unknown events.

Celestial diffuse gamma radiation above 30 MeV observed by SAS-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fichtel, C. E.; Kniffen, D. A.; Hartman, R. C.

1973-01-01

The Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS)-2, launched on November 15, 1972, carried into orbit a 32-deck magnetic-core digitized spark chamber gamma ray telescope to study celestial gamma radiation in the energy range above 30 MeV. In the study of several regions with b sub 2 15 deg, a finite, diffuse flux of gamma rays with a steep energy spectrum in the energy region from 35 to 200 MeV is observed. Representing the energy spectrum by a power law of the form dJ/dE = AE to - alpha power over this energy range, alpha is found along with the integral flux above 100 MeV. Combining this result with existing low energy gamma ray data yields an energy spectrum which is not a simple power law in energy, as in the X-ray region, but which demonstrates first an increase and then a decrease in slope, consistent within uncertainties with that predicted by cosmological theories, including the continuous production of high energy gamma rays primarily from neutral pi mesons throughout the history of the universe.

Active interrogation using low-energy nuclear reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antolak, Arlyn; Doyle, Barney; Leung, Ka-Ngo; Morse, Daniel; Provencio, Paula

2005-09-01

High-energy photons and neutrons can be used to interrogate for heavily shielded fissile materials inside sealed cargo containers by detecting their prompt and/or delayed fission signatures. The FIND (Fissmat Inspection for Nuclear Detection) active interrogation system is based on a dual neutron+gamma source that uses low-energy (< 500 keV) proton- or deuteron-induced nuclear reactions to produce high intensities of mono-energetic gamma rays and/or neutrons. The source can be operated in either pulsed (e.g., to detect delayed photofission neutrons and gammas) or continuous (e.g., detecting prompt fission signatures) modes. For the gamma-rays, the source target can be segmented to incorporate different (p,γ) isotopes for producing gamma-rays at selective energies, thereby improving the probability of detection. The design parameters for the FIND system are discussed and preliminary accelerator-based measurements of gamma and neutron yields, background levels, and fission signals for several target materials under consideration are presented.

mBAND analysis of chromosome aberrations in human epithelial cells induced by gamma-rays and secondary neutrons of low dose rate.

PubMed

Hada, M; Gersey, B; Saganti, P B; Wilkins, R; Cucinotta, F A; Wu, H

2010-08-14

Human risks from chronic exposures to both low- and high-LET radiation are of intensive research interest in recent years. In the present study, human epithelial cells were exposed in vitro to gamma-rays at a dose rate of 17 mGy/h or secondary neutrons of 25 mGy/h. The secondary neutrons have a broad energy spectrum that simulates the Earth's atmosphere at high altitude, as well as the environment inside spacecrafts like the Russian MIR station and the International Space Station (ISS). Chromosome aberrations in the exposed cells were analyzed using the multicolor banding in situ hybridization (mBAND) technique with chromosome 3 painted in 23 colored bands that allows identification of both inter- and intrachromosome exchanges including inversions. Comparison of present dose responses between gamma-rays and neutron irradiations for the fraction of cells with damaged chromosome 3 yielded a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) value of 26+/-4 for the secondary neutrons. Our results also revealed that secondary neutrons of low dose rate induced a higher fraction of intrachromosome exchanges than gamma-rays, but the fractions of inversions observed between these two radiation types were indistinguishable. Similar to the previous findings after acute radiation exposures, most of the inversions observed in the present study were accompanied by other aberrations. The fractions of complex type aberrations and of unrejoined chromosomal breakages were also found to be higher in the neutron-exposed cells than after gamma-rays. We further analyzed the location of the breaks involved in chromosome aberrations along chromosome 3, and observed hot spots after gamma-ray, but not neutron, exposures.

The Major DNA Repair Pathway after Both Proton and Carbon-Ion Radiation is NHEJ, but the HR Pathway is More Relevant in Carbon Ions

PubMed Central

Gerelchuluun, Ariungerel; Manabe, Eri; Ishikawa, Takaaki; Sun, Lue; Itoh, Kazuya; Sakae, Takeji; Suzuki, Kenshi; Hirayama, Ryoichi; Asaithamby, Aroumougame; Chen, David J.; Tsuboi, Koji

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the roles of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) pathways in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by exposure to high-energy protons and carbon ions (C ions) versus gamma rays in Chinese hamster cells. Two Chinese hamster cell lines, ovary AA8 and lung fibroblast V79, as well as various mutant sublines lacking DNA-PKcs (V3), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein-4 [XRCC4 (XR1), XRCC3 (irs1SF) and XRCC2 (irs1)] were exposed to gamma rays (137Cs), protons (200 MeV; 2.2 keV/μm) and C ions (290 MeV; 50 keV/μm). V3 and XR1 cells lack the NHEJ pathway, whereas irs1 and irs1SF cells lack the HR pathway. After each exposure, survival was measured using a clonogenic survival assay, in situ DSB induction was evaluated by immunocytochemical analysis of histone H2AX phosphorylation at serine 139 (γ-H2AX foci) and chromosome aberrations were examined using solid staining. The findings from this study showed that clonogenic survival clearly depended on the NHEJ and HR pathway statuses, and that the DNA-PKcs−/− cells (V3) were the most sensitive to all radiation types. While protons and γ rays yielded almost the same biological effects, C-ion exposure greatly enhanced the sensitivity of wild-type and HR-deficient cells. However, no significant enhancement of sensitivity in cell killing was seen after C-ion irradiation of NHEJ deficient cells. Decreases in the number of γ-H2AX foci after irradiation occurred more slowly in the NHEJ deficient cells. In particular, V3 cells had the highest number of residual γ-H2AX foci at 24 h after C-ion irradiation. Chromosomal aberrations were significantly higher in both the NHEJ- and HR-deficient cell lines than in wild-type cell lines in response to all radiation types. Protons and gamma rays induced the same aberration levels in each cell line, whereas C ions introduced higher but not significantly different aberration levels. Our results suggest that the NHEJ pathway plays an important role in repairing DSBs induced by both clinical proton and C-ion beams. Furthermore, in C ions the HR pathway appears to be involved in the repair of DSBs to a greater extent compared to gamma rays and protons. PMID:25738894

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

Johnson, Tyrel J.; Ray, Paul S.; Roy, Jayanta

Here, the 1.69 ms spin period of PSR J1227–4853 was recently discovered in radio observations of the low-mass X-ray binary XSS J12270–4859 following the announcement of a possible transition to a rotation-powered millisecond pulsar state, inferred from decreases in optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray flux from the source. We report the detection of significant (5σ) gamma-ray pulsations after the transition, at the known spin period, using ~1 year of data from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The gamma-ray light curve of PSR J1227–4853 can be fit by one broad peak, which occurs at nearlymore » the same phase as the main peak in the 1.4 GHz radio profile. The partial alignment of light-curve peaks in different wavebands suggests that at least some of the radio emission may originate at high altitude in the pulsar magnetosphere, in extended regions co-located with the gamma-ray emission site. We folded the LAT data at the orbital period, both pre- and post-transition, but find no evidence for significant modulation of the gamma-ray flux. Analysis of the gamma-ray flux over the mission suggests an approximate transition time of 2012 November 30. Continued study of the pulsed emission and monitoring of PSR J1227–4853, and other known redback systems, for subsequent flux changes will increase our knowledge of the pulsar emission mechanism and transitioning systems.« less

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

Johnson, T. J.; Ray, P. S.; Cheung, C. C.

The 1.69 ms spin period of PSR J1227−4853 was recently discovered in radio observations of the low-mass X-ray binary XSS J12270−4859 following the announcement of a possible transition to a rotation-powered millisecond pulsar state, inferred from decreases in optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray flux from the source. We report the detection of significant (5σ) gamma-ray pulsations after the transition, at the known spin period, using ∼1 year of data from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The gamma-ray light curve of PSR J1227−4853 can be fit by one broad peak, which occurs at nearly themore » same phase as the main peak in the 1.4 GHz radio profile. The partial alignment of light-curve peaks in different wavebands suggests that at least some of the radio emission may originate at high altitude in the pulsar magnetosphere, in extended regions co-located with the gamma-ray emission site. We folded the LAT data at the orbital period, both pre- and post-transition, but find no evidence for significant modulation of the gamma-ray flux. Analysis of the gamma-ray flux over the mission suggests an approximate transition time of 2012 November 30. Continued study of the pulsed emission and monitoring of PSR J1227−4853, and other known redback systems, for subsequent flux changes will increase our knowledge of the pulsar emission mechanism and transitioning systems.« less

Gamma rays, X-rays, and optical light from the cobalt and the neutron star in SN 1987A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumagai, Shiomi; Shigeyama, Toshikazu; Nomoto, Ken'ichi; Itoh, Masayuki; Nishimura, Jun

1989-01-01

Recent developments in modeling the X-ray and gamma-ray emission from SN 1987A are discussed by taking into account both the decaying cobalt and the buried neutron star. The light curve and the spectra evolution of X-rays and gamma-rays are well modeled up to day of about 300 if mixing of Co-56 into hydrogen-rich envelope is assumed. However, the 16-28 keV flux observed by Ginga declines very slowly, whereas the spherical mixing model predicts that the flux should have decreased by a large factor at t greater than 300d. It is shown that this problem can be solved if the photoelectric absorption of X-rays is effectively reduced as a result of the formation of chemically inhomogeneous clumps. Based on the adopted hydrodynamical model and the abundance distribution, predictions are offered for future optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray light curves by taking into account other radioactive sources and various types of the central source, e.g., a buried neutron star accreting the reinfalling material or an isolated pulsar.

DEATH LINE OF GAMMA-RAY PULSARS WITH OUTER GAPS

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

Wang, Ren-Bo; Hirotani, Kouichi, E-mail: rbwang1225@gmail.com, E-mail: hirotani@tiara.sinica.edu.tw

2011-08-01

We analytically investigate the condition for a particle accelerator to be active in the outer magnetosphere of a rotation-powered pulsar. Within the accelerator (or the gap), the magnetic-field-aligned electric field accelerates electrons and positrons, which emit copious gamma-rays via the curvature process. If one of the gamma-rays emitted by a single pair materializes as a new pair on average, the gap is self-sustained. However, if the neutron-star spin-down rate decreases below a certain limit, the gap becomes no longer self-sustained and the gamma-ray emission ceases. We explicitly compute the multiplicity of cascading pairs and find that the obtained limit correspondsmore » to a modification of the previously derived outer-gap death line. In addition to this traditional death line, we find another death line, which becomes important for millisecond pulsars, by separately considering the threshold of photon-photon pair production. Combining these traditional and new death lines, we give predictions on the detectability of gamma-ray pulsars with Fermi and AGILE. An implication for X-ray observations of heated polar-cap emission is also discussed.« less

LOCATION OF {gamma}-RAY FLARE EMISSION IN THE JET OF THE BL LACERTAE OBJECT OJ287 MORE THAN 14 pc FROM THE CENTRAL ENGINE

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

Agudo, Ivan; Jorstad, Svetlana G.; Marscher, Alan P.

We combine time-dependent multi-waveband flux and linear polarization observations with submilliarcsecond-scale polarimetric images at {lambda} = 7 mm of the BL Lacertae type blazar OJ287 to locate the {gamma}-ray emission in prominent flares in the jet of the source >14 pc from the central engine. We demonstrate a highly significant correlation between the strongest {gamma}-ray and millimeter-wave flares through Monte Carlo simulations. The two reported {gamma}-ray peaks occurred near the beginning of two major millimeter-wave outbursts, each of which is associated with a linear polarization maximum at millimeter wavelengths. Our very long baseline array observations indicate that the two millimeter-wavemore » flares originated in the second of two features in the jet that are separated by >14 pc. The simultaneity of the peak of the higher-amplitude {gamma}-ray flare and the maximum in polarization of the second jet feature implies that the {gamma}-ray and millimeter-wave flares are cospatial and occur >14 pc from the central engine. We also associate two optical flares, accompanied by sharp polarization peaks, with the two {gamma}-ray events. The multi-waveband behavior is most easily explained if the {gamma}-rays arise from synchrotron self-Compton scattering of optical photons from the flares. We propose that flares are triggered by interaction of moving plasma blobs with a standing shock. The {gamma}-ray and optical emission is quenched by inverse Compton losses as synchrotron photons from the newly shocked plasma cross the emission region. The millimeter-wave polarization is high at the onset of a flare, but decreases as the electrons emitting at these wavelengths penetrate less polarized regions.« less

The estrogen-related receptors (ERRs): potential targets against bone loss.

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; Wong, Jiemin; Vanacker, Jean-Marc

2016-10-01

Bone loss and the resulting skeletal fragility is induced by several pathological or natural conditions, the most prominent of which being aging as well as the decreased levels of circulating estrogens in post-menopause females. To date, most treatments against bone loss aim at preventing excess bone resorption. We here summarize data indicating that the estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) α and γ prevent bone formation. Inhibiting these receptors may thus constitute an anabolic approach by increasing bone formation.

Impact of radon gas concentration in the aerosoles profile

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

Lukaj, Edmond, E-mail: mondilukaj@yahoo.com; Vila, Floran, E-mail: floranvila@yahoo.com; Mandija, Florian, E-mail: fmandija@yahoo.com

Radon gases relased from building materials and from earth surface are the major responsibility of air ionization. Radon nuclear decay can produce an alpha particle with high energy and Radon progeny. This particle and gamma rays can deliver particles in the air and produce ions with different polarities. This ions, because of induced electric charge, can attach with air aerosols and charge them with their electric charge. The charged aerosols can interact with the other aerosols and ions. Because of this exchange, the air conductivity and the aerosol profiles will change dependently by Radon gas concentration and gamma radiation. Observationsmore » show an increase in concentration of Radon during the night, and a decrease during the daylight time. The Radon gas concentration changed hour by hour can induce aerosol profile to change. This dependency between the aerosol profiles and the Radon gas concentrations is discussed.« less

In vivo gamma-rays induced initial DNA damage and the effect of famotidine in mouse leukocytes as assayed by the alkaline comet assay.

PubMed

Mozdarani, Hossein; Nasirian, Borzo; Haeri, S Abolghasem

2007-03-01

Ionizing radiation induces a variety of lesions in DNA, each of which can be used as a bio-indicator for biological dosimetry or the study of the radioprotective effects of substances. To assess gamma ray-induced DNA damage in vivo in mouse leukocytes at various doses and the effect of famotidine, blood was collected from Balb/c male mice after irradiation with 4 Gy gamma-rays at different time intervals post-irradiation. To assess the response, mice were irradiated with doses of gamma-rays at 1 to 4 Grays. Famotidine was injected intra-peritoneally (i.p) at a dose of 5 mg/kg at various time intervals before irradiation. Four slides were prepared from each sample and alkaline comet assay was performed using standard protocols. Results obtained show that radiation significantly increases DNA damage in leukocytes in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.01) when using appropriate sampling time after irradiation, because increasing sampling time after irradiation resulted in a time dependent disappearance of DNA damage. Treatment with only 5 mg/kg famotidine before 4 Gy irradiation led to almost 50% reduction in DNA damage when compared with those animals which received radiation alone. The radioprotective capability of famotidine might be attributed to radical scavenging properties and an anti-oxidation mechanism.

Glutamic acid ameliorates estrogen deficiency-induced menopausal-like symptoms in ovariectomized mice.

PubMed

Han, Na-Ra; Kim, Hee-Yun; Yang, Woong Mo; Jeong, Hyun-Ja; Kim, Hyung-Min

2015-09-01

Some amino acids are considered alternative therapies for improving menopausal symptoms. Glutamic acid (GA), which is abundant in meats, fish, and protein-rich plant foods, is known to be a neurotransmitter or precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid. Although it is unclear if GA functions in menopausal symptoms, we hypothesized that GA would attenuate estrogen deficiency-induced menopausal symptoms. The objective to test our hypothesis was to examine an estrogenic effect of GA in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells, and ER-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The results demonstrated that administration with GA to mice suppressed body weight gain and vaginal atrophy when compared with the OVX mice. A microcomputed tomographic analysis of the trabecular bone showed increases in bone mineral density, trabecular number, and connectivity density as well as a significant decrease in total porosity of the OVX mice treated with GA. In addition, GA increased serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and estrogen compared with the OVX mice. Furthermore, GA induced proliferation and increased ER-β messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, estrogen response element (ERE) activity, extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, and alkaline phosphatase activity in MG-63 cells. In MCF-7 cells, GA also increased proliferation, Ki-67 mRNA expression, ER-β mRNA expression, and ERE activity. Estrogen response element activity increased by GA was inhibited by an estrogen antagonist. Taken together, our data demonstrated that GA has estrogenic and osteogenic activities in OVX mice, MG-63 cells, and MCF-7 cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PELAN applications and recent field tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Juan J.; Holslin, Daniel T.

2004-10-01

When neutrons interact with particular nuclei, the resulting energy of the interaction can be released in the form of gamma rays, which are characteristic of the nucleus involved in the reaction. The PELAN (Pulsed Elemental Analysis with Neutrons) system uses a pulsed neutron generator and an integral thermalizing shield that induce reactions that cover most of the entire gamma ray energy spectra1. The neutron generator uses a D-T reaction, which releases fast 14MeV neutrons responsible for providing information on those nuclei that mostly respond to inelastic scattering. During the time period between pulses, the fast neutrons undergo multiple inelastic interactions that lower their energy making them easier to be captured by certain nuclei; this energy spectrum of gamma rays induced by these interactions are designated as the gamma ray thermal spectra. The PELAN system has been used for a number of applications where non-intrusive, non-destructive interrogation is needed. Although Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Analysis (PFTNA) has been around for approximately 30 years, the technology has never been successfully commercialized for practical applications. The following report illustrates examples of the performance of on a number of applications of interrogation of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), mine confirmation, large vehicle bombs inspection and illicit drug smuggling detection.

An IFNG SNP with an estrogen-like response element selectively enhances promoter expression in peripheral but not lamina propria T cells.

PubMed

Gonsky, R; Deem, R L; Bream, J H; Young, H A; Targan, S R

2006-07-01

This study examines mucosa-specific regulatory pathways involved in modulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in lamina propria T cells. Previous studies identified mucosa-specific CD2 cis-elements within the -204 to -108 bp IFNG promoter. Within this region, a single-site nucleotide polymorphism, -179G/T, imparts tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation of IFNG in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and is linked with accelerated AIDS progression. We discovered a putative estrogen response element (ERE) introduced by the -179T, which displays selective activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) vs lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC). Transfection of PBMC with constructs containing the -179G or -179T site revealed CD2-mediated enhancement of the -179T compared to -179G allele, although, in LPMC, a similar level of expression was detected. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis demonstrated CD2-mediated nucleoprotein binding to the -179T but not the -179G in PBMC. In LPMC, binding is constitutive to both -179G and -179T regions. Sequence and EMSA analysis suggests that the -179T allele creates an ERE-like binding site capable of binding recombinant estrogen receptor. Estrogen response element transactivation is enhanced by CD2 signaling, but inhibited by estrogen in PBMC but not in LPMC, although expression of estrogen receptor was similar. This is the first report to describe a potential molecular mechanism responsible for selectively controlling IFN-gamma production in LPMC.

Decursin and decursinol angelate inhibit estrogen-stimulated and estrogen-independent growth and survival of breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Cheng; Guo, Junming; Wang, Zhe; Xiao, Bingxiu; Lee, Hyo-Jung; Lee, Eun-Ok; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Lu, Junxuan

2007-01-01

Estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated signaling are crucial for the etiology and progression of human breast cancer. Attenuating ER activities by natural products is a promising strategy to decrease breast cancer risk. We recently discovered that the pyranocoumarin compound decursin and its isomer decursinol angelate (DA) have potent novel antiandrogen receptor signaling activities. Because the ER and the androgen receptor belong to the steroid receptor superfamily, we examined whether these compounds affected ER expression and signaling in breast cancer cells. We treated estrogen-dependent MCF-7 and estrogen-independent MDA MB-231 human breast cancer cells with decursin and DA, and examined cell growth, apoptosis, and ERalpha and ERbeta expression in both cell lines - and, in particular, estrogen-stimulated signaling in the MCF-7 cells. We compared these compounds with decursinol to determine their structure-activity relationship. Decursin and DA exerted growth inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cells through G1 arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis. These compounds decreased ERalpha in MCF-7 cells at both mRNA and protein levels, and suppressed estrogen-stimulated genes. Decursin and the pure antiestrogen Faslodex exerted an additive growth inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells. In MDA MB-231 cells, these compounds induced cell-cycle arrests in the G1 and G2 phases as well as inducing apoptosis, accompanied by an increased expression of ERbeta. In contrast, decursinol, which lacks the side chain of decursin and DA, did not have these cellular and molecular activities at comparable concentrations. The side chain of decursin and DA is crucial for their anti-ER signaling and breast cancer growth inhibitory activities. These data provide mechanistic rationales for validating the chemopreventive and therapeutic efficacy of decursin and its derivatives in preclinical animal models of breast cancer.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in brown trout: Interference of estrogenic and androgenic inputs in primary hepatocytes.

PubMed

Lopes, Célia; Madureira, Tânia Vieira; Ferreira, Nádia; Pinheiro, Ivone; Castro, L Filipe C; Rocha, Eduardo

2016-09-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a pivotal regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism in vertebrates. Here, we isolated and characterized for the first time the PPARγ gene from brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario). Hormones have been reported to interfere with the regulatory function of PPARγ in various organisms, albeit with little focus on fish. Thus, primary hepatocytes isolated from juveniles of brown trout were exposed to 1, 10 and 50μM of ethinylestradiol (EE2) or testosterone (T). A significant (3 fold) decrease was obtained in response to 50μM of EE2 and to 10 and 50μM of T (13 and 14 folds), while a 3 fold increase was observed at 1μM of EE2. Therefore, trout PPARγ seems a target for natural/synthetic compounds with estrogenic or androgenic properties and so, we advocate considering PPARγ as another alert sensor gene when assessing the effects of sex-steroid endocrine disruptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exercise Increases Cystathionine-γ-lyase Expression and Decreases the Status of Oxidative Stress in Myocardium of Ovariectomized Rats.

PubMed

Tang, Zhiping; Wang, Yujun; Zhu, Xiaoyan; Ni, Xin; Lu, Jianqiang

2016-01-01

Exercise could be a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular dysfunction induced by estrogen deficiency. Our previous study has shown that estrogen maintains cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression and inhibits oxidative stress in the myocardium of female rats. In the present study, we investigated whether exercise improves CSE expression and oxidative stress status and ameliorates isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac damage in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The results showed that treadmill training restored the ovariectomy-induced reduction of CSE and estrogen receptor (ER)α and decrease of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and increase of malondialdehyde (MDA). The level of CSE was positively correlated to T-AOC and ERα while inversely correlated to MDA. OVX rats showed increases in the serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the percentage of TUNEL staining in myocardium upon ISO insult compared to sham rats. Exercise training significantly reduced the serum levels of LDH and CK and the percentage of TUNEL staining in myocardium upon ISO insult in OVX rats. In cultured cardiomyocytes, ISO treatment decreased cell viability and increased LDH release, while overexpression of CSE increased cell viability and decreased LDH release in the cells upon ISO insult. The results suggest that exercise training improves the oxidative stress status and ameliorates the cardiac damage induced by oxidative stress in OVX rats. The improvement of oxidative stress status by exercise might be at least partially due to upregulation of CSE/H2S signaling.

Fermi large area telescope observations of the cosmic-ray induced γ -ray emission of the Earth’s atmosphere

DOE PAGES

Abdo, A. A.; Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; ...

2009-12-29

In this paper, we report on measurements of the cosmic-ray induced γ-ray emission of Earth’s atmosphere by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The Large Area Telescope has observed the Earth during its commissioning phase and with a dedicated Earth limb following observation in September 2008. These measurements yielded ~6.4 × 10 6 photons with energies > 100 MeV and ~ 250 hours total live time for the highest quality data selection. This allows the study of the spatial and spectral distributions of these photons with unprecedented detail. In additon, the spectrum of the emission—oftenmore » referred to as Earth albedo gamma-ray emission—has a power-law shape up to 500 GeV with spectral index Γ = 2.79 ± 0.06 .« less

Effects of Platinum Nanocolloid in Combination with Gamma Irradiation on Normal Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells.

PubMed

Li, Qiang; Tanaka, Yoshiharu; Saitoh, Yasukazu; Miwa, Nobuhiko

2016-05-01

Our previous study demonstrated that platinum nanocolloid (Pt-nc), combined with lower-dose gamma irradiation at 3, 5, and 7 Gy significantly decreased proliferation and accelerated apoptosis of the human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line KYSE-70. The aim of the present study was to determine, under the same conditions as our previous study where gamma rays combined with Pt-nc were carcinostatic to KYSE-70 cells, if we could induce a radioprotective or the radiation-sensitizing effect on the human normal esophageal epithelial cells (HEEpiC). HEEpiC were treated with various Pt-nc concentrations and then irradiated with various gamma-ray doses. The proliferative status of HEEpiC was evaluated using trypan blue dye-exclusion and WST-8 assays. The cellular and nucleic morphological features were determined using crystal violet and Hoechst 33342 stainings, respectively. The intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HEEpiC was evaluated with a nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. The apoptotic status was detected with caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 by Western blotting. Either Pt-nc or gamma irradiation could inhibit the growth of HEEpiC; however, their combined use exerted a significant proliferation-inhibitory effect in a Pt-nc dose-dependent manner than gamma irradiation alone. Pt-nc resulted in radiation sensitization rather than radiation protection on HEEpiC in vitro similar to KYSE-70 cells, when Pt-nc was administrated alone or combined with gamma irradiation. Thus, Pt-nc has an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, a facilitative effect on apoptosis, and a certain degree of toxicity against HEEpiC.

Purple sweet potato color attenuates domoic acid-induced cognitive deficits by promoting estrogen receptor-α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis signaling in mice.

PubMed

Lu, Jun; Wu, Dong-Mei; Zheng, Yuan-Lin; Hu, Bin; Cheng, Wei; Zhang, Zi-Feng

2012-02-01

Recent findings suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of domoic acid-induced neurodegeneration. Purple sweet potato color, a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins, has beneficial health and biological effects. Recent studies have also shown that anthocyanins have estrogenic activity and can enhance estrogen receptor-α expression. In this study, we evaluated the effect of purple sweet potato color on cognitive deficits induced by hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction in domoic acid-treated mice and explored the potential mechanisms underlying this effect. Our results showed that the oral administration of purple sweet potato color to domoic acid-treated mice significantly improved their behavioral performance in a step-through passive avoidance task and a Morris water maze task. These improvements were mediated, at least in part, by a stimulation of estrogen receptor-α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis signaling and by decreases in the expression of p47phox and gp91phox. Decreases in reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation were also observed, along with a blockade of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. Furthermore, purple sweet potato color significantly suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, which prevented neuron loss and restored the expression of memory-related proteins. However, knockdown of estrogen receptor-α using short hairpin RNA only partially blocked the neuroprotective effects of purple sweet potato color in the hippocampus of mice cotreated with purple sweet potato color and domoic acid, indicating that purple sweet potato color acts through multiple pathways. These results suggest that purple sweet potato color could be a possible candidate for the prevention and treatment of cognitive deficits in excitotoxic and other brain disorders. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)-Induced Apoptosis and Neurotoxicity are Mediated via the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) but not by Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα), Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ), or Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) in Mouse Cortical Neurons.

PubMed

Wójtowicz, Anna K; Szychowski, Konrad A; Wnuk, Agnieszka; Kajta, Małgorzata

2017-01-01

Dibutyl phthalate (di-n-butyl phthalate, DBP) is one of the most commonly used phthalate esters. DBP is widely used as a plasticizer in a variety of household industries and consumer products. Because phthalates are not chemically bound to products, they can easily leak out to enter the environment. DBP can pass through the placental and blood-brain barriers due to its chemical structure, but little is known about its mechanism of action in neuronal cells. This study demonstrated the toxic and apoptotic effects of DBP in mouse neocortical neurons in primary cultures. DBP stimulated caspase-3 and LDH activities as well as ROS formation in a concentration (10 nM-100 µM) and time-dependent (3-48 h) manner. DBP induced ROS formation at nanomolar concentrations, while it activated caspase-3 and LDH activities at micromolar concentrations. The biochemical effects of DBP were accompanied by decreased cell viability and induction of apoptotic bodies. Exposure to DBP reduced Erα and Pparγ mRNA expression levels, which were inversely correlated with protein expression of the receptors. Treatment with DBP enhanced Ahr mRNA expression, which was reflected by the increased AhR protein level observed at 3 h after exposure. ERα, ERβ, and PPARγ antagonists stimulated DBP-induced caspase-3 and LDH activities. AhR silencing demonstrated that DBP-induced apoptosis and neurotoxicity are mediated by AhR, which is consistent with the results from DBP-induced enhancement of AhR mRNA and protein expression. Our study showed that AhR is involved in DBP-induced apoptosis and neurotoxicity, while the ERs and PPARγ signaling pathways are impaired by the phthalate.

New Identification of the Mixed-Morphology Supernova Remnant G298.6-0.0 with Possible Gamma-Ray Association

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bamba, Aya; Sawada, Makoto; Nakano, Yuto; Terada, Yukikatsu; Hewitt, John; Petre, Robert; Angelini, Lorella

2015-01-01

We present an X-ray analysis on the Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G298.6-0.0 observed with Suzaku. The X-ray image shows a center-filled structure inside a radio shell, implying that this SNR can be categorized as a mixed-morphology (MM) SNR. The spectrum is well reproduced by a single-temperature plasma model in ionization equilibrium, with a temperature of 0.78 (0.70-0.87) keV. The total plasma mass of 30M indicates that the plasma has an interstellar medium origin. The association with a GeV gamma-ray source, 3FGL J1214.0-6236, on the shell of the SNR is discussed, in comparison with other MMSNRs with GeV gamma-ray associations. It is found that the flux ratio between absorption-corrected thermal X-rays and GeV gamma-rays decreases as the physical size of MMSNRs becomes larger. The absorption-corrected thermal X-ray flux of G298.6-0.0 and the GeV gamma-ray flux of 3FGL J1214.0-6236 closely follow this trend, implying that 3FGL J1214.0-6236 is likely to be a GeV counterpart of G298.6-0.0.

A correlation between hard gamma-ray sources and cosmic voids along the line of sight

DOE PAGES

Furniss, A.; Sutter, P. M.; Primack, J. R.; ...

2014-11-25

We estimate the galaxy density along lines of sight to hard extragalactic gamma-ray sources by correlating source positions on the sky with a void catalog based on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Extragalactic gamma-ray sources that are detected at very high energy (VHE; E > 100 GeV) or have been highlighted as VHE-emitting candidates in the Fermi Large Area Telescope hard source catalog (together referred to as “VHE-like” sources) are distributed along underdense lines of sight at the 2.4σ level. There is a less suggestive correlation for the Fermi hard source population (1.7σ). A correlation between 10-500 GeV fluxmore » and underdense fraction along the line of sight for VHE-like and Fermi hard sources is found at 2.4σ and 2.6σ, calculated from the Pearson correlation coefficients of r = 0.57 and 0.47, respectively. The preference for underdense sight lines is not displayed by gamma-ray emitting galaxies within the second Fermi catalog, containing sources detected above 100 MeV, or the SDSS DR7 quasar catalog. We investigate whether this marginal correlation might be a result of lower extragalactic background light (EBL) photon density within the underdense regions and find that, even in the most extreme case of a entirely underdense sight line, the EBL photon density is only 2% less than the nominal EBL density. Translating this into gamma-ray attenuation along the line of sight for a highly attenuated source with opacity τ(E, z) ~ 5, we estimate that the attentuation of gamma-rays decreases no more than 10%. This decrease, although non-neglible, is unable to account for the apparent hard source correlation with underdense lines of sight.« less

Monte Carlo Simulations of Background Spectra in Integral Imager Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armstrong, T. W.; Colborn, B. L.; Dietz, K. L.; Ramsey, B. D.; Weisskopf, M. C.

1998-01-01

Predictions of the expected gamma-ray backgrounds in the ISGRI (CdTe) and PiCsIT (Csl) detectors on INTEGRAL due to cosmic-ray interactions and the diffuse gamma-ray background have been made using a coupled set of Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (HETC, FLUKA, EGS4, and MORSE) and a detailed, 3-D mass model of the spacecraft and detector assemblies. The simulations include both the prompt background component from induced hadronic and electromagnetic cascades and the delayed component due to emissions from induced radioactivity. Background spectra have been obtained with and without the use of active (BGO) shielding and charged particle rejection to evaluate the effectiveness of anticoincidence counting on background rejection.

[Antimutagenic activity of plant extracts from Armoracia rusticana, Ficus carica and Zea mays and peroxidase in eukaryotic cells].

PubMed

Agabeĭli, R A; Kasimova, T E; Alekperov, U K

2004-01-01

Antimutagene activity and high efficiency of antimutagene action of plant extracts from horseradish roots (Armoracia rusticana), fig brunches (Ficus carica) and mays seedlings (Zea mays) and their ability to decrease the frequency of spontaneous and induced by gamma-rays chromosome aberrations in meristematic cells of Vicia faba and marrow cells of mice have been shown. Comparative assessment of genoprotective properties of peroxidase and the studied extracts has revealed higher efficiency of antimutagene action of peroxidase.

Induced parthenogenesis by gamma-irradiated pollen in loquat for haploid production.

PubMed

Blasco, Manuel; Badenes, María Luisa; Del Mar Naval, María

2016-09-01

Successful haploid induction in loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) through in situ-induced parthenogenesis with gamma-ray irradiated pollen has been achieved. Female flowers of cultivar 'Algerie' were pollinated using pollen of cultivars 'Changhong-3', 'Cox' and 'Saval Brasil' irradiated with two doses of gamma rays, 150 and 300 Gy. The fruits were harvested 90, 105 and 120 days after pollination (dap). Four haploid plants were obtained from 'Algerie' pollinated with 300-Gy-treated pollen of 'Saval Brasil' from fruits harvested 105 dap. Haploidy was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome count. The haploids showed a very weak development compared to the diploid plants. This result suggests that irradiated pollen can be used to obtain parthenogenetic haploids.

[Osteoporosis and stress].

PubMed

Kumano, Hiroaki

2005-09-01

There may be three ways of relationship between stress and osteoporosis. The first is that stress induces some physiological changes leading to osteoporosis. The second is that stress induces behavioral distortion of eating, drinking, exercise, and sleep habits, which leads to osteoporosis. The third is that osteoporosis, on the other hand, brings about anxiety, depression, loss of social roles, and social isolation, which leads to stress. The susceptible sex and age groups are postmenopausal women and young women. The abrupt decrease of estrogen in postmenopausal women promotes reabsorption of bone, and it was also reported that the increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that is downstream of estrogen was related to the production of osteoclast and to the development of disability of the aged. Regarding the association with stress, while it was reported that depression or depressive states directly increased inflammation-induced cytokines including IL-6, it was also pointed out that stress-induced easy infectious may produce chronic infection, which indirectly increases inflammation-induced cytokines. Anorexia Nervosa that is assumed to be associated with adolescent developmental stress is noteworthy in young women. Amenorrhea is always present in this disease, and in addition to bone reabsorption associated with estrogen deficiency, the decrease of bone formation associated with malnutrition may be related to the development of osteoporosis.

Classifying threats with a 14-MeV neutron interrogation system.

PubMed

Strellis, Dan; Gozani, Tsahi

2005-01-01

SeaPODDS (Sea Portable Drug Detection System) is a non-intrusive tool for detecting concealed threats in hidden compartments of maritime vessels. This system consists of an electronic neutron generator, a gamma-ray detector, a data acquisition computer, and a laptop computer user-interface. Although initially developed to detect narcotics, recent algorithm developments have shown that the system is capable of correctly classifying a threat into one of four distinct categories: narcotic, explosive, chemical weapon, or radiological dispersion device (RDD). Detection of narcotics, explosives, and chemical weapons is based on gamma-ray signatures unique to the chemical elements. Elements are identified by their characteristic prompt gamma-rays induced by fast and thermal neutrons. Detection of RDD is accomplished by detecting gamma-rays emitted by common radioisotopes and nuclear reactor fission products. The algorithm phenomenology for classifying threats into the proper categories is presented here.

CHANGES IN FLAVONOIDS INDUCED BY $gamma$-RAY IRRADIATION (in Japanese)

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

Mizuno, T.; Kinpyo, T.

1960-07-01

Ethanol or pyridine solutions of five flavonoids, i.e., myricetin, quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin, were irradiated with gamma -rays (source Co/sup 60/). Results show that the decomposition of flavonoids increased with the increase of the total-dose gamma rays (0.5 to 770 k. r.) and that glycosides such as quercitrin and rutin were more stable than aglycons, such as myricetin or quercetin. It was found that monosaccharides and aglycons, which are the components of glycosides, were formed by gamma -ray decomposition of glycosides, such as quercitrin, rutin, or hesperidin, and that by the decomposition of aglycons such as myricetin or quercetinmore » an unknown substance (showing its peak at 297 m mu in ultraviolet absorption spectra) was formed. Infrared absorption spectra of the substances produced by radiolysis from the above-mentioned flavonoids were compared with those of the flavonoids. (auth)« less

Wavelet imaging cleaning method for atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lessard, R. W.; Cayón, L.; Sembroski, G. H.; Gaidos, J. A.

2002-07-01

We present a new method of image cleaning for imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The method is based on the utilization of wavelets to identify noise pixels in images of gamma-ray and hadronic induced air showers. This method selects more signal pixels with Cherenkov photons than traditional image processing techniques. In addition, the method is equally efficient at rejecting pixels with noise alone. The inclusion of more signal pixels in an image of an air shower allows for a more accurate reconstruction, especially at lower gamma-ray energies that produce low levels of light. We present the results of Monte Carlo simulations of gamma-ray and hadronic air showers which show improved angular resolution using this cleaning procedure. Data from the Whipple Observatory's 10-m telescope are utilized to show the efficacy of the method for extracting a gamma-ray signal from the background of hadronic generated images.

Estrogen Modulation of MgATPase Activity of Nonmuscle Myosin-II-B Filaments

PubMed Central

Gorodeski, George I.

2008-01-01

The study tested the hypothesis that estrogen controls epithelial paracellular resistance through modulation of myosin. The objective was to understand how estrogen modulates non-muscle myosin-II-B (NMM-II-B), the main component of the cortical actomyosin in human epithelial cervical cells. Experiments used human cervical epithelial cells CaSki as a model, and end points were NMM-II-B phosphorylation, filamentation, and MgATPase activity. The results were as follows: 1) treatment with estrogen increased phosphorylation and MgATPase activity and decreased NMM-II-B filamentation; 2) estrogen effects could be blocked by antisense nucleotides for the estrogen receptor-α and by ICI-182,780, tamoxifen, and the casein kinase-II (CK2) inhibitor, 5,6-dichloro-1-β-(D)-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole and attenuated by AG1478 and PD98059 (inhibitors of epithelial growth factor receptor and ERK/MAPK) but not staurosporine [blocker of protein kinase C (PKC)]; 3) treatments with the PKC activator sn-1,2-di-octanoyl diglyceride induced biphasic effect on NMM-II-B MgATPase activity: an increase at 1 nM to 1 μM and a decrease in activity at more than 1 μM; 4) sn-1,2-dioctanoyl diglyceride also decreased NMM-II-B filamentation in a monophasic and saturable dose dependence (EC50 1–10 μM); 5) when coincubated directly with purified NMM-II-B filaments, both CK2 and PKC decreased filamentation and increased MgATPase activity; 6) assays done on disassembled NMM-II-B filaments showed MgATPase activity in filaments obtained from estrogen-treated cells but not estrogen-depleted cells; and 7) incubations in vitro with CK2, but not PKC, facilitated MgATPase activity, even in disassembled NMM-II-B filaments. The results suggest that estrogen, in an effect mediated by estrogen receptor-α and CK2 and involving the epithelial growth factor receptor and ERK/MAPK cascades, increases NMM-II-B MgATPase activity independent of NMM-II-B filamentation status. PMID:17023528

Pair Production and Gamma-Ray Emission in the Outer Magnetospheres of Rapidly Spinning Young Pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruderman, Malvin; Chen, Kaiyou

1997-01-01

Electron-positron pair production and acceleration in the outer magnetosphere may be crucial for a young rapidly spinning canonical pulsar to be a strong Gamma-ray emitter. Collision between curvature radiated GeV photons and soft X-ray photons seems to be the only efficient pair production mechanism. For Crib-like pulsars, the magnetic field near the light cylinder is so strong, such that the synchrotron radiation of secondary pairs will be in the needed X-ray range. However, for majority of the known Gamma-ray pulsars, surface emitted X-rays seem to work as the matches and fuels for a gamma-ray generation fireball in the outer magnetosphere. The needed X-rays could come from thermal emission of a cooling neutron star or could be the heat generated by bombardment of the polar cap by energetic particles generated in the outer magnetosphere. With detection of more Gamma-ray pulsars, it is becoming evident that the neutron star's intrisic geometry (the inclination angle between the rotation and magnetic axes) and observational geometry (the viewing angle with respect to the rotation axis) are crucial to the understanding of varieties of observational properties exhibited by these pulsars. Inclination angles for many known high energy Gamma-ray pulsars appear to be large and the distribution seems to be consistent with random orientation. However, all of them except Geminga are pre-selected from known radio pulsars. The viewing angles are thus limited to be around the respective inclination angles for beamed radio emission, which may induce strong selection effect. The viewing angles as well as the inclination angles of PSR 1509-58 and PSB 0656+14 may be small such that most of the high energy Gamma-rays produced in the outer accelerators may not reach the observer's direction. The observed Gamma-rays below 5 MeV from this pulsar may be synchrotron radiation of secondary electron-positron pairs produced outside the accelerating regions.

p53 inactivation decreases dependence on estrogen/ERK signalling for proliferation but promotes EMT and susceptility to 3-bromopyruvate in ERα+ breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

PubMed

Rieber, Manuel; Strasberg-Rieber, Mary

2014-03-15

Most breast cancers express the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα(+)), harbor wt TP53, depend on estrogen/ERK signalling for proliferation, and respond to anti-estrogens. However, concomittant activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/MEK pathway promotes resistance by decreasing estrogen dependence. Previously, we showed that retroviral transduction of mutant p53 R175H into wt TP53 ERα(+) MCF-7 cells induces epidermal growth factor (EGF)-independent proliferation, activation of the EGF receptor (p-EGFR) and some characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To investigate whether p53 inactivation augments ERα(+) cell proliferation in response to restrictive estradiol, chemical MEK inhibition or metabolic inhibitors. Introduction of mutant p53 R175H lowered expression of p53-dependent PUMA and p21WAF1, decreased E-cadherin and cytokeratin 18 associated with EMT, but increased the % of proliferating ERα(+)/Ki67 cells, diminishing estrogen dependence. These cells also exhibited higher proliferation in the presence of MEK-inhibitor UO126, reciprocally correlating with preferential susceptibility to the pyruvate analog 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) without a comparable response to 2-deoxyglucose. p53 siRNA silencing by electroporation in wt TP53 MCF-7 cells also decreased estrogen dependence and response to MEK inhibition, while also conferring susceptibility to 3-BrPA. (a) ERα(+) breast cancer cells dysfunctional for TP53 which proliferate irrespective of low estrogen and chemical MEK inhibition are likely to increase metabolic consumption becoming increasingly susceptible to 3-BrPA; (b) targeting the pyruvate pathway may improve response to endocrine therapy in ERα(+) breast cancer with p53 dysfunction. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electron-positron pairs, Compton reflection, and the X-ray spectra of active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zdziarski, Andrzej A.; Ghisellini, Gabriele; George, Ian M.; Fabian, A. C.; Svensson, Roland; Done, Chris

1990-01-01

It is shown here that reprocessing of radiation fron nonthermal pair cascades by cold material in the central parts of active galactic nuclei (AGN) gives rise to X-ray and gamma-ray spectra that satisfy current observational constraints. An average 1-30 keV X-ray spectral index alpha(x) of about 0.7 in the compact range 30-300 is obtained for a wide range of Lorentz factors of the injected electrons. The gamma-ray spectra are steep, with alpha(gamma) about two, and satisfy the observational constraints. Radiation from pair cascades exhibits steep power law decreases in soft X-rays similar to those observed in AGN. The overall picture is consistent with AGN having an accretion disk which intercepts and reprocesses a substantial fraction of the nonthermal continuum incident upon it from above and below.

Characterization of modified PVDF membrane by gamma irradiation for non-potable water reuse.

PubMed

Lim, Seung Joo; Kim, Tak-Hyun; Shin, In Hwan

2015-01-01

Poly(vinylidene fluorine) (PVDF) membranes were grafted by gamma-ray irradiation and were sulfonated by sodium sulfite to modify the surface of the membranes. The characteristics of the modified PVDF membranes were evaluated by the data of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), the contact angle of the membrane surface and the water permeability. From the results of FT-IR, XPS and FE-SEM, it was shown that the modified membranes were successfully grafted by gamma-ray irradiation and were sulfonated. The content of oxygen and sulfur increased with the monomer concentration, while the content of fluorine sharply decreased. The pore size of the modified membranes decreased after gamma-ray irradiation. The contact angle and the water permeability showed that the hydrophilicity of the modified membranes played a role in determining the membrane performance. The feasibility study of the modified PVDF membranes for using non-potable water reuse were carried out using a laboratory-scale microfiltration system. Grey wastewater was used as the influent in the filtration unit, and permeate quality satisfied non-potable water reuse guidelines in the Republic of Korea.

Automation system for measurement of gamma-ray spectra of induced activity for multi-element high volume neutron activation analysis at the reactor IBR-2 of Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics at the joint institute for nuclear research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlov, S. S.; Dmitriev, A. Yu.; Chepurchenko, I. A.; Frontasyeva, M. V.

2014-11-01

The automation system for measurement of induced activity of gamma-ray spectra for multi-element high volume neutron activation analysis (NAA) was designed, developed and implemented at the reactor IBR-2 at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics. The system consists of three devices of automatic sample changers for three Canberra HPGe detector-based gamma spectrometry systems. Each sample changer consists of two-axis of linear positioning module M202A by DriveSet company and disk with 45 slots for containers with samples. Control of automatic sample changer is performed by the Xemo S360U controller by Systec company. Positioning accuracy can reach 0.1 mm. Special software performs automatic changing of samples and measurement of gamma spectra at constant interaction with the NAA database.

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

Lane, Taylor; Parma, Edward J.

Delayed fission gamma-rays play an important role in determining the time dependent ioniz- ing dose for experiments in the central irradiation cavity of the Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR). Delayed gamma-rays are produced from both fission product decay and from acti- vation of materials in the core, such as cladding and support structures. Knowing both the delayed gamma-ray emission rate and the time-dependent gamma-ray energy spectrum is nec- essary in order to properly determine the dose contributions from delayed fission gamma-rays. This information is especially important when attempting to deconvolute the time-dependent neutron, prompt gamma-ray, and delayed gamma-ray contribution tomore » the response of a diamond photo-conducting diode (PCD) or fission chamber in time frames of milliseconds to seconds following a reactor pulse. This work focused on investigating delayed gamma-ray character- istics produced from fission products from thermal, fast, and high energy fission of Th-232, U-233, U-235, U-238, and Pu-239. This work uses a modified version of CINDER2008, a transmutation code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, to model time and energy dependent photon characteristics due to fission. This modified code adds the capability to track photon-induced transmutations, photo-fission, and the subsequent radiation caused by fission products due to photo-fission. The data is compared against previous work done with SNL- modified CINDER2008 [ 1 ] and experimental data [ 2 , 3 ] and other published literature, includ- ing ENDF/B-VII.1 [ 4 ]. The ability to produce a high-fidelity (7,428 group) energy-dependent photon fluence at various times post-fission can improve the delayed photon characterization for radiation effects tests at research reactors, as well as other applications.« less

Opposite effects of tamoxifen on metabolic syndrome-induced bladder and prostate alterations: a role for GPR30/GPER?

PubMed

Comeglio, P; Morelli, A; Cellai, I; Vignozzi, L; Sarchielli, E; Filippi, S; Maneschi, E; Corcetto, F; Corno, C; Gacci, M; Vannelli, G B; Maggi, M

2014-01-01

BPH and LUTS have been associated to obesity, hypogonadism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations, including inflammation and tissue remodeling, have been related to a low-testosterone and high-estrogen milieu. In addition to ERs, GPR30/GPER is able to mediate several estrogenic non-genomic actions. Supplementing a subgroup of MetS rabbits with tamoxifen, we analyzed the in vivo effects on MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations. The effects of selective ER/GPER ligands and GPER silencing on prostate inflammation were also studied in vitro using hBPH cells. ERα, ERβ, and PR expression was upregulated in MetS bladder, where tamoxifen decreased ERα and PR expression, further stimulating ERβ. In addition, tamoxifen-dosing decreased MetS-induced overexpression of inflammatory and tissue remodeling genes. In prostate, sex steroid receptors, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes were upregulated in MetS. However, tamoxifen did not affect them and even increased COX-2. In hBPH cells, 17β-estradiol increased IL-8 secretion, an effect blunted by co-treatment with GPER antagonist G15 but not by ER antagonist ICI 182,780, which further increased it. GPER agonist G1 dose-dependently (IC50  = 1.6 nM) induced IL-8 secretion. In vitro analysis demonstrated that GPER silencing reverted these stimulatory effects. GPER can be considered the main mediator of estrogen action in prostate, whereas in bladder the mechanism appears to rely on ERα, as indicated by in vivo experiments with tamoxifen dosing. Limiting the effects of the MetS-induced estrogen action via GPER could offer new perspectives in the management of BPH/LUTS, whereas tamoxifen dosing showed potential benefits in bladder. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Induction and disappearance of G2 chromatid breaks in lymphocytes after low doses of low-LET gamma-rays and high-LET fast neutrons.

PubMed

Vral, A; Thierens, H; Baeyens, A; De Ridder, L

2002-04-01

To determine by means of the G2 assay the number of chromatid breaks induced by low-LET gamma-rays and high-LET neutrons, and to compare the kinetics of chromatid break rejoining for radiations of different quality. The G2 assay was performed on blood samples of four healthy donors who were irradiated with low-LET gamma-rays and high-LET neutrons. In a first set of experiments a dose-response curve for the formation of chromatid breaks was carried out for gamma-rays and neutrons with doses ranging between 0.1 and 0.5 Gy. In a second set of experiments, the kinetics of chromatid break formation and disappearance were investigated after a dose of 0.5 Gy using post-irradiation times ranging between 0.5 and 3.5 h. For the highest dose of 0.5 Gy, the number of isochromatid breaks was also scored. No significant differences in the number of chromatid breaks were observed between low-LET gamma-rays and high-LET neutrons for the four donors at any of the doses given. The dose-response curves for the formation of chromatid breaks are linear for both radiation qualities and RBEs = 1 were obtained. Scoring of isochromatid breaks at the highest dose of 0.5 Gy revealed that high-LET neutrons were, however, more effective at inducing isochromatid breaks (RBE = 6.2). The rejoining experiments further showed that the kinetics of disappearance of chromatid breaks following irradiation with low-LET gamma-rays or high-LET neutrons were not significantly different. Half-times of 0.92 h for gamma-rays and 0.84 h for neutrons were obtained. Applying the G2 assay, the results demonstrate that at low doses of irradiation, the induction as well as the disappearance of chromatid breaks is independent of the LET of the radiation qualities used (0.24 keV x microm(-1) 60Co gamma-rays and 20 keV x microm(-1) fast neutrons). As these radiation qualities produce the same initial number of double-strand breaks, the results support the signal model that proposes that chromatid breaks are the result of an exchange process which is triggered by a single double-strand break.

Dose response and repair kinetics of gamma-H2AX foci induced by in vitro irradiation of whole blood and T-lymphocytes with X- and gamma-radiation.

PubMed

Beels, Laurence; Werbrouck, Joke; Thierens, Hubert

2010-09-01

Dose response and repair kinetics of phosphorylated histone H2A isoform X (gamma-H2AX) foci in T-lymphocytes were investigated in the low-dose range after in vitro irradiation of whole blood and T-lymphocytes with 100 kVp X-rays and (60)Co gamma-rays. Whole blood or isolated T-lymphocytes were irradiated in vitro and gamma-H2AX foci were scored. Dose response was determined in the 0-500 mGy dose range. Foci kinetics were studied at doses of 5 and 200 mGy up to 24 h post-irradiation. After X-irradiation, the dose response for whole blood shows a biphasic behaviour with a low-dose hypersensitivity, which is less pronounced for isolated T-lymphocytes. In contrast, gamma-radiation shows a linear dose response for both irradiation conditions. Concerning repair kinetics, delayed repair was found after X-ray whole blood irradiation (5 and 200 mGy) with 40% of the foci persisting 24 h post-irradiation. This number of foci is reduced to 10% after irradiation of isolated T-lymphocytes with 200 mGy X-rays. On the contrary, gamma-H2AX foci are reduced to background levels 24 h post-irradiation with 200 mGy (60)Co gamma-rays. gamma-H2AX foci response and repair kinetics depend on irradiation conditions and radiation quality, possibly linked to Bystander response.

Expression and signaling of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) in rat sertoli cells.

PubMed

Lucas, Thaís F G; Royer, Carine; Siu, Erica R; Lazari, Maria Fatima M; Porto, Catarina S

2010-08-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and signaling of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) in cultured immature rat Sertoli cells--in which we have previously described the classical estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2). Expression of GPER in cultured Sertoli cells from 15-day-old rats was detected by RT-PCR and immunoassays. Gper transcripts also were present in testes from 5-, 15-, and 120-day-old rats. Short-term treatment of Sertoli cells with 17beta-estradiol (E2), the GPER agonist G-1, or the ESR antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) rapidly activated MAPK3/1 (ERK1/2), even after down-regulation of ESR1 and ESR2, suggesting a role for GPER in the rapid E2 action in these cells. MAPK3/1 phosphorylation induced by ICI or G-1 was blocked by pertussis toxin, selective inhibitor of the SRC family of protein tyrosine kinases, metalloprotease inhibitor, MAP2K1/2 inhibitor, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor. Furthermore, E2, but not G-1, induced up-regulation of cyclin D1 in the Sertoli cells. This effect was blocked by ICI. E2 and G-1 decreased BAX and increased BCL2 expression and these effects were blocked by MAP2K1/2 inhibitor and EGFR kinase inhibitor. The pretreatment with ICI did not block the effect of E2. Taken together, these results indicate that in Sertoli cells 1) GPER-mediated MAPK3/1 activation occurs via EGFR transactivation through G protein beta gamma subunits that promote SRC-mediated metalloprotease-dependent release of EGFR ligands, which bind to EGFR and lead to MAPK3/1 phosphorylation; 2) E2-ESRs play a role in Sertoli cell proliferation; and 3) E2-GPER may regulate gene expression involved with apoptosis. ESR and GPER may mediate actions important for Sertoli cell function and maintenance of normal testis development and homeostasis.

Co-expression of antioxidant enzymes with expression of p53, DNA repair, and heat shock protein genes in the gamma ray-irradiated hermaphroditic fish Kryptolebias marmoratus larvae.

PubMed

Rhee, Jae-Sung; Kim, Bo-Mi; Kim, Ryeo-Ok; Seo, Jung Soo; Kim, Il-Chan; Lee, Young-Mi; Lee, Jae-Seong

2013-09-15

To investigate effects of gamma ray irradiation in the hermaphroditic fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus larvae, we checked expression of p53, DNA repair, and heat shock protein genes with several antioxidant enzyme activities by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and biochemical methods in response to different doses of gamma radiation. As a result, the level of gamma radiation-induced DNA damage was initiated after 4Gy of radiation, and biochemical and molecular damage became substantial from 8Gy. In particular, several DNA repair mechanism-related genes were significantly modulated in the 6Gy gamma radiation-exposed fish larvae, suggesting that upregulation of such DNA repair genes was closely associated with cell survival after gamma irradiation. The mRNA expression of p53 and most hsps was also significantly upregulated at high doses of gamma radiation related to cellular damage. This finding indicates that gamma radiation can induce oxidative stress with associated antioxidant enzyme activities, and linked to modulation of the expression of DNA repair-related genes as one of the defense mechanisms against radiation damage. This study provides a better understanding of the molecular mode of action of defense mechanisms upon gamma radiation in fish larvae. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Meng, Ling-Jian

A gamma ray detector apparatus comprises a solid state detector that includes a plurality of anode pixels and at least one cathode. The solid state detector is configured for receiving gamma rays during an interaction and inducing a signal in an anode pixel and in a cathode. An anode pixel readout circuit is coupled to the plurality of anode pixels and is configured to read out and process the induced signal in the anode pixel and provide triggering and addressing information. A waveform sampling circuit is coupled to the at least one cathode and configured to read out and processmore » the induced signal in the cathode and determine energy of the interaction, timing of the interaction, and depth of interaction.« less

Novel drift structures for silicon and compound semiconductor X-ray and gamma-ray detectors

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

Patt, B.E.; Iwanczyk, J.S.

Recently developed silicon- and compound-semiconductor-based drift detector structures have produced excellent performance for charged particles, X-rays, and gamma rays and for low-signal visible light detection. The silicon drift detector (SDD) structures that the authors discuss relate to direct X-ray detectors and scintillation photon detectors coupled with scintillators for gamma rays. Recent designs include several novel features that ensure very low dark current and hence low noise. In addition, application of thin window technology ensures a very high quantum efficiency entrance window on the drift photodetector. The main features of the silicon drift structures for X rays and light detection aremore » very small anode capacitance independent of the overall detector size, low noise, and high throughput. To take advantage of the small detector capacitance, the first stage of the electronics needs to be integrated into the detector anode. In the gamma-ray application, factors other than electronic noise dominate, and there is no need to integrate the electronics into the anode. Thus, a different drift structure is needed in conjunction with a high-Z material. The main features in this case are large active detector volume and electron-only induced signal.« less

Estrogen regulates the rate of bone turnover but bone balance in ovariectomized rats is modulated by prevailing mechanical strain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westerlind, K. C.; Wronski, T. J.; Ritman, E. L.; Luo, Z. P.; An, K. N.; Bell, N. H.; Turner, R. T.

1997-01-01

Estrogen deficiency induced bone loss is associated with increased bone turnover in rats and humans. The respective roles of increased bone turnover and altered balance between bone formation and bone resorption in mediating estrogen deficiency-induced cancellous bone loss was investigated in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy resulted in increased bone turnover in the distal femur. However, cancellous bone was preferentially lost in the metaphysis, a site that normally experiences low strain energy. No bone loss was observed in the epiphysis, a site experiencing higher strain energy. The role of mechanical strain in maintaining bone balance was investigated by altering the strain history. Mechanical strain was increased and decreased in long bones of ovariectomized rats by treadmill exercise and functional unloading, respectively. Functional unloading was achieved during orbital spaceflight and following unilateral sciatic neurotomy. Increasing mechanical loading reduced bone loss in the metaphysis. In contrast, decreasing loading accentuated bone loss in the metaphysis and resulted in bone loss in the epiphysis. Finally, administration of estrogen to ovariectomized rats reduced bone loss in the unloaded and prevented loss in the loaded limb following unilateral sciatic neurotomy in part by reducing indices of bone turnover. These results suggest that estrogen regulates the rate of bone turnover, but the overall balance between bone formation and bone resorption is influenced by prevailing levels of mechanical strain.

Prompt fission gamma-ray emission spectral data for 239Pu(n,f) using fast directional neutrons from the LICORNE neutron source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, L.; Wilson, J. N.; Lebois, M.; Al-Adili, A.; Chatillon, A.; Choudhury, D.; Gatera, A.; Georgiev, G.; Göök, A.; Laurent, B.; Maj, A.; Matea, I.; Oberstedt, A.; Oberstedt, S.; Rose, S. J.; Schmitt, C.; Wasilewska, B.; Zeiser, F.

2018-03-01

Prompt fission gamma-ray spectra (PFGS) have been measured for the 239Pu(n,f) reaction using fast neutrons at Ēn=1.81 MeV produced by the LICORNE directional neutron source. The setup makes use of LaBr3 scintillation detectors and PARIS phoswich detectors to measure the emitted prompt fission gamma rays (PFG). The mean multiplicity, average total energy release per fission and average energy of photons are extracted from the unfolded PFGS. These new measurements provide complementary information to other recent work on thermal neutron induced fission of 239Pu and spontaneous fission of 252Cf.

Effective atomic numbers of blue topaz at different gamma-rays energies obtained from Compton scattering technique

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

Tuschareon, S., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com; Limkitjaroenporn, P., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com; Kaewkhao, J., E-mail: tuscharoen@hotmail.com

2014-03-24

Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, brown, pink-to-violet and blue. All of these color differences are due to color centers. In order to improve the color of natural colorless topaz, the most commonly used is irradiated with x- or gamma-rays, indicated that attenuation parameters is important to enhancements by irradiation. In this work, the mass attenuation coefficients of blue topaz were measured at the different energy of γ-rays using the Compton scattering technique. The results show that, the experimental values of mass attenuation coefficient are in good agreement with the theoretical values. The mass attenuationmore » coefficients increase with the decrease in gamma rays energies. This may be attributed to the higher photon interaction probability of blue topaz at lower energy. This result is a first report of mass attenuation coefficient of blue topaz at different gamma rays energies.« less

[An investigation of the effect of gamma rays emitted by patients undergoing radionuclide bone scintigraphy in computed radiography during X-ray mammography examination].

PubMed

Kamigiri, Akira; Nagasawa, Naoki; Yamaji, Masami; Nakamura, Mikako; Ito, Morihiro; Nakanishi, Satoshi; Kitano, Tokio

2010-03-20

For convenience of outpatients, mammographies of outpatients are often taken after the injection of a radionuclide. In this study, we investigated the effects of gamma rays emitted by a patient onto imaging plates (IPs). We used a flat container filled with (99m)Tc solution as a planar source to irradiate gamma rays onto IPs. We changed irradiation times on each IP, and took radiographies of an ACR-specified 156 model phantom and AGH-D210F phantom. We evaluated radiography images, using visual evaluation, and profile curves, histograms, and CNR and RMS granularities analyses. The results indicated that the depiction ability of a fibrous part began to fall when the irradiation time exceeded 3 minutes. With an increase in irradiation time, an increase in pixel value and RMS granularity value and a decrease in CNR value were observed. In conclusion, IP exposed by gamma rays influenced the evaluation of phantom images.

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

PubMed Central

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

2013-01-01

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

Effect of antimony-oxide on the shielding properties of some sodium-boro-silicate glasses.

PubMed

Zoulfakar, A M; Abdel-Ghany, A M; Abou-Elnasr, T Z; Mostafa, A G; Salem, S M; El-Bahnaswy, H H

2017-09-01

Some sodium-silicate-boro-antimonate glasses having the molecular composition [(20) Na 2 O - (20) SiO 2 - (60-x) B 2 O 3 - (x) Sb 2 O 3 (where x takes the values 0, 5 … or 20)] have been prepared by the melt quenching method. The melting and annealing temperatures were 1500 and 650K respectively. The amorphous nature of the prepared samples was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Both the experimental and empirical density and molar volume values showed gradual increase with increasing Sb 2 O 3 content. The empirical densities showed higher values than those obtained experimentally, while the empirical molar volume values appeared lower than those obtained experimentally, which confirm the amorphous nature and randomness character of the studied samples. The experimentally obtained shielding parameters were approximately coincident with those obtained theoretically by applying WinXCom program. At low gamma-ray energies (0.356 and 0.662MeV) Sb 2 O 3 has approximately no effect on the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient, while at high energies it acts to increase the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient gradually. The obtained Half Value Layer and Mean Free Path values showed gradual decrease as Sb 2 O 3 was gradually increased. Also, the Total Mass Attenuation Coefficient values obtained between about 0.8 and 3.0MeV gamma-ray energy showed a slight decrease, as gamma-ray photon energy increased. This may be due to the differences between the Attenuation Coefficients of both antimony and boron oxides at various gamma-ray photon energies. However, it can be stated that the addition of Sb 2 O 3 into sodium-boro-silicate glasses increases the gamma-ray Attenuation Coefficient and the best sample is that contains 20 mol% of Sb 2 O 3 , which is operating well at 0.356 and 0.662MeV gamma-ray. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long non-coding RNA MIAT is estrogen-responsive and promotes estrogen-induced proliferation in ER-positive breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Li, Yuehua; Jiang, Baohong; Wu, Xiaoping; Huang, Qin; Chen, Wenqi; Zhu, Hongbo; Qu, Xiaofei; Xie, Liming; Ma, Xin; Huang, Guo

2018-05-21

Estrogen drives the development and progression of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. However, the detailed mechanism underlying ER-driven carcinogenesis remains unclear despite extensive studies. Previously reports indicated higher expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) in ER-positive breast cancer tissues than in ER-negative tissues. However, the functional relevance of MIAT in ER-positive breast cancer tumorigenesis was poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of lncRNA MIAT in ER-positive breast cancer cells. MIAT was over-expressed in ER-positive breast cancer tissues and ER-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Activating estrogen signaling by diethylstilbestrol (DES) led to a dose- and time-dependent up-regulation of MIAT in MCF-7 cells that was dependent on ERα, as evidenced by ERα silencing and pharmacological inhibition using ER antagonist ICI 182780. Silencing MIAT decreased DES-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation while overexpressing MIAT increased MCF-7 cell proliferation. Further mechanistic study identified that MIAT was critical for G1 to S phase cell cycle transition. Taken together, these results suggest that lncRNA MIAT is an estrogen-inducible lncRNA and a key regulator in ER-positive breast cancer cell growth. MIAT could serve as a potential biomarker and promising therapeutic target for ER-positive breast cancer. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Estradiol induces endothelial cell migration and proliferation through estrogen receptor-enhanced RhoA/ROCK pathway.

PubMed

Oviedo, Pilar J; Sobrino, Agua; Laguna-Fernandez, Andrés; Novella, Susana; Tarín, Juan J; García-Pérez, Miguel-Angel; Sanchís, Juan; Cano, Antonio; Hermenegildo, Carlos

2011-03-30

Migration and proliferation of endothelial cells are involved in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis, two important cardiovascular processes that are increased in response to estrogens. RhoA, a small GTPase which controls multiple cellular processes, is involved in the control of cell migration and proliferation. Our aim was to study the role of RhoA on estradiol-induced migration and proliferation and its dependence on estrogen receptors activity. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with estradiol, in the presence or absence of ICI 182780 (estrogen receptors antagonist) and Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor). Estradiol increased Rho GEF-1 gene expression and RhoA (gene and protein expression and activity) in an estrogen receptor-dependent manner. Cell migration, stress fiber formation and cell proliferation were increased in response to estradiol and were also dependent on the estrogen receptors and RhoA activation. Estradiol decreased p27 levels, and significantly raised the expression of cyclins and CDK. These effects were counteracted by the use of either ICI 182780 or Y-27632. In conclusion, estradiol enhances the RhoA/ROCK pathway and increases cell cycle-related protein expression by acting through estrogen receptors. This results in an enhanced migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Active neutron and gamma-ray imaging of highly enriched uranium for treaty verification

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

Hamel, Michael C.; Polack, J. Kyle; Ruch, Marc L.

The detection and characterization of highly enriched uranium (HEU) presents a large challenge in the non-proliferation field. HEU has a low neutron emission rate and most gamma rays are low energy and easily shielded. To address this challenge, an instrument known as the dual-particle imager (DPI) was used with a portable deuterium-tritium (DT) neutron generator to detect neutrons and gamma rays from induced fission in HEU. We evaluated system response using a 13.7-kg HEU sphere in several configurations with no moderation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderation, and tungsten moderation. A hollow tungsten sphere was interrogated to evaluate the response to amore » possible hoax item. First, localization capabilities were demonstrated by reconstructing neutron and gamma-ray images. Once localized, additional properties such as fast neutron energy spectra and time-dependent neutron count rates were attributed to the items. For the interrogated configurations containing HEU, the reconstructed neutron spectra resembled Watt spectra, which gave confidence that the interrogated items were undergoing induced fission. The time-dependent neutron count rate was also compared for each configuration and shown to be dependent on the neutron multiplication of the item. This result showed that the DPI is a viable tool for localizing and confirming fissile mass and multiplication.« less

Active neutron and gamma-ray imaging of highly enriched uranium for treaty verification

DOE PAGES

Hamel, Michael C.; Polack, J. Kyle; Ruch, Marc L.; ...

2017-08-11

The detection and characterization of highly enriched uranium (HEU) presents a large challenge in the non-proliferation field. HEU has a low neutron emission rate and most gamma rays are low energy and easily shielded. To address this challenge, an instrument known as the dual-particle imager (DPI) was used with a portable deuterium-tritium (DT) neutron generator to detect neutrons and gamma rays from induced fission in HEU. We evaluated system response using a 13.7-kg HEU sphere in several configurations with no moderation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderation, and tungsten moderation. A hollow tungsten sphere was interrogated to evaluate the response to amore » possible hoax item. First, localization capabilities were demonstrated by reconstructing neutron and gamma-ray images. Once localized, additional properties such as fast neutron energy spectra and time-dependent neutron count rates were attributed to the items. For the interrogated configurations containing HEU, the reconstructed neutron spectra resembled Watt spectra, which gave confidence that the interrogated items were undergoing induced fission. The time-dependent neutron count rate was also compared for each configuration and shown to be dependent on the neutron multiplication of the item. This result showed that the DPI is a viable tool for localizing and confirming fissile mass and multiplication.« less

Ion-Induced Afterpulsing in the Neutron Multiplicity Meter's Photomultiplier Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedlik, Christopher; Schnee, Richard; Bunker, Raymond; Chen, Yu; Neutron Multiplicity Meter Collaboration

2013-10-01

The nature of the dark matter in the Universe remains a mystery in modern physics. A leading candidate, Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), may be detectable via scattering from nuclear targets in terrestrial detectors, located underground to prevent fake signals from cosmic-ray showers. The Neutron Multiplicity Meter (NMM) is a detector capable of measuring the muon-induced neutron flux deep underground, a problematic background for WIMP detection. The NMM is a 4.4-tonne Gd-loaded water-Cherenkov detector atop a 20-kilotonne lead target in the Soudan Mine. It measures high-energy neutrons (>50 MeV) by moderating and then detecting (via Gd capture gammas) the secondary neutrons emerging from the lead following a high-energy neutron interaction. The short time scale (~10 μs) for neutron capture in Gd-loaded water enables a custom multiplicity trigger to discriminate against the dominant gamma-ray background. Despite excellent rejection of the gamma-ray-induced background, NMM neutron-candidate events are not entirely background-free. One type of background is from ion-induced afterpulsing (AP) in the four 20'' Hamamatsu R7250 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) used to monitor the NMM's two water tanks. We show that ion-induced AP in the PMTs can mimic the NMM's low-energy neutron response, potentially biasing a candidate event's measured multiplicity. We present detailed studies of the AP in order to allow identification of AP-induced background events.

Radiation carcinogenesis and acute radiation mortality in the rat as produced by 2.2 GeV protons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shellabarger, C. J.; Straub, R. F.; Jesseph, J. E.; Montour, J. L.

1972-01-01

Biological studies, proton carcinogenesis, the interaction of protons and gamma-rays on carcinogenesis, proton-induced acute mortality, and chemical protection against proton-induced acute mortality were studied in the rat and these proton-produced responses were compared to similar responses produced by gamma-rays or X-rays. Litter-mate mice were assigned to each experimental and control group so that approximately equal numbers of litter mates were placed in each group. Animals to be studied for mammary neoplasia were handled for 365 days post-exposure when all animals alive were killed. All animals were examined frequently for mammary tumors and as these were found, they were removed, sectioned and given a pathologic classification.

Induced parthenogenesis by gamma-irradiated pollen in loquat for haploid production

PubMed Central

Blasco, Manuel; Badenes, María Luisa; del Mar Naval, María

2016-01-01

Successful haploid induction in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) through in situ-induced parthenogenesis with gamma-ray irradiated pollen has been achieved. Female flowers of cultivar ‘Algerie’ were pollinated using pollen of cultivars ‘Changhong-3’, ‘Cox’ and ‘Saval Brasil’ irradiated with two doses of gamma rays, 150 and 300 Gy. The fruits were harvested 90, 105 and 120 days after pollination (dap). Four haploid plants were obtained from ‘Algerie’ pollinated with 300-Gy-treated pollen of ‘Saval Brasil’ from fruits harvested 105 dap. Haploidy was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome count. The haploids showed a very weak development compared to the diploid plants. This result suggests that irradiated pollen can be used to obtain parthenogenetic haploids. PMID:27795686

The induction of rho- mutants by UV or gamma-rays is independent of the nuclear recombinational repair pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Heude, M

1988-09-01

In order to discover whether the nuclear recombinational repair pathway also acts on lesions induced in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the possible role of the RAD50, -51, -52, -55 and -56 genes on the induction of rho- mutants by radiations was studied. Such induction appeared to be independent of this pathway. Nevertheless, an efficient induction of respiration-deficient mutants was observed in gamma-irradiated rad52 diploids. We demonstrate that these mutants do not result from a lack of mtDNA repair, but from chromosome losses induced by gamma-rays. Such an impairment of the respiratory ability of diploids by chromosome losses was effectively observed in the aneuploid progeny of unirradiated RAD+ cdc6 diploids incubated at the restrictive temperature.

The study of gamma irradiation effects on poly (glycolic acid)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao Nakka, Rajeswara; Rao Thumu, Venkatappa; Reddy SVS, Ramana; Rao Buddhiraju, Sanjeeva

2015-05-01

We have investigated the effects of gamma irradiation on chemical structure, thermal and morphological properties of biodegradable semi-crystalline poly (glycolic acid) (PGA). PGA samples were subjected to irradiation treatment using a 60Co gamma source with a delivered dose of 30, 60 and 90 kGy, respectively. Gamma irradiation induces cleavage of PGA main chains forming ∼OĊH2 and ĊH2COO∼ radicals in both amorphous and crystalline regions. The free radicals formed in the amorphous region abstract atmospheric oxygen and convert them to peroxy radicals. The peroxy radical causes chain scission at the crystal interface through hydrogen abstraction from methylene groups forming the ∼ĊHCOO∼ (I) radical. Consequently, the observed electron spin resonance (ESR) doublet of irradiated PGA is assigned to (I). The disappearance of the ESR signal above 190°C indicates that free radicals are formed in the amorphous region and decay below the melting temperature of PGA. Fourier transform infrared and optical absorption studies confirm that the ? groups are not influenced by gamma irradiation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that the melting temperature of PGA decreased from 212°C to 202°C upon irradiation. Degree of crystallinity increased initially and then decreased with an increase in radiation as per DSC and X-ray diffraction studies. Irradiation produced changes in the physical properties of PGA as well as affecting the morphology of the material.

[Aerosolized recombinant interferon-gamma prevent antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment in guinea pig trachea].

PubMed

Gao, Y; Chenping; Lin, X P

1997-10-01

In order to determine whether interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inhibits eosinphil infiltration in the trachea of asthmatic guinea pigs induced by Rhizopus nigricans. We had administered aerosolized rIFN-gamma in the tracheas of 30 sensitized guinea pigs which had been divided into six groups, then teated animal inhaled rIFN-gamma of 5 x 10(4), 20 x 10(4), and 40 x 10(4) concentration, BDP and normal saline respectively at 24 h, 12 h, 2 h before being challenged. (1) Provocation positive rates decreased in 40 x 10(4) rIFN-gamma and BDP group compared with that in normal saline group and before intervention (P < 0.05), airway resistence decreased (P < 0.01). (2) The administration of aerosolized rIFN-gamma (40 x 10(4)) and BDP also decreased fungus-induced eosnophils but not other cells infiltration in the trachea. (3) In BALF, Eos count and ECP level were obviously lower than those in other groups. However, eosinophil numbers did not show significant change in the peripheral blood. Local administration of rIFN-gamma (40 x 10(4)) may reduce airway inflammation and intervene asthmatic attack by inhibition of Eos, ECP infiltration in airways.

The effects of chronic radiation of gamma ray on protein expression and oxidative stress in Brachypodium distachyon.

PubMed

Kim, Dae Yeon; Hong, Min Jeong; Park, Cheong-Sool; Seo, Yong Weon

2015-05-01

To compare the effects of gamma-irradiation on biochemical responses and growth, six-week-old Brachypodium plants were chronically exposed to gamma-irradiation for 30 days at various dosages. Growth surveys of Brachypodium plants in response to different dosages of gamma-irradiation were conducted to compare physiological changes between irradiated and non-irradiated plants. Photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugar content, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malonaldehyde (MDA) induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were also measured. Gamma-irradiation had a negative influence on the average plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and fresh weight. Photosynthetic pigment levels decreased with increasing dosages of gamma-irradiation, while soluble sugar content slightly increased. Gamma-irradiation responsive proteins were detected and identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). The proteins had a role in photosynthetic carbon fixation, anabolic pathway glycolysis, mitochondrial ATP production, and oxidative stress response regulation. MDA levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) increased with the increase in gamma-irradiation dosage level. This study provides some basic information regarding responses to gamma-irradiation, and provides valuable physiological and biological data on the effects of different gamma-irradiation dosages on Triticeae species.

Fast-neutron and gamma-ray imaging with a capillary liquid xenon converter coupled to a gaseous photomultiplier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Israelashvili, I.; Coimbra, A. E. C.; Vartsky, D.; Arazi, L.; Shchemelinin, S.; Caspi, E. N.; Breskin, A.

2017-09-01

Gamma-ray and fast-neutron imaging was performed with a novel liquid xenon (LXe) scintillation detector read out by a Gaseous Photomultiplier (GPM). The 100 mm diameter detector prototype comprised a capillary-filled LXe converter/scintillator, coupled to a triple-THGEM imaging-GPM, with its first electrode coated by a CsI UV-photocathode, operated in Ne/5%CH4 at cryogenic temperatures. Radiation localization in 2D was derived from scintillation-induced photoelectron avalanches, measured on the GPM's segmented anode. The localization properties of 60Co gamma-rays and a mixed fast-neutron/gamma-ray field from an AmBe neutron source were derived from irradiation of a Pb edge absorber. Spatial resolutions of 12± 2 mm and 10± 2 mm (FWHM) were reached with 60Co and AmBe sources, respectively. The experimental results are in good agreement with GEANT4 simulations. The calculated ultimate expected resolutions for our application-relevant 4.4 and 15.1 MeV gamma-rays and 1-15 MeV neutrons are 2-4 mm and ~ 2 mm (FWHM), respectively. These results indicate the potential applicability of the new detector concept to Fast-Neutron Resonance Radiography (FNRR) and Dual-Discrete-Energy Gamma Radiography (DDEGR) of large objects.

Microscopic observations of X-ray and gamma-ray induced decomposition of ammonium perchlorate crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herley, P. J.; Levy, P. W.

1972-01-01

The X-ray and gamma-ray induced decomposition of ammonium perchlorate was studied by optical, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. This material is a commonly used oxidizer in solid propellents which could be employed in deep-space probes, and where they will be subjected to a variety of radiations for as long as ten years. In some respects the radiation-induced damage closely resembles the effects produced by thermal decomposition, but in other respects the results differ markedly. Similar radiation and thermal effects include the following: (1) irregular or ill-defined circular etch pits are formed in both cases; (2) approximately the same size pits are produced; (3) the pit density is similar; (4) the c face is considerably more reactive than the m face; and (5) most importantly, many of the etch pits are aligned in crystallographic directions which are the same for thermal or radiolytic decomposition. Thus, dislocations play an important role in the radiolytic decomposition process.

Mutagenic effects of gamma rays on soybean (Glycine max L.) germination and seedlings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusmiyati, F.; Sutarno; Sas, M. G. A.; Herwibawa, B.

2018-01-01

Narrow genetic diversity is a main problem restricting the progress of soybean breeding. One way to improve genetic diversity of plant is through mutation. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of different dose of gamma rays as induced mutagen on physiological, morphological, and anatomical markers during seed germination and seedling growth of soybean. Seeds of soybean cultivars Dering-1 were irradiated with 11 doses of gamma rays (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 Gy [Gray]. The research design was arranged in a completely randomized block design in three replicates. Results showed that soybean seed exposed at high doses (640, 1280, and 2560 Gy) did not survive more than 20 days, the doses were then removed from anatomical evaluation. Higher doses of gamma rays siginificantly reduced germination percentage at the first count and final count, coefficient of germination velocity, germination rate index, germination index, seedling height and seedling root length, and significantly increased mean germination time, first day of germination, last day of germination, and time spread of germination. However, the effects of gamma rays were varies for density, width, and length of stomata. The LD50 obtained based on survival percentage was 314.78 Gy. It can be concluded that very low and low doses of gamma rays (5-320 Gy) might be used to study the improvement of soybean diversity.

Induction of skin papillomas in the rabbit, Oryctologus cuniculus, by bites of a blood-sucking insect, Cimex lectularius, irradiated by gamma rays

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

el-Mofty, M.M.; Sakr, S.A.; Younis, M.W.

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, irradiated with gamma rays were allowed to suck blood from shaved areas of the skin of rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, 2 times/week for 5 months and then once weekly for another 5 months. This significantly induced the formation of skin papillomas and sweat gland hyperplasia in five out of nine experimental animals. It is speculated that the saliva of the irradiated bugs was activated by gamma rays and was responsible for the induction of skin papillomas. Because bed bugs play a significant role in the transmission of virus, it is also speculated that there is a virusmore » in the saliva of bugs; this virus may be activated by gamma radiation and causes the development of papillomas in the skin.« less

The effects of Cordyceps sinensis phytoestrogen on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Da-wei; Wang, Zhen-lin; Qi, Wei; Zhao, Guang-yue

2014-12-13

Isoflavones are naturally occurring plant chemicals belonging to the "phytoestrogen" class. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of isoflavones obtained from Cordyceps sinensis (CSIF) on development of estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. After the rats were treated orally with CSIF, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartarate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), serum osteocalcin (OC), homocysteine (HCY), C-terminal crosslinked telopeptides of collagen type I (CTX), estradiol and interferonγ (IFN-γ) level were examined. At the same time, the urine calcium, plasma calcium, plasma phosphorus and the mass of uterus, thymus and body were also examined. The beneficial effects of CSIF on improvement of osteoporosis in rats were attributable mainly to decrease ALP activity, TRAP activity, CTX level and IFN-γ level. At the same time, CSIF also increase the OC and estradiol level in ovariectomized osteopenic rats. The histological examination clearly showed that dietary CSIF can prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. The significant estrogenic activity of CSIF demonstrated that CSIF has significant estrogenic effects in OVX rats.

Rejoining of isochromatid breaks induced by heavy ions in G2-phase normal human fibroblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawata, T.; Durante, M.; Furusawa, Y.; George, K.; Ito, H.; Wu, H.; Cucinotta, F. A.

2001-01-01

We reported previously that exposure of normal human fibroblasts in G2 phase of the cell cycle to high-LET radiation produces a much higher frequency of isochromatid breaks than exposure to gamma rays. We concluded that an increase in the production of isochromatid breaks is a signature of initial high-LET radiation-induced G2-phase damage. In this paper, we report the repair kinetics of isochromatid breaks induced by high-LET radiation in normal G2-phase human fibroblasts. Exponentially growing human fibroblasts (AG1522) were irradiated with gamma rays or energetic carbon (290 MeV/nucleon), silicon (490 MeV/nucleon), or iron (200 MeV/nucleon) ions. Prematurely condensed chromosomes were induced by calyculin A after different postirradiation incubation times ranging from 0 to 600 min. Chromosomes were stained with Giemsa, and aberrations were scored in cells at G2 phase. G2-phase fragments, the result of the induction of isochromatid breaks, decreased quickly with incubation time. The curve for the kinetics of the rejoining of chromatid-type breaks showed a slight upward curvature with time after exposure to 440 keV/microm iron particles, probably due to isochromatid-isochromatid break rejoining. The formation of chromatid exchanges after exposure to high-LET radiation therefore appears to be underestimated, because isochromatid-isochromatid exchanges cannot be detected. Increased induction of isochromatid breaks and rejoining of isochromatid breaks affect the overall kinetics of chromatid-type break rejoining after exposure to high-LET radiation.

GPER Deficiency in Male Mice Results in Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia, and a Proinflammatory State

PubMed Central

Sharma, Geetanjali; Hu, Chelin; Brigman, Jonathan L.; Zhu, Gang; Hathaway, Helen J.

2013-01-01

Estrogen is an important regulator of metabolic syndrome, a collection of abnormalities including obesity, insulin resistance/glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, which together lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30), particularly in males, in these pathologies remains unclear. We therefore sought to determine whether loss of GPER contributes to aspects of metabolic syndrome in male mice. Although 6-month-old male and female GPER knockout (KO) mice displayed increased body weight compared with wild-type littermates, only female GPER KO mice exhibited glucose intolerance at this age. Weight gain in male GPER KO mice was associated with increases in both visceral and sc fat. GPER KO mice, however, exhibited no differences in food intake or locomotor activity. One-year-old male GPER KO mice displayed an abnormal lipid profile with higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal, whereas insulin levels were elevated. Although insulin resistance was evident in GPER KO male mice from 6 months onward, glucose intolerance was pronounced only at 18 months of age. Furthermore, by 2 years of age, a proinflammatory phenotype was evident, with increases in the proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNFα, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interferon γ-induced protein 10, and monokine induced by interferon gamma and a concomitant decrease in the adipose-specific cytokine adiponectin. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that in male mice, GPER regulates metabolic parameters associated with obesity and diabetes. PMID:23970785

GPER deficiency in male mice results in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and a proinflammatory state.

PubMed

Sharma, Geetanjali; Hu, Chelin; Brigman, Jonathan L; Zhu, Gang; Hathaway, Helen J; Prossnitz, Eric R

2013-11-01

Estrogen is an important regulator of metabolic syndrome, a collection of abnormalities including obesity, insulin resistance/glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, which together lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30), particularly in males, in these pathologies remains unclear. We therefore sought to determine whether loss of GPER contributes to aspects of metabolic syndrome in male mice. Although 6-month-old male and female GPER knockout (KO) mice displayed increased body weight compared with wild-type littermates, only female GPER KO mice exhibited glucose intolerance at this age. Weight gain in male GPER KO mice was associated with increases in both visceral and sc fat. GPER KO mice, however, exhibited no differences in food intake or locomotor activity. One-year-old male GPER KO mice displayed an abnormal lipid profile with higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal, whereas insulin levels were elevated. Although insulin resistance was evident in GPER KO male mice from 6 months onward, glucose intolerance was pronounced only at 18 months of age. Furthermore, by 2 years of age, a proinflammatory phenotype was evident, with increases in the proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNFα, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interferon γ-induced protein 10, and monokine induced by interferon gamma and a concomitant decrease in the adipose-specific cytokine adiponectin. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that in male mice, GPER regulates metabolic parameters associated with obesity and diabetes.

Carcinostatic effects of platinum nanocolloid combined with gamma irradiation on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Li, Qiang; Tanaka, Yoshiharu; Saitoh, Yasukazu; Tanaka, Hiroshi; Miwa, Nobuhiko

2015-04-15

To explore the carcinostatic effects of platinum nanocolloid (Pt-nc) combined with gamma rays on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ESCC-derived KYSE-70 cells were treated with various concentrations of Pt-nc and/or gamma irradiation, and subsequently cultured in phenol red free DMEM with 10% FBS for 48 h. The proliferative status of the KYSE-70 cells was evaluated using trypan blue dye exclusion and WST-8 assays. Cellular and nucleic morphological aspects were evaluated using crystal violet and Hoechst 33342 stainings, respectively. Radiosensitivity was quantified by a cell viability assay, and the activated form of caspase-3, a characteristic apoptosis-related protein, was detected by Western blotting. Although single treatment with either Pt-nc or gamma irradiation could slightly inhibit the growth of the KYSE-70 cells, their combination exerted remarkable carcinostatic effects in a manner dependent on either Pt-nc concentrations or gamma ray doses, compared with the effect of each treatment alone (p<0.05). By fluorescence micrographic observation, the KYSE-70 cells that were treated with Pt-nc and subsequently irradiated with gamma rays, were shown to undergo distinct apoptotic morphological changes. The carcinostatic effect of gamma rays at 7 Gy without Pt-nc was approximately equal to that when 3-Gy irradiation was combined with 100 ppm Pt-nc or that 5-Gy irradiation was combined with 50 ppm Pt-nc. Pt-nc in combination with gamma rays may exert a cooperative effect through platinum- or gamma ray-induced apoptosis resulting in the inhibition of growth of cancer cells, while concurrently enabling the lowering of the radiative dose. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Akt interaction with PLC(gamma) regulates the G(2)/M transition triggered by FGF receptors from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Browaeys-Poly, Edith; Perdereau, Dominique; Lescuyer, Arlette; Burnol, Anne-Françoise; Cailliau, Katia

2009-12-01

Estrogen-independent breast cancer cell growth is under the control of fibroblast growth factors receptors (FGFRs), but the role of phospholipase C gamma (PLC(gamma)) and Akt, the downstream effectors activated by FGFRs, in cell proliferation is still unresolved. FGFRs from highly invasive MDA-MB-231 cells were expressed in Xenopus oocyte, a powerful model system to assess the G(2)/M checkpoint regulation. Under FGF1 stimulation, an analysis of the progression in the M-phase of the cell cycle and of the Akt signaling cascades were performed using the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and a mimetic peptide of the SH3 domain of PLC(gamma). Activated Akt binds and phosphorylates PLC(gamma) before Akt targets the tumor suppressor Chfr. Disruption of the Akt-PLC(gamma) interaction directs Akt binding to Chfr and accelerates the alleviation of the G(2)/M checkpoint. The PLC(gamma)-Akt interaction, triggered by FGF receptors from estrogen-independent breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, regulates progression in the M-phase of the cell cycle.

Lunar elemental analysis obtained from the Apollo gamma-ray and X-ray remote sensing experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trombka, J. I.; Arnold, J. R.; Adler, I.; Metzger, A. E.; Reedy, R. C.

1977-01-01

Gamma-ray and X-ray spectrometers carried in the service modules of the Apollo 15 and Apollo 16 spacecraft were employed for compositional mapping of the lunar surface. The measurements involved the observation of the intensity and characteristic energy distribution of gamma rays and X-rays emitted from the lunar surface. A large-scale compositional map of over 10 percent of the lunar surface was obtained from an analysis of the observed spectra. The objective of the X-ray experiment was to measure the K spectral lines from Mg, Al, and Si. Spectra were obtained and the data were reduced to Al/Si and Mg/Si intensity ratios and ultimately to chemical ratios. Analyses of the results have indicated (1) that the Al/Si ratios are highest in the lunar highlands and considerably lower in the maria, and (2) that the Mg/Si concentrations generally show the opposite relationship. The objective of the gamma-ray experiment was to measure the natural and cosmic-ray-induced activity emission spectrum. At this time, the elemental abundances for Th, U, K, Fe, Ti, Si, and O have been determined over a number of major lunar regions. Regions of relatively high natural radioactivity were found in the Mare Imbrium and Oceanus Procellarum regions.

DNA microarray analyses reveal a post-irradiation differential time-dependent gene expression profile in yeast cells exposed to X-rays and gamma-rays.

PubMed

Kimura, Shinzo; Ishidou, Emi; Kurita, Sakiko; Suzuki, Yoshiteru; Shibato, Junko; Rakwal, Randeep; Iwahashi, Hitoshi

2006-07-21

Ionizing radiation (IR) is the most enigmatic of genotoxic stress inducers in our environment that has been around from the eons of time. IR is generally considered harmful, and has been the subject of numerous studies, mostly looking at the DNA damaging effects in cells and the repair mechanisms therein. Moreover, few studies have focused on large-scale identification of cellular responses to IR, and to this end, we describe here an initial study on the transcriptional responses of the unicellular genome model, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain S288C), by cDNA microarray. The effect of two different IR, X-rays, and gamma (gamma)-rays, was investigated by irradiating the yeast cells cultured in YPD medium with 50 Gy doses of X- and gamma-rays, followed by resuspension of the cells in YPD for time-course experiments. The samples were collected for microarray analysis at 20, 40, and 80 min after irradiation. Microarray analysis revealed a time-course transcriptional profile of changed gene expressions. Up-regulated genes belonged to the functional categories mainly related to cell cycle and DNA processing, cell rescue defense and virulence, protein and cell fate, and metabolism (X- and gamma-rays). Similarly, for X- and gamma-rays, the down-regulated genes belonged to mostly transcription and protein synthesis, cell cycle and DNA processing, control of cellular organization, cell fate, and C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism categories, respectively. This study provides for the first time a snapshot of the genome-wide mRNA expression profiles in X- and gamma-ray post-irradiated yeast cells and comparatively interprets/discusses the changed gene functional categories as effects of these two radiations vis-à-vis their energy levels.

Fluoxetine and its active metabolite norfluoxetine disrupt estrogen synthesis in a co-culture model of the feto-placental unit.

PubMed

Hudon Thibeault, Andrée-Anne; Laurent, Laetitia; Vo Duy, Sung; Sauvé, Sébastien; Caron, Patrick; Guillemette, Chantal; Sanderson, J Thomas; Vaillancourt, Cathy

2017-02-15

The effects of fluoxetine, one of the most prescribed selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, and its active metabolite norfluoxetine were studied on placental aromatase (CYP19) and feto-placental steroidogenesis. Fluoxetine did not alter estrogen secretion in co-culture of fetal-like adrenocortical (H295R) and trophoblast-like (BeWo) cells used as a model of the feto-placental unit, although it induced CYP19 activity, apparently mediated by the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor/PKC signaling pathway. Norfluoxetine decreased estrogen secretion in the feto-placental co-culture and competitively inhibited catalytic CYP19 activity in BeWo cells. Decreased serotonin transporter (SERT) activity in the co-culture was comparable to 17β-estradiol treatment of BeWo cells. This work shows that the complex interaction of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine with placental estrogen production, involves 5-HT-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Considering the crucial role of estrogens during pregnancy, our results raise concern about the impact of SSRI treatment on placental function and fetal health. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

GRB 050117: Simultaneous Gamma-ray and X-ray Observations with the Swift Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, J. E.; Morris, D. C.; Sakamoto, T.; Sato, G.; Burrows, D. N.; Angelini, L.; Pagani, C.; Moretti, A.; Abbey, A. F.; Barthelmy, S.

2005-01-01

The Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer performed its first autonomous, X-ray follow-up to a newly detected GRB on 2005 January 17, within 193 seconds of the burst trigger by the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. While the burst was still in progress, the X-ray Telescope obtained a position and an image for an un-catalogued X-ray source; simultaneous with the gamma-ray observation. The XRT observed flux during the prompt emission was 1.1 x 10(exp -8) ergs/sq cm/s in the 0.5-10 keV energy band. The emission in the X-ray band decreased by three orders of magnitude within 700 seconds, following the prompt emission. This is found to be consistent with the gamma-ray decay when extrapolated into the XRT energy band. During the following 6.3 hours, the XRT observed the afterglow in an automated sequence for an additional 947 seconds, until the burst became fully obscured by the Earth limb. A faint, extremely slowly decaying afterglow, alpha=-0.21, was detected. Finally, a break in the lightcurve occurred and the flux decayed with alpha<-1.2. The X-ray position triggered many follow-up observations: no optical afterglow could be confirmed, although a candidate was identified 3 arcsecs from the XRT position.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a gamma-cyclodextrin-based formulation of the anticancer agent 5,6,11,12,17,18,23,24-octahydrocyclododeca[1,2-b:4,5-b':7,8-b'':10,11-b''']tetraindole (CTet).

PubMed

Lucarini, Simone; De Santi, Mauro; Antonietti, Francesca; Brandi, Giorgio; Diamantini, Giuseppe; Fraternale, Alessandra; Paoletti, Maria Filomena; Tontini, Andrea; Magnani, Mauro; Duranti, Andrea

2010-06-04

5,6,11,12,17,18,23,24-Octahydrocyclododeca[1,2-b:4,5-b':7,8-b'':10,11- b''']tetrai ndole (CTet), an indole-3-carbinol (I3C) metabolite endowed with anticancer properties, is poorly soluble in the solvents most frequently used in biological tests. This study indicates that the use of gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) avoids this problem. Formulated with gamma-CD CTet is a potent inhibitor of DNA synthesis in both estrogen receptor positive (MCF-7) and estrogen receptor negative (MDA-MB-231) human breast cell lines (IC50 = 1.20 +/- 0.04 microM and 1.0 +/- 0.1 microM, respectively).

Response of thyroid follicular cells to gamma irradiation compared to proton irradiation. I. Initial characterization of DNA damage, micronucleus formation, apoptosis, cell survival, and cell cycle phase redistribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, L. M.; Murray, D. K.; Bant, A. M.; Kazarians, G.; Moyers, M. F.; Nelson, G. A.; Tran, D. T.

2001-01-01

The RBE of protons has been assumed to be equivalent to that of photons. The objective of this study was to determine whether radiation-induced DNA and chromosome damage, apoptosis, cell killing and cell cycling in organized epithelial cells was influenced by radiation quality. Thyroid-stimulating hormone-dependent Fischer rat thyroid cells, established as follicles, were exposed to gamma rays or proton beams delivered acutely over a range of physical doses. Gamma-irradiated cells were able to repair DNA damage relatively rapidly so that by 1 h postirradiation they had approximately 20% fewer exposed 3' ends than their counterparts that had been irradiated with proton beams. The persistence of free ends of DNA in the samples irradiated with the proton beam implies that either more initial breaks or a quantitatively different type of damage had occurred. These results were further supported by an increased frequency of chromosomal damage as measured by the presence of micronuclei. Proton-beam irradiation induced micronuclei at a rate of 2.4% per gray, which at 12 Gy translated to 40% more micronuclei than in comparable gamma-irradiated cultures. The higher rate of micronucleus formation and the presence of larger micronuclei in proton-irradiated cells was further evidence that a qualitatively more severe class of damage had been induced than was induced by gamma rays. Differences in the type of damage produced were detected in the apoptosis assay, wherein a significant lag in the induction of apoptosis occurred after gamma irradiation that did not occur with protons. The more immediate expression of apoptotic cells in the cultures irradiated with the proton beam suggests that the damage inflicted was more severe. Alternatively, the cell cycle checkpoint mechanisms required for recovery from such damage might not have been invoked. Differences based on radiation quality were also evident in the alpha components of cell survival curves (0.05 Gy(-1) for gamma rays, 0.12 Gy(-1) for protons), which suggests that the higher level of survival of gamma-irradiated cells could be attributed to the persistence of nonlethally irradiated thyrocytes and/or the capacity to repair damage more effectively than cells exposed to equal physical doses of protons. The final assessment in this study was radiation-induced cell cycle phase redistribution. Gamma rays and protons produced a similar dose-dependent redistribution toward a predominantly G(2)-phase population. From our cumulative results, it seems likely that a majority of the proton-irradiated cells would not continue to divide. In conclusion, these findings suggest that there are quantitative and qualitative differences in the biological effects of proton beams and gamma rays. These differences could be due to structured energy deposition from the tracks of primary protons and the associated high-LET secondary particles produced in the targets. The results suggest that a simple dose-equivalent approach to dosimetry may be inadequate to compare the biological responses of cells to photons and protons.

Interpreting benthic oxygen levels in mudrocks: A new approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wignall, Paul B.; Myers, Keith J.

1988-05-01

Quantified paleoecology and gamma-ray spectrometry have been applied in the analysis of the Kimmeridge Clay, a highly organic-rich British Jurassic mudrock. Decreasing benthic oxygen trends are reflected in decreasing species richness and dominance-diversity values. Similarly, the degree of fragmentation of the benthos reflects the benthic energy levels and covaries with benthic oxygen. The calculation of authigenic uranium values from data gathered by gamma-ray spectrometry shows enrichment in more oxygen-deficient environments. The good correlation between the independently derived paleoecological and authigenic U data indicates the importance of these techniques in environmental analysis of marine petroleum source rocks.

LUMINOSITY EVOLUTION OF GAMMA-RAY PULSARS

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

Hirotani, Kouichi, E-mail: hirotani@tiara.sinica.edu.tw

2013-04-01

We investigate the electrodynamic structure of a pulsar outer-magnetospheric particle accelerator and the resulting gamma-ray emission. By considering the condition for the accelerator to be self-sustained, we derive how the trans-magnetic-field thickness of the accelerator evolves with the pulsar age. It is found that the thickness is small but increases steadily if the neutron-star envelope is contaminated by sufficient light elements. For such a light element envelope, the gamma-ray luminosity of the accelerator is kept approximately constant as a function of age in the initial 10,000 yr, forming the lower bound of the observed distribution of the gamma-ray luminosity ofmore » rotation-powered pulsars. If the envelope consists of only heavy elements, on the other hand, the thickness is greater, but it increases less rapidly than a light element envelope. For such a heavy element envelope, the gamma-ray luminosity decreases relatively rapidly, forming the upper bound of the observed distribution. The gamma-ray luminosity of a general pulsar resides between these two extreme cases, reflecting the envelope composition and the magnetic inclination angle with respect to the rotation axis. The cutoff energy of the primary curvature emission is regulated below several GeV even for young pulsars because the gap thickness, and hence the acceleration electric field, is suppressed by the polarization of the produced pairs.« less

A New Therapeutic Paradigm for Breast Cancer Exploiting Low Dose Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

binds to the Hsp90, Hsp27 , and c-Fos promoters constitutively and modulates their expression. Cell Stress Chaperones, 12: 283-290...C. Yang, Radiological health risks for exploratory class missions in space. Acta Astronaut . 23, 227–231 (1991). 10. V. M. Petrov, Solar cosmic rays

The radiated electromagnetic field from collimated gamma rays and electron beams in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumolillo, T. A.; Wondra, J. P.; Hobbs, W. E.; Smith, K.

1980-12-01

Nuclear weapons effects computer codes are used to study the electromagnetic field produced by gamma rays or by highly relativistic electron beams moving through the air. Consideration is given to large-area electron and gamma beams, small-area electron beams, variation of total beam current, variation of pressure in the beam channel, variation of the beam rise time, variation of beam radius, far-field radiated signals, and induced current on a system from a charged-particle beam. The work has application to system EMP coupling from nuclear weapons or charged-particle-beam weapons.

Decursin and decursinol angelate inhibit estrogen-stimulated and estrogen-independent growth and survival of breast cancer cells

PubMed Central

Jiang, Cheng; Guo, Junming; Wang, Zhe; Xiao, Bingxiu; Lee, Hyo-Jung; Lee, Eun-Ok; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Lu, Junxuan

2007-01-01

Introduction Estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated signaling are crucial for the etiology and progression of human breast cancer. Attenuating ER activities by natural products is a promising strategy to decrease breast cancer risk. We recently discovered that the pyranocoumarin compound decursin and its isomer decursinol angelate (DA) have potent novel antiandrogen receptor signaling activities. Because the ER and the androgen receptor belong to the steroid receptor superfamily, we examined whether these compounds affected ER expression and signaling in breast cancer cells. Methods We treated estrogen-dependent MCF-7 and estrogen-independent MDA MB-231 human breast cancer cells with decursin and DA, and examined cell growth, apoptosis, and ERα and ERβ expression in both cell lines – and, in particular, estrogen-stimulated signaling in the MCF-7 cells. We compared these compounds with decursinol to determine their structure-activity relationship. Results Decursin and DA exerted growth inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cells through G1 arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis. These compounds decreased ERα in MCF-7 cells at both mRNA and protein levels, and suppressed estrogen-stimulated genes. Decursin and the pure antiestrogen Faslodex™ exerted an additive growth inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells. In MDA MB-231 cells, these compounds induced cell-cycle arrests in the G1 and G2 phases as well as inducing apoptosis, accompanied by an increased expression of ERβ. In contrast, decursinol, which lacks the side chain of decursin and DA, did not have these cellular and molecular activities at comparable concentrations. Conclusion The side chain of decursin and DA is crucial for their anti-ER signaling and breast cancer growth inhibitory activities. These data provide mechanistic rationales for validating the chemopreventive and therapeutic efficacy of decursin and its derivatives in preclinical animal models of breast cancer. PMID:17986353

Expected gamma-ray emission spectra from the lunar surface as a function of chemical composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reedy, R. C.; Arnold, J. R.; Trombka, J. I.

1973-01-01

The gamma rays emitted from the moon or any similar body carry information on the chemical composition of the surface layer. The elements most easily measured are K, U, Th and major elements such as O, Si, Mg, and Fe. The expected fluxes of gamma ray lines were calculated for four lunar compositions and one chondritic chemistry from a consideration of the important emission mechanisms: natural radioactivity, inelastic scatter, neutron capture, and induced radioactivity. The models used for cosmic ray interactions were those of Reedy and Arnold and Lingenfelter. The areal resolution of the experiment was calculated to be around 70 to 140 km under the conditions of the Apollo 15 and 16 experiments. Finally, a method was described for recovering the chemical information from the observed scintillation spectra obtained in these experiments.

Space radiation-induced effects in polymer photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Edward W.; Le, Dang T.; Durstock, Michael F.; Taylor, Barney E.; Claus, Richard O.; Zeng, Tingying; Morath, Christian P.; Cardimona, David A.

2002-09-01

Self-assembled polymer photo-detectors (PPDs) composed of ruthenium complex N3 and PPDs based on thin films of poly(p-phenylene vinlyene) with sulfonated polystyrene are examined for their ability to function in a simulated space radiation environment. Examination of the PPD pre- and post- response data following gamma-ray irradiation ranging in total dose from 10 krad(Si) to 100 krad(Si) are examined. The output photovoltage was observed to decrease for all irradiated devices. The brief study was performed at room temperature and a discussion of the preliminary data and results are presented.

Inactivation of biologically active dna by gamma ray induced superoxide radicals and their dismutation products singlet molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide

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

Vanhemmen, J.J.; Meuling, W.J.A.

1975-01-01

The reactivity of gamma ray induced superoxide radicals and dismutation products (singlet molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide) with DNA were studied. Superoxide dismutase, which removes superoxide radicals and inhibits the formation of singlet oxygen, protects biologically active DNA (OX174 RF) against inactivation by ionizing radiation. Catalase, which removes hydrogen peroxide, also protects the DNA. Attempts with various chemical sources of singlet oxygen to determine whether this species inactivates DNA did not yield an unequivocal answer. It was concluded that a combination of the protonated form of the superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide inactivates DNA. (Author) (GRA)

Non-ovarian aromatization is required to activate female sexual motivation in testosterone-treated ovariectomized quail

PubMed Central

de Bournonville, Catherine; Balthazart, Jacques; Ball, Gregory F.; Cornil, Charlotte A.

2016-01-01

Although aromatase is expressed in both male and female brains, its functional significance in females remains poorly understood. In female quail, sexual receptivity is activated by estrogens. However it is not known whether sexual motivation is similarly estrogen-dependent and whether estrogens locally produced in the brain contribute to these behavioral responses. Four main experiments were designed to address these questions. In experiment 1 chronic treatment of females with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen decreased their receptivity, confirming that this response is under the control of estrogens. In experiment 2 chronic treatment with tamoxifen significantly decreased sexual motivation as treated females no longer approached a sexual partner. In experiment 3 (a) ovariectomy (OVX) induced a significant decrease of time spent near the male and a significantly decreased receptivity compared to gonadally intact females, (b) treatment with testosterone (OVX+T) partially restored these responses and (c) this effect of T was prevented when estradiol synthesis was inhibited by the potent aromatase inhibitor Vorozole (OVX+T+VOR). Serum estradiol concentration was significantly higher in OVX+T than in OVX or OVX+T+VOR females. Together these data demonstrate that treatment of OVX females with T increases sexual motivation and that these effects are mediated at least in part by non-gonadal aromatization of the androgen. Finally, assays of aromatase activity on brain and peripheral tissues (Experiment 4) strongly suggest that brain aromatization contributes to behavioral effects observed here following T treatment but alternative sources of estrogens (e.g. liver) should also be considered. PMID:27189762

Structural and optical properties of lead-boro-tellurrite glasses induced by gamma-ray.

PubMed

Mustafa, Iskandar Shahrim; Kamari, Halimah Mohamed; Yusoff, Wan Mohd Daud Wan; Aziz, Sidek Abdul; Rahman, Azhar Abdul

2013-02-04

Spectrophotometric studies of lead borotellurite glasses were carried out before and after gamma irradiation exposure. The increasing peak on the TeO(4) bi-pyramidal arrangement and TeO(3+1) (or distorted TeO(4)) is due to augmentation of irradiation dose which is attributed to an increase in degree of disorder of the amorphous phase. The structures of lead tellurate contain Pb(3)TeO(6) consisting of TeO(3) trigonal pyramid connected by PbO(4) tetragonal forming a three-dimensional network. The decrease of glass rigidity is due to irradiation process which is supported by the XRD diffractograms results. The decreasing values of absorption edge indicate that red shift effect occur after irradiation processes. A shift in the optical absorption edge attributed to an increase of the conjugation length. The values of optical band gap, E(opt) were calculated and found to be dependent on the glass composition and radiation exposure. Generally, an increase and decrease in Urbach's energy can be considered as being due to an increase in defects within glass network.

Structural and Optical Properties of Lead-Boro-Tellurrite Glasses Induced by Gamma-Ray

PubMed Central

Mustafa, Iskandar Shahrim; Kamari, Halimah Mohamed; Yusoff, Wan Mohd Daud Wan; Aziz, Sidek Abdul; Rahman, Azhar Abdul

2013-01-01

Spectrophotometric studies of lead borotellurite glasses were carried out before and after gamma irradiation exposure. The increasing peak on the TeO4 bi-pyramidal arrangement and TeO3+1 (or distorted TeO4) is due to augmentation of irradiation dose which is attributed to an increase in degree of disorder of the amorphous phase. The structures of lead tellurate contain Pb3TeO6 consisting of TeO3 trigonal pyramid connected by PbO4 tetragonal forming a three-dimensional network. The decrease of glass rigidity is due to irradiation process which is supported by the XRD diffractograms results. The decreasing values of absorption edge indicate that red shift effect occur after irradiation processes. A shift in the optical absorption edge attributed to an increase of the conjugation length. The values of optical band gap, Eopt were calculated and found to be dependent on the glass composition and radiation exposure. Generally, an increase and decrease in Urbach’s energy can be considered as being due to an increase in defects within glass network. PMID:23380963

Sexually disrupting effects of nonylphenol and diethylstilbestrol on male silver carp (Carassius auratus) in aquatic microcosms.

PubMed

Yang, Lihua; Lin, Li; Weng, Shaoping; Feng, Zhiqin; Luan, Tiangang

2008-10-01

Based on detected nonylphenol (NP) levels in aquaculture water, this study investigated sexually disrupting effects in mature male silver carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to NP and a positive control diethylstilbestrol (DES). The combined evidences of steroid hormone (17beta-estradiol, estrone and testosterone) levels and hispathological pictures showed that NP (10 microg/L) and DES could exert estrogenic effects through indirect mechanisms [i.e. increased estrogens levels (up to two times) and decreased androgen level in serum (down to 20-30%)], which might subsequently induce vitellogenin synthesis in liver. Environmental realistic concentrations of NP might be on the verge of inducing significant estrogenic effects in male silver carps. High amounts of NP and DES might be accumulated in fish serum, and the uptake by fish was possibly responsible for their quick attenuation in experimental tank water. NP and DES might have different metabolic mechanisms, the estrogenic effects of DES were more significant than those of NP.

Effects of gamma radiation on the chromosomes of Gryllidae (orthoptera)

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

Lim, H.C.; Kevan, D.K.; Vickery, V.R.

1972-12-01

BS>Six species if Gryllidae (orthoptera), Gryllus assimilis, G, Bim aculatus, G. pennsylvanicus, Acheta domesticus, Scapipedus marginatus, and Allonemobius allardi, were subjected to gamma radiation treatment (dosages varied from 1000 rads to 2446 rads) in order to induce chromosomal abnormalities. Gamma radiation was found to affect development, survival, and reproduction. Effects of gamma rays were similar in all of the species studied, but sensitivity varied between the different species. (auth)

Cell death is induced by ciglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonist, independently of PPAR{gamma} in human glioma cells

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

Lee, Myoung Woo; Kim, Dae Seong; Kim, Hye Ryung

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Greater than 30 {mu}M ciglitazone induces cell death in glioma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cell death by ciglitazone is independent of PPAR{gamma} in glioma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CGZ induces cell death by the loss of MMP via decreased Akt. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) regulates multiple signaling pathways, and its agonists induce apoptosis in various cancer cells. However, their role in cell death is unclear. In this study, the relationship between ciglitazone (CGZ) and PPAR{gamma} in CGZ-induced cell death was examined. At concentrations of greater than 30 {mu}M, CGZ, a synthetic PPAR{gamma} agonist, activated caspase-3 and induced apoptosis inmore » T98G cells. Treatment of T98G cells with less than 30 {mu}M CGZ effectively induced cell death after pretreatment with 30 {mu}M of the PPAR{gamma} antagonist GW9662, although GW9662 alone did not induce cell death. This cell death was also observed when cells were co-treated with CGZ and GW9662, but was not observed when cells were treated with CGZ prior to GW9662. In cells in which PPAR{gamma} was down-regulated cells by siRNA, lower concentrations of CGZ (<30 {mu}M) were sufficient to induce cell death, although higher concentrations of CGZ ( Greater-Than-Or-Slanted-Equal-To 30 {mu}M) were required to induce cell death in control T98G cells, indicating that CGZ effectively induces cell death in T98G cells independently of PPAR{gamma}. Treatment with GW9662 followed by CGZ resulted in a down-regulation of Akt activity and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which was accompanied by a decrease in Bcl-2 expression and an increase in Bid cleavage. These data suggest that CGZ is capable of inducing apoptotic cell death independently of PPAR{gamma} in glioma cells, by down-regulating Akt activity and inducing MMP collapse.« less

EPR study of free radicals in non- and gamma-irradiated nutritive supplements containing anthocyanins concentrate from lyophilized red wine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mladenova, Ralitsa B.; Firzov, Cyril; Yordanov, Nicola D.

2010-09-01

Nutritive supplements Enoviton, Enoviton C and Enoviton CE containing standardized anthocyanins from lyophilized red wine, vitamins (some of them) and excipients were investigated by EPR spectrometry before and after gamma-irradiation. Non-irradiated samples exhibit one singlet line with g=2.0039±0.0002, most probably due to free radicals from anthocyanins. After irradiation with 10 kGy gamma-rays, tablets of Еnoviton, Еnoviton С and Еnoviton СЕ, all exhibit complex EPR signals centered at a g-value of g=2.0034. The EPR spectrum of irradiated Enoviton is different from that of Еnoviton С or Еnoviton СЕ due to the overlap of the spectra of microcrystalline cellulose and the background singlet spectrum present in all tablets with the EPR resonance due to irradiated ascorbic acid (in Еnoviton С and Еnoviton СЕ). Gamma-induced free radicals exhibit long time stability—for a six months period the intensity of central peak decrease with 30-40%.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on degradation of alginate.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Wook; Choi, Won Seok; Byun, Myung Woo; Park, Hyun Jin; Yu, Yong-Man; Lee, Chong M

2003-07-30

The aqueous solution of alginate was irradiated by 60Co gamma-rays in the dose range of 10-500 kGy. To assess the effect of irradiation on the degradation of alginate, the irradiation-induced changes in the viscosity, molecular weight, color, monomer composition, and sequence were measured. The molecular weight of raw alginate was reduced from 300000 to 25000 when irradiated at 100 kGy. The degradation rate decreased and the chain breaks per molecule increased with increasing irradiation dose. The viscosity of irradiated alginate solution reached a near minimum as low as at 10 kGy. No appreciable color changes were observed in the samples irradiated at up to 100 kGy, but intense browning occurred beyond 200 kGy. The 13C NMR spectra showed that homopolymeric blocks, MM and GG, increased and the M/G ratio decreased with irradiation. Considering both the level of degradation and the color change of alginate, the optimum irradiation dose was found to be 100 kGy.

How reward and emotional stimuli induce different reactions across the menstrual cycle

PubMed Central

Sakaki, Michiko; Mather, Mara

2012-01-01

Despite widespread belief that moods are affected by the menstrual cycle, researchers on emotion and reward have not paid much attention to the menstrual cycle until recently. However, recent research has revealed different reactions to emotional stimuli and to rewarding stimuli across the different phases of the menstrual cycle. The current paper reviews the emerging literature on how ovarian hormone fluctuation during the menstrual cycle modulates reactions to emotional stimuli and to reward. Behavioral and neuroimaging studies in humans suggest that estrogen and progesterone have opposing influences. That is, it appears that estrogen enhances reactions to reward, but progesterone counters the facilitative effects of estrogen and decreases reactions to rewards. In contrast, reactions to emotionally arousing stimuli (particularly negative stimuli) appear to be decreased by estrogen but enhanced by progesterone. Potential factors that can modulate the effects of the ovarian hormones (e.g., an inverse quadratic function of hormones’ effects; the structural changes of the hippocampus across the menstrual cycle) are also discussed. PMID:22737180

Radiation resistance of a gamma-ray irradiated nonlinear optic chromophore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng; Taylor, Edward W.

2009-11-01

The radiation resistance of organic electro-optic and optoelectronic materials for space applications is receiving increased attention. An earlier investigation reported that guest-host poled polymer EO modulator devices composed of a phenyltetraene bridge-type chromophore in amorphous polycarbonate (CLD/APC) did not exhibit a decrease in EO response (i.e., an increase in modulation-switching voltage- Vπ) following irradiation by low dose [10-160 krad(Si)] 60Co gamma-rays. To provide further evidences to the observed radiation stability, the post-irradiation responses of 60Co gamma-rays on CLD1/APC thin films are examined by various chemical and spectroscopic methods including: a solubility test, thin-layer chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption, and infra-red absorption. The results indicate that CLD1 and APC did not decompose under gamma-ray irradiation at dose levels ranging from 66-274 krad(Si) and from 61-154 krad(Si), respectively which support the previously reported data.

Modeled Martian subsurface elemental composition measurements with the Probing In situ with Neutron and Gamma ray instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowicki, Suzanne F.; Evans, Larry G.; Starr, Richard D.; Schweitzer, Jeffrey S.; Karunatillake, Suniti; McClanahan, Timothy P.; Moersch, Jeffrey E.; Parsons, Ann M.; Tate, Christopher G.

2017-02-01

The Probing In situ with Neutron and Gamma ray (PING) instrument is an innovative application of active neutron-induced gamma ray technology. The objective of PING is to measure the elemental composition of the Martian regolith. This manuscript presents PING's sensitivities as a function of the Martian regolith depth and PING's uncertainties in the measurements as a function of observation time in passive and active mode. The modeled sensitivities show that in PING's active mode, where both a pulsed neutron generator (PNG) and a gamma ray spectrometer (GRS) are used, PING can interrogate the material below the rover to about 20 cm due to the penetrating nature of the high-energy neutrons and the resulting secondary gamma rays observed with the GRS. PING is capable of identifying most major and minor rock-forming elements, including H, O, Na, Mn, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Cr, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Th. The modeled uncertainties show that PING's use of a PNG reduces the required observation times by an order of magnitude over a passive operating mode where the PNG is turned off. While the active mode allows for more complete elemental inventories with higher sensitivity, the gamma ray signatures of some elements are strong enough to detect in passive mode. We show that PING can detect changes in key marker elements and make thermal neutron measurements in about 1 min that are sensitive to H and Cl.

Angular power spectrum of the diffuse gamma-ray emission as measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope and constraints on its dark matter interpretation

DOE PAGES

Fornasa, Mattia; Cuoco, Alessandro; Zavala, Jesús; ...

2016-12-09

The isotropic gamma-ray background arises from the contribution of unresolved sources, including members of confirmed source classes and proposed gamma-ray emitters such as the radiation induced by dark matter annihilation and decay. Clues about the properties of the contributing sources are imprinted in the anisotropy characteristics of the gamma-ray background. We use 81 months of Pass 7 Reprocessed data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope to perform a measurement of the anisotropy angular power spectrum of the gamma-ray background. Here, we analyze energies between 0.5 and 500 GeV, extending the range considered in the previous measurement based on 22 monthsmore » of data. We also compute, for the first time, the cross-correlation angular power spectrum between different energy bins. The derived angular spectra are compatible with being Poissonian, i.e. constant in multipole. Furthermore, the energy dependence of the anisotropy suggests that the signal is due to two populations of sources, contributing, respectively, below and above ~ 2 GeV . Finally, using data from state-of-the-art numerical simulations to model the dark matter distribution, we constrain the contribution from dark matter annihilation and decay in Galactic and extra-Galactic structures to the measured anisotropy. These constraints are competitive with those that can be derived from the average intensity of the isotropic gamma-ray background.« less

Estrogen regulation of gene expression in the teleost fish immune system.

PubMed

Burgos-Aceves, Mario Alberto; Cohen, Amit; Smith, Yoav; Faggio, Caterina

2016-11-01

Elucidating the mechanisms of estrogens-induced immunomodulation in teleost fish is of great importance due to the observed worldwide continuing decrease in pristine environments. However, little is know about the immunotoxicological consequences of exposure to these chemicals in fish, or of the mechanisms through which these effects are mediated. In this review, we summarize the results showing estrogens (natural or synthetic) acting through estrogen receptors and regulating specific target genes, also through microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to modulation of the immune functioning. The identification and characterization of miRNAs will provide new opportunities for functional genome research on teleost immune system and can also be useful when screening for novel molecule biomarkers for environmental pollution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Particle-Induced Gamma-ray Emission Spectroscopy Over a Broad Range of Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olds, Hannah; Wilkinson, John; Tighe, Meghanne; McLallen, Walter; McGuire, Patrick

2017-09-01

Ion beam analysis is a common application of nuclear physics that allows elemental and isotopic information about materials to be determined from accelerated light ion beams One of the best know ion beam analysis techniques is Particle-Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, which can be used ex vacuo to identify the elements of interest in almost any solid target. The energies of the gamma-rays emitted by excited nuclei will be unique to each element and depend on its nuclear structure. For the most sensitivity, the accelerated ions should exceed the Coulomb barrier of the target, but many isotopes are known to be accessible to PIGE even below the Coulomb barrier. To explore the sensitivity of PIGE across the periodic table, PIGE measurements were made on elements with Z = 5, 9, 11-15, 17, 19-35, 37, 42, 44-48, 53, 56, 60, 62, 73, and 74 using 3.4 MeV protons. These measurements will be compared with literature values and be used as a basis for comparison with higher-energy proton beams available at the University of Notre Dame's St. Andre accelerator when it comes online this Fall. The beam normalization technique of using atmospheric argon and its 1459 keV gamma-ray to better estimate the integrated beam on target will also be discussed. Funded by the NSF REU program and the University of Notre Dame.

Limits on dark matter annihilation signals from the Fermi LAT 4-year measurement of the isotropic gamma-ray background

DOE PAGES

Ackermann, M.

2015-09-02

We search for evidence of dark matter (DM) annihilation in the isotropic gamma-ray background (IGRB) measured with 50 months of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observations. An improved theoretical description of the cosmological DM annihilation signal, based on two complementary techniques and assuming generic weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) properties, renders more precise predictions compared to previous work. More specifically, we estimate the cosmologically-induced gamma-ray intensity to have an uncertainty of a factor ~ 20 in canonical setups. We consistently include both the Galactic and extragalactic signals under the same theoretical framework, and study the impact of the former onmore » the IGRB spectrum derivation. We find no evidence for a DM signal and we set limits on the DM-induced isotropic gamma-ray signal. Our limits are competitive for DM particle masses up to tens of TeV and, indeed, are the strongest limits derived from Fermi LAT data at TeV energies. This is possible thanks to the new Fermi LAT IGRB measurement, which now extends up to an energy of 820 GeV. As a result, we quantify uncertainties in detail and show the potential this type of search offers for testing the WIMP paradigm with a complementary and truly cosmological probe of DM particle signals.« less

Prediction of cellular radiosensitivity from DNA damage induced by gamma-rays and carbon ion irradiation in canine tumor cells.

PubMed

Wada, Seiichi; Van Khoa, Tran; Kobayashi, Yasuhiko; Funayama, Tomoo; Ogihara, Kikumi; Ueno, Shunji; Ito, Nobuhiko

2005-11-01

Diseases of companion animals are shifting from infectious diseases to neoplasms (cancer), and since radiation therapy is one of the effective choices available for cancer treatment, the application of radiotherapy in veterinary medicine is likely to increase. However tumor tissues have different radiosensitivities, and therefore it is important to determine the intrinsic radiosensitivity of tumors in individual patients in advance of radiotherapy. We have studied the relationship between the surviving cell fraction measured by a clonogenic assay and DNA double strand breaks detected by a comet assay under neutral conditions in three canine tumor cell lines, after gamma-ray and carbon ion irradiation. In all the cell lines, cell death assessed by the clonogenic assay was much higher following irradiation with carbon ions than with gamma-rays. The initial and residual (4 hr) DNA damage due to gamma-ray and carbon ion irradiation were higher in a radiosensitive cell line than in a radioresistant cell line. The surviving cell fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) showed a tendency for correlation with both the initial and residual DNA damage. In particular, the residual damage per Gy was significantly correlated with SF2, regardless of the type of radiation. This indicates that cellular radiosensitivity can be predicted by detection of radiation-induced residual DNA damage.

Limits on dark matter annihilation signals from the Fermi LAT 4-year measurement of the isotropic gamma-ray background

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

Collaboration: Fermi LAT Collaboration

2015-09-01

We search for evidence of dark matter (DM) annihilation in the isotropic gamma-ray background (IGRB) measured with 50 months of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observations. An improved theoretical description of the cosmological DM annihilation signal, based on two complementary techniques and assuming generic weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) properties, renders more precise predictions compared to previous work. More specifically, we estimate the cosmologically-induced gamma-ray intensity to have an uncertainty of a factor ∼ 20 in canonical setups. We consistently include both the Galactic and extragalactic signals under the same theoretical framework, and study the impact of the former on themore » IGRB spectrum derivation. We find no evidence for a DM signal and we set limits on the DM-induced isotropic gamma-ray signal. Our limits are competitive for DM particle masses up to tens of TeV and, indeed, are the strongest limits derived from Fermi LAT data at TeV energies. This is possible thanks to the new Fermi LAT IGRB measurement, which now extends up to an energy of 820 GeV. We quantify uncertainties in detail and show the potential this type of search offers for testing the WIMP paradigm with a complementary and truly cosmological probe of DM particle signals.« less

Gynogenesis in carp, Cyprinus Carpio L. and tench, Tinca Tinca L. induced by 60Co radiation in highly homogeneous radiating field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pipota, J.; Linhart, O.

The paper deals with a method of fertility inactivation of fish spermatozoa by gamma radiation. Spermatozoa motility remained unchanged after irradiation. Irradiated sperm has been utilized to induced gynogenesis by means of retention of the second polar body and of mitotic gynogenesis, realized in carp for the first time. Homogeneity of gamma-rays field was + - 1 %.

Effect of molybdenum on gamma ray shielding and structural properties of PbO-B2O3 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogra, Mridula; Singh, K. J.; Kaur, Kulwinder

2018-04-01

The present study is aimed at developing new shielding materials for gamma ray shielding applications. Transparent glasses of the composition xMoO3-0.7PbO-(0.3-x)B2O3 where x= 0.03 to 0. 06 (mole fraction) have been prepared by using melt-quenchingtechnique. Gamma ray shielding properties have been evaluated in terms of mass attenuation coefficient and half value layer parameter at photon energies 662 and 1173 keV. These shielding parameters are also compared with standard shielding material`concretes'. It has been found that prepared glass system shows better shielding properties than barite and ordinary concretes proving the possibility of its usage as an alternate to conventional concrete for gamma ray shielding applications. The density, molar volume, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform InfraRed and Raman studies have been performed to study the structural properties of the glass system. It has been analyzed from FTIR and Raman studies that bridging oxygens increase with the decrease of MoO3 content in the glass composition.

Genistein induces estrogen-like effects in ovariectomized rats but fails to increase cardiac GLUT4 and oxidative stress.

PubMed

Al-Nakkash, Layla; Markus, Brandon; Batia, Lyn; Prozialeck, Walter C; Broderick, Tom L

2010-12-01

This study aimed to determine whether a 2-week genistein treatment induced estrogen-like effects in ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats, after 2 weeks of subcutaneous genistein injections (250 mg/kg of body weight/day). Uterine weight, uterine-to-body weight ratio, femur weight, and femur-to-body weight ratio were all significantly increased with genistein in OVX rats. Body weight was significantly decreased with genistein in OVX rats. Genistein had no effect on the weights of heart, heart-to-body ratio, and fat pad but significantly decreased heart rate and pulse pressure. Genistein had no effect on cardiac GLUT4 protein, oxidative stress, plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, or low-density lipoprotein levels; however, plasma insulin levels were significantly increased. Our results show that a 2-week genistein treatment produced favorable estrogen-like effects on some physical and physiological characteristics in OVX rats. However, based on our experimental conditions, the effects of genistein were not associated with changes in cardiac GLUT4 or oxidative stress.

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} modulates the expression of adipogenesis-related genes during adipocyte differentiation

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

Ijichi, Nobuhiro; Ikeda, Kazuhiro; Horie-Inoue, Kuniko

2007-07-06

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} (ERR{alpha}) is an orphan nuclear receptor that regulates cellular energy metabolism by modulating gene expression involved in fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in brown adipose tissue. However, the physiological role of ERR{alpha} in adipogenesis and white adipose tissue development has not been well studied. Here, we show that ERR{alpha} and ERR{alpha}-related transcriptional coactivators, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) and PGC-1{beta}, can be up-regulated in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at mRNA levels under the adipogenic differentiation condition including the inducer of cAMP, glucocorticoid, and insulin. Gene knockdown by ERR{alpha}-specific siRNA results in mRNA down-regulation of fatty acidmore » binding protein 4, PPAR{gamma}, and PGC-1{alpha} in 3T3-L1 cells in the adipogenesis medium. ERR{alpha} and PGC-1{beta} mRNA expression can be also up-regulated in another preadipocyte lineage DFAT-D1 cells and a pluripotent mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 under the differentiation condition. Furthermore, stable expression of ERR{alpha} in 3T3-L1 cells up-regulates adipogenic marker genes and promotes triglyceride accumulation during 3T3-L1 differentiation. These results suggest that ERR{alpha} may play a critical role in adipocyte differentiation by modulating the expression of various adipogenesis-related genes.« less

Developmental Effects and Estrogenicity of Bisphenol A Alternatives in a Zebrafish Embryo Model.

PubMed

Mu, Xiyan; Huang, Ying; Li, Xuxing; Lei, Yunlei; Teng, Miaomiao; Li, Xuefeng; Wang, Chengju; Li, Yingren

2018-03-06

In order to understand the negative effects of bisphenol A (BPA) alternatives comprehensively, zebrafish embryos were used to assess the lethality, developmental effects, and estrogenic activity of bisphenol analogues. The in silico estrogenic activities of bisphenol analogues were assayed by binding simulation. According to our results, the lethality of bisphenol analogues decreased in order of bisphenol AF (BPAF) > BPA > bisphenol F (BPF) > bisphenol S (BPS). BPAF and BPF induced significant effects on zebrafish embryos, including decreased heart rate, hatching inhibition, and teratogenic effects. The binding potentials of bisphenol analogues toward zebrafish ERs (zfERS) decreased in the following order: BPAF > BPA > BPF > BPS. Among the three subtypes of zfERs, zfERβ2 showed the highest binding activity toward the bisphenols, followed by zfERα and zfERβ1. In vivo estrogenic activity tests showed that BPAF, BPA, and BPF significantly enhanced the protein levels of ERα along with the mRNA levels of esr1, esr2a, esr2b, and vtg1 in zebrafish embryos. Esr2b showed the strongest response to BPAF and BPA exposure among the three esrs. In contrast, BPS did not significantly regulate ER protein level or ER transcription. In conclusion, BPAF showed the highest lethality, developmental effects, and estrogenic activity (both in silico and in vivo) followed by BPA and BPF. BPS showed the weakest toxicity and estrogenic activity. zfERβ2 might act as the main target among the three ER subtypes of zebrafish after exposure to BPAF and BPA.

Environmental Exposure, Estrogen and Two X Chromosomes are Required for Disease Development in an Epigenetic Model of Lupus

PubMed Central

Strickland, Faith M.; Hewagama, Anura; Lu, Qianjian; Wu, Ailing; Hinderer, Robert; Webb, Ryan; Johnson, Kent; Sawalha, Amr H.; Delaney, Colin; Yung, Raymond; Richardson, Bruce C.

2011-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease primarily afflicting women. The reason for the gender bias is unclear, but genetic susceptibility, estrogen and environmental agents appear to play significant roles in SLE pathogenesis. Environmental agents can contribute to lupus susceptibility through epigenetic mechanisms. We used (C57BL/6 × SJL)F1 mice transgenic for a dominant-negative MEK (dnMEK) that was previously shown to be inducibly and selectively expressed in T cells. In this model, induction of the dnMEK by doxycycline treatment suppresses T cell ERK signaling, decreasing DNA methyltransferase expression and resulting in DNA demethylation, overexpression of immune genes Itgal (CD11a) and Tnfsf7 (CD70), and anti-dsDNA antibody. To examine the role of gender and estrogen in this model, male and female transgenic mice were neutered and implanted with time-release pellets delivering placebo or estrogen. Doxycycline induced IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies in intact and neutered, placebo-treated control female but not male transgenic mice. Glomerular IgG deposits were also found in the kidneys of female but not male transgenic mice, and not in the absence of doxycycline. Estrogen enhanced anti-dsDNA IgG antibodies only in transgenic, ERK-impaired female mice. Decreased ERK activation also resulted in overexpression and demethylation of the X-linked methylation-sensitive gene CD40lg in female but not male mice, consistent with demethylation of the second X chromosome in the females. The results show that both estrogen and female gender contribute to the female predisposition in lupus susceptibility through hormonal and epigenetic X chromosome effects and through suppression of ERK signaling by environmental agents. PMID:22142890

Genome-wide survey of artificial mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate and gamma rays in tomato.

PubMed

Shirasawa, Kenta; Hirakawa, Hideki; Nunome, Tsukasa; Tabata, Satoshi; Isobe, Sachiko

2016-01-01

Genome-wide mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and gamma irradiation in the tomato Micro-Tom genome were identified by a whole-genome shotgun sequencing analysis to estimate the spectrum and distribution of whole-genome DNA mutations and the frequency of deleterious mutations. A total of ~370 Gb of paired-end reads for four EMS-induced mutants and three gamma-ray-irradiated lines as well as a wild-type line were obtained by next-generation sequencing technology. Using bioinformatics analyses, we identified 5920 induced single nucleotide variations and insertion/deletion (indel) mutations. The predominant mutations in the EMS mutants were C/G to T/A transitions, while in the gamma-ray mutants, C/G to T/A transitions, A/T to T/A transversions, A/T to G/C transitions and deletion mutations were equally common. Biases in the base composition flanking mutations differed between the mutagenesis types. Regarding the effects of the mutations on gene function, >90% of the mutations were located in intergenic regions, and only 0.2% were deleterious. In addition, we detected 1,140,687 spontaneous single nucleotide polymorphisms and indel polymorphisms in wild-type Micro-Tom lines. We also found copy number variation, deletions and insertions of chromosomal segments in both the mutant and wild-type lines. The results provide helpful information not only for mutation research, but also for mutant screening methodology with reverse-genetic approaches. © 2015 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Disentangling Hadronic and Leptonic Cascade Scenarios from the Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission of Distant Hard-Spectrum Blazars

DOE PAGES

Takami, Hajime; Murase, Kohta; Dermer, Charles D.

2013-06-26

We show that recent data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope have revealed about a dozen distant hard-spectrum blazars that have very-high-energy (VHE; ≳ 100 eV) photons associated with them, but most of them have not yet been detected by imaging atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes. Most of these high-energy gamma-ray spectra, like those of other extreme high-frequency peaked BL Lac objects, can be well explained either by gamma rays emitted at the source or by cascades induced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, as we show specifically for KUV 00311–1938. We consider the prospects for detection of the VHE sources by the plannedmore » Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) and show how it can distinguish the two scenarios by measuring the integrated flux above ~500 GeV (depending on source redshift) for several luminous sources with z ≲ 1 in the sample. Strong evidence for the origin of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays could be obtained from VHE observations with CTA. Depending on redshift, if the often quoted redshift of KUV 00311–1938 (z = 0.61) is believed, then preliminary H.E.S.S. data favor cascades induced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Lastly, accurate redshift measurements of hard-spectrum blazars are essential for this study.« less

Bone Mineral Density as a Marker of Cumulative Estrogen Exposure in Psychotic Disorder: A 3 Year Follow-Up Study.

PubMed

van der Leeuw, Christine; Peeters, Sanne; Domen, Patrick; van Kroonenburgh, Marinus; van Os, Jim; Marcelis, Machteld

2015-01-01

Altered estrogen-induced neuroprotection has been implicated in the etiology of psychotic disorders. Using bone mineral density as a marker of lifetime estrogen exposure, a longitudinal family study was conducted to discriminate between etiological mechanisms and secondary effects of disease and treatment. Dual X-ray absorptiometry scans were acquired twice, with an interval of 3 years, in 30 patients with psychotic disorder (male (M)/female (F): 24/6, mean age of 32 years at second measurement), 44 non-psychotic siblings of patients with a psychotic disorder (M/F: 26/18, mean age 32) and 27 controls (M/F: 7/20, mean age 35). Total bone mineral density, Z-scores and T-scores were measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Associations between group and bone mineral density changes were investigated with multilevel random regression analyses. The effect of prolactin-raising antipsychotic medication was evaluated. (Increased risk of) psychotic disorder was not associated with disproportionate bone mineral density loss over a three year period. Instead, femoral bone mineral density measures appeared to decrease less in the patient versus control comparison (total BMD: B = 0.026, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.050, p = 0.037; Z-score: B = 0.224, 95% CI 0.035 to 0.412, p = 0.020; and T-score: B = 0.193, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.382, p = 0.046). Current or past use of a prolactin-raising antipsychotic medication was not associated with bone mineral density changes. In this small longitudinal study, there was no evidence of ongoing estrogen deficiency in psychotic disorder as there was no excessive loss of bone mineral density over a 3-year period in patients using antipsychotic medication.

Bone Mineral Density as a Marker of Cumulative Estrogen Exposure in Psychotic Disorder: A 3 Year Follow-Up Study

PubMed Central

van der Leeuw, Christine; Peeters, Sanne; Domen, Patrick; van Kroonenburgh, Marinus; van Os, Jim; Marcelis, Machteld

2015-01-01

Altered estrogen-induced neuroprotection has been implicated in the etiology of psychotic disorders. Using bone mineral density as a marker of lifetime estrogen exposure, a longitudinal family study was conducted to discriminate between etiological mechanisms and secondary effects of disease and treatment. Dual X-ray absorptiometry scans were acquired twice, with an interval of 3 years, in 30 patients with psychotic disorder (male (M)/female (F): 24/6, mean age of 32 years at second measurement), 44 non-psychotic siblings of patients with a psychotic disorder (M/F: 26/18, mean age 32) and 27 controls (M/F: 7/20, mean age 35). Total bone mineral density, Z-scores and T-scores were measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Associations between group and bone mineral density changes were investigated with multilevel random regression analyses. The effect of prolactin-raising antipsychotic medication was evaluated. (Increased risk of) psychotic disorder was not associated with disproportionate bone mineral density loss over a three year period. Instead, femoral bone mineral density measures appeared to decrease less in the patient versus control comparison (total BMD: B = 0.026, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.050, p = 0.037; Z-score: B = 0.224, 95% CI 0.035 to 0.412, p = 0.020; and T-score: B = 0.193, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.382, p = 0.046). Current or past use of a prolactin-raising antipsychotic medication was not associated with bone mineral density changes. In this small longitudinal study, there was no evidence of ongoing estrogen deficiency in psychotic disorder as there was no excessive loss of bone mineral density over a 3-year period in patients using antipsychotic medication. PMID:26309037

Fermi Large Area Telescope observations of Local Group galaxies: detection of M 31 and search for M 33

DOE PAGES

Abdo, A. A.

2010-11-01

Context. Cosmic rays (CRs) can be studied through the galaxy-wide gamma-ray emission that they generate when propagating in the interstellar medium. The comparison of the diffuse signals from different systems may inform us about the key parameters in CR acceleration and transport. Aims. We aim to determine and compare the properties of the cosmic-ray-induced gamma-ray emission of several Local Group galaxies. Methods. We use 2 years of nearly continuous sky-survey observations obtained with the Large Area Telescope aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to search for gamma-ray emission from M 31 and M 33. We compare the results with thosemore » for the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Small Magellanic Cloud, the Milky Way, and the starburst galaxies M 82 and NGC 253. Results. We detect a gamma-ray signal at 5σ significance in the energy range 200 MeV–20 GeV that is consistent with originating from M 31. The integral photon flux above 100 MeV amounts to (9.1 ± 1.9stat ± 1.0sys) × 10 -9 ph cm-2 s -1. We find no evidence for emission from M 33 and derive an upper limit on the photon flux >100 MeV of 5.1 × 10 -9 ph cm -2 s -1 (2σ). Comparing these results to the properties of other Local Group galaxies, we find indications of a correlation between star formation rate and gamma-ray luminosity that also holds for the starburst galaxies. Conclusions. The gamma-ray luminosity of M 31 is about half that of the Milky Way, which implies that the ratio between the average CR densities in M 31 and the Milky Way amounts to ξ = 0.35 ± 0.25. The observed correlation between gamma-ray luminosity and star formation rate suggests that the flux of M 33 is not far below the current upper limit from the LAT observations.« less

Chemical Probes of Rapid Estrogen Signaling in Breast Cancer Treatment and Chemoprevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

conjugated to cell-impermeable polyacrylate polymers that should allow for selective targeting of membrane-initiated responses of estrogen receptor. It...dilutions of the different compounds were prepared in ES2 screening buffer (100 mM potassium phosphate, pH7.4, 100 µg/ml bovine gamma globulin) and 50 µl...W81XWH-04-1-0447 TITLE: Chemical Probes of Rapid Estrogen Signaling in Breast Cancer Treatment and Chemoprevention PRINCIPAL

Arsenic abrogates the estrogen-signaling pathway in the rat uterus

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Arsenic, a major pollutant of water as well as soil, is a known endocrine disruptor, and shows adverse effects on the female reproductive physiology. However, the exact molecular events leading to reproductive dysfunctions as a result of arsenic exposure are yet to be ascertained. This report evaluates the effect and mode of action of chronic oral arsenic exposure on the uterine physiology of mature female albino rats. Methods The effect of chronic oral exposure to arsenic at the dose of 4 microg/ml for 28 days was evaluated on adult female albino rats. Hematoxylin-eosin double staining method evaluated the changes in the histological architecture of the uterus. Circulating levels of gonadotropins and estradiol were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of the estrogen receptor and estrogen-induced genes was studied at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results Sodium arsenite treatment decreased circulating levels of estradiol in a dose and time-dependent manner, along with decrease in the levels of both LH and FSH. Histological evaluation revealed degeneration of luminal epithelial cells and endometrial glands in response to arsenic treatment, along with reduction in thickness of the longitudinal muscle layer. Concomitantly, downregulation of estrogen receptor (ER alpha), the estrogen-responsive gene - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and G1 cell cycle proteins, cyclin D1 and CDK4, was also observed. Conclusion Together, the results indicate that arsenic disrupted the circulating levels of gonadotropins and estradiol, led to degeneration of luminal epithelial, stromal and myometrial cells of the rat uterus and downregulated the downstream components of the estrogen signaling pathway. Since development and functional maintenance of the uterus is under the influence of estradiol, arsenic-induced structural degeneration may be attributed to the reduction in circulating estradiol levels. Downregulation of the estrogen receptor and estrogen-responsive genes in response to arsenic indicates a mechanism of suppression of female reproductive functions by an environmental toxicant that is contra-mechanistic to that of estrogen. PMID:20598115

Estrogen alters gonadal soma-derived factor (Gsdf)/Foxl2 expression levels in the testes associated with testis-ova differentiation in adult medaka, Oryzias latipes.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Tohru; Chiba, Ayaka; Sato, Tadashi; Myosho, Taijun; Yamamoto, Jun; Okamura, Tetsuro; Onishi, Yuta; Sakaizumi, Mitsuru; Hamaguchi, Satoshi; Iguchi, Taisen; Horie, Yoshifumi

2017-10-01

Testis-ova differentiation in sexually mature male medaka (Oryzias latipes) is easily induced by estrogenic chemicals, indicating that spermatogonia persist in sexual bipotentiality, even in mature testes in medaka. By contrast, the effects of estrogen on testicular somatic cells associated with testis-ova differentiation in medaka remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the dynamics of sex-related genes (Gsdf, Dmrt1, and Foxl2) expressed in Sertoli cells in the mature testes of adult medaka during estrogen-induced testis-ova differentiation. When mature male medaka were exposed to estradiol benzoate (EB; 800ng/L), testis-ova first appeared after EB treatment for 14days (observed as the first oocytes of the leptotene-zygotene stage). However, the testis remained structurally unchanged, even after EB treatment for 28days. Although Foxl2 is a female-specific sex gene, EB treatment for 7days induced Foxl2/FOXL2 expression in all Sertoli cell-enclosed spermatogonia before testis-ova first appeared; however, Foxl2 was not detected in somatic cells in control testes. Conversely, Sertoli-cell-specific Gsdf mRNA expression levels significantly decreased after EB treatment for 14days, and no changes were observed in DMRT1 localization following EB treatment, whereas Dmrt1 mRNA levels increased significantly. Furthermore, after EB exposure, FOXl2 and DMRT1 were co-localized in Sertoli cells during testis-ova differentiation, although FOXL2 localization was undetectable in Sertoli-cell-enclosed apoptotic testis-ova, whereas DMRT1 remained localized in Sertoli cells. These results indicated for the first time that based on the expression of female-specific sex genes, feminization of Sertoli cells precedes testis-ova differentiation induced by estrogen in mature testes in medaka; however, complete feminization of Sertoli cells was not induced in this study. Additionally, it is suggested strongly that Foxl2 and Gsdf expression constitute potential molecular markers for evaluating the effects of estrogenic chemicals on testicular somatic cells associated with estrogen-induced testis-ova differentiation in mature male medaka. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time-resolved Neutron-gamma-ray Data Acquisition for in Situ Subsurface Planetary Geochemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bodnarik, Julie G.; Burger, Dan Michael; Burger, A.; Evans, L. G.; Parsons, A. M.; Schweitzer, J. S.; Starr R. D.; Stassun, K. G.

2013-01-01

The current gamma-ray/neutron instrumentation development effort at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center aims to extend the use of active pulsed neutron interrogation techniques to probe the subsurface elemental composition of planetary bodies in situ. Previous NASA planetary science missions, that used neutron and/or gamma-ray spectroscopy instruments, have relied on neutrons produced from galactic cosmic rays. One of the distinguishing features of this effort is the inclusion of a high intensity 14.1 MeV pulsed neutron generator synchronized with a custom data acquisition system to time each event relative to the pulse. With usually only one opportunity to collect data, it is difficult to set a priori time-gating windows to obtain the best possible results. Acquiring time-tagged, event-by-event data from nuclear induced reactions provides raw data sets containing channel/energy, and event time for each gamma ray or neutron detected. The resulting data set can be plotted as a function of time or energy using optimized analysis windows after the data are acquired. Time windows can now be chosen to produce energy spectra that yield the most statistically significant and accurate elemental composition results that can be derived from the complete data set. The advantages of post-processing gamma-ray time-tagged event-by-event data in experimental tests using our prototype instrument will be demonstrated.

MAGIC gamma-ray telescopes hunting for neutrinos and their sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Góra, D.; Bernardini, E.; Satalecka, K.; Noda, K.; Manganaro, M.; López, M.; MAGIC Collaboration

2017-09-01

The discovery of an astrophysical flux of high-energy neutrinos by the IceCube Collaboration marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing search for the origin of cosmic rays. Presumably, the neutrinos, together with gamma rays, result from pion decay, following hadronic interactions of protons accelerated in astrophysical objects to ultra-relativistic energies. So far, the neutrino sky map shows no significant indication of astrophysical sources. Here, we report first results from follow-up observations, of sky regions where IceCube has detected muon tracks from energetic neutrinos, using the MAGIC telescopes which are sensitive to gamma rays at TeV energies. Furthermore, we show that MAGIC has the potential to distinguish air showers induced by tau neutrinos from the background of hadronic showers in the PeV-EeV energy range, employing a novel analysis method to the data obtained with high-zenith angle observations.

STING-Dependent Interferon-λ1 Induction in HT29 Cells, a Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line, After Gamma-Radiation.

PubMed

Chen, Jianzhou; Markelc, Bostjan; Kaeppler, Jakob; Ogundipe, Vivian M L; Cao, Yunhong; McKenna, W Gillies; Muschel, Ruth J

2018-05-01

To investigate the induction of type III interferons (IFNs) in human cancer cells by gamma-rays. Type III IFN expression in human cancer cell lines after gamma-ray irradiation in vitro was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Signaling pathways mediating type III IFN induction were examined by a variety of means, including immunoblotting, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Key mediators in these pathways were further explored and validated using gene CRISPR knockout or short hairpin RNA knockdown. Exposure to gamma-rays directly induced type III IFNs (mainly IFNL1) in human cancer cell lines in dose- and time-dependent fashions. The induction of IFNL1 was primarily mediated by the cytosolic DNA sensors-STING-TBK1-IRF1 signaling axis, with a lesser contribution from the nuclear factor kappa b signaling in HT29 cells. In addition, type III IFN signaling through its receptors serves as a positive feedback loop, further enhancing IFN expression via up-regulation of the kinases in the STING-TBK1 signaling axis. Our results suggest that IFNL1 can be up-regulated in human cancer cell lines after gamma-ray treatment. In HT29 cells this induction occurs via the STING pathway, adding another layer of complexity to the understanding of radiation-induced antitumor immunity, and may provide novel insights into IFN-based cancer treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RADIOSENSITIVITY OF SEEDS. III. EFFECTS OF PRE-IRRADIATION HUMIDITY AND GAMMA-RAY DOSE ON SEEDS FROM FIVE BOTANICAL FAMILIES

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

Osborne, T.S.; Lunden, A.O.; Constantin, M.J.

1963-01-01

Seeds of Brassica napus L. (Cruciferae), Festuca elatior L. (Gramineae), Lactuca sativa L. (Compositae), Lycopersicon escuientum Mill. (Solanaceae), and Trifolium incarnatum L. var. elatius Gibelli & Belli (Leguminosae) were equilibrated at relative humidities of 10, 35, 60, and 85 per cent then exposed to gamma-ray doses of 0, 10, 20, for 14 to 16 days in a controlled environment and assayed for dry weight. Data were analyzed by a full-quadratic regression model. Except for Festuca, growth from irradiated and control seeds was drastically affected by preirradiation humidity, with higher humidities generally more damaging than iower but with growth decreasing bothmore » above and below an optimum humidity. Optimum humidity varied with species, ranging from 9 to 38 per cent R. H. in the controls, and with radiation treatment, ranging from 42 to 53 per cent R. H. at the highest doses tolerated. The hypothesis of persisting radiation-induced radicals at lower humidities does not explain the similar increase in radiosensitivity at humidities above the optimum. (auth)« less

Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Opuntia ficus indica as a Tissue- and Estrogen Receptor Subtype-Selective Modulator.

PubMed

An, Byoung Ha; Jeong, Hyesoo; Zhou, Wenmei; Liu, Xiyuan; Kim, Soolin; Jang, Chang Young; Kim, Hyun-Sook; Sohn, Johann; Park, Hye-Jin; Sung, Na-Hye; Hong, Cheol Yi; Chang, Minsun

2016-06-01

Phytoestrogens are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) with potential for use in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve peri/postmenopausal symptoms. This study was aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the SERM properties of the extract of Korean-grown Opuntia ficus-indica (KOFI). The KOFI extract induced estrogen response element (ERE)-driven transcription in breast and endometrial cancer cell lines and the expression of endogenous estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer cells. The flavonoid content of different KOFI preparations affected ERE-luciferase activities, implying that the flavonoid composition likely mediated the estrogenic activities in cells. Oral administration of KOFI decreased the weight gain and levels of both serum glucose and triglyceride in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Finally, KOFI had an inhibitory effect on the 17β-estradiol-induced proliferation of the endometrial epithelium in OVX rats. Our data demonstrate that KOFI exhibited SERM activity with no uterotrophic side effects. Therefore, KOFI alone or in combination with other botanical supplements, vitamins, or minerals may be an effective and safe alternative active ingredient to HRTs, for the management of postmenopausal symptoms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of subacute exposure to lead and estrogen on immature pre-weaning rat leukocytes

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

Villagra, R.; Tchernitchin, N.N.; Tchernitchin, A.N.

1997-02-01

Lead is an environmental pollutant known to cause damage to human health, affecting specially the central nervous system, reproductive organs, the immune system and kidney. From the perspective or reproduction, lead affects both men and women. Reported effects in women include infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy hypertension and premature delivery. In experimental animals, lead affects female reproductive organs through different mechanisms. The heavy metal may interact at the enzyme level. It may interfere with the action of reproductive hormones at the target organ, modifying the activity of estrogen receptors in the pregnant uterus and inhibiting responses where estrogens play a role.more » Lead may induce imprinting mechanism, causing persistent changes in uterine estrogen receptors and ovary LH receptors following perinatal exposure. Finally, it may interfere at the level of hypothalamus-pituitary, decreasing pituitary response to growth hormone releasing factor, affecting levels of FSH and LH and increasing blood levels of glucocorticoids, which modify the action of estrogens in the uterus. This study examines the mechanisms of lead-induced interference with female reproductive and immune functions. 33 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Genome-wide activity of unliganded estrogen receptor-α in breast cancer cells

PubMed Central

Caizzi, Livia; Ferrero, Giulio; Cutrupi, Santina; Cordero, Francesca; Ballaré, Cecilia; Miano, Valentina; Reineri, Stefania; Ricci, Laura; Friard, Olivier; Testori, Alessandro; Corà, Davide; Caselle, Michele; Di Croce, Luciano; De Bortoli, Michele

2014-01-01

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) has central role in hormone-dependent breast cancer and its ligand-induced functions have been extensively characterized. However, evidence exists that ERα has functions that are independent of ligands. In the present work, we investigated the binding of ERα to chromatin in the absence of ligands and its functions on gene regulation. We demonstrated that in MCF7 breast cancer cells unliganded ERα binds to more than 4,000 chromatin sites. Unexpectedly, although almost entirely comprised in the larger group of estrogen-induced binding sites, we found that unliganded-ERα binding is specifically linked to genes with developmental functions, compared with estrogen-induced binding. Moreover, we found that siRNA-mediated down-regulation of ERα in absence of estrogen is accompanied by changes in the expression levels of hundreds of coding and noncoding RNAs. Down-regulated mRNAs showed enrichment in genes related to epithelial cell growth and development. Stable ERα down-regulation using shRNA, which caused cell growth arrest, was accompanied by increased H3K27me3 at ERα binding sites. Finally, we found that FOXA1 and AP2γ binding to several sites is decreased upon ERα silencing, suggesting that unliganded ERα participates, together with other factors, in the maintenance of the luminal-specific cistrome in breast cancer cells. PMID:24639548

Methoxychlor affects multiple hormone signaling pathways in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) liver

PubMed Central

Martyniuk, Christopher J.; Spade, Daniel J.; Blum, Jason L.; Kroll, Kevin J.; Denslow, Nancy D.

2011-01-01

Methoxychlor (MXC) is an organochlorine pesticide that has been shown to have estrogenic activity by activating estrogen receptors and inducing vitellogenin production in male fish. Previous studies report that exposure to MXC induces changes in mRNA abundance of reproductive genes in the liver and testes of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The objective of the present study was to better characterize the mode of action of MXC by measuring the global transcriptomic response in the male largemouth liver using an oligonucleotide microarray. Microarray analysis identified highly significant changes in the expression of 37 transcripts (p<0.001) (20 induced and 17 decreased) in the liver after MXC injection and a total of 900 expression changes (p<0.05) in transcripts with high homology to known genes. Largemouth bass estrogen receptor alpha (esr1) and androgen receptor (ar) were among the transcripts that were increased in the liver after MXC treatment. Functional enrichment analysis identified the molecular functions of steroid binding and androgen receptor activity as well as steroid hormone receptor activity as being significantly over-represented gene ontology terms. Pathway analysis identified c-fos signaling as being putatively affected through both estrogen and androgen signaling. This study provides evidence that MXC elicits transcriptional effects through the estrogen receptor as well as androgen receptor-mediated pathways in the liver. PMID:21276474

Nitric oxide is cytoprotective to breast cancer spheroids vulnerable to estrogen-induced apoptosis

PubMed Central

Shafran, Yana; Zurgil, Naomi; Ravid-Hermesh, Orit; Sobolev, Maria; Afrimzon, Elena; Hakuk, Yaron; Shainberg, Asher; Deutsch, Mordechai

2017-01-01

Estrogen-induced apoptosis has become a successful treatment for postmenopausal metastatic, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Nitric oxide involvement in the response to this endocrine treatment and its influence upon estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer progression is still unclear. Nitric oxide impact on the MCF7 breast cancer line, before and after estrogen-induced apoptosis, was investigated in 3D culture systems using unique live-cell imaging methodologies. Spheroids were established from MCF7 cells vulnerable to estrogen-induced apoptosis, before and after exposure to estrogen. Spheroids derived from estrogen-treated cells exhibited extensive apoptosis levels with downregulation of estrogen receptor expression, low proliferation rate and reduced metabolic activity, unlike spheroids derived from non-treated cells. In addition to basic phenotypic differences, these two cell cluster types are diverse in their reactions to exogenous nitric oxide. A dual effect of nitric oxide was observed in the breast cancer phenotype sensitive to estrogen-induced apoptosis. Nitric oxide, at the nanomolar level, induced cell proliferation, high metabolic activity, downregulation of estrogen receptor and enhanced collective invasion, contributing to a more aggressive phenotype. Following hormone supplementation, breast cancer 3D clusters were rescued from estrogen-induced apoptosis by these low nitric oxide-donor concentrations, since nitric oxide attenuates cell death levels, upregulates survivin expression and increases metabolic activity. Higher nitric oxide concentrations (100nM) inhibited cell growth, metabolism and promoted apoptosis. These results suggest that nitric oxide, in nanomolar concentrations, may inhibit estrogen-induced apoptosis, playing a major role in hormonal therapy. Inhibiting nitric oxide activity may benefit breast cancer patients and ultimately reduce tumor recurrence. PMID:29312577

Perilipin, a critical regulator of fat storage and breakdown, is a target gene of estrogen receptor-related receptor {alpha}

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

Akter, Mst. Hasina; Yamaguchi, Tomohiro; Hirose, Fumiko

2008-04-11

Perilipin is a protein localized on lipid droplet surfaces in adipocytes and steroidogenic cells, playing a central role in regulated lipolysis. Expression of the perilipin gene is markedly induced during adipogenesis. We found that transcription from the perilipin gene promoter is activated by an orphan nuclear receptor, estrogen receptor-related receptor (ERR){alpha}. A response element to this receptor was identified in the promoter region by a gene reporter assay, the electrophoretic-gel mobility-shift assay and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} coactivator (PGC)-1{alpha} enhanced, whereas small heterodimer partner (SHP) repressed, the transactivating function of ERR{alpha} on the promoter. Thus, themore » perilipin gene expression is regulated by a transcriptional network controlling energy metabolism, substantiating the functional importance of perilipin in the maintenance of body energy balance.« less

Generic Difference Between Early and Late Stages of BATSE Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitrofanov, Igor G.; Litvak, Maxim L.; Anfimov, Dimitrij S.; Sanin, Anton B.; Briggs, Michael S.; Paciesas, William S.; Pendleton, Geoffrey N.; Preece, Robert D.; Meegan, Charles A.

2001-01-01

The early and late stages of gamma-ray bursts are studied in a statistical analysis of the large sample of long BATSE events. The primary peak is used as the boundary between the early and late stages of emission. Significant differences are found between the stages: the early stage is shorter, it has harder emission, and it becomes a smaller fraction of the total burst duration for burst groups of decreasing intensity.

General Differences between Early and Late Stages of BATSE Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitrofanov, I. G.; Litvak, M. L.; Anfimov, D. S.; Sanin, A. B.; Briggs, M. S.; Paciesas, W. S.; Pendleton, G. N.; Preece, R. D.; Meegan, C. A.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The early and late stages of gamma-ray bursts are studied in a statistical analysis of the large sample of long BATSE events. The primary peak is used as the boundary between the early and late stages of emission. Significant differences are found between the stages: the early stage is shorter, it has harder emission, and it becomes a smaller fraction of the total burst duration for burst groups of decreasing intensity.

Modeling Photodisintegration-induced TeV Photon Emission from Low-luminosity Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xue-Wen; Wu, Xue-Feng; Lu, Tan

2012-05-01

Ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray heavy nuclei have recently been considered as originating from nearby low-luminosity gamma-ray bursts that are associated with Type Ibc supernovae. Unlike the power-law decay in long duration gamma-ray bursts, the light curve of these bursts exhibits complex UV/optical behavior: shock breakout dominated thermal radiation peaks at about 1 day, and, after that, nearly constant emission sustained by radioactive materials for tens of days. We show that the highly boosted heavy nuclei at PeV energy interacting with the UV/optical photon field will produce considerable TeV photons via the photodisintegration/photo-de-excitation process. It was later predicted that a thermal-like γ-ray spectrum peaks at about a few TeV, which may serve as evidence of nucleus acceleration. The future observations by the space telescope Fermi and by the ground atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes such as H.E.S.S., VERITAS, and MAGIC will shed light on this prediction.

High energy irradiations simulating cosmic-ray-induced planetary gamma ray production. I - Fe target

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metzger, A. E.; Parker, R. H.; Yellin, J.

1986-01-01

Two thick Fe targets were bombarded by a series of 6 GeV proton irradiations for the purpose of simulating the cosmic ray bombardment of planetary objects in space. Gamma ray energy spectra were obtained with a germanium solid state detector during the bombardment, and 46 of the gamma ray lines were ascribed to the Fe targets. A comparison between observed and predicted values showed good agreement for Fe lines from neutron inelastic scattering and spallation reactions, and less satisfactory agreement for neutron capture reactions, the latter attributed to the difference in composition between the Fe target and the mean lunar abundance used in the modeling. Through an analysis of the irradiation results together with continuum data obtained in lunar orbit, it was found that 100 hours of measurement with a current instrument should generate a spectrum containing approximately 20 lines due to Fe alone, with a 2-sigma sensitivity for detection of about 0.2 percent.

Lymphocytes from wasted mice express enhanced spontaneous and {gamma}-ray-induced apoptosis

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

Woloschak, G.E.; Chang-Liu, Chin-Mei; Chung, Jen

1993-09-01

Mice bearing the autosomal recessive mutation wasted (wst/wst) display a disease pattern including faulty repair of DNA damage in lymphocytes after radiation exposure, neurologic abnormalities, and immunodeficiency. Many of the features of this mouse model have suggested a premature or increased spontaneous frequency of apoptosis in thymocytes; past work has shown an inability to establish cultured T cell lines, an abnormally high death rate of stimulated T cells in culture, and an increased sensitivity of T cells to the killing effects of ionizing radiations in wst/wst mice relative to controls. The experiments reported here were designed to examine splenic andmore » thymic lymphocytes from wasted and control mice for signs of early apoptosis. Our results revealed enhanced expression of Rp-8 mRNA (associated with apoptosis) in thymic lymphocytes and reduced expression in splenic lymphocytes of wst/wst mice relative to controls; expression of Rp-2 and Td-30 mRNA (induced during apoptosis) were not detectable in spleen or thymus. Higher spontaneous DNA fragmentation was observed in wasted mice than in controls; however, {gamma}-ray-induced DNA fragmentation peaked at a lower dose and occurred to a greater extent in wasted mice relative to controls. These results provide evidence for high spontaneous and {gamma}-ray-induced apoptosis in T cells of wasted mice as a mechanism underlying the observed lymphocyte and DNA repair abnormalities.« less

Measurement of high-energy prompt gamma-rays from neutron induced fission of U-235

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makii, Hiroyuki; Nishio, Katsuhisa; Hirose, Kentaro; Orlandi, Riccardo; Léguillon, Romain; Ogawa, Tatsuhiko; Soldner, Torsten; Hambsch, Franz-Josef; Astier, Alain; Pollitt, Andrew; Petrache, Costel; Tsekhanovich, Igor; Mathieu, Ludovic; Aïche, Mourad; Frost, Robert; Czajkowski, Serge; Guo, Song; Köster, Ulli

2017-09-01

We have developed a new setup to measure prompt γ-rays from the 235U(nth,f) reaction. The setup consists of two multi-wire proportional counters (MWPCs) to detect the fission fragments, two LaBr3(Ce) scintillators to measure the γ-rays. The highly efficient setup was installed at the PF1B beam line of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). We have successfully measured the γ-ray spectrum up to about 20 MeV for the fist time in neutron-induced fission.

X-ray absorption studies of gamma irradiated Nd doped phosphate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, V. N.; Rajput, Parasmani; Jha, S. N.; Bhattacharyya, D.

2015-06-01

This paper presents the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies of Nd doped phosphate glasses before and after gamma irradiation. The intensity and location of LIII edge white line peak of Nd changes depending on its concentration as well as on the ratio of O/Nd in the glass matrix. The decrease in the peak intensity of white line after gamma irradiation indicates towards reduction of Nd3+ to Nd2+ in the glass matrix, which increases with an increase in the doses of gamma irradiation. Similarity in the XANES spectra of Nd doped phosphate glasses and Nd2O3 suggests that coordination geometry around Nd3+ in glass samples may be identical to that of Nd2O3.

Modeled Martian subsurface elemental composition measurements with the Probing In situ with Neutron and Gamma ray instrument: Gamma and Neutron Measurements on Mars

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

Nowicki, Suzanne F.; Evans, Larry G.; Starr, Richard D.

Here, the Probing In situ with Neutrons and Gamma rays (PING) instrument is an innovative application of active neutron-induced gamma-ray technology. The objective of PING is to measure the elemental composition of the Martian regolith. As part 2 of a two-part submission, this manuscript presents PING's sensitivities as a function of the Martian regolith depth and PING's uncertainties in the measurements as a function of observation time in passive and active mode. Part 1 of our submission models the associated regolith types. The modeled sensitivities show that in PING's active mode, where both a Pulsed Neutron Generator (PNG) and amore » Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) are used, PING can interrogate the material below the rover to about 20 cm due to the penetrating nature of the high-energy neutrons and the resulting secondary gamma rays observed with the GRS. PING is capable of identifying most major and minor rock-forming elements, including H, O, Na, Mn, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Cr, K, Ca, Ti, Fe and Th. The modeled uncertainties show that PING's use of a PNG reduces the required observation times by an order of magnitude over a passive operating mode where the PNG is turned off. While the active mode allows for more complete elemental inventories with higher sensitivity, the gamma-ray signatures of some elements are strong enough to detect in passive mode. We show that PING can detect changes in key marker elements and make thermal neutron measurements in about 1 minute that are sensitive to H and Cl.« less

Modeled Martian subsurface elemental composition measurements with the Probing In situ with Neutron and Gamma ray instrument: Gamma and Neutron Measurements on Mars

DOE PAGES

Nowicki, Suzanne F.; Evans, Larry G.; Starr, Richard D.; ...

2017-02-01

Here, the Probing In situ with Neutrons and Gamma rays (PING) instrument is an innovative application of active neutron-induced gamma-ray technology. The objective of PING is to measure the elemental composition of the Martian regolith. As part 2 of a two-part submission, this manuscript presents PING's sensitivities as a function of the Martian regolith depth and PING's uncertainties in the measurements as a function of observation time in passive and active mode. Part 1 of our submission models the associated regolith types. The modeled sensitivities show that in PING's active mode, where both a Pulsed Neutron Generator (PNG) and amore » Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) are used, PING can interrogate the material below the rover to about 20 cm due to the penetrating nature of the high-energy neutrons and the resulting secondary gamma rays observed with the GRS. PING is capable of identifying most major and minor rock-forming elements, including H, O, Na, Mn, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Cr, K, Ca, Ti, Fe and Th. The modeled uncertainties show that PING's use of a PNG reduces the required observation times by an order of magnitude over a passive operating mode where the PNG is turned off. While the active mode allows for more complete elemental inventories with higher sensitivity, the gamma-ray signatures of some elements are strong enough to detect in passive mode. We show that PING can detect changes in key marker elements and make thermal neutron measurements in about 1 minute that are sensitive to H and Cl.« less

Cancer treatment-induced bone loss in premenopausal women: a need for therapeutic intervention?

PubMed

Hadji, P; Gnant, M; Body, J J; Bundred, N J; Brufsky, A; Coleman, R E; Guise, T A; Lipton, A; Aapro, M S

2012-10-01

Current clinical treatment guidelines recommend cytotoxic chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or both (with targeted therapy if indicated) for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, depending on the biologic characteristics of the primary tumor. Some of these therapies can induce premature menopause or are specifically designed to suppress ovarian function and reduce circulating estrogen levels. In addition to bone loss associated with low estrogen levels, cytotoxic chemotherapy may have a direct negative effect on bone metabolism. As a result, cancer treatment-induced bone loss poses a significant threat to bone health in premenopausal women with breast cancer. Clinical trials of antiresorptive therapies, such as bisphosphonates, have demonstrated the ability to slow or prevent bone loss in this setting. Current fracture risk assessment tools are based on data from healthy postmenopausal women and do not adequately address the risks associated with breast cancer therapy, especially in younger premenopausal women. We therefore recommend that all premenopausal women with breast cancer be informed about the potential risk of bone loss prior to beginning anticancer therapy. Women who experience amenorrhea should have bone mineral density assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and receive regular follow-up to monitor bone health. Regular exercise and daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended. Women with a Z-score <-2.0 or Z-score ≤-1.0 and/or a 5-10% annual decrease in bone mineral density should be considered for bisphosphonate therapy in addition to calcium and vitamin D supplements. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The gamma-ray spectrum of Centaurus A - A high-resolution observation between 70 keV and 8 MeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gehrels, N.; Cline, T. L.; Teegarden, B. J.; Paciesas, W. S.; Tueller, J.; Durouchoux, PH.; Hameury, J. M.

1984-01-01

The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Low Energy Energy Gamma ray Spectrometer (LEGS) observed the nearby active nucleus galaxy Centaurus A (NGC 5128) during a balloon flight on 1981 November 19. There is no evidence of a break in the spectrum or of any line features. The 1.6 MeV limit is a factor of 8 lower than the 1974 line flux, indicating that, if the 1974 feature was real, and, if it was narrow, then the line intensity decreased significantly between 1974 and 1981. The lack of observed annihilation radiation from Cen A, combined with the temporal variations that are seen in the X-ray and gamma-ray intensities, constrain the size of the emission region to be between 10 to the 13th power and 5 x 10 to the 17th power cm. Previously announced in STAR as N83-35990

The gamma-ray spectrum of Centaurus A: A high-resolution observation between 70 keV and 8 MeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gehrels, N.; Cline, T. L.; Teegarden, B. J.; Paciesas, W. S.; Tueller, J.; Durouchoux, P.; Hameury, J. M.

1983-01-01

The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Low Energy Gamma ray Spectrometer (LEGS) observed the nearby active nucleus galaxy Centaurus A (NGC 5128) during a balloon flight on 1981 November 19. There is no evidence of a break in the spectrum or of any line features. The 1.6 MeV limit is a factor of 8 lower than the 1974 line flux, indicating that, if the 1974 feature was real, and, if it was narrow, then the line intensity decreased significantly between 1974 and 1981. The lack of observed annihilation radiation from Cen A, combined with the temporal variations that are seen in the X-ray and gamma-ray intensities, constrain the size of the emission region to be between 10 to the 13th power and 5 x 10 to the 17th power cm.

Estrogen Maintains Skeletal Muscle in Septic Rats Associated with Altering Hypothalamic Inflammation and Neuropeptides.

PubMed

Zhao, Chenyan; Li, Jun; Cheng, Minhua; Shi, Jialing; Shen, Juanhong; Gao, Tao; Xi, Fengchan; Yu, Wenkui

2017-03-01

Muscle wasting is one of the main contributors to the worse outcomes in sepsis. Whether estrogen could alleviate muscle wasting induced by sepsis remains unclear. This study was designed to test the effect of estrogen on muscle wasting and its relationship with central alteration in sepsis. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: control group, sepsis group, and estrogen treated sepsis group. Animals were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg) or saline, followed by subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol (1 mg/kg) or saline. Twenty-four hours later, all animals were killed and their hypothalamus and skeletal muscles were harvested for analysis. Muscle wasting markers, hypothalamic neuropeptides, and hypothalamic inflammatory markers were measured. As a result, lipopolysaccharide administration caused a significant increase in muscle wasting, hypothalamic inflammation, and anorexigenic neuropeptides (POMC and CART) gene expression, and a significant decrease in orexigenic neuropeptides (AgRP and NPY) gene expression. Administration of estrogen signifcantl attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced muscle wasting (body weight and extensor digitorum longus loss [52 and 62 %], tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine release [17 and 22 %], muscle ring fnger 1 [MuRF-1; 65 %], and muscle atrophy F-box [MAFbx] gene expression), hypothalamic inflammation (Tumor necrosis factor-α and interlukin-1β [69 and 70%]) as well as alteration of POMC, CART and AgRP (61, 37, and 1008 %) expression.In conclusion, estrogen could alleviate sepsis-induced muscle wasting and it was associated with reducing hypothalamic inflammation and alteration of hypothalamic neuropeptides. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

DNA Double-strand Breaks Induced byFractionated Neutron Beam Irradiation for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

PubMed

Kinashi, Yuko; Yokomizo, Natsuya; Takahashi, Sentaro

2017-04-01

To use the 53BP1 foci assay to detect DNA double-strand breaks induced by fractionated neutron beam irradiation of normal cells. The Kyoto University Research Reactor heavy-water facility and gamma-ray irradiation system were used as experimental radiation sources. After fixation of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells with 3.6% formalin, immunofluorescence staining was performed. Number and size of foci were analyzed using ImageJ software. Fractionated neutron irradiation induced 25% fewer 53BP1 foci than single irradiation at the same dose. By contrast, gamma irradiation induced 30% fewer 53BP1 foci than single irradiation at the same dose. Fractionated neutron irradiation induced larger foci than gamma irradiation, raising the possibility that persistent unrepaired DNA damage was amplified due to the high linear energy transfer component in the neutron beam. Unrepaired cluster DNA damage was more prevalent after fractionated neutron irradiation than after gamma irradiation. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Search for Cosmic-Ray-Induced Gamma-Ray Emission in Galaxy Clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Albert, A.; Allafort, A.; Atwood, W. B.; Baldini, L.; Ballet, J.; Barbiellini, G.; Bastieri, D.; Bechtol, K.;

Low doses of bisphenol A stimulate the proliferation of breast cancer cells via ERK1/2/ERRγ signals.

PubMed

Song, Haixing; Zhang, Tao; Yang, Ping; Li, Minhui; Yang, Yuhan; Wang, Yuanyuan; Du, Jun; Pan, Kejian; Zhang, Kun

2015-12-25

The effects and mechanisms of bisphenol A (BPA) on the development of breast cancer are still not well illustrated. The present study revealed that nanomolar BPA significantly promoted the proliferation of both estrogen receptor (ER) positive (MCF-7) and negative (SkBr3) breast cancer cells, which was confirmed by up regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bcl-2. Neither ERα nor G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediated this effect of BPA because their inhibitors had no effect on the BPA induced cell proliferation. However, silencing of estrogen related receptor gamma (ERRγ) by its specific siRNA significantly abolished BPA induced proliferation of breast cancer cells, while si-ERRα had no similar effect. Moreover, nanomolar BPA up regulated the mRNA and protein levels of ERRγ and triggered its nuclear translocation via a time dependent manner. Further studies revealed that 10(-8)M BPA obviously increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, while had no similar effect on the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Further, PD 98059, the inhibitor of ERK1/2, significantly abolished the BPA induced up regulation of ERRγ and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Collectively, our results revealed that nanomolar BPA can trigger the proliferation of breast cancer cells via ERK1/2/ERRγ signals. Given that nanomolar BPA has been widely detected in human tissues, the clinical relevance of BPA and breast cancer progression should be further investigated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HPGe detector shielding optimization with MCNPX for the MEDINA PGNAA cell

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

Nicol, T.; Perot, B.; Carasco, C.

2015-07-01

Radioactive waste repositories must guarantee the non-toxicity of the waste in the long term, not only regarding radioactivity but also regarding other environmental contamination such as toxic chemicals. Analytical methods already exist for chemical characterization (ICP-MS, ICP-AES...) but they are based on test sampling. A possible alternative, for waste packages with an appropriate gamma radiation level, is to use Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA), a non-destructive measurement technique sensitive to several toxic chemicals. In view of the characterization of radioactive wastes in Germany and France, collaboration between the CEA Cadarache (France) and the Forschungszentrum Juelich (Germany) was initiated amore » few years ago. FZJ holds a PGNAA graphite cell called MEDINA (Multi Element Detection based on Instrumental Neutron Activation), allowing the characterization of 225 L drums. Fast neutrons are emitted from a D-T pulsed 14 MeV neutron generator and thermalized in graphite to induced radiative captures in the waste materials. Prompt capture gamma rays are detected using a 104% relative efficiency n-type HPGe. However, HPGe crystal is sensitive to fast neutron damage and to thermal neutron activation. A thermal neutron shield made of lithium fluorine and lithium carbonate is already used around the detector. In order to further decrease the current of fast and thermal neutrons coming into the crystal without penalizing MEDINA sensitivity (by decreasing the thermal neutron flux and neutron die away time of the cell, the gamma detection efficiency, or increasing the gamma background), some configurations based on easy-to-implement modifications of MEDINA have been simulated with MCNPX with a model of the cell already validated by experiments. Results show that fast and thermal neutron incoming current in the HPGe could easily be reduced by about a factor of 2 by additional quantities of graphite and by replacing lithium carbonate by lithium fluorine with a higher {sup 6}Li concentration. In addition, these modifications slightly increase the thermal neutron flux in the cell without deteriorating the neutron die away time, and reduce the gamma background about a factor of 2 during the neutron pulse but 5 times less after it. More important changes have also been tested, such as the addition of polyethylene and lead between the neutron generator and the HPGe detector, which is more effective regarding neutron shielding but decreases the neutron die away time, partly compensated by a larger initial thermal neutron flux. Concerning gamma background, hydrogen capture gamma ray (2.23 MeV) is increased due to the presence of polyethylene but lead around the HPGe decreases the total gamma background. In conclusion, simple modifications are possible to improve detector shielding and life time before thermal annealing of the crystal, without reducing MEDINA cell performances. Some of these modifications will be tested in the coming months. (authors)« less

Study of genetic effects of high energy radiations with different ionizing capacities on extracellular phages.

PubMed

Bresler, S E; Kalinin, V L; Kopylova, Y U; Krivisky, A S; Rybchin, V N; Shelegedin, V N

1975-07-01

The inactivating and mutagenic action of high-energy radiations with different ionizing capacities (gamma-rays, protons, alpha-particles and accelerated ions of 12C and 20Ne) was studied by using coliphages lambda11 and SD as subjects. In particular the role of irradiation conditions (broth suspension, pure buffer, dry samples) and of the host functions recA, exrA and polA was investigated. The dose-response curve of induced mutagenesis was studied by measuring the yield of vir mutants in lambda11 and plaque mutants in SD. The following results were obtained. (1) The inactivation kinetics of phages under the action of gamma-rays and protons was first order to a survival of 10(-7). Heavy ions also showed exponential inactivation kinetics to a survival of 10(-4). At higher doses of 20Ne ion bombardment some deviation from one-hit kinetics was observed. For dry samples of phages the dimensions of targets for all types of radiation were approximately proportional to the molecular weights of phage DNA's. For densely ionizing radiation (heavy ions) the inactivating action was 3-5 times weaker than for gamma-rays and protons. (2) Mutagenesis was observed for all types of radiation, but heavy ions were 1-5-2 times less efficient than gamma-rays. For both phages studied the dose-response curve of mutagenesis was non-linear. The dependence on the dose was near to parabolic for lambda11. For SD a plateau or maximum of mutagenesis was observed for the relative number of mutants at a survival of about 10(-4). (3) Host-cell functions recA and exrA were practically indifferent for survival of gamma-irradiated phage lambda11, but indispensable for mutagenesis. Mutation recAI3 abolished induced vir mutations totally and exrA- reduced them significantly. The absence of the function polA had a considerable influence on phage survival, but no effect on vir mutation yield (if compared at the same survival level). (4) In conditions of indirect action of gamma-rays no vir mutations were induced. This is regarded as evidence that the single-strand breaks formed under indirect action conditions cannot serve as pre-mutational damage in DNA.

IL-4 inhibits the synthesis of IFN-gamma and induces the synthesis of IgE in human mixed lymphocyte cultures.

PubMed

Vercelli, D; Jabara, H H; Lauener, R P; Geha, R S

1990-01-15

The T cell-derived lymphokine IL-4 is essential for the induction of IgE synthesis by human lymphocytes. The IgE-inducing effect of IL-4 is antagonized by IFN-gamma. The secretion of IFN-gamma is vigorously triggered in MLC. Thus, IL-4-stimulated MLC represent a suitable model to characterize the functional antagonism between IL-4 and IFN-gamma. In this report, we show that rIL-4 consistently induced IgE synthesis when added to human primary MLC. IL-4-dependent IgE production required cognate T/B cell recognition, because it was inhibited by antibodies to CD3 and MHC class II (HlA-DR) Ag. A neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma mAb dramatically enhanced IL-4-dependent IgE synthesis by MLC, indicating that endogenous IFN-gamma is a major inhibitor of IgE production. More importantly, addition of rIL-4 markedly inhibited the release of IFN-gamma in supernatants of MLC and Con A-activated PBMC. The decrease in IFN-gamma protein was accompanied by a decreased expression of IFN-gamma mRNA transcripts. The downregulation of IFN-gamma by IL-4 is likely to play an important role in the IL-4-dependent induction of IgE synthesis.

Multi-particle inspection using associated particle sources

DOEpatents

Bingham, Philip R.; Mihalczo, John T.; Mullens, James A.; McConchie, Seth M.; Hausladen, Paul A.

2016-02-16

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing combined neutron and gamma ray radiography. For example, one exemplary system comprises: a neutron source; a set of alpha particle detectors configured to detect alpha particles associated with neutrons generated by the neutron source; neutron detectors positioned to detect at least some of the neutrons generated by the neutron source; a gamma ray source; a set of verification gamma ray detectors configured to detect verification gamma rays associated with gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; a set of gamma ray detectors configured to detect gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; and an interrogation region located between the neutron source, the gamma ray source, the neutron detectors, and the gamma ray detectors.

Variability in the high energy gamma ray emission from Cyg X-3 over a two-year period (1983 - 1984) at E 4 x 10(11) eV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cawley, M. F.; Fegan, D. J.; Gibbs, K.; Gorham, P. W.; Lamb, R. C.; Liebing, D. F.; Porter, N. A.; Stenger, V. J.; Weekes, T. C.; Williams, R. J.

1985-01-01

Cygnus X-3 is observed to emit gamma rays with energies in excess of 4 x 10 to the 11th power eV during two out of 9 observational categories over an 18 month time span. The emissions are observed at the 0.6 phase of the characteristic 4.8 hr light curve for this binary system. We estimate a peak flux at phase 0.6 of 5 x 10 to the minus 10th power photons cm-2s-1 at a software threshold of 8 x 10 to the 11th power eV for Oct/Nov 1983. A flux for the June 84 effect cannot be reliably calculated at present due to lack of Monte Carlo simulations for the energy range and spectral region. For the other 7 observational categories the observations are consistent with zero source emission. The light curve would appear to be variable on a time scale of a couple of weeks at these categories. Selection of compact images in accordance with Monte Carlo simulations combined with empirical optimization techniques have led to an enriched gamma ray light curve for the Oct/Nov 1983 data. Selection on the basis of shower orientation, however, has not led to any notable enhancement of the gamma ray content. Individual Cherenko images can be reliably sorted on an event by event basis into either proton-induced or photon-induced showers.

Effects of Correlated and Uncorrelated Gamma Rays on Neutron Multiplicity Counting

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

Cowles, Christian C.; Behling, Richard S.; Imel, George R.

Neutron multiplicity counting relies on time correlation between neutron events to assay the fissile mass, (α,n) to spontaneous fission neutron ratio, and neutron self-multiplication of samples. Gamma-ray sensitive neutron multiplicity counters may misidentify gamma rays as neutrons and therefore miscalculate sample characteristics. Time correlated and uncorrelated gamma-ray-like signals were added into gamma-ray free neutron multiplicity counter data to examine the effects of gamma ray signals being misidentified as neutron signals on assaying sample characteristics. Multiplicity counter measurements with and without gamma-ray-like signals were compared to determine the assay error associated with gamma-ray-like signals at various gamma-ray and neutron rates. Correlatedmore » and uncorrelated gamma-ray signals each produced consistent but different measurement errors. Correlated gamma-ray signals most strongly led to fissile mass overestimates, whereas uncorrelated gamma-ray signals most strongly lead to (α,n) neutron overestimates. Gamma-ray sensitive neutron multiplicity counters may be able to account for the effects of gamma-rays on measurements to mitigate measurement uncertainties.« less

Differential effects of synthetic progestagens on neuron survival and estrogen neuroprotection in cultured neurons.

PubMed

Jayaraman, Anusha; Pike, Christian J

2014-03-25

Progesterone and other progestagens are used in combination with estrogens for clinical purposes, including contraception and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Progesterone and estrogens have interactive effects in brain, however interactions between synthetic progestagens and 17β-estradiol (E2) in neurons are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of seven clinically relevant progestagens on estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA expression, E2-induced neuroprotection, and E2-induced BDNF mRNA expression. We found that medroxyprogesterone acetate decreased both ERα and ERβ expression and blocked E2-mediated neuroprotection and BDNF expression. Conversely, levonorgestrel and nesterone increased ERα and or ERβ expression, were neuroprotective, and failed to attenuate E2-mediated increases in neuron survival and BDNF expression. Other progestagens tested, including norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, norethynodrel, and norgestimate, had variable effects on the measured endpoints. Our results demonstrate a range of qualitatively different actions of progestagens in cultured neurons, suggesting significant variability in the neural effects of clinically utilized progestagens. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiment to Determine the Absorption Coefficient of Gamma Rays as a Function of Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouseph, P. J.; And Others

1982-01-01

Simpler than x-ray diffractometer experiments, the experiment described illustrates certain concepts regarding the interaction of electromagnetic rays with matter such as the exponential decrease in the intensity with absorber thickness, variation of the coefficient of absorption with energy, and the effect of the K-absorption edge on the…

Computer program calculates gamma ray source strengths of materials exposed to neutron fluxes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heiser, P. C.; Ricks, L. O.

1968-01-01

Computer program contains an input library of nuclear data for 44 elements and their isotopes to determine the induced radioactivity for gamma emitters. Minimum input requires the irradiation history of the element, a four-energy-group neutron flux, specification of an alloy composition by elements, and selection of the output.

Effects of gamma irradiation on deteriorated paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bicchieri, Marina; Monti, Michela; Piantanida, Giovanna; Sodo, Armida

2016-08-01

Even though gamma radiation application, also at the minimum dosage required for disinfection, causes depolymerization and degradation of the paper substrate, recently published papers seemed, instead, to suggest that γ-rays application could be envisaged in some conditions for Cultural Heritage original documents and books. In some of the published papers, the possible application of γ-rays was evaluated mainly by using mechanical tests that scarcely reflect the chemical modifications induced in the cellulosic support. In the present article the effect of low dosage γ-irradiation on cellulosic substrates was studied and monitored applying different techniques: colorimetry, spectroscopic measurements, carbonyl content and average viscometric degree of polymerization. Two different papers were investigated, a non-sized, non-filled cotton paper, and a commercial permanent paper. To simulate a real deteriorated document, which could need γ-rays irradiation, some samples were submitted to a hydrolysis treatment. We developed a treatment based on the exposition of paper to hydrochloric acid vapors, avoiding any contact of the samples with water. This method induces a degradation similar to that observed on original documents. The samples were then irradiated with 3 kGy γ-rays at a 5258 Gy/h rate. The aforementioned analyses were performed on the samples just irradiated and after artificial ageing. All tests showed negative effects of gamma irradiation on paper. Non-irradiated paper preserves better its appearance and chemical properties both in the short term and after ageing, while the irradiated samples show appreciable color change and higher oxidation extent. Since the Istituto centrale restauro e conservazione patrimonio archivistico e librario is responsible for the choice of all restoration treatments that could be applied on library and archival materials under the protection of the Italian State (http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/DM-7-10-2008-Istituto.pdf), it has been evaluated that the modifications induced by γ-rays irradiation are not acceptable as safe conservation treatment (http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/Nota_uso_raggi_gamma.pdf).

The effects of gamma-ray irradiation on organic materials of different conjugation lengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng; Taylor, Edward W.

2009-08-01

The radiation resistance of organic electro-optic and optoelectronic materials of different conjugation lengths for space applications is receiving increased attention. Earlier investigation reported that guest-host (G-H) poled polymer EO modulator devices composed of a phenyltetraene bridge-type chromophore in amorphous polycarbonate (CLD/APC) did not exhibit a decrease in EO response (i.e., an increase in modulation-switching voltage- Vπ) following irradiation by low dose [10-160 krad(Si)] 60Co gamma-rays. In this work, the post-irradiation responses of 60Co gamma-rays on CLD1/APC thin films are examined by various chemical and spectroscopic methods including: a solubility test, thin-layer chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption, and infra-red absorption. The results indicate that CLD1 and APC did not decompose under gamma-ray irradiation at dose levels ranging from 66-274 krad(Si) and from 61-154 krad(Si), respectively which support the previously reported data. A comparison with an in situ proton irradiated DRI/PMMA material is also presented.

A novel collagen hydrogel cross-linked by gamma-ray irradiation in acidic pH conditions.

PubMed

Inoue, Naoki; Bessho, Masahiko; Furuta, Masakazu; Kojima, Takao; Okuda, Shuichi; Hara, Masayuki

2006-01-01

We made a new type of collagen gel by gamma-ray irradiation of an acidic solution of type-I collagen, and performed comparative studies on a conventional gel and the new type of gel. The neutral gel, a conventional 0.3% (w/v) collagen gel, was formed at neutral pH and then irradiated by gamma-rays. The acidic gel, a 0.3% (w/v) collagen gel, was formed directly from the acidic solution of collagen by y-ray irradiation. Both types of gel were prepared, swollen in water and then dried for the measurement of specific water content. The neutral gel showed a relatively high specific water content and shrunk moderately, depending on the dose, while the acidic gel showed lower specific water content and shrunk clearly by y-ray irradiation. A three-dimensional tangled network of microfibrils was clearly observed in the neutral gels by scanning electron microscopy, but not in the acidic gels. From these results, we concluded that the acidic gel was quite different from a conventional collagen gel. Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the alpha1 subunit and alpha2 subunit of the collagen molecule were cross-linked. The triple-helical structure of collagen was only partially perturbed, but not denatured completely, because the circular dichroism spectrum of the collagen solution irradiated at 1.3 kGy was similar to that of native collagen solution. Amino-acid analysis revealed that tyrosine, phenylalanine and histidine decreased by irradiation in the neutral gel. In the case of the acidic gel, these three amino acids and methionine decreased. We considered that these amino acids were cross-linking points between the collagen subunits during the gamma-ray irradiation.

Studying Phobos subsurface structure elementary composition by neutron and gamma-rays spectrometers "NS HEND" from "Phobos-Grunt" mission.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozyrev, S. Alexander; Litvak, Maxim; Malakhov, Alexey; Mokrousov, Maxim; Mitrofanov, Igor; Sanin, Anton; Schulz, Rita; Shvetsov, Valery; Rogozhin, Alexander; Timoshenko, Genagy; Tretyakov, Vladislav; Vostrukhin, Andrey

The Neutron Spectrometer HEND (NS HEND) has been proposed for studying elemental com-position of Phobos (the Mars's moon) regolith by "Phobos-Grunt" mission. NS HEND have been selected by the Federal Space Agency of Russia for the Lander of the "Phobos-Grunt" mission scheduled for launch in 2011. The shallow subsurface of Phobos might be studied by observations of induced nuclear gamma-ray lines and neutron emission. Secondary gamma-rays and neutrons are produced by energetic Galactic Cosmic Rays within 1-2 meter layer of subsur-face. The knowledge of the spectral density of neutrons in addition to measurements of nuclear gamma lines allows to deconvolve concentrations of soil-constituting elements. That is why nuclear instruments include both the segment for detection of gamma ray lines and segment of neutron spectrometer for the measurement of the neutron leakage spectra. Moreover, mea-surements of neutrons at 2.2 MeV line will also allow to study the content of hydrogen within subsurface layer about 1 meter deep. This instrument, will be able to provide observational data for composition of Phobos regolith and content of natural radioactive elements K, U and Th, and also for content of hydrogen or water ice in the Phobos subsurface. At present, the flight units of NS HEND instrument is manufactured, tested and current go through physical calibration.

Gamma-radiation effects on luminescence properties of Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vujčić, Ivica; Gavrilović, Tamara; Sekulić, Milica; Mašić, Slobodan; Putić, Slaviša; Papan, Jelena; Dramićanin, Miroslav D.

2018-05-01

Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphors were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state method and irradiated to different high-doses gamma-radiation in the 0-4 MGy range. No effects of high-doses of high-energy radiation on phosphor's morphology and structure were observed, as documented by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. On the other hand, photoluminescence measurements showed that emission properties of phosphor were affected by gamma-radiation; changes in radiative properties being prominent for absorbed radiation doses up to 250 kGy after which no additional changes are observed. Judd-Ofelt analysis of emission spectra is performed to thoroughly investigate radiative properties of phosphors. Analysis showed that radiative transition probability of Eu3+ emission decreases while non-radiative probability increases upon gamma-irradiation. Quantum efficiency of emission is decreased from about 46% to 35% when Eu3+ doped LaPO4 powders are exposed to gamma-radiation of 250 kGy dose, showing no additional decrease for higher gamma-radiation doses.

Gamma non-ionizing energy loss: Comparison with the damage factor in silicon devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Allam, E.; Inguimbert, C.; Meulenberg, A.; Jorio, A.; Zorkani, I.

2018-03-01

The concept of non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) has been demonstrated to be a successful approach to describe the displacement damage effects in silicon materials and devices. However, some discrepancies exist in the literature between experimental damage factors and theoretical NIELs. 60Co gamma rays having a low NIEL are an interesting particle source that can be used to validate the NIEL scaling approach. This paper presents different 60Co gamma ray NIEL values for silicon targets. They are compared with the radiation-induced increase in the thermal generation rate of carriers per unit fluence. The differences between the different models, including one using molecular dynamics, are discussed.

17-beta estradiol inhibits oxidative stress-induced accumulation of AIF into nucleolus and PARP1-dependent cell death via estrogen receptor alpha.

PubMed

Batnasan, Enkhzaya; Wang, Ruoxi; Wen, Jitao; Ke, Yueshuang; Li, Xiaoxue; Bohio, Ameer Ali; Zeng, Xianlu; Huo, Hongliang; Han, Liping; Boldogh, Istvan; Ba, Xueqing

2015-01-05

Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage results in over-activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), leading to parthanatos, a newly discovered cell elimination pathway. Inhibition of PARP1-dependent cell death has shown to improve the outcome of diseases, including stroke, heart ischemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study we aimed to detect whether estrogen plays a protective role in inhibiting parthanatos. We utilized human mammary adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) that abundantly express the estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ). Parthanatos was induced by challenging the cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Microscopic imaging and molecular biological techniques, such as Western blot analysis and RNA interference, were performed. The results showed 17β estradiol (E2) protected MCF7 cells from PARP1-dependent cell death by decreasing protein PARylation, and AIF translocation into nuclei/nucleoli. Down-regulation of ERα expression by siRNA before E2 addition resulted in the failure of the E2-mediated inhibition of H2O2-induced protein PARylation and AIF nucleolar translocation. Together these data suggest that estrogen via its alpha-type receptor inhibits oxidative stress-induced, PARP1-dependent cell death. The present study provided us insight into how to apply hormone therapy in intervention of parthanatos-implicated ischemic and degenerative diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coupled multi-group neutron photon transport for the simulation of high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, Kimberly Ann

The accurate and efficient simulation of coupled neutron-photon problems is necessary for several important radiation detection applications. Examples include the detection of nuclear threats concealed in cargo containers and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis for nondestructive determination of elemental composition of unknown samples. In these applications, high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometers are used to preserve as much information as possible about the emitted photon flux, which consists of both continuum and characteristic gamma rays with discrete energies. Monte Carlo transport is the most commonly used modeling tool for this type of problem, but computational times for many problems can be prohibitive. This work explores the use of coupled Monte Carlo-deterministic methods for the simulation of neutron-induced photons for high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy applications. RAdiation Detection Scenario Analysis Toolbox (RADSAT), a code which couples deterministic and Monte Carlo transport to perform radiation detection scenario analysis in three dimensions [1], was used as the building block for the methods derived in this work. RADSAT was capable of performing coupled deterministic-Monte Carlo simulations for gamma-only and neutron-only problems. The purpose of this work was to develop the methodology necessary to perform coupled neutron-photon calculations and add this capability to RADSAT. Performing coupled neutron-photon calculations requires four main steps: the deterministic neutron transport calculation, the neutron-induced photon spectrum calculation, the deterministic photon transport calculation, and the Monte Carlo detector response calculation. The necessary requirements for each of these steps were determined. A major challenge in utilizing multigroup deterministic transport methods for neutron-photon problems was maintaining the discrete neutron-induced photon signatures throughout the simulation. Existing coupled neutron-photon cross-section libraries and the methods used to produce neutron-induced photons were unsuitable for high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy applications. Central to this work was the development of a method for generating multigroup neutron-photon cross-sections in a way that separates the discrete and continuum photon emissions so the neutron-induced photon signatures were preserved. The RADSAT-NG cross-section library was developed as a specialized multigroup neutron-photon cross-section set for the simulation of high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy applications. The methodology and cross sections were tested using code-to-code comparison with MCNP5 [2] and NJOY [3]. A simple benchmark geometry was used for all cases compared with MCNP. The geometry consists of a cubical sample with a 252Cf neutron source on one side and a HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer on the opposing side. Different materials were examined in the cubical sample: polyethylene (C2H4), P, N, O, and Fe. The cross sections for each of the materials were compared to cross sections collapsed using NJOY. Comparisons of the volume-averaged neutron flux within the sample, volume-averaged photon flux within the detector, and high-purity gamma-ray spectrometer response (only for polyethylene) were completed using RADSAT and MCNP. The code-to-code comparisons show promising results for the coupled Monte Carlo-deterministic method. The RADSAT-NG cross-section production method showed good agreement with NJOY for all materials considered although some additional work is needed in the resonance region and in the first and last energy bin. Some cross section discrepancies existed in the lowest and highest energy bin, but the overall shape and magnitude of the two methods agreed. For the volume-averaged photon flux within the detector, typically the five most intense lines agree to within approximately 5% of the MCNP calculated flux for all of materials considered. The agreement in the code-to-code comparisons cases demonstrates a proof-of-concept of the method for use in RADSAT for coupled neutron-photon problems in high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy applications. One of the primary motivators for using the coupled method over pure Monte Carlo method is the potential for significantly lower computational times. For the code-to-code comparison cases, the run times for RADSAT were approximately 25--500 times shorter than for MCNP, as shown in Table 1. This was assuming a 40 mCi 252Cf neutron source and 600 seconds of "real-world" measurement time. The only variance reduction technique implemented in the MCNP calculation was forward biasing of the source toward the sample target. Improved MCNP runtimes could be achieved with the addition of more advanced variance reduction techniques.

Effect of nonylphenol on growth of Neurospora crassa and Candida albicans.

PubMed Central

Karley, A J; Powell, S I; Davies, J M

1997-01-01

The effects of the nonionic surfactant nonylphenol on the growth and morphologies of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa and the diploid yeast Candida albicans have been examined. Nonylphenol inhibited respiration and growth of N. crassa, effecting a 10-fold decrease in organism yield at 25 microM. Severe morphological defects were also induced: cell shape was abnormal and apical dominance was lost. Nonylphenol monoethoxylate (the parent compound of nonylphenol) was a less potent growth inhibitor and morphogen. The growth of the yeast form of C. albicans was sensitive to nonylphenol (inducing an order of magnitude decrease in specific growth rate with a 10-fold increase in dose concentration) but not nonylphenol monoethoxylate. Similarly, C. albicans ATP content was reduced and glucose-induced extracellular acidification was inhibited only by nonylphenol. Although estrogens may induce the dimorphic transition of C. albicans, nonylphenol (as an environmental estrogen mimic) failed to trigger germ tube formation under nonpermissive conditions and inhibited it under permissive conditions. The effects of nonylphenol are most readily explained as the result of uncoupling of respiration, which produces multiple physiological effects. PMID:9097428

Benomyl induction of brain aromatase and toxic effects in the zebrafish embryo.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Jae; Seok, Seung-Hyeok; Baek, Min-Won; Lee, Hui-Young; Na, Yi-Rang; Park, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Hyun-Kyoung; Dutta, Noton Kumar; Kawakami, Koichi; Park, Jae-Hak

2009-05-01

Benomyl is a benzimidazole fungicide that has been widely used on a variety of food crops and ornamental plants. It is known to cause adverse effects on reproductive systems, including decreased testicular and epididymal weights and reduced epididymal sperm counts and fertility. The brain aromatase gene is up-regulated by estrogens and estrogen mimics and considered a target gene to screen estrogen mimics. This study was designed to test the estrogenic potential and toxic effects of benomyl in the zebrafish system, and validated this system as a model that may correspond to the effect of benomyl in rodents. Concentrations of 20 x 10(-6), 40 x 10(-6) and 80 x 10(-6) M of benomyl-treated embryos showed decreased survival, hatching and heart rates, and increased incidence of malformations, such as pericardial edema, spinal lordosis, elongated heart, head edema, eye lens protrusion and caudal fin disappearance. Benomyl induced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) in transient zebrafish embryos with a brain aromatase-based reporter gene. In this study, we determined that benomyl has estrogenic potential based on zebrafish brain aromatase gene induction, and that benomyl is toxic at 20 x 10(-6) M concentration and higher. These results demonstrate the usefulness of zebrafish embryos as an in vivo system to examine the estrogenic and developmental toxic potential of unknown compounds.

Potential Protective Effects of Ursolic Acid against Gamma Irradiation-Induced Damage Are Mediated through the Modulation of Diverse Inflammatory Mediators

PubMed Central

Wang, Hong; Sim, Meng-Kwoon; Loke, Weng Keong; Chinnathambi, Arunachalam; Alharbi, Sulaiman Ali; Tang, Feng Ru; Sethi, Gautam

2017-01-01

This study was aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of ursolic acid (UA) against gamma radiation induced damage both in vitro as well as in vivo. It was observed that the exposure to gamma radiation dose- and time-dependently caused a significant decrease in the cell viability, while the treatment of UA attenuated this cytotoxicity. The production of free radicals including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO increased significantly post-irradiation and further induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in cells. These deleterious effects could also be effectively blocked by UA treatment. In addition, UA also reversed gamma irradiation induced inflammatory responses, as indicated by the decreased production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. NF-κB signaling pathway has been reported to be a key mediator involved in gamma radiation-induced cellular damage. Our results further demonstrated that gamma radiation dose- and time-dependently enhanced NF-κB DNA binding activity, which was significantly attenuated upon UA treatment. The post-irradiation increase in the expression of both phospho-p65, and phospho-IκBα was also blocked by UA. Moreover, the treatment of UA was found to significantly prolong overall survival in mice exposed to whole body gamma irradiation, and reduce the excessive inflammatory responses. Given its radioprotective efficacy as described here, UA as an antioxidant and NF-κB pathway blocker, may function as an important pharmacological agent in protecting against gamma irradiation-induced injury. PMID:28670276

17Beta-estradiol protects against oxidative stress-induced cell death through the glutathione/glutaredoxin-dependent redox regulation of Akt in myocardiac H9c2 cells.

PubMed

Urata, Yoshishige; Ihara, Yoshito; Murata, Hiroaki; Goto, Shinji; Koji, Takehiko; Yodoi, Junji; Inoue, Satoshi; Kondo, Takahito

2006-05-12

The GSH/glutaredoxin (GRX) system is involved in the redox regulation of certain enzyme activities, and this system protects cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis by regulating the redox state of Akt (Murata, H., Ihara, Y., Nakamura, H., Yodoi, J., Sumikawa, K., and Kondo, T. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 50226-50233). Estrogens, such as 17beta-estradiol (E2), play an important role in development, growth, and differentiation and appear to have protective effects on oxidative stress mediated by estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). However, the role of the ERbeta-mediated pathway in this cytoprotection and the involvement of E2 in the redox regulation are not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that E2 protected cardiac H9c2 cells, expressing ERbeta from H2O2-induced apoptosis concomitant with an increase in the activity of Akt. E2 induced the expression of glutaredoxin (GRX) as well as gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, a rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of GSH. Inhibitors for both gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and GRX and ICI182,780, a specific inhibitor of ERs, abolished the protective effect of E2 on cell survival as well as the activity of Akt, suggesting that ERbeta is involved in the cytoprotection and redox regulation by E2. Transcription of the GRX gene was enhanced by E2. The promoter activity of GRX was up-regulated by an ERbeta-dependent element. These results suggest that the GRX/GSH system is involved in the cytoprotective and genomic effects of E2 on the redox state of Akt, a pathway that is mediated, at least in part, by ERbeta. This mechanism may also play an antiapoptotic role in cancer cells during carcinogenesis or chemotherapy.

Ray Next-Event Estimator Transport of Primary and Secondary Gamma Rays

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

McGraw-Hill. Choppin, G. R., Liljenzin, J.-O., & Rydberg, J. (2002). Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry (3rd ed.). Woburn, MA: Butterworth- Heinemann ...time-energy bins. Any performance enhancements (maybe parallel searching?) to the search routines decrease estimator computational time

Activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) ameliorates blood-brain barrier permeability after global cerebral ischemia in ovariectomized rats.

PubMed

Lu, Dan; Qu, Yan; Shi, Fei; Feng, Dayun; Tao, Kai; Gao, Guodong; He, Shiming; Zhao, Tianzhi

2016-08-19

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) plays important roles in estrogen-mediated neuroprotection. However, protective effects of GPER-1 on blood-brain barrier (BBB) after ischemic stroke have not been determined. The aim of present study was to determine whether GPER-1 activation ameliorates BBB permeability in ovariectomized rats with induced global cerebral ischemia (GCI). GCI was induced by 4-vessel occlusion for 20 min followed by 24 h reperfusion period. The GPER-1 agonist (G1) was bilaterally administered immediately upon reperfusion by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection. We found that the GPER-1 agonist could significantly decrease immunoglobulin G (IgG) extravasation and increase the levels of tight junctions (occludin and claudin-5) in the CA1 at 24 h of reperfusion after GCI. Further, protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) was significantly decreased in the ischemic CA1 by G1. Our results suggest that GPER-1 activation reduce tight junctions disruption via inhibition of VEGF-A expression after ischemic injury. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk analysis: divergent models and convergent interpretations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carnes, B. A.; Gavrilova, N.

2001-01-01

Material presented at a NASA-sponsored workshop on risk models for exposure conditions relevant to prolonged space flight are described in this paper. Analyses used mortality data from experiments conducted at Argonne National Laboratory on the long-term effects of external whole-body irradiation on B6CF1 mice by 60Co gamma rays and fission neutrons delivered as a single exposure or protracted over either 24 or 60 once-weekly exposures. The maximum dose considered was restricted to 1 Gy for neutrons and 10 Gy for gamma rays. Proportional hazard models were used to investigate the shape of the dose response at these lower doses for deaths caused by solid-tissue tumors and tumors of either connective or epithelial tissue origin. For protracted exposures, a significant mortality effect was detected at a neutron dose of 14 cGy and a gamma-ray dose of 3 Gy. For single exposures, radiation-induced mortality for neutrons also occurred within the range of 10-20 cGy, but dropped to 86 cGy for gamma rays. Plots of risk relative to control estimated for each observed dose gave a visual impression of nonlinearity for both neutrons and gamma rays. At least for solid-tissue tumors, male and female mortality was nearly identical for gamma-ray exposures, but mortality risks for females were higher than for males for neutron exposures. As expected, protracting the gamma-ray dose reduced mortality risks. Although curvature consistent with that observed visually could be detected by a model parameterized to detect curvature, a relative risk term containing only a simple term for total dose was usually sufficient to describe the dose response. Although detectable mortality for the three pathology end points considered typically occurred at the same level of dose, the highest risks were almost always associated with deaths caused by tumors of epithelial tissue origin.

Estrogen supports urothelial defense mechanisms.

PubMed

Lüthje, Petra; Brauner, Hanna; Ramos, Nubia L; Ovregaard, Amanda; Gläser, Regine; Hirschberg, Angelica Lindén; Aspenström, Pontus; Brauner, Annelie

2013-06-19

Epidemiological data imply a role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs), although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. However, it is thought that estrogen supplementation after menopause decreases the risk of recurrent infections. We sought to investigate the influence of estrogen on host-pathogen interactions and the consequences for UTI pathogenesis. We analyzed urothelial cells from menstruating and postmenopausal women before and after a 2-week period of estrogen supplementation, and also studied the influence of estradiol during Escherichia coli UTI in a mouse infection model. Important findings were confirmed in two human urothelial cell lines. We identified two epithelial defense mechanisms modulated by estrogen. Estrogen induced the expression of antimicrobial peptides, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial capacity of the urothelium and restricting bacterial multiplication. In addition, estrogen promoted the expression and redistribution of cell-cell contact-associated proteins, thereby strengthening the epithelial integrity and preventing excessive loss of superficial cells during infection. These two effects together may prevent bacteria from reaching deeper layers of the urinary tract epithelium and developing reservoirs that can serve as a source for recurrent infections. Thus, this study presents some underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effect of estradiol after menopause and supports the application of estrogen in postmenopausal women suffering from recurrent UTI.

Induced Radioactivity in Recovered Skylab Materials. [gamma ray spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fishman, G. J.; Meegan, C. A.

1980-01-01

Four radioactive isotopes found in aluminum and stainless steel samples from Skylab debris were recovered in Australia. The low-level activity was induced by high-energy protons and neutrons in the space environment. Measurements of the specific activities are given.

A New Therapeutic Paradigm for Breast Cancer Exploiting Low Dose Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

pulmonary embolism , colorectal cancer, hip fractures , and death from other causes. After a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, no signifi- cant effect of ET...20 The benefits of HT include a signifi- cantly decreased incidence of bone fractures .21 Seven hundred thirty-three women (8.6%) in the estrogen-plus...progestin group and 896 women (11.1%) in the placebo group developed a fracture (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83). Total hip bone mineral density increased

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay

2017-05-01

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify and explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.

Gamma-ray emission from internal shocks in novae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, P.; Dubus, G.; Jean, P.; Tatischeff, V.; Dosne, C.

2018-04-01

Context. Gamma-ray emission at energies ≥100 MeV has been detected from nine novae using the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT), and can be explained by particle acceleration at shocks in these systems. Eight out of these nine objects are classical novae in which interaction of the ejecta with a tenuous circumbinary material is not expected to generate detectable gamma-ray emission. Aim. We examine whether particle acceleration at internal shocks can account for the gamma-ray emission from these novae. The shocks result from the interaction of a fast wind radiatively-driven by nuclear burning on the white dwarf with material ejected in the initial runaway stage of the nova outburst. Methods: We present a one-dimensional model for the dynamics of a forward and reverse shock system in a nova ejecta, and for the associated time-dependent particle acceleration and high-energy gamma-ray emission. Non-thermal proton and electron spectra are calculated by solving a time-dependent transport equation for particle injection, acceleration, losses, and escape from the shock region. The predicted emission is compared to LAT observations of V407 Cyg, V1324 Sco, V959 Mon, V339 Del, V1369 Cen, and V5668 Sgr. Results: The ≥100 MeV gamma-ray emission arises predominantly from particles accelerated up to 100 GeV at the reverse shock and undergoing hadronic interactions in the dense cooling layer downstream of the shock. The emission rises within days after the onset of the wind, quickly reaches a maximum, and its subsequent decrease reflects mostly the time evolution of the wind properties. Comparison to gamma-ray data points to a typical scenario where an ejecta of mass 10-5-10-4 M⊙ expands in a homologous way with a maximum velocity of 1000-2000 km s-1, followed within a day by a wind with a velocity <2000 km s-1 and a mass-loss rate of 10-4-10-3 M⊙ yr-1 declining over a time scale of a few days. Because of the large uncertainties in the measurements, many parameters of the problem are degenerate and/or poorly constrained except for the wind velocity, the relatively low values of which result in the majority of best-fit models having gamma-ray spectra with a high-energy turnover below 10 GeV. Our typical model is able to account for the main features in the observations of the recent gamma-ray nova ASASSN-16ma. Conclusions: The internal shock model can account for the gamma-ray emission of the novae detected by Fermi LAT. Gamma-ray observations hold potential for probing the mechanism of mass ejection in novae, but should be combined to diagnostics of the thermal emission at lower energies to be more constraining.

Sulfur transfer in the distillate fractions of Arabian crude oils under gamma-irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basfar, Ahmed A.; Soliman, Yasser S.; Alkhuraiji, Turki S.

2017-05-01

Desulfurization of light distillation fractions including gasoline, kerosene and diesel obtained from the four Arabian crude oils (heavy, medium, light and extra light) upon γ-rays irradiation to different doses was investigated. In addition, yields vol%, FTIR analysis, kinematic viscosity and density of all distillation fractions of irradiated crude oils were evaluated. Limited radiation-induced desulfurization of those fractions was observed up to an irradiation dose of 200 kGy. FTIR analysis of those fractions indicates the absence of oxidized sulfur compounds, represented by S=O of sulfone group, indicating that γ-irradiation of the Arabian crude oils at normal conditions does not induce an oxidative desulfurization in those distillation fractions. Radiation-induced sulfur transfer decreases by 28.56% and increases in total sulfur by 16.8% in Arabian extra light oil and Arabian medium crude oil respectively.

Constraining Gamma-Ray Pulsar Gap Models with a Simulated Pulsar Population

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierbattista, Marco; Grenier, I. A.; Harding, A. K.; Gonthier, P. L.

2012-01-01

With the large sample of young gamma-ray pulsars discovered by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT), population synthesis has become a powerful tool for comparing their collective properties with model predictions. We synthesised a pulsar population based on a radio emission model and four gamma-ray gap models (Polar Cap, Slot Gap, Outer Gap, and One Pole Caustic). Applying gamma-ray and radio visibility criteria, we normalise the simulation to the number of detected radio pulsars by a select group of ten radio surveys. The luminosity and the wide beams from the outer gaps can easily account for the number of Fermi detections in 2 years of observations. The wide slot-gap beam requires an increase by a factor of 10 of the predicted luminosity to produce a reasonable number of gamma-ray pulsars. Such large increases in the luminosity may be accommodated by implementing offset polar caps. The narrow polar-cap beams contribute at most only a handful of LAT pulsars. Using standard distributions in birth location and pulsar spin-down power (E), we skew the initial magnetic field and period distributions in a an attempt to account for the high E Fermi pulsars. While we compromise the agreement between simulated and detected distributions of radio pulsars, the simulations fail to reproduce the LAT findings: all models under-predict the number of LAT pulsars with high E , and they cannot explain the high probability of detecting both the radio and gamma-ray beams at high E. The beaming factor remains close to 1.0 over 4 decades in E evolution for the slot gap whereas it significantly decreases with increasing age for the outer gaps. The evolution of the enhanced slot-gap luminosity with E is compatible with the large dispersion of gamma-ray luminosity seen in the LAT data. The stronger evolution predicted for the outer gap, which is linked to the polar cap heating by the return current, is apparently not supported by the LAT data. The LAT sample of gamma-ray pulsars therefore provides a fresh perspective on the early evolution of the luminosity and beam width of the gamma-ray emission from young pulsars, calling for thin and more luminous gaps.

The Gamma-ray Sky with Fermi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, David

2012-01-01

Gamma rays reveal extreme, nonthermal conditions in the Universe. The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has been exploring the gamma-ray sky for more than four years, enabling a search for powerful transients like gamma-ray bursts, novae, solar flares, and flaring active galactic nuclei, as well as long-term studies including pulsars, binary systems, supernova remnants, and searches for predicted sources of gamma rays such as dark matter annihilation. Some results include a stringent limit on Lorentz invariance derived from a gamma-ray burst, unexpected gamma-ray variability from the Crab Nebula, a huge gamma-ray structure associated with the center of our galaxy, surprising behavior from some gamma-ray binary systems, and a possible constraint on some WIMP models for dark matter.

Gamma rays induce DNA damage and oxidative stress associated with impaired growth and reproduction in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus.

PubMed

Han, Jeonghoon; Won, Eun-Ji; Lee, Bo-Young; Hwang, Un-Ki; Kim, Il-Chan; Yim, Joung Han; Leung, Kenneth Mei Yee; Lee, Yong Sung; Lee, Jae-Seong

2014-07-01

Nuclear radioisotope accidents are potentially ecologically devastating due to their impact on marine organisms. To examine the effects of exposure of a marine organism to radioisotopes, we irradiated the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus with several doses of gamma radiation and analyzed the effects on mortality, fecundity, and molting by assessing antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression patterns. No mortality was observed at 96h, even in response to exposure to a high dose (800Gy) of radiation, but mortality rate was significantly increased 120h (5 days) after exposure to 600 or 800Gy gamma ray radiation. We observed a dose-dependent reduction in fecundity of ovigerous females; even the group irradiated with 50Gy showed a significant reduction in fecundity, suggesting that gamma rays are likely to have a population level effect. In addition, we observed growth retardation, particularly at the nauplius stage, in individuals after gamma irradiation. In fact, nauplii irradiated with more than 200Gy, though able to molt to copepodite stage 1, did not develop into adults. Upon gamma radiation, T. japonicus showed a dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the activities of several antioxidant enzymes, and expression of double-stranded DNA break damage genes (e.g. DNA-PK, Ku70, Ku80). At a low level (sub-lethal dose) of gamma irradiation, we found dose-dependent upregulation of p53, implying cellular damage in T. japonicus in response to sub-lethal doses of gamma irradiation, suggesting that T. japonicus is not susceptible to sub-lethal doses of gamma irradiation. Additionally, antioxidant genes, phase II enzyme (e.g. GSTs), and cellular chaperone genes (e.g. Hsps) that are involved in cellular defense mechanisms also showed the same expression patterns for sublethal doses of gamma irradiation (50-200Gy). These findings indicate that sublethal doses of gamma radiation can induce oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage and increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes and proteins with chaperone-related functions, thereby significantly affecting life history parameters such as fecundity and molting in the copepod T. japonicus. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecting special nuclear materials in containers using high-energy gamma rays emitted by fission products

DOEpatents

Norman, Eric B.; Prussin, Stanley G.

2007-10-02

A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a container. The system and its method include irradiating the container with an energetic beam, so as to induce a fission in the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Cross-sex testosterone therapy in ovariectomized mice: addition of low-dose estrogen preserves bone architecture.

PubMed

Goetz, Laura G; Mamillapalli, Ramanaiah; Devlin, Maureen J; Robbins, Amy E; Majidi-Zolbin, Masoumeh; Taylor, Hugh S

2017-11-01

Cross-sex hormone therapy (XHT) is widely used by transgender people to alter secondary sex characteristics to match their desired gender presentation. Here, we investigate the long-term effects of XHT on bone health using a murine model. Female mice underwent ovariectomy at either 6 or 10 wk and began weekly testosterone or vehicle injections. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed (20 wk) to measure bone mineral density (BMD), and microcomputed tomography was performed to compare femoral cortical and trabecular bone architecture. The 6-wk testosterone group had comparable BMD with controls by DXA but reduced bone volume fraction, trabecular number, and cortical area fraction and increased trabecular separation by microcomputed tomography. Ten-week ovariectomy/XHT maintained microarchitecture, suggesting that estrogen is critical for bone acquisition during adolescence and that late, but not early, estrogen loss can be sufficiently replaced by testosterone alone. Given these findings, we then compared effects of testosterone with effects of weekly estrogen or combined testosterone/low-dose estrogen treatment after a 6-wk ovariectomy. Estrogen treatment increased spine BMD and microarchitecture, including bone volume fraction, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and connectivity density, and decreased trabecular separation. Combined testosterone-estrogen therapy caused similar increases in femur and spine BMD and improved architecture (increased bone volume fraction, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and connectivity density) to estrogen therapy and were superior compared with mice treated with testosterone only. These results demonstrate estradiol is critical for bone acquisition and suggest a new cross-sex hormone therapy adding estrogens to testosterone treatments with potential future clinical implications for treating transgender youth or men with estrogen deficiency. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Water Vapor Permeation in Plastics

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

Keller, Paul E.; Kouzes, Richard T.

Polyvinyl toluene (PVT) and polystyrene (PS) (referred to as “plastic scintillator”) are used for gamma ray detectors. A significant decrease in radiation detection performance has been observed in some PVT-based gamma-ray detectors in systems in outdoor environments as they age. Recent studies have revealed that plastic scintillator can undergo an environmentally related material degradation that adversely affects gamma ray detection performance under certain conditions and histories. A significant decrease in sensitivity has been seen in some gamma-ray detectors in some systems as they age. The degradation of sensitivity of plastic scintillator over time is due to a variety of factors,more » and the term “aging” is used to encompass all factors. Some plastic scintillator samples show no aging effects (no significant change in sensitivity over more than 10 years), while others show severe aging (significant change in sensitivity in less than 5 years). Aging effects arise from weather (variations in heat and humidity), chemical exposure, mechanical stress, light exposure, and loss of volatile components. The damage produced by these various causes can be cumulative, causing observable damage to increase over time. Damage may be reversible up to some point, but becomes permanent under some conditions. The objective of this report is to document the phenomenon of permeability of plastic scintillator to water vapor and to derive the relationship between time, temperature, humidity and degree of water penetration in plastic. Several conclusions are documented about the properties of water permeability of plastic scintillator.« less

Gravitational lensing, time delay, and gamma-ray bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mao, Shude

1992-01-01

The probability distributions of time delay in gravitational lensing by point masses and isolated galaxies (modeled as singular isothermal spheres) are studied. For point lenses (all with the same mass) the probability distribution is broad, and with a peak at delta(t) of about 50 S; for singular isothermal spheres, the probability distribution is a rapidly decreasing function with increasing time delay, with a median delta(t) equals about 1/h month, and its behavior depends sensitively on the luminosity function of galaxies. The present simplified calculation is particularly relevant to the gamma-ray bursts if they are of cosmological origin. The frequency of 'recurrent' bursts due to gravitational lensing by galaxies is probably between 0.05 and 0.4 percent. Gravitational lensing can be used as a test of the cosmological origin of gamma-ray bursts.

Fractionation of uranium isotopes in minerals screened by gamma spectrometry.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geiger, Jeffrey L.; Baldwin, Austin M.; Blatchley, Charles C.

2008-03-01

At least two groups have reported finding shifts in the ratio of U-235/U-238 for sandstone, black shale, and other sedimentary samples using precision ICP-MS. These shifts were tentatively attributed to a recently predicted isotope effect based on nuclear volume that causes fractionation for U^IV-U^VI transitions. However, fractionation of high Z elements may be less likely an explanation than U-235 depletion induced by galactic cosmic ray neutrons. Isotope depletion in marine sediments could therefore be an indicator of changes in cosmic ray flux due to nearby supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or longer term changes during the 62 million year cycle of the Sun above and below the galactic plane. We report using a less precise approach than ICP-MS, but one which can quickly screen samples to look for anomalies in isotope ratios, namely HPGe gamma ray spectrometry. Various levels of depletion were measured for uranium rich minerals, including brannerite, carnotite, and pitchblende, as well as coal and limestone samples.

Enterolactone: A novel radiosensitizer for human breast cancer cell lines through impaired DNA repair and increased apoptosis

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

Bigdeli, Bahareh, E-mail: bhr.bigdeli@ut.ac.ir

Introduction: Radiotherapy is a potent treatment against breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. However, the emergence of radioresistance due to increased DNA repair leads to radiotherapeutic failure. Applying polyphenols combined with radiation is a more promising method leading to better survival. Enterolactone, a phytoestrogenic polyphenol, has been reported to inhibit an important radioresistance signaling pathway, therefore we conjectured that enterolactone could enhance radiosensitivity in breast cancer. To assess this hypothesis, radiation response of enterolactone treated MDA-MB-231 and T47D cell lines and corresponding cellular mechanisms were investigated. Methods: Cytotoxicity of enterolactone was measured via MTT assay.more » Cells were treated with enterolactone before X-irradiation, and clonogenic assay was used to evaluate radiosensitivity. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, DNA damages and corresponding repair, chromosomal damages, and aberrations were assessed by comet, micronucleus, and cytogenetic assays, respectively. Results: Enterolactone decreased the viability of cells in a concentration- and time dependent manner. Enterolactone significantly enhanced radiosensitivity of cells by abrogating G2/M arrest, impairing DNA repair, and increasing radiation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, increased chromosomal damages and aberrations were detected in cells treated with enterolactone combined with X-rays than X-ray alone. These effects were more prominent in T47D than MDA-MB-231 cells. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report that enterolactone is a novel radiosensitizer for breast cancer irrespective of estrogen receptor status. Authors propose enterolactone as a candidate for combined therapy to decrease the radiation dose delivered to patients and subsequent side effects. - Highlights: • Enterolactone is proposed to be a novel radiosensitizer for human breast cancer. • Enterolactone pretreatment enhances radiation induced apoptosis. • Enterolactone pretreatment impairs repair of radiation-induced DNA damages. • Chromosomal aberrations increases in cells receiving enterolactone and X-ray. • Micronuclei formation is elevated after combined treatment with enterolactone.« less

Astrophysical interpretation of the anisotropies in the unresolved gamma-ray background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Shin'ichiro; Fornasa, Mattia; Fornengo, Nicolao; Regis, Marco; Zechlin, Hannes-S.

2017-06-01

Recently, a new measurement of the auto- and cross-correlation angular power spectrum (APS) of the isotropic gamma-ray background was performed, based on 81 months of data of the Fermi Large-Area Telescope (LAT). Here, we fit, for the first time, the new APS data with a model describing the emission of unresolved blazars. These sources are expected to dominate the anisotropy signal. The model we employ in our analysis reproduces well the blazars resolved by Fermi LAT. When considering the APS obtained by masking the sources listed in the 3FGL catalog, we find that unresolved blazars underproduce the measured APS below ˜1 GeV . Contrary to past results, this suggests the presence of a new contribution to the low-energy APS, with a significance of, at least, 5 σ . The excess can be ascribed to a new class of faint gamma-ray emitters. If we consider the APS obtained by masking the sources in the 2FGL catalog, there is no underproduction of the APS below 1 GeV, but the new source class is still preferred over the blazars-only scenario (with a significance larger than 10 σ ). The properties of the new source class and the level of anisotropies induced in the isotropic gamma-ray background are the same, independent of the APS data used. In particular, the new gamma-ray emitters must have a soft energy spectrum, with a spectral index ranging, approximately, from 2.7 to 3.2. This complicates their interpretation in terms of known sources, since, normally, star-forming and radio galaxies are observed with a harder spectrum. The new source class identified here is also expected to contribute significantly to the intensity of the isotropic gamma-ray background.

Tumor induction in mice after local irradiation with single doses of either carbon-ion beams or gamma rays.

PubMed

Ando, Koichi; Koike, Sachiko; Ohmachi, Yasushi; Ando, Yutaka; Kobashi, Gen

2014-12-01

To determine the dose-dependent relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for tumor prevalence in mice receiving single localized doses to their right leg of either carbon ions (15, 45 or 75 keV/μm) or 137Cs gamma rays. A total of 1647 female C3H mice were irradiated to their hind legs with a localized dose of either reference gamma rays or 15, 45 or 75 keV/μm carbon-ion beams. Irradiated mice were evaluated for tumors twice a month during their three-year life span, and the dimensions of any tumors found were measured with a caliper. The tumor induction frequency was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The incidence of tumors from 50 Gy of 45 keV/μm carbon ions was marginally higher than those from 50 Gy of gamma rays. However, 60 Gy of 15 keV/μm carbon ions induced significantly fewer tumors than did gamma rays. RBE values of 0.87 + 0.12, 1.29 + 0.08 or 2.06 + 0.39 for lifetime tumorigenesis were calculated for 15, 45 or 75 keV/μm carbon-ion beams, respectively. Fibrosarcoma predominated, with no Linear Energy Transfer (LET)-dependent differences in the tumor histology. Experiments measuring the late effect of leg skin shrinkage suggested that the carcinogenic damage of 15 keV/μm carbon ions would be less than that of gamma rays. We conclude that patients receiving radiation doses to their normal tissues would face less risk of secondary tumor induction by carbon ions of intermediate LET values compared to equivalent doses of photons.

Radiation leukemogenesis in mice: loss of PU.1 on chromosome 2 in CBA and C57BL/6 mice after irradiation with 1 GeV/nucleon 56Fe ions, X rays or gamma rays. Part I. Experimental observations.

PubMed

Peng, Yuanlin; Brown, Natalie; Finnon, Rosemary; Warner, Christy L; Liu, Xianan; Genik, Paula C; Callan, Matthew A; Ray, F Andrew; Borak, Thomas B; Badie, Christophe; Bouffler, Simon D; Ullrich, Robert L; Bedford, Joel S; Weil, Michael M

2009-04-01

Since deletion of the PU.1 gene on chromosome 2 is a crucial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) initiating step in the mouse model, we quantified PU.1 deleted cells in the bone marrow of gamma-, X- and 56Fe-ion-irradiated mice at various times postirradiation. Although 56Fe ions were initially some two to three times more effective than X or gamma rays in inducing PU.1 deletions, by 1 month postirradiation, the proportions of cells with PU.1 deletions were similar for the HZE particles and the sparsely ionizing radiations. These results indicate that while 56Fe ions are more effective in inducing PU.1 deletions, they are also more effective in causing collateral damage that removes hit cells from the bone marrow. After X, gamma or 56Fe-ion irradiation, AML-resistant C57BL/6 mice have fewer cells with PU.1 deletions than CBA mice, and those cells do not persist in the bone marrow of the C57B6/6 mice. Our findings suggest that quantification of PU.1 deleted bone marrow cells 1 month postirradiation can be used as surrogate for the incidence of radiation-induced AML measured in large-scale mouse studies. If so, PU.1 loss could be used to systematically assess the potential leukemogenic effects of other ions and energies in the space radiation environment.

Cell cycle perturbations and genotoxic effects in human primary fibroblasts induced by low-energy protons and X/gamma-rays.

PubMed

Antoccia, Antonio; Sgura, Antonella; Berardinelli, Francesco; Cavinato, Maria; Cherubini, Roberto; Gerardi, Silvia; Tanzarella, Caterina

2009-09-01

The effect of graded doses of high-linear energy transfer (LET) low-energy protons to induce cycle perturbations and genotoxic damage was investigated in normal human fibroblasts. Furthermore, such effects were compared with those produced by low-LET radiations. HFFF2, human primary fibroblasts were exposed to either protons (LET = 28.5 keV/microm) or X/gamma-rays, and endpoints related to cell cycle kinetics and DNA damage analysed. Following both type of irradiations, unsynchronized cells suffered an inhibition to entry into S-phase for doses of 1-4 Gy and remained arrested in the G(1)-phase for several days. The levels of induction of regulator proteins, such as TP53 and CDKN1A showed a clear LET-dependence. DSB induction and repair as measured by scoring for gamma-H2AX foci indicated that protons, with respect to X-rays, yielded a lower number of DSBs per Gy, which showed a slower kinetics of disappearance. Such result was in agreement with the extent of MN induction in binucleated cells after X-irradiation. No significant differences between the two types of radiations were observed with the clonogenic assay, resulting anyway the slope of gamma-ray curve higher than that the proton one. In conclusion, in normal human primary fibroblasts cell cycle arrest at the G(1)/S transition can be triggered shortly after irradiation and maintained for several hours post-irradiation of both protons and X-rays. DNA damage produced by protons appears less amenable to be repaired and could be transformed in cytogenetic damage in the form of MN.

Natural antioxidants exhibit chemopreventive characteristics through the regulation of CNC b-Zip transcription factors in estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Anwesha; Ronghe, Amruta; Singh, Bhupendra; Bhat, Nimee K; Chen, Jie; Bhat, Hari K

2014-12-01

The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of resveratrol (Res) and vitamin C (VC) in prevention of estrogen-induced breast cancer through regulation of cap "n"collar (CNC) b-zip transcription factors. Human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A was treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and VC or Res with or without E2. mRNA and protein expression levels of CNC b-zip transcription factors nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 3 (Nrf3), and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were quantified. The treatment with E2 suppressed, whereas VC and Res prevented E2-mediated decrease in the expression levels of SOD3, NQO1, Nrf2 mRNA, and protein in MCF-10A cells. The treatment with E2, Res, or VC significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf1. 17β-Estradiol treatment significantly increased but VC or Res decreased Nrf3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Our studies demonstrate that estrogen-induced breast cancer might be prevented through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf-dependent pathways. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Detection of gamma-irradiation effect on DNA and protein using magnetic sensor and cyclic voltammetry.

PubMed

Park, Duck-Gun; Song, Hoon; Kishore, M B; Vértesy, G; Lee, Duk-Hyun

2013-11-01

In this study, a magnetic sensor utilizing Planar Hall Resistance (PHR) and cyclic Voltammetry (CV) for detecting the radiation effect was fabricated. Specifically, we applied in parallel a PHR sensor and CV device to monitor the irradiation effect on DNA and protein respectively. Through parallel measurements, we demonstrated that the PHR sensor and CV are sensitive enough to measure irradiation effect. The PHR voltage decreased by magnetic nanobead labeled DNA was slightly recovered after gamma ray irradiation. The behavior of cdk inhibitor protein p21 having a sandwich structure of Au/protein G/Ab/Ag/Ab was checked by monitoring the cyclic Voltammetry signal in analyzing the gamma ray irradiation effect.

A low, adaptive dose of gamma-rays reduced the number and altered the spectrum of S1- mutants in human-hamster hybrid AL cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ueno, A. M.; Vannais, D. B.; Gustafson, D. L.; Wong, J. C.; Waldren, C. A.

1996-01-01

We examined the effects of a low, adaptive dose of 137Cs-gamma-irradiation (0.04 Gy) on the number and kinds of mutants induced in AL human-hamster hybrid cells by a later challenge dose of 4 Gy. The yield of S1- mutants was significantly less (by 53%) after exposure to both the adaptive and challenge doses compared to the challenge dose alone. The yield of hprt- mutants was similarly decreased. Incubation with cycloheximide (CX) or 3-aminobenzamide largely negated the decrease in mutant yield. The adaptive dose did not perturb the cell cycle, was not cytotoxic, and did not of itself increase the mutant yield above background. The adaptive dose did, however, alter the spectrum of S1- mutants from populations exposed only to the adaptive dose, as well as affecting the spectrum of S1- mutants generated by the challenge dose. The major change in both cases was a significant increase in the proportion of complex mutations compared to small mutations and simple deletions.

Predicting supernova associated to gamma-ray burst 130427a

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Ruffini, R.; Kovacevic, M.; Bianco, C. L.; Enderli, M.; Muccino, M.; Penacchioni, A. V.; Pisani, G. B.; Rueda, J. A.

2015-07-01

Binary systems constituted by a neutron star and a massive star are not rare in the universe. The Induced Gravitational Gamma-ray Burst (IGC) paradigm interprets Gamma-ray bursts as the outcome of a neutron star that collapses into a black hole due to the accretion of the ejecta coming from its companion massive star that underwent a supernova event. GRB 130427A is one of the most luminous GRBs ever observed, of which isotropic energy exceeds 1054 erg. And it is within one of the few GRBs obtained optical, X-ray and GeV spectra simultaneously for hundreds of seconds, which provides an unique opportunity so far to understand the multi-wavelength observation within the IGC paradigm, our data analysis found low Lorentz factor blackbody emission in the Episode 3 and its X-ray light curve overlaps typical IGC Golden Sample, which comply to the IGC mechanisms. We consider these findings as clues of GRB 130427A belonging to the IGC GRBs. We predicted on GCN the emergence of a supernova on May 2, 2013, which was later successfully detected on May 13, 2013.

GeV Observations of star-forming galaxies with the Fermi large area telescope

DOE PAGES

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; ...

2012-08-07

Some recent detections of the starburst galaxies M82 and NGC 253 by gamma-ray telescopes suggest that galaxies rapidly forming massive stars are more luminous at gamma-ray energies compared to their quiescent relatives. Building upon those results, we examine a sample of 69 dwarf, spiral, and luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies at photon energies 0.1-100 GeV using 3 years of data collected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (Fermi). Measured fluxes from significantly detected sources and flux upper limits for the remaining galaxies are used to explore the physics of cosmic rays in galaxies. Here,more » we find further evidence for quasi-linear scaling relations between gamma-ray luminosity and both radio continuum luminosity and total infrared luminosity which apply both to quiescent galaxies of the Local Group and low-redshift starburst galaxies (conservative P-values ≲ 0.05 accounting for statistical and systematic uncertainties). The normalizations of these scaling relations correspond to luminosity ratios of log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 1.4 GHz) = 1.7 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) and log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 8-1000 μm) = –4.3 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) for a galaxy with a star formation rate of 1 M ⊙yr –1, assuming a Chabrier initial mass function. Using the relationship between infrared luminosity and gamma-ray luminosity, the collective intensity of unresolved star-forming galaxies at redshifts 0 < z < 2.5 above 0.1 GeV is estimated to be 0.4-2.4 × 10 –6 ph cm –2 s –1 sr –1 (4%-23% of the intensity of the isotropic diffuse component measured with the LAT). Furthermore, we anticipate that ~10 galaxies could be detected by their cosmic-ray-induced gamma-ray emission during a 10 year Fermi mission.« less

GeV Observations of star-forming galaxies with the Fermi large area telescope

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

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.

Some recent detections of the starburst galaxies M82 and NGC 253 by gamma-ray telescopes suggest that galaxies rapidly forming massive stars are more luminous at gamma-ray energies compared to their quiescent relatives. Building upon those results, we examine a sample of 69 dwarf, spiral, and luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies at photon energies 0.1-100 GeV using 3 years of data collected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (Fermi). Measured fluxes from significantly detected sources and flux upper limits for the remaining galaxies are used to explore the physics of cosmic rays in galaxies. Here,more » we find further evidence for quasi-linear scaling relations between gamma-ray luminosity and both radio continuum luminosity and total infrared luminosity which apply both to quiescent galaxies of the Local Group and low-redshift starburst galaxies (conservative P-values ≲ 0.05 accounting for statistical and systematic uncertainties). The normalizations of these scaling relations correspond to luminosity ratios of log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 1.4 GHz) = 1.7 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) and log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 8-1000 μm) = –4.3 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) for a galaxy with a star formation rate of 1 M ⊙yr –1, assuming a Chabrier initial mass function. Using the relationship between infrared luminosity and gamma-ray luminosity, the collective intensity of unresolved star-forming galaxies at redshifts 0 < z < 2.5 above 0.1 GeV is estimated to be 0.4-2.4 × 10 –6 ph cm –2 s –1 sr –1 (4%-23% of the intensity of the isotropic diffuse component measured with the LAT). Furthermore, we anticipate that ~10 galaxies could be detected by their cosmic-ray-induced gamma-ray emission during a 10 year Fermi mission.« less

GeV Observations of star-forming glaxies with the FERMI Large Area Telescope

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

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.

Recent detections of the starburst galaxies M82 and NGC 253 by gamma-ray telescopes suggest that galaxies rapidly forming massive stars are more luminous at gamma-ray energies compared to their quiescent relatives. Building upon those results, we examine a sample of 69 dwarf, spiral, and luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies at photon energies 0.1-100 GeV using 3 years of data collected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (Fermi). Measured fluxes from significantly detected sources and flux upper limits for the remaining galaxies are used to explore the physics of cosmic rays in galaxies. We findmore » further evidence for quasi-linear scaling relations between gamma-ray luminosity and both radio continuum luminosity and total infrared luminosity which apply both to quiescent galaxies of the Local Group and low-redshift starburst galaxies (conservative P-values lesssim 0.05 accounting for statistical and systematic uncertainties). The normalizations of these scaling relations correspond to luminosity ratios of log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 1.4 GHz) = 1.7 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) and log (L 0.1-100 GeV/L 8-1000 μm) = –4.3 ± 0.1(statistical) ± 0.2(dispersion) for a galaxy with a star formation rate of 1 M ⊙ yr–1, assuming a Chabrier initial mass function. Using the relationship between infrared luminosity and gamma-ray luminosity, the collective intensity of unresolved star-forming galaxies at redshifts 0 < z < 2.5 above 0.1 GeV is estimated to be 0.4-2.4 × 10–6 ph cm–2 s–1 sr–1 (4%-23% of the intensity of the isotropic diffuse component measured with the LAT). We anticipate that ~10 galaxies could be detected by their cosmic-ray-induced gamma-ray emission during a 10 year Fermi mission.« less

Basics of Gamma Ray Detection

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

Stinnett, Jacob; Venkataraman, Ram

The objective of this training is to explain the origin of x-rays and gamma rays, gamma ray interactions with matter, detectors and electronics used in gamma ray-spectrometry, and features of a gamma-ray spectrum for nuclear material that is safeguarded.

Inhibition of Estrogen-Induced Growth of Breast Cancer by Targeting Mitochondria Oxidants

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

acetylcysteine (NAC) and ebselen], inhibits estrogen induced expression of cell cycle genes as well as prevention of estrogen-induced growth of malignant breast...have completed proposed research in the original First Task (i) both antioxidants, N- acetylcysteine and ebselen, overexpression of ROS lowering genes...bioassay to test whether estrogen-induced conversion of normal cells to transformed cells is inhibited by treatment with N- acetylcysteine and

The damage equivalence of electrons, protons, and gamma rays in MOS devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brucker, G. J.; Stassinopoulos, E. G.; Van Gunten, O.; August, L. S.; Jordan, T. M.

1982-01-01

The results of laboratory tests to determine the radiation damage effects induced on MOS devices from Co-60, electron, and proton radiation are reported. The tests are performed to establish the relationship between the Co-60 gamma rays and the level of damage to the MOS devices in regards to different damages which can be expected with the electron and particle bombardments experienced in space applications. CMOS devices were exposed to the Co-60 gamma rays, 1 MeV electrons, and 1 MeV protons while operating at 3, 10, and 15 V. The test data indicated that the Co-60 source was reliable for an initial evaluation of the electron damages up to 2 MeV charge. A correction factor was devised for transferring the Co-60 measurements to proton damages, independent of bias and transistor types, for any orbit or environment.

Advanced Laser-Compton Gamma-Ray Sources for Nuclear Materials Detection, Assay and Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barty, C. P. J.

2015-10-01

Highly-collimated, polarized, mono-energetic beams of tunable gamma-rays may be created via the optimized Compton scattering of pulsed lasers off of ultra-bright, relativistic electron beams. Above 2 MeV, the peak brilliance of such sources can exceed that of the world's largest synchrotrons by more than 15 orders of magnitude and can enable for the first time the efficient pursuit of nuclear science and applications with photon beams, i.e. Nuclear Photonics. Potential applications are numerous and include isotope-specific nuclear materials management, element-specific medical radiography and radiology, non-destructive, isotope-specific, material assay and imaging, precision spectroscopy of nuclear resonances and photon-induced fission. This review covers activities at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory related to the design and optimization of mono-energetic, laser-Compton gamma-ray systems and introduces isotope-specific nuclear materials detection and assay applications enabled by them.

Cross correlation analysis of medium energy gamma rays for the Northern Hemisphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, J.; Zanrosso, E.; Zych, A. D.; White, R. S.

1982-01-01

In the cross correlation method the observed gamma rays are compared with the expected telescope response for a discrete celestial source. The background consists of the atmospheric flux with its maximum near the horizon, the cosmic diffuse flux, and neutron induced gamma rays in the telescope. In sharp contrast to the background, a celestial source produces an asymmetric azimuthal response which varies predictably in time as the source moves through the telescope's aperture. This contrast serves as the basis of the cross correlation technique. Continuous data of 47.5 hr were obtained during a balloon flight from Palestine, TX from 0930 UT on September 30, 1978 to 2300 UT on October 1, 1978. The Crab Nebula-Anticenter region was observed on two consecutive days. A number of other medium energy source candidates also crossed the field-of-view. The obtained results are discussed.

Comparative effects of 60Co gamma-rays and neon and helium ions on cycle duration and division probability of EMT 6 cells. A time-lapse cinematography study.

PubMed

Collyn-d'Hooghe, M; Hemon, D; Gilet, R; Curtis, S B; Valleron, A J; Malaise, E P

1981-03-01

Exponentially growing cultures of EMT 6 cells were irradiated in vitro with neon ions, helium ions or 60Co gamma-rays. Time-lapse cinematography allowed the determination, for individual cells, of cycle duration, success of the mitotic division and the age of the cell at the moment of irradiation. Irradiation induced a significant mitotic delay increasing proportionally with the delivered dose. Using mitotic delay as an endpoint, the r.b.e. for neon ions with respect to 60Co gamma-rays was 3.3 +/- 0.2 while for helium ions it was 1.2 +/- 0.1. Mitotic delay was greatest in those cells that had progressed furthest in their cycle at the time of irradiation. No significant mitotic delay was observed in the post-irradiation generation. Division probability was significantly reduced by irradiation both in the irradiated and in the post-irradiated generation. The reduction in division probability obtained with 3 Gy of neon ions was similar to that obtained after irradiation with 6 Gy of helium ions or 60Co gamma-rays.

Gamma radiation field intensity meter

DOEpatents

Thacker, Louis H.

1994-01-01

A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.

Gamma radiation field intensity meter

DOEpatents

Thacker, Louis H.

1995-01-01

A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.

Light-Curve Modelling Constraints on the Obliquities and Aspect Angles of the Young Fermi Pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierbattista, M.; Harding, A. K.; Grenier, I. A.; Johnson, T. J.; Caraveo, P. A.; Kerr, M.; Gonthier, P. L.

2015-01-01

In more than four years of observation the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi satellite has identified pulsed gamma-ray emission from more than 80 young or middle-aged pulsars, in most cases providing light curves with high statistics. Fitting the observed profiles with geometrical models can provide estimates of the magnetic obliquity alpha and of the line of sight angle zeta, yielding estimates of the radiation beaming factor and radiated luminosity. Using different gamma-ray emission geometries (Polar Cap, Slot Gap, Outer Gap, One Pole Caustic) and core plus cone geometries for the radio emission, we fit gamma-ray light curves for 76 young or middle-aged pulsars and we jointly fit their gamma-ray plus radio light curves when possible. We find that a joint radio plus gamma-ray fit strategy is important to obtain (alpha, zeta) estimates that can explain simultaneously detectable radio and gamma-ray emission: when the radio emission is available, the inclusion of the radio light curve in the fit leads to important changes in the (alpha, gamma) solutions. The most pronounced changes are observed for Outer Gap and One Pole Caustic models for which the gamma-ray only fit leads to underestimated alpha or zeta when the solution is found to the left or to the right of the main alpha-zeta plane diagonal respectively. The intermediate-to-high altitude magnetosphere models, Slot Gap, Outer Gap, and One pole Caustic, are favored in explaining the observations. We find no apparent evolution of a on a time scale of 106 years. For all emission geometries our derived gamma-ray beaming factors are generally less than one and do not significantly evolve with the spin-down power. A more pronounced beaming factor vs. spin-down power correlation is observed for Slot Gap model and radio-quiet pulsars and for the Outer Gap model and radio-loud pulsars. The beaming factor distributions exhibit a large dispersion that is less pronounced for the Slot Gap case and that decreases from radio-quiet to radio-loud solutions. For all models, the correlation between gamma-ray luminosity and spin-down power is consistent with a square root dependence. The gamma-ray luminosities obtained by using the beaming factors estimated in the framework of each model do not exceed the spin-down power. This suggests that assuming a beaming factor of one for all objects, as done in other studies, likely overestimates the real values. The data show a relation between the pulsar spectral characteristics and the width of the accelerator gap. The relation obtained in the case of the Slot Gap model is consistent with the theoretical prediction.

Source Correlated Prompt Neutron Activation Analysis for Material Identification and Localization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canion, Bonnie; McConchie, Seth; Landsberger, Sheldon

2017-07-01

This paper investigates the energy spectrum of photon signatures from an associated particle imaging deuterium tritium (API-DT) neutron generator interrogating shielded uranium. The goal is to investigate if signatures within the energy spectrum could be used to indirectly characterize shielded uranium when the neutron signature is attenuated. By utilizing the correlated neutron cone associated with each pixel of the API-DT neutron generator, certain materials can be identified and located via source correlated spectrometry of prompt neutron activation gamma rays. An investigation is done to determine if fission neutrons induce a significant enough signature within the prompt neutron-induced gamma-ray energy spectrum in shielding material to be useful for indirect nuclear material characterization. The signature deriving from the induced fission neutrons interacting with the shielding material was slightly elevated in polyethylene-shielding depleted uranium (DU), but was more evident in some characteristic peaks from the aluminum shielding surrounding DU.

Fiber optic Cerenkov radiation sensor system to estimate burn-up of spent fuel: characteristic evaluation of the system using Co-60 source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, S. H.; Jang, K. W.; Jeon, D.; Hong, S.; Kim, S. G.; Sim, H. I.; Yoo, W. J.; Park, B. G.; Lee, B.

2013-09-01

Cerenkov radiation occurs when charged particles are moving faster than the speed of light in a transparent dielectric medium. In optical fibers, the Cerenkov light also can be generated due to their dielectric components. Accordingly, the radiation-induced light signals can be obtained using optical fibers without any scintillating material. In this study, to measure the intensities of Cerenkov radiation induced by gamma-rays, we have fabricated the fiber-optic Cerenkov radiation sensor system using silica optical fibers, plastic optical fibers, multi-anode photomultiplier tubes, and a scanning system. To characterize the Cerenkov radiation generated in optical fibers, the spectra of Cerenkov radiation generated in the silica and plastic optical fibers were measured. Also, the intensities of Cerenkov radiation induced by gamma-rays generated from a cylindrical Co-60 source with or without lead shielding were measured using the fiberoptic Cerenkov radiation sensor system.

Anticancer effect of genistein on BG-1 ovarian cancer growth induced by 17 β-estradiol or bisphenol A via the suppression of the crosstalk between estrogen receptor alpha and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor signaling pathways

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

Hwang, Kyung-A; Park, Min-Ah; Kang, Nam-Hee

The interaction between estrogen receptor (ER) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway plays an important role in proliferation of and resistance to endocrine therapy to estrogen dependent cancers. Estrogen (E2) upregulates the expression of components of IGF-1 system and induces the downstream of mitogenic signaling cascades via phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). In the present study, we evaluated the xenoestrogenic effect of bisphenol A (BPA) and antiproliferative activity of genistein (GEN) in accordance with the influence on this crosstalk. BPA was determined to affect this crosstalk by upregulating mRNA expressions of ERα and IGF-1R and inducing phosphorylationmore » of IRS-1 and Akt in protein level in BG-1 ovarian cancer cells as E2 did. In the mouse model xenografted with BG-1 cells, BPA significantly increased a tumor burden of mice and expressions of ERα, pIRS-1, and cyclin D1 in tumor mass compared to vehicle, indicating that BPA induces ovarian cancer growth by promoting the crosstalk between ER and IGF-1R signals. On the other hand, GEN effectively reversed estrogenicity of BPA by reversing mRNA and protein expressions of ERα, IGF-1R, pIRS-1, and pAkt induced by BPA in cellular model and also significantly decreased tumor growth and in vivo expressions of ERα, pIRS-1, and pAkt in xenografted mouse model. Also, GEN was confirmed to have an antiproliferative effect by inducing apoptotic signaling cascades. Taken together, these results suggest that GEN effectively reversed the increased proliferation of BG-1 ovarian cancer by suppressing the crosstalk between ERα and IGF-1R signaling pathways upregulated by BPA or E2.« less

Effects of exposure to different types of radiation on behaviors mediated by peripheral or central systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabin, B. M.; Joseph, J. A.; Erat, S.

1998-01-01

The effects of exposure to ionizing radiation on behavior may result from effects on peripheral or on central systems. For behavioral endpoints that are mediated by peripheral systems (e.g., radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion or vomiting), the behavioral effects of exposure to heavy particles (56Fe, 600 MeV/n) are qualitatively similar to the effects of exposure to gamma radiation (60Co) and to fission spectrum neutrons. For these endpoints, the only differences between the different types of radiation are in terms of relative behavioral effectiveness. For behavioral endpoints that are mediated by central systems (e.g., amphetamine-induced taste aversion learning), the effects of exposure to 56Fe particles are not seen following exposure to lower LET gamma rays or fission spectrum neutrons. These results indicate that the effects of exposure to heavy particles on behavioral endpoints cannot necessarily be extrapolated from studies using gamma rays, but require the use of heavy particles.

The effect of low-dose experimental zearalenone intoxication on the immunoexpression of estrogen receptors in the ovaries of pre-pubertal bitches.

PubMed

Gajecka, M

2012-01-01

Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin that often contaminates plant material used in the production of feeds for companion animals. Small daily doses of ingested zearalenone--a competitive substrate modulating the activity of enzymes participating in estrogen biosynthesis at the pre-receptor level--can induce subclinical symptoms of hyperestrogenism in bitches. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low zearalenone doses on the presence of estrogen receptors in the ovaries of pre-pubertal Beagle bitches. The bitches were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: experimental group I--50 microg zearalenone/kg body weight administered once daily per os; experimental group II--75 microg zearalenone/kg body weight administered once daily per os; control group--placebo containing no ZEN administered per os. The animals were ovariorectomized at the end of the experiment, at 112 days of age. Estrogen receptors were detected in ovarian specimens by immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed an absence of estrogen receptors alpha in all groups. In both experimental groups a decrease in the positive response of estrogen receptors beta in specified structures of ovaries was observed. Very low alpha-zearalenol levels probably attested to the slowing down (hypostimulation) of the biotransformation process. Overall, zearalenone intoxication led to hyperestrogenism during a specific developmental stage of pre-pubertal bitches. As regards hormesis, the threshold dose of zearalenone (adaptive capability) was exceeded in the ovaries of experimental group II animals. The results obtained in both experimental groups suggest that long-term exposure to low-dose zearalenone intoxication decreased the degree of estrogen receptors beta staining in particular structures of ovaries in the experimental bitches, which initiated epigenetic modification mechanisms that inhibited ovarian development.

Fast Neutron Induced Autophagy Leads To Necrosis In Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

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

Yasui, Linda; Gladden, Samantha; Andorf, Christine

Fast neutrons are highly effective at killing glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), U87 and U251 cells. The mode of cell death was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify the fraction of irradiated U87 or U251 cells having morphological features of autophagy and/or necrosis. U87 or U251 cells were irradiated with 2 Gy fast neturons or 10 Gy {gamma} rays. A majority of U87 and U251 cells exhibit features of cell death with autophagy after irradiation with either 10 Gy {gamma} rays or 2 Gy fast neutrons. Very few {gamma} irradiated cells had features of necrosis (U87 or U251 cell samplesmore » processed for TEM 1 day after 10 Gy {gamma} irradiation). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in necrotic U87 and U251 cells irradiated with fast neutrons. These results show a greater percentage of cells exhibit morphological evidence of necrosis induced by a lower dose of fast neutron irradiation compared to {gamma} irradiation. Also, the evidence of necrosis in fast neutron irradiated U87 and U251 cells occurs in a background of autophagy. Since autophagy is observed before necrosis, autophagy may play a role in signaling programmed necrosis in fast neutron irradiated U87 and U251 cells.« less

Nandrolone and stanozolol induce Leydig cell tumor proliferation through an estrogen-dependent mechanism involving IGF-I system.

PubMed

Chimento, Adele; Sirianni, Rosa; Zolea, Fabiana; De Luca, Arianna; Lanzino, Marilena; Catalano, Stefania; Andò, Sebastiano; Pezzi, Vincenzo

2012-05-01

Several substances such as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), peptide hormones like insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), aromatase inhibitors and estrogen antagonists are offered via the Internet, and are assumed without considering the potential deleterious effects that can be caused by their administration. In this study we aimed to determine if nandrolone and stanozolol, two commonly used AAS, could have an effect on Leydig cell tumor proliferation and if their effects could be potentiated by the concomitant use of IGF-I. Using a rat Leydig tumor cell line, R2C cells, as experimental model we found that nandrolone and stanozolol caused a dose-dependent induction of aromatase expression and estradiol (E2) production. When used in combination with IGF-I they were more effective than single molecules in inducing aromatase expression. AAS exhibited estrogenic activity and induced rapid estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent pathways involving IGF1R, AKT, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibitors for these kinases decreased AAS-dependent aromatase expression. Up-regulated aromatase levels and related E2 production increased cell proliferation as a consequence of increased cyclin E expression. The observation that ER antagonist ICI182,780 was also able to significantly reduce ASS- and AAS + IGF-induced cell proliferation, confirmed a role for estrogens in AAS-dependent proliferative effects. Taken together these data clearly indicate that the use of high doses of AAS, as it occurs in doping practice, enhances Leydig cell proliferation, increasing the risk of tumor development. This risk is higher when AAS are used in association with IGF-I. To our knowledge this is the first report directly associating AAS and testicular cancer. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design and Performance of the GAMMA-400 Gamma-Ray Telescope for Dark Matter Searches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galper, A.M.; Adriani, O.; Aptekar, R. L.; Arkhangelskaja, I. V.; Arkhangelskiy, A.I.; Boezio, M.; Bonvicini, V.; Boyarchuk, K. A.; Fradkin, M. I.; Gusakov, Yu. V.;

Design and Performance of the GAMMA-400 Gamma-Ray Telescope for Dark Matter Searches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galper, A. M.; Adriani, O.; Aptekar, R. L.; Arkhangelskaja, I. V.; Arkhangelskiy, A. I.; Boezio, M.; Bonvicini, V.; Boyarchuk, K. A.; Fradkin, M. I.; Gusakov, Yu V.;

High energy gamma-ray astronomy; Proceedings of the International Conference, ANN Arbor, MI, Oct. 2-5, 1990

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, James

The present volume on high energy gamma-ray astronomy discusses the composition and properties of heavy cosmic rays greater than 10 exp 12 eV, implications of the IRAS Survey for galactic gamma-ray astronomy, gamma-ray emission from young neutron stars, and high-energy diffuse gamma rays. Attention is given to observations of TeV photons at the Whipple Observatory, TeV gamma rays from millisecond pulsars, recent data from the CYGNUS experiment, and recent results from the Woomera Telescope. Topics addressed include bounds on a possible He/VHE gamma-ray line signal of Galactic dark matter, albedo gamma rays from cosmic ray interactions on the solar surface, source studies, and the CANGAROO project. Also discussed are neural nets and other methods for maximizing the sensitivity of a low-threshold VHE gamma-ray telescope, a prototype water-Cerenkov air-shower detector, detection of point sources with spark chamber gamma-ray telescopes, and real-time image parameterization in high energy gamma-ray astronomy using transputers. (For individual items see A93-25002 to A93-25039)

Very high-energy gamma rays from gamma-ray bursts.

PubMed

Chadwick, Paula M

2007-05-15

Very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray astronomy has undergone a transformation in the last few years, with telescopes of unprecedented sensitivity having greatly expanded the source catalogue. Such progress makes the detection of a gamma-ray burst at the highest energies much more likely than previously. This paper describes the facilities currently operating and their chances for detecting gamma-ray bursts, and reviews predictions for VHE gamma-ray emission from gamma-ray bursts. Results to date are summarized.

Gelam honey attenuated radiation-induced cell death in human diploid fibroblasts by promoting cell cycle progression and inhibiting apoptosis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The interaction between ionizing radiation and substances in cells will induce the production of free radicals. These free radicals inflict damage to important biomolecules such as chromosomes, proteins and lipids which consequently trigger the expression of genes which are involved in protecting the cells or repair the oxidative damages. Honey has been known for its antioxidant properties and was used in medical and cosmetic products. Currently, research on honey is ongoing and diversifying. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Gelam honey as a radioprotector in human diploid fibroblast (HDFs) which were exposed to gamma-rays by determining the expression of genes and proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and cell death. Methods Six groups of HDFs were studied viz. untreated control, irradiated HDFs, Gelam honey-treated HDFs and HDF treated with Gelam honey pre-, during- and post-irradiation. HDFs were treated with 6 mg/ml of sterilized Gelam honey (w/v) for 24 h and exposed to 1 Gray (Gy) of gamma-rays at the dose rate of 0.25 Gy/min. Results Our findings showed that, gamma-irradiation at 1 Gy up-regulated ATM, p53, p16ink4a and cyclin D1 genes and subsequently initiated cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment with Gelam honey however caused down regulation of these genes in irradiated HDFs while no significant changes was observed on the expression of GADD45 and PAK genes. The expression of ATM and p16 proteins was increased in irradiated HDFs but the p53 gene was translated into p73 protein which was also increased in irradiated HDFs. Gelam honey treatment however significantly decreased the expression of ATM, p73, and p16 proteins (p < 0.05) while the expression of cyclin D1 remained unchanged. Analysis on cell cycle profile showed that cells progressed to S phase with less percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase with Gelam honey treatment while apoptosis was inhibited. Conclusion Gelam honey acts a radioprotector against gamma-irradiation by attenuating radiation-induced cell death. PMID:24655584

Gelam honey attenuated radiation-induced cell death in human diploid fibroblasts by promoting cell cycle progression and inhibiting apoptosis.

PubMed

Tengku Ahmad, Tengku Ahbrizal Farizal; Jaafar, Faizul; Jubri, Zakiah; Abdul Rahim, Khairuddin; Rajab, Nor Fadilah; Makpol, Suzana

2014-03-24

The interaction between ionizing radiation and substances in cells will induce the production of free radicals. These free radicals inflict damage to important biomolecules such as chromosomes, proteins and lipids which consequently trigger the expression of genes which are involved in protecting the cells or repair the oxidative damages. Honey has been known for its antioxidant properties and was used in medical and cosmetic products. Currently, research on honey is ongoing and diversifying. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of Gelam honey as a radioprotector in human diploid fibroblast (HDFs) which were exposed to gamma-rays by determining the expression of genes and proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and cell death. Six groups of HDFs were studied viz. untreated control, irradiated HDFs, Gelam honey-treated HDFs and HDF treated with Gelam honey pre-, during- and post-irradiation. HDFs were treated with 6 mg/ml of sterilized Gelam honey (w/v) for 24 h and exposed to 1 Gray (Gy) of gamma-rays at the dose rate of 0.25 Gy/min. Our findings showed that, gamma-irradiation at 1 Gy up-regulated ATM, p53, p16ink4a and cyclin D1 genes and subsequently initiated cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment with Gelam honey however caused down regulation of these genes in irradiated HDFs while no significant changes was observed on the expression of GADD45 and PAK genes. The expression of ATM and p16 proteins was increased in irradiated HDFs but the p53 gene was translated into p73 protein which was also increased in irradiated HDFs. Gelam honey treatment however significantly decreased the expression of ATM, p73, and p16 proteins (p < 0.05) while the expression of cyclin D1 remained unchanged. Analysis on cell cycle profile showed that cells progressed to S phase with less percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase with Gelam honey treatment while apoptosis was inhibited. Gelam honey acts a radioprotector against gamma-irradiation by attenuating radiation-induced cell death.

Reduction of estrogen-induced transformation of mouse mammary epithelial cells by N-acetylcysteine

PubMed Central

Venugopal, Divya; Zahid, Muhammad; Mailander, Paula C; Meza, Jane L.; Rogan, Eleanor G.; Cavalieri, Ercole L.; Chakravarti, Dhrubajyoti

2009-01-01

A growing number of studies indicate that breast cancer initiation is related to abnormal estrogen oxidation to form an excess of estrogen-3,4-quinones, which react with DNA to form depurinating adducts and induce mutations. This mechanism is often called estrogen genotoxicity. 4-catechol estrogens, precursors of the estrogen-3,4-quinones, were previously shown to account for most of the transforming and tumorigenic activity. We examined whether estrogen-induced transformation can be reduced by inhibiting the oxidation of a 4-catechol estrogen to its quinone. We demonstrate that E6 cells (a normal mouse epithelial cell line) can be transformed by a single treatment with a catechol estrogen or its quinone. The transforming activities of 4-hydroxyestradiol and estradiol-3,4-quinone were comparable. N-acetylcysteine, a common antioxidant, inhibited the oxidation of 4-hydroxyestradiol to the quinone and consequent formation of DNA adducts. It also drastically reduced estrogen-induced transformation of E6 cells. These results strongly implicate estrogen genotoxicity in mammary cell transformation. Since N-acetylcysteine is well-tolerated in clinical studies, it may be a promising candidate for breast cancer prevention. PMID:18226522

The Gamma-ray Universe through Fermi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, David J.

2012-01-01

Gamma rays, the most powerful form of light, reveal extreme conditions in the Universe. The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and its smaller cousin AGILE have been exploring the gamma-ray sky for several years, enabling a search for powerful transients like gamma-ray bursts, novae, solar flares, and flaring active galactic nuclei, as well as long-term studies including pulsars, binary systems, supernova remnants, and searches for predicted sources of gamma rays such as dark matter annihilation. Some results include a stringent limit on Lorentz invariance derived from a gamma-ray burst, unexpected gamma-ray variability from the Crab Nebula, a huge ga.nuna-ray structure associated with the center of our galaxy, surprising behavior from some gamma-ray binary systems, and a possible constraint on some WIMP models for dark matter.

Xenon detector with high energy resolution for gamma-ray line emission registration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, Alexander S.; Ulin, Sergey E.; Chernysheva, Irina V.; Dmitrenko, Valery V.; Grachev, Victor M.; Petrenko, Denis V.; Shustov, Alexander E.; Uteshev, Ziyaetdin M.; Vlasik, Konstantin F.

2014-09-01

A description of the xenon detector (XD) for gamma-ray line emission registration is presented. The detector provides high energy resolution and is able to operate under extreme environmental conditions (wide temperature range and unfavorable acoustic action). Resistance to acoustic noise as well as improvement in energy resolution has been achieved by means of real-time digital pulse processing. Another important XD feature is the ionization chamber's thin wall with composite housing, which significantly decreases the mass of the device and expands its energy range, especially at low energies.

Pulse shape discrimination of plastic scintillator EJ 299-33 with radioactive sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagano, E. V.; Chatterjee, M. B.; De Filippo, E.; Russotto, P.; Auditore, L.; Cardella, G.; Geraci, E.; Gnoffo, B.; Guazzoni, C.; Lanzalone, G.; De Luca, S.; Maiolino, C.; Martorana, N. S.; Pagano, A.; Papa, M.; Parsani, T.; Pirrone, S.; Politi, G.; Porto, F.; Quattrocchi, L.; Rizzo, F.; Trifirò, A.; Trimarchi, M.

2018-05-01

The present study has been carried out in order to investigate about the possibility of using EJ 299-33 scintillator in a multi-detector array to detect neutrons along with light charged particles. In a reaction induced by stable and exotic heavy-ions beams, where copious production of neutrons and other light charged particles occurs, discrimination with low identification threshold of these particles are of great importance. In view of this, EJ 299-33 scintillator having dimension of 3 cm × 3 cm × 3 cm backed by a photomultiplier tube was tested and used under vacuum to detect neutrons, gamma-rays and alpha particles emitted by radioactive sources. Anode pulses from the photomultiplier tube were digitized through GET electronics, recorded and stored in a data acquisition system for the purpose of an off-line analysis. The measurements, under vacuum and low background conditions, show good pulse shape discrimination properties characterized by low identification threshold for neutrons, gamma-rays and alpha particles. The Figures of Merit for neutron-gamma and alpha particles-gamma discriminations have been evaluated together with the energy resolution for gamma-ray and alpha particles.

Sneaky Gamma-Rays: Using Gravitational Lensing to Avoid Gamma-Gamma-Absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boettcher, Markus; Barnacka, Anna

2014-08-01

It has recently been suggested that gravitational lensing studies of gamma-ray blazars might be a promising avenue to probe the location of the gamma-ray emitting region in blazars. Motivated by these prospects, we have investigated potential gamma-gamma absorption signatures of intervening lenses in the very-high-energy gamma-ray emission from lensedblazars. We considered intervening galaxies and individual stars within these galaxies. We find that the collective radiation field of galaxies acting as sources of macrolensing are not expected to lead to significant gamma-gamma absorption. Individual stars within intervening galaxies could, in principle, cause a significant opacity to gamma-gamma absorption for VHE gamma-rays if the impact parameter (the distance of closest approach of the gamma-ray to the center of the star) is small enough. However, we find that the curvature of the photon path due to gravitational lensing will cause gamma-ray photons to maintain a sufficiently large distance from such stars to avoid significant gamma-gamma absorption. This re-inforces the prospect of gravitational-lensing studies of gamma-ray blazars without interference due to gamma-gamma absorption due to the lensing objects.

Spectra of Cosmic Ray Electrons and Diffuse Gamma Rays with the Constraints of AMS-02 and HESS Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ding; Huang, Jing; Jin, Hong-Bo

2015-10-01

Recently, AMS-02 reported their results of cosmic ray (CR) observations. In addition to the AMS-02 data, we add HESS data to estimate the spectra of CR electrons and the diffuse gamma rays above TeV. In the conventional diffusion model, a global analysis is performed on the spectral features of CR electrons and the diffuse gamma rays by the GALRPOP package. The results show that the spectrum structure of the primary component of CR electrons cannot be fully reproduced by a simple power law and that the relevant break is around 100 GeV. At the 99% confidence level (C.L.) the injection indices above the break decrease from 2.54 to 2.35, but the ones below the break are only in the range of 2.746-2.751. The spectrum of CR electrons does not need to add TeV cutoff to also match the features of the HESS data. Based on the difference between the fluxes of CR electrons and their primary components, the predicted excess of CR positrons is consistent with the interpretation that these positrons originate from a pulsar or dark matter. In the analysis of the Galactic diffuse gamma rays with the indirect constraint of AMS-02 and HESS data, it is found that the fluxes of Galactic diffuse gamma rays are consistent with the GeV data of the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) in the high-latitude regions. The results indicate that inverse Compton scattering is the dominant component in the range of hundreds of GeV to tens of TeV, respectively from the high-latitude regions to the low ones, and in all of the regions of the Galaxy the flux of diffuse gamma rays is less than that of CR electrons at the energy scale of 20 TeV.

SPECTRA OF COSMIC RAY ELECTRONS AND DIFFUSE GAMMA RAYS WITH THE CONSTRAINTS OF AMS-02 AND HESS DATA

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

Chen, Ding; Jin, Hong-Bo; Huang, Jing, E-mail: hbjin@bao.ac.cn

2015-10-01

Recently, AMS-02 reported their results of cosmic ray (CR) observations. In addition to the AMS-02 data, we add HESS data to estimate the spectra of CR electrons and the diffuse gamma rays above TeV. In the conventional diffusion model, a global analysis is performed on the spectral features of CR electrons and the diffuse gamma rays by the GALRPOP package. The results show that the spectrum structure of the primary component of CR electrons cannot be fully reproduced by a simple power law and that the relevant break is around 100 GeV. At the 99% confidence level (C.L.) the injectionmore » indices above the break decrease from 2.54 to 2.35, but the ones below the break are only in the range of 2.746–2.751. The spectrum of CR electrons does not need to add TeV cutoff to also match the features of the HESS data. Based on the difference between the fluxes of CR electrons and their primary components, the predicted excess of CR positrons is consistent with the interpretation that these positrons originate from a pulsar or dark matter. In the analysis of the Galactic diffuse gamma rays with the indirect constraint of AMS-02 and HESS data, it is found that the fluxes of Galactic diffuse gamma rays are consistent with the GeV data of the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) in the high-latitude regions. The results indicate that inverse Compton scattering is the dominant component in the range of hundreds of GeV to tens of TeV, respectively from the high-latitude regions to the low ones, and in all of the regions of the Galaxy the flux of diffuse gamma rays is less than that of CR electrons at the energy scale of 20 TeV.« less

Neutrons and gamma-rays spectroscopy of Mercury surface: global mapping from ESA MPO-BepiColombo spacecraft by MGNS instrument.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozyrev, A. S.; Gurvits, L. I.; Litvak, M. L.; Malakhov, A. A.; Mokrousov, M. I.; Mitrofanov, I. G.; Rogozhin, A. A.; Sanin, A. B.; Owens, A.; Schvetsov, V. N.

2009-04-01

For analyse chemistry composition of Mercury subsurface we will apply method of as-called remote sensing of neutrons. This method can be use for study celestial body of Solar system without thick atmospheres, like Moon, Mars, Phobos, Mercury etc. by the analysis of induced nuclear gamma-rays and neutron emission. These gamma-rays and neutrons are produced by energetic galactic cosmic rays colliding with nuclei of regolith within a 1-2 meter layer of subsurface. Mercury Planetary Orbiter of BepiColombo mission includes the nuclear instrument MGNS (Mercury Gamma-rays and Neutrons Spectrometers), which consists of gamma-rays spectrometer for detection of gamma-ray lines and neutron spectrometer for measurement of the neutron leakage flux. To test know theoretical models of Mercury composition, MGNS will provide the data for the set of gamma-ray lines, which are necessary and sufficient to discriminate between the models. Neutron data are known to be very sensitive for the presence of hydrogen within heavy soil-constituting elements. Mapping measurements of epithermal neutrons and 2.2 MeV line will allow us to study the content of hydrogen over the surface of Mercury and to test the presence of water ice deposits in the cold traps of permanently shadowed polar craters of this planet. There are also three natural radioactive elements, K, Th and U, which contents in the soil of a celestial body characterizes the physical condition of its formation in the proto-planetary cloud. The data from gamma-spectrometer will allow to compare the origin of Mercury with evolution of Earth, Moon and Mars. Three sensors for thermal and epithermal neutrons are made with similar 3He proportional counters, but have different polyethylene enclosures and cadmium shielding for different sensitivity of thermal and epithermal neutrons at different energy ranges. The fourth neutron sensor for high energy neutrons 1-10 MeV contains the scintillation crystal of stylbene with cylindrical shape of size Ø30Ã-40 cm. The gamma-rays spectrometer contains scintillation crystal of LaBr3 for detection of gamma-ray photons with very high spectral resolution of 3 % at 662 keV. The total mass of MGNS instrument is 5.2 kg; it consumes 4.0 W of power and provides about 9.0 Mb of telemetry data per day. At present, the nuclear instrument MGNS is under development for implementation on the MPO of BepiColombo mission, as the contribution of Federal Space Agency of Russia to this ESA project. In comparison of gamma-rays spectrometer onboard NASA's Messenger interplanetary probe, whitch will provide mapping data for northern hemisphere of the planet only because of elliptical orbit, the MGNS onboard MPO will provide global mapping of the planet with similar coverage of southern and northern hemispheres of the Mercury.

Radiosensitivity study and radiation effects on morphology characterization of grey oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashid, Rosnani Abdul; Daud, Fauzi; Senafi, Sahidan; Awang, Mat Rasol; Mohamad, Azhar; Mutaat, Hassan Hamdani; Maskom, Mohd Meswan

2014-09-01

Radiosensitive dosage and morphology characterization of irradiated grey oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju by gamma rays was investigated due to effects of irradiation. In order to establish the effect, mycelium of P. sajor-caju was irradiated by gamma rays at dose 0.1 to 8.0 kGy with dose rate 0.227 Gy sec-1. The irradiation of mycelia was carried out at the radiation facility in Malaysian Nuclear Agency. The radiosensitivity study was performed by evaluating the percentage of survival irradiated mycelia. The lethal dose of the mycelium P. sajor-caju was determined at 4.0 kGy and LD50 to be equal at 2.2 kGy. The radiation effects on morphology were evaluated based on growth rate of irradiated mycelia, mycelia types, colonization period on substrate, morphology of fruit bodies and yields. The results shown growth rate of irradiated mycelium was slightly lower than the control and decreased as the dose increased. Irradiation was found can induced the primordia formation on PDA and the BE of irradiated seed is higher than to control. The irradiation is proven to be useful for generating new varieties of mushroom with commercial value to the industry.

Estrogens Induce Rapid Cytoskeleton Re-Organization in Human Dermal Fibroblasts via the Non-Classical Receptor GPR30

PubMed Central

Carnesecchi, Julie; Malbouyres, Marilyne; de Mets, Richard; Balland, Martial; Beauchef, Gallic; Vié, Katell; Chamot, Christophe; Lionnet, Claire; Ruggiero, Florence; Vanacker, Jean-Marc

2015-01-01

The post-menopausal decrease in estrogen circulating levels results in rapid skin deterioration pointing out to a protective effect exerted by these hormones. The identity of the skin cell type responding to estrogens is unclear as are the cellular and molecular processes they elicit. Here, we reported that lack of estrogens induces rapid re-organization of the human dermal fibroblast cytoskeleton resulting in striking cell shape change. This morphological change was accompanied by a spatial re-organization of focal adhesion and a substantial reduction of their number as evidenced by vinculin and actin co-staining. Cell morphology and cytoskeleton organization was fully restored upon 17β-estradiol (E2) addition. Treatment with specific ER antagonists and cycloheximide respectively showed that the E2 acts independently of the classical Estrogen Receptors and that cell shape change is mediated by non-genomic mechanisms. E2 treatment resulted in a rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 but not Src or PI3K. We show that human fibroblasts express the non-classical E2 receptor GPR30 and that its agonist G-1 phenocopies the effect of E2. Inhibiting GPR30 through treatment with the G-15 antagonist or specific shRNA impaired E2 effects. Altogether, our data reveal a novel mechanism by which estrogens act on skin fibroblast by regulating cell shape through the non-classical G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 and ERK1/2 activation. PMID:25781607

Estrogens induce rapid cytoskeleton re-organization in human dermal fibroblasts via the non-classical receptor GPR30.

PubMed

Carnesecchi, Julie; Malbouyres, Marilyne; de Mets, Richard; Balland, Martial; Beauchef, Gallic; Vié, Katell; Chamot, Christophe; Lionnet, Claire; Ruggiero, Florence; Vanacker, Jean-Marc

2015-01-01

The post-menopausal decrease in estrogen circulating levels results in rapid skin deterioration pointing out to a protective effect exerted by these hormones. The identity of the skin cell type responding to estrogens is unclear as are the cellular and molecular processes they elicit. Here, we reported that lack of estrogens induces rapid re-organization of the human dermal fibroblast cytoskeleton resulting in striking cell shape change. This morphological change was accompanied by a spatial re-organization of focal adhesion and a substantial reduction of their number as evidenced by vinculin and actin co-staining. Cell morphology and cytoskeleton organization was fully restored upon 17β-estradiol (E2) addition. Treatment with specific ER antagonists and cycloheximide respectively showed that the E2 acts independently of the classical Estrogen Receptors and that cell shape change is mediated by non-genomic mechanisms. E2 treatment resulted in a rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 but not Src or PI3K. We show that human fibroblasts express the non-classical E2 receptor GPR30 and that its agonist G-1 phenocopies the effect of E2. Inhibiting GPR30 through treatment with the G-15 antagonist or specific shRNA impaired E2 effects. Altogether, our data reveal a novel mechanism by which estrogens act on skin fibroblast by regulating cell shape through the non-classical G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 and ERK1/2 activation.

Irradiation with x-rays of the energy 18 MV induces radioactivity in transfusion blood: Proposal of a safe method using 6 MV.

PubMed

Frentzel, Katharina; Badakhshi, Harun

2016-12-01

To prevent a fatal transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease, it is recommended to irradiate transfusion blood and blood components with ionizing radiation. Using x-rays from a linear accelerator of the radiotherapy department is an accepted alternative to gamma irradiation devices of the blood bank and to the orthovoltage units that are replacing the gamma irradiators today. However, the use of high energy x-rays may carry a potential risk of induced radioactivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two different energy levels, 6 and 18 MV, which are executed in routine clinical settings. The research question was if induced radioactivity occurs at one of these standard energy levels. The authors aimed to give a proposal for a blood irradiation procedure that certainly avoids induced radioactivity. For this study, the authors developed a blood bag phantom, irradiated it with x-ray energies of 6 and 18 MV, and measured the induced radioactivity in a well counter. Thereafter, the same irradiation and measuring procedure was performed with a unit of packed red blood cells. A feasible clinical procedure was developed using 6 MV and an acrylic box. With the irradiation planning system XiO, the authors generated an irradiation protocol for the linear accelerator Siemens ONCOR Anvant-Garde. Both measurement setups showed that there was induced radioactivity for 18 MV but not for 6 MV. The induced radioactivity for 18 MV was up to 190 times the background. This is significant and of clinical relevance especially since there are newborn and fetal blood recipients for whom every radiation exposure has to be strictly avoided. The irradiation of blood with x-rays from a linear accelerator of the radiotherapy department is safe and feasible, but by the current state of scientific knowledge, the authors recommend to use an x-ray energy of 6 MV or less to avoid induced radioactivity in transfusion blood.

Ethanol-extracted Cameroonian propolis exerts estrogenic effects and alleviates hot flushes in ovariectomized Wistar rats.

PubMed

Zingue, Stéphane; Nde, Chantal Beatrice Magne; Michel, Thomas; Ndinteh, Derek Tantoh; Tchatchou, Jules; Adamou, Moïse; Fernandez, Xavier; Fohouo, Fernand-Nestor Tchuenguem; Clyne, Colin; Njamen, Dieudonné

2017-01-21

Since the biological properties of propolis depend to the plants that can be found in a specific region, propolis from unexplored regions attracts the attention of scientists. Ethanolic extract of Cameroonian propolis (EEP) is used to treat various ailments including gynecological problems and amenorrhea. Since there were no scientific data to support the above claims, the present study was therefore undertaken to assess estrogenic properties of Cameroonian propolis. To achieve our goal, the ability of EEP to induce MCF-7 cells proliferation in E-screen assay as well as to activate estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) in cell-based reporter gene assays using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) transfected with ERs was tested. Further, a 3-day uterotrophic assay was performed and the ability of EEP to alleviate hot flushes in ovariectomized adult rats was evaluated. In vitro, EEP showed an antiestrogenic activity in both HEK293T ER-α and ER-β cells. In vivo, EEP induced a significant increase in a bell shape dose response manner of the uterine wet weight, the total protein levels in the uterus, the uterine and vaginal epithelium height and acini border cells of mammary gland with the presence of abundant eosinophil secretions. Moreover, EEP induced a significant decrease in the total number, average duration as well as frequency of hot flushes after 3 days of treatment in rat (equivalent to a month in woman). The dose of 150 mg/kg exhibited the most potent estrogenic effects among all the tested doses. The UPLC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of caffeic acid derivatives and trirtepernoids in EEP, which are well known endowed with estrogenic properties. These results suggest that Ethanolic extract of Cameroonian propolis has estrogen-like effects in vivo and may alleviate some menopausal problems such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes. Ethanol-extracted Cameroobian propolis exhibited in vitro and in vivo estrogen-like effects. This extract may contain promising phytoestrogens.

Radiation Genetics in Wheat, V. Influence of Irradiation Time and Temperature on the Genetic Effects of Ionizing Radiation in Diploid Wheat

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

MATSUMURA, Seiji

1960-01-01

Dcrmant seeds of Triticum monococcum flavescens were exposed to x and gamma rays at the dosage of 10 and 20 kr. Growth of seedlings, single spike fertility, and chromosome aberrations of X/sub 1/ plant and gene mutations in X/ sub 2/ were compared for acute and chronic irradiation. At acute irradiation with x and gamma rays, treatment was given either immediately before sowing or the irradiated seeds were kept for 30 days in storage at room temperature (abcut 20 deg C) or at 5 deg C. Also, the effect of beta radiation by P/sup 32/ was examined for comparison. Themore » relation between the inhibition of seedling growth and dosage, temperature in storage and irradiation time coincides roughly with the relation between the percentage of induced sterility and all those condions. X and gamma irradiations were far more effective at 20 kr than at 10 kr. In the case of 30 day storage, gamma rays inhibited the growth of seedlings and reduced the fertility stronger than x rays, whereas irradiation applied just before sowing showed the reverse relation. It was further observed, especially with gamma rays, that low temperature had the strongest inhibitory effect. At 10 kr, acute gamma irradiation was more effective than the chronic one, whereas at 20 kr the reverse relation was observed. The frequency of chromosome aberrations and gene mutations was strikingly higher at 2O kr than at 10 kr. Irradiation just before sowing and 30 day storage at low tempera ture were more effective than storage at room temperature after irradiation. The effect of gamma irradiation was less. The effects of beta irradiation were unexpectedly slight. It was found from another experiment with seed absorption of p/sup 32/ solution that the actual dosage of beta rays was very low.« less

Design and performance of the GAMMA-400 gamma-ray telescope for dark matter searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galper, A. M.; Adriani, O.; Aptekar, R. L.; Arkhangelskaja, I. V.; Arkhangelskiy, A. I.; Boezio, M.; Bonvicini, V.; Boyarchuk, K. A.; Fradkin, M. I.; Gusakov, Yu. V.; Kaplin, V. A.; Kachanov, V. A.; Kheymits, M. D.; Leonov, A. A.; Longo, F.; Mazets, E. P.; Maestro, P.; Marrocchesi, P.; Mereminskiy, I. A.; Mikhailov, V. V.; Moiseev, A. A.; Mocchiutti, E.; Mori, N.; Moskalenko, I. V.; Naumov, P. Yu.; Papini, P.; Picozza, P.; Rodin, V. G.; Runtso, M. F.; Sparvoli, R.; Spillantini, P.; Suchkov, S. I.; Tavani, M.; Topchiev, N. P.; Vacchi, A.; Vannuccini, E.; Yurkin, Yu. T.; Zampa, N.; Zverev, V. G.; Zirakashvili, V. N.

2013-02-01

The GAMMA-400 gamma-ray telescope is designed to measure the fluxes of gamma-rays and cosmic-ray electrons + positrons, which can be produced by annihilation or decay of the dark matter particles, as well as to survey the celestial sphere in order to study point and extended sources of gamma-rays, measure energy spectra of Galactic and extragalactic diffuse gamma-ray emission, gamma-ray bursts, and gamma-ray emission from the Sun. GAMMA-400 covers the energy range from 100 MeV to 3000 GeV. Its angular resolution is ~0.01° (Eγ > 100 GeV), the energy resolution ~1% (Eγ > 10 GeV), and the proton rejection factor ~106. GAMMA-400 will be installed on the Russian space platform Navigator. The beginning of observations is planned for 2018.

Possible protective effect of the algae spirulina against nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A and/or gamma radiation in rats.

PubMed

Aziz, Maha M; Eid, Nihad I; Nada, Ahmed S; Amin, Nour El-Din; Ain-Shoka, Afaf A

2018-03-01

The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective role of the algae spirulina (Sp) against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress which are the main secondary effects induced by the immunosuppressant drug CSA and/or ionizing radiation. In this study, male rats were given Sp (1 g/kg) either for 15 days before irradiation (6.5 Gy) or 5 days before and 10 days concomitant with CSA (25 mg/kg). Markers used to assess renal injury included serum creatinine, urea, glucose, albumin, protein, and lipid profile as well as kidney content of reduced glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)); nitrite and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, some trace elements (Zn and Mg) were estimated in kidney. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical estimation of caspase-3 expression in addition to histopathological examination. Results revealed that gamma radiation and/or CSA induced elevation in urea, creatinine, lipids, and glucose while decreasing albumin and protein levels. There was a noticeable increase in kidney content of GSH, TBARS, and nitrite. Meanwhile, profound decrease in kidney SOD activity was observed. Treatment with Sp significantly reversed the changes induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation in renal function tests. Spirulina also ameliorated kidney oxidative stress through decreasing GSH, TBARS, and nitrite kidney content while increasing SOD activity. Histopathological examination further confirmed Sp protective efficacy. Moreover, kidney caspase-3 expression that was triggered by CSA and/or gamma radiation was decreased. In conclusion, spirulina can be regarded as a promising renoprotective natural agent against renal injury induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation.

The Molecular, Cellular and Clinical Consequences of Targeting the Estrogen Receptor Following Estrogen Deprivation Therapy

PubMed Central

Fan, Ping; Maximov, Philipp Y.; Curpan, Ramona F.; Abderrahman, Balkees; Jordan, V. Craig

2015-01-01

During the past twenty years our understanding of the control of breast tumor development, growth and survival has changed dramatically. The once long forgotten application of high dose synthetic estrogen therapy as the first chemical therapy to treat any cancer has been resurrected, refined and reinvented as the new biology of estrogen-induced apoptosis. High dose estrogen therapy was cast aside once tamoxifen, from its origins as a failed “morning after pill”, was reinvented as the first targeted therapy to treat any cancer. The current understanding of the mechanism of estrogen-induced apoptosis is described as a consequence of acquired resistance to long term antihormone therapy in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The ER signal transduction pathway remains a target for therapy in breast cancer despite “antiestrogen” resistance, but becomes a regulator of resistance. Multiple mechanisms of resistance come into play: Selective ER Modulator (SERM) stimulated growth, growth factor/ER crosstalk, estrogen-induced apoptosis and mutations of ER. But it is with the science of estrogen-induced apoptosis that the next innovation in women’s health will be developed. Recent evidence suggests that the glucocorticoid properties of medroxyprogesterone acetate blunt estrogen-induced apoptosis in estrogen deprived breast cancer cell populations. As a result breast cancer develops during long-term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). A new synthetic progestin with estrogen-like properties, such as the 19 nortestosterone derivatives used in oral contraceptives, will continue to protect the uterus from unopposed estrogen stimulation but at the same time, reinforce apoptosis in vulnerable populations of nascent breast cancer cells. PMID:26052034

Formononetin-induced apoptosis by activation of Ras/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Chen, J; Sun, L

2012-12-01

Formononetin is one of the main active components of red clover plants, and considered as a phytoestrogen. Its pharmacological effects in vivo may be either estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, mainly depending upon the estrogen levels. Our recent studies suggested that formononetin inactivated IGF1/IGF1R-PI3K/Akt pathways and decreased cyclin D1 mRNA and protein expression in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the induced apoptosis effect of formononetin on breast cancer cells. Our results suggested that formononetin inhibited the proliferation of ER-positive MCF-7 cells and T47D cells. In contrast, formononetin could not inhibit the cell of growth of ER-negative breast cancer cells such as MDA-MB-435 S cells. We further found that formononetin activated MAPK signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner, which resulted in the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and induced apoptosis on MCF-7 cells. However, when MCF-7 cells were pretreated with p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 before formononetin, apoptosis induced by formononetin was significantly attenuated. Thus, we conclude that the induced apoptosis effect of formononetin on human breast cancer cells were related to Ras-p38MAPK pathway. Considering that red clover plants are widely used clinically, our results provide the foundation for future development of formononetin for treatment of ER-positive breast cancer. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Probing stochastic inter-galactic magnetic fields using blazar-induced gamma ray halo morphology

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

Duplessis, Francis; Vachaspati, Tanmay, E-mail: fdupless@asu.edu, E-mail: tvachasp@asu.edu

Inter-galactic magnetic fields can imprint their structure on the morphology of blazar-induced gamma ray halos. We show that the halo morphology arises through the interplay of the source's jet and a two-dimensional surface dictated by the magnetic field. Through extensive numerical simulations, we generate mock halos created by stochastic magnetic fields with and without helicity, and study the dependence of the halo features on the properties of the magnetic field. We propose a sharper version of the Q-statistics and demonstrate its sensitivity to the magnetic field strength, the coherence scale, and the handedness of the helicity. We also identify andmore » explain a new feature of the Q-statistics that can further enhance its power.« less

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) deficiency induces cardiac remodeling through oxidative stress.

PubMed

Wang, Hao; Sun, Xuming; Lin, Marina S; Ferrario, Carlos M; Van Remmen, Holly; Groban, Leanne

2018-04-25

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the unfavorable changes in cardiac function and remodeling that occur after ovarian estrogen loss. Using ovariectomized rat models, we previously reported that the cardioprotective actions of estrogen are mediated by the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Here, in 9-month-old, female cardiomyocyte-specific GPER knockout (KO) mice vs sex- and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, we found increased cardiac oxidative stress and oxidant damage, measured as a decreased ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, increased 4-hydroxynonenal and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-DG) staining, and increased expression of oxidative stress-related genes. GPER KO mice also displayed increased heart weight, cardiac collagen deposition, and Doppler-derived filling pressure, and decreased percent fractional shortening and early mitral annular velocity compared with WT controls. Treatment of GPER KO mice for 8 weeks with phosphonium [10-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-methyl 3,6-dioxo-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl)decyl] triphenyl-,mesylate (MitoQ), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, significantly attenuated these measures of cardiac dysfunction, and MitoQ decreased 8-oxo-DG intensity compared with treatment with an inactive comparator compound, (1-decyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (P <0.05). A real-time polymerase chain reaction array analysis of 84 oxidative stress and antioxidant defense genes revealed that MitoQ attenuates the increase in NADPH oxidase 4 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 and the decrease in uncoupling protein 3 and glutathione S-transferase kappa 1 seen in GPER KO mice. Our findings suggest that the cardioprotective effects of GPER include an antioxidant role and that targeted strategies to limit oxidative stress after early noncancerous surgical extirpation of ovaries or menopause may help limit alterations in cardiac structure and function related to estrogen loss. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Study of Gamma-Ray Exposure of Cu-SiO2 Programmable Metallization Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W.; Barnaby, H. J.; Kozicki, M. N.; Edwards, A. H.; Gonzalez-Velo, Y.; Fang, R.; Holbert, K. E.; Yu, S.; Yu, W.

2015-12-01

The Cu-SiO2 based programmable metallization cell (PMC) is a promising alternative to the Ag-chalcogenide glass PMC because of its low power consumption and CMOS-compatibility. Understanding its total ionizing dose (TID) response helps in assessing the reliability of this technology in ionizing radiation environments and benefits its expansion in the space electronics market. In this paper, the impacts of TID on the switching characteristics of Cu-SiO2 PMC are investigated for the first time. The devices were step irradiated with 60Co gamma-rays to a maximum dose of 7.1 Mrad ( SiO2). The results show that gamma-ray irradiation has a negligible impact on the virgin-state and on-state resistance of Cu-SiO2 PMCs. The off-state resistance slightly decreases after the first 1.5 Mrad( SiO2) of exposure, but this reduction saturates after higher levels of TID. Other switching characteristics such as the set voltage, multilevel switching capability and endurance were also studied, all of which did not show observable changes after gamma-ray radiation. The immunity to ionizing radiation is attributed to the suppression of the photo-doping process.

Effect of murine exposure to gamma rays on the interplay between Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes

PubMed Central

Ghazy, Amany A.; Abu El-Nazar, Salma Y.; Ghoneim, Hossam E.; Taha, Abdul-Rahman M.; Abouelella, Amira M.

2015-01-01

Gamma radiation radiotherapy is one of the widely used treatments for cancer. There is an accumulating evidence that adaptive immunity is significantly contributes to the efficacy of radiotherapy. This study is carried out to investigate the effect of gamma rays on the interplay between Th1/Th2 response, splenocyte lymphoproliferative response to polyclonal mitogenic activators and lymphocytic capacity to produce IL-12 and IL-10 in mice. Results showed that exposure of intact spleens to different doses of γ-rays (5, 10, 20 Gy) caused spontaneous and dose-dependent immune stimulation manifested by enhanced cell proliferation and elevated IL-12 production with decreased IL-10 release (i.e., Th1 bias). While exposure of splenocytes suspension to different doses of γ-rays (5, 10, 20 Gy) showed activation in splenocytes stimulated by PWM at 5 Gy then a state of conventional immune suppression that is characterized by being dose-dependent and is manifested by decreased cell proliferation and IL-12 release accompanied by increase in IL-10 production (i.e., Th2 bias). In addition, we investigated the exposure of whole murine bodies to different doses of γ-rays and found that the exposure to low dose γ-rays (0.2 Gy) caused a state of immune stimulation terminated by a remarkable tendency for immune suppression. Exposure to 5 or 10 Gy of γ-rays resulted in a state of immune stimulation (Th1 bias), but exposure to 20 Gy showed a standard state of immune suppression (Th2 bias). The results indicated that apparently we can control the immune response by controlling the dose of γ-rays. PMID:25914644

Simultaneous measurement of (n,{gamma}) and (n,fission) cross sections with the DANCE 4{pi} BaF2 array

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

Bredeweg, T. A.; Fowler, M. M.; Bond, E. M.

2006-03-13

Neutron capture cross section measurements on many of the actinides are complicated by low-energy neutron-induced fission, which competes with neutron capture to varying degrees depending on the nuclide of interest. Measurements of neutron capture on 235U using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) have shown that we can partially resolve capture from fission events based on total photon calorimetry (i.e. total {gamma}-ray energy and {gamma}-ray multiplicity per event). The addition of a fission-tagging detector to the DANCE array will greatly improve our ability to separate these two competing processes so that improved neutron capture and (n,{gamma})/(n,fission) cross sectionmore » ratio measurements can be obtained. The addition of a fission-tagging detector to the DANCE array will also provide a means to study several important issues associated with neutron-induced fission, including (n,fission) cross sections as a function of incident neutron energy, and total energy and multiplicity of prompt fission photons. We have focused on two detector designs with complementary capabilities, a parallel-plate avalanche counter and an array of solar cells.« less

Simulations of Multi-Gamma Coincidences From Neutron-Induced Fission in Special Nuclear Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kane, Steven; Gozani, Tsahi; King, Michael J.; Kwong, John; Brown, Craig; Gary, Charles; Firestone, Murray I.; Nikkel, James A.; McKinsey, Daniel N.

2013-04-01

A study is presented on the detection of illicit special nuclear materials (SNM) in cargo containers using a conceptual neutron-based inspection system with xenon-doped liquefied argon (LAr(Xe)) scintillation detectors for coincidence gamma-ray detection. For robustness, the system is envisioned to exploit all fission signatures, namely both prompt and delayed neutron and gamma emissions from fission reactions induced in SNM. However, this paper focuses exclusively on the analysis of the prompt gamma ray emissions. The inspection system probes a container using neutrons produced either by (d, D) or (d, T) in pulsed form or from an associated particle neutron generator to exploit the associated particle imaging (API) technique, thereby achieving background reduction and imaging. Simulated signal and background estimates were obtained in MCNPX (2.7) for a 2 kg sphere of enriched uranium positioned at the center of a 1m × 1m × 1m container, which is filled uniformly with wood or iron cargos at 0.1 g/cc or 0.4 g/cc. Detection time estimates are reported assuming probabilities of detection of 95% and false alarm of 0.5%.

Identification of Breast Cancer Inhibitors Specific for G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER)-Expressing Cells.

PubMed

Aiello, Francesca; Carullo, Gabriele; Giordano, Francesca; Spina, Elena; Nigro, Alessandra; Garofalo, Antonio; Tassini, Sabrina; Costantino, Gabriele; Vincetti, Paolo; Bruno, Agostino; Radi, Marco

2017-08-22

Together with estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates important pathophysiological signaling pathways induced by estrogens and is currently regarded as a promising target for ER-negative (ER-) and triple-negative (TN) breast cancer. Only a few selective GPER modulators have been reported to date, and their use in cancer cell lines has often led to contradictory results. Herein we report the application of virtual screening and cell-based studies for the identification of new chemical scaffolds with a specific antiproliferative effect against GPER-expressing breast cancer cell lines. Out of the four different scaffolds identified, 8-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline 14 c was found to be the most promising compound able to induce: 1) antiproliferative activity in GPER-expressing cell lines (MCF7 and SKBR3), similarly to G15; 2) no effect on cells that do not express GPER (HEK293); 3) a decrease in cyclin D1 expression; and 4) a sustained induction of cell-cycle negative regulators p53 and p21. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In vivo adenylate cyclase activity in ultraviolet- and gamma-irradiated Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Chatterjee, A; Bhattacharya, A K

1988-06-01

The incorporation of [14C]adenine into the cyclic AMP fraction by whole cells of Escherichia coli B/r was taken as a measure of the in vivo adenylate cyclase activity. This activity was significantly inhibited by irradiation of the cells either with 60Co gamma-rays or with UV light from a germicidal lamp, suggesting inhibition of cyclic AMP synthesis. The incubation of cells after irradiation with lower doses (50-100 Gy) of gamma-rays produced a significant increase of in vivo adenylate cyclase activity, whereas there was no significant change after higher doses (150 Gy and above). Dark incubation of cells after irradiation with UV light (54 J m-2) led to recovery of enzyme activity to the level measured in unirradiated cells. Thus it appears that the catabolite repression of L-arabinose isomerase induced by UV light, as well as gamma-irradiation, is due to reduced cyclic AMP synthesis in irradiated cells.

Positron source position sensing detector and electronics

DOEpatents

Burnham, Charles A.; Bradshaw, Jr., John F.; Kaufman, David E.; Chesler, David A.; Brownell, Gordon L.

1985-01-01

A positron source, position sensing device, particularly with medical applications, in which positron induced gamma radiation is detected using a ring of stacked, individual scintillation crystals, a plurality of photodetectors, separated from the scintillation crystals by a light guide, and high resolution position interpolation electronics. Preferably the scintillation crystals are several times more numerous than the photodetectors with each crystal being responsible for a single scintillation event from a received gamma ray. The light guide will disperse the light emitted from gamma ray absorption over several photodetectors. Processing electronics for the output of the photodetectors resolves the location of the scintillation event to a fraction of the dimension of each photodetector. Because each positron absorption results in two 180.degree. oppositely traveling gamma rays, the detection of scintillation in pairs permits location of the positron source in a manner useful for diagnostic purposes. The processing electronics simultaneously responds to the outputs of the photodetectors to locate the scintillations to the source crystal. While it is preferable that the scintillation crystal include a plurality of stacked crystal elements, the resolving power of the processing electronics is also applicable to continuous crystal scintillators.

Device for Detection of Explosives, Nuclear and Other Hazardous Materials in Luggage and Cargo Containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, Andrey; Evsenin, Alexey; Gorshkov, Igor; Osetrov, Oleg; Vakhtin, Dmitry

2009-12-01

Device for detection of explosives, radioactive and heavily shielded nuclear materials in luggage and cargo containers based on Nanosecond Neutron Analysis/Associated Particles Technique (NNA/APT) is under construction. Detection module consists of a small neutron generator with built-in position-sensitive detector of associated alpha-particles, and several scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors. Explosives and other hazardous chemicals are detected by analyzing secondary high-energy gamma-rays from reactions of fast neutrons with materials inside a container. The same gamma-ray detectors are used to detect unshielded radioactive and nuclear materials. An array of several neutron detectors is used to detect fast neutrons from induced fission of nuclear materials. Coincidence and timing analysis allows one to discriminate between fission neutrons and scattered probing neutrons. Mathematical modeling by MCNP5 and MCNP-PoliMi codes was used to estimate the sensitivity of the device and its optimal configuration. Comparison of the features of three gamma detector types—based on BGO, NaI and LaBr3 crystals is presented.

Gamma radiation field intensity meter

DOEpatents

Thacker, L.H.

1995-10-17

A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode. 4 figs.

Gamma radiation field intensity meter

DOEpatents

Thacker, L.H.

1994-08-16

A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode. 4 figs.

Gamma-ray mutagenesis studies in a new human-hamster hybrid, A(L)CD59(+/-), which has two human chromosomes 11 but is hemizygous for the CD59 gene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraemer, S. M.; Vannais, D. B.; Kronenberg, A.; Ueno, A.; Waldren, C. A.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

2001-01-01

Kraemer, S. M., Vannais, D. B., Kronenberg, A., Ueno, A. and Waldren, C. A. Gamma-Ray Mutagenesis Studies in a New Human-Hamster Hybrid, A(L)CD59(+/-), which has Two Human Chromosomes 11 but is Hemizygous for the CD59 Gene. Radiat. Res. 156, 10-19 (2001).We have developed a human-CHO hybrid cell line, named A(L)CD59(+/-), which has two copies of human chromosome 11 but is hemizygous for the CD59 gene and the CD59 cell surface antigen that it encodes. Our previous studies used the A(L) and A(L)C hybrids that respectively contain one or two sets of CHO chromosomes plus a single copy of human chromosome 11. The CD59 gene at 11p13.5 and the CD59 antigen encoded by it are the principal markers used in our mutagenesis studies. The hybrid A(L)CD59(+/-) contains two copies of human chromosome 11, only one of which carries the CD59 gene. The incidence of CD59 (-) mutants (formerly called S1(-)) induced by (137)Cs gamma rays is about fivefold greater in A(L)CD59(+/-) cells than in A(L) cells. Evidence is presented that this increase in mutant yield is due to the increased induction of certain classes of large chromosomal mutations that are lethal to A(L) cells but are tolerated in the A(L)CD59(+/-) hybrid. In addition, significantly more of the CD59 (-) mutants induced by (137)Cs gamma rays in A(L)CD59(+/-) cells display chromosomal instability than in A(L) cells. On the other hand, the yield of gamma-ray-induced CD59 (-) mutants in A(L)CD59(+/-) cells is half that of the A(L)C hybrid, which also tolerates very large mutations but has only one copy of human chromosome 11. We interpret the difference in mutability as evidence that repair processes involving the homologous chromosomes 11 play a role in determining mutant yields. The A(L)CD59(+/-) hybrid provides a useful new tool for quantifying mutagenesis and shedding light on mechanisms of genetic instability and mutagenesis.

Effect of estradiol and hydrocortisone on the process of peroxidation of mitochondrial membrane lipids in irradiated rat liver. [/sup 60/Co. gamma. rays

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

Saksonov, N.P.

Experiments were conducted on male, mongrel albino rats. They were exposed to /sup 60/Co ..gamma.. radiation once, in a dosage of 600 R. Estradiol and hydrocortisone were given intraperitoneally at the rate of 1 mg/kg, 2 h before irradiation or 2, 24 and 72 h after exposure. The animals were sacrificed 5 days after irradiation. These studies established that single exposure of animals to radiation in a dosage of 600 R leads to activation of processes of peroxidation of membrane lipids of the hepatic mitochondria. When estradiol is given 2 and 4 days before sacrificing, one observes acceleration of processesmore » of peroxidation of lipids without reliable change in malonic dialdehyde content. Administration of estrogen 5 days prior to sacrificing leads to a drop of malonic dialdehyde level, which is indicative of attenuation of the process of lipid peroxidation. Administration of hydrocortisone is associated with elevation of the latency period and level of peroxidation after 5 days, as compared to intact animals. Injection of this hormone 2 days before sacrificing the animals leads to attenuation and decrease in rate of peroxidation. The obtained data indicate that there are different mechanisms involved in the inhibitory effects of estradiol and hydrocortisone on peroxidation of lipids of mitochondrial membranes of the rat liver, activated by irradiation. Thus, it may be assumed that steroid hormones are actively involved in regulation of lipid peroxidation when mammals are exposed to radiation. (ERB)« less

The structure, logic of operation and distinctive features of the system of triggers and counting signals formation for gamma-telescope GAMMA-400

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topchiev, N. P.; Galper, A. M.; Arkhangelskiy, A. I.; Arkhangelskaja, I. V.; Kheymits, M. D.; Suchkov, S. I.; Yurkin, Y. T.

2017-01-01

Scientific project GAMMA-400 (Gamma Astronomical Multifunctional Modular Apparatus) relates to the new generation of space observatories intended to perform an indirect search for signatures of dark matter in the cosmic-ray fluxes, measurements of characteristics of diffuse gamma-ray emission and gamma-rays from the Sun during periods of solar activity, gamma-ray bursts, extended and point gamma-ray sources, electron/positron and cosmic-ray nuclei fluxes up to TeV energy region by means of the GAMMA-400 gamma-ray telescope represents the core of the scientific complex. The system of triggers and counting signals formation of the GAMMA-400 gamma-ray telescope constitutes the pipelined processor structure which collects data from the gamma-ray telescope subsystems and produces summary information used in forming the trigger decision for each event. The system design is based on the use of state-of-the-art reconfigurable logic devices and fast data links. The basic structure, logic of operation and distinctive features of the system are presented.

RORα switches transcriptional mode of ERRγ that results in transcriptional repression of CYP2E1 under ethanol-exposure

PubMed Central

Han, Yong-Hyun; Kim, Don-Kyu; Na, Tae-Young; Ka, Na-Lee; Choi, Hueng-Sik; Lee, Mi-Ock

2016-01-01

Increased cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression is the main cause of oxidative stress, which exacerbates alcoholic liver diseases (ALDs). Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) induces CYP2E1 expression and contributes to enhancing alcohol-induced liver injury. Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) has antioxidative functions; however, potential cross-talk between ERRγ and RORα in the regulation of CYP2E1 has not been studied. We report that RORα suppressed ERRγ-mediated CYP2E1 expression. A physical interaction of RORα with ERRγ at the ERRγ−response element in the CYP2E1 promoter was critical in this suppression. At this site, coregulator recruitment of ERRγ was switched from coactivator p300 to the nuclear receptor corepressor 1 in the presence of RORα. Cross-talk between ERRγ and RORα was demonstrated in vivo, in that administration of JC1–40, a RORα activator, significantly decreased both CYP2E1 expression and the signs of liver injury in ethanol-fed mice, and this was accompanied by coregulator switching. Thus, this non-classical RORα pathway switched the transcriptional mode of ERRγ, leading to repression of alcohol-induced CYP2E1 expression, and this finding may provide a new therapeutic strategy against ALDs. PMID:26464440

Day-Scale Variability of 3C 279 and Searches for Correlations in Gamma-Ray, X-Ray and Optical Bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, R. C.; Villata, M.; Balonek, T. J.; Bertsch, D. L.; Bock, H.; Boettcher, M.; Carini, M. T.; Collmar, W.; DeFrancesco, G.; Ferrera, E. C.;

Detecting special nuclear materials in suspect containers using high-energy gamma rays emitted by fission products

DOEpatents

Norman, Eric B [Oakland, CA; Prussin, Stanley G [Kensington, CA

2009-05-05

A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Detecting special nuclear materials in suspect containers using high-energy gamma rays emitted by fission products

DOEpatents

Norman, Eric B [Oakland, CA; Prussin, Stanley G [Kensington, CA

2009-01-27

A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Detecting special nuclear materials in suspect containers using high-energy gamma rays emitted by fission products

DOEpatents

Norman, Eric B [Oakland, CA; Prussin, Stanley G [Kensington, CA

2009-01-06

A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Highlights of GeV Gamma-Ray Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, David J.

2010-01-01

Because high-energy gamma rays are primarily produced by high-energy particle interactions, the gamma-ray survey of the sky by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope offers a view of sites of cosmic ray production and interactions. Gamma-ray bursts, pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, binary sources, and Active Galactic Nuclei are all phenomena that reveal particle acceleration through their gamma-ray emission. Diffuse Galactic gamma radiation, Solar System gamma-ray sources, and energetic radiation from supernova remnants are likely tracers of high-energy particle interactions with matter and photon fields. This paper will present a broad overview of the constantly changing sky seen with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi spacecraft.

Ovariectomy ameliorates dextromethorphan - induced memory impairment in young female rats

PubMed Central

Jahng, Jeong Won; Cho, Hee Jeong; Kim, Jae Goo; Kim, Nam Youl; Lee, Seoul; Lee, Yil Seob

2006-01-01

We have previously found that dextromethorphan (DM), over-the-counter cough suppressant, impairs memory retention in water maze task, when it is repeatedly administrated to adolescent female rats at high doses. In this study we examined first if ovariectomy ameliorates the DM-induced memory impairment in female rats, and then whether or not the DM effect is revived by estrogen replacement in ovariectomized female rats. Female rat pups received bilateral ovariectomy or sham operation on postnatal day (PND) 21, and then intraperitoneal DM (40 mg/kg) daily during PND 28–37. Rats were subjected to the Morris water maze task from PND 38, approximately 24 h after the last DM injection. In probe trial, goal quadrant dwell time was significantly reduced by DM in the sham operated group, however, the reduction by DM did not occur in the ovariectomy group. When 17β-estradiol was supplied to ovariectomized females during DM treatment, the goal quadrant dwell time was significantly decreased, compared to the vehicle control group. Furthermore, a major effect of estrogen replacement was found in the escape latency during the last 3 days of initial learning trials. These results suggest that ovariectomy may ameliorate the adverse effect of DM treatment on memory retention in young female rats, and that estrogen replacement may revive it, i.e. estrogen may take a major role in DM-induced memory impairment in female rats. PMID:16563229

Unidentified Gamma-Ray Sources: Hunting Gamma-Ray Blazars

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

Massaro, F.; D'Abrusco, R.; Tosti, G.

2012-04-02

One of the main scientific objectives of the ongoing Fermi mission is unveiling the nature of the unidentified {gamma}-ray sources (UGSs). Despite the large improvements of Fermi in the localization of {gamma}-ray sources with respect to the past {gamma}-ray missions, about one third of the Fermi-detected objects are still not associated to low energy counterparts. Recently, using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) survey, we discovered that blazars, the rarest class of Active Galactic Nuclei and the largest population of {gamma}-ray sources, can be recognized and separated from other extragalactic sources on the basis of their infrared (IR) colors. Basedmore » on this result, we designed an association method for the {gamma}-ray sources to recognize if there is a blazar candidate within the positional uncertainty region of a generic {gamma}-ray source. With this new IR diagnostic tool, we searched for {gamma}-ray blazar candidates associated to the UGS sample of the second Fermi {gamma}-ray catalog (2FGL). We found that our method associates at least one {gamma}-ray blazar candidate as a counterpart each of 156 out of 313 UGSs analyzed. These new low-energy candidates have the same IR properties as the blazars associated to {gamma}-ray sources in the 2FGL catalog.« less

UNIDENTIFIED {gamma}-RAY SOURCES: HUNTING {gamma}-RAY BLAZARS

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

Massaro, F.; Ajello, M.; D'Abrusco, R.

2012-06-10

One of the main scientific objectives of the ongoing Fermi mission is unveiling the nature of unidentified {gamma}-ray sources (UGSs). Despite the major improvements of Fermi in the localization of {gamma}-ray sources with respect to the past {gamma}-ray missions, about one-third of the Fermi-detected objects are still not associated with low-energy counterparts. Recently, using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer survey, we discovered that blazars, the rarest class of active galactic nuclei and the largest population of {gamma}-ray sources, can be recognized and separated from other extragalactic sources on the basis of their infrared (IR) colors. Based on this result, wemore » designed an association method for the {gamma}-ray sources to recognize if there is a blazar candidate within the positional uncertainty region of a generic {gamma}-ray source. With this new IR diagnostic tool, we searched for {gamma}-ray blazar candidates associated with the UGS sample of the second Fermi {gamma}-ray LAT catalog (2FGL). We found that our method associates at least one {gamma}-ray blazar candidate as a counterpart to each of 156 out of 313 UGSs analyzed. These new low-energy candidates have the same IR properties as the blazars associated with {gamma}-ray sources in the 2FGL catalog.« less

A neuroendocrine predisposition for homosexuality in men.

PubMed

Dörner, G; Rohde, W; Stahl, F; Krell, L; Masius, W G

1975-01-01

In male rats, androgen deficiency during a critical hypothalamic organizational period was shown to give rise to a predominantly female-differentiated brain, homosexual behavior, and demonstration of a positive estrogen feedback effect. A positive estrogen feedback effect was also induced in intact homosexual men in contrast to intact heterosexual and bisexual men. Thus in 21 homosexual men an intravenous injection of 20 mg Presomen (Premarin) produced a significant decrease of serum LH levels followed by an increase above initial LH values. In 20 heterosexual and in five bisexual men, by contrast, intravenous estrogen administration, while producing a significant decrease of the serum LH level, was not followed by an increase above the initial LH values. Using a radioimmunoassay, plasma testosterone levels and 24-hr urinary excretions of unconjugated testosterone of adult homosexual men were found to be in the normal range as observed in heterosexual men. This finding suggests that homosexual men possess a predominantly female-differentiated brain which may be activated to homosexual behavior by normal or approximately normal androgen levels in adulthood.

Feasibility study of 235U and 239Pu characterization in radioactive waste drums using neutron-induced fission delayed gamma rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicol, T.; Pérot, B.; Carasco, C.; Brackx, E.; Mariani, A.; Passard, C.; Mauerhofer, E.; Collot, J.

2016-10-01

This paper reports a feasibility study of 235U and 239Pu characterization in 225 L bituminized waste drums or 200 L concrete waste drums, by detecting delayed fission gamma rays between the pulses of a deuterium-tritium neutron generator. The delayed gamma yields were first measured with bare samples of 235U and 239Pu in REGAIN, a facility dedicated to the assay of 118 L waste drums by Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) at CEA Cadarache, France. Detectability in the waste drums is then assessed using the MCNPX model of MEDINA (Multi Element Detection based on Instrumental Neutron Activation), another PGNAA cell dedicated to 200 L drums at FZJ, Germany. For the bituminized waste drum, performances are severely hampered by the high gamma background due to 137Cs, which requires the use of collimator and shield to avoid electronics saturation, these elements being very penalizing for the detection of the weak delayed gamma signal. However, for lower activity concrete drums, detection limits range from 10 to 290 g of 235U or 239Pu, depending on the delayed gamma rays of interest. These detection limits have been determined by using MCNPX to calculate the delayed gamma useful signal, and by measuring the experimental gamma background in MEDINA with a 200 L concrete drum mock-up. The performances could be significantly improved by using a higher interrogating neutron emission and an optimized experimental setup, which would allow characterizing nuclear materials in a wide range of low and medium activity waste packages.

Implications of Gamma-Ray Transparency Constraints in Blazars: Minimum Distances and Gamma-Ray Collimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, Peter A.; Kafatos, Menas

1995-01-01

We develop a general expression for the gamma - gamma absorption coefficient, alpha(sub gamma(gamma)) for gamma-rays propagating in an arbitrary direction at an arbitrary point in space above an X-ray-emitting accretion disk. The X-ray intensity is assumed to vary as a power law in energy and radius between the outer disk radius, R(sub 0), and the inner radius, R(sub ms) which is the radius of marginal stability for a Schwarzschild black hole. We use our result for alpha(sub gamma(gamma)) to calculate the gamma - gamma optical depth, tau(sub gamma(gamma)) for gamma - rays created at height z and propagating at angle Phi relative to the disk axis, and we show that for Phi = 0 and z greater than or approx equal to R(sub 0), tau(sub gamma(gamma)) proportional to Epsilon(sup alpha)z(sup -2(alpha) - 3), where alpha is the X-ray spectral index and Epsilon is the gamma - ray energy. As an application, we use our formalism to compute the minimum distance between the central black hole and the site of production of the gamma-rays detected by EGRET during the 1991 June flare of 3C 279. In order to obtain an upper limit, we assume that all of the X-rays observed contemporaneously by Ginga were emitted by the disk. Our results suggest that the observed gamma - rays may have originated within less than or approx equal to 45 GM/sq c from a black hole of mass greater than or approx equal to 10(exp 9) solar mass, perhaps in active plasma located above the central funnel of the accretion disk. This raises the possibility of establishing a direct connection between the production of the observed gamma - rays and the accretion of material onto the black hole. We also consider the variation of the optical depth as a function of the angle of propagation Phi. Our results indicate that the "focusing" of the gamma - rays along the disk axis due to pair production is strong enough to explain the observed degree of alignment in blazar sources. If the gamma - rays are produced isotropically in gamma - ray blazars, then these objects should appear as bright MeV sources when viewed along off-axis lines of sight.

Letrozole induced low estrogen levels affected the expressions of duodenal and renal calcium-processing gene in laying hens.

PubMed

Li, Qiao; Zhao, Xingkai; Wang, Shujie; Zhou, Zhenlei

2018-01-01

Estrogen regulates the calcium homeostasis in hens, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear fully. In this study, we investigated whether letrozole (LZ) induced low estrogen levels affected the calcium absorption and transport in layers. In the duodenum, we observed a significant decrease of mRNA expressions of Calbindin-28k (CaBP-28k) and plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA 1b) while CaBP-28k protein expression was declined in birds with LZ treatment, and the mRNA levels of duodenal transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) and Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) were not affected. Interestingly, we observed the different changes in the kidney. The renal mRNA expressions of TRPV6 and NCX1 were unregulated while the PMCA1b was down-regulated in low estrogen layers, however, the CaBP-28k gene and protein expressions were no changed in the kidney. Furthermore, it showed that the duodenal estradiol receptor 2 (ESR2) transcripts rather than parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) and calcitonin receptor (CALCR) played key roles to down-regulate calcium transport in LZ-treated birds. In conclusion, CaBP-28k, PMCA 1b and ESR2 genes in the duodenum may be primary targets for estrogen regulation in order to control calcium homeostasis in hens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Organ-Protective Effects of Red Wine Extract, Resveratrol, in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Reperfusion Injury

PubMed Central

Liu, Fu-Chao; Tsai, Hsin-I; Yu, Huang-Ping

2015-01-01

Resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from red wine, possesses potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, including the reduction of free radicals and proinflammatory mediators overproduction, the alteration of the expression of adhesion molecules, and the inhibition of neutrophil function. A growing body of evidence indicates that resveratrol plays an important role in reducing organ damage following ischemia- and hemorrhage-induced reperfusion injury. Such protective phenomenon is reported to be implicated in decreasing the formation and reaction of reactive oxygen species and pro-nflammatory cytokines, as well as the mediation of a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, including the nitric oxide synthase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, deacetylase sirtuin 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha, hemeoxygenase-1, and estrogen receptor-related pathways. Reperfusion injury is a complex pathophysiological process that involves multiple factors and pathways. The resveratrol is an effective reactive oxygen species scavenger that exhibits an antioxidative property. In this review, the organ-protective effects of resveratrol in oxidative stress-related reperfusion injury will be discussed. PMID:26161238

Chromosome instability of HPRT-mutant subclones induced by ionising radiation of various LET.

PubMed

Govorun, R D; Koshlan, I V; Koshlan, N A; Krasavin, E A; Shmakova, N L

2002-01-01

The induction of HPRT-mutations and survival of Chinese hamster cells (line B11ii-FAF28, clone 431) were studied after irradiation by 4He and 12C-ions of various LET (20-360 keV/micrometers), produced by the U-200 heavy ion accelerator. The RBE increases with LET up to the maximum at 100-200 keV/micrometers and then decreases. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on the HPRT-mutant subclones selected from unirradiated Chinese hamster V-79 cells and from HPRT-mutant subclones that arose after exposure to gamma-rays, 1 GeV protons and 14N-ions (LET-77 keV/micrometers), produced by the synchrophasotron and the U-400M heavy ion accelerator. Slow growing mutant subclones were observed. The cytogenetic properties of individual clones were highly heterogeneous and chromosome instability was observed in both spontaneous and radiation-induced mutants. Chromosome instability was highest among spontaneous mutants and decreased with increasing LET. c2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discovery of an Unidentified Fermi Object as a Black Widow-Like Millisecond Pulsar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, A. K. H.; Huang, R. H. H.; Cheng, K. S.; Takata, J.; Yatsu, Y.; Cheung, C. C.; Donato, D.; Lin, L. C. C.; Kataoka, J.; Takahashi, Y.;

Venus Measurements by the MESSENGER Gamma-Ray and X-Ray Spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, E. A.; Starr, R. D.; Goldsten, J. O.; Schlemm, C. E.; Boynton, W. V.

2007-12-01

The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS), which is a part of the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer Instrument, and the X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) on the MESSENGER spacecraft made calibration measurements during the Venus flyby on June 5, 2007. The purpose of these instruments is to determine elemental abundances on the surface of Mercury. The GRS measures gamma-rays emitted from element interactions with cosmic rays impinging on the surface, while the XRS measures X-ray emissions induced on the surface by the incident solar flux. The GRS sensor is a high-resolution high-purity Ge detector cooled by a Stirling cryocooler, surrounded by a borated-plastic anticoincidence shield. The GRS is sensitive to gamma-rays up to ~10 MeV and can identify most major elements, sampling down to depths of about ten centimeters. Only the shield was powered on for this flyby in order to conserve cooler lifetime. Gamma-rays were observed coming from Venus as well as from the spacecraft. Although the Venus gamma-rays originate from its thick atmosphere rather than its surface, the GRS data from this encounter will provide useful calibration data from a source of known composition. In particular, the data will be useful for determining GRS sensitivity and pointing options for the Mercury flybys, the first of which will be in January 2008. The X-ray spectrum of a planetary surface is dominated by a combination of the fluorescence and scattered solar X-rays. The most prominent fluorescent lines are the Kα lines from the major elements Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Ti, and Fe (1-10 keV). The sampling depth is less than 100 u m. The XRS is similar in design to experiments flown on Apollo 15 and 16 and the NEAR-Shoemaker mission. Three large-area gas-proportional counters view the planet, and a small Si-PIN detector mounted on the spacecraft sunshade monitors the Sun. The energy resolution of the gas proportional counters (~850 eV at 5.9 keV) is sufficient to resolve the X-ray lines above 2 keV, but Al and Mg filters on two of the three gas counters are required to differentially separate the lower energy X-ray lines from Al, Mg, and Si. A Be-Cu honeycomb collimator provides a 12° field of view, which is smaller than the planet at apoapsis and reduces the X-ray sky background. The Venus atmosphere is almost entirely composed of carbon and oxygen that fluoresce below the energy range of the XRS, but the flyby still provided valuable experience in planning for the upcoming Mercury flybys.

GPER mediates estrogen-induced signaling and proliferations in human breast epithelial cells, and normal and malignant breast

PubMed Central

Scaling, Allison L.

2014-01-01

17β-estradiol (estrogen), through receptor binding and activation, is required for mammary gland development. Estrogen stimulates epithelial proliferation in the mammary gland, promoting ductal elongation and morphogenesis. In addition to a developmental role, estrogen promotes proliferation in tumorigenic settings, particularly breast cancer. The proliferative effects of estrogen in the normal breast and breast tumors are attributed to estrogen receptor α. Although in vitro studies have demonstrated that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, previously called GPR30) can modulate proliferation in breast cancer cells both positively and negatively depending on cellular context, its role in proliferation in the intact normal or malignant breast remains unclear. Estrogen-induced GPER-dependent proliferation was assessed in the immortalized non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cell line, MCF10A, and an ex vivo organ culture model employing human breast tissue from reduction mammoplasty or tumor resections. Stimulation by estrogen and the GPER-selective agonist G-1 increased the mitotic index in MCF10A cells and proportion of cells in the cell cycle in human breast and breast cancer explants, suggesting increased proliferation. Inhibition of candidate signaling pathways that may link GPER activation to proliferation revealed a dependence on Src, epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation by heparin-bound EGF and subsequent ERK phosphorylation. Proliferation was not dependent on matrix metalloproteinase cleavage of membrane bound pro-HB-EGF. The contribution of GPER to estrogen-induced proliferation in MCF10A cells and breast tissue was confirmed by the ability of GPER-selective antagonist G36 to abrogate estrogen- and G-1-induced proliferation, and the ability of siRNA knockdown of GPER to reduce estrogen- and G-1-induced proliferation in MCF10A cells. This is the first study to demonstrate GPER-dependent proliferation in primary normal and malignant human tissue, revealing a role for GPER in estrogen-induced breast physiology and pathology. PMID:24718936

The selective estrogen receptor alpha agonist Org 37663 induces estrogenic effects but lacks antirheumatic activity: a phase IIa trial investigating efficacy and safety of Org 37663 in postmenopausal female rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving stable background methotrexate or sulfasalazine.

PubMed

van Vollenhoven, Ronald F; Houbiers, Jos G A; Buttgereit, Frank; In 't Hout, Joanna; Boers, Maarten; Leij, Susanne; Kvien, Tore K; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Szczepański, Leszek; Szombati, Istvan; Sierakowski, Stanislaw; Miltenburg, André M M

2010-02-01

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that sex hormones may play a role in the pathogenesis or clinical expression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies on the effects of exogenous estrogens in RA patients have yielded contradictory results. We undertook this study to determine the effects of the selective estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) agonist Org 37663 in patients with RA, in terms of both its estrogenic effects and its ability to ameliorate disease activity. A 10-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-finding, proof-of-concept trial was initiated to obtain data on the efficacy and safety of Org 37663 in postmenopausal female patients with RA who were receiving background treatment with either methotrexate or sulfasalazine. Patients were randomized to receive placebo or Org 37663 at doses of 4 mg/day, 15 mg/day, or 50 mg/week. The primary efficacy variable was the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Org 37663 induced a clear biologic, estrogenic response in several organ systems, including a dose-related increase in levels of sex hormone binding globulin. However, the DAS28 decreased similarly for all treatment groups including placebo, indicating lack of clinical efficacy of Org 37663 in this trial. The observed lack of clinical benefit in RA patients treated with an ERalpha agonist, in association with a clear biologic response to the study drug, provides evidence that a biologically relevant ERalpha-mediated estrogenic effect is not associated with a clinically relevant effect on RA symptoms and signs.

SAS-2 gamma-ray observations of PSR 1747-46. [radio pulsar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, D. J.; Fichtel, C. E.; Kniffen, D. A.; Ogelman, H. B.; Lamb, R. C.

1976-01-01

Evidence is reported for the observation of gamma-ray emission from the radio pulsar PSR 1747-46 by the gamma-ray telescope aboard SAS 2. The evidence is based on the presence of both an approximately 3-sigma enhancement of gamma rays at the pulsar's location and an approximately 4-sigma peak in the phase plot of 79 gamma-ray events whose phase was calculated from the pulsar's known period. The gamma-ray pulsation is found to appear at a phase lag of about 0.16 from that predicted by the radio observations. The pulsed gamma-ray fluxes above 35 MeV and 100 MeV are estimated, and it is shown that the gamma-ray pulse width is similar to the radio pulse width. It is concluded that PSR 1747-46 is a most likely candidate for pulsed gamma-ray emission.

Preferential role of iron in heme degradation of hemoglobin upon gamma irradiation.

PubMed

Rafiei, Javad; Yavari, Kamal; Moosavi-Movahedi, Ali A

2017-10-01

It is usually believed that γ-ray interaction with biomolecules is intermediately performed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from radiolysis of water. Hemoglobin (Hb) as one of the most abundant biomolecule in blood and well-studied endogenously affected by ROS, was a good candidate for study. Adult human Hb was extracted and irradiated using four distinct 20, 60, 90 and 170Gy doses from Co-60 γ-ray source. UV-vis, fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopies were used to study the whole conformational changes and partial degradation of heme. Hb species calculated using Benesch equations indicated that the concentration of oxy-Hb was decreased from 9.97μM to 6.56μM, while the total metastable met and deoxy-Hb concentration were just increased 2.39μM and about 8.4% of total heme was diminished. Heme degradation was studied using fluorescence spectra at two 321 and 460nm excitation wavelengths as fully and partially degradation of heme respectively. Inverse behavior of these two fluorescence spectra suggested a new mechanism of heme degradation in which γ-ray preferably absorbed by heme without any intermediary effects of water. It was confirmed by FT-IR spectra at 900-1000cm -1 where the FeN and NH of porphyrin indicate their own stretching vibrational bands. Thermal stability justified that the gamma radiation induced the conformational changes of Hb which is appeared during thermal unfolding. First derivative of thermal spectra indicated that the Tm of 170Gy dose irradiated sample is 2°C lowered and total concentration of Hb was decreased 14%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement and simulation of a Compton suppression system for safeguards application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Kyu; Seo, Hee; Won, Byung-Hee; Lee, Chaehun; Shin, Hee-Sung; Na, Sang-Ho; Song, Dae-Yong; Kim, Ho-Dong; Park, Geun-Il; Park, Se-Hwan

2015-11-01

Plutonium (Pu) contents in spent nuclear fuels, recovered uranium (U) or uranium/transuranium (U/TRU) products must be measured in order to secure the safeguardability of a pyroprocessing facility. Self-induced X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and gamma-ray spectroscopy are useful techniques for determining Pu-to-U ratios and Pu isotope ratios of spent fuel. Photon measurements of spent nuclear fuel by using high-resolution spectrometers such as high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors show a large continuum background in the low-energy region, which is due in large part to Compton scattering of energetic gamma rays. This paper proposes a Compton suppression system for reducing of the Compton continuum background. In the present study, the system was configured by using an HPGe main detector and a BGO (bismuth germanate: Bi4Ge3O12) guard detector. The system performances for gamma-ray measurement and XRF were evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations and measurements of the radiation source. The Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) simulations were performed using the same geometry as for the experiments, and considered, for exact results, the production of secondary electrons and photons. As a performance test of the Compton suppression system, the peak-to-Compton ratio, which is a figure of merit to evaluate the gamma-ray detection, was enhanced by a factor of three or more when the Compton suppression system was used.

Time-Resolved Data Acquisition for In Situ Subsurface Planetary Geochemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bodnarik, Julia Gates; Burger, Dan M.; Burger, Arnold; Evans, Larry G.; Parsons, Ann M.; Starr, Richard D.; Stassun, Keivan G.

2012-01-01

The current gamma-ray/neutron instrumentation development effort at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center aims to extend the use of active pulsed neutron interrogation techniques to probe the subsurface geochemistry of planetary bodies in situ. All previous NASA planetary science missions, that used neutron and/or gamma-ray spectroscopy instruments, have relied on a constant neutron source produced from galactic cosmic rays. One of the distinguishing features of this effort is the inclusion of a high intensity 14.1 MeV pulsed neutron generator synchronized with a custom data acquisition system to time each event relative to the pulse. With usually only one opportunity to collect data, it is difficult to set a priori time-gating windows to obtain the best possible results. Acquiring time-tagged, event-by-event data from nuclear induced reactions provides raw data sets containing channel/energy, and event time for each gamma ray or neutron detected. The resulting data set can be plotted as a function of time or energy using optimized analysis windows after the data are acquired. Time windows can now be chosen to produce energy spectra that yield the most statistically significant and accurate elemental composition results that can be derived from the complete data set. The advantages of post-processing gamma-ray time-tagged event-by-event data in experimental tests using our prototype instrument will be demonstrated.

Joint US-USSR Long duration Antarctic Mars calibration Balloon (LAMB) mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Floyd, S. R.; Trombka, J. I.; Evans, L. G.; Starr, R.; Squyres, S. W.; Surkov, Iu. A.; Moskaleva, L. P.; Shcheglov, O.; Mitugov, A. G.; Rester, A. C.

1991-01-01

The Long duration Antarctic Mars calibration Balloon (LAMB) project has been established at Goddard Space Flight Center for the evaluation and cross calibration of U.S. and USSR remote sensing gamma-ray and neutron detectors. These detectors are analogs of those flown on the Soviet Phobos mission around Mars and those to be flown on the upcoming U.S. Mars Observer mission. Cosmic rays, which are normally filtered out by the atmosphere, and the earth's magnetic field, will induce gamma-ray and neutron emissions from about a half ton of simulated Mars soil aboard the gondola. The cross calibration of these instruments should greatly facilitate the data analysis from both missions and play a role in U.S.-USSR cooperation in space.

Comparison of structural changes in skin and amnion tissue grafts for transplantation induced by gamma and electron beam irradiation for sterilization.

PubMed

Mrázová, H; Koller, J; Kubišová, K; Fujeríková, G; Klincová, E; Babál, P

2016-06-01

Sterilization is an important step in the preparation of biological material for transplantation. The aim of the study is to compare morphological changes in three types of biological tissues induced by different doses of gamma and electron beam radiation. Frozen biological tissues (porcine skin xenografts, human skin allografts and human amnion) were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays (12.5, 25, 35, 50 kGy) and electron beam (15, 25, 50 kGy). Not irradiated specimens served as controls. The tissue samples were then thawn and fixed in 10 % formalin, processed by routine paraffin technique and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue at pH 2.5, orcein, periodic acid Schiff reaction, phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin, Sirius red and silver impregnation. The staining with hematoxylin and eosin showed vacuolar cytoplasmic changes of epidermal cells mainly in the samples of xenografts irradiated by the lowest doses of gamma and electron beam radiation. The staining with orcein revealed damage of fine elastic fibers in the xenograft dermis at the dose of 25 kGy of both radiation types. Disintegration of epithelial basement membrane, especially in the xenografts, was induced by the dose of 15 kGy of electron beam radiation. The silver impregnation disclosed nuclear chromatin condensation mainly in human amnion at the lowest doses of both radiation types and disintegration of the fine collagen fibers in the papillary dermis induced by the lowest dose of electron beam and by the higher doses of gamma radiation. Irradiation by both, gamma rays and the electron beam, causes similar changes on cells and extracellular matrix, with significant damage of the basement membrane and of the fine and elastic and collagen fibers in the papillary dermis, the last caused already by low dose electron beam radiation.

Neutron and gamma irradiation effects on power semiconductor switches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarze, G. E.; Frasca, A. J.

1990-01-01

The performance characteristics of high-power semiconductor switches subjected to high levels of neutron fluence and gamma dose must be known by the designer of the power conditioning, control and transmission subsystem of space nuclear power systems. Location and the allowable shielding mass budget will determine the level of radiation tolerance required by the switches to meet performance and reliability requirements. Neutron and gamma ray interactions with semiconductor materials and how these interactions affect the electrical and switching characteristics of solid state power switches is discussed. The experimental measurement system and radiation facilities are described. Experimental data showing the effects of neutron and gamma irradiation on the performance characteristics are given for power-type NPN Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). BJTs show a rapid decrease in gain, blocking voltage, and storage time for neutron irradiation, and MOSFETs show a rapid decrease in the gate threshold voltage for gamma irradiation.

Neutron and gamma irradiation effects on power semiconductor switches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarze, G. E.; Frasca, A. J.

1990-01-01

The performance characteristics of high power semiconductor switches subjected to high levels of neutron fluence and gamma dose must be known by the designer of the power conditioning, control and transmission subsystem of space nuclear power systems. Location and the allowable shielding mass budget will determine the level of radiation tolerance required by the switches to meet performance and reliability requirements. Neutron and gamma ray interactions with semiconductor materials and how these interactions affect the electrical and switching characteristics of solid state power switches is discussed. The experimental measurement system and radiation facilities are described. Experimental data showing the effects of neutron and gamma irradiation on the performance characteristics are given for power-type NPN Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). BJTs show a rapid decrease in gain, blocking voltage, and storage time for neutron irradiation, and MOSFETs show a rapid decrease in the gate threshold voltage for gamma irradiation.

Hormonal changes during menopause.

PubMed

Al-Azzawi, Farook; Palacios, Santiago

2009-06-20

Ovarian senescence occurs gradually during the fourth and fifth decades of life, leading to menopause at an average age of about 51 years. This senescence results in a changing hormonal milieu, with decreases in the levels of estrogens and androgens. Similar changes may be induced by surgical menopause (bilateral oophorectomy) or ovarian failure resulting from cancer treatment. The declining levels of estrogens and androgens affect many tissues of the body and can produce a variety of signs and symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms, decreased bone density, changes in mood and energy, loss of pubic hair and changes in the genital tissues, and effects on sexual function. Accurate measurement of testosterone levels in postmenopausal women requires methods that are validated in the lower ranges of testosterone level observed in this population.

Chronic estrogen deficiency leads to molecular aberrations related to neurodegenerative changes in follitropin receptor knockout female mice.

PubMed

Tam, J; Danilovich, N; Nilsson, K; Sairam, M R; Maysinger, D

2002-01-01

The follitropin receptor knockout (FORKO) mouse undergoes ovarian failure, thereby providing an animal model to investigate the consequences of the depletion of circulating estrogen in females. The estrogen deficiency causes marked defects in the female reproductive system, obesity, and skeletal abnormalities. In light of estrogen's known pleiotropic effects in the nervous system, our study examined the effects of genetically induced estrogen-testosterone imbalance on this system in female FORKO mice. Circulating concentrations of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) in FORKO mice are significantly decreased (FORKO -/-: 1.13+/-0.34 pg/ml; wild-type +/+: 17.6+/-3.5 pg/ml, P<0.0001, n=32-41); in contrast, testosterone levels are increased (-/-: 37.7+/-2.3 pg/ml; wild-type +/+: 3.9+/-1.7 pg/ml, P<0.005, n=25-33). The focus was on the activities of key enzymes in the central cholinergic and peripheral nervous systems, on dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) capacity for neurite outgrowth, and on the phosphorylation state of structural neurofilament (NF) proteins. Choline acetyltransferase activity was decreased in several central cholinergic structures (striatum 50+/-3%, hippocampus 24+/-2%, cortex 12+/-3%) and in DRGs (11+/-6%). Moreover, we observed aberrations in the enzymatic activities of mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) in the hippocampus, DRGs, and sciatic nerves. Hippocampal and sensory ganglia samples from FORKO mice contained hyper-phosphorylated NFs. Finally, explanted ganglia of FORKO mice displayed decreased neurite outgrowth (20-50%) under non-treated conditions and when treated with E2 (10 nM). Our results demonstrate that genetic depletion of circulating estrogen leads to biochemical and morphological changes in central and peripheral neurons, and underlie the importance of estrogen in the normal development and functioning of the nervous system. In particular, the findings suggest that an early and persisting absence of the steroid leads to neurodegenerative changes and identify several key enzymes that may contribute to the process. This model provides a system to explore the consequences of circulating estrogen deprivation and other hormonal imbalances in the nervous system.

Differential tissue distribution, developmental programming, estrogen regulation and promoter characteristics of cyp19 genes in teleost fish.

PubMed

Callard, G V; Tchoudakova, A V; Kishida, M; Wood, E

2001-12-01

Teleost fish are characterized by exceptionally high levels of brain estrogen biosynthesis when compared to the brains of other vertebrates or to the ovaries of the same fish. Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) have utility as complementary models for understanding the molecular basis and functional significance of exaggerated neural estrogen biosynthesis. Multiple cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) cDNAs that derive from separate gene loci (cyp19a and cyp19b) are differentially expressed in brain (P450aromB>A) and ovary (P450aromA>B) and have a different developmental program (B>A) and response to estrogen upregulation (B only). As measured by increased P450aromB mRNA, a functional estrogen response system is first detected 24-48 h post-fertilization (hpf), consistent with the onset of estrogen receptor (ER) expression (alpha, beta, and gamma). The 5'-flanking region of the cyp19b gene has a TATA box, two estrogen response elements (EREs), an ERE half-site (ERE1/2), a nerve growth factor inducible-B protein (NGFI-B)/Nur77 responsive element (NBRE) binding site, and a sequence identical to the zebrafish GATA-2 gene neural specific enhancer. The cyp19a promoter region has TATA and CAAT boxes, a steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) binding site, and two aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/AhR nuclear translocator factor (ARNT) binding motifs. Both genes have multiple potential SRY/SOX binding sites (16 and 8 in cyp19b and cyp19a, respectively). Luciferase reporters have basal promoter activity in GH3 cells, but differences (a>b) are opposite to fish pituitary (b>a). When microinjected into fertilized zebrafish eggs, a cyp19b promoter-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter (but not cyp19a) is expressed in neurons of 30-48 hpf embryos, most prominently in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their projections to optic tectum. Further studies are required to identify functionally relevant cis-elements and cellular factors, and to determine the regulatory role of estrogen in neurodevelopment.

Energy recovery during advanced wastewater treatment: simultaneous estrogenic activity removal and hydrogen production through solar photocatalysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenlong; Li, Yi; Wang, Chao; Wang, Peifang; Wang, Qing

2013-03-01

Simultaneous estrogenic activity removal and hydrogen production from secondary effluent were successfully achieved using TiO(2) microspheres modified with both platinum nanoparticles and phosphates (P-TiO(2)/Pt) for the first time. The coexistence of platinum and phosphate on the surface of TiO(2) microspheres was confirmed by transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. P-TiO(2)/Pt microspheres showed a significantly higher photocatalytic activity than TiO(2) microspheres and TiO(2) powders (P25) for the removal of estrogenic activity from secondary effluent with the removal ratio of 100%, 58.2% and 48.5% in 200 min, respectively. Moreover, the marked production of hydrogen (photonic efficiency: 3.23 × 10(-3)) was accompanied by the removal of estrogenic activity only with P-TiO(2)/Pt as photocatalysts. The hydrogen production rate was increasing with decreased DO concentration in secondary effluent. Results of reactive oxygen species (ROS) evaluation during P-TiO(2)/Pt photocatalytic process showed that O(2)(-)and OH were dominant ROS in aerobic phase, while OH was the most abundant ROS in anoxic phase. Changes of effluent organic matter (EfOM) during photocatalysis revealed that aromatic, hydrophobic, and high molecular weight fractions of EfOM were preferentially transformed into non-humic, hydrophilic, and low MW fractions (e.g. aldehydes and carboxylic acids), which were continuously utilized as electron donors in hydrogen production process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope: Science Highlights for the First 8 Months

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moiseev, Alexander

2010-01-01

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope was launched on June 11, 2008 and since August 2008 has successfully been conducting routine science observations of high energy phenomena in the gamma-ray sky. A number of exciting discoveries have been made during its first year of operation, including blazar flares, high-energy gamma-ray bursts, and numerous new,gamma-ray sources of different types, among them pulsars and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). fermi-LAT also performed accurate mea.<;urement of the diffuse gamma-radiation which clarifies the Ge V excess reported by EGRET almost 10 years ago, high precision measurement of the high energy electron spectrum, and other observations. An overview of the observatory status and recent results as of April 30, 2009, are presented. Key words: gamma-ray astronomy, cosmic rays, gamma-ray burst, pulsar, blazar. diffuse gamma-radiation

The activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor induces relaxation via cAMP as well as potentiates contraction via EGFR transactivation in porcine coronary arteries.

PubMed

Yu, Xuan; Stallone, John N; Heaps, Cristine L; Han, Guichun

2018-01-01

Estrogen exerts protective effects against cardiovascular diseases in premenopausal women, but is associated with an increased risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke in older postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that activation of the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) can cause either relaxation or contraction of arteries. It is highly likely that these dual actions of GPER may contribute to the seemingly paradoxical effects of estrogen in regulating coronary artery function. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that activation of GPER enhances agonist-stimulated porcine coronary artery contraction via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation and its downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) pathway. Isometric tension studies and western blot were performed to determine the effect of GPER activation on coronary artery contraction. Our findings demonstrated that G-1 caused concentration-dependent relaxation of ET-1-induced contraction, while pretreatment of arterial rings with G-1 significantly enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. GPER antagonist, G-36, significantly inhibited both the G-1-induced relaxation effect and G-1-enhanced ET-1 contraction. Gallein, a Gβγ inhibitor, significantly increased G-1-induced relaxation, yet inhibited G-1-enhanced ET-1-mediated contraction. Similarly, inhibition of EGFR with AG1478 or inhibition of Src with phosphatase 2 further increased G-1-induced relaxation responses in coronary arteries, but decreased G-1-enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. Western blot experiments in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells (PCASMC) showed that G-1 increased tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, which was inhibited by AG-1478. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the level of heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) released by ET-1 treatment increased two-fold; whereas pre-incubation with G-1 further increased ET-1-induced HB-EGF release to four-fold over control conditions. Lastly, the role of ERK1/2 was determined by applying the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, in isometric tension studies and detecting phospho-ERK1/2 in immunoblotting. PD98059 potentiated G-1-induced relaxation response, but blocked G-1-enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. By western blot, G-1 treatment decreased phospho-ERK1/2, however, in the presence of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536, G-1 significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in PCASMC. These data demonstrate that activation of GPER induces relaxation via cAMP as well as contraction via a mechanism involving transactivation of EGFR and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in porcine coronary arteries.

The influence of gamma irradiation on natural dyeing properties of cotton and flax fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chirila, Laura; Popescu, Alina; Cutrubinis, Mihalis; Stanculescu, Ioana; Moise, Valentin Ioan

2018-04-01

Fabrics made of 100% cotton and 100% flax respectively were exposed at ambient temperature to gamma radiation doses, from 5 to 40 kGy, using a Co-60 research irradiator. After the irradiation treatment the fabrics were subjected to dyeing process with Itodye Nat Pomegranate commercial natural dye. The influence of gamma irradiation treatment on the physical-mechanical properties, dyeing and surface morphology of natural fibres were investigated. Gamma ray treatment of 40 kGy was the most effective in the case of fabrics made from 100% cotton, enhancing the colour strength as evidenced by K/S value. The results obtained from the mechanical properties of fabrics made of 100% flax indicated that the dose of 40 kGy leads to a decrease of tensile strength up of to 41.5%. Infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor chemical and structural changes in cellulosic fibres induced during processing. Crystallinity indices calculated from various bands ratio showed insignificant variations for cotton and small variations in the case of flax. The surface morphology of irradiated cotton fabrics did not show significant changes even at the highest dose of 40 kGy, while the low doses applied on flax fabrics led to an appearance of small changes of surface morphology. The gamma irradiation increased the uptake of natural dyes on natural cellulosic fibres.

Effect of protracted estrogen administration on the thyroid of Ames dwarf mice.

PubMed

Vidal, S; Cameselle-Teijeiro, J; Horvath, E; Kovacs, K; Bartke, A

2001-04-01

The effect of protracted estrogen administration on estrogen receptor expression and cellular composition of the thyroid was examined in genetically thyrotropin (TSH)-deficient female Ames dwarf mice (df/df) to reveal whether estrogen might act independently from TSH. inducing changes in thyroid morphology and function. To evaluate such changes, the thyroid from four estrogen-implanted Ames dwarf mice, four sham-implanted Ames dwarf mice and four sham-implanted normal littermate mice were investigated histologically, immunohistochemically and morphometrically. Our morphologic study demonstrated significant differences in the colloid areas of normal and dwarf mice (P<0.001). The correlation observed between this parameter and body weights (r=0.610, P<0.05) and thyroid weights (r=0.729, P<0.01) suggests that the decrease in the colloid areas is not a result of abnormal folliculogenesis but is in direct correlation with the small thyroid and body size of dwarf mice. Although two types of estrogen receptors are known to exist in the present study, only the alpha (ERalpha) variant was found in the thyroid. ERalpha immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of parafollicular cells but not of the follicular epithelium. No significant differences were reported in ER expression between estrogen-implanted dwarf mice and sham-implanted dwarf mice, suggesting that estrogen receptor expression in the thyroid is independent of circulating estrogen levels. In spite of the absence of ERalpha in follicular cells, protracted estrogen administration affected mainly the follicular cells. Our results suggest that when TSH is absent estrogens may exert a negative feedback on the activity of follicular cells.

Estrogen receptor is activated by korean red ginseng in vitro but not in vivo.

PubMed

Shim, Myeong Kuk; Lee, Young Joo

2012-04-01

Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases and for general health maintenance in people of all ages. Ginseng is also used to ameliorate menopausal systems. We investigated the estrogenic activity of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in a transient transfection system, using estrogen receptor (ER) and estrogen-responsive luciferase plasmids in MCF-7 cells. The extract activated both ERα and ERβ. KRG modulated the mRNA levels of estrogen-responsive genes such as pS2 and ESR1 and decreased the protein level of ERα. In order to examine in vivo estrogenic activity of KRG, sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats separated into four groups were studied for nine weeks: non-ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with olive oil, OVX rats treated with olive oil, OVX rats treated with 17-β-estradiol (E2) in olive oil, and OVX rats treated with KRG extract in olive oil. The experiments were repeated for three times and the data of twelve rats were combined. Body weight of OVX rats was greater than that of sham-operated control rats and was decreased by E2 treatment. Uterine weight increased after E2 treatment compared to OVX rats. However, no difference in body or uterine weight was observed with KRG intake. KRG induced reductions in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not to the same degree as did E2 intake. These results show that KRG does contain estrogenic activity as manifested by in vitro study but the activity is not strong enough to elicit physiological responses.

Estrogen Receptor Is Activated by Korean Red Ginseng In Vitro but Not In Vivo

PubMed Central

Shim, Myeong Kuk; Lee, Young Joo

2012-01-01

Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases and for general health maintenance in people of all ages. Ginseng is also used to ameliorate menopausal systems. We investigated the estrogenic activity of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in a transient transfection system, using estrogen receptor (ER) and estrogen-responsive luciferase plasmids in MCF-7 cells. The extract activated both ERα and ERβ. KRG modulated the mRNA levels of estrogen-responsive genes such as pS2 and ESR1 and decreased the protein level of ERα. In order to examine in vivo estrogenic activity of KRG, sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats separated into four groups were studied for nine weeks: non-ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with olive oil, OVX rats treated with olive oil, OVX rats treated with 17-β-estradiol (E2) in olive oil, and OVX rats treated with KRG extract in olive oil. The experiments were repeated for three times and the data of twelve rats were combined. Body weight of OVX rats was greater than that of sham-operated control rats and was decreased by E2 treatment. Uterine weight increased after E2 treatment compared to OVX rats. However, no difference in body or uterine weight was observed with KRG intake. KRG induced reductions in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not to the same degree as did E2 intake. These results show that KRG does contain estrogenic activity as manifested by in vitro study but the activity is not strong enough to elicit physiological responses. PMID:23717117

Testing gamma-ray burst models with the afterglow of GRB 090102

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gendre, B.; Klotz, A.; Palazzi, E.; Krühler, T.; Covino, S.; Afonso, P.; Antonelli, L. A.; Atteia, J. L.; D'Avanzo, P.; Boër, M.; Greiner, J.; Klose, S.

2010-07-01

We present the observations of the afterglow of gamma-ray burst GRB 090102. Optical data taken by the Telescope a Action Rapide pour les Objets Transitoires (TAROT), Rapid Eye Mount (REM), Gamma-Ray burst Optical/Near-Infrared Detector (GROND), together with publicly available data from Palomar, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) telescopes, and X-ray data taken by the XRT instrument on board the Swift spacecraft were used. This event features an unusual light curve. In X-rays, it presents a constant decrease with no hint of temporal break from 0.005 to 6d after the burst. In the optical, the light curve presents a flattening after 1ks. Before this break, the optical light curve is steeper than that of the X-ray. In the optical, no further break is observed up to 10d after the burst. We failed to explain these observations in light of the standard fireball model. Several other models, including the cannonball model were investigated. The explanation of the broad-band data by any model requires some fine-tuning when taking into account both optical and X-ray bands. Based on observations obtained with TAROT, REM, GROND. E-mail: bruce.gendre@asdc.asi.it ‡ Present address: ASDC, Via Galileo Galilei, 00044 Frascati, Italy.

Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on structural properties of GaAsN films grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klangtakai, Pawinee; Sanorpim, Sakuntam; Wattanawareekul, Atiwat; Suwanyangyaun, Pattana; Srepusharawoot, Pornjuk; Onabe, Kentaro

2015-05-01

The effects of gamma-ray irradiation on the structural properties of GaAs1-xNx films (N concentration=1.9 and 5.1 at%) grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on GaAs (001) substrates were investigated. The GaAs1-xNx films were irradiated by gamma rays with irradiation strength of 0-2.0 MGy. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy results showed that a gamma ray with a strength of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MGy formed holes with a density of 0.0, 8.8, 9.4, 11.5, and 11.9 μm-2, respectively, on the surface of a GaAs0.981N0.019 film with low N content. On the other hand, the irradiated high-N-content GaAs0.949N0.051 film exhibited a cross-hatch pattern, which was induced by partial strain relaxation at high N levels, with a line density of 0.0, 0.21, 0.37, 0.67, and 0.26 μm-1 corresponding to an irradiation strength of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MGy, respectively. The high-resolution X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering results revealed an increase in N incorporation and strain relaxation after irradiation. In addition, the GaAs0.949N0.051 films exhibited phase separation, which took place via N out-diffusion across the interface when the irradiation strength exceeded 1.0 MGy. Based on these results, the main cause of structural change was determined to be the irradiation effects including displacement damage and gamma-ray heating.

Method of incident low-energy gamma-ray direction reconstruction in the GAMMA-400 gamma-ray space telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kheymits, M. D.; Leonov, A. A.; Zverev, V. G.; Galper, A. M.; Arkhangelskaya, I. V.; Arkhangelskiy, A. I.; Suchkov, S. I.; Topchiev, N. P.; Yurkin, Yu T.; Bakaldin, A. V.; Dalkarov, O. D.

2016-02-01

The GAMMA-400 gamma-ray space-based telescope has as its main goals to measure cosmic γ-ray fluxes and the electron-positron cosmic-ray component produced, theoretically, in dark-matter-particles decay or annihilation processes, to search for discrete γ-ray sources and study them in detail, to examine the energy spectra of diffuse γ-rays — both galactic and extragalactic — and to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and γ-rays from the active Sun. Scientific goals of GAMMA-400 telescope require fine angular resolution. The telescope is of a pair-production type. In the converter-tracker, the incident gamma-ray photon converts into electron-positron pair in the tungsten layer and then the tracks are detected by silicon- strip position-sensitive detectors. Multiple scattering processes become a significant obstacle in the incident-gamma direction reconstruction for energies below several gigaelectronvolts. The method of utilising this process to improve the resolution is proposed in the presented work.

Fermi Large Area Telescope Measurements of the Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission at Intermediate Galactic Latitudes

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

Abdo, A.A.; /Naval Research Lab, Wash., D.C.; Ackermann, M.

The diffuse galactic {gamma}-ray emission is produced by cosmic rays (CRs) interacting with the interstellar gas and radiation field. Measurements by the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory indicated excess {gamma}-ray emission {ge}1 GeV relative to diffuse galactic {gamma}-ray emission models consistent with directly measured CR spectra (the so-called 'EGRET GeV excess'). The Large Area Telescope (LAT) instrument on the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope has measured the diffuse {gamma}-ray emission with improved sensitivity and resolution compared to EGRET. We report on LAT measurements for energies 100 MeV to 10 GeV and galactic latitudes 10{sup o}more » {le} |b| {le} 20{sup o}. The LAT spectrum for this region of the sky is well reproduced by a diffuse galactic {gamma}-ray emission model that is consistent with local CR spectra and inconsistent with the EGRET GeV excess.« less

Fermi large area telescope measurements of the diffuse gamma-ray emission at intermediate galactic latitudes.

PubMed

Abdo, A A; Ackermann, M; Ajello, M; Anderson, B; Atwood, W B; Axelsson, M; Baldini, L; Ballet, J; Barbiellini, G; Bastieri, D; Baughman, B M; Bechtol, K; Bellazzini, R; Berenji, B; Blandford, R D; Bloom, E D; Bonamente, E; Borgland, A W; Bregeon, J; Brez, A; Brigida, M; Bruel, P; Burnett, T H; Caliandro, G A; Cameron, R A; Caraveo, P A; Casandjian, J M; Cecchi, C; Charles, E; Chekhtman, A; Cheung, C C; Chiang, J; Ciprini, S; Claus, R; Cohen-Tanugi, J; Conrad, J; Dereli, H; Dermer, C D; de Angelis, A; de Palma, F; Digel, S W; Di Bernardo, G; Dormody, M; do Couto e Silva, E; Drell, P S; Dubois, R; Dumora, D; Edmonds, Y; Farnier, C; Favuzzi, C; Fegan, S J; Focke, W B; Frailis, M; Fukazawa, Y; Funk, S; Fusco, P; Gaggero, D; Gargano, F; Gehrels, N; Germani, S; Giebels, B; Giglietto, N; Giordano, F; Glanzman, T; Godfrey, G; Grenier, I A; Grondin, M-H; Grove, J E; Guillemot, L; Guiriec, S; Hanabata, Y; Harding, A K; Hayashida, M; Hays, E; Hughes, R E; Jóhannesson, G; Johnson, A S; Johnson, R P; Johnson, T J; Johnson, W N; Kamae, T; Katagiri, H; Kataoka, J; Kawai, N; Kerr, M; Knödlseder, J; Kocian, M L; Kuehn, F; Kuss, M; Lande, J; Latronico, L; Longo, F; Loparco, F; Lott, B; Lovellette, M N; Lubrano, P; Madejski, G M; Makeev, A; Mazziotta, M N; McConville, W; McEnery, J E; Meurer, C; Michelson, P F; Mitthumsiri, W; Mizuno, T; Moiseev, A A; Monte, C; Monzani, M E; Morselli, A; Moskalenko, I V; Murgia, S; Nolan, P L; Nuss, E; Ohsugi, T; Okumura, A; Omodei, N; Orlando, E; Ormes, J F; Paneque, D; Panetta, J H; Parent, D; Pelassa, V; Pepe, M; Pesce-Rollins, M; Piron, F; Porter, T A; Rainò, S; Rando, R; Razzano, M; Reimer, A; Reimer, O; Reposeur, T; Ritz, S; Rodriguez, A Y; Roth, M; Ryde, F; Sadrozinski, H F-W; Sanchez, D; Sander, A; Saz Parkinson, P M; Scargle, J D; Sellerholm, A; Sgrò, C; Smith, D A; Smith, P D; Spandre, G; Spinelli, P; Starck, J-L; Stecker, F W; Striani, E; Strickman, M S; Strong, A W; Suson, D J; Tajima, H; Takahashi, H; Tanaka, T; Thayer, J B; Thayer, J G; Thompson, D J; Tibaldo, L; Torres, D F; Tosti, G; Tramacere, A; Uchiyama, Y; Usher, T L; Vasileiou, V; Vilchez, N; Vitale, V; Waite, A P; Wang, P; Winer, B L; Wood, K S; Ylinen, T; Ziegler, M

2009-12-18

The diffuse galactic gamma-ray emission is produced by cosmic rays (CRs) interacting with the interstellar gas and radiation field. Measurements by the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory indicated excess gamma-ray emission greater, > or approximately equal to 1 GeV relative to diffuse galactic gamma-ray emission models consistent with directly measured CR spectra (the so-called "EGRET GeV excess"). The Large Area Telescope (LAT) instrument on the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope has measured the diffuse gamma-ray emission with improved sensitivity and resolution compared to EGRET. We report on LAT measurements for energies 100 MeV to 10 GeV and galactic latitudes 10 degrees < or = |b| < or = 20 degrees. The LAT spectrum for this region of the sky is well reproduced by a diffuse galactic gamma-ray emission model that is consistent with local CR spectra and inconsistent with the EGRET GeV excess.

Mercuric iodine room temperature gamma-ray detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patt, Bradley E.; Markakis, Jeffrey M.; Gerrish, Vernon M.; Haymes, Robert C.; Trombka, Jacob I.

1990-01-01

high resolution mercuric iodide room temperature gamma-ray detectors have excellent potential as an essential component of space instruments to be used for high energy astrophysics. Mercuric iodide detectors are being developed both as photodetectors used in combination with scintillation crystals to detect gamma-rays, and as direct gamma-ray detectors. These detectors are highly radiation damage resistant. The list of applications includes gamma-ray burst detection, gamma-ray line astronomy, solar flare studies, and elemental analysis.

Administration of the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} agonist pioglitazone during fractionated brain irradiation prevents radiation-induced cognitive impairment

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

Zhao Weiling; Payne, Valerie; Tommasi, Ellen

2007-01-01

Purpose: We hypothesized that administration of the anti-inflammatory peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonist pioglitazone (Pio) to adult male rats would inhibit radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Methods and Materials: Young adult male F344 rats received one of the following: (1) fractionated whole brain irradiation (WBI); 40 or 45 Gy {gamma}-rays in 4 or 4.5 weeks, respectively, two fractions per week and normal diet; (2) sham-irradiation and normal diet; (3) WBI plus Pio (120 ppm) before, during, and for 4 or 54 weeks postirradiation; (4) sham-irradiation plus Pio; or (5) WBI plus Pio starting 24h after completion of WBI. Results: Administration ofmore » Pio before, during, and for 4 or 54 weeks after WBI prevented Radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Administration of Pio for 54 weeks starting after completion of fractionated WBI substantially but not significantly reduced Radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Conclusions: These findings offer the promise of improving the quality of life and increasing the therapeutic window for brain tumor patients.« less

Alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols reduce inflammatory angiogenesis in human microvascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Wells, Shannon R; Jennings, Merilyn H; Rome, Courtney; Hadjivassiliou, Vicky; Papas, Konstantinos A; Alexander, Jonathon S

2010-07-01

Vitamin E, a micronutrient (comprising alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienols), has documented antioxidant and non-antioxidant effects, some of which inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis. We compared the abilities of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols to regulate human blood cytotoxicity (BEC) and lymphatic endothelial cytotoxicity (LEC), proliferation, invasiveness, permeability, capillary formation and suppression of TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 as in vitro models of inflammatory angiogenesis. alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols were not toxic to either cell type up to 40 microM. In BEC, confluent cell density was decreased by all concentrations of delta- and gamma-tocopherol (10-40 microM) but not by alpha-tocopherol. LEC showed no change in cell density in response to tocopherols. delta-Tocopherol (40 microM), but not other isomers, decreased BEC invasiveness. In LEC, all doses of gamma-tocopherol, as well as the highest dose of alpha-tocopherol (40 microM), decreased cell invasiveness. delta-Tocopherol had no effect on LEC invasiveness at any molarity. delta-Tocopherol dose dependently increased cell permeability at 48 h in BEC and LEC; alpha- and gamma-tocopherols showed slight effects. Capillary tube formation was decreased by high dose (40 microM) concentrations of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol, but showed no effects with smaller doses (10-20 microM) in BEC. gamma-Tocopherol (10-20 microM) and alpha-tocopherol (10 microM), but not delta-tocopherol, increased LEC capillary tube formation. Lastly, in BEC, alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol each dose-dependently reduced TNF-alpha-induced expression of VCAM-1. In LEC, there was no significant change to TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 expression with any concentration of alpha-, gamma- or delta-tocopherol. These data demonstrate that physiological levels (0-40 microM) of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols are nontoxic and dietary tocopherols, especially delta-tocopherol, can limit several BEC and LEC endothelial behaviors associated with angiogenesis. Tocopherols may therefore represent important nutrient-signals that limit cell behaviors related to inflammation/angiogenesis, which when deficient, may predispose individuals to risks associated with elevated angiogenesis such as inflammation and cancer; further differences seen from the tocopherols may be due to their blood or lymphatic cell origin. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of The Combined Effects of Hyperthermia, Cobalt-60 Gamma Rays and IUdR on Cultured Glioblastoma Spheroid Cells and Dosimetry Using TLD-100

PubMed Central

Neshasteh-Riz, Ali; Rahdani, Rozhin; Mostaar, Ahmad

2014-01-01

Objective In radiation treatment, the irradiation which is effective enough to control the tumors far exceeds normal-tissues tolerance. Thus to avoid such unfavourable outcomes, some methods sensitizing the tumor cells to radiation are used. Iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) is a halogenated thymidine analogue that known to be effective as a radiosensitizer in human cancer therapy. Improving the potential efficacy of radiation therapy after combining to hyperthermia depends on the magnitude of the differential sensitization of the hyperthermic effects or on the differential cytotoxicity of the radiation effects on the tumor cells. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of IUdR, hyperthermia and gamma rays of 60Co on human glioblastoma spheroids culture. Materials and Methods In this experimental study,the cultured spheroids with 100µm diameter were treated by 1 µM IUdR, 43°C hyperthermia for an hour and 2 Gy gamma rays, respectively. The DNA damages induced in cells were compared using alkaline comet assay method, and dosimetry was then performed by TLD-100. Comet scores were calculated as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) using one-way ANOVA. Results Comparison of DNA damages induced by IUdR and hyperthermia + gamma treatment showed 2.67- and 1.92-fold enhancement, respectively, as compared to the damages induced by radiation alone or radiation combined IUdR. Dosimetry results showed the accurate dose delivered to cells. Conclusion Analysis of the comet tail moments of spheroids showed that the radiation treatments combined with hyperthermia and IUdR caused significant radiosensitization when compared to related results of irradiation alone or of irradiation with IUdR. These results suggest a potential clinical advantage of combining radiation with hyperthermia and indicate effectiveness of hyperthermia treatment in inducing cytotoxicity of tumor cells. PMID:24611138

Gamma-Ray Signatures Improvement of the EURITRACK Tagged Neutron Inspection System Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanawati, Wassila El; Carasco, Cedric; Perot, Bertrand; Mariani, Alain; Raoux, Anne-Cecile; Valkovic, Vladivoj; Sudac, Davorin; Obhodas, Jasmina; Baricevic, Martina

2010-10-01

The EURopean Illicit TRAfficking Countermeasures Kit (EURITRACK) inspection system uses 14 MeV neutrons produced by the D(T,n α) reaction to detect explosives in cargo containers. Reactions induced by fast neutrons inside the container produce gamma rays, which are detected in coincidence with the associated alpha particle, the detection of which allows the neutron direction to be determined. The neutron path length is obtained from a neutron time-of-flight measurement, thus allowing the origin of the gamma rays inside the container to be determined, while the chemical composition of the target material is correlated with their energy spectrum. Gamma-ray spectra have been collected with the inspection portal equipped with large volume NaI (Tl) detectors, in order to build a database of signatures for various elements (C, O, N, Fe, Pb, Al, Na, Si, Cl, Cu, Zn) with a low energy threshold of 0.6 MeV. The spectra are compared with previous ones, which were acquired with a 1.35 MeV threshold. The new library is currently being tested to unfold the energy spectra of transported goods into elemental contributions. Results are compared with data processed with the old 1.35 MeV threshold database, thus illustrating the improvement for material identification.

[Radiation biology of structurally different Drosophila melanogaster genes. Report I. The vestigial gene: molecular characteristic of "point" mutations].

PubMed

Aleksandrov, I D; Afanas'eva, K P; Aleksandrova, M V; Lapidus, I L

2012-01-01

The screening of PCR-detected DNA alterations in 9 spontaneous and 59 gamma-ray-, neutron - or neutron + gamma-ray-induced Drosophila vestigial (vg) gene/"point" mutations was carried out. The detected patterns of existence or absence of either of 16 overlapping fragments into which vg gene (15.1 kb, 8 exons, 7 introns) was divided enable us to subdivide all mutants into 4 classes: (i) PCR+ (40.7%) without the detected changes; (ii) "single-site" (33.9%) with the loss of a single fragment; (iii) partial detections (15.2%) as a loss of 2-9 adjacent fragments and (iv) "cluster" mutants (10.2%) having 2-3 independent changes of(ii) and/or (iii) classes. All spontaneous mutants except one were found to be classified as (ii) whereas radiation-induced mutants are represented by all 4 classes whose interrelation is determined by the dose and radiation quality. In particular, the efficacy of neutrons was found to be nine times as large as that of gamma-rays under the "cluster" mutant induction. Essentially, the distribution of DNA changes along the gene is uneven. CSGE-assay of PCR+-exon 3 revealed DNA heteroduplexes in 5 out of 17 PCR+-mutants studied, 2 of which had small deletions (5 and 11 b) and 3 others made transitions (A --> G) as shown by the sequencing. Therefore, gamma-rays and neutrons seem to be significant environmental agents increasing the SNP risk for the population through their action on the germ cells. The results obtained are also discussed within the framework of the track structure theory and the notion of quite different chromatin organization in somatic and germ cells.

Modelling the dynamics of ambient dose rates induced by radiocaesium in the Fukushima terrestrial environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonze, Marc-André; Mourlon, Christophe; Calmon, Philippe; Manach, Erwan; Debayle, Christophe; Baccou, Jean

2017-09-01

Since the Fukushima accident, Japanese scientists have been intensively monitoring ambient radiations in the highly contaminated territories situated within 80 km of the nuclear site. The surveys that were conducted through mainly carborne, airborne and in situ gamma-ray measurement devices, enabled to efficiently characterize the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of air dose rates induced by Caesium-134 and Caesium-137 in the terrestrial systems. These measurements revealed that radiation levels decreased at rates greater than expected from physical decay in 2011-2012 (up to a factor of 2), and dependent on the type of environment (i.e. urban, agricultural or forest). Unlike carborne measurements that may have been strongly influenced by the depuration of road surfaces, no obvious reason can be invoked for airborne measurements, especially above forests that are known to efficiently retain and recycle radiocaesium. The purpose of our research project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the data acquired by Japanese, and identify the environmental mechanisms or factors that may explain such decays. The methodology relies on the use of a process-based and spatially-distributed dynamic model that predicts radiocaesium transfer and associated air dose rates inside/above a terrestrial environment (e.g., forests, croplands, meadows, bare soils and urban areas). Despite the lack of site-specific data, our numerical study predicts decrease rates that are globally consistent with both aerial and in situ observations. The simulation at a flying altitude of 200 m indicated that ambient radiation levels decreased over the first 12 months by about 45% over dense urban areas, 15% above evergreen coniferous forests and between 2 and 12% above agricultural lands, owing to environmental processes that are identified and discussed. In particular, we demonstrate that the decrease over evergreen coniferous regions might be due the combined effects of canopy depuration (through biological and physical mechanisms) and the shielding of gamma rays emitted from the forest floor by vegetation. Our study finally suggests that airborne surveys might have not reflected dose rates at ground level in forest systems, which were predicted to slightly increase by 5 to 10% during the same period of time.

Observation of fluctuation of gamma-ray count rate accompanying thunderstorm activity and energy spectrum of gamma rays in the atmosphere up to several kilometers altitude from the ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torii, T.; Sanada, Y.; Watanabe, A.

2017-12-01

In the vicinity of the tops of high mountains and in the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan in winter, the generation of high energy photons that lasts more than 100 seconds at the occurrence of thunderclouds has been reported. At the same time, 511 keV gamma rays are also detected. On the other hand, we irradiated a radiosonde equipped with gamma-ray detectors at the time of thunderstorm and observed fluctuation in gamma-ray count-rate. As a result, we found that the gamma-ray count-rate increases significantly near the top of the thundercloud. Therefore, in order to investigate the fluctuation of the energy of the gamma rays, we developed a radiation detector for radiosonde to observe the fluctuation of the low energy gamma-ray spectrum and observed the fluctuation of the gamma-ray spectrum. We will describe the counting rate and spectral fluctuation of gamma-ray detectors for radiosonde observed in the sky in Fukushima prefecture, Japan.

L-carnitine protects against testicular dysfunction caused by gamma irradiation in mice.

PubMed

Ahmed, Mohamed Mohamed; Ibrahim, Zein Shaban; Alkafafy, Mohamed; El-Shazly, Samir Ahmed

2014-07-01

This study was conducted on mice to evaluate the radioprotective role of L-carnitine against γ-ray irradiation-induced testicular damage. Adult male mice were exposed to whole body irradiation at a total dose of 1 Gy. Radiation exposure was continued 24 h a day (0.1 Gy/day) throughout the 10 days exposure period either in the absence and/or presence of L-carnitine at an i.p. dose of 10 mg/kg body weight/day. Results revealed that γ-rays irradiation suppressed the expression of ABP and CYP450SCC mRNA, whereas treatment with L-carnitine prior and throughout γ-rays irradiation exposure inhibited this suppression. Treatment with γ-ray irradiation or L-carnitine down-regulated expression of aromatase mRNA. With combined treatment, L-carnitine significantly normalized aromatase expression. γ-Ray irradiation up-regulated expression of FasL and Cyclin D2 mRNA, while L-carnitine inhibited these up-regulations. Results also showed that γ-ray-irradiation up-regulated TNF-α, IL1-β and IFN-γ mRNA expressions compared to either controls or the L-carnitine treated group. Moreover, γ-irradiation greatly reduced serum testosterone levels, while L-carnitine, either alone or in combination with irradiation, significantly increased serum testosterone levels compared to controls. In addition, γ-irradiation induced high levels of sperm abnormalities (43%) which were decreased to 12% in the presence of L-carnitine. In parallel with these findings, histological examination showed that γ-irradiation induced severe tubular degenerative changes, which were reduced by L-carnitine pre-treatment. These results clarified the immunostimulatory effects of L-carnitine and its radioprotective role against testicular injury. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Positron Annihilation Induced Auger and Gamma Spectroscopy of Catalytically Important Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, A. H.; Nadesalingam, M. P.; Sundaramoorthy, R.; Mukherjee, S.; Fazleev, N. G.

2006-10-01

The annihilation of positrons with core electrons results in unique signatures in the spectra of Auger-electron and annihilation-gamma rays that can be used to make clear chemical identification of atoms at the surface. Because positrons implanted at low energies are trapped with high efficiency in the image-correlation well where they are localized just outside the surface it is possible to use annihilation induced Auger and Gamma signals to probe the surfaces of solids with single atomic layer depth resolution. In this talk we will report recent applications of Positron Annihilation Induced Auger Electron Spectroscopy (PAES) and Auger-Gamma Coincidence Spectroscopy (AGCS) to the study of surface structure and surface chemistry. Our research has demonstrated that PAES spectra can provide new information regarding the composition of the top-most atomic layer. Applications of PAES to the study of catalytically important surfaces of oxides and wide band-gap semiconductors including TiO2, SiO2,Cu2O, and SiC will be presented. We conclude with a discussion of the use of Auger-Gamma and Gamma-Gamma coincidence spectroscopy for the study of surfaces at pressures closer to those found in practical chemical reactors. Research supported by the Welch Foundation Grant Number Y-1100.

Performance measurement of HARPO: A time projection chamber as a gamma-ray telescope and polarimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gros, P.; Amano, S.; Attié, D.; Baron, P.; Baudin, D.; Bernard, D.; Bruel, P.; Calvet, D.; Colas, P.; Daté, S.; Delbart, A.; Frotin, M.; Geerebaert, Y.; Giebels, B.; Götz, D.; Hashimoto, S.; Horan, D.; Kotaka, T.; Louzir, M.; Magniette, F.; Minamiyama, Y.; Miyamoto, S.; Ohkuma, H.; Poilleux, P.; Semeniouk, I.; Sizun, P.; Takemoto, A.; Yamaguchi, M.; Yonamine, R.; Wang, S.

2018-01-01

We analyse the performance of a gas time projection chamber (TPC) as a high-performance gamma-ray telescope and polarimeter in the e+e- pair-creation regime. We use data collected at a gamma-ray beam of known polarisation. The TPC provides two orthogonal projections (x, z) and (y, z) of the tracks induced by each conversion in the gas volume. We use a simple vertex finder in which vertices and pseudo-tracks exiting from them are identified. We study the various contributions to the single-photon angular resolution using Monte Carlo simulations, compare them with the experimental data and find that they are in excellent agreement. The distribution of the azimuthal angle of pair conversions shows a bias due to the non-cylindrical-symmetric structure of the detector. This bias would average out for a long duration exposure on a space mission, but for this pencil-beam characterisation we have ensured its accurate simulation by a double systematics-control scheme, data taking with the detector rotated at several angles with respect to the beam polarisation direction and systematics control with a non-polarised beam. We measure, for the first time, the polarisation asymmetry of a linearly polarised gamma-ray beam in the low energy pair-creation regime. This sub-GeV energy range is critical for cosmic sources as their spectra are power laws which fall quickly as a function of increasing energy. This work could pave the way to extending polarised gamma-ray astronomy beyond the MeV energy regime.

Estrogen induces rapid decrease in dendritic thorns of CA3 pyramidal neurons in adult male rat hippocampus

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

Tsurugizawa, Tomokazu; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo at Komaba, 3-8-1 Meguro, Tokyo 153; Mukai, Hideo

2005-12-02

Modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by estrogen has been attracting much attention. Thorns of thorny excrescences of CA3 hippocampal neurons are post-synaptic regions whose presynaptic partners are mossy fiber terminals. Here we demonstrated the rapid effect of estradiol on the density of thorns of thorny excrescences, by imaging Lucifer Yellow-injected CA3 neurons in adult male rat hippocampal slices. The application of 1 nM estradiol induced rapid decrease in the density of thorns on pyramidal neurons within 2 h. The estradiol-mediated decrease in the density of thorns was blocked by CNQX (AMPA receptor antagonist) and PD98059 (MAP kinase inhibitor), but notmore » by MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist). ER{alpha} agonist PPT induced the same suppressive effect as that induced by estradiol on the density of thorns, but ER{beta} agonist DPN did not affect the density of thorns. Note that a 1 nM estradiol treatment did not affect the density of spines in the stratum radiatum and stratum oriens. A search for synaptic ER{alpha} was performed using purified RC-19 antibody. The localization of ER{alpha} (67 kDa) in the CA3 mossy fiber terminals and thorns was demonstrated using immunogold electron microscopy. These results imply that estradiol drives the signaling pathway including ER{alpha} and MAP kinase.« less

Lunar occultations for gamma-ray source measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koch, David G.; Hughes, E. B.; Nolan, Patrick L.

1990-01-01

The unambiguous association of discrete gamma-ray sources with objects radiating at other wavelengths, the separation of discrete sources from the extended emission within the Galaxy, the mapping of gamma-ray emission from nearby galaxies and the measurement of structure within a discrete source cannot presently be accomplished at gamma-ray energies. In the past, the detection processes used in high-energy gamma-ray astronomy have not allowed for good angular resolution. This problem can be overcome by placing gamma-ray detectors on the moon and using the horizon as an occulting edge to achieve arcsec resolution. For purposes of discussion, this concept is examined for gamma rays above 100 MeV for which pair production dominates the detection process and locally-generated nuclear gamma rays do not contribute to the background.

Differential effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators on the vagina and its supportive tissues.

PubMed

Liang, Rui; Knight, Katrina; Nolfi, Alexis; Abramowitch, Steven; Moalli, Pamela A

2016-02-01

Some selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been associated with increased incidence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. This study explored the effects of five SERMs on the function and matrix components of the vagina and its supportive tissues. Fifty-six rats were administered SERMs by oral gavage for 8 weeks (n = 8 for each SERM): raloxifene, tamoxifen, idoxifene, bazedoxifene at three different doses, and bazedoxifene with conjugated estrogens. Thirty-two rats were used as controls (n = 8 per group): sham operation (no ovariectomy), ovariectomy only, ovariectomy with vehicle gavage, and 17β-estradiol (subcutaneous). Vaginal supportive tissue complex was tested by uniaxial tensile testing. Total collagen content (hydroxyproline) and glycosaminoglycan content (Blyscan) were measured. Ovariectomy significantly decreased the mechanical integrity of the vagina and its supportive tissue complex, with a decrease in ultimate load and stiffness (all P < 0.05). Although 17β-estradiol supplementation maintained these properties similarly to sham operation, none of the SERMs was as effective--particularly idoxifene, bazedoxifene at higher doses, and bazedoxifene with conjugated estrogens (all P < 0.05). In addition, idoxifene and bazedoxifene induced increased total collagen content compared with sham or 17β-estradiol treatment (all P < 0.05). Glycosaminoglycan content did not change significantly. Unlike 17β-estradiol, SERM supplementation does not fully prevent ovariectomy-induced deterioration in the biomechanical properties of the vagina and its supportive tissues, with the effects of idoxifene and bazedoxifene being the least. The paradoxically increased collagen content in these two groups may be related to increased formation of nonfunctional collagen.

[Effects of damage and post-radiation reparation of cornea epithelium cells chromosomal apparatus in mice following irradiation by protons with the energy of 25 MeV].

PubMed

2012-01-01

Damage and post-radiation reparation processes were studied in cornea epithelium cells of mice irradiated by protons with the energy of 25 MeV and 60Co gamma-rays singly and in 2 fractions. Protons linear energy transfer (LET) was equal to 2.1 keV/microm, dose rate - 0.5 cGy/s. Animals were irradiated singly by 25 and 750 cGy and doubly (25 + 25; 50 + 50; 125 + 125; 250 + 250 cGy) with a 24-hr interval. Investigations were performed in 24, 72 and 120 hrs. after single and in 24 hrs. after double irradiation. Preparations were analyzed with the anaphase technique. 25 MeV protons were shown to cause more severe damages to the chromosomal apparatus in mammal cells including dramatic suppression of cell division and profuse formation of cells with aberrant mitoses as compared with gamma-induced damages. Exchange-type aberrations were more frequent. There was a reliable decrease of the aberrant mitosis rate in consequence of fractionated irradiation by 25 MeV protons and gamma-rays. On passing 24, 72 and 120 hours, coefficients of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 25 MeV protons were equal to 1.4 +/- 0.2; 1.3 +/- 0.1; 1.2 +/- 0.1 for the mitotic index and 1.5 +/- 0.1; 1.3 +/- 0.2; 1.1 +/- 0.1 for aberrant mitosis, respectively.

Boron analysis for neutron capture therapy using particle-induced gamma-ray emission.

PubMed

Nakai, Kei; Yamamoto, Yohei; Okamoto, Emiko; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Yoshida, Fumiyo; Matsumura, Akira; Yamada, Naoto; Kitamura, Akane; Koka, Masashi; Satoh, Takahiro

2015-12-01

The neutron source of BNCT is currently changing from reactor to accelerator, but peripheral facilities such as a dose-planning system and blood boron analysis have still not been established. To evaluate the potential application of particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) for boron measurement in clinical boron neutron capture therapy, boronophenylalanine dissolved within a cell culture medium was measured using PIGE. PIGE detected 18 μgB/mL f-BPA in the culture medium, and all measurements of any given sample were taken within 20 min. Two hours of f-BPA exposure was required to create a boron distribution image. However, even though boron remained in the cells, the boron on the cell membrane could not be distinguished from the boron in the cytoplasm. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electron trapping in rad-hard RCA IC's irradiated with electrons and gamma rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danchenko, V.; Brashears, S. S.; Fang, P. H.

1984-01-01

Enhanced electron trapping has been observed in n-channels of rad-hard CMOS devices due to electron and gamma-ray irradiation. Room-temperature annealing results in a positive shift in the threshold potential far beyond its initial value. The slope of the annealing curve immediately after irradiation was found to depend strongly on the gate bias applied during irradiation. Some dependence was also observed on the electron dose rate. No clear dependence on energy and shielding over a delidded device was observed. The threshold shift is probably due to electron trapping at the radiation-induced interface states and tunneling of electrons through the oxide-silicon energy barrier to fill the radiation-induced electron traps. A mathematical analysis, based on two parallel annealing kinetics, hole annealing and electron trapping, is applied to the data for various electron dose rates.

The possibility of gamma-ray astronomy measurements on the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fradkin, M. I.; Gorchakov, E. V.; Kaplin, V. A.; Kaplin, D. V.; Kurnosova, L. V.; Labenskij, A. G.; Runtso, M. F.; Topchiev, N. P.

The conditions required for gamma-ray astronomy measurements at energies of 10 - 1000 GeV by a gamma-ray telescope on the International Space Station are discussed. It is shown that the properties of the detected gamma rays can be determined accurately at 30 - 1000 GeV, even if the space station solar arrays fall in the aperture of the gamma-ray telescope. Measurements of the secondary gamma-ray spectrum using a ground-based model of the gamma-ray telescope have been carried out, and the resulting spectrum at energies of 1 - 100 GeV is presented.

Gamma ray astrophysics to the year 2000. Report of the NASA Gamma Ray Program Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

Important developments in gamma-ray astrophysics up to energies of 100 GeV during the last decade are reviewed. Also, the report seeks to define the major current scientific goals of the field and proposes a vigorous program to pursue them, extending to the year 2000. The goals of gamma-ray astronomy include the study of gamma rays which provide the most direct means of studying many important problems in high energy astrophysics including explosive nucleosynthesis, accelerated particle interactions and sources, and high-energy processes around compact objects. The current research program in gamma-ray astronomy in the U.S. including the space program, balloon program and foreign programs in gamma-ray astronomy is described. The high priority recommendations for future study include an Explorer-class high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy mission and a Get Away Special cannister (GAS-can) or Scout class multiwavelength experiment for the study of gamma-ray bursts. Continuing programs include an extended Gamma Ray Observatory mission, continuation of the vigorous program of balloon observations of the nearby Supernova 1987A, augmentation of the balloon program to provide for new instruments and rapid scientific results, and continuation of support for theoretical research. Long term recommendations include new space missions using advanced detectors to better study gamma-ray sources, the development of these detectors, continued study for the assembly of large detectors in space, collaboration with the gamma-ray astronomy missions initiated by other countries, and consideration of the Space Station attached payloads for gamma-ray experiments.

Physical principles of neutron-gamma materials monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekarskii, G. Sh.

1986-03-01

The physical principles of secondary radiation methods in nondestructive testing are discussed. Among the techniques considered are: neutron activation analysis (NAA); the induced-radiation method; and quasialbedo recording of secondary gamma-radiation. Emphasis is given to the neutron-gamma method which consists of exposing test material to a neutron flux and recording the secondary gamma-radiation by means of a spectrometer. The limitations of the method in detecting local inhomogeneous defects (filled pores cracks, and inclusions) in metal layers and multicomponents materials are described, and some advantages of the method over NAA are discussed. Formulas are derived for estimating the optimum density of the gamma-ray flux which is received by the detector.

Physical principles of neutron-gamma materials monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekarskii, G. Sh.

1985-07-01

The physical principles of secondary radiation methods in nondestructive testing are discussed. Among the techniques considered are: neutron activation analysis (NAA); the induced-radiation method; and quasialbedo recording of secondary gamma-radiation. Emphasis is given to the neutron-gamma method which consists of exposing test material to a neutron flux and recording the secondary gamma-radiation by means of a spectrometer. The limitations of the method in detecting local inhomogeneous defects (filled pores cracks, and inclusions) in metal layers and multicomponents materials are described, and some advantages of the method over NAA are discussed. Formulas are derived for estimating the optimum density of the gamma-ray flux which is received by the detector.

Resveratrol inhibits estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis through induction of NRF2-mediated protective pathways

PubMed Central

Singh, Bhupendra; Shoulson, Rivka; Chatterjee, Anwesha; Ronghe, Amruta; Bhat, Nimee K.; Dim, Daniel C.; Bhat, Hari K.

2014-01-01

The importance of estrogens in the etiology of breast cancer is widely recognized. Estrogen-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in this carcinogenic process. Resveratrol (Res), a natural antioxidant phytoestrogen has chemopreventive effects against a variety of illnesses including cancer. The objective of the present study was to characterize the mechanism(s) of Res-mediated protection against estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis. Female August Copenhagen Irish rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), Res and Res + E2 for 8 months. Cotreatment of rats with Res and E2 inhibited E2-mediated proliferative changes in mammary tissues and significantly increased tumor latency and reduced E2-induced breast tumor development. Resveratrol treatment alone or in combination with E2 significantly upregulated expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in mammary tissues. Expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes NQO1, SOD3 and OGG1 that are involved in protection against oxidative DNA damage was increased in Res- and Res + E2-treated mammary tissues. Resveratrol also prevented E2-mediated inhibition of detoxification genes AOX1 and FMO1. Inhibition of E2-mediated alterations in NRF2 promoter methylation and expression of NRF2 targeting miR-93 after Res treatment indicated Res-mediated epigenetic regulation of NRF2 during E2-induced breast carcinogenesis. Resveratrol treatment also induced apoptosis and inhibited E2-mediated increase in DNA damage in mammary tissues. Increased apoptosis and decreased DNA damage, cell migration, colony and mammosphere formation in Res- and Res + E2-treated MCF-10A cells suggested a protective role of Res against E2-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Small-interfering RNA-mediated silencing of NRF2 inhibited Res-mediated preventive effects on the colony and mammosphere formation. Taken together, these results suggest that Res inhibits E2-induced breast carcinogenesis via induction of NRF2-mediated protective pathways. PMID:24894866

Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes (TGFs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fishman, Gerald J.

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the observation of Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs) by Gamma-Ray Telescopes. These were: (1) BATSE /Compton Observatory, (2) Solar Spectroscopic Imager, (3) AGILE Gamma-ray Telescope, and (4) Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. It contains charts which display the counts over time, a map or the TGFs observed by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). and a map showing the latitude and longitude of 85 of the TGFs observed by the Fermi GBM.

Space instrumentation for gamma-ray astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teegarden, B. J.

1999-02-01

The decade of the 1990s has witnessed a renaissance in the field of gamma-ray astronomy. The seminal event was the launch of the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) in April 1991. There have been a flood of major discoveries from CGRO including breakthroughs in gamma-ray bursts, annihilation radiation, and blazars. The Italian SAX satellite was launched in April 1996. Although not primarily a gamma-ray mission, it has added a new dimension to our understanding of gamma-ray bursts. Along with these new discoveries a firm groundwork has been laid for missions and new technology development that should maintain a healthy and vigorous field throughout most of the next decade. These include the ESA INTEGRAL mission (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, to be launched in mid-2001) and the NASA GLAST mission (Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope) with a likely launch in the middle of the next decade. These two missions will extend the observational capabilities well beyond those of CGRO. New technologies (to gamma-ray astronomy), such as cooled germanium detectors, silicon strip detectors, and CdTe detectors are planned for these new missions. Additional promising new technologies such as CdZnTe strip detectors, scintillator fibers, and a gamma-ray lens for future gamma-ray astronomy missions are under development in laboratories around the world.

Multiwavelength Monitoring of the Enigmatic Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 PMN J0948 0022 in March-July 2009

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

Abdo, A.A.; /Naval Research Lab, Wash., D.C. /Federal City Coll.; Ackermann, M.

Following the recent discovery of {gamma} rays from the radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PMN J0948+0022 (z = 0.5846), we started a multiwavelength campaign from radio to {gamma} rays, which was carried out between the end of 2009 March and the beginning of July. The source displayed activity at all the observed wavelengths: a general decreasing trend from optical to {gamma}-ray frequencies was followed by an increase of radio emission after less than two months from the peak of the {gamma}-ray emission. The largest flux change, about a factor of about 4, occurred in the X-ray band. The smallest wasmore » at ultraviolet and near-infrared frequencies, where the rate of the detected photons dropped by a factor 1.6-1.9. At optical wavelengths, where the sampling rate was the highest, it was possible to observe day scale variability, with flux variations up to a factor of about 3. The behavior of PMN J0948+0022 observed in this campaign and the calculated power carried out by its jet in the form of protons, electrons, radiation, and magnetic field are quite similar to that of blazars, specifically of flat-spectrum radio quasars. These results confirm the idea that radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies host relativistic jets with power similar to that of average blazars.« less

Evaluation of Estrogenic Activity of Licorice Species in Comparison with Hops Used in Botanicals for Menopausal Symptoms

PubMed Central

Hajirahimkhan, Atieh; Simmler, Charlotte; Yuan, Yang; Anderson, Jeffrey R.; Chen, Shao-Nong; Nikolić, Dejan; Dietz, Birgit M.; Pauli, Guido F.; van Breemen, Richard B.; Bolton, Judy L.

2013-01-01

The increased cancer risk associated with hormone therapies has encouraged many women to seek non-hormonal alternatives including botanical supplements such as hops (Humulus lupulus) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza spec.) to manage menopausal symptoms. Previous studies have shown estrogenic properties for hops, likely due to the presence of 8-prenylnarigenin, and chemopreventive effects mainly attributed to xanthohumol. Similarly, a combination of estrogenic and chemopreventive properties has been reported for various Glycyrrhiza species. The major goal of the current study was to evaluate the potential estrogenic effects of three licorice species (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) in comparison with hops. Extracts of Glycyrrhiza species and spent hops induced estrogen responsive alkaline phosphatase activity in endometrial cancer cells, estrogen responsive element (ERE)-luciferase in MCF-7 cells, and Tff1 mRNA in T47D cells. The estrogenic activity decreased in the order H. lupulus > G. uralensis > G. inflata > G. glabra. Liquiritigenin was found to be the principle phytoestrogen of the licorice extracts; however, it exhibited lower estrogenic effects compared to 8-prenylnaringenin in functional assays. Isoliquiritigenin, the precursor chalcone of liquiritigenin, demonstrated significant estrogenic activities while xanthohumol, a metabolic precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, was not estrogenic. Liquiritigenin showed ERβ selectivity in competitive binding assay and isoliquiritigenin was equipotent for ER subtypes. The estrogenic activity of isoliquiritigenin could be the result of its cyclization to liquiritigenin under physiological conditions. 8-Prenylnaringenin had nanomolar estrogenic potency without ER selectivity while xanthohumol did not bind ERs. These data demonstrated that Glycyrrhiza species with different contents of liquiritigenin have various levels of estrogenic activities, suggesting the importance of precise labeling of botanical supplements. Although hops shows strong estrogenic properties via ERα, licorice might have different estrogenic activities due to its ERβ selectivity, partial estrogen agonist activity, and non-enzymatic conversion of isoliquiritigenin to liquiritigenin. PMID:23874474

Involvement of BDNF/TrkB and ERK/CREB axes in nitroglycerin-induced rat migraine and effects of estrogen on these signals in the migraine

PubMed Central

Guo, Jiu-Qing; Deng, Hui-Hui; Bo, Xiao

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Migraine is a highly prevalent headache disorder, especially in women. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinases (TrkB), as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and its downstream target c-AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) are strongly associated with the transmission of nociceptive information. However, the involvement of these substances in migraine has rarely been examined. In the present study, intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTC) successfully induced rat migraine attack, as evidenced by behavioral testing. The location and abundance of these substances in the migraine model were determined by immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA). Results showed that BDNF, TrkB, phosphor(p)-ERK and p-CREB were up-regulated in the brain neurons of both male and female rats with NTG-induced migraine compared to non-migraine control, whereas their expression levels were decreased in headache-free intervals of the migraine compared to migraine attacks. Estrogen is an important contributor to migraine. Female ovariectomized rats showed significant reduction in the expression of BDNF, TrkB, p-CREB and p-ERK in both attacks and intervals of NTG-induced migraine, relative to rats that have their ovaries. But, intraperitoneal administration of exogenous estrogen recovered their expression in ovariectomized rats. Collectively, this study unveiled a positive correlation of BDNF/TrkB and ERK/CREB axes in NTG-induced migraine and promoting effects of estrogen on their signals in the migraine. These findings contribute to further understanding the pathogenesis of migraine in the molecular basis. PMID:27875242

Estrogen receptors regulate the estrous behavior induced by progestins, peptides, and prostaglandin E2.

PubMed

Lima-Hernández, F J; Gómora-Arrati, P; García-Juárez, M; Blaustein, J D; Etgen, A M; Beyer, C; González-Flores, O

2014-07-01

The role of classical estrogen receptors (ERs) in priming female reproductive behavior has been studied previously; however, the participation of this receptor during activation of estrous behavior has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this work was to test the possibility that the facilitation of lordosis behavior in estrogen-primed rats by progesterone (P) and its 5α- and 5β-reduced metabolites, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leptin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vagino-cervical stimulation (VCS) involves interactions with classical ERs by using the selective ER modulator, tamoxifen. To further assess the role of ERs, we also explored the effects of the pure ER antagonist, ICI182780 (ICI), on estrous behavior induced by P and GnRH. Ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats (5μg estradiol benzoate 40h earlier) were injected intraventricularly with the above-mentioned compounds, or they received VCS. All compounds and VCS effectively facilitated estrous behavior when tested at 60, 120 or 240min after infusion or application of VCS. Intraventricular infusion of tamoxifen (5μg), 30min before, significantly attenuated estrous behaviors induced in estradiol-primed rats by P, most of its 5α- and 5β-reduced metabolites, GnRH, and PGE2, but not by VCS. Although there was a trend for reduction, tamoxifen did not significantly decrease lordosis in females treated with 5β-pregnan-3,20-dione. ICI also inhibited lordosis behavior induced by P and GnRH at some testing intervals. These results suggest that activation of classical ERs participates in the triggering effects on estrous behavior induced by agents with different chemical structures that do not bind directly to ERs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gamma abnormalities during perception of illusory figures in autism.

PubMed

Brown, Caroline; Gruber, Thomas; Boucher, Jill; Rippon, Gina; Brock, Jon

2005-06-01

This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that perceptual abnormalities in autism might be associated with alteration of induced gamma activity patterns overlying visual cortical regions. EEG was recorded from six adolescents with autism and eight controls matched on chronological age, and verbal and nonverbal mental age, whilst identifying the presence or absence of an illusory Kanizsa shape. Although there were no reaction time or accuracy differences between the groups there were significant task-related differences in cortical activity. Control participants showed typical gamma-band activity over parietal regions at around 350 msec post onset of shape trials, similar to gamma patterns found in previous studies with non-impaired adults. In contrast, autistic participants showed overall increased activity, including an early 100 msec gamma peak and a late induced peak, 50 to 70 msec earlier than that shown by the control group. We interpret the abnormal gamma activity to reflect decreased "signal to noise" due to decreased inhibitory processing. In this experiment we did not establish a link between altered perception and abnormal gamma, as the autistic participants' behaviour did not differ from the controls. Future work should be designed to replicate this phenomenon and establish the perceptual consequences of altered gamma activity.

The gamma-ray observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

An overview is given of the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) mission. Detection of gamma rays and gamma ray sources, operations using the Space Shuttle, and instruments aboard the GRO, including the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE), the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (OSSE), the Imaging Compton Telescope (COMPTEL), and the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) are among the topics surveyed.

Gamma Irradiation Upregulates B-cell Translocation Gene 2 to Attenuate Cell Proliferation of Lung Cancer Cells Through the JNK and NF-κB Pathways.

PubMed

Wang, Peihe; Cai, Yuanyuan; Lin, Dongju; Jiang, Yingxiao

2017-08-07

Gamma ray can promote cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. It is often used in the clinical treatment of tumors, including lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of gamma ray treatment and its correlation with BTG2 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest regulation in a lung cancer cell line. A549 cell viability, apoptosis rate, and cell cycle were investigated after gamma ray treatment. We then used siRNA for BTG2 to detect the effect of BTG2 knockdown on the progress of gamma ray-treated lung cancer cells. Finally, we investigated the signaling pathway by which gamma ray might regulate BTG2. We found that gamma ray inhibited A549 cell viability and promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, while BTG2 knockdown could relieve the effect caused by gamma ray on A549 cells. Moreover, we confirmed that the effect of BTG2 partly depends on p53 expression and gamma ray-promoting BTG2 expression through the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study assessed the possible mechanism of gamma ray in tumor treatment and also investigated the role of BTG2 in gamma ray therapy. All these findings might give a deep understanding of the effect of gamma ray on the progression of lung cancer involving BTG2.

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

Yamaoka, Kazutaka; Yoshida, Atsumasa; Kotani, Taro

The CALET mission is a Japanese-led effort involving candidate experiments on the International Space Station, planned for launch in 2013. The CALET main detector is a pair conversion telescope which is dedicated to observing high energy electrons and gamma-rays in the GeV-TeV range. CALET can observe gamma-ray bursts over an unprecedented 9 decade energy range from {approx}keV to {approx}TeV with a combination of a gamma-ray burst monitor (GBM) with low energy coverage. GBM is now designed as multiple scintillators made of BGO and LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillators. The prototype LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) crystal with 3 inch diameter and 0.5 inch thickness displaysmore » a very good performance: 2.9{+-}0.1% FWHM energy resolution at 662 keV and 4 keV lower energy threshold. Furthermore, degradations in performance by the anticipated proton irradiation in the orbit are not significant. Results on proton-induced background are also presented.« less

Introduction: recent developments in the study of gamma-ray bursts.

PubMed

Wells, Alan; Wijers, Ralph A M J; Rees, Martin J

2007-05-15

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are immensely powerful explosions, originating at cosmological distances, whose outbursts persist for durations ranging from milliseconds to tens of seconds or more. In these brief moments, the explosions radiate more energy than the Sun will release in its entire 10Gyr lifetime. Current theories attribute these phenomena to the final collapse of a massive star, or the coalescence of a binary system induced by gravity wave emission. New results from Swift and related programmes offer fresh understanding of the physics of GRBs, and of the local environments and host galaxies of burst progenitors. Bursts found at very high red shifts are new tools for exploring the intergalactic medium, the first stars and the earliest stages of galaxy formation. This Royal Society Discussion Meeting has brought together leading figures in the field, together with young researchers and students, to discuss and review the latest results from NASA's Swift Gamma-ray Burst Observatory and elsewhere, and to examine their impact on current understanding of the observed phenomena.

All-trans retinoic acid protects against arsenic-induced uterine toxicity in female Sprague-Dawley rats

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

Chatterjee, A.; Chatterji, U., E-mail: urmichatterji@gmail.com

2011-12-15

Background and purpose: Arsenic exposure frequently leads to reproductive failures by disrupting the rat uterine histology, hormonal integrity and estrogen signaling components of the rat uterus, possibly by generating reactive oxygen species. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was assessed as a prospective therapeutic agent for reversing reproductive disorders. Experimental approach: Rats exposed to arsenic for 28 days were allowed to either recover naturally or were treated simultaneously with ATRA for 28 days or treatment continued up to 56 days. Hematoxylin-eosin double staining was used to evaluate changes in the uterine histology. Serum gonadotropins and estradiol were assayed by ELISA. Expression ofmore » the estrogen receptor (ER{alpha}), an estrogen responsive gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cell cycle regulatory proteins, cyclin D1 and CDK4, was assessed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Key results: ATRA ameliorated sodium arsenite-induced decrease in circulating estradiol and gonadotropin levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, along with recovery of luminal epithelial cells and endometrial glands. Concomitant up regulation of ER{alpha}, VEGF, cyclin D1, CDK4 and Ki-67 was also observed to be more prominent for ATRA-treated rats as compared to the rats that were allowed to recover naturally for 56 days. Conclusions and implications: Collectively, the results reveal that ATRA reverses arsenic-induced disruption of the circulating levels of gonadotropins and estradiol, and degeneration of luminal epithelial cells and endometrial glands of the rat uterus, indicating resumption of their functional status. Since structural and functional maintenance of the pubertal uterus is under the influence of estradiol, ATRA consequently up regulated the estrogen receptor and resumed cellular proliferation, possibly by an antioxidant therapeutic approach against arsenic toxicity. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Arsenic disrupts the uterine histology and estrogen signaling components in rats. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Decrease in estradiol and gonadotropin levels, ER{alpha}, VEGF and cell cycle proteins. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Arsenic disrupts the above components by inhibiting antioxidant defense mechanism. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ATRA treatment led to recovery of uterine histology and ER{alpha} signaling components. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Vitamin A in diet is a promising cure for arsenic-induced reproductive failures.« less

Elastic and Inelastic Scattering of Neutrons from Neon and Argon: Impact on Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay and Dark Matter Experimental Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacMullin, Sean Patrick

In underground physics experiments, such as neutrinoless double-beta decay and dark matter searches, fast neutrons may be the dominant and potentially irreducible source of background. Experimental data for the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections of neutrons from argon and neon, which are target and shielding materials of interest to the dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay communities, were previously unavailable. Unmeasured neutron scattering cross sections are often accounted for incorrectly in Monte-Carlo simulations. Elastic scattering cross sections were measured at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) using the neutron time-of-flight technique. Angular distributions for neon were measured at 5.0 and 8.0 MeV. One full angular distribution was measured for argon at 6.0 MeV. The cross-section data were compared to calculations using a global optical model. Data were also fit using the spherical optical model. These model fits were used to predict the elastic scattering cross section at unmeasured energies and also provide a benchmark where the global optical models are not well constrained. Partial gamma-ray production cross sections for (n,xngamma ) reactions in natural argon and neon were measured using the broad spectrum neutron beam at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Neutron energies were determined using time of flight and resulting gamma rays from neutron-induced reactions were detected using the GErmanium Array for Neutron Induced Excitations (GEANIE). Partial gamma-ray production cross sections for six transitions in 40Ar, two transitions in 39Ar and the first excited state transitions is 20Ne and 22Ne were measured from threshold to a neutron energy where the gamma-ray yield dropped below the detection sensitivity. Measured (n,xngamma) cross sections were compared with calculations using the TALYS and CoH3 nuclear reaction codes. These new measurements will help to identify potential backgrounds in neutrinoless double-beta decay and dark matter experiments that use argon or neon. The measurements will also aid in the identification of neutron interactions in these experiments through the detection of gamma rays produced by ( n,xngamma) reactions.

THE RADIATION-INDUCED POLYMERIZATION OF ISOBUTENE: A LIQUID PHASE IONIC REACTION

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

Collinson, E.; Dainton, F.S.; Gillis, H.A.

1959-06-01

New evidence is presented in support of the suggestion that the gamma - ray-induced polymerization of liquid isobutene at -78 deg C proceeds solely by a cationic mechanism. Attempts to polymerize isobutene at -78 deg C with free radicals from the photolysis of diacetyl, benzoin and benzil were unsuccessful but the benzil solution irradiated with ultraviolet light at 77 deg K was shown by electron spin resonance measurements to give rise to radicals from the isobutene. Isobutene irradiated in the pure state at a gamma -ray dose rate of 7 x 10/sup 17/ e.v. ml/sup -1/ min/sup -1/ polymerized withmore » G(-C/sub 4/H/sub 8/) = 3.0 plus or minus 1.7 x 10/sup 2/. Solutions of FeCl/sub 3/, DPPH, benzoquinone and iodine in isobutene were also irradiated with gamma -rays. Of these solutes, only benzoquinone reduced the polymerization rate to zero, and DPPH had no significant effect. The effects of FeCl/sub 3/ and I/2 on the polymerization were complicated by other factors. The measured yields of conversion of the solutes after irradiation were G(-DPPH) =3.7 plus or minus 0.2, G(Fe(II)) = 3.0 plus or minus 0.5 and G(-Q) = 1.5 plus or minus 0.2. The electron spin resonance spectrum of isobutene irradiated with gamma -rays at 77 deg K showed the presence of H atoms which disappeared rapidly, and a more stable radical, the spectrum of which consisted of 6 peaks having an over-all spacing of 158 gauss at the operating frequency of 9400 Mc sec./sup -1/. The same six peak pattern was obtained from cyclopropane irradiated with gamma rays at 77 deg K and from a solution of benzil in isoDutene irradiated with ultraviolet light at 77 deg K. It is concluded that the radical responsible for this spectrum is either the cyclopropyl radical or the methyl substituted allyl radical, the latter being the less likely. The most likely initiating ion is considered to be (CH/sub 3/)/sub 3/C/sup +/, and a mechanism consistent with the available data is proposed. (auth)« less

Sheep model for osteoporosis: The effects of peripheral hormone therapy on centrally induced systemic bone loss in an osteoporotic sheep model.

PubMed

Oheim, Ralf; Simon, Maciej J K; Steiner, Malte; Vettorazzi, Eik; Barvencik, Florian; Ignatius, Anita; Amling, Michael; Clarke, Iain J; Pogoda, Pia; Beil, F Timo

2017-04-01

Hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection (HPD) leads to low bone turnover followed by bone loss and reduced biomechanical properties in sheep. To investigate the role of peripheral hormones in this centrally induced systemic bone loss model, we planned a hormone replacement experiment. Therefore, estrogen (OHE), thyroxin (OHT) or a combination of both (OHTE) was substituted in ovariectomized HPD sheep, as both hormones are decreased in HPD sheep and are known to have a significant but yet not fully understood impact on bone metabolism. Bone turnover and structural parameters were analyzed in comparison to different control groups - untreated sheep (C), ovariectomized (O) and ovariectomized+HPD sheep (OH). We performed histomorphometric and HR-pQCT analyses nine months after the HPD procedure, as well as biomechanical testing of all ewes studied. In HPD sheep (OH) the low bone turnover led to a significant bone loss. Treatment with thyroxin alone (OHT) mainly increased bone resorption, leading to a further reduction in bone volume. In contrast, the treatment with estrogen alone (OHE) and the combined treatment with estrogen and thyroxin (OHTE) prevented HPD-induced bone loss completely. In conclusion, peripheral hormone substitution was able to prevent HPD-induced low-turnover osteoporosis in sheep. But only the treatment with estrogen alone or in combination with thyroxin was able to completely preserve bone mass and structure. These findings demonstrate the importance of peripheral hormones for a balanced bone remodeling and a physiological bone turnover. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Martian H2O and CO2 via orbital gamma ray spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, Larry G.; Squyres, Steven W.

1987-01-01

The capability of an orbital gamma ray spectrometer to address presently unanswered questions concerning H2O and CO2 on Mars is investigated. The gamma ray signal produced by the Martian atmosphere and by several simple models of Martian surface materials is calculated. Results are reported for: (1) the production of neutrons in the atmosphere and in the subsurface material by cosmic ray interactions, (2) the scattering of neutrons and the resultant neutron energy spectrum and spatial distributions, (3) the reproduction of gamma rays by neutron prompt capture and nonelastic scatter reactions, (4) the production of gamma rays by natural radionuclides, (5) the attenuation of the gamma ray signal by passage through surface materials and the Martian atmosphere, (6) the production of the gamma ray continuum background, and (7) the uncertainty in gamma ray line strengths that results from the combined signal and background observed by the detector.

HZE Radiation Leukemogenesis in Mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yuanlin

Radiation exposure is a risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Leukemogenesis NSCOR was developed to compare this risk for low LET vs HZE radiations as a means to better assess the leukemia risk to astronauts posed by space radiation. Individual projects within the NSCOR explore HZE radiation leukemogenesis in murine model systems and extend the findings to AML in humans. AML sensitive CBA/CaJ mice have been irradiated with 1 GeV 56 Fe particles at NSRL and with 137 Cs gamma-rays at Colorado State University and followed to 800 days of age for the development of AML. Molecular and cytogenetic analyses of HZE- and gamma-induced AML, including assays for chromosomal aberrations, PU.1 deletion, gene expression, array CGH and microsatellite instability are ongoing. Preliminary data indicate that 56 Fe particles are no more effective in inducing AML or shortening lifespan than gamma-rays. Studies designed to address the individual molecular steps in leukemogenesis and determine the effects of radiation and genetic background on each step have been initiated using knockout mice. Deletion of the PU.1 gene on mouse chromosome 2 is a critical step in this murine model of radiation leukemogenesis. Two of the three HZE-induced AMLs that could be assayed and thirteen of fourteen γ-induced AMLs had PU.1 loss as determined by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH). We have found that AML sensitive CBA/CaJ mice have a higher incidence of Chr. 2 deletion in bone marrow cells following 56 Fe irradiation than AML resistant C57BL/6 mice. This study is being extended to proton irradiated mice. Our preliminary results indicate that microsatellite instability may be common in HZE irradiated progenitor cells. To determine if these cytogenetic changes can be induced in human myeloid progenitor cells by gamma, proton or HZE irradiation we are generating NOD/SCID mice that have been "humanized" by being transplanted with human hematopoietic stem cells. We are currently irradiating the humanized NOD/SCID mice with gamma-rays and then harvesting human cells from their bone marrow. These cells will be assayed for specific cytogenetic and molecular changes consistent with AML. In addition to screening the cells for chromosomal aberrations and specific deletions and translocations, we will also screen them for microsatellite instability by small pool PCR.(Funded by NASA Grant NAG9 1569)

Analysis of drought-tolerant sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) mutants induced with gamma radiation using SDS-PAGE and ISSR markers.

PubMed

Sen, Ayse; Alikamanoglu, Sema

2012-01-01

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses which greatly affect the plant growth and productivity. In the present study, various doses (0-75Gy) of gamma rays were applied to investigate the effect of radiation on shoot tip explants. It was observed that the regeneration rates and plant fresh weights decreased significantly with an increase in radiation dose. The optimal irradiation doses for mutation induction were determined at 15 and 20Gy. Afterwards, the induction of somatic mutation in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) was investigated by irradiation of shoot tips with 15 and 20Gy gamma rays. Irradiated shoot tips were sub-cultured and M(1)V(1)-M(1)V(3) generations were obtained. Mutants tolerant to drought stress were selected on MS medium, supplemented with 10 and 20gl(-1) PEG6000. Of the M(1)V(3) plantlets, drought-tolerant mutants were selected. Leaf soluble proteins obtained from the control and drought-tolerant mutants were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. A total of 22 protein bands were determined and 2 of them were observed to be drought-tolerant mutants except the control. Polymorphism was also detected among the control and drought-tolerant mutants by DNA fingerprinting using ISSR markers. A total of 106 PCR fragments were amplified with 19 ISSR primers and 91 of them were polymorphic. The dendrograms were separated into two main clusters. First cluster included M8 mutant plant, which was applied 20Gy gamma radiation and regenerated on selective culture media containing 10gl(-1) PEG6000 concentration, and the second cluster was further divided into five sub-clusters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of genistein on endothelial function in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

PubMed

Squadrito, Francesco; Altavilla, Domenica; Crisafulli, Alessandra; Saitta, Antonino; Cucinotta, Domenico; Morabito, Nunziata; D'Anna, Rosario; Corrado, Francesco; Ruggeri, Pietro; Frisina, Nicola; Squadrito, Giovanni

2003-04-15

Genistein, a phytoestrogen found in soybeans, corrects endothelial dysfunction induced by oophorectomy in animals. Using a double-blind, controlled, randomized design, we evaluated its effects on endothelial function in women. We enrolled 79 healthy postmenopausal women (mean [+/- SD] age, 56 +/- 4 years) and randomly assigned them to receive continuous estrogen/progestin therapy (n = 26; 17beta-estradiol [1 mg/d] combined with norethisterone acetate [0.5 mg/d]), genistein (n = 27; 54 mg/d), or placebo (n = 26). Brachial artery flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation and plasma levels of nitrites/nitrates (a marker of nitric oxide metabolism) and endothelin-1 were measured at baseline and after 1 year of therapy. Treatment with genistein increased levels of nitrites/nitrates (mean increase, 21 micromol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15 to 26 micromol/L; P <0.001 vs. placebo); estrogen/progestin therapy caused similar changes (P <0.001 vs. placebo). Plasma endothelin-1 levels decreased following 12 months of genistein (mean decrease, 7 pg/mL; 95% CI: 3 to 10 pg/mL; P <0.001 vs. placebo) and after 12 months of estrogen/progestin (P <0.001 vs. placebo). When compared with placebo, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was improved by genistein (mean increase, 5.5%; 95% CI: 3.9% to 7.0%; P <0.001) and by estrogen/progestin (P <0.001). There were no significant differences between estrogen and genistein for any of these parameters (all P >0.4). One year of genistein therapy improves endothelium function in postmenopausal women to a similar extent as does an estrogen/progestin regimen.

Significance of medium energy gamma ray astronomy in the study of cosmic rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fichtel, C. E.; Kniffen, D. A.; Thompson, D. J.; Bignami, G. F.; Cheung, C. Y.

1975-01-01

Medium energy (about 10 to 30 MeV) gamma ray astronomy provides information on the product of the galactic electron cosmic ray intensity and the galactic matter to which the electrons are dynamically coupled by the magnetic field. Because high energy (greater than 100 MeV) gamma ray astronomy provides analogous information for the nucleonic cosmic rays and the relevant matter, a comparison between high energy and medium energy gamma ray intensities provides a direct ratio of the cosmic ray electrons and nucleons throughout the galaxy. A calculation of gamma ray production by electron bremsstrahlung shows that: bremsstrahlung energy loss is probably not negligible over the lifetime of the electrons in the galaxy; and the approximate bremsstrahlung calculation often used previously overestimates the gamma ray intensity by about a factor of two. As a specific example, expected medium energy gamma ray intensities are calculated for the speral arm model.

Gamma-ray observations of the Orion Molecular Clouds with the Fermi Large Area Telescope

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

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.

We report on the gamma-ray observations of giant molecular clouds Orion A and B with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The gamma-ray emission in the energy band between ~100 MeV and ~100 GeV is predicted to trace the gas mass distribution in the clouds through nuclear interactions between the Galactic cosmic rays (CRs) and interstellar gas. The gamma-ray production cross-section for the nuclear interaction is known to ~10% precision which makes the LAT a powerful tool to measure the gas mass column density distribution of molecular clouds for a known CR intensity. Wemore » present here such distributions for Orion A and B, and correlate them with those of the velocity-integrated CO intensity (W CO) at a 1° × 1° pixel level. The correlation is found to be linear over a W CO range of ~10-fold when divided in three regions, suggesting penetration of nuclear CRs to most of the cloud volumes. The W CO-to-mass conversion factor, X CO, is found to be ~2.3 × 10 20 cm -2(K km s –1) –1 for the high-longitude part of Orion A (l > 212°), ~1.7 times higher than ~1.3 × 10 20 found for the rest of Orion A and B. We interpret the apparent high X CO in the high-longitude region of Orion A in the light of recent works proposing a nonlinear relation between H2 and CO densities in the diffuse molecular gas. W CO decreases faster than the H 2 column density in the region making the gas "darker" to W CO.« less

Gamma-Ray Observations of the Orion Molecular Clouds with the Fermi Large Area Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackermann, M.; Ajello, M.; Allafort, A.; Antolini, E.; Baldini, L.; Ballet, J.; Barbiellini, G.; Bastieri, D.; Bechtol, K.; Bellazzini, R.;

Gamma-Ray Astronomy Across 6 Decades of Energy: Synergy between Fermi, IACTs, and HAWC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hui, C. Michelle

2017-01-01

Gamma Ray Observatories, Gamma-Ray Astrophysics, GeV TeV Sky Survey, Galaxy, Galactic Plane, Source Distribution, The gamma-ray sky is currently well-monitored with good survey coverage. Many instruments from different waveband/messenger (X rays, gamma rays, neutrinos, gravitational waves) available for simultaneous observations. Both wide-field and pointing instruments in development and coming online in the next decade LIGO

Cosmic Gamma-Rays

Science.gov Websites

[Argonne Logo] [DOE Logo] Cosmic Gamma-Rays Home Publications Talks People Students Argonne > ; HEP > Cosmic Gamma-Rays Projects VERITAS Past Projects TrICE What's New CTA Cosmic Gamma-Rays The

Effect of gamma ray on poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) blends as biodegradable food packaging films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razavi, Seyed Mohammad; Dadbin, Susan; Frounchi, Masoud

2014-03-01

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) [P(VAc-co-VA)] blends as new transparent film packaging materials were prepared at various blend compositions and different vinyl alcohol contents. The blends and pure PLA were irradiated by gamma rays to investigate the extent of changes in the packaging material during gamma ray sterilization process. The miscibility of the blends was dependent on the blend composition and vinyl alcohol content; gamma irradiation had little effect on the extent of miscibility. The glass transition temperature of pure PLA and PLA/P(VAc-co-VA) miscible blends reduced after irradiation. On the other hand in PLA/P(VAc-co-VA) immiscible blends, while the glass transition temperature of the PLA phase decreased; that of the copolymer phase slightly increased. The reduction in the glass transition was about 10 percent for samples irradiated with 50 kGy indicating dominance of chain scission of PLA molecules at high irradiation dose. The latter was verified by drop in mechanical properties of pure PLA after exposing to gamma irradiation at 50 kGy. Blending of PLA with the copolymer P(VAc-co-VA) compensated greatly the adverse effects of irradiation on PLA. The oxygen-barrier property of the blend was superior to the neat PLA and remained almost intact with irradiation. The un-irradiated and irradiated blends had excellent transparency. Gamma ray doses used for sterilization purposes are usually less than 20 kGy. It was shown that gamma irradiation at 20 kGy had no or little adverse effects on PLA/P(VAc-co-VA) blends mechanical and gas barrier properties.

Cellular mechanism of estrogen-induced thymic involution in wall lizard: caspase-dependent action.

PubMed

Hareramadas, Batchu; Rai, Umesh

2006-05-01

The present study, for the first time in an ectothermic vertebrate, demonstrates the cellular mechanism of estrogen-induced thymic involution. Ovariectomy in lizards during the preparatory phase of the reproductive cycle resulted in distinct differentiation of cortico-medullary regions and increase in cellularity, especially in the cortical region. The ovariectomy-induced changes were reversed following administration of 17-estradiol (E2), suggesting a primary role of E2 in causing thymic atrophy. To understand the cellular mechanism of E2-induced thymic atrophy, in vitro effect of E2 was investigated on thymocyte proliferation and apoptosis. E2 decreased the uptake of tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) by thymocytes in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that estrogen directly inhibits the thymocyte proliferation. Unlike proliferation, E2 did not have any direct effect on thymocyte apoptosis, as evident by DNA gel electrophoretic, flow cytometric or fluorescence microscopic studies. However, in the presence of thymic epithelial cell-rich stromal components (TEC), E2 treatment at low or high concentrations resulted in depolarization of plasma membrane, DNA fragmentation and decrease in DNA content. This suggests that E2 indirectly, through TEC-secreted factors, controls thymocyte apoptosis. Similar result was observed following fluorescence microscopy. The indirect effect of E2 was further ascertained with the findings that E2-pretreated TEC-conditioned medium accelerated the thymocyte apoptosis. Nevertheless, exposure of thymocytes to E2 was seen to be inevitable for the apoptotic action of TEC-secreted paracrine factors. In the presence of TEC, a positive reaction for caspase-3, -7 and -9 and enzyme substrate, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in response to E2 suggests the caspase-dependent thymocyte apoptosis in the wall lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis. Further, E2 was shown to act through genomic pathway, since the receptor antagonist tamoxifen and transcription/translation inhibitors blocked its apoptotic action. Interestingly, the apoptotic effect of E2 was effectively decreased by progesterone.

Protective effect of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) on radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Ho; Lee, Hae June; Kim, Joong Sun; Moon, Changjong; Kim, Jong Choon; Park, Hae-Ran; Jung, Uhee; Jang, Jong Sik; Jo, Sung Kee

2009-12-01

The protective properties of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) against intestinal damage were examined by evaluating its effects on jejunal crypt survival, morphological changes, and apoptosis in gamma-irradiated mice. The mice were whole-body irradiated with 12 Gy for the examination of jejunal crypt survival and any morphological changes and with 2 Gy for the detection of apoptosis and Ki-67 labeling. Irradiation was conducted using (60)Co gamma-rays. HemoHIM treatment was administered intraperitonially at a dosage of 50 mg/kg of body weight at 36 and 12 hours pre-irradiation and 30 minutes post-irradiation or orally at a dosage of 250 mg/kg of body weight/day for 7 or 11 days before necropsy. The HemoHIM-treated group displayed a significant increase in survival of jejunal crypts, when compared to the irradiation controls. HemoHIM treatment decreased intestinal morphological changes such as crypt depth, villus height, mucosal length, and basal lamina length of 10 enterocytes after irradiation. Furthermore, the administration of HemoHIM protected intestinal cells from irradiation-induced apoptosis. These results suggested that HemoHIM may be therapeutically useful to reduce intestinal injury following irradiation.

Testosterone and estrogen in multiple sclerosis: from pathophysiology to therapeutics.

PubMed

Collongues, Nicolas; Patte-Mensah, Christine; De Seze, Jérôme; Mensah-Nyagan, Ayikoe-Guy; Derfuss, Tobias

2018-06-01

Neuroprotection and remyelination are two unmet needs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therapeutic potential has been identified with sexual hormones, supported in women by a decrease in MS activity during the pregnancy, in men by a greater severity of symptoms and a faster progression than in women. Areas covered: The therapeutic effect of testosterone and estrogens is reviewed. Both hormones have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect. Testosterone has an effect in protecting neurons in culture against glutamate-induced toxicity and oxidative stress, and stimulates myelin formation and regeneration mediated through the neural androgen receptor. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, estrogens significantly decrease inflammation in the central nervous system via ERα, while its action on ERβ leads to myelin and axon reparation. Estriol therapy in two phase 2 trials showed a decrease in clinical disease activity and inflammatory parameters in MRI. However, evidence of a therapeutic effect of testosterone is scarce. Expert commentary: Phase 3 trials with estriol as an add-on supplementation are now mandatory. Testosterone is another candidate to be tested in phase 2 trials. These hormones should be considered as an adjunctive therapy. New validated tools are needed to assess their effect on neuroprotection and remyelination.

Simulations of bremsstrahlung emission in ultra-intense laser interactions with foil targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyskočil, Jiří; Klimo, Ondřej; Weber, Stefan

2018-05-01

Bremsstrahlung emission from interactions of short ultra-intense laser pulses with solid foils is studied using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. A module for simulating bremsstrahlung has been implemented in the PIC loop to self-consistently account for the dynamics of the laser–plasma interaction, plasma expansion, and the emission of gamma ray photons. This module made it possible to study emission from thin targets, where refluxing of hot electrons plays an important role. It is shown that the angular distribution of the emitted photons exhibits a four-directional structure with the angle of emission decreasing with the increase of the width of the target. Additionally, a collimated forward flash consisting of high energy photons has been identified in thin targets. The conversion efficiency of the energy of the laser pulse to the energy of the gamma rays rises with both the driving pulse intensity, and the thickness of the target. The amount of gamma rays also increases with the atomic number of the target material, despite a lower absorption of the driving laser pulse. The angular spectrum of the emitted gamma rays is directly related to the increase of hot electron divergence during their refluxing and its measurement can be used in experiments to study this process.

Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope: Highlights of the GeV Sky

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomspon, D. J.

2011-01-01

Because high-energy gamma rays can be produced by processes that also produce neutrinos. the gamma-ray survey of the sky by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope offers a view of potenl ial targds for neutrino observations. Gamma-ray bursts. active galactic nuclei, and supernova remnants are all sites where hadronic, neutrino-producing interactions are plausible. Pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, and binary sources are all phenomena that reveal leptonic particle acceleration through their gamma-ray emission. \\Vhile important to gamma-ray astrophysics. such sources are of less interest to neutrino studies. This talk will present a broad overview of the constantly changing sky seen with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi spacecraft.