Differences in genotoxic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 on human lymphocytes from nickel-hypersensitized and nickel-unsensitized donors.

PubMed

Arrouijal, F Z; Marzin, D; Hildebrand, H F; Pestel, J; Haguenoer, J M

1992-05-01

The genotoxic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 was assessed on human lymphocytes from nickel-hypersensitized (SSL) and nickel-unsensitized (USL) subjects. Three genotoxicity tests were performed: the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test, the metaphase analysis test and the micronucleus test. (i) The SCE test (3-100 micrograms/ml) showed a weak but statistically significant increase in the number of SCE in both lymphocyte types with respect to controls, USL presenting a slightly higher SCE incidence but only at one concentration. (ii) The metaphase analysis test demonstrated a high dose-dependent clastogenic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 in both lymphocyte types. The frequency of chromosomal anomalies was significantly higher in USL than in SSL for all concentrations applied. (iii) The micronucleus test confirmed the dose-dependent clastogenic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 and the differences already observed between USL and SSL, i.e. the number of cells with micronuclei was statistically higher in USL. Finally, the incorporation study with alpha-63Ni3S2 showed a higher uptake of its solubilized fraction by USL. This allows an explanation of the different genotoxic action of nickel on the two cell types. In this study we demonstrated that hypersensitivity has an influence on the incorporation of alpha-Ni3S2 and subsequently on the different induction of chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes.

Application of cytogenetic endpoints and comet assay on human lymphocytes treated with atorvastatin in vitro.

PubMed

Gajski, Goran; Garaj-Vrhovac, Vera

2008-01-01

This study investigated the genotoxic potential of atorvastatin on human lymphocytes using comet assay, structural chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) analysis. Lymphocyte cultures were treated with a single drug at a concentration of 30.21 ng/mL. For comet assay, cells exposed to atorvastatin for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were embedded in agarose slides, lysed with alkaline lysis solution and exposed to an electric field. DNA migrated within the agarose and formed comets whose length depends on the amount of DNA damage. For analysis of structural CA, cells were grown on medium for 48 h and for SCE analysis for 72 h. Structural CA did not induce significant damage to the genome, although a higher CA frequency was observed in cells treated with atorvastatin for 3 h, 20 h and 48 h than in control samples. Results of the SCE analysis did show statistically significant differences in the mean SCE number between atorvastatin-exposed and control human lymphocytes and between different exposure times. Comet assay also showed increased DNA damage caused in atorvastatin-exposed human lymphocytes than in corresponding control cells for exposure times of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h for the tail length and for 72 h for the tail moment. Results obtained in this study point to the significance of biological indicators providing information on the primary genome damage after long-term exposure, which can help to establish drug therapeutic concentrations that do not put patients with high blood cholesterol to a greater treatment-related risk.

Hyper telomere recombination accelerates replicative senescence and may promote premature aging

PubMed Central

Hagelstrom, R. Tanner; Blagoev, Krastan B.; Niedernhofer, Laura J.; Goodwin, Edwin H.; Bailey, Susan M.

2010-01-01

Werner syndrome and Bloom syndrome result from defects in the RecQ helicases Werner (WRN) and Bloom (BLM), respectively, and display premature aging phenotypes. Similarly, XFE progeroid syndrome results from defects in the ERCC1-XPF DNA repair endonuclease. To gain insight into the origin of cellular senescence and human aging, we analyzed the dependence of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies on location [i.e., genomic (G-SCE) vs. telomeric (T-SCE) DNA] in primary human fibroblasts deficient in WRN, BLM, or ERCC1-XPF. Consistent with our other studies, we found evidence of elevated T-SCE in telomerase-negative but not telomerase-positive backgrounds. In telomerase-negative WRN-deficient cells, T-SCE—but not G-SCE—frequencies were significantly increased compared with controls. In contrast, SCE frequencies were significantly elevated in BLM-deficient cells irrespective of genome location. In ERCC1-XPF-deficient cells, neither T- nor G-SCE frequencies differed from controls. A theoretical model was developed that allowed an in silico investigation into the cellular consequences of increased T-SCE frequency. The model predicts that in cells with increased T-SCE, the onset of replicative senescence is dramatically accelerated even though the average rate of telomere loss has not changed. Premature cellular senescence may act as a powerful tumor-suppressor mechanism in telomerase-deficient cells with mutations that cause T-SCE levels to rise. Furthermore, T-SCE-driven premature cellular senescence may be a factor contributing to accelerated aging in Werner and Bloom syndromes, but not XFE progeroid syndrome. PMID:20798040

Low frequency noise and whole-body vibration cause increased levels of sister chromatid exchange in splenocytes of exposed mice.

PubMed

Silva, M J; Dias, A; Barreta, A; Nogueira, P J; Castelo-Branco, N A A; Boavida, M G

2002-01-01

Chronic exposure to low frequency (LF) noise and whole-body vibration (WBV) induces both physiological and psychological alterations in man. Recently, we have shown that long-term occupational exposure to LF noise and WBV produces genotoxic effects in man expressed as an increase in sister chromatid exchange (SCE) levels in lymphocytes. The objectives of the present study were to investigate whether the observed effect could be reproduced in a murine model and, if so, which of the agents, LF noise alone or in combination with WBV, would be instrumental in the SCE induction. SCEs were analyzed in spleen lymphocytes of mice exposed to LF noise alone and in combination with WBV for 300 and 600 hr. An effect at the cell cycle kinetics level was also investigated. The results revealed significant increases in the mean SCE number per cell and in the proportion of cells with high frequency of SCEs (HFCs) in lymphocytes of mice submitted to combined noise and WBV over controls. No significant differences were found between single noise-exposed and control mice. A cell cycle delay was observed exclusively in the noise and WBV exposure groups. In conclusion, we demonstrated that, as in exposed workers, prolonged exposure to the combination of LF noise and WBV determines an increase in SCE level in mice while LF noise alone is not effective in SCE induction. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ultraviolet-induced sister chromatid exchanges in V-79 cells with normal and BrdUrd-substituted DNA and the influence of intercalating substances and cysteine

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

Speit, G.; Mehnert, K.; Wolf, M.

1982-06-01

The influence of intercalating substances (proflavine, ethidium bromide) and of an SH compound (L-cysteine) on uv-induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was investigated in V-79 cells with normal and BrdUrd-substituted DNA. The results are discussed in relation to the primary damages leading to SCE induction produced by uv irradiation. The data indicate that neither the pyrimidine dimers nor DNA single-strand breaks are the primary cause of SCE induction, and that the damages leading to SCEs by uv irradiation differ from those which cause chromosome aberrations.

Open Mobile Alliance Secure Content Exchange: Introducing Key Management Constructs and Protocols for Compromise-Resilient Easing of DRM Restrictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravitz, David William

This paper presents an insider's view of the rationale and the cryptographic mechanics of some principal elements of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Secure Content Exchange (SCE) Technical Specifications. A primary goal is to enable implementation of a configurable methodology that quarantines the effects that unknown-compromised entities have on still-compliant entities in the system, while allowing import from upstream protection systems and multi-client reuse of Rights Objects that grant access to plaintext content. This has to be done without breaking compatibility with the underlying legacy OMA DRM v2.0/v2.1 Technical Specifications. It is also required that legacy devices can take at least partial advantage of the new import functionality, and can request the creation of SCE-compatible Rights Objects and utilize Rights Objects created upon request of SCE-conformant devices. This must be done in a way that the roles played by newly defined entities unrecognizable by legacy devices remain hidden.

An increase in telomere sister chromatid exchange in murine embryonic stem cells possessing critically shortened telomeres

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

Wang, Yisong; Giannone, Richard J; Wu, Jun

Telomerase deficiency leads to a progressive loss of telomeric DNA that eventually triggers cell apoptosis in human primary cells during prolonged growth in culture. Rare survivors can maintain telomere length through either activation of telomerase or recombination-based telomere lengthening, and thus proliferate indefinitely. We have explored the possibility that telomeres may be maintained through telomere sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE) in murine telomere reverse transcriptase-deficient (mTert -/-) splenocytes and ES cells. Because telomerase deficiency leads to gradual loss of telomeric DNA in mTert -/- splenocytes and ES cells and eventually to chromosomes with telomere signal-free ends (SFEs), we examined these cellmore » types for evidence of sister chromatid exchange at telomeres, and observed an increase in T-SCEs only in a subset of mTert -/- splenocytes or ES cells that possessed multiple SFEs. Furthermore, T-SCEs were more often detected in ES cells than in splenocytes that harbored a similar frequency of SFEs. In mTert heterozygous (mTert +/-) ES cells or splenocytes, which are known to exhibit a decrease in average telomere length but no SFEs, no increase in T-SCE was observed. In addition to T-SCE, other genomic rearrangements (i.e., SCE) were also significantly increased in mTert -/- ES cells possessing critically short telomeres, but not in splenocytes. Our results suggest that animals and cell culture differ in their ability to carry out genomic rearrangements as a means of maintaining telomere integrity when telomeres become critically shortened.« less

Induction of sister chromatid exchanges and inhibition of cellular proliferation in vitro. I. Caffeine

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

Guglielmi, G.E.; Vogt, T.F.; Tice, R.R.

1982-01-01

While many agents have been examined for their ability to induce SCE's, complete dose-response information has often been lacking. We have reexamined the ability of one such compound - caffeine - to induce SCEs and also to inhibit cellular proliferation in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. An acute exposure to caffeine prior to the DNA synthetic period did not affect either SCE frequency or the rate of cellular proliferation. Chronic exposure to caffeine throughout the culture period lead to both a dose-dependent increase in SCEs (SCE/sub d/ or doubling dose = 2.4 mM; SCE/sub 10/ or the dose capable ofmore » inducing 10 SCE = 1.4 mM) and a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation (IC/sub 50/ or the 50% inhibition concentration = 2.6 mM). The relative proportion of first generation metaphase cells, an assessment of proliferative inhibiton, increased linearly with increasing caffeine concentrations. However, SCE frequency increased nonlinearly over the same range of caffeine concentrations. Examination of the ratio of nonsymmetrical to symmetrical SCEs in third generation metaphase cells indicated that caffeine induced SCEs in equal frequency in each of three successive generations. The dependency of SCE induction and cellular proliferative inhibition on caffeine's presence during the DNA synthetic period suggests that caffeine may act as an antimetabolite in normal human cells.« less

Evaluation of antigenotoxic effects of carotenoids from green algae Chlorococcum humicola using human lymphocytes

PubMed Central

Bhagavathy, S; Sumathi, P

2012-01-01

Objective To identify the available phytochemicals and carotenoids in the selected green algae and evaluate the potential genotoxic/antigenotoxic effect using lymphocytes. Methods Organic solvent extracts of Chlorococcum humicola (C. humicola) were used for the phytochemical analysis. The available carotenoids were assessed by HPLC, and LC-MS analysis. The genotoxicity was induced by the benzo(a)pyrene in the lymphocyte culture, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of algal carotenoids with and without genotoxic inducer were evaluated by chromosomal aberration (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus assay (MN). Results The results of the analysis showed that the algae were rich in carotenoids and fatty acids. In the total carotenoids lutein, β-carotene and α-carotene were found to be present in higher concentration. The frequency of CA and SCE increased by benzo(a)pyrene were significantly decreased by the carotenoids (P<0.05 for CA, P<0.001 for SCE). The MN frequencies of the cells were significantly decreased by the treatment with carotenoids when compared with the positive controls (P<0.05). Conclusions The findings of the present study demonstrate that, the green algae C. humicola is a rich source of bioactive compounds especially carotenoids which effectively fight against environmental genotoxic agents, the carotenoids itself is not a genotoxic substance and should be further considered for its beneficial effects. PMID:23569879

Cyclophosphamide induced in vivo sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in Mus musculus. I: Strain differences and empirical association with relative chromosome size.

PubMed

Reimer, D L; Singh, S M

1982-01-01

The inducibility of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) by cyclophosphamide (CP) in bone marrow cells was evaluated in vivo in the three genetic strains of mice (C3H/s, C57BL/6J, and Balb/c). Female mice (10 to 12 wks old, mean = 22.9g, SD = 3.2g) were administered with nine hourly injections of 214.19 mg/kg 5-Bromo-2' deoxyuridine (BrdU) followed by 0, 0.048, 0.449, 4.585 or 46.93 mg/kg CP and 4 mg/kg colcemid. SCEs were evaluated following differential staining procedures of Perry and Wolff (1974). The base-line SCEs were similar in all strains with about ten SCEs/cell. Increasing CP concentrations yielded an increased level of SCEs. Most cells showed extensive damage in CP doses exceeding 4.55 mg/kg. No SCE evaluation was possible beyond this concentration. Strain differences were evident at every dose of CP, and Balb/c was the least susceptible strain to SCE induction. F1 hybrids involving C3H/s female and Balb/c male showed SCE values closer to Balb/c. Data on the association between chromosome length and frequency of SCEs are provided. They empirically establish a positive correlation (r = 0.90) between the two features. Most induced SCEs were interstitially located rather than terminally positioned on the chromosome.

Biomarkers in humans exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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

Binkova, B.; Topinka, J.; Mrackova, G.

1997-10-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been identified as a major source of carcinogenic risk in the coke-oven industry. This study evaluates following markers: personal exposure to PAH, DNA adducts, chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) polymorphisms. 23 top side coke-oven workers and 13 unexposed workers employed in the same plant at Kosice, Slovakia were studied. Personal monitors were used to measure carcinogenic PAH exposure during 8 h of working shift prior the collection of blood and urine samples. Personal exposure to eight carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 0.6 to 632 {mu}g/m{sup 3}more » and from 0.07 to 0.62 {mu}g/m{sup 3} for exposed and control groups, respectively. Based on the values of individual persons, the positive significant correlations were found between DNA adducts detected in WBC and LYM (Spearman r=0.451, p=0.044), between DNA adducts and SCE (r=0.363, p=0.034) and between AB.C. and SCE-H (SCE evaluated as the index of heterogeneity H-variance/mean: r=0.381, p=0.024). Using individual PAH exposure data the following significant correlations between exposure and biomarkers were found: WBC-DNA adducts (r=0.325;p=0.058);SCE-H (r=0.467, p=0.007). Groupwise comparison of the exposed and control groups (Mann-Whitney U-test) showed significantly increased values of SCE (6.71{+-}1.20 vs. 5.20 {+-}1.16, respectively) and DNA adducts in WBC and LYM (2.70{+-}0.74 vs 1.94{+-}0.51 adducts/10{sup 8} nucleotides; 2.46{+-}0.83 vs. 1.60{+-}0.32 adducts/10{sup 8}nucleotides, respectively). No influence of the smoking habits on the biomarkers was detectable in exposed or unexposed individuals. Multifactor analysis of variance taking into account confounding factors such as GSTM1, NAT2, diet and adjusting the data for age and smoking clearly showed the effect of exposure on DNA adducts, AB.C and SCE-H.« less

Genotoxic biomonitoring of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in the north of Sinaloa State, Mexico.

PubMed

Martínez-Valenzuela, Carmen; Gómez-Arroyo, Sandra; Villalobos-Pietrini, Rafael; Waliszewski, Stefan; Calderón-Segura, María Elena; Félix-Gastélum, Rubén; Alvarez-Torres, Armando

2009-11-01

Genotoxic damage was evaluated in 70 agricultural workers, 25 women and 45 men, exposed to pesticides in Las Grullas, Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico, with an average of 7 years of exposure. The effect was detected through the sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes of peripheral blood and micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear anomalies (NA) in buccal exfoliated cells. Also, the influence on cellular proliferation kinetics (CPK) was studied by means of the replication index (RI) and the cytotoxic effect was examined with the mitotic index (MI). The non-exposed group consisted of 70 other persons, 21 women and 47 men from the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. Significant differences between the exposed and the non-exposed groups were observed in SCE, CPK, MI, MN and NA. Analysis of variance revealed that age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption did not have a significant effect on genetic damage. However, there was a correlation between exposure time to pesticides and SCE frequency. These results could have been due to the exposure of workers to pesticides containing different chemical compounds. This study afforded valuable data to estimate the possible risk to health associated with pesticide exposure.

Cytogenetic Monitoring of Farmers exposed to pesticides in Colombia.

PubMed Central

Hoyos, L S; Carvajal, S; Solano, L; Rodriguez, J; Orozco, L; López, Y; Au, W W

1996-01-01

We have monitored 30 pesticide-exposed workers and 30 matched controls for expression of chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in their lymphocytes. Peripheral blood cultures were set up within 3 hr after the collection of samples, and four cultures were set up from each donor. For CA analysis, 100 complete metaphase cells from each donor were evaluated. For the SCE assay, 50 complete metaphase cells from each donor were analyzed. The CA and SCE data were analyzed for differences between the two groups using the chi 2 and the Student's t-test, respectively. From the CA analysis it was obvious that the overwhelming majority of aberrations were chromatid breaks and isochromatid breaks; therefore, only these data are presented and used for statistical analysis. Isochromatid breaks were counted as two breaks each and chromatid breaks as one in calculating the total chromatid break frequencies. Statistical evaluation of the data indicates that there is no significant difference (p > 0.05; chi 2 test) between the exposed and the nonexposed groups based on chromatid breaks per 100 cells (1.2 +/- 0.3 and 1.5 +/- 0.2, respectively) and total chromatid breaks per 100 cells (1.7 +/- 0.3 and 2.1 +/- 0.2, respectively). No significantly difference between the two groups (p > 0.05, Student's t-test) was observed with SCE frequencies (5.0 +/- 1.1 and 4.8 +/- 0.9, respectively). Linear regression analysis indicates that the data were not influenced by age, cigarette smoking, or alcohol consumption. It is assuring that the exposure conditions among these Indian farmers have not caused detectable increases of chromosome damage using standard assays; this suggests the lack of serious long-term health problems. However, periodic monitoring of such exposed populations should be conducted using the same or other more sensitive assays. In addition, other populations with exposure to different types of pesticides in Colombia should also be investigated. PMID:8781378

Studies of DNA and chromosome damage in skin fibroblasts and blood lymphocytes from psoriasis patients treated with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA irradiation

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

Bredberg, A.; Lambert, B.; Lindblad, A.

1983-08-01

Exposure of human lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts in vitro to a single, clinically used dose of PUVA, i.e., 0.1 micrograms/ml of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) plus 0.9-4 J/cm2 of longwave ultraviolet radiation (UVA), lead to the formation of DNA damage as determined by alkaline elution, and to chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). When lymphocyte-enriched plasma was obtained from psoriasis patients 2 h after oral intake of 8-MOP and then UVA irradiated (1.8-3.6 J/cm2) in vitro, an increased frequency of chromosome aberrations and SCE was observed. Normal levels of chromosome aberrations and SCE were found in lymphocytes of psoriasis patients aftermore » 3-30 weeks of PUVA treatment in vivo. A small but statistically significant increase in the SCE frequency was observed in the lymphocytes of psoriasis patients treated for 1-6 years with PUVA (mean 18.0 SCE/cell) as compared with before PUVA (mean 15.8, p less than 0.05). Skin fibroblasts of psoriasis patients analyzed 5 years after the start of PUVA treatment showed a normal number of SCE but a high fraction of filter-retained DNA in the alkaline elution assay, suggesting the presence of cross-linked DNA.« less

The by-products generated during sarin synthesis in the Tokyo sarin disaster induced inhibition of natural killer and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity.

PubMed

Li, Q; Hirata, Y; Piao, S; Minami, M

2000-05-05

More than 5000 passengers on Tokyo subway trains were injured by the nerve gas, sarin and its by-products. Analysis of phosphor-carrying metabolites of sarin and its by-products in urine samples from the victims suggested that they were exposed not only to sarin, but also by-products generated during sarin synthesis, i.e. diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and diethyl methylphosphonate (DEMP). We suspected genetic after-effects due to sarin by-products, thus, we checked the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and found that SCE was significantly higher in the victims than in a control group, and that DIMP and DEMP significantly induced human lymphocyte SCE in vitro. In the present study, to explore whether DIMP and DEMP, which induced a high frequency of SCE of lymphocytes, also affected the lymphocyte functions, we examined the effect of DIMP and DEMP on splenic natural killer (NK) and splenic cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in mice, and NK activity of human lymphocytes in vitro. We found that DIMP and DEMP significantly inhibited NK and CTL activity in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition induced by DIMP was stronger than that by DEMP. The effect of DIMP and DEMP on the splenic NK activity of mice was stronger than on the splenic CTL activity, and the human lymphocytes is more sensitive to DIMP and DEMP than the splenocytes of mice.

Micronuclear and sister chromatid exchange analyses in peripheral lymphocytes of patients with oral lichen planus--a pilot study.

PubMed

Ergun, S; Warnakulasuriya, S; Duman, N; Saruhanoğlu, A; Sevinç, B; Oztürk, S; Ozel, S; Cefle, K; Palanduz, S; Tanyeri, H

2009-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic instability of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus (OLP) by investigation of frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE). A total of 22 newly diagnosed and untreated patients with OLP of same severity scores and twenty healthy controls participated in this study. They were all non-smokers with no previous history or family history of cancer. The periodontal status, flow rate and buffering capacity of whole mouth saliva were recorded. SCE and MN analyses were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of OLP patients and healthy controls. The frequencies of MN (50.00 +/- 22.36) and SCE (6.89 +/- 1.48) in OLP patients were found to be significantly elevated compared with that in normal individuals (25.20 +/- 9.52 and 5.93 +/- 1.31; z = 3.946, P = 0.0001; z = 2.346, P = 0.019). There were no significant differences in the MN frequency and SCE between the two subgroups with reticular or erosive types of OLP. These pilot data indicate an increased genomic instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes of a cohort of Turkish patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus as compared with that of healthy individuals. As patients with OLP may have an increased or potential risk for oral malignancy, these assays could be used in translational research to monitor beneficial effects of interventions and long-term prognosis.

Frequency of sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal aberrations in asbestos cement workers.

PubMed

Fatma, N; Jain, A K; Rahman, Q

1991-02-01

Exposure to asbestos minerals has been associated with a wide variety of adverse health effects including lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and cancer of other organs. It was shown previously that asbestos samples collected from a local asbestos factory enhanced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations in vitro using human lymphocytes. In the present study, 22 workers from the same factory and 12 controls were further investigated. Controls were matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic state. The peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured and harvested at 48 hours for studies of chromosomal aberrations and at 72 hours for SCE frequency determinations. Asbestos workers had a raised mean SCE rate and increased numbers of chromosomal aberrations compared with a control population. Most of the chromosomal aberrations were chromatid gap and break types.

Vicia root-mirconucleus and sister chromatid exchange assays on the genotoxicity of selenium compounds.

PubMed

Yi, Huilan; Si, Liangyan

2007-06-15

Selenium (Se) is an important metalloid with industrial, environmental, biological and toxicological significance. Excessive selenium in soil and water may contribute to environmental selenium pollution, and affect plant growth and human health. By using Vicia faba micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests, possible genotoxicity of sodium selenite and sodium biselenite was evaluated in this study. The results showed that sodium selenite, at concentrations from 0.01 to 10.0mg/L, induced a 1.9-3.9-fold increase in MN frequency and a 1.5-1.6-fold increase in SCE frequency, with a statistically significantly difference from the control (P<0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Sodium selenite also caused mitotic delay and a 15-80% decrease in mitotic indices (MI), but at the lowest concentration (0.005mg/L), it slightly stimulated mitotic activity. Similarly, the frequencies of MN and SCE also increased significantly in sodium biselenite treated samples, with MI decline only at relatively higher effective concentrations. Results of the present study suggest that selenite is genotoxic to V. faba root cells and may be a genotoxic risk to human health.

Isolation and evaluation of cytogenetic effect of Brahmi saponins on cultured human lymphocytes exposed in vitro.

PubMed

Kalachaveedu, Mangathayaru; Papacchan, Sunu; Sanyal, Sudip; Koshy, Teena; Telapolu, Srivani

2015-01-01

Major saponins of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera, Fam: Scrophulariaceae) - bacosides A and B - were isolated from the total methanol extract and characterised based on melting point, TLC, IR, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR. They were evaluated for their in vitro cytogenetic effects on human peripheral blood lymphocytes by chromosomal aberration (CA) assay and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. The frequency of chromatid type aberrations and reciprocal interchanges between sister chromatids in the treated cells was scored in comparison to the untreated control. At 30 μg/mL dose, bacoside A showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of both CA and SCE and bacoside B showed an increase only in SCE. Our report of the genotoxicity of the saponins is significant in view of the reports of anticancer activity of Brahmi extracts.

Comparative study on cytogenetic damage induced by homo-aza-steroidal esters in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Mourelatos, D; Papageorgiou, A; Boutis, L; Catsoulacos, P

1995-02-01

The effect of P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-N-methyl-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 3) and 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstane (compound 2) on sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies and on human lymphocytes proliferation kinetics was studied. The results are compared with those of the P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 1). All compounds were found to be active in inducing markedly increased SCE rates and cell division delays. A correlation between potency for SCE induction, effectiveness in cell division delay and previously established antitumour activity of these compounds was observed.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potencies of Sempervivum armenum on human lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Sunar, Serap; Anar, Mustafa; Sengul, Meryem; Agar, Guleray

2016-12-01

In this research, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of methanol extract of Sempervivum armenum (MSA) were studied using micronucleus (MN) test and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test systems in cultured human peripheral blood cells. According to the SCE and MN tests results, MSA reduced the genotoxic effects of aflatoxin B 1 . In order to explain the reason for the antigenotoxic effects of MSA, antioxidants levels were determined. Cotreatments of 5, 10, 20 mg/mL concentrations of MSA with aflatoxin B 1 decreased the frequencies of SCE, MN and the malondialdehyde level and increased the amount of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase which were decreased by aflatoxin. The results of this experiment showed that MSA has strong antioxidative and antigenotoxic effects and this antigenotoxic activities of MSA can be due to the antioxidant activities.

Chromosome analysis from peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers after an acute exposure to benzene.

PubMed Central

Clare, M G; Yardley-Jones, A; Maclean, A C; Dean, B J

1984-01-01

A spillage of about 1200 gallons of benzene occurred during the loading of a ship, and 10 workers on a single shift were exposed to benzene. Shortly afterwards, an assay of the urine of these individuals showed that substantial amounts of phenol were being excreted. About three months after the incident samples of venous blood were taken from 10 individuals exposed to benzene and 11 men on a comparable shift who acted as controls. The lymphocytes were stimulated to divide in short term cultures. For each subject, 200 cells at metaphase were examined for chromosome damage using 48 h cultures, and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were analysed from about 30 cells in their second division, using 72 h cultures. The most frequent types of aberrations in all the individuals were chromatid gaps, with occasional breaks of chromatids and chromosomes. There were few exchanges within or between the arms of chromatids or chromosomes. More cells in the control than in the exposed group showed damage, an effect that was especially noticeable for chromatid gaps. All values, however, were considered to be within a normal range. There were slightly more SCE in some of the exposed individuals than in the controls and there was a trend towards a positive association between the frequency of SCE recorded for each individual and the maximum value for the excretion of phenol in the urine on the day after the incident. There is no evidence to indicate that benzene induced any type of lasting chromosome damage in the lymphocytes of the 10 exposed workers when cells were examined about three months after the incident. PMID:6722051

Telomere sister chromatid exchange in telomerase deficient murine cells.

PubMed

Wang, Yisong; Giannone, Richard J; Liu, Yie

2005-10-01

We have recently demonstrated that several types of genomic rearrangements (i.e., telomere sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE), genomic-SCE, or end-to-end fusions) were more often detected in long-term cultured murine telomerase deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells than in freshly prepared murine splenocytes, even through they possessed similar frequencies of critically short telomeres. The high rate of genomic rearrangements in telomerase deficient ES cells, when compared to murine splenocytes, may reflect the cultured cells' gained ability to protect chromosome ends with eroded telomeres allowing them to escape "end crisis". However, the possibility that ES cells were more permissive to genomic rearrangements than other cell types or that differences in the microenvironment or genetic background of the animals might consequentially determine the rate of T-SCEs or other genomic rearrangements at critically short telomeres could not be ruled out.

High local carcinogenic activity of 1,3-dimethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea and its inactivation by intravenous application in rats: comparison of in vivo findings with the in vitro direct and a combined in vivo/in vitro sister chromatid exchange assay in V79-E cells.

PubMed

Thust, R; Martin, J; Mendel, J; Schreiber, D

1987-02-01

1,3-Dimethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (DMPNU) is a very potent local carcinogen in rats and induces a 100% frequency of forestomach carcinomas when applied i.g. in two different dosages (10 applications of 0.3 or 0.03 mmol/kg body wt, respectively, at 14-day intervals), but it is inactive upon i.v. administration (10 applications of 0.03 mmol/kg body wt at 14-day intervals). By means of the direct sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay in V79-E cells in the presence of rat blood, serum or plasma, respectively, as well as by a 'host-mediated' SCE assay (in which the agent was given i.v. to rats, and blood taken from the animal was checked for the recovery of genotoxic activity in cell cultures), we tried to elucidate the unexpected lack of carcinogenic activity of i.v. DMPNU. The direct SCE assay revealed a drastic reduction of DMPNU genotoxicity by rat blood, serum or plasma, respectively, which is abolished by the esterase inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate. In the 'host-mediated' SCE assay a genotoxic activity of DMPNU was only recoverable after a very high i.v. dose and when the blood added to the cell cultures had been taken from the rat heart within 1 min after DMPNU administration in vivo. 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) and 1-methyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (MPNU) were used as positive controls in these experiments and also gave a lower response than theoretically expected, but the relative loss of activity with the latter compounds was much lower than with DMPNU. It is assumed that an esterase in rat blood effectively decomposes this trisubstituted nitrosourea. Problems of the novel 'host-mediated' SCE assay are discussed.

Association between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and genotoxic effects in coke oven workers

PubMed Central

Siwinska, E; Mielzynska, D; Kapka, L

2004-01-01

Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected immediately after a shift at the end of a working week from 50 coke oven workers and 50 control workers not exposed to PAHs. Methods included: (1) biomarkers of exposure: urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (HpU), urinary mutagenicity by the plate Salmonella test with strains TA98 and YG1024 after metabolic activation, expressed as mutagenic rate (MR98 and MR1024, respectively), urinary cotinine; and (2) biomarkers of biological effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL): sister chromatid exchanges (SCE/cell), cells of high frequency of SCE (% HFC), micronuclei (MN/1000 cells), chromosomal aberrations (CA/100 cells), and DNA damage by the Comet assay. Results: Occupational exposure to PAH resulted in significantly increased levels of HpU and mutagenic effect of urine. Median values of these biomarkers in coke oven workers were: 9.0 µmol/mol creatinine for HpU, 2.7 for MR98, and 8.2 for MR1024, compared to the controls: HpU = 0.6 µmol/mol creatinine, MR98 = 1.2, and MR1024 = 5.5. Occupational exposure caused significant induction of SCE, HFC, and MN in coke oven workers: median SCE = 5.9, HFC = 12.0%, MN = 6.0 compared to the controls: 3.9, 5.0%, and 3.0, respectively. No effect of occupational exposure was found in relation to CA and DNA damage measured with the Comet assay. HpU concentration was positively associated with SCE and HFC. The concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene corresponding to a 5% probability of increased SCE was 1.0 µmol/mol creatinine. Conclusions: The occupational exposure to PAHs resulted in measurable biological effects (SCE, HFC, MN). In coke oven workers an increased level of SCE was not observed below the level of 1.0 µmol HpU/mol creatinine. PMID:14985527

PySCeSToolbox: a collection of metabolic pathway analysis tools.

PubMed

Christensen, Carl D; Hofmeyr, Jan-Hendrik S; Rohwer, Johann M

2018-01-01

PySCeSToolbox is an extension to the Python Simulator for Cellular Systems (PySCeS) that includes tools for performing generalized supply-demand analysis, symbolic metabolic control analysis, and a framework for investigating the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Each tool addresses a different aspect of metabolic behaviour, control, and regulation; the tools complement each other and can be used in conjunction to better understand higher level system behaviour. PySCeSToolbox is available on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. It is licensed under the BSD 3-clause licence. Code, setup instructions and a link to documentation can be found at https://github.com/PySCeS/PyscesToolbox. jr@sun.ac.za. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Enhanced cytogenetic and antineoplastic effects by the combined action of two esteric steroidal derivatives of nitrogen mustards.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, A; Nikolaropoulos, S S; Arsenou, E S; Karaberis, E; Mourelatos, D; Kotsis, A; Chryssogelou, E

1999-01-01

The authors studied the effect of two modified steroids containing different proportions (%) of alkylating agents alone or in combination on sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates and on human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics. The antitumor activity of these compounds was tested on leukemia P388- and leukemia L1210-bearing mice. The two chemicals in mixtures enhance SCE induction and antitumor activity in a synergistic manner. The homo-aza-steroidal ester of p-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenyl acetic acid was found to be more effective than the homo-aza-steroidal ester of o-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminobenzoic acid in causing cytogenetic damage and antineoplastic activity. A correlation was observed between the magnitude of the SCE response and the depression of the cell proliferation index. The order of the antitumor effectiveness of the five different treatments tested coincided with the order of the cytogenetic effects they induced.

Sister chromatid exchange rate and alkaline comet assay scores in patients with ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Baltaci, Volkan; Kayikçioğlu, Fulya; Alpas, Idil; Zeyneloğlu, Hulusi; Haberal, Ali

2002-01-01

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies were studied in patients with different types of ovarian malignancies and in healthy volunteers. The level of DNA damage in patients with ovarian malignancy and control subjects has also been studied by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), also known as the comet assay. Peripheral blood was collected from 30 patients after histological confirmation of malignancy and 20 healthy female volunteers. The cells were evaluated according to their grade of damage. We found that the sister chromatid exchange frequencies of cancer cases were significantly greater than that of controls (P < 0.001). The frequency of exchange in chromosomal groups A, B, and C, which include chromosomes 1-12, was higher than that of the other chromosomal groups in both groups. Comparison of the results of the alkaline comet assay in patient and control subjects showed a significant difference in the number of damaged cells. The frequency of limited migrated and extensive migrated cells in the women with ovarian malignancies was higher than that of control women (P < 0.001). SCE and SCGE can be used successfully to monitor DNA damage in women with ovarian cancer.

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

Harrison, F.L.; Rice, D.W. Jr.

The usefulness of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction as a measure of low-level radiation effect was examined in a benthic marine worm, Neanthes arenaceodentata. Larvae were exposed to /sup 60/Co radiation for 12 to 24 h at total doses ranging from 0.5 to 309 R and at dose rates from 0.04 to 13 R/h. Animals exposed at intermediate dose rates (0.5, 0.6, 1.25, 2.0, and 2.5 R/h) had SCE frequencies per chromosome about twice that of those receiving no radiation (controls), whereas those exposed at the higher dose rates (7.0 and 13 R/h) had SCE frequencies lower than the controls.more » Animals exposed at the lower dose rates (0.04 and 0.1 R/h) had lower SCE frequencies than those exposed at intermediate dose rates (and higher SCE frequencies than controls). The length of chromosome pair number one differed among metaphase spreads and was used as an index of chromosome condensation in a given metaphase. Because there is a possibility that chromosome morphology may affect the ability to resolve SCEs, morphology will be monitored in future studies. A preliminary experiment was performed to assess the effects of 2.2 and 11.5 R/h for 24 h on growth and development. Larvae observed at 6 and 17 d after irradiation did not have significantly different numbers of abnormal larvae or survival rates.« less

Sister-chromatid exchanges and cell-cycle kinetics in the lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to a chemical mixture in the tyre industry.

PubMed

Sasiadek, M

1993-08-01

Cytogenetic studies of clinically healthy workers employed in the rubber industry showed an increase in chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and a decrease in proliferation indices (PIs). The aim of the present study was to establish, using the SCE and PI tests, genotoxic effects of hazardous chemicals in the rubber industry. An increase in mean SCEs in the lymphocytes of vulcanizers as compared to controls was observed. Since the PI in the exposed group was insignificantly decreased as compared to the controls, it could be concluded that the SCE test is the most sensitive cytogenetic test for the detection of a genotoxic effect of chemicals in the rubber industry. There was no evidence in the present study that the genotoxic effect of chemicals in the rubber industry was enhanced by cigarette smoking.

Telomere sister chromatid exchange in telomerase deficient murine cells

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

Wang, Yisong; Giannone, Richard J; Liu, Yie

2005-01-01

We have recently demonstrated that several types of genomic rearrangements (i.e., telomere sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE), genomic-SCE, or end-to-end fusions) were more often detected in long-term cultured murine telomerase deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells than in freshly prepared murine splenocytes, even through they possessed similar frequencies of critically short telomeres. The high rate of genomic rearrangements in telomerase deficient ES cells, when compared to murine splenocytes, may reflect the cultured cells' gained ability to protect chromosome ends with eroded telomeres allowing them to escape 'end crisis'. However, the possibility that ES cells were more permissive to genomic rearrangements than othermore » cell types or that differences in the microenvironment or genetic background of the animals might consequentially determine the rate of T-SCEs or other genomic rearrangements at critically short telomeres could not be ruled out.« less

Genotoxicity of dill (Anethum graveolens L.), peppermint (Menthaxpiperita L.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) essential oils in human lymphocytes and Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Lazutka, J R; Mierauskiene, J; Slapsyte, G; Dedonyte, V

2001-05-01

Genotoxic properties of the essential oils extracted from dill (Anethum graveolens L.) herb and seeds, peppermint (Menthaxpiperita L.) herb and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles were studied using chromosome aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests in human lymphocytes in vitro, and Drosophila melanogaster somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in vivo. In the CA test, the most active essential oil was from dill seeds, then followed essential oils from dill herb, peppermint herb and pine needles, respectively. In the SCE test, the most active essential oils were from dill herb and seeds followed by essential oils from pine needles and peppermint herb. Essential oils from dill herb and seeds and pine needles induced CA and SCE in a clear dose-dependent manner, while peppermint essential oil induced SCE in a dose-independent manner. All essential oils were cytotoxic for human lymphocytes. In the SMART test, a dose-dependent increase in mutation frequency was observed for essential oils from pine and dill herb. Peppermint essential oil induced mutations in a dose-independent manner. Essential oil from dill seeds was almost inactive in the SMART test.

Differential Radiosensitivity Phenotypes of DNA-PKcs Mutations Affecting NHEJ and HRR Systems following Irradiation with Gamma-Rays or Very Low Fluences of Alpha Particles

PubMed Central

Little, John B.; Kato, Takamitsu A.; Shih, Hung-Ying; Xie, Xian-Jin; Wilson Jr., Paul F.; Brogan, John R.; Kurimasa, Akihiro; Chen, David J.; Bedford, Joel S.; Chen, Benjamin P. C.

2014-01-01

We have examined cell-cycle dependence of chromosomal aberration induction and cell killing after high or low dose-rate γ irradiation in cells bearing DNA-PKcs mutations in the S2056 cluster, the T2609 cluster, or the kinase domain. We also compared sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) production by very low fluences of α-particles in DNA-PKcs mutant cells, and in homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutant cells including Rad51C, Rad51D, and Fancg/xrcc9. Generally, chromosomal aberrations and cell killing by γ-rays were similarly affected by mutations in DNA-PKcs, and these mutant cells were more sensitive in G1 than in S/G2 phase. In G1-irradiated DNA-PKcs mutant cells, both chromosome- and chromatid-type breaks and exchanges were in excess than wild-type cells. For cells irradiated in late S/G2 phase, mutant cells showed very high yields of chromatid breaks compared to wild-type cells. Few exchanges were seen in DNA-PKcs-null, Ku80-null, or DNA-PKcs kinase dead mutants, but exchanges in excess were detected in the S2506 or T2609 cluster mutants. SCE induction by very low doses of α-particles is resulted from bystander effects in cells not traversed by α-particles. SCE seen in wild-type cells was completely abolished in Rad51C- or Rad51D-deficient cells, but near normal in Fancg/xrcc9 cells. In marked contrast, very high levels of SCEs were observed in DNA-PKcs-null, DNA-PKcs kinase-dead and Ku80-null mutants. SCE induction was also abolished in T2609 cluster mutant cells, but was only slightly reduced in the S2056 cluster mutant cells. Since both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and HRR systems utilize initial DNA lesions as a substrate, these results suggest the possibility of a competitive interference phenomenon operating between NHEJ and at least the Rad51C/D components of HRR; the level of interaction between damaged DNA and a particular DNA-PK component may determine the level of interaction of such DNA with a relevant HRR component. PMID:24714417

Evaluation of chemopreventive effects of betel leaf on the genotoxicity of pan masala.

PubMed

Trivedi, A H; Patel, R K; Rawal, U M; Adhvaryu, S G; Balar, D B

1994-01-01

The antigenotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of betel leaf (BL-ext.) against the pan masala was tested with the help of cytogenetic endpoints like chromosome aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) utilizing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Compared to the cultures treated with aqueous extract of pan masala alone, a reduction in CA and SCE frequencies in CHO cells was observed following a combined treatment with pan masala (with or without tobacco) extract and BL-ext. The protective effect of BL-ext. against the genomic damage caused by pan masala was statistically significant only after treating the cells for a longer period.

Escitalopram plasma levels and antidepressant response.

PubMed

Florio, Vincenzo; Porcelli, Stefano; Saria, Alois; Serretti, Alessandro; Conca, Andreas

2017-09-01

Major Depression Disorder (MDD) has a highly variable treatment response due to the large inter-individual variation in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug treatments. In detail the correlation between plasma level and efficacy has been much debated. Among first-line drugs for MDD, one of the most used is escitalopram. In the present study we investigated the association between serum concentration of escitalopram (SCE) and antidepressant response (AR). 70 MDD patients treated with escitalopram monotherapy were recruited and followed for three months. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - 21 (HAMD-21) was administrated at baseline, month 1, and month 3 to assess AR. SCE was measured at steady state. Linear regression analysis and nonlinear least-squares regression were used to estimate association between SCE and AR. We found an association between SCE and AR both at month 1 (p<0.001) and month 3 (p=0.0003), which persists also excluding 3 patients with SCE equal to 0. Interestingly, by excluding patients with SCE < 20ng/mL, i.e. with a SCE lower than the putative therapeutic threshold, these associations disappeared. The curvilinear function AR = a + (SCE-SCE 2 ) explained a higher proportion of variance compared to the linear other models (p<0.001). Our results suggest that for escitalopram the association between SCE and AR likely follows a nearly-asymptotic function, with poor AR at sub-therapeutic SCE and stable AR response at therapeutic SCE. Thus, when a patient reaches the therapeutic SCE range, further increase of escitalopram dosage seems to be useless, although further studies are needed to confirm our findings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

Liver Function Indicators Performed Better to Eliminate Cardioembolic Stroke than to Identify It from Stroke Subtypes.

PubMed

Tan, Ge; Yuan, Ruozhen; Hao, Zilong; Lei, Chunyan; Xiong, Yao; Xu, Mangmang; Liu, Ming

2017-01-01

Identifying the etiology of ischemic stroke is essential to acute management and secondary prevention. The value of liver function indicators in differentiating stroke subtypes remains to be evaluated. A total of 1333 acute ischemic stroke patients were included. Liver function indicators collected within 24 hours from stroke onset, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and bilirubin (BILI), were collapsed into quartiles (Q) and also dichotomized by Q1. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent association between liver function indicators and cardioembolic stroke (SCE). Area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted, and sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive prospective value (PPV), and negative prospective value (NPV) were determined to evaluate the predictive value of liver function indicators for SCE. AST, GGT, and BILI were associated with SCE. After adjustment, only AST was related to SCE independently. The incidence of SCE in the Q1 of AST, GGT, and BILI, particularly in the Q1 of AST, was quite low. The ability of AST, GGT, and BILI to identify SCE was poor, with low AUC, Sen, and PPV. The value of AST, GGT, and BILI in eliminating SCE from stroke subtypes was good, with high Spe and moderate NPV, and was enhanced after combining each liver function indicator. Results of present study demonstrated that AST, GGT, and BILI, particularly AST, had a potential to eliminate SCE from stroke subtypes, and the ability of eliminating SCE would be strengthened after combining each liver function indicator together. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment in vitro of cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of propolis on human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Montoro, A; Soriano, J M; Barquinero, J F; Almonacid, M; Montoro, A; Verdú, G; Sahuquillo, V; Villaescusa, J I; Sebastià, N

2012-02-01

We evaluated the genetic damage by ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) induced to human lymphocytes which were exposed to increasing concentrations (0-2000μgml(-1)). The results indicated that EEP reduced significantly the mitotic index (MI) and proliferation index (PI) when high concentrations of EEP were used. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates indicated that EEP could have genotoxic effects at high concentrations. Exposure of the cells to the amount of ethanol used as solvent did not alter either the MI and cell proliferation kinetics (CPK), or the rate of SCE. The results showed: (a) statistical increase in the percentage the cells with CAs and in the frequency of SCE at the highest concentrations, (b) a decrease in MI and in the CPK values was observed, (c) no effect was noticed in negative controls. In conclusion, it can be assumed that high concentrations of EEP have a cyto and genotoxic effect, in vitro, for human peripheral lymphocytes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sugarcane Elongin C is involved in infection by sugarcane mosaic disease pathogens

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

Zhai, Yushan; Deng, Yuqing; Cheng, Guangyuan

Sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrid) provides the main source of sugar for humans. Sugarcane mosaic disease (SMD) is a major threat to sugarcane production. Currently, control of SMD is mainly dependent on breeding resistant cultivars through hybridization, which is time-consuming. Understanding the mechanism of viral infection may facilitate novel strategies to breed cultivars resistant to SMD and to control the disease. In this study, a wide interaction was detected between the viral VPg protein and host proteins. Several genes were screened from sugarcane cDNA library that could interact with Sugarcane streak mosaic virus VPg, including SceIF4E1 and ScELC. ScELC was predictedmore » to be a cytoplasmic protein, but subcellular localization analysis showed it was distributed both in cytoplasmic and nuclear, and interactions were also detected between ScELC and VPg of SCMV or SrMV that reveal ScELC was widely used in the SMD pathogen infection process. ScELC and VPgs interacted in the nucleus, and may function to enhance the viral transcription rate. ScELC also interacted with SceIF4E2 both in the cytoplasm and nucleus, but not with SceIF4E1 and SceIF4E3. These results suggest that ScELC may be essential for the function of SceIF4E2, an isomer of eIF4E. - Highlights: • We cloned ScELC, SceIF4E1, SceIF4E2 and SceIF4E3 from sugarcane accession Badila. • We examined interactions among VPg, ScELC, SceIF4E1, SceIF4E2 and SceIF4E3. • We proofed that ScELC interacted with VPgs of SCMV, SrMV and SCSMV. • We proofed that ScELC interacted with SceIF4E2 but not SceIF4E1 or SceIF4E3.« less

Increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and decrease in cell viability and proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to whole bee venom.

PubMed

Gajski, Goran; Garaj-Vrhovac, Vera

2010-10-01

The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of bee venom on frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and viability in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. In addition, the proportion of lymphocytes that undergo one, two or three cell divisions as well as proliferative rate index (PRI) have been determined. Aqueous solution of whole bee venom was added to whole blood samples in concentrations ranging from 0.1 microg/mL to 20 microg/mL in different lengths of time. Results showed that whole bee venom inhibited cell viability, resulting in a 22.86 +/- 1.14% and 51.21 +/- 0.58% reduction of viable cells at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. The mean SCE per cell in all the exposed samples was significantly higher than in the corresponding controls. In addition, the percentage of high frequency cells (HFC) for each sample was estimated using the pooled distribution of all SCE measurements. This parameter was also significantly higher compared to the control. Inhibition of proliferation was statistically significant for both exposure times and concentrations and was time and dose dependent. These data indicate that whole bee venom inhibited cell proliferation, resulting in a 36.87 +/- 5.89% and 38.43 +/- 1.96% reduction of proliferation at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. In conclusion, this report demonstrated that whole bee venom is capable of inducing DNA alterations by virtue of increasing sister chromatid exchanges in addition to the cell viability decrease and inhibition of proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.

Recent Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent trends and implications for the snow-albedo feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Déry, Stephen J.; Brown, Ross D.

2007-11-01

Monotonic trend analysis of Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent (SCE) over the period 1972-2006 with the Mann-Kendall test reveals significant declines in SCE during spring over North America and Eurasia, with lesser declines during winter and some increases in fall SCE. The weekly mean trend attains -1.28, -0.78, and -0.48 × 106 km2 (35 years)-1 over the Northern Hemisphere, North America, and Eurasia, respectively. The standardized SCE time series vary and trend coherently over Eurasia and North America, with evidence of a poleward amplification of decreasing SCE trends during spring. Multiple linear regression analyses reveal a significant dependence of the retreat of the spring continental SCE on latitude and elevation. The poleward amplification is consistent with an enhanced snow-albedo feedback over northern latitudes that acts to reinforce an initial anomaly in the cryospheric system.

Histone H3 K79 methylation states play distinct roles in UV-induced sister chromatid exchange and cell cycle checkpoint arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Rossodivita, Alyssa A.; Boudoures, Anna L.; Mecoli, Jonathan P.; Steenkiste, Elizabeth M.; Karl, Andrea L.; Vines, Eudora M.; Cole, Arron M.; Ansbro, Megan R.; Thompson, Jeffrey S.

2014-01-01

Histone post-translational modifications have been shown to contribute to DNA damage repair. Prior studies have suggested that specific H3K79 methylation states play distinct roles in the response to UV-induced DNA damage. To evaluate these observations, we examined the effect of altered H3K79 methylation patterns on UV-induced G1/S checkpoint response and sister chromatid exchange (SCE). We found that the di- and trimethylated states both contribute to activation of the G1/S checkpoint to varying degrees, depending on the synchronization method, although methylation is not required for checkpoint in response to high levels of UV damage. In contrast, UV-induced SCE is largely a product of the trimethylated state, which influences the usage of gene conversion versus popout mechanisms. Regulation of H3K79 methylation by H2BK123 ubiquitylation is important for both checkpoint function and SCE. H3K79 methylation is not required for the repair of double-stranded breaks caused by transient HO endonuclease expression, but does play a modest role in survival from continuous exposure. The overall results provide evidence for the participation of H3K79 methylation in UV-induced recombination repair and checkpoint activation, and further indicate that the di- and trimethylation states play distinct roles in these DNA damage response pathways. PMID:24748660

The Ars insulator facilitates I-SceI meganuclease-mediated transgenesis in the sea urchin embryo.

PubMed

Ochiai, Hiroshi; Sakamoto, Naoaki; Suzuki, Kenichi; Akasaka, Koji; Yamamoto, Takashi

2008-09-01

For the efficient generation of transgenic sea urchins, we have adopted an I-SceI meganuclease-mediated transgenesis method. Several types of promoter-GFP gene constructs flanked by two I-SceI recognition sequences were co-injected with I-SceI into sea urchin fertilized eggs. Using cell-lineage-specific promoter constructs, the frequency of transgene expression was elevated, and their level of mozaicism was reduced. The addition of the Ars insulator sequence, which is known to block the enhancer activity and protect transgenes from position effects, led to a reduction in ectopic transgene expression and an elevation of transgene expression frequency in this I-SceI-mediated system. However, the magnitude of the effects of the Ars insulator was dependent upon the promoter constructs. QPCR analysis also showed that the Ars insulator increases the transgene copy number. These results suggest that the I-SceI-mediated method using the Ars insulator is advantageous for transgenesis in the sea urchin embryo.

A dual role of BRCA1 in two distinct homologous recombination mediated repair in response to replication arrest

PubMed Central

Feng, Zhihui; Zhang, Junran

2012-01-01

Homologous recombination (HR) is a major mechanism utilized to repair blockage of DNA replication forks. Here, we report that a sister chromatid exchange (SCE) generated by crossover-associated HR efficiently occurs in response to replication fork stalling before any measurable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Interestingly, SCE produced by replication fork collapse following DNA DSBs creation is specifically suppressed by ATR, a central regulator of the replication checkpoint. BRCA1 depletion leads to decreased RPA2 phosphorylation (RPA2-P) following replication fork stalling but has no obvious effect on RPA2-P following replication fork collapse. Importantly, we found that BRCA1 promotes RAD51 recruitment and SCE induced by replication fork stalling independent of ATR. In contrast, BRCA1 depletion leads to a more profound defect in RAD51 recruitment and SCE induced by replication fork collapse when ATR is depleted. We concluded that BRCA1 plays a dual role in two distinct HR-mediated repair upon replication fork stalling and collapse. Our data established a molecular basis for the observation that defective BRCA1 leads to a high sensitivity to agents that cause replication blocks without being associated with DSBs, and also implicate a novel mechanism by which loss of cell cycle checkpoints promotes BRCA1-associated tumorigenesis via enhancing HR defect resulting from BRCA1 deficiency. PMID:21954437

Detection of a deuterium isotope effect in di- and trisubstituted alkylphenylnitrosoureas. An SCE study in Chinese hamster V79-E cells.

PubMed

Thust, R; Mendel, J; Bach, B; Schwarz, H

1985-06-01

The genotoxicity of 1-methyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (MPNU), 1-methyl-3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1-nitrosourea (C1-MPNU), 1-ethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (EPNU), 1,3-dimethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (DMPNU) and their derivatives substituted by deuterium in different positions was studied using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction in Chinese hamster V79-E cells. Deuterium substitution in the 1-methyl group of MPNU (MPNU-d3) and C1-MPNU (C1-MPNU-d3) diminished the SCE-inducing capacity by 20-30% and by 30-40% in DMPNU (DMPNU-d3B). There was no altered SCE activity detected when the phenyl group of MPNU (MPNU-d5) or the 3-methyl group of DMPNU (DMPNU-d3A) was deuterium labeled. No isotope effect was detected in deuterated EPNU derivatives, presumably due to the instability of these compounds. It is surmised that the easier delocalization of the positive charge in the deuterated alkyl diazonium ion causes a diminished reactivity and therefore influences the type and amount of DNA alkylation. Furthermore, the experiments with DMPNU and its derivatives revealed that, in contrast to mono- and disubstituted nitrosoureas, the biological activities of these very stable trisubstituted nitrosoureas are strongly influenced by a serum factor in the culture fluid.

Genotoxicity surveillance programme in workers dismantling World War I chemical ammunition.

PubMed

Mateuca, R A; Carton, C; Roelants, M; Roesems, S; Lison, D; Kirsch-Volders, M

2010-06-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of personal protective measures in a dismantling plant for chemical weapons from World War I of the Belgian Defence. Seventeen NIOSH level B-equipped plant workers exposed to arsenic trichloride (AsCl(3)) in combination with phosgene or hydrogen cyanide (HCN) were compared to 24 NIOSH level C-protected field workers occasionally exposed to genotoxic chemicals (including AsCl(3)-phosgene/HCN) when collecting chemical ammunition, and 19 matched referents. Chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MNCB and MNMC), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and high frequency cells (HFC) were analysed in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Urinary arsenic levels and genetic polymorphisms in major DNA repair enzymes (hOGG1(326), XRCC1(399), XRCC3(241)) were also assessed. SCE and HFC levels were significantly higher in plant-exposed versus referent subjects, but MNCB and MNMC were not different. MNCB, SCE and HFC levels were significantly higher and MNMC levels significantly lower in field-exposed workers versus referents. AsCl(3) exposure was not correlated with genotoxicity biomarkers. Protective measures for plant-exposed workers appear adequate, but protection for field-exposed individuals could be improved.

Immunocytogenetic effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue: Triptorelin Pamoate (Decapeptyl) during in vitro fertilization treatment.

PubMed

Al-Qashi, S; Al-Qaoud, K M; Ja'fer, M; Khali, A M

2006-10-01

In this study, the immunocytogenetic effects of Decapeptyl (Triptorelin Pamoate) were assessed in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of females undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Blood samples were taken from 34 females (23 treated and 11 controls), cultured and examined for sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and cell replication index (CRI). The SCE frequency increased around ovulation time in the controls, and around the time of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in the IVF group. However, the SCE rate was significantly higher in the latter group. Furthermore, the white blood cells (WBC) count was significantly higher on the day of ovum pick up compared to the day preceding luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment. Similar observations were recorded with respect to phagocytic activity tested by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. The nitric oxide production abilities of macrophages were not significantly changed in the LH, FSH-treated group relative to its control. Finally, the 50% complement hemolytic activity (CH50) assay results indicated that Decapeptyl lacks a significant potential to affect the complement system.

Comparative study on cytogenetic effects by diplatinum complexes of the ligands of naphthazarine and squaric acid in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Lialiaris, T; Mourelatos, D; Boutis, L; Papageorgiou, A; Christianopoulou, M; Papageorgiou, V; Dozi-Vassiliades, J

1989-10-01

The effect of diplatinum complexes of the binucleating ligands of naphthazarine and squaric acid on Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) rates and human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics was studied. Squarodicisplatinum complex I, naphthazarindicisplatinum and squarodicisplatinum complex II induce cytotoxic effects as can be deduced from the resulted induction of SCEs and the produced cell division delays. Squarodicisplatinum complex I was found to be on a molar basis the most effective in causing markedly increased SCE rates and cell division delays. Cis-diaminodichloride platinum was found to be next in order of effectiveness with naphthazarindicisplatinum and squarodicisplatinum complex II following. Naphthazarine and SQA were found to be ineffective on induction of SCEs.

Enhancement of antineoplastic effect and attenuation of sister chromatid exchanges by prostaglandin E2 in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells treated with cyclophosphamide in vivo.

PubMed

Mourelatos, D; Kritsi, Z; Mioglou, E; Dozi-Vassiliades, J

1993-09-01

Reduced sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) frequency in response to cyclophosphamide (CP) was observed when Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) cells were exposed in vivo to 2 micrograms/g body weight of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). 1 h before i.p. injection of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) adsorbed to activated charcoal, EAT-bearing mice treated i.p. with CP appeared to have increased SCE rates and cell division delays. PGE2 had no effect on survival and in inhibiting tumour growth. CP had only a slight non-significant effect on survival and in inhibiting tumour growth. In mice treated with the combined CP (5 micrograms/g bd wt) plus PGE2 (2 micrograms/g bd wt) a significant enhancement (P < 0.01) of survival time was accompanied by inhibition of tumour growth (P < 0.01) in comparison with the untreated controls. These data imply that SCEs might result from errors in a repair process which might involve a PGE2 sensitive step.

Comparative study of sister chromatid exchange induction and antitumor effects by homo-aza-steroidal esters of [p-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenyl]butyric acid.

PubMed

Camoutsis, C; Catsoulacos, D; Karayiann, V; Papageorgiou, A; Mourelatos, D; Mioglou, E; Kritsi, Z; Nikolaropoulos, S

2001-01-01

The present work was undertaken in order to test the hypothesis that the Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) assay in vitro can be used for the prediction of in vivo tumor response to newly synthesized potential chemotherapeutics. The effect of three homo-aza-steroidal esters containing the -CONH- in the steroidal nucleus, 1, 2, and 3 on SCE rates and on cell kinetics in cultured human lymphocytes was studied. The antitumor activity of these compounds was tested on leukemia P388- and leukemia L1210-bearing mice. The three substances induced statistically significant enhancement of SCEs and of cell division delays. Compounds 1 and 3 were identified, on a molar basis, as more effective inducers of SCEs and of cell division delays compared with compound 2. Compounds 1 and 3 had upon both experimental tumors better therapeutic effects compared with compound 2 at equitoxic doses. Therefore, the order of the antitumor effectiveness of the three compounds coincided with the order of the cytogenetic effects they induced.

The Walker B motif in avian FANCM is required to limit sister chromatid exchanges but is dispensable for DNA crosslink repair

PubMed Central

Rosado, Ivan V.; Niedzwiedz, Wojciech; Alpi, Arno F.; Patel, Ketan J.

2009-01-01

FANCM, the most highly conserved component of the Fanconi Anaemia (FA) pathway can resolve recombination intermediates and remodel synthetic replication forks. However, it is not known if these activities are relevant to how this conserved protein activates the FA pathway and promotes DNA crosslink repair. Here we use chicken DT40 cells to systematically dissect the function of the helicase and nuclease domains of FANCM. Our studies reveal that these domains contribute distinct roles in the tolerance of crosslinker, UV light and camptothecin-induced DNA damage. Although the complete helicase domain is critical for crosslink repair, a predicted inactivating mutation of the Walker B box domain has no impact on FA pathway associated functions. However, this mutation does result in elevated sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). Furthermore, our genetic dissection indicates that FANCM functions with the Blm helicase to suppress spontaneous SCE events. Overall our results lead us to reappraise the role of helicase domain associated activities of FANCM with respect to the activation of the FA pathway, crosslink repair and in the resolution of recombination intermediates. PMID:19465393

Iodine-131 treatment and chromosomal damage: in vivo dose-effect relationship.

PubMed

Erselcan, Taner; Sungu, Selma; Ozdemir, Semra; Turgut, Bulent; Dogan, Derya; Ozdemir, Ozturk

2004-05-01

Although it is well known that radiation induces chromosomal aberrations, there is a lack of information on the in vivo dose-effect relationship in patients receiving iodine-131 treatment, and the results of previous studies are controversial. In this study, the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) method was employed to investigate acute and late chromosomal damage (CD) in the peripheral lymphocytes of 15 patients who received various doses of (131)I (259-3,700 MBq), either for thyrotoxicosis (TTX) or for ablation treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The SCE frequencies in cultured peripheral lymphocytes were determined before treatment (to assess basal SCE frequencies), on the 3rd day (to assess acute SCE frequencies) and 6 months later (to assess late SCE frequencies). The basal, acute and late SCE frequencies (mean+/-SD) were 3.19+/-0.93, 10.83+/-1.72 and 5.75+/-2.06, respectively, in the whole group, and these values differed significantly from each other ( P<0.001). In order to perform a quantitative evaluation of the present data and a comparative analysis with the results of previous studies reported in the literature, we defined acute and late effects using a "damage ratio" (DR) and a "recovery ratio" (RR), based on the basal, acute and late data for individual patients. No statistically significant difference was found in the DR between DTC and TTX patients (76.4%+/-11.5% vs 67.6%+/-9.0%), while the mean RR was higher in TTX patients than in the DTC group (75.2%+/-24.4% vs 36.8%+/-13.7%). The DR on the 3rd day was not related to the administered (131)I dose in the whole group, but a negative correlation was found between the (131)I dose and the RR at the 6th month (r=-0.60, P=0.04). The best fit for this relationship was obtained by a linear-quadratic model, as y=104.89x-28.4x(2)+38.1 ( R(2)=0.51, P=0.04). On the other hand, comparative analysis with the results of previous studies with comparable sampling times revealed that the best fit for the relationships between the administered dose of (131)I and DR and RR were obtained with a linear-quadratic model (Y=alpha D+beta D(2)) rather than a linear one. However, there was an interesting difference in comparison with in vitro studies, in that we found the coefficient beta to have a negative value, suggesting the disappearance of damaged lymphocytes from the peripheral circulation in a dose-dependent manner following (131)I treatment. Further studies are therefore needed to clarify the effect of the negative beta value on the biological dosimetry approach in continuous internal low LET radiation, as in the case of (131)I treatment.

Evaluation of genotoxic and oxidative effects in workers exposed to jet propulsion fuel.

PubMed

Erdem, Onur; Sayal, Ahmet; Eken, Ayşe; Akay, Cemal; Aydın, Ahmet

2012-05-01

Jet fuel is a common occupational exposure risk among military and civilian populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate genotoxic and oxidative effects in workers occupational exposure to jet propulsion fuel (JP-8). In this study, sister-chromatid exchange (SCE), high frequency of SCE cells (HFCs), and micronuclei (MN) were determined for 43 workers exposed to JP-8 and 38 control subjects. We measured the antioxidant enzyme activities including that of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT). The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were also studied. Urinary 1- and 2-naphthol excretion was used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to JP-8. The results obtained from cytogenetic analysis show a statistically significant increase in frequency of SCE in the exposed workers when compared to controls (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the mean value of the frequency (%o) of MN and HFCs for workers and controls did not show any statistical differences (P > 0.05). Oxidative stress parameters were not statistically different between exposed and control groups except for TBARS levels. Urinary 1-and 2-naphthol levels of exposed workers were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects. Occupational exposure to JP-8 resulted in no significant genotoxic and oxidative effects, while smoking is the principal confounding factor for the some parameters. To understand the genotoxic and oxidative effects of JP-8 exposure, further studies should be planned to find out whether human populations may be at increased risk for cancer because of the exposures related to occupation and lifestyle.

Space Construction Experiment Definition Study (SCEDS), part 2. Volume 2: Study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The Space Construction Experiment (SCE) was defined for integration into the Space Shuttle. This included development of flight assignment data, revision and update of preliminary mission timelines and test plans, analysis of flight safety issues, and definition of ground operations scenarios. New requirements for the flight experiment and changes for a large space antenna feed mask test article were incorporated. The program plan and cost estimates were updated. Revised SCE structural dynamics characteristics were provided for simulation and analysis of experimental tests to define and verify control limits and interactions effects between the SCE and the Orbiter digital automatic pilot.

Dielectric Properties of Polyether Sulfone/Bismaleimide Resin Composite Based on Nanolumina Modified by Super-Critical Ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yufei; Li, Zhichao; Teng, Chengjun; Li, Fangliang; Han, Yang

2016-11-01

Nano-alumina was chemically modified with super-critical ethanol enabling a surface active coating. Modified nano-alumina was incorporated in polymer blends based on thermoplastic polyether sulfone and thermosetting bismaleimide resin to produce novel nanocomposites designated as SCE-Al2O3/PES-MBAE. In the SCE-Al2O3/PES-MBAE nano-composites, the matrix was originally formed from 4,4'-diamino diphenyl methane bismaleimide (MBMI) using the diluents of 3,3'-diallyl bisphenol A (BBA) and bisphenol-A diallyl ether (BBE), while polyether sulfone (PES) was used as toughening agent along with super-critically modified nano-alumina (SCE-Al2O3) as filler material. The content of SCE-Al2O3 was varied from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.%. The nano-composites were characterized for their morphological, spectroscopic and dielectric properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated that ethanol molecules had adhered to the surface of the nano-Al2O3 in super-critical state. A reaction between MBMI and allyl compound occurred and SCE-Al2O3 was doped into the polymer matrix. Volume resistivity of the composite initially increased and then decreased. The modification due to SCE-Al2O3 could overcome the undesirable impact of PES by using a bare minimum level of SCE-Al2O3. The dielectric constant ( ɛ) and dielectric loss (tan δ) as in the case of volume resistivity were initially increased and then decreased with the content of SCE-Al2O3 in the composite. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and dielectric strength of SCE-Al2O3 (4 wt.%)/PES (5 wt.%)-MBAE nano-composite were 3.53 (100 Hz), 1.52 × 10-3 (100 Hz) and 15.66 kV/mm, respectively, which indicated that the dielectric properties of the composite fulfilled the basic requirements of electrical and insulating material. It was evident from the morphological analysis that the SCE-Al2O3 was evenly dispersed at the nanoscale; for example, the size of SCE-Al2O3 in SCE-Al2O3 (4 wt.%)/PES (5 wt.%)-MBAE measured less than 50 nm.

Influence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and confounding factors on the frequency of sister chromatid exchange and micronucleus among road construction workers.

PubMed

Kumar, Anil; Yadav, Anita; Giri, Shiv Kumar; Dev, Kapil; Gautam, Sanjeev Kumar; Gupta, Ranjan; Aggarwal, Neeraj

2011-07-01

In the present study, we have investigated the influence of polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and confounding factors such as age, sex, exposure duration and consumption habits on cytogenetic biomarkers. Frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), high frequency cell (HFC) and cytokinesis blocked micronuclei (CBMN) were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 115 occupationally exposed road construction workers and 105 unexposed individuals. The distribution of null and positive genotypes of glutathione-S transferase gene was evaluated by multiplex PCR among control and exposed subjects. An increased frequency of CBMN (7.03±2.08); SCE (6.95±1.76) and HFC (6.28±1.69) were found in exposed subjects when compared to referent (CBMN - 3.35±1.10; SCE - 4.13±1.30 and HFC - 3.98±1.56). These results were found statistically significant at p<0.05. When the effect of confounding factors on the frequency of studied biomarkers was evaluated, a strong positive interaction was found. The individuals having GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes had higher frequency of CBMN, SCE and HFC. The association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes and studied biomarkers was found statistically significant at p<0.05. Our findings suggest that individuals having null type of GST are more susceptible to cytogenetic damage by occupational exposure regardless of confounding factors. There is a significant effect of polymorphism of these genes on cytogenetic biomarkers which are considered as early effects of genotoxic carcinogens. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety-critical event risk associated with cell phone tasks as measured in naturalistic driving studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Simmons, Sarah M; Hicks, Anne; Caird, Jeff K

2016-02-01

A systematic review and meta-analysis of naturalistic driving studies involving estimates of safety-critical event risk associated with handheld device use while driving is described. Fifty-seven studies identified from targeted databases, journals and websites were reviewed in depth, and six were ultimately included. These six studies, published between 2006 and 2014, encompass seven sets of naturalistic driver data and describe original research that utilized naturalistic methods to assess the effects of distracting behaviors. Four studies involved non-commercial drivers of light vehicles and two studies involved commercial drivers of trucks and buses. Odds ratios quantifying safety-critical event (SCE) risk associated with talking, dialing, locating or answering, and texting or browsing were extracted. Stratified meta-analysis of pooled odds ratios was used to estimate SCE risk by distraction type; meta-regression was used to test for sources of heterogeneity. The results indicate that tasks that require drivers to take their eyes off the road, such as dialing, locating a phone and texting, increase SCE risk to a greater extent than tasks that do not require eyes off the road such as talking. Although talking on a handheld device did not increase SCE risk, further research is required to determine whether it indirectly influences SCE risk (e.g., by encouraging other cell phone activities). In addition, a number of study biases and quality issues of naturalistic driving studies are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new mechanism for DNA alterations induced by alpha particles such as those emitted by radon and radon progeny.

PubMed Central

Lehnert, B E; Goodwin, E H

1997-01-01

The mechanism(s) by which alpha (alpha) particles like those emitted from inhaled radon and radon progeny cause their carcinogenic effects in the lung remains unclear. Although direct nuclear traversals by alpha-particles may be involved in mediating these outcomes, increasing evidence indicates that a particles can cause alterations in DNA in the absence of direct hits to cell nuclei. Using the occurrence of excessive sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) as an index of DNA damage in human lung fibroblasts, we investigated the hypothesis that alpha-particles may induce DNA damage through the generation of extracellular factors. We have found that a relatively low dose of alpha-particles can result in the generation of extracellular factors, which, upon transfer to unexposed normal human cells, can cause excessive SCE to an extent equivalent to that observed when the cells are directly irradiated with the same irradiation dose. A short-lived, SCE-inducing factor(s) is generated in alpha-irradiated culture medium containing serum in the absence of cells. A more persistent SCE-inducing factor(s), which can survive freeze-thaw and is heat labile is produced by fibroblasts after exposure to the alpha-particles. These results indicate that the initiating target for alpha-particle-induced genetic changes can be larger than a cell's nucleus or even a whole cell. How transmissible factors like those observed here in vitro may extend to the in vivo condition in the context of a-particle-induced carcinogenesis in the respiratory tract remains to be determined. PMID:9400706

Randomization and Data-Analysis Items in Quality Standards for Single-Case Experimental Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heyvaert, Mieke; Wendt, Oliver; Van den Noortgate, Wim; Onghena, Patrick

2015-01-01

Reporting standards and critical appraisal tools serve as beacons for researchers, reviewers, and research consumers. Parallel to existing guidelines for researchers to report and evaluate group-comparison studies, single-case experimental (SCE) researchers are in need of guidelines for reporting and evaluating SCE studies. A systematic search was…

Cytogenetic investigation of subjects professionally exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

PubMed

Maes, Annemarie; Van Gorp, Urbain; Verschaeve, Luc

2006-03-01

Nowadays, virtually everybody is exposed to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phone base station antennas or other sources. At least according to some scientists, this exposure can have detrimental health effects. We investigated cytogenetic effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects who were professionally exposed to mobile phone electromagnetic fields in an attempt to demonstrate possible RFR-induced genetic effects. These subjects can be considered well suited for this purpose as their RFR exposure is 'normal' though rather high, and definitely higher than that of the 'general population'. The alkaline comet assay, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome aberration tests revealed no evidence of RFR-induced genetic effects. Blood cells were also exposed to the well known chemical mutagen mitomycin C in order to investigate possible combined effects of RFR and the chemical. No cooperative action was found between the electromagnetic field exposure and the mutagen using either the comet assay or SCE test.

Modulatory effects of garlic extract against the cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity in human lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Sowjanya, B Lakshmi; Devi, K Rudrama; Madhavi, D

2009-09-01

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent which is used in the treatment of wide range of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Besides that it is a well known carcinogen. In this study by using chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) assays method, the modulatory effects exerted by the extract of garlic against the CP induced genotoxicity in the human lymphocyte cultures in vitro were tested. Three different doses of garlic extract were tested for their modulatory capacity on the mutagenecity exerted by 100 microg ml(-1) of CR The results indicate a significant decrease in the frequency of CA and SCE suggesting that the garlic extract modulates the CP induced genotoxicity in a dose dependent manner. These findings provide the future directions for the research on design and development of possible modulatory drugs containing garlic extract.

Genotoxic evaluation of terbinafine in human lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Tolomeotti, Danielle; de Castro-Prado, Marialba Avezum Alves; de Sant'Anna, Juliane Rocha; Martins, Ana Beatriz Tozzo; Della-Rosa, Valter Augusto

2015-01-01

Terbinafine is an antimycotic drug usually used against several superficial fungal infections and with a potential application in the treatment of human cancers. Since to date there are few data on the genotoxic effects of terbinafine in mammalian cells, current study evaluated the potential genotoxic of such antifungal agent in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Terbinafine was used at the peak plasma concentration (1.0 μg/ml) and in four additional concentrations higher than the human plasmatic peak (5.0 μg/ml, 25.0 μg/ml, 50.0 μg/ml and 100.0 μg/ml). Chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NP) and nuclear buds (NB) were scored as genetic endpoints. In all analysis no significant differences (α = 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test) were observed. Complementary criterion adopted to obtain the final response in cytogenetic agreed with statistical results. Therefore, results of this study showed that terbinafine neither induced CA, SCE, MN, NP and NB nor affected significantly mitotic, replication and cytokinesis-block proliferation indices in any of the tested concentrations. It may be assumed that terbinafine was not genotoxic or cytotoxic to cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes in our experimental conditions.

Cytogenetic analysis of children under long-term antibacterial therapy with nitroheterocyclic compound furagin.

PubMed

Slapsyte, G; Jankauskiene, A; Mierauskiene, J; Lazutka, J R

2001-04-05

Cytogenetic analysis of chromosome aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was performed in 109 blood samples from 95 pediatric patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Children were exposed to diagnostic levels of X-rays during voiding cystourethrography and subsequently treated for one to 12 months with low doses of furagin - N-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-allylidene-1-aminohydantoin. Furagin is 2-substituted 5-nitrofuran, chemically and structurally similar to well-known antibacterial compound nitrofurantoin. Increased frequencies of CAs were found in children undergoing voiding cystourethrography as compared with the unexposed, acentric fragments being the most frequent alteration (2.03 versus 0.88 per 100 cells, P=0.006). However, a significant decrease in the frequency of acentric fragments was determined with the time elapsed since X-ray examination was performed. A time-independent increase in SCE frequency was found in lymphocytes of children treated with furagin. Total CA frequency did not differ significantly between groups of children with various duration of furagin treatment. However, frequency of chromatid exchanges (triradials and quadriradials) increased significantly with duration of treatment.

Software Capability Evaluation (SCE) Version 2.0 Implementation Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

Affected By SCE B-40 Figure 3-1 SCE Usage Decision Making Criteria 3-44 Figure 3-2 Estimated SCE Labor For One Source Selection 3-53 Figure 3-3 SCE...incorporated into the source selection sponsoring organization’s technical/management team for incorporation into acquisition decisions . The SCE team...expertise, past performance, and organizational capacity in acquisition decisions . The Capability Maturity Model Basic Concepts The CMM is based on the

Genotoxicity of tetracycline as an emerging pollutant on root meristem cells of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

PubMed

Xie, Xiujie; Zhou, Qixing; Bao, Qiuhua; He, Zhangchun; Bao, Yanyu

2011-08-01

Increasing attention has been paid to antibiotic contamination as an increasingly serious environmental issue. Tetracycline has been widely used for decades in human and veterinary medicines, with incremental residues in the environment and adverse influences on living organisms. In the present study, the genetic toxicity of tetracycline was investigated using a bioassay method with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) root-meristem cells at a concentration range of 0.25-300 mg L(-1) and exposure times of 24, 48, and 72 h. The results indicated that tetracycline at lower concentrations (0.25-1 mg L(-1) ) stimulated cell mitotic division, whereas at 50-300 mg L(-1) concentration caused a concentration-related decrease in mitotic index (MI). The lower tetracycline concentrations induced a slight increase in the frequency of micronucleus (MN), chromosomal aberration (CA), and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in wheat root tips. However, there were significant increases in these indices at higher concentrations in concentration- and time-dependent manners, including the frequencies of MN (25-200 mg L(-1) ), CA (10-200 mg L(-1) ), and SCE (5-200 mg L(-1) ), respectively. The inducement of MN, CA, and SCE decreased at 250 and 300 mg L(-1) due to acute cell toxicity for all tested times. Comparatively, SCE was the most sensitive, followed by CA, with MN the least sensitive to the genotoxicity of tetracycline in wheat. These results imply that tetracycline may be genotoxic to plant cells, and exposure to tetracycline may pose a genotoxic risk to living organisms. The results also suggest that the wheat bioassay was efficient, simple, and reproducible in monitoring the genotoxicity of tetracycline in the environment. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structure-activity relationships of succinimidyl-Cys-C(O)-Glu derivatives with different near-infrared fluorophores as optical imaging probes for prostate-specific membrane antigen.

PubMed

Matsuoka, Daiko; Watanabe, Hiroyuki; Shimizu, Yoichi; Kimura, Hiroyuki; Yagi, Yusuke; Kawai, Ryoko; Ono, Masahiro; Saji, Hideo

2018-05-15

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in malignant prostate cancer (PCa), is an ideal target for imaging and therapy of PCa. We previously reported a PSMA imaging probe, 800CW-SCE, based on succinimidyl-Cys-C(O)-Glu (SCE) for optical imaging of PCa. In this study, we investigated the structure-activity relationships of novel SCE derivatives with five different near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores (IRDye 680LT, IRDye 750, Indocyanine Green, Cyanine 5.5, and Cyanine 7) as optical imaging probes targeting PSMA. An in vitro binding assay revealed that 800CW-SCE, 680LT-SCE, and 750-SCE exhibited higher binding affinity than 2-PMPA, which is known as a PSMA inhibitor. These three SCE derivatives were internalized into PSMA-positive cells (LNCaP cells) but not into PSMA-negative cells (PC-3 cells). In the in vivo imaging study, 800CW-SCE and 750-SCE were highly accumulated in LNCaP tumors but not in PC-3 tumors, and the ratio of LNCaP/PC-3 accumulation of 800CW-SCE was higher than that of 750-SCE. The present study may provide valuable molecular design information for the future development of new PSMA imaging probes based on the SCE scaffold. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The 2014 Long-Term Budget Outlook

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-16

Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and subsidies offered through health insurance exchanges. b. Consists of excise taxes, remittances to the...and employment in the next few years. The deficit reduction under the other sce- narios, by contrast, would decrease the demand for goods and services...and thus reduce output and employment in the next few years. How Uncertain Are the Long-Term Budget Projections? Even if future tax and spending

Induction of sister chromatid exchange in preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro by /sup 3/H-thymidine or ultraviolet light in combination with caffeine

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

Mueller, W.U.S.; Spindle, A.

1986-01-01

Preimplantation mouse embryos were exposed in vitro to /sup 3/H-thymidine (25, 100, or 250 Bq/ml) or ultraviolet (UV) light (1.35 or 4.05 J/m2), either alone or in combination with caffeine (1 mM with /sup 3/H-thymidine and 0.5 mM with UV light). Exposure to /sup 3/H-thymidine lasted for 2 days, from the two-cell stage to the late morula/early blastocyst stage, and UV radiation was applied acutely at the late morula/early blastocyst stage. The effects were quantified by the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. All three agents induced SCEs when used singly. /sup 3/H-thymidine was effective in inducing SCEs only at 250more » Bq/ml, whereas UV light was effective at both fluences. Although caffeine did not induce SCEs when it was added before exposure to bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), which is used to visualize SCEs, it did induce SCEs when present during the entire culture period (/sup 3/H-thymidine experiments) or during incubation in BrdUrd (UV experiments). Caffeine markedly enhanced the SCE-inducing effect of UV light but did not influence the effect of /sup 3/H-thymidine.« less

Genotoxic effects of styrene-7,8-oxide in human white blood cells: comet assay in relation to the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges and micronuclei.

PubMed

Laffon, B; Pásaro, E; Méndez, J

2001-04-05

Styrene is used in the production of plastics, resins and rubber. The highest human exposures to styrene take place by inhalation during the production of fiberglass reinforced plastics. Styrene is metabolized mainly in the liver to styrene-7,8-oxide (SO), its principal in vivo mutagenic metabolite. In this study, human peripheral white blood cells were exposed to several SO concentrations (10-200 microM) in order to evaluate its genotoxic properties by means of comet assay, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (MN) test, in addition to determine its clastogenic or aneugenic properties by combining MN with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedures. Our results show that SO induces DNA damage, SCE and MN in human leukocytes in vitro at concentrations above 50 microM, and that there is a strong relationship between DNA damage, as measured by the comet assay, and cytogenetic damage induced by SO at the doses employed. SO shows preferentially a clastogenic activity and produces a cytostatic effect at high doses, reflected by the significant decrease of the calculated proliferation indices. A good dose-effect relationship is obtained in the three tests performed at the concentration range assayed.

Impacts of Early Summer Eurasian Snow Cover Change on Atmospheric Circulation in Northern Mid-Latitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nozawa, T.

2016-12-01

Recently, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed a new long-term snow cover extent (SCE) product using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data spanning from 1980's to date. This new product (JAXA/SCE) has higher spatial resolution and smaller commission error compared with traditional SCE dataset of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/SCE). Continuity of the algorithm is another strong point in JAXA/SCE. According to the new JAXA/SCE dataset, the Eurasian SCE has been significantly retreating since 1980's, especially in late spring and early summer. Here, we investigate impacts of early summer Eurasian snow cover change on atmospheric circulation in Northern mid-latitudes, especially over the East Asia, using the new JAXA/SCE dataset and a few reanalysis data. We will present analyzed results on relationships between early summer SCE anomaly over the Eurasia and changes in atmospheric circulations such as upper level zonal jets (changes in strength, positions, etc.) over the East Asia.

A pair of new BAC and BIBAC vectors that facilitate BAC/BIBAC library construction and intact large genomic DNA insert exchange.

PubMed

Shi, Xue; Zeng, Haiyang; Xue, Yadong; Luo, Meizhong

2011-10-11

Large-insert BAC and BIBAC libraries are important tools for structural and functional genomics studies of eukaryotic genomes. To facilitate the construction of BAC and BIBAC libraries and the transfer of complete large BAC inserts into BIBAC vectors, which is desired in positional cloning, we developed a pair of new BAC and BIBAC vectors. The new BAC vector pIndigoBAC536-S and the new BIBAC vector BIBAC-S have the following features: 1) both contain two 18-bp non-palindromic I-SceI sites in an inverted orientation at positions that flank an identical DNA fragment containing the lacZ selection marker and the cloning site. Large DNA inserts can be excised from the vectors as single fragments by cutting with I-SceI, allowing the inserts to be easily sized. More importantly, because the two vectors contain different antibiotic resistance genes for transformant selection and produce the same non-complementary 3' protruding ATAA ends by I-SceI that suppress self- and inter-ligations, the exchange of intact large genomic DNA inserts between the BAC and BIBAC vectors is straightforward; 2) both were constructed as high-copy composite vectors. Reliable linearized and dephosphorylated original low-copy pIndigoBAC536-S and BIBAC-S vectors that are ready for library construction can be prepared from the high-copy composite vectors pHZAUBAC1 and pHZAUBIBAC1, respectively, without the need for additional preparation steps or special reagents, thus simplifying the construction of BAC and BIBAC libraries. BIBAC clones constructed with the new BIBAC-S vector are stable in both E. coli and Agrobacterium. The vectors can be accessed through our website http://GResource.hzau.edu.cn. The two new vectors and their respective high-copy composite vectors can largely facilitate the construction and characterization of BAC and BIBAC libraries. The transfer of complete large genomic DNA inserts from one vector to the other is made straightforward.

Preclinical evaluation of amiodarone for the treatment of murine leukemia P388. In vivo and in vitro investigation.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, A D; Dalezis, P; Mourelatos, C; Lioutas, K; Sahpazidou, D; Geromichalou, E; Geromichalos, G; Lialiaris, Th; Athanasiadou, P; Athanasiadis, P

2010-01-01

The purpose of the present study was the investigation of antileukemic effect of amiodarone in leukemia P388 BDF1 bearing mice and its genotoxic and cytostatic effect in cultured normal human lymphocytes. Leukemia P388 was used in this study. BDF1 mice were used for chemotherapy evaluation in vivo. The antitumor activity was assessed by the oncostatic parameter T/C, representing the increase of life span of drug-treated animals vs. controls. Lymphocyte cultures were used to study the genotoxic and cytostatic effect in vitro, expressed by enhanced sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and reduced proliferation rate indices (PRIS). Amiodarone was found to exert antileukemic potency against leukemia P388 bearing mice at all three different treatment schedules used, yielding T/C values of 155%, 163% with one cure and 230%. In the in vitro cytogenic experiments, significant increase of SCE rates by amiodarone was observed at 0.2 μM, while at the same concentration significant suppression of PRIS was achieved. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a compound is characterized as potential chemotherapeutic deserving further evaluation if it produces T/C values≥125%. On the other hand the SCE assay has predictive value as a clinical assay for drugs exhibiting a strong correlation between cell killing and induction of SCEs. Further studies are warranted to clarify the structure-activity relationship of amiodarone.

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

Harrison, F.L.; Rice, D.W. Jr.; Moore, D.H.

Traditional bioassays are unsuitable for assessing sublethal effects of low levels of radioactivity because mortality and phenotypic responses are not anticipated. We compared the usefulness of chromosomal aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction as measures of low-level radiation effects in a sediment-dwelling marine worm, Neanthes arenaceodentata. Newly hatched larvae were exposed to two radiation exposure regimes. Groups of 100 larvae were exposed to either x rays delivered at high dose rates (0.7 Gy min/sup -1/) or to /sup 60/Co gamma rays delivered at low dose rates (4.8 X 10/sup -5/ to 1.2 X 10/sup -1/ Gy h/sup -1/).more » After irradiation, the larvae were exposed to 3 X 10/sup -5/M bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) for 28 h (x-ray-irradiated larvae) or for 54 h (/sup 60/Co-irradiated larvae). Slides of larval cells were prepared for observation of CAs and SCEs. Frequencies of CAs were determined in first division cells; frequencies of SCEs were determined in second division cells. Results from x-ray irradiation indicated that dose-related increases occur in chromosome and chromatid deletions, but an x-ray dose greater than or equal to 2 Gy was required to observe a significant increase. Worm larvae receiving /sup 60/Co irradiation showed elevated SCE frequencies; a significant increase in SCE frequency was observed at 0.6 Gy. 49 references, 2 figures.« less

A long-term Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent product (JASMES) deriving from satellite-borne optical sensors using consistent objective criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hori, M.; Sugiura, K.; Kobayashi, K.; Aoki, T.; Tanikawa, T.; Niwano, M.; Enomoto, H.

2017-12-01

A long-term Northern Hemisphere (NH) snow cover extent (SCE) product (JASMES SCE) was developed from the application of a consistent objective snow cover mapping algorithm to satellite-borne optical sensors (NOAA/AVHRR and NASA's optical sensor MODIS) from 1982 to the present. We estimated NH SCE from weekly composited snow cover maps and evaluated the accuracies of snow cover detection using in-situ snow data. As benchmark SCE product, we also evaluated the accuracy of SCE maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Data Record (NOAA-CDR) product. The evaluation showed that JASMES SCE has more temporally stable accuracies. Seasonally averaged SCE derived from JASMES exhibited negative slopes in all seasons which is opposite to those of NOAA-CDR SCE in the fall and winter seasons. The spatial pattern of annual snow cover duration (SCD) trends exhibited noticeable asymmetric pattern between continents with the largest negative trends seen over western Eurasia. The NH SCE product will be connected to the data of the Japanese Earth Observing satellite named "Global Change Observation Mission for Climate (GCOM-C)" to be launched in late 2017.

The evaluation of the genotoxicity of two food preservatives: sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate.

PubMed

Zengin, N; Yüzbaşıoğlu, D; Unal, F; Yılmaz, S; Aksoy, H

2011-04-01

In this study, the genotoxic effects of sodium benzoate (SB) and potassium benzoate (PB) were investigated in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes using chromosomal aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and micronuclei (MN). The level of nuclear DNA damage of SB and PB were also evaluated using the comet assay. The lymphocytes were incubated with different concentrations of SB (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml) and PB (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/ml). A significant increase was observed in CA, SCE, and MN, in almost all treatments compared to negative controls. SB and PB significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) in all the treatments, compared to the negative controls. However, neither of the additives affected the replication index (RI). Although SB significantly increased DNA damage, PB did not cause a significant increase in DNA damage. The present results indicate that SB and PB are clastogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic to human lymphocytes in vitro. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Localized, macromolecular transport for thin, adherent, single cells via an automated, single cell electroporation biomanipulator.

PubMed

Sakaki, Kelly; Esmaeilsabzali, Hadi; Massah, Shabnam; Prefontaine, Gratien G; Dechev, Nikolai; Burke, Robert D; Park, Edward J

2013-11-01

Single cell electroporation (SCE), via microcapillary, is an effective method for molecular, transmembrane transport used to gain insight on cell processes with minimal preparation. Although possessing great potential, SCE is difficult to execute and the technology spans broad fields within cell biology and engineering. The technical complexities, the focus and expertise demanded during manual operation, and the lack of an automated SCE platform limit the widespread use of this technique, thus the potential of SCE has not been realized. In this study, an automated biomanipulator for SCE is presented. Our system is capable of delivering molecules into the cytoplasm of extremely thin cellular features of adherent cells. The intent of the system is to abstract the technical challenges and exploit the accuracy and repeatability of automated instrumentation, leaving only the focus of the experimental design to the operator. Each sequence of SCE including cell and SCE site localization, tip-membrane contact detection, and SCE has been automated. Positions of low-contrast cells are localized and "SCE sites" for microcapillary tip placement are determined using machine vision. In addition, new milestones within automated cell manipulation have been achieved. The system described herein has the capability of automated SCE of "thin" cell features less than 10 μm in thickness. Finally, SCE events are anticipated using visual feedback, while monitoring fluorescing dye entering the cytoplasm of a cell. The execution is demonstrated by inserting a combination of a fluorescing dye and a reporter gene into NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells.

Site Operator technical report. Final report (1992--1996)

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

NONE

1996-12-01

The Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) entered into cooperative agreement No. DE-FC07-91ID13077 on August 23, 1991, which expired on August 3, 1996. This cooperative agreement provided SCE with DOE cofunding for participation in the DOE`s Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Site Operator Program. In return, SCE provided the DOE with quarterly progress reports which include operating and maintenance data for the electric (EVs) vehicles in SCE`s fleet. Herein is SCE`s final report for the 1992 to 1996 agreement period. As of September 1, 1996 the SCE fleet had 65 electric vehicles in service. Amore » total of 578,200 miles had been logged. During the agreement period, SCE sent the DOE a total of 19 technical reports (Appendix B). This report summarizes the technical achievements which took place during a long, productive and rewarding, relationship with the DOE.« less

A heterogeneous computing accelerated SCE-UA global optimization method using OpenMP, OpenCL, CUDA, and OpenACC.

PubMed

Kan, Guangyuan; He, Xiaoyan; Ding, Liuqian; Li, Jiren; Liang, Ke; Hong, Yang

2017-10-01

The shuffled complex evolution optimization developed at the University of Arizona (SCE-UA) has been successfully applied in various kinds of scientific and engineering optimization applications, such as hydrological model parameter calibration, for many years. The algorithm possesses good global optimality, convergence stability and robustness. However, benchmark and real-world applications reveal the poor computational efficiency of the SCE-UA. This research aims at the parallelization and acceleration of the SCE-UA method based on powerful heterogeneous computing technology. The parallel SCE-UA is implemented on Intel Xeon multi-core CPU (by using OpenMP and OpenCL) and NVIDIA Tesla many-core GPU (by using OpenCL, CUDA, and OpenACC). The serial and parallel SCE-UA were tested based on the Griewank benchmark function. Comparison results indicate the parallel SCE-UA significantly improves computational efficiency compared to the original serial version. The OpenCL implementation obtains the best overall acceleration results however, with the most complex source code. The parallel SCE-UA has bright prospects to be applied in real-world applications.

Evaluation of genotoxic effects of Apitol (cymiazole hydrochloride) in vitro by measurement of sister chromatid exchange.

PubMed

Stanimirovic, Zoran; Stevanovic, Jevrosima; Jovanovic, Slobodan; Andjelkovic, Marko

2005-12-30

Apitol, with cymiazole hydrochloride as the active ingredient, is used in bee-keeping against the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. The preparation was evaluated for genotoxicity in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Sister chromatid exchange, the mitotic index and the cell proliferation index were determined for three experimental concentrations of Apitol (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/ml). All concentrations significantly (p < 0.001) increased the mitotic index (MI = 7.35+/-0.18%, 8.31+/-0.20% and 12.33+/-0.25%, respectively), the proliferative index (PI = 1.83+/-0.01, 1.84+/-0.01 and 1.88+/-0.02, respectively) and the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE = 8.19+/-1.81, 8.78+/-1.80 and 13.46+/-1.88, respectively), suggesting that cymiazole hydrochloride has genotoxic potential.

Predicting 6- and 12-Month Risk of Mortality in Patients With Platinum-Resistant Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer: Prognostic Model to Guide Palliative Care Referrals.

PubMed

Foote, Jonathan; Lopez-Acevedo, Micael; Samsa, Gregory; Lee, Paula S; Kamal, Arif H; Alvarez Secord, Angeles; Havrilesky, Laura J

2018-02-01

Predictive models are increasingly being used in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to develop a predictive model to identify patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with a prognosis of less than 6 to 12 months who may benefit from immediate referral to hospice care. A retrospective chart review identified patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer who were treated at our institution between 2000 and 2011. A predictive model for survival was constructed based on the time from development of platinum resistance to death. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify significant survival predictors and to develop a predictive model. The following variables were included: time from diagnosis to platinum resistance, initial stage, debulking status, number of relapses, comorbidity score, albumin, hemoglobin, CA-125 levels, liver/lung metastasis, and the presence of a significant clinical event (SCE). An SCE was defined as a malignant bowel obstruction, pleural effusion, or ascites occurring on or before the diagnosis of platinum resistance. One hundred sixty-four patients met inclusion criteria. In the regression analysis, only an SCE and the presence of liver or lung metastasis were associated with poorer short-term survival (P < 0.001). Nine percent of patients with an SCE or liver or lung metastasis survived 6 months or greater and 0% survived 12 months or greater, compared with 85% and 67% of patients without an SCE or liver or lung metastasis, respectively. Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have experienced an SCE or liver or lung metastasis have a high risk of death within 6 months and should be considered for immediate referral to hospice care.

Mutagenic and morphologic impacts of 1.8GHz radiofrequency radiation on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hPBLs) and possible protective role of pre-treatment with Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761).

PubMed

Esmekaya, Meric Arda; Aytekin, Ebru; Ozgur, Elcin; Güler, Göknur; Ergun, Mehmet Ali; Omeroğlu, Suna; Seyhan, Nesrin

2011-12-01

The mutagenic and morphologic effects of 1.8GHz Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modulated RF (radiofrequency) radiation alone and in combination with Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) pre-treatment in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hPBLs) were investigated in this study using Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) and electron microscopy. Cell viability was assessed with 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. The lymphocyte cultures were exposed to GSM modulated RF radiation at 1.8GHz for 6, 8, 24 and 48h with and without EGb 761. We observed morphological changes in pulse-modulated RF radiated lymphocytes. Longer exposure periods led to destruction of organelle and nucleus structures. Chromatin change and the loss of mitochondrial crista occurred in cells exposed to RF for 8h and 24h and were more pronounced in cells exposed for 48h. Cytoplasmic lysis and destruction of membrane integrity of cells and nuclei were also seen in 48h RF exposed cells. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in SCE frequency in RF exposed lymphocytes compared to sham controls. EGb 761 pre-treatment significantly decreased SCE from RF radiation. RF radiation also inhibited cell viability in a time dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of RF radiation on the growth of lymphoctes were marked in longer exposure periods. EGb 761 pre-treatment significantly increased cell viability in RF+EGb 761 treated groups at 8 and 24h when compared to RF exposed groups alone. The results of our study showed that RF radiation affects cell morphology, increases SCE and inhibits cell proliferation. However, EGb 761 has a protective role against RF induced mutagenity. We concluded that RF radiation induces chromosomal damage in hPBLs but this damage may be reduced by EGb 761 pre-treatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative study of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of titanium oxide and aluminium oxide nanoparticles in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells.

PubMed

Di Virgilio, A L; Reigosa, M; Arnal, P M; Fernández Lorenzo de Mele, M

2010-05-15

The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of titanium oxide (TiO(2)) and aluminium oxide (Al(2)O(3)) nanoparticles (NPs) on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells using neutral red (NR), mitochondrial activity (by MTT assay), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), micronucleus (MN) formation, and cell cycle kinetics techniques. Results showed a dose-related cytotoxic effect evidenced after 24h by changes in lysosomal and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Interestingly, transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) showed the formation of perinuclear vesicles in CHO-K1 cells after treatment with both NPs during 24h but no NP was detected in the nuclei. Genotoxic effects were shown by MN frequencies which significantly increased at 0.5 and 1 microg/mL TiO(2) and 0.5-10 microg/mL Al(2)O(3). SCE frequencies were higher for cells treated with 1-5 microg/mL TiO(2). The absence of metaphases evidenced cytotoxicity for higher concentrations of TiO(2). No SCE induction was achieved after treatment with 1-25 microg/mL Al(2)O(3). In conclusion, findings showed cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of TiO(2) and Al(2)O(3) NPs on CHO-K1 cells. Possible causes of controversial reports are discussed further on. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Simultaneous Radiofrequency Radiation and Chemical Exposure of Mammalian Cells. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

chromosome - - - - - - -I aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). Yao (1982) exposed rat kangaroo RH5 and RH1l6 cells to 2.45 GHz radiation, and...control was reported in chromosome aberrations. Yac (1982) investigated the cytogenetic consequences of chronic microwave exposure on rat kangaroo RH5...was said to be 280C. The cells were exposed both as conidia, which are "rather inactive metabolically ," and also after DNA replication had been

In vitro and in vivo activities of SCE-2787, a new parenteral cephalosporin with a broad antibacterial spectrum.

PubMed Central

Iwahi, T; Okonogi, K; Yamazaki, T; Shiki, S; Kondo, M; Miyake, A; Imada, A

1992-01-01

SCE-2787, a new cephalosporin having a condensed azolium moiety in the 3 position and an aminothiadiazolyl group in the 7 beta side chain, was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo activities in comparison with those of ceftazidime, flomoxef, cefpirome, and E1040. Against methicillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, SCE-2787 was more active than ceftazidime and E1040 and was as active as flomoxef and cefpirome, with MICs for 90% of strains tested (MIC90s) being 1.56 micrograms/ml or less. SCE-2787 was also active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for which the MIC90 was 6.25 micrograms/ml, which was lower than that of cefpirome and comparable to that of ceftazidime. SCE-2787 was marginally active against methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci and Enterococcus faecalis, although its MIC90s were the lowest among those of the antibiotics tested. The activities of SCE-2787 against Streptococcus species, most members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and Haemophilus influenzae exceeded those of ceftazidime and flomoxef and were comparable to those of cefpirome. Furthermore, MIC90s of SCE-2787 were significantly lower than those of ceftazidime for ceftazidime-resistant isolates of Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae. SCE-2787 was resistant to hydrolysis by various types of beta-lactamases, including the Bush group 1 beta-lactamases, and had low affinities for these enzymes, with Km or Ki values of greater than 100 microM. The in vitro activity of SCE-2787 was reflected in its efficacy in mouse protection tests. Thus, SCE-2787 appears to be a promising cephalosporin that should be further evaluated in clinical trials. PMID:1510428

The benefit of expecting no conflict--Stronger influence of self-generated than cue-induced conflict expectations on Stroop performance.

PubMed

Kemper, Maike; Gaschler, Robert; Schwager, Sabine; Schubert, Torsten

2016-01-01

The role of expectations in sequential adaptation to cognitive conflict has been debated controversially in prior studies. On the one hand, a sequential congruency effect (SCE) has been reported for trials in which participants expect a repetition of conflict level. On the other hand, conflict level expectations vs. the SCE have been shown to develop differentially across runs of trials with the same conflict level, arguing against the theory that the SCE is purely driven by expectation. The current verbal Stroop experiment addresses this controversy by two means. First, we tested which specific type of expectation (cue-induced expectations vs. self-generated predictions) might affect the SCE. Second, we assessed the impact of expectation on the SCE as well as the development of SCE and expectation with congruency level run length in one design. We observed a dissociation between expectations and SCE, demonstrating that the SCE is not exclusively driven by expectations. At the same time, we found evidence that (self-generated) expectations do have an impact on the SCE. Our data document especially high performance for one specific combination of task events: congruent trial accompanied by congruent prediction and conflict level repetition. Our results are in line with theories attributing conflict adaptation effects to the "adaption to the lack of conflict". We discuss our results in a broader context of theories about conflict monitoring. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Northern Hemisphere Autumn and Winter Climate Responses to Realistic Tibetan Plateau and Mongolia Snow Anomalies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Q.; Yao, Y.; Liu, S.

2017-12-01

The impact of the Eurasian snow cover extent (SCE) on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) circulation is first investigated by applying a lagged maximum covariance analysis (MCA) to monthly satellite-derived SCE and NCEP reanalysis data. Wintertime atmospheric signals significantly correlated with persistently autumn-early winter SCE anomalies are found in the leading two MCA modes. The first MCA mode indicates the effect of Eurasian snow cover anomalies on the Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO). The second MCA mode links a persistent dipole of autumn and winter SCE anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and Mongolia with winter Pacific-North America (PNA)-like atmospheric variations. A modeling study further investigates atmospheric responses to above TP and Mongolia snow forcings using multiple ensemble transient integrations of the CAM4 and CLM4.0 models. Model boundary conditions are based on climatological sea ice extent (SIE) and sea surface temperature (SST), and satellite observations of SCE and snow water equivalent (SWE) over the TP and Mongolia from October to March in 1997/98 (heavy TP and light Mongolia snow) and 1984/85 (light TP and heavy Mongolia snow), with model derived SCE and SWE elsewhere. In various forcing experiments, the ensemble-mean difference between simulations with these two extreme snow states identifies local, distant, concurrent, and delayed climatic responses. The main atmospheric responses to a dipole of high TP and low Mongolia SCE persisting from October to March (versus the opposite extreme) are strong TP surface cooling, warming in the surrounding China and Mongolia region, and a winter positive PNA-like response. The localized response is maintained by persistent diabatic cooling or heating, and the remote PNA response results mainly from the increased horizontal eastward propagation of stationary Rossby wave energy due to persistent TP snow forcing and also a winter transient eddy feedback mechanism. With a less persistent dipole anomaly in autumn or winter only, local responses are similar depending on the specific anomalies, but the winter PNA-like response is nearly absent or noticeably reduced.

Effect of borax on immune cell proliferation and sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes

PubMed Central

Pongsavee, Malinee

2009-01-01

Background Borax is used as a food additive. It becomes toxic when accumulated in the body. It causes vomiting, fatigue and renal failure. Methods The heparinized blood samples from 40 healthy men were studied for the impact of borax toxicity on immune cell proliferation (lymphocyte proliferation) and sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes. The MTT assay and Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) technic were used in this experiment with the borax concentrations of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/ml. Results It showed that the immune cell proliferation (lymphocyte proliferation) was decreased when the concentrations of borax increased. The borax concentration of 0.6 mg/ml had the most effectiveness to the lymphocyte proliferation and had the highest cytotoxicity index (CI). The borax concentrations of 0.15, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/ml significantly induced sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes (P < 0.05). Conclusion Borax had effects on immune cell proliferation (lymphocyte proliferation) and induced sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes. Toxicity of borax may lead to cellular toxicity and genetic defect in human. PMID:19878537

Fast hydrological model calibration based on the heterogeneous parallel computing accelerated shuffled complex evolution method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kan, Guangyuan; He, Xiaoyan; Ding, Liuqian; Li, Jiren; Hong, Yang; Zuo, Depeng; Ren, Minglei; Lei, Tianjie; Liang, Ke

2018-01-01

Hydrological model calibration has been a hot issue for decades. The shuffled complex evolution method developed at the University of Arizona (SCE-UA) has been proved to be an effective and robust optimization approach. However, its computational efficiency deteriorates significantly when the amount of hydrometeorological data increases. In recent years, the rise of heterogeneous parallel computing has brought hope for the acceleration of hydrological model calibration. This study proposed a parallel SCE-UA method and applied it to the calibration of a watershed rainfall-runoff model, the Xinanjiang model. The parallel method was implemented on heterogeneous computing systems using OpenMP and CUDA. Performance testing and sensitivity analysis were carried out to verify its correctness and efficiency. Comparison results indicated that heterogeneous parallel computing-accelerated SCE-UA converged much more quickly than the original serial version and possessed satisfactory accuracy and stability for the task of fast hydrological model calibration.

Electroactivity of phototrophic river biofilms and constitutive cultivable bacteria.

PubMed

Lyautey, Emilie; Cournet, Amandine; Morin, Soizic; Boulêtreau, Stéphanie; Etcheverry, Luc; Charcosset, Jean-Yves; Delmas, François; Bergel, Alain; Garabetian, Frédéric

2011-08-01

Electroactivity is a property of microorganisms assembled in biofilms that has been highlighted in a variety of environments. This characteristic was assessed for phototrophic river biofilms at the community scale and at the bacterial population scale. At the community scale, electroactivity was evaluated on stainless steel and copper alloy coupons used both as biofilm colonization supports and as working electrodes. At the population scale, the ability of environmental bacterial strains to catalyze oxygen reduction was assessed by cyclic voltammetry. Our data demonstrate that phototrophic river biofilm development on the electrodes, measured by dry mass and chlorophyll a content, resulted in significant increases of the recorded potentials, with potentials of up to +120 mV/saturated calomel electrode (SCE) on stainless steel electrodes and +60 mV/SCE on copper electrodes. Thirty-two bacterial strains isolated from natural phototrophic river biofilms were tested by cyclic voltammetry. Twenty-five were able to catalyze oxygen reduction, with shifts of potential ranging from 0.06 to 0.23 V, cathodic peak potentials ranging from -0.36 to -0.76 V/SCE, and peak amplitudes ranging from -9.5 to -19.4 μA. These isolates were diversified phylogenetically (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaproteobacteria) and exhibited various phenotypic properties (Gram stain, oxidase, and catalase characteristics). These data suggest that phototrophic river biofilm communities and/or most of their constitutive bacterial populations present the ability to promote electronic exchange with a metallic electrode, supporting the following possibilities: (i) development of electrochemistry-based sensors allowing in situ phototrophic river biofilm detection and (ii) production of microbial fuel cell inocula under oligotrophic conditions.

In vivo hair growth-promoting effect of rice bran extract prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid.

PubMed

Choi, Jae-Suk; Jeon, Min-Hee; Moon, Woi-Sook; Moon, Jin-Nam; Cheon, Eun Jin; Kim, Joo-Wan; Jung, Sung Kyu; Ji, Yi-Hwa; Son, Sang Wook; Kim, Mi-Ryung

2014-01-01

The potential hair growth-promoting activity of rice bran supercritical CO2 extract (RB-SCE) and major components of RB-SCE, linoleic acid, policosanol, γ-oryzanol, and γ-tocotrienol, were evaluated with the histological morphology and mRNA expression levels of cell growth factors using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in C57BL/6 mice. RB-SCE showed hair growth-promoting potential to a similar extent as 3% minoxidil, showing that the hair follicles were induced to be in the anagen stage. The numbers of the hair follicles were significantly increased. In addition, mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) were also significantly increased and that of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) decreased in RB-SCE-treated groups. Among the major components of RB-SCE, linoleic acid and γ-oryzanol induced the formation of hair follicles according to examination of histological morphology and mRNA expression levels of cell growth factors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that RB-SCE, particularly linoleic acid and γ-oryzanol, promotes hair growth and suggests RB-SCE can be applied as hair loss treatment.

NREL/SCE High Penetration PV Integration Project: FY13 Annual Report

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

Mather, B. A.; Shah, S.; Norris, B. L.

2014-06-01

In 2010, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Southern California Edison (SCE), Quanta Technology, Satcon Technology Corporation, Electrical Distribution Design (EDD), and Clean Power Research (CPR) teamed to analyze the impacts of high penetration levels of photovoltaic (PV) systems interconnected onto the SCE distribution system. This project was designed specifically to benefit from the experience that SCE and the project team would gain during the installation of 500 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale PV systems (with 1-5 MW typical ratings) starting in 2010 and completing in 2015 within SCE's service territory through a program approved by the California Public Utility Commissionmore » (CPUC). This report provides the findings of the research completed under the project to date.« less

Semen Cassiae Extract Improves Glucose Metabolism by Promoting GlUT4 Translocation in the Skeletal Muscle of Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Zhang, Meiling; Li, Xin; Liang, Hangfei; Cai, Huqiang; Hu, Xueling; Bian, Yu; Dong, Lei; Ding, Lili; Wang, Libo; Yu, Bo; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Yao

2018-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia; its complications lead to disability and even death. Semen Cassiae is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidaemia, anti-oxidation, and anti-ageing properties. Our study was designed to evaluate the action of total anthraquinones of Semen Cassiae extract (SCE) on the improvement of glucose metabolism in diabetic rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. First, we evaluated the effect of SCE on normal rats. Next, we observed the effect of SCE using a rat model of diabetes, which was established by feeding rats with high-energy diet for 4 weeks and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 30 mg/kg) 3 weeks after starting the high-energy diet. Rats in different SCE groups (administered 54, 108, and 324 mg/kg/day of SCE) and metformin group (162 mg/kg/day, positive control drug) were treated with the corresponding drugs 1 week before starting high-energy diet and treatment continued for 5 weeks; meanwhile, rats in the control group were administered the same volume of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution (vehicle solution). One week after STZ injection, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance (OGT), fasting serum insulin (FSI) and serum lipids were quantified. Finally, the expression of proteins in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt–AS160–glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) signalling pathway was detected by western blotting. The data indicated that the levels of FBG and serum lipids were significantly lowered, and OGT and FSI were markedly increased in diabetic rats treated with SCE (108 mg/kg/day); however, SCE did not cause hypoglycaemia in normal rats. The molecular mechanisms were explored in the skeletal muscle. SCE markedly restored the decreased translocation of GLUT4 in diabetic rats. Moreover, the protein expressions of phosphorylated-AS160 (Thr642), phosphorylated-Akt (Ser473) and PI3K were significantly increased after SCE treatment in the skeletal muscle. These results indicate that SCE exerts an anti-hyperglycaemic effect by promoting GLUT4 translocation through the activation of the PI3K–Akt–AS160 signalling pathway. Our findings suggest that treatment with SCE, containing anthraquinones, could be an effective approach to enhance diabetes therapy. PMID:29670524

Evaluation of differential representative values between Chinese hamster cells and human lymphocytes in mitomycin C-induced cytogenetic assays and caspase-3 activity.

PubMed

Liao, Pei-Hu; Lin, Ruey-Hseng; Yang, Ming-Ling; Li, Yi-Ching; Kuan, Yu-Hsiang

2012-03-01

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, its lung fibroblasts (V79), and human lymphocytes are routinely used in in vitro cytogenetic assays, which include micronuclei (MN), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and chromosome aberration (CA) assays. Mitomycin C (MMC), a DNA cross-link alkylating agent, is both an anticancer medicine and a carcinogen. To study the differential representative values of cell types in MMC-treated cytogenetic assays and its upstream factor, cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease (caspase)-3. Among the chosen cell types, lymphocytes expressed the highest sensitivity in all three MMC-induced assays, whereas CHO and V79 showed varied sensitivity in different assays. In MN assay, the sensitivity of CHO is higher than or equal to V79; in SCE assay, the sensitivity of CHO is the same as V79; and in CA assay, the sensitivity of CHO is higher than V79. In-depth analysis of CA revealed that in chromatid breaks and dicentrics formation, lymphocyte was the most sensitive of all and CHO was more sensitive than V79; and in acentrics and interchanges formation, lymphocyte was much more sensitive than the others. Furthermore, we found caspase-3 activity plays an important role in MMC-induced cytogenetic assays, with MMC-induced caspase-3 activity resulting in more sensitivity in lymphocytes than in CHO and V79. Based on these findings, lymphocyte will make a suitable predictive or representative control reference in cytogenetic assays and caspase-3 activity with its high specificity, positive predictive value, and sensitivity.

Safety and Efficacy of Rice Bran Supercritical CO2 Extract for Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia: A 16-Week Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Choi, Jae-Suk; Park, Jae Beom; Moon, Woi-Sook; Moon, Jin-Nam; Son, Sang Wook; Kim, Mi-Ryung

2015-01-01

We conducted a 16-week double-blind randomized controlled single-center trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermal rice bran supercritical CO2 extract (RB-SCE) in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Fifty alopecia patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received a dermal application of 0.5% RB-SCE (8 mL/d) to the head skin for 16 weeks while the control group received a dermal application of placebo. Changes in hair count, diameter, and density were evaluated with a Folliscope(®). Patient satisfaction was evaluated via questionnaire and clinical photographs were rated by dermatologists. The results showed that RB-SCE significantly increased hair density and hair diameter in male subjects. Patient satisfaction and the evaluation of photographs by dermatologists also confirmed the effectiveness of RB-SCE in the treatment of alopecia. No adverse reactions related to RB-SCE were reported. Therefore, RB-SCE shows promise for use in functional cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Gender differences in self-conscious emotional experience: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Else-Quest, Nicole M; Higgins, Ashley; Allison, Carlie; Morton, Lindsay C

2012-09-01

The self-conscious emotions (SCE) of guilt, shame, pride, and embarrassment are moral emotions, which motivate adherence to social norms and personal standards and emerge in early childhood following the development of self-awareness. Gender stereotypes of emotion maintain that women experience more guilt, shame, and embarrassment but that men experience more pride. To estimate the magnitude of gender differences in SCE experience and to determine the circumstances under which these gender differences vary, we meta-analyzed 697 effect sizes representing 236,304 individual ratings of SCE states and traits from 382 journal articles, dissertations, and unpublished data sets. Guilt (d = -0.27) and shame (d = -0.29) displayed small gender differences, whereas embarrassment (d = -0.08), authentic pride (d = -0.01), and hubristic pride (d = 0.09) showed gender similarities. Similar to previous findings of ethnic variations in gender differences in other psychological variables, gender differences in shame and guilt were significant only for White samples or samples with unspecified ethnicity. We found larger gender gaps in shame with trait (vs. state) scales, and in guilt and shame with situation- and scenario-based (vs. adjective- and statement-based) items, consistent with predictions that such scales and items tend to tap into global, nonspecific assessments of the self and thus reflect self-stereotyping and gender role assimilative effects. Gender differences in SCE about domains such as the body, sex, and food or eating tended to be larger than gender differences in SCE about other domains. These findings contribute to the literature demonstrating that blanket stereotypes about women's greater emotionality are inaccurate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

A comparison of the cytological effects of three hypoxic cell radiosensitizers

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

Spunberg, J.J.; Geard, C.R.; Rutledge-Freeman, M.H.

1982-07-01

Misonidazole has entered Phase III clinical trials as a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer. Neurotoxocity is the major dose-limiting factor and has prompted the development of two further compounds with reduced lipophilicity and shorter half-life in vivo. Aside from the short-term problem of neurotoxicity, other potential long-term consequences should be considered. Such is the purpose of this investigation where the cytological effects of three radiosensitizers upon oxic and hypoxic Chinese hamster V-79 cells have been examined. Two newer compounds, desmethylmisonidazole and Stanford Research compound 2508, were compared with their clinically used predecessor misonidazole. Under aerated conditions, cell killing was increased with SR-2508more » in a concentration and time dependent manner, so as to exceed by more than three times the level produced by the other two drugs at 5 mM for 72 hours.Cell progression into mitosis was also markedly reduced by as much as 1/10,000 of control values. However, as the three compounds induced similar frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome aberration, the enhanced cytotoxic effect of SR-2508 appears to be mediated via an interphase rather than a post-mitotic cell death. Cells were made hypoxic and treated with the three drugs for 4 hr, then mitoses sequentially collected for 16 hr. The three compounds produced similar levels of cell killing, slowing of cell cycle progression, SCE's and chromosome aberrations, with cycle-specific effect on S and G-I phase cells for SCE induction. These results indicate that desmethylmisonidazole and misonidazole have similar cytotoxic and clastogenic properties under oxic and hypoxic conditions. SR-2508 is relatively more toxic to aerated cells and may deserve close clinical observation for toxicity to normal tissues.« less

Electroactivity of Phototrophic River Biofilms and Constitutive Cultivable Bacteria ▿ †

PubMed Central

Lyautey, Emilie; Cournet, Amandine; Morin, Soizic; Boulêtreau, Stéphanie; Etcheverry, Luc; Charcosset, Jean-Yves; Delmas, François; Bergel, Alain; Garabetian, Frédéric

2011-01-01

Electroactivity is a property of microorganisms assembled in biofilms that has been highlighted in a variety of environments. This characteristic was assessed for phototrophic river biofilms at the community scale and at the bacterial population scale. At the community scale, electroactivity was evaluated on stainless steel and copper alloy coupons used both as biofilm colonization supports and as working electrodes. At the population scale, the ability of environmental bacterial strains to catalyze oxygen reduction was assessed by cyclic voltammetry. Our data demonstrate that phototrophic river biofilm development on the electrodes, measured by dry mass and chlorophyll a content, resulted in significant increases of the recorded potentials, with potentials of up to +120 mV/saturated calomel electrode (SCE) on stainless steel electrodes and +60 mV/SCE on copper electrodes. Thirty-two bacterial strains isolated from natural phototrophic river biofilms were tested by cyclic voltammetry. Twenty-five were able to catalyze oxygen reduction, with shifts of potential ranging from 0.06 to 0.23 V, cathodic peak potentials ranging from −0.36 to −0.76 V/SCE, and peak amplitudes ranging from −9.5 to −19.4 μA. These isolates were diversified phylogenetically (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaproteobacteria) and exhibited various phenotypic properties (Gram stain, oxidase, and catalase characteristics). These data suggest that phototrophic river biofilm communities and/or most of their constitutive bacterial populations present the ability to promote electronic exchange with a metallic electrode, supporting the following possibilities: (i) development of electrochemistry-based sensors allowing in situ phototrophic river biofilm detection and (ii) production of microbial fuel cell inocula under oligotrophic conditions. PMID:21642402

Usability Evaluation of the Student Centered e-Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Junus, Inas Sofiyah; Santoso, Harry Budi; Isal, R. Yugo K.; Utomo, Andika Yudha

2015-01-01

Student Centered e-Learning Environment (SCeLE) has substantial roles to support learning activities at Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Indonesia (Fasilkom UI). Although it has been utilized for about 10 years, the usability aspect of SCeLE as an e-Learning system has not been evaluated. Therefore, the usability aspects of SCeLE Fasilkom…

76 FR 11522 - South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-02

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2008-0441] South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper) Notice of Availability of Application for a Combined License On March 27, 2008, South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) acting as...

DOES SOIL CO2 EFFLUX ACCLIMATIZETO ELEVATED TEMPERATURE AND CO2 DURING LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF DOUGLAS-FIR SEEDLINGS?

EPA Science Inventory

We investigated the effects of elevated soil temperature and atmospheric CO2 efflux (SCE) during the third an fourth years of study. We hypothesized that elevated temperature would stimulate SCE, and elevated CO2 would also stimulate SCE with the stimulation being greater at hig...

Telomere lengthening early in development.

PubMed

Liu, Lin; Bailey, Susan M; Okuka, Maja; Muñoz, Purificación; Li, Chao; Zhou, Lingjun; Wu, Chao; Czerwiec, Eva; Sandler, Laurel; Seyfang, Andreas; Blasco, Maria A; Keefe, David L

2007-12-01

Stem cells and cancer cells maintain telomere length mostly through telomerase. Telomerase activity is high in male germ line and stem cells, but is low or absent in mature oocytes and cleavage stage embryos, and then high again in blastocysts. How early embryos reset telomere length remains poorly understood. Here, we show that oocytes actually have shorter telomeres than somatic cells, but their telomeres lengthen remarkably during early cleavage development. Moreover, parthenogenetically activated oocytes also lengthen their telomeres, thus the capacity to elongate telomeres must reside within oocytes themselves. Notably, telomeres also elongate in the early cleavage embryos of telomerase-null mice, demonstrating that telomerase is unlikely to be responsible for the abrupt lengthening of telomeres in these cells. Coincident with telomere lengthening, extensive telomere sister-chromatid exchange (T-SCE) and colocalization of the DNA recombination proteins Rad50 and TRF1 were observed in early cleavage embryos. Both T-SCE and DNA recombination proteins decrease in blastocyst stage embryos, whereas telomerase activity increases and telomeres elongate only slowly. We suggest that telomeres lengthen during the early cleavage cycles following fertilization through a recombination-based mechanism, and that from the blastocyst stage onwards, telomerase only maintains the telomere length established by this alternative mechanism.

To Nick or Not to Nick: Comparison of I-SceI Single- and Double-Strand Break-Induced Recombination in Yeast and Human Cells

PubMed Central

Katz, Samantha S.; Gimble, Frederick S.; Storici, Francesca

2014-01-01

Genetic modification of a chromosomal locus to replace an existing dysfunctional allele with a corrected sequence can be accomplished through targeted gene correction using the cell's homologous recombination (HR) machinery. Gene targeting is stimulated by generation of a DNA double-strand break (DSB) at or near the site of correction, but repair of the break via non-homologous end-joining without using the homologous template can lead to deleterious genomic changes such as in/del mutations, or chromosomal rearrangements. By contrast, generation of a DNA single-strand break (SSB), or nick, can stimulate gene correction without the problems of DSB repair because the uncut DNA strand acts as a template to permit healing without alteration of genetic material. Here, we examine the ability of a nicking variant of the I-SceI endonuclease (K223I I-SceI) to stimulate gene targeting in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. K223I I-SceI is proficient in both yeast and human cells and promotes gene correction up to 12-fold. We show that K223I I-SceI-driven recombination follows a different mechanism than wild-type I-SceI-driven recombination, thus indicating that the initial DNA break that stimulates recombination is not a low-level DSB but a nick. We also demonstrate that K223I I-SceI efficiently elevates gene targeting at loci distant from the break site in yeast cells. These findings establish the capability of the I-SceI nickase to enhance recombination in yeast and human cells, strengthening the notion that nicking enzymes could be effective tools in gene correction strategies for applications in molecular biology, biotechnology, and gene therapy. PMID:24558436

Influence of eggs on the aroma composition of a sponge cake and on the aroma release in model studies on flavored sponge cakes.

PubMed

Pozo-Bayón, Maria Angeles; Ruíz-Rodríguez, Alejandro; Pernin, Karine; Cayot, Nathalie

2007-02-21

The use of solvent-assisted flavor evaporation extraction (SAFE) and purge and trap in Tenax allowed the identification of more than 100 volatile compounds in a sponge cake (SC-e). Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) of the SAFE extracts of crumb and crust were achieved in order to determine the most potent odorants of SC-e. The change in the traditional dough formulation of SC-e in which eggs were substituted by baking powder (SC-b) as the leavening agent produced important changes in some key aroma compounds. The release curves of some aroma compounds-some of them generated during baking and others added in the dough-were followed by cumulative headspace analysis. In the flavored SC-b, the aroma release curves showed a plateau after 15 min of purge, while the release increased proportionally with the purge time in the flavored SC-e. In general, except for some of the aroma compounds with the highest log P values, the rate of release of most of the added and generated aroma compounds was significantly influenced by the changes in the cake formulation. The higher rates of release found for the aroma compounds in SC-b could contribute to explain its rapid exhaustion of aroma compounds in the purge and trap experiments and might lead to poorer sensorial characteristics of this cake during storage.

Evolution of I-SceI Homing Endonucleases with Increased DNA Recognition Site Specificity

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

Joshi, Rakesh; Ho, Kwok Ki; Tenney, Kristen

2013-09-18

Elucidating how homing endonucleases undergo changes in recognition site specificity will facilitate efforts to engineer proteins for gene therapy applications. I-SceI is a monomeric homing endonuclease that recognizes and cleaves within an 18-bp target. It tolerates limited degeneracy in its target sequence, including substitution of a C:G{sub +4} base pair for the wild-type A:T{sub +4} base pair. Libraries encoding randomized amino acids at I-SceI residue positions that contact or are proximal to A:T{sub +4} were used in conjunction with a bacterial one-hybrid system to select I-SceI derivatives that bind to recognition sites containing either the A:T{sub +4} or the C:G{submore » +4} base pairs. As expected, isolates encoding wild-type residues at the randomized positions were selected using either target sequence. All I-SceI proteins isolated using the C:G{sub +4} recognition site included small side-chain substitutions at G100 and either contained (K86R/G100T, K86R/G100S and K86R/G100C) or lacked (G100A, G100T) a K86R substitution. Interestingly, the binding affinities of the selected variants for the wild-type A:T{sub +4} target are 4- to 11-fold lower than that of wild-type I-SceI, whereas those for the C:G{sub +4} target are similar. The increased specificity of the mutant proteins is also evident in binding experiments in vivo. These differences in binding affinities account for the observed -36-fold difference in target preference between the K86R/G100T and wild-type proteins in DNA cleavage assays. An X-ray crystal structure of the K86R/G100T mutant protein bound to a DNA duplex containing the C:G{sub +4} substitution suggests how sequence specificity of a homing enzyme can increase. This biochemical and structural analysis defines one pathway by which site specificity is augmented for a homing endonuclease.« less

Schisandra chinensis regulates drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters via activation of Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway

PubMed Central

He, Jin-Lian; Zhou, Zhi-Wei; Yin, Juan-Juan; He, Chang-Qiang; Zhou, Shu-Feng; Yu, Yang

2015-01-01

Drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters are regulated via epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and translational and posttranslational modifications. Phase I and II DMEs and drug transporters play an important role in the disposition and detoxification of a large number of endogenous and exogenous compounds. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a critical regulator of a variety of important cytoprotective genes that are involved in disposition and detoxification of xenobiotics. Schisandra chinensis (SC) is a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been primarily used to protect the liver because of its potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. SC can modulate some DMEs and drug transporters, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of Nrf2 in the regulatory effect of SC extract (SCE) on selected DMEs and drug transporters in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) cells. The results showed that SCE, schisandrin A, and schisandrin B significantly increased the expression of NAD(P)H: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-oxidase or:quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase-1, glutamate–cysteine ligase, and glutathione S-transferase A4 at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Incubation of HepG2 cells with SCE resulted in a significant increase in the intracellular level of glutathione and total glutathione S-transferase content. SCE significantly elevated the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels of P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and 4, whereas the expression of organic anion transporting peptide 1A2 and 1B1 was significantly downregulated by SCE. Knockdown of Nrf2 by small interfering ribonucleic acid attenuated the regulatory effect of SCE on these DMEs and drug transporters. SCE significantly upregulated Nrf2 and promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to the nuclei. Additionally, SCE significantly suppressed the expression of cytosolic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (the repressor of Nrf2) and remarkably increased Nrf2 stability in HepG2 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that the hepatoprotective effects of SCE may be partially ascribed to the modulation of DMEs and drug transporters via Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway. SCE may alter the pharmacokinetics of other coadministered drugs that are substrates of these DMEs and transporters and thus cause unfavorable herb–drug interactions. PMID:25552902

Symplocos cochinchinensis attenuates streptozotocin-diabetes induced pathophysiological alterations of liver, kidney, pancreas and eye lens in rats.

PubMed

Antu, Kalathookunnel Antony; Riya, Mariam Philip; Mishra, Arvind; Sharma, Sharad; Srivastava, Arvind K; Raghu, Kozhiparambil Gopalan

2014-09-01

The beneficial effects of hydroethanol extract of Symplocos cochinchinensis (SCE) has been explored against hyperglycemia associated secondary complications in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. The experimental groups consist of normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), DC + metformin 100 mg kg(-1) bwd, DC + SCE 250 and DC + SCE 500. SCEs and metformin were administered daily for 21 days and sacrificed on day 22. Oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin, % HbA1c, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total protein etc. were analysed. Aldose reductase (AR) activity in the eye lens was also checked. On day 21, DC rats showed significantly abnormal glucose response, HOMA-IR, % HbA1c, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and GSH, elevated AR activity, hepatic and renal oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls compared to NC. DC rats also exhibited increased level of plasma urea and creatinine. Treatment with SCE protected from the deleterious alterations of biochemical parameters in a dose dependent manner including histopathological alterations in pancreas. SCE 500 exhibited 46.28% of glucose lowering effect and decreased HOMA-IR (2.47), % HbA1c (6.61), lens AR activity (15.99%), and hepatic, renal oxidative stress and function markers compared to DC group. Considerable amount of liver and muscle glycogen was replenished by SCE treatment in diabetic animals. Although metformin showed better effect, the activity of SCE was very much comparable with this drug. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The Integrated Skin Exam film: an educational intervention to promote early detection of melanoma by medical students.

PubMed

Garg, Amit; Wang, Joyce; Reddy, Shalini B; Powers, Jennifer; Jacob, Reza; Powers, Michael; Biello, Katie; Cayce, Rachael; Savory, Stephanie; Belazarian, Leah; Domingues, Erik; Korzenko, Adam; Wilson, Lindsay; Grant-Kels, Jane M; George, Paul; Robinson-Bostom, Leslie; Trotter, Shannon C; Geller, Alan C

2014-01-01

Knowledge of the skin cancer examination (SCE) and its practice remain relevant competency gaps among medical students. We elaborate on a method of SCE known as the Integrated Skin Exam and discuss the development of an instructional film that illustrates its principles. We assess the tool's effect on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to the SCE. Second-year students among 8 randomized schools viewed the film and completed pre-post questionnaires. After viewing The Integrated Skin Exam film, students demonstrated improved melanoma knowledge, including identification of high-risk demographic groups (61% vs 42.9%, P < .001), high-risk anatomic sites in women (88.6% vs 46.5%, P < .001) and men (92.1% vs 34.8%, P < .001), and the ABCDEs of melanoma (98.4% vs 91.2%, P < .001). Students demonstrated increased confidence in the SCE (66.93% vs 16.40%, P < .001) and augmented intentions to practice it (99.05% vs 13.9%, P < .001). A greater proportion (70.4% vs 41.9%, P < .001) of students thought less than 3 minutes were required to integrate SCE into the routine examination. Longitudinal impact of the film was not assessed. The Integrated Skin Exam film introduces an integrated approach to the SCE that addresses knowledge gaps, mitigates perceived barriers, and augments intention related to practice of the SCE. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysing the impact of myopia on the Stiles-Crawford effect of the first kind using a digital micromirror device.

PubMed

Carmichael Martins, Alessandra; Vohnsen, Brian

2018-05-01

Photoreceptor light acceptance is closely tied to the Stiles-Crawford effect of the first kind (SCE-I). Whether the SCE-I plays a role in myopic development remains unclear although a reduction in directionality has been predicted for high myopia. The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between foveal SCE-I directionality, axial eye length, and defocus for emmetropic subjects wearing ophthalmic trial lenses during psychophysical measurements and for myopic subjects with their natural correction. A novel uniaxial flicker system has been implemented making use of a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to flicker between a 2.3 visual degrees circular reference and a set of circular test patterns in a monocular Maxwellian view at 0.5 Hz. The brightness of the test is adjusted by the duty cycle of the projected light to an upper limit of 22 727 Hz. The wavelength and bandwidth are set by a tuneable liquid-crystal filter centred at 550 nm. A total of four measurement series for 11 pupil entrance points have been realized for the right eye of 6 emmetropic and 10 myopic subjects whose pupils were dilated with tropicamide. Five of the emmetropic subjects wore ophthalmic trial lenses in the range of -3 to +9 dioptres to mimic hyperopic to highly myopic vision and resulting visibility plots have been fitted to a Gaussian SCE-I function. In turn, the myopic subjects wore their natural correction during the analysis of the SCE-I. All subjects had their axial eye length determined with an ultrasound device. A SCE-I directionality parameter in the range of 0.03 to 0.06/mm 2 was found for the emmetropic subjects with corrected vision in fair agreement to values in the literature. The results also revealed a marked reduction in directionality in the range from 16% to 30% with every 3 dioptre increase of simulated myopia, as well as a 10% increased directionality in simulated hyperopic eyes. For both emmetropic and myopic subjects, a decrease in directionality with increase in axial length was found in agreement with theoretical expectations. The study confirms a clear link between SCE-I directionality, uncorrected defocus, and axial eye length. This may play a role for emmetropization and thus myopic progression as cone photoreceptors capture light from a wider pupil area in elongated eyes due to a geometrical scaling. © 2018 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2018 The College of Optometrists.

76 FR 14436 - South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-16

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2008-0441] South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper); Notice of Availability of Application for a Combined License On March 27, 2008, South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) acting as itself and agent for the South Carolina Public...

Topological study of the periodic system.

PubMed

Restrepo, Guillermo; Mesa, Héber; Llanos, Eugenio J; Villaveces, José L

2004-01-01

We carried out a topological study of the Space of Chemical Elements, SCE, based on a clustering analysis of 72 elements, each one defined by a vector of 31 properties. We looked for neighborhoods, boundaries, and other topological properties of the SCE. Among the results one sees the well-known patterns of the Periodic Table and relationships such as the Singularity Principle and the Diagonal Relationship, but there appears also a robustness property of some of the better-known families of elements. Alkaline metals and Noble Gases are sets whose neighborhoods have no other elements besides themselves, whereas the topological boundary of the set of metals is formed by semimetallic elements.

SUMO chain formation relies on the amino-terminal region of SUMO-conjugating enzyme and has dedicated substrates in plants

PubMed Central

Tomanov, Konstantin; Nehlin, Lilian; Ziba, Ionida

2018-01-01

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) conjugation apparatus usually attaches single SUMO moieties to its substrates, but SUMO chains have also been identified. To better define the biochemical requirements and characteristics of SUMO chain formation, mutations in surface-exposed Lys residues of Arabidopsis SUMO-conjugating enzyme (SCE) were tested for in vitro activity. Lys-to-Arg changes in the amino-terminal region of SCE allowed SUMO acceptance from SUMO-activating enzyme and supported substrate mono-sumoylation, but these mutations had significant effects on SUMO chain assembly. We found no indication that SUMO modification of SCE promotes chain formation. A substrate was identified that is modified by SUMO chain addition, showing that SCE can distinguish substrates for either mono-sumoylation or SUMO chain attachment. It is also shown that SCE with active site Cys mutated to Ser can accept SUMO to form an oxyester, but cannot transfer this SUMO moiety onto substrates, explaining a previously known dominant negative effect of this mutation. PMID:29133528

Evaluation of Anticancer and Antioxidant Activity of a Commercially Available CO2 Supercritical Extract of Old Man's Beard (Usnea barbata).

PubMed

Zugic, Ana; Jeremic, Ivica; Isakovic, Aleksandra; Arsic, Ivana; Savic, Snezana; Tadic, Vanja

2016-01-01

There is a worldwide ongoing investigation for novel natural constituents with cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate chemical profile and stated biological activities of the supercritical CO2 extract (SCE) of old man's beard compared to the extracts obtained using the conventional techniques (Soxhlet extracts and macerate). The most abundant compound identified was usnic acid, which content was inversely proportional to the polarity of the solvent used and was the highest in the SCE, which was the sample revealing the highest cytotoxic activity in tested tumor cell lines (B16 mouse melanoma and C6 rat glioma), with lower IC50 values compared to pure usnic acid. Further investigations suggested both SCE and usnic acid to induce apoptosis and/or autophagy in B16 and C6, indicating higher cytotoxicity of SCE to be related to the higher degree of ROS production. A good correlation of usnic acid content in the extracts and their antioxidant capacity was established, extricating SCE as the most active one. Presented results support further investigations of SCE of old man's beard as a prospective therapeutic agent with potential relevance in the treatment of cancer and/or in oxidative stress-mediated conditions.

Evaluation of Anticancer and Antioxidant Activity of a Commercially Available CO2 Supercritical Extract of Old Man’s Beard (Usnea barbata)

PubMed Central

Isakovic, Aleksandra; Arsic, Ivana; Savic, Snezana; Tadic, Vanja

2016-01-01

There is a worldwide ongoing investigation for novel natural constituents with cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate chemical profile and stated biological activities of the supercritical CO2 extract (SCE) of old man’s beard compared to the extracts obtained using the conventional techniques (Soxhlet extracts and macerate). The most abundant compound identified was usnic acid, which content was inversely proportional to the polarity of the solvent used and was the highest in the SCE, which was the sample revealing the highest cytotoxic activity in tested tumor cell lines (B16 mouse melanoma and C6 rat glioma), with lower IC50 values compared to pure usnic acid. Further investigations suggested both SCE and usnic acid to induce apoptosis and/or autophagy in B16 and C6, indicating higher cytotoxicity of SCE to be related to the higher degree of ROS production. A good correlation of usnic acid content in the extracts and their antioxidant capacity was established, extricating SCE as the most active one. Presented results support further investigations of SCE of old man’s beard as a prospective therapeutic agent with potential relevance in the treatment of cancer and/or in oxidative stress-mediated conditions. PMID:26745885

Emotional Lability and Affective Synchrony in Borderline Personality Disorder

PubMed Central

Schoenleber, Michelle; Berghoff, Christopher R.; Tull, Matthew T.; DiLillo, David; Messman-Moore, Terri; Gratz, Kim L.

2015-01-01

Extant research on emotional lability in borderline personality disorder (BPD) has focused almost exclusively on lability of individual emotions or emotion types, with limited research considering how different types of emotions shift together over time. Thus, this study examined the temporal dynamics of emotion in BPD at the level of both individual emotions (i.e., self-conscious emotions [SCE], anger, and anxiety) and mixed emotions (i.e., synchrony between emotions). One hundred forty-four women from the community completed a diagnostic interview and laboratory study involving five emotion induction tasks (each of which was preceded and followed by a 5-min resting period or neutral task). State ratings of SCE, anger, and anxiety were provided at 14 time points (before and after each laboratory task and resting period). Hierarchical linear modeling results indicate that women with BPD reported greater mean levels of SCE and Anxiety (but not Anger), and greater lability of Anxiety. Women with BPD also exhibited greater variability in lability of all three emotions (suggestive of within-group differences in the relevance of lability to BPD). Results also revealed synchrony (i.e., positive relations) between each possible pair of emotions, regardless of BPD status. Follow-up regression analyses suggest the importance of accounting for lability when examining the role of synchrony in BPD, as the relation of SCE-Anger synchrony to BPD symptom severity was moderated by Anger and SCE lability. Specifically, synchronous changes in SCE and Anger were associated with greater BPD symptom severity when large shifts in SCE were paired with minor shifts in Anger. PMID:27362623

A Possible Strategy for the Use of Solar Climate Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ackerman, T. P.; Russotto, R. D.; Kravitz, B.

2016-12-01

The Paris accord signals an international effort to hold global temperature change below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, raising the question of what role solar climate engineering (SCE) might play in meeting this objective. However, avoiding continuing, long-term application of SCE with an ever increasing magnitude requires an "exit strategy", i. e., a plan to phase out SCE by removing stabilizing and removing CO2. Here we present results from a series of climate model runs that combine both CO2 and SCE transient forcings over a 200-year period (2000 to 2200). Our results confirm past results that maintaining both global surface air temperature (TA) and precipitation (P) at baseline levels is not feasible. They also demonstrate a quasi-linear relationship between changes in SCE and changes in P. Zonally-averaged changes in TA show, as expected, polar amplification of warming, but that enhancement scales uniformly with the change in global TA. We draw several conclusions from our results: (1) There are plausible scenarios in which SCE can be part of an integrated strategy to meet the temperature goals of the Paris accord. (2) Applying transient forcings can be used to maintain some, but not all, globally-averaged climate system variables (such as TA or P) at a prescribed baseline level. That globally-averaged stability, however, is achieved by averaging over changes in spatial distributions. These spatial changes create difficult issues regarding prediction of regional climate changes due to SCE and potential impacts on regional societies. (3) Our inability to predict interannual climate variability on the annual-to-decadal time scale suggests that it may take a decade or more to provide reliable detection and attribution of the global climate impacts of SCE following its inception (the so-called time of emergence). Furthermore, it will take much longer to determine regional impacts.

A forward genetic screen identifies a negative regulator of rapid Ca2+-dependent cell egress (MS1) in the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii

PubMed Central

McCoy, James M.; Stewart, Rebecca J.; Uboldi, Alessandro D.; Li, Dongdi; Schröder, Jan; Scott, Nicollas E.; Papenfuss, Anthony T.; Lehane, Adele M.; Foster, Leonard J.

2017-01-01

Toxoplasma gondii, like all apicomplexan parasites, uses Ca2+ signaling pathways to activate gliding motility to power tissue dissemination and host cell invasion and egress. A group of “plant-like” Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) transduces cytosolic Ca2+ flux into enzymatic activity, but how they function is poorly understood. To investigate how Ca2+ signaling activates egress through CDPKs, we performed a forward genetic screen to isolate gain-of-function mutants from an egress-deficient cdpk3 knockout strain. We recovered mutants that regained the ability to egress from host cells that harbored mutations in the gene Suppressor of Ca2+-dependent Egress 1 (SCE1). Global phosphoproteomic analysis showed that SCE1 deletion restored many Δcdpk3-dependent phosphorylation events to near wild-type levels. We also show that CDPK3-dependent SCE1 phosphorylation is required to relieve its suppressive activity to potentiate egress. In summary, our work has uncovered a novel component and suppressor of Ca2+-dependent cell egress during Toxoplasma lytic growth. PMID:28258212

A novel component of cannabis extract potentiates excitatory synaptic transmission in rat olfactory cortex in vitro.

PubMed

Whalley, Benjamin J; Wilkinson, Jonathan D; Williamson, Elizabeth M; Constanti, Andrew

2004-07-15

Cannabis is a potential treatment for epilepsy, although the few human studies supporting this use have proved inconclusive. Previously, we showed that a standardized cannabis extract (SCE), isolated Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), and even Delta9-THC-free SCE inhibited muscarinic agonist-induced epileptiform bursting in rat olfactory cortical brain slices, acting via CB1 receptors. The present work demonstrates that although Delta9-THC (1 microM) significantly depressed evoked depolarizing postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) in rat olfactory cortex neurones, both SCE and Delta9-THC-free SCE significantly potentiated evoked PSPs (all results were fully reversed by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A, 1 microM); interestingly, the potentiation by Delta9-THC-free SCE was greater than that produced by SCE. On comparing the effects of Delta9-THC-free SCE upon evoked PSPs and artificial PSPs (aPSPs; evoked electrotonically following brief intracellular current injection), PSPs were enhanced, whereas aPSPs were unaffected, suggesting that the effect was not due to changes in background input resistance. Similar recordings made using CB1 receptor-deficient knockout mice (CB1-/-) and wild-type littermate controls revealed cannabinoid or extract-induced changes in membrane resistance, cell excitability and synaptic transmission in wild-type mice that were similar to those seen in rat neurones, but no effect on these properties were seen in CB1-/- cells. It appears that the unknown extract constituent(s) effects over-rode the suppressive effects of Delta9-THC on excitatory neurotransmitter release, which may explain some patients' preference for herbal cannabis rather than isolated Delta9-THC (due to attenuation of some of the central Delta9-THC side effects) and possibly account for the rare incidence of seizures in some individuals taking cannabis recreationally.

Exposure to bitumen fumes and genotoxic effects on Turkish asphalt workers.

PubMed

Karaman, Ali; Pirim, Ibrahim

2009-04-01

Bitumen fumes consist essentially of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, some of which are known to be carcinogenic or cocarcinogenic in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure to asphalt fumes among Turkish asphalt workers and determine whether any effects could be detected with genotoxic tests. The study included 26 asphalt workers and 24 control subjects. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) were determined in peripheral lymphocytes. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) excretion was used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to PAHs. The asphalt workers had a significant increase in SCEs and MN (for each, p < 0.001). A positive correlation existed between the duration of exposure and rates of SCE or MN frequencies (r = 0.49, p < 0.05; r = 0.53, p < 0.05, respectively). The concentration of 1-OHP in urine was higher for the asphalt workers than for the controls (p < 0.001). However, we found that there was no statistically significant correlation between the urinary 1-OHP concentration and SCEs or MN frequencies (r = 0.25, p > 0.5; r = 0.17, p > 0.5, respectively). This study shows that Turkish asphalt workers have an increased exposure to PAHs from bitumen fumes, and genotoxic effects could be detected by SCEs and MN tests.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract counteracts genotoxicity and oxidative stress of permethrin in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Türkez, Hasan; Toğar, Başak

2011-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on genotoxicity and oxidative damage in cultured human blood cells treated with permethrin (PM) in the presence of a rat liver S9 mix containing cytochrome P 450 enzymes. Anti-genotoxic activities of OLE were studied using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome aberration (CA) tests and furthermore total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) were examined to determine the oxidative damage. Our results clearly revealed that treatment with PM (200 mg/l) alone increased SCE and CA rates and TOS level, decreased TAC level in cultured human blood cells. The OLE alone at the all tested doses did not induce any significant changes in the genotoxicity endpoint. However OLE leads to increases of plasma TAC level in vitro. OLE starts showing this positive effect at 100 mg/l. The combined treatment showed significant improvements in cytogenetic and biochemical parameters tested. Moreover, this improvement was more pronounced in the group received the high dose of the OLE. It could be concluded that the ethanol extract of OLE induced its genoprotective effect via the increase in the antioxidant capacity, inhibition of oxidative stress and scavenging of free radicals.

Genotoxicity in primary human peripheral lymphocytes after exposure to lithium titanate nanoparticles in vitro.

PubMed

Akbaba, Giray B; Turkez, Hasan; Sönmez, Erdal; Tatar, Abdulgani; Yilmaz, Mehmet

2016-08-01

Lithium titanate (Li 2 TiO 3 ) nanoparticles (LTT NPs; <100 nm) are widely used in battery technology, porcelain enamels, and ceramic insulating bodies. With the increased applications of LTT NPs, the concerns about their potential human toxicity effects and their environmental impact were also increased. However, toxicity data for LTT NPs relating to human health are very limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether LTT NPs are able to induce genetic damage in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro when taking into consideration that DNA damage plays an important role in carcinogenesis. With this aim, the chromosome aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and micronucleus (MN) assays were used as genotoxicity end points. Human peripheral lymphocytes obtained from five healthy male volunteers were exposed to LTT NPs at final dispersed concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 μg/mL for 72 h at 37°C. The obtained results indicated that LTT NPs compound did not induce DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes as depicted by CA/cell, SCE/cell, and MN/1000 cell values in all concentrations tested. In summary, our results revealed that exposure to LTT NPs is not capable of inducing DNA lesions in human peripheral lymphocytes for the first time. © The Author(s) 2014.

Investigation of Short Channel Effects on Device Performance for 60nm NMOS Transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinnappan, U.; Sanudin, R.

2017-08-01

In the aggressively scaled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, shallower p-n junctions and low sheet resistances are essential for short-channel effect (SCE) control and high device performance. The SCE are attributed to two physical phenomena that are the limitation imposed on electron drift characteristics in channel and the modification of the threshold voltage (Vth) due to the shortening channel length. The decrement of Vth with decrement in gate length is a well-known attribute in SCE known as “threshold voltage roll-off’. In this research, the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) was used to model the SCE phenomenon effect on 60nm n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor. There are three parameters being investigated, which are the oxide thickness (Tox), gate length (L), acceptor concentration (Na). The simulation data were used to visualise the effect of SCE on the 60nm NMOS transistor. Simulation data suggest that all three parameters have significant effect on Vth, and hence on the transistor performance. It is concluded that there is a trade-off among these three parameters to obtain an optimized transistor performance.

77 FR 21760 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-11

... Numbers: ER12-1439-000. Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Description: First Revised Service... California Edison Company. Description: Amended SGIA SERV AG SCE-TDBU SCE-GPS 2501WSanBernardino Redlands...

77 FR 1064 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-09

... SCE-TA-High Desert LLC Antelope Power Plant Project to be effective 12/30/2011. Filed Date: 12/29/11... Market Power Analysis of Northern Indiana Public Service Company. Filed Date: 12/28/11. Accession Number..., Duke Energy Indiana, Inc., St. Paul Cogeneration, LLC. Description: Updated market power analysis of...

Color characteristics of low-chroma and high-translucence dental resin composites by different measuring modes.

PubMed

Lee, Y K; Lim, B S; Kim, C W; Powers, J M

2001-01-01

The objective of the described research was the evaluation of the effects of the differences in the color-measuring geometry (SCE, SCI) and the standard illuminant on the color and color change after polymerization and thermocycling of resin composites. White, translucent, and conventional shades of two brands of resin composites were measured before and after polymerization and after thermocycling according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale on a reflection spectrophotometer with SCE and SCI geometry under the standard illuminants A, D65, and C. Under both SCE and SCI modes, the color differences (DeltaE*) of specimens between the values measured under illuminants A and D65 or A and C were larger than those between D65 and C in unpolymerized, polymerized, and thermocycled conditions. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* after polymerization of the white shade group was 8.7-9.8 under D65, and was higher than the conventional shade group (p < 0.05) in both materials. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* between polymerized and thermocycled white, translucent shade was 4.4-7.1 under D65. With SCI geometry, the results were in general agreement with those of SCE mode. After polymerization, DeltaE* measured under illuminant A was generally higher than that under D65 or C (p < 0.01). After thermocycling, the color change was different depending on the color-measuring geometry and standard illuminant. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The influence of environmental exposure to complex mixtures including PAHs and lead on genotoxic effects in children living in Upper Silesia, Poland.

PubMed

Mielzyńska, Danuta; Siwińska, Ewa; Kapka, Lucyna; Szyfter, Krzysztof; Knudsen, Lisbeth E; Merlo, Domenico Franco

2006-09-01

Environmental exposure is a complex mixture of hazardous compounds with different mechanisms of toxicity. In case of concomitant exposure to carcinogenic substances--such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)--and to heavy metals--such as lead (Pb)--the level of DNA damage may be enhanced. Children are considered more vulnerable than adults to chemical toxicants because they take in more toxicants as a proportion of body mass and because of inherent biological growth and developmental factors. The objective of the study was to measure cytogenetic effects in Silesian children and to investigate their relation with the environmental exposure to PAHs and Pb. The examined population included 74 children 5-14-year-old who lived in two cities located in the most polluted centre of the Silesia province. Individual exposure to lead was assessed for each child by measuring lead in blood (PbB), and to PAH by measuring 1-hydroxypyrene in urine (1-OHP), urinary mutagenicity and DNA adducts in circulating lymphocytes. Biomarkers of genetic effects were assessed by measuring micronuclei (MN) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in children's peripheral lymphocytes. The mean levels of biomarkers of exposure were as follows: PbB 7.69 microg/dl, DNA adducts 9.59 adducts per 10(8) nt, 1-OHP 0.54 micromol/mol creatinine, and urinary mutagenicity presented as the number of revertants per mmol of creatinine: 485 for TA 98 and 1318 for YG1024. Mean value of MN was 4.44 per 1000 binucleated cells and SCE frequency ranged between 6.24 and 10.06 with a mean value of 7.87. The results suggest the influence of exposure to environmental agents on the induction of cytogenetic effects in peripheral lymphocytes of children: namely Pb on MN and PAHs on SCE. The sources of that exposure may be outdoor and indoor. Emissions from coal-burning stoves are important contributors to the total exposure to PAHs and Pb in Silesian children.

Impact of antiseptics on radical metabolism, antioxidant status and genotoxic stress in blood cells: povidone-iodine versus octenidine dihydrochloride.

PubMed

Wagner, Karl-Heinz; Jürss, Alice; Zarembach, Beate; Elmadfa, Ibrahim

2004-08-01

No sufficient data are available of the of antiseptics' influence on human blood cells. Effects of two antiseptics, povidone-iodine (PVD-I) versus octenidine dihydrochloride (OD), were tested on antioxidant status, radical formation, antioxidant defence enzymes and genotoxic stress in blood cells, in vitro. Human blood was taken by venipuncture, enriched with PVD-I or OD (0.0001-20% final concentration) and incubated at 37 degrees C between 30 and 120 min. alpha-Tocopherol was assessed in erythrocytes and granulocytes. Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were determined in erythrocytes, the total anti-oxidative capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in their ghosts. In granulocytes status of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), superoxide anions and MDA was observed. Genotoxic stress was determined by counting sister chromatide exchanges (SCE) in lymphocytes after enrichment within 0.05-0.4% of antiseptics. Based on all biomarker tested, concentrations up to 0.05% incubated for 30 min did not affect cell metabolism. 1% and 10% PVD-I reduced the activity of SOD (-40%), GSH (-62%) and the content of alpha-tocopherol more than OD (p<0.05). No significant differences between the antiseptics were observed for TAC and MDA. H(2)O(2) and superoxide anions were significantly reduced after the 10% addition for both substances independent on the exposure. Without having changes in lipid oxidation, the reduction of antioxidative defence mechanisms must be due to the oxidation caused by the antiseptics, mainly PVD-I. An increased SCE rate was neither observed with PVD-I nor with OD within an enrichment with 0.05-0.4%. Higher concentrations (1% and more) could not be tested on SCE formation because they caused cell bursts. The results presented indicate that concentrations up to 0.05% incubated for 30 min are safe for exposing blood cells of healthy subjects.

I-SceI-mediated double-strand break does not increase the frequency of homologous recombination at the Dct locus in mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Fenina, Myriam; Simon-Chazottes, Dominique; Vandormael-Pournin, Sandrine; Soueid, Jihane; Langa, Francina; Cohen-Tannoudji, Michel; Bernard, Bruno A; Panthier, Jean-Jacques

2012-01-01

Targeted induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs) at natural endogenous loci was shown to increase the rate of gene replacement by homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells. The gene encoding dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) is specifically expressed in melanocytes and their precursors. To construct a genetic tool allowing the replacement of Dct gene by any gene of interest, we generated an embryonic stem cell line carrying the recognition site for the yeast I-SceI meganuclease embedded in the Dct genomic segment. The embryonic stem cell line was electroporated with an I-SceI expression plasmid, and a template for the DSB-repair process that carried sequence homologies to the Dct target. The I-SceI meganuclease was indeed able to introduce a DSB at the Dct locus in live embryonic stem cells. However, the level of gene targeting was not improved by the DSB induction, indicating a limited capacity of I-SceI to mediate homologous recombination at the Dct locus. These data suggest that homologous recombination by meganuclease-induced DSB may be locus dependent in mammalian cells.

32. SAR1, VIEW FROM STABLE LOFT. SCE negative no. 10319, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. SAR-1, VIEW FROM STABLE LOFT. SCE negative no. 10319, November 1, 1923. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-1 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

34. SAR2, WATERDRIVEN EXCITERS. SCE negative no. 10329, November 1, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

34. SAR-2, WATER-DRIVEN EXCITERS. SCE negative no. 10329, November 1, 1923. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Fate and risk assessment of heavy metals in residue from co-liquefaction of Camellia oleifera cake and sewage sludge in supercritical ethanol.

PubMed

Chen, Hongmei; Zhai, Yunbo; Xu, Bibo; Xiang, Bobin; Zhu, Lu; Qiu, Lei; Liu, Xiaoting; Li, Caiting; Zeng, Guangming

2014-09-01

The fate and risk assessment of heavy metals (HMs) in solid residue from co-liquefaction of sewage sludge (SS) and Camellia oleifera cake (COC) in supercritical ethanol (SCE) were investigated. SCE effectively stabilized HMs in solid residues and a better stabilization was presented on Zn than Cd. Moreover, SCE significantly transformed Cd, Cu and Zn into F4, which reduced the risk to the environment. Furthermore, risk assessments of Igeo, Er(i), RI and RAC demonstrated that the addition of COC was beneficial to the contamination decrement of HMs since pollution levels of HMs all decreased after treatment, and the lowest pollution level was obtained with SC-350. Therefore, SS treated by SCE with the addition of COC could be a promising technology for disposal of SS, especially considering the safety of COC as regards HMs problem. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of the Cauliflower Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Sparassis crispa (Higher Basidiomycetes), in Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

PubMed

Hong, Ki Bae; Hong, Sung-Yong; Joung, Eun Young; Kim, Byung Hee; Bae, Song-Hwan; Park, Yooheon; Suh, Hyung Joo

2015-01-01

The cauliflower culinary-medicinal mushroom, Sparassis crispa, possesses various biological activities that have been widely reported to have therapeutic applications. We examined the effects of S. crispa on serum cholesterol, hepatic enzymes related to cholesterol metabolism, and fecal sterol excretion in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet for 4 weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6 mice per group): normal diet (normal control [NC]), cholesterol-rich diet (cholesterol control [CC]), cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa fruiting body (SC), cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa extract (SCE), and cholesterol-rich diet plus S. crispa residue (SCR). SCE supplementation significantly enhanced hepatic cholesterol catabolism through the upregulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression (2.55-fold compared with that in the NC group; P < 0.05) and the downregulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase mRNA expression (0.57-fold compared with that in the NC group; P < 0.05). Additionally, the SCE diet resulted in the highest fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid in hypercholesterolemic rats. In conclusion, mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and HMG-CoA reductase were significantly modulated by the absorption of SCE samples. Also, SCE samples had a significant effect on fecal bile acid and cholesterol excretion. These results suggest that SCE samples can induce hypocholesterolic effects through cholesterol metabolism and the reduction of circulating cholesterol levels.

Antineoplastic and cytogenetic effects of complexes of Pd (II) with 4N-substituted derivatives of 2-acetyl-pyridine-thiosemicarbazone.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, A; Iakovidou, Z; Mourelatos, D; Mioglou, E; Boutis, L; Kotsis, A; Kovala-Demertzi, D; Domopoulou, A; West, D X; Dermetzis, M A

1997-01-01

The effect of novel Pd(II) complexes with derivatives of 2-acetyl-pyridinethisemicarbazone, N4-ethyl (HAc4Et) and 3-hexamethyleneiminylthiosemicarbazone (HAchexim), on Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) rates and human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics was studied. Also, the effect of Pd(II) complexes on DNA synthesis of P388 and L1210 cell cultures and against Leukemia P388 was investigated. Among these compounds, the compound Bis(3-hexamethyleneiminyl-2-acetylpyridine-thisemicarbazonato++ +) palladium (II) was found to be distinctly effective against Leukemia P388, in inhibiting incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA and in inducing SCEs and cell division delays.

29. SAR2, VIEW TO NORTH WITH EXCITERS AT LEFT. SCE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

29. SAR-2, VIEW TO NORTH WITH EXCITERS AT LEFT. SCE negative no. 1043, photographed June 6, 1912. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Combined Effect of Alternating Current Interference and Cathodic Protection on Pitting Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of X70 Pipeline Steel in Near-Neutral pH Environment.

PubMed

Wang, Liwei; Cheng, Lianjun; Li, Junru; Zhu, Zhifu; Bai, Shuowei; Cui, Zhongyu

2018-03-22

Influence of alternating current (AC) on pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of X70 pipeline steel in the near-neutral pH environment under cathodic protection (CP) was investigated. Both corrosion and SCC are inhibited by -0.775 V SCE CP without AC interference. With the superimposition of AC current (1-10 mA/cm²), the direct current (DC) potential shifts negatively under the CP of -0.775 V SCE and the cathodic DC current decreases and shifts to the anodic direction. Under the CP potential of -0.95 V SCE and -1.2 V SCE , the applied AC current promotes the cathodic reaction and leads to the positive shift of DC potential and increase of cathodic current. Local anodic dissolution occurs attributing to the generated anodic current transients in the positive half-cycle of the AC current, resulting in the initiation of corrosion pits (0.6-2 μm in diameter). AC enhances the SCC susceptibility of X70 steel under -0.775 V SCE CP, attributing to the promotion of anodic dissolution and hydrogen evolution. Even an AC current as low as 1 mA/cm² can enhance the SCC susceptibility.

Evaluation of dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and vitamins.

PubMed

Gaspar, L R; Camargo, F B; Gianeti, M D; Maia Campos, P M B G

2008-11-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (SCE) is used in cosmetics since it can act in oxidative stress and improve skin conditions. This study investigated dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing SCE and/or vitamins A, C and E. The formulation studied was supplemented or not (F1: vehicle) with vitamins A, C and E esters (F2) or with SCE (F3) or with the combination of vitamins and SCE (F4). Formulations were patch tested on back skin of volunteers. For efficacy studies, formulations were applied on volunteers and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisture (SM), skin microrelief (SMR) and free radicals protection were analysed after 3h, 15 and 30 days of application. Volunteers were also asked about efficacy perception. It was observed that F4 provoked a slight erythema in one volunteer. All formulations enhanced forearm SM. Only F3 and F4 presented long term effects on SMR and showed higher texture values; F3 had the highest brightness values. Our results suggest that vitamins and SCE showed effects in SM and SMR. Only formulations containing SC had long term effects in the improvement of SMR. Thus, these kinds of evaluations are very important in cosmetics development to evaluate the best risk and benefit correlation.

Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses handling antineoplastic drugs: effect of work environment and protective equipment.

PubMed

Gulten, Tuna; Evke, Elif; Ercan, Ilker; Evrensel, Turkkan; Kurt, Ender; Manavoglu, Osman

2011-01-01

In this study we aimed to investigate the genotoxic effects of antineoplastic agents in occupationally exposed oncology nurses. Genotoxic effects mean the disruptive effects in the integrity of DNA and they are associated with cancer development. Biomonitoring of health care workers handling antineoplastic agents is helpful for the evaluation of exposure to cytostatics. The study included an exposed and two control groups. The exposed group (n=9) was comprised of oncology nurses. The first (n=9) and second (n=10) control groups were comprised of subjects who did not come into contact with antineoplastic drugs working respectively in the same department with oncology nurses and in different departments. Genotoxicity evaluation was performed using SCE analysis. After applying culture, harvest and chromosome staining procedures, a total of 25 metaphases were analyzed per person. Kruskal Wallis test was used to perform statistical analysis. A statistically significant difference of sister chromatid exchange frequencies was not observed between the exposed and control groups. Lack of genotoxicity in medical oncology nurses might be due to good working conditions with high standards of technical equipment and improved personal protection.

WRNIP1 functions upstream of DNA polymerase η in the UV-induced DNA damage response

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

Yoshimura, Akari, E-mail: akari_yo@stu.musashino-u.ac.jp; Kobayashi, Yume; Tada, Shusuke

2014-09-12

Highlights: • The UV sensitivity of POLH{sup −/−} cells was suppressed by disruption of WRNIP1. • In WRNIP1{sup −/−/−}/POLH{sup −/−} cells, mutation frequencies and SCE after irradiation reduced. • WRNIP1 defect recovered rate of fork progression after irradiation in POLH{sup −/−} cells. • WRNIP1 functions upstream of Polη in the translesion DNA synthesis pathway. - Abstract: WRNIP1 (WRN-interacting protein 1) was first identified as a factor that interacts with WRN, the protein that is defective in Werner syndrome (WS). WRNIP1 associates with DNA polymerase η (Polη), but the biological significance of this interaction remains unknown. In this study, we analyzedmore » the functional interaction between WRNIP1 and Polη by generating knockouts of both genes in DT40 chicken cells. Disruption of WRNIP1 in Polη-disrupted (POLH{sup −/−}) cells suppressed the phenotypes associated with the loss of Polη: sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UV), delayed repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), elevated frequency of mutation, elevated levels of UV-induced sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and reduced rate of fork progression after UV irradiation. These results suggest that WRNIP1 functions upstream of Polη in the response to UV irradiation.« less

Serotonin (5-HT) released by activated white blood cells in a biological fuel cell provide a potential energy source for electricity generation.

PubMed

Justin, Gusphyl A; Sun, Mingui; Zhang, Yingze; Cui, X Tracy; Sclabassi, Robert

2006-01-01

Previous studies by our group have demonstrated the ability of white blood cells to generate small electrical currents, on the order of 1-3 microA/cm(2), when placed at the anode compartment of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) biological fuel cell. In this research study, an electrochemical technique is used to further investigate the electron transfer ability of activated white blood cells at interfacing electrodes in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of electron transfer in the original biological fuel cell experiments. Cyclic voltammograms were obtained for human white blood cells using a three-electrode system. The working and counter electrodes were made from carbon felt and platinum, respectively, while the reference was a saturated calomel electrode (SCE). Oxidation peaks were observed at an average potential of 363 mV vs. SCE for the PMA/ionomycin activated white blood cells in glucose solution. However a corresponding reduction peak was not observed, suggesting irreversibility of the redox reaction. The cyclic voltammograms recorded for the white blood cells bear very close similarities to those of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). Serotonin released by white blood cells into the extracellular environment may be irreversibly oxidized at the working electrode in the cyclic voltammetry experiments and at the PEM biological fuel cell anode in our earlier electrochemical cell studies.

Low-energy electron scattering from water molecules: A study of angular distributions

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

Gianturco, F.A.; Scialla, S.

1987-12-01

We report quantal calculations of elastic differential and momentum transfercross sections for the scattering of electrons by H/sub 2/O at low and intermediatecollision energies, i.e., from 2 to 20 eV. The fixed-nuclei approximation (FNA) was employed and a single-center expanded (SCE) wave function was used to represent the molecular target. The well-known divergence in the forward direction was corrected via Born closure formulas (see the text) and a parameter-free model, previously tested for methane targets, was used to describe exchange and polarization effects. The present results can be used to adequately describe angular distributions even at very small angles andmore » can be extended beyond the largest angles that have been experimentally measured. The behavior of momentum-transfer cross sections as a function of energy, and the comparison of our results with other static-exchange (SE) calculations, which use an entirely different approach, are presented and discussed.« less

Seasonal dynamics of CO2 efflux in soils amended with composted and thermally-dried sludge as affected by soil tillage systems in a semi-arid agroecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Gil, Juan Carlos; Soler-Rovira, Pedro; López-de-Sa, Esther G.; Polo, Alfredo

2014-05-01

In semi-arid agricultural soils, seasonal dynamic of soil CO2 efflux (SCE) is highly variable. Based on soil respiration measurements the effects of different management systems (moldboard plowing, chisel and no-tillage) and the application of composted sludge (CS) and thermally-dried sewage sludge (TSS) was investigated in a long-term field experiment (28 years) conducted on a sandy-loam soil at the experimental station 'La Higueruela' (40o 03'N, 4o 24'W). Both organic amendments were applied at a rate of 30 Mg ha-1 prior to tillage practices. Unamended soils were used as control for each tillage system. SCE was moderate in late spring (2.2-11.8 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) when amendments were applied and tillage was performed, markedly decreased in summer (0.4-3.2 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), following a moderate increase in autumn (3.4-14.1 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), rising sharply in October (5.6-39.8 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 ). In winter, SCE was low (0.6-6.5 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1). In general, SCE was greater in chisel and moldboard tilled soils, and in CS and particularly TSS-amended soils, due to the addition of labile C with these amendments, meanwhile no-tillage soils exhibited smaller increases in C efflux throughout the seasons. Soil temperature controlled the seasonal variations of SCE. In summer, when drought occurs, a general decrease of SCE was observed due to a deficit in soil water content. After drought period SCE jumped to high values in response to rain events ('Birch effect') that changed soil moisture conditions. Soil drying in summer and rewetting in autumn may promotes some changes on the structure of soil microbial community, affecting associated metabolic processes, and enhancing a rapid mineralization of water-soluble organic C compounds and/or dead microbial biomass that acts as an energy source for soil microorganisms. To assess the effects of tillage and amendments on SCE, Q10 values were calculated. Data were grouped into three groups according to soil moisture (0.03-0.10 m3m-3, 0-11-0.21 m3m-3, 0.22-0.30 m3m-3). In general, Q10 values were lower at elevated temperatures when soil moisture contents decreased, confirming that SCE is less sensitive to soil temperature during drought periods. Q10 values were higher in moldboard and chisel tilled soils, possibly due to the incorporation of residues into soil and the increase of soil C substrate, meanwhile in no-tillage part of the organic C pools are likely protected from microorganisms by physico-chemical mechanisms. TSS-amended soils exhibited higher Q10 values than CS, pointing that the biochemical lability of the organic C added with amendments exerts an influence on SCE. Acknowledgements: this research was supported by the Spanish CICYT, Project no. CTM2011-25557.

Effects of High-Intensity Training on Anaerobic and Aerobic Contributions to Total Energy Release During Repeated Supramaximal Exercise in Obese Adults.

PubMed

Jabbour, Georges; Iancu, Horia-Daniel; Paulin, Anne

Studying relative anaerobic and aerobic metabolism contributions to total energy release during exercise may be valuable in understanding exercise energetic demands and the energetic adaptations that occur in response to acute or chronic exercise in obese adults. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of high-intensity training (HIT) on relative anaerobic and aerobic contributions to total energy release and on peak power output during repeated supramaximal cycling exercises (SCE) in obese adults. Twenty-four obese adults (body mass index = ± 33 kg.m -2 ) were randomized into a control group ( n  = 12) and an HIT group ( n  = 12). Accumulated oxygen deficits (ml.min -1 ) and anaerobic and aerobic contributions (%) were measured in all groups before and after training via repeated SCE. In addition, the peak power output performed during SCE was determined using the force-velocity test. Before HIT, anaerobic contributions to repeated SCE did not differ between the groups and decreased significantly during the third and fourth repetitions. After HIT, anaerobic contributions increased significantly in the HIT group (+11 %, p  < 0.01) and were significantly higher than those of the control group ( p  < 0.01). Moreover, the peak power obtained during SCE increased significantly in the HIT group (+110 W.kg -1 , p  < 0.01) and correlated positively with increases in anaerobic contributions ( r  = 0.9, p  < 0.01). In obese adults, HIT increased anaerobic contributions to energy release which were associated with peak power enhancement in response to repeated SCE. Consequently, HIT may be an appropriate approach for improving energy contributions and muscle power among obese adults.

Efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks in malignant cells with structural instability

PubMed Central

Cheng, Yue; Zhang, Zhenhua; Keenan, Bridget; Roschke, Anna V.; Nakahara, Kenneth; Aplan, Peter D.

2009-01-01

Aberrant repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) is thought to be important in the generation of gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs). To examine how DNA DSBs might lead to GCRs, we investigated the repair of a single DNA DSB in a structurally unstable cell line. An I-SceI recognition site was introduced into OVCAR-8 cells between a constitutive promoter (EF1α) and the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene, which confers sensitivity to gancyclovir (GCV). Expression of I-SceI in these cells caused a single DSB. Clones with aberrant repair could acquire resistance to GCV by separation of the EF1α promoter from the TK gene, or deletion of either the EF1α promoter or the TK gene. All mutations that we identified were interstitial deletions. Treatment of cells with etoposide or bleomycin, agents known to produce DNA DSBs following expression of I-SceI also did not generate GCRs. Because we identified solely interstitial deletions using the aforementioned negative selection system, we developed a positive selection system to produce GCR. A construct containing an I-SceI restriction site immediately followed by a hygromycin phosphotransferase cDNA, with no promoter, was stably integrated into OVCAR-8 cells. DNA DSBs were produced by an I-SceI expression vector. None of the hygromycin resistant clones recovered had linked the hygromycin phosphotransferase cDNA to an endogenous promoter, but had instead captured a portion of the I-SceI expression vector. These results indicate that even in a structurally unstable malignant cell line, the majority of DNA DSBs are repaired by religation of the two broken chromosome ends, without the introduction of a GCR. PMID:19909760

Efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks in malignant cells with structural instability.

PubMed

Cheng, Yue; Zhang, Zhenhua; Keenan, Bridget; Roschke, Anna V; Nakahara, Kenneth; Aplan, Peter D

2010-01-05

Aberrant repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is thought to be important in the generation of gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs). To examine how DNA DSBs might lead to GCRs, we investigated the repair of a single DNA DSB in a structurally unstable cell line. An I-SceI recognition site was introduced into OVCAR-8 cells between a constitutive promoter (EF1alpha) and the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene, which confers sensitivity to gancyclovir (GCV). Expression of I-SceI in these cells caused a single DSB. Clones with aberrant repair could acquire resistance to GCV by separation of the EF1alpha promoter from the TK gene, or deletion of either the EF1alpha promoter or the TK gene. All mutations that we identified were interstitial deletions. Treatment of cells with etoposide or bleomycin, agents known to produce DNA DSBs following expression of I-SceI also did not generate GCRs. Because we identified solely interstitial deletions using the aforementioned negative selection system, we developed a positive selection system to produce GCR. A construct containing an I-SceI restriction site immediately followed by a hygromycin phosphotransferase cDNA, with no promoter, was stably integrated into OVCAR-8 cells. DNA DSBs were produced by an I-SceI expression vector. None of the hygromycin resistant clones recovered had linked the hygromycin phosphotransferase cDNA to an endogenous promoter, but had instead captured a portion of the I-SceI expression vector. These results indicate that even in a structurally unstable malignant cell line, the majority of DNA DSBs are repaired by religation of the two broken chromosome ends, without the introduction of a GCR.

Symplocos cochinchinensis enhances insulin sensitivity via the down regulation of lipogenesis and insulin resistance in high energy diet rat model.

PubMed

Antu, Kalathookunnel Antony; Riya, Mariam Philip; Nair, Anupama; Mishra, Arvind; Srivastava, Arvind K; Raghu, Kozhiparambil Gopalan

2016-12-04

This plant has been utilized in Indian system of medicine for treatment of diabetes. This is clearly evident from the composition of Ayurvedic preparation for diabetes 'Nisakathakadi Kashayam' where this is one of the main ingredients of this preparation AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the insulin sensitizing effects of Symplocos cochinchinensis ethanol extract (SCE) using a high fructose and saturated fat (HFS) fed insulin resistant rat model. Experimental groups consisted of normal diet (ND), ND+SCE 500mg/kg bwd, HFS+vehicle, HFS+metformin 100mg/kg bwd, HFS+SCE 250/500mg/kg bwd. Initially the animals were kept under HFS diet for 8 weeks, and at the end of 8 week period, animals were found to develop insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Post-administration of SCE, metformin or vehicle were carried out for 3 weeks. Gene and protein expressions relevant to insulin signalling pathway were analysed. HFS significantly altered the normal physiology of animals via proteins and genes relevant to metabolism like stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), protein tyrosine phosphatse 1B (PTP1B), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and glucokinase. SCE administration attenuates the insulin resistance in HFS rat by the down regulation of SCD1 gene expression that modulates SREBP-1c dependent and independent hepatic lipid accumulation. SCE enhances insulin sensitivity via the down regulation of lipogenesis and insulin resistance in HFS rat model. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The risk of a safety-critical event associated with mobile device use in specific driving contexts.

PubMed

Fitch, Gregory M; Hanowski, Richard J; Guo, Feng

2015-01-01

We explored drivers' mobile device use and its associated risk of a safety-critical event (SCE) in specific driving contexts. Our premise was that the SCE risk associated with mobile device use increases when the driving task becomes demanding. Data from naturalistic driving studies involving commercial motor vehicle drivers and light vehicle drivers were partitioned into subsets representative of specific driving contexts. The subsets were generated using data set attributes that included level of service and relation to junction. These attributes were selected based on exogenous factors known to alter driving task demands. The subsets were analyzed using a case-cohort approach, which was selected to complement previous investigations of mobile device SCE risk using naturalistic driving data. Both commercial motor vehicle and light vehicle drivers varied as to how much they conversed on a mobile device but did not vary their engagement in visual-manual subtasks. Furthermore, commercial motor vehicle drivers conversed less frequently as the driving task demands increased, whereas light vehicle drivers did not. The risk of an SCE associated with mobile device use was dependent on the subtask performed and the driving context. Only visual-manual subtasks were associated with an increased SCE risk, whereas conversing was associated with a decreased risk in some driving contexts. Drivers' engagement in mobile device subtasks varies by driving context. The SCE risk associated with mobile device use is dependent on the types of subtasks performed and the driving context. The findings of this exploratory study can be applied to the design of driver-vehicle interfaces that mitigate distraction by preventing visual-manual subtasks while driving.

Snow: a reliable indicator for global warming in the future?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobi, H.-W.

2012-03-01

The cryosphere consists of water in the solid form at the Earth's surface and includes, among others, snow, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets. Since the 1990s the cryosphere and its components have often been considered as indicators of global warming because rising temperatures can enhance the melting of solid water (e.g. Barry et al 1993, Goodison and Walker 1993, Armstrong and Brun 2008). Changes in the cryosphere are often easier to recognize than a global temperature rise of a couple of degrees: many locals and tourists have hands-on experience in changes in the extent of glaciers or the duration of winter snow cover on the Eurasian and North American continents. On a more scientific basis, the last IPCC report left no doubt: the amount of snow and ice on Earth is decreasing (Lemke et al 2007). Available data showed clearly decreasing trends in the sea ice and frozen ground extent of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and the global glacier mass balance. However, the trend in the snow cover extent (SCE) of the NH was much more ambiguous; a result that has since been confirmed by the online available up-to-date analysis of the SCE performed by the Rutgers University Global Snow Lab (climate.rutgers.edu/snowcover/). The behavior of snow is not the result of a simple cause-and-effect relationship between air temperature and snow. It is instead related to a rather complex interplay between external meteorological parameters and internal processes in the snowpack. While air temperature is of course a crucial parameter for snow and its melting, precipitation and radiation are also important. Further physical properties like snow grain size and the amount of absorbing impurities in the snow determine the fraction of absorbed radiation. While all these parameters affect the energy budget of the snowpack, each of these variables can dominate depending on the season or, more generally, on environmental conditions. As a result, the reduction in SCE in spring and summer in the NH was attributed to faster melting because of higher air temperatures, while the winter months (December to February) saw an increase in the SCE due to increased precipitation (Lemke et al >2007). Cohen et al (2012) confirmed these opposing effects in the SCE and showed that on the Eurasian continent the average SCE in October has increased by approximately 3 × 106 km2 in the last two decades; a growth of almost 40%, corresponding to roughly 1.5 times the area of Greenland. For the same period, Cohen et al (2012) found a negligible trend in the average temperatures above the continents of the NH for the winter months despite a significant increase in the annual mean temperature for the same regions. Cohen et al (2012) propose the following link between temperatures and snow: the reduced sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean and the enhanced air temperatures in fall cause higher evaporation from the Arctic Ocean, leading to increased tropospheric moisture in the Arctic. More moisture results in more snowfall over the Eurasian continent, increasing the SCE. The increased snow cover strengthens the Siberian High, a strong anticyclonic system generally persistent between October and April. This system is strong enough to affect weather patterns in large parts of the NH, resulting in changes in the large-scale circulation of the NH (Panagiotopoulos et al 2005). As a result, outbreaks of cold Arctic air masses into the mid-latitudes are more frequent, leading to low temperatures over the eastern part of North America and Northern Eurasia. According to Cohen et al (2012), these are exactly the same regions that have experienced a cooling trend in the winter temperature over the past twenty years. While this chain of events is plausible (and some are confirmed by observations), existing climate models are not yet capable of reproducing these processes. On the contrary, Cohen et al (2012) showed that they predict a slightly decreasing SCE in October for Eurasia and an increase in winter temperatures over the continents in the NH. This is not surprising because the simulation of snow and its interactions with the atmosphere in global models is imperfect (Armstrong and Brun 2008). Most models have difficulty in simulating successfully the complex behavior of snow cover. A better representation of snow in the models is vital in order to understand the possible far-reaching consequences of changes in the SCE and its effects on the local climate and on large-scale circulations in the atmosphere to utilize snow as a reliable indicator for a changing climate. However, the SCE is only one of many possible snow parameters that can be used (Goodison and Walker 1993). Although omni-present in many regions and during many seasons, there is still much to be learned about snow and how it is linked to the global climate system. References Armstrong R L and Brun E 2008 Snow and Climate: Physical Processes, Surface Energy Exchange and Modeling (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) Barry R G, Goodison B E and LeDrew E F (ed) 1993 Snow watch '92—detection strategies for snow and ice Glaciological Data Report GD-25 (Boulder, CO: World Data Center A: Glaciology (Snow and Ice)) p 273 Cohen J L, Furtado J C, Barlow M A, Alexeev V A and Cherry J E 2012 Arctic warming, increasing snow cover and widespread boreal winter cooling Environ. Res. Lett. 7 014007 Goodison B E and Walker A E 1993 Use of snow cover derived from satellite passive microwave data as indicator for climate change Ann. Glaciol. 17 137-42 Lemke P et al 2007 Observations: changes in snow, ice and frozen ground Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) Panagiotopoulos F, Shahgedanova M, Hannachi A and Stephenson D B 2005 Observed trends and teleconnections of the Siberian high: a recently declining center of action J. Clim. 18 1411-22

Frequency of sister-chromatid exchange among greenhouse farmers exposed to pesticides.

PubMed

Shaham, J; Kaufman, Z; Gurvich, R; Levi, Z

2001-04-05

Sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) was measured in peripheral lymphocytes of 104 greenhouse farmers exposed to pesticides and 44 unexposed workers. The results of SCEs are expressed in two variables: (a) mean number of SCEs per chromosome and, (b) proportion of high frequency cells (cells with more than eight SCEs). A high correlation was found between these two variables. The adjusted means of both SCEs variables were significantly higher among the farmers compared with the unexposed group (P < 0.01). Adjustment was made for smoking, age, education, and origin. The adjusted means of both SCE variables, were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) among the farmers who prepared and applied more than 70% of the pesticides by themselves compared with those who prepared and applied less than 70% of the pesticides by themselves. Both SCEs variables were also significantly elevated (P < 0.05) among farmers who were involved in more than 7.4 sprays per year compared with those with 7.4 or less sprays per year (P < 0.05). We found a tendency towards elevation of the two variables of SCEs among those who did not use protective measures while preparing the pesticides. Evaluation of the influence of years of exposure on the frequency of SCEs showed that the two variables of SCEs were higher among those farmers who were exposed to pesticides for more than 21 years than among those with less than 21 years of exposure. The variables that had the most influence on the elevation of SCEs were self-preparation of the pesticide mixtures and the number of sprayings per year. Because the farmers used a mixture of almost 24 different chemical classes it was impossible to attribute exposure to a specific pesticide or group of pesticides to single farmers. Our finding of a significant increase of SCEs frequency in peripheral lymphocytes in greenhouse farmers indicates a potential cytogenetic hazard due to pesticides exposure.

The Cohesion Protein SOLO Associates with SMC1 and Is Required for Synapsis, Recombination, Homolog Bias and Cohesion and Pairing of Centromeres in Drosophila Meiosis

PubMed Central

Yan, Rihui; McKee, Bruce D.

2013-01-01

Cohesion between sister chromatids is mediated by cohesin and is essential for proper meiotic segregation of both sister chromatids and homologs. solo encodes a Drosophila meiosis-specific cohesion protein with no apparent sequence homology to cohesins that is required in male meiosis for centromere cohesion, proper orientation of sister centromeres and centromere enrichment of the cohesin subunit SMC1. In this study, we show that solo is involved in multiple aspects of meiosis in female Drosophila. Null mutations in solo caused the following phenotypes: 1) high frequencies of homolog and sister chromatid nondisjunction (NDJ) and sharply reduced frequencies of homolog exchange; 2) reduced transmission of a ring-X chromosome, an indicator of elevated frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE); 3) premature loss of centromere pairing and cohesion during prophase I, as indicated by elevated foci counts of the centromere protein CID; 4) instability of the lateral elements (LE)s and central regions of synaptonemal complexes (SCs), as indicated by fragmented and spotty staining of the chromosome core/LE component SMC1 and the transverse filament protein C(3)G, respectively, at all stages of pachytene. SOLO and SMC1 are both enriched on centromeres throughout prophase I, co-align along the lateral elements of SCs and reciprocally co-immunoprecipitate from ovarian protein extracts. Our studies demonstrate that SOLO is closely associated with meiotic cohesin and required both for enrichment of cohesin on centromeres and stable assembly of cohesin into chromosome cores. These events underlie and are required for stable cohesion of centromeres, synapsis of homologous chromosomes, and a recombination mechanism that suppresses SCE to preferentially generate homolog crossovers (homolog bias). We propose that SOLO is a subunit of a specialized meiotic cohesin complex that mediates both centromeric and axial arm cohesion and promotes homolog bias as a component of chromosome cores. PMID:23874232

The cohesion protein SOLO associates with SMC1 and is required for synapsis, recombination, homolog bias and cohesion and pairing of centromeres in Drosophila Meiosis.

PubMed

Yan, Rihui; McKee, Bruce D

2013-01-01

Cohesion between sister chromatids is mediated by cohesin and is essential for proper meiotic segregation of both sister chromatids and homologs. solo encodes a Drosophila meiosis-specific cohesion protein with no apparent sequence homology to cohesins that is required in male meiosis for centromere cohesion, proper orientation of sister centromeres and centromere enrichment of the cohesin subunit SMC1. In this study, we show that solo is involved in multiple aspects of meiosis in female Drosophila. Null mutations in solo caused the following phenotypes: 1) high frequencies of homolog and sister chromatid nondisjunction (NDJ) and sharply reduced frequencies of homolog exchange; 2) reduced transmission of a ring-X chromosome, an indicator of elevated frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE); 3) premature loss of centromere pairing and cohesion during prophase I, as indicated by elevated foci counts of the centromere protein CID; 4) instability of the lateral elements (LE)s and central regions of synaptonemal complexes (SCs), as indicated by fragmented and spotty staining of the chromosome core/LE component SMC1 and the transverse filament protein C(3)G, respectively, at all stages of pachytene. SOLO and SMC1 are both enriched on centromeres throughout prophase I, co-align along the lateral elements of SCs and reciprocally co-immunoprecipitate from ovarian protein extracts. Our studies demonstrate that SOLO is closely associated with meiotic cohesin and required both for enrichment of cohesin on centromeres and stable assembly of cohesin into chromosome cores. These events underlie and are required for stable cohesion of centromeres, synapsis of homologous chromosomes, and a recombination mechanism that suppresses SCE to preferentially generate homolog crossovers (homolog bias). We propose that SOLO is a subunit of a specialized meiotic cohesin complex that mediates both centromeric and axial arm cohesion and promotes homolog bias as a component of chromosome cores.

Experience with an integrated control and monitoring system at the El Segundo generating station

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

Papilla, R.P.; McKinley, J.H.; Blanco, M.A.

1992-01-01

This paper describes the EPRI/Southern California Edison (SCE) El Segundo Integrated Control and Monitoring System (ICMS) project and relates key project experiences. The ICMS project is a cost-shared effort between EPRI and SCE designed to address the issues involved with integrating power plant diagnostic and condition monitoring with control. A digital distributed control system retrofit for SCE's El Segundo Units 3 and 4 provided the case study. although many utilities have retrofitted power plant units with distributed control systems (DCS's) and have applied diagnostics and monitoring programs to improve operations and performance, the approach taken in this project, that is,more » integrating the monitoring function with the control function, is profoundly new and unique. Over the life of the El Segundo ICMS, SCE expects to realize savings form life optimization, increased operating flexibility, improved heat rate, reduced NO{sub x} emissions, and lower maintenance costs. These savings are expected to be significant over the life of the system.« less

Micro-structure, Mechanical Properties and Dielectric Properties of Bisphenol A Allyl Compound-Bismaleimide Modified by Super-Critical Silica and Polyethersulfone Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yufei; Wang, Botao; Li, Fangliang; Teng, Chengjun

2017-07-01

Bisphenol A allyl compound-bismaleimide (MBAE) composite modified by SCE-SiO2 and polyethersulfone (PES) resin has been prepared and researched. SCE-SiO2 was modified by super-critical ethanol and PES thermoplastic resin used as modifiers. The composite was prepared via the hot melting method. The FT-IR measurements indicated that ethanol molecular had adsorbed on the nano-SiO2 surface. SEM images showed that the composite had a multiphase structure, PES and SCE-SiO2 existed as a dispersed phase, and the interaction of the three phases affected each other, such that the bending fracture behavior transformed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture, and the modifiers of SCE-SiO2 and PES resin could improve the mechanical properties. The impact and the bending strength of the composite was 16.5 kJ/mm2 and 150.4 MPa, improved by 68.3% and 56.7% compared with those of the MBAE matrix, respectively, when the content of SCE-SiO2 was 2 wt.% and PES 5 wt.%. The dielectric constant ( ɛ) of the composites was less than 3.9 and decreased with increasing frequency, and the dielectric loss was less than 9 × 10-3 for frequencies between 102 Hz and 105 Hz. These properties could meet the requirement of insulating material.

Platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone: cytogenetic and antineoplastic effects.

PubMed

Lakovidou, Z; Papageorgiou, A; Demertzis, M A; Mioglou, E; Mourelatos, D; Kotsis, A; Yadav, P N; Kovala-Demertzi, D

2001-01-01

The effect of three novel complexes of Pt(II) and three complexes of Pd(II) with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (HAcTsc) on sister chromatid exchange (SCE) rates and human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics on a molar basis was studied. Also, the effect of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes against leukemia P388 was investigated. Among these compounds, the most effective in inducing antitumor and cytogenetic effects were the complexes [Pt(AcTsc)2] x H2O and [Pd(AcTsc)2] while the rest, i.e. (HAcTsc), [Pt(AcTsc)Cl], [Pt(HAcTsc)2]Cl2 x 2H2O, [Pd(AcTsc)Cl] and [Pd(HAcTsc)2]Cl2, displayed marginal cytogenetic and antitumor effects.

Influence of the Regime of Electropulsing-Assisted Machining on the Plastic Deformation of the Layer Being Cut.

PubMed

Hameed, Saqib; González Rojas, Hernán A; Perat Benavides, José I; Nápoles Alberro, Amelia; Sánchez Egea, Antonio J

2018-05-25

In this article, the influence of electropulsing on the machinability of steel S235 and aluminium 6060 has been studied during conventional and electropulsing-assisted turning processes. The machinability indices such as chip compression ratio ξ , shear plane angle ϕ and specific cutting energy (SCE) are investigated by using different cutting parameters such as cutting speed, cutting feed and depth of cut during electrically-assisted turning process. The results and analysis of this work indicated that the electrically-assisted turning process improves the machinability of steel S235, whereas the machinability of aluminium 6060 gets worse. Finally, due to electropluses (EPs), the chip compression ratio ξ increases with the increase in cutting speed during turning of aluminium 6060 and the SCE decreases during turning of steel S235.

Design and implementation of community engagement interventions towards healthcare quality improvement in Ghana: a methodological approach.

PubMed

Alhassan, Robert Kaba; Nketiah-Amponsah, Edward; Arhinful, Daniel Kojo

2016-12-01

Nearly four decades after the Alma-Ata declaration of 1978 on the need for active client/community participation in healthcare, not much has been achieved in this regard particularly in resource constrained countries like Ghana, where over 70 % of communities in rural areas access basic healthcare from primary health facilities. Systematic Community Engagement (SCE) in healthcare quality assessment remains a grey area in many health systems in Africa, albeit the increasing importance in promoting universal access to quality basic healthcare services. Design and implement SCE interventions that involve existing community groups engaged in healthcare quality assessment in 32 intervention primary health facilities. The SCE interventions form part of a four year randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the Greater Accra and Western regions of Ghana. Community groups (n = 52) were purposively recruited and engaged to assess non-technical components of healthcare quality, recommend quality improvement plans and reward best performing facilities. The interventions comprised of five cyclical implementation steps executed for nearly a year. Wilcoxon sign rank test was used to ascertain differences in group perceptions of service quality during the first and second assessments, and ordered logistic regression analysis performed to determine factors associated with groups' perception of healthcare quality. Healthcare quality was perceived to be lowest in non-technical areas such as: information provision to clients, directional signs in clinics, drug availability, fairness in queuing, waiting times, and information provision on use of suggestion boxes and feedback on clients' complaints. Overall, services in private health facilities were perceived to be better than public facilities (p < 0.05). Community groups dominated by artisans and elderly members (60 + years) had better perspectives on healthcare quality than youthful groups (Coef. =1.78; 95 % CI = [-0.16 3.72]) and other categories of community groups (Coef. = 0.98; 95 % CI = [-0.10 2.06]). Non-technical components of healthcare quality remain critical to clients and communities served by primary healthcare providers. The SCE concept is a potential innovative and complementary quality improvement strategy that could help enhance client experiences, trust and confidence in healthcare providers. SCE interventions are more cost effective, community-focused and could easily be scaled-up and sustained by local health authorities.

Evaluation Design: 1981-82 State Compensatory Education. Publication No. 81.20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mangino, Evangelina; And Others

The evaluation of the 1981-82 State Compensatory Education (SCE) program, as implemented in the Austin Independent School District, will involve the following major activities: production of an Evaluation Design based on input received from key SCE personnel; production of a Final Report and a Technical Report which present information and…

Estimating Software Effort Hours for Major Defense Acquisition Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallshein, Corinne C.

2010-01-01

Software Cost Estimation (SCE) uses labor hours or effort required to conceptualize, develop, integrate, test, field, or maintain program components. Department of Defense (DoD) SCE can use initial software data parameters to project effort hours for large, software-intensive programs for contractors reporting the top levels of process maturity,…

Biofuel production from palm oil with supercritical alcohols: effects of the alcohol to oil molar ratios on the biofuel chemical composition and properties.

PubMed

Sawangkeaw, Ruengwit; Teeravitud, Sunsanee; Bunyakiat, Kunchana; Ngamprasertsith, Somkiat

2011-11-01

Biofuel production from palm oil with supercritical methanol (SCM) and supercritical ethanol (SCE) at 400 °C and 15 MPa were evaluated. At the optimal alcohol to oil molar ratios of 12:1 and 18:1 for the SCM and SCE processes, respectively, the biofuel samples were synthesized in a 1.2-L reactor and the resulting biofuel was analyzed for the key properties including those for the diesel and biodiesel standard specifications. Biofuel samples derived from both the SCM and SCE processes could be used as an alternative fuel after slight improvement in their acid value and free glycerol content. The remarkable advantages of this novel process were: the additional fuel yield of approximately of 5% and 10% for SCM and SCE, respectively; the lower energy consumption for alcohol preheating, pumping and recovering than the biodiesel production with supercritical alcohols that use a high alcohol to oil molar ratio of 42:1. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SOURCE APPORTIONMENT OF PHOENIX PM2.5 AEROSOL WITH THE UNMIX RECEPTOR MODEL

EPA Science Inventory

The multivariate receptor model Unmix has been used to analyze a 3-yr PM2.5 ambient aerosol data set collected in Phoenix, AZ, beginning in 1995. The analysis generated source profiles and overall percentage source contribution estimates (SCE) for five source categories: ga...

Creating a monomeric endonuclease TALE-I-SceI with high specificity and low genotoxicity in human cells.

PubMed

Lin, Jianfei; Chen, He; Luo, Ling; Lai, Yongrong; Xie, Wei; Kee, Kehkooi

2015-01-01

To correct a DNA mutation in the human genome for gene therapy, homology-directed repair (HDR) needs to be specific and have the lowest off-target effects to protect the human genome from deleterious mutations. Zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and CRISPR-CAS9 systems have been engineered and used extensively to recognize and modify specific DNA sequences. Although TALEN and CRISPR/CAS9 could induce high levels of HDR in human cells, their genotoxicity was significantly higher. Here, we report the creation of a monomeric endonuclease that can recognize at least 33 bp by fusing the DNA-recognizing domain of TALEN (TALE) to a re-engineered homing endonuclease I-SceI. After sequentially re-engineering I-SceI to recognize 18 bp of the human β-globin sequence, the re-engineered I-SceI induced HDR in human cells. When the re-engineered I-SceI was fused to TALE (TALE-ISVB2), the chimeric endonuclease induced the same HDR rate at the human β-globin gene locus as that induced by TALEN, but significantly reduced genotoxicity. We further demonstrated that TALE-ISVB2 specifically targeted at the β-globin sequence in human hematopoietic stem cells. Therefore, this monomeric endonuclease has the potential to be used in therapeutic gene targeting in human cells. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Absence of toxicity and genotoxicity in an extract of Rubus coriifolius.

PubMed

González-Hernández, S; González-Ramírez, D; Dávila-Rodríguez, M I; Jimenez-Arellanez, A; Meckes-Fischer, M; Said-Fernández, S; Cortés-Gutiérrez, E I

2016-12-02

Rubus coriifolius Focke is a wild plant from the Rosaceae family. It grows in both Guatemala and Mexico. The polar extract of the aerial parts of this plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-protozoal activities. These properties may explain the traditional use of this plant. In vivo and in vitro assays were used to assess the genotoxic and toxic effects of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of R. coriifolius. Three groups of rats were orally administered the R. coriifolius extract diluted in ethanol (5%) at doses of 1.89 mg/kg body weight (low dose), 4.72 mg/kg body weight (medium dose), and 9.44 mg/kg body weight (high dose) for 3 weeks. Genotoxic/cytotoxic effects induced by the R. coriifolius ethanol extract were evaluated in vivo by a micronuclei (MN) test in rat's bone marrow cells and in vitro by MN and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in human lymphocyte cultures. In vivo genotoxicity analyses revealed that the average number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and the polychromatic erythrocyte/red blood cell ratio at all doses were not significantly different from those of the negative control. In vitro genotoxicity analyses showed that MN, SCE, and proliferative index frequencies in a human lymphocyte cell culture were not significantly different from those of the negative control. These results demonstrate that the ethanol extract of R. coriifolius aerial parts is not toxic or mutagenic (in vitro and in vivo) and does not affect cell proliferation at the concentrations analyzed.

Safety assessment of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an ingredient added to cigarette tobacco.

PubMed

Stavanja, Mari S; Ayres, Paul H; Meckley, Daniel R; Bombick, Elizabeth R; Borgerding, Michael F; Morton, Michael J; Garner, Charles D; Pence, Deborah H; Swauger, James E

2006-03-01

A tiered testing strategy has been developed to evaluate the potential for new ingredients, tobacco processes, and technological developments to alter the biological activity that results from burning tobacco. A series of studies was initially conducted with cigarettes containing 3% high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an alternate tobacco casing material to corn syrup/invert sugar, including determination of selected mainstream cigarette smoke (MS) constituent yields, Ames assay, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, a 30-week dermal tumor-promotion evaluation of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in SENCAR mice, and a 13-week subchronic inhalation study of MS in Sprague-Dawley rats. A second series of studies was conducted with cigarettes containing 3%, 4% and 5% HFCS including MS chemistry, Ames assay, SCE assay in CHO cells, and a neutral red cytotoxicity assays. Collectively, mainstream smoke chemistry, genotoxicity, dermal tumor-promotion, and inhalation toxicity studies demonstrated no differences between cigarettes with 3% HFCS and cigarettes with 3% corn syrup/invert sugar. Also, mainstream smoke chemistry and genotoxicity of cigarettes with 4% and 5% HFCS were not different from cigarettes with 3% HFCS. In conclusion, the addition of up to 5% HFCS to cigarette does not alter the mainstream smoke chemistry or biological activity of mainstream smoke or mainstream smoke condensate as compared to cigarettes with 3% corn syrup/invert sugar with regard to the parameters investigated and presented.

Recruitment of RecA homologs Dmc1p and Rad51p to the double-strand break repair site initiated by meiosis-specific endonuclease VDE (PI-SceI).

PubMed

Fukuda, Tomoyuki; Ohya, Yoshikazu

2006-02-01

During meiosis, VDE (PI-SceI), a homing endonuclease in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, introduces a double-strand break (DSB) at its recognition sequence and induces homologous recombinational repair, called homing. Meiosis-specific RecA homolog Dmc1p, as well as mitotic RecA homolog Rad51p, acts in the process of meiotic recombination, being required for strand invasion and exchange. In this study, recruitment of Dmc1p and Rad51p to the VDE-induced DSB repair site is investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. It is revealed that Dmc1p and Rad51p are loaded to the repair site in an independent manner. Association of Rad51p requires other DSB repair proteins of Rad52p, Rad55p, and Rad57p, while loading of Dmc1p is facilitated by the different protein, Sae3p. Absence of Tid1p, which can bind both RecA homologs, appears specifically to cause an abnormal distribution of Dmc1p. Lack of Hop2, Mnd1p, and Sae1p does not impair recruitment of both RecA homologs. These findings reveal the discrete functions of each strand invasion protein in VDE-initiated homing, confirm the similarity between VDE-initiated homing and Spo11p-initiated meiotic recombination, and demonstrate the availability of VDE-initiated homing for the study of meiotic recombination.

Combating WMD Journal. Issue 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

analysis . USANCA is coordinating technical input to provide realism in the exercise sce- narios. The Army must continue efforts to ensure the in...sam- ples (clay, tannins , humic acids, and metals), and foods (lipids) are re- ported to inhibit Deoxynucleic Acid (DNA) based detection. A...tar- get DNA from one analysis to an- other, resulting in false-positive sig- nals, must also be avoided. Employ- ment of fluorescent-labeled

Effects of Ocular Optics on Perceived Visual Direction and Depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Ming

Most studies of human retinal image quality have specifically addressed the issues of image contrast, few have examined the problem of image location. However, one of the most impressive properties of human vision involves the location of objects. We are able to identify object location with great accuracy (less than 5 arcsec). The sensitivity we exhibit for image location indicates that any optical errors, such as refractive error, ocular aberrations, pupil decentration, etc., may have noticeable effects on perceived visual direction and distance of objects. The most easily observed effects of these optical factors is a binocular depth illusion called chromostereopsis in which equidistance colored objects appear to lie at the different distances. This dissertation covers a series of theoretical and experimental studies that examined the effects of ocular optics on perceived monocular visual direction and binocular chromostereopsis. Theoretical studies included development of an adequate eye model for predicting chromatic aberration, a major ocular aberration, using geometric optics. Also, a wave optical analysis is used to model the effects of defocus, optical aberrations, Stiles-Crawford effect (SCE) and pupil location on retinal image profiles. Experimental studies used psychophysical methods such as monocular vernier alignment tests, binocular stereoscopic tests, etc. This dissertation concludes: (1) With a decentered large pupil, the SCE reduces defocused image shifts compare to an eye without the SCE. (2) The blurred image location can be predicted by the centroid of the image profile. (3) Chromostereopsis with small pupils can be precisely accounted for by the interocular difference in monocular transverse chromatic aberration. (4) The SCE also plays an important role in the effect of pupil size on chromostereopsis. The reduction of chromostereopsis with large pupils can be accurately predicted by the interocular difference in monocular chromatic diplopia which is also reduced with large pupils. This supports the hypothesis that the effect of pupil size on chromostereopsis is due to monocular mechanisms.

76 FR 16456 - South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-23

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2008-0441] South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper); Notice of Availability of Application for... itself and agent for the South Carolina Public Service Authority also known as Santee Cooper filed with...

76 FR 12998 - South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2008-0441] South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) and the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper); Notice of Availability of Application for... itself and agent for the South Carolina Public Service Authority also known as Santee Cooper filed with...

High-Penetration PV Integration Handbook for Distribution Engineers

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

Seguin, Rich; Woyak, Jeremy; Costyk, David

2016-01-01

This handbook has been developed as part of a five-year research project which began in 2010. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Southern California Edison (SCE), Quanta Technology, Satcon Technology Corporation, Electrical Distribution Design (EDD), and Clean Power Research (CPR) teamed together to analyze the impacts of high-penetration levels of photovoltaic (PV) systems interconnected onto the SCE distribution system. This project was designed specifically to leverage the experience that SCE and the project team would gain during the significant installation of 500 MW of commercial scale PV systems (1-5 MW typically) starting in 2010 and completing in 2015 within SCE’smore » service territory through a program approved by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC).« less

FINAL DESIGN REVIEW REPORT Subcritical Experiments Gen 2, 3-ft Confinement Vessel Weldment

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

Romero, Christopher

A Final Design Review (FDR) of the Subcritical Experiments (SCE) Gen 2, 3-ft. Confinement Vessel Weldment was held at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) on September 14, 2017. The review was a focused review on changes only to the confinement vessel weldment (versus a system design review). The changes resulted from lessons-learned in fabricating and inspecting the current set of confinement vessels used for the SCE Program. The baseline 3-ft. confinement vessel weldment design has successfully been used (to date) for three (3) high explosive (HE) over-tests, two (2) fragment tests, and five (5) integral HE experiments. The design teammore » applied lessons learned from fabrication and inspection of these vessel weldments to enhance fit-up, weldability, inspection, and fitness for service evaluations. The review team consisted of five (5) independent subject matter experts with engineering design, analysis, testing, fabrication, and inspection experience. The« less

Performance analysis of SOI MOSFET with rectangular recessed channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, M.; Mishra, S.; Mohanty, S. S.; Mishra, G. P.

2016-03-01

In this paper a two dimensional (2D) rectangular recessed channel-silicon on insulator metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (RRC-SOI MOSFET), using the concept of groove between source and drain regions, which is one of the channel engineering technique to suppress the short channel effect (SCE). This suppression is mainly due to corner potential barrier of the groove and the simulation is carried out by using ATLAS 2D device simulator. To have further improvement of SCE in RRC-SOI MOSFET, three more devices are designed by using dual material gate (DMG) and gate dielectric technique, which results in formation of devices i.e. DMRRC-SOI,MLSMRRC-SOI, MLDMRRC-SOI MOSFET. The effect of different structures of RRC-SOI on AC and RF parameters are investigated and the importance of these devices over RRC MOSFET regarding short channel effect is analyzed.

In-Frame and Unmarked Gene Deletions in Burkholderia cenocepacia via an Allelic Exchange System Compatible with Gateway Technology.

PubMed

Fazli, Mustafa; Harrison, Joe J; Gambino, Michela; Givskov, Michael; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim

2015-06-01

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an emerging opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis, which are often difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Understanding the genetic basis of virulence in this emerging pathogen is important for the development of novel treatment regimes. Generation of deletion mutations in genes predicted to encode virulence determinants is fundamental to investigating the mechanisms of pathogenesis. However, there is a lack of appropriate selectable and counterselectable markers for use in B. cenocepacia, making its genetic manipulation problematic. Here we describe a Gateway-compatible allelic exchange system based on the counterselectable pheS gene and the I-SceI homing endonuclease. This system provides efficiency in cloning homology regions of target genes and allows the generation of precise and unmarked gene deletions in B. cenocepacia. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate its utility by deleting the Bcam1349 gene, encoding a cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP)-responsive regulator protein important for biofilm formation. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

In-Frame and Unmarked Gene Deletions in Burkholderia cenocepacia via an Allelic Exchange System Compatible with Gateway Technology

PubMed Central

Fazli, Mustafa; Harrison, Joe J.; Gambino, Michela; Givskov, Michael

2015-01-01

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an emerging opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis, which are often difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Understanding the genetic basis of virulence in this emerging pathogen is important for the development of novel treatment regimes. Generation of deletion mutations in genes predicted to encode virulence determinants is fundamental to investigating the mechanisms of pathogenesis. However, there is a lack of appropriate selectable and counterselectable markers for use in B. cenocepacia, making its genetic manipulation problematic. Here we describe a Gateway-compatible allelic exchange system based on the counterselectable pheS gene and the I-SceI homing endonuclease. This system provides efficiency in cloning homology regions of target genes and allows the generation of precise and unmarked gene deletions in B. cenocepacia. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate its utility by deleting the Bcam1349 gene, encoding a cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP)-responsive regulator protein important for biofilm formation. PMID:25795676

Second Chance Education Matters! Income Trajectories of Poorly Educated Non-Nordics in Sweden

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordlund, Madelene; Bonfanti, Sara; Strandh, Mattias

2015-01-01

In this study we examine the long-term impact of second chance education (SCE) on incomes of poorly educated individuals who live in Sweden but were not born in a Nordic country, using data on income changes from 1992 to 2003 compiled by Statistics Sweden. Ordinary Least Squares regression analyses show that participation in SCE increased the work…

Yield and composition of grape seed oils extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide and petroleum ether: varietal effects.

PubMed

Beveridge, Thomas H J; Girard, Benoit; Kopp, Thomas; Drover, John C G

2005-03-09

Grape seed has a well-known potential for production of oil as a byproduct of winemaking and is currently produced as a specialty oil byproduct of wine manufacture. Seed oils from eight varieties of grapes crushed for wine production in British Columbia were extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCE) and petroleum ether (PE). Oil yields by SCE ranged from 5.85 +/- 0.33 to 13.6 +/- 0.46% (w/w), whereas PE yields ranged from 6.64 +/- 0.16 to 11.17 +/- 0.05% (+/- is standard deviation). The oils contained alpha-, beta-, and gamma-tocopherols and alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols, with gamma-tocotrienol being most important quantitatively. In both SCE- and PE-extracted oils, phytosterols were a prominent feature of the unsaponifiable fraction, with beta-sitosterol quantitatively most important with both extractants. Total phytosterol extraction was higher with SCE than with PE in seven of eight variety extractions. Fatty acid composition of oils from all varieties tested, and from both extraction methods, indicated linoleic acid as the major component ranging from 67.56 to 73.23% of the fatty acids present, in agreement with literature reports.

Reductive dehalogenation of haloacetic acids by hemoglobin-loaded carbon nanotube electrode.

PubMed

Li, Yu-Ping; Cao, Hong-Bin; Zhang, Yi

2007-01-01

Hemoglobin (Hb) was immobilized on carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode to catalyze the dehalogenation of haloacetic acids (HAAs). FTIR and UV measurements were performed to investigate the activity-keep of Hb after immobilization on CNT. The electrocatalytic behaviors of the Hb-loaded electrode for the dehalogenation of HAAs were studied by cyclic voltammmetry and constant-potential electrolysis technique. An Hb-loaded packed-bed flow reactor was also constructed for bioelectrocatalytic dehalogenation of HAAs. The results showed that Hb retained its nature, the essential features of its native secondary structure, and its biocatalytic activity after immobilization on CNT. Chloroacetic acids and bromoacetic acids could be dehalogenated completely with Hb catalysis through a stepwise dehalogenation process at -0.400V (vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) and -0.200V (vs. SCE), respectively. The removal of 10.5mM trichloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid is ca. 97% and 63%, respectively, with electrolysis for 300min at -0.400V (vs. SCE) using the Hb-loaded packed-bed flow reactor, and almost 100% of tribromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid was removed with electrolysis for 40min at -0.200V (vs. SCE). The average current efficiency of Hb-catalytic dehalogenation almost reaches 100%.

[Expansion of secretory cells in the fallopian tubal epithelium in the early stages of the pathogenesis of ovarian serous carcinomas].

PubMed

Asaturova, A V; Ezhova, L S; Faizullina, N M; Adamyan, L V; Khabas, G N; Sannikova, M V

to investigate the frequency of the types of fallopian tubal secretory cell expansion (SCE) in diseases of the reproductive organs and to determine the immunophenotype and biological role of the cells in the early stages of the pathogenesis of high-grade ovarian serous carcinomas (HGOSC). The investigation enrolled 287 patients with extraovarian diseases and ovarian serous tumors varying in grade, whose fallopian tubes were morphologically and immunohistochemically examined using p53, Ki-67, PAX2, Bcl-2, beta-catenin, and ALDH1 markers. The material was statistically processed applying the Mann-Whitney test and χ2 test. The rate of secretory cell proliferation (SCP) (more than 10 consecutive secretory cells) and that of secretory cell overgrowth (SCO) (more than 30 consecutive secretory cells) increase with age in all investigated reproductive system diseases. The rate of SCP in the corpus fimbriatum of the patients with HGOSC was 5.9 times higher than that in those with extraovarian disease (p<0.01); when comparing the same patient groups, that of SCO was 3.4 times higher (p<0.05). The immunohistochemical characteristics of the investigated lesions (in scores) were as follows: PAX2 was expressed in the intact epithelium (2.8), in SCP (1.3), in SCO (1.2), in serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) (1.0), and in HGOSC (0.9); Bcl-2 was in the intact epithelium (2.2), in SCP (2.1), STIC (0.9), and in HGOSC (0.6), β-catenin was in the intact epithelium (0.5), in SCP (2.85), in SCO (2.95), in STIC (0.6), and in HGOSC (0.5); ALDH1 was in the intact epithelium (0.5), in SCP (2.91), in SCO (2.92), in STIC (1.2), and in HGOSC (0.6). There were statistically significant differences with a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05) for: 1) PAX2 between the intact epithelium and pathology (fallopian tube lesions and HGOSC); 2) Bcl-2 between the intact epithelium and SCE (SCP and SCO) and between SCE and HGOSC; 3) beta-catenin between the intact epithelium and SCE (SCP and SCO) and between SCE and HGOSC; 4) ALDH1 between the intact epithelium and SCE, between and SCE and STIC, and between STIC and HGOSC. SCE was shown to be an independent intraepithelial lesion. The incidence of this abnormality increased with age and significantly differed in the patients with fallopian tubal lesions in extraovarian diseases from that in those with malignant ovarian serous tumors (by 5.3 times), while these groups showed a three-fold difference in SCO. Thus, SCP may serve as a more sensitive marker for the early stages of the pathogenesis of ovarian serous carcinoma. The studied types of SCE demonstrated multiple molecular events (loss of PAX2 expression and increased Bcl-2, beta-catenin, and ALDH1 expressions), some of which underwent considerable changes, by increasing the severity of a pathological process (loss of ALDH1, and beta-catenin, and bcl-2 expressions). Thus, therapeutic exposure in the early stages of pathogenesis may have a few points of application and just several molecules can serve as independent markers for early pathological changes in the fallopian tubal epithelium.

Overview of NASA's Supersonic Cruise Efficiency - Propulsion Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeBonis, James R.

2009-01-01

The research in Supersonic Cruise Efficiency Propulsion (SCE-P) Technical Challenge area of NASA's Supersonics project is discussed. The research in SCE-P is being performed to enable efficient supersonic flight over land. Research elements in this area include: Advance Inlet Concepts, High Performance/Wider Operability Fan and Compressor, Advanced Nozzle Concepts, and Intelligent Sensors/Actuators. The research under each of these elements is briefly discussed.

Modulation of Autoimmune T-Cell Memory by Stem Cell Educator Therapy: Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Delgado, Elias; Perez-Basterrechea, Marcos; Suarez-Alvarez, Beatriz; Zhou, Huimin; Revuelta, Eva Martinez; Garcia-Gala, Jose Maria; Perez, Silvia; Alvarez-Viejo, Maria; Menendez, Edelmiro; Lopez-Larrea, Carlos; Tang, Ruifeng; Zhu, Zhenlong; Hu, Wei; Moss, Thomas; Guindi, Edward; Otero, Jesus; Zhao, Yong

2015-12-01

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes a deficit of pancreatic islet β cells. The complexities of overcoming autoimmunity in T1D have contributed to the challenges the research community faces when devising successful treatments with conventional immune therapies. Overcoming autoimmune T cell memory represents one of the key hurdles. In this open-label, phase 1/phase 2 study, Caucasian T1D patients (N = 15) received two treatments with the Stem Cell Educator (SCE) therapy, an approach that uses human multipotent cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SCs). SCE therapy involves a closed-loop system that briefly treats the patient's lymphocytes with CB-SCs in vitro and returns the "educated" lymphocytes (but not the CB-SCs) into the patient's blood circulation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01350219. Clinical data demonstrated that SCE therapy was well tolerated in all subjects. The percentage of naïve CD4(+) T cells was significantly increased at 26 weeks and maintained through the final follow-up at 56 weeks. The percentage of CD4(+) central memory T cells (TCM) was markedly and constantly increased at 18 weeks. Both CD4(+) effector memory T cells (TEM) and CD8(+) TEM cells were considerably decreased at 18 weeks and 26 weeks respectively. Additional clinical data demonstrated the modulation of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expressions on naïve T, TCM, and TEM cells. Following two treatments with SCE therapy, islet β-cell function was improved and maintained in individuals with residual β-cell function, but not in those without residual β-cell function. Current clinical data demonstrated the safety and efficacy of SCE therapy in immune modulation. SCE therapy provides lasting reversal of autoimmune memory that could improve islet β-cell function in Caucasian subjects. Obra Social "La Caixa", Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Investigación Renal, European Union FEDER Funds, Principado de Asturias, FICYT, and Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation.

Modulation of Autoimmune T-Cell Memory by Stem Cell Educator Therapy: Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Delgado, Elias; Perez-Basterrechea, Marcos; Suarez-Alvarez, Beatriz; Zhou, Huimin; Revuelta, Eva Martinez; Garcia-Gala, Jose Maria; Perez, Silvia; Alvarez-Viejo, Maria; Menendez, Edelmiro; Lopez-Larrea, Carlos; Tang, Ruifeng; Zhu, Zhenlong; Hu, Wei; Moss, Thomas; Guindi, Edward; Otero, Jesus; Zhao, Yong

2015-01-01

Background Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes a deficit of pancreatic islet β cells. The complexities of overcoming autoimmunity in T1D have contributed to the challenges the research community faces when devising successful treatments with conventional immune therapies. Overcoming autoimmune T cell memory represents one of the key hurdles. Methods In this open-label, phase 1/phase 2 study, Caucasian T1D patients (N = 15) received two treatments with the Stem Cell Educator (SCE) therapy, an approach that uses human multipotent cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SCs). SCE therapy involves a closed-loop system that briefly treats the patient's lymphocytes with CB-SCs in vitro and returns the “educated” lymphocytes (but not the CB-SCs) into the patient's blood circulation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01350219. Findings Clinical data demonstrated that SCE therapy was well tolerated in all subjects. The percentage of naïve CD4+ T cells was significantly increased at 26 weeks and maintained through the final follow-up at 56 weeks. The percentage of CD4+ central memory T cells (TCM) was markedly and constantly increased at 18 weeks. Both CD4+ effector memory T cells (TEM) and CD8+ TEM cells were considerably decreased at 18 weeks and 26 weeks respectively. Additional clinical data demonstrated the modulation of C–C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expressions on naïve T, TCM, and TEM cells. Following two treatments with SCE therapy, islet β-cell function was improved and maintained in individuals with residual β-cell function, but not in those without residual β-cell function. Interpretation Current clinical data demonstrated the safety and efficacy of SCE therapy in immune modulation. SCE therapy provides lasting reversal of autoimmune memory that could improve islet β-cell function in Caucasian subjects. Funding Obra Social “La Caixa”, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Investigación Renal, European Union FEDER Funds, Principado de Asturias, FICYT, and Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. PMID:26844283

Directionality of Individual Cone Photoreceptors in the Parafoveal Region

PubMed Central

Morris, Hugh J.; Blanco, Leonardo; Codona, Johanan L.; Li, Simone; Choi, Stacey S.; Doble, Nathan

2015-01-01

The pointing direction of cone photoreceptors can be inferred from the Stiles-Crawford Effect of the First Kind (SCE-I) measurement. Healthy retinas have tightly packed cones with a SCE-I function peak either centered in the pupil or with a slight nasal bias. Various retinal pathologies can change the profile of the SCE-I function implying that the arrangement or the light capturing properties of the cone photoreceptors are affected. Measuring the SCE-I may reveal early signs of photoreceptor change before actual cell apoptosis occurs. In vivo retinal imaging with adaptive optics (AO) was used to measure the pointing direction of individual cones at eight retinal locations in four control human subjects. Retinal images were acquired by translating an aperture in the light delivery arm through 19 different locations across a subject’s entrance pupil. Angular tuning properties of individual cones were calculated by fitting a Gaussian to the reflected intensity profile of each cone projected onto the pupil. Results were compared to those from an accepted psychophysical SCE-I measurement technique. The maximal difference in cone directionality of an ensemble of cones, ρ̄, between the major and minor axes of the Gaussian fit was 0.05 versus 0.29 mm−2 in one subject. All four subjects were found to have a mean nasal bias of 0.81 mm with a standard deviation of ±0.30 mm in the peak position at all retinal locations with mean ρ̄ value decreasing by 23% with increasing retinal eccentricity. Results show that cones in the parafoveal region converge towards the center of the pupillary aperture, confirming the anterior pointing alignment hypothesis. PMID:26494187

Antidiabetic Property of Symplocos cochinchinensis Is Mediated by Inhibition of Alpha Glucosidase and Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Antu, Kalathookunnel Antony; Riya, Mariam Philip; Mishra, Arvind; Anilkumar, Karunakaran S.; Chandrakanth, Chandrasekharan K.; Tamrakar, Akhilesh K.; Srivastava, Arvind K.; Raghu, K. Gopalan

2014-01-01

The study is designed to find out the biochemical basis of antidiabetic property of Symplocos cochinchinensis (SC), the main ingredient of ‘Nisakathakadi’ an Ayurvedic decoction for diabetes. Since diabetes is a multifactorial disease, ethanolic extract of the bark (SCE) and its fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and 90% ethanol) were evaluated by in vitro methods against multiple targets relevant to diabetes such as the alpha glucosidase inhibition, glucose uptake, adipogenic potential, oxidative stress, pancreatic beta cell proliferation, inhibition of protein glycation, protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Among the extracts, SCE exhibited comparatively better activity like alpha glucosidase inhibition (IC50 value-82.07±2.10 µg/mL), insulin dependent glucose uptake (3 fold increase) in L6 myotubes, pancreatic beta cell regeneration in RIN-m5F (3.5 fold increase) and reduced triglyceride accumulation (22% decrease) in 3T3L1 cells, protection from hyperglycemia induced generation of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cells (59.57% decrease) with moderate antiglycation and PTP-1B inhibition. Chemical characterization by HPLC revealed the superiority of SCE over other extracts due to presence and quantity of bioactives (beta-sitosterol, phloretin 2′glucoside, oleanolic acid) in addition to minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc and manganese. So SCE has been subjected to oral sucrose tolerance test to evaluate its antihyperglycemic property in mild diabetic and diabetic animal models. SCE showed significant antihyperglycemic activity in in vivo diabetic models. We conclude that SC mediates the antidiabetic activity mainly via alpha glucosidase inhibition, improved insulin sensitivity, with moderate antiglycation and antioxidant activity. PMID:25184241

Association between genomic instability and evolutionary chromosomal rearrangements in Neotropical Primates.

PubMed

Puntieri, Fiona; Andrioli, Nancy B; Nieves, Mariela

2018-06-14

During the last decades the mammalian genome has been proposed to have regions prone to breakage and reorganization concentrated in certain chromosomal bands that seem to correspond to evolutionary breakpoints. These bands are likely to be involved in chromosome fragility or instability. In Primates, some biomarkers of genetic damage may be associated with various degrees of genomic instability. Here, we investigated the usefulness of Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) as a biomarker of potential sites of frequent chromosome breakage and rearrangement in Alouatta caraya, Ateles chamek, Ateles paniscus and Cebus cay. These Neotropical species have particular genomic and chromosomal features allowing the analysis of genomic instability for comparative purposes. We determined the frequency of spontaneous induction of SCEs and assessed the relationship between these and structural rearrangements implicated in the evolution of the primates of interest. Overall, A. caraya and C. cay presented a low proportion of statistically significant unstable bands, suggesting fairly stable genomes and the existence of some kind of protection against endogenous damage. In contrast, Ateles showed a highly significant proportion of unstable bands; these were mainly found in the rearranged regions, which is consistent with the numerous genomic reorganizations that might have occurred during the evolution of this genus.

In vivo synergistic cytogenetic effects of aminophylline on lymphocyte cultures from patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

PubMed

Mylonaki, Effie; Manika, Katerina; Zarogoulidis, Paul; Domvri, Kalliopi; Voutsas, Vasilis; Zarogoulidis, Kostas; Mourelatos, Dionysios

2012-12-01

The anti-cancer and cytogenetic effects of aminophylline (AM) have been demonstrated in several clinical trials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo cytogenetic effects of AM in newly diagnosed patients with small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and proliferation rate index (PRI) were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from six patients with SCLC and six patients with NSCLC after the in vitro addition of AM and after the in vivo administration of AM in patients receiving chemotherapy. The in vitro addition of AM significantly increased SCEs only in SCLC patients (p<0.001). The in vivo administration of AM after chemotherapy increased SCEs in both cancer types (SCLC: p<0.001, NSCLC: p=0.003) and this increase was synergistic, the rates of SCEs in the presence of AM were higher than the expected SCE values if the increases above background for chemotherapy and AM were independent and additive (SCLC: p<0.001, NSCLC: p=0.008). Although in both groups of patients cell division delays were observed after the combined chemotherapy plus in vivo AM treatment, the correlation between the magnitude of the SCE response and the PRI depression was not statistically significant (p>0.05). These observations suggest that AM enhances the results of concurrently administered chemotherapy by synergistically increasing its cytogenetic effects in patients with lung cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxcarbazepine-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human lymphocyte cultures with or without metabolic activation.

PubMed

Atlı Şekeroğlu, Zülal; Kefelioğlu, Haluk; Kontaş Yedier, Seval; Şekeroğlu, Vedat; Delmecioğlu, Berrin

2017-03-01

There has been considerable debate about the relationship between epilepsy and cancer. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is used for treating certain types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. There have been no detailed investigations about genotoxicity of OXC and its metabolites. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of OXC and its metabolites on cultured human lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of OXC on human peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined in vitro by sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Cultures were treated with 125, 250 and 500 μg/ml of OXC in the presence (3 h treatment) and absence (24 h and 48 h treatment) of a metabolic activator (S9 mix). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a solvent control. OXC showed cytotoxic activities due to significant decreases in mitotic index (MI), proliferation index (PI) and nuclear division index (NDI) in the absence of S9 mix when compared with solvent control. Metabolites of OXC also significantly reduced MI and PI in cultures with S9 mix. OXC significantly increased the CAs, aberrant cells, SCE and MN values in the presence and absence of S9 mix. Our results indicated that both OXC and its metabolites have cytotoxic, cytostatic and genotoxic potential on human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures under the experimental conditions. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between cytotoxic, cytostatic and genotoxic effects, and to make a possible risk assessment in patients receiving therapy with this drug.

Environmental release of chemicals and reproductive ecology.

PubMed Central

Bajaj, J S; Misra, A; Rajalakshmi, M; Madan, R

1993-01-01

Reproductive ecology is defined as "the study of causes and mechanisms of the effects of environmental risk factors on reproductive health and the methods of their prevention and management." Major areas of concern, within the purview of this paper, relate to adverse pregnancy outcomes, effects on target tissues in the male and the female, and alterations in the control and regulatory mechanisms of reproductive processes. Teratogenic potential of chemicals, released as a result of accidents and catastrophes, is of critical significance. Congenital Minamata disease is due to transplacental fetal toxicity caused by accidental ingestion of methyl mercury. Generalized disorders of ectodermal tissue following prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls have been reported in Taiwan and Japan. The Bhopal gas disaster, a catastrophic industrial accident, was due to a leak of toxic gas, methyl isocyanate (MIC), in the pesticide manufacturing process. The outcome of pregnancy was studied in female survivors of MIC exposure. The spontaneous abortion rate was nearly four times more common in the affected areas as compared to the control area (24.2% versus 5.6%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, while stillbirth rate was found to be similar in the affected and control areas, the perinatal and neonatal mortality rates were observed to be higher in the affected area. The rate of congenital malformations in the affected and control areas did not show any significant difference. Chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies were investigated in human survivors of exposure. The observed SCE frequencies in control and exposed groups indicated that mutagenesis has been induced. Strategies for the management, prediction, and preventability of such disasters are outlined. PMID:8243381

Evaluation of primary DNA damage, cytogenetic biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms for CYP1A1 and GSTM1 in road tunnel construction workers.

PubMed

Villarini, M; Moretti, M; Fatigoni, C; Agea, E; Dominici, L; Mattioli, A; Volpi, R; Pasquini, R

2008-01-01

In tunnel construction workers, occupational exposure to dust (alpha-quartz and other particles from blasting), gases (nitrogen dioxide, NO(2)), diesel exhausts, and oil mist has been associated with lung function decline, induction of inflammatory reactions in the lungs with release of mediators that may influence blood coagulation, and increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The present molecular epidemiology study was designed to evaluate whether occupational exposure to indoor pollutants during road tunnel construction might result in genotoxic effects. A study group of 39 underground workers and a reference group of 34 unexposed subjects were examined. Primary and oxidative DNA damage, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE), and micronuclei (MN) were measured in peripheral blood cells. The possible influences of polymorphisms in gene encoding for CYP1A1 and GSTM1 xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes were also investigated. Exposure assessment was performed with detailed interviews and questionnaires. There were no significant differences in the level of primary and oxidative DNA damage and frequency of SCE between the tunnel workers and controls, whereas the frequency of MN showed a significant increase in exposed subjects compared to controls. No effects of CYP1A1 or GSTM1 variants were observed for the analyzed biomarkers. Since MN in peripheral blood lymphocytes are recognized as a predictive biomarker of cancer risk within a population of healthy subjects, the genotoxic risk of occupational exposure to various indoor environmental pollutants during road tunnel construction cannot be excluded by this biomonitoring study.

Synergistic antineoplastic and cytogenetic effects by the combined action of two homo-aza-steroidal esters of nitrogen mustards on P388 and L1210 leukaemias in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Nikolaropoulos, S; Tsavdaridis, D; Arsenou, E; Papageorgiou, A; Karaberis, E; Mourelatos, D

2000-01-01

In order to increase the damaging effects on specific DNA sequences and decrease the subsequent toxicity, the use of homo-aza-steroidal esters of nitrogen mustards is already known. Two specific homo-aza-steroidal esters were mixed at different proportions and the resultant final mixtures were tested in vivo and in vitro. The effects of these on P388 and L1210 leukaemias, on SCE rates and on human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics were studied. The results demonstrate that the combined substances enhanced SCE induction (p < 0.05) and antitumour activity (p < 0.02) in a synergistic manner. A correlation was observed (p < 0.001) between the magnitude of the SCE response and the depression of the cell proliferation index.

Cogeneration computer model assessment: Advanced cogeneration research study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberg, L.

1983-01-01

Cogeneration computer simulation models to recommend the most desirable models or their components for use by the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) in evaluating potential cogeneration projects was assessed. Existing cogeneration modeling capabilities are described, preferred models are identified, and an approach to the development of a code which will best satisfy SCE requirements is recommended. Five models (CELCAP, COGEN 2, CPA, DEUS, and OASIS) are recommended for further consideration.

Electrochemical, Structural and Magnetic Analysis of Electrodeposited CoCu/Cu Multilayers: Influence of Cu Layer Deposition Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tekgül, Atakan; Kockar, Hakan; Kuru, Hilal; Alper, Mürsel; ÜnlÜ, C. Gökhan

2018-03-01

The electrochemical, structural and magnetic properties of CoCu/Cu multilayers electrodeposited at different cathode potentials were investigated from a single bath. The Cu layer deposition potentials were selected as - 0.3, V - 0.4 V, and - 0.5 V with respect to saturated calomel electrode (SCE) while the Co layer deposition potential was constant at - 1.5 V versus SCE. For the electrochemical analysis, the current-time transients were obtained. The amount of noble non-magnetic (Cu) metal materials decreased with the increase of deposition potentials due to anomalous codeposition. Further, current-time transient curves for the Co layer deposition and capacitance were calculated. In the structural analysis, the multilayers were found to be polycrystalline with both Co and Cu layers adopting the face-centered cubic structure. The (111) peak shifts towards higher angle with the increase of the deposition potentials. Also, the lattice parameters of the multilayers decrease from 0.3669 nm to 0.3610 nm with the increase of the deposition potentials from - 0.3 V to - 0.5 V, which corresponds to the bulk values of Cu and Co, respectively. The electrochemical and structural results demonstrate that the amount of Co atoms increased and the Cu atoms decreased in the layers with the increase of deposition potentials due to anomalous codeposition. For magnetic measurements, the saturation magnetizations, M_s obtained from the magnetic curves of the multilayers were obtained as 212 kA/m, 276 kA/m, and 366 kA/m with - 0.3 V, - 0.4 V, and - 0.5 V versus SCE, respectively. It is seen that the M_s values increased with the increase of the deposition potentials confirming the increase of the Co atoms and decrease of the Cu amount. The results of electrochemical and structural analysis show that the deposition potentials of non-magnetic layers plays important role on the amount of magnetic and non-magnetic materials in the layers and thus on the magnetic properties of the multilayers.

Alkylarylnitrosoureas--stability in aqueous solution, partition coefficient, alkylating activity and its relationship to SCE induction in Chinese hamster V 79-E cells.

PubMed

Mendel, J; Thust, R; Schwarz, H

1982-01-01

The alkylating activity, chemical stability in aqueous solution (pH 7.0; 37 degrees C), and partition coefficient (octanol/water) of the following compounds were determined: 1-methyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (MPNU), 1-ethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (EPNU), 1-isopropyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (i-PrPNU), 1-methyl-3-(p-fluorophenyl)-1-nitrosourea (F-MPNU), 1-methyl-3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1-nitrosourea (Cl-MPNU), 1-methyl-3-(p-bromophenyl)-1-nitrosourea (Br-MPNU), 1,3-dimethyl-3-phenyl-1-nitrosourea (DMPNU), and 1-methyl-3-naphthyl-1-nitrosocarbamate (NCA). 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) and 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea (ENU) were used for the comparison. THe rate of decomposition in aqueous solution is discussed concerning the influences of the substituents at the 1- and 3-N-atom. The mono- and disubstituted N-nitrosoureas showed a coarse correlation between alkylating activity and SCE induction in Chinese hamster V 79-E cells. On the other hand, this correlation is missing in the case of NCA, which is a potent SCE inducer despite relatively low alkylating activity. DMPNU is the strongest SCE inducer, but this compound shows a high stability in aqueous solution and, consequently, we were not able to detect an alkylating activity.

Spiraling contaminant electrons increase doses to surfaces outside the photon beam of an MRI-linac with a perpendicular magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, S. L.; van Asselen, B.; Wolthaus, J. W. H.; Bluemink, J. J.; Ishakoglu, K.; Kok, J.; Lagendijk, J. J. W.; Raaymakers, B. W.

2018-05-01

The transverse magnetic field of an MRI-linac sweeps contaminant electrons away from the radiation beam. Films oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the radiation beam edge show a projection of the divergent beam, indicating that contaminant electrons spiral along magnetic field lines and deposit dose on surfaces outside the primary beam perpendicular to the magnetic field. These spiraling contaminant electrons (SCE) could increase skin doses to protruding regions of the patient along the cranio-caudal axis. This study investigated doses from SCE for an MRI-linac comprising a 7 MV linac and a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Surface doses to films perpendicular to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the radiation beam edge showed increased dose within the projection of the primary beam, whereas films parallel to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the beam edge showed no region of increased dose. However, the dose from contaminant electrons is absorbed within a few millimeters. For large fields, the SCE dose is within the same order of magnitude as doses from scattered and leakage photons. Doses for both SCE and scattered photons decrease rapidly with decreasing beam size and increasing distance from the beam edge.

Estimation of beech pyrolysis kinetic parameters by Shuffled Complex Evolution.

PubMed

Ding, Yanming; Wang, Changjian; Chaos, Marcos; Chen, Ruiyu; Lu, Shouxiang

2016-01-01

The pyrolysis kinetics of a typical biomass energy feedstock, beech, was investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis over a wide heating rate range from 5K/min to 80K/min. A three-component (corresponding to hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin) parallel decomposition reaction scheme was applied to describe the experimental data. The resulting kinetic reaction model was coupled to an evolutionary optimization algorithm (Shuffled Complex Evolution, SCE) to obtain model parameters. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study in which SCE has been used in the context of thermogravimetry. The kinetic parameters were simultaneously optimized against data for 10, 20 and 60K/min heating rates, providing excellent fits to experimental data. Furthermore, it was shown that the optimized parameters were applicable to heating rates (5 and 80K/min) beyond those used to generate them. Finally, the predicted results based on optimized parameters were contrasted with those based on the literature. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Explosive Infrasonic Events: Sensor Comparison Experiment (SCE)

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

Schnurr, J. M.; Garces, M.; Rodgers, A. J.

SCE (sensor comparison experiment) 1 through 4 consists of a series of four controlled above-ground explosions designed to provide new data for overpressure propagation. Infrasound data were collected by LLNL iPhones and other sensors. Origin times, locations HOB, and yields are not being released at this time and are therefore not included in this report. This preliminary report will be updated as access to additional data changes, or instrument responses are determined.

Glucose Electrodes Based on Cross-Linked (Os(bpy)2CI)+/2+ Complexed Poly(1-Vinylimidazole) Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-24

oxidase (GOX) through covalent bonding in the cross-linking step, glucose was electrooxidized at 250 mV (SCE). The characteristics of these... electrooxidation currents were independent of the polymers’ osmium content in the studied (3 - 10 osmium S_ _ centers per monomer unit ) range, Electrodes...glucose was electrooxidized at 250 mV (SCE). The characteristics of these electrodes depended on the GOX concentration, film thickness, 02

Hydrodynamics with strength: scaling-invariant solutions for elastic-plastic cavity expansion models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albright, Jason; Ramsey, Scott; Baty, Roy

2017-11-01

Spherical cavity expansion (SCE) models are used to describe idealized detonation and high-velocity impact in a variety of materials. The common theme in SCE models is the presence of a pressure-driven cavity or void within a domain comprised of plastic and elastic response sub-regions. In past work, the yield criterion characterizing material strength in the plastic sub-region is usually taken for granted and assumed to take a known functional form restrictive to certain classes of materials, e.g. ductile metals or brittle geologic materials. Our objective is to systematically determine a general functional form for the yield criterion under the additional requirement that the SCE admits a similarity solution. Solutions determined under this additional requirement have immediate implications toward development of new compressible flow algorithm verification test problems. However, more importantly, these results also provide novel insight into modeling the yield criteria from the perspective of hydrodynamic scaling.

Cost-Effectiveness of Florbetapir-PET in Alzheimer's Disease: A Spanish Societal Perspective.

PubMed

Hornberger, John; Michalopoulos, Steven; Dai, Minghan; Andrade, Paula; Dilla, Tatiana; Happich, Michael

2015-06-01

The rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other diseases associated with dementia, imposes significant burden to various stakeholders who care for the elderly. Management of AD is complicated by multiple factors including disease-specific features which make it difficult to diagnose accurately during milder stages. Florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography (florbetapir-PET) is an approved imaging tool used to capture beta-amyloid neuritic plaque density in brains of cognitively impaired adults undergoing evaluation for AD and other causes of cognitive impairment. It has the potential to help improve healthcare outcomes as it may help clinicians identify patients with AD early so that treatments are initiated when most effective. Evaluate the potential long-term clinical and economic outcomes of adopting florbetapir-PET--adjunctive to standard clinical evaluation (SCE)--versus SCE alone in the diagnostic assessment of cognitively impaired patients with suspected AD. A decision analysis with a ten-year time horizon was developed in compliance with Good Research Practices and CHEERS guidelines. The target population was comprised of Spanish patients who were undergoing initial assessment for cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score=20). Diagnostic accuracy, rate of cognitive decline, effect of drugs on cognition and dwelling status, economic burden (direct and indirect costs), and quality of life (QoL) were based on relevant clinical studies and published literature. Scenario analysis was applied to explore outcomes under different conditions, which included: (i) use of florbetapir-PET earlier in disease progression (MMSE score=22); and (ii) the addition of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET to SCE. Adjunctive florbetapir-PET increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 0.008 years and increased costs by 36 compared to SCE alone (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER], 4,769). Use of florbetapir-PET was dominant in alternate scenarios. Sensitivity analyses indicated rates of institutionalization (by MMSE) and MMSE score upon initiation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) treatment most influenced the primary outcome (ICER) in the base case scenario. Over 82% of probabilistic simulations were cost-effective using the Spanish threshold (30,000/QALY). The addition of florbetapir-PET to SCE is expected to improve the accuracy of AD diagnoses for patients experiencing cognitive impairment; it is cost-effective due to decreased healthcare costs and caregiver burden. Prospective studies of the clinical utility of florbetapir-PET are necessary to evaluate the long-term implications of adopting florbetapir-PET on clinical outcomes and costs in real-world settings. Florbetapir-PET is expected to improve decision-making regarding appropriate and sufficient care for cognitively impaired patients with suspected AD, while cost-effective. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis of AD may help to improve patient's health status and reduce treatment costs by effectively allocating healthcare resources and maximizing the benefit of treatments and supportive services. Use of florbetapir-PET may help accurately identify patients with AD. The development of novel therapeutics for use with companion diagnostics may provide additional benefits by slowing or halting progressive cognitive decline with AD, increase QoL and prolong survival.

Supercontinuum Emission from Water using 40 fs Pulses in the External Tight Focusing Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreeja, S.; Rao, S. Venugopal; Bagchi, Suman; Sreedhar, S.; Prashant, T. Shuvan; Radhakrishnan, P.; Tewari, Surya P.; Kiran, P. Prem

2011-10-01

We present our results from the measurements of Supereonlinuum emission (SCE) resulting from the propagation ol" tightly foe used 40 femtosecond laser pulses through distilled water. The e fleet of linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) light pulses on the SCE: in different external focal geometries (f/6 & f/12) is studied in detail. A considerable shift in the minimum wavelength of SCF under tighter focusing limit is observed.

Space Construction Experiment Definition Study (SCEDS), part 3. Volume 2: Study results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

The essential controls and dynamics community needs for a large space structures is addressed by the basic Space Construction Experiments (SCE)/MAST configuration and enhanced configurations for follow-on flights. The SCE/MAST can be integrated on a single structures technology experiments platform (STEP). The experiment objectives can be accomplished without the need for EVA and it is anticipated that further design refinements will eliminate the requirement to use the remote manipulator system.

The role of people living with HIV as patient instructors - reducing stigma and improving interest around HIV care among medical students.

PubMed

Jaworsky, Denise; Gardner, Sandra; Thorne, Julie G; Sharma, Malika; McNaughton, Nancy; Paddock, Suzanne; Chew, Derek; Lees, Rick; Makuwaza, Tutsirai; Wagner, Anne; Rachlis, Anita

2017-04-01

People living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are increasingly recognized as experts in HIV and their own health. We developed a simulated clinical encounter (SCE) in which medical students provided HIV pre- and post-test counselling and point-of-care HIV testing for PHAs as patient instructors (PHA-PIs) under clinical preceptor supervision. The study assessed the acceptability of this teaching tool with a focus on assessing impact on HIV-related stigma among medical students. University of Toronto pre-clerkship medical students participated in a series of SCEs facilitated by 16 PHA-PIs and 22 clinical preceptors. Pre- and post-SCE students completed the validated Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS). HPASS measures overall stigma, as well as three domains within HIV stigma: stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice. Higher scores represented higher levels of stigma. An additional questionnaire measured comfort in providing HIV-related care. Mean scores and results of paired t-tests are presented. Post-SCE, students (n   =   62) demonstrated decreased overall stigma (68.74 vs. 61.81, p   <   .001) as well as decreased stigma within each domain. Post-SCE, students (n   =   67) reported increased comfort in providing HIV-related care (10.24 vs. 18.06, p   <   .001). Involving PHA-PIs reduced HIV-related stigma among medical students and increased comfort in providing HIV-related care.

Membrane Stored Curvature Elastic Stress Modulates Recruitment of Maintenance Proteins PspA and Vipp1

PubMed Central

McDonald, Christopher; Jovanovic, Goran; Ces, Oscar

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Phage shock protein A (PspA), which is responsible for maintaining inner membrane integrity under stress in enterobacteria, and vesicle-inducting protein in plastids 1 (Vipp1), which functions for membrane maintenance and thylakoid biogenesis in cyanobacteria and plants, are similar peripheral membrane-binding proteins. Their homologous N-terminal amphipathic helices are required for membrane binding; however, the membrane features recognized and required for expressing their functionalities have remained largely uncharacterized. Rigorously controlled, in vitro methodologies with lipid vesicles and purified proteins were used in this study and provided the first biochemical and biophysical characterizations of membrane binding by PspA and Vipp1. Both proteins are found to sense stored curvature elastic (SCE) stress and anionic lipids within the membrane. PspA has an enhanced sensitivity for SCE stress and a higher affinity for the membrane than Vipp1. These variations in binding may be crucial for some of the proteins’ differing roles in vivo. Assays probing the transcriptional regulatory function of PspA in the presence of vesicles showed that a relief of transcription inhibition occurs in an SCE stress-specific manner. This in vitro recapitulation of membrane stress-dependent transcription control suggests that the Psp response may be mounted in vivo when a cell’s inner membrane experiences increased SCE stress. PMID:26330516

Studies on corrosion resistance and bio-activity of plasma spray deposited hydroxylapatite (HA) based TiO2 and ZrO2 dispersed composite coatings on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and the same after post spray heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Renu; Majumdar, Jyotsna Dutta

2017-10-01

In the present study, the effect of plasma spray deposited hydroxylapatite (HA) based TiO2 dispersed (HA + 50 wt.% TiO2), coating and post spray heat treatment to be referred as HA-TiO2 (heat treated at 650 °C for 2 h) and ZrO2 dispersed (HA + 10 wt.% ZrO2), to be referred as HA-ZrO2 coating (heat treated at 750 °C for 2 h) on corrosion resistance and bioactivity of Ti-6Al-4V substrate has been undertaken. There is partial decomposition of HA to tri-calcium-phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) and formation of CaTiO3 phase in HA-TiO2 coating and CaZrO3 phase in the HA-ZrO2 coating. Corrosion study in Hank's solution shows that there is shifting of corrosion potential (Ecorr) towards active potential (-1.1 V(SCE) for as-sprayed and post spray heat treated HA-TiO2 coating, -1.1 V(SCE) for as-sprayed HA-ZrO2 coating and -1 V(SCE) for HA-ZO2 coating after post spray heat treatment), and deterioration in pitting corrosion (Epit) resistance in as-sprayed coatings and the same after heat treatment (-0.7 V(SCE) for both HA-TiO2 and HA-ZrO2 coating as compared to as received substrate (-0.3 V(SCE)). The corrosion rate was increased for both the coatings with a maximum increase in HA-ZrO2 coating. Bioactivity test shows a higher degree of apatite deposition in as-sprayed coating and the same after heat treatment as compared to as received Ti-6Al-4V though the as-sprayed one showed a superior behavior.

Mycotoxins' activity at toxic and sub-toxic concentrations: differential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of single and combined administration of sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A and citrinin on the hepatocellular cancer cell line Hep3B.

PubMed

Anninou, Nikolia; Chatzaki, Ekaterini; Papachristou, Fotini; Pitiakoudis, Muichail; Simopoulos, Constantinos

2014-02-07

Food safety organizations indicate the likelihood of constant human and animal exposure to mycotoxin mixtures as a possible negative public health impact. Risk assessment demonstrates that certain mycotoxins of Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. are toxic and hold a significant genotoxic efficacy at nanomolar concentrations. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential cytogenetic effects of sterigmatocystin (STER), ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN) alone or in combination, at pM to μΜ concentrations, on the human hepatocellular cancer cell line Hep3B. MTT reduction, mitotic divisions, cell cycle delays and sister chromatid exchange rates (SCE) were determined as endpoints of metabolic activity, cytotoxicity, cytostaticity, and genotoxicity, respectively. All mycotoxin treatments induce SCE rates from 10-12 M, while their cytotoxic and cytostatic potential varies. In PRI and MI assays, but not at MTT, STER alone or in combination with OTA + CTN appeared cytostatic and cytotoxic, even at 10-12 M, while CTN alone and all other combinations displayed substantial cellular survival inhibition in doses ≥ 10-8 M. Co-administration of STER + OTA or STER + CTN in concentrations ≤ 10-1 M, increased the MI and MTT activity, while it did not affect the PRI. Mycotoxin co-treatments revealed in general similar-to-additive or antagonistic genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Our results for the first time describe that STER alone or in combination with OTA and/or CTN share a cytotoxic and cytogenetic potential even at picoMolar concentrations on human hepatoma cells in vitro.

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

Harrison, F.L.; Rice, D.W. Jr., Moore, D.H.

Traditional bioassays are unsuitable for assessing sublethal effects from ocean disposal of low-level radioactive waste because mortality and phenotypic responses are not anticipated. We compared the usefulness of chromosomal aberration and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction as measures of low-level radiation effects in a sediment-dwelling marine worm, Neanthes arenaceodentata. The SCEs, in contrast to chromosomal aberrations, do not alter the overall chromosome morphology and in mammalian cells appear to be a more sensitive indicator of DNA alterations caused by environmental mutagens. Newly hatched larvae were exposed to two radiation-exposure regimes of either x rays at a high dose rate ofmore » 0.7 Gy (70 rad)/min for as long as 5.5 min or to /sup 60/Co gamma rays at a low dose rate of from 4.8 x 10/sup -5/ to 1.2 x 10/sup -1/ Gy (0.0048 to 12 rad)/h for 24 h. After irradiation, the larvae were exposed to 3 x 10/sup -5/M bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) for 28 h (x-ray-irradiated larvae) or for 54 h (/sup 60/Co-irradiated larvae). Larval cells were examined for the proportion of cells in first, second, and third or greater division. Frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and SCEs were determined in first and second division cells, respectively. Results from x-ray irradiation indicated that dose-related increases occur in chromosome and chromatid deletions, but a dose of equal or greater 2 Gy (equal to or greater than 200 rad) was required to observe a significant increase. Worm larvae receiving /sup 60/Co irradiation showed elevated SCE frequencies with a significant increase of 0.6 Gy (60 rad). We suggest that both SCEs and chromosomal aberrations may be useful for measuring effects on genetic material induced by radiation. 56 references, 7 figures, 9 tables.« less

Effect of intravascular irradiation of He-Ne laser on cerebral infarction: Hemorrheology and apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jian; Liang, Min-yi; Cao, Hao-cai; Li, Xiao-Yuan; Li, Shao-ming; Li, Shun-hao; Li, Wen-qi; Zhang, Jin-hong; Liu, Lei; Lai, Jian-hong

2005-07-01

Objective: To explore the efficacy of He-Ne laser intravascular irradiation on infarction and hemorrheology. To observe the effects of intravascular low level He-Ne laser irradiation (ILLLI) of blood on cell proliferation, apoptosis and chromosome in lymphocyte from cerebral infarction Methods: Seventy cases with cerebral infarction were randomly divided into groups control group (35 cases) treated only with common drugs and therapeutic group (35 cases) treated besides common drugs also by He-Ne laser intravascular irradiation. Their hemorrheology index and treatment results were observed and compared. The blood lymphocytes of cerebral infarction were cultured before and after treatment. After that, the mitosis index (MI), cell kinetics index (CKI), sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) frequencies and apoptosis were determined. Results The therapeutic group was better than the control one. The effective rate in the therapeutic group was 88.6%, in the control one was 65.7%. The viscosity and fibrinogen, etc were better than that in the control group with significant difference (P<0.01). The lymphocyte proliferation index was significantly two increased than the control one (P>0.05) in cerebral infarction patients after treatment; The CKI of lymphocytes had no obvious difference among groups (P>0.05) SCE frequencies of lymphocytes had no statistic significance between control group and ILLLI on (P>0.05). It showed the apoptosis rate of lymphocytes in cerebral infarction patients after ILLLI treatment increased significantly compared with the control group, (P<0.001). There was a significant difference of apoptosis rate of lymphocytes in cerebral infarction patients than the control (P<0.001). Conclusions: During the He-Ne laser intravascular irradiation of the cerebral infarction, the low level He-Ne by ILLLI can increase the proliferation of lymphocytes, and can induce lymphocytes to apoptosis, but has no mutagenicity of cells.

Detection of Occult Scedosporium Species in Respiratory Tract Specimens from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis by Use of Selective Media ▿

PubMed Central

Blyth, C. C.; Harun, A.; Middleton, P. G.; Sleiman, S.; Lee, O.; Sorrell, T. C.; Meyer, W.; Chen, S. C. A.

2010-01-01

Respiratory samples from cystic fibrosis outpatients were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SABD) containing antibiotics, Mycosel, and Scedosporium-selective medium (SceSel+). Thirty-two (14.7%) of 218 specimens from 11/69 (15.9%) patients yielded a Scedosporium sp., most frequently Scedosporium aurantiacum (17/218). Scedosporium was recovered on SceSel+, Mycosel, and SABD from 90.6%, 50.0%, and 46.9% of the specimens tested, respectively. PMID:19906904

43. Top photo: SAR2, RESULTS OF STORM OF JANUARY, 1916; ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

43. Top photo: SAR-2, RESULTS OF STORM OF JANUARY, 1916; VIEW TO SOUTH FROM NEAR SOUTH END OF PLANT. NOTE SANTA ANA CANAL TUNNEL PORTAL. SCE negative no. 3505, January 28, 1916. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. Lower photo: SAR-2, RESULTS OF STORM OF JANUARY, 1916; VIEW OF PLANT SITE FROM THE HIGH ON CANYON WALL. SCE negative no. 3506, January 28, 1916. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Waste-Oil Boiler Firing Demonstration at Naval Weapon Center China Lake, California.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

Div. (F. Hein). Madrid . Spain NAVHOSP PWO, Beaufort SC NAVMAG SCE. Guam NAVMEDRSCHU 3 PWO. Cairo U.A.R NAVOCEANSYSCEN Code 41. San Diego . CA: Code...John Dollman, Wayne Jackson, and Larry Mosby . The Navy Environmental Support Office of CBC, Port Hueneme, provided and installed instrumentation for...MCRD PWO. San Diego Ca 24 FTI9 SCE San Diego , CA NAF PWD - Engr Div, Atsugi, Japan; PWO Sigonella Sicily: PWO. Atsugi Japan: PWO. Mount Clemens MI NALF

Synthesis and cytogenetic effects of aminoquinone derivatives with a di- and a tripeptide.

PubMed

Pachatouridis, C; Iakovidou, Z; Myoglou, E; Mourelatos, D; Pantazaki, A A; Papageorgiou, V P; Kotsis, A; Liakopoulou-Kyriakides, M

2002-04-01

Quinones are of significant interest due to their important role in specific cellular functions. Quinoproteins are a big class of oxyreductive agents occurring in bacteria and other organisms. In this investigation derivatives of 2-amino-1,4-benzoquinone, 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2-amino-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone with a di- and a tripeptide were prepared for first time. The effect of the synthesized compounds on sister chomatid exchange (SCE) rates and human lymphocyte proliferation kinetics on a molar basis was studied. Among these coupled products the most effective in inducing SCEs and depressing proliferation rate indices is the coupling product of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone with the tripeptide GHK (10). Next in order of magnitude in inducing cytogenetic effects is 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone (2) and its coupling products with glycine and serine (4 and 5), while the rest displayed marginal activity.

In vitro genotoxicity of chlorinated drinking water processed from humus-rich surface water

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

Liimatainen, A.; Grummt, T.

Chlorination by-products of drinking waters are capable of inducing sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and chromosome aberrations (CA) in vitro, in addition to their mutagenic activity in the Ames test. Finnish drinking waters, processed from humus-rich surface water using chlorine disinfection, have been found to be highly mutagenic in the Ames' test. The highest activities have been found in the acidic, non-volatile fraction of the water concentrates using tester strain TA100 without metabolic activation by S9mix. The mutagenicities have varied between 500 and 14,000 induced revertants per liter. These figures are one to two magnitudes higher than those reported elsewhere. Themore » authors studied five Finnish drinking water samples for their potency to exert genotoxic effects, SCEs and CAs, in mammalian cells in vitro (human peripheral lymphocytes and Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts).« less

Brightness, hue, and saturation in photopic vision: a result of luminance and wavelength in the cellular phase-grating optical 3D chip of the inverted retina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauinger, Norbert

1994-10-01

In photopic vision, two physical variables (luminance and wavelength) are transformed into three psychological variables (brightness, hue, and saturation). Following on from 3D grating optical explanations of aperture effects (Stiles-Crawford effects SCE I and II), all three variables can be explained via a single 3D chip effect. The 3D grating optical calculations are carried out using the classical von Laue equation and demonstrated using the example of two experimentally confirmed observations in human vision: saturation effects for monochromatic test lights between 485 and 510 nm in the SCE II and the fact that many test lights reverse their hue shift in the SCE II when changing from moderate to high luminances compared with that on changing from low to medium luminances. At the same time, information is obtained on the transition from the trichromatic color system in the retina to the opponent color system.

Use of a novel monoclonal antibody in diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.

PubMed

Griffel, L H; Amenta, P S; Das, K M

2000-01-01

A novel monoclonal antibody (MAbDAS-1), that specifically reacts with colonic but not small intestinal epithelium, recognizes specialized columnar epithelium (SCE) in the esophagus. The frequency of its reactivity in biopsy specimens of patients with endoscopically suspected Barrett's Esophagus (BE) is examined. Fifty-two biopsy specimens of the distal esophagus from 38 patients were tested by immunoperoxidase method using MAbDAS-1. Fifty-four samples of cardia-type mucosa biopsied from the stomach were used as controls. Results were compared with histology and Alcian blue/high iron diamine (AB/HID). Of the 52 specimens, 29 had glandular epithelium and the rest had only squamous epithelium. Ten were diagnosed to have SCE by histology. All 10 samples reacted with MAbDAS-1 and with Alcian blue. Of the remaining 19 specimens, five also reacted with MAbDAS-1. None of the squamous epithelium and cardia specimens reacted with MAbDAS-1. MAbDAS-1 may detect intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus of colonic phenotype in the absence of histological evidence of SCE.

Scaling Trends and Tradeoffs between Short Channel Effect and Channel Boosting Characteristics in Sub-20 nm Bulk/Silicon-on-Insulator NAND Flash Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyaji, Kousuke; Hung, Chinglin; Takeuchi, Ken

2012-04-01

The scaling trends and limitation in sub-20 nm a bulk and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) NAND flash memory is studied by the three-dimensional (3D) device simulation focusing on short channel effects (SCE), channel boost leakage and channel voltage boosting characteristics during the program-inhibit operation. Although increasing punch-through stopper doping concentration is effective for suppressing SCE in bulk NAND cells, the generation of junction leakage becomes serious. On the other hand, SCE can be suppressed by thinning the buried oxide (BOX) in SOI NAND cells. However, the boosted channel voltage decreases by the higher BOX capacitance. It is concluded that the scaling limitation is dominated by the junction leakage and channel boosting capability for bulk and SOI NAND flash cells, respectively, and the scaling limit is decreased to 9 nm using SOI NAND flash memory cells from 13 nm in bulk NAND flash memory cells.

Corrosion Behavior of Silver-Plated Circuit Boards in a Simulated Marine Environment with Industrial Pollution

PubMed Central

Xiao, Kui; Yi, Pan; Yan, Lidan; Bai, Ziheng; Dong, Chaofang; Dong, Pengfei; Gao, Xiong

2017-01-01

The electrochemical corrosion behavior of a silver-plated circuit board (PCB-ImAg) in a polluted marine atmosphere environment (Qingdao in China) is studied through a simulated experiment. The morphologies of PCB-ImAg show some micropores on the surface that act as the corrosion-active points in the tests. Cl− mainly induces microporous corrosion, whereas SO2 causes general corrosion. Notably, the silver color changes significantly under SO2 influence. EIS results show that the initial charge transfer resistance in the test containing SO2 and Cl− is 9.847 × 103, while it is 3.701 × 104 in the test containing Cl− only, which demonstrates that corrosion accelerates in a mixed atmosphere. Polarization curves further show that corrosion potential is lower in mixed solutions (between −0.397 V SCE and −0.214 V SCE) than it in the solution containing Cl− only (−0.168 V SCE), indicating that corrosion tendency increases with increased HSO3− concentration. PMID:28773121

Parameter optimization, sensitivity, and uncertainty analysis of an ecosystem model at a forest flux tower site in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wu, Yiping; Liu, Shuguang; Huang, Zhihong; Yan, Wende

2014-01-01

Ecosystem models are useful tools for understanding ecological processes and for sustainable management of resources. In biogeochemical field, numerical models have been widely used for investigating carbon dynamics under global changes from site to regional and global scales. However, it is still challenging to optimize parameters and estimate parameterization uncertainty for complex process-based models such as the Erosion Deposition Carbon Model (EDCM), a modified version of CENTURY, that consider carbon, water, and nutrient cycles of ecosystems. This study was designed to conduct the parameter identifiability, optimization, sensitivity, and uncertainty analysis of EDCM using our developed EDCM-Auto, which incorporated a comprehensive R package—Flexible Modeling Framework (FME) and the Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE) algorithm. Using a forest flux tower site as a case study, we implemented a comprehensive modeling analysis involving nine parameters and four target variables (carbon and water fluxes) with their corresponding measurements based on the eddy covariance technique. The local sensitivity analysis shows that the plant production-related parameters (e.g., PPDF1 and PRDX) are most sensitive to the model cost function. Both SCE and FME are comparable and performed well in deriving the optimal parameter set with satisfactory simulations of target variables. Global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis indicate that the parameter uncertainty and the resulting output uncertainty can be quantified, and that the magnitude of parameter-uncertainty effects depends on variables and seasons. This study also demonstrates that using the cutting-edge R functions such as FME can be feasible and attractive for conducting comprehensive parameter analysis for ecosystem modeling.

SCE&G Cope Station simulator training program development

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

Stottlemire, J.L.; Fabry, R.

1996-11-01

South Carolina Electric and Gas Company made a significant investment into meeting the needs of their customers in designing and building the new fossil Generating Station near Cope, South Carolina. Cope Station is a state-of-the-art, 385 MW plant, with equipment and design features that will provide the plant with the capabilities of achieving optimum availability and capability. SCE&G has also implemented a team concept approach to plant organization at Cope Station. The modern plant design, operating philosophy, and introduction of a large percentage of new operations personnel presented a tremendous challenge in preparing for plant commissioning and commercial operation. SCE&G`smore » answer to this challenge was to hire an experienced operations trainer, and implement a comprehensive training program. An important part of the training investment was the procurement of a plant specific control room simulator. SCE&G, through tailored collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), developed a specification for a simulator with the features necessary for training the initial plant staff as well as advanced operator training. The high-fidelity CRT based training simulator is a stimulated system that completely and accurately simulates the various plant systems, process startups, shutdowns, normal operating scenarios, and malfunctions. The process model stimulates a Foxboro Distributed Control System consisting of twelve control processors, five WP51 work stations, and one AW51 file server. The workstations, file server and support hardware and software necessary to interface with ESSCOR`s FSIM4 software was provided by Foxoboro.« less

Depth-of-Focus and its Association with the Spherical Aberration Sign. A Ray-Tracing Analysis

PubMed Central

Bakaraju, Ravi C.; Ehrmann, Klaus; Papas, Eric B.; Ho, Arthur

2010-01-01

Purpose To investigate the relationship between the sign of spherical aberration (SA) and the corresponding depth-of-focus (DoF) values around best focus, at three different spatial frequencies (SF). Additionally, to study the influence of the Stiles-Crawford effect (SCE) on DoF. Methods We modeled schematic eyes having a range of SA values, C (4, 0), from -0.20 to 0.20 μm, at 6 mm pupil, in a ray-tracing software (Zemax). The through-focus optical performance was obtained via Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) calculations using thin paraxial lenses in-front of the model eye, from -2.00 to+2.00 D in 0.05D steps. Through-focus full-width (defocus) occurring at the half maximum of MTF value was considered as DoF, in diopters. Results For the low-SF configuration, +SA and –SA results were close to being mirror symmetries of one another. However, for midand high- SF targets, in the SA range spanning from -0.15 to 0.15 μm, models of equal SA magnitude but opposite sign produced similar DoF measures, but those with SA more negative than -0.15 μm showed marginally higher DoF than their positive counterparts. The SCE improved DoF for low SF (10 cycles/mm), while for mid and higher SF (>30 cycles/mm) mixed results were observed. Conclusions As regards presbyopic-correction strategies that use deliberately induced aberrations to increase the depth of focus, the current study suggests that both positive and negative SA have equal potential. However, practical considerations will probably limit the useful DoF achievable through the utilization of SCE in presbyopes. for reference to a contemporary record detailing refractive history.

Printable Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries: A New Route toward Shape-Conformable Power Sources with Aesthetic Versatility for Flexible Electronics.

PubMed

Kim, Se-Hee; Choi, Keun-Ho; Cho, Sung-Ju; Choi, Sinho; Park, Soojin; Lee, Sang-Young

2015-08-12

Forthcoming flexible/wearable electronic devices with shape diversity and mobile usability garner a great deal of attention as an innovative technology to bring unprecedented changes in our daily lives. From the power source point of view, conventional rechargeable batteries (one representative example is a lithium-ion battery) with fixed shapes and sizes have intrinsic limitations in fulfilling design/performance requirements for the flexible/wearable electronics. Here, as a facile and efficient strategy to address this formidable challenge, we demonstrate a new class of printable solid-state batteries (referred to as "PRISS batteries"). Through simple stencil printing process (followed by ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking), solid-state composite electrolyte (SCE) layer and SCE matrix-embedded electrodes are consecutively printed on arbitrary objects of complex geometries, eventually leading to fully integrated, multilayer-structured PRISS batteries with various form factors far beyond those achievable by conventional battery technologies. Tuning rheological properties of SCE paste and electrode slurry toward thixotropic fluid characteristics, along with well-tailored core elements including UV-cured triacrylate polymer and high boiling point electrolyte, is a key-enabling technology for the realization of PRISS batteries. This process/material uniqueness allows us to remove extra processing steps (related to solvent drying and liquid-electrolyte injection) and also conventional microporous separator membranes, thereupon enabling the seamless integration of shape-conformable PRISS batteries (including letters-shaped ones) into complex-shaped objects. Electrochemical behavior of PRISS batteries is elucidated via an in-depth analysis of cell impedance, which provides a theoretical basis to enable sustainable improvement of cell performance. We envision that PRISS batteries hold great promise as a reliable and scalable platform technology to open a new concept of cell architecture and fabrication route toward flexible power sources with exceptional shape conformability and aesthetic versatility.

The C-terminal domain of the Bloom syndrome DNA helicase is essential for genomic stability

PubMed Central

Yankiwski, Victor; Noonan, James P; Neff, Norma F

2001-01-01

Background Bloom syndrome is a rare cancer-prone disorder in which the cells of affected persons have a high frequency of somatic mutation and genomic instability. Bloom syndrome cells have a distinctive high frequency of sister chromatid exchange and quadriradial formation. BLM, the protein altered in BS, is a member of the RecQ DNA helicase family, whose members share an average of 40% identity in the helicase domain and have divergent N-terminal and C-terminal flanking regions of variable lengths. The BLM DNA helicase has been shown to localize to the ND10 (nuclear domain 10) or PML (promyelocytic leukemia) nuclear bodies, where it associates with TOPIIIα, and to the nucleolus. Results This report demonstrates that the N-terminal domain of BLM is responsible for localization of the protein to the nuclear bodies, while the C-terminal domain directs the protein to the nucleolus. Deletions of the N-terminal domain of BLM have little effect on sister chromatid exchange frequency and chromosome stability as compared to helicase and C-terminal mutations which can increase SCE frequency and chromosome abnormalities. Conclusion The helicase activity and the C-terminal domain of BLM are critical for maintaining genomic stability as measured by the sister chromatid exchange assay. The localization of BLM into the nucleolus by the C-terminal domain appears to be more important to genomic stability than localization in the nuclear bodies. PMID:11472631

Modelling regional climate change and urban planning scenarios and their impacts on the urban environment in two cities with WRF-ACASA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falk, M.; Pyles, R. D.; Marras, S.; Spano, D.; Paw U, K. T.

2011-12-01

The number of urban metabolism studies has increased in recent years, due to the important impact that energy, water and carbon exchange over urban areas have on climate change. Urban modeling is therefore crucial in the future design and management of cities. This study presents the ACASA model coupled to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) mesoscale model to simulate urban fluxes at a horizontal resolution of 200 meters for urban areas of roughly 100 km^2. As part of the European Project "BRIDGE", these regional simulations were used in combination with remotely sensed data to provide constraints on the land surface types and the exchange of carbon and energy fluxes from urban centers. Surface-atmosphere exchanges of mass and energy were simulated using the Advanced Canopy Atmosphere Soil Algorithm (ACASA). ACASA is a multi-layer high-order closure model, recently modified to work over natural, agricultural as well as urban environments. In particular, improvements were made to account for the anthropogenic contribution to heat and carbon production. For two cities four climate change and four urban planning scenarios were simulated: The climate change scenarios include a base scenario (Sc0: 2008 Commit in IPCC), a medium emission scenario (Sc1: IPCC A2), a worst case emission scenario (Sce2: IPCC A1F1) and finally a best case emission scenario (Sce3: IPCC B1). The urban planning scenarios include different development scenarios such as smart growth. The two cities are a high latitude city, Helsinki (Finland) and an historic city, Florence (Italy). Helsinki is characterized by recent, rapid urbanization that requires a substantial amount of energy for heating, while Florence is representative of cities in lower latitudes, with substantial cultural heritage and a comparatively constant architectural footprint over time. In general, simulated fluxes matched the point observations well and showed consistent improvement in the energy partitioning over urban regions. We present comparisons of observed (EC) tower flux observations from the Florence (Ximeniano) site for 1-9 April, 2008 with results from two sets of high-resolution simulations: the first using dynamically-downscaled input/boundary conditions (Model-0) and the second using fully nested WRF-ACASA (Model-1). In each simulation the model physics are the same; only the WRF domain configuration differs. Preliminary results (Figure 1) indicate a degree of parity (and a slight statistical improvement), in the performances of Model-1 vs. that of Model-0 with respect to observed. Figure 1 (below) shows air temperature values from observed and both model estimates. Additional results indicate that care must be taken to configure the WRF domain, as performance appears to be sensitive to model configuration.

Corrosion of Metal Films with Defective Surface Protection Layers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

ranged from 1 x 10- 10 to I x 10-9 A and were fairly constant (within a factor of 2) throughout the test, except for one line pair which intermit ...SCE) OOV (SCE) ( I -0.5V (b.) -0.5V FAST SCAN SLOW SCAN 0.05 Hz 0.01 Hz Figure 39. E-vs-I curves for gold-trimetal substrate. and Au 3+ *.dation states...an additional complication because the fast scan time may not provide for the diffusion of constituents for the electrochemical process. However, the

Building application of solar energy. Study no. 2: Representative buildings for solar energy performance analysis and market penetration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirshberg, A. S.

1975-01-01

The following topics are discussed: (1) Assignment of population to microclimatic zones; (2) specifications of the mix of buildings in the SCE territory; (3) specification of four typical buildings for thermal analysis and market penetration studies; (4) identification of the materials and energy conserving characteristics of these typical buildings; (5) specifications of the HVAC functions used in each typical building, and determination of the HVAC systems used in each building; and (6) identification of the type of fuel used in each building.

Effect of Community Engagement Interventions on Patient Safety and Risk Reduction Efforts in Primary Health Facilities: Evidence from Ghana

PubMed Central

Alhassan, Robert Kaba; Nketiah-Amponsah, Edward; Spieker, Nicole; Arhinful, Daniel Kojo; Ogink, Alice; van Ostenberg, Paul; Rinke de Wit, Tobias F.

2015-01-01

Background Patient safety and quality care remain major challenges to Ghana’s healthcare system. Like many health systems in Africa, this is largely because demand for healthcare is outstripping available human and material resource capacity of healthcare facilities and new investment is insufficient. In the light of these demand and supply constraints, systematic community engagement (SCE) in healthcare quality assessment can be a feasible and cost effective option to augment existing quality improvement interventions. SCE entails structured use of existing community groups to assess healthcare quality in health facilities. Identified quality gaps are discussed with healthcare providers, improvements identified and rewards provided if the quality gaps are closed. Purpose This paper evaluates whether or not SCE, through the assessment of health service quality, improves patient safety and risk reduction efforts by staff in healthcare facilities. Methods A randomized control trail was conducted in 64 primary healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra and Western regions of Ghana. Patient risk assessments were conducted in 32 randomly assigned intervention and control facilities. Multivariate multiple regression test was used to determine effect of the SCE interventions on staff efforts towards reducing patient risk. Spearman correlation test was used to ascertain associations between types of community groups engaged and risk assessment scores of healthcare facilities. Findings Clinic staff efforts towards increasing patient safety and reducing risk improved significantly in intervention facilities especially in the areas of leadership/accountability (Coef. = 10.4, p<0.05) and staff competencies (Coef. = 7.1, p<0.05). Improvement in service utilization and health resources could not be attributed to the interventions because these were outside the control of the study and might have been influenced by institutional or national level developments between the baseline and follow-up period. Community groups that were gender balanced, religious/faith-based, and had structured leadership appeared to be better options for effective SCE in healthcare quality assessment. Conclusion Community engagement in healthcare quality assessment is a feasible client-centered quality improvement option that should be discussed for possible scale-up in Ghana and other resource poor countries in Africa. PMID:26619143

Effect of Community Engagement Interventions on Patient Safety and Risk Reduction Efforts in Primary Health Facilities: Evidence from Ghana.

PubMed

Alhassan, Robert Kaba; Nketiah-Amponsah, Edward; Spieker, Nicole; Arhinful, Daniel Kojo; Ogink, Alice; van Ostenberg, Paul; Rinke de Wit, Tobias F

2015-01-01

Patient safety and quality care remain major challenges to Ghana's healthcare system. Like many health systems in Africa, this is largely because demand for healthcare is outstripping available human and material resource capacity of healthcare facilities and new investment is insufficient. In the light of these demand and supply constraints, systematic community engagement (SCE) in healthcare quality assessment can be a feasible and cost effective option to augment existing quality improvement interventions. SCE entails structured use of existing community groups to assess healthcare quality in health facilities. Identified quality gaps are discussed with healthcare providers, improvements identified and rewards provided if the quality gaps are closed. This paper evaluates whether or not SCE, through the assessment of health service quality, improves patient safety and risk reduction efforts by staff in healthcare facilities. A randomized control trail was conducted in 64 primary healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra and Western regions of Ghana. Patient risk assessments were conducted in 32 randomly assigned intervention and control facilities. Multivariate multiple regression test was used to determine effect of the SCE interventions on staff efforts towards reducing patient risk. Spearman correlation test was used to ascertain associations between types of community groups engaged and risk assessment scores of healthcare facilities. Clinic staff efforts towards increasing patient safety and reducing risk improved significantly in intervention facilities especially in the areas of leadership/accountability (Coef. = 10.4, p<0.05) and staff competencies (Coef. = 7.1, p<0.05). Improvement in service utilization and health resources could not be attributed to the interventions because these were outside the control of the study and might have been influenced by institutional or national level developments between the baseline and follow-up period. Community groups that were gender balanced, religious/faith-based, and had structured leadership appeared to be better options for effective SCE in healthcare quality assessment. Community engagement in healthcare quality assessment is a feasible client-centered quality improvement option that should be discussed for possible scale-up in Ghana and other resource poor countries in Africa.

Enhanced response to the induction of sister chromatid exchange by gamma radiation in neurofibromatosis

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

Hafez, M.; Abd el-Nabi, S.M.; el-Wehedi, G.

The study included 8 unrelated patients with neurofibromatosis, and 10 unrelated normal and healthy persons as controls. Whole blood samples were divided into plastic T flasks and exposed at room temperature to gamma rays. The radiation dose was 36 rad/minute, and the doses delivered were 0, 75, 150 and 300 rad. The lymphocytes were cultured in (RPMI) 1640 tissue culture medium and autologous serum (20%). Phytohemagglutinin and bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) (10 microM) were added at initiation of culture and harvesting was done 64 to 68 hours after culture initiation. Slides were coded, differential staining was done, and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs)more » and aberrations (gaps, breaks, dicentrics, fragments and minutes) were counted. In the controls no significant increase in frequency of SCE has been found (P greater than 0.5). In the patients, the frequencies significantly increased with the increase of dose of irradiation (P less than 0.001). Furthermore, after irradiation, the incidence of gaps, breaks, and dicentrics were significantly increased in patients compared with controls. Moreover, the incidence increased with the increase in the dose of radiation. The results are discussed with a conclusion that the results add to the indication of a genetic predisposition to develop cancer in neurofibromatosis patients.« less

Induction of sister chromatid exchanges and cell division delays in human lymphocytes by the anti-tumour agent homo-aza-steroidal ester of p-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenoxy acetic acid.

PubMed

Tselepi, M R; Demopoulos, N A; Catsoulacos, P

1989-09-01

3 beta-Hydroxy-13 alpha-amino-13,17-seco-5 alpha-androstan-17-oic-13,17-lactam-p-bis(2-chloroethyl) aminophenoxyacetate (NSC 294859) is a new modified steroidal alkylating agent. This compound was given by i.p. administration to mice bearing different types of tumour. It was found to exhibit good activity in L1210 and P388 leukaemias with maintenance of activity against advanced tumours. The treatment of colon 26 tumour and B16 melanoma resulted in positive antineoplastic activity. The drug was not shown to be active in a melphalan-resistant P388 line. In this study, NSC 294859 was found to be effective in causing statistically significant increases in sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) rates and cell division delays. The alkylating agent component, p-bis-(2-chloroethyl)aminophenoxy acetic acid, was shown to be less effective than the parent compound, while the modified steroid component, 3 beta-hydroxy-13 alpha-amino-13,17-seco-5 alpha-androstan-17-oic-13,17-lactam, showed no effect. There were no statistically significant differences among donors regarding the induction of SCEs and replication indices (RIs) for the compounds tested.

EPRI/SCE testing and evaluation of electric work vehicles: Jet 500, Volkswagen Type 2, DAUG Type GM2, and Battronic Minivan

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

McCluskey, R.K.; Arias, J.L.

1979-12-01

During the first 11 months of the EPRI/SCE Electric Vehicle Project, four electric vehicles (EVs) were tested and evaluated: the Jet Industries Electra-Van Model 500, the Volkswagen (VW) Type 2 Electrotransporter, a VW Type GM2 Transporter with DAUG electric drive, and the Battronic Minivan. The project emphasized road-testing of these vehicles to acquire data on their useful driving range, performance, and reliability. Each vehicle was driven more than 1000 miles along SCE-selected test routes to determine the effects of different terrains (level, slight grades, and steep grades), traffic conditions (one, two, three, and four stops/mile and freeway), and payload. Themore » vehicle component failures that occurred during testing are itemized and described briefly, and assessments of expected field reliability are made. Other vehicle characteristics and measurements of interest are presented. The data base on these test vehicles is intended to provide the reader an overview of the real world performance that can be expected from present-day state-of-the-art EVs.« less

Spring Snow Melt Timing and Changes over Arctic Lands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, J. L.; Robinson, D. A.; Hall, D. K.; Estilow, T. W.

2006-01-01

Spring snow cover over Arctic lands has, on average, melted approximately 4-7 days earlier since the late 1980s compared to the previous 20 years. The earlier disappearance of snow has been identified in non-mountainous regions at the 60 deg and 70 deg N parallels over Eurasia and North America using visible satellite observations of continental snow cover extent (SCE) mapped by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The change was greater in the farthest north continental locations. Northern hemisphere SCE declined by almost 10% (May) to 20% (June) between the two intervals. At latitude 70 deg N, eight segments of longitude (each 10 deg in width) show significant (negative) trends. However, only two longitudinal segments at 60 deg N show significant trends, (one positive and one negative). SCE changes coincide with increasing spring warmth and the earlier diminution of sea ice in the last several decades. However, while sea ice has continued to decrease during this recent interval, snowmelt dates in the Arctic changed in a step-like fashion during the mid to late 1980s and have remained much the same since that time.

The ARCO 1 megawatt Photovoltaic Power Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, G. W.; Reilly, M. R.

The world's largest Photovoltaic Power Plant is in operation and meeting performance specifications on the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid near Hesperia, California. The 1 MW plant designed and constructed by The BDM Corporation, for ARCO Solar Inc., occupies a 20 acre site adjacent to the SCE Lugo substation. The entire design and construction process took 7 1/2 months and was not only on schedule but below budget. Because of its vast photovoltaic experience, BDM was chosen over several engineering firms to perform this complex job. We were provided a conceptual design from ARCO which we quickly refined and immediately initiated construction.

Comparison of leaching characteristics of heavy metals in APC residue from an MSW incinerator using various extraction methods.

PubMed

Chiang, Kung-Yuh; Tsai, Chen-Chiu; Wang, Kuen-Sheng

2009-01-01

This study investigates four extraction methods (water extraction, toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP), modified TCLP with pH control, and sequential chemical extraction (SCE)), each representing different liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratios, pH controls, and types of leachant, and their effects on the leaching concentration of heavy metals in municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator air pollution control (APC) residue. The results indicated that for extraction with distilled water, the heavy metal leaching concentration (mg/l) decreased with L/S ratio, but the amount of heavy metal released (AHMR), defined as the leached amount of heavy metals to the weight of the tested sample (mg/kg), increased with an increase in L/S ratio, in the range of 2-100. The results also showed that both the leaching concentration and the amount of released metals were strongly pH-dependent in the TCLP and modified TCLP tests. In the case of pHs lower than 6.5, the leaching concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr decreased with an increase in pH. As pH increased higher than 6.5, Cr and Zn were almost insoluble. Meanwhile, Cd and Cu also showed a similar trend but at pHs of 8.5 and 7.5, respectively. Due to the nature of amphoteric elements, in the case of pHs higher than 7, the Pb leaching concentration increased with increasing pH. In modified TCLP tests with the pH value controlled at the same level as in the SCE test, the heavy metal speciation approached the extractable carbonate bound fraction by the SCE. Both amounts of targeted metals leached from the SCE and modified TCLP tests were much higher than those for the regular TCLP and water extraction tests.

An intercomparison of methods for solving the stochastic collection equation with a focus on cloud radar Doppler spectra in drizzling stratocumulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, H.; Fridlind, A. M.; Ackerman, A. S.; Kollias, P.

2017-12-01

Cloud radar Doppler spectra provide rich information for evaluating the fidelity of particle size distributions from cloud models. The intrinsic simplifications of bulk microphysics schemes generally preclude the generation of plausible Doppler spectra, unlike bin microphysics schemes, which develop particle size distributions more organically at substantial computational expense. However, bin microphysics schemes face the difficulty of numerical diffusion leading to overly rapid large drop formation, particularly while solving the stochastic collection equation (SCE). Because such numerical diffusion can cause an even greater overestimation of radar reflectivity, an accurate method for solving the SCE is essential for bin microphysics schemes to accurately simulate Doppler spectra. While several methods have been proposed to solve the SCE, here we examine those of Berry and Reinhardt (1974, BR74), Jacobson et al. (1994, J94), and Bott (2000, B00). Using a simple box model to simulate drop size distribution evolution during precipitation formation with a realistic kernel, it is shown that each method yields a converged solution as the resolution of the drop size grid increases. However, the BR74 and B00 methods yield nearly identical size distributions in time, whereas the J94 method produces consistently larger drops throughout the simulation. In contrast to an earlier study, the performance of the B00 method is found to be satisfactory; it converges at relatively low resolution and long time steps, and its computational efficiency is the best among the three methods considered here. Finally, a series of idealized stratocumulus large-eddy simulations are performed using the J94 and B00 methods. The reflectivity size distributions and Doppler spectra obtained from the different SCE solution methods are presented and compared with observations.

Life cycle assessment of overhead and underground primary power distribution.

PubMed

Bumby, Sarah; Druzhinina, Ekaterina; Feraldi, Rebe; Werthmann, Danae; Geyer, Roland; Sahl, Jack

2010-07-15

Electrical power can be distributed in overhead or underground systems, both of which generate a variety of environmental impacts at all stages of their life cycles. While there is considerable literature discussing the trade-offs between both systems in terms of aesthetics, safety, cost, and reliability, environmental assessments are relatively rare and limited to power cable production and end-of-life management. This paper assesses environmental impacts from overhead and underground medium voltage power distribution systems as they are currently built and managed by Southern California Edison (SCE). It uses process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14044 (2006) and SCE-specific primary data to the extent possible. Potential environmental impacts have been calculated using a wide range of midpoint indicators, and robustness of the results has been investigated through sensitivity analysis of the most uncertain and potentially significant parameters. The studied underground system has higher environmental impacts in all indicators and for all parameter values, mostly due to its higher material intensity. For both systems and all indicators the majority of impact occurs during cable production. Promising strategies for impact reduction are thus cable failure rate reduction for overhead and cable lifetime extension for underground systems.

A Sequential Chemical Extraction and Spectroscopic Assessment of the Potential Bioavailability of Mercury Released From the Inoperative New Idria Mercury Mine, San Benito Co., CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jew, A. D.; Luong, P. N.; Rytuba, J. J.; Brown, G. E.

2012-12-01

The inoperative New Idria mercury mine in San Benito Co., CA, is a potential point source of Hg to the Central Valley of California. To determine the phases and the potential bioavailability of Hg present in stream bed deposits downstream of the mine, sequential chemical extractions (SCEs) targeting Hg-bearing phases and synchrotron-based spectroscopic and imaging techniques were used on sediment samples taken from the acid mine drainage (AMD) system, Hg sorbed in the laboratory to ferrihydrite (synthetic 2-line and natural), and Hg associated with diatom-rich samples. In all field samples examined, both the wet and dry seasons, removal of > 97% of the Hg required 1M KOH or harsher chemical treatments. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) showed that HgS was the dominant inorganic Hg phase present, with no detectable Hg associated with the ferrihydrite. Uptake and subsequent SCE analysis of Hg to both synthetic and natural ferrihydrite showed that 1M MgCl2 removed ≥ 90% of the total Hg, suggesting that Hg does not sorb strongly to ferrihydrite. This finding is surprising, because in most settings ferrihydrite is considered to be a strong adsorbent of heavy metals. Due to the lack of Hg sorption to ferrihydrite in field samples, another pool for the non-HgS/HgSe fraction in sediments is needed. SEM analysis of the downstream samples showed that regardless of pH, freshwater diatoms were present. To determine if diatoms were the sink for dissolved Hg in this system, SCE analysis on commercially available and diatom-rich field samples from the New Idria site and Harley Gulch (Lake County, CA) were completed. The vast majority of Hg in diatom-rich samples was removed by 1M KOH, which corresponds to the non-HgS/HgSe fraction of the New Idria field samples. Analysis for carbon and nitrogen in the diatom-rich samples showed no detectable nitrogen, indicating little to no organic material was left in the samples. We therefore infer that Hg in the diatoms is contained in the silica tests. The possibility of Hg being incorporated in the silica tests of diatoms is surprising, but one of the few known Hg-silicates (Edgarbailyite) was first discovered in the New Idria forming under ambient conditions, thus, a Hg-silicate species is possible. The stability of Hg contained in diatoms is important because it represents a new sink for dissolved Hg in an impacted system that was previously unknown. Freshwater diatoms present in the New Idria drainage system were found to contain significant quantities (30-60%) of Hg in the non-HgS SCE fractions, similar to the New Idria sediments, and are thought to be the major association of Hg in this system. SCE analyses of Hg(II) sorbed to synthetic 2-line and natural ferrihydrite in the laboratory showed that Hg(II) does not bind strongly to either material. The adsorption/incorporation of Hg(II) with the silica tests of diatoms is an important discovery and has major implications for passive remediation strategies for Hg in natural systems. Because the vast majority of Hg contained in sediments downstream of the New Idria site require 1M KOH or harsher chemical treatment for removal, the Hg released from New Idria can be considered to be environmentally stable.

Early Program Development

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-01-01

This 1989 artist's rendering shows how a Shuttle-C would look during launch. As envisioned by Marshall Space Flight Center plarners, the Shuttle-C would be an unmanned heavy-lift cargo vehicle derived from Space Shuttle elements. The vehicle would utilize the basic Shuttle propulsion units (Solid Rocket Boosters, Space Shuttle Main Engine, External Tank), but would replace the Orbiter with an unmanned Shuttle-C Cargo Element (SCE). The SCE would have a payload bay lenght of eighty-two feet, compared to sixty feet for the Orbiter cargo bay, and would be able to deliver 170,000 pound payloads to low Earth orbit, more than three times the Orbiter's capacity.

Early Program Development

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-01-01

In this 1989 artist's concept, the Shuttle-C floats in space with its cargo bay doors open. As envisioned by Marshall Space Flight Center plarners, the Shuttle-C would be an unmanned heavy lift cargo vehicle derived from Space Shuttle elements. The vehicle would utilize the basic Shuttle propulsion units (Solid Rocket Boosters, Space Shuttle Main Engine, External Tank), but would replace the Oribiter with an unmanned Shuttle-C Cargo Element (SCE). The SCE would have a payload bay length of eighty-two feet, compared to sixty feet for the Orbiter cargo bay, and would be able to deliver 170,000 pound payloads to low Earth orbit, more than three times the Orbiter's capacity.

Carbo-biphenyls and Carbo-terphenyls: Oligo(phenylene ethynylene) Ring Carbo-mers.

PubMed

Zhu, Chongwei; Poater, Albert; Duhayon, Carine; Kauffmann, Brice; Saquet, Alix; Maraval, Valérie; Chauvin, Remi

2018-05-14

Ring carbo-mers of oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEn, n=0-2), made of C 2 -catenated C 18 carbo-benzene rings, have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, crystallography and voltammetry. Analyses of crystal and DFT-optimized structures show that the C 18 rings preserve their individual aromatic character according to structural and magnetic criteria (NICS indices). Carbo-terphenyls (n=2) are reversibly reduced at ca. -0.42 V/SCE, i.e. 0.41 V more readily than the corresponding carbo-benzene (-0.83 V/SCE), thus revealing efficient inter-ring π-conjugation. An accurate linear fit of E 1/2 red1 vs. the DFT LUMO energy suggests a notably higher value (-0.30 V/SCE) for a carbo-quaterphenyl congener (n=3). Increase with n of the effective π-conjugation is also evidenced by a red shift of two of the three main visible light absorption bands, all being assigned to TDDFT-calculated excited states, one of them restricting to a HOMO→LUMO main one-electron transition. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Arabidopsis TCP Transcription Factors Interact with the SUMO Conjugating Machinery in Nuclear Foci

PubMed Central

Mazur, Magdalena J.; Spears, Benjamin J.; Djajasaputra, André; van der Gragt, Michelle; Vlachakis, Georgios; Beerens, Bas; Gassmann, Walter; van den Burg, Harrold A.

2017-01-01

In Arabidopsis more than 400 proteins have been identified as SUMO targets, both in vivo and in vitro. Among others, transcription factors (TFs) are common targets for SUMO conjugation. Here we aimed to exhaustively screen for TFs that interact with the SUMO machinery using an arrayed yeast two-hybrid library containing more than 1,100 TFs. We identified 76 interactors that foremost interact with the SUMO conjugation enzyme SCE1 and/or the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1. These interactors belong to various TF families, which control a wide range of processes in plant development and stress signaling. Amongst these interactors, the TCP family was overrepresented with several TCPs interacting with different proteins of the SUMO conjugation cycle. For a subset of these TCPs we confirmed that the catalytic site of SCE1 is essential for this interaction. In agreement, TCP1, TCP3, TCP8, TCP14, and TCP15 were readily SUMO modified in an E. coli sumoylation assay. Strikingly, these TCP-SCE1 interactions were found to redistribute these TCPs into nuclear foci/speckles, suggesting that these TCP foci represent sites for SUMO (conjugation) activity. PMID:29250092

One-step assembly and targeted integration of multigene constructs assisted by the I-SceI meganuclease in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Kuijpers, Niels GA; Chroumpi, Soultana; Vos, Tim; Solis-Escalante, Daniel; Bosman, Lizanne; Pronk, Jack T; Daran, Jean-Marc; Daran-Lapujade, Pascale

2013-01-01

In vivo assembly of overlapping fragments by homologous recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerful method to engineer large DNA constructs. Whereas most in vivo assembly methods reported to date result in circular vectors, stable integrated constructs are often preferred for metabolic engineering as they are required for large-scale industrial application. The present study explores the potential of combining in vivo assembly of large, multigene expression constructs with their targeted chromosomal integration in S. cerevisiae. Combined assembly and targeted integration of a ten-fragment 22-kb construct to a single chromosomal locus was successfully achieved in a single transformation process, but with low efficiency (5% of the analyzed transformants contained the correctly assembled construct). The meganuclease I-SceI was therefore used to introduce a double-strand break at the targeted chromosomal locus, thus to facilitate integration of the assembled construct. I-SceI-assisted integration dramatically increased the efficiency of assembly and integration of the same construct to 95%. This study paves the way for the fast, efficient, and stable integration of large DNA constructs in S. cerevisiae chromosomes. PMID:24028550

Mg-Doped CuFeO 2 Photocathodes for Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

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

Gu, Jing; Wuttig, Anna; Krizan, Jason W.

2013-05-22

Mg-doped CuFeO 2 delafossite is reported to be photoelectrochemically active for CO 2 reduction. The material was prepared via conventional solid-state methods, and subsequently assembled into an electrode as a pressed pellet. Addition of a Mg 2+ dopant is found to substantially improve the conductivity of the material, with 0.05% Mg-doped CuFeO 2 electrodes displaying photocathodic currents under visible irradiation. Photocurrent is found to onset at irradiation wavelengths of ~800 nm with the incident photon-to-current efficiency reaching a value of 14% at 340 nm using an applied electrode potential of –0.4 V vs SCE. Photoelectrodes were determined to have amore » –1.1 V vs SCE conduction band edge and were found capable of the reduction of CO 2 to formate at 400 mV of underpotential. The conversion efficiency is maximized at –0.9 V vs SCE, with H 2 production contributing as a considerable side reaction. Lastly, these results highlight the potential to produce Mg-doped p-type metal oxide photocathodes with a band structure tuned to optimize CO 2 reduction.« less

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

Su, Cathy; Allum, Allison J.; Aizawa, Yasushi

Glyceryl glucoside (GG, α-D-glucosyglycerol) is a natural glycerol derivative found in alcoholic drinks. Recently GG has been used as an alternative for glycerol in cosmetic products. However, the safety of using GG is still unclear. Currently, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol are wildly used in cryopreservation. Despite GG being a derivative of glycerol, the ability of GG in cryopreservation is still unknown. By using a system of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO), A549 cells and AG1522 cells, the study examined the cryoprotective effects of DMSO, glycerol and GG. Cytotoxic and genotoxic responses induced by the three chemicals were also investigated with CHOmore » to determine the safety of GG for cosmetic products. Our data suggests that GG has great cryopresearvation ability in the concentration of 30%–40% (v/v). For cytotoxic studies, DMSO showed the highest cytotoxicity above 3% (v/v) in cell doubling time delay among three chemicals. For the acute cytotoxicity with trypan blue dye exclusion assay, GG showed stronger cell killing effect within 24 h above 4% (v/v). For the continuous cytotoxicity with colony formation assay for 7 days, DMSO showed significantly reduced clonogenic ability above 2%. In genotoxicity studies, CHO treated with glycerol at 2% concentration induced three times higher frequencies of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) than background levels. GG did not induce significant amounts of SCE compared to background. Micronuclei formation was equally observed in the 2% and above concentrations of glycerol and GG. Our data showed that GG has significant effects on cryopreservation compared to DMSO. Glycerol and GG have similar cytotoxicity effects to CHO, but glycerol induced genotoxic responses in the same concentration. Therefore, we conclude that GG may be a safer alternative compound to glycerol in cosmetic products and safer alternative to DMSO in cryopreservation. -- Highlights: •Glyceryl Glucoside is low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. •Glyceryl Glucoside is better cyroprotective agent than glycerol. •Glycerol has higher genotoxicity than Glyceryl Glucoside. •DMSO has higher cytotoxicity than Glyceryl Glucoside.« less

Telomeres and NextGen CO-FISH: Directional Genomic Hybridization (Telo-dGH™).

PubMed

McKenna, Miles J; Robinson, Erin; Goodwin, Edwin H; Cornforth, Michael N; Bailey, Susan M

2017-01-01

The cytogenomics-based methodology of Directional Genomic Hybridization (dGH™) emerged from the concept of strand-specific hybridization, first made possible by Chromosome Orientation FISH (CO-FISH), the utility of which was demonstrated in a variety of early applications, often involving telomeres. Similar to standard whole chromosome painting (FISH), dGH™ is capable of identifying inter-chromosomal rearrangements (translocations between chromosomes), but its distinctive strength stems from its ability to detect intra-chromosomal rearrangements (inversions within chromosomes), and to do so at higher resolution than previously possible. dGH™ brings together the strand specificity and directionality of CO-FISH with sophisticated bioinformatics-based oligonucleotide probe design to unique sequences. dGH™ serves not only as a powerful discovery tool-capable of interrogating the entire genome at the megabase level-it can also be used for high-resolution targeted detection of known inversions, a valuable attribute in both research and clinical settings. Detection of chromosomal inversions, particularly small ones, poses a formidable challenge for more traditional cytogenetic approaches, especially when they occur near the ends or telomeric regions. Here, we describe Telo-dGH™, a strand-specific scheme that utilizes dGH™ in combination with telomere CO-FISH to differentiate between terminal exchange events, specifically terminal inversions, and an altogether different form of genetic recombination that often occurs near the telomere, namely sister chromatid exchange (SCE).

Orientational behavior of thin films of poly(3-methylthiophene) on platinium: A FTIR and near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) study

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

Yang, X.Q.; Chen, J.; Hale, P.D.

1988-01-01

Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) have been used to study the orientational behavior of thin films of poly(3-methylthiophene) electrochemically polymerized on a platinum surface. Clear orientational effects, with the thiophene rings predominantly oriented parallel to the platinum surface, were observed when the thickness of the polymer films were within a few hundred /angstrom/A. It was found that more highly ordered films were produced at lower polymerization potential (1.4V vs SCE) than at higher potential (1.8V vs SCE). 5 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

Method for synthesizing N.sub.2 O.sub.5

DOEpatents

McGuire, Raymond R.; Coon, Clifford L.; Harrar, Jackson E.; Pearson, Richard K.

1985-01-01

A method and apparatus for electrochemically synthesizing N.sub.2 O.sub.5 includes oxidizing a solution of N.sub.2 O.sub.4 /HNO.sub.3 at an anode, while maintaining a controlled potential between the N.sub.2 O.sub.4 /HNO.sub.3 solution and the anode. A potential of about 1.35 to 2.0 V vs. SCE is preferred, while a potential of about 1.80 V vs. SCE is most preferred. Thereafter, the N.sub.2 O.sub.5 is reacted with either 1.5-diacetyl-3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (DADN) or 1,3,5,7-tetraacetyl-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (TAT) to form cyclotetramethylenetetraamine (HMX).

Method for synthesizing HMX

DOEpatents

McGuire, Raymond R.; Coon, Clifford L.; Harrar, Jackson E.; Pearson, Richard K.

1984-01-01

A method and apparatus for electrochemically synthesizing N.sub.2 O.sub.5 cludes oxidizing a solution of N.sub.2 O.sub.4 /HNO.sub.3 at an anode, while maintaining a controlled potential between the N.sub.2 O.sub.4 /HNO.sub.3 solution and the anode. A potential of about 1.35 to 2.0 V vs. SCE is preferred, while a potential of about 1.80 V vs. SCE is most preferred. Thereafter, the N.sub.2 O.sub.5 is reacted with either 1.5-diacetyl-3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (DADN) or 1,3,5,7-tetraacetyl-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (TAT) to form cyclotetramethylenetetraamine (HMX).

Enhanced in vitro biocompatibility of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with microporous surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Valiev, R. Z.

2011-08-01

Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni 50.8Ti 49.2 alloy (UFG-NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study, and to further improve its surface biocompatibility, surface modification techniques including sandblasting, acid etching and alkali treatment were employed to produce either irregularly roughened surface or microporous surface or hierarchical porous surface with bioactivity. The effect of the above surface treatments on the surface roughness, wettability, corrosion behavior, ion release, apatite forming ability and cytocompatibility of UFG-NiTi alloy were systematically investigated with the coarse-grained NiTi alloy as control. The pitting corrosion potential ( Epit) was increased from 393 mV (SCE) to 704 mV (SCE) with sandblasting and further increased to 1539 mV (SCE) with following acid etching in HF/HNO 3 solution. All the above surface treatment increased the apatite forming ability of UFG-NiTi in varying degrees when soaked them in simulated body fluid (SBF). Meanwhile, both sandblasting and acid etching could promote the cytocompatibility for osteoblasts: sandblasting enhanced cell attachment and acid etching increased cell proliferation. The different corrosion behavior, apatite forming ability and cellular response of UFG-NiTi after different surface modifications are attributed to the topography and wettability of the resulting surface oxide layer.

EPRI-SCE testing and evaluation of electric vehicles: Lucas van and Jet 007, 750, and 1400. Annual report

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

Not Available

1981-02-01

This report describes the second phase of the EPRI-SCE Electric Vehicle Project, in which four additional electric vehicles (EVs) were tested and evaluated: the Jet Industries Model 007 passenger car, Model 750 pickup truck, and Model 1400 passenger van; and the Lucas-Bedford Model CFE cargo van. During the first phase of this project, four EVs were also tested: Jet 500, Volkswagen Type 2, DAUG Type GM2, and Battronic Minivan. The project emphasizes road-testing of vehicles to acquire data on their useful driving range, performance, reliability, and driver acceptance in utility-fleet use. Each vehicle was driven more than 100 miles alongmore » SCE-selected test routes to determine the effects of different terrains (level, slight grades, and steep grades), traffic conditions (one-, two-, three-, and four-stops/mile and freeway), and payload. The vehicle component failures that occurred during testing are itemized and described briefly, and assessments are made of expected field reliability. Other vehicle characteristics and measurements of interest are presented. The data base on these test vehicles is intended to provide the reader an overview of the real world performance that can be expected from present-day state-of-the-art EVs.« less

Impact of Desulfovibrio alaskensis biofilms on corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in marine environment.

PubMed

Wikieł, Agata J; Datsenko, Iaryna; Vera, Mario; Sand, Wolfgang

2014-06-01

Sulfate reducing prokaryotes are associated with the steel deterioration. They build heterogeneous biofilms, capable of accelerating corrosion processes. In this study metabolic activity and the biofilm development of Desulfovibrio alaskensis were correlated to electrochemical response of carbon steel surface. In the exponential growth phase sulfide concentration reached its maximum of about 10mM. This phenomenon was responsible for the parallel increase in the corrosion potential (Ecorr) up to -720mV (vs. SCE). Subsequently, during the intensive biofilm formation and development another Ecorr peak (-710mV vs. SCE) occurred. Decrease in Ecorr was registered during the biofilm maturation and kept stable, being 20mV lower than in the control. While carbon steel was protected from the microbial attachment and exposed to metabolic products, only one potential maximum (-730mV vs. SCE) was recorded. Here Ecorr variations coincided with sulfide concentration changes and kept at 120mV lower vs. the control. Weight loss examinations revealed corrosion rates, which did not exceed 0.05mm/y. Confocal microscopy suggested the importance of extracellular proteins in the biofilm formation. Above 150 proteins were detected in the EPS matrix. Surface effects of biofilm and metabolic products were visualised, revealing the role of attached microorganisms in the localised corrosion. © 2013.

Evaluation of image quality metrics for the prediction of subjective best focus.

PubMed

Kilintari, Marina; Pallikaris, Aristophanis; Tsiklis, Nikolaos; Ginis, Harilaos S

2010-03-01

Seven existing and three new image quality metrics were evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in predicting subjective cycloplegic refraction. Monochromatic wavefront aberrations (WA) were measured in 70 eyes using a Shack-Hartmann based device (Complete Ophthalmic Analysis System; Wavefront Sciences). Subjective cycloplegic spherocylindrical correction was obtained using a standard manifest refraction procedure. The dioptric amount required to optimize each metric was calculated and compared with the subjective refraction result. Metrics included monochromatic and polychromatic variants, as well as variants taking into consideration the Stiles and Crawford effect (SCE). WA measurements were performed using infrared light and converted to visible before all calculations. The mean difference between subjective cycloplegic and WA-derived spherical refraction ranged from 0.17 to 0.36 diopters (D), while paraxial curvature resulted in a difference of 0.68 D. Monochromatic metrics exhibited smaller mean differences between subjective cycloplegic and objective refraction. Consideration of the SCE reduced the standard deviation (SD) of the difference between subjective and objective refraction. All metrics exhibited similar performance in terms of accuracy and precision. We hypothesize that errors pertaining to the conversion between infrared and visible wavelengths rather than calculation method may be the limiting factor in determining objective best focus from near infrared WA measurements.

Medicinal cannabis: is delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol necessary for all its effects?

PubMed

Wilkinson, J D; Whalley, B J; Baker, D; Pryce, G; Constanti, A; Gibbons, S; Williamson, E M

2003-12-01

Cannabis is under clinical investigation to assess its potential for medicinal use, but the question arises as to whether there is any advantage in using cannabis extracts compared with isolated Delta9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9THC), the major psychoactive component. We have compared the effect of a standardized cannabis extract (SCE) with pure Delta9THC, at matched concentrations of Delta9THC, and also with a Delta9THC-free extract (Delta9THC-free SCE), using two cannabinoid-sensitive models, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), and an in-vitro rat brain slice model of epilepsy. Whilst SCE inhibited spasticity in the mouse model of MS to a comparable level, it caused a more rapid onset of muscle relaxation, and a reduction in the time to maximum effect compared with Delta9THC alone. The Delta9THC-free extract or cannabidiol (CBD) caused no inhibition of spasticity. However, in the in-vitro epilepsy model, in which sustained epileptiform seizures were induced by the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine-M in immature rat piriform cortical brain slices, SCE was a more potent and again more rapidly-acting anticonvulsant than isolated Delta9THC, but in this model, the Delta9THC-free extract also exhibited anticonvulsant activity. Cannabidiol did not inhibit seizures, nor did it modulate the activity of Delta9THC in this model. Therefore, as far as some actions of cannabis were concerned (e.g. antispasticity), Delta9THC was the active constituent, which might be modified by the presence of other components. However, for other effects (e.g. anticonvulsant properties) Delta9THC, although active, might not be necessary for the observed effect. Above all, these results demonstrated that not all of the therapeutic actions of cannabis herb might be due to the Delta9THC content.

Water Quality Research Program: Recent Developments in the Analysis of Metals in Water, Wastewater, and Other Matrices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-01

for various types of samples and acids. The system features PFA -closed vessels that will tolerate up to 100 psi, a Teflon-lined cavity that reduces...complexes. Selec- tivity is accomplished by masking agents and pH adjustment and sorption on a small XAD-4 resin column. Evaporation of solvent 119...same pH, Cr(VI) is selectively reduced to Cr(III) and accumulated by adsorption at -0.3 V versus SCE (Batley and Matousek 1980). 150. Sorption , ion

Pesticides and brain cancer linked in orchard farmers of Kashmir.

PubMed

Bhat, Abdul Rashid; Wani, Muhammed Afzal; Kirmani, A R; Raina, T H

2010-10-01

The atmosphere of valley of Kashmir is ideal for fresh and dry fruit production. Millions of tons of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides (chemicals like chlorpyriphos, mancozeb, captan, dimethoate, phosalone, etc.) are being used by the orchard farmers to spray the plants, fruits and the leaves every year. The increasing trend in the incidence of primary malignant brain tumors in orchard farmers of Kashmir is alarming. To determine the relationship between the patients of primary malignant brain tumors and their occupation. Retrospectively case files along with death certificates of 432 patients of primary malignant brain tumors and 457 controls (non-tumor neurologic diseases), admitted for treatment simultaneously over a period of 4 years from January 2005 to December 2008, to the Department of Neurosurgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Kashmir, were studied. Follow-up and family contact was established. The serum cholinesterase activity was measured by kinetic/DGKC calorimetric method and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) samples were sent to the laboratory. The results are expressed in U/l which is U/l×1000. The laboratory at SKIMS, Srinagar, and Dr Lal PathLabs at New Delhi used a reference range for serum cholinesterase as 3167-6333 U/l. Analysis revealed that 90.04% (389 out of 432) patients were orchard-farm workers, orchard residents and orchard playing children exposed to the high levels of multiple types of neurotoxic and carcinogenic (chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, mancozeb and captan) chemicals for more than 10-20 years. About 31.9% (124 out of 389) of these from both sexes were younger than 40 years beginning exposure at an early age and had higher (<6334 U/l) serum cholinesterase (SCE) levels. The 9.96% (43 out of 432) patients were not exposed to pesticides. On the other hand, only 119 patients out of 457 controls had recorded history of pesticide exposure and 338 were unrelated to pesticides. Out of 389 patients, 71.7% (279 out of 389) were males and 28.3% (110 out of 389) including 7 members of three families, 6 were females and 1 male. All orchard-related 389 patients had high grade tumors as compared to the non-pesticide tumors. Mortality in pesticide exposed tumors was 12%. Higher levels of SCE were found in 31.9% (124 out of 389) patients and decreased levels in only 45.3% (176 out of 389) orchard-related patients. The significantcase/control odds ratio (OR) of 0.28, hospital control SCE OR of 1.1 and family control SCE OR of 1.5, points the finger of suspicion toward the link between pesticides and brain cancer.

Pesticides and brain cancer linked in orchard farmers of Kashmir

PubMed Central

Bhat, Abdul Rashid; Wani, Muhammed Afzal; Kirmani, A. R.; Raina, T. H.

2010-01-01

Background: The atmosphere of valley of Kashmir is ideal for fresh and dry fruit production. Millions of tons of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides (chemicals like chlorpyriphos, mancozeb, captan, dimethoate, phosalone, etc.) are being used by the orchard farmers to spray the plants, fruits and the leaves every year. The increasing trend in the incidence of primary malignant brain tumors in orchard farmers of Kashmir is alarming. Aim: To determine the relationship between the patients of primary malignant brain tumors and their occupation. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively case files along with death certificates of 432 patients of primary malignant brain tumors and 457 controls (non-tumor neurologic diseases), admitted for treatment simultaneously over a period of 4 years from January 2005 to December 2008, to the Department of Neurosurgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Kashmir, were studied. Follow-up and family contact was established. The serum cholinesterase activity was measured by kinetic/DGKC calorimetric method and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) samples were sent to the laboratory. The results are expressed in U/l which is U/l×1000. The laboratory at SKIMS, Srinagar, and Dr Lal PathLabs at New Delhi used a reference range for serum cholinesterase as 3167–6333 U/l. Results: Analysis revealed that 90.04% (389 out of 432) patients were orchard-farm workers, orchard residents and orchard playing children exposed to the high levels of multiple types of neurotoxic and carcinogenic (chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, mancozeb and captan) chemicals for more than 10–20 years. About 31.9% (124 out of 389) of these from both sexes were younger than 40 years beginning exposure at an early age and had higher (<6334 U/l) serum cholinesterase (SCE) levels. The 9.96% (43 out of 432) patients were not exposed to pesticides. On the other hand, only 119 patients out of 457 controls had recorded history of pesticide exposure and 338 were unrelated to pesticides. Out of 389 patients, 71.7% (279 out of 389) were males and 28.3% (110 out of 389) including 7 members of three families, 6 were females and 1 male. Conclusion: All orchard-related 389 patients had high grade tumors as compared to the non-pesticide tumors. Mortality in pesticide exposed tumors was 12%. Higher levels of SCE were found in 31.9% (124 out of 389) patients and decreased levels in only 45.3% (176 out of 389) orchard-related patients. The significantcase/control odds ratio (OR) of 0.28, hospital control SCE OR of 1.1 and family control SCE OR of 1.5, points the finger of suspicion toward the link between pesticides and brain cancer. PMID:21584215

Advanced cogeneration research study: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluhm, S. A.; Moore, N.; Rosenberg, L.; Slonski, M.

1983-01-01

This study provides a broad based overview of selected areas relevant to the development of a comprehensive Southern California Edison (SCE) advanced cogeneration project. The areas studied are: (1) Cogeneration potential in the SCE service territory; (2) Advanced cogeneration technologies; and (3) Existing cogeneration computer models. An estimated 3700 MW sub E could potentially be generated from existing industries in the Southern California Edison service territory using cogeneration technology. Of this total, current technology could provide 2600 MW sub E and advanced technology could provide 1100 MW sub E. The manufacturing sector (SIC Codes 20-39) was found to have the highest average potential for current cogeneration technology. The mining sector (SIC Codes 10-14) was found to have the highest potential for advanced technology.

Method and apparatus for synthesizing HMX and N/sub 2/O/sub 5/. [Patent application; cyclotetramethylenetetraamine

DOEpatents

McGuire, R.R.; Coon, C.L.; Harrar, J.E.; Pearson, R.K.

1982-07-20

A method and apparatus for electrochemically synthesizing N/sub 2/O/sub 5/ includes oxidizing a solution of N/sub 2/O/sub 4//HNO/sub 3/ at an anode, while maintaining a controlled potential between the N/sub 2/O/sub 4//HNO/sub 3/ solution and the anode. A potential of about 1.35 to 2.0V vs. SCE is preferred, while a potential of about 1.80V vs. SCE is most preferred. Thereafter, the N/sub 2/O/sub 5/ is reacted with either 1.5-diacetyl-3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (DADN) or 1,3,5,7-tetraacetyl-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (TAT) to form cyclotetramethylenetetraamine (HMX).

Controversial cytogenetic observations in mammalian somatic cells exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation: a review and future research recommendations.

PubMed

Vijayalaxmi; Obe, Guenter

2005-07-01

During the years 1990-2003, a large number of investigations were conducted using animals, cultured rodent and human cells as well as freshly collected human blood lymphocytes to determine the genotoxic potential of exposure to nonionizing radiation emitted from extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF). Among the 63 peer reviewed scientific reports, the conclusions from 29 studies (46%) did not indicate increased damage to the genetic material, as assessed from DNA strand breaks, incidence of chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), in EMF exposed cells as compared with sham exposed and/or unexposed cells, while those from 14 investigations (22%) have suggested an increase in such damage in EMF exposed cells. The observations from 20 other studies (32%) were inconclusive. This study reviews the investigations published in peer reviewed scientific journals during 1990-2003 and attempts to identify probable reason(s) for the conflicting results. Recommendations are made for future research to address some of the controversial observations. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Development of novel zein-sodium caseinate nanoparticle (ZP)-stabilized emulsion films for improved water barrier properties via emulsion/solvent evaporation.

PubMed

Wang, Li-Juan; Yin, Ye-Chong; Yin, Shou-Wei; Yang, Xiao-Quan; Shi, Wei-Jian; Tang, Chuan-He; Wang, Jin-Mei

2013-11-20

This work attempted to develop novel high barrier zein/SC nanoparticle (ZP)-stabilized emulsion films through microfluidic emulsification (ZPE films) or in combination with solvent (ethyl acetate) evaporation techniques (ZPE-EA films). Some physical properties, including tensile and optical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), and surface hydrophobicity, as well as the microstructure of ZP-stabilized emulsion films were evaluated and compared with SC emulsion (SCE) films. The emulsion/solvent evaporation approach reduced lipid droplets of ZP-stabilized emulsions, and lipid droplets of ZP-stabilized emulsions were similar to or slightly lower than that of SC emulsions. However, ZP- and SC-stabilized emulsion films exhibited a completely different microstructure, nanoscalar lipid droplets were homogeneously distributed in the ZPE film matrix and interpenetrating protein-oil complex networks occurred within ZPE-EA films, whereas SCE films presented a heterogeneous microstructure. The different stabilization mechanisms against creaming or coalescence during film formation accounted for the preceding discrepancy of the microstructures between ZP-and SC-stabilized emulsion films. Interestingly, ZP-stabilized emulsion films exhibited a better water barrier efficiency, and the WVP values were only 40-50% of SCE films. A schematic representation for the formation of ZP-stabilized emulsion films was proposed to relate the physical performance of the films with their microstructure and to elucidate the possible forming mechanism of the films.

Site- and strand-specific nicking of DNA by fusion proteins derived from MutH and I-SceI or TALE repeats.

PubMed

Gabsalilow, Lilia; Schierling, Benno; Friedhoff, Peter; Pingoud, Alfred; Wende, Wolfgang

2013-04-01

Targeted genome engineering requires nucleases that introduce a highly specific double-strand break in the genome that is either processed by homology-directed repair in the presence of a homologous repair template or by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) that usually results in insertions or deletions. The error-prone NHEJ can be efficiently suppressed by 'nickases' that produce a single-strand break rather than a double-strand break. Highly specific nickases have been produced by engineering of homing endonucleases and more recently by modifying zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) composed of a zinc finger array and the catalytic domain of the restriction endonuclease FokI. These ZF-nickases work as heterodimers in which one subunit has a catalytically inactive FokI domain. We present two different approaches to engineer highly specific nickases; both rely on the sequence-specific nicking activity of the DNA mismatch repair endonuclease MutH which we fused to a DNA-binding module, either a catalytically inactive variant of the homing endonuclease I-SceI or the DNA-binding domain of the TALE protein AvrBs4. The fusion proteins nick strand specifically a bipartite recognition sequence consisting of the MutH and the I-SceI or TALE recognition sequences, respectively, with a more than 1000-fold preference over a stand-alone MutH site. TALE-MutH is a programmable nickase.

Evidence for alternative lengthening of telomeres in liposarcomas in the absence of ALT-associated PML bodies.

PubMed

Jeyapalan, Jennie N; Mendez-Bermudez, Aaron; Zaffaroni, Nadia; Dubrova, Yuri E; Royle, Nicola J

2008-06-01

Immortalized and cancer cells maintain their telomeres by activation of a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM). In approximately 85% of cancers telomerase is activated (TA) but in some tumours, in particular sarcomas, an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway is used. Liposarcomas are the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in adults and they activate ALT or telomerase with equal frequency, however no TMM has been identified in approximately 50% of liposarcomas. In our study, we have shown that instability at the minisatellite MS32, usually associated with ALT activation, aids the identification of liposarcomas that have recombination-like activity at telomeres in absence of ALT associated PML-bodies (APBs). Furthermore, using single molecule telomere analysis, we have detected complex telomere mutations directly in ALT positive liposarcomas and interestingly in some liposarcomas with an unknown TMM but high MS32 instability. We have shown by sequence analysis that some of these complex telomere mutations must arise by an inter-molecular recombination-like process rather than by deletion caused by t-loop excision or by unequal telomere-sister-chromatid-exchange (T-SCE), which is known to be elevated in ALT cell lines. Preliminary evidence also suggests that inter-molecular recombination events may be processed differently in liposarcomas with APBs compared to those without. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time, that some telomerase negative liposarcomas without APBs have other features associated with ALT, indicating that the incidence of ALT in these tumours has previously been under-estimated. This has major implications for the use of cancer treatments targeted at TMMs. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

"Life without nuclear power": A nuclear plant retirement formulation model and guide based on economics. San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station case: Economic impacts and reliability considerations leading to plant retirement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasko, Frank

Traditionally, electric utilities have been slow to change and very bureaucratic in nature. This culture, in and of itself, has now contributed to a high percentage of United States electric utilities operating uneconomical nuclear plants (Crooks, 2014). The economic picture behind owning and operating United States nuclear plants is less than favorable for many reasons including rising fuel, capital and operating costs (EUCG, 2012). This doctoral dissertation is specifically focused on life without nuclear power. The purpose of this dissertation is to create a model and guide that will provide electric utilities who currently operate or will operate uneconomical nuclear plants the opportunity to economically assess whether or not their nuclear plant should be retired. This economic assessment and stakeholder analysis will provide local government, academia and communities the opportunity to understand how Southern California Edison (SCE) embraced system upgrade import and "voltage support" opportunities to replace "base load" generation from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) versus building new replacement generation facilities. This model and guide will help eliminate the need to build large replacement generation units as demonstrated in the SONGS case analysis. The application of The Nuclear Power Retirement Model and Guide will provide electric utilities with economic assessment parameters and an evaluation assessment progression needed to better evaluate when an uneconomical nuclear plant should be retired. It will provide electric utilities the opportunity to utilize sound policy, planning and development skill sets when making this difficult decision. There are currently 62 nuclear power plants (with 100 nuclear reactors) operating in the United States (EIA, 2014). From this group, 38 are at risk of early retirement based on the work of Cooper (2013). As demonstrated in my model, 35 of the 38 nuclear power plants qualify to move to the economic assessment review and then on to the stakeholder cost benefit analysis (if model qualifications are met) leading to a final plant retirement decision. This application via the model and guide, in turn, will lead electric utilities to explore system upgrade import opportunities and mitigation measures versus building new replacement generation facilities. United States nuclear reactors are licensed for 40 years with a 20 year extension available prior to the expiration date (EIA, 2013). Since late 2012, electric power companies have announced the early retirement of four uneconomical nuclear power plants while other studies have indicated that as many as 70 percent of United States nuclear power plants are potentially at risk for early retirement (Crooks, 2014 and Cooper, 2013). A high percentage of these aforementioned nuclear plants have operating licenses that will not expire until 2030 and beyond. Thus, for the most part, replacement power contingency planning has not been initiated for these plants or is still in preliminary stages. The recent nuclear plant retirements are the first since 1998 (EIA, 2013). Decisions to retire the plants involved concerns over maintenance and repair costs as well as declining profitability (EIA, 2013). In addition, the Energy Information Administration (2010-2012) released data that demonstrated that the worst 25 percent of United States nuclear plants are far more expensive to operate and generate electricity than new gas plants. It is equally important to understand and explain the economic and power replacement implications to both ratepayers and end-users. A SONGS case study analysis will review the economic, operational and political challenges that SCE faced leading to the retirement decision of SONGS. As preface to the case study, replacement steam generators (RSGs) were installed in Unit 2 in 2009 and in Unit 3 in 2010. In January 2012, while Unit 2 was down for routine maintenance, a small leak was discovered inside a steam generator in Unit 3. Because of the situation, both units remained shut down to evaluate the cause of the leakage and to make repairs. SCE submitted plans to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to re-start Unit 2 at reduced power. However, concerns over the length of the review process and the high costs associated with steam generator repairs led SCE to retire both reactors (SCE SONGS Fact Sheets, 2012-2013). Finally, collaborative resource power replacement planning is needed more than ever as nuclear facilities in the United States are now being retired for economic related reasons (Crooks, 2014). This collaborative power replacement process and implementation must encompass all relevant stakeholders including state grid operators, ratepayers, shareholders and the electric utility company.

Advanced Measurement Devices for the Microgravity Electromagnetic Levitation Facility EML

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brillo, Jurgen; Fritze, Holger; Lohofer, Georg; Schulz, Michal; Stenzel, Christian

2012-01-01

This paper reports on two advanced measurement devices for the microgravity electromagnetic levitation facility (EML), which is currently under construction for the use onboard the "International Space Station (ISS)": the "Sample Coupling Electronics (SCE)" and the "Oxygen Sensing and Control Unit (OSC)". The SCE measures by a contactless, inductive method the electrical resistivity and the diameter of a spherical levitated metallic droplet by evaluating the voltage and electrical current applied to the levitation coil. The necessity of the OSC comes from the insight that properties like surface tension or, eventually, viscosity cannot seriously be determined by the oscillating drop method in the EML facility without knowing the conditions of the surrounding atmosphere. In the following both measurement devices are explained and laboratory test results are presented.

The structure and large-scale organization of extreme cold waves over the conterminous United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zuowei; Black, Robert X.; Deng, Yi

2017-12-01

Extreme cold waves (ECWs) occurring over the conterminous United States (US) are studied through a systematic identification and documentation of their local synoptic structures, associated large-scale meteorological patterns (LMPs), and forcing mechanisms external to the US. Focusing on the boreal cool season (November-March) for 1950‒2005, a hierarchical cluster analysis identifies three ECW patterns, respectively characterized by cold surface air temperature anomalies over the upper midwest (UM), northwestern (NW), and southeastern (SE) US. Locally, ECWs are synoptically organized by anomalous high pressure and northerly flow. At larger scales, the UM LMP features a zonal dipole in the mid-tropospheric height field over North America, while the NW and SE LMPs each include a zonal wave train extending from the North Pacific across North America into the North Atlantic. The Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) in general simulates the three ECW patterns quite well and successfully reproduces the observed enhancements in the frequency of their associated LMPs. La Niña and the cool phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) favor the occurrence of NW ECWs, while the warm PDO phase, low Arctic sea ice extent and high Eurasian snow cover extent (SCE) are associated with elevated SE-ECW frequency. Additionally, high Eurasian SCE is linked to increases in the occurrence likelihood of UM ECWs.

Bioproduction of mushroom mycelium of Agaricus bisporus by commercial submerged fermentation for the production of meat analogue.

PubMed

Kim, Kyoungju; Choi, Byungsun; Lee, Inhee; Lee, Hyeyoung; Kwon, Soonhyang; Oh, Kyoungyoung; Kim, Augustine Yonghwi

2011-07-01

As worldwide interest in healthy and delicious meat analogues increases, the texture of these products has become an important indicator of quality. Mycoprotein as fungal mycelium could provide a distinctive chewing sensation; however, the unfavorable consumer perception of fungal mycelium demands the production of meat analogues with true mushroom mycelium. The industrial and economical bioprocess was developed using an inexpensive medium (30 g L(-1) sugar cane extract (SCE), 10 g L(-1) NaNO(3) and 5 g L(-1) yeast extract) and A. bisporus Suksung. The SCE was maintained at around 10 g L(-1) to minimize osmotic shock. The maximum mycelium production of 15.0 g L(-1) (dry weight) was reached within 4 days. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed fibrous and directional structure rather than a more typical pellet structure. Meat analogues with mushroom mycelium had better textural properties, being higher in hardness, springiness, and chewiness and with preferable umami characteristics compared to meat analogues utilizing soy protein. The overall acceptance of meat analogues prepared with mycelium and soy protein, and a ground beef patty, were 5, 2 and 10, respectively. The development of an industrial bioprocess for A. bisporus mycelium allowed the production of a highly acceptable meat analogue having not only superior textural properties but also umami characteristics when compared to that of soy protein. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

DNA tetrahedral scaffolds-based platform for the construction of electrochemiluminescence biosensor.

PubMed

Feng, Qiu-Mei; Zhou, Zhen; Li, Mei-Xing; Zhao, Wei; Xu, Jing-Juan; Chen, Hong-Yuan

2017-04-15

Proximal metallic nanoparticles (NPs) could quench the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) due to Förster energy transfer (FRET), but at a certain distance, the coupling of light-emission with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) result in enhanced ECL. Thus, the modification strategies and distances control between QDs and metallic NPs are critical for the ECL intensity of QDs. In this strategy, a SPR enhanced ECL sensor based on DNA tetrahedral scaffolds modified platform was reported for the detection of telomerase activity. Due to the rigid three-dimensional structure, DNA tetrahedral scaffolds grafting on the electrode surface could accurately modulate the distance between CdS QDs and luminol labelled gold nanoparticles (L-Au NPs), meanwhile provide an enhanced spatial dimension and accessibility for the assembly of multiple L-Au NPs. The ECL intensities of both CdS QDs (-1.25V vs. SCE) and luminol (+0.33V vs. SCE) gradually increased along with the formation of multiple L-Au NPs at the vertex of DNA tetrahedral scaffolds induced by telomerase, bringing in a dual-potential ECL analysis. The proposed method showed high sensitivity for the identification of telomerase and was successfully applied for the differentiation of cancer cells from normal cells. This work suggests that DNA tetrahedral scaffolds could serve as an excellent choice for the construction of SPR-ECL system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Repair of DNA double-strand breaks by templated nucleotide sequence insertions derived from distant regions of the genome.

PubMed

Onozawa, Masahiro; Zhang, Zhenhua; Kim, Yoo Jung; Goldberg, Liat; Varga, Tamas; Bergsagel, P Leif; Kuehl, W Michael; Aplan, Peter D

2014-05-27

We used the I-SceI endonuclease to produce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and observed that a fraction of these DSBs were repaired by insertion of sequences, which we termed "templated sequence insertions" (TSIs), derived from distant regions of the genome. These TSIs were derived from genic, retrotransposon, or telomere sequences and were not deleted from the donor site in the genome, leading to the hypothesis that they were derived from reverse-transcribed RNA. Cotransfection of RNA and an I-SceI expression vector demonstrated insertion of RNA-derived sequences at the DNA-DSB site, and TSIs were suppressed by reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. Both observations support the hypothesis that TSIs were derived from RNA templates. In addition, similar insertions were detected at sites of DNA DSBs induced by transcription activator-like effector nuclease proteins. Whole-genome sequencing of myeloma cell lines revealed additional TSIs, demonstrating that repair of DNA DSBs via insertion was not restricted to experimentally produced DNA DSBs. Analysis of publicly available databases revealed that many of these TSIs are polymorphic in the human genome. Taken together, these results indicate that insertional events should be considered as alternatives to gross chromosomal rearrangements in the interpretation of whole-genome sequence data and that this mutagenic form of DNA repair may play a role in genetic disease, exon shuffling, and mammalian evolution.

Evolutionary algorithms for the optimal management of coastal groundwater: A comparative study toward future challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketabchi, Hamed; Ataie-Ashtiani, Behzad

2015-01-01

This paper surveys the literature associated with the application of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in coastal groundwater management problems (CGMPs). This review demonstrates that previous studies were mostly relied on the application of limited and particular EAs, mainly genetic algorithm (GA) and its variants, to a number of specific problems. The exclusive investigation of these problems is often not the representation of the variety of feasible processes may be occurred in coastal aquifers. In this study, eight EAs are evaluated for CGMPs. The considered EAs are: GA, continuous ant colony optimization (CACO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), differential evolution (DE), artificial bee colony optimization (ABC), harmony search (HS), shuffled complex evolution (SCE), and simplex simulated annealing (SIMPSA). The first application of PSO, ABC, HS, and SCE in CGMPs is reported here. Moreover, the four benchmark problems with different degree of difficulty and variety are considered to address the important issues of groundwater resources in coastal regions. Hence, the wide ranges of popular objective functions and constraints with the number of decision variables ranging from 4 to 15 are included. These benchmark problems are applied in the combined simulation-optimization model to examine the optimization scenarios. Some preliminary experiments are performed to select the most efficient parameters values for EAs to set a fair comparison. The specific capabilities of each EA toward CGMPs in terms of results quality and required computational time are compared. The evaluation of the results highlights EA's applicability in CGMPs, besides the remarkable strengths and weaknesses of them. The comparisons show that SCE, CACO, and PSO yield superior solutions among the EAs according to the quality of solutions whereas ABC presents the poor performance. CACO provides the better solutions (up to 17%) than the worst EA (ABC) for the problem with the highest decision variables and more complexity. In terms of computational time, PSO and SIMPSA are the fastest. SCE needs the highest computational time, even up to four times in comparison to the fastest EAs. CACO and PSO can be recommended for application in CGMPs, in terms of both abovementioned criteria.

Satellite Based Probabilistic Snow Cover Extent Mapping (SCE) at Hydro-Québec

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teasdale, Mylène; De Sève, Danielle; Angers, Jean-François; Perreault, Luc

2016-04-01

Over 40% of Canada's water resources are in Quebec and Hydro-Quebec has developed potential to become one of the largest producers of hydroelectricity in the world, with a total installed capacity of 36,643 MW. The Hydro-Québec fleet park includes 27 large reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 176 TWh, and 668 dams and 98 controls. Thus, over 98% of all electricity used to supply the domestic market comes from water resources and the excess output is sold on the wholesale markets. In this perspective the efficient management of water resources is needed and it is based primarily on a good river flow estimation including appropriate hydrological data. Snow on ground is one of the significant variables representing 30% to 40% of its annual energy reserve. More specifically, information on snow cover extent (SCE) and snow water equivalent (SWE) is crucial for hydrological forecasting, particularly in northern regions since the snowmelt provides the water that fills the reservoirs and is subsequently used for hydropower generation. For several years Hydro Quebec's research institute ( IREQ) developed several algorithms to map SCE and SWE. So far all the methods were deterministic. However, given the need to maximize the efficient use of all resources while ensuring reliability, the electrical systems must now be managed taking into account all risks. Since snow cover estimation is based on limited spatial information, it is important to quantify and handle its uncertainty in the hydrological forecasting system. This paper presents the first results of a probabilistic algorithm for mapping SCE by combining Bayesian mixture of probability distributions and multiple logistic regression models applied to passive microwave data. This approach allows assigning for each grid point, probabilities to the set of the mutually exclusive discrete outcomes: "snow" and "no snow". Its performance was evaluated using the Brier score since it is particularly appropriate to measure the accuracy of probabilistic discrete predictions. The scores were measured by comparing the snow probabilities produced by our models with the Hydro-Québec's snow ground data.

In vitro activity and stability against novel beta-lactamases of investigational beta-lactams (cefepime, cefpirome, flomoxef, SCE2787 and piperacillin plus tazobactam) in comparison with established compounds (cefotaxime, latamoxef and piperacillin).

PubMed

Bauernfeind, A; Schweighart, S; Eberlein, E; Jungwirth, R

1991-01-01

The therapeutic perspectives of flomoxef, SCE 2787, cefpirome, cefepime, latamoxef, cefotaxime and of piperacillin plus tazobactam were comparatively evaluated by their in vitro activity against 1119 clinical isolates of 83 bacterial species. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. Enterobacter sakazakii, Proteus spp. and Shigella spp. were about equally susceptible to the cephalosporins (MIC90: 0.06 to 0.5 mg/l), while the MIC90 for piperacillin plus tazobactam was between 2 and 16 mg/l. Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes and Serratia spp. were most susceptible to SCE 2787, cefpirome and cefepime (MIC90: 0.06 to 2 mg/l) followed by latamoxef, cefotaxime, flomoxef and piperacillin plus tazobactam. For Citrobacter spp., Providencia spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica MIC90 were between 0.06 and 0.5 mg/l. Flomoxef was between 2 to 4 log2 less active against these species but more active than piperacillin plus tazobactam (MIC90: 2 and 8 mg/l). Morganella morganii and Hafnia alvei were most susceptible to cefepime, cefpirome and latamoxef (MIC90: 0.13 to 0.5 mg/l) while cefotaxime (MIC90: 8 mg/l) and piperacillin plus tazobactam (MIC90: 8 and greater than 64 mg/l) were the least active compounds. SCE 2787, cefepime and cefpirome were the most potent beta-lactams against the majority of the 13 species of non-fermentative bacilli (NFB) investigated (MIC90: 0.5 to 16 mg/l). The oxacephems were the least active compounds against NFB. Cefepime was the most active of the compounds included against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC90: 16 mg/l). Haemophilus spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Bordetella pertussis were most susceptible to cefotaxime (MIC90: 0.03 to 0.06 mg/l). Latamoxef had the lowest activity of all compounds against gram-positive cocci. Flomoxef was the most active compound against penicillinase producing Staphylococcus aureus and about equally active as the other betalactams against methicillin susceptible staphylococci of other staphylococcal species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of new nitrosoureas esters with modified steroidal nucleus for cytogenetic and antineoplastic activity.

PubMed

Hussein, A; Mioglou-Kalouptsi, E; Papageorgiou, A; Karapidaki, I; Iakovidou-Kritsi, Z; Lialiaris, T; Xrysogelou, E; Camoutsis, C; Mourelatos, D

2007-01-01

Nitrosourea is decomposed under physiological conditions to react with biological macromolecules by two mechanisms: alkylation (with proteins and nucleic acids) and carbamoylation (with proteins but not nucleic acids). It has been suggested that the alkylating action is responsible for the therapeutic effects of nitrosoureas, and that the carbamoylation activity leads to toxicity effects. In order to reduce systemic toxicity and improve specificity and distribution for cancer therapy, 2-haloethyl nitrosourea has been esterified with modified steroids, which are used as biological platforms for transporting the alkylating agent to the tumor site in a specific manner. The cytogenetic and antineoplastic effect were studied of seven newly synthesized esters of N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)alanyl carboxyl derivatives with a modified steroidal nucleus (compounds 1-7). As a very sensitive indicator of genotoxicity the Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) assay was used and as a valuable marker of cytostatic activity the cell Proliferation Rate Index (PRI) in cultures of normal human lymphocytes was used. The order of magnitude of the cytogenetic activity on a molar basis (15, 30, 120 microM) of the compounds was 7>6>3>5>2>4>1. The most active compound 7 has an enlarged (seven carbon atoms) A ring modified with a lactam group (-NHCO-) with the nitrosourea moiety esterified at position 17 In the group of seven substances a correlation was observed between the magnitude of SCE response and the depression in PRI (r=-O, 65, p<0.001). According to the criterion of activity of National Cancer Institute (NCI), the order of antineoplastic activity of compounds on lymphoid L1210 leukemia is 7>6>2>5>4>3>1 and on lympocytic P388 leukemia cells is 7>2>6>5>4>3>1. The present results are in agreement with previous suggestions that the effectiveness in cytogenetic activity may well be correlated with antitumor effects [T/C: 248% for the compound 7 in 250 mg/kg b.w.; T/C: mean survival time of drug-treated animals (T) (excluding long term survivals) vs. corn-oil-treated controls (C)].

The ideas behind self-consistent expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, Moshe; Katzav, Eytan

2008-04-01

In recent years we have witnessed a growing interest in various non-equilibrium systems described in terms of stochastic nonlinear field theories. In some of those systems, like KPZ and related models, the interesting behavior is in the strong coupling regime, which is inaccessible by traditional perturbative treatments such as dynamical renormalization group (DRG). A useful tool in the study of such systems is the self-consistent expansion (SCE), which might be said to generate its own 'small parameter'. The self-consistent expansion (SCE) has the advantage that its structure is just that of a regular expansion, the only difference is that the simple system around which the expansion is performed is adjustable. The purpose of this paper is to present the method in a simple and understandable way that hopefully will make it accessible to a wider public working on non-equilibrium statistical physics.

Identification and characterization of an arginine kinase as a major allergen from silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae.

PubMed

Liu, Zhigang; Xia, Lixin; Wu, Yulan; Xia, Qingyou; Chen, Jiajie; Roux, Kenneth H

2009-01-01

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an important insect in the textile industry and its pupa are used in Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. The silk, urine and dander of silkworms is often the cause of allergies in sericulture workers and the pupa has been found to be a food allergen in China. Recent studies have focused on reporting cases of silkworm allergies, but only a few studies have addressed the specific allergens present in the B. mori silkworm. We collected sera from 10 patients with a positive skin prick test to silkworm crude extract (SCE) and analyzed these samples by Western blot and ELISA. The cDNA of arginine kinase from the B. mori silkworm was also cloned and expressed in high yield in Escherichia coli. Allergenicity and cross-allergenicity of the recombinant B. mori arginine kinase (rBmAK) were investigated by ELISA inhibition assay. Collected sera all reacted to a 42-kDa protein in a Western blot with SCE as the antigen. Preincubation of sera with rBmAK eliminated the reactivity of the patients' sera to this 42-kDa band. All patient sera also exhibited positive reactivity to SCE in an ELISA assay. BmAK also demonstrated cross-reactivity with a recombinant AK from cockroach. Arginine kinase from the B. mori silkworm is a major allergen and crossreacts with cockroach AK. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Comparative color and surface parameters of current esthetic restorative CAD/CAM materials

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to derive and compare the inherent color (hue angle, chroma), translucency (TPSCI), surface gloss (ΔE*SCE-SCI), and surface roughness (Ra) amongst selected shades and brands of three hybrid CAD/CAM blocks [GC Cerasmart (CS); Lava Ultimate (LU); Vita Enamic (VE)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS The specimens (N = 225) were prepared into square-shaped (12 × 12 mm2) with different thicknesses and shades. The measurements of color, translucency, and surface gloss were performed by a reflection spectrophotometer. The surface roughness and surface topography were assessed by white light interferometry. RESULTS Results revealed that hue and chroma values were influenced by the material type, material shade, and material thickness (P < .001). The order of hue angle amongst the materials was LU > CS > VE, whereas the order of chroma was VE > CS > LU. TPSCI results demonstrated a significant difference in terms of material types and material thicknesses (P ≤ .001). TPSCI values of the tested materials were ordered as LU > CS > VE. ΔE*SCE-SCI and Ra results were significantly varied amongst the materials (P < .001) and amongst the shades (P < .05). The order of ΔE*SCE-SCI amongst the materials were as follows LU > VE ≥ CS, whereas the order of Ra was CS ≥ VE > LU. CONCLUSION Nano-ceramic and polymer-infiltrated-feldspathic ceramic-network CAD/CAM materials exhibited different optical, inherent color and surface parameters. PMID:29503712

Comparative color and surface parameters of current esthetic restorative CAD/CAM materials.

PubMed

Egilmez, Ferhan; Ergun, Gulfem; Cekic-Nagas, Isil; Vallittu, Pekka Kalevi; Lassila, Lippo Veli Juhana

2018-02-01

The purpose of this study was to derive and compare the inherent color (hue angle, chroma), translucency (TP SCI ), surface gloss (ΔE * SCE-SCI ), and surface roughness (R a ) amongst selected shades and brands of three hybrid CAD/CAM blocks [GC Cerasmart (CS); Lava Ultimate (LU); Vita Enamic (VE)]. The specimens (N = 225) were prepared into square-shaped (12 × 12 mm 2 ) with different thicknesses and shades. The measurements of color, translucency, and surface gloss were performed by a reflection spectrophotometer. The surface roughness and surface topography were assessed by white light interferometry. Results revealed that hue and chroma values were influenced by the material type, material shade, and material thickness ( P < .001). The order of hue angle amongst the materials was LU > CS > VE, whereas the order of chroma was VE > CS > LU. TP SCI results demonstrated a significant difference in terms of material types and material thicknesses ( P ≤ .001). TP SCI values of the tested materials were ordered as LU > CS > VE. ΔE * SCE-SCI and R a results were significantly varied amongst the materials ( P < .001) and amongst the shades ( P < .05). The order of ΔE * SCE-SCI amongst the materials were as follows LU > VE ≥ CS, whereas the order of R a was CS ≥ VE > LU. Nano-ceramic and polymer-infiltrated-feldspathic ceramic-network CAD/CAM materials exhibited different optical, inherent color and surface parameters.

I-SceI-Induced Gene Replacement at a Natural Locus in Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Cohen-Tannoudji, Michel; Robine, Sylvie; Choulika, André; Pinto, Daniel; El Marjou, Fatima; Babinet, Charles; Louvard, Daniel; Jaisser, Frédéric

1998-01-01

Gene targeting is a very powerful tool for studying mammalian development and physiology and for creating models of human diseases. In many instances, however, it is desirable to study different modifications of a target gene, but this is limited by the generally low frequency of homologous recombination in mammalian cells. We have developed a novel gene-targeting strategy in mouse embryonic stem cells that is based on the induction of endogenous gap repair processes at a defined location within the genome by induction of a double-strand break (DSB) in the gene to be mutated. This strategy was used to knock in an NH2-ezrin mutant in the villin gene, which encodes an actin-binding protein expressed in the brush border of the intestine and the kidney. To induce the DSB, an I-SceI yeast meganuclease restriction site was first introduced by gene targeting to the villin gene, followed by transient expression of I-SceI. The repair of the ensuing DSB was achieved with high efficiency (6 × 10−6) by a repair shuttle vector sharing only a 2.8-kb region of homology with the villin gene and no negative selection marker. Compared to conventional gene-targeting experiments at the villin locus, this represents a 100-fold stimulation of gene-targeting frequency, notwithstanding a much lower length of homology. This strategy will be very helpful in facilitating the targeted introduction of several types of mutations within a gene of interest. PMID:9488460

Evaluation of the Snow Simulations from the Community Land Model, Version 4 (CLM4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toure, Ally M.; Rodell, Matthew; Yang, Zong-Liang; Beaudoing, Hiroko; Kim, Edward; Zhang, Yongfei; Kwon, Yonghwan

2015-01-01

This paper evaluates the simulation of snow by the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4), the land model component of the Community Earth System Model, version 1.0.4 (CESM1.0.4). CLM4 was run in an offline mode forced with the corrected land-only replay of the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-Land) and the output was evaluated for the period from January 2001 to January 2011 over the Northern Hemisphere poleward of 30 deg N. Simulated snow-cover fraction (SCF), snow depth, and snow water equivalent (SWE) were compared against a set of observations including the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) SCF, the Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) snow cover, the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) daily snow analysis products, snow depth from the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer (COOP) program, and Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) SWE observations. CLM4 SCF was converted into snow-cover extent (SCE) to compare with MODIS SCE. It showed good agreement, with a correlation coefficient of 0.91 and an average bias of -1.54 x 10(exp 2) sq km. Overall, CLM4 agreed well with IMS snow cover, with the percentage of correctly modeled snow-no snow being 94%. CLM4 snow depth and SWE agreed reasonably well with the CMC product, with the average bias (RMSE) of snow depth and SWE being 0.044m (0.19 m) and -0.010m (0.04 m), respectively. CLM4 underestimated SNOTEL SWE and COOP snow depth. This study demonstrates the need to improve the CLM4 snow estimates and constitutes a benchmark against which improvement of the model through data assimilation can be measured.

Multisite evaluation of the BD™ Stem Cell Enumeration (SCE) Kit for CD34+ cell enumeration on the BD FACSCanto II™ and BD FACSCalibur™ flow cytometers

PubMed Central

Preti, Robert A; Chan, Wai Shun; Kurtzberg, Joanne; Dornsife, Ronna E.; Wallace, Paul K.; Furlange, Rosemary; Lin, Anna; Omana-Zapata, Imelda; Bonig, Halvard; Tonn, Thorsten

2018-01-01

Background Evaluation of the BD™ Stem Cell Enumeration (SCE) Kit was conducted at four clinical sites with flow cytometry CD34+ enumeration, to assess agreement between two investigational methods, the BD FACSCanto™ II and BD FACSCalibur™ systems, and the predicate method (Beckman Coulter Stem-Kit™ reagents). Methods Leftover and delinked specimens (n = 1,032) from clinical flow cytometry testing were analyzed on the BD FACSCanto II (n = 918) and BD FACSCalibur (n = 905) in normal and mobilized blood, frozen and thawed bone marrow, and leucopheresis and cord blood anticoagulated with CPD, ACD-A, heparin, and EDTA alone or in combination. Fresh leucopheresis analysis addressed site equivalency for sample preparation, testing, and analysis. Results The mean relative bias showed agreement within predefined parameters for the BD FACSCanto II (−2.81 to 4.31 ±7.1) and BD FACSCalibur (−2.69 to 5.2 ±7.9). Results are reported as absolute and relative differences compared to the predicate for viable CD34+, percentage of CD34+ in CD45+, and viable CD45+ populations (or gates). Bias analyses of the distribution of the predicate low, mid, and high bin values were done using BD FACSCanto II optimal gating and BD FACSCalibur manual gating for viable CD34+, percentage of CD34+ in CD45+, and viable CD45+. Bias results from both investigational methods show agreement. Deming regression analyses showed a linear relationship with R2 >0.92 for both investigational methods. Discussion In conclusion, the results from both investigational methods demonstrated agreement and equivalence with the predicate method for enumeration of absolute viable CD34+, percentage of viable CD34+ in CD45+, and absolute viable CD45+ populations. PMID:24927716

53. NEW BCB AND LIGHTNING ARRESTER ARRANGEMENT, SANTA ANA RIVER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

53. NEW BCB AND LIGHTNING ARRESTER ARRANGEMENT, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2, JAN. 24, 1977. SCE drawing no. 455670-0. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Probing Aspergillus niger glucose oxidase with pentacyanoferrate(III) aza- and thia-complexes.

PubMed

Kulys, J; Tetianec, L; Ziemys, A

2006-10-01

Complexes of pentacyanoferrate(III) and biologically relevant ligands, such as pyridine, pyrazole, imidazole, histidine, and other aza- and thia-heterocycles, were synthesized. Their spectral, electrochemical properties, electron exchange constants, electronic structure parameters, and reactivity with glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger were determined. The formation of the complexes following ammonia replacement by the ligands was associated with the appearance of a new band of absorbance in the visible spectrum. The constants of the complexes formation calculated at a ligand-pentacyanoferrate(III) concentrations ratio of 10:1, were 7.5 x 10(-5), 7.7 x 10(-5), and 1.8 x 10(-3) s(-1) for benzotriazole, benzimidazole, and aminothiazole ligands, respectively. The complexes showed quasi-reversible redox conversion at a glassy carbon electrode. The redox potential of the complexes spanned the potential range from 70 to 240 mV vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) at pH7.2. For most of the complexes self-exchange constants (k(11)) were similar to or larger than that of hexacyanoferrate(III) (ferricyanide). The complexes containing pyridine derivatives and thia-heterocyclic ligands held a lower value of k(11) than that of ferricyanide. All complexes reacted with reduced glucose oxidase at pH7.2. The reactivity of the complex containing pyrazole was the largest in comparison to the rest of the complexes. Correlations between the complexes' reactivity and both the free energy of reaction and k(11) shows that the reactivity of pentacyanoferrates obeys the principles of Marcus's electron transfer theory. The obtained data suggest that large negative charges of the complexes decrease their reactivity.

Blind spot monitoring in light vehicles -- system performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

This report summarizes findings of a small population study of blind spot monitoring systems (BSM) installed by : original vehicle manufacturers on standard production vehicles. The primary goals of these tests were to simulate real-world driving sce...

Highway crash site management

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-07-01

Traveler delay is the problem most often associated with highway crashes, but by far the most serious problem is the resulting secondary crashes that occur. Another related issue is the danger posed to response personnel serving the public at the sce...

Status of tubular SOFC field unit demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Raymond A.

Siemens Westinghouse is in the final stage of its tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) development program, and the program emphasis has shifted from basic technology development to cost reduction, scale-up and demonstration of pre-commercial power systems at customer sites. This paper describes our field unit demonstration program including the EDB/ELSAM 100-kW e combined heat and power (CHP) system, the Southern California Edison (SCE) 220-kW e pressurized SOFC/gas turbine (PSOFC/GT) power system, and the planned demonstrations of commercial prototype power systems. In the Spring of 1999, the EDB/ELSAM 100-kW e SOFC-CHP system produced 109 kW e net AC to the utility grid at 46% electrical efficiency and 65 kW t to the hot water district heating system, verifying the analytical predictions. The SCE 220-kW e PSOFC/GT power system will undergo factory startup in the Fall of 1999.

The FORE-SCE model: a practical approach for projecting land cover change using scenario-based modeling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sohl, Terry L.; Sayler, Kristi L.; Drummond, Mark A.; Loveland, Thomas R.

2007-01-01

A wide variety of ecological applications require spatially explicit, historic, current, and projected land use and land cover data. The U.S. Land Cover Trends project is analyzing contemporary (1973–2000) land-cover change in the conterminous United States. The newly developed FORE-SCE model used Land Cover Trends data and theoretical, statistical, and deterministic modeling techniques to project future land cover change through 2020 for multiple plausible scenarios. Projected proportions of future land use were initially developed, and then sited on the lands with the highest potential for supporting that land use and land cover using a statistically based stochastic allocation procedure. Three scenarios of 2020 land cover were mapped for the western Great Plains in the US. The model provided realistic, high-resolution, scenario-based land-cover products suitable for multiple applications, including studies of climate and weather variability, carbon dynamics, and regional hydrology.

Evolution of divergent DNA recognition specificities in VDE homing endonucleases from two yeast species

PubMed Central

Posey, Karen L.; Koufopanou, Vassiliki; Burt, Austin; Gimble, Frederick S.

2004-01-01

Homing endonuclease genes (HEGs) are mobile DNA elements that are thought to confer no benefit to their host. They encode site-specific DNA endonucleases that perpetuate the element within a species population by homing and disseminate it between species by horizontal transfer. Several yeast species contain the VMA1 HEG that encodes the intein-associated VMA1-derived endonuclease (VDE). The evolutionary state of VDEs from 12 species was assessed by assaying their endonuclease activities. Only two enzymes are active, PI-ZbaI from Zygosaccharomyces bailii and PI-ScaI from Saccharomyces cariocanus. PI-ZbaI cleaves the Z.bailii recognition sequence significantly faster than the Saccharomyces cerevisiae site, which differs at six nucleotide positions. A mutational analysis indicates that PI-ZbaI cleaves the S.cerevisiae substrate poorly due to the absence of a contact that is analogous to one made in PI-SceI between Gln-55 and nucleotides +9/+10. PI-ZbaI cleaves the Z.bailii substrate primarily due to a single base-pair substitution (A/T+5 → T/A+5). Structural modeling of the PI-ZbaI/DNA complex suggests that Arg-331, which is absent in PI-SceI, contacts T/A+5, and the reduced activity observed in a PI-ZbaI R331A mutant provides evidence for this interaction. These data illustrate that homing endonucleases evolve altered specificity as they adapt to recognize alternative target sites. PMID:15280510

Evolution of divergent DNA recognition specificities in VDE homing endonucleases from two yeast species.

PubMed

Posey, Karen L; Koufopanou, Vassiliki; Burt, Austin; Gimble, Frederick S

2004-01-01

Homing endonuclease genes (HEGs) are mobile DNA elements that are thought to confer no benefit to their host. They encode site-specific DNA endonucleases that perpetuate the element within a species population by homing and disseminate it between species by horizontal transfer. Several yeast species contain the VMA1 HEG that encodes the intein-associated VMA1-derived endonuclease (VDE). The evolutionary state of VDEs from 12 species was assessed by assaying their endonuclease activities. Only two enzymes are active, PI-ZbaI from Zygosaccharomyces bailii and PI-ScaI from Saccharomyces cariocanus. PI-ZbaI cleaves the Z.bailii recognition sequence significantly faster than the Saccharomyces cerevisiae site, which differs at six nucleotide positions. A mutational analysis indicates that PI-ZbaI cleaves the S.cerevisiae substrate poorly due to the absence of a contact that is analogous to one made in PI-SceI between Gln-55 and nucleotides +9/+10. PI-ZbaI cleaves the Z.bailii substrate primarily due to a single base-pair substitution (A/T+5 --> T/A+5). Structural modeling of the PI-ZbaI/DNA complex suggests that Arg-331, which is absent in PI-SceI, contacts T/A+5, and the reduced activity observed in a PI-ZbaI R331A mutant provides evidence for this interaction. These data illustrate that homing endonucleases evolve altered specificity as they adapt to recognize alternative target sites.

Termini of human chromosomes display elevated rates of mitotic recombination.

PubMed

Cornforth, M N; Eberle, R L

2001-01-01

The strand-specific in situ hybridization technique of CO-FISH was used to probe telomeres of human mitotic cells in order to determine the spontaneous frequency of crossover. This approach allowed the detection of recombinational crossovers occurring anywhere along the length of individual chromosomes, including reciprocal events taking place between sister chromatids. Although the process of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is the most prominent type of recombination in somatic mammalian cells, our results show that SCEs accounted for less than a third of the recombinational events revealed by CO-FISH. It is concluded that chromosomal regions near the termini of chromosome arms undergo extraordinarily high rates of spontaneous recombination, producing terminal crossovers whose small size precludes detection by standard cytogenetic methods. That similar results were observed for transformed epithelial cells, as well as primary fibroblasts, suggests that the phenomenon is a common characteristic of human cells. These findings are noteworthy because, although telomeric and subtelomeric DNA is known to be preferentially involved in certain types of recombination, the tips of somatic mammalian chromosomes have not previously been identified as preferred sites for crossover. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of limitations imposed on CO-FISH for its proposed use in directional hybridization mapping.

[Studies on photo-electron-chemical catalytic degradation of the malachite green].

PubMed

Li, Ming-yu; Diao, Zeng-hui; Song, Lin; Wang, Xin-le; Zhang, Yuan-ming

2010-07-01

A novel two-compartment photo-electro-chemical catalytic reactor was designed. The TiO2/Ti thin film electrode thermally formed was used as photo-anode, and graphite as cathode and a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) as the reference electrode in the reactor. The anode compartment and cathode compartment were connected with the ionic exchange membrane in this reactor. Effects of initial pH, initial concentration of malachite green and connective modes between the anode compartment and cathode compartment on the decolorization efficiency of malachite green were investigated. The degradation dynamics of malachite green was studied. Based on the change of UV-visible light spectrum, the degradation process of malachite green was discussed. The experimental results showed that, during the time of 120 min, the decolouring ratio of the malachite green was 97.7% when initial concentration of malachite green is 30 mg x L(-1) and initial pH is 3.0. The catalytic degradation of malachite green was a pseudo-first order reaction. In the degradation process of malachite green the azo bond cleavage and the conjugated system of malachite green were attacked by hydroxyl radical. Simultaneity, the aromatic ring was oxidized. Finally, malachite green was degraded into other small molecular compounds.

Monitoring human exposure to urban air pollutants

PubMed Central

Barale, R.; Barrai, I.; Sbrana, I.; Migliore, L.; Marrazzini, A.; Scarcelli, V.; Bacci, E.; Di Sibio, A.; Tessa, A.; Cocchi, L.; Lubrano, V.; Vassalle, C.; He, J.

1993-01-01

A multidisciplinary study on a general population exposed to vehicle exhaust was undertaken in Pisa in 1991. Environmental factors such as air pollution and those associated with lifestyle were studied. Meanwhile, biological and medical indicators of health condition were investigated. Chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), and micronuclei in lymphocytes were included for the assessment of the genotoxic risk. Because of the large number (3800) of subjects being investigated, standardization of protocols was compulsory. The results on data reproducibility are reported. To assess the reliability of the protocol on a large scale, the population of Porto Tolle, a village located in northeast Italy, was studied and compared to a subset of the Pisa population. Preliminary results showed that probable differences between the two populations and invididuals were present in terms of SCE frequencies. The study was potentially able to detect the effects of several factors such as age, smoking, genetics, and environment. The in vitro treatment of lymphocytes with diepoxybutane confirmed the presence of more responsive individuals and permitted us to investigate the genetic predisposition to genetic damage. The possible influence of environmental factors was studied by correlation analyses with external exposure to air pollutants as well as with several lifestyle factors. PMID:8143653

In vitro potential cytogenetic and oxidative stress effects of roxithromycin.

PubMed

Arslan, Mehmet; Timocin, Taygun; Ila, Hasan B

2017-10-01

Macrolide antibiotic roxithromycin was evaluated in terms of its genotoxic, cytotoxic and oxidative stress effects. For this purpose; 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL concentrations of roxithromycin were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and treated to human peripheral blood lymphocytes for two different treatment periods (24 and 48 h). In chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests, roxithromycin did not show genotoxic effect. But it induced sister chromatid exchange (SCE) at the highest concentration (200 μg/mL) for the 24-h treatment period and at all concentrations (except 25 μg/mL) for the 48-h treatment period. Looking at cytotoxic effect of roxithromycin, statistically insignificant decreases on mitotic index and proliferation index were observed. Roxithromycin decreased nuclear division index (NDI) at highest two concentrations (100 and 200 μg/mL) for the 24-h treatment period and at all concentrations (expect 25 μg/mL) for the 48-h treatment period. Total oxidant values, total antioxidant values and oxidative stress index did not change with roxithromycin treatment. Eventually, roxithromycin did not have genotoxic and oxidative stress effects in human-cultured lymphocytes.

Keys and seats: Spatial response coding underlying the joint spatial compatibility effect.

PubMed

Dittrich, Kerstin; Dolk, Thomas; Rothe-Wulf, Annelie; Klauer, Karl Christoph; Prinz, Wolfgang

2013-11-01

Spatial compatibility effects (SCEs) are typically observed when participants have to execute spatially defined responses to nonspatial stimulus features (e.g., the color red or green) that randomly appear to the left and the right. Whereas a spatial correspondence of stimulus and response features facilitates response execution, a noncorrespondence impairs task performance. Interestingly, the SCE is drastically reduced when a single participant responds to one stimulus feature (e.g., green) by operating only one response key (individual go/no-go task), whereas a full-blown SCE is observed when the task is distributed between two participants (joint go/no-go task). This joint SCE (a.k.a. the social Simon effect) has previously been explained by action/task co-representation, whereas alternative accounts ascribe joint SCEs to spatial components inherent in joint go/no-go tasks that allow participants to code their responses spatially. Although increasing evidence supports the idea that spatial rather than social aspects are responsible for joint SCEs emerging, it is still unclear to which component(s) the spatial coding refers to: the spatial orientation of response keys, the spatial orientation of responding agents, or both. By varying the spatial orientation of the responding agents (Exp. 1) and of the response keys (Exp. 2), independent of the spatial orientation of the stimuli, in the present study we found joint SCEs only when both the seating and the response key alignment matched the stimulus alignment. These results provide evidence that spatial response coding refers not only to the response key arrangement, but also to the-often neglected-spatial orientation of the responding agents.

An Enzyme Switch Employing Direct Electrochemical Communication between Horseradish Peroxidase and a Poly(aniline) Film.

PubMed

Bartlett, P N; Birkin, P R; Wang, J H; Palmisano, F; De Benedetto, G

1998-09-01

An enzyme switch, or microelectrochemical enzyme transistor, responsive to hydrogen peroxide was made by connecting two carbon band electrodes (∼10 μm wide, 4.5 mm long separated by a 20-μm gap) with an anodically grown film of poly(aniline). Horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) was either adsorbed onto the poly(aniline) film or immobilized in an insulating poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) polymer grown electrochemically on top of the poly(aniline) film to complete the device. In the completed device, the conductivity of the poly(aniline) film changes from conducting (between - 0.05 and + 0.3 V vs SCE at pH 5) to insulating (>+0.3 V vs SCE at pH 5) on addition of hydrogen peroxide. The change in conductivity is brought about by oxidation of the poly(aniline) film by direct electrochemical communication between the enzyme and the conducting polymer. This was confirmed by measuring the potential of the poly(aniline) film during switching of the conductivity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The devices can be reused by rereducing the poly(aniline) electrochemically to a potential below +0.3 V vs SCE. A blind test showed that the device can be used to determine unknown concentrations of H(2)O(2) in solution and that, when used with hydrogen peroxide concentrations below 0.5 mmol dm(-)(3), the same device maybe reused several times. The possible development of devices of this type for use in applications requiring the measurement of low levels of hydrogen peroxide or horseradish peroxidase is discussed.

Charge storage mechanisms of manganese oxide nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iamprasertkun, Pawin; Krittayavathananon, Atiweena; Seubsai, Anusorn; Chanlek, Narong; Kidkhunthod, Pinit; Sangthong, Winyoo; Maensiri, Santi; Yimnirun, Rattikorn; Nilmoung, Sukanya; Pannopard, Panvika; Ittisanronnachai, Somlak; Kongpatpanich, Kanokwan; Limtrakul, Jumras; Sawangphruk, Montree

2016-11-01

Although manganese oxide- and graphene-based supercapacitors have been widely studied, their charge storage mechanisms are not yet fully investigated. In this work, we have studied the charge storage mechanisms of K-birnassite MnO2 nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel (N-rGOae) using an in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and an electrochemical quart crystal microbalance (EQCM). The oxidation number of Mn at the MnO2 electrode is +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the charging process and gets oxidized to +3.12 at +0.8 V vs. SCE and then reduced back to +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the discharging process. The mass change of solvated ions, inserted to the layers of MnO2 during the charging process is 7.4 μg cm-2. Whilst, the mass change of the solvated ions at the N-rGOae electrode is 8.4 μg cm-2. An asymmetric supercapacitor of MnO2//N-rGOae (CR2016) provides a maximum specific capacitance of ca. 467 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, a maximum specific power of 39 kW kg-1 and a specific energy of 40 Wh kg-1 with a wide working potential of 1.6 V and 93.2% capacity retention after 7,500 cycles. The MnO2//N-rGOae supercapacitor may be practically used in high power and energy applications.

Charge storage mechanisms of manganese oxide nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Iamprasertkun, Pawin; Krittayavathananon, Atiweena; Seubsai, Anusorn; Chanlek, Narong; Kidkhunthod, Pinit; Sangthong, Winyoo; Maensiri, Santi; Yimnirun, Rattikorn; Nilmoung, Sukanya; Pannopard, Panvika; Ittisanronnachai, Somlak; Kongpatpanich, Kanokwan; Limtrakul, Jumras; Sawangphruk, Montree

2016-11-18

Although manganese oxide- and graphene-based supercapacitors have been widely studied, their charge storage mechanisms are not yet fully investigated. In this work, we have studied the charge storage mechanisms of K-birnassite MnO 2 nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel (N-rGO ae ) using an in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and an electrochemical quart crystal microbalance (EQCM). The oxidation number of Mn at the MnO 2 electrode is +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the charging process and gets oxidized to +3.12 at +0.8 V vs. SCE and then reduced back to +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the discharging process. The mass change of solvated ions, inserted to the layers of MnO 2 during the charging process is 7.4 μg cm -2 . Whilst, the mass change of the solvated ions at the N-rGO ae electrode is 8.4 μg cm -2 . An asymmetric supercapacitor of MnO 2 //N-rGO ae (CR2016) provides a maximum specific capacitance of ca. 467 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 , a maximum specific power of 39 kW kg -1 and a specific energy of 40 Wh kg -1 with a wide working potential of 1.6 V and 93.2% capacity retention after 7,500 cycles. The MnO 2 //N-rGO ae supercapacitor may be practically used in high power and energy applications.

Charge storage mechanisms of manganese oxide nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Iamprasertkun, Pawin; Krittayavathananon, Atiweena; Seubsai, Anusorn; Chanlek, Narong; Kidkhunthod, Pinit; Sangthong, Winyoo; Maensiri, Santi; Yimnirun, Rattikorn; Nilmoung, Sukanya; Pannopard, Panvika; Ittisanronnachai, Somlak; Kongpatpanich, Kanokwan; Limtrakul, Jumras; Sawangphruk, Montree

2016-01-01

Although manganese oxide- and graphene-based supercapacitors have been widely studied, their charge storage mechanisms are not yet fully investigated. In this work, we have studied the charge storage mechanisms of K-birnassite MnO2 nanosheets and N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel (N-rGOae) using an in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and an electrochemical quart crystal microbalance (EQCM). The oxidation number of Mn at the MnO2 electrode is +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the charging process and gets oxidized to +3.12 at +0.8 V vs. SCE and then reduced back to +3.01 at 0 V vs. SCE for the discharging process. The mass change of solvated ions, inserted to the layers of MnO2 during the charging process is 7.4 μg cm−2. Whilst, the mass change of the solvated ions at the N-rGOae electrode is 8.4 μg cm−2. An asymmetric supercapacitor of MnO2//N-rGOae (CR2016) provides a maximum specific capacitance of ca. 467 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, a maximum specific power of 39 kW kg−1 and a specific energy of 40 Wh kg−1 with a wide working potential of 1.6 V and 93.2% capacity retention after 7,500 cycles. The MnO2//N-rGOae supercapacitor may be practically used in high power and energy applications. PMID:27857225

Estimation of the ARNO model baseflow parameters using daily streamflow data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdulla, F. A.; Lettenmaier, D. P.; Liang, Xu

1999-09-01

An approach is described for estimation of baseflow parameters of the ARNO model, using historical baseflow recession sequences extracted from daily streamflow records. This approach allows four of the model parameters to be estimated without rainfall data, and effectively facilitates partitioning of the parameter estimation procedure so that parsimonious search procedures can be used to estimate the remaining storm response parameters separately. Three methods of optimization are evaluated for estimation of four baseflow parameters. These methods are the downhill Simplex (S), Simulated Annealing combined with the Simplex method (SA) and Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE). These estimation procedures are explored in conjunction with four objective functions: (1) ordinary least squares; (2) ordinary least squares with Box-Cox transformation; (3) ordinary least squares on prewhitened residuals; (4) ordinary least squares applied to prewhitened with Box-Cox transformation of residuals. The effects of changing the seed random generator for both SA and SCE methods are also explored, as are the effects of the bounds of the parameters. Although all schemes converge to the same values of the objective function, SCE method was found to be less sensitive to these issues than both the SA and the Simplex schemes. Parameter uncertainty and interactions are investigated through estimation of the variance-covariance matrix and confidence intervals. As expected the parameters were found to be correlated and the covariance matrix was found to be not diagonal. Furthermore, the linearized confidence interval theory failed for about one-fourth of the catchments while the maximum likelihood theory did not fail for any of the catchments.

A bio-inspired system for spatio-temporal recognition in static and video imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosla, Deepak; Moore, Christopher K.; Chelian, Suhas

2007-04-01

This paper presents a bio-inspired method for spatio-temporal recognition in static and video imagery. It builds upon and extends our previous work on a bio-inspired Visual Attention and object Recognition System (VARS). The VARS approach locates and recognizes objects in a single frame. This work presents two extensions of VARS. The first extension is a Scene Recognition Engine (SCE) that learns to recognize spatial relationships between objects that compose a particular scene category in static imagery. This could be used for recognizing the category of a scene, e.g., office vs. kitchen scene. The second extension is the Event Recognition Engine (ERE) that recognizes spatio-temporal sequences or events in sequences. This extension uses a working memory model to recognize events and behaviors in video imagery by maintaining and recognizing ordered spatio-temporal sequences. The working memory model is based on an ARTSTORE1 neural network that combines an ART-based neural network with a cascade of sustained temporal order recurrent (STORE)1 neural networks. A series of Default ARTMAP classifiers ascribes event labels to these sequences. Our preliminary studies have shown that this extension is robust to variations in an object's motion profile. We evaluated the performance of the SCE and ERE on real datasets. The SCE module was tested on a visual scene classification task using the LabelMe2 dataset. The ERE was tested on real world video footage of vehicles and pedestrians in a street scene. Our system is able to recognize the events in this footage involving vehicles and pedestrians.

32. SHAW BOX 5 TON CRANE, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. SHAW BOX 5 TON CRANE, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 3, JAN. 24, 1977. SCE drawing no. 455678-0. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Powerhouse, San Bernardino National Forest, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

31. SAR2, INTERIOR SHOWING SWITCHBOARD, OPERATOR'S DESK, AND TRANSFORMER BANK. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

31. SAR-2, INTERIOR SHOWING SWITCHBOARD, OPERATOR'S DESK, AND TRANSFORMER BANK. SCE negative no. 10327, November 1, 1923. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

42. SAR2, OVERVIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA, LOOKING NORTH, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

42. SAR-2, OVERVIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA, LOOKING NORTH, SHOWING HORSE-DRAWN BUGGY. SCE negative no. 3, no date. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

77 FR 20016 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-03

... Cancellation of LtrAgmt SCE-GBU for 1901 CA St Redlands Roof Top Solar to be effective 1/31/2012. Filed Date: 3... Facilities Agreement & DSA with Green Power Partners (WDT035). Filed Date: 3/26/12. Accession Number...

The VOLSCAT package for electron and positron scattering of molecular targets: A new high throughput approach to cross-section and resonances computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanna, N.; Baccarelli, I.; Morelli, G.

2009-12-01

VOLSCAT is a computer program which implements the Single Center Expansion (SCE) method to solve the scattering equation for the elastic collision of electrons/positrons off molecular targets. The scattering potential needed is calculated by on-the-fly calls to the external SCELib library for molecular properties, recently ported to GPU computing environment and ClearSpeed platforms, and made available by means of an Application Program Interface (SCELib-API) which is also provided with the VOLSCAT package in a beta version. The result is a high throughput approach to the solution of the complex e/e-molecule scattering problem, with allows for intensive calculations both for the number of systems which can be studied and for their size. Accurate partial and total elastic cross sections are produced in output together with the associated eigenphase sums. Indirect scattering processes arising from the formation of temporary negative ions can also be analyzed through the computation of the resonances' parameters. Program summaryProgram title: VOLSCAT V1.0 Catalogue identifier: AEEW_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEEW_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 4 618 353 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 120 307 536 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran90 Computer: All SMP platforms based on AIX, Linux and SUNOS operating systems over SPARC, POWER, Intel Itanium2, X86, em64t and Opteron processors Operating system: SUNOS, IBM AIX, Linux RedHat (Enterprise), Linux SuSE (SLES) Has the code been vectorized or parallelized?: Yes. The parallel version in the present release of the code is limited to the OpenMP calculation of the exchange potential V or V. The number of OpenMP threads can then be set in the input script. RAM: For a typical (isolated) biomolecule (e.g. Cytosine or Ribose) a converged calculation would require from 320 MB up to 2.5 GB. Word size: 64 bits Classification: 16.5 External routines: LAPACK (dsyev, dgetri, dgetrf) ( http://www.netlib.org/lapack/) Nature of problem: In this set of codes an efficient procedure is implemented to calculate partial cross section for the scattering between an electron/positron and a molecular target as a function of the collision energies. Solution method: The scattering equations are derived in the framework of the Single Center Expansion (SCE) procedure which allows the reduction of the original three-dimensional problem to a radial (one-dimensional) equation through the expansion of the scattering potential and the system wavefunction in a set of symmetry-adapted (real) spherical harmonics. The local part of the electrostatic interaction between the charged projectile (electron/positron) and the molecular target is provided in input by the SCELib library, which also provides the correlation and polarization corrections for the short-range and long-range part, respectively, of the interaction. A proper Application Programming Interface (API) is used by VOLSCAT to load the energy-independent part of the potential while the non-local exchange contribution is approximated by a local form and calculated on the fly in the VOLSCAT run for each desired collision energy. The resulting SCE one-dimensional homogeneous scattering equation is rewritten in an integral form by means of the standard Green's function technique resulting in a set of Volterra coupled equations which are solved to give the phase shifts and cross sections for any desired impact energy in terms of the partial components defined by the irreducible representations of the symmetry point group to which the target molecule belongs. The total cross section can then be straightforwardly calculated by summing over all the partial cross sections produced in the output. By the Breit-Wigner analysis of the eigenphase sum produced as a function of the energy one can also get information on the location of possible resonance states arising in the collision process. Restrictions: Depending on the molecular system under study and on the operating conditions the program may or may not fit into available RAM memory. Additional comments: A beta version of SCELib-API is included in the distribution package. Running time: The execution time strongly depends on the molecular target description and on the hardware/OS chosen, it is directly proportional to the (r,θ,φ) grid size and to the number of angular basis functions used.

Membrane Stored Curvature Elastic Stress Modulates Recruitment of Maintenance Proteins PspA and Vipp1.

PubMed

McDonald, Christopher; Jovanovic, Goran; Ces, Oscar; Buck, Martin

2015-09-01

Phage shock protein A (PspA), which is responsible for maintaining inner membrane integrity under stress in enterobacteria, and vesicle-inducting protein in plastids 1 (Vipp1), which functions for membrane maintenance and thylakoid biogenesis in cyanobacteria and plants, are similar peripheral membrane-binding proteins. Their homologous N-terminal amphipathic helices are required for membrane binding; however, the membrane features recognized and required for expressing their functionalities have remained largely uncharacterized. Rigorously controlled, in vitro methodologies with lipid vesicles and purified proteins were used in this study and provided the first biochemical and biophysical characterizations of membrane binding by PspA and Vipp1. Both proteins are found to sense stored curvature elastic (SCE) stress and anionic lipids within the membrane. PspA has an enhanced sensitivity for SCE stress and a higher affinity for the membrane than Vipp1. These variations in binding may be crucial for some of the proteins' differing roles in vivo. Assays probing the transcriptional regulatory function of PspA in the presence of vesicles showed that a relief of transcription inhibition occurs in an SCE stress-specific manner. This in vitro recapitulation of membrane stress-dependent transcription control suggests that the Psp response may be mounted in vivo when a cell's inner membrane experiences increased SCE stress. All cell types maintain the integrity of their membrane systems. One widely distributed membrane stress response system in bacteria is the phage shock protein (Psp) system. The central component, peripheral membrane protein PspA, which mitigates inner membrane stress in bacteria, has a counterpart, Vipp1, which functions for membrane maintenance and thylakoid biogenesis in plants and photosynthetic bacteria. Membrane association of both these proteins is accepted as playing a pivotal role in their functions. Here we show that direct membrane binding by PspA and Vipp1 is driven by two physio-chemical signals, one of which is membrane stress specific. Our work points to alleviation of membrane stored curvature elastic stress by amphipathic helix insertions as an attractive mechanism for membrane maintenance by PspA and Vipp1. Furthermore, the identification of a physical, stress-related membrane signal suggests a unilateral mechanism that promotes both binding of PspA and induction of the Psp response. Copyright © 2015 McDonald et al.

Growth performance, body composition, and digestive functionality of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858) juveniles fed diets including microalgae freeze-dried biomass.

PubMed

Vizcaíno, A J; Rodiles, A; López, G; Sáez, M I; Herrera, M; Hachero, I; Martínez, T F; Cerón-García, M C; Alarcón, F Javier

2018-04-01

Senegalese sole is one of the most promising fish species cultivated in the Southern European countries. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of microalgae biomass added to diets for Senegalese sole juveniles on fish growing and condition status. Three isoproteic (52%) and isolipidic (10%) were formulated containing 15% Tisochrysis lutea (TISO), Nannochloropsis gaditana (NAN), or Scenedesmus almeriensis (SCE) biomass, respectively. An experimental microalgae-free diet (CT) and a commercial diet (COM) were used as controls. Fish were fed at 3% of their body weight for 85 days. Final body weight of fish fed microalgae-supplemented diets did not differ from group fed CT diet. Fish-fed CT, TISO, NAN, and SCE showed higher growth performance and nutrient utilization figures than specimen-fed COM diet. The highest carcass lipid content was found in COM group (141 g kg -1 ), and no differences were observed in body protein content. Ash was significantly higher in TISO, NAN, and SCE groups compared to fish-fed CT. Muscle EPA and DHA contents were not modified owing to the different dietary treatments. The n3/n6 and EPA/DHA ratios in muscle were similar in all the experimental groups. The quantification of digestive proteolytic activities did not differ among experimental groups, although differences in the protease pattern in digestive extracts by zymography were revealed in those fish fed on COM diet. Both α-amylase activity in the intestinal lumen and leucine aminopeptidase in the intestinal tissue were significantly lower in COM fish. Specimens fed on SCE diet showed a higher leucine aminopeptidase activity associated to the intestinal tissue compared to NAN-fed fish (0.40 and 0.25 U g tissue -1 , respectively). The ultrastructural study revealed that the dietary inclusion of algal biomass, especially T. lutea and N. gaditana, had a positive impact on the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa. The highest values for the parameters microvilli length and microvilli absorption surface were observed in fish fed on NAN diet (1.99 μm and 45.93 μm 2 , respectively). Even though further studies aimed at optimizing commercial formulas for Senegalese sole are required prior to any large-scale practical utilization, the results obtained clearly suggest the potential of microalgae as dietary ingredients for this fish species.

Overview of NASA's MODIS and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) snow-cover Earth System Data Records

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggs, George A.; Hall, Dorothy K.; Roman, Miguel O.

2017-01-01

Knowledge of the distribution, extent, duration and timing of snowmelt is critical for characterizing the Earth's climate system and its changes. As a result, snow cover is one of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) essential climate variables (ECVs). Consistent, long-term datasets of snow cover are needed to study interannual variability and snow climatology. The NASA snow-cover datasets generated from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Terra and Aqua spacecraft and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) are NASA Earth System Data Records (ESDR). The objective of the snow-cover detection algorithms is to optimize the accuracy of mapping snow-cover extent (SCE) and to minimize snow-cover detection errors of omission and commission using automated, globally applied algorithms to produce SCE data products. Advancements in snow-cover mapping have been made with each of the four major reprocessings of the MODIS data record, which extends from 2000 to the present. MODIS Collection 6 (C6) and VIIRS Collection 1 (C1) represent the state-of-the-art global snow cover mapping algorithms and products for NASA Earth science. There were many revisions made in the C6 algorithms which improved snow-cover detection accuracy and information content of the data products. These improvements have also been incorporated into the NASA VIIRS snow cover algorithms for C1. Both information content and usability were improved by including the Normalized Snow Difference Index (NDSI) and a quality assurance (QA) data array of algorithm processing flags in the data product, along with the SCE map.The increased data content allows flexibility in using the datasets for specific regions and end-user applications.Though there are important differences between the MODIS and VIIRS instruments (e.g., the VIIRS 375m native resolution compared to MODIS 500 m), the snow detection algorithms and data products are designed to be as similar as possible so that the 16C year MODIS ESDR of global SCE can be extended into the future with the S-NPP VIIRS snow products and with products from future Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) platforms.These NASA datasets are archived and accessible through the NASA Distributed Active Archive Center at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado.

Assessing the Impact of Community Engagement Interventions on Health Worker Motivation and Experiences with Clients in Primary Health Facilities in Ghana: A Randomized Cluster Trial

PubMed Central

Alhassan, Robert Kaba; Nketiah-Amponsah, Edward; Spieker, Nicole; Arhinful, Daniel Kojo; Rinke de Wit, Tobias F.

2016-01-01

Background Health worker density per 1000 population in Ghana is one of the lowest in the world estimated to be 2.3, below the global average of 9.3. Low health worker motivation induced by poor working conditions partly explain this challenge. Albeit the wage bill for public sector health workers is about 90% of domestic government expenditure on health in countries such as Ghana, staff motivation and performance output remain a challenge, suggesting the need to complement financial incentives with non-financial incentives through a community-based approach. In this study, a systematic community engagement (SCE) intervention was implemented to engage community groups in healthcare quality assessment to promote mutual collaboration between clients and healthcare providers, and enhance health worker motivation levels. SCE involves structured use of existing community groups and associations to assess healthcare quality in health facilities. Identified quality gaps are discussed with healthcare providers, improvements made and rewards given to best performing facilities for closing quality care gaps. Purpose To evaluate the effect of SCE interventions on health worker motivation and experiences with clients. Methods The study is a cluster randomized trial involving health workers in private (n = 38) and public (n = 26) primary healthcare facilities in two administrative regions in Ghana. Out of 324 clinical and non-clinical staff randomly interviewed at baseline, 234 (72%) were successfully followed at end-line and interviewed on workplace motivation factors and personal experiences with clients. Propensity score matching and difference-in-difference estimations were used to estimate treatment effect of the interventions on staff motivation. Results Intrinsic (non-financial) work incentives including cordiality with clients and perceived career prospects appeared to be prime sources of motivation for health staff interviewed in intervention health facilities while financial incentives were ranked lowest. Intervention health facilities that were assessed by female community groups (Coef. = 0.2720, p = 0.0118) and informal groups with organized leadership structures like Artisans (Coef. = 0.2268, p = 0.0368) associated positively with higher intrinsic motivation levels of staff. Conclusion Community-based approach to health worker motivation is a potential complementary strategy that needs policy deliberation to explore its prospects. Albeit financial incentives remain critical sources of staff motivation, innovative non-financial approaches like SCE should complement the latter. PMID:27439012

Assessing the Impact of Community Engagement Interventions on Health Worker Motivation and Experiences with Clients in Primary Health Facilities in Ghana: A Randomized Cluster Trial.

PubMed

Alhassan, Robert Kaba; Nketiah-Amponsah, Edward; Spieker, Nicole; Arhinful, Daniel Kojo; Rinke de Wit, Tobias F

2016-01-01

Health worker density per 1000 population in Ghana is one of the lowest in the world estimated to be 2.3, below the global average of 9.3. Low health worker motivation induced by poor working conditions partly explain this challenge. Albeit the wage bill for public sector health workers is about 90% of domestic government expenditure on health in countries such as Ghana, staff motivation and performance output remain a challenge, suggesting the need to complement financial incentives with non-financial incentives through a community-based approach. In this study, a systematic community engagement (SCE) intervention was implemented to engage community groups in healthcare quality assessment to promote mutual collaboration between clients and healthcare providers, and enhance health worker motivation levels. SCE involves structured use of existing community groups and associations to assess healthcare quality in health facilities. Identified quality gaps are discussed with healthcare providers, improvements made and rewards given to best performing facilities for closing quality care gaps. To evaluate the effect of SCE interventions on health worker motivation and experiences with clients. The study is a cluster randomized trial involving health workers in private (n = 38) and public (n = 26) primary healthcare facilities in two administrative regions in Ghana. Out of 324 clinical and non-clinical staff randomly interviewed at baseline, 234 (72%) were successfully followed at end-line and interviewed on workplace motivation factors and personal experiences with clients. Propensity score matching and difference-in-difference estimations were used to estimate treatment effect of the interventions on staff motivation. Intrinsic (non-financial) work incentives including cordiality with clients and perceived career prospects appeared to be prime sources of motivation for health staff interviewed in intervention health facilities while financial incentives were ranked lowest. Intervention health facilities that were assessed by female community groups (Coef. = 0.2720, p = 0.0118) and informal groups with organized leadership structures like Artisans (Coef. = 0.2268, p = 0.0368) associated positively with higher intrinsic motivation levels of staff. Community-based approach to health worker motivation is a potential complementary strategy that needs policy deliberation to explore its prospects. Albeit financial incentives remain critical sources of staff motivation, innovative non-financial approaches like SCE should complement the latter.

CovalentDock Cloud: a web server for automated covalent docking.

PubMed

Ouyang, Xuchang; Zhou, Shuo; Ge, Zemei; Li, Runtao; Kwoh, Chee Keong

2013-07-01

Covalent binding is an important mechanism for many drugs to gain its function. We developed a computational algorithm to model this chemical event and extended it to a web server, the CovalentDock Cloud, to make it accessible directly online without any local installation and configuration. It provides a simple yet user-friendly web interface to perform covalent docking experiments and analysis online. The web server accepts the structures of both the ligand and the receptor uploaded by the user or retrieved from online databases with valid access id. It identifies the potential covalent binding patterns, carries out the covalent docking experiments and provides visualization of the result for user analysis. This web server is free and open to all users at http://docking.sce.ntu.edu.sg/.

CovalentDock Cloud: a web server for automated covalent docking

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Xuchang; Zhou, Shuo; Ge, Zemei; Li, Runtao; Kwoh, Chee Keong

2013-01-01

Covalent binding is an important mechanism for many drugs to gain its function. We developed a computational algorithm to model this chemical event and extended it to a web server, the CovalentDock Cloud, to make it accessible directly online without any local installation and configuration. It provides a simple yet user-friendly web interface to perform covalent docking experiments and analysis online. The web server accepts the structures of both the ligand and the receptor uploaded by the user or retrieved from online databases with valid access id. It identifies the potential covalent binding patterns, carries out the covalent docking experiments and provides visualization of the result for user analysis. This web server is free and open to all users at http://docking.sce.ntu.edu.sg/. PMID:23677616

26. SAR2, GENERAL VIEW FROM WEST SHOWING DAMAGE FROM 1938 ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

26. SAR-2, GENERAL VIEW FROM WEST SHOWING DAMAGE FROM 1938 FLOOD. SCE negative no. 20949, March 30, 1938. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

5. SWITCH TOWER AND JUNCTION OF S.A.R. #1 & S.A.R. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. SWITCH TOWER AND JUNCTION OF S.A.R. #1 & S.A.R. #2 TRANSMISSION LINES, MARCH 7, 1916. SCE drawing no. 4932. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Transmission Lines, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

53. SIPHON NO. 1, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

53. SIPHON NO. 1, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, EXHIBIT L, PROJECT 1933, MAY 1973. SCE drawing no. 5110869 (sheet no. 11; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

3. TAILRACE AND FOREBAY, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. TAILRACE AND FOREBAY, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541475 (sheet 6; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Forebay & Penstock, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

37. SAR2, SHOWING OIL CIRCUIT BREAKERS (ABOVE) AND GENERATOR FIELD ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

37. SAR-2, SHOWING OIL CIRCUIT BREAKERS (ABOVE) AND GENERATOR FIELD COIL CONTROL RHEOSTATS (BELOW). SCE negative no. 10331, November 1, 1923. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

44. SAR3, GENERAL VIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA FROM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

44. SAR-3, GENERAL VIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA FROM THE NEW TRAIL ACROSS THE CANYON. SCE negative no. 4321, March 15, 1918. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

4. PENSTOCKS. EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. PENSTOCKS. EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523197 (sheet no. 7; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-1 Forebay & Penstock, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

2. SPILLWAYS AND ROCKDROP, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. SPILLWAYS AND ROCK-DROP, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541724 (sheet 5; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Forebay & Penstock, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

9. HIGH LENNON FLUME, SANTA ANA NO 3, EXHIBIT L, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. HIGH LENNON FLUME, SANTA ANA NO 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541723 (sheet 3; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Warm Springs Canyon-SAR-3 Flumes, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

5. SANDBOX BETWEEN TUNNELS 12. SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. SANDBOX BETWEEN TUNNELS 1-2. SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541727 (sheet 2; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Sandbox, SAR-3 Flowline, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Elimination of deleterious effects of DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice by Syzygium cumini seed extract.

PubMed

Parmar, Jyoti; Sharma, Priyanka; Verma, Preeti; Sharma, Priyanka; Goyal, Pradeep K

2011-09-01

The inhibition of tumor incidence by hydro-alcoholic extract of S.cumini seed was evaluated in mice on two stage process of skin carcinogenesis induced by single application of 7, 12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (100 µg/100µl of acetone), and 2 weeks later promoted by repeated application of croton oil (1% acetone/thrice in a week) till the end of the experiment (i.e. 16 weeks). Oral administration of extract at a dose of 250mg/kg b.wt./day at the peri-initiational stage (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after DMBA application), promotional stage (i.e. from the time of croton oil application) and at both the stages (i.e. 7 days prior to DMBA application & continued till the end of experiment) to the mice, recorded a significant reduction in tumor incidence to 37.5, 50 & 25% respectively in comparison to the carcinogen treated control, where tumor incidence was found as 100%. Tumor yield and Tumor burden were also significantly reduced by SCE. Similarly, the cumulative number of papillomas after 16 weeks was 68 in the control group, which was reduced to 15, 21 & 8 in the animals treated with the SCE continuously at peri-, post- and peri- & post- initiation stage respectively. A significant impairment was noticed in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase & protein and enhancement in LPO in liver and skin of carcinogen treated control mice as compared with vehicle treated mice. All such parameters were returned to near normal value by administration of SCE to DMBA treated mice. These results suggest a possible chemopreventive property of S.cumini against DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Cytotoxic and clastogenic effects of soluble and insoluble compounds containing hexavalent and trivalent chromium.

PubMed Central

Levis, A. G.; Majone, F.

1981-01-01

Cr(III) and Cr(VI) compounds of varying solubilities have been tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit cell growth and nucleic acid and protein syntheses in BHK cells, to induce alterations in the mitotic cycle in HEp cells, and to increase the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in CHO cells. All Cr(VI) compounds, and particularly those containing soluble Cr(VI), such as potassium dichromate and zinc yellow, differentially inhibit macromolecular syntheses in BKH cells, that of DNA being always the most affected. Among Cr(III) compounds, which generally have very low cytotoxicity, chromite is particularly active, and inhibits cell growth and DNA synthesis even more than the poorly soluble Cr(VI) compounds. Preincubation in growth medium, with or without metabolizing cell cultures, solubilizes considerable amounts of Cr(VI) from zinc yellow and chromite, but significant amounts are also obtained from the most insoluble Cr(VI) pigments. When BHK cells are treated with such preincubated solutions, reduction of soluble Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by cell metabolites is seen with all Cr(VI) compounds, accompanied by decreased cytotoxicity. The same differences between Cr(VI) and Cr(III) compounds apply to the cytotoxic effects on mitosis of HEp cells and the clastogenic effects on CHO cells. The activity of chromite, the only Cr(III) pigment capable of significantly increasing the frequency of SCE, is due to contamination with soluble Cr(VI). In contrast to the very low cytotoxicity of Cr(III), much higher chromium levels are detected in the cells incubated with soluble Cr(III) than with the same concentrations of soluble Cr(VI). 50% and 75% of chromium accumulated in the cells during treatments with Cr(VI) and Cr(III) respectively remains firmly bound to the cells, even when they are incubated for up to 48 h in normal growth medium. Chromium accumulated in the cells after treatment with Cr(III) is most probably bound to the cell membrane, whereas some of the Cr(VI) is transported through the cell membrane and reduced in the cell nucleus. The results of the present investigation are in agreement with those obtained with the same Cr(VI) and Cr(III) compounds in mutagenicity assays in bacteria and carcinogenicity tests in rodents. A re-evaluation of the mechanisms of chromium carcinogenisis is proposed. PMID:7272188

Cygnus Performance in Subcritical Experiments

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

G. Corrow, M. Hansen, D. Henderson, S. Lutz, C. Mitton, et al.

2008-02-01

The Cygnus Dual Beam Radiographic Facility consists of two identical radiographic sources with the following specifications: 4-rad dose at 1 m, 1-mm spot size, 50-ns pulse length, 2.25-MeV endpoint energy. The facility is located in an underground tunnel complex at the Nevada Test Site. Here SubCritical Experiments (SCEs) are performed to study the dynamic properties of plutonium. The Cygnus sources were developed as a primary diagnostic for these tests. Since SCEs are single-shot, high-value events - reliability and reproducibility are key issues. Enhanced reliability involves minimization of failure modes through design, inspection, and testing. Many unique hardware and operational featuresmore » were incorporated into Cygnus to insure reliability. Enhanced reproducibility involves normalization of shot-to-shot output also through design, inspection, and testing. The first SCE to utilize Cygnus, Armando, was executed on May 25, 2004. A year later, April - May 2005, calibrations using a plutonium step wedge were performed. The results from this series were used for more precise interpretation of the Armando data. In the period February - May 2007 Cygnus was fielded on Thermos, which is a series of small-sample plutonium shots using a one-dimensional geometry. Pulsed power research generally dictates frequent change in hardware configuration. Conversely, SCE applications have typically required constant machine settings. Therefore, while operating during the past four years we have accumulated a large database for evaluation of machine performance under highly consistent operating conditions. Through analysis of this database Cygnus reliability and reproducibility on Armando, Step Wedge, and Thermos is presented.« less

Heterogeneity of pulmonary perfusion as a mechanistic image-based phenotype in emphysema susceptible smokers.

PubMed

Alford, Sara K; van Beek, Edwin J R; McLennan, Geoffrey; Hoffman, Eric A

2010-04-20

Recent evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction and pathology of pulmonary vascular responses may serve as a precursor to smoking-associated emphysema. Although it is known that emphysematous destruction leads to vasculature changes, less is known about early regional vascular dysfunction which may contribute to and precede emphysematous changes. We sought to test the hypothesis, via multidetector row CT (MDCT) perfusion imaging, that smokers showing early signs of emphysema susceptibility have a greater heterogeneity in regional perfusion parameters than emphysema-free smokers and persons who had never smoked (NS). Assuming that all smokers have a consistent inflammatory response, increased perfusion heterogeneity in emphysema-susceptible smokers would be consistent with the notion that these subjects may have the inability to block hypoxic vasoconstriction in patchy, small regions of inflammation. Dynamic ECG-gated MDCT perfusion scans with a central bolus injection of contrast were acquired in 17 NS, 12 smokers with normal CT imaging studies (SNI), and 12 smokers with subtle CT findings of centrilobular emphysema (SCE). All subjects had normal spirometry. Quantitative image analysis determined regional perfusion parameters, pulmonary blood flow (PBF), and mean transit time (MTT). Mean and coefficient of variation were calculated, and statistical differences were assessed with one-way ANOVA. MDCT-based MTT and PBF measurements demonstrate globally increased heterogeneity in SCE subjects compared with NS and SNI subjects but demonstrate similarity between NS and SNI subjects. These findings demonstrate a functional lung-imaging measure that provides a more mechanistically oriented phenotype that differentiates smokers with and without evidence of emphysema susceptibility.

Assessment of adaptability of zebu cattle ( Bos indicus) breeds in two different climatic conditions: using cytogenetic techniques on genome integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Anil; Waiz, Syma Ashraf; Sridhar Goud, T.; Tonk, R. K.; Grewal, Anita; Singh, S. V.; Yadav, B. R.; Upadhyay, R. C.

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genome integrity so as to assess the adaptability of three breeds of indigenous cattle reared under arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (Bikaner) and Haryana (Karnal) India. The cattle were of homogenous group (same age and sex) of indigenous breeds viz. Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Kankrej. A total of 100 animals were selected for this study from both climatic conditions. The sister chromatid exchanges (SCE's), chromosomal gaps and chromatid breaks were observed in metaphase plates of chromosome preparations obtained from in vitro culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The mean number of breaks and gaps in Sahiwal and Tharparkar of semi-arid zone were 8.56 ± 3.16, 6.4 ± 3.39 and 8.72 ± 2.04, 3.52 ± 6.29, respectively. Similarly, the mean number of breaks and gaps in Tharparkar and Kankrej cattle of arid zone were 5.26 ± 1.76, 2.74 ± 1.76 and 5.24 ± 1.84, 2.5 ± 1.26, respectively. The frequency of SCEs in chromosomes was found significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in Tharparkar of semi-arid region (4.72 ± 1.55) compared to arid region (2.83 ± 1.01). Similarly, the frequency of SCEs was found to be 4.0 ± 1.41 in the Sahiwal of semi-arid region and 2.69 ± 1.12 in Kankrej of arid zone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences ( P < 0.05) amongst the different zones, i.e. arid and semi-arid, whereas no significant difference ( P > 0.05) was observed in the same zone. The analysis of frequency of CAs and SCEs revealed significant effects of environmental conditions on the genome integrity of animals, thereby indicating an association with their adaptability.

Assessment of adaptability of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) breeds in two different climatic conditions: using cytogenetic techniques on genome integrity.

PubMed

Kumar, Anil; Waiz, Syma Ashraf; Sridhar Goud, T; Tonk, R K; Grewal, Anita; Singh, S V; Yadav, B R; Upadhyay, R C

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genome integrity so as to assess the adaptability of three breeds of indigenous cattle reared under arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (Bikaner) and Haryana (Karnal) India. The cattle were of homogenous group (same age and sex) of indigenous breeds viz. Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Kankrej. A total of 100 animals were selected for this study from both climatic conditions. The sister chromatid exchanges (SCE's), chromosomal gaps and chromatid breaks were observed in metaphase plates of chromosome preparations obtained from in vitro culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The mean number of breaks and gaps in Sahiwal and Tharparkar of semi-arid zone were 8.56 ± 3.16, 6.4 ± 3.39 and 8.72 ± 2.04, 3.52 ± 6.29, respectively. Similarly, the mean number of breaks and gaps in Tharparkar and Kankrej cattle of arid zone were 5.26 ± 1.76, 2.74 ± 1.76 and 5.24 ± 1.84, 2.5 ± 1.26, respectively. The frequency of SCEs in chromosomes was found significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Tharparkar of semi-arid region (4.72 ± 1.55) compared to arid region (2.83 ± 1.01). Similarly, the frequency of SCEs was found to be 4.0 ± 1.41 in the Sahiwal of semi-arid region and 2.69 ± 1.12 in Kankrej of arid zone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) amongst the different zones, i.e. arid and semi-arid, whereas no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the same zone. The analysis of frequency of CAs and SCEs revealed significant effects of environmental conditions on the genome integrity of animals, thereby indicating an association with their adaptability.

25. SAR2, SHOWING TAILRACE REPAIRS AFTER FLOOD OF JANUARY, 1916; ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

25. SAR-2, SHOWING TAILRACE REPAIRS AFTER FLOOD OF JANUARY, 1916; ALSO FLUME CONNECTION TO MENTONE SYSTEM. SCE negative no. 3904, July 13, 1916. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

43. FLOOR PLAN OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

43. FLOOR PLAN OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523643 (sheet no. 14; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

4. FOREBAY AND PENSTOCK, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. FOREBAY AND PENSTOCK, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523642 (sheet no. 13; for filing with the Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Forebay & Penstock, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

44. SECTIONS OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

44. SECTIONS OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523644 (sheet no. 15; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

55. CROSS SECTION OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

55. CROSS SECTION OF POWER HOUSE, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523199 (sheet no. 9, for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-1 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

11. INTAKE FLUME AND TUNNEL SECTIONS, SANTA ANA NO. 3, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. INTAKE FLUME AND TUNNEL SECTIONS, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541728 (sheet 1; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Warm Springs Canyon-SAR-3 Flumes, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

46. LONGITUDINAL SECTION POWER HOUSE S.A.R. NO. 2, EDISON ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

46. LONGITUDINAL SECTION - POWER HOUSE S.A.R. NO. 2, EDISON PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523198 (sheet no. 8; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

10. TYPICAL DETAILS OF LENNON FLUME, SANTA ANA NO. 3, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. TYPICAL DETAILS OF LENNON FLUME, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541722 (sheet 4; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Warm Springs Canyon-SAR-3 Flumes, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Dynamic near-infrared imaging reveals transient phototropic change in retinal rod photoreceptors.

PubMed

Lu, Rongwen; Levy, Alexander M; Zhang, Qiuxiang; Pittler, Steven J; Yao, Xincheng

2013-10-01

Stiles-Crawford effect (SCE) is exclusively observed in cone photoreceptors, but why the SCE is absent in rod photoreceptors is still a mystery. In this study, we employed dynamic near infrared light imaging to monitor photoreceptor kinetics in freshly isolated frog and mouse retinas stimulated by oblique visible light flashes. It was observed that retinal rods could rapidly (onset: ∼10 ms for frog and 5 ms for mouse; time-to-peak: ∼200 ms for frog and 30 ms for mouse) shift toward the direction of the visible light, which might quickly compensate for the loss of luminous efficiency due to oblique illumination. In contrast, such directional movement was negligible in retinal cones. Moreover, transient rod phototropism could contribute to characteristic intrinsic optical signal (IOS). We anticipate that further study of the transient rod phototropism may not only provide insight into better understanding of the nature of vision but also promise an IOS biomarker for functional mapping of rod physiology at high resolution.

Adsorption stripping voltammetry of phenol at Nafion-modified glassy carbon electrode in the presence of surfactants.

PubMed

Yi, H; Wu, K; Hu, S; Cui, D

2001-12-24

In this paper, a new voltammetric method for the determination of phenol is described. In pH 8.00 phosphate buffer and in the presence of long-chain cationic surfactant-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-phenol has a very sensitive oxidation peak at 0.47 V (vs. SCE) on the Nafion-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The experimental parameters, such as supporting electrolyte and pH values, amounts of Nafion, varieties and concentration of surfactants, accumulation potential and time, as well as scan rate were optimized. The peak current is linear with the concentration of phenol in the range from 8x10(-9) to 1x10(-5) M, and the detection limit is 1x10(-9) M after being accumulated at -0.50 V (vs. SCE) for 3 min. Trace levels of phenol in water samples were determined by using this voltammetric method, the average recovery was calculated to be 99.56%.

Study of Drug Metabolism by Xanthine Oxidase

PubMed Central

Zhao, Jing; He, Xiaolin; Yang, Nana; Sun, Lizhou; Li, Genxi

2012-01-01

In this work, we report the studies of drug metabolism by xanthine oxidase (XOD) with electrochemical techniques. Firstly, a pair of stable, well-defined and quasi-reversible oxidation/reduction peaks is obtained with the formal potential at −413.1 mV (vs. SCE) after embedding XOD in salmon sperm DNA membrane on the surface of pyrolytic graphite electrode. Then, a new steady peak can be observed at −730 mV (vs. SCE) upon the addition of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) to the electrochemical system, indicating the metabolism of 6-MP by XOD. Furthermore, the chronoamperometric response shows that the current of the catalytic peak located at −730 mV increases with addition of 6-MP in a concentration-dependent manner, and the increase of the chronoamperometric current can be inhibited by an XOD inhibitor, quercetin. Therefore, our results prove that XOD/DNA modified electrode can be efficiently used to study the metabolism of 6-MP, which may provide a convenient approach for in vitro studies on enzyme-catalyzed drug metabolism. PMID:22606015

Genome-wide profiling of PRC1 and PRC2 Polycomb chromatin binding in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Tolhuis, Bas; de Wit, Elzo; Muijrers, Inhua; Teunissen, Hans; Talhout, Wendy; van Steensel, Bas; van Lohuizen, Maarten

2006-06-01

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain transcriptional repression of developmentally important genes and have been implicated in cell proliferation and stem cell self-renewal. We used a genome-wide approach to map binding patterns of PcG proteins (Pc, esc and Sce) in Drosophila melanogaster Kc cells. We found that Pc associates with large genomic regions of up to approximately 150 kb in size, hereafter referred to as 'Pc domains'. Sce and esc accompany Pc in most of these domains. PcG-bound chromatin is trimethylated at histone H3 Lys27 and is generally transcriptionally silent. Furthermore, PcG proteins preferentially bind to developmental genes. Many of these encode transcriptional regulators and key components of signal transduction pathways, including Wingless, Hedgehog, Notch and Delta. We also identify several new putative functions of PcG proteins, such as in steroid hormone biosynthesis. These results highlight the extensive involvement of PcG proteins in the coordination of development through the formation of large repressive chromatin domains.

Optimized axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) husbandry, breeding, metamorphosis, transgenesis and tamoxifen-mediated recombination.

PubMed

Khattak, Shahryar; Murawala, Prayag; Andreas, Heino; Kappert, Verena; Schuez, Maritta; Sandoval-Guzmán, Tatiana; Crawford, Karen; Tanaka, Elly M

2014-03-01

The axolotl (Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum) has become a very useful model organism for studying limb and spinal cord regeneration because of its high regenerative capacity. Here we present a protocol for successfully mating and breeding axolotls in the laboratory throughout the year, for metamorphosing axolotls by a single i.p. injection and for axolotl transgenesis using I-SceI meganuclease and the mini Tol2 transposon system. Tol2-mediated transgenesis provides different features and advantages compared with I-SceI-mediated transgenesis, and it can result in more than 30% of animals expressing the transgene throughout their bodies so that they can be directly used for experimentation. By using Tol2-mediated transgenesis, experiments can be performed within weeks (e.g., 5-6 weeks for obtaining 2-3-cm-long larvae) without the need to establish germline transgenic lines (which take 12-18 months). In addition, we describe here tamoxifen-induced Cre-mediated recombination in transgenic axolotls.

Growing surfaces with anomalous diffusion: Results for the fractal Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katzav, Eytan

2003-09-01

In this paper I study a model for a growing surface in the presence of anomalous diffusion, also known as the fractal Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation (FKPZ). This equation includes a fractional Laplacian that accounts for the possibility that surface transport is caused by a hopping mechanism of a Levy flight. It is shown that for a specific choice of parameters of the FKPZ equation, the equation can be solved exactly in one dimension, so that all the critical exponents, which describe the surface that grows under FKPZ, can be derived for that case. Afterwards, the self-consistent expansion (SCE) is used to predict the critical exponents for the FKPZ model for any choice of the parameters and any spatial dimension. It is then verified that the results obtained using SCE recover the exact result in one dimension. At the end a simple picture for the behavior of the fractal KPZ equation is suggested and the upper critical dimension of this model is discussed.

Detection of broken rotor bar faults in induction motor at low load using neural network.

PubMed

Bessam, B; Menacer, A; Boumehraz, M; Cherif, H

2016-09-01

The knowledge of the broken rotor bars characteristic frequencies and amplitudes has a great importance for all related diagnostic methods. The monitoring of motor faults requires a high resolution spectrum to separate different frequency components. The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) has been widely used to achieve these requirements. However, at low slip this technique cannot give good results. As a solution for these problems, this paper proposes an efficient technique based on a neural network approach and Hilbert transform (HT) for broken rotor bar diagnosis in induction machines at low load. The Hilbert transform is used to extract the stator current envelope (SCE). Two features are selected from the (SCE) spectrum (the amplitude and frequency of the harmonic). These features will be used as input for neural network. The results obtained are astonishing and it is capable to detect the correct number of broken rotor bars under different load conditions. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Homing at an extragenic locus mediated by VDE (PI-SceI) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Nogami, Satoru; Fukuda, Tomoyuki; Nagai, Yuri; Yabe, Shizu; Sugiura, Masako; Mizutani, Ryuta; Satow, Yoshinori; Anraku, Yasuhiro; Ohya, Yoshikazu

2002-06-30

PI-SceI (VDE), a homing endonuclease with protein splicing activity, is a genomic parasite in the VMA1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a heterozygous diploid of the VDE-less VMA1 allele and a VDE-containing VMA1 allele, VDE specifically cleaves its recognition sequence (VRS) in the VDE-less VMA1 allele at meiosis, followed by 'homing', i.e. a conversion to a VDE-containing allele. We found that upon VDE expression, homing of a marker gene at an extragenic locus occurs only when a 45 bp element containing the VRS is inserted at its allelic site, while mutants of VDE with no endonuclease activity lack authentic extragenic homing activity. Thus, both the VRS and VDE are required for homing. Insertion of the VRS in a homozygous diploid significantly lowered the spore germination ability, indicating that a template for gene repair at its allelic locus is essential for efficient homing and survival of yeast cells. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of the microstructure of Ti-5Mo on the anodic dissolution in H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/

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

Kim, Y.J.; Oriani, R.A.

1987-04-01

The effect of microstructure of the Ti-5Mo alloy on its anodic dissolution rate in sulfuric acid solution at various temperatures has been investigated. TiMo alloys exhibit a region of increased dissolution rate in the vicinity of +0.20 V (saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) in 10% H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, the same potential region in which pure Mo exhibits a large anodic dissolution rate. Aging of Ti-5Mo at 350 C was found to lead to the formation of ..omega.. phase. Heat treatment caused larger passive currents in 10% H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, but the critical passivation potentials and corrosion potentials were not significantly affected.more » Molybdenum was enriched in the oxide formed on aged Ti-5Mo at +0.23 V (SCE), in comparison with the Mo concentration found in the oxide on as-received Ti-5Mo.« less

ASSESSMENT OF ALLERGIC IMMUNE RESPONSES TO INDOOR AIR FUNGAL CONTAMINANTS

EPA Science Inventory

We are using a mouse model to assess immune and inflammatory responses as well as changes in respiratory function and pathology characteristic of allergic asthma to fungal extracts M. anisopliae (MACA), S. chartarum (SCE), and P. chrysogenum (PCE). This model will be useful to a...

28. PLANS AND SECTIONS OF POWERHOUSE. SANTA ANA NO. 3, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

28. PLANS AND SECTIONS OF POWERHOUSE. SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956 (SHEET 8; FOR FILING WITH FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION). SCE drawing no. 541729. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Powerhouse, San Bernardino National Forest, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

46. GENERAL MAP OF SANTA ANA NO. 3 PROJECT MAP ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

46. GENERAL MAP OF SANTA ANA NO. 3 PROJECT MAP OF ALL THREE POWER HOUSE SYSTEMS, EXHIBIT J, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 535041 (sheet no. 1; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

4. PLAN AND PROFILES OF PENSTOCK AND SPILLWAY PIPE, SANTA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. PLAN AND PROFILES OF PENSTOCK AND SPILLWAY PIPE, SANTA ANA NO. 3, EXHIBIT L, JAN. 25, 1956. SCE drawing no. 541726 (sheet 7; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Forebay & Penstock, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Overview of NASA's MODIS and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) snow-cover Earth System Data Records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riggs, George A.; Hall, Dorothy K.; Román, Miguel O.

2017-10-01

Knowledge of the distribution, extent, duration and timing of snowmelt is critical for characterizing the Earth's climate system and its changes. As a result, snow cover is one of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) essential climate variables (ECVs). Consistent, long-term datasets of snow cover are needed to study interannual variability and snow climatology. The NASA snow-cover datasets generated from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Terra and Aqua spacecraft and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) are NASA Earth System Data Records (ESDR). The objective of the snow-cover detection algorithms is to optimize the accuracy of mapping snow-cover extent (SCE) and to minimize snow-cover detection errors of omission and commission using automated, globally applied algorithms to produce SCE data products. Advancements in snow-cover mapping have been made with each of the four major reprocessings of the MODIS data record, which extends from 2000 to the present. MODIS Collection 6 (C6; https://nsidc.org/data/modis/data_summaries) and VIIRS Collection 1 (C1; https://doi.org/10.5067/VIIRS/VNP10.001) represent the state-of-the-art global snow-cover mapping algorithms and products for NASA Earth science. There were many revisions made in the C6 algorithms which improved snow-cover detection accuracy and information content of the data products. These improvements have also been incorporated into the NASA VIIRS snow-cover algorithms for C1. Both information content and usability were improved by including the Normalized Snow Difference Index (NDSI) and a quality assurance (QA) data array of algorithm processing flags in the data product, along with the SCE map. The increased data content allows flexibility in using the datasets for specific regions and end-user applications. Though there are important differences between the MODIS and VIIRS instruments (e.g., the VIIRS 375 m native resolution compared to MODIS 500 m), the snow detection algorithms and data products are designed to be as similar as possible so that the 16+ year MODIS ESDR of global SCE can be extended into the future with the S-NPP VIIRS snow products and with products from future Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) platforms. These NASA datasets are archived and accessible through the NASA Distributed Active Archive Center at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado.

Genotoxicity of monosodium glutamate.

PubMed

Ataseven, Nazmiye; Yüzbaşıoğlu, Deniz; Keskin, Ayten Çelebi; Ünal, Fatma

2016-05-01

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used flavor enhancers throughout the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the genotoxic potential of MSG by using chromosome aberrations (CAs), sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs), cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN), and random amplified polymorphic DNA-polimerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) in cultured human lymphocytes and alkaline comet assays in isolated human lymphocytes, which were incubated with six concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 μg/mL) of MSG. The result of this study indicated that MSG significantly and dose dependently increased the frequencies of CAs, SCE and MN in all treatments and times, compared with control. However, the replication (RI) and nuclear division indices (NDI) were not affected. In this paper, in vitro genotoxic effects of the MSG was also investigated on human peripheral lymphocytes by analysing the RAPD-PCR with arbitrary 10-mer primers. The changes occurring in RAPD profiles after MSG treatment include increase or decrease in band intensity and gain or loss of bands. In the comet assay, this additive caused DNA damage at all concentrations in isolated human lymphocytes after 1-h in vitro exposure. Our results demonstrate that MSG is genotoxic to the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Anti-oxidative and anti-genotoxic effects of methanolic extract of Mentha pulegium on human lymphocyte culture.

PubMed

Alpsoy, Lokman; Sahin, Hilal; Karaman, Seyda

2011-08-01

In the present work, methanolic extract of Mentha pulegium from Erzurum, Turkey, was used in order to report the results of anti-oxidant capacity, anti-oxidant activity and anti-genotoxic effects. The total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were measured by using CUPRAC, ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric methods. The total phenolic content was higher than the total antioxidant capacity (for the results of both the CUPRAC and ABTS methods) of methanolic extract of M pulegium (ME). Also, we evaluated the anti-oxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutation peroxidase, total glutation (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in human lymphocyte culture. In CCl₄-treated group, the activity of SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and GSH decreased significantly and the level of MDA increased significantly. A significant increase in the activity of SOD, GPx and the level of GSH were seen when supplemented with ME to CCl₄-treated group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the level of MDA was observed when compared with CCl₄ alone treated group. In addition, anti-genotoxic effect of ME was studied by using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) method. As a result, ME has shown anti-genotoxic effect depend on anti-oxidative effect on human lymphocyte culture.

Space Construction Experiment Definition Study (SCEDS), part 2. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A baseline Space Construction Experiment (SCE) concept is defined. Five characteristics were incorporated: (1) large space system (LSS) element test, (2) shuttle mission payload of opportunity, (3) attachment to Orbiter with jettison capability, (4) Orbiter flight control capabilities, and (5) LSS construction and assembly operations.

The relative allergenicity of Stachybotrys chartarum compared to house dust mite extracts in a mouse model

EPA Science Inventory

A report by the Institute of Medicine suggested that more research is needed to better understand mold effects on allergic disease, particularly asthma development. The authors compared the ability of the fungus Stachybotrys chartarum (SCE) and house dust mite (HDM) extracts to i...

26. BUILDING PLANS FOR MENTONE POWER HOUSE, PACIFIC LIGHT AND ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

26. BUILDING PLANS FOR MENTONE POWER HOUSE, PACIFIC LIGHT AND POWER CO., OCT. 7, 1903. R.S. MASSON, CONSULTING ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, SAN FRANCISCO AND LOS ANGELES. SCE drawing no. 52306. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Powerhouse, San Bernardino National Forest, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

27. DUCT LINES AND HOLES TO BE LEFT IN TRANSFORMER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

27. DUCT LINES AND HOLES TO BE LEFT IN TRANSFORMER ROOM AND GALLERY, MENTONE, MAR. 13, 1904. R.S. MASSON, CONSULTING ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, SAN FRANCISCO AND LOS ANGELES. SCE drawing no. 52319. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Powerhouse, San Bernardino National Forest, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

6. WORKMEN REPLACING STEEL PLATES IN FLUME NO. 10, ABOVE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. WORKMEN REPLACING STEEL PLATES IN FLUME NO. 10, ABOVE SAR-1. FLUME FOR SAR-3 WAS REBUILT AT THE SAME TIME. SCE negative no. 11776, May 1, 1926. Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Flumes & Tunnels below Sandbox, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

78 FR 22576 - Application and Amendment to Facility Operating License Involving Proposed No Significant Hazards...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-16

... Facility Operating License Involving Proposed No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination; San... Operating License No. NPF-10, issued to Southern California Edison (SCE, the licensee), for operation of the... operating conditions'' and ``normal steady state full power operation'' and restricts operation to 70...

33. A.C. PANEL FOR MENTONE POWER HOUSE, P.L. & P. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

33. A.C. PANEL FOR MENTONE POWER HOUSE, P.L. & P. CO., LOS ANGELES. RETRACED FROM MASSON'S DRAWING NO. C-275. JAN. 20, 1909. SCE drawing no. 52880. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-3 Powerhouse, San Bernardino National Forest, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

10. DETAILS OF STEEL FLUME, TYPICAL BENTS AND TRUSSES. EXHIBIT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. DETAILS OF STEEL FLUME, TYPICAL BENTS AND TRUSSES. EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523196 (sheet no. 6; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Flumes & Tunnels below Sandbox, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

52. POWER HOUSE AREA, SANTA ANA NO. 2; DETAIL MAP ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

52. POWER HOUSE AREA, SANTA ANA NO. 2; DETAIL MAP OF SANTA ANA NO. 1 AND NO. 2 HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT, EXHIBIT K, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523691 (sheet no. 6; for filing with the Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

9. DETAILS OF STEEL FLUME, TYPICAL CURVES AND TRANSITIONS. EXHIBIT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. DETAILS OF STEEL FLUME, TYPICAL CURVES AND TRANSITIONS. EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523195 (sheet no. 5; for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Flumes & Tunnels below Sandbox, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

2. INTAKES, S.A.R. 2 AND KELLER CREEK, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. INTAKES, S.A.R. 2 AND KELLER CREEK, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523639 (sheet no. 10, for filing with Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Intake, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

50. ROCK DROP AND FISH WHEEL, CONDUIT NO. 1 SPILLWAY, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

50. ROCK DROP AND FISH WHEEL, CONDUIT NO. 1 SPILLWAY, FLUME NO. 17, EXHIBIT L, SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 1 PROJECT, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523192 (sheet no. 2; for filing with the Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

77 FR 15454 - Notice of Application for Special Permits

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-15

... thereof New Special Permits 15547-N Southern California 49 CFR 172.101 Column To authorize the Edison (SCE... To authorize the Helicopters, LLC dba Column (9B), 172.200, transportation in New Air Helicopters 172... explosive compounds (not greater than 3%) in bulk. (mode 1) [[Page 15455

75 FR 52521 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-26

...; ER09-304-004. Applicants: Kansas City Power & Light Company, KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company. Description: Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company Notice of Non... Agreement 1647, LGIA for SCE and Desert Sunlight to be effective 8/10/ 2010. Filed Date: 08/19/2010...

Sulfide semiconductor materials prepared by high-speed electrodeposition and discussion of electrochemical reaction mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, Naoki; Kataoka, Kentaro; Saito, Takeyasu

2017-07-01

A manufacturing method for SnS using a one-step electrochemical technique was developed. The sulfide semiconductor was formed by electrodeposition using an aqueous bath at low temperatures. The sulfide semiconductor particles produced were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest current density at which SnS was formed was 1800 mA/cm2 at a bath temperature of 293 K, which is 36 times larger than that in a previous deposition process. Analysis of the chronoamperometric current-time transients indicated that in the potential range from -1100 to -2000 mV vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE), the electrodeposition of SnS can be explained by an instantaneous nucleation model.

Structural, molecular motions, and free-energy landscape of Leishmania sterol-14α-demethylase wild type and drug resistant mutant: a comparative molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Vijayakumar, Saravanan; Das, Pradeep

2018-04-18

Sterol-14α-demethylase (CYP51) is an ergosterol pathway enzyme crucial for the survival of infectious Leishmania parasite. Recent high-throughput metabolomics and whole genome sequencing study revealed amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania is indeed due to mutation in CYP51. The residue of mutation (asparagine 176) is conserved across the kinetoplastidae and not in yeast or humans, portraying its functional significance. In order to understand the possible cause for the resistance, knowledge of structural changes due to mutation is of high importance. To shed light on the structural changes of wild and mutant CYP51, we conducted comparative molecular dynamics simulation study. The active site, substrate biding cavity, substrate channel entrance (SCE), and cavity involving the mutated site were studied based on basic parameters and large concerted molecular motions derived from essential dynamics analyses of 100 ns simulation. Results indicated that mutant CYP51 is stable and less compact than the wild type. Correspondingly, the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of the mutant was found to be increased, especially in active site and cavities not involving the mutation site. Free-energy landscape analysis disclosed mutant to have a rich conformational diversity than wild type, with various free-energy conformations of mutant having SASA greater than wild type with SCE open. More residues were found to interact with the mutant CYP51 upon docking of substrate to both the wild and mutant CYP51. These results indicate that, relative to wild type, the N176I mutation of CYP51 in Leishmania mexicana could possibly favor increased substrate binding efficiency.

The impact of electric vehicles on the Southern California Edison System. Final report

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

Ford, A.

1992-07-01

This report describes the results of the first phase of an investigation of the impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) in southern California. The investigation focuses on the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) which provides electric service for approximately 60% of southern California. The project is supported by the ``Air Quality Impacts of Energy Efficiency`` Program of the California Institute for Energy Efficiency (CIEE). The first phase of the research is organized around how EVs might be viewed by customers, vehicle manufacturers and electric utility companies. The vehicle manufacturers` view has been studied with special emphasis on the role of marketablemore » permit systems. The utilities` view of EVs is the subject of this report. The review is particularly important as several case studies of EVs in southern California have been conducted in recent years. The dynamics of a growing population of EVs is explained. Chapter 5 explains a simple method of deriving the electricity demands which could result from the operation of EVs in southern California. The method is demonstrated for several simple examples and then used to find the demands associated with each of the eight EV scenarios. Chapter 6 reports the impacts on SCE operations from the new demands for electricity. Impacts are summarized in terms of system operating costs, reliability of service, and changes in the utility`s average electric rate. Chapter 7 turns to the emissions of air pollutants released by the operation of EVs, conventional vehicles (CVs) and power plants. Chapter 8 takes the air pollution analysis one step further by examining the possible reduction in ambient ozone concentration in southern California.« less

The impact of electric vehicles on the Southern California Edison System

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

Ford, A.

1992-07-01

This report describes the results of the first phase of an investigation of the impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) in southern California. The investigation focuses on the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) which provides electric service for approximately 60% of southern California. The project is supported by the Air Quality Impacts of Energy Efficiency'' Program of the California Institute for Energy Efficiency (CIEE). The first phase of the research is organized around how EVs might be viewed by customers, vehicle manufacturers and electric utility companies. The vehicle manufacturers' view has been studied with special emphasis on the role of marketablemore » permit systems. The utilities' view of EVs is the subject of this report. The review is particularly important as several case studies of EVs in southern California have been conducted in recent years. The dynamics of a growing population of EVs is explained. Chapter 5 explains a simple method of deriving the electricity demands which could result from the operation of EVs in southern California. The method is demonstrated for several simple examples and then used to find the demands associated with each of the eight EV scenarios. Chapter 6 reports the impacts on SCE operations from the new demands for electricity. Impacts are summarized in terms of system operating costs, reliability of service, and changes in the utility's average electric rate. Chapter 7 turns to the emissions of air pollutants released by the operation of EVs, conventional vehicles (CVs) and power plants. Chapter 8 takes the air pollution analysis one step further by examining the possible reduction in ambient ozone concentration in southern California.« less

Profiling of Cytokines Secreted by Conventional Aqueous Outflow Pathway Endothelial Cells Activated In Vitro and Ex Vivo With Laser Irradiation

PubMed Central

Alvarado, Jorge A.; Chau, Phuonglan; Wu, Jianfeng; Juster, Richard; Shifera, Amde Selassie; Geske, Michael

2015-01-01

Purpose To profile which cytokine genes are differentially expressed (DE) as up- or downregulated by cultured human trabecular meshwork (TMEs) and Schlemm's canal endothelial cells (SCEs) after three experimental treatments consisting of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) irradiation, exposure to media conditioned either by SLT-irradiated TMEs (TME-cm) or by SCEs (SCE-cm). Also, to profile which cytokines are upregulated ex vivo in SLT-irradiated human conventional aqueous outflow pathway (CAOP) tissues. Methods After each treatment, Affymetrix microarray assays were used to detect upregulated and downregulated genes for cytokines and their receptors in TMEs and SCEs. ELISA and protein antibody arrays were used to detect upregulated cytokines secreted in SLT-irradiated CAOP tissues ex vivo. Results The SLT irradiation upregulated numerous cytokine genes in TMEs, but only a few in SCEs. Exposure to TME- and SCE-cm induced SCEs to upregulate many more cytokine genes than TMEs. Selective laser trabeculoplasty irradiation and exposure to TME-cm downregulated several cytokine genes in TMEs but none in SCEs. Selective laser trabeculoplasty irradiation induced one upregulated and three downregulated cytokine-receptor genes in TMEs but none in SCEs. Exposure to TME-cm induced upregulation of one and downregulation of another receptor gene in TMEs, whereas two unique cytokine-receptor genes were upregulated in SCEs. Cytokine protein expression analysis showed that at least eight cytokines were upregulated in SLT-irradiated human CAOP tissues in situ/ex vivo. Conclusions This study has helped us identify a cytokine signaling pathway and to consider newly identified mechanisms regulating aqueous outflow that may lay the foundation for the future development of cytokine-based glaucoma therapies. PMID:26529044

Profiling of Cytokines Secreted by Conventional Aqueous Outflow Pathway Endothelial Cells Activated In Vitro and Ex Vivo With Laser Irradiation.

PubMed

Alvarado, Jorge A; Chau, Phuonglan; Wu, Jianfeng; Juster, Richard; Shifera, Amde Selassie; Geske, Michael

2015-11-01

To profile which cytokine genes are differentially expressed (DE) as up- or downregulated by cultured human trabecular meshwork (TMEs) and Schlemm's canal endothelial cells (SCEs) after three experimental treatments consisting of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) irradiation, exposure to media conditioned either by SLT-irradiated TMEs (TME-cm) or by SCEs (SCE-cm). Also, to profile which cytokines are upregulated ex vivo in SLT-irradiated human conventional aqueous outflow pathway (CAOP) tissues. After each treatment, Affymetrix microarray assays were used to detect upregulated and downregulated genes for cytokines and their receptors in TMEs and SCEs. ELISA and protein antibody arrays were used to detect upregulated cytokines secreted in SLT-irradiated CAOP tissues ex vivo. The SLT irradiation upregulated numerous cytokine genes in TMEs, but only a few in SCEs. Exposure to TME- and SCE-cm induced SCEs to upregulate many more cytokine genes than TMEs. Selective laser trabeculoplasty irradiation and exposure to TME-cm downregulated several cytokine genes in TMEs but none in SCEs. Selective laser trabeculoplasty irradiation induced one upregulated and three downregulated cytokine-receptor genes in TMEs but none in SCEs. Exposure to TME-cm induced upregulation of one and downregulation of another receptor gene in TMEs, whereas two unique cytokine-receptor genes were upregulated in SCEs. Cytokine protein expression analysis showed that at least eight cytokines were upregulated in SLT-irradiated human CAOP tissues in situ/ex vivo. This study has helped us identify a cytokine signaling pathway and to consider newly identified mechanisms regulating aqueous outflow that may lay the foundation for the future development of cytokine-based glaucoma therapies.

Electrochemical studies on the performance of SS316L electrode in electrokinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jeong-Hee; Maruthamuthu, Sundaram; Lee, Hyun-Goo; Ha, Tae-Hyun; Bae, Jeong-Hyo

2009-10-01

Organic and trace metal pollutants are removed by employing various electrodes in an electrokinetic (EK) process. Stainless steel was used either as an anode or a cathode by various investigators in electroremediation systems. In the present study, the role of SS316L as an anode and cathode in EK system was studied by the measurements of pH, conductivity of electrolyte, and potential of the anode and cathode at different current densities. The weight loss of the anode and cathode and the leaching of chromium, iron, and nickel at different current densities were measured and discussed with an electroosmosis process. The electrochemical behavior of SS316L electrode in neutral, acidic and alkaline pH in soil environment was studied by an electrochemical technique viz. polarization study. Surface analysis of SS316L after EK was done by XPS and SEM. The higher conductivity was noticed at anolyte when compared to catholyte. The weight loss of the anode was in the following order 0.615 > 0.307 > 0.123 mA/cm2 and the cathode corrosion rate was vice versa. Peroxide production was also noticed at the anolyte, which may encourage the degradation of the total organic content (TOC) in the soil. The OCP (open circuit potential) of SS316L was about +75 mV vs SCE in the soil extract; while adding acetic acid, the potential shifted to the positive side, to about +380 mV vs SCE. The breakdown potential and the range of passivation potential were higher in acetic acid added system when compared to other systems. Pitting was observed on both the anode and cathode within 48 h during the EK process. The present study concludes that SS is not a proper electrode material for the EK process.

State Compensatory Education: Final Technical Report. Publication Number 80.72.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin Independent School District, TX. Office of Research and Evaluation.

In evaluating the Austin Independent School District's State Compensatory Education (SCE) program, the Office of Research and Evaluation looked at nine program areas. The service report examined the services teachers gave and the achievement gains made by their students. The counselor service report examined how many eligible students were served…

Service Children's Education: Survey of Parental Views. Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Donnell, Lisa; Rudd, Peter

2007-01-01

Service Children's Education (SCE) is an agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that is dedicated to the education of children of service families and MOD personnel serving outside of the United Kingdom, specifically in Belgium, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Belize and Brunei. These schools follow the…

41. SAR2, GENERAL VIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA FROM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

41. SAR-2, GENERAL VIEW OF POWERHOUSE AND HOUSING AREA FROM THE NEW TRAIL ACROSS THE CANYON. SCE negative no. 4320, no date (but probably March 15, 1918: see HAER no. CA-130-44, no. 4321). Photograph by G. Haven Bishop. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

A critical evaluation of combustible/explosible dust testing methods-part 1

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Tests were conducted by the Center for Agricultural Air Quality Engineering and Science (CAAQES) and by Safety Consulting Engineers Inc. (SCE) to determine if dust found in cotton gins (gin dust) would serve as fuel for dust explosions. In other words, is gin dust explosible? The laboratory tests us...

A Model for On-Offshore Sediment Transport in the Surfzone.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

34 Journal of Waterway Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, vol 108, no. WW2 , pp 163-179. Short, A. D. (1978) "Wave...PWO, Mayport FL; Utilities Engr Off. Rota Spain NAVTECHTRACEN SCE. Pensacola FL NAVWPNCEN Code 2636 China Lake; Code 3803 China Lake, CA NAVWPNSTA

A Standard Greenhouse Method for Assessing Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance in Soybean: SCE08 (Standardized Cyst Evaluation 2008)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, is distributed throughout the soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production areas of the United States and Canada. SCN remains the most economically important pathogen of soybean in North America; the most recent estimate of soybean yield...

51. INTAKE AND POWER HOUSE AREAS, SANTA ANA NO. 1; ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

51. INTAKE AND POWER HOUSE AREAS, SANTA ANA NO. 1; DETAIL MAP OF SANTA ANA NO. 1 AND NO. 2 HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT, EXHIBIT K, APR. 30, 1945. SCE drawing no. 523690 (sheet no. 5; for filing with the Federal Power Commission). - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Effect of sampling location on L* values and pH measurements and their relationship in broiler breast fillets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lightness (CIELAB L*) and pH values are the most widely measured quality indicators for broiler breast fillets (pectoralis major). Measurement of L* values with a spectrophotometer can be done through Specular Component Included (SCI) or Specular Component Excluded (SCE) modes. The intra-fillet loca...

Shock Spectrum Calculation from Acceleration Time Histories

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

CLASSIFICATIONe OF THIS PAGE (Uh-e DOg ~ 9--t)____________________ REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE BEFORE COMPLETING FORM I. REPRT NU9911ACCUIISIO6 NO .3ASCCSPICHT’S...SCE. Oakland CA NAVSCOLCECOFF C35 Port Hueneme. CA,. CO, Code C44A Porn Hueneme. CA NAVSEASYSCOM Code 05M13 (Newhouse) Wash DC; Code 6212, Wash DC

State Compensatory Education: 1979-80. Final Technical Report. Publication No. 79.18.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin Independent School District, TX. Office of Research and Evaluation.

A major portion of Texas' State Compensatory Education (SCE) evaluation resources for 1979-80 was devoted to activities related to the statewide assessment of fifth and ninth graders' skills in reading, mathematics, and writing (the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills Project). For purposes of this report, evaluation activity and information is…

SHIELDS Final Technical Report

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

Jordanova, Vania Koleva

Predicting variations in the near-Earth space environment that can lead to spacecraft damage and failure, i.e. “space weather”, remains a big space physics challenge. A new capability was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to understand, model, and predict Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large Dynamic Storms, the SHIELDS framework. This framework simulates the dynamics of the Surface Charging Environment (SCE), the hot (keV) electrons representing the source and seed populations for the radiation belts, on both macro- and micro-scale. In addition to using physics-based models (like RAM-SCB, BATS-R-US, and iPIC3D), new data assimilation techniques employing data frommore » LANL instruments on the Van Allen Probes and geosynchronous satellites were developed. An order of magnitude improvement in the accuracy in the simulation of the spacecraft surface charging environment was thus obtained. SHIELDS also includes a post-processing tool designed to calculate the surface charging for specific spacecraft geometry using the Curvilinear Particle-In-Cell (CPIC) code and to evaluate anomalies' relation to SCE dynamics. Such diagnostics is critically important when performing forensic analyses of space-system failures.« less

Pulse-voltammetric glucose detection at gold junction electrodes.

PubMed

Rassaei, Liza; Marken, Frank

2010-09-01

A novel glucose sensing concept based on the localized change or "modulation" in pH within a symmetric gold-gold junction electrode is proposed. A paired gold-gold junction electrode (average gap size ca. 500 nm) is prepared by simultaneous bipotentiostatic electrodeposition of gold onto two closely spaced platinum disk electrodes. For glucose detection in neutral aqueous solution, the potential of the "pH-modulator" electrode is set to -1.5 V vs saturated calomel reference electrode (SCE) to locally increase the pH, and simultaneously, either cyclic voltammetry or square wave voltammetry experiments are conducted at the sensor electrode. A considerable improvement in the sensor electrode response is observed when a normal pulse voltammetry sequence is applied to the modulator electrode (to generate "hydroxide pulses") and the glucose sensor electrode is operated with fixed bias at +0.5 V vs SCE (to eliminate capacitive charging currents). Preliminary data suggest good linearity for the glucose response in the medically relevant 1-10 mM concentration range (corresponding to 0.18-1.8 g L(-1)). Future electroanalytical applications of multidimensional pulse voltammetry in junction electrodes are discussed.

Smoothing of Transport Plans with Fixed Marginals and Rigorous Semiclassical Limit of the Hohenberg-Kohn Functional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotar, Codina; Friesecke, Gero; Klüppelberg, Claudia

2018-06-01

We prove rigorously that the exact N-electron Hohenberg-Kohn density functional converges in the strongly interacting limit to the strictly correlated electrons (SCE) functional, and that the absolute value squared of the associated constrained search wavefunction tends weakly in the sense of probability measures to a minimizer of the multi-marginal optimal transport problem with Coulomb cost associated to the SCE functional. This extends our previous work for N = 2 ( Cotar etal. in Commun Pure Appl Math 66:548-599, 2013). The correct limit problem has been derived in the physics literature by Seidl (Phys Rev A 60 4387-4395, 1999) and Seidl, Gorigiorgi and Savin (Phys Rev A 75:042511 1-12, 2007); in these papers the lack of a rigorous proofwas pointed out.We also give amathematical counterexample to this type of result, by replacing the constraint of given one-body density—an infinite dimensional quadratic expression in the wavefunction—by an infinite-dimensional quadratic expression in the wavefunction and its gradient. Connections with the Lawrentiev phenomenon in the calculus of variations are indicated.

Subcritical Butane Extraction of Wheat Germ Oil and Its Deacidification by Molecular Distillation.

PubMed

Li, Jinwei; Sun, Dewei; Qian, Lige; Liu, Yuanfa

2016-12-07

Extraction and deacidification are important stages for wheat germ oil (WGO) production. Crude WGO was extracted using subcritical butane extraction (SBE) and compared with traditional solvent extraction (SE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCE) based on the yield, chemical index and fatty acid profile. Furthermore, the effects of the molecular distillation temperature on the quality of WGO were also investigated in this study. Results indicated that WGO extracted by SBE has a higher yield of 9.10% and better quality; at the same time, its fatty acid composition has no significant difference compared with that of SE and SCE. The molecular distillation experiment showed that the acid value, peroxide value and p -anisidine value of WGO were reduced with the increase of the evaporation temperatures, and the contents of the active constituents of tocopherol, polyphenols and phytosterols are simultaneously decreased. Generally, the distillation temperature of 150 °C is an appropriate condition for WGO deacidification with the higher deacidification efficiency of 77.78% and the higher retention rate of active constituents.

Conditional genomic rearrangement by designed meiotic recombination using VDE (PI-SceI) in yeast.

PubMed

Fukuda, Tomoyuki; Ohya, Yoshikazu; Ohta, Kunihiro

2007-10-01

Meiotic recombination plays critical roles in the acquisition of genetic diversity and has been utilized for conventional breeding of livestock and crops. The frequency of meiotic recombination is normally low, and is extremely low in regions called "recombination cold domains". Here, we describe a new and highly efficient method to modulate yeast meiotic gene rearrangements using VDE (PI-SceI), an intein-encoded endonuclease that causes an efficient unidirectional meiotic gene conversion at its recognition sequence (VRS). We designed universal targeting vectors, by use of which the strain that inserts the VRS at a desired site is acquired. Meiotic induction of the strains provided unidirectional gene conversions and frequent genetic rearrangements of flanking genes with little impact on cell viability. This system thus opens the way for the designed modulation of meiotic gene rearrangements, regardless of recombinational activity of chromosomal domains. Finally, the VDE-VRS system enabled us to conduct meiosis-specific conditional knockout of genes where VDE-initiated gene conversion disrupts the target gene during meiosis, serving as a novel approach to examine the functions of genes during germination of resultant spores.

Therapeutic effect of cefozopran (SCE-2787), a new parenteral cephalosporin, against experimental infections in mice.

PubMed Central

Iizawa, Y; Okonogi, K; Hayashi, R; Iwahi, T; Yamazaki, T; Imada, A

1993-01-01

The therapeutic effect of cefozopran (SCE-2787), a new semisynthetic parenteral cephalosporin, against experimental infections in mice was examined. Cefozopran was more effective than cefpiramide and was as effective as ceftazidime and cefpirome against acute respiratory tract infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae DT-S. In the model of chronic respiratory tract infection caused by K. pneumoniae 27, cefozopran was as effective as ceftazidime. The therapeutic effect of cefozopran against urinary tract infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa P9 was superior to that of cefpirome and was equal to those of ceftazidime and cefclidin. In addition, cefozopran was more effective than ceftazidime and was as effective as flomoxef in a thigh muscle infection caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 308A-1. Against thigh muscle infections caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus N133, cefozopran was the most effective agent. The potent therapeutic effect of cefozopran in those experimental infections in mice suggests that it would be effective against respiratory tract, urinary tract, and soft tissue infections caused by a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in humans. PMID:8431004

Does clinical teacher training always improve teaching effectiveness as opposed to no teacher training? A randomized controlled study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Teacher training may improve teaching effectiveness, but it might also have paradoxical effects. Research on expertise development suggests that the integration of new strategies may result in a temporary deterioration of performance until higher levels of competence are reached. In this study, the impact of a clinical teacher training on teaching effectiveness was assessed in an intensive course in emergency medicine. As primary study outcome students’ practical skills at the end of their course were chosen. Methods The authors matched 18 clinical teachers according to clinical experience and teaching experience and then randomly assigned them to a two-day-teacher training, or no training. After 14 days, both groups taught within a 12-hour intensive course in emergency medicine for undergraduate students. The course followed a clearly defined curriculum. After the course students were assessed by structured clinical examination (SCE) and MCQ. The teaching quality was rated by students using a questionnaire. Results Data for 96 students with trained teachers, and 97 students with untrained teachers were included. Students taught by untrained teachers performed better in the SCE domains ‘alarm call’ (p < 0.01) and ‘ventilation’ (p = 0.01), while the domains ‘chest compressions’ and ‘use of automated defibrillator’ did not differ. MCQ scores revealed no statistical difference. Overall, teaching quality was rated significantly better by students of untrained teachers (p = 0.05). Conclusions At the end of a structured intensive course in emergency medicine, students of trained clinical teachers performed worse in 2 of 4 practical SCE domains compared to students of untrained teachers. In addition, subjective evaluations of teaching quality were worse in the group of trained teachers. Difficulties in integrating new strategies in their teaching styles might be a possible explanation. PMID:24400838

Two novel Pb(II) coordination polymers (CPs) based on 4-(4-oxopyridin-1(4H)-yl) and 3-(4-oxopyridin-1(4H)-yl) phthalic acid: Band gaps, structures, and their photoelectrocatalytic properties in CO2-saturated system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Zhi Shuo; Long, Ji Ying; Gong, Yun; Lin, Jian Hua

2018-05-01

Based on 4-(4-oxopyridin-1(4H)-yl) phthalic acid (H2L1) and 3-(4-oxopyridin-1(4H)-yl) phthalic acid (H2L2), two novel Pb(II) coordination polymers (CPs) formulated as [Pb4Cl4·(L1)2·H2O]n (CP 1), [Pb3Cl4·L2·H2O]n (CP 2) were solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The two novel Pb(II) CPs (CPs 1 and 2) possessed different structures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the two CPs had different band structures yet the characteristic of semiconductors in common. Their valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) positions were determined by Mott-Schottky and UV-visible diffuse reflectance analyses. The photoelectrocatalytic performance of the two CPs towards CO2 reduction were tested by photocurrent responses at various applied potentials. And the E =-1.4 V vs SCE (-0.74 V vs NHE) was selected as the required potential according to the regulation of photocurrent responses at various tested potentials in CO2-saturated system. The photoelectrocatalytic performance of CP 2 was superior to that of CP 1 owing to the well-matched CB position of CP 2 and CO2 reduction potentials at the required potential of -1.4 V vs SCE (-0.74 V vs NHE). In addition, the photoelectrolytic experiment were performed 1 h in the CO2-saturated 0.2 M Na2SO4 solution at the required potential of -1.4 V vs SCE (-0.74 V vs NHE) with and without illumination, and we initially demonstrated the influence of visible light in the CO2-saturated photoelectrocatalytic measurement system and the reason of stability in 1 h chronoamperometry.

SCELib2: the new revision of SCELib, the parallel computational library of molecular properties in the single center approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanna, N.; Morelli, G.

2004-09-01

In this paper we present the new version of the SCELib program (CPC Catalogue identifier ADMG) a full numerical implementation of the Single Center Expansion (SCE) method. The physics involved is that of producing the SCE description of molecular electronic densities, of molecular electrostatic potentials and of molecular perturbed potentials due to a point negative or positive charge. This new revision of the program has been optimized to run in serial as well as in parallel execution mode, to support a larger set of molecular symmetries and to permit the restart of long-lasting calculations. To measure the performance of this new release, a comparative study has been carried out on the most powerful computing architectures in serial and parallel runs. The results of the calculations reported in this paper refer to real cases medium to large molecular systems and they are reported in full details to benchmark at best the parallel architectures the new SCELib code will run on. Program summaryTitle of program: SCELib2 Catalogue identifier: ADGU Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADGU Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Reference to previous versions: Comput. Phys. Commun. 128 (2) (2000) 139 (CPC catalogue identifier: ADMG) Does the new version supersede the original program?: Yes Computer for which the program is designed and others on which it has been tested: HP ES45 and rx2600, SUN ES4500, IBM SP and any single CPU workstation based on Alpha, SPARC, POWER, Itanium2 and X86 processors Installations: CASPUR, local Operating systems under which the program has been tested: HP Tru64 V5.X, SUNOS V5.8, IBM AIX V5.X, Linux RedHat V8.0 Programming language used: C Memory required to execute with typical data: 10 Mwords. Up to 2000 Mwords depending on the molecular system and runtime parameters No. of bits in a word: 64 No. of processors used: 1 to 32 Has the code been vectorized or parallelized?: Yes No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 3 798 507 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 187 226 Distribution format: tar.gz Nature of physical problem: In this set of codes an efficient procedure is implemented to describe the wavefunction and related molecular properties of a polyatomic molecular system within the Single Center of Expansion (SCE) approximation. The resulting SCE wavefunction, electron density, electrostatic and exchange/correlation potentials can then be used via a proper Application Programming Interface (API) to describe the target molecular system which can be employed in electron-molecule scattering calculations. The molecular properties expanded over a single center turn out to also be of more general application and some possible uses in quantum chemistry, biomodelling and drug design are also outlined. Method of solution: The polycentre Hartee-Fock solution for a molecule of arbitrary geometry, based on linear combination of Gaussian-Type Orbital (GTO), is expanded over a single center, typically the Center Of Mass (C.O.M.), by means of a Gauss-Legendre/Chebyschev quadrature over the θ, φ angular coordinates. The resulting SCE numerical wavefunction is then used to calculate the one-particle electron density, the electrostatic potential and two different models for the correlation/polarization potentials induced by the impinging electron, which have the correct asymptotic behaviour for the leading dipole molecular polarizabilities. Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: Depending on the molecular system under study and on the operating conditions the program may or may not fit into available RAM memory. In this case a feature of the program is to memory map a disk file in order to efficiently access the memory data through a disk device. Typical running time: The execution time strongly depends on the molecular target description and on the hardware/OS chosen, it is directly proportional to the ( r, θ, φ) grid size and to the number of angular basis functions used. Thus, from the program printout of the main arrays memory occupancy, the user can approximately derive the expected computer time needed for a given calculation executed in serial mode. For parallel executions the overall efficiency must be further taken into account, and this depends on the no. of processors used as well as on the parallel architecture chosen, so a simple general law is at present not determinable. Unusual features of the program: The code has been engineered to use dynamical, runtime determined, global parameters with the aim to have all the data fitted in the RAM memory. Some unusual circumstances, e.g., when using large values of those parameters, may cause the program to run with unexpected performance reductions due to runtime bottlenecks like those caused by memory swap operations which strongly depend on the hardware used. In such cases, a parallel execution of the code is generally sufficient to fix the problem since the data size is partitioned over the available processors. When a suitable parallel system is not available for execution, a mechanism of memory mapped file can be used; with this option on, all the available memory will be used as a buffer for a disk file which contains the whole data set, thus having a better throughput with respect to the traditional swapping/paging of the Unix OS.

75 FR 25288 - Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Draft Environmental Impact...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... a connector hub for solar energy that may be produced by future solar generation projects in the... authorization to SCE for the proposed EITP project. The EITP would carry electricity from several renewable energy projects proposed in and around the Ivanpah Valley, including the Ivanpah Solar Energy Generation...

Correlation of Mutagenic, Carcinogenic and Co-Carcinogenic Effects of Chemical Substances. Granuloma Pouch Assay.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-25

from GP 4. Abbreviations and Symbols AP4A : D! adenostne tetr aphosphate FCS: fetal calf serum GP: Granuloma pouch GPA: Granuloma pouch assay T -, SCE...biological response modifiers ) These studies were conducted with malignant granuloma pouch cells. It was found that Al (OH)3, Vitamin E and AP4A (Diadenosine

76 FR 9348 - Southern California Edison Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-17

... Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA),\\1\\ Southern California Edison Company (SCE), Pacific Gas and... Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) enforce the requirements of PURPA against the Public...\\ violate PURPA and the Commission's Regulations implementing PURPA. \\1\\ 16 U.S.C. 824a-3(h)(2) (2006). \\2...

Protective effects of a standardised red orange extract on air pollution-induced oxidative damage in traffic police officers.

PubMed

Bonina, Francesco P; Puglia, Carmelo; Frasca, Giuseppina; Cimino, Francesco; Trombetta, Domenico; Tringali, Giovanni; Roccazzello, Annamaria; Insiriello, Elio; Rapisarda, Paolo; Saija, Antonella

2008-01-01

Several pathological conditions have all been associated with a higher release of atmospheric pollutants. There is growing evidence that oxidative stress may represent one of the agents involved in the initiation and/or progression of many of these pathologies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of short-term dietary supplementation with a standardised red orange extract (ROC) on a group of traffic police officers exposed to traffic exhaust pollution and cigarette smoking, by measuring some noninvasive biomarkers of oxidative stress. At the beginning of the study, all the groups showed similar serum lipid hydroperoxide levels, but traffic officers showed lower serum concentrations of thiol (SH) groups; furthermore, the frequency of spontaneous sister chromatide exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral lymphocytes was increased by smoking (but not by pollution exposure alone) at a higher degree in subjects exposed to traffic pollution. After 1 month of ROC administration, serum lipid hydroperoxide levels decreased only in all non-smoking subjects; furthermore, SH group levels measured in traffic officers appeared restored to normal values observed in the respective controls. Finally, the increase in SCE frequency induced by smoking was reduced by treatment with ROC especially in traffic officers. Our study suggests that ROC supplementation could be useful to minimise the detrimental effects caused by exposure to air pollution and smoking.

A Metabolic Biofuel Cell: Conversion of Human Leukocyte Metabolic Activity to Electrical Currents

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

An investigation of the electrochemical activity of human white blood cells (WBC) for biofuel cell (BFC) applications is described. WBCs isolated from whole human blood were suspended in PBS and introduced into the anode compartment of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The cathode compartment contained a 50 mM potassium ferricyanide solution. Average current densities between 0.9 and 1.6 μA cm-2 and open circuit potentials (Voc) between 83 and 102 mV were obtained, which were both higher than control values. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrochemical activity of the activated WBCs in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of electron transfer between the cells and electrode. Voltammograms were obtained for the WBCs, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs - a lymphocyte-monocyte mixture isolated on a Ficoll gradient), a B lymphoblastoid cell line (BLCL), and two leukemia cell lines, namely K562 and Jurkat. An oxidation peak at about 363 mV vs. SCE for the PMA (phorbol ester) activated primary cells, with a notable absence of a reduction peak was observed. Oxidation peaks were not observed for the BLCL, K562 or Jurkat cell lines. HPLC confirmed the release of serotonin (5-HT) from the PMA activated primary cells. It is believed that serotonin, among other biochemical species released by the activated cells, contributes to the observed BFC currents. PMID:21569243

LANL Q2 2016 Quarterly Progress Report. Science Campaign and ICF

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

Douglas, Melissa Rae

2016-04-07

This progress report includes highlights for the Science Campaign and ICF about Advanced Certification and Assessment Methodologies, Implosion Hydrodynamics (C-1, SCE), Materials and Nuclear Science (C-1, C-2), Capabilities for Nuclear Intelligence, and High Energy Density Science (C-1, C-4, C-10). Upcoming meetings, briefings, and experiments are then listed for April and May.

Joint DoD Demonstration And Validation Of Magnesium-Rich Primer Coating Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

Recovery Act SCE .....................................Standard Calomel Electrode xi TCP ..................................... Trivalent Chromium ...8 performed the best, followed by trivalent chromium pretreatment (TCP), with the panel that did not receive any chemical pretreatment performing...Abraded) MIL-DTL-81706 Type II – Trivalent Chromium (Alodine T5900) MIL-DTL-81706 Type I – Hexavalent Chromium No Chemical Pretreatment MIL-DTL-81706

Proposal for a Standard Greenhouse Method for Assessing Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance in Soybean: SCE08 (Standardized Cyst Evaluation 2008)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) remains the most economically important pathogen of soybean in North America. Most farmers do not sample for SCN believing instead that the use of SCN-resistant varieties is sufficient to avoid yield losses due to the nematode according to surveys conducted in Illino...

76 FR 28810 - Notice of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-18

.... South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, Case No. 2-11-cv-1110-CWH (D. S. Car. May 9, 2011). The proposed...'') against South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (``SCE&G''). The claims arise from the release of hazardous..., Washington, DC 20044-7611, and should refer to United States et al. v. South Carolina Electric & Gas Company...

Charge Transfer in Multiple Site Chemical Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-30

oxidation either chemically (using excess Ce+(IV)) or electrochemically (using a reticulated vitreous carbon electrode potentiostated at +1.20 V vs.. SCE...The resulting polymers form fairly stable, electrochemically active films on the cxidizing electrode, which can be Pt, SnO2 or vitreous carbon ...surface, including platinum and glassy carbon electrodes. The redox couples incorporated include polypyrydyl omplexes of iron, ruthenium and osmium

Studies on disease transmission in spacecraft environments. [as experienced onboard Skylab 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenyon, A. J.

1974-01-01

The effects of the Skylab gas mixtures on general health and immunocompetence of mice and ferrets subjected to the Skylab space cabin environment (SCE) were initially studied in a stainless steel low pressure facility which was maintained at gas ratios of 30% nitrogen and 70% oxygen under 5 psia, and which consisted of two subchambers, that permitted mutual isolation of experimental groups and/or selective removal of animals without return of the entire cabin to ambient pressure was developed. The studies demonstrated that ferrets immunized with Brucella Strain 19 prior to being housed in SCE had decreased synthesis of IgG compared to their respective controls. The possibility of latent infections being responsible for stress-induced upper respiratory diseases of astronauts required that the role of neutralizing antibody as a function of antibody affinity/avidity be investigated. The model consisted of Aleutian disease virus (ADV) which infects ferrets and mink resulting in nonneutralized immune complexes. These studies demonstrated that early antibody to ADV had lower affinity/avidity than late antibody with respect to chronicity. These studies culminated in a description of antibody affinity, first isolation of ADV and its cultivation in vitro.

3D ZnIn2S4 nanosheet/TiO2 nanowire arrays and their efficient photocathodic protection for 304 stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wenxia; Wei, Na; Cui, Hongzhi; Lin, Yuan; Wang, Xinzhen; Tian, Jian; Li, Jian; Wen, Jing

2018-03-01

A well-designed heterostructure engineered ZnIn2S4 nanosheet/TiO2 nanowire arrays photoanode is investigated for photocathodic protection. The ZnIn2S4 nanosheets are distributed uniformly on the surface of the TiO2 nanowire by a hydrothermal method. The stem-and-leaf-like ZnIn2S4 nanosheet/TiO2 nanowire arrays exhibit excellent photoelectrochemical properties, owing to the energy band structure and large surface area. A maximum photocurrent density of 2 mA cm-2 is achieved for the ZnIn2S4 nanosheet/TiO2 nanowire composite film for a 6 h reaction time under white illumination. Moreover, the potential of the 304 stainless steel coupled with the composite film immediately shifts negatively to -1.17 V (vs. SCE), which is significantly lower than the corrosion potential (-0.201 V vs. SCE). Thus, the composite film offers a superior photocathodic protection for stainless steel against corrosion by a NaCl solution. This study provides a promising approach for the design and synthesis of composite films with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance.

Seaweed Fortification on Crispy Enbal as Local Food of Kei Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marasabessy, Ismael; Sudirjo, Fien

2017-10-01

One of health problems phenomenon in Indonesian and the world is increasing the degenerative disease because human’s bad habits of eating that having less fiber. Source of fiber which is relatively abundant in eastern Indonesia is seaweed that is very precise to fortified on local food that aims to be more nutritious and economically valuable. The purpose of this study is to got appropriate seaweed fortification technique to produce Seaweed Crispy Enbal (SCE) as typical food from Kei islands that rich in fiber and preferred by consumers. The research was done in two stages. The first stage is to analyze quality of fiber and HCN content of seaweed and enbal flour as SCE raw material, and the two-stage is fortified fiber to enbal lempeng using two types of raw materials, namely pulp seaweed and flour seaweed. The results showed that the fiber content of seaweed Eucheuma cottonii and flour enbal respectively 7.01% and 4%, while HCN content less than 3 mg/kg. Fortification techniques using pulp seaweed better than others. It is because pulp seaweed produces seaweed crispy enbal with high value of sensory (really like) with having fiber content is 7.48%.

Combining censored and uncensored data in a U-statistic: design and sample size implications for cell therapy research.

PubMed

Moyé, Lemuel A; Lai, Dejian; Jing, Kaiyan; Baraniuk, Mary Sarah; Kwak, Minjung; Penn, Marc S; Wu, Colon O

2011-01-01

The assumptions that anchor large clinical trials are rooted in smaller, Phase II studies. In addition to specifying the target population, intervention delivery, and patient follow-up duration, physician-scientists who design these Phase II studies must select the appropriate response variables (endpoints). However, endpoint measures can be problematic. If the endpoint assesses the change in a continuous measure over time, then the occurrence of an intervening significant clinical event (SCE), such as death, can preclude the follow-up measurement. Finally, the ideal continuous endpoint measurement may be contraindicated in a fraction of the study patients, a change that requires a less precise substitution in this subset of participants.A score function that is based on the U-statistic can address these issues of 1) intercurrent SCE's and 2) response variable ascertainments that use different measurements of different precision. The scoring statistic is easy to apply, clinically relevant, and provides flexibility for the investigators' prospective design decisions. Sample size and power formulations for this statistic are provided as functions of clinical event rates and effect size estimates that are easy for investigators to identify and discuss. Examples are provided from current cardiovascular cell therapy research.

Solar Corona Explorer: A mission for the physical diagnosis of the solar corona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Mission objectives and spacecraft requirements for the Solar Corona Explorer (SCE), a proposed free flying, unmanned solar research craft to be tenatively launched in 1987, were defined. The SCE's purpose is to investigate structure, dynamics and evolution of the corona, globally and in the required physical detail, to study the close coupling between the inner corona and the heliosphere. Investigative objectives are: (1) to understand the corona as the source of varying interplanetary plasma and of varying solar X-ray and extreme ultraviolet fluxes; (2) to develop the capabilities to model the corona with sufficient precision to forecast the Earth's variable environment in space, on the scales from weeks to years; (3) to develop an understanding of the physical processes that determine the dynamics and physical state of the coronal plasma, particularly acceleration processes; and (4) to develop insight and test theory on the Sun applicable to stellar coronae and winds, and in particular, to understand why cool stars put such a large fraction of their energy into X-rays. Considered related factors are: (1) duration of the mission; (2) onboard measuring instrumentation; (3) ground support equipment and procedures; and (4) programs of interpretation and modeling.

Inhibition of human dendritic cell activation by hydroethanolic but not lipophilic extracts of turmeric (Curcuma longa).

PubMed

Krasovsky, Joseph; Chang, David H; Deng, Gary; Yeung, Simon; Lee, Mavis; Leung, Ping Chung; Cunningham-Rundles, Susanna; Cassileth, Barrie; Dhodapkar, Madhav V

2009-03-01

Turmeric has been extensively utilized in Indian and Chinese medicine for its immune-modulatory properties. Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells specialized to initiate and regulate immunity. The ability of DCs to initiate immunity is linked to their activation status. The effects of turmeric on human DCs have not been studied. Here we show that hydroethanolic (HEE) but not lipophilic "supercritical" extraction (SCE) of turmeric inhibits the activation of human DCs in response to inflammatory cytokines. Treatment of DCs with HEE also inhibits the ability of DCs to stimulate the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Importantly, the lipophilic fraction does not synergize with the hydroethanolic fraction for the ability of inhibiting DC maturation. Rather, culturing of DCs with the combination of HEE and SCE leads to partial abrogation of the effects of HEE on the MLR initiated by DCs. These data provide a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. However, they suggest that these extracts are not synergistic and may contain components with mutually antagonistic effects on human DCs. Harnessing the immune effects of turmeric may benefit from specifically targeting the active fractions.

Inhibition of Human Dendritic Cell Activation by Hydroethanolic But Not Lipophilic Extracts of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

PubMed Central

Krasovsky, Joseph; Chang, David H.; Deng, Gary; Yeung, Simon; Lee, Mavis; Leung, Ping Chung; Cunningham-Rundles, Susanna; Cassileth, Barrie; Dhodapkar, Madhav V.

2015-01-01

Turmeric has been extensively utilized in Indian and Chinese medicine for its immune-modulatory properties. Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells specialized to initiate and regulate immunity. The ability of DCs to initiate immunity is linked to their activation status. The effects of turmeric on human DCs have not been studied. Here we show that hydroethanolic (HEE) but not lipophilic “supercritical” extraction (SCE) of turmeric inhibits the activation of human DCs in response to inflammatory cytokines. Treatment of DCs with HEE also inhibits the ability of DCs to stimulate the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Importantly, the lipophilic fraction does not synergize with the hydroethanolic fraction for the ability of inhibiting DC maturation. Rather, culturing of DCs with the combination of HEE and SCE leads to partial abrogation of the effects of HEE on the MLR initiated by DCs. These data provide a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. However, they suggest that these extracts are not synergistic and may contain components with mutually antagonistic effects on human DCs. Harnessing the immune effects of turmeric may benefit from specifically targeting the active fractions. PMID:19034830

Determination of precursor sites for pitting corrosion of polycrystalline titanium by using different techniques

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

Garfias-Mesias, L.F.; Alodan, M.; James, P.I.

1998-06-01

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in ferrocyanide and bromide solutions was used to locate active sites (pitting precursors) on polycrystalline Ti where oxidation of Br{sup {minus}} and Fe(CN){sub 6}{sup 4{minus}} was possible. Analysis of the electrochemically active sites was done by using electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and in situ confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In most cases, the active sites were found to be associated with particles (inclusions) which contained mainly Al and Si; however, some other areas not associated with particles were also found to be active. Although the size of themore » inclusions was normally smaller than 20 {micro}m, as revealed by SEM and AFM imaging, in some cases larger particles were also found. Pitting corrosion tests in bromide solution at potentials above 1.5 V{sub SCE} followed by EDX analysis inside the pits and in situ CLSM observation, confirmed that most of the localized attack started in the areas where particles had been located.« less

Electrochemical approach for passivating steel and other metals and for the simultaneous production of a biocide to render water potable

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Potentiostatic polarization curves indicated that the cathodic reactions in deaerated KI-I2 water solutions were due to iodine reduction and hydrogen evolution. In the presence of oxygen an additional reduction wave appeared. Anodic polarization curves revealed that iodine could be produced in the region of potential from +600 to +1000 nv vs. SCE.

Voting Assistance Guide 82

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

some- one else by an announced deadline. This is not always guaranteed. The best way for a voter to prevent disen- franchisement due to BALLOT...Board of Election Commissioners citr Aurorm Bloomington Chicago DanviU« E. St. LouU Ualwburi Peoria Rockford Springlleld DuPag« AMran Zip Cafe ...governmental operations, shall constitute a violation of any provision of law relating to the elective franchise . Sec. 197Sce-25. Undue influenc

Can current moisture responses predict soil CO2 efflux under altered precipitation regimes? A synthesis of manipulation experiments

Treesearch

S. Vicca; M. Bahn; M. Estiarte; E. E. van Loon; R. Vargas; G. Alberti; P. Ambus; M. A. Arain; C. Beier; L. P. Bentley; W. Borken; N. Buchmann; S. L. Collins; G. de Dato; J. S. Dukes; C. Escolar; P. Fay; G. Guidolotti; P. J. Hanson; A. Kahmen; G. Kröel-Dulay; T. Ladreiter-Knauss; K. S. Larsen; E. Lellei-Kovacs; E. Lebrija-Trejos; F. T. Maestre; S. Marhan; M. Marshall; P. Meir; Y. Miao; J. Muhr; P. A. Niklaus; R. Ogaya; J. Peñuelas; C. Poll; L. E. Rustad; K. Savage; A. Schindlbacher; I. K. Schmidt; A. R. Smith; E. D. Sotta; V. Suseela; A. Tietema; N. van Gestel; O. van Straaten; S. Wan; U. Weber; I. A. Janssens

2014-01-01

As a key component of the carbon cycle, soil CO2 efflux (SCE) is being increasingly studied to improve our mechanistic understanding of this important carbon flux. Predicting ecosystem responses to climate change often depends an extrapolation of current relationships between ecosystem processes and their climatic drivers to conditions not yet experienced by the...

Development of a targeted transgenesis strategy in highly differentiated cells: a powerful tool for functional genomic analysis.

PubMed

Puttini, Stefania; Ouvrard-Pascaud, Antoine; Palais, Gael; Beggah, Ahmed T; Gascard, Philippe; Cohen-Tannoudji, Michel; Babinet, Charles; Blot-Chabaud, Marcel; Jaisser, Frederic

2005-03-16

Functional genomic analysis is a challenging step in the so-called post-genomic field. Identification of potential targets using large-scale gene expression analysis requires functional validation to identify those that are physiologically relevant. Genetically modified cell models are often used for this purpose allowing up- or down-expression of selected targets in a well-defined and if possible highly differentiated cell type. However, the generation of such models remains time-consuming and expensive. In order to alleviate this step, we developed a strategy aimed at the rapid and efficient generation of genetically modified cell lines with conditional, inducible expression of various target genes. Efficient knock-in of various constructs, called targeted transgenesis, in a locus selected for its permissibility to the tet inducible system, was obtained through the stimulation of site-specific homologous recombination by the meganuclease I-SceI. Our results demonstrate that targeted transgenesis in a reference inducible locus greatly facilitated the functional analysis of the selected recombinant cells. The efficient screening strategy we have designed makes possible automation of the transfection and selection steps. Furthermore, this strategy could be applied to a variety of highly differentiated cells.

An unusual stable mononuclear Mn(III) bis-terpyridine complex exhibiting Jahn-Teller compression: electrochemical synthesis, physical characterisation and theoretical study.

PubMed

Romain, Sophie; Duboc, Carole; Neese, Frank; Rivière, Eric; Hanton, Lyall R; Blackman, Allan G; Philouze, Christian; Leprêtre, Jean-Claude; Deronzier, Alain; Collomb, Marie-Noëlle

2009-01-01

The mononuclear manganese bis-terpyridine complex [Mn(tolyl-terpy)(2)](X)(3) (1(X)(3); X=BF(4), ClO(4), PF(6); tolyl-terpy=4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine), containing Mn in the unusual +III oxidation state, has been isolated and characterised. The 1(3+) ion is a rare example of a mononuclear Mn(III) complex stabilised solely by neutral N ligands. Complex 1(3+) is obtained by electrochemical oxidation of the corresponding Mn(II) compound 1(2+) in anhydrous acetonitrile. Under these conditions the cyclic voltammogram of 1(2+) exhibits not only the well-known Mn(II)/Mn(III) oxidation at E(1/2)=+0.91 V versus Ag/Ag(+) (+1.21 V vs. SCE) but also a second metal-based oxidation process corresponding to Mn(III)/Mn(IV) at E(1/2)=+1.63 V (+1.93 V vs. SCE). Single crystals of 1(PF(6))(3)2 CH(3)CN were obtained by an electrocrystallisation procedure. X-ray analysis unambiguously revealed its tetragonally compressed octahedral geometry and high-spin character. The electronic properties of 1(3+) were investigated in detail by magnetic measurements and theoretical calculations, from which a D value of +4.82 cm(-1) was precisely determined. Density functional and complete active space self consistent field ab initio calculations both correctly predict a positive sign of D, in agreement with the compressed tetragonal distortion observed in the X-ray structure of 1(PF(6))(3)2 CH(3)CN. The different contributions to D were calculated, and the results show that 1) the spin-orbit coupling part (+2.593 cm(-1)) is predominant compared to the spin-spin interaction (+1.075 cm(-1)) and 2) the excited triplet states make the dominant contribution to the total D value.

A Service-oriented Approach towards Context-aware Mobile Learning Management Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

towards a pervasive university. Keywords-context-aware computing, service-oriented archi- tecture, mobile computing, elearning , learn management sys- tem I...usage of device- specific features provide support for various ubiquitous and pervasive eLearning scenarios [2][3]. By knowing where the user currently...data from the mobile device towards a context-aware mobile LMS. II. BASIC CONCEPTS For a better understanding of the presented eLearning sce- narios

Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-10

continued...) The complex could contain explosions up to 500 pounds of explosive and associated plutonium. Another SCE, “ Unicorn ,” is to be conducted...scheduled for FY2006, as noted below. SCEs try to determine if radioactive decay of aged plutonium would degrade weapon performance. Several SCEs...Richardson called SCEs “a key part of our scientific program to provide new tools and data that assess age -related complications and maintain the reliability

Electron Interactions with Non-Linear Polyatomic Molecules and Their Radicals

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

developed which generates SCE quantities from molecular wave functions. This progress was realized in terms of some actual calculations on some molecules...section 4.A describes the basics of the Partial Differential Equation Theory; section 4.B describes the generalization to a finite element...Information Service (NTIS). At NTIS, it will be available to the general public, including foreign nations. This technical report has been reviewed and

MSIAC Journal. Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

Interaction Surprise Risk Suspense Art and Beauty Learning processEntertainment Trainer PreferencesGamer Preferences A review of these preferences...certification level event within a continuous sce- nario for a complex tactical aviation mission that lead to the selection of Steal Beasts for the conduct...visual environment. The avia- tion training school had already purchased an adequate number of Steel Beasts licences and so it was selected as the most

Space Construction Experiment Definition Study (SCEDS), part 3. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Study tasks were directed toward definition of an early shuttle controls and dynamics flight experiment, as well as evolutionary or supplemental experiments, that address the needs of the dynamics and controls community and demonstrates the shuttle system capability to perform construction operations. A requirement that the first bending mode of the SCE be above 0.15 Hertz to avoid coupling with the DAP was adopted.

Creation of a type IIS restriction endonuclease with a long recognition sequence

PubMed Central

Lippow, Shaun M.; Aha, Patti M.; Parker, Matthew H.; Blake, William J.; Baynes, Brian M.; Lipovšek, Daša

2009-01-01

Type IIS restriction endonucleases cleave DNA outside their recognition sequences, and are therefore particularly useful in the assembly of DNA from smaller fragments. A limitation of type IIS restriction endonucleases in assembly of long DNA sequences is the relative abundance of their target sites. To facilitate ligation-based assembly of extremely long pieces of DNA, we have engineered a new type IIS restriction endonuclease that combines the specificity of the homing endonuclease I-SceI with the type IIS cleavage pattern of FokI. We linked a non-cleaving mutant of I-SceI, which conveys to the chimeric enzyme its specificity for an 18-bp DNA sequence, to the catalytic domain of FokI, which cuts DNA at a defined site outside the target site. Whereas previously described chimeric endonucleases do not produce type IIS-like precise DNA overhangs suitable for ligation, our chimeric endonuclease cleaves double-stranded DNA exactly 2 and 6 nt from the target site to generate homogeneous, 5′, four-base overhangs, which can be ligated with 90% fidelity. We anticipate that these enzymes will be particularly useful in manipulation of DNA fragments larger than a thousand bases, which are very likely to contain target sites for all natural type IIS restriction endonucleases. PMID:19304757

Ag-doped Co3O4 catalyst derived from heterometallic MOF for syngas production by electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shi-Yuan; Yang, Yuan-Yuan; Zheng, Yue-Qing; Zhu, Hong-Lin

2018-07-01

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to useful fuels or chemicals is a promising path for carbon recycling. In this study, a novel mixed-metallic MOF [Ag4Co2(pyz)PDC4][Ag2Co(pyz)2PDC2] was synthesized, and it transformed into Ag doped Co3O4 catalyst, which exhibits excellent electro-catalytic performance for reduction of CO2 in water to syngas (H2 + CO). The as-prepared Ag/Co3O4 material exhibits a high selectivity of CO in 0.1 M KHCO3 aqueous solution (CO2 saturated) with the corresponding faradaic efficiency up to 55.6%. Compared with the Ag/Co3O4 electrode, the maximum faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO of pure Co3O4 is 21.3% at - 1.8 V vs. SCE. The results show that the presence of Ag can improve the efficiency of CO significantly, thereby inhibiting the production of H2. The stability of the samples can be maintained for more than 10 h at - 1.8 V vs. SCE. The ratio of production between H2 and CO can be controlled by varying the potential values.

Pilot test of an emotional education intervention component for sexual risk reduction.

PubMed

Ferrer, Rebecca A; Fisher, Jeffrey D; Buck, Ross; Amico, K Rivet

2011-09-01

Emotions are key predictors of sexual risk behavior but have been largely ignored in theory-based intervention development. The present study aims to evaluate whether the addition of an emotional education intervention component to a traditional social-cognitive safer sex intervention increases intervention efficacy, compared with both a social-cognitive only intervention and a no intervention control condition. Young adults were randomized in small groups to receive the social-cognitive-emotional (SCE) intervention, the social-cognitive (SC) intervention, or standard of care. Analyses of data from 176 participants indicated that intervention arms reported similar increased condom use compared with the no intervention control arm at 3 months' postintervention (β = .06, p = .41, d = 0.08). However, at 6 months' postintervention, individuals in the SCE intervention arm reported increased condom use compared with both the SC intervention (β = .27, p = .04, d = 0.38) and control arms (β = .37, p < .01; d = 0.56), demonstrating preliminary evidence that the addition of an emotional education component may facilitate sustained behavior change. An emotional education intervention module has the potential to facilitate sustained behavior change at delayed follow-up. Additional research is necessary to replicate findings in a larger sample and to determine the mediators of emotional education intervention efficacy.

A novel iron (Ⅱ) polyphthalocyanine catalyst assembled on graphene with significantly enhanced performance for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Lin; Li, Meng; Jiang, Liqing; Li, Yongfeng; Liu, Dajun; He, Xingquan; Cui, Lili

2014-12-01

To realize the large-scale commercial application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are the crucial obstacle. Here, an efficient non-noble-metal catalyst for ORR, denoted FePPc/PSS-Gr, has been obtained by anchoring p-phenyl-bis(3,4-dicyanophenyl) ether iron(Ⅱ) polyphthalocyanine (FePPc) on poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) modified graphene (PSS-Gr) through a solvothermally assisted π-π assembling approach. The Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal the π-π interaction between FePPc and PSS-Gr. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) measurements show that the proposed catalyst possesses an excellent catalytic performance towards ORR comparable with the commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline medium, such as high onset potential (-0.08 V vs. SCE), half-wave potential (-0.19 V vs. SCE), better tolerance to methanol crossover, excellent stability (81.1%, retention after 10,000 s) and an efficient four-electron pathway. The enhanced electrocatalytic performance could be chiefly attributed to its large electrochemically accessible surface area, fast electron transfer rate of PSS-Gr, in particular, the synergistic effect between the FePPc moieties and the PSS-Gr sheets.

Localized corrosion behaviour in simulated human body fluids of commercial Ni-Ti orthodontic wires.

PubMed

Rondelli, G; Vicentini, B

1999-04-01

The corrosion performances in simulated human body fluids of commercial equiatomic Ni-Ti orthodontic wires having various shape and size and produced by different manufacturers were evaluated; for comparison purposes wires made of stainless steel and of cobalt-based alloy were also examined. Potentiodynamic tests in artificial saliva at 40 degrees C indicated a sufficient pitting resistance for the Ni-Ti wires, similar to that of cobalt-based alloy wire; the stainless steel wire, instead, exhibited low pitting potential. Potentiodynamic tests at 40 degrees C in isotonic saline solution (0.9% NaCl) showed, for Ni-Ti and stainless steel wires, pitting potential values in the range approximately 200-400 mV and approximately 350 mV versus SCE, respectively: consequently, according to literature data (Hoar TP, Mears DC. Proc Roy Soc A 1996;294:486-510), these materials should be considered potentially susceptible to pitting; only the cobalt-based alloy should be immune from pitting. The localized corrosion potentials determined in the same environment by the ASTM F746 test (approximately 0-200 mV and 130 mV versus SCE for Ni-Ti and stainless steel, respectively) pointed out that for these materials an even higher risk of localized corrosion. Slight differences in localized corrosion behaviour among the various Ni-Ti wires were detected.

Visible light induced H2PO(4)(-) removal over CuAlO2 catalyst.

PubMed

Benreguia, N; Omeiri, S; Bellal, B; Trari, M

2011-09-15

The delafossite CuAlO(2) is successfully used for the visible light driven H(2)PO(4)(-) reduction. It is prepared from the nitrates decomposition in order to increase the ratio of reaction surface per given mass. CuAlO(2) is a narrow band gap semiconductor which exhibits a good chemical stability with a corrosion rate of 1.70 μmol year(-1) at neutral pH. The flat band potential (+0.25 V(SCE)) is determined from the Mott-Schottky characteristic. Hence, the conduction band, positioned at (-1.19 V(SCE)), lies below the H(2)PO(4)(-) level yielding a spontaneous reduction under visible illumination. The photocatalytic process is investigated under mild conditions and 30% conversion occurs in less than ~6h with a quantum efficiency of 0.04% under full light. The concentration decreases by a factor of 39% after a second cycle. The photoactivity follows a first order kinetic with a rate constant of 6.6 × 10(-2)h(-1). The possibility of identifying the reaction products via the intensity-potential characteristics is explored. The decrease of the conversion rate over illumination time is due to the competitive water reduction. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Caffeine inhibits homology-directed repair of I-SceI-induced DNA double-strand breaks.

PubMed

Wang, Huichen; Boecker, Wilfried; Wang, Hongyan; Wang, Xiang; Guan, Jun; Thompson, Larry H; Nickoloff, Jac A; Iliakis, George

2004-01-22

We recently reported that two Chinese hamster mutants deficient in the RAD51 paralogs XRCC2 and XRCC3 show reduced radiosensitization after treatment with caffeine, thus implicating homology-directed repair (HDR) of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the mechanism of caffeine radiosensitization. Here, we investigate directly the effect of caffeine on HDR initiated by DSBs induced by a rare cutting endonuclease (I-SceI) into one of two direct DNA repeats. The results demonstrate a strong inhibition by caffeine of HDR in wild-type cells, and a substantial reduction of this effect in HDR-deficient XRCC3 mutant cells. Inhibition of HDR and cell radiosensitization to killing shows similar dependence on caffeine concentration suggesting a cause-effect relationship between these effects. UCN-01, a kinase inhibitor that effectively abrogates checkpoint activation in irradiated cells, has only a small effect on HDR, indicating that similar to radiosensitization, inhibition of checkpoint signaling is not sufficient for HDR inhibition. Recombination events occurring during treatment with caffeine are characterized by rearrangements reminiscent to those previously reported for the XRCC3 mutant, and immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrates significantly reduced formation of IR-specific RAD51 foci after caffeine treatment. In summary, our results identify inhibition of HDR as a significant contributor to caffeine radiosensitization.

Application of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope-Nanomanipulation System on Spheroplast Yeast Cells Surface Observation.

PubMed

Rad, Maryam Alsadat; Ahmad, Mohd Ridzuan; Nakajima, Masahiro; Kojima, Seiji; Homma, Michio; Fukuda, Toshio

2017-01-01

The preparation and observations of spheroplast W303 cells are described with Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM). The spheroplasting conversion was successfully confirmed qualitatively, by the evaluation of the morphological change between the normal W303 cells and the spheroplast W303 cells, and quantitatively, by determining the spheroplast conversion percentage based on the OD 800 absorbance data. From the optical microscope observations as expected, the normal cells had an oval shape whereas spheroplast cells resemble a spherical shape. This was also confirmed under four different mediums, that is, yeast peptone-dextrose (YPD), sterile water, sorbitol-EDTA-sodium citrate buffer (SCE), and sorbitol-Tris-Hcl-CaCl 2 (CaS). It was also observed that the SCE and CaS mediums had a higher number of spheroplast cells as compared to the YPD and sterile water mediums. The OD 800 absorbance data also showed that the whole W303 cells were fully converted to the spheroplast cells after about 15 minutes. The observations of the normal and the spheroplast W303 cells were then performed under an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The normal cells showed a smooth cell surface whereas the spheroplast cells had a bleb-like surface after the loss of its integrity when removing the cell wall.

Cathodic behaviour of stainless steel in coastal Indian seawater: calcareous deposits overwhelm biofilms.

PubMed

Eashwar, M; Subramanian, G; Palanichamy, S; Rajagopal, G; Madhu, S; Kamaraj, P

2009-01-01

Type-316 stainless steel (SS) was investigated as the cathode in galvanic couples in full-strength seawater from the Gulf of Mannar on the southeast coast of India. Tests were devised to examine the impact of SS cathodes on anode materials with or without the accrual of marine biofilms. Biofilmed SS cathodes significantly enhanced the rate of corrosion of nickel, causing noble shifts in the couple potentials. With mild steel and zinc as the anodes, calcareous deposits developed quite rapidly on the SS cathodes and led to a significant reduction of bacterial numbers. The calcareous deposits also caused substantial reduction of galvanic corrosion rates for mild steel, whereas there was no difference for zinc. The deposits were identified by XRD as essentially carbonates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium and magnesium. Potentiodynamic polarization performed on the actual couples after disconnection and equilibration provided reasonable interpretations of the galvanic corrosion trends. Data from this work suggest that a potential of about -0.70 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) should provide optimum protection of SS in warmer, full-strength seawater that supports the precipitation of calcareous deposits. The criterion commonly recommended for temperate conditions of lower water temperature and estuarine waters of lower alkalinity is -1.0 V (SCE).

Evaluation of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogii extracts on mammalian cells.

PubMed

Unyayar, Ali; Demirbilek, Murat; Turkoglu, Melisa; Celik, Ayla; Mazmanci, Mehmet A; Erkurt, Emrah A; Unyayar, Serpil; Cekic, Ozlem; Atacag, Hatice

2006-01-01

This study examined the in vitro cytotoxic activities of standardized aqueous bioactive extracts prepared from Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogiiATCC 200800 on HeLa and fibroblast cell lines using a MTT (3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-]-2-5-difeniltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts were cytotoxic to both cell lines. At 10 microL treatment level, F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts inhibited proliferation of HeLa cancer cells by 71.5% and 45%, respectively, compared with controls. Toxicity was lower toward normal fibroblasts. In the latter case, treatment at 10 microL level with F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts reduced cell proliferation by 51.3% and 38.7%, respectively. In separate experiments, the mitotic index (MI) obtained with 3 microL treatment level of unheated extracts of the two fungi was comparable to the MI value obtained by treatment with 4 microg/mL MMC (anticancer agent mitomycin-C). A significant induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was observed in normal cultured lymphocytes treated with MMC (4 microg/mL). MMC treatment reduced replication index compared with treatment with unheated F. trogii extract and negative controls (p < 0.001). In contrast to MMC, F. trogii extracts did not affect the proliferation of human lymphocytes compared with controls (p > 0.05). Laccase and peroxidase enzyme activities in F. trogii extract were implicated in their inhibitory effect on cancer cells. F. trogii extract was concluded to have antitumor activity.

Social Network Analysis of the Farabi Exchange Program: Student Mobility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ugurlu, Zeynep

2016-01-01

Problem Statement: Exchange programs offer communication channels created through student and instructor exchanges; a flow of information takes place through these channels. The Farabi Exchange Program (FEP) is a student and instructor exchange program between institutions of higher education. Through the use of social network analysis and…

Transgenesis in axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).

PubMed

Khattak, Shahryar; Tanaka, Elly M

2015-01-01

Transgenic animals have been indispensable in elucidating and deciphering mechanisms underlying various biological phenomena. In regeneration, transgenic animals expressing fluorescent protein genes have been crucial for identifying the source cells for regeneration and the mechanism of blastema formation. Animals are usually generated by manipulating their genome using various techniques at/in one cell embryo/fertilized egg stage. Here, we describe the generation of germline transgenic axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) using the I-SceI meganuclease and Tol2 transposase.

Southern California Edison Grid Integration Evaluation: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-10-376

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

Mather, Barry

2015-07-09

The objective of this project is to use field verification to improve DOE’s ability to model and understand the impacts of, as well as develop solutions for, high penetration PV deployments in electrical utility distribution systems. The Participant will work with NREL to assess the existing distribution system at SCE facilities and assess adding additional PV systems into the electric power system.

SMS crew station (C and D panels and forward structures). CEI part 1: Detail specification, type 1 data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Established are the requirements for performance, design, test and qualification of one type of equipment identified as SMS C&D panels and forward structures. This CEI is used to provide all hardware and wiring necessary for the C&D panels to be properly interfaced with the computer complex/signal conversion equipment (SCE), crew station, and software requirements as defined in other CEI specifications.

45. 800 H.P. WATER WHEEL UNIT (LEFT HAND) DIRECT CONNECTED ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

45. 800 H.P. WATER WHEEL UNIT (LEFT HAND) DIRECT CONNECTED TO A 500 K.W. G.E. CO. GENERATOR, SPEED 176 R.P.M., HEAD OF WATER 305 FT EFF., FOR SANTA ANA RIVER NO. 2 PLANT. ABNER DOBLE CO., ENGINEERS, SAN FRANCISCO, AUG. 29, 1904. TRACED FROM DOBLE BLUE PRINT, SEPT. 9, 1911. SCE drawing no. 5698. - Santa Ana River Hydroelectric System, SAR-2 Powerhouse, Redlands, San Bernardino County, CA

Folio Assessment or External Examinations? An Investigation into Alternative Means of Assessing SCE Ordinary Grade English. Report to the Scottish Certificate of Education Examination Board from the Scottish Council for Research in Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spencer, Ernest

From 1974 through 1978, three methods of assessing Scottish high school students' (O level) English achievement were studied: (1) Ordinary (O level) examinations; (2) assessment of writing skills (folio assessment); and (3) criterion referenced tests developed by the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE) to measure the objectives of…

Validation of a single-platform method for hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells enumeration according to accreditation procedure.

PubMed

Massin, Frédéric; Huili, Cai; Decot, Véronique; Stoltz, Jean-François; Bensoussan, Danièle; Latger-Cannard, Véronique

2015-01-01

Stem cells for autologous and allogenic transplantation are obtained from several sources including bone marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood. Accurate enumeration of viable CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is routinely used in clinical settings, especially to monitor progenitor cell mobilization and apheresis. The number of viable CD34+ HSC has also been shown to be the most critical factor in haematopoietic engraftment. The International Society for Cellular Therapy actually recommends the use of single-platform flow cytometry system using 7-AAD as a viability dye. In a way to move routine analysis from a BD FACSCaliburTM instrument to a BD FACSCantoTM II, according to ISO 15189 standard guidelines, we define laboratory performance data of the BDTM Stem Cell Enumeration (SCE) kit on a CE-IVD system including a BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer and the BD FACSCantoTM Clinical Software. InterQCTM software, a real time internet laboratory QC management system developed by VitroTM and distributed by Becton DickinsonTM, was also tested to monitor daily QC data, to define the internal laboratory statistics and to compare them to external laboratories. Precision was evaluated with BDTM Stem Cell Control (high and low) results and the InterQC software, an internet laboratory QC management system by Vitro. This last one drew Levey-Jennings curves and generated numeral statistical parameters allowing detection of potential changes in the system performances as well as interlaboratory comparisons. Repeatability, linearity and lower limits of detection were obtained with routine samples from different origins. Agreement evaluation between BD FACSCanto II system versus BD FACSCalibur system was tested on fresh peripheral blood, freeze-thawed apheresis, fresh bone marrow and fresh cord blood samples. Instrument's measure and staining repeatability clearly evidenced acceptable variability on the different samples tested. Intra- and inter-laboratory CV in CD34+ cell absolute count are consistent and reproducible. Linearity analysis, established between 2 and 329 cells/μl showed a linear relation between expected counts and measured counts (R2=0.97). Linear regression and Bland-Altman representations showed an excellent correlation on samples from different sources between the two systems and allowed the transfer of routine analysis from BD FACSCalibur to BD FACSCanto II. The BD SCE kit provides an accurate measure of the CD34 HSC, and can be used in daily routine to optimize the enumeration of hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells by flow cytometry. Moreover, the InterQC system seems to be a very useful tool for laboratory daily quality monitoring and thus for accreditation.

Electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence of dithienylbenzothiadiazole derivative. Differential reactivity of donor and acceptor groups and simulations of radical cation-anion and dication-radical anion annihilations.

PubMed

Shen, Mei; Rodríguez-López, Joaquín; Huang, Ju; Liu, Quan; Zhu, Xu-Hui; Bard, Allen J

2010-09-29

We report here the electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of a red-emitting dithienylbenzothiadiazole-based molecular fluorophore (4,7-bis(4-(4-sec-butoxyphenyl)-5-(3,5-di(1-naphthyl)phenyl)thiophen-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 1b). 1b contains two substituted thiophene groups as strong electron donors at the ends connected directly to a strong electron acceptor, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, in the center. Each thiophene moiety is substituted in position 2 by 3,5-di(1-naphthyl)phenyl and in position 3 by 4-sec-butoxyphenyl. Cyclic voltammetry of 1b, with scan rate ranging from 0.05 to 0.75 V/s, shows a single one-electron reduction wave (E°(red) = -1.18 V vs SCE) and two nernstian one-electron oxidation waves (E°(1,ox) = 1.01 V, E°(2,ox) = 1.24 V vs SCE). Reduction of the unsubstituted 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole center shows nernstian behavior with E°(red) = -1.56 V vs SCE. By comparison to a digital simulation, the heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant for reduction, k(r)° = 1.5 × 10(-3) cm/s, is significantly smaller than those for the oxidations, k(o)° > 0.1 cm/s, possibly indicating that the two substituted end groups have a blocking effect on the reduction of the benzothiadiazole center. The ECL spectrum, produced by electron-transfer annihilation of the reduced and oxidized forms, consists of a single peak with maximum emission at about 635 nm, consistent with the fluorescence of the parent molecule. Relative ECL intensities with respect to 9,10-diphenylanthracene are 330% and 470% for the radical anion-cation and radical anion-dication annihilation, respectively. Radical anion (A(-•))-cation (A(+•)) annihilation produced by potential steps shows symmetric ECL transients during anodic and cathodic pulses, while for anion (A(-•))-dication (A(2+•)) annihilation, transient ECL shows asymmetry in which the anodic pulse is narrower than the cathodic pulse. Digital simulation of the transient ECL experiments showed that the origin of the observed asymmetry is asymmetry in the amount of generated charges rather than instability of the electrogenerated species.

Semisolid formulations containing dimethyl sulfoxide and alpha-tocopherol for the treatment of extravasation of antiblastic agents.

PubMed

Casiraghi, Antonella; Ardovino, Paola; Minghetti, Paola; Botta, Cinzia; Gattini, Arrigo; Montanari, Luisa

2007-07-01

The topical treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and/or alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) is widely used in order to prevent the local complications of extravasation of cytostatic drugs and protect patients against skin ulceration. Till now, DMSO and alpha-T have been mainly used in solution. The goal of this study was to formulate semisolid preparations for cutaneous application differing in the hydrophilic and lipophilic properties and containing DMSO and alpha-T in combination. With respect to solutions, the use of semisolid preparations containing DMSO and alpha-T could be advantageous in patients having extravasation as DMSO and alpha-T can remain in contact with the skin over an extended period of time. As a consequence, the action of the active principles can be limited specifically on the injured skin area, reducing the cutaneous irritative effects of DMSO. The following types of semisolid formulations containing 50% m/m DMSO and 2.5% m/m alpha-T were prepared: hydrophilic ointment, o/w emulsion, hydrophilic gel and lipophilic gel. The ex vivo skin permeation of DMSO and alpha-T was evaluated by using modified Franz's diffusion cells and human stratum corneum and epidermis (SCE) as a membrane. The permeated and retained amounts of DMSO and alpha-T were determined. The oleogel preparation, the hydrophilic gel and the o/w emulsion were uniform in colour and aspect, without any evidences of phase separation over the period of the study. Hydrophilic ointments were discarded as they showed phase separation after 12 h. All formulations had a different behaviour in terms of skin permeability. In particular, hydrogel and o/w emulsion showed the best control on the drug release considering the interactions of the vehicle components with the SCE and the drugs partition between the vehicle and the SCE. The DMSO permeated amount after 24 h was 4.1 mg/cm(2) for hydrogel and 2.5 mg/cm(2) for emulsion while the permeated amount of pure DMSO after 24 h was 47.5 mg/cm(2). Therefore, aiming to reduce side effects after the topical application of the antidotes DMSO and alpha-T, these results suggested that hydrogel and o/w emulsion could be considered the most promising formulations for further clinical evaluations in managing of extravasation of anthracyclines.

Evolution of supercritical fluid in deeply subducted continental crust: a case study of composite granite-quartz veins in the Sulu belt, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Wang, L.; Brown, M.

2016-12-01

Although fluid plays a key role in element transport and rock strength during subduction to and exhumation from ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions, the source of supercritical fluid at P above the second critical endpoints (SCE) and the subsequent evolution are not well constrained. To provide insight into the evolution of supercritical fluid in continental subduction zones, we undertook an integrated study of composite granite-quartz veins in retrogressed and migmatitic UHP eclogite at General's Hill, N of Qingdao, in the central Sulu belt. The composite veins are irregularly distributed in the eclogite, which occurs as blocks within gneiss. The granite component is enriched in large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements but depleted in high field strength elements and heavy rare earth elements, indicating crystallization from a melt phase of crustal origin. Additionally, the granite contains high modal phengite (22-30 vol%) and clinozoisite/epidote (3-10 vol%), implying precipitation from a H2O-rich silicate melt. By contrast, the quartz component is dominated by SiO2 (99.10 wt%), and contains low total rare earth elements (ΣREE = 0.46 ppm), indicating precipitation from an aqueous fluid. The crystallization age of the composite veins is 221 ± 2 Ma, which is younger than the UHP metamorphism in the Sulu belt at ca 230 Ma, consistent with formation during exhumation. Initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios and δ18O values of metamorphic zircons from the composite veins, and Sr-Nd isotope compositions of the granites all lie between values for eclogite and gneiss, indicating a mixed source. Accordingly, we propose that a supercritical fluid generated from the gneiss and the included blocks of eclogite at P-T conditions above the SCE for both compositions became trapped in the eclogite during exhumation. At P below the SCE for the hydrous granite system, the mixed supercritical fluid separated into immiscible aqueous melt and aqueous fluid and crystallized as the composite veins. Thus, these vein systems provide information critical to understanding the evolution of supercritical fluid during exhumation and the partitioning of elements between hydrous granite and aqueous fluid. These data inform our understanding of crust-mantle interactions in continental subduction zones.

High resolution modelling of soil moisture patterns with TerrSysMP: A comparison with sensor network data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebler, S.; Hendricks Franssen, H.-J.; Kollet, S. J.; Qu, W.; Vereecken, H.

2017-04-01

The prediction of the spatial and temporal variability of land surface states and fluxes with land surface models at high spatial resolution is still a challenge. This study compares simulation results using TerrSysMP including a 3D variably saturated groundwater flow model (ParFlow) coupled to the Community Land Model (CLM) of a 38 ha managed grassland head-water catchment in the Eifel (Germany), with soil water content (SWC) measurements from a wireless sensor network, actual evapotranspiration recorded by lysimeters and eddy covariance stations and discharge observations. TerrSysMP was discretized with a 10 × 10 m lateral resolution, variable vertical resolution (0.025-0.575 m), and the following parameterization strategies of the subsurface soil hydraulic parameters: (i) completely homogeneous, (ii) homogeneous parameters for different soil horizons, (iii) different parameters for each soil unit and soil horizon and (iv) heterogeneous stochastic realizations. Hydraulic conductivity and Mualem-Van Genuchten parameters in these simulations were sampled from probability density functions, constructed from either (i) soil texture measurements and Rosetta pedotransfer functions (ROS), or (ii) estimated soil hydraulic parameters by 1D inverse modelling using shuffle complex evolution (SCE). The results indicate that the spatial variability of SWC at the scale of a small headwater catchment is dominated by topography and spatially heterogeneous soil hydraulic parameters. The spatial variability of the soil water content thereby increases as a function of heterogeneity of soil hydraulic parameters. For lower levels of complexity, spatial variability of the SWC was underrepresented in particular for the ROS-simulations. Whereas all model simulations were able to reproduce the seasonal evapotranspiration variability, the poor discharge simulations with high model bias are likely related to short-term ET dynamics and the lack of information about bedrock characteristics and an on-site drainage system in the uncalibrated model. In general, simulation performance was better for the SCE setups. The SCE-simulations had a higher inverse air entry parameter resulting in SWC dynamics in better correspondence with data than the ROS simulations during dry periods. This illustrates that small scale measurements of soil hydraulic parameters cannot be transferred to the larger scale and that interpolated 1D inverse parameter estimates result in an acceptable performance for the catchment.

Survey of cogeneration: Advanced cogeneration research study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slonski, M. L.

1983-01-01

The consumption of electricity, natural gas, or fuel oil was surveyed. The potential electricity that could be generated in the SCE service territory using cogeneration technology was estimated. It was found that an estimated 3700 MWe could potentially be generated in Southern California using cogenerated technology. It is suggested that current technology could provide 2600 MWe and advanced technology could provide 1100 MWe. Approximately 1600 MWt is considered not feasible to produce electricity with either current or advanced cogeneration technology.

Rapid Single-Cell Electroporation for Labeling Organotypic Cultures

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

carry out SCE on the tissue slice under visual control from the user. When the user wishes to transfect a new compound , the entire micromanipulator...a new compound by a perpendicular long-travel linear stage (H). Each sub-system is discussed below in detail including development and choice of...stage where a cleaning bath is moved in. The tip is inserted into the bath and cleaned/rinsed (E) before sampling a new compound and repeating (A). Af D

A Global Assessment of Stem Cell Engineering

PubMed Central

Loring, Jeanne F.; McDevitt, Todd C.; Palecek, Sean P.; Schaffer, David V.; Zandstra, Peter W.

2014-01-01

Over the last 2 years a global assessment of stem cell engineering (SCE) was conducted with the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The purpose was to gather information on the worldwide status and trends in SCE, that is, the involvement of engineers and engineering approaches in the stem cell field, both in basic research and in the translation of research into clinical applications and commercial products. The study was facilitated and managed by the World Technology Evaluation Center. The process involved site visits in both Asia and Europe, and it also included several different workshops. From this assessment, the panel concluded that there needs to be an increased role for engineers and the engineering approach. This will provide a foundation for the generation of new markets and future economic growth. To do this will require an increased investment in engineering, applied research, and commercialization as it relates to stem cell research and technology. It also will require programs that support interdisciplinary teams, new innovative mechanisms for academic–industry partnerships, and unique translational models. In addition, the global community would benefit from forming strategic partnerships between countries that can leverage existing and emerging strengths in different institutions. To implement such partnerships will require multinational grant programs with appropriate review mechanisms. PMID:24428577

A global assessment of stem cell engineering.

PubMed

Loring, Jeanne F; McDevitt, Todd C; Palecek, Sean P; Schaffer, David V; Zandstra, Peter W; Nerem, Robert M

2014-10-01

Over the last 2 years a global assessment of stem cell engineering (SCE) was conducted with the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The purpose was to gather information on the worldwide status and trends in SCE, that is, the involvement of engineers and engineering approaches in the stem cell field, both in basic research and in the translation of research into clinical applications and commercial products. The study was facilitated and managed by the World Technology Evaluation Center. The process involved site visits in both Asia and Europe, and it also included several different workshops. From this assessment, the panel concluded that there needs to be an increased role for engineers and the engineering approach. This will provide a foundation for the generation of new markets and future economic growth. To do this will require an increased investment in engineering, applied research, and commercialization as it relates to stem cell research and technology. It also will require programs that support interdisciplinary teams, new innovative mechanisms for academic-industry partnerships, and unique translational models. In addition, the global community would benefit from forming strategic partnerships between countries that can leverage existing and emerging strengths in different institutions. To implement such partnerships will require multinational grant programs with appropriate review mechanisms.

3D Printed Graphene Based Energy Storage Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, Christopher W.; Down, Michael P.; Zhang, Yan; Ji, Xiaobo; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J.; Smith, Graham C.; Kelly, Peter J.; Banks, Craig E.

2017-03-01

3D printing technology provides a unique platform for rapid prototyping of numerous applications due to its ability to produce low cost 3D printed platforms. Herein, a graphene-based polylactic acid filament (graphene/PLA) has been 3D printed to fabricate a range of 3D disc electrode (3DE) configurations using a conventional RepRap fused deposition moulding (FDM) 3D printer, which requires no further modification/ex-situ curing step. To provide proof-of-concept, these 3D printed electrode architectures are characterised both electrochemically and physicochemically and are advantageously applied as freestanding anodes within Li-ion batteries and as solid-state supercapacitors. These freestanding anodes neglect the requirement for a current collector, thus offering a simplistic and cheaper alternative to traditional Li-ion based setups. Additionally, the ability of these devices’ to electrochemically produce hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as an alternative to currently utilised platinum based electrodes (with in electrolysers) is also performed. The 3DE demonstrates an unexpectedly high catalytic activity towards the HER (-0.46 V vs. SCE) upon the 1000th cycle, such potential is the closest observed to the desired value of platinum at (-0.25 V vs. SCE). We subsequently suggest that 3D printing of graphene-based conductive filaments allows for the simple fabrication of energy storage devices with bespoke and conceptual designs to be realised.

Characterization of a Self-Assembled Monolayer of 1-Thio-β-D-Glucose with Electrochemical Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using a Nanoparticle Modified Gold Electrode.

PubMed

Smith, Scott R; Seenath, Ryan; Kulak, Monika R; Lipkowski, Jacek

2015-09-15

Preparation of a nanoparticle modified gold substrate designed for characterization of hydrophilic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1-thio-β-D-glucose (TG) with electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) is presented. Citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles were deposited on a polycrystalline gold electrode and subjected to an electrochemical desorption procedure to completely remove all traces of adsorbed citrate. Complete desorption of citrate was confirmed by recording cyclic voltammetry curves and SERS spectra. The citrate-free nanoparticle modified gold electrode was then incubated in a 1 mg mL(-1) aqueous solution of TG for 16 h prior to being characterized by EC-SERS. The SERS spectra confirmed that at potentials more negative than -0.10 V vs SCE thioglucose forms a monolayer in which the majority of the molecules preserve their lactol ring structure and only a small fraction of molecules appear to be oxidized. At potentials more positive than -0.10 V, the oxidation of TG molecules becomes prominent, and at potentials more positive than 0.20 V vs SCE, the monolayer of TG consists chiefly of oxidized product. The SERS spectra collected in the double layer region suggest the SAM of TG is well hydrated and hence can be used for hydrophilic modifications of a gold surface.

Zinc-finger Nuclease-induced Gene Repair With Oligodeoxynucleotides: Wanted and Unwanted Target Locus Modifications

PubMed Central

Radecke, Sarah; Radecke, Frank; Cathomen, Toni; Schwarz, Klaus

2010-01-01

Correcting a mutated gene directly at its endogenous locus represents an alternative to gene therapy protocols based on viral vectors with their risk of insertional mutagenesis. When solely a single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) is used as a repair matrix, the efficiency of the targeted gene correction is low. However, as shown with the homing endonuclease I-SceI, ssODN-mediated gene correction can be enhanced by concomitantly inducing a DNA double-strand break (DSB) close to the mutation. Because I-SceI is hardly adjustable to cut at any desired position in the human genome, here, customizable zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) were used to stimulate ssODN-mediated repair of a mutated single-copy reporter locus stably integrated into human embryonic kidney-293 cells. The ZFNs induced faithful gene repair at a frequency of 0.16%. Six times more often, ZFN-induced DSBs were found to be modified by unfaithful addition of ssODN between the termini and about 60 times more often by nonhomologous end joining-related deletions and insertions. Additionally, ZFN off-target activity based on binding mismatch sites at the locus of interest was detected in in vitro cleavage assays and also in chromosomal DNA isolated from treated cells. Therefore, the specificity of ZFN-induced ssODN-mediated gene repair needs to be improved, especially regarding clinical applications. PMID:20068556

Cytogenetic effects of space radiation in lymphocytes of MIR-18 crews

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, T. C.; George, K.; Johnson, A. S.; Tavakoli, A.; Durante, M.; Fedorenko, B. S.

1997-01-01

For assessing health risk, the measurement of physical dose received during a space mission, as well as the LETs, energies and charges of particles is important. It is also important to obtain quantitative information regarding the effectiveness of space radiation in causing damage to critical biological targets, e.g., chromosomes, since at present the estimated uncertainty of biological effects of space radiation is more than a factor of two. Such large uncertainty makes accurate health risk assessment very difficult. For this very reason, a study on cytogenetic effects of space radiation in human lymphocytes was proposed and done for MIR-18 mission. This study used FISH technique to score chromosomal translocations and C-banding method to determine dicentrics. Growth kinetics of cells and SCE were examined to ensure that chromosomal aberrations were scored in first mitosis and were induced not by chemical mutagens. Our results showed that chromosomal aberration frequency of post-flight samples was significantly higher than that of pre-flight ones and that SCE frequency was similar between pre- and post-flight samples. Based on a dose-response curve of preflight samples exposed to gamma rays, the absorbed dose received by crews during the mission was estimated to be about 14.5 cSv. Because the absorbed dose measured by physical dosimeters is 4.16 cGy for the entire mission, the RBE is about 3.5.

The development of automated access to symbolic and non-symbolic number knowledge in children: an ERP study.

PubMed

Gebuis, Titia; Herfs, Inkeri K; Kenemans, J Leon; de Haan, Edward H F; van der Smagt, Maarten J

2009-11-01

Infants can visually detect changes in numerosity, which suggests that a (non-symbolic) numerosity system is already present early in life. This non-symbolic system is hypothesized to serve as the basis for the later acquired symbolic system. Little is known about the processes underlying the transition from the non-symbolic to symbolic code. In the current study we investigated the development of automatization of symbolic number processing in children from second (6.0 years) and fourth grade (8.0 years) and adults using a symbolic and non-symbolic size congruency task and event-related potentials (ERPs) as a measure. The comparison between symbolic and non-symbolic size congruency effects (SCEs) allowed us to disentangle processes necessary to perform the task from processes specific to numerosity notation. In contrast to previous studies, second graders already revealed a behavioral symbolic SCE similar to that of adults. In addition, the behavioral SCE increased for symbolic and decreased for non-symbolic notation with increasing age. For all age groups, the ERP data showed that the two magnitudes interfered at a level before selective activation of the response system, for both notations. However, only for the second graders distinct processes were recruited to perform the symbolic size comparison task. This shift in recruited processes for the symbolic task only might reflect the functional specialization of the parietal cortex.

A double-strand break can trigger immunoglobulin gene conversion

PubMed Central

Bastianello, Giulia; Arakawa, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

All three B cell-specific activities of the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene re-modeling system—gene conversion, somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination—require activation-induced deaminase (AID). AID-induced DNA lesions must be further processed and dissected into different DNA recombination pathways. In order to characterize potential intermediates for Ig gene conversion, we inserted an I-SceI recognition site into the complementarity determining region 1 (CDR1) of the Ig light chain locus of the AID knockout DT40 cell line, and conditionally expressed I-SceI endonuclease. Here, we show that a double-strand break (DSB) in CDR1 is sufficient to trigger Ig gene conversion in the absence of AID. The pattern and pseudogene usage of DSB-induced gene conversion were comparable to those of AID-induced gene conversion; surprisingly, sometimes a single DSB induced multiple gene conversion events. These constitute direct evidence that a DSB in the V region can be an intermediate for gene conversion. The fate of the DNA lesion downstream of a DSB had more flexibility than that of AID, suggesting two alternative models: (i) DSBs during the physiological gene conversion are in the minority compared to single-strand breaks (SSBs), which are frequently generated following DNA deamination, or (ii) the physiological gene conversion is mediated by a tightly regulated DSB that is locally protected from non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or other non-homologous DNA recombination machineries. PMID:27701075

3D Printed Graphene Based Energy Storage Devices

PubMed Central

Foster, Christopher W.; Down, Michael P.; Zhang, Yan; Ji, Xiaobo; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J.; Smith, Graham C.; Kelly, Peter J.; Banks, Craig E.

2017-01-01

3D printing technology provides a unique platform for rapid prototyping of numerous applications due to its ability to produce low cost 3D printed platforms. Herein, a graphene-based polylactic acid filament (graphene/PLA) has been 3D printed to fabricate a range of 3D disc electrode (3DE) configurations using a conventional RepRap fused deposition moulding (FDM) 3D printer, which requires no further modification/ex-situ curing step. To provide proof-of-concept, these 3D printed electrode architectures are characterised both electrochemically and physicochemically and are advantageously applied as freestanding anodes within Li-ion batteries and as solid-state supercapacitors. These freestanding anodes neglect the requirement for a current collector, thus offering a simplistic and cheaper alternative to traditional Li-ion based setups. Additionally, the ability of these devices’ to electrochemically produce hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as an alternative to currently utilised platinum based electrodes (with in electrolysers) is also performed. The 3DE demonstrates an unexpectedly high catalytic activity towards the HER (−0.46 V vs. SCE) upon the 1000th cycle, such potential is the closest observed to the desired value of platinum at (−0.25 V vs. SCE). We subsequently suggest that 3D printing of graphene-based conductive filaments allows for the simple fabrication of energy storage devices with bespoke and conceptual designs to be realised. PMID:28256602

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose at a ruthenium complex modified titanium dioxide electrode promoted by uric acid and ascorbic acid for photoelectrochemical fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Shuo-Jian; Ji, Shi-Bo; Liu, Jun-Chen; Li, Hong; Li, Wei-Shan

2015-01-01

The simultaneous presence of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) is first found to largely promote the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose (GLU) at an indium-tin oxide (ITO) or TiO2 nanoparticles/ITO electrode modified with [Ru(tatp)3]2+ (tatp = 1,4,8,9-tetra-aza-triphenylene) possessing good redox activity and nanoparticle size distribution. A well-defined electrocatalytic peak for GLU oxidation is shown at 0.265 V (vs. SCE) under approximate physiological conditions upon incorporation of UA and AA. The [Ru(tatp)3]2+/ITO electrode exhibits attractive amperometric oxidation responses towards GLU, UA and AA, while controlled potentiostatically at 0.3 V, 0.7 V and 1.0 V, respectively, indicating high sensitivity and excellent reproducibility. On basis of the photoelectrocatalysis of [Ru(tatp)3]2+/TiO2/ITO anode, a GLU concentration-dependent photoelectrochemical fuel cell vs. SCE is elaborately assembled. The proposed free-enzyme photoelectrochemical fuel cell employing 0.1 M GLU associated with 0.01 M UA and 0.01 M AA as fuel shows open-circuit photovoltage of 0.608 V, short-circuit photocurrent density of 124.5 μA cm-2 and maximum power density of 21.75 μW cm-2 at 0.455 V, fill factor of 0.32 and photoenergy conversion efficiency of 36.65%, respectively.

Progress towards understanding the nature of chromatid breakage.

PubMed

Bryant, P E; Gray, L J; Peresse, N

2004-01-01

The wide range of sensitivities of stimulated T-cells from different individuals to radiation-induced chromatid breakage indicates the involvement of several low penetrance genes that appear to link elevated chromatid breakage to cancer susceptibility. The mechanisms of chromatid breakage are not yet fully understood. However, evidence is accumulating that suggests chromatid breaks are not simply expanded DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Three models of chromatid breakage are considered. The classical breakage-first and the Revell "exchange" models do not accord with current evidence. Therefore a derivative of Revell's model has been proposed whereby both spontaneous and radiation-induced chromatid breaks result from DSB signaling and rearrangement processes from within large looped chromatin domains. Examples of such rearrangements can be observed by harlequin staining whereby an exchange of strands occurs immediately adjacent to the break site. However, these interchromatid rearrangements comprise less than 20% of the total breaks. The rest are thought to result from intrachromatid rearrangements, including a very small proportion involving complete excision of a looped domain. Work is in progress with the aim of revealing these rearrangements, which may involve the formation of inversions adjacent to the break sites. It is postulated that the disappearance of chromatid breaks with time results from the completion of such rearrangements, rather than from the rejoining of DSB. Elevated frequencies of chromatid breaks occur in irradiated cells with defects in both nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) pathways, however there is little evidence of a correlation between reduced DSB rejoining and disappearance of chromatid breaks. Moreover, at least one treatment which abrogates the disappearance of chromatid breaks with time leaves DSB rejoining unaffected. The I-SceI DSB system holds considerable promise for the elucidation of these mechanisms, although the break frequency is relatively low in the cell lines so far derived. Techniques to study and improve such systems are under way in different cell lines. Clearly, much remains to be done to clarify the mechanisms involved in chromatid breakage, but the experimental models are becoming available with which we can begin to answer some of the key questions. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Analysis of the heat transfer in double and triple concentric tube heat exchangers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rădulescu, S.; Negoiţă, L. I.; Onuţu, I.

2016-08-01

The tubular heat exchangers (shell and tube heat exchangers and concentric tube heat exchangers) represent an important category of equipment in the petroleum refineries and are used for heating, pre-heating, cooling, condensation and evaporation purposes. The paper presents results of analysis of the heat transfer to cool a petroleum product in two types of concentric tube heat exchangers: double and triple concentric tube heat exchangers. The cooling agent is water. The triple concentric tube heat exchanger is a modified constructive version of double concentric tube heat exchanger by adding an intermediate tube. This intermediate tube improves the heat transfer by increasing the heat area per unit length. The analysis of the heat transfer is made using experimental data obtained during the tests in a double and triple concentric tube heat exchanger. The flow rates of fluids, inlet and outlet temperatures of water and petroleum product are used in determining the performance of both heat exchangers. Principally, for both apparatus are calculated the overall heat transfer coefficients and the heat exchange surfaces. The presented results shows that triple concentric tube heat exchangers provide better heat transfer efficiencies compared to the double concentric tube heat exchangers.

Information Technology Innovation in the U.S. Army: The Case of the Adoption, Adaptation, and Utilization of the Strategic Crisis Exercise Intranet.

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

the system using widely available Microsoft Visual and Access Basic programming language . For SCE 󈨦, SWAMI was upgraded to automatically update...into pseudo-code and pass it on to contractors to program, usually using a complex programming language like FORTRAN. Army operations research...easier to use than programming languages like FORTRAN or C, there was still very little expertise in HTML among the instructors and controllers who were

Interaction of Ionizing Radiation, Genetically Active Chemicals, and Radiofrequency Radiation in Human and Rodent Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

proflavin , a drug known to intercalate with DNA. Again, when cells were exposed simultaneously to RFR SAR = 40.8- + 13.4 (SD) W/kg or 40 W/kg at power...densities of 87 or 65 mW/cm ), no effect of the RFR on the proflavin induced mutagenicity was observed (Meltz et al., 1990). SCE Induction Previously...Meltz ML, Eagan P, and Erwin DN (1990). Proflavin and Microwave Radiation: Absence of a Mutagenic Interaction. Bioelectromagnetics 11:149-157. Ciaravino

Polythiophenes containing in-chain cobaltabisdicarbollide centers.

PubMed

Fabre, Bruno; Hao, Erhong; Lejeune, Zorabel M; Amuhaya, Edith K; Barrière, Frédéric; Garno, Jayne C; Vicente, M Graça H

2010-03-01

New cobalt(III) bis(dicarbollide) complexes covalently linked to two 2-oligothienyl units have been synthesized and electropolymerized in acetonitrile electrolyte in order to produce the corresponding polythiophene films containing in-chain metallic centers. The polymer films electrogenerated from the bithienyl (4b) and terthienyl (4c) derivatives display redox processes attributed to the Co(III)/Co(II) couple at ca. -1.1 V vs SCE and to the p-doping/undoping of the expected quaterthienyl and sexithienyl segments at ca. 0.8 V vs SCE. In contrast, the anodic oxidation of the thienyl (4a) derivative leads to passivation of the electrode surface. As the length of the oligothiophene substituents increases, the metallic and dicarbollide cage carbon atoms contributions in the HOMO decrease dramatically so that the highest occupied frontier orbitals of 4b and 4c can be considered as almost purely oligothiophene-based. From further UV-vis spectroscopy analysis, it is demonstrated that the polymer incorporating the sexithienyl segments is more conjugated than that with the quaterthienyl segments as the absorption maximum for the interband pi-pi* transition was observed at 410 and 448 nm for poly(4b) and poly(4c) respectively. Furthermore, these polymers display a more extended degree of conjugation than the parent oligothiophenes. Such features indicate a significant electronic delocalization through the cobaltabisdicarbollide moiety. Their conducting probe atomic force microscopy characterization indicates that poly(4b) and poly(4c) behave like heavily doped semiconductors rather than pure semiconductors. Mean conductivity values extracted from the current-voltage profiles are 1.4 x 10(-4) and 7.5 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) for poly(4b) and poly(4c), respectively. Such materials are found to be efficient for the electrocatalytic reduction of protons to dihydrogen, as exemplified for poly(4b). The overpotential for hydrogen evolution is significantly decreased by ca. 230 mV with respect to that obtained with the bare electrode (measured for a current density of 1.4 mA cm(-2) in the presence of 20 mM HBF(4)).

Using the FORE-SCE model to project land-cover change in the southeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sohl, Terry; Sayler, Kristi L.

2008-01-01

A wide variety of ecological applications require spatially explicit current and projected land-use and land-cover data. The southeastern United States has experienced massive land-use change since European settlement and continues to experience extremely high rates of forest cutting, significant urban development, and changes in agricultural land use. Forest-cover patterns and structure are projected to change dramatically in the southeastern United States in the next 50 years due to population growth and demand for wood products [Wear, D.N., Greis, J.G. (Eds.), 2002. Southern Forest Resource Assessment. General Technical Report SRS-53. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC, 635 pp]. Along with our climate partners, we are examining the potential effects of southeastern U.S. land-cover change on regional climate. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Land Cover Trends project is analyzing contemporary (1973-2000) land-cover change in the conterminous United States, providing ecoregion-by-ecoregion estimates of the rates of change, descriptive transition matrices, and changes in landscape metrics. The FORecasting SCEnarios of future land-cover (FORE-SCE) model used Land Cover Trends data and theoretical, statistical, and deterministic modeling techniques to project future land-cover change through 2050 for the southeastern United States. Prescriptions for future proportions of land cover for this application were provided by ecoregion-based extrapolations of historical change. Logistic regression was used to develop relationships between suspected drivers of land-cover change and land cover, resulting in the development of probability-of-occurrence surfaces for each unique land-cover type. Forest stand age was initially established with Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and tracked through model iterations. The spatial allocation procedure placed patches of new land cover on the landscape until the scenario prescriptions were met, using measured Land Cover Trends data to guide patch characteristics and the probability surfaces to guide placement. The approach provides an efficient method for extrapolating historical land-cover trends and is amenable to the incorporation of more detailed and focused studies for the establishment of scenario prescriptions.

Quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer (qCEST) MRI - omega plot analysis of RF-spillover-corrected inverse CEST ratio asymmetry for simultaneous determination of labile proton ratio and exchange rate.

PubMed

Wu, Renhua; Xiao, Gang; Zhou, Iris Yuwen; Ran, Chongzhao; Sun, Phillip Zhe

2015-03-01

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is sensitive to labile proton concentration and exchange rate, thus allowing measurement of dilute CEST agent and microenvironmental properties. However, CEST measurement depends not only on the CEST agent properties but also on the experimental conditions. Quantitative CEST (qCEST) analysis has been proposed to address the limitation of the commonly used simplistic CEST-weighted calculation. Recent research has shown that the concomitant direct RF saturation (spillover) effect can be corrected using an inverse CEST ratio calculation. We postulated that a simplified qCEST analysis is feasible with omega plot analysis of the inverse CEST asymmetry calculation. Specifically, simulations showed that the numerically derived labile proton ratio and exchange rate were in good agreement with input values. In addition, the qCEST analysis was confirmed experimentally in a phantom with concurrent variation in CEST agent concentration and pH. Also, we demonstrated that the derived labile proton ratio increased linearly with creatine concentration (P < 0.01) while the pH-dependent exchange rate followed a dominantly base-catalyzed exchange relationship (P < 0.01). In summary, our study verified that a simplified qCEST analysis can simultaneously determine labile proton ratio and exchange rate in a relatively complex in vitro CEST system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparative analysis of compact heat exchangers for application as the intermediate heat exchanger for advanced nuclear reactors

DOE PAGES

Bartel, N.; Chen, M.; Utgikar, V. P.; ...

2015-04-04

A comparative evaluation of alternative compact heat exchanger designs for use as the intermediate heat exchanger in advanced nuclear reactor systems is presented in this article. Candidate heat exchangers investigated included the Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) and offset strip-fin heat exchanger (OSFHE). Both these heat exchangers offer high surface area to volume ratio (a measure of compactness [m2/m3]), high thermal effectiveness, and overall low pressure drop. Helium–helium heat exchanger designs for different heat exchanger types were developed for a 600 MW thermal advanced nuclear reactor. The wavy channel PCHE with a 15° pitch angle was found to offer optimummore » combination of heat transfer coefficient, compactness and pressure drop as compared to other alternatives. The principles of the comparative analysis presented here will be useful for heat exchanger evaluations in other applications as well.« less

Comparative analysis of compact heat exchangers for application as the intermediate heat exchanger for advanced nuclear reactors

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

Bartel, N.; Chen, M.; Utgikar, V. P.

A comparative evaluation of alternative compact heat exchanger designs for use as the intermediate heat exchanger in advanced nuclear reactor systems is presented in this article. Candidate heat exchangers investigated included the Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) and offset strip-fin heat exchanger (OSFHE). Both these heat exchangers offer high surface area to volume ratio (a measure of compactness [m2/m3]), high thermal effectiveness, and overall low pressure drop. Helium–helium heat exchanger designs for different heat exchanger types were developed for a 600 MW thermal advanced nuclear reactor. The wavy channel PCHE with a 15° pitch angle was found to offer optimummore » combination of heat transfer coefficient, compactness and pressure drop as compared to other alternatives. The principles of the comparative analysis presented here will be useful for heat exchanger evaluations in other applications as well.« less

Galvanostatically deposited Fe: MnO2 electrodes for supercapacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubal, D. P.; Kim, W. B.; Lokhande, C. D.

2012-01-01

The present investigation describes the addition of iron (Fe) in order to improve the supercapacitive properties of MnO2 electrodes using galvanostatic mode. These amorphous worm like Fe: MnO2 electrodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wettability test. The supercapacitive properties of MnO2 and Fe: MnO2 electrodes are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and impedance techniques. It is seen that the supercapacitance increases with increase in Fe doping concentration and achieved a maximum of 173 F g-1 at 2 at% Fe doping. The maximum supercapacitance obtained is 218 F g-1 for 2 at% Fe: MnO2 electrode. This hydrous binary oxide exhibited ideal capacitive behavior with high reversibility and high pulse charge-discharge property between -0.1 and +0.9 V/SCE in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte indicating a promising electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors.

Hydrothermal-reduction synthesis of manganese oxide nanomaterials for electrochemical supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiong; Chen, Yao; Yu, Peng; Ma, Yanwei

2010-11-01

In the present work, amorphous manganese oxide nanomaterials have been synthesized by a common hydrothermal method based on the redox reaction between MnO4(-) and Fe(2+) under an acidic condition. The synthesized MnO2 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and electrochemical studies. XRD results showed that amorphous manganese oxide phase was obtained. XPS quantitative analysis revealed that the atomic ratio of Mn to Fe was 3.5 in the MnO2 samples. TEM images showed the porous structure of the samples. Electrochemical properties of the MnO2 electrodes were studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte, which showed excellent pseudocapacitance properties. A specific capacitance of 192 Fg(-1) at a current density of 0.5 Ag(-1) was obtained at the potential window from -0.1 to 0.9 V (vs. SCE).

Electroactive Film of Myoglobin Incorporated in a 3D-porous Calcium Alginate Film with Polyvinyl Alcohol, Glycerin and Gelatin.

PubMed

Zheng, Xueqin; Sun, Hong; Hou, Shifeng

2015-01-01

In this work, an electroactive porous Mb-CA's composite film was fabricated by incorporating myoglobin (Mb) in a three-dimension (3D) porous calcium alginate (CA) film with polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol, and gelatin. The porous Mb-CA's film modified electrodes exhibited a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric (CV) peaks at about -0.37 V vs. SCE in pH 7.0 buffers, characteristic of Mb heme Fe((III))/Fe((II)) redox couples. The electrochemical parameters, such as formal potentials (E(o')) and apparent heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constants (ks), were estimated by square-wave voltammetry with nonlinear regression analysis. The porous CA's composite film could form hydrogel in aqueous solution. The positions of the Soret absorbance band suggest that Mb in the CA's composite film kept its native states in the medium pH range. Hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and nitrite were electrochemically catalyzed by the Mb-CA's composite film with significant lowering of the reduction overpotential.

Physical explosion analysis in heat exchanger network design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasha, M.; Zaini, D.; Shariff, A. M.

2016-06-01

The failure of shell and tube heat exchangers is being extensively experienced by the chemical process industries. This failure can create a loss of production for long time duration. Moreover, loss of containment through heat exchanger could potentially lead to a credible event such as fire, explosion and toxic release. There is a need to analyse the possible worst case effect originated from the loss of containment of the heat exchanger at the early design stage. Physical explosion analysis during the heat exchanger network design is presented in this work. Baker and Prugh explosion models are deployed for assessing the explosion effect. Microsoft Excel integrated with process design simulator through object linking and embedded (OLE) automation for this analysis. Aspen HYSYS V (8.0) used as a simulation platform in this work. A typical heat exchanger network of steam reforming and shift conversion process was presented as a case study. It is investigated from this analysis that overpressure generated from the physical explosion of each heat exchanger can be estimated in a more precise manner by using Prugh model. The present work could potentially assist the design engineer to identify the critical heat exchanger in the network at the preliminary design stage.

Enhanced corrosion resistance and cellular behavior of ultrafine-grained biomedical NiTi alloy with a novel SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. Y.; Nie, F. L.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S. C.; Ruan, Liqun; Valiev, R. Z.

2011-04-01

NiTi alloy has a unique combination of mechanical properties, shape memory effects and superelastic behavior that makes it attractive for several biomedical applications. In recent years, concerns about its biocompatibility have been aroused due to the toxic or side effect of released nickel ions, which restricts its application as an implant material. Bulk ultrafine-grained Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy (UFG NiTi) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study. A homogeneous and smooth SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating without cracks was fabricated on its surface by dip-coating method with the aim of increasing its corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility. Electrochemical tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed that the pitting corrosion potential of UFG NiTi was increased from 393 mV(SCE) to 1800 mV(SCE) after coated with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 film and the corrosion current density decreased from 3.41 μA/cm2 to 0.629 μA/cm2. Meanwhile, the sol-gel coating significantly decreased the release of nickel ions of UFG NiTi when soaked in SBF. UFG NiTi with SrO-SiO2-TiO2 sol-gel coating exhibited enhanced osteoblast-like cells attachment, spreading and proliferation compared with UFG NiTi without coating and CG NiTi.

Specification of the Surface Charging Environment with SHIELDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordanova, V.; Delzanno, G. L.; Henderson, M. G.; Godinez, H. C.; Jeffery, C. A.; Lawrence, E. C.; Meierbachtol, C.; Moulton, J. D.; Vernon, L.; Woodroffe, J. R.; Brito, T.; Toth, G.; Welling, D. T.; Yu, Y.; Albert, J.; Birn, J.; Borovsky, J.; Denton, M.; Horne, R. B.; Lemon, C.; Markidis, S.; Thomsen, M. F.; Young, S. L.

2016-12-01

Predicting variations in the near-Earth space environment that can lead to spacecraft damage and failure, i.e. "space weather", remains a big space physics challenge. A recently funded project through the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program aims at developing a new capability to understand, model, and predict Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large Dynamic Storms, the SHIELDS framework. The project goals are to understand the dynamics of the surface charging environment (SCE), the hot (keV) electrons representing the source and seed populations for the radiation belts, on both macro- and microscale. Important physics questions related to rapid particle injection and acceleration associated with magnetospheric storms and substorms as well as plasma waves are investigated. These challenging problems are addressed using a team of world-class experts in the fields of space science and computational plasma physics, and state-of-the-art models and computational facilities. In addition to physics-based models (like RAM-SCB, BATS-R-US, and iPIC3D), new data assimilation techniques employing data from LANL instruments on the Van Allen Probes and geosynchronous satellites are developed. Simulations with the SHIELDS framework of the near-Earth space environment where operational satellites reside are presented. Further model development and the organization of a "Spacecraft Charging Environment Challenge" by the SHIELDS project at LANL in collaboration with the NSF Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Workshop and the multi-agency Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) to assess the accuracy of SCE predictions are discussed.

Photo- and electrocatalytic H2 production by new first-row transition-metal complexes based on an aminopyridine pentadentate ligand.

PubMed

Call, Arnau; Codolà, Zoel; Acuña-Parés, Ferran; Lloret-Fillol, Julio

2014-05-12

The synthesis and characterisation of the pentadentate ligand 1,4-di(picolyl)-7-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Py2(Ts)tacn) and their metal complexes of general formula [M(CF3SO3)(Py2(Ts)tacn)][CF3SO3], (M = Fe (1Fe), Co (1Co) and Ni (1Ni)) are reported. Complex 1Co presents excellent H2 photoproduction catalytic activity when using [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]PF6 (PSIr) as photosensitiser (PS) and Et3N as electron donor, but 1Ni and 1Fe result in a low activity and a complete lack of it, respectively. On the other hand, all three complexes have excellent electrocatalytic proton reduction activity in acetonitrile, when using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a proton source with moderate overpotentials for 1Co (0.59 V vs. SCE) and 1Ni (0.56 V vs. SCE) and higher for 1Fe (0.87 V vs. SCE). Under conditions of CH3CN/H2O/Et3N (3:7:0.2), 1Co (5 μM), with PSIr (100 μM) and irradiating at 447 nm gives a turnover number (TON) of 690 (n H2/n1Co) and initial turnover frequency (TOF) (TON×t(-1)) of 703 h(-1) for H2 production. It should be noted that 1Co retains 25 % of the catalytic activity for photoproduction of H2 in the presence of O2. The inexistence of a lag time for H2 evolution and the absence of nanoparticles during the first 30 min of the reaction suggest that the main catalytic activity observed is derived from a molecular system. Kinetic studies show that the reaction is -0.7 order in catalyst, and time-dependent diffraction light scattering (DLS) experiments indicate formation of metal aggregates and then nanoparticles, leading to catalyst deactivation. By a combination of experimental and computational studies we found that the lack of activity in photochemical water reduction by 1Fe can be attributed to the 1Fe (II/I) redox couple, which is significantly lower than the PSIr (III/II) , while for 1Ni the pKa value (-0.4) is too small in comparison with the pH (11.9) imposed by the use of Et3N as electron donor. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cross-correlations between RMB exchange rate and international commodity markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xinsheng; Li, Jianfeng; Zhou, Ying; Qian, Yubo

2017-11-01

This paper employs multifractal detrended analysis (MF-DFA) and multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) to study cross-correlation behaviors between China's RMB exchange rate market and four international commodity markets, using a comprehensive set of data covering the period from 22 July 2005 to 15 March 2016. Our empirical results from MF-DFA indicate that the RMB exchange rate is the most inefficient among the 4 selected markets. The results from quantitative analysis have testified the existence of cross-correlations and the result from MF-DCCA have further confirmed a strong multifractal behavior between RMB exchange rate and international commodity markets. We also demonstrate that the recent financial crisis has significant impact on the cross-correlated behavior. Through the rolling window analysis, we find that the RMB exchange rates and international commodity prices are anti-persistent cross-correlated. The main sources of multifractality in the cross-correlations are long-range correlations between RMB exchange rate and the aggregate commodity, energy and metals index.

SCELib3.0: The new revision of SCELib, the parallel computational library of molecular properties in the Single Center Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanna, N.; Baccarelli, I.; Morelli, G.

2009-12-01

SCELib is a computer program which implements the Single Center Expansion (SCE) method to describe molecular electronic densities and the interaction potentials between a charged projectile (electron or positron) and a target molecular system. The first version (CPC Catalog identifier ADMG_v1_0) was submitted to the CPC Program Library in 2000, and version 2.0 (ADMG_v2_0) was submitted in 2004. We here announce the new release 3.0 which presents additional features with respect to the previous versions aiming at a significative enhance of its capabilities to deal with larger molecular systems. SCELib 3.0 allows for ab initio effective core potential (ECP) calculations of the molecular wavefunctions to be used in the SCE method in addition to the standard all-electron description of the molecule. The list of supported architectures has been updated and the code has been ported to platforms based on accelerating coprocessors, such as the NVIDIA GPGPU and the new parallel model adopted is able to efficiently run on a mixed many-core computing system. Program summaryProgram title: SCELib3.0 Catalogue identifier: ADMG_v3_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADMG_v3_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2 018 862 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 4 955 014 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: C Compilers used: xlc V8.x, Intel C V10.x, Portland Group V7.x, nvcc V2.x Computer: All SMP platforms based on AIX, Linux and SUNOS operating systems over SPARC, POWER, Intel Itanium2, X86, em64t and Opteron processors Operating system: SUNOS, IBM AIX, Linux RedHat (Enterprise), Linux SuSE (SLES) Has the code been vectorized or parallelized?: Yes. 1 to 32 (CPU or GPU) used RAM: Up to 32 GB depending on the molecular system and runtime parameters Classification: 16.5 Catalogue identifier of previous version: ADMG_v2_0 Journal reference of previous version: Comput. Phys. Comm. 162 (2004) 51 External routines: CUDA libraries (SDK V2.x). Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes Nature of problem: In this set of codes an efficient procedure is implemented to describe the wavefunction and related molecular properties of a polyatomic molecular system within the Single Center of Expansion (SCE) approximation. The resulting SCE wavefunction, electron density, electrostatic and correlation/polarization potentials can then be used in a wide variety of applications, such as electron-molecule scattering calculations, quantum chemistry studies, biomodelling and drug design. Solution method: The polycentre Hartree-Fock solution for a molecule of arbitrary geometry, based on linear combination of Gaussian-Type Orbital (GTO), is expanded over a single center, typically the Center Of Mass (C.O.M.), by means of a Gauss Legendre/Chebyschev quadrature over the θ,φ angular coordinates. The resulting SCE numerical wavefunction is then used to calculate the one-particle electron density, the electrostatic potential and two different models for the correlation/polarization potentials induced by the impinging electron, which have the correct asymptotic behavior for the leading dipole molecular polarizabilities. Reasons for new version: The present release of SCELib allows the study of larger molecular systems with respect to the previous versions by means of theoretical and technological advances, with the first implementation of the code over a many-core computing system. Summary of revisions: The major features added with respect to SCELib Version 2.0 are molecular wavefunctions obtained via the Los Alamos (Hay and Wadt) LAN ECP plus DZ description of the inner-shell electrons (on Na-La, Hf-Bi elements) [1] can now be single-center-expanded; the addition required modifications of: (i) the filtering code readgau, (ii) the main reading function setinp, (iii) the sphint code (including changes to the CalcMO code), (iv) the densty code, (v) the vst code; the classes of platforms supported now include two more architectures based on accelerated coprocessors (Nvidia GSeries GPGPU and ClearSpeed e720 (ClearSpeed version, experimental; initial preliminary porting of the sphint() function not for production runs - see the code documentation for additional detail). A single-precision representation for real numbers in the SCE mapping of the GTOs ( sphint code), has been implemented into the new code; the I h symmetry point group for the molecular systems has been added to those already allowed in the SCE procedure; the orientation of the molecular axis system for the Cs (planar) symmetry has been changed in accord with the standard orientation adopted by the latest version of the quantum chemistry code (Gaussian C03 [2]), which is used to generate the input multi-centre molecular wavefunctions ( z-axis perpendicular to the symmetry plane); the abelian subgroup for the Cs point group has been changed from C 1 to Cs; atomic basis functions including g-type GTOs can now be single-center-expanded. Restrictions: Depending on the molecular system under study and on the operating conditions the program may or may not fit into available RAM memory. In this case a feature of the program is to memory map a disk file in order to efficiently access the memory data through a disk device. The parallel GP-GPU implementation limits the number of CPU threads to the number of GPU cores present. Running time: The execution time strongly depends on the molecular target description and on the hardware/OS chosen, it is directly proportional to the ( r,θ,φ) grid size and to the number of angular basis functions used. Thus, from the program printout of the main arrays memory occupancy, the user can approximately derive the expected computer time needed for a given calculation executed in serial mode. For parallel executions the overall efficiency must be further taken into account, and this depends on the no. of processors used as well as on the parallel architecture chosen, so a simple general law is at present not determinable. References:[1] P.J. Hay, W.R. Wadt, J. Chem. Phys. 82 (1985) 270; W.R. Wadt, P.J. Hay, J. Chem. Phys. 284 (1985);P.J. Hay, W.R. Wadt, J. Chem. Phys. 299 (1985). [2] M.J. Frisch et al., Gaussian 03, revision C.02, Gaussian, Inc., Wallingford, CT, 2004.

Microtube strip heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doty, F. D.

1991-07-01

During the last quarter, Doty Scientific, Inc. (DSI) continued to make progress on the microtube strip (MTS) heat exchanger. The DSI completed a heat exchanger stress analysis of the ten-module heat exchanger bank; and performed a shell-side flow inhomogeneity analysis of the three-module heat exchanger bank. The company produced 50 tubestrips using an in-house CNC milling machine and began pressing them onto tube arrays. The DSI revised some of the tooling required to encapsulate a tube array and press tubestrips into the array to improve some of the prototype tooling.

Bayesian Analysis for Exponential Random Graph Models Using the Adaptive Exchange Sampler.

PubMed

Jin, Ick Hoon; Yuan, Ying; Liang, Faming

2013-10-01

Exponential random graph models have been widely used in social network analysis. However, these models are extremely difficult to handle from a statistical viewpoint, because of the intractable normalizing constant and model degeneracy. In this paper, we consider a fully Bayesian analysis for exponential random graph models using the adaptive exchange sampler, which solves the intractable normalizing constant and model degeneracy issues encountered in Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. The adaptive exchange sampler can be viewed as a MCMC extension of the exchange algorithm, and it generates auxiliary networks via an importance sampling procedure from an auxiliary Markov chain running in parallel. The convergence of this algorithm is established under mild conditions. The adaptive exchange sampler is illustrated using a few social networks, including the Florentine business network, molecule synthetic network, and dolphins network. The results indicate that the adaptive exchange algorithm can produce more accurate estimates than approximate exchange algorithms, while maintaining the same computational efficiency.

DNA Damage and Genomic Instability Induced by Inappropriate DNA Re-Replication

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

with 50’C SCE (1 M sorbitol, 0.1 M Na Antcdc6p becomes undetectable within 30 mi after galac- citrate , and 10 mM EDTA). Lyticase was added to a final...and then placed in SCEM + lyticase [1 M sorbitol, decrease in colony-forming units after 3 h in galactose. In 0.1 M Na citrate , 10 mM EDTA, 5% j3...nocodazole, exposed to 20 /g/ml of the DNA damag- sponse triggered by rereplication. The nearly complete con- ing agent phleomycin, and examined by

Ultrasound-assisted Micro-emulsion Synthesis of a Highly Active Nano-particle Catalyst

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

saturated calomel electrode [SCE]). 15. SUBJECT TERMS Microemulsion synthesis, Nano particles, Catalysts, Ultrasound, Oxygen reduction, Rotating disk...30 40 50 60 ω1/2 (rpm 1/2) i ( m A .c m -2 ) Ultrasound Assisted Microemulsion Microemulsion non- Microemulsion O2 4e Redc by Diff. Figure 17. Levich...2.0 2.4 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 ω-1/2(rpm-1/2) i-1 (m A -1 cm 2 ) non- Microemulsion Microemulsion Ultrasound Assisted Microemulsion O2 4-e Redc

Quantifying NMR relaxation correlation and exchange in articular cartilage with time domain analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mailhiot, Sarah E.; Zong, Fangrong; Maneval, James E.; June, Ronald K.; Galvosas, Petrik; Seymour, Joseph D.

2018-02-01

Measured nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) transverse relaxation data in articular cartilage has been shown to be multi-exponential and correlated to the health of the tissue. The observed relaxation rates are dependent on experimental parameters such as solvent, data acquisition methods, data analysis methods, and alignment to the magnetic field. In this study, we show that diffusive exchange occurs in porcine articular cartilage and impacts the observed relaxation rates in T1-T2 correlation experiments. By using time domain analysis of T2-T2 exchange spectroscopy, the diffusive exchange time can be quantified by measurements that use a single mixing time. Measured characteristic times for exchange are commensurate with T1 in this material and so impacts the observed T1 behavior. The approach used here allows for reliable quantification of NMR relaxation behavior in cartilage in the presence of diffusive fluid exchange between two environments.

Carbon charge exchange analysis in the ITER-like wall environment.

PubMed

Menmuir, S; Giroud, C; Biewer, T M; Coffey, I H; Delabie, E; Hawkes, N C; Sertoli, M

2014-11-01

Charge exchange spectroscopy has long been a key diagnostic tool for fusion plasmas and is well developed in devices with Carbon Plasma-Facing Components. Operation with the ITER-like wall at JET has resulted in changes to the spectrum in the region of the Carbon charge exchange line at 529.06 nm and demonstrates the need to revise the core charge exchange analysis for this line. An investigation has been made of this spectral region in different plasma conditions and the revised description of the spectral lines to be included in the analysis is presented.

Bloom DNA Helicase Facilitates Homologous Recombination between Diverged Homologous Sequences*

PubMed Central

Kikuchi, Koji; Abdel-Aziz, H. Ismail; Taniguchi, Yoshihito; Yamazoe, Mitsuyoshi; Takeda, Shunichi; Hirota, Kouji

2009-01-01

Bloom syndrome caused by inactivation of the Bloom DNA helicase (Blm) is characterized by increases in the level of sister chromatid exchange, homologous recombination (HR) associated with cross-over. It is therefore believed that Blm works as an anti-recombinase. Meanwhile, in Drosophila, DmBlm is required specifically to promote the synthesis-dependent strand anneal (SDSA), a type of HR not associating with cross-over. However, conservation of Blm function in SDSA through higher eukaryotes has been a matter of debate. Here, we demonstrate the function of Blm in SDSA type HR in chicken DT40 B lymphocyte line, where Ig gene conversion diversifies the immunoglobulin V gene through intragenic HR between diverged homologous segments. This reaction is initiated by the activation-induced cytidine deaminase enzyme-mediated uracil formation at the V gene, which in turn converts into abasic site, presumably leading to a single strand gap. Ig gene conversion frequency was drastically reduced in BLM−/− cells. In addition, BLM−/− cells used limited donor segments harboring higher identity compared with other segments in Ig gene conversion event, suggesting that Blm can promote HR between diverged sequences. To further understand the role of Blm in HR between diverged homologous sequences, we measured the frequency of gene targeting induced by an I-SceI-endonuclease-mediated double-strand break. BLM−/− cells showed a severer defect in the gene targeting frequency as the number of heterologous sequences increased at the double-strand break site. Conversely, the overexpression of Blm, even an ATPase-defective mutant, strongly stimulated gene targeting. In summary, Blm promotes HR between diverged sequences through a novel ATPase-independent mechanism. PMID:19661064

Reactive template synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene-like carbon nanosheets derived from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and dicyandiamide as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chun; Zhou, Yao; Ma, Ruguang; Liu, Qian; Wang, Jiacheng

2017-03-01

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a dominant role in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Thus, the design and preparation of efficient ORR electrocatalysts is of high importance. In this work, we successfully prepared a series of nitrogen-doped graphene-like carbon nanosheets (NCNSs) with large pore volumes of up to 1.244 cm3 g-1 and high level of N dopants (5.3-6.8 at%) via a one-step, in-situ reactive template strategy by co-pyrolysis of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and dicyandiamide (DICY) as the precursors at 1000 °C. The DICY-derived graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets could act as the hard template for the confined growth of 2D carbon nanosheets, and the further increase in the pyrolysis temperature could directly remove off the g-C3N4 template by complete decomposition and simultaneously dope N atoms within the carbon nanosheets. The pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen groups are dominant among various N functional groups in the NCNSs. The NCNS_1:10 prepared with the HPMC/DICY mass ratio of 1/10 can be used as the metal-free ORR electrocatalysts with optimal activity (onset potential: -0.1 V vs. SCE; limiting current density: 4.8 mA cm-2) in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH electrolyte among the NCNSs. Moreover, the NCNS_1:10 demonstrates a dominant four-electron reduction process, as well as excellent long-term operation stability and outstanding methanol crossover resistance. The excellent ORR activity of the NCNS_1:10 should be mainly owing to high contents of pyridinic and graphitic N dopants, large pore volume, hierarchical structures, and microstructural defects.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced in vitro by solvent-extractable organic matter of size-segregated urban particulate matter.

PubMed

Velali, Ekaterini; Papachristou, Eleni; Pantazaki, Anastasia; Choli-Papadopoulou, Theodora; Argyrou, Nikoleta; Tsourouktsoglou, Theodora; Lialiaris, Stergios; Constantinidis, Alexandros; Lykidis, Dimitrios; Lialiaris, Thedore S; Besis, Athanasios; Voutsa, Dimitra; Samara, Constantini

2016-11-01

Three organic fractions of different polarity, including a non polar organic fraction (NPOF), a moderately polar organic fraction (MPOF), and a polar organic fraction (POF) were obtained from size-segregated (<0.49, 0.49-0.97, 0.97-3 and >3 μm) urban particulate matter (PM) samples, and tested for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using a battery of in vitro assays. The cytotoxicity induced by the organic PM fractions was measured by the mitochondrial dehydrogenase (MTT) cell viability assay applied on MRC-5 human lung epithelial cells. DNA damages were evaluated through the comet assay, determination of the poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity, and the oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation, while pro-inflammatory effects were assessed by determination of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mediator release. In addition, the Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) inducibility of the solvent-extractable organic matter was measured on human peripheral lymphocyte. Variations of responses were assessed in relation to the polarity (hence the expected composition) of the organic PM fractions, particle size, locality, and season. Organic PM fractions were found to induce rather comparable Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of PM appeared to be rather independent from the polarity of the extractable organic PM matter (EOM) with POF often being relatively more toxic than NPOF or MPOF. All assays indicated stronger mass-normalized bioactivity for fine than coarse particles peaking in the 0.97-3 and/or the 0.49-0.97 μm size ranges. Nevertheless, the air volume-normalized bioactivity in all assays was highest for the <0.49 μm size range highlighting the important human health risk posed by the inhalation of these quasi-ultrafine particles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genotoxic effects of Roundup Full II® on lymphocytes of Chaetophractus villosus (Xenarthra, Mammalia): In vitro studies.

PubMed

Luaces, Juan Pablo; Rossi, Luis Francisco; Chirino, Mónica Gabriela; Browne, Melanie; Merani, María Susana; Mudry, Marta Dolores

2017-01-01

In Argentina, Chaetophractus villosus has a wide distribution that overlaps with agricultural areas where soybean is the predominant crop. In such areas the pesticide Roundup Full II® (RU) is widely applied. The genotoxic effect of its active ingredient glyphosate (RU is 66.2% glyphosate) on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of C. villosus was tested over a range of concentrations (280, 420, 560, 1120 μmol/L). Culture medium without glyphosate served as negative control, while medium containing mitomycin C served as positive control. Genetic damage was characterized in terms of the percentage of cells with chromosome aberrations (CA), the mean number of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) per cell, and the modification of cell proliferation kinetics via the calculation of the replication index. Significant increases (p < 0.0001) were seen in the CA frequency and the mean number of SCEs per cell compared to negative controls at all the RU concentrations tested. Chromatid breaks, the only form of CA observed, under the 560 μmol/L RU conditions and in presence of mitomycin C were four to five times more common than at lower concentrations, while no viable cells were seen in the 1120 μmol/L treatment. The mean number of SCEs per cell was significantly higher under the 280 μmol/L RU conditions than the 420 or 560 μmol/L RU conditions; cells cultivated in the presence of MMC also showed significantly more SCEs. All the RU concentrations tested (except in the 1120 μmol/L RU treatment [no viable cells]) induced a significant reduction in the replication index (p < 0.0001). The present results confirm the genotoxic effects of RU on C. villosus lymphocytes in vitro, strongly suggesting that exposure to RU could induce DNA damage in C. villosus wildlife.

Specification of the near-Earth space environment with SHIELDS

DOE PAGES

Jordanova, Vania Koleva; Delzanno, Gian Luca; Henderson, Michael Gerard; ...

2017-11-26

Here, predicting variations in the near-Earth space environment that can lead to spacecraft damage and failure is one example of “space weather” and a big space physics challenge. A project recently funded through the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program aims at developing a new capability to understand, model, and predict Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large Dynamic Storms, the SHIELDS framework. The project goals are to understand the dynamics of the surface charging environment (SCE), the hot (keV) electrons representing the source and seed populations for the radiation belts, on both macro- andmore » micro-scale. Important physics questions related to particle injection and acceleration associated with magnetospheric storms and substorms, as well as plasma waves, are investigated. These challenging problems are addressed using a team of world-class experts in the fields of space science and computational plasma physics, and state-of-the-art models and computational facilities. A full two-way coupling of physics-based models across multiple scales, including a global MHD (BATS-R-US) embedding a particle-in-cell (iPIC3D) and an inner magnetosphere (RAM-SCB) codes, is achieved. New data assimilation techniques employing in situ satellite data are developed; these provide an order of magnitude improvement in the accuracy in the simulation of the SCE. SHIELDS also includes a post-processing tool designed to calculate the surface charging for specific spacecraft geometry using the Curvilinear Particle-In-Cell (CPIC) code that can be used for reanalysis of satellite failures or for satellite design.« less

On the corrosion behavior of zircaloy-4 in spent fuel pools under accidental conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavigne, O.; Shoji, T.; Sakaguchi, K.

2012-07-01

After zircaloy cladding tubes have been subjected to irradiation in the reactor core, they are stored temporarily in spent fuel pools. In case of an accident, the integrity of the pool may be affected and the composition of the coolant may change drastically. This was the case in Fukushima Daiichi in March 2011. Successive incidents have led to an increase in the pH of the coolant and to chloride contamination. Moreover, water radiolysis may occur owing to the remnant radioactivity of the spent fuel. In this study, we propose to evaluate the corrosion behavior of oxidized Zr-4 (in autoclave at 288 °C for 32 days) in function of the pH and the presence of chloride and radical forms. The generation of radicals is achieved by the sonolysis of the solution. It appears that the increase in pH and the presence of radicals lead to an increase in current densities. However, the current densities remain quite low (depending on the conditions, between 1 and 10 μA cm-2). The critical parameter is the presence of chloride ions. The chloride ions widely decrease the passive range of the oxidized samples (the pitting potential is measured around +0.6 V (vs. SCE)). Moreover, if the oxide layer is scratched or damaged (which is likely under accidental conditions), the pitting potential of the oxidized sample reaches the pitting potential of the non-oxidized sample (around +0.16 V (vs. SCE)), leaving a shorter stable passive range for the Zr-4 cladding tubes.

A comparative study of the in vitro corrosion behavior and cytotoxicity of a superferritic stainless steel, a Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy, and an austenitic stainless steel in Hank's solution.

PubMed

Assis, S L; Rogero, S O; Antunes, R A; Padilha, A F; Costa, I

2005-04-01

In this study, the in vitro corrosion resistance of a superferritic stainless steel in naturally aerated Hank's solution at 37 degrees C has been determined to evaluate the steel for use as a biomaterial. The potentiodynamic polarization method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine the corrosion resistance. The polarization results showed very low current densities at the corrosion potential and electrochemical behavior typical of passive metals. At potentials above 0.75 V (SCE), and up to that of the oxygen evolution reaction, the superferritic steel exhibited transpassive behavior followed by secondary passivation. The superferritic stainless steel exhibited high pitting resistance in Hank's solution. This steel did not reveal pits even after polarization to 3000 mV (SCE). The EIS results indicated high impedance values at low frequencies, supporting the results obtained from the polarization measurements. The results obtained for the superferritic steel have been compared with those of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy and an austenitic stainless steel, as Ti alloys are well known for their high corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and the austenitic stainless steel is widely used as an implant material. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that the superferritic steel, the austenitic steel, and the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy were not toxic. Based on corrosion resistance and cytotoxicity results, the superferritic stainless steel can be considered as a potential biomaterial. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Specification of the near-Earth space environment with SHIELDS

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

Jordanova, Vania Koleva; Delzanno, Gian Luca; Henderson, Michael Gerard

Here, predicting variations in the near-Earth space environment that can lead to spacecraft damage and failure is one example of “space weather” and a big space physics challenge. A project recently funded through the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program aims at developing a new capability to understand, model, and predict Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large Dynamic Storms, the SHIELDS framework. The project goals are to understand the dynamics of the surface charging environment (SCE), the hot (keV) electrons representing the source and seed populations for the radiation belts, on both macro- andmore » micro-scale. Important physics questions related to particle injection and acceleration associated with magnetospheric storms and substorms, as well as plasma waves, are investigated. These challenging problems are addressed using a team of world-class experts in the fields of space science and computational plasma physics, and state-of-the-art models and computational facilities. A full two-way coupling of physics-based models across multiple scales, including a global MHD (BATS-R-US) embedding a particle-in-cell (iPIC3D) and an inner magnetosphere (RAM-SCB) codes, is achieved. New data assimilation techniques employing in situ satellite data are developed; these provide an order of magnitude improvement in the accuracy in the simulation of the SCE. SHIELDS also includes a post-processing tool designed to calculate the surface charging for specific spacecraft geometry using the Curvilinear Particle-In-Cell (CPIC) code that can be used for reanalysis of satellite failures or for satellite design.« less

The French Infectious Diseases Society's readiness and response to epidemic or biological risk-the current situation following the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola virus disease alerts.

PubMed

Coignard-Biehler, H; Rapp, C; Chapplain, J M; Hoen, B; Che, D; Berthelot, P; Cazenave-Roblot, F; Rabaud, C; Brouqui, P; Leport, C

2018-03-01

In 2012, the French Infectious Diseases Society (French acronym SPILF) initiated the "Coordination of epidemic and biological risk" (SPILF-COREB - Emergences [SCE]) group to support the readiness and response of healthcare workers (HCWs) to new alerts. To present the SCE group, its functioning, and the main support it provided for frontline HCWs. A multidisciplinary group of heads of infectious disease departments from reference hospitals was created to build a network of clinical expertise for care, training, and research in the field of epidemic and biological risk (EBR). The network developed a set of standardized operational procedures (SOPs) to guide interventions to manage EBR-suspect patients. A working group created the SOP aimed at frontline HCWs taking care of patients. Priority was given to the development of a generic procedure, which was then adapted according to the current alert. Five key steps were identified and hierarchized: detecting, protecting, caring for, alerting, and referring the EBR patient. The interaction between clinicians and those responsible for the protection of the community was crucial. The SOPs validated by the SPILF and its affiliates were disseminated to a wide range of key stakeholders through various media including workshops and the SPILF's website. SPILF can easily adapt and timely mobilize the EBR expertise in case of an alert. The present work suggests that sharing and discussing this experience, initiated at the European level, can generate a new collective expertise and needs to be further developed and strengthened. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical Recovery of Gold from Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Using Circulating Particulate Bed Reactor (CPBE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravinder, T.; Ali, U. F. M.; Ridwan, F. M.; Ibrahim, N.; Azmi, N. H.

2017-06-01

The utilization of electrochemical process recovery involving low reactant concentrations of metal requires electrodes with high mass transport rates and specific surface areas. This is essential to increase cross-sectional current densities whilst optimizing the capital and operating costs. Experimental results demonstrated that Circulating Particulate Bed Reactor (CPBE) is suitable for the recovery of low concentrations of gold from aqueous chloride solution containing {{AuCl}}4- and {{AuCl}}2- of less than 0.5 mol m-3(< 102 g m-3). Elemental gold was successfully obtained on 0.5-1 mm gr particles in an electrochemical reactor incorporating a cation- permeable membrane and operated in bath recycle mode. Depletion to concentration < 5 × 10-3 mol m-3 (< 1 g m-3) appeared to be mass transport controlled at an applied potential of +0.20 V (SCE), specific electrical energy consumption (SEEC) of ca. 800-1300 kWh h (tonne Au)-1 for cell voltages (U) of 2.0-3.0 V, and fractional current efficiencies of ca. 0.95. However, atomic absorption and UV spectrophotometry established that as the ([{{AuCl}}4-+[{{AuCl}}2-]) concentration decayed, the [{{AuCl}}4-]:[{{AuCl}}2-] molar ratio changed. A multi-step mechanism for reduction of {{AuCl}}4- ions explained this behavior in terms of changing overpotentials for {{AuCl}}4- and {{AuCl}}2- reduction as total dissolved gold concentration decreased. In addition, SEM images confirmed that adherent and coherent Au deposits were achieved with CPBE for Au deposition under mass transport control at 0.20 V (SCE).

Corrosion study of single crystal Ni-Mn-Ga alloy and Tb0.27Dy0.73Fe1.95 alloy for the design of new medical microdevices.

PubMed

Pouponneau, Pierre; Savadogo, Oumarou; Napporn, Teko; Yahia, L'Hocine; Martel, Sylvain

2011-02-01

Once placed in a magnetic field, smart magnetic materials (SMM) change their shape, which could be use for the development of smaller minimally invasive surgery devices activated by magnetic field. However, the potential degradation and release of cytotoxic ions by SMM corrosion has to be determined. This paper evaluates the corrosion resistance of two SMM: a single crystal Ni-Mn-Ga alloy and Tb(0.27)Dy(0.73)Fe(1.95) alloy. Ni-Mn-Ga alloy displayed a corrosion potential (E (corr)) of -0.58 V/SCE and a corrosion current density (i (corr)) of 0.43 μA/cm(2). During the corrosion assay, Ni-Mn-Ga sample surface was partially protected; local pits were formed on 20% of the surface and nickel ions were mainly found in the electrolyte. Tb(0.27)Dy(0.73)Fe(1.95) alloy exhibited poor corrosion properties such as E (corr) of -0.87 V/SCE and i (corr) of 5.90 μA/cm(2). During the corrosion test, this alloy was continuously degraded, its surface was impaired by pits and cracks extensively and a high amount of iron ions was measured in the electrolyte. These alloys exhibited low corrosion parameters and a selective degradation in the electrolyte. They could only be used for medical applications if they are coated with high strain biocompatible materials or embedded in composites to prevent direct contact with physiological fluids.

A spin exchange model for singlet fission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yago, Tomoaki; Wakasa, Masanobu

2018-03-01

Singlet fission has been analyzed with the Dexter model in which electron exchange occurs between chromophores, conserving the spin for each electron. In the present study, we propose a spin exchange model for singlet fission. In the spin exchange model, spins are exchanged by the exchange interaction between two electrons. Our analysis with simple spin functions demonstrates that singlet fission is possible by spin exchange. A necessary condition for spin exchange is a variation in exchange interactions. We also adapt the spin exchange model to triplet fusion and triplet energy transfer, which often occur after singlet fission in organic solids.