Chemical potentials of alkaline earth metal halide aqueous electrolytes and solubility of their hydrates by molecular simulation: Application to CaCl2, antarcticite, and sinjarite.

PubMed

Moučka, Filip; Kolafa, Jiří; Lísal, Martin; Smith, William R

2018-06-14

We present a molecular-level simulation study of CaCl 2 in water and crystalline hydrates formed by CaCl 2 at ambient (298.15 K, 1 bar) conditions and at a high-temperature high-pressure state (365 K, 275 bars) typical of hydraulic fracturing conditions in natural-gas extraction, at which experimental properties are poorly characterized. We focus on simulations of chemical potentials in both solution and crystalline phases and on the salt solubility, the first time to our knowledge that such properties have been investigated by molecular simulation for divalent aqueous electrolytes. We first extend our osmotic ensemble Monte Carlo simulation technique [F. Moučka et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 115, 7849-7861 (2011)] to such solutions. We then describe and apply new methodology for the simulation of the chemical potentials of the experimentally observed crystalline hydrates at ambient conditions (antarcticite, CaCl 2 ·6H 2 O) and at high-temperature conditions (sinjarite, CaCl 2 ·2H 2 O). We implement our methodologies using for both phases the CaCl 2 transferable force field (FF) based on simple point charge-extended water developed by Mamatkulov et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 138, 024505 (2013)], based on training sets involving single-ion and ion-pair low-concentration solution properties at near-ambient conditions. We find that simulations of the solution chemical potentials at high concentrations are somewhat problematic, exhibiting densities diverging from experimental values and accompanied by dramatically decreasing particle mobility. For the solid phases, the sinjarite crystalline lattice differs from experiment only slightly, whereas the simulations of antarcticite completely fail, due to instability of the crystalline lattice. The FF thus only successfully yields the sinjarite solubility, but its value m = 8.0(7) mol kg -1 H 2 O lies well below the experimentally observed solubility range at 1 bar pressure of (12m, 15m) in the temperature interval (320 K, 400 K). We conclude that the used FF does not provide a good description of the experimental properties considered and suggest that improvement must take into account the crystalline properties.

Endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling is required for vascular remodeling following cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury

PubMed Central

Castro, Angela M.; Lupu, Traian S.; Weinheimer, Carla; Smith, Craig; Kovacs, Attila

2016-01-01

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is cardioprotective in various models of myocardial infarction. FGF receptors (FGFRs) are expressed in multiple cell types in the adult heart, but the cell type-specific FGFR signaling that mediates different cardioprotective endpoints is not known. To determine the requirement for FGFR signaling in endothelium in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, we conditionally inactivated the Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 genes in endothelial cells with Tie2-Cre (Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1f/f, Fgfr2f/f DCKO mice). Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1f/f, Fgfr2f/f DCKO mice had normal baseline cardiac morphometry, function, and vessel density. When subjected to closed-chest, regional cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1f/f, Fgfr2f/f DCKO mice showed a significantly increased hypokinetic area at 7 days, but not 1 day, after reperfusion. Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1f/f, Fgfr2f/f DCKO mice also showed significantly worsened cardiac function compared with controls at 7 days but not 1 day after reperfusion. Pathophysiological analysis showed significantly decreased vessel density, increased endothelial cell apoptosis, and worsened tissue hypoxia in the peri-infarct area at 7 days following reperfusion. Notably, Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1f/f, Fgfr2f/f DCKO mice showed no impairment in the cardiac hypertrophic response. These data demonstrate an essential role for FGFR1 and FGFR2 in endothelial cells for cardiac functional recovery and vascular remodeling following in vivo cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, without affecting the cardiac hypertrophic response. This study suggests the potential for therapeutic benefit from activation of endothelial FGFR pathways following ischemic injury to the heart. PMID:26747503

Endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling is required for vascular remodeling following cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PubMed

House, Stacey L; Castro, Angela M; Lupu, Traian S; Weinheimer, Carla; Smith, Craig; Kovacs, Attila; Ornitz, David M

2016-03-01

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is cardioprotective in various models of myocardial infarction. FGF receptors (FGFRs) are expressed in multiple cell types in the adult heart, but the cell type-specific FGFR signaling that mediates different cardioprotective endpoints is not known. To determine the requirement for FGFR signaling in endothelium in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, we conditionally inactivated the Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 genes in endothelial cells with Tie2-Cre (Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1(f/f), Fgfr2(f/f) DCKO mice). Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1(f/f), Fgfr2(f/f) DCKO mice had normal baseline cardiac morphometry, function, and vessel density. When subjected to closed-chest, regional cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1(f/f), Fgfr2(f/f) DCKO mice showed a significantly increased hypokinetic area at 7 days, but not 1 day, after reperfusion. Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1(f/f), Fgfr2(f/f) DCKO mice also showed significantly worsened cardiac function compared with controls at 7 days but not 1 day after reperfusion. Pathophysiological analysis showed significantly decreased vessel density, increased endothelial cell apoptosis, and worsened tissue hypoxia in the peri-infarct area at 7 days following reperfusion. Notably, Tie2-Cre, Fgfr1(f/f), Fgfr2(f/f) DCKO mice showed no impairment in the cardiac hypertrophic response. These data demonstrate an essential role for FGFR1 and FGFR2 in endothelial cells for cardiac functional recovery and vascular remodeling following in vivo cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, without affecting the cardiac hypertrophic response. This study suggests the potential for therapeutic benefit from activation of endothelial FGFR pathways following ischemic injury to the heart. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Validation of the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale among Chinese medical workers and firefighters: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Sun, Binghai; Hu, Mengna; Yu, Shitian; Jiang, Yiru; Lou, Baona

2016-01-01

Objectives To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the C-Compassion Fatigue (CF)-Short Scale among 4 independent samples of Chinese emergency workers (medical workers and firefighters). Design Cross-sectional. Setting 6 hospitals in Zhejiang Province and 12 fire stations in Shanghai. Participants Emergency workers (medical and firefighters) were consecutively recruited and divided into 4 groups: the MW1 group (medical workers, n=167), the FF1 group (firefighters, n=157), the MW2 group (medical workers, n=265) and the FF2 group (firefighters, n=231). Interventions All patients completed the C-CF-Short Scale to identify factors associated with compassion fatigue. The MW1 and FF1 groups were used for the exploratory analyses. The MW2 and FF2 groups were used for the confirmatory factor analyses. Primary and secondary outcome measures Factor loading, correlations with previously validated questionnaires (the Ego-Resiliency Scale, the Social Support Questionnaire and the Job Pressure Scale) and Cronbach's α coefficient were tested for each factor. Results The C-CF-Short Scale demonstrated excellent construct validity and good internal consistency. Specifically, the results of exploratory factor analyses in the MW1 and FF1 groups showed that secondary trauma and job burnout were associated with compassion fatigue in these emergency workers. The confirmatory factor analyses in the MW2 and FF2 groups indicated that all the fit indices of the 2-factor model were satisfactory. Finally, the Cronbach's α coefficient of each factor was excellent. Conclusions The findings suggest that the C-CF-Short Scale has good psychometric properties and can be applied to study Chinese emergency workers. PMID:27363817

Importance of the regiospecific distribution of long-chain saturated fatty acids on gut comfort, fat and calcium absorption in infants.

PubMed

Petit, Valérie; Sandoz, Laurence; Garcia-Rodenas, Clara L

2017-06-01

Gastrointestinal tolerance and fat and calcium (Ca) absorption are different between breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants. Certain components and/or structural particularities in human milk (HM), can contribute to favorable outcomes in BF infants. In HM, the long-chain saturated fatty acid (LCSFA) palmitic acid has a different stereospecific distribution (sn-2 position) compared to most infant formula (IF) (primarily sn-1, 3 positions), which may contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Evidence suggests palmitic acid is important in the formation of stool FA-mineral (or FA-Ca) soaps, associated with harder stools in FF infants. Partial replacement by structured palmitic acid-rich triacylglycerols (TAGs) promotes palmitic acid absorption. However, evidence for stool softening, improved fat absorption and reduced Ca excretion in stools is inconsistent. IFs with less palmitic acid can improve fat and Ca absorption, and stool consistency. The presence of other LCSFAs (myristic and stearic acids) in sn-1, 3 positions may also contribute to reduced absorption of fat and Ca, and stool hardness, in FF infants. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to modifying these other LCSFAs in IF. We review literature comparing the effect of HM and IF with different lipid compositions on stool patterns and/or fat and Ca absorption in healthy, term infants. Based on available data, we estimate a maximum level for sn-1, 3 LCSFAs of 13% of TAGs, under which fat and Ca absorption and stool consistency are improved. IF designed according to this threshold could efficiently improve nutrient absorption and stool patterns in healthy infants who cannot be breast-fed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolic profile of serum and follicular fluid from postpartum dairy cows during summer and winter.

PubMed

Alves, Benner G; Alves, Kele A; Martins, Muller C; Braga, Lucas S; Silva, Thiago H; Alves, Bruna G; Santos, Ricarda M; Silva, Thiago V; Viu, Marco A O; Beletti, Marcello E; Jacomini, José O; Gambarini, Maria L

2014-01-01

This study was designed to monitor the biochemical profiles of serum and follicular fluid (FF) of postpartum dairy cows during the summer (n=30) and winter (n=30). Blood and FF (follicles ≥ 9 mm) were obtained from Girolando cows at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days postpartum. The samples were collected and analysed to determine glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), urea, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels. Throughout the study, the following clinical variables were measured: rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and body condition score (BCS). In addition, the temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated for each season. During the summer season, THI was higher, BCS decreased, there was an increase in RT, and glucose, urea, Na and K serum levels were decreased (P<0.05). The levels of TC, TG, urea, K and Ca in follicular fluid increased (P<0.05). Positive correlations (P<0.05) were observed between the serum and FF levels for glucose (r=0.29), TC (r=0.24) and Ca (r=0.30). Therefore, the biochemical profile of serum and FF of dairy cows under summer heat-stress conditions demonstrates marked changes that may impair fertility during lactation.

Can preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 levels predict survival and early recurrence in patients with resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma?

PubMed

Wang, Jun-Ke; Hu, Hai-Jie; Shrestha, Anuj; Ma, Wen-Jie; Yang, Qin; Liu, Fei; Cheng, Nan-Sheng; Li, Fu-Yu

2017-07-11

To investigate the predictive values of preoperative and postoperative serum CA19-9 levels on survival and other prognostic factors including early recurrence in patients with resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. In univariate analysis, increased preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 levels in the light of different cut-off points (37, 100, 150, 200, 400, 1000 U/ml) were significantly associated with poor survival outcomes, of which the cut-off point of 150 U/ml showed the strongest predictive value (both P < 0.001). Preoperative to postoperative increase in CA19-9 level was also correlated with poor survival outcome (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, preoperative CA19-9 level > 150 U/ml was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.471, 95% CI 1.216-9.905; P = 0.020) and early recurrence (OR = 8.280, 95% CI 2.391-28.674; P = 0.001). Meanwhile, postoperative CA19-9 level > 150 U/ml was also correlated with early recurrence (OR = 4.006, 95% CI 1.107-14.459; P = 0.034). Ninety-eight patients who had undergone curative surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 1995 and 2014 in our institution were selected for the study. The correlations of preoperative and postoperative serum CA19-9 levels on the basis of different cut-off points with survival and various tumor factors were retrospectively analyzed with univariate and multivariate methods. In patients with resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, serum CA19-9 predict survival and early recurrence. Patients with increased preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 levels have poor survival outcomes and higher tendency of early recurrence.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF CAF2:MN THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETERS FOR LOW-LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

An investigation was made of factors affecting the use of commercially-produced CaF2:Mn thermoluminescent dosimeters for low level environmental radiation monitoring. Calibration factors and self-dosing rates were quantified for 150 thermoluminescent dosimeters. Laboratory studie...

Computer analysis of microcrystalline silicon hetero-junction solar cell with lumerical FDTD/DEVICE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riaz, Muhammad; Earles, S. K.; Kadhim, Ahmed; Azzahrani, Ahmad

The computer analysis of tandem solar cell, c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, is studied within Lumerical FDTD/Device 4.6. The optical characterization is performed in FDTD and then total generation rate is transported into DEVICE for electrical characterization. The electrical characterization of the solar cell is carried out in DEVICE. The design is implemented by staking three sub cells with band gap of 1.12eV, 1.50eV and 1.70eV, respectively. First, single junction solar cell with both a-Si and μc-SiGe absorbing layers are designed and compared. The thickness for both layers are kept the same. In a single junction, solar cell with a-Si absorbing layer, the fill factor and the efficiency are noticed as FF = 78.98%, and η = 6.03%. For μc-SiGe absorbing layer, the efficiency and fill factor are increased as η = 7.06% and FF = 84.27%, respectively. Second, for tandem thin film solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, the fill factor FF = 81.91% and efficiency η = 9.84% have been noticed. The maximum efficiency for both single junction thin film solar cell c-Si/μc-SiGe and tandem solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe are improved with check board surface design for light trapping.

Effects of exposure to dietary chromium on tissue mineral contents in rats fed diets with fiber.

PubMed

Prescha, Anna; Krzysik, Monika; Zabłocka-Słowińska, Katarzyna; Grajeta, Halina

2014-06-01

This study evaluated the effects of diets with fiber (cellulose and/or pectin) supplemented with chromium(III) on homeostasis of selected minerals in femurs, thigh muscles, livers, and kidneys of rats. For 6 weeks, male rats were fed experimental diets: a fiber-free diet (FF), a diet containing 5% cellulose (CEL), 5% pectin (PEC), or 2.5% cellulose and 2.5% pectin (CEL+PEC). These diets had 2.53 or 0.164 mg Cr/kg diet. The tissue levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cr were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Supplementing diets with Cr resulted in significantly higher Cr levels in the femurs of rats fed the CEL diet and significantly higher Cr and Fe levels in the rats fed the CEL+PEC diet compared to the rats fed FF diet. Muscle Ca content was significantly lower in the rats fed the CEL+PEC+Cr diet compared to the rats fed FF+Cr diet. The rats consuming the PEC+Cr diet had the highest liver Cr content. The highest kidney Zn content was observed in the rats fed diets containing Cr and one type of fiber. These results indicate that diets containing chromium at elevated dose and fiber have a significant effect on the mineral balance in rat tissues.

Observation and modelling of main-sequence star chromospheres - XII. Two-component model chromospheres for five active dM1e stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houdebine, E. R.

2009-08-01

We aim to constrain the Hα, CaII H and CaII K profiles from quiescent and active regions on active dM1e stars. A preliminary analysis of all the data available for dM1e stars shows that the Hα/CaII equivalent width (EW) ratio varies by up to a factor of 7 for different stars in our sample. We find that spectroscopic binaries have a significantly smaller ratio than single dM1e stars. We also find that the pre-main-sequence stars Gl 616.2, GJ 1264 and Gl 803 have a ratio lower than main-sequence single dM1e stars. These differences imply that different chromospheric structures are present on different stars, notably the temperature minimum must decrease with an increasing Hα/CaII EW ratio. For these reasons, it is impossible to reproduce all observations with only one grid of model chromospheres. We show that the grid of model chromospheres of Paper VI is adequate to describe the physical conditions that prevail in the chromospheres of spectroscopic binaries and pre-main-sequence M1e stars, but not for the conditions in single dM1e stars. One or more additional grids of model chromospheres will be necessary to reproduce all observations. We use the method developed in Paper XI in this series, in order to build two-component model chromospheres for five M1e field stars: FF And A, FF And B, GJ 1264, AU Mic and Gl 815A. Our solutions provide an exact match of the Hα and the mean CaII H & K EWs within measurement uncertainties. We compare the theoretical profiles and the observed profiles of Hα and the CaII H & K resonance lines. On the one hand, our fits to the CaII lines are reasonably good. On the other hand, our models tend to produce Hα profiles with a central absorption that is too deep. This suggests that the column mass at the transition region for plages is underestimated, but this would imply that the contrast factor between quiescent and active regions in the CaII lines is larger than 5. We find that, except in the cases of FF And A and AU Mic, the total Hα profile is dominated by the contributions from plage regions. The Hα profiles in quiescent regions are typically filled in or slightly in emission. We also find that, as in the case of the less active dM1 stars, CaII emission in dM1e stars is generally dominated by the contribution from plage regions. We find plage filling factors typically in the range 10 to 60 per cent. These are on average (40 per cent) slightly larger than those derived for the less active dM1 stars (30 per cent). Our modelling shows that the grid of model chromospheres of Paper VI is adequate for only a subset of dM1e stars. Physical conditions that prevail in the chromospheres of dM1e stars are very different from one star to another. For this reason, this study demonstrates the critical need for several improved grids of model chromospheres as well as higher signal-to-noise ratio data. Based on observations collected at Observatoire de Haute Provence, France, and at the European Southern Observatory, Chile. E-mail: eric_houdebine@yahoo.fr

Effect of calcium with and without probiotic, lactose, or both on organ and body weights, immune response and caecal microbiota in moulted laying hens.

PubMed

Dastar, B; Khosravi, A; Boldajie, F; Ghoorchi, T

2016-04-01

A total of 72 laying hens were used to investigate the effect of probiotic and lactose on body weight loss, tibia ash, antibody production against sheep red blood cell (SRBC), heterophile-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and gut microbiota in a common moulting method for 14 d. Hens were randomly allocated to 6 experimental groups consisting of (i) full feed (FF), (ii) feed withdrawal (FW), (iii) FW with calcium (Ca), (iv) FW with Ca and offering 7 g/lit lactose in drinking water (CaL), (v) FW with Ca and offering 1 g/lit probiotic in drinking water (CaP), and (vi) FW with Ca and offering a mixture of lactose and probiotic in drinking water (CaLP). The results showed body weight loss in all FW groups were more than 25% that was significantly higher than FF group (p < 0.05). The relative organ weights of hens in FW groups were lower than FF group; especially, it was significant for liver and ovary (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between all groups for tibia ash. The highest H/L ratio was related to FW group and offering Ca and lactose numerically and probiotic alone significantly resulted in decrease of this ratio (p < 0.05). The results also showed no significant difference for antibody production against SRBC among experimental groups. The highest coliform bacteria numeration observed in FW group and lactose could significantly reduce this population (p < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) numeration demonstrated a significant difference among treatments, so that FF hens had higher LAB than others (p < 0.05). In addition, FW moulted hens had significantly lower LAB compared to other moulted hens (p < 0.05), except for Ca group. In conclusion, probiotic and lactose was effective in maintaining caecal microbiota balance and improving immunity in hens exposed to moulting. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Effect of substrate preheating on the photovoltaic performance of ZnO nanorod-based perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei-Shuo; Lin, Tsyr-Rou; Yang, Hsiu-Ting; Li, Yu-Ren; Chuang, Kai-Chi; Li, Yi-Shao; Luo, Jun-Dao; Hus, Chain-Shu; Cheng, Huang-Chung

2018-06-01

In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) grown via a low-temperature hydrothermal growth process are used as the electron transport layer (ETL) owing to their low temperature process and three-dimensional structure, which increases the surface area and thereby improves photovoltaic performance. To further improve the performance of solar cells, substrate preheating before spin-coating PbI2 and perovskite films was conducted. With the increase in preheating temperature, the grain size, surface uniformity, and crystallinity of perovskite increased. Consequently, the photovoltaic performances of the devices with 150-nm-long ZnO-NRs and substrate preheating at 150 °C showed an optimum open-circuit voltage (V oc) of 0.84 V, a short-circuit current (J sc) of 21.43 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 57.42%, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.34% owing to the superior quality of the perovskite films having smooth surfaces with fewer pinholes.

Assessment of asbestos exposure during a simulated agricultural activity in the proximity of the former asbestos mine of Balangero, Italy.

PubMed

Turci, Francesco; Favero-Longo, Sergio Enrico; Gazzano, Claudia; Tomatis, Maura; Gentile-Garofalo, Laura; Bergamini, Massimo

2016-05-05

The natural occurrence of asbestos (NOA) in rural areas is a serious concern for human health and the dispersion route of asbestos in the proximity of natural asbestos-rich settings has been marginally evaluated so far. NOA may affect air, but also water and soil quality. In rural areas population may be exposed to asbestos with a largely unknown impact on human health. This work investigates the potential exposure of a farmer cultivating a field nearby the largest former asbestos mine of Western Europe (Balangero, Italy). The concentration of waterborne asbestos in the stream used to water the field was measured (ca. 2×10(5) fibers per liter, ff/L) and the cultivated ultramafic topsoil characterized, evidencing a remarkable occurrence of chrysotile. The worker's personal exposure and the environmental fiber dispersion during a simulated agricultural activity (tillage) were quantified in two independent trials. During the trials, the worker was exposed to average concentrations of 16 and 26 ff/L, with a peak of 40 ff/L. These data inform about the possible exposure of an agricultural worker to asbestos concentration higher than the accepted threshold of 2 ff/L. The release of asbestos fibers into the environment was negligible (0-2 ff/L). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The burden and undertreatment of fragility fractures among senior women.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Ana M; Eusébio, Mónica; Santos, Maria José; Gouveia, Nélia; Tavares, Viviana; Coelho, Pedro S; Mendes, Jorge M; Branco, Jaime C; Canhão, Helena

2018-03-07

Using a large population database, we showed that fragility fractures were highly prevalent in senior women and were associated with significant physical disability. However, treatment rates were low because osteoporosis treatment was not prescribed or not agreed to by the majority of women with prevalent fragility fractures. The purpose of the study is to estimate prevalence of fragility fractures (FF), risk factors, and treatment rates in senior women and to assess impact of FF on physical function and quality of life. Women aged 65 years and older from the EpiReumaPt study (2011-2013) were evaluated. Rheumatologists collected data regarding FF, clinical risk factors for fractures, and osteoporosis (OP) treatment. Health-related quality of life (EQ5D) and physical function (HAQ) were analyzed. Peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. FF was defined as any self-reported low-impact fracture that occurred after 40 years of age. Prevalence estimates of FF were calculated. Among 3877 subjects evaluated in EpiReumaPt, 884 were senior women. The estimated prevalence of FF was 20.7%. Lower leg was the most frequent fracture site reported (37.8%) followed by wrist (18.6%). Only 7.1% of the senior women reporting a prevalent FF were under treatment for OP, and 13.9% never had treatment. OP treatment was not prescribed in 47.7% of FF women, and 23.4% refused treatment. Age (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.11-5.47), obesity (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.14-3.70), and low wrist BMD (OR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.20, 4.35; p = 0.012) were positively associated with prevalent FF. A significantly higher proportion of women in the lowest quintile of wrist bone mineral density reported FF (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.20-4.35). FF were associated with greater physical disability (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.51) independent of other comorbidities. FF was frequently reported among senior women as an important cause of physical disability. However, the prevalence of OP treatment was low, which constitutes a public health problem in this vulnerable group.

Atmospheric Fossil Fuel CO2 Tracing By 14C In Some Chinese Cities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, W.; Niu, Z.; Zhu, Y., Sr.

2016-12-01

CO2 plays an important role in global climate as a primary greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Moreover, it has been shown that more than 70% of global fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) emissions are concentrated in urban areas (Duren and Miller, 2012). Our study focuses on atmospheric CO2ff concentrations in 15 Chinese cities using accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) to measure 14C. Our objectives are: (1) to document atmospheric CO2ff concentrations in a variety of urban environments, (2) to differentiate the spatial-temporal variations in CO2ff among these cities, and (3) to ascertain the factors that control the observed variations. For about two years (winter 2014 to winter 2016), the CO2ff concentrations we observed from all sites varied from 5.1±4.5 ppm to 65.8±39.0 ppm. We observed that inland cities display much higher CO2ff concentrations and overall temporal variations than coastal cities in winter, and that northern cities have higher CO2ff concentrations than those of southern cities in winter. For inland cities relatively high CO2ff values are observed in winter and low values in summer; while seasonal variations are not distinct in the coastal cities. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in CO2ff values are found between weekdays and weekends as was shown previously in Xi'an (Zhou et al., 2014). Diurnal CO2ff variations are plainly evident, with high values between midnight and 4:00 am, and during morning and afternoon rush hours (Niu et al., 2016). The high CO2ff concentrations in northern inland cities in winter results mainly from the substantial consumption of fossil fuels for heating. The high CO2ff concentrations seen in diurnal measurements result mainly from variations in atmospheric dispersion, and from vehicle emissions related to traffic flows. The inter-annual variations in CO2ff in cities could provide a useful reference for local governments to develop policy around the effect of energy conservation and emission reduction strategies.

Somatostatin inhibits exocytosis in rat pancreatic alpha-cells by G(i2)-dependent activation of calcineurin and depriming of secretory granules.

PubMed

Gromada, J; Høy, M; Buschard, K; Salehi, A; Rorsman, P

2001-09-01

1. Measurements of cell capacitance were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which somatostatin inhibits Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis in single rat glucagon-secreting pancreatic alpha-cells. 2. Somatostatin decreased the exocytotic responses elicited by voltage-clamp depolarisations by 80 % in the presence of cyclic AMP-elevating agents such as isoprenaline and forskolin. Inhibition was time dependent and half-maximal within 22 s. 3. The inhibitory action of somatostatin was concentration dependent with an IC(50) of 68 nM and prevented by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. The latter effect was mimicked by intracellular dialysis with specific antibodies to G(i1/2) and by antisense oligonucleotides against G proteins of the subtype G(i2). 4. Somatostatin lacked inhibitory action when applied in the absence of forskolin or in the presence of the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine. The size of the omega-conotoxin-sensitive and forskolin-independent component of exocytosis was limited to 60 fF. By contrast, somatostatin abolished L-type Ca(2+) channel-dependent exocytosis in alpha-cells exposed to forskolin. The magnitude of the latter pool amounted to 230 fF. 5. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on exocytosis was mediated by activation of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin and was prevented by pretreatment with cyclosporin A and deltamethrin or intracellularly applied calcineurin autoinhibitory peptide. Experiments using the stable ATP analogue AMP-PCP indicate that somatostatin acts by depriming of granules. 6. We propose that somatostatin receptors associate with L-type Ca(2+) channels and couple to G(i2) proteins leading to a localised activation of calcineurin and depriming of secretory granules situated close to the L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Somatostatin inhibits exocytosis in rat pancreatic α-cells by Gi2-dependent activation of calcineurin and depriming of secretory granules

PubMed Central

Gromada, Jesper; Høy, Marianne; Buschard, Karsten; Salehi, Albert; Rorsman, Patrik

2001-01-01

Measurements of cell capacitance were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which somatostatin inhibits Ca2+-induced exocytosis in single rat glucagon-secreting pancreatic α-cells. Somatostatin decreased the exocytotic responses elicited by voltage-clamp depolarisations by 80 % in the presence of cyclic AMP-elevating agents such as isoprenaline and forskolin. Inhibition was time dependent and half-maximal within 22 s. The inhibitory action of somatostatin was concentration dependent with an IC50 of 68 nm and prevented by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. The latter effect was mimicked by intracellular dialysis with specific antibodies to Gi1/2 and by antisense oligonucleotides against G proteins of the subtype Gi2. Somatostatin lacked inhibitory action when applied in the absence of forskolin or in the presence of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine. The size of the ω-conotoxin-sensitive and forskolin-independent component of exocytosis was limited to 60 fF. By contrast, somatostatin abolished L-type Ca2+ channel-dependent exocytosis in α-cells exposed to forskolin. The magnitude of the latter pool amounted to 230 fF. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on exocytosis was mediated by activation of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin and was prevented by pretreatment with cyclosporin A and deltamethrin or intracellularly applied calcineurin autoinhibitory peptide. Experiments using the stable ATP analogue AMP-PCP indicate that somatostatin acts by depriming of granules. We propose that somatostatin receptors associate with L-type Ca2+ channels and couple to Gi2 proteins leading to a localised activation of calcineurin and depriming of secretory granules situated close to the L-type Ca2+ channels. PMID:11533141

Continued importance of family factors in youth smoking behavior.

PubMed

Mahabee-Gittens, E Melinda; Xiao, Yang; Gordon, Judith S; Khoury, Jane C

2012-12-01

Although it is known that levels of family factors (FF) such as parental monitoring and parent-adolescent connectedness vary during adolescence, it is unknown which factors remain protective, preventing smoking initiation, in youth of differing racial/ethnic groups. Using a longitudinal, nationally representative sample, we examined which FF protect against smoking initiation in White, Black, and Hispanic youth. A total of 3,473 parent-nonsmoking youth dyads from Round 1 (T1) of the National Survey of Parents and Youth were followed to Round 3 (T2). Youth smoking status at T2 was assessed as the primary outcome. We examined changes in FF (T2 - T1) and the protection afforded by these factors at T1 and T2 for smoking initiation, both by race/ethnicity and overall. There were statistically significant decreases in levels of protective FF from T1 to T2 across all racial/ethnic groups; however, FF levels were higher in never-smokers compared with smoking initiators at both T1 and T2 (p < .05). Separate models by race/ethnicity showed the protective effect of increased perceived punishment in all racial/ethnic groups and protection against initiation by increased parental monitoring in Black and Hispanic youth. Overall, higher parental monitoring at T1 was associated with decreased odds of smoking initiation (33%); decreased parental monitoring and perceived punishment from T1 to T2 were associated with increased odds of smoking initiation (55% and 17%, respectively). Smoking prevention interventions should encourage parents to both enforce consistent consequences of smoking behavior, and continue monitoring, especially in minority groups.

Finishing performance and diet digestibility for feedlot steers fed corn distillers grains plus solubles and distillers solubles with and without oil extraction.

PubMed

Jolly-Breithaupt, M L; Nuttelman, B L; Schneider, C J; Burken, D B; Gramkow, J L; Shreck, A L; MacDonald, J C; Klopfenstein, T J; Erickson, G E

2018-05-04

Three experiments evaluated the effects of corn oil removal using centrifugation in ethanol plants, on animal performance and digestion characteristics by finishing cattle fed by-products. In Exp. 1, 225 crossbred steers (300 ± 9.1 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors consisted of oil concentration [de-oiled (DO) or full fat (FF)] and by-product type [condensed distillers solubles (CDS) or modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] compared to a corn-based control. Fat concentration was 6.0% for DO CDS, 21.1% for FF CDS, 9.2% for DO MDGS, and 11.8% for FF MDGS. No oil concentration by by-product type interactions (P ≥ 0.17) were observed. There were no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F between DO and FF CDS (P ≥ 0.29) or DO and FF MDGS (P ≥ 0.58). No differences (P ≥ 0.25) due to oil concentration were observed for carcass characteristics. Experiment 2 was a 5 × 5 Latin Square digestion trial with treatments similar to Exp. 1. Fat concentration was 8.7% or 15.4% for DO or FF CDS and 9.2% or 12.3% for DO or FF MDGS. Intake and total tract digestibility of fat were greater (P ≤ 0.02) for FF CDS compared with DO CDS. Digestible energy (megacalorie per kilogram), adjusted for intake, was greater (P = 0.02) for steers fed FF CDS compared to DO CDS. Average ruminal pH for cattle fed FF MDGS was greater than DO MDGS (P = 0.06). In Exp. 3, 336 yearling, crossbred steers (352 ± 19 kg) were utilized in a randomized block design with a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included oil concentration (DO or FF) and inclusion [35%, 50%, and 65% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS)] along with a corn-based control. The fat concentrations of DO and FF WDGS were 7.9% and 12.4%, respectively. A linear interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for DMI, which produced different slopes for DO and FF WDGS. No linear or quadratic interactions were observed for BW, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.31). For the main effect of oil concentration, there were no statistical differences (P > 0.19) for final BW, ADG, or G:F. No statistical differences were observed for all carcass traits (P ≥ 0.34). Corn oil removal via centrifugation had minimal impact on finishing performance suggesting that cattle fed DO by-products will have similar performance to cattle fed FF by-products in dry-rolled and high-moisture corn diets.

Platelet-derived growth factor BB and DD and angiopoietin1 are altered in follicular fluid from polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

PubMed

Scotti, Leopoldina; Parborell, Fernanda; Irusta, Griselda; De Zuñiga, Ignacio; Bisioli, Claudio; Pettorossi, Hernan; Tesone, Marta; Abramovich, Dalhia

2014-08-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological pathology among women of reproductive age, and is characterized by abnormalities in ovarian angiogenesis, among other features. Consistent with this association, follicular fluid (FF) concentration and ovarian expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are increased in PCOS patients. In this study, we examined the protein levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB and DD (PDGFBB and PDGFDD), angiopoietin 1 and 2 (ANGPT1 and ANGPT2), and their soluble receptor sTIE2 in FF from PCOS and control patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. We also analyzed the effect of FF from PCOS and control patients on tight and adherens junction protein expression in an endothelial cell line. PDGFBB and PDGFDD were significantly lower whereas ANGPT1 concentration was significantly higher in FF from PCOS patients than from control patients. No changes were found in the concentration of ANGPT2 or sTIE2. Expression of claudin-5 was significantly increased in endothelial cells incubated for 24 hr in the presence of FF from PCOS versus from control patients, while vascular-endothelial cadherin, β-catenin, and zonula occludens 1 expression were unchanged. The changes observed in the levels of PDGF isoforms and ANGPT1 may prevent VEGF-induced vascular permeability in the PCOS ovary by regulating endothelial-cell-junction protein levels. Restoring the levels of angiogenic factors may provide new insights into PCOS treatment and the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in affected women. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Continued Importance of Family Factors in Youth Smoking Behavior

PubMed Central

Xiao, Yang; Gordon, Judith S.; Khoury, Jane C.

2012-01-01

Introduction: Although it is known that levels of family factors (FF) such as parental monitoring and parent–adolescent connectedness vary during adolescence, it is unknown which factors remain protective, preventing smoking initiation, in youth of differing racial/ethnic groups. Using a longitudinal, nationally representative sample, we examined which FF protect against smoking initiation in White, Black, and Hispanic youth. Methods: A total of 3,473 parent-nonsmoking youth dyads from Round 1 (T1) of the National Survey of Parents and Youth were followed to Round 3 (T2). Youth smoking status at T2 was assessed as the primary outcome. We examined changes in FF (T2 – T1) and the protection afforded by these factors at T1 and T2 for smoking initiation, both by race/ethnicity and overall. Results: There were statistically significant decreases in levels of protective FF from T1 to T2 across all racial/ethnic groups; however, FF levels were higher in never-smokers compared with smoking initiators at both T1 and T2 (p < .05). Separate models by race/ethnicity showed the protective effect of increased perceived punishment in all racial/ethnic groups and protection against initiation by increased parental monitoring in Black and Hispanic youth. Overall, higher parental monitoring at T1 was associated with decreased odds of smoking initiation (33%); decreased parental monitoring and perceived punishment from T1 to T2 were associated with increased odds of smoking initiation (55% and 17%, respectively). Conclusions: Smoking prevention interventions should encourage parents to both enforce consistent consequences of smoking behavior, and continue monitoring, especially in minority groups. PMID:22454285

Role of vascular endothelial cell growth factor in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

PubMed Central

Levin, E R; Rosen, G F; Cassidenti, D L; Yee, B; Meldrum, D; Wisot, A; Pedram, A

1998-01-01

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins is followed by Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in some women. An unidentified capillary permeability factor from the ovary has been implicated, and vascular endothelial cell growth/permeability factor (VEGF) is a candidate protein. Follicular fluids (FF) from 80 women who received hormonal induction for infertility were studied. FFs were grouped according to oocyte production, from group I (0-7 oocytes) through group IV (23-31 oocytes). Group IV was comprised of four women with the most severe symptoms of OHSS. Endothelial cell (EC) permeability induced by the individual FF was highly correlated to oocytes produced (r2 = 0.73, P < 0.001). Group IV FF stimulated a 63+/-4% greater permeability than FF from group I patients (P < 0. 01), reversed 98% by anti-VEGF antibody. Group IV fluids contained the VEGF165 isoform and significantly greater concentrations of VEGF as compared with group I (1,105+/-87 pg/ml vs. 353+/-28 pg/ml, P < 0. 05). Significant cytoskeletal rearrangement of F-actin into stress fibers and a destruction of ZO-1 tight junction protein alignment was caused by group IV FF, mediated in part by nitric oxide. These mechanisms, which lead to increased EC permeability, were reversed by the VEGF antibody. Our results indicate that VEGF is the FF factor responsible for increased vascular permeability, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of OHSS. PMID:9835623

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Temperature-driven phase transformation in self-assembled diphenylalanine peptide nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heredia, A.; Bdikin, I.; Kopyl, S.; Mishina, E.; Semin, S.; Sigov, A.; German, K.; Bystrov, V.; Gracio, J.; Kholkin, A. L.

2010-11-01

Diphenylalanine (FF) peptide nanotubes (PNTs) represent a unique class of self-assembled functional biomaterials owing to a wide range of useful properties including nanostructural variability, mechanical rigidity and chemical stability. In addition, strong piezoelectric activity has recently been observed paving the way to their use as nanoscale sensors and actuators. In this work, we fabricated both horizontal and vertical FF PNTs and examined their optical second harmonic generation and local piezoresponse as a function of temperature. The measurements show a gradual decrease in polarization with increasing temperature accompanied by an irreversible phase transition into another crystalline phase at about 140-150 °C. The results are corroborated by the molecular dynamic simulations predicting an order-disorder phase transition into a centrosymmetric (possibly, orthorhombic) phase with antiparallel polarization orientation in neighbouring FF rings. Partial piezoresponse hysteresis indicates incomplete polarization switching due to the high coercive field in FF PNTs.

Unorthodox theoretical methods

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

Nedd, Sean

2012-01-01

The use of the ReaxFF force field to correlate with NMR mobilities of amine catalytic substituents on a mesoporous silica nanosphere surface is considered. The interfacing of the ReaxFF force field within the Surface Integrated Molecular Orbital/Molecular Mechanics (SIMOMM) method, in order to replicate earlier SIMOMM published data and to compare with the ReaxFF data, is discussed. The development of a new correlation consistent Composite Approach (ccCA) is presented, which incorporates the completely renormalized coupled cluster method with singles, doubles and non-iterative triples corrections towards the determination of heats of formations and reaction pathways which contain biradical species.

Metastability in Molecules

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-05

SDO.MlJq󈧭 MIVT4I CaD Level of Theory Electron amnityorCN radical . (0) ROIIF: (e*) U10. Under this grant, our next methodological development pertains...and Theoretical Study of Ketenimine CH2 ffC=NH and N-Methyl Ketenimine CH2--C=NCH 3, J. Am. Chem. Soc.112, 3779 (1991). 5. H. Sekino and R.J

Vitamin D receptor Fok1 polymorphism and blood lead concentration in children.

PubMed Central

Haynes, Erin N; Kalkwarf, Heidi J; Hornung, Richard; Wenstrup, Richard; Dietrich, Kim; Lanphear, Bruce P

2003-01-01

Variation in blood lead concentration is caused by a complex interaction of environmental, social, nutritional, and genetic factors. We evaluated the association between blood lead concentration and a vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism. Environmental samples and blood were analyzed for lead, nutritional and behavioral factors were assessed, and VDR -Fok1 genotype was determined in 245 children. We found a significant interaction between floor dust lead and genotype on blood lead concentration. For every 1 microg/ft(2) increase in floor dust, children with VDR -FF genotype had a 1.1% increase in blood lead [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69-1.5], VDR -Ff, 0.53% increase (95% CI, 0.1-0.92), and VDR -ff, 3.8% increase (95% CI, 1.2-6.3); however, at floor dust levels < 10 microg/ft(2), children with VDR -ff had the lowest blood lead concentrations. These data suggest that VDR -Fok1 is an effect modifier of the relationship of floor dust lead exposure and blood lead concentration. PMID:14527848

Microprocessor Realization of a Linear Predictive Vocoder. Appendix C. LPCM Detail Drawings and Layouts

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-07

CHG12 1 Dr.%VC 8 DB ILA8 DC1II 29 FTLE: FDS TAPIRWLST Al 1/19/77 16:1~2 H.I.T. LINCOLN LAB3ORATORY 1 DB116 DB16 D11G12 1 DI)V8 DD V,"R DWl 1 DBV16 DBV...5 CD27 CA27 CDC.6 CAC6 "F23 CD25 CA25 CD%.4 CAt4 IN ,7 F2’ C!ൠ CA24 CDV3 CA.^ ELI 11 CI)22 CA23 CP,2 CA,2 1D1.. CA22 CDI CA. 1 "FH𔃼 CD39 CA38 CD17...FC17 FE22 ,26 FC19 UE24 1 ’P27 FC19 F21 1 IP 29 FA V7 EF21 1 !p33* FA10 FF12" I %P32 FG𔄀 EE1 1 IP3 FG ’i^7 EF15 1 ’P 34 FGF12 Ffl2 1 1115FG ’ 1 F12

Ovarian adipocytokines are associated with early in vitro human embryo development independent of the action of ovarian insulin.

PubMed

Li, Liyun; Ferin, Michel; Sauer, Mark V; Lobo, Roger A

2012-12-01

We aimed to characterize the association between levels of serum and follicular fluid (FF) adipocytokines, reflected by the leptin to adiponectin ratio (L:A ratio), and oocyte quality and in vitro embryo development in women undergoing assisted reproduction. We also aimed to assess whether follicular hormonal pathways mediate this interaction. We prospectively collected FF from up to four individual preovulatory follicles (n = 76) and fasting sera from women (n = 31) without endocrinopathies undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a university-based center for assisted reproduction. Leptin, total adiponectin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and ovarian steriods were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Oocyte maturity, fertilization, and embryo development were assessed. FF leptin was similar to serum levels while FF adiponectin was lower. FF leptin (27.10 ± 4.05 ng/mL) and the L:A ratio (11.48E-3 ± 2.57E-3) were related to FF insulin (R (2) = 0.370 and 0.419, p < 0.001) but not to ovarian steroids or IGF-1, whereas FF adiponectin ( 4.22 ± 0.52 ug/mL) correlated only with leptin (R (2) = -0.138, p = 0.001). Oocytes from a high FF L:A ratio environment were 81 % (RR 1.81 [95%CI 0.97-3.37]) more likely to undergo successful cleavage and 117 % (RR 2.17 [95 % CI 1.06-4.44]) more likely to obtain viable cleavage morphology compared to a low FF L:A ratio environment, even when adjusted for FF insulin, an independent predictor of cleavage. Certain adipocytokines, particularly the L:A ratio in the FF of the preovulatory follicle, are related to successful in vitro embryo development. This action may be independent of FF insulin.

A fused-ring acceptor unit in d-a copolymers benefits photovoltaic performance.

PubMed

Zuo, Chuantian; Cao, Jiamin; Ding, Liming

2014-08-01

Pentacyclic lactam acceptor unit TPTI invented by our group is proved to be a good building block for efficient D-A copolymers used in organic solar cells. Here, two D-A copolymers PBTTPTI and PTTTPTI are developed by copolymerizing TPTI with 2,2'-bithiophene (BT) or thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT). PBTTPTI and PTTTPTI exhibit good solubility and strong interchain π-π interaction even in dilute solution. They possess deep HOMO levels (ca. -5.3 eV), partial crystallinity, and good hole mobilities. Blending with PC71 BM, PBTTPTI and PTTTPTI give decent power conversion efficiencies (PCE) up to 6.83% and 5.86%, with outstanding fill factors (FF) of 74.3% and 71.3%, respectively. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of the FF Aqr spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimanskaya, N. N.; Bikmaev, I. F.; Shimansky, V. V.

2011-07-01

We determine the atmospheric parameters of the secondary in the close binary system FF Aqr and analyze its chemical composition. A series of high-resolution spectra are taken at different orbital phases using the coude echelle spectrometer of the 1.5-m Russian-Turkish Telescope (RTT150). We show that the absorption line intensity of heavy elements varies with phase due to the spotty nature of the cool component. We determine the abundances of heavy elements in the star's atmosphere by modelling the synthetic spectra and performing a differential analysis of the chemical composition of FF Aqr relative to the solar composition. Our analysis of the averaged spectrum of FF Aqr yielded 539 abundance estimates for 21 chemical elements. We found the metallicity of the star ([ Fe/H] = -0.11 ± 0.08) to be close solar, in agreement with the hypothesis that FF Aqr should belong to the Galactic disk. The inferred chemical composition of the objects exhibits no anomalous abundances of the α-, r-, and s-process elements like those earlier found in other systems (IN Com, LW Hya, V471 Tau). The lack of such anomalies in FF Aqr must be due to the fact that the elements heavier than 16 O cannot be synthesized in the core of the primary during the last stages of its evolution.

Calmodulin antagonists have differential effects on Ca/sup 2 +/ uptake, (Ca/sup 2 +/ + Mg/sup 2 +/)-ATPase and Ca/sup 2 +/ release in hepatic endoplasmic reticulum

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

Delfert, D.M.; Koepnick, S.; McDonald, J.M.

1986-05-01

The effect of calmodulin (CaM) antagonists on Ca/sup 2 +/ handling by hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was studied. Ca/sup 2 +/ uptake by saponin-permeabilized hepatocytes or isolated ER was measured using /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ in a filtration assay in the presence of 0.09 ..mu..M free (Ca/sup 2 +/) and inhibitors of mitochondrial Ca/sup 2 +/ transport. Each CaM-antagonist (chlorpromazine, CPZ; trifluoperazine, TFP; calmidazolium, W7 and 48/80) showed a dose-dependent inhibition of Ca/sup 2 +/ accumulation in permeabilized hepatocytes. Both the initial rate and steady state values for Ca/sup 2 +/ uptake were reduced by 50% with 40 ..mu..M calmidazolium,more » 100 ..mu..M TFP, 150..mu..M W7, 150 ..mu..M CPZ and 300 ..mu..M 48/80. Using isolated ER both calmidazolium (20 ..mu..M) and W7 (150 ..mu..M) inhibited the initial rate and steady state level of Ca/sup 2 +/ accumulation. At this concentration calmidazolium inhibited the initial rate of (Ca/sup 2 +/ + Mg/sup 2 +/)-ATPase activity, and enhanced Ca/sup 2 +/ release. In contrast, W7 had no effect on these parameters. These results suggest that the reduced level of Ca/sup 2 +/ uptake into ER vesicles in the presence of calmidazolium may result from inhibition of the (Ca/sup 2 +/ + Mg/sup 2 +/)-ATPase as well as induction of Ca/sup 2 +/ release, while W7 may act to uncouple Ca/sup 2 +/ transport from its (Ca/sup 2 +/ + Mg/sup 2 +/)-ATPase counterpart.« less

Factors that contribute to the botulinal safety of reduced-fat and fat-free process chesse products.

PubMed

Glass, Kathleen A; Johnson, Eric A

2004-08-01

The effects of fat, type of natural cheese, and adjunct process cheese ingredients were evaluated to determine factors that contribute to the botulinal safety of reduced-fat (RF) process cheese products stored at 30 degrees C. In the first set of experiments, pasteurized process cheese products (PPCPs) were formulated using full-fat (FF) Cheddar, 30% RF Cheddar, or skim milk (SM) cheese as cheese-base types and were standardized to 59% moisture, pH 5.75, 2.8 or 3.2% total salts, and 15 to 19% fat. Subsequent trials evaluated the effect of fat levels and adjunct ingredients in PPCPs made with SM, RF, and FF cheese (final fat levels, less than 1, 13, and 24%, respectively). When fat levels of PPCPs were comparable (15.1, 19.1, and 16.2 for product manufactured with SC, RE and FF cheese, respectively), botulinal toxin production was delayed for up to 2 days in PPCPs formulated with SM compared with RF or FF cheese; however, the effect was not statistically significant. When fat levels were reduced to less than 1% in SM PPCPs, toxin production was delayed 2 weeks in products made with SM compared with RF or FF cheese manufactured with 13 or 24% fat, respectively. The antibotulinal effect of adjunct ingredients varied among the products manufactured with different fat levels. Sodium lactate significantly delayed toxin production (P < 0.05) for all fat levels tested, whereas beta-glucan fat replacer did not delay toxin production. An enzyme-modified cheese used as a flavor enhancer significantly delayed toxin production (P < 0.05) in SM (less than 1% fat) products but had little to no inhibitory effect in RF (13% fat) and FF (24% fat) cheese products. Similarly, monolaurin increased the time to detectable toxin in SM products but was ineffective in RF or FF cheese products. These results verify that RF PPCPs exhibit greater safety than FF products and that safety may be enhanced by using certain adjunct ingredients as antimicrobials.

A sequential assignment procedure for proteins that have intermediate line widths in MAS NMR spectra: amyloid fibrils of human CA150.WW2.

PubMed

Becker, Johanna; Ferguson, Neil; Flinders, Jeremy; van Rossum, Barth-Jan; Fersht, Alan R; Oschkinat, Hartmut

2008-08-11

The second WW domain (WW2) of CA150, a human transcriptional activator, forms amyloid fibrils in vitro under physiological conditions. Based on experimental constraints from MAS NMR spectroscopy experiments, alanine scanning and electron microscopy, a structural model of CA150.WW2 amyloid fibrils was calculated earlier. Here, the assignment strategy is presented and suggested as a general approach for proteins that show intermediate line width. The (13)C,(13)C correlation experiments were recorded on fully or partially (13)C-labelled fibrils. The earlier (13)C assignment (26 residues) was extended to 34 of the 40 residues by direct (13)C-excitation experiments by using a deuterated sample that showed strongly improved line width. A 3D HNC-TEDOR (transferred-echo double-resonance) experiment with deuterated CA150.WW2 fibrils yielded 14 amide nitrogen and proton resonance assignments. The obtained chemical shifts were compared with the chemical shifts determined with the natively folded WW domain. TALOS (Torsion angle likelihood obtained from shift and sequence similarity) predictions confirmed that, under physiological conditions, the fibrillar form of CA150.WW2 adopts a significantly different beta structure than the native WW-domain fold.

Nucleon form factors in dispersively improved chiral effective field theory: Scalar form factor

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

Alarcon Soriano, Jose Manuel; Weiss, Christian

We propose a method for calculating the nucleon form factors (FFs) ofmore » $G$-parity-even operators by combining Chiral Effective Field Theory ($$\\chi$$EFT) and dispersion analysis. The FFs are expressed as dispersive integrals over the two-pion cut at $$t > 4 M_\\pi^2$$. The spectral functions are obtained from the elastic unitarity condition and expressed as products of the complex $$\\pi\\pi \\rightarrow N\\bar N$$ partial-wave amplitudes and the timelike pion FF. $$\\chi$$EFT is used to calculate the ratio of the partial-wave amplitudes and the pion FF, which is real and free of $$\\pi\\pi$$ rescattering in the $t$-channel ($N/D$ method). The rescattering effects are then incorporated by multiplying with the squared modulus of the empirical pion FF. The procedure results in a marked improvement compared to conventional $$\\chi$$EFT calculations of the spectral functions. We apply the method to the nucleon scalar FF and compute the scalar spectral function, the scalar radius, the $t$-dependent FF, and the Cheng-Dashen discrepancy. Higher-order chiral corrections are estimated through the $$\\pi N$$ low-energy constants. Results are in excellent agreement with dispersion-theoretical calculations. We elaborate several other interesting aspects of our method. The results show proper scaling behavior in the large-$$N_c$$ limit of QCD because the $$\\chi$$EFT includes $N$ and $$\\Delta$$ intermediate states. The squared modulus of the timelike pion FF required by our method can be extracted from Lattice QCD calculations of vacuum correlation functions of the operator at large Euclidean distances. Our method can be applied to the nucleon FFs of other operators of interest, such as the isovector-vector current, the energy-momentum tensor, and twist-2 QCD operators (moments of generalized parton distributions).« less

Nucleon form factors in dispersively improved chiral effective field theory: Scalar form factor

DOE PAGES

Alarcon Soriano, Jose Manuel; Weiss, Christian

2017-11-20

We propose a method for calculating the nucleon form factors (FFs) ofmore » $G$-parity-even operators by combining Chiral Effective Field Theory ($$\\chi$$EFT) and dispersion analysis. The FFs are expressed as dispersive integrals over the two-pion cut at $$t > 4 M_\\pi^2$$. The spectral functions are obtained from the elastic unitarity condition and expressed as products of the complex $$\\pi\\pi \\rightarrow N\\bar N$$ partial-wave amplitudes and the timelike pion FF. $$\\chi$$EFT is used to calculate the ratio of the partial-wave amplitudes and the pion FF, which is real and free of $$\\pi\\pi$$ rescattering in the $t$-channel ($N/D$ method). The rescattering effects are then incorporated by multiplying with the squared modulus of the empirical pion FF. The procedure results in a marked improvement compared to conventional $$\\chi$$EFT calculations of the spectral functions. We apply the method to the nucleon scalar FF and compute the scalar spectral function, the scalar radius, the $t$-dependent FF, and the Cheng-Dashen discrepancy. Higher-order chiral corrections are estimated through the $$\\pi N$$ low-energy constants. Results are in excellent agreement with dispersion-theoretical calculations. We elaborate several other interesting aspects of our method. The results show proper scaling behavior in the large-$$N_c$$ limit of QCD because the $$\\chi$$EFT includes $N$ and $$\\Delta$$ intermediate states. The squared modulus of the timelike pion FF required by our method can be extracted from Lattice QCD calculations of vacuum correlation functions of the operator at large Euclidean distances. Our method can be applied to the nucleon FFs of other operators of interest, such as the isovector-vector current, the energy-momentum tensor, and twist-2 QCD operators (moments of generalized parton distributions).« less

Ser1928 phosphorylation by PKA stimulates the L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.2 and vasoconstriction during acute hyperglycemia and diabetes.

PubMed

Nystoriak, Matthew A; Nieves-Cintrón, Madeline; Patriarchi, Tommaso; Buonarati, Olivia R; Prada, Maria Paz; Morotti, Stefano; Grandi, Eleonora; Fernandes, Julia Dos Santos; Forbush, Katherine; Hofmann, Franz; Sasse, Kent C; Scott, John D; Ward, Sean M; Hell, Johannes W; Navedo, Manuel F

2017-01-24

Hypercontractility of arterial myocytes and enhanced vascular tone during diabetes are, in part, attributed to the effects of increased glucose (hyperglycemia) on L-type Ca V 1.2 channels. In murine arterial myocytes, kinase-dependent mechanisms mediate the increase in Ca V 1.2 activity in response to increased extracellular glucose. We identified a subpopulation of the Ca V 1.2 channel pore-forming subunit (α1 C ) within nanometer proximity of protein kinase A (PKA) at the sarcolemma of murine and human arterial myocytes. This arrangement depended upon scaffolding of PKA by an A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150) in mice. Glucose-mediated increases in Ca V 1.2 channel activity were associated with PKA activity, leading to α1 C phosphorylation at Ser 1928 Compared to arteries from low-fat diet (LFD)-fed mice and nondiabetic patients, arteries from high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and from diabetic patients had increased Ser 1928 phosphorylation and Ca V 1.2 activity. Arterial myocytes and arteries from mice lacking AKAP150 or expressing mutant AKAP150 unable to bind PKA did not exhibit increased Ser 1928 phosphorylation and Ca V 1.2 current density in response to increased glucose or to HFD. Consistent with a functional role for Ser 1928 phosphorylation, arterial myocytes and arteries from knockin mice expressing a Ca V 1.2 with Ser 1928 mutated to alanine (S1928A) lacked glucose-mediated increases in Ca V 1.2 activity and vasoconstriction. Furthermore, the HFD-induced increases in Ca V 1.2 current density and myogenic tone were prevented in S1928A knockin mice. These findings reveal an essential role for α1 C phosphorylation at Ser 1928 in stimulating Ca V 1.2 channel activity and vasoconstriction by AKAP-targeted PKA upon exposure to increased glucose and in diabetes. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Ser1928 phosphorylation by PKA stimulates the L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.2 and vasoconstriction during acute hyperglycemia and diabetes

PubMed Central

Nystoriak, Matthew A.; Nieves-Cintrón, Madeline; Patriarchi, Tommaso; Buonarati, Olivia R.; Prada, Maria Paz; Morotti, Stefano; Grandi, Eleonora; Fernandes, Julia Dos Santos; Forbush, Katherine; Hofmann, Franz; Sasse, Kent C.; Scott, John D.; Ward, Sean M.; Hell, Johannes W.; Navedo, Manuel F.

2017-01-01

Hypercontractility of arterial myocytes and enhanced vascular tone during diabetes are, in part, attributed to the effects of increased glucose (hyperglycemia) on L-type CaV1.2 channels. In murine arterial myocytes, kinase-dependent mechanisms mediate the increase in CaV1.2 activity in response to increased extracellular glucose. We identified a subpopulation of the CaV1.2 channel pore-forming subunit (α1C) within nanometer proximity of protein kinase A (PKA) at the sarcolemma of murine and human arterial myocytes. This arrangement depended upon scaffolding of PKA by an A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150) in mice. Glucose-mediated increases in CaV1.2 channel activity were associated with PKA activity, leading to α1C phosphorylation at Ser1928. Compared to arteries from low-fat diet (LFD)–fed mice and nondiabetic patients, arteries from high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice and from diabetic patients had increased Ser1928 phosphorylation and CaV1.2 activity. Arterial myocytes and arteries from mice lacking AKAP150 or expressing mutant AKAP150 unable to bind PKA did not exhibit increased Ser1928 phosphorylation and CaV1.2 current density in response to increased glucose or to HFD. Consistent with a functional role for Ser1928 phosphorylation, arterial myocytes and arteries from knockin mice expressing a CaV1.2 with Ser1928 mutated to alanine (S1928A) lacked glucose-mediated increases in CaV1.2 activity and vasoconstriction. Furthermore, the HFD-induced increases in CaV1.2 current density and myogenic tone were prevented in S1928A knockin mice. These findings reveal an essential role for α1C phosphorylation at Ser1928 in stimulating CaV1.2 channel activity and vasoconstriction by AKAP-targeted PKA upon exposure to increased glucose and in diabetes. PMID:28119464

Surface and Bulk Effects of K in Highly Efficient Cu1-xKxInSe2 Solar Cells

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

Muzzillo, Christopher; Mansfield, Lorelle M; Ramanathan, Kannan

To advance knowledge of the beneficial effects of K in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) absorbers, recent Cu-K-In-Se phase growth studies have been extended to PV performance. First, the effect of distributing K throughout bulk Cu1-xKxInSe2 absorbers at low K/(K+Cu) compositions (0 = x = 0.30) was studied. Efficiency, open-circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF) were greatly enhanced for x ~ 0.07, resulting in an officially-measured 15.0%-efficient solar cell, matching the world record CuInSe2 efficiency. The improvements were a result of reduced interface and bulk recombination, relative to CuInSe2 (x ~ 0). However, higher x compositions had reduced efficiency, short-circuitmore » current density (JSC), and FF due to greatly increased interface recombination, relative to the x ~ 0 baseline. Next, the effect of confining K at the absorber/buffer interface at high K/(K+Cu) compositions (0.30 = x = 0.92) was researched. Previous work showed that these surface layer growth conditions produced CuInSe2 with a large phase fraction of KInSe2. After optimization (75 nm surface layer with x ~ 0.41), these KInSe2 surface samples exhibited increased efficiency (officially 14.9%), VOC, and FF as a result of decreased interface recombination. The KInSe2 surfaces had features similar to previous reports for KF post-deposition treatments (PDTs) used in world record CIGS solar cells - taken as indirect evidence that KInSe2 can form during these PDTs. Both the bulk and surface growth processes greatly reduced interface recombination. However, the KInSe2 surface had higher K levels near the surface, greater lifetimes, and increased inversion near the buffer interface, relative to the champion bulk Cu1-xKxInSe2 absorber. These characteristics demonstrate that K may benefit PV performance by different mechanisms at the surface and in the absorber bulk.« less

Determination of fetal DNA fraction from the plasma of pregnant women using sequence read counts.

PubMed

Kim, Sung K; Hannum, Gregory; Geis, Jennifer; Tynan, John; Hogg, Grant; Zhao, Chen; Jensen, Taylor J; Mazloom, Amin R; Oeth, Paul; Ehrich, Mathias; van den Boom, Dirk; Deciu, Cosmin

2015-08-01

This study introduces a novel method, referred to as SeqFF, for estimating the fetal DNA fraction in the plasma of pregnant women and to infer the underlying mechanism that allows for such statistical modeling. Autosomal regional read counts from whole-genome massively parallel single-end sequencing of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) from the plasma of 25 312 pregnant women were used to train a multivariate model. The pretrained model was then applied to 505 pregnant samples to assess the performance of SeqFF against known methodologies for fetal DNA fraction calculations. Pearson's correlation between chromosome Y and SeqFF for pregnancies with male fetuses from two independent cohorts ranged from 0.932 to 0.938. Comparison between a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based approach and SeqFF yielded a Pearson's correlation of 0.921. Paired-end sequencing suggests that shorter ccfDNA, that is, less than 150 bp in length, is nonuniformly distributed across the genome. Regions exhibiting an increased proportion of short ccfDNA, which are more likely of fetal origin, tend to provide more information in the SeqFF calculations. SeqFF is a robust and direct method to determine fetal DNA fraction. Furthermore, the method is applicable to both male and female pregnancies and can greatly improve the accuracy of noninvasive prenatal testing for fetal copy number variation. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical signatures of urban, open burning and dust transportation in an urban environment- megacity in South Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priyadharshini, B.; Verma, S.

2016-12-01

A sub-micron aerosol sampler (SAS) consisting of two parallel stacked filter units (SFU) was deployed at an urban location (Kolkata) to study the sub-micron aerosols (water soluble inorganic ions (WSII) and carbonaceous aerosols (elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC)) collected over a year (September 2010 to August 2011). Quantification of 10 WSII species using Ion Chromatograph (IC) indicated alkaline nature of aerosols with calcium (Ca2+) being the major neutralizing factor of acidity at the study site. In terms of WSII percentage contribution, the most abundant were crustal species (Ca2+, magnesium (Mg2+) and marine species (chloride (Cl-)), followed by the secondary species sulphate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) . Ca2+ (fugitive and transported dust) was dominant throughout the study period with K+ concentrations exhibiting seasonality with agricultural residue burning. Further, results of carbonaceous aerosols analyzed using the OC-EC aerosol analyzer following Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environment (IMPROVE) protocol exhibited pronounced seasonality in OC than EC with the overall mean concentration of OC being three folds than EC. Primary organic carbon (POC) and secondary organic carbon concentrations (SOC) estimated using EC tracer method showed 57% (43%) of POC (SOC) from various emission sources. Investigation of OC/EC ratio along with non-sea salt potassium (nss-K+) values revealed influence of season specific anthropogenic activities on both OC and EC concentrations (viz. Open burning (OB)) besides fossil fuel (FF) and biofuel (BF) usage for cooking and heating prevalent over the region. Source apportionment was discerned using positive matrix factorization (PMF) with four major factors (crustal, agricultural, anthropogenic sources and mixed source (crustal + agriculture + anthropogenic) as the primary contributors to the sub-micron aerosols at the study site.

Nucleon form factors in dispersively improved chiral effective field theory. II. Electromagnetic form factors

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

Alarcon, J. M.; Weiss, C.

We study the nucleon electromagnetic form factors (EM FFs) using a recently developed method combining Chiral Effective Field Theory (more » $$\\chi$$EFT) and dispersion analysis. The spectral functions on the two-pion cut at $$t > 4 M_\\pi^2$$ are constructed using the elastic unitarity relation and an $N/D$ representation. $$\\chi$$EFT is used to calculate the real unctions $$J_\\pm^1 (t) = f_\\pm^1(t)/F_\\pi(t)$$ (ratios of the complex $$\\pi\\pi \\rightarrow N \\bar N$$ partial-wave amplitudes and the timelike pion FF), which are free of $$\\pi\\pi$$ rescattering. Rescattering effects are included through the empirical timelike pion FF $$|F_\\pi(t)|^2$$. The method allows us to compute the isovector EM spectral functions up to $$t \\sim 1$$ GeV$^2$ with controlled accuracy (LO, NLO, and partial N2LO). With the spectral functions we calculate the isovector nucleon EM FFs and their derivatives at $t = 0$ (EM radii, moments) using subtracted dispersion relations. We predict the values of higher FF derivatives with minimal uncertainties and explain their collective behavior. Finally, we estimate the individual proton and neutron FFs by adding an empirical parametrization of the isoscalar sector. Excellent agreement with the present low-$Q^2$ FF data is achieved up to $$\\sim$$0.5 GeV$^2$ for $$G_E$$, and up to $$\\sim$$0.2 GeV$^2$ for $$G_M$$. Our results can be used to guide the analysis of low-$Q^2$ elastic scattering data and the extraction of the proton charge radius.« less

Nucleon form factors in dispersively improved chiral effective field theory. II. Electromagnetic form factors

DOE PAGES

Alarcon, J. M.; Weiss, C.

2018-05-08

We study the nucleon electromagnetic form factors (EM FFs) using a recently developed method combining Chiral Effective Field Theory (more » $$\\chi$$EFT) and dispersion analysis. The spectral functions on the two-pion cut at $$t > 4 M_\\pi^2$$ are constructed using the elastic unitarity relation and an $N/D$ representation. $$\\chi$$EFT is used to calculate the real unctions $$J_\\pm^1 (t) = f_\\pm^1(t)/F_\\pi(t)$$ (ratios of the complex $$\\pi\\pi \\rightarrow N \\bar N$$ partial-wave amplitudes and the timelike pion FF), which are free of $$\\pi\\pi$$ rescattering. Rescattering effects are included through the empirical timelike pion FF $$|F_\\pi(t)|^2$$. The method allows us to compute the isovector EM spectral functions up to $$t \\sim 1$$ GeV$^2$ with controlled accuracy (LO, NLO, and partial N2LO). With the spectral functions we calculate the isovector nucleon EM FFs and their derivatives at $t = 0$ (EM radii, moments) using subtracted dispersion relations. We predict the values of higher FF derivatives with minimal uncertainties and explain their collective behavior. Finally, we estimate the individual proton and neutron FFs by adding an empirical parametrization of the isoscalar sector. Excellent agreement with the present low-$Q^2$ FF data is achieved up to $$\\sim$$0.5 GeV$^2$ for $$G_E$$, and up to $$\\sim$$0.2 GeV$^2$ for $$G_M$$. Our results can be used to guide the analysis of low-$Q^2$ elastic scattering data and the extraction of the proton charge radius.« less

Anchored phosphatases modulate glucose homeostasis

PubMed Central

Hinke, Simon A; Navedo, Manuel F; Ulman, Allison; Whiting, Jennifer L; Nygren, Patrick J; Tian, Geng; Jimenez-Caliani, Antonio J; Langeberg, Lorene K; Cirulli, Vincenzo; Tengholm, Anders; Dell'Acqua, Mark L; Santana, L Fernando; Scott, John D

2012-01-01

Endocrine release of insulin principally controls glucose homeostasis. Nutrient-induced exocytosis of insulin granules from pancreatic β-cells involves ion channels and mobilization of Ca2+ and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signalling pathways. Whole-animal physiology, islet studies and live-β-cell imaging approaches reveal that ablation of the kinase/phosphatase anchoring protein AKAP150 impairs insulin secretion in mice. Loss of AKAP150 impacts L-type Ca2+ currents, and attenuates cytoplasmic accumulation of Ca2+ and cAMP in β-cells. Yet surprisingly AKAP150 null animals display improved glucose handling and heightened insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. More refined analyses of AKAP150 knock-in mice unable to anchor protein kinase A or protein phosphatase 2B uncover an unexpected observation that tethering of phosphatases to a seven-residue sequence of the anchoring protein is the predominant molecular event underlying these metabolic phenotypes. Thus anchored signalling events that facilitate insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis may be set by AKAP150 associated phosphatase activity. PMID:22940692

Mechanisms underlying ketoconazole-induced Ca(2+) mobilization in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

PubMed

Jan, C; Tseng, C

2000-04-15

The effect of ketoconazole on Ca(2+) signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated by using fura-2 as a Ca(2+) probe. Ketoconazole evoked increases in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentration dependently. The response was decreased by external Ca(2+) removal. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with ketoconazole abolished the [Ca(2+)](i) rise induced by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump. Addition of 3 mM Ca(2+) induced a significant [Ca(2+)](i) rise after preincubation with 150 microM ketoconazole in Ca(2+)-free medium. Pretreatment with aristolochic acid (40 microM) to inhibit phospholipase A(2) inhibited the 150-microM-ketoconazole-induced internal Ca(2+) release by 37%, but inhibition of phospholipase C with 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3, 5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122) (2 microM) had no effect. Collectively, we found that ketoconazole increases [Ca(2+)](i) in MDCK cells by releasing Ca(2+) from thapsigargin-sensitive pools in a manner independent of the production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, followed by Ca(2+) influx from the external space.

Elemental and carbon isotope composition of total particulate matter in the urban atmosphere of Krakow, southern Poland: summer-winter contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimnoch, Miroslaw; Samek, Lucyna; Morawski, Filip; Rozanski, Kazimierz; Bartyzel, Jakub

2017-04-01

Deterioration of air quality in urban agglomerations is a growing problem of global significance [1]. This spurs research towards better understanding of parameters controlling air quality in urban environment (sources of particulate matter and gaseous contaminants, spatial and temporal variability of air quality, impact of atmospheric dynamics on the air quality, and several others). Krakow belongs to four largest cities in Poland. With nearly one million inhabitants, rapidly growing car traffic and significant industrial activities, Krakow agglomeration represents a typical urban environment in the eastern Europe. Characteristic features of the local climate are generally weak winds (annual average around 2.7 m s-1) and frequent inversions, extending sometimes over several days, particularly during winter seasons, favor accumulation of pollutants originating from surface emissions in the atmosphere over the city. Krakow ranks among the most polluted cities in Europe. There is an ongoing discussion on the role of different sources of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) in the city's atmosphere, such as traffic, low- and high-level emissions related to burning of coal for heating purposes, resuspension of street dust, and some others. The presented work was aimed at exploring possibilities of using carbon isotope composition of total particulate matter collected in Krakow atmosphere, for better characterization of TSPM sources in the city, with the focus on seasonal changes of the character and intensity of those sources. Archived samples of TSPM deposited on filters (sampling interval between 5 and 20 days) and spanning the period 2005 - 2010 [3] were used for this purpose. For each year one pair of filters representing summer and winter conditions was selected. The work comprised also multi-elemental analysis of available TSPM samples using EDXRF technique. The measurements of 13C and 14C content in the total elemental carbon collected on filters revealed large seasonal variability of these two parameters. The mean fossil-fuel carbon fraction (pFF) derived from AMS radiocarbon analyses was 66.2 and 38.1%, for winter and summer samples, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation of pFF with δ13C, suggesting intensified burning of coal as the main source of fossil fuel derived carbon during winter in the city. Intensified burning of fossil fuels during winter was also reflected in larger percentage of fossil carbon in gaseous CO2 present in the city atmosphere (ffCO2) during winter. The linear relationship observed between pFF and ffCO2, when extrapolated to ffCO2 = 0 suggest that the main source of fossil carbon in TSPM during summer (extrapolated pFF value of ca. 30%) is related to transport (wearing of car tires and asphalt). The elemental composition of the analysed TSPM samples also showed distinct seasonal variability. This concerns mostly Cl, K, Zn, As, Br and Pb. References: [1] WHO's Urban Ambient Air Pollution database - Update 2016 (www.who.int/phe). [2] M. Zimnoch, P. Wach, L. Chmura, Z. Gorczyca, K. Rozanski, J. Godlowska, J. Mazur, K. Kozak, A. Jeričević. Factors controlling temporal variability of near-ground atmospheric 222Rn concentration over central Europe.Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 14 (2014) 9567-9581.

Single-fraction flattening filter–free volumetric modulated arc therapy for lung cancer: Dosimetric results and comparison with flattened beams technique

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

Barbiero, Sara; Specialty School in Medical Physics, University of Pisa, Pisa; Rink, Alexandra

2016-01-01

Purpose: To report on single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (RT) (SBRT) with flattening filter (FF)–free (FFF) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for lung cancer and to compare dosimetric results with VMAT with FF. Methods and materials: Overall, 25 patients were treated with 6-MV FFF VMAT (Varian TrueBeam STx LINAC) to a prescribed dose of 24 Gy in a single fraction. Treatment plans were recreated using FF VMAT. Dose-volume indices, monitor units (MU), and treatment times were compared between FFF and FF VMAT techniques. Results: Dose constraints to PTV, spinal cord, and lungs were reached in FFF and FF plans. In FFFmore » plans, average conformity index was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.07 to1.38). Maximum doses to spinal cord, heart, esophagus, and trachea were 2.9 Gy (95% CI: 0.4 to 6.7 Gy), 0.8 Gy (95% CI: 0 to 3.6 Gy), 3.3 Gy (95% CI: 0.02 to 13.9 Gy), and 1.5 Gy (95% CI: 0 to 4.9 Gy), respectively. Average V7 Gy, V7.4 Gy, and mean dose to the healthy lung were 126.5 cc (95% CI: 41.3 to 248.9 cc), 107.3 cc (95% CI: 18.7 to 232.8 cc), and 1.1 Gy (95% CI: 0.3 to 2.2 Gy), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in dosimetric results and MU between FF and FFF treatments. Treatment time was reduced by an average factor of 2.31 (95% CI: 2.15 to 2.43) from FF treatments to FFF, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: FFF VMAT for lung SBRT provides equivalent dosimetric results to the target and organs at risk as FF VMAT while significantly reducing treatment time.« less

YKL071W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a novel aldehyde reductase for detoxification of glycolaldehyde and furfural derived from lignocellulose.

PubMed

Wang, Hanyu; Ouyang, Yidan; Zhou, Chang; Xiao, Difan; Guo, Yaping; Wu, Lan; Li, Xi; Gu, Yunfu; Xiang, Quanju; Zhao, Ke; Yu, Xiumei; Zou, Likou; Ma, Menggen

2017-12-01

Aldehydes generated as by-products during the pretreatment of lignocellulose are the key inhibitors to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is considered as the most promising microorganism for industrial production of biofuel, xylitol as well as other special chemicals from lignocellulose. S. cerevisiae has the inherent ability to in situ detoxify aldehydes to corresponding alcohols by multiple aldehyde reductases. Herein, we report that an uncharacterized open reading frame YKL071W from S. cerevisiae encodes a novel "classical" short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein with NADH-dependent enzymatic activities for reduction of furfural (FF), glycolaldehyde (GA), formaldehyde (FA), and benzaldehyde (BZA). This enzyme showed much better specific activities for reduction of GA and FF than FA and BZA, and displayed much higher Km and Kcat/Km but lower Vmax and Kcat for reduction of GA than FF. For this enzyme, the optimum pH was 5.5 and 6.0 for reduction of GA and FF, and the optimum temperature was 30 °C for reduction of GA and FF. Both pH and temperature affected stability of this enzyme in a similar trend for reduction of GA and FF. Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Fe 3+ had severe inhibition effects on enzyme activities of Ykl071wp for reduction of GA and FF. Transcription of YKL071W in S. cerevisiae was significantly upregulated under GA and FF stress conditions, and its transcription is most probably regulated by transcription factor genes of YAP1, CAD1, PDR3, and STB5. This research provides guidelines to identify more uncharacterized genes with reductase activities for detoxification of aldehydes derived from lignocellulose in S. cerevisiae.

Nucleon form factors in dispersively improved chiral effective field theory. II. Electromagnetic form factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alarcón, J. M.; Weiss, C.

2018-05-01

We study the nucleon electromagnetic form factors (EM FFs) using a recently developed method combining chiral effective field theory (χ EFT ) and dispersion analysis. The spectral functions on the two-pion cut at t >4 Mπ2 are constructed using the elastic unitarity relation and an N /D representation. χ EFT is used to calculate the real functions J±1(t ) =f±1(t ) /Fπ(t ) (ratios of the complex π π →N N ¯ partial-wave amplitudes and the timelike pion FF), which are free of π π rescattering. Rescattering effects are included through the empirical timelike pion FF | Fπ(t) | 2 . The method allows us to compute the isovector EM spectral functions up to t ˜1 GeV2 with controlled accuracy (leading order, next-to-leading order, and partial next-to-next-to-leading order). With the spectral functions we calculate the isovector nucleon EM FFs and their derivatives at t =0 (EM radii, moments) using subtracted dispersion relations. We predict the values of higher FF derivatives, which are not affected by higher-order chiral corrections and are obtained almost parameter-free in our approach, and explain their collective behavior. We estimate the individual proton and neutron FFs by adding an empirical parametrization of the isoscalar sector. Excellent agreement with the present low-Q2 FF data is achieved up to ˜0.5 GeV2 for GE, and up to ˜0.2 GeV2 for GM. Our results can be used to guide the analysis of low-Q2 elastic scattering data and the extraction of the proton charge radius.

Pneumonia risk with inhaled fluticasone furoate and vilanterol in COPD patients with moderate airflow limitation: The SUMMIT trial.

PubMed

Crim, Courtney; Calverley, Peter M A; Anderson, Julie A; Holmes, Andrew P; Kilbride, Sally; Martinez, Fernando J; Brook, Robert D; Newby, David E; Yates, Julie C; Celli, Bartolomé R; Vestbo, Jørgen

2017-10-01

Pneumonia risk with inhaled corticosteroid use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been thoroughly assessed in patients with moderate airflow limitation. To determine the incidence of pneumonia and risk factors in COPD patients with moderate airflow limitation who had, or were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. In the Study to Understand Mortality and MorbidITy in COPD (SUMMIT), 16,590 subjects with moderate airflow limitation (50% ≤ FEV 1  ≤ 70% predicted) and heightened cardiovascular risk were randomized double-blind 1:1:1:1 to inhaled once-daily vilanterol 25 μg (VI), fluticasone furoate 100 μg (FF), vilanterol 25 μg combined with 100 μg fluticasone furoate (FF/VI), or matched placebo. In a pre-specified analysis, we assessed investigator-reported adverse pneumonia events, and independently-adjudicated fatal events. The safety population comprised 16,568 subjects who actually received study medication. There were 1017 pneumonia events reported from 842 subjects. For placebo, FF, VI and FF/VI, reported pneumonia incidence was 5%, 5%, 4% and 6%, respectively. When adjusted for time on treatment, event rates were similar in the placebo, FF and FF/VI containing arms (3.84, 4.24 and 3.95/100 treatment years, respectively) but lower in the VI group (2.77/100 treatment years). Risk factors for pneumonia risk included: greater degree of airflow limitation (i.e. FEV 1 <60% predicted), prior exacerbation history, and BMI <25 kg/m 2 . In contrast to previous studies in patients with severe disease, increased pneumonia risk with inhaled corticosteroid use was not evident in COPD subjects with moderate airflow limitation and heightened cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Follicular fluid placental growth factor is increased in polycystic ovarian syndrome: correlation with ovarian stimulation.

PubMed

Tal, Reshef; Seifer, David B; Grazi, Richard V; Malter, Henry E

2014-08-20

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased ovarian angiogenesis and vascularity. Accumulating evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is increased in PCOS and may play an important role in these vascular changes and the pathogenesis of this disease. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF family member, has not been previously characterized in PCOS women. We investigated levels and temporal expression patterns of PlGF and its soluble receptor sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS during controlled ovarian stimulation. This was a prospective cohort study of 14 PCOS women (Rotterdam criteria) and 14 matched controls undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Serum was collected on day 3, day of hCG and day of oocyte retrieval. FF was collected on retrieval day. PlGF, sFlt-1 and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Since sFlt-1 binds free PlGF, preventing its signal transduction, we calculated PlGF bioavailability as PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio. Serum PlGF and sFlt-1 levels were constant throughout controlled ovarian stimulation, and no significant differences were observed in either factor in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS controls at all three measured time points. However, FF PlGF levels were increased 1.5-fold in PCOS women compared with controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, FF PlGF correlated positively with number of oocytes retrieved and the ovarian reserve marker anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and negatively with age. In addition, FF sFlt-1 levels were decreased 1.4-fold in PCOS women compared to controls (p = 0.04). PlGF bioavailability in FF was significantly greater (2-fold) in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS controls (p < 0.01). These data provide evidence that FF PlGF correlates with ovarian stimulation and that its bioavailability is increased in women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. This suggests that PlGF may play a role in PCOS pathogenesis and its angiogenic dysregulation.

Characterization of new polymer-grafted protein cation exchangers developed by partial neutralization of carboxyl groups derivatized by modification of poly(ethylenimine)-Sepharose with succinic anhydride.

PubMed

Zhao, Yangyang; Dong, Xiaoyan; Yu, Linling; Liu, Yang; Sun, Yan

2018-05-18

Previously, we have studied protein adsorption and chromatographic behaviors on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-grafted Sepharose FF anion-exchange resins, and found that protein uptake rates increased greatly when PEI grafting density reached over a critical ionic capacity (cIC) due to the occurrence of the "chain delivery" effect. Moreover, by partial charge neutralization of starting resin FF-PEI-L740 (IC = 740 mmol/L, larger than the cIC) with sodium acetate to FF-PEI-R440, it exhibited a three-fold increase in uptake rate over FF-PEI-L740. In this work, to take the advantages of PEI and extend the applications of the PEI-grafted resins in cation-exchange chromatography, a series of cation exchangers of five different ICs were developed. First, the charged of FF-PEI-L740 was reversed from positive to negative by reaction with excess succinic anhydride, which created a cation-exchanger with an IC of 970 mmol/L (FF-FEI-C970). FF-PEI-C970 was further modified with ethanolamine for partial charge neutralizations, leading to the preparation of four charge-reduced cation exchangers with IC values (in mmol/L) of 780, 630, 560 and 430, which were denoted as FF-PEI-CR780, -CR630 -CR560 and -CR430, respectively. Protein adsorption and chromatographic behaviors were investigated using lysozyme (Lys) as the model protein. It was found that, the resins of high and moderate IC values (IC ≥ 560 mmol/L) afforded adsorption capacities up to over 230 mg/mL. Besides, the uptake rate, represented by the effective pore diffusivity (D e/ D 0 ), exhibited significant increase from 0.067 (FF-PEI-C970 and FF-PEI-CR780) to 0.343 (FF-PEI-CR630 and FF-PEI-CR560) and then to 1.035 (FF-PEI-CR430) with decreasing IC. It was considered that decreasing IC led to the decreased protein binding sites (binding strength), which encouraged the occurrence of the "chain delivery" effect. Moreover, the resins of high and moderate IC values, particularly, the resins of moderate IC values (FF-PEI-CR630 and FF-PEI-CR560), presented both high adsorption capacities and uptake kinetics at 0-100 mmol/L NaCl. Besides, dynamic binding capacity achieved 150 mg/mL for the resins of moderate IC values at 0 mmol/L NaCl concentration, and afforded >110 mg/mL for the resin of high IC values at 0-100 mmol/L NaCl concentration. The results proved the excellent IEC performance of the PEI-derived cation exchangers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prolonged action potential duration in cardiac ablation of PDK1 mice.

PubMed

Han, Zhonglin; Jiang, Yu; Yang, Zhongzhou; Cao, Kejiang; Wang, Dao W

2015-01-01

The involvement of the AGC protein kinase family in regulating arrhythmia has drawn considerable attention, but the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. The aim of this study is to explore the role of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), one of upstream protein kinases of the AGC protein kinase family, in the pathogenesis of dysregulated electrophysiological basis. PDK1(F/F) αMHC-Cre mice and PDK1(F/F) mice were divided into experiment group and control group. Using patch clamping technology, we explored action potential duration in both groups, and investigated the functions of transient outward potassium channel and L-type Ca(2+) channel to explain the abnormal action potential duration. Significant prolongation action potential duration was found in mice with PDK1 deletion. Further, the peak current of transient outward potassium current and L-type Ca(2+) current were decreased by 84% and 49% respectively. In addition, dysregulation of channel kinetics lead to action potential duration prolongation further. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that PDK1 participates in action potential prolongation in cardiac ablation of PDK1 mice. This effect is likely to be mediated largely through downregulation of transient outward potassium current. These findings indicate the modulation of the PDK1 pathway could provide a new mechanism for abnormal electrophysiological basis.

Fill factor in organic solar cells can exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trukhanov, Vasily A.; Bruevich, Vladimir V.; Paraschuk, Dmitry Yu.

2015-06-01

The ultimate efficiency of organic solar cells (OSC) is under active debate. The solar cell efficiency is calculated from the current-voltage characteristic as a product of the open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current (JSC), and the fill factor (FF). While the factors limiting VOC and JSC for OSC were extensively studied, the ultimate FF for OSC is scarcely explored. Using numerical drift-diffusion modeling, we have found that the FF in OSC can exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit (SQL) established for inorganic p-n junction solar cells. Comparing charge generation and recombination in organic donor-acceptor bilayer heterojunction and inorganic p-n junction, we show that such distinctive properties of OSC as interface charge generation and heterojunction facilitate high FF, but the necessary condition for FF exceeding the SQL in OSC is field-dependence of charge recombination at the donor-acceptor interface. These findings can serve as a guideline for further improvement of OSC.

Comparison of Flattening Filter (FF) and Flattening-Filter-Free (FFF) 6 MV photon beam characteristics for small field dosimetry using EGSnrc Monte Carlo code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangeetha, S.; Sureka, C. S.

2017-06-01

The present study is focused to compare the characteristics of Varian Clinac 600 C/D flattened and unflattened 6 MV photon beams for small field dosimetry using EGSnrc Monte Carlo Simulation since the small field dosimetry is considered to be the most crucial and provoking task in the field of radiation dosimetry. A 6 MV photon beam of a Varian Clinac 600 C/D medical linear accelerator operates with Flattening Filter (FF) and Flattening-Filter-Free (FFF) mode for small field dosimetry were performed using EGSnrc Monte Carlo user codes (BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc) in order to calculate the beam characteristics using Educated-trial and error method. These includes: Percentage depth dose, lateral beam profile, dose rate delivery, photon energy spectra, photon beam uniformity, out-of-field dose, surface dose, penumbral dose and output factor for small field dosimetry (0.5×0.5 cm2 to 4×4 cm2) and are compared with magna-field sizes (5×5 cm2 to 40×40 cm2) at various depths. The results obtained showed that the optimized beam energy and Full-width-half maximum value for small field dosimetry and magna-field dosimetry was found to be 5.7 MeV and 0.13 cm for both FF and FFF beams. The depth of dose maxima for small field size deviates minimally for both FF and FFF beams similar to magna-fields. The depths greater than dmax depicts a steeper dose fall off in the exponential region for FFF beams comparing FF beams where its deviations gets increased with the increase in field size. The shape of the lateral beam profiles of FF and FFF beams varies remains similar for the small field sizes less than 4×4 cm2 whereas it varies in the case of magna-fields. Dose rate delivery for FFF beams shows an eminent increase with a two-fold factor for both small field dosimetry and magna-field sizes. The surface dose measurements of FFF beams for small field size were found to be higher whereas it gets lower for magna-fields than FF beam. The amount of out-of-field dose reduction gets increased with the increase in field size. It is also observed that the photon energy spectrum gets increased with the increase in field size for FFF beam mode. Finally, the output factors for FFF beams were relatively quite low for small field sizes than FF beams whereas it gets higher for magna-field sizes. From this study, it is concluded that the FFF beams depicted minimal deviations in the treatment field region irrespective to the normal tissue region for small field dosimetry compared to FF beams. The more prominent result observed from the study is that the shape of the beam profile remains similar for FF and FFF beams in the case of smaller field size that leads to more accurate treatment planning in the case of IMRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy), IGAT (Image-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy), SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), SRS (Stereotactic Radio Surgery), and Tomotherapy techniques where homogeneous dose is not necessary. On the whole, the determination of dosimetric beam characteristics of Varian linac machine using Monte Carlo simulation provides accurate dose calculation as the clinical golden data.

Postexercise Glycogen Recovery and Exercise Performance is Not Significantly Different Between Fast Food and Sport Supplements.

PubMed

Cramer, Michael J; Dumke, Charles L; Hailes, Walter S; Cuddy, John S; Ruby, Brent C

2015-10-01

A variety of dietary choices are marketed to enhance glycogen recovery after physical activity. Past research informs recommendations regarding the timing, dose, and nutrient compositions to facilitate glycogen recovery. This study examined the effects of isoenergetic sport supplements (SS) vs. fast food (FF) on glycogen recovery and exercise performance. Eleven males completed two experimental trials in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Each trial included a 90-min glycogen depletion ride followed by a 4-hr recovery period. Absolute amounts of macronutrients (1.54 ± 0.27 g·kg-1 carbohydrate, 0.24 ± 0.04 g·kg fat-1, and 0.18 ±0.03g·kg protein-1) as either SS or FF were provided at 0 and 2 hr. Muscle biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis at 0 and 4 hr post exercise. Blood samples were analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120, 150, 180, and 240 min post exercise for insulin and glucose, with blood lipids analyzed at 0 and 240 min. A 20k time-trial (TT) was completed following the final muscle biopsy. There were no differences in the blood glucose and insulin responses. Similarly, rates of glycogen recovery were not different across the diets (6.9 ± 1.7 and 7.9 ± 2.4 mmol·kg wet weight- 1·hr-1 for SS and FF, respectively). There was also no difference across the diets for TT performance (34.1 ± 1.8 and 34.3 ± 1.7 min for SS and FF, respectively. These data indicate that short-term food options to initiate glycogen resynthesis can include dietary options not typically marketed as sports nutrition products such as fast food menu items.

Prime Contractors with Awards Over $25,000 by Name, Location, and Contract Number. Part 2 (BAIN MXRARY BAIN-CONSOLIDATED PRODUCTS CORP)

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

5’ -DOF t’- -- F 0 M C)0 co loc. ’m toF mN NO NO F o w r-44( cu 4) 04- F00 0FO0F 0 0 F 3: u) F.F I >z zL)L UL CL F C’ CFF 0 F FO F CC . ~~FF ’-F aF ...0 ot 0 I-L o oL 0~~ It<A1 tII <( , Ca 4 .,wt u m 0 z Hmm m0 IMP 4m o z 0 .1 o a)O 0 1 af m~ r-oma I~U im I (I US 0 00 05) I03 d~L.I 0 0jJ𔃾 . 0 0 u...0u a) 04 t -C/. a)C 00w <-t o o. ~ ~ O to~t to0C) LC o 0. Do) CA x )o >o C 0 ) 4g -. u)I z3 - (0 0 -. 0 I . (0 o oo czt 0.. to ClL 0) 0 .0t ) 0 H 0

Ca2+ Responses in Enteric Glia are Mediated by Connexin-43 Hemichannels and Modulate Colonic Transit in Mice

PubMed Central

Fried, David; Gomez-Suarez, Roberto A.; Leinninger, Gina M.; Sévigny, Jean; Parpura, Vladimir; Gulbransen, Brian D.

2014-01-01

Background & Aims In the enteric nervous system, neurotransmitters initiate changes in Ca2+ (Ca2+ responses) in glia, but it is not clear how this process affects intestinal function. We investigated whether Ca2+-mediated responses in enteric glial are required to maintain gastrointestinal function. Methods We used in situ Ca2+ imaging to monitor glial Ca2+ responses, which were manipulated with pharmacologic agents or via glia-specific disruption of the gene encoding connexin-43 (Cx43) (hGFAP::creERT2+/−/Cx43f/f mice). Gastrointestinal function was assessed based on pellet output, total gut transit, colonic bead expulsion, and muscle tension recordings. Proteins were localized and quantified by immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and reverse transcription PCR analyses. Results Ca2+ responses in enteric glia of mice were mediated by Cx43 hemichannels. Cx43 immunoreactivity was confined to enteric glia within the myenteric plexus of the mouse colon; the Cx43 inhibitors carbenoxolone and 43Gap26 inhibited the ability of enteric glia to propagate Ca2+ responses. In vivo attenuation of Ca2+ responses in the enteric glial network slowed gut transit overall and delayed colonic transit—these changes are also observed during normal aging. Altered motility with increasing age was associated with reduced glial Ca2+-mediated responses and changes in glial expression of Cx43 mRNA and protein. Conclusions Ca2+-mediated responses in enteric glia regulate gastrointestinal function in mice. Altered intercellular signaling between enteric glia and neurons might contribute to motility disorders. PMID:24211490

The effects of simultaneous dual focus lenses on refractive development in infant monkeys.

PubMed

Arumugam, Baskar; Hung, Li-Fang; To, Chi-Ho; Holden, Brien; Smith, Earl L

2014-10-16

We investigated the effects of two simultaneously imposed, competing focal planes on refractive development in monkeys. Starting at 3 weeks of age and continuing until 150 ± 4 days of age, rhesus monkeys were reared with binocular dual-focus spectacle lenses. The treatment lenses had central 2-mm zones of zero power and concentric annular zones with alternating powers of +3.0 diopter [D] and plano (pL or 0 D) (n = 7; +3D/pL) or -3.0 D and plano (n = 7; -3D/pL). Retinoscopy, keratometry, and A-scan ultrasonography were performed every 2 weeks throughout the treatment period. For comparison purposes data were obtained from monkeys reared with full field (FF) +3.0 (n = 4) or -3.0 D (n = 5) lenses over both eyes and 33 control animals reared with unrestricted vision. The +3 D/pL lenses slowed eye growth resulting in hyperopic refractive errors that were similar to those produced by FF+3 D lenses (+3 D/pL = +5.25 D, FF +3 D = +4.63 D; P = 0.32), but significantly more hyperopic than those observed in control monkeys (+2.50 D, P = 0.0001). One -3 D/pL monkey developed compensating axial myopia; however, in the other -3 D/pL monkeys refractive development was dominated by the zero-powered portions of the treatment lenses. The refractive errors for the -3 D/pL monkeys were more hyperopic than those in the FF -3 D monkeys (-3 D/pL = +3.13 D, FF -3D = -1.69 D; P = 0.01), but similar to those in control animals (P = 0.15). In the monkeys treated with dual-focus lenses, refractive development was dominated by the more anterior (i.e., relatively myopic) image plane. The results indicate that imposing relative myopic defocus over a large proportion of the retina is an effective means for slowing ocular growth. Copyright 2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

The Effects of Simultaneous Dual Focus Lenses on Refractive Development in Infant Monkeys

PubMed Central

Arumugam, Baskar; Hung, Li-Fang; To, Chi-ho; Holden, Brien; Smith, Earl L.

2014-01-01

Purpose. We investigated the effects of two simultaneously imposed, competing focal planes on refractive development in monkeys. Methods. Starting at 3 weeks of age and continuing until 150 ± 4 days of age, rhesus monkeys were reared with binocular dual-focus spectacle lenses. The treatment lenses had central 2-mm zones of zero power and concentric annular zones with alternating powers of +3.0 diopter [D] and plano (pL or 0 D) (n = 7; +3D/pL) or −3.0 D and plano (n = 7; −3D/pL). Retinoscopy, keratometry, and A-scan ultrasonography were performed every 2 weeks throughout the treatment period. For comparison purposes data were obtained from monkeys reared with full field (FF) +3.0 (n = 4) or −3.0 D (n = 5) lenses over both eyes and 33 control animals reared with unrestricted vision. Results. The +3 D/pL lenses slowed eye growth resulting in hyperopic refractive errors that were similar to those produced by FF+3 D lenses (+3 D/pL = +5.25 D, FF +3 D = +4.63 D; P = 0.32), but significantly more hyperopic than those observed in control monkeys (+2.50 D, P = 0.0001). One −3 D/pL monkey developed compensating axial myopia; however, in the other −3 D/pL monkeys refractive development was dominated by the zero-powered portions of the treatment lenses. The refractive errors for the −3 D/pL monkeys were more hyperopic than those in the FF −3 D monkeys (−3 D/pL = +3.13 D, FF −3D = −1.69 D; P = 0.01), but similar to those in control animals (P = 0.15). Conclusions. In the monkeys treated with dual-focus lenses, refractive development was dominated by the more anterior (i.e., relatively myopic) image plane. The results indicate that imposing relative myopic defocus over a large proportion of the retina is an effective means for slowing ocular growth. PMID:25324283

Emissions of Water and Carbon Dioxide from Fossil-Fuel Combustion Contribute Directly to Ocean Mass and Volume Increases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skuce, A. G.

2014-12-01

The direct, non-climate, contribution of carbon dioxide and water emissions from fossil-fuel (FF) combustion to the volume and mass of the oceans has been omitted from estimates of sea-level rise (SLR) in IPCC reports. Following the method of Gornitz et al. (1997), H2O emissions are estimated using carbon emissions from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, along with typical carbon and hydrogen contents of FF. Historic H2O emissions from 1750 to 2010 amount to 430 ±50 PgH2O, equivalent to 1.2 ±0.2 mmSLR. Sometime in this decade the volume of H2O from historic FF combustion will exceed the volume of Lake Erie (480 km3). CO2 dissolved in the ocean increases the seawater volume by 31-33 mL mol-1 CO2. From 1750 to 2010, 370 ±70 PgCO2 from FF combustion has dissolved in the oceans, causing 0.7 ±0.2 mmSLR. Combined H2O+CO2emissions from FF have therefore added 1.9 ±0.4 mm to sea levels in the Industrial Era. Combustion of FF in 2010 resulted in emissions of 32 PgCO2 and 12 ±1 PgH2O. SLR contributions for that year from FF emissions were 0.033 ±0.005 mm from H2O and 0.011±0.003 mm from dissolved CO2, a total rate of 0.044 ±0.008 mm yr-1. Emissions incorporated in socio-economic models underlying the RCP 8.5 and 2.6 scenarios are used along with concentration-driven CMIP5 Earth System Models results to estimate future sea-level rise from FF combustion. From 2010 to 2100, RCP8.5 and 2.6 models respectively produce 9 ±2 mmSLR and 5 ±1 mmSLR from FF H2O+CO2. For perspective, these amounts are larger than the modelled contributions from loss of glaciers in the Andes. The direct contribution of FF emissions to SLR is small (1-2%) relative to current rates and projected estimates under RCP scenarios up to 2100. The magnitude is similar to SLR estimates from other minor sources such as the melting of floating ice, land-use emissions and produced water from oil operations, none of which are currently included in SLR assessments. As uncertainties in observations and contributions are reduced, small contribution factors, hitherto neglected, will become relatively more important in balancing the books. ReferenceGornitz, V., C. Rosenzweig, and D. Hillel, 1997: Effects of anthropogenic intervention in the land hydrological cycle on global sea level rise. Global and Planetary Change, 14, 147-161. DOI: 10.1016/S0921-8181(96)00008-2

A Review of the Growth of the Fast Food Industry in China and Its Potential Impact on Obesity.

PubMed

Wang, Youfa; Wang, Liang; Xue, Hong; Qu, Weidong

2016-11-09

The fast-food (FF) industry and obesity rates have rapidly increased in China. This study examined the FF industry growth in China, key factors contributing to the growth, and the association between FF consumption (FFC) and obesity. We collected related data from multiple sources and conducted analysis including linear regression analysis on the increase in FF revenue. It was found that FF industry in China is large, with over two million FF facilities. Its total revenue (in million US$) increased from 10,464 in 1999 to 94,218 in 2013, and by 13% annually since 2008. Increased income, urbanization, busier lifestyle, speedy FF service, assurance of food safety, new brands and foods have stimulated demand for FF. Studies have linked FFC with obesity risk, including a few reporting a positive association between FFC and obesity in China. Rapid expansion of Western-style FF restaurants has also stimulated local FF industry growth. Government regulation and public health education need to address the health consequences of rapidly increasing FFC. Lessons learned in China will help other countries.

A Review of the Growth of the Fast Food Industry in China and Its Potential Impact on Obesity

PubMed Central

Wang, Youfa; Wang, Liang; Xue, Hong; Qu, Weidong

2016-01-01

The fast-food (FF) industry and obesity rates have rapidly increased in China. This study examined the FF industry growth in China, key factors contributing to the growth, and the association between FF consumption (FFC) and obesity. We collected related data from multiple sources and conducted analysis including linear regression analysis on the increase in FF revenue. It was found that FF industry in China is large, with over two million FF facilities. Its total revenue (in million US$) increased from 10,464 in 1999 to 94,218 in 2013, and by 13% annually since 2008. Increased income, urbanization, busier lifestyle, speedy FF service, assurance of food safety, new brands and foods have stimulated demand for FF. Studies have linked FFC with obesity risk, including a few reporting a positive association between FFC and obesity in China. Rapid expansion of Western-style FF restaurants has also stimulated local FF industry growth. Government regulation and public health education need to address the health consequences of rapidly increasing FFC. Lessons learned in China will help other countries. PMID:27834887

Fabrication & Characterization of AIAS/pSi Heterojunction Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassun, Hanan K.; Shaban, Auday H.; Salman, Ebtisam M. T.

2018-05-01

Silver Indium Aluminum Selenium AgIn1xAlxSe2 AIAS for x=01 thin films was deposited by thermal evaporation at RT and different thickness 100, 150 and 200 nm on the glass substrate and p2Si wafer to produce AIAS/p3Si heterojunction solar cell 4. Structural optical electrical and photovoltaic properties 6 are investigated for the samples XRD analysis reveals that all the deposited AIAS films show polycrystalline structure without any change due to increase of thickness. Average diameter and roughness calculated from AFM images shows an increase in its value with increasing thickness. The optical absorbance and transmittance for samples are measured using a spectrometer type UV Visible 1800 spectrophotometer to study the energy 6 gap. The electrical properties 7 of heterojunction were obtained by IV8 dark and illuminated 9 and C10V measurement. The ideality 1 factor and the saturation 2 current density were calculated. Under illuminated 3 the open circuit voltage Voc4 short circuit current density Jsc6 fill factor 6FF and quantum efficiencies were calculated. The built in potential 7Vbi carrier concentration and depletion width are measured with different 9 thickness.

Atomic-scale electronic structure of the cuprate d-symmetry form factor density wave state

DOE PAGES

M. H. Hamidian; Kim, Chung Koo; Edkins, S. D.; ...

2015-10-26

Research on high-temperature superconducting cuprates is at present focused on identifying the relationship between the classic ‘pseudogap’ phenomenon 1, 2 and the more recently investigated density wave state 3–13. This state is generally characterized by a wavevector Q parallel to the planar Cu–O–Cu bonds 4–13 along with a predominantly d-symmetry form factor 14–17 (dFF-DW). To identify the microscopic mechanism giving rise to this state 18–30, one must identify the momentum-space states contributing to the dFF-DW spectral weight, determine their particle–hole phase relationship about the Fermi energy, establish whether they exhibit a characteristic energy gap, and understand the evolution of allmore » these phenomena throughout the phase diagram. Here we use energy-resolved sublattice visualization 14 of electronic structure and reveal that the characteristic energy of the dFF-DW modulations is actually the ‘pseudogap’ energy Δ 1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the dFF-DW modulations at E = –Δ 1 (filled states) occur with relative phase π compared to those at E = Δ 1 (empty states). Lastly, we show that the conventionally defined dFF-DW Q corresponds to scattering between the ‘hot frontier’ regions of momentum-space beyond which Bogoliubov quasiparticles cease to exist 30–32. These data indicate that the cuprate dFF-DW state involves particle–hole interactions focused at the pseudogap energy scale and between the four pairs of ‘hot frontier’ regions in momentum space where the pseudogap opens.« less

The influence of nutrition on the insulin-like growth factor system and the concentrations of growth hormone, glucose, insulin, gonadotropins and progesterone in ovarian follicular fluid and plasma from adult female horses (Equus caballus)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Feed intake affects the GH-IGF system and may be a key factor in determining the ovarian follicular growth rate. In fat mares, the plasma IGF-1 concentration is high with low GH and a quick follicular growth rate, in contrast to values observed in thin mares. Nothing is known regarding the long-term effects of differential feed intake on the IGF system. The objective of this experiment was to quantify IGFs, IGFBPs, GH, glucose, insulin, gonadotropin and progesterone (P4) in blood and in preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) in relation to feeding levels in mares. Methods Three years prior to the experiment, Welsh Pony mares were assigned to a restricted diet group (R, n = 10) or a well-fed group (WF, n = 9). All mares were in good health and exhibited differences in body weight and subcutaneous fat thickness. Follicular development was scanned daily and plasma was also collected daily. Preovulatory FF was collected by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Hormone levels were assayed in FF and plasma with a validated RIA. Results According to scans, the total number of follicles in group R was 53% lower than group WF. Insulin and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in WF than in R mares. GH and IGF-2 concentrations were lower in plasma from WF mares than from R mares, but the difference was not significant in FF. The IGFBP-2/IGFBP-3 ratio in FF was not affected by feeding but was dramatically increased in R mare plasma. No difference in gonadotropin concentration was found with the exception of FSH, which was higher in the plasma of R mares. On the day of puncture, P4 concentrations were not affected by feeding but were higher in preovulatory FF than in plasma. Conclusions The bioavailability of IGF-1 or IGF-2, represented by the IGFBP2/IGFBP3 ratio, is modified by feed intake in plasma but not in FF. These differences partially explain the variability in follicular growth observed between well-fed mares and mares on restricted diets. PMID:25078409

BRCA1 Mutation Status and Follicular Fluid Exposure Alters NFκB Signaling and ISGylation in Human Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells.

PubMed

Hollingsworth, Julia; Lau, Angela; Tone, Alicia; Kollara, Alexandra; Allen, Lisa; Colgan, Terence J; Dube, Valerie; Rosen, Barry; Murphy, K Joan; Greenblatt, Ellen M; Feigenberg, Tomer; Virtanen, Carl; Brown, Theodore J

2018-05-28

Germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (mtBRCA1 and mtBRCA2) increase risk for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most commonly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer histotype. Other identified risk factors for this cancer, which originates primarily in the distal fallopian tube epithelium (FTE), implicate ovulation, during which the FTE cells become transiently exposed to follicular fluid (FF). To test whether mtBRCA1 or mtBRCA2 nonmalignant FTE cells respond differently to periovulatory FF exposure than control patient FTE cells, gene expression profiles from primary FTE cultures derived from BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers or control patients were compared at baseline, 24 hours after FF exposure, and 24 hours after FF replacement with culture medium. Hierarchical clustering revealed both FF exposure and BRCA mutation status affect gene expression, with BRCA1 mutation having the greatest impact. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed increased NFκB and EGFR signaling at baseline in mtBRCA1 samples, with increased interferon target gene expression, including members of the ISGylation pathway, observed after recovery from FF exposure. Gene set enrichment analysis did not identify altered pathway signaling in mtBRCA2 samples. An inverse relationship between EGFR signaling and ISGylation with BRCA1 protein levels was verified in an immortalized FTE cell line, OE-E6/E7, stably transfected with BRCA1 cDNA. Suppression of ISG15 and ISGylated protein levels by increased BRCA1 expression was found to be mediated by decreased NFκB signaling. These studies indicate that increased NFκB signaling associated with decreased BRCA1 expression results in increased ISG15 and protein ISGylation following FF exposure, which may be involved in predisposition to HGSOC. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Ca Content on the Microstructure, Hardness and Tensile Properties of AZ81 Mg Cast Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allameh, S. H.; Emamy, M.

2017-05-01

The effects of various Ca contents (0.1-4 wt.%) on the microstructure and tensile properties of AZ81 magnesium alloy were investigated with the contribution of an analytical method. Ca addition (up to 1.0 wt.%) refined the alloy microstructure but further addition of Ca resulted in a coarse structure and introduced large dendrites within the grains. The changes in the microstructures revealed that Al4Ca, Al2Ca, τ-Mg32(A1,Zn)49 and ɛ-MgZn intermetallics are formed in the alloy as a result of Ca addition and Al consumption. The assessment of tensile properties of AZ81-1.0 wt.%Ca alloy showed the optimum values of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, while AZ81-0.7 wt.%Ca alloy showed maximum elongation. The reduction in tensile properties of the cast alloy by the addition of more Ca was attributed to grain coarsening and evolution of a network of intermetallic compounds. FF study of tensile fractured surfaces indicated that Ca addition encourages brittle mode of fracture propagating through precipitated intermetallics in the structure.

SU-F-T-630: Energy Spectral Study On Lipiodol After Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization Using the Flattened and Unflattened Photon Beams

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

Kawahara, D; Medical and Dental Sciences Course, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima; Ozawa, S

Purpose: SBRT combining transarterial chemoembolization with Lipiodol is expected to improve local control. Our showed that the dose enhancement effect in the Lipiodol with 10X flattening filter free (FFF) was inserted. This study was to investigate the energy fluence variations of electron in the Lipiodol using flattened (FF) and FFF beams. Methods: FF and FFF for 6X and 10X beams by TrueBeam were used in this study. The Lipiodol (3 X 3 X 3 cm{sup 3}) was located at the depth of 5 cm in water, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) and energy fluence were calculated by Monte Carlo (MC)more » calculations (PHITS). Results: DEFs with FF and FFF of 6X were 17.1% and 24.3% at rebuild-up region in the Lipiodol (5.3cm depth), 7.0% and 17.0% at the center of Lipiodol (6.5cm depth), and −13.2% and −8.2% at behind Lipiodol (8.3cm depth). DEFs with FF and FFF of 10X were 21.7% and 15.3% at rebuild-up region, 8.2% and 10.5% at the center of Lipiodol, and −14.0% and −8.6% at behind Lipiodol. Spectral results showed that the FFF beam contained more low-energy (0–0.3MeV) component of electrons than FF beam, and FF beam contained more high-energy (over 0.3MeV) electrons than FFF beam in Lipiodol. Behind the Lipiodol, build-down effect with FF beam was larger than FFF beam because FF beam contained more high energy electrons. The difference of DEFs between FFF and FF beams for 6X were larger than for 10X. This is because 10X beam contained more high-energy electrons. Conclusion: It was found that the 6XFFF beam gives the largest change of energy fluence and the largest DEF in this study. These phenomena are mainly caused by component of low-energy electrons, and this energy is almost correspond to the boundary of photo electronic dominant and Compton scattering dominant region for photon beams.« less

Solution-processed small molecule:fullerene bulk-heterojunction solar cells: impedance spectroscopy deduced bulk and interfacial limits to fill-factors.

PubMed

Guerrero, Antonio; Loser, Stephen; Garcia-Belmonte, Germà; Bruns, Carson J; Smith, Jeremy; Miyauchi, Hiroyuki; Stupp, Samuel I; Bisquert, Juan; Marks, Tobin J

2013-10-21

Using impedance spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the low fill factor (FF) typically observed in small molecule solar cells is due to hindered carrier transport through the active layer and hindered charge transfer through the anode interfacial layer (IFL). By carefully tuning the active layer thickness and anode IFL in BDT(TDPP)2 solar cells, the FF is increased from 33 to 55% and the PCE from 1.9 to 3.8%. These results underscore the importance of simultaneously optimizing active layer thickness and IFL in small molecule solar cells.

77 FR 38317 - Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-27

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R9-EA-2012-N150; FF09D00000-FXGO1664091HCC05D-123] Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of teleconference. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a...

Distance constraints on activation of TRPV4 channels by AKAP150-bound PKCα in arterial myocytes

PubMed Central

Moreno, Claudia M.; O’Dwyer, Samantha; Woods, Sean

2017-01-01

TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) channels are Ca2+-permeable channels that play a key role in regulating vascular tone. In arterial myocytes, opening of TRPV4 channels creates local increases in Ca2+ influx, detectable optically as “TRPV4 sparklets.” TRPV4 sparklet activity can be enhanced by the action of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (AngII). This modulation depends on the activation of subcellular signaling domains that comprise protein kinase C α (PKCα) bound to the anchoring protein AKAP150. Here, we used super-resolution nanoscopy, patch-clamp electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, and mathematical modeling approaches to test the hypothesis that AKAP150-dependent modulation of TRPV4 channels is critically dependent on the distance between these two proteins in the sarcolemma of arterial myocytes. Our data show that the distance between AKAP150 and TRPV4 channel clusters varies with sex and arterial bed. Consistent with our hypothesis, we further find that basal and AngII-induced TRPV4 channel activity decays exponentially as the distance between TRPV4 and AKAP150 increases. Our data suggest a maximum radius of action of ∼200 nm for local modulation of TRPV4 channels by AKAP150-associated PKCα. PMID:28507079

Final report of the APMP water flow key comparison: APMP.M.FF-K1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kwang-Bock; Chun, Sejong; Terao, Yoshiya; Thai, Nguyen Hong; Tsair Yang, Cheng; Tao, Meng; Gutkin, Mikhail B.

2011-01-01

The key comparison, APMP.M.FF-K1, was undertaken by APMP/TCFF, the Technical Committee for Fluid Flow (TCFF) under the Asia Pacific Metrology Program (APMP). One objective of the key comparison was to demonstrate the degree of equivalence among six participating laboratories (KRISS, NMIJ, VMI, CMS, NIM and VNIIM) in water flow rate metrology by comparing the results with the key comparison reference value (KCRV) determined from the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison. The other objective of this key comparison was to provide supporting evidence for the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs), which had been declared by the participating laboratories during this key comparison. The Transfer Standard Package (TSP) was a Coriolis mass flowmeter, which had been used in the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison. Because the K-factors in the APMP.M.FF-K1 key comparison were slightly lower than the K-factors of the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison due to long-term drifts of the TSP, a correction value D was introduced. The value of D was given by a weighted sum between two link laboratories (NMIJ and KRISS), which participated in both the CCM.FF-K1 and the APMP.M.FF-K1 key comparisons. By this correction, the K-factors were laid between 12.004 and 12.017 at either low (Re = 254 000) or high (Re = 561 000) flow rates. Most of the calibration data were within expected uncertainty bounds. However, some data showed undulations, which gave large fluctuations of the metering factor at Re = 561 000. Calculation of degrees of equivalence showed that all the participating laboratories had deviations between -0.009 and 0.007 pulses/kg from the CCM.FF-K1 KCRV at either the low or the high flow rates. In case of En calculation, all the participating laboratories showed values less than 1, indicating that the corrected K-factors of all the laboratories were equivalent with the KCRV at both Re = 254 000 and 561 000. When the corrected K-factors from two participating laboratories were compared, all the numbers of equivalence showed values less than 1, indicating equivalence. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Characterizing Uncertainties in Atmospheric Inversions of Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions in California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brophy, K. J.; Graven, H. D.; Manning, A.; Arnold, T.; Fischer, M. L.; Jeong, S.; Cui, X.; Parazoo, N.

2016-12-01

In 2006 California passed a law requiring greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020, equivalent to a 20% reduction over 2006-2020. Assessing compliance with greenhouse gas mitigation policies requires accurate determination of emissions, particularly for CO2 emitted by fossil fuel combustion (ffCO2). We found differences in inventory-based ffCO2 flux estimates for California total emissions of 11% (standard deviation relative to the mean), and even larger differences on some smaller sub-state levels. Top-down studies may be useful for validating ffCO2 flux estimates, but top-down studies of CO2 typically focus on biospheric CO2 fluxes and they are not yet well-developed for ffCO2. Implementing top-down studies of ffCO2 requires observations of a fossil fuel combustion tracer such as 14C to distinguish ffCO2 from biospheric CO2. However, even if a large number of 14C observations are available, multiple other sources of uncertainty will contribute to the uncertainty in posterior ffCO2 flux estimates. With a Bayesian inverse modelling approach, we use simulated atmospheric observations of ffCO2 at a network of 11 tower sites across California in an observing system simulation experiment to investigate uncertainties. We use four different prior ffCO2 flux estimates, two different atmospheric transport models, different types of spatial aggregation, and different assumptions for observational and model transport uncertainties to investigate contributions to posterior ffCO2 emission uncertainties. We show how various sources of uncertainty compare and which uncertainties are likely to limit top-down estimation of ffCO2 fluxes in California.

Improvement of fatty acid profile and studio of rheological and technological characteristics in breads supplemented with flaxseed, soybean, and wheat bran flours.

PubMed

Osuna, Mariana B; Judis, María A; Romero, Ana M; Avallone, Carmen M; Bertola, Nora C

2014-01-01

Functional breads constitute an interesting alternative as vehicle of new essential fatty acids sources. The aim of this study was to improve the fatty acids (FA) profile of bakery products, producing breads with low saturated fatty acid (SFA) content and with high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, through partial substitution of wheat flour by other ingredients (soy flour, flax flour, and wheat bran) and to analyze the effect of this change on the technological, rheological, and sensorial characteristics of breads. Flaxseed flour (FF), soybeans flour (SF), or wheat bran (WB) was used to replace 50, 100, and 150 g kg(-1) of wheat flour (WF) in breads. FF or SF produced a decrease in monounsaturated and SFA and an increase of PUFA in these breads. Furthermore, breads replaced with FF presented considerable increase in the content of n3 FA, while, SF or WB contributed to rise of linoleic and oleic FA, respectively. The substitution percentage increase of FF, SF, or WB to formulation produced changes in the colour, rheological, textural, and technological characteristics of breads. This replacement resulted in improved lipid profile, being breads with 50 g kg(-1) SF, the better acceptance, baking features, and enhanced fatty acid profile.

Improvement of Fatty Acid Profile and Studio of Rheological and Technological Characteristics in Breads Supplemented with Flaxseed, Soybean, and Wheat Bran Flours

PubMed Central

Osuna, Mariana B.; Judis, María A.; Romero, Ana M.; Avallone, Carmen M.; Bertola, Nora C.

2014-01-01

Functional breads constitute an interesting alternative as vehicle of new essential fatty acids sources. The aim of this study was to improve the fatty acids (FA) profile of bakery products, producing breads with low saturated fatty acid (SFA) content and with high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, through partial substitution of wheat flour by other ingredients (soy flour, flax flour, and wheat bran) and to analyze the effect of this change on the technological, rheological, and sensorial characteristics of breads. Flaxseed flour (FF), soybeans flour (SF), or wheat bran (WB) was used to replace 50, 100, and 150 g kg−1 of wheat flour (WF) in breads. FF or SF produced a decrease in monounsaturated and SFA and an increase of PUFA in these breads. Furthermore, breads replaced with FF presented considerable increase in the content of n3 FA, while, SF or WB contributed to rise of linoleic and oleic FA, respectively. The substitution percentage increase of FF, SF, or WB to formulation produced changes in the colour, rheological, textural, and technological characteristics of breads. This replacement resulted in improved lipid profile, being breads with 50 g kg−1 SF, the better acceptance, baking features, and enhanced fatty acid profile. PMID:25478592

Effects of EG-VEGF, VEGF and TGF-β1 on pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing IVF-ET treatment.

PubMed

Gao, Min-zhi; Zhao, Xiao-ming; Lin, Yi; Sun, Zhao-gui; Zhang, Hui-qin

2012-10-01

To investigate the correlation of endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) with the corresponding reproductive outcome in patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Sixty-seven women undergoing IVF-ET at a university tertiary hospital were recruited for a prospective study. Concentrations of EG-VEGF, VEGF and TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in follicular fluid (FF) collected during oocyte retrieval (OR) and in serum collected 2 days after OR. In FF, concentrations of both EG-VEGF and VEGF were negatively correlated with peak E2 and the number of MII oocytes retrieved, and positively correlated with each other. In serum, concentrations of all the three growth factors were positively correlated with the rate of good quality embryo, and with one another. Patients in the pregnancy group had lower peak E2 concentrations and higher serum EG-VEGF concentrations than those in the non-pregnancy group, but such tendency was not observed in the case of VEGF and TGF-β1. Both concentrations of EG-VEGF and VEGF in FF were negatively correlated with ovarian response and oocyte maturation. Concentrations of all the three growth factors in serum were positively correlated with embryo quality, but only serum concentrations of EG-VEGF were associated with the pregnancy outcome.

Microscopic heat pulse-induced calcium dynamics in single WI-38 fibroblasts.

PubMed

Itoh, Hideki; Oyama, Kotaro; Suzuki, Madoka; Ishiwata, Shin'ichi

2014-01-01

Temperature-sensitive Ca(2+) dynamics occur primarily through transient receptor potential channels, but also by means of Ca(2+) channels and pumps on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. As such, cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) is re-equilibrated by changes in ambient temperature. The present study investigated the effects of heat pulses (heating duration: 2 s or 150 s) on [Ca(2+)]cyt in single WI-38 fibroblasts, which are considered as normal cells. We found that Ca(2+) burst occurred immediately after short (2 s) heat pulse, which is similar to our previous report on HeLa cells, but with less thermosensitivity. The heat pulses originated from a focused 1455-nm infrared laser light were applied in the vicinity of cells under the optical microscope. Ca(2+) bursts induced by the heat pulse were suppressed by treating cells with inhibitors for sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) or inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). Long (150 s) heat pulses also induced Ca(2+) bursts after the onset of heating and immediately after re-cooling. Cells were more thermosensitive at physiological (37°C) than at room (25°C) temperature; however, at 37°C, cells were responsive at a higher temperature (ambient temperature+heat pulse). These results strongly suggest that the heat pulse-induced Ca(2+) burst is caused by a transient imbalance in Ca(2+) flow between SERCA and IP3R, and offer a potential new method for thermally controlling Ca(2+)-regulated cellular functions.

The impact of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ on ethanol-induced smooth muscle contraction.

PubMed

Döndaş, Naciye Yaktubay; Kaplan, Mahir; Kaya, Derya; Singirik, Ergin

2009-10-01

To evaluate the impact of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ on contractions induced by ethanol in smooth muscle. Longitudinal smooth muscle strips were prepared from the gastric fundi of mice. The contractions of smooth muscle strips were recorded with an isometric force displacement transducer. Ethanol (164 mmol/L) produced reproducible contractions in isolated gastric fundal strips of mice. Although lidocaine (50 and 100 micromol/L), a local anesthetic agent, and hexamethonium (100 and 500 micromol/L), a ganglionic blocking agent, failed to affect these contractions, verapamil (1-50 micromol/L) and nifedipine (1-50 micromol/L), selective blockers of L-type Ca2+ channels, significantly inhibited the contractile responses of ethanol. Using a Ca(2+)-free medium nearly eliminated these contractions in the same tissue. Ryanodine (1-50 micromol/L) and ruthenium red (10-100 micromol/L), selective blockers of intracellular Ca2+ channels/ryanodine receptors; cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; 1-10 mumol/L), a selective inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase; and caffeine (0.5-5 mmol/L), a depleting agent of intracellular Ca2+ stores, significantly inhibited the contractile responses induced by ethanol. In addition, the combination of caffeine (5 mmol/L) plus CPA (10 micromol/L), and ryanodine (10 micromol/L) plus CPA (10 micromol/L), caused further inhibition of contractions in response to ethanol. This inhibition was significantly different from those associated with caffeine, ryanodine or CPA. Furthermore the combination of caffeine (5 mmol/L), ryanodine (10 micromol/L) and CPA(10 micromol/L) eliminated the contractions induced by ethanol in isolated gastric fundal strips of mice. Both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ may have important roles in regulating contractions induced by ethanol in the mouse gastric fundus.

Polycystin-2-dependent control of cardiomyocyte autophagy.

PubMed

Criollo, Alfredo; Altamirano, Francisco; Pedrozo, Zully; Schiattarella, Gabriele G; Li, Dan L; Rivera-Mejías, Pablo; Sotomayor-Flores, Cristian; Parra, Valentina; Villalobos, Elisa; Battiprolu, Pavan K; Jiang, Nan; May, Herman I; Morselli, Eugenia; Somlo, Stefan; de Smedt, Humbert; Gillette, Thomas G; Lavandero, Sergio; Hill, Joseph A

2018-05-01

Considerable evidence points to critical roles of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis in the modulation and control of autophagic activity. Yet, underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Mutations in the gene (pkd2) encoding polycystin-2 (PC2) are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common inherited nephropathy. PC2 has been associated with impaired Ca 2+ handling in cardiomyocytes and indirect evidence suggests that this protein may be involved in autophagic control. Here, we investigated the role for PC2 as an essential regulator of Ca 2+ homeostasis and autophagy. Activation of autophagic flux triggered by mTOR inhibition either pharmacologically (rapamycin) or by means of nutrient depletion was suppressed in cells depleted of PC2. Moreover, cardiomyocyte-specific PC2 knockout mice (αMhc-cre;Pkd2 F/F mice) manifested impaired autophagic flux in the setting of nutrient deprivation. Stress-induced autophagy was blunted by intracellular Ca 2+ chelation using BAPTA-AM, whereas removal of extracellular Ca 2+ had no effect, pointing to a role of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis in stress-induced cardiomyocyte autophagy. To determine the link between stress-induced autophagy and PC2-induced Ca 2+ mobilization, we over-expressed either wild-type PC2 (WT) or a Ca 2+ -channel deficient PC2 mutant (PC2-D509V). PC2 over-expression increased autophagic flux, whereas PC2-D509V expression did not. Importantly, autophagy induction triggered by PC2 over-expression was attenuated by BAPTA-AM, supporting a model of PC2-dependent control of autophagy through intracellular Ca 2+ . Furthermore, PC2 ablation was associated with impaired Ca 2+ handling in cardiomyocytes marked by partial depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ stores. Finally, we provide evidence that Ca 2+ -mediated autophagy elicited by PC2 is a mechanism conserved across multiple cell types. Together, this study unveils PC2 as a novel regulator of autophagy acting through control of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Drastic lake level changes of Lake Van (eastern Turkey) during the past ca. 600 ka: climatic, volcanic and tectonic control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukur, D.; Krastel, S.; Schmincke, H.; Sumita, M.; Tomonaga, Y.; Damci, E.

2013-12-01

Lake Van is the largest soda lake in the world with a present surface of 3,574 km2 and a maximum water depth of 450 m. Sedimentary deposits in the lake preserve one of the most complete record of continental climate in the Middle East since the Middle Pleistocene. We studied these deposits to characterize the evolution of the lake level and its possible relationships with changes in climate, volcanic, and regional tectonics since the formation of the lake ca. 600 ka ago. Changes in lake level were determined based on high-resolution seismic reflection profiles showing erosional surfaces, changes in stratal geometries such as downward shifts in coastal onlap, and recognition of distinctive stratigraphic features such as prograding delta clinoforms. Our results show that Lake Van has undergone drastic changes in surface elevation by as much as 600 meters over the past ca. 600 ka. Five major lowstands occurred at ca. ~600 ka, ca. 365-340 ka, ca 290-230 ka; ca. 150-130 ka; and ca. 30-14 ka. During a first period (A) (ca. 600-ca 230 ka) lake levels changed drastically by hundreds of m but at longer time intervals between low and high stands. Changes occurred more frequently but mostly by a few tens of m during the past ca. 230 ka years where we can distinguish a first period (B1) of stepwise transgressions between ca. 230 and 150 ka followed by a short regression between ca. 150 and 130 ka. Lake level rose stepwise again during period B2 lasting until ca 30 ka. During the past 30 ka a regression and a final transgression each lasted ca. 15 ka years. The major lowstand periods in Lake Van occurred during glacial periods, arguing for a climatic control of these lake-level fluctuations (i.e., significantly reduced precipitation leading to lake level low stands). Although climate forcing may have been the dominant cause for the drastic lake level changes of Lake Van, volcanic and tectonic forcing factors are also invoked. For example, the number of distinct tephra layers, some several meters thick, has drastically increased in the upper ca 100 m (the past ca. 230 ka). The highest density of excellent reflectors occurs in this interval. Tectonic activity evidenced by extensional and/or compressional faults across the basin margins may have also affected the lake level fluctuations in Lake Van. This series of reconstructions using seismic stratigraphy from this study enlighten the understanding of tectonically-active lacustrine basins and provide a model for similar basins elsewhere.

Thermodynamic properties of hydrogen dissociation reaction from the small system method and reactive force field ReaxFF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinh, Thuat T.; Meling, Nora; Bedeaux, Dick; Kjelstrup, Signe

2017-03-01

We present thermodynamic properties of the H2 dissociation reaction by means of the Small System Method (SSM) using Reactive Force Field (ReaxFF) simulations. Thermodynamic correction factors, partial molar enthalpies and heat capacities of the reactant and product were obtained in the high temperature range; up to 30,000 K. The results obtained from the ReaxFF potential agree well with previous results obtained with a three body potential (TBP). This indicates that the popular reactive force field method can be combined well with the newly developed SSM in realistic simulations of chemical reactions. The approach may be useful in the study of heat and mass transport in combination with chemical reactions.

Usefulness of a Short Dietary Propensity Questionnaire in Japan.

PubMed

Okuda, Nagako; Itai, Kazuyoshi; Okayama, Akira

2018-05-01

There is a growing need for nutritional education for prevention and non-pharmacological treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We compared the results of a short dietary propensity questionnaire (SDPQ) with those from the food frequency and quantity survey (FF Quantity), which had been previously quantitatively assessed by comparison with the 24-hr dietary recall (24hr-DR), to examine the usefulness of the SDPQ. The SDPQ was designed to assess dietary propensities of 12 food/nutrients relevant to CVD risk factors. We conducted a dietary survey using the SDPQ on Japanese men and women. After 2-3 weeks, we conducted the FF Quantity survey with the same participants. For each of the 12 food/nutrient categories, the relationships between quintiles of results from the SDPQ and FF Quantity were examined. Results from 79 participants who completed both surveys were used. Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were significant for all food/nutrient categories. Good correlations were found with alcohol (r=0.792), starchy foods (r=0.566), and milk and dairy products (r=0.687), for which good correlations between the FF Quantity and 24hr-DR had been observed previously. Moderate correlations were found for vegetables (r=0.386) and high-salt foods (r=0.505), although the FF Quantity survey poorly correlated with the 24hr-DR. The SDPQ may be useful for assessment of dietary propensities for alcohol, starchy foods, and milk and dairy products in Japan.

The cargo receptor p24A facilitates calcium sensing receptor maturation and stabilization in the early secretory pathway

PubMed Central

Stepanchick, Ann; Breitwieser, Gerda E.

2010-01-01

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is a Family 3/C G protein-coupled receptor with slow and partial targeting to the plasma membrane in both native and heterologous cells. We identified cargo receptor family member p24A in yeast two-hybrid screens with the CaSR carboxyl terminus. Interactions were confirmed by immunoprecipitation of either p24A or CaSR in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. Only the immaturely glycosylated form of CaSR interacts with p24A. Dissociation likely occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) or cis-Golgi, since only the uncleaved form of a CaSR mutant sensitive to the trans-Golgi enzyme furin was coimmunoprecipitated with p24A. p24A and p24A(ΔGOLD) significantly increased total and plasma membrane CaSR protein but p24A(FF/AA) did not. The CaSR carboxyl terminus distal to T868 is required for differential sensitivity to p24A and its mutants. Interaction with p24A therefore increases CaSR stability in the ER and enhances plasma membrane targeting. Neither wt Sar1p or the T39N mutant increased CaSR maturation or abundance while the H79G mutant increased abundance but prevented maturation of CaSR. These results suggest that p24A is the limiting factor in CaSR trafficking in the early secretory pathway, and that cycling between the ER and ERGIC protects CaSR from degradation. PMID:20361938

Surface structure and stability of partially hydroxylated silica surfaces

DOE PAGES

Rimsza, J. M.; Jones, R. E.; Criscenti, L. J.

2017-04-04

Surface energies of silicates influence crack propagation during brittle fracture and decrease with surface relaxation caused by annealing and hydroxylation. Molecular-level simulations are particularly suited for the investigation of surface processes. In this work, classical MD simulations of silica surfaces are performed with two force fields (ClayFF and ReaxFF) to investigate the effect of force field reactivity on surface structure and energy as a function of surface hydroxylation. An unhydroxylated fracture surface energy of 5.1 J/m 2 is calculated with the ClayFF force field, and 2.0 J/m 2 is calculated for the ReaxFF force field. The ClayFF surface energies aremore » consistent with the experimental results from double cantilever beam fracture tests (4.5 J/m 2), whereas ReaxFF underestimated these surface energies. Surface relaxation via annealing and hydroxylation was performed by creating a low-energy equilibrium surface. Annealing condensed neighboring siloxane bonds increased the surface connectivity, and decreased the surface energies by 0.2 J/m 2 for ClayFF and 0.8 J/m 2 for ReaxFF. Posthydroxylation surface energies decreased further to 4.6 J/m 2 with the ClayFF force field and to 0.2 J/m 2 with the ReaxFF force field. Experimental equilibrium surface energies are ~0.35 J/m 2, consistent with the ReaxFF force field. Although neither force field was capable of replicating both the fracture and equilibrium surface energies reported from experiment, each was consistent with one of these conditions. Furthermore, future computational investigations that rely on accurate surface energy values should consider the surface state of the system and select the appropriate force field.« less

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

Rimsza, J. M.; Jones, R. E.; Criscenti, L. J.

Surface energies of silicates influence crack propagation during brittle fracture and decrease with surface relaxation caused by annealing and hydroxylation. Molecular-level simulations are particularly suited for the investigation of surface processes. In this work, classical MD simulations of silica surfaces are performed with two force fields (ClayFF and ReaxFF) to investigate the effect of force field reactivity on surface structure and energy as a function of surface hydroxylation. An unhydroxylated fracture surface energy of 5.1 J/m 2 is calculated with the ClayFF force field, and 2.0 J/m 2 is calculated for the ReaxFF force field. The ClayFF surface energies aremore » consistent with the experimental results from double cantilever beam fracture tests (4.5 J/m 2), whereas ReaxFF underestimated these surface energies. Surface relaxation via annealing and hydroxylation was performed by creating a low-energy equilibrium surface. Annealing condensed neighboring siloxane bonds increased the surface connectivity, and decreased the surface energies by 0.2 J/m 2 for ClayFF and 0.8 J/m 2 for ReaxFF. Posthydroxylation surface energies decreased further to 4.6 J/m 2 with the ClayFF force field and to 0.2 J/m 2 with the ReaxFF force field. Experimental equilibrium surface energies are ~0.35 J/m 2, consistent with the ReaxFF force field. Although neither force field was capable of replicating both the fracture and equilibrium surface energies reported from experiment, each was consistent with one of these conditions. Furthermore, future computational investigations that rely on accurate surface energy values should consider the surface state of the system and select the appropriate force field.« less

High pressure luminescence spectra of CaMoO4:Ln3+ (Ln = Pr, Tb)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahlik, S.; Behrendt, M.; Grinberg, M.; Cavalli, E.; Bettinelli, M.

2013-03-01

Photoluminescence spectra and luminescence kinetics of pure CaMoO4 and CaMoO4 doped with Ln3+ (Ln = Pr or Tb) are presented. The spectra were obtained at high hydrostatic pressure up to 240 kbar applied in a diamond anvil cell. At ambient pressure undoped and doped samples exhibit a broad band emission extending between 380 and 700 nm with a maximum at 520 nm attributed to the {{MoO}}_{4}^{2-} luminescence. CaMoO4 doped with Pr3+ or Tb3+ additionally yields narrow emission lines related to f-f transitions. The undoped CaMoO4 crystal was characterized by a strong MoO{}_{4}^{2-} emission up to 240 kbar. In the cases of CaMoO4:Pr3+ and CaMoO4:Tb3+, high hydrostatic pressure caused quenching of Pr3+ and Tb3+ emission, and this effect was accompanied by a strong shortening of the luminescence lifetime. In doped samples, CaMoO4:Pr3+ and CaMoO4:Tb3+, quenching of the emission band attributed to {{MoO}}_{4}^{2-} was also observed, and at pressure above 130 kbar this luminescence was totally quenched. The effects mentioned above were related to the influence of the praseodymium (terbium) trapped exciton PTE (ITE—impurity trapped exciton) on the efficiency of the Pr3+ (Tb3+) and {{MoO}}_{4}^{2-} emissions.

Correlation of Respirator Fit Measured on Human Subjects and a Static Advanced Headform

PubMed Central

Bergman, Michael S.; He, Xinjian; Joseph, Michael E.; Zhuang, Ziqing; Heimbuch, Brian K.; Shaffer, Ronald E.; Choe, Melanie; Wander, Joseph D.

2015-01-01

This study assessed the correlation of N95 filtering face-piece respirator (FFR) fit between a Static Advanced Headform (StAH) and 10 human test subjects. Quantitative fit evaluations were performed on test subjects who made three visits to the laboratory. On each visit, one fit evaluation was performed on eight different FFRs of various model/size variations. Additionally, subject breathing patterns were recorded. Each fit evaluation comprised three two-minute exercises: “Normal Breathing,” “Deep Breathing,” and again “Normal Breathing.” The overall test fit factors (FF) for human tests were recorded. The same respirator samples were later mounted on the StAH and the overall test manikin fit factors (MFF) were assessed utilizing the recorded human breathing patterns. Linear regression was performed on the mean log10-transformed FF and MFF values to assess the relationship between the values obtained from humans and the StAH. This is the first study to report a positive correlation of respirator fit between a headform and test subjects. The linear regression by respirator resulted in R2 = 0.95, indicating a strong linear correlation between FF and MFF. For all respirators the geometric mean (GM) FF values were consistently higher than those of the GM MFF. For 50% of respirators, GM FF and GM MFF values were significantly different between humans and the StAH. For data grouped by subject/respirator combinations, the linear regression resulted in R2 = 0.49. A weaker correlation (R2 = 0.11) was found using only data paired by subject/respirator combination where both the test subject and StAH had passed a real-time leak check before performing the fit evaluation. For six respirators, the difference in passing rates between the StAH and humans was < 20%, while two respirators showed a difference of 29% and 43%. For data by test subject, GM FF and GM MFF values were significantly different for 40% of the subjects. Overall, the advanced headform system has potential for assessing fit for some N95 FFR model/sizes. PMID:25265037

Comparison of CIGS solar cells made with different structures and fabrication techniques

DOE PAGES

Mansfield, Lorelle M.; Garris, Rebekah L.; Counts, Kahl D.; ...

2016-11-03

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based solar cells from six fabricators were characterized and compared. The devices had differing substrates, absorber deposition processes, buffer materials, and contact materials. The effective bandgaps of devices varied from 1.05 to 1.22 eV, with the lowest optical bandgaps occurring in those with metal-precursor absorber processes. Devices with Zn(O, S) or thin CdS buffers had quantum efficiencies above 90% down to 400 nm. Most voltages were 250-300 mV below the Shockley-Queisser limit for their bandgap. Electroluminescence intensity tracked well with the respective voltage deficits. Fill factor (FF) was as high as 95% of the maximum for each device'smore » respective current and voltage, with higher FF corresponding to lower diode quality factors (~1.3). An in-depth analysis of FF losses determined that diode quality reflected in the quality factor, voltage-dependent photocurrent, and, to a lesser extent, the parasitic resistances are the limiting factors. As a result, different absorber processes and device structures led to a range of electrical and physical characteristics, yet this investigation showed that multiple fabrication pathways could lead to high-quality and high-efficiency solar cells.« less

Comparison of CIGS solar cells made with different structures and fabrication techniques

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

Mansfield, Lorelle M.; Garris, Rebekah L.; Counts, Kahl D.

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based solar cells from six fabricators were characterized and compared. The devices had differing substrates, absorber deposition processes, buffer materials, and contact materials. The effective bandgaps of devices varied from 1.05 to 1.22 eV, with the lowest optical bandgaps occurring in those with metal-precursor absorber processes. Devices with Zn(O, S) or thin CdS buffers had quantum efficiencies above 90% down to 400 nm. Most voltages were 250-300 mV below the Shockley-Queisser limit for their bandgap. Electroluminescence intensity tracked well with the respective voltage deficits. Fill factor (FF) was as high as 95% of the maximum for each device'smore » respective current and voltage, with higher FF corresponding to lower diode quality factors (~1.3). An in-depth analysis of FF losses determined that diode quality reflected in the quality factor, voltage-dependent photocurrent, and, to a lesser extent, the parasitic resistances are the limiting factors. As a result, different absorber processes and device structures led to a range of electrical and physical characteristics, yet this investigation showed that multiple fabrication pathways could lead to high-quality and high-efficiency solar cells.« less

Design of sustained release pellets of ferrous fumarate using cow ghee as hot-melt coating agent.

PubMed

Sakarkar, Dinesh M; Dorle, Avinash K; Mahajan, Nilesh Manoharrao; Sudke, Suresh Gendappa

2013-07-01

The objective of the present study was to design ferrous fumarate (FF) sustained release (SR) pellets using of cow ghee (CG) as an important hot-melt coating (HMC) agent. The pellets were coated by HMC technique using CG and ethyl cellulose composition by conventional coating pan without the use of spray system. FF formulated as pellets and characterized with regard to the drug content and physico-chemical properties. Stability studies were carried out on the optimized formulation for a period of 6 months at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. Pellets with good surface morphology and smooth texture confirmed by stereo micrographs. HMC is easy, efficient, rapid and simple method since virtually no agglomeration seen during coating. In-vitro release from pellets at a given level of coating and for present pellet size was dependent upon the physico-chemical property of the drug and mostly aqueous solubility of the drug. The selection of optimized FF formulation was confirmed by comparing percent cumulative drug release with theoretical release profile. Formulation F2 had difference factor (f 1) and similarity factor (f 2) values was found to be 5 and 66 respectively. F2 showed SR of drug for 8 h with cumulative per cent release of 98.03 ± 4.49%. Release kinetics indicates approximately zero order release pattern. HMC pellets were stable during the course of stability study. By means of HMC using CG and ethyl cellulose, SR pellets containing FF were successfully prepared.

Soft tilt and rotational modes in the hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3Mn2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glamazda, A.; Wulferding, D.; Lemmens, P.; Gao, B.; Cheong, S.-W.; Choi, K.-Y.

2018-03-01

Raman spectroscopy is employed to probe directly the soft rotation and tilting modes, which are two primary order parameters predicted in the hybrid improper ferroelectric material Ca3Mn2O7 . We observe a giant softening of the 107 -cm-1 octahedron tilting mode by 26 cm-1 on heating through the structural transition from a ferroelectric to paraelectric orthorhombic phase. This is contrasted by a small softening of the 150 -cm-1 rotational mode by 6 cm-1. In the intermediate phase, the competing soft modes with different symmetries coexist, bringing about many-faceted anomalies in spin excitations and lattice vibrations. Our work demonstrates that the soft rotation and tilt patterns, relying on a phase-transition path, are a key factor in determining ferroelectric, magnetic, and lattice properties of Ca3Mn2O7 .

Red emission enhancement from CaMoO4:Eu3+ by co-doping of Bi3+ for near UV/blue LED pumped white pcLEDs: Energy transfer studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wangkhem, Ranjoy; Yaba, Takhe; Shanta Singh, N.; Ningthoujam, R. S.

2018-03-01

CaMoO4:Eu3+ (3 at. %)/Bi3+ (x at. %) nanophosphors were synthesized hydrothermally. All the samples can be excited by 280, 320, 393, and 464 nm (blue) wavelengths for generation of red color emission. Enhancement in 5D0 → 7F2 (615 nm) emission (f-f transition) of Eu3+ is observed when Bi3+ is incorporated in CaMoO4:Eu3+. This is due to the efficient energy transfer from Bi3+ to Eu3+ ions. Introduction of Bi3+ in the system does not lead to the change of emission wavelength of Eu3+. However, Bi3+ incorporation in the system induces a shift in Mo-O charge transfer band absorption from 295 to 270 nm. This may be due to the increase in electronegativity between Mo and O bond in the presence of Bi3+ leading to change in crystal field environment of Mo6+ in MoO42-. At the optimal concentration of Bi3+, an enhancement in emission by a factor of ˜10 and 4.2 in the respective excitation at 393 (7F0 → 5L6) and 464 nm (7F0 → 5D2) is observed. The energy transfer efficiency from Bi3+ to Eu3+ increases from 75% to 96%. The energy transfer is observed to occur mainly via dipole-dipole interactions. Maximum quantum yield value of 55% is observed from annealed CaMoO4:Eu3+ (3 at. %) when sensitized with Bi3+ (15 at. %) under 464 nm excitation. From Commission International de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates, the color (red) saturation is observed to be nearly 100%.

Bubble Memory Module.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

I AD-A093 642 ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL ANAHEIM CA AUOEISSTAE-T F/S V/2 I BU13LE MEMORY MODULE. (U) DEC 80 0 0 BOHNING. F J BECKER NASI -14174...Cde under Contract NASI -14174 Dist’m/o National Aeronautics and Space Administration Scientific and Technical Information BranchA 1980 J Approvod ior...9/ BUBBLE M MORY MODULE.(U) DEC 80 0 BHNING, F J BECKER NASI -14174 NCLASSIFIED CB-569/201 NASA-CR-3380 ML22-fllfllf ll l ff mmlmmmmm.l®fmmM EEmmEI

Neoatherosclerosis development following bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in diabetic and non-diabetic swine

PubMed Central

van Ditzhuijzen, Nienke S.; Kurata, Mie; van den Heuvel, Mieke; Sorop, Oana; van Duin, Richard W. B.; Krabbendam-Peters, Ilona; Ligthart, Jurgen; Witberg, Karen; Murawska, Magdalena; Bouma, Brett; Villiger, Martin; Garcia-Garcia, Hector M.; Serruys, Patrick W.; Zijlstra, Felix; van Soest, Gijs; Duncker, Dirk-Jan; Regar, Evelyn; van Beusekom, Heleen M. M.

2017-01-01

Background DM remains a risk factor for poor outcome after stent-implantation, but little is known if and how DM affects the vascular response to BVS. Aim The aim of our study was to examine coronary responses to bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in swine with and without diabetes mellitus fed a ‘fast-food’ diet (FF-DM and FF-NDM, respectively) by sequential optical coherence tomography (OCT)-imaging and histology. Methods Fifteen male swine were evaluated. Eight received streptozotocin-injection to induce DM. After 9 months (M), 32 single BVS were implanted in epicardial arteries with a stent to artery (S/A)-ratio of 1.1:1 under quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and OCT guidance. Lumen, scaffold, neointimal coverage and composition were assessed by QCA, OCT and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) pre- and/or post-procedure, at 3M and 6M. Additionally, polarization-sensitive (PS)-OCT was performed in 7 swine at 6M. After sacrifice at 3M and 6M, histology and polymer degradation analysis were performed. Results Late lumen loss was high (~60%) within the first 3M after BVS-implantation (P<0.01 FF-DM vs. FF-NDM) and stabilized between 3M and 6M (<5% change in FF-DM, ~10% in FF-NDM; P>0.20). Neointimal coverage was highly heterogeneous in all swine (DM vs. NDM P>0.05), with focal lipid accumulation, irregular collagen distribution and neointimal calcification. Likewise, polymer mass loss was low (~2% at 3M, ~5% at 6M;P>0.20) and not associated with DM or inflammation. Conclusion Scaffold coverage showed signs of neo-atherosclerosis in all FF-DM and FF-NDM swine, scaffold polymer was preserved and the vascular response to BVS was not influenced by diabetes. PMID:28898243

Neoatherosclerosis development following bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation in diabetic and non-diabetic swine.

PubMed

van Ditzhuijzen, Nienke S; Kurata, Mie; van den Heuvel, Mieke; Sorop, Oana; van Duin, Richard W B; Krabbendam-Peters, Ilona; Ligthart, Jurgen; Witberg, Karen; Murawska, Magdalena; Bouma, Brett; Villiger, Martin; Garcia-Garcia, Hector M; Serruys, Patrick W; Zijlstra, Felix; van Soest, Gijs; Duncker, Dirk-Jan; Regar, Evelyn; van Beusekom, Heleen M M

2017-01-01

DM remains a risk factor for poor outcome after stent-implantation, but little is known if and how DM affects the vascular response to BVS. The aim of our study was to examine coronary responses to bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in swine with and without diabetes mellitus fed a 'fast-food' diet (FF-DM and FF-NDM, respectively) by sequential optical coherence tomography (OCT)-imaging and histology. Fifteen male swine were evaluated. Eight received streptozotocin-injection to induce DM. After 9 months (M), 32 single BVS were implanted in epicardial arteries with a stent to artery (S/A)-ratio of 1.1:1 under quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and OCT guidance. Lumen, scaffold, neointimal coverage and composition were assessed by QCA, OCT and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) pre- and/or post-procedure, at 3M and 6M. Additionally, polarization-sensitive (PS)-OCT was performed in 7 swine at 6M. After sacrifice at 3M and 6M, histology and polymer degradation analysis were performed. Late lumen loss was high (~60%) within the first 3M after BVS-implantation (P<0.01 FF-DM vs. FF-NDM) and stabilized between 3M and 6M (<5% change in FF-DM, ~10% in FF-NDM; P>0.20). Neointimal coverage was highly heterogeneous in all swine (DM vs. NDM P>0.05), with focal lipid accumulation, irregular collagen distribution and neointimal calcification. Likewise, polymer mass loss was low (~2% at 3M, ~5% at 6M;P>0.20) and not associated with DM or inflammation. Scaffold coverage showed signs of neo-atherosclerosis in all FF-DM and FF-NDM swine, scaffold polymer was preserved and the vascular response to BVS was not influenced by diabetes.

FF12MC: A revised AMBER forcefield and new protein simulation protocol

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Specialized to simulate proteins in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvation, FF12MC is a combination of a new protein simulation protocol employing uniformly reduced atomic masses by tenfold and a revised AMBER forcefield FF99 with (i) shortened C—H bonds, (ii) removal of torsions involving a nonperipheral sp3 atom, and (iii) reduced 1–4 interaction scaling factors of torsions ϕ and ψ. This article reports that in multiple, distinct, independent, unrestricted, unbiased, isobaric–isothermal, and classical MD simulations FF12MC can (i) simulate the experimentally observed flipping between left‐ and right‐handed configurations for C14–C38 of BPTI in solution, (ii) autonomously fold chignolin, CLN025, and Trp‐cage with folding times that agree with the experimental values, (iii) simulate subsequent unfolding and refolding of these miniproteins, and (iv) achieve a robust Z score of 1.33 for refining protein models TMR01, TMR04, and TMR07. By comparison, the latest general‐purpose AMBER forcefield FF14SB locks the C14–C38 bond to the right‐handed configuration in solution under the same protein simulation conditions. Statistical survival analysis shows that FF12MC folds chignolin and CLN025 in isobaric–isothermal MD simulations 2–4 times faster than FF14SB under the same protein simulation conditions. These results suggest that FF12MC may be used for protein simulations to study kinetics and thermodynamics of miniprotein folding as well as protein structure and dynamics. Proteins 2016; 84:1490–1516. © 2016 The Authors Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:27348292

Synthesis and thermoluminescence characteristics of γ-irradiated K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Eu or Ce fluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poddar, Anuradha; Gedam, S. C.; Dhoble, S. J.

2015-05-01

New halophosphor K3Ca2(SO4)3F activated by Eu and Ce has been synthesized by a co-precipitation method and characterized according to its thermoluminescence. The formation of traps in rare earth doped K3Ca2(SO4)3F and the effects of γ-radiation dose on the glow curve are discussed. The glow curve of K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Ce shows a prominent single peak at 150°C, whereas K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Eu and K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Ce,Eu at 142°C and 192°C, respectively. A single glow peak indicates that there is only one set of trap being activated within the particular temperature range. The presented phosphors are also studied because of its fading, reusability and trapping parameters. There was just 2% fading during a period of 10 days, indicating no serious fading problem. Trapping parameters such as order of kinetics (b), activation energy (E) and frequency factor (S) were calculated by using Chen's half-width method. The observations presented in this paper are good for lamp phosphors as well as solid-state dosimeter.

Chemical shift-based MRI to measure fat fractions in dystrophic skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Triplett, William T.; Baligand, Celine; Forbes, Sean C.; Willcocks, Rebecca J.; Lott, Donovan J.; DeVos, Soren; Pollaro, Jim; Rooney, William D.; Sweeney, H. Lee; Bönnemann, Carsten; Wang, Dah-Jyuu; Vandenborne, Krista; Walter, Glenn A.

2014-01-01

Purpose The relationship between FF determined based on multiple TE, unipolar GE images and 1H-MRS was evaluated using different models for fat-water decomposition, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and excitation flip angles. Methods A combination of single voxel proton spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and gradient echo (GE) imaging was used to determine muscle fat fractions (FF) in both normal and dystrophic muscles. In order to cover a large range of FF, the soleus and vastus lateralis muscles of 22 unaffected control (CON), 16 subjects with Collagen VI (COL6), and 71 subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were studied. 1H-MRS based FF were corrected for the increased muscle 1H2O T1 and T2 values observed in dystrophic muscles. Results Excellent agreement was found between co-registered FF derived from GE images fit to a multipeak model with noise bias correction and the relaxation corrected 1H-MRS FF (y= 0.93×+0.003; R2=0.96) across the full range of FF. Relaxation corrected 1H-MRS FF and imaging based FF were significantly elevated (p<0.01) in both COL6 and DMD muscles. Conclusion FF, T2, and T1 were all sensitive to muscle involvement in dystrophic muscle. MRI offered an additional advantage over single voxel spectroscopy in that the tissue heterogeneity in FF could be readily determined. PMID:24006208

Quantifying fossil fuel CO2 from continuous measurements of APO: a novel approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickers, Penelope; Manning, Andrew C.; Forster, Grant L.; van der Laan, Sander; Wilson, Phil A.; Wenger, Angelina; Meijer, Harro A. J.; Oram, David E.; Sturges, William T.

2016-04-01

Using atmospheric measurements to accurately quantify CO2 emissions from fossil fuel sources requires the separation of biospheric and anthropogenic CO2 fluxes. The ability to quantify the fossil fuel component of CO2 (ffCO2) from atmospheric measurements enables more accurate 'top-down' verification of CO2 emissions inventories, which frequently have large uncertainty. Typically, ffCO2 is quantified (in ppm units) from discrete atmospheric measurements of Δ14CO2, combined with higher resolution atmospheric CO measurements, and with knowledge of CO:ffCO2 ratios. In the United Kingdom (UK), however, measurements of Δ14CO2 are often significantly biased by nuclear power plant influences, which limit the use of this approach. We present a novel approach for quantifying ffCO2 using measurements of APO (Atmospheric Potential Oxygen; a tracer derived from concurrent measurements of CO2 and O2) from two measurement sites in Norfolk, UK. Our approach is similar to that used for quantifying ffCO2 from CO measurements (ffCO2(CO)), whereby ffCO2(APO) = (APOmeas - APObg)/RAPO, where (APOmeas - APObg) is the APO deviation from the background, and RAPO is the APO:CO2 combustion ratio for fossil fuel. Time varying values of RAPO are calculated from the global gridded COFFEE (CO2 release and Oxygen uptake from Fossil Fuel Emission Estimate) dataset, combined with NAME (Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment) transport model footprints. We compare our ffCO2(APO) results to results obtained using the ffCO2(CO) method, using CO:CO2 fossil fuel emission ratios (RCO) from the EDGAR (Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research) database. We find that the APO ffCO2 quantification method is more precise than the CO method, owing primarily to a smaller range of possible APO:CO2 fossil fuel emission ratios, compared to the CO:CO2 emission ratio range. Using a long-term dataset of atmospheric O2, CO2, CO and Δ14CO2 from Lutjewad, The Netherlands, we examine the accuracy of our ffCO2(APO) method, and assess the potential of using APO to quantify ffCO2 independently from Δ14CO2 measurements, which, as well as being unreliable in many UK regions, are very costly. Using APO to quantify ffCO2 has significant policy relevance, with the potential to provide more accurate and more precise top-down verification of fossil fuel emissions.

Microscopic heat pulse-induced calcium dynamics in single WI-38 fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Itoh, Hideki; Oyama, Kotaro; Suzuki, Madoka; Ishiwata, Shin’ichi

2014-01-01

Temperature-sensitive Ca2+ dynamics occur primarily through transient receptor potential channels, but also by means of Ca2+ channels and pumps on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. As such, cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) is re-equilibrated by changes in ambient temperature. The present study investigated the effects of heat pulses (heating duration: 2 s or 150 s) on [Ca2+]cyt in single WI-38 fibroblasts, which are considered as normal cells. We found that Ca2+ burst occurred immediately after short (2 s) heat pulse, which is similar to our previous report on HeLa cells, but with less thermosensitivity. The heat pulses originated from a focused 1455-nm infrared laser light were applied in the vicinity of cells under the optical microscope. Ca2+ bursts induced by the heat pulse were suppressed by treating cells with inhibitors for sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) or inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). Long (150 s) heat pulses also induced Ca2+ bursts after the onset of heating and immediately after re-cooling. Cells were more thermosensitive at physiological (37°C) than at room (25°C) temperature; however, at 37°C, cells were responsive at a higher temperature (ambient temperature+heat pulse). These results strongly suggest that the heat pulse-induced Ca2+ burst is caused by a transient imbalance in Ca2+ flow between SERCA and IP3R, and offer a potential new method for thermally controlling Ca2+-regulated cellular functions. PMID:27493505

Advanced Metallic Air Vehicle Structure Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

r-Ř Z- cq rXH H ý-q P7 PI-I .rý17 > r4 %. I~tf Ifr )~ 1 m L cc -I O’t %D-Z r- 0~ c-4) 0ff f ~ ~ L ~ L~f a’oY C ca \\D oIt 01\\ mc I’DJ c-o ’-4<tD -zt...FIGURE~COV 2..111 HET O FASTNERHOLEIDETIFIATIN - PPE UCOER 87;B 7- 276 C-1 UPPER 5URFACE Tyl so L2 2.O-t- y ESP AT APPLED O AVSUR \\L1 Lt OF02O~ X72

Assessing fossil fuel CO2 emissions in California using atmospheric observations and models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graven, H.; Fischer, M. L.; Lueker, T.; Jeong, S.; Guilderson, T. P.; Keeling, R. F.; Bambha, R.; Brophy, K.; Callahan, W.; Cui, X.; Frankenberg, C.; Gurney, K. R.; LaFranchi, B. W.; Lehman, S. J.; Michelsen, H.; Miller, J. B.; Newman, S.; Paplawsky, W.; Parazoo, N. C.; Sloop, C.; Walker, S. J.

2018-06-01

Analysis systems incorporating atmospheric observations could provide a powerful tool for validating fossil fuel CO2 (ffCO2) emissions reported for individual regions, provided that fossil fuel sources can be separated from other CO2 sources or sinks and atmospheric transport can be accurately accounted for. We quantified ffCO2 by measuring radiocarbon (14C) in CO2, an accurate fossil-carbon tracer, at nine observation sites in California for three months in 2014–15. There is strong agreement between the measurements and ffCO2 simulated using a high-resolution atmospheric model and a spatiotemporally-resolved fossil fuel flux estimate. Inverse estimates of total in-state ffCO2 emissions are consistent with the California Air Resources Board’s reported ffCO2 emissions, providing tentative validation of California’s reported ffCO2 emissions in 2014–15. Continuing this prototype analysis system could provide critical independent evaluation of reported ffCO2 emissions and emissions reductions in California, and the system could be expanded to other, more data-poor regions.

The benefits of endurance training in cardiomyocyte function in hypertensive rats are reversed within four weeks of detraining.

PubMed

Carneiro-Júnior, Miguel Araujo; Quintão-Júnior, Judson Fonseca; Drummond, Lucas Rios; Lavorato, Victor Neiva; Drummond, Filipe Rios; da Cunha, Daise Nunes Queiroz; Amadeu, Marco Aurélio; Felix, Leonardo Bonato; de Oliveira, Edilamar Menezes; Cruz, Jader Santos; Prímola-Gomes, Thales Nicolau; Mill, José Geraldo; Natali, Antonio José

2013-04-01

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of low-intensity endurance training and detraining on the mechanical and molecular properties of cardiomyocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs and normotensive control Wistar rats at 16-weeks of age were randomly divided into eight groups of eight animals: NC8 and HC8 (normotensive and hypertensive control for 8weeks); NT8 and HT8 (normotensive and hypertensive trained at 50-60% of maximal exercise capacity for 8weeks); NC12 and HC12 (normotensive and hypertensive control for 12weeks); NDT and HDT (normotensive and hypertensive trained for 8weeks and detrained for 4weeks). The total exercise time until fatigue (TTF) was determined by a maximal exercise capacity test. Resting heart rate (RHR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were measured. After the treatments, animals were killed by cervical dislocation and left ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic dispersion. Isolated cells were used to determine intracellular global Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) transient and cardiomyocyte contractility (1Hz; ~25°C). [Ca(2+)]i regulatory proteins were measured by Western blot, and the markers of pathologic cardiac hypertrophy by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). Exercise training augmented the TTF (NC8, 11.4±1.5min vs. NT8, 22.5±1.4min; HC8, 11.7±1.4min vs. HT8, 24.5±1.3min; P<0.05), reduced RHR (NT8initial, 340±8bpm vs. NT8final, 322±10bpm; HT8initial, 369±8bpm vs. HT8final, 344±10bpm; P<0.05), and SBP in SHR animals (HC8, 178±3mmHg vs. HT8, 161±4mmHg; P<0.05). HC8 rats showed a slower [Ca(2+)]i transient (Tpeak, 83.7±1.8ms vs. 71.7±2.4ms; T50%decay, 284.0±4.3ms vs. 264.0±4.1ms; P<0.05) and cell contractility (Vshortening, 86.1±6.7μm/s vs. 118.6±6.7μm/s; Vrelengthening, 57.5±7.4μm/s vs. 101.3±7.4μm/s; P<0.05), and higher expression of ANF (300%; P<0.05), skeletal α-actin (250%; P<0.05) and a decreased α/β-MHC ratio (70%; P<0.05) compared to NC8. Exercise training increased [Ca(2+)]i transient (NC8, 2.39±0.06F/F0 vs. NT8, 2.72±0.06F/F0; HC8, 2.28±0.05F/F0 vs. HT8, 2.82±0.05F/F0; P<0.05), and cell contractility (NC8, 7.4±0.3% vs. NT8, 8.4±0.3%; HC8, 6.8±0.3% vs. HT8, 7.8±0.3%; P<0.05). Furthermore, exercise normalized the expression of ANF, skeletal α-actin, and the α/β-MHC ratio in HT8 rats, augmented the expression of SERCA2a (NC8, 0.93±0.15 vs. NT8, 1.49±0.14; HC8, 0.83±0.13 vs. HT8, 1.32±0.14; P<0.05) and PLBser16 (NC8, 0.89±0.18 vs. NT8, 1.23±0.17; HC8, 0.77±0.17 vs. HT8, 1.32±0.16; P<0.05), and reduced PLBt/SERCA2a (NC8, 1.21±0.19 vs. NT8, 0.50±0.21; HC8, 1.38±0.17 vs. HT8, 0.66±0.21; P<0.05). However, all these adaptations returned to control values within 4weeks of detraining in both SHR and normotensive control animals. In conclusion, low-intensity endurance training induces positive benefits to left ventricular myocyte mechanical and molecular properties, which are reversed within 4weeks of detraining. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic muscles after local injection of fragmented fibers with loaded traditional Chinese medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huiyan; Wan, Huiying; Xia, Tian; Chen, Maohua; Zhang, Yun; Luo, Xiaoming; Li, Xiaohong

2015-07-01

Therapeutic angiogenesis remains the most effective method to re-establish a proper blood flow in ischemic tissues. There is a great clinical need to identify an injectable format to achieve a well accumulation following local administration and a sustained delivery of biological factors at the ischemic sites. In the current study, fragmented nanofibers with loaded traditional Chinese medicines, astragaloside IV (AT), the main active ingredient of astragalus, and ferulic acid (FA), the main ingredient of angelica, were proposed to promote the microvessel formation after intramuscular injection into ischemic hindlimbs. Fragmented fibers with average lengths of 5 (FF-5), 20 (FF-20) and 80 μm (FF-80) were constructed by the cryocutting of aligned electrospun fibers. Their dispersion in sodium alginate solution (0.2%) indicated good injectability. After injection into the quadriceps muscles of the hindlimbs, FF-20 and FF-80 fiber fragments showed higher tissue retentions than FF-5, and around 90% of the injected doses were determined after 7 days. On a hindlimb ischemia model established by ligating the femoral arteries, intramuscular injection of the mixtures of FA-loaded and AT-loaded FF-20 fiber fragments substantially reduced the muscle degeneration with minimal fibrosis formation, significantly enhanced the neovessel formation and hindlimb perfusion in the ischemic tissues, and efficiently promoted the limb salvage with few limb losses. Along with the easy manipulation and lower invasiveness for in vivo administration, fragmented fibers should become potential drug carriers for disease treatment, wound recovery and tissue repair after local injection.

Reversing an S-kink effect caused by interface degradation in organic solar cells through gold ion implantation in the PEDOT:PSS layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenes-Badilla, D.; Coutinho, D. J.; Amorim, D. R. B.; Faria, R. M.; Salvadori, M. C.

2018-04-01

In this work, we performed a study on the recovery of the photovoltaic performance of an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Ca/Al solar cell after the hole transport layer (PEDOT:PSS) had been degraded by contact with the environment. A device that was fully built in an inert environment exhibited a fill factor (FF) of 0.64, while the device whose hole transport layer was exposed to air presented a FF equal to 0.2. In addition, the J-V characteristic curve of the degraded device did not follow the photovoltaic pattern exhibiting the degenerate S shape. However, the elimination of the deleterious effect was achieved by bombarding gold ions on the contaminated surface of PEDOT:PSS by means of the Metal Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation technique. Due to the low energy of the ionic beam of gold, the implanted gold atoms were located at few nanometers off the surface, forming nanometric clusters, that is, gold nanoparticles. Most probably, the degradation of the J-V photovoltaic curve, represented by the S-kink effect, was caused by the appearance of a potential barrier at PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM interface, which was demolished by the gold nanoparticles that have work function close to HOMO of P3HT. This S-kink effect was also simulated by using an equivalent circuit model constituted by a two-diode circuit, one of which plays the role of the undesirable potential barrier formed at the PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM interface. Our analysis shows that deposition of gold nanoparticles next to the interface recovers the good hole injection condition from the PEDOT:PSS into the active layer, restoring the fill factor and the device efficiency.

Evaluating the effect of Focus Farms on Ontario dairy producers' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward control of Johne's disease.

PubMed

Roche, S M; Jones-Bitton, A; Meehan, M; Von Massow, M; Kelton, D F

2015-08-01

This study evaluated a participatory-based, experiential learning program, Ontario Focus Farms (FF), which aimed to change dairy producer behavior to control Johne's disease (JD) in Ontario, Canada. The goals were to (1) assess the effect of FF on participating dairy producers' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior with regard to JD control; (2) compare changes in these factors among FF participants to changes among a group of nonparticipating dairy producers; and (3) describe the characteristics of producers who made at least one on-farm management change. Pre- and post-FF intervention questionnaires collected data on respondents' knowledge, attitudes, behavior, herd production, and demographic information; before and after JD-risk assessments were used to assess respondents' on-farm risk of JD transmission. Overall, 176 dairy producers participated in the FF process; 39.8% (70/176) of FF and 14.6% (52/357) of control participants responded to both the pre- and postintervention questionnaires. Upon comparison, FF respondents were more likely to be younger, have larger herds, and have higher management scores. The proportion of FF participants who reported making at least one on-farm change (81%) was significantly higher than that of control respondents (38%). Overall, FF respondents significantly changed their risk score in 4 out of 5 risk areas and had an average reduction of 13 points in their overall risk score between before and after risk assessments. Control respondents' risk assessment scores did not significantly change during the study period. In a JD knowledge assessment, FF and control respondents exhibited a moderate knowledge score before the intervention period, with median scores of 75.9% (22/29) in each group. The FF respondents significantly increased their score at the postintervention assessment, with a median of 82.8% (24/29); control-respondent scores did not significantly change. Both FF and control respondents held strong positive attitudes toward JD control and felt a moderate amount of social pressure from veterinarians and industry organizations to make on-farm changes. However, they questioned their ability to effectively control JD on the farm. Last, participating in FF, having a moderate herd management score, having a positive perception about the practicality of on-farm recommendations, and having a singular learning preference were associated with increased odds of making an on-farm change. Overall, the FF process appears to be effective at influencing producer behavior toward implementing on-farm management practices for JD control. Future JD control programs should consider implementing peer-learning extension processes, such as FF, in combination with other extension approaches, to influence producer behavior. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-pressure melting curve of hydrogen.

PubMed

Davis, Sergio M; Belonoshko, Anatoly B; Johansson, Börje; Skorodumova, Natalia V; van Duin, Adri C T

2008-11-21

The melting curve of hydrogen was computed for pressures up to 200 GPa, using molecular dynamics. The inter- and intramolecular interactions were described by the reactive force field (ReaxFF) model. The model describes the pressure-volume equation of state solid hydrogen in good agreement with experiment up to pressures over 150 GPa, however the corresponding equation of state for liquid deviates considerably from density functional theory calculations. Due to this, the computed melting curve, although shares most of the known features, yields considerably lower melting temperatures compared to extrapolations of the available diamond anvil cell data. This failure of the ReaxFF model, which can reproduce many physical and chemical properties (including chemical reactions in hydrocarbons) of solid hydrogen, hints at an important change in the mechanism of interaction of hydrogen molecules in the liquid state.

Accuracy of expressions for the fill factor of a solar cell in terms of open-circuit voltage and ideality factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leilaeioun, Mehdi; Holman, Zachary C.

2016-09-01

An approximate expression proposed by Green predicts the maximum obtainable fill factor (FF) of a solar cell from its open-circuit voltage (Voc). The expression was originally suggested for silicon solar cells that behave according to a single-diode model and, in addition to Voc, it requires an ideality factor as input. It is now commonly applied to silicon cells by assuming a unity ideality factor—even when the cells are not in low injection—as well as to non-silicon cells. Here, we evaluate the accuracy of the expression in several cases. In particular, we calculate the recombination-limited FF and Voc of hypothetical silicon solar cells from simulated lifetime curves, and compare the exact FF to that obtained with the approximate expression using assumed ideality factors. Considering cells with a variety of recombination mechanisms, wafer doping densities, and photogenerated current densities reveals the range of conditions under which the approximate expression can safely be used. We find that the expression is unable to predict FF generally: For a typical silicon solar cell under one-sun illumination, the error is approximately 6% absolute with an assumed ideality factor of 1. Use of the expression should thus be restricted to cells under very low or very high injection.

38. Y&D Drawing 216455 (1942), 'Dry Dock 4 General Arrangement ...

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

38. Y&D Drawing 216455 (1942), 'Dry Dock 4 General Arrangement Sections F-F, G-G, H-H, I-I'; sectional views through pump room, flooding and dewatering chambers. - Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Drydock No. 4, East terminus of Palou Avenue, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA

Effect of saponin treatment on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rat, cane toad and crustacean (yabby) skeletal muscle.

PubMed Central

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

1997-01-01

1. Mechanically skinned fibres from skeletal muscles of the rat, toad and yabby were used to investigate the effect of saponin treatment on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loading properties. The SR was loaded submaximally under control conditions before and after treatment with saponin and SR Ca2+ was released with caffeine. 2. Treatment with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin greatly reduced the SR Ca2+ loading ability of skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat with a rate constant of 0.24 min-1. Saponin concentrations up to 150 micrograms ml-1 and increased exposure time up to 30 min did not further reduce the SR Ca2+ loading ability of the SR, which indicates that the inhibitory action of 10-150 micrograms ml-1 saponin is not dose dependent. The effect of saponin was also not dependent on the state of polarization of the transverse-tubular system. 3. Treatment with saponin at concentrations up to 100 micrograms ml-1 for 30 min did not affect the Ca2+ loading ability of SR in skinned skeletal muscle fibres from the twitch portion of the toad iliofibularis muscle but SR Ca2+ loading ability decreased markedly with a time constant of 0.22 min-1 in the presence of 150 micrograms ml-1 saponin. 4. The saponin dependent increase in permeability could be reversed in both rat and toad fibres by short treatment with 6 microM Ruthenium Red, a potent SR Ca2+ channel blocker, suggesting that saponin does affect the SR Ca2+ channel properties in mammalian and anuran skeletal muscle. 5. Treatment of skinned fibres of long sarcomere length (> 6 microns) from the claw muscle of the yabby (a freshwater decapod crustacean) with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin for 30 min abolished the ability of the SR to load Ca2+, indicating that saponin affects differently the SR from skeletal muscles of mammals, anurans and crustaceans. 6. It is concluded that at relatively low concentrations, saponin causes inhibition of the skeletal SR Ca2+ loading ability in a species dependent manner, probably by increasing the Ca2+ loss through SR Ca2+ release channels. PMID:9365915

Effect of saponin treatment on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rat, cane toad and crustacean (yabby) skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

1997-10-15

1. Mechanically skinned fibres from skeletal muscles of the rat, toad and yabby were used to investigate the effect of saponin treatment on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loading properties. The SR was loaded submaximally under control conditions before and after treatment with saponin and SR Ca2+ was released with caffeine. 2. Treatment with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin greatly reduced the SR Ca2+ loading ability of skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat with a rate constant of 0.24 min-1. Saponin concentrations up to 150 micrograms ml-1 and increased exposure time up to 30 min did not further reduce the SR Ca2+ loading ability of the SR, which indicates that the inhibitory action of 10-150 micrograms ml-1 saponin is not dose dependent. The effect of saponin was also not dependent on the state of polarization of the transverse-tubular system. 3. Treatment with saponin at concentrations up to 100 micrograms ml-1 for 30 min did not affect the Ca2+ loading ability of SR in skinned skeletal muscle fibres from the twitch portion of the toad iliofibularis muscle but SR Ca2+ loading ability decreased markedly with a time constant of 0.22 min-1 in the presence of 150 micrograms ml-1 saponin. 4. The saponin dependent increase in permeability could be reversed in both rat and toad fibres by short treatment with 6 microM Ruthenium Red, a potent SR Ca2+ channel blocker, suggesting that saponin does affect the SR Ca2+ channel properties in mammalian and anuran skeletal muscle. 5. Treatment of skinned fibres of long sarcomere length (> 6 microns) from the claw muscle of the yabby (a freshwater decapod crustacean) with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin for 30 min abolished the ability of the SR to load Ca2+, indicating that saponin affects differently the SR from skeletal muscles of mammals, anurans and crustaceans. 6. It is concluded that at relatively low concentrations, saponin causes inhibition of the skeletal SR Ca2+ loading ability in a species dependent manner, probably by increasing the Ca2+ loss through SR Ca2+ release channels.

Effect of Ca and RE additions on microstructures and tensile properties of AZ31 alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Li; Le, Qichi; Tang, Yan; Sun, Jingying; Jia, Yonghui; Song, Zetian

2018-05-01

Microstructures and tensile properties of AZ31 magnesium alloys with the same amount of Ca and RE (Gd + La) additions are investigated. The results show that Al2Ca new phases form after adding Ca elements, Al2Gd and Al11La3 new phases form after adding Gd and La elements, and formations of Al-Ca and Al-RE phases could decrease Mg17Al12 phases and refine grains. Al2Ca and Al11La3 phases are crushed into granules because of severe deformation during hot extrusion, while Al2Gd phases are not. Room temperature (TR) and 150 °C (T150°C) tensile tests results reveal that both AZ31-1.5Ca and AZ31-1.5RE as-extruded alloys exhibit superior comprehensive tensile properties when compared to AZ31 as-extruded alloy, however, AZ31-1.5Ca as-extruded alloy could be a better choice in view of the costs. Textures images of as-extruded alloys indicate that 1.5 wt% Ca and RE additions affects little on textures of AZ31 as-extruded alloy, therefore, morphologies of second phases and average grain sizes are the leading cause of tensile properties of as-extruded alloys.

Perifollicular blood flow and its relationship with endometrial vascularity, follicular fluid EG-VEGF, IGF-1, and inhibin-a levels and IVF outcomes.

PubMed

Vural, Fisun; Vural, Birol; Doğer, Emek; Çakıroğlu, Yiğit; Çekmen, Mustafa

2016-10-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of perifollicular blood flow (PFBF) with follicular fluid EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, endometrial vascularity, and IVF outcomes. Forty women with tubal factor infertility were included in a prospective cohort study. Each woman underwent IVF/ICSI procedure. Individual follicles of ≥16 mm (n = 156) were evaluated by power Doppler analysis and categorized as well-vascularized follicles (WVFs) or poorly vascularized follicles (PVFs). WVFs referred to those with perifollicular vascularity of 51-100 %. Each follicular fluid (FF) was individually aspirated and FF/serum EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, and FF IGF-1 levels were evaluated. Zones III-IV endometrial vascularity was classified as a well-vascularized endometrium (WVE). The presence of a WVE and mature oocytes, in addition to the embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), were recorded for each follicle. The main outcome measures were FF serum EG-VEGF, inhibin-a, IGF-1 levels, and WVE and IVF outcome per PFBF. For WVFs, the level of FF EG-VEGF (p = 0.008), oocyte quality (p = 0.001), embryo quality (p = 0.002), a WVE (p = 0.001), and CPR (p = 0.04) increased significantly. The pregnant group was characterized by increased numbers of WVFs (p = 0.044), a WVE (p = 0.022), and increased levels of FF IGF-1 (p = 0.001) and serum EG-VEGF (p = 0.03). FF IGF-1 >50 ng/mL (AUC 0.72) had 75 % sensitivity and 64 % specificity for predicting CPR. WVFs yield high-quality oocytes and embryos, a WVE, increased FF EG-VEGF levels, and increased CPRs.

Atmospheric fossil fuel CO2 traced by 14CO2 and air quality index pollutant observations in Beijing and Xiamen, China.

PubMed

Niu, Zhenchuan; Zhou, Weijian; Feng, Xue; Feng, Tian; Wu, Shugang; Cheng, Peng; Lu, Xuefeng; Du, Hua; Xiong, Xiaohu; Fu, Yunchong

2018-06-01

Radiocarbon ( 14 C) is the most accurate tracer available for quantifying atmospheric CO 2 derived from fossil fuel (CO 2ff ), but it is expensive and time-consuming to measure. Here, we used common hourly Air Quality Index (AQI) pollutants (AQI, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and CO) to indirectly trace diurnal CO 2ff variations during certain days at the urban sites in Beijing and Xiamen, China, based on linear relationships between AQI pollutants and CO 2ff traced by 14 C ([Formula: see text]) for semimonthly samples obtained in 2014. We validated these indirectly traced CO 2ff (CO 2ff-in ) concentrations against [Formula: see text] concentrations traced by simultaneous diurnal 14 CO 2 observations. Significant (p < 0.05) strong correlations were observed between each of the separate AQI pollutants and [Formula: see text] for the semimonthly samples. Diurnal variations in CO 2ff traced by each of the AQI pollutants generally showed similar trends to those of [Formula: see text], with high agreement at the sampling site in Beijing and relatively poor agreement at the sampling site in Xiamen. AQI pollutant tracers showed high normalized root-mean-square (NRMS) errors for the summer diurnal samples due to low [Formula: see text] concentrations. After the removal of these summer samples, the NRMS errors for AQI pollutant tracers were in the range of 31.6-64.2%. CO generally showed a high agreement and low NRMS errors among these indirect tracers. Based on these linear relationships, monthly CO 2ff averages at the sampling sites in Beijing and Xiamen were traced using CO concentration as a tracer. The monthly CO 2ff averages at the Beijing site showed a shallow U-type variation. These results indicate that CO can be used to trace CO 2ff variations in Chinese cities with CO 2ff concentrations above 5 ppm.

The Fucosylation Inhibitor, 2-Fluorofucose, Inhibits Vaso-Occlusion, Leukocyte-Endothelium Interactions and NF-ĸB Activation in Transgenic Sickle Mice

PubMed Central

Belcher, John D.; Chen, Chunsheng; Nguyen, Julia; Abdulla, Fuad; Nguyen, Phong; Nguyen, Minh; Okeley, Nicole M.; Benjamin, Dennis R.; Senter, Peter D.; Vercellotti, Gregory M.

2015-01-01

2-Fluorofucose (2FF) blocks the fucosylation and the tethering of sialyl-Lewisx tetrasaccharide and structural variants on leukocytes and red blood cells to P- and E-selectins on activated endothelial cell surfaces. Because P- and E-selectin are required for vaso-occlusion in murine sickle cell disease (SCD), we investigated whether 2FF would inhibit vaso-occlusion in SCD mice. Microvascular stasis was measured in subcutaneous venules in NY1DD and HbSS-Townes SCD mice with dorsal skin-fold chambers after infusion of hemoglobin or exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation. 2FF in drinking water or administered by gavage inhibited stasis in sickle mice in a dose-responsive manner. Significant inhibitory effects on stasis were seen 1 day post-treatment. 2FF treatment of SCD mice also significantly reduced leukocyte rolling and adhesion along the vessel walls of SCD mice and the static adhesion of neutrophils and sickle red blood cells isolated from 2FF-treated SCD mice to resting and activated endothelial cells. Total white blood cell counts increased in response to 2FF. NF-ĸB activation and VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression were inhibited in the livers of SCD mice consistent with an overall decrease in vascular inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion physiology. Pretreatment with 2FF completely eliminated heme-induced lethality in HbSS-Townes mice, consistent with the observed anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesive properties of 2FF in SCD mice. These data suggest that 2FF may be beneficial for preventing or treating vaso-occlusive crises in SCD patients. PMID:25706118

Mitochondrial calcium ion and membrane potential transients follow the pattern of epileptiform discharges in hippocampal slice cultures.

PubMed

Kovács, Richard; Kardos, Julianna; Heinemann, Uwe; Kann, Oliver

2005-04-27

Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Recurrent mitochondrial Ca2+ ion load during seizures might act on mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and proton motive force. By using electrophysiology and confocal laser-scanning microscopy, we investigated the effects of epileptiform activity, as induced by low-Mg2+ ion perfusion in hippocampal slice cultures, on changes in DeltaPsim and in mitochondrial Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]m). The mitochondrial compartment was identified by monitoring DeltaPsim in the soma and dendrites of patched CA3 pyramidal cells using the mitochondria-specific voltage-sensitive dye rhodamine-123 (Rh-123). Interictal activity was accompanied by localized mitochondrial depolarization that was restricted to a few mitochondria in small dendrites. In contrast, robust Rh-123 release into the cytosol was observed during seizure-like events (SLEs), indicating simultaneous depolarization of mitochondria. This was critically dependent on Ca2+ ion uptake and extrusion, because inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca2+ ion uniporter by Ru360 and the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ ion exchanger by 7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,5-dihydro-4,1-benzothiazepin-2(3H)-one but not the inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, cyclosporin A, decreased the SLE-associated mitochondrial depolarization. The Ca2+ ion dependence of simultaneous mitochondrial depolarization suggested enhanced Ca2+ ion cycling across mitochondrial membranes during epileptiform activity. Indeed, [Ca2+]m fluctuated during interictal activity in single dendrites, and these fluctuations spread over the entire mitochondrial compartment during SLEs, as revealed using mitochondria-specific dyes (rhod-2 and rhod-ff) and spatial frequency-based image analysis. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that epileptic activity results in Ca2+ ion-dependent changes in mitochondrial function that might contribute to the neuronal injury during epilepsy.

Selecting optimal feast-to-famine ratio for a new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production system fed by valerate-dominant sludge hydrolysate.

PubMed

Hao, Jiuxiao; Wang, Hui; Wang, Xiujin

2018-04-01

The feast-to-famine ratio (F/F) represents the extent of selective pressure during polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) culture selection. This study evaluated the effects of F/F on a new PHA production system by an enriched culture with valerate-dominant sludge hydrolysate and selected the optimal F/F. After the original F/F 1/3 was modified to 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/5, F/F did not affect their lengths of feast phase, but affected their biomass growth behaviors during the famine phase and PHA-producing abilities. The optimal F/F was 1/2, and compared with 1/3, it increased the maximal PHA content and the fraction of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) and 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate (3H2MV) monomers, with higher productivity and better polymer properties. Although F/F 1/2 impaired the advantage of the dominant genus Delftia, it improved the PHA production rate while decreased biomass growth rate, meanwhile enhancing the utilization and conversion of valerate. These findings indicate that in contrast to previous studies using acetate-dominant substrate for PHA production, the new system fed by valerate-dominant substrate can adopt a higher F/F.

The evaluation of 3 diets for rearing Hyalella azteca and the influence of diet on acute ammonia toxicity.

PubMed

Kennedy, Lisa M; Watson-Leung, Trudy L; Poirier, David G

2016-10-01

Three Hyalella azteca cultures were reared on different diets since birth, reflecting the recommended diets of various investigators. The 3 diets consisted of fish flakes (FF), a mixture of fish flakes supplemented with the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (FF-D), and a mixture of fish flakes supplemented with yeast, cereal grass media, and trout chow (FF-YCT). The 3 diets were evaluated by comparing 20 wk of culturing data, along with the organism's response to standard 96-h toxicity testing with ammonium chloride over a range of pH and temperature. Hyalella azteca fed the FF-D diet had the highest overall survival rate (96.6%, standard deviation [SD] 4.3%) compared to those fed the FF diet (92.0%, SD 12.7%), or the FF-YCT diet (91.1%, SD 14.8%), although difference in survival was not statistically significant. Organisms fed the FF-D diet produced a higher number of young per week per adult (6.1, SD 2.8) than the FF diet (5.1, SD 2.2), or the FF-YCT diet (4.0, SD 1.2), although differences were not statistically significant. Of the diets evaluated, H. azteca reared on the FF-D diet were often significantly more resistant to total and un-ionized ammonia toxicity in acute 96-h testing than those reared on the other 2 diets across the 2 temperatures and 5 pHs tested, suggesting this may be the most optimal diet for this species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2416-2424. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

The existence of fertile hybrids of closely related model earthworm species, Eisenia andrei and E. fetida.

PubMed

Plytycz, Barbara; Bigaj, Janusz; Osikowski, Artur; Hofman, Sebastian; Falniowski, Andrzej; Panz, Tomasz; Grzmil, Pawel; Vandenbulcke, Franck

2018-01-01

Lumbricid earthworms Eisenia andrei (Ea) and E. fetida (Ef) are simultaneous hermaphrodites with reciprocal insemination capable of self-fertilization while the existence of hybridization of these two species was still debatable. During the present investigation fertile hybrids of Ea and Ef were detected. Virgin specimens of Ea and Ef were laboratory crossed (Ea+Ef) and their progeny was doubly identified. 1 -identified by species-specific maternally derived haploid mitochondrial DNA sequences of the COI gene being either 'a' for worms hatched from Ea ova or 'f' for worms hatched from Ef ova. 2 -identified by the diploid maternal/paternal nuclear DNA sequences of 28s rRNA gene being either 'AA' for Ea, 'FF' for Ef, or AF/FA for their hybrids derived either from the 'aA' or 'fF' ova, respectively. Among offspring of Ea+Ef pairs in F1 generation there were mainly aAA and fFF earthworms resulted from the facilitated self-fertilization and some aAF hybrids from aA ova but none fFA hybrids from fF ova. In F2 generation resulting from aAF hybrids mated with aAA a new generations of aAA and aAF hybrids were noticed, while aAF hybrids mated with fFF gave fFF and both aAF and fFA hybrids. Hybrids intercrossed together produced plenty of cocoons but no hatchlings independently whether aAF+aAF or aAF+fFA were mated. These results indicated that Ea and Ef species, easy to maintain in laboratory and commonly used as convenient models in biomedicine and ecotoxicology, may also serve in studies on molecular basis of interspecific barriers and mechanisms of introgression and speciation. Hypothetically, their asymmetrical hybridization can be modified by some external factors.

Suppression of cytokine release by fluticasone furoate vs. mometasone furoate in human nasal tissue ex-vivo.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Van Crombruggen, Koen; Holtappels, Gabriele; Lan, Feng; Katotomichelakis, Michail; Zhang, Luo; Högger, Petra; Bachert, Claus

2014-01-01

Topical glucocorticosteroids are the first line therapy for airway inflammation. Modern compounds with higher efficacy have been developed, but head-to-head comparison studies are sparse. To compare the activity of two intranasal glucocorticoids, fluticasone furoate (FF) and mometasone furoate (MF) with respect to the inhibition of T helper (Th)1, Th2 and Th17 cytokine release in airway mucosa. We used an ex-vivo human nasal mucosal tissue model and employed pre- and post- Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB)-challenge incubations with various time intervals and drug concentrations to mimic typical clinical situations of preventive or therapeutic use. At a fixed concentration of 10-10 M, FF had significantly higher suppressive effects on interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-17 release, but not IL-5 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vs. MF. While the maximal suppressive activity was maintained when FF was added before or after tissue stimulation, the cytokine suppression capacity of MF appeared to be compromised when SEB-induced cell activation preceded the addition of the drug. In a pre-challenge incubation setting with removal of excess drug concentrations, MF approached inhibition of IL-5 and TNF-α after 6 and 24 hours while FF maximally blocked the release of these cytokines right after pre-incubation. Furthermore, FF suppressed a wider range of T helper cytokines compared to MF. The study demonstrates the potential of our human mucosal model and shows marked differences in the ability to suppress the release of various cytokines in pre- and post-challenge settings between FF and MF mimicking typical clinical situations of preventive or therapeutic use.

Risk factors of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and fixation failure in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures over the age of 50 years.

PubMed

Song, Hyung Keun; Choi, Ho June; Yang, Kyu Hyun

2016-12-01

The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) and fixation failure (FF) after screw osteosynthesis in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures. We conducted a retrospective study of 308 patients (mean age, 72.5 years, range, 50-97 years), with a mean follow-up of 21.4 months (range, 12-64 months). The risk for failure in treatment (FIT) associated with patient- and fracture-related factors was evaluated by logistic regression analyses. FIT was identified in 32 cases (10.3%): 22 cases (7.1%) of AVN and 10 cases (3.2%) of FF. Initial valgus tilt>15° (p=0.023), posterior tilt>15° (p=0.012), and screw sliding distance (p=0.037) were significantly associated with FIT. FIT occurred in 7 patients (5.2%) with B1.2.1 fractures and 17 patients (48.6%) with B1.1.2 fractures (p<0.001). The odds of FIT were 17-fold higher in patients with initial valgus and posterior tilts>15° (B1.1.2) compared to patients with <15° of tilt in both planes (B1.2.1). The severity of initial deformity predicts AVN and FF in patients with valgus angulated femoral neck fractures. Patients with an initial valgus and posterior tilt>15° are reasonable candidates for primary arthroplasty due to high risk of FIT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of dendritic cells and related cytokines in follicular fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Zhang, Tao; Tian, Fuying; Huo, Ran; Tang, Aifa; Zeng, Yong; Duan, Yong-Gang

2017-09-01

The presence of dendritic cells (DCs) and associated cytokines in follicular fluid (FF) from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unknown. FF was collected from PCOS patients and patients with severe male factor infertility (control) at the day of transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Phenotypes of DC were detected by flow cytometry, and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-23 were assessed by ELISA. A significant decrease in the percentage of DC was found in patients with PCOS (16.22±5.5%) compared with control (21.27±5.5%, P<.01). E 2 on the day of hCG administration was correlated positively with the mean fluorescence intensity of HLA-DR (r=.75, P<.01) and reversely correlated with the concentration of TNF-α in FF (r=-.69, P<.01). The level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 increased significantly but IL-23 decreased in FF from patients with PCOS. The decrease of DC and disturbance of associated cytokines in FF from PCOS patients indicates a disorder of immunological microenvironment of the ovarian follicle, which might be involved in the dysfunction of folliculogenesis. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Vulnerability Situations associated with Flash Flood Casualties in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terti, G.; Ruin, I.; Anquetin, S.; Gourley, J. J.

2015-12-01

In the United States (U.S.) flash flooding (FF hereafter) is one of the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Because FF events can be distinguished from riverine floods by their fast response to rainfall and resulting impacts signature, analyzing FF-specific impact datasets seems a good way to identify the juxtaposition of social and physical circumstances leading to those impacts. This communication focuses on conceptual and methodological developments allowing testing hypotheses on FF-specific vulnerability factors through the analysis of human impact datasets. We hypothesize that the intersection of the spatio-temporal context of the FF phenomena with the distribution of people and their characteristics across space and time reveals various paths of vulnerability through the expression of different accidents' circumstances (i.e., vehicle-related, inside buildings, open-air, campsites). We argue that vulnerability and the resulting impacts vary dynamically throughout the day according to the location/situation under concern. In order to test FF-specific contextual vulnerability factors at the scale of the continental US, 1075 fatalities reported between 1996 and 2014 in the Storm Data publication of the U.S. National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) are analyzed to statistically explore the timing, the duration and the location of the FF event, and the age and gender of the victims and the circumstance (i.e. location/activity) of their death. In this objective, a re-classification of the individual fatality circumstances and a discretization of the time in qualitative time-steps are performed to obtain possible trends and patterns in the occurrence of fatalities in certain circumstances and time (e.g., day vs night). The findings highlight the importance of situation-specific assessment of FF fatalities to guide the development of FF-specific vulnerability and impacts prediction modeling. Such analysis can provide valuable knowledge when the National Weather Service issues FF warning and emergencies. This is because targeted warnings can be communicated when we can relate the location of risky incidents in space (e.g., roads, campsites, mobile homes) with specific vulnerable groups (e.g., certain age groups, gender).

Study of isomeric pentacyclic triterpene acids in traditional Chinese medicine of Forsythiae Fructus and their binding constants with β-cyclodextrin by capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Ren, Tingjun; Xu, Zhongqi

2018-04-01

In this study, a capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was first developed to identify three microconstituents of isomeric pentacyclic triterpene acids (PTAs including oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA) and betulinic acid (BA)) in Forsythiae Fructus (FF). The baseline separation of PTAs by CZE were eventually achieved in a background electrolyte (BGE) containing 50.0 mmol/L borax and 0.5 mmol/L β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at pH 9.5 within 13.0 min. Herein, it was not only the compositions of BGE were detail investigated for rapid and good separation, but also the binding ratio and the equilibrium constants (K) for OA, UA and BA with β-CD was estimated by double reciprocal equation to well understand the separation mechanism. The proposed method allowed the LODs of PTAs were averaged at 1.50 μg/mL with UV detection (at 200 nm). The interday RSD of migration time and peak area were around 2.0 and 4.7% (n = 5), respectively. Thus, the content of PTAs in 19 FF real samples distinguished from maturation stages and geographical areas in China was quantified with the proposed method. Depending on the amount of each PTA in FF, it was demonstrated these microconstituents might benefit to identify their harvested time even qualities. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis With a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia-Like Pattern: Correlation Between Histopathologic and Clinical Findings.

PubMed

Chiba, Sahoko; Tsuchiya, Kimitake; Akashi, Takumi; Ishizuka, Masahiro; Okamoto, Tsukasa; Furusawa, Haruhiko; Tateishi, Tomoya; Kishino, Mitsuhiro; Miyazaki, Yasunari; Tateishi, Ukihide; Takemura, Tamiko; Inase, Naohiko

2016-06-01

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of environmental antigens. The relationship between clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic findings of chronic HP remains unclear. Sixteen patients with proven chronic bird-related HP with a usual interstitial pneumonia-like pattern were analyzed retrospectively. Histopathologic findings were semiquantitatively assessed and compared with clinical and radiologic findings. We also evaluated the histopathologic findings affecting prognosis. The extent of centrilobular fibrosis was negatively correlated with Pao2 (r = -0.55, P = .03). The extent of bridging fibrosis was positively correlated with the ratio of maximal expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity to that at 25% (r = 0.60, P = .02). Patients with a greater extent of fibroblastic foci (FF) had more radiologic reticulation (P = .01), honeycombing (P = .01), and traction bronchiectasis (P = .02), and had significantly shorter survival time (P = .01) than patients with a lesser extent of FF. Multivariate analysis showed that the extent of FF was a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.48; P = .04). Our findings demonstrated that the extent of FF was significantly associated with reticulation, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis on high-resolution CT scanning. Moreover, the extent of FF could be a useful predictor of mortality in chronic HP with a usual interstitial pneumonia-like pattern. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-term combined chemical and manure fertilizations increase soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in aggregate fractions at three typical cropland soils in China.

PubMed

He, Y T; Zhang, W J; Xu, M G; Tong, X G; Sun, F X; Wang, J Z; Huang, S M; Zhu, P; He, X H

2015-11-01

Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) are important factors of soil fertility. However, effects of the combined chemical fertilizer and organic manure or straw on these factors and their relationships are less addressed under long-term fertilizations. This study addressed changes in SOC, TN, MBC and MBN at 0-20 cm soil depth under three 17 years (September 1990-September 2007) long-term fertilization croplands along a heat and water gradient in China. Four soil physical fractions (coarse free and fine free particulate organic C, cfPOC and ffPOC; intra-microaggregate POC, iPOC; and mineral associated organic C, MOC) were examined under five fertilizations: unfertilized control, chemical nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (NPK), NPK plus straw (NPKS, hereafter straw return), and NPK plus manure (NPKM and 1.5NPKM, hereafter manure). Compared with Control, manure significantly increased all tested parameters. SOC and TN in fractions distributed as MOC > iPOC > cfPOC > ffPOC with the highest increase in cfPOC (329.3%) and cfPTN (431.1%), and the lowest in MOC (40.8%) and MTN (45.4%) under manure. SOC significantly positively correlated with MBC, cfPOC, ffPOC, iPOC and MOC (R(2) = 0.51-0.84, P < 0.01), while TN with cfPTN, ffPTN, iPTN and MTN (R(2) = 0.45-0.79, P < 0.01), but not with MBN, respectively. Principal component analyses explained 86.9-91.2% variance of SOC, TN, MBC, MBN, SOC and TN in each fraction. Our results demonstrated that cfPOC was a sensitive SOC indicator and manure addition was the best fertilization for improving soil fertility while straw return should take into account climate factors in Chinese croplands. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Full-Field Calcium K-Edge X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure Spectroscopy on Cortical Bone at the Micron-Scale: Polarization Effects Reveal Mineral Orientation.

PubMed

Hesse, Bernhard; Salome, Murielle; Castillo-Michel, Hiram; Cotte, Marine; Fayard, Barbara; Sahle, Christoph J; De Nolf, Wout; Hradilova, Jana; Masic, Admir; Kanngießer, Birgit; Bohner, Marc; Varga, Peter; Raum, Kay; Schrof, Susanne

2016-04-05

Here, we show results on X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy in both transmission and X-ray fluorescence full-field mode (FF-XANES) at the calcium K-edge on human bone tissue in healthy and diseased conditions and for different tissue maturation stages. We observe that the dominating spectral differences originating from different tissue regions, which are well pronounced in the white line and postedge structures are associated with polarization effects. These polarization effects dominate the spectral variance and must be well understood and modeled before analyzing the very subtle spectral variations related to the bone tissue variations itself. However, these modulations in the fine structure of the spectra can potentially be of high interest to quantify orientations of the apatite crystals in highly structured tissue matrices such as bone. Due to the extremely short wavelengths of X-rays, FF-XANES overcomes the limited spatial resolution of other optical and spectroscopic techniques exploiting visible light. Since the field of view in FF-XANES is rather large the acquisition times for analyzing the same region are short compared to, for example, X-ray diffraction techniques. Our results on the angular absorption dependence were verified by both site-matched polarized Raman spectroscopy, which has been shown to be sensitive to the orientation of bone building blocks and by mathematical simulations of the angular absorbance dependence. As an outlook we further demonstrate the polarization based assessment of calcium-containing crystal orientation and specification of calcium in a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold implanted into ovine bone. Regarding the use of XANES to assess chemical properties of Ca in human bone tissue our data suggest that neither the anatomical site (tibia vs jaw) nor pathology (healthy vs necrotic jaw bone tissue) affected the averaged spectral shape of the XANES spectra.

78 FR 46361 - Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group; Public Meeting, Teleconference and Web-Based Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-31

...-FF08EACT00] Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group; Public Meeting, Teleconference and Web-Based Meeting... Trinity Management Council (TMC). DATES: Public meeting, Teleconference, and web-based meeting: TAMWG and..., Douglas City, CA 96024. You may participate in person or by teleconference or web-based meeting from your...

Effect of secondary electron generation on dose enhancement in Lipiodol with and without a flattening filter.

PubMed

Kawahara, Daisuke; Ozawa, Shuichi; Saito, Akito; Kimura, Tomoki; Suzuki, Tatsuhiko; Tsuneda, Masato; Tanaka, Sodai; Nakashima, Takeo; Ohno, Yoshimi; Murakami, Yuji; Nagata, Yasushi

2018-03-01

Lipiodol, which was used in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization before liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), remains in SBRT. Previous we reported the dose enhancement in Lipiodol using 10 MV (10×) FFF beam. In this study, we compared the dose enhancement in Lipiodol and evaluated the probability of electron generation (PEG) for the dose enhancement using flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter free (FFF) beams. FF and FFF for 6 MV (6×) and 10× beams were delivered by TrueBeam. The dose enhancement factor (DEF), energy spectrum, and PEG was calculated using Monte Carlo (MC) code BEAMnrc and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS). DEFs for FF and FFF 6× beams were 7.0% and 17.0% at the center of Lipiodol (depth, 6.5 cm). DEFs for FF and FFF 10× beams were 8.2% and 10.5% at the center of Lipiodol. Spectral analysis revealed that the FFF beams contained more low-energy (0-0.3 MeV) electrons than the FF beams, and the FF beams contained more high-energy (>0.3 MeV) electrons than the FFF beams in Lipiodol. The difference between FFF and FF beam DEFs was larger for 6× than for 10×. This occurred because the 10× beams contained more high-energy electrons. The PEGs for photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering for the FFF beams were higher than those for the FF beams. The PEG for the photoelectric absorption was higher than that for Compton scattering. FFF beam contained more low-energy photons and it contributed to the dose enhancement. Energy spectra and PEGs are useful for analyzing the mechanisms of dose enhancement. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Barium: An Efficient Cathode Layer for Bulk-heterojunction Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Gupta, Vinay; Kyaw, Aung Ko Ko; Wang, Dong Hwan; Chand, Suresh; Bazan, Guillermo C.; Heeger, Alan J.

2013-01-01

We report Barium (Ba) cathode layer for bulk-heterojunction solar cells which enhanced the fill factor (FF) of p-DTS(FBTTh2)2/PC71BM BHJ solar cell up to 75.1%, one of the highest value reported for an organic solar cell. The external quantum efficiency exceeds 80%. Analysis of recombination mechanisms using the current-voltage (J–V) characteristics at various light intensities in the BHJ solar cell layer reveals that Ba prevents trap assisted Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination at the interface and with different thicknesses of the Ba, the recombination shifts towards bimolecular from monomolecular. Moreover, Ba increases shunt resistance and decreases the series resistance significantly. This results in an increase in the charge collection probability leading to high FF. This work identifies a new cathode interlayer which outclasses the all the reported interlayers in increasing FF leading to high power conversion efficiency and have significant implications in improving the performance of BHJ solar cells. PMID:23752562

Gene regulation associated with sexual development and female fertility in different isolates of Trichoderma reesei.

PubMed

Dattenböck, Christoph; Tisch, Doris; Schuster, Andre; Monroy, Alberto Alonso; Hinterdobler, Wolfgang; Schmoll, Monika

2018-01-01

Trichoderma reesei is one of the most frequently used filamentous fungi in industry for production of homologous and heterologous proteins. The ability to use sexual crossing in this fungus was discovered several years ago and opens up new perspectives for industrial strain improvement and investigation of gene regulation. Here we investigated the female sterile strain QM6a in comparison to the fertile isolate CBS999.97 and backcrossed derivatives of QM6a, which have regained fertility (FF1 and FF2 strains) in both mating types under conditions of sexual development. We found considerable differences in gene regulation between strains with the CBS999.97 genetic background and the QM6a background. Regulation patterns of QM6a largely clustered with the backcrossed FF1 and FF2 strains. Differential regulation between QM6a and FF1/FF2 as well as clustering of QM6a patterns with those of CBS999.97 strains was also observed. Consistent mating type dependent regulation was limited to mating type genes and those involved in pheromone response, but included also nta1 encoding a putative N-terminal amidase previously not associated with development. Comparison of female sterile QM6a with female fertile strains showed differential expression in genes encoding several transcription factors, metabolic genes and genes involved in secondary metabolism. Evaluation of the functions of genes specifically regulated under conditions of sexual development and of genes with highest levels of transcripts under these conditions indicated a relevance of secondary metabolism for sexual development in T. reesei . Among others, the biosynthetic genes of the recently characterized SOR cluster are in this gene group. However, these genes are not essential for sexual development, but rather have a function in protection and defence against competitors during reproduction.

The Influence of Herbs, Spices, and Regular Sausage and Chicken Consumption on Liking of Reduced Fat Breakfast and Lunch Items

PubMed Central

Polsky, Sarit; Beck, Jimikaye; Stark, Rebecca A.; Pan, Zhaoxing; Hill, James O.; Peters, John C.

2014-01-01

Adults often consume more fat than is recommended. We examined factors that may improve liking of reduced fat and reduced saturated fat foods, including the addition of herbs and spices and habitual consumption of different high-fat and low-fat food items. We randomized adults to taste three different conditions: full fat (FF), reduced fat with no added spice (RF), and reduced fat plus spice (RFS). Subjects rated their liking of French toast, sausage and the overall meal, or chicken, vegetables, pasta and the overall meal on a nine-point hedonic Likert scale. Overall liking of the RF breakfast and lunch meals were lower than the FF and RFS versions (Breakfast: 6.50 RF vs. 6.84 FF, p=0.0061; 6.50 RF vs. 6.82 RFS, p=0.0030; Lunch: 6.35 RF vs. 6.94 FF, p<0.0001; 6.35 RF vs. 6.71 RFS, p=0.0061). RFS and FF breakfast and lunch meals, French toast, chicken and vegetable likings were similar. FF and RFS conditions were liked more than RF for the breakfast and lunch meals, French toast, chicken entrée and vegetables. Liking of all three sausage conditions were similar. FF Pasta was liked more than RFS and RF (7.47 FF vs. 6.42 RFS, p<0.0001; 7.47 FF vs. 6.47 RF, p<0.0001). Habitual consumption of roasted chicken was associated with reduced liking of FF chicken (r = −0.23, p=0.004) and FF pasta (r = −0.23, p=0.005). Herbs and spices may be useful for improving the liking of lower-fat foods and helping Americans maintain a diet consistent with the US Dietary Guidelines. PMID:25219391

Common genetic architecture underlying young children's food fussiness and liking for vegetables and fruit.

PubMed

Fildes, Alison; van Jaarsveld, Cornelia H M; Cooke, Lucy; Wardle, Jane; Llewellyn, Clare H

2016-04-01

Food fussiness (FF) is common in early childhood and is often associated with the rejection of nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables and fruit. FF and liking for vegetables and fruit are likely all heritable phenotypes; the genetic influence underlying FF may explain the observed genetic influence on liking for vegetables and fruit. Twin analyses make it possible to get a broad-based estimate of the extent of the shared genetic influence that underlies these traits. We quantified the extent of the shared genetic influence that underlies FF and liking for vegetables and fruit in early childhood with the use of a twin design. Data were from the Gemini cohort, which is a population-based sample of twins born in England and Wales in 2007. Parents of 3-y-old twins (n= 1330 pairs) completed questionnaire measures of their children's food preferences (liking for vegetables and fruit) and the FF scale from the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Multivariate quantitative genetic modeling was used to estimate common genetic influences that underlie FF and liking for vegetables and fruit. Genetic correlations were significant and moderate to large in size between FF and liking for both vegetables (-0.65) and fruit (-0.43), which indicated that a substantial proportion of the genes that influence FF also influence liking. Common genes that underlie FF and liking for vegetables and fruit largely explained the observed phenotypic correlations between them (68-70%). FF and liking for fruit and vegetables in young children share a large proportion of common genetic factors. The genetic influence on FF may determine why fussy children typically reject fruit and vegetables.

Runx2 Expression in Smooth Muscle Cells Is Required for Arterial Medial Calcification in Mice

PubMed Central

Lin, Mu-En; Chen, Theodore; Leaf, Elizabeth M.; Speer, Mei Y.; Giachelli, Cecilia M.

2016-01-01

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is a hallmark of aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) transition to an osteogenic phenotype is a common feature of AMC, and is preceded by expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a master regulator of bone development. Whether SMC-specific Runx2 expression is required for osteogenic phenotype change and AMC remains unknown. We therefore created an improved targeting construct to generate mice with floxed Runx2 alleles (Runx2f/f) that do not produce truncated Runx2 proteins after Cre recombination, thereby preventing potential off-target effects. SMC-specific deletion using SM22–recombinase transgenic allele mice (Runx2ΔSM) led to viable mice with normal bone and arterial morphology. After vitamin D overload, arterial SMCs in Runx2f/f mice expressed Runx2, underwent osteogenic phenotype change, and developed severe AMC. In contrast, vitamin D–treated Runx2ΔSM mice had no Runx2 in blood vessels, maintained SMC phenotype, and did not develop AMC. Runx2 deletion did not affect serum calcium, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor-23, or alkaline phosphatase levels. In vitro, Runx2f/f SMCs calcified to a much greater extent than those derived from Runx2ΔSM mice. These data indicate a critical role of Runx2 in SMC osteogenic phenotype change and mineral deposition in a mouse model of AMC, suggesting that Runx2 and downstream osteogenic pathways in SMCs may be useful therapeutic targets for treating or preventing AMC in high-risk patients. PMID:25987250

Clinical usefulness of the mDIXON Quant the method for estimation of the salivary gland fat fraction: comparison with MR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kise, Yoshitaka; Chikui, Toru; Yamashita, Yasuo; Kobayashi, Koji; Yoshiura, Kazunori

2017-08-01

To estimate the fat fraction (FF) in the salivary glands (SGs) by the mDIXON method and the 1 H-MR spectroscopy (MRS) method, and to compare the results. 16 healthy volunteers were enrolled. mDIXON Quant and MRS (point-resolved spectroscopy: PRESS) with a single TE were employed to measure the FF in the parotid gland (PG) and submandibular gland (SMG). Multiple TEs were applied in 10 volunteers to correct for T 2 decay. In addition, we assumed that the 1.3 ppm peak accounted for 60% of the total fat peak and estimated the FF (MRS all) as a gold standard. On mDIXON Quant images, volumes of interest were set on the bilateral SGs and we obtained the FF (mDIXON) of each volume of interest. There was a strong correlation between the results of the mDIXON Quant method and the MRS (single TE) method (R 2 = 0.960, slope = 0.900). Using PRESS with multiple TEs, there was also a strong correlation between FF (mDIXON) and FF (MRS all) (R 2 = 0.963, slope = 1.18). FF (MRS all) was 24.9±12.7% in the PG and 4.5±3.0% in the SMG, while FF (mDIXON) was 29.4±16.2% in the PG and 6.4±4.7% in the SMG. There were no significant differences between the two methods, but the Bland-Altman plot showed that FF (mDIXON) was slightly larger than FF (MRS all) for small FF areas. The mDIXON Quant method could be clinically useful for evaluating the FF of SGs, but the absolute values need careful interpretation. Advance in knowledge: This study suggested the potential clinical usefulness of the mDIXON Quant method for the SGs.

Distinct GABAergic targets of feedforward and feedback connections between lower and higher areas of rat visual cortex.

PubMed

Gonchar, Yuri; Burkhalter, Andreas

2003-11-26

Processing of visual information is performed in different cortical areas that are interconnected by feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) pathways. Although FF and FB inputs are excitatory, their influences on pyramidal neurons also depend on the outputs of GABAergic neurons, which receive FF and FB inputs. Rat visual cortex contains at least three different families of GABAergic neurons that express parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and somatostatin (SOM) (Gonchar and Burkhalter, 1997). To examine whether pathway-specific inhibition (Shao and Burkhalter, 1996) is attributable to distinct connections with GABAergic neurons, we traced FF and FB inputs to PV, CR, and SOM neurons in layers 1-2/3 of area 17 and the secondary lateromedial area in rat visual cortex. We found that in layer 2/3 maximally 2% of FF and FB inputs go to CR and SOM neurons. This contrasts with 12-13% of FF and FB inputs onto layer 2/3 PV neurons. Unlike inputs to layer 2/3, connections to layer 1, which contains CR but lacks SOM and PV somata, are pathway-specific: 21% of FB inputs go to CR neurons, whereas FF inputs to layer 1 and its CR neurons are absent. These findings suggest that FF and FB influences on layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons mainly involve disynaptic connections via PV neurons that control the spike outputs to axons and proximal dendrites. Unlike FF input, FB input in addition makes a disynaptic link via CR neurons, which may influence the excitability of distal pyramidal cell dendrites in layer 1.

FACTORS AFFECTING AIR EXCHANGE IN TWO HOUSES

EPA Science Inventory

Air exchange rate is critical to determining the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations of hazardous pollutants. Approximately 150 air exchange experiments were completed in two residences: a two-story detached house located in Redwood City, CA and a three-story...

Effect of the calcium to phosphorus ratio on the setting properties of calcium phosphate bone cements.

PubMed

Vlad, M D; Gómez, S; Barracó, M; López, J; Fernández, E

2012-09-01

α-Tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) has become the main reactant of most experimental and commercial ceramic bone cements. It has calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio of 1.50. The present study expands and reports on the microstructures and mechanical properties of calcium phosphate (CP) cements containing sintered monolithic reactants obtained in the interval 1.29 < Ca/P < 1.77. The study focuses on their cement setting and hardening properties as well as on their microstructure and crystal phase evolution. The results showed that: (a) CP-cements made with reactants with Ca/P ratio other than 1.50 have longer setting and lower hardening properties; (b) CP-cements reactivity was clearly affected by the Ca/P ratio of the starting reactant; (c) reactants with Ca/P < 1.50 were composed of several phases, calcium pyrophosphate and α- and β-TCP. Similarly, reactants with Ca/P > 1.50 were composed of α-TCP, tetracalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite; (d) only the reactant with Ca/P = 1.50 was monophasic and was made of α-TCP, which transformed during the setting into calcium deficient hydroxyapatite; (e) CP-cements developed different crystal microstructures with specific features depending on the Ca/P ratio of the starting reactant.

A NASTRAN Vibration Model of the AH-1G Helicopter Airframe. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-06-01

8217 ; - 5 .- .- .- a "i ^ r. i A. f\\ n i, ft. . - •• H-16.1 i n.iMim—ta^nmniMiir HlPPmf^f^^"^^—^PPPPP^ BPP ^WPPilWPiJPiP l"IMWI I^P^I...ff-*«’M-o<r’«ffNO*ffff^ff^-a>-*ff nM^j + ^^^o-öin — -»ff^»*»rMOx|M^.o-»Off-aff’* ffa ".«ri’ftjir’ff- — ^^-ff-» ■»■♦ **’Mtvj’"«r*0 Off^f^^iM^n^^—O

The anti-inflammatory impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids during the establishment of endometriosis-like lesions.

PubMed

Attaman, Jill A; Stanic, Aleksandar K; Kim, Minji; Lynch, Maureen P; Rueda, Bo R; Styer, Aaron K

2014-10-01

The anti-inflammatory impact of three polyunsaturated fatty acids (3-PUFA) in endometriosis is incompletely understood. The effect of 3-PUFA on endometriosis-like lesions is evaluated as a potential anti-inflammatory treatment target. Wild Type (WT) and transgenic Fat-1 mice (high levels of endogenous 3-PUFA) were utilized in a uterine tissue transplant endometriosis model. Experimental donor×host pairs included: WT×WT (WW), WT×Fat-1 (WF), and Fat-1×Fat-1 (FF). Cytokine content (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-γ, MCP-1 and RANTES) and immunocellular composition in lesions was determined. Intralesion IL-6 in WF hosts was 99-fold lower than WW hosts (P=0.03). Compared to WW host lesions, Cox-2 levels were decreased in WF [1.5-fold (P=0.02)] and FF [1.2-fold (P=0.01)] host lesions, respectively, and intralesion VEGF expression was increased [1.8-fold; P=0.02 (WF) and 1.5-fold; P=0.01 (FF)]. Lesions in FF hosts demonstrated reduced phosphohistone 3 expression (70%; P=0.03) compared to WW control hosts. Systemic host 3-PUFA levels influence immune, angiogenic, and proliferative factors implicated in the early establishment of endometriosis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dynamics of confined reactive water in smectite clay-zeolite composites.

PubMed

Pitman, Michael C; van Duin, Adri C T

2012-02-15

The dynamics of water confined to mesoporous regions in minerals such as swelling clays and zeolites is fundamental to a wide range of resource management issues impacting many processes on a global scale, including radioactive waste containment, desalination, and enhanced oil recovery. Large-scale atomic models of freely diffusing multilayer smectite particles at low hydration confined in a silicalite cage are used to investigate water dynamics in the composite environment with the ReaxFF reactive force field over a temperature range of 300-647 K. The reactive capability of the force field enabled a range of relevant surface chemistry to emerge, including acid/base equilibria in the interlayer calcium hydrates and silanol formation on the edges of the clay and inner surface of the zeolite housing. After annealing, the resulting clay models exhibit both mono- and bilayer hydration structures. Clay surface hydration redistributed markedly and yielded to silicalite water loading. We find that the absolute rates and temperature dependence of water dynamics compare well to neutron scattering data and pulse field gradient measures from relevant samples of Ca-montmorillonite and silicalite, respectively. Within an atomistic, reactive context, our results distinguish water dynamics in the interlayer Ca(OH)(2)·nH(2)O environment from water flowing over the clay surface, and from water diffusing within silicalite. We find that the diffusion of water when complexed to Ca hydrates is considerably slower than freely diffusing water over the clay surface, and the reduced mobility is well described by a difference in the Arrhenius pre-exponential factor rather than a change in activation energy.

Modulation of fatty acid metabolism is involved in the alleviation of isoproterenol-induced rat heart failure by fenofibrate

PubMed Central

LI, PING; LUO, SHIKE; PAN, CHUNJI; CHENG, XIAOSHU

2015-01-01

Heart failure is a disease predominantly caused by an energy metabolic disorder in cardiomyocytes. The present study investigated the inhibitory effects of fenofibrate (FF) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hear failure in rats, and examined the underlying mechanisms. The rats were divided into CON, ISO (HF model), FF and FF+ISO (HF animals pretreated with FF) groups. The cardiac structure and function of the rats were assessed, and contents of free fatty acids and glucose metabolic products were determined. In addition, myocardial cells were isolated from neonatal rats and used in vitro to investigate the mechanisms by which FF relieves heart failure. Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). FF effectively alleviated the ISO-induced cardiac structural damage, functional decline, and fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolic abnormalities. Compared with the ISO group, the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), free fatty acids, lactic acid and pyruvic acid were decreased in the FF animals. In the cultured myocardial cells, lactic acid and pyruvic acid contents were lower in the supernatants obtained from the FF animals, with lower levels of mitochondrial ROS production and cell necrosis, compared with the ISO group, whereas PPARα upregulation and UCP2 downregulation occurred in the FF+ISO group. The results demonstrated that FF efficiently alleviated heart failure in the ISO-induced rat model, possibly via promoting fatty acid oxidation. PMID:26497978

Dissociation of intracellular lysosomal rupture from the cell death caused by silica

PubMed Central

Kane, AB; Stanton, RP; Raymond, EG; Dobson, ME; Knafelc, ME; Farber, JL

1980-01-01

The relationship between intracellular lysosomal rupture and cell death caused by silica was studied in P388d(1) macrophages. After 3 h of exposure to 150 μg silica in medium containing 1.8 mM Ca(2+), 60 percent of the cells were unable to exclude trypan blue. In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), however, all of the cells remained viable. Phagocytosis of silica particles occurred to the same extent in the presence or absence of Ca(2+). The percentage of P388D(1) cells killed by silica depended on the dose and the concentration of Ca(2+) in the medium. Intracellular lyosomal rupture after exposure to silica was measured by acridine orange fluorescence or histochemical assay of horseradish peroxidase. With either assay, 60 percent of the cells exposed to 150 μg silica for 3 h in the presence of Ca(2+) showed intracellular lysosomal rupture, was not associated with measureable degradation of total DNA, RNA, protein, or phospholipids or accelerated turnover of exogenous horseradish peroxidase. Pretreatment with promethazine (20 μg/ml) protected 80 percent of P388D(1) macrophages against silica toxicity although lysosomal rupture occurred in 60-70 percent of the cells. Intracellular lysosomal rupture was prevented in 80 percent of the cells by pretreatment with indomethacin (5 x 10(-5)M), yet 40-50 percent of the cells died after 3 h of exposure to 150 μg silica in 1.8 mM extracellular Ca(2+). The calcium ionophore A23187 also caused intracellular lysosomal rupture in 90-98 percent of the cells treated for 1 h in either the presence or absence of extracellular Ca(2+). With the addition of 1.8 mM Ca(2+), 80 percent of the cells was killed after 3 h, whereas all of the cells remained viable in the absence of Ca(2+). These experiments suggest that intracellular lysosomal rupture is not causally related to the cell death cause by silica or A23187. Cell death is dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and may be mediated by an influx of these ions across the plasma membrane permeability barrier damaged directly by exposure to these toxins. PMID:6161936

Gene expression in Citrus sinensis fruit tissues harvested from huanglongbing-infected trees: comparison with girdled fruit.

PubMed

Liao, Hui-Ling; Burns, Jacqueline K

2012-05-01

Distribution of viable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CaLas) in sweet orange fruit and leaves ('Hamlin' and 'Valencia') and transcriptomic changes associated with huanglongbing (HLB) infection in fruit tissues are reported. Viable CaLas was present in most fruit tissues tested in HLB trees, with the highest titre detected in vascular tissue near the calyx abscission zone. Transcriptomic changes associated with HLB infection were analysed in flavedo (FF), vascular tissue (VT), and juice vesicles (JV) from symptomatic (SY), asymptomatic (AS), and healthy (H) fruit. In SY 'Hamlin', HLB altered the expression of more genes in FF and VT than in JV, whereas in SY 'Valencia', the number of genes whose expression was changed by HLB was similar in these tissues. The expression of more genes was altered in SY 'Valencia' JV than in SY 'Hamlin' JV. More genes were also affected in AS 'Valencia' FF and VT than in AS 'Valencia' JV. Most genes whose expression was changed by HLB were classified as transporters or involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Physiological characteristics of HLB-infected and girdled fruit were compared to differentiate between HLB-specific and carbohydrate metabolism-related symptoms. SY and girdled fruit were smaller than H and ungirdled fruit, respectively, with poor juice quality. However, girdling did not cause misshapen fruit or differential peel coloration. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that many selected genes changed their expression significantly in SY flavedo but not in girdled flavedo. Mechanisms regulating development of HLB symptoms may lie in the host disease response rather than being a direct consequence of carbohydrate starvation.

Adenoviral modification of mouse brain derived endothelial cells, bEnd3, to induce apoptosis by vascular endothelial growth factor.

PubMed

Mitsuuchi, Y; Powell, D R; Gallo, J M

2006-02-09

A second generation genetically-engineered cell-based drug delivery system, referred to as apoptotic-induced drug delivery (AIDD), was developed using endothelial cells (ECs) that undergo apoptosis upon binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to a Flk-1:Fas fusion protein (FF). This new AIDD was redesigned using mouse brain derived ECs, bEnd3 cells, and an adenovirus vector in order to enhance and control the expression of FF. The FF was tagged with a HA epitope (FFHA) and designed to be coexpressed with green fluorescence protein (GFP) by the regulation of cytomegalovirus promoters in the adenovirus vector. bEnd3 cells showed favorable coexpression of FFHA and GFP consistent with the multiplicity of infection of the adenovirus. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that FFHA was localized at the plasma membrane, whereas GFP was predominantly located in the cytoplasm of ECs. Cell death was induced by VEGF, but not by platelet derived growth factor or fibroblast growth factor in a dose-dependent manner (range 2-20 ng/ml), and revealed caspase-dependent apoptotic profiles. The FFHA expressing bEnd3 cells underwent apoptosis when cocultured with a glioma cell (SF188V+) line able to overexpress VEGF. The combined data indicated that the FFHA adenovirus system can induce apoptotic signaling in ECs in response to VEGF, and thus, is an instrumental modification to the development of AIDD.

Temporal growth and spatial distribution of the fast food industry and its relationship with economic development in China - 2005-2012.

PubMed

Xue, Hong; Cheng, Xi; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Huijun; Zhang, Bing; Qu, Weidong; Wang, Youfa

2017-09-01

The fast food (FF) industry has expanded rapidly in China during the past two decades, in parallel with an increase in the prevalence of obesity. Using government-reported longitudinal data from 21 provinces and cities in China, this study examined the growth over time and the spatial distribution patterns of the FF industry as well as the key social economic factors involved. We visualized the temporal and geographic distributions of FF industry development and conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal spatial analysis to assess associations between macroeconomic conditions, population dynamics, and the growth and distributional changes of the industry. It grew faster in the southeast coastal (more economically developed) areas since 2005 than in other regions. The industry was: 1) highly correlated with Gross Domestic Product; 2) highly correlated with per capita disposable income for urban residents; 3) moderately correlated with urban population; and 4) not correlated with an increase of population size. The mean center of the FF industry shifted westward as the mean center of the GDP moved in the same direction, while the mean center of the population shifted eastward. The results suggest that the rapid FF industry expansion in China was closely associated with economic growth and that improving the food environment should be a major component in local economic development planning. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Near-infrared quantum-cutting luminescence and energy transfer properties of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+},Ce{sup 3+} phosphors

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

Dong, S. L.; Lin, H. H., E-mail: linhh@hstc.edu.cn, E-mail: qyzhang@scut.edu.cn; Yu, T.

2014-07-14

The phosphors Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} by co-doping Ce{sup 3+} have been synthesized by conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Their spectroscopic properties in the UV-VIS-NIR range have been investigated. The first 5d crystal field level location and stokes shift have been determined from the UV excitation and emission spectra of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Ce{sup 3+}. The three-photon NIR quantum-cutting luminescence of Tm{sup 3+} assigned to the electronic transitions of {sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 4}, {sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}F{sub 4} and {sup 3}F{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6} is observed, whether in Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} or Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{supmore » 3+},Ce{sup 3+}. The energy transfer from Ce{sup 3+} to Tm{sup 3+} takes place with energy-transfer efficiency up to 34.5% for the Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+},Ce{sup 3+}. A cross relaxation scheme using the 5d states of Ce{sup 3+} and f-f transition of Tm{sup 3+} is proposed. The mechanism is revealed from energy level and decay measurements. The results show that the broadband absorption of Ce{sup 3+} sensitizer not only extends the spectrum conversion in UV region but also greatly enhances the photoluminescence intensities of the three-photon quantum cutting luminescence of Tm{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}.« less

Synergy between the KEAP1/NRF2 and PI3K Pathways Drives Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with an Altered Immune Microenvironment.

PubMed

Best, Sarah A; De Souza, David P; Kersbergen, Ariena; Policheni, Antonia N; Dayalan, Saravanan; Tull, Dedreia; Rathi, Vivek; Gray, Daniel H; Ritchie, Matthew E; McConville, Malcolm J; Sutherland, Kate D

2018-04-03

The lung presents a highly oxidative environment, which is tolerated through engagement of tightly controlled stress response pathways. A critical stress response mediator is the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2), which is negatively regulated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1). Alterations in the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway have been identified in 23% of lung adenocarcinomas, suggesting that deregulation of the pathway is a major cancer driver. We demonstrate that inactivation of Keap1 and Pten in the mouse lung promotes adenocarcinoma formation. Notably, metabolites identified in the plasma of Keap1 f/f /Pten f/f tumor-bearing mice indicate that tumorigenesis is associated with reprogramming of the pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, the immune milieu was dramatically changed by Keap1 and Pten deletion, and tumor regression was achieved utilizing immune checkpoint inhibition. Thus, our study highlights the ability to exploit both metabolic and immune characteristics in the detection and treatment of lung tumors harboring KEAP1/NRF2 pathway alterations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PCOS women show significantly higher homocysteine level, independent to glucose and E2 level

PubMed Central

Eskandari, Zahra; Sadrkhanlou, Rajab-Ali; Nejati, Vahid; Tizro, Gholamreza

2016-01-01

Background: It is reasonable to think that some biochemical characteristics of follicular fluid (FF) surrounding the oocyte may play a critical role in determining the quality of oocyte and the subsequent potential needed to achieve fertilization and embryo development. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the levels of FF homocysteine (Hcy) in IVF candidate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and any relationships with FF glucose and estradiol (E2) levels. Materials and Methods: In this case control study which was performed in Dr. Tizro Day Care and IVF Center 70 infertile patients were enrolled in two groups: comprising 35 PCOS and 35 non PCOS women. Long protocol was performed for all patients. FF Hcy, glucose and E2 levels were analyzed at the time of oocyte retrieval. Results: It was observed that FF Hcy level was significantly higher in PCOS patients compared with non PCOSs (p<0.01). Observations demonstrated that in PCOS group, the Hcy level increased independent to E2, glucose levels, BMI and age, while the PCOS group showed significantly higher BMI compared with non-PCOS group (p=0.03). However, no significant differences were revealed between groups for FF glucose and E2 levels. Conclusion: Present data showed that although FF glucose and E2 levels were constant in PCOS and non PCOS patients, but the FF Hcy levels in PCOS were significantly increased (p=0.01). PMID:27679823

Solid-State Threshold Accelerometer Chip.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-28

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AKAP79/150 impacts intrinsic excitability of hippocampal neurons through phospho-regulation of A-type K+ channel trafficking.

PubMed

Lin, Lin; Sun, Wei; Kung, Faith; Dell'Acqua, Mark L; Hoffman, Dax A

2011-01-26

Kv4.2, as the primary α-subunit of rapidly inactivating, A-type voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels expressed in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal dendrites, plays a critical role in regulating their excitability. Activity-dependent trafficking of Kv4.2 relies on C-terminal protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation. A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) target PKA to glutamate receptor and ion channel complexes to allow for discrete, local signaling. As part of a previous study, we showed that AKAP79/150 interacts with Kv4.2 complexes and that the two proteins colocalize in hippocampal neurons. However, the nature and functional consequence of their interaction has not been previously explored. Here, we report that the C-terminal domain of Kv4.2 interacts with an internal region of AKAP79/150 that overlaps with its MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinase)-binding domain. We show that AKAP79/150-anchored PKA activity controls Kv4.2 surface expression in heterologous cells and hippocampal neurons. Consistent with these findings, disrupting PKA anchoring led to a decrease in neuronal excitability, while preventing dephosphorylation by the phosphatase calcineurin resulted in increased excitability. These results demonstrate that AKAP79/150 provides a platform for dynamic PKA regulation of Kv4.2 expression, fundamentally impacting CA1 excitability.

Small-Molecule Solar Cells with Simultaneously Enhanced Short-Circuit Current and Fill Factor to Achieve 11% Efficiency.

PubMed

Nian, Li; Gao, Ke; Jiang, Yufeng; Rong, Qikun; Hu, Xiaowen; Yuan, Dong; Liu, Feng; Peng, Xiaobin; Russell, Thomas P; Zhou, Guofu

2017-08-01

High-efficiency small-molecule-based organic photovoltaics (SM-OPVs) using two electron donors (p-DTS(FBTTh 2 ) 2 and ZnP) with distinctively different absorption and structural features are reported. Such a combination works well and synergically improves device short-circuit current density (J sc ) to 17.99 mA cm -2 and fill factor (FF) to 77.19%, yielding a milestone efficiency of 11%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest power conversion efficiency reported for SM-OPVs to date and the first time to combine high J sc over 17 mA cm -2 and high FF over 77% into one SM-OPV. The strategy of using multicomponent materials, with a selecting role of balancing varied electronic and structural necessities can be an important route to further developing higher performance devices. This development is important, which broadens the dimension and versatility of existing materials without much chemistry input. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Independent evaluation of point source fossil fuel CO2 emissions to better than 10%

PubMed Central

Turnbull, Jocelyn Christine; Keller, Elizabeth D.; Norris, Margaret W.; Wiltshire, Rachael M.

2016-01-01

Independent estimates of fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) emissions are key to ensuring that emission reductions and regulations are effective and provide needed transparency and trust. Point source emissions are a key target because a small number of power plants represent a large portion of total global emissions. Currently, emission rates are known only from self-reported data. Atmospheric observations have the potential to meet the need for independent evaluation, but useful results from this method have been elusive, due to challenges in distinguishing CO2ff emissions from the large and varying CO2 background and in relating atmospheric observations to emission flux rates with high accuracy. Here we use time-integrated observations of the radiocarbon content of CO2 (14CO2) to quantify the recently added CO2ff mole fraction at surface sites surrounding a point source. We demonstrate that both fast-growing plant material (grass) and CO2 collected by absorption into sodium hydroxide solution provide excellent time-integrated records of atmospheric 14CO2. These time-integrated samples allow us to evaluate emissions over a period of days to weeks with only a modest number of measurements. Applying the same time integration in an atmospheric transport model eliminates the need to resolve highly variable short-term turbulence. Together these techniques allow us to independently evaluate point source CO2ff emission rates from atmospheric observations with uncertainties of better than 10%. This uncertainty represents an improvement by a factor of 2 over current bottom-up inventory estimates and previous atmospheric observation estimates and allows reliable independent evaluation of emissions. PMID:27573818

Independent evaluation of point source fossil fuel CO2 emissions to better than 10%.

PubMed

Turnbull, Jocelyn Christine; Keller, Elizabeth D; Norris, Margaret W; Wiltshire, Rachael M

2016-09-13

Independent estimates of fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) emissions are key to ensuring that emission reductions and regulations are effective and provide needed transparency and trust. Point source emissions are a key target because a small number of power plants represent a large portion of total global emissions. Currently, emission rates are known only from self-reported data. Atmospheric observations have the potential to meet the need for independent evaluation, but useful results from this method have been elusive, due to challenges in distinguishing CO2ff emissions from the large and varying CO2 background and in relating atmospheric observations to emission flux rates with high accuracy. Here we use time-integrated observations of the radiocarbon content of CO2 ((14)CO2) to quantify the recently added CO2ff mole fraction at surface sites surrounding a point source. We demonstrate that both fast-growing plant material (grass) and CO2 collected by absorption into sodium hydroxide solution provide excellent time-integrated records of atmospheric (14)CO2 These time-integrated samples allow us to evaluate emissions over a period of days to weeks with only a modest number of measurements. Applying the same time integration in an atmospheric transport model eliminates the need to resolve highly variable short-term turbulence. Together these techniques allow us to independently evaluate point source CO2ff emission rates from atmospheric observations with uncertainties of better than 10%. This uncertainty represents an improvement by a factor of 2 over current bottom-up inventory estimates and previous atmospheric observation estimates and allows reliable independent evaluation of emissions.

Calcium-buffering effects of gluconate and nucleotides, as determined by a novel fluorimetric titration method.

PubMed

Woehler, Andrew; Lin, Kun-Han; Neher, Erwin

2014-11-15

Significantly more Ca(2+) influx is required for eliciting release of neurotransmitter during whole cell patch clamp recording in the Calyx of Held, when gluconate with 3 mm free ATP is used as pipette filling solution, as compared to a methanesulfonate-based solution with excess Mg(2+). This reduction in efficiency of Ca(2+) in eliciting release is due to low-affinity Ca(2+) binding of both gluconate and ATP(2-) anions. To study these effects we developed a simple fluorimeteric titration procedure, which reports the dissociation constant, KD, of a given Ca(2+) indicator dye, multiplied by 1 plus the sum of Ca(2+) binding ratios of any anions, which act as low-affinity Ca(2+) ligands. For solutions without Ca(2+) binding anions we find KD values for Fura2FF ranging from 11.5 ± 1.7 to 15.6 ± 7.47 μm depending on the dominant anion used. For Fura6F and KCl-based solutions we find KD = 17.8 ± 1.3 μm. For solutions with gluconate as the main anion and for solutions that contain nucleotides, such as ATP and GTP, we find much higher values for the product. Assuming that the KD of the indicator dye is equal to that of KCl-based solutions we calculate the summed Ca(2+) binding ratios and find a value of 3.55 for a solution containing 100 mm potassium gluconate and 4 mm ATP. Gluconate contributes a value of 1.75 to this number, while the contribution of ATP depends strongly on the presence of Mg(2+) and varies from 0.8 (with excess Mg(2+)) to 13.8 (in the presence of 3 mm free ATP). Methanesulfonate has negligible Ca(2+) binding capacity. These results explain the reduced efficiency of Ca(2+) influx in the presence of gluconate or nucleotides, as these anions are expected to intercept Ca(2+) ions at short distance. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2014 The Physiological Society.

The spatial distribution of fossil fuel CO2 traced by Δ(14)C in the leaves of gingko (Ginkgo biloba L.) in Beijing City, China.

PubMed

Niu, Zhenchuan; Zhou, Weijian; Zhang, Xiaoshan; Wang, Sen; Zhang, Dongxia; Lu, Xuefeng; Cheng, Peng; Wu, Shugang; Xiong, Xiaohu; Du, Hua; Fu, Yunchong

2016-01-01

Atmospheric fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff ) information is an important reference for local government to formulate energy-saving and emission reduction in China. The CO2ff spatial distribution in Beijing City was traced by Δ(14)C in the leaves of gingko (Ginkgo biloba L.) from late March to September in 2009. The Δ(14)C values were in the range of -35.2 ± 2.8∼15.5 ± 3.2 ‰ (average 3.4 ± 11.8 ‰), with high values found at suburban sites (average 12.8 ± 3.1 ‰) and low values at road sites (average -8.4 ± 18.1 ‰). The CO2ff concentrations varied from 11.6 ± 3.7 to 32.5 ± 9.0 ppm, with an average of 16.4 ± 4.9 ppm. The CO2ff distribution in Beijing City showed spatial heterogeneity. CO2ff hotspots were found at road sites resulted from the emission from vehicles, while low CO2ff concentrations were found at suburban sites because of the less usage of fossil fuels. Additionally, CO2ff concentrations in the northwest area were generally higher than those in the southeast area due to the disadvantageous topography.

Small field detector correction factors: effects of the flattening filter for Elekta and Varian linear accelerators

PubMed Central

Liu, Paul Z.Y.; Lee, Christopher; McKenzie, David R.; Suchowerska, Natalka

2016-01-01

Flattening filter‐free (FFF) beams are becoming the preferred beam type for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR), as they enable an increase in dose rate and a decrease in treatment time. This work assesses the effects of the flattening filter on small field output factors for 6 MV beams generated by both Elekta and Varian linear accelerators, and determines differences between detector response in flattened (FF) and FFF beams. Relative output factors were measured with a range of detectors (diodes, ionization chambers, radiochromic film, and microDiamond) and referenced to the relative output factors measured with an air core fiber optic dosimeter (FOD), a scintillation dosimeter developed at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney. Small field correction factors were generated for both FF and FFF beams. Diode measured detector response was compared with a recently published mathematical relation to predict diode response corrections in small fields. The effect of flattening filter removal on detector response was quantified using a ratio of relative detector responses in FFF and FF fields for the same field size. The removal of the flattening filter was found to have a small but measurable effect on ionization chamber response with maximum deviations of less than ±0.9% across all field sizes measured. Solid‐state detectors showed an increased dependence on the flattening filter of up to ±1.6%. Measured diode response was within ±1.1% of the published mathematical relation for all fields up to 30 mm, independent of linac type and presence or absence of a flattening filter. For 6 MV beams, detector correction factors between FFF and FF beams are interchangeable for a linac between FF and FFF modes, providing that an additional uncertainty of up to ±1.6% is accepted. PACS number(s): 87.55.km, 87.56.bd, 87.56.Da PMID:27167280

Assessment of GeB doped SiO2 optical fiber for the application of remote radiation sensing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alawiah, A.; Fadhli, M. M.; Bauk, S.; Abdul-Rashid, H. A.; Maah, M. J.

2013-12-01

The research and development efforts on the silica (SiO2) optical fiber for application in radiation sensing and other dosimetry field have become quite active. The widely used LiF based dosimeter (TLD) has shown a relatively low reproducibility and there is a time delay in dose assessment which loses its capability as direct real-time dose assessment dosimeters unlike diodes. The macroscopic size of the optical fiber generally does not allow direct in vivo dose sensing in the inner organ for radiotherapy and medical imaging. A flat optical fiber (FF) with nominal dimensions of (0.08 x10 x 10) mm3 of pure silica SiO2 and GeO2 with Boron doped silica fiber SiO2 was selected for this research. The Germanium was used a dopant to enhance the flat optical fiber to reach much higher responsiveness and dose sensitivity in high energy and high dose irradiation. Together with this combination, both TLD dimension and dose assessment issues was hoped to be overcome. The research conducted by comparing the response of pure silica SiO2 flat optical fiber with a GeO2 with Boron doped silica SiO2 flat optical fiber. The FF sample was annealed at 400°C for one hour before irradiated. Kinetic parameters and dosimetric glow curve of TL response and sensitivity were studied with respect to the electron beam of high dose of micro beam irradiation of 1.0 kGy, 5.0 kGy, 10.0 kGy, 50.0 kGy, 100.0 kGy, 500.0 kGy, and 1.0 MGy using Singapore Synchrotron Light Source's (PCIT) beamline. The PCIT operates at 500mA current with real time current range from 90-100mA, dose rate of 3.03 MGy/hour and energy at 8.9KeV. The source to Source Surface Distance (SSD) was at 6.0 cm, with a field size of 20mm × 8mm diameter of a half circle. The TL response was measured using a TLD reader Harshaw Model 3500. The Time-Temperature-Profile (TTP) of the reader was obtained to a preheat temperature of 150 °C for 5 s, the output signal being acquired at a temperature ramprate of 35 °Cs-1, acquisition time of 10 s and a maximum temperature of 400 °C each of the FF samples. All reading was taken under N2 gas flow, suppressing oxidation and potential triboluminescence. The proposed FF shows the excellent TL response for high energy irradiation and good reproducibility and exhibits a very low rate of fading and low variation background signal. From these results, the proposed FF can be used as a radiation dosimeter in remote radiation sensing and favorably compares with the widely used of LiF based dosimeter on common medical radiotherapy application.

Oxygen availability and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease: Implications from in vivo and in vitro assessments.

PubMed

Hart, Corey R; Layec, Gwenael; Trinity, Joel D; Le Fur, Yann; Gifford, Jayson R; Clifton, Heather L; Richardson, Russell S

2018-06-22

Evidence suggests that peak skeletal muscle mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate (V max ) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may be attenuated due to disease-related impairments in oxygen (O 2 ) supply. However, in vitro assessments suggest intrinsic deficits in mitochondrial respiration despite ample O 2 availability. To address this conundrum, Doppler ultrasound, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 31 P-MRS), and high-resolution respirometry were combined to assess convective O 2 delivery, tissue oxygenation, V max , and skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity (Complex I+II, State 3 respiration), respectively, in the gastrocnemius muscle of 10 patients with early-stage PAD and 11 physical activity-matched healthy controls (HC). All subjects were studied in free-flow control conditions (FF) and with reactive hyperemia (RH), induced by a period of brief ischemia during the last 30s of submaximal plantar flexion exercise. The patients with PAD repeated the FF and RH trials under hyperoxic conditions (FF+100%O 2 and RH+100%O 2 ). Compared to the HC, the patients with PAD exhibited attenuated O 2 delivery at the same absolute work rate, and attenuated tissue re-oxygenation and V max after relative intensity-matched exercise. Compared to the FF condition, only RH+100%O 2 significantly increased convective O 2 delivery (~44%), tissue re-oxygenation (~54%), and V max (~60%) in PAD (p<0.05) such that V max was now not different from the HC. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an intrinsic mitochondrial deficit in PAD, assessed in vitro with adequate O 2 . Thus, in combination, this comprehensive in vivo and in vitro investigation implicates O 2 supply as the predominant factor limiting mitochondrial oxidative capacity in early-stage PAD.

Evaluation of bakanae disease progression caused by Fusarium fujikuroi in Oryza sativa L.

PubMed

Hwang, In Sun; Kang, Woo-Ri; Hwang, Duk-Ju; Bae, Shin-Chul; Yun, Sung-Hwan; Ahn, Il-Pyung

2013-12-01

Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi is an important fungal disease in rice. Among the seven strains isolated from symptomatic rice grains in this study, one strain, FfB14, triggered severe root growth inhibition and decay in the crown and root of rice seedlings. The remaining six strains caused typical Bakanae symptoms such as etiolation and abnormal succulent rice growth. To reveal the relationship between mycelial growth in the infected tissues and Bakanae disease progression, we have established a reliable quantification method using real time PCR that employs a primer pair and dual-labeled probe specific to a unigene encoding F. fujikuroi PNG1 (FfPNG1), which is located upstream of the fumonisin biosynthesis gene cluster. Plotting the crossing point (CP) values from the infected tissue DNAs on a standard curve revealed the active fungal growth of FfB14 in the root and crown of rice seedlings, while the growth rate of FfB20 in rice was more than 4 times lower than FfB14. Massive infective mycelial growth of FfB14 was evident in rice stems and crown; however, FfB20 did not exhibit vigorous growth. Our quantitative evaluation system is applicable for the identification of fungal virulence factors other than gibberellin.

Spatial variability of greenhouse gases emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) in a tropical hydroelectric reservoir flooding primary forest (Petit Saut Reservoir, French Guiana)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cailleaud, Emilie; Guérin, Frédéric; Bouillon, Steven; Sarrazin, Max; Serça, Dominique

2014-05-01

At the Petit Saut Reservoir (PSR, French Guiana, South America), vertical profiles were performed at 5 stations in the open waters (OW) and 6 stations in two shallow flooded forest (FF) areas between April 2012 and September 2013. Measurements included physico-chemical parameters, ammonium, nitrate and dissolved greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) concentrations, dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC, POC) and nitrogen (PN), δ13C-POC and δ15N-PN . The diffusive fluxes were calculated from surface concentrations. The aim of this study was to estimate the spatial variations of greenhouse gas emissions at a dentrical hydroelectric reservoir located in the tropics and flooding primary forest. Twenty years after impoundment, the water column of the PSR is permanently and tightly stratified thermally in the FF whereas in the OW, the thermal gradients are not as stable. The different hydrodynamical behaviours between the two different zones have significant consequences on the biogeochemistry: oxygen barely diffuses down to the hypolimnion in the FF whereas destratification occurs sporadically during the rainy season in the OW. Although we found the same range of POC in the FF and the OW (2.5-29 μmol L-1) and 20% more DOC at the bottom of OW than in the FF (229-878 μmol L-1), CO2 and CH4 concentrations were always significantly higher in the FF (CO2: 11-1412 μmol L-1, CH4: 0.001-1015 μmol L-1) than in the OW. On average, the CO2 concentrations were 30-40% higher in the FF than in the OW and the CH4 concentrations were three times higher in the FF than in the OW. The δ13C-POC and C:N values did not suggest substantial differences in the sources of OM between the FF and OW. At all stations, POC at the bottom has an isotopic signature slightly lighter than the terrestrial OM in the surrounding forest whereas the isotopic signature of surface POM would result from phytoplankton and methanotrophs. The vertical profiles of nitrogen compounds reveal that the main source of nitrogen in the water column of the PSR is the NH4+ produced during the mineralisation of the OM at the bottom of the reservoir. In OW, the production of NO3- and N2O is enhanced compared to the FF. As a result, N2O concentrations are three times higher at the bottom of OW but surface concentrations are similar in the FF and OW. CO2 diffusive fluxes are 40% higher and CH4 diffusive fluxes are three times higher in FF (CO2: 42±20 mmol m-2 d-1 ; CH4: 0.7±1.4 mmol m-2 d-1) than in OW (CO2: 27±17 mmol m-2 d-1 ; CH4: 0.2±0.3 mmol m-2 d-1). In shallow FF, average CH4 ebullition is 3±10 mmol m-2 d-1 whereas ebullition was never observed in OW. N2O emissions did not exhibit any spatial variability (9±4 μmol m-2 d-1). At the PSR, FF which represents one third of the surface area, is responsible of half of the GHG emissions from the reservoir. This implies that the emissions from most of the tropical reservoirs flooding primary forest need to be reassessed since FF environments are usually overlooked.

Silver ions increase plasma membrane permeability through modulation of intracellular calcium levels in tobacco BY-2 cells.

PubMed

Klíma, Petr; Laňková, Martina; Vandenbussche, Filip; Van Der Straeten, Dominique; Petrášek, Jan

2018-05-01

Silver ions increase plasma membrane permeability for water and small organic compounds through their stimulatory effect on plasma membrane calcium channels, with subsequent modulation of intracellular calcium levels and ion homeostasis. The action of silver ions at the plant plasma membrane is largely connected with the inhibition of ethylene signalling thanks to the ability of silver ion to replace the copper cofactor in the ethylene receptor. A link coupling the action of silver ions and cellular auxin efflux has been suggested earlier by their possible direct interaction with auxin efflux carriers or by influencing plasma membrane permeability. Using tobacco BY-2 cells, we demonstrate here that besides a dramatic increase of efflux of synthetic auxins 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), treatment with AgNO 3 resulted in enhanced efflux of the cytokinin trans-zeatin (tZ) as well as the auxin structural analogues tryptophan (Trp) and benzoic acid (BA). The application of AgNO 3 was accompanied by gradual water loss and plasmolysis. The observed effects were dependent on the availability of extracellular calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) as shown by comparison of transport assays in Ca 2+ -rich and Ca 2+ -free buffers and upon treatment with inhibitors of plasma membrane Ca 2+ -permeable channels Al 3+ and ruthenium red, both abolishing the effect of AgNO 3 . Confocal microscopy of Ca 2+ -sensitive fluorescence indicator Fluo-4FF, acetoxymethyl (AM) ester suggested that the extracellular Ca 2+ availability is necessary to trigger the response to silver ions and that the intracellular Ca 2+ pool alone is not sufficient for this effect. Altogether, our data suggest that in plant cells the effects of silver ions originate from the primal modification of the internal calcium levels, possibly by their interaction with Ca 2+ -permeable channels at the plasma membrane.

Interactions of pharmacokinetic profile of different parts from Ginkgo biloba extract in rats.

PubMed

Guan, HanLiang; Qian, Dawei; Ren, Hao; Zhang, Wei; Nie, Hui; Shang, Erxing; Duan, Jinao

2014-08-08

Extracts from Ginkgo biloba L. leaves confer their therapeutic effects through the synergistic actions of flavonoid and terpenoid components, but some non-flavonoid and non-terpenoid components also exist in this extract. In the study of this paper, an investigation was carried out to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of fourteen compounds to clarify the influences of non-flavonoid and non-terpenoid fraction (WEF) on the pharmacokinetics profile of the flavonoid fraction (FF) and the terpene lactone fraction (TLF) from Ginkgo biloba extracts. A selective and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the plasma concentrations of the fourteen compounds to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters after orally administration of FF, TLF, FF-WEF, FF-TLF, TLF-WEF and FF-TLF-WEF with approximately the same dose. At different time points, the concentration of rutin (1), isoquercitrin (2), quercetin 3-O-[4-O-(-β-D-glucosyl)-α-L-rhamnoside] (3), ginkgolide C (4), bilobalide (5), quercitrin (6), ginkgolide B (7), ginkgolide A (8), luteolin (9), quercetin (10), apigenin (11), kaempferol (12), isorhamnetin (13), genkwanin (14) in rat plasma were determined and main pharmacokinetic parameters including T1/2, Tmax, Cmax and AUC were calculated using the DAS 3.2 software package. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student׳s t-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance. FF and WEF had no effect on the pharmacokinetic behaviors and parameters of the four terpene lactones, but the pharmacokinetic profiles and parameters of flavonoids changed while co-administered with non-flavonoid components. It was found that Cmax and AUC of six flavonoid aglycones in group FF-WEF, FF-TLF and FF-TLF-WEF had varying degrees of reduction in comparison with group FF, especially in group FF-TLF-WEF. On the contrary, the values of Cmax, Tmax and AUC of four flavonoid glycosides in group FF-TLF-WEF were significantly increased compared with those in group FF. These results indicate that non-flavonoid components in Ginkgo biloba extracts could increase the absorption and improve the bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides but decrease the absorption and reduce the bioavailability of flavonoid aglycones. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Associations between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and fast-food restaurant frequency among adolescents and their friends.

PubMed

Bruening, Meg; MacLehose, Richard; Eisenberg, Marla E; Nanney, Marilyn S; Story, Mary; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2014-01-01

To assess associations between adolescents and their friends with regard to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB)/diet soda intake and fast-food (FF) restaurant visits. Population-based, cross-sectional survey study with direct measures from friends. Twenty Minneapolis/St Paul schools during 2009-2010. Adolescents (n = 2,043; mean age, 14.2 ± 1.9 years; 46.2% female; 80% non-white). Adolescent SSB/diet soda intake and FF visits. Generalized estimating equation logistic models were used to examine associations between adolescents' SSB/diet soda intake and FF visits and similar behaviors in nominated friends (friend groups and best friends). School-level (middle vs high school) interactions were assessed. Significant associations were found between adolescents and friends behaviors for each of the beverages assessed (P < .05), but they varied by friendship type and school level. Five of 6 models of FF visits (including all FF visits) were significantly associated (P < .05) among adolescents and their friends. Significant interactions by school level were present among adolescents' and friends' FF visits, with associations generally for high school participants compared with middle school participants (P < .05). Findings suggest that for many beverages and FF restaurant types, friends' behaviors are associated, especially FF visits for older adolescents. Nutrition education efforts may benefit by integrating knowledge of the impact of adolescents' friends on FF visits. Copyright © 2014 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and fast food restaurant frequency among adolescents and their friends

PubMed Central

Bruening, Meg; MacLehose, Richard; Eisenberg, Marla E; Nanney, Marilyn S.; Story, Mary; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2016-01-01

Objective To assess associations between adolescents and their friends with regard to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB)/diet soda intake, and fast food (FF) restaurant visits. Design Population-based, cross-sectional survey study with direct measures from friends. Setting Twenty Minneapolis/St. Paul schools during 2009–2010. Participants Adolescents (n=2,043; mean age=14.2±1.9; 46.2% female; 80% non-white). Main outcome measures Adolescent SSB/diet soda intake and FF visits. Analysis Generalized estimating equation logistic models were used to examine associations between adolescents’ SSB/diet soda intake and FF visits and similar behaviors in nominated friends (friend groups, best friends). School-level (middle vs. high school) interactions were assessed. Results Significant associations were found between adolescents and friends behaviors for each of the beverages assessed (P<0.05), but varied by friendship type and school level. Five of six models of FF visits (including all FF visits) were significantly associated (P <0.05) among adolescents and their friends. Significant interactions by school level were present among adolescents’ and friends’ FF visits, with associations generally for high school participants compared to middle school participants (P <0.05). Conclusions and implications Findings suggest for many beverages and FF restaurant types, friends’ behaviors are associated, especially FF visits for older adolescents. Nutrition education efforts may benefit by integrating the knowledge of the impact of adolescents’ friends on FF visits. PMID:24735768

Information Hiding based Trusted Computing System Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-18

ABSTRACT 15. SUBJECT TERMS 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b . ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE 17. LIMITATION OF...system with two flip flops (FF) and some logic gates (Figure 1 ( b )). First, from Figure 1(a), we see that when the system is at state B and input is 0...FF2 is 1, which reflects the current state B , if input = 0, we can easily verify that FF1 remains unchanged, but FF2 changes to 0. This means that

A Wide Band Gap Polymer with a Deep Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital Level Enables 14.2% Efficiency in Polymer Solar Cells.

PubMed

Li, Sunsun; Ye, Long; Zhao, Wenchao; Yan, Hongping; Yang, Bei; Liu, Delong; Li, Wanning; Ade, Harald; Hou, Jianhui

2018-05-21

To simultaneously achieve low photon energy loss ( E loss ) and broad spectral response, the molecular design of the wide band gap (WBG) donor polymer with a deep HOMO level is of critical importance in fullerene-free polymer solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we developed a new benzodithiophene unit, i.e., DTBDT-EF, and conducted systematic investigations on a WBG DTBDT-EF-based donor polymer, namely, PDTB-EF-T. Due to the synergistic electron-withdrawing effect of the fluorine atom and ester group, PDTB-EF-T exhibits a higher oxidation potential, i.e., a deeper HOMO level (ca. -5.5 eV) than most well-known donor polymers. Hence, a high open-circuit voltage of 0.90 V was obtained when paired with a fluorinated small molecule acceptor (IT-4F), corresponding to a low E loss of 0.62 eV. Furthermore, side-chain engineering demonstrated that subtle side-chain modulation of the ester greatly influences the aggregation effects and molecular packing of polymer PDTB-EF-T. With the benefits of the stronger interchain π-π interaction, the improved ordering structure, and thus the highest hole mobility, the most symmetric charge transport and reduced recombination are achieved for the linear decyl-substituted PDTB-EF-T (P2)-based PSCs, leading to the highest short-circuit current density and fill factor (FF). Due to the high Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ), surface-directed phase separation occurs in the P2:IT-4F blend, which is supported by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy results and cross-sectional transmission electron microscope images. By taking advantage of the vertical phase distribution of the P2:IT-4F blend, a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.2% with an outstanding FF of 0.76 was recorded for inverted devices. These results demonstrate the great potential of the DTBDT-EF unit for future organic photovoltaic applications.

The measurement of sulfate mineral solubilities in the Na-K-Ca-Cl-SO 4-H 2O system at temperatures of 100, 150 and 200°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freyer, Daniela; Voigt, Wolfgang

2004-01-01

At T > 100°C development of thermodynamic models suffers from missing experimental data, particularly for solubilities of sulfate minerals in mixed solutions. Solubilities in Na +-K +-Ca 2+-Cl --SO 42-/H 2O subsystems were investigated at 150, 200°C and at selected compositions at 100°C. The apparatus used to examine solid-liquid phase equilibria under hydrothermal conditions has been described. In the system NaCl-CaSO 4-H 2O the missing anhydrite (CaSO 4) solubilities at high NaCl concentrations up to halite saturation have been determined. In the system Na 2SO 4-CaSO 4-H 2O the observed glauberite (Na 2SO 4 · CaSO 4) solubility is higher than that predicted by the high temperature model of Greenberg and Møller (1989), especially at 200°C. At high salt concentrations, solubilities of both anhydrite and glauberite increase with increasing temperature. Stability fields of the minerals syngenite (K 2SO 4 · CaSO 4 · H 2O) and goergeyite (K 2SO 4 · 5 CaSO 4 · H 2O) were determined, and a new phase was found at 200°C in the K 2SO 4-CaSO 4-H 2O system. Chemical and single crystal structure analysis give the formula K 2SO 4 · CaSO 4. The structure is isostructural with palmierite (K 2SO 4 · PbSO 4). The glaserite ("3 K 2SO 4 · Na 2SO 4") appears as solid solution in the system Na 2SO 4-K 2SO 4-H 2O. Its solubility and stoichiometry was determined as a function of solution composition.

Geographic List of Prime Contract Awards. Oct 1992-Sep 1993. FY 1993. (Aiea, Hawaii-Wichita, Kansas). Part 5

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

Z . = ac ac acca H I0o00) , aZ ZZ ZZ Z 2Z ZZ ZZ 2c z z Z a2 ca ci c2 c2 cz 2 r ; H 1 00 0 M U * M 00 M -N tVCOO0 n (D -4 C) r. NNYInCV) .- N -(..-4 0...Ifa1 0.-i K( N (0 (0 I L 0 to 0 (0 K U. I (0wzl0 K 0.-4 0.4.4.-qV4 0 .4 4 OMMMMMMMMMCf(fffff Off CV) - V4 ffm ff) 0 (yf) v E0-Z -4N3ýf(O% NNCYM*VW

Use of multiple picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations to predict crystallographic B-factors of folded globular proteins.

PubMed

Pang, Yuan-Ping

2016-09-01

Predicting crystallographic B-factors of a protein from a conventional molecular dynamics simulation is challenging, in part because the B-factors calculated through sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in a picosecond molecular dynamics simulation are unreliable, and the sampling of a longer simulation yields overly large root mean square deviations between calculated and experimental B-factors. This article reports improved B-factor prediction achieved by sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in multiple picosecond molecular dynamics simulations that use uniformly increased atomic masses by 100-fold to increase time resolution. Using the third immunoglobulin-binding domain of protein G, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, ubiquitin, and lysozyme as model systems, the B-factor root mean square deviations (mean ± standard error) of these proteins were 3.1 ± 0.2-9 ± 1 Å 2 for Cα and 7.3 ± 0.9-9.6 ± 0.2 Å 2 for Cγ, when the sampling was done for each of these proteins over 20 distinct, independent, and 50-picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations with AMBER forcefield FF12MC or FF14SB. These results suggest that sampling the atomic positional fluctuations in multiple picosecond high-mass molecular dynamics simulations may be conducive to a priori prediction of crystallographic B-factors of a folded globular protein.

Evaluation of the effect of a CO2 laser and fluoride on the reduction of carious lesions progression in primary teeth: an in vitro study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zancopé, Bruna R.; Cesar, Marina M. C.; Rodrigues, Lidiany K. A.; Nobre-dos-Santos, Marinês

2014-02-01

This study aimed at investigating if CO2 laser irradiation (λ =10.6μm - 11.3 J/cm2) combined with fluoridated products, enhances the CaF2 formation on enamel surface and inhibits lesion progression of demineralized primary enamel. Thus, 135 demineralized primary enamel specimens (DES) were allocated to 9 groups (n=15) as follows: 1- DES only, 2- DES + pH cycling (control), 3- 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF), 4- 1.23% fluoride foam (FF), 5- 5% fluoride varnish (FV), 6- CO2 Laser (L), 7 - Laser during APF application, 8-Laser during FF application and 9-Laser during FV application. Except for the demineralized enamel group, all specimens were submitted to a 7 day pH cycling regime. The knoop hardness number (KHN) was determined by cross-sectional microhardness analysis. After treatments application, three specimens of each group had their surface examined for CaF2 formation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data was analyzed by ANOVA and Student's t-test (α= 0.05). Enamel mineral loss (ΔS) for groups 1 to 9 were respectively,(8,676.28+/-1,077.46b),(12,419.54+/-1,050.21a),(8,156.80+/-1,279.90b),(8,081.32+/-1,019.69b),(8,820.86+/-1,805. 99b),(8,723.45+/-1,167.14b),(9,003.17+/-796.90b),(8.229,03+/-961.25b),(9,023.32+/-1,1069b). The results showed statistically significant difference between control and all treatments groups (p<0.05). However there was no difference among them (p>0.05). SEM observations showed evidences of melting, fusion and calcium fluoride formation on enamel surface. In conclusion, laser irradiation alone or combined with fluoridated products inhibited lesion progression of demineralized primary enamel surface. However, no synergistic effect was observed when CO2 laser irradiation and fluoridated products application were combined.

Comparison of k Q factors measured with a water calorimeter in flattening filter free (FFF) and conventional flattening filter (cFF) photon beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Prez, Leon; de Pooter, Jacco; Jansen, Bartel; Perik, Thijs; Wittkämper, Frits

2018-02-01

Recently flattening filter free (FFF) beams became available for application in modern radiotherapy. There are several advantages of FFF beams over conventional flattening filtered (cFF) beams, however differences in beam spectra at the point of interest in a phantom potentially affect the ion chamber response. Beams are also non-uniform over the length of a typical reference ion chamber and recombination is usually larger. Despite several studies describing FFF beam characteristics, only a limited number of studies investigated their effect on k Q factors. Some of those studies predicted significant discrepancies in k Q factors (0.4% up to 1.0%) if TPR20,10 based codes of practice (CoPs) were to be used. This study addresses the question to which extent k Q factors, based on a TPR20,10 CoP, can be applied in clinical reference dosimetry. It is the first study that compares k Q factors measured directly with an absorbed dose to water primary standard in FFF-cFF pairs of clinical photon beams. This was done with a transportable water calorimeter described elsewhere. The measurements corrected for recombination and beam radial non-uniformity were performed in FFF-cFF beam pairs at 6 MV and 10 MV of an Elekta Versa HD for a selection of three different Farmer-type ion chambers (eight serial numbers). The ratio of measured k Q factors of the FFF-cFF beam pairs were compared with the TPR20,10 CoPs of the NCS and IAEA and the %dd(10) x CoP of the AAPM. For the TPR20,10 based CoPs differences less than 0.23% were found in k Q factors between the corresponding FFF-cFF beams with standard uncertainties smaller than 0.35%, while for the %dd(10) x these differences were smaller than 0.46% and within the expanded uncertainty of the measurements. Based on the measurements made with the equipment described in this study the authors conclude that the k Q factors provided by the NCS-18 and IAEA TRS-398 codes of practice can be applied for flattening filter free beams without additional correction. However, existing codes of practice cannot be applied ignoring the significant volume averaging effect of the FFF beams over the ion chamber cavity. For this a corresponding volume averaging correction must be applied.

High Fill Factors of Si Solar Cells Achieved by Using an Inverse Connection Between MOS and PN Junctions.

PubMed

Wang, Liang-Xing; Zhou, Zhi-Quan; Zhang, Tian-Ning; Chen, Xin; Lu, Ming

2016-12-01

Fill factors (FFs) of ~0.87 have been obtained for crystalline Si (c-Si) solar cells based on Ag front contacts after rapid thermal annealing. The usual single PN junction model fails to explain the high FF result. A metal/oxide/semiconductor (MOS) junction at the emitter is found to be inversely connected to the PN one, and when its barrier height/e is close to the open-circuit voltage of the solar cell, very high FF is obtainable. In this work, although the open-circuit voltage (<580 mV) is not high here, the efficiency of c-Si solar cell still reaches the state-of-the-art value (>20 %) due to the high FF achieved.

Exploration of the role of reactive oxygen species in glutamate neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurones in culture.

PubMed

Vergun, O; Sobolevsky, A I; Yelshansky, M V; Keelan, J; Khodorov, B I; Duchen, M R

2001-02-15

1. Exposure of hippocampal neurones to glutamate at toxic levels is associated with a profound collapse of mitochondrial potential and deregulation of calcium homeostasis. We have explored the contributions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to these events, considered to represent the first steps in the progression to cell death. 2. Digital imaging techniques were used to monitor changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c; fura-2FF) and mitochondrial potential (Deltapsim; rhodamine 123); rates of ROS generation were assessed using hydroethidium (HEt); and membrane currents were measured with the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. 3. Inhibitors of lipid peroxidation (trolox plus ascorbate) and scavengers of superoxide or hydrogen peroxide (manganese(III) tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP) and TEMPO plus catalase), had only minimal impact on the mitochondrial depolarisation and the sustained increase in [Ca2+]c during and following a 10 min exposure to glutamate. 4. The antioxidants completely suppressed ROS generated by xanthine with xanthine oxidase. No significant increase in ROS production was detected with HEt during a 10 min glutamate exposure. 5. A combination of antioxidants (TEMPO, catalase, trolox and ascorbate) delayed but did not prevent the glutamate-induced mitochondrial depolarisation and the secondary [Ca2+]c rise. However, this was attributable to a transient inhibition of the NMDA current by the antioxidants. 6. Despite their inability to attenuate the glutamate-induced collapse of Deltapsim and destabilisation of [Ca2+]c homeostasis, the antioxidants conferred significant protection in assays of cell viability at 24 h after a 10 min excitotoxic challenge. The data obtained suggest that antioxidants exert their protective effect against glutamate-induced neuronal death through steps downstream of a sustained increase in [Ca2+]c associated with the collapse of Deltapsi(m).

Test Message Generator and Controller for AFSATCOM Testing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

RW o Sk;I Af IiAA C 1 I SYNDET -JZDf CXT2/ gzl 3M52 140A 2 P7 54 1LPro/ I, RIOa Itw I 4"A 4 RZi o I~~- Co-P a F ’~T14 1W Cf14K A460 hi ,2 L PFa/ tip II...W CZt / -o 0U(zuouC. go P U A00. OC -c )toM f w z)0 C 0 Z0w 0 C)~~~- -- 4 -0- - --- 4 4 En 04I-.4z- N N N-- 0.44- N -44 L A A AA A A A A A A A A AA A A...C3 70 02 ....... 0290=77 AF 23 77 C9 21 AC 04 CD 23 02 I1 00 00 CD E7 .. #..!...# ...... 02AO=02 FE FF CA 95 02 FE OD CA CO 02 47 OE 04 7B 17

Circulating fetal cell-free DNA fractions differ in autosomal aneuploidies and monosomy X.

PubMed

Rava, Richard P; Srinivasan, Anupama; Sehnert, Amy J; Bianchi, Diana W

2014-01-01

Noninvasive prenatal testing based on massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of cell-free DNA in maternal plasma has become rapidly integrated into clinical practice for detecting fetal chromosomal aneuploidy. We directly determined the fetal fraction (FF) from results obtained with MPS tag counting and examined the relationships of FF to such biological parameters as fetal karyotype and maternal demographics. FF was determined from samples previously collected for the MELISSA (Maternal Blood Is Source to Accurately Diagnose Fetal Aneuploidy) study. Samples were resequenced, analyzed blindly, and aligned to the human genome (assembly hg19). FF was calculated in pregnancies with male or aneuploid fetuses by means of an equation that incorporated the ratio of the tags in these samples to those of a euploid training set. The mean (SD) FF from euploid male pregnancies was 0.126 (0.052) (n = 160). Weak but statistically significant correlations were found between FF and the maternal body mass index (r(2) = 0.18; P = 2.3 × 10(-8)) and between FF and gestational age (r(2) = 0.02; P = 0.047). No relationship with maternal ethnicity or age was observed. Mean FF values for trisomies 21 (n = 90), 18 (n = 38), and 13 (n = 16) and for monosomy X (n = 20) were 0.135 (0.051), 0.089 (0.039), 0.090 (0.062), and 0.106 (0.045), respectively. MPS tag-count data can be used to determine FF directly and accurately. Compared with male euploid fetuses, the FF is higher in maternal plasma when the fetus has trisomy 21 and is lower when the fetus has trisomy 18, 13, or monosomy X. The different biologies of these aneuploidies have practical implications for the determination of cutoff values, which in turn will affect the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the test.

Hepatic fat quantification using the two-point Dixon method and fat color maps based on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score.

PubMed

Hayashi, Tatsuya; Saitoh, Satoshi; Takahashi, Junji; Tsuji, Yoshinori; Ikeda, Kenji; Kobayashi, Masahiro; Kawamura, Yusuke; Fujii, Takeshi; Inoue, Masafumi; Miyati, Tosiaki; Kumada, Hiromitsu

2017-04-01

The two-point Dixon method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to non-invasively measure fat deposition in the liver. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of MRI-fat fraction (MRI-FF) using the two-point Dixon method based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent liver MRI and MR spectroscopy, and 201 patients who underwent liver MRI and histological assessment. The relationship between MRI-FF and MR spectroscopy-fat fraction was used to estimate the corrected MRI-FF for hepatic multi-peaks of fat. Then, a color FF map was generated with the corrected MRI-FF based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. We defined FF variability as the standard deviation of FF in regions of interest. Uniformity of hepatic fat was visually graded on a three-point scale using both gray-scale and color FF maps. Confounding effects of histology (iron, inflammation and fibrosis) on corrected MRI-FF were assessed by multiple linear regression. The linear correlations between MRI-FF and MR spectroscopy-fat fraction, and between corrected MRI-FF and histological steatosis were strong (R 2  = 0.90 and R 2  = 0.88, respectively). Liver fat variability significantly increased with visual fat uniformity grade using both of the maps (ρ = 0.67-0.69, both P < 0.001). Hepatic iron, inflammation and fibrosis had no significant confounding effects on the corrected MRI-FF (all P > 0.05). The two-point Dixon method and the gray-scale or color FF maps based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score were useful for fat quantification in the liver of patients without severe iron deposition. © 2016 The Japan Society of Hepatology.

Sources of non-fossil-fuel emissions in carbonaceous aerosols during early winter in Chinese cities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Di; Li, Jun; Cheng, Zhineng; Zhong, Guangcai; Zhu, Sanyuan; Ding, Ping; Shen, Chengde; Tian, Chongguo; Chen, Yingjun; Zhi, Guorui; Zhang, Gan

2017-09-01

China experiences frequent and severe haze outbreaks from the beginning of winter. Carbonaceous aerosols are regarded as an essential factor in controlling the formation and evolution of haze episodes. To elucidate the carbon sources of air pollution, source apportionment was conducted using radiocarbon (14C) and unique molecular organic tracers. Daily 24 h PM2. 5 samples were collected continuously from October 2013 to November 2013 in 10 Chinese cities. The 14C results indicated that non-fossil-fuel (NF) emissions were predominant in total carbon (TC; average = 65 ± 7 %). Approximately half of the EC was derived primarily from biomass burning (BB) (average = 46 ± 11 %), while over half of the organic carbon (OC) fraction comprised NF (average = 68 ± 7 %). On average, the largest contributor to TC was NF-derived secondary OC (SOCnf), which accounted for 46 ± 7 % of TC, followed by SOC derived from fossil fuels (FF) (SOCf; 16 ± 3 %), BB-derived primary OC (POCbb; 13 ± 5 %), POC derived from FF (POCf; 12 ± 3 %), EC derived from FF (ECf; 7 ± 2 %) and EC derived from BB (ECbb; 6 ± 2 %). The regional background carbonaceous aerosol composition was characterized by NF sources; POCs played a major role in northern China, while SOCs contributed more in other regions. However, during haze episodes, there were no dramatic changes in the carbon source or composition in the cities under study, but the contribution of POC from both FF and NF increased significantly.

Myofilament Calcium Sensitivity: Mechanistic Insight into TnI Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 Phosphorylation Integration

PubMed Central

Salhi, Hussam E.; Hassel, Nathan C.; Siddiqui, Jalal K.; Brundage, Elizabeth A.; Ziolo, Mark T.; Janssen, Paul M. L.; Davis, Jonathan P.; Biesiadecki, Brandon J.

2016-01-01

Troponin I (TnI) is a major regulator of cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation. During physiological and pathological stress, TnI is differentially phosphorylated at multiple residues through different signaling pathways to match cardiac function to demand. The combination of these TnI phosphorylations can exhibit an expected or unexpected functional integration, whereby the function of two phosphorylations are different than that predicted from the combined function of each individual phosphorylation alone. We have shown that TnI Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 phosphorylation exhibit functional integration and are simultaneously increased in response to cardiac stress. In the current study, we investigated the functional integration of TnI Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 to alter cardiac contraction. We hypothesized that Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 phosphorylation each utilize distinct molecular mechanisms to alter the TnI binding affinity within the thin filament. Mathematical modeling predicts that Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 phosphorylation affect different TnI affinities within the thin filament to distinctly alter the Ca2+-binding properties of troponin. Protein binding experiments validate this assertion by demonstrating pseudo-phosphorylated Ser-150 decreases the affinity of isolated TnI for actin, whereas Ser-23/24 pseudo-phosphorylation is not different from unphosphorylated. Thus, our data supports that TnI Ser-23/24 affects TnI-TnC binding, while Ser-150 phosphorylation alters TnI-actin binding. By measuring force development in troponin-exchanged skinned myocytes, we demonstrate that the Ca2+ sensitivity of force is directly related to the amount of phosphate present on TnI. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ser-150 pseudo-phosphorylation blunts Ser-23/24-mediated decreased Ca2+-sensitive force development whether on the same or different TnI molecule. Therefore, TnI phosphorylations can integrate across troponins along the myofilament. These data demonstrate that TnI Ser-23/24 and Ser-150 phosphorylation regulates muscle contraction in part by modulating different TnI interactions in the thin filament and it is the combination of these differential mechanisms that provides understanding of their functional integration. PMID:28018230

The proteolytic system of pineapple stems revisited: Purification and characterization of multiple catalytically active forms.

PubMed

Matagne, André; Bolle, Laetitia; El Mahyaoui, Rachida; Baeyens-Volant, Danielle; Azarkan, Mohamed

2017-06-01

Crude pineapple proteases extract (aka stem bromelain; EC 3.4.22.4) is an important proteolytic mixture that contains enzymes belonging to the cysteine proteases of the papain family. Numerous studies have been reported aiming at the fractionation and characterization of the many molecular species present in the extract, but more efforts are still required to obtain sufficient quantities of the various purified protease forms for detailed physicochemical, enzymatic and structural characterization. In this work, we describe an efficient strategy towards the purification of at least eight enzymatic forms. Thus, following rapid fractionation on a SP-Sepharose FF column, two sub-populations with proteolytic activity were obtained: the unbound (termed acidic) and bound (termed basic) bromelain fractions. Following reversible modification with monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG), both fractions were further separated on Q-Sepharose FF and SP-Sepharose FF, respectively. This procedure yielded highly purified molecular species, all titrating ca. 1 mol of thiol group per mole of enzyme, with distinct biochemical properties. N-terminal sequencing allowed identifying at least eight forms with proteolytic activity. The basic fraction contained previously identified species, i.e. basic bromelain forms 1 and 2, ananain forms 1 and 2, and comosain (MEROPS identifier: C01.027). Furthermore, a new proteolytic species, showing similarities with basic bomelain forms 1 and 2, was discovered and termed bromelain form 3. The two remaining species were found in the acidic bromelain fraction and were arbitrarily named acidic bromelain forms 1 and 2. Both, acidic bromelain forms 1, 2 and basic bromelain forms 1, 2 and 3 are glycosylated, while ananain forms 1 and 2, and comosain are not. The eight protease forms display different amidase activities against the various substrates tested, namely small synthetic chromogenic compounds (DL-BAPNA and Boc-Ala-Ala-Gly-pNA), fluorogenic compounds (like Boc-Gln-Ala-Arg-AMC, Z-Arg-Arg-AMC and Z-Phe-Arg-AMC), and proteins (azocasein and azoalbumin), suggesting a specific organization of their catalytic residues. All forms are completely inhibited by specific cysteine and cysteine/serine protease inhibitors, but not by specific serine and aspartic protease inhibitors, with the sole exception of pepstatin A that significantly affects acidic bromelain forms 1 and 2. For all eight protease forms, inhibition is also observed with 1,10-phenanthrolin, a metalloprotease inhibitor. Metal ions (i.e. Mn 2+ , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) showed various effects depending on the protease under consideration, but all of them are totally inhibited in the presence of Zn 2+ . Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that all forms have a molecular mass of ca. 24 kDa, which is characteristic of enzymes belonging to the papain-like proteases family. Far-UV CD spectra analysis further supported this analysis. Interestingly, secondary structure calculation proves to be highly reproducible for all cysteine proteases of the papain family tested so far (this work; see also Azarkan et al., 2011; Baeyens-Volant et al., 2015) and thus can be used as a test for rapid identification of the classical papain fold. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced fill factor of tandem organic solar cells incorporating a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based low-bandgap polymer and optimized interlayer.

PubMed

Wang, Dong Hwan; Kyaw, Aung Ko Ko; Park, Jong Hyeok

2015-01-01

We demonstrate that reproducible results can be obtained from tandem solar cells based on the wide-bandgap poly[N-9'-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4,7-di-2-thienyl-2',1',3'-benzothiadiazole] (PCDTBT) and the diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based narrow bandgap polymer (DT-PDPP2T-TT) with a decyltetradecyl (DT) and an electron-rich 2,5-di-2-thienylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene (2T-TT) group fabricated using an optimized interlayer (ZnO NPs/ph-n-PEDOT:PSS) [NPs: nanoparticles; ph-n: pH-neutral PEDOT: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene); PSS: polystyrene sulfonate]. The tandem cells are fabricated by applying a simple process without thermal annealing. The ZnO NP interlayer operates well when the ZnO NPs are dispersed in 2-methoxyethanol, as no precipitation and chemical reactions occur. In addition to the ZnO NP film, we used neutral PEDOT:PSS as a second interlayer which is not affect to the sequential deposited bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer of acidification. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a tandem device reaches 7.4 % (open-circuit voltage VOC =1.53 V, short-circuit current density JSC =7.3 mA cm(-2) , and fill factor FF=67 %). Furthermore, FF is increased to up to 71 % when another promising large bandgap (bandgap ∼1.94 eV) polymer (PBnDT-FTAZ) is used. The surface of each layer with nanoscale morphology (BHJ1/ZnO NPs film/ph-n-PEDOT:PSS/BHJ2) was examined by means of AFM analysis during sequential processing. The combination of these factors, efficient DPP-based narrow bandgap material and optimized interlayer, leads to the high FF (average approaches 70 %) and reproducibly operating tandem BHJ solar cells. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mig-6 regulates endometrial genes involved in cell cycle and progesterone signaling

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

Yoo, Jung-Yoon; Kim, Tae Hoon; Lee, Jae Hee

2015-07-10

Mitogen inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) is an important mediator of progesterone (P4) signaling to inhibit estrogen (E2) signaling in the uterus. Ablation of Mig-6 in the murine uterus leads to the development of endometrial hyperplasia and E2-induced endometrial cancer. To identify the molecular pathways regulated by Mig-6, we performed microarray analysis on the uterus of ovariectomized Mig-6{sup f/f} and PGR{sup cre/+}Mig-6{sup f/f} (Mig-6{sup d/d}) mice treated with vehicle or P4 for 6 h. The results revealed that 772 transcripts were significantly regulated in the Mig-6{sup d/d} uterus treated with vehicle as compared with Mig-6{sup f/f} mice. The pathway analysis showed thatmore » Mig-6 suppressed the expression of gene-related cell cycle regulation in the absence of ovarian steroid hormone. The epithelium of Mig-6{sup d/d} mice showed a significant increase in the number of proliferative cells compared to Mig-6{sup f/f} mice. This microarray analysis also revealed that 324 genes are regulated by P4 as well as Mig-6. Cited2, the developmentally important transcription factor, was identified as being regulated by the P4-Mig-6 axis. To determine the role of Cited2 in the uterus, we used the mice with Cited2 that were conditionally ablated in progesterone receptor-positive cells (PGR{sup cre/+}Cited2{sup f/f}; Cited2{sup d/d}). Ablation of Cited2 in the uterus resulted in a significant reduction in the ability of the uterus to undergo a hormonally induced decidual reaction. Identification and analysis of these responsive genes will help define the role of P4 as well as Mig-6 in regulating uterine biology. - Highlights: • We identify Mig-6- and P4-regulated uterine genes by microarray analysis. • Mig-6 suppresses cell cycle progression and epithelial cell proliferation in uterus. • We identify the Mig-6 dependent induced genes by P4. • Cited2 plays an important role for decidualization as a P4 and Mig-6 target gene.« less

Atmospheric measurement of point source fossil fuel CO2 emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnbull, J. C.; Keller, E. D.; Baisden, W. T.; Brailsford, G.; Bromley, T.; Norris, M.; Zondervan, A.

2013-11-01

We use the Kapuni Gas Treatment Plant to examine methodologies for atmospheric monitoring of point source fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) emissions. The Kapuni plant, located in rural New Zealand, removes CO2 from locally extracted natural gas and vents that CO2 to the atmosphere, at a rate of ~0.1 Tg carbon per year. The plant is located in a rural dairy farming area, with no other significant CO2ff sources nearby, but large, diurnally varying, biospheric CO2 fluxes from the surrounding highly productive agricultural grassland. We made flask measurements of CO2 and 14CO2 (from which we derive the CO2ff component) and in situ measurements of CO2 downwind of the Kapuni plant, using a Helikite to sample transects across the emission plume from the surface up to 100 m a.g.l. We also determined the surface CO2ff content averaged over several weeks from the 14CO2 content of grass samples collected from the surrounding area. We use the WindTrax plume dispersion model to compare the atmospheric observations with the emissions reported by the Kapuni plant, and to determine how well atmospheric measurements can constrain the emissions. The model has difficulty accurately capturing the fluctuations and short-term variability in the Helikite samples, but does quite well in representing the observed CO2ff in 15 min averaged surface flask samples and in ~1 week integrated CO2ff averages from grass samples. In this pilot study, we found that using grass samples, the modeled and observed CO2ff emissions averaged over one week agreed to within 30%. The results imply that greater verification accuracy may be achieved by including more detailed meteorological observations and refining 14CO2 sampling strategies.

Calcium-Alginate Hydrogel-Encapsulated Fibroblasts Provide Sustained Release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

PubMed Central

Hunt, Nicola C.; Shelton, Richard M.; Henderson, Deborah J.

2013-01-01

Vascularization of engineered or damaged tissues is essential to maintain cell viability and proper tissue function. Revascularization of the left ventricle (LV) of the heart after myocardial infarction is particularly important, since hypoxia can give rise to chronic heart failure due to inappropriate remodeling of the LV after death of cardiomyocytes (CMs). Fibroblasts can express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a major role in angiogenesis and also acts as a chemoattractant and survival factor for CMs and cardiac progenitors. In this in vitro model study, mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts encapsulated in 2% w/v Ca-alginate were shown to remain viable for 150 days. Semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that over 21 days of encapsulation, fibroblasts continued to express VEGF, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that there was sustained release of VEGF from the Ca-alginate during this period. The scaffold degraded gradually over the 21 days, without reduction in volume. Cells released from the Ca-alginate at 7 and 21 days as a result of scaffold degradation were shown to retain viability, to adhere to fibronectin in a normal manner, and continue to express VEGF, demonstrating their potential to further contribute to maintenance of cardiac function after scaffold degradation. This model in vitro study therefore demonstrates that fibroblasts encapsulated in Ca-alginate provide sustained release of VEGF. PMID:23082964

Screening biological methods for laboratory scale stabilization of fine fraction from landfill mining.

PubMed

Mönkäre, Tiina J; Palmroth, Marja R T; Rintala, Jukka A

2017-02-01

Increasing interest for the landfill mining and the amount of fine fraction (FF) in landfills (40-70% (w/w) of landfill content) mean that sustainable treatment and utilization methods for FF are needed. For this study FF (<20mm) was mined from a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill operated from 1967 to 1989. FF, which resembles soil, was stabilized in laboratory scale reactors in two phases: first, anaerobically for 101days and second, for 72days using four different methods: anaerobic with the addition of moisture (water) or inoculum (sewage sludge) and aerobic with continuous water washing, with, or without, bulking material. The aim was to evaluate the effect on the stability of mined FF, which has been rarely reported, and to study the quality and quantity of gas and leachate produced during the stabilization experiment. The study showed that aerobic treatment reduced respiration activity (final values 0.9-1.1mgO 2 /gTS) and residual methane potential (1.1LCH 4 /kgTS) better than anaerobic methods (1.8-2.3mg O 2 /g TS and 1.3-2.4L CH 4 /kg TS, respectively). Bulking material mixed in FF in one aerobic reactor had no effect on the stability of FF. The benefit of anaerobic treatment was the production of methane, which could be utilized as energy. Even though the inoculum addition increased methane production from FF about 30%, but the methane production was still relatively low (in total 1.5-1.7L CH 4 /kg TS). Continuous water washing was essential to remove leachable organic matter and soluble nutrients from FF, while increasing the volume of leachate collected. In the aerobic treatment, nitrogen was oxidized into nitrite and nitrate and then washed out in the leachate. Both anaerobic and aerobic methods could be used for FF stabilization. The use of FF, in landscaping for example, is possible because its nutrient content (4gN/kg TS and 1g P/kg TS) can increase the nutrient content of soil, but this may have limitations due to the possible presence of heavy metal and other contaminants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The social cost of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs in France, 1997.

PubMed

Fenoglio, Philippe; Parel, Véronique; Kopp, Pierre

2003-01-01

AIM, DESIGN AND SETTING: The economic costs of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs to French society are estimated using a cost of illness framework. For the cause of disease or death (using ICD-9 categories), pooled relative risk estimates from meta-analyses were combined with prevalence data by age and gender to derive the proportion attributable to alcohol, tobacco and/or illicit drugs. The resulting estimates of attributable deaths and hospitalizations were used to calculate the associated health care, law enforcement, productivity and other costs. The results were compared with those of other studies, and sensitivity analyses were conducted by alternative ways of measuring risk attribution and costs. The use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs cost more than 200 billion francs (FF) in France in 1997, representing 3714 FF per capita or 2.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Alcohol is the drug that gives rise to the greatest cost in France, i.e. 115420.91 million FF (1.42% of GDP) or an expenditure per capita of 1966 FF in 1997. Alcohol takes more than half of the social cost of drugs to society. The greatest share of the social cost of alcohol comes from the loss of productivity (57555.66 million FF), due to premature death (53168.60 million FF), morbidity (3884.0 million FF) and imprisonment (503.06 million FF). Tobacco leads to a social cost of 89256.90 million FF, that is an expenditure per capita of 1520.56 FF or 1.1% of GDP. Productivity losses amount to 50446.70 million FF, with losses of 42765.80 million FF as a result of premature death and 7680.90 million FF linked to morbidity. Health care costs for tobacco occupy second place at 26973.70 million FF. Illicit drugs generate a social cost of 13350.28 million FF, that is an expenditure per capita of 227.43 FF or 0.16% of GDP. Productivity losses reach 6099.19 million FF, with 5246.92 million FF linked to imprisonment and 852.27 million FF to premature death. The cost of enforcing the law for illicit drugs occupies second place at 3911.46 million FF, followed by health care costs of 1524.51 million FF. Substance abuse exact a considerable toll from French society in terms of illness, injury, death and economic costs. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Gene expression in Citrus sinensis fruit tissues harvested from huanglongbing-infected trees: comparison with girdled fruit

PubMed Central

Liao, Hui-Ling; Burns, Jacqueline K.

2012-01-01

Distribution of viable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CaLas) in sweet orange fruit and leaves (‘Hamlin’ and ‘Valencia’) and transcriptomic changes associated with huanglongbing (HLB) infection in fruit tissues are reported. Viable CaLas was present in most fruit tissues tested in HLB trees, with the highest titre detected in vascular tissue near the calyx abscission zone. Transcriptomic changes associated with HLB infection were analysed in flavedo (FF), vascular tissue (VT), and juice vesicles (JV) from symptomatic (SY), asymptomatic (AS), and healthy (H) fruit. In SY ‘Hamlin’, HLB altered the expression of more genes in FF and VT than in JV, whereas in SY ‘Valencia’, the number of genes whose expression was changed by HLB was similar in these tissues. The expression of more genes was altered in SY ‘Valencia’ JV than in SY ‘Hamlin’ JV. More genes were also affected in AS ‘Valencia’ FF and VT than in AS ‘Valencia’ JV. Most genes whose expression was changed by HLB were classified as transporters or involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Physiological characteristics of HLB-infected and girdled fruit were compared to differentiate between HLB-specific and carbohydrate metabolism-related symptoms. SY and girdled fruit were smaller than H and ungirdled fruit, respectively, with poor juice quality. However, girdling did not cause misshapen fruit or differential peel coloration. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that many selected genes changed their expression significantly in SY flavedo but not in girdled flavedo. Mechanisms regulating development of HLB symptoms may lie in the host disease response rather than being a direct consequence of carbohydrate starvation. PMID:22407645

A statistical approach for isolating fossil fuel emissions in atmospheric inverse problems

DOE PAGES

Yadav, Vineet; Michalak, Anna M.; Ray, Jaideep; ...

2016-10-27

We study independent verification and quantification of fossil fuel (FF) emissions that constitutes a considerable scientific challenge. By coupling atmospheric observations of CO 2 with models of atmospheric transport, inverse models offer the possibility of overcoming this challenge. However, disaggregating the biospheric and FF flux components of terrestrial fluxes from CO 2 concentration measurements has proven to be difficult, due to observational and modeling limitations. In this study, we propose a statistical inverse modeling scheme for disaggregating winter time fluxes on the basis of their unique error covariances and covariates, where these covariances and covariates are representative of the underlyingmore » processes affecting FF and biospheric fluxes. The application of the method is demonstrated with one synthetic and two real data prototypical inversions by using in situ CO 2 measurements over North America. Also, inversions are performed only for the month of January, as predominance of biospheric CO 2 signal relative to FF CO 2 signal and observational limitations preclude disaggregation of the fluxes in other months. The quality of disaggregation is assessed primarily through examination of a posteriori covariance between disaggregated FF and biospheric fluxes at regional scales. Findings indicate that the proposed method is able to robustly disaggregate fluxes regionally at monthly temporal resolution with a posteriori cross covariance lower than 0.15 µmol m -2 s -1 between FF and biospheric fluxes. Error covariance models and covariates based on temporally varying FF inventory data provide a more robust disaggregation over static proxies (e.g., nightlight intensity and population density). However, the synthetic data case study shows that disaggregation is possible even in absence of detailed temporally varying FF inventory data.« less

Atmospheric measurement of point source fossil CO2 emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnbull, J. C.; Keller, E. D.; Baisden, T.; Brailsford, G.; Bromley, T.; Norris, M.; Zondervan, A.

2014-05-01

We use the Kapuni Gas Treatment Plant to examine methodologies for atmospheric monitoring of point source fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) emissions. The Kapuni plant, located in rural New Zealand, removes CO2 from locally extracted natural gas and vents that CO2 to the atmosphere, at a rate of ~0.1 Tg carbon per year. The plant is located in a rural dairy farming area, with no other significant CO2ff sources nearby, but large, diurnally varying, biospheric CO2 fluxes from the surrounding highly productive agricultural grassland. We made flask measurements of CO2 and 14CO2 (from which we derive the CO2ff component) and in situ measurements of CO2 downwind of the Kapuni plant, using a Helikite to sample transects across the emission plume from the surface up to 100 m above ground level. We also determined the surface CO2ff content averaged over several weeks from the 14C content of grass samples collected from the surrounding area. We use the WindTrax plume dispersion model to compare the atmospheric observations with the emissions reported by the Kapuni plant, and to determine how well atmospheric measurements can constrain the emissions. The model has difficulty accurately capturing the fluctuations and short-term variability in the Helikite samples, but does quite well in representing the observed CO2ff in 15 min averaged surface flask samples and in ~ one week integrated CO2ff averages from grass samples. In this pilot study, we found that using grass samples, the modeled and observed CO2ff emissions averaged over one week agreed to within 30%. The results imply that greater verification accuracy may be achieved by including more detailed meteorological observations and refining 14C sampling strategies.

Air-annealing of Cu(In, Ga)Se2/CdS and performances of CIGS solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, X.; Zhu, H.; Liang, X.; Guo, Y.; Li, Z.; Mai, Y.

2017-12-01

In this study, the annealing treatment on Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS)/CdS interface in air is systematically investigated under different annealing temperatures from room temperature to 150 °C and different durations. It is found that when CIGS/CdS interface is annealed for a proper duration the corresponding CIGS thin film solar cells show enhanced open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) as well as corresponding conversion efficiency. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TR-PL) measurement results indicate that the CIGS thin film solar cells exhibit an increase in net defect density (NCV) and long lifetime for the carriers, respectively, after the annealing treatment of CIGS/CdS at a mediate annealing temperature here. Moreover, the net defect density of annealed solar cells at higher annealing temperatures for a long duration is reduced. All the variations in the solar cell performances, NCV and carrier lifetime would be related to the passivation of Se vacancies and InCu defects, surface (interface) states as well as positive interface discharges and Cu migration etc. A high efficiency CIGS solar cell of 14.4% is achieved. The optimized solar cell of 17.2% with a MgF2 anti-reflective layer has been obtained.

Security Informatics Research Challenges for Mitigating Cyber Friendly Fire

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

Carroll, Thomas E.; Greitzer, Frank L.; Roberts, Adam D.

This paper addresses cognitive implications and research needs surrounding the problem of cyber friendly re (FF). We dene cyber FF as intentional o*ensive or defensive cyber/electronic actions intended to protect cyber systems against enemy forces or to attack enemy cyber systems, which unintentionally harms the mission e*ectiveness of friendly or neutral forces. We describe examples of cyber FF and discuss how it ts within a general conceptual framework for cyber security failures. Because it involves human failure, cyber FF may be considered to belong to a sub-class of cyber security failures characterized as unintentional insider threats. Cyber FF is closelymore » related to combat friendly re in that maintaining situation awareness (SA) is paramount to avoiding unintended consequences. Cyber SA concerns knowledge of a system's topology (connectedness and relationships of the nodes in a system), and critical knowledge elements such as the characteristics and vulnerabilities of the components that comprise the system and its nodes, the nature of the activities or work performed, and the available defensive and o*ensive countermeasures that may be applied to thwart network attacks. We describe a test bed designed to support empirical research on factors a*ecting cyber FF. Finally, we discuss mitigation strategies to combat cyber FF, including both training concepts and suggestions for decision aids and visualization approaches.« less

Respiratory protection from isocyanate exposure in the autobody repair and refinishing industry.

PubMed

Liu, Youcheng; Stowe, Meredith H; Bello, Dhimiter; Woskie, Susan R; Sparer, Judy; Gore, Rebecca; Youngs, Fred; Cullen, Mark R; Redlich, Carrie A

2006-05-01

This study, part of the Survey of Painters and Repairers of Auto bodies by Yale (SPRAY), evaluated the effectiveness of respiratory protection against exposure to aliphatic polyisocyanates. A total of 36 shops were assessed for respiratory protection program completeness; 142 workers were measured for respirator fit factor (FF) using PortaCount Plus respirator fit tester. Twenty-two painters from 21 shops were sampled using NIOSH method 5525 to determine the workplace protection factor (WPF) of negative pressure, air-purifying half-facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges and paint prefilters during spray-painting and priming activities. Only 11 shops (30%) had written respiratory protection programs. Eighty percent of all fit tested workers passed the test on the first try with FF >or= 100, and 92% passed the second test after respirator use training. Overall geometric mean (GM) FF was 1012 for all fit tested workers. Significant differences on pass rate (92% vs. 72%) and on FF (1990 vs. 736) were found between previously fit tested workers vs. nontested workers. Twenty-nine WPF samples were collected. The outside facepiece GM concentration of total isocyanate group (NCO) was 378.4 micro g NCO/m(3) with 96% concentrations exceeding the U.K. short-term exposure limit, 70 micro g NCO/m(3), but no in-facepiece concentrations exceeded the limit. The GM WPF of total NCO was 319 (GSD 4) and the 5th percentile was 54. WPF of total NCO was positively correlated with the duration of painting task. FF positively correlated with WPF when FF was 450. We conclude that negative pressure, air-purifying half-facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges and paint prefilters provide effective protection against isocyanate exposure in spray and priming operations if workers are properly trained and fitted.

Failure kinetics in borosilicate glass during rod impact

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

Orphal, Dennis L.; Anderson, Charles E. Jr.; Behner, Thilo

2007-12-12

Failure front (FF) and penetration velocity have been measured for long gold rods impacting and penetrating borosilicate (BS) glass. Data are obtained by visualizing simultaneously FF propagation with a high speed camera and rod penetration with flash X-rays. Results for BS glass are qualitatively similar to those of DEDF (PbO) glass. FF velocity rapidly decreases from an initial value to a lower, approximately constant value. FF velocity increases with impact velocity, v{sub p}. The FF velocity remains significantly lower than the shear velocity, even at the highest impact velocity tested, about 2.5 km/s. The ratio of the FF velocity tomore » the rod penetration velocity, v{sub F}/u, decreases with increasing v{sub p} and appears to be approaching v{sub F}/u = 1 asymptotically, as observed previously for DEDF glass. The separation of the FF and the tip of the rod decreases with increasing impact velocity. Importantly, since v{sub F}/u{>=}1, the gold rod is always penetrating glass behind the FF.« less

Benzothiadiazole Versus Thiophene: Influence of the Auxiliary Acceptor on the Photovoltaic Properties of Donor-Acceptor-Based Copolymers.

PubMed

Li, Zongbo; Weng, Kangkang; Chen, Aihua; Sun, Xiaobo; Wei, Donghui; Yu, Mingming; Huo, Lijun; Sun, Yanming

2018-01-01

Two donor-acceptor (D-A) type conjugated copolymers, P1 and P2, are designed and synthesized. A classical benzothiadiazole acceptor is used to replace a thiophene unit in the polymer chain of P1 to obtain P2 terpolymer. Compared with P1, P2 exhibits broader absorption spectra, higher absorption coefficient, deeper lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level, and a relatively lower band gap. As a result, the P2-based solar cell exhibits a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.60%, with a short-circuit current (J sc ) of 12.43 mA cm -2 , and a fill factor (FF) of 73.1%, which are higher than those of the P1-based device with a PCE of 4.70%, a J sc of 9.43 mA cm -2 , and an FF of 61.6%. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Prime Contractors with Awards Over $25,000 by Name, Location, and Contract Number, Fiscal Year 1992 (International Const. Co. Ltd.-McKay Communications)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

a4 a -- 0 a ,r 00 a.H Va CO u 0 0~ a. a . a 404~~ x- 4z. . . a a a. a~~~c. a WOw C6 Cr a D 00 - aa a a a3 a . Ca.~ ~ 0 acca rI a. az 0-. a 0 a 0 aD...4Ed V-4E ) F .4 ~ F 0.4 00. F4C n- F EL F: F3. xL O F-F,-.1~~~~F o)40 F en0 F (F 1. F 0 4 4 4 4 41 F6 F6 F8 a F6. 6 a 444~ F) 44 F) 4 0 4~~~ ccFF 0

Influence of follicular fluid and cumulus cells on oocyte quality: clinical implications.

PubMed

Da Broi, M G; Giorgi, V S I; Wang, F; Keefe, D L; Albertini, D; Navarro, P A

2018-03-02

An equilibrium needs to be established by the cellular and acellular components of the ovarian follicle if developmental competence is to be acquired by the oocyte. Both cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) are critical determinants for oocyte quality. Understanding how CCs and FF influence oocyte quality in the presence of deleterious systemic or pelvic conditions may impact clinical decisions in the course of managing infertility. Given that the functional integrities of FF and CCs are susceptible to concurrent pathological conditions, it is important to understand how pathophysiological factors influence natural fertility and the outcomes of pregnancy arising from the use of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). Accordingly, this review discusses the roles of CCs and FF in ensuring oocyte competence and present new insights on pathological conditions that may interfere with oocyte quality by altering the intrafollicular environment.

Tilmicosin- and florfenicol-loaded hydrogenated castor oil-solid lipid nanoparticles to pigs: Combined antibacterial activities and pharmacokinetics.

PubMed

Ling, Z; Yonghong, L; Junfeng, L; Li, Z; Xianqiang, L

2018-04-01

The combined antibacterial effects of tilmicosin (TIL) and florfenicol (FF) against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) (n = 2), Streptococcus suis (S. suis) (n = 2), and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) (n = 2) were evaluated by chekerboard test and time-kill assays. The pharmacokinetics (PKs) of TIL- and FF-loaded hydrogenated castor oil (HCO)-solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were performed in healthy pigs. The results indicated that TIL and FF showed synergistic or additive antibacterial activities against APP, S. suis and HPS with the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) ranging from 0.375 to 0.75. The time-kill assays showed that 1/2 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) TIL combined with 1/2 MIC FF had a stronger ability to inhibit the growth of APP, S. suis, and HPS than 1 MIC TIL or 1 MIC FF, respectively. After oral administration, plasma TIL and FF concentrations could maintain about 0.1 μg/ml for 192 and 176 hr. The SLN prolonged the last time point with detectable concentrations (T last ), area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-t ), elimination half-life (T ½ke ), and mean residence time (MRT) by 3.1, 5.6, 12.7, 3.4-fold of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of TIL and 11.8, 16.5, 18.1, 12.1-fold of the API of FF, respectively. This study suggests that the TIL-FF-SLN could be a useful oral formulation for the treatment of APP, S. suis, and HPS infection in pigs. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development of a united-atom force field for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate ionic liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koller, Thomas; Ramos, Javier; Garrido, Nuno M.; Fröba, Andreas P.; Economou, Ioannis G.

2012-06-01

Three united-atom (UA) force fields are presented for the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate, abbreviated as [EMIM]+[B(CN)4]-. The atomistic charges were calculated based on the restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) of the isolated ions (abbreviated as force field 1, FF-1) and the ensemble averaged RESP (EA-RESP) method from the most stable ion pair configurations obtained by MP2/6-31G*+ calculations (abbreviated as FF-2 and FF-3). Non-electrostatic parameters for both ions were taken from the literature and Lennard-Jones parameters for the [B(CN)4]- anion were fitted in two different ways to reproduce the experimental liquid density. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed over a wide temperature range to identify the effect of the electrostatic and non-electrostatic potential on the liquid density and on transport properties such as self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity. Predicted liquid densities for the three parameter sets deviate less than 0.5% from experimental data. The molecular mobility with FF-2 and FF-3 using reduced charge sets is appreciably faster than that obtained with FF-1. FF-3 presents a refined non-electrostatic potential that leads to a notable improvement in both transport properties when compared to experimental data.

Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin- and florfenicol-loaded hydrogenated castor oil-solid lipid nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ling, Z; Yonghong, L; Changqing, S; Junfeng, L; Li, Z; Chunyu, J; Xianqiang, L

2017-06-01

To effectively control bovine mastitis, tilmicosin (TIL)- and florfenicol (FF)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) with hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) were prepared by a hot homogenization and ultrasonication method. In vitro antibacterial activity, properties, and pharmacokinetics of the TIL-FF-SLN were studied. The results demonstrated that TIL and FF had a synergistic or additive antibacterial activity against Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus agalactiae. The size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of nanoparticles were 289.1 ± 13.7 nm, 0.31 ± 0.05, and -26.7 ± 1.3 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies for TIL and FF were 62.3 ± 5.9% and 85.1 ± 5.2%, and the loading capacities for TIL and FF were 8.2 ± 0.6% and 3.3 ± 0.2%, respectively. The TIL-FF-SLN showed no irritation in the injection site and sustained release in vitro. After medication, TIL and FF could maintain about 0.1 μg/mL for 122 and 6 h. Compared to the control solution, the SLN increased the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-t ), elimination half-life (T ½ke ), and mean residence time (MRT) of TIL by 33.09-, 23.29-, and 37.53-fold, and 1.69-, 5.00-, and 3.83-fold for FF, respectively. These results of this exploratory study suggest that the HCO-SLN could be a useful system for the delivery of TIL and FF for bovine mastitis therapy. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Quantification of fossil fuel CO2 emissions at the urban scale: Results from the Indianapolis Flux Project (INFLUX)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnbull, J. C.; Cambaliza, M. L.; Sweeney, C.; Karion, A.; Newberger, T.; Tans, P. P.; Lehman, S.; Davis, K. J.; Miles, N. L.; Richardson, S.; Lauvaux, T.; Shepson, P.; Gurney, K. R.; Song, Y.; Razlivanov, I. N.

2012-12-01

Emissions of fossil fuel CO2 (CO2ff) from anthropogenic sources are the primary driver of observed increases in the atmospheric CO2 burden, and hence global warming. Quantification of the magnitude of fossil fuel CO2 emissions is vital to improving our understanding of the global and regional carbon cycle, and independent evaluation of reported emissions is essential to the success of any emission reduction efforts. The urban scale is of particular interest, because ~75% CO2ff is emitted from urban regions, and cities are leading the way in attempts to reduce emissions. Measurements of 14CO2 can be used to determine CO2ff, yet existing 14C measurement techniques require laborious laboratory analysis and measurements are often insufficient for inferring an urban emission flux. This presentation will focus on how 14CO2 measurements can be combined with those of more easily measured ancillary tracers to obtain high resolution CO2ff mixing ratio estimates and then infer the emission flux. A pilot study over Sacramento, California showed strong correlations between CO2ff and carbon monoxide (CO) and demonstrated an ability to quantify the urban flux, albeit with large uncertainties. The Indianapolis Flux Project (INFLUX) aims to develop and assess methods to quantify urban greenhouse gas emissions. Indianapolis was chosen as an ideal test case because it has relatively straightforward meteorology; a contained, isolated, urban region; and substantial and well-known fossil fuel CO2 emissions. INFLUX incorporates atmospheric measurements of a suite of gases and isotopes including 14C from light aircraft and from a network of existing tall towers surrounding the Indianapolis urban area. The recently added CO2ff content is calculated from measurements of 14C in CO2, and then convolved with atmospheric transport models and ancillary data to estimate the urban CO2ff emission flux. Significant innovations in sample collection include: collection of hourly averaged samples to remove short term atmospheric variability; and direct measurement of the background signal from towers immediately upwind of the urban area and from the boundary layer. We find that CO2ff and other anthropogenic trace gases are consistently enhanced at a tower site downwind of the city. Measurements made directly over or very close to the urban area show only weak correlations between CO2ff and trace gases associated with combustion, likely because the urban plume is not yet well mixed. Total CO2 is also consistently enhanced in the downwind samples, even in summer. In winter, total CO2 enhancement is slightly higher than the fossil fuel CO2 enhancement, in agreement with Indiana's requirement for 10% bioethanol use in gasoline. This result implies that the enhancement in total CO2 can be used to infer CO2ff emissions for Indianapolis during winter. We therefore use the high resolution in situ total CO2 measurements in a simple mass balance model to estimate the urban CO2ff emissions. An initial comparison shows a ~20% difference between the top-down and bottom-up methods.

Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol once daily improves night-time awakenings in asthma patients with night symptoms; post-hoc analyses of three randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Kerwin, Edward; Barnes, Neil; Gibbs, Michael; Leather, David; Forth, Richard; Jacques, Loretta; Yates, Louisa J

2017-08-07

Symptoms, including night-time awakenings, affect the quality of life of people with asthma. Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) reduces exacerbations, improves lung function, and rescue-free and symptom-free 24-hour periods in patients with asthma. These post-hoc analyses compared daytime and night-time symptoms in patients with asthma who received FF/VI, versus FF, fluticasone propionate (FP) or placebo. Daytime and night-time symptoms were collected via electronic daily diary cards in three Phase III randomized studies of once-daily FF/VI in patients with uncontrolled asthma on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) ±long-acting beta 2 -agonists (LABA) (n = 609/1039/586). Endpoints included: change from baseline in symptom-free days and nights (analyzed by Analysis of Covariance, covariates: baseline, region, sex, age, treatment), time for patients to achieve 7 consecutive symptom-free nights (analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model, covariates as above), and proportion of patients experiencing 100% symptom-free nights per week (analyzed by logistic regression, covariates: percentage of symptom-free nights, sex, age, treatment). Improvements in symptom-free days and nights were generally observed for all treatments. More patients who received FF/VI experienced 100% symptom-free nights in the last week of the treatment period than patients who received ICS alone or placebo. FF/VI also reduced time to 7 consecutive symptom-free nights. Patients with at least one night of symptoms at baseline experienced an additional 2.7 and 2.0 symptom-free nights per week with FF/VI 100/25 µg, versus 1.9 and 1.7 with FF alone; similar findings were seen with FF/VI 200/25 µg. Benefits in terms of symptom-free days and nights were observed for patients receiving FF/VI versus comparators in these post-hoc analyses.

Simulation Protocol for Prediction of a Solid-Electrolyte Interphase on the Silicon-based Anodes of a Lithium-Ion Battery: ReaxFF Reactive Force Field.

PubMed

Yun, Kang-Seop; Pai, Sung Jin; Yeo, Byung Chul; Lee, Kwang-Ryeol; Kim, Sun-Jae; Han, Sang Soo

2017-07-06

We propose the ReaxFF reactive force field as a simulation protocol for predicting the evolution of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) components such as gases (C 2 H 4 , CO, CO 2 , CH 4 , and C 2 H 6 ), and inorganic (Li 2 CO 3 , Li 2 O, and LiF) and organic (ROLi and ROCO 2 Li: R = -CH 3 or -C 2 H 5 ) products that are generated by the chemical reactions between the anodes and liquid electrolytes. ReaxFF was developed from ab initio results, and a molecular dynamics simulation with ReaxFF realized the prediction of SEI formation under real experimental conditions and with a reasonable computational cost. We report the effects on SEI formation of different kinds of Si anodes (pristine Si and SiO x ), of the different types and compositions of various carbonate electrolytes, and of the additives. From the results, we expect that ReaxFF will be very useful for the development of novel electrolytes or additives and for further advances in Li-ion battery technology.

Analysis of Major Item Redistribution/Substitution Policies. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

juv11ld4vvb I 1 ki vat) 1 7A u,1 I / , Uju a I A,4/ FfA /1ILV)o 13bAvulu9db4 I 1 G vd 5utlA ’I b~𔃽 AAZ)I Ad-IUbC/H KC 5 jJuuu3337S 9 I I G~ v 2/ U)’ A...bblUut)1� 14 1 Do A I U(1b b150t) bbP ,(DV23g29bl 113 dj vb 4 It ’qvII lri U 4LJ I ebO 0b/5IUU~ddd5 I 1 d I~0d i’"Ikj O’.VI it/ II Ft-C;Ao beP 0e

A canonical correlation analysis on the relationship between functional fitness and health-related quality of life in older adults.

PubMed

Chung, Pak-Kwong; Zhao, Yanan; Liu, Jing-Dong; Quach, Binh

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults, and to identify the key subdimensions of FF and HRQoL influencing their overall relationship. This cross-sectional study was performed among 851 independent community members (65-84 years; men=402). The Senior Fitness Test and the Short Form 36 Health Survey were used to measure FF and HRQoL, respectively. A canonical correlation analysis was conducted using seven fitness variables as predictors of eight HRQoL variables to examine the relationship between FF and HRQoL. The overall FF was positively correlated with the overall HRQoL in both men (canonical correlation=0.350) and women (canonical correlation=0.456). The up-and-go and 2-min step contributed the most to FF, and physical functioning contributed the most to HRQOL among men. Conversely, the up-and-go and 30-s chair stand contributed the most to FF, and physical functioning contributed the most to HRQoL in women. There were positive and moderate relationships between overall FF and overall HRQOL in older adults. The FF has a significant influence on HRQoL, particularly physical functioning. The main FF components influencing the relationship between FF and HRQoL in men are balance and agility and aerobic endurance, whereas in women they are balance and agility and lower extremity muscle strength. Results from this study facilitate comprehensively understanding the relationship between FF and HRQoL, and generating critical insight into HRQoL improvement from the perspective of FF enhancement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

An enkephalin-like molecule in earthworm coelomic fluid modifies leukocyte behavior.

PubMed

Cooper, E L; Leung, M K; Suzuki, M M; Vick, K; Cadet, P; Stefano, G B

1993-01-01

Substances that were immunoreactive in an RIA specific for met-enkephalin were detected following HPLC fractionation of earthworm coelomic fluid. Earthworm coelomocytes and human granulocytes were analyzed for changes in conformation based on measurements of cellular area and perimeter and expressed mathematically by using the Form Factor (FF). For coelomocytes the FF decreased following exposure to DAMA, a synthetic enkephalin analogue (D-Ala2, Met5-enkephalinamide). DAMA stimulated migration whereas untreated cells and those exposed to the specific opiate blocker naloxone did not move. The enkephalin-like molecule when exposed to human granulocytes stimulated an increased number of activated cells. Our results suggest a relationship between the immune and nervous systems of earthworms.

Enhanced photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on nickel oxide supported on nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposite as a photoanode.

PubMed

Ranganathan, Palraj; Sasikumar, Ragu; Chen, Shen-Ming; Rwei, Syang-Peng; Sireesha, Pedaballi

2017-10-15

We applied the nitrogen-doped graphene@nickel oxide (NGE/NiO) nanocomposite doped TiO 2 as a photo-anode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by screen printing method. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.75% was achieved for this DSSCs device, which is greater than that of DSSCs devices using GO/TiO 2 , and NiO/TiO 2 based photo-anodes (PCE=8.55, and 9.11%). Also, the fill factor (FF) of the DSSCs devices using the NGE/NiO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photo-anode was better than that of other photo-anodes. The NGE/NiO/TiO 2 short-circuit photocurrent density (J sc ) of 19.04mAcm -2 , open circuit voltage (V oc ) of 0.76V, fill factor (FF) of 0.67 and dye absorption rate 0.21×10 -6 molcm -2 . The obtained results suggest that as-prepared NGE/NiO/TiO 2 nanocomposite is suitable photo-anode for DSSCs application. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Assembly of Cis-Configured Squaraine Dyes at the TiO2-Dye Interface: Far-Red Active Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Punitharasu, Vellimalai; Mele Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos; Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj

2018-05-16

To synergize both steric and electronic factors in designing the dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells, a series of cis-configured unsymmetrical squaraine dyes P11-P15 with suitably functionalized alkyl groups and squaric acid units containing the electron-withdrawing groups were synthesized, respectively. These dyes capture the importance of (i) the effect and position of branched alkyl groups, (ii) mono- and di-anchoring groups containing dyes, and (iii) further appending the alkyl groups through the cyanoester vinyl unit on the central squaric acid units of D-A-D-based cis-configured squaraine dyes. All the above factors govern the controlled self-assembly of the dyes on the TiO 2 surface which helps to broaden the absorption profile of the dyes with an increased energy-harvesting process. With respect to the position of the branched alkyl groups, dye P11 with the sp 3 -C and N-alkyl groups away from the TiO 2 surface showed a better device efficiency of 5.98% ( J sc of 14.46 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.576 V, and ff of 71.8%) than its positional isomer P12 with 3.45% ( J sc of 8.78 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.554 V, and ff of 70.9%). However, with respect to the dyes containing mono- and di-anchoring groups, P13 with two anchoring units exhibited a superior device performance of 7.58% ( J sc of 17.12 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.618 V, and ff of 71.7%) in the presence of optically transparent co-adsorbent CDCA (3α,7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid) than dyes P11 and P12.

Economy and rate of carbohydrate oxidation during running with rearfoot and forefoot strike patterns.

PubMed

Gruber, Allison H; Umberger, Brian R; Braun, Barry; Hamill, Joseph

2013-07-15

It continues to be argued that a forefoot (FF) strike pattern during running is more economical than a rearfoot (RF) pattern; however, previous studies using one habitual footstrike group have found no difference in running economy between footstrike patterns. We aimed to conduct a more extensive study by including both habitual RF and FF runners. The purposes of this study were to determine whether there were differences in running economy between these groups and whether running economy would change when they ran with the alternative footstrike pattern. Nineteen habitual RF and 18 habitual FF runners performed the RF and FF patterns on a treadmill at 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 m/s. Steady-state rates of oxygen consumption (Vo2, ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) and carbohydrate contribution to total energy expenditure (%CHO) were determined by indirect calorimetry for each footstrike pattern and speed condition. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess the differences in each variable between groups and footstrike patterns (α = 0.05). No differences in Vo2 or %CHO were detected between groups when running with their habitual footstrike pattern. The RF pattern resulted in lower Vo2 and %CHO compared with the FF pattern at the slow and medium speeds in the RF group (P < 0.05) but not in the FF group (P > 0.05). At the fast speed, a significant footstrike pattern main effect indicated that Vo2 was greater with the FF pattern than with the RF pattern (P < 0.05), but %CHO was not different (P > 0.05). The results suggest that the FF pattern is not more economical than the RF pattern.

Inverted polymer solar cells with enhanced fill factor by inserting the potassium stearate interfacial modification layer

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

Li, Jiangsheng; Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, No. 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo 315211; Jiu, Tonggang, E-mail: jiutonggang@nimte.ac.cn, E-mail: fangjf@nimte.ac.cn

2016-05-02

A thin potassium stearate (KSt) film combined with an optimized ZnO film was introduced to improve the fill factor (FF) of highly efficient inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs). Atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements were used to show that the introduction of KSt did not change the morphology of interlayer. On the contrary, it is beneficial for the spread of the active layer on the interlayer. The origin of enhanced FF was systematically studied by the ideal current-voltage model for a single heterojunction solar cell and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. On the basis of the data analysis, the reduced chargemore » recombination loss was responsible for this improved FF. At last, when KSt was replaced by sodium stearate (NaSt), the similar experiment phenomenon was observed. This indicates that inserting a metallic stearate modified layer is a promising strategy to enhance inverted PSCs performance.« less

Myosin heavy chain isoform composition and Ca(2+) transients in fibres from enzymatically dissociated murine soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

PubMed

Calderón, Juan C; Bolaños, Pura; Caputo, Carlo

2010-01-01

Electrically elicited Ca(2+) transients reported with the fast Ca(2+) dye MagFluo-4 AM and myosin heavy chain (MHC) electrophoretic patterns were obtained in intact, enzymatically dissociated fibres from adult mice extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. Thirty nine fibres (23 from soleus and 16 from EDL) were analysed by both fluorescence microscopy and electrophoresis. These fibres were grouped as follows: group 1 included 13 type I and 4 type IC fibres; group 2 included 2 type IIC, 3 IIA and 1 I/IIA/IIX fibres; group 3 included 4 type IIX and 1 type IIX/IIB fibres; group 4 included 2 type IIB/IIX and 9 type IIB fibres. Ca(2+) transients obtained in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 had the following kinetic parameters (mean +/- s.e.m.): amplitude (F/F): 0.61 +/- 0.05, 0.53 +/- 0.08, 0.61 +/- 0.06 and 0.61 +/- 0.03; rise time (ms): 1.64 +/- 0.05, 1.35 +/- 0.05, 1.18 +/- 0.06 and 1.14 +/- 0.04; half-amplitude width (ms): 19.12 +/- 1.85, 11.86 +/- 3.03, 4.62 +/- 0.31 and 4.23 +/- 0.37; and time constants of decay (tau(1) and tau(2), ms): 3.33 +/- 0.13 and 52.48 +/- 3.93, 2.69 +/- 0.22 and 41.06 +/- 9.13, 1.74 +/- 0.06 and 12.88 +/- 1.93, and 1.56 +/- 0.11 and 9.45 +/- 1.03, respectively. The statistical differences between the four groups and the analysis of the distribution of the parameters of Ca(2+) release and clearance show that there is a continuum from slow to fast, that parallels the MHC continuum from pure type I to pure IIB. However, type IIA fibres behave more like IIX and IIB fibres regarding Ca(2+) release but closer to type I fibres regarding Ca(2+) clearance. In conclusion, we show for the first time the diversity of Ca(2+) transients for the whole continuum of fibre types and correlate this functional diversity with the structural and biochemical diversity of the skeletal muscle fibres.

Self-assembly of diphenylalanine with preclick components as capping groups.

PubMed

Gemma, Andrea; Mayans, Enric; Ballano, Gema; Torras, Juan; Díaz, Angélica; Jiménez, Ana I; Puiggalí, Jordi; Cativiela, Carlos; Alemán, Carlos

2017-10-11

Alkyne and azide, which are commonly used in the cycloaddition reaction recognized as "click chemistry", have been used as capping groups of two engineered diphenylalanine (FF) derivatives due to their ability to form weak intermolecular interactions (i.e. dipole-π and π-π stacking). In Poc-FF-N 3 , alkyne and azide act as N- and C-terminal capping groups, respectively, while such positions are exchanged in N 3 -FF-OPrp. The self-assembly of such two synthesized peptides has been extensively studied in their "pre-click" state, considering the influence of three different factors: the peptide concentration, the polarity of the medium, and the nature of the substrate. Poc-FF-N 3 assembles into microfibers that, depending on the medium and the substrate, can aggregate hierarchically in supramolecular structures with different morphologies. The most distinctive one corresponds to very stable birefringent dendritic-like microstructures, which are derived from the ordered agglomeration of microfibers. These branched supramolecular structures, which are observed under a variety of conditions, are relatively uncommon in short FF sequences. At the molecular level, Poc-FF-N 3 organizes in antiparallel β-sheets stabilized by N-HO intermolecular hydrogen bonds and re-enforced by weak interactions between the azide and alkyne groups of neighbouring molecules. In contrast, N 3 -FF-OPrp exhibits a very poor tendency to organize into structures with a well-defined morphology. Theoretical calculations on model complexes indicate that the tendency of the latter peptide to organize into small amorphous agglomerates is due to its poor ability to form specific intermolecular interactions in comparison with Poc-FF-N 3 . The implications of the weak interactions induced by the alkyne and azide groups, which strengthen peptidepeptide hydrogen bonds and π-ladders due to the stacked aromatic phenyl side groups, are discussed.

An analysis of early oncologic head and neck free flap reoperations from the 2005-2012 ACS-NSQIP dataset.

PubMed

Ligh, Cassandra A; Nelson, Jonas A; Wink, Jason D; Gerety, Patrick A; Fischer, John P; Wu, Liza C; Kanchwala, Suhail K

2016-01-01

There are limited population-based studies that examine perioperative factors that influence postoperative surgical take-backs to the OR following free flap (FF) reconstruction for head/neck cancer extirpation. The purpose of this study was to critically analyse head/neck free flaps (HNFF) captured in the ACS-NSQIP dataset with a specific focus on postoperative complications and the incidence of factors associated with re-operation. The 2005-2012 ACS-NSQIP datasets were accessed to identify patients undergoing FF reconstruction after a diagnosis of head/neck cancer. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative risk factors were examined as covariates, and the primary outcome was return to OR within 30 days of surgery. A multivariate regression was performed to determine independent preoperative factors associated with this complication. In total, 855 patients underwent FF for head/neck reconstruction most commonly for the Tongue (24.7%) and Mouth/Floor/cavity (25.0%). Of these, 153 patients (17.9%) returned to the OR within 30 days of surgery. Patients in this cohort had higher rates of wound infections and dehiscence (p < 0.01). Medical complications were significantly higher and included pneumonia (12.4% vs 5.0%, p < 0.01), prolonged ventilation (16.3% vs 4.8%, p < 0.01), myocardial infarction (2.6% vs 0.6%, p = 0.017), and sepsis (7.2% vs 3.4%, p = 0.033). Regression analysis demonstrated that visceral flaps (OR = 9.7, p = 0.012) and hypoalbuminemia (OR = 2.4, p = 0.009) were significant predictors of a return to the OR. Based on data from the nationwide NSQIP dataset, up to 17% of HNFF return to the OR within 30 days. Although this data-set has some significant limitations, these results can cautiously help to improve preoperative patient optimisation and surgical decision-making.

Impact of Thermal Annealing on Organic Photovoltaic Cells Using Regioisomeric Donor-Acceptor-Acceptor Molecules.

PubMed

Zhang, Tao; Han, Han; Zou, Yunlong; Lee, Ying-Chi; Oshima, Hiroya; Wong, Ken-Tsung; Holmes, Russell J

2017-08-02

We report a promising set of donor-acceptor-acceptor (D-A-A) electron-donor materials based on coplanar thieno[3,2-b]/[2,3-b]indole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, and dicyanovinylene, which are found to show broadband absorption with high extinction coefficients. The role of the regioisomeric electron-donating thienoindole moiety on the physical and structural properties is examined. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) based on the thieno[2,3-b]indole-based electron donor NTU-2, using C 70 as an electron acceptor, show a champion power conversion efficiency of 5.2% under AM 1.5G solar simulated illumination. This efficiency is limited by a low fill factor (FF), as has previously been the case in D-A-A systems. In order to identify the origin of the limited FF, further insight into donor layer charge-transport behavior is realized by examining planar heterojunction OPVs, with emphasis on the evolution of film morphology with thermal annealing. Compared to as-deposited OPVs that exhibit insufficient donor crystallinity, crystalline OPVs based on annealed thin films show an increase in the short-circuit current density, FF, and power conversion efficiency. These results suggest that that the crystallization of D-A-A molecules might not be realized spontaneously at room temperature and that further processing is needed to realize efficient charge transport in these materials.

Oxidation of dimethyl-ether and ethylene in the atmosphere and combustion environment and thermodynamic studies on hydrofluorocarbons usingab initio calculation methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Takahiro

1999-08-01

Reaction pathways and kinetics are analyzed on CH3OC.H2 unimolecular decay and on the complete CH3OC.H2 + O2 reaction system using thermodynamic properties DHdegf 298,Sdeg 298, and Cp(T) 300 <= T/K <= 1500) derived by two ab initio calculation methods, CBS-q and G2. These are used to determine thermodynamic properties of reactants, intermediate radicals and transition state (TS) compounds. Quantum Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel (QRRK) analysis is used to calculate energy dependent rate constants, k(E), and master equation is used to account for collisional stabilization. Comparison of calculated fall-off with experiment indicates that the CBS-q and G2 calculated Ea,rxn for the rate controlling transition state (β-scission reaction to CH 2O + C.H2OOH) needs to be lowered by factor of 3.3 kcal/mol and 4.0 kcal/mol respectively in order to match the data of Sehested et al. Experimental results on dimethyl-ether pyrolysis and oxidation reaction systems are compared with a detailed reaction mechanism model. The computer code CHEMKIN II is used for numerical integration. Overall agreement of the model data with experimental data is very good. Reaction pathways are analyzed and kinetics are determined on formation and reactions of the adduct resulting from OH addition to ethylene using the above ab initio methods. Hydrogen atom tunneling is included by use of Eckart formalism. Rate constants are compared with experimentally determined product branching ratios (C.H2CH 2OH stabilization: CH2O + CH3: CH3CHO + H). ab initio calculations are performed to estimate thermodynamic properties of nine fluorinated ethane compounds (fluoroethane to hexafluoroethane), eight fluoropropane (1-fluoropropane, 1,1- and 1,2- difluoropropane, 1,1,1- and 1,1,2-trifluoropropane, 1,1,1,2- and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2,2- pentafluoropropane), and 2-fluoro,2-methylpropane. Standard entropies and heat capacities are calculated using the rigid-rotor-harmonic-oscillator approximation with direct integration over energy levels of the intramolecular rotation potential energy curve. Enthalpies of formation are estimated using G2MP2 total energies and isodesmic reactions. Thermodynamic properties for fluorinated carbon groups C/C/F/H2, C/C/F2/H, C/C/F3, C/C2/F/H, C/C2/F2 and C/C3/F for fluorinated alkane compounds, CD/F/H and CD/F2 for fluorinated alkene compounds and CT/F for fluorinated alkyne compounds are estimated. Fluorine-fluorine interaction terms F/F, 2F/F, 3F/F, 2F/2F, 3F/2F and 3F/3F for alkane compounds, F//F, 2F//F and 2F/2F for alkene compounds, and F///F for alkyne compound are also estimated.

Laser Cooling and Slowing of a Diatomic Molecule

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

mirror ( Semrock , FF669-Di01) before passing through the interaction region along the 3 mm axis of the slit. Windows are home-made Brewster windows (See... Semrock FF669-Di01 and Semrock FF741-Di01) and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) to produce a single beam with 1e2 full width intensity waist d = 3.4 mm...pixels as possible, thereby reducing read noise and dark current noise. Behind the camera lens is a single interference filter ( Semrock , FF01-650/60, 24

Making fate and exposure models for freshwater ecotoxicity in life cycle assessment suitable for organic acids and bases.

PubMed

van Zelm, Rosalie; Stam, Gea; Huijbregts, Mark A J; van de Meent, Dik

2013-01-01

Freshwater fate and exposure factors were determined for organic acids and bases, making use of the knowledge on electrical interaction of ionizing chemicals and their sorption to particles. The fate factor represents the residence time in the environment whereas exposure factors equal the dissolved fraction of a chemical. Multimedia fate, exposure, and effect model USES-LCA was updated to take into account the influence of ionization, based upon the acid dissociation constant (pK(a)) of a chemical, and the environmental pH. Freshwater fate (FF) and exposure (XF) factors were determined for 415 acids and 496 bases emitted to freshwater, air, and soil. The relevance of taking account of the degree of ionization of chemicals was tested by determining the ratio (R) of the new vs. fate and exposure factors determined with USES-LCA suitable for neutral chemicals only. Our results show that the majority of freshwater fate and exposure factors of chemicals that are largely ionized in the environment are larger with the ionics model compared to the factors determined with the neutrals model version. R(FF) ranged from 2.4×10(-1) to 1.6×10(1) for freshwater emissions, from 1.2×10(-2) to 2.0×10(4) for soil emissions and from 5.8×10(-2) to 6.0×10(3) for air emissions, and R(XF) from 5.3×10(-1) to 2.2×10(1). Prediction of changed solid-water partitioning, implying a change in runoff and in removal via sedimentation, and prediction of negligible air-water partition coefficient, leading to negligible volatilization were the main contributors to the changes in freshwater fate factors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transient release kinetics of rod bipolar cells revealed by capacitance measurement of exocytosis from axon terminals in rat retinal slices.

PubMed

Oltedal, Leif; Hartveit, Espen

2010-05-01

Presynaptic transmitter release has mostly been studied through measurements of postsynaptic responses, but a few synapses offer direct access to the presynaptic terminal, thereby allowing capacitance measurements of exocytosis. For mammalian rod bipolar cells, synaptic transmission has been investigated in great detail by recording postsynaptic currents in AII amacrine cells. Presynaptic measurements of the dynamics of vesicular cycling have so far been limited to isolated rod bipolar cells in dissociated preparations. Here, we first used computer simulations of compartmental models of morphologically reconstructed rod bipolar cells to adapt the 'Sine + DC' technique for capacitance measurements of exocytosis at axon terminals of intact rod bipolar cells in retinal slices. In subsequent physiological recordings, voltage pulses that triggered presynaptic Ca(2+) influx evoked capacitance increases that were proportional to the pulse duration. With pulse durations 100 ms, the increase saturated at 10 fF, corresponding to the size of a readily releasable pool of vesicles. Pulse durations 400 ms evoked additional capacitance increases, probably reflecting recruitment from additional pools of vesicles. By using Ca(2+) tail current stimuli, we separated Ca(2+) influx from Ca(2+) channel activation kinetics, allowing us to estimate the intrinsic release kinetics of the readily releasable pool, yielding a time constant of 1.1 ms and a maximum release rate of 2-3 vesicles (release site)(1) ms(1). Following exocytosis, we observed endocytosis with time constants ranging from 0.7 to 17 s. Under physiological conditions, it is likely that release will be transient, with the kinetics limited by the activation kinetics of the voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels.

CO2 Emissions from the Los Angeles Basin During Spring of 2010 - Measurements vs. Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, S.; Jeong, S.; Fischer, M. L.; Xu, X.; Gurney, K. R.; Alvarez, S. L.; Rappenglueck, B.; Haman, C. L.; Lefer, B. L.; Miller, C. E.; Yung, Y. L.

2011-12-01

More than half of the world's population now lives in urban areas, contributing large fluxes of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Quantifying the spatiotemporal distribution of these emissions is critical for providing independent verification of future mitigation activities. We have used high precision measurements of CO2 and CO to determine the contribution of fossil fuel combustion (ffCO2 mixing ratio) to the total CO2 emissions in the Los Angeles basin during the CalNex-LA ground campaign of May-June 2010 in Pasadena. The ratio of COxs/CO2xs (the excess of each species above free tropospheric levels) varies significantly by time of day, giving a proxy for the fraction of ffCO2/CO2xs. Using an emission ratio for CO/CO2 for fossil fuel combustion of 0.011±0.002 (Wunch et al., 2009, Geophys Res Lett 36, L15810), we determined that burning of fossil fuels contributed ~50% overnight - 100% during midday of the total local contribution, resulting in ffCO2 of 13 - 23 ppm, respectively. These values compare very well with those calculated from Δ14C for measurements of two samples aggregated from 7-8 flask samples collected at 14:00 PST on alternate days during the first and second half of the CalNex-LA campaign: 17 and 24 ppm ffCO2, respectively. We then compared the measured values of ffCO2 with predictions combining a diurnally averaged version of the Vulcan 2.0 ffCO2 emission inventory (http://www.purdue.edu/eas/carbon/vulcan/index.php) and mesoscale transport computed with the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) and Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) models. To evaluate transport model uncertainty, we compared predicted and measured planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) and found WRF predictions compared favorably with ceilometer measurements made during the day at the Pasadena site. Initial comparison of the diurnal cycle of ffCO2 determined by the CO/CO2 ratios to that predicted with a temporally constant map of diurnal mean emissions shows the prediction to have a larger diurnal amplitude than the measurements, suggesting that the diurnal cycle of emitted ffCO2 compensates for daytime dilution in the PBL.

Protein adsorption to poly(ethylenimine)-modified Sepharose FF: V. Complicated effects of counterions.

PubMed

Liu, Na; Yu, Linling; Sun, Yan

2015-07-24

In the previous studies on protein adsorption to poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-grafted Sepharose FF resins, a critical ionic capacity (600mmol/L) of PEI-Sepharose resins was found for the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), above which both protein capacity and uptake rate increased drastically. In this work, the influence of counterions on the PEI-Sepharose resin with an ionic capacity of 683mmol/L (FF-PEI-L680) was investigated with sodium salts of SCN(-), Cl(-), HPO4(2-) and SO4(2-). Linear gradient elution, batch adsorption and breakthrough experiments showed that counterion preference, effective pore diffusion coefficient (De) and dynamic binding capacity (DBC) values increased in the order of SCN(-), Cl(-), HPO4(2-) and SO4(2-), while static adsorption capacity decreased in this order. It is considered that higher counterion preference of the ion exchange groups resulted in lower protein binding strength and adsorption capacity, while the De value increased due to the enhanced "chain delivery" effect (a kind of surface diffusion). Besides, the DBC value was mainly dependent on De value. In particular, SO4(2-) was the most favorable counterion for the PEI-Sepharose resin, which gave rise to the highest De value (De/D0=1.17, D0 is protein diffusivity in free solution) and DBC value (118mg/mL at a residence time of 2min). Moreover, the effects of counterions on BSA adsorption to DEAE Sepharose FF and Q Sepharose FF, which were non-grafted resins, were also studied for comparisons. It was found that the counterion preferences of the two non-grafted resins were different from each other and also different from that of FF-PEI-L680. The different counterion preferences were attributed to the differences in the ion-exchange ligand chemistries. In addition, the De values for DEAE Sepharose FF and Q Sepharose FF kept unchanged. The low counterion sensitivity of De values could be interpreted as the lack of "chain delivery" effect for the non-grafted resins. The results indicate that protein adsorption and chromatographic performance with PEI-Sepharose can be improved by proper counterions. For the four counterions tested, SO4(2-) was the most favorable for providing the best adsorption and elution outcomes with FF-PEI-L680. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

First High Resolution IR Spectra of 2,2-D_{2}-PROPANE. the νb{15} (B_{1}) A-Type Band Near 954.709 \\wn. Determination of Ground and Upper State Constants.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gjuraj, Daniel; Daunt, S. J.; Grzywacz, Robert; Lafferty, Walter; Flaud, Jean-Marie; Billinghurst, Brant E.

2017-06-01

As part of our project on the study of isotopologues of propane we have taken the spectra of the 2-D and 2,2-D_2 substituted species. There have been no studies of these species since the early IR studies. We recorded high resolution (Δν = 0.0009 \\wn) FTS data on the Canadian Light Source Far-IR beamline. The spectra of all bands of both species in the region examined (500 - 1250 \\wn) show torsionally perturbed lines, all but one band appearing globally perturbed. Virtually all bands were not amenable to analysis at present except for the νb{15} (B_{1}) A-type band centered at 954.709 \\wn. One can still see a few perturbed lines with torsional components but overall most lines were single and could be readily assigned using traditional methods. The spectrum is modelled well using PGOPHER. No MW determined GS constants were available so we have analyzed about 3500 levels to determine both ground state and upper state rotational constants. Friedman & Turkevich, J. Chem. Phys. 17, 1012 ff. (1949) McMurry, Thornton & Condon, J. Chem. Phys. 17, 918 ff. (1949) McMurry & Thornton, J. Chem. Phys. 19, 1014 ff.(1951) Gayles & King, Spectrochim. Acta 21, 543 ff.(1965) Kondo & Saeki, Spectrochim. Acta 29A, 735 ff. (1973) Western, J. Quant. Spectrosc. Rad. Transf. 186, 221 ff. (2017).

Soluble copper phthalocyanine applied for organic solar cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Tianhui; Piao, Lingyu; Zha, Suling; Jiang, Chao; Xu, Zheng; Gao, Liyan; Wu, Qian; Kong, Chao

2011-11-01

A soluble derivative of copper phthalocyanine, that is 2,9,16,23-tetra carboxyl copper phthalocyanine (CuTCPc), is synthesized in this paper. The applications of CuTCPc as donor and interlayer materials in solar cell devices are investigated. The results demonstrate that when CuTCPc is used as a donor material, the performance of the device ITO/CuTCPc/PCBM/Al shows an open circuit voltage (V(OC)) of 0.54 V, a short circuit current (J(SC)) of 0.825 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 32.3% and the power conversion efficiency (nu) of 0.14%. When CuTCPc acts as an interlayer, the performance of the device ITO/CuTCPc/P3HT:PCBM/Al is improved: J(SC) increases to 3.12 mA/cm2, V(OC) increases to 0.59 V, FF increases to 33.8%, and the corresponding nu is 0.62%.

Observations of Atmospheric Δ14CO2 at the Global and Regional Background Sites in China: Implication for Fossil Fuel CO2 Inputs.

PubMed

Niu, Zhenchuan; Zhou, Weijian; Cheng, Peng; Wu, Shugang; Lu, Xuefeng; Xiong, Xiaohu; Du, Hua; Fu, Yunchong

2016-11-15

Six months to more than one year of atmospheric Δ 14 CO 2 were measured in 2014-2015 at one global background site in Waliguan (WLG) and four regional background sites at Shangdianzi (SDZ), Lin'an (LAN), Longfengshan (LFS) and Luhuitou (LHT), China. The objectives of the study are to document the Δ 14 CO 2 levels at each site and to trace the variations in fossil fuel CO 2 (CO 2ff ) inputs at regional background sites. Δ 14 CO 2 at WLG varied from 7.1 ± 2.9‰ to 32.0 ± 3.2‰ (average 17.1 ± 6.8‰) in 2015, with high values generally in autumn/summer and low values in winter/spring. During the same period, Δ 14 CO 2 values at the regional background sites were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those at WLG, indicating different levels of CO 2ff inputs at those sites. CO 2ff concentrations at LAN (12.7 ± 9.6 ppm) and SDZ (11.5 ± 8.2 ppm) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those at LHT (4.6 ± 4.3 ppm) in 2015. There were no significant (p > 0.05) seasonal differences in CO 2ff concentrations for the regional sites. Regional sources contributed in part to the CO 2ff inputs at LAN and SDZ, while local sources dominated the trend observed at LHT. These data provide a preliminary understanding of atmospheric Δ 14 CO 2 and CO 2ff inputs for a range of Chinese background sites.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of an ice-binding protein (FfIBP) from Flavobacterium frigoris PS1.

PubMed

Do, Hackwon; Lee, Jun Hyuck; Lee, Sung Gu; Kim, Hak Jun

2012-07-01

Ice growth in a cold environment is fatal for polar organisms, not only because of the physical destruction of inner cell organelles but also because of the resulting chemical damage owing to processes such as osmotic shock. The properties of ice-binding proteins (IBPs), which include antifreeze proteins (AFPs), have been characterized and IBPs exhibit the ability to inhibit ice growth by binding to specific ice planes and lowering the freezing point. An ice-binding protein (FfIBP) from the Gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium frigoris PS1, which was isolated from the Antarctic, has recently been overexpressed. Interestingly, the thermal hysteresis activity of FfIBP was approximately 2.5 K at 50 µM, which is ten times higher than that of the moderately active IBP from Arctic yeast (LeIBP). Although FfIBP closely resembles LeIBP in its amino-acid sequence, the antifreeze activity of FfIBP appears to be much greater than that of LeIBP. In an effort to understand the reason for this difference, an attempt was made to solve the crystal structure of FfIBP. Here, the crystallization and X-ray diffraction data of FfIBP are reported. FfIBP was crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method with 0.1 M sodium acetate pH 4.4 and 3 M sodium chloride as precipitant. A complete diffraction data set was collected to a resolution of 2.9 Å. The crystal belonged to space group P4(1)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 69.4, c = 178.2 Å. The asymmetric unit contained one monomer.

AKAP localizes in a specific subset of TRPV1 and CaV1.2 positive nociceptive rat DRG neurons

PubMed Central

Brandao, Katherine E.; Dell’Acqua, Mark L.; Levinson, Simon R.

2016-01-01

Modulation of phosphorylation states of ion channels is a critical step in the development of hyperalgesia during inflammation. Modulatory enhancement of channel activity may increase neuronal excitability and affect downstream targets such as gene transcription. The specificity required for such regulation of ion channels quickly occurs via targeting of protein kinases and phosphatases by the scaffolding A-kinase anchoring protein 79/150 (AKAP79/150). AKAP79/150 has been implicated in inflammatory pain by targeting PKA and PKC to the TRPV1 channel in peripheral sensory neurons, thus lowering threshold for activation by multiple inflammatory reagents. However, the expression pattern of AKAP79/150 in peripheral sensory neurons is unknown. In this study we use immunofluorescence microscopy to identify in DRG sections the peripheral neuron subtypes that express the rodent isoform AKAP150, as well as the subcellular distribution of AKAP150 and its potential target ion channels. We found that AKAP150 is predominantly expressed in a subset of small DRG sensory neurons where it is localized at the plasma membrane of the soma, axon initial segment and small fibers. The majority of these neurons is peripherin positive and produces c-fibers, though a small portion produces Aδ-fibers. Furthermore, we demonstrate that AKAP79/150 colocalizes with TRPV1 and CaV1.2 in the soma and axon initial segment. Thus AKAP150 is expressed in small, nociceptive DRG neurons where it is targeted to membrane regions and where it may play a role in the modulation of ion channel phosphorylation states required for hyperalgesia. PMID:21674494

Child-targeted fast-food television advertising exposure is linked with fast-food intake among pre-school children.

PubMed

Dalton, Madeline A; Longacre, Meghan R; Drake, Keith M; Cleveland, Lauren P; Harris, Jennifer L; Hendricks, Kristy; Titus, Linda J

2017-06-01

To determine whether exposure to child-targeted fast-food (FF) television (TV) advertising is associated with children's FF intake in a non-experimental setting. Cross-sectional survey conducted April-December 2013. Parents reported their pre-school child's TV viewing time, channels watched and past-week FF consumption. Responses were combined with a list of FF commercials (ads) aired on children's TV channels during the same period to calculate children's exposure to child-targeted TV ads for the following chain FF restaurants: McDonald's, Subway and Wendy's (MSW). Paediatric and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in New Hampshire, USA. Parents (n 548) with a child of pre-school age. Children's mean age was 4·4 years; 43·2 % ate MSW in the past week. Among the 40·8 % exposed to MSW ads, 23·3 % had low, 34·2 % moderate and 42·5 % high exposure. McDonald's accounted for over 70 % of children's MSW ad exposure and consumption. Children's MSW consumption was significantly associated with their ad exposure, but not overall TV viewing time. After adjusting for demographics, socio-economic status and other screen time, moderate MSW ad exposure was associated with a 31 % (95 % CI 1·12, 1·53) increase and high MSW ad exposure with a 26 % (95 % CI 1·13, 1·41) increase in the likelihood of consuming MSW in the past week. Further adjustment for parent FF consumption did not change the findings substantially. Exposure to child-targeted FF TV advertising is positively associated with FF consumption among children of pre-school age, highlighting the vulnerability of young children to persuasive advertising and supporting recommendations to limit child-directed FF marketing.

Quantitation of fetal DNA fraction in maternal plasma using circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART).

PubMed

Song, Yijun; Zhou, Xiya; Huang, Saiqiong; Li, Xiaohong; Qi, Qingwei; Jiang, Yulin; Liu, Yiqian; Ma, Chengcheng; Li, Zhifeng; Xu, Mengnan; Cram, David S; Liu, Juntao

2016-05-01

Calculation of the fetal DNA fraction (FF) is important for reliable and accurate noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal genetic abnormalities. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a novel method for FF determination. FF was calculated using the chromosome Y (ChrY) sequence read assay and by circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology of 76 autosomal SNPs. By Pearson correlation for FF (4.73-22.11%) in 33 male pregnancy samples, the R(2) co-efficient for the 76-SNP versus the ChrY assay was 0.9572 (p<0.001). In addition, the co-efficient of variation (CV) of FF measurement by the 76-SNP assay was low (0.15-0.35). As a control, the FF measurement for four non-pregnant plasma samples was virtually zero. In prospective longitudinal studies of 14 women with normal pregnancies, FF generally increased with gestational age. However, in eight women (71%) there was a significant decrease in FF between the first trimester (11-13 weeks) and the second trimester (15-19 weeks), and this was attributable to significant maternal weight gain. The novel 76-SNP cSMART assay has the precision to accurately measure FF in all pregnancies at a detection threshold of 5%. Based on FF trends in individual pregnancies, our results suggest that the end of the first trimester may be a more optimal window for performing NIPT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anthracene-containing wide-band-gap conjugated polymers for high-open-circuit-voltage polymer solar cells.

PubMed

Gong, Xue; Li, Cuihong; Lu, Zhen; Li, Guangwu; Mei, Qiang; Fang, Tao; Bo, Zhishan

2013-07-25

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of two anthracene-containing wide-band-gap donor and acceptor (D-A) alternating conjugated polymers (P1 and P2) are described. These two polymers absorb in the range of 300-600 nm with a band gap of about 2.12 eV. Polymer solar cells with P1:PC71 BM as the active layer demonstrate a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.23% with a high Voc of 0.96 V, a Jsc of 4.4 mA cm(-2) , and a comparable fill factor (FF) of 0.53 under simulated solar illumination of AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm(-2) ). In addition, P2:PC71 BM blend-based solar cells exhibit a PCE of 1.42% with a comparable Voc of 0.89 V, a Jsc of 3.0 mA cm(-2) , and an FF of 0.53. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of Group Counseling Transmitted Through Videoconferencing on Changes in Eating Behaviors.

PubMed

Nevanperä, Nina; Keränen, Anna-Maria; Ukkola, Olavi; Laitinen, Jaana

2015-01-01

To compare the effects of constructivism-based dietary group counseling transmitted through videoconferencing (VC) and face-to-face (FF) counseling on changes in eating behaviors. Altogether, 74 participants with high risk of type 2 diabetes were divided into FF and VC groups based on their place of residence in northern Finland. Constructivism-based dietary group counseling, a nonrandomized intervention, was performed (evaluations at 0, 6, and 21 months). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18 was used to evaluate cognitive restraint eating (CR), emotional eating (EE), and uncontrolled eating (UE). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA (significance level of 0.05). Cognitive restraint eating increased and UE decreased between baseline and 6 months in both groups, but between baseline and 21 months only in the FF group (P = .005 and P = .021, respectively). Emotional eating decreased only in the VC group (P = .016). There were no differences between groups at 6 or 21 months. Constructivism-based counseling delivered through videoconferencing was effective at improving eating behaviors. Copyright © 2015 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optical properties of tissue, experimental results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beek, Johan F.

1993-08-01

The effective attenuation coefficient of piglet lung was measured in vitro at 632.8 nm. Interstial fibres with isotropic tips were used to measure the fluence rate as a function of the distance from an isotropic light source. In vitro measurements at 632.8 nm on a lung that was insufflated with oxygen from 50 to 150 ml showed that the effective attenuation coefficient decreases as a function of the volume of air in the lung (at 50 ml /Jeff = 0.297 + 0.011 mnf1, at 100 ml lice 0.150 ± 0.007 mm-1, and at 150 ml /Jeff= 0.1136 + 0.015 mm-1). A single in vitro measurement at 790 nm at an insufflated lung volume of 100 ml gave a comparable result (ii ie = 0.175 + 0.004 mm-1). A ff decrease in effective attenuation coefficient with an ncrease in lung volume was explained by Mie-theory. The effective attenuation coefficient, calculated with 11, and g from Mie-theory, showed a deviation < 22% from the measured in vitro values.

Control of fossil-fuel particulate black carbon and organic matter, possibly the most effective method of slowing global warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, Mark Z.

2002-10-01

Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, no control of black carbon (BC) was considered. Here, it is found, through simulations in which 12 identifiable effects of aerosol particles on climate are treated, that any emission reduction of fossil-fuel (f.f.) particulate BC plus associated organic matter (OM) may slow global warming more than may any emission reduction of CO2 or CH4 for a specific period. When all f.f. BC + OM and anthropogenic CO2 and CH4 emissions are eliminated together, the period is 25-100 years. It is also estimated that historical net global warming can be attributed roughly to greenhouse gas plus f.f. BC + OM warming minus substantial cooling by other particles. Eliminating all f.f. BC + OM could eliminate 20-45% of net warming (8-18% of total warming before cooling is subtracted out) within 3-5 years if no other change occurred. Reducing CO2 emissions by a third would have the same effect, but after 50-200 years. Finally, diesel cars emitting continuously under the most recent U.S. and E.U. particulate standards (0.08 g/mi; 0.05 g/km) may warm climate per distance driven over the next 100+ years more than equivalent gasoline cars. Thus, fuel and carbon tax laws that favor diesel appear to promote global warming. Toughening vehicle particulate emission standards by a factor of 8 (0.01 g/mi; 0.006 g/km) does not change this conclusion, although it shortens the period over which diesel cars warm to 13-54 years. Although control of BC + OM can slow warming, control of greenhouse gases is necessary to stop warming. Reducing BC + OM will not only slow global warming but also improve human health.

Host-sensitized luminescence properties in CaNb2O6:Ln(3+) (Ln(3+) = Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+)) phosphors with abundant colors.

PubMed

Li, Kai; Liu, Xiaoming; Zhang, Yang; Li, Xuejiao; Lian, Hongzhou; Lin, Jun

2015-01-05

A series of Ln(3+) (Ln(3+) = Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+)) ion doped CaNb2O6 (CNO) phosphors have been prepared via the conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction route. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and structure refinement, diffuse reflection, photoluminescence (PL), and fluorescent decay curves were used to characterize the as-prepared samples. Under UV radiation, the CNO host present a broad emission band from about 355 to 605 nm centered around 460 nm originating from the NbO6 octahedral groups, which has spectral overlaps with the excitation of f-f transitions of Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+) in CNO:Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+) samples. They show both host emission and respective emission lines derived from the characteristic f-f transitions of activators, which present different emission colors owing to the energy transfer from the NbO6 group in the host to Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+) with increasing activator concentrations. The decreases of decay lifetimes of host emissions in CNO:Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+) demonstrate the energy transfer from the hosts to Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+)/Sm(3+). The energy transfer mechanisms in CNO:Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+) phosphors have been determined to be a resonant type via dipole-dipole mechanisms. For CNO:Sm(3+), the metal-metal charge transfer transition (MMCT) might contribute to the different variations of decay lifetimes and emission intensity from CNO:Eu(3+)/Tb(3+)/Dy(3+) samples. The best quantum efficiency is 71.2% for CNO:0.01/0.02Dy(3+). The PL properties of as-prepared materials indicate the promising application in UV-pumped white-emitting lighting diodes field.

JC2Sat-FF : An International Collaboration Nano-Sat Project Overview of the System Analyses and Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshihara, K.; van Mierlo, M.; Ng, A.; Shankar Kumar, B.; De Ruiter, A.; Komatsu, Y.; Horiguchi, H.; Hashimoto, H.

2008-08-01

This paper introduces the Japan Canada Joint Collaboration Satellites - Formation Flying (JC2Sat-FF) project. JC2Sat-FF is a joint project between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the end goal of building, launching and operating two 20kg- class nanosatellites for technical demonstration of formation flight (FF) using differential drag technique, relative navigation using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) dual band GPS receivers and far infra-red radiance measurement. A unique aspect of this project is that the two JC2Sats are developed by a united small team consisting of engineers and researchers from both agencies. Technical exchange in this international team gives stimulation to the members and generates a synergistic effect for the project.

Superconductivity under high pressure in the binary compound CaLi2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debessai, M.; Matsuoka, T.; Hamlin, J. J.; Gangopadhyay, A. K.; Schilling, J. S.; Shimizu, K.; Ohishi, Y.

2008-12-01

Feng predicted for CaLi2 highly anomalous properties with possible superconductivity under very high pressures, including for the hcp polymorph a significant lattice bifurcation at pressures above 47 GPa. More recently, however, Feng suggested that for pressures exceeding 20 GPa CaLi2 may dissociate into elemental Ca and Li. Here we present for hcp CaLi2 measurements of the electrical resistivity and ac susceptibility to low temperatures under pressures as high as 81 GPa. Pressure-induced superconductivity is observed in the pressure range of 11-81 GPa, with Tc reaching values as high as 13 K. X-ray diffraction studies to 54 GPa at 150 K reveal that hcp CaLi2 undergoes a structural phase transition above 23 GPa to orthorhombic but does not dissociate into elemental Ca and Li. In the hcp phase a fit of the equation of state with the Murnaghan equation yields the bulk modulus Bo=15(2)GPa and dBo/dP=3.2(6) .

Activity restriction induced by fear of falling and objective and subjective measures of physical function: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Deshpande, Nandini; Metter, E Jeffrey; Lauretani, Fulvio; Bandinelli, Stefania; Guralnik, Jack; Ferrucci, Luigi

2008-04-01

To examine whether activity restriction specifically induced by fear of falling (FF) contributes to greater risk of disability and decline in physical function. Prospective cohort study. Population-based older cohort. Six hundred seventy-three community-living elderly (> or = 65) participants in the Invecchiare in Chianti Study who reported FF. FF, fear-induced activity restriction, cognition, depressive symptoms, comorbidities, smoking history, and demographic factors were assessed at baseline. Disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and performance on the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up. One-quarter (25.5%) of participants did not report any activity restriction, 59.6% reported moderate activity restriction (restriction or avoidance of < 3 activities), and 14.9% reported severe activity restriction (restriction or avoidance of > or = 3 activities). The severe restriction group reported significantly higher IADL disability and worse SPPB scores than the no restriction and moderate restriction groups. Severe activity restriction was a significant independent predictor of worsening ADL disability and accelerated decline in lower extremity performance on SPPB over the 3-year follow-up. Severe and moderate activity restriction were independent predictors of worsening IADL disability. Results were consistent even after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. In an elderly population, activity restriction associated with FF is an independent predictor of decline in physical function. Future intervention studies in geriatric preventive care should directly address risk factors associated with FF and activity restriction to substantiate long-term effects on physical abilities and autonomy of older persons.

[Association between VDR gene polymorphisms and HOMA index for prediabetes in Ningxia].

PubMed

Liao, Sha; He, Jun; Li, Xiaoxia; Xu, Honexia; Liu, Xiuying; Zhao, Yi; Zhang, Yuhong

2016-03-01

To explore the association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and HOMA index in prediabetes. On the basis of a cross-sectional study which was conducted in Ningxia during 2008-2012, 339 controls and 468 subjects with prediabetes were selected according to ADA diabetes diagnosis standards. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected in the field investigation. Blood biochemistry analyses and insulin determination were carried out in the laboratory. The whole blood DNA was extracted for genotyping. The BMI, WC, FPG and HOMA-IR of individuals with prediabetes were higher than those of the controls, while the HOMA-B and HOMA-S in cases were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). In BsmI, individuals with prediabetes carrying genotype BB/Bb showed lower HOMA-B than bb carrier, and they showed significantly higher HOMA-S than bb carriers (P < 0.05). After adjusting age, sex, BMI, TC, TG and SBP, low level HOMA-B index was the risk factor of prediabetes in individuals who carried genotype BB/Bb for BsmI and genotype FF/Ff/ff for FokI (OR > 1 , P < 0.05 ), and the genotype ff got the highest risk level (OR = 10.59). In FokI, the Ff carriers with low level HOMA-S and HOM-IR were also the risk factors of prediabetes (OR > 1, P < 0.05). The VDR gene polymorphisms appeared to be associated with HOMA index in prediabetes. The BsmI polymorphism seemed to influence HOMA-B, while the FokI polymorphism influence HOMA-B and HOMA-IR at different levels.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in the Ovarian Follicle Attracts the Stromal Cells of the Fallopian Tube Fimbriae

PubMed Central

Chen, Chiu-Hua; Hsu, Che-Fang; Huang, Rui-Len; Ding, Dah-Ching; Chu, Tang-Yuan

2016-01-01

During human ovulation, the fallopian tube fimbriae must move to the ovulation site to catch the oocyte. As the tissue-of-origin of the majority of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the fallopian tube fimbriae carrying a precursor cancer lesion may also approach the ovulatory site for metastasis. We hypothesize that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in mature follicle fluid (FF) attracts the migration of PDGFR-expressing fimbriae toward the ovulating follicle. We observed that more PDGFR-β was expressed in the distal part than in the proximal parts of the fallopian tube, particularly in stromal cells in the lamina propria. The stromal cells, but not the epithelial cells, from normal fimbriae and fallopian tube HGSC were highly chemotactic to mature FF. The chemotactic activities were positively correlated with PDGF-BB and estradiol levels in FF and were abolished by a blocking antibody of PDGFR-β and by tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib. When PDGF-BB/AB was depleted from the FF, more than 80% of chemotaxis activities were diminished. This study suggests an ovarian follicle-directed and PDGF-dependent attraction of fallopian tube fimbriae before ovulation. The same mechanism may also be crucial for the ovarian homing of HGSC, which largely originates in the fimbriae. PMID:27379403

Study on emission of hazardous trace elements in a 350 MW coal-fired power plant. Part 2. arsenic, chromium, barium, manganese, lead.

PubMed

Zhao, Shilin; Duan, Yufeng; Chen, Lei; Li, Yaning; Yao, Ting; Liu, Shuai; Liu, Meng; Lu, Jianhong

2017-07-01

Hazardous Trace elements (HTEs) emitted from coal combustion has raised widespread concern. Studies on the emission characteristics of five HTEs, namely arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), barium (Ba), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) at three different loads (100%, 83%, 71% output) and different coal types were performed on a 350 MW coal-fired power plant equipped with SCR, ESP + FF, and WFGD. HTEs in the flue gas at the inlet/outlet of each air pollution control device (APCD) were sampled simultaneously based on US EPA Method 29. During flue gas HTEs sampling, coal, bottom ash, fly ash captured by ESP + FF, fresh desulfurization slurry, desulfurization wastewater were also collected. Results show that mass balance rate for the system and each APCD is in an acceptable range. The five studied HTEs mainly distribute in bottom and ESP + FF ash. ESP + FF have high removal efficiency of 99.75-99.95%. WFGD can remove part of HTEs further. Total removal rate across the APCDs ranges from 99.84 to 99.99%. Concentration of HTEs emitted to atmosphere is within the extremely low scope of 0.11-4.93 μg/m 3 . Emission factor of the five studied HTEs is 0.04-1.54 g/10 12 J. Content of As, Pb, Ba, Cr in solid samples follows the order of ESP + FF ash > bottom ash > gypsum. More focus should be placed on Mn in desulfuration wastewater, content of which is more than the standard value. This work is meaningful for the prediction and removal of HTEs emitted from coal-fired power plants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluoride and phosphate release from carbonate-rich fluorapatite during managed aquifer recharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schafer, David; Donn, Michael; Atteia, Olivier; Sun, Jing; MacRae, Colin; Raven, Mark; Pejcic, Bobby; Prommer, Henning

2018-07-01

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is increasingly used as a water management tool to enhance water availability and to improve water quality. Until now, however, the risk of fluoride release during MAR with low ionic strength injectate has not been recognised or examined. In this study we analyse and report the mobilisation of fluoride (up to 58 μM) and filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP) (up to 55 μM) during a field groundwater replenishment experiment in which highly treated, deionised wastewater (average TDS 33 mg/L) was injected into a siliciclastic Cretaceous aquifer. In the field experiment, maximum concentrations, which coincided with a rise in pH, exceeded background groundwater concentrations by an average factor of 3.6 for fluoride and 24 for FRP. The combined results from the field experiment, a detailed mineralogical characterisation and geochemical modelling suggested carbonate-rich fluorapatite (CFA: Ca10(PO4)5(CO3,F)F2) to be the most likely source of fluoride and phosphate release. An anoxic batch experiment with powdered CFA-rich nodules sourced from the target aquifer and aqueous solutions of successively decreasing ionic strength closely replicated the field-observed fluoride and phosphate behaviour. Based on the laboratory experiment and geochemical modelling, we hypothesise that the release of fluoride and phosphate results from the incongruent dissolution of CFA and the simultaneous formation of a depleted layer that has hydrated di-basic calcium phosphate (CaHPO4·nH2O) composition at the CFA-water interface. Disequilibrium caused by calcium removal following breakthrough of the deionised injectate triggered the release of fluoride and phosphate. Given the increasing use of highly treated, deionised water for MAR and the ubiquitous presence of CFA and fluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6F2) in aquifer settings worldwide, the risk of fluoride and phosphate release needs to be considered in the MAR design process.

A Short Guide to Experimental Design and Analysis for Engineers

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

ee ee r FF F atmentswithin tre 2 2 2 1 21 21 (40) and ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )∑∑∑∑ ∑∑ = j ij i j i YY ee ... ee r RR R sample total 2 2 2 1 21 21 . (41) The inclusion of cross product terms for MANOVA results in the following error matrix for the full model...UNCLASSIFIED DSTO-TN-1291 UNCLASSIFIED 30 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )           = ∑∑∑∑ ∑∑∑∑ j ij i j ij i eee eee FF FF 2 221 21 2 1 E

HCN1 Channels Contribute to the Effects of Amnesia and Hypnosis But Not Immobility of Volatile Anesthetics

PubMed Central

Liu, Jin; Ke, Bowen; Wang, Xiaojia; Li, Fengshan; Li, Tao; Bayliss, Douglas A.; Chen, Xiangdong

2015-01-01

Background HCN1 channels have been identified as targets of ketamine to produce hypnosis. Volatile anesthetics also inhibit HCN1 channels. However, the effects of HCN1 channels on volatile anesthetics in vivo is still elusive. This study uses global and conditional HCN1 knockout mice to evaluate how HCN1 channels affect the actions of volatile anesthetics. Methods Minimum alveolar concentrations (MAC) of isoflurane and sevoflurane that induced immobility (MAC of immobility) and/or hypnosis (MAC of hypnosis) were determined in wild-type (WT) mice, global HCN1 channel knockout mice (HCN1−/−), floxed HCN1 channel gene (HCN1f/f) mice and forebrain-selective HCN1 channel knockout (HCN1f/f: cre) mice. Immobility of mice was defined as no purposeful reactions to tail-clamping stimulus and hypnosis was defined as loss of righting reflex (LORR). The amnestic effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane were evaluated by fear-potentiated startle in these four strains of mice. Results All MAC values were expressed as mean ± SEM. For MAC of immobility of isoflurane, no significant difference was found among wild-type, HCN1−/−, HCN1f/f and HCN1f/f: cre mice (all ~1.24-1.29% isoflurane). For both HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice, the MAC of hypnosis for isoflurane (each ~1.05% isoflurane) were significantly increased over their nonknockout controls: HCN1−/− vs. wild-type (0.86±0.03%, P<0.001) and HCN1f/f: cre vs. HCN1f/f mice (0.84±0.03%, P<0.001); no significant difference was found between HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice. For MAC of immobility of sevoflurane, no significant difference was found among wild-type, HCN1−/−, HCN1f/f and HCN1f/f: cre mice (all ~2.6-2.7% sevoflurane). For both HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice, the MAC of hypnosis for sevoflurane (each ~1.90% sevoflurane) was significantly increased over their nonknockout controls: HCN1−/− vs. wild-type (1.58±0.05%, P<0.001) and HCN1f/f: cre vs. HCN1f/f mice (1.56±0.05%, P<0.001). No significant difference was found between HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice. By fear-potentiated startle experiments, amnestic effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane were significantly attenuated in HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice (both P<0.002 vs. wild-type or HCN1f/f mice). No significant difference was found between HCN1−/− and HCN1f/f: cre mice. Conclusions Forebrain HCN1 channels contribute to hypnotic and amnestic effects of volatile anesthetics, but HCN1 channels are not involved in the immobilizing actions of volatile anesthetics. PMID:26287296

Association between lysyl oxidase and fibrotic focus in relation with inflammation in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Jeong, Young Ju; Park, Sung Hwan; Mun, Sung Hee; Kwak, Sang Gyu; Lee, Sun-Jae; Oh, Hoon Kyu

2018-01-01

We hypothesized that lysyl oxidase (LOX) contributes to the formation of fibrotic focus (FF) in association with inflammation and serves a significant role in breast carcinogenesis. In the present study, the association between the expression of LOX family members and FF with regards to with inflammation was analyzed, and the prognostic significance of LOX and FF in breast cancer was investigated. Immunohistochemical staining for LOX, LOX-like protein (LOXL) 1, LOXL2 and LOXL3 was performed in primary breast cancer tissues. The status of FF within the tumor was assessed, including size and grade. Levels of inflammatory markers, intratumoral and peritumoral lymphocyte infiltration were also evaluated. The clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated from the medical records of patients. In the present study, the expression of LOX family members was not associated with the presence of FF. FF was identified to be associated with intratumoral and peritumoral inflammation, tumor stage, larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, high histologic grade, and p53 expression. LOX and LOXL3 were associated with intratumoral, and peritumoral inflammation. Furthermore, LOXL1 was associated with intratumoral inflammation and interleukin-4. In addition, LOX was associated with cluster of differentiation 8+ T cells. LOXL3 was associated with expression of ER and PR, and molecular subtype. In the survival analysis, overall survival time was statistically significantly longer in the FF-negative compared with that in the FF-positive group. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that FF and the expression of LOX family members were associated with inflammation in breast cancer. FF was associated with poor prognostic markers of breast cancer. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying the association between the LOX family, FF and inflammation in breast cancer. PMID:29434955

Evaluation of liver fat in the presence of iron with MRI using T2* correction: a clinical approach.

PubMed

Henninger, Benjamin; Benjamin, Henninger; Kremser, Christian; Christian, Kremser; Rauch, Stefan; Stefan, Rauch; Eder, Robert; Robert, Eder; Judmaier, Werner; Werner, Judmaier; Zoller, Heinz; Heinz, Zoller; Michaely, Henrik; Henrik, Michaely; Schocke, Michael; Michael, Schocke

2013-06-01

To assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with conventional chemical shift-based sequences with and without T2* correction for the evaluation of steatosis hepatitis (SH) in the presence of iron. Thirty-one patients who underwent MRI and liver biopsy because of clinically suspected diffuse liver disease were retrospectively analysed. The signal intensity (SI) was calculated in co-localised regions of interest (ROIs) using conventional spoiled gradient-echo T1 FLASH in-phase and opposed-phase (IP/OP). T2* relaxation time was recorded in a fat-saturated multi-echo-gradient-echo sequence. The fat fraction (FF) was calculated with non-corrected and T2*-corrected SIs. Results were correlated with liver biopsy. There was significant difference (P < 0.001) between uncorrected and T2* corrected FF in patients with SH and concomitant hepatic iron overload (HIO). Using 5 % as a threshold resulted in eight false negative results with uncorrected FF whereas T2* corrected FF lead to true positive results in 5/8 patients. ROC analysis calculated three threshold values (8.97 %, 5.3 % and 3.92 %) for T2* corrected FF with accuracy 84 %, sensitivity 83-91 % and specificity 63-88 %. FF with T2* correction is accurate for the diagnosis of hepatic fat in the presence of HIO. Findings of our study suggest the use of IP/OP imaging in combination with T2* correction. • Magnetic resonance helps quantify both iron and fat content within the liver • T2* correction helps to predict the correct diagnosis of steatosis hepatitis • "Fat fraction" from T2*-corrected chemical shift-based sequences accurately quantifies hepatic fat • "Fat fraction" without T2* correction underestimates hepatic fat with iron overload.

Breastfeeding, mixed or formula feeding at 9 months and the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in two cohorts of infants in China

PubMed Central

Clark, Katy M.; Li, Ming; Zhu, Bingquan; Liang, Furong; Shao, Jie; Zhang, Yueyang; Ji, Chai; Zhao, Zhengyan; Kaciroti, Niko; Lozoff, Betsy

2016-01-01

Objective To assess associations between breastfeeding and iron status at 9 months in two samples of Chinese infants. Study design Associations between feeding at 9 months (breastfed [BF] as sole milk source, mixed-fed [MF], or formula-fed [FF]) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency (ID), and iron sufficiency were determined in infants from Zhejiang and Hebei provinces (ns = 142 and 813). ID was defined as body iron < 0 mg/kg, IDA as ID + hemoglobin < 110 g/L. Multiple logistic regression assessed associations between feeding pattern and iron status. Results Breastfeeding was associated with iron status (P-values < .001). In Zhejiang, 27.5% of BF infants had IDA compared with 0% of FF infants. The odds of ID/IDA were increased in BF and MF infants compared with FF: BF vs. FF odds ratio (OR): 28.8, 95% CI: 3.7–226.4; MF vs. FF OR: 11.0, 95% CI: 1.2–103.2. In Hebei, 44.0% of BF infants had IDA compared with 2.8% of FF infants. With covariable adjustment, odds of IDA were increased in BF and MF groups: BF vs. FF OR: 78.8, 95% CI: 27.2–228.1; MF vs. FF OR: 21.0, 95% CI: 7.3–60.9. Conclusions In both cohorts, the odds of ID/IDA at 9 months were increased in BF and MF infants, and ID/IDA was common. Although the benefits of breastfeeding are indisputable, these findings add to the evidence that breastfeeding in later infancy identifies infants at risk for ID/IDA in many settings. Protocols for detecting and preventing ID/IDA in BF infants are needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00642863 and NCT00613717 PMID:27836288

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cooling-Reheating Protocol Indicates Decreased Fat Fraction via Lipid Consumption in Suspected Brown Adipose Tissue

PubMed Central

Lundström, Elin; Strand, Robin; Johansson, Lars; Bergsten, Peter; Ahlström, Håkan; Kullberg, Joel

2015-01-01

Objectives To evaluate whether a water-fat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cooling-reheating protocol could be used to detect changes in lipid content and perfusion in the main human brown adipose tissue (BAT) depot after a three-hour long mild cold exposure. Materials and Methods Nine volunteers were investigated with chemical-shift-encoded water-fat MRI at baseline, after a three-hour long cold exposure and after subsequent short reheating. Changes in fat fraction (FF) and R2*, related to ambient temperature, were quantified within cervical-supraclavicular adipose tissue (considered as suspected BAT, denoted sBAT) after semi-automatic segmentation. In addition, FF and R2* were quantified fully automatically in subcutaneous adipose tissue (not considered as suspected BAT, denoted SAT) for comparison. By assuming different time scales for the regulation of lipid turnover and perfusion in BAT, the changes were determined as resulting from either altered absolute fat content (lipid-related) or altered absolute water content (perfusion-related). Results sBAT-FF decreased after cold exposure (mean change in percentage points = -1.94 pp, P = 0.021) whereas no change was observed in SAT-FF (mean = 0.23 pp, P = 0.314). sBAT-R2* tended to increase (mean = 0.65 s-1, P = 0.051) and SAT-R2* increased (mean = 0.40 s-1, P = 0.038) after cold exposure. sBAT-FF remained decreased after reheating (mean = -1.92 pp, P = 0.008, compared to baseline) whereas SAT-FF decreased (mean = -0.79 pp, P = 0.008, compared to after cold exposure). Conclusions The sustained low sBAT-FF after reheating suggests lipid consumption, rather than altered perfusion, as the main cause to the decreased sBAT-FF. The results obtained demonstrate the use of the cooling-reheating protocol for detecting changes in the cervical-supraclavicular fat depot, being the main human brown adipose tissue depot, in terms of lipid content and perfusion. PMID:25928226

Magnetic resonance imaging cooling-reheating protocol indicates decreased fat fraction via lipid consumption in suspected brown adipose tissue.

PubMed

Lundström, Elin; Strand, Robin; Johansson, Lars; Bergsten, Peter; Ahlström, Håkan; Kullberg, Joel

2015-01-01

To evaluate whether a water-fat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cooling-reheating protocol could be used to detect changes in lipid content and perfusion in the main human brown adipose tissue (BAT) depot after a three-hour long mild cold exposure. Nine volunteers were investigated with chemical-shift-encoded water-fat MRI at baseline, after a three-hour long cold exposure and after subsequent short reheating. Changes in fat fraction (FF) and R2*, related to ambient temperature, were quantified within cervical-supraclavicular adipose tissue (considered as suspected BAT, denoted sBAT) after semi-automatic segmentation. In addition, FF and R2* were quantified fully automatically in subcutaneous adipose tissue (not considered as suspected BAT, denoted SAT) for comparison. By assuming different time scales for the regulation of lipid turnover and perfusion in BAT, the changes were determined as resulting from either altered absolute fat content (lipid-related) or altered absolute water content (perfusion-related). sBAT-FF decreased after cold exposure (mean change in percentage points = -1.94 pp, P = 0.021) whereas no change was observed in SAT-FF (mean = 0.23 pp, P = 0.314). sBAT-R2* tended to increase (mean = 0.65 s-1, P = 0.051) and SAT-R2* increased (mean = 0.40 s-1, P = 0.038) after cold exposure. sBAT-FF remained decreased after reheating (mean = -1.92 pp, P = 0.008, compared to baseline) whereas SAT-FF decreased (mean = -0.79 pp, P = 0.008, compared to after cold exposure). The sustained low sBAT-FF after reheating suggests lipid consumption, rather than altered perfusion, as the main cause to the decreased sBAT-FF. The results obtained demonstrate the use of the cooling-reheating protocol for detecting changes in the cervical-supraclavicular fat depot, being the main human brown adipose tissue depot, in terms of lipid content and perfusion.

Continued Expression of GATA3 Is Necessary for Cochlear Neurosensory Development

PubMed Central

Duncan, Jeremy S.; Fritzsch, Bernd

2013-01-01

Hair cells of the developing mammalian inner ear are progressively defined through cell fate restriction. This process culminates in the expression of the bHLH transcription factor Atoh1, which is necessary for differentiation of hair cells, but not for their specification. Loss of several genes will disrupt ear morphogenesis or arrest of neurosensory epithelia development. We previously showed in null mutants that the loss of the transcription factor, Gata3, results specifically in the loss of all cochlear neurosensory development. Temporal expression of Gata3 is broad from the otic placode stage through the postnatal ear. It therefore remains unclear at which stage in development Gata3 exerts its effect. To better understand the stage specific effects of Gata3, we investigated the role of Gata3 in cochlear neurosensory specification and differentiation utilizing a LoxP targeted Gata3 line and two Cre lines. Foxg1Cre∶Gata3f/f mice show recombination of Gata3 around E8.5 but continue to develop a cochlear duct without differentiated hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. qRT-PCR data show that Atoh1 was down-regulated but not absent in the duct whereas other hair cell specific genes such as Pou4f3 were completely absent. In addition, while Sox2 levels were lower in the Foxg1Cre:Gata3f/f cochlea, Eya1 levels remained normal. We conclude that Eya1 is unable to fully upregulate Atoh1 or Pou4f3, and drive differentiation of hair cells without Gata3. Pax2-Cre∶Gata3f/f mice show a delayed recombination of Gata3 in the ear relative to Foxg1Cre:Gata3f/f. These mice exhibited a cochlear duct containing patches of partially differentiated hair cells and developed only few and incorrectly projecting spiral ganglion neurons. Our conditional deletion studies reveal a major role of Gata3 in the signaling of prosensory genes and in the differentiation of cochlear neurosenory cells. We suggest that Gata3 may act in combination with Eya1, Six1, and Sox2 in cochlear prosensory gene signaling. PMID:23614009

Temperature effects on ash physical and chemical properties. A laboratory study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, Paulo; Úbeda, Xavier; Martin, Deborah

2010-05-01

Fire temperatures have different impacts on ash physical and chemical properties that depend mainly of the specie affected and time of exposition. In a real prescribed or wildland fire, the temperatures produce ash with different characteristics. Know the impacts of a specific temperature or a gradient on a certain element and specie is very difficult in real fires, especially in wildland fires, where temperatures achieve higher values and the burning conditions are not controlled. Hence, laboratory studies revealed to be an excellent methodology to understand the effects of fire temperatures in ash physical and chemical. The aim of this study is study the effects of a temperature gradient (150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550°C) on ash physical and chemical properties. For this study we collected litter of Quercus suber, Pinus pinea and Pinus pinaster in a plot located in Portugal. The selected species are the most common in the ecosystem. We submitted samples to the mentioned temperatures throughout a time of two hours and we analysed several parameters, namely, Loss on Ignition (LOI%), ash colour - through the Croma Value (CV) observed in Munsell color chart - CaCO3, Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Carbon (TC), C/N ratio, ash pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), extractable Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Aluminium (Al3+), Manganese (Mn2+), Iron (Fe2+), Zinc (Zn2+), Total Phosphorous (TP), Sulphur (S) and Silica (SiO2). Since we considered many elements, in order to obtain a better explanation of all dataset, we applied a Factorial Analysis (FA), based on the correlation matrix and the Factors were extracted according to the Principle Components method. To obtain a better relation between the variables with a specific Factor we rotated the matrix according to the VARIMAX NORMALIZED method. FA identified 5 Factors that explained a total of 95% of the variance. We retained in each Factor the variables that presented an eigenvalue >0.7. Factor 1 explained the majority of the variance (60.05%). LOI(%), CV, CaCO3, pH, Na+, K+, S (these last tree elements only in both Pinus) and SiO2, showed positive loadings. Inversely, TC, C/N ratio, Al3+, Fe2+ (these last tree elements for Quercus suber and Pinus pinaster ash) and Mn2+ (In the case of Quercus suber) presented negative loadings. Factor 2 explained 19.89% of the variance and showed higher loadings in TN, Ca2+ and Mg2+ (in the case of the ions only in both Pinus). Factor 3 explains only 6.69% of the variance and we identified higher loadings in Mg2+, Na+ and K+ of Quercus suber. Factor 4 explains less then the last Factor, only 4.60% of the variance and presented negative loadings above -0.7 in TP of Quercus suber and Pinus pinea. Factor 5 explained 3.93% of the variance, less than all other Factors and showed in Al3+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ of Pinus pinea and in the case of the last element, also in Pinus pinaster. The observation of the scores matrix allowed us to understand the major concentration of these elements according the temperature of exposition. Hence, the elements that showed higher positive loadings in Factor 1, have a major concentration at 450, 500 and 550°C, and the ones with higher negative loadings presented higher concentration at 200 and 250°C. The nutrients that presented higher positive loadings in Factor 2 have higher concentrations at 400°C. The elements with higher positive loadings in Factor 3 have bigger amounts in the ash slurries produced at 350°C and the ones with higher negative loadings in the Factor 4 showed greater concentrations in the ash produced at 300°C. The elements with higher negative loadings in the Factor 5 showed higher amounts in the ash created at 150°C of exposition. The results obtained showed that nutrients concentration is a function of the burned specie and temperature reached in the considered exposure time. Micronutrients and TC and C/N showed higher values at lower temperatures, TN, Ca2+, Mg2+ and TP at temperatures between 300-400°C. The other variables in study have major concentrations at temperatures higher than 450°C. Some differences between species can be identified and this is a result of the different litter vulnerabilities to the same temperature, producing diverse fire severities. This and other reasons for this behaviour will be discussed in the communication.

An audit of the global carbon budget: identifying and reducing sources of uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballantyne, A. P.; Tans, P. P.; Marland, G.; Stocker, B. D.

2012-12-01

Uncertainties in our carbon accounting practices may limit our ability to objectively verify emission reductions on regional scales. Furthermore uncertainties in the global C budget must be reduced to benchmark Earth System Models that incorporate carbon-climate interactions. Here we present an audit of the global C budget where we try to identify sources of uncertainty for major terms in the global C budget. The atmospheric growth rate of CO2 has increased significantly over the last 50 years, while the uncertainty in calculating the global atmospheric growth rate has been reduced from 0.4 ppm/yr to 0.2 ppm/yr (95% confidence). Although we have greatly reduced global CO2 growth rate uncertainties, there remain regions, such as the Southern Hemisphere, Tropics and Arctic, where changes in regional sources/sinks will remain difficult to detect without additional observations. Increases in fossil fuel (FF) emissions are the primary factor driving the increase in global CO2 growth rate; however, our confidence in FF emission estimates has actually gone down. Based on a comparison of multiple estimates, FF emissions have increased from 2.45 ± 0.12 PgC/yr in 1959 to 9.40 ± 0.66 PgC/yr in 2010. Major sources of increasing FF emission uncertainty are increased emissions from emerging economies, such as China and India, as well as subtle differences in accounting practices. Lastly, we evaluate emission estimates from Land Use Change (LUC). Although relative errors in emission estimates from LUC are quite high (2 sigma ~ 50%), LUC emissions have remained fairly constant in recent decades. We evaluate the three commonly used approaches to estimating LUC emissions- Bookkeeping, Satellite Imagery, and Model Simulations- to identify their main sources of error and their ability to detect net emissions from LUC.; Uncertainties in Fossil Fuel Emissions over the last 50 years.

Knemometry Assessment of Short-term Growth in Children With Asthma Receiving Fluticasone Furoate for 2 Weeks: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Trial.

PubMed

Wolthers, Ole D; Stone, Sally; Bareille, Philippe; Tomkins, Susan; Khindri, Sanjeev

2017-06-01

A dry powder inhaler formulation of the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate (FF) is being evaluated for use in children. An important potential risk associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in children is growth suppression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the short-term lower leg growth in children with asthma treated for 2 weeks with inhaled FF versus placebo from the ELLIPTA inhaler. Prepubertal children with persistent asthma (n = 60; aged 5 to <12 years) were recruited into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover, noninferiority study. The study consisted of four 2-week periods: run-in, 2 treatment periods, 1 washout period, and a 1-week follow-up period. Interventions were FF 50 µg and placebo once daily in the evening. Lower leg length was measured by using knemometry. The randomized ITT population comprised 36 boys and 24 girls with a mean age of 8.7 (standard deviation, 1.5; range, 5-11) years; 58% had a duration of asthma ≥5 years. Fifty-eight subjects completed both treatment periods. The least squares mean growth rate was 0.31 mm/week during treatment with FF and 0.36 mm/week during the placebo period. The difference in adjusted least squares mean growth rates between FF and placebo was -0.052 mm/week with a 95% CI of -0.122 to 0.018. This finding was greater than the prespecified noninferiority margin of -0.20 mm/week. The overall incidence of adverse events was 35% with placebo and 22% with FF. Inhaled FF 50 µg provided once daily for 2 weeks was noninferior to placebo in terms of effects on short-term lower leg growth in children with asthma. To further quantify the risk of growth suppression in children, intermediate-term growth studies should be conducted. Inhaled FF 50 µg was well tolerated in this study population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02502734. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Precision Measurement of the proton neutral weak form factors at Q 2 ~ 0.1 GeV 2

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

Kaufman, Lisa J.

2007-02-01

This thesis reports the HAPPEX measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry for longitudinally polarized electrons elastically scattered from protons in a liquid hydrogen target. The measurement was carried out in Hall A at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility using a beam energy E = 3 GeV and scattering angle = 6°. The asymmetry is sensitive to the weak neutral form factors from which we extract the strange quark electric and magnetic form factors (Gmore » $$s\\atop{E}$$ and G$$s\\atop{M}$$) of the proton. The measurement was conducted during two data-taking periods in 2004 and 2005. This thesis describes the methods for controlling the helicity-correlated beam asymmetries and the analysis of the raw asymmetry. The parity-violating asymmetry has been measured to be A PV = -1.14± 0.24 (stat)±0.06 (syst) ppm at 2> = 0.099 GeV 2 (2004), and A PV = -1.58±0.12 (stat)±0.04 (syst) ppm at 2> = 0.109 GeV 2 (2005). The strange quark form factors extracted from the asymmetry are G$$s\\atop{E}$$ + 0.080G$$s\\atop{M}$$ = 0.030 ± 0.025 (stat) ± 0.006 (syst) ± 0.012 (FF) (2004) and G$$s\\atop{E}$$ +0.088G$$s\\atop{M}$$ = 0.007±0.011 (stat)±0.004 (syst)±0.005 (FF) (2005). These results place the most precise constraints on the strange quark form factors and indicate little strange dynamics in the proton.« less

PP2B/calcineurin-mediated desensitization of TRPV1 does not require AKAP150

PubMed Central

Por, Elaine D.; Samelson, Bret K.; Belugin, Sergei; Akopian, Armen N.; Scott, John D.; Jeske, Nathaniel A.

2011-01-01

Activation of protein kinases and phosphatases at the plasma membrane often initiates agonist-dependent signalling events. In sensory neurons, AKAP150 (A-kinase-anchoring protein 150) orientates PKA (protein kinase A), PKC (protein kinase C) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PP2B (protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin) towards membrane-associated substrates. Recent evidence indicates that AKAP150-anchored PKA and PKC phosphorylate and sensitize the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential subfamily V type 1 channel, also known as the capsaicin receptor). In the present study, we explore the hypothesis that an AKAP150-associated pool of PP2B catalyses the dephosphorylation and desensitization of TRPV1. Biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-based experiments indicate that PP2B associates with AKAP150 and TRPV1 in cultured TG (trigeminal ganglia) neurons. Gene silencing of AKAP150 reduces basal phosphorylation of TRPV1. However, functional studies in neurons isolated from AKAP150−/− mice indicate that the anchoring protein is not required for pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1. Behavioural analysis of AKAP150−/− mice further support this notion, demonstrating that agonist-stimulated desensitization of TRPV1 is sensitive to PP2B inhibition and does not rely on AKAP150. These findings allow us to conclude that pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1 by PP2B may involve additional regulatory components. PMID:20883208

PP2B/calcineurin-mediated desensitization of TRPV1 does not require AKAP150.

PubMed

Por, Elaine D; Samelson, Bret K; Belugin, Sergei; Akopian, Armen N; Scott, John D; Jeske, Nathaniel A

2010-12-15

Activation of protein kinases and phosphatases at the plasma membrane often initiates agonist-dependent signalling events. In sensory neurons, AKAP150 (A-kinase-anchoring protein 150) orientates PKA (protein kinase A), PKC (protein kinase C) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PP2B (protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin) towards membrane-associated substrates. Recent evidence indicates that AKAP150-anchored PKA and PKC phosphorylate and sensitize the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential subfamily V type 1 channel, also known as the capsaicin receptor). In the present study, we explore the hypothesis that an AKAP150-associated pool of PP2B catalyses the dephosphorylation and desensitization of TRPV1. Biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-based experiments indicate that PP2B associates with AKAP150 and TRPV1 in cultured TG (trigeminal ganglia) neurons. Gene silencing of AKAP150 reduces basal phosphorylation of TRPV1. However, functional studies in neurons isolated from AKAP150-/- mice indicate that the anchoring protein is not required for pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1. Behavioural analysis of AKAP150-/- mice further support this notion, demonstrating that agonist-stimulated desensitization of TRPV1 is sensitive to PP2B inhibition and does not rely on AKAP150. These findings allow us to conclude that pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1 by PP2B may involve additional regulatory components.

Physical activity and functional fitness in institutionalized vs. independently living elderly: a comparison of 70-80-year-old city-dwellers.

PubMed

Król-Zielińska, Magdalena; Kusy, Krzysztof; Zieliński, Jacek; Osiński, Wiesław

2011-01-01

The purpose of the study was to compare the level of energy expenditure due to physical activity (EEPA) and functional fitness (FF) in 59 women and 82 men aged 70-80 years, divided into three groups: permanent residents in assisted-living facilities (ALFs), participants in adult day care centers (DCCs) and older people living independently, members in community senior centers (CSCs). EEPA and FF were analyzed taking into consideration sex differences. The energy expenditure tended to be lower in DCCs and ALFs subjects than in CSCs members, but significant differences were obtained only in women. Women in different living settings differed only in endurance. In men, the differences were clear in most tests (endurance, strength, agility/dynamic balance) except for flexibility. Institutionalization was connected with a significantly lower level of FF and equalization of sex differences. Education seemed to be an important factor influencing the level of FF in men. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emissions of Black Carbon Particles in Anthropogenic and Biomass Plumes over California during CARB 2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, L. K.; Kondo, Y.; Moteki, N.; Takegawa, N.; Zhao, Y.; Vay, S. A.; Diskin, G. S.; Wisthaler, A.; Huey, L. G.

2009-12-01

Measurements of black carbon (BC) and other chemical species were made from the NASA DC-8 aircraft during the CARB campaign conducted over California in June 2008. We operated an SP2 system that measured BC and scattering particles. The vertical profiles of BC and scattering particles show enhancements in the lower troposphere. We have used relations of CO-CH3CN-SO2 to identify the sources of major plumes. The plumes originating from anthropogenic activities, mainly due to the use of fossil fuels (FF), were observed near the surface. However, the influence of smoke plumes from wild fire or biomass-burning (BB) sources was observed up to 3 km. Overall, the 1-minute average BC mass concentrations were in the ranges of about 90-500 ng/m3 and 300-700 ng/m3 in FF and BB plumes, respectively. The shell/core diameter ratios were much lagerer in BB plumes than those in FF plumes. Namely, the median shell/core ratios were 1.2-1.4 for FF plumes, while they were 1.4-1.7 for BB plumes. In both FF and BB plumes, the mass-size distributions of BC were single mode lognormal. However, the mass median diameters FF plumes were considerably smaller. The BC-CO2 regression slopes were 19±9 ng m-3/ppmv and 270±90 ng m-3/ppmv for FF and BB plumes, respectively. On the other hand the regression slopes of BC-CO were about 3.3 ng m-3/ppbv in both the plumes. Conversely, the regression slopes of BC with other co-emitted combustions products can be used to estimate the contributions of emissions from different sources.

Impact of acute metabolic acidosis on the acid-base balance in follicular fluid and blood in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Indrova, E; Dolezel, R; Novakova-Mala, J; Pechova, A; Zavadilova, M; Cech, S

2017-02-01

Acid-base balance is one of the most vigorously regulated variables of the body, including genital organs. Subacute ruminal acidosis is a common disturbance in dairy cows that disturbs several biochemical indices in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. The possible negative effects of metabolic acidosis on the follicular fluid (FF) composition and, subsequently, on oocyte quality, are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in acid-base balance (ABB) in FF and blood during acute metabolic acidosis in dairy heifers. Ten Holstein heifers were stimulated with FSH in eight decreasing doses at 12-hour intervals (D0-D3). Acidosis was induced by oral administration of sucrose at 9 g/kg of body weight, dissolved in 10 L of warm tap water, at D3. Samples were collected from each cow at 0, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours after treatment. Samples of FF, obtained by transvaginal follicular aspiration, and peripheral blood were examined for ABB parameters: pH, pCO 2 , pO 2 , HCO 3 - , and base excess (BE). A significant decrease in pH, HCO 3 - , and BE values in the blood, as well as FF, occurred after sucrose treatment. The lowest pH values occurred in blood at 16 hours, and in FF at 24 hours, after treatment (7.30 ± 0.05 and 7.33 ± 0.05, respectively). The lowest HCO 3 - values in blood (18.75 ± 3.2 mmol/L) and FF (18.07 ± 2.84 mmol/L) occurred 24 hours after treatment, as did the lowest BE values (-6.61 ± 3.7 mmol/L and -7.53 ± 3.89 mmol/L, in blood and FF, respectively). Significant correlations for HCO 3 - (r = 0.928), BE (r = 0.946), pH (r = 0.889), and pCO 2 (r = 0.522) existed between blood and FF samples. The results demonstrated that metabolic acute acidosis substantially influences the characteristics of both serum and FF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface and bulk effects of K in Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 solar cells

DOE PAGES

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Timothy J.

2017-12-29

Two strategies for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) performance in chalcopyrite solar cells were investigated: Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with low K content (K/(K+Cu), or x ~ 0.07) distributed throughout the bulk, and CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 grown on their surfaces. Distributing K throughout the bulk absorbers improved power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) for Ga/(Ga+In) of 0, 0.3 and 0.5. Surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 and bulk x ~ 0.07 Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 films with Ga/(Ga+In), or y of 0.3 and 0.5 also had improvedmore » efficiency, VOC, and FF, relative to CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 baselines. On the other hand, y ~ 1 absorbers did not benefit from K introduction. Similar to Cu 1-xK xInSe 2, the formation of Cu 1-xK xGaSe 2 alloys was favored at low temperatures and high Na supply by the substrate, relative to the formation of mixed-phase CuGaSe 2 + KGaSe 2. KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 alloys were grown for the first time, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. For all Ga/(Ga+In) compositions, the surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers had superior PV performance in buffered and buffer-free devices. However, the bulk x ~ 0.07 absorbers only outperformed the baselines in buffered devices. The data demonstrate that KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 passivates the surface of CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 to increase efficiency, VOC, and FF, while bulk Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with x ~ 0.07 enhance efficiency, VOC, and FF by some other mechanism.« less

Surface and bulk effects of K in Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 solar cells

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

Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Anderson, Timothy J.

Two strategies for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) performance in chalcopyrite solar cells were investigated: Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with low K content (K/(K+Cu), or x ~ 0.07) distributed throughout the bulk, and CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 grown on their surfaces. Distributing K throughout the bulk absorbers improved power conversion efficiency, open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) for Ga/(Ga+In) of 0, 0.3 and 0.5. Surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 and bulk x ~ 0.07 Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 films with Ga/(Ga+In), or y of 0.3 and 0.5 also had improvedmore » efficiency, VOC, and FF, relative to CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 baselines. On the other hand, y ~ 1 absorbers did not benefit from K introduction. Similar to Cu 1-xK xInSe 2, the formation of Cu 1-xK xGaSe 2 alloys was favored at low temperatures and high Na supply by the substrate, relative to the formation of mixed-phase CuGaSe 2 + KGaSe 2. KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 alloys were grown for the first time, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. For all Ga/(Ga+In) compositions, the surface KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers had superior PV performance in buffered and buffer-free devices. However, the bulk x ~ 0.07 absorbers only outperformed the baselines in buffered devices. The data demonstrate that KIn 1-yGa ySe 2 passivates the surface of CuIn 1-yGa ySe 2 to increase efficiency, VOC, and FF, while bulk Cu 1-xK xIn 1-yGa ySe 2 absorbers with x ~ 0.07 enhance efficiency, VOC, and FF by some other mechanism.« less

Increased platelet factor 4 and aberrant permeability of follicular fluid in PCOS.

PubMed

Huang, Chu-Chun; Chou, Chia-Hung; Chen, Shee-Uan; Ho, Hong-Nerng; Yang, Yu-Shih; Chen, Mei-Jou

2018-05-17

Abnormal folliculogenesis is one of the cardinal presentations of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and permeability of follicular wall has been proposed to be involved in the normal follicular growth. However, whether or not there is a change in intrafollicular permeability underlies PCOS is unknown. This was a tertiary center-based case-control study. From 2014 to 2015, thirteen patients with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were enrolled. Eleven normo-ovulatory patients who underwent IVF-ET due to male factor and/or tubal factor infertility were enrolled as the control group. The influence of ovarian follicular fluid (FF) on endothelial cell permeability was evaluated using a human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayer permeability assay. The intrafollicular expression profiles of angiogenesis-related proteins were analyzed using a Human Angiogenesis Protein Array Kit. The FF from PCOS patients caused significantly poorer endothelial cell permeability comparing with the effect of FF from the control group (46% ± 12% vs. 58% ± 9%, P = 0.023). Among the 55 angiogenesis-related proteins tested, there was a significantly higher level of intrafollicular platelet factor 4 (PF4) and PF4/IL-8 complex in the PCOS group (p = 0.004). The anti-permeability effect of PF4 was related to the decrease in the intercellular gaps and antagonistic binding with IL-8. Our study provides the first evidence of the pathophysiologic contribution of the well-known angiostatic protein, PF4, on human reproductive biology. The increase of the intrafollicular PF4 and its anti-permeability effect might affect the formation of FF and folliculogenesis in PCOS. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) Activation Is Essential for Osteocyte Survival Induced by Mechanotransduction.

PubMed

de Castro, Luis F; Maycas, Marta; Bravo, Beatriz; Esbrit, Pedro; Gortazar, Arancha

2015-02-01

Mechanical loading plays a key role in bone formation and maintenance. While unloading induces osteocyte apoptosis and bone loss in vivo, mechanical stimuli prevents osteocyte death through a mechanism involving β-catenin accumulation and ERK nuclear translocation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a crucial role in bone formation, but its interaction with osteocytes is not completely understood. Of interest, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) has recently been shown to mediate the mechanical response of endothelial cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the putative role of the VEGF system in osteocyte mechanosensing. We show that either short (10 min) mechanical stimulus by pulsatile fluid flow (FF) (10 dyn/cm(2), 8 Hz) or exogenous VEGF165 (6 ng/ml) similarly stimulated cell viability, ERK phosphorylation, and β-catenin membrane translocation. A VEGFR2 antagonist (SU5416) or transfection with specific VEGFR2 siRNAs (siVEGFR2) decreased these events. FF for 10 min increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation at both Tyr-1059 and Tyr-1175; an effect that was mimicked by VEGF165 but was unaffected by a VEGF neutralizing antibody. Subsequently (at 6 h), this mechanical stimulus induced VEGF gene overexpression, which was prevented by siVEGFR2 transfection. Depletion of the structural protein caveolin-1 by using siRNA technology impaired FF-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, these in vitro findings point to caveolin-1-dependent VEGFR2 activation as an important mechanism whereby mechanical stimuli promote osteocyte viability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

Ray, Jaideep; Lee, Jina; Lefantzi, Sophia

The estimation of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions (ffCO2) from limited ground-based and satellite measurements of CO2 concentrations will form a key component of the monitoring of treaties aimed at the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions. To that end, we construct a multiresolution spatial parametrization for fossil-fuel CO2 emissions (ffCO2), to be used in atmospheric inversions. Such a parametrization does not currently exist. The parametrization uses wavelets to accurately capture the multiscale, nonstationary nature of ffCO2 emissions and employs proxies of human habitation, e.g., images of lights at night and maps of built-up areas to reduce the dimensionality of the multiresolution parametrization.more » The parametrization is used in a synthetic data inversion to test its suitability for use in atmospheric inverse problem. This linear inverse problem is predicated on observations of ffCO2 concentrations collected at measurement towers. We adapt a convex optimization technique, commonly used in the reconstruction of compressively sensed images, to perform sparse reconstruction of the time-variant ffCO2 emission field. We also borrow concepts from compressive sensing to impose boundary conditions i.e., to limit ffCO2 emissions within an irregularly shaped region (the United States, in our case). We find that the optimization algorithm performs a data-driven sparsification of the spatial parametrization and retains only of those wavelets whose weights could be estimated from the observations. Further, our method for the imposition of boundary conditions leads to a 10computational saving over conventional means of doing so. We conclude with a discussion of the accuracy of the estimated emissions and the suitability of the spatial parametrization for use in inverse problems with a significant degree of regularization.« less

Free-field Calibration of the Pressure Sensitivity of Microphones at Frequencies up to 80 kHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herring, G. C.; Zuckerwar, Allan J.; Elbing, Brian R.

2006-01-01

A free-field (FF) substitution method for calibrating the pressure sensitivity of microphones at frequencies up to 80 kHz is demonstrated with both grazing and normal incidence geometries. The substitution-based method, as opposed to a simultaneous method, avoids problems associated with the non-uniformity of the sound field and, as applied here, uses a 1/2 -inch air-condenser pressure microphone as a known reference. Best results were obtained with a centrifugal fan, which is used as a random, broadband sound source. A broadband source minimizes reflection-related interferences that often plague FF measurements. Calibrations were performed on 1/4-inch FF air-condenser, electret, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones in an anechoic chamber. The accuracy of this FF method is estimated by comparing the pressure sensitivity of an air-condenser microphone, as derived from the FF measurement, with that of an electrostatic actuator calibration and is typically 0.3 dB (95% confidence), over the range 2-80 kHz.

Order-disorder transition of intrinsically disordered kinase inducible transactivation domain of CREB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Guo, Xiang; Han, Jingcheng; Luo, Ray; Chen, Hai-Feng

2018-06-01

Transcription factor cyclic Adenosine monophosphate response-element binding protein plays a critical role in the cyclic AMP response pathway via its intrinsically disordered kinase inducible transactivation domain (KID). KID is one of the most studied intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), although most previous studies focus on characterizing its disordered state structures. An interesting question that remains to be answered is how the order-disorder transition occurs at experimental conditions. Thanks to the newly developed IDP-specific force field ff14IDPSFF, the quality of conformer sampling for IDPs has been dramatically improved. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the order-to-disorder transition kinetics of KID based on the good agreement with the experiment on its disordered-state properties. Specifically, we tested four force fields, ff99SBildn, ff99IDPs, ff14IDPSFF, and ff14IDPs in the simulations of KID and found that ff14IDPSFF can generate more diversified disordered conformers and also reproduce more accurate experimental secondary chemical shifts. Kinetics analysis of MD simulations demonstrates that the order-disorder transition of KID obeys the first-order kinetics, and the transition nucleus is I127/L128/L141. The possible transition pathways from the nucleus to the last folded residues were identified as I127-R125-L138-L141-S143-A145 and L128-R125-L138-L141-S143-A145 based on a residue-level dynamical network analysis. These computational studies not only provide testable prediction/hypothesis on the order-disorder transition of KID but also confirm that the ff14IDPSFF force field can be used to explore the correlation between the structure and function of IDPs.

Light and portable novel device for diabetic retinopathy screening.

PubMed

Ting, Daniel S W; Tay-Kearney, Mei Ling; Kanagasingam, Yogesan

2012-01-01

To validate the use of an economical portable multipurpose ophthalmic imaging device, EyeScan (Ophthalmic Imaging System, Sacramento, CA, USA), for diabetic retinopathy screening. Evaluation of a diagnostic device. One hundred thirty-six (272 eyes) were recruited from diabetic retinopathy screening clinic of Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, Australia. All patients underwent three-field (optic disc, macular and temporal view) mydriatic retinal digital still photography captured by EyeScan and FF450 plus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, North America) and were subsequently examined by a senior consultant ophthalmologist using the slit-lamp biomicroscopy (reference standard). All retinal images were interpreted by a consultant ophthalmologist and a medical officer. The sensitivity, specificity and kappa statistics of EyeScan and FF450 plus with reference to the slit-lamp examination findings by a senior consultant ophthalmologist. For detection of any grade of diabetic retinopathy, EyeScan had a sensitivity and specificity of 93 and 98%, respectively (ophthalmologist), and 92 and 95%, respectively (medical officer). In contrast, FF450 plus images had a sensitivity and specificity of 95 and 99%, respectively (ophthalmologist), and 92 and 96%, respectively (medical officer). The overall kappa statistics for diabetic retinopathy grading for EyeScan and FF450 plus were 0.93 and 0.95 for ophthalmologist and 0.88 and 0.90 for medical officer, respectively. Given that the EyeScan requires minimal training to use and has excellent diagnostic accuracy in screening for diabetic retinopathy, it could be potentially utilized by the primary eye care providers to widely screen for diabetic retinopathy in the community. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2011 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

303-K Storage Facility closure plan. Revision 2

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

Not Available

1993-12-15

Recyclable scrap uranium with zircaloy-2 and copper silicon alloy, uranium-titanium alloy, beryllium/zircaloy-2 alloy, and zircaloy-2 chips and fines were secured in concrete billets (7.5-gallon containers) in the 303-K Storage Facility, located in the 300 Area. The beryllium/zircaloy-2 alloy and zircaloy-2 chips and fines are designated as mixed waste with the characteristic of ignitability. The concretion process reduced the ignitability of the fines and chips for safe storage and shipment. This process has been discontinued and the 303-K Storage Facility is now undergoing closure as defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 and the Washington Administrative Codemore » (WAC) Dangerous Waste Regulations, WAC 173-303-040. This closure plan presents a description of the 303-K Storage Facility, the history of materials and waste managed, and the procedures that will be followed to close the 303-K Storage Facility. The 303-K Storage Facility is located within the 300-FF-3 (source) and 300-FF-5 (groundwater) operable units, as designated in the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (Tri-Party Agreement) (Ecology et al. 1992). Contamination in the operable units 300-FF-3 and 300-FF-5 is scheduled to be addressed through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 remedial action process. Therefore, all soil remedial action at the 304 Facility will be conducted as part of the CERCLA remedial action of operable units 300-FF-3 and 300-FF-5.« less

Chemical bond parameters and photoluminescence of a natural-white-light Ca{sub 9}La(VO{sub 4}){sub 7}:Tm{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+} with one O{sup 2−}→V{sup 5+} charge transfer and dual f-f transition emission centers

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

Li, Ling; Liu, Xiao Guang; Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737

2015-01-15

The relationship between the photoluminescence properties and the crystal structure of undoped, Eu{sup 3+} or/ and Tm{sup 3+} singly or codoped Ca{sub 9}La(VO{sub 4}){sub 7} (CLaVO) samples was discussed. Under the excitation of UV light, CLaVO:Tm{sup 3+}, CLaVO, and CLaVO:Eu{sup 3+} exhibit the characteristic emissions of Tm{sup 3+} ({sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6}, blue), O{sup 2−}→V{sup 5+} charge transfer (CT), and Eu{sup 3+} ({sup 5}D{sub 0}→{sup 7}F{sub 2}, red), respectively. By adjusting the doping concentration of Tm{sup 3+} and Eu{sup 3+} ions in CLaVO, a natural white emission in a single composition with the color temperature at 6181 K wasmore » obtained. Based on the dielectric theory of complex crystal, the chemical bond parameters of La-O and V-O bonds were quantitatively calculated. The standard deviation of environmental factor of every bond (EFSD), which can be expressed as σ(h{sub e{sub i}})=√((1/N)∑{sub i=1}{sup N}(h{sub e{sub i}}−μ){sup 2}) (h{sub e{sub i}}=(f{sub c{sub i}}α{sub b{sub i}}){sup 1/2}Q{sub B{sub i}} and μ=(1/N)∑{sub i=1}{sup N}h{sub e{sub i}}), was proposed to quantitatively express the distortion degree of VO{sub 4}{sup 3−} from that of an ideal tetrahedron. The maximum change of EFSD comes from the [VO{sub 4}]{sup −} tetrahedra in CLaVO sample by comparison with that of EFSD of isostructural Ca{sub 9}Gd(VO{sub 4}){sub 7}. This is possible the key reason that the undoped CLaVO sample has self-activated emission while the self-activated emission of its isostructural Ca{sub 9}Gd(VO{sub 4}){sub 7} sample cannot be found. The quantitative calculation also demonstrated that the broad excitation bands at 319 nm in CLaVO:Tm and at 335 nm in CLaVO:Eu were due to the O-V2 and O-V3 (overlap with O-V2) CT, not the CT energy of O{sup 2−}-Eu1{sup 3+} (O{sup 2−}-Tm1{sup 3+}), O{sup 2−}-Eu2{sup 3+} (O{sup 2−}-Tm2{sup 3+}), and O{sup 2−}-Eu3{sup 3+} (O{sup 2−}-Tm3{sup 3+}). The environmental factors surrounding the atoms V1, V2 and V3 were calculated to be 1.577, 1.6379 and 1.7554, respectively. It can be demonstrated that the excitation spectra at 319 nm for CLaVO:Tm and 335 nm for CLaVO:Eu came from the O-V2 and O-V3 CT, respectively. - Graphical abstracts: The relationship between the photoluminescence properties and the crystal structure of undoped, Eu{sup 3+} or/ and Tm{sup 3+} singly or codoped Ca{sub 9}La(VO{sub 4}){sub 7} (CLaVO) samples was discussed experimentally and theoretically. - Highlights: ●The photoluminescence properties of Ca{sub 9}La(VO{sub 4}){sub 7}:Eu, Tm were measured. ●The tunable color including white emission can be obtained. ●The important chemical bond parameters of O-V were calculated quantitatively. ●The standard deviation of environmental factor of every bond was proposed. ●The theoretical analysis of the self-activated emission for Ca{sub 9}La(VO{sub 4}){sub 7} was given.« less

Climate, intrinsic water-use efficiency and tree growth over the past 150 years in humid subtropical China

PubMed Central

Li, Dawen; Fang, Keyan; Li, Yingjun; Chen, Deliang; Liu, Xiaohong; Dong, Zhipeng; Zhou, Feifei; Guo, Guoyang; Shi, Feng; Xu, Chenxi; Li, Yanping

2017-01-01

Influence of long-term changes in climate and CO2 concentration on intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), defined as the ratio between net photosynthesis (A) and leaf conductance (g), and tree growth remain not fully revealed in humid subtropical China, which is distinct from other arid subtropical areas with dense coverage of broadleaf forests. This study presented the first tree-ring stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and iWUE series of Pinus massoniana from 1865 to 2013 in Fujian province, humid subtropical China, and the first tree-ring width standard chronology during the period of 1836–2013 for the Niumulin Nature Reserve (NML). Tree-ring width growth was limited by precipitation in July-August (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). The tree-ring carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) was mainly controlled by the sunshine hours (r = -0.66, p < 0.001) and relative humidity (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) in September-October, a season with rapid latewood formation in this area. The iWUE increased by 42.6% and the atmospheric CO2 concentration (ca) explained 92.6% of the iWUE variance over the last 150 years. The steady increase in iWUE suggests an active response with a proportional increase in intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) in response to increase in ca. The contribution of iWUE to tree growth in the study region is not conspicuous, which points to influences of other factors such as climate. PMID:28182751

Luminescence and Excitation Spectra of U 3+ doped RbY 2 Cl 7 Single Crystals

DOE PAGES

Karbowiak, M.; Murdoch, K.; Drożdżyński, J.; ...

1996-08-01

Uranium(3+) doped single crystals of RbY 2 Cl 7 with a uranium concentration of 0.05% and 0.2% were grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method using RbU 2 Cl 7 as the doping substance. Polished plates of ca. 5 mm in diameter were used for measurements of luminescence and excitation spectra. And since the U 3+ ions occupy two somewhat different site symmetries, a splitting of all observed f-f bands was observed. Furthermore, the analysis of the spectra enabled definitively an assignment of 22 crystal field bands for both site symmetries as well as the total crystal field splitting of the groundmore » level, equal to 473 cm -1 and 567 cm -1 for the first and second site symmetry, respectively.« less

New insights on the Frasnian/Famennian mass extinction: a role for soil erosion?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Algeo, T.; Gordon, G.; Anbar, A.; Sauer, P.; Schwark, L.; Bates, S.; Lyons, T.; Turgeon, S.; Creaser, R.; Nabbefeld, B.; Grice, K.

2008-12-01

The Frasnian/Famennian (F/F) mass extinction, which killed off a previously thriving tabulate coral- stromatoporoid reef community, was the most severe biotic crisis of the middle Paleozoic. The present study examines the geochemistry of a 28-m stratigraphic interval straddling the F/F boundary in the West Valley drillcore from the northern Appalachian Basin (western New York State), comprising bioturbated shales of the Hanover Formation and mostly laminated shales of the overlying Dunkirk Formation. Paleoredox proxies (DOP, FeT/Al, δ98Mo) indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of anoxia at the F/F boundary. Proxies for hydrographic conditions (Mo/TOC, Re/TOC, U/TOC) suggest that the depositional basin experienced an interval of deepwater restriction around the boundary, possibly as a consequence of eustatic fall. The boundary is characterized by a large decrease in Zr/Al, indicating lower silt:clay ratios, and by a large decrease in excess Ba (i.e., total Ba-detrital Ba), implying reduced levels of primary productivity. Organic C- and N-isotopic data provide evidence of a major change in organic matter fluxes commencing ~7 meters below the boundary and persisting ~10 m above it. This change is characterized by ca. +5‰ and +15‰ excursions in kerogen δ13C and total organic δ13C, respectively, and by short- term excursions in organic δ15N to as low as -1‰ CDT (from background values of +1 to +2‰) that may provide evidence of cyanobacterial N fixation. Biomarker analysis, still in progress, may provide additional clues concerning changes in organic matter sources. The existing data are consistent with a model of enhanced terrigenous siliciclastic flux to the northern Appalachian Basin at the F/F boundary linked to climatic cooling, eustatic regression, and soil erosion. The rapid development of soils as a consequence of the spread of vascular land plants during the Middle and Late Devonian (Algeo et al., 1995, GSA Today, v. 5(5)) may have created the potential for precipitating marine ecological crises through soil erosion events.

Effect of fenofibrate on oxidative DNA damage and on gene expression related to cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats.

PubMed

Nishimura, Jihei; Dewa, Yasuaki; Muguruma, Masako; Kuroiwa, Yuichi; Yasuno, Hiroaki; Shima, Tomomi; Jin, Mailan; Takahashi, Miwa; Umemura, Takashi; Mitsumori, Kunitoshi

2007-05-01

To investigate the relationship between fenofibrate (FF) and oxidative stress, enzymatic, histopathological, and molecular biological analyses were performed in the liver of male F344 rats fed 2 doses of FF (Experiment 1; 0 and 6000 ppm) for 3 weeks and 3 doses (Experiment 2; 0, 3000, and 6000 ppm) for 9 weeks. FF treatment increased the activity of enzymes such as carnitine acetyltransferase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase, fatty acyl-CoA oxidizing system, and catalase in the liver. However, it decreased those of superoxide dismutase in the liver in both experiments. Increased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in liver DNA and lipofuscin accumulation were observed in the treated rats of Experiment 2. In vitro measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat liver microsomes revealed a dose-dependent increase due to FF treatment. Microarray (only Experiment 1) or real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that the expression levels of metabolism and DNA repair-related genes such as Aco, Cyp4a1, Cat, Yc2, Gpx2, Apex1, Xrcc5, Mgmt, Mlh1, Gadd45a, and Nbn were increased in FF-treated rats. These results provide evidence of a direct or indirect relationship between oxidative stress and FF treatment. In addition, increases in the expression levels of cell cycle-related genes such as Chek1, Cdc25a, and Ccdn1; increases in the expression levels of cell proliferation-related genes such as Hdgfrp3 and Vegfb; and fluctuations in the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes such as Casp11 and Trp53inp1 were observed in these rats. This suggests that cell proliferation induction, apoptosis suppression, and DNA damage due to oxidative stresses are probably involved in the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis due to FF in rats.

The influence of herbs, spices, and regular sausage and chicken consumption on liking of reduced fat breakfast and lunch items.

PubMed

Polsky, Sarit; Beck, Jimikaye; Stark, Rebecca A; Pan, Zhaoxing; Hill, James O; Peters, John C

2014-10-01

Adults often consume more fat than is recommended. We examined factors that may improve liking of reduced fat and reduced saturated fat foods, including the addition of herbs and spices and habitual consumption of different high-fat and low-fat food items. We randomized adults to taste 3 different conditions: full fat (FF), reduced fat with no added spice (RF), and reduced fat plus spice (RFS). Subjects rated their liking of French toast, sausage and the overall meal, or chicken, vegetables, pasta, and the overall meal on a 9-point hedonic Likert scale. Overall liking of the RF breakfast and lunch meals were lower than the FF and RFS versions (breakfast: 6.50 RF compared with 6.84 FF, P = 0.0061; 6.50 RF compared with 6.82 RFS, P = 0.0030; lunch: 6.35 RF compared with 6.94 FF, P < 0.0001; 6.35 RF compared with 6.71 RFS, P = 0.0061). RFS and FF breakfast and lunch meals, French toast, chicken, and vegetable likings were similar. FF and RFS conditions were liked more than RF for the breakfast and lunch meals, French toast, chicken entrée, and vegetables. Liking of all 3 sausage conditions was similar. FF pasta was liked more than RFS and RF (7.47 FF compared with 6.42 RFS, P < 0.0001; 7.47 FF compared with 6.47 RF, P < 0.0001). Habitual consumption of roasted chicken was associated with reduced liking of FF chicken (r = -0.23, P = 0.004) and FF pasta (r = -0.23, P = 0.005). Herbs and spices may be useful for improving the liking of lower fat foods and helping Americans maintain a diet consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Americans consume more fat than is recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This study shows that you can take foods like French toast, chicken, or a vegetable side and cut the fat and calories by up to 50% while restoring flavor with herbs and spices. People typically use butter, cheese, or fatty meat to enhance the flavor of their food. We found that even when we reduced the fat in our meals by using lower fat dairy and meat products but then added herbs and spices, we were able to deliver the flavor people desire for a fraction of the calories. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

Follicular fluid total antioxidant capacity levels in PCOS.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Nafiye; Inal, Hasan Ali; Gorkem, Umit; Sargin Oruc, Ayla; Yilmaz, Saynur; Turkkani, Ayten

2016-07-01

In this study, our aim was to assess total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in follicular fluid (FF) and their relationship to clinical pregnancy rates in PCOS patients undergoing assisted reproduction (ART). Twenty-two women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Group 1) and 41 women without PCOS (Group 2) were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory parameters and FF TAC levels were investigated. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with regard to age and baseline parameters. Although we could not demonstrate a significant difference in FF TAC levels between the two groups (p=0.469), there was a significant positive correlation between FF TAC and clinical pregnancy rates, BMI, and the duration of infertility for the entire group (r=0.254, p=0.048; r=0.312, p=0.013; r=0.259, p=0.040; respectively). Owing to the correlation between FF TAC and the clinical pregnancy rates, further studies evaluating the impact of FF TAC levels on ART outcomes in patients with PCOS and other etiologies of infertility are needed.

A refined chronology of prehistoric Madagascar and the demise of the megafauna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowley, Brooke E.

2010-09-01

The vertebrate community of Madagascar is one of the most unique and diverse on Earth, yet faunal diversity today is just a fraction of that present in the Pleistocene and Early Holocene. An understanding of the chronology of extinction relative to climate change and anthropogenic factors is essential to test hypotheses for extinction. Here, I combine over 200 new radiocarbon dates with published 14C dates from extinct and extant subfossil vertebrates. These new data provide evidence for the prolonged existence of both extant and extinct endemic terrestrial vertebrate species well before human arrival, with habitation of some localities extending back before the Last Glacial Maximum. I analyze the data for patterns among body sizes and ecoregions in relation to four major historical events: human arrival (ca 2500 years ago), establishment of human settlements (ca 1500 years ago), Late Holocene aridification (peaking ca 1000 years ago), and European arrival (ca 500 years ago). Patterns in endemic species abundance after human arrival differ depending on body size and geographic location. Within the first 500 years after human arrival, there were population declines in (1) very large species (>150 kg) and large species (10-150 kg) in the Dry Deciduous Forest, (2) large species in the Central Highlands, and (3) very large species in the Spiny Thicket. This first pulse of declines was likely triggered by human predation. Large species continued to be well represented in the Spiny Thicket and Succulent Woodland until ca 1000 years ago, when their populations plummeted. This second pulse of declines may have been solely triggered by continued human predation, or it may have resulted from a combination of increasing Late Holocene aridity and human impacts in the form of hunting and habitat modification. The abundance of endemic animals weighing <10 kg increased dramatically in the aftermath of the decline in large-bodied species.

Investigations on the Use of Multi-Species Flask Measurements for Sector-Specific Fossil Fuel CO2 Attribution to Aid Policymakers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathan, B.; Lauvaux, T.; Turnbull, J. C.; Sweeney, C.; Karion, A.; Richardson, S.; Miles, N.; Gurney, K. R.; Patarasuk, R.

2016-12-01

Part of the Indianapolis Flux (INFLUX) Experiment has, since 2010, involved recording atmospheric trace gas measurements using NOAA flask packages. The goal of these measurements is to better inform policymakers about the behaviors of greenhouse gas emissions in the Indianapolis urban environment. Radiocarbon dioxide (14CO2) measurements recorded from the flasks allow for delineation of the fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (CO2ff) signal from the total carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement. To give policymakers even more detailed information, we investigate whether the co-measured trace gases could be used as tracers for economic source sectors of CO2ff as predefined by the bottom-up data product Hestia. This is extensively tested using an Observation System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) combining both a top-down approach for all species—influence functions from the tower flask measurements—, and attempting to assign sources via spatial overlaps with the available bottom-up inventory CO2ff source sector definitions. A self-organizing map is implemented for the mathematical attribution of signals to sources, because it can compensate for nonlinear signals (i.e. tracer emissions that do not scale linearly with CO2ff emissions). It is determined that proper attribution is at least not feasible with such a complete lack of bottom-up spatial information about all non-CO2ff potential tracers. This unfeasibility is shown not to be resolved by a test of expanding the dataset with many more theoretical measurements than are realistically available. Here we alter the approach to include the missing prior information: bottom-up estimates of the emission fluxes for a suite of species. We develop these bottom-up emission fluxes from existing whole-city emission fluxes, species-specific source sector partitioning, and the spatial patterns from Hestia CO2ff source sectors. We validate the general approach using the whole-city species: CO2ff ratios derived from all tower flask measurements. Finally, using these tools, multi-species, sector-specific inversions are investigated in the Bayesian framework.

Activity Restriction Induced by Fear of Falling and Objective and Subjective Measures of Physical Function: A Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Deshpande, Nandini; Metter, E. Jeffrey; Lauretani, Fulvio; Bandinelli, Stefania; Guralnik, Jack; Ferrucci, Luigi

2009-01-01

Objectives To examine whether activity restriction specifically induced by fear of falling (FF) contributes to greater risk of disability and decline in physical function. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Population-based older cohort. Participants Six hundred seventy-three community-living elderly (≥65) participants in the Invecchiare in Chianti Study who reported FF. Measurements FF, fear-induced activity restriction, cognition, depressive symptoms, comorbidities, smoking history, and demographic factors were assessed at baseline. Disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and performance on the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up. Results One-quarter (25.5%) of participants did not report any activity restriction, 59.6% reported moderate activity restriction (restriction or avoidance of <3 activities), and 14.9% reported severe activity restriction (restriction or avoidance of ≥3 activities). The severe restriction group reported significantly higher IADL disability and worse SPPB scores than the no restriction and moderate restriction groups. Severe activity restriction was a significant independent predictor of worsening ADL disability and accelerated decline in lower extremity performance on SPPB over the 3-year follow-up. Severe and moderate activity restriction were independent predictors of worsening IADL disability. Results were consistent even after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Conclusion In an elderly population, activity restriction associated with FF is an independent predictor of decline in physical function. Future intervention studies in geriatric preventive care should directly address risk factors associated with FF and activity restriction to substantiate long-term effects on physical abilities and autonomy of older persons. PMID:18312314

Child-targeted fast-food television advertising exposure is linked with fast-food intake among pre-school children

PubMed Central

Dalton, Madeline A; Longacre, Meghan R; Drake, Keith M; Cleveland, Lauren P; Harris, Jennifer L; Hendricks, Kristy; Titus, Linda J

2017-01-01

Objective To determine whether exposure to child-targeted fast-food (FF) television (TV) advertising is associated with children’s FF intake in a non-experimental setting. Design Cross-sectional survey conducted April–December 2013. Parents reported their pre-school child’s TV viewing time, channels watched and past-week FF consumption. Responses were combined with a list of FF commercials (ads) aired on children’s TV channels during the same period to calculate children’s exposure to child-targeted TV ads for the following chain FF restaurants: McDonald’s, Subway and Wendy’s (MSW). Setting Paediatric and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics in New Hampshire, USA. Subjects Parents (n 548) with a child of pre-school age. Results Children’s mean age was 4·4 years; 43·2 % ate MSW in the past week. Among the 40·8 % exposed to MSW ads, 23·3 % had low, 34·2 % moderate and 42·5 % high exposure. McDonald’s accounted for over 70 % of children’s MSW ad exposure and consumption. Children’s MSW consumption was significantly associated with their ad exposure, but not overall TV viewing time. After adjusting for demographics, socio-economic status and other screen time, moderate MSW ad exposure was associated with a 31 % (95 % CI 1·12, 1·53) increase and high MSW ad exposure with a 26 % (95 % CI 1·13, 1·41) increase in the likelihood of consuming MSW in the past week. Further adjustment for parent FF consumption did not change the findings substantially. Conclusions Exposure to child-targeted FF TV advertising is positively associated with FF consumption among children of pre-school age, highlighting the vulnerability of young children to persuasive advertising and supporting recommendations to limit child-directed FF marketing. PMID:28416041

Development of a ReaxFF potential for carbon condensed phases and its application to the thermal fragmentation of a large fullerene

DOE PAGES

Srinivasan, Sriram Goverapet; Adri C. T. van Duin; Ganesh, Panchapakesan

2015-01-06

In this paper, we report the development of a ReaxFF reactive potential that can accurately describe the chemistry and dynamics of carbon condensed phases. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed to obtain the equation of state for graphite and diamond and the formation energies of defects in graphene and amorphous phases from fullerenes. The DFT data were used to reparametrize ReaxFF CHO, resulting in a new potential called ReaxFF C-2013. ReaxFF C-2013 accurately predicts the atomization energy of graphite and closely reproduces the DFT-based energy difference between graphite and diamond, and the barrier for transition from graphite to diamond.more » ReaxFF C-2013 also accurately predicts the DFT-based energy barrier for Stone–Wales transformation in a C 60(I h) fullerene through the concerted rotation of a C 2 unit. Later, MD simulations of a C 180 fullerene using ReaxFF C-2013 suggested that the thermal fragmentation of these giant fullerenes is an exponential function of time. An Arrhenius-type equation was fit to the decay rate, giving an activation energy of 7.66 eV for the loss of carbon atoms from the fullerene. Although the decay of the molecule occurs primarily via the loss of C 2 units, we observed that, with an increase in temperature, the probability of loss of larger fragments increases. Finally, the ReaxFF C-2013 potential developed in this work, and the results obtained on fullerene fragmentation, provide an important step toward the full computational chemical modeling of coal pyrolysis, soot incandescence, high temperature erosion of graphitic rocket nozzles, and ablation of carbon-based spacecraft materials during atmospheric reentry.« less

Trade-offs of the opto-electrical properties of a-Si:H solar cells based on MOCVD BZO films.

PubMed

Chen, Ze; Zhang, Xiao-dan; Liang, Jun-hui; Fang, Jia; Liang, Xue-jiao; Sun, Jian; Zhang, De-kun; Chen, Xin-liang; Huang, Qian; Zhao, Ying

2015-01-07

Boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO) films, deposited by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), have been widely used as front electrodes in thin-film solar cells due to their native pyramidal surface structure, which results in efficient light trapping. This light trapping effect can enhance the short-circuit current density (Jsc) of solar cells. However, nanocracks or voids in the silicon active layer may form when the surface morphology of the BZO is too sharp; this usually leads to degraded electrical properties of the cells, such as open-circuit voltage (Voc) and the fill factor (FF), which in turn decreases efficiency (Eff) [Bailat et al., Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Conference Record of the 2006 IEEE 4th World Conference on. IEEE, 2006, vol. 2, pp. 1533-1536]. In this paper, an etching and coating method was proposed to modify the sharp "pyramids" on the surface of the BZO films. As a result, an evident enhancement was achieved for these modified, BZO-based cells' Voc, FF, and Eff, although the Jsc exhibited a small decrease. In order to increase the Jsc and maintain the improved electrical properties (Voc, FF) of the cell, a thin BZO coating, deposited by MOCVD, was introduced to coat the sputtering-treated BZO film. Finally, we optimized the trade-off among the Voc, FF, and Jsc, that is, we identified a regime with an increase of the Jsc as well as a further improvement of the other electrical properties.

Renal Failure in Mice with Gsα Deletion in Juxtaglomerular Cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Limeng; Faulhaber-Walter, Robert; Wen, Yubing; Huang, Yuning; Mizel, Diane; Chen, Min; Sequeira Lopez, Maria Luisa; Weinstein, Lee S.; Gomez, R. Ariel; Briggs, Josephine P.; Schnermann, Jurgen

2010-01-01

Background Mice with deletion of Gsα in renin-producing cells (RC/FF mice) have been shown to have greatly reduced renin production and lack of responsiveness of renin secretion to acute stimuli. In addition, young RC/FF mice are hypotensive and have a vasopressin-resistant concentrating defect. In the present study we have determined the long-term effect on renal function, blood pressure, and renal pathology in this low renin and diuretic mouse model. Methods and Results Urine osmolarity of RC/FF mice was decreased in all age groups. GFR measured at 7, 14 and 20 weeks of age declined progressively. Single nephron GFR similarly declined while fractional proximal fluid absorption was maintained. Expression levels of extracellular matrix proteins (collagen I, IV and fibronectin) and α-smooth muscle actin were increased in kidneys of RC/FF mice at 20 weeks, and this was accompanied by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and periglomerular interstitial fibrosis. RC/FF mice showed a progressive reduction of body weight, an increase in urine albumin excretion, and an increase of blood pressure with aging. Conclusion A chronic reduction of renin production in mice may be a risk factor in its own right, and does not protect renal function against the profibrotic influence of a chronically elevated urine flow. PMID:20551626

Characterization and mechanical properties investigation of TiN-Ag films onto Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Dongxing; Liu, Daoxin; Zhang, Xiaohua; Tang, Jingang; Xiang, Dinggen

2016-03-01

To investigate their effect on fretting fatigue (FF) resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy, hard solid lubricating composite films of TiN with varying silver contents (TiN-Ag) were deposited on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy using ion-assisted magnetron sputtering. The surface morphology and structure were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The hardness, bonding strength, and toughness of films were tested using a micro-hardness tester, scratch tester, and a repeated press-press test system that was manufactured in-house, respectively. The FF resistance of TiN-Ag composite films was studied using self-developed devices. The results show that the FF resistance of a titanium alloy can be improved by TiN-Ag composite films, which were fabricated using hard TiN coating doped with soft Ag. The FF life of Ag0.5, Ag2, Ag5, Ag10 and Ag20 composite films is 2.41, 3.18, 3.20, 2.94 and 2.87 times as great as that of the titanium alloy, respectively. This is because the composite films have the better toughness, friction lubrication, and high bonding strength. When the atomic fraction of Ag changes from 2% to 5%, the FF resistance of the composite films shows the best performance. This is attributed to the surface integrity of the composite film is sufficiently fine to prevent the initiation and early propagation of FF cracks.

A Markov Random Field Framework for Protein Side-Chain Resonance Assignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Jianyang; Zhou, Pei; Donald, Bruce Randall

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy plays a critical role in structural genomics, and serves as a primary tool for determining protein structures, dynamics and interactions in physiologically-relevant solution conditions. The current speed of protein structure determination via NMR is limited by the lengthy time required in resonance assignment, which maps spectral peaks to specific atoms and residues in the primary sequence. Although numerous algorithms have been developed to address the backbone resonance assignment problem [68,2,10,37,14,64,1,31,60], little work has been done to automate side-chain resonance assignment [43, 48, 5]. Most previous attempts in assigning side-chain resonances depend on a set of NMR experiments that record through-bond interactions with side-chain protons for each residue. Unfortunately, these NMR experiments have low sensitivity and limited performance on large proteins, which makes it difficult to obtain enough side-chain resonance assignments. On the other hand, it is essential to obtain almost all of the side-chain resonance assignments as a prerequisite for high-resolution structure determination. To overcome this deficiency, we present a novel side-chain resonance assignment algorithm based on alternative NMR experiments measuring through-space interactions between protons in the protein, which also provide crucial distance restraints and are normally required in high-resolution structure determination. We cast the side-chain resonance assignment problem into a Markov Random Field (MRF) framework, and extend and apply combinatorial protein design algorithms to compute the optimal solution that best interprets the NMR data. Our MRF framework captures the contact map information of the protein derived from NMR spectra, and exploits the structural information available from the backbone conformations determined by orientational restraints and a set of discretized side-chain conformations (i.e., rotamers). A Hausdorff-based computation is employed in the scoring function to evaluate the probability of side-chain resonance assignments to generate the observed NMR spectra. The complexity of the assignment problem is first reduced by using a dead-end elimination (DEE) algorithm, which prunes side-chain resonance assignments that are provably not part of the optimal solution. Then an A* search algorithm is used to find a set of optimal side-chain resonance assignments that best fit the NMR data. We have tested our algorithm on NMR data for five proteins, including the FF Domain 2 of human transcription elongation factor CA150 (FF2), the B1 domain of Protein G (GB1), human ubiquitin, the ubiquitin-binding zinc finger domain of the human Y-family DNA polymerase Eta (pol η UBZ), and the human Set2-Rpb1 interacting domain (hSRI). Our algorithm assigns resonances for more than 90% of the protons in the proteins, and achieves about 80% correct side-chain resonance assignments. The final structures computed using distance restraints resulting from the set of assigned side-chain resonances have backbone RMSD 0.5 - 1.4 Å and all-heavy-atom RMSD 1.0 - 2.2 Å from the reference structures that were determined by X-ray crystallography or traditional NMR approaches. These results demonstrate that our algorithm can be successfully applied to automate side-chain resonance assignment and high-quality protein structure determination. Since our algorithm does not require any specific NMR experiments for measuring the through-bond interactions with side-chain protons, it can save a significant amount of both experimental cost and spectrometer time, and hence accelerate the NMR structure determination process.

Spacewound Composite Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

n mA 0 CAW0000 v O N N - W O Hr vr- 0 a M0 NninH N CA.D. COCA MN P4 I P -40 %0 cL r4...IC) ZtT I N U r 45 &L� CzS.FTVFIl) OU254 L=-F( D ’VF U) t(1.-VF(1) )!?. P , 4L262 EcG=..FT(l) I Er0) )0<.K(D) GC3 2 UTL=JTLT/L" OLR5 U=1-ULT4.JTL...34is PaLPI I= QUMATKEVAP49rOVY " vjj a 1WS113 TO DDO - FF-RRDOTSPEST N P " - P ;kTTS cdoo~ VF *31 1. is f u-+7 VP *2A6 P z 4.71 CE+&5v R H f WC

Indoor transformer stations as predictors of residential ELF magnetic field exposure.

PubMed

Ilonen, K; Markkanen, A; Mezei, G; Juutilainen, Jukka

2008-04-01

Transformer stations in apartment buildings may offer a possibility to conduct epidemiological studies that involve high exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (MF), avoid selection bias and minimize confounding factors. To validate exposure assessment based on transformer stations, measurements were performed in thirty buildings in three Finnish cities. In each building, spot measurements in all rooms and a 24-h recording in a bedroom were performed in one apartment above a transformer station (AAT), in one first floor (FF) reference apartment, and one reference apartment on upper floors (UF). The apartment mean of spot measurements was 0.62 microT in the AATs, 0.21 microT in the FF and 0.11 microT in the UF reference apartments The 24-h apartment mean (estimated from the spot measurements and the bedroom 24-h recording) was 0.2 microT or higher in 29 (97%) AATs, in 7 (25%) FF and in 3 (10 %) UF reference apartments. The corresponding numbers for the 0.4 microT cut-off point were 19 (63%), 4 (14%), and 1 (3.3%). The higher MF level in the FF reference apartments indicates that they should not be considered "unexposed" in epidemiological studies. If such apartments are excluded, a transformer station under the floor predicts 24-h apartment mean MF with a sensitivity of 0.41 (or 0.58) and a specificity of 0.997 (or 0.97), depending on the MF cut-off point (0.2 or 0.4 microT). The results indicate that apartments can be reliably classified as high and low MF field categories based on the known location of transformer stations. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Bradycardia alters Ca2+ dynamics enhancing dispersion of repolarization and arrhythmia risk

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong J.; Němec, Jan; Papp, Rita; Strongin, Robert; Abramson, Jonathan J.

2013-01-01

Bradycardia prolongs action potential (AP) durations (APD adaptation), enhances dispersion of repolarization (DOR), and promotes tachyarrhythmias. Yet, the mechanisms responsible for enhanced DOR and tachyarrhythmias remain largely unexplored. Ca2+ transients and APs were measured optically from Langendorff rabbit hearts at high (150 × 150 μm2) or low (1.5 × 1.5 cm2) magnification while pacing at a physiological (120 beats/min) or a slow heart rate (SHR = 50 beats/min). Western blots and pharmacological interventions were used to elucidate the regional effects of bradycardia. As a result, bradycardia (SHR 50 beats/min) increased APDs gradually (time constant τf→s = 48 ± 9.2 s) and caused a secondary Ca2+ release (SCR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during AP plateaus, occurring at the base on average of 184.4 ± 9.7 ms after the Ca2+ transient upstroke. In subcellular imaging, SCRs were temporally synchronous and spatially homogeneous within myocytes. In diastole, SHR elicited variable asynchronous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release events leading to subcellular Ca2+ waves, detectable only at high magnification. SCR was regionally heterogeneous, correlated with APD prolongation (P < 0.01, n = 5), enhanced DOR (r = 0.9277 ± 0.03, n = 7), and was gradually reversed by pacing at 120 beats/min along with APD shortening (P < 0.05, n = 5). A stabilizer of leaky ryanodine receptors (RyR2), 3-(4-benzylcyclohexyl)-1-(7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]thiazepin-4(5H)-yl)propan-1-one (K201; 1 μM), suppressed SCR and reduced APD at the base, thereby reducing DOR (P < 0.02, n = 5). Ventricular ectopy induced by bradycardia (n = 5/15) was suppressed by K201. Western blot analysis revealed spatial differences of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channel protein (Cav1.2α), Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NCX1), voltage-gated Na+ channel (Nav1.5), and rabbit ether-a-go-go-related (rERG) protein [but not RyR2 or sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a] that correlate with the SCR distribution and explain the molecular basis for SCR heterogeneities. In conclusion, acute bradycardia elicits synchronized subcellular SCRs of sufficient magnitude to overcome the source-sink mismatch and to promote afterdepolarizations. PMID:23316064

Energy spectrum and dose enhancement due to the depth of the Lipiodol position using flattened and unflattened beams.

PubMed

Kawahara, Daisuke; Ozawa, Shuichi; Saito, Akito; Kimura, Tomoki; Suzuki, Tatsuhiko; Tsuneda, Masato; Tanaka, Sodai; Hioki, Kazunari; Nakashima, Takeo; Ohno, Yoshimi; Murakami, Yuji; Nagata, Yasushi

2018-01-01

Lipiodol was used for stereotactic body radiotherapy combining trans arterial chemoembolization. Lipiodol used for tumour seeking in trans arterial chemoembolization remains in stereotactic body radiation therapy. In our previous study, we reported the dose enhancement effect in Lipiodol with 10× flattening-filter-free (FFF). The objective of our study was to evaluate the dose enhancement and energy spectrum of photons and electrons due to the Lipiodol depth with flattened (FF) and FFF beams. FF and FFF for 6 MV beams from TrueBeam were used in this study. The Lipiodol (3 × 3 × 3 cm 3 ) was located at depths of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 cm in water. The dose enhancement factor (DEF) and the energy fluence were obtained by Monte Carlo calculations of the particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS). The DEFs at the centre of Lipiodol with the FF beam were 6.8, 7.3, 7.6, 7.2, 6.1, and 5.7% and those with the FFF beam were 20.6, 22.0, 21.9, 20.0, 12.3, and 12.1% at depths of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 cm, respectively, where Lipiodol was located in water. Moreover, spectrum results showed that more low-energy photons and electrons were present at shallow depth where Lipiodol was located in water. The variation in the low-energy spectrum due to the depth of the Lipiodol position was more explicit with the FFF beam than that with the FF beam. The current study revealed variations in the DEF and energy spectrum due to the depth of the Lipiodol position with the FF and FFF beams. Although the FF beam could reduce the effect of energy dependence due to the depth of the Lipiodol position, the dose enhancement was overall small. To cause a large dose enhancement, the FFF beam with the distance of the patient surface to Lipiodol within 10 cm should be used.

TRANSMISSION OF COMPOSITE POLYMERIZATION CONTRACTION FORCE THROUGH A FLOWABLE COMPOSITE AND A RESIN-MODIFIED GLASS IONOMER CEMENT

PubMed Central

Castañeda-Espinosa, Juan Carlos; Pereira, Rosana Aparecida; Cavalcanti, Ana Paula; Mondelli, Rafael Francisco Lia

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the individual contraction force during polymerization of a composite resin (Z-250), a flowable composite (Filtek Flow, FF) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitrebond, VB), and the transmission of Z-250 composite resin polymerization contraction force through different thicknesses of FF and VB. The experiment setup consisted of two identical parallel steel plates connected to a universal testing machine. One was fixed to a transversal base and the other to the equipment's cross head. The evaluated materials were inserted into a 1-mm space between the steel plates or between the inferior steel plate and a previously polymerized layer of an intermediate material (either FF or VB) adhered to the upper steel plate. The composite resin was light-cured with a halogen lamp with light intensity of 500 mW/cm2 for 60 s. A force/time graph was obtained for each sample for up to 120 s. Seven groups of 10 specimens each were evaluated: G1: Z-250; G2: FF; G3: VB; G4: Z-250 through a 0.5-mm layer of FF; G5: Z-250 through a 1-mm layer of FF; G6: Z-250 through a 0.5-mm of VB; G7: Z-250 through a 1-mm layer of VB. They were averaged and compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test at a = 0.05. The obtained contraction forces were: G1: 6.3N ± 0.2N; G2: 9.8 ± 0.2N; G3: 1.8 ± 0.2N; G4: 6.8N ± 0.2N; G5: 6.9N ± 0.3N; G6: 4.0N ± 0.4N and G7: 2.8N ± 0.4N. The use of VB as an intermediate layer promoted a significant decrease in polymerization contraction force values of the restorative system, regardless of material thickness. The use of FF as an intermediate layer promoted an increase in polymerization contraction force values with both material thicknesses. PMID:19089187

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental checklist forms for 304 Concretion Facility Closure Plan. Revision 2

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

Not Available

The 300 Area of the Hanford Site contains reactor fuel manufacturing facilities and several research and development laboratories. Recyclable scrap uranium with zircaloy-2 and copper silicon alloy, uranium-titanium alloy, beryllium/zircaloy-2 alloy, and zircaloy-2 chips and fines were secured in concrete billets (7.5-gallon containers) in the 304 Facility, located in the 300 Area. The beryllium/zircaloy-2 alloy and zircaloy-2 chips and fines are designated as mixed waste with the characteristic of ignitability. The concretion process reduced the ignitability of the fines and chips for safe storage and shipment. This process has been discontinued and the 304 Facility is now undergoing closure asmore » defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Dangerous Waste Regulations, WAC 173-303-040. This closure plan presents a description of the 304 Facility, the history of materials and waste managed, and the procedures that will be followed to close the 304 Facility. The 304 Facility is located within the 300-FF-3 (source) and 300-FF-5 (groundwater) operable units, as designated in the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order (Tri-Party Agreement) (Ecology et al. 1992). Contamination in the operable units 300-FF-3 and 300-FF-5 is scheduled to be addressed through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 remedial action process. Therefore, all soil remedial action at the 304 Facility will be conducted as part of the CERCLA remedial action of operable units 300-FF-3 and 300-FF-5.« less

Artificial neural network models for prediction of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in general Chinese population

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The present study aimed to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction model for cardiovascular autonomic (CA) dysfunction in the general population. Methods We analyzed a previous dataset based on a population sample consisted of 2,092 individuals aged 30–80 years. The prediction models were derived from an exploratory set using ANN analysis. Performances of these prediction models were evaluated in the validation set. Results Univariate analysis indicated that 14 risk factors showed statistically significant association with CA dysfunction (P < 0.05). The mean area under the receiver-operating curve was 0.762 (95% CI 0.732–0.793) for prediction model developed using ANN analysis. The mean sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were similar in the prediction models was 0.751, 0.665, 0.330 and 0.924, respectively. All HL statistics were less than 15.0. Conclusion ANN is an effective tool for developing prediction models with high value for predicting CA dysfunction among the general population. PMID:23902963

Effect of single alien chromosome from shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) on carbohydrate production in leaf blade of bunching onion (A. fistulosum L.).

PubMed

Hang, Tran Thi Minh; Shigyo, Masayoshi; Yaguchi, Shigenori; Yamauchi, Naoki; Tashiro, Yosuke

2004-12-01

We used a complete set of Allium fistulosum - shallot (A. cepa Aggregatum group) monosomic addition lines (FF+1A - FF+8A) to identify shallot chromosomes affecting the production of sugars. In the alien addition lines grown over two years in an experimental field at Yamaguchi University (34 degrees N, 131 degrees E), shallot chromosomes 2A and 8A altered sugar contents in leaf-bunching onion (A. fistulosum). Except for FF+2A, every monosomic addition accumulated non-reducing sugars in winter leaf blades. FF+8A caused an increase in the amounts of non-reducing sugars in the winter. FF+2A hardly produced non-reducing sugar throughout the two-year study. These results indicated that genes related to non-reducing sugar metabolism are located on the 2A and 8A chromosomes. The results of regression analyses using 2002 data on A. fistulosum and the monosomic addition set revealed a correlation (r = 0.63 +/- 0.07; mean +/- SE., n = 9) between reducing sugar and monosaccharide (Glc+Fru) contents but no correlation between non-reducing sugar and sucrose contents. This result indicates the existence of other polysaccharides (e.g., scorodose) as non-reducing sugars in the leaf blade.

Comparsion of an immunochromatographic strip with ELISA for simultaneous detection of thiamphenicol, florfenicol and chloramphenicol in food samples.

PubMed

Guo, Lingling; Song, Shanshan; Liu, Liqiang; Peng, Juan; Kuang, Hua; Xu, Chuanlai

2015-09-01

Rapid and sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ic-ELISA) and gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip tests were developed to detect thiamphenicol (TAP), florfenicol (FF) and chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk and honey samples. The generic monoclonal antibody for TAP, FF and CAP was prepared based on a hapten [D-threo-1-(4-aminophenyl)-2- dichloroacetylamino-1,3-propanediol], and the haptenwas linked to a carrier protein using the diazotization method. After the optimization of several parameters (coating, pH, sodium chloride content and methanol content), the ic-ELISA was established. The quantitative working range for TAP was 0.11-1.36 ng/mL, with an IC50 of 0.39 ng/mL. The optimized ELISA showed cross-reactivity to CAP (300%) and FF (15.6%), with IC50 values of 0.13 and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively. The analytical recovery of TAP, FF and CAP in milk and honey samples in the ic-ELISA ranged from 81.2 to 112.9%. Based on this monoclonal antibody, a rapid and sensitive immunochromatographic test strip was also developed. This strip had a detection limit of 1 ng/mL for TAP, FF and CAP in milk and honey samples. Moreover, the test was completed within 10 min. Our results showed that the proposed ic-ELISA and immunochromatographic test strip method are highly useful screening tools for TAP, FF and CAP detection in milk and honey samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparison of Octopus Semi-Automated Kinetic Perimetry and Humphrey Peripheral Static Perimetry in Neuro-Ophthalmic Cases

PubMed Central

Rowe, Fiona J.; Noonan, Carmel; Manuel, Melanie

2013-01-01

Aim. To compare semikinetic perimetry (SKP) on Octopus 900 perimetry to a peripheral static programme with Humphrey automated perimetry. Methods. Prospective cross-section study comparing Humphrey full field (FF) 120 two zone programme to a screening protocol for SKP on Octopus perimetry. Results were independently graded for presence/absence of field defect plus type and location of defect. Results. 64 patients (113 eyes) underwent dual perimetry assessment. Mean duration of assessment for SKP was 4.54 minutes ±0.18 and 6.17 ± 0.12 for FF120 (P = 0.0001). 80% of results were correctly matched for normal or abnormal visual fields using the I4e target versus FF120, and 73.5% were correctly matched using the I2e target versus FF120. When comparing Octopus results with combined I4e and I2e isopters to the FF120 result, a match for normal or abnormal fields was recorded in 87%. Conclusions. Humphrey perimetry test duration was generally longer than Octopus SKP. In the absence of kinetic perimetry, peripheral static suprathreshold programme options such as FF120 may be useful for detection of visual field defects. However, statokinetic dissociation may occur. Octopus SKP utilising both I4e and I2e targets provides detailed information of both the defect depth and size and may provide a more representative view of the actual visual field defect. PMID:24558605

Guilt by Association-Based Discovery of Botnet Footprints

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

our fast flux database using our Fast Flux Monitor ( FFM ); a Web service application designed to detect whether a domain exhibits fast flux (FF) or...double flux (DF) behaviour. The primary technical components of FFM include: (1) sensors which perform real-time detection of FF service networks...sensors for our FFM active sensors: (1) FF Activity Index, (2) Footprint Index, and (3) Time To Live (TTL), and (4) Guilt by Association Score. In

Attenuated Ca(2+) release in a mouse model of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A.

PubMed

DiFranco, Marino; Kramerova, Irina; Vergara, Julio L; Spencer, Melissa Jan

2016-01-01

Mutations in CAPN3 cause limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A), a progressive muscle wasting disease. CAPN3 is a non-lysosomal, Ca-dependent, muscle-specific proteinase. Ablation of CAPN3 (calpain-3 knockout (C3KO) mice) leads to reduced ryanodine receptor (RyR1) expression and abnormal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca-CaMKII)-mediated signaling. We previously reported that Ca(2+) release measured by fura2-FF imaging in response to single action potential stimulation was reduced in old C3KO mice; however, the use of field stimulation prevented investigation of the mechanisms underlying this impairment. Furthermore, our prior studies were conducted on older animals, whose muscles showed advanced muscular dystrophy, which prevented us from establishing whether impaired Ca(2+) handling is an early feature of disease. In the current study, we sought to overcome these matters by studying single fibers isolated from young wild-type (WT) and C3KO mice using a low affinity calcium dye and high intracellular ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-n,n,n',n'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to measure Ca(2+) fluxes. Muscles were subjected to both current and voltage clamp conditions. Standard and confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to study Ca(2+) release in single fibers enzymatically isolated from hind limb muscles of wild-type and C3KO mice. Two microelectrode amplifier and experiments were performed under current or voltage clamp conditions. Calcium concentration changes were detected with an impermeant low affinity dye in the presence of high EGTA intracellular concentrations, and fluxes were calculated with a single compartment model. Standard Western blotting analysis was used to measure the concentration of RyR1 and the α subunit of the dihydropyridine (αDHPR) receptors. Data are presented as mean ± SEM and compared with the Student's test with significance set at p < 0.05. We found that the peak value of Ca(2+) fluxes elicited by single action potentials was significantly reduced by 15-20 % in C3KO fibers, but the kinetics was unaltered. Ca(2+) release elicited by tetanic stimulation was also impaired in C3KO fibers. Confocal studies confirmed that Ca(2+) release was similarly reduced in all triads of C3KO mice. Voltage clamp experiments revealed a normal voltage dependence of Ca(2+) release in C3KO mice but reduced peak Ca(2+) fluxes as with action potential stimulation. These findings concur with biochemical observations of reduced RyR1 and αDHPR levels in C3KO muscles and reduced mechanical output. Confocal studies revealed a similar decrease in Ca(2+) release at all triads consistent with a homogenous reduction of functional voltage activated Ca(2+) release sites. Overall, these results suggest that decreased Ca(2+) release is an early defect in calpainopathy and may contribute to the observed reduction of CaMKII activation in C3KO mice.

Comparison of ultrasonic-assisted and regular leaching of germanium from by-product of zinc metallurgy.

PubMed

Zhang, Libo; Guo, Wenqian; Peng, Jinhui; Li, Jing; Lin, Guo; Yu, Xia

2016-07-01

A major source of germanium recovery and also the source of this research is the by-product of lead and zinc metallurgical process. The primary purpose of the research is to investigate the effects of ultrasonic assisted and regular methods on the leaching yield of germanium from roasted slag containing germanium. In the study, the HCl-CaCl2 mixed solution is adopted as the reacting system and the Ca(ClO)2 used as the oxidant. Through six single factor (leaching time, temperature, amount of Ca(ClO)2, acid concentration, concentration of CaCl2 solution, ultrasonic power) experiments and the comparison of the two methods, it is found the optimum collective of germanium for ultrasonic-assisted method is obtained at temperature 80 °C for a leaching duration of 40 min. The optimum concentration for hydrochloric acid, CaCl2 and oxidizing agent are identified to be 3.5 mol/L, 150 g/L and 58.33 g/L, respectively. In addition, 700 W is the best ultrasonic power and an over-high power is adverse in the leaching process. Under the optimum condition, the recovery of germanium could reach up to 92.7%. While, the optimum leaching condition for regular leaching method is same to ultrasonic-assisted method, except regular method consume 100 min and the leaching rate of Ge 88.35% is lower about 4.35%. All in all, the experiment manifests that the leaching time can be reduced by as much as 60% and the leaching rate of Ge can be increased by 3-5% with the application of ultrasonic tool, which is mainly thanks to the mechanical action of ultrasonic. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pretreatment of Eucalyptus in biphasic system for furfural production and accelerated enzymatic hydrolysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiudong; Bai, Yuanyuan; Cao, Xuefei; Sun, Runcang

2017-08-01

Herein, an efficient biphasic pretreatment process was developed to improve the production of furfural (FF) and glucose from Eucalyptus. The influence of formic acid and NaCl on FF production from xylose in water and various biphasic systems was investigated. Results showed that the addition of formic acid and NaCl significantly promoted the FF yield, and the biphasic system of MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone)/water exhibited the best performance for FF production. Then the Eucalyptus was pretreated in the MIBK/water system, and a maximum FF yield of 82.0% was achieved at 180°C for 60min. Surface of the pretreated Eucalyptus became relatively rough and loose, and its crystallinity index increased obviously due to the removal of hemicelluloses and lignin. The pretreated Eucalyptus samples showed much higher enzymatic hydrolysis rates (26.2-70.7%) than the raw Eucalyptus (14.5%). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermoluminescence response of flat optical fiber subjected to 9 MeV electron irradiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, S.; Omar, S. S. Che; Ibrahim, S. A.; Hassan, W. M. S. Wan; Ung, N. M.; Mahdiraji, G. A.; Bradley, D. A.; Alzimami, K.

2015-01-01

We describe the efforts of finding a new thermoluminescent (TL) media using pure silica flat optical fiber (FF). The present study investigates the dose response, sensitivity, minimum detectable dose and glow curve of FF subjected to 9 MeV electron irradiations with various dose ranges from 0 Gy to 2.5 Gy. The above-mentioned TL properties of the FF are compared with commercially available TLD-100 rods. The TL measurements of the TL media exhibit a linear dose response over the delivered dose using a linear accelerator. We found that the sensitivity of TLD-100 is markedly 6 times greater than that of FF optical fiber. The minimum detectable dose was found to be 0.09 mGy for TLD-100 and 8.22 mGy for FF. Our work may contribute towards the development of a new dosimeter for personal monitoring purposes.

Transferable Reactive Force Fields: Extensions of ReaxFF-lg to Nitromethane.

PubMed

Larentzos, James P; Rice, Betsy M

2017-03-09

Transferable ReaxFF-lg models of nitromethane that predict a variety of material properties over a wide range of thermodynamic states are obtained by screening a library of ∼6600 potentials that were previously optimized through the Multiple Objective Evolutionary Strategies (MOES) approach using a training set that included information for other energetic materials composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Models that best match experimental nitromethane lattice constants at 4.2 K and 1 atm are evaluated for transferability to high-pressure states at room temperature and are shown to better predict various liquid- and solid-phase structural, thermodynamic, and transport properties as compared to the existing ReaxFF and ReaxFF-lg parametrizations. Although demonstrated for an energetic material, the library of ReaxFF-lg models is supplied to the scientific community to enable new research explorations of complex reactive phenomena in a variety of materials research applications.

The temperature dependence of the characteristics of crystalline-silicon-based heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachenko, A. V.; Kryuchenko, Yu. V.; Kostylyov, V. P.; Korkishko, R. M.; Sokolovskyi, I. O.; Abramov, A. S.; Abolmasov, S. N.; Andronikov, D. A.; Bobyl', A. V.; Panaiotti, I. E.; Terukov, E. I.; Titov, A. S.; Shvarts, M. Z.

2016-03-01

Temperature dependences of the photovoltaic characteristics of ( p)a-Si/( i)a-Si:H/( n)c-Si singlecrystalline- silicon based heterojunction-with-intrinsic-thin-layer (HIT) solar cells have been measured in a temperature range of 80-420 K. The open-circuit voltage ( V OC), fill factor ( FF) of the current-voltage ( I-U) characteristic, and maximum output power ( P max) reach limiting values in the interval of 200-250 K on the background of monotonic growth in the short-circuit current ( I SC) in a temperature range of 80-400 K. At temperatures below this interval, the V OC, FF, and P max values exhibit a decrease. It is theoretically justified that a decrease in the photovoltaic energy conversion characteristics of solar cells observed on heating from 250 to 400 K is related to exponential growth in the intrinsic conductivity. At temperatures below 200 K, the I-U curve shape exhibits a change that is accompanied by a drop in V OC. Possible factors that account for the decrease in V OC, FF, and P max are considered.

Clavulanic acid production by the MMS 150 mutant obtained from wild type Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064

PubMed Central

da Silva Vasconcelos, Eliton; de Lima, Vanderlei Aparecido; Goto, Leandro Seiji; Cruz-Hernández, Isara Lourdes; Hokka, Carlos Osamu

2013-01-01

Clavulanic acid (CA) is a powerful inhibitor of the beta-lactamases, enzymes produced by bacteria resistants to penicillin and cefalosporin. This molecule is produced industrially by strains of Streptomyces clavuligerus in complex media which carbon and nitrogen resources are supplied by inexpensive compounds still providing high productivity. The genetic production improvement using physical and chemical mutagenic agents is an important strategy in programs of industrial production development of bioactive metabolites. However, parental strains are susceptible to loss of their original productivity due genetic instability phenomenona. In this work, some S. clavuligerus mutant strains obtained by treatment with UV light and with MMS are compared with the wild type (Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064). The results indicated that the random mutations originated some strains with different phenotypes, most divergent demonstrated by the mutants strains named AC116, MMS 150 and MMS 54, that exhibited lack of pigmentation in their mature spores. Also, the strain MMS 150 presented a larger production of CA when cultivated in semi-synthetics media. Using other media, the wild type strain obtained a larger CA production. Besides, using the modifed complex media the MMS 150 strain showed changes in its lipolitic activity and a larger production of CA. The studies also allowed finding the best conditions for a lipase activity exhibited by wild type S. clavuligerus and the MMS150 mutant. PMID:24688492

SU-E-T-625: Use and Choice of Ionization Chambers for the Commissioning of Flattened and Flattening-Filter-Free Photon Beams: Determination of Recombination Correction Factor (ks)

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

Stucchi, C; Mongioj, V; Carrara, M

2014-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate the recombination effect for some ionization chambers to be used for linacs commissioning for Flattened Filter (FF) and Flattening Filter Free (FFF) photon beams. Methods: A Varian TrueBeam linac with five photon beams was used: 6, 10 and 15 MV FF and 6 and 10 MV FFF. Measurements were performed in a water tank and in a plastic water phantom with different chambers: a mini-ion chamber (IC CC01, IBA), a plane-parallel ion chamber (IC PPC05, IBA) and two Farmer chambers (NE2581 and FPC05-IBA). Measurement conditions were Source- Surface Distance of 100 cm, two field sizes (10x10 andmore » 40x40 cm2) and five depths (1cm, maximum buildup, 5cm, 10cm and 20cm). The ion recombination factors (kS), obtained from the Jaffe's plots (voltage interval 50-400 V), were evaluated at the recommended operating voltage of +300V. Results: Dose Per Pulse (DPP) at dmax was 0.4 mGy/pulse for FF beams, 1.0 mGy/pulse and 1.9 mGy/pulse for 6MV and 10 MV FFF beams respectively. For all measurement conditions, kS ranged between 0.996 and 0.999 for IC PPC05, 0.997 and 1.008 for IC CC01. For the FPC05 IBA Farmer IC, kS varied from 1.001 to 1.011 for FF beams, from 1.004 to 1.015 for 6 MV FFF and from 1.009 to 1.025 for 10 MV FFF. Whereas, for NE2581 IC the values ranged from 1.002 to 1.009 for all energy beams and measurement conditions. Conclusion: kS depends on the chamber volume and the DPP, which in turn depends on energy beam but is independent of dose rate. Ion chambers with small active volume can be reliably used for dosimetry of FF and FFF beams even without kS correction. On the contrary, for absolute dosimetry of FFF beams by Farmer ICs it is necessary to evaluate and apply the kS correction. Partially supported by Lega Italiana Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT)« less

Intake, digestion, and digestive characteristics of Neotyphodium coenophialum-infected and uninfected fescue by heifers offered hay diets supplemented with Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract or laidlomycin propionate.

PubMed

Humphry, J B; Coffey, K P; Moyert, J L; Brazle, F K; Lomas, L W

2002-01-01

Tarentaise heifers fitted with a rumen cannula (539 +/- 7.5 and 487 +/- 15.7 kg avg initial BW in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively) were used in two Latin square metabolism experiments having 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangements to determine the effects of supplementation with Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (AO) or laidlomycin propionate (LP) on intake, digestion, and digestive characteristics of Neotyphodium coenophialum-infected (IF) or uninfected (FF) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) hay diets consumed ad libitum. Heifers were housed in individual stanchions in a metabolism facility with ambient temperatures controlled to range between 26.7 and 32.2 degrees C daily. Total feces and urine were collected for 5 d following a 21-d dietary adaptation period. In situ DM and NDF disappearance and ruminal fermentation characteristics were also determined. In Exp. 1, DMI was 24% greater (P < 0.01) by heifers offered FF than by those offered IF (6.7 vs 5.4 kg/d). Heifers fed 2 g/d AO tended (P = 0.09) to consume 4% more DM than those fed a diet without AO. Degradable DM and NDF fractions of IF were greater (P < 0.01) than those of FF, but AO supplementation did not affect situ disappearance (P > or = 0.42). In Exp. 2, DMI was 18.9% greater (P < 0.01) by heifers offered FF than by those offered IF (6.6 vs 5.5 kg/d). Heifers fed LP (50 mg/d) consumed 10.6% less (P < 0.05) DM than those not fed LP (5.7 vs 6/5 kg/d). Digestibility of NDF tended to be greater (P = 0.08) and digestibility of ADF was greater (P < 0.05) from FF than from IF. Conversely, apparent N absorption (%) was greater (P < 0.05) from IF than from FF. Heifers fed LP had lower (P < 0.05) ADF digestibility than those not fed LP. In situ degradable DM and NDF fractions were greater (P < 0.01) from IF than from FF. Diets supplemented with LP had higher (P < 0.01) indigestible DM and NDF fractions than those without LP. Propionic acid and total VFA concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) from heifers offered FF than from those offered IF and from heifers fed LP than from those not fed LP. Therefore, it appears the major effect of N. coenophialum was a reduction in forage intake and total-tract fiber digestibility in certain situations. Response to the feed additives was similar whether heifers were offered IF or FF and no evidence was apparent that either additive would improve performance substantially by animals consuming low-quality fescue hay diets.

Blockade of the IL-6 trans-signalling/STAT3 axis suppresses cachexia in Kras-induced lung adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Miller, A; McLeod, L; Alhayyani, S; Szczepny, A; Watkins, D N; Chen, W; Enriori, P; Ferlin, W; Ruwanpura, S; Jenkins, B J

2017-05-25

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and is frequently associated with the devastating paraneoplastic syndrome of cachexia. The potent immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 has been linked with the development of lung cancer as well as cachexia; however, the mechanisms by which IL-6 promotes muscle wasting in lung cancer cachexia are ill-defined. In this study, we report that the gp130 F/F knock-in mouse model displaying hyperactivation of the latent transcription factor STAT3 via the common IL-6 cytokine family signalling receptor, gp130, develops cachexia during Kras-driven lung carcinogenesis. Specifically, exacerbated weight loss, early mortality and reduced muscle and adipose tissue mass were features of the gp130 F/F :Kras G12D model, but not parental Kras G12D mice in which STAT3 was not hyperactivated. Gene expression profiling of muscle tissue in cachectic gp130 F/F :Kras G12D mice revealed the upregulation of IL-6 and STAT3-target genes compared with Kras G12D muscle tissue. These cachectic features of gp130 F/F :Kras G12D mice were abrogated upon the genetic normalization of STAT3 activation or ablation of IL-6 in gp130 F/F :Kras G12D :Stat3 -/+ or gp130 F/F :Kras G12D :Il6 -/- mice, respectively. Furthermore, protein levels of the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), which is the central facilitator of IL-6 trans-signalling, were elevated in cachectic muscle from gp130 F/F :Kras G12D mice, and the specific blockade of IL-6 trans-signalling, but not classical signalling, with an anti-IL-6R antibody ameliorated cachexia-related characteristics in gp130 F/F :Kras G12D mice. Collectively, these preclinical findings identify trans-signalling via STAT3 as the signalling modality by which IL-6 promotes muscle wasting in lung cancer cachexia, and therefore support the clinical evaluation of the IL-6 trans-signalling/STAT3 axis as a therapeutic target in advanced lung cancer patients presenting with cachexia.

Safely expanding the donor pool: brain dead donors with history of temporary cardiac arrest.

PubMed

Hoyer, Dieter P; Paul, Andreas; Saner, Fuat; Gallinat, Anja; Mathé, Zoltan; Treckmann, Juergen W; Schulze, Maren; Kaiser, Gernot M; Canbay, Ali; Molmenti, Ernesto; Sotiropoulos, Georgios C

2015-06-01

Cardiac arrest (CA) in deceased organ donors can potentially be associated with ischaemic organ injury, resulting in allograft dysfunction after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of cardiac arrest in liver donors. We evaluated 884 consecutive adult patients undergoing LT at our Institution from September 2003 to December 2011. Uni- and multivariable analyses was performed to identify predictive factors of outcome and survival for organs from donors with (CA donor) and without (no CA donor) a history of cardiac arrest. We identified 77 (8.7%) CA donors. Median resuscitation time was 16.5 (1-150) minutes. Allografts from CA donors had prolonged CIT (p = 0.016), were obtained from younger individuals (p < 0.001), and had higher terminal preprocurement AST and ALT (p < 0.001) than those of no CA donors. 3-month, 1-year and 5-year survival for recipients of CA donor grafts was 79%, 76% and 57% and 72.1%, 65.1% and 53% for no CA donor grafts (log rank p = 0.435). Peak AST after LT was significantly lower in CA donor organs than in no CA donor ones (886U/l vs 1321U/l; p = 0.031). Multivariable analysis identified CIT as a risk factor for both patient and graft survival in CA donors. This analysis represents the largest cohort of liver donors with a history of cardiac arrest. Reasonable selection of these donors constitutes a safe approach to the expansion of the donor pool. Rapid allocation and implantation with diminution of CIT may further improve the outcomes of livers from CA donors. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Effect of C-Terminal Helix on the Stability of FF Domain Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

PubMed Central

Zhao, Liling; Cao, Zanxia; Wang, Jihua

2012-01-01

To investigate the effect of C-terminal helix on the stability of the FF domain, we studied the native domain FF3-71 from human HYPA/FBP11 and the truncated version FF3-60 with C-terminal helix being deleted by molecular dynamics simulations with GROMACS package and GROMOS 43A1 force field. The results indicated that the structures of truncated version FF3-60 were evident different from those of native partner FF3-71. Compared with FF3-71, the FF3-60 lost some native contacts and exhibited some similar structural characters to those of intermediate state. The C-terminal helix played a major role in stabilizing the FF3-71 domain. To a certain degree, the FF domain had a tendency to form an intermediate state without the C-terminal helix. In our knowledge, this was the first study to examine the role of C-terminal helix of FF domain in detail by molecular dynamics simulations, which was useful to understand the three-state folding mechanism of the small FF domain. PMID:22408419

Gas adsorption in Mg-porphyrin-based porous organic frameworks: A computational simulation by first-principles derived force field.

PubMed

Pang, Yujia; Li, Wenliang; Zhang, Jingping

2017-09-15

A novel type of porous organic frameworks, based on Mg-porphyrin, with diamond-like topology, named POF-Mgs is computationally designed, and the gas uptakes of CO 2 , H 2 , N 2 , and H 2 O in POF-Mgs are investigated by Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations based on first-principles derived force fields (FF). The FF, which describes the interactions between POF-Mgs and gases, are fitted by dispersion corrected double-hybrid density functional theory, B2PLYP-D3. The good agreement between the obtained FF and the first-principle energies data confirms the reliability of the FF. Furthermore our simulation shows the presence of a small amount of H 2 O (≤ 0.01 kPa) does not much affect the adsorption quantity of CO 2 , but the presence of higher partial pressure of H 2 O (≥ 0.1 kPa) results in the CO 2 adsorption decrease significantly. The good performance of POF-Mgs in the simulation inspires us to design novel porous materials experimentally for gas adsorption and purification. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thermal Decomposition of Condensed-Phase Nitromethane from Molecular Dynamics from ReaxFF Reactive Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-04

pubs.acs.org/JPCB Thermal Decomposition of Condensed-Phase Nitromethane from Molecular Dynamics from ReaxFF Reactive Dynamics Si-ping Han,†,‡ Adri C. T. van...ABSTRACT: We studied the thermal decomposition and subsequent reaction of the energetic material nitromethane (CH3NO2) using molec- ular dynamics...with ReaxFF, a first principles-based reactive force field. We characterize the chemistry of liquid and solid nitromethane at high temperatures (2000

Ovarian follicular development and the follicular fluid hormones and growth factors in normal women of advanced reproductive age.

PubMed

Klein, N A; Battaglia, D E; Miller, P B; Branigan, E F; Giudice, L C; Soules, M R

1996-05-01

Reproductive aging in women (a physiological decline in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) is an infrequently investigated and poorly understood biological phenomenon. Although menstrual irregularity and anovulation are known to precede the menopause, normal women in their fifth decade experience a profound decrease in fertility while still experiencing regular menstrual cycles. To further our understanding of the physiological changes associated with reproductive aging, this study examined the spontaneous development and function of ovarian follicles in normal women, aged 40-45 yr. The subjects were women (n = 21), aged 40-45 yr, who had regular 25- to 35-day ovulatory menstrual cycles, were not infertile, had no medical problems, and met specific criteria for weight, diet, and exercise. The controls were normal women (n = 20), age 20-25 yr, who met the same criteria. The subjects were monitored with daily hormone measurements [LH, FSH, estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and inhibin] and pelvic sonograms from day 1 of their study cycle until the dominant ovarian follicle reached a mean diameter of 15 mm and/or a serum E level of 550 pmol/L or higher was attained. At that time, 10,000 U hCG were given, and a transvaginal sonographic follicle aspiration was performed 32 h later. The follicular fluid (FF) was collected, stored frozen at -70 C, and later analyzed for E, P, testosterone (T), androstenedione, inhibin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and IGF-II. The number of cycle days to aspiration was lower (11.6 vs. 15.6 days; P < 0.001) and the early follicular phase mean FSH and mean E levels were higher (9.3 vs. 6.6 mIU/mL and 305 vs. 160 pmol/L; P < 0.01) in the older (O) group compared to the younger group. There was a strong trend toward higher FF mean E (2280 vs. 1931 nmol/L) and lower FF mean T (978 vs. 2361 pmol/L) levels in group O. The E/T ratio was significantly higher (5253 vs. 2408; P < 0.03) in group O. In group O, the mean FF P levels were increased as well (25.1 vs. 18.8 micromol/L; P < 0.01). The serum mean IGF-I (153 vs. 226 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and FF mean IGF-I (113 vs. 158 ng/mL; P < 0.02) levels were significantly decreased in group O. There were no differences between groups in serum or FF IGF-II or inhibin levels. Whether reproductive aging is an intrinsic ovarian process or the ovary is simply responding to exogenous influences, the ovary in general and its follicles in particular are the primary site of the effects of aging. Ovarian follicles in older ovulatory women have some unique features: 1) the follicles are the same size as those in younger women, but form more rapidly; 2) secretion of E and inhibin is not compromised; 3) the concentrations of steroids in the FF are indicative of a healthier follicle, i.e. increased P levels and higher estrogen to androgen ratio; and 4) serum and FF levels of IGF-I are decreased, but there are no differences in IGF-II levels.

Obesity is not a descriptive factor for oxidative stress and viscosity in follicular fluid of in vitro fertilization patients.

PubMed

Yuksel, B; Kilic, S; Yilmaz, N; Goktas, T; Keskin, U; Seven, A; Ulubay, M; Batioglu, S

2017-08-01

Obesity's impact on micro-environmental oxidative stress and follicular fluid (FF) viscosity and whether or not it has any effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success is a matter of debate. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers and the FF viscosity in obese and non-obese patients. Eighty norm-responder patients undergoing IVF were prospectively grouped according to their body mass indexes (BMI). Group 1 (n = 40) and group 2 (n = 40) had BMI values of ≤24.9 and ≥25.0, respectively. Total sulfhydryl (RSH) levels (nmol/m) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (malondialdehyde, or MDA) (µmol/ml) in FFs were quantified. For the first time in our study, FF viscosity with changing BMI values was also determined. The mean levels of MDA (µmol/ml) and RSH (nmol/ml) were not significantly different between groups (1.37 ± 0.51; 1.51 ± 0.51; p > 0.05 for MDA and 0.42 ± 0.30; 0.41 ± 0.20; p > 0.05 for RSH, respectively). Similarly, the FF viscosity (centipoise) was not different between groups (1.28 ± 0.28; 1.30 ± 0.19; p < 0.05, respectively). Independent of BMI, no correlation was found between FF levels of oxidative markers and the number of oocytes retrieved or the fertilization rates. In our study, we found no difference in the levels of follicular oxidative and anti-oxidative markers or the follicular fluid viscosity with changing BMI values. We also demonstrated that the levels of oxidative stress markers and the viscosity of follicular fluid did not affect clinical outcomes.

Mechanically induced strong red emission in samarium ions doped piezoelectric semiconductor CaZnOS for dynamic pressure sensing and imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Peng, Dengfeng; Zhang, Hanlu; Yang, Xiaohong; Pan, Caofeng

2017-07-01

Piezoelectric semiconductor with optical, electrical and mechanical multifunctions has great potential applications in future optoelectronic devices. The rich properties and applications mainly encompass the intrinsic structures and their coupling effects. Here, we report that lanthanide ions doped piezoelectric semiconductor CaZnOS:Sm3+ showing strong red emission induced by dynamic mechanical stress. Under moderate mechanical load, the doped piezoelectric semiconductor exhibits strong visible red emission to the naked eyes even under the day light. A flexible dynamic pressure sensor device is fabricated based on the prepared CaZnOS:Sm3+ powders. The mechanical-induced emission properties of the device are investigated by the optical fiber spectrometer. The linear characteristic emissions are attributed to the 4G5/2→6H5/2 (566 nm), 4G5/2→6H7/2 (580-632 nm), 4G5/2→6H9/2 (653-673 nm) and 4G5/2→6H11/2 (712-735 nm) f-f transitions of Sm3+ ions. The integral emission intensity is proportional to the value of applied pressure. By using the linear relationship between integrated emission intensity and the dynamic pressure, the real-time pressure distribution is visualized and recorded. Our results highlight that the incorporation of lanthanide luminescent ions into piezoelectric semiconductors as smart materials could be applied into the flexible mechanical-optical sensor device without additional auxiliary power, which has great potential for promising applications such as mapping of personalized handwriting, smart display, and human machine interface.

A Thapsigargin-Resistant Intracellular Calcium Sequestering Compartment in Rat Brain

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-03-31

touted as inhibitors of the PMCAs, but their effects have yet to be thoroughly examined on all P-type ATPases [23, 125]. SERCAs: a family ofP·type ATPases... effective in reducing the sensitivity to TG by 1aOO-fold [151]. The potent, seledive blockade of Ca2+ accumulation in the ER by TG has made it possible...accumulation while the calcium ionophore A23187 is 100%) effective [140]. Thus, 10-150/0 of net Ca2+ uptake into brain microsomal compartments is

SU-E-T-216: Comparison of Volumetrically Modulated Arc Therapy Treatment Using Flattening Filter Free Beams Vs. Flattened Beams for Partial Brain Irradiation

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

Yu, S; Roa, D; Hanna, N

2015-06-15

Purpose: Flattening Filter Free (FFF) beams offer the potential for higher dose rates, short treatment time, and lower out of field dose. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dosimetric effects and out of field dose of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) plans using FFF vs Flattening Filtering (FF) beams for partial brain irradiation. Methods: Ten brain patients treated with a 6FF beam from a Truebeam STX were analyzed retrospectively for this study. These plans (46Gy at 2 Gy per fraction) were re-optimized for 6FFF beams using the same dose constraints as the original plans. PTV coverage,more » PTV Dmax, total MUs, and mean dose to organs-at-risk (OAR) were evaluated. In addition, the out-of-field dose for 6FF and 6FFF plans for one patient was measured on an anthropomorphic phantom. TLDs were placed inside (central axis) and outside (surface) the phantom at distances ranging from 0.5 cm to 17 cm from the field edge. Paired T-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: PTV coverage and PTV Dmax were comparable for the FF and FFF plans with 95.9% versus 95.6% and 111.2% versus 111.9%, respectively. Mean dose to the OARs were 3.7% less for FFF than FF plans (p<0.0001). Total MUs were, on average, 12.5% greater for FFF than FF plans with 481±55 MU (FFF) versus 429±50 MU (FF), p=0.0003. On average, the measured out of field dose was 24% less for FFF compared to FF, p<0.0001. A similar beam-on time was observed for the FFF and FF treatment. Conclusion: It is beneficial to use 6FFF beams for regular fractionated brain VMAT treatments. VMAT treatment plans using FFF beams can achieve comparable PTV coverage but with more OAR sparing. The out of field dose is significant less with mean reduction of 24%.« less

Quantification of Bone Marrow Involvement in Treated Gaucher Disease With Proton MR Spectroscopy: Correlation With Bone Marrow MRI Scores and Clinical Status.

PubMed

Jaramillo, Diego; Bedoya, Maria A; Wang, Dah-Jyuu; Pena, Andres H; Delgado, Jorge; Jaimes, Camilo; Ho-Fung, Victor; Kaplan, Paige

2015-06-01

The objective of our study was to use proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) to quantitatively evaluate bone marrow infiltration by measuring the fat fraction (FF) and to compare the FF with semiquantitative bone marrow MRI scores and clinical status in children treated for type 1 Gaucher disease (GD). Over a 2-year period, we prospectively evaluated 10 treated GD patients (six males, four females; median age, 15.1 years) and 10 healthy age-matched control subjects (five males, five females; median age, 15.3 years) using 3-T proton MRS of L5 and the femoral neck. Water and lipid AUCs were measured to calculate the FF. Two blinded pediatric musculoskeletal radiologists performed a semiquantitative analysis of the conventional MR images using the bone marrow burden score and modified Spanish MRI score. We evaluated symptoms, spleen and liver volumes, platelet levels, hemoglobin levels, and bone complications. In the femur, the FF was higher in the control subjects (median, 0.71) than the GD patients (0.54) (p = 0.02). In L5, the difference in FF--higher FF in control subjects (0.37) than in GD patients (0.26)--was not significant (p = 0.16). In both groups and both regions, the FF increased with patient age (p < 0.02). Semiquantitative scores showed no differences between control subjects and treated GD patients (p > 0.11). Eight of 10 GD patients were asymptomatic and two had chronic bone pain. The median age of patients at symptom onset was 4.0 years, the median age of patients at the initiation of enzyme replacement therapy was 4.3 years, and the median treatment duration was 10.2 years. Hemoglobin level, platelet count, and liver volume at MRI were normal. Mean pretreatment spleen volume (15.4-fold above normal) decreased to 2.8-fold above normal at the time of MRI (p = 0.01). Proton MRS detected FF differences that were undetectable using conventional MRI; for that reason, proton MRS can be used to optimize treatment of GD patients.

Selective production of chemicals from biomass pyrolysis over metal chlorides supported on zeolite.

PubMed

Leng, Shuai; Wang, Xinde; Cai, Qiuxia; Ma, Fengyun; Liu, Yue'e; Wang, Jianguo

2013-12-01

Direct biomass conversion into chemicals remains a great challenge because of the complexity of the compounds; hence, this process has attracted less attention than conversion into fuel. In this study, we propose a simple one-step method for converting bagasse into furfural (FF) and acetic acid (AC). In this method, bagasse pyrolysis over ZnCl2/HZSM-5 achieved a high FF and AC yield (58.10%) and a 1.01 FF/AC ratio, but a very low yield of medium-boiling point components. However, bagasse pyrolysis using HZSM-5 alone or ZnCl2 alone still remained large amounts of medium-boiling point components or high-boiling point components. The synergistic effect of HZSM-5 and ZnCl2, which combines pyrolysis, zeolite cracking, and Lewis acid-selective catalysis results in highly efficient bagasse conversion into FF and AC. Therefore, our study provides a novel, simple method for directly converting biomass into high-yield useful chemical. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cross-sectional investigation of correlation between hepatic steatosis and IVIM perfusion on MR imaging.

PubMed

Lee, James T; Liau, Joy; Murphy, Paul; Schroeder, Michael E; Sirlin, Claude B; Bydder, Mark

2012-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between liver fat fraction (FF) and diffusion parameters derived from the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model. Thirty-six subjects with suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with 10 b-values and spoiled gradient recalled echo imaging with six echoes for fat quantification. Correlations were measured between FF, transverse relaxivity (R2), diffusivity (D) and perfusion fraction (f). The primary finding was that no significant correlation was obtained for D vs. FF or f vs. FF. Significant correlations were obtained for D vs. R2 (r=-0.490, P=.002) and f vs. D (r=-0.458, P=.005). The conclusion is that hepatic steatosis does not affect measurement of perfusion or diffusion and therefore is unlikely to confound the use of apparent diffusivity to evaluate hepatic fibrosis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The General Amino Acid Permease FfGap1 of Fusarium fujikuroi Is Sorted to the Vacuole in a Nitrogen-Dependent, but Npr1 Kinase-Independent Manner

PubMed Central

Pfannmüller, Andreas; Wagner, Dominik; Sieber, Christian; Schönig, Birgit; Boeckstaens, Mélanie; Marini, Anna Maria; Tudzynski, Bettina

2015-01-01

The rice pathogenic fungus Fusarium fujikuroi is well known for the production of a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites (SMs) such as gibberellic acids (GAs), mycotoxins and pigments. The biosynthesis of most of these SMs strictly depends on nitrogen availability and of the activity of permeases of nitrogen sources, e.g. the ammonium and amino acid permeases. One of the three ammonium permeases, MepB, was recently shown to act not only as a transporter but also as a nitrogen sensor affecting the production of nitrogen-repressed SMs. Here we describe the identification of a general amino acid permease, FfGap1, among the 99 putative amino acid permeases (AAPs) in the genome of F. fujikuroi. FfGap1 is able to fully restore growth of the yeast gap1∆ mutant on several amino acids including citrulline and tryptophane. In S. cerevisiae, Gap1 activity is regulated by shuttling between the plasma membrane (nitrogen limiting conditions) and the vacuole (nitrogen sufficiency), which we also show for FfGap1. In yeast, the Npr1 serine/threonine kinase stabilizes the Gap1 position at the plasma membrane. Here, we identified and characterized three NPR1-homologous genes, encoding the putative protein kinases FfNpr1-1, FfNpr1-2 and FfNpr1-3 with significant similarity to yeast Npr1. Complementation of the yeast npr1Δ mutant with each of the three F. fujikuroi NPR1 homologues, resulted in partial restoration of ammonium, arginine and proline uptake by FfNPR1-1 while none of the three kinases affect growth on different nitrogen sources and nitrogen-dependent sorting of FfGap1 in F. fujikuroi. However, exchange of the putative ubiquitin-target lysine 9 (K9A) and 15 (K15A) residues of FfGap1 resulted in extended localization to the plasma membrane and increased protein stability independently of nitrogen availability. These data suggest a similar regulation of FfGap1 by nitrogen-dependent ubiquitination, but differences regarding the role of Fusarium Npr1 homologues compared to yeast. PMID:25909858

Survey of health status, nutrition and geography of food selection of chronic liver disease patients.

PubMed

Leslie, Timothy; Pawloski, Lisa; Kallman-Price, Jillian; Escheik, Carey; Hossain, Noreen; Fang, Yun; Gerber, Lynn H; Younossi, Zobair M

2014-01-01

Obesity, a complex disease determined both by genetic and environmental factors, is strongly associated with NAFLD, and has been demonstrated to have a negative impact on HCV and other chronic liver diseases (CLD). This study assessed the association between type and location of food sources and chronic liver disease (CLD) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). CLD patients completed surveys [267 subjects, 56.5% female, age 55.8 ± 12.0, type of CLD: 36.5% hepatitis C (HCV), 19.9% hepatitis B (HBV), 19.9% non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); primary food source (PFS): 80.8% grocery store, secondary: 26.2% bulk food store, tertiary: 20.5% restaurants; fresh food (FF): 83%, pre-packaged (PP) 8.7%, already prepared (AP) 8.3%]. FF consumers had significantly fewer UEH servings/month (p = 0.030) and lived further away from convenience stores (1.69 vs. 0.95 km, p = 0.0001). Stepwise regression reveals the lowest FF consumers were NAFLD patients, subjects with UEH or restaurants and ethnic food stores as their PFS (R = 0.557, p = 0.0001). Eating already-packaged foods and utilizing restaurants or ethnic food stores as the PFS positively correlated with NAFLD (R = 0.546, p = 0.0001). Environmental food source measures, including type and density, should be included when examining areas hyper-saturated with a variety of food options. In hyper-saturated food environments, NAFLD patients consume more prepared food and less FF. CLD patients with UEH also eat significantly more prepared food and frequent restaurants and ethnic food stores as their PFS.

Automated Training of ReaxFF Reactive Force Fields for Energetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

PubMed

Trnka, Tomáš; Tvaroška, Igor; Koča, Jaroslav

2018-01-09

Computational studies of the reaction mechanisms of various enzymes are nowadays based almost exclusively on hybrid QM/MM models. Unfortunately, the success of this approach strongly depends on the selection of the QM region, and computational cost is a crucial limiting factor. An interesting alternative is offered by empirical reactive molecular force fields, especially the ReaxFF potential developed by van Duin and co-workers. However, even though an initial parametrization of ReaxFF for biomolecules already exists, it does not provide the desired level of accuracy. We have conducted a thorough refitting of the ReaxFF force field to improve the description of reaction energetics. To minimize the human effort required, we propose a fully automated approach to generate an extensive training set comprised of thousands of different geometries and molecular fragments starting from a few model molecules. Electrostatic parameters were optimized with QM electrostatic potentials as the main target quantity, avoiding excessive dependence on the choice of reference atomic charges and improving robustness and transferability. The remaining force field parameters were optimized using the VD-CMA-ES variant of the CMA-ES optimization algorithm. This method is able to optimize hundreds of parameters simultaneously with unprecedented speed and reliability. The resulting force field was validated on a real enzymatic system, ppGalNAcT2 glycosyltransferase. The new force field offers excellent qualitative agreement with the reference QM/MM reaction energy profile, matches the relative energies of intermediate and product minima almost exactly, and reduces the overestimation of transition state energies by 27-48% compared with the previous parametrization.

Nano-Optoelectronic Integration on Silicon

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-14

hole recombination, a material gain spectrum can be derived as dE EE ffM mcn e g ing in vcr r 22 0 2 2 00 2... ffM mhc en r ing in vcr r sp          (4.3) 48 Figure 4.12 Fitting spontaneous emission spectrum. The experimental

Radial heterogeneity of some analytical columns used in high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Abia, Jude A; Mriziq, Khaled S; Guiochon, Georges A

2009-04-10

An on-column electrochemical microdetector was used to determine accurately the radial distribution of the mobile phase velocity and of the column efficiency at the exit of three common analytical columns, namely a 100 mm x 4.6mm C18 bonded silica-based monolithic column, a 150 mm x 4.6mm column packed with 2.7 microm porous shell particles of C18 bonded silica (HALO), and a 150 mm x 4.6mm column packed with 3 microm fully porous C18 bonded silica particles (LUNA). The results obtained demonstrate that all three columns are not radially homogeneous. In all three cases, the efficiency was found to be lower in the wall region of the column than in its core region (the central core with a radius of 1/3 the column inner radius). The decrease in local efficiency from the core to the wall regions was lower in the case of the monolith (ca. 25%) than in that of the two particle-packed columns (ca. 35-50%). The mobile phase velocity was found to be ca. 1.5% higher in the wall than in the core region of the monolithic column while, in contrast, it was ca. 2.5-4.0% lower in the wall region for the two particle-packed columns.

Topological Fulde-Ferrell and Larkin-Ovchinnikov states in spin-orbit-coupled lattice system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yao-Wu; Chen, Yan

2018-04-01

The spin-orbit coupled lattice system under Zeeman fields provides an ideal platform to realize exotic pairing states. Notable examples range from the topological superfluid/superconducting (tSC) state, which is gapped in the bulk but metallic at the edge, to the Fulde-Ferrell (FF) state (having a phase-modulated order parameter with a uniform amplitude) and the Larkin-Ovchinnikov (LO) state (having a spatially varying order parameter amplitude). Here, we show that the topological FF state with Chern number ( C = -1) (tFF1) and topological LO state with C= 2 (tLO2) can be stabilized in Rashba spin-orbit coupled lattice systems in the presence of both in-plane and out-of-plane Zeeman fields. Besides the inhomogeneous tSC states, in the presence of a weak in-plane Zeeman field, two topological BCS phases may emerge with C = -1 (tBCS1) far from half filling and C = 2 (tBCS2) near half filling. We show intriguing effects such as different spatial profiles of order parameters for FF and LO states, the topological evolution among inhomogeneous tSC states, and different non-trivial Chern numbers for the tFF1 and tLO1,2 states, which are peculiar to the lattice system. Global phase diagrams for various topological phases are presented for both half-filling and doped cases. The edge states as well as local density of states spectra are calculated for tSC states in a 2D strip.

Differential heat stability of amphenicols characterized by structural degradation, mass spectrometry and antimicrobial activity.

PubMed

Franje, Catherine A; Chang, Shao-Kuang; Shyu, Ching-Lin; Davis, Jennifer L; Lee, Yan-Wen; Lee, Ren-Jye; Chang, Chao-Chin; Chou, Chi-Chung

2010-12-01

Heat stability of amphenicols and the relationship between structural degradation and antimicrobial activity after heating has not been well investigated. Florfenicol (FF), thiamphenicol (TAP), and chloramphenicol (CAP) were heated at 100 degrees C in water, salt water, soybean sauce and chicken meat for up to 2h. Degradation and antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV-DAD spectrometry, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, and gas chromatography with electron impact ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). Heat stability of amphenicols in matrices was ranked as water> or =salt water>soybean sauce>meat, suggesting that heat degradation of amphenicols was accelerated in soybean sauce and was not protected in meat. Heat stability by drug and matrices was ranked as FF>TAP=CAP in water, FF=TAP>CAP in salt water, TAP> or =FF=CAP in soybean sauce, and TAP> or =FF=CAP in meat, indicating differential heat stability of amphenicols among the 3 drugs and in different matrices. In accordance with the less than 20% degradation, the MIC against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus did not change after 2h heating in water. A 5-min heating of amphenicols in water by microwave oven generated comparable percentage degradation to boiling in water bath for 30 min to 1h. Both CE and GC-MS analysis showed that heating of FF produced TAP but not FF amine as one of its breakdown products. In conclusion, despite close similarity in structure; amphenicols exhibited differential behavior toward heating degradation in solutions and protein matrices. Although higher degradations of amphenicols were observed in soybean sauce and meat, heating treatment may generate product with antimicrobial activity (FF to TAP), therefore, heating of amphenicol residues in food cannot always be assumed safe. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric Observations of Carbon Dioxide and Quantification of Fossil Fuel Carbon Dioxide and Emission Inventories using Radiocarbon in the Korean Peninsula during the KORUS-AQ Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Y.; DiGangi, J. P.; Diskin, G. S.; Nowak, J. B.; Halliday, H.; Pusede, S.; Arellano, A. F., Jr.; Tang, W.; Knote, C. J.; Woo, J. H.; Lee, Y.; Kim, Y.; Bu, C.; Blake, D. R.; Simpson, I. J.; Blake, N. J.; Xu, X.

2017-12-01

This presentation discusses a unique data set of airborne in situ carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) soundings and radiocarbon measurements to accurately quantify anthropogenic CO2 emissions from the total measured CO2 signal. Precise assessment of fossil fuel (FF) CO2 gives a better understanding of source contributions to emission inventories in the study region. Fast response (1Hz) and high precision (<0.1 ppm) in situ measurements of atmospheric CO2 and other trace gases, including 60 CO2 radiocarbon measurements from flask samples, onboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft during KORUS-AQ (May-June, 2016), were used in combination with an updated emissions inventory named NIER/KU_CREATE (Comprehensive Regional Emissions inventory for Atmospheric Transport Experiment) to gain a better understanding of pollution characteristics in the study region. Fractional FF CO2 contributions were calculated using radiocarbon and in-situ CO2 concentrations. These quantified FF CO/CO2 ratios from the in situ measurements were compared to the updated emissions inventory. Distinctly higher ratios were found in Chinese outflow, relative to those from the Korean Peninsula, and the emission inventory shows higher CO/CO2 ratios than measurements both in the Korea and China regions. This quantified FF CO/CO2 ratio was applied to continuous measurements of in-situ CO and CO2 and used to identify the portion of biogenic CO2 observed during the field campaign (the biospheric contribution to the total CO2 is typically 20-30 % in this regions). This continuous partitioning of biogenic and anthropogenic sources will give a better understanding of diurnal variations of local sources and will be helpful for the evaluation of emission inventories, where mega-city fossil fuel combustion sources mix with biospheric sources. Also discussed is the comparison of quantified FF CO/CO2 ratios with the CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) simulated products ratios and local source contribution analysis using FLEXPART-WRF back-trajectory analysis to understand the source of variability of FF CO/CO2 ratios in the study regions.

Effects of temperature and Ca2+ on the larval development of the decapoda crustacean: Eriocheir sinensis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bo; Du, Nan-Shan; Lai, Wei

2001-09-01

With increasing demand in China for the mitten crab larvae, understanding its survival mechanism gets more important. This research focused on the effects of temperature and Ca2+ on the larval growth and development. Eriocheir sinensis larvae were reared in laboratory under, 21 different combinations of temperature (15, 20, 25°C) and Ca2+ content (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 mg/l) and constant salinity (20) and pH (8). The results suggested that the survival rate increases with temperature and Ca2+ content. These combinations of temperature and Ca2+ content maximized survival rate in our study and it may be the optimum water environmental conditions for culturing, the larvae. To predict surviving larvae number under different water environmental conditions, 21 dynamic mathematical models were developed. This for the first time observation of the zoeal VI larvae of the Changjiang River E. sinesis population showed that they occurred under stressed water environmental conditions: temperature of 15°C and Ca2+ content of 120, 130 mg/l.

A clear effect of charge compensation through Na+ co-doping on the luminescence spectra and decay kinetics of Nd3+-doped CaAl4O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puchalska, M.; Watras, A.

2016-06-01

We present a detailed analysis of luminescence behavior of singly Nd3+ doped and Nd3+, Na+ co-doped calcium aluminates powders: Ca1-xNdxAl4O7 and Ca1-2xNdxNaxAl4O7 (x=0.001-0.1). Relatively intense Nd3+ luminescence in IR region corresponding to typical 4F3/2→4IJ (J=9/2-13/2) transitions with maximum located at about 1079 nm was obtained in all samples on direct excitation into f-f levels. The effect of dopant concentration and charge compensation by co-doping with Na+ ions on morphology and optical properties were studied. The results show that both, the Nd3+ concentration and the alkali metal co-doping affected the optical properties but had no influence on the powders morphology. The studies of luminescence spectra (298 and 77 K) in a function of dopant concentration showed an increasing distortion of the local symmetry of Nd3+with raising activator content due to certain defects created in the crystal lattice. On the other hand Na+ addition led to significant narrowing of absorption and luminescence bands and also a reduction of the number of their components, showing smaller disturbance of Nd3+ ions local symmetries. Consequently, charge compensated by Na+ co-doping materials showed significantly enhanced Nd3+ luminescence. The decrease of emission intensity and luminescence lifetimes with increase of activator concentration was attributed mainly to phonon-assisted cross-relaxation processes between Nd3+ ions. Analysis with Inokuti-Hirayama model indicated dipole-dipole mechanism of ion-ion interaction. Na+ addition led to much smaller concentration quenching due to smaller clustering of dopant ions in CaAl4O7 lattice.

Early evaluation of radiation-induced parotid damage in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma by T2 mapping and mDIXON Quant imaging: initial findings.

PubMed

Zhou, Nan; Chu, Chen; Dou, Xin; Chen, Weibo; He, Jian; Yan, Jing; Zhou, Zhengyang; Yang, Xiaofeng

2018-02-08

Radiation-induced parotid damage is a common complication in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy to head and neck region, which severely reduce the life quality of those patients. The aim of this study was to early evaluate the changes of irradiated parotid glands with T2 mapping and mDIXON Quant imaging. Forty-one patients with NPC underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging for nasopharynx and neck, and T2 mapping and mDIXON Quant imaging for bilateral parotid glands within 2 weeks before radiotherapy (pre-RT), 5 weeks after the beginning of radiotherapy (mid-RT), and 4 weeks after radiotherapy (post-RT). Parotid volume, T2 values, fat fraction (FF) values, and mean radiation dose were recorded and analyzed. From pre-RT to mid-RT, parotid volume decreased (atrophy rate, 27.0 ± 11.5%), while parotid T2 and FF values increased (change rate, 6.0 ± 6.2% for T2 value and 9.1 ± 9.9% for FF value) significantly. From mid-RT to post-RT, parotid T2 value continuously increased (change rate, 4.6 ± 7.7%), but parotid FF value decreased (change rate, - 9.9 ± 18.2%) significantly. Change rate of parotid T2 value significantly correlated with parotid atrophy rate from pre-RT to post-RT (r = 0.313, P = 0.027). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that parotid T2 value (standardized coefficient [SC] = - 0.259, P = 0.001) and FF value (SC = - 0.320, P = 0.014) negatively correlated with parotid volume, while parotid T2 value positively correlated with MR scan time point (SC = 0.476, P = 0.001) significantly. Parotid T2 and FF values showed excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.935-0.992). T2 mapping and mDIXON Quant imaging is useful for noninvasive evaluation of radiation-induced parotid damage.

Articular Cartilage of the Human Knee Joint: In Vivo Multicomponent T2 Analysis at 3.0 T

PubMed Central

Choi, Kwang Won; Samsonov, Alexey; Spencer, Richard G.; Wilson, John J.; Block, Walter F.; Kijowski, Richard

2015-01-01

Purpose To compare multicomponent T2 parameters of the articular cartilage of the knee joint measured by using multicomponent driven equilibrium single-shot observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) in asymptomatic volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods This prospective study was performed with institutional review board approval and with written informed consent from all subjects. The mcDESPOT sequence was performed in the knee joint of 13 asymptomatic volunteers and 14 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Single-component T2 (T2Single), T2 of the fast-relaxing water component (T2F) and of the slow-relaxing water component (T2S), and the fraction of the fast-relaxing water component (FF) of cartilage were measured. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multivariate linear regression models were used to compare mcDESPOT parameters between volunteers and patients with osteoarthritis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess diagnostic performance with mcDESPOT parameters for distinguishing morphologically normal cartilage from morphologically degenerative cartilage identified at magnetic resonance imaging in eight cartilage subsections of the knee joint. Results Higher cartilage T2Single (P < .001), lower cartilage FF (P < .001), and similar cartilage T2F (P = .079) and T2S (P = .124) values were seen in patients with osteoarthritis compared with those in asymptomatic volunteers. Differences in T2Single and FF remained significant (P < .05) after consideration of age differences between groups of subjects. Diagnostic performance was higher with FF than with T2Single for distinguishing between normal and degenerative cartilage (P < .05), with greater areas under the curve at receiver operating characteristic analysis. Conclusion Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee had significantly higher cartilage T2Single and significantly lower cartilage FF than did asymptomatic volunteers, and receiver operating characteristic analysis results suggested that FF may allow greater diagnostic performance than that with T2Single for distinguishing between normal and degenerative cartilage. © RSNA, 2015 Online supplemental material is available for this article. PMID:26024307

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

Eremin, N. N., E-mail: neremin@geol.msu.ru; Grechanovsky, A. E.; Marchenko, E. I.

Semi-empirical and ab initio theoretical investigation of crystal structure geometry, interatomic distances, phase densities and elastic properties for some CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} phases under pressures up to 200 GPa was performed. Two independent simulation methods predicted the appearance of a still unknown super-dense CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} modification. In this structure, the Al coordination polyhedron might be described as distorted one with seven vertices. Ca atoms were situated inside polyhedra with ten vertices and Ca–O distances from 1.96 to 2.49 Å. It became the densest modification under pressures of 170 GPa (density functional theory prediction) or 150 GPa (semi-empirical prediction). Bothmore » approaches indicated that this super-dense CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} modification with a “stuffed α-PbO{sub 2}” type structure could be a probable candidate for mutual accumulation of Ca and Al in the lower mantle. The existence of this phase can be verified experimentally using high pressure techniques.« less

Modulation of Gardos channel activity by oxidants and oxygen tension: effects of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and phenazine methosulphate.

PubMed

Gibson, John S; Muzyamba, Morris C

2004-05-01

We compare the effects of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and phenazine methosulphate (PMS) on Gardos channel activity in normal human red cells. Both stimulate channel activity, both are dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+, and neither is affected by inhibitors of protein (de)phosphorylation. Of the two, PMS has a considerably greater effect. In addition, a major difference is that whilst CDNB has a greater stimulatory effect in oxygenated cells, by contrast, PMS is more effective in deoxygenated cells. These actions are correlated with ca. 30% inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump (PMCA) and an increased sensitivity of the Gardos channel to Ca2+ (EC50 falling to about 150 nM). These findings are important in understanding how oxidants alter red cell cation permeability and may be relevant to the abnormal permeability phenotype shown by deoxygenated sickle cells.

Nanographite-TiO2 photoanode for dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S. S.; Sharma, Khushboo; Sharma, Vinay

2016-05-01

Nanographite-TiO2 (NG-TiO2) composite was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method and its performance as the photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Environmental Scanning electron microscope (E-SEM) micrographs show the uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoflowers deposited over nanographite sheets. The average performance characteristics of the assembled cell in terms of short-ciruit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) were measured.

Human Brown Adipose Tissue Temperature and Fat Fraction Are Related to Its Metabolic Activity.

PubMed

Koskensalo, Kalle; Raiko, Juho; Saari, Teemu; Saunavaara, Virva; Eskola, Olli; Nuutila, Pirjo; Saunavaara, Jani; Parkkola, Riitta; Virtanen, Kirsi A

2017-04-01

The metabolic activity of human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been previously examined using positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to investigate whether the temperature and the fat fraction (FF) of BAT and white adipose tissue (WAT) are associated with BAT metabolic activity determined by deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-d-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET. Ten healthy subjects (four women, six men; 25 to 45 years of age) were studied using PET-magnetic resonance imaging during acute cold exposure and at ambient room temperature. BAT and subcutaneous WAT 1H MRS were measured. The tissue temperature and the FF were derived from the spectra. Tissue metabolic activity was studied through glucose uptake using dynamic FDG PET scanning during cold exposure. A 2-hour hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was performed on eight subjects. The metabolic activity of BAT associated directly with the heat production capacity and inversely with the FF of the tissue. In addition, the lipid-burning capacity of BAT associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity. During cold exposure, the FF of BAT was lower than at room temperature, and cold-induced FF of BAT associated inversely with high-density lipoprotein and directly with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Both 1H MRS-derived temperature and FF are promising methods to study BAT activity noninvasively. The association between the lipid-burning capacity of BAT and whole-body insulin sensitivity emphasizes the role of BAT in glucose handling. Furthermore, the relation of FF to high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol suggests that BAT has a role in lipid clearance, thus protecting tissues from excess lipid load. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Study of lipid metabolism by estimating the fat fraction in different breast tissues and in various breast tumor sub-types by in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Agarwal, Khushbu; Sharma, Uma; Mathur, Sandeep; Seenu, Vurthaluru; Parshad, Rajinder; Jagannathan, Naranamangalam R

2018-06-01

To evaluate the utility of fat fraction (FF) for the differentiation of different breast tissues and in various breast tumor subtypes using in vivo proton ( 1 H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). 1 H MRS was performed on 68 malignant, 35 benign, and 30 healthy volunteers at 1.5 T. Malignant breast tissues of patients were characterized into different subtypes based on the differences in the expression of hormone receptors and the FF was calculated. Further, the sensitivity and specificity of FF to differentiate malignant from benign and from normal breast tissues of healthy volunteers was determined using receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis. A significantly lower FF of malignant (median 0.12; range 0.01-0.70) compared to benign lesions (median 0.28; range 0.02-0.71) and normal breast tissue of healthy volunteers (median 0.39; range 0.06-0.76) was observed. No significant difference in FF was seen between benign lesions and normal breast tissues of healthy volunteers. Sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 68.6%, respectively was obtained to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. For the differentiation of malignant from healthy breast tissues, 76% sensitivity and 74.5% specificity was achieved. Higher FF was seen in patients with ER-/PR- status as compared to ER+/PR+ patients. Similarly, FF of HER2neu+ tumors were significantly higher than in HER2neu- breast tumors. The results showed the potential of in vivo 1 H MRS in providing insight into the changes in the fat content of different types of breast tissues and in various breast tumor subtypes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Isolated free intra-abdominal fluid on CT in blunt trauma: The continued diagnostic dilemma.

PubMed

Kong, Victor Y; Jeetoo, Damon; Naidoo, Leah C; Oosthuizen, George V; Clarke, Damian L

2015-01-01

The clinical significance of isolated free fluid (FF) without solid organ injury on computed to- mography (CT) continues to pose significant dilemma in the management of patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). We reviewed the incidence of FF and the clinical outcome amongst patients with blunt abdominal trauma in a metropolitan trauma service in South Africa. We performed a retrospective study of 121 consecutive CT scans over a period of 12 months to determine the incidence of isolated FF and the clinical outcome of patients managed in a large metropolitan trauma service. Of the 121 CTs, FF was identified in 36 patients (30%). Seven patients (6%) had isolated FF. Of the 29 patients who had free fluid and associated organ injuries, 33 organ injuries were identified. 86% (25/ 29) of all 29 patients had a single organ injury and 14% had multiple organ injuries. There were 26 solid organ injuries and 7 hollow organ injuries. The 33 organs injured were: spleen, 12; liver, 8; kidney, 5; pancreas, 2; small bowel, 4; duodenum, 1. Six (21%) patients required operative management for small bowel perforations in 4 cases and pancreatic tail injury in 2 cases. All 7 patients with isolated FF were initially observed, and 3 (43%) were eventually subjected to operative intervention. They were found to have an intra-peritoneal bladder rupture in 1 case, a non-expanding zone 3 haematoma in 1 case, and a negative laparotomy in 1 case. Four (57%) patients were successfully managed without surgical interventions. Isolated FF is uncommon and the clinical significance remains unclear. Provided that reli- able serial physical examination can be performed by experienced surgeons, an initial non-operative approach should be considered.

Little Blue Dots in the Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields: Precursors to Globular Clusters?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmegreen, Debra Meloy; Elmegreen, Bruce G.

2017-12-01

Galaxies with stellar masses < {10}7.4 {M}ȯ and specific star formation rates {sSFR}> {10}-7.4 yr‑1 were examined on images of the Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Field Parallels for Abell 2744 and MACS J0416.1-02403. They appear as unresolved “Little Blue Dots” (LBDs). They are less massive and have higher specific star formation rates (sSFRs) than “blueberries” studied by Yang et al. and higher sSFRs than “Blue Nuggets” studied by Tacchella et al. We divided the LBDs into three redshift bins and, for each, stacked the B435, V606, and I814 images convolved to the same stellar point-spread function (PSF). Their radii were determined from PSF deconvolution to be ∼80 to ∼180 pc. The high sSFRs suggest that their entire stellar mass has formed in only 1% of the local age of the universe. The sSFRs at similar epochs in local dwarf galaxies are lower by a factor of ∼100. Assuming that the star formation rate is {ε }{ff}{M}{gas}/{t}{ff} for efficiency {ε }{ff}, gas mass M gas, and free-fall time, t ff, the gas mass and gas-to-star mass ratio are determined. This ratio exceeds 1 for reasonable efficiencies, and is likely to be ∼5 even with a high {ε }{ff} of 0.1. We consider whether these regions are forming today’s globular clusters. With their observed stellar masses, the maximum likely cluster mass is ∼ {10}5 {M}ȯ , but if star formation continues at the current rate for ∼ 10{t}{ff}∼ 50 {Myr} before feedback and gas exhaustion stop it, then the maximum cluster mass could become ∼ {10}6 {M}ȯ .

Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment Among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients, Impact on Peritonitis and Role of Assisted Dialysis.

PubMed

Shea, Yat Fung; Lam, Man Fai; Lee, Mi Suen Connie; Mok, Ming Yee Maggie; Lui, Sing-Leung; Yip, Terence P S; Lo, Wai Kei; Chu, Leung Wing; Chan, Tak-Mao

2016-01-01

♦ Chronic renal failure and aging are suggested as risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI). We studied the prevalence of CI among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), its impact on PD-related peritonitis in the first year, and the potential role of assisted PD. ♦ One hundred fourteen patients were newly started on PD between February 2011 and July 2013. Montreal Cognitive Assessment was performed in the absence of acute illness. Data on patient characteristics including demographics, comorbidities, blood parameters, dialysis adequacy, presence of helpers, medications, and the number PD-related infections were collected. ♦ The age of studied patients was 59±15.0 years, and 47% were female. The prevalence of CI was 28.9%. Patients older than 65 years old (odds ratio [OR] 4.88, confidence interval [CI] 1.79 - 13.28 p = 0.002) and with an education of primary level or below (OR 4.08, CI 1.30 - 12.81, p = 0.016) were independent risk factors for CI in multivariate analysis. Patients with PD-related peritonitis were significantly older (p < 0.001) and more likely to have CI as defined by MoCA (p = 0.035). After adjustment for age, however, CI was not a significant independent risk factor for PD-related peritonitis among self-care PD patients (OR 2.20, CI 0.65 - 7.44, p = 0.20). When we compared patients with MoCA-defined CI receiving self-care and assisted PD, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of age, MoCA scores, or comorbidities. There were also no statistically significant differences in 1-year outcome of PD-related peritonitis rates or exit-site infections. ♦ Cognitive impairment is common among local PD patients. Even with CI, peritonitis rate in self-care PD with adequate training is similar to CI patients on assisted PD. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Intracellular Calcium Release Channels Mediate Their Own Countercurrent: The Ryanodine Receptor Case Study

PubMed Central

Gillespie, Dirk; Fill, Michael

2008-01-01

Intracellular calcium release channels like ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) mediate large Ca2+ release events from Ca2+ storage organelles lasting >5 ms. To have such long-lasting Ca2+ efflux, a countercurrent of other ions is necessary to prevent the membrane potential from becoming the Ca2+ Nernst potential in <1 ms. A recent model of ion permeation through a single, open RyR channel is used here to show that the vast majority of this countercurrent is conducted by the RyR itself. Consequently, changes in membrane potential are minimized locally and instantly, assuring maintenance of a Ca2+-driving force. This RyR autocountercurrent is possible because of the poor Ca2+ selectivity and high conductance for both monovalent and divalent cations of these channels. The model shows that, under physiological conditions, the autocountercurrent clamps the membrane potential near 0 mV within ∼150 μs. Consistent with experiments, the model shows how RyR unit Ca2+ current is defined by luminal [Ca2+], permeable ion composition and concentration, and pore selectivity and conductance. This very likely is true of the highly homologous pore of the IP3R channel. PMID:18621826

Development of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers with double templates for the rapid and selective determination of amphenicol antibiotics in water, blood, and egg samples.

PubMed

Wei, Shoulian; Li, Jianwen; Liu, Yong; Ma, Jinkui

2016-11-18

A magnetic mesoporous dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer (Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @DMIP) with a specific recognition capability for chloramphenicol (CAP) and florfenicol (FF) was synthesised. CAP and FF were used as dual-template molecules, α-methacrylic acid and Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @-CHCH 2 as dual functional monomers, and ethylene glycol dimethyl methacrylate as a crosslinking agent. For comparison, a magnetic mesoporous non-molecularly imprinted polymer (Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NIP) was also prepared using the same synthesis procedure, but without the dual templates. The prepared polymers were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and adsorption experiments. Results indicated that both the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @DMIP and the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NIP were microspherical nanoparticles, and the surface of the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @DMIP was rougher than that of the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NIP. In addition, the prepared Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @DMIP possessed a higher adsorption capacity and better selectivity for CAP and FF than the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NIP. The maximum static adsorption capacities of the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @ DMIP for CAP and FF were 146.5 and 190.1mgg -1 , respectively, whereas those of the Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @NIP were 50.0 and 44.0mgg -1 , respectively. The obtained Fe 3 O 4 @mSiO 2 @DMIP particles were applied as a magnetic solid-phase extraction sorbent for the rapid and selective extraction of CAP, FF, and thiamphenicol (TAP) in water, chicken blood and egg samples. The method of magnetic molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (M-MISPE) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV) was conducted to detect CAP, FF, and TAP. The limits of detection for CAP, FF, and TAP were 0.16, 0.08, and 0.08μgkg -1 , respectively. The average recovery and precision values for the spiked water, chicken blood, and egg samples ranged from 88.3% to 99.1% and 2.7% to 7.9%, respectively. Given its rapidity, selectivity, and sensitivity, the developed method of M-MISPE coupled to HPLC-UV detection has good application prospects in environmental, biological, and food samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cortico-Cortical interactions between and within three cortical auditory areas specialized for time-domain signal processing

PubMed Central

Tang, Jie; Suga, Nobuo

2009-01-01

In auditory cortex of the mustached bat, the FF (F means frequency modulation), dorsal fringe (DF) and ventral fringe (VF) areas consist of “combination-sensitive” neurons tuned to the pair of an emitted biosonar pulse and its echo with a specific delay (best delay: BD). The DF and VF areas are hierarchically at a higher level than the FF area. Focal electric stimulation of the FF area evokes “centrifugal” BD shifts of DF neurons, i.e., shifts away from the BD of the stimulated FF neurons, whereas stimulation of the DF neurons evokes “centripetal” BD shifts of FF neurons, i.e., shifts toward the BD of the stimulated DF neurons. In our current studies, we found that the feed forward projection from FF neurons evokes centrifugal BD shifts of VF neurons, that the feedback projection from VF neurons evokes centripetal BD shifts of FF neurons, that the contralateral projection from DF neurons evokes centripetal BD shifts of DF neurons, and that the centripetal BD shifts evoked by the DF and VF neurons are 2.5 times larger than the centrifugal BD shifts evoked by the FF neurons. The centrifugal BD shifts shape the selective neural representation of a specific target-distance, whereas the centripetal BD shifts expand the representation of the selected specific target-distance to focus on the processing of the target information at a specific distance. The centrifugal and centripetal BD shifts evoked by the feed forward and feedback projections promote finer analysis of a target at shorter distances. PMID:19494145

Influence of fenofibrate treatment on triacylglycerides, diacylglycerides and fatty acids in fructose fed rats.

PubMed

Kopf, Thomas; Schaefer, Hans-Ludwig; Troetzmueller, Martin; Koefeler, Harald; Broenstrup, Mark; Konovalova, Tatiana; Schmitz, Gerd

2014-01-01

Fenofibrate (FF) lowers plasma triglycerides via PPARα activation. Here, we analyzed lipidomic changes upon FF treatment of fructose fed rats. Three groups with 6 animals each were defined as control, fructose-fed and fructose-fed/FF treated. Male Wistar Unilever Rats were subjected to 10% fructose-feeding for 20 days. On day 14, fenofibrate treatment (100 mg/kg p.o.) was initiated and maintained for 7 days. Lipid species in serum were analyzed using mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS; LC-FT-MS, GC-MS) on days 0, 14 and 20 in all three groups. In addition, lipid levels in liver and intestine were determined. Short-chain TAGs increased in serum and liver upon fructose-feeding, while almost all TAG-species decreased under FF treatment. Long-chain unsaturated DAG-levels (36:1, 36:2, 36:4, 38:3, 38:4, 38:5) increased upon FF treatment in rat liver and decreased in rat serum. FAs, especially short-chain FAs (12:0, 14:0, 16:0) increased during fructose-challenge. VLDL secretion increased upon fructose-feeding and together with FA-levels decreased to control levels during FF treatment. Fructose challenge of de novo fatty acid synthesis through fatty acid synthase (FAS) may enhance the release of FAs ≤ 16:0 chain length, a process reversed by FF-mediated PPARα-activation.

Effects of force fields on the conformational and dynamic properties of amyloid β(1-40) dimer explored by replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Watts, Charles R; Gregory, Andrew; Frisbie, Cole; Lovas, Sándor

2018-03-01

The conformational space and structural ensembles of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and their oligomers in solution are inherently disordered and proven to be challenging to study. Optimum force field selection for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the biophysical relevance of results are still unknown. We compared the conformational space of the Aβ(1-40) dimers by 300 ns replica exchange MD simulations at physiological temperature (310 K) using: the AMBER-ff99sb-ILDN, AMBER-ff99sb*-ILDN, AMBER-ff99sb-NMR, and CHARMM22* force fields. Statistical comparisons of simulation results to experimental data and previously published simulations utilizing the CHARMM22* and CHARMM36 force fields were performed. All force fields yield sampled ensembles of conformations with collision cross sectional areas for the dimer that are statistically significantly larger than experimental results. All force fields, with the exception of AMBER-ff99sb-ILDN (8.8 ± 6.4%) and CHARMM36 (2.7 ± 4.2%), tend to overestimate the α-helical content compared to experimental CD (5.3 ± 5.2%). Using the AMBER-ff99sb-NMR force field resulted in the greatest degree of variance (41.3 ± 12.9%). Except for the AMBER-ff99sb-NMR force field, the others tended to under estimate the expected amount of β-sheet and over estimate the amount of turn/bend/random coil conformations. All force fields, with the exception AMBER-ff99sb-NMR, reproduce a theoretically expected β-sheet-turn-β-sheet conformational motif, however, only the CHARMM22* and CHARMM36 force fields yield results compatible with collapse of the central and C-terminal hydrophobic cores from residues 17-21 and 30-36. Although analyses of essential subspace sampling showed only minor variations between force fields, secondary structures of lowest energy conformers are different. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adaptive accelerated ReaxFF reactive dynamics with validation from simulating hydrogen combustion.

PubMed

Cheng, Tao; Jaramillo-Botero, Andrés; Goddard, William A; Sun, Huai

2014-07-02

We develop here the methodology for dramatically accelerating the ReaxFF reactive force field based reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations through use of the bond boost concept (BB), which we validate here for describing hydrogen combustion. The bond order, undercoordination, and overcoordination concepts of ReaxFF ensure that the BB correctly adapts to the instantaneous configurations in the reactive system to automatically identify the reactions appropriate to receive the bond boost. We refer to this as adaptive Accelerated ReaxFF Reactive Dynamics or aARRDyn. To validate the aARRDyn methodology, we determined the detailed sequence of reactions for hydrogen combustion with and without the BB. We validate that the kinetics and reaction mechanisms (that is the detailed sequences of reactive intermediates and their subsequent transformation to others) for H2 oxidation obtained from aARRDyn agrees well with the brute force reactive molecular dynamics (BF-RMD) at 2498 K. Using aARRDyn, we then extend our simulations to the whole range of combustion temperatures from ignition (798 K) to flame temperature (2998K), and demonstrate that, over this full temperature range, the reaction rates predicted by aARRDyn agree well with the BF-RMD values, extrapolated to lower temperatures. For the aARRDyn simulation at 798 K we find that the time period for half the H2 to form H2O product is ∼538 s, whereas the computational cost was just 1289 ps, a speed increase of ∼0.42 trillion (10(12)) over BF-RMD. In carrying out these RMD simulations we found that the ReaxFF-COH2008 version of the ReaxFF force field was not accurate for such intermediates as H3O. Consequently we reoptimized the fit to a quantum mechanics (QM) level, leading to the ReaxFF-OH2014 force field that was used in the simulations.

Sol-Gel Deposited Double Layer TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ Anti-Reflection Coating for Silicon Solar Cell.

PubMed

Jung, Jinsu; Jannat, Azmira; Akhtar, M Shaheer; Yang, O-Bong

2018-02-01

In this work, the deposition of double layer ARC on p-type Si solar cells was carried out by simple spin coating using sol-gel derived Al2O3 and TiO2 precursors for the fabrication of crystalline Si solar cells. The first ARC layer was created by freshly prepared sol-gel derived Al2O3 precursor using spin coating technique and then second ARC layer of TiO2 was deposited with sol-gel derived TiO2 precursor, which was finally annealed at 400 °C. The double layer Al2O3/TiO2 ARC on Si wafer exhibited the low average reflectance of 4.74% in the wavelength range of 400 and 1000 nm. The fabricated solar cells based on double TiO2/Al2O3 ARC attained the conversion efficiency of ~13.95% with short circuit current (JSC) of 35.27 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (VOC) of 593.35 mV and fill factor (FF) of 66.67%. Moreover, the fabricated solar cells presented relatively low series resistance (Rs) as compared to single layer ARCs, resulting in the high VOC and FF.

Enhancing memory self-efficacy during menopause through a group memory strategies program.

PubMed

Unkenstein, Anne E; Bei, Bei; Bryant, Christina A

2017-05-01

Anxiety about memory during menopause can affect quality of life. We aimed to improve memory self-efficacy during menopause using a group memory strategies program. The program was run five times for a total of 32 peri- and postmenopausal women, age between 47 and 60 years, recruited from hospital menopause and gynecology clinics. The 4-week intervention consisted of weekly 2-hour sessions, and covered how memory works, memory changes related to ageing, health and lifestyle factors, and specific memory strategies. Memory contentment (CT), reported frequency of forgetting (FF), use of memory strategies, psychological distress, and attitude toward menopause were measured. A double-baseline design was applied, with outcomes measured on two baseline occasions (1-month prior [T1] and in the first session [T2]), immediately postintervention (T3), and 3-month postintervention (T4). To describe changes in each variable between time points paired sample t tests were conducted. Mixed-effects models comparing the means of random slopes from T2 to T3 with those from T1 to T2 were conducted for each variable to test for treatment effects. Examination of the naturalistic changes in outcome measures from T1 to T2 revealed no significant changes (all Ps > 0.05). CT, reported FF, and use of memory strategies improved significantly more from T2 to T3, than from T1 to T2 (all Ps < 0.05). Neither attitude toward menopause nor psychological distress improved significantly more postintervention than during the double-baseline (all Ps > 0.05). Improvements in reported CT and FF were maintained after 3 months. The use of group interventions to improve memory self-efficacy during menopause warrants continued evaluation.

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells with Amorphous In2O3-Based Front Contact Layers.

PubMed

Koida, Takashi; Ueno, Yuko; Nishinaga, Jiro; Higuchi, Hirohumi; Takahashi, Hideki; Iioka, Masayuki; Shibata, Hajime; Niki, Shigeru

2017-09-06

Amorphous (a-) In 2 O 3 -based front contact layers composed of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) and transparent oxide semiconductor (TOS) layers were proved to be effective in enhancing the short-circuit current density (J sc ) of Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) solar cells with a glass/Mo/CIGS/CdS/TOS/TCO structure, while maintaining high fill factor (FF) and open-circuit voltage (V oc ). An n-type a-In-Ga-Zn-O layer was introduced between the CdS and TCO layers. Unlike unintentionally doped ZnO broadly used as TOS layers in CIGS solar cells, the grain-boundary(GB)-free amorphous structure of the a-In-Ga-Zn-O layers allowed high electron mobility with superior control over the carrier density (N). High FF and V oc values were achieved in solar cells containing a-In-Ga-Zn-O layers with N values broadly ranging from 2 × 10 15 to 3 × 10 18 cm -3 . The decrease in FF and V oc produced by the electronic inhomogeneity of solar cells was mitigated by controlling the series resistance within the TOS layer of CIGS solar cells. In addition, a-In 2 O 3 :H and a-In-Zn-O layers exhibited higher electron mobilities than the ZnO:Al layers conventionally used as TCO layers in CIGS solar cells. The In 2 O 3 -based layers exhibited lower free carrier absorption while maintaining similar sheet resistance than ZnO:Al. The TCO and TOS materials and their combinations did not significantly change the V oc of the CIGS solar cells and the mini-modules.

Isospin diffusion in binary collisions of 32S+Ca,4840 and 32S+48Ti at 17.7 MeV/nucleon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piantelli, S.; Valdré, S.; Barlini, S.; Casini, G.; Colonna, M.; Baiocco, G.; Bini, M.; Bruno, M.; Camaiani, A.; Carboni, S.; Cicerchia, M.; Cinausero, M.; D'Agostino, M.; Degerlier, M.; Fabris, D.; Gelli, N.; Gramegna, F.; Gruyer, D.; Kravchuk, V. L.; Mabiala, J.; Marchi, T.; Morelli, L.; Olmi, A.; Ottanelli, P.; Pasquali, G.; Pastore, G.

2017-09-01

The systems 32S+Ca,4840 and 32S+48Ti at 17.7 MeV/nucleon were investigated with the setup general array for fragment identification and for emitted light particles in dissipative collisions (GARFIELD) plus ring counter (RCo) at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL) of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN). Fusion evaporation (FE), fusion fission (FF), and deep inelastic (DIC) events were identified, also through the comparison with the prediction of a transport model (stochastic mean field, SMF), coupled to GEMINI++ as an afterburner. This work mainly deals with the study of isospin transport phenomena in DIC events. In particular, the isospin diffusion is highlighted by comparing the average isotopic content of the quasiprojectile (QP) remnants observed when the target is the N =Z nucleus 40Ca and when it is the neutron-rich 48Ca. Also, the d /p and t /p ratios for particles forward emitted with respect to the QP were found to increase with increasing N /Z of the target.

The photovoltaic impact of atomic layer deposited TiO2 interfacial layer on Si-based photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabulut, Abdulkerim; Orak, İkram; Türüt, Abdulmecit

2018-06-01

In present work, photocurrent, current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance/conductance-voltage-frequency (C/G-V-f) measurements were analyzed for the photodiode and diode parameters of Al/TiO2/p-Si structure. The TiO2 thin film structure was deposited on p-Si by using atomic layer deposition technique (ALD) and its thickness was about 10 nm. The surface morphology of TiO2 coated on p-Si structure was observed via atomic force microscope (AFM). Barrier height (Φb) and ideality factor (n) values of device were found to be 0.80 eV, 0.70 eV, 0.56 eV and 1.04, 2.24, 10.27 under dark, 10 and 100 mW/cm2, respectively. Some photodiodes parameters such as fill factor (FF), power efficiency (%η), open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) were obtained from I-V measurement under different light intensity. FF and η were accounted 49.2, 39,0 and 0.05, 0.45 under 10 and 100 mW/cm2 light power intensity, respectively. C-2-V graph was plotted from C-V-f measurements and zero bias voltage (V0), donor concentration (Nd), Fermi energy (EF), barrier height (Φb) and maximum electric field (Em) were determined from C-2-V data for different frequencies. The electrical and photocurrent values demonstrated that it can be used for photodiode, photo detector and photo sensing applications.

Complete genome sequence and architecture of crucian carp Carassius auratus herpesvirus (CaHV).

PubMed

Zeng, Xiao-Tao; Chen, Zhong-Yuan; Deng, Yuan-Sheng; Gui, Jian-Fang; Zhang, Qi-Ya

2016-12-01

Crucian carp Carassius auratus herpesvirus (CaHV) was isolated from diseased crucian carp with acute gill hemorrhages and high mortality. The CaHV genome was sequenced and analyzed. The data showed that it consists of 275,348 bp and contains 150 predicted ORFs. The architecture of the CaHV genome differs from those of four cyprinid herpesviruses (CyHV1, CyHV2, SY-C1, CyHV3), with insertions, deletions and the absence of a terminal direct repeat. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA polymerase sequences of 17 strains of Herpesvirales members, and the concatenated 12 core ORFs from 10 strains of alloherpesviruses showed that CaHV clustered together with members of the genus Cyprinivirus, family Alloherpesviridae.

Making Computing on Encrypted Data Secure and Practical

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

with SAF/AQR memorandum dated 10 Dec 08 and AFRL/ CA policy clarification memorandum dated 16 Jan 09. This report is available to the general public...control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) JUNE 2013 2 . REPORT TYPE FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT 3...150 Irvine, CA 92697 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Air Force Research

Coaching behaviors associated with changes in fear of failure: changes in self-talk and need satisfaction as potential mechanisms.

PubMed

Conroy, David E; Coatsworth, J Douglas

2007-04-01

Cognitive-interpersonal and motivational mechanisms may regulate relations between youth perceptions of interpersonal aspects of the social ecology and their fear-of-failure (FF) levels. Youth (N=165) registered for a summer swim league rated their fear of failure at the beginning, middle, and end of the season. Extensive model comparisons indicated that youths' end-of-season ratings of coach behaviors could be reduced to three factors (affiliation, control, blame). Perceived control and blame from coaches predicted residualized change in corresponding aspects of youths' self-talk, but only changes in self-blame positively predicted changes in FF levels during the season. Perceived affiliation from coaches predicted autonomy need satisfaction which, in turn, negatively predicted the rate of change in FF levels during the season. These findings indicate that (a) youth perceptions of coaches were directly and indirectly related to acute socialization of FF and (b) both cognitive-interpersonal and motivational mechanisms contributed to this socialization process. Further research is needed to test for developmental differences in these mechanisms to determine whether findings generalize to more heterogeneous and at-risk populations and to investigate other potential social-ecological influences on socialization.

Determinants of children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants.

PubMed

McIntosh, Alex; Kubena, Karen S; Tolle, Glen; Dean, Wesley; Kim, Mi-Jeong; Jan, Jie-Sheng; Anding, Jenna

2011-01-01

Identify parental and children's determinants of children's use of and time spent in fast-food (FF) and full-service (FS) restaurants. Analysis of cross-sectional data. Parents were interviewed by phone; children were interviewed in their homes. Parents and children ages 9-11 or 13-15 from 312 families were obtained via random-digit dialing. Dependent variables were the use of and the time spent in FF and FS restaurants by children. Determinants included parental work schedules, parenting style, and family meal ritual perceptions. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of use of restaurants. Least squares regression was used for multivariate analysis of time spent in restaurants. Significance set at P < .05. Factors related to use of and time spent in FF and FS restaurants included parental work schedules, fathers' use of such restaurants, and children's time spent in the family automobile. Parenting style, parental work, parental eating habits and perceptions of family meals, and children's other uses of their time influence children's use of and time spent in FF and FS restaurants. Copyright © 2011 Society for Nutrition Education. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of RNA-Seq Results from Paired Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded and Fresh-Frozen Glioblastoma Tissue Samples

PubMed Central

Esteve-Codina, Anna; Arpi, Oriol; Martinez-García, Maria; Pineda, Estela; Mallo, Mar; Gut, Marta; Carrato, Cristina; Rovira, Anna; Lopez, Raquel; Tortosa, Avelina; Dabad, Marc; Del Barco, Sonia; Heath, Simon; Bagué, Silvia; Ribalta, Teresa; Alameda, Francesc; de la Iglesia, Nuria

2017-01-01

The molecular classification of glioblastoma (GBM) based on gene expression might better explain outcome and response to treatment than clinical factors. Whole transcriptome sequencing using next-generation sequencing platforms is rapidly becoming accepted as a tool for measuring gene expression for both research and clinical use. Fresh frozen (FF) tissue specimens of GBM are difficult to obtain since tumor tissue obtained at surgery is often scarce and necrotic and diagnosis is prioritized over freezing. After diagnosis, leftover tissue is usually stored as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. However, RNA from FFPE tissues is usually degraded, which could hamper gene expression analysis. We compared RNA-Seq data obtained from matched pairs of FF and FFPE GBM specimens. Only three FFPE out of eleven FFPE-FF matched samples yielded informative results. Several quality-control measurements showed that RNA from FFPE samples was highly degraded but maintained transcriptomic similarities to RNA from FF samples. Certain issues regarding mutation analysis and subtype prediction were detected. Nevertheless, our results suggest that RNA-Seq of FFPE GBM specimens provides reliable gene expression data that can be used in molecular studies of GBM if the RNA is sufficiently preserved. PMID:28122052

X-ray excitation fluorescence spectra of the Eu2+-stabilized VK center in alkaline-earth fluoride mixed-crystal systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawano, K.; Ohya, T.; Tsurumi, T.; Katoh, K.; Nakata, R.

1999-11-01

X-ray excitation fluorescence spectra were investigated for MF2:Eu (M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) and their mixed-crystal systems, Ca1-xSrxF2 and Sr1-xBaxF2 with the same fluorite structure. The UV recombination fluorescence band of the VK center associated with blue emission due to the f-d transition of Eu2+ ions was observed with changing mixture ratios x at room temperature. Two sets of weak spectra due to f-f transitions of Eu3+ ions also appeared in the 500-600-nm wavelength region. The peak wavelengths and the integrated intensities of the observed fluorescence were investigated as a function of the Eu concentration as well as the mixture ratio. For the blue emission of Eu2+, pulsed x-ray excitation resulted in shorter lifetimes (500-800 ns) than optical excitation, suggesting energy transfers between the excited states of VK centers and Eu2+. A kinematical fluorescence mechanism was proposed, taking into account the formation of a close pair of a hopping VK center and an immobile Eu2+ ion followed by an energy transfer from the former to the latter. Based on the calculated fluorescence decay curves best fitted to the response curves by x-ray pulse excitation, the energy transfer rates from VK centers to Eu2+ were estimated.

Optimized interface and recrystallized grains by CsBr treatment for enhanced photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Li; Su, Pengyu; Yao, Huizhen; Wang, Jun; Fu, Wuyou; Liu, Xizhe; Yang, Haibin

2018-06-01

Doping, interface optimization and recrystallization are effective approaches for fabricating high performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In our work, simple CsBr treatment is introduced to improve the performance of TiO2 nanorods-based PSCs. Both Cs+ and Br- are doped into CH3NH3PbI3 simultaneously, as well as optimizes the interface between perovskite and hole-transporting material (HTM). In addition, the perovskite grains are recrystallized through this method. Finally, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.02% with 0.72 in fill factor (FF) and 1.08 in open circuit voltage (VOC) is obtained through CsBr treatment, which is 19.91% higher than that of untreated devices (13.36% with 0.65 in FF and 1.02 in VOC). Furthermore, the power output maintains ∼14% after 3500 h under the humidity within 15% at room temperature.

Rectifying Characteristics and Transport Behavior in a Schottky Junction of CaCu3Ti4O12 and Pt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Cong; Ning, Ting-Yin; Wang, Can; Zhou, Yue-Liang; Zhang, Dong-Xiang; Wang, Pei; Ming, Hai; Yang, Guo-Zhen

2011-08-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films were fabricated on ITO-covered MgO (100) substrates. The rectification characteristics were observed in the CCTO capacitance structure with Pt top electrodes at temperatures ranging from 150 K to 330 K, which are attributed to the formation of a Schottky junction between n-type semiconducting CCTO and Pt due to the difference of their work functions. At low forward-bias voltage, the current-voltage characteristics of the Schottky junction follow . A strong decrease in ideality factor with the increasing temperature is obtained by linear fitting at the low bias voltage.

Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the AH-1S (Modernized Cobra) with the HELLFIRE, TOW, and Stinger Missiles Installed

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

is ready for engagement. The SCAS pitch, roll, and yaw engage switches energize the appropriate channels of the SCAS and the electrical solenoid valves ...I 4i TFF FF iff iT1Ii F1T ’I" 114~~~~7. FF+4441UF - - 4-� 1;4 444 1~ FF1 111410 4 IB1: TIF FF 1F V4j UVFFtli T FF’HI F F FF F F tF1 F ’’ ’-FF11 1

Ff-nano, short functionalized nanorods derived from Ff (f1, fd, or M13) filamentous bacteriophage

PubMed Central

Sattar, Sadia; Bennett, Nicholas J.; Wen, Wesley X.; Guthrie, Jenness M.; Blackwell, Len F.; Conway, James F.; Rakonjac, Jasna

2015-01-01

F-specific filamentous phage of Escherichia coli (Ff: f1, M13, or fd) are long thin filaments (860 nm × 6 nm). They have been a major workhorse in display technologies and bionanotechnology; however, some applications are limited by the high length-to-diameter ratio of Ff. Furthermore, use of functionalized Ff outside of laboratory containment is in part hampered by the fact that they are genetically modified viruses. We have now developed a system for production and purification of very short functionalized Ff-phage-derived nanorods, named Ff-nano, that are only 50 nm in length. In contrast to standard Ff-derived vectors that replicate in E. coli and contain antibiotic-resistance genes, Ff-nano are protein-DNA complexes that cannot replicate on their own and do not contain any coding sequences. These nanorods show an increased resistance to heating at 70∘C in 1% SDS in comparison to the full-length Ff phage of the same coat composition. We demonstrate that functionalized Ff-nano particles are suitable for application as detection particles in sensitive and quantitative “dipstick” lateral flow diagnostic assay for human plasma fibronectin. PMID:25941520

Ff-nano, short functionalized nanorods derived from Ff (f1, fd, or M13) filamentous bacteriophage.

PubMed

Sattar, Sadia; Bennett, Nicholas J; Wen, Wesley X; Guthrie, Jenness M; Blackwell, Len F; Conway, James F; Rakonjac, Jasna

2015-01-01

F-specific filamentous phage of Escherichia coli (Ff: f1, M13, or fd) are long thin filaments (860 nm × 6 nm). They have been a major workhorse in display technologies and bionanotechnology; however, some applications are limited by the high length-to-diameter ratio of Ff. Furthermore, use of functionalized Ff outside of laboratory containment is in part hampered by the fact that they are genetically modified viruses. We have now developed a system for production and purification of very short functionalized Ff-phage-derived nanorods, named Ff-nano, that are only 50 nm in length. In contrast to standard Ff-derived vectors that replicate in E. coli and contain antibiotic-resistance genes, Ff-nano are protein-DNA complexes that cannot replicate on their own and do not contain any coding sequences. These nanorods show an increased resistance to heating at 70(∘)C in 1% SDS in comparison to the full-length Ff phage of the same coat composition. We demonstrate that functionalized Ff-nano particles are suitable for application as detection particles in sensitive and quantitative "dipstick" lateral flow diagnostic assay for human plasma fibronectin.

Final Hazard Categorization for the Remediation of Six 300-FF-2 Operable Unit Solid Waste Burial Grounds

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

J. D. Ludowise

2006-12-12

This report provides the final hazard categorization (FHC) for the remediation of six solid waste disposal sites (referred to as burial grounds) located in the 300-FF-2 Operable Unit (OU) on the Hanford Site. These six sites (618-1, 618-2, 618-3, 618-7, 618-8, and 618-13 Burial Grounds) were determined to have a total radionuclide inventory (WCH 2005a, WCH 2005d, WCH 2005e and WCH 2006b) that exceeds the DOE-STD-1027 Category 3 threshold quantity (DOE 1997) and are the subject of this analysis. This FHC document examines the hazards, identifies appropriate controls to manage the hazards, and documents the FHC and commitments for themore » 300-FF-2 Burial Grounds Remediation Project.« less

Atomic Data and Spectral Line Intensities for CA XVII

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatia, A.K.; Landi, E.

2007-01-01

Electron impact collision strengths, energy levels, oscillator strengths and spontaneous radiative decay rates are calculated for Ca XVII. The configurations used are 2s(sup 2), 2s2p, 2p(sup 2), 2l3l', 214l' and 2s5l', with l = s,p and l' = s,p, d giving rise to 92 fine-structure levels in intermediate coupling. Collision strengths are calculated at seven incident energies (15, 30, 75, 112.5, 150, 187.5 and 225 Ry) for the transitions within the three lowest configurations corresponding to the 10 lowest energy levels, and five incident energies (75, 112.5, 150, 187.5 and 225 Ry) for transitions between the lowest five levels and the n = 3,4,5 configurations. Calculations have been carried out using the distorted wave approximation. Excitation rate coefficients are calculated as a function of electron temperature by assuming a Maxwellian electron velocity distribution. Using the excitation rate coefficients and the radiative transition rates of the present work, and R-Matrix results for the 2s2, 2s2p, 2p2 configurations available in the literature, statistical equilibrium equations for level populations are solved at electron densities covering the range of 10(exp 8)-10(exp 14)/cu cm at an electron temperature of log Te(K)=6.7, corresponding to the maximum abundance of Ca XVII. Spectral line intensities are calculated, and their diagnostic relevance L; discussed. This dataset will be made available in the next version of the CHIANTI database.

The Origin of Molecular Clouds in Central Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulido, F. A.; McNamara, B. R.; Edge, A. C.; Hogan, M. T.; Vantyghem, A. N.; Russell, H. R.; Nulsen, P. E. J.; Babyk, I.; Salomé, P.

2018-02-01

We present an analysis of 55 central galaxies in clusters and groups with molecular gas masses and star formation rates lying between {10}8 {and} {10}11 {M}ȯ and 0.5 and 270 {M}ȯ {{yr}}-1, respectively. Molecular gas mass is correlated with star formation rate, Hα line luminosity, and central atmospheric gas density. Molecular gas is detected only when the central cooling time or entropy index of the hot atmosphere falls below ∼1 Gyr or ∼35 keV cm2, respectively, at a (resolved) radius of 10 kpc. These correlations indicate that the molecular gas condensed from hot atmospheres surrounding the central galaxies. We explore the origins of thermally unstable cooling by evaluating whether molecular gas becomes prevalent when the minimum of the cooling to free-fall time ratio ({t}{cool}/{t}{ff}) falls below ∼10. We find that (1) molecular gas-rich systems instead lie between 10< \\min ({t}{cool}/{t}{ff})< 25, where {t}{cool}/{t}{ff}=25 corresponds approximately to cooling time and entropy thresholds of 1 Gyr and 35 {keV} {{cm}}2, respectively; (2) \\min ({t}{cool}/{t}{ff}) is uncorrelated with molecular gas mass and jet power; and (3) the narrow range 10< \\min ({t}{cool}/{t}{ff})< 25 can be explained by an observational selection effect, although a real physical effect cannot be excluded. These results and the absence of isentropic cores in cluster atmospheres are in tension with models that assume thermal instability ensues from linear density perturbations in hot atmospheres when {t}{cool}/{t}{ff}≲ 10. Some of the molecular gas may instead have condensed from atmospheric gas lifted outward by buoyantly rising X-ray bubbles or by dynamically induced uplift (e.g., mergers, sloshing).

Effects of chemical pressure on the magnetic ground states of the osmate double perovskites SrCaCoOs 6 and Ca 2CoOsO 6

DOE PAGES

Morrow, Ryan; Yan, Jiaqiang; McGuire, Michael A.; ...

2015-09-21

The magnetic ground state in the double perovskite system Sr 2-xCa xCoOsO 6 changes from an antiferromagnet (x=0), to a spin glass (x=1), to a ferrimagnet (x=2) as the Ca content increases. Moreover, this crossover is driven by chemical pressure effects that control the relative strength of magnetic exchange interactions. The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetism of SrCaCoOsO 6 and Ca 2CoOsO 6 are investigated and compared with Sr 2CoOsO 6. Both compounds adopt a monoclinic crystal structure with rock-salt ordering of Co 2+ and Os 6+ and a -a -b + octahedral tilting, but the average Co–O–Os bond anglemore » evolves from 158.0(3) in SrCaCoOsO 6 to 150.54(9)° in Ca 2CoOsO 6 as the smaller Ca 2+ ion replaces Sr 2+. And while this change may seem minor, it has a profound effect on the magnetism, changing the magnetic ground state from antiferromagnetic in Sr 2CoOsO 6 (TN1=108K, T N2=70K), to a spin glass in SrCaCoOsO 6 (T f1=32K, T f2=13K), to ferrimagnetic in Ca 2CoOsO 6 (T C=145K). Finally, in the first two compounds the observation of two transitions is consistent with weak coupling between the Co and Os sublattices.« less

Continuity of the West Napa–Franklin fault zone inferred from guided waves generated by earthquakes following the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Catchings, Rufus D.; Goldman, Mark R.; Li, Yong-Gang; Chan, Joanne

2016-01-01

We measure peak ground velocities from fault‐zone guided waves (FZGWs), generated by on‐fault earthquakes associated with the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake. The data were recorded on three arrays deployed across north and south of the 2014 surface rupture. The observed FZGWs indicate that the West Napa fault zone (WNFZ) and the Franklin fault (FF) are continuous in the subsurface for at least 75 km. Previously published potential‐field data indicate that the WNFZ extends northward to the Maacama fault (MF), and previous geologic mapping indicates that the FF extends southward to the Calaveras fault (CF); this suggests a total length of at least 110 km for the WNFZ–FF. Because the WNFZ–FF appears contiguous with the MF and CF, these faults apparently form a continuous Calaveras–Franklin–WNFZ–Maacama (CFWM) fault that is second only in length (∼300  km) to the San Andreas fault in the San Francisco Bay area. The long distances over which we observe FZGWs, coupled with their high amplitudes (2–10 times the S waves) suggest that strong shaking from large earthquakes on any part of the CFWM fault may cause far‐field amplified fault‐zone shaking. We interpret guided waves and seismicity cross sections to indicate multiple upper crustal splays of the WNFZ–FF, including a northward extension of the Southhampton fault, which may cause strong shaking in the Napa Valley and the Vallejo area. Based on travel times from each earthquake to each recording array, we estimate average P‐, S‐, and guided‐wave velocities within the WNFZ–FF (4.8–5.7, 2.2–3.2, and 1.1–2.8  km/s, respectively), with FZGW velocities ranging from 58% to 93% of the average S‐wave velocities.

SU-E-T-215: Comparison of VMAT-SABR Treatment Plans with Flattened Filter (FF) Beam and Flattening Filter-Free (FFF) Beam for Localized Prostate Cancer

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

Chung, J; Kim, J; Kang, S

2015-06-15

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to access VMAT-SABR plan using flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) beam, and compare the verification results for all pretreatment plans. Methods: SABR plans for 20 prostate patients were optimized in the Eclipse treatment planning system. A prescription dose was 42.7 Gy/7 fractions. Four SABR plans for each patient were calculated using Acuros XB algorithm with both FF and FFF beams of 6- and 10-MV. The dose-volume histograms (DVH) and technical parameters were recorded and compared. A pretreatment verification was performed and the gamma analysis was used to quantify the agreement betweenmore » calculations and measurements. Results: For each patient, the DVHs are closely similar for plans of four different beams. There are small differences showed in dose distributions and corresponding DVHs when comparing the each plan related to the same patient. Sparing on bladder and rectum was slightly better on plans with 10-MV FF and FFF than with 6-MV FF and FFF, but this difference was negligible. However, there was no significance in the other OARs. The mean agreement of 3%/3mm criteria was higher than 97% in all plans. The mean MUs and deliver time employed was 1701±101 and 3.02±0.17 min for 6-MV FF, 1870±116 and 1.69±0.08 min for 6-MV FFF, 1471±86 and 2.68±0.14 min for 10-MV FF, and 1619±101 and 0.98±0.04 min for 10-MV FFF, respectively. Conclusion: Dose distributions on prostate SABR plans using FFF beams were similar to those generated by FF beams. However, the use of FFF beam offers a clear benefit in delivery time when compared to FF beam. Verification of pretreatment also represented the acceptable and comparable results in all plans using FF beam as well as FFF beam. Therefore, this study suggests that the use of FFF beam is feasible and efficient technique for prostate SABR.« less

The influence of herbs and spices on overall liking of reduced fat food.

PubMed

Peters, John C; Polsky, Sarit; Stark, Rebecca; Zhaoxing, Pan; Hill, James O

2014-08-01

Most adults consume more fat than is recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We examined whether adding herbs and spices to reduced-fat foods would improve their consumer liking. We recruited adults 18-65 years old to taste three lunch conditions: full fat (FF), reduced fat with no added spice (RF), and reduced fat plus spice (RFS). Subjects rated their liking of a meatloaf entrée, vegetable side dish, pasta side dish, and overall meal on a 9-point hedonic Likert scale. Subjects came weekly for 3 weeks to consume meals and were randomized to the condition order. We enrolled 148 subjects who were predominantly female (n = 101, 68%), had a mean age of 35.9 years, and body mass index of 24.4 kg/m2. Subjects reported habitual diets as 36% of total calories from fat (2005 Block Food Frequency Questionnaire). Reducing fat content alone significantly dropped overall liking of the meal compared with FF and RFS conditions (6.29 RF vs. 7.05 FF, P < 0.0001; 6.29 RF vs. 6.98 RFS, P ≤ 0.0001). The RFS overall meal was liked as well as the FF condition. FF and RFS conditions were liked significantly more than RF conditions for each meal item. Liking of FF and RFS meatloaf and vegetables were not significantly different from one another. Pasta FF and RFS conditions were rated significantly differently from each other (7.33 FF vs. 6.61 RFS, P < 0.0001). Adding herbs and spices to reduced fat foods restored liking of the overall meal, meatloaf, and vegetables to that of FF conditions, and significantly improved the liking of RF pasta. Herbs and spices can be a useful tool to improve liking of foods consistent with national guidelines. Copyright © 2014 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Follicular fluid soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE): a potential indicator of ovarian reserve.

PubMed

Merhi, Zaher; Irani, Mohamad; Doswell, Angela D; Ambroggio, Jennifer

2014-02-01

The interaction of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) with their cellular receptor (RAGE) is implicated in the pathogenesis of abnormal ovarian follicular growth. RAGE has a circulating secretory receptor form, soluble RAGE (sRAGE), which neutralizes the action of AGEs and might exert a protective role on the follicular environment. The objective of the study was to investigate whether serum or follicular fluid (FF) sRAGE levels are associated with markers of ovarian reserve. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and sRAGE protein levels were correlated in 31 reproductive-aged women. An additional 33 women who underwent oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization were enrolled. AMH and its receptor (AMHR-II) mRNA levels were quantified in cumulus granulosa cells and FF sRAGE and AMH protein levels were measured. Granulosa cell AMH and AMHR-II gene expression, serum and FF AMH and sRAGE protein concentration, and number of oocytes retrieved were measured. In the serum, sRAGE levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.5, P < .001) but not with age or serum AMH. The higher the FF sRAGE, the lower the number of international units of gonadotropin needed per cycle independent of age, BMI, or day 3 FSH level (r = -0.4, P = .04). After adjusting for age, BMI, day 3 FSH, and the total dose of gonadotropins, FF sRAGE predicted the number of oocytes retrieved (R(2) = 0.27, P = .045). FF sRAGE positively correlated with FF AMH levels (r = 0.5, P = .0085). RT-PCR results showed no correlation between the FF sRAGE and AMH or AMHR-II mRNA levels. These data support a relationship between FF sRAGE and measures of ovarian reserve. The pathological significance of the harmful inflammatory AGEs in follicular health clearly requires further investigation. Targeting AGEs might offer potential therapeutic options for the treatment of diminished ovarian response.

Food Prices Are Associated with Dietary Quality, Fast Food Consumption, and Body Mass Index among U.S. Children and Adolescents123

PubMed Central

Beydoun, May A.; Powell, Lisa M.; Chen, Xiaoli; Wang, Youfa

2011-01-01

Food prices are expected to affect dietary intakes, however, previous findings are mixed and few are based on nationally representative data. We examined the associations of price indices of fast foods (FF-PI) and fruits and vegetables (FV-PI) with dietary intakes and BMI among U.S. children and adolescents using data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII; 1994–1998) for 6759 children (2–9 y) and 1679 adolescents (10–18 y). FF-PI and FV-PI were linked to individuals’ CSFII dietary data through city-level geocodes. Main outcomes included intakes of selected nutrients and food groups, a fast food consumption index (FF-CI), diet quality using the 2005 Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and BMI. Among children (2–9 y), a higher FF-PI (by $1) was associated with intakes of lower FF-CI (β ± SE: −0.9 ± 0.3 count/d), higher HEI (6.6 ± 2.5), higher intakes of fiber (2.7 ± 0.7 g/d), calcium (225.7 ± 52.3 mg/d), dairy (172.5 ± 36.2 g/d), and fruits and vegetables (113.3 ± 23.4 cup equivalents/d). FV-PI was inversely related to fiber intake (β ± SE: −3.3 ± 1.5 g/d) and positively associated with BMI (4.3 ± 1.2 kg/m2). Less consistent findings were ascribed to FV-PI and among adolescents (10–18 y). Significant associations were almost equally balanced between low and high family income groups, with some significant interactions between food prices and family income observed, particularly among children (2–9 y). Our findings suggest that among U.S. children aged 2–9 y, higher FF-PI is associated with better dietary quality, whereas higher FV-PI is linked to higher BMI and lower fiber intake. Associations varied by family income in children for many dietary intake variables. PMID:21178080

Taylor Farms Retail Inc., Salinas, CA; Consent Agreement and Final Order

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Consent Agreement and Final Order (Proposed CA/FO), between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX (EPA or Complainant), and Taylor Farms Retail Inc. (Respondent), 150 Main Street Salinas, CA 93901. Docket Number CWA-09-2018-0010

Dosimetric and efficiency comparison of high-dose radiotherapy for esophageal cancer: volumetric modulated arc therapy versus fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

PubMed

Lin, C-Y; Huang, W-Y; Jen, Y-M; Chen, C-M; Su, Y-F; Chao, H-L; Lin, C-S

2014-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare high-dose volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (ff-IMRT) plans for the treatment of patients with middle-thoracic esophageal cancer. Eight patients with cT2-3N0M0 middle-thoracic esophageal cancer were enrolled. The treatment planning system was the version 9 of the Pinnacle(3) with SmartArc (Philips Healthcare, Fitchburg, WI, USA). VMAT and ff-IMRT treatment plans were generated for each case, and both techniques were used to deliver 50 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV(50)) and then provided a 16-Gy boost (PTV(66)). The VMAT plans provided superior PTV(66) coverage compared with the ff-IMRT plans (P = 0.034), whereas the ff-IMRT plans provided more appropriate dose homogeneity to the PTV(50) (P = 0.017). In the lung, the V(5) and V(10) were lower for the ff-IMRT plans than for the VMAT plans, whereas the V(20) was lower for the VMAT plans. The delivery time was significantly shorter for the VMAT plans than for the ff-IMRT plans (P = 0.012). In addition, the VMAT plans delivered fewer monitor units. The VMAT technique required a shorter planning time than the ff-IMRT technique (3.8 ± 0.8 hours vs. 5.4 ± 0.6 hours, P = 0.011). The major advantages of VMAT plans are higher efficiency and an approximately 50% reduction in delivery time compared with the ff-IMRT plans, with comparable plan quality. Further clinical investigations to evaluate the use of high-dose VMAT for the treatment of esophageal cancer are warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Kalman-filtered compressive sensing for high resolution estimation of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from sparse measurements.

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

Ray, Jaideep; Lee, Jina; Lefantzi, Sophia

2013-09-01

The estimation of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions (ffCO2) from limited ground-based and satellite measurements of CO2 concentrations will form a key component of the monitoring of treaties aimed at the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions. The limited nature of the measured data leads to a severely-underdetermined estimation problem. If the estimation is performed at fine spatial resolutions, it can also be computationally expensive. In order to enable such estimations, advances are needed in the spatial representation of ffCO2 emissions, scalable inversion algorithms and the identification of observables to measure. To that end, we investigate parsimonious spatial parameterizations of ffCO2 emissions whichmore » can be used in atmospheric inversions. We devise and test three random field models, based on wavelets, Gaussian kernels and covariance structures derived from easily-observed proxies of human activity. In doing so, we constructed a novel inversion algorithm, based on compressive sensing and sparse reconstruction, to perform the estimation. We also address scalable ensemble Kalman filters as an inversion mechanism and quantify the impact of Gaussian assumptions inherent in them. We find that the assumption does not impact the estimates of mean ffCO2 source strengths appreciably, but a comparison with Markov chain Monte Carlo estimates show significant differences in the variance of the source strengths. Finally, we study if the very different spatial natures of biogenic and ffCO2 emissions can be used to estimate them, in a disaggregated fashion, solely from CO2 concentration measurements, without extra information from products of incomplete combustion e.g., CO. We find that this is possible during the winter months, though the errors can be as large as 50%.« less

Control of Fossil-Fuel Particulate Black Carbon and Organic Matter, the Most Effective Method of Slowing Global Warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, M. Z.

2001-12-01

Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, no control of black carbon (BC) was considered. Here, it is found, through simulations in which seven new particles feedbacks to climate are identified, that any emission reduction of fossil-fuel (f.f.) particulate BC plus associated organic matter (OM) will slow global warming more than will any emission reduction of CO2 or CH4 for a definite time period. When all f.f. BC+OM and anthropogenic CO2 and CH4 emissions are eliminated together, that period is 20-90 years. It is also found that historical net global warming can be attributed roughly to greenhouse-gas plus f.f. BC+OM warming minus anthropogenic sulfate cooling. Eliminating all f.f. BC+OM could eliminate more than 40 percent of such net warming within three years if no other changes occurred. Reducing CO2 emissions by a third would have the same effect, but after 50-200 years. Finally, diesel cars warm climate more than do equivalent gasoline cars; thus, fuel- and carbon-tax laws that favor diesel promote global warming.

Time Correlations of Lightning Flash Sequences in Thunderstorms Revealed by Fractal Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, Xueqiang; Chen, Mingli; Zhang, Guangshu

2018-01-01

By using the data of lightning detection and ranging system at the Kennedy Space Center, the temporal fractal and correlation of interevent time series of lightning flash sequences in thunderstorms have been investigated with Allan factor (AF), Fano factor (FF), and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) methods. AF, FF, and DFA methods are powerful tools to detect the time-scaling structures and correlations in point processes. Totally 40 thunderstorms with distinguishing features of a single-cell storm and apparent increase and decrease in the total flash rate were selected for the analysis. It is found that the time-scaling exponents for AF (αAF) and FF (αFF) analyses are 1.62 and 0.95 in average, respectively, indicating a strong time correlation of the lightning flash sequences. DFA analysis shows that there is a crossover phenomenon—a crossover timescale (τc) ranging from 54 to 195 s with an average of 114 s. The occurrence of a lightning flash in a thunderstorm behaves randomly at timescales <τc but shows strong time correlation at scales >τc. Physically, these may imply that the establishment of an extensive strong electric field necessary for the occurrence of a lightning flash needs a timescale >τc, which behaves strongly time correlated. But the initiation of a lightning flash within a well-established extensive strong electric field may involve the heterogeneities of the electric field at a timescale <τc, which behave randomly.

Feeding choice has a gender-associated effect on infant growth.

PubMed

Nagahara, Keiko; Dobashi, Kazushige; Itabashi, Kazuo

2013-08-01

Appropriate nutrition during childhood is important for preventing future development of lifestyle-related diseases. The effect of feeding choice on infant growth in Japan is not known. Data from 204 healthy schoolchildren (age, 6-9 years) were obtained retrospectively from their parents by questionnaires. Breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) groups were defined as those fed only breast milk or formula milk at 4 months of age, respectively. There were 71 children (M/F, 31/40) in BF and 30 (M/F, 19/11) in FF. Anthropometric data at birth, and at 1, 4, 7, 10, 18, and 36 months of age in male and female infants were compared between the groups. In male infants, height was significantly lower at 4 months, bodyweight was lower from 4 to 18 months, and body mass index (BMI) was lower from 10 to 36 months in BF than in FF. The standard deviation scores (SDS) for height, weight and BMI had a similar pattern. No significant differences were observed for these variables for female infants in BF compared with FF. Multiple regression analysis showed that birthweight, mother's pre-pregnancy weight, and infant feeding choice were significant factors associated with weight-SDS at 18 and 36 months. Feeding choice was the only factor associated with BMI-SDS at 18 months. Infant feeding choice had a gender-associated effect on growth during infancy. When evaluating infant growth, not only birthweight and mother's pre-pregnancy weight, but also infant feeding choice and gender should be considered. © 2013 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2013 Japan Pediatric Society.

Textural improvement of salt-reduced Alaska pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) roe product by CaCl2.

PubMed

Chen, Chaoping; Okazaki, Emiko; Osako, Kazufumi

2016-12-15

Salt-reduced Alaska pollack roe benefits public health by decreasing NaCl intake; however, it has a poor texture with low breaking strength. This study addresses the feasibility of NaCl reduction in salted roe products, with focusing on the improvement of breaking strength using CaCl2. Salted roe products were prepared by immersing Alaska pollack roe in either NaCl solutions (3.5, 7.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 25.0%) or 7.0% NaCl solutions with added CaCl2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%). Breaking strength, moisture and salt contents, eggshell protein composition of the salted roe products, as well as total endogenous transglutaminase (TGase) activity in various NaCl and CaCl2 concentrations were analyzed. CaCl2 addition enhanced eggshell protein crosslinking and breaking strength of the salt-reduced roe products. An acyl transfer reaction catalyzed by calcium-dependent TGase may be responsible for the eggshell protein crosslinking and improved texture. Thus, we successfully developed a salt-reduced Alaska roe product using CaCl2. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a 2.0 eV AlGaInP Solar Cell Grown by OMVPE

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

Perl, Emmett E.; Simon, John; Geisz, John F.

2015-06-14

AlGaInP solar cells with a bandgap (Eg) of ~2.0 eV are developed for use in next-generation multijunction photovoltaic devices. This material system is of great interest for both space and concentrator photovoltaics due to its high bandgap, which enables the development of high-efficiency five-junction and six-junction devices and is also useful for solar cells operated at elevated temperatures. In this work, we explore the conditions for the Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE) growth of AlGaInP and study their effects on cell performance. A ~2.0 eV AlGaInP solar cell is demonstrated with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.59V, a bandgap-voltagemore » offset (WOC) of 420mV, a fill factor (FF) of 88.0%, and an efficiency of 14.8%. These AlGaInP cells have attained a similar FF, WOC and internal quantum efficiency (IQE) to the best upright GaInP cells grown in our lab to date.« less

Monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on graphene modified mesoscopic carbon counter electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Yaoguang; Li, Xiong; Liu, Guanghui; Wang, Heng; Ku, Zhiliang; Xu, Mi; Liu, Linfeng; Hu, Min; Yang, Ying; Han, Hongwei

2013-03-01

We have developed a monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on graphene modified mesoscopic carbon counter electrode (GC-CE), which offers a promising prospect for commercial applications. Based on the design of a triple layer structure, the TiO2 working electrode layer, ZrO2 spacer layer and carbon counter electrode (CE) layer are constructed on a single conducting glass substrate by screen-printing. The quasi-solid-state polymer gel electrolyte employs a polymer composite as the gelator and could effectively infiltrate into the porous layers. Fabricated with normal carbon counter electrode (NC-CE) containing graphite and carbon black, the device shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.09% with the fill factor (FF) of 0.63 at 100 mW cm-2 AM1.5 illumination. When the NC-CE is modified with graphene sheets, the PCE and FF could be enhanced to 6.27% and 0.71, respectively. This improvement indicates excellent conductivity and high electrocatalytic activity of the graphene sheets, which have been considered as a promising platinum-free electrode material for DSSCs.

Higher Efficiency for Quasi-Solid State Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Under Low Light Irradiance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desilva, Ajith; Bandara, T. M. W. J.; Fernado, H. D. N. S.; Fernando, P. S. L.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Jayasundara, W. J. M. J. S. R.; Furlani, M.; Mellander, B.-E.

2014-03-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), lower cost solar energy conversion devices are alternative green energy source. The liquid based electrolyte DSSCs have higher efficiencies with many practical issues while the quasi-solid-state DSSCs resolve the key problems but efficiencies are relatively low. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based gel polymer electrolytes were fabricated as DSSCs by incorporating ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate plasticizers and tetrapropylammonium iodide salt. A thin layer of electrolyte was sandwiched between the TiO2 anode (sensitized with N719 dye) and the Pt counter electrode. The electrolyte had an ionic conductivity of 2.6 mS/cm at 25 degrees of Celsius. DSSCs incorporating this gel electrolyte revealed Vsc circuit, Jsc, fill factor (FF) and efficiency values of 0.71 V, 11.8 mA, 51 percent and 4.2 percent respectively under 1 sun irradiation. The efficiency of the cell increased with decreasing solar irradiance achieving up to 10 percent efficiency and 80 percent FF at low irradiance values. This work uncovers that quasi-solid state DSSCs can reach efficiencies close to that of liquid electrolytes based cells.

A sparse reconstruction method for the estimation of multi-resolution emission fields via atmospheric inversion

DOE PAGES

Ray, J.; Lee, J.; Yadav, V.; ...

2015-04-29

Atmospheric inversions are frequently used to estimate fluxes of atmospheric greenhouse gases (e.g., biospheric CO 2 flux fields) at Earth's surface. These inversions typically assume that flux departures from a prior model are spatially smoothly varying, which are then modeled using a multi-variate Gaussian. When the field being estimated is spatially rough, multi-variate Gaussian models are difficult to construct and a wavelet-based field model may be more suitable. Unfortunately, such models are very high dimensional and are most conveniently used when the estimation method can simultaneously perform data-driven model simplification (removal of model parameters that cannot be reliably estimated) andmore » fitting. Such sparse reconstruction methods are typically not used in atmospheric inversions. In this work, we devise a sparse reconstruction method, and illustrate it in an idealized atmospheric inversion problem for the estimation of fossil fuel CO 2 (ffCO 2) emissions in the lower 48 states of the USA. Our new method is based on stagewise orthogonal matching pursuit (StOMP), a method used to reconstruct compressively sensed images. Our adaptations bestow three properties to the sparse reconstruction procedure which are useful in atmospheric inversions. We have modified StOMP to incorporate prior information on the emission field being estimated and to enforce non-negativity on the estimated field. Finally, though based on wavelets, our method allows for the estimation of fields in non-rectangular geometries, e.g., emission fields inside geographical and political boundaries. Our idealized inversions use a recently developed multi-resolution (i.e., wavelet-based) random field model developed for ffCO 2 emissions and synthetic observations of ffCO 2 concentrations from a limited set of measurement sites. We find that our method for limiting the estimated field within an irregularly shaped region is about a factor of 10 faster than conventional approaches. It also reduces the overall computational cost by a factor of 2. Further, the sparse reconstruction scheme imposes non-negativity without introducing strong nonlinearities, such as those introduced by employing log-transformed fields, and thus reaps the benefits of simplicity and computational speed that are characteristic of linear inverse problems.« less

A sparse reconstruction method for the estimation of multi-resolution emission fields via atmospheric inversion

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

Ray, J.; Lee, J.; Yadav, V.

Atmospheric inversions are frequently used to estimate fluxes of atmospheric greenhouse gases (e.g., biospheric CO 2 flux fields) at Earth's surface. These inversions typically assume that flux departures from a prior model are spatially smoothly varying, which are then modeled using a multi-variate Gaussian. When the field being estimated is spatially rough, multi-variate Gaussian models are difficult to construct and a wavelet-based field model may be more suitable. Unfortunately, such models are very high dimensional and are most conveniently used when the estimation method can simultaneously perform data-driven model simplification (removal of model parameters that cannot be reliably estimated) andmore » fitting. Such sparse reconstruction methods are typically not used in atmospheric inversions. In this work, we devise a sparse reconstruction method, and illustrate it in an idealized atmospheric inversion problem for the estimation of fossil fuel CO 2 (ffCO 2) emissions in the lower 48 states of the USA. Our new method is based on stagewise orthogonal matching pursuit (StOMP), a method used to reconstruct compressively sensed images. Our adaptations bestow three properties to the sparse reconstruction procedure which are useful in atmospheric inversions. We have modified StOMP to incorporate prior information on the emission field being estimated and to enforce non-negativity on the estimated field. Finally, though based on wavelets, our method allows for the estimation of fields in non-rectangular geometries, e.g., emission fields inside geographical and political boundaries. Our idealized inversions use a recently developed multi-resolution (i.e., wavelet-based) random field model developed for ffCO 2 emissions and synthetic observations of ffCO 2 concentrations from a limited set of measurement sites. We find that our method for limiting the estimated field within an irregularly shaped region is about a factor of 10 faster than conventional approaches. It also reduces the overall computational cost by a factor of 2. Further, the sparse reconstruction scheme imposes non-negativity without introducing strong nonlinearities, such as those introduced by employing log-transformed fields, and thus reaps the benefits of simplicity and computational speed that are characteristic of linear inverse problems.« less

Effects of Fok-I polymorphism in vitamin D receptor gene on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound parameters in young adults.

PubMed

Tanabe, Rieko; Kawamura, Yuka; Tsugawa, Naoko; Haraikawa, Mayu; Sogabe, Natsuko; Okano, Toshio; Hosoi, Takayuki; Goseki-Sone, Masae

2015-01-01

Several genes have been implicated as genetic determinants of osteoporosis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is an intracellular hormone receptor that specifically binds to the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1-alpha, 25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1, 25(OH)2D], and mediates its effects. One of the most frequently studied single nucleotide polymorphisms is the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) Fok-I (rs2228570). The presence of a Fok-I site, designated f, allows protein translation to initiate from the first ATG. An allele lacking the site (ATG>ACG: designated F), initiates from a second ATG site. In the present study, we explored the effect of the VDR Fok-I genotype on associations among serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25- hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D], 1, 25(OH)2D, and the dietary nutrient intake in healthy young Japanese subjects (n=193). Dietary nutrient intakes were calculated based on 3-day food records before the day of blood examinations. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters at the right calcaneus (heel bone) were measured. The allele frequencies were 0.622 for the F allele and 0.378 for the f allele in all subjects. Grouped by the VDR genotype, a significant positive correlation between the levels of serum bone-specific ALP and 25(OH)D was observed in the FF-type (p=0.005), but not in the ff-type. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the level of serum 25(OH)D and osteo-sono assessment index (OSI) in the FF-type (p=0.008), but not in the ff-type. These results suggest that the level of circulating 25(OH)D is an important factor when assessing the VDR Fok-I polymorphism to prevent osteoporosis.

The existence of fertile hybrids of closely related model earthworm species, Eisenia andrei and E. fetida

PubMed Central

Bigaj, Janusz; Osikowski, Artur; Hofman, Sebastian; Falniowski, Andrzej; Panz, Tomasz; Grzmil, Pawel; Vandenbulcke, Franck

2018-01-01

Lumbricid earthworms Eisenia andrei (Ea) and E. fetida (Ef) are simultaneous hermaphrodites with reciprocal insemination capable of self-fertilization while the existence of hybridization of these two species was still debatable. During the present investigation fertile hybrids of Ea and Ef were detected. Virgin specimens of Ea and Ef were laboratory crossed (Ea+Ef) and their progeny was doubly identified. 1 –identified by species-specific maternally derived haploid mitochondrial DNA sequences of the COI gene being either ‘a’ for worms hatched from Ea ova or ‘f’ for worms hatched from Ef ova. 2 –identified by the diploid maternal/paternal nuclear DNA sequences of 28s rRNA gene being either ‘AA’ for Ea, ‘FF’ for Ef, or AF/FA for their hybrids derived either from the ‘aA’ or ‘fF’ ova, respectively. Among offspring of Ea+Ef pairs in F1 generation there were mainly aAA and fFF earthworms resulted from the facilitated self-fertilization and some aAF hybrids from aA ova but none fFA hybrids from fF ova. In F2 generation resulting from aAF hybrids mated with aAA a new generations of aAA and aAF hybrids were noticed, while aAF hybrids mated with fFF gave fFF and both aAF and fFA hybrids. Hybrids intercrossed together produced plenty of cocoons but no hatchlings independently whether aAF+aAF or aAF+fFA were mated. These results indicated that Ea and Ef species, easy to maintain in laboratory and commonly used as convenient models in biomedicine and ecotoxicology, may also serve in studies on molecular basis of interspecific barriers and mechanisms of introgression and speciation. Hypothetically, their asymmetrical hybridization can be modified by some external factors. PMID:29370238

Effects of milk replacer program fed 2 or 4 times daily on nutrient intake and calf growth.

PubMed

Kmicikewycz, A D; da Silva, D N L; Linn, J G; Litherland, N B

2013-02-01

The aims of this study were to determine if feeding frequency (FF) of milk replacer (MR; meals/d) alters starter intake, growth, and efficiency of growth in nursery calves fed a conventional or accelerated MR. We hypothesized that smaller and more frequent MR meals would increase starter intake and growth when greater amounts of MR nutrients are fed to nursery calves. Forty-eight Holstein and Holstein-cross heifer and bull calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of MR and FF. Treatments included (1) standard 20% CP and 20% fat MR fed at 1.5% of body weight (BW; 2 meals/d; STD2), (2) standard 20% CP and 20% fat MR fed at 1.5% of BW (4 meals/d; STD4), (3) modified 26% CP and 18% fat MR fed at 2.0% of BW (2 meals/d; MOD2), and (4) modified 26% CP and 18% fat MR fed at 2.0% of BW (4 meals/d; MOD4; n=12). All calves were fed at 0600 and 1700 h and STD4 and MOD4 calves were fed 2 additional meals at 1100 and 1400 h, resulting in the same amount of MR offered for the 2 × and 4 × treatments. Treatments were fed from d 2 to 42 of age and all MR feeding rates were adjusted weekly to maintain MR solids intakes at 1.5 or 2.0% of BW for STD and MOD diets, respectively, and were reconstituted to 15% total solids. Milk replacer FF was reduced by 50% on d 36 and calves were weaned on d 42. Calves were housed in hutches bedded with straw and offered water and a texturized 18% CP starter ad libitum. Calf body weight and body structure were measured weekly and starter intake and fecal scores were measured daily. Through both 42 and 56 d, calves fed MOD had greater CP and fat intake, resulting in increased average daily gain, heart girth, circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and muscle total lipid compared with calves fed STD diets. Calves fed MOD diets consumed less starter grain than STD calves but total dry matter intake was similar among treatments. Increased FF for STD calves resulted in greater starter intake at weaning but increasing FF of MOD calves did not have this effect. Due to differences in starter intake, total dry matter by calves through d 56 was similar across treatments. Additionally, increased FF tended to increase serum NEFA concentrations. Serum NEFA concentration was negatively correlated with starter intake. The BW of calves fed STD2 and STD4 treatments almost doubled and the BW of calves on the MOD2 and MOD4 treatments doubled by d 56. Increased FF of the conventional MR program but not accelerated MR program increased starter intake. Increased FF did not affect growth, starter intake, or gain:feed ratio. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predicting apricot phenology using meteorological data.

PubMed

Ruml, Mirjana; Milatović, Dragan; Vulić, Todor; Vuković, Ana

2011-09-01

The main objective of this study was to develop feasible, easy to apply models for early prediction of full flowering (FF) and maturing (MA) in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). Phenological data for 20 apricot cultivars grown in the Belgrade region were modeled against averages of daily temperature records over ten seasons for FF and eight seasons for MA. A much stronger correlation was found between the phenological timing and temperature at the very beginning than at the end of phenophases. Also, the length of developmental periods were better correlated to daily maximum than to daily minimum and mean air temperatures. Using prediction models based on daily maximum temperatures averaged over 30-, 45- and 60-day periods, starting from 1 January for FF prediction and from the date of FF for MA prediction, the onset of examined phenophases in apricot cultivars could be predicted from a few weeks to up to 2 months ahead with acceptable accuracy. The mean absolute differences between the observations and cross-validated predictions obtained by 30-, 45- and 60-day models were 8.6, 6.9 and 5.7 days for FF and 6.1, 3.6 and 2.8 days for MA, respectively. The validity of the results was confirmed using an independent data set for the year 2009.

Predicting apricot phenology using meteorological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruml, Mirjana; Milatović, Dragan; Vulić, Todor; Vuković, Ana

2011-09-01

The main objective of this study was to develop feasible, easy to apply models for early prediction of full flowering (FF) and maturing (MA) in apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.). Phenological data for 20 apricot cultivars grown in the Belgrade region were modeled against averages of daily temperature records over ten seasons for FF and eight seasons for MA. A much stronger correlation was found between the phenological timing and temperature at the very beginning than at the end of phenophases. Also, the length of developmental periods were better correlated to daily maximum than to daily minimum and mean air temperatures. Using prediction models based on daily maximum temperatures averaged over 30-, 45- and 60-day periods, starting from 1 January for FF prediction and from the date of FF for MA prediction, the onset of examined phenophases in apricot cultivars could be predicted from a few weeks to up to 2 months ahead with acceptable accuracy. The mean absolute differences between the observations and cross-validated predictions obtained by 30-, 45- and 60-day models were 8.6, 6.9 and 5.7 days for FF and 6.1, 3.6 and 2.8 days for MA, respectively. The validity of the results was confirmed using an independent data set for the year 2009.

Thermoluminescence characteristics of flat optical fiber in radiation dosimetry under different electron irradiation conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alawiah, A.; Intan, A. M.; Bauk, S.; Abdul-Rashid, H. A.; Yusoff, Z.; Mokhtar, M. R.; Wan Abdullah, W. S.; Mat Sharif, K. A.; Mahdiraji, G. A.; Mahamd Adikan, F. R.; Tamchek, N.; Noor, N. M.; Bradley, D. A.

2013-05-01

Thermoluminescence (TL) flat optical fibers (FF) have been proposed as radiation sensor in medical dosimetry for both diagnostic and radiotherapy applications. A flat optical fiber with nominal dimensions of (3.226 × 3.417 × 0.980) mm3 contains pure silica SiO2 was selected for this research. The FF was annealed at 400°C for 1 h before irradiated. Kinetic parameters and dosimetric glow curve of TL response were studied in FF with respect to electron irradiation of 6 MeV, 15 MeV and 21 MeV using linear accelerator (LINAC) in the dose range of 2.0-10.0 Gy. The TL response was read using a TLD reader Harshaw Model 3500. The Time-Temperature-Profile (TTP) of the reader used includes; initial preheat temperature of 80°C, maximum readout temperature is 400°C and the heating rate of 30°Cs-1. The proposed FF shows excellent linear radiation response behavior within the clinical relevant dose range for all of these energies, good reproducibility, independence of radiation energy, independence of dose rate and exhibits a very low thermal fading. From these results, the proposed FF can be used as radiation dosimeter and favorably compares with the widely used of LiF:MgTi dosimeter in medical radiotherapy application.

Crystallization of belite–melilite clinker minerals in the presence of liquid phase

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

Kurokawa, Daisuke, E-mail: daisuke_kurokawa@taiheiyo-cement.co.jp; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555; Yoshida, Hideto

2014-06-01

Crystallization of belite–melilite clinker minerals was studied from the view point of a high temperature equilibrium. Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}–Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 2}SiO{sub 7} and Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}–Ca{sub 2}AlFeSiO{sub 7} clinkers were synthesized at 1330 °C–1650 °C. The constituent phases were determined by X-ray powder diffractometry and optical microscopy. Chemical compositions of the individual clinker minerals were determined using an electron probe microanalyzer. We established the two types of P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-bearing pseudobinary phase diagrams in the systems Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}–Ca{sub 2}Al{sub 2}SiO{sub 7} at 1505 °C–1650 °C and Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}–Ca{sub 2}(Al,Fe){sub 2}SiO{sub 7} at 1330 °C–1550 °C. In the lattermore » system, the liquid phase appeared at 1390 °C, which is approximately 150 °C lower than the temperature of liquid formation in the former system. The melilite phenocrysts larger than 50 μm were observed not only in the slowly cooled Ca{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}–Ca{sub 2}(Al,Fe){sub 2}SiO{sub 7} clinker but also in commercial belite–melilite clinkers. These crystals would be nucleated and grown from a liquid phase which was formed at relatively low temperatures.« less

Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huerta-Lopez, C. I.; Martínez-Cruzado, J. A.; Martínez-Pagan, J.; Santana-Torres, E. X.; Torres-O, D. M.

2014-12-01

The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network is currently in charge of the operation of: (i) free-field (ff) strong motion stations, (ii) instrumented structures (STR) (Dams, Bridges, Buildings), and (iii) the data acquisition/monitoring and analysis of earthquakes considered strong from the point of view of their intensity and magnitude. All these instruments are deployed in the Puerto Rico Island (PRI), US-, and British-Virgin Islands (BVI), and Dominican Republic (DR). The Puerto Rico Island and the Caribbean region have high potential to be affected by earthquakes that could be catastrophic for the area. The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Seismic Network (actually Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program, PRSMP) has grown since 1970's from 7 ff strong motion stations and one instrumented building with analog accelerographs to 111 ff strong motion stations and 16 instrumented buildings with digital accelerographs: PRI: 88 ff, 16 STR., DR: 13 ff, BVI: 5 ff, 2 STR collecting data via IP (internet), DU (telephone), and stand alone stations The current stage of the PRSMP seismic network, the analysis of moderate earthquakes that were recorded and/or occurred on the island, results of the intensity distribution of selected earthquakes, as well as results of dynamic parameter identification of some of the instrumented structures are here presented.

Sex and cultural differences in the acceptance of functional foods: a comparison of American, Canadian, and French college students.

PubMed

Kolodinsky, Jane; Labrecque, JoAnne; Doyon, Maurice; Reynolds, Travis; Oble, Frédéric; Bellavance, François; Marquis, Marie

2008-01-01

Functional foods (FF)--foods containing nutritional supplements in addition to natural nutrients--have an increasing presence in the marketplace. Expanding on previous research, the authors investigated college students' acceptance of FF. In September--March 2004, 811 undergraduates in Canada, the United States, and France participated in the study. A self-administered questionnaire measured students' general food attitudes and beliefs as well as FF-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and purchase intention. Overall, participants slightly favored FF over traditional foods. However, although most respondents associated FF with positive health benefits, many remained dubious of currently available FF information. In terms of culture and sex, the authors found small but significant divergences in FF knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Stronger labeling and education efforts may increase cross-cultural acceptance of FF by college students.

A pilot study on the correlation between fat fraction values and glucose uptake values in supraclavicular fat by simultaneous PET/MRI.

PubMed

McCallister, Andrew; Zhang, Le; Burant, Alex; Katz, Laurence; Branca, Rosa Tamara

2017-11-01

To assess the spatial correlation between MRI and 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) maps of human brown adipose tissue (BAT) and to measure differences in fat fraction (FF) between glucose avid and non-avid regions of the supraclavicular fat depot using a hybrid FDG-PET/MR scanner. In 16 healthy volunteers, mean age of 30 and body mass index of 26, FF, R2*, and FDG uptake maps were acquired simultaneously using a hybrid PET/MR system while employing an individualized cooling protocol to maximally stimulate BAT. Fourteen of the 16 volunteers reported BAT-positive FDG-PET scans. MR FF maps of BAT correlate well with combined FDG-PET/MR maps of BAT only in subjects with intense glucose uptake. The results indicate that the extent of the spatial correlation positively correlates with maximum FDG uptake in the supraclavicular fat depot. No consistent, significant differences were found in FF or R2* between FDG avid and non-avid supraclavicular fat regions. In a few FDG-positive subjects, a small but significant linear decrease in BAT FF was observed during BAT stimulation. MR FF, when used in conjunction with FDG uptake maps, can be seen as a valuable, radiation-free alternative to CT and can be used to measure tissue hydration and lipid consumption in some subjects. Magn Reson Med 78:1922-1932, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Coordinate downregulation of CaM kinase II and phospholamban accompanies contractile phenotype transition in the hyperthyroid rabbit soleus.

PubMed

Jiang, M; Xu, A; Jones, D L; Narayanan, N

2004-09-01

This study investigated the effects of l-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism on Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase II)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) protein phosphorylation, SR Ca(2+) pump (Ca(2+)-ATPase) activity, and contraction duration in slow-twitch soleus muscle of the rabbit. Phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban (PLN) by endogenous CaM kinase II was found to be significantly lower (30-50%) in soleus of the hyperthyroid compared with euthyroid rabbit. Western blotting analysis revealed higher levels of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) 1 ( approximately 150%) Ca(2+) pump isoform, unaltered levels of SERCA2 Ca(2+) pump isoform, and lower levels of PLN ( approximately 50%) and delta-, beta-, and gamma-CaM kinase II (40 approximately 70%) in soleus of the hyperthyroid rabbit. SR vesicles from hyperthyroid rabbit soleus displayed approximately twofold higher ATP-energized Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+)-stimulated ATPase activities compared with that from euthyroid control. The V(max) of Ca(2+) uptake (in nmol Ca(2+).mg SR protein(-1).min(-1): euthyroid, 818 +/- 73; hyperthyroid, 1,649 +/- 90) but not the apparent affinity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase for Ca(2+) (euthyroid, 0.97 +/- 0.02 microM, hyperthyroid, 1.09 +/- 0.04 microM) differed significantly between the two groups. CaM kinase II-mediated stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake by soleus muscle SR was approximately 60% lower in the hyperthyroid compared with euthyroid. Isometric twitch force of soleus measured in situ was significantly greater ( approximately 36%), and the time to peak force and relaxation time were significantly lower ( approximately 30-40%), in the hyperthyroid. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormone-induced transition in contractile properties of the rabbit soleus is associated with coordinate downregulation of the expression and function of PLN and CaM kinase II and selective upregulation of the expression and function of SERCA1, but not SERCA2, isoform of the SR Ca(2+) pump.

Supplementation with Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) expressing a single alien chromosome from shallot increases the antioxidant activity of Kamaboko fish jelly paste in vitro

PubMed Central

HARADA, KAZUKI; WADA, RITSUKO; YAGUCHI, SHIGENORI; MAEDA, TOSHIMICHI; DATE, RIE; TOKUNAGA, TAKUSHI; KAZUMURA, KIMIKO; SHIMADA, KAZUKO; MATSUMOTO, MISATO; WAKO, TADAYUKI; YAMAUCHI, NAOKI; SHIGYO, MASAYOSHI

2013-01-01

Kamaboko is a traditional type of processed seafood made from fish jelly paste that is unique to Japan. We supplemented Kamaboko with Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) with an alien monosome from shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) and we measured in vitro the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value, an index of antioxidant activity. We also evaluated the results of sensory testing. The ORAC value of plain Kamaboko was 166±14 μmol trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g fresh weight (FW). The values of the edible Alliaceae powder, i.e., Japanese bunching onion (JBO, genome FF, 2n=2x=16) and the alien addition line of JBO carrying the 6A chromosome from shallot (FF+6A, 2n=2x+1=17), were 6,659±238 and 14,096±635 μmol TE/100 g dry weight (DW). We hypothesized that the 6A chromosome encoded the enhancement of polyphenol production. Subsequently, we created Kamaboko containing 4.8% JBO powder or 4.8% FF+6A powder. The ORAC value of each modified Kamaboko product was increased to 376±24 μmol TE/100 g FW for the JBO powder and to 460±16 μmol TE/100 g FW for the FF+6A powder, respectively. We next created Kamaboko containing 9.0% JBO powder or 9.0% FF+6A powder and the ORAC values of the respective modified Kamaboko products was increased to 671±16 and 740±21 μmol TE/100 g FW, i.e., 4.1- and 4.5-times the value of plain Kamaboko. Consequently, taking into consideration the sensory evaluation regarding taste and appearance as well, the use of Kamaboko supplemented with 4.8% FF+6A powder is recommended. PMID:24648948

Selective separation of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural from an aqueous solution using a supported hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent liquid membrane.

PubMed

Dietz, Carin H J T; Kroon, Maaike C; Di Stefano, Michela; van Sint Annaland, Martin; Gallucci, Fausto

2017-12-14

For the first time, 12 different supported deep eutectic solvent (DES) liquid membranes were prepared and characterized. These membranes consist of a polymeric support impregnated with a hydrophobic DES. First, the different membranes were characterized and their stability in water and air was determined. Subsequently, the supported DES liquid membranes were applied for the recovery of furfural (FF) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from aqueous solutions. The effects of substrate properties (e.g. pore size), DES properties (e.g. viscosity) and concentrations of FF and HMF in the feed phase on the observed diffusivities and permeabilities were assessed. It was found that the addition of DES enhances the transport of FF and HMF through the polymeric membrane support. In particular, the use of the DES consisting of thymol + lidocaine (in the molar ratio 2 : 1) impregnated in a polyethylene support resulted in enhanced transport for both FF and HMF, and is most interesting for (in situ) isolation of FF and HMF from aqueous solutions, e.g. in biorefinery processes.

The impact of follicular fluid adiponectin and ghrelin levels based on BMI on IVF outcomes in PCOS.

PubMed

Inal, H A; Yilmaz, N; Gorkem, U; Oruc, A S; Timur, H

2016-04-01

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and body mass index (BMI) on follicular fluid (FF) adiponectin and ghrelin levels, and on in vitro fertilization outcomes in patients who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. This prospective cross-sectional study was performed with a total of 120 primary infertile women [group 1; non-PCOS = 60 (BMI <25 = 30, BMI ≥25 = 30) and group 2; PCOS = 60 (BMI <25 = 30, BMI ≥25 = 30)]. On the day of oocyte pickup, FF samples were collected. The FF adiponectin levels were lower in the lean PCOS group than the lean non-PCOS group (p = 0.001), and these levels were lower in the overweight non-PCOS group compared to lean non-PCOS group (0.001). However, there was no difference in the FF ghrelin levels between the groups. Additionally, we could not find a relationship between clinical pregnancy and adiponectin and ghrelin levels. The FF adiponectin and ghrelin levels have no effects on clinical pregnancy in PCOS. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

Mechanism of chloride-dependent release of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle.

PubMed Central

Sukhareva, M; Morrissette, J; Coronado, R

1994-01-01

We investigated the effect of Cl- on the Ca2+ permeability of rabbit skeletal muscle junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) using 45Ca2+ fluxes and single channel recordings. In 45Ca2+ efflux experiments, the lumen of the SR was passively loaded with solutions of 150 mM univalent salt containing 5 mM 45Ca2+. Release of 45Ca2+ was measured by rapid filtration in the presence of extravesicular 0.4-0.8 microM free Ca2+ and 150 mM of the same univalent salt loaded into the SR lumen. The rate of release was 5-10 times higher when the univalent salt equilibrated across the SR-contained Cl- (Tris-Cl, choline-Cl, KCl) instead of an organic anion or other halides (gluconate-, methanesulfonate-, acetate-, HEPES-, Br-, I-). Cations (K+, Tris+) could be interchanged without a significant effect on the release rate. To determine whether Cl- stimulated ryanodine receptors, we measured the stimulation of release by ATP (5 mM total) and caffeine (20 mM total) and the inhibition by Mg2+ (0.8 mM estimated free) in Cl(-)-free and Cl(-)-containing solutions. The effects of ATP, caffeine, and Mg2+ were the largest in K-gluconate and Tris-gluconate, intermediate in KCl, and notably poor or absent in choline-Cl and Tris-Cl. Procaine (10 mM) inhibited the caffeine-stimulated release measured in K-gluconate, whereas the Cl- channel blocker clofibric acid (10 mM) but not procaine inhibited the caffeine-insensitive release measured in choline-Cl. Ruthenium red (20 microM) inhibited release in all solutions. In SR fused to planar bilayers we identified a nonselective Cl- channel (PCl: PTris: PCa = 1:0.5:0.3) blocked by ruthenium red and clofibric acid but not by procaine. These conductive and pharmacological properties suggested the channel was likely to mediate Cl(-)-dependent SR Ca2+ release. The absence of a contribution of ryanodine receptors to the Cl(-)-dependent release were indicated by the lack of an effect of Cl- on the open probability of this channel, a complete block by procaine, and a stimulation rather than inhibition by clofibric acid. A plug model of Cl(-)-dependent release, whereby Cl- removed the inhibition of the nonselective channel by large anions, was formulated under the assumption that nonselective channels and ryanodine receptor channels operated separately from each other in the terminal cisternae. The remarkably large contribution of Cl- to the SR Ca2+ permeability suggested that nonselective Cl- channels may control the Ca2+ permeability of the SR in the resting muscle cell. Images FIGURE 8 FIGURE 13 PMID:7948689

Protein Phosphatase 2A Signaling in Human Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

analyses using specific antibodies . As expected, our sata showed a decreased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in PPP2CA-overexpressing C4-2 and PC-3...Prostate 2006;66:1631-40. (7) Srivastava SK, Bhardwaj A, Singh S, Arora S, Wang B, Grizzle WE, et al. MicroRNA-150 directly targets MUC4 and

Megaplasmids encode differing combinations of lantibiotics in Streptococcus salivarius.

PubMed

Wescombe, Philip A; Burton, Jeremy P; Cadieux, Peter A; Klesse, Nikolai A; Hyink, Otto; Heng, Nicholas C K; Chilcott, Chris N; Reid, Gregor; Tagg, John R

2006-10-01

Streptococcus salivarius strains commonly produce bacteriocins as putative anti-competitor or signalling molecules. Here we report that bacteriocin production by the oral probiotic strain S. salivarius K12 is encoded by a large (ca. 190 kb) plasmid. Oral cavity transmission of the plasmid from strain K12 to a plasmid-negative variant of this bacterium was demonstrated in two subjects. Tests of additional S. salivarius strains showed large (up to ca. 220 kb) plasmids present in bacteriocin-producing isolates. Various combinations (up to 3 per plasmid) of loci encoding the known streptococcal lantibiotics salivaricin A, salivaricin B, streptin and SA-FF22 were localised to these plasmids. Since all bacteriocin-producing strains of S. salivarius tested to date appear to harbour plasmids, it appears that they may function as mobile repositories for bacteriocin loci, especially those of the lantibiotic class.

Alpha List of Prime Contract Awards. Oct 92-Sep 93. FY93. (1079 Construction Corp - American Technology Corp.). Part 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

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Total renin after gonadotropin stimulation in polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Matinlauri, I; Anttila, L; Jaatinen, T A; Koskinen, P; Aalto, M; Irjala, K; Nikkanen, V

1995-02-01

To examine the influence of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) on the levels of total renin in plasma and follicular fluid (FF) after stimulation with hMG. Comparative study of the plasma and FF concentrations of total renin in women with and without PCOD after stimulation with hMG. In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland. Thirty-six women undergoing IVF-ET for infertility with (n = 10) or without (n = 26) ultrasonographically diagnosed PCOD. Of the latter group, 15 women had tubal infertility, and the rest suffered from an anovulatory infertility and reacted with PCO-like ovarian response to stimulation. The concentrations of total renin in plasma and FF, serum E2, and protein in FF. The concentrations of plasma total renin after the gonadotropin stimulation were significantly higher in the PCOD and PCO-like groups when compared with the tubal group. The concentration of total renin in FF and the ratio of total renin per protein in FF were higher in the PCOD and PCO-like groups than in the tubal group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Positive correlations were found between the plasma total renin and serum E2 concentrations in the PCO-like and in the tubal group and between plasma total renin concentrations and the number of mature follicles in all groups. Follicular fluid total renin did not correlate with FF protein in any group. All findings were independent of the total hMG dosage used and the body mass index of the patients. In the present study the concentrations of total renin in plasma were enhanced markedly after gonadotropin stimulation in women with PCOD compared with women having tubal infertility. The pattern of the hormonal secretions revealed a group of infertile patients reacting biochemically like women with PCOD.

Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays for efficient perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Xinlian; Wang, Yanqing; Cui, Zhendong; Li, Long; Shi, Chengwu

2018-05-01

To improve the electron transportation in TiO2 nanorod arrays and charge separation in the interface of TiO2/perovskite, Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays with the length of 200 nm, diameter of 11 nm and areal density of 1050 μm-2 were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method and the influence of Y/Ti molar ratios of 0%, 3%, 5% in the hydrothermal grown solutions on the growth of TiO2 nanorod arrays was investigated. The results revealed that the appropriate Y/Ti molar ratios can increase the areal density of the corresponding TiO2 nanorod arrays and improve the charge separation in the interface of the TiO2/perovskite. The Y-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells with the Y/Ti molar ratio of 3% exhibited a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.11% along with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.06 V, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 22.50 mA cm-2 and fill factor (FF) of 76.16%, while the un-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells gave a PCE of 16.42% along with Voc of 1.04 V, Jsc of 21.66 mA cm-2 and FF of 72.97%.

Optimization of leaf margins for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy using a flattening filter-free beam

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

Wakai, Nobuhide, E-mail: wakai@naramed-u.ac.jp; Sumida, Iori; Otani, Yuki

Purpose: The authors sought to determine the optimal collimator leaf margins which minimize normal tissue dose while achieving high conformity and to evaluate differences between the use of a flattening filter-free (FFF) beam and a flattening-filtered (FF) beam. Methods: Sixteen lung cancer patients scheduled for stereotactic body radiotherapy underwent treatment planning for a 7 MV FFF and a 6 MV FF beams to the planning target volume (PTV) with a range of leaf margins (−3 to 3 mm). Forty grays per four fractions were prescribed as a PTV D95. For PTV, the heterogeneity index (HI), conformity index, modified gradient indexmore » (GI), defined as the 50% isodose volume divided by target volume, maximum dose (Dmax), and mean dose (Dmean) were calculated. Mean lung dose (MLD), V20 Gy, and V5 Gy for the lung (defined as the volumes of lung receiving at least 20 and 5 Gy), mean heart dose, and Dmax to the spinal cord were measured as doses to organs at risk (OARs). Paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: HI was inversely related to changes in leaf margin. Conformity index and modified GI initially decreased as leaf margin width increased. After reaching a minimum, the two values then increased as leaf margin increased (“V” shape). The optimal leaf margins for conformity index and modified GI were −1.1 ± 0.3 mm (mean ± 1 SD) and −0.2 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, for 7 MV FFF compared to −1.0 ± 0.4 and −0.3 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, for 6 MV FF. Dmax and Dmean for 7 MV FFF were higher than those for 6 MV FF by 3.6% and 1.7%, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the ratios of HI, Dmax, and Dmean for 7 MV FFF to those for 6 MV FF and PTV size (R = 0.767, 0.809, and 0.643, respectively). The differences in MLD, V20 Gy, and V5 Gy for lung between FFF and FF beams were negligible. The optimal leaf margins for MLD, V20 Gy, and V5 Gy for lung were −0.9 ± 0.6, −1.1 ± 0.8, and −2.1 ± 1.2 mm, respectively, for 7 MV FFF compared to −0.9 ± 0.6, −1.1 ± 0.8, and −2.2 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, for 6 MV FF. With the heart inside the radiation field, the mean heart dose showed a V-shaped relationship with leaf margins. The optimal leaf margins were −1.0 ± 0.6 mm for both beams. Dmax to the spinal cord showed no clear trend for changes in leaf margin. Conclusions: The differences in doses to OARs between FFF and FF beams were negligible. Conformity index, modified GI, MLD, lung V20 Gy, lung V5 Gy, and mean heart dose showed a V-shaped relationship with leaf margins. There were no significant differences in optimal leaf margins to minimize these parameters between both FFF and FF beams. The authors’ results suggest that a leaf margin of −1 mm achieves high conformity and minimizes doses to OARs for both FFF and FF beams.« less

Decreasing food fussiness in children with obesity leads to greater weight loss in family-based treatment.

PubMed

Hayes, Jacqueline F; Altman, Myra; Kolko, Rachel P; Balantekin, Katherine N; Holland, Jodi Cahill; Stein, Richard I; Saelens, Brian E; Welch, R Robinson; Perri, Michael G; Schechtman, Kenneth B; Epstein, Leonard H; Wilfley, Denise E

2016-10-01

Food fussiness (FF), or the frequent rejection of both familiar and unfamiliar foods, is common among children and, given its link to poor diet quality, may contribute to the onset and/or maintenance of childhood obesity. This study examined child FF in association with anthropometric variables and diet in children with overweight/obesity participating in family-based behavioral weight loss treatment (FBT). Change in FF was assessed in relation to FBT outcome, including whether change in diet quality mediated the relation between change in FF and change in child weight. Child (N = 170; age = 9.41 ± 1.23) height and weight were measured, and parents completed FF questionnaires and three 24-h recalls of child diet at baseline and post-treatment. Healthy Eating Index-2005 scores were calculated. At baseline, child FF was related to lower vegetable intake. Average child FF decreased from start to end of FBT. Greater decreases in FF were associated with greater reductions in child body mass index and improved overall diet quality. Overall, diet quality change through FBT mediated the relation between child FF change and child body mass index change. Children with high FF can benefit from FBT, and addressing FF may be important in childhood obesity treatment to maximize weight outcomes. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Factors associated with initial incomplete ablation for benign thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation: First results of CEUS evaluation.

PubMed

Zhao, Chong-Ke; Xu, Hui-Xiong; Lu, Feng; Sun, Li-Ping; He, Ya-Ping; Guo, Le-Hang; Li, Xiao-Long; Bo, Xiao-Wan; Yue, Wen-Wen

2017-01-01

To assess the factors associated with initial incomplete ablation (ICA) after radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). 69 BTNs (mean volume 6.35±5.66 ml, range 1.00-25.04 ml) confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in fifty-four patients were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the local treatment efficacy was immediately assessed by intra-procedural contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The RFA was performed with a bipolar electrode (CelonProSurge 150-T20, output power: 20 W). CEUS was performed with a second generation contrast agent under low acoustic power (i.e. coded phase inversion, CPI). Characteristics of clinical factors, findings on conventional gray-scale ultrasound, color-Doppler ultrasound, and CEUS were evaluated preoperatively. Factors associated with initial ICA and initial ICA patterns on CEUS were assessed. Volume reduction ratios (VRRs) of ICA nodules were compared with those with complete ablation (CA). The RFA procedures were accomplished with a mean ablation time and mean total energy deposition of 11.13±3.39 min (range, 5.38-22.13 min) and 12612±4466 J (range, 6310-26130 J) respectively. CEUS detected initial ICA in 21 of 69 (30.8%) BTNs and 16 (76.2%) of the 21 BTNs with initial ICA achieved CA after additional RFA, leading to a final CA rate of 92.8% (64/69). The factors associated with initial ICA were predominantly solid nodule, nodule close to danger triangle area, nodule close to carotid artery, and peripheral blood flow on color-Doppler ultrasound (all P < 0.05). The mean VRRs of all BTNs were 23.4%, 54.4% and 81.9% at the 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-up, respectively. All BTNs achieved therapeutic success in this series in that all had VRRs of >50% at the 6-month follow-up, among which 7 nodules (10.1%) had VRRs of >90%. There were significant differences in VRRs between ICA nodules and CA nodules at the 3- and 6-month follow-up (all P < 0.05). The factors associated with initial ICA after RFA for BTNs were predominantly solid nodules, nodule close to danger triangle area, nodule close to carotid artery, and peripheral blood flow on color-Doppler ultrasound. CEUS assists quick treatment response evaluation and facilitates subsequent additional RFA and final CA of the nodules. Nodules with CA achieve a better outcome in terms of VRR in comparison with those with ICA.

PM2.5 chemical composition at a rural background site in Central Europe, including correlation and air mass back trajectory analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwarz, Jaroslav; Cusack, Michael; Karban, Jindřich; Chalupníčková, Eva; Havránek, Vladimír; Smolík, Jiří; Ždímal, Vladimír

2016-07-01

PM2.5 mass concentrations and chemical compositions sampled over a 13-month period at a Central European rural background site (Košetice) are presented in this work. A comprehensive chemical analysis of PM2.5 was performed, which provided elemental composition (Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and Pb) and the concentration of water-soluble inorganic anions (SO42 -, NO3-. Cl-, NO2-, Br-, and H2PO4-) and cations (Na+, NH4+, K+, Ca2 +, and Mg2 +), elemental and organic carbon (EC and OC), and levoglucosan. Spearman correlation coefficients between individual chemical species and particle number concentrations were calculated for the following six size ranges: 10-25 nm (N10-25), 25-50 nm (N25-50), 50-80 nm (N50-80), 80-150 nm (N80-150), 150-300 nm (N150-300), and 300-800 nm (N300-800). Average concentrations of individual species were comparable with concentrations reported from similar sites across Central Europe. Organic matter (OM) accounted for 45% of the PM2.5 mass (calculated from OC by a factor of 1.6), while the second most common component were secondary aerosols (SO42 -: 19%, NO3-: 14%, NH4+: 10%), which accounted for 43% of the mass. Based on levoglucosan analysis, 31% of OM was attributed to emissions associated with biomass burning (OMBB). EC concentrations, determined using the EUSAAR_2 thermal optical protocol, contributed 4% to PM2.5 mass. A total of 1% of the mass was attributed to a mineral matter source, while the remaining 6% was from an undetermined mass. Seasonal variations showed highest concentrations of NO3- and OMBB in winter, nitrate share in spring, and an increase in percentage of SO42 - and mineral matter in summer. The largest seasonal variation was found for species associated with wood and coal combustion (levoglucosan, K+, Zn, Pb, As), which had clear maxima during winter. Correlation analysis of different size fraction particle number concentrations was used to distinguish the influence of fresh, local aerosol and aged, long-range transport aerosol. The influences of different air masses were also investigated. The lowest concentrations of PM2.5 were recorded under the influence of marine air masses from the NW, which were also marked by increased concentrations of marine aerosol. In contrast, the highest concentrations of PM2.5 and most major chemical components were measured during periods when continental easterly air masses were dominant.

Addressing metabolic heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma with quantitative Dixon MRI

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yue; Udayakumar, Durga; Cai, Ling; Hu, Zeping; Kapur, Payal; Kho, Eun-Young; Pavía-Jiménez, Andrea; Fulkerson, Michael; de Leon, Alberto Diaz; Yuan, Qing; Dimitrov, Ivan E.; Ye, Jin; Mitsche, Matthew A.; Kim, Hyeonwoo; McDonald, Jeffrey G.; Madhuranthakam, Ananth J.; Dwivedi, Durgesh K.; Lenkinski, Robert E.; Cadeddu, Jeffrey A.; Margulis, Vitaly; Brugarolas, James; DeBerardinis, Ralph J.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND. Dysregulated lipid and glucose metabolism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been implicated in disease progression, and whole tumor tissue–based assessment of these changes is challenged by the tumor heterogeneity. We studied a noninvasive quantitative MRI method that predicts metabolic alterations in the whole tumor. METHODS. We applied Dixon-based MRI for in vivo quantification of lipid accumulation (fat fraction [FF]) in targeted regions of interest of 45 primary ccRCCs and correlated these MRI measures to mass spectrometry–based lipidomics and metabolomics of anatomically colocalized tissue samples isolated from the same tumor after surgery. RESULTS. In vivo tumor FF showed statistically significant (P < 0.0001) positive correlation with histologic fat content (Spearman correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.79), spectrometric triglycerides (ρ = 0.56) and cholesterol (ρ = 0.47); it showed negative correlation with free fatty acids (ρ = –0.44) and phospholipids (ρ = –0.65). We observed both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in lipid accumulation within the same tumor grade, whereas most aggressive tumors (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] grade 4) exhibited reduced lipid accumulation. Cellular metabolites in tumors were altered compared with adjacent renal parenchyma. CONCLUSION. Our results support the use of noninvasive quantitative Dixon-based MRI as a biomarker of reprogrammed lipid metabolism in ccRCC, which may serve as a predictor of tumor aggressiveness before surgical intervention. FUNDING. NIH R01CA154475 (YZ, MF, PK, IP), NIH P50CA196516 (IP, JB, RJD, JAC, PK), Welch Foundation I-1832 (JY), and NIH P01HL020948 (JGM). PMID:28768909

Aerosol Optical Properties over Northwestern European Seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avgousta Floutsi, Athina; Korras Carraca, Marios Bruno; Matsoukas, Christos; Riva, Riccardo; Biskos, George

2017-04-01

Atmospheric aerosols, both natural and anthropogenic, can affect the regional and global climate through their direct, indirect, and semi-direct effects on the radiative energy budget of the Earth-atmosphere system. In order to quantify these effects it is necessary to determine the aerosol load. An effective way to do this is by measuring the aerosol optical depth (AOD). Besides AOD, the Fine mode Fraction (AOD of particles smaller than 1 μm / total AOD, FF) is a useful parameter for the characterization of the aerosol and provides a good proxy for particle size. In this study, we investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the AOD and FF over the Western and Northwestern European Seas (43° N - 67° N, 10° W - 31° E), where significant sources of both natural and anthropogenic particles are located. Anthropogenic particles (mostly fine mode) originate from ship activity, or from urban-industrial and biomass-burning processes in the European countries. The natural, coarse mode particles are primarily sea salt. The study is performed using Collection 006 Level-3 mean daily aerosol data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on board Aqua satellite, available in 1° × 1° resolution (ca. 100 km × 100 km) over the period 2002- 2014. Our results indicate significant spatial variability of the aerosol load over the study region. The highest AOD values (up to 0.32 on annual level) are observed over the English Channel and the coasts of the Netherlands and Germany. In these regions the highest FF values are also observed (up to 0.77), indicating a relatively large contribution of anthropogenic particles to the aerosol load. Offshore, both AOD and FF are lower compared to coastal regions, indicating the predominance of maritime aerosols (sea salt). The data also show a clear seasonal cycle, with larger aerosol load during spring and summer (AOD up to 0.60), and lower during autumn and winter (AOD up to 0.30). A similar pattern is observed for FF indicating a larger contribution of anthropogenic particles during spring and summer compared to autumn and winter. The highest FF values (up to 0.80- 0.85) are observed over the Baltic Sea during summer while year-round the lowest values are observed in remote maritime areas, mostly in the northern part of our study region, highlighting the predominance of sea salt particles. The AOD exhibits a generally decreasing trend (slope between -0.18 to 0.05 per decade). Positive values are observed over the northwestern ocean areas (sea salt dominated), while over most of our study region the slope is of the order of -0.02 to -0.05 per decade. These trends are possibly associated with a reduction of the anthropogenic emissions.

Influence of finishing/polishing on color stability and surface roughness of composites submitted to accelerated artificial aging.

PubMed

Pinto, Gustavo Da Col dos Santos; Dias, Kleber Campioni; Cruvinel, Diogo Rodrigues; Garcia, Lucas da Fonseca Roberti; Consani, Simonides; Pires-De-Souza, Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri

2013-01-01

To assess the influence of finishing/polishing procedure on color stability (ΔE ) and surface roughness (R(a)) of composites (Heliomolar and Tetric - color A2) submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). Sixty test specimens were made of each composite (12 mm × 2 mm) and separated into six groups (n = 10), according to the type of finishing/polishing to which they were submitted: C, control; F, tip 3195 F; FF, tip 3195 FF; FP, tip 3195 F + diamond paste; FFP, tip 3195 FF + diamond paste; SF, Sof-Lex discs. After polishing, controlled by an electromechanical system, initial color (spectrophotometer PCB 6807 BYK GARDNER) and R(a) (roughness meter Surfcorder SE 1700, cut-off 0.25 mm) readings were taken. Next, the test specimens were submitted to the AAA procedure (C-UV Comexim) for 384 hours, and at the end of this period, new color readings and R(a) were taken. Statistical analysis [2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni, P < 0.05] showed that all composites demonstrated ΔE alteration above the clinically acceptable limits, with the exception of Heliomolar composite in FP. The greatest ΔE alteration occurred for Tetric composite in SF (13.38 ± 2.10) statistically different from F and FF (P < 0.05). For R(a), Group F showed rougher samples than FF with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In spite of the surface differences, the different finishing/polishing procedures were not capable of providing color stability within the clinically acceptable limits.

Application of Isfarzeh seed (Plantago ovate L.) mucilage as a fat mimetic in mayonnaise.

PubMed

Amiri Aghdaei, S S; Aalami, M; Babaei Geefan, Saeed; Ranjbar, A

2014-10-01

In present study, application of Isfarzeh seed (Plantago ovate L.) mucilage as fat replacer was studied in mayonnaise formulation. Fat was partially substituted by mucilage gels (2 and 3 % suspensions) at levels of 30, 40 and 50 % which were referred to as FM2-30 % (2 % gel and 30 % substitution level), FM2-40 %, FM2-50 %, FM3-30 %, FM3-40 %, and FM3-50 % formulations, respectively and the full fat (Ff) mayonnaise with 78 % oil was used as control. Physicochemical, texture and sensory analysis of Ff and Low fat (Lf) treatments were evaluated. Results indicated that Lf samples had considerably lower energy content compared with control, but higher water content than their Ff counterpart. In view of texture, FM3-30 % showed similar textural characteristics as those of control. Both Ff and Lf samples exhibited thixotropic and shear thinning behavior through rheological studies and all samples followed the power law model except FM3-40 % and FM3-50 %. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that all of mayonnaise samples, containing 3 % mucilage, were more acceptable. It was concluded that Isfarzeh seed mucilage can be used as a suitable fat replacer in mayonnaise formulation.

Skeletal muscle Ca(2+)-independent kinase activity increases during either hypertrophy or running

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fluck, M.; Waxham, M. N.; Hamilton, M. T.; Booth, F. W.

2000-01-01

Spikes in free Ca(2+) initiate contractions in skeletal muscle cells, but whether and how they might signal to transcription factors in skeletal muscles of living animals is unknown. Since previous studies in non-muscle cells have shown that serum response factor (SRF) protein, a transcription factor, is phosphorylated rapidly by Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase after rises in intracellular Ca(2+), we measured enzymatic activity that phosphorylates SRF (designated SRF kinase activity). Homogenates from 7-day-hypertrophied anterior latissimus dorsi muscles of roosters had more Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase activity than their respective control muscles. However, no differences were noted in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent SRF kinase activity between control and trained muscles. To determine whether the Ca(2+)-independent and Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent forms of Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) might contribute to some of the SRF kinase activity, autocamtide-3, a synthetic substrate that is specific for CaMKII, was employed. While the Ca(2+)-independent form of CaMKII was increased, like the Ca(2+)-independent form of SRF kinase, no alteration in CaMKII occurred at 7 days of stretch overload. These observations suggest that some of SRF phosphorylation by skeletal muscle extracts could be due to CaMKII. To determine whether this adaptation was specific to the exercise type (i.e., hypertrophy), similar measurements were made in the white vastus lateralis muscle of rats that had completed 2 wk of voluntary running. Although Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase was increased, no alteration occurred in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent SRF kinase activity. Thus any role of Ca(2+)-independent SRF kinase signaling has downstream modulators specific to the exercise phenotype.

Endothelial adhesion molecules and leukocyte integrins in preeclamptic patients.

PubMed

Haller, H; Ziegler, E M; Homuth, V; Drab, M; Eichhorn, J; Nagy, Z; Busjahn, A; Vetter, K; Luft, F C

1997-01-01

Endothelial cell activation is important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; however, the nature of the activation is unknown. We investigated 22 patients with preeclampsia. 29 normotensive pregnancies, and 18 nonpregnant women to test the hypothesis that serum from preeclamptic patients induces expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and stimulates intracellular free calcium concentrations [Ca2+]i in cultured endothelial cells. We then asked whether the corresponding integrin adhesive counter receptors lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (CD11a/CD18), macrophage-1 antigen (CD11b/CD18), p150,95 (CD11c/CD18), and very late activation antigen-4 (CD49/CD29) are increased in patients with preeclampsia. In the pregnant women, the measurements were conducted both before and after delivery. Integrin expression was measured by fluorescent antibody cell sorting analysis using monoclonal antibodies. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were analyzed on endothelial cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [Ca2+]i was measured with fura 2. Serum from preeclamptic patients increased endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression but not VCAM-1 expression. Preeclamptic patients' serum also increased [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells compared with serum from normal nonpregnant or normal pregnant women. Endothelial cell [Ca2+]i concentrations were correlated with the ICAM-1 expression in preeclamptic patients (r = .80, P < .001) before but not after delivery. Expression of the integrin counter receptors on leukocytes was similarly increased in preclampsia and normal pregnancy compared with the nonpregnant state. The expression decreased significantly after delivery in both groups. Our results demonstrate that serum from preeclamptic women induces increased ICAM-1 surface expression on endothelial cells, while the expression of the integrin counterreceptors was not different. The effect on endothelial cells may be related to an increase in [Ca2+]i. The effect on cultured endothelial cells and the rapid decrease after delivery suggests the presence of a circulating serum factor which increases endothelial cell [Ca2+]i and enhances adhesion molecule expression.

77 FR 32592 - Procurement List; Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-01

... Force, FA4686 9 CONS LGC, Beale AFB, CA. Service Type/Location: Contractor-Operated Civil Engineer Supply Store (COCESS), 30th Civil Engineering Squadron, 1515 Iceland Avenue, Room 150, Vandenberg AFB, CA...

Visfatin alters the cytokine and matrix-degrading enzyme profile during osteogenic and adipogenic MSC differentiation.

PubMed

Tsiklauri, Lali; Werner, Janina; Kampschulte, Marian; Frommer, Klaus W; Berninger, Lucija; Irrgang, Martina; Glenske, Kristina; Hose, Dirk; El Khassawna, Thaqif; Pons-Kühnemann, Jörn; Rehart, Stefan; Wenisch, Sabine; Müller-Ladner, Ulf; Neumann, Elena

2018-06-13

Age-related bone loss is associated with bone marrow adiposity. Adipokines (e.g. visfatin, resistin, leptin) are adipocyte-derived factors with immunomodulatory properties and might influence differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis. Thus, the presence of adipokines and MMPs in bone marrow and their effects on MSC differentiation were analyzed. MSC and RNA were isolated from femoral heads after hip replacement surgery of OA or osteoporotic femoral neck fracture (FF) patients. Bone structural parameters were evaluated by μCT. MSC were differentiated towards adipocytes or osteoblasts with/without adipokines. Gene expression (adipokines, bone marker genes, MMPs, TIMPs) and cytokine production was evaluated by realtime-PCR and ELISA. Matrix mineralization was quantified using Alizarin red S staining. μCT showed an osteoporotic phenotype of FF compared to OA bone (reduced trabecular thickness and increased ratio of bone surface vs. volume of solid bone). Visfatin and leptin were increased in FF vs OA. Visfatin induced the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. In contrast to resistin and leptin, visfatin increased MMP2 and MMP13 during Adipognesis. In osteogenically differentiated cells, MMPs and TIMPs were reduced by visfatin. Visfatin significantly increased matrix mineralization during osteogenesis, whereas collagen type I expression was reduced. Visfatin-mediated increase of matrix mineralization and reduced collagen type I expression could contribute to bone fragility. Visfatin is involved in impaired bone remodeling at the adipose tissue/bone interface through induction of proinflammatory factors and dysregulated MMP/TIMP balance during MSC differentiation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Petrographic and spectroscopic characterization of phosphate-stabilized mine tailings from Leadville, Colorado.

PubMed

Eusden, J D; Gallagher, L; Eighmy, T T; Crannell, B S; Krzanowski, J R; Butler, L G; Cartledge, F K; Emery, E F; Shaw, E L; Francis, C A

2002-01-01

The use of soluble PO4(3-) and lime as a heavy metal chemical stabilization agent was evaluated for mine tailings from Leadville, Colorado. The tailings are from piles associated with the Wolftone and Maid of Erin mines; ore material that was originally mined around 1900, reprocessed in the 1940s, and now requires stabilization. The dominant minerals in the tailings are galena (PbS), cerrusite (PbCO3), pyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl), plumbojarosite (Pb0.5Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6), and chalcophanites ((Pb,Fe,Zn,Mn)Mn2O5 x 2H2O). The tailings were treated with soluble PO4(3-) and lime to convert soluble heavy metals (principally Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd) into insoluble metal phosphate precipitates. The treatment process caused bulk mineralogical transformations as well as the formation of a reaction rind around the particles dominated by Ca and P. Within the mineral grains, Fe-Pb phosphosulfates, Fe-Pb sulfates (plumbojarosite), and galena convert to Fe-Ca-Pb hydroxides. The Mn-Pb hydroxides and Mn-(+/-Fe)-Pb hydroxides (chalcophanites) undergo chemical alteration throughout the grains during treatment. Bulk and surface spectroscopies showed that the insoluble reaction products in the rind are tertiary metal phosphate (e.g. (Cu,Ca2)(PO4)2) and apatite (e.g. Pb5(PO4)3Cl) family minerals. pH-dependent leaching (pH 4,6,8) showed that the treatment was able to reduce equilibrium concentrations by factors of 3 to 150 for many metals; particularly Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+. Geochemical thermodynamic equilibrium modeling showed that apatite family and tertiary metal phosphate phases act as controlling solids for the equilibrium concentrations of Ca2+, PO4(3-) Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ in the leachates during pH-dependent leaching. Both end members and ideal solid solutions were seen to be controlling solids.

Validation of full-field optical coherence tomography in distinguishing malignant and benign tissue in resected pancreatic cancer specimens

PubMed Central

Fariña-Sarasqueta, Arantza; de Haan, Lorraine M.; Eggermont, Jeroen; Bonsing, Bert A.; Morreau, Hans; Lelieveldt, Boudewijn P. F.; van de Velde, Cornelis J. H.; Vahrmeijer, Alexander L.; Dijkstra, Jouke

2017-01-01

Background Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. The minority of patients can undergo curative-intended surgical therapy due to progressive disease stage at time of diagnosis. Nonetheless, tumor involvement of surgical margins is seen in up to 70% of resections, being a strong negative prognostic factor. Real-time intraoperative imaging modalities may aid surgeons to obtain tumor-free resection margins. Full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) is a promising diagnostic tool using high-resolution white-light interference microscopy without tissue processing. Therefore, we composed an atlas of FF-OCT images of malignant and benign pancreatic tissue, and investigated the accuracy with which the pathologists could distinguish these. Materials and methods One hundred FF-OCT images were collected from specimens of 29 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for various indications between 2014 and 2016. One experienced gastrointestinal pathologist and one pathologist in training scored independently the FF-OCT images as malignant or benign blinded to the final pathology conclusion. Results were compared to those obtained with standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides. Results Overall, combined test characteristics of both pathologists showed a sensitivity of 72%, specificity of 74%, positive predictive value of 69%, negative predictive value of 79% and an overall accuracy of 73%. In the subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, 97% of the FF-OCT images (n = 35) were interpreted as tumor by at least one pathologist. Moreover, normal pancreatic tissue was recognised in all cases by at least one pathologist. However, atrophy and fibrosis, serous cystadenoma and neuroendocrine tumors were more often wrongly scored, in 63%, 100% and 25% respectively. Conclusion FF-OCT could distinguish normal pancreatic tissue from pathologic pancreatic tissue in both processed as non-processed specimens using architectural features. The accuracy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is promising and warrants further evaluation using improved assessment criteria. PMID:28414765

The influence of chemical agents on the level of ionized [Ca2+] in squid axons

PubMed Central

1985-01-01

Squid giant axons injected with either aequorin or arsenazo III and bathed in 3 mM Ca (Na) seawater were transferred to 3 mM Ca (K) seawater and the response of the aequorin light or the change in the absorbance of arsenazo III was followed. These experimental conditions were chosen because they measure the change in the rate of Na/Ca exchange in introducing Ca into the axon upon depolarization; [Ca]o is too low to effect a channel-based system of Ca entry. This procedure was applied to axons treated with a variety of compounds that have been implicated as inhibitors of Na/Ca exchange. The result obtained was that the substances tested could be placed in three groups. (a) Substances that were without effect on Ca entry effected by Na/Ca exchange were: D600 at 10-100 microM, nitrendipine at 1-5 microM, Ba2+ and Mg2+ at concentrations of 10-50 mM, lidocaine at 0.1-10 mM, cyanide at 2 mM, adriamycin at a concentration of 3 microM, chloradenosine at 35 microM, 2,4-diaminopyridine at 1 mM, Cs+ at 45-90 mM, and tetrodotoxin at 10(-7). (b) Substances that had a significant inhibitory effect on Na/Ca exchange were: Mn2+, Cd2+, and La3+ at 1-50 mM, and quinidine at 50 microM. (c) There were also blocking agents and biochemical inhibitors whose action appeared to be the inhibition of nonmitochondrial Ca buffering in axoplasm rather than an inhibition of Na/Ca exchange. These were the general anesthetic l-octanol at 0.1 mM and 1 mM orthovanadate plus apyrase. PMID:2410536

Calcium sources and their interaction with the different levels of non-phytate phosphorus affect performance and bone mineralization in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Hamdi, M; Solà-Oriol, D; Davin, R; Perez, J F

2015-09-01

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of different Ca sources (limestone, Ca chloride, and Lipocal, a fat-encapsulated tricalcium phosphate, TCP) in conjunction with 4 dietary levels of non-phytate P (NPP) on performance, ileal digestibility of Ca and P, and bone mineralization in broiler chickens. Calcium sources were also evaluated in vitro to measure acid-binding capacity (ABC) and Ca solubility at different pH values. Ca chloride showed the highest solubility of Ca, with TCP showing the highest ABC. Ross male broiler-chicks were sorted by BW at 1 d post-hatch and assigned to 5 cages per diet with 5 birds per cage. Twelve diets were arranged in a 3×4 factorial of the 3 Ca sources and 4 levels of NPP (0.3%, 0.35%, 0.4% or 0.45%) consisting of 4 added P levels (Ca(H2PO4)2) with a high dose of phytase (1,150 U/kg) in all diets. On d 14 post-hatch, 3 birds were euthanized, and ileal digesta and the right tibia were collected to determine ileal Ca and P digestibility and bone mineralization, respectively. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) on d 14 was higher (P<0.01) with TCP and limestone than with Ca chloride. Added P increased the tibia weight and tibia ash content in chicks fed TCP up to 0.4% NPP and limestone up to 0.35% NPP. Calcium ileal digestibility was higher (P<0.01) with Ca chloride (73.7%) than with limestone (67.1%) or TCP (66.8%), which increased (P<0.05) with added levels of P from monocalcium phosphate. Phosphorus ileal digestibility was not affected by the Ca source and increased (P<0.001) with added levels of NPP. It can be concluded that starting broilers responded better to low-soluble Ca sources compared to high-soluble sources. A level of 0.35%-0.40% NPP with a high dose of phytase (1,150 U/kg) in diets including limestone or TCP is sufficient to guarantee performance and bone formation for broiler chickens from d 0 to d 14. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Power Conversion Efficiency and Device Stability Improvement of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by Using a ZnO:PFN Composite Cathode Buffer Layer.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaorui; Zhang, Lianping; Luo, Qun; Lu, Hui; Li, Xueyuan; Xie, Zhongzhi; Yang, Yongzhen; Li, Yan-Qing; Liu, Xuguang; Ma, Chang-Qi

2016-07-20

We have demonstrated in this article that both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and performance stability of inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells can be improved by using a ZnO:PFN nanocomposite (PFN: poly[(9,9-bis(3'-(N,N-dimethylamion)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctyl)-fluorene]) as the cathode buffer layer (CBL). This nanocomposite could form a compact and defect-less CBL film on the perovskite/PC61BM surface (PC61BM: phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester). In addition, the high conductivity of the nanocomposite layer makes it works well at a layer thickness of 150 nm. Both advantages of the composite layer are helpful in reducing interface charge recombination and improving device performance. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the best ZnO:PFN CBL based device was measured to be 12.76%, which is higher than that of device without CBL (9.00%), or device with ZnO (7.93%) or PFN (11.30%) as the cathode buffer layer. In addition, the long-term stability is improved by using ZnO:PFN composite cathode buffer layer when compare to that of the reference cells. Almost no degradation of open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) was found for the device having ZnO:PFN, suggesting that ZnO:PFN is able to stabilize the interface property and consequently improve the solar cell performance stability.

Forced synchronization of thermoacoustic oscillations in a ducted flame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Yu; Gupta, Vikrant; Kashinath, Karthik; Li, Larry K. B.

2016-11-01

Forced synchronization is a process in which a self-excited system subjected to external forcing starts to oscillate at the forcing frequency ff in place of its own natural frequency fn. There are two motivations for studying this in thermoacoustics: (i) to determine how external forcing could be used to control thermoacoustic oscillations, which are harmful to many combustors; and (ii) to better understand the nonlinear interactions between self-excited hydrodynamic and thermoacoustic oscillations. In this experimental study, we examine the response of a ducted premixed flame to harmonic acoustic forcing, for two natural states of the system: (1) a state with periodic oscillations at f1 and a marginally stable mode at f2; and (2) a state with quasiperiodic oscillations at two incommensurate frequencies f1 and f2. When forcing the periodic state, we find that the forcing amplitude required for lock-in increases linearly with | ff -f1 | and that the marginally stable mode becomes excited when ff f2 . When forcing the quasiperiodic state, we find that the system locks into the forcing when ff f1 or f2 or 1 / 2 (f1 +f2) . These findings should lead to improved control of periodic and aperiodic thermoacoustic oscillations in combustors. This work was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (Project No. 16235716 and 26202815).

Simultaneous Determination of Formoterol Fumarate and Budesonide Epimers in Metered Dose Inhaler Using Ion-Pair Chromatography.

PubMed

Salem, Y A; Shaldam, M A; El-Sherbiny, D T; El-Wasseef, D R; El-Ashry, S M

2017-11-01

A simple, accurate and valid ion-pairing chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of formoterol fumarate (FF) and budesonide (BUD) epimers in metered dose inhaler. The separation was performed on C-18 column using mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:0.05 M sodium acetate buffer (40:60% v/v) containing 0.03% sodium dodecyl sulfate adjusted to pH 3.1 using increasing volumes of either TEA or orthophosphoric acid isocratically eluted at 1.0 mL/min. Quantitation was achieved with UV detection at 214 nm. The retention times were 3.22, 6.41 and 6.91 min for formoterol fumarate, budesonide epimers B and A, respectively. The linearity range was 0.05-5.0 μg/mL for formoterol fumarate and 0.5-50.0 μg/mL for budesonide. The method was validated for, linearity; lower limit of quantification, lower limit of detection accuracy and precision. The proposed method is rapid (7 min), reproducible (RSD < 2.0%) and achieves satisfactory resolution between FF and BUD B (resolution factor = 12.07). The mean recoveries of the analytes in metered dose inhaler (99.97 and 99.83% for FF and BUD, respectively) were satisfactory. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of rickets among Asians: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mao, Song; Huang, Songming

2014-03-01

To evaluate the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and the risk of rickets among Asians. Eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases according to a predefined criteria. A random effects model was used to calculate the combined ORs and its corresponding 95% CI. 16 studies were recruited for the analysis of the association between VDR BsmI (rs1544410), TaqI (rs731236), FokI (rs2228570) and ApaI (rs7975232) gene polymorphisms and the risk of rickets among Asians, most of whom were from China. B allele/BB genotype was associated with the susceptibility of rickets (p=0.017 and 0.044, respectively), and bb genotype was associated with lower risk of rickets (p=0.033). F allele/FF genotype was associated with the susceptibility of rickets (p<10(-4)), and ff genotype was associated with lower risk of rickets (p<10(-4)). AA genotype was associated with the onset of rickets (p=0.044). No significant association was observed between TaqI polymorphism the risk of rickets. A allele/aa genotype was not associated with the risk of rickets. No evidence of publication bias was observed. B allele/BB genotype at the BsmI site, F allele/FF genotype at the FokI site and AA genotype at the ApaI site may be risk factors for the onset of rickets among Asians; bb genotype at the BsmI site and ff genotype at the FokI site may be protective factors against the risk of rickets among Asians.

Regulation of protein multipoint adsorption on ion-exchange adsorbent and its application to the purification of macromolecules.

PubMed

Huang, Yongdong; Bi, Jingxiu; Zhao, Lan; Ma, Guanghui; Su, Zhiguo

2010-12-01

Ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) using commercial ionic absorbents is a widely used technique for protein purification. Protein adsorption onto ion-exchange adsorbents often involves a multipoint adsorption. In IEC of multimeric proteins or "soft" proteins, the intense multipoint binding would make the further desorption difficult, even lead to the destruction of protein structure and the loss of its biological activity. In this paper, DEAE Sepharose FF adsorbents with controllable ligand densities from 0.020 to 0.183 mmol/ml were synthesized, and then the effect of ligand density on the static ion-exchange adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto DEAE Sepharose FF was studied by batch adsorption technique. Steric mass-action (SMA) model was employed to analyze the static adsorption behavior. The results showed that the SMA model parameters, equilibrium constant (K(a)), characteristic number of binding sites (υ) and steric factor (σ), increased gradually with ligand density. Thus, it was feasible to regulate BSA multipoint adsorption by modulating the ligand density of ion-exchange adsorbent. Furthermore, IEC of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using DEAE Sepharose FF adsorbents with different ligand densities was carried out, and the activity recovery of HBsAg was improved from 42% to 67% when the ligand density was decreased from 0.183 to 0.020 mmol/ml. Taking the activity recovery of HBsAg, the purification factor and the binding capacity into account, DEAE Sepharose FF with a ligand density of 0.041 mmol/ml was most effective for the purification of HBsAg. Such a strategy may also be beneficial for the purification of macromolecules and multimeric proteins. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predicting intentions to consume functional foods and supplements to offset memory loss using an adaptation of protection motivation theory.

PubMed

Cox, D N; Koster, A; Russell, C G

2004-08-01

The widespread use of dietary supplements and so-called 'functional foods' is thought to be partially motivated by self-control of health. However, whilst consumers want foods associated with well-being or disease prevention, they are unlikely to be willing to compromise on taste or technology. This presents a dilemma for promoters of functional foods. Middle-aged consumers' intentions to consume functional foods or supplements that may improve memory were tested within an adaptation of Protection Motivation theory (PMT). Participants evaluated text descriptions of four products described as: having an unpleasant bitter taste (Natural-FF); having 'additives' to reduce bitterness (Sweetened-FF); being genetically modified to enhance function (GM-FF) and Supplements. Participants were recruited as being of high and low perceived vulnerability to memory failure. In total, 290 middle-aged consumers (aged 40-60 years) participated in the study. Motivations to consume the GM-FF were the lowest. There were gender differences between intention to consume the supplements, Natural-FF and Sweetened-FF and product differences within genders. Women were less favourable than men in their attitudes towards genetic modification in general. Regression analyses indicated that PM predictors of intention to consume functional foods or supplements explained 59-63% of the variance (R2). Overall, perceived 'efficacy' (of the behaviour) and self-efficacy were the most important predictors of intentions to consume.

Simultaneous improvement in short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor of polymer solar cells through ternary strategy.

PubMed

An, Qiaoshi; Zhang, Fujun; Li, Lingliang; Wang, Jian; Sun, Qianqian; Zhang, Jian; Tang, Weihua; Deng, Zhenbo

2015-02-18

We present a smart strategy to simultaneously increase the short circuit current (Jsc), the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the fill factor (FF) of polymer solar cells (PSCs). A two-dimensional conjugated small molecule photovoltaic material (SMPV1), as the second electron donor, was doped into the blend system of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl (PC71BM) to form ternary PSCs. The ternary PSCs with 5 wt % SMPV1 doping ratio in donors achieve 4.06% champion power conversion efficiency (PCE), corresponding to about 21.2% enhancement compared with the 3.35% PCE of P3HT:PC71BM-based PSCs. The underlying mechanism on performance improvement of ternary PSCs can be summarized as (i) harvesting more photons in the longer wavelength region to increase Jsc; (ii) obtaining the lower mixed highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level by incorporating SMPV1 to increase Voc; (iii) forming the better charge carrier transport channels through the cascade energy level structure and optimizing phase separation of donor/acceptor materials to increase Jsc and FF.

Silicotungstate, a Potential Electron Transporting Layer for Low-Temperature Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Choi, Yoon Ho; Kim, Hyun Bin; Yang, In Seok; Sung, Sang Do; Choi, Young Sik; Kim, Jeongho; Lee, Wan In

2017-08-02

Thin films of a heteropolytungstate, lithium silicotungstate (Li 4 SiW 12 O 40 , termed Li-ST), prepared by a solution process at low temperature, were successfully applied as electron transporting layer (ETL) of planar-type perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Dense and uniform Li-ST films were prepared on FTO glass by depositing a thin Li-ST buffer layer, followed by coating of a main Li-ST layer. The film thickness was controlled by varying the number of coating cycles, consisting of spin-coating and thermal treatment at 150 °C. In particular, by employing 60 nm-thick Li-ST layer obtained by two cycles of coating, the fabricated CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 PSC device demonstrates the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.26% with J SC of 22.16 mA cm -2 , V OC of 0.993 mV and FF of 64.81%. The obtained PCE is significantly higher than that of the PSC employing a TiO 2 layer processed at the same temperature (PCE = 12.27%). Spectroscopic analyses by time-resolved photoluminescence and pulsed light-induced transient measurement of photocurrent indicate that the Li-ST layer collects electrons from CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 more efficiently and also exhibits longer electron lifetime than the TiO 2 layer thermally treated at 150 °C. Thus, Li-ST is considered to be a promising ETL material that can be applied for the fabrication of flexible PSC devices.

Identification of Flaws Responsible for Crack Initiation and Micromechanisms of Slow Crack Growth in the Delayed Fracture of Alumina.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

ntsitycrOtained Alumina in 50 % Relative Humidity . 123 (1) the material constants under a certain environment, A, B, and n in eq. (2-14) and eq. (2-15), evalu... Fatigue Crack Growth," Int. Jour. Fract., 17 (1981) 235-247. 3. S.M. Wiederhorn, " Effects of Environment on the Fracture of Glass," Environment-Sensitive...Distribution of Alumina 4 1 34 2-11 Schematic Drawing of Variation in Effective Critical Stress Intensity Factor, KC ff with Crack Length Relative to Grain

Fabrication of porous calcite using chopped nylon fiber and its evaluation using rats.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Kunio; Tram, Nguyen Xuan Thanh; Tsuru, Kanji; Toita, Riki

2015-02-01

Although porous calcite has attracted attention as bone substitutes, limited studies have been made so far. In the present study, porous calcite block was fabricated by introducing chopped nylon fiber as porogen. Ca(OH)2 powder containing 10 wt% chopped nylon fiber was compacted at 150 MPa, and sintered to burn out the fiber and to carbonate the Ca(OH)2 under stream of 1:2 O2-CO2. Sintering of Ca(OH)2 at 750 °C or lower temperature resulted in incomplete burning out of the fiber whereas sintering at 800 °C or higher temperature resulted in the formation of CaO due to the thermal decomposition of Ca(OH)2. However, sintering at 770 °C resulted in complete burning out of the fiber and complete carbonation of Ca(OH)2 to calcite without forming CaO. Macro- and micro-porosities of the porous calcite were approximately 23 and 16%, respectively. Diameter of the macropores was approximately 100 μm which is suitable for bone tissue penetration. Porous calcite block fabricated by this method exhibited good tissue response when implanted in the bone defect in femur of 12-weeks-old rat. Four weeks after implantation, bone bonded on the surface of calcite. Furthermore, bone tissue penetrated interior to the macropore at 8 weeks. These results demonstrated the good potential value of porous calcite as artificial bone substitutes.

Final Report: Comparison of the primary (national) standards of low-pressure gas flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benková, Miroslava; Makovnik, Stefan; Mickan, Bodo

2015-01-01

The EURAMET.M.FF-K6 comparison was organized for the purpose of determination of the degree of equivalence of the primary (national) standards for low-pressure gas flow measurement over the range (2 to 100) m3/h and was performed simultaneously with CCM.FF-K6.2011 with the same transfer standard. A rotary gas meter G65 was used as a transfer standard. The measurements were provided by prescribed reference conditions. Fifteen laboratories from EURAMET participated in this key comparison - SMU, Slovakia; PTB, Germany; CEM, Spain; LNE-LADG, France; VSL, Netherlands; CMI, Czech Republic; BEV, Austria; MKEH, Hungary; GUM Poland; SP, Sweden; METAS, Switzerland; DMDM, Serbia; TUBITAK-UME, Turkey; EIM, Greece; IMBiH, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The EURAMET.M.FF-K6 is linked to the CCM.FF-K6.2011 by correcting the results of three linking laboratories (Slovakia SMU, Germany PTB and France LNE LADG). This correction provides an estimate of what would have been the result from the EURAMET.M-FF-K6 participants, if they had actually participated in CCM.FF-K6.2011. According to the evaluation 93.7 % of the results were consistent with KCRV, 3.4 % of the results were in the warning level and 2.9 % of the results were inconsistent. The results of this comparison can be used for review of the CMC tables. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Follicular fluid and urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites among infertile women and associations with in vitro fertilization parameters.

PubMed

Du, Yao-Yao; Fang, Yue-Li; Wang, Yi-Xin; Zeng, Qiang; Guo, Na; Zhao, Hua; Li, Yu-Feng

2016-06-01

Evidence from toxicological studies has demonstrated that phthalates can lead to reduced fertility through effects on folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and embryonic development, but human data are limited. Concentrations of eight phthalate metabolites in 110 follicular fluid (FF) and urine samples collected from 112 women attending an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China were quantified, and correlations between paired matrices were explored. Associations between metabolite concentrations and in vitro fertilization (IVF) parameters were evaluated with multivariable models. Six metabolites were detected in >72.73% of the FF samples. MEHP and MBP were the dominant metabolites with a median level of 2.80 and 2.05ng/mL, respectively. Significant correlations between the two matrices, urine and FF, were found for MEP (rs=0.44), and MBP (rs=0.22). FF and urinary metabolite concentrations were not associated with any IVF parameters. However, given the prevalence of phthalates exposure, further work is needed to elucidate the potential hazard on female reproduction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Can hormones contained in mothers' milk account for the beneficial effect of breast-feeding on obesity in children?

PubMed

Savino, Francesco; Fissore, Maria F; Liguori, Stefania A; Oggero, Roberto

2009-12-01

Nutrition and growth during infancy are an emerging issue because of their potential link to metabolic health disorders in later life. Moreover, prolonged breast-feeding appears to be associated with a lower risk of obesity than formula feeding. Human milk is a source of various hormones and growth factors, namely adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), ghrelin, resistin and obestatin, which are involved in food intake regulation and energy balance. These compounds are either not found in commercial milk formulas or their presence is still controversial. Diet-related differences during infancy in serum levels of factors involved in energy metabolism might explain anthropometric differences and also differences in dietary habits between breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants later in life, and may thus have long-term health consequences. In this context, the recent finding of higher leptin levels and lower ghrelin levels in BF than in FF infants suggests that differences in hormonal values together with different protein intake could account for the differences in growth between BF and FF infants both during infancy and later in life. In this review, we examine the data related to hormones contained in mothers' milk and their potential protective effect on subsequent obesity and metabolic-related disorders.

Relationship disruption stress in human infants: a validation study with experimental and control groups.

PubMed

Haley, David W

2011-09-01

The current study examined whether the psychological stress of the still-face (SF) task (i.e. stress resulting from a parent's unresponsiveness) is a valid laboratory stress paradigm for evaluating infant cortisol reactivity. Given that factors external to the experimental paradigm, such as arriving at a new place, may cause an elevation in cortisol secretion; we tested the hypothesis that infants would show a cortisol response to the SF task but not to a normal FF task (control). Saliva was collected for cortisol measurement from 6-month-old infants (n = 31) randomly assigned to either a repeated SF task or to a continuous FF task. Parent-infant dyads were videotaped. Salivary cortisol concentration was measured at baseline, 20, and 30 min after the start of the procedure. Infant salivary cortisol concentrations showed a significant increase over time for the SF task but not for the FF task. The results provide new evidence that the repeated SF task provides a psychological challenge that is due to the SF condition rather than to some non-task related factor; these results provide internal validity for the paradigm. The study offers new insight into the role of parent-infant interactions in the activation of the infant stress response system.

Frequency selection rule for high definition and high frame rate Lissajous scanning.

PubMed

Hwang, Kyungmin; Seo, Yeong-Hyeon; Ahn, Jinhyo; Kim, Pilhan; Jeong, Ki-Hun

2017-10-26

Lissajous microscanners are very attractive in compact laser scanning applications such as endomicroscopy or pro-projection display owing to high mechanical stability and low operating voltages. The scanning frequency serves as a critical factor for determining the scanning imaging quality. Here we report the selection rule of scanning frequencies that can realize high definition and high frame-rate (HDHF) full-repeated Lissajous scanning imaging. The fill factor (FF) monotonically increases with the total lobe number of a Lissajous curve, i.e., the sum of scanning frequencies divided by the great common divisor (GCD) of bi-axial scanning frequencies. The frames per second (FPS), called the pattern repeated rate or the frame rate, linearly increases with GCD. HDHF Lissajous scanning is achieved at the bi-axial scanning frequencies, where the GCD has the maximum value among various sets of the scanning frequencies satisfying the total lobe number for a target FF. Based on this selection rule, the experimental results clearly demonstrate that conventional Lissajous scanners substantially increase both FF and FPS by slightly modulating the scanning frequencies at near the resonance within the resonance bandwidth of a Lissajous scanner. This selection rule provides a new guideline for HDHF Lissajous scanning in compact laser scanning systems.

Cosensitization of Structurally Simple Porphyrin and Anthracene-Based Dye for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Reddy, Kamani Sudhir K; Chen, Yen-Chiao; Wu, Chih-Chung; Hsu, Chia-Wei; Chang, Ya-Ching; Chen, Chih-Ming; Yeh, Chen-Yu

2018-01-24

Since their introduction, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have achieved huge success at a laboratory level. Recently, research is concentrated to visualize large DSC modules at the commercial platform. In that aspect, we have tested structurally simple porphyrin-based dye SK6 and anthracene-based dye CW10 for DSCs application under simulated 1 sun (AM 1.5G) and indoor light sources. These two dyes can be easily synthesized and yet are efficient with cell performances of ca. 5.42% and ca. 5.75% (without coadsorbent/additive) for SK6 and CW10, respectively, under AM 1.5G illumination. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of SK6 reported in this work is the highest ever reported; this is achieved by optimizing the adsorption of SK6 on TiO 2 photoanode using the most suitable solvent and immersion period. Cosensitization of SK6 with CW10 on TiO 2 surface has boosted cell performance further and achieved PCE of ca. 6.31% under AM 1.5G illumination. Charge-transfer properties of individual and cosensitized devices at TiO 2 /dye/electrolyte interface were examined via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. To understand the cell performances under ambient light conditions, we soaked individual and cosensitized devices under T5 and light-emitting diode light sources in the range of 300-6000 lx. The PCE of ca. 22.91% under T5 light (6000 lx) with J SC = 0.883 mA cm -2 , V OC = 0.646 V, and FF = 0.749 was noted for the cosensitized device, which equals a power output of 426 μW cm -2 . These results reveal that DSCs made of structurally simple dyes performed efficiently under both 1 sun (AM 1.5G) and indoor light conditions, which is undoubtedly a significant achievement when it comes to a choice of commercial application.

Follicular fluid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a credible marker of oocyte maturity and pregnancy outcome in conventional in vitro fertilization cycles.

PubMed

Chimote, Natachandra M; Nath, Nirmalendu M; Chimote, Nishad N; Chimote, Bindu N

2015-01-01

To investigate if the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-s) in follicular fluid (FF) influences the competence of oocytes to fertilize, develop to the blastocyst stage, and produce a viable pregnancy in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Prospective study of age-matched, nonpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing antagonist stimulation protocol involving conventional insemination and day 5 blastocyst transfer. FF levels of DHEA-s and E2 were measured by a radio-immuno-assay method using diagnostic kits. Fertilization rate, embryo development to the blastocyst stage and live birth rate were main outcome measures. Cycles were divided into pregnant/nonpregnant groups and also into low/medium/high FF DHEA-s groups. Statistical analysis was done by GraphPad Prism V software. FF DHEA-s levels were significantly higher in pregnant (n = 111) compared to nonpregnant (n = 381) group (1599 ± 77.45 vs. 1372 ± 40.47 ng/ml; P = 0.01). High (n = 134) FF DHEA-s group had significantly higher percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes (91.5 vs. 85.54 vs. 79.44%, P < 0.0001), fertilization rate (78.86 vs. 74.16 vs. 71.26%, P < 0.0001), cleavage rate (83.67 vs. 69.1 vs. 66.17%, P = 0.0002), blastocyst formation rate (37.15 vs. 33.01 vs. 26.95%, P < 0.0001), and live birth rate (29.85 vs. 22.22 vs. 14.78%, P = 0.017) compared to medium (n = 243) and low (n = 115) FF DHEA-s groups, respectively despite comparable number of oocytes retrieved and number of blastocysts transferred. FF DHEA-s levels correlated significantly with the attainment of MII oocytes (Pearson r = 0.41) and fertilization rates (Pearson r = 0.35). FF DHEA-s level influences the oocyte maturation process and is predictive of fertilization, embryo development to the blastocyst stage and live birth rates in non-PCOS women undergoing conventional IVF cycles.

FLO/FLO Sea Basing Concept Ship Model Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

ππ rollf ff rollsys syssysT T ZW T ZWI (4) 7 Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock...ff pitchsys syssysL T ZW T ZWI (5) The final moments were calculated by shifting the above results to the model...Test 8-water up 28" 5-side,5-back 0 seakeeping 280 2 off 4 2.61 Test 9-water up 30" 5-side,5-back 0 seakeeping 281 2 off 4 2.61 Test 10-same 5-side

Influence of grand-mother diet on offspring performances through the male line in Muscovy duck.

PubMed

Brun, Jean-Michel; Bernadet, Marie-Dominique; Cornuez, Alexis; Leroux, Sophie; Bodin, Loys; Basso, Benjamin; Davail, Stéphane; Jaglin, Mathilde; Lessire, Michel; Martin, Xavier; Sellier, Nadine; Morisson, Mireille; Pitel, Frédérique

2015-12-21

In mammals, multigenerational environmental effects have been documented by either epidemiological studies in human or animal experiments in rodents. Whether such phenomena also occur in birds for more than one generation is still an open question. The objective of this study was to investigate if a methionine deficiency experienced by a mother (G0) could affect her grand-offspring phenotypes (G2 hybrid mule ducks and G2 purebred Muscovy ducks), through their Muscovy sons (G1). Muscovy drakes are used for the production of mule ducks, which are sterile offspring of female common duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata). In France, mule ducks are bred mainly for the production of "foie gras", which stems from hepatic steatosis under two weeks of force-feeding (FF). Two groups of female Muscovy ducks received either a methionine deficient diet or a control diet. Their sons were mated to Muscovy or to common duck females to produce Muscovy or Mule ducks, respectively. Several traits were measured in the G2 progenies, concerning growth, feed efficiency during FF, body composition after FF, and quality of foie gras and magret. In the G2 mule duck progeny, grand-maternal methionine deficiency (GMMD) decreased 4, 8, and 12 week body weights but increased weight gain and feed efficiency during FF, and abdominal fat weight. The plasmatic glucose and triglyceride contents at the end of FF were higher in the methionine deficient group. In the G2 purebred Muscovy progeny, GMMD tended to decrease 4 week body weight in both sexes, and decreased weight gain between the ages of 4 and 12 weeks, 12 week body weight, and body weight at the end of FF in male offspring only. GMMD tended to increase liver weight and increased the carcass proportion of liver in both sexes. Altogether, these results show that the mother's diet is able to affect traits linked to growth and to lipid metabolism in the offspring of her sons, in Muscovy ducks. Whether this transmission through the father of information induced in the grand-mother by the environment is epigenetic remains to be demonstrated.

Thermal and aqueous stability improvement of graphene oxide enhanced diphenylalanine nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Kate; Neumayer, Sabine M.; Maraka, Harsha Vardhan R.; Buchete, Nicolae-Viorel; Kholkin, Andrei L.; Rice, James H.; Rodriguez, Brian J.

2017-12-01

Nanocomposites of diphenylalanine (FF) and carbon based materials provide an opportunity to overcome drawbacks associated with using FF micro- and nanostructures in nanobiotechnology applications, in particular their poor structural stability in liquid solutions. In this study, FF/graphene oxide (GO) composites were found to self-assemble into layered micro- and nanostructures, which exhibited improved thermal and aqueous stability. Dependent on the FF/GO ratio, the solubility of these structures was reduced to 35.65% after 30 min as compared to 92.4% for pure FF samples. Such functional nanocomposites may extend the use of FF structures to e.g. biosensing, electrochemical, electromechanical or electronic applications.

The influence of particle size on the first flush strength of urban stormwater runoff.

PubMed

Morgan, D; Johnston, P; Osei, K; Gill, L

2017-10-01

The presence of a first flush (FF) of suspended solids (SS) in stormwater runoff has important implications for the design of treatment facilities, as does the particle size of solids. Whilst numerous studies have examined the FF behaviour of SS, few have disaggregated FF trends by particle size. In this study, the FF behaviour of SS was investigated in five size ranges, sampled from an urban stormwater drainage system located in Dublin, Ireland. A weak FF was exhibited in the gross fraction of SS, with just two events from 14 transporting more than 50% of the SS mass in the first 25% of runoff, implying that treatment structures should be capable of removing SS throughout the storm event. In the majority of rain events, the FF strength increased with decreasing particle size, probably related to the lower intensities required to dislodge solids at the onset of rainfall. Although FF strength was correlated with rain event characteristics, prediction intervals were too broad to confirm FF presence based on rainfall data alone. Therefore, the design of smaller treatment volumes based on an assumption of FF must be justified by local monitoring data.

Monensin causes transient calcium ion influx into mouse splenic lymphocytes in a sodium ion-independent fashion.

PubMed

Satoh, Eiki; Satoh, Kiyohiro

2007-04-30

Monensin, a Na(+) ionophore, can increase cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in many cell types, but no studies have investigated the mechanism underlying a monensin-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in immune cells. In view of this, we investigated the effect of monensin on [Ca(2+)](i) and cytosolic free Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) in mouse splenic lymphocytes using a fluorescence Ca(2+) indicator, fura-2, and a fluorescence Na(+) indicator, sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), respectively. Monensin (1-100 microM) caused transient and sustained increases in [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i), respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. The monensin-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was abolished by the omission of extracellular Ca(2+) or 1-[beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SKF-96365, 100-150 microM), and was largely inhibited by Ni(2+) (2-5 mM). The omission of extracellular Na(+) failed to inhibit the monensin-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Furthermore, tetrodotoxin (1-10 microM), 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA, 10-20 microM), 2-[4-[(2,5-difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenoxy]-5-ethoxyaniline (SEA0400, 3-10 microM), verapamil (10-200 microM), nifedipine (10-200 microM), omega-agatoxin IVA (0.2-10 microM), omega-conotoxin GVIA (1-10 microM), omega-conotoxin MVIIC (0.5-10 microM), and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 1-10 microM) had no effect on the increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Monensin-induced Mn(2+) influx into splenic lymphocytes. The Mn(2+) influx was completely inhibited by SKF-96365. These results suggest that monensin transiently increases [Ca(2+)](i) in mouse splenic lymphocytes by stimulating Ca(2+) entry via non-selective cation channels in a Na(+)-independent manner.

Progress in a-SiOx:H thin film solar cells with patterned MgF2 dielectric for top cell of multi-junction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Dong-Won; Sichanugrist, Porponth; Konagai, Makoto

2016-07-01

We successfully designed and experimentally demonstrated an application of patterned MgF2 dielectric material at rear Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/Ag interface in thin film amorphous silicon oxide ( a-SiOx:H) solar cells. When it was realized in practical device process, MgF2 coverage with patterned morphology was employed to allow for current flow between the AZO and Ag against highly resistive MgF2 material. On the basis of the suggested structure, we found an improvement in quantum efficiency of the solar cells with the patterned MgF2. In addition, an enhancement of open circuit voltage ( V oc ) and fill factor ( FF) was observed. A remarkable increase in shunt resistance of the cells with the MgF2 would possibly indicate that the highly resistive MgF2 layer can partly suppress physical shunting across top and bottom electrodes caused by very thin absorber thickness of only 100 nm. The approach showed that our best-performing device revealed an essential improvement in conversion efficiency from 7.83 to 8.01% with achieving markedly high V oc (1.013 V) and FF (0.729). [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Rapid 3D Printing of Multifunctional Calcium Alginate Gel Pipes using Coaxial Jet Extruder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rykaczewski, Konrad; Damle, Viraj

2014-11-01

Calcium alginate (CA) forms when solution containing sodium alginate (SA) comes in contact with a CaCl2 solution. The resulting gel is biocompatible as well as edible and is used in production of bio-scaffolds, artificial plant seeds, and edible substances. In the latter application, referred to in the culinary world as ``spherification,'' flavored liquids are mixed with the SA and dripped into CaCl2 solution to form gel encapsulated flavored ``marbles.'' Previously, crude 3D printing of CA structures has been achieved by stacking of such flavored liquid filled marbles. In turn, solid CA rods have been fabricated by properly mixing flow of the two solutions using a microfluidic device. Here we show that by using two circular cross-section coaxial nozzles to produce coaxial jets of the SA and CaCl2 solutions, liquid filled CA micro-to-mili scale gel pipes can be produced at speeds around ~ 150 mm/s. Such extrusion rate is compatible with most commercially available 3D printers, facilitating adoption of the CA pipe coaxial jet extruder. Here, the impact of inner and outer liquid properties and flow speeds on the gel pipe extrusion process is discussed. KR acknowledges startup funding from ASU.

Effective performance for undoped and boron-doped double-layered nanoparticles-copper telluride and manganese telluride on tungsten oxide photoelectrodes for solar cell devices.

PubMed

Srathongluan, Pornpimol; Vailikhit, Veeramol; Teesetsopon, Pichanan; Choopun, Supab; Tubtimtae, Auttasit

2016-11-01

This work demonstrates the synthesis of a novel double-layered Cu2-xTe/MnTe structure on a WO3 photoelectrode as a solar absorber for photovoltaic devices. Each material absorber is synthesized using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The synthesized individual particle sizes are Cu2-xTe(17) ∼5-10nm and MnTe(3) ∼2nm, whereas, the aggregated particle sizes of undoped and boron-doped Cu2-xTe(17)/MnTe(11) are ∼50 and 150nm, respectively. The larger size after doping is due to the interconnecting of nanoparticles as a network-like structure. A new alignment of the energy band is constructed after boron/MnTe(11) is coated on boron/Cu2-xTe nanoparticles (NPs), leading to a narrower Eg equal to 0.58eV. Then, the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM) with a trap state are also up-shifted to near the CBM of WO3, leading to the shift of a Fermi level for ease of electron injection. The best efficiency of 1.41% was yielded for the WO3/boron-doped [Cu2-xTe(17)/MnTe(11)] structure with a photocurrent density (Jsc)=16.43mA/cm(2), an open-circuit voltage (Voc)=0.305V and a fill factor (FF)=28.1%. This work demonstrates the feasibility of this double-layered structure with doping material as a solar absorber material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solid-state fermentation of industrial solid wastes from the fruits of milk thistle Silybum marianum for feed quality improvement.

PubMed

Li, Fang; Li, Feng; Zhao, Ting; Mao, Guanghua; Zou, Ye; Zheng, Daheng; Takase, Mohammed; Feng, Weiwei; Wu, Xiangyang; Yang, Liuqing

2013-08-01

The industrial solid wastes generated during the production of silymarin from the fruits of milk thistle Silybum marianum was used as the substrate. Preparation and evaluation of the feeds produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of the industrial solid wastes was carried out. The protein content of the fermented feed (FF) from a combination of Aspergillus niger and Candida tropicalis was the highest among the examined strains. The optimal process parameters for protein enrichment with SSF using A. niger and C. tropicalis included incubation temperature of 30.8 °C, fermentation time of 87.0 h, and initial moisture content of 59.7 %. Under these conditions, the value additions of FF occurred. The fiber of FF was decreased by 25.07 %, while the digestibility of protein, protein content, and the ratio of total essential amino acids to total amino acids were increased by 79.85, 16.22, and 8.21 %, respectively. The analysis indicated that FF contained 1.44 mg/kg flavonoids and 0.5 mg/kg silybin, which significantly increased by 2.42 and 1.63 times, respectively than those in unfermented substrates. FF recorded reduced molecular weight of proteins from 20.1 to 44.3 kDa to below 14.3 kDa. The results of feeding trial of FF replacement with soybean meal in broilers diets for 8 weeks showed that FF significantly improved carcass characteristics including abdominal fat rate, serum biochemical parameters including aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and immune responses of broilers. A potential feed quality improvement was achieved through mixed strains SSF of industrial solid wastes of S. marianum fruits.

The combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol trifenatate in the management of asthma: clinical trial evidence and experience

PubMed Central

Albertson, Timothy E.; Richards, John R.; Zeki, Amir A.

2015-01-01

The treatment of persistent asthma has been aided by the recent approval of new medications. The combined inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) powder inhaler fluticasone furoate (FF)/vilanterol trifenatate (VI) is one of these new agents, which was recently approved as a maintenance therapy for persistent asthma. This once-daily ICS/LABA inhaler has previously been approved and used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a maintenance therapy. Both FF and VI individually have been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of persistent asthma; the combination of FF/VI at the dose of 100/25 μg daily improves trough peak expiratory flows and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. It also reduces the frequency of asthma exacerbations in patients with persistent asthma. The once-daily dosing is well tolerated, with limited clinically significant adverse events; the once-daily inhaled dosing regimen should also improve medication adherence. The data supporting the use of the FF/VI inhaler in persistent asthma are reviewed. The dry powder inhaler of FF/VI (100/25 μg) is an effective and well tolerated once-daily maintenance treatment for patients with persistent asthma. PMID:26668137

[Interaction of human factor X with thromboplastin].

PubMed

Kiselev, S V; Zubairov, D M; Timarbaev, V N

2003-01-01

The binding of 125I-labeled human factor X to native and papaine-treated tissue tromboplastin in the presence of CaCl2 or EDTA was studied. The Scatchard analysis suggests the existence of high (Kd=l,8 x10(-9) M) and low affinity binding sites on the thromboplastin surface. The removal of Ca2+ reduced affinity of factor X to the high affinity sites. This was accompanied by some increase of their number. Proteolysis by papaine decreased affinity of high affinity sites and caused the increase of their number in the presence of Ca2+. In the absence of Ca2+ the affinity remained unchanged, but the number of sites decreased. At low concentrations of factor X positive cooperativity for high affinity binding sites was observed. It did not depend on the presence of Ca2+. The results indirectly confirm the role of hydrophobic interactons in Ca2+ dependent binding of factor X to thromboplastin and the fact that heterogeneity of this binding is determined by mesophase structure of the thromboplastin phospholipids.

[Airborne asbestos fibers: law references, TLV, considerations].

PubMed

Massola, A

2003-01-01

The ACGIH proposal of 0.1 fibers/liter as TLV for airborne asbestos fibers isn't a properly parameter, because it is applicable in work environments and the Italian legislation has forbidden every work which employs asbestos from 1993 [Law 257/92 and Min.Dec. 6/9/94]. Actually in Italy the application of a TLV is only referred to two analytical results: A) 20 ff/liter by CPOM analysis, B) 2 ff/liter by SEM analysis. We think that a CPOM 4-5 ff/liter is a no trespassing limit and over this concentration alarm may be notified. Waste disposal of asbestos materials must be properly disposed in a restricted area.

ReaxFF Reactive Force-Field Study of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2).

PubMed

Ostadhossein, Alireza; Rahnamoun, Ali; Wang, Yuanxi; Zhao, Peng; Zhang, Sulin; Crespi, Vincent H; van Duin, Adri C T

2017-02-02

Two-dimensional layers of molybdenum disulfide, MoS 2 , have been recognized as promising materials for nanoelectronics due to their exceptional electronic and optical properties. Here we develop a new ReaxFF reactive potential that can accurately describe the thermodynamic and structural properties of MoS 2 sheets, guided by extensive density functional theory simulations. This potential is then applied to the formation energies of five different types of vacancies, various vacancy migration barriers, and the transition barrier between the semiconducting 2H and metallic 1T phases. The energetics of ripplocations, a recently observed defect in van der Waals layers, is examined, and the interplay between these defects and sulfur vacancies is studied. As strain engineering of MoS 2 sheets is an effective way to manipulate the sheets' electronic and optical properties, the new ReaxFF description can provide valuable insights into morphological changes that occur under various loading conditions and defect distributions, thus allowing one to tailor the electronic properties of these 2D crystals.

4f and 5d energy levels of the divalent and trivalent lanthanide ions in M{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} (M=Ca, Sr, Ba)

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

Kate, O.M. ten, E-mail: o.m.tenkate@tudelft.nl; Energy Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, 5600MB Eindhoven; Zhang, Z.

Optical data of Sm, Tb and Yb doped Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} and Sr{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} phosphors that have been prepared by solid-state synthesis, are presented. Together with luminescence data from literature on Ce{sup 3+} and Eu{sup 2+} doping in the M{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) hosts, energy level schemes were constructed showing the energy of the 4f and 5d levels of all divalent and trivalent lanthanide ions relative to the valence and conduction band. The schemes were of great help in interpreting the optical data of the lanthanide doped phosphors and allow commenting on the valencemore » stability of the ions, as well as the stability against thermal quenching of the Eu{sup 2+}d-f emission. Tb{sup 3+} substitutes on both a high energy and a low energy site in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8}, due to which excitation at 4.77 eV led to emission from both the {sup 5}D{sub 3} and {sup 5}D{sub 4} levels, while excitation at 4.34 eV gave rise to mainly {sup 5}D{sub 4} emission. Doping with Sm resulted in typical Sm{sup 3+}f-f line absorption, as well as an absorption band around 4.1 eV in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} and 3.6 eV in Sr{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} that could be identified as the Sm{sup 3+} charge transfer band. Yb on the other hand was incorporated in both the divalent and the trivalent state in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8}. - Graphical abstract: Energy level schemes showing the 4f ground states of the trivalent ( Black-Down-Pointing-Small-Triangle ) and divalent ( Black-Up-Pointing-Small-Triangle ) lanthanide ions and lowest energy 5d states of the trivalent ({nabla}) and divalent ({Delta}) ions with respect to the valence and conduction bands of Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} (left) and Sr{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} (right). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Construction of energy level schemes of all lanthanides within the M{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} hosts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Construction was done by analyzing existing as well as new spectroscopic data. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Tb{sup 3+}d-f emission from two different Ca sites in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} has been observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Observation of the Sm{sup 3+} charge transfer band in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8} and Sr{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ytterbium has been found in the divalent and trivalent state in Ca{sub 2}Si{sub 5}N{sub 8}.« less

Structures of three polycystic kidney disease-like domains from Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH

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

Bauer, Ryan; Janowska, Katarzyna; Taylor, Kelly

Clostridium histolyticumcollagenases ColG and ColH are segmental enzymes that are thought to be activated by Ca 2+-triggered domain reorientation to cause extensive tissue destruction. The collagenases consist of a collagenase module (s1), a variable number of polycystic kidney disease-like (PKD-like) domains (s2a and s2b in ColH and s2 in ColG) and a variable number of collagen-binding domains (s3 in ColH and s3a and s3b in ColG). The X-ray crystal structures of Ca 2+-bound holo s2b (1.4 Å resolution,R= 15.0%,R free= 19.1%) and holo s2a (1.9 Å resolution,R= 16.3%,R free= 20.7%), as well as of Ca 2+-free apo s2a (1.8 Åmore » resolution,R= 20.7%,R free= 27.2%) and two new forms of N-terminally truncated apo s2 (1.4 Å resolution,R= 16.9%,R free= 21.2%; 1.6 Å resolution,R= 16.2%,R free= 19.2%), are reported. The structurally similar PKD-like domains resemble the V-set Ig fold. In addition to a conserved β-bulge, the PKD-like domains feature a second bulge that also changes the allegiance of the subsequent β-strand. This β-bulge and the genesis of a Ca 2+pocket in the archaeal PKD-like domain suggest a close kinship between bacterial and archaeal PKD-like domains. Different surface properties and indications of different dynamics suggest unique roles for the PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH. Surface aromatic residues found on ColH s2a-s2b, but not on ColG s2, may provide the weak interaction in the biphasic collagen-binding mode previously found in s2b-s3.B-factor analyses suggest that in the presence of Ca 2+the midsection of s2 becomes more flexible but the midsections of s2a and s2b stay rigid. The different surface properties and dynamics of the domains suggest that the PKD-like domains of M9B bacterial collagenase can be grouped into either a ColG subset or a ColH subset. The conserved properties of PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH include Ca 2+binding. Conserved residues not only interact with Ca 2+, but also position the Ca 2+-interacting water molecule. Ca 2+aligns the N-terminal linker approximately parallel to the major axis of the domain. Ca 2+binding also increases stability against heat and guanidine hydrochloride, and may improve the longevity in the extracellular matrix. The results of this study will further assist in developing collagen-targeting vehicles for various signal molecules.« less

Structures of three polycystic kidney disease-like domains from Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH

DOE PAGES

Bauer, Ryan; Janowska, Katarzyna; Taylor, Kelly; ...

2015-03-01

Clostridium histolyticumcollagenases ColG and ColH are segmental enzymes that are thought to be activated by Ca 2+-triggered domain reorientation to cause extensive tissue destruction. The collagenases consist of a collagenase module (s1), a variable number of polycystic kidney disease-like (PKD-like) domains (s2a and s2b in ColH and s2 in ColG) and a variable number of collagen-binding domains (s3 in ColH and s3a and s3b in ColG). The X-ray crystal structures of Ca 2+-bound holo s2b (1.4 Å resolution,R= 15.0%,R free= 19.1%) and holo s2a (1.9 Å resolution,R= 16.3%,R free= 20.7%), as well as of Ca 2+-free apo s2a (1.8 Åmore » resolution,R= 20.7%,R free= 27.2%) and two new forms of N-terminally truncated apo s2 (1.4 Å resolution,R= 16.9%,R free= 21.2%; 1.6 Å resolution,R= 16.2%,R free= 19.2%), are reported. The structurally similar PKD-like domains resemble the V-set Ig fold. In addition to a conserved β-bulge, the PKD-like domains feature a second bulge that also changes the allegiance of the subsequent β-strand. This β-bulge and the genesis of a Ca 2+pocket in the archaeal PKD-like domain suggest a close kinship between bacterial and archaeal PKD-like domains. Different surface properties and indications of different dynamics suggest unique roles for the PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH. Surface aromatic residues found on ColH s2a-s2b, but not on ColG s2, may provide the weak interaction in the biphasic collagen-binding mode previously found in s2b-s3.B-factor analyses suggest that in the presence of Ca 2+the midsection of s2 becomes more flexible but the midsections of s2a and s2b stay rigid. The different surface properties and dynamics of the domains suggest that the PKD-like domains of M9B bacterial collagenase can be grouped into either a ColG subset or a ColH subset. The conserved properties of PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH include Ca 2+binding. Conserved residues not only interact with Ca 2+, but also position the Ca 2+-interacting water molecule. Ca 2+aligns the N-terminal linker approximately parallel to the major axis of the domain. Ca 2+binding also increases stability against heat and guanidine hydrochloride, and may improve the longevity in the extracellular matrix. The results of this study will further assist in developing collagen-targeting vehicles for various signal molecules.« less

Calcium Prerinse before Fluoride Rinse Reduces Enamel Demineralization: An in situ Caries Study.

PubMed

Souza, João Gabriel S; Tenuta, Livia Maria Andaló; Del Bel Cury, Altair Antoninha; Nóbrega, Diego Figueiredo; Budin, Renan R; de Queiroz, Mateus X; Vogel, Gerald L; Cury, Jaime A

2016-01-01

A calcium (Ca) prerinse before a fluoride (F) rinse has been shown to increase oral F levels. We tested the anticaries effect of this combination in a dose-response in situ caries model. In a double-blind, crossover experiment, 10 volunteers carried enamel slabs in palatal appliances for 14 days, during which they rinsed twice/day with one of four rinse combinations: (1) a placebo prerinse (150 mM sodium lactate) followed by a distilled water rinse (negative control); (2) a placebo prerinse followed by a 250 ppm F rinse; (3) a placebo prerinse followed by a 1,000 ppm F rinse, or (4) a Ca prerinse (150 mM Ca, as calcium lactate) followed by a 250 ppm F rinse. Sucrose solution was dripped onto the slabs 8×/day to simulate a high cariogenic challenge. The percent surface hardness loss (%SHL) was significantly lower in the Ca prerinse used with the 250 ppm F rinse group (%SHL = 38.0 ± 21.0) when compared with the F rinse alone (%SHL = 59.5 ± 24.1) and similar to the 1,000 ppm F rinse group (%SHL = 42.0 ± 18.3). Compared with the 250 ppm F rinse, the Ca prerinse increased biofilm fluid F only twice (nonsignificant). However, it greatly increased F in biofilm solids (∼22×). The Ca prerinse had little effect on loosely or firmly bound enamel F. The results showed an increased level of protection against demineralization by the use of a Ca prerinse, which seems to be caused by the enhancement of F concentration in the biofilm. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

18F-labeled norepinephrine transporter tracer [18F]NS12137: radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation.

PubMed

Kirjavainen, Anna K; Forsback, Sarita; López-Picón, Francisco R; Marjamäki, Päivi; Takkinen, Jatta; Haaparanta-Solin, Merja; Peters, Dan; Solin, Olof

2018-01-01

Several psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with malfunction of brain norepinephrine transporter (NET). However, current clinical evaluations of NET function are limited by the lack of sufficiently sensitive methods of detection. To this end, we have synthesized exo-3-[(6-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-pyridyl)oxy]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-octane ([ 18 F]NS12137) as a radiotracer for positron emission tomography (PET) and have demonstrated that it is highly specific for in vivo detection of NET-rich regions of rat brain tissue. We applied two methods of electrophilic, aromatic radiofluorination of the precursor molecule, exo-3-[(6-trimethylstannyl-2-pyridyl)oxy]-8-azabicyclo-[3.2.1]octane-8-carboxylate: (1) direct labeling with [ 18 F]F 2 , and (2) labeling with [ 18 F]Selectfluor, a derivative of [ 18 F]F 2 , using post-target produced [ 18 F]F 2 . The time-dependent distribution of [ 18 F]NS12137 in brain tissue of healthy, adult Sprague-Dawley rats was determined by ex vivo autoradiography. The specificity of [ 18 F]NS12137 binding was demonstrated on the basis of competitive binding by nisoxetine, a known NET antagonist of high specificity. [ 18 F]NS12137 was successfully synthesized with radiochemical yields of 3.9% ± 0.3% when labeled with [ 18 F]F 2 and 10.2% ± 2.7% when labeled with [ 18 F]Selectfluor. The molar activity of radiotracer was 8.8 ± 0.7 GBq/μmol with [ 18 F]F 2 labeling and 6.9 ± 0.4 GBq/μmol with [ 18 F]Selectfluor labeling at the end of synthesis of [ 18 F]NS12137. Uptake of [ 18 F]NS12137 in NET-rich areas in rat brain was demonstrated with the locus coeruleus (LCoe) having the highest regional uptake. Prior treatment of rats with nisoxetine showed no detectable [ 18 F]NS12137 in the LCoe. Analyses of whole brain samples for radiometabolites showed only the parent compound [ 18 F]NS12137. Uptake of 18 F-radioactivity in bone increased with time. The two electrophilic 18 F-labeling methods proved to be suitable for synthesis of [ 18 F]NS12137 with the [ 18 F]Selectfluor method providing an approximate three-fold higher yield than the [ 18 F]F 2 method. As an electrostatically neutral radiotracer [ 18 F]NS12137 crosses the blood-brain barrier and enabled specific labeling of NET-rich regions of rat brain tissue with the highest concentration in the LCoe. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutron-capture Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36, and Sm-150 in large chondrites: Evidence for high fluences of thermalized neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogard, D. D.; Nyquist, L. E.; Bansal, B. M.; Garrison, D. H.; Wiesmann, H.; Herzog, G. F.; Albrecht, A. A.; Vogt, S.; Klein, J.

1995-01-01

We have measured significant concentrations of Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36 from decay of Cl-36, and Sm-150 produced from the capture of thermalized neutrons in the large Chico L6 chondrite. Activities of Cl-36 and Ca-41, corrected for a high-energy spallogenic component and a terrestrial age of approximately 50 ka, give average neutron-capture production rates of 208 atoms/min/g-Cl and 1525 atoms/min/kg-Ca, which correspond to thermal neutron (n) fluxes of 6.2 n/sq cm/s and 4.3 n/sq cm/s, respectively. If sustained for the approximately 65 Ma single-stage, cosmic ray exposure age of Chico, these values correspond to thermal neutron fluences of approximately 1.3 x 10(exp 16) and 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm for Cl-36 and Ca-41, respectively. Stepwise temperature extraction of Ar in Chico impact melt shows Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios as large as approximately 9. The correlation of high Ar-36/Ar-38 with high Cl/Ca phases in neutron-irradiated Chico indicates that the excess Ar-36 above that expected from spallation is due to decay of neutron-produced Cl-36. Excess Ar-36 in Chico requires a thermal neutron fluence of 0.9-1.7 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Decreases in Sm-149/Sm-152 due to neutron-capture by Sm-149 correlate with increases in Sm-150/Sm-152 for three samples of Chico, and one of the Torino H-chondrite. The 0.08% decrease in Sm-149 shown by Chico corresponds to a neutron fluence of 1.23 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. This fluence derived from Sm considers capture of epithermal neutrons and effects of chemical composition on the neutron energy distribution. Excess Ar-36 identified in the Arapahoe, Bruderheim, and Torino chondrites and the Shallowater aubrite suggest exposure to neutron fluences of approximately 0.2-0.2 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Depletion of Sm-149 in Torino and the LEW86010 angrite suggest neutron fluences of 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm and 0.25 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm, respectively. Neutron fluences of approximately 10(exp 16) n/sq cm in Chico are almost as large as those previously observed for some lunar soils. Consideration of exposure ages suggests that the neutron flux in Chico may have been greater than that in many lunar soils.

Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons coordinate hippocampal network dynamics required for memory consolidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ognjanovski, Nicolette; Schaeffer, Samantha; Wu, Jiaxing; Mofakham, Sima; Maruyama, Daniel; Zochowski, Michal; Aton, Sara J.

2017-04-01

Activity in hippocampal area CA1 is essential for consolidating episodic memories, but it is unclear how CA1 activity patterns drive memory formation. We find that in the hours following single-trial contextual fear conditioning (CFC), fast-spiking interneurons (which typically express parvalbumin (PV)) show greater firing coherence with CA1 network oscillations. Post-CFC inhibition of PV+ interneurons blocks fear memory consolidation. This effect is associated with loss of two network changes associated with normal consolidation: (1) augmented sleep-associated delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-12 Hz) and ripple (150-250 Hz) oscillations; and (2) stabilization of CA1 neurons' functional connectivity patterns. Rhythmic activation of PV+ interneurons increases CA1 network coherence and leads to a sustained increase in the strength and stability of functional connections between neurons. Our results suggest that immediately following learning, PV+ interneurons drive CA1 oscillations and reactivation of CA1 ensembles, which directly promotes network plasticity and long-term memory formation.

Effects of antifreeze proteins on the vitrification of mouse oocytes: comparison of three different antifreeze proteins.

PubMed

Lee, Hyang Heun; Lee, Hee Jun; Kim, Hak Jun; Lee, Jun Hyuck; Ko, Yong; Kim, Sun Mie; Lee, Jung Ryeol; Suh, Chang Suk; Kim, Seok Hyun

2015-09-01

Can antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from three different sources improve the efficacy of mouse oocyte vitrification? Treatment with AFPs can improve both murine oocyte quality and embryo development, and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitrified-warmed oocytes. A previous study discovered that vitrification of immature oocytes and 2-cell stage embryos of mice augmented with antifreeze glycoproteins at 40 mg/ml dramatically improved the morphological integrity of the samples, suggesting that AFPs have the ability to inhibit ice formation and stabilize the plasma membrane. Metaphase II oocytes were obtained from 4-week-old BD-F1 mice. AFPs from bacteria (Flavobacterium frigoris ice-binding protein (FfIBP)), yeast (Glaciozyma sp. ice-binding protein (LeIBP)) and fish (Type III AFP) were added to the vitrification and warming solutions individually. Survival and development, meiotic spindle organization, intracellular ROS, mitochondrial activity, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and repair of damaged DNA were analyzed. Vitrification of oocytes was performed with the CryoTop (equilibration solution: 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) and 7.5% 1,2-propandiol (PROH) for 5 min; vitrification solution: 15% EG, 15% PROH and 0.5 M sucrose for 1 min). Warming was performed in three steps with decreasing concentrations of sucrose (1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 M sucrose). AFP treatment can improve murine oocyte quality and embryo development. Survival rates, cleavage rates and blastocyst rates (blastocyst per cleaved and per survived oocytes) of oocytes in AFP-treated groups were significantly higher than those in the control group [75.0, 89.0, 90.0 and 85.0% for survival rate (P = 0.012); 58.7, 89.0, 87.8 and 81.2% for cleavage rate (P = 0.003); 52.3, 87.7, 78.5 and 76.8% for blastocyst per cleaved oocytes (P < 0.01); 30.7, 78.0, 68.9 and 62.4% for blastocyst per survived oocytes (P < 0.01) in control, FfIBP, LeIBP and Type III AFP-treated groups, respectively]. The mean (±SD) number of apoptotic blastomeres per blastocyst was significantly lower in AFP-treated groups than in the control group (9.1 ± 1.0, 2.0 ± 1.7, 2.3 ± 1.2 and 2.7 ± 2.4 in control, FfIBP, LeIBP and Type III AFP-treated groups, respectively, P = 0.040). FfIBP treatment was the most effective in maintaining normal meiotic spindle organization and chromosome alignment (52.0, 92.0, 80.0 and 83.0% in control, FfIBP, LeIBP and Type III AFP-treated groups, respectively, P < 0.01). Intracellular ROS levels (mean ± SD) significantly decreased in the AFP-treated groups (17.0 ± 11.2, 8.4 ± 8.2, 10.3 ± 6.4 and 11.6 ± 12.3 in control, FfIBP, LeIBP and Type III AFP-treated groups, respectively, P < 0.01), and the FfIBP and LeIBP groups had significantly lower DNA DSBs, compared with controls (65.2, 30.8, 44.4 and 55.8% in control, FfIBP, LeIBP and Type III AFP-treated groups, respectively, P < 0.01). The origins of FfIBP and LeIBP were bacteria and yeast, respectively. Therefore, treatment of human oocytes and embryos with these AFPs should be tested before clinical application. After further research, AFPs can potentially be applied to human oocyte cryopreservation to improve the efficacy of vitrification. This study was supported by a grant of the Korea Healthcare technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (HI12C0055). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Measures of body fat in South Asian adults.

PubMed

Kalra, S; Mercuri, M; Anand, S S

2013-05-27

South Asian people who originate from the Indian subcontinent have greater percent body fat (%BF) for the same body mass index (BMI) compared with white Caucasians. This has been implicated in their increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is limited information comparing different measures of body fat in this ethnic group. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the correlation of %BF measured by a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (FF-BIA) against the BOD POD, a method of air-displacement plethysmography, and (2) to determine the correlations of simple anthropometric measures, (that is, BMI, body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) against the BOD POD measure of body fat. Eighty apparently healthy South Asian men and women were recruited from the community, and measurements of height, weight, WC, HC and body composition using Tanita FF-BIA and BOD POD were taken. The mean±s.d. age of participants was 27.78±10.49 years, 42.5% were women, and the mean BMI was 22.68±3.51 kg m(-2). The mean body fat (%BF) calculated by FF-BIA and BOD POD was 21.94±7.88% and 26.20±8.47%, respectively. The %BF calculated by FF-BIA was highly correlated with the BOD POD (Pearson's r=0.83, P<0.001), however, FF-BIA underestimated %BF by 4.3%. When anthropometric measures were compared with % BF by BOD POD, the BAI showed the strongest correlation (r=0.74) and the WHR showed the weakest (r=0.33). BAI generally underestimated %BF by 2.6% in comparison with %BF by BOD POD. The correlations of BOD POD with other measures of %BF were much stronger in subjects with a BMI >21 kg m(-2) than those with a BMI 21 kg m(-2). The FF-BIA and BAI estimates of %BF are highly correlated with that of BOD POD among people of South Asian origin, although both methods somewhat underestimate % BF. Furthermore, their correlations with % BF from BOD POD are significantly weakened among men and women with a BMI 21 kg m(-2).

Ionic liquid foam floatation coupled with solid phase extraction for separation and determination of hormones by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Zhang, Rui; Li, Na; Wang, Chuanliu; Bai, Yuping; Ren, Ruibing; Gao, Shiqian; Yu, Wenzhi; Zhao, Tianqi; Zhang, Hanqi

2011-10-17

The foaming property of ionic liquids (ILs) was found and the factors that can influence foamability of the ILs were investigated. Based on the property of the ILs, the foam floatation-solid phase extraction (FF-SPE) was developed. The IL-based FF-SPE was applied to the extraction and concentration of steroid hormones, including corticosterone, 17-β-estadiol, 17-α-estradiol, 19-nortestosterone, estrone, testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, chloromadinon 17-acetate, norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone-17-acetate, progesterone, 17-β-estradiol 3-benzoate and testosteron 17-propionate in water samples and then the steroid hormones were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The extraction and concentration were performed synchronously in 10 min. Some experimental conditions were examined and optimized. The recoveries ranged from 50.6% to 95.2% for lake water sample and from 53.4% to 98.7% for rain water sample. The precision ranged from 2.43% to 7.43% for the lake water sample and 2.07-7.01% for rain water sample. Based on the foaming property of ILs, the application of foam floatation should be widened. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Horizontal Fault Tolerance in a Fully Distributed Loosely Coupled Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

been registered. As the broadcasts continue, FTMI and FTM2 will eventu- ally receive return messages indicating duplicate name, and de -register the name...acknowledgement ADVOKN FF Phase-2 negative acknowledgement CLOSE IF Request to De -Advertise a global name CLOSOK FI De -Advertise completed KILLN FF FTM broadcasts...only. Since disk mirroring is layered beneath the UNIX operating system it does violate the "easily transportable " concept. Disk mirroring was

Effect of florfenicol on performance and microbial community of a sequencing batch biofilm reactor treating mariculture wastewater.

PubMed

Gao, Feng; Li, Zhiwei; Chang, Qingbo; Gao, Mengchun; She, Zonglian; Wu, Juan; Jin, Chunji; Zheng, Dong; Guo, Liang; Zhao, Yangguo; Wang, Sen

2018-02-01

The effects of florfenicol (FF) on the performance, microbial activity and microbial community of a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) were evaluated in treating mariculture wastewater. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal were inhibited at high FF concentrations. The specific oxygen utilization rate (SOUR), specific ammonium oxidation rate (SAOR), specific nitrite oxidation rate (SNOR) and specific nitrate reduction rate (SNRR) were decreased with an increase in the FF concentration from 0 to 35 mg/L. The chemical compositions of loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) could be affected with an increase in the FF concentration. The high-throughput sequencing indicated some obvious variations in the microbial community at different FF concentrations. The relative abundance of Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira showed a decreasing tendency with an increase in the FF concentration, suggesting that FF could affect the nitrification process of SBBR. Some genera capable of reducing nitrate to nitrogen gas could be inhibited by the addition of FF in the influent, such as Azospirillum and Hyphomicrobium.

Self-enhanced catalytic activities of functionalized graphene sheets in the combustion of nitromethane: molecular dynamic simulations by molecular reactive force field.

PubMed

Zhang, Chaoyang; Wen, Yushi; Xue, Xianggui

2014-08-13

Functionalized graphene sheet (FGS) is a promising additive that enhances fuel/propellant combustion, and the determination of its mechanism has attracted much interest. In the present study, a series of molecular dynamic simulations based on a reactive force field (ReaxFF) are performed to explore the catalytic activity (CA) of FGS in the thermal decay of nitromethane (NM, CH3NO2). FGSs and pristine graphene sheets (GSs) are oxidized in hot NM liquid to increase their functionalities and subsequently show self-enhanced CAs during the decay. The CAs result from the interatomic exchanges between the functional groups on the sheets and the NM liquid, i.e., mainly between H and O atoms. CA is dependent on the density of NM, functionalities of sheets, and temperature. The GSs and FGSs that originally exhibit different functionalities tend to possess similar functionalities and consequently similar CAs as temperature increases. Other carbon materials and their oxides can accelerate combustion of other fuels/propellants similar to NM, provided that they can be dispersed and their key reaction steps in combustion are similar to NM.

Impact of follicular G-CSF quantification on subsequent embryo transfer decisions: a proof of concept study.

PubMed

Lédée, N; Gridelet, V; Ravet, S; Jouan, C; Gaspard, O; Wenders, F; Thonon, F; Hincourt, N; Dubois, M; Foidart, J M; Munaut, C; Perrier d'Hauterive, S

2013-02-01

Previous experiments have shown that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), quantified in the follicular fluid (FF) of individual oocytes, correlates with the potential for an ongoing pregnancy of the corresponding fertilized oocytes among selected transferred embryos. Here we present a proof of concept study aimed at evaluating the impact of including FF G-CSF quantification in the embryo transfer decisions. FF G-CSF was quantified with the Luminex XMap technology in 523 individual FF samples corresponding to 116 fresh transferred embryos, 275 frozen embryos and 131 destroyed embryos from 78 patients undergoing ICSI. Follicular G-CSF was highly predictive of subsequent implantation. The receiving operator characteristics curve methodology showed its higher discriminatory power to predict ongoing pregnancy in multivariate logistic regression analysis for FF G-CSF compared with embryo morphology [0.77 (0.69-0.83), P < 0.001 versus 0.66 (0.58-0.73), P = 0.01)]. Embryos were classified by their FF G-CSF concentration: Class I over 30 pg/ml (a highest positive predictive value for implantation), Class II from 30 to 18.4 pg/ml and Class III <18.4 pg/ml (a highest negative predictive value). Embryos derived from Class I follicles had a significantly higher implantation rate (IR) than those from Class II and III follicles (36 versus 16.6 and 6%, P < 0.001). Embryos derived from Class I follicles with an optimal morphology reached an IR of 54%. Frozen-thawed embryos transfer derived from Class I follicles had an IR of 37% significantly higher than those from Class II and III follicles, respectively, of 8 and 5% (P < 0.001). Thirty-five per cent of the frozen embryos but also 10% of the destroyed embryos were derived from G-CSF Class I follicles. Non-optimal embryos appear to have been transferred in 28% (22/78) of the women, and their pregnancy rate was significantly lower than that of women who received at least one optimal embryo (18 versus 36%, P = 0.04). Monitoring FF G-CSF for the selection of embryos with a better potential for pregnancy might improve the effectiveness of IVF by reducing the time and cost required for obtaining a pregnancy.

Interoperability of 300 watt and 150 watt xenon arc solar simulators in sun protection factor and in UVA protection factor clinical testing.

PubMed

Martinez, Alexa; Roberts, Glenn; Garzarella, Katherine; Lutz, Michael; Caswell, Michael

2013-04-01

The purpose of these clinical trials was to determine if 300 W and 150 W xenon arc solar simulators (SSs) deliver the same sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection factor (PFA). First, the SPF of the P7 control standard and of the P2 control standard was determined, testing 20 subjects using the method described in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Final Monograph and using 150 W and 300 W SSs. In the second clinical trial, the PFA of the Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) control standard and of the P2 control standard was determined, testing 10 subjects using the method described in the JCIA Technical Bulletin and using 150 W and 300 W SSs. The SPF values for P7 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 4.54 ± 0.35 and 4.61 ± 0.32, respectively. The SPF values for P2 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 17.0 ± 0.9 and 16.7 ± 0.9, respectively. The resultant PFA values for JCIA control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 4.06 ± 0.70 and 4.06 ± 0.70, respectively. The resultant PFA values for P2 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 3.28 ± 0.25 and 3.44 ± 0.39, respectively. As the values are essentially identical for SPF and for PFA, the 150 W and 300 W SSs can be used interchangeably for SPF and PFA determinations. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Purification and characterization of a Ca(2+)-dependent novel lectin from Nymphaea nouchali tuber with antiproliferative activities.

PubMed

Kabir, Syed Rashel; Zubair, Md Abu; Nurujjaman, Md; Haque, Md Azizul; Hasan, Imtiaj; Islam, Md Farhadul; Hossain, Md Tanvir; Hossain, Md Anowar; Rakib, Md Abdur; Alam, Mohammad Taufiq; Shaha, Ranajit Kumar; Hossain, Md Tofazzal; Kimura, Yoshinobu; Absar, Nurul

2011-12-01

A lectin (termed NNTL) was purified from the extracts of Nymphaea nouchali tuber followed by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, hydrophobic chromatography on HiTrap Phenyl HP and by repeated anion-exchange chromatography on HiTrap Q FF column. The molecular mass of the purified lectin was 27.0 ± 1.0 kDa, as estimated by SDS/PAGE both in the presence and in the absence of 2-mercaptoethanol. NNTL was an o-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside sugar-specific lectin that agglutinated rat, chicken and different groups of human blood cells and exhibited high agglutination activity over the pH range 5-9 and temperatures of 30-60 °C. The N-terminal sequence of NNTL did not show sequence similarity with any other lectin and the amino acid analysis revealed that NNTL was rich in leucine, methionine and glycine residues. NNTL was a glycoprotein containing 8% neutral sugar and showed toxicity against brine shrimp nauplii with an LC(50) value of 120 ± 29 μg/ml and exerted strong agglutination activity against four pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Sarcina lutea, Shigella shiga and Shigella sonnei). In addition, antiproliferative activity of this lectin against EAC (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) cells showed 56% and 76% inhibition in vivo in mice at 1.5 and 3 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) respectively. NNTL was a divalent ion-dependent glycoprotein, which lost its activity markedly in the presence of denaturants. Furthermore, measurement of fluorescence spectra in the presence and absence of urea and CaCl(2) indicated the requirement of Ca(2+) for the stability of NNTL. © The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society

Evaluation of a Machine-Learning Classifier for Keratoconus Detection Based on Scheimpflug Tomography.

PubMed

Ruiz Hidalgo, Irene; Rodriguez, Pablo; Rozema, Jos J; Ní Dhubhghaill, Sorcha; Zakaria, Nadia; Tassignon, Marie-José; Koppen, Carina

2016-06-01

To evaluate the performance of a support vector machine algorithm that automatically and objectively identifies corneal patterns based on a combination of 22 parameters obtained from Pentacam measurements and to compare this method with other known keratoconus (KC) classification methods. Pentacam data from 860 eyes were included in the study and divided into 5 groups: 454 KC, 67 forme fruste (FF), 28 astigmatic, 117 after refractive surgery (PR), and 194 normal eyes (N). Twenty-two parameters were used for classification using a support vector machine algorithm developed in Weka, a machine-learning computer software. The cross-validation accuracy for 3 different classification tasks (KC vs. N, FF vs. N and all 5 groups) was calculated and compared with other known classification methods. The accuracy achieved in the KC versus N discrimination task was 98.9%, with 99.1% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity for KC detection. The accuracy in the FF versus N task was 93.1%, with 79.1% sensitivity and 97.9% specificity for the FF discrimination. Finally, for the 5-groups classification, the accuracy was 88.8%, with a weighted average sensitivity of 89.0% and specificity of 95.2%. Despite using the strictest definition for FF KC, the present study obtained comparable or better results than the single-parameter methods and indices reported in the literature. In some cases, direct comparisons with the literature were not possible because of differences in the compositions and definitions of the study groups, especially the FF KC.

Segregation of feedforward and feedback projections in mouse visual cortex

PubMed Central

Berezovskii, Vladimir K.; Nassi, Jonathan J.; Born, Richard T.

2011-01-01

Hierarchical organization is a common feature of mammalian neocortex. Neurons that send their axons from lower to higher areas of the hierarchy are referred to as “feedforward” (FF) neurons, whereas those projecting in the opposite direction are called “feedback” (FB) neurons. Anatomical, functional and theoretical studies suggest that these different classes of projections play fundamentally different roles in perception. In primates, laminar differences in projection patterns often distinguish the two projection streams. In rodents, however, these differences are less clear, despite an established hierarchy of visual areas. Thus the rodent provides a strong test of the hypothesis that FF and FB neurons form distinct populations. We tested this hypothesis by injecting retrograde tracers into two different hierarchical levels of mouse visual cortex (areas 17 and AL) and then determining the relative proportions of double-labeled FB and FF neurons in an area intermediate to them (LM). Despite finding singly labeled neurons densely intermingled with no laminar segregation, we found few double-labeled neurons (~5% of each singly labeled population). We also examined the development of FF and FB connections. FF connections were present at the earliest time-point we examined (postnatal day two, P2), while FB connections were not detectable until P11. Our findings indicate that, even in cortices without laminar segregation of FF and FB neurons, the two projection systems are largely distinct at the neuronal level and also differ with respect to the timing of their outgrowth. PMID:21618232

Accurate van der Waals force field for gas adsorption in porous materials.

PubMed

Sun, Lei; Yang, Li; Zhang, Ya-Dong; Shi, Qi; Lu, Rui-Feng; Deng, Wei-Qiao

2017-09-05

An accurate van der Waals force field (VDW FF) was derived from highly precise quantum mechanical (QM) calculations. Small molecular clusters were used to explore van der Waals interactions between gas molecules and porous materials. The parameters of the accurate van der Waals force field were determined by QM calculations. To validate the force field, the prediction results from the VDW FF were compared with standard FFs, such as UFF, Dreiding, Pcff, and Compass. The results from the VDW FF were in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. This force field can be applied to the prediction of the gas density (H 2 , CO 2 , C 2 H 4 , CH 4 , N 2 , O 2 ) and adsorption performance inside porous materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), consisting of H, B, N, C, O, S, Si, Al, Zn, Mg, Ni, and Co. This work provides a solid basis for studying gas adsorption in porous materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Apolipoprotein B is regulated by gonadotropins and constitutes a predictive biomarker of IVF outcomes.

PubMed

Scalici, Elodie; Bechoua, Shaliha; Astruc, Karine; Duvillard, Laurence; Gautier, Thomas; Drouineaud, Véronique; Jimenez, Clément; Hamamah, Samir

2016-05-21

Follicular fluid (FF) is an important micro-environment influencing oocyte growth, its development competence, and embryo viability. The FF content analysis allows to identify new relevant biomarkers, which could be predictive of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Inside ovarian follicle, the amount of FF components from granulosa cells (GC) secretion, could be regulated by gonadotropins, which play a major role in follicle development. This prospective study included 61 female undergoing IVF or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. Apolipoprotein B (APOB) concentrations in follicular fluid and APOB gene and protein expression in granulosa cells from reproductively aged women undergoing an in vitro fertilization program were measured. The statistical analyses were performed according to a quartile model based on the amount of APOB level found in FF. Amounts of APOB were detected in human FF samples (mean ± SD: 244.6 ± 185.9 ng/ml). The odds of obtaining an oocyte in the follicle and a fertilized oocyte increased significantly when APOB level in FF was higher than 112 ng/ml [i.e., including in Quartile Q 2, Q3 and Q4] (p = 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). The probabilities of obtaining an embryo and a top quality embryo on day 2, were significantly higher if APOB levels were within the ranges of 112 and 330 ng/ml (i.e. in Q2 and Q3) or 112 and 230 ng/ml (i.e. in Q2), respectively (p < 0.001; p = 0.047, respectively). In addition, our experiments in vitro indicated that APOB gene and protein expression, along with APOB content into culture were significantly under-expressed in GC upon stimulation with gonadotropins (follicular stimulating hormone: FSH and/or human chorionic gonadotropin: hCG). We are reporting a positive and statistically significant associations between APOB and oocyte retrieval, oocyte fertilization, and embryo quality. Using an experimental study component, the authors report significant reduced APOB expression and content for luteinized granulosa cells cultured in the presence of gonadotropins.

PDGFRα promoter polymorphisms and expression patterns influence risk of development of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in chronic myeloid leukemia: A study from India.

PubMed

Guru, Sameer Ahmad; Mir, Rashid; Bhat, Musadiq; Najar, Imtiyaz; Zuberi, Mariyam; Sumi, Mamta; Masroor, Mirza; Gupta, Naresh; Saxena, Alpana

2017-10-01

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor has been implicated in many malignant and non-malignant diseases. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α is a tyrosine kinase and a side target for imatinib, a revolutionary drug for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia that has dramatically improved the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Given the importance of platelet-derived growth factor receptor in platelet development and its inhibition by imatinib, it was intriguing to analyze the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α in relation to imatinib treatment in the development of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in chronic myeloid leukemia patients. We hypothesized that two known functional polymorphisms, +68GA insertion/deletion and -909C/A, in the promoter region of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α gene may affect the susceptibility of chronic myeloid leukemia patients receiving imatinib treatment to the development of thrombocytopenia. A case-control study was conducted among a cohort of chronic myeloid leukemia patients admitted to the Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. A set of 100 patients of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. After initiation of imatinib treatment, the hematological response of chronic myeloid leukemia patients was monitored regularly for 2 years, in which the development of thrombocytopenia was the primary end point. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α promoter polymorphisms +68GA ins/del and -909C/A were studied by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The messenger RNA expression results were expressed as 2 -Δct ± standard deviation. The distribution of +68GA ins/del promoter polymorphism genotypes differed significantly between the thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic chronic myeloid leukemia patient groups (p < 0.0001). Moreover, +68GA del/del and ins/del genotypes in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients were associated with an increased risk of developing thrombocytopenia, with odds ratios 6.5 (95% confidence interval = 2.02-0.89, p = 0.001) and 6.0 (95% confidence interval = 2.26-15.91, p = 0.0002), respectively. Similarly, -909C/A promoter polymorphism genotype distribution also differed significantly between thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic chronic myeloid leukemia patient groups (p = 0.02), and a significantly increased risk of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia was associated with -909C/A polymorphism mutant homozygous (AA) genotypes the odds ratio being 7.7 (95% confidence interval 1.50 to 39.91, p = 0.009). However, no significant risk of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia was found to be associated with heterozygous genotype (-909C/A) with odds ratio 1.9 (95% confidence interval = 0.86-4.56, p = 1.14). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA expression was significantly higher in chronic myeloid leukemia patients compared to controls (p = 0.008). Moreover, patients with imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia had a significantly lower platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA expression, compared to patients without thrombocytopenia (p = 0.01). A differential expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA was observed with respect to different +68 GA ins/del and -909C/A polymorphism genotypes. The +68GA deletion allele and -909A allele were significantly associated with lower expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA. The platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α +68GA del/del, +68GA ins/del, and -909AA genotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing thrombocytopenia in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients. A significantly lower platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α messenger RNA expression accompanies the +68GA deletion allele in an allele dose-dependent manner. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α -909AA genotype is also associated with lower expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α. The downregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α expression may play a causative role in imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia, a common side effect, in the subset of chronic myeloid leukemia patients with platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α +68 GA ins/del, +68 GA del/del, and -909C/A genotypes.

Analysis of 28 generations of selection for reproduction, growth, and carcass traits in swine.

PubMed

Hsu, W L; Johnson, R K

2014-11-01

Selection (28 generations, G) in a Large White-Landrace composite population for traits aimed at increasing live pigs born per litter (BA), with additional selection for increased 180-d weight (WT180) and longissimus muscle area (LMA) and decreased back fat (BF10) in the last 8 generations, was practiced. Objectives herein were to estimate genetic and phenotypic responses and genetic parameters (n = 1,883 to 54,174) and to investigate whether a plateau in response for BA occurred. Line 2 (L2) was selected for an index of ovulation rate and embryo survival (G0 to G11), fully formed pigs (FF) per litter (G12 to 14), and BA and pig birth weight (PBW, G15 to G19), and its control line (LC1) was selected randomly (G0 to G21). Line 4 (L4), derived from L2, and line 5 (L5), derived from LC1, at G8 were selected in 2 stages for ovulation rate and FF (G9 to G16) and BA and PBW (G17 to G19), and their control (LC6) was selected randomly. At G20, L4 and L5 were crossed to form L45, and L4 and L2 were crossed to continue L2; L2 and L45 were subsequently selected for BA, WT180, LMA, and BF10 (G21 to G28). At G21, LC1 and LC6 were reciprocally crossed to form LC16, control for L2, and LC61, control for L45. Selection in L2 and L45 was first for BA and then for other traits among pigs selected for BA. Line sizes were 40 to 60 litters by 15 to 20 sires/G. Cumulative selection differentials (CSD) were calculated. MTDFREML was used to estimate variance components, EBV, and responses. Genetic changes at G28 in L2 were 4.63 FF and 3.66 BA, with 72% (FF) and 86% (BA) of the change occurring after G11. Two-stage selection produced similar responses (P < 0.01) in FF in L4 and L5 (0.27 and 0.29 pigs/G) but a greater response in BA in L5 (0.19 vs. 0.28 pigs/G). Genetic change in L45 from G20 to G28 was 0.17 pigs/G for both FF and BA (P < 0.01). Genetic changes at G28 in L45 were 4.16 FF and 3.68 BA. Genetic correlations of reproductive and growth traits were near zero, ranging from -0.43 (stillborn pigs/litter with BF10) to 0.21 (mummies/litter with LMA). Selection for growth traits along with litter size selection during G19 to G28 resulted in responses consistent with the selection applied and the heritability of the trait. No evidence for a selection plateau existed; selection differentials and variances of FF and BA in selection lines during G20 to G28 were similar to those in earlier generations. Over all generations, heritability of BA was 0.20 ± 0.03 and remained at approximately 0.17 in selection lines in later generations.

FGF Signaling and Dietary Factors in the Prostate

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

with the anti-AR antibody . e-h, Fgfr2f/f prostate. e, low magnification view of the prostate; f and g, high magnification view of e, showing...dorsolateral and ventral prostatic lobes, respectively; h, immunohistochemistry staining with the anti-AR antibody . i-m, H&E staining of prostatic tissue of...PBS. The lysates equivalent to 20 μg proteins were separated on SDS-PAGE, and cytokeratins were detected with anti-pan cytokeratin antibodies . M, 1

Capsicum annuum transcription factor WRKYa positively regulates defense response upon TMV infection and is a substrate of CaMK1 and CaMK2.

PubMed

Huh, Sung Un; Lee, Gil-Je; Jung, Ji Hoon; Kim, Yunsik; Kim, Young Jin; Paek, Kyung-Hee

2015-01-23

Plants are constantly exposed to pathogens and environmental stresses. To minimize damage caused by these potentially harmful factors, plants respond by massive transcriptional reprogramming of various stress-related genes via major transcription factor families. One of the transcription factor families, WRKY, plays an important role in diverse stress response of plants and is often useful to generate genetically engineered crop plants. In this study, we carried out functional characterization of CaWRKYa encoding group I WRKY member, which is induced during hypersensitive response (HR) in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) upon Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. CaWRKYa was involved in L-mediated resistance via transcriptional reprogramming of pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression and affected HR upon TMV-P0 infection. CaWRKYa acts as a positive regulator of this defense system and could bind to the W-box of diverse PR genes promoters. Furthermore, we found Capsicum annuum mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (CaMK1) and 2 (CaMK2) interacted with CaWRKYa and phosphorylated the SP clusters but not the MAPK docking (D)-domain of CaWRKYa. Thus, these results demonstrated that CaWRKYa was regulated by CaMK1 and CaMK2 at the posttranslational level in hot pepper.

Protective effects of cinnamic acid and cinnamic aldehyde on isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemia in rats.

PubMed

Song, Fan; Li, Hua; Sun, Jiyuan; Wang, Siwang

2013-10-28

Cinnamomum cassia is a well-known traditional Chinese herb that is widely used for the treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). It has favorable effects, but its mechanism is not clear. To investigate the effects of cinnamic aldehyde (CA) and cinnamic acid (CD) isolated from Cinnamomum cassia against myocardial ischemia produced in rats by isoproterenol (ISO). Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized equally to nine groups: a control group, an untreated model group, CA (22.5, 45, 90 mg/kg) or CD (37.5, 75, 150 mg/kg) treatment, or propranolol (30 mg/kg). Rats were treated for 14 days and then given ISO, 4 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days by subcutaneous injection. ST-segment elevation was measured after the last administration. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), and blood rheology were measured after the rats were sacrificed. The hearts were excised for determining heart weight index, microscopic examination, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. CA and CD decreased the ST elevation induced by acute myocardial ischemia, decreased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, TNF-α and IL-6, and increased serum NO activity. CA and CD increased SOD activity and decreased MDA content in myocardial tissue. CA and CD were cardioprotective in a rat model of ischemic myocardial injury. The protection was attributable to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as increased NO. The results support further study of CA and CD as potential treatments for ischemic heart disease. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lower extremity joint loads in habitual rearfoot and mid/forefoot strike runners with normal and shortened stride lengths.

PubMed

Boyer, Elizabeth R; Derrick, Timothy R

2018-03-01

Our purpose was to compare joint loads between habitual rearfoot (hRF) and habitual mid/forefoot strikers (hFF), rearfoot (RFS) and mid/forefoot strike (FFS) patterns, and shorter stride lengths (SLs). Thirty-eight hRF and hFF ran at their normal SL, 5% and 10% shorter, as well as with the opposite foot strike. Three-dimensional ankle, knee, patellofemoral (PF) and hip contact forces were calculated. Nearly all contact forces decreased with a shorter SL (1.2-14.9% relative to preferred SL). In general, hRF had higher PF (hRF-RFS: 10.8 ± 1.4, hFF-FFS: 9.9 ± 2.0 BWs) and hip loads (axial hRF-RFS: -9.9 ± 0.9, hFF-FFS: -9.6 ± 1.0 BWs) than hFF. Many loads were similar between foot strike styles for the two groups, including axial and lateral hip, PF, posterior knee and shear ankle contact forces. Lateral knee and posterior hip contact forces were greater for RFS, and axial ankle and knee contact forces were greater for FFS. The tibia may be under greater loading with a FFS because of these greater axial forces. Summarising, a particular foot strike style does not universally decrease joint contact forces. However, shortening one's SL 10% decreased nearly all lower extremity contact forces, so it may hold potential to decrease overuse injuries associated with excessive joint loads.

CaM kinase signaling induces cardiac hypertrophy and activates the MEF2 transcription factor in vivo

PubMed Central

Passier, Robert; Zeng, Hong; Frey, Norbert; Naya, Francisco J.; Nicol, Rebekka L.; McKinsey, Timothy A.; Overbeek, Paul; Richardson, James A.; Grant, Stephen R.; Olson, Eric N.

2000-01-01

Hypertrophic growth is an adaptive response of the heart to diverse pathological stimuli and is characterized by cardiomyocyte enlargement, sarcomere assembly, and activation of a fetal program of cardiac gene expression. A variety of Ca2+-dependent signal transduction pathways have been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy, but whether these pathways are independent or interdependent and whether there is specificity among them are unclear. Previously, we showed that activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin or its target transcription factor NFAT3 was sufficient to evoke myocardial hypertrophy in vivo. Here, we show that activated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases-I and -IV (CaMKI and CaMKIV) also induce hypertrophic responses in cardiomyocytes in vitro and that CaMKIV overexpressing mice develop cardiac hypertrophy with increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and decreased fractional shortening. Crossing this transgenic line with mice expressing a constitutively activated form of NFAT3 revealed synergy between these signaling pathways. We further show that CaMKIV activates the transcription factor MEF2 through a posttranslational mechanism in the hypertrophic heart in vivo. Activated calcineurin is a less efficient activator of MEF2-dependent transcription, suggesting that the calcineurin/NFAT and CaMK/MEF2 pathways act in parallel. These findings identify MEF2 as a downstream target for CaMK signaling in the hypertrophic heart and suggest that the CaMK and calcineurin pathways preferentially target different transcription factors to induce cardiac hypertrophy. PMID:10811847

The assesment of follicular fluid presepsin levels in poor ovarian responder womenandits relationship with the reproductive outcomes

PubMed Central

Ovayolu, Ali; Özdamar, Özkan; Gün, İsmet; Arslanbuğa, Cansev Y; Kutlu, Tayfun; Tunalı, Gülden; Uluhan, Ramazan

2015-01-01

A considerable proportion of all women undergoing IVFrespond poorly to gonadotropin stimulation. These women are reported to be associated with increased cancellation rates and lower pregnancy rates. It has been hypothesized that poor response to ovarian stimulation is a first sign of ovarian ageing or premature ovarian failure, which might be related to altered inflammatory response in the body. We aimed to compare follicular fluid presepsin levels between poor- and normo-responder patients to ovarian stimulation, to assess its relationship with reproductive outcomes. This study included infertility patients who underwent ovulation induction with either long GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist protocols and who subsequently underwent IVF/ICSI. Included patients were assigned to two groups according to the Bologna criteria for poor ovarian response. Group 1 and 2 consisted of normo- and poor-responder patients, respectively.The 2 groups were compared in terms of FF presepsin levels. Also, any relationship between the FF presepsin levels and fertility outcomes was assessed within the groups. The groups were compared by using student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and X2 test, where appropriate. Pregnancy rates were not significantly different between the groups (22.6% and 17.6%; P=0.650, respectively). FF presepsin levels were higher in Group 1, however, the difference was not statistically significant (298.0±797.4 and 149.2±422.3; P=0.190, respectively). FF presepsin levels did not significantly differ between pregnancy positive and the pregnancy negative patients in both Group 1 (243.6±531.1 and 314.3±866.5; P=0.055, respectively) and Group 2 (112.2±79.8 and 157.1±464.3; P=0.394, respectively). Consequently, FF presepsin seems not to be a reliable marker in predicting pregnancy in both normo-responder and poor-responder infertility groups. PMID:26309683

FAA Air Traffic Activity, Fiscal Year 1980,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-30

21296 14565 59261 865 LOCAL OPERATIONS 71692 70540 1152 TOTAL OPERATIONS 161679 21296 14565 129801 2017 JUNEAU JMU) S ITINERANT OPERATIONS 66369 7204...TERRE HAUTE IN N 303 23 REDOIN. CA N 224 3864 CONCORD CA L 304 2O UTICA NY N 225 3634 MORGANTOWN WV N 305 20 SEATTLE e0TIK WA L 226 3570 TEXARKANA AR N...SECUNOARY OPERATIONS 61 0 0 61 0 OVERFLIGHTS 957 0 150 759 40 TUTAL OPERATIONS 6149 0 513 5252 38N S S TEXARKANA (ITK| N I PRIMARY OPERATIONS 16300 21 700

Exploring the mechanism of action of the sperm-triggered calcium-wave pacemaker in ascidian zygotes.

PubMed

Carroll, Michael; Levasseur, Mark; Wood, Chris; Whitaker, Michael; Jones, Keith T; McDougall, Alex

2003-12-15

In ascidians, as in mammals, sperm trigger repetitive Ca2+-waves that originate from cortical pacemakers situated in the vegetal hemisphere of the zygotes. In ascidians, a vegetal protrusion termed the contraction pole (CP) acts as the Ca2+-wave pacemaker, but the mechanism that underlies the generation of a Ca2+-wave pacemaker is not known. Here, we tested four hypotheses to determine which factors at the CP are involved in setting the pace of the ascidian Ca2+-wave pacemaker: (1) localized Ca2+ influx; (2) accumulation of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]; (3) accumulation of cortical endoplasmic reticulum (cER); and (4) enrichment of the sperm activating factor. We developed a method of dynamically monitoring the location of the CP during fertilization using a plekstrin homology (PH) domain from phospholipase Cdelta1 coupled to green fluorescent protein (GFP) that binds PtdIns(4,5)P2. We found that eggs in Ca2+-free sea water displayed Ca2+ waves that originated from the CP, showing that enhanced CP Ca2+ influx does not determine the origin of the pacemaker. Also, disruption of the PH::GFP-labelled CP once it had formed did not dislodge the Ca2+-wave pacemaker from that site. Next, when we prevented the accumulation of cER at the CP, all of the Ca2+ waves came from the site of sperm-egg fusion and the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations was unaltered. These data show that local Ca2+ influx, the accumulation of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and cER at the CP are not required for Ca2+-wave pacemaker function and instead suggest that a factor associated with the sperm determines the site of the Ca2+-wave pacemaker. Finally, when we injected ascidian sperm extract into the centre of unfertilized ascidian eggs that had been treated with microfilament- and microtubule-disrupting drugs, all the Ca2+ waves still originated from near the plasma membrane, showing that the sperm factor does not require an intact cortex if it is enriched near the plasma membrane (PM). We suggest that the Ca2+-releasing sperm factor might be tethered near or on the PM and that following the cortical contraction, it is translocated to the vegetal CP, thus making that site act as a Ca2+-wave pacemaker.

Pressure-induced half-collapsed-tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4 As 4

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

Kaluarachchi, Udhara S.; Taufour, Valentin; Sapkota, Aashish

Here, we report the temperature-pressure phase diagram of CaKFe 4As 4 established using high-pressure electrical resistivity, magnetization, and high-energy x-ray diffraction measurements up to 6 GPa. With increasing pressure, both resistivity and magnetization data show that the bulk superconducting transition of CaKFe 4As 4 is suppressed and then disappears at p ≳ 4 GPa. High-pressure x-ray data clearly indicate a phase transition to a collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4As 4 under pressure that coincides with the abrupt loss of bulk superconductivity near 4 GPa. The x-ray data, combined with resistivity data, indicate that the collapsed tetragonal transition line ismore » essentially independent of pressure, occurring at 4.0(5) GPa for temperatures below 150 K. Density functional theory calculations also find a sudden transition to a collapsed tetragonal state near 4 GPa, as As-As bonding develops across the Ca layer. Bonding across the K layer only occurs for p ≥ 12 GPa. These findings demonstrate a different type of collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4As 4 as compared to CaFe 2As 2: a half-collapsed tetragonal phase.« less

Pressure-induced half-collapsed-tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4 As 4

DOE PAGES

Kaluarachchi, Udhara S.; Taufour, Valentin; Sapkota, Aashish; ...

2017-10-02

Here, we report the temperature-pressure phase diagram of CaKFe 4As 4 established using high-pressure electrical resistivity, magnetization, and high-energy x-ray diffraction measurements up to 6 GPa. With increasing pressure, both resistivity and magnetization data show that the bulk superconducting transition of CaKFe 4As 4 is suppressed and then disappears at p ≳ 4 GPa. High-pressure x-ray data clearly indicate a phase transition to a collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4As 4 under pressure that coincides with the abrupt loss of bulk superconductivity near 4 GPa. The x-ray data, combined with resistivity data, indicate that the collapsed tetragonal transition line ismore » essentially independent of pressure, occurring at 4.0(5) GPa for temperatures below 150 K. Density functional theory calculations also find a sudden transition to a collapsed tetragonal state near 4 GPa, as As-As bonding develops across the Ca layer. Bonding across the K layer only occurs for p ≥ 12 GPa. These findings demonstrate a different type of collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe 4As 4 as compared to CaFe 2As 2: a half-collapsed tetragonal phase.« less

Pressure-induced half-collapsed-tetragonal phase in CaKFe4As4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaluarachchi, Udhara S.; Taufour, Valentin; Sapkota, Aashish; Borisov, Vladislav; Kong, Tai; Meier, William R.; Kothapalli, Karunakar; Ueland, Benjamin G.; Kreyssig, Andreas; Valentí, Roser; McQueeney, Robert J.; Goldman, Alan I.; Bud'ko, Sergey L.; Canfield, Paul C.

2017-10-01

We report the temperature-pressure phase diagram of CaKFe4As4 established using high-pressure electrical resistivity, magnetization, and high-energy x-ray diffraction measurements up to 6 GPa. With increasing pressure, both resistivity and magnetization data show that the bulk superconducting transition of CaKFe4As4 is suppressed and then disappears at p ≳4 GPa. High-pressure x-ray data clearly indicate a phase transition to a collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe4As4 under pressure that coincides with the abrupt loss of bulk superconductivity near 4 GPa. The x-ray data, combined with resistivity data, indicate that the collapsed tetragonal transition line is essentially independent of pressure, occurring at 4.0(5) GPa for temperatures below 150 K. Density functional theory calculations also find a sudden transition to a collapsed tetragonal state near 4 GPa, as As-As bonding develops across the Ca layer. Bonding across the K layer only occurs for p ≥12 GPa. These findings demonstrate a different type of collapsed tetragonal phase in CaKFe4As4 as compared to CaFe2As2 : a half-collapsed tetragonal phase.

Cytosolic zinc release and clearance in hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate – the role of pH and sodium

PubMed Central

Kiedrowski, Lech

2011-01-01

Although Zn2+ homeostasis in neurons is tightly regulated and its destabilization has been linked to a number of pathologies including Alzheimer's disease and ischemic neuronal death, the primary mechanisms affecting intracellular Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]i) in neurons exposed to excitotoxic stimuli remain poorly understood. The present work addressed these mechanisms in cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate and glycine (Glu/Gly). [Zn2+]i and [Ca2+]i were monitored simultaneously using FluoZin-3 and Fura2-FF and intracellular pH (pHi) was studied in parallel experiments using 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Glu/Gly applications under Na+-free conditions (Na+ substituted with N-methyl-D-glucamine+) caused Ca2+ influx, pHi drop, and Zn2+ release from intracellular stores. Experimental maneuvers resulting in a pHi increase during Glu/Gly applications, such as stimulation of Na+-dependent pathways of H+ efflux, forcing H+ efflux via gramicidin-formed channels, or increasing extracellular pH counteracted [Zn2+]i elevations. In the absence of Na+, the rate of [Zn2+]i decrease could be correlated with the rate of pHi increase. In the presence of Na+, the rate of [Zn2+]i decrease was about twice as fast as expected from the rate of pHi elevation. The data suggest that Glu/Gly-induced cytosolic acidification promotes [Zn2+]i elevations and that Na+ counteracts the latter by promoting pHi-dependent and pHi-independent mechanisms of cytosolic Zn2+ clearance. PMID:21255017

Can blood or follicular fluid levels of presepsin predict reproductive outcomes in ART; a preliminary study.

PubMed

Ovayolu, Ali; Özdamar, Özkan; Gün, İsmet; Arslanbuga, Cansev Yılmaz; Sofuoğlu, Kenan; Tunalı, Gülden; Topuz, Samet

2015-01-01

Many stages of COH protocols are considered to potentiate a state of systemic inflammation. The limit beyond which inflammation has negative impacts on the formation of conception and the reproductive outcomes are compromised still remains unclear. Presepsin is a novel biomarker for diagnosing systemic inflammation and sepsis. We aimed to investigate whether plasma and follicular fluid presepsin values on oocyte pick-up (OPU) day, embryo transfer (ET) day and pregnancy test (PT) days could predict reproductive outcomes during IVF treatment in women with UEI. Patients were assigned to two groups according to pregnancy test results; pregnant (Group 1) and non-pregnant (Group 2). From all patients included in the study, 2 cc of venous blood was sampled on the three days and follicular fluid (FF) was collected during oocyte retrieval. Plasma presepsin, CRP and WBC values and FF presepsin values were measured and compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between FF and plasma presepsin levels on the OPU day (298±797.4 ve 352.9±657.1; P=0.701, respectively). Plasma WBC, CRP and presepsin levels on the OPU, ET and PT days and FF presepsin levels on OPU day were not different between the 2 groups. Plasma presepsin course on the separate 3 days were different between the groups.

Can blood or follicular fluid levels of presepsin predict reproductive outcomes in ART; a preliminary study

PubMed Central

Ovayolu, Ali; Özdamar, Özkan; Gün, İsmet; Arslanbuga, Cansev Yılmaz; Sofuoğlu, Kenan; Tunalı, Gülden; Topuz, Samet

2015-01-01

Many stages of COH protocols are considered to potentiate a state of systemic inflammation. The limit beyond which inflammation has negative impacts on the formation of conception and the reproductive outcomes are compromised still remains unclear. Presepsin is a novel biomarker for diagnosing systemic inflammation and sepsis. We aimed to investigate whether plasma and follicular fluid presepsin values on oocyte pick-up (OPU) day, embryo transfer (ET) day and pregnancy test (PT) days could predict reproductive outcomes during IVF treatment in women with UEI. Patients were assigned to two groups according to pregnancy test results; pregnant (Group 1) and non-pregnant (Group 2). From all patients included in the study, 2 cc of venous blood was sampled on the three days and follicular fluid (FF) was collected during oocyte retrieval. Plasma presepsin, CRP and WBC values and FF presepsin values were measured and compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between FF and plasma presepsin levels on the OPU day (298±797.4 ve 352.9±657.1; P=0.701, respectively). Plasma WBC, CRP and presepsin levels on the OPU, ET and PT days and FF presepsin levels on OPU day were not different between the 2 groups. Plasma presepsin course on the separate 3 days were different between the groups. PMID:26221358

Full-field optical coherence tomography image restoration based on Hilbert transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Jihoon; Choi, Woo June; Choi, Eun Seo; Ryu, Seon Young; Lee, Byeong Ha

2007-02-01

We propose the envelope detection method that is based on Hilbert transform for image restoration in full-filed optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT). The FF-OCT system presenting a high-axial resolution of 0.9 μm was implemented with a Kohler illuminator based on Linnik interferometer configuration. A 250 W customized quartz tungsten halogen lamp was used as a broadband light source and a CCD camera was used as a 2-dimentional detector array. The proposed image restoration method for FF-OCT requires only single phase-shifting. By using both the original and the phase-shifted images, we could remove the offset and the background signals from the interference fringe images. The desired coherent envelope image was obtained by applying Hilbert transform. With the proposed image restoration method, we demonstrate en-face imaging performance of the implemented FF-OCT system by presenting a tilted mirror surface, an integrated circuit chip, and a piece of onion epithelium.