Eugenia uniflora fruit (red type) standardized extract: a potential pharmacological tool to diet-induced metabolic syndrome damage management.

PubMed

Oliveira, Pathise Souto; Chaves, Vitor Clasen; Bona, Natália Pontes; Soares, Mayara Sandrielly Pereira; Cardoso, Juliane de Souza; Vasconcellos, Flávia Aleixo; Tavares, Rejane Giacomelli; Vizzotto, Marcia; Silva, Luísa Mariano Cerqueira da; Grecco, Fabiane Borelli; Gamaro, Giovana Duzzo; Spanevello, Roselia Maria; Lencina, Claiton Leoneti; Reginatto, Flávio Henrique; Stefanello, Francieli Moro

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Eugenia uniflora fruit (red type) extract on metabolic status, as well as on neurochemical and behavioral parameters in an animal model of metabolic syndrome induced by a highly palatable diet (HPD). Rats were treated for 150days and divided into 4 experimental groups: standard chow (SC) and water orally, SC and E. uniflora extract (200mg/kg daily, p.o), HPD and water orally, HPD and extract. Our data showed that HPD caused glucose intolerance, increased visceral fat, weight gain, as well as serum glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol; however, E. uniflora prevented these alterations. The extract decreased lipid peroxidation and prevented the reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum of animals submitted to HPD. We observed a HPD-induced reduction of thiol content in these cerebral structures. The extract prevented increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the prefrontal cortex caused by HPD and the increase in immobility time observed in the forced swim test. Regarding chemical composition, LC/MS analysis showed the presence of nine anthocyanins as the major compounds. In conclusion, E. uniflora extract showed benefits against metabolic alterations caused by HPD, as well as exhibited antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Diffusion and localization of hematoporphyrin derivative in the normal bladder wall of a pig and a rat after local administration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisson, Jean F.; Notter, Dominique; Labrude, P.; Vigneron, C.; Guillemin, Francois H.

1996-04-01

Photochemotherapy using I.V. administered porphyrin photosensitizers has been used to treat superficial bladder cancers. In order to avoid cutaneous photosensitivity, lasting 6 - 8 weeks, we instilled the photosensitizer intravesically. After first studying the diffusion and localization of HpD in aqueous phase (5 mg/ml) in vitro through the bladder wall of pig by spectrofluorimetry ((lambda) ex equals 392 nm and (lambda) em equals 612.8 nm) and fluorescence microscopy, we determined the biodistribution of HpD in vivo in the rat bladder wall, 2 and 4 hours after bladder instillation of 0.4 ml of HpD: (1) the controls show only a weak autofluorescence restricted to the urothelium after 2 hours (24 micrometers plus or minus 5 micrometers, n equals 3) as well as after 4 hours (29.5 micrometers plus or minus 5 micrometers, n equals 3); (2) on the test preparation a higher fluorescence was observed: after 2 hours, HpD was localized in the urothelium and a very small part of the chorion (55 micrometers plus or minus 9 micrometers, n equals 9) whereas after 4 hours, it penetrated almost completely in the bladder wall (960 micrometers plus or minus 118 micrometers, n equals 9). In conclusion, a bladder instillation of 2 hours seems to be the optimal time of application in the rat since superficial bladder cancers, like carcinoma in situ, particularly occur in the urothelium (stage 0, pTa) or in the chorion (stage 1, pT1).

Microspectroscopic Analysis Of HpD Fluorescence In Bioptic Samples From Human Pre-Malignant And Malignant Lesions Of The Skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottiroli, G.; Dell'Acqua, R.; Jucci, A.; Ricevuti, G.; Sacchi, A. S.

1987-07-01

Microfluorometric analysis was performed on bioptic samples of pre-malignant and malignant cutanous lesions present in the same patients, 48 h after i.v. injection of HpD. Data obtained indicate that actinic keratosis and squamous celle carcinoma show a preferential accumulation if compared to normal skin. The two lesions differ for both intensity and spectral shape of HpD fluorescence. This difference is correlated with a different clinical response to HpD laser phototherapy.

Effectiveness of deep cleaning followed by hydrogen peroxide decontamination during high Clostridium difficile infection incidence.

PubMed

Best, E L; Parnell, P; Thirkell, G; Verity, P; Copland, M; Else, P; Denton, M; Hobson, R P; Wilcox, M H

2014-05-01

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains an infection control challenge, especially when environmental spore contamination and suboptimal cleaning may increase transmission risk. To substantiate the long-term effectiveness throughout a stroke rehabilitation unit (SRU) of deep cleaning and hydrogen peroxide decontamination (HPD), following a high incidence of CDI. Extensive environmental sampling (342 sites on each occasion) for C. difficile using sponge wipes was performed: before and after deep cleaning with detergent/chlorine agent; immediately following HPD; and on two further occasions, 19 days and 20 weeks following HPD. C. difficile isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction ribotyping and multi-locus variable repeat analysis (MLVA). C. difficile was recovered from 10.8%, 6.1%, 0.9%, 0% and 3.5% of sites at baseline, following deep cleaning, immediately after HPD, and 19 days and 20 weeks after HPD, respectively. C. difficile ribotypes recovered after deep cleaning matched those from CDI cases in the SRU during the previous 10 months. Similarly, 10/12 of the positive sites identified at 20 weeks post-HPD harboured the same C. difficile ribotype (002) and MLVA pattern as the isolate from the first post-HPD CDI case. CDI incidence [number of cases on SRU per 10 months (January-October 2011)] declined from 20 before to seven after the intervention. HPD, after deep cleaning with a detergent/chlorine agent, was highly effective for removing environmental C. difficile contamination. Long-term follow-up demonstrated that a CDI symptomatic patient can rapidly recontaminate the immediate environment. Determining a role for HPD should include long-term cost-effectiveness evaluations. Copyright © 2014 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-protein diet selectively reduces fat mass and improves glucose tolerance in Western-type diet-induced obese rats

PubMed Central

Stengel, Andreas; Goebel-Stengel, Miriam; Wang, Lixin; Hu, Eugenia; Karasawa, Hiroshi; Pisegna, Joseph R.

2013-01-01

Obesity is an increasing health problem. Because drug treatments are limited, diets remain popular. High-protein diets (HPD) reduce body weight (BW), although the mechanisms are unclear. We investigated physiological mechanisms altered by switching diet induced obesity (DIO) rats from Western-type diet (WTD) to HPD. Male rats were fed standard (SD) or WTD (45% calories from fat). After developing DIO (50% of rats), they were switched to SD (15% calories from protein) or HPD (52% calories from protein) for up to 4 weeks. Food intake (FI), BW, body composition, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and intestinal hormone plasma levels were monitored. Rats fed WTD showed an increased FI and had a 25% greater BW gain after 9 wk compared with SD (P < 0.05). Diet-induced obese rats switched from WTD to HPD reduced daily FI by 30% on day 1, which lasted to day 9 (−9%) and decreased BW during the 2-wk period compared with SD/SD (P < 0.05). During these 2 wk, WTD/HPD rats lost 72% more fat mass than WTD/SD (P < 0.05), whereas lean mass was unaltered. WTD/HPD rats had lower blood glucose than WTD/SD at 30 min postglucose gavage (P < 0.05). The increase of pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY during the 2-h dark-phase feeding was higher in WTD/HPD compared with WTD/SD (P < 0.05). These data indicate that HPD reduces BW in WTD rats, which may be related to decreased FI and the selective reduction of fat mass accompanied by improved glucose tolerance, suggesting relevant benefits of HPD in the treatment of obesity. PMID:23883680

High-protein diet improves sensitivity to cholecystokinin and shifts the cecal microbiome without altering brain inflammation in diet-induced obesity in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Lixin; Jacobs, Jonathan P; Lagishetty, Venu; Yuan, Pu-Qing; Wu, Shuping V; Million, Mulugeta; Reeve, Joseph R; Pisegna, Joseph R; Taché, Yvette

2017-10-01

High-protein diet (HPD) curtails obesity and/or fat mass, but it is unknown whether it reverses neuroinflammation or alters glucose levels, CCK sensitivity, and gut microbiome in rats fed a Western diet (WD)-induced obesity (DIO). Male rats fed a WD (high fat and sugar) for 12 wk were switched to a HPD for 6 wk. Body composition, food intake, meal pattern, sensitivity to intraperitoneal CCK-8S, blood glucose, brain signaling, and cecal microbiota were assessed. When compared with a normal diet, WD increased body weight (9.3%) and fat mass (73.4%). CCK-8S (1.8 or 5.2 nmol/kg) did not alter food intake and meal pattern in DIO rats. Switching to a HPD for 6 wk reduced fat mass (15.7%) with a nonsignificantly reduced body weight gain, normalized blood glucose, and decreased feeding after CCK-8S. DIO rats on the WD or switched to a HPD showed comparable microbial diversity. However, in HPD versus WD rats, there was enrichment of 114 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and depletion of 188 OTUs. Of those, Akkermansia muciniphila (enriched on a HPD), an unclassified Clostridiales, a member of the RF39 order, and a Phascolarctobacterium were significantly associated with fat mass. The WD increased cytokine expression in the hypothalamus and dorsal medulla that was unchanged by switching to HPD. These data indicate that HPD reduces body fat and restores glucose homeostasis and CCK sensitivity, while not modifying brain inflammation. In addition, expansion of cecal Akkermansia muciniphila correlated to fat mass loss may represent a potential peripheral mechanism of HPD beneficial effects.

Hearing protection devices: Use at work predicts use at play.

PubMed

Beach, Elizabeth Francis; Gilliver, Megan; Williams, Warwick

2016-09-02

Use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) at work is widespread and well researched, but less is known about HPD use in high-noise leisure activities. We investigated HPD use of 8,144 Australians in leisure settings. An online survey asked questions about HPD use at work and leisure and examined whether age, gender, HPD use at work, and tinnitus predicted HPD use in leisure activities. Leisure-based HPD use was most common during high-risk work-related activities. Use of HPDs at work was the most significant predictor of leisure-based use, with workplace users up to 5 times more likely to use HPDs at leisure. Men were significantly more likely than women to use HPDs in 10/20 leisure activities, and those with tinnitus were more likely than those without to use HPDs in 8/20 activities. Older participants were more likely to use HPDs at nightclubs and concerts, but younger participants were more likely to use HPDs playing e-games and musical instruments.

The Colonic Microbiome and Epithelial Transcriptome Are Altered in Rats Fed a High-Protein Diet Compared with a Normal-Protein Diet.

PubMed

Mu, Chunlong; Yang, Yuxiang; Luo, Zhen; Guan, Leluo; Zhu, Weiyun

2016-03-01

A high-protein diet (HPD) can produce hazardous compounds and reduce butyrate-producing bacteria in feces, which may be detrimental to gut health. However, information on whether HPD affects intestinal function is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of an HPD on the microbiota, microbial metabolites, and epithelial transcriptome in the colons of rats. Adult male Wistar rats were fed either a normal-protein diet (20% protein, 56% carbohydrate) or an HPD (45% protein, 30% carbohydrate) for 6 wk (n = 10 rats per group, individually fed). After 6 wk, the colonic microbiome, microbial metabolites, and epithelial transcriptome were determined. Compared with the normal-protein diet, the HPD adversely altered the colonic microbiota by increasing (P < 0.05) Escherichia/Shigella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and sulfate-reducing bacteria by 54.9-fold, 31.3-fold, 5.36-fold, and 2.59-fold, respectively. However, the HPD reduced Ruminococcus (8.04-fold), Akkermansia (not detected in HPD group), and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (3.5-fold) (P < 0.05), which are generally regarded as beneficial bacteria in the colon. Concomitant increases in cadaverine (4.88-fold), spermine (31.2-fold), and sulfide (4.8-fold) (P < 0.05) and a decrease in butyrate (2.16-fold) (P < 0.05) in the HPD rats indicated an evident shift toward the production of unhealthy microbial metabolites. In the colon epithelium of the HPD rats, transcriptome analysis identified an upregulation of genes (P < 0.05) involved in disease pathogenesis; these genes are involved in chemotaxis, the tumor necrosis factor signal process, and apoptosis. The HPD was also associated with a downregulation of many genes (P < 0.05) involved in immunoprotection, such as genes involved in innate immunity, O-linked glycosylation of mucin, and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting there may be an increased disease risk in these rats. The abundance of Escherichia/Shigella, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus was positively correlated (Spearman's ρ > 0.7, P < 0.05) with genes and metabolites generally regarded as being involved in disease pathogenesis, suggesting these bacteria may mediate the detrimental effects of HPDs on colonic health. Our findings suggest that the HPD altered the colonic microbial community, shifted the metabolic profile, and affected the host response in the colons of rats toward an increased risk of colonic disease. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Sheep model for osteoporosis: The effects of peripheral hormone therapy on centrally induced systemic bone loss in an osteoporotic sheep model.

PubMed

Oheim, Ralf; Simon, Maciej J K; Steiner, Malte; Vettorazzi, Eik; Barvencik, Florian; Ignatius, Anita; Amling, Michael; Clarke, Iain J; Pogoda, Pia; Beil, F Timo

2017-04-01

Hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection (HPD) leads to low bone turnover followed by bone loss and reduced biomechanical properties in sheep. To investigate the role of peripheral hormones in this centrally induced systemic bone loss model, we planned a hormone replacement experiment. Therefore, estrogen (OHE), thyroxin (OHT) or a combination of both (OHTE) was substituted in ovariectomized HPD sheep, as both hormones are decreased in HPD sheep and are known to have a significant but yet not fully understood impact on bone metabolism. Bone turnover and structural parameters were analyzed in comparison to different control groups - untreated sheep (C), ovariectomized (O) and ovariectomized+HPD sheep (OH). We performed histomorphometric and HR-pQCT analyses nine months after the HPD procedure, as well as biomechanical testing of all ewes studied. In HPD sheep (OH) the low bone turnover led to a significant bone loss. Treatment with thyroxin alone (OHT) mainly increased bone resorption, leading to a further reduction in bone volume. In contrast, the treatment with estrogen alone (OHE) and the combined treatment with estrogen and thyroxin (OHTE) prevented HPD-induced bone loss completely. In conclusion, peripheral hormone substitution was able to prevent HPD-induced low-turnover osteoporosis in sheep. But only the treatment with estrogen alone or in combination with thyroxin was able to completely preserve bone mass and structure. These findings demonstrate the importance of peripheral hormones for a balanced bone remodeling and a physiological bone turnover. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Thioaryl-Based Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 Inhibitors with Alternative Zinc-Binding Groups: Synthesis, Potentiometric, NMR, and Crystallographic Studies.

PubMed

Nuti, Elisa; Cuffaro, Doretta; Bernardini, Elisa; Camodeca, Caterina; Panelli, Laura; Chaves, Sílvia; Ciccone, Lidia; Tepshi, Livia; Vera, Laura; Orlandini, Elisabetta; Nencetti, Susanna; Stura, Enrico A; Santos, M Amélia; Dive, Vincent; Rossello, Armando

2018-05-24

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) selective inhibitors could play a role in the treatment of lung inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, the previously reported 4-methoxybiphenylsulfonyl hydroxamate and carboxylate based inhibitors (1b and 2b) were modified to enhance their selectivity for MMP-12. In the newly synthesized thioaryl derivatives, the nature of the zinc binding group (ZBG) and the sulfur oxidation state were changed. Biological assays carried out in vitro on human MMPs with the resulting compounds led to identification of a sulfide, 4a, bearing an N-1-hydroxypiperidine-2,6-dione (HPD) group as new ZBG. Compound 4a is a promising hit compound since it displayed a nanomolar affinity for MMP-12 with a marked selectivity over MMP-9, MMP-1, and MMP-14. Solution complexation studies with Zn 2+ were performed to characterize the chelating abilities of the new compounds and confirmed the bidentate binding mode of HPD derivatives. X-ray crystallography studies using MMP-12 and MMP-9 catalytic domains were carried out to rationalize the biological results.

Molecular Surveillance of True Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: An Evaluation of PCR Screening Assays

PubMed Central

Binks, Michael J.; Temple, Beth; Kirkham, Lea-Ann; Wiertsema, Selma P.; Dunne, Eileen M.; Richmond, Peter C.; Marsh, Robyn L.; Leach, Amanda J.; Smith-Vaughan, Heidi C.

2012-01-01

Background Unambiguous identification of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is not possible by conventional microbiology. Molecular characterisation of phenotypically defined NTHi isolates suggests that up to 40% are Haemophilus haemolyticus (Hh); however, the genetic similarity of NTHi and Hh limits the power of simple molecular techniques such as PCR for species discrimination. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we assess the ability of previously published and novel PCR-based assays to identify true NTHi. Sixty phenotypic NTHi isolates, classified by a dual 16S rRNA gene PCR algorithm as NTHi (n = 22), Hh (n = 27) or equivocal (n = 11), were further characterised by sequencing of the 16S rRNA and recA genes then interrogated by PCR-based assays targeting the omp P2, omp P6, lgtC, hpd, 16S rRNA, fucK and iga genes. The sequencing data and PCR results were used to define NTHi for this study. Two hpd real time PCR assays (hpd#1 and hpd#3) and the conventional iga PCR assay were equally efficient at differentiating study-defined NTHi from Hh, each with a receiver operator characteristic curve area of 0.90 [0.83; 0.98]. The hpd#1 and hpd#3 assays were completely specific against a panel of common respiratory bacteria, unlike the iga PCR, and the hpd#3 assay was able to detect below 10 copies per reaction. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest an evolutionary continuum between NTHi and Hh and therefore no single gene target could completely differentiate NTHi from Hh. The hpd#3 real time PCR assay proved to be the superior method for discrimination of NTHi from closely related Haemophilus species with the added potential for quantification of H. influenzae directly from specimens. We suggest the hpd#3 assay would be suitable for routine NTHi surveillance and to assess the impact of antibiotics and vaccines, on H. influenzae carriage rates, carriage density, and disease. PMID:22470516

Molecular surveillance of true nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: an evaluation of PCR screening assays.

PubMed

Binks, Michael J; Temple, Beth; Kirkham, Lea-Ann; Wiertsema, Selma P; Dunne, Eileen M; Richmond, Peter C; Marsh, Robyn L; Leach, Amanda J; Smith-Vaughan, Heidi C

2012-01-01

Unambiguous identification of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is not possible by conventional microbiology. Molecular characterisation of phenotypically defined NTHi isolates suggests that up to 40% are Haemophilus haemolyticus (Hh); however, the genetic similarity of NTHi and Hh limits the power of simple molecular techniques such as PCR for species discrimination. Here we assess the ability of previously published and novel PCR-based assays to identify true NTHi. Sixty phenotypic NTHi isolates, classified by a dual 16S rRNA gene PCR algorithm as NTHi (n = 22), Hh (n = 27) or equivocal (n = 11), were further characterised by sequencing of the 16S rRNA and recA genes then interrogated by PCR-based assays targeting the omp P2, omp P6, lgtC, hpd, 16S rRNA, fucK and iga genes. The sequencing data and PCR results were used to define NTHi for this study. Two hpd real time PCR assays (hpd#1 and hpd#3) and the conventional iga PCR assay were equally efficient at differentiating study-defined NTHi from Hh, each with a receiver operator characteristic curve area of 0.90 [0.83; 0.98]. The hpd#1 and hpd#3 assays were completely specific against a panel of common respiratory bacteria, unlike the iga PCR, and the hpd#3 assay was able to detect below 10 copies per reaction. Our data suggest an evolutionary continuum between NTHi and Hh and therefore no single gene target could completely differentiate NTHi from Hh. The hpd#3 real time PCR assay proved to be the superior method for discrimination of NTHi from closely related Haemophilus species with the added potential for quantification of H. influenzae directly from specimens. We suggest the hpd#3 assay would be suitable for routine NTHi surveillance and to assess the impact of antibiotics and vaccines, on H. influenzae carriage rates, carriage density, and disease.

Photodynamic Cancer Therapy—Recent Advances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrahamse, Heidi

2011-09-01

The basic principle of the photodynamic effect was discovered over a hundred years ago leading to the pioneering work on PDT in Europe. It was only during the 1980s, however, when "photoradiation therapy" was investigated as a possible treatment modality for cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a photochemotherapeutic process which requires the use of a photosensitizer (PS) that, upon entry into a cancer cell is targeted by laser irradiation to initiate a series of events that contribute to cell death. PSs are light-sensitive dyes activated by a light source at a specific wavelength and can be classified as first or second generation PSs based on its origin and synthetic pathway. The principle of PS activation lies in a photochemical reaction resulting from excitation of the PS producing singlet oxygen which in turn reacts and damages cell organelles and biomolecules required for cell function and ultimately leading to cell destruction. Several first and second generation PSs have been studied in several different cancer types in the quest to optimize treatment. PSs including haematoporphyrin derivative (HpD), aminolevulinic acid (ALA), chlorins, bacteriochlorins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, pheophorbiedes and purpurins all require selective uptake and retention by cancer cells prior to activation by a light source and subsequent cell death induction. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is based on the fluorescence effect exhibited by PSs upon irradiation and is often used concurrently with PDT to detect and locate tumours. Both laser and light emitting diodes (LED) have been used for PDT depending on the location of the tumour. Internal cancers more often require the use of laser light delivery using fibre optics as delivery system while external PDT often make use of LEDs. Normal cells have a lower uptake of the PS in comparison to tumour cells, however the acute cytotoxic effect of the compound on the recovery rate of normal cells is not known. Subcellular localization of PS is of vital importance when cell death mechanism is identified. Programmed cell death (PCD) viz. apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy have all been identified as inducible cell death mechanisms during PDT. While apoptosis is probably the preferred cell death mechanism, understanding the molecular differences and identifying the cross-talk between these mechanisms are crucial to the development of new PSs aimed at improving the killing efficiency and overall effectiveness of PDT as a cancer treatment modality. This paper reviews the process of PDT cancer therapy, the available PSs, their effectiveness for different cancers as well as the cell death mechanisms identified during PDT of different cancers associated with specific PSs.

Photodynamic Cancer Therapy - Recent Advances

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

Abrahamse, Heidi

The basic principle of the photodynamic effect was discovered over a hundred years ago leading to the pioneering work on PDT in Europe. It was only during the 1980s, however, when 'photoradiation therapy' was investigated as a possible treatment modality for cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a photochemotherapeutic process which requires the use of a photosensitizer (PS) that, upon entry into a cancer cell is targeted by laser irradiation to initiate a series of events that contribute to cell death. PSs are light-sensitive dyes activated by a light source at a specific wavelength and can be classified as first ormore » second generation PSs based on its origin and synthetic pathway. The principle of PS activation lies in a photochemical reaction resulting from excitation of the PS producing singlet oxygen which in turn reacts and damages cell organelles and biomolecules required for cell function and ultimately leading to cell destruction. Several first and second generation PSs have been studied in several different cancer types in the quest to optimize treatment. PSs including haematoporphyrin derivative (HpD), aminolevulinic acid (ALA), chlorins, bacteriochlorins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, pheophorbiedes and purpurins all require selective uptake and retention by cancer cells prior to activation by a light source and subsequent cell death induction. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is based on the fluorescence effect exhibited by PSs upon irradiation and is often used concurrently with PDT to detect and locate tumours. Both laser and light emitting diodes (LED) have been used for PDT depending on the location of the tumour. Internal cancers more often require the use of laser light delivery using fibre optics as delivery system while external PDT often make use of LEDs. Normal cells have a lower uptake of the PS in comparison to tumour cells, however the acute cytotoxic effect of the compound on the recovery rate of normal cells is not known. Subcellular localization of PS is of vital importance when cell death mechanism is identified. Programmed cell death (PCD) viz. apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy have all been identified as inducible cell death mechanisms during PDT. While apoptosis is probably the preferred cell death mechanism, understanding the molecular differences and identifying the cross-talk between these mechanisms are crucial to the development of new PSs aimed at improving the killing efficiency and overall effectiveness of PDT as a cancer treatment modality. This paper reviews the process of PDT cancer therapy, the available PSs, their effectiveness for different cancers as well as the cell death mechanisms identified during PDT of different cancers associated with specific PSs.« less

Historical roots of histrionic personality disorder

PubMed Central

Novais, Filipa; Araújo, Andreia; Godinho, Paula

2015-01-01

Histrionic Personality Disorder is one of the most ambiguous diagnostic categories in psychiatry. Hysteria is a classical term that includes a wide variety of psychopathological states. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks blamed a displaced womb, for many women’s afflictions. Several researchers from the 18th and 19th centuries studied this theme, namely, Charcot who defined hysteria as a “neurosis” with an organic basis and Sigmund Freud who redefined “neurosis” as a re-experience of past psychological trauma. Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) made its first official appearance in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders II (DSM-II) and since the DSM-III, HPD is the only disorder that kept the term derived from the old concept of hysteria. The subject of hysteria has reflected positions about health, religion and relationships between the sexes in the last 4000 years, and the discussion is likely to continue. PMID:26441812

A review of the relationships between human population density and biodiversity.

PubMed

Luck, Gary W

2007-11-01

To explore the impacts of increasing human numbers on nature, many studies have examined relationships between human population density (HPD) and biodiversity change. The implicit assumption in many of these studies is that as population density increases so does the threat to biodiversity. The implications of this assumption are compounded by recent research showing that species richness for many taxonomic groups is often highest in areas with high HPD. If increasing HPD is a threat to conservation, this threat may be magnified owing to the spatial congruence between people and species richness. Here, I review the relationships between HPD and measures of biodiversity status focussing in particular on evidence for the spatial congruence between people and species richness and the threat that increasing HPD may pose to biodiversity conservation. The review is split into two major sections: (i) a quantitative assessment of 85 studies covering 401 analyses, including meta-analyses on discrete relationships; and (ii) a discussion of the implications of the quantitative analyses and major issues raised in the literature. Our understanding of the relationships between HPD and biodiversity is skewed by geographic and taxonomic biases in the literature. Most research has been conducted in the Northern Hemisphere and focussed primarily on birds and mammals, largely ignoring relationships with other taxonomic groups. A total of 127 analyses compared HPD with the species richness of particular taxonomic groups. A meta-analysis of these results found a significant positive population correlation indicating that, on average, species-rich regions and human settlements co-occur. However, there was substantial unexplained heterogeneity in these data. Some of this heterogeneity was explained by the size of the sampling unit used by researchers - as this increased so did the strength of the correlation between HPD and species richness. The most convincing result for a taxonomic group was a significant positive population correlation between HPD and bird species richness. Significant positive population correlations were also found for HPD versus the richness of threatened and geographically restricted species. Hence, there is reasonably good evidence for spatial congruence between people and species-rich regions. The reasons for this congruence are only just beginning to be explored, but key mutual drivers appear to include available energy and elevation. The evidence for increasing HPD as a threat to conservation was weak, owing primarily to the extreme heterogeneity in the approaches used to address this issue. There was some suggestion of a positive relationship between HPD and species extinction, but this result should be interpreted with caution owing to the wide diversity of approaches used to measure extinction. Identifying strong links between human development and species extinction is hampered in part by the difficulty of recording extinction events. The most convincing indication of the negative impact of increasing HPD was a significant negative population correlation between density and the size of protected areas. The magnitude and implications of spatial congruence between people and biodiversity are now being explored using the principles of complementarity and irreplaceability. Human development as a threat to conservation is usually assessed within a complex, interdisciplinary modelling framework, although population size is still considered a key factor. Future population growth and expansion of human settlements will present increasing challenges for conserving species-rich regions and maximising the benefits humans gain from nature.

Hyperprogressive Disease Is a New Pattern of Progression in Cancer Patients Treated by Anti-PD-1/PD-L1.

PubMed

Champiat, Stéphane; Dercle, Laurent; Ammari, Samy; Massard, Christophe; Hollebecque, Antoine; Postel-Vinay, Sophie; Chaput, Nathalie; Eggermont, Alexander; Marabelle, Aurélien; Soria, Jean-Charles; Ferté, Charles

2017-04-15

Purpose: While immune checkpoint inhibitors are disrupting the management of patients with cancer, anecdotal occurrences of rapid progression (i.e., hyperprogressive disease or HPD) under these agents have been described, suggesting potentially deleterious effects of these drugs. The prevalence, the natural history, and the predictive factors of HPD in patients with cancer treated by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 remain unknown. Experimental Design: Medical records from all patients ( N = 218) prospectively treated in Gustave Roussy by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 within phase I clinical trials were analyzed. The tumor growth rate (TGR) prior ("REFERENCE"; REF) and upon ("EXPERIMENTAL"; EXP) anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy was compared to identify patients with accelerated tumor growth. Associations between TGR, clinicopathologic characteristics, and overall survival (OS) were computed. Results: HPD was defined as a RECIST progression at the first evaluation and as a ≥2-fold increase of the TGR between the REF and the EXP periods. Of 131 evaluable patients, 12 patients (9%) were considered as having HPD. HPD was not associated with higher tumor burden at baseline, nor with any specific tumor type. At progression, patients with HPD had a lower rate of new lesions than patients with disease progression without HPD ( P < 0.05). HPD is associated with a higher age ( P < 0.05) and a worse outcome (overall survival). Interestingly, REF TGR (before treatment) was inversely correlated with response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 ( P < 0.05) therapy. Conclusions: A novel aggressive pattern of hyperprogression exists in a fraction of patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1. This observation raises some concerns about treating elderly patients (>65 years old) with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy and suggests further study of this phenomenon. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 1920-8. ©2016 AACR See related commentary by Sharon, p. 1879 . ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

A randomized trial of energy-restricted high-protein versus high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet in morbid obesity.

PubMed

Dalle Grave, Riccardo; Calugi, Simona; Gavasso, Ilaria; El Ghoch, Marwan; Marchesini, Giulio

2013-09-01

Conflicting evidence exists as to weight loss produced by diets with different carbohydrate/protein ratio. The aim was to compare the long-term effects of high-protein vs. high-carbohydrate diet (HPD, HCD), combined with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In a randomized trial, 88 obese participants (mean age, 46.7; mean BMI, 45.6 kg m(-2) ) were enrolled in a 3-week inpatient and 48-week outpatient treatment, with continuous CBT during the study period. All subjects consumed a restricted diet (1,200 kcal day(-1) for women, 1,500 for men; 20% energy from fat, <10% saturated fat). HPD derived 34% energy from proteins, 46% from carbohydrates; HCD 17% from proteins, 64% from carbohydrates. The primary outcome was 1-year percent weight loss. Secondary outcomes were attrition rates and changes in cardiovascular risk factors and psychological profile. Attrition rates were similar between groups (25.6%). In the intention-to-treat analysis, weight loss averaged 15.0% in HPD and 13.3% in HCD at 1 year, without any difference throughout the study period. Both diets produced a similar improvement in secondary outcomes. The relative carbohydrate and protein content of the diet, when combined with intensive CBT, does not significantly affect attrition rate, weight loss and psychosocial outcome in patients with severe obesity. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

Analysis of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and its active components by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Guo, Yizhen; Lv, Beiran; Wang, Jingjuan; Liu, Yang; Sun, Suqin; Xiao, Yao; Lu, Lina; Xiang, Li; Yang, Yanfang; Qu, Lei; Meng, Qinghong

2016-01-15

As complicated mixture systems, active components of Chuanxiong Rhizoma are very difficult to identify and discriminate. In this paper, the macroscopic IR fingerprint method including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2DCOS-IR), was applied to study and identify Chuanxiong raw materials and its different segmented production of HPD-100 macroporous resin. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is rich in sucrose. In the FT-IR spectra, water eluate is more similar to sucrose than the powder and the decoction. Their second derivative spectra amplified the differences and revealed the potentially characteristic IR absorption bands and combined with the correlation coefficient, concluding that 50% ethanol eluate had more ligustilide than other eluates. Finally, it can be found from 2DCOS-IR spectra that proteins were extracted by ethanol from Chuanxiong decoction by HPD-100 macroporous resin. It was demonstrated that the above three-step infrared spectroscopy could be applicable for quick, non-destructive and effective analysis and identification of very complicated and similar mixture systems of traditional Chinese medicines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of bacterial pathogens in Mongolia meningitis surveillance with a new real-time PCR assay to detect Haemophilus influenzae.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Mair, Raydel; Hatcher, Cynthia; Theodore, M Jordan; Edmond, Karen; Wu, Henry M; Harcourt, Brian H; Carvalho, Maria da Gloria S; Pimenta, Fabiana; Nymadawa, Pagbajab; Altantsetseg, Dorjpurev; Kirsch, Mariah; Satola, Sarah W; Cohn, Amanda; Messonnier, Nancy E; Mayer, Leonard W

2011-04-01

Since the implementation of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) serotype b vaccine, other serotypes and non-typeable strains have taken on greater importance as a cause of Hi diseases. A rapid and accurate method is needed to detect all Hi regardless of the encapsulation status. We developed 2 real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assays to detect specific regions of the protein D gene (hpd). Both hpd assays are very specific and sensitive for detection of Hi. Of the 63 non-Hi isolates representing 21 bacterial species, none was detected by the hpd #1 assay, and only one of 2 H. aphrophilus isolates was detected by the hpd #3 assay. The hpd #1 and #3 assays detected 97% (229/237) and 99% (234/237) of Hi isolates, respectively, and were superior for detection of both typeable and non-typeable Hi isolates, as compared to previously developed rt-PCR targeting ompP2 or bexA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of these rt-PCR assays were assessed on cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected as part of meningitis surveillance in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The etiology (Neisseria meningitidis, Hi, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) of 111 suspected meningitis cases was determined by conventional methods (culture and latex agglutination), previously developed rt-PCR assays, and the new hpd assays. The rt-PCR assays were more sensitive for detection of meningitis pathogens than other classical methods and improved detection from 50% (56/111) to 75% (83/111). The hpd #3 assay identified a non-b Hi that was missed by the bexA assay and other methods. A sensitive rt-PCR assay to detect both typeable and non-typeable Hi is a useful tool for improving Hi disease surveillance especially after Hib vaccine introduction. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Relationship between intrapartum transperineal ultrasound measurement of angle of progression and head-perineum distance with correlation to conventional clinical parameters of labor progress and time to delivery.

PubMed

Chan, Ying Tze Viola; Ng, Vivian Kwun Sin; Yung, Wai Kuen; Lo, Tsz Kin; Leung, Wing Cheong; Lau, Wai Lam

2015-08-01

To assess whether angle of progression (AOP) and head-perineum distance (HPD) measured by intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (ITU) correlate with clinical fetal head station (station); and whether AOP versus HPD varies during uterine contraction and relaxation. In a subset of primiparous women, whether these ITU parameters correlate with time to normal spontaneous delivery (TD). We evaluated prospectively 100 primiparous and multiparous women at term in active labor. Transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound (sagittal and transverse plane) were used to measure fetal head position and ITU parameters, respectively. Digitally palpated station and cervical dilatation were also noted. The results were compared using regression and correlation coefficients. Station was moderately correlated with AOP (r = 0.579) and HPD (r = -0.497). AOP was highly correlated with HPD during uterine contraction (r = -0.703) and relaxation (r = -0.647). In the subgroup of primiparous women, natural log of TD has the highest correlation with HPD and AOP during uterine contraction (r = 0.742), making prediction of TD similar to that of using cervical dilatation. ITU parameters were moderately correlated with station. There was constant high correlation between AOP and HPD. Prediction of TD in primiparous women using ITU parameters was similar to that of using cervical dilatation.

Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes

PubMed Central

Marburger, Sarah; Alexandrou, Markos A.; Creer, Simon

2018-01-01

Genome size varies significantly across eukaryotic taxa and the largest changes are typically driven by macro-mutations such as whole genome duplications (WGDs) and proliferation of repetitive elements. These two processes may affect the evolutionary potential of lineages by increasing genetic variation and changing gene expression. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary history and mechanisms underpinning genome size variation in a species-rich group of Neotropical catfishes (Corydoradinae) with extreme variation in genome size—0.6 to 4.4 pg per haploid cell. First, genome size was quantified in 65 species and mapped onto a novel fossil-calibrated phylogeny. Two evolutionary shifts in genome size were identified across the tree—the first between 43 and 49 Ma (95% highest posterior density (HPD) 36.2–68.1 Ma) and the second at approximately 19 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–30.14 Ma). Second, restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to identify potential WGD events and quantify transposable element (TE) abundance in different lineages. Evidence of two lineage-scale WGDs was identified across the phylogeny, the first event occurring between 54 and 66 Ma (95% HPD 42.56–99.5 Ma) and the second at 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) based on haplotype numbers per contig and between 35 and 44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29–64.51 Ma) and 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) based on SNP read ratios. TE abundance increased considerably in parallel with genome size, with a single TE-family (TC1-IS630-Pogo) showing several increases across the Corydoradinae, with the most recent at 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) and an older event at 35–44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29–64.51 Ma). We identified signals congruent with two WGD duplication events, as well as an increase in TE abundance across different lineages, making the Corydoradinae an excellent model system to study the effects of WGD and TEs on genome and organismal evolution. PMID:29445022

Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes.

PubMed

Marburger, Sarah; Alexandrou, Markos A; Taggart, John B; Creer, Simon; Carvalho, Gary; Oliveira, Claudio; Taylor, Martin I

2018-02-14

Genome size varies significantly across eukaryotic taxa and the largest changes are typically driven by macro-mutations such as whole genome duplications (WGDs) and proliferation of repetitive elements. These two processes may affect the evolutionary potential of lineages by increasing genetic variation and changing gene expression. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary history and mechanisms underpinning genome size variation in a species-rich group of Neotropical catfishes (Corydoradinae) with extreme variation in genome size-0.6 to 4.4 pg per haploid cell. First, genome size was quantified in 65 species and mapped onto a novel fossil-calibrated phylogeny. Two evolutionary shifts in genome size were identified across the tree-the first between 43 and 49 Ma (95% highest posterior density (HPD) 36.2-68.1 Ma) and the second at approximately 19 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-30.14 Ma). Second, restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to identify potential WGD events and quantify transposable element (TE) abundance in different lineages. Evidence of two lineage-scale WGDs was identified across the phylogeny, the first event occurring between 54 and 66 Ma (95% HPD 42.56-99.5 Ma) and the second at 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) based on haplotype numbers per contig and between 35 and 44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29-64.51 Ma) and 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) based on SNP read ratios. TE abundance increased considerably in parallel with genome size, with a single TE-family (TC1-IS630-Pogo) showing several increases across the Corydoradinae, with the most recent at 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) and an older event at 35-44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29-64.51 Ma). We identified signals congruent with two WGD duplication events, as well as an increase in TE abundance across different lineages, making the Corydoradinae an excellent model system to study the effects of WGD and TEs on genome and organismal evolution. © 2018 The Authors.

Photodynamic therapy--1994: treatment of benign and malignant upper aerodigestive tract disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweitzer, Vanessa G.

1995-03-01

From 1983 to 1994 Phase II and III clinical studies at Henry Ford Hospital demonstrated complete or partial responses in 46 of 47 patients treated with hematoporphyrin-derivative photodynamic therapy (HPD-PDT) for a variety of benign and malignant upper aerodigestive tract disease: (1) superficial `condemned mucosa' or `field cancerization' of the oral cavity; (2) stage III/IV head and neck cancer; (3) mucocutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma of the upper aerodigestive tract; (4) recurrent laryngotracheal papillomatosis; (5) severe dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus; (6) partial or completely obstructing terminal esophageal cancer. HPD-PDT produced complete responses in 19 patients (follow up 6 months to 8 years) with `field cancerization' (CIS, T1) of the oral cavity and larynx (6), adenocarcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus (2), mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma (9), obstructing esophageal carcinoma (1), and stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx (1). PDT treatment protocols, results, complications, and application as adjunct or primary oncologic therapy for head and neck disease are reviewed.

Southern Brazilian native fruit shows neurochemical, metabolic and behavioral benefits in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Oliveira, Pathise Souto; Chaves, Vitor Clasen; Soares, Mayara Sandrielly Pereira; Bona, Natália Pontes; Mendonça, Lorenço Torres; Carvalho, Fabiano Barbosa; Gutierres, Jessié Martins; Vasconcellos, Flávia Aleixo; Vizzotto, Marcia; Vieira, Andriele; Spanevello, Roselia Maria; Reginatto, Flávio Henrique; Lencina, Claiton Leoneti; Stefanello, Francieli Moro

2018-06-07

In this work, we evaluated the effects of Psidium cattleianum (Red Type) (PcRT) fruit extract on metabolic, behavioral, and neurochemical parameters in rats fed with a highly palatable diet (HPD) consisted of sucrose (65% carbohydrates being 34% from condensed milk, 8% from sucrose and 23% from starch, 25% protein and 10% fat). Animals were divided into 4 groups: standard chow, standard chow + PcRT extract (200 mg/Kg/day by gavage), HPD, HPD + extract. The animals were treated for 150 days. Concerning chemical profiling, LC/PDA/MS/MS analysis revealed cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the only anthocyanin in the PcRT extract. Our results showed that the animals exposed to HPD presented glucose intolerance, increased weight gain and visceral fat, as well as higher serum levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and interleukin-6. These alterations were prevented by PcRT. In addition, HPD caused an increase in immobility time in a forced swimming test and the fruit extract prevented this alteration, indicating an antidepressant-like effect. PcRT treatment also prevented increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the prefrontal cortex caused by HPD consumption. Moreover, PcRT extract was able to restore Ca 2+ -ATPase activity in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, as well as Na + ,K + -ATPase activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. PcRT treatment decreased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrite, and reactive oxygen species levels and prevented the reduction of superoxide dismutase activity in all cerebral structures of the HPD group. Additionally, HPD decreased catalase in the hippocampus and striatum. However, the extract prevented this change in the hippocampus. Our results showed that this berry extract has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects, and neuroprotective properties, proving to be a potential therapeutic agent for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

A comparison of "Train-the-Trainer" and expert training modalities for hearing protection use in construction.

PubMed

Trabeau, Maggie; Neitzel, Richard; Meischke, Hendrika; Daniell, William E; Seixas, Noah S

2008-02-01

Few assessments have been conducted on the impact of a "Train-the-Trainer" (T3) approach for training delivery. The present study compared the effectiveness of a noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) prevention training delivered using "Train-the-Trainer" and expert trainer modalities. Participating construction companies were assigned to the Train-the-Trainer or expert trainer modalities. Workers were recruited from each company and then trained. The effectiveness of the modalities was assessed through the use of surveys. The accuracy of self-reported hearing protection device (HPD) use was also evaluated through on-site observation. Post-training scores for hearing conservation knowledge, perceived barriers, and current and intended future use of HPDs improved significantly for both training modalities. Subjects trained by T3 trainers significantly increased their beliefs regarding general susceptibility to NIHL, desire to prevent NIHL, and ability to recognize, and control hazardous noise exposures. The expert-trained groups significantly increased their beliefs regarding the benefits of HPD use and ability to ask for help with HPDs. The only changes that were significantly different between modalities were in general susceptibility to NIHL and effective use of HPDs. However, these beliefs differed significantly between subjects in the two-modality groups prior to training. Self-reported HPD use was poorly correlated with observed use, calling into question the validity of survey-based HPD use measures in this context. The training improved beliefs regarding HPD use, increased workers' hearing conservation knowledge, and increased self-reported HPD use. The effectiveness of the training was not found to be dependent on training modality.

Hearing impairment and contributing factors among fertilizer factory workers

PubMed Central

Saffree Jeffree, Mohammad; Ismail, Noorhassim; Awang Lukman, Khamisah

2016-01-01

Introduction: Hearing impairment remains the main occupational health problem in the manufacturing industry, and its contributing factors have not been well controlled. Methods: Unmatched case control and comparative studies were carried out among fertilizer factory workers in Sarawak with the aim of determining contributing factors for hearing impairment. Respondents consisted of 49 cases that were diagnosed from 2005 to 2008 with 98 controls from the same work places. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used in a univariate analysis to determine the association between hearing impairment and the contributing risks being studied. Results: The results of the univariate analysis showed that hearing impairment was significantly (p<0.05) associated with older age, lower education level, high smoking dose, high occupational daily noise dose, longer duration of service, infrequent used of hearing protection device (HPD), and low perception of sound on HPD usage. Multivariate logistic regression of hearing impairment after controlling for age found the following five variables: occupational daily noise dose ≥50% (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.36-8.89), ≥15 years of services (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.16-7.33), infrequent use of HPD (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.15-6.77), low perception of sound on HPD (POR 2.77, 95% CI 1.09-6.97), and smoking more than 20 packs per year (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.13-19.68). Discussion: In conclusion, high occupational noise exposure level, longer duration of service, low perception of sound on HPD, infrequent used of HPD, and smoking more than 20 packs per year were the contributing factors to hearing impairment, and appropriate intervention measures should be proposed and taken into considerations. PMID:27488035

High protein weight loss diets in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Pedersen, E; Jesudason, D R; Clifton, P M

2014-05-01

Diets where carbohydrate has been partially exchanged for protein have shown beneficial changes in persons with type 2 diabetes but no studies have enrolled people with albuminuria. We aim to determine if a high protein to carbohydrate ratio (HPD) in an energy reduced diet has a beneficial effect on metabolic control and cardiovascular risk factors without negatively affecting renal function. Adult, overweight participants with type 2 diabetes, with albuminuria (30-600 mg/24 h or an albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 3.0-60 mg/mmol), and estimated GFR of >40 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to an HPD or an SPD. Protein:fat:carbohydrate ratio was 30:30:40% of energy for the HPD and 20:30:50% for the SPD. Main outcomes were renal function, weight loss, blood pressure, serum lipids and glycaemic control. We recruited 76 volunteers and 45 (35 men and 10 women) finished. There were no overall changes in renal function at 12 months and no significant differences in weight loss between groups (9.7 ± 2.9 kg and 6.6 ± 1.4 kg HPD and SPD group respectively; p = 0.32). Fasting blood glucose decreased significantly with no treatment effect. The decrease in HbA1c differed between treatments at 6 months (HPD -0.9 vs. SPD -0.3%; p = 0.039) but not at 12 months. HDL increased significantly with no treatment effects. There were no changes in LDL or blood pressure overall but DBP was lower in the HPD group (p = 0.024) at 12 months. Weight loss improved overall metabolic control in this group of well controlled participants with type 2 diabetes regardless of diet composition. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal microbiota changes of high-protein diet intake in a rat model.

PubMed

Mu, Chunlong; Yang, Yuxiang; Luo, Zhen; Zhu, Weiyun

2017-10-01

Alterations of specific microbes serve as important indicators that link gut health with specific diet intake. Although a six-week high-protein diet (45% protein) upregulates the pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress in colon of rats, the dynamic alteration of gut microbiota remains unclear. To dissect temporal changes of microbiota, dynamic analyses of fecal microbiota were conducted using a rat model. Adult rats were fed a normal-protein diet or an HPD for 6 weeks, and feces collected at different weeks were used for microbiota and metabolite analysis. The structural alteration of fecal microbiota was observed after 4 weeks, especially for the decreased appearance of bands related to Akkermansia species. HPD increased numbers of Escherichia coli while decreased Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Ruminococcus bromii, and Roseburia/Eubacterium rectale (P < 0.05), compared to the normal-protein diet. HPD also decreased the copies of genes encoding butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase and Prevotella-associated methylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase α-subunit (P < 0.05). The concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were decreased by HPD (P < 0.05). Additionally, HPD tended to decrease (P = 0.057) the concentration of IgG in the colonic lumen, which was positively correlated with fecal butyrate at week 6 (P < 0.05). Collectively, this study found the temporal alteration of fecal microbiota related to the decreased numbers and activity of propionate- and butyrate-producing bacteria in feces after the HPD. These findings may provide important reference for linking changes of specific fecal microbes with gut health under high-protein diet. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hearing impairment and contributing factors among fertilizer factory workers.

PubMed

Saffree Jeffree, Mohammad; Ismail, Noorhassim; Awang Lukman, Khamisah

2016-09-30

Hearing impairment remains the main occupational health problem in the manufacturing industry, and its contributing factors have not been well controlled. Unmatched case control and comparative studies were carried out among fertilizer factory workers in Sarawak with the aim of determining contributing factors for hearing impairment. Respondents consisted of 49 cases that were diagnosed from 2005 to 2008 with 98 controls from the same work places. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used in a univariate analysis to determine the association between hearing impairment and the contributing risks being studied. The results of the univariate analysis showed that hearing impairment was significantly (p<0.05) associated with older age, lower education level, high smoking dose, high occupational daily noise dose, longer duration of service, infrequent used of hearing protection device (HPD), and low perception of sound on HPD usage. Multivariate logistic regression of hearing impairment after controlling for age found the following five variables: occupational daily noise dose ≥50% (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.36-8.89), ≥15 years of services (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.16-7.33), infrequent use of HPD (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.15-6.77), low perception of sound on HPD (POR 2.77, 95% CI 1.09-6.97), and smoking more than 20 packs per year (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.13-19.68). In conclusion, high occupational noise exposure level, longer duration of service, low perception of sound on HPD, infrequent used of HPD, and smoking more than 20 packs per year were the contributing factors to hearing impairment, and appropriate intervention measures should be proposed and taken into considerations.

Estimating the Lineage Dynamics of Human Influenza B Viruses.

PubMed

Nyirenda, Mayumbo; Omori, Ryosuke; Tessmer, Heidi L; Arimura, Hiroki; Ito, Kimihito

2016-01-01

The prediction of the lineage dynamics of influenza B viruses for the next season is one of the largest obstacles for constructing an appropriate influenza trivalent vaccine. Seasonal fluctuation of transmissibility and epidemiological interference between the two major influenza B lineages make the lineage dynamics complicated. Here we construct a parsimonious model describing the lineage dynamics while taking into account seasonal fluctuation of transmissibility and epidemiological interference. Using this model we estimated the epidemiological and evolutional parameters with the time-series data of the lineage specific isolates in Japan from the 2010-2011 season to the 2014-2015 season. The basic reproduction number is similar between Victoria and Yamagata, with a minimum value during one year as 0.82 (95% highest posterior density (HPD): 0.77-0.87) for the Yamagata and 0.83 (95% HPD: 0.74-0.92) for Victoria, the amplitude of seasonal variation of the basic reproduction number is 0.77 (95% HPD:0.66-0.87) for Yamagata and 1.05 (95% HPD: 0.89-1.02) for Victoria. The duration for which the acquired immunity is effective against infection by the Yamagata lineage is shorter than the acquired immunity for Victoria, 424.1days (95% HPD:317.4-561.5days). The reduction rate of susceptibility due to immune cross-reaction is 0.51 (95% HPD: 0.084-0.92) for the immunity obtained from the infection with Yamagata against the infection with Victoria and 0.62 (95% HPD: 0.42-0.80) for the immunity obtained from the infection with Victoria against the infection with Yamagata. Using estimated parameters, we predicted the dominant lineage in 2015-2016 season. The accuracy of this prediction is 68.8% if the emergence timings of the two lineages are known and 61.4% if the emergence timings are unknown. Estimated seasonal variation of the lineage specific reproduction number can narrow down the range of emergence timing, with an accuracy of 64.6% if the emergence times are assumed to be the time at which the estimated reproduction number exceeds one.

Using tea stalk lignocellulose as an adsorbent for separating decaffeinated tea catechins.

PubMed

Ye, J H; Jin, J; Liang, H L; Lu, J L; Du, Y Y; Zheng, X Q; Liang, Y R

2009-01-01

Lignocelluloses prepared from woody tea stalk, pine sawdust and sugarcane bagasse were used as adsorbents to isolate decaffeinated catechins from tea extracts and compared with synthetic macroporous resin HPD 600. HPD 600 had the highest adsorption capacity to catechins, followed by tea stalk lignocellulose while lignocelluloses of pine sawdust and bagasse the least. Tea stalk lignocellulose absorbed preferentially tea catechins and showed a good selectivity. HPD 600 absorbed caffeine and tea catechins simultaneously. The kinetics data of tea stalk lignocellulose showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model. It is considered that tea stalk lignocellulose is an alternative low-cost adsorbent for preparing decaffeinated tea catechins.

A bright side, facet analysis of histrionic personality disorder: the relationship between the HDS Colourful factor and the NEO-PI-R facets in a large adult sample.

PubMed

Furnham, Adrian

2014-01-01

This study looks at "bright-side," Big Five Personality trait correlates of a "dark-side" Personality Disorder, namely Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). More than 5000 British adults completed the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Personality Inventory-Revised (Costa & McCrae, 1985), which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain (Super Factor) and the Facet (Factor) level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS; Hogan & Hogan, 2009), which has a measure of HPD, exclusively called "Colourful" in the HDS terminology. Correlation and regression results confirmed many of the associations between these "bright" and "dark" side individual difference variables. The Colourful (HPD) score from the HDS was the criterion variable in all analyses. Colourful individuals are high on Extraversion and Openness, but also Stable and disagreeable. The Facet analysis identified Assertiveness and Immodesty as particularly characteristic of that type. The study confirmed work on HPD using different population groups and different measures, showing that personality traits are predictable and correlated with various personality disorders.

Candida albicans Utilizes a Modified β-Oxidation Pathway for the Degradation of Toxic Propionyl-CoA*

PubMed Central

Otzen, Christian; Bardl, Bettina; Jacobsen, Ilse D.; Nett, Markus; Brock, Matthias

2014-01-01

Propionyl-CoA arises as a metabolic intermediate from the degradation of propionate, odd-chain fatty acids, and some amino acids. Thus, pathways for catabolism of this intermediate have evolved in all kingdoms of life, preventing the accumulation of toxic propionyl-CoA concentrations. Previous studies have shown that fungi generally use the methyl citrate cycle for propionyl-CoA degradation. Here, we show that this is not the case for the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans despite its ability to use propionate and valerate as carbon sources. Comparative proteome analyses suggested the presence of a modified β-oxidation pathway with the key intermediate 3-hydroxypropionate. Gene deletion analyses confirmed that the enoyl-CoA hydratase/dehydrogenase Fox2p, the putative 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA hydrolase Ehd3p, the 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase Hpd1p, and the putative malonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase Ald6p essentially contribute to propionyl-CoA degradation and its conversion to acetyl-CoA. The function of Hpd1p was further supported by the detection of accumulating 3-hydroxypropionate in the hpd1 mutant on propionyl-CoA-generating nutrients. Substrate specificity of Hpd1p was determined from recombinant purified enzyme, which revealed a preference for 3-hydroxypropionate, although serine and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate could also serve as substrates. Finally, virulence studies in a murine sepsis model revealed attenuated virulence of the hpd1 mutant, which indicates generation of propionyl-CoA from host-provided nutrients during infection. PMID:24497638

Postnatal high-protein diet improves learning and memory in premature rats via activation of mTOR signaling.

PubMed

Su, Zhi-Wen; Liao, Jia-Yi; Zhang, Hui; Zhang, Tao; Wu, Fan; Tian, Xiao-Hua; Zhang, Fei-Tong; Sun, Wei-Wen; Cui, Qi-Liang

2015-06-22

The present study investigated whether a high-protein diet affects spatial learning and memory in premature rats via modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Pre- and full-term Sprague-Dawley pups were fed a normal (18% protein) or high-protein (30% protein) diet (HPD) for 6 or 8 weeks after weaning. Spatial learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze at week 6 and 8. The activation of mTOR signaling pathway components was evaluated by western blotting. Spatial memory performance of premature rats consuming a normal and HPD was lower than that of full-term rats on the same diet at 6 weeks, and was associated with lower levels of ribosomal protein S6 kinase p70 subtype (p70S6K) and initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Spatial memory was improved in 8-week-old premature rats on an HPD as compared to those on a normal diet. Premature rats on an HPD had p70S6K and 4EBP1 phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus that were comparable to those of full-term rats on an HPD. Long-term consumption of a protein-rich diet can restore the impairment in learning and memory in pre-term rats via upregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Resolution and Lightweight X-ray Optics for the X-Ray Surveyor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, William

Envisioned in "Enduring Quest, Daring Visions" and under study by NASA as a potential major mission for the 2020s, the X-ray Surveyor mission will likely impose three requirements on its optics: (1) high angular resolution: 0.5 PSF, (2) large effective area: e10,000 cm2 or more, and (3) affordable production cost: $500M. We propose a technology that can meet these requirements by 2020. It will help the X-ray Surveyor secure the endorsement of the coming decadal survey and enable its implementation following WFIRST. The technology comprises four elements: (1) fabrication of lightweight single crystal silicon mirrors, (2) coating these mirrors with iridium to maximize effective area without figure degradation, (3) alignment and bonding of these mirrors to form meta-shells that will be integrated to make a mirror assembly, and (4) systems engineering to ensure that the mirror assembly meet all science performance and spaceflight environmental requirements. This approach grows out of our existing approach based on glass slumping. Using glass slumping technology, we have been able to routinely build and test mirror modules of 10half-power diameter (HPD). While comparable in HPD to XMM-Newtons electroformed nickel mirrors, these mirror modules are 10 times lighter. Likewise, while comparable in weight to Suzakus epoxy-replicated aluminum foil mirrors, these modules have 10 times better HPD. These modules represent the current state of the art of lightweight X-ray optics. Although both successful and mature, the glass slumping technology has reached its limit and cannot achieve sub-arc second HPD. Therefore, we are pursuing the new approach based on polishing single crystal silicon. The new approach will enable the building and testing of mirror modules, called meta-shells, capable of 3HPD by 2018 and 1HPD by 2020, and has the potential to reach diffraction limits ( 0.1) in the 2020s.

Anti-tumor immunotherapy by blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with recombinant human PD-1-IgV.

PubMed

Zhang, C; Wu, S; Xue, X; Li, M; Qin, X; Li, W; Han, W; Zhang, Y

2008-01-01

Blockade of the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway can delay tumor growth and prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mice. The extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) V domain of PD-1 is important for the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1, suggesting that PD-1-IgV may be a potential target for anti-tumor immunotherapy. The extracellular sequence of human PD-1-IgV (hPD-1-IgV) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The anti-tumor effect of hPD-1-IgV on tumor-bearing mice was tested. hPD-1-IgV recombinant protein could bind PD-L1 at molecular and cellular levels and enhance Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) activity and anti-tumor effect on tumor-bearing mice in vivo. The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells in tumor-bearing mice was decreased compared with control mice after administration of the recombinant protein. Our results suggest that inhibition of the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 by hPD-1-IgV may be a promising strategy for specific tumor immunotherapy.

[Spectral properties of new photosensitizers for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy].

PubMed

Li, Bu-hong; Xie, Shu-sen; Lu, Zu-kang

2002-12-01

The spectral properties of new photosensitizer ZnPcS2P2, PsD-007 and HMME, as well as traditional photosensitizer HpD have been studied by comparing their spectra in physiological saline and in physiological saline with 10 percent serum. Experimental results show that the maximum absorption peaks for PsD-007, HMME and HpD in the physiological saline with 10 percent serum appear at 400 nm in the soret region, while at 670 nm for ZnPcS2P2. The fluorescence excitation spectra closely resemble the absorption spectra. When excited by the light at the wavelengths of 413 and 514.5 nm, the fluorescence emission peaks for PsD-007, HMME and HpD appear at 625 and 690 nm, respectively. The fluorescent excitation efficiency of the same photosensitizer with the same concentration excited by the light at the wavelength of 413 nm is about three fold higher than that at 514.5 nm. Furthermore, the fluorescent excitation efficiency is the highest for HMME, but is lower for HpD and lowest for PsD-007. These results are significant in the selection of photosensitizers for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy.

[Effect of procaine and procaine metabolites on coenzyme A and acetyl coenzyme A concentration in various tissues of the rat].

PubMed

Kietzmann, M; Kaemmerer, K

1989-01-01

In rats treated with procaine hydrochloride, diethylaminoethanol, monoethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, as well as a combination of procaine hydrochloride and haematoporphyrine the ratio of acetyl coenzyme A and coenzyme A clearly was enhanced in the liver and to a minor extent in the cerebellum. In the tissue of cerebral cortex, heart, muscle and duodenum no corresponding effects were demonstrated. These findings, showing a further intermediary effect of orally administered procaine, can be interpreted as an influence in intermediary energy utilisation.

Long-Term Intake of a High-Protein Diet Affects Body Phenotype, Metabolism, and Plasma Hormones in Mice.

PubMed

Vu, John P; Luong, Leon; Parsons, William F; Oh, Suwan; Sanford, Daniel; Gabalski, Arielle; Lighton, John Rb; Pisegna, Joseph R; Germano, Patrizia M

2017-12-01

Background: High-protein diets (HPDs) recently have been used to obtain body weight and fat mass loss and expand muscle mass. Several studies have documented that HPDs reduce appetite and food intake. Objective: Our goal was to determine the long-term effects of an HPD on body weight, energy intake and expenditure, and metabolic hormones. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (8 wk old) were fed either an HPD (60% of energy as protein) or a control diet (CD; 20% of energy as protein) for 12 wk. Body composition and food intakes were determined, and plasma hormone concentrations were measured in mice after being fed and after overnight feed deprivation at several time points. Results: HPD mice had significantly lower body weight (in means ± SEMs; 25.73 ± 1.49 compared with 32.5 ± 1.31 g; P = 0.003) and fat mass (9.55% ± 1.24% compared with 15.78% ± 2.07%; P = 0.05) during the first 6 wk compared with CD mice, and higher lean mass throughout the study starting at week 2 (85.45% ± 2.25% compared with 75.29% ± 1.90%; P = 0.0001). Energy intake, total energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient were significantly lower in HPD compared with CD mice as shown by cumulative energy intake and eating rate. Water vapor was significantly higher in HPD mice during both dark and light phases. In HPD mice, concentrations of leptin [feed-deprived: 41.31 ± 11.60 compared with 3041 ± 683 pg/mL ( P = 0.0004); postprandial: 112.5 ± 102.0 compared with 8273 ± 1415 pg/mL ( P < 0.0001)] and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) [feed-deprived: 5.664 ± 1.44 compared with 21.31 ± 1.26 pg/mL ( P = <0.0001); postprandial: 6.54 ± 2.13 compared with 50.62 ± 11.93 pg/mL ( P = 0.0037)] were significantly lower, whereas postprandial glucagon concentrations were higher than in CD-fed mice. Conclusions: In male mice, the 12-wk HPD resulted in short-term body weight and fat mass loss, but throughout the study preserved body lean mass and significantly reduced energy intake and expenditure as well as leptin and GLP-1 concentrations while elevating postprandial glucagon concentrations. This study suggests that long-term use of HPDs may be an effective strategy to decrease energy intake and expenditure and to maintain body lean mass. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Muscle strength gains during resistance exercise training are attenuated with soy compared with dairy or usual protein intake in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Thomson, Rebecca L; Brinkworth, Grant D; Noakes, Manny; Buckley, Jonathan D

2016-02-01

Maintenance of muscle mass and strength into older age is critical to maintain health. The aim was to determine whether increased dairy or soy protein intake combined with resistance training enhanced strength gains in older adults. 179 healthy older adults (age 61.5 ± 7.4 yrs, BMI 27.6 ± 3.6 kg/m(2)) performed resistance training three times per week for 12 weeks and were randomized to one of three eucaloric dietary treatments which delivered >20 g of protein at each main meal or immediately after resistance training: high dairy protein (HP-D, >1.2 g of protein/kg body weight/d; ∼27 g/d dairy protein); high soy protein (HP-S, >1.2 g of protein/kg body weight/d; ∼27 g/d soy protein); usual protein intake (UP, <1.2 g of protein/kg body weight/d). Muscle strength, body composition, physical function and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Treatments effects were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. 83 participants completed the intervention per protocol (HP-D = 34, HP-S = 26, UP = 23). Protein intake was higher in HP-D and HP-S compared with UP (HP-D 1.41 ± 0.14 g/kg/d, HP-S 1.42 ± 0.61 g/kg/d, UP 1.10 ± 0.10 g/kg/d; P < 0.001 treatment effect). Strength increased less in HP-S compared with HP-D and UP (HP-D 92.1 ± 40.8%, HP-S 63.0 ± 23.8%,UP 92.3 ± 35.4%; P = 0.002 treatment effect). Lean mass, physical function and mental health scores increased and fat mass decreased (P ≤ 0.006), with no treatment effect (P > 0.06). Increased soy protein intake attenuated gains in muscle strength during resistance training in older adults compared with increased intake of dairy protein or usual protein intake. ACTRN12612000177853 www.anzctr.org.au. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Separation of vitexin-4″-O-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside from hawthorn leaves extracts using macroporous resins.

PubMed

Li, Hongjuan; Liu, Ying; Jin, Haizhu; Liu, Sujing; Fang, Shengtao; Wang, Chunhua; Xia, Chuanhai

2015-12-15

Vitexin-4″-O-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside are the major flavonoids of hawthorn leaves. In this work, the adsorption and desorption characteristics of vitexin-4″-O-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside on seven macroporous resins were evaluated. Among the tested resins, the HPD-400 resin showed the best adsorption and desorption capacities. Adsorption isotherms were constructed for the HPD-400 resin and well fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. Dynamic adsorption and desorption tests were performed on column packed with the HPD-400 resin to optimize the chromatographic parameters. After one run treatment with the HPD-400 resin, the contents of vitexin-4″-O-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside in the product were increased 8.44-fold and 8.43-fold from 0.720% and 2.63% to 6.08% and 22.2% with recovery yields of 79.1% and 81.2%, respectively. These results show that the developed method is a promising basis for the large-scale purification of vitexin-4″-O-glucoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside from hawthorn leaves and other plant materials. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The sensitivity of normal brain and intracranially implanted VX2 tumour to interstitial photodynamic therapy.

PubMed Central

Lilge, L.; Olivo, M. C.; Schatz, S. W.; MaGuire, J. A.; Patterson, M. S.; Wilson, B. C.

1996-01-01

The applicability and limitations of a photodynamic threshold model, used to describe quantitatively the in vivo response of tissues to photodynamic therapy, are currently being investigated in a variety of normal and malignant tumour tissues. The model states that tissue necrosis occurs when the number of photons absorbed by the photosensitiser per unit tissue volume exceeds a threshold. New Zealand White rabbits were sensitised with porphyrin-based photosensitisers. Normal brain or intracranially implanted VX2 tumours were illuminated via an optical fibre placed into the tissue at craniotomy. The light fluence distribution in the tissue was measured by multiple interstitial optical fibre detectors. The tissue concentration of the photosensitiser was determined post mortem by absorption spectroscopy. The derived photodynamic threshold values for normal brain are significantly lower than for VX2 tumour for all photosensitisers examined. Neuronal damage is evident beyond the zone of frank necrosis. For Photofrin the threshold decreases with time delay between photosensitiser administration and light treatment. No significant difference in threshold is found between Photofrin and haematoporphyrin derivative. The threshold in normal brain (grey matter) is lowest for sensitisation by 5 delta-aminolaevulinic acid. The results confirm the very high sensitivity of normal brain to porphyrin photodynamic therapy and show the importance of in situ light fluence monitoring during photodynamic irradiation. Images Figure 1 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:8562339

Effect of a High-Protein Diet versus Standard-Protein Diet on Weight Loss and Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Campos-Nonato, Ismael; Hernandez, Lucia; Barquera, Simon

2017-01-01

Some studies have shown that protein-enriched diets can lead to greater weight loss and improvements in biomarkers of metabolic syndrome (MeS) than standard protein diets. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of increased protein intake on weight loss in Mexican adults with MeS. Randomized controlled trial in 118 adults aged 47.4 ± 11.5 years and meeting the established criteria for MeS were randomized to prescribed hypocaloric diets (500 kcal less than resting metabolic rate) providing either 0.8 g/kg body weight (standard protein diet (SPD)) or 1.34 g/kg body weight (higher protein diet (HPD)) for 6 months. Body weight, waist circumference, percent body fat by bioimpedance analysis, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were measured at baseline, 3 months and at 6 months. There were 105 subjects (51 for SPD and 54 for HPD) who completed the trial. Overall weight loss was 5.1 ± 3.6 kg in the SPD group compared to 7.0 ± 3.7 kg in the in HPD group. Both groups lost a significant percent of centimeters of waist circumference (SPD -6.5 ± 2.6 cm and HPD -8.8 ± 2.6 cm). There was no statistical difference Except for the varying weight losses the two groups did not show any further differences overall. However in the subgroup judged to be adherent more than 75% of the time with the prescribed diets, there was a significant difference in mean weight loss (SPD -5.8% vs. HPD -9.5%) after adjusting for baseline BMI. Both groups demonstrated significant decreases in waist circumference, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol, but there were no differences between the groups. There were no changes in blood tests for liver or renal function. There were no significant differences in weight loss and biomarkers of MeS when the overall group was examined, but the participants with more adherence rate in the HPD group lost significantly more weight than adherent participants in the SPD group. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Rapamycin impairs HPD-induced beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis

PubMed Central

Chang, Geng-Ruei; Chiu, Yi-Shin; Wu, Ying-Ying; Lin, Yu-Chi; Hou, Po-Hsun; Mao, Frank Chiahung

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose Rapamycin, which is used clinically to treat graft rejection, has also been proposed to have an effect on metabolic syndrome; however, very little information is available on its effects in lean animals/humans. The purpose of this study was to characterize further the effects of the continuous use of rapamycin on glucose homeostasis in lean C57BL6/J mice. Experimental Approach Mice were fed a high-protein diet (HPD) for 12 weeks to develop a lean model and then were treated daily with rapamycin for 5 weeks while remaining on a HPD. Metabolic parameters, endocrine profiles, glucose tolerance tests, insulin sensitivity index, the expression of the glucose transporter GLUT4 and chromium distribution were measured in vivo. Key Results Lower body weight gain as well as a decreased caloric intake, fat pads, fatty liver scores, adipocyte size and glucose tolerance test values were observed in HPD-fed mice compared with mice fed a high-fat or standard diet. Despite these beneficial effects, rapamycin-treated lean mice showed greater glucose intolerance, reduced insulin sensitivity, lower muscle GLUT4 expression and changes in chromium levels in tissues even with high insulin levels. Conclusion and Implications Our findings demonstrate that continuous rapamycin administration may lead to the development of diabetes syndrome, as it was found to induce hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance in a lean animal model. PMID:25884889

Effect of electronic ANR and conventional hearing protectors on vehicle backup alarm detection in noise.

PubMed

Casali, John G; Robinson, Gary S; Dabney, Erika Christian; Gauger, Dan

2004-01-01

An experiment was conducted wherein masked thresholds (using ascending method of limits) for a backup alarm were obtained in pink and red noise at 85 and 100 dBA for 12 participants immersed in a probability monitoring task and wearing a conventional passive hearing protection device (HPD, an earmuff or a foam earplug), an active noise reduction (ANR) headset, or no HPD at all (only in 85 dBA noise). Results revealed statistically significant between-HPD differences in red noise (from 2.3 to 3.1 dB) and in the 100-dBA noise level (from 2.6 to 4.3 dB). An additional finding, which corroborates other studies using different protocols, was that masked thresholds in 85-dBA noise were significantly lower (from 3.2 to 4.4 dB) for the occluded conditions (wearing an HPD) than for the open-ear (unoccluded) condition. This result refutes the belief among many normal-hearing workers that the use of HPDs in relatively low levels of noise compromises their ability to hear necessary workplace sounds. Actual or potential applications of this research include (a) the selection of appropriate HPDs for low-frequency-biased noise exposures wherein signal detection is important and (b) gaining insight into the appropriateness of ANR-based HPDs for certain industrial noise environments.

Hematoporphyrin derivative induced photodamage to brain tumor cells: Alterations in subcellular membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreenivasan, Rajesh; Joshi, Preeti G.; Joshi, Nanda B.

1997-01-01

Photoinduced structural and functional changes were studied in the subcellular membranes isolated from HpD treated cells. Changes in the limiting anisotropy of lipid specific probes 1,6,Diphenyl-1,3,5,hexatriene (DPH) and 1-(4-Trimethyl ammonium 1,6 diphenyl)-1,3,5,hexatriene toulene sulphonate (TMA-DPH) incorporated into the membrane were used to assess the structural alterations while changes in the activity of the marker enzymes were used to assess the functional alterations. Our results suggest that damage to the endoplasmic reticulum may play an important role in the photosensitization of brain tumor cells.

Intracellular Growth Is Dependent on Tyrosine Catabolism in the Dimorphic Fungal Pathogen Penicillium marneffei

PubMed Central

Boyce, Kylie J.; McLauchlan, Alisha; Schreider, Lena; Andrianopoulos, Alex

2015-01-01

During infection, pathogens must utilise the available nutrient sources in order to grow while simultaneously evading or tolerating the host’s defence systems. Amino acids are an important nutritional source for pathogenic fungi and can be assimilated from host proteins to provide both carbon and nitrogen. The hpdA gene of the dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei, which encodes an enzyme which catalyses the second step of tyrosine catabolism, was identified as up-regulated in pathogenic yeast cells. As well as enabling the fungus to acquire carbon and nitrogen, tyrosine is also a precursor in the formation of two types of protective melanin; DOPA melanin and pyomelanin. Chemical inhibition of HpdA in P. marneffei inhibits ex vivo yeast cell production suggesting that tyrosine is a key nutrient source during infectious growth. The genes required for tyrosine catabolism, including hpdA, are located in a gene cluster and the expression of these genes is induced in the presence of tyrosine. A gene (hmgR) encoding a Zn(II)2-Cys6 binuclear cluster transcription factor is present within the cluster and is required for tyrosine induced expression and repression in the presence of a preferred nitrogen source. AreA, the GATA-type transcription factor which regulates the global response to limiting nitrogen conditions negatively regulates expression of cluster genes in the absence of tyrosine and is required for nitrogen metabolite repression. Deletion of the tyrosine catabolic genes in the cluster affects growth on tyrosine as either a nitrogen or carbon source and affects pyomelanin, but not DOPA melanin, production. In contrast to other genes of the tyrosine catabolic cluster, deletion of hpdA results in no growth within macrophages. This suggests that the ability to catabolise tyrosine is not required for macrophage infection and that HpdA has an additional novel role to that of tyrosine catabolism and pyomelanin production during growth in host cells. PMID:25812137

Examining the Angular Resolution of the Astro-H's Soft X-Ray Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sato, Toshiki; Iizuka, Ryo; Ishida, Manabu; Kikuchi, Naomichi; Maeda, Yoshitomo; Kurashima, Sho; Nakaniwa, Nozomi; Tomikawa, Kazuki; Hayashi, Takayuki; Mori, Hideyuki;

Current-free double layers: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Nagendra

2011-12-01

During the last decade, there has been an upsurge in the research on current-free DLs (CFDLs). Research includes theory, laboratory measurements, and various applications of CFDLs ranging from plasma thrusters to acceleration of charged particles in space and astrophysical plasmas. The purpose of this review is to present a unified understanding of the basic plasma processes, which lead to the formation of CFDLs. The review starts with the discussion on early research on electric fields and double layers (DLs) and ion acceleration in planar plasma expansion. The review continues with the formation of DLs and rarefaction shocks (RFS) in expanding plasma with two electron populations with different temperatures. The basic theory mitigating the formation of a CFDL by two-electron temperature population is reviewed; we refer to such CFDLs as double layers structures formation by two-temperature electron populations (TET-CFDLs). Application of TET-CFDLS to ion acceleration in laboratory and space plasmas was discussed including the formation of stationary steady-state DLs. A quite different type of CFDLs forms in a helicon plasma device (HPD), in which plasma abruptly expands from a narrow plasma source tube into a wide diffusion tube with abruptly diverging magnetic fields. The formation mechanism of the CFDL in HPD, referred here as current free double layer structure in helicon plasma device (HPD-CFDL), and its applications are reviewed. The formation of a TET-CFDL is due to the self-consistent separation of the two electron populations parallel to the ambient magnetic field. In contrast, a HPD-CFDL forms due to self-consistent separation of electrons and ion perpendicular to the abruptly diverging magnetic field in conjunction with the conducting wall of the expansion chamber in the HPD. One-dimensional theoretical models of CFDLs based on steady-state solution of Vlasov-Poisson system of equations are briefly discussed. Applications of CFDLs ranging from helicon double-layer thrusters (HDLTs) to the accelerations of ions in space and astrophysical plasmas are summarized.

Hyperprogressive Disease in Anorectal Melanoma Treated by PD-1 Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Faure, Marjorie; Rochigneux, Philippe; Olive, Daniel; Taix, Sébastien; Brenot-Rossi, Isabelle; Gilabert, Marine

2018-01-01

The 5-year survival rate of primary anorectal malignant melanoma is less than 20%. Optimal treatment of this condition remains controversial regarding locally disease, and whether any preferential survival benefit arises from either abdominoperineal resection or wide local excision remains unknown. The majority of patients progress to metastatic disease, and for decades, the use of chemotherapies, such as platines or dacarbazine, has been advocated to improve overall survival. The therapeutic use of new checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of trials has provided evidence for an antitumoral effect of PD-1 and/or CTL4 inhibitors in mucosal melanomas, but these treatments must still be further evaluated. Some anecdotal occurrences of rapid progression [i.e., hyperprogressive disease (HPD)] while using these immune agents have been described, suggesting potentially deleterious effects of these drugs for some patients. We report a 77-year-old male metastatic anorectal melanoma patient presenting with HPD over 2 months of a PD1 inhibitor treatment course and document this HPD blood phenotype. PMID:29725330

Hyperprogressive Disease in Anorectal Melanoma Treated by PD-1 Inhibitors.

PubMed

Faure, Marjorie; Rochigneux, Philippe; Olive, Daniel; Taix, Sébastien; Brenot-Rossi, Isabelle; Gilabert, Marine

2018-01-01

The 5-year survival rate of primary anorectal malignant melanoma is less than 20%. Optimal treatment of this condition remains controversial regarding locally disease, and whether any preferential survival benefit arises from either abdominoperineal resection or wide local excision remains unknown. The majority of patients progress to metastatic disease, and for decades, the use of chemotherapies, such as platines or dacarbazine, has been advocated to improve overall survival. The therapeutic use of new checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of trials has provided evidence for an antitumoral effect of PD-1 and/or CTL4 inhibitors in mucosal melanomas, but these treatments must still be further evaluated. Some anecdotal occurrences of rapid progression [i.e., hyperprogressive disease (HPD)] while using these immune agents have been described, suggesting potentially deleterious effects of these drugs for some patients. We report a 77-year-old male metastatic anorectal melanoma patient presenting with HPD over 2 months of a PD1 inhibitor treatment course and document this HPD blood phenotype.

Mechanical cell disruption of Parachlorella kessleri microalgae: Impact on lipid fraction composition.

PubMed

Clavijo Rivera, E; Montalescot, V; Viau, M; Drouin, D; Bourseau, P; Frappart, M; Monteux, C; Couallier, E

2018-05-01

Samples of nitrogen-starved Parachlorella kessleri containing intact cells (IC), cells ground by bead milling (BM), and cells subjected to high-pressure cell disruption (HPD), together with their supernatants after centrifugation, were compared for granulometry and lipid profiles. The effects of disruption on the lipid profile and organisation were evaluated. The quantity of lipids available for extraction increased with disruption, and up to 81% could be recovered in supernatants after centrifugation, but a marked reorganization occurred. The proportion of amphiphilic free fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine increased during disruption due to their release or owing to lipid degradation by enzymes or physical conditions. This effect was more marked in HPD than in BM. Lipids contained in the aqueous phase, after disruption and centrifugation, were enriched in unsaturated fatty acids, BM leading to larger droplets than HPD. The larger liquid lipid droplet would be easier to recover in the following downstream processing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of different drying techniques on bioactive components, fatty acid composition, and volatile profile of robusta coffee beans.

PubMed

Dong, Wenjiang; Hu, Rongsuo; Chu, Zhong; Zhao, Jianping; Tan, Lehe

2017-11-01

This study investigated the effect of different drying techniques, namely, room-temperature drying (RTD), solar drying (SD), heat-pump drying (HPD), hot-air drying (HAD), and freeze drying (FD), on bioactive components, fatty acid composition, and the volatile compound profile of robusta coffee beans. The data showed that FD was an effective method to preserve fat, organic acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, HAD was ideal for retaining polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids. Sixty-two volatile compounds were identified in the differently dried coffee beans, representing 90% of the volatile compounds. HPD of the coffee beans produced the largest number of volatiles, whereas FD resulted in the highest volatile content. A principal component analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the HPD, SD, and RTD methods whereas the FD and HAD methods were significantly different. Overall, the results provide a basis for potential application to other similar thermal sensitive materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Separation of scutellarin from crude extracts of Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz. by macroporous resins.

PubMed

Gao, Min; Huang, Wei; Liu, Chun-Zhao

2007-10-15

Scutellarin, a flavone glycoside, popularly used in the treatment of heart disease, has been efficiently separated using macroporous resins from crude extracts of Chinese medicinal plant Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz. HPD-800 resin offered the best adsorption and desorption capacity for scutellarin among the eight macroporous resins tested, and its adsorption data at 25 degrees C fit best to the Langmuir isotherm. The dynamic adsorption and desorption experiments have been carried out on a HPD-800 resin packed column to optimize the separation process of scutellarin from the crude extracts of E. breviscapus. After one run treatment with HPD-800 resin, the scutellarin content in the product was increased 15.69-fold from 2.61% to 40.96% with a recovery yield of 95.01%. The preparative separation process via adsorption-desorption method developed in this study provides a new approach for scale-up separation and purification of scutellarin for its wide pharmaceutical use.

Anti-early pregnancy by PDT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Ai-Hua; Chen, Hui-Ling

1993-03-01

The effect of laser on anti-early pregnancy in rabbits showed that laser in combination with HPD could induce necrosis of blastocysts and complete absorption. The anti-fertility efficiency of the combined treatment was more effective than that of the He-Ne laser or the HPD treatment alone. The fluorescence spectrum of HPD determined by PNQ3 showed that its affinity to embryonic tissue was about 4 times greater than that to uterine tissue. This may underlie the mechanisms of anti-early pregnancy of the laser. The operation of artificial abortion is a routine method to terminate early pregnancy. Though it is simple and easy, its syndrome and complications can not be absolutely avoided. Many antifertility drugs have been reported, however, they often bring in general reaction. Our present work is to explore a new way of anti-early pregnancy in rabbits by means of the light inhibitory and light sensitive effects of laser. It is a quite safe and painless treatment without expanding and scraping of the uterus.

Gender differences in use of hearing protection devices among farm operators.

PubMed

McCullagh, Marjorie C; Banerjee, Tanima; Yang, James J; Bernick, Janice; Duffy, Sonia; Redman, Richard

2016-01-01

Although farm operators have frequent exposure to hazardous noise and high rates of noise-induced hearing loss, they have low use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Women represent about one-third of farm operators, and their numbers are climbing. However, among published studies examining use of HPDs in this worker group, none have examined gender-related differences. The purpose of this study was to examine gender-related differences in use of hearing protection and related predictors among farm operators. Data previously collected at farm shows and by telephone were analyzed using t-tests and generalized linear model with zero inflated negative binomial (ZINB) distribution. The difference in rate of hearing protector use between men and women farm operators was not significant. There was no difference between men and women in most hearing protector-related attitudes and beliefs. Although men and women farm operators had similar rates of use of hearing protectors when working in high-noise environments, attitudes about HPD use differed. Specifically, interpersonal role modeling was a predictor of HPD use among women, but not for men. This difference suggests that while farm operators of both genders may benefit from interventions designed to reduce barriers to HPD use (e.g., difficulty communicating with co-workers and hearing warning sounds), farm women have unique needs in relation to cognitive-perceptual factors that predict HPD use. Women farm operators may lack role models for use of HPDs (e.g., in peers and advertising), contributing to their less frequent use of protection.

Selection of performance-tested young bulls and indirect responses in commercial beef cattle herds on pasture and in feedlots.

PubMed

Raidan, Fernanda S S; Santos, Dalinne C C; Moraes, Mariana M; Araújo, Andresa E M; Ventura, Henrique T; Bergmann, José A G; Turra, Eduardo M; Toral, Fabio L B

2016-11-09

Central testing is used to select young bulls which are likely to contribute to increased net income of the commercial beef cattle herd. We present genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits on performance-tested young bulls and commercial animals that are raised on pasture and in feedlots. Records on young bulls and heifers in performance tests or commercial herds were used. Genetic parameters for growth and reproductive traits were estimated. Correlated responses for commercial animals when selection was applied on performance-tested young bulls were computed. The 90% highest posterior density (HPD90) intervals for heritabilities of final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG) and scrotal circumference (SC) ranged from 0.41 to 0.49, 0.23 to 0.30 and 0.47 to 0.57, respectively, for performance-tested young bulls on pasture, from 0.45 to 0.60, 0.20 to 0.32 and 0.56 to 0.70, respectively, for performance-tested young bulls in feedlots, from 0.29 to 0.33, 0.14 to 0.18 and 0.35 to 0.45, respectively, for commercial animals on pasture, and from 0.24 to 0.44, 0.13 to 0.24 and 0.35 to 0.57 respectively, for commercial animals in feedlots. The HPD90 intervals for genetic correlations of FW, ADG and SC in performance-tested young bulls on pasture (feedlots) with FW, ADG and SC in commercial animals on pasture (feedlots) ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 (0.83 to 0.94), 0.78 to 0.90 (0.40 to 0.79) and from 0.92 to 0.97 (0.50 to 0.83), respectively. Age at first calving was genetically related to ADG (HPD90 interval = -0.48 to -0.06) and SC (HPD90 interval = -0.41 to -0.05) for performance-tested young bulls on pasture, however it was not related to ADG (HPD90 interval = -0.29 to 0.10) and SC (HPD90 interval = -0.35 to 0.13) for performance-tested young bulls in feedlots. Heritabilities for growth and SC are higher for performance-tested young bulls than for commercial animals. Evaluating and selecting for increased growth and SC on performance-tested young bulls is efficient to improve growth, SC and age at first calving in commercial animals. Evaluating and selecting performance-tested young bulls is more efficient for young bulls on pasture than in feedlots.

The photokilling of bladder carcinoma cells in vitro by phenothiazine dyes.

PubMed

Fowler, G J; Rees, R C; Devonshire, R

1990-09-01

The potential photodynamic therapy photosensitizers Methylene Blue, Azure C, Methylene Violet, Thionine, Methylene Green, Haematoporphyrin, Nile Blue A, chloroaluminium phthalocyanine and bis-aluminium phthalocyanine were examined for their photoeffects and dark toxicity against a human superficial bladder carcinoma cell-line. By examination of [3H]thymidine uptake into dye-treated cells after irradiation with a copper-vapour pumped dye laser, it was found that Methylene Blue was the most phototoxic and dark toxic of all the dyes tested, suggesting that the dye might be of some use as a topically applied photodrug for use in photodynamic therapy of superficial or early-recurring carcinomas.

Hematoporphyrin-mediated photodynamic therapy for treatment of head and neck cancer: clinical update 1996

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schweitzer, Vanessa G.

1996-04-01

From 1983 to 1996 Phase II and III clinical studies at Henry Ford Hospital demonstrated complete or partial responses in 55 of 56 patients treated with hematoporphyrin-derivative or PHOTOFRIN-mediated photodynamic therapy (HPD-PDT) for a variety of benign and malignant upper aerodigestive tract disease: (1) superficial 'condemned mucosa' or 'field cancerization' of the oral cavity and larynx (7 cases); (2) Stage III/IV head and neck cancer (25 cases); (3) mucocutaneous AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma of the upper aerodigestive tract and non AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma of the lower extremity (15 cases); (4) recurrent laryngotracheal papillomatosis (3 cases); (5) severe dysplasia/adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus (4 cases); (6) partial or completely obstructing terminal esophageal cancer (9 cases). At the time of this report, HPD-PDT produced complete responses in 24 patients (follow up 6 months to 9 years) with 'field cancerization' (CIS, T1N0M0) of the oral cavity and larynx (6 cases), adenocarcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus (3 cases), mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma (12 cases), obstructing esophageal carcinoma (1 case), and stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx (1 case), and radiation therapy or solar-induced basal cell/squamous cell carcinomas (2 cases). PDT treatment protocols, results, complications, and application as adjunct or primary oncologic therapy for head and neck cancer are reviewed in this article.

Meta-analysis of lamb birth weight as influenced by pregnancy nutrition of multiparous ewes.

PubMed

Roca Fraga, Fernando J; Lagisz, Malgorzata; Nakagawa, Shinichi; Lopez-Villalobos, Nicolas; Blair, Hugh T; Kenyon, Paul R

2018-05-04

Across the literature, there is large variation in lamb birth weight responses to changes in the ewe pregnancy nutrition. Much of this heterogeneity has been attributed to several factors inherent to each experiment; however, the relative contribution of these experimental factors has not yet been quantified. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review the variation in lamb birth weight responses across nutritional studies involving adult multiparous ewes. Effect-sizes for individual studies were estimated using the unbiased estimator Hedges' g, whereby positive and negative values indicate heavier and lighter treatment lambs vs. controls, respectively. Heterogeneity varied between early-, mid- and late-pregnancy undernutrition studies (I2total [early pregnancy] = 19.90%, I2total [midpregnancy] = 52.10%, I2total [late pregnancy] = 68.70%). The small average effects for early- (0.04, highest posterior density [HPD] interval = -0.22, 0.28) and mid-pregnancy undernutrition (-0.15, HPD interval = -0.35, 0.05) suggest that if farmers anticipate a potential feed shortage, ewes can be allowed to lose weight providing nutrition is resumed to adequate levels later in pregnancy. On the contrary, late-pregnancy undernutrition was associated with a significant decrease in lamb birth weight (-0.72, HPD interval = -0.86, -0.55). Thus, management practices should focus on ensuring adequate nutrition in late pregnancy. Increasing lamb birth weight could be possible by feeding ewes above their pregnancy maintenance requirement (0.23, HPD interval = 0.002, 0.48), though the number of studies is limited and further research is needed.

The study of attenuation levels and the comfort of earplugs.

PubMed

Samelli, Alessandra G; Gomes, Raquel F; Chammas, Tiago V; Silva, Bárbara G; Moreira, Renata R; Fiorini, Ana C

2018-01-01

This study aimed to analyze and compare four different types of earplugs, divided into premolded plugs and foam plug models, in relation to the level of attenuation, comfort, and the size of the external acoustic meatus (EAM) in an attempt to identify how these variables influence the choice of specific hearing protection devices (HPDs). A cross-sectional observational study was performed in a sample of 49 participants, oriented toward the ideal placement of four HPDs, two premolded and two foam plugs (3M™). The procedures included otoscopy, EAM diameter measurement using an otometer, EAM volume measurement via an acoustic impedance test, and the obtainment of the bilateral personal attenuation rating (PAR) for each HPD using the E-A-Rfit™ Validation System (3M™). The Bipolar Comfort Rating Scale (BCRS) instrument was applied twice for each individual: once after the evaluations with the premolded HPDs and again after the evaluations with the foam plug HPDs. Then, each participant was asked which was his/her favorite protector. The volume of the EAM was not directly related to the diameter of the EAM. The attenuation did not interfere with the HPD preference, and the PAR of the foam plug was significantly higher regardless of the preferred HPD. Regarding the BCRS, the variables "Placement," "Complexity," and "Occlusion Effect" had higher scores for premolded HPDs and had a direct relationship with the type of preferred HPD. Attention to the use of HPDs should be personalized, taking into account the needs of each individual, considering not only the attenuation, but also the user's reported well-being.

Comparative analysis of distribution and abundance of West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis virus vectors in Suffolk County, New York, using human population density and land use/cover data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rochlin, I.; Harding, K.; Ginsberg, H.S.; Campbell, S.R.

2008-01-01

Five years of CDC light trap data from Suffolk County, NY, were analyzed to compare the applicability of human population density (HPD) and land use/cover (LUC) classification systems to describe mosquito abundance and to determine whether certain mosquito species of medical importance tend to be more common in urban (defined by HPD) or residential (defined by LUC) areas. Eleven study sites were categorized as urban or rural using U.S. Census Bureau data and by LUC types using geographic information systems (GISs). Abundance and percent composition of nine mosquito taxa, all known or potential vectors of arboviruses, were analyzed to determine spatial patterns. By HPD definitions, three mosquito species, Aedes canadensis (Theobald), Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker), and Culiseta melanura (Coquillett), differed significantly between habitat types, with higher abundance and percent composition in rural areas. Abundance and percent composition of these three species also increased with freshwater wetland, natural vegetation areas, or a combination when using LUC definitions. Additionally, two species, Ae. canadensis and Cs. melanura, were negatively affected by increased residential area. One species, Aedes vexans (Meigen), had higher percent composition in urban areas. Two medically important taxa, Culex spp. and Aedes triseriatus (Say), were proportionally more prevalent in residential areas by LUC classification, as was Aedes trivittatus (Coquillett). Although HPD classification was readily available and had some predictive value, LUC classification resulted in higher spatial resolution and better ability to develop location specific predictive models.

Hypocaloric high-protein diet improves fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia in sucrose-fed obese rats via two pathways.

PubMed

Uebanso, Takashi; Taketani, Yutaka; Fukaya, Makiko; Sato, Kazusa; Takei, Yuichiro; Sato, Tadatoshi; Sawada, Naoki; Amo, Kikuko; Harada, Nagakatsu; Arai, Hidekazu; Yamamoto, Hironori; Takeda, Eiji

2009-07-01

The mechanism by which replacement of some dietary carbohydrates with protein during weight loss favors lipid metabolism remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the effect of an energy-restricted, high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet on lipid metabolism in obese rats. High-sucrose-induced obese rats were assigned randomly to one of two energy-restricted dietary interventions: a carbohydrate-based control diet (CD) or a high-protein diet (HPD). Lean rats of the same age were assigned as normal control. There was significantly greater improvement in fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia with the HPD diet relative to the CD diet. Expression of genes regulated by fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) and involved in liver lipolysis and lipid utilitization, such as lipase and acyl-CoA oxidase, increased in obese rats fed the HPD. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between levels of FGF21 gene expression (regulated by glucagon/insulin balance) and increased triglyceride concentrations in liver from obese rats. Expression of hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), regulated primarily by the dietary carbohydrate, was also markedly reduced in the HPD group (similar to plasma triglyceride levels in fasting animals) relative to the CD group. In conclusion, a hypocaloric high-protein diet improves fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia effectively relative to a carbohydrate diet. The two cellular pathways at work behind these benefits include stimulation of hepatic lipolysis and lipid utilization mediated by FGF21 and reduction of hepatic VLDL-TG production by SCD1 regulation.

Origin and evolution of Nipah virus.

PubMed

Lo Presti, Alessandra; Cella, Eleonora; Giovanetti, Marta; Lai, Alessia; Angeletti, Silvia; Zehender, Gianguglielmo; Ciccozzi, Massimo

2016-03-01

Nipah virus, member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is classified as a Biosafety Level-4 agent and category C priority pathogen. Nipah virus disease is endemic in south Asia and outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Bangladesh. Bats of the genus Pteropus appear to be the natural reservoir of this virus. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Nipah virus, to estimate the date of origin and the spread of the infection. The mean value of Nipah virus N gene evolutionary rate, was 6.5 × 10(-4) substitution/site/year (95% HPD: 2.3 × 10(-4)-1.18 × 10(-3)). The time-scaled phylogenetic analysis showed that the root of the tree originated in 1947 (95% HPD: 1888-1988) as the virus entered in south eastern Asiatic regions. The segregation of sequences in two main clades (I and II) indicating that Nipah virus had two different introductions: one in 1995 (95% HPD: 1985-2002) which correspond to clade I, and the other in 1985 (95% HPD: 1971-1996) which correspond to clade II. The phylogeographic reconstruction indicated that the epidemic followed two different routes spreading to the other locations. The trade of infected pigs may have played a role in the spread of the virus. Bats of the Pteropus genus, that are able to travel to long distances, may have contributed to the spread of the infection. Negatively selected sites, statistically supported, could reflect the stability of the viral N protein. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in early mouse embryos following maternal dietary protein intervention.

PubMed

Mitchell, Megan; Schulz, Samantha L; Armstrong, David T; Lane, Michelle

2009-04-01

Dietary supply of nutrients, both periconception and during pregnancy, influence the growth and development of the fetus and offspring and their health into adult life. Despite the importance of research efforts surrounding the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, the biological mechanisms involved remain elusive. Mitochondria are of major importance in the oocyte and early embryo, particularly as a source of ATP generation, and perturbations in their function have been related to reduced embryo quality. The present study examined embryo development following periconception exposure of females to a high-protein diet (HPD) or a low-protein diet (LPD) relative to a medium-protein diet (MPD; control), and we hypothesized that perturbed mitochondrial metabolism in the mouse embryo may be responsible for the impaired embryo and fetal development reported by others. Although the rate of development to the blastocyst stage did not differ between diets, both the HPD and LPD reduced the number of inner cell mass cells in the blastocyst-stage embryo. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced and mitochondrial calcium levels increased in the 2-cell embryo. Embryos from HPD females had elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and ADP concentrations, indicative of metabolic stress and, potentially, the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, whereas embryos from LPD females had reduced mitochondrial clustering around the nucleus, suggestive of an overall quietening of metabolism. Thus, although periconception dietary supply of different levels of protein is permissive of development, mitochondrial metabolism is altered in the early embryo, and the nature of the perturbation differs between HPD and LPD exposure.

Effect of hand paddles and parachute on backstroke coordination and stroke parameters.

PubMed

Telles, Thiago; Barroso, Renato; Figueiredo, Pedro; Salgueiro, Diego Fortes de Souza; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Junior, Orival Andries

2017-05-01

Hand paddles and parachutes have been used in order to overload swimmers, and consequently increase the propulsive force generation in swimming. However, their use may affect not only kinematical parameters (average speed, stroke length and stroke rate), but also time gaps between propulsive phases, assessed through the index of coordination (IdC). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of hand paddles and parachute use, isolated or combined, on kinematical parameters and coordination. Eleven swimmers (backstroke 50-m time: 29.16 ± 1.43 s) performed four 15-m trials in a randomised order at maximal intensity: (1) without implements (FREE), (2) with hand paddles (HPD), (3) with parachute (PCH) and (4) with hand paddles plus parachute (HPD+PCH). All trials were video-recorded (60 Hz) in order to assess average speed, stroke rate, stroke length, five stroke phases and index of coordination. When average swimming speed was compared to FREE, it was lower in PCH and HPD+PCH, and higher in HPD. Stroke rate decreased in all overloaded trials compared to FREE. The use of hand paddles and parachute increased and decreased stroke length, respectively. In addition, propulsive phase duration was increased when hand paddles were used, and time gaps shifted towards zero (no time gap), especially when hand paddles were combined with parachute. It is conceivable that the combined use of hand paddles and parachute, once allowing overloading both propulsive and resistive forces, provides a specific stimulus to improve muscle strength and propulsive continuity.

Prevalence and Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in Patients with Pituitary Dysfunctions.

PubMed

Harbeck, Birgit; Danneberg, Sven; Rahvar, Amir-Hossein; Monig, Heiner; Haas, Christian S

2016-01-01

Patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders (HPD) may be of increased risk to develop overweight and obesity, thereby fostering cardiovascular events. However, it remains unclear if patients with pituitary dysfunctions per se have an increased risk of becoming obese. The objective of this study was to evaluate prevalence and to identify possible predictors of overweight and obesity in patients with pituitary dysfunctions. A total of 121 out-patients having various causes for HPD were assessed for height and body weight; body mass index (BMI) was calculated and correlated with clinical features. Patients were divided into various subgroups depending on underlying conditions and therapeutic modalities. Most of the HPD patients were overweight or obese with males being significantly more affected. Of interest, patients with macroadenomas suffered significantly more often from overweight and obesity than individuals with microadenomas (73.4% vs. 43.5%, p= 0.006). Increased BMI (≥25 kg/m2) tended to be more common in patients with prolactinomas (70.0%), hormone deficiencies (76.1%) and hormone replacement therapies (76.6%) than in a healthy population. In conclusion, we showed that patients with HPD: (i) frequently suffer from overweight and obesity; (ii) prevalence of overweight and obesity however is comparable to that in the general population; (iii) only patients with macroadenomas seem to have a significantly higher risk; (iv) hormone deficiencies and hormonal replacement therapy may foster weight gain and (v) radiation and surgical tumour therapy per se do not seem to be additional risk factors for weight gain. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Phylodynamic and Genetic Diversity of Canine Parvovirus Type 2c in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Chiang, Shu-Yun; Wu, Hung-Yi; Lin, Jih-Hui; Chiou, Ming-Tang; Lin, Chao-Nan

2017-01-01

Canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) emerged in 2000 and is known for causing a more severe disease than other CPV-2 variants in puppies. In 2015, the emerging CPV-2c variant was isolated in Taiwan and it subsequently became the predominant variant. To trace the evolution of Taiwanese CPV-2c, we compared complete VP2 genes of CPV-2c from Taiwan and sequences obtained from GenBank. The evolutionary rate of CPV-2c was estimated to be 4.586 × 10−4 substitutions per site per year (95% highest posterior density (HPD) was 3.284–6.076 × 10−4). The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) dated to 1990 (95% HPD: 1984–1996) and 2011 (95% HPD: 2010–2013) for the CPV-2c variant and Taiwanese isolates, respectively. The CPV-2c variant isolated from Taiwan was clustered with CPV-2c from China. This phylogenetic clade began to branch off in approximately 2010 (95% HPD was 3.823–6.497). Notably, two unique mutations of Taiwanese CPV-2c were found, Q383R and P410L. In summary, this is the first report on the genome evolution of CPV-2c in Taiwan, revealing that this CPV-2c variant shares a common evolutionary origin with strains from China. The demographic history inferred by the Bayesian skyline plot showed that the effective population of CPV-2c increased until 2006 and then slowly declined until 2011. PMID:29236084

Biogeographic history of Pistacia (Anacardiaceae), emphasizing the evolution of the Madrean-Tethyan and the eastern Asian-Tethyan disjunctions.

PubMed

Xie, Lei; Yang, Zhi-Yun; Wen, Jun; Li, De-Zhu; Yi, Ting-Shuang

2014-08-01

Pistacia L. exhibits a disjunct distribution in Mediterranean Eurasia and adjacent North Africa, eastern Asia, and North to Central America. The spatio-temporal diversification history of Pistacia was assessed to test hypotheses on the Madrean-Tethyan and the Eurasian Tethyan disjunctions through phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods were employed to analyze sequences of multiple nuclear and plastid loci of Pistacia species. Bayesian dating analysis was conducted to estimate the divergence times of clades. The likelihood method LAGRANGE was used to infer ancestral areas. The New World species of Pistacia formed a clade sister to the Old World clade in all phylogenetic analyses. The eastern Asian Pistacia weinmannifolia-P. cucphuongensis clade was sister to a clade of the remaining Old World species, which were further resolved into three subclades. Pistacia was estimated to have originated at 37.60 mya (with 95% highest posterior density interval (HPD): 25.42-48.51 mya). A vicariance event in the early Miocene (19.79 mya with 95% HPD: 10.88-30.36 mya) was inferred to account for the intercontinental disjunction between the New World and the Old World species, which is consistent with the Madrean-Tethyan hypothesis. The two Old World eastern Asian-Tethyan disjunctions are best explained by one vicariance event in the early Miocene (15.87 mya with 95% HPD: 8.36-24.36 mya) and one dispersal event in late Miocene (5.89 mya with 95% HPD: 2.68-9.16 mya). The diversification of the Old World Pistacia species was significantly affected by extensive geological and climatic changes in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP) and in the Mediterranean region. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Viability of Hearing Protection Device Fit-Testing at Navy and Marine Corps Accession Points

PubMed Central

Federman, Jeremy; Duhon, Christon

2016-01-01

Introduction: The viability of hearing protection device (HPD) verification (i.e., fit-testing) on a large scale was investigated to address this gap in a military accession environment. Materials and Methods: Personal Attenuation Ratings (PARs) following self-fitted (SELF-Fit) HPDs were acquired from 320 US Marine Corps training recruits (87.5% male, 12.5% female) across four test protocols (1-, 3-, 5-, and 7- frequency). SELF-Fit failures received follow-up to assess potential causes. Follow-up PARs were acquired (Experimenter fit [EXP-Fit], followed by Subject re-fit [SUB Re-Fit]). EXP-Fit was intended to provide a perception (dubbed “ear canal muscle memory”) of what a correctly fitted HPD should feel like. SUB Re-Fit was completed following EXP-Fit to determine whether a training recruit could duplicate EXP-Fit on her/his own without assistance. Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (N=320) showed that SELF-Fit means differed significantly between protocols (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed that the 1-freq SELF-Fit mean was significantly lower than all other protocols (P < 0.03) by 5.6 dB or more. No difference was found between the multi-frequency protocols. For recruits who were followed up with EXP-Fit (n=79), across all protocols, a significant (P < 0.001) mean improvement of 25.68 dB (10.99) was found, but PARs did not differ (P = 0.99) between EXP-Fit protocols. For recruits in the 3-freq and 5-freq protocol groups who experienced all three PAR test methods (n=33), PAR methods differed (P < 0.001) but no method by protocol interaction was found (P = 0.46). Post hoc tests showed that both EXP-Fit and SUB Re-Fit had significantly better attenuation than SELF-Fit (P < 0.001), but no difference was found between EXPFit and SUB Re-Fit (P = 0.59). For SELF-Fit, the 1-freq protocol resulted in a 35% pass rate, whereas the 3-, 5-, and 7-freq protocols resulted in >60% pass rates. Results showed that once recruits experienced how HPDs should feel when inserted correctly, they were able to properly replicate the procedure with similar results to the expert fit suggesting “ear canal muscle memory” may be a viable training strategy concomitant with HPD verification. Fit-test duration was also measured to examine the tradeoff between results accuracy and time required to complete each protocol. Discussion: Results from this study showed the critical importance of initial selection and fitting of HPDs followed by verification (i.e., fit-testing) at Navy and Marine Corps accession points. Achieving adequate protection from an HPD is fundamentally dependent on obtaining proper fit of the issued HPD as well as the quality of training recruits receive regarding HPD use. PMID:27991461

Hyperprogressive disease in patients with non-small cell lung cancer on immunotherapy

PubMed Central

Kurman, Jonathan S.

2018-01-01

Immunotherapy agents in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can result in improved quality of life and survival when compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. Novel response patterns such as pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, however, have been described and pose a challenge to treating physicians. Predictors of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) have not yet been identified. Evaluation and management by a multidisciplinary team involving medical and radiation oncologists, thoracic radiologists, and proceduralists is necessary to identify this subset of patients in a timely manner. Repeat biopsy distinguishes HPD from pseudoprogression and may eventually elucidate predictive biomarkers. We describe the epidemiology of these two phenomena, their diagnostic criteria, and their relevance for interventional pulmonologists. PMID:29607190

Hyperprogressive disease in patients with non-small cell lung cancer on immunotherapy.

PubMed

Kurman, Jonathan S; Murgu, Septimiu D

2018-02-01

Immunotherapy agents in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can result in improved quality of life and survival when compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. Novel response patterns such as pseudoprogression and hyperprogression, however, have been described and pose a challenge to treating physicians. Predictors of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) have not yet been identified. Evaluation and management by a multidisciplinary team involving medical and radiation oncologists, thoracic radiologists, and proceduralists is necessary to identify this subset of patients in a timely manner. Repeat biopsy distinguishes HPD from pseudoprogression and may eventually elucidate predictive biomarkers. We describe the epidemiology of these two phenomena, their diagnostic criteria, and their relevance for interventional pulmonologists.

[Study on the extraction process and macroporous resin for purification of Timosaponin B II].

PubMed

Liu, Yan-Ping; Ding, Yue; Zhang, Tong; Wang, Bing; Cai, Zhen-Zhen; Tao, Jian-Sheng

2013-06-01

To optimize the extraction process and macroporous resin for purification of Timosaponin B II from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Orthogonal design L9 (34) was employed to optimize the circumfluence extraction conditions by taking the extraction yield of Timosaponin B II as index. The absorption-desorption characteristics of eight kinds of macroporous resins were evaluated, then the best resin was chosen to optimize the purification process conditions. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: the herb was extracted for 2 times (2 hours each time) with 8.5-fold 50% ethanol at the first time and 6-fold 50% ethanol at the second time. HPD100 resin showed a good property for the absorption-desorption of Timosaponin B II. The optimum technological conditions of HPD100 resin were as follows:the solution concentration was 0.23 mg/mL, the amount of saturated adsorption at 4/5 body volumn (BV) resin, the HPD100 resin was washed with 3 BV water and 6 BV 20% ethanol solution to remove the impurity, then the Timosaponin B II was desorbed by 5 BV ethanol solution. The purity of Timosaponin B II was about 50%. The optimized extraction process and purification is stable, efficient and suitable for industrial production.

Understanding speech when wearing communication headsets and hearing protectors with subband processing.

PubMed

Brammer, Anthony J; Yu, Gongqiang; Bernstein, Eric R; Cherniack, Martin G; Peterson, Donald R; Tufts, Jennifer B

2014-08-01

An adaptive, delayless, subband feed-forward control structure is employed to improve the speech signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the communication channel of a circumaural headset/hearing protector (HPD) from 90 Hz to 11.3 kHz, and to provide active noise control (ANC) from 50 to 800 Hz to complement the passive attenuation of the HPD. The task involves optimizing the speech SNR for each communication channel subband, subject to limiting the maximum sound level at the ear, maintaining a speech SNR preferred by users, and reducing large inter-band gain differences to improve speech quality. The performance of a proof-of-concept device has been evaluated in a pseudo-diffuse sound field when worn by human subjects under conditions of environmental noise and speech that do not pose a risk to hearing, and by simulation for other conditions. For the environmental noises employed in this study, subband speech SNR control combined with subband ANC produced greater improvement in word scores than subband ANC alone, and improved the consistency of word scores across subjects. The simulation employed a subject-specific linear model, and predicted that word scores are maintained in excess of 90% for sound levels outside the HPD of up to ∼115 dBA.

Phylogeny and biogeography of the carnivorous plant family Sarraceniaceae.

PubMed

Ellison, Aaron M; Butler, Elena D; Hicks, Emily Jean; Naczi, Robert F C; Calie, Patrick J; Bell, Charles D; Davis, Charles C

2012-01-01

The carnivorous plant family Sarraceniaceae comprises three genera of wetland-inhabiting pitcher plants: Darlingtonia in the northwestern United States, Sarracenia in eastern North America, and Heliamphora in northern South America. Hypotheses concerning the biogeographic history leading to this unusual disjunct distribution are controversial, in part because genus- and species-level phylogenies have not been clearly resolved. Here, we present a robust, species-rich phylogeny of Sarraceniaceae based on seven mitochondrial, nuclear, and plastid loci, which we use to illuminate this family's phylogenetic and biogeographic history. The family and genera are monophyletic: Darlingtonia is sister to a clade consisting of Heliamphora+Sarracenia. Within Sarracenia, two clades were strongly supported: one consisting of S. purpurea, its subspecies, and S. rosea; the other consisting of nine species endemic to the southeastern United States. Divergence time estimates revealed that stem group Sarraceniaceae likely originated in South America 44-53 million years ago (Mya) (highest posterior density [HPD] estimate = 47 Mya). By 25-44 (HPD = 35) Mya, crown-group Sarraceniaceae appears to have been widespread across North and South America, and Darlingtonia (western North America) had diverged from Heliamphora+Sarracenia (eastern North America+South America). This disjunction and apparent range contraction is consistent with late Eocene cooling and aridification, which may have severed the continuity of Sarraceniaceae across much of North America. Sarracenia and Heliamphora subsequently diverged in the late Oligocene, 14-32 (HPD = 23) Mya, perhaps when direct overland continuity between North and South America became reduced. Initial diversification of South American Heliamphora began at least 8 Mya, but diversification of Sarracenia was more recent (2-7, HPD = 4 Mya); the bulk of southeastern United States Sarracenia originated co-incident with Pleistocene glaciation, <3 Mya. Overall, these results suggest climatic change at different temporal and spatial scales in part shaped the distribution and diversity of this carnivorous plant clade.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – A Preventable Disease? Results of a 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise

PubMed Central

Frederiksen, Thomas W.; Ramlau-Hansen, Cecilia H.; Stokholm, Zara A.; Grynderup, Matias B.; Hansen, Åse M.; Kristiansen, Jesper; Vestergaard, Jesper M.; Bonde, Jens P.; Kolstad, Henrik A.

2017-01-01

Aims: To survey current, Danish industrial noise levels and the use of hearing protection devices (HPD) over a 10-year period and to characterise the association between occupational noise and hearing threshold shift in the same period. Furthermore, the risk of hearing loss among the baseline and the follow-up populations according to first year of occupational noise exposure is evaluated. Materials and Methods: In 2001–2003, we conducted a baseline survey of noise- and hearing-related disorders in 11 industries with suspected high noise levels. In 2009–2010, we were able to follow up on 271 out of the 554 baseline workers (49%). Mean noise levels per industry and self-reported HPD use are described at baseline and follow-up. The association between cumulative occupational noise exposure and hearing threshold shift over the 10-year period was assessed using linear regression, and the risk of hearing loss according to year of first occupational noise exposure was evaluated with logistic regression. Results: Over the 10-year period, mean noise levels declined from 83.9 dB(A) to 82.8 dB(A), and for workers exposed >85 dB(A), the use of HPD increased from 70.1 to 76.1%. We found a weak, statistically insignificant, inverse association between higher ambient cumulative noise exposure and poorer hearing (−0.10 dB hearing threshold shift per dB-year (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.36; 0.16)). The risk of hearing loss seemed to increase with earlier first year of noise exposure, but odds ratios were only statistically significant among baseline participants with first exposure before the 1980s (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11; 3.22). Conclusions: We observed declining industrial noise levels, increased use of HPD and no significant impact on hearing thresholds from current ambient industrial noise levels, which indicated a successful implementation of Danish hearing conservation programs. PMID:29192620

Dietary variety is associated with larger meals in female rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Moore, Carla J; Michopoulos, Vasiliki; Johnson, Zachary P; Toufexis, Donna; Wilson, Mark E

2013-07-02

The complex, interacting influences on eating behavior and energy expenditure prevent elucidation of the causal role of any single factor in the current obesity epidemic. However, greater variety in the food supply, particularly in the form of highly palatable, energy-dense foods, has likely made a contribution. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that greater dietary variety is associated with greater caloric intake within individual meals consumed by free-feeding, socially-housed female rhesus monkeys. Meal patterns were assessed during two, two-week dietary phases. One phase consisted of a choice between a standard chow diet and a highly palatable diet (HPD). The other phase consisted of access to the chow only. Food intake for each subject was recorded continuously using previously validated, automated feeders, and a meal was defined based on a minimum kilocalorie requirement and a minimum inter-meal interval. During the choice condition, animals electively consumed mixed meals that incorporated both diets as well as other meals that consisted exclusively of a single diet - chow-only or HPD-only. Animals consumed the most calories per meal when the meal was comprised of both the chow and HPD, which differed in caloric density, flavor, and texture. Interestingly, however, there was no significant difference in the amount of calories consumed as HPD-only meals in the choice condition compared to meals in the chow-only, no choice condition, suggesting consumption of a single food during a meal, regardless of palatability, provides a constant sensory experience that may lead to more rapid habituation and subsequent meal cessation. Additionally, during the dietary choice condition, animals consumed fewer calories in the form of chow-only meals. Thus, the present results suggest that limiting dietary variety, regardless of palatability, may be a useful strategy for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals by reducing caloric intake within individual meals. © 2013.

22 years of photodynamic therapy in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jun-Heng

2005-07-01

The development of laser medicine in China is correlated with the development of laser science in China. The first Chinese ruby laser was created in 1961. Chinese pharmacists produced the Chinese HpD in 1981 and the first case of PDT was treated using Chinese HpD and Chinese laser equipment in the same year in Beijing. Its success brought attention establishing a research group supported by the government in 1982. A systemic research on PDT was then carried out and obvious results were achieved. The step taken for PDT also accelerated the researches on other kinds of laser medicine and surgery. Since 1982, thousands of patients of malignant tumors including tumors of the lung, esophagus, cardia, stomach, rectum, bladder, other urinary genital organs, face and mouth, eyes, ENT, head and neck, breast, and skin were treated using PDT in China. HpD fluorescence was examined in some centers. Except the superficial tumor cases, PDT procedures were done through the endoscopes. Since 1990"s, imaging guided percutaneous PDT was adopted in the organs cannot be reached by the endoscopes, such as liver cancer, peripheral lung cancer and others. PDT can be used for non-malignant cases such as occlusion of blood vessels, for example, we invented the treatment of port wine stains by PDT. Regular surgical operation combined with PDT for cerebral glioma showed to be a very good combination. HpD has been approved by the Chinese Government as a photosensitizer, so it is legal to be used in PDT. There are some second generation photosensitizers under studying in China, such as Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) etc. Lasers used for PDT now are mostly the diode laser of 630nm for the cancers. Research studies for PDT in China may be focalized on the aspects as new photosensitizers; the dosimetry in laser irradiation; atoptosis induced by PDT; preclinical and clinical studies for PDT new indications and new technologies.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - A Preventable Disease? Results of a 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise.

PubMed

Frederiksen, Thomas W; Ramlau-Hansen, Cecilia H; Stokholm, Zara A; Grynderup, Matias B; Hansen, Åse M; Kristiansen, Jesper; Vestergaard, Jesper M; Bonde, Jens P; Kolstad, Henrik A

2017-01-01

To survey current, Danish industrial noise levels and the use of hearing protection devices (HPD) over a 10-year period and to characterise the association between occupational noise and hearing threshold shift in the same period. Furthermore, the risk of hearing loss among the baseline and the follow-up populations according to first year of occupational noise exposure is evaluated. In 2001-2003, we conducted a baseline survey of noise- and hearing-related disorders in 11 industries with suspected high noise levels. In 2009-2010, we were able to follow up on 271 out of the 554 baseline workers (49%). Mean noise levels per industry and self-reported HPD use are described at baseline and follow-up. The association between cumulative occupational noise exposure and hearing threshold shift over the 10-year period was assessed using linear regression, and the risk of hearing loss according to year of first occupational noise exposure was evaluated with logistic regression. Over the 10-year period, mean noise levels declined from 83.9 dB(A) to 82.8 dB(A), and for workers exposed >85 dB(A), the use of HPD increased from 70.1 to 76.1%. We found a weak, statistically insignificant, inverse association between higher ambient cumulative noise exposure and poorer hearing (-0.10 dB hearing threshold shift per dB-year (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.36; 0.16)). The risk of hearing loss seemed to increase with earlier first year of noise exposure, but odds ratios were only statistically significant among baseline participants with first exposure before the 1980s (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11; 3.22). We observed declining industrial noise levels, increased use of HPD and no significant impact on hearing thresholds from current ambient industrial noise levels, which indicated a successful implementation of Danish hearing conservation programs.

Uric Acid: A Missing Link Between Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders and Future Cardiovascular Disease?

PubMed

Weissgerber, Tracey L; Milic, Natasa M; Turner, Stephen T; Asad, Reem A; Mosley, Thomas H; Kardia, Sharon L R; Hanis, Craig L; Garovic, Vesna D

2015-09-01

To determine whether women who had a hypertensive pregnancy disorder (HPD) have elevated uric acid concentrations decades after pregnancy as compared with women who had normotensive pregnancies. The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy study measured uric acid concentrations in Hispanic (30%), non-Hispanic white (28%), and non-Hispanic black (42%) women (mean age, 60 ± 10 years). This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004. Hispanic participants were recruited from families with high rates of diabetes, whereas non-Hispanic participants were recruited from families with high rates of hypertension. This analysis compared uric acid concentrations in women with a history of normotensive (n = 1846) or hypertensive (n = 408) pregnancies by logistic regression. Women who had an HPD had higher uric acid concentrations (median, 5.7 mg/dL vs 5.3 mg/dL; P < .001) and were more likely to have uric acid concentrations above 5.5 mg/dL (54.4% vs 42.4%; P = .001) than were women who had normotensive pregnancies. These differences persisted after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, and other factors that affect uric acid concentrations. A family-based subgroup analysis comparing uric acid concentrations in women who had an HPD (n = 308) and their parous sisters who had normotensive pregnancies (n = 250) gave similar results (median uric acid concentrations, 5.7 mg/dL vs 5.2 mg/dL, P = 0.02; proportion of women with uric acid concentrations > 5.5 mg/dL, 54.0% vs 40.3%, P < .001). Decades after pregnancy, women who had an HPD have higher uric acid concentrations. This effect does not appear to be explained by a familial predisposition to elevated uric acid concentrations. Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simulations indicate that scores of lionfish (Pterois volitans) colonized the Atlantic Ocean.

PubMed

Selwyn, Jason D; Johnson, John E; Downey-Wall, Alan M; Bynum, Adam M; Hamner, Rebecca M; Hogan, J Derek; Bird, Christopher E

2017-01-01

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish ( Pterois volitans ) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced probabilistic scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish that were introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model in concert with a demographic, life-history model to simulate the invasion across a range of source population sizes and colonizing population fecundities. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was founded by 118 (54-514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22-328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Increasing the size, and therefore diversity, of the Indo-Pacific source population and fecundity of the founding population caused the number of colonists to decrease, but with rapidly diminishing returns. When the simulation was parameterized to minimize the number of colonists (high θ and relative fecundity), 96 (48-216, 95% HPD) colonists were most likely. In a more realistic scenario with Allee effects (e.g., 50% reduction in fecundity) plaguing the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 272 (106-950, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. When building the model employed here, we made assumptions that minimize the number of colonists, such as the lionfish being introduced in a single event. While we conservatively modelled the introduction pathway as a single release of lionfish in one location, it is more likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida, which could have led to even larger numbers of colonists than simulated here. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

Simulations indicate that scores of lionfish (Pterois volitans) colonized the Atlantic Ocean

PubMed Central

Selwyn, Jason D.; Johnson, John E.; Downey-Wall, Alan M.; Bynum, Adam M.; Hamner, Rebecca M.; Hogan, J. Derek

2017-01-01

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced probabilistic scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish that were introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model in concert with a demographic, life-history model to simulate the invasion across a range of source population sizes and colonizing population fecundities. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was founded by 118 (54–514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22–328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Increasing the size, and therefore diversity, of the Indo-Pacific source population and fecundity of the founding population caused the number of colonists to decrease, but with rapidly diminishing returns. When the simulation was parameterized to minimize the number of colonists (high θ and relative fecundity), 96 (48–216, 95% HPD) colonists were most likely. In a more realistic scenario with Allee effects (e.g., 50% reduction in fecundity) plaguing the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 272 (106–950, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. When building the model employed here, we made assumptions that minimize the number of colonists, such as the lionfish being introduced in a single event. While we conservatively modelled the introduction pathway as a single release of lionfish in one location, it is more likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida, which could have led to even larger numbers of colonists than simulated here. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations. PMID:29302383

Role of photoacoustic effects occurring at laser perforation of skin and laser transcutaneous drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zharov, Vladimir P.; Latyshev, Alexei S.

2000-05-01

A further study is given of photoacoustic (PA) drug delivery technologies using an Er:YAG laser, with the main emphasis being placed on the laser perforation of skin and on PA impregnation using an additional covering quartz plate. A mathematical model based on Fick's law for PA impregnation with regard to a free and rigid interface is considered. The histological examination of the perforated guinea-pig skin ex vivo shoed that a powerful PA wave forced skin epidermis to be bent inwards. In biopsies taken 15 min later the nuclei pyknosis of epidermis cells lining the perforated channel was observed. In biopsies obtained 36 hours later an insignificant necrotic lesion remained, whereas 120 hours laser the cells recovered. I twas shown experimentally that the PA signal increased 30 times after applying a quartz plate over the drug solution, which substantially enhanced drug penetration through the skin .The dependancies were obtained of the penetration depth of the haematoporphyrin derivative photosensitizer versus the number of laser pulses and the pressing force applied to the quartz plate. The chromatographic fractionation of Diprospan and Dexamethasone hormonal preparations prior to and after the action of 200 Er:YAG laser-induced PA waves demonstrated that no additional chemical agents resulting from drug dissociation were detected. The application of laser drug delivery methods in respect of treating dermatological diseases is also discussed.

Separation and purification of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea using combined macroporous resin and polyamide column chromatography.

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Liu, Mingyan; Chen, Zaixing; Mao, Ruikun; Xiao, Qinghuan; Gao, Hua; Wei, Minjie

2015-10-01

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major bioactive ingredient of green tea that produces beneficial neuroprotective effects. In this paper, to optimize the EGCG enrichment, thirteen macroporous resins with different chemical and physical properties were systemically evaluated. Among the thirteen tested resins, the H-bond resin HPD826 exhibited best adsorption/desorption capabilities and desorption ratio, as well as weakest affinity for caffeine. The absorption of EGCG on the HPD826 resin followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model. The separation parameters of EGCG were optimized by dynamic adsorption/desorption experiments with the HPD826 resin column. Under the optimal condition, the content of EGCG in the 30% ethanol eluent increased by 5.8-fold from 7.7% to 44.6%, with the recovery yield of 72.1%. After further purification on a polyamide column, EGCG with 74.8% purity was obtained in the 40-50% ethanol fraction with a recovery rate of 88.4%. In addition, EGCG with 95.1% purity could be easily obtained after one-step crystallization in distilled water. Our study suggests that the combined macroporous resin and polyamide column chromatography is a simple method for large-scale separation and purification of EGCG from natural plants for food and pharmaceutical applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photodynamic therapy of solid tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jori, Giulio

Some porphyrin compounds, which are characterized by a relatively large degree of hydrophobicity (n-octanol/water partition coefficient above 8), are accumulated in greater amounts and retained for longer periods of time by neoplastic as compared with normal tissues. The affinity of these dyes for tumors is partially a consequence of their in vivo transport by low-density lipoproteins, which are preferentially endocytosized by hyperproliferating tissues in a receptor-mediated process. In general, at 24-48 h after the systematic administration of porphyrin doses in the range of 2.5 mg/kg body weight, the ratio of drug concentration between the neoplastic and the surrounding tissues is sufficiently large to guarantee a selective photoexcitation of the porphyrin. Toward this aim, the porphyrin-containing tumor tissues are irradiated with light wavelengths longer than 600 nm, since the transmittance of biological tissues is maximal in this spectral region. The electronically excited porphyrin transfers its excitation energy to oxygen, thus generating activated oxygen species (mainly, singlet oxygen): as a consequence, the photooxidative modification of subcellular targets (e.g. the plasma membrane and mitochondria) is readily obtained leading to an irreversible necrosis of the cell. With the most frequently used porphyrins for clinical phototherapy (including hematoporphyrin and its derivatives HpD and Photofrin II), one observes the preferential photosensitized destruction of endothelial cells, hence the vascular damage is a major process involved in the necrosis of tumors. The optimization of the phototherapy of tumors is presently pursued by the definition of clinical protocols tailored to the optical properties of specific neoplastic tissues as well as by the use of porphyrin analogs, such as chlorins and phthalocyanines, having an extinction coefficient in the red spectral region larger than that typical of hematoporphyrin and HpD.

Yellow Fever Virus Maintenance in Trinidad and Its Dispersal throughout the Americas▿ †

PubMed Central

Auguste, Albert J.; Lemey, Philippe; Pybus, Oliver G.; Suchard, Marc A.; Salas, Rosa Alba; Adesiyun, Abiodun A.; Barrett, Alan D.; Tesh, Robert B.; Weaver, Scott C.; Carrington, Christine V. F.

2010-01-01

Trinidad, like many other American regions, experiences repeated epizootics of yellow fever virus (YFV). However, it is unclear whether these result from in situ evolution (enzootic maintenance) or regular reintroduction of YFV from the South American mainland. To discriminate between these hypotheses, we carried out a Bayesian phylogeographic analysis of over 100 prM/E gene sequences sampled from 8 South American countries. These included newly sequenced isolates from the recent 2008-2009 Trinidad epizootic and isolates derived from mainland countries within the last decade. The results indicate that the most recent common ancestor of the 2008-2009 epizootic existed in Trinidad 4.2 years prior to 2009 (95% highest probability density [HPD], 0.5 to 9.0 years). Our data also suggest a Trinidad origin for the progenitor of the 1995 Trinidad epizootic and support in situ evolution of YFV between the 1979 and 1988-1989 Trinidad epizootics. Using the same phylogeographic approach, we also inferred the historical spread of YFV in the Americas. The results suggest a Brazilian origin for YFV in the Americas and an overall dispersal rate of 182 km/year (95% HPD, 52 to 462 km/year), with Brazil as the major source population for surrounding countries. There is also strong statistical support for epidemiological links between four Brazilian regions and other countries. In contrast, while there were well-supported epidemiological links within Peru, the only statistically supported external link was a relatively weak link with neighboring Bolivia. Lastly, we performed a complete analysis of the genome of a newly sequenced Trinidad 2009 isolate, the first complete genome for a genotype I YFV isolate. PMID:20631128

Yellow fever virus maintenance in Trinidad and its dispersal throughout the Americas.

PubMed

Auguste, Albert J; Lemey, Philippe; Pybus, Oliver G; Suchard, Marc A; Salas, Rosa Alba; Adesiyun, Abiodun A; Barrett, Alan D; Tesh, Robert B; Weaver, Scott C; Carrington, Christine V F

2010-10-01

Trinidad, like many other American regions, experiences repeated epizootics of yellow fever virus (YFV). However, it is unclear whether these result from in situ evolution (enzootic maintenance) or regular reintroduction of YFV from the South American mainland. To discriminate between these hypotheses, we carried out a Bayesian phylogeographic analysis of over 100 prM/E gene sequences sampled from 8 South American countries. These included newly sequenced isolates from the recent 2008-2009 Trinidad epizootic and isolates derived from mainland countries within the last decade. The results indicate that the most recent common ancestor of the 2008-2009 epizootic existed in Trinidad 4.2 years prior to 2009 (95% highest probability density [HPD], 0.5 to 9.0 years). Our data also suggest a Trinidad origin for the progenitor of the 1995 Trinidad epizootic and support in situ evolution of YFV between the 1979 and 1988-1989 Trinidad epizootics. Using the same phylogeographic approach, we also inferred the historical spread of YFV in the Americas. The results suggest a Brazilian origin for YFV in the Americas and an overall dispersal rate of 182 km/year (95% HPD, 52 to 462 km/year), with Brazil as the major source population for surrounding countries. There is also strong statistical support for epidemiological links between four Brazilian regions and other countries. In contrast, while there were well-supported epidemiological links within Peru, the only statistically supported external link was a relatively weak link with neighboring Bolivia. Lastly, we performed a complete analysis of the genome of a newly sequenced Trinidad 2009 isolate, the first complete genome for a genotype I YFV isolate.

Concentrate supplementations of grazing pregnant Kalahari Red goats: Effects on pregnancy variables, reproductive performance, birth types and weight of kids.

PubMed

Oderinwale, O A; Oluwatosin, B O; Sowande, O S; Bemji, M N; Amosu, S D; Sanusi, G O

2017-08-01

A study was conducted for 22 weeks to determine the effects of concentrate supplementations at three crude protein (CP) levels, i.e. low protein diet-LPD 12.42% CP (124.93 g day -1 ); medium protein diet-MPD 14.18% CP (145.87 g day -1 ) and high protein diet-HPD 16.35% CP (168.19 g day -1 ) on some pregnancy variables, reproductive performance, birth types and weight of kids kidded by pregnant Kalahari Red goats grazed on Chloris gayana. Thirty-three matured Kalahari Red goats of first parity within age range of 2 to 2 1 / 2  years with an average body weight of 38.10 ± 1.13 kg were randomly allotted to the diets with 11 goats per treatment. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomised design. It was observed that goats fed HPD had the highest (p < 0.05) values for products of pregnancy (10.35 kg) taken within 24hour before kidding and foetal growth rate (88.37 g day -1 ) during pregnancy. Goats fed MPD had the lowest values (p < 0.05) of 9.28 kg and 80.07 g day -1 for each of the respective parameters. Afterbirth weight was also the highest and lowest (p < 0.05) for goats supplemented with HPD (3.38 kg) and MPD (3.04 kg), respectively. On the other hand, MPD-supplemented goats had the highest values (p < 0.05) for litter size (2.14) and litter weight (6.80 kg) at birth, the value which was the least for HPD supplementation. From the results obtained from this study, it could be concluded that concentrate diet supplementation with 14.18% CP improved litter size and weight at birth with resultant reduction in weights of pregnancy variables of pregnant Kalahari Red goats grazed on Rhodes grass.

Study of the occlusion effect induced by an earplug: Numerical modelling and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brummund, Martin

Despite existing limits for occupational noise exposure, professional hearing loss remains a high priority problem both in Quebec and worldwide. Several approaches exist to protect workers from harmful noise levels. The most frequently employed short term solution includes the distribution of hearing protection devices (HPD) such as earplugs and ear muffs. While HPDs offer an inexpensive (e.g. direct cost) and efficient means of protection workers often only tend to wear HPDs for limited amounts of time and, thus, remain at risk of developing professional hearing loss. Discomfort while using HPDs contributes to HPD underutilization and non-use. Two more general categories of discomfort can be distinguished. The category physical discomfort includes, for instance, problems such as heating of the ear and irritation of the ear canal that that occur upon earplug insertion. The category auditory discomfort refers to alterations in the auditory perception of sounds and one's own voice as well as hindered workplace communications. One important auditory discomfort that promotes HPD non-use is the occlusion effect. The occlusion effect occurs upon earplug insertion and describes sound amplification phenomena in the occluded ear canal at the low frequencies. The sound amplification is both perceivable and measurable (e.g., open and occluded sound pressure levels, hearing threshold shift). Additionally, the occlusion effect causes the HPD wearer to perceive his/her own voice as being distorted (e.g. hollow sounding) and physiological noises (e.g. respiration, blood circulation) are amplified also subsequent to earplug insertion. Reducing the occlusion effect has the potential to increase the auditory comfort of HPDs and could help preventing occupational hearing loss in the future. In order to improve this and other shortcomings observed with currently existing HPDs a large research collaboration between the Robert-Sauve research institute in occupational health and safety (IRSST) and the Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS) has been launched. The present study represents a part of this collaboration and aims at studying the occlusion effect of the system earplug - ear canal through the development of novel numerical models and experimental methods. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

High Protein Diet and Huntington's Disease

PubMed Central

Wu, Yih-Ru; Chen, Pei; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Yang, Chueh-Lien; Tsao, Ya-Tzu; Chang, Wen; Hsieh, I-Shan; Chern, Yijuang; Soong, Bing-Wen

2015-01-01

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the huntingtin (HTT) gene with expanded CAG repeats. In addition to the apparent brain abnormalities, impairments also occur in peripheral tissues. We previously reported that mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) exists in the liver and causes urea cycle deficiency. A low protein diet (17%) restores urea cycle activity and ameliorates symptoms in HD model mice. It remains unknown whether the dietary protein content should be monitored closely in HD patients because the normal protein consumption is lower in humans (~15% of total calories) than in mice (~22%). We assessed whether dietary protein content affects the urea cycle in HD patients. Thirty HD patients were hospitalized and received a standard protein diet (13.7% protein) for 5 days, followed by a high protein diet (HPD, 26.3% protein) for another 5 days. Urea cycle deficiency was monitored by the blood levels of citrulline and ammonia. HD progression was determined by the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). The HPD increased blood citrulline concentration from 15.19 μmol/l to 16.30 μmol/l (p = 0.0378) in HD patients but did not change blood ammonia concentration. A 2-year pilot study of 14 HD patients found no significant correlation between blood citrulline concentration and HD progression. Our results indicated a short period of the HPD did not markedly compromise urea cycle function. Blood citrulline concentration is not a reliable biomarker of HD progression. PMID:25992839

LsrF, a coenzyme A-dependent thiolase, catalyzes the terminal step in processing the quorum sensing signal autoinducer-2

PubMed Central

Marques, João C.; Oh, Il Kyu; Ly, Daniel C.; Lamosa, Pedro; Ventura, M. Rita; Miller, Stephen T.; Xavier, Karina B.

2014-01-01

The quorum sensing signal autoinducer-2 (AI-2) regulates important bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation and the production of virulence factors. Some bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can quench the AI-2 signal produced by a variety of species present in the environment, and thus can influence AI-2–dependent bacterial behaviors. This process involves uptake of AI-2 via the Lsr transporter, followed by phosphorylation and consequent intracellular sequestration. Here we determine the metabolic fate of intracellular AI-2 by characterizing LsrF, the terminal protein in the Lsr AI-2 processing pathway. We identify the substrates of LsrF as 3-hydroxy-2,4-pentadione-5-phosphate (P-HPD, an isomer of AI-2-phosphate) and coenzyme A, determine the crystal structure of an LsrF catalytic mutant bound to P-HPD, and identify the reaction products. We show that LsrF catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from P-HPD to coenzyme A yielding dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetyl-CoA, two key central metabolites. We further propose that LsrF, despite strong structural homology to aldolases, acts as a thiolase, an activity previously undescribed for this family of enzymes. With this work, we have fully characterized the biological pathway for AI-2 processing in E. coli, a pathway that can be used to quench AI-2 and control quorum-sensing–regulated bacterial behaviors. PMID:25225400

Ex-vivo treatment of gastric Helicobacter infection by photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Millson, C E; Wilson, M; MacRobert, A J; Bown, S G

1996-01-01

Attempts to develop PDT for eradication of Helicobacter infection have only been successful in vitro. We have investigated the effect of topical sensitization (except ALA) of Helicobacter mustelae on explanted ferret gastric mucosa using one of five sensitizers (methylene blue (MB), toluidine blue O (TBO), phthalocyanine, haematoporphyrin derivative and 5-aminolavulinic acid), followed by irradiation with an appropriately tuned copper vapour pumped dye laser. A 90% reduction in counts of bacteria sensitized with 0.75 mg TBO kg-1 were seen after irradiation with 200 J cm-2. Concentrations of MB of 0.75 mg kg-1 and 7.5 mg kg-1 were not toxic to H. mustelae, but the further addition of 20 J cm-2 laser light reduced colony counts by more than 99%. MB at a concentration of 75 mg kg-1 exhibited significant dark toxicity towards H. mustelae, but further addition of 20 J cm-2 laser light resulted in near eradication of all colonies. The remaining three compounds were ineffective. Finally, we studied the microscopic fluorescence distribution of MB (7.5 mg kg-1) on ferret gastric mucosa after topical administration. Fluorescence was greatest in the superficial mucosal layer, upon which lies the bacteria. However, from experiments on rats, the energy required to kill the sensitized bacteria was insufficient to damage the underlying mucosa. We conclude that Helicobacter can be killed on host mucosal epithelium following topical administration of MB and subsequent exposure to laser light.

Resection of a cholangiocarcinoma via laparoscopic hepatopancreato- duodenectomy: A case report

PubMed Central

Zhang, Miao-Zun; Xu, Xiao-Wu; Mou, Yi-Ping; Yan, Jia-Fei; Zhu, Yi-Ping; Zhang, Ren-Chao; Zhou, Yu-Cheng; Chen, Ke; Jin, Wei-Wei; Matro, Erik; Ajoodhea, Harsha

2014-01-01

Some laterally advanced cholangiocarcinomas behave as ductal spread or local invasion, and hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) may be performed for R0 resection. To date, there have been no reports of laparoscopic HPD (LHPD) in the English literature. We report the first case of LHPD for the resection of a Bismuth IIIa cholangiocarcinoma invading the duodenum. The patient underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hemihepatectomy. Child’s approach was used for the reconstruction. The patient recovered well with bile leakage from the 2nd postoperative day and was discharged on the 16th postoperative day with a drainage tube in place which was removed 2 wk after discharge. Postoperative pathology revealed a well-differentiated cholangiocarcinoma and the margin of liver parenchyma, pancreas and stomach was negative for metastases. The results suggest that LHPD is a feasible and safe procedure when performed in highly specialized centers and in suitable patients with cholangiocarcinoma. PMID:25493044

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Persea group (Lauraceae) and its biogeographic implications on the evolution of tropical and subtropical Amphi-Pacific disjunctions.

PubMed

Li, Lang; Li, Jie; Rohwer, Jens G; van der Werff, Henk; Wang, Zhi-Hua; Li, Hsi-Wen

2011-09-01

The Persea group (Lauraceae) has a tropical and subtropical amphi-pacific disjunct distribution with most of its members, and it includes two Macaronesian species. The relationships within the group are still controversial, and its intercontinental disjunction has not been investigated with extensive sampling and precise time dating. • ITS and LEAFY intron II sequences of 78 Persea group species and nine other Lauraceae species were analyzed with maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. Divergence time estimation employed Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method under a relaxed clock. • Several traditional genera or subgenera within the Persea group form well-supported monophyletic groups except Alseodaphne and Dehaasia. The divergence time of the Persea group is estimated as ∼55.3 (95% higher posterior densities [HPD] 41.4-69.9) million years ago (mya). Two major divergences within the Persea group are estimated as ∼51.9 (95% HPD 38.9-63.9) mya and ∼48.5 (95% HPD 35.9-59.9) mya. • Persea can be retained as a genus by the inclusion of Apollonias barbujana and exclusion a few species that do not fit into the established subgenera. A major revision is recommended for the delimitation between Alseodaphne, Dehaasia, and Nothaphoebe. We suggest that the Persea group originated from the Perseeae-Laureae radiation in early Eocene Laurasia. Its amphi-pacific disjunction results from the disruption of boreotropical flora by climatic cooling during the mid- to late Eocene. The American-Macaronesian disjunction may be explained by the long-distance dispersal.

Tempo and Mode in the Molecular Evolution of Influenza C

PubMed Central

Gatherer, Derek

2010-01-01

Abstract: Influenza C contributes to economic damage caused by working days lost through absence or inefficiency and may occasionally cause an acute respiratory illness in a paediatric setting. All Influenza C sequences from the NCBI Influenza Virus Resource were examined to determine the date of the most recent common ancestor (t-MRCA), the average nucleotide substitution rate, and the location of residues under positive selection, for each of the seven genome segments of this virus. The segment with the deepest phylogeny was found to be segment 4, encoding the haemagglutinin-esterase protein (HE) with mean t-MRCA at 1890 of the common era (AD), at a 95% highest posterior density (HPD) of 1857-1924 AD. Other genome segments have slightly more recent common ancestors, ranging from mean t-MRCAs of 1916 AD (HPD 1891-1937) for segment 7, encoding the two non-structural proteins (NS) to 1944 AD (HPD 1940-1948) for segment 2 encoding the type 1 basic polymerase (PB1). On the basis of the Bayesian analysis a reclassification of lineages within genome segments is proposed. Some evidence for positive selection was found in the receptor-binding domain of the haemagglutinin-esterase protein. However, average ω (omega) values ranged from 0.05 for polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) to 0.38 for non-structural protein 2 (NS2), suggesting that strong to moderate purifying selection is the main trend. Characteristic combinations of segment lineages were identified (genome constellations) and shown to have a relatively short life-span before being broken up by reassortment. PMID:21127722

Psychological, situational and application-related determinants of the intention to self-test: a factorial survey among students.

PubMed

Kuecuekbalaban, Pinar; Rostalski, Tim; Schmidt, Silke; Muehlan, Holger

2017-07-10

The Internet enables an unprecedented opportunity to access a broad range of self-tests (e.g. testing for HIV, cancer, hepatitis B/C), which can be conducted by lay consumers without the help of a health professional. However, there is only little knowledge about the determinants of the use of self-tests. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to experimentally investigate the impact of situational and application-related characteristics on the intention to use a self-test (ST), compared to being tested by a health professional at home (HPH) or at a doctor's office (HPD), (2) to examine the applicability of social-cognitive health behaviour theories on self-testing, and (3) to explore the advantages of integrating technological affinity into social-cognitive health behaviour models to predict self-testing. In a factorial survey, 1248 vignettes were rated by 208 students. The core concepts of social-cognitive health behaviour theories, technological affinity, and different situational and application-related characteristics were investigated. Intention to ST was only predicted by the medical expertise of the tested person, while HPH and HPD were also associated with the application purpose of the test and the presence of an emotionally supporting person. Perceived severity and outcome-expectancy significantly predicted intention to self-test. Technological enthusiastic people had a higher intention to use a self-test. Intention to ST, HPH and HPD were predicted by different situational and application-related characteristics. Social-cognitive health behaviour theories can be applied to predict self-testing and do not need to be extended by technological affinity.

Evolution of the intercontinental disjunctions in six continents in the Ampelopsis clade of the grape family (Vitaceae)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The Ampelopsis clade (Ampelopsis and its close allies) of the grape family Vitaceae contains ca. 43 species disjunctly distributed in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Australia, and is a rare example to study both the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere intercontinental disjunctions. We reconstruct the temporal and spatial diversification of the Ampelopsis clade to explore the evolutionary processes that have resulted in their intercontinental disjunctions in six continents. Results The Bayesian molecular clock dating and the likelihood ancestral area analyses suggest that the Ampelopsis clade most likely originated in North America with its crown group dated at 41.2 Ma (95% HPD 23.4 - 61.0 Ma) in the middle Eocene. Two independent Laurasian migrations into Eurasia are inferred to have occurred in the early Miocene via the North Atlantic land bridges. The ancestor of the Southern Hemisphere lineage migrated from North America to South America in the early Oligocene. The Gondwanan-like pattern of intercontinental disjunction is best explained by two long-distance dispersals: once from South America to Africa estimated at 30.5 Ma (95% HPD 16.9 - 45.9 Ma), and the other from South America to Australia dated to 19.2 Ma (95% HPD 6.7 - 22.3 Ma). Conclusions The global disjunctions in the Ampelopsis clade are best explained by a diversification model of North American origin, two Laurasian migrations, one migration into South America, and two post-Gondwanan long-distance dispersals. These findings highlight the importance of both vicariance and long distance dispersal in shaping intercontinental disjunctions of flowering plants. PMID:22316163

Intra and interobserver variability of intrapartum transperineal ultrasound measurements with contraction and pushing.

PubMed

Sainz, José A; Fernández-Palacín, Ana; Borrero, Carlota; Aquise, Adriana; Ramos, Zenaida; García-Mejido, José A

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver correlation of the different intrapartum-transperineal-ultrasound-parameters(ITU) (angle of progression (AoP), progression-distance (PD), head-direction (HD), midline-angle (MLA) and head-perineum distance (HPD)) with contraction and pushing. We evaluated 28 nulliparous women at full dilatation under epidural analgesia. We performed a transperineal ultrasound evaluating AoP and PD in the longitudinal plane, and MLA and HPD in the transverse plane. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% CIs and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess intra- and interobserver measurement's repeatability. The ICC of the ITU for the same observer was adequate for all the parameters (p < .005) AoP 0.98 (95%CI, 0.96-0.99), PD 0.98 (95%CI, 0.97-0.99), MLA 0.99 (95%CI, 0.97-0.99), HPD 0.96 (95%CI, 0.88-0.99). The ICC of the ITU for interobserver was: AoP 0.93 (95%CI, 0.79-0.98), PD 0.92 (95%CI, 0.76-0.97), MLA 0.77 (95%CI, 0.42-0.92), HPD 0.47 (95%CI, -0.12-0.8). The HD had an interobserver correlation of 0.53 (95%CI, 0.1-0.9) (Kappa C). The mean difference of the AoP was 2.42°, of the PD 1 mm and 0.28° MLA (Bland-Altman test). ITU has an adequate intra- and interobserver correlation for its use with contraction and pushing under epidural analgesia. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: The intrapartum transperineal ultrasound parameters can be used with contraction and pushing under epidural analgesia. What the results of this study add to what we know: ITU may be used to evaluate the difficulty of instrumental delivery/to evaluate the difficulty of instrumentation in vaginal operative deliveries and this study concludes that ITU is reproducible during uterine contraction with pushing. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Therefore, ITU could be used without difficulty with an adequate intra- and interobserver correlation for the prediction of instrumentation difficulty in operative vaginal deliveries.

Effect of photodynamic therapy on mouse platelets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chuannong; Chi, Shunji; Deng, Jinsheng; Zhang, Hua; Liang, Junlin; Ha, Xian-wen

1993-06-01

Normal mice received hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) i.v. prior to red light irradiation and the platelet-rich plasma was prepared and irradiated by red light. The platelets were processed for EM examination and stereological analysis. It was shown the 16 hrs after irradiation almost all platelets were necrotized; 8 hours after irradiation about one fourth of the platelets were necrotized and the remaining were considerably damaged. Immediately after irradiation a small number of platelets became necrotic and most other platelets were swollen and deformated, showing significantly increased mean area, perimeter and short axis, and mean cell volume and cell surface area. The findings indicate that platelets are highly sensitive to PDT action and can be directly and rapidly damaged by PDT even in the absence of vascular endothelial cells. The early platelet photoactivation may play an important role in the initiation of early vascular damage and microcirculatory alterations induced by PDT in vivo.

Was Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus introduced into China via the ancient Silk Road? An evolutionary perspective.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenqiu; Fang, Qiwen; Zuo, Jialu; Minhas, Veenu; Wood, Charles; He, Na; Zhang, Tiejun

2017-10-01

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has become widely dispersed worldwide since it was first reported in 1994, but the seroprevalence of KSHV varies geographically. KSHV is relatively ubiquitous in Mediterranean areas and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The origin of KSHV has long been puzzling. In the present study, we collected and analysed 154 KSHV ORF-K1 sequences obtained from samples originating from Xinjiang, Italy, Greece, Iran and southern Siberia using Bayesian evolutionary analysis in BEAST to test the hypothesis that KSHV was introduced into Xinjiang via the ancient Silk Road. According to the phylogenetic analysis, 72 sequences were subtype A and 82 subtype C, with C2 (n = 56) being the predominant subtype. The times to the most recent common ancestors (tMRCAs) of KSHV were 29,872 years (95% highest probability density [HPD], 26,851-32,760 years) for all analysed sequences and 2037 years (95% HPD, 1843-2229 years) for Xinjiang sequences in particular. The tMRCA of Xinjiang KSHV was exactly matched with the time period of the ancient Silk Road approximately two thousand years ago. This route began in Chang'an, the capital of the Han dynasty of China, and crossed Central Asia, ending in the Roman Empire. The evolution rate of KSHV was slow, with 3.44 × 10 -6 substitutions per site per year (95% HPD, 2.26 × 10 -6 to 4.71 × 10 -6 ), although 11 codons were discovered to be under positive selection pressure. The geographic distances from Italy to Iran and Xinjiang are more than 4000 and 7000 kilometres, respectively, but no explicit relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance was detected.

Phylogeography of a Tertiary relict plant, Meconopsis cambrica (Papaveraceae), implies the existence of northern refugia for a temperate herb.

PubMed

Valtueña, Francisco J; Preston, Chris D; Kadereit, Joachim W

2012-03-01

The perennial herb Meconopsis cambrica, a western European endemic, is the only European species of the otherwise Himalayan genus Meconopsis and has been interpreted as a Tertiary relict species. Using rbcL and ITS sequence variation, we date the split between M. cambrica and its sister clade Papaver s.str. to the Middle to Upper Miocene (12.8 Myr, 6.4-19.2 Myr HPD). Within M. cambrica, cpDNA sequence variation reveals the existence of two groups of populations with a comparable level of genetic variation: a northern group from Great Britain, the Massif Central, the western Pyrenees and the Iberian System, and a southern group from the central and eastern Pyrenees. Populations from the Cantabrian Mountains were placed in both groups. Based on ITS sequence variation, the divergence between these two groups can be dated to 1.5 Myr (0.4-2.8 Myr HPD), and the age of the British populations is estimated as 0.37 Myr (0.0-0.9 Myr HPD). Amplified fragment length polymorphism results confirm the distinctive nature of the populations from Britain, the Massif Central and the central and eastern Pyrenees. These patterns of latitudinal variation of M. cambrica differ from patterns of longitudinal differentiation found in many other temperate species and imply glacial survival of the northern populations in northerly refugia. The primary differentiation into northern and southern cpDNA groups dates to near the onset of the Quaternary and suggests that an ancient phylogeographic pattern has survived through several glacial periods. Our data provide evidence that the species has persisted for a long period with a highly fragmented and probably very localized distribution. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Phylogeny, divergence times, and historical biogeography of the angiosperm family Saxifragaceae.

PubMed

Deng, Jia-bin; Drew, Bryan T; Mavrodiev, Evgeny V; Gitzendanner, Matthew A; Soltis, Pamela S; Soltis, Douglas E

2015-02-01

Saxifragaceae (Saxifragales) contain approximately 640 species and 33 genera, about half of which are monotypic. Due to factors such as morphological stasis, convergent morphological evolution, and disjunct distributions, relationships within Saxifragaceae have historically been troublesome. The family occurs primarily in mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest generic and species diversity in western North America, but disjunct taxa are known from southern South America. Here, we integrate broad gene (56 loci) and taxon (223 species) sampling strategies, both the most comprehensive to date within Saxifragaceae, with fossil calibrations and geographical distribution data to address relationships, divergence times, and historical biogeography among major lineages of Saxifragaceae. Two previously recognized main clades, the heucheroids (eight groups+Saniculiphyllum) and saxifragoids (Saxifraga s.s.), were re-affirmed by our phylogenetic analyses. Relationships among the eight heucheroid groups, as well as the phylogenetic position of Saniculiphyllum within the heucheroids, were resolved with mostly high support. Divergence time estimates indicate that Saxifragaceae began to diversify ca. 38.37 million years ago (Mya; 95% HPD=30.99-46.11Mya) in the Mid-Late Eocene, and that the two major lineages, the heucheroids and saxifragoids, began to diversify approximately 30.04Mya (95% HPD=23.87-37.15Mya) and 30.85 Mya (95% HPD=23.47-39.33Mya), respectively. We reconstructed ancestral geographic areas using statistical dispersal-vicariance (S-DIVA). These analyses indicate several radiations within Saxifragaceae: one in eastern Asia and multiple radiations in western North America. Our results also demonstrate that large amounts of sequence data coupled with broad taxon sampling can help resolve clade relationships that have thus far seemed intractable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ambient and at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum lipid levels.

PubMed

Arlien-Søborg, Mai C; Schmedes, Astrid S; Stokholm, Z A; Grynderup, M B; Bonde, J P; Jensen, C S; Hansen, Å M; Frederiksen, T W; Kristiansen, J; Christensen, K L; Vestergaard, J M; Lund, S P; Kolstad, H A

2016-10-01

Occupational and residential noise exposure has been related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Alteration of serum lipid levels has been proposed as a possible causal pathway. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between ambient and at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides when accounting for well-established predictors of lipid levels. This cross-sectional study included 424 industrial workers and 84 financial workers to obtain contrast in noise exposure levels. They provided a serum sample and wore portable dosimeters that every 5-s recorded ambient noise exposure levels during a 24-h period. We extracted measurements obtained during work and calculated the full-shift mean ambient noise level. For 331 workers who kept a diary on the use of a hearing protection device (HPD), we subtracted 10 dB from every noise recording obtained during HPD use and estimated the mean full-shift noise exposure level at the ear. Mean ambient noise level was 79.9 dB (A) [range 55.0-98.9] and the mean estimated level at the ear 77.8 dB (A) [range 55.0-94.2]. Ambient and at-the-ear noise levels were strongly associated with increasing levels of triglycerides, cholesterol-HDL ratio, and decreasing levels of HDL-cholesterol, but only in unadjusted analyses that did not account for HPD use and other risk factors. No associations between ambient or at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum lipid levels were observed. This indicates that a causal pathway between occupational and residential noise exposure and cardiovascular disease does not include alteration of lipid levels.

The Homogentisate Pathway: a Central Catabolic Pathway Involved in the Degradation of l-Phenylalanine, l-Tyrosine, and 3-Hydroxyphenylacetate in Pseudomonas putida

PubMed Central

Arias-Barrau, Elsa; Olivera, Elías R.; Luengo, José M.; Fernández, Cristina; Galán, Beatriz; García, José L.; Díaz, Eduardo; Miñambres, Baltasar

2004-01-01

Pseudomonas putida metabolizes Phe and Tyr through a peripheral pathway involving hydroxylation of Phe to Tyr (PhhAB), conversion of Tyr into 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (TyrB), and formation of homogentisate (Hpd) as the central intermediate. Homogentisate is then catabolized by a central catabolic pathway that involves three enzymes, homogentisate dioxygenase (HmgA), fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (HmgB), and maleylacetoacetate isomerase (HmgC), finally yielding fumarate and acetoacetate. Whereas the phh, tyr, and hpd genes are not linked in the P. putida genome, the hmgABC genes appear to form a single transcriptional unit. Gel retardation assays and lacZ translational fusion experiments have shown that hmgR encodes a specific repressor that controls the inducible expression of the divergently transcribed hmgABC catabolic genes, and homogentisate is the inducer molecule. Footprinting analysis revealed that HmgR protects a region in the Phmg promoter that spans a 17-bp palindromic motif and an external direct repetition from position −16 to position 29 with respect to the transcription start site. The HmgR protein is thus the first IclR-type regulator that acts as a repressor of an aromatic catabolic pathway. We engineered a broad-host-range mobilizable catabolic cassette harboring the hmgABC, hpd, and tyrB genes that allows heterologous bacteria to use Tyr as a unique carbon and energy source. Remarkably, we show here that the catabolism of 3-hydroxyphenylacetate in P. putida U funnels also into the homogentisate central pathway, revealing that the hmg cluster is a key catabolic trait for biodegradation of a small number of aromatic compounds. PMID:15262943

The homogentisate pathway: a central catabolic pathway involved in the degradation of L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and 3-hydroxyphenylacetate in Pseudomonas putida.

PubMed

Arias-Barrau, Elsa; Olivera, Elías R; Luengo, José M; Fernández, Cristina; Galán, Beatriz; García, José L; Díaz, Eduardo; Miñambres, Baltasar

2004-08-01

Pseudomonas putida metabolizes Phe and Tyr through a peripheral pathway involving hydroxylation of Phe to Tyr (PhhAB), conversion of Tyr into 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (TyrB), and formation of homogentisate (Hpd) as the central intermediate. Homogentisate is then catabolized by a central catabolic pathway that involves three enzymes, homogentisate dioxygenase (HmgA), fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (HmgB), and maleylacetoacetate isomerase (HmgC), finally yielding fumarate and acetoacetate. Whereas the phh, tyr, and hpd genes are not linked in the P. putida genome, the hmgABC genes appear to form a single transcriptional unit. Gel retardation assays and lacZ translational fusion experiments have shown that hmgR encodes a specific repressor that controls the inducible expression of the divergently transcribed hmgABC catabolic genes, and homogentisate is the inducer molecule. Footprinting analysis revealed that HmgR protects a region in the Phmg promoter that spans a 17-bp palindromic motif and an external direct repetition from position -16 to position 29 with respect to the transcription start site. The HmgR protein is thus the first IclR-type regulator that acts as a repressor of an aromatic catabolic pathway. We engineered a broad-host-range mobilizable catabolic cassette harboring the hmgABC, hpd, and tyrB genes that allows heterologous bacteria to use Tyr as a unique carbon and energy source. Remarkably, we show here that the catabolism of 3-hydroxyphenylacetate in P. putida U funnels also into the homogentisate central pathway, revealing that the hmg cluster is a key catabolic trait for biodegradation of a small number of aromatic compounds.

Dosimetry Prediction for Clinical Translation of 64Cu-Pembrolizumab ImmunoPET Targeting Human PD-1 Expression.

PubMed

Natarajan, Arutselvan; Patel, Chirag B; Habte, Frezghi; Gambhir, Sanjiv S

2018-01-12

The immune checkpoint programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) expressed on some tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and its ligand (PD-L1) expressed on tumor cells, enable cancers to evade the immune system. Blocking PD-1 with the monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab is a promising immunotherapy strategy. Thus, noninvasively quantifying the presence of PD-1 expression in the tumor microenvironment prior to initiation of immune checkpoint blockade may identify the patients likely to respond to therapy. We have developed a 64 Cu-pembrolizumab radiotracer and evaluated human dosimetry. The tracer was utilized to image hPD-1 levels in two subcutaneous mouse models: (a) 293 T/hPD-1 cells xenografted into NOD-scid IL-2Rγnull mice (NSG/293 T/hPD-1) and (b) human peripheral blood mononuclear cells engrafted into NSG bearing A375 human melanoma tumors (hNSG/A375). In each mouse model two cohorts were evaluated (hPD-1 blockade with pembrolizumab [blk] and non-blocked [nblk]), for a total of four groups (n = 3-5/group). The xenograft-to-muscle ratio in the NSG/293 T/hPD-1 model at 24 h was significantly increased in the nblk group (7.0 ± 0.5) compared to the blk group (3.4 ± 0.9), p = 0.01. The radiotracer dosimetry evaluation (PET/CT ROI-based and ex vivo) in the hNSG/A375 model revealed the highest radiation burden to the liver. In summary, we validated the 64 Cu-pembrolizumab tracer's specific hPD-1 receptor targeting and predicted human dosimetry.

The effect of dietary protein restriction on the secretory dynamics of 1 alpha-hydroxycorticosterone and urea in the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula: a possible role for 1 alpha-hydroxycorticosterone in sodium retention.

PubMed

Armour, K J; O'Toole, L B; Hazon, N

1993-08-01

The putative osmoregulatory role of the unique elasmobranch corticosteroid, 1 alpha-hydroxycorticosterone (1 alpha-OH-B), was investigated using dietary protein restriction as a means of limiting urea biosynthetic ability. Groups of dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) were adapted to either a high or a low protein diet (HPD and LPD respectively) and the secretory dynamics of urea and 1 alpha-OH-B were determined following acclimation to normal (100%), 130% and 50% sea water. In normal sea water, LPD fish showed significantly decreased blood production of urea compared with fish fed a HPD (P < 0.05), and the plasma urea concentration required to maintain iso-osmolality was achieved only by a substantial decrease in urea clearance from the plasma. Unlike HPD fish, LPD fish in 130% sea water had no apparent ability to increase plasma urea concentration. An alternative strategy adopted by these animals was the retention of high plasma concentrations of Na+ and Cl-, which increased plasma osmolality and tended to decrease osmotic water loss. Concomitant with the increased ion concentrations, plasma 1 alpha-OH-B concentration was also greatly elevated in LPD fish indicating that the steroid may be acting to minimize Na+ (and Cl-) excretion at osmoregulatory sites such as the rectal gland, kidney and gills. This and a previous study have also demonstrated that 1 alpha-OH-B concentration is elevated in 50% sea water. Decreases in plasma Na+ concentration are tolerated down to 75% sea water, whereafter Na+ is preferentially retained and further decreases in osmolality are achieved by reductions in plasma urea concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Applying the health promotion model to development of a worksite intervention.

PubMed

Lusk, S L; Kerr, M J; Ronis, D L; Eakin, B L

1999-01-01

Consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) decreases noise-induced hearing loss, however, many workers do not use them consistently. Past research has supported the need to use a conceptual framework to understand behaviors and guide intervention programs; however, few reports have specified a process to translate a conceptual model into an intervention. The strongest predictors from the Health Promotion Model were used to design a training program to increase HPD use among construction workers. Carpenters (n = 118), operating engineers (n = 109), and plumber/pipefitters (n = 129) in the Midwest were recruited to participate in the study. Written questionnaires including scales measuring the components of the Health Promotion Model were completed in classroom settings at worker trade group meetings. All items from scales predicting HPD use were reviewed to determine the basis for the content of a program to promote the use of HPDs. Three selection criteria were developed: (1) correlation with use of hearing protection (at least .20), (2) amenability to change, and (3) room for improvement (mean score not at ceiling). Linear regression and Pearson's correlation were used to assess the components of the model as predictors of HPD use. Five predictors had statistically significant regression coefficients: perceived noise exposure, self-efficacy, value of use, barriers to use, and modeling of use of hearing protection. Using items meeting the selection criteria, a 20-minute videotape with written handouts was developed as the core of an intervention. A clearly defined practice session was also incorporated in the training intervention. Determining salient factors for worker populations and specific protective equipment prior to designing an intervention is essential. These predictors provided the basis for a training program that addressed the specific needs of construction workers. Results of tests of the effectiveness of the program will be available in the near future.

Activation of Nrf2 Reduces UVA-Mediated MMP-1 Upregulation via MAPK/AP-1 Signaling Cascades: The Photoprotective Effects of Sulforaphane and Hispidulin

PubMed Central

Chaiprasongsuk, Anyamanee; Lohakul, Jinaphat; Soontrapa, Kitipong; Sampattavanich, Somponnat; Akarasereenont, Pravit

2017-01-01

UVA irradiation plays a role in premature aging of the skin through triggering oxidative stress-associated stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) responsible for collagen degradation, a hallmark of photoaged skin. Compounds that can activate nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor regulating antioxidant gene expression, should therefore serve as effective antiphotoaging agents. We investigated whether genetic silencing of Nrf2 could relieve UVA-mediated MMP-1 upregulation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling using human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Antiphotoaging effects of hispidulin (HPD) and sulforaphane (SFN) were assessed on their abilities to activate Nrf2 in controlling MMP-1 and collagen expressions in association with phosphorylation of MAPKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38), c-Jun, and c-Fos, using the skin of BALB/c mice subjected to repetitive UVA irradiation. Our findings suggested that depletion of Nrf2 promoted both mRNA expression and activity of MMP-1 in the UVA-irradiated HaCaT cells. Treatment of Nrf2 knocked-down HaCaT cells with MAPK inhibitors significantly suppressed UVA-induced MMP-1 and AP-1 activities. Moreover, pretreatment of the mouse skin with HPD and SFN, which could activate Nrf2, provided protective effects against UVA-mediated MMP-1 induction and collagen depletion in correlation with the decreased levels of phosphorylated MAPKs, c-Jun, and c-Fos in the mouse skin. In conclusion, Nrf2 could influence UVA-mediated MMP-1 upregulation through the MAPK/AP-1 signaling cascades. HPD and SFN may therefore represent promising antiphotoaging candidates. PMID:28011874

A Continuous Procedure Based on Column Chromatography to Purify Anthocyanins from Schisandra chinensis by a Macroporous Resin plus Gel Filtration Chromatography.

PubMed

Yue, Daran; Yang, Lei; Liu, Shouxin; Li, Jian; Li, Wei; Ma, Chunhui

2016-02-06

In our previous study, as natural food colorants and antioxidants, the color and content stabilities of Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) anthocyanins were investigated. In this work, the purification process parameters of S. chinensis anthocyanins using a macroporous resin and gel filtration chromatography were evaluated. The optimized parameters of static adsorption and desorption were as follows. The selected resin is HPD-300 (nonpolar copolymer styrene type resin), and the anthocyanins adsorption saturation capacity of HPD-300 resin was 0.475 mg/g dry resin. Adsorption time was 4 h, and 0.517 mg/mL of S. chinensis anthocyanins was adsorbed on the resin column with a flow rate of 39 mL/h (3 BV/h). After adsorption, the anthocyanins were completely desorpted with 2.5 BV of 90% (v/v) ethanol solution, and the desorption flow rate was 13 mL/h (1 BV/h). After purification by dynamic adsorption and desorption, the anthocyanins content in the effluent increased from 47.6 mg/g to 128.4 mg/g, the purity of anthocyanins increased six-fold from 5.08% to 30.43%, and the anthocyanins recovery was 96.5%. The major constituent of S. chinensis anthocyanins was isolated with Bio-Gel P2 gel filtration chromatography, and it was detected by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) as cyanidin-3-O-xylosylrutinoside. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of S. chinensis anthocyanins were investigated. After purification using the HPD-300 resin, the antioxidant activities of anthocyanins were increased 1.2-fold (FRAP) and 1.7-fold (ABTS).

Organic-inorganic hybrid inverted photodiode with planar heterojunction for achieving low dark current and high detectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, JaeUn; Yoon, Seongwon; Lee, Jong-Soo; Chung, Dae Sung

2016-03-01

In this study, the strategy of using an organic-inorganic hybrid planar heterojunction consisting of polymeric semiconductors and inorganic nanocrystals is introduced to realize a high-performance hybrid photodiode (HPD) with low dark current and high detectivity. To prevent undesired charge injection under the reverse bias condition, which is the major dark current source of the photodiode, a well-defined planar heterojunction is strategically constructed via smart solution process techniques. The optimized HPD renders a low dark current of ˜10-5 mA cm-2 at -5 V and ˜10-6 mA cm-2 at -1 V, as well as a high detectivity ˜1012 Jones across the entire visible wavelength range. Furthermore, excellent photocurrent stability is demonstrated under continuous light exposure. We believe that the solution-processed planar heterojunction with inverted structure can be an attractive alternative diode structure for fabricating high-performance HPDs, which usually suffer from high dark current issues.

Molecular epidemiology and evolutionary analysis of dengue virus type 2, circulating in Delhi, India.

PubMed

Sharma, Pankaj; Mittal, Veena; Chhabra, Mala; Kumari, Roop; Singh, Priyanka; Venkatesh, Srinivas

2016-12-01

Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) has been associated with severe dengue outbreaks in many countries including India. Its predominance was recorded nearly after a decade in the capital city, Delhi in 2013. The present study characterizes DENV-2 circulated during 2013-2014. Analysis based on envelope (E) gene showed the presence of two clades (I and II) of DENV-2, within the Cosmopolitan genotype. Analysis of time of most recent common ancestor revealed the existence of clade I for more than a decade (95 % HPD 13-16 years) however, clade II showed comparatively recent emergence (95 % HPD 5-13 years). Presence of different clades is of high significance as this may result in increased virus transmission and major outbreaks. Further, the presence of a unique amino acid substitution, Q325H was also observed in an isolate; 14/D2/Del/2013 (KT717981). This substitution falls in immune epitope (epitope id: 150268) and may have important role in host immune response.

Investigation of drying kinetics of tomato slices dried by using a closed loop heat pump dryer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coşkun, Salih; Doymaz, İbrahim; Tunçkal, Cüneyt; Erdoğan, Seçil

2017-06-01

In this study, tomato slices were dried at three different drying air temperatures (35, 40 and 45 °C) and at 1 m/s air velocities by using a closed loop heat pump dryer (HPD). To explain the drying characteristics of tomato slices, ten thin-layer drying models were applied. The drying of tomato slices at each temperature occurred in falling-rate period; no constant-rate period of drying was observed. The drying rate was significantly influenced by drying temperature. The effective moisture diffusivity varied between 8.28 × 10-11 and 1.41 × 10-10 m2/s, the activation energy was found to be 43.12 kJ/mol. Besides, at the end of drying process, the highest mean specific moisture extraction ratio and coefficient of performance of HPD system were obtained as 0.324 kg/kWh and 2.71, respectively, at the highest drying air temperature (45 °C).

Photosensitized inactivation of infectious blood-borne human parasites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Judy, Millard M.; Sogandares-Bernal, Franklin M.; Matthews, James Lester

1995-05-01

Blood-borne viruses and protozoan parasites that are infectious to humans pose risk world-wide of infection transmission through blood and blood product transfusion. Blood-borne infectious viruses include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-I), which causes AIDS; hepatitis C virus, which can cause chronic hepatitis; and cytomegalovirus, which can be dangerous to immunocompromised patients, e.g., the newborn, transplant recipients, and AIDS patients. Infectious blood-borne protozoan parasites include Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas' disease, endemic throughout Central and South America; the Trypanosoma species causing African sleeping sickness endemic in Central Africa; and Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malignant and increasingly drug- resistant human malaria prevalent throughout the tropics. Some researchers have focused on using photosensitizers to inactivate HIV-I and other viruses in whole blood, packed red cells, and platelet concentrates without compromising blood product function. Our group previously has reported photosensitized in vitro inactivation of P. falciparum and the mouse malaria organism Plasmodium berghei in whole blood using hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and of T. cruzi using benzoporphyrin derivatives BPDMA and BPDDA, dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE), and hydroxyethylvinyldeuteroporphyrin (HEVD). These results suggest that continued investigation is warranted to evaluate the potential for photosensitized inactivation of blood-borne parasites in blood banking.

Magnon Bose-Einstein condensation and spin superfluidity.

PubMed

Bunkov, Yuriy M; Volovik, Grigory E

2010-04-28

Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) is a quantum phenomenon of formation of a collective quantum state in which a macroscopic number of particles occupy the lowest energy state and thus is governed by a single wavefunction. Here we highlight the BEC in a magnetic subsystem--the BEC of magnons, elementary magnetic excitations. The magnon BEC is manifested as the spontaneously emerging state of the precessing spins, in which all spins precess with the same frequency and phase even in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The coherent spin precession was observed first in superfluid (3)He-B and this domain was called the homogeneously precessing domain (HPD). The main feature of the HPD is the induction decay signal, which ranges over many orders of magnitude longer than is prescribed by the inhomogeneity of magnetic field. This means that spins precess not with a local Larmor frequency, but coherently with a common frequency and phase. This BEC can also be created and stabilized by continuous NMR pumping. In this case the NMR frequency plays the role of a magnon chemical potential, which determines the density of the magnon condensate. The interference between two condensates has also been demonstrated. It was shown that HPD exhibits all the properties of spin superfluidity. The main property is the existence of a spin supercurrent. This spin supercurrent flows separately from the mass current. Transfer of magnetization by the spin supercurrent by a distance of more than 1 cm has been observed. Also related phenomena have been observed: the spin current Josephson effect; the phase-slip processes at the critical current; and the spin current vortex--a topological defect which is the analog of a quantized vortex in superfluids and of an Abrikosov vortex in superconductors; and so on. It is important to mention that the spin supercurrent is a magnetic phenomenon, which is not directly related to the mass superfluidity of (3)He: it is the consequence of a specific antiferromagnetic ordering in superfluid (3)He. Several different states of coherent precession have been observed in (3)He-B: the homogeneously precessing domain (HPD); a persistent signal formed by Q-balls at very low temperatures; coherent precession with fractional magnetization; and two new modes of coherent precession in compressed aerogel. In compressed aerogel the coherent precession has been also found in (3)He-A. We demonstrate that the coherent precession of magnetization is a true BEC of magnons, with the magnon interaction term in the Gross-Pitaevskii equation being provided by spin-orbit coupling which is different for different states of the magnon BEC.

A randomised controlled trial of probiotics for the prevention of spontaneous preterm delivery associated with bacterial vaginosis: preliminary results

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery at less than 34 weeks of gestation. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the early administration of selected lactobacilli strains (probiotics) to pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis/intermediate-degree infections to prevent spontaneous premature delivery and associated neonatal morbidity. Methods/Design Asymptomatic pregnant women at less than 20 weeks of gestation, with no indication of elective preterm delivery, with a vaginal pH ≥ 4.5 and Nugent score > 3 were randomly assigned to the placebo or intervention group (oral administration of selected lactobacilli up to the 24th to 26th week of gestation). The randomisation was stratified for the history of premature delivery (HPD) and blocked. The allocation was concealed, and the participating health professionals and patients were blinded. The primary outcome was preterm delivery (<34 to <32 weeks), and the secondary outcomes were associated neonatal complications. Results In total, 4,204 pregnant women were screened; 320 and 324 individuals were respectively randomly assigned to the placebo and intervention groups, and 62% finished the trial. None of the randomised patients were lost to follow-up. For the non-HPD stratum, the intent-to-treat relative risks of spontaneous premature birth at < 34 and < 37 weeks' gestation were 0.33 (0.03, 3.16) and 0.49 (0.17, 1.44), respectively, and they were non-significant (ns) with p = 0.31 and 0.14. The corresponding actual treatment figures were zero and 0.32 (0.09, 1.19), which were ns with p = 0.12 and 0.06. The intent-to-treat relative risk of spontaneous premature birth at < 37 weeks of gestation for the trial as a whole, including HPD and non-HPD participants, was 0.69 (0.26, 1.78), p = 0.30 (ns). The neonatal complications under evaluation occurred in only one infant (< 34 weeks; placebo group) who presented with respiratory distress syndrome and suspected early neonatal sepsis. The recorded adverse events were minor and relatively non-specific. Conclusions The efficacy of the tested probiotics to prevent preterm delivery among women without a history of preterm delivery was not determined because the study sample was insufficient to estimate statistically significant intent-to-treat effects; additional studies are needed to evaluate this intervention among these women. Trial registration Trial registration at NIH register: NCT00303082. Sources of funding: the Brazilian Health Ministry and the State of Rio de Janeiro Research Foundation. PMID:22059409

Genetic basis of semen traits and their relationship with growth rate in rabbits.

PubMed

Tusell, L; Legarra, A; García-Tomás, M; Rafel, O; Ramon, J; Piles, M

2012-05-01

This work aims to estimate the genetic parameters of seminal and production traits in a paternal line of rabbits selected for ADG during the fattening period. The considered traits were male libido (Lib) defined as successful mounting of an artificial vagina; presence of urine (Ur) and calcium carbonate deposits (Ca) in the ejaculate; semen pH; individual sperm motility (IM); the suitability for AI of the ejaculate (Sui), which involves the subjective combination of several quality traits; the average ejaculate volume (Vol); sperm concentration (Conc); and the average sperm production per ejaculate (Prod = Vol × Conc). The genetic relationship between all of these traits with ADG is also provided. Male libido and seminal data came either from routine evaluations of the ejaculates in an AI center or from 2 experiments in which bucks from the same population were used. Two consecutive ejaculates per male and per week were collected, leaving 7 d within weekly collections. A linear tri-trait model was used to analyze Conc, Vol, and ADG, whereas linear and threshold-linear 2-trait models were used to analyze male libido and the remaining seminal traits with ADG. A Bayesian approach was adopted for inference. Approximately 38% of ejaculates were rejected for AI primarily due to low IM scores. Variables related to the quality of the ejaculate (Ur, Ca, pH, IM, Sui) and Lib were found to be lowly heritable (h(2) ranged from 0.04 to 0.11), but repeatable. This indicates performance of bucks for seminal quality traits and libido in AI centers would be more strongly affected by management practices rather than genetic selection. Semen production traits exhibited moderate values of h(2) (0.22, 0.27, and 0.23 for Conc, Vol, and Prod, respectively), suggesting the possibility of effective selection for these traits. A moderate to high negative genetic correlation (r(g); posterior mean; highest posterior density at 95%, HPD(95%)) was estimated between Conc and Vol (-0.53, HPD(95%) = -0.76, -0.27). The ADG was estimated to have an h(2) of 0.16, to have a low, positive r(g) with Conc (0.21, HPD(95%) = -0.03, 0.48), to have a low, negative r(g) with Vol (-0.19, HPD(95%) = -0.47, 0.08), and to be genetically uncorrelated with all remaining traits analyzed. Therefore, selection for increasing ADG in paternal lines is expected to have no detrimental effects on Ur, Ca, pH, IM, Sui, and Lib and little to no effect on Conc, Vol, and Prod.

Towards an Active Hearing Protection Device for Musicians =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernier, Antoine

Professional musicians are oftentimes exposed to high levels of sound. Prolonged or severe exposure to high sound levels could lead to permanent hearing loss and compromise their career. The logical solution would be to wear hearing protection devices (HPDs) when appropriate. However, perceptual discomfort associated with wearing HPD can discourage their use by musicians. The perceptual discomfort is caused by two detrimental effects: the occlusion effect and the isolation effect. The occlusion effect is often reported as an augmented, unnatural and annoying perception of one's own voice or instrument mechanically coupled to the head when wearing HPDs. The isolation effect is the unnatural sensation of being isolated from a given sound environment and can be caused by wearing HPDs that do not compensate for psychoacoustical factors and therefore alter the wearer's auditory perception. Both effects are highly unfavorable to the musicians' auditory perception and compromise their capacity to perform to the best of their abilities for their audience. They are among the reasons most often reported by musicians to decide not to wear HPDs. This master's project presents the concept and first prototype of an active HPD for musicians that aims at solving the detrimental effects while protecting the musician's hearing. A solution for the occlusion effect is presented in the form of an earplug complemented with in-ear active noise control. Practical design issues and required trade-off are analyzed through a literature review and the implementation and characterization of an active occlusion effect reduction system, allowing reduction of the occlusion effect between 8.5 and 12 dB at 250 Hz. A solution for the isolation effect is presented in the form of an earplug complemented with digital signal processing capabilities. Factors that may cause the isolation effect are identified through a literature review and corresponding algorithms that aim at re-establishing the naturalness of the auditory perception while wearing HPDs are presented through the design and implementation of an isolation effect compensation system, allowing up to 15 dB of variable uniform attenuation when used by itself. Both systems working simultaneously in the same device would result in an active HPD for musicians that reduces the occlusion effect and offers uniform variable attenuation up to 25 dB and perceived uniform attenuation up to 25 phons. The aim of this active HPD for musicians is to cause the least perceptual discomfort while protecting a musician's most precious tool: his hearing.

Evaluation of new biomarker genes for differentiating Haemophilus influenzae from Haemophilus haemolyticus.

PubMed

Theodore, M Jordan; Anderson, Raydel D; Wang, Xin; Katz, Lee S; Vuong, Jeni T; Bell, Melissa E; Juni, Billie A; Lowther, Sara A; Lynfield, Ruth; MacNeil, Jessica R; Mayer, Leonard W

2012-04-01

PCR detecting the protein D (hpd) and fuculose kinase (fucK) genes showed high sensitivity and specificity for identifying Haemophilus influenzae and differentiating it from H. haemolyticus. Phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA gene demonstrated two distinct groups for H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus.

Evaluation of New Biomarker Genes for Differentiating Haemophilus influenzae from Haemophilus haemolyticus

PubMed Central

Anderson, Raydel D.; Wang, Xin; Katz, Lee S.; Vuong, Jeni T.; Bell, Melissa E.; Juni, Billie A.; Lowther, Sara A.; Lynfield, Ruth; MacNeil, Jessica R.; Mayer, Leonard W.

2012-01-01

PCR detecting the protein D (hpd) and fuculose kinase (fucK) genes showed high sensitivity and specificity for identifying Haemophilus influenzae and differentiating it from H. haemolyticus. Phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA gene demonstrated two distinct groups for H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus. PMID:22301020

Polyphyly of the Padus group of Prunus (Rosaceae) and the evolution of biogeographic disjunctions between eastern Asia and eastern North America.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao-Lin; Wen, Jun; Nie, Ze-Long; Johnson, Gabriel; Liang, Zong-Suo; Chang, Zhao-Yang

2013-05-01

Prunus subgenus Padus is a group with a wide distribution in temperate eastern Asia and eastern North America with one species extending to Europe and one to Central America. Phylogenetic relationships of subgenus Padus were reconstructed using sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS, and plastid ndhF gene, and rps16 intron and rpl16 intron. Prunus subgenus Padus is shown to be polyphyletic. Taxa of subgenus Padus and subgenus Laurocerasus are highly intermixed in both the ITS and the plastid trees. The results support two disjunctions between eastern North America and Eurasia within the Padus group. One disjunction is between Prunus virginiana of eastern North America and P. padus of Eurasia, estimated to have diverged at 2.99 (95 % HPD 0.59-6.15)-4.1 (95 % HPD 0.63-8.59) mya. The other disjunction is between P. serotina and its Asian relatives. The second disjunction may have occurred earlier than the former one, but the age estimate is difficult due to the unresolved phylogenetic position of the P. serotina complex.

Evaluation of alignment error of micropore X-ray optics caused by hot plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Numazawa, Masaki; Ishi, Daiki; Ezoe, Yuichiro; Takeuchi, Kazuma; Terada, Masaru; Fujitani, Maiko; Ishikawa, Kumi; Nakajima, Kazuo; Morishita, Kohei; Ohashi, Takaya; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa; Nakamura, Kasumi; Noda, Yusuke

2018-06-01

We report on the evaluation and characterization of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) X-ray optics produced by silicon dry etching and hot plastic deformation. Sidewalls of micropores formed by etching through a silicon wafer are used as X-ray reflecting mirrors. The wafer is deformed into a spherical shape to focus parallel incidence X-rays. We quantitatively evaluated a mirror alignment error using an X-ray pencil beam (Al Kα line at 1.49 keV). The deviation angle caused only by the deformation was estimated from angular shifts of the X-ray focusing point before and after the deformation to be 2.7 ± 0.3 arcmin on average within the optics. This gives an angular resolution of 12.9 ± 1.4 arcmin in half-power diameter (HPD). The surface profile of the deformed optics measured using a NH-3Ns surface profiler (Mitaka Kohki) also indicated that the resolution was 11.4 ± 0.9 arcmin in HPD, suggesting that we can simply evaluate the alignment error caused by the hot plastic deformation.

The Astro-H Soft X-Ray Mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, David; Okajima, Takashi; Serlemitsos, Peter; Soong, Yang

2012-01-01

The Astro-H is led by the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with many other institutions including the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Goddard's contributions include two soft X-ray telescopes (SXTs). The telescopes have an effective area of 562 square cm at 1 keV and 425 square cm at 6 keV with an image quality requirement of 1.7 arc-minutes half power diameter (HPD). The engineering model has demonstrated 1.1 arc-minutes HPD error. The design of the SXT is based on the successful Suzaku mission mirrors with some enhancements to improve the image quality. Two major enhancements are bonding the X-ray mirror foils to alignment bars instead of allowing the mirrors to float, and fabricating alignment bars with grooves within 5 microns of accuracy. An engineering model SXT was recently built and subjected to several tests including vibration, thermal, and X-ray performance in a beamline. Several lessons were learned during this testing that will be incorporated in the flight design. Test results and optical performance are discussed, along with a description of the design of the SXT.

Photodynamic therapy of endometriosis with HpD (Photosan III) in a new in vitro model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viereck, Volker; Werter, Wiebke; Rueck, Angelika C.; Steiner, Rudolf W.; Keckstein, J.

1994-07-01

As a new treatment model for endometriosis, photodynamic therapy was applied to endometriotic and endometrial cultures. It could be demonstrated that both endometrial components (epithelium and stroma) were present in the cultures, proved by immunocytology and electron microscopy. No major differences were seen between endometriotic and endometrial cells. The cultures were treated by HpD-sensitized PDT. Incubation time was 24 h and concentrations of 5 and 10 (mu) g/ml were used. Irradiation was performed by an argon-pumped dye laser at 630 nm with a power density of 80 mW/cm2. Evaluation both morphologically and by trypan blue exclusion test, was effected 24 h after irradiation. Toxicity in endometriotic and endometrial cultures was practically identical. Stroma cells were more sensitive to photodynamic treatment than epithelial cells. Complete stromal cell destruction was reached at 15 J/cm2, whereas epithelial cells showed 100 lethality at 40 J/cm2 (10(mu) g/ml HpD). These and subsequent results demonstrate that the sensitivity of stromal cells was about seven times higher than that of epithelial cells.

The Changing Role of Data Stewardship in Creating Trustworthy, Interdisciplinary High Performance Data Platforms for the Future.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, C. J.; Evans, B. J. K.; Wyborn, L. A.; Wang, J.; Trenham, C. E.; Druken, K. A.

2016-12-01

The Australian National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) has ingested over 10PB of national and international environmental, Earth systems science and geophysics reference data onto a single platform to advance high performance data (HPD) techniques that enable interdisciplinary Data-intensive Science. Improved Data Stewardship is critical to evolve both data and data services that support the increasing need for programmatic usability and that prioritises interoperability rather than just traditional data download or portal access. A data platform designed for programmatic access requires quality checked collections that better utilise interoperable data formats and standards. Achieving this involves strategies to meet both the technical and `social' challenges. Aggregating datasets used by different communities and organisations requires satisfying multiple use cases for the broader research community, whilst addressing existing BAU requirements. For NCI, this requires working with data stewards to manage the process of replicating data to the common platform, community representatives and developers to confirm their requirements, and with international peers to better enable globally integrated data communities. It is particularly important to engage with representatives from each community who can work collaboratively to a common goal, as well as capture their community needs, apply quality assurance, determine any barriers to change and to understand priorities. This is critical when managing the aggregation of data collections from multiple producers with different levels of stewardship maturity, technologies and standards, and where organisational barriers can impact the transformation to interoperable and performant data access. To facilitate the management, development and operation of the HPD platform, NCI coordinates technical and domain committees made up of user representatives, data stewards and informatics experts to provide a forum to discuss, learn and advise NCI's management. This experience has been a useful collaboration and suggests that in the age of interdisciplinary HPD research, Data Stewardship is evolving from a focus on the needs of a single community to one which helps balance priorities and navigates change for multiple communities.

Impact of a History of Hypertension in Pregnancy on Later Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Scantlebury, Dawn C; Kattah, Andrea G; Weissgerber, Tracey L; Agarwal, Sanket; Mielke, Michelle M; Weaver, Amy L; Vaughan, Lisa E; Henkin, Stanislav; Zimmerman, Katherine; Miller, Virginia M; White, Wendy M; Hayes, Sharonne N; Garovic, Vesna D

2018-05-13

Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) produces significant morbidity in women and is typically attributed to cardiac remodeling from multiple causes, particularly hypertension. Hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPDs) are associated with future hypertension and adverse cardiac remodeling. We evaluated whether women with AF were more likely to have experienced a HPD compared with those without. A nested case-control study was conducted within a cohort of 7566 women who had a live or stillbirth delivery in Olmsted County, Minnesota between 1976 and 1982. AF cases were matched (1:1) to controls based on date of birth, age at first pregnancy, and parity. AF and pregnancy history were confirmed by chart review. We identified 105 AF cases: mean age 57±8 (mean±SD) years, (controls 56±8 years), 32±8 years (controls 31±8 years) after the first pregnancy. Cases were more likely to have obesity during childbearing years, and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, coronary disease, valvular disease, and heart failure at the time of AF diagnosis. Cases were more likely to have a history of HPDs, compared with controls: 28/105 (26.7%) cases versus 12/105 (11.4%) controls, odds ratio: 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.21-6.04). After adjustment for hypertension and obesity, the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant; odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 2.12 (0.92-5.23). Women with AF are more likely to have had a HPD, a relationship at least partially mediated by associated obesity and hypertension. Given the high morbidity of AF, studies evaluating the benefit of screening for and management of cardiovascular risk factors in women with a history of HPD should be performed. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Prediction/Discussion-Based Learning Cycle versus Conceptual Change Text: Comparative Effects on Students' Understanding of Genetics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al khawaldeh, Salem A.

2013-01-01

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of a prediction/discussion-based learning cycle (HPD-LC), conceptual change text (CCT) and traditional instruction on 10th grade students' understanding of genetics concepts. Sample: Participants were 112 10th basic grade male students in three classes of…

Development of a Financial Aid Handbook for the Health Professions Division Students at Nova Southeastern University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wynter, Shelley

2004-01-01

The problem addressed by this study was that the Health Professions Division (HPD) students at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) were not fully aware of the financial aid process. The issue created frustrated students who were unable to manage their overall debt because they were left financially powerless, resulting in the prospect of being…

77 FR 68807 - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Halletts Point...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-16

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5669-N-01] Notice of Intent To Prepare... City of New York--Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), as the Responsible Entity in accordance with 24 CFR 58.2(a)(7), and the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) serving as lead...

Model-guided control of hippocampal discharges by local direct current stimulation.

PubMed

Mina, Faten; Modolo, Julien; Recher, Fanny; Dieuset, Gabriel; Biraben, Arnaud; Benquet, Pascal; Wendling, Fabrice

2017-05-10

Neurostimulation is an emerging treatment for drug-resistant epilepsies when surgery is contraindicated. Recent clinical results demonstrate significant seizure frequency reduction in epileptic patients, however the mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect are largely unknown. This study aimed at gaining insights into local direct current stimulation (LDCS) effects on hyperexcitable tissue, by i) analyzing the impact of electrical currents locally applied on epileptogenic brain regions, and ii) characterizing currents achieving an "anti-epileptic" effect (excitability reduction). First, a neural mass model of hippocampal circuits was extended to accurately reproduce the features of hippocampal paroxysmal discharges (HPD) observed in a mouse model of epilepsy. Second, model predictions regarding current intensity and stimulation polarity were confronted to in vivo mice recordings during LDCS (n = 8). The neural mass model was able to generate realistic hippocampal discharges. Simulation of LDCS in the model pointed at a significant decrease of simulated HPD (in duration and occurrence rate, not in amplitude) for cathodal stimulation, which was successfully verified experimentally in epileptic mice. Despite the simplicity of our stimulation protocol, these results contribute to a better understanding of clinical benefits observed in epileptic patients with implanted neurostimulators. Our results also provide further support for model-guided design of neuromodulation therapy.

Differential interaction of porphyrins used in photoradiation therapy with ferrochelatase.

PubMed Central

Dailey, H A; Smith, A

1984-01-01

The mechanism of porphyrin accumulation by tumours is not yet established. If metabolism aids porphyrin elimination, tumours, unlike normal tissues, may not metabolize porphyrins used clinically, such as proto-, haemato-, OO'-diacetyl-haemato- and monohydroxyethyl-monovinyl-deutero-porphyrin. Proto-, haemato- and monohydroxyethyl-monovinyl-deutero-porphyrin are substrates for the mitochondrial enzyme ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1), which can form haem analogues from exogenous porphyrins. The Km values for proto-, haemato- and monohydroxyethyl-monovinyl-deutero-porphyrin are 11, 22 and 23 microM respectively. However, OO'-diacetyl-haematoporphyrin is an effective competitive inhibitor with Ki of 11 microM. Hepatic ferrochelatase specific activity is 5.9 and 5.5 nmol of haem/h per mg of protein respectively in normal Buffalo rat and in those bearing the extrahepatic Morris 7288C hepatoma, and is only 0.13 nmol/h per mg in the hepatomas. Therefore low ferrochelatase activity in cancerous cells may provide one means whereby some porphyrins accumulate in tumours, and the ability of certain porphyrins to act as ferrochelatase inhibitors may provide another. PMID:6497856

Photodynamic treatment (PDT) of endometrium primary cultures serving as an in-vitro-model for endometriosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werter, Wiebke; Viereck, Volker; Keckstein, J.; Steiner, Rudolf W.; Rueck, Angelika C.

1994-05-01

As a new treatment model for endometriosis, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied to endometrium cultures. Endometriosis is a benign disease. Therefore primary cultures were used instead of cell lines. Endometrium is composed of epithelial and stromal cells which can also be found in primary culture. While stromal cells take a polygonal shape in culture, epithelial cells form cell colonies. PSIII (Photasan III), which is similar to hematorporphyrin derivate (HpD), meso-tetra (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4), which posses a high fluorescence quantum yield and may be useful in fluorescence diagnosis of subtle endometriotic spots, and methylene blue (MB), a vital dye with phototoxic properties, were used as photosensitizers. Different sensitizer concentrations and incubation times were applied. The highest phototoxicity was observed for PSIII; TPPS4 and MB were less phototoxic. We compared our results with the sensitivity of cell lines described in the literature. The necessary irradiation to destroy stromal cells was relatively high but still in the same dimension as for cell lines. However they were even more sensitive than epithelial cells. This was true for all sensitizers used.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of endometrium primary cultures serving as an in-vitro model for endometriosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herter, Wiebke; Viereck, Volker; Keckstein, J.; Steiner, Rudolf W.; Rueck, Angelika C.

1994-05-01

As a new treatment model for endometriosis, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied to endometrium cultures. Endometriosis is a benign disease. Therefore primary cultures were used instead of cell lines. Endometrium is composed of epithelial and stromal cells which can also be found in primary culture. While stromal cells take a polygonal shape in culture, epithelial cells form cell colonies. PSIII (Photasan III), which is similar to hematorporphyrin derivate (HpD), meso-tetra (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4), which posses a high fluorescence quantum yield and may be useful in fluorescence diagnosis of subtle endometriotic spots, and methylene blue (MB), a vital dye with phototoxic properties, were used as photosensitizers. Different sensitizer concentrations and incubation times were applied. The highest phototoxicity was observed for PSIII; TPPS4 and MB were less phototoxic. We compared our results with the sensitivity of cell lines described in the literature. The necessary irradiation to destroy stromal cells was relatively high but still in the same dimension as for cell lines. However they were even more sensitive than epithelial cells. This was true for all sensitizers used.

Modeling Speech Level as a Function of Background Noise Level and Talker-to-Listener Distance for Talkers Wearing Hearing Protection Devices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bouserhal, Rachel E.; Bockstael, Annelies; MacDonald, Ewen; Falk, Tiago H.; Voix, Jérémie

2017-01-01

Purpose: Studying the variations in speech levels with changing background noise level and talker-to-listener distance for talkers wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) can aid in understanding communication in background noise. Method: Speech was recorded using an intra-aural HPD from 12 different talkers at 5 different distances in 3…

Predicting spatial spread of rabies in skunk populations using surveillance data reported by the public

PubMed Central

Streicker, Daniel G.; Fischer, Justin W.; VerCauteren, Kurt C.; Gilbert, Amy T.

2017-01-01

Background Prevention and control of wildlife disease invasions relies on the ability to predict spatio-temporal dynamics and understand the role of factors driving spread rates, such as seasonality and transmission distance. Passive disease surveillance (i.e., case reports by public) is a common method of monitoring emergence of wildlife diseases, but can be challenging to interpret due to spatial biases and limitations in data quantity and quality. Methodology/Principal findings We obtained passive rabies surveillance data from dead striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in an epizootic in northern Colorado, USA. We developed a dynamic patch-occupancy model which predicts spatio-temporal spreading while accounting for heterogeneous sampling. We estimated the distance travelled per transmission event, direction of invasion, rate of spatial spread, and effects of infection density and season. We also estimated mean transmission distance and rates of spatial spread using a phylogeographic approach on a subsample of viral sequences from the same epizootic. Both the occupancy and phylogeographic approaches predicted similar rates of spatio-temporal spread. Estimated mean transmission distances were 2.3 km (95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD95): 0.02, 11.9; phylogeographic) and 3.9 km (95% credible intervals (CI95): 1.4, 11.3; occupancy). Estimated rates of spatial spread in km/year were: 29.8 (HPD95: 20.8, 39.8; phylogeographic, branch velocity, homogenous model), 22.6 (HPD95: 15.3, 29.7; phylogeographic, diffusion rate, homogenous model) and 21.1 (CI95: 16.7, 25.5; occupancy). Initial colonization probability was twice as high in spring relative to fall. Conclusions/Significance Skunk-to-skunk transmission was primarily local (< 4 km) suggesting that if interventions were needed, they could be applied at the wave front. Slower viral invasions of skunk rabies in western USA compared to a similar epizootic in raccoons in the eastern USA implies host species or landscape factors underlie the dynamics of rabies invasions. Our framework provides a straightforward method for estimating rates of spatial spread of wildlife diseases. PMID:28759576

Inter-laboratory Comparison of Three Earplug Fit-test Systems

PubMed Central

Byrne, David C.; Murphy, William J.; Krieg, Edward F.; Ghent, Robert M.; Michael, Kevin L.; Stefanson, Earl W.; Ahroon, William A.

2017-01-01

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sponsored tests of three earplug fit-test systems (NIOSH HPD Well-Fit™, Michael & Associates FitCheck, and Honeywell Safety Products VeriPRO®). Each system was compared to laboratory-based real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) measurements in a sound field according to ANSI/ASA S12.6-2008 at the NIOSH, Honeywell Safety Products, and Michael & Associates testing laboratories. An identical study was conducted independently at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), which provided their data for inclusion in this report. The Howard Leight Airsoft premolded earplug was tested with twenty subjects at each of the four participating laboratories. The occluded fit of the earplug was maintained during testing with a soundfield-based laboratory REAT system as well as all three headphone-based fit-test systems. The Michael & Associates lab had highest average A-weighted attenuations and smallest standard deviations. The NIOSH lab had the lowest average attenuations and the largest standard deviations. Differences in octave-band attenuations between each fit-test system and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sound field method were calculated (Attenfit-test - AttenANSI). A-weighted attenuations measured with FitCheck and HPD Well-Fit systems demonstrated approximately ±2 dB agreement with the ANSI sound field method, but A-weighted attenuations measured with the VeriPRO system underestimated the ANSI laboratory attenuations. For each of the fit-test systems, the average A-weighted attenuation across the four laboratories was not significantly greater than the average of the ANSI sound field method. Standard deviations for residual attenuation differences were about ±2 dB for FitCheck and HPD Well-Fit compared to ±4 dB for VeriPRO. Individual labs exhibited a range of agreement from less than a dB to as much as 9.4 dB difference with ANSI and REAT estimates. Factors such as the experience of study participants and test administrators, and the fit-test psychometric tasks are suggested as possible contributors to the observed results. PMID:27786602

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of Bio-Gen with biocollagen compared with Bio-Gen with connective tissue in the treatment of class II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

JENABIAN, Niloofar; HAGHANIFAR, Sina; MABOUDI, Avideh; BIJANI, Ali

2013-01-01

Objective Treatment of furcation defects are thought to be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic parameters of Bio-Gen with Biocollagen compared with Bio-Gen with connective tissue in the treatment of Class II furcation defects. Material and Methods In this clinical trial, 24 patients with Class II furcation defect on a buccal or lingual mandibular molar were recruited. After oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing and achievement of acceptable plaque control, the patients were randomly chosen to receive either connective tissue and Bio-Gen (case group) or Biocollagen and Bio-Gen (control group). The following parameters were recorded before the first and re-entry surgery (six months later): vertical clinical attachment level (VCAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), horizontal probing depth (HPD), vertical probing depth (VPD), gingival recession (GR), furcation vertical component (FVC), furcation to alveolar crest (FAC), fornix to base of defect (FBD), and furcation horizontal component (FHC) were calculated at the time of first surgery and during re-entry. A digital periapical radiograph was taken in parallel before first surgery and re-entry. The radiographs were then analyzed by digital subtraction. The differences with p value <0.05 were considered significant. Results Only the mean changes of FAC, FHC, mean of FHC, FBD in re-entry revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups. HPD, VPD, FBD, FAC, and FHC showed statistically significant differences after 6 months in the case group. However, in the control group, statistically significant differences were found in GR and HPD. We did not observe any significant difference in radiographic changes among the two groups. Conclusion The results of this trial indicate that better clinical outcomes can be obtained with connective tissue grafts in combination with bone material compared with a resorbable barrier with bone material. The differences in radiographic changes between the two groups, however, were not statistically significant. PMID:24212988

Cardiovascular RiskprofilE - IMaging and gender-specific disOrders (CREw-IMAGO): rationale and design of a multicenter cohort study.

PubMed

Zoet, Gerbrand A; Meun, Cindy; Benschop, Laura; Boersma, Eric; Budde, Ricardo P J; Fauser, Bart C J M; de Groot, Christianne J M; van der Lugt, Aad; Maas, Angela H E M; Moons, Karl G M; Roeters van Lennep, Jeanine E; Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W; Steegers, Eric A P; van Rijn, Bas B; Laven, Joop S E; Franx, Arie; Velthuis, Birgitta K

2017-08-07

Reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD) like pre-eclampsia (PE), are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Detection of early signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as identification of risk factors among women of reproductive age which improve cardiovascular risk prediction, is a challenge and current models might underestimate long-term health risks. The aim of this study is to assess cardiovascular disease in patients with a history of a reproductive disorder by low-dose computed tomography (CT). Women of 45 - 55 years, who experienced a reproductive disorder (PCOS, POI, HPD), are invited to participate in this multicenter, prospective, cohort study. Women will be recruited after regular cardiovascular screening, including assessment of classical cardiovascular risk factors. CT of the coronary arteries (both coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS), and contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA)) and carotid siphon calcium scoring (CSC) is planned in 300 women with HPD and 300 women with PCOS or POI. In addition, arterial stiffness (non-invasive pulse wave velocity (PWV)) measurement and cell-based biomarkers (inflammatory circulating cells) will be obtained. Initial inclusion is focused on women of 45 - 55 years. However, the age range (40 - 45 years and/or ≥ 55 years) and group composition may be adjusted based on the findings of the interim analysis. Participants can potentially benefit from information obtained in this study concerning their current cardiovascular health and expected future risk of cardiovascular events. The results of this study will provide insights in the development of CVD in women with a history of reproductive disorders. Ultimately, this study may lead to improved cardiovascular prediction models and will provide an opportunity for timely adjustment of preventive strategies. Limitations of this study include the possibility of overdiagnosis and the average radiation dose of 3.5 mSv during coronary and carotid siphon CT, although the increased lifetime malignancy risk is negligible. Netherlands Trial Register, NTR5531 . Date registered: October 21st, 2015.

Identifying Haemophilus haemolyticus and Haemophilus influenzae by SYBR Green real-time PCR.

PubMed

Latham, Roger; Zhang, Bowen; Tristram, Stephen

2015-05-01

SYBR Green real time PCR assays for protein D (hpd), fuculose kinase (fucK) and [Cu, Zn]-superoxide dismutase (sodC) were designed for use in an algorithm for the identification of Haemophilus influenzae and H. haemolyticus. When tested on 127 H. influenzae and 60 H. haemolyticus all isolates were identified correctly. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Electroacoustic Hearing Protector Simulator That Accurately Predicts Pressure Levels in the Ear Based on Standard Performance Metrics

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

earplug and earmuff showing HPD simulator elements for energy flow paths...unprotected or protected ear traditionally start with analysis of energy flow through schematic diagrams based on electroacoustic (EA) analogies between...Schröter, 1983; Schröter and Pösselt, 1986; Shaw and Thiessen, 1958, 1962; Zwislocki, 1957). The analysis method tracks energy flow through fluid and

Microsecond resolved single-molecule FRET time series measurements based on the line confocal optical system combined with hybrid photodetectors.

PubMed

Oikawa, Hiroyuki; Takahashi, Takumi; Kamonprasertsuk, Supawich; Takahashi, Satoshi

2018-01-31

Single-molecule (sm) fluorescence time series measurements based on the line confocal optical system are a powerful strategy for the investigation of the structure, dynamics, and heterogeneity of biological macromolecules. This method enables the detection of more than several thousands of fluorescence photons per millisecond from single fluorophores, implying that the potential time resolution for measurements of the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency is 10 μs. However, the necessity of using imaging photodetectors in the method limits the time resolution in the FRET efficiency measurements to approximately 100 μs. In this investigation, a new photodetector called a hybrid photodetector (HPD) was incorporated into the line confocal system to improve the time resolution without sacrificing the length of the time series detection. Among several settings examined, the system based on a slit width of 10 μm and a high-speed counting device made the best of the features of the line confocal optical system and the HPD. This method achieved a time resolution of 10 μs and an observation time of approximately 5 ms in the sm-FRET time series measurements. The developed device was used for the native state of the B domain of protein A.

New glycyl radical enzymes catalysing key metabolic steps in anaerobic bacteria.

PubMed

Selmer, Thorsten; Pierik, Antonio J; Heider, Johann

2005-10-01

During the last decade, an increasing number of new enzymes containing glycyl radicals in their active sites have been identified and biochemically characterised. These include benzylsuccinate synthase (Bss), 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase (Hpd) and the coenzyme B12-independent glycerol dehydratase (Gdh). These are involved in metabolic pathways as different as anaerobic toluene metabolism, fermentative production of p-cresol and glycerol fermentation. Some features of these newly discovered enzymes are described and compared with those of the previously known glycyl radical enzymes pyruvate formate-lyase (Pfl) and anaerobic ribonucleotide reductase (Nrd). Among the new enzymes, Bss and Hpd share the presence of small subunits, the function of which in the catalytic mechanisms is still enigmatic, and both enzymes contain metal centres in addition to the glycyl radical prosthetic group. The activating enzymes of the novel systems also deviate from the standard type, containing at least one additional Fe-S cluster. Finally, the available whole-genome sequences of an increasing number of strictly or facultative anaerobic bacteria revealed the presence of many more hitherto unknown glycyl radical enzyme (GRE) systems. Recent studies suggest that the particular types of these enzymes represent the ends of different evolutionary lines, which emerged early in evolution and diversified to yield remarkably versatile biocatalysts for chemical reactions that are otherwise difficult to perform in anoxic environments.

High Level Impulse Sounds and Human Hearing: Standards, Physiology, Quantification

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

a result of this change the piston-like movements of the stapes are replaced by a tilting action, which is much less effective in pushing cochlear ...Above this threshold, high noise levels result in a turbulent flow of air through the nonlinear element of the protector, effectively dissipating the...electrical diagrams of earplug and earmuff models (Kalb, 2011). In the model shown, the energy flow through the HPD propagates along three parallel

Performance of a nonlaser light source for photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitehurst, Colin; Byrne, Karen T.; Morton, Colin; Moore, James V.

1995-03-01

Advances in short arc technology and optical filter coatings led to the design and construction of a table-top light source in 1989; the first viable and cost-effective alternative to a laser. The device can deliver over 3 W within a 30 nm band centered at any wavelength from 200 nm to 1200 nm at fluence rates of over 1 W cm-2. Its relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in vitro has been proven alongside an argon pumped dye laser and a copper vapor pumped dye laser. These in vitro tests showed an efficiency of hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) induced cellular photoinactivation close to that of the argon/dye laser (RBE 100%), with a mean RBE for the lamp of 87 +/- 3% (p < 0.05). The lamp proved to be superior to that of the copper/dye laser system with an RBE of up to 150% at fluence rates above 50 mWcm-2. In vivo tests show that the extent and depth of tumor necrosis are comparable to that of an argon/dye laser. An in situ bioassay using tumor regrowth delay is currently underway. Early clinical trials show clearance of Bowen's disease and actinic keratosis using the same light fluences as costly PDT lasers.

New cancer-treatment model of photodynamic therapy combined with a type I topoisomerase inhibitor, CPT-11, against HeLa cell tumors in nude mice used by OPO parametric tunable laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Takato O.; Matsuzawa, Eiji; Matsuo, Tetsumichi; Koide, Yukio; Terakawa, Susumu; Yokokura, Teruo; Hirano, Toru

1995-03-01

A new cancer-treatment model, photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with a type I topoisomerase inhibitor, camptothecin derivative (CPT-11), against HeLa cell tumors in BALB/c nude mice has been developed using a wide-band tunable coherent light source operated on optical parametric oscillation (OPO parametric tunable laser). The Photosan-3 PDT and CPT-11 combined therapy was remarkably effective, that is the inhibition rate (I.R.) 40 - 80%, as compared to PDT only in vivo. The analysis of HpD (Photosan-3) and CPT-11 effects on cultured HeLa cells in vitro has been studied by a video-enhanced contrast differential interference contrast microscope (VEC-DIC). Photosan-3 with 600 nm light killed cells by mitochondrial damage within 50 min, but not with 700 nm light. CPT-11 with 700 - 400 nm light killed cells within 50 min after nucleolus damage appeared after around 30 min. The localization of CPT-11 in cells was observed as fluorescence images in the nucleus, particularly the nucleoral area produced clear images using an Argus 100.

Environmental Assessment: Construction and Operation of Defense Logistics Agency General Purpose Warehouse of Consolidation, Containerization and Palletization

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-16

lfwe may be of further assistance, please contact Elizabeth Shirk, Environmental Review Coordinator at (404) 65 I -6624, or Jackie Horlbeck...Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended. Bru ;ed on the information provided, HPD believes that the proposed undertaking...referenced above in any future correspondence regar·ding this matter. If we may be of further assistance, please contact Elizabeth Shirk, Environmental Review

Effects of Hearing Protection Device Attenuation on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Audio Signatures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

acoustic signatures of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). The results could be used to select appropriate HPDs for environments where noise from UASs may be...formed earplugs passively reduce noise by using foam to efficiently absorb sound. Preformed earplugs attenuate by using either level-dependent or non...domain. In this study, a program using these techniques will be created to simulate these HPD ratings and its effects on acoustic signatures of unmanned

Socioeconomic status and the incidence of child injuries in China.

PubMed

Fang, Xiangming; Jing, Ruiwei; Zeng, Guang; Linnan, Huan Wan; Zhu, Xu; Linnan, Michael

2014-02-01

Injuries are the major cause of morbidity among children and one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1-17 years in developing countries. Of particular importance is whether child injuries are equally distributed across all socioeconomic groups and the implications of this question for child injury prevention, but there is a lack of research on the relationship between socioeconomic status and risk of child injuries in developing countries, including China. This study used a provincially-representative, population-based sample of 98,385 Chinese children under age 18 to investigate the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and child injuries. Despite the lack of a SES gradient in the overall incidence of nonhospitalized injuries, evidence of SES disparity was found for the overall incidence of H/PD injuries (injuries resulting in hospitalization or permanent disability) and fatal injuries. The odds of getting injured in the poorest wealth quintile were about 1.3 and 3.5 times greater than the odds found in the richest wealth quintile for H/PD and fatal injuries respectively. Further analyses showed that the associations between SES and injuries varied by type and severity of injury, and across different life stages. The findings have important implications for identifying at-risk populations and the optimal times for interventions to reduce different types and severity levels of child injuries. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Deterministic figure correction of piezoelectrically adjustable slumped glass optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeRoo, Casey T.; Allured, Ryan; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Hertz, Edward; Marquez, Vanessa; Reid, Paul B.; Schwartz, Eric D.; Vikhlinin, Alexey A.; Trolier-McKinstry, Susan; Walker, Julian; Jackson, Thomas N.; Liu, Tianning; Tendulkar, Mohit

2018-01-01

Thin x-ray optics with high angular resolution (≤ 0.5 arcsec) over a wide field of view enable the study of a number of astrophysically important topics and feature prominently in Lynx, a next-generation x-ray observatory concept currently under NASA study. In an effort to address this technology need, piezoelectrically adjustable, thin mirror segments capable of figure correction after mounting and on-orbit are under development. We report on the fabrication and characterization of an adjustable cylindrical slumped glass optic. This optic has realized 100% piezoelectric cell yield and employs lithographically patterned traces and anisotropic conductive film connections to address the piezoelectric cells. In addition, the measured responses of the piezoelectric cells are found to be in good agreement with finite-element analysis models. While the optic as manufactured is outside the range of absolute figure correction, simulated corrections using the measured responses of the piezoelectric cells are found to improve 5 to 10 arcsec mirrors to 1 to 3 arcsec [half-power diameter (HPD), single reflection at 1 keV]. Moreover, a measured relative figure change which would correct the figure of a representative slumped glass piece from 6.7 to 1.2 arcsec HPD is empirically demonstrated. We employ finite-element analysis-modeled influence functions to understand the current frequency limitations of the correction algorithm employed and identify a path toward achieving subarcsecond corrections.

[Studies on technology optimization for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styracifolius].

PubMed

Ren, Gang; Liu, Rong-hua; Shao, Feng; Huang, Hui-lian; Wen, Li-rong

2010-08-01

To study the technology optimization for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styracifolius. The optimum extraction conditions were investigated by the contents of the total flavones, using orthogonal test; Static adsorption capacity and desorption rate were employed as examine items for the screening of optimum macroporous resin and optimum technology for the purification of total flavones with selected macroporous were also investigated. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: using 60% alcohol of seven times than amounts of original material soaking 12 hours,extracting once with hot reflux method at 50 degrees C. HPD-500 type macroporous resin showed better adsorption and desorption property. The optimum purification conditions were as follows: the sample solution was prepared at the concentration of 50.0 mg/mL, subjected to HPD-500 type macroporous resin column chromatography with a load ratio of 22.0 mg total flavones per gram of resin. After standing for 1 hour, the column was eluted with 4 BV water before being eluted with 4 BV 80% alcohol. The purity of the product was 86.4%, which enhanced the content of total flavones by 533%. The optimum conditions for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styractifolius are convenient and practical, and could be used as a reference for industrial production.

Enrichment and purification of six Aconitum alkaloids from Aconiti kusnezoffii radix by macroporous resins and quantification by HPLC-MS.

PubMed

Liu, Jingjing; Li, Qing; Liu, Ran; Yin, Yidi; Chen, Xiaohui; Bi, Kaishun

2014-06-01

Aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, benzoylaconine, benzoylmesaconine and benzoylhypaconine are six main Aconitum alkaloids from traditional Chinese medicine, Aconiti kusnezoffii radix, which possess highly bioactive as well as highly toxic character for medicinal use. In the present study, for the purpose of better utilizing the toxic herbal material, the performance characteristics of NKA-II, D101, X-5, AB-8, S-8, HPD722 and HPD750 macroporous resins for the enrichment and purification of these six Aconitum alkaloids were critically evaluated. Results showed that NKA-II offered the best adsorption and desorption capacities for six Aconitum alkaloids among the seven macroporous resins tested, which were affected significantly by the pH value. Subsequently, dynamic adsorption and desorption experiments had been carried out with the column packed by NKA-II resin to optimize the separation process of six Aconitum alkaloids. After one run treatment with NKA-II resin, the content of total six Aconitum alkaloids were increased from 5.87% to 60.3%, the recovery was 75.8%. Meanwhile, a validated HPLC-MS method had been developed to qualitative and quantitative these six Aconitum alkaloids. This method would provide scientific references to the large-scale production of six Aconitum alkaloids from Aconiti kusnezoffii radix or other plants and might also expand the secure application of these highly toxic components for pharmacy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer Simulation of Auxiliary Power Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

b, 115) HPD3 WRITE (b, 116) OPIl WPITE (6, 117) PRL3C WRITE (6, 118) E TAL P. WRITE (6, 119) LCSL WPITE (6, 120) WRITE (6, 121) OPC WRITE (6, 122...P53 * PRrS XPS6 = PS6 * PR’S CF2 = (WA2 * WAENG SMTC2 TiM) (P2 I S PI) CF21 = (XWA2i SIRT (T2i / TiI)) /’ (P21 f Pt) CF22 = (XWA22 *SaRT(2 t 112

Culture and PCR Detection of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus haemolyticus in Australian Indigenous Children with Bronchiectasis

PubMed Central

Binks, M. J.; Grimwood, K.; Chang, A. B.; Leach, A. J.; Smith-Vaughan, H.

2012-01-01

A PCR for protein D (hpd#3) was used to differentiate nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) from Haemophilus haemolyticus. While 90% of nasopharyngeal specimens and 100% of lower-airway specimens from 84 Indigenous Australian children with bronchiectasis had phenotypic NTHI isolates confirmed as H. influenzae, only 39% of oropharyngeal specimens with phenotypic NTHI had H. influenzae. The nasopharynx is therefore the preferred site for NTHI colonization studies, and NTHI is confirmed as an important lower-airway pathogen. PMID:22553240

Conference on Singlet Molecular Oxygen (COSMO 84) Held at Clearwater, Beach, Florida on 4-7 January 1984. Program and Abstracts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-24

BREAKS will be announced by the SESSION CHAIRMAN. 6. LOCAL INFORMATION may be obtained at the HILTON REGISTRATION DESK or the LOBBY REGISTRATION DESK...carotene and laser flash photolysis experiments to determine the rates of quenching of 3 BChl a by oxygen, $-carotene#,3 tetracene and pentacene . References...with the tumor localizing and photosensitizing constituent of HPD strongly suggests that the in situ "’ * tumor sensitizer in photoradiation therapy is

Mutation and Evolutionary Rates in Adélie Penguins from the Antarctic

PubMed Central

Millar, Craig D.; Dodd, Andrew; Anderson, Jennifer; Gibb, Gillian C.; Ritchie, Peter A.; Baroni, Carlo; Woodhams, Michael D.; Hendy, Michael D.; Lambert, David M.

2008-01-01

Precise estimations of molecular rates are fundamental to our understanding of the processes of evolution. In principle, mutation and evolutionary rates for neutral regions of the same species are expected to be equal. However, a number of recent studies have shown that mutation rates estimated from pedigree material are much faster than evolutionary rates measured over longer time periods. To resolve this apparent contradiction, we have examined the hypervariable region (HVR I) of the mitochondrial genome using families of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) from the Antarctic. We sequenced 344 bps of the HVR I from penguins comprising 508 families with 915 chicks, together with both their parents. All of the 62 germline heteroplasmies that we detected in mothers were also detected in their offspring, consistent with maternal inheritance. These data give an estimated mutation rate (μ) of 0.55 mutations/site/Myrs (HPD 95% confidence interval of 0.29–0.88 mutations/site/Myrs) after accounting for the persistence of these heteroplasmies and the sensitivity of current detection methods. In comparison, the rate of evolution (k) of the same HVR I region, determined using DNA sequences from 162 known age sub-fossil bones spanning a 37,000-year period, was 0.86 substitutions/site/Myrs (HPD 95% confidence interval of 0.53 and 1.17). Importantly, the latter rate is not statistically different from our estimate of the mutation rate. These results are in contrast to the view that molecular rates are time dependent. PMID:18833304

Prediction/discussion-based learning cycle versus conceptual change text: comparative effects on students' understanding of genetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

khawaldeh, Salem A. Al

2013-07-01

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of a prediction/discussion-based learning cycle (HPD-LC), conceptual change text (CCT) and traditional instruction on 10th grade students' understanding of genetics concepts. Sample: Participants were 112 10th basic grade male students in three classes of the same school located in an urban area. The three classes taught by the same biology teacher were randomly assigned as a prediction/discussion-based learning cycle class (n = 39), conceptual change text class (n = 37) and traditional class (n = 36). Design and method: A quasi-experimental research design of pre-test-post-test non-equivalent control group was adopted. Participants completed the Genetics Concept Test as pre-test-post-test, to examine the effects of instructional strategies on their genetics understanding. Pre-test scores and Test of Logical Thinking scores were used as covariates. Results: The analysis of covariance showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the favor of experimental groups after treatment. However, no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups (HPD-LC versus CCT instruction) was found. Conclusions: Overall, the findings of this study support the use of the prediction/discussion-based learning cycle and conceptual change text in both research and teaching. The findings may be useful for improving classroom practices in teaching science concepts and for the development of suitable materials promoting students' understanding of science.

Simultaneous separation and purification of flavonoids and oleuropein from Olea europaea L. (olive) leaves using macroporous resin.

PubMed

Li, Chen; Zheng, Yuanyuan; Wang, Xiaofei; Feng, Shilan; Di, Duolong

2011-12-01

This study developed a feasible process to simultaneously separate and purify polyphenols, including flavonoids and oleuropein, from the leaves of Olea europaea L. Macroporous resins were used as the separation and purification materials. The performance and separation capabilities of eight resins (D101, DM130, HPD450, LSA-21, LSA-40, 07C, LSD001 and HPD600) were systematically evaluated. The contents of target polyphenols in different extracts were determined using ultraviolet (for flavonoids) and high-performance liquid chromatographic (for oleuropein) methods. The static adsorption and desorption results showed that resin LSA-21 had better adsorption properties among the eight resins. Influential factors such as extraction method, pH value of feeding solution, desorption solution, adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm, etc. to the extraction and purification of these polyphenols were successively investigated on resin LSA-21. The target flavonoids and oleuropein were selectively purified using resin LSA-21. Compared with the contents in raw leaves, the contents of total flavonoids and oleuropein in the final purified products were increased 13.2-fold (from 16 to 211 g kg(-1) ) and 7.5-fold (from 120 to 902 g kg(-1) ) with recovery yields of 87.9% and 85.6%, respectively. This extraction and purification method could be used in the large-scale enrichment or purification of flavonoids, oleuropein and other polyphenols from O. europaea L. leaves or other herbal materials in industrial, food processing and medical manufacture. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

A reassessment of the evolutionary timescale of bat rabies viruses based upon glycoprotein gene sequences.

PubMed

Kuzmina, Natalia A; Kuzmin, Ivan V; Ellison, James A; Taylor, Steven T; Bergman, David L; Dew, Beverly; Rupprecht, Charles E

2013-10-01

Rabies, an acute progressive encephalomyelitis caused by viruses in the genus Lyssavirus, is one of the oldest known infectious diseases. Although dogs and other carnivores represent the greatest threat to public health as rabies reservoirs, it is commonly accepted that bats are the primary evolutionary hosts of lyssaviruses. Despite early historical documentation of rabies, molecular clock analyses indicate a quite young age of lyssaviruses, which is confusing. For example, the results obtained for partial and complete nucleoprotein gene sequences of rabies viruses (RABV), or for a limited number of glycoprotein gene sequences, indicated that the time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for current bat RABV diversity in the Americas lies in the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries and might be directly or indirectly associated with the European colonization. Conversely, several other reports demonstrated high genetic similarity between lyssavirus isolates, including RABV, obtained within a time interval of 25-50 years. In the present study, we attempted to re-estimate the age of several North American bat RABV lineages based on the largest set of complete and partial glycoprotein gene sequences compiled to date (n = 201) employing a codon substitution model. Although our results overlap with previous estimates in marginal areas of the 95 % high probability density (HPD), they suggest a longer evolutionary history of American bat RABV lineages (TMRCA at least 732 years, with a 95 % HPD 436-1107 years).

Molecular dynamics simulations of Hsp40 J-domain mutants identifies disruption of the critical HPD-motif as the key factor for impaired curing in vivo of the yeast prion [URE3].

PubMed

Xue, You-Lin; Wang, Hao; Riedy, Michael; Roberts, Brittany-Lee; Sun, Yuna; Song, Yong-Bo; Jones, Gary W; Masison, Daniel C; Song, Youtao

2018-05-01

Genetic screens using Saccharomyces cerevisiae have identified an array of Hsp40 (Ydj1p) J-domain mutants that are impaired in the ability to cure the yeast [URE3] prion through disrupting functional interactions with Hsp70. However, biochemical analysis of some of these Hsp40 J-domain mutants has so far failed to provide major insight into the specific functional changes in Hsp40-Hsp70 interactions. To explore the detailed structural and dynamic properties of the Hsp40 J-domain, 20 ns molecular dynamic simulations of 4 mutants (D9A, D36A, A30T, and F45S) and wild-type J-domain were performed, followed by Hsp70 docking simulations. Results demonstrated that although the Hsp70 interaction mechanism of the mutants may vary, the major structural change was targeted to the critical HPD motif of the J-domain. Our computational analysis fits well with previous yeast genetics studies regarding highlighting the importance of J-domain function in prion propagation. During the molecular dynamics simulations several important residues were identified and predicted to play an essential role in J-domain structure. Among these residues, Y26 and F45 were confirmed, using both in silico and in vivo methods, as being critical for Ydj1p function.

Hearing protection use in manufacturing workers: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Reddy, Ravi K; Welch, David; Thorne, Peter; Ameratunga, Shanthi

2012-01-01

Occupational noise is a significant contributor to disabling hearing loss worldwide. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has resulted in huge human and economic consequences costing New Zealand approximately $53M annually and rising. A high proportion of hearing loss claims are made by workers in the manufacturing sector. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are used together with engineering and administrative controls to minimize noise exposure and to prevent hearing loss. Unfortunately, inconsistent and improper use of HPDs has hindered efforts to prevent NIHL. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that influence the use of HPDs amongst a group of manufacturing workers in New Zealand. A purposive sample of twenty-five workers was recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. The open-ended questions were aimed at exploring the participants' knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and behavior towards noise and HPDs. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and key themes emerged in relation to HPD use. Themes that emerged from the interviews either supported good hearing protection behavior or acted as barriers against it. Five major themes, (perception of noise, hearing preservation, reluctance to use HPDs, workplace interaction, and value of hearing) and sub-themes described various factors that influence hearing protection use. Both personal and environmental factors influence the use of HPDs. Based on this study, personal and environmental factors need to be targeted for further research using ecological models to develop interventions that promote HPD use amongst workers.

Using Resistivity to Measure H/Pd and D/Pd Loading:. Method and Significance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKubre, M. C. H.; Tanzella, F. L.

The resistance ratio method is the most frequent technique used to determine the extent of interstitial loading of hydrogen or deuterium atoms into palladium electrodes, or extended structures used in electrolytic or gas phase cold fusion experiments. Specifically, advantage is taken of an empirical relationship between the measured resistance, R, normalized to that of the same body at the same temperature in the absence of hydrogen isotope, R0, hence R/R0, and the atomic fraction occupancy of octahedral interstitials, x = H/Pd or D/Pd. This method was first suggested and employed in cold fusion studies by the present authors, and received immediate and widespread acceptance because of the ease with which this experimental technique could be used to make in situ, real-time measurements of a parameter, D/Pd, anticipated or hypothesized at that time to relate to cold fusion heat excess or nuclear production. We take up this topic again 15 years later in an attempt to clear up some errors and misunderstandings regarding the resistance ratio method and its application in cold fusion studies. The relationship between R/R0 and x is empirical. That is, calibrations are only as good as the experiments that support the shape of the curve and cannot be used outside the range (P, T, x) in which data are taken. The original calibration (unaccountably and erroneously immortalized as the "famous Baranowski curve") involved an extrapolation of known data into the region of cold fusion interest in the D-Pd system, at x > 0.6. Present theory and results focus new attention on the very high loading region as x approaches or even exceeds unity, where double occupation of octahedral sites, tetrahedral site occupancy, new phase formation or new electrical states, may be relevant to the underlying physical process of excess heat and nuclear production. Rather than simply using the resistance ratio as a qualitative tool to determine whether an electrode is better or lesser loaded, it is now important to obtain accurate quantitative information for x close to unity. With further experimentation and analysis of published data it is apparent that the curve originally published in 1990 is in error in the high loading condition. This paper describes how this empirical fit has been improved over the years for both H/Pd and D/Pd by employing new data, new analysis of old data, new experimental methods and results.

Understanding the mechanisms of antitropical divergence in the seabird White-faced Storm-petrel (Procellariiformes: Pelagodroma marina) using a multilocus approach.

PubMed

Silva, Mónica C; Matias, Rafael; Wanless, Ross M; Ryan, Peter G; Stephenson, Brent M; Bolton, Mark; Ferrand, Nuno; Coelho, M Manuela

2015-06-01

Analytical methods that apply coalescent theory to multilocus data have improved inferences of demographic parameters that are critical to understanding population divergence and speciation. In particular, at the early stages of speciation, it is important to implement models that accommodate conflicting gene trees, and benefit from the presence of shared polymorphisms. Here, we employ eleven nuclear loci and the mitochondrial control region to investigate the phylogeography and historical demography of the pelagic seabird White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina) by sampling subspecies across its antitropical distribution. Groups are all highly differentiated: global mitochondrial ΦST = 0.89 (P < 0.01) and global nuclear ΦST varies between 0.22 and 0.83 (all P < 0.01). The complete lineage sorting of the mitochondrial locus between hemispheres is corroborated by approximately half of the nuclear genealogies, suggesting a long-term antitropical divergence in isolation. Coalescent-based estimates of demographic parameters suggest that hemispheric divergence of P. marina occurred approximately 840 000 ya (95% HPD 582 000-1 170 000), in the absence of gene flow, and divergence within the Southern Hemisphere occurred 190 000 ya (95% HPD 96 000-600 000), both probably associated with the profound palaeo-oceanographic changes of the Pleistocene. A fledgling sampled in St Helena (tropical South Atlantic) suggests recent colonization from the Northern Hemisphere. Despite the great potential for long-distance dispersal, P. marina antitropical groups have been evolving as independent, allopatric lineages, and divergence is probably maintained by philopatry coupled with asynchronous reproductive phenology and local adaptation. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Genetic structure and historical diversification of catfish Brachyplatystoma platynemum (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Amazon basin with implications for its conservation.

PubMed

Ochoa, Luz Eneida; Pereira, Luiz Henrique G; Costa-Silva, Guilherme Jose; Roxo, Fábio F; Batista, Jacqueline S; Formiga, Kyara; Foresti, Fausto; Oliveira, Claudio

2015-05-01

Brachyplatystoma platynemum is a catfish species widely distributed in the Amazon basin. Despite being considered of little commercial interest, the decline in other fish populations has contributed to the increase in the catches of this species. The structure, population genetic variability, and evolutionary process that have driven the diversification of this species are presently unknown. Considering that, in order to better understand the genetic structure of this species, we analyzed individuals from seven locations of the Amazon basin using eight molecular markers: control region and cytochrome b mtDNA sequences, and a set of six nuclear microsatellite loci. The results show high levels of haplotype diversity and point to the occurrence of two structured populations (Amazon River and the Madeira River) with high values for F ST. Divergence time estimates based on mtDNA indicated that these populations diverged about 1.0 Mya (0.2-2.5 Mya 95% HPD) using cytochrome b and 1.4 Mya (0.2-2.7 Mya 95% HPD) using control region. During that time, the influence of climate changes and hydrological events such as sea level oscillations and drainage isolation as a result of geological processes in the Pleistocene may have contributed to the current structure of B. platynemum populations, as well as of differences in water chemistry in Madeira River. The strong genetic structure and the time of genetic divergence estimated for the groups may indicate the existence of strong structure populations of B. platynemum in the Amazon basin.

Inferring epidemiological dynamics of infectious diseases using Tajima's D statistic on nucleotide sequences of pathogens.

PubMed

Kim, Kiyeon; Omori, Ryosuke; Ito, Kimihito

2017-12-01

The estimation of the basic reproduction number is essential to understand epidemic dynamics, and time series data of infected individuals are usually used for the estimation. However, such data are not always available. Methods to estimate the basic reproduction number using genealogy constructed from nucleotide sequences of pathogens have been proposed so far. Here, we propose a new method to estimate epidemiological parameters of outbreaks using the time series change of Tajima's D statistic on the nucleotide sequences of pathogens. To relate the time evolution of Tajima's D to the number of infected individuals, we constructed a parsimonious mathematical model describing both the transmission process of pathogens among hosts and the evolutionary process of the pathogens. As a case study we applied this method to the field data of nucleotide sequences of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 viruses collected in Argentina. The Tajima's D-based method estimated basic reproduction number to be 1.55 with 95% highest posterior density (HPD) between 1.31 and 2.05, and the date of epidemic peak to be 10th July with 95% HPD between 22nd June and 9th August. The estimated basic reproduction number was consistent with estimation by birth-death skyline plot and estimation using the time series of the number of infected individuals. These results suggested that Tajima's D statistic on nucleotide sequences of pathogens could be useful to estimate epidemiological parameters of outbreaks. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genetic structure and historical diversification of catfish Brachyplatystoma platynemum (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Amazon basin with implications for its conservation

PubMed Central

Ochoa, Luz Eneida; Pereira, Luiz Henrique G; Costa-Silva, Guilherme Jose; Roxo, Fábio F; Batista, Jacqueline S; Formiga, Kyara; Foresti, Fausto; Oliveira, Claudio

2015-01-01

Brachyplatystoma platynemum is a catfish species widely distributed in the Amazon basin. Despite being considered of little commercial interest, the decline in other fish populations has contributed to the increase in the catches of this species. The structure, population genetic variability, and evolutionary process that have driven the diversification of this species are presently unknown. Considering that, in order to better understand the genetic structure of this species, we analyzed individuals from seven locations of the Amazon basin using eight molecular markers: control region and cytochrome b mtDNA sequences, and a set of six nuclear microsatellite loci. The results show high levels of haplotype diversity and point to the occurrence of two structured populations (Amazon River and the Madeira River) with high values for FST. Divergence time estimates based on mtDNA indicated that these populations diverged about 1.0 Mya (0.2–2.5 Mya 95% HPD) using cytochrome b and 1.4 Mya (0.2–2.7 Mya 95% HPD) using control region. During that time, the influence of climate changes and hydrological events such as sea level oscillations and drainage isolation as a result of geological processes in the Pleistocene may have contributed to the current structure of B. platynemum populations, as well as of differences in water chemistry in Madeira River. The strong genetic structure and the time of genetic divergence estimated for the groups may indicate the existence of strong structure populations of B. platynemum in the Amazon basin. PMID:26045952

Esophagectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.

PubMed

Asti, E; Sozzi, M; Bonitta, G; Bernardi, D; Bonavina, L

2018-04-10

Patients with esophageal carcinoma and concomitant liver cirrhosis carry a high operative risk and may be denied esophagectomy. We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to investigate postoperative outcomes in these patients. Studies reporting outcomes after esophagectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis were searched in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus until June 2017, matching the terms "liver cirrhosis", "esophageal neoplasm" and/or "esophageal surgery". Extracted data included study characteristics, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, type of surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes. A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis were performed. Five observational, retrospective and single-arm studies with a total of 157 patients were included. The main cause of death was liver failure followed by pneumonia/sepsis and anastomotic leak. Ascites and pleural effusion were the most frequent postoperative complications (pooled rates 36% and 34%, respectively). The pooled morbidity rate was 74% (95% HPD=46-81%) while the pooled mortality was 18% (95% HPD=17-27%). Study heterogeneity (τ2) was low, ranging from 0.046 to 0.080. An incidental diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was reported in 15.6% of patients in one series. Five-year survival was similar between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients but was statistically significantly higher in patients with MELD score<10. Sound scientific evidence with regard to efficacy and outcomes of esophagectomy in patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis is lacking. There is a need to properly select these frail patients to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Heritability of Cluster B Personality Disorders Assessed both by Personal Interview and Questionnaire

PubMed Central

Torgersen, Svenn; Myers, John; Reichborn-Kjennerud, Ted; Røysamb, Espen; Kubarych, Thomas S.; Kendler, Kenneth S.

2013-01-01

Whereas the heritability of common personality traits has been firmly established, the results of the few published studies on personality disorders (PDs) are highly divergent, with some studies finding high heredity and others very low. A problem with assessing personality disorders by means of interview is errors connected with interviewer bias. A way to overcome the problem is to use self-report questionnaires in addition to interviews. This study used both interview and questionnaire for assessing DSM-IV Cluster B personality disorders: antisocial personality disorder (APD), borderline (BPD), narcissistic (NPD), and histrionic (HPD). We assessed close to 2,800 twins from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel using a self-report questionnaire and, a few years later, the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP-IV). Items from the self-report questionnaire that best predicted the PDs captured by the interview were then selected. Measurement models combining questionnaire and interview information were applied and were fitted using Mx. Whereas the heritability of Cluster B PDs assessed by interview was around .30, and around .40–.50 when assessed by self-report questionnaire, the heritability of the convergent latent factor, including information from both interview and self-report questionnaire was .69 for APD, .67 for BPD, .71 for NPD, and .63 for HPD. As is usually found for personality, the effect of shared-in families (familial) environment was zero. In conclusion, when both interview and self-report questionnaire are taken into account, the heritability of Cluster B PD appears to be in the upper range of previous findings for mental disorders. PMID:23281671

The heritability of Cluster B personality disorders assessed both by personal interview and questionnaire.

PubMed

Torgersen, Svenn; Myers, John; Reichborn-Kjennerud, Ted; Røysamb, Espen; Kubarych, Thomas S; Kendler, Kenneth S

2012-12-01

Whereas the heritability of common personality traits has been firmly established, the results of the few published studies on personality disorders (PDs) are highly divergent, with some studies finding high heredity and others very low. A problem with assessing personality disorders by means of interview is errors connected with interviewer bias. A way to overcome the problem is to use self-report questionnaires in addition to interviews. This study used both interview and questionnaire for assessing DSM-IV Cluster B personality disorders: antisocial personality disorder (APD), borderline (BPD), narcissistic (NPD), and histrionic (HPD). We assessed close to 2,800 twins from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel using a self-report questionnaire and, a few years later, the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP-IV). Items from the self-report questionnaire that best predicted the PDs captured by the interview were then selected. Measurement models combining questionnaire and interview information were applied and were fitted using Mx. Whereas the heritability of Cluster B PDs assessed by interview was around .30, and around .40-.50 when assessed by self-report questionnaire, the heritability of the convergent latent factor, including information from both interview and self-report questionnaire was .69 for APD, .67 for BPD, .71 for NPD, and .63 for HPD. As is usually found for personality, the effect of shared-in families (familial) environment was zero. In conclusion, when both interview and self-report questionnaire are taken into account, the heritability of Cluster B PD appears to be in the upper range of previous findings for mental disorders.

Phylogeny and biogeography of the amphi-Pacific genus Aphananthe

PubMed Central

Yang, Mei-Qing; Li, De-Zhu; Wen, Jun; Yi, Ting-Shuang

2017-01-01

Aphananthe is a small genus of five species showing an intriguing amphi-Pacific distribution in eastern, southern and southeastern Asia, Australia, and Mexico, also with one species in Madagascar. The phylogenetic relationships of Aphananthe were reconstructed with two nuclear (ITS & ETS) and two plastid (psbA-trnH & trnL-trnF) regions. Clade divergence times were estimated with a Bayesian approach, and the ancestral areas were inferred using the dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis and Bayesian Binary MCMC analyses. Aphananthe was supported to be monophyletic, with the eastern Asian A. aspera resolved as sister to a clade of the remaining four species. Aphananthe was inferred to have originated in the Late Cretaceous (71.5 mya, with 95% HPD: 66.6–81.3 mya), and the crown age of the genus was dated to be in the early Miocene (19.1 mya, with 95% HPD: 12.4–28.9 mya). The fossil record indicates that Aphananthe was present in the high latitude thermophilic forests in the early Tertiary, and experienced extinctions from the middle Tertiary onwards. Aphananthe originated in Europe based on the inference that included fossil and extant species, but eastern Asia was estimated to be the ancestral area of the clade of the extant species of Aphananthe. Both the West Gondwanan vicariance hypothesis and the boreotropics hypothesis could be excluded as explanation for its amphi-Pacific distribution. Long-distance dispersals out of eastern Asia into North America, southern and southeastern Asia and Australia, and Madagascar during the Miocene account for its wide intercontinental disjunct distribution. PMID:28170425

Molecular diversity and evolutionary history of rabies virus strains circulating in the Balkans.

PubMed

McElhinney, L M; Marston, D A; Freuling, C M; Cragg, W; Stankov, S; Lalosevic, D; Lalosevic, V; Müller, T; Fooks, A R

2011-09-01

Molecular studies of European classical rabies viruses (RABV) have revealed a number of geographically clustered lineages. To study the diversity of Balkan RABV, partial nucleoprotein (N) gene sequences were analysed from a unique panel of isolates (n = 210), collected from various hosts between 1972 and 2006. All of the Balkan isolates grouped within the European/Middle East Lineage, with the majority most closely related to East European strains. A number of RABV from Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, collected between 1986 and 2006, grouped with the West European strains, believed to be responsible for the rabies epizootic that spread throughout Europe in the latter half of the 20th Century. In contrast, no Serbian RABV belonged to this sublineage. However, a distinct group of Serbian fox RABV provided further evidence for the southwards wildlife-mediated movement of rabies from Hungary, Romania and Serbia into Bulgaria. To determine the optimal region for evolutionary analysis, partial, full and concatenated N-gene and glycoprotein (G) gene sequences were compared. Whilst both the divergence times and evolutionary rates were similar irrespective of genomic region, the 95 % highest probability density (HPD) limits were significantly reduced for full N-gene and concatenated NG-gene sequences compared with partial gene sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis estimated the date of the most common recent ancestor of the Balkan RABV to be 1885 (95 % HPD, 1852-1913), and skyline plots suggested an expansion of the local viral population in 1980-1990, which coincides with the observed emergence of fox rabies in the region.

Photodynamic therapy of early cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract and bronchi: instrumentation and clinical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagnières, G.

1990-01-01

A complete instrumentation has been developed for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and combined PDT- hyperthermia in the upper aerodigestive tract and the bronchi. These instruments consist of several light distributors which permit optimal light dosage to "superficial" tumors, as well as an injector for laser beams into an optical fiber and a fiberoptic coupler for cw laser beam powers at least 100 Watts. PDT is carried out with HpD and Photofrin II at 630 nm, whereas occasional simultaneous hyperthermia is at 1.06 microns. PDT of 41 cases of "early" squamous cell carcinoma is reported with follow-up between 5 and 62 months. In the oesophagus and bronchi the results are good for cancers staged in situ or microinvasive at endoscopy (2 recurrences for 23 lesions treated). For more advanced cancers (submucosal in the oesopha- gus or invading the bronchial cartilage) the results are less satisfactory with 3 recurrences for 8 lesions treated. In the bronchi (1 case) and the oesophagus (1 case) the largest disease - free survival is now more than 5 years. We encountered 6 complications (3 cicatrical stenosis, 2 fistulae, 1 severe sunburn), most of them resulting from the lack of selectivity of PDT with these porphyrin mixtures at the applied conditions. These experiments show that PDT is efficient at destroying early squamous cell carcinomas in the pharynx, oesophagus and bronchi. Tumour selectivity of HpD and photofrin II is poor in the aerodigestive tract lined with squamous cell epithelium. The future lies in the synthesis of a more selective efficient photosensitizer.

Endoscopic photodynamic therapy with hematoporphyrin derivative in the treatment of malignant tumors: report of 120 cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Mao-en; Liu, Fa-wen; Qian, Jia-ping; Ji, Qing; Feng, Yun-qiu

1993-03-01

One-hundred-twenty cases of malignant tumors treated by endoscopic photodynamic therapy with hematoporphyrin derivative from August 1982 - July 1990 are reported. Of the 120 cases, including 97 males and 23 females ages varying from 39 to 77 years old, 40 cases were primary tumors and 80 cases were local residual or recurrent after surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. All cases were confirmed in pathological biopsy, including 58 squamous cell carcinoma, 28 various adenocarcinoma, and 34 transitional cell carcinoma. Twenty-four, 48 and/or 72 hours after intravenous injection of HpD 2.0 - 3.0 mg/kg, or DHE 1.5 - 2.0 mg/kg, or Y-HpD 5.0 mg/kg, the tumor was irradiated with 630 nm wavelength of argon dye laser via a quartz light fiber inserted through the forceps channel of the endoscope. Of the 120 cases treated, CR was obtained in 38 cases, PR in 25 cases, MR in 52 cases, and NR in 5 cases. Total response rate was 95.8%; significant response rate 52.5%; and tumor eradicated rate 31.7%. The 38 cases included: 14 cases of early esophageal carcinoma, 3 cases of early cardiac carcinoma, 1 case of early lung cancer, 1 case of early gastric carcinoma, 15 cases of superficial bladder carcinoma, 3 cases of local residual recurrent micro lung cancer, and 1 case of cardiac carcinoma. The longest cancer-free survival was over eight years. Endoscopic photodynamic therapy is, therefore, curative effective in the treatment of early and superficial carcinoma, and palliative effective in the treatment of advanced carcinoma. Standardized and controlled trials are required to assess its place in combined treatment of malignant tumors.

Understanding barriers to preventive health actions for occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

PubMed

Patel, D S; Witte, K; Zuckerman, C; Murray-Johnson, L; Orrego, V; Maxfield, A M; Meadows-Hogan, S; Tisdale, J; Thimons, E D

2001-01-01

A theoretically based formative evaluation was conducted with coal miners in the Appalachian Mountains who were at high risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results of four focus groups indicate that despite high levels of knowledge, strong perceived severity of negative consequences, and strong perceived susceptibility to hearing loss, two main categories of barriers (environmental and individual) keep coal miners from using their hearing protection devices (HPD). Further analysis suggests that the environmental factors, rather than individual variables, more strongly influence decisions against protective actions. Recommendations and practical implications are offered.

Development of Mirror Modules for the ART-XC Instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Ramsey, Brian; O'Dell, Stephen L.; Elsner, Ronald F.; Kilaru, Kiranmayee; Atkins, Carolyn; Pavlinskiy, Mikhail N.; Tkachenko, Alexey V.; Lapshov, Igor Y.

2013-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is developing x-ray mirror modules for the Astronomical Roengen Telescope- X-ray Concentrator (ART-XC) instrument on board the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission. ART-XC will consist of seven co-aligned x-ray mirror modules with seven corresponding CdTe focal plane detectors. Each module provides an effective area of 65 sq cm at 8 keV, response out to 30 keV, and an angular resolution of 45 arcsec or better HPD. We will present a status of the ART x-ray module development at MSFC.

The New world of ';Big Data' Analytics and High Performance Data: A Paradigm shift in the way we interact with very large Earth Observation datasets (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purss, M. B.; Lewis, A.; Ip, A.; Evans, B.

2013-12-01

The next decade promises an exponential increase in volumes of open data from Earth observing satellites. The ESA Sentinels, the Japan Meteorological Agency's Himawari 8/9 geostationary satellites, various NASA missions, and of course the many EO satellites planned from China, will produce petabyte scale datasets of national and global significance. It is vital that we develop new ways of managing, accessing and using this ';big-data' from satellites, to produce value added information within realistic timeframes. A paradigm shift is required away from traditional ';scene based' (and labour intensive) approaches with data storage and delivery for processing at local sites, to emerging High Performance Data (HPD) models where the data are organised and co-located with High Performance Computational (HPC) infrastructures in a way that enables users to bring themselves, their algorithms and the HPC processing power to the data. Automated workflows, that allow the entire archive of data to be rapidly reprocessed from raw data to fully calibrated products, are a crucial requirement for the effective stewardship of these datasets. New concepts such as arranging and viewing data as ';data objects' which underpin the delivery of ';information as a service' are also integral to realising the transition into HPD analytics. As Australia's national remote sensing and geoscience agency, Geoscience Australia faces a pressing need to solve the problems of ';big-data', in particular around the 25-year archive of calibrated Landsat data. The challenge is to ensure standardised information can be extracted from the entire archive and applied to nationally significant problems in hazards, water management, land management, resource development and the environment. Ultimately, these uses justify government investment in these unique systems. A key challenge was how best to organise the archive of calibrated Landsat data (estimated to grow to almost 1 PB by the end of 2014) in a way that supports HPD applications yet with the ability to trace each observation (pixel) back to its original satellite acquisition. The approach taken was to develop a multi-dimensional array (a data cube) underpinned by the partitioning the data into tiles, without any temporal aggregation. This allows for flexible spatio-temporal queries of the archive whilst minimising the need to perform geospatial processing just to locate the pixels of interest. Equally important is the development and implementation of international data interoperability standards (such as OGC web services and ISO metadata standards) that will provide advanced access for users to interact with and query the data cube without needing to download any data or to go through specialised data portals. This new approach will vastly improve access to, and the impact of, Australia's Landsat archive holdings.

Origin and evolution of dengue virus type 3 in Brazil.

PubMed

de Araújo, Josélio Maria Galvão; Bello, Gonzalo; Romero, Hector; Nogueira, Rita Maria Ribeiro

2012-01-01

The incidence of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Brazil experienced a significant increase since the emergence of dengue virus type-3 (DENV-3) at the early 2000s. Despite the major public health concerns, there have been very few studies of the molecular epidemiology and time-scale of this DENV lineage in Brazil. In this study, we investigated the origin and dispersion dynamics of DENV-3 genotype III in Brazil by examining a large number (n=107) of E gene sequences sampled between 2001 and 2009 from diverse Brazilian regions. These Brazilian sequences were combined with 457 DENV-3 genotype III E gene sequences from 29 countries around the world. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that there have been at least four introductions of the DENV-3 genotype III in Brazil, as signified by the presence of four phylogenetically distinct lineages. Three lineages (BR-I, BR-II, and BR-III) were probably imported from the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean), while the fourth one (BR-IV) was probably introduced from Colombia or Venezuela. While lineages BR-I and BR-II succeeded in getting established and disseminated in Brazil and other countries from the Southern Cone, lineages BR-III and BR-IV were only detected in one single individual each from the North region. The phylogeographic analysis indicates that DENV-3 lineages BR-I and BR-II were most likely introduced into Brazil through the Southeast and North regions around 1999 (95% HPD: 1998-2000) and 2001 (95% HPD: 2000-2002), respectively. These findings show that importation of DENV-3 lineages from the Caribbean islands into Brazil seems to be relatively frequent. Our study further suggests that the North and Southeast Brazilian regions were the most important hubs of introduction and spread of DENV-3 lineages and deserve an intense epidemiological surveillance.

The little shrimp that could: phylogeography of the circumtropical Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea: Decapoda), reveals divergent Atlantic and Pacific lineages

PubMed Central

Iacchei, Matthew; Coleman, Richard R.; Gaither, Michelle R.; Browne, William E.; Bowen, Brian W.; Toonen, Robert J.

2018-01-01

The banded coral shrimp, Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Stenopodidea) is a popular marine ornamental species with a circumtropical distribution. The planktonic larval stage lasts ∼120–253 days, indicating considerable dispersal potential, but few studies have investigated genetic connectivity on a global scale in marine invertebrates. To resolve patterns of divergence and phylogeography of S. hispidus, we surveyed 525 bp of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from 198 individuals sampled at 10 locations across ∼27,000 km of the species range. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that S. hispidus has a Western Atlantic lineage and a widely distributed Indo-Pacific lineage, separated by sequence divergence of 2.1%. Genetic diversity is much higher in the Western Atlantic (h = 0.929; π = 0.004) relative to the Indo-Pacific (h = 0.105; π < 0.001), and coalescent analyses indicate that the Indo-Pacific population expanded more recently (95% HPD (highest posterior density) = 60,000–400,000 yr) than the Western Atlantic population (95% HPD = 300,000–760,000 yr). Divergence of the Western Atlantic and Pacific lineages is estimated at 710,000–1.8 million years ago, which does not readily align with commonly implicated colonization events between the ocean basins. The estimated age of populations contradicts the prevailing dispersal route for tropical marine biodiversity (Indo-Pacific to Atlantic) with the oldest and most diverse population in the Atlantic, and a recent population expansion with a single common haplotype shared throughout the vast Indian and Pacific oceans. In contrast to the circumtropical fishes, this diminutive reef shrimp challenges our understanding of conventional dispersal capabilities of marine species. PMID:29527409

Phylogeny and population dynamics of respiratory syncytial virus (Rsv) A and B.

PubMed

Martinelli, Marianna; Frati, Elena Rosanna; Zappa, Alessandra; Ebranati, Erika; Bianchi, Silvia; Pariani, Elena; Amendola, Antonella; Zehender, Gianguglielmo; Tanzi, Elisabetta

2014-08-30

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. RSV is characterised by high variability, especially in the G glycoprotein, which may play a significant role in RSV pathogenicity by allowing immune evasion. To reconstruct the origin and phylodynamic history of RSV, we evaluated the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of RSV A and RSV B isolated from children under 3 years old infected in Italy from 2006 to 2012. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the RSV A sequences clustered with the NA1 genotype, and RSV B sequences were included in the Buenos Aires genotype. The mean evolutionary rates for RSV A and RSV B were estimated to be 2.1 × 10(-3) substitutions (subs)/site/year and 3.03 × 10(-3) subs/site/year, respectively. The time of most recent common ancestor for the tree root went back to the 1940s (95% highest posterior density-HPD: 1927-1951) for RSV A and the 1950s (95%HPD: 1951-1960) for RSV B. The RSV A Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) showed a decrease in transmission events ending in about 2005, when a sharp growth restored the original viral population size. RSV B BSP showed a similar trend. Site-specific selection analysis identified 10 codons under positive selection in RSV A sequences and only one site in RSV B sequences. Although RSV remains difficult to control due to its antigenic diversity, it is important to monitor changes in its coding sequences, to permit the identification of future epidemic strains and to implement vaccine and therapy strategies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Process of constructing a lightweight x-ray flight mirror assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McClelland, Ryan S.; Biskach, Michael P.; Chan, Kai-Wing; Espina, Rebecca A.; Hohl, Bruce R.; Saha, Timo T.; Zhang, William W.

2014-07-01

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based x-ray telescopes to achieve advances in highenergy astrophysics. NASA's Next Generation X-ray Optics (NGXO) project has made significant progress towards building such optics, both in terms of maturing the technology for spaceflight readiness and improving the angular resolution. Technology Development Modules (TDMs) holding three pairs of mirrors have been regularly and repeatedly integrated and tested both for optical performance and mechanical strength. X-ray test results have been improved over the past year from 10.3 arc-seconds Half Power Diameter (HPD) to 8.3 arc-seconds HPD. A vibration test has been completed to NASA standard verification levels showing the optics can survive launch and pointing towards improvements in strengthening the modules through redundant bonds. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) study was completed which shows the mirror distortion caused by bonding is insensitive to the number of bonds. Next generation TDMs, which will demonstrate a lightweight structure and mount additional pairs of mirrors, have been designed and fabricated. The light weight of the module structure is achieved through the use of E-60 Beryllium Oxide metal matrix composite material. As the angular resolution of the development modules has improved, gravity distortion during horizontal x-ray testing has become a limiting factor. To address this issue, a facility capable of testing in the vertical orientation has been designed and planned. Test boring at the construction site suggest standard caisson construction methods can be utilized to install a subterranean vertical vacuum pipe. This facility will also allow for the testing of kinematically mounted mirror segments, which greatly reduces the effect of bonding displacements. A development platform demonstrating the feasibility of kinematically mounting mirror segments has been designed, fabricated, and successfully tested.

Use of NEXRAD radar-based observations for quality control of in-situ rain gauge measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, B. R.; Prat, O.; Leeper, R.

2017-12-01

Rain gauge quality control is an often over looked important step in the archive of historical precipitation estimates. We investigate the possibilities that exist for using ground based radar networks for quality control of rain gauge measurements. This process includes the point to pixel comparisons of the rain gauge measurements with NEXRAD observations. There are two NEXRAD based data sets used for reference; the NCEP stage IV and the NWS MRMS gridded data sets. The NCEP stage IV data set is available at 4km hourly for the period 2002-present and includes the radar-gauge bias adjusted precipitation estimate. The NWS MRMS data set includes several different variables such as reflectivity, radar-only estimates, precipitation flag, and radar-gauge bias adjusted precipitation estimates. The latter product provides for much more information to apply quality control such as identification of precipitation type, identification of storm type and Z-R relation. In addition, some of the variables are available at 5-minute scale. The rain gauge networks that are investigated are the Climate Reference Network (CRN), the Fischer-Porter Hourly Precipitation Database (HPD), and the Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS). The CRN network is available at the 5-minute scale, the HPD network is available at the 15-minute and hourly scale, and HADS is available at the hourly scale. The varying scales present challenges for comparisons. However given the higher resolution radar-based products we identify an optimal combination of rain gauge observations that can be compared to the radar-based information. The quality control process focuses on identifying faulty gauges in direct comparison while a deeper investigation focuses on event-based differences from light rain to extreme storms.

Clinical Comparison of Autogenous Bone Graft with and without Plasma Rich in Growth Factors in the Treatment of Grade II Furcation Involvement of Mandibular Molars

PubMed Central

Lafzi, Ardeshir; Shirmohammadi, Adileh; Faramarzi, Masoumeh; Jabali, Sahar; Shayan, Arman

2013-01-01

Background and aims Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a concentrated suspension of growth factors, which is used to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. The aim of this randomized, controlled, clinical trial was to evaluate of the treatment of grade II mandibular molar furcation involvement using autogenous bone graft with and without PRGF. Materials and methods In this double-blind clinical trial, thirty mandibular molars with grade II furcation involvement in 30 patients were selected. The test group received bone graft combined with PRGF, while the control group was treated with bone graft only. Clinical parameters included clinical probing depth (CPD), vertical clinical attachment level (V-CAL), horizontal clinical attachment level (H-CAL), location of gingival margin (LGM), surgically exposed horizontal probing depth of bony defect (E-HPD), vertical depth of bone crest (V-DBC), vertical depth of the base of bony defect (V-DBD), and length of the intrabony defect (LID). After six months, a re-entry surgery was performed. Data were analyzed by SPSS 14, using Kolmogorov, Mann-Whitney U, and paired t-test. Results After 6 months, both treatment methods led to significant improvement in V-CAL and H-CAL and significant decreases in CPD, E-HPD, V-DBD and LID; there was no significant difference in LGM and V-DBC in any of the treated groups compared to the baseline values. Also, none of the parameters showed significant differences between the study groups. Conclusion Although autogenous bone grafts, with or without PRGF, were successful in treating grade II furcation involvement, no differences between the study groups were observed. PMID:23486928

Ablation of PGC1 beta prevents mTOR dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress response

PubMed Central

Camacho, Alberto; Rodriguez-Cuenca, Sergio; Blount, Margaret; Prieur, Xavier; Barbarroja, Nuria; Fuller, Maria; Hardingham, Giles E.; Vidal-Puig, Antonio

2012-01-01

Mitochondria dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of obesity, diabetes, neurodegeneration and ageing. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) coordinates mitochondrial biogenesis and function as well as fatty acid metabolism. It has been suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may be one of the mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction and these pathologies. Here we investigate whether PGC-1β ablation affects the ER stress response induced by specific nutritional and pharmacological challenges in the CNS. By using flow cytometry, western blot, real time PCR and several pharmacological and nutritional interventions in PGC-1β knock out and WT mice, we confirmed that PGC-1β coordinates mitochondria function in brain and reported for the first time that a) ablation of PGC-1β is associated with constitutive activation of mTORC1 pathway associated with increased basal GRP78 protein levels in hypothalamus and cortex of animals fed chow diet; and b) in animals fed chronically with high fat diet (HFD) or high protein diet (HPD), we observed a failure to appropriately induce ER stress response in the absence of PGC-1β, associated with an increase in mTOR pathway phosphorylation. This contrasted with the appropriate upregulation of ER stress response observed in wild type littermates. Additionally, inefficient in vitro induction of ER stress by thapsigargin seems result in apoptotic neuronal cell death in PGC-1β KO. Our data indicate that PGC-1β is required for a neuronal ER response to nutritional stress imposed by HFD and HPD diets and that genetic ablation of PGC-1β might increase the susceptibility to neuronal damage and cell death. PMID:22771762

VanT, a Homologue of Vibrio harveyi LuxR, Regulates Serine, Metalloprotease, Pigment, and Biofilm Production in Vibrio anguillarum

PubMed Central

Croxatto, Antony; Chalker, Victoria J.; Lauritz, Johan; Jass, Jana; Hardman, Andrea; Williams, Paul; Cámara, Miguel; Milton, Debra L.

2002-01-01

Vibrio anguillarum possesses at least two N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing circuits, one of which is related to the luxMN system of Vibrio harveyi. In this study, we have cloned an additional gene of this circuit, vanT, encoding a V. harveyi LuxR-like transcriptional regulator. A V. anguillarum ΔvanT null mutation resulted in a significant decrease in total protease activity due to loss of expression of the metalloprotease EmpA, but no changes in either AHL production or virulence. Additional genes positively regulated by VanT were identified from a plasmid-based gene library fused to a promoterless lacZ. Three lacZ fusions (serA::lacZ, hpdA-hgdA::lacZ, and sat-vps73::lacZ) were identified which exhibited decreased expression in the ΔvanT strain. SerA is similar to 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenases and catalyzes the first step in the serine-glycine biosynthesis pathway. HgdA has identity with homogentisate dioxygenases, and HpdA is homologous to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) involved in pigment production. V. anguillarum strains require an active VanT to produce high levels of an l-tyrosine-induced brown color via HPPD, suggesting that VanT controls pigment production. Vps73 and Sat are related to Vibrio cholerae proteins encoded within a DNA locus required for biofilm formation. A V. anguillarum ΔvanT mutant and a mutant carrying a polar mutation in the sat-vps73 DNA locus were shown to produce defective biofilms. Hence, a new member of the V. harveyi LuxR transcriptional activator family has been characterized in V. anguillarum that positively regulates serine, metalloprotease, pigment, and biofilm production. PMID:11872713

VanT, a homologue of Vibrio harveyi LuxR, regulates serine, metalloprotease, pigment, and biofilm production in Vibrio anguillarum.

PubMed

Croxatto, Antony; Chalker, Victoria J; Lauritz, Johan; Jass, Jana; Hardman, Andrea; Williams, Paul; Cámara, Miguel; Milton, Debra L

2002-03-01

Vibrio anguillarum possesses at least two N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing circuits, one of which is related to the luxMN system of Vibrio harveyi. In this study, we have cloned an additional gene of this circuit, vanT, encoding a V. harveyi LuxR-like transcriptional regulator. A V. anguillarum Delta vanT null mutation resulted in a significant decrease in total protease activity due to loss of expression of the metalloprotease EmpA, but no changes in either AHL production or virulence. Additional genes positively regulated by VanT were identified from a plasmid-based gene library fused to a promoterless lacZ. Three lacZ fusions (serA::lacZ, hpdA-hgdA::lacZ, and sat-vps73::lacZ) were identified which exhibited decreased expression in the Delta vanT strain. SerA is similar to 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenases and catalyzes the first step in the serine-glycine biosynthesis pathway. HgdA has identity with homogentisate dioxygenases, and HpdA is homologous to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) involved in pigment production. V. anguillarum strains require an active VanT to produce high levels of an L-tyrosine-induced brown color via HPPD, suggesting that VanT controls pigment production. Vps73 and Sat are related to Vibrio cholerae proteins encoded within a DNA locus required for biofilm formation. A V. anguillarum Delta vanT mutant and a mutant carrying a polar mutation in the sat-vps73 DNA locus were shown to produce defective biofilms. Hence, a new member of the V. harveyi LuxR transcriptional activator family has been characterized in V. anguillarum that positively regulates serine, metalloprotease, pigment, and biofilm production.

Using a health and productivity dashboard: a case example.

PubMed

Riedel, John E

2007-01-01

Health and productivity management is complicated and requires some strategies that help simplify the endeavor for employers. The use of a "dashboard" concept implies that raw information about employee health can be arranged in ways that help decision-makers better understand the scope and magnitude of health issues within their work force. In this edition of the Art we look at a case study of the use of a health and productivity dashboard within an employer organization. As health promotion professionals that work in worksite settings struggle with portraying the economic importance of worker health, a health and productivity dashboard (HPD) may provide a very real strategic advantage.

Verifying the competition between haloperidol and biperiden in serum albumin through a model based on spectrofluorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muniz da Silva Fragoso, Viviane; Patrícia de Morais e Coura, Carla; Paulino, Erica Tex; Valdez, Ethel Celene Narvaez; Silva, Dilson; Cortez, Celia Martins

2017-11-01

The aim of this work was to apply mathematical-computational modeling to study the interactions of haloperidol (HLP) and biperiden (BPD) with human (HSA) and bovine (BSA) serum albumin in order to verify the competition of these drugs for binding sites in HSA, using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence quenching data. The association constants estimated for HPD-HSA was 2.17(±0.05) × 107 M-1, BPD-HSA was 2.01(±0.03) × 108 M-1 at 37 °C. Results have shown that drugs do not compete for the same binding sites in albumin.

ART-XC/SRG: Status of the X-ray Optics Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; Zavlin, V.; Swartz, D.; Elsner, R. F.; ODell, S.; Kilaru, K.; Atkins, C.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.;

Photodetection of early cancer by laser-induced fluorescence of a tumor-selective dye: apparatus design and realization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagnieres, Georges A.; Depeursinge, Christian D.; Monnier, Philippe; Savary, Jean-Francois; Cornaz, Piet F.; Chatelain, Andre; van den Bergh, Hubert

1990-07-01

An apparatus is designed and realized to detect "early" cancer at the surface of the hollow organs in the human body by endoscopic means. The tumor is localized by the laser induced fluorescence of a dye (HPD) which concentrates selectively in the neoplastic tissue after intravenous injection. Fluorescence contrast between the tumor and its normal surroundings is enhanced by subtracting the background autofluorescence which occurs in both types of tissue. This is done by means of 2-color digital images manipulation in real-time. Preliminary clinical tests of the apparatus demonstrated the detection of carcinoma in situ in the esophagus.

ART-XC/SRG: Status of the X-ray Optics Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; Elsner, R.; O'Dell, S.; Kolodziejczak, J.; McCracken, J.; Zavlin, V.; Swartz, D.; Kilaru, K.; Atkins, C.;

ART-XC/SRG: Status of the X-ray Optics Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; Elsner, R.; O'Dell, S.; Kolodziejczak, J.; McCracken, J.; Zavlin, V.; Swartz, D.; Kilaru, K.; Atkins, C.;

An accurate laser radiometer for determining visible exposure times.

PubMed

Royston, D D

1985-01-01

A laser light radiometer has been developed for the Electro-Optics Branch of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The radiometer measures direct laser radiation emitted in the visible spectrum. Based upon this measurement, the instrument's microprocessor automatically determines at what time duration the exposure to the measured laser radiation would exceed either the class I accessible emission limits of the Federal Performance Standard for laser products or the maximum permissible exposure limits of laser user safety standards. The instrument also features automatic background level compensation, pulse measurement capability, and self-diagnosis. Measurement of forward surface illumination levels preceding HpD photoradiation therapy is possible.

Susceptibility of representative dental pathogens to inactivation by the PDT with water-soluble photosensitizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelov, Ivan; Mantareva, Vanya; Kussovski, Veselin; Worle, Diter; Kisov, Hristo; Belcheva, Marieta; Georgieva, Tzvetelina; Dimitrov, Slavcho

2011-02-01

In the recent decade the applications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) rapidly increase in several topics and one of areas where the PDT in the future will be play significant role is dentistry. The different photosensitizing complexes with a good water solubility and with absorption with an intensive maximum in the red region (630-690 nm), which makes them suitable for photodynamic treatments, were investigated. The photochemical properties of complexes for singlet oxygen generation were investigated and were shown relations between uptake levels and light intensity to achieve increase in photodynamic efficacy. Photodynamic efficacy against fungi Candida albicans and bacteria's E. faecalis, MRSA and S. Mutans in planktonic media was evaluated. The high photodynamic efficacy was shown for SiPc at very low concentrations (0.9 μM) and light doses of 50 J cm-2 by intensity of light 60 mW cm-2. The photodynamic response for E. faecalis, MRSA and S. Mutans, after treatments with different photosensitizers show strong dependence on concentrations of photsensitzers and micro organisms. The level of inactivation of the pathogen bacteria's from 1-2 degree of initial concentration up to full inactivation was observed. The studied complexes were compared to the recently studied Methylene blue, Haematoporphyrine and tetra-methylpirydiloxy Zn(II)- phthalocyanines and experimental results show that some of them have a good potential for inactivation of representative pathogenic bacterial strains. Experimental results also indicate that photodynamic therapy appears an effective method for inactivation of oral pathogenic bacterias and fungi.

Side-by-side comparison of photodynamic therapy and pulsed-dye laser treatment of port-wine stain birthmarks.

PubMed

Gao, K; Huang, Z; Yuan, K-H; Zhang, B; Hu, Z-Q

2013-05-01

Pulsed-dye laser (PDL)-mediated photothermolysis is the current standard treatment for port-wine stain (PWS) birthmarks. Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be an alternative for the treatment of PWS. To compare clinical outcomes of PDT and PDL treatment of PWS. Two adjacent flat areas of PWS lesions were selected from each of 15 patients (two male and 13 female; age 11-36 years) and randomly assigned to either single-session PDL or PDT. PDL was delivered using a 585-nm pulsed laser. PDT was carried out with a combination of haematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) and a low-power copper vapour laser (510.6 and 578.2 nm). Clinical outcomes were evaluated colorimetrically and visually during follow-up. A total of nine red PWS lesions and six purple PWS lesions were treated. For red PWS, colorimetric assessment showed that the blanching rates of PDL and PDT at 2 months ranged from -11% to 24% and 22% to 55%, respectively. For purple PWS, blanching rates of PDL and PDT ranged from 8% to 33% and 30% to 45%, respectively. Overall, there was a significant difference between the blanching effect of single-session PDL treatment and a single-session PDT treatment. This side-by-side comparison demonstrates that PDT is at least as effective as PDL and, in some cases, superior. The true value of PDT for the treatment of PWS deserves further investigation. © 2012 The Authors. BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.

Development of Mirror Modules for the ART-XC Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; O'Dell, S. L.; Elsner, R.; Kilaru, K.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.; Lapshov, I.

2012-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is developing x-ray mirror modules for the ART -XC instrument on board the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission under a Reimbursable Agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI.) ART-XC will consist of seven co-aligned x-ray mirror modules with seven corresponding CdTe focal plane detectors. Currently, four of the modules are being fabricated by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC.) Each MSFC module provides an effective area of 65 cm2 at 8 keV, response out to 30 keV, and an angular resolution of 45 arcsec or better HPD. We will present a status of the ART x-ray module development at MSFC.

Origin and Evolution of Dengue Virus Type 3 in Brazil

PubMed Central

Romero, Hector; Nogueira, Rita Maria Ribeiro

2012-01-01

The incidence of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever in Brazil experienced a significant increase since the emergence of dengue virus type-3 (DENV-3) at the early 2000s. Despite the major public health concerns, there have been very few studies of the molecular epidemiology and time-scale of this DENV lineage in Brazil. In this study, we investigated the origin and dispersion dynamics of DENV-3 genotype III in Brazil by examining a large number (n = 107) of E gene sequences sampled between 2001 and 2009 from diverse Brazilian regions. These Brazilian sequences were combined with 457 DENV-3 genotype III E gene sequences from 29 countries around the world. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that there have been at least four introductions of the DENV-3 genotype III in Brazil, as signified by the presence of four phylogenetically distinct lineages. Three lineages (BR-I, BR-II, and BR-III) were probably imported from the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean), while the fourth one (BR-IV) was probably introduced from Colombia or Venezuela. While lineages BR-I and BR-II succeeded in getting established and disseminated in Brazil and other countries from the Southern Cone, lineages BR-III and BR-IV were only detected in one single individual each from the North region. The phylogeographic analysis indicates that DENV-3 lineages BR-I and BR-II were most likely introduced into Brazil through the Southeast and North regions around 1999 (95% HPD: 1998–2000) and 2001 (95% HPD: 2000–2002), respectively. These findings show that importation of DENV-3 lineages from the Caribbean islands into Brazil seems to be relatively frequent. Our study further suggests that the North and Southeast Brazilian regions were the most important hubs of introduction and spread of DENV-3 lineages and deserve an intense epidemiological surveillance. PMID:22970331

Phylogeny of the Ampelocissus-Vitis clade in Vitaceae supports the New World origin of the grape genus.

PubMed

Liu, Xiu-Qun; Ickert-Bond, Stefanie M; Nie, Ze-Long; Zhou, Zhuo; Chen, Long-Qing; Wen, Jun

2016-02-01

The grapes and the close allies in Vitaceae are of great agronomic and economic importance. Our previous studies showed that the grape genus Vitis was closely related to three tropical genera, which formed the Ampelocissus-Vitis clade (including Vitis, Ampelocissus, Nothocissus and Pterisanthes). Yet the phylogenetic relationships of the four genera within this clade remain poorly resolved. Furthermore, the geographic origin of Vitis is still controversial, because the sampling of the close relatives of Vitis was too limited in the previous studies. This study reconstructs the phylogenetic relationships within the clade, and hypothesizes the origin of Vitis in a broader phylogenetic framework, using five plastid and two nuclear markers. The Ampelocissus-Vitis clade is supported to be composed of five main lineages. Vitis includes two described subgenera each as a monophyletic group. Ampelocissus is paraphyletic. The New World Ampelocissus does not form a clade and shows a complex phylogenetic relationship, with A. acapulcensis and A. javalensis forming a clade, and A. erdvendbergiana sister to Vitis. The majority of the Asian Ampelocissus species form a clade, within which Pterisanthes is nested. Pterisanthes is polyphyletic, suggesting that the lamellate inflorescence characteristic of the genus represents convergence. Nothocissus is sister to the clade of Asian Ampelocissus and Pterisanthes. The African Ampelocissus forms a clade with several Asian species. Based on the Bayesian dating and both the RASP and Lagrange analyses, Vitis is inferred to have originated in the New World during the late Eocene (39.4Ma, 95% HPD: 32.6-48.6Ma), then migrated to Eurasia in the late Eocene (37.3Ma, 95% HPD: 30.9-45.1Ma). The North Atlantic land bridges (NALB) are hypothesized to be the most plausible route for the Vitis migration from the New World to Eurasia, while intercontinental long distance dispersal (LDD) cannot be eliminated as a likely mechanism. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of HH interactions in the formation of ordered structures on Ni and Pd single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muscat, J. P.

1981-09-01

The interaction between H adatoms on a surface is calculated within the embedded cluster model of chemisorption. The model is first applied to the case of two H atoms on a free electron surface. The interaction energy is found to be an oscillatory function of the H-H separation Rab. Application of the free electron model to the problem of chemisorption on transition metal surfaces leads to unphysical results with the prediction of formation of ordered H overlayers which are not observed in LEED experiments. We next include the l = 2 TM muffin tins. Results for H adsorption on the low index faces of Ni and Pd substrates are presented. Graphitic structures are predicted for the (111) faces of both Ni and Pd with the H atoms occupying both types of three-fold hollow sites on the surface. This agrees with the results of LEED experiments for H/Ni(111). Comparison with experiment is not possible in the case of H/Pd(111) owing to the lack of low temperature studies for that system. Zig-zag chains with the H atoms adsorbed in sites of three-fold coordination on alternate sides of the TM(110) rows are predicted for both Ni and Pd. This is in agreement with the results of He diffraction experiments for H/Ni(110). No structure determination has been done for H/Pd(110). Adsorption in the four-fold centre sites for H on the (100) faces of Ni and Pd is found to be unfavourable. The H atoms are expected to adsorb in sites of three-fold symmetry below the (100) surface for H on Pd with formation of a c(2 × 2) structure in agreement with the LEED observations. For H/Ni(100) the H atoms are believed to adsorb above the surface, away from the centre site and to bond to two surface Ni atoms. No short-range ordered structures are predicted in this case.

It Takes A 'Village of Partnerships' To Raise A 'Big Data Facility' In A 'Big Data World'.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, B. J. K.; Wyborn, L. A.

2015-12-01

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) at the Australian National University (ANU) has collocated a priority set of national and international data assets that span a wide range of domains from climate, oceans, geophysics, environment, astronomy, bioinformatics and the social sciences. The data are located on a 10 PB High Performance Data (HPD) Node that is integrated with a High Performance Computing (HPC) facility to enable a new style of Data-intensive in-situ analysis. Investigators can either log in via direct access to the data collections: access is also provided via modern standards-based web services. The NCI integrated HPD/HPC facility is supported by a 'village' of partnerships. NCI itself operates as a formal partnership between the ANU and three major National Scientific Agencies: CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Geoscience Australia (GA). These same agencies are also the custodians of many of the national data collections hosted at NCI, and in partnership with other collaborating national and overseas organisations have agreed to work together to develop a shared data environment and use standards that enable interoperability between the collections, rather than isolating their collections as separate entities that each agency runs independently. To effectively analyse these complex and large volume data sets, NCI has entered into a series of national and national partnerships with international agencies to provide world-class digital analytical environments that allow computational to be conducted and shared. The ability for government and research to work in partnership at the NCI has been well established over the last decade, mainly with BoM, CSIRO, and GA. New emerging industry linkages are now being encouraged by revised government agendas and these promises to foster a new series of partnerships that will increase uptake of this major government funded infrastructure and promise to foster further collaboration and innovation.

The NCI High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Performance Data (HPD) Platform to Support the Analysis of Petascale Environmental Data Collections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, B. J. K.; Pugh, T.; Wyborn, L. A.; Porter, D.; Allen, C.; Smillie, J.; Antony, J.; Trenham, C.; Evans, B. J.; Beckett, D.; Erwin, T.; King, E.; Hodge, J.; Woodcock, R.; Fraser, R.; Lescinsky, D. T.

2014-12-01

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) has co-located a priority set of national data assets within a HPC research platform. This powerful in-situ computational platform has been created to help serve and analyse the massive amounts of data across the spectrum of environmental collections - in particular the climate, observational data and geoscientific domains. This paper examines the infrastructure, innovation and opportunity for this significant research platform. NCI currently manages nationally significant data collections (10+ PB) categorised as 1) earth system sciences, climate and weather model data assets and products, 2) earth and marine observations and products, 3) geosciences, 4) terrestrial ecosystem, 5) water management and hydrology, and 6) astronomy, social science and biosciences. The data is largely sourced from the NCI partners (who include the custodians of many of the national scientific records), major research communities, and collaborating overseas organisations. By co-locating these large valuable data assets, new opportunities have arisen by harmonising the data collections, making a powerful transdisciplinary research platformThe data is accessible within an integrated HPC-HPD environment - a 1.2 PFlop supercomputer (Raijin), a HPC class 3000 core OpenStack cloud system and several highly connected large scale and high-bandwidth Lustre filesystems. New scientific software, cloud-scale techniques, server-side visualisation and data services have been harnessed and integrated into the platform, so that analysis is performed seamlessly across the traditional boundaries of the underlying data domains. Characterisation of the techniques along with performance profiling ensures scalability of each software component, all of which can either be enhanced or replaced through future improvements. A Development-to-Operations (DevOps) framework has also been implemented to manage the scale of the software complexity alone. This ensures that software is both upgradable and maintainable, and can be readily reused with complexly integrated systems and become part of the growing global trusted community tools for cross-disciplinary research.

Computational Environments and Analysis methods available on the NCI High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Performance Data (HPD) Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, B. J. K.; Foster, C.; Minchin, S. A.; Pugh, T.; Lewis, A.; Wyborn, L. A.; Evans, B. J.; Uhlherr, A.

2014-12-01

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) has established a powerful in-situ computational environment to enable both high performance computing and data-intensive science across a wide spectrum of national environmental data collections - in particular climate, observational data and geoscientific assets. This paper examines 1) the computational environments that supports the modelling and data processing pipelines, 2) the analysis environments and methods to support data analysis, and 3) the progress in addressing harmonisation of the underlying data collections for future transdisciplinary research that enable accurate climate projections. NCI makes available 10+ PB major data collections from both the government and research sectors based on six themes: 1) weather, climate, and earth system science model simulations, 2) marine and earth observations, 3) geosciences, 4) terrestrial ecosystems, 5) water and hydrology, and 6) astronomy, social and biosciences. Collectively they span the lithosphere, crust, biosphere, hydrosphere, troposphere, and stratosphere. The data is largely sourced from NCI's partners (which include the custodians of many of the national scientific records), major research communities, and collaborating overseas organisations. The data is accessible within an integrated HPC-HPD environment - a 1.2 PFlop supercomputer (Raijin), a HPC class 3000 core OpenStack cloud system and several highly connected large scale and high-bandwidth Lustre filesystems. This computational environment supports a catalogue of integrated reusable software and workflows from earth system and ecosystem modelling, weather research, satellite and other observed data processing and analysis. To enable transdisciplinary research on this scale, data needs to be harmonised so that researchers can readily apply techniques and software across the corpus of data available and not be constrained to work within artificial disciplinary boundaries. Future challenges will involve the further integration and analysis of this data across the social sciences to facilitate the impacts across the societal domain, including timely analysis to more accurately predict and forecast future climate and environmental state.

Indicators of hearing protection use: self-report and researcher observation.

PubMed

Griffin, Stephanie C; Neitzel, Richard; Daniell, William E; Seixas, Noah S

2009-10-01

Hearing protection devices (HPD) are commonly used to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss. There is a large body of research on hearing protection use in industry, and much of it relies on workers' self-reported use of hearing protection. Based on previous studies in fixed industry, worker self-report has been accepted as an adequate and reliable tool to measure this behavior among workers in many industrial sectors. However, recent research indicates self-reported hearing protection use may not accurately reflect subject behavior in industries with variable noise exposure. This study compares workers' self-reported use of hearing protection with their observed use in three workplaces with two types of noise environments: one construction site and one fixed industry facility with a variable noise environment, and one fixed industry facility with a steady noise environment. Subjects reported their use of hearing protection on self-administered surveys and activity cards, which were validated using researcher observations. The primary outcome of interest in the study was the difference between the self-reported use of hearing protection in high noise on the activity card and survey: (1) over one workday, and (2) over a 2-week period. The primary hypotheses for the study were that subjects in workplaces with variable noise environments would report their use of HPDs less accurately than subjects in the stable noise environment, and that reporting would be less accurate over 2 weeks than over 1 day. In addition to noise variability, other personal and workplace factors thought to affect the accuracy of self-reported hearing protection use were also analyzed. This study found good agreement between subjects' self-reported HPD use and researcher observations. Workers in the steady noise environment self-reported hearing protection use more accurately on the surveys than workers in variable noise environments. The findings demonstrate the potential importance of noise exposure variability as a factor influencing reporting accuracy.

Clinical Validation of Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Bacterial Meningitis Pathogens

PubMed Central

Theodore, M. Jordan; Mair, Raydel; Trujillo-Lopez, Elizabeth; du Plessis, Mignon; Wolter, Nicole; Baughman, Andrew L.; Hatcher, Cynthia; Vuong, Jeni; Lott, Lisa; von Gottberg, Anne; Sacchi, Claudio; McDonald, J. Matthew; Messonnier, Nancy E.; Mayer, Leonard W.

2012-01-01

Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are important causes of meningitis and other infections, and rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assays are critical for effective public health interventions. Singleplex real-time PCR assays have been developed to detect N. meningitidis ctrA, H. influenzae hpd, and S. pneumoniae lytA and serogroup-specific genes in the cap locus for N. meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W135, X, and Y. However, the assay sensitivity for serogroups B, W135, and Y is low. We aimed to improve assay sensitivity and develop multiplex assays to reduce time and cost. New singleplex real-time PCR assays for serogroup B synD, W135 synG, and Y synF showed 100% specificity for detecting N. meningitidis species, with high sensitivity (serogroup B synD, 99% [75/76]; W135 synG, 97% [38/39]; and Y synF, 100% [66/66]). The lower limits of detection (LLD) were 9, 43, and 10 copies/reaction for serogroup B synD, W135 synG, and Y synF assays, respectively, a significant improvement compared to results for the previous singleplex assays. We developed three multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of (i) N. meningitidis ctrA, H. influenzae hpd, and S. pneumoniae lytA (NHS assay); (ii) N. meningitidis serogroups A, W135, and X (AWX assay); and (iii) N. meningitidis serogroups B, C, and Y (BCY assay). Each multiplex assay was 100% specific for detecting its target organisms or serogroups, and the LLD was similar to that for the singleplex assay. Pairwise comparison of real-time PCR between multiplex and singleplex assays showed that cycle threshold values of the multiplex assay were similar to those for the singleplex assay. There were no substantial differences in sensitivity and specificity between these multiplex and singleplex real-time PCR assays. PMID:22170919

Laser transurethral resection of the prostate: Safety study of a novel system of photoselective vaporization with high power diode laser in prostates larger than 80mL.

PubMed

Andrés, G; Arance, I; Gimbernat, H; Redondo, C; García-Tello, A; Angulo, J C

2015-01-01

To present the feasibility of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with of a new diode laser-resection system. Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is constantly evolving. Laser techniques are increasingly used in prostates of large size. A prospective study was performed to evaluate operative data and patient outcomes with PVP using high-power diode laser (HPD) and a novel quartz-head fiber with shovel shape in patients with prostate>80mL. Demographic data, operative time, hemoglobin loss, operative results (IPSS, quality of life (QoL), Qmax, post void residue (PVR), IIEF-5 and micturition diary) and complications following Clavien-Dindo classification are described. Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Sixteen (51.6%) were on active antiplatelet treatment and 12 (38.7%) had received anticoagulants before surgery. All cases were followed at least 6mo. No intraoperative or postoperative major complications occurred. Three patients (9.7%) had minor complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Twenty-seven (87.1%) were discharged on postoperative day one without catheter. There were significant improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR, both at 3 and 6mo (P<.0001), but sexual function according to IIEF-5 showed no differences. Urgency (any grade) increased at 3mo (48.4%; P=.002) and considerably decreased at 6mo (9.7%; P<.0001). This pilot experience with shovel shape fiber and HPD is encouraging. It shows that laser-resection is a safe procedure, achieving excellent results in terms of IPSS, QoL and Qmax in large prostates even in high-risk patients. Longer follow-up, comparative and randomized controlled studies are needed to widespread these results. Copyright © 2014 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Clinical validation of multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of bacterial meningitis pathogens.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Theodore, M Jordan; Mair, Raydel; Trujillo-Lopez, Elizabeth; du Plessis, Mignon; Wolter, Nicole; Baughman, Andrew L; Hatcher, Cynthia; Vuong, Jeni; Lott, Lisa; von Gottberg, Anne; Sacchi, Claudio; McDonald, J Matthew; Messonnier, Nancy E; Mayer, Leonard W

2012-03-01

Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are important causes of meningitis and other infections, and rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assays are critical for effective public health interventions. Singleplex real-time PCR assays have been developed to detect N. meningitidis ctrA, H. influenzae hpd, and S. pneumoniae lytA and serogroup-specific genes in the cap locus for N. meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W135, X, and Y. However, the assay sensitivity for serogroups B, W135, and Y is low. We aimed to improve assay sensitivity and develop multiplex assays to reduce time and cost. New singleplex real-time PCR assays for serogroup B synD, W135 synG, and Y synF showed 100% specificity for detecting N. meningitidis species, with high sensitivity (serogroup B synD, 99% [75/76]; W135 synG, 97% [38/39]; and Y synF, 100% [66/66]). The lower limits of detection (LLD) were 9, 43, and 10 copies/reaction for serogroup B synD, W135 synG, and Y synF assays, respectively, a significant improvement compared to results for the previous singleplex assays. We developed three multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of (i) N. meningitidis ctrA, H. influenzae hpd, and S. pneumoniae lytA (NHS assay); (ii) N. meningitidis serogroups A, W135, and X (AWX assay); and (iii) N. meningitidis serogroups B, C, and Y (BCY assay). Each multiplex assay was 100% specific for detecting its target organisms or serogroups, and the LLD was similar to that for the singleplex assay. Pairwise comparison of real-time PCR between multiplex and singleplex assays showed that cycle threshold values of the multiplex assay were similar to those for the singleplex assay. There were no substantial differences in sensitivity and specificity between these multiplex and singleplex real-time PCR assays.

[Studies on the extraction and purification of total saponins from Parched Semen Ziziphi Spinosae].

PubMed

Wu, Yulan; Ding, Anwei; Bao, Beihua

2005-03-01

To study the extraction and purification process of the total saponin from Parched Semen Ziziphi Spinosae with ethanol and macroporous resin. The total saponins were extracted with ethanol and purified with macroporous resin by orthogonal design, taking content and purity of jujuboside A as guideline. The optimum extraction condition was adding 6 times amount of 80% ethanol and refluxing 3 times, for 30 minutes each time. The purification process with macroporous resin HPD-100 was using 0.5% NaOH (150ml), 30% ethanol (150ml) to wash out impurity, and 70% ethanol 50 ml to wash out saponin. The purity of jujuboside A was up to 17.9% and the eluted ratio 72.8%.

Technology Development for Nickel X-Ray Optics Enhancement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bubarev, Mikhail; Ramsey, Brian; Engelhaupt, Darell

2008-01-01

We are developing grazing-incidence x-ray optics for high-energy astrophysics using the electroform-nickel replication process. In this process, mirror shells are fabricated by replication off super-polished cylindrical mandrels. The mirrors fabricated using this process have a demonstrated optical performance at the level of 11-12 arc seconds resolution (HPD) for 30 keV x rays. Future missions demand ever higher angular resolutions and this places stringent requirements on the quality of the mandrels, the precision of the metrology, and the mounting and alignment of the mirror shells in their housings. A progress report on recent technology developments in all these areas will be presented along with a discussion on possible post fabrication, in-situ improvement of the x-ray mirrors quality.

[Intermediary effectiveness of procaine and procaine metabolites following oral administration].

PubMed

Kaemmerer, K; Kietzmann, M

1989-01-01

The influence of orally administrated procaine hydrochloride and of its metabolites diethylaminoethanol, monoethylaminoethanol and ethanolamine on specific intermediary processes in rats was tested. While the animals got procaine hydrochloride in a single dose or via food the incorporation rate of amino acids in protein was measured in homogenisates of liver tissue by the incorporation of a mixture of 14C-amino acids. Procaine hydrochloride, the commercial product K. H. 3, as well as diethylaminoethanol, monoethylaminoethanol and ethanolamine increased the amino acid incorporation rate in a dose and time dependent mode, while p-aminobenzoic acid remained without any effect. The dose of procaine hydrochloride inducing a maximal reaction was in the range of 50 to 100 mg/kg b. w. (250 to 500 mg/kg food). The minimal active dose was nearly at 10 mg/kg b. w. Paying regard to a metabolic factor of 10 the effective dose-range is nearly the dose used in experience with human beings to influence geriatric complaints. In the study described here haematoporphyrine (a component of the commercial product K. H. 3, not absorbed) shows no specific intermediary effect. May be it promotes the intestinal absorption of procaine hydrochloride by protection against intestinal hydrolysis. The intermediary effect of procaine hydrochloride is to measure on cellular or subcellular level without compatibility to the activity as a local anaesthetic. With regard to other intermediary effects mentioned in the literature like growth promotion or inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity, it is discussed whether the increase of the hepatic amino acid incorporation rate is corresponding to geriatric experiences made with procaine hydrochloride.

The SWIFT Gamma-Ray Burst X-Ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, J. E.; Burrows, D. N.; Nousek, J. A.; Wells, A.; Chincarini, G.; Abbey, A. F.; Angelini, L.; Beardmore, A.; Brauninger, H. W.; Chang, W.

2006-01-01

The Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer is designed to make prompt multi-wavelength observations of Gamma-Ray Bursts and GRB afterglows. The X-ray Telescope enables Swift to determine GRB positions with a few arcseconds accuracy within 100 seconds of the burst onset. The XRT utilizes a mirror set built for JET-X and an XMM-Newton/ EPIC MOS CCD detector to provide a sensitive broad-band (0.2-10 keV) X-ray imager with an effective area of more than 120 sq cm at 1.5 keV, a field of view of 23.6 x 23.6 arcminutes, and an angular resolution of 18 arcseconds (HPD). The detection sensitivity is 2x10(exp 14) erg/sq cm/s in 10(exp 4) seconds. The instrument provides automated source detection and position reporting within 5 seconds of target acquisition. It can also measure the redshifts of GRBs with Iron line emission or other spectral features. The XRT operates in an auto-exposure mode, adjusting the CCD readout mode automatically to optimize the science return as the source intensity fades. The XRT measures spectra and lightcurves of the GRB afterglow beginning about a minute after the burst and follows each burst for days or weeks. We provide an overview of the X-ray Telescope scientific background from which the systems engineering requirements were derived, with specific emphasis on the design and qualification aspects from conception through to launch. We describe the impact on cleanliness and vacuum requirements for the instrument low energy response and to maintain the high sensitivity to the fading signal of the Gamma-ray Bursts.

Rabies in Iraq: trends in human cases 2001-2010 and characterisation of animal rabies strains from Baghdad.

PubMed

Horton, Daniel L; Ismail, Mashair Z; Siryan, Eman S; Wali, Abdul Raheem A; Ab-dulla, Husam E; Wise, Emma; Voller, Katja; Harkess, Graeme; Marston, Denise A; McElhinney, Lorraine M; Abbas, Salah F; Fooks, Anthony R

2013-01-01

Control of rabies requires a consistent supply of dependable resources, constructive cooperation between veterinary and public health authorities, and systematic surveillance. These are challenging in any circumstances, but particularly during conflict. Here we describe available human rabies surveillance data from Iraq, results of renewed sampling for rabies in animals, and the first genetic characterisation of circulating rabies strains from Iraq. Human rabies is notifiable, with reported cases increasing since 2003, and a marked increase in Baghdad between 2009 and 2010. These changes coincide with increasing numbers of reported dog bites. There is no laboratory confirmation of disease or virus characterisation and no systematic surveillance for rabies in animals. To address these issues, brain samples were collected from domestic animals in the greater Baghdad region and tested for rabies. Three of 40 brain samples were positive using the fluorescent antibody test and hemi-nested RT-PCR for rabies virus (RABV). Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using partial nucleoprotein gene sequences derived from the samples demonstrated the viruses belong to a single virus variant and share a common ancestor with viruses from neighbouring countries, 22 (95% HPD 14-32) years ago. These include countries lying to the west, north and east of Iraq, some of which also have other virus variants circulating concurrently. These results suggest possible multiple introductions of rabies into the Middle East, and regular trans-boundary movement of disease. Although 4000 years have passed since the original description of disease consistent with rabies, animals and humans are still dying of this preventable and neglected zoonosis.

Rabies in Iraq: Trends in Human Cases 2001–2010 and Characterisation of Animal Rabies Strains from Baghdad

PubMed Central

Horton, Daniel L.; Ismail, Mashair Z.; Siryan, Eman S.; Wali, Abdul Raheem A.; Ab-dulla, Husam E.; Wise, Emma; Voller, Katja; Harkess, Graeme; Marston, Denise A.; McElhinney, Lorraine M.; Abbas, Salah F.; Fooks, Anthony R.

2013-01-01

Control of rabies requires a consistent supply of dependable resources, constructive cooperation between veterinary and public health authorities, and systematic surveillance. These are challenging in any circumstances, but particularly during conflict. Here we describe available human rabies surveillance data from Iraq, results of renewed sampling for rabies in animals, and the first genetic characterisation of circulating rabies strains from Iraq. Human rabies is notifiable, with reported cases increasing since 2003, and a marked increase in Baghdad between 2009 and 2010. These changes coincide with increasing numbers of reported dog bites. There is no laboratory confirmation of disease or virus characterisation and no systematic surveillance for rabies in animals. To address these issues, brain samples were collected from domestic animals in the greater Baghdad region and tested for rabies. Three of 40 brain samples were positive using the fluorescent antibody test and hemi-nested RT-PCR for rabies virus (RABV). Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using partial nucleoprotein gene sequences derived from the samples demonstrated the viruses belong to a single virus variant and share a common ancestor with viruses from neighbouring countries, 22 (95% HPD 14–32) years ago. These include countries lying to the west, north and east of Iraq, some of which also have other virus variants circulating concurrently. These results suggest possible multiple introductions of rabies into the Middle East, and regular trans-boundary movement of disease. Although 4000 years have passed since the original description of disease consistent with rabies, animals and humans are still dying of this preventable and neglected zoonosis. PMID:23469303

Canine treatment with SnET2 for photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frazier, Donita L.; Milligan, Andrew J.; Vo-Dinh, Tuan; Morgan, Alan R.; Overholt, Bergein F.

1990-07-01

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment technique that utilizes the photoactived species of a drug to destroy tumor tissue. To be successful, the drug must localize in tumor tissue preferentially over normal tissue and must be activated by light of a specific wavelength. Currently the only drug to be approved for clinical use is Heinatoporphyrin Derivative (HpD) although a series of new drugs are being developed for use in the near future. One of the drugs belongs to a class called purpurins which display absorp-' tions between 630-711 nm. Along with several other investigators, we are currently exploring the characteristics of a specific purpurin (SnET2) in normal and tumorous canine tissue. The use of this compound has demonstrated increased tumor control rates in spontaneous dog tumors. Preliminary pharmacokinetic studies have been performed on 6 normal beagle dogs. SnET2 (2 mg/kg) was injected intravenously over 10 minutes and blood was collected at 5, 15, 30, 45 minutes and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours following administration for determination of drug concentration and calculation of pharinacokinetic parameters. Skin biopsies were collected at 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. Dogs were euthanized at 24 hours and tissues (liver, kidney muscle, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileura, colon, adrenal gland, thyroid, heart, lung, urinary bladder, prostate, pancreas, eye, brain) were collected for drug raeasurement. Drug was shown to persist in liver and kidney for a prolonged period of time coiapared to other tissues. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug will greatly add to the ability to treat patients with effective protocols.

[Extraction, isolation and purification for ginkgolide B].

PubMed

Zhang, Chenfeng; Li, Minghui; Tang, Yun; Zhang, Yanhai; Shi, Min; Sheng, Longsheng

2010-08-01

To establish a simple extraction, isolation and purification method for ginkgolide B from ginkgo leaf. The optimum conditions of extraction, isolation and purification were studied by taking the transfer rate of ginkgolide B as index. Ginkgo leaf was extracted with 70% ethanol for three times, the extracts were concentrated to remove ethanol and diluted by water till the crude drug density reached 0.1 g x mL(-1). The dilution was adsorbed with HPD-450 macroporous resin. The impurities were eluted with 20% ethanol and ginkgolide B was eluted with 80% ethanol. Then the 80% ethanol eluant was concentrated and crystallized. Finally the crude crystals were recrystallized with isopropanol. The purity of the ginkgolide B recrystallization was 95%. The process was stable and easy to operate, which was suited to industrialized production.

Developing fine-pixel CdTe detectors for the next generation of high-resolution hard x-ray telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christe, Steven

Over the past decade, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been improving the angular resolution of hard X-ray (HXR; 20 "70 keV) optics to the point that we now routinely manufacture optics modules with an angular resolution of 20 arcsec Half Power Diameter (HDP), almost three times the performance of NuSTAR optics (Ramsey et al. 2013; Gubarev et al. 2013a; Atkins et al. 2013). New techniques are currently being developed to provide even higher angular resolution. High angular resolution HXR optics require detectors with a large number of fine pixels in order to adequately sample the telescope point spread function (PSF) over the entire field of view. Excessively over-sampling the PSF will increase readout noise and require more processing with no appreciable increase in image quality. An appropriate level of over-sampling is to have 3 pixels within the HPD. For the HERO mirrors, where the HPD is 26 arcsec over a 6-m focal length converts to 750 μm, the optimum pixel size is around 250 μm. At a 10-m focal length these detectors can support a 16 arcsec HPD. Of course, the detectors must also have high efficiency in the HXR region, good energy resolution, low background, low power requirements, and low sensitivity to radiation damage (Ramsey 2001). The ability to handle high counting rates is also desirable for efficient calibration. A collaboration between Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), MSFC, and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in the UK is developing precisely such detectors under an ongoing, funded APRA program (FY2015 to FY2017). The detectors use the RALdeveloped Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) dubbed HEXITEC, for High Energy X-Ray Imaging Technology. These HEXITEC ASICs can be bonded to 1- or 2- mm-thick Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) or Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) to create a fine (250 μm pitch) HXR detector (Jones et al. 2009; Seller et al. 2011). The objectives of this funded effort are to develop and test a HEXITEC-based detector system through the (1) design, manufacture, and test of front-end electronics instrument boards and (2) calibration of the detectors to assess their performance and (3) vibration and environmental testing. By the end of this program, multiple detector assemblies will be built and characterized, and can be used as part of future instruments. We propose to augment the existing effort with the development of an anti-coincidence shield for these HEXITEC-based detector assemblies to maximize sensitivity. Designing the anti-coincidence shield is enabled by the addition of a new team member, Wayne Baumgartner, who has recently and fortuitously joined the existing effort. Dr. Baumgartner has valuable and relevant past experience with a similar shield systems developed for NuSTAR and the InFOCμS x-ray telescope. We are asking for a modest amount of additional funding in this proposal year, as it coincides with a key time in the characterization and environmental testing of the detector assemblies. Characterization and environmental testing of the bare assemblies is already funded under the current effort. The addition of this active shield will allow for a more complete detector module vibration and environment test at the end of the existing development program so that this project results in a detector system with a demonstrated TRL of 6: "System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment."

Population subdivision of hydrothermal vent polychaete Alvinella pompejana across equatorial and Easter Microplate boundaries.

PubMed

Jang, Sook-Jin; Park, Eunji; Lee, Won-Kyung; Johnson, Shannon B; Vrijenhoek, Robert C; Won, Yong-Jin

2016-10-28

The Equator and Easter Microplate regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean exhibit geomorphological and hydrological features that create barriers to dispersal for a number of animals associated with deep-sea hydrothermal vent habitats. This study examined effects of these boundaries on geographical subdivision of the vent polychaete Alvinella pompejana. DNA sequences from one mitochondrial and eleven nuclear genes were examined in samples collected from ten vent localities that comprise the species' known range from 23°N latitude on the East Pacific Rise to 38°S latitude on the Pacific Antarctic Ridge. Multi-locus genotypes inferred from these sequences clustered the individual worms into three metapopulation segments - the northern East Pacific Rise (NEPR), southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR), and northeastern Pacific Antarctic Ridge (PAR) - separated by the Equator and Easter Microplate boundaries. Genetic diversity estimators were negatively correlated with tectonic spreading rates. Application of the isolation-with-migration (IMa2) model provided information about divergence times and demographic parameters. The PAR and NEPR metapopulation segments were estimated to have split roughly 4.20 million years ago (Mya) (2.42-33.42 Mya, 95 % highest posterior density, (HPD)), followed by splitting of the SEPR and NEPR segments about 0.79 Mya (0.07-6.67 Mya, 95 % HPD). Estimates of gene flow between the neighboring regions were mostly low (2 Nm < 1). Estimates of effective population size decreased with southern latitudes: NEPR > SEPR > PAR. Highly effective dispersal capabilities allow A. pompejana to overcome the temporal instability and intermittent distribution of active hydrothermal vents in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Consequently, the species exhibits very high levels of genetic diversity compared with many co-distributed vent annelids and mollusks. Nonetheless, its levels of genetic diversity in partially isolated populations are inversely correlated with tectonic spreading rates. As for many other vent taxa, this pioneering colonizer is similarly affected by local rates of habitat turnover and by major dispersal filters associated with the Equator and the Easter Microplate region.

Recent and long-term occupational noise exposure and salivary cortisol level.

PubMed

Stokholm, Zara Ann; Hansen, Åse Marie; Grynderup, Matias Brødsgaard; Bonde, Jens Peter; Christensen, Kent Lodberg; Frederiksen, Thomas Winther; Lund, Søren Peter; Vestergaard, Jesper Medom; Kolstad, Henrik Albert

2014-01-01

Environmental and occupational noise exposure have been related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypothetically mediated by stress-activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between recent and long-term occupational noise exposure and cortisol level measured off work to assess a possible sustained HPA-axis effect. We included 501 industrial, finance, and service workers who were followed for 24h during work, leisure, and sleep. Ambient occupational noise exposure levels were recorded every 5s by personal dosimeters and we calculated the full-shift LAEq value and estimated duration and cumulative exposure based on their work histories since 1980. For 332 workers who kept a log-book on the use of hearing protection devices (HPD), we subtracted 10 dB from every noise recording obtained during HPD use and estimated the noise level at the ear. Salivary cortisol concentration was measured at 20.00 h, the following day at awakening, and 30 min after awakening on average 5, 14 and 14.5h after finishing work. The mean ambient noise exposure level was 79.9 dB(A) [range: 55.0-98.9] and the mean estimated level at the ear 77.7 dB(A) [range: 55.0-94.2]. In linear and mixed regression models that adjusted for age, sex, current smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, personal income, BMI, leisure-time noise exposure level, time since occupational noise exposure ceased, awakening time, and time of saliva sampling, we observed no statistically significant exposure response relation between recent, or long-term ambient occupational noise exposure level and any cortisol parameter off work. This was neither the case for recent noise level at the ear. To conclude, neither recent nor long-term occupational noise exposure levels were associated with increased cortisol level off work. Thus, our results do not indicate that a sustained activation of the HPA axis, as measured by cortisol, is involved in the causal pathway between occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intrapartum translabial ultrasound with pushing used to predict the difficulty in vacuum-assisted delivery of fetuses in non-occiput posterior position.

PubMed

Antonio Sainz, José; Borrero, Carlota; Aquise, Adriana; García-Mejido, José Antonio; Gutierrez, Laura; Fernández-Palacín, Ana

2016-10-01

Our aim is to evaluate the capacity of intrapartum translabial ultrasound (ITU) with pushing in the prediction of difficulty of fetal extraction in vacuum assisted deliveries. Prospective, observational study performed (2/2015-8/2015) on 75 nulliparous women, ≥37 weeks with singleton pregnancies at full dilatation who had ITU-with-pushing performed, previous to vacuum-placement for fetal extraction. Working on the translabial sagittal-plane, we assessed: Angle-Progression (AoP), Progression-Distance (PD) and Head-Direction (HD); in the axial plane we evaluated: Midline-Angle (MLA) and Head-Perineum-Distance (HPD). Vacuum extractions were classified as easy-difficulty (ED) (≤3 vacuum-pulls), difficult-unsuccessful (DD) (>3 vacuum-pulls). We did not assess occipito-posterior-presentations. Seventy nulliparous were studied (44-ED,26-DD). We observed no differences in obstetric, neonatal or intrapartum characteristics between the two study groups, with the following exceptions: newborn weight (3272 ± 438 g versus 3540 ± 372 g; p = 0.011) and number of vacuum-pulls (1.4-ED-vs-4.4-DD; p < 0.0005). AoP-pushing was 143.9° ± 14.6° in ED and 115.1°± 12.9° in DD (p < 0.0005); Head-Up was 79.5% versus 38.4% (p < 0.0005); PD-Pushing was 42.7 ± 11.3 mm versus 30.4 ± 9.8 mm (p < 0.0005); MLA-Pushing was 27.6°± 26.6° versus 57.5°±26.5°(p=0.025); HPD-Pushing was 40.8 ± 10.0 mm versus 47.4 ± 10.9 mm (p = 0.039). We identified that the presence of an AoP-Pushing > 128° predicts an Easy-Vacuum-Delivery (≤3 Vacuum-Pulls) in  >85% of cases (Sen 80%-FPR 9.3%).

Global distribution of NA1 genotype of respiratory syncytial virus and its evolutionary dynamics assessed from the past 11 years.

PubMed

Haider, Md Shakir Hussain; Deeba, Farah; Khan, Wajihul Hasan; Naqvi, Irshad H; Ali, Sher; Ahmed, Anwar; Broor, Shobha; Alsenaidy, Hytham A; Alsenaidy, Abdulrahman M; Dohare, Ravins; Parveen, Shama

2018-06-01

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a potent pathogen having global distribution. The main purpose of this study was to gain an insight into distribution pattern of the NA1 genotype of group A RSV across the globe together with its evolutionary dynamics. We focused on the second hypervariable region of the G protein gene and used the same for Phylogenetic, Bayesian and Network analyses. Eighteen percent of the samples collected from 500 symptomatic pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) were found to be positive for RSV during 2011-15 from New Delhi, India. Of these, group B RSV was predominant and clustered into two different genotypes (BA and SAB4). Similarly, group A viruses clustered into two genotypes (NA1 and ON1). The data set from the group A viruses included 543 sequences from 23 different countries including 67 strains from India. The local evolutionary dynamics suggested consistent virus population of NA1 genotype in India during 2009 to 2014. The molecular clock analysis suggested that most recent common ancestor of group A and NA1 genotype have emerged in during the years 1953 and 2000, respectively. The global evolutionary rates of group A viruses and NA1 genotype were estimated to be 3.49 × 10 -3 (95% HPD, 2.90-4.17 × 10 -3 ) and 3.56 × 10 -3 (95% HPD, 2.91 × 10 -3 -4.18 × 10 -3 ) substitution/site/year, respectively. Analysis of the NA1 genotype of group A RSV reported during 11 years i.e. from 2004 to 2014 showed its dominance in 21 different countries across the globe reflecting its evolutionary dynamics. The Network analysis showed highly intricate but an inconsistent pattern of haplotypes of NA1 genotype circulating in the world. Present study seems to be first comprehensive attempt on global distribution and evolution of NA1 genotype augmenting the optimism towards the vaccine development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lowering the Barriers to Using Data: Enabling Desktop-based HPD Science through Virtual Environments and Web Data Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druken, K. A.; Trenham, C. E.; Steer, A.; Evans, B. J. K.; Richards, C. J.; Smillie, J.; Allen, C.; Pringle, S.; Wang, J.; Wyborn, L. A.

2016-12-01

The Australian National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) provides access to petascale data in climate, weather, Earth observations, and genomics, and terascale data in astronomy, geophysics, ecology and land use, as well as social sciences. The data is centralized in a closely integrated High Performance Computing (HPC), High Performance Data (HPD) and cloud facility. Despite this, there remain significant barriers for many users to find and access the data: simply hosting a large volume of data is not helpful if researchers are unable to find, access, and use the data for their particular need. Use cases demonstrate we need to support a diverse range of users who are increasingly crossing traditional research discipline boundaries. To support their varying experience, access needs and research workflows, NCI has implemented an integrated data platform providing a range of services that enable users to interact with our data holdings. These services include: - A GeoNetwork catalog built on standardized Data Management Plans to search collection metadata, and find relevant datasets; - Web data services to download or remotely access data via OPeNDAP, WMS, WCS and other protocols; - Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) built on a highly integrated on-site cloud with access to both the HPC peak machine and research data collections. The VDI is a fully featured environment allowing visualization, code development and analysis to take place in an interactive desktop environment; and - A Learning Management System (LMS) containing User Guides, Use Case examples and Jupyter Notebooks structured into courses, so that users can self-teach how to use these facilities with examples from our system across a range of disciplines. We will briefly present these components, and discuss how we engage with data custodians and consumers to develop standardized data structures and services that support the range of needs. We will also highlight some key developments that have improved user experience in utilizing the services, particularly enabling transdisciplinary science. This work combines with other developments at NCI to increase the confidence of scientists from any field to undertake research and analysis on these important data collections regardless of their preferred work environment or level of skill.

The Tautomeric Half-reaction of BphD, a C-C Bond Hydrolase Kinetic and Structural Evidence Supporting a Key Role for Histidine 265 of the Catalytic triad

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

Horsman, Geoff P.; Bhowmik, Shiva; Seah, Stephen Y.K.

2010-01-07

BphD of Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 catalyzes an unusual C-C bond hydrolysis of 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoic acid (HOPDA) to afford benzoic acid and 2-hydroxy-2,4-pentadienoic acid (HPD). An enol-keto tautomerization has been proposed to precede hydrolysis via a gem-diol intermediate. The role of the canonical catalytic triad (Ser-112, His-265, Asp-237) in mediating these two half-reactions remains unclear. We previously reported that the BphD-catalyzed hydrolysis of HOPDA ({lambda}{sub max} is 434 nm for the free enolate) proceeds via an unidentified intermediate with a red-shifted absorption spectrum ({lambda}{sub max} is 492 nm) (Horsman, G. P., Ke, J., Dai, S., Seah, S. Y. K., Bolin, J. T.,more » and Eltis, L. D. (2006) Biochemistry 45, 11071-11086). Here we demonstrate that the S112A variant generates and traps a similar intermediate ({lambda}{sub max} is 506 nm) with a similar rate, 1/{tau} {approx} 500 s{sup -1}. The crystal structure of the S112A:HOPDA complex at 1.8-{angstrom} resolution identified this intermediate as the keto tautomer, (E)-2,6-dioxo-6-phenyl-hex-3-enoate. This keto tautomer did not accumulate in either the H265A or the S112A/H265A double variants, indicating that His-265 catalyzes tautomerization. Consistent with this role, the wild type and S112A enzymes catalyzed tautomerization of the product HPD, whereas H265A variants did not. This study thus identifies a keto intermediate, and demonstrates that the catalytic triad histidine catalyzes the tautomerization half-reaction, expanding the role of this residue from its purely hydrolytic function in other serine hydrolases. Finally, the S112A:HOPDA crystal structure is more consistent with hydrolysis occurring via an acyl-enzyme intermediate than a gem-diol intermediate as solvent molecules have poor access to C6, and the closest ordered water is 7{angstrom} away.« less

Potential of systemic photosensitizers for PDT of skin malignancies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philipp, Carsten M.; Müller, Ute; Urban, Peter; Berlien, H.-Peter

2008-04-01

Usually systemic photosensitizers (PS) require a long period of incubation (48-96h) after systemic admission. On the other hand clearing from healthy skin needs weeks or months. Severe side effects on skin are possible in case of uncontrolled light exposure. Topical PDT may solve this problem, but deep portions may not be sufficiently sensitized, resulting in a survival of some tumor cell population after PDT and recurrence. The same problem counts for actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease, but with even worse consequences as a resulting infiltrating growing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is likely to produce metastatic lesions. Light dosimetry is crucial also. Wavelenght, fluence and total energy may influence outcome of any PDT substantially. 17 patients with Bowen's disease or BCC where treated using a novel systemic PS (Fotolon ®) and 665nm light from a diode laser. Follow up time ranges between 2.5 and 1 years after treatment. 2 patients received a second PDT, in 15 patients one treatment was efficient. We found a remissions in 1, local control in 2 and no evidence of disease in 14 patients. Significant fluorescence was noted in all lesions. With a light protection protocol for only 48 hours no severe side effects where seen. One patient developed mild redness of sunlight exposed skin sites 24h after being discharged from light protection protocol. In comparison with currently available topical PS Fotolon ® offers some important advantages as secure photosenzitation of deep portions, single treatment, high selectivity combined with a high cure rate. In comparison with currently available systemic PS Fotolon ® offers short incubation time, high selectivity and short time of elimination, while efficiency was comparable to HPD (hematoporphyrin-derivate) PDT combined with ALA-5 PDT and without need for additional local PS-application for PDD.

Differential Deposition for Surface Figure Corrections in Grazing Incidence X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramsey, Brian D.; Kilaru, Kiranmayee; Atkins, Carolyn; Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Broadway, David M.

2015-01-01

Differential deposition corrects the low- and mid- spatial-frequency deviations in the axial figure of Wolter-type grazing incidence X-ray optics. Figure deviations is one of the major contributors to the achievable angular resolution. Minimizing figure errors can significantly improve the imaging quality of X-ray optics. Material of varying thickness is selectively deposited, using DC magnetron sputtering, along the length of optic to minimize figure deviations. Custom vacuum chambers are built that can incorporate full-shell and segmented Xray optics. Metrology data of preliminary corrections on a single meridian of full-shell x-ray optics show an improvement of mid-spatial frequencies from 6.7 to 1.8 arc secs HPD. Efforts are in progress to correct a full-shell and segmented optics and to verify angular-resolution improvement with X-ray testing.

The HEROES Balloon-Borne Hard X-Ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson-Hodge, C.; Gaskin, J.; Christe, S.; Shih, A. Y.; Swartz, D. A.; Tennant, A. F.; Ramsey, B.; Kilaru, K.

2014-01-01

The High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) payload flew on a balloon from Ft. Sumner, NM, September 21-22, 2013. HEROES is sensitive from about 20-75 keV and comprises 8 optics modules (HPD approximately 33" as flown), each consisting of 13-14 nickel replicated optics shells and 8 matching Xenon-filled position-sensitive proportional counter detectors (dE/E=0.05 @ 60 keV). Our targets included the Sun, the Crab Nebula and pulsar and the black hole binary GRS 1915+105. HEROES was pointed using a day/night star camera system for astrophysical observations and a newly developed Solar Aspect System for solar observations (with a shutter protecting the star camera.) We have successfully detected the Crab Nebula. Analyses for GRS 1915+105 and the Sun are ongoing. In this presentation, I will describe the HEROES mission, the data analysis pipeline and calibrations, preliminary results, and plans for follow-on missions.

The Marshall Space Flight Center Development of Mirror Modules for the ART-XC Instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Ramsey, B.; ODell, S. L.; Elsner, R.; Kilaru, K.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.; Tkachenko, A.; Lapshov, I.

2012-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is developing x-ray mirror modules for the ART-XC instrument on board the Spectrum-Roentgen Gamma Mission under a Reimbursable Agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI.) ART-XC will consist of seven co-aligned x-ray mirror modules with seven corresponding CdTe focal plane detectors. Currently, four of the modules are being fabricated by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC.) Each MSFC module consist of 28 nested Ni/Co thin shells giving an effective area of 65 sq cm at 8 keV, response out to 30 keV, and an angular resolution of 45 arcsec or better HPD. Delivery of these modules to the IKI is scheduled for summer 2013. We present a status of the ART x-ray modules development at the MSFC.

The Marshall Space Flight Center development of mirror modules for the ART-XC instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; O'Dell, S. L.; Elsner, R.; Kilaru, K.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.; Tkachenko, A.; Lapshov, I.

2012-09-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is developing x-ray mirror modules for the ART-XC instrument on board the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission under a Reimbursable Agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI.) ART-XC will consist of seven co-aligned x-ray mirror modules with seven corresponding CdTe focal plane detectors. Currently, four of the modules are being fabricated by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC.) Each MSFC module consist of 28 nested Ni/Co thin shells giving an effective area of 65 cm2 at 8 keV, response out to 30 keV, and an angular resolution of 45 arcsec or better HPD. Delivery of these modules to the IKI is scheduled for summer 2013. We present a status of the ART x-ray modules development at the MSFC.

Preparation of tea catechins using polyamide.

PubMed

Ye, Jian-Hui; Wang, Liu-Xiang; Chen, Hao; Dong, Jun-Jie; Lu, Jian-Liang; Zheng, Xin-Qiang; Wu, Ming-Yan; Liang, Yue-Rong

2011-02-01

An adsorption separation method using Polyamide-6 (PA) as an adsorbent was developed to separate catechins from green tea extract. The adsorption capacity of total catechins for PA was 193.128 mg g⁻¹ with an adsorption selectivity coefficient K(A)(B) of total catechins over caffeine 21.717, which was better than macroporous resin model HPD 600. The Langmuir model and the pseudo-second order mode were primely fitted to describe its equilibrium data and adsorption kinetics, respectively. PA column separation by two-step elution using water and 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol was established to prepare catechins complex which contained 670.808 mg g⁻¹ total catechins and 1.828 mg g⁻¹ caffeine. It is considered that PA was a promising adsorbent for selective isolation of catechins. Copyright © 2010 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Upgrade fo the CMS Hadron Outer Calorimeter with SIPMs

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

Anderson, Jacob; Freeman, James; Los, Sergey

2011-09-14

The CMS Hadron Outer Calorimeter (HO) is undergoing an upgrade to replace the existing photodetectors (HPDs) with SIPMs. The chosen device is the Hamamatsu 3 x 3mm 50 {mu}m pitch MPPC. The system has been developed to be a 'drop-in' replacement of the HPDs. A complete control system of bias voltage generation, leakage current monitoring, temperature monitoring, and temperature control using solid state Peltier coolers has been developed and tested. 108 channels of the system have been installed into CMS and operated for more than 2 years. The complete system of about 2200 channels is in production and will bemore » installed in the next LHC long shutdown scheduled for 2013. The CMS central calorimeter consists of a detector inside the solenoidal magnet, HB, and a component outside the magnet, the Outer Hadron Calorimeter, HO [1]. The HO is installed inside the magnet flux return yoke and provides for typically 3{lambda} of additional absorber to the calorimetric measurement. The outer calorimeter is composed of one or more layers of scintillator with wavelength shifting fiber readout into photodetectors. Figure 1 (a) shows the schematic layout of the calorimeters in CMS and shows the location of the HO scintillator layers. The front end electronics are placed inside the CMS detector, close to the scintillators. Figure 1(b) shows a photograph of the scintillators. Note the four wavelength shifting fibers per tile. The tile size creates a projective tower with the HB. Currently the photodetector used is the HPD but for performance and operational reasons it is desired to upgrade these with SIPMs. The CMS HCAL group has developed a drop-in replacement for the HPD using SIPMs. SIPMs are very suitable for this application because of several factors: The radiation levels are modest with a lifetime expected fluence of less than 5*10{sup 11} neutrons (E > 100 KeV) per cm{sup 2}. The energy flux into HO is small, the rate of larger energy depositions is low, and the required dynamic range is modest. The HO is in the return magnetic field of up to 2KG and the photodetector needs to operate in that environment. Finally, the available physical volume for the photodetectors is small.« less

Environmental Health and Toxicology Resources of the United States National Library of Medicine

PubMed Central

Hochstein, Colette; Arnesen, Stacey; Goshorn, Jeanne

2009-01-01

For over 40 years, the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) has worked to organize and to provide access to an extensive array of environmental health and toxicology resources. During these years, the TEHIP program has evolved from a handful of databases developed primarily for researchers to a broad range of products and services that also serve industry, students, and the general public. TEHIP’s resources include TOXNET® , a collection of databases, including online handbooks, bibliographic references, information on the release of chemicals in the environment, and a chemical dictionary. TEHIP also produces several resources aimed towards the general public, such as the Household Products Database , which helps users explore chemicals often found in common household products, and Tox Town® , an interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances, health, and the environment. This paper introduces some of NLM’s environmental health and toxicology resources. PMID:17915629

Freezability genetics in rabbit semen.

PubMed

Lavara, R; Mocé, E; Baselga, M; Vicente, J S

2017-10-15

The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of semen freezability and to estimate the genetic correlation between frozen-thawed sperm traits and the growth rate in a paternal rabbit line. Estimated heritabilities showed that frozen-thawed semen traits are heritable (ranged between 0.08 and 0.15). In the case of Live-FT (percentage of viable sperm after freezing), the estimated heritability is the highest one, and suggests the possibility of effective selection. After the study of genetic correlations it seems that daily weight gain (DG) was negatively correlated with sperm freezability, but no further conclusions could be drawn due to the high HPD95%. More data should be included in order to obtain better accuracy for the estimates of these genetic correlations. If the results obtained at present study were confirmed, it would imply that selection for DG could alter sperm cell membranes or seminal plasma composition, both components related to sperm cryoresistance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research of ALA combined with HpD-PDT which induced s180 ascitic tumor cells, death or apoptosis on cytology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jing; Yan, Min; Zhang, Hui-Guo; Li, Enling; Luo, Hongyu

2005-07-01

To ascertain the adequate dosage of ALA combined with HpD-PDT which induced tumor cell death or apoptosis on cytology. And to study the different effect of ALA-PDT and HPD-PDT used only. Rat ascitic tumor cells(S180) were randomly divided into several groups and incubated with ALA（20μg/ml 、40μg/ml、80μg/ml 、160μg/ml）、HPD（2.5μg/ml、5μg/ml、10μg/ml）and their combination dosages. 630nm light (total output 2W) was delivered to tumor cells at a constant fluence rate: 200mw/cm2 and a constant irradiated time period: 20 minutes. We set 3 groups (no photosensitizers or no irradiation or neither) to be the control groups. We used inversion microscopy to observe the morphological change of tumor cells and flow cytometry technology to detect the death or apoptosis of tumor cells during the experiment. ..

3-Hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione-5-N-benzylcarboxamides potently inhibit HIV-1 integrase and RNase H

PubMed Central

Wu, Bulan; Tang, Jing; Wilson, Daniel J.; Huber, Andrew D.; Casey, Mary C.; Ji, Juan; Kankanala, Jayakanth; Xie, Jiashu; Sarafianos, Stefan G.; Wang, Zhengqiang

2016-01-01

Resistance selection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) towards known drug regimens necessitates the discovery of structurally novel antivirals with a distinct resistance profile. Based on our previously reported 3-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (HPD) core we have designed and synthesized a new integrase strand transfer (INST) inhibitor type featuring a 5-N-benzylcarboxamide moiety. Significantly, the 6-alkylamino variant of this new chemotype consistently conferred low nanomolar inhibitory activity against HIV-1. Extended antiviral testing against a few raltegravir-resistant HIV-1 clones revealed a resistance profile similar to that of the second generation INST inhibitor (INSTIs) dolutegravir. Although biochemical testing and molecular modeling also strongly corroborate the inhibition of INST as the antiviral mechanism of action, selected antiviral analogues also potently inhibited reverse transcriptase (RT) associated RNase H, implying potential dual target inhibition. In vitro ADME assays demonstrated that this novel chemotype possesses largely favorable physicochemical properties suitable for further development. PMID:27283261

Phylodynamic and Phylogeographic Patterns of the HIV Type 1 Subtype F1 Parenteral Epidemic in Romania

PubMed Central

Hué, Stéphane; Buckton, Andrew J.; Myers, Richard E.; Duiculescu, Dan; Ene, Luminita; Oprea, Cristiana; Tardei, Gratiela; Rugina, Sorin; Mardarescu, Mariana; Floch, Corinne; Notheis, Gundula; Zöhrer, Bettina; Cane, Patricia A.; Pillay, Deenan

2012-01-01

Abstract In the late 1980s an HIV-1 epidemic emerged in Romania that was dominated by subtype F1. The main route of infection is believed to be parenteral transmission in children. We sequenced partial pol coding regions of 70 subtype F1 samples from children and adolescents from the PENTA-EPPICC network of which 67 were from Romania. Phylogenetic reconstruction using the sequences and other publically available global subtype F sequences showed that 79% of Romanian F1 sequences formed a statistically robust monophyletic cluster. The monophyletic cluster was epidemiologically linked to parenteral transmission in children. Coalescent-based analysis dated the origins of the parenteral epidemic to 1983 [1981–1987; 95% HPD]. The analysis also shows that the epidemic's effective population size has remained fairly constant since the early 1990s suggesting limited onward spread of the virus within the population. Furthermore, phylogeographic analysis suggests that the root location of the parenteral epidemic was Bucharest. PMID:22251065

Enrichment and Purification of Syringin, Eleutheroside E and Isofraxidin from Acanthopanax senticosus by Macroporous Resin

PubMed Central

Yang, Fengjian; Yang, Lei; Wang, Wenjie; Liu, Yang; Zhao, Chunjian; Zu, Yuangang

2012-01-01

In order to screen a suitable resin for the preparative simultaneous separation and purification of syringin, eleutheroside E and isofraxidin from Acanthopanax senticosus, the adsorption and desorption properties of 17 widely used commercial macroporous resins were evaluated. According to our results, HPD100C, which adsorbs by the molecular tiers model, was the best macroporous resin, offering higher adsorption and desorption capacities and higher adsorption speed for syringin, eleutheroside E and isofraxidin than other resins. Dynamic adsorption and desorption tests were carried out to optimize the process parameters. The optimal conditions were as follows: for adsorption, processing volume: 24 BV, flow rate: 2 BV/h; for desorption, ethanol–water solution: 60:40 (v/v), eluent volume: 4 BV, flow rate: 3 BV/h. Under the above conditions, the contents of syringin, eleutheroside E and isofraxidin increased 174-fold, 20-fold and 5-fold and their recoveries were 80.93%, 93.97% and 93.79%, respectively. PMID:22942746

Titrated extract of Centella asiatica increases hair inductive property through inhibition of STAT signaling pathway in three-dimensional spheroid cultured human dermal papilla cells.

PubMed

Choi, Yeong Min; An, Sungkwan; Lee, Junwoo; Lee, Jae Ho; Lee, Jae Nam; Kim, Young Sam; Ahn, Kyu Joong; An, In-Sook; Bae, Seunghee

2017-12-01

Dermal papilla (DP) is a pivotal part of hair follicle, and the smaller size of the DP is related with the hair loss. In this study, we investigated the effect of titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) on hair growth inductive property on 3D spheroid cultured human DP cells (HDP cells). Significantly increased effect of TECA on cell viability was only shown in 3D sphered HPD cells, not in 2D cultured HDP cells. Also, TECA treatment increased the sphere size of HDP cells. The luciferase activity of STAT reporter genes and the expression of STAT-targeted genes, SOCS1 and SOCS3, were significantly decreased. Also, TECA treatment increased the expression of the hair growth-related signature genes in 3D sphered HDP cells. Furthermore, TECA led to downregulation of the level of phosphorylated STAT proteins in 3D sphered HDP cells. Overall, TECA activates the potential of hair inductive capacity in HDP cells.

Better protection from blasts without sacrificing situational awareness.

PubMed

Killion, Mead C; Monroe, Tim; Drambarean, Viorel

2011-03-01

A large number of soldiers returning from war report hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Many deployed soldiers decline to wear their hearing protection devices (HPDs) because they feel that earplugs interfere with their ability to detect and localize the enemy and their friends. The detection problem is easily handled in electronic devices with low-noise microphones. The localization problem is not as easy. In this paper, the factors that reduce situational awareness--hearing loss and restricted bandwidth in HPD devices--are discussed in light of available data, followed by a review of the cues to localization. Two electronic blast plug earplugs with 16-kHz bandwidth are described. Both provide subjectively transparent sound with regard to sound quality and localization, i.e., they sound almost as if nothing is in the ears, while protecting the ears from blasts. Finally, two formal experiments are described which investigated localization performance compared to popular existing military HPDs and the open ear. The tested earplugs performed well regarding maintaining situational awareness. Detection-distance and acceptance studies are underway.

Development of Mirror Modules for the ART-XC Instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M; Ramsey, B.; O'Dell, S. L.; Elsner, R.; Kilaru, K.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.; Tkachenko, A.; Lapshov, I.; Atkins, C.;

Structural Basis for Nicotinamide Inhibition and Base Exchange in Sir2 Enzymes

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

Sanders, B.; Zhao, K; Slama, J

2007-01-01

The Sir2 family of proteins consists of broadly conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylases that are implicated in diverse biological processes, including DNA regulation, metabolism, and longevity. Sir2 proteins are regulated in part by the cellular concentrations of a noncompetitive inhibitor, nicotinamide, that reacts with a Sir2 reaction intermediate via a base-exchange reaction to reform NAD+ at the expense of deacetylation. To gain a mechanistic understanding of nicotinamide inhibition in Sir2 enzymes, we captured the structure of nicotinamide bound to a Sir2 homolog, yeast Hst2, in complex with its acetyl-lysine 16 histone H4 substrate and a reaction intermediate analog, ADP-HPD. Together with relatedmore » biochemical studies and structures, we identify a nicotinamide inhibition and base-exchange site that is distinct from the so-called 'C pocket' binding site for the nicotinamide group of NAD+. These results provide insights into the Sir2 mechanism of nicotinamide inhibition and have important implications for the development of Sir2-specific effectors.« less

Founding a new dental school at Nova Southeastern University.

PubMed

Melnick, A; Oliet, S

2001-03-01

The dental school arose from the premise that a dental school would round out the university and add prestige to the burgeoning Health Professions Division with its five schools and eight health programs. The school was founded in light of the following circumstances. Patient Pool Evaluation of community facilities and services revealed that there was an increasing patient pool, without disturbing the present mix. There was evidence of a need for dental care for large numbers of unserved or underserved people. Financial Considerations Proforma and cash flow budget projections showed financial stability of this project. The university was recognized to have the ability to absorb initial capital costs. HPD had a history of the success in functioning with tuition-dependent budgets. University Factors The university has had success in establishing and operating five health professions schools. A complete and experienced infrastructure has existed for sixteen years in the University and in the Health Professions Division. The university would provide unconditional administrative support.

Development of mirror modules for the ART-XC instrument aboard the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubarev, M.; Ramsey, B.; O'Dell, S. L.; Elsner, R.; Kilaru, K.; McCracken, J.; Pavlinsky, M.; Tkachenko, A.; Lapshov, I.; Atkins, C.; Zavlin, V.

2013-09-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is developing x-ray mirror modules for the ART-XC instrument on board the Spectrum-Roentgen Gamma Mission. Four of those modules are being fabricated under a Reimbursable Agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI.) An additional three flight modules and one spare for the ART-XC Instrument are produced under a Cooperative Agreement between NASA and IKI. The instrument will consist of seven co-aligned x-ray mirror modules with seven corresponding CdTe focal plane detectors. Each module consists of 28 nested thin Ni/Co shells giving an effective area of 65 cm2 at 8 keV, response out to 30 keV, and an angular resolution of 45 arcsec or better HPD. Delivery of the first four modules is scheduled for November 2013, while the remaining three modules will be delivered to IKI in January 2014. We present a status of the ART x-ray module development at MSFC.

Cetaceans evolution: insights from the genome sequences of common minke whales.

PubMed

Park, Jung Youn; An, Yong-Rock; Kanda, Naohisa; An, Chul-Min; An, Hye Suck; Kang, Jung-Ha; Kim, Eun Mi; An, Du-Hae; Jung, Hojin; Joung, Myunghee; Park, Myung Hum; Yoon, Sook Hee; Lee, Bo-Young; Lee, Taeheon; Kim, Kyu-Won; Park, Won Cheoul; Shin, Dong Hyun; Lee, Young Sub; Kim, Jaemin; Kwak, Woori; Kim, Hyeon Jeong; Kwon, Young-Jun; Moon, Sunjin; Kim, Yuseob; Burt, David W; Cho, Seoae; Kim, Heebal

2015-01-22

Whales have captivated the human imagination for millennia. These incredible cetaceans are the only mammals that have adapted to life in the open oceans and have been a source of human food, fuel and tools around the globe. The transition from land to water has led to various aquatic specializations related to hairless skin and ability to regulate their body temperature in cold water. We present four common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) genomes with depth of ×13 ~ ×17 coverage and perform resequencing technology without a reference sequence. Our results indicated the time to the most recent common ancestors of common minke whales to be about 2.3574 (95% HPD, 1.1521 - 3.9212) million years ago. Further, we found that genes associated with epilation and tooth-development showed signatures of positive selection, supporting the morphological uniqueness of whales. This whole-genome sequencing offers a chance to better understand the evolutionary journey of one of the largest mammals on earth.

Dating the origin and dispersal of Human Papillomavirus type 16 on the basis of ancestral human migrations.

PubMed

Zehender, Gianguglielmo; Frati, Elena Rosanna; Martinelli, Marianna; Bianchi, Silvia; Amendola, Antonella; Ebranati, Erika; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Galli, Massimo; Lai, Alessia; Tanzi, Elisabetta

2016-04-01

A major limitation when reconstructing the origin and evolution of HPV-16 is the lack of reliable substitution rate estimates for the viral genes. On the basis of the hypothesis of human HPV-16 co-divergence, we estimated a mean evolutionary rate of 1.47×10(-7) (95% HPD=0.64-2.47×10(-7)) subs/site/year for the viral LCR region. The results of a Bayesian phylogeographical analysis suggest that the currently circulating HPV-16 most probably originated in Africa about 110 thousand years ago (Kya), before giving rise to four known geographical lineages: the Asian/European lineage, which most probably originated in Asia a mean 38 Kya, and the Asian/American and two African lineages, which probably respectively originated about 33 and 27 Kya. These data closely reflect current hypotheses concerning modern human expansion based on studies of mitochondrial DNA phylogeny. The correlation between ancient human migration and the present HPV phylogeny may be explained by the co-existence of modes of transmission other than sexual transmission. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Quantification and purification of mangiferin from Chinese Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars and its protective effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells under H(2)O(2)-induced stress.

PubMed

Luo, Fenglei; Lv, Qiang; Zhao, Yuqin; Hu, Guibing; Huang, Guodi; Zhang, Jiukai; Sun, Chongde; Li, Xian; Chen, Kunsong

2012-01-01

Mangiferin is a natural xanthonoid with various biological activities. Quantification of mangiferin in fruit peel, pulp, and seed kernel was carried out in 11 Chinese mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars. The highest mangiferin content was found in the peel of Lvpimang (LPM) fruit (7.49 mg/g DW). Efficient purification of mangiferin from mango fruit peel was then established for the first time by combination of macroporous HPD100 resin chromatography with optimized high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Purified mangiferin was identified by both HPLC and LC-MS, and it showed higher DPPH(•) free-radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) than by l-ascorbic acid (Vc) or Trolox. In addition, it showed significant protective effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under H(2)O(2)-induced stress. Cells treated with mangiferin resulted in significant enhanced cell survival under of H(2)O(2) stress. Therefore, mangiferin from mango fruit provides a promising perspective for the prevention of oxidative stress-associated diseases.

Development of a personal dosimetry system based on optically stimulated luminescence of alpha-Al2O3:C for mixed radiation fields.

PubMed

Lee, S Y; Lee, K J

2001-04-01

To develop a personal optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimetry system for mixed radiation fields using alpha-Al2O3:C, a discriminating badge filter system was designed by taking advantage of its optically stimulable properties and energy dependencies. This was done by designing a multi-element badge system for powder layered alpha-Al2O3:C material and an optical reader system based on high-intensity blue light-emitting diode (LED). The design of the multielement OSL dosimeter badge system developed allows the measurement of a personal dose equivalent value Hp(d) in mixed radiation fields of beta and gamma. Dosimetric properties of the personal OSL dosimeter badge system investigated here were the dose response, energy response and multi-readability. Based on the computational simulations and experiments of the proposed dosimeter design, it was demonstrated that a multi-element dosimeter system with an OSL technology based on alpha-Al2O3:C is suitable to obtain personal dose equivalent information in mixed radiation fields.

Evolutionary history and spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue virus type 1 in Asia.

PubMed

Sun, Yan; Meng, Shengli

2013-06-01

Previous studies showed that DENV-1 transmitted from monkeys to humans approximately 125 years ago. However, there is no comprehensive analysis about phylogeography and population dynamics of Asian DENV-1. Here, we adopt a Bayesian phylogeographic approach to investigate the evolutionary history and phylogeography of Asian DENV-1 using envelope (E) protein gene sequences of 450 viruses isolated from 1954 to 2010 throughout 18 Asian countries and regions. Bayesian phylogeographic analyses indicate that the high rates of viral migration possibly follows long-distance travel for humans in Southeast Asia. Our study highlights that Southeast Asian countries have acted as the main viral sources of the dengue epidemics in East Asia. The results reveal that the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of Asian DENV-1 is 1906 (95% HPD, years 1897-1915). We show that the spatial dissemination of virus is the major source of DENV-1 outbreaks in the different localities and leads to subsequent establishment and expansion of the virus in these areas. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heat Pump Drying of Fruits and Vegetables: Principles and Potentials for Sub-Saharan Africa

PubMed Central

Fayose, Folasayo; Huan, Zhongjie

2016-01-01

Heat pump technology has been used for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning in domestic and industrial sectors in most developed countries of the world including South Africa. However, heat pump drying (HPD) of fruits and vegetables has been largely unexploited in South Africa and by extension to the sub-Saharan African region. Although studies on heat pump drying started in South Africa several years ago, not much progress has been recorded to date. Many potential users view heat pump drying technology as fragile, slow, and high capital intensive when compared with conventional dryer. This paper tried to divulge the principles and potentials of heat pump drying technology and the conditions for its optimum use. Also, various methods of quantifying performances during heat pump drying as well as the quality of the dried products are highlighted. Necessary factors for maximizing the capacity and efficiency of a heat pump dryer were identified. Finally, the erroneous view that heat pump drying is not feasible economically in sub-Saharan Africa was clarified. PMID:26904668

Quantification and Purification of Mangiferin from Chinese Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars and Its Protective Effect on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells under H2O2-induced Stress

PubMed Central

Luo, Fenglei; Lv, Qiang; Zhao, Yuqin; Hu, Guibing; Huang, Guodi; Zhang, Jiukai; Sun, Chongde; Li, Xian; Chen, Kunsong

2012-01-01

Mangiferin is a natural xanthonoid with various biological activities. Quantification of mangiferin in fruit peel, pulp, and seed kernel was carried out in 11 Chinese mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars. The highest mangiferin content was found in the peel of Lvpimang (LPM) fruit (7.49 mg/g DW). Efficient purification of mangiferin from mango fruit peel was then established for the first time by combination of macroporous HPD100 resin chromatography with optimized high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Purified mangiferin was identified by both HPLC and LC-MS, and it showed higher DPPH• free-radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) than by l-ascorbic acid (Vc) or Trolox. In addition, it showed significant protective effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under H2O2-induced stress. Cells treated with mangiferin resulted in significant enhanced cell survival under of H2O2 stress. Therefore, mangiferin from mango fruit provides a promising perspective for the prevention of oxidative stress-associated diseases. PMID:23109851

NCI's High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Performance Data (HPD) Computing Platform for Environmental and Earth System Data Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Ben; Allen, Chris; Antony, Joseph; Bastrakova, Irina; Gohar, Kashif; Porter, David; Pugh, Tim; Santana, Fabiana; Smillie, Jon; Trenham, Claire; Wang, Jingbo; Wyborn, Lesley

2015-04-01

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) has established a powerful and flexible in-situ petascale computational environment to enable both high performance computing and Data-intensive Science across a wide spectrum of national environmental and earth science data collections - in particular climate, observational data and geoscientific assets. This paper examines 1) the computational environments that supports the modelling and data processing pipelines, 2) the analysis environments and methods to support data analysis, and 3) the progress so far to harmonise the underlying data collections for future interdisciplinary research across these large volume data collections. NCI has established 10+ PBytes of major national and international data collections from both the government and research sectors based on six themes: 1) weather, climate, and earth system science model simulations, 2) marine and earth observations, 3) geosciences, 4) terrestrial ecosystems, 5) water and hydrology, and 6) astronomy, social and biosciences. Collectively they span the lithosphere, crust, biosphere, hydrosphere, troposphere, and stratosphere. The data is largely sourced from NCI's partners (which include the custodians of many of the major Australian national-scale scientific collections), leading research communities, and collaborating overseas organisations. New infrastructures created at NCI mean the data collections are now accessible within an integrated High Performance Computing and Data (HPC-HPD) environment - a 1.2 PFlop supercomputer (Raijin), a HPC class 3000 core OpenStack cloud system and several highly connected large-scale high-bandwidth Lustre filesystems. The hardware was designed at inception to ensure that it would allow the layered software environment to flexibly accommodate the advancement of future data science. New approaches to software technology and data models have also had to be developed to enable access to these large and exponentially increasing data volumes at NCI. Traditional HPC and data environments are still made available in a way that flexibly provides the tools, services and supporting software systems on these new petascale infrastructures. But to enable the research to take place at this scale, the data, metadata and software now need to evolve together - creating a new integrated high performance infrastructure. The new infrastructure at NCI currently supports a catalogue of integrated, reusable software and workflows from earth system and ecosystem modelling, weather research, satellite and other observed data processing and analysis. One of the challenges for NCI has been to support existing techniques and methods, while carefully preparing the underlying infrastructure for the transition needed for the next class of Data-intensive Science. In doing so, a flexible range of techniques and software can be made available for application across the corpus of data collections available, and to provide a new infrastructure for future interdisciplinary research.

First Peek of ASTRO-H Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) In-Orbit Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okajima, Takashi; Soong, Yang; Serlemitsos, Peter J.; Mori, Hideyuki; Olsen, Lawrence; Robinson, David; Koenecke, Richard; Chang, William; Hahne, David; Iisuka, Ryo;

Plasma fatty acyl-carnitines during 8 weeks of overfeeding: relation to diet energy expenditure and body composition: the PROOF study.

PubMed

Bray, George A; Redman, Leanne M; de Jonge, Lilian; Rood, Jennifer; Sutton, Elizabeth F; Smith, Steven R

2018-06-01

Overfeeding is a strategy for evaluating the effects of excess energy intake. In this secondary analysis we tested the possibility that different levels of dietary protein might differentially modify the response of fatty acyl-carnitines to overfeeding. Twenty-three healthy adult men and women were overfed by 40% for 8 weeks while in-patients with diets containing 5% (LPD), 15% (NPD) or 25% (HPD) protein. Plasma fatty acyl-carnitines were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) at baseline and after 8 weeks of overfeeding. Measurements included: body composition by DXA, energy expenditure by ventilated hood and doubly-labeled water, fat cell size from subcutaneous fat biopsies, and fat distribution by CT scan. Analysis was done on 5 groups of fatty acyl-carnitines identified by principal components analysis and 6 individual short-chain fatty acyl carnitines. Higher protein intake was associated with significantly lower 8 week levels of medium chain fatty acids and C2, C4-OH and C 6:1, but higher values of C3 and C5:1 acyl-carnitines derived from essential amino acids. In contrast energy and fat intake were only weakly related to changes in fatty acyl-carnitines. A decease or smaller rise in 8 week medium chain acyl-carnitines was associated with an increase in sleeping energy expenditure (P = 0.0004), and fat free mass (P < 0.0001) and a decrease in free fatty acid concentrations (FFA) (P = 0.0067). In contrast changes in short-chain fatty acyl-carnitines were related to changes in resting energy expenditure (P = 0.0026), and fat free mass (P = 0.0007), and C4-OH was positively related to FFA (P = 0006). Protein intake was the major factor influencing changes in fatty acyl carnitines during overfeeding with higher values of most acyl-fatty acids on the low protein diet. The association of dietary protein and fat intake may explain the changes in energy expenditure and metabolic variables resulting in the observed patterns of fatty acyl carnitines. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pop-rock musicians: assessment of their satisfaction provided by hearing protectors.

PubMed

Santoni, Cristiane Bolzachini; Fiorini, Ana Claudia

2010-01-01

Pop-rock musicians are at risk of developing hearing loss and other symptoms related to amplified music. The aim of the present study was to assess the satisfaction provided by the use of hearing protection in pop-rock musicians. Contemporary cohort study. A study of 23 male pop-rock musicians, aged between 25 to 45 years. After audiological evaluation (pure tone audiometry, middle ear analysis, TEOAE and DPOAE) hearing protective devices were provided to be used for three months. After that musicians answered a satisfaction assessment questionnaire. The prevalence of hearing loss was of 21.7%. The most common complaints about the hearing protectors were: autophonia, pressure in the ears, interference in high frequencies perception and full time use of the hearing protector during concerts. There was a positive correlation between a reduction in tinnitus after the use of the HPD with the following complaints: tinnitus after beginning the career (p= 0.044), discomfort with the sound intensity in the work place (p= 0.009) and intolerance to loud sound (p= 0.029). There was a high prevalence of hearing loss and a positive tendency towards the use of the ear protector device among the sample population.

Antioxidant potential of polyphenols and tannins from burs of Castanea mollissima Blume.

PubMed

Zhao, Shan; Liu, Jie Yuan; Chen, Si Yu; Shi, Ling Ling; Liu, Yu Jun; Ma, Chao

2011-10-12

Spiny burs of Castanea mollissima Blume (Chinese chestnut) are usually discarded as industrial waste during post-harvesting processing. The objective of this study was to establish an extraction and isolation procedure for tannins from chestnut burs, and to assess their potential antioxidant activity. Aqueous ethanol solution was used as extraction solvent, and HPD 100 macroporous resin column was applied for isolation. The influence of solvent concentration in the extraction and elution process on extraction yield, tannins and polyphenols content, as well as antioxidant potential, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability, reducing power ability and cellular antioxidant ability were assessed. In both the extraction and isolation process, 50% aqueous ethanol led to superior total tannins and polyphenols content as well as significantly higher antioxidant activity. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the total tannins content in extracts and fractions had a positive linear correlation, and the predominant components responsible for antioxidant activities were characterized as hydrolysable tannins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the enrichment of tannins from burs of C. mollissim using macroporous resin chromatography, and to assess the cellular antioxidant activity of them.

The X-ray Mirrors for the Astro-E2 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Kai-Wing; Soong, Yang; Serlemitsos, Peter J.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The X-Ray telescopes (XRT) for the US/Japan collaborative mission Astro-E2 will be of the same basic design as those built for the original Astro-E mission which failed to reach orbit in Feb. 2000. The NASA/GSFC X-ray Astrophysics Branch will again provide the five lightweight, broad-band mirrors for the mission. X-ray calibrations of the mirrors delivered for the original Astro-E instrument showed spatial resolutions characterized by Half-Power Diameters (HPD) in the range of 1.8 - 2.2 minutes of arc, essentially independent of photon energy in the soft X-ray band. For the mission Astro-E2, both funding constraints and management decisions drastically limit any design modifications, so reflector fabrication and assembly procedures have remained largely unchanged. Nevertheless, in view of the importance in scientific return of attaining even a modest improvement in the spatial resolution of these mirrors, we have carefully considered the various sources of spatial error and, whenever possible, incorporated promising modifications. In this paper, we discuss our current understanding of the various error components as well as the small changes we have been able to implement.

HEROES Observations of a Quiescent Active Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shih, A. Y.; Christe, S.; Gaskin, J.; Wilson-Hodge, C.

2014-12-01

Hard X-ray (HXR) observations of solar flares reveal the signatures of energetic electrons, and HXR images with high dynamic range and high sensitivity can distinguish between where electrons are accelerated and where they stop. Even in the non-flaring corona, high-sensitivity HXR measurements may be able to detect the presence of electron acceleration. The High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) balloon mission added the capability of solar observations to an existing astrophysics balloon payload, HERO, which used grazing-incidence optics for direct HXR imaging. HEROES measures HXR emission from ~20 to ~75 keV with an angular resolution of 33" HPD. HEROES launched on 2013 September 21 from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and had a successful one-day flight. We present the detailed analysis of the 7-hour observation of AR 11850, which sets new upper limits on the HXR emission from a quiescent active region, with corresponding constraints on the numbers of tens of keV energetic electrons present. Using the imaging capability of HEROES, HXR upper limits are also obtained for the quiet Sun surrounding the active region. We also discuss what can be achieved with new and improved HXR instrumentation on balloons.

Global-change vulnerability of a key plant resource, the African palms.

PubMed

Blach-Overgaard, Anne; Balslev, Henrik; Dransfield, John; Normand, Signe; Svenning, Jens-Christian

2015-07-27

Palms are keystone species in tropical ecosystems and provide essential ecosystem services to rural people worldwide. However, many palm species are threatened by habitat loss and over-exploitation. Furthermore, palms are sensitive to climate and thus vulnerable to future climate changes. Here, we provide a first quantitative assessment of the future risks to the African palm flora, finding that African palm species on average may experience a decline in climatic suitability in >70% of their current ranges by 2080. This suitability loss may, however, be almost halved if migration to nearby climatically suitable sites succeeds. Worryingly, 42% of the areas with 80-100% of species losing climate suitability are also characterized by high human population density (HPD). By 2080, >90% of all African palm species' ranges will likely occur at HPDs leading to increased risks of habitat loss and overexploitation. Additionally, up to 87% of all species are predicted to lose climatic suitability within current protected areas (PAs) by 2080. In summary, a major plant component of tropical ecosystems and provider of ecosystem services to rural populations will face strongly increased pressures from climate change and human populations in the near future.

Hearing protector fit testing with off-shore oil-rig inspectors in Louisiana and Texas.

PubMed

Murphy, William J; Themann, Christa L; Murata, Taichi K

2016-11-01

This field study aimed to assess the noise reduction of hearing protection for individual workers, demonstrate the effectiveness of training on the level of protection achieved, and measure the time required to implement hearing protector fit testing in the workplace. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted field studies in Louisiana and Texas to test the performance of HPD Well-Fit. Fit tests were performed on 126 inspectors and engineers working in the offshore oil industry. Workers were fit tested with the goal of achieving a 25-dB PAR. Less than half of the workers were achieving sufficient protection from their hearing protectors prior to NIOSH intervention and training; following re-fitting and re-training, over 85% of the workers achieved sufficient protection. Typical test times were 6-12 minutes. Fit testing of the workers' earplugs identified those workers who were and were not achieving the desired level of protection. Recommendations for other hearing protection solutions were made for workers who could not achieve the target PAR. The study demonstrates the need for individual hearing protector fit testing and addresses some of the barriers to implementation.

Evolution and dispersal of St. Louis encephalitis virus in the Americas.

PubMed

Auguste, Albert J; Pybus, Oliver G; Carrington, Christine V F

2009-07-01

Using a Bayesian coalescent approach on a dataset of 73 envelope gene sequences we estimated substitution rates and dates of divergence for St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) in the Americas. We found significant rate heterogeneity among lineages, such that "relaxed" molecular clock models were much better supported than a strict molecular clock. The mean substitution rate estimated for all SLEV was 4.1x10(-4)substitutions/site/year (95% HPD 2.5-5.7)-higher than previous estimates that relied on the less well-suited strict clock. Mean substitution rates for individual lineages varied from 3.7x10(-4) to 7.2x10(-4)substitutions/site/year. For the first time we also assessed the magnitude and direction of viral gene flow within the Americas. The overall direction of gene flow during the period represented by the phylogeny is from South to North, and the region between 15 degrees N and 30 degrees N latitude appears to be the major source of virus for the rest of North America, which is consistent with migratory birds returning to their northern breeding grounds having acquired infection while wintering in the region of the Gulf of Mexico.

The development of laser surgery and medicine in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Mingzhe

2005-07-01

The first Chinese ruby laser was created in 1961 and it was adopted for the retina coagulation experiment in 1965. Since 1970's, lasers had been widely applied clinically including the diseases suitable to physical therapy or acupuncture. The Chinese HpD was first produced in 1981 and first case of PDT was treated using Chinese HpD and Chinese lasers in the same year. Its success brought attention establishing a research group supported by the government in 1982. A nationwide systemic research project on PDT was then carried out. The step taken for PDT also accelerated the development of various fields of laser medicine and surgery. Laser treatments had been commonly adopted in the clinics and hospitals for the diseases of the superficial lesions and the lesions can be reached by the endoscopes non-invasively in 1980's. Since 1990's, the interventional laser therapies adopted mainly were percutaneous laser angioplasty, laser treatments through laparoscope, thoracoscope, arthroscope, neuro-endoscope etc. Ultrasound guided percutaneous laser heat coagulation for small hepatic cancer revealed good results and ultrasound guided percutaneous PDT for advanced large liver cancer revealed unexpected results after five years follow-up. At present: There are more long-term follow-up patients in the clinical trial; more advanced commercial available lasers and new techniques are adopted. Since the popularization of scanning electron microscope, laser scanning confocal microscope, laser induced auto-fluorescence system, high sensitivity fluorescence microscopic imaging system etc. in the laboratories, the basic studies can be more advanced and some times, the sub-cellular level can be reached; ultra-structure histo-morphology and gene studies are involved. In dermatology, Q-switched Alexandrite laser and other Q-switched lasers are used mainly for the treatment of skin pigmentation and vascular diseases; pulsed dye laser, ultra-pulsed CO2 laser are used in resurfacing, facial acne scar, osmidrosis etc. For ophthalmology, excimer laser are used for myopia or hyperopia; argon green laser, krypton yellow laser are adopted in coagulation for retinal detachment and neovascularization etc. Lasers are often used for the canaliculoplasty in the lacrimal canal. Low level lasers had been used very often on the acupuncture points and for many chronic diseases. Intravascular low level laser irradiation adopting semiconductor lasers and He-Ne laser were reported to use for comatose patients, schizophrenia, vascular dementia, Alzeimer"s disease and coronary disease. Reports from laboratory studies in the field of low level laser demonstrated the stimulation effect on the cells and immunology system; inhibitory effect on proliferation; it improved the biomedical data in hemorrheology; promoted the spinal motor nerve cell function, axonal regeneration; increased epidermal Langerhams cell to improve the antigen function, increased myocardial capillary permeability. Intra-coronary low power red laser irradiation assisted coronary interventional therapy showed its prevention effect on restenosis. Studies about the effects of various kinds of lasers, their wavelength, power densities and doses on various kinds of tissues were reported.

High-sensitivity imaging method of singlet oxygen and superoxide anion in photodynamic and sonodynamic actions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Da; He, Yonghong; Hao, Min; Chen, Qun

2004-07-01

A novel method of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of cancer mediated by chemiluminescence (CL) probe is presented. The mechanism for photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide (O2-), generated by during the photochemical process. Both 1O2 and O2- can react with Cypridina luciferin analogue (FCLA), a highly selective CL probe for detecting the ROS. Chemiluminescence from the reaction of FCLA with the ROS, at about 530 nm, was detected by a highly sensitive ICCD system. The CL was markedly inhibited by the addition of 10 mmol/L sodium azide (NaN3) in a sample solution. Similar phenomena, with lesser extents of changes, were observed at the additions of 10 μmol/L superoxide dismutase (SOD), 10 mmol/L mannitol, and 100 μg/mL catalase, respectively. This indicates that the detected CL signals were mainly from ROS generated during the photosensitization reactions. Also, the chemiluminescence method was used to detect the ROS during sonodynamic action, both in vitro and in vivo. ROS formation during sonosensitizations of HpD and ATX-70 were detected using our newly-developed imaging technique, in real time, on tumor bearing animals. This method can provide a new means in clinics for tumor diagnosis.

[Homoisoflavanones and stilbenes from fresh bulb of Scilla scilloides].

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Min; Fan, Meng-Yang; Li, Juan; Wang, Zhi-Min; Gao, Hui-Min

2014-10-01

Mian-Zao-Er was collected from the bulbs of Scilla scilloides (Lindl. ) Druce, belonging to the Hyacinthaceae family. 17 compounds were obtained using various column chromatographies on macroporus resin (HPD100), silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and ODS, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data as 2-hydroxy-7-methoxyscillascillin (1), scillascillin (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyspiro 2H-1-benzopyran-7'-bicyclo[4.2.0 ] octa [1,3,5 ] -trien } -4-one (3), socialinone (4), 4-methylresveratrol (5), (E)-resveratrol (6), scillavoneA (7), 3,9-di- hydroeucomnalin (8), 3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl) -5,7-dihydroxychroman-4-one (9), (3R)-5,7,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyspiro (2H-1-benzopyran-7'-bicyclo[4, 2, 0] octa [1, 3, 5]-trien} -4-one (10), scillabene A (11), 2-hydroxyscillascillin (12), 3-(4-hydroxybenzyl) -5,7-dihydroxychroman-4-one (13), 3-( 4-hydroxybenzylidene) -5, 7-dihydroxychroman-4-one (14), 3-( 4-hydroxybenzyl) -5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxychroman-4-one (15), 3-(4-hydroxybenzyl) -5-hydroxy-6, 7-dimethoxychroman-4-one (16), and 3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-5,8-hydroxy-7-methoxychroman-4-one (17). Among them, compounds 3, 4, 6, 9, 13 and 15-17 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Adsorption and desorption properties of macroporous resins for anthocyanins from the calyx extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.).

PubMed

Chang, Xiu-Lian; Wang, Dong; Chen, Bi-Yun; Feng, Yong-Mei; Wen, Shao-Hong; Zhan, Peng-Yuan

2012-03-07

Adsorption of roselle anthocynins, a natural pigment, onto various macroporous resins was optimized to develop a simple and efficient process for industrial separation and purification of roselle anthocyanins. Nine different macroporous resins (AB-8, X-5, HPD-100, SP-207, XAD-4, LS-305A, DM-21, LS-610B, and LS-305) were evaluated for the adsorption properties of the anthocyanins extracted from the calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The influences of phase contact time, solution pH, initial anthocyanin concentration, and ethanol concentration with different citric acid amounts were studied by the static adsorption/desorption method. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm, and according to this model, LS-610B and LS-305 exhibited the highest monolayer sorption capacities of 31.95 and 38.16 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic data were modeled using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion equations. The experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Continuous column adsorption-regeneration cycles indicated negligible capacity loss of LS-305 during operation. The overall yield of pigment product was 49.6 mg/g dried calyces. The content of roselle anthocynins in the pigment product was 4.85%.

Spectral analysis of hearing protector impulsive insertion loss.

PubMed

Fackler, Cameron J; Berger, Elliott H; Murphy, William J; Stergar, Michael E

2017-01-01

To characterise the performance of hearing protection devices (HPDs) in impulsive-noise conditions and to compare various protection metrics between impulsive and steady-state noise sources with different characteristics. HPDs were measured per the impulsive test methods of ANSI/ASA S12.42- 2010 . Protectors were measured with impulses generated by both an acoustic shock tube and an AR-15 rifle. The measured data were analysed for impulse peak insertion loss (IPIL) and impulsive spectral insertion loss (ISIL). These impulsive measurements were compared to insertion loss measured with steady-state noise and with real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT). Tested HPDs included a foam earplug, a level-dependent earplug and an electronic sound-restoration earmuff. IPIL for a given protector varied between measurements with the two impulse noise sources, but ISIL agreed between the two sources. The level-dependent earplug demonstrated level-dependent effects both in IPIL and ISIL. Steady-state insertion loss and REAT measurements tended to provide a conservative estimate of the impulsively-measured attenuation. Measurements of IPIL depend strongly on the source used to measure them, especially for HPDs with less attenuation at low frequencies. ISIL provides an alternative measurement of impulse protection and appears to be a more complete description of an HPD's performance.

Effect of the Scattering Radiation in Air and Two Type of Slap Phantom between PMMA and the ISO Water Phantom for Personal Dosimeters Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamwang, N.; Rungseesumran, T.; Saengchantr, D.; Monthonwattana, S.; Pungkun, V.

2017-06-01

The calibration of personal dosimeter to determine the quantities of the personal dose equivalent, Hp(d), is required to be placed on a suitable phantom in order to provide a reasonable approximation to the radiation backscattering properties as equivalent as part of body. The dosimeter which is worn on the trunk usually calibrated with slap phantom which recommended in ICRU 47 with dimension of 30 cm (w) x 30 cm (h) x 15 cm (t) PMMA slab phantom to achieve uniformity in calibration procedures, on the other hand the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 4037-3, proposed the ISO water slap phantom, with PMMA walls, same dimension but different wall thickness (front wall 2.5 mm and other side wall 10 mm thick) and fill with water. However, some laboratories are still calibrating a personal dosimeter in air in term of ambient dose equivalent, H*(d). This research study the effect of the scattering radiation in two type of those slap phantoms and in air, to calibrate two type of OSL (XA and LA) and electronic personal dosimeters. The X-ray and Cs-137 radiation field with the energy range from 33 to 662 keV were used. The results of this study will be discussed.

Molecular evolution of emerging Banna virus.

PubMed

Liu, Hong; Gao, Xiao-Yan; Fu, Shi-Hong; Li, Ming-Hua; Zhai, You-Gang; Meng, Wei-Shan; Sun, Xiao-Hong; Lv, Zhi; Wang, Huan-Yu; Shen, Xin-Xin; Cao, Yu-Xi; He, Ying; Liang, Guo-Dong

2016-11-01

Banna virus (BAV) is an emerging pathogen that causes human viral encephalitis and has been isolated from types of blood-sucking insects and mammals in Asia. However, there are no reported systematic studies that describe the origin and evolution of BAV. Here, a phylogenetic analysis of BAVs isolated from a variety of potential vectors and vertebrate hosts worldwide revealed that BAVs emerged in the beginning of the 20th century and do not exhibit a species barrier. The mean substitution rate of BAVs was 2.467×10 -2 substitution/site/year (95% HPD, 1.093×10 -3 to 5.628×10 -2 ). The lineage is mainly composed of BAVs from high-latitude regions, which are the most recently emerged viruses with significantly higher substitution rates compared with the lineage comprised of the isolates from middle or low-latitude regions. The genetic differences between BAV strains are positively correlated with the geographic distribution. Strains from the same latitude regions are almost 100% identical, whereas the differences between strains from long distance regions with different latitudes could be >60%. Our results demonstrate that BAV is an emerging virus at a stage that involves rapid evolution and has great potential for introduction into non-endemic areas. Thus, enhanced surveillance of BAV is highly recommended worldwide. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automatic scanning and measuring using POLLY

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

Fields, T.

1993-07-01

The HPD and PEPR automatic measuring systems, which have been described by B. Powell and I. Pless at this conference, were developed in the 1960`s to be used for what would now be called {open_quotes}batch processing.{close_quotes} That is, an entire reel of bubble chamber film containing interesting events whose tracks had been rough-digitized would be processed in an extended run by a dedicated computer/precision digitizer hardware system, with no human intervention. Then, at a later time, events for which the precision measurement did not appear to be successful would be handled with some type of {open_quotes}fixup{close_quotes} station or process. Bymore » contrast, the POLLY system included from the start, not only a computer and a precision CRT measuring device, but also a human operator who could have convenient two-way interactions with the computer and could also view the picture directly. Inclusion of a human as a key part of the system had some important beneficial effects, as has been described in the original papers. In this note the author summarizes those effects, and also points out connections between the POLLY system philosophy and subsequent developments in both high energy physics data analysis and computing systems.« less

Supermatrix phylogeny and biogeography of the Australasian Meliphagides radiation (Aves: Passeriformes).

PubMed

Marki, Petter Z; Jønsson, Knud A; Irestedt, Martin; Nguyen, Jacqueline M T; Rahbek, Carsten; Fjeldså, Jon

2017-02-01

With nearly 300 species, the infraorder Meliphagides represents one of the largest and most conspicuous Australasian bird radiations. Although the group has been the focus of a number of recent phylogenetic studies, a comprehensive species-level phylogenetic hypothesis is still lacking. This has impeded the assessment of broad-scale evolutionary, biogeographic and ecological hypotheses. In the present study, we use a supermatrix approach including five mitochondrial and four nuclear markers to infer a time-calibrated phylogeny of the Meliphagides. Our phylogeny, which includes 286 of the 289 (99%) currently recognized species, is largely congruent with previous estimates. However, the addition of 60 newly sequenced species reveals some novel relationships. Our biogeographic analyses suggest an Australian origin for the group in the early Oligocene (31.3Mya, 95% HPD 25.2-38.2Mya). In addition, we find that dispersal events out of Australia have been numerous and frequent, particularly to New Guinea, which has also been the source of multiple back-colonizations to the Australian mainland. The phylogeny provides an important framework for studying a wide variety of macroecological and macroevolutionary themes, including character evolution, origin and timing of diversification, biogeographic patterns and species responses to climate change. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NCI's Transdisciplinary High Performance Scientific Data Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Ben; Antony, Joseph; Bastrakova, Irina; Car, Nicholas; Cox, Simon; Druken, Kelsey; Evans, Bradley; Fraser, Ryan; Ip, Alex; Kemp, Carina; King, Edward; Minchin, Stuart; Larraondo, Pablo; Pugh, Tim; Richards, Clare; Santana, Fabiana; Smillie, Jon; Trenham, Claire; Wang, Jingbo; Wyborn, Lesley

2016-04-01

The Australian National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) manages Earth Systems data collections sourced from several domains and organisations onto a single High Performance Data (HPD) Node to further Australia's national priority research and innovation agenda. The NCI HPD Node has rapidly established its value, currently managing over 10 PBytes of datasets from collections that span a wide range of disciplines including climate, weather, environment, geoscience, geophysics, water resources and social sciences. Importantly, in order to facilitate broad user uptake, maximise reuse and enable transdisciplinary access through software and standardised interfaces, the datasets, associated information systems and processes have been incorporated into the design and operation of a unified platform that NCI has called, the National Environmental Research Data Interoperability Platform (NERDIP). The key goal of the NERDIP is to regularise data access so that it is easily discoverable, interoperable for different domains and enabled for high performance methods. It adopts and implements international standards and data conventions, and promotes scientific integrity within a high performance computing and data analysis environment. NCI has established a rich and flexible computing environment to access to this data, through the NCI supercomputer; a private cloud that supports both domain focused virtual laboratories and in-common interactive analysis interfaces; as well as remotely through scalable data services. Data collections of this importance must be managed with careful consideration of both their current use and the needs of the end-communities, as well as its future potential use, such as transitioning to more advanced software and improved methods. It is therefore critical that the data platform is both well-managed and trusted for stable production use (including transparency and reproducibility), agile enough to incorporate new technological advances and additional communities practices, and a foundation for new exploratory developments. To that end, NCI is already participating in numerous current and emerging collaborations internationally including the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF); Climate and Weather Data from International agencies such as NASA, NOAA, and UK Met Office; Remotely Sensed Satellite Earth Imaging through collaborations through GEOS and CEOS; EU-led Ocean Data Interoperability Platform (ODIP) and Horizon2020 Earth Server2 project; as well as broader data infrastructure community activities such as Research Data Alliance (RDA). Each research community is heavily engaged in international standards such as ISO, OGC and W3C, adopting community-led conventions for data, supporting improved data organisation such as controlled vocabularies, and creating workflows that use mature APIs and data services. NCI is engaging with these communities on NERDIP to ensure that such standards are applied uniformly and tested in practice by working with the variety of data and technologies. This includes benchmarking exemplar cases from individual communities, documenting their use of standards, and evaluating their practical use of the different technologies. Such a process fully establishes the functionality and performance, and is required to safely transition when improvements or rationalisation is required. Work is now underway to extend the NERDIP platform for better utilisation in the subsurface geophysical community, including maximizing national uptake, as well as better integration with international science platforms.

Divergence time, historical biogeography and evolutionary rate estimation of the order Bangiales (Rhodophyta) inferred from multilocus data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Kuipeng; Tang, Xianghai; Wang, Lu; Yu, Xinzi; Sun, Peipei; Mao, Yunxiang

2017-08-01

Bangiales is the only order of the Bangiophyceae and has been suggested to be monophyletic. This order contains approximately 190 species and is distributed worldwide. Previous molecular studies have produced robust phylogenies among the red algae, but the divergence times, historical biogeography and evolutionary rates of Bangiales have rarely been studied. Phylogenetic relationships within the Bangiales were examined using the concatenated gene sets from all available organellar genomes. This analysis has revealed the topology ((( Bangia, Porphyra ) Pyropia ) Wildemania ). Molecular dating indicates that Bangiales diversified approximately 246.40 million years ago (95% highest posterior density (HPD)= 194.78u2013318.24 Ma, posterior probability (PP)=0.99) in the Late Permian and Early Triassic, and that the ancestral species most likely originated from eastern Gondwanaland (currently New Zealand and Australia) and subsequently began to spread and evolve worldwide. Based on pairwise comparisons, we found a slower rate of nucleotide substitutions and lower rates of diversification in Bangiales relative to Florideophyceae. Compared with Viridiplantae (green algae and land plants), the evolutionary rates of Bangiales and other Rhodophyte groups were found to be dramatically faster, by more than 3-fold for plastid genome (ptDNA) and 15-fold for mitochondrial genome (mtDNA). In addition, an average 2.5-fold lower dN/dS was found for the algae than for the land plants, which indicates purifying selection of the algae.

Photodynamic therapy for port wine stains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junheng

1998-08-01

Therapies for port wine stains including conventional laser irradiation usually cause unacceptable scarring or obtain poor effect. Pulsed dye laser has better approach, but only few patients obtain complete fading after multiple laser treatment. Because port wine stain is a congenital vasculopathy consisting of an abnormal network of capillaries in the upper dermis with an overlying normal epidermis and the researchers found that tumor blood vessels were occluded accompanying the necrosis of the tumor after PDT. It is though to be the effect primarily by thrombus formation in vessels and shut down of the blood supply to the tumor as well as direct tumor cells kill. The author and his colleagues started a series of animal and clinical studies since 1991 about photodynamic therapy for port wine stains and they established the method of PDT for PWS. An experimental study showed that Hpd appeared rapidly within the human vascular endothelial cells in culture fluid. Animal study using chicken combs as PWS models treated by PDT revealed the possibility of selective destruction of the malformative vasculature in PWS. The clinical studies of over 1700 cases proved that PWS can be cured without scar formation by PDT because there is no thermal effect involved. No relapse was found within a maximum follow-up of seven years. The differences and mechanism between the treatments of PDT and conventional lasers are discussed.

The Generation-X Vision Mission Study and Advanced Mission Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brissenden, Roger J. V.; Generation-X Team

2008-03-01

The Generation-X (Gen-X) mission was selected as one of NASA's Vision Missions as a concept for a next generation X-ray telescope designed to study the very early universe with 1000-times greater sensitivity than current X-ray telescopes. The mission has also been proposed as an Advanced Mission Concept Study (AMCS) to further define the technology development plan and mission design. The scientific goals for Gen-X include studying the first generations of stars and black holes in the epoch z=10-20, the evolution of black holes and galaxies from high z to the present, the chemical evolution of the universe and the properties of matter under extreme conditions. The key parameters required to meet these goals define a challenging mission and include an effective area of 50 m2 at 1 keV, and an angular resolution (HPD) of 0.1 arcsec over an energy band of 0.1-10 keV. The required effective area implies that extremely lightweight grazing incidence X-ray optics must be developed. To achieve the required areal density of at least 100 times lower than in Chandra, thin ( 0.1 mm) mirrors that have active on-orbit figure control are required. We present the major findings from the Gen-X Vision Mission Study and a streamlined mission concept enabled by the Ares V launch capability, as proposed in response to the AMSC call.

Selected aspects of prior and likelihood information for a Bayesian classifier in a road safety analysis.

PubMed

Nowakowska, Marzena

2017-04-01

The development of the Bayesian logistic regression model classifying the road accident severity is discussed. The already exploited informative priors (method of moments, maximum likelihood estimation, and two-stage Bayesian updating), along with the original idea of a Boot prior proposal, are investigated when no expert opinion has been available. In addition, two possible approaches to updating the priors, in the form of unbalanced and balanced training data sets, are presented. The obtained logistic Bayesian models are assessed on the basis of a deviance information criterion (DIC), highest probability density (HPD) intervals, and coefficients of variation estimated for the model parameters. The verification of the model accuracy has been based on sensitivity, specificity and the harmonic mean of sensitivity and specificity, all calculated from a test data set. The models obtained from the balanced training data set have a better classification quality than the ones obtained from the unbalanced training data set. The two-stage Bayesian updating prior model and the Boot prior model, both identified with the use of the balanced training data set, outperform the non-informative, method of moments, and maximum likelihood estimation prior models. It is important to note that one should be careful when interpreting the parameters since different priors can lead to different models. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Haemophilus haemolyticus and Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and a New Testing Scheme for Their Discrimination.

PubMed

Hu, Fang; Rishishwar, Lavanya; Sivadas, Ambily; Mitchell, Gabriel J; Jordan, I King; Murphy, Timothy F; Gilsdorf, Janet R; Mayer, Leonard W; Wang, Xin

2016-12-01

Haemophilus haemolyticus has been recently discovered to have the potential to cause invasive disease. It is closely related to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NT H. influenzae). NT H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus are often misidentified because none of the existing tests targeting the known phenotypes of H. haemolyticus are able to specifically identify H. haemolyticus Through comparative genomic analysis of H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae, we identified genes unique to H. haemolyticus that can be used as targets for the identification of H. haemolyticus A real-time PCR targeting purT (encoding phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase 2 in the purine synthesis pathway) was developed and evaluated. The lower limit of detection was 40 genomes/PCR; the sensitivity and specificity in detecting H. haemolyticus were 98.9% and 97%, respectively. To improve the discrimination of H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae, a testing scheme combining two targets (H. haemolyticus purT and H. influenzae hpd, encoding protein D lipoprotein) was also evaluated and showed 96.7% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity for the identification of H. haemolyticus and 92.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the identification of H. influenzae, respectively. The dual-target testing scheme can be used for the diagnosis and surveillance of infection and disease caused by H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

History and origin of the HIV-1 subtype C epidemic in South Africa and the greater southern African region

PubMed Central

Wilkinson, Eduan; Engelbrecht, Susan; de Oliveira, Tulio

2015-01-01

HIV has spread at an alarming rate in South Africa, making it the country with the highest number of HIV infections. Several studies have investigated the histories of HIV-1 subtype C epidemics but none have done so in the context of social and political transformation in southern Africa. There is a need to understand how these processes affects epidemics, as socio-political transformation is a common and on-going process in Africa. Here, we genotyped strains from the start of the epidemic and applied phylodynamic techniques to determine the history of the southern Africa and South African epidemic from longitudinal sampled data. The southern African epidemic’s estimated dates of origin was placed around 1960 (95% HPD 1956–64), while dynamic reconstruction revealed strong growth during the 1970s and 80s. The South African epidemic has a similar origin, caused by multiple introductions from neighbouring countries, and grew exponentially during the 1980s and 90s, coinciding with socio-political changes in South Africa. These findings provide an indication as to when the epidemic started and how it has grown, while the inclusion of sequence data from the start of the epidemic provided better estimates. The epidemic have stabilized in recent years with the expansion of antiretroviral therapy. PMID:26574165

Dissection of Swa2p/Auxilin Domain Requirements for Cochaperoning Hsp70 Clathrin-uncoating Activity In Vivo

PubMed Central

Xiao, Jing; Kim, Leslie S.

2006-01-01

The auxilin family of J-domain proteins load Hsp70 onto clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) to drive uncoating. In vitro, auxilin function requires its ability to bind clathrin and stimulate Hsp70 ATPase activity via its J-domain. To test these requirements in vivo, we performed a mutational analysis of Swa2p, the yeast auxilin ortholog. Swa2p is a modular protein with three N-terminal clathrin-binding (CB) motifs, a ubiquitin association (UBA) domain, a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, and a C-terminal J-domain. In vitro, clathrin binding is mediated by multiple weak interactions, but a Swa2p truncation lacking two CB motifs and the UBA domain retains nearly full function in vivo. Deletion of all CB motifs strongly abrogates clathrin disassembly but does not eliminate Swa2p function in vivo. Surprisingly, mutation of the invariant HPD motif within the J-domain to AAA only partially affects Swa2p function. Similarly, a TPR point mutation (G388R) causes a modest phenotype. However, Swa2p function is abolished when these TPR and J mutations are combined. The TPR and J-domains are not functionally redundant because deletion of either domain renders Swa2p nonfunctional. These data suggest that the TPR and J-domains collaborate in a bipartite interaction with Hsp70 to regulate its activity in clathrin disassembly. PMID:16687570

Selective protection of normal hepatocytes by indocyanine green in photodynamic therapy for the hepatoma of rat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Ying; Li, Junheng; Guo, Zhong-He

1993-03-01

Using hepatocarcinoma transplanted rats, the present study made consecutive observation for the color change and indocyanine green (ICG) absorption peak of the normal liver and tumor tissues after intravenous injection of ICG. The normal liver tissue of the rat was found to turn violet-green soon after ICG injection and the optic density (OD) of ICG-characteristic spectral peak of the tissue homogenate reached its maximum value at 35 minutes post-injection, while neither color change nor OD value increase was noticed in the tissue of transplanted hepatocarcinoma, suggesting that there is a specific absorption of ICG by the normal liver tissue. Chemiluminescentoassay revealed inhibited luminal chemiluminescence by ICG, indicating the depression of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidation during HPD photosensitization by ICG. In PDT of the hepatocarcinoma, the irradiated area was examined under microscope and auto-microimage analysis system after ICG administration. For tumor-free tissue, the photosensitization induced necrotic area was found smaller in those with than those without ICG administration, whereas the tumor killing effect was almost the same of the two. It is suggested that ICG may offer selective protection for healthy hepatocytes without diminishing the destruction of tumor cells. The protection of healthy hepatocytes by ICG is thought to be in accordance with the amount of ICG in the cell and the distribution of light energy.

Difficult identification of Haemophilus influenzae, a typical cause of upper respiratory tract infections, in the microbiological diagnostic routine

PubMed Central

Hinz, Rebecca; Zautner, Andreas Erich; Hagen, Ralf Matthias

2015-01-01

Haemophilus influenzae is a key pathogen of upper respiratory tract infections. Its reliable discrimination from nonpathogenic Haemophilus spp. is necessary because merely colonizing bacteria are frequent at primarily unsterile sites. Due to close phylogenetic relationship, it is not easy to discriminate H. influenzae from the colonizer Haemophilus haemolyticus. The frequency of H. haemolyticus isolations depends on factors like sampling site, patient condition, and geographic region. Biochemical discrimination has been shown to be nonreliable. Multiplex PCR including marker genes like sodC, fucK, and hpd or sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the P6 gene, or multilocus-sequence-typing is more promising. For the diagnostic routine, such techniques are too expensive and laborious. If available, matrix-assisted laser-desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is a routine-compatible option and should be used in the first line. However, the used database should contain well-defined reference spectra, and the spectral difference between H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus is small. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization is an option for less well-equipped laboratories, but the available protocol will not lead to conclusive results in all instances. It can be used as a second line approach. Occasional ambiguous results have to be resolved by alternative molecular methods like 16S rRNA gene sequencing. PMID:25883794

Difficult identification of Haemophilus influenzae, a typical cause of upper respiratory tract infections, in the microbiological diagnostic routine.

PubMed

Hinz, Rebecca; Zautner, Andreas Erich; Hagen, Ralf Matthias; Frickmann, Hagen

2015-03-01

Haemophilus influenzae is a key pathogen of upper respiratory tract infections. Its reliable discrimination from nonpathogenic Haemophilus spp. is necessary because merely colonizing bacteria are frequent at primarily unsterile sites. Due to close phylogenetic relationship, it is not easy to discriminate H. influenzae from the colonizer Haemophilus haemolyticus. The frequency of H. haemolyticus isolations depends on factors like sampling site, patient condition, and geographic region. Biochemical discrimination has been shown to be nonreliable. Multiplex PCR including marker genes like sodC, fucK, and hpd or sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the P6 gene, or multilocus-sequence-typing is more promising. For the diagnostic routine, such techniques are too expensive and laborious. If available, matrix-assisted laser-desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is a routine-compatible option and should be used in the first line. However, the used database should contain well-defined reference spectra, and the spectral difference between H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus is small. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization is an option for less well-equipped laboratories, but the available protocol will not lead to conclusive results in all instances. It can be used as a second line approach. Occasional ambiguous results have to be resolved by alternative molecular methods like 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Haemophilus haemolyticus and Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and a New Testing Scheme for Their Discrimination

PubMed Central

Hu, Fang; Rishishwar, Lavanya; Sivadas, Ambily; Mitchell, Gabriel J.; Jordan, I. King; Murphy, Timothy F.; Gilsdorf, Janet R.; Mayer, Leonard W.

2016-01-01

Haemophilus haemolyticus has been recently discovered to have the potential to cause invasive disease. It is closely related to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NT H. influenzae). NT H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus are often misidentified because none of the existing tests targeting the known phenotypes of H. haemolyticus are able to specifically identify H. haemolyticus. Through comparative genomic analysis of H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae, we identified genes unique to H. haemolyticus that can be used as targets for the identification of H. haemolyticus. A real-time PCR targeting purT (encoding phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase 2 in the purine synthesis pathway) was developed and evaluated. The lower limit of detection was 40 genomes/PCR; the sensitivity and specificity in detecting H. haemolyticus were 98.9% and 97%, respectively. To improve the discrimination of H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae, a testing scheme combining two targets (H. haemolyticus purT and H. influenzae hpd, encoding protein D lipoprotein) was also evaluated and showed 96.7% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity for the identification of H. haemolyticus and 92.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the identification of H. influenzae, respectively. The dual-target testing scheme can be used for the diagnosis and surveillance of infection and disease caused by H. haemolyticus and NT H. influenzae. PMID:27707939

Numerical simulation of current-free double layers created in a helicon plasma device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Sathyanarayan; Singh, Nagendra

2012-09-01

Two-dimensional simulations reveal that when radially confined source plasma with magnetized electrons and unmagnetized ions expands into diverging magnetic field B, a current-free double layer (CFDL) embedded in a conical density structure forms, as experimentally measured in the Australian helicon plasma device (HPD). The magnetized electrons follow the diverging B while the unmagnetized ions tend to flow directly downstream of the source, resulting in a radial electric field (E⊥) structure, which couples the ion and electron flows. Ions are transversely (radially) accelerated by E⊥ on the high potential side of the double layer in the CFDL. The accelerated ions are trapped near the conical surface, where E⊥ reverses direction. The potential structure of the CFDL is U-shaped and the plasma density is enhanced on the conical surface. The plasma density is severely depleted downstream of the parallel potential drop (φ||o) in the CFDL; the density depletion and the potential drop are related by quasi-neutrality condition, including the divergence in the magnetic field and in the plasma flow in the conical structure. The potential and density structures, the CFDL spatial size, its electric field strengths and the electron and ion velocities and energy distributions in the CFDL are found to be in good agreements with those measured in the Australian experiment. The applicability of our results to measured axial potential profiles in magnetic nozzle experiments in HPDs is discussed.

Adaptation of Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Catabolic Pathway to Hibernation in Bats

PubMed Central

Cui, Jie; Liu, Yang; McAllan, Bronwyn M.; Liao, Chen-Chung; Zhang, Shuyi

2013-01-01

Some mammals hibernate in response to harsh environments. Although hibernating mammals may metabolize proteins, the nitrogen metabolic pathways commonly activated during hibernation are not fully characterized. In contrast to the hypothesis of amino acid preservation, we found evidence of amino acid metabolism as three of five key enzymes, including phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD), fumarylacetoacetase (FAH), involved in phenylalanine and tyrosine catabolism were co-upregulated during hibernation in two distantly related species of bats, Myotis ricketti and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. In addition, the levels of phenylalanine in the livers of these bats were significantly decreased during hibernation. Because phenylalanine and tyrosine are both glucogenic and ketogenic, these results indicate the role of this catabolic pathway in energy supply. Since any deficiency in the catabolism of these two amino acids can cause accumulations of toxic metabolites, these results also suggest the detoxification role of these enzymes during hibernation. A higher selective constraint on PAH, HPD, and HGD in hibernators than in non-hibernators was observed, and hibernators had more conserved amino acid residues in each of these enzymes than non-hibernators. These conserved amino acid residues are mostly located in positions critical for the structure and activity of the enzymes. Taken together, results of this work provide novel insights in nitrogen metabolism and removal of harmful metabolites during bat hibernation. PMID:23620802

Serum-Free Medium and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhance Functionality and Stabilize Integrity of Rat Hepatocyte Spheroids

PubMed Central

Bao, Ji; Fisher, James E.; Lillegard, Joseph B.; Wang, William; Amiot, Bruce; Yu, Yue; Dietz, Allan B.; Nahmias, Yaakov; Nyberg, Scott L.

2013-01-01

Long-term culture of hepatocyte spheroids with high ammonia clearance is valuable for therapeutic applications, especially the bioartificial liver. However, the optimal conditions are not well studied. We hypothesized that liver urea cycle enzymes can be induced by high protein diet and maintain on a higher expression level in rat hepatocyte spheroids by serum-free medium (SFM) culture and coculture with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Rats were feed normal protein diet (NPD) or high protein diet (HPD) for 7 days before liver digestion and isolation of hepatocytes. Hepatocyte spheroids were formed and maintained in a rocked suspension culture with or without MSCs in SFM or 10% serum-containing medium (SCM). Spheroid viability, kinetics of spheroid formation, hepatic functions, gene expression, and biochemical activities of rat hepatocyte spheroids were tested over 14 days of culture. We observed that urea cycle enzymes of hepatocyte spheroids can be induced by high protein diet. SFM and MSCs enhanced ammonia clearance and ureagenesis and stabilized integrity of hepatocyte spheroids compared to control conditions over 14 days. Hepatocytes from high protein diet-fed rats formed spheroids and maintained a high level of ammonia detoxification for over 14 days in a novel SFM. Hepatic functionality and spheroid integrity were further stabilized by coculture of hepatocytes with MSCs in the spheroid microenvironment. These findings have direct application to development of the spheroid reservoir bioartificial liver. PMID:23006214

Photodetectors and front-end electronics for the LHCb RICH upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassina, L.; LHCb RICH

2017-12-01

The RICH detectors of the LHCb experiment provide identification of hadrons produced in high energy proton-proton collisions in the LHC at CERN over a wide momentum range (2-100 GeV/c). Cherenkov light is collected on photon detector planes sensitive to single photons. The RICH will be upgraded (in 2019) to read out every bunch crossing, at a rate of 40 MHz. The current hybrid photon detectors (HPD) will be replaced with multi-anode photomultiplier tubes (customisations of the Hamamatsu R11265 and the H12699 MaPMTs). These 8×8 pixel devices meet the experimental requirements thanks to their small pixel size, high gain, negligible dark count rate (∼50 Hz/cm2) and moderate cross-talk. The measured performance of several tubes is reported, together with their long-term stability. A new 8-channel front-end chip, named CLARO, has been designed in 0.35 μm CMOS AMS technology for the MaPMT readout. The CLARO chip operates in binary mode and combines low power consumption (∼1 mW/Ch), wide bandwidth (baseline restored in ⩽ 25 ns) and radiation hardness. A 12-bit digital register permits the optimisation of the dynamic range and the threshold level for each channel and provides tools for the on-site calibration. The design choices and the characterization of the electronics are presented.

Airborne particle characterization by spatial scattering and fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barton, John; Hirst, Edwin; Kaye, Paul; Saunders, Spencer; Clark, Don

1999-11-01

Several workers have reported the development of systems which allow the measurement of intrinsic fluorescence from particles irradiated with ultra-violet radiation. The fluorescence data are frequently recorded in conjunction with other parameters such as particle size, measured either as a function of optical scatter or as an aerodynamic size. The motivation for this work has been principally the detection of bioaerosols within an ambient environment. Previous work by the authors has shown that an analysis of the scattering profile of a particle, i.e.: the spatial distribution of light scattered by the particle carried in a sample air-stream, can provide an effective means of particle characterization and classification in terms of both size and shape parameters. Current work is aimed at the simultaneous recording of both spatial scattering and fluorescence data from individual particles with a view to substantially enhanced discrimination of biological aerosols. A prototype instrument has recently been completed which employs a cw 266 nm laser source to produce both elastic (spatial scattering) and inelastic (fluorescence) signals from individual airborne particles. The instrument incorporates a custom designed high-gain multi- pixel hybrid photodiode (HPD) to record the spatial scattering data and a single photomultiplier to record total fluorescence from the illuminated particle. Recorded data are processed to allow the classification of airborne particles on the basis of size, shape, and fluorescence for both biological and non- biological aerosols.

Non-toxigenic environmental Vibrio cholerae O1 strain from Haiti provides evidence of pre-pandemic cholera in Hispaniola.

PubMed

Azarian, Taj; Ali, Afsar; Johnson, Judith A; Jubair, Mohammad; Cella, Eleonora; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Nolan, David J; Farmerie, William; Rashid, Mohammad H; Sinha-Ray, Shrestha; Alam, Meer T; Morris, J Glenn; Salemi, Marco

2016-10-27

Vibrio cholerae is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, with environmental toxigenic V. cholerae O1 strains serving as a source for recurrent cholera epidemics and pandemic disease. However, a number of questions remain about long-term survival and evolution of V. cholerae strains within these aquatic environmental reservoirs. Through monitoring of the Haitian aquatic environment following the 2010 cholera epidemic, we isolated two novel non-toxigenic (ctxA/B-negative) Vibrio cholerae O1. These two isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing and were investigated through comparative genomics and Bayesian coalescent analysis. These isolates cluster in the evolutionary tree with strains responsible for clinical cholera, possessing genomic components of 6 th and 7 th pandemic lineages, and diverge from "modern" cholera strains around 1548 C.E. [95% HPD: 1532-1555]. Vibrio Pathogenicity Island (VPI)-1 was present; however, SXT/R391-family ICE and VPI-2 were absent. Rugose phenotype conversion and vibriophage resistance evidenced adaption for persistence in aquatic environments. The identification of V. cholerae O1 strains in the Haitian environment, which predate the first reported cholera pandemic in 1817, broadens our understanding of the history of pandemics. It also raises the possibility that these and similar environmental strains could acquire virulence genes from the 2010 Haitian epidemic clone, including the cholera toxin producing CTXϕ.

In vitro study on silk fibroin textile structure for anterior cruciate ligament regeneration.

PubMed

Farè, Silvia; Torricelli, Paola; Giavaresi, Gianluca; Bertoldi, Serena; Alessandrino, Antonio; Villa, Tomaso; Fini, Milena; Tanzi, Maria Cristina; Freddi, Giuliano

2013-10-01

A novel hierarchical textile structure made of silk fibroin from Bombyx mori capable of matching the mechanical performance requirements of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and in vitro cell ingrowth is described. This sericin-free, Silk Fibroin Knitted Sheath with Braided Core (SF-KSBC) structure was fabricated using available textile technologies. Micro-CT analysis confirmed that the core was highly porous and had a higher degree of interconnectivity than that observed for the sheath. The in vivo cell colonization of the scaffolds is thus expected to penetrate even the internal parts of the structure. Tensile mechanical tests demonstrated a maximum load of 1212.4±56.4 N (under hydrated conditions), confirming the scaffold's suitability for ACL reconstruction. The absence of cytotoxic substances in the extracts of the SF-KSBC structure in culture medium was verified by in vitro tests with L929 fibroblasts. In terms of extracellular matrix production, Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts (HPdLFs) cultured in direct contact with SF-KSBC, compared to control samples, demonstrated an increased secretion of aggrecan (PG) and fibronectin (FBN) at 3 and 7 days of culture, and no change in IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Altogether, the outcomes of this investigation confirm the significant utility of this novel scaffold for ACL tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stress Reduces Conception Probabilities across the Fertile Window: Evidence in Support of Relaxation

PubMed Central

Buck Louis, Germaine M.; Lum, Kirsten J.; Sundaram, Rajeshwari; Chen, Zhen; Kim, Sungduk; Lynch, Courtney D.; Schisterman, Enrique F.; Pyper, Cecilia

2010-01-01

Objective To assess salivary stress biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase) and female fecundity. Design Prospective cohort design. Setting United Kingdom. Patients 274 women aged 18–40 years attempting pregnancy were followed until pregnant or for six menstrual cycles. Women collected basal saliva samples on day 6 of each cycle, and used fertility monitors to identify ovulation and pregnancy test kits for pregnancy detection. Main Outcome Measures Exposures included salivary cortisol (μg/dL) and alpha-amylase (U/mL) concentrations. Fecundity was measured by time-to-pregnancy and the probability of pregnancy during the fertile window as estimated from discrete-time survival and Bayesian modeling techniques, respectively. Results Alpha-amylase but not cortisol concentrations were negatively associated with fecundity in the first cycle (fecundity odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.67, 1.09) after adjusting for couples’ ages, intercourse frequency, and alcohol consumption. Significant reductions in the probability of conception across the fertile window during the first cycle attempting pregnancy were observed for women whose salivary concentrations of alpha-amylase were in the upper quartiles in comparison to women in the lower quartiles (HPD −0.284; 95% interval −0.540, −0.029). Conclusions Stress significantly reduced the probability of conception each day during the fertile window, possibly exerting its effect through the sympathetic medullar pathway. PMID:20688324

X-ray optics made from thin plastic foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schnopper, H. W.; Barbera, M.; Ingram, R.; Silver, E.; Romaine, S.; Bandler, S.; Murray, S.; Christensen, F. E.; Hussain, A.; Collura, A.

2000-10-01

New design concepts and materials can be used to produce lightweight, thin foil approximations, to Wolter I and other X-ray optics. Structures are designed around a central hub and spacers that connect two (or three) spoked wheels. Figure defining, thin pins span the distance between the wheels. Thin, metal coated or multilayered, plastic foils can be formed into full cones, cylinders or spirals for X-ray telescopes or lenses. High resolution X-ray scattering data were obtained for single foils at Cu K (8 KeV). Multi-energy (0.28 - 8 KeV) data were obtained with a multichannel plate imager in a 17 m beam line with a point-to-point focusing, cylindrical X-ray lens with 14 shells. The largest shell has a diameter of 175 mm and a length of 100 mm. Typical images have a FWHM of 20 arcsec. The results indicate that a 60 cm diameter, 4.65 m focal length X-ray telescope can have an HPD of considerably less than 2 arcmin. This research is supported, in part by NASA Grant NAG5-5268, ONR Grant N00014-95-1-1248, and by institutional funding from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The SAO multilayer facility receives support from NASA Grant NAG5-5095. This work made use of the MRSEC Shared Experimental Facilities at MIT supported by NSF Grant DMR94-00334.

Cytotoxicity But No Mutagenicity In Bacteria With Externally Generated Singlet Oxygen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Midden, W. Robert; Dahl, Thomas A.; Hartman, Philip E.

1988-02-01

Singlet oxygen is believed to be an important intermediate responsible for the cytotoxicity of HpD phototherapy. It has been recognized as a possible intermediate in photosensitization for more than 20 years. However, it has been difficult to obtain conclusive evidence of its biological characteristics in the past because most of the methods available for its generation that are compatible with biological systems also generate other reactive intermediates whose effects are difficult to distinguish from singlet oxygen. We have used a recently devised separated-surface-sensi-tizer (S-S-S) system for singlet oxygen generation' to measure the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of singlet oxygen in bacteria. The S-S-S system employs rose bengal as a sensitizer immobilized on one surface of a glass plate. The glass plate is placed sensitizer-side down a small distance (< 1.5 mm) above a microscopically flat membrane (MilliporeTM or NucleoporeTM) that carries a monocellular layer of bacteria. The sensi-tizer-coated plate is illuminated from above to generate singlet oxygen at the surface of the sensitizer. The singlet oxygen thus generated can diffuse the short dis-tance to the surface of the membrane to react with the bacteria. Because of the short lifetime of singlet oxygen in air, increasing the distance between the sensitizer and the membrane causes a decline in the amount of singlet oxygen reaching the membrane according to a function derived from the Einstein-Smoluchowski equation for net displacement by diffusion. Plotting the log of the effect measured (e.g., cytotoxicity) vs. the square of the distance gives a straight line. The slope of this line can be used to calculate the gas phase half life of the intermediate responsible for the observed effects. We have found that bacteria are rapidly killed in the illuminated S-S-S system and that the gas phase half life of the agent responsible for cell killing is the same as that of singlet oxygen. This observation and other simple chemical tests have conclusively estab-lished that singlet oxygen is responsible for the cytotoxicity observed with bacteria. Dosimetry measurements allow us to estimate that singlet oxygen is at least 104 times more potent as a cytotoxin for Salmonella bacteria than hydrogen peroxide, on a molar basis. We have not observed mutagenicity in these bacteria exposed to sufficient singlet oxygen to kill 60-90% using a variety of bacterial strains and assays.

Noise exposure and cognitive performance: A study on personnel on board Royal Norwegian Navy vessels

PubMed Central

Irgens-Hansen, Kaja; Gundersen, Hilde; Sunde, Erlend; Baste, Valborg; Harris, Anette; Bråtveit, Magne; Moen, Bente E.

2015-01-01

Prior research shows that work on board vessels of the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) is associated with noise exposure levels above recommended standards. Further, noise exposure has been found to impair cognitive performance in environmental, occupational, and experimental settings, although prior research in naval and maritime settings is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performance after exposure to noise among personnel working on board vessels in the RNoN. Altogether 87 Navy personnel (80 men, 7 women; 31 ± 9 years) from 24 RNoN vessels were included. Noise exposure was recorded by personal noise dosimeters at a minimum of 4 h prior to testing, and categorized into 4 groups for the analysis: <72.6 dB(A), 72.6-77.0 dB(A), 77.1-85.2 dB(A), and >85.2 dB(A). The participants performed a visual attention test based on the Posner cue-target paradigm. Multivariable general linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to analyze whether noise exposure was associated with response time (RT) when adjusting for the covariates age, alertness, workload, noise exposure in test location, sleep the night before testing, use of hearing protection device (HPD), and percentage of errors. When adjusting for covariates, RT was significantly increased among personnel exposed to >85.2 dB(A) and 77.1-85.2 dB(A) compared to personnel exposed to <72.6 dB(A). PMID:26356374

Application of alkyl polyglycoside surfactant in ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by macroporous resin enrichment for the separation of vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside and vitexin from Crataegus pinnatifida leaves.

PubMed

Han, Feng; Guo, Yupin; Gu, Huiyan; Li, Fenglan; Hu, Baozhong; Yang, Lei

2016-02-15

An alkyl polyglycoside (APG) surfactant was used in ultrasonic-assisted extraction to effectively extract vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (VOR) and vitexin (VIT) from Crataegus pinnatifida leaves. APG0810 was selected as the surfactant. The extraction process was optimized for ultrasonic power, the APG concentration, ultrasonic time, soaking time, and liquid-solid ratio. The proposed approach showed good recovery (99.80-102.50% for VOR and 98.83-103.19% for VIT) and reproducibility (relative standard deviation, n=5; 3.7% for VOR and 4.2% for VIT) for both components. The proposed sample preparation method is both simple and effective. The use of APG for extraction of key herbal ingredients shows great potential. Ten widely used commercial macroporous resins were evaluated in a screening study to identify a suitable resin for the separation and purification of VOR and VIT. After comparing static and dynamic adsorption and desorption processes, HPD100B was selected as the most suitable resin. After column adsorption and desorption on this resin, the target compounds VOR and VIT can be effectively separated from the APG0810 extraction solution. Recoveries of VOR and VIT were 89.27%±0.42% and 85.29%±0.36%, respectively. The purity of VOR increased from 35.0% to 58.3% and the purity of VIT increased from 12.5% to 19.9%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Noise exposure and cognitive performance: A study on personnel on board Royal Norwegian Navy vessels.

PubMed

Irgens-Hansen, Kaja; Gundersen, Hilde; Sunde, Erlend; Baste, Valborg; Harris, Anette; Bråtveit, Magne; Moen, Bente E

2015-01-01

Prior research shows that work on board vessels of the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) is associated with noise exposure levels above recommended standards. Further, noise exposure has been found to impair cognitive performance in environmental, occupational, and experimental settings, although prior research in naval and maritime settings is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive performance after exposure to noise among personnel working on board vessels in the RNoN. Altogether 87 Navy personnel (80 men, 7 women; 31 ± 9 years) from 24 RNoN vessels were included. Noise exposure was recorded by personal noise dosimeters at a minimum of 4 h prior to testing, and categorized into 4 groups for the analysis: <72.6 dB(A), 72.6-77.0 dB(A), 77.1-85.2 dB(A), and >85.2 dB(A). The participants performed a visual attention test based on the Posner cue-target paradigm. Multivariable general linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to analyze whether noise exposure was associated with response time (RT) when adjusting for the covariates age, alertness, workload, noise exposure in test location, sleep the night before testing, use of hearing protection device (HPD), and percentage of errors. When adjusting for covariates, RT was significantly increased among personnel exposed to >85.2 dB(A) and 77.1-85.2 dB(A) compared to personnel exposed to <72.6 dB(A).

Isolation and purification of six iridoid glycosides from gardenia jasminoides fruit by medium-pressure liquid chromatography combined with macroporous resin chromatography.

PubMed

Wang, Yun; Liu, Hui; Shen, Lifeng; Yao, Lan; Ma, Yinlian; Yu, Dingrong; Chen, Jianhong; Li, Puling; Chen, Ying; Zhang, Cun

2015-12-01

Gardeniae fructus is one of the most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, a process for the enrichment of six iridoid glycosides from Gardeniae fructus was developed using medium-pressure liquid chromatography combined with macroporous resin and reversed-phase chromatography. The purities of different fractions from Gardeniae fructus were assessed using quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography. After fractionation using HPD-100 column chromatography, a 30% ethanol fraction was selected based on high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry qualitative analysis to separate and purify. Based on the orientation analysis results, six compounds-deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside, ixoroside, scandoside methyl ester, genipin-1-O-β-d-gentiobioside, and geniposide-were successfully isolated and purified in three to four combined steps from Gardeniae fructus. The purities of these compounds were found by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to be 97.9, 98.1, 95.5, 96.3, 97.1, and 98.7%, respectively. Moreover, their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The separation process was highly efficient, rapid, and accurate, making it a potential approach for the large-scale production of iridoids in the laboratory and providing several marker compounds for quality control. This procedure may be meaningful for the purification of other natural products used in traditional Chinese medicine. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

IDH1 deficiency attenuates gluconeogenesis in mouse liver by impairing amino acid utilization.

PubMed

Ye, Jing; Gu, Yu; Zhang, Feng; Zhao, Yuanlin; Yuan, Yuan; Hao, Zhenyue; Sheng, Yi; Li, Wanda Y; Wakeham, Andrew; Cairns, Rob A; Mak, Tak W

2017-01-10

Although the enzymatic activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) was defined decades ago, its functions in vivo are not yet fully understood. Cytosolic IDH1 converts isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a key metabolite regulating nitrogen homeostasis in catabolic pathways. It was thought that IDH1 might enhance lipid biosynthesis in liver or adipose tissue by generating NADPH, but we show here that lipid contents are relatively unchanged in both IDH1-null mouse liver and IDH1-deficient HepG2 cells generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Instead, we found that IDH1 is critical for liver amino acid (AA) utilization. Body weights of IDH1-null mice fed a high-protein diet (HPD) were abnormally low. After prolonged fasting, IDH1-null mice exhibited decreased blood glucose but elevated blood alanine and glycine compared with wild-type (WT) controls. Similarly, in IDH1-deficient HepG2 cells, glucose consumption was increased, but alanine utilization and levels of intracellular α-KG and glutamate were reduced. In IDH1-deficient primary hepatocytes, gluconeogenesis as well as production of ammonia and urea were decreased. In IDH1-deficient whole livers, expression levels of genes involved in AA metabolism were reduced, whereas those involved in gluconeogenesis were up-regulated. Thus, IDH1 is critical for AA utilization in vivo and its deficiency attenuates gluconeogenesis primarily by impairing α-KG-dependent transamination of glucogenic AAs such as alanine.

PyCPR - a python-based implementation of the Conjugate Peak Refinement (CPR) algorithm for finding transition state structures.

PubMed

Gisdon, Florian J; Culka, Martin; Ullmann, G Matthias

2016-10-01

Conjugate peak refinement (CPR) is a powerful and robust method to search transition states on a molecular potential energy surface. Nevertheless, the method was to the best of our knowledge so far only implemented in CHARMM. In this paper, we present PyCPR, a new Python-based implementation of the CPR algorithm within the pDynamo framework. We provide a detailed description of the theory underlying our implementation and discuss the different parts of the implementation. The method is applied to two different problems. First, we illustrate the method by analyzing the gauche to anti-periplanar transition of butane using a semiempirical QM method. Second, we reanalyze the mechanism of a glycyl-radical enzyme, namely of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase (HPD) using QM/MM calculations. In the end, we suggest a strategy how to use our implementation of the CPR algorithm. The integration of PyCPR into the framework pDynamo allows the combination of CPR with the large variety of methods implemented in pDynamo. PyCPR can be used in combination with quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical methods (and hybrid methods) implemented directly in pDynamo, but also in combination with external programs such as ORCA using pDynamo as interface. PyCPR is distributed as free, open source software and can be downloaded from http://www.bisb.uni-bayreuth.de/index.php?page=downloads . Graphical Abstract PyCPR is a search tool for finding saddle points on the potential energy landscape of a molecular system.

Description of a new catfish genus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Tocantins River basin in central Brazil, with comments on the historical zoogeography of the new taxon

PubMed Central

Silva, Gabriel S. C.; Roxo, Fábio F.; Ochoa, Luz E.; Oliveira, Claudio

2016-01-01

Abstract This study presents the description of a new genus of the catfish subfamily Neoplecostominae from the Tocantins River basin. It can be distinguished from other neoplecostomine genera by the presence of (1) three hypertrophied bicuspid odontodes on the lateral portion of the body (character apparently present in mature males); (2) a large area without odontodes around the snout; (3) a post-dorsal ridge on the caudal peduncle; (4) a straight tooth series in the dentary and premaxillary rows; (5) the absence of abdominal plates; (6) a conspicuous series of enlarged papillae just posterior to the dentary teeth; and (7) caudal peduncle ellipsoid in cross section. We used maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods to estimate a time-calibrated tree with the published data on 116 loricariid species using one nuclear and three mitochondrial genes, and we used parametric biogeographic analyses (DEC and DECj models) to estimate ancestral geographic ranges and to infer the colonization routes of the new genus and the other neoplecostomines in the Tocantins River and the hydrographic systems of southeastern Brazil. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the new genus and species is a sister taxon of all the other members of the Neoplecostominae, originating during the Eocene at 47.5 Mya (32.7–64.5 Mya 95% HPD). The present distribution of the new genus and other neoplecostomines may be the result of a historical connection between the drainage basins of the Paraguay and Paraná rivers and the Amazon basin, mainly through headwater captures. PMID:27408594

Evidence for common horizontal transmission of Wolbachia among butterflies and moths.

PubMed

Ahmed, Muhammad Z; Breinholt, Jesse W; Kawahara, Akito Y

2016-05-27

Wolbachia is one of the most widespread bacteria on Earth. Previous research on Wolbachia-host interactions indicates that the bacterium is typically transferred vertically, from mother to offspring, through the egg cytoplasm. Although horizontal transmission of Wolbachia from one species to another is reported to be common in arthropods, limited direct ecological evidence is available. In this study, we examine horizontal transmission of Wolbachia using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) strains dataset and used Wolbachia and Lepidoptera genomes to search for evidence for lateral gene transfer (LGT) in Lepidoptera, one of the most diverse cosmopolitan insect orders. We constructed a phylogeny of arthropod-associated MLST Wolbachia strains and calibrated the age of Wolbachia strains associated with lepidopteran species. Our results reveal inter-specific, inter-generic, inter-familial, and inter-ordinal horizontal transmission of Wolbachia strains, without discernible geographic patterns. We found at least seven probable cases of horizontal transmission among 31 species within Lepidoptera and between Lepidoptera and other arthropod hosts. The divergence time analysis revealed that Wolbachia is recently (22.6-4.7 mya, 95 % HPD) introduced in Lepidoptera. Analysis of nine Lepidoptera genomes (Bombyx mori, Danaus plexippus, Heliconius melpomene, Manduca sexta, Melitaea cinxia, Papilio glaucus, P. polytes, P. xuthus and Plutella xylostella) yielded one possible instance of Wolbachia LGT. Our results provide evidence of high incidence of identical and multiple strains of Wolbachia among butterflies and moths, adding Lepidoptera to the growing body of evidence for common horizontal transmission of Wolbachia. This study demonstrates interesting dynamics of this remarkable and influential microorganism.

Numerical simulation of current-free double layers created in a helicon plasma device

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

Rao, Sathyanarayan; Singh, Nagendra

2012-09-15

Two-dimensional simulations reveal that when radially confined source plasma with magnetized electrons and unmagnetized ions expands into diverging magnetic field B, a current-free double layer (CFDL) embedded in a conical density structure forms, as experimentally measured in the Australian helicon plasma device (HPD). The magnetized electrons follow the diverging B while the unmagnetized ions tend to flow directly downstream of the source, resulting in a radial electric field (E{sub Up-Tack }) structure, which couples the ion and electron flows. Ions are transversely (radially) accelerated by E{sub Up-Tack} on the high potential side of the double layer in the CFDL. Themore » accelerated ions are trapped near the conical surface, where E{sub Up-Tack} reverses direction. The potential structure of the CFDL is U-shaped and the plasma density is enhanced on the conical surface. The plasma density is severely depleted downstream of the parallel potential drop ({phi}{sub Double-Vertical-Line Double-Vertical-Line o}) in the CFDL; the density depletion and the potential drop are related by quasi-neutrality condition, including the divergence in the magnetic field and in the plasma flow in the conical structure. The potential and density structures, the CFDL spatial size, its electric field strengths and the electron and ion velocities and energy distributions in the CFDL are found to be in good agreements with those measured in the Australian experiment. The applicability of our results to measured axial potential profiles in magnetic nozzle experiments in HPDs is discussed.« less

The design of high affinity human PD-1 mutants by using molecular dynamics simulations (MD).

PubMed

Du, Jiangfeng; Qin, Yaping; Wu, Yahong; Zhao, Wenshan; Zhai, Wenjie; Qi, Yuanming; Wang, Chuchu; Gao, Yanfeng

2018-06-07

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a negative co-stimulatory molecule, plays crucial roles in immune escape. Blockade of the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 shows exciting clinical responses in a fraction of cancer patients and the success makes PD-1 as a valuable target in immune checkpoint therapy. For the rational design of PD-1 targeting modulators, the ligand binding mechanism of PD-1 should be well understood in prior. In this study, we applied 50 ns molecular dynamics simulations to observe the structural properties of PD-1 molecule in both apo and ligand bound states, and we studied the structural features of PD-1 in human and mouse respectively. The results showed that the apo hPD-1 was more flexible than that in PD-L1 bound state. We unexpectedly found that K135 was important for binding energy although it was not at the binding interface. Moreover, the residues which stabilized the interactions with PD-L1 were distinguished. Taking the dynamic features of these residues into account, we identified several residual sites where mutations may gain the function of ligand binding. The in vitro binding experiments revealed the mutants M70I, S87 W, A129L, A132L, and K135 M were better in ligand binding than the wild type PD-1. The structural information from MD simulation combined with in silico mutagenesis provides guidance to design engineered PD-1 mutants to modulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Forming mandrels for making lightweight x-ray mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blake, Peter N.; Saha, Timo; Zhang, William W.; O'Dell, Stephen; Kester, Thomas; Jones, William

2011-09-01

Future x-ray astronomical missions, similar to the proposed International X-ray Observatory (IXO), will utilize replicated mirrors to reduce both mass and production costs. Accurately figured and measured molds (called mandrels) - on which the mirror substrates are thermally formed, replicating the surface of the mandrels - are essential to enable these missions. The Optics Branches of the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have developed fabrication processes along with metrologies that yield high-precision mandrels; and through the SBIR program, they encourage small businesses to attack parts of the remaining problems. The Goddard full-aperture mandrel polisher (the MPM-500) has been developed to a level where mandrel surfaces match the 1.5 arcsec HPD level allocation in a 5 arcsec telescope program. This paper reviews this current technology and describes a pilot program to design a suite of machine tools and process parameters capable of producing many hundreds of these precision objects. A major challenge is to keep mid-spatial frequency errors below 2 nm rms - a severe specification; but we must also note the factors which work to our advantage: e.g., how the figure departs from a pure cone by only one micron, and how the demanding figure specifications which apply in the axial direction are relaxed by an order of magnitude in the azimuthal. Careful study of other large optical fabrication programs in the light of these challenges and advantages has yielded a realistic plan for the economical production of mandrels that meet program requirements in both surface and quantity.

Enrichment and Purification of Total Ginkgo Flavonoid O-Glycosides from Ginkgo Biloba Extract with Macroporous Resin and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammation Activities In Vitro.

PubMed

Zhang, Lihu; Wu, Tingting; Xiao, Wei; Wang, Zhenzhong; Ding, Gang; Zhao, Linguo

2018-05-13

In the present study, the performance and separation characteristics of six macroporous resins for the enrichment and purification of total ginkgo flavonoid O -glycosides (TGFs) (quercetin (I), kaempferol (II), isorhamnetin (III)) from Ginkgo Biloba extracts (EGB) are evaluated. The adsorption and desorption properties of TGFs are studied on macroporous resins, including D101, D201, AB-8, HPD400, D301, and D311. Along with the results, AB-8 resin exhibits the best adsorption and desorption capacity for these three ginkgo flavonoid O -glycosides among the six resins. Adsorption isotherms are created on AB-8 resin and fit well to the Langmuir (R² > 0.96) and Freundlich (R² > 0.92, 0.3 < 1/n < 0.7) models. After the treatment with gradient elution on AB-8 resin packed chromatography column, the contents of the three main ginkgo flavonoid O -glycosides (I, II, and III) increase from 8.93%, 9.88%, and 6.11% in the extracts to 30.12%, 35.21%, and 14.14%, respectively, in the product. The recoveries of compounds I, II, and III are 88.76%, 93.78%, and 60.90%, respectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of TGFs are evaluated in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the result demonstrates that TGFs could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO release in vitro in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group. These findings suggest that TGFs could potentially be natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that could be used in pharmaceutical products and functional food additives.

Characterisation of crystal matrices and single pixels for nuclear medicine applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbert, D. J.; Belcari, N.; Camarda, M.; Guerra, A. Del; Vaiano, A.

2005-01-01

Commercially constructed crystal matrices are characterised for use with PSPMT detectors for PET system developments and other nuclear medicine applications. The matrices of different scintillation materials were specified with pixel dimensions of 1.5×1.5 mm2 in cross-section and a length corresponding to one gamma ray interaction length at 511 keV. The materials used in this study were BGO, LSO, LYSO, YSO and CsI(Na). Each matrix was constructed using a white TiO loaded epoxy that forms a 0.2 mm septa between each pixel. The white epoxy is not the optimum choice in terms of the reflective properties, but represents a good compromise between cost and the need for optical isolation between pixels. We also tested a YAP matrix that consisted of pixels of the same size specification but was manufactured by a different company, who instead of white epoxy, used a thin aluminium reflective layer for optical isolation that resulted in a septal thickness of just 0.01 mm, resulting in a much higher packing fraction. The characteristics of the scintillation materials, such as the light output and energy resolution, were first studied in the form of individual crystal elements by using a single pixel HPD. A comparison of individual pixels with and without the epoxy/dielectric coatings was also performed. Then the matrices themselves were coupled to a PSPMT in order to study the imaging performance. In particular, the system pixel resolution and the peak to valley ratio were measured at 511 and 122 keV.

Qualitative Analysis of Polyphenols in Macroporous Resin Pretreated Pomegranate Husk Extract by HPLC-QTOF-MS.

PubMed

Abdulla, Rahima; Mansur, Sanawar; Lai, Haizhong; Ubul, Ablikim; Sun, Guangying; Huang, Guozheng; Aisa, Haji Akber

2017-09-01

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) husk is a traditional herbal medicine abundant in phenolic compounds and plays some roles in the treatment of oxidative stress, bacterial and viral infection, diabetes mellitus, and acute and chronic inflammation. Identification and determination of polyphenols in macroporous resin pretreated pomegranate husk extract by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). The total polyphenols of pomegranate husk were prepared by ethanol extraction followed by pretreatment with HPD-300 macroporous resin. The polyphenolic compounds were qualitatively analysed by HPLC-QTOF-MS in negative electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode at different collision energy (CE) values. A total of 50 polyphenols were detected in the extract of pomegranate husk, including 35 hydrolysable tannins and 15 flavonoids with distinct retention time, fragmentation behaviours and characteristics, and the accurate mass-to-charge ratios at low, moderate and high CE values. Of these, we identified nine compounds for the first time in the pomegranate husk, including hexahydroxydiphenoyl-valoneoyl-glucoside (HHDP-valoneyl-glucoside), galloyl-O-punicalin, rutin, hyperoside, quercimeritrin, kaempferol-7-O-rhahmano-glucoside, luteolin-3'-O-arabinoside, luteolin-3'-O-glucoside, and luteolin-4'-O-glucoside. To validate the specificity and accuracy of mass spectrometry in the detection of polyphenols, as compared to the fragmentation pathways of granatin B in detail, including the HHDP-valoneyl- glucoside was first identified from pomegranate husk. The study provides evidence for the quality control and development of novel drugs based on polyphenols from the pomegranate husk. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Supernova Remnant Observations with Micro-X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Figueroa, Enectali

Micro-X is a sounding rocket payload that combines an X-ray microcalorimeter with an imaging mirror to offer breakthrough science from high spectral resolution observations of extended X-ray sources. This payload has been in design and development for the last five years and is now completely built and undergoing integration; its first flight will be in November, 2012, as part of our current NASA award. This four-year follow-on proposal seeks funding for: (1) analysis of the first flight data, (2) the second flight and its data analysis, (3) development of payload upgrades and launch of the third flight, and (4) third flight data analysis. The scientific payload consists of a Transition Edge Sensor (TES) microcalorimeter array at the focus of a flight-proven conical imaging mirror. Micro-X capitalizes on three decades of NASA investment in the development of microcalorimeters and X-ray imaging optics. Micro-X offers a unique combination of bandpass, collecting area, and spectral and angular resolution. The spectral resolution goal across the 0.2 - 3.0 keV band is 2 - 4 eV Full-Width at Half Maximum (FWHM). The measured angular resolution of the mirror is 2.4 arcminute Half-Power Diameter (HPD). The effective area of the mirror, 300 square centimeters at 1 keV, is sufficient to provide observations of unprecedented quality of several astrophysical X-ray sources, even in a brief sounding rocket exposure of 300 sec. Our scientific program for this proposal will focus on supernova remnants (SNRs), whose spatial extent has made high-energy resolution observations with grating instruments extremely challenging. X-ray observations of SNRs with microcalorimeters will enable the study of the detailed atomic physics of the plasma; the determination of temperature, turbulence, and elemental abundances; and in conjunction with historical data, full three dimensional mapping of the kinematics of the remnant. These capabilities will open new avenues towards understanding the explosion mechanisms of supernovae and their roles in energy and heavy-element injection into galaxies, their evolution into SNRs, their interactions with their environments, and finally their roles as particle accelerators. For the first flight, we will observe an ejecta region in the Puppis A SNR. The Puppis A bright eastern knot (BEK), is the target of second flight in 2014. The third flight, in late 2015 or early 2016, will make an observation of the Cas A SNR. We will continue to advance the technology readiness of TES microcalorimeters while enhancing the science capability of the payload by implementing a series of improvements for the third flight. For the observation of Cas A in the third flight, we will upgrade from the 128-pixel array with 1 arcminute pixels used in the first two flights to a higher-energy resolution (1 eV FWHM) 256-pixel array with 20 arcsecond pixels and a new 30 arcsecond HPD mirror to enable improved imaging spectroscopy with our payload. The Micro-X team includes leaders in the development of microcalorimeters, SQUID readout systems, and segmented and full-shell grazing incidence X-ray optics, as well as highly experienced sounding rocket instrument developers, and scientific experts on supernova remnants. These investigators are located at institutions with strong space instrumentation traditions with the infrastructure to ensure a successful flight program. With Micro-X, we have designed a versatile payload capable of providing high-resolution science and a testbed for new technology. The first flight this year will make significant scientific contributions well ahead of the Astro-H mission. The program will also aid in the understanding and development of future flight-qualified microcalorimeter systems for larger orbiting missions. Finally, it will continue to attract talented young scientists to X-ray astrophysics and thus serve as a direct pipeline of future leaders of NASA missions.

On-orbit figure sensing and figure correction control for 0.5 arc-second adjustable X-ray optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reid, Paul

This investigation seeks to develop the technology to directly monitor on-orbit changes to imaging performance of adjustable X-ray optics so as to be able to efficiently correct adverse changes at a level consistent with 0.5 arc-second X-ray telescope imaging. Adjustable X-ray optics employ thin film piezoelectric material deposited on the back of a thin glass Wolter mirror segment to introduce localized stresses in the mirror. These stresses are used in a deterministic way to improve mirror figure from 10 arc-sec, half power diameter (HPD), to 0.5 arc-sec, HPD, without the need for a heavy reaction structure. This is a realizable technology for potential future X-ray telescope missions with 0.5 arc-second resolution and several square meters effective area, such as SMART-X. We are pursuing such mirror development under an existing APRA grant. Here we propose a new investigation to accomplish the monitoring and control of the mirrors by monitoring the health of the piezoelectric actuators of the adjustable optics to a level consistent with 0.5 arcsec imaging. Such measurements are beyond the capability of conventional, thin metal film strain gauges using DC measurements. Instead, we propose to develop the technology to deposit different types of strain gauges (metal film, semiconductor) directly on the piezoelectric cells; to investigate the use of additional thin layers of piezoelectric materials such as lead zirconate titanate or zinc oxide as strain and temperature gauges; and to use AC measurement of strain gauges for precise measurement of piezoelectric adjuster performance. The intent is to use this information to correct changes in mirror shape by adjusting the voltages on the piezoelectric adjustors. Adjustable X-ray optics are designed to meet the challenge of large collecting area and high angular resolution. The mirrors are called adjustable rather than active as mirror figure error is corrected (adjusted) once or infrequently, as opposed to being changed constantly at several cycles/sec (active). In our approach, the mirror figure is corrected based on ground measurements, accounting for figure errors due to mirror manufacturing, mounting induced deformations, modeled gravity release, and modeled on-orbit thermal effects. The piezoelectric strain monitoring we seek to develop in this program extends adjustable mirror technology development, as it enables efficient adjustment and correction of mirror figure on-orbit, as required. This unprecedented level of system robustness will make telescopes less expensive to build because requirements for the non-optical systems can be looser, and it will also make the system more resistant to degradation, promoting mission success. The largest drivers for changes from ground calibration to on-orbit performance are piezoelectric material aging and an unexpected thermal environment (i.e., larger gradients than modeled or other thermal control system problem). Developing the capability to accurately monitor the health of each piezoelectric cell and the local mirror surface temperature will enable the real time sensing of any of these potential issues, help determine the cause, and enable corrections via updating models of on-orbit conditions and re-optimizing the required piezoelectric cell voltages for mirror figure correction. Our 3 year research program includes the development of the strain monitoring technology, its deposition on the adjustable optics, modeling and performance simulation, accelerated lifetime testing, and optical and electrical metrology of sample adjustable optics that incorporate monitoring sensors. Development of the capability to remotely monitor piezo performance and temperature to necessary precision will vastly improve reliability of the SMART-X mission concept, or the sub-arc-second X-ray Surveyor mission described in the 2013 NASA Astrophysics Roadmap, Enduring Quests Daring Visions.

Phenological shifts in North American red squirrels: disentangling the roles of phenotypic plasticity and microevolution.

PubMed

Lane, Jeffrey E; McAdam, Andrew G; McFarlane, S Eryn; Williams, Cory T; Humphries, Murray M; Coltman, David W; Gorrell, Jamieson C; Boutin, Stan

2018-06-01

Phenological shifts are the most widely reported ecological responses to climate change, but the requirements to distinguish their causes (i.e. phenotypic plasticity vs. microevolution) are rarely met. To do so, we analysed almost two decades of parturition data from a wild population of North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Although an observed advance in parturition date during the first decade provided putative support for climate change-driven microevolution, a closer look revealed a more complex pattern. Parturition date was heritable [h 2  = 0.14 (0.07-0.21 (HPD interval)] and under phenotypic selection [β = -0.14 ± 0.06 (SE)] across the full study duration. However, the early advance reversed in the second decade. Further, selection did not act on the genetic contribution to variation in parturition date, and observed changes in predicted breeding values did not exceed those expected due to genetic drift. Instead, individuals responded plastically to environmental variation, and high food [white spruce (Picea glauca) seed] production in the first decade appears to have produced a plastic advance. In addition, there was little evidence of climate change affecting the advance, as there was neither a significant influence of spring temperature on parturition date or evidence of a change in spring temperatures across the study duration. Heritable traits not responding to selection in accordance with quantitative genetic predictions have long presented a puzzle to evolutionary ecologists. Our results on red squirrels provide empirical support for one potential solution: phenotypic selection arising from an environmental, as opposed to genetic, covariance between the phenotypic trait and annual fitness. © 2018 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2018 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

Fire-adapted Gondwanan Angiosperm floras evolved in the Cretaceous

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Fires have been widespread over the last 250 million years, peaking 60−125 million years ago (Ma), and might therefore have played a key role in the evolution of Angiosperms. Yet it is commonly believed that fireprone communities existed only after the global climate became more arid and seasonal 15 Ma. Recent molecular-based studies point to much earlier origins of fireprone Angiosperm floras in Australia and South Africa (to 60 Ma, Paleocene) but even these were constrained by the ages of the clades examined. Results Using a molecular-dated phylogeny for the great Gondwanan family Proteaceae, with a 113-million-year evolutionary history, we show that the ancestors of many of its characteristic sclerophyll genera, such as Protea, Conospermum, Leucadendron, Petrophile, Adenanthos and Leucospermum (all subfamily Proteoideae), occurred in fireprone habitats from 88 Ma (83−94, 95% HPD, Mid-Upper Cretaceous). This coincided with the highest atmospheric oxygen (combustibility) levels experienced over the past 150 million years. Migration from non-fireprone (essentially rainforest-climate-type) environments was accompanied by the evolution of highly speciose clades with a range of seed storage traits and fire-cued seed release or germination mechanisms that was diagnostic for each clade by 71 Ma, though the ant-dispersed lineage (as a soil seed-storage subclade) was delayed until 45 Ma. Conclusions Focusing on the widespread 113-million-year-old family Proteaceae, fireproneness among Gondwanan Angiosperm floras can now be traced back almost 90 million years into the fiery Cretaceous. The associated evolution of on-plant (serotiny) and soil seed storage, and later ant dispersal, affirms them as ancient adaptations to fire among flowering plants. PMID:23171161

Segmented X-Ray Optics for Future Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClelland, Ryan S.

2013-01-01

Lightweight and high resolution mirrors are needed for future space-based X-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. The slumped glass mirror technology in development at NASA GSFC aims to build X-ray mirror modules with an area to mass ratio of approx.17 sq cm/kg at 1 keV and a resolution of 10 arc-sec Half Power Diameter (HPD) or better at an affordable cost. As the technology nears the performance requirements, additional engineering effort is needed to ensure the modules are compatible with space-flight. This paper describes Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) designs for several X-ray astrophysics missions studied by NASA and defines generic driving requirements and subsequent verification tests necessary to advance technology readiness for mission implementation. The requirement to perform X-ray testing in a horizontal beam, based on the orientation of existing facilities, is particularly burdensome on the mirror technology, necessitating mechanical over-constraint of the mirror segments and stiffening of the modules in order to prevent self-weight deformation errors from dominating the measured performance. This requirement, in turn, drives the mass and complexity of the system while limiting the testable angular resolution. Design options for a vertical X-ray test facility alleviating these issues are explored. An alternate mirror and module design using kinematic constraint of the mirror segments, enabled by a vertical test facility, is proposed. The kinematic mounting concept has significant advantages including potential for higher angular resolution, simplified mirror integration, and relaxed thermal requirements. However, it presents new challenges including low vibration modes and imperfections in kinematic constraint. Implementation concepts overcoming these challenges are described along with preliminary test and analysis results demonstrating the feasibility of kinematically mounting slumped glass mirror segments.

Analysis of aromatic catabolic pathways in Pseudomonas putida KT 2440 using a combined proteomic approach: 2-DE/MS and cleavable isotope-coded affinity tag analysis.

PubMed

Kim, Young Hwan; Cho, Kun; Yun, Sung-Ho; Kim, Jin Young; Kwon, Kyung-Hoon; Yoo, Jong Shin; Kim, Seung Il

2006-02-01

Proteomic analysis of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 cultured in monocyclic aromatic compounds was performed using 2-DE/MS and cleavable isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) to determine whether proteins involved in aromatic compound degradation pathways were altered as predicted by genomic analysis (Jiménez et al., Environ Microbiol. 2002, 4, 824-841). Eighty unique proteins were identified by 2-DE/MS or MS/MS analysis from P. putida KT2440 cultured in the presence of six different organic compounds. Benzoate dioxygenase (BenA, BenD) and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (CatA) were induced by benzoate. Protocatechuate 3,4-dixoygenase (PcaGH) was induced by p-hydroxybenzoate and vanilline. beta-Ketoadipyl CoA thiolase (PcaF) and 3-oxoadipate enol-lactone hydrolase (PcaD) were induced by benzoate, p-hydroxybenzoate and vanilline, suggesting that benzoate, p-hydroxybenzoate and vanilline were degraded by different dioxygenases and then converged in the same beta-ketoadipate degradation pathway. An additional 110 proteins, including 19 proteins from 2-DE analysis, were identified by cleavable ICAT analysis for benzoate-induced proteomes, which complemented the 2-DE results. Phenylethylamine exposure induced beta-ketoacyl CoA thiolase (PhaD) and ring-opening enzyme (PhaL), both enzymes of the phenylacetate (pha) biodegradation pathway. Phenylalanine induced 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate dioxygenase (Hpd) and homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HmgA), key enzymes in the homogentisate degradation pathway. Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AphC) was induced under all aromatic compounds conditions. These results suggest that proteome analysis complements and supports predictive information obtained by genomic sequence analysis.

Affordable and Lightweight High-Resolution X-ray Optics for Astronomical Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, W. W.; Biskach, M. P.; Bly, V. T.; Carter, J. M.; Chan, K. W.; Gaskin, J. A.; Hong, M.; Hohl, B. R.; Jones, W. D.; Kolodziejczak, J. J.

2014-01-01

Future x-ray astronomical missions require x-ray mirror assemblies that provide both high angular resolution and large photon collecting area. In addition, as x-ray astronomy undertakes more sensitive sky surveys, a large field of view is becoming increasingly important as well. Since implementation of these requirements must be carried out in broad political and economical contexts, any technology that meets these performance requirements must also be financially affordable and can be implemented on a reasonable schedule. In this paper we report on progress of an x-ray optics development program that has been designed to address all of these requirements. The program adopts the segmented optical design, thereby is capable of making both small and large mirror assemblies for missions of any size. This program has five technical elements: (1) fabrication of mirror substrates, (2) coating, (3) alignment, (4) bonding, and (5) mirror module systems engineering and testing. In the past year we have made progress in each of these five areas, advancing the angular resolution of mirror modules from 10.8 arc-seconds half-power diameter reported (HPD) a year ago to 8.3 arc-seconds now. These mirror modules have been subjected to and passed all environmental tests, including vibration, acoustic, and thermal vacuum. As such this technology is ready for implementing a mission that requires a 10-arc-second mirror assembly. Further development in the next two years would make it ready for a mission requiring a 5-arc-second mirror assembly. We expect that, by the end of this decade, this technology would enable the x-ray astrophysical community to compete effectively for a major x-ray mission in the 2020s that would require one or more 1-arc-second mirror assemblies for imaging, spectroscopic, timing, and survey studies.

Evolutionary history and molecular epidemiology of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in the Iberian Peninsula and Western Europe

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly virulent calicivirus, first described in domestic rabbits in China in 1984. RHDV appears to be a mutant form of a benign virus that existed in Europe long before the first outbreak. In the Iberian Peninsula, the first epidemic in 1988 severely reduced the populations of autochthonous European wild rabbit. To examine the evolutionary history of RHDV in the Iberian Peninsula, we collected virus samples from wild rabbits and sequenced a fragment of the capsid protein gene VP60. These data together with available sequences from other Western European countries, were analyzed following Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to infer their phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary rates and demographic history. Results Evolutionary relationships of RHDV revealed three main lineages with significant phylogeographic structure. All lineages seem to have emerged at a common period of time, between ~1875 and ~1976. The Iberian Peninsula showed evidences of genetic isolation, probably due to geographic barriers to gene flow, and was also the region with the youngest MRCA. Overall, demographic analyses showed an initial increase and stabilization of the relative genetic diversity of RHDV, and a subsequent reduction in genetic diversity after the first epidemic breakout in 1984, which is compatible with a decline in effective population size. Conclusions Results were consistent with the hypothesis that the current Iberian RHDV arose from a single infection between 1869 and 1955 (95% HPD), and rendered a temporal pattern of appearance and extinction of lineages. We propose that the rising positive selection pressure observed throughout the history of RHDV is likely mediated by the host immune system as a consequence of the genetic changes that rendered the virus virulent. Consequently, this relationship is suggested to condition RHDV demographic history. PMID:21067589

Experimentally biased model structure of the Hsc70/auxilin complex: Substrate transfer and interdomain structural change

PubMed Central

Gruschus, James M.; Greene, Lois E.; Eisenberg, Evan; Ferretti, James A.

2004-01-01

A model structure of the Hsc70/auxilin complex has been constructed to gain insight into interprotein substrate transfer and ATP hydrolysis induced conformational changes in the multidomain Hsc70 structure. The Hsc70/auxilin system, which is a member of the Hsp70/Hsp40 chaperone system family, uncoats clathrin-coated vesicles in an ATP hydrolysis-driven process. Incorporating previous results from NMR and mutant binding studies, the auxilin J-domain was docked into the Hsc70 ATPase domain lower cleft using rigid backbone/flexible side chain molecular dynamics, and the Hsc70 substrate binding domain was docked by a similar procedure. For comparison, J-domain and substrate binding domain docking sites were obtained by the rigid-body docking programs DOT and ZDOCK, filtered and ranked by the program ClusPro, and relaxed using the same rigid backbone/flexible side chain dynamics. The substrate binding domain sites were assessed in terms of conserved surface complementarity and feasibility in the context of substrate transfer, both for auxilin and another Hsp40 protein, Hsc20. This assessment favors placement of the substrate binding domain near D152 on the ATPase domain surface adjacent to the J-domain invariant HPD segment, with the Hsc70 interdomain linker in the lower cleft. Examining Hsc70 interdomain energetics, we propose that long-range electrostatic interactions, perhaps due to a difference in the pKa values of bound ATP and ADP, could play a major role in the structural change induced by ATP hydrolysis. Interdomain electrostatic interactions also appear to play a role in stimulation of ATPase activity due to J-domain binding and substrate binding by Hsc70. PMID:15273304

Design, Construction, and Testing of Lightweight X-ray Mirror Modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClelland, Ryan S.; Biskach, Michael P.; Chan, Kai-Wing; Espina, Rebecca A.; Hohl, Bruce R.; Matson, Elizabeth A.; Saha, Timo C.; Zhang, William W.

2013-01-01

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based X-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. The Next Generation X-ray Optics (NGXO) team at NASA GSFC is nearing mission readiness for a 10 arc-second Half Power Diameter (HPD) slumped glass mirror technology while laying the groundwork for a future 1-2 arc-second technology based on polished silicon mirrors. Technology Development Modules (TDMs) have been designed, fabricated, integrated with mirrors segments, and extensively tested to demonstrate technology readiness. Tests include X-ray performance, thermal vacuum, acoustic load, and random vibration. The thermal vacuum and acoustic load environments have proven relatively benign, while the random vibration environment has proven challenging due to large input amplification at frequencies above 500 Hz. Epoxy selection, surface preparation, and larger bond area have increased bond strength while vibration isolation has decreased vibration amplification allowing for space launch requirements to be met in the near term. The next generation of TDMs, which demonstrates a lightweight structure supporting more mirror segments, is currently being fabricated. Analysis predicts superior performance characteristics due to the use of E-60 Beryllium-Oxide Metal Matrix Composite material, with only a modest cost increase. These TDMs will be larger, lighter, stiffer, and stronger than the current generation. Preliminary steps are being taken to enable mounting and testing of 1-2 arc-second mirror segments expected to be available in the future. A Vertical X-ray Test Facility (VXTF) will minimize module gravity distortion and allow for less constrained mirror mounts, such as fully kinematic mounts. Permanent kinematic mounting into a modified TDM has been demonstrated to achieve 2 arc-second level distortion free alignment.

Phylodynamic analysis and molecular diversity of the avian infectious bronchitis virus of chickens in Brazil.

PubMed

Fraga, Aline Padilha de; Gräf, Tiago; Pereira, Cleiton Schneider; Ikuta, Nilo; Fonseca, André Salvador Kazantzi; Lunge, Vagner Ricardo

2018-07-01

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the etiological agent of a highly contagious disease, which results in severe economic losses to the poultry industry. The spike protein (S1 subunit) is responsible for the molecular diversity of the virus and many sero/genotypes are described around the world. Recently a new standardized classification of the IBV molecular diversity was conducted, based on phylogenetic analysis of the S1 gene sequences sampled worldwide. Brazil is one of the biggest poultry producers in the world and the present study aimed to review the molecular diversity and reconstruct the evolutionary history of IBV in the country. All IBV S1 gene sequences, with local and year of collection information available on GenBank, were retrieved. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on a maximum likelihood method for the classification of genotypes occurring in Brazil, according to the new classification. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed with the Brazilian clade and related international sequences to determine the evolutionary history of IBV in Brazil. A total of 143 Brazilian sequences were classified as GI-11 and 46 as GI-1 (Mass). Within the GI-11 clade, we have identified a potential recombinant strain circulating in Brazil. Phylodynamic analysis demonstrated that IBV GI-11 lineage was introduced in Brazil in the 1950s (1951, 1917-1975 95% HPD) and population dynamics was mostly constant throughout the time. Despite the national vaccination protocols, our results show the widespread dissemination and maintenance of the IBV GI-11 lineage in Brazil and highlight the importance of continuous surveillance to evaluate the impact of currently used vaccine strains on the observed viral diversity of the country. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Integrated Fossil and Molecular Data Reveal the Biogeographic Diversification of the Eastern Asian-Eastern North American Disjunct Hickory Genus (Carya Nutt.)

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jing-Bo; Li, Rui-Qi; Xiang, Xiao-Guo; Manchester, Steven R.; Lin, Li; Wang, Wei; Wen, Jun; Chen, Zhi-Duan

2013-01-01

The hickory genus (Carya) contains ca. 17 species distributed in subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Asia and subtropical to temperate regions of eastern North America. Previously, the phylogenetic relationships between eastern Asian and eastern North American species of Carya were not fully confirmed even with an extensive sampling, biogeographic and diversification patterns had thus never been investigated in a phylogenetic context. We sampled 17 species of Carya and 15 species representing all other genera of the Juglandaceae as outgroups, with eight nuclear and plastid loci to reconstruct the phylogeny of Carya. The phylogenetic positions of seven extinct genera of the Juglandaceae were inferred using morphological characters and the molecular phylogeny as a backbone constraint. Divergence times within Carya were estimated with relaxed Bayesian dating. Biogeographic analyses were performed in DIVA and LAGRANGE. Diversification rates were inferred by LASER and APE packages. Our results support two major clades within Carya, corresponding to the lineages of eastern Asia and eastern North America. The split between the two disjunct clades is estimated to be 21.58 (95% HPD 11.07-35.51) Ma. Genus-level DIVA and LAGRANGE analyses incorporating both extant and extinct genera of the Juglandaceae suggested that Carya originated in North America, and migrated to Eurasia during the early Tertiary via the North Atlantic land bridge. Fragmentation of the distribution caused by global cooling in the late Tertiary resulted in the current disjunction. The diversification rate of hickories in eastern North America appeared to be higher than that in eastern Asia, which is ascribed to greater ecological opportunities, key morphological innovations, and polyploidy. PMID:23875028

Integrated fossil and molecular data reveal the biogeographic diversification of the eastern Asian-eastern North American disjunct hickory genus (Carya Nutt.).

PubMed

Zhang, Jing-Bo; Li, Rui-Qi; Xiang, Xiao-Guo; Manchester, Steven R; Lin, Li; Wang, Wei; Wen, Jun; Chen, Zhi-Duan

2013-01-01

The hickory genus (Carya) contains ca. 17 species distributed in subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Asia and subtropical to temperate regions of eastern North America. Previously, the phylogenetic relationships between eastern Asian and eastern North American species of Carya were not fully confirmed even with an extensive sampling, biogeographic and diversification patterns had thus never been investigated in a phylogenetic context. We sampled 17 species of Carya and 15 species representing all other genera of the Juglandaceae as outgroups, with eight nuclear and plastid loci to reconstruct the phylogeny of Carya. The phylogenetic positions of seven extinct genera of the Juglandaceae were inferred using morphological characters and the molecular phylogeny as a backbone constraint. Divergence times within Carya were estimated with relaxed Bayesian dating. Biogeographic analyses were performed in DIVA and LAGRANGE. Diversification rates were inferred by LASER and APE packages. Our results support two major clades within Carya, corresponding to the lineages of eastern Asia and eastern North America. The split between the two disjunct clades is estimated to be 21.58 (95% HPD 11.07-35.51) Ma. Genus-level DIVA and LAGRANGE analyses incorporating both extant and extinct genera of the Juglandaceae suggested that Carya originated in North America, and migrated to Eurasia during the early Tertiary via the North Atlantic land bridge. Fragmentation of the distribution caused by global cooling in the late Tertiary resulted in the current disjunction. The diversification rate of hickories in eastern North America appeared to be higher than that in eastern Asia, which is ascribed to greater ecological opportunities, key morphological innovations, and polyploidy.

Photodynamic method used for the treatment of malignant melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domaniecki, Janusz; Stanowski, Edward; Graczyk, Alfreda; Kalczak, M.; Struzyna, Jerzy; Kwasny, Miroslaw; Mierczyk, Zygmunt; Najdecki, M.; Krupa, J.

1997-10-01

A photodynamic method is successfully applied for tumor diagnosis treatment. We used such a method for a dozen or so patients with primary and metastatic skin tumors. As photosensitizers HpD (Arg)2 and PP(Ala)2(Arg)2 were used in concentration of 1 mg/ml. The photosensitizers wee administered directly into tumors with a does of 0.1 divided by 0.2 ml. As a result of tumor irradiation by means of the He-Cd laser, a tumor intensively luminates what makes it possible to determine accurately its size and shape. Next, we applied a series of irradiation by means of He-Ne laser during the successive three days and patients received full dose of 150 J/cm2 per tumor surface. For extensive tumors such an irradiation series was repeated after 7 days. The patients were divided into three groups depending on tumor size. The first group of patients with tumors of 0.5 cm of diameter showed very good treatment results just after the first series of irradiation. The second group of patients with tumors of 0.5-1.5 cm showed very good treatment results after two series of irradiation. The third group of patients with tumors of diameter over 1.0 cm showed acceptable treatment results after two series of irradiations, determined as sufficient ones. The patients from the third group wee operated on after 7 divided by 10 days from the time of the completed irradiation. The photodynamic method can be used as a method for tumor diagnosis and skin tumor treatment as well as a supplementary method for surgical intervention.

[Spanish Registry of Home-based Parenteral Nutrition during 2006 (NADYA-SENPE Group)].

PubMed

Puiggrós, C; Chicharro, M L; Gómez-Candela, C; Virgili, N; Cuerda, C; Gómez-Enterría, P; Ordóñez, J; Moreno, J M; Penacho, M A; Pérez de la Cruz, A; Alvarez, J; Luengo, L M; Irles, J A; Wanden-Berghe, C; de Luis, D; Rodríguez-Pozo, A; Garde, C; Pedrón, C; Gómez, L; Cànovas, B

2008-01-01

To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the year 2006. We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st to December 31st 2006. 103 patients with HPN were registered (47 males and 56 females), belonging to 19 hospitals. Average age for the 91 patients older than 14 years old was 53.3 +/- 14.9 years old, and that for the 12 patients under 14 years old was 2 +/- 0 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (29%), followed by intestinal motility disorders (13%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (40%), intestinal obstruction (22%), and malabsorption (21%). Tunneled catheters were mostly used (45%), followed by implanted port-catheters (32%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.85 episodes / 10(3) days. HPD was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2006, 70.9% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (53%). Complementary oral or enteral nutrition was provided to 52% of the patients. 48% of the patients had a normal activity level, and a 55% were autonomous. PN formula was supplied by the hospital in 82% of the cases, while this number was 78% for fungible materials. 27% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections with respect to the 2004-2005 period.

Diffusion of hydrogen interstitials in the near-surface region of Pd(111) under the influence of surface coverage and external static electric fields

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

Blanco-Rey, M.; Donostia International Physics Center; Tremblay, J. C.

2015-04-21

Past scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments of H manipulation on Pd(111), at low temperature, have shown that it is possible to induce diffusion of surface species as well as of those deeply buried under the surface. Several questions remain open regarding the role of subsurface site occupancies. In the present work, the interaction potential of H atoms with Pd(111) under various H coverage conditions is determined by means of density functional theory calculations in order to provide an answer to two of these questions: (i) whether subsurface sites are the final locations for the H impurities that attempt to emergemore » from bulk regions, and (ii) whether penetration of the surface is a competing route of on-surface diffusion during depletion of surface H on densely covered Pd(111). We find that a high H coverage has the effect of blocking resurfacing of H atoms travelling from below, which would otherwise reach the surface fcc sites, but it hardly alters deeper diffusion energy barriers. Penetration is unlikely and restricted to high occupancies of hcp hollows. In agreement with experiments, the Pd lattice expands vertically as a consequence of H atoms being blocked at subsurface sites, and surface H enhances this expansion. STM tip effects are included in the calculations self-consistently as an external static electric field. The main contribution to the induced surface electric dipoles originates from the Pd substrate polarisability. We find that the electric field has a non-negligible effect on the H-Pd potential in the vicinity of the topmost Pd atomic layer, yet typical STM intensities of 1-2 VÅ{sup −1} are insufficient to invert the stabilities of the surface and subsurface equilibrium sites.« less

Tenax TA extraction to understand the rate-limiting factors in methyl-β-cyclodextrin-enhanced bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Sun, Mingming; Luo, Yongming; Teng, Ying; Christie, Peter; Jia, Zhongjun; Li, Zhengao

2013-06-01

The effectiveness of many bioremediation systems for PAH-contaminated soil may be constrained by low contaminant bioaccessibility due to limited aqueous solubility or large sorption capacity. Information on the extent to which PAHs can be readily biodegraded is of vital importance in the decision whether or not to remediate a contaminated soil. In the present study the rate-limiting factors in methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD)-enhanced bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil were evaluated. MCD amendment at 10 % (w/w) combined with inoculation with the PAH-degrading bacterium Paracoccus sp. strain HPD-2 produced maximum removal of total PAHs of up to 35 %. The desorption of PAHs from contaminated soil was determined before and after 32 weeks of bioremediation. 10 % (w/w) MCD amendment (M2) increased the Tenax extraction of total PAHs from 12 to 30 % and promoted degradation by up to 26 % compared to 6 % in the control. However, the percentage of Tenax extraction for total PAHs was much larger than that of degradation. Thus, in the control and M2 treatment it is likely that during the initial phase the bioaccessibility of PAHs is high and biodegradation rates may be limited by microbial processes. On the other hand, when the soil was inoculated with the PAH-degrading bacterium (CKB and MB2), the slowly and very slowly desorbing fractions (F sl and F vl ) became larger and the rate constants of slow and very slow desorption (k sl and k vl ) became extremely small after bioremediation, suggesting that desorption is likely rate limiting during the second, slow phase of biotransformation. These results have practical implications for site risk assessment and cleanup strategies.

Persistence of Lineage IV Peste-des-petits ruminants virus within Israel since 1993: An evolutionary perspective

PubMed Central

Clarke, Brian; Mahapatra, Mana; Friedgut, Orly; Bumbarov, Velizar

2017-01-01

Peste-des-petits ruminants (PPR) is one of the most important infectious diseases of domesticated small ruminants. From the initial identification in 1942 in West Africa, PPR virus (PPRV) has spread throughout much of the developing world. PPRV is now considered endemic throughout Africa, with the notable exception of South Africa, the Middle-East and Israel, as well as South-, East-, and Central Asia. Despite this widespread dispersal, the evolution and transmission of PPRV in endemic populations is not well understood. This understanding will be critical in the planning of rational measures to eradicate PPRV by the planned time as defined by the FAO and OIE. To further advance the understanding of the evolution of PPRV the full genome sequence of 18 viruses isolated from Israel from consecutive years between 1997–2014 were generated. This data set is unique and crucial for the understanding of the evolution of PPRV, as it represents the first set of full-length sequence data available from consecutive years from a single geographic location. Analysis of these full genome sequences shows 96.2–99.9% nucleotide conservation across the Israel isolates and further demonstrates the strong purifying selection pressures on PPRV within Israel and globally. Four amino acid substitutions indicative of putative positive selection were additionally identified within the Israel isolates. The mean substitution rate per site per year was estimated to be 9.22 x 10−4 (95% HPD 6.206 x 10−4–1.26 x 10−3). Using Bayesian and phylogenetic analyses we further demonstrate that the PPRV isolates from Israel belongs to linage IV and form a single strong regional cluster within all other lineage IV viruses circulating worldwide implying a single incursion into Israel. PMID:28545149

Persistence of Lineage IV Peste-des-petits ruminants virus within Israel since 1993: An evolutionary perspective.

PubMed

Clarke, Brian; Mahapatra, Mana; Friedgut, Orly; Bumbarov, Velizar; Parida, Satya

2017-01-01

Peste-des-petits ruminants (PPR) is one of the most important infectious diseases of domesticated small ruminants. From the initial identification in 1942 in West Africa, PPR virus (PPRV) has spread throughout much of the developing world. PPRV is now considered endemic throughout Africa, with the notable exception of South Africa, the Middle-East and Israel, as well as South-, East-, and Central Asia. Despite this widespread dispersal, the evolution and transmission of PPRV in endemic populations is not well understood. This understanding will be critical in the planning of rational measures to eradicate PPRV by the planned time as defined by the FAO and OIE. To further advance the understanding of the evolution of PPRV the full genome sequence of 18 viruses isolated from Israel from consecutive years between 1997-2014 were generated. This data set is unique and crucial for the understanding of the evolution of PPRV, as it represents the first set of full-length sequence data available from consecutive years from a single geographic location. Analysis of these full genome sequences shows 96.2-99.9% nucleotide conservation across the Israel isolates and further demonstrates the strong purifying selection pressures on PPRV within Israel and globally. Four amino acid substitutions indicative of putative positive selection were additionally identified within the Israel isolates. The mean substitution rate per site per year was estimated to be 9.22 x 10-4 (95% HPD 6.206 x 10-4-1.26 x 10-3). Using Bayesian and phylogenetic analyses we further demonstrate that the PPRV isolates from Israel belongs to linage IV and form a single strong regional cluster within all other lineage IV viruses circulating worldwide implying a single incursion into Israel.

A long baseline RICH with a 27-kiloton water target and radiator for detection of neutrino oscillations

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

Ypsilantis, T.; Seguinot, J.; Zichichi, A.

1997-01-01

A 27 kt water volume is investigated as a target for a long baseline neutrino beam from CERN to Gran Sasso. Charged secondaries from the neutrino interactions produce Cherenkov photons in water which are imaged as rings by a spherical mirror. The photon detector elements are 14 400 photomultipliers (PM`s) of 127 mm diameter or 3600 HPD`s of 250 mm diameter with single photon sensitivity. A coincidence signal of about 300 pixel elements in time with the SPS beam starts readout in bins of 1 ns over a period of 128 ns. Momentum, direction, and velocity of hadrons and muconsmore » are determined from the width, center, and radius of the rings, respectively. Momentum is measured if multiple scattering dominates the ring width, as is the case for most of the particles of interest. Momentum, direction, and velocity of hadrons and muons are determined from the width, center, and radius of the rings, respectively. Momentum is measured if multiple scattering dominates the ring width, as is the case for most of the particles of interest. Momentum resolutions of 1-10%, mass resolutions of 5-50 MeV, and direction resolutions of < 1 mrad are achievable. Thresholds in water for muons, pions, kaons, and protons are 0.12, 0.16, 0.55, and 1.05 GeV/c, respectively. Electrons and gammas can be measured with energy resolution {sigma}{sub E}/E{approx}8.5%/{radical}E(GeV) and with direction resolution {approx} 1 mrad. The detector can be sited either inside a Gran Sasso tunnel or above ground because it is directional and the SPS beam is pulsed; thus the rejection of cosmic ray background is excellent.« less

Multilocus Phylogeography and Species Delimitation in the Cumberland Plateau Salamander, Plethodon kentucki: Incongruence among Data Sets and Methods

PubMed Central

Kuchta, Shawn R.; Brown, Ashley D.; Converse, Paul E.; Highton, Richard

2016-01-01

Species are a fundamental unit of biodiversity, yet can be challenging to delimit objectively. This is particularly true of species complexes characterized by high levels of population genetic structure, hybridization between genetic groups, isolation by distance, and limited phenotypic variation. Previous work on the Cumberland Plateau Salamander, Plethodon kentucki, suggested that it might constitute a species complex despite occupying a relatively small geographic range. To examine this hypothesis, we sampled 135 individuals from 43 populations, and used four mitochondrial loci and five nuclear loci (5693 base pairs) to quantify phylogeographic structure and probe for cryptic species diversity. Rates of evolution for each locus were inferred using the multidistribute package, and time calibrated gene trees and species trees were inferred using BEAST 2 and *BEAST 2, respectively. Because the parameter space relevant for species delimitation is large and complex, and all methods make simplifying assumptions that may lead them to fail, we conducted an array of analyses. Our assumption was that strongly supported species would be congruent across methods. Putative species were first delimited using a Bayesian implementation of the GMYC model (bGMYC), Geneland, and Brownie. We then validated these species using the genealogical sorting index and BPP. We found substantial phylogeographic diversity using mtDNA, including four divergent clades and an inferred common ancestor at 14.9 myr (95% HPD: 10.8–19.7 myr). By contrast, this diversity was not corroborated by nuclear sequence data, which exhibited low levels of variation and weak phylogeographic structure. Species trees estimated a far younger root than did the mtDNA data, closer to 1.0 myr old. Mutually exclusive putative species were identified by the different approaches. Possible causes of data set discordance, and the problem of species delimitation in complexes with high levels of population structure and introgressive hybridization, are discussed. PMID:26974148

Low Diversity Cryptococcus neoformans Variety grubii Multilocus Sequence Types from Thailand Are Consistent with an Ancestral African Origin

PubMed Central

Simwami, Sitali P.; Khayhan, Kantarawee; Henk, Daniel A.; Aanensen, David M.; Boekhout, Teun; Hagen, Ferry; Brouwer, Annemarie E.; Harrison, Thomas S.; Donnelly, Christl A.; Fisher, Matthew C.

2011-01-01

The global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is estimated at nearly one million cases per year, causing up to a third of all AIDS-related deaths. Molecular epidemiology constitutes the main methodology for understanding the factors underpinning the emergence of this understudied, yet increasingly important, group of pathogenic fungi. Cryptococcus species are notable in the degree that virulence differs amongst lineages, and highly-virulent emerging lineages are changing patterns of human disease both temporally and spatially. Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (Cng, serotype A) constitutes the most ubiquitous cause of cryptococcal meningitis worldwide, however patterns of molecular diversity are understudied across some regions experiencing significant burdens of disease. We compared 183 clinical and environmental isolates of Cng from one such region, Thailand, Southeast Asia, against a global MLST database of 77 Cng isolates. Population genetic analyses showed that Thailand isolates from 11 provinces were highly homogenous, consisting of the same genetic background (globally known as VNI) and exhibiting only ten nearly identical sequence types (STs), with three (STs 44, 45 and 46) dominating our sample. This population contains significantly less diversity when compared against the global population of Cng, specifically Africa. Genetic diversity in Cng was significantly subdivided at the continental level with nearly half (47%) of the global STs unique to a genetically diverse and recombining population in Botswana. These patterns of diversity, when combined with evidence from haplotypic networks and coalescent analyses of global populations, are highly suggestive of an expansion of the Cng VNI clade out of Africa, leading to a limited number of genotypes founding the Asian populations. Divergence time testing estimates the time to the most common ancestor between the African and Asian populations to be 6,920 years ago (95% HPD 122.96 - 27,177.76). Further high-density sampling of global Cng STs is now necessary to resolve the temporal sequence underlying the global emergence of this human pathogen. PMID:21573144

Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Carnivorous Plant Family Sarraceniaceae

PubMed Central

Ellison, Aaron M.; Butler, Elena D.; Hicks, Emily Jean; Naczi, Robert F. C.; Calie, Patrick J.; Bell, Charles D.; Davis, Charles C.

2012-01-01

The carnivorous plant family Sarraceniaceae comprises three genera of wetland-inhabiting pitcher plants: Darlingtonia in the northwestern United States, Sarracenia in eastern North America, and Heliamphora in northern South America. Hypotheses concerning the biogeographic history leading to this unusual disjunct distribution are controversial, in part because genus- and species-level phylogenies have not been clearly resolved. Here, we present a robust, species-rich phylogeny of Sarraceniaceae based on seven mitochondrial, nuclear, and plastid loci, which we use to illuminate this family's phylogenetic and biogeographic history. The family and genera are monophyletic: Darlingtonia is sister to a clade consisting of Heliamphora+Sarracenia. Within Sarracenia, two clades were strongly supported: one consisting of S. purpurea, its subspecies, and S. rosea; the other consisting of nine species endemic to the southeastern United States. Divergence time estimates revealed that stem group Sarraceniaceae likely originated in South America 44–53 million years ago (Mya) (highest posterior density [HPD] estimate = 47 Mya). By 25–44 (HPD = 35) Mya, crown-group Sarraceniaceae appears to have been widespread across North and South America, and Darlingtonia (western North America) had diverged from Heliamphora+Sarracenia (eastern North America+South America). This disjunction and apparent range contraction is consistent with late Eocene cooling and aridification, which may have severed the continuity of Sarraceniaceae across much of North America. Sarracenia and Heliamphora subsequently diverged in the late Oligocene, 14–32 (HPD = 23) Mya, perhaps when direct overland continuity between North and South America became reduced. Initial diversification of South American Heliamphora began at least 8 Mya, but diversification of Sarracenia was more recent (2–7, HPD = 4 Mya); the bulk of southeastern United States Sarracenia originated co-incident with Pleistocene glaciation, <3 Mya. Overall, these results suggest climatic change at different temporal and spatial scales in part shaped the distribution and diversity of this carnivorous plant clade. PMID:22720090

Time trends, environmental factors and genetic basis of semen traits collected in Holstein bulls under commercial conditions.

PubMed

Karoui, Sofiene; Díaz, Clara; Serrano, Magdalena; Cue, Roger; Celorrio, Idoia; Carabaño, María J

2011-03-01

The fact that results of artificial insemination (AI) are declining in highly selected dairy cattle populations has added a renewed interest to the evaluation of male fertility. Data from 42,348 ejaculates collected from 1990 to 2007 on 502 Holstein bulls were analysed in a Bayesian framework to provide estimates of the evolution of semen traits routinely collected in AI centres throughout the last decades of intense selection for production traits and estimate genetic parameters. The traits under consideration were volume (VOL), concentration (CONC), number of spermatozoa per ejaculate (NESPZ), mass motility score (MM), individual motility (IM), and post-thawing motility (PTM). The environmental factors studied were year-season and week of collection, which account for changes in environmental and technical conditions along time, age at collection, ejaculate order, time from previous collection (TPC) and time between collection and freezing (TCF) (only for PTM). Bull's inbreeding coefficient (Fi), bull's permanent environmental and additive genetic effects were also considered. The use of reduced models was evaluated using the Bayes factor. For all the systematic effects tested, strong or very strong evidence in favour of including the effect in the model was obtained, except for Fi for motility traits and TCF for PTM. No systematic time trends for environment or bull effects were observed, except for PTM, which showed an increasing environmental trend, associated with improvements in freezing-thawing protocols. Heritability estimates were moderate (0.16-0.22), except for IM, which presented a low value (0.07). Genetic correlations among motilities and between motilities and CONC were large and positive [0.38-0.87], VOL showed a negative correlation with CONC (-0.13) but with ample HPD 95%. The magnitude of heritabilities would allow an efficient selection if required and grants the use of these traits as indicators of the sperm viability component of bulls breeding soundness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessing the role of 18F-FDG PET and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of soft tissue musculoskeletal malignancies – A systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Etchebehere, Elba C.; Hobbs, Brian P.; R.Milton, Denái; Malawi, Osama; Patel, Shreyaskumar; Benjamin, Robert S.; Macapinlac, Homer A.

2016-01-01

Purpose Twelve years ago a meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET in assessing musculoskeletal soft tissue lesions (MsSTL). Currently, PET/CT has substituted PET imaging however there has not been any published meta-analysis on the use of PET/CT or a comparison of PET/CT with PET in the diagnosis of MsSTL. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the current diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT and determine if there is added value when compared to PET. Patients and Methods A systematic review of English articles using MEDLINE PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched from 1996 to March 2015. Studies exploring the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT (or dedicated PET) compared to histopathology in patients with MsSTL undergoing investigation for malignancy were included. Results Our meta-analysis included 14 articles composed of 755 patients with 757 soft tissue lesions. There were 451 (60%) malignant tumors and 306 benign lesions. The 18F-FDG PET/CT (and dedicated PET) mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for diagnosing MsSTL was 0.96 (0.90, 1.00), 0.77 (0.67, 0.86), 0.88 (0.85, 0.91), 0.86 (0.78, 0.94) and 0.91 (0.83, 0.99), respectively. The posterior mean (95% HPD interval) for the AUC was 0.92 (0.88, 0.96). PET/CT had higher specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value when compared to a dedicated PET (0.85, 0.89 and 0.91 vs 0.71, 0.85 and 0.82, respectively). Conclusions 18F-FDG PET/CT and dedicated PET are both highly accurate in the diagnosis of MsSTL. PET/CT is more accurate, specific and has a higher positive predictive value than PET. PMID:26631240

Inference of Epidemiological Dynamics Based on Simulated Phylogenies Using Birth-Death and Coalescent Models

PubMed Central

Boskova, Veronika; Bonhoeffer, Sebastian; Stadler, Tanja

2014-01-01

Quantifying epidemiological dynamics is crucial for understanding and forecasting the spread of an epidemic. The coalescent and the birth-death model are used interchangeably to infer epidemiological parameters from the genealogical relationships of the pathogen population under study, which in turn are inferred from the pathogen genetic sequencing data. To compare the performance of these widely applied models, we performed a simulation study. We simulated phylogenetic trees under the constant rate birth-death model and the coalescent model with a deterministic exponentially growing infected population. For each tree, we re-estimated the epidemiological parameters using both a birth-death and a coalescent based method, implemented as an MCMC procedure in BEAST v2.0. In our analyses that estimate the growth rate of an epidemic based on simulated birth-death trees, the point estimates such as the maximum a posteriori/maximum likelihood estimates are not very different. However, the estimates of uncertainty are very different. The birth-death model had a higher coverage than the coalescent model, i.e. contained the true value in the highest posterior density (HPD) interval more often (2–13% vs. 31–75% error). The coverage of the coalescent decreases with decreasing basic reproductive ratio and increasing sampling probability of infecteds. We hypothesize that the biases in the coalescent are due to the assumption of deterministic rather than stochastic population size changes. Both methods performed reasonably well when analyzing trees simulated under the coalescent. The methods can also identify other key epidemiological parameters as long as one of the parameters is fixed to its true value. In summary, when using genetic data to estimate epidemic dynamics, our results suggest that the birth-death method will be less sensitive to population fluctuations of early outbreaks than the coalescent method that assumes a deterministic exponentially growing infected population. PMID:25375100

Peripatric speciation of an endemic species driven by Pleistocene climate change: The case of the Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus).

PubMed

Castellanos-Morales, Gabriela; Gámez, Niza; Castillo-Gámez, Reyna A; Eguiarte, Luis E

2016-01-01

The hypothesis that endemic species could have originated by the isolation and divergence of peripheral populations of widespread species can be tested through the use of ecological niche models (ENMs) and statistical phylogeography. The joint use of these tools provides complementary perspectives on historical dynamics and allows testing hypotheses regarding the origin of endemic taxa. We used this approach to infer the historical processes that have influenced the origin of a species endemic to the Mexican Plateau (Cynomys mexicanus) and its divergence from a widespread ancestor (Cynomys ludovicianus), and to test whether this endemic species originated through peripatric speciation. We obtained genetic data for 295 individuals for two species of black-tailed prairie dogs (C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus). Genetic data consisted of mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and control region), and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. We estimated dates of divergence between species and between lineages within each species and performed ecological niche modelling (Present, Last Glacial Maximum and Last Interglacial) to determine changes in the distribution range of both species during the Pleistocene. Finally, we used Bayesian inference methods (DIYABC) to test different hypotheses regarding the divergence and demographic history of these species. Data supported the hypothesis of the origin of C. mexicanus from a peripheral population isolated during the Pleistocene [∼230,000 years ago (0.1-0.43 Ma 95% HPD)], with a Pleistocene-Holocene (∼9,000-11,000 years ago) population expansion (∼10-fold increase in population size). We identified the presence of two possible refugia in the southern area of the distribution range of C. ludovicianus and another, consistent with the distribution range of C. mexicanus. Our analyses suggest that Pleistocene climate change had a strong impact in the distribution of these species, promoting peripatric speciation for the origin of C. mexicanus and lineage divergence within C. ludovicianus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implementing a Data Quality Strategy to Simplify Access to Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druken, K. A.; Trenham, C. E.; Evans, B. J. K.; Richards, C. J.; Wang, J.; Wyborn, L. A.

2016-12-01

To ensure seamless programmatic access for data analysis (including machine learning), standardization of both data and services is vital. At the Australian National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) we have developed a Data Quality Strategy (DQS) that currently provides processes for: (1) the consistency of data structures in the underlying High Performance Data (HPD) platform; (2) quality control through compliance with recognized community standards; and (3) data quality assurance through demonstrated functionality across common platforms, tools and services. NCI hosts one of Australia's largest repositories (10+ PBytes) of research data collections spanning datasets from climate, coasts, oceans and geophysics through to astronomy, bioinformatics and the social sciences. A key challenge is the application of community-agreed data standards to the broad set of Earth systems and environmental data that are being used. Within these disciplines, data span a wide range of gridded, ungridded (i.e., line surveys, point clouds), and raster image types, as well as diverse coordinate reference projections and resolutions. By implementing our DQS we have seen progressive improvement in the quality of the datasets across the different subject domains, and through this, the ease by which the users can programmatically access the data, either in situ or via web services. As part of its quality control procedures, NCI has developed a compliance checker based upon existing domain standards. The DQS also includes extensive Functionality Testing which include readability by commonly used libraries (e.g., netCDF, HDF, GDAL, etc.); accessibility by data servers (e.g., THREDDS, Hyrax, GeoServer), validation against scientific analysis and programming platforms (e.g., Python, Matlab, QGIS); and visualization tools (e.g., ParaView, NASA Web World Wind). These tests ensure smooth interoperability between products and services as well as exposing unforeseen requirements and dependencies. The results provide an important component of quality control within the DQS as well as clarifying the requirement for any extensions to the relevant standards that help support the uptake of data by broader international communities.

Evaluation of antioxidant-associated efficacy of flavonoid extracts from a traditional Chinese medicine Hua Ju Hong (peels of Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck).

PubMed

Jiang, Jianping; Shan, Letian; Chen, Zhiyun; Xu, Haishun; Wang, Jianping; Liu, Yuwen; Xiong, Yaokang

2014-12-02

Hua Ju Hong (HJH, peels of Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) is a popularly used traditional Chinese medicine recorded by "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Ben Cao Gang Mu) in Ming Dynasty of China (1578 A.D.). With flavonoid components, HJH possesses hypolipidemic effect associated with antioxidation action. However, no report was found regarding the flavonoid profile and antioxidant activity of HJH. Five purified flavonoid extracts (TFCA, TFCB, TFCC, TFCD and TFCE.) were obtained from HJH using Ca(OH)2 and HPD-300 macroporous resins, and their total flavonoids and representative flavonoid components were analyzed. In vitro tests of DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total antioxidant activity of each extract were evaluated. The most effective extract was selected for in vivo antioxidative evaluation using a rat hyperlipemia model. The total flavonoid content was varying among each HJH extract and decreased in an order of TFCB>TFCD>TFCC>TFCE>TFCA. TFCB, TFCD, and TFCC contained more than 50% of total flavonoids, the highest content of which was found in TFCB (80.7%). HPLC analysis showed that the contents of three flavonoid components, narirutin, naringin and neohesperidin, displayed a similar trend as that of total flavonoids. In vitro antioxidative tests determined that TFCB at 0.24 to 1.2mg/ml possessed the most significant antioxidant effects among other extracts and was also superior to BHT. In vivo experiment also revealed the significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities of TFCB started from 50 to 200mg/kg after oral administration to hyperlipemia rats. These results indicate that TFCB with the highest flavonoid contents has the strongest antioxidant-associated activities. This is the first report regarding antioxidant-associated activities and relevant flavonoid components of HJH extracts, providing a promising candidate of traditional Chinese medicine for antioxidative treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low diversity Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii multilocus sequence types from Thailand are consistent with an ancestral African origin.

PubMed

Simwami, Sitali P; Khayhan, Kantarawee; Henk, Daniel A; Aanensen, David M; Boekhout, Teun; Hagen, Ferry; Brouwer, Annemarie E; Harrison, Thomas S; Donnelly, Christl A; Fisher, Matthew C

2011-04-01

The global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is estimated at nearly one million cases per year, causing up to a third of all AIDS-related deaths. Molecular epidemiology constitutes the main methodology for understanding the factors underpinning the emergence of this understudied, yet increasingly important, group of pathogenic fungi. Cryptococcus species are notable in the degree that virulence differs amongst lineages, and highly-virulent emerging lineages are changing patterns of human disease both temporally and spatially. Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (Cng, serotype A) constitutes the most ubiquitous cause of cryptococcal meningitis worldwide, however patterns of molecular diversity are understudied across some regions experiencing significant burdens of disease. We compared 183 clinical and environmental isolates of Cng from one such region, Thailand, Southeast Asia, against a global MLST database of 77 Cng isolates. Population genetic analyses showed that Thailand isolates from 11 provinces were highly homogenous, consisting of the same genetic background (globally known as VNI) and exhibiting only ten nearly identical sequence types (STs), with three (STs 44, 45 and 46) dominating our sample. This population contains significantly less diversity when compared against the global population of Cng, specifically Africa. Genetic diversity in Cng was significantly subdivided at the continental level with nearly half (47%) of the global STs unique to a genetically diverse and recombining population in Botswana. These patterns of diversity, when combined with evidence from haplotypic networks and coalescent analyses of global populations, are highly suggestive of an expansion of the Cng VNI clade out of Africa, leading to a limited number of genotypes founding the Asian populations. Divergence time testing estimates the time to the most common ancestor between the African and Asian populations to be 6,920 years ago (95% HPD 122.96 - 27,177.76). Further high-density sampling of global Cng STs is now necessary to resolve the temporal sequence underlying the global emergence of this human pathogen.

Contrasting Genetic Structure among Populations of Two Amphidromous Fish Species (Sicydiinae) in the Central West Pacific

PubMed Central

Taillebois, Laura; Castelin, Magalie; Ovenden, Jennifer R.; Bonillo, Céline; Keith, Philippe

2013-01-01

Both present-day and past processes can shape connectivity of populations. Pleistocene vicariant events and dispersal have shaped the present distribution and connectivity patterns of aquatic species in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, the processes that have shaped distribution of amphidromous goby species still remain unknown. Previous studies show that phylogeographic breaks are observed between populations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans where the shallow Sunda shelf constituted a geographical barrier to dispersal, or that the large spans of open ocean that isolate the Hawaiian or Polynesian Islands are also barriers for amphidromous species even though they have great dispersal capacity. Here we assess past and present genetic structure of populations of two amphidromous fish (gobies of the Sicydiinae) that are widely distributed in the Central West Pacific and which have similar pelagic larval durations. We analysed sections of mitochondrial COI, Cytb and nuclear Rhodospine genes in individuals sampled from different locations across their entire known range. Similar to other Sicydiinae fish, intraspecific mtDNA genetic diversity was high for all species (haplotype diversity between 0.9–0.96). Spatial analyses of genetic variation in Sicyopus zosterophorum demonstrated strong isolation across the Torres Strait, which was a geologically intermittent land barrier linking Australia to Papua New Guinea. There was a clear genetic break between the northwestern and the southwestern clusters in Si. zosterophorum (φST = 0.67502 for COI) and coalescent analyses revealed that the two populations split at 306 Kyr BP (95% HPD 79–625 Kyr BP), which is consistent with a Pleistocene separation caused by the Torres Strait barrier. However, this geographical barrier did not seem to affect Sm. fehlmanni. Historical and demographic hypotheses are raised to explain the different patterns of population structure and distribution between these species. Strategies aiming to conserve amphidromous fish should consider the presence of cryptic evolutionary lineages to prevent stock depletion. PMID:24130714

New insights into the intricate taxonomy and phylogeny of the Sylvia curruca complex.

PubMed

Olsson, Urban; Leader, Paul J; Carey, Geoff J; Khan, Aleem Ahmed; Svensson, Lars; Alström, Per

2013-04-01

We use the mitochondrial cytochrome b from 213 individuals and the three nuclear introns BRM 15, myoglobin 2 and ODC 6-7 from a smaller subsample to evaluate the taxonomy of the Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca (Aves, Passeriformes, Sylviidae) complex, which has long been controversial. We sequenced type material of the taxa althaea, blythi, margelanica and minula, and used topotypical material of caucasica, chuancheica, curruca and telengitica. The nuclear introns fail to resolve the complex, but cytochrome b recovers six major clades, revealing genetically identifiable populations corresponding to previously named taxa, and we propose that the names althaea, blythi, curruca, halimodendri, margelanica and minula, respectively, should be used for these. The margelanica clade is suggested to have a more extensive distribution than previously known, including both the taxon telengitica and a population in eastern Mongolia. The taxon minula is found to have a more restricted range than generally believed, only breeding in China. According to the mitochondrial gene tree, there is a basal dichotomy, with the taxa althaea, blythi, halimodendri and margelanica being part of one clade, well separated from a clade containing curruca and minula. Dating analysis suggests that a basal divergence separating curruca and minula from the other four taxa occurred between 4.2 and 7.2 mya; these two then diverged between 2.3 and 4.4 mya. The splits between the althaea, blythi, halimodendri and margelanica lineages is inferred to have occurred later, approximately between 1.0 and 2.5 mya (all 95% HPD). The nucleotide data suggest significant departure from demographic equilibrium in blythi (clade 1a), halimodendri (clade 2a) and minula, whereas tendencies are weaker for other clades. We propose that the names althaea, blythi, curruca, halimodendri, margelanica and minula should be used for the major clades. However, whether these are treated as subspecies or species is largely a matter of species definition and is not resolved by our data. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laser surgery and medicine including photodynamic therapy in China today

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junheng

2000-10-01

The development of laser medicine in China is correlated with the development of laser science in China. After the first Chinese laser, ruby laser came into being in 1961, Chinese medical scientists began to do the studies about laser medicine in the middle 1960s. For example, ruby laser was adopted for the retina coagulation experiment in 1965. Since 1970s, through the free choice of utilizing Co2, He-Ne, Nd:YAG argon, ruby lasers, laser surgery and medicine has been widely applied to the treatment for diseases of the eyes, ENT, dermatology, surgery, gynecology, tumors and diseases suitable to physical therapy or acupuncture with satisfactory effects. In June 1977, a nation-wide laser medicine symposium was held at Wuhan, Hubei Province with 200 participants including medical doctors and laser technologies from 23 provinces and municipal towns. Till the end of seventies, utilization of lasers has been extended to Nd glass laser, N laser and tunable dye lasers. The scope covered most of the clinical sections. After Dr. Thomas J. Dougherty developed the PDT for cancers in Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo in late 1970s and Professor Yoshihiro Hayata successfully applied the PDT in clinical treatment for lung cancer in 1980, Chinese pharmacists successfully produced the Chinese HpD and the first case of PDT, a lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma patient was treated with the Chinese laser equipment in 1981 in Beijing. Its success brought attention establishing a research group supported by the government in 1982. The members of the group consisted the experts on preclinical and clinical research, pharmaceutical chemistry, laser physicists and technologists. A systemic research on PDT was then carried out and obvious result was achieved. The step taken for PDT also accelerated the researchers on other kinds of laser medicine and surgery because the medical doctors had begun to master the knowledge about laser science. The prosperous situation of rapid development of laser science, bio-medical lasers, laser medicine and surgery as well as PDT was prolonged in the whole nineteen eighties.

Rapid diversification of Tragopogon and ecological associates in Eurasia.

PubMed

Bell, C D; Mavrodiev, E V; Soltis, P S; Calaminus, A K; Albach, D C; Cellinese, N; Garcia-Jacas, N; Soltis, D E

2012-12-01

Tragopogon comprises approximately 150 described species distributed throughout Eurasia from Ireland and the UK to India and China with a few species in North Africa. Most of the species diversity is found in Eastern Europe to Western Asia. Previous phylogenetic analyses identified several major clades, generally corresponding to recognized taxonomic sections, although relationships both among these clades and among species within clades remain largely unresolved. These patterns are consistent with rapid diversification following the origin of Tragopogon, and this study addresses the timing and rate of diversification in Tragopogon. Using BEAST to simultaneously estimate a phylogeny and divergence times, we estimate the age of a major split and subsequent rapid divergence within Tragopogon to be ~2.6 Ma (and 1.7-5.4 Ma using various clock estimates). Based on the age estimates obtained with BEAST (HPD 1.7-5.4 Ma) for the origin of crown group Tragopogon and 200 estimated species (to accommodate a large number of cryptic species), the diversification rate of Tragopogon is approximately 0.84-2.71 species/Myr for the crown group, assuming low levels of extinction. This estimate is comparable in rate to a rapid Eurasian radiation in Dianthus (0.66-3.89 species/Myr), which occurs in the same or similar habitats. Using available data, we show that subclades of various plant taxa that occur in the same semi-arid habitats of Eurasia also represent rapid radiations occurring during roughly the same window of time (1.7-5.4 Ma), suggesting similar causal events. However, not all species-rich plant genera from the same habitats diverged at the same time, or at the same tempo. Radiations of several other clades in this same habitat (e.g. Campanula, Knautia, Scabiosa) occurred at earlier dates (45-4.28 Ma). Existing phylogenetic data and diversification estimates therefore indicate that, although some elements of these semi-arid communities radiated during the Plio-Pleistocene period, other clades sharing the same habitat appear to have diversified earlier. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2012 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

Theoretical study on the gas-phase reaction mechanism between palladium monoxide and methane.

PubMed

Yang, Hua-Qing; Hu, Chang-Wei; Gao, Chao; Yang, Meng-Yao; Li, Fang-Ming; Li, Cai-Qin; Li, Xiang-Yuan

2011-12-01

The gas-phase reaction mechanism between palladium monoxide and methane has been theoretically investigated on the singlet and triplet state potential energy surfaces (PESs) at the CCSD(T)/AVTZ//B3LYP/6-311+G(2d, 2p), SDD level. The major reaction channel leads to the products PdCH(2) + H(2)O, whereas the minor channel results in the products Pd + CH(3)OH, CH(2)OPd + H(2), and PdOH + CH(3). The minimum energy reaction pathway for the formation of main products (PdCH(2) + H(2)O), involving one spin inversion, prefers to start at the triplet state PES and afterward proceed along the singlet state PES, where both CH(3)PdOH and CH(3)Pd(O)H are the critical intermediates. Furthermore, the rate-determining step is RS-CH(3) PdOH → RS-2-TS1cb → RS-CH(2)Pd(H)OH with the rate constant of k = 1.48 × 10(12) exp(-93,930/RT). For the first C-H bond cleavage, both the activation strain ΔE(≠)(strain) and the stabilizing interaction ΔE(≠)(int) affect the activation energy ΔE(≠), with ΔE(≠)(int) in favor of the direct oxidative insertion. On the other hand, in the PdCH(2) + H(2) O reaction, the main products are Pd + CH(3)OH, and CH(3)PdOH is the energetically preferred intermediate. In the CH(2)OPd + H(2) reaction, the main products are Pd + CH(3)OH with the energetically preferred intermediate H(2)PdOCH(2). In the Pd + CH(3)OH reaction, the main products are CH(2)OPd + H(2), and H(2)PdOCH(2) is the energetically predominant intermediate. The intermediates, PdCH(2), H(2) PdCO, and t-HPdCHO are energetically preferred in the PdC + H(2), PdCO + H(2), and H(2)Pd + CO reactions, respectively. Besides, PdO toward methane activation exhibits higher reaction efficiency than the atom Pd and its first-row congener NiO. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Collaboratively Architecting a Scalable and Adaptable Petascale Infrastructure to Support Transdisciplinary Scientific Research for the Australian Earth and Environmental Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyborn, L. A.; Evans, B. J. K.; Pugh, T.; Lescinsky, D. T.; Foster, C.; Uhlherr, A.

2014-12-01

The National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) at the Australian National University (ANU) is a partnership between CSIRO, ANU, Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Geoscience Australia. Recent investments in a 1.2 PFlop Supercomputer (Raijin), ~ 20 PB data storage using Lustre filesystems and a 3000 core high performance cloud have created a hybrid platform for higher performance computing and data-intensive science to enable large scale earth and climate systems modelling and analysis. There are > 3000 users actively logging in and > 600 projects on the NCI system. Efficiently scaling and adapting data and software systems to petascale infrastructures requires the collaborative development of an architecture that is designed, programmed and operated to enable users to interactively invoke different forms of in-situ computation over complex and large scale data collections. NCI makes available major and long tail data collections from both the government and research sectors based on six themes: 1) weather, climate and earth system science model simulations, 2) marine and earth observations, 3) geosciences, 4) terrestrial ecosystems, 5) water and hydrology and 6) astronomy, bio and social. Collectively they span the lithosphere, crust, biosphere, hydrosphere, troposphere, and stratosphere. Collections are the operational form for data management and access. Similar data types from individual custodians are managed cohesively. Use of international standards for discovery and interoperability allow complex interactions within and between the collections. This design facilitates a transdisciplinary approach to research and enables a shift from small scale, 'stove-piped' science efforts to large scale, collaborative systems science. This new and complex infrastructure requires a move to shared, globally trusted software frameworks that can be maintained and updated. Workflow engines become essential and need to integrate provenance, versioning, traceability, repeatability and publication. There are also human resource challenges as highly skilled HPC/HPD specialists, specialist programmers, and data scientists are required whose skills can support scaling to the new paradigm of effective and efficient data-intensive earth science analytics on petascale, and soon to be exascale systems.

The hard x-ray imager (HXI) onboard ASTRO-H

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakazawa, Kazuhiro; Sato, Goro; Kokubun, Motohide; Enoto, Teruaki; Fukazawa, Yasushi; Hagino, Kouichi; Harayama, Atsushi; Hayashi, Katsuhiro; Kataoka, Jun; Katsuta, Junichiro; Laurent, Philippe; Lebrun, François; Limousin, Olivier; Makishima, Kazuo; Mizuno, Tsunefumi; Mori, Kunishiro; Nakamori, Takeshi; Nakano, Toshio; Noda, Hirofumi; Odaka, Hirokazu; Ohno, Masanori; Ohta, Masayuki; Saito, Shinya; Sato, Rie; Tajima, Hiroyasu; Takahashi, Hiromitsu; Takahashi, Tadayuki; Takeda, Shin'ichiro; Terada, Yukikatsu; Uchiyama, Hideki; Uchiyama, Yasunobu; Watanabe, Shin; Yamaoka, Kazutaka; Yatsu, Yoichi; Yuasa, Takayuki

2016-07-01

Hitomi X-ray observatory launched in 17 February 2016 had a hard X-ray imaging spectroscopy system made of two hard X-ray imagers (HXIs) coupled with two hard X-ray telescopes (HXTs). With 12 m focal length, they provide fine (2' half-power diameter; HPD) imaging spectroscopy at 5 to 80 keV. The HXI main imagers are made of 4 layers of Si and a CdTe semiconductor double-sided strip detectors, stacked to enhance detection efficiency as well as to enable photon interaction-depth sensing. Active shield made of 9 BGO scintillators surrounds the imager to provide with low background. Following the deployment of the Extensible Optical Bench (EOB) on 28 February, the HXI was gradually turned on. Two imagers successfully started observation on 14 March, and was operational till the incident lead to Hitomo loss, on 26 March. All detector channels, 1280 ch of imager and 11 channel of active shields and others each, worked well and showed performance consistent with those seen on ground. From the first light observation of G21.5-0.9 and the following Crab observations, 5-80 keV energy coverage and good detection efficiency were confirmed. With blank sky observations, we checked our background level. In some geomagnetic region, strong background continuum, presumably caused by trapped electron with energy 100 keV, is seen. But by cutting the high-background time-intervals, the background became significantly lower, typically with 1-3 x 10-4 counts s-1 keV-1 cm-2 (here cm2 is shown with detector geometrical area). Above 30 keV, line and continuum emission originating from activation of CdTe was significantly seen, though the level of 1-4 x 10-4 counts s-1 keV-1 cm-2 is still comparable to those seen in NuSTAR. By comparing the effective area and background rate, preliminary analysis shows that the HXI had a statistical sensitivity similar to NuSTAR for point sources, and more than twice better for largely extended sources.

Enhancement of selectivity for photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedwell, Joanne

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a technique for producing localised tissue damage with low power light following prior administration of a photosensitising drug. The promise of PDT has been based on the selective retention of photosensitisers by tumours, but this aspect has been over-emphasised with a maximum ratio of photosensitiser concentration of 3:1, tumour to normal, for extracranial tumours and current drugs. This makes selective tumour necrosis difficult to achieve. This thesis explores ways in which selectivity may be improved. Aluminium sulphonated phthalocyanine (AlSPc) has better photochemical properties than the widely used HpD and Photofrin II, but has the same tumour selectivity, although the ratio was improved marginally using its disulphonated component. However, when used in conjunction with the radioprotective drug W7, in a rat colon cancer model, tumour necrosis was the same as without W7 while there was no damage to adjacent normal colon. A radical new approach is to give 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) which induces endogenous production of the photosensitiser protoporphyrin IX. This improves selectivity in the rat colon cancer to 6:1 (tumour to normal mucosa), but also sensitises the mucosa selectively compared with the underlying muscle (10:1), giving a tumour to muscle ratio of 60:1. This has enormous potential for treating small tumours or areas of dysplasia in a range of hollow organs. ALA also has the major advantages of a short optimum drug to light time (typically 4-6 hours), short duration of skin sensitivity (approximately 24 hours) and it can be given orally with minimal systemic toxicity. This work has also shown in vitro that PDT with AlSPc sensitisation can kill helicohacter pylori at doses unlikely to affect gastric mucosa. In conclusion, by careful choice of photosensitising agents and treatment regimes, it is possible to limit PDT effects to abnormal tissues, and even if there is some normal tissue damage, in most cases, this heals without significant sequelae. In the gastrointestinal tract, PDT may have a role in the eradication of small tumours unsuitable for surgery, in the treatment of dysplasia and possibly even in the management of conditions related to helicobacter pylori infection. There is now sufficient information to start clinical trials with ALA.

Genome-wide association and genomic prediction of resistance to viral nervous necrosis in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using RAD sequencing.

PubMed

Palaiokostas, Christos; Cariou, Sophie; Bestin, Anastasia; Bruant, Jean-Sebastien; Haffray, Pierrick; Morin, Thierry; Cabon, Joëlle; Allal, François; Vandeputte, Marc; Houston, Ross D

2018-06-08

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is one of the most important species for European aquaculture. Viral nervous necrosis (VNN), commonly caused by the redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV), can result in high levels of morbidity and mortality, mainly during the larval and juvenile stages of cultured sea bass. In the absence of efficient therapeutic treatments, selective breeding for host resistance offers a promising strategy to control this disease. Our study aimed at investigating genetic resistance to VNN and genomic-based approaches to improve disease resistance by selective breeding. A population of 1538 sea bass juveniles from a factorial cross between 48 sires and 17 dams was challenged with RGNNV with mortalities and survivors being recorded and sampled for genotyping by the RAD sequencing approach. We used genome-wide genotype data from 9195 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for downstream analysis. Estimates of heritability of survival on the underlying scale for the pedigree and genomic relationship matrices were 0.27 (HPD interval 95%: 0.14-0.40) and 0.43 (0.29-0.57), respectively. Classical genome-wide association analysis detected genome-wide significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to VNN on chromosomes (unassigned scaffolds in the case of 'chromosome' 25) 3, 20 and 25 (P < 1e06). Weighted genomic best linear unbiased predictor provided additional support for the QTL on chromosome 3 and suggested that it explained 4% of the additive genetic variation. Genomic prediction approaches were tested to investigate the potential of using genome-wide SNP data to estimate breeding values for resistance to VNN and showed that genomic prediction resulted in a 13% increase in successful classification of resistant and susceptible animals compared to pedigree-based methods, with Bayes A and Bayes B giving the highest predictive ability. Genome-wide significant QTL were identified but each with relatively small effects on the trait. Tests of genomic prediction suggested that incorporating genome-wide SNP data is likely to result in higher accuracy of estimated breeding values for resistance to VNN. RAD sequencing is an effective method for generating such genome-wide SNPs, and our findings highlight the potential of genomic selection to breed farmed European sea bass with improved resistance to VNN.

Phylogeography of Sophora davidii (Leguminosae) across the 'Tanaka-Kaiyong Line', an important phytogeographic boundary in Southwest China.

PubMed

Fan, Deng Mei; Yue, Ji Pei; Nie, Ze Long; Li, Zhi Min; Comes, Hans Peter; Sun, Hang

2013-08-01

The 'Tanaka-Kaiyong Line' (TKL) is a major phytogeographic boundary in Southwest China, separating East Asia's Sino-Himalayan and Sino-Japanese Floras. However, little is known about the importance of this boundary in promoting intraspecific phylogeographic subdivision and divergence. Using chloroplast (cpDNA) and nuclear-intron (nDNA) sequence data, we reconstructed the population history of Sophora davidii, a drought-tolerant riparian shrub widely distributed on either side of the TKL. Specifically, we aimed at testing two long-standing explanations for possible vicariant events across the TKL: (i) Late Pliocene (c. 3 Ma) geological uplift of the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) or (ii) a sharp environmental gradient associated with the establishment of different monsoon regimes on either side of the TKL during the (Late) Pleistocene. Our genealogical analyses detected a major west-east split in cpDNA, geographically largely consistent with the TKL, and dated to c. 1.28 Ma (95% HPD: 0.21-2.96 Ma), hence postdating the latest phase of eastern QTP uplift. Furthermore, integrating cpDNA phylogeographic patterns with mismatch analyses, we found multiple refugial isolation and long-term demographic stability of populations in the west (Hengduan Mountain Range) compared with extensive range expansions in the east, possibly during the last glacial period(s) and followed by differentiation into regional sublineages (southeast: Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau vs. northeast: Qinling Mts./Loess Plateau). Although nuclear differentiation was less marked, the geographical pattern of nDNA haplotypes provided some further indication of the species' eastward expansion, possibly from source populations located just east of the TKL (lower Jinshajiang region). Overall, the present data reject the geological (tectonic) explanation for the TKL and, instead, provide supportive evidence for its role as a climatically driven barrier to present-day plant dispersal. In addition, our study highlights changing temperatures and vegetation types during the last glacial period(s), along with aspects of regional topography, to be important determinants of the glacial eastward expansion of S. davidii. In consequence, our study lends support to a 'glacial out-of-Hengduan Mts'. hypothesis for the xerophytic-riparian flora of Southwest China, which in turn is inconsistent with the traditional view of the TKL as a 'classical' vicariant-biogeographic boundary. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Application of NARR-based NLDAS Ensemble Simulations to Continental-Scale Drought Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alonge, C. J.; Cosgrove, B. A.

2008-05-01

Government estimates indicate that droughts cause billions of dollars of damage to agricultural interests each year. More effective identification of droughts would directly benefit decision makers, and would allow for the more efficient allocation of resources that might mitigate the event. Land data assimilation systems, with their high quality representations of soil moisture, present an ideal platform for drought monitoring, and offer many advantages over traditional modeling systems. The recently released North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) covers the NLDAS domain and provides all fields necessary to force the NLDAS for 27 years. This presents an ideal opportunity to combine NARR and NLDAS resources into an effective real-time drought monitor. Toward this end, our project seeks to validate and explore the NARR's suitability as a base for drought monitoring applications - both in terms of data set length and accuracy. Along the same lines, the project will examine the impact of the use of different (longer) LDAS model climatologies on drought monitoring, and will explore the advantages of ensemble simulations versus single model simulations in drought monitoring activities. We also plan to produce a NARR- and observation-based high quality 27 year, 1/8th degree, 3-hourly, land surface and meteorological forcing data sets. An investigation of the best way to force an LDAS-type system will also be made, with traditional NLDAS and NLDASE forcing options explored. This presentation will focus on an overview of the drought monitoring project, and will include a summary of recent progress. Developments include the generation of forcing data sets, ensemble LSM output, and production of model-based drought indices over the entire NLDAS domain. Project forcing files use 32km NARR model output as a data backbone, and include observed precipitation (blended CPC gauge, PRISM gauge, Stage II, HPD, and CMORPH) and a GOES-based bias correction of downward solar radiation. Multiple LSM simulations have been conducted using the Noah, Mosaic, CLM3, HYSSiB, and Catchment LSMs. These simulations, along with the NARR-based forcing data form the basis for several drought indices. These include standard measures such as the Palmer-type indices, LDAS-type percentile and anomaly values, and CLM3-based vegetation condition index values.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of bioactive components isolated from Hericium erinaceus.

PubMed

Liu, Jian-Hui; Li, Liang; Shang, Xiao-Dong; Zhang, Jun-Ling; Tan, Qi

2016-05-13

The fungus Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers is used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat symptoms related to gastric ulcers. Different extracts from the fungus were assessed for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity to investigate the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extracts from H. erinaceus and verify the traditional indication of use. The fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus were concentrated with ethanol by HPD-100 macroporous resin and the whole extract was partitioned by petroleum ether and chloroform to afford fractions with using a silica gel column. Several pure compounds of petroleum ether extracts were obtained and analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The activity of the extracts and fractions towards H. pylori was assessed by the microdilution assay and by the disk diffusion assay in vitro. From the most active fraction, two pure compounds were isolated and identified as the main components with anti-H. pylori activity from the fungus H. erinaceus. The cytotoxicity of these two compounds against the human erythroleu-kemia cell line K562 was also evaluated. The crude ethanol extracts from the fungus H. erinaceus were inhibitory to H. pylori. The petroleum ether extracts (PE1s, PE2s) and the chloroform extracts (TEs) demonstrated strong inhibition to H. pylori. The inhibition of H. pylori was observed through an agar dilution test with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values from 400μg/mL to 12.5µg/mL. Two pure compounds, 1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-butanone and 2,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)terephthalic acid were isolated from the petroleum ether fractions and identified using (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectra analysis. The MIC value for 1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-butanone was 12.5-50µg/mL and the MIC value for 2,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)terephthalic acid was 6.25-25µg/mL. Both two compounds showed weak cytotoxicity against K562 with IC50<200mM. This study revealed that the extracts from petroleum ether contribute to the anti-H. pylori activity. The compounds obtained from petroleum ether extracts, 1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-butanone and 2,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)terephthalic acid, inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Development of a novel immunoPET tracer to image human PD-1 checkpoint expression on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a humanized mouse model

PubMed Central

Natarajan, Arutselvan; Mayer, Aaron T; Reeves, Robert E; Nagamine, Claude M; Gambhir, Sanjiv S.

2017-01-01

Purpose It is well known that cancers exploit immune checkpoints (programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1)) to evade anti-tumor immune responses. Although immune checkpoint (IC) blockade is a promising approach, not all patients respond. Hence, the purpose of this study is imaging of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), as they are known to express PD-1 during activation and subsequent exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment and are thought to be potentially predictive of therapeutic responses to IC blockade. Procedures We developed immunoPET tracers to image hPD-1 status of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) adoptively transferred to NOD-scid IL-2Rγnull (NSG) mice (hNSG) bearing A375 human skin melanoma tumors. The anti-PD-1 human antibody (IgG; keytruda) labeled with either [89Zr]- or [64Cu]- radiometals to image PD-1 expressing human TILs in vivo. Results [89Zr]keytruda (groups = 2; NSG-ctl [control] and hNSG-nblk [non-blocking], n=3-5, 3.2 ± 0.4 MBq/15-16 μg/200 μL, and [64Cu]keytruda (groups = 3; NSG-ctl, NSG-blk [blocking], and hNSG-nblk) n=4, 7.4 ± 0.4 MBq /20-25μg/200 μL) were administered in mice. PET-CT scans were performed over 1-144 h ([89Zr]keytruda) and 1-48 h ([64Cu]keytruda) on mice. hNSG mice exhibited a high tracer uptake in the spleen lymphoid organs and tumors. At 24h, human TILs homing into melanoma of hNSG-nblk mice exhibited high signal (mean %ID/g ± SD) of 3.8 ± 0.4 ([89Zr]keytruda), and 6.4 ± 0.7 ([64Cu]keytruda), which was 1.5- and 3-fold higher uptake compared to NSG-ctl mice (p = 0.01), respectively. Biodistribution measurements of hNSG-nblk mice performed at 144 h ([89Zr]keytruda), and 48 h ([64Cu]keytruda) p.i. revealed tumor to muscle ratios as high as 45 and 12-fold, respectively. Conclusion This study clearly demonstrates specific imaging of human PD-1 expressing TILs within the tumor and lymphoid tissues. This suggests anti-human-PD-1 tracer could be clinically translatable to monitor cancer treatment response to IC blockade therapy. PMID:28247187

Evidence of Intercontinental Spread and Uncommon Variants of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses in Ducks Overwintering in Guatemala.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Reiche, Ana S; Nelson, Martha I; Angel, Mathew; Müller, Maria L; Ortiz, Lucia; Dutta, Jayeeta; van Bakel, Harm; Cordon-Rosales, Celia; Perez, Daniel R

2017-01-01

Over a hundred species of aquatic birds overwinter in Central America's wetlands, providing opportunities for the transmission of influenza A viruses (IAVs). To date, limited IAV surveillance in Central America hinders our understanding of the evolution and ecology of IAVs in migratory hosts within the Western Hemisphere. To address this gap, we sequenced the genomes of 68 virus isolates obtained from ducks overwintering along Guatemala's Pacific Coast during 2010 to 2013. High genetic diversity was observed, including 9 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes, 7 neuraminidase (NA) subtypes, and multiple avian IAV lineages that have been detected at low levels (<1%) in North America. An unusually large number of viruses with the rare H14 subtype were identified ( n = 14) over two consecutive seasons, the highest number of H14 viruses ever reported in a single location, providing evidence for a possible H14 source population located outside routinely sampled regions of North America. Viruses from Guatemala were positioned within minor clades divergent from the main North American lineage on phylogenies inferred for the H3, H4, N2, N8, PA, NP, and NS segments. A time-scaled phylogeny indicates that a Eurasian virus PA segment introduced into the Americas in the early 2000s disseminated to Guatemala during ~2007.1 to 2010.4 (95% highest posterior density [HPD]). Overall, the diversity detected in Guatemala in overwintering ducks highlights the potential role of Central America in the evolution of diverse IAV lineages in the Americas, including divergent variants rarely detected in the United States, and the importance of increasing IAV surveillance throughout Central America. IMPORTANCE Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic H7N3, H5Nx, and H7N8 avian influenza viruses in North America were introduced by migratory birds, underscoring the importance of understanding how wild birds contribute to the dissemination and evolution of IAVs in nature. At least four of the main IAV duck host species in North America migrate through or overwinter within a narrow strip of Central America, providing opportunities for diverse IAV lineages to mix and exchange gene segments. By obtaining whole-genome sequences of 68 IAV isolates collected from migratory waterfowl in Guatemala (2010 to 2013), the largest data set available from Central America to date, we detected extensive viral diversity, including gene variants rarely found in North America and gene segments of Eurasian origin. Our findings highlight the need for increased IAV surveillance across the geographical span of bird migration flyways, including Neotropical regions that have been vastly undersampled to date.

Early Miocene origin and cryptic diversification of South American salamanders

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The currently recognized species richness of South American salamanders is surprisingly low compared to North and Central America. In part, this low richness may be due to the salamanders being a recent arrival to South America. Additionally, the number of South American salamander species may be underestimated because of cryptic diversity. The aims of our present study were to infer evolutionary relationships, lineage diversity, and timing of divergence of the South American Bolitoglossa using mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data from specimens primarily from localities in the Andes and upper Amazon Basin. We also estimated time of colonization of South America to test whether it is consistent with arrival via the Panamanian Isthmus, or land bridge connection, at its traditionally assumed age of 3 million years. Results Divergence time estimates suggest that Bolitoglossa arrived in South America from Central America by at least the Early Miocene, ca. 23.6 MYA (95% HPD 15.9-30.3 MYA), and subsequently diversified. South American salamanders of the genus Bolitoglossa show strong phylogeographic structure at fine geographic scales and deep divergences at the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (Cytb) and high diversity at the nuclear recombination activating gene-1 (Rag1). Species often contain multiple genetically divergent lineages that are occasionally geographically overlapping. Single specimens from two southeastern localities in Ecuador are sister to the equatoriana-peruviana clade and genetically distinct from all other species investigated to date. Another single exemplar from the Andes of northwestern Ecuador is highly divergent from all other specimens and is sister to all newly studied samples. Nevertheless, all sampled species of South American Bolitoglossa are members of a single clade that is one of several constituting the subgenus Eladinea, one of seven subgenera in this large genus. Conclusions The ancestors of South American salamanders likely arrived at least by the Early Miocene, well before the completion of the Late Pliocene Panamanian land bridge (widely accepted as ca. 3 MYA). This date is in agreement with recent, controversial, arguments that an older, perhaps short-lived, land connection may have existed between South America and present-day Panama 23–25 MYA. Since its arrival in South America, Bolitoglossa has diversified more extensively than previously presumed and currently includes several cryptic species within a relatively small geographic area. Rather than two upper Amazonian species currently recorded for this region, we propose that at least eight should be recognized, although these additional lineages remain to be formally described. PMID:23497060

Characterization and modeling of cadmium chloride treated cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide thin-film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxwell, Graham Lane

CdTe photovoltaic technology has the potential to become a leading energy producer in the coming decades. Its physical properties are well suited for photovoltaic energy conversion. A key processing step in the production of high efficiency CdTe/CdS solar cells is a post-CdTe deposition heat treatment with CdCl2, which can improve performance by promoting CdTe rectrystallization, QE response, defect passivation and others. Understanding the effects of the CdCl2 treatment is crucial in order to optimize processing conditions and improve performance. This study investigates the effects of variations of CdCl2 treatment duration on CdTe/CdS solar cells manufactured at Colorado State University. In order to investigate the optimal time of CdCl 2 treatment, sample solar cells were tested for microstructural and performance properties. Device microstructure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Device performance was analyzed using current density-voltage (J-V) measurements, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), quantum efficiency (QE), and laser beam induced current (LBIC) measurements. Little change in microstructure was observed with extended CdCl 2 treatment and is attributed to the high CdTe deposition temperatures used by heat pocket deposition (HPD). This deposition technique allows for large initial grains to be formed with low lattice strain energy which prevents recrystallization and grain growth that is often seen with other deposition techniques. The CdCl2 treatment initially improves performance significantly, but it was shown to that extending the CdCl2 treatment can reduce performance. Overall performance was reduced despite an increase in minority carrier lifetime values. The mechanism of reduced performance is suggested to be the formation of a low bandgap CdTe layer resulting from sulfur diffusion from the CdS layer. Sulfur diffusion primarily occurs during the CdCl 2 treatment and also leads to thinning of the CdS layer. Solar cell modeling was employed to investigate possible mechanisms for performance degradation. Modeling was done with AMPS and SCAPS modeling software. Models were created to investigate the effects of minority carrier lifetime, CdS thickness, and a low bandgap CdTe layer. Modeling results showed that the formation of a low bandgap CdTe layer combined with CdS thinning reduces device performance. Further research is needed using a statistically significant number of samples to investigate other possible degradation mechanisms associated with extended CdCl2 treatment.

Evidence of Intercontinental Spread and Uncommon Variants of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses in Ducks Overwintering in Guatemala

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Reiche, Ana S.; Nelson, Martha I.; Angel, Mathew; Müller, Maria L.; Ortiz, Lucia; Dutta, Jayeeta; van Bakel, Harm

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Over a hundred species of aquatic birds overwinter in Central America’s wetlands, providing opportunities for the transmission of influenza A viruses (IAVs). To date, limited IAV surveillance in Central America hinders our understanding of the evolution and ecology of IAVs in migratory hosts within the Western Hemisphere. To address this gap, we sequenced the genomes of 68 virus isolates obtained from ducks overwintering along Guatemala’s Pacific Coast during 2010 to 2013. High genetic diversity was observed, including 9 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes, 7 neuraminidase (NA) subtypes, and multiple avian IAV lineages that have been detected at low levels (<1%) in North America. An unusually large number of viruses with the rare H14 subtype were identified (n = 14) over two consecutive seasons, the highest number of H14 viruses ever reported in a single location, providing evidence for a possible H14 source population located outside routinely sampled regions of North America. Viruses from Guatemala were positioned within minor clades divergent from the main North American lineage on phylogenies inferred for the H3, H4, N2, N8, PA, NP, and NS segments. A time-scaled phylogeny indicates that a Eurasian virus PA segment introduced into the Americas in the early 2000s disseminated to Guatemala during ~2007.1 to 2010.4 (95% highest posterior density [HPD]). Overall, the diversity detected in Guatemala in overwintering ducks highlights the potential role of Central America in the evolution of diverse IAV lineages in the Americas, including divergent variants rarely detected in the United States, and the importance of increasing IAV surveillance throughout Central America. IMPORTANCE Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic H7N3, H5Nx, and H7N8 avian influenza viruses in North America were introduced by migratory birds, underscoring the importance of understanding how wild birds contribute to the dissemination and evolution of IAVs in nature. At least four of the main IAV duck host species in North America migrate through or overwinter within a narrow strip of Central America, providing opportunities for diverse IAV lineages to mix and exchange gene segments. By obtaining whole-genome sequences of 68 IAV isolates collected from migratory waterfowl in Guatemala (2010 to 2013), the largest data set available from Central America to date, we detected extensive viral diversity, including gene variants rarely found in North America and gene segments of Eurasian origin. Our findings highlight the need for increased IAV surveillance across the geographical span of bird migration flyways, including Neotropical regions that have been vastly undersampled to date. PMID:28405632

21 CFR 184.1521 - Monosodium phosphate derivatives of mono- and diglycerides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Monosodium phosphate derivatives of mono- and... derivatives of mono- and diglycerides. (a) Monosodium phophate derivatives of mono- and diglycerides are composed of glyceride derivatives formed by reacting mono- and diglycerides that are derived from edible...

Asymptotic aspect of derivations in Banach algebras.

PubMed

Roh, Jaiok; Chang, Ick-Soon

2017-01-01

We prove that every approximate linear left derivation on a semisimple Banach algebra is continuous. Also, we consider linear derivations on Banach algebras and we first study the conditions for a linear derivation on a Banach algebra. Then we examine the functional inequalities related to a linear derivation and their stability. We finally take central linear derivations with radical ranges on semiprime Banach algebras and a continuous linear generalized left derivation on a semisimple Banach algebra.

Glycoside hydrolases having multiple hydrolase activities

DOEpatents

Chen, Zhiwei; Friedland, Gregory D.; Chhabra, Swapnil R.; Chivian, Dylan C.; Simmons, Blake A

2017-08-08

Glycoside hydrolases having at least two different hydrolytic activities are provided. In one embodiment, an isolated recombinant hydrolase having at least two activities selected from a group including asparagine derivatives, glutamine derivatives, and histidine derivatives is provided. Further, a method of generating free sugars from a mixture comprising asparagine derivatives, glutamine derivatives, and histidine derivatives is provided.

21 CFR 184.1685 - Rennet (animal-derived) and chymosin preparation (fermentation-derived).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (fermentation-derived). 184.1685 Section 184.1685 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... (animal-derived) and chymosin preparation (fermentation-derived). (a)(1) Rennet and bovine rennet are... clear solution containing the active enzyme chymosin (E.C. 3.4.23.4). It is derived, via fermentation...

Derivation in INK-algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaviyarasu, M.; Indhira, K.

2018-04-01

In 2017 we introduced a new notion of algebra called IKN-algebra. Motivated by some result on derivations (rightleft)-derivation and (leftright)- derivation in ring. In this paper we introduce derivation in INK-Algebras and investigate some important result.

Approximate relations and charts for low-speed stability derivatives of swept wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toll, Thomas A; Queijo, M J

1948-01-01

Contains derivations, based on a simplified theory, of approximate relations for low-speed stability derivatives of swept wings. Method accounts for the effects and, in most cases, taper ratio. Charts, based on the derived relations, are presented for the stability derivatives of untapered swept wings. Calculated values of the derivatives are compared with experimental results.

76 FR 57772 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-16

... (``Restricted Market Maker'') in a derivative securities product (``UTP Derivative Security'') that derives its... in a UTP Derivative Security on the Exchange is prohibited from acting or registering as a Market Maker on any other exchange in any Reference Asset of that UTP Derivative Security, or any derivative...

76 FR 79254 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-21

... Market Maker'') in a derivative securities product (``UTP Derivative Security'') that derives its value... Derivative Security on the Exchange(s) from acting or registering as a market maker on any other exchange in any Reference Asset of that UTP Derivative Security, or any derivative instrument based on a Reference...

Prospective Teachers' Reactions to "Right-or-Wrong" Tasks: The Case of Derivatives of Absolute Value Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsamir, Pessia; Rasslan, Shaker; Dreyfus, Tommy

2006-01-01

This paper illustrates the role of a "Thinking-about-Derivatives" task in identifying learners' derivative conceptions and for promoting their critical thinking about derivatives of absolute value functions. The task included three parts: "Define" the derivative of a function f(x) at x = x[subscript 0], "Solve-if-Possible" the derivative of f(x) =…

Effects of sulfate chitosan derivatives on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Mingming; Wang, Yuanhong; Jiang, Tingfu; Lv, Zhihua

2014-06-01

Sulfate chitosan derivatives have good solubility and therapeutic effect on the cell model of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD. The male Wistar rats were orally fed high fat emulsion and received sulfate chitosan derivatives for 5 weeks to determine the pre-treatment effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of sulfate chitosan derivatives on NAFLD, the rats were orally fed with high concentration emulsion for 5 weeks, followed by sulfate chitosan derivatives for 3 weeks. Histological analysis and biomedical assays showed that sulfate chitosan derivatives can dramatically prevent the development of hepatic steatosis in hepatocyte cells. In animal studies, pre-treatment and treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives significantly protected against hepatic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet according to histological analysis. Furthermore, increased TC, ALT, MDA, and LEP in NAFLD were significantly ameliorated by pre-treatment and treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives. Furthermore, increased TG, AST, and TNF-α in NAFLD were significantly ameliorated by treatment with sulfate chitosan derivatives. Sulfate chitosan derivatives have good pre-treatment and therapeutic effect on NAFLD.

Origins and Properties of Dental, Thymic, and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells and Their Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Komada, Yukiya; Yamane, Toshiyuki; Kadota, Daiji; Isono, Kana; Takakura, Nobuyuki; Hayashi, Shin-Ichi; Yamazaki, Hidetoshi

2012-01-01

Mesenchymal cells arise from the neural crest (NC) or mesoderm. However, it is difficult to distinguish NC-derived cells from mesoderm-derived cells. Using double-transgenic mouse systems encoding P0-Cre, Wnt1-Cre, Mesp1-Cre, and Rosa26EYFP, which enabled us to trace NC-derived or mesoderm-derived cells as YFP-expressing cells, we demonstrated for the first time that both NC-derived (P0- or Wnt1-labeled) and mesoderm-derived (Mesp1-labeled) cells contribute to the development of dental, thymic, and bone marrow (BM) mesenchyme from the fetal stage to the adult stage. Irrespective of the tissues involved, NC-derived and mesoderm-derived cells contributed mainly to perivascular cells and endothelial cells, respectively. Dental and thymic mesenchyme were composed of either NC-derived or mesoderm-derived cells, whereas half of the BM mesenchyme was composed of cells that were not derived from the NC or mesoderm. However, a colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay indicated that CFU-Fs in the dental pulp, thymus, and BM were composed of NC-derived and mesoderm-derived cells. Secondary CFU-F assays were used to estimate the self-renewal potential, which showed that CFU-Fs in the teeth, thymus, and BM were entirely NC-derived cells, entirely mesoderm-derived cells, and mostly NC-derived cells, respectively. Colony formation was inhibited drastically by the addition of anti-platelet–derived growth factor receptor-β antibody, regardless of the tissue and its origin. Furthermore, dental mesenchyme expressed genes encoding critical hematopoietic factors, such as interleukin-7, stem cell factor, and cysteine-X-cysteine (CXC) chemokine ligand 12, which supports the differentiation of B lymphocytes and osteoclasts. Therefore, the mesenchymal stem cells found in these tissues had different origins, but similar properties in each organ. PMID:23185234

Adjoint-based constant-mass partial derivatives

DOE PAGES

Favorite, Jeffrey A.

2017-09-01

In transport theory, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to mass density are constant-volume derivatives. Likewise, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to surface locations (i.e., internal interface locations and the outer system boundary) are constant-density derivatives. This study derives the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to an internal interface location or the outer system boundary and the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to the mass density of a region. Numerical results are given for a multiregion two-dimensional (r-z) cylinder for three very different responses: the uncollided gamma-ray flux at an external detector point, k effmore » of the system, and the total neutron leakage. Finally, results from the derived formulas compare extremely well with direct perturbation calculations.« less

40 CFR 721.10039 - Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid derivative...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid derivative, ammonium salt (generic). 721.10039 Section... Substances § 721.10039 Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid...

40 CFR 721.10039 - Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid derivative...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid derivative, ammonium salt (generic). 721.10039 Section... Substances § 721.10039 Diethoxybenzenamine derivative, diazotized, coupled with aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid...

In vitro transfection of plasmid DNA by amine derivatives of gelatin accompanied with ultrasound irradiation.

PubMed

Hosseinkhani, Hossein; Aoyama, Ternyoshi; Yamamoto, Shingo; Ogawa, Osamu; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2002-10-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the ultrasound (US)-enhanced gene expression by the complexes of a plasmid DNA with gelatin derivatives of aminization. Gelatin derivatives with different introduced extents of ethylenediamine (Ed), spermidine (Sd), and spermine (Sm) were prepared with a water-soluble carbodiimide. The molecular size and zeta potential of the gelatin derivatives before and after complexation with the plasmid DNA were examined. After incubation with the complexes with or without US exposure, the DNA expression of rat gastric mucosal cells was measured to evaluate the effect of the type of gelatin derivatives on their gene expression. The cell uptake of the complexes, the cell viability, and the buffering effect of gelatin derivatives were examined. The apparent molecular size and zeta potential of gelatin derivatives became larger as their aminization extent increased although the Sm gelatin derivative of higher aminization showed a larger value than other corresponding derivatives. Irrespective of the type of gelatin derivatives, the apparent molecular size of plasmid DNA was reduced by increasing the gelatin-DNA mixing ratio to attain a saturated value of about 150 nm. The condensed gelatin-DNA complexes showed the zeta potential of 10-15 mV. The cells incubated with the complex exhibited significantly stronger luciferase activities than free plasmid DNA, and the activity was further enhanced by US irradiation. The enhancement was significant for the Sm derivative compared with the corresponding Ed and Sd derivatives. The amount of plasmid DNA internalized into the cells was significantly increased by the complexation with every gelatin derivative, whereas US irradiation did not significantly increase the DNA internalization. US irradiation had no effect on the viability of cells incubated with every gelatin derivative-plasmid DNA complex, although the viability was decreased by the complex incubation. The buffering capacity of Sm derivative was higher than that of Ed and Sd derivatives and comparable with that of polyethylene amine. Among amine derivatives of gelatin, the Sm derivative enabled the plasmid DNA to induce the US-enhanced gene expression of cells in vitro most effectively because of the superior buffering effect.

Experts' understanding of partial derivatives using the partial derivative machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roundy, David; Weber, Eric; Dray, Tevian; Bajracharya, Rabindra R.; Dorko, Allison; Smith, Emily M.; Manogue, Corinne A.

2015-12-01

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Upper Division Physics Courses.] Partial derivatives are used in a variety of different ways within physics. Thermodynamics, in particular, uses partial derivatives in ways that students often find especially confusing. We are at the beginning of a study of the teaching of partial derivatives, with a goal of better aligning the teaching of multivariable calculus with the needs of students in STEM disciplines. In this paper, we report on an initial study of expert understanding of partial derivatives across three disciplines: physics, engineering, and mathematics. We report on the central research question of how disciplinary experts understand partial derivatives, and how their concept images of partial derivatives differ, with a focus on experimentally measured quantities. Using the partial derivative machine (PDM), we probed expert understanding of partial derivatives in an experimental context without a known functional form. In particular, we investigated which representations were cued by the experts' interactions with the PDM. Whereas the physicists and engineers were quick to use measurements to find a numeric approximation for a derivative, the mathematicians repeatedly returned to speculation as to the functional form; although they were comfortable drawing qualitative conclusions about the system from measurements, they were reluctant to approximate the derivative through measurement. On a theoretical front, we found ways in which existing frameworks for the concept of derivative could be expanded to include numerical approximation.

18 CFR 367.2440 - Account 244, Derivative instrument liabilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Account 244, Derivative..., Derivative instrument liabilities. This account must include the change in the fair value of all derivative... the fair value of the derivative instrument. ...

17 CFR 200.507 - Declassification dates on derivative documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... derivative documents. 200.507 Section 200.507 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE... of National Security Information and Material § 200.507 Declassification dates on derivative... derivative document that derives its classification from the approved use of the classification guide of...

12 CFR 403.4 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION § 403.4 Derivative classification. (a) Use of derivative classification. (1) Unlike original classification which is an initial determination, derivative classification... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Derivative classification. 403.4 Section 403.4...

Determination of orthophthalaldehyde in air using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-impregnated silica cartridge and high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Matsushima, Erika; Tokunaga, Hiroshi; Otsubo, Yasufumi; Ando, Masanori

2006-05-26

A new method is described for the determination of orthophthalaldehyde in air which is used for the disinfection of various instruments (e.g. endoscopes) in hospital. Orthophthalaldehyde in air was collected with a silica gel cartridge impregnated with acidified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH-cartridge) and derivatives were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, the derivatization was examined by comparing the process with three phthalaldehyde isomers (ortho-, iso- and tere-). In the case of iso- and tere-phthalaldehyde, derivatives synthesized with excess of aldehyde consisted mainly of mono-derivatives, and derivatives synthesized with excess of DNPH consisted mainly of bis-derivative. In the case of orthophthalaldehyde, derivative consisted of only bis-derivative and mono-derivative was never observed under any conditions. Orthophthalaldehyde was completely retained by the DNPH-cartridge during air sampling, however, the derivatization reaction was incomplete and unreacted orthophthalaldehyde was flushed from the cartridge during the subsequent solvent extraction process. Unreacted orthophthalaldehyde and DNPH reacted again in the extraction solvent solution. Immediately after the solvent extraction, both mono- and bis-DNPhydrazone derivatives of orthophthalaldehyde were present in the solution. However, over time, the mono-derivative decreased and bis-derivative increased until only the bis-derivative was left allowing accurate determination of the orthophthalaldehyde concentration. The transformation of mono-derivative to bis-derivative was faster in polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and ethyl acetate. Transformation was found to occur most quickly in acetonitrile solvent and was completed in 4 h in this case. It was possible to measure orthophthalaldehyde in air as bis-derivative using a DNPH impregnated silica cartridge and HPLC analysis.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons respond to convulsant drugs when co-cultured with hiPSC-derived astrocytes.

PubMed

Ishii, Misawa Niki; Yamamoto, Koji; Shoji, Masanobu; Asami, Asano; Kawamata, Yuji

2017-08-15

Accurate risk assessment for drug-induced seizure is expected to be performed before entering clinical studies because of its severity and fatal damage to drug development. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has allowed the use of human neurons and glial cells in toxicology studies. Recently, several studies showed the advantage of co-culture system of human iPSC (hiPSC)-derived neurons with rodent/human primary astrocytes regarding neuronal functions. However, the application of hiPSC-derived neurons for seizure risk assessment has not yet been fully addressed, and not at all when co-cultured with hiPSC-derived astrocytes. Here, we characterized hiPSC-derived neurons co-cultured with hiPSC-derived astrocytes to discuss how hiPSC-derived neurons are useful to assess seizure risk of drugs. First, we detected the frequency of spikes and synchronized bursts hiPSC-derived neurons when co-cultured with hiPSC-derived astrocytes for 8 weeks. This synchronized burst was suppressed by the treatment with 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, and D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, an N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. These data suggested that co-cultured hiPSC-derived neurons formed synaptic connections mediated by AMPA and NMDA receptors. We also demonstrated that co-cultured hiPSC-derived neurons showed epileptiform activity upon treatment with gabazine or kaliotoxin. Finally, we performed single-cell transcriptome analysis in hiPSC-derived neurons and found that hiPSC-derived astrocytes activated the pathways involved in the activities of AMPA and NMDA receptor functions, neuronal polarity, and axon guidance in hiPSC-derived neurons. These data suggested that hiPSC-derived astrocytes promoted the development of action potential, synaptic functions, and neuronal networks in hiPSC-derived neurons, and then these functional alterations result in the epileptiform activity in response to convulsant drugs. Our study indicates the possibility that co-culture system of hiPSC-derived neurons with hiPSC-derived astrocytes could be useful in the risk assessment of drug-induced seizure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro gene expression by cationized derivatives of an artificial protein with repeated RGD sequences, Pronectin.

PubMed

Hosseinkhani, Hossein; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2003-01-09

The objective of this study is to investigate the efficiency of a non-viral gene carrier with RGD sequences, Pronectin F(+) for gene transfection. The Pronectin F(+) was cationized by introducing ethylenediamine (Ed), spermidine (Sd), and spermine (Sm) to the hydroxyl groups while the corresponding gelatin derivative was prepared similarly because gelatin also has one RGD sequence per molecule. The zeta potential and molecular size of Pronectin F(+) and gelatin derivatives were examined before and after polyion complexation with a plasmid DNA of luciferase. When complexed with the plasmid DNA at the Pronectin F(+)/plasmid DNA mixing ratio of 50, the complex exhibited a zeta potential of about 10 mV, which is similar to that of the gelatin derivative-plasmid DNA complex. Irrespective of the type of Pronectin F(+) and gelatin derivatives, their complexation enabled the apparent molecular size of plasmid DNA to reduce to about 200 nm, the size decreasing with the increased derivative/plasmid DNA weight mixing ratio. The rat gastric mucosal (RGM)-1 cells treated with both complexes exhibited significantly stronger luciferase activities than free plasmid DNA although the enhanced extent was significant for the Sm derivative compared with the corresponding Ed and Sd derivatives. Cell attachment was enhanced by the Pronectin F(+) derivative to a significant high extent compared with the gelatin derivative. The amount of plasmid DNA internalized into the cells was enhanced by the complexation with every Pronectin F(+) derivative compared with the gelatin derivative. For both of Pronectin F(+) and gelatin carriers, the buffering capacity of Sm derivatives was higher than that of Ed and Sd derivatives and comparable to that of polyethyleneimine. It is likely that the high efficiency of gene transfection for the Sm derivative is due to the superior buffering effect. We conclude that the Sm derivative of Pronectin F(+) is promising as a non-viral vector of gene transfection.

A Classical Based Derivation of Time Dilation Providing First Order Accuracy to Schwarzschild's Solution of Einstein's Field Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Austin, Rickey W.

In Einstein's theory of Special Relativity (SR), one method to derive relativistic kinetic energy is via applying the classical work-energy theorem to relativistic momentum. This approach starts with a classical based work-energy theorem and applies SR's momentum to the derivation. One outcome of this derivation is relativistic kinetic energy. From this derivation, it is rather straight forward to form a kinetic energy based time dilation function. In the derivation of General Relativity a common approach is to bypass classical laws as a starting point. Instead a rigorous development of differential geometry and Riemannian space is constructed, from which classical based laws are derived. This is in contrast to SR's approach of starting with classical laws and applying the consequences of the universal speed of light by all observers. A possible method to derive time dilation due to Newtonian gravitational potential energy (NGPE) is to apply SR's approach to deriving relativistic kinetic energy. It will be shown this method gives a first order accuracy compared to Schwarzschild's metric. The SR's kinetic energy and the newly derived NGPE derivation are combined to form a Riemannian metric based on these two energies. A geodesic is derived and calculations compared to Schwarzschild's geodesic for an orbiting test mass about a central, non-rotating, non-charged massive body. The new metric results in high accuracy calculations when compared to Einsteins General Relativity's prediction. The new method provides a candidate approach for starting with classical laws and deriving General Relativity effects. This approach mimics SR's method of starting with classical mechanics when deriving relativistic equations. As a compliment to introducing General Relativity, it provides a plausible scaffolding method from classical physics when teaching introductory General Relativity. A straight forward path from classical laws to General Relativity will be derived. This derivation provides a minimum first order accuracy to Schwarzschild's solution to Einstein's field equations.

21 CFR 172.275 - Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives. 172... succinic derivatives. Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives identified in this section may be safely... acid derivatives of isopropyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. It consists of a...

21 CFR 172.275 - Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives. 172... succinic derivatives. Synthetic paraffin and succinic derivatives identified in this section may be safely... acid derivatives of isopropyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. It consists of a...

45 CFR 1630.12 - Applicability to derivative income.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Applicability to derivative income. 1630.12... CORPORATION COST STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES § 1630.12 Applicability to derivative income. (a) Derivative income... activity. (b) Derivative income which is allocated to the LSC fund in accordance with paragraph (a) of this...

12 CFR 563.172 - Financial derivatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Financial derivatives. 563.172 Section 563.172...-OPERATIONS Financial Management Policies § 563.172 Financial derivatives. (a) What is a financial derivative? A financial derivative is a financial contract whose value depends on the value of one or more...

17 CFR 240.16a-4 - Derivative securities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Derivative securities. 240.16a....16a-4 Derivative securities. (a) For purposes of section 16 of the Act, both derivative securities and... securities, except that the acquisition or disposition of any derivative security shall be separately...

Certain legal aspects of derivatives.

PubMed

Cloney, T J

1994-01-01

This article discusses legal characteristics of derivatives that a not-for-profit health care company may use in a conduit financing in which a governmental issuer issues bonds for the benefit of a health care company. This article also presents the Master Agreement promulgated by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association; discusses how to get out of a derivative; discusses the status of a derivative after insolvency of a counterparty; presents disclosure issues relating to documents prepared in connection with an issue of bonds; and describes the treatment of derivatives under commodities regulations. It concludes with a presentation of possible new regulations applying to derivatives.

Flexible and conductive waste tire-derived carbon/polymer composite paper as pseudocapacitive electrode

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

Naskar, Amit K.; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Boota, Muhammad

A method of making a supercapacitor from waste tires, includes the steps of providing rubber pieces and contacting the rubber pieces with a sulfonation bath to produce sulfonated rubber; pyrolyzing the sulfonated rubber to produce a tire-derived carbon composite comprising carbon black embedded in rubber-derived carbon matrix comprising graphitized interface portions; activating the tire-derived carbon composite by contacting the tire-derived carbon composite with a specific surface area-increasing composition to increase the specific surface area of the carbon composite to provide an activated tire-derived carbon composite; and, mixing the activated tire-derived carbon composite with a monomer and polymerizing the monomer tomore » produce a redox-active polymer coated, activated tire-derived carbon composite. The redox-active polymer coated, activated tire-derived carbon composite can be formed into a film. An electrode and a supercapacitor are also disclosed.« less

Correction to "What is a fractional derivative?" by Ortigueira and Machado [Journal of Computational Physics, Volume 293, 15 July 2015, Pages 4-13. Special issue on Fractional PDEs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katugampola, Udita N.

2016-09-01

There is a debate among contemporary mathematicians about what it really means by a fractional derivative. The question arose as a consequence of introducing a 'new' definition of a fractional derivative in [1]. In a reply, Ortigueira and Machado [2] came up with several very important criteria to determine whether a given derivative is a fractional derivative. According to their criterion, the new fractional derivative, called conformable fractional derivative, introduced by Khalil et al. [1] turns out not to be a fractional derivative, but rather a controlled or conformable derivative. In proving the claim the authors in [2] use an example [2, p. 6]. It turns out that the explanation given there needs some corrections and it is the sole purpose of this note.

SYNTHESIS AND IN VITRO BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NEW TETRACYCLIC PYRIDOTHIENOQUINOLINES AS POTENTIAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS.

PubMed

Mohi El-Deen, Eman M; Abd El-Hameed, Eman K

2017-05-01

Synthesis of a series of novel 10-substituted-pyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-b] quinoline derivatives 3-15, which contain a planar tetracyclic heteroring system, has been accomplished. The synthetic approaches for the target compounds included, condensation reaction of 10-amino derivatives 2 with triethyl orthoformate to give ethyl N-formimidate derivatives 3, which in turn reacted with different amines to give N-substituted formimidamide derivatives 4a,b. In addition, N-mustard derivative 6 was synthesized via treatment of 2,2'- azanediylbis(ethan-1-ol) derivative 5 with thionyl chloride. Meanwhile, the amino derivative 2 reacted with ethyl chloroacetate to give ethyl aminoacetae derivative 7, then the latter reacted with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate to produce sulfamoyl chloride derivative 8. On the other hand, the ester derivative-7 condensed with hydrazine hydrate to give acetohydrazide derivative 10, which utilized as a key intermediate for the synthesis of new compounds (11-15) conjugated with a variety of bioactive heterocyclic moieties at position-10. Antimicrobial evaluation for all the synthesized compounds, against Gram-positive bacteria; Gram-negative bacteria; and pathogenic fungi strains, showed that the majority of these compounds have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity compared with the standard drugs.

Effect of secondary organic aerosol from isoprene-derived hydroxyhydroperoxides on the expression of oxidative stress response genes in human bronchial epithelial cells.

PubMed

Arashiro, Maiko; Lin, Ying-Hsuan; Zhang, Zhenfa; Sexton, Kenneth G; Gold, Avram; Jaspers, Ilona; Fry, Rebecca C; Surratt, Jason D

2018-02-21

Isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which comprise a large portion of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), can be formed through various gaseous precursors, including isoprene epoxydiols (IEPOX), methacrylic acid epoxide (MAE), and isoprene hydroxyhydroperoxides (ISOPOOH). The composition of the isoprene-derived SOA affects its reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential and its ability to alter oxidative stress-related gene expression. In this study we assess effects of isoprene SOA derived solely from ISOPOOH oxidation on human bronchial epithelial cells by measuring the gene expression changes in 84 oxidative stress-related genes. In addition, the thiol reactivity of ISOPOOH-derived SOA was measured through the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Our findings show that ISOPOOH-derived SOA alter more oxidative-stress related genes than IEPOX-derived SOA but not as many as MAE-derived SOA on a mass basis exposure. More importantly, we found that the different types of SOA derived from the various gaseous precursors (MAE, IEPOX, and ISOPOOH) have unique contributions to changes in oxidative stress-related genes that do not total all gene expression changes seen in exposures to atmospherically relevant compositions of total isoprene-derived SOA mixtures. This study suggests that amongst the different types of known isoprene-derived SOA, MAE-derived SOA are the most potent inducer of oxidative stress-related gene changes but highlights the importance of considering isoprene-derived SOA as a total mixture for pollution controls and exposure studies.

8 CFR 212.9 - Applicability of section 212(a)(32) to certain derivative third and sixth preference and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... certain derivative third and sixth preference and nonpreference immigrants. 212.9 Section 212.9 Aliens and... certain derivative third and sixth preference and nonpreference immigrants. A derivative beneficiary who... medical profession. Therefore, a derivative third or sixth preference or nonpreference immigrant under...

17 CFR 240.15a-1 - Securities activities of OTC derivatives dealers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... derivatives dealers. 240.15a-1 Section 240.15a-1 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE... Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Exemption of Certain Otc Derivatives Dealers § 240.15a-1 Securities activities of OTC derivatives dealers. Preliminary Note: OTC derivatives dealers are a special...

Fabrication of Calix[4]arene Derivative Monolayers to Control Orientation of Antibody Immobilization

PubMed Central

Chen, Hongxia; Liu, Feng; Qi, Fangjie; Koh, Kwangnak; Wang, Keming

2014-01-01

Three calix[4]arene (Cal-4) derivatives which separately contain ethylester (1), carboxylic acid (2), and crownether (3) at the lower rim with a common reactive thiol at the upper rim were synthesized and constructed to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au films. After spectroscopic characterization of the monolayers, surface coverage and orientation of antibody immobilized on the Cal-4 derivative SAMs were studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. Experimental results revealed that the antibody could be immobilized on the Cal-4 derivatives spontaneously. The orientation of absorbed antibody on the Cal-4 derivative SAMs is related to the SAM’s dipole moment. The possible orientations of the antibody immobilized on the Cal-4 derivative 1 SAM are lying-on or side-on, while on the Cal-4 derivative 2 and Cal-4 derivative 3 head-on and end-on respectively. These experimental results demonstrate the surface dipole moment of Cal-4 derivative appears to be an important factor to antibody orientation. Cal-4 derivatives are useful in developing site direct protein chips. PMID:24690993

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

Favorite, Jeffrey A.

In transport theory, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to mass density are constant-volume derivatives. Likewise, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to surface locations (i.e., internal interface locations and the outer system boundary) are constant-density derivatives. This study derives the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to an internal interface location or the outer system boundary and the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to the mass density of a region. Numerical results are given for a multiregion two-dimensional (r-z) cylinder for three very different responses: the uncollided gamma-ray flux at an external detector point, k effmore » of the system, and the total neutron leakage. Finally, results from the derived formulas compare extremely well with direct perturbation calculations.« less

Indomethacin Analogs: Synthesis and Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Indoline Derivatives.

PubMed

Amin, Mohamed M; Shaaban, Mohamed R; Al-Qurashi, Nadia T; Mahmoud, Huda K; Farghaly, Thoraya A

2018-03-29

Short reaction time and high yield was achieved for the synthesis of new hydrazonoindolines having thiazole moiety under microwave irradiation via the reaction of hydrazonoyl chlorides or halogenated activemethylene derivatives with thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Also, the utility of the versatile indoline-2,3-dione derivatives in the design of new multifunctional building blocks using condensation with hydrazine derivatives was demonstrated. The information derived from the spectral data of the formed compounds were confirmed their structures. Also, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the designed derivatives were screened and the results obtained indicated that six derivatives 4g, 9b, 4c, 10b, 4d and 11a revealed the highest anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Ear fibroblasts derived from Taiwan yellow cattle are more heat resistant than those from Holstein cattle.

PubMed

Wu, Hung-Yi; Peng, Shao-Yu; Li, Hung; Lee, Jai-Wei; Kesorn, Piyawit; Wu, Hsi-Hsun; Ju, Jyh-Cherng; Shen, Perng-Chih

2017-05-01

The objective of this study was to compare the thermotolerances of ear fibroblasts derived from Holstein (H) and Taiwan yellow cattle (Y) and their apoptosis-related protein expressions with (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24h) or without heat shock treatment. The results showed that the vaginal temperatures of Y (38.4-38.5°C) were (P<0.05) lower than that of H (38.8°C) during the hot season. The apoptotic rates of ear fibroblasts derived from Y (6h: 1.1%; 12h: 1.6%; 24h: 2.6%) were lower (P<0.05) than those of cells derived from H (6h: 1.8%; 12h: 4.0%; 24h: 6.9%), respectively, after heat shock (42°C). The expression level of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in ear fibroblasts derived from H was higher (P<0.05) than those derived from Y after the heat shock treatment for 6h and 12h, respectively. The level of cytochrome c of ear fibroblasts derived from H was higher (P<0.05) than those derived from Y after the heat shock treatment for 1-12h, respectively. The abundances of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 of ear fibroblasts derived from H were higher (P<0.05) than those of cells derived from Y after 12h and 24h of heat shock, respectively; the Bcl-2/Bax ratios of ear fibroblasts derived from H were lower (P<0.05) than those from Y-derived fibroblasts after heated for 1-24h. The expression level of HSP-70 of Y-derived ear fibroblasts was also higher (P<0.05) than that from H after the same duration of heat shock treatments. Taken together, the thermotolerance of ear fibroblasts derived from Taiwan yellow cattle was better than that of cells derived from Holstein cattle. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Leukocyte Cell–Derived Chemotaxin 2–Associated Amyloidosis: A Recently Recognized Disease with Distinct Clinicopathologic Characteristics

PubMed Central

Dogan, Ahmet; Larsen, Christopher P.

2015-01-01

Amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 is a recently recognized form of amyloidosis, and it has already been established as a frequent form of systemic amyloidosis in the United States, with predominant involvement of kidney and liver. The disease has a strong ethnic bias, affecting mainly Hispanics (particularly Mexicans). Additional ethnic groups prone to develop amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 include Punjabis, First Nations people in British Columbia, and Native Americans. Most patients are elderly who present with chronic renal insufficiency and bland urinary sediment. Proteinuria is variable, being absent altogether in about one third of patients. Liver involvement is frequently an incidental finding. Amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 deposits shows a characteristic distribution: in the kidney, there is consistent involvement of cortical interstitium, whereas in the liver, there is a preferential involvement of periportal and pericentral vein regions. Concurrent renal disease is frequent, with diabetic nephropathy and IgA nephropathy being the most common. Patient survival is excellent, likely because of the rarity of cardiac involvement, whereas renal survival is guarded, with a median renal survival of 62 months in those without concurrent renal disease. There is currently no efficacious therapy for amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 amyloidosis. Renal transplantation seems to be a reasonable treatment for patients with advanced renal failure, although the disease may recur in the allograft. The pathogenesis of amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 amyloidosis has not yet been elucidated. It could be a result of leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 overexpression by hepatocytes either constitutively (controlled by yet-uncharacterized genetic defects) or secondary to hepatocellular damage. It is critical not to misdiagnose amyloidosis derived from leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 amyloidosis as Ig light chain–derived amyloidosis to avoid harmful chemotherapy. PMID:25873265

Dynamics of maize carbon contribution to soil organic carbon in association with soil type and fertility level.

PubMed

Pei, Jiubo; Li, Hui; Li, Shuangyi; An, Tingting; Farmer, John; Fu, Shifeng; Wang, Jingkuan

2015-01-01

Soil type and fertility level influence straw carbon dynamics in the agroecosystems. However, there is a limited understanding of the dynamic processes of straw-derived and soil-derived carbon and the influence of the addition of straw carbon on soil-derived organic carbon in different soils associated with different fertility levels. In this study, we applied the in-situ carborundum tube method and 13C-labeled maize straw (with and without maize straw) at two cropland (Phaeozem and Luvisol soils) experimental sites in northeast China to quantify the dynamics of maize-derived and soil-derived carbon in soils associated with high and low fertility, and to examine how the addition of maize carbon influences soil-derived organic carbon and the interactions of soil type and fertility level with maize-derived and soil-derived carbon. We found that, on average, the contributions of maize-derived carbon to total organic carbon in maize-soil systems during the experimental period were differentiated among low fertility Luvisol (from 62.82% to 42.90), high fertility Luvisol (from 53.15% to 30.00%), low fertility Phaeozem (from 58.69% to 36.29%) and high fertility Phaeozem (from 41.06% to 16.60%). Furthermore, the addition of maize carbon significantly decreased the remaining soil-derived organic carbon in low and high fertility Luvisols and low fertility Phaeozem before two months. However, the increasing differences in soil-derived organic carbon between both soils with and without maize straw after two months suggested that maize-derived carbon was incorporated into soil-derived organic carbon, thereby potentially offsetting the loss of soil-derived organic carbon. These results suggested that Phaeozem and high fertility level soils would fix more maize carbon over time and thus were more beneficial for protecting soil-derived organic carbon from maize carbon decomposition.

Dynamics of Maize Carbon Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon in Association with Soil Type and Fertility Level

PubMed Central

Pei, Jiubo; Li, Hui; Li, Shuangyi; An, Tingting; Farmer, John; Fu, Shifeng; Wang, Jingkuan

2015-01-01

Soil type and fertility level influence straw carbon dynamics in the agroecosystems. However, there is a limited understanding of the dynamic processes of straw-derived and soil-derived carbon and the influence of the addition of straw carbon on soil-derived organic carbon in different soils associated with different fertility levels. In this study, we applied the in-situ carborundum tube method and 13C-labeled maize straw (with and without maize straw) at two cropland (Phaeozem and Luvisol soils) experimental sites in northeast China to quantify the dynamics of maize-derived and soil-derived carbon in soils associated with high and low fertility, and to examine how the addition of maize carbon influences soil-derived organic carbon and the interactions of soil type and fertility level with maize-derived and soil-derived carbon. We found that, on average, the contributions of maize-derived carbon to total organic carbon in maize-soil systems during the experimental period were differentiated among low fertility Luvisol (from 62.82% to 42.90), high fertility Luvisol (from 53.15% to 30.00%), low fertility Phaeozem (from 58.69% to 36.29%) and high fertility Phaeozem (from 41.06% to 16.60%). Furthermore, the addition of maize carbon significantly decreased the remaining soil-derived organic carbon in low and high fertility Luvisols and low fertility Phaeozem before two months. However, the increasing differences in soil-derived organic carbon between both soils with and without maize straw after two months suggested that maize-derived carbon was incorporated into soil-derived organic carbon, thereby potentially offsetting the loss of soil-derived organic carbon. These results suggested that Phaeozem and high fertility level soils would fix more maize carbon over time and thus were more beneficial for protecting soil-derived organic carbon from maize carbon decomposition. PMID:25774529

Direct comparison of progenitor cells derived from adipose, muscle, and bone marrow from wild-type or craniosynostotic rabbits

PubMed Central

GM, Cooper; EL, Lensie; JJ, Cray; MR, Bykowski; GE, DeCesare; MA, Smalley; MP, Mooney; PG, Campbell; JE, Losee

2010-01-01

Background Reports have identified cells capable of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow, muscle, and adipose tissues, but there are few direct comparisons of these different cell-types. Also, few have investigated the potential connection between a tissue-specific pathology and cells derived from seemingly unrelated tissues. Here, we compare cells isolated from wild-type rabbits or rabbits with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, defined as the premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures. Methods Cells were derived from bone marrow, adipose, and muscle of 10 day-old wild-type rabbits (WT; n=17) or from age-matched rabbits with familial nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (CS; n=18). Cells were stimulated with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and alkaline phosphatase expression and cell proliferation were assessed. Results In WT rabbits, cells derived from muscle had more alkaline phosphatase activity than cells derived from either adipose or bone marrow. The cells derived from CS rabbit bone marrow and muscle were significantly more osteogenic than WT. Adipose-derived cells demonstrated no significant differences. While muscle-derived cells were most osteogenic in WT rabbits, bone marrow-derived cells were most osteogenic in CS rabbits. Conclusions Results suggest that cells from different tissues have different potentials for differentiation. Furthermore, cells derived from rabbits with craniosynostosis were different from wild-type derived cells. Interestingly, cells derived from the craniosynostotic rabbits were not uniformly more responsive compared with wild-type cells, suggesting that specific tissue-derived cells may react differently in individuals with craniosynostosis. PMID:20871482

Transformational derivation of programs using the Focus system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, Uday S.

1988-01-01

A program derivation support system called Focus is being constructed. It will formally derive programs using the paradigm of program transformation. The following issues are discussed: (1) the integration of validation and program derivation activities in the Focus system; (2) its tree-based user interface; (3) the control of search spaces in program derivation; and (4) the structure and organization of program derivation records. The inference procedures of the system are based on the integration of functional and logic programming principles. This brings about a synthesis of paradigms that were heretofore considered far apart, such as logical and executable specifications and constructive and transformational approaches to program derivation. A great emphasis has been placed, in the design of Focus, on achieving small search spaces during program derivation. The program manipulation operations such as expansion, simplification and rewriting were designed with this objective. The role of operations that are expensive in search spaces, such as folding, has been reduced. Program derivations are documented in Focus in a way that the high level descriptions of derivations are expressed only using program level information. All the meta-level information, together with dependencies between derivations of program components, is automatically recorded by the system at a lower level of description for its own use in replay.

Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase Derived from 7-Methoxytacrine and Their Effects on the Choline Transporter CHT1.

PubMed

Kristofikova, Zdenka; Ricny, Jan; Soukup, Ondrej; Korabecny, Jan; Nepovimova, Eugenie; Kuca, Kamil; Ripova, Daniela

2017-01-01

Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in Alzheimer disease therapy. However, tacrine and its derivatives have severe side effects. Derivatives of the tacrine analogue 7-methoxytacrine (MEOTA) are less toxic. We evaluated new derivatives of 7-MEOTA (2 homodimers linked by 2 C4-C5 chains and 5 N-alkylated C4-C8 side chain derivatives) in vitro, using the rat hippocampal choline transporter CHT1. Some derivatives were effective inhibitors of rat acetylcholinesterase and comparable with 7-MEOTA. All derivatives were able to inhibit CHT1, probably via quaternary ammonium, and this interaction could be involved in the enhancement of their detrimental side effects and/or in the attenuation of their promising effects. Under conditions of disrupted lipid rafts, the unfavorable effects of some derivatives were weakened. Only tacrine was probably able to stereospecifically interact with the naturally occurring amyloid-β isoform and to simultaneously stimulate CHT1. Some derivatives, when coincubated with amyloid β, did not influence CHT1. All derivatives also increased the fluidity of the cortical membranes. The N-alkylated derivative of 7-MEOTA bearing from C4 side chains appears to be the most promising compound and should be evaluated in future in vivo research. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

17 CFR 240.36a1-2 - Exemption from SIPA for OTC derivatives dealers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... derivatives dealers. 240.36a1-2 Section 240.36a1-2 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE... § 240.36a1-2 Exemption from SIPA for OTC derivatives dealers. Preliminary Note: OTC derivatives dealers... derivative dealers are subject to special requirements, including limitations on the scope of their...

Experts' Understanding of Partial Derivatives Using the Partial Derivative Machine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roundy, David; Weber, Eric; Dray, Tevian; Bajracharya, Rabindra R.; Dorko, Allison; Smith, Emily M.; Manogue, Corinne A.

2015-01-01

Partial derivatives are used in a variety of different ways within physics. Thermodynamics, in particular, uses partial derivatives in ways that students often find especially confusing. We are at the beginning of a study of the teaching of partial derivatives, with a goal of better aligning the teaching of multivariable calculus with the needs of…

Pleuromutilin and its derivatives-the lead compounds for novel antibiotics.

PubMed

Tang, Y-Z; Liu, Y-H; Chen, J-X

2012-01-01

Due to the rapid onset of resistance to most antibacterial drugs, research efforts are focusing on new classes of antibacterials with different mechanisms of action from clinically used antibacterials. Pleuromutilin derivatives have received more and more scientific attention for their unique mechanism of action. Two pleuromutilin derivatives, tiamulin and valnemulin have been successfully developed as antibiotics for veterinary use. Retapamulin, another pleuromutilin derivative has been approved for use in humans in April 2007 by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been shown that there is rarely cross-resistance between pleuromutilin derivatives and other antimicrobial agents, and the development of resistance bacterial is still low. This review will demonstrate mechanism of action of pleuromutilin derivatives and reveal the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of pleuromutilin derivatives. Additionally, the pleuromutilin antibacterial derivative agents in the market, such as tiamulin, valnemulin and retapamulin, will be discussed. It is proposed that new antibacterial agents might be developed from pleuromutilin derivatives in the future.

Analytical study to define a helicopter stability derivative extraction method, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molusis, J. A.

1973-01-01

A method is developed for extracting six degree-of-freedom stability and control derivatives from helicopter flight data. Different combinations of filtering and derivative estimate are investigated and used with a Bayesian approach for derivative identification. The combination of filtering and estimate found to yield the most accurate time response match to flight test data is determined and applied to CH-53A and CH-54B flight data. The method found to be most accurate consists of (1) filtering flight test data with a digital filter, followed by an extended Kalman filter (2) identifying a derivative estimate with a least square estimator, and (3) obtaining derivatives with the Bayesian derivative extraction method.

76 FR 57787 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGA Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-16

... securities product (``UTP Derivative Security'') that derives its value from one or more currencies or..., proposed EDGA Rule 14.1(c)(5)(A) provides that a Restricted Market Maker in a UTP Derivative Security on... Reference Asset of that UTP Derivative Security, or any derivative instrument based on a Reference Asset of...

Chain Rule Approach for Calculating the Time-Derivative of Flux

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

Langenbrunner, James R.; Booker, Jane M.

The reaction history (gamma-flux observable) is mathematically studied by using the chain rule for taking the total-time derivatives. That is, the total time-derivative of flux is written as the product of the ion temperature derivative with respect to time and the derivative of the flux with respect to ion temperature. Some equations are derived using the further simplification that the fusion reactivity is a parametrized function of ion temperature, T. Deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion is used as the application with reactivity calculations from three established reactivity parametrizations.

Path integral pricing of Wasabi option in the Black-Scholes model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassagnes, Aurelien; Chen, Yu; Ohashi, Hirotada

2014-11-01

In this paper, using path integral techniques, we derive a formula for a propagator arising in the study of occupation time derivatives. Using this result we derive a fair price for the case of the cumulative Parisian option. After confirming the validity of the derived result using Monte Carlo simulation, a new type of heavily path dependent derivative product is investigated. We derive an approximation for our so-called Wasabi option fair price and check the accuracy of our result with a Monte Carlo simulation.

Handmade Cloned Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos Produced from Somatic Cells Isolated from Milk and Ear Skin Differ in Their Developmental Competence, Epigenetic Status, and Gene Expression.

PubMed

Jyotsana, Basanti; Sahare, Amol A; Raja, Anuj K; Singh, Karn P; Singla, Suresh K; Chauhan, Manmohan S; Manik, Radhey S; Palta, Prabhat

2015-10-01

We compared the cloning efficiency of buffalo embryos produced by handmade cloning (HMC) using ear skin- and milk-derived donor cells. The blastocyst rate was lower (p < 0.05) for milk-derived than that for skin-derived embryos, whereas the total cell number and apoptotic index were similar. The global level of H3K9ac was higher (p < 0.05) in skin- than in milk-derived cells, whereas the level of H3K27me3 was similar in the two groups. The global level of H3K9ac was similar between milk-derived and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that in skin-derived blastocysts. The level of H3K27me3 was similar among the three groups. The expression level of IGF-1R and G6PD was higher (p < 0.05) in skin- than in milk-derived cells, whereas DNMT1, DNMT3a, and HDAC1 expression level was similar. In the blastocysts, the expression level of DNMT1, HDAC1, OCT4, and CDX2 was higher (p < 0.05) in skin-derived than that in IVF blastocysts. The expression level of DNMT3a and IGF-1R, was in the order (p < 0.05) skin-derived and IVF > milk-derived blastocysts and that of NANOG was (p < 0.05) IVF-> milk-derived > skin-derived blastocysts. The expression level of all these genes, except NANOG, was lower (p < 0.05) in milk- than in skin-derived or IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, milk-derived cells can be used for producing HMC embryos of quality similar to that of skin-derived embryos, although with a lower blastocyst rate.

Thermal equation of state of TiC: A synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

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

Yu Xiaohui; National Lab for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100080; Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026

2010-06-15

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{sub 0}{sup '}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0}=268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P}=-0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1})=a+bT with a=1.62(12)x10{sup -5} K{supmore » -1} and b=1.07(17)x10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{alpha}/{partial_derivative}P){sub T}=(-3.62{+-}1.14)x10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V}=-0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Thermal equation-of-state of TiC: a synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

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

Yu, Xiaohui; Lin, Zhijun; Zhang, Jianzhong

2009-01-01

The pressure (P)-volume (V)-temperature (T) measurements were carried out for titanium carbide at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal-pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K'{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub p} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity a{sub T}(K{sup -1}) = a + bT with a =more » 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}a/{partial_derivative}P){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub v} = -0.015 (8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermo physical properties for TiC and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

5 CFR 1312.7 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., DOWNGRADING, DECLASSIFICATION AND SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Classification and Declassification of National Security Information § 1312.7 Derivative classification. A derivative classification... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Derivative classification. 1312.7 Section...

Calculating second derivatives of population growth rates for ecology and evolution

PubMed Central

Shyu, Esther; Caswell, Hal

2014-01-01

1. Second derivatives of the population growth rate measure the curvature of its response to demographic, physiological or environmental parameters. The second derivatives quantify the response of sensitivity results to perturbations, provide a classification of types of selection and provide one way to calculate sensitivities of the stochastic growth rate. 2. Using matrix calculus, we derive the second derivatives of three population growth rate measures: the discrete-time growth rate λ, the continuous-time growth rate r = log λ and the net reproductive rate R0, which measures per-generation growth. 3. We present a suite of formulae for the second derivatives of each growth rate and show how to compute these derivatives with respect to projection matrix entries and to lower-level parameters affecting those matrix entries. 4. We also illustrate several ecological and evolutionary applications for these second derivative calculations with a case study for the tropical herb Calathea ovandensis. PMID:25793101

Multipotent human stromal cells isolated from cord blood, term placenta and adult bone marrow show distinct differences in gene expression pattern

PubMed Central

Matigian, Nicholas; Brooke, Gary; Zaibak, Faten; Rossetti, Tony; Kollar, Katarina; Pelekanos, Rebecca; Heazlewood, Celena; Mackay-Sim, Alan; Wells, Christine A.; Atkinson, Kerry

2014-01-01

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells derived from human placenta (pMSCs), and unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) derived from cord blood share many properties with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (bmMSCs) and are currently in clinical trials for a wide range of clinical settings. Here we present gene expression profiles of human cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs), human placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hpMSCs), and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (bmMSCs), all derived from four different donors. The microarray data are available on the ArrayExpress database (www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress) under accession number E-TABM-880. Additionally, the data has been integrated into a public portal, www.stemformatics.org. Our data provide a resource for understanding the differences in MSCs derived from different tissues. PMID:26484151

Morphological changes in vesicles and release of an encapsulated compound triggered by a photoresponsive Malachite Green leuconitrile derivative.

PubMed

Uda, Ryoko M; Hiraishi, Eri; Ohnishi, Ryo; Nakahara, Yoshio; Kimura, Keiichi

2010-04-20

Photoinduced morphological changes in phosphatidylcholine vesicles are triggered by a Malachite Green leuconitrile derivative dissolved in the lipidic membrane, and are observed at Malachite Green derivative/lipid ratios <5 mol %. This Malachite Green derivative is a photoresponsive compound that undergoes ionization to afford a positive charge on the molecule by UV irradiation. The Malachite Green derivative exhibits amphiphilicity when ionized photochemically, whereas it behaves as a lipophilic compound under dark conditions. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy was used to determine vesicle morphology. The effects of the Malachite Green derivative on vesicles were studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Irradiation of vesicles containing the Malachite Green derivative induces nonspherical vesicle morphology, fusion of vesicles, and membrane solubilization, depending on conditions. Furthermore, irradiation of the Malachite Green derivative induces the release of a vesicle-encapsulated compound.

Analytic computation of energy derivatives - Relationships among partial derivatives of a variationally determined function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, H. F.; Komornicki, A.

1986-01-01

Formulas are presented relating Taylor series expansion coefficients of three functions of several variables, the energy of the trial wave function (W), the energy computed using the optimized variational wave function (E), and the response function (lambda), under certain conditions. Partial derivatives of lambda are obtained through solution of a recursive system of linear equations, and solution through order n yields derivatives of E through order 2n + 1, extending Puley's application of Wigner's 2n + 1 rule to partial derivatives in couple perturbation theory. An examination of numerical accuracy shows that the usual two-term second derivative formula is less stable than an alternative four-term formula, and that previous claims that energy derivatives are stationary properties of the wave function are fallacious. The results have application to quantum theoretical methods for the computation of derivative properties such as infrared frequencies and intensities.

Adenine derivatives as phosphate-activating groups for the regioselective formation of 3',5'-linked oligoadenylates on montmorillonite: possible phosphate-activating groups for the prebiotic synthesis of RNA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prabahar, K. J.; Ferris, J. P.

1997-01-01

Methyladenine and adenine N-phosphoryl derivatives of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP) and uridine 5'-monophosphate (5'-UMP) are synthesized, and their structures are elucidated. The oligomerization reactions of the adenine derivatives of 5'-phosphoramidates of adenosine on montmorillonite are investigated. 1-Methyladenine and 3-methyladenine derivatives on montmorillonite yielded oligoadenylates as long as undecamer, and the 2-methyladenine and adenine derivatives on montmorillonite yielded oligomers up to hexamers and pentamers, respectively. The 1-methyladenine derivative yielded linear, cyclic, and A5'ppA-derived oligonucleotides with a regioselectivity for the 3',5'-phosphodiester linkages averaging 84%. The effect of pKa and amine structure of phosphate-activating groups on the montmorillonite-catalyzed oligomerization of the 5'-phosphoramidate of adenosine are discussed. The binding and reaction of methyladenine and adenine N-phosphoryl derivatives of adenosine are described.

Daryamide Analogues from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces species.

PubMed

Fu, Peng; La, Scott; MacMillan, John B

2017-04-28

Three new cyclohexene amine derivatives, daryamides D-F (1-3), a new arylamine derivative, carpatamide D (4), and a new ornithine lactamization derivative, ornilactam A (5), were isolated from the marine-derived Streptomyces strain SNE-011. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. The carpatamide skeleton could be considered as the biosynthetic precursor of the daryamides.

19 CFR 191.174 - Derivatives manufactured under 19 U.S.C. 1313(a) or (b).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Derivatives manufactured under 19 U.S.C. 1313(a... Derivatives § 191.174 Derivatives manufactured under 19 U.S.C. 1313(a) or (b). When the basis for drawback under 19 U.S.C. 1313(p) is petroleum derivatives which were manufactured or produced in the United...

An introduction to generalized functions with some applications in aerodynamics and aeroacoustics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farassat, F.

1994-01-01

In this paper, we start with the definition of generalized functions as continuous linear functionals on the space of infinitely differentiable functions with compact support. The concept of generalization differentiation is introduced next. This is the most important concept in generalized function theory and the applications we present utilize mainly this concept. First, some of the results of classical analysis, such as Leibniz rule of differentiation under the integral sign and the divergence theorem, are derived using the generalized function theory. It is shown that the divergence theorem remains valid for discontinuous vector fields provided that the derivatives are all viewed as generalized derivatives. This implies that all conservation laws of fluid mechanics are valid as they stand for discontinuous fields with all derivatives treated as generalized deriatives. Once these derivatives are written as ordinary derivatives and jumps in the field parameters across discontinuities, the jump conditions can be easily found. For example, the unsteady shock jump conditions can be derived from mass and momentum conservation laws. By using a generalized function theory, this derivative becomes trivial. Other applications of the generalized function theory in aerodynamics discussed in this paper are derivation of general transport theorems for deriving governing equations of fluid mechanics, the interpretation of finite part of divergent integrals, derivation of Oswatiitsch integral equation of transonic flow, and analysis of velocity field discontinuities as sources of vorticity. Applications in aeroacoustics presented here include the derivation of the Kirchoff formula for moving surfaces,the noise from moving surfaces, and shock noise source strength based on the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation.

Molecular modeling studies and synthesis of novel quinoxaline derivatives with potential anticancer activity as inhibitors of c-Met kinase.

PubMed

Abbas, Hebat-Allah S; Al-Marhabi, Aisha R; Eissa, Sally I; Ammar, Yousry A

2015-10-15

In an effort to develop potent anti-cancer agents, we have synthesized some substituted quinoxaline derivatives. Reaction of 6-bromo-3-methylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one 1 with aromatic aldehydes furnished the styryl derivatives 2a-e. Alkylation of 1 with ethyl chloroacetate produced the N-alkyl derivatives 3. Hydrazinolysis of the ester derivative 3 with hydrazine hydrate afforded the hydrazide derivative 4. In addition, chlorination of 1 with phosphorus oxychloride afforded the 2-chloro derivative 5 which was used as a key intermediate for the synthesis of substituted quinoxaline derivatives 6-8, N-pyrazole derivative 9, tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline derivative 10 and Schiff base derivatives 13, 15 via reaction with several nucleophiles reagents. Docking methodologies were used to predict their binding conformation to explain the differences of their tested biological activities. All the tested compounds were screened in vitro for their cytotoxic effect on three tumor cell lines. Some new quinoxaline derivatives were studied as inhibitors of c-Met kinase, a receptor associated with high tumor grade and poor prognosis in a number of human cancers. Compounds 2e, 4, 7a, 12a, 12b and 13 showed the highest binding affinity with CDOCKER energy score, while showed the lowest IC50 values against three types of cancer cell lines. It is worth to mention that, compounds 2e, 7a, 12b and 13 showed comparable inhibition activity to the reference drug, while compounds 4 and 12a showed a more potent inhibition activity than Doxorubicin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Temporally coordinated spiking activity of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons co-cultured with astrocytes.

PubMed

Kayama, Tasuku; Suzuki, Ikuro; Odawara, Aoi; Sasaki, Takuya; Ikegaya, Yuji

2018-01-01

In culture conditions, human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived neurons form synaptic connections with other cells and establish neuronal networks, which are expected to be an in vitro model system for drug discovery screening and toxicity testing. While early studies demonstrated effects of co-culture of hiPSC-derived neurons with astroglial cells on survival and maturation of hiPSC-derived neurons, the population spiking patterns of such hiPSC-derived neurons have not been fully characterized. In this study, we analyzed temporal spiking patterns of hiPSC-derived neurons recorded by a multi-electrode array system. We discovered that specific sets of hiPSC-derived neurons co-cultured with astrocytes showed more frequent and highly coherent non-random synchronized spike trains and more dynamic changes in overall spike patterns over time. These temporally coordinated spiking patterns are physiological signs of organized circuits of hiPSC-derived neurons and suggest benefits of co-culture of hiPSC-derived neurons with astrocytes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Higher derivatives in Type II and M-theory on Calabi-Yau threefolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, Thomas W.; Mayer, Kilian; Weissenbacher, Matthias

2018-02-01

The four- and five-dimensional effective actions of Calabi-Yau threefold compactifications are derived with a focus on terms involving up to four space-time derivatives. The starting points for these reductions are the ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravity actions supplemented with the known eight-derivative corrections that have been inferred from Type II string amplitudes. The corrected background solutions are determined and the fluctuations of the Kähler structure of the compact space and the form-field back-ground are discussed. It is concluded that the two-derivative effective actions for these fluctuations only takes the expected supergravity form if certain additional ten- and eleven-dimensional higher-derivative terms for the form-fields are included. The main results on the four-derivative terms include a detailed treatment of higher-derivative gravity coupled to Kähler structure deformations. This is supplemented by a derivation of the vector sector in reductions to five dimensions. While the general result is only given as an expansion in the fluctuations, a complete treatment of the one-Kähler modulus case is presented for both Type II theories and M-theory.

28 CFR 17.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Derivative classification. 17.26 Section... ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Classified Information § 17.26 Derivative classification. (a) Persons need not possess original classification authority to derivatively classify information based on source...

28 CFR 17.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Derivative classification. 17.26 Section... ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Classified Information § 17.26 Derivative classification. (a) Persons need not possess original classification authority to derivatively classify information based on source...

28 CFR 17.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Derivative classification. 17.26 Section... ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Classified Information § 17.26 Derivative classification. (a) Persons need not possess original classification authority to derivatively classify information based on source...

28 CFR 17.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Derivative classification. 17.26 Section... ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Classified Information § 17.26 Derivative classification. (a) Persons need not possess original classification authority to derivatively classify information based on source...

40 CFR 721.2025 - Substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... derivative. 721.2025 Section 721.2025 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2025 Substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative. (a) Chemical... as a substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative (PMN P-91-487) is subject to reporting under this...

78 FR 66639 - Modifications of Certain Derivative Contracts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-06

... Modifications of Certain Derivative Contracts AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final... to the transfer or assignment of certain derivative contracts. The final regulations provide guidance to the nonassigning counterparty to a derivative contract and an assignee on certain notional...

40 CFR 721.2025 - Substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... derivative. 721.2025 Section 721.2025 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2025 Substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative. (a) Chemical... as a substituted phenylimino carbamate derivative (PMN P-91-487) is subject to reporting under this...

22 CFR 9.6 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Derivative classification. 9.6 Section 9.6 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE GENERAL SECURITY INFORMATION REGULATIONS § 9.6 Derivative classification. (a) Definition. Derivative classification is the incorporating, paraphrasing, restating or...

Some new methods in geomagnetic field modeling applied to the 1960 - 1980 epoch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langel, R. A.; Estes, R. H.; Mead, G. H.

1981-01-01

The utilization of satellite and surface data together permitted the incorporation of a solution for the anomaly field at each observatory. The residuals of the observatory measurements to such models is commensurate with the actual measurment accuracy. Incorporation of the anomaly estimation enabled the inclusion of stable time derivatives of the spherical harmonic coefficients up to the third derivative. A spherical harmonic model is derived with degree and order 13 in its constant and first time derivative terms, six in its second derivative terms and four in its third derivative terms.

Synthesis and characterization of bis-thiourea having amino acid derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fakhar, Imran; Yamin, Bohari M.; Hasbullah, Siti Aishah

2016-11-01

In this article four new symmetric bis-thiourea derivatives having amino acid linkers were reported with good yield. Isophthaloyl dichloride was used as spacer and L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-phenylalanine and L-glutamic acid were used as linkers. Bis-thiourea derivatives were prepared from relatively stable isophthaloyl isothiocyanate intermediate. Newly synthesized bis-thiourea derivatives were characterized by FTIR, H-NMR, 13C-NMR and CHNS-O elemental analysis techniques. Characterization data was in good agreement with the expected derivatives, hence confirmed the synthesis of four new derivatives of bis-thiourea having amino acids.

Field calibration of blowfly-derived DNA against traditional methods for assessing mammal diversity in tropical forests.

PubMed

Lee, Ping-Shin; Gan, Han Ming; Clements, Gopalasamy Reuben; Wilson, John-James

2016-11-01

Mammal diversity assessments based on DNA derived from invertebrates have been suggested as alternatives to assessments based on traditional methods; however, no study has field-tested both approaches simultaneously. In Peninsular Malaysia, we calibrated the performance of mammal DNA derived from blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) against traditional methods used to detect species. We first compared five methods (cage trapping, mist netting, hair trapping, scat collection, and blowfly-derived DNA) in a forest reserve with no recent reports of megafauna. Blowfly-derived DNA and mist netting detected the joint highest number of species (n = 6). Only one species was detected by multiple methods. Compared to the other methods, blowfly-derived DNA detected both volant and non-volant species. In another forest reserve, rich in megafauna, we calibrated blowfly-derived DNA against camera traps. Blowfly-derived DNA detected more species (n = 11) than camera traps (n = 9), with only one species detected by both methods. The rarefaction curve indicated that blowfly-derived DNA would continue to detect more species with greater sampling effort. With further calibration, blowfly-derived DNA may join the list of traditional field methods. Areas for further investigation include blowfly feeding and dispersal biology, primer biases, and the assembly of a comprehensive and taxonomically-consistent DNA barcode reference library.

Structure-activity relationships among substituted N-benzoyl derivatives of phenylalanine and its analogues in a microbial antitumor prescreen III: derivatives of p-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine.

PubMed

Otani, T T; Briley, M R

1985-01-01

Twelve substituted benzoyl derivatives of p-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine were prepared and tested for growth-inhibitory activity in a Lactobacillus casei system used as an antitumor prescreen. The 12 substituted benzoyl groups were the same as those attached to o-fluorophenylalanine and m-fluorophenylalanine studied earlier. The activity of these compounds was compared vertically among themselves and horizontally with the corresponding derivatives of o-fluorophenylalanine and of m-fluorophenylalanine. It was found that the derivatives of p-fluorophenylalanine, like those of o- and m-fluorophenylalanine, exhibited remarkable inhibition, all but one, i.e., the o-nitrobenzoyl derivative, showing inhibition that is considered to be positive in the prescreen. Particularly potent compounds in this group were the m-chlorobenzoyl-, p-chlorobenzoyl, m-nitrobenzoyl, and p-nitrobenzoyl derivatives. Comparison of the activity of the substituted benzoyl derivatives of all three structural isomers of fluorophenylalanine at equimolar concentrations showed that the derivatives of m-fluorophenylalanine were generally better inhibitors than those of o-fluoro- or p-fluorophenylalanine. Study of the ID50 values of the more active substituted benzoyl derivatives of the fluorophenylalanines showed that the most active of this group was m-chlorobenzoyl-p-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine.

Ferroquine and its derivatives: new generation of antimalarial agents.

PubMed

Wani, Waseem A; Jameel, Ehtesham; Baig, Umair; Mumtazuddin, Syed; Hun, Lee Ting

2015-08-28

Malaria has been teasing human populations from a long time. Presently, several classes of antimalarial drugs are available in market, but the issues of toxicity, lower efficacy and the resistance by malarial parasites have decreased their overall therapeutic indices. Thus, the search for new promising antimalarials continues, however, the battle against malaria is far from over. Ferroquine is a derivative of chloroquine with antimalarial properties. It is the most successful of the chloroquine derivatives. Not only ferroquine, but also its derivatives have shown promising potential as antimalarials of clinical interest. Presently, much research is dedicated to the development of ferroquine derivatives as safe alternatives to antimalarial chemotherapy. The present article describes the structural, chemical and biological features of ferroquine. Several classes of ferroquine derivatives including hydroxyferroquines, trioxaferroquines, chloroquine-bridged ferrocenophanes, thiosemicarbazone derivatives, ferrocene dual conjugates, 4-N-substituted derivatives, and others have been discussed. Besides, the mechanism of action of ferroquine has been discussed. A careful observation has been made into pharmacologically significant ferroquine derivatives with better or equal therapeutic effects to that of chloroquine and ferroquine. A brief discussion of the toxicities of ferroquine derivatives has been made. Finally, efforts have been made to discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of ferroquine-based antimalarial drug development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Symbiotic Performance of Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 and Its Derivative I-110 and Discovery of a New Mannitol-Utilizing, Nitrogen-Fixing USDA 110 Derivative.

PubMed

Mathis, J N; Israel, D W; Barbour, W M; Jarvis, B D; Elkan, G H

1986-07-01

Previously, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 was shown to contain colony morphology variants which differed in nitrogen-fixing ability. Mannitol-utilizing derivatives L1-110 and L2-110 have been shown to be devoid of symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability, and non-mannitol-utilizing derivatives I-110 and S-110 have been shown to be efficient at nitrogen fixation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of media carbon sources on the symbiotic N(2)-fixing ability of strain USDA 110 and to compare the effectiveness of strain USDA 110 and derivative I-110. Based on acetylene reduction activity and the nitrogen content of 41-day-old soybean plants, neither derivative I-110 nor cultures of USDA 110 grown in media favoring non-mannitol-using derivatives had symbiotic nitrogen fixation that was statistically superior to that of cultures of USDA 110 grown in media favoring mannitol-using derivatives. In another experiment 200 individual nodules formed by strain USDA 110 grown in yeast extract gluconate were screened for colony morphology of occupying variant(s) and acetylene reduction activity. Nodules occupied by mannitol-using derivatives (large colony type on 0.1% yeast extract-0.05% K(2)HPO(4)-0.08% MgSO(4) . 7H(2)O-0.02% NaCl-0.001% FeCl(3) . 6H(2)O [pH 6.7] with 1% mannitol [YEM] plates) had a mean acetylene reduction activity equal to that of nodules occupied by non-mannitol-using derivatives (small colony type on YEM plates). A total of 20 large colonial derivatives and 10 small colonial derivatives (I-110-like) were isolated and purified by repeated culture in YEM and YEG (same as YEM except 1% gluconate instead of 1% mannitol) media, respectively, followed by dilution in solutions containing 0.05% Tween 40. After 25 days of growth, soybean plants inoculated with the large colony isolates had mean whole-plant acetylene reduction activity, whole-plant dry weight, and whole-plant nitrogen contents equal to or better than those of plants inoculated with either the small colony isolates (I-110-like) or the I-110 (non-mannitol-using) derivative. Hence, the existence of a mannitol-utilizing derivative that fixes nitrogen in a culture of strain USDA 110 obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Md., was established. This new USDA 110 derivative was designated as MN-110 because it was a mannitol-utilizing nitrogen-fixing USDA 110 derivative. This derivative was morphologically indistinguishable from the non-nitrogen-fixing derivative L2-110 found in cultures obtained earlier from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville. DNA-DNA homology and restriction enzyme analyses indicated that MN-110 is genetically related to other USDA 110 derivatives that have been characterized previously.

Thermal Equation of State of TiC: A Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

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

Yu, X.; Lin, Z; Zhang, J

2010-01-01

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{prime}{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1}) =more » a+b T with a = 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8}K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{sub {alpha}}/{partial_derivative}{sub P}){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V} = -0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

The use of morphological knowledge in spelling derived forms by learning-disabled and normal students.

PubMed

Carlisle, J F

1987-01-01

Currently popular systems for classification of spelling words or errors emphasize the learning of phoneme-grapheme correspondences and memorization of irregular words, but do not take into account the morphophonemic nature of the English language. This study is based on the premise that knowledge of the morphological rules of derivational morphology is acquired developmentally and is related to the spelling abilities of both normal and learning-disabled (LD) students. It addresses three issues: 1) how the learning of derivational morphology and the spelling of derived words by LD students compares to that of normal students; 2) whether LD students learn derived forms rulefully; and 3) the extent to which LD and normal students use knowledge of relationships between base and derived forms to spell derived words (e.g. "magic" and "magician"). The results showed that LD ninth graders' knowledge of derivational morphology was equivalent to that of normal sixth graders, following similar patterns of mastery of orthographic and phonological rules, but that their spelling of derived forms was equivalent to that of the fourth graders. Thus, they know more about derivational morphology than they use in spelling. In addition, they were significantly more apt to spell derived words as whole words, without regard for morphemic structure, than even the fourth graders. Nonetheless, most of the LD spelling errors were phonetically acceptable, suggesting that their misspellings cannot be attributed primarily to poor knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences.

40 CFR 454.60 - Applicability; description of manufacture of rosin-based derivatives subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... manufacture of rosin-based derivatives subcategory. 454.60 Section 454.60 Protection of Environment... manufacture of rosin-based derivatives subcategory. The provisions of this subpart are applicable to discharges resulting from the manufacture of rosin-based derivatives. ...

6 CFR 7.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 6 Domestic Security 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Derivative classification. 7.26 Section 7.26... INFORMATION Classified Information § 7.26 Derivative classification. (a) Derivative classification is defined... already classified, and marking the newly developed material consistent with the classification markings...

32 CFR 2001.22 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Derivative classification. 2001.22 Section 2001... Identification and Markings § 2001.22 Derivative classification. (a) General. Information classified derivatively on the basis of source documents or classification guides shall bear all markings prescribed in...

32 CFR 2001.22 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Derivative classification. 2001.22 Section 2001... Identification and Markings § 2001.22 Derivative classification. (a) General. Information classified derivatively on the basis of source documents or classification guides shall bear all markings prescribed in...

6 CFR 7.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 6 Domestic Security 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Derivative classification. 7.26 Section 7.26... INFORMATION Classified Information § 7.26 Derivative classification. (a) Derivative classification is defined... already classified, and marking the newly developed material consistent with the classification markings...

6 CFR 7.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 6 Domestic Security 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Derivative classification. 7.26 Section 7.26... INFORMATION Classified Information § 7.26 Derivative classification. (a) Derivative classification is defined... already classified, and marking the newly developed material consistent with the classification markings...

32 CFR 2001.22 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Derivative classification. 2001.22 Section 2001... Identification and Markings § 2001.22 Derivative classification. (a) General. Information classified derivatively on the basis of source documents or classification guides shall bear all markings prescribed in...

32 CFR 2001.22 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Derivative classification. 2001.22 Section 2001... Identification and Markings § 2001.22 Derivative classification. (a) General. Information classified derivatively on the basis of source documents or classification guides shall bear all markings prescribed in...

76 FR 51878 - Modifications of Certain Derivative Contracts; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-19

... Modifications of Certain Derivative Contracts; Correction AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury... temporary regulations (TD 9538) that address when a transfer or assignment of certain derivative contracts... read as follows: Sec. 1.1001-4T Modifications of certain derivative contracts (temporary). * * * * * (a...

6 CFR 7.26 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 6 Domestic Security 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Derivative classification. 7.26 Section 7.26 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Classified Information § 7.26 Derivative classification. (a) Derivative classification is defined...

77 FR 14022 - Guidance for Industry on Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Information-Fermentation-Derived...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-08

...] Guidance for Industry on Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Information--Fermentation-Derived... (CMC) Information-- Fermentation-Derived Intermediates, Drug Substances, and Related Drug Products for... to submit to support the CMC information for fermentation-derived intermediates, drug substances, and...

Conformable derivative approach to anomalous diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, H. W.; Yang, S.; Zhang, S. Q.

2018-02-01

By using a new derivative with fractional order, referred to conformable derivative, an alternative representation of the diffusion equation is proposed to improve the modeling of anomalous diffusion. The analytical solutions of the conformable derivative model in terms of Gauss kernel and Error function are presented. The power law of the mean square displacement for the conformable diffusion model is studied invoking the time-dependent Gauss kernel. The parameters related to the conformable derivative model are determined by Levenberg-Marquardt method on the basis of the experimental data of chloride ions transportation in reinforced concrete. The data fitting results showed that the conformable derivative model agrees better with the experimental data than the normal diffusion equation. Furthermore, the potential application of the proposed conformable derivative model of water flow in low-permeability media is discussed.

Ecofriendly antiglare film derived from biomass using ultraviolet curing nanoimprint lithography for high-definition display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Murakami, Gaku; Mori, Yuto; Ichikawa, Takumi; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Obata, Tsutomu; Yokoyama, Yoshiyuki; Mizuno, Wataru; Sumioka, Junji; Horita, Yuji

2013-07-01

Nanopatterning of an ecofriendly antiglare film derived from biomass using an ultraviolet curing nanoimprint lithography is reported. Developed sugar-related organic compounds with liquid glucose and trehalose derivatives derived from biomass produced high-quality imprint images of pillar patterns with a 230-nm diameter. Ecofriendly antiglare film with liquid glucose and trehalose derivatives derived from biomass was indicated to achieve the real refraction index of 1.45 to 1.53 at 350 to 800 nm, low imaginary refractive index of <0.005 and low volumetric shrinkage of 4.8% during ultraviolet irradiation. A distinctive bulky glucose structure in glucose and trehalose derivatives was considered to be effective for minimizing the volumetric shrinkage of resist film during ultraviolet irradiation, in addition to suitable optical properties for high-definition display.

The effect of polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) derivatives introduced into polylactide (PLA) on the activity of bacterial enzymes.

PubMed

Walczak, Maciej; Richert, Agnieszka; Burkowska-But, Aleksandra

2014-11-01

The present study was aimed at investigating bactericidal properties of polylactide (PLA) films containing three different polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) derivatives and effect of the derivatives on extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and intracellular dehydrogenases. All PHMG derivatives had a slightly stronger bactericidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus than on E. coli but only PHMG granular polyethylene wax (at the concentration of at least 0.6 %) has a bactericidal effect. PHMG derivatives introduced into PLA affected the activity of microbial hydrolases to a small extent. This means that the introduction of PHMG derivatives into PLA will not reduce its enzymatic biodegradation significantly. On the other hand, PHMG derivatives introduced into PLA strongly affected dehydrogenases activity in S. aureus than in E. coli.

Pyrazole derivatives as antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents.

PubMed

Liu, Jia-Jia; Zhao, Meng-Yue; Zhang, Xin; Zhao, Xin; Zhu, Hai-Liang

2013-11-01

Within the past years, many researches on the synthesis, structure-activity relationships (SAR), antitumor, antiinflammatory and anti-bacterial activities of the pyrazole derivatives have been reported. Several pyrazole derivatives possess important pharmacological activities and they have been proved useful materials in drug research. Pyrazole derivatives play an important role in antitumor agents because of their good inhibitory activity against BRAF(V600E), EGFR, telomerase, ROS Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and Aurora-A kinase. In addition, pyrazole derivatives also show good antiinflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. In this review, the bioactivities of the pyrazole derivatives mentioned above will be summarized in detail. We sincerely hope that increasing knowledge of the SAR and cellular processes underlying the bioactivity of pyrazole derivatives will be beneficial to the rational design of new generation of small molecule drugs.

Synthesis and anti-H5N1 activity of chiral gossypol derivatives and its analogs implicated by a viral entry blocking mechanism.

PubMed

Yang, Jian; Chen, Gang; Li, Long Long; Pan, Wei; Zhang, Fang; Yang, Jingxiang; Wu, Shuwen; Tien, Po

2013-05-01

A series of chiral gossypol derivatives and its analogs were synthesized and tested in vitro for their anti-H5N1 activity. Interestingly, (+)-gossypol derivatives and its analogs were more active against H5N1 than the corresponding (-)-gossypol derivatives and its analogs. Through a simple chemical modification with amino acids, less active chiral gossypol could be converted into more active derivatives, and most of chiral gossypol derivatives were more potent against H5N1 than 1-adamantylamine. With regard to the mechanism of action, chiral gossypol derivatives and its analogs might impair the virus entry step of cell infection, likely targeting to HA2 protein. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of chondrocyte-derived early extracellular matrix on chondrogenesis of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Park, Yong-Beom; Seo, Sinji; Kim, Jin-A; Heo, Jin-Chul; Lim, Young-Cheol; Ha, Chul-Won

2015-06-24

The extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells contains a variety of proteins that provide structural support and regulate cellular functions. Previous studies have shown that decellularized ECM isolated from tissues or cultured cells can be used to improve cell differentiation in tissue engineering applications. In this study we evaluated the effect of decellularized chondrocyte-derived ECM (CDECM) on the chondrogenesis of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs) in a pellet culture system. After incubation with or without chondrocyte-derived ECM in chondrogenic medium for 1 or 3 weeks, the sizes and wet masses of the cell pellets were compared with untreated controls (hPDMSCs incubated in chondrogenic medium without chondrocyte-derived ECM). In addition, histologic analysis of the cell pellets (Safranin O and collagen type II staining) and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis of chondrogenic markers (aggrecan, collagen type II, and SOX9) were carried out. Our results showed that the sizes and masses of hPDMSC pellets incubated with chondrocyte-derived ECM were significantly higher than those of untreated controls. Differentiation of hPDMSCs (both with and without chondrocyte-derived ECM) was confirmed by Safranin O and collagen type II staining. Chondrogenic marker expression and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels were significantly higher in hPDMSC pellets incubated with chondrocyte-derived ECM compared with untreated controls, especially in cells precultured with chondrocyte-derived ECM for 7 d. Taken together, these results demonstrate that chondrocyte-derived ECM enhances the chondrogenesis of hPDMSCs, and this effect is further increased by preculture with chondrocyte-derived ECM. This preculture method for hPDMSC chondrogenesis represents a promising approach for cartilage tissue engineering.

I.V. infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene-modified human mesenchymal stem cells protects against injury in a cerebral ischemia model in adult rat.

PubMed

Nomura, T; Honmou, O; Harada, K; Houkin, K; Hamada, H; Kocsis, J D

2005-01-01

I.V. delivery of mesenchymal stem cells prepared from adult bone marrow reduces infarction size and ameliorates functional deficits in rat cerebral ischemia models. Administration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the infarction site has also been demonstrated to be neuroprotective. To test the hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cell delivery, we compared the efficacy of systemic delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells and human mesenchymal stem cells transfected with a fiber-mutant F/RGD adenovirus vector with a brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells). A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced by intraluminal vascular occlusion with a microfilament. Human mesenchymal stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells were i.v. injected into the rats 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Lesion size was assessed at 6 h, 1, 3 and 7 days using MR imaging, and histological methods. Functional outcome was assessed using the treadmill stress test. Both human mesenchymal stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells reduced lesion volume and elicited functional improvement compared with the control sham group, but the effect was greater in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cell group. ELISA analysis of the infarcted hemisphere revealed an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the human mesenchymal stem cell groups, but a greater increase in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cell group. These data support the hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia and cellular delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor can be achieved by i.v. delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Optimum sensitivity derivatives of objective functions in nonlinear programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barthelemy, J.-F. M.; Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.

1983-01-01

The feasibility of eliminating second derivatives from the input of optimum sensitivity analyses of optimization problems is demonstrated. This elimination restricts the sensitivity analysis to the first-order sensitivity derivatives of the objective function. It is also shown that when a complete first-order sensitivity analysis is performed, second-order sensitivity derivatives of the objective function are available at little additional cost. An expression is derived whose application to linear programming is presented.

Benzene derivatives produced by Fusarium graminearum - Short communication.

PubMed

Ntushelo, Khayalethu; Setshedi, Itumeleng

2015-06-01

Using NMR spectroscopy benzene derivatives were detected in mycelia of Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen of wheat and maize. In previous studies F. graminearum was found to cause cancer to humans and benzene derivatives were detected in breath of cancer sufferers. Surprisingly, no study found benzene derivatives to be the cancerous agents in F. graminearum. In this study we detected benzene derivatives in F. graminearum and propose to study their role as cancer agents.

Inventory of File naefs_ge90pt.t12z.pgrb2a_bcf06

Science.gov Websites

hour fcst Temperature [K] unknown derived fcst 012 925 mb TMP 6 hour fcst Temperature [K] unknown derived fcst 013 850 mb TMP 6 hour fcst Temperature [K] unknown derived fcst 014 700 mb TMP 6 hour fcst Temperature [K] unknown derived fcst 015 500 mb TMP 6 hour fcst Temperature [K] unknown derived fcst 016 250

Using derivatives to hedge against the unexpected.

PubMed

Aderholt, J M; Rasmussen, R H

1996-02-01

Derivatives--financial instruments with a rate of return derived from an underlying asset--have been used as investment instruments for decades. Many derivative products originally were created explicitly for the purpose of reducing financial risks and have become more widely used and more complex in recent years. Healthcare financial managers should have a basic understanding of derivatives as well as the ability to apply general guidelines for their appropriate use in healthcare financial management.

Macrophage-derived microvesicles promote proliferation and migration of Schwann cell on peripheral nerve repair

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

Zhan, Chuan, E-mail: zhchuansy@163.com; Ma, Cheng-bin; Yuan, Hong-mou

Background: Macrophages have been implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration. However, whether macrophages-derived microvesicles (MVs) are involved in this process remains unknown. In the present study, the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on proliferation and migration of Schwann cells (SCs) were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1) was successfully driven to M1 and M2 phenotypes by delivery of either IFN-γ or IL-4, respectively. SCs incubated with M1 or M2 macrophages-derived MVs, the cell migration and proliferation were assessed, and expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Laminin were measured. A rat model of sciaticmore » nerve was established and the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on nerve regeneration were investigated. Results: M2-derived MVs elevated migration, proliferation, NFG and Laminin protein levels of SCs compared with M1-or M0-derived MVs. The relative expression levels of miR-223 were also increased in M2 macrophages and M2-derived MVs. Transfected M2 macrophages with miR-223 inhibitor then co-incubated with SCs, an inhibition of cell migration and proliferation and a down-regulated levels of NFG and Laminin protein expression were observed. In vivo, M2-derived MVs significantly increased the infiltration and axon number of SCs. Conclusion: M2-derived MVs promoted proliferation and migration of SCs in vitro and in vivo, which provided a therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration. - Highlights: • M2 macrophages-derived MVs elevated migration and proliferation of SCs. • M2 macrophages-derived MVs up-regulated NFG and Laminin expression of SCs. • MiR-223 expression was increased in M2 macrophages-derived MVs. • MiR-223 inhibitor reduced migration and proliferation of SCs co-incubated with MVs. • MiR-223 inhibitor down-regulated NFG and Laminin levels of SCs co-incubated with MVs.« less

Association of BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism and Brain BDNF Levels with Major Depression and Suicide.

PubMed

Youssef, Mariam M; Underwood, Mark D; Huang, Yung-Yu; Hsiung, Shu-Chi; Liu, Yan; Simpson, Norman R; Bakalian, Mihran J; Rosoklija, Gorazd B; Dwork, Andrew J; Arango, Victoria; Mann, J John

2018-06-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and suicide. Both are partly caused by early life adversity, which reduces brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein levels. This study examines the association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and brain brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels with depression and suicide. We hypothesized that both major depressive disorder and early life adversity would be associated with the Met allele and lower brain brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Such an association would be consistent with low brain-derived neurotrophic factor mediating the effect of early life adversity on adulthood suicide and major depressive disorder. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped in postmortem brains of 37 suicide decedents and 53 nonsuicides. Additionally, brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein levels were determined by Western blot in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9), anterior cingulate cortex (Brodmann area 24), caudal brainstem, and rostral brainstem. The relationships between these measures and major depressive disorder, death by suicide, and reported early life adversity were examined. Subjects with the Met allele had an increased risk for depression. Depressed patients also have lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in anterior cingulate cortex and caudal brainstem compared with nondepressed subjects. No effect of history of suicide death or early life adversity was observed with genotype, but lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the anterior cingulate cortex were found in subjects who had been exposed to early life adversity and/or died by suicide compared with nonsuicide decedents and no reported early life adversity. This study provides further evidence implicating low brain brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Met allele in major depression risk. Future studies should seek to determine how altered brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression contributes to depression and suicide.

12 CFR 403.4 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Derivative classification. 403.4 Section 403.4 Banks and Banking EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES CLASSIFICATION, DECLASSIFICATION, AND SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION § 403.4 Derivative classification. (a) Use of derivative...

12 CFR 403.4 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Derivative classification. 403.4 Section 403.4 Banks and Banking EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES CLASSIFICATION, DECLASSIFICATION, AND SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION § 403.4 Derivative classification. (a) Use of derivative...

12 CFR 403.4 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Derivative classification. 403.4 Section 403.4 Banks and Banking EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES CLASSIFICATION, DECLASSIFICATION, AND SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION § 403.4 Derivative classification. (a) Use of derivative...

Marine Mammal Habitat in Ecuador: Seasonal Abundance and Environmental Distribution

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

derived macronutrients ) is enhanced by iron inputs derived from the island platform. The confluence of the Equatorial Undercurrent and Peru Current...is initiated by the subsurface derived macronutrients ) is enhanced by iron inputs derived from the island platform. The confluence of the Equatorial

12 CFR 403.4 - Derivative classification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Derivative classification. 403.4 Section 403.4 Banks and Banking EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES CLASSIFICATION, DECLASSIFICATION, AND SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION § 403.4 Derivative classification. (a) Use of derivative...

40 CFR 721.5913 - Phenothiazine derivative.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Phenothiazine derivative. 721.5913... Substances § 721.5913 Phenothiazine derivative. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a phenothiazine derivative (PMN P-96-813) is...

17 CFR 37.8 - Information relating to transactions on derivatives transaction execution facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... transactions on derivatives transaction execution facilities. 37.8 Section 37.8 Commodity and Securities Exchanges COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION DERIVATIVES TRANSACTION EXECUTION FACILITIES § 37.8 Information relating to transactions on derivatives transaction execution facilities. (a) Special calls for...

40 CFR 721.10172 - Alkylamide derivative (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alkylamide derivative (generic). 721... Substances § 721.10172 Alkylamide derivative (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as alkylamide derivative (PMN P-03...

40 CFR 721.10172 - Alkylamide derivative (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alkylamide derivative (generic). 721... Substances § 721.10172 Alkylamide derivative (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as alkylamide derivative (PMN P-03...

40 CFR 721.646 - Aminofluoran derivative (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Aminofluoran derivative (generic name... Substances § 721.646 Aminofluoran derivative (generic name). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as aminofluoran derivative (PMN P...

40 CFR 721.9079 - Dihydro quinacridone derivative (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Dihydro quinacridone derivative... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9079 Dihydro quinacridone derivative (generic). (a) Chemical substance... dihydro quinacridone derivative (PMN P-01-397) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

40 CFR 721.5913 - Phenothiazine derivative.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Phenothiazine derivative. 721.5913... Substances § 721.5913 Phenothiazine derivative. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a phenothiazine derivative (PMN P-96-813) is...

21 CFR 173.135 - Catalase derived from Micrococcus lysodeikticus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Catalase derived from Micrococcus lysodeikticus... FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Enzyme Preparations and Microorganisms § 173.135 Catalase derived from Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Bacterial catalase derived from Micrococcus lysodeikticus by a pure culture...

Structure-Activity Relationships of Orotidine-5′-Monophosphate Decarboxylase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents

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

Bello, A.; Konforte, D; Poduch, E

2009-01-01

A series of 6-substituted and 5-fluoro-6-substituted uridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as anticancer agents. The designed molecules were synthesized from either fully protected uridine or the corresponding 5-fluorouridine derivatives. The mononucleotide derivatives were used for enzyme inhibition investigations against ODCase. Anticancer activities of all the synthesized derivatives were evaluated using the nucleoside forms of the inhibitors. 5-Fluoro-UMP was a very weak inhibitor of ODCase. 6-Azido-5-fluoro and 5-fluoro-6-iodo derivatives are covalent inhibitors of ODCase, and the active site Lys145 residue covalently binds to the ligand after the elimination of the 6-substitution. Among the synthesized nucleoside derivatives, 6-azido-5-fluoro,more » 6-amino-5-fluoro, and 6-carbaldehyde-5-fluoro derivatives showed potent anticancer activities in cell-based assays against various leukemia cell lines. On the basis of the overall profile, 6-azido-5-fluoro and 6-amino-5-fluoro uridine derivatives exhibited potential for further investigations.« less

Stability-Derivative Determination from Flight Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holowicz, Chester H.; Holleman, Euclid C.

1958-01-01

A comprehensive discussion of the various factors affecting the determination of stability and control derivatives from flight data is presented based on the experience of the NASA High-Speed Flight Station. Factors relating to test techniques, determination of mass characteristics, instrumentation, and methods of analysis are discussed. For most longitudinal-stability-derivative analyses simple equations utilizing period and damping have been found to be as satisfactory as more comprehensive methods. The graphical time-vector method has been the basis of lateral-derivative analysis, although simple approximate methods can be useful If applied with caution. Control effectiveness has been generally obtained by relating the peak acceleration to the rapid control input, and consideration must be given to aerodynamic contributions if reasonable accuracy is to be realized.. Because of the many factors involved In the determination of stability derivatives, It is believed that the primary stability and control derivatives are probably accurate to within 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the specific derivative. Static-stability derivatives at low angle of attack show the greatest accuracy.

Cinnamic acid and its derivatives inhibit fructose-mediated protein glycation.

PubMed

Adisakwattana, Sirichai; Sompong, Weerachat; Meeprom, Aramsri; Ngamukote, Sathaporn; Yibchok-Anun, Sirintorn

2012-01-01

Cinnamic acid and its derivatives have shown a variety of pharmacologic properties. However, little is known about the antiglycation properties of cinnamic acid and its derivatives. The present study sought to characterize the protein glycation inhibitory activity of cinnamic acid and its derivatives in a bovine serum albumin (BSA)/fructose system. The results demonstrated that cinnamic acid and its derivatives significantly inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by approximately 11.96-63.36% at a concentration of 1 mM. The strongest inhibitory activity against the formation of AGEs was shown by cinnamic acid. Furthermore, cinnamic acid and its derivatives reduced the level of fructosamine, the formation of N(ɛ)-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), and the level of amyloid cross β-structure. Cinnamic acid and its derivatives also prevented oxidative protein damages, including effects on protein carbonyl formation and thiol oxidation of BSA. Our findings may lead to the possibility of using cinnamic acid and its derivatives for preventing AGE-mediated diabetic complications.

Cinnamic Acid and Its Derivatives Inhibit Fructose-Mediated Protein Glycation

PubMed Central

Adisakwattana, Sirichai; Sompong, Weerachat; Meeprom, Aramsri; Ngamukote, Sathaporn; Yibchok-anun, Sirintorn

2012-01-01

Cinnamic acid and its derivatives have shown a variety of pharmacologic properties. However, little is known about the antiglycation properties of cinnamic acid and its derivatives. The present study sought to characterize the protein glycation inhibitory activity of cinnamic acid and its derivatives in a bovine serum albumin (BSA)/fructose system. The results demonstrated that cinnamic acid and its derivatives significantly inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by approximately 11.96–63.36% at a concentration of 1 mM. The strongest inhibitory activity against the formation of AGEs was shown by cinnamic acid. Furthermore, cinnamic acid and its derivatives reduced the level of fructosamine, the formation of Nɛ-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), and the level of amyloid cross β-structure. Cinnamic acid and its derivatives also prevented oxidative protein damages, including effects on protein carbonyl formation and thiol oxidation of BSA. Our findings may lead to the possibility of using cinnamic acid and its derivatives for preventing AGE-mediated diabetic complications. PMID:22408423

Physiochemical, Optical and Biological Activity of Chitosan-Chromone Derivative for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Kumar, Santosh; Koh, Joonseok

2012-01-01

This paper describes the physiochemical, optical and biological activity of chitosan-chromone derivative. The chitosan-chromone derivative gels were prepared by reacting chitosan with chromone-3-carbaldehyde, followed by solvent exchange, filtration and drying by evaporation. The identity of Schiff base was confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The chitosan-chromone derivative was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and circular dichroism (CD). The CD spectrum showed the chitosan-chromone derivative had a secondary helical structure. Microbiological screening results demonstrated the chitosan-chromone derivative had antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. The chitosan-chromone derivative did not have any adverse effect on the cellular proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and did not lead to cellular toxicity in MEFs. These results suggest that the chitosan-chromone derivative gels may open a new perspective in biomedical applications. PMID:22754352

Optimization Issues with Complex Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walsh, Joanne L.; Young, Katherine C.; Tarzanin, Frank J.; Hirsh, Joel E.; Young, Darrell K.

1998-01-01

This paper investigates the use of the general purpose automatic differentiation (AD) tool called Automatic Differentiation of FORTRAN (ADIFOR) as a means of generating sensitivity derivatives for use in Boeing Helicopter's proprietary comprehensive rotor analysis code (VII). ADIFOR transforms an existing computer program into a new program that performs a sensitivity analysis in addition to the original analysis. In this study both the pros (exact derivatives, no step-size problems) and cons (more CPU, more memory) of ADIFOR are discussed. The size (based on the number of lines) of the VII code after ADIFOR processing increased by 70 percent and resulted in substantial computer memory requirements at execution. The ADIFOR derivatives took about 75 percent longer to compute than the finite-difference derivatives. However, the ADIFOR derivatives are exact and are not functions of step-size. The VII sensitivity derivatives generated by ADIFOR are compared with finite-difference derivatives. The ADIFOR and finite-difference derivatives are used in three optimization schemes to solve a low vibration rotor design problem.

Gallic acid-based indanone derivative interacts synergistically with tetracycline by inhibiting efflux pump in multidrug resistant E. coli.

PubMed

Dwivedi, Gaurav Raj; Tiwari, Nimisha; Singh, Aastha; Kumar, Akhil; Roy, Sudeep; Negi, Arvind Singh; Pal, Anirban; Chanda, Debabrata; Sharma, Ashok; Darokar, Mahendra P

2016-03-01

The purpose of the present study was to study the synergy potential of gallic acid-based derivatives in combination with conventional antibiotics using multidrug resistant cultures of Escherichia coli. Gallic acid-based derivatives significantly reduced the MIC of tetracycline against multidrug resistant clinical isolate of E. coli. The best representative, 3-(3',4,'5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5,6-trimethoxyindanone-1, an indanone derivative of gallic acid, was observed to inhibit ethidium bromide efflux and ATPase which was also supported by in silico docking. This derivative extended the post-antibiotic effect and decreased the mutation prevention concentration of tetracycline. This derivative in combination with TET was able to reduce the concentration of TNFα up to 18-fold in Swiss albino mice. This derivative was nontoxic and well tolerated up to 300 mg/kg dose in subacute oral toxicity study in mice. This is the first report of gallic acid-based indanone derivative as drug resistance reversal agent acting through ATP-dependent efflux pump inhibition.

Adipose‑derived stem cells and hyaluronic acid based gel compatibility, studied in vitro.

PubMed

Guo, Jiayan; Guo, Shu; Wang, Yuxin; Yu, Yanqiu

2017-10-01

Minimally invasive aesthetic and cosmetic procedures have increased in popularity. Injectable dermal fillers provide soft tissue augmentation, improve facial rejuvenation and wrinkles, and correct tissue defects. To investigate the use of adipose‑derived stem cells integrated with a hyaluronic acid based gel as a dermal filler, the present study used cytotoxicity studies, proliferation studies, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, apoptosis assays and scanning electron microscopy. Although hyaluronic acid induced low levels of apoptosis in adipose‑derived stem cells, its significantly promoted proliferation of adipose‑derived stem cells. Hyaluronic acid demonstrates little toxicity against adipose‑derived stem cells. Adipose‑derived stem cells were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that adipose‑derived stem cells maintained intact structures on the surface of hyaluronic acid as well as in it, and demonstrated abundant cell attachments. The present study demonstrated the compatibility of adipose‑derived stem cells and hyaluronic acid based gels in vitro.

Processing of zero-derived words in English: an fMRI investigation.

PubMed

Pliatsikas, Christos; Wheeldon, Linda; Lahiri, Aditi; Hansen, Peter C

2014-01-01

Derivational morphological processes allow us to create new words (e.g. punish (V) to noun (N) punishment) from base forms. The number of steps from the basic units to derived words often varies (e.g., nationalitybridge-V) i.e., zero-derivation (Aronoff, 1980). We compared the processing of one-step (soaking

Ghost-Free Theory with Third-Order Time Derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motohashi, Hayato; Suyama, Teruaki; Yamaguchi, Masahide

2018-06-01

As the first step to extend our understanding of higher-derivative theories, within the framework of analytic mechanics of point particles, we construct a ghost-free theory involving third-order time derivatives in Lagrangian. While eliminating linear momentum terms in the Hamiltonian is necessary and sufficient to kill the ghosts associated with higher derivatives for Lagrangian with at most second-order derivatives, we find that this is necessary but not sufficient for the Lagrangian with higher than second-order derivatives. We clarify a set of ghost-free conditions under which we show that the Hamiltonian is bounded, and that equations of motion are reducible into a second-order system.

Agomelatine Increases BDNF Serum Levels in Depressed Patients in Correlation with the Improvement of Depressive Symptoms

PubMed Central

Pettorruso, Mauro; De Berardis, Domenico; Varasano, Paola Annunziata; Lucidi Pressanti, Gabriella; De Remigis, Valeria; Valchera, Alessandro; Ricci, Valerio; Di Nicola, Marco; Janiri, Luigi; Biggio, Giovanni; Di Giannantonio, Massimo

2016-01-01

Background: Agomelatine modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression via its interaction with melatonergic and serotonergic receptors and has shown promising results in terms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor increase in animal models. Methods: Twenty-seven patients were started on agomelatine (25mg/d). Venous blood was collected and brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels were measured at baseline and after 2 and 8 weeks along with a clinical assessment, including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale. Results: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration increased after agomelatine treatment. Responders showed a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels after 2 weeks of agomelatine treatment; no difference was observed in nonresponders. Linear regression analysis showed that more prominent brain-derived neurotrophic factor level variation was associated with lower baseline BDNF levels and greater anhedonic features at baseline. Conclusions: Patients affected by depressive disorders showed an increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration after a 2-week treatment with agomelatine. The increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels was found to be greater in patients with lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and marked anhedonia at baseline. PMID:26775293

Biomimetic bio-inspired biomorph sustainable? An attempt to classify and clarify biology-derived technical developments.

PubMed

Speck, Olga; Speck, David; Horn, Rafael; Gantner, Johannes; Sedlbauer, Klaus Peter

2017-01-24

Over the last few decades, the systematic approach of knowledge transfer from biological concept generators to technical applications has received increasing attention, particularly because marketable bio-derived developments are often described as sustainable. The objective of this paper is to rationalize and refine the discussion about bio-derived developments also with respect to sustainability by taking descriptive, normative and emotional aspects into consideration. In the framework of supervised learning, a dataset of 70 biology-derived and technology-derived developments characterised by 9 different attributes together with their respective values and assigned to one of 17 classes was created. On the basis of the dataset a decision tree was generated which can be used as a straightforward classification tool to identify biology-derived and technology-derived developments. The validation of the applied learning procedure achieved an average accuracy of 90.0%. Additional extraordinary qualities of technical applications are generally discussed by means of selected biology-derived and technology-derived examples with reference to normative (contribution to sustainability) and emotional aspects (aesthetics and symbolic character). In the context of a case study from the building sector, all aspects are critically discussed.