HAL/S-360 compiler system specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, A. E.; Newbold, P. N.; Schulenberg, C. W.; Avakian, A. E.; Varga, S.; Helmers, P. H.; Helmers, C. T., Jr.; Hotz, R. L.

1974-01-01

A three phase language compiler is described which produces IBM 360/370 compatible object modules and a set of simulation tables to aid in run time verification. A link edit step augments the standard OS linkage editor. A comprehensive run time system and library provide the HAL/S operating environment, error handling, a pseudo real time executive, and an extensive set of mathematical, conversion, I/O, and diagnostic routines. The specifications of the information flow and content for this system are also considered.

Regulation of cation transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the salt tolerance gene HAL3.

PubMed Central

Ferrando, A; Kron, S J; Rios, G; Fink, G R; Serrano, R

1995-01-01

Dynamic regulation of ion transport is essential for homeostasis as cells confront changes in their environment. The gene HAL3 encodes a novel component of this regulatory circuit in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overexpression of HAL3 improves growth of wild-type cells exposed to toxic concentrations of sodium and lithium and suppresses the salt sensitivity conferred by mutation of the calcium-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin. Null mutants of HAL3 display salt sensitivity. The sequence of HAL3 gives little clue to its function. However, alterations in intracellular cation concentrations associated with changes in HAL3 expression suggest that HAL3 activity may directly increase cytoplasmic K+ and decrease Na+ and Li+. Cation efflux in S. cerevisiae is mediated by the P-type ATPase encoded by the ENA1/PMR24 gene, a putative plasma membrane Na+ pump whose expression is salt induced. Acting in concert with calcineurin, HAL3 is necessary for full activation of ENA1 expression. This functional complementarity is also reflected in the participation of both proteins in recovery from alpha-factor-induced growth arrest. Recently, HAL3 was isolated as a gene (named SIS2) which when overexpressed partially relieves loss of transcription of G1 cyclins in mutants lacking the protein phosphatase Sit4p. Therefore, HAL3 influences cell cycle control and ion homeostasis, acting in parallel to the protein phosphatases Sit4p and calcineurin. PMID:7565698

HAL/S-360 compiler test activity report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helmers, C. T.

1974-01-01

The levels of testing employed in verifying the HAL/S-360 compiler were as follows: (1) typical applications program case testing; (2) functional testing of the compiler system and its generated code; and (3) machine oriented testing of compiler implementation on operational computers. Details of the initial test plan and subsequent adaptation are reported, along with complete test results for each phase which examined the production of object codes for every possible source statement.

Origin of the X-Hal (Hal = Cl, Br) bond-length change in the halogen-bonded complexes.

PubMed

Wang, Weizhou; Hobza, Pavel

2008-05-01

The origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond of the X-Hal...Y type has been investigated at the MP2(full)/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory using a natural bond orbital analysis, atoms in molecules procedure, and electrostatic potential fitting methods. Our results have clearly shown that various theories explaining the nature of the hydrogen bond cannot be applied to explain the origin of the X-Hal bond-length change in the halogen bond. We provide a new explanation for this change. The elongation of the X-Hal bond length is caused by the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital. For the blue-shifting halogen bond, the electron-density transfer to the X-Hal sigma* antibonding orbital is only of minor importance; it is the electrostatic attractive interaction that causes the X-Hal bond contraction.

HAL/S-FC compiler system specifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

This document specifies the informational interfaces within the HAL/S-FC compiler, and between the compiler and the external environment. This Compiler System Specification is for the HAL/S-FC compiler and its associated run time facilities which implement the full HAL/S language. The HAL/S-FC compiler is designed to operate stand-alone on any compatible IBM 360/370 computer and within the Software Development Laboratory (SDL) at NASA/JSC, Houston, Texas.

GOAL-to-HAL translation study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flanders, J. H.; Helmers, C. T.; Stanten, S. F.

1973-01-01

This report deals with the feasibility, problems, solutions, and mapping of a GOAL language to HAL language translator. Ground Operations Aerospace Language, or GOAL, is a test-oriented higher order language developed by the John F. Kennedy Space Center to be used in checkout and launch of the space shuttle. HAL is a structured higher order language developed by the Johnson Space Center to be used in writing the flight software for the onboard shuttle computers. Since the onboard computers will extensively support ground checkout of the space shuttle, and since these computers and the software development facilities on the ground use the HAL language as baseline, the translation of GOAL to HAL becomes significant. The issue of feasibility was examined and it was found that a GOAL to HAL translator is feasible. Special problems are identified and solutions proposed. Finally, examples of translation are provided for each category of complete GOAL statement.

HAL-2 Promotes Homologous Pairing during Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by Antagonizing Inhibitory Effects of Synaptonemal Complex Precursors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Weibin; Miley, Natasha; Zastrow, Michael S.; MacQueen, Amy J.; Sato, Aya; Nabeshima, Kentaro; Martinez-Perez, Enrique; Mlynarczyk-Evans, Susanna; Carlton, Peter M.; Villeneuve, Anne M.

2012-01-01

During meiosis, chromosomes align with their homologous pairing partners and stabilize this alignment through assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC). Since the SC assembles cooperatively yet is indifferent to homology, pairing and SC assembly must be tightly coordinated. We identify HAL-2 as a key mediator in this coordination, showing that HAL-2 promotes pairing largely by preventing detrimental effects of SC precursors (SYP proteins). hal-2 mutants fail to establish pairing and lack multiple markers of chromosome movement mediated by pairing centers (PCs), chromosome sites that link chromosomes to cytoplasmic microtubules through nuclear envelope-spanning complexes. Moreover, SYP proteins load inappropriately along individual unpaired chromosomes in hal-2 mutants, and markers of PC-dependent movement and function are restored in hal-2; syp double mutants. These and other data indicate that SYP proteins can impede pairing and that HAL-2 promotes pairing predominantly but not exclusively by counteracting this inhibition, thereby enabling activation and regulation of PC function. HAL-2 concentrates in the germ cell nucleoplasm and colocalizes with SYP proteins in nuclear aggregates when SC assembly is prevented. We propose that HAL-2 functions to shepherd SYP proteins prior to licensing of SC assembly, preventing untimely interactions between SC precursors and chromosomes and allowing sufficient accumulation of precursors for rapid cooperative assembly upon homology verification. PMID:22912597

HAL-2 promotes homologous pairing during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis by antagonizing inhibitory effects of synaptonemal complex precursors.

PubMed

Zhang, Weibin; Miley, Natasha; Zastrow, Michael S; MacQueen, Amy J; Sato, Aya; Nabeshima, Kentaro; Martinez-Perez, Enrique; Mlynarczyk-Evans, Susanna; Carlton, Peter M; Villeneuve, Anne M

2012-01-01

During meiosis, chromosomes align with their homologous pairing partners and stabilize this alignment through assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC). Since the SC assembles cooperatively yet is indifferent to homology, pairing and SC assembly must be tightly coordinated. We identify HAL-2 as a key mediator in this coordination, showing that HAL-2 promotes pairing largely by preventing detrimental effects of SC precursors (SYP proteins). hal-2 mutants fail to establish pairing and lack multiple markers of chromosome movement mediated by pairing centers (PCs), chromosome sites that link chromosomes to cytoplasmic microtubules through nuclear envelope-spanning complexes. Moreover, SYP proteins load inappropriately along individual unpaired chromosomes in hal-2 mutants, and markers of PC-dependent movement and function are restored in hal-2; syp double mutants. These and other data indicate that SYP proteins can impede pairing and that HAL-2 promotes pairing predominantly but not exclusively by counteracting this inhibition, thereby enabling activation and regulation of PC function. HAL-2 concentrates in the germ cell nucleoplasm and colocalizes with SYP proteins in nuclear aggregates when SC assembly is prevented. We propose that HAL-2 functions to shepherd SYP proteins prior to licensing of SC assembly, preventing untimely interactions between SC precursors and chromosomes and allowing sufficient accumulation of precursors for rapid cooperative assembly upon homology verification.

Lasagna-type arrays with halide-nitromethane cluster filling. The first recognition of the Hal(-)···HCH2NO2 (Hal = Cl, Br, I) hydrogen bonding.

PubMed

Gushchin, Pavel V; Kuznetsov, Maxim L; Wang, Qian; Karasik, Andrey A; Haukka, Matti; Starova, Galina L; Kukushkin, Vadim Yu

2012-06-21

The previously predicted ability of the methyl group of nitromethane to form hydrogen bonding with halides is now confirmed experimentally based on X-ray data of novel nitromethane solvates followed by theoretical ab initio calculations at the MP2 level of theory. The cationic (1,3,5-triazapentadiene)Pt(II) complexes [Pt{HN=C(NC(5)H(10))N(Ph)C(NH(2))=NPh}(2)](Cl)(2), [1](Hal)(2) (Hal = Cl, Br, I), and [Pt{HN=C(NC(4)H(8)O)N(Ph)C(NH(2))=NPh}(2)](Cl)(2), [2](Cl)(2), were crystallized from MeNO(2)-containing systems providing nitromethane solvates studied by X-ray diffraction. In the crystal structure of [1][(Hal)(2)(MeNO(2))(2)] (Hal = Cl, Br, I) and [2][(Cl)(2)(MeNO(2))(2)], the solvated MeNO(2) molecules occupy vacant spaces between lasagna-type layers and connect to the Hal(-) ion through a weak hydrogen bridge via the H atom of the methyl thus forming, by means of the Hal(-)···HCH(2)NO(2) contact, the halide-nitromethane cluster "filling". The quantum-chemical calculations demonstrated that the short distance between the Hal(-) anion and the hydrogen atom of nitromethane in clusters [1][(Hal)(2)(MeNO(2))(2)] and [2][(Cl)(2)(MeNO(2))(2)] is not just a consequence of the packing effect but a result of the moderately strong hydrogen bonding.

Advancing HAL to an operational status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The development of the HAL language and the compiler implementation of the mathematical subset of the language have been completed. On-site support, training, and maintenance of this compiler were enlarged to broaden the implementation of HAL to include all features of the language specification for NASA manned space usage. A summary of activities associated with the HAL compiler for the UNIVAC 1108 is given.

Current status of the HAL/S compiler on the Modcomp classic 7870 computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lytle, P. J.

1981-01-01

A brief history of the HAL/S language, including the experience of other users of the language at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is presented. The current status of the compiler, as implemented on the Modcomp 7870 Classi computer, and future applications in the Deep Space Network (DSN) are discussed. The primary applications in the DSN will be in the Mark IVA network.

The GOAL-to-HAL/S translator specification. [for space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanten, S. F.; Flanders, J. H.

1973-01-01

The specification sets forth a technical framework within which to deal with the transfer of specific GOAL features to HAL/S. Key technical features of the translator are described which communicate with the data bank, handle repeat statements, and deal with software interrupts. GOAL programs, databank information, and GOAL system subroutines are integrated into one GOAL in HAL/S. This output is fully compatible HAL/S source ready for insertion into the HAL/S compiler. The Translator uses a PASS1 to establish all the global data needed for the HAL/S output program. Individual GOAL statements are translated in PASS2. The specification document makes extensive use of flowcharts to specify exactly how each variation of each GOAL statement is to be translated. The specification also deals with definitions and assumptions, executive support structure and implementation. An appendix, entitled GOAL-to-HAL Mapping, provides examples of translated GOAL statements.

Development of a support software system for real-time HAL/S applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. S.

1984-01-01

Methodologies employed in defining and implementing a software support system for the HAL/S computer language for real-time operations on the Shuttle are detailed. Attention is also given to the management and validation techniques used during software development and software maintenance. Utilities developed to support the real-time operating conditions are described. With the support system being produced on Cyber computers and executable code then processed through Cyber or PDP machines, the support system has a production level status and can serve as a model for other software development projects.

Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) Rehabilitation in Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke.

PubMed

Ogata, Toshiyasu; Abe, Hiroshi; Samura, Kazuhiro; Hamada, Omi; Nonaka, Masani; Iwaasa, Mitsutoshi; Higashi, Toshio; Fukuda, Hiroyuki; Shiota, Etsuji; Tsuboi, Yoshio; Inoue, Tooru

2015-01-01

The efficacy of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) rehabilitation in the acute phase of stroke remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) who were treated with or without HAL rehabilitation. Among 270 patients with acute ICH from 2009 to 2014, 91 patients with supratentorial ICH were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 14 patients (HAL group) received HAL rehabilitation at approximately 1 week after ICH occurrence, while the remaining 77 patients received usual rehabilitation without HAL (N-HAL group). We obtained various patient data from the hospitals where the patients were moved to for further rehabilitation. Statistical comparisons were performed for the characteristics of the ICH patients, and outcomes between the HAL and N-HAL groups. There were no differences in outcomes between the HAL and N-HAL groups. However, patients with right ICH in the HAL group exhibited a significant association with a functional independence measure (FIM) score of ≥ 110 compared with patients in the N-HAL group (HAL group: 81.8%, N-HAL group: 43.9%, P = 0.04). In patients with right ICH, HAL rehabilitation was associated with improved outcomes as evaluated by the FIM score. Thus, HAL rehabilitation may improve outcomes of acute ICH in appropriately selected patients.

S-HAL : safety handbook for locals.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-01-01

The Safety Handbook for Locals (S-HAL) is intended to be a comprehensive : traffic safety resource for all local communities in Missouri, be it cities or : counties. The S-HAL mirrors the national Highway Safety Manual (HSM) : (AASHTO, 2010) in using...

Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) Rehabilitation in Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

PubMed Central

OGATA, Toshiyasu; ABE, Hiroshi; SAMURA, Kazuhiro; HAMADA, Omi; NONAKA, Masani; IWAASA, Mitsutoshi; HIGASHI, Toshio; FUKUDA, Hiroyuki; SHIOTA, Etsuji; TSUBOI, Yoshio; INOUE, Tooru

2015-01-01

The efficacy of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) rehabilitation in the acute phase of stroke remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) who were treated with or without HAL rehabilitation. Among 270 patients with acute ICH from 2009 to 2014, 91 patients with supratentorial ICH were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 14 patients (HAL group) received HAL rehabilitation at approximately 1 week after ICH occurrence, while the remaining 77 patients received usual rehabilitation without HAL (N-HAL group). We obtained various patient data from the hospitals where the patients were moved to for further rehabilitation. Statistical comparisons were performed for the characteristics of the ICH patients, and outcomes between the HAL and N-HAL groups. There were no differences in outcomes between the HAL and N-HAL groups. However, patients with right ICH in the HAL group exhibited a significant association with a functional independence measure (FIM) score of ≥ 110 compared with patients in the N-HAL group (HAL group: 81.8%, N-HAL group: 43.9%, P = 0.04). In patients with right ICH, HAL rehabilitation was associated with improved outcomes as evaluated by the FIM score. Thus, HAL rehabilitation may improve outcomes of acute ICH in appropriately selected patients. PMID:26511112

Continued advancement of the programming language HAL to an operational status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The continued advancement of the programming language HAL to operational status is reported. It is demonstrated that the compiler itself can be written in HAL. A HAL-in-HAL experiment proves conclusively that HAL can be used successfully as a compiler implementation tool.

The current matrix elements from HAL QCD method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Kai; Ishii, Noriyoshi

2018-03-01

HAL QCD method is a method to construct a potential (HAL QCD potential) that reproduces the NN scattering phase shift faithful to the QCD. The HAL QCD potential is obtained from QCD by eliminating the degrees of freedom of quarks and gluons and leaving only two particular hadrons. Therefor, in the effective quantum mechanics of two nucleons defined by HAL QCD potential, the conserved current consists not only of the nucleon current but also an extra current originating from the potential (two-body current). Though the form of the two-body current is closely related to the potential, it is not straight forward to extract the former from the latter. In this work, we derive the the current matrix element formula in the quantum mechanics defined by the HAL QCD potential. As a first step, we focus on the non-relativistic case. To give an explicit example, we consider a second quantized non-relativistic two-channel coupling model which we refer to as the original model. From the original model, the HAL QCD potential for the open channel is constructed by eliminating the closed channel in the elastic two-particle scattering region. The current matrix element formula is derived by demanding the effective quantum mechanics defined by the HAL QCD potential to respond to the external field in the same way as the original two-channel coupling model.

76 FR 19350 - Truax, Hal D.; Notice of Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ID-6528-000] Truax, Hal D.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on April 1, 2011, Hal D. Truax submitted for filing, an application for...-8659. Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2011. Dated: April 1, 2011. Kimberly D. Bose...

Lipopolysaccharide induces amyloid formation of antimicrobial peptide HAL-2.

PubMed

Wang, Jiarong; Li, Yan; Wang, Xiaoming; Chen, Wei; Sun, Hongbin; Wang, Junfeng

2014-11-01

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the important component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, contributes to the integrity of the outer membrane and protects the cell against bactericidal agents, including antimicrobial peptides. However, the mechanisms of interaction between antimicrobial peptides and LPS are not clearly understood. Halictines-2 (HAL-2), one of the novel antimicrobial peptides, was isolated from the venom of the eusocial bee Halictus sexcinctus. HAL-2 has exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and even against cancer cells. Here, we studied the interactions between HAL-2 and LPS to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism of HAL-2 in vitro. Our results show that HAL-2 adopts a significant degree of β-strand structure in the presence of LPS. LPS is capable of inducing HAL-2 amyloid formation, which may play a vital role in its antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HAL/S-FC compiler system functional specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The functional requirements to be met by the HAL/S-FC compiler, and the hardware and software compatibilities between the compiler system and the environment in which it operates are defined. Associated runtime facilities and the interface with the Software Development Laboratory are specified. The construction of the HAL/S-FC system as functionally separate units and the interfaces between those units is described. An overview of the system's capabilities is presented and the hardware/operating system requirements are specified. The computer-dependent aspects of the HAL/S-FC are also specified. Compiler directives are included.

Effects of production conditions on the properties of Cu/sub 6/PS/sub 5/Hal crystals

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

Pan'ko, V.V.; Studenyak, I.P.; D'ordyai, V.S.

1988-06-01

Cu/sub 6/PS/sub 5/Hal single crystals belong to the class of compounds having the argyrodite structure; they have high disordered-vacancy concentrations, so they show high ionic conductivity even at room temperature. Various values have been quoted for the conductivities of Cu/sub 6/PS/sub 5/Hal, which may be due to differing growth conditions. The authors have examined the effects of those conditions on some electrophysical and optical parameters. The crystals were grown by chemical transport reaction. Differences in Cu/sub 6/PS/sub 5/Hal production conditions were found to affect the absorption edge and broaden the exciton-impurity absorption band, whose intensity alters, as well as increasingmore » the Rayleigh flank intensity in the Raman spectrum on account of increased copper concentrations.« less

Development of single leg version of HAL for hemiplegia.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Hayashi, Tomohiro; Sakurai, Takeru; Eguchi, Kiyoshi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2009-01-01

Our goal is to try to enhance the QoL of persons with hemiplegia by the mean of an active motion support system based on the HAL's technology. The HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) in its standard version is an exoskeleton-based robot suit to support and enhance the human motor functions. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is the development of a new version of the HAL to be used as an assistive device providing walking motion support to persons with hemiplegia. It includes the realization of the single leg version of the HAL and the redesign of the original HAL's Autonomous Controller to execute human-like walking motions in an autonomous way. Clinical trials were conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of the developed system. The first stage of the trials described in this paper involved the participation of one hemiplegic patient who has difficulties to flex his right knee. As a result, the knee flexion support for walking provided by the HAL appeared to improve the subject's walking (longer stride and faster steps). The first evaluation of the system with one subject showed promising results for the future developments.

The programming language HAL: A specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

HAL accomplishes three significant objectives: (1) increased readability, through the use of a natural two-dimensional mathematical format; (2) increased reliability, by providing for selective recognition of common data and subroutines, and by incorporating specific data-protect features; (3) real-time control facility, by including a comprehensive set of real-time control commands and signal conditions. Although HAL is designed primarily for programming on-board computers, it is general enough to meet nearly all the needs in the production, verification and support of aerospace, and other real-time applications.

The Impact of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Hexaminolevulinate (HAL) on Progression of Bladder Cancer - A New Analysis.

PubMed

Kamat, Ashish M; Cookson, Michael; Witjes, J Alfred; Stenzl, Arnulf; Grossman, H Barton

2016-04-27

Background: The International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG) recently proposed a new definition of disease progression in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including change in T-stage, change to T2 or higher or change from low to high grade. Objective: To establish whether blue light cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) impacts the rate of progression and time to progression using the revised definition. Methods: An earlier long-term follow-up of a controlled Phase III study reported outcomes following blue light cystoscopy with HAL (255 patients) or white light (WL) cystoscopy (261 patients) in NMIBC patients. The data was re-analysed according to the new definition. Results: In the original analysis, after 4.5 years (median), eight HAL and 16 WL patients were deemed to have progressed (transition from NMIBC to muscle invasive bladder cancer, (T2-4)). According to the new definition, additional patients in both groups were found to have progressed: 31 (12.2%) HAL vs 46 (17.6%) WL ( p  = 0.085) with four (1.6%) HAL and 11 (4.2%) WL patients progressing from Ta to CIS. Time to progression was longer in the HAL group ( p  = 0.05). Conclusions: Applying the new IBCG definition there was a trend towards a lower rate of progression in HAL patients, particularly in those progressing from Ta to CIS. Time to progression was significantly prolonged. This suggests that patients should receive blue light cystoscopy with HAL rather than WL at resection. Adoption of the new definition could allow more patients at risk of progression to be treated appropriately earlier.

Influence of the halothane gene (HAL) on pork quality in two commercial crossbreeds.

PubMed

Silveira, A C P; Freitas, P F A; César, A S M; Cesar, A S M; Antunes, R C; Guimarães, E C; Batista, D F A; Torido, L C

2011-01-01

We evaluated the effect of the halothane (HAL) gene on the quality of pork in domestic pigs. Half-carcasses from two different commercial pig (Sus domestica) crossbreeds were analyzed, 46 of which were homozygous dominant (HAL(NN)) and 69 of which were heterozygous (HAL(Nn)) for the halothane gene. The measures included backfat thickness, lean meat percentage, carcass weight, pH 24 h after slaughtering, color, and drip loss; DNA was extracted from the haunch muscle. Swine with the HAL(Nn) genotype had less backfat thickness and higher lean meat percentages than swine with the HAL(NN) genotype. Yet, swine with the HAL(Nn) genotype had lower quality meat than those with the HAL(NN) swine. The pH at 24 h was lower in HAL(Nn) swine. The meat color was paler in HAL(Nn) animals, the drip loss was greater in those animals bearing the n allele, and the amount of intramuscular fat was not related to the halothane genotype. We conclude that bearers of the recessive allele of the halothane gene produce more meat, but with quality parameters that are inferior to those sought by consumers and industry.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic (HAL) Multiple Segmental Colorectal Resections: Are They Feasible and Safe?

PubMed

Taggarshe, Deepa; Attuwaybi, Bashir O; Matier, Brian; Visco, Jeffrey J; Butler, Bryan N

2015-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of synchronous hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) segmental colorectal resections. The surgical options for synchronous colonic pathology include extensive colonic resection with single anastomosis, multiple synchronous segmental resections with multiple anastomoses, or staged resections. Traditionally, multiple open, synchronous, segmental resections have been performed. There is a lack of data on HAL multiple segmental colorectal resections. A retrospective chart review was compiled on all patients who underwent HAL synchronous segmental colorectal resections by all the colorectal surgeons from our Group during the period of 1999 to 2014. Demographics, operative details, and short-term outcomes are reported. During the period, 9 patients underwent HAL synchronous multiple segmental colorectal resections. There were 5 women and 4 men, with median age of 54 (24-83) years and median BMI of 24 (19.8-38.7) kg/m(2). Two patients were on long-term corticosteroid therapy. The median operative time was 210 (120-330) minutes and median operative blood loss was 200 (75-300) mLs. The median duration for return of bowel function was 2 days and the median length of stay was 3.5 days. We had 2 minor wound infections. There were no deaths. Synchronous segmental colorectal resections with anastomoses using the hand-assisted laparoscopic technique are safe. Early conversion to open and use of stomas are advisable in challenging cases.

RevManHAL: towards automatic text generation in systematic reviews.

PubMed

Torres Torres, Mercedes; Adams, Clive E

2017-02-09

Systematic reviews are a key part of healthcare evaluation. They involve important painstaking but repetitive work. A major producer of systematic reviews, the Cochrane Collaboration, employs Review Manager (RevMan) programme-a software which assists reviewers and produces XML-structured files. This paper describes an add-on programme (RevManHAL) which helps auto-generate the abstract, results and discussion sections of RevMan-generated reviews in multiple languages. The paper also describes future developments for RevManHAL. RevManHAL was created in Java using NetBeans by a programmer working full time for 2 months. The resulting open-source programme uses editable phrase banks to envelop text/numbers from within the prepared RevMan file in formatted readable text of a chosen language. In this way, considerable parts of the review's 'abstract', 'results' and 'discussion' sections are created and a phrase added to 'acknowledgements'. RevManHAL's output needs to be checked by reviewers, but already, from our experience within the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group (200 maintained reviews, 900 reviewers), RevManHAL has saved much time which is better employed thinking about the meaning of the data rather than restating them. Many more functions will become possible as review writing becomes increasingly automated.

Speaking Personally--With Hal Markowitz

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pittman, Von

2012-01-01

This article presents an interview with Hal Markowitz, a veteran distance educator whose experience in the field is both deep and broad. Building on bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Florida and his doctorate at Columbia University, Markowitz served in leadership roles in several professional organizations and directed distance…

HAL: a hierarchical format for storing and analyzing multiple genome alignments.

PubMed

Hickey, Glenn; Paten, Benedict; Earl, Dent; Zerbino, Daniel; Haussler, David

2013-05-15

Large multiple genome alignments and inferred ancestral genomes are ideal resources for comparative studies of molecular evolution, and advances in sequencing and computing technology are making them increasingly obtainable. These structures can provide a rich understanding of the genetic relationships between all subsets of species they contain. Current formats for storing genomic alignments, such as XMFA and MAF, are all indexed or ordered using a single reference genome, however, which limits the information that can be queried with respect to other species and clades. This loss of information grows with the number of species under comparison, as well as their phylogenetic distance. We present HAL, a compressed, graph-based hierarchical alignment format for storing multiple genome alignments and ancestral reconstructions. HAL graphs are indexed on all genomes they contain. Furthermore, they are organized phylogenetically, which allows for modular and parallel access to arbitrary subclades without fragmentation because of rearrangements that have occurred in other lineages. HAL graphs can be created or read with a comprehensive C++ API. A set of tools is also provided to perform basic operations, such as importing and exporting data, identifying mutations and coordinate mapping (liftover). All documentation and source code for the HAL API and tools are freely available at http://github.com/glennhickey/hal. hickey@soe.ucsc.edu or haussler@soe.ucsc.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Chemical composition of HAL, an isotopically-unusual Allende inclusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, A. M.; Tanaka, T.; Grossman, L.; Lee, T.; Wasserburg, G. J.

1982-01-01

Samples of hibonite, black rim, and portions of friable rim from an unusual Allende inclusion, named HAL, were analyzed by INAA and RNAA for 37 major, minor, and trace elements. An unusually low amount of Ce was found in HAL, although it otherwise was highly enriched in REE compared to C1 chondrites. HAL is also depleted in Sr, Ba, U, V, Ru, Os, and Ir relative to other refractory elements. It is concluded that the distribution of REE between hibonite and rims was established when hibonite and other refractory minerals were removed at slightly different temperatures from a hot, oxidizing gas in which they previously coexisted as separate grains. Possible locations for the chemical and mass dependent isotopic fractionation are considered to be in ejecta from the low temperature helium-burning zone of a supernova and in the locally oxidizing environment generated by evaporation of interstellar grains of near-chondritic chemical composition.

Chemical composition of HAL, an isotopically-unusual Allende inclusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, A. M.; Tanaka, T.; Grossman, L.; Lee, T.; Wasserburg, G. J.

1982-09-01

Samples of hibonite, black rim, and portions of friable rim from an unusual Allende inclusion, named HAL, were analyzed by INAA and RNAA for 37 major, minor, and trace elements. An unusually low amount of Ce was found in HAL, although it otherwise was highly enriched in REE compared to C1 chondrites. HAL is also depleted in Sr, Ba, U, V, Ru, Os, and Ir relative to other refractory elements. It is concluded that the distribution of REE between hibonite and rims was established when hibonite and other refractory minerals were removed at slightly different temperatures from a hot, oxidizing gas in which they previously coexisted as separate grains. Possible locations for the chemical and mass dependent isotopic fractionation are considered to be in ejecta from the low temperature helium-burning zone of a supernova and in the locally oxidizing environment generated by evaporation of interstellar grains of near-chondritic chemical composition.

HIV-1/HAART-Related Lipodystrophy Syndrome (HALS) Is Associated with Decreased Circulating sTWEAK Levels

PubMed Central

López-Dupla, Miguel; Maymó-Masip, Elsa; Martínez, Esteban; Domingo, Pere; Leal, Manuel; Peraire, Joaquim; Viladés, Consuelo; Veloso, Sergi; Arnedo, Mireia; Ferrando-Martínez, Sara; Beltrán-Debón, Raúl; Alba, Verónica; Gatell, Josep Mª; Vendrell, Joan; Vidal, Francesc; Chacón, Matilde R.

2015-01-01

Background and Objectives Obesity and HIV-1/HAART–associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) share clinical, pathological and mechanistic features. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in obesity and related diseases. We sought to explore the relationship between HALS and circulating levels of soluble (s) TWEAK and its scavenger receptor sCD163. Methods This was a cross-sectional multicenter study of 120 HIV-1-infected patients treated with a stable HAART regimen; 56 with overt HALS and 64 without HALS. Epidemiological and clinical variables were determined. Serum levels of sTWEAK and sCD163 levels were measured by ELISA. Results were analyzed with Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 test. Pearson and Spearman correlation were used to estimate the strength of association between variables. Results Circulating sTWEAK was significantly decreased in HALS patients compared with non-HALS patients (2.81±0.2 vs. 2.94±0.28 pg/mL, p = 0.018). No changes were observed in sCD163 levels in the studied cohorts. On multivariate analysis, a lower log sTWEAK concentration was independently associated with the presence of HALS (OR 0.027, 95% CI 0.001–0.521, p = 0.027). Conclusions HALS is associated with decreased sTWEAK levels. PMID:26658801

HIV-1/HAART-Related Lipodystrophy Syndrome (HALS) Is Associated with Decreased Circulating sTWEAK Levels.

PubMed

López-Dupla, Miguel; Maymó-Masip, Elsa; Martínez, Esteban; Domingo, Pere; Leal, Manuel; Peraire, Joaquim; Viladés, Consuelo; Veloso, Sergi; Arnedo, Mireia; Ferrando-Martínez, Sara; Beltrán-Debón, Raúl; Alba, Verónica; Gatell, Josep Ma; Vendrell, Joan; Vidal, Francesc; Chacón, Matilde R

2015-01-01

Obesity and HIV-1/HAART-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) share clinical, pathological and mechanistic features. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in obesity and related diseases. We sought to explore the relationship between HALS and circulating levels of soluble (s) TWEAK and its scavenger receptor sCD163. This was a cross-sectional multicenter study of 120 HIV-1-infected patients treated with a stable HAART regimen; 56 with overt HALS and 64 without HALS. Epidemiological and clinical variables were determined. Serum levels of sTWEAK and sCD163 levels were measured by ELISA. Results were analyzed with Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 test. Pearson and Spearman correlation were used to estimate the strength of association between variables. Circulating sTWEAK was significantly decreased in HALS patients compared with non-HALS patients (2.81±0.2 vs. 2.94±0.28 pg/mL, p = 0.018). No changes were observed in sCD163 levels in the studied cohorts. On multivariate analysis, a lower log sTWEAK concentration was independently associated with the presence of HALS (OR 0.027, 95% CI 0.001-0.521, p = 0.027). HALS is associated with decreased sTWEAK levels.

The strain index and TLV for HAL: risk of lateral epicondylitis in a prospective cohort.

PubMed

Garg, Arun; Kapellusch, Jay M; Hegmann, Kurt T; Thiese, Matthew S; Merryweather, Andrew S; Wang, Ying-Chih; Malloy, Elizabeth J

2014-03-01

This study's objective was to quantify exposure-response relationships between job physical exposure (JPE) and incidence of lateral epicondylitis (LE). A cohort of 536 workers was enrolled from 10 manufacturing facilities and followed monthly for 6 years to ascertain changes in JPE and health status. JPE was individually measured and quantified using the Strain Index (SI) and TLV for HAL. Worker demographics, medical history, psychosocial factors, and current musculoskeletal disorders were obtained. Fifty-six workers developed LE. In multivariate models JPE, age, family problems, and swimming were associated with increased risk of LE. SI showed an exposure-response relationship with maximum hazard ratio (HR) of 4.5(P = 0.04). TLV for HAL showed a non-statistically significant trend for increased risk of LE (P = 0.19). JPE is associated with increased risk of LE. The SI and TLV for HAL are useful metrics for estimating JPE. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gait training using a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) attenuates head drop: A case report.

PubMed

Miura, Kousei; Koda, Masao; Kadone, Hideki; Kubota, Shigeki; Shimizu, Yukiyo; Kumagai, Hiroshi; Nagashima, Katsuya; Mataki, Kentaro; Fujii, Kengo; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Funayama, Toru; Abe, Tetsuya; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2018-06-01

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by a chin-on-chest deformity, which can severely interfere with forward vision and impair activities of daily living. A standardized treatment strategy for DHS has not been established. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing the efficacy of gait training using a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) for DHS. A 75-year-old man showed apparent head drop in a standing position, resulting in passively reducible chin-on-chest deformity. A radiograph image showed apparent cervical kyphosis. Center of gravity of the head (CGH)-C7 SVA was +115 mm, CL was -40°, and T1S 39°. The patient underwent a treatment program using HAL, in which gait training was mainly performed, 60 min a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks (10 sessions). After 2-3 sessions, dropped head started to attenuate. At the end of 10 sessions, the patient was able to walk with normal posture and radiograph images showed cervical kyphosis dramatically decreased because of HAL training. CGH-C7 SVA was 42 mm, CL was -1.7°, and T1S was 30°. Three months' outpatient follow-up revealed a slight deterioration of cervical alignment. However, the patient was able to maintain a better cervical alignment than before HAL training and keep walking with forward vision. There were no complications in any HAL treatment session. In conclusion, gait training using HAL is an option for treatment of DHS in addition to previously reported neck extensor muscle training. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new MRI land surface model HAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosaka, M.

2011-12-01

A land surface model HAL is newly developed for MRI-ESM1. It is used for the CMIP simulations. HAL consists of three submodels: SiByl (vegetation), SNOWA (snow) and SOILA (soil) in the current version. It also contains a land coupler LCUP which connects some submodels and an atmospheric model. The vegetation submodel SiByl has surface vegetation processes similar to JMA/SiB (Sato et al. 1987, Hirai et al. 2007). SiByl has 2 vegetation layers (canopy and grass) and calculates heat, moisture, and momentum fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. The snow submodel SNOWA can have any number of snow layers and the maximum value is set to 8 for the CMIP5 experiments. Temperature, SWE, density, grain size and the aerosol deposition contents of each layer are predicted. The snow properties including the grain size are predicted due to snow metamorphism processes (Niwano et al., 2011), and the snow albedo is diagnosed from the aerosol mixing ratio, the snow properties and the temperature (Aoki et al., 2011). The soil submodel SOILA can also have any number of soil layers, and is composed of 14 soil layers in the CMIP5 experiments. The temperature of each layer is predicted by solving heat conduction equations. The soil moisture is predicted by solving the Darcy equation, in which hydraulic conductivity depends on the soil moisture. The land coupler LCUP is designed to enable the complicated constructions of the submidels. HAL can include some competing submodels (precise and detailed ones, and simpler ones), and they can run at the same simulations. LCUP enables a 2-step model validation, in which we compare the results of the detailed submodels with the in-situ observation directly at the 1st step, and follows the comparison between them and those of the simpler ones at the 2nd step. When the performances of the detailed ones are good, we can improve the simpler ones by using the detailed ones as reference models.

Current matrix element in HAL QCD's wavefunction-equivalent potential method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Kai; Ishii, Noriyoshi

2018-04-01

We give a formula to calculate a matrix element of a conserved current in the effective quantum mechanics defined by the wavefunction-equivalent potentials proposed by the HAL QCD collaboration. As a first step, a non-relativistic field theory with two-channel coupling is considered as the original theory, with which a wavefunction-equivalent HAL QCD potential is obtained in a closed analytic form. The external field method is used to derive the formula by demanding that the result should agree with the original theory. With this formula, the matrix element is obtained by sandwiching the effective current operator between the left and right eigenfunctions of the effective Hamiltonian associated with the HAL QCD potential. In addition to the naive one-body current, the effective current operator contains an additional two-body term emerging from the degrees of freedom which has been integrated out.

Associations between variants of the HAL gene and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows.

PubMed

Wang, Haifei; Jiang, Li; Wang, Wenwen; Zhang, Shengli; Yin, Zongjun; Zhang, Qin; Liu, Jian-Feng

2014-11-25

The histidine ammonia-lyse gene (HAL) encodes the histidine ammonia-lyase, which catalyzes the first reaction of histidine catabolism. In our previous genome-wide association study in Chinese Holstein cows to identify genetic variants affecting milk production traits, a SNP (rs41647754) located 357 bp upstream of HAL, was found to be significantly associated with milk yield and milk protein yield. In addition, the HAL gene resides within the reported QTLs for milk production traits. The aims of this study were to identify genetic variants in HAL and to test the association between these variants and milk production traits. Fifteen SNPs were identified within the regions under study of the HAL gene, including three coding mutations, seven intronic mutations, one promoter region mutation, and four 3'UTR mutations. Nine of these identified SNPs were chosen for subsequent genotyping and association analyses. Our results showed that five SNP markers (ss974768522, ss974768525, ss974768531, ss974768533 and ss974768534) were significantly associated with one or more milk production traits. Haplotype analysis showed that two haplotype blocks were significantly associated with milk yield and milk protein yield, providing additional support for the association between HAL variants and milk production traits in dairy cows (P < 0.05). Our study shows evidence of significant associations between SNPs within the HAL gene and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows, indicating the potential role of HAL variants in these traits. These identified SNPs may serve as genetic markers used in genomic selection schemes to accelerate the genetic gains of milk production traits in dairy cattle.

[Efficiency of combined methods of hemorroid treatment using hal-rar and laser destruction].

PubMed

Rodoman, G V; Kornev, L V; Shalaeva, T I; Malushenko, R N

2017-01-01

To develop the combined method of treatment of hemorrhoids with arterial ligation under Doppler control and laser destruction of internal and external hemorrhoids. The study included 100 patients with chronic hemorrhoids stage II and III. Combined method of HAL-laser was used in study group, HAL RAR-technique in control group 1 and closed hemorrhoidectomy with linear stapler in control group 2. Сomparative evaluation of results in both groups was performed. Combined method overcomes the drawbacks of traditional surgical treatment and limitations in external components elimination which are inherent for HAL-RAR. Moreover, it has a higher efficiency in treating of hemorrhoids stage II-III compared with HAL-RAR and is equally safe and well tolerable for patients. This method does not increase the risk of recurrence, reduces incidence of complications and time of disability.

On the performance of the HAL/S-FC compiler. [for space shuttles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, F. H.

1975-01-01

The HAL/S compilers which will be used in the space shuttles are described. Acceptance test objectives and procedures are described, the raw results are presented and analyzed, and conclusions and observations are drawn. An appendix is included containing an illustrative set of compiler listings and results for one of the test cases.

Hal: an automated pipeline for phylogenetic analyses of genomic data.

PubMed

Robbertse, Barbara; Yoder, Ryan J; Boyd, Alex; Reeves, John; Spatafora, Joseph W

2011-02-07

The rapid increase in genomic and genome-scale data is resulting in unprecedented levels of discrete sequence data available for phylogenetic analyses. Major analytical impasses exist, however, prior to analyzing these data with existing phylogenetic software. Obstacles include the management of large data sets without standardized naming conventions, identification and filtering of orthologous clusters of proteins or genes, and the assembly of alignments of orthologous sequence data into individual and concatenated super alignments. Here we report the production of an automated pipeline, Hal that produces multiple alignments and trees from genomic data. These alignments can be produced by a choice of four alignment programs and analyzed by a variety of phylogenetic programs. In short, the Hal pipeline connects the programs BLASTP, MCL, user specified alignment programs, GBlocks, ProtTest and user specified phylogenetic programs to produce species trees. The script is available at sourceforge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/bio-hal/). The results from an example analysis of Kingdom Fungi are briefly discussed.

The Yeast HAL1 Gene Improves Salt Tolerance of Transgenic Tomato1

PubMed Central

Gisbert, Carmina; Rus, Ana M.; Bolarín, M. Carmen; López-Coronado, J. Miguel; Arrillaga, Isabel; Montesinos, Consuelo; Caro, Manuel; Serrano, Ramon; Moreno, Vicente

2000-01-01

Overexpression of the HAL1 gene in yeast has a positive effect on salt tolerance by maintaining a high internal K+ concentration and decreasing intracellular Na+ during salt stress. In the present work, the yeast gene HAL1 was introduced into tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. A sample of primary transformants was self-pollinated, and progeny from both transformed and non-transformed plants (controls) were evaluated for salt tolerance in vitro and in vivo. Results from different tests indicated a higher level of salt tolerance in the progeny of two different transgenic plants bearing four copies or one copy of the HAL1 gene. In addition, measurement of the intracellular K+ to Na+ ratios showed that transgenic lines were able to retain more K+ than the control under salt stress. Although plants and yeast cannot be compared in an absolute sense, these results indicate that the mechanism controlling the positive effect of the HAL1 gene on salt tolerance may be similar in transgenic plants and yeast. PMID:10806256

Comparative Analysis of Doppler Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DG-HAL) & Infrared Coagulation (IRC) in Management of Hemorrhoids.

PubMed

Ahmad, Arshad; Kant, Rama; Gupta, Avneet

2013-08-01

Both Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) and infrared coagulation (IRC) are well-established techniques in the management of hemorrhoids. The aim of the study is to compare the clinical outcomes of DG-HAL and IRC in the patients with grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids. A total of 296 patients were registered for the study, but 51 patients were lost in follow-up; hence, finally 245 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were randomized into two groups (mean age, 42 years; range, 19-60 years). Group A (n = 116) was treated with DG-HAL and group B (n = 129) was treated with IRC. Patients were examined at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure. Mean time taken for HAL was 21 min and for IRC, 12 min. The cost of the DG-HAL procedure was 1,440 rupees ($31.53) and that of IRC was 376 rupees ($8). The mean duration of hospital stay after HAL was 6 h and after IRC, 2 h. Control of symptoms with HAL was 96 %, whereas with IRC, 81 %. Postoperative complication rate for HAL was 2 %, whereas for IRC, 13 %. Requirement of repeat procedure with HAL was 9 % and with IRC, 28 %. Both the procedures are minimally invasive, associated with minimal discomfort, and suitable for day care surgery. IRC requires lesser procedure time, lesser postoperative hospital stay, and has lower procedure cost, whereas DG-HAL is more effective in controlling symptoms of hemorrhoids, has lower post operative complication rate, and has lesser requirement of repeat procedure.

Photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer - a phase I study using hexaminolevulinate (HAL).

PubMed

Bader, M J; Stepp, Herbert; Beyer, Wolfgang; Pongratz, Thomas; Sroka, Ronald; Kriegmair, Martin; Zaak, Dirk; Welschof, Mona; Tilki, Derya; Stief, Christian G; Waidelich, Raphaela

2013-10-01

To assess the safety and feasibility of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) based photodynamic therapy (PDT) as adjuvant treatment after transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) in patients with intermediate or high-risk urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder. Seventeen patients received 50 ml of either a 16 mM (4 patients) or 8 mM HAL (13 patients) solution instilled intravesically. Bladder wall irradiation was performed using an incoherent white light source coupled via a quartz fiber assembled into a flexible transurethral irrigation catheter. Each patient received 3 treatments with HAL-PDT 6 weeks apart. After PDT, patients were followed by regular cystoscopy for up to 21 months to assess time to recurrence. Reported adverse events (AEs) were coded according the World Health Organization Adverse Reaction Terminology (WHO-ART). Efficacy was assessed by cystoscopy, cytology, and histology, and was defined as the number of patients who were tumor-free at 6 or 21 months after initial PDT treatment. Transient bladder irritability was reported by 15 of the 17 patients and resolved completely in all patients. No evidence of a cumulative effect of treatment on the incidence of AEs could be detected. PDT treatment was performed without any technical complications. Furthermore preliminary assessment of efficacy showed that of the 17 patients included, 9 (52.9%; 95% CI: 27.8-77.0) were tumor-free at 6 months, 4 (23.5%; 95% CI: 6.8-49.9) were tumor-free at 9 months, and 2 (11.8%, 95% CI: 1.5-36.4) were tumor-free after 21 months. PDT using hexaminolevulinate and an incoherent white light system with the special flexible irradiation catheter system is technically feasible and safe and may offer an alternative in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive intermediate and high-risk bladder cancer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Baryon interactions in lattice QCD: the direct method vs. the HAL QCD potential method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iritani, T.; HAL QCD Collaboration

We make a detailed comparison between the direct method and the HAL QCD potential method for the baryon-baryon interactions, taking the $\\Xi\\Xi$ system at $m_\\pi= 0.51$ GeV in 2+1 flavor QCD and using both smeared and wall quark sources. The energy shift $\\Delta E_\\mathrm{eff}(t)$ in the direct method shows the strong dependence on the choice of quark source operators, which means that the results with either (or both) source are false. The time-dependent HAL QCD method, on the other hand, gives the quark source independent $\\Xi\\Xi$ potential, thanks to the derivative expansion of the potential, which absorbs the source dependence to the next leading order correction. The HAL QCD potential predicts the absence of the bound state in the $\\Xi\\Xi$($^1$S$_0$) channel at $m_\\pi= 0.51$ GeV, which is also confirmed by the volume dependence of finite volume energy from the potential. We also demonstrate that the origin of the fake plateau in the effective energy shift $\\Delta E_\\mathrm{eff}(t)$ at $t \\sim 1$ fm can be clarified by a few low-lying eigenfunctions and eigenvalues on the finite volume derived from the HAL QCD potential, which implies that the ground state saturation of $\\Xi\\Xi$($^1$S$_0$) requires $t \\sim 10$ fm in the direct method for the smeared source on $(4.3 \\ \\mathrm{fm})^3$ lattice, while the HAL QCD method does not suffer from such a problem.

HAL/S-FC compiler system functional specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Compiler organization is discussed, including overall compiler structure, internal data transfer, compiler development, and code optimization. The user, system, and SDL interfaces are described, along with compiler system requirements. Run-time software support package and restrictions and dependencies are also considered of the HAL/S-FC system.

The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) for Care Support successfully reduced lumbar load in repetitive lifting movements.

PubMed

Miura, Kousei; Kadone, Hideki; Koda, Masao; Abe, Tetsuya; Kumagai, Hiroshi; Nagashima, Katsuya; Mataki, Kentaro; Fujii, Kengo; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Funayama, Toru; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2018-05-03

Work-related low back pain is a serious socioeconomic problem. This study examined whether HAL for Care Support, which is a newly developed wearable robot, would decrease lumbar fatigue and improve lifting performance during repetitive lifting movements. Eighteen healthy volunteers (11 men, 7 women) performed repetitive stoop lifting movements of a cardboard box weighing 12 kg as many times as possible. The first lifting trial was executed without HAL for Care Support, and the second was with it. We evaluated the VAS of lumbar fatigue as the lumbar load and the number of lifts and the lifting time as lifting performance. Without HAL for Care Support, the mean VAS of lumbar fatigue, the number of lifts and lifting time were 68 mm, 60 and 230 s; with HAL for Care Support, they were 51 mm, 87 and 332 s, respectively. Both lifting performance measures were significantly improved by using HAL for Care Support (Fig. 2). A power analysis showed that there was sufficient statistical power for the VAS of lumbar fatigue (0.99), the number of lifts (0.92), and lifting time (0.93). All participants performed their repetitive lifting trials safely. There were no adverse events caused by using HAL for Care Support. In conclusion, the HAL for Care Support can decrease lumbar load and improve the lifting performance during repetitive stoop lifting movements in healthy adults. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Risk assessments using the Strain Index and the TLV for HAL, Part I: Task and multi-task job exposure classifications.

PubMed

Kapellusch, Jay M; Bao, Stephen S; Silverstein, Barbara A; Merryweather, Andrew S; Thiese, Mathew S; Hegmann, Kurt T; Garg, Arun

2017-12-01

The Strain Index (SI) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV for HAL) use different constituent variables to quantify task physical exposures. Similarly, time-weighted-average (TWA), Peak, and Typical exposure techniques to quantify physical exposure from multi-task jobs make different assumptions about each task's contribution to the whole job exposure. Thus, task and job physical exposure classifications differ depending upon which model and technique are used for quantification. This study examines exposure classification agreement, disagreement, correlation, and magnitude of classification differences between these models and techniques. Data from 710 multi-task job workers performing 3,647 tasks were analyzed using the SI and TLV for HAL models, as well as with the TWA, Typical and Peak job exposure techniques. Physical exposures were classified as low, medium, and high using each model's recommended, or a priori limits. Exposure classification agreement and disagreement between models (SI, TLV for HAL) and between job exposure techniques (TWA, Typical, Peak) were described and analyzed. Regardless of technique, the SI classified more tasks as high exposure than the TLV for HAL, and the TLV for HAL classified more tasks as low exposure. The models agreed on 48.5% of task classifications (kappa = 0.28) with 15.5% of disagreement between low and high exposure categories. Between-technique (i.e., TWA, Typical, Peak) agreement ranged from 61-93% (kappa: 0.16-0.92) depending on whether the SI or TLV for HAL was used. There was disagreement between the SI and TLV for HAL and between the TWA, Typical and Peak techniques. Disagreement creates uncertainty for job design, job analysis, risk assessments, and developing interventions. Task exposure classifications from the SI and TLV for HAL might complement each other. However, TWA, Typical, and Peak job exposure techniques all have

Updated estimates of HAL n and RN- effects on pork quality: fresh and processed loin and ham.

PubMed

Cherel, P; Glénisson, J; Figwer, P; Pires, J; Damon, M; Franck, M; Le Roy, P

2010-12-01

A 1000-pig F2 intercross QTL detection experimental population was generated using two commercial sire lines. Independent carriers of HAL n and RN- mutations (10% and 14%, respectively) were included in this population as control genotypes. The effects of HAL n and RN- heterozygous genotypes on fresh and transformed loins and hams were estimated using a mixed model methodology. The results document the unfavorable effects of both mutations on meat quality. Smaller effects of HAL Nn genotype compared to HAL nn or RN-rn+ genotypes were estimated. Interestingly, effects of HAL Nn genotype on meat pH and loin color could be insignificant at 24-h postmortem, but translate into higher water losses on storage and cooking, and result in tougher cooked loin. Using the same methodology, significant effects of the PRKAG3 (RN) I199 allele on ultimate pH values but not on glycolytic potential were observed. Copyright © 2010 The American Meat Science Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immediate effects of a single session of robot-assisted gait training using Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Matsuda, Mayumi; Mataki, Yuki; Mutsuzaki, Hirotaka; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Takahashi, Kazushi; Enomoto, Keiko; Sano, Kumiko; Mizukami, Masafumi; Tomita, Kazuhide; Ohguro, Haruka; Iwasaki, Nobuaki

2018-02-01

[Purpose] Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL, CYBERDYNE) was previously reported beneficial for stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Here, we investigate the immediate effect of a single session of RAGT using HAL on gait function for cerebral palsy (CP) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve patients (average age: 16.2 ± 7.3 years) with CP received a single session of RAGT using HAL. Gait speed, step length, cadence, single-leg support per gait cycle, hip and knee joint angle in stance, and swing phase per gait cycle were assessed before, during, and immediately after HAL intervention. [Results] Compared to baseline values, single-leg support per gait cycle (64.5 ± 15.8% to 69.3 ± 12.1%), hip extension angle in mid-stance (149.2 ± 19.0° to 155.5 ± 20.1°), and knee extension angle in mid-stance (137.6 ± 20.2° to 143.1 ± 19.5°) were significantly increased immediately after intervention. Further, the knee flexion angle in mid-swing was significantly decreased immediately after treatment (112.0 ± 15.5° to 105.2 ± 17.1°). Hip flexion angle in mid-swing also decreased following intervention (137.2 ± 14.6° to 129.7 ± 16.6°), but not significantly. Conversely, gait speed, step length, and cadence were unchanged after intervention. [Conclusion] A single-time RAGT with HAL improved single-leg support per gait cycle and hip and knee joint angle during gait, therapeutically improving gait function in CP patients.

Association of Rare Loss-Of-Function Alleles in HAL, Serum Histidine: Levels and Incident Coronary Heart Disease.

PubMed

Yu, Bing; Li, Alexander H; Muzny, Donna; Veeraraghavan, Narayanan; de Vries, Paul S; Bis, Joshua C; Musani, Solomon K; Alexander, Danny; Morrison, Alanna C; Franco, Oscar H; Uitterlinden, André; Hofman, Albert; Dehghan, Abbas; Wilson, James G; Psaty, Bruce M; Gibbs, Richard; Wei, Peng; Boerwinkle, Eric

2015-04-01

Histidine is a semiessential amino acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Few data are available on the associations between genetic variants, histidine levels, and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in a population-based sample. By conducting whole exome sequencing on 1152 African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and focusing on loss-of-function (LoF) variants, we identified 3 novel rare LoF variants in HAL, a gene that encodes histidine ammonia-lyase in the first step of histidine catabolism. These LoF variants had large effects on blood histidine levels (β=0.26; P=1.2×10(-13)). The positive association with histidine levels was replicated by genotyping an independent sample of 718 ARIC African Americans (minor allele frequency=1%; P=1.2×10(-4)). In addition, high blood histidine levels were associated with reduced risk of developing incident CHD with an average of 21.5 years of follow-up among African Americans (hazard ratio=0.18; P=1.9×10(-4)). This finding was validated in an independent sample of European Americans from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring Cohort. However, LoF variants in HAL were not directly significantly associated with incident CHD after meta-analyzing results from the CHARGE Consortium. Three LoF mutations in HAL were associated with increased histidine levels, which in turn were shown to be inversely related to the risk of CHD among both African Americans and European Americans. Future investigations on the association between HAL gene variation and CHD are warranted. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Helicopter Visual Segment Approach Lighting System (HALS) Test Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

this Pegl 23. Ne. a# Palo$ 22. Ptuco Unclassified Unclassified 316 Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-721 Reproduction of e9Isted Ppe authorized TABLE OF CONTENTS...Subject Pilot Range Rate/Vertical Position Plots lii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure Page I Basic Heliport IFR Lighting System 4 2 Heliport Approach...Instrument Flight Rules ( IFR ) Heliport Lighting System and a centerline HALS. The Basic IFR Approach Light System is presented in figure 1. It consists of

Two-baryon systems from HAL QCD method and the mirage in the temporal correlation of the direct method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iritani, Takumi

2018-03-01

Both direct and HAL QCD methods are currently used to study the hadron interactions in lattice QCD. In the direct method, the eigen-energy of two-particle is measured from the temporal correlation. Due to the contamination of excited states, however, the direct method suffers from the fake eigen-energy problem, which we call the "mirage problem," while the HAL QCD method can extract information from all elastic states by using the spatial correlation. In this work, we further investigate systematic uncertainties of the HAL QCD method such as the quark source operator dependence, the convergence of the derivative expansion of the non-local interaction kernel, and the single baryon saturation, which are found to be well controlled. We also confirm the consistency between the HAL QCD method and the Lüscher's finite volume formula. Based on the HAL QCD potential, we quantitatively confirm that the mirage plateau in the direct method is indeed caused by the contamination of excited states.

Immediate effects of a single session of robot-assisted gait training using Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Matsuda, Mayumi; Mataki, Yuki; Mutsuzaki, Hirotaka; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Takahashi, Kazushi; Enomoto, Keiko; Sano, Kumiko; Mizukami, Masafumi; Tomita, Kazuhide; Ohguro, Haruka; Iwasaki, Nobuaki

2018-01-01

[Purpose] Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL, CYBERDYNE) was previously reported beneficial for stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Here, we investigate the immediate effect of a single session of RAGT using HAL on gait function for cerebral palsy (CP) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve patients (average age: 16.2 ± 7.3 years) with CP received a single session of RAGT using HAL. Gait speed, step length, cadence, single-leg support per gait cycle, hip and knee joint angle in stance, and swing phase per gait cycle were assessed before, during, and immediately after HAL intervention. [Results] Compared to baseline values, single-leg support per gait cycle (64.5 ± 15.8% to 69.3 ± 12.1%), hip extension angle in mid-stance (149.2 ± 19.0° to 155.5 ± 20.1°), and knee extension angle in mid-stance (137.6 ± 20.2° to 143.1 ± 19.5°) were significantly increased immediately after intervention. Further, the knee flexion angle in mid-swing was significantly decreased immediately after treatment (112.0 ± 15.5° to 105.2 ± 17.1°). Hip flexion angle in mid-swing also decreased following intervention (137.2 ± 14.6° to 129.7 ± 16.6°), but not significantly. Conversely, gait speed, step length, and cadence were unchanged after intervention. [Conclusion] A single-time RAGT with HAL improved single-leg support per gait cycle and hip and knee joint angle during gait, therapeutically improving gait function in CP patients. PMID:29545679

The Strain Index (SI) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Hand Activity Level (HAL): risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a prospective cohort.

PubMed

Garg, A; Kapellusch, J; Hegmann, K; Wertsch, J; Merryweather, A; Deckow-Schaefer, G; Malloy, E J

2012-01-01

A cohort of 536 workers was enrolled from 10 diverse manufacturing facilities and was followed monthly for six years. Job physical exposures were individually measured. Worker demographics, medical history, psychosocial factors, current musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were obtained. Point and lifetime prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) at baseline (symptoms + abnormal NCS) were 10.3% and 19.8%. During follow-up, there were 35 new CTS cases (left, right or both hands). Factors predicting development of CTS included: job physical exposure (American conference of governmental industrial hygienists Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH TLV) for Hand Activity Level (HAL) and the Strain Index (SI)), age, BMI, other MSDs, inflammatory arthritis, gardening outside of work and feelings of depression. In the adjusted models, the TLV for HAL and the SI were both significant per unit increase in exposure with hazard ratios (HR) increasing up to a maximum of 5.4 (p = 0.05) and 5.3 (p = 0.03), respectively; however, similar to other reports, both suggested lower risk at higher exposures. Data suggest that the TLV for HAL and the SI are useful metrics for estimating exposure to biomechanical stressors. This study was conducted to determine how well the TLV for HAL and the SI predict risk of CTS using a prospective cohort design with survival analysis. Both the TLV for HAL and the SI were found to predict risk of CTS when adjusted for relevant covariates.

Functional Outcome of Neurologic-Controlled HAL-Exoskeletal Neurorehabilitation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot With One Year Treatment and Variable Treatment Frequency.

PubMed

Jansen, Oliver; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Meindl, Renate C; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Sczesny-Kaiser, Matthias; Grasmücke, Dennis; Fisahn, Christian; Aach, Mirko

2017-12-01

Longitudinal prospective study. Whether 1-year HAL-BWSTT of chronic spinal cord injured patients can improve independent ambulated mobility further as a function of training frequency, after an initial 3-month training period. Eight patients with chronic SCI were enrolled. They initially received full standard physical therapy and neurorehabilitation in the acute/subacute posttrauma phase. During this trial, all patients first underwent a daily (5 per week) HAL-BWSTT for 12 weeks. Subsequently, these patients performed a 40-week HAL-BWSTT with a training session frequency of either 1 or 3 to 5 sessions per week. The patients' functional status including HAL-associated treadmill-walking time, -distance, and -speed with additional analysis of gait pattern, and their independent (without wearing the robot suit) functional mobility improvements, were assessed using the 10-Meter-Walk Test (10MWT), Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and 6-Minute-Walk Test (6MinWT) on admission, at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year after enrollment. The data were analyzed separately for the 2 training frequency subgroups after the initial 12-week training period, which was identical in both groups. During the 1-year follow-up, HAL-associated walking parameters and independent functional improvements were maintained in all the patients. This result held irrespective of the training frequency. Long-term 1-year maintenance of HAL-associated treadmill walking parameters and of improved independent walking abilities after initial 12 weeks of daily HAL-BWSTT is possible and depends mainly on the patients' ambulatory status accomplished after initial training period. Subsequent regular weekly training, but not higher frequency training, seems to be sufficient to preserve the improvements accomplished.

Functional Outcome of Neurologic-Controlled HAL-Exoskeletal Neurorehabilitation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot With One Year Treatment and Variable Treatment Frequency

PubMed Central

Schildhauer, Thomas A.; Meindl, Renate C.; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Sczesny-Kaiser, Matthias; Grasmücke, Dennis; Fisahn, Christian; Aach, Mirko

2017-01-01

Study Design: Longitudinal prospective study. Objectives: Whether 1-year HAL-BWSTT of chronic spinal cord injured patients can improve independent ambulated mobility further as a function of training frequency, after an initial 3-month training period. Methods: Eight patients with chronic SCI were enrolled. They initially received full standard physical therapy and neurorehabilitation in the acute/subacute posttrauma phase. During this trial, all patients first underwent a daily (5 per week) HAL-BWSTT for 12 weeks. Subsequently, these patients performed a 40-week HAL-BWSTT with a training session frequency of either 1 or 3 to 5 sessions per week. The patients’ functional status including HAL-associated treadmill-walking time, -distance, and -speed with additional analysis of gait pattern, and their independent (without wearing the robot suit) functional mobility improvements, were assessed using the 10-Meter-Walk Test (10MWT), Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and 6-Minute-Walk Test (6MinWT) on admission, at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year after enrollment. The data were analyzed separately for the 2 training frequency subgroups after the initial 12-week training period, which was identical in both groups. Results: During the 1-year follow-up, HAL-associated walking parameters and independent functional improvements were maintained in all the patients. This result held irrespective of the training frequency. Conclusions: Long-term 1-year maintenance of HAL-associated treadmill walking parameters and of improved independent walking abilities after initial 12 weeks of daily HAL-BWSTT is possible and depends mainly on the patients’ ambulatory status accomplished after initial training period. Subsequent regular weekly training, but not higher frequency training, seems to be sufficient to preserve the improvements accomplished. PMID:29238636

The expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HAL1 gene increases salt tolerance in transgenic watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsun. & Nakai.].

PubMed

Ellul, P; Ríos, G; Atarés, A; Roig, L A; Serrano, R; Moreno, V

2003-08-01

An optimised Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer protocol was developed in order to obtain watermelon transgenic plants [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsun. & Nakai.]. Transformation efficiencies ranged from 2.8% to 5.3%, depending on the cultivar. The method was applied to obtain genetically engineered watermelon plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HAL1 gene related to salt tolerance. In order to enhance its constitutive expression in plants, the HAL1 gene was cloned in a pBiN19 plasmid under control of the 35S promoter with a double enhancer sequence from the cauliflower mosaic virus and the RNA4 leader sequence of the alfalfa mosaic virus. This vector was introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 for further inoculation of watermelon half-cotyledon explants. The introduction of both the neomycin phosphotransferase II and HAL1 genes was assessed in primary transformants (TG1) by polymerase chain reaction analysis and Southern hybridisation. The expression of the HAL1 gene was determined by Northern analysis, and the diploid level of transgenic plants was confirmed by flow cytometry. The presence of the selectable marker gene in the expected Mendelian ratios was demonstrated in TG2 progenies. The TG2 kanamycin-resistant plantlets elongated better and produced new roots and leaves in culture media supplemented with NaCl compared with the control. Salt tolerance was confirmed in a semi-hydroponic system (EC=6 dS m(-1)) on the basis of the higher growth performance of homozygous TG3 lines with respect to their respective azygous control lines without the transgene. The halotolerance observed confirmed the inheritance of the trait and supports the potential usefulness of the HAL1 gene of S. cerevisiae as a molecular tool for genetic engineering of salt-stress protection in other crop species.

The voluntary driven exoskeleton Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for postoperative training of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a case report.

PubMed

Fujii, Kengo; Abe, Tetsuya; Kubota, Shigeki; Marushima, Aiki; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Matsushita, Akira; Nakai, Kei; Saotome, Kosaku; Kadone, Hideki; Endo, Ayumu; Haginoya, Ayumu; Hada, Yasushi; Matsumura, Akira; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-05-01

The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is a wearable robot suit that assists in voluntary control of knee and hip joint motion by detecting bioelectric signals on the surface of the skin with high sensitivity. HAL has been reported to be effective for functional recovery in motor impairments. However, few reports have revealed the utility of HAL for patients who have undergone surgery for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (thoracic OPLL). Herein, we present a postoperative thoracic OPLL patient who showed remarkable functional recovery after training with HAL. A 63-year-old woman, who could not walk due to muscle weakness before surgery, underwent posterior decompression and fusion. Paralysis was re-aggravated after the initial postoperative rising. We diagnosed that paralysis was due to residual compression from the anterior lesion and microinstability after posterior fixation, and prescribed bed rest for a further 3 weeks. The incomplete paralysis gradually recovered, and walking training with HAL was started on postoperative day 44 in addition to standard physical therapy. The patient underwent 10 sessions of HAL training until discharge on postoperative day 73. Results of a 10-m walk test were assessed after every session, and the patient's speed and cadence markedly improved. At discharge, the patient could walk with 2 crutches and no assistance. Furthermore, no adverse events associated with HAL training occurred. HAL training for postoperative thoracic OPLL patients may enhance improvement in walking ability, even if severe impairment of ambulation and muscle weakness exist preoperatively.

The hybrid assisted limb (HAL) for Care Support, a motion assisting robot providing exoskeletal lumbar support, can potentially reduce lumbar load in repetitive snow-shoveling movements.

PubMed

Miura, Kousei; Kadone, Hideki; Koda, Masao; Abe, Tetsuya; Endo, Hirooki; Murakami, Hideki; Doita, Minoru; Kumagai, Hiroshi; Nagashima, Katsuya; Fujii, Kengo; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Funayama, Toru; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2018-03-01

An excessive lumbar load with snow-shoveling is a serious problem in snowfall areas. Various exoskeletal robots have been developed to reduce lumbar load in lifting work. However, few studies have reported the attempt of snow-shoveling work using exoskeletal robots. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the HAL for Care Support robot would reduce lumbar load in repetitive snow-shoveling movements. Nine healthy male volunteers performed repetitive snow-shoveling movements outdoors in a snowfall area for as long as possible until they were fatigued. The snow-shoveling trial was performed under two conditions: with and without HAL for Care Support. Outcome measures were defined as the lumbar load assessed by the VAS of lumbar fatigue after the snow-shoveling trial and the snow-shoveling performance, including the number of scoops, and snow shoveling time and distance. The mean of VAS of lumbar fatigue, the number of scoops, and snow-shoveling time and distance without HAL for Care Support were 75.4 mm, 50.3, 145 s, and 9.6 m, while with HAL for Care Support were 39.8 mm, 144, 366 s, and 35.4 m. The reduction of lumbar fatigue and improvement of snow-shoveling performance using HAL for Care Support were statistically significant. There was no adverse event during snow-shoveling with HAL for Care Support. In conclusion, the HAL for Care Support can reduce lumbar load in repetitive snow-shoveling movements. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mineralogy and petrography of HAL, an isotopically-unusual Allende inclusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, J. M.; Grossman, L.; Lee, T.; Wasserburg, G. J.

1980-01-01

Results of a detailed mineralogical and textural study of the HAL (Hibonite ALlende) inclusion of the Allende meteorite, which has been found to exhibit no Mg-26 excesses despite very high Al-27/Mg-24 ratios and large fractionation effects with small nuclear effects in its Ca, are reported. The inclusion is found to consist of three up to 1-mm diameter hibonite crystals partially surrounded by a black rim resembling a devitrified glass and containing an anisotropic Al-Fe oxide, which is in turn surrounded by a 2-mm thick friable rim sequence consisting of five layers distinguishable by mineral composition. From the available evidence, it is concluded that each of the layers of the friable rim formed by the accretion of an assemblage of condensate grains rather than by the complete reaction of a HAL precursor with a nebular gas, thus explaining its unusual isotopic characteristics and supporting the conclusion that the solar nebular contained isotopically-distinct reservoirs.

The voluntary driven exoskeleton Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for postoperative training of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a case report

PubMed Central

Abe, Tetsuya; Kubota, Shigeki; Marushima, Aiki; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Matsushita, Akira; Nakai, Kei; Saotome, Kosaku; Kadone, Hideki; Endo, Ayumu; Haginoya, Ayumu; Hada, Yasushi; Matsumura, Akira; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-01-01

Context The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is a wearable robot suit that assists in voluntary control of knee and hip joint motion by detecting bioelectric signals on the surface of the skin with high sensitivity. HAL has been reported to be effective for functional recovery in motor impairments. However, few reports have revealed the utility of HAL for patients who have undergone surgery for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (thoracic OPLL). Herein, we present a postoperative thoracic OPLL patient who showed remarkable functional recovery after training with HAL. Findings A 63-year-old woman, who could not walk due to muscle weakness before surgery, underwent posterior decompression and fusion. Paralysis was re-aggravated after the initial postoperative rising. We diagnosed that paralysis was due to residual compression from the anterior lesion and microinstability after posterior fixation, and prescribed bed rest for a further 3 weeks. The incomplete paralysis gradually recovered, and walking training with HAL was started on postoperative day 44 in addition to standard physical therapy. The patient underwent 10 sessions of HAL training until discharge on postoperative day 73. Results of a 10-m walk test were assessed after every session, and the patient's speed and cadence markedly improved. At discharge, the patient could walk with 2 crutches and no assistance. Furthermore, no adverse events associated with HAL training occurred. Conclusion HAL training for postoperative thoracic OPLL patients may enhance improvement in walking ability, even if severe impairment of ambulation and muscle weakness exist preoperatively. PMID:26856189

Risk assessments using the Strain Index and the TLV for HAL, Part II: Multi-task jobs and prevalence of CTS.

PubMed

Kapellusch, Jay M; Silverstein, Barbara A; Bao, Stephen S; Thiese, Mathew S; Merryweather, Andrew S; Hegmann, Kurt T; Garg, Arun

2018-02-01

The Strain Index (SI) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value for hand activity level (TLV for HAL) have been shown to be associated with prevalence of distal upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The SI and TLV for HAL disagree on more than half of task exposure classifications. Similarly, time-weighted average (TWA), peak, and typical exposure techniques used to quantity physical exposure from multi-task jobs have shown between-technique agreement ranging from 61% to 93%, depending upon whether the SI or TLV for HAL model was used. This study compared exposure-response relationships between each model-technique combination and prevalence of CTS. Physical exposure data from 1,834 workers (710 with multi-task jobs) were analyzed using the SI and TLV for HAL and the TWA, typical, and peak multi-task job exposure techniques. Additionally, exposure classifications from the SI and TLV for HAL were combined into a single measure and evaluated. Prevalent CTS cases were identified using symptoms and nerve-conduction studies. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to quantify exposure-response relationships between categorized (i.e., low, medium, and high) physical exposure and CTS prevalence for all model-technique combinations, and for multi-task workers, mono-task workers, and all workers combined. Except for TWA TLV for HAL, all model-technique combinations showed monotonic increases in risk of CTS with increased physical exposure. The combined-models approach showed stronger association than the SI or TLV for HAL for multi-task workers. Despite differences in exposure classifications, nearly all model-technique combinations showed exposure-response relationships with prevalence of CTS for the combined sample of mono-task and multi-task workers. Both the TLV for HAL and the SI, with the TWA or typical techniques, appear useful for epidemiological studies and surveillance

Generation and analysis of the improved human HAL9/10 antibody phage display libraries.

PubMed

Kügler, Jonas; Wilke, Sonja; Meier, Doris; Tomszak, Florian; Frenzel, André; Schirrmann, Thomas; Dübel, Stefan; Garritsen, Henk; Hock, Björn; Toleikis, Lars; Schütte, Mark; Hust, Michael

2015-02-19

Antibody phage display is a proven key technology that allows the generation of human antibodies for diagnostics and therapy. From naive antibody gene libraries - in theory - antibodies against any target can be selected. Here we describe the design, construction and characterization of an optimized antibody phage display library. The naive antibody gene libraries HAL9 and HAL10, with a combined theoretical diversity of 1.5×10(10) independent clones, were constructed from 98 healthy donors using improved phage display vectors. In detail, most common phagemids employed for antibody phage display are using a combined His/Myc tag for detection and purification. We show that changing the tag order to Myc/His improved the production of soluble antibodies, but did not affect antibody phage display. For several published antibody libraries, the selected number of kappa scFvs were lower compared to lambda scFvs, probably due to a lower kappa scFv or Fab expression rate. Deletion of a phenylalanine at the end of the CL linker sequence in our new phagemid design increased scFv production rate and frequency of selected kappa antibodies significantly. The HAL libraries and 834 antibodies selected against 121 targets were analyzed regarding the used germline V-genes, used V-gene combinations and CDR-H3/-L3 length and composition. The amino acid diversity and distribution in the CDR-H3 of the initial library was retrieved in the CDR-H3 of selected antibodies showing that all CDR-H3 amino acids occurring in the human antibody repertoire can be functionally used and is not biased by E. coli expression or phage selection. Further, the data underline the importance of CDR length variations. The highly diverse universal antibody gene libraries HAL9/10 were constructed using an optimized scFv phagemid vector design. Analysis of selected antibodies revealed that the complete amino acid diversity in the CDR-H3 was also found in selected scFvs showing the functionality of the naive CDR

Diatomics-in-molecules description of the Rg-Hal2 rare gas-halogen van der Waals complexes with applications to He-Cl2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorenko, B. L.; Nemukhin, A. V.; Buchachenko, A. A.; Stepanov, N. F.; Umanskii, S. Ya.

1997-03-01

The diatomics-in-molecules (DIM) technique is applied for a description of the low-lying states of the Rg-Hal2 van der Waals complexes correlating with the lowest states of constituent atoms Rg(1S)+Hal(2Pj)+Hal(2Pj). The important feature of this approach is the construction of polyatomic basis functions as products of the Hal2 diatomic eigenstates classified within the Hund "c" scheme and the atomic rare gas wave function. Necessary transformations to the other basis set representations are described, and finally all the matrix elements are expressed in terms of nonrelativistic adiabatic energies of Hal2 and Rg Hal fragments and spin-orbit splitting constant of the halogen atom. Our main concern is to test the DIM-based approximations of different levels taking the He-Cl2 system as an example. Namely, we have compared the results obtained within a hierarchy of approaches: (1) the simplest pairwise potential scheme as a far extreme of the DIM model, (2) the same as (1) but with the different components (Σ and Π) for He-Cl interaction, (3) the accurate DIM technique without spin-orbit terms, and (4) the highest level which takes into account all these contributions. The results have been compared to the other DIM like models as well. The shapes of two-dimensional potential surfaces for the ground (X) and excited (B) states of HeCl2, binding energies De with respect to He+Cl2, stretching and bending vibrational frequencies of the complex, binding energies D0, and spectral shifts for the B←X transition are discussed.

Extension of the HAL QCD approach to inelastic and multi-particle scatterings in lattice QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, S.

We extend the HAL QCD approach, with which potentials between two hadrons can be obtained in QCD at energy below inelastic thresholds, to inelastic and multi-particle scatterings. We first derive asymptotic behaviors of the Nambu-Bethe-Salpeter (NBS) wave function at large space separations for systems with more than 2 particles, in terms of the one-shell $T$-matrix consrainted by the unitarity of quantum field theories. We show that its asymptotic behavior contains phase shifts and mixing angles of $n$ particle scatterings. This property is one of the essential ingredients of the HAL QCD scheme to define "potential" from the NBS wave function in quantum field theories such as QCD. We next construct energy independent but non-local potentials above inelastic thresholds, in terms of these NBS wave functions. We demonstrate an existence of energy-independent coupled channel potentials with a non-relativistic approximation, where momenta of all particles are small compared with their own masses. Combining these two results, we can employ the HAL QCD approach also to investigate inelastic and multi-particle scatterings.

The HubBLe Trial: haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) versus rubber band ligation (RBL) for symptomatic second- and third-degree haemorrhoids: a multicentre randomised controlled trial and health-economic evaluation.

PubMed

Brown, Steven; Tiernan, Jim; Biggs, Katie; Hind, Daniel; Shephard, Neil; Bradburn, Mike; Wailoo, Allan; Alshreef, Abualbishr; Swaby, Lizzie; Watson, Angus; Radley, Simon; Jones, Oliver; Skaife, Paul; Agarwal, Anil; Giordano, Pasquale; Lamah, Marc; Cartmell, Mark; Davies, Justin; Faiz, Omar; Nugent, Karen; Clarke, Andrew; MacDonald, Angus; Conaghan, Phillip; Ziprin, Paul; Makhija, Rohit

2016-11-01

Optimal surgical intervention for low-grade haemorrhoids is unknown. Rubber band ligation (RBL) is probably the most common intervention. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) is a novel alternative that may be more efficacious. The comparison of HAL with RBL for the treatment of grade II/III haemorrhoids. A multicentre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. UK NHS and Personal Social Services. 17 NHS Trusts. Patients aged ≥ 18 years presenting with grade II/III (second- and third-degree) haemorrhoids, including those who have undergone previous RBL. HAL with Doppler probe compared with RBL. Primary outcome - recurrence at 1 year post procedure; secondary outcomes - recurrence at 6 weeks; haemorrhoid severity score; European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, 5-level version (EQ-5D-5L); Vaizey incontinence score; pain assessment; complications; and cost-effectiveness. A total of 370 participants entered the trial. At 1 year post procedure, 30% of the HAL group had evidence of recurrence compared with 49% after RBL [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 3.51; p  = 0.0005]. The main reason for the difference was the number of extra procedures required to achieve improvement/cure. If a single HAL is compared with multiple RBLs then only 37.5% recurred in the RBL arm (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.15; p  = 0.20). Persistence of significant symptoms at 6 weeks was lower in both arms than at 1 year (9% HAL and 29% RBL), suggesting significant deterioration in both groups over the year. Symptom score, EQ-5D-5L and Vaizey score improved in both groups compared with baseline, but there was no difference between interventions. Pain was less severe and of shorter duration in the RBL group; most of the HAL group who had pain had mild to moderate pain, resolving by 3 weeks. Complications were low frequency and not significantly different between groups. It appeared that HAL was not cost-effective compared with RBL. In the base

Bidirectional reporter assay using HAL promoter and TOPFLASH improves specificity in high-throughput screening of Wnt inhibitors.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi; Zhu, Chi; Ohsugi, Tomoyuki; Yamaguchi, Yuko; Ikenoue, Tsuneo; Furukawa, Yoichi

2017-12-01

Constitutive activation of Wnt signaling plays an important role in colorectal and liver tumorigenesis. Cell-based assays using synthetic TCF/LEF (T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor) reporters, as readouts of β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcriptional activity, have contributed greatly to the discovery of small molecules that modulate Wnt signaling. In the present study, we report a novel screening method, called a bidirectional dual reporter assay. Integrated transcriptome analysis identified a histidine ammonia-lyase gene (HAL) that was negatively regulated by β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcriptional activity. We leveraged a promoter region of the HAL gene as another transcriptional readout of Wnt signaling. Cells stably expressing both an optimized HAL reporter and the TCF/LEF reporter enabled bidirectional reporter activities in response to Wnt signaling. Increased HAL reporter activity and decreased TCF/LEF reporter activity were observed simultaneously in the cells when β-catenin/TCF7L2 was inhibited. Notably, this method could decrease the number of false positives observed when screening an inhibitor library compared with the conventional TCF/LEF assay. We found that Brefeldin A, a disruptor of the Golgi apparatus, inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The utility of our system could be expanded to examine other disease-associated pathways beyond the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

I = 2 ππ scattering phase shift from the HAL QCD method with the LapH smearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawai, Daisuke; Aoki, Sinya; Doi, Takumi; Ikeda, Yoichi; Inoue, Takashi; Iritani, Takumi; Ishii, Noriyoshi; Miyamoto, Takaya; Nemura, Hidekatsu; Sasaki, Kenji

2018-04-01

Physical observables, such as the scattering phase shifts and binding energy, calculated from the non-local HAL QCD potential do not depend on the sink operators used to define the potential. In practical applications, the derivative expansion of the non-local potential is employed, so that physical observables may receive some scheme dependence at a given order of the expansion. In this paper, we compare the I=2ππ scattering phase shifts obtained in the point-sink scheme (the standard scheme in the HAL QCD method) and the smeared-sink scheme (the LapH smearing newly introduced in the HAL QCD method). Although potentials in different schemes have different forms as expected, we find that, for reasonably small smearing size, the resultant scattering phase shifts agree with each other if the next-to-leading-order (NLO) term is taken into account. We also find that the HAL QCD potential in the point-sink scheme has a negligible NLO term for a wide range of energies, which implies good convergence of the derivative expansion, while the potential in the smeared-sink scheme has a non-negligible NLO contribution. The implications of this observation for future studies of resonance channels (such as the I=0 and 1ππ scatterings) with smeared all-to-all propagators are briefly discussed.

Treatment changes and long-term recurrence rates after hexaminolevulinate (HAL) fluorescence cystoscopy: does it really make a difference in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)?

PubMed

Geavlete, Bogdan; Multescu, Razvan; Georgescu, Dragos; Jecu, Marian; Stanescu, Florin; Geavlete, Petrisor

2012-02-01

•  To evaluate in a prospective, randomized study the impact of hexaminolevulinate blue-light cystoscopy (HAL-BLC) on the diagnostic accuracy and treatment changes in cases of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) compared with standard white-light cystoscopy (WLC). •  To compare the long-term recurrence rates in the two study arms. •  In all, 362 patients suspected of NMIBC were included in the trial based on positive urinary cytology and/or ultrasonographic suspicion of bladder tumours and underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumours. •  A single postoperative mytomicin-C instillation was performed in all cases, intravesical chemotherapy for intermediate-risk patients and BCG instillations for high-risk cases. •  The follow-up protocol consisted of urinary cytology and WLC every 3 months for 2 years. •  Only first-time recurrences after the initial diagnosis were considered. •  In the 142 patients with NMIBC in the HAL-BLC series, tumour detection rates significantly improved for carcinoma in situ, pTa andoverall cases. •  In 35.2% of the cases, additional malignant lesions were found by HAL-BLC and consequently, the recurrence- and progression-risk categories of patients and subsequent treatment improved in 19% of the cases due to fluorescence cystoscopy. •  In all, 125 patients in the HAL-BLC group and 114 of the WLC group completed the follow-up. •  The recurrence rate at 3 months was lower in the HAL-BLC series (7.2% vs 15.8%) due to fewer 'other site' recurrences when compared with the WLC series (0.8% vs 6.1%). •  The 1 and 2 years recurrence rates were significantly decreased in the HAL-BLC group compared with the WLC group (21.6% vs 32.5% and 31.2% vs 45.6%, respectively). •  HAL-BLC was better than WLC for detecting NMIBC cases and improved tumour detection rates. •  HAL-BLC significantly modified the postoperative treatment of cases. •  The 3 months, 1 and 2 years recurrence rates were

Hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) and rectoanal repair (RAR): retrospective analysis of 408 patients in a single center.

PubMed

Scheyer, M; Antonietti, E; Rollinger, G; Lancee, S; Pokorny, H

2015-01-01

Rectoanal repair (RAR), which combines doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) and mucopexy via lifting of the hemorrhoidal prolapse, offers a minimally invasive alternative to conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Patients with grade II hemorrhoids were treated with HAL, and patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids were treated with the RAR procedure by two surgeons. Postoperative follow-up was performed clinically and by proctoscopy after 8 weeks routinely, and long-term follow-up was performed using a standardized postal questionnaire. The overall complication rate was 29% (n = 118). After short-term follow-up, 26% (n = 106) of patients reported recurrent or persistent prolapsing piles, while 21% (n = 86) of patients had recurrent bleeding. After long-term follow-up, 24% (n = 98) of patients reported prolapsing piles, 3% (n = 12) bleeding, 3% (n = 12) pruritus, and 2% (n = 8) anal pain, while 20% (n = 82) complained of persistent mixed symptoms. HAL and RAR provide prolonged relief for patients with hemorrhoidal disease whose main symptoms are bleeding, pruritus and pain but not for patients with prolapse as an initial indication.

A Novel for High School Seniors: Hal Borland's "When the Legends Die."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adkins, Carl A.

1968-01-01

Hal Borland's "When the Legends Die" is especially appropriate for high school seniors because its central problem--a Ute Indian boy's search for his identity and expected role in society--is exactly that faced by these students. The novel is divided into four sections, each concerned with a specific stage in the development of the…

Tissue Engineering in der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bücheler, Markus; Bootz, Friedrich

Tissue Engineering ist eine Schlüsseltechnologie für den Gewebeersatz der Zukunft. Am Beispiel der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie werden klinisch etablierte Gewebeersatzmethoden und aktuelle Entwicklungen des Tissue Engineering gegenübergestellt. Die Besonderheiten der zu ersetzenden Gewebe im Kopf- und Halsbereich erfordert vielfältige Ersatzverfahren. Im klinischen Alltag werden heute vor allem autogene Transplantate und Implantate für den Gewebeersatz verwendet [1]. In vitro hergestellte Gewebe werden abgesehen von Einzelanwendungen zur Zeit noch nicht am Patienten eingesetzt.

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL): a safe treatment of II-III degree hemorrhoids for all patients. Could it be potentially also good prophylaxis?

PubMed

Testa, A; Torino, G

2010-06-01

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL Doppler) is an innovative hemorrhoid treatment mainly utilised for II-III degree where bleeding is a predominant symptom. This procedure aims at dearterialization of the internal hemorrhoidal plexus by ligation of the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery detected using a special proctoscope and ultrasound system; the procedure is performed entirely above the dentate line, so it is genuinely painless. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and invasivity of HAL Doppler technique to treat II and III degree hemorrhoids. The authors treated 148 patients, from May 2002 to December 2007, principally affected by II-III degree hemorrhoids characterized by bleeding and pain at evacuation. These patients were examined in a retrospective observational study of 128 patients, 86% of the group. Follow-up varied from 5 up to 72 months with an average observation time of 36.5 months. Success was registered in 90% of patients affected by II-III degree hemorrhoids and the absence of major complications (hemorrhage, incontinence, stenosis, perforation, sepsis). The authors suggest the safety, efficacy and low invasity of HAL Doppler for treatment of II-III degree hemorrhoids, which also found in the literature, and highlight its use in treating patients with unhealthy conditions which are a contraindication to the usual surgical treatments. Moreover, they suppose the use of HAL Doppler in low degree hemorrhoids as a therapeutic and also prophylactic rule of advanced degree.

Characterization of CuHal-intercalated carbon nanotubes with x-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with x-ray photoelectron and resonant photoemission spectroscopies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brzhezinskaya, M.; Generalov, A.; Vinogdradov, A.; Eliseev, A.

2013-04-01

Encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with inner channels filled by different compounds present the new class of composite materials. Such CNTs give opportunity to form 1D nanocrystals as well as quantum nanowires with new physical and chemical properties inside the tubes. The present study is aimed to characterize the possible chemical interaction between CuHal (Hal=I, Cl, Br) and SWCNTs in CuHal@SWCNTs and electronic structure of the latter using high-resolution near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy combined with high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and resonant photoemission spectroscopy. The present study has shown that there is a chemical interaction between the filler and π-electron subsystem of CNTs which is accompanied by changes of the atomic and electronic structure of the filler during the encapsulating it inside CNTs.

Charmonium-nucleon interactions from the time-dependent HAL QCD method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiura, Takuya; Ikeda, Yoichi; Ishii, Noriyoshi

2018-03-01

The charmonium-nucleon effective central interactions have been computed by the time-dependent HAL QCD method. This gives an updated result of a previous study based on the time-independent method, which is now known to be problematic because of the difficulty in achieving the ground-state saturation. We discuss that the result is consistent with the heavy quark symmetry. No bound state is observed from the analysis of the scattering phase shift; however, this shall lead to a future search of the hidden-charm pentaquarks by considering channel-coupling effects.

Epigenetische Aspekte bei Karzinomen der Kopf-Hals-Region

PubMed Central

Schmezer, Peter; Plass, Christoph

2009-01-01

Zusammenfassung Plattenepithelkarzinome der Kopf-Hals-Region (HNSCC) zählen seit Jahren zu den weltweit häufigsten Krebsarten. Trotz vieler Bemühungen hat sich das 5-Jahres-Überleben bei Patienten mit HNSCC kaum verbessert. Um einen Fortschritt zu erzielen, ist es notwendig, die der Erkrankung zugrunde liegenden biologischen Prozesse besser zu verstehen. Neben den bekannten genetischen Veränderungen haben molekular-zytogenetische Untersuchungen bei HNSCC gezeigt, dass es weitere Veränderungen gibt, die mit Vermehrung und Verlust chromosomaler Bereiche einhergehen, für die jedoch die krankheitsverursachenden Gene bisher nicht identifiziert wurden. Darüberhinaus haben jüngste Forschungsergebnisse verdeutlicht, dass epigenetische Modifikationen wie die DNA Methylierung eine wichtige Rolle spielen. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass bei HNSCC eine Reihe von Genen (z.B. das Tumorsuppressorgen CDKN2A sowie DAPK1, MGMT, TIMP3, TCF21, und C/EBPα) hypermethylierte Bereiche in regulatorischen DNA Sequenzen aufweisen, wodurch ihre Expression verringert oder unterbunden wird. Die Hypermethylierung solcher Gene könnte als Biomarker zur Früherkennung von HNSCC genutzt werden und nicht zuletzt dadurch zur Verbesserung von Prävention und Therapieerfolg beitragen. PMID:18483718

Higher-order semantic structures in an African Grey parrot's vocalizations: evidence from the hyperspace analog to language (HAL) model.

PubMed

Kaufman, Allison B; Colbert-White, Erin N; Burgess, Curt

2013-09-01

Previous research has described the significant role that social interaction plays in both the acquisition and use of speech by parrots. The current study analyzed the speech of one home-raised African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) across three different social contexts: owner interacting with parrot in the same room, owner and parrot interacting out of view in adjacent rooms, and parrot home alone. The purpose was to determine the extent to which the subject's speech reflected an understanding of the contextual substitutability (e.g., the word street can be substituted in context for the word road) of the vocalizations that comprised the units in her repertoire (i.e., global co-occurrence of repertoire units; Burgess in Behav Res Methods Instrum Comput 30:188-198, 1998; Lund and Burgess in Behav Res Methods Instrum Comput 28:203-208, 1996). This was accomplished via the human language model hyperspace analog to language (HAL). HAL is contextually driven and bootstraps language "rules" from input without human intervention. Because HAL does not require human tutelage, it provided an objective measure to empirically examine the parrot's vocalizations. Results indicated that the subject's vocalization patterns did contain global co-occurrence. The presence of this quality in this nonhuman's speech may be strongly indicative of higher-order cognitive skills.

A Price To Pay for Relaxed Substrate Specificity: A Comparative Kinetic Analysis of the Class II Lanthipeptide Synthetases ProcM and HalM2

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Lanthipeptides are a class of ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptide natural products (RiPPs) that typically harbor multiple intramolecular thioether linkages. For class II lanthipeptides, these cross-links are installed in a multistep reaction pathway by a single enzyme (LanM). The multifunctional nature of LanMs and the manipulability of their genetically encoded peptide substrates (LanAs) make LanM/LanA systems promising targets for the engineering of new antibacterial compounds. Here, we report the development of a semiquantitative mass spectrometry-based assay for kinetic characterization of LanM-catalyzed reactions. The assay was used to conduct a comparative kinetic analysis of two LanM enzymes (HalM2 and ProcM) that exhibit drastically different substrate selectivity. Numerical simulation of the kinetic data was used to develop models for the multistep HalM2- and ProcM-catalyzed reactions. These models illustrate that HalM2 and ProcM have markedly different catalytic efficiencies for the various reactions they catalyze. HalM2, which is responsible for the biosynthesis of a single compound (the Halβ subunit of the lantibiotic haloduracin), catalyzes reactions with higher catalytic efficiency than ProcM, which modifies 29 different ProcA precursor peptides during prochlorosin biosynthesis. In particular, the rates of thioether ring formation are drastically reduced in ProcM, likely because this enzyme is charged with installing a variety of lanthipeptide ring architectures in its prochlorosin products. Thus, ProcM appears to pay a kinetic price for its relaxed substrate specificity. In addition, our kinetic models suggest that conformational sampling of the LanM/LanA Michaelis complex could play an important role in the kinetics of LanA maturation. PMID:25409537

The Strain Index and ACGIH TLV for HAL: risk of trigger digit in the WISTAH prospective cohort.

PubMed

Kapellusch, Jay M; Garg, Arun; Hegmann, Kurt T; Thiese, Matthew S; Malloy, Elizabeth J

2014-02-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between job physical exposure (JPE) and incidence of flexor tendon entrapment of the digits (FTED). FTED, commonly known as trigger digit, is associated with age, gender, and certain health disorders. Although JPE has been suggested as a risk factor for FTED, there are no prospective cohort studies. A cohort of 516 workers was enrolled from 10 diverse manufacturing facilities and followed monthly for 6 years. Worker demographics, medical history, and symptoms of FTED were assessed. JPE was individually measured using the Strain Index (SI) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value for hand activity level (TLV for HAL). Changes in JPE (assessed quarterly) and symptoms (assessed monthly) were recorded during follow-up. FTED was defined as demonstrated triggering on examination. Point prevalence of FTED at baseline was 3.6%. During follow-up there were 23 incident FTED cases (left and/or right hands). The incident rate for first occurrence of FTED from enrollment was 1.38 per 100 person-years. Risk factors were JPE, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, carpometacarpal osteoarthrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In multivariate models, the SI showed strong association with risk of FTED when treated as a continuous variable and marginal association when dichotomized (SI > 6.1). TLV for HAL showed a statistical trend of increasing risk of FTED using the ACGIH limits, but no association as a continuous variable. Both JPE and personal risk factors are associated with FTED development. The SI and TLV for HAL are useful tools for estimating JPE.

Advancing bioluminescence imaging technology for the evaluation of anticancer agents in the MDA-MB-435-HAL-Luc mammary fat pad and subrenal capsule tumor models.

PubMed

Zhang, Cathy; Yan, Zhengming; Arango, Maria E; Painter, Cory L; Anderes, Kenna

2009-01-01

Tumors grafted s.c. or under the mammary fat pad (MFP) rarely develop efficient metastasis. By applying bioluminescence imaging (BLI) technology, the MDA-MB-435-HAL-Luc subrenal capsule (SRC) model was compared with the MFP model for disease progression, metastatic potential, and response to therapy. The luciferase-expressing MDA-MB-435-HAL-Luc cell line was used in both MFP and SRC models. BLI technology allowed longitudinal assessment of disease progression and the therapeutic response to PD-0332991, Avastin, and docetaxel. Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki67 and CD31 staining in the primary tumors was compared in these models. Caliper measurement was used in the MFP model to validate the BLI quantification of primary tumors. The primary tumors in MDA-MB-435-HAL-Luc MFP and SRC models displayed comparable growth rates and vascularity. However, tumor-bearing mice in the SRC model developed lung metastases much earlier (4 weeks) than in the MFP model (>7 weeks), and the metastatic progression contributed significantly to the survival time. In the MFP model, BLI and caliper measurements were comparable for quantifying palpable tumors, but BLI offered an advantage for detecting the primary tumors that fell below a palpable threshold and for visualizing metastases. In the SRC model, BLI allowed longitudinal assessment of the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of PD-0332991, Avastin, and docetaxel, and the results correlated with the survival benefits of these agents. The MDA-MB-435-HAL-Luc SRC model and the MFP model displayed differences in disease progression. BLI is an innovative approach for developing animal models and creates opportunities for improving preclinical evaluations of anticancer agents.

Clinical application of the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for gait training-a systematic review.

PubMed

Wall, Anneli; Borg, Jörgen; Palmcrantz, Susanne

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to review the literature on clinical applications of the Hybrid Assistive Limb system for gait training. A systematic literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL and clinicaltrials.gov and additional search was made using reference lists in identified reports. Abstracts were screened, relevant articles were reviewed and subject to quality assessment. Out of 37 studies, 7 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Six studies were single group studies and 1 was an explorative randomized controlled trial. In total, these studies involved 140 participants of whom 118 completed the interventions and 107 used HAL for gait training. Five studies concerned gait training after stroke, 1 after spinal cord injury (SCI) and 1 study after stroke, SCI or other diseases affecting walking ability. Minor and transient side effects occurred but no serious adverse events were reported in the studies. Beneficial effects on gait function variables and independence in walking were observed. The accumulated findings demonstrate that the HAL system is feasible when used for gait training of patients with lower extremity paresis in a professional setting. Beneficial effects on gait function and independence in walking were observed but data do not allow conclusions. Further controlled studies are recommended.

Ab initio studies on Al(+)(H(2)O)(n), HAlOH(+)(H(2)O)(n-1), and the size-dependent H(2) elimination reaction.

PubMed

Siu, Chi-Kit; Liu, Zhi-Feng; Tse, John S

2002-09-11

We report computational studies on Al(+)(H(2)O)(n), and HAlOH(+)(H(2)O)(n-1), n = 6-14, by the density functional theory based ab initio molecular dynamics method, employing a planewave basis set with pseudopotentials, and also by conventional methods with Gaussian basis sets. The mechanism for the intracluster H(2) elimination reaction is explored. First, a new size-dependent insertion reaction for the transformation of Al(+)(H(2)O)(n), into HAlOH(+)(H(2)O)(n-1) is discovered for n > or = 8. This is because of the presence of a fairly stable six-water-ring structure in Al(+)(H(2)O)(n) with 12 members, including the Al(+). This structure promotes acidic dissociation and, for n > or = 8, leads to the insertion reaction. Gaussian based BPW91 and MP2 calculations with 6-31G* and 6-31G** basis sets confirmed the existence of such structures and located the transition structures for the insertion reaction. The calculated transition barrier is 10.0 kcal/mol for n = 9 and 7.1 kcal/mol for n = 8 at the MP2/6-31G** level, with zero-point energy corrections. Second, the experimentally observed size-dependent H(2) elimination reaction is related to the conformation of HAlOH(+)(H(2)O)(n-1), instead of Al(+)(H(2)O)(n). As n increases from 6 to 14, the structure of the HAlOH(+)(H(2)O)(n-1) cluster changes into a caged structure, with the Al-H bond buried inside, and protons produced in acidic dissociation could then travel through the H(2)O network to the vicinity of the Al-H bond and react with the hydride H to produce H(2). The structural transformation is completed at n = 13, coincident approximately with the onset of the H(2) elimination reaction. From constrained ab initio MD simulations, we estimated the free energy barrier for the H(2) elimination reaction to be 0.7 eV (16 kcal/mol) at n = 13, 1.5 eV (35 kcal/mol) at n = 12, and 4.5 eV (100 kcal/mol) at n = 8. The existence of transition structures for the H(2) elimination has also been verified by ab initio calculations

Cloning, expression and characterisation of P450-Hal1 (CYP116B62) from Halomonas sp. NCIMB 172: A self-sufficient P450 with high expression and diverse substrate scope.

PubMed

Porter, Joanne L; Sabatini, Selina; Manning, Jack; Tavanti, Michele; Galman, James L; Turner, Nicholas J; Flitsch, Sabine L

2018-06-01

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are able to catalyse a range of synthetically challenging reactions ranging from hydroxylation and demethylation to sulfoxidation and epoxidation. As such they have great potential for biocatalytic applications but are underutilised due to often-poor expression, stability and solubility in recombinant bacterial hosts. The use of self-sufficient P450 s with fused haem and reductase domains has already contributed heavily to improving catalytic efficiency and simplifying an otherwise more complex multi-component system of P450 and redox partners. Herein, we present a new addition to the class VII family with the cloning, sequencing and characterisation of the self-sufficient CYP116B62 Hal1 from Halomonas sp. NCIMB 172, the genome of which has not yet been sequenced. Hal1 exhibits high levels of expression in a recombinant E. coli host and can be utilised from cell lysate or used in purified form. Hal1 favours NADPH as electron donor and displays a diverse range of activities including hydroxylation, demethylation and sulfoxidation. These properties make Hal1 suitable for future biocatalytic applications or as a template for optimisation through engineering. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of an assist controller with robot suit HAL for hemiplegic patients using motion data on the unaffected side.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Kandone, Hideki; Sakurai, Takeru; Ariyasu, Ryohei; Ueno, Yukiko; Eguchi, Kiyoshi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2014-01-01

Among several characteristics seen in gait of hemiplegic patients after stroke, symmetry is known to be an indicator of the degree of impairment of walking ability. This paper proposes a control method for a wearable type lower limb motion assist robot to realize spontaneous symmetric gait for these individuals. This control method stores the motion of the unaffected limb during swing and then provides motion support on the affected limb during the subsequent swing using the stored pattern to realize symmetric gait based on spontaneous limb swing. This method is implemented on the robot suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limbs). Clinical tests were conducted in order to assess the feasibility of the control method. Our case study involved participation of one chronic stroke patient who was not able to flex his right knee. As a result, the walking support for hemiplegic leg provided by the HAL improved the subject's gait symmetry. The feasibility study showed promising basis for the future clinical study.

Evidence for distillation in the formation of HAL and related hibonite inclusions. [from Allende, Dhajala, and Murchison chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ireland, Trevor R.; Zinner, Ernst K.; Fahey, Albert J.; Esat, Tezer M.

1992-01-01

New Ca- and Ti-isotopic analyses of DH-H1, 7-404, and 7-971, and Mg-isotopic analyses on DH-H1 and 7-404 are reported. O-isotopic analyses of HAL, 7-404, 7-971, and a variety of other refractory inclusions from Murchison were made in order to establish the presence or absence of FUN O-isotopic systematics. A higonite-rich residue produced by the evaporation of kaersutite was analyzed for its trace-element and isotopic abundances to see if any of the characteristics of FUN hibonite inclusions can be produced by distillation in the laboratory. These data are then used to evaluate for all four inclusions the HAL-type formation models originally proposed by Allen et al. (1980) and Lee et al. (1980). The four inclusions were found to have very similar chemical and isotopic features. All are characterized by large Ce depletions and very low Mg, Ti, and V concentrations compared to other meteoritic hibonites. All four inclusions have delta(C-48) within error of -5 per mil. Ca-, Ti-, and O-isotopic compositions are fractionated with enrichments of the heavy isotopes, and the Ti-isotopic mass fractionation is inversely correlated with Ti concentration. It is concluded that the inclusions formed primarily as distillation residues in accord with the early conclusions.

Activation of C-O and C-C bonds and formation of novel HAlOH-ether complexes: an EPR study of the reaction of ground-state Al atoms with methylethyl ether and diethyl ether.

PubMed

Brunet, François D; Feola, Julie C; Joly, Helen A

2012-03-15

Reaction mixtures, containing Al atoms and methylethyl ether (MEE) or diethyl ether (DEE) in an adamantane matrix, were prepared with the aid of a metal-atom reactor known as a rotating cryostat. The EPR spectra of the resulting products were recorded from 77-260 K, at 10 K intervals. Al atoms were found to insert into methyl-O, ethyl-O, and C-C bonds to form CH(3)AlOCH(2)CH(3), CH(3)OAlCH(2)CH(3), and CH(3)OCH(2)AlCH(3), respectively, in the case of MEE while DEE produced CH(3)CH(2)AlOCH(2)CH(3) and CH(3)AlCH(2)OCH(2)CH(3), respectively. From the intensity of the transition lines attributed to the Al atom C-O insertion products of MEE, insertion into the methyl-O bond is preferred. The Al hyperfine interaction (hfi) extracted from the EPR spectra of the C-O insertion products was greater than that of the C-C insertion products, that is, 5.4% greater for the DEE system and 7% greater for the MEE system. The increase in Al hfi is thought to arise from the increased electron-withdrawing ability of the substituents bonded to Al. Besides HAlOH, resulting from the reaction of Al atoms with adventitious water, novel mixed HAlOH:MEE and HAlOH:DEE complexes were identified with the aid of isotopic studies involving H(2)(17)O and D(2)O. The Al and H hfi of HAlOH were found to decrease upon complex formation. These findings are consistent with the nuclear hfi calculated using a density functional theory (DFT) method with close agreement between theory and experiment occurring at the B3LYP level using a 6-311+G(2df,p) basis set.

Insertion of a specific fungal 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphatase motif into a plant homologue improves halotolerance and drought tolerance of plants.

PubMed

Gašparič, Meti Buh; Lenassi, Metka; Gostinčar, Cene; Rotter, Ana; Plemenitaš, Ana; Gunde-Cimerman, Nina; Gruden, Kristina; Zel, Jana

2013-01-01

Soil salinity and drought are among the most serious agricultural and environmental problems of today. Therefore, investigations of plant resistance to abiotic stress have received a lot of attention in recent years. In this study, we identified the complete coding sequence of a 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphatase protein, ApHal2, from the halotolerant yeast Aureobasidium pullulans. Expression of the ApHAL2 gene in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae hal2 mutant complemented the mutant auxotrophy for methionine, and rescued the growth of the hal2 mutant in media with high NaCl concentrations. A 21-amino-acids-long region of the ApHal2 enzyme was inserted into the Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of Hal2, the SAL1 phosphatase. The inserted sequence included the META motif, which has previously been implicated in increased sodium tolerance of the Hal2 homologue from a related fungal species. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing this modified SAL1 (mSAL1) showed improved halotolerance and drought tolerance. In a medium with an elevated salt concentration, mSAL1-expressing plants were twice as likely to have roots in a higher length category in comparison with the wild-type Arabidopsis and with plants overexpressing the native SAL1, and had 5% to 10% larger leaf surface area under moderate and severe salt stress, respectively. Similarly, after moderate drought exposure, the mSAL1-expressing plants showed 14% increased dry weight after revitalisation, with no increase in dry weight of the wild-type plants. With severe drought, plants overexpressing native SAL1 had the worst rehydration success, consistent with the recently proposed role of SAL1 in severe drought. This was not observed for plants expressing mSAL1. Therefore, the presence of this fungal META motif sequence is beneficial under conditions of increased salinity and moderate drought, and shows no drawbacks for plant survival under severe drought. This demonstrates that adaptations of extremotolerant fungi should

Hybrid Assistive Limb Exoskeleton HAL in the Rehabilitation of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Proof of Concept; the Results in 21 Patients.

PubMed

Jansen, Oliver; Grasmuecke, Dennis; Meindl, Renate C; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Sczesny-Kaiser, Matthias; Wessling, Martin; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Fisahn, Christian; Aach, Mirko

2018-02-01

The use of mobile exoskeletons is becoming more and more common in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) exoskeleton provides a tailored support depending on the patient's voluntary drive. After a pilot study in 2014 that included 8 patients with chronic SCI, this study of 21 patients with chronic SCI serves as a proof of concept. It was conducted to provide further evidence regarding the efficacy of exoskeletal-based rehabilitation. Functional assessment included walking speed, distance, and time on a treadmill, with additional analysis of functional mobility using the following tests: 10-meter walk test (10MWT), timed up and go (TUG) test, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the walking index for SCI II (WISCI-II) score. After a training period of 90 days, all 21 patients significantly improved their functional and ambulatory mobility without the exoskeleton. Patients were assessed by the 6MWT, the TUG test, and the 10MWT, which also indicated an increase in the WISCI-II score along with significant improvements in HAL-associated walking speed, distance, and time. Although, exoskeletons are not yet an established treatment in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries, the devices will play a more important role in the future. The HAL exoskeleton training enables effective, body weight-supported treadmill training and is capable of improving ambulatory mobility. Future controlled studies are required to enable a comparison of the new advances in the field of SCI rehabilitation with traditional over-ground training. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MMW radar enhanced vision systems: the Helicopter Autonomous Landing System (HALS) and Radar-Enhanced Vision System (REVS) are rotary and fixed wing enhanced flight vision systems that enable safe flight operations in degraded visual environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, Jack; Schneider, John; Cariani, Pete

2013-05-01

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has developed rotary and fixed wing millimeter wave radar enhanced vision systems. The Helicopter Autonomous Landing System (HALS) is a rotary-wing enhanced vision system that enables multi-ship landing, takeoff, and enroute flight in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE). HALS has been successfully flight tested in a variety of scenarios, from brown-out DVE landings, to enroute flight over mountainous terrain, to wire/cable detection during low-level flight. The Radar Enhanced Vision Systems (REVS) is a fixed-wing Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) undergoing prototype development testing. Both systems are based on a fast-scanning, threedimensional 94 GHz radar that produces real-time terrain and obstacle imagery. The radar imagery is fused with synthetic imagery of the surrounding terrain to form a long-range, wide field-of-view display. A symbology overlay is added to provide aircraft state information and, for HALS, approach and landing command guidance cuing. The combination of see-through imagery and symbology provides the key information a pilot needs to perform safe flight operations in DVE conditions. This paper discusses the HALS and REVS systems and technology, presents imagery, and summarizes the recent flight test results.

Hal Is a Bacillus anthracis Heme Acquisition Protein

PubMed Central

Balderas, Miriam A.; Nobles, Christopher L.; Honsa, Erin S.; Alicki, Embriette R.

2012-01-01

The metal iron is a limiting nutrient for bacteria during infection. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax and a potential weapon of bioterrorism, grows rapidly in mammalian hosts, which suggests that it efficiently attains iron during infection. Recent studies have uncovered both heme (isd) and siderophore-mediated (asb) iron transport pathways in this pathogen. Whereas deletion of the asb genes results in reduced virulence, the loss of three surface components from isd had no effect, thereby leaving open the question of what additional factors in B. anthracis are responsible for iron uptake from the most abundant iron source for mammals, heme. Here, we describe the first functional characterization of bas0520, a gene recently implicated in anthrax disease progression. bas0520 encodes a single near-iron transporter (NEAT) domain and several leucine-rich repeats. The NEAT domain binds heme, despite lacking a stabilizing tyrosine common to the NEAT superfamily of hemoproteins. The NEAT domain also binds hemoglobin and can acquire heme from hemoglobin in solution. Finally, deletion of bas0520 resulted in bacilli unable to grow efficiently on heme or hemoglobin as an iron source and yielded the most significant phenotype relative to that for other putative heme uptake systems, a result that suggests that this protein plays a prominent role in the replication of B. anthracis in hematogenous environments. Thus, we have assigned the name of Hal (heme-acquisition leucine-rich repeat protein) to BAS0520. These studies advance our understanding of heme acquisition by this dangerous pathogen and justify efforts to determine the mechanistic function of this novel protein for vaccine or inhibitor development. PMID:22865843

HAL-RAR (Doppler guided haemorrhoid artery ligation with recto-anal repair) is a safe and effective procedure for haemorrhoids. Results of a prospective study after two-years follow-up.

PubMed

Hoyuela, Carlos; Carvajal, Fernando; Juvany, Montserrat; Troyano, Daniel; Trias, Miquel; Martrat, Antoni; Ardid, Jordi; Obiols, Joan

2016-04-01

To analyse prospectively results of HAL-RAR technique by evaluating pain, perioperative complications and clinical outcome after two years followup. A prospective study design including 30 consecutive patients with haemorrhoids grade III-IV treated from June 2012. After discharge, patients received a specific questionnaire to record postoperative pain, delayed complications, evolution/disappearance of the symptoms that led to the surgical intervention (bleeding, prolapse, itching, pain and soiling). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain. Outpatient follow-up was carried out at 7 days, and 1, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. Pre, intra and postoperative data (including physical examination) had been recorded prospectively. The median operating time (range) was 40 (26-60) minutes. Average hospital stay (range) was 11 (3-25) hours. No postoperative complications were observed in 29 cases (96.6%). Median follow-up was 26 (12-36) months. All the patients attended the follow-up. Mean postoperative pain was VAS = 1.7 on the seventh day and it was practically non-existent (VAS = 0.7) 1 month after the procedure. 87.5% of patients confirmed complete relief of symptoms after 30 days and 93% of patients feel free of symptoms 6 months after the procedure. No patient has experienced late complications as dyschezia, urgency, soiling or faecal incontinence. After 24 months follow-up, recurrence of bleeding and prolapse was observed in only 1 patient; 93% of patients have considered results of HAL-RAR as very good or excellent. HAL-RAR is safe and almost painless technique and it has very good results in the control of haemorrhoidal symptoms. This procedure should be considered as an effective first treatment option for haemorrhoids. Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Limited. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structures and anti-inflammatory properties of 4-halogenated -mofebutazones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichelt, Hendrik; Paradies, Henrich H.

2018-02-01

The crystal structures of the 4-halogenated (hal: F, Cl, Br)-4-butyl-1-phenyl-1,3-pyrolidine-dione (mofebutazone) are determined, and compared with their solution structures. The racemic 4-halogenated mofebutazone approximants crystallize in a monoclinic space group with four molecules in the unit cell. The 4-hal-mofebutazone molecules reveal strong hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen atom located at the N-2 nitrogen atom and a carbonyl oxygen atom of an adjacent 4-hal-mofebutazone molecule. The hydrogen bond angle for 4-Br-mifebutazone N (2)sbnd H (1)⋯O (1) is 173(3) °, so that the hydrogen bond is essentially linear indicating an infinite chain hydrogen bond network. The 3d and 2d structures are stabilized by π-π and σ-π interactions, short intermolecular distances, and apolar forces between adjacently stacked phenyl rings. Small-angle-X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments and osmometric measurements reveal the presence of dimers for the 4-hal-mofebutazone molecules. Molecular simulations indicate similar solution structure factors for the 4-hal-mofebutazones solutions, S(Q), and in the solid state. There is a strong indication that the [1,1,0], [1,0,0], and [1,0,0] periodicities of the 4-Brsbnd , 4-Clsbnd and 4-F-mofebutazone in the crystalline solid state were also present in the solution phase. The biochemical and cellular activities of the different 4-hal-mofebutazones were monitored by the magnitude of their inhibition of the PGE2 biosynthesis through the cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1) in macrophages, and on the inhibition of LTD4 (5-lipoxygenase) in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Effect of TFE on the Helical Content of AK17 and HAL-1 Peptides: Theoretical Insights into the Mechanism of Helix Stabilization.

PubMed

Vymětal, Jiří; Bednárová, Lucie; Vondrášek, Jiří

2016-02-18

Fluorinated alcohols such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) are among the most frequently used cosolvents in experiment studies of peptides. They have significant effects on secondary structure and a particularly strong promotion of α-helix is induced by TFE. In this study we validated recently proposed force field parameters for TFE in molecular dynamics simulations with two model peptides-alanine-rich AK-17 and antimicrobial peptide halictine-1 (HAL-1). In the case of HAL-1, we characterized the effect of TFE on this peptide experimentally by ECD spectroscopy. Our TFE model in question reproduced the helix-promoting effect of TFE and provided insight into the mechanisms of TFE action on peptides. Our simulations confirmed the preferential interaction of TFE molecules with α-helices, although the TFE molecules accumulate in the vicinity of the peptides in various conformations. Moreover, we observed a significant effect of TFE on the thermodynamics of the helix-coil transition and a change in local conformational preferences in the unfolded (coil) state induced by TFE. In addition, our simulation-based analysis suggests that different mechanisms participate in helix stabilization in both model peptides in water and TFE solution. Our results thus support the picture of complex TFE action on peptides that is further diversified by the identity and intrinsic properties of the peptide.

Decrease of spasticity after hybrid assistive limb® training for a patient with C4 quadriplegia due to chronic SCI.

PubMed

Ikumi, Akira; Kubota, Shigeki; Shimizu, Yukiyo; Kadone, Hideki; Marushima, Aiki; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Hada, Yasushi; Matsumura, Akira; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-09-01

Recently, locomotor training with robotic assistance has been found effective in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). Our case report examined locomotor training using the robotic suit hybrid assistive limb (HAL) in a patient with complete C4 quadriplegia due to chronic SCI. This is the first report examining HAL in complete C4 quadriplegia. The patient was a 19-year-old man who dislocated C3/4 during judo 4 years previously. Following the injury, he underwent C3/4 posterior spinal fusion but remained paralyzed despite rehabilitation. There was muscle atrophy under C5 level and no sensation around the anus, but partial sensation of pressure remained in the limbs. The American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale was Grade A (complete motor C4 lesion). HAL training was administered in 10 sessions (twice per week). The training sessions consisted of treadmill walking with HAL. For safety, 2 physicians and 1 therapist supported the subject for balance and weight-bearing. The device's cybernic autonomous control mode provides autonomic physical support based on predefined walking patterns. We evaluated the adverse events, walking time and distance, and the difference in muscle spasticity before and after HAL-training using a modified Ashworth scale (mAs). No adverse events were observed that required discontinuation of rehabilitation. Walking distance and time increased from 25.2 meters/7.6 minutes to 148.3 meter/15 minutes. The mAs score decreased after HAL training. Our case report indicates that HAL training is feasible and effective for complete C4 quadriplegia in chronic SCI.

HalX: an open-source LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for small- to large-scale laboratories.

PubMed

Prilusky, Jaime; Oueillet, Eric; Ulryck, Nathalie; Pajon, Anne; Bernauer, Julie; Krimm, Isabelle; Quevillon-Cheruel, Sophie; Leulliot, Nicolas; Graille, Marc; Liger, Dominique; Trésaugues, Lionel; Sussman, Joel L; Janin, Joël; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Poupon, Anne

2005-06-01

Structural genomics aims at the establishment of a universal protein-fold dictionary through systematic structure determination either by NMR or X-ray crystallography. In order to catch up with the explosive amount of protein sequence data, the structural biology laboratories are spurred to increase the speed of the structure-determination process. To achieve this goal, high-throughput robotic approaches are increasingly used in all the steps leading from cloning to data collection and even structure interpretation is becoming more and more automatic. The progress made in these areas has begun to have a significant impact on the more 'classical' structural biology laboratories, dramatically increasing the number of individual experiments. This automation creates the need for efficient data management. Here, a new piece of software, HalX, designed as an 'electronic lab book' that aims at (i) storage and (ii) easy access and use of all experimental data is presented. This should lead to much improved management and tracking of structural genomics experimental data.

Modification of hemiplegic compensatory gait pattern by symmetry-based motion controller of HAL.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Kadone, Hideki; Sakurai, Takeru; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2015-01-01

As one of several characteristics of hemiplegic patients after stroke, compensatory gait caused by affected limb is often seen. The purpose of this research is to apply a symmetry-based controller of a wearable type lower limb robot, Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) to hemiplegic patients with compensatory gait, and to investigate improvement of gait symmetry. The controller is designed respectively for swing phase and support phase according to characteristics of hemiplegic gait pattern. The controller during swing phase stores the motion of the unaffected limb and then provides motion support on the affected limb during the subsequent swing using the stored pattern to realize symmetric gait based on spontaneous limb swing. Moreover, the controller during support phase provides motion to extend hip and knee joints to support wearer's body. Clinical tests were conducted in order to assess the modification of gait symmetry. Our case study involved participation of one chronic stroke patient who performs abnormally-compensatory gait for both of the affected and unaffected limbs. As a result, the patient's gait symmetry was improved by providing motion support during the swing phase on the affected side and motion constraint during the support phase on the unaffected side. The study showed promising basis for the effectiveness of the controller for the future clinical study.

HAL/S-FC and HAL/S-360 compiler system program description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The compiler is a large multi-phase design and can be broken into four phases: Phase 1 inputs the source language and does a syntactic and semantic analysis generating the source listing, a file of instructions in an internal format (HALMAT) and a collection of tables to be used in subsequent phases. Phase 1.5 massages the code produced by Phase 1, performing machine independent optimization. Phase 2 inputs the HALMAT produced by Phase 1 and outputs machine language object modules in a form suitable for the OS-360 or FCOS linkage editor. Phase 3 produces the SDF tables. The four phases described are written in XPL, a language specifically designed for compiler implementation. In addition to the compiler, there is a large library containing all the routines that can be explicitly called by the source language programmer plus a large collection of routines for implementing various facilities of the language.

The epigenetic landscape in the course of time: Conrad Hal Waddington's methodological impact on the life sciences.

PubMed

Baedke, Jan

2013-12-01

It seems that the reception of Conrad Hal Waddington's work never really gathered speed in mainstream biology. This paper, offering a transdisciplinary survey of approaches using his epigenetic landscape images, argues that (i) Waddington's legacy is much broader than is usually recognized--it is widespread across the life sciences (e.g. stem cell biology, developmental psychology and cultural anthropology). In addition, I will show that (ii) there exist as yet unrecognized heuristic roles, especially in model building and theory formation, which Waddington's images play within his work. These different methodological facets envisioned by Waddington are used as a natural framework to analyze and classify the manners of usage of epigenetic landscape images in post-Waddingtonian 'landscape approaches'. This evaluation of Waddington's pictorial legacy reveals that there are highly diverse lines of traditions in the life sciences, which are deeply rooted in Waddington's methodological work. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The existence and gas phase acidity of the HAlnF3n+1 superacids (n = 1-4)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czapla, Marcin; Skurski, Piotr

2015-06-01

Novel strong superacids are proposed and investigated on the basis of ab initio calculations. The gas phase acidity of the HAlF4, HAl2F7, and HAl3F10 systems evaluated by the estimation of the Gibbs free energies of their deprotonation reactions were found significant and comparable to the corresponding value characterizing the HTaF6, whereas the strength of the HAl4F13 acid was predicted to exceed that of the HSbF6 acid (the strongest liquid superacid recognized). The deprotonation energies of the HAlnF3n+1 acids (n = 1-4) turned out to be closely related to the electronic stabilities of their corresponding (AlnF3n+1)- anions.

The HAL 9000 Space Operating System Real-Time Planning Engine Design and Operations Requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stetson, Howard; Watson, Michael D.; Shaughnessy, Ray

2012-01-01

In support of future deep space manned missions, an autonomous/automated vehicle, providing crew autonomy and an autonomous response planning system, will be required due to the light time delays in communication. Vehicle capabilities as a whole must provide for tactical response to vehicle system failures and space environmental effects induced failures, for risk mitigation of permanent loss of communication with Earth, and for assured crew return capabilities. The complexity of human rated space systems and the limited crew sizes and crew skills mix drive the need for a robust autonomous capability on-board the vehicle. The HAL 9000 Space Operating System[2] designed for such missions and space craft includes the first distributed real-time planning / re-planning system. This paper will detail the software architecture of the multiple planning engine system, and the interface design for plan changes, approval and implementation that is performed autonomously. Operations scenarios will be defined for analysis of the planning engines operations and its requirements for nominal / off nominal activities. An assessment of the distributed realtime re-planning system, in the defined operations environment, will be provided as well as findings as it pertains to the vehicle, crew, and mission control requirements needed for implementation.

Improved tissue culture conditions for the emerging C4 model Panicum hallii.

PubMed

Grant, Joshua N; Burris, Jason N; Stewart, C Neal; Lenaghan, Scott C

2017-04-27

Panicum hallii Vasey (Hall's panicgrass) is a compact, perennial C 4 grass in the family Poaceae, which has potential to enable bioenergy research for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Unlike P. hallii, switchgrass has a large genome, allopolyploidy, self-incompatibility, a long life cycle, and large stature-all suboptimal traits for rapid genetics research. Herein we improved tissue culture methodologies for two inbred P. hallii populations: FIL2 and HAL2, to enable further development of P. hallii as a model C 4 plant. The optimal seed-derived callus induction medium was determined to be Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 40 mg L -1 L-cysteine, 300 mg L -1 L-proline, 3% sucrose, 1 g L -1 casein hydrolysate, 3 mg L -1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 45 μg L -1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), which resulted in callus induction of 51 ± 29% for FIL2 and 81 ± 19% for HAL2. The optimal inflorescence-derived callus induction was observed on MP medium (MS medium supplemented with 2 g L -1 L-proline, 3% maltose, 5 mg L -1 2,4-D, and 500 μg L -1 BAP), resulting in callus induction of 100 ± 0.0% for FIL2 and 84 ± 2.4% for HAL2. Shoot regeneration rates of 11.5 ± 0.8 shoots/gram for FIL2 and 11.3 ± 0.6 shoots/gram for HAL2 were achieved using seed-induced callus, whereas shoot regeneration rates of 26.2 ± 2.6 shoots/gram for FIL2 and 29.3 ± 3.6 shoots/gram for HAL2 were achieved from inflorescence-induced callus. Further, cell suspension cultures of P. hallii were established from seed-derived callus, providing faster generation of callus tissue compared with culture using solidified media (1.41-fold increase for FIL2 and 3.00-fold increase for HAL2). Aside from abbreviated tissue culture times from callus induction to plant regeneration for HAL2, we noted no apparent differences between FIL2 and HAL2 populations in tissue culture performance. For both populations, the cell suspension cultures

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of haloperidol and reduced haloperidol in schizophrenic patients.

PubMed

Chang, W H; Lin, S K; Jann, M W; Lam, Y W; Chen, T Y; Chen, C T; Hu, W H; Yeh, E K

1989-07-01

Twelve male chronic schizophrenic inpatients, neuroleptic-free for at least 4 weeks, were given an oral test dose of 10 mg haloperidol (HAL) and reduced HAL (RHAL) in a random order, with a 2-week interval. Two weeks after the last test dose, the patients were given HAL, 5 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and between 0.5 and 24 hr after the test doses, and during HAL treatment as well. Plasma drug concentrations and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography using electrochemical detection. HAL, but not RHAL, produced increments in plasma HVA (pHVA) levels at 24 hr after a test dose. pHVA levels remained higher than baseline during HAL treatment. Detectable interconversion between HAL and RHAL was observed in eight patients. The capacity of the reductive drug-metabolizing enzyme system, however, was greater than that of the oxidative processes. The plasma RHAL:HAL ratios on days 6 and 7 were higher than and positively correlated with those at Tmax after a single dose of HAL and were negatively correlated with the HAL:RHAL ratios at Tmax after a single dose of RHAL. Thus, both reductive and oxidative drug-metabolizing systems probably contribute to individual differences in plasma RHAL:HAL ratios in HAL-treated schizophrenic patients.

Measuring exertion time, duty cycle and hand activity level for industrial tasks using computer vision.

PubMed

Akkas, Oguz; Lee, Cheng Hsien; Hu, Yu Hen; Harris Adamson, Carisa; Rempel, David; Radwin, Robert G

2017-12-01

Two computer vision algorithms were developed to automatically estimate exertion time, duty cycle (DC) and hand activity level (HAL) from videos of workers performing 50 industrial tasks. The average DC difference between manual frame-by-frame analysis and the computer vision DC was -5.8% for the Decision Tree (DT) algorithm, and 1.4% for the Feature Vector Training (FVT) algorithm. The average HAL difference was 0.5 for the DT algorithm and 0.3 for the FVT algorithm. A sensitivity analysis, conducted to examine the influence that deviations in DC have on HAL, found it remained unaffected when DC error was less than 5%. Thus, a DC error less than 10% will impact HAL less than 0.5 HAL, which is negligible. Automatic computer vision HAL estimates were therefore comparable to manual frame-by-frame estimates. Practitioner Summary: Computer vision was used to automatically estimate exertion time, duty cycle and hand activity level from videos of workers performing industrial tasks.

Tissue responses to hexyl 5-aminolevulinate-induced photodynamic treatment in syngeneic orthotopic rat bladder cancer model: possible pathways of action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arum, Carl-Jørgen; Gederaas, Odrun A.; Larsen, Eivind L. P.; Randeberg, Lise L.; Hjelde, Astrid; Krokan, Hans E.; Svaasand, Lars O.; Chen, Duan; Zhao, Chun-Mei

2011-02-01

Orthotopic bladder cancer model in rats mimics human bladder cancer with respect to urothelial tumorigenesis and progression. Utilizing this model at pT1 (superficial stage), we analyze the tissue responses to hexyl 5-aminolevulinate-induced photodynamic therapy (HAL-PDT). In comparison to untreated rats, HAL-PDT causes little change in tumor-free rat bladder but induces inflammatory changes with increased lymphocytes and mononuclear cell infiltration in rat bladders with tumor. Immunohistochemistry reveals that HAL-PDT is without effect on proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression within the tumor and increases caspase-3 expression in both normal urothelium and the tumor. Transmission electron microscopy reveals severe mitochondrial damage, formations of apoptotic bodies, vacuoles, and lipofuscin bodies, but no microvillus-formed niches in HAL-PDT-treated bladder cancer rats. Bioinformatics analysis of the gene expression profile indicates an activation of T-cell receptor signaling pathway in bladder cancer rats without PDT. HAL-PDT increases the expression of CD3 and CD45RA in the tumor (determined by immunohistochemistry). We suggest that pathways of action of HAL-PDT may include, at least, activations of mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy, breakdown of cancer stem cell niches, and importantly, enhancement of T-cell activation.

Functional limitations in Romanian children with haemophilia: further testing of psychometric properties of the Paediatric Haemophilia Activities List.

PubMed

Groen, W; van der Net, J; Lacatusu, A M; Serban, M; Helders, P J M; Fischer, K

2013-05-01

Children with haemophilia often experience limitations in activities of daily life. Recently the Paediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL) has been developed and tested in Dutch children with intensive replacement therapy. The psychometric properties of the PedHAL in children not receiving intensive replacement therapy are not known. The objective was to gain further insight into the psychometric properties of the PedHAL and to study the functional health status of Romanian children and adolescents with haemophilia. Children attending to the rehabilitation centre of Buzias in Romania were sampled consecutively. Construct validity of the PedHAL was evaluated by concurrent testing with objective and subjective measures of physical function and functional ability. Reproducibility was tested by a 3-day test-retest by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LOA). Responsiveness to rehabilitation was assessed by Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and PedHAL. Twenty-nine children with severe (n = 25) or moderate (n = 4) haemophilia participated. Mean age was 13.2 years (SD 4.0). Median score of the PedHAL was 83.5 (IQR 47.9-90.5). The PedHAL correlated moderately with HJHS (rho = -0.59), Functional Independence Score in& Haemophilia (rho = 0.65) and Child Health Questionnaire-physical function (rho = 0.40) and not with Child Health Questionnaire-mental health, Child Health Questionnaire-behaviour and 6MWT. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.95). LOA was 17.4 points for the sum score. HJHS scores improved slightly after rehabilitation, whereas PedHAL scores did not change. In general, construct validity and test-retest reliability were good, test-retest agreement showed some variability. Therefore, currently the PedHAL may be more appropriate for research purposes than for individual patient monitoring in clinical practice. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Red versus blue light illumination in hexyl 5-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy: the influence of light color and irradiance on the treatment outcome in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helander, Linda; Krokan, Hans E.; Johnsson, Anders; Gederaas, Odrun A.; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2014-08-01

Hexyl 5-aminolevulinate (HAL) is a lipophilic derivative of 5-aminolevulinate, a key intermediate in biosynthesis of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The photodynamic efficacy and cell death mode after red versus blue light illumination of HAL-induced PpIX have been examined and compared using five different cancer cell lines. LED arrays emitting at 410 and 624 nm served as homogenous and adjustable light sources. Our results show that the response after HAL-PDT is cell line specific, both regarding the shape of the dose-survival curve, the overall dose required for efficient cell killing, and the relative amount of apoptosis. The ratio between 410 and 624 nm in absorption coefficient correlates well with the difference in cell killing at the same wavelengths. In general, the PDT efficacy was several folds higher for blue light as compared with red light, as expected. However, HAL-PDT624 induced more apoptosis than HAL-PDT410 and illumination with low irradiance resulted in more apoptosis than high irradiance at the same lethal dose. This indicates differences in death modes after low and high irradiance after similar total light doses. From a treatment perspective, these differences may be important.

Red versus blue light illumination in hexyl 5-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy: the influence of light color and irradiance on the treatment outcome in vitro.

PubMed

Helander, Linda; Krokan, Hans E; Johnsson, Anders; Gederaas, Odrun A; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2014-08-01

Hexyl 5-aminolevulinate (HAL) is a lipophilic derivative of 5-aminolevulinate, a key intermediate in biosynthesis of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The photodynamic efficacy and cell death mode after red versus blue light illumination of HAL-induced PpIX have been examined and compared using five different cancer cell lines. LED arrays emitting at 410 and 624 nm served as homogenous and adjustable light sources. Our results show that the response after HAL-PDT is cell line specific, both regarding the shape of the dose-survival curve, the overall dose required for efficient cell killing, and the relative amount of apoptosis. The ratio between 410 and 624 nm in absorption coefficient correlates well with the difference in cell killing at the same wavelengths. In general, the PDT efficacy was several folds higher for blue light as compared with red light, as expected. However, HAL-PDT₆₂₄ induced more apoptosis than HAL-PDT₄₁₀ and illumination with low irradiance resulted in more apoptosis than high irradiance at the same lethal dose. This indicates differences in death modes after low and high irradiance after similar total light doses. From a treatment perspective, these differences may be important.

Active elbow flexion is possible in C4 quadriplegia using hybrid assistive limb (HAL®) technology: A case study.

PubMed

Shimizu, Yukiyo; Kadone, Hideki; Kubota, Shigeki; Ikumi, Akira; Abe, Tetsuya; Marushima, Aiki; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Endo, Ayumu; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Saotome, Kousaku; Matsushita, Akira; Matsumura, Akira; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Hada, Yasushi; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-07-01

Patients with complete quadriplegia after high cervical spinal cord injury are fully dependent with activities of daily living. Assistive technology can improve their quality of life. We examined the use of a hybrid assistive limb for single joints (HAL-SJ) in a 19-year-old man with complete C4 quadriplegia due to chronic spinal cord injury to restore function of active elbow flexion. This is the first report on the use of the HAL-SJ in a patient with spinal cord injury. The HAL-SJ intervention for each elbow was administered in 10 sessions. Clinical assessment using surface EMG was conducted to evaluate muscle activity of the trapezius, biceps brachii, infraspinatus, and triceps brachii muscle before, and during the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 9th interventions. Surface electromyography (EMG) before intervention showed no contraction in the upper arms, but in the bilateral trapezius. The HAL-SJ used motion intention from the right trapezius for activation. After the 6th and 7th session, respectively, biceps EMG showed that voluntary contraction and right elbow flexion could be performed by motion intention from the right biceps. After the 10th session, voluntary bicep contraction was possible. HAL-SJ treatment on the left elbow was performed using the same protocol with a similar outcome. After completing treatment on both upper extremities, both biceps contracted voluntarily, and he could operate a standard wheelchair for a short distance independently. HAL-SJ intervention is feasible and effective in restoring elbow flexor function in a patient with C4 chronic spinal cord injury and complete quadriplegia.

Restoration of gait for spinal cord injury patients using HAL with intention estimator for preferable swing speed.

PubMed

Tsukahara, Atsushi; Hasegawa, Yasuhisa; Eguchi, Kiyoshi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2015-03-01

This paper proposes a novel gait intention estimator for an exoskeleton-wearer who needs gait support owing to walking impairment. The gait intention estimator not only detects the intention related to the start of the swing leg based on the behavior of the center of ground reaction force (CoGRF), but also infers the swing speed depending on the walking velocity. The preliminary experiments categorized into two stages were performed on a mannequin equipped with the exoskeleton robot [Hybrid Assistive Limb: (HAL)] including the proposed estimator. The first experiment verified that the gait support system allowed the mannequin to walk properly and safely. In the second experiment, we confirmed the differences in gait characteristics attributed to the presence or absence of the proposed swing speed profile. As a feasibility study, we evaluated the walking capability of a severe spinal cord injury patient supported by the system during a 10-m walk test. The results showed that the system enabled the patient to accomplish a symmetrical walk from both spatial and temporal standpoints while adjusting the speed of the swing leg. Furthermore, the critical differences of gait between our system and a knee-ankle-foot orthosis were obtained from the CoGRF distribution and the walking time. Through the tests, we demonstrated the effectiveness and practical feasibility of the gait support algorithms.

GENERAL PURPOSE ADA PACKAGES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klumpp, A. R.

1994-01-01

Ten families of subprograms are bundled together for the General-Purpose Ada Packages. The families bring to Ada many features from HAL/S, PL/I, FORTRAN, and other languages. These families are: string subprograms (INDEX, TRIM, LOAD, etc.); scalar subprograms (MAX, MIN, REM, etc.); array subprograms (MAX, MIN, PROD, SUM, GET, and PUT); numerical subprograms (EXP, CUBIC, etc.); service subprograms (DATE_TIME function, etc.); Linear Algebra II; Runge-Kutta integrators; and three text I/O families of packages. In two cases, a family consists of a single non-generic package. In all other cases, a family comprises a generic package and its instances for a selected group of scalar types. All generic packages are designed to be easily instantiated for the types declared in the user facility. The linear algebra package is LINRAG2. This package includes subprograms supplementing those in NPO-17985, An Ada Linear Algebra Package Modeled After HAL/S (LINRAG). Please note that LINRAG2 cannot be compiled without LINRAG. Most packages have widespread applicability, although some are oriented for avionics applications. All are designed to facilitate writing new software in Ada. Several of the packages use conventions introduced by other programming languages. A package of string subprograms is based on HAL/S (a language designed for the avionics software in the Space Shuttle) and PL/I. Packages of scalar and array subprograms are taken from HAL/S or generalized current Ada subprograms. A package of Runge-Kutta integrators is patterned after a built-in MAC (MIT Algebraic Compiler) integrator. Those packages modeled after HAL/S make it easy to translate existing HAL/S software to Ada. The General-Purpose Ada Packages program source code is available on two 360K 5.25" MS-DOS format diskettes. The software was developed using VAX Ada v1.5 under DEC VMS v4.5. It should be portable to any validated Ada compiler and it should execute either interactively or in batch. The largest package

Perfect merohedral twinning combined with noncrystallographic symmetry potentially causes the failure of molecular replacement with low-homology search models for the flavin-dependent halogenase HalX from Xanthomonas campestris.

PubMed

Buss, Maren; Geerds, Christina; Patschkowski, Thomas; Niehaus, Karsten; Niemann, Hartmut H

2018-06-01

Flavin-dependent halogenases can be used as biocatalysts because they regioselectively halogenate their substrates under mild reaction conditions. New halogenases with novel substrate specificities will add to the toolbox of enzymes available to organic chemists. HalX, the product of the xcc-b100_4193 gene, is a putative flavin-dependent halogenase from Xanthomonas campestris. The enzyme was recombinantly expressed and crystallized in order to aid in identifying its hitherto unknown substrate. Native data collected to a resolution of 2.5 Å showed indications of merohedral twinning in a hexagonal lattice. Attempts to solve the phase problem by molecular replacement failed. Here, a detailed analysis of the suspected twinning is presented. It is most likely that the crystals are trigonal (point group 3) and exhibit perfect hemihedral twinning so that they appear to be hexagonal (point group 6). As there are several molecules in the asymmetric unit, noncrystallographic symmetry may complicate twinning analysis and structure determination.

Impact of locomotion training with a neurologic controlled hybrid assistive limb (HAL) exoskeleton on neuropathic pain and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic SCI: a case study (.).

PubMed

Cruciger, Oliver; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Meindl, Renate C; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Citak, Mustafa; Aach, Mirko

2016-08-01

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a common condition associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been reported to be severe, disabling and often treatment-resistant and therefore remains a clinical challenge for the attending physicians. The treatment usually includes pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological approaches. Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and locomotion training with driven gait orthosis (DGO) have evolved over the last decades and are now considered to be an established part in the rehabilitation of SCI patients. Conventional locomotion training goes along with improvements of the patients' walking abilities in particular speed and gait pattern. The neurologic controlled hybrid assistive limb (HAL®, Cyberdyne Inc., Ibraki, Japan) exoskeleton, however, is a new tailored approach to support motor functions synchronously to the patient's voluntary drive. This report presents two cases of severe chronic and therapy resistant neuropathic pain due to chronic SCI and demonstrates the beneficial effects of neurologic controlled exoskeletal intervention on pain severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Both of these patients were engaged in a 12 weeks period of daily HAL®-supported locomotion training. In addition to improvements in motor functions and walking abilities, both show significant reduction in pain severity and improvements in all HRQoL domains. Although various causal factors likely contribute to abatement of CNP, the reported results occurred due to a new approach in the rehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injury patients. These findings suggest not only the feasibility of this new approach but in conclusion, demonstrate the effectiveness of neurologic controlled locomotion training in the long-term management of refractory neuropathic pain. Implications for Rehabilitation CNP remains a challenge in the rehabilitation of chronic SCI patients. Locomotion training with the HAL exoskeleton seems to improve CNP

Haemorrhoidal artery ligation versus rubber band ligation for the management of symptomatic second-degree and third-degree haemorrhoids (HubBLe): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Brown, Steven R; Tiernan, James P; Watson, Angus J M; Biggs, Katie; Shephard, Neil; Wailoo, Allan J; Bradburn, Mike; Alshreef, Abualbishr; Hind, Daniel

2016-07-23

RBL group and 23 [14%] participants in the HAL group had a subsequent procedure for haemorrhoids). The mean pain 1 day after procedure was 3·4 (SD 2·8) in the RBL group and 4·6 (2·8) in the HAL group (difference -1·2, 95% CI -1·8 to -0·5; p=0·0002); at day 7 the scores were 1·6 (2·3) in the RBL group and 3·1 (2·4) in the HAL group (difference -1·5, -2·0 to -1·0; p<0·0001). Pain scores did not differ between groups at 21 days and 6 weeks. 15 individuals reported serious adverse events requiring hospital admission. One patient in the RBL group had a pre-existing rectal tumour. Of the remaining 14 serious adverse events, 12 (7%) were among participants treated with HAL and two (1%) were in those treated with RBL. Six patients had pain (one treated with RBL, five treated with HAL), three had bleeding not requiring transfusion (one treated with RBL, two treated with HAL), two in the HAL group had urinary retention, two in the HAL group had vasovagal upset, and one in the HAL group had possible sepsis (treated with antibiotics). Although recurrence after HAL was lower than a single RBL, HAL was more painful than RBL. The difference in recurrence was due to the need for repeat bandings in the RBL group. Patients (and health commissioners) might prefer such a course of RBL to the more invasive HAL. NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme. Copyright © 2016 Brown et al. Open Access article distributed under the terms of CC BY. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Results of 244 consecutive patients with hemorrhoids treated with Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation.

PubMed

Pol, Robert A; van der Zwet, Wil C; Hoornenborg, Daniel; Makkinga, Babbeth; Kaijser, Miriam; Eeftinck Schattenkerk, M; Eddes, Eric-Hans

2010-01-01

This study was designed to determine the effect of treating hemorrhoids with the Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) procedure. From June 2005 to March 2008, 244 consecutive hemorrhoidal patients underwent hemorroidal artery ligation performed with the DG-HAL system from AMI. All patients were evaluated postoperatively with a proctologic examination and interview. Further follow-up was performed by telephone with a standardized questionnaire. When indicated, patients revisited the clinic for further examination and treatment. 244 patients were treated with DG-HAL. The mean follow-up time was 18.4 months (range 1.4-37.2). Sixty-seven percent of the patients had an improvement of symptoms after one treatment. Fifty-three patients (22%) underwent a second procedure because of persisting symptoms. Thirteen patients (25%) underwent a second DG-HAL and 40 (75%) underwent rubber band ligation. In total, 69% of the patients had a good response using the DG-HAL technique. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed prolapse to be an independent risk factor for persistent symptoms (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.10-5.15). Patients with grades 3 and 4 hemorrhoids had a higher risk of developing recurrent disease (OR = 4.94, 95% CI 0.67-36.42). DG-HAL seems to be an effective procedure for treating low-grade hemorrhoids. A resection procedure should be the treatment for patients with recurrent disease. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chronic Treatment With Aripiprazole Prevents Development of Dopamine Supersensitivity and Potentially Supersensitivity Psychosis

PubMed Central

Tadokoro, Shigenori; Okamura, Naoe; Sekine, Yoshimoto; Kanahara, Nobuhisa; Hashimoto, Kenji; Iyo, Masaomi

2012-01-01

Background: Long-term treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotics is crucial for relapse prevention, but a prolonged blockade of D2 dopamine receptors may lead to the development of supersensitivity psychosis. We investigated the chronic effects of aripiprazole (ARI) on dopamine sensitivity. Methods: We administered ARI (1.5 mg/kg/d), haloperidol (HAL; 0.75 mg/kg/d), or vehicle (VEH) via minipump for 14 days to drug-naive rats or to rats pretreated with HAL (0.75 mg/kg/d) or VEH via minipump for 14 days. On the seventh day following treatment cessation, we examined the effects of the treatment conditions on the locomotor response to methamphetamine and on striatal D2 receptor density (N = 4-10/condition/experiment). Results: Chronic treatment with HAL led to significant increases in locomotor response and D2 receptor density, compared with the effects of chronic treatment with either VEH or ARI; there were no significant differences in either locomotor response or D2 density between the VEH- and ARI-treated groups. We also investigated the effects of chronic treatment with HAL, ARI, or VEH preceded by HAL or VEH treatment on locomotor response and D2 density. ANOVA analysis indicated that the rank ordering of groups for both locomotor response and D2 density was HAL-HAL > HAL-VEH > HAL-ARI > VEH-VEH. Conclusions: Chronic treatment with ARI prevents development of dopamine supersensitivity and potentially supersensitivity psychosis, suggesting that by reducing excessive sensitivity to dopamine and by stabilizing sensitivity for an extended period of time, ARI may be helpful for some patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. PMID:21402722

Differential Effects of Intermittent versus Continuous Haloperidol Treatment throughout Adolescence on Haloperidol Sensitization and Social Behavior in Adulthood

PubMed Central

Gao, Jun; Li, Ming

2014-01-01

Animal work on the behavioral effects of antipsychotic treatment suggests that different dosing regimens could affect drug sensitivity differently, with an intermittent treatment regimen tending to cause a sensitization effect, while a continuous treatment causing a tolerance. In this study, we explored how haloperidol (HAL) sensitization induced throughout adolescence and tested in adulthood was differentially impacted by these two dosing regimens in the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) test. We also examined how these two dosing regiments affected social interaction and social memory in adulthood. Male adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with HAL via either osmotic minipump (HAL-0.25 CONT; 0.25 mg/kg/day, n = 14) or daily injection (HAL-0.05 INT; 0.05 mg/kg/injection/day, sc, n = 14), or sterile water (n = 14) from postnatal days (PND) 44 to 71. HAL sensitization was assessed in a challenge test in which all rats were injected with HAL (0.025 and 0.05 mg/kg, sc) on PND 80 and PND 82. Two days later, half of the rats from each group (n = 7/group) were assayed in two 4-trial social interaction tests in which a subject rat was given four 5-min social encounters with a familiar or novel juvenile rat (PND 35–40) at 10 min intervals. Another half were tested in a quinpirole-induced hyperlocomotion assay to assess the potential HAL-induced change in D2-mediated function. Results show that only the intermittent dosing group under the HAL 0.05 mg/kg challenge showed a robust sensitization effect as rats in this group made significantly fewer avoidance responses than those in the vehicle and HAL-0.25 CONT groups. Adolescent HAL treatment did not affect social behavior and social memory, as rats from all 3 groups exhibited a similar level of social interaction and showed a similar level of sensitivity to the change of social stimuli. Similarly, adolescent HAL treatment also did not produce a long-lasting change in D2 function, as all 3 groups exhibited a

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Addison Pond Dam (CT 00245), Connecticut River Basin, Glastonbury, Connecticut. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

43 696 NTIONAL FRUW FO1 INSPECTION OF NQN-FERINL HAlS in1 ADDISON PON DAN (CT.. (U) CORPS OF ENGINEERS WLTINN ANLAD I IUCLASSIFIED F/0 1311±3...S ThS A, - 7~c~ C. FA A -:Loo T A-r’o N= ,o AT/ Pip, : Eo 0-’Z’ A --’ * 5’so’ -A90/4 E~ \\ s ~c Ac F P4 A- , -S- ST~fA~~ 4!5-0- 55 /A3960O 0Q A C.-F A

Chemical Properties of Dialkyl Halonium Ions (R2Hal+) and Their Neutral Analogues, Methyl Carboranes, CH3-(CHB11Hal11), Where Hal = F, Cl.

PubMed

Stoyanov, Evgenii S

2017-04-20

Chloronium cations in their salts (C n H 2n+1 ) 2 Cl + {CHB 11 Cl 11 - }, with n = 1 to 3 and exceptionally stable carborane anions, are stable at ambient and elevated temperatures. The temperature at which they decompose to carbocations with HCl elimination (below 150 °C) decreases with the increasing n from 1 to 3 because of increasing ionicity of C-Cl bonds in the C-Cl + -C bridge. At room temperature, the salts of cations with n ≥ 4 [starting from t-Bu 2 Cl + or (cyclo-C 5 H 11 ) 2 Cl + ] are unstable and decompose. With decreasing chloronium ion stability, their ability to interact with chloroalkanes to form oligomeric cations increases. It was shown indirectly that unstable salt of fluoronium ions (CH 3 ) 2 F + (CHB 11 F 11 - ) must exist at low temperatures. The proposed (CH 3 ) 2 F + cation is much more reactive than the corresponding chloronium, showing at room temperature chemical properties expected of (CH 3 ) 2 Cl + at elevated temperatures.

Regulation of Yeast H+-ATPase by Protein Kinases Belonging to a Family Dedicated to Activation of Plasma Membrane Transporters

PubMed Central

Goossens, Alain; de la Fuente, Natalia; Forment, Javier; Serrano, Ramon; Portillo, Francisco

2000-01-01

The regulation of electrical membrane potential is a fundamental property of living cells. This biophysical parameter determines nutrient uptake, intracellular potassium and turgor, uptake of toxic cations, and stress responses. In fungi and plants, an important determinant of membrane potential is the electrogenic proton-pumping ATPase, but the systems that modulate its activity remain largely unknown. We have characterized two genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, PTK2 and HRK1 (YOR267c), that encode protein kinases implicated in activation of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Pma1) in response to glucose metabolism. These kinases mediate, directly or indirectly, an increase in affinity of Pma1 for ATP, which probably involves Ser-899 phosphorylation. Ptk2 has the strongest effect on Pma1, and ptk2 mutants exhibit a pleiotropic phenotype of tolerance to toxic cations, including sodium, lithium, manganese, tetramethylammonium, hygromycin B, and norspermidine. A plausible interpretation is that ptk2 mutants have a decreased membrane potential and that diverse cation transporters are voltage dependent. Accordingly, ptk2 mutants exhibited reduced uptake of lithium and methylammonium. Ptk2 and Hrk1 belong to a subgroup of yeast protein kinases dedicated to the regulation of plasma membrane transporters, which include Npr1 (regulator of Gap1 and Tat2 amino acid transporters) and Hal4 and Hal5 (regulators of Trk1 and Trk2 potassium transporters). PMID:11003661

78 FR 1889 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; C2 Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... Rule Change, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Thereto, To Adopt a HAL System January 3, 2013. Pursuant to... Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange proposes to adopt a HAL system. The text of the proposed... the operation of its new HAL system (``HAL''). HAL is a feature within the C2 System that provides...

Assessment of dopamine receptor blockade by neuroleptic drugs in the living human brain

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

Wong, D.F.; Wagner, H.N. Jr.; Coyle, J.

1985-05-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) makes it possible to attempt to relate directly the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptic drugs and their blocking effect on dopamine receptors (D2) in vivo. The authors have examined the ability of haloperidol (HAL) and molindone (MOL) to block the binding of C-11 n-methylspiperone (NMSP) in 6 normal subjects. A dose of 0.05 mg/kg of HAL resulted in a 68% drop in the slope of the caudate/cerebellum (Ca/Cb) vs. time. This slope is related to the rate of specific binding of NMSP to the receptor. A dose response was seen with both drugs. With increasing doses ofmore » HAL from .05 to 0.082 mg/kg, CA/Cb vs. time slope fell from .235 to .156/min. (N=4), progressively. Similarly with increasing doses of MOL of .16-.44 mg/kg slopes decreased from .0335 to .0155/min. (N=4). Similar degrees of post injection Ca/Cb ratio were produced with quantities of MOL and HAL administered in the oral dose ratio of doses 3-5:1 times greater than HAL. This is also the dose ratio at which we found similar dopamine receptor blockade by PET in vivo. A question that arises is why the in vitro affinity of HAL for D2 is 30 times greater than that of MOL in the human brain. The results raise the possibility that MOL metabolites are not only active in blocking D2 but indeed may possibly be more potent than MOL itself. It also helps confirm the site of action of MOL and its in vivo metabolites.« less

Ab initio calculations of supramolecular complexes of fullerene C60 with CdTe and CdS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvyatkovskii, O. E.; Zakharova, I. B.; Ziminov, V. M.

2014-06-01

This paper presents the results of ab initio quantum-chemical calculations of supramolecular complexes C60CdHal, [C60]4CdHal, and [C60]6CdHal (Hal = S, Te), which simulate the defects forming in fullerite during the absorption or adsorption of cadmium telluride (sulfide). Calculations of the electronic structure of complexes with inclusion of their relaxation to the equilibrium state have been performed in terms of the density functional theory with the B3LYP hybrid functional. The obtained enthalpies of formation of complexes show that their formation leads to the energy gain of the order of 0.5-1.5 eV depending on the complex type. It has been shown that the formation of tetrahedral complexes [C60]4CdTe with the intercalated CdTe molecule is possible only with a considerable distortion of the tetrahedral void. The energy spectrum of low-lying excited electron states for the linear and octahedral complexes has been calculated. It has been found that a decrease in symmetry with the formation of complexes leads to the appearance of excited states of allowed singlet transitions in the electron spectrum, which are forbidden in optical spectra of initial components.

Analogous β-Carboline Alkaloids Harmaline and Harmine Ameliorate Scopolamine-Induced Cognition Dysfunction by Attenuating Acetylcholinesterase Activity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Mice

PubMed Central

Li, Shu-Ping; Wang, Yu-Wen; Qi, Sheng-Lan; Zhang, Yun-Peng; Deng, Gang; Ding, Wen-Zheng; Ma, Chao; Lin, Qi-Yan; Guan, Hui-Da; Liu, Wei; Cheng, Xue-Mei; Wang, Chang-Hong

2018-01-01

The analogous β-carboline alkaloids, harmaline (HAL) and harmine (HAR), possess a variety of biological properties, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and many others, and have great potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, studies have showed that the two compounds have similar structures and in vitro AChE inhibitory activities but with significant difference in bioavailability. The objective of this study was to comparatively investigate the effects of HAL and HAR in memory deficits of scopolamine-induced mice. In the present study, mice were pretreated with HAL (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg), HAR (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) and donepezil (5 mg/kg) by intragastrically for 7 days, and were daily intraperitoneal injected with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) to induce memory deficits and then subjected to behavioral evaluation by Morris water maze. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HAL and HAR in improving learning and memory, the levels of various biochemical factors and protein expressions related to cholinergic function, oxidative stress, and inflammation were examined. The results showed that HAL and HAR could effectively ameliorate memory deficits in scopolamine-induced mice. Both of them exhibited an enhancement in cholinergic function by inhibiting AChE and inducing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities, and antioxidant defense via increasing the antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and reducing maleic diadehyde production, and anti-inflammatory effects through suppressing myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor α, and nitric oxide as well as modulation of critical neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACh), choline (Ch), L-tryptophan (L-Trp), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (γ-GABA), and L-glutamic acid (L-Glu). Furthermore, the regulations of HAL on cholinergic function, inflammation, and neurotransmitters were more

On the correlation between bond-length change and vibrational frequency shift in halogen-bonded complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weizhou; Zhang, Yu; Ji, Baoming; Tian, Anmin

2011-06-01

The C-Hal (Hal = Cl, Br, or I) bond-length change and the corresponding vibrational frequency shift of the C-Hal stretch upon the C-Hal ⋯Y (Y is the electron donor) halogen bond formation have been determined by using density functional theory computations. Plots of the C-Hal bond-length change versus the corresponding vibrational frequency shift of the C-Hal stretch all give straight lines. The coefficients of determination range from 0.94366 to 0.99219, showing that the correlation between the C-Hal bond-length change and the corresponding frequency shift is very good in the halogen-bonded complexes. The possible effects of vibrational coupling, computational method, and anharmonicity on the bond-length change-frequency shift correlation are discussed in detail.

Divergent long-term consequences of chronic treatment with haloperidol, risperidone, and bromocriptine on traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive deficits.

PubMed

Phelps, Thomas I; Bondi, Corina O; Ahmed, Rashid H; Olugbade, Yewande T; Kline, Anthony E

2015-04-15

Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are provided in the clinic to manage traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced agitation and aggression. Experimental TBI studies consistently show that daily administration of the APDs, haloperidol (HAL) and risperidone (RISP), hinder recovery. However, it is unknown how long the adverse effects remain after cessation of treatment. To elucidate this clinically relevant issue, anesthetized male rats were randomly assigned to four TBI (controlled cortical impact) and four sham groups administered HAL (0.5 mg/kg), RISP (0.45 mg/kg), bromocriptine (BRO; 5.0 mg/kg, included as a control for D2 receptor action), or vehicle (VEH; 1 mL/kg) 24 h after surgery and once-daily for 19 days. Motor and cognitive recovery was assessed on days 1-5 and 14-19, respectively, and again at 1 and 3 months after drug withdrawal. No overall group differences were observed for motor function among the TBI groups, although the HAL group showed a greater beam-walk deficit on day 5 versus the VEH and BRO groups. Cognitive recovery was significantly impaired in the HAL and RISP groups during the treatment phase versus VEH and BRO. Further, BRO was superior to VEH (p=0.0042). At 1 month, both groups that received APDs continued to exhibit significant cognitive impairment versus VEH and BRO; at 3 months, only the HAL group was impaired. Moreover, the HAL, RISP, and VEH groups continued to be cognitively deficient versus BRO, which also reduced cortical damage. These data replicate previous reports that HAL and RISP impede cognitive recovery after TBI and expand the literature by revealing that the deleterious effects persist for 3 months after drug discontinuation. BRO conferred cognitive benefits when administered concomitantly with behavioral testing, thus replicating previous findings, and also after cessation demonstrating enduring efficacy.

Withdrawal, tolerance, and sensitization to dopamine mediated interoceptive cues in rats trained on a three-lever drug-discrimination task.

PubMed

Barrett, Robert J; Caul, William F; Smith, Randy

2005-05-01

In the present experiment rats were trained on a three-lever, drug-discrimination task to discriminate the cues associated with 0.30 mg/kg of the indirect dopamine (DA) agonist, amphetamine (AMPH), saline (SAL), and 0.03 mg/kg of the DA, D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol (HAL). Choice behavior determined from tests on 0.30 and 0.15 mg/kg AMPH, SAL 0.03 and 0.015 mg/kg HAL provided a behavioral baseline presumed to represent changes along a continuum of DA mediated, interoceptive cues. Results from separate groups tested on 0.30 and 0.15 mg/kg AMPH, SAL, 0.03 and 0.015 mg/kg HAL, 24 h post-treatment with an acute 7.5 mg/kg dose of AMPH, showed rapid tolerance and withdrawal to the AMPH cue and sensitization to the HAL cue. The same tests 24 h following treatment with 1.0 mg/kg HAL showed rapid tolerance to the HAL cue, sensitization to the AMPH cue, but not AMPH-like withdrawal cues. Analysis of the results showed that tolerance to the AMPH and HAL cues reflected neuroadaptive baseline shifts and not weaker cue properties. These findings are consistent with predictions from opponent process theory of motivation and provide an animal model to study the motivational consequences that aversive symptoms of AMPH withdrawal such as dysphoria and anhedonia can have on drug-taking behavior.

Doses of olanzapine, risperidone, and haloperidol used in clinical practice: results of a prospective pharmacoepidemiologic study. EFESO Study Group. Estudio Farmacoepidemiologico en la Esquizofrenia con Olanzapina.

PubMed

Sacristán, J A; Gómez, J C; Montejo, A L; Vieta, E; Gregor, K J

2000-05-01

The objectives of this study were to determine the doses of olanzapine (OLZ), risperidone (RIS), and haloperidol (HAL) used in clinical practice in outpatients with schizophrenia and the rates of occurrence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and other adverse events, clinical response, and use of concomitant medications. The present study involved a subset of patients from a 6-month, open-label, prospective observational study. Data were collected by 293 psychiatrists at mental health centers and other outpatient treatment facilities in Spain. Medications and doses used, occurrence of EPS and other adverse events, and scores on the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of Severity Scale and Global Assessment of Function (GAF) were recorded. Clinical response was defined as a decrease of > or = 2 points on the CGI, with a final CGI score < or = 4. A total of 2657 patients were included in the analysis. The initial and overall mean daily doses for the 3 groups were as follows: OLZ, 12.2 and 13.0 mg, respectively; RIS, 5.2 and 5.4 mg; and HAL, 13.9 and 13.6 mg. Initial and overall median daily doses were the same in each group: OLZ, 10 mg; RIS, 6 mg; and HAL, 10 mg. A significantly lower proportion of OLZ-treated patients (36.9%) experienced EPS compared with RIS-treated (49.6%) and HAL-treated (76.0%) patients (P < or = 0.001). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the OLZ group (47.8%) experienced adverse events compared with patients in the RIS (57.2%) and HAL (79.8%) groups (P < or = 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of OLZ-treated patients (37.3%) were responders compared with RIS-treated patients (31.5%) (P < 0.05). In all 3 groups, patients who had an initial CGI score > or = 5 received significantly higher overall mean daily doses than did patients with an initial CGI score < 5 (P < 0.001). A significantly lower proportion of OLZ-treated patients (10.2%) were receiving concomitant anticholinergic medication at the end of the study (month 6

Tailor-made rehabilitation approach using multiple types of hybrid assistive limb robots for acute stroke patients: A pilot study.

PubMed

Fukuda, Hiroyuki; Morishita, Takashi; Ogata, Toshiyasu; Saita, Kazuya; Hyakutake, Koichi; Watanabe, Junko; Shiota, Etsuji; Inoue, Tooru

2016-01-01

This article investigated the feasibility of a tailor-made neurorehabilitation approach using multiple types of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) robots for acute stroke patients. We investigated the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent rehabilitation using the HAL robots. The Brunnstrom stage, Barthel index (BI), and functional independence measure (FIM) were evaluated at baseline and when patients were transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Scores were compared between the multiple-robot rehabilitation and single-robot rehabilitation groups. Nine hemiplegic acute stroke patients (five men and four women; mean age 59.4 ± 12.5 years; four hemorrhagic stroke and five ischemic stroke) underwent rehabilitation using multiple types of HAL robots for 19.4 ± 12.5 days, and 14 patients (six men and eight women; mean age 63.2 ± 13.9 years; nine hemorrhagic stroke and five ischemic stroke) underwent rehabilitation using a single type of HAL robot for 14.9 ± 8.9 days. The multiple-robot rehabilitation group showed significantly better outcomes in the Brunnstrom stage of the upper extremity, BI, and FIM scores. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first pilot study demonstrating the feasibility of rehabilitation using multiple exoskeleton robots. The tailor-made rehabilitation approach may be useful for the treatment of acute stroke.

The effect of inhalant anesthetic and body temperature on peri-anesthetic serum concentrations of transdermally administered fentanyl in dogs.

PubMed

Pettifer, Glenn R; Hosgood, Giselle

2004-04-01

To determine whether moderate hypothermia during anesthesia significantly affects the serum concentration of transdermally delivered fentanyl and whether halothane or isoflurane affect these concentrations. Randomized cross-over experimental trial. Six mature, healthy Beagles (three males, three females) weighing 10.6 +/- 0.43 kg. A 50-microg hour(-1) fentanyl patch was applied 36 hours prior to anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced at time 0 (t = 0). Each dog received four treatments: isoflurane + normothermia (ISO-NORM), isoflurane + hypothermia (ISO-HYPO), halothane + normothermia (HAL-NORM), and halothane + hypothermia (HAL-HYPO). Dogs were intubated and maintained at 1.5 times MAC. Animals in the hypothermia treatments were cooled to 35 degrees C during anesthesia. Serum fentanyl analysis was performed at -36, -24, -12, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, and 26 hours. Direct arterial blood pressures and arterial blood gases were monitored. The mean body temperatures (+/-SEM) during the anesthetic period for the four treatments were: ISO-NORM = 37.7 +/- 0.07 degrees C, ISO-HYPO = 35.8 +/- 0.1 degrees C, HAL-NORM = 37.7 +/- 0.06 degrees C, and HAL-HYPO = 35.8 +/- 0.13 degrees C. The mean (+/-SEM) serum fentanyl concentrations (SFC) for both hypothermia treatments were significantly lower than baseline concentrations at t = 1 hour and persisted for the duration of anesthesia for the ISO-HYPO treatment but only from t = 1 to 2 hours for the HAL-HYPO treatment. Serum fentanyl concentrations returned to baseline within one hour of the end of anesthesia, regardless of body temperature. There were no significant differences between treatments for systolic or diastolic blood pressure but mean blood pressures were higher during normothermia versus hypothermia during the last hour of anesthesia. Hypothermia during inhalation anesthesia produced a significant reduction in SFC using transdermal administration and was more protracted with isoflurane

Structure and biocatalytic scope of thermophilic flavin-dependent halogenase and flavin reductase enzymes.

PubMed

Menon, Binuraj R K; Latham, Jonathan; Dunstan, Mark S; Brandenburger, Eileen; Klemstein, Ulrike; Leys, David; Karthikeyan, Chinnan; Greaney, Michael F; Shepherd, Sarah A; Micklefield, Jason

2016-10-04

Flavin-dependent halogenase (Fl-Hal) enzymes have been shown to halogenate a range of synthetic as well as natural aromatic compounds. The exquisite regioselectively of Fl-Hal enzymes can provide halogenated building blocks which are inaccessible using standard halogenation chemistries. Consequently, Fl-Hal are potentially useful biocatalysts for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other valuable products, which are derived from haloaromatic precursors. However, the application of Fl-Hal enzymes, in vitro, has been hampered by their poor catalytic activity and lack of stability. To overcome these issues, we identified a thermophilic tryptophan halogenase (Th-Hal), which has significantly improved catalytic activity and stability, compared with other Fl-Hal characterised to date. When used in combination with a thermostable flavin reductase, Th-Hal can efficiently halogenate a number of aromatic substrates. X-ray crystal structures of Th-Hal, and the reductase partner (Th-Fre), provide insights into the factors that contribute to enzyme stability, which could guide the discovery and engineering of more robust and productive halogenase biocatalysts.

Measuring activities and participation in persons with haemophilia: A systematic review of commonly used instruments.

PubMed

Timmer, M A; Gouw, S C; Feldman, B M; Zwagemaker, A; de Kleijn, P; Pisters, M F; Schutgens, R E G; Blanchette, V; Srivastava, A; David, J A; Fischer, K; van der Net, J

2018-03-01

Monitoring clinical outcome in persons with haemophilia (PWH) is essential in order to provide optimal treatment for individual patients and compare effectiveness of treatment strategies. Experience with measurement of activities and participation in haemophilia is limited and consensus on preferred tools is lacking. The aim of this study was to give a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties of a selection of commonly used tools developed to assess activities and participation in PWH. Electronic databases were searched for articles that reported on reliability, validity or responsiveness of predetermined measurement tools (5 self-reported and 4 performance based measurement tools). Methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to the COSMIN checklist. Best evidence synthesis was used to summarize evidence on the measurement properties. The search resulted in 3453 unique hits. Forty-two articles were included. The self-reported Haemophilia Acitivity List (HAL), Pediatric HAL (PedHAL) and the performance based Functional Independence Score in Haemophilia (FISH) were studied most extensively. Methodological quality of the studies was limited. Measurement error, cross-cultural validity and responsiveness have been insufficiently evaluated. Albeit based on limited evidence, the measurement properties of the PedHAL, HAL and FISH are currently considered most satisfactory. Further research needs to focus on measurement error, responsiveness, interpretability and cross-cultural validity of the self-reported tools and validity of performance based tools which are able to assess limitations in sports and leisure activities. © 2018 The Authors. Haemophilia Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Hemagglutinin of Bat-Associated Influenza Viruses Is Activated by TMPRSS2 for pH-Dependent Entry into Bat but Not Human Cells

PubMed Central

Hoffmann, Markus; Krüger, Nadine; Zmora, Pawel; Wrensch, Florian; Herrler, Georg; Pöhlmann, Stefan

2016-01-01

New World bats have recently been discovered to harbor influenza A virus (FLUAV)-related viruses, termed bat-associated influenza A-like viruses (batFLUAV). The internal proteins of batFLUAV are functional in mammalian cells. In contrast, no biological functionality could be demonstrated for the surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA)-like (HAL) and neuraminidase (NA)-like (NAL), and these proteins need to be replaced by their human counterparts to allow spread of batFLUAV in human cells. Here, we employed rhabdoviral vectors to study the role of HAL and NAL in viral entry. Vectors pseudotyped with batFLUAV-HAL and -NAL were able to enter bat cells but not cells from other mammalian species. Host cell entry was mediated by HAL and was dependent on prior proteolytic activation of HAL and endosomal low pH. In contrast, sialic acids were dispensable for HAL-driven entry. Finally, the type II transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 was able to activate HAL for cell entry indicating that batFLUAV can utilize human proteases for HAL activation. Collectively, these results identify viral and cellular factors governing host cell entry driven by batFLUAV surface proteins. They suggest that the absence of a functional receptor precludes entry of batFLUAV into human cells while other prerequisites for entry, HAL activation and protonation, are met in target cells of human origin. PMID:27028521

76 FR 79271 - Genesee & Wyoming Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Hilton & Albany Railroad, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-21

... Inc.--Continuance in Control Exemption-Hilton & Albany Railroad, Inc. AGENCY: Surface Transportation.... (GWI), a noncarrier, to continue in control of Hilton & Albany Railroad, Inc. (HAL), upon HAL's... Railway Company (NSR) and operation of a 55.5-mile rail line between Hilton and Albany, Ga.\\1\\ GWI's...

Bonding to Different PEEK Compositions: The Impact of Dental Light Curing Units

PubMed Central

Lümkemann, Nina; Eichberger, Marlis; Stawarczyk, Bogna

2017-01-01

This study investigated the impact of different light curing units (LCUs) for the polymerization of adhesive system visio.link (VL) on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of different PEEK compositions. For TBS measurements, 216 PEEK specimens with varying amounts of TiO2 (PEEK/0%, PEEK/20%, PEEK/>30%) were embedded, polished, air abraded (Al2O3, 50 µm, 0.4 MPa), conditioned using VL, and polymerized using either a halogen LCU (HAL-LCU) or a LED LCU (LED-LCU) for chairside or labside application, respectively. After thermocycling (5000×, 5/55 °C), TBS was measured, and fracture types were determined. Data was analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey–HSD, Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U tests as well as a Chi2-test and a Ciba–Geigy table (p < 0.05). Globally, the light curing units, followed by PEEK composition, was shown to have the highest impact on TBS. The HAL-LCUs, compared to the LED-LCUs, resulted in a higher TBS for all PEEK compositions—without significant differences between chairside and labside units. Regarding the different PEEK compositions, PEEK/20%, compared to PEEK/0%, resulted in a higher TBS when both, HAL-LCUs or LED-LCUs were used for labside application. In comparison with PEEK/>30%, PEEK/20% resulted in a higher TBS after using HAL-LCU for labside application. No significant differences were found between PEEK/0% and PEEK/>30%. HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for labside application showed a higher TBS than HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for chairside application, whereas LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for chairside application showed a higher TBS than LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for labside application. PMID:28772427

The Accuracy of Conventional 2D Video for Quantifying Upper Limb Kinematics in Repetitive Motion Occupational Tasks

PubMed Central

Chen, Chia-Hsiung; Azari, David; Hu, Yu Hen; Lindstrom, Mary J.; Thelen, Darryl; Yen, Thomas Y.; Radwin, Robert G.

2015-01-01

Objective Marker-less 2D video tracking was studied as a practical means to measure upper limb kinematics for ergonomics evaluations. Background Hand activity level (HAL) can be estimated from speed and duty cycle. Accuracy was measured using a cross correlation template-matching algorithm for tracking a region of interest on the upper extremities. Methods Ten participants performed a paced load transfer task while varying HAL (2, 4, and 5) and load (2.2 N, 8.9 N and 17.8 N). Speed and acceleration measured from 2D video were compared against ground truth measurements using 3D infrared motion capture. Results The median absolute difference between 2D video and 3D motion capture was 86.5 mm/s for speed, and 591 mm/s2 for acceleration, and less than 93 mm/s for speed and 656 mm/s2 for acceleration when camera pan and tilt were within ±30 degrees. Conclusion Single-camera 2D video had sufficient accuracy (< 100 mm/s) for evaluating HAL. Practitioner Summary This study demonstrated that 2D video tracking had sufficient accuracy to measure HAL for ascertaining the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value® for repetitive motion when the camera is located within ±30 degrees off the plane of motion when compared against 3D motion capture for a simulated repetitive motion task. PMID:25978764

Occurrence and Comparative Toxicity of Haloacetaldehyde Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water.

PubMed

Jeong, Clara H; Postigo, Cristina; Richardson, Susan D; Simmons, Jane Ellen; Kimura, Susana Y; Mariñas, Benito J; Barcelo, Damia; Liang, Pei; Wagner, Elizabeth D; Plewa, Michael J

2015-12-01

The introduction of drinking water disinfection greatly reduced waterborne diseases. However, the reaction between disinfectants and natural organic matter in the source water leads to an unintended consequence, the formation of drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The haloacetaldehydes (HALs) are the third largest group by weight of identified DBPs in drinking water. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence and comparative toxicity of the emerging HAL DBPs. A new HAL DBP, iodoacetaldehyde (IAL) was identified. This study provided the first systematic, quantitative comparison of HAL toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The rank order of HAL cytotoxicity is tribromoacetaldehyde (TBAL) ≈ chloroacetaldehyde (CAL) > dibromoacetaldehyde (DBAL) ≈ bromochloroacetaldehyde (BCAL) ≈ dibromochloroacetaldehyde (DBCAL) > IAL > bromoacetaldehyde (BAL) ≈ bromodichloroacetaldehyde (BDCAL) > dichloroacetaldehyde (DCAL) > trichloroacetaldehyde (TCAL). The HALs were highly cytotoxic compared to other DBP chemical classes. The rank order of HAL genotoxicity is DBAL > CAL ≈ DBCAL > TBAL ≈ BAL > BDCAL>BCAL ≈ DCAL>IAL. TCAL was not genotoxic. Because of their toxicity and abundance, further research is needed to investigate their mode of action to protect the public health and the environment.

Preliminary results of antiscarring therapy in the prevention of postendoscopic esophageal mucosectomy strictures

PubMed Central

Wu, Yuhsin; Schomisch, Steve J.; Cipriano, Cassandra; Chak, Amitabh; Lash, Richard H.; Ponsky, Jeffrey L.

2015-01-01

Background Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective minimally invasive therapy for early esophageal cancer and high-grade Barrett dysplasia. However, esophageal stricture formation after circumferential or large ESD has limited its wide adoption. Mitomycin C (MMC), halofuginone (Hal), and transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) exhibits antiscarring effects that may prevent post-ESD stricture formation. Methods Using endoscopic mucosectomy (EEM) technique, an 8- to 10-cm-long circumferential esophageal mucosal segment was excised in a porcine model. The site was either untreated (control, n = 6) or received 40 evenly distributed injections of antiscarring agent immediately and at weeks 1 and 2. High and low doses were used: MMC 5 mg (n = 2), 0.5 mg (n = 2); Hal 5 mg (n = 2), 1.5 mg (n = 2), 0.5 mg (n = 2); TGF-β3 2 μg (n = 2), 0.5 μg (n = 2). The degree of stricture formation was determined by the percentage reduction of the esophageal lumen on weekly fluoroscopic examination. Animals were euthanized when strictures exceeded 80 % or the animals were unable to maintain weight. Results The control group had a luminal diameter reduction of 78.2 ± 10.9 % by 2 weeks and were euthanized by week 3. Compared at 2 weeks, the Hal group showed a decrease in mean stricture formation (68.4 % low dose, 57.7 % high dose), while both TGF-β3 dosage groups showed no significant change (65.3 % low dose, 76.2 % high dose). MMC was most effective in stricture prevention (53.6 % low dose, 35 % high dose). Of concern, the esophageal wall treated with high-dose MMC appeared to be necrotic and eventually led to perforation. In contrast, low dose MMC, TGF-β3 and Hal treated areas appeared re-epithelialized and healthy. Conclusions Preliminary data on MMC and Hal demonstrated promise in reducing esophageal stricture formation after EEM. More animal data are needed to perform adequate statistical analysis in order to determine overall efficacy of antiscarring

Synthesis and characterization of two layered aluminophosphates, ( T) 2HAl 2P 3O 12 ( T=2-BuNH 3+) and ( T)H 2Al 2P 3O 12 ( T=pyH +)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chippindale, Ann M.; Powell, Anthony V.; Bull, Lucy M.; Jones, Richard H.; Cheetham, Anthony K.; Thomas, John M.; Xu, Ruren

1992-01-01

Two new aluminophosphates, ( T) 2HAl 2P 3O 12 ( T=2-BuNH 3+) ( I) and ( T)H 2Al 2P 3O 12 ( T=pyH +) ( II) with the same framework stoichiometry but different layer structures have been prepared under nonaqueous conditions and the structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound ( I) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/ c ( Z=4), with lattice parameters a=9.261(1) b=8.365(6), c=27.119(4) Å, β=91.50(1)δ, and V=2100.1 Å 3 ( R=0.072 and R w=0.090). The structure consists of Al-and P-centered tetrahedra linked to form layers. Protonated 2-butylamine molecules are located in the interlayer spaces and hydrogen bonded to the layers through NH 3+ groups. Weak hydrophobic van der Waals' interactions between alkyl groups of the 2-BuNH 3+ cations hold the layers together. Compound ( II) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 ( Z=2), with a=8.574(2), b=8.631(3), c=10.371(2) Å, α=81.84(3), β=87.53(2), γ=69.07(2)δ, and V=709.49Å 3 ( R=0.039 and R w=0.052). The structure contains tetrahedrally coordinated P atoms and both tetrahedral and trigonal pyramidal Al atoms linked to form layers which are held together through hydrogen bonding, creating cavities in which pyH + cations reside.

Natural killer cells mediate severe liver injury in a murine model of halothane hepatitis.

PubMed

Dugan, Christine M; Fullerton, Aaron M; Roth, Robert A; Ganey, Patricia E

2011-04-01

Severe halothane (HAL)-induced hepatotoxicity occurs in one in 6000-30,000 patients by an unknown mechanism. Female sex is a risk factor in humans and rodents. We tested the hypothesis that a sex difference in natural killer (NK) cell activity contributes to HAL-induced liver injury. HAL (15 mmol/kg, ip) treatment resulted in severe liver injury by 12 h in female, wild-type BALB/cJ mice, and the magnitude of liver injury varied with stage of the estrous cycle. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice developed only mild liver injury. Plasma interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was elevated 10-fold in HAL-treated females compared with similarly treated male mice or with OVX female mice. IFN-γ knockout mice were resistant to severe HAL-induced liver injury. The deactivation of NK cells with anti-asialo GM1 treatment attenuated liver injury and the increase in plasma IFN-γ compared with immunoglobulin G-treated control mice. Mice with a mutated form of perforin, a protein involved in granule-mediated cytotoxicity, were protected from severe liver injury. Furthermore, HAL increased the activity of NK cells in vivo, as indicated by increased surface expression of CD69, an early activation marker. In response to HAL, NK cell receptor ligands on the surface of hepatocytes were expressed in a manner that can activate NK cells. These results confirm the sexual dimorphic hepatotoxic response to HAL in mice and suggest that IFN-γ and NK cells have essential roles in the development of severe HAL-induced hepatotoxicity.

Natural Killer Cells Mediate Severe Liver Injury in a Murine Model of Halothane Hepatitis

PubMed Central

Dugan, Christine M.; Fullerton, Aaron M.; Roth, Robert A.; Ganey, Patricia E.

2011-01-01

Severe halothane (HAL)-induced hepatotoxicity occurs in one in 6000–30,000 patients by an unknown mechanism. Female sex is a risk factor in humans and rodents. We tested the hypothesis that a sex difference in natural killer (NK) cell activity contributes to HAL-induced liver injury. HAL (15 mmol/kg, ip) treatment resulted in severe liver injury by 12 h in female, wild-type BALB/cJ mice, and the magnitude of liver injury varied with stage of the estrous cycle. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice developed only mild liver injury. Plasma interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was elevated 10-fold in HAL-treated females compared with similarly treated male mice or with OVX female mice. IFN-γ knockout mice were resistant to severe HAL-induced liver injury. The deactivation of NK cells with anti-asialo GM1 treatment attenuated liver injury and the increase in plasma IFN-γ compared with immunoglobulin G–treated control mice. Mice with a mutated form of perforin, a protein involved in granule-mediated cytotoxicity, were protected from severe liver injury. Furthermore, HAL increased the activity of NK cells in vivo, as indicated by increased surface expression of CD69, an early activation marker. In response to HAL, NK cell receptor ligands on the surface of hepatocytes were expressed in a manner that can activate NK cells. These results confirm the sexual dimorphic hepatotoxic response to HAL in mice and suggest that IFN-γ and NK cells have essential roles in the development of severe HAL-induced hepatotoxicity. PMID:21245496

Hand-assisted versus straight laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy on a training simulator: what is the difference? A stepwise comparison of hand-assisted versus straight laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy performance on an augmented reality simulator.

PubMed

Leblanc, Fabien; Delaney, Conor P; Ellis, Clyde N; Neary, Paul C; Champagne, Bradley J; Senagore, Anthony J

2010-12-01

We hypothesized that simulator-generated metrics and intraoperative errors may be able to differentiate the technical differences between hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) and straight laparoscopic (SL) approaches. Thirty-eight trainees performed two laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies on an augmented reality simulator, randomly starting by a SL (n = 19) or HAL (n = 19) approach. Both approaches were compared according to simulator-generated metrics, and intraoperative errors were collected by faculty. Sixty-four percent of surgeons were experienced (>50 procedures) with open colon surgery. Fifty-five percent and 69% of surgeons were inexperienced (<10 procedures) with SL and HAL colon surgery, respectively. Time (P < 0.001), path length (P < 0.001), and smoothness (P < 0.001) were lower with the HAL approach. Operative times for sigmoid and splenic flexure mobilization and for the colorectal anastomosis were significantly shorter with the HAL approach. Time to control the vascular pedicle was similar between both approaches. Error rates were similar between both approaches. Operative time, path length, and smoothness correlated directly with the error rate for the HAL approach. In contrast, error rate inversely correlated with the operative time for the SL approach. A HAL approach for sigmoid colectomy accelerated colonic mobilization and anastomosis. The difference in correlation between both laparoscopic approaches and error rates suggests the need for different skills to perform the HAL and the SL sigmoid colectomy. These findings may explain the preference of some surgeons for a HAL approach early in the learning of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report.

PubMed

Mataki, Yuki; Kamada, Hiroshi; Mutsuzaki, Hirotaka; Shimizu, Yukiyo; Takeuchi, Ryoko; Mizukami, Masafumi; Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Takahashi, Kazushi; Matsuda, Mayumi; Iwasaki, Nobuaki; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Wadano, Yasuyoshi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi

2018-03-27

The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL ® ) is an exoskeleton wearable robot suit that assists in voluntary control of knee and hip joint motion. There have been several studies on HAL intervention effects in stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. However, no study has investigated HAL intervention for patients with cerebral palsy after surgery. We report a case of using HAL in a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy. A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV, with knee flection contracture, equinus foot, and paralysis of the right upper extremity with adduction contracture. He underwent tendon lengthening of the bilateral hamstrings and Achilles tendons. Although the flexion contractures of the bilateral knees and equinus foot improved, muscle strength decreased after the soft tissue surgery. HAL intervention was performed twice during postoperative months 10 and 11. Walking speed, stride, and cadence were increased after HAL intervention. Post HAL intervention, extension angles of the knee in stance phase and hip in the pre-swing phase were improved. In the gait cycle, the proportion of terminal stance in the stance and swing phase was increased. Hybrid Assistive Limb intervention for postoperative patients with cerebral palsy whose muscle strength decreases can enhance improvement in walking ability. Further studies are needed to examine the safety and potential application of HAL in this setting.

Healthy active living: a residence community-based intervention to increase physical activity and healthy eating during the transition to first-year university.

PubMed

Brown, Denver M Y; Bray, Steve R; Beatty, Kevin R; Kwan, Matthew Y W

2014-01-01

To examine the effects of a Healthy Active Living (HAL) community intervention on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC), and psychosocial mediators of physical activity among students transitioning into university. Sixty undergraduate students were assigned to reside in either the HAL community or no-treatment control residence and completed questionnaire measures at the beginning and end of the academic year. Students living in the HAL community reported significantly more MVPA (F[1, 58]=19.93, p<.001, ηp2=.26) and greater FVC (F[1, 56]=3.12, p=.08, ηp2=.05) compared with controls. Participants in the HAL condition also scored significantly higher in action planning (F[1, 58]=4.79, p<.05, ηp2=.08), partially mediating the effect of the intervention on MVPA. A peer-delivered healthy lifestyles intervention targeting first-year university students appears to be effective in preserving or enhancing health behaviors and cognitions during their transition into university life.

Respiratory reflexes in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs in response to nasal administration of sevoflurane, isoflurane, or halothane.

PubMed

Mutoh, T; Kanamaru, A; Suzuki, H; Tsubone, H; Nishimura, R; Sasaki, N

2001-03-01

To characterize respiratory reflexes elicited by nasal administration of sevoflurane (Sevo), isoflurane (Iso), or halothane (Hal) in anesthetized dogs. 8 healthy Beagles. A permanent tracheostomy was created in each dog. Two to 3 weeks later, dogs were anesthetized by IV administration of thiopental and alpha-chloralose. Nasal passages were isolated such that inhalant anesthetics could be administered to the nasal passages while the dogs were breathing 100% O2 via the tracheostomy. Respiratory reflexes in response to administration of each anesthetic at 1.2 and 2.4 times the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) and the full vaporizer setting (5%) were recorded. Reflexes in response to administration of 5% of each anesthetic also were recorded following administration of lidocaine to the nasal passages. Nasal administration of Sevo, Iso, and Hal induced an immediate ventilatory response characterized by a dose-dependent increase in expiratory time and a resulting decrease in expired volume per unit of time. All anesthetics had a significant effect, but for Sevo, the changes were smaller in magnitude. Responses to administration of each anesthetic were attenuated by administration of lidocaine to the nasal passages. Nasal administration of Sevo at concentrations generally used for mask induction of anesthesia induced milder reflex inhibition of breathing, presumably via afferent neurons in the nasal passages, than that of Iso or Hal. Respiratory reflexes attributable to stimulation of the nasal passages may contribute to speed of onset and could promote a smoother induction with Sevo, compared with Iso or Hal.

Comparison of Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation without mucopexy and rubber band ligation for haemorrhoids.

PubMed

Pol, Robert A; van der Zwet, Wil C; Kaijser, Mirjam; Schattenkerk, Marinus Eeftinck; Eddes, Eric-Hans

2011-12-01

Recurrences after Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) tend to occur in patients with concurrent mucosal prolapse. We retrospectively compared the results of DG-HAL and rubber band ligation (RBL) for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. From 2005 to 2009, all patients who underwent either a DG-HAL procedure or RBL were selected. Follow-up was done by telephone using a standardised questionnaire survey to assess patient satisfaction and complaints. When recurrent disease was suspected, patients revisited the clinic for further examination and treatment. A total of 239 DG-HAL patients and 47 RBL patients were analysed. Sixty-seven percent in the DG-HAL group and 79% in the RBL group had an improvement in symptoms after one treatment (p=0.22). Forty-six DG-HAL patients (19%) needed a second procedure versus three patients (6%) in the RBL group (p<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed a significant difference in disease recurrence in favour of RBL (hazard ratio (HR) 3.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-12.2). Patients in the DG-HAL group with recurrent haemorrhoids had a higher incidence of mucosal prolapse. DG-HAL seems very effective in treating lower-grade haemorrhoids. In more advanced disease, recurrence occurs due to persisting mucosal prolapse. RBL seems much more effective in reducing the prolapse and the chance of recurrence. Copyright © 2011 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biochemical Characterization of Mutants in Chaperonin Proteins CCT4 and CCT5 Associated with Hereditary Sensory Neuropathy*

PubMed Central

Sergeeva, Oksana A.; Tran, Meme T.; Haase-Pettingell, Cameron; King, Jonathan A.

2014-01-01

Hereditary sensory neuropathies are a class of disorders marked by degeneration of the nerve fibers in the sensory periphery neurons. Recently, two mutations were identified in the subunits of the eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin TRiC, a protein machine responsible for folding actin and tubulin in the cell. C450Y CCT4 was identified in a stock of Sprague-Dawley rats, whereas H147R CCT5 was found in a human Moroccan family. As with many genetically identified mutations associated with neuropathies, the underlying molecular basis of the mutants was not defined. We investigated the biochemical properties of these mutants using an expression system in Escherichia coli that produces homo-oligomeric rings of CCT4 and CCT5. Full-length versions of both mutant protein chains were expressed in E. coli at levels approaching that of the WT chains. Sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed chaperonin-sized complexes of both WT and mutant chaperonins, but with reduced recovery of C450Y CCT4 soluble subunits. Electron microscopy of negatively stained samples of C450Y CCT4 revealed few ring-shaped species, whereas WT CCT4, H147R CCT5, and WT CCT5 revealed similar ring structures. CCT5 complexes were assayed for their ability to suppress aggregation of and refold the model substrate γd-crystallin, suppress aggregation of mutant huntingtin, and refold the physiological substrate β-actin in vitro. H147R CCT5 was not as efficient in chaperoning these substrates as WT CCT5. The subtle effects of these mutations are consistent with the homozygous disease phenotype, in which most functions are carried out during development and adulthood, but some selective function is lost or reduced. PMID:25124038

Effective binding of perhalogenated closo-borates to serum albumins revealed by spectroscopic and ITC studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuperman, Marina V.; Losytskyy, Mykhaylo Yu.; Bykov, Alexander Yu.; Yarmoluk, Sergiy M.; Zhizhin, Konstantin Yu.; Kuznetsov, Nikolay T.; Varzatskii, Oleg A.; Gumienna-Kontecka, Elzbieta; Kovalska, Vladyslava B.

2017-08-01

The interactions of boron cluster compounds closo-borates with biomolecules are widely studied due to their efficiency as agents for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer. In present work the binding abilities of anionic halogen closo-borates [B10Hal10]2- (Hal = Cl, Br, I) and [B12Hal12]2- (Hal = Cl, I) towards bovine and human serum albumins were investigated by spectroscopic and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) methods. The protein fluorescence quenching method and ITC studies confirmed the complex formation. The degree of protein fluorescence quenching increased from chlorine to iodine boron derivatives that is attributed to external heavy atom effect. The ITC data point on the existence in the protein structure of two types of binding sites: with higher and lower affinity to closo-borates. Albumin-closo-borate complex binding ratio, n (4-5 anions per protein molecule) is higher than for the parent hydrogen closo-borates (2 anions per protein molecule). Binding constants estimated by fluorescent and ITC methods indicate higher affinity of halogen closo-borates to albumins (K in the range of 104-106 M-1) comparing to that of the hydrogen closo-borate (K about 103 M-1). Due to their high affinity and high binding ratio to albumins halogen closo-borates are proposed for further studies as agents for boron neutron capture therapy.

Interactive Bio-feedback Therapy Using Hybrid Assistive Limbs for Motor Recovery after Stroke: Current Practice and Future Perspectives

PubMed Central

MORISHITA, Takashi; INOUE, Tooru

2016-01-01

Interactive bio-feedback (iBF) was initially developed for the rehabilitation of motor function in patients with neurological disorders, and subsequently yielded the development of the hybrid assistive limb (HAL). Here, we provide a review of the theory underlying HAL treatment as well as our clinical experience and recommendations for future clinical studies using HAL in acute stroke patients. We performed a PubMed-based literature search, a retrospective data review of our acute stroke case series, and included a sample case report of our findings. Given past animal studies and functional imaging results, iBF therapy using the HAL in the acute phase of stroke seems an appropriate approach for preventing learned non-use and interhemispheric excitation imbalances. iBF therapy may furthermore promote appropriate neuronal network reorganization. Based on experiences in our stroke center, HAL rehabilitation is a safe and effective treatment modality for recovering motor impairments after acute stroke, and allows the design of tailored rehabilitation programs for individual patients. iBF therapy through the HAL system seems to be an effective and promising approach to stroke rehabilitation; however, the superiority of this treatment to conventional rehabilitation remains unclear. Further clinical studies are warranted. Additionally, the formation of a patient registry will permit a meta-analysis of HAL cases and address the problems associated with a controlled trial (e.g., the heterogeneity of an acute stroke cohort). The development of robotic engineering will improve the efficacy of HAL rehabilitation and has the potential to standardize patient rehabilitation practice. PMID:27616320

Postnatal haloperidol eliminates the deficit in circling behavior produced by prenatal exposure to the same drug.

PubMed

Wolansky, Marcelo Javier; Soiza-Reilly, Mariano; Fossati, Mariana; Azcurra, Julio Marcos

2004-01-01

Up to 35% of pregnant women take psychotropic drugs at least once during gestation [Austin and Mitchell, 1998]. From concurrent animal and human evidence, it has been proposed that exposure to several psychoactive medications in utero or during lactation increases the risk for permanent brain disorders. Present preventive or therapy practices applied on humans for this type of long-lasting behavioral alterations are mainly based on empirical results. Here, we test an experimental approach designed to counteract a circling performance deficit that appears in Sprague-Dawley rats at puberty on exposure to the dopaminergic blocker haloperidol (HAL) during gestation [J.L. Brusés, J.M. Azcurra, The circling training: A behavioral paradigm for functional teratology testing, in: P.M. Conn (Ed.), Paradigms for the study of behavior, Acad. Press, New York, 1993, pp. 166-179. Method Neurosci. 14]. Gestational exposure to HAL (GD 5-18, 2.5 mg/kg/day ip) induced the expected circling activity decrease in the offspring at the fifth week of life. When prenatal exposure to HAL was continued through lactation (PD5-21, 1.5 mg/kg/day ip), rats otherwise showed a control-like circling performance. No difference was yet found between lactation-only, HAL-exposed pups and saline (SAL)-treated controls (n=8 each group). We further performed saturating (3H)-spiroperidol (SPI) binding assays on striatal P2 membrane fractions 2 months later. The dopamine-type D2-specific binding results suggested that above circling behavior findings could be partially explained by enduring HAL-induced neurochemical changes. The role of critical periods of sensitivity as transient windows for opportunistic therapies for behavioral teratology is discussed. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Biology and survival of extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula marismortui RR12 isolated from Mumbai salterns, India in response to salinity stress.

PubMed

Thombre, Rebecca S; Shinde, Vinaya D; Oke, Radhika S; Dhar, Sunil Kumar; Shouche, Yogesh S

2016-05-27

Haloarchaea are unique microorganism's resistant to environmental and osmotic stresses and thrive in their habitats despite extreme fluctuating salinities. In the present study, haloarchaea were isolated from hypersaline thalossohaline salterns of Bhandup, Mumbai, India and were identified as Haloferax prahovense, Haloferax alexandrines, Haloferax lucentense, Haloarcula tradensis, Haloarcula marismortui and Haloarcula argentinensis. The mechanism of adaptation to contrasting salinities (1.5 M and 4.5 M) was investigated in the extreme haloarchaeon, Hal. marismortui RR12. Hal. marismortui RR12 increased the intracellular sequestration of K(+) and Cl(-) ions in hypo salinity and hyper salinity respectively as detected by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis (EDAX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma- atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) indicating the presence of 'salt-in' strategy of osmoadaptation. As a cellular response to salinity stress, it produced small heat shock like proteins (sHSP) identified using MALDI-TOF MS and increased the production of protective red carotenoid pigment. This is the first report on the study of the concomitant cellular, molecular and physiological mechanism adapted by Hal. marismortui RR12 when exposed to contrasting salinities in external environment.

Wideband acoustic wave resonators composed of hetero acoustic layer structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadota, Michio; Tanaka, Shuji

2018-07-01

“Hetero acoustic layer (HAL) surface acoustic wave (SAW) device” is a new type of SAW device using a single crystal piezoelectric thin plate supported by a substrate. In this study, a HAL SAW resonator using a LiNbO3 (LN) thin plate and a multi-layer acoustic film was designed by finite element method (FEM) and fabricated. The thickness of LN is 3.6 µm and the pitch of an interdigital transducer (IDT) (λ) is 5.24 µm for a resonance frequency of 600 MHz. The multi-layer acoustic film is composed of 3 layers of SiO2 and AlN for each, i.e., 6 layers in total, alternately deposited on a glass substrate. The HAL SAW resonator achieved a wide bandwidth of 20.3% and a high impedance ratio of 83 dB. Compared with a 0th shear horizontal (SH0) mode plate wave resonator, the performance is better and the thickness of LN is 7 times larger. The HAL SAW without a cavity is advantageous in terms of mechanical stability, thickness controllability and fabrication yield.

Low doses of haloperidol combined with ondansetron are not effective for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in susceptible patients.

PubMed

Veiga-Gil, Leonor; López-Olaondo, Luis; Pueyo, Javier; Callejas, Raquel; Duque, Paula; Carrascosa, Francisco

2015-02-01

In this observational study we reviewed the efficacy and side effects of different antiemetic combinations used in our hospital for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis in high-risk women undergoing highly emetogenic surgery. After reviewing retrospectively the medical records of patients undergoing highly emetogenic elective surgeries under general anaesthesia, we selected 368 women whose Apfel risk score was ≥ 3 and receiving a combination of 2 antiemetics for PONV prophylaxis. We analysed the incidence of PONV at 2, 6, 12 and 24h after surgery, antiemetic rescue requirements, pattern of occurrence of PONV, side effects and level of sedation were also assessed. The main goal was complete response defined as no PONV within 24h after surgery. Ondansetron 4mg i.v. plus dexamethasone 8mg i.v. (O&Dex), haloperidol 1mg i.v. (O&Hal1), haloperidol 2mg i.v. (O&Hal2) or droperidol 1.25mg i.v. (O&Dro) were the combinations most frequently used. The complete response was better in groups O&Dex: 68.5% (CI: 58-78), O&Hal2: 64.1% (CI: 53-74) and O&Dro 63% (CI: 52-73) than in group O&Hal1: 41.3% (CI: 31-52) (p<0,01). Peak incidence of PONV occurred within the 2-6h period. The incidence of side effects was higher in group O&Hal2. In high risk patients for PONV who underwent highly emetogenic surgeries, the efficacy of low-dose haloperidol (1mg) in combination is limited. Higher doses (2mg) are more effective but its use is associated with a high incidence of side effects. Copyright © 2013 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Prior Haloperidol, but not Olanzapine, Exposure Augments the Pursuit of Reward Cues: Implications for Substance Abuse in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Samaha, Anne-Noël

2013-01-01

Drug abuse and addiction are excessively common in schizophrenia. Chronic antipsychotic treatment might contribute to this comorbidity by inducing supersensitivity within the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine supersensitivity can enhance the incentive motivational properties of reward cues, and reward cues contribute to the maintenance and severity of drug addiction. We have shown previously that rats withdrawn from continuous haloperidol (HAL) treatment (via subcutaneous minipump) develop dopamine supersensitivity and pursue reward cues more vigorously than HAL-naive rats following an amphetamine (AMPH) challenge. Atypical antipsychotic drugs are thought to be less likely than typicals to produce dopamine supersensitivity. Thus, we compared the effects of HAL and the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (OLZ) on the pursuit of reward cues. Rats were trained to associate a light-tone cue with water then treated with HAL or OLZ. Following antipsychotic withdrawal, we assessed AMPH-induced enhancement of lever pressing for the cue. Withdrawal from HAL, but not from OLZ, enhanced this effect. HAL, but not OLZ, also enhanced AMPH-induced psychomotor activation and c-fos mRNA expression in the caudate-putamen. Thus, prior HAL, but not OLZ, enhanced conditioned reward following an AMPH challenge, and this was potentially linked to enhanced behavioral sensitivity to AMPH and AMPH-induced engagement of the caudate-putamen. These findings suggest that HAL, but not an atypical like OLZ, modifies reward circuitry in ways that increase responsiveness to reward cues. Because enhanced responsiveness to reward cues can promote drug-seeking behavior, it should be investigated whether atypical antipsychotics might be a preferential option in schizophrenic patients at risk for drug abuse or addiction. PMID:22927669

[Lidocaine-containing hyaluronic acid filler on a CPM® basis for lip augmentation : Experience from clinical practice].

PubMed

Fischer, T; Sattler, G; Gauglitz, G

2016-06-01

Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers is an established procedure. As monophasic polydensified hyaluronic acid products with variable density CPM-HAL1 (Belotero® Balance Lidocaine) and CPM-HAL2 (Belotero® Intense Lidocaine) are qualified for beautification and particularly natural-looking rejuvenation, respectively. Assessment of handling and outcome of lip augmentation using the lidocaine-containing hyaluronic acid fillers CPM-HAL1 and CPM-HAL2. Data from patients who received lip augmentation by means of bautification and/or rejuvenation using CPM-HAL1 and/or CPM-HAL2 were documented. Observation period was 4 months, with assessment of natural outcome, evenness, handling, fluidity, distribution, malleability, tolerability, as well as patient satisfaction and pain. In total, 146 patients from 21 German centres participated. Physicians rated natural outcome and evenness as good or very good for > 95 % of patients. Handling, fluidity, distribution and malleability were assessed for both fillers as good or very good in > 91 % of patients. At every evaluation point, more than 93 % of patients were very or very much satisfied with the product. A total of 125 patients (85.6 %) experienced transient injection-related side effects. Pain intensity during the procedure was mild (2.72 ± 1.72 on the 0-10 pain assessment scale) and abated markedly within 30 min (0.42 ± 0.57). Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers produced a long-term cosmetic result. Due to the lidocaine content, procedural pain was low and transient. Accordingly, a high degree of patient satisfaction was achieved that was maintained throughout the observation period.

[Amand Valeur and Raymond Delaby: the work of two "Béhaliens" pharmacists in organic chemistry in the 20th century].

PubMed

Leclercq, Loïc

2009-04-01

At the end of the 19th century, Auguste Béhal, student of Wurtz and Friedel, imposes the atomic theory, in the French higher education. Béhal then will teach and direct the work of many students called Béhaliens. Among the latter, one finds Amand Valeur and Raymond Delaby which are originating in the same birthplace as Béhal: Lens. These two chemist-pharmacists, as Béhal, will teach or carry out their research in the same place as them professor: the Ecole supérieure de pharmacie. Their work illustrates well the concerns of the researchers of the time. Moreover, they are polyvalent chemists: organic, inorganic, medicinal, etc.

HDAC Inhibitors Restore the Capacity of Aged Mice to Respond to Haloperidol through Modulation of Histone Acetylation

PubMed Central

Montalvo-Ortiz, Janitza L; Keegan, Jack; Gallardo, Christopher; Gerst, Nicolas; Tetsuka, Kazuhiro; Tucker, Chris; Matsumoto, Mitsuyuki; Fang, Deyu; Csernansky, John G; Dong, Hongxin

2014-01-01

Antipsychotic drugs are widely prescribed to elderly patients for the treatment of a variety of psychopathological conditions, including psychosis and the behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. However, clinical experience suggests that these drugs may be less efficacious in the elderly individuals than in the young. Recent studies suggest that aging may be associated with epigenetic changes and that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, may reverse such changes. However, it is not yet known whether HDAC inhibitors can modulate age-related epigenetic changes that may impact antipsychotic drug action. In this study, we analyzed conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and c-Fos expression patterns to elucidate the effect of HDAC inhibitors VPA and entinostat (MS-275) on behavioral and molecular markers of the effects of haloperidol (HAL) in aged mice. Our results showed that HAL administration failed to suppress the avoidance response during the CAR test, suggesting an age-related decrease in drug efficacy. In addition, HAL-induced c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and prefrontal cortex was significantly lower in aged mice as compared with young mice. Pretreatment with VPA and MS-275 significantly improved HAL effects on the CAR test in aged mice. Also, VPA and MS-275 pretreatment restored HAL-induced increases in c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and prefrontal cortex of aged mice to levels comparable with those observed in young mice. Lastly, but most importantly, increases in c-Fos expression and HAL efficacy in the CAR test of the HAL+VPA and HAL+MS-275 groups were correlated with elevated histone acetylation at the c-fos promoter region in aged mice. These findings suggest that pretreatment with VPA or MS-275 increases the behavioral and molecular effects of HAL in aged mice and that these effects occur via modulation of age-related histone hypoacetylation in the nucleus accumbens shell and prefrontal cortex

Current Concepts in the Use of Small-Particle Hyaluronic Acid.

PubMed

Bertucci, Vince; Lynde, Carrie B

2015-11-01

Soft-tissue augmentation with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed. HA fillers represent safe and commonly used fillers. Several different HA fillers are available. The differences lie in the manufacturing process, allowing for tailored uses. A small-particle HA with lidocaine (SP-HAL; Restylane Silk; Galderma, Uppsala, Sweden) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June 2014 but has been available for many years in Canada as Restylane Fine Lines and in Europe as Restylane Vital. Relevant articles were reviewed relating to the composition, effectiveness, and safety of SP-HAL. We also discuss the author's extensive clinical experience in the use of this product in Canada. SP-HAL has demonstrated proven benefits for lip fullness, augmentation, and treatment of perioral rhytides. Although off-label in the United States, SP-HAL is also well suited for the treatment of superficial fine lines, including periorbital, forehead, marionette, and smile lines. In addition, it has also been used in the tear trough region. A novel application for SP-HAL includes use as a skinbooster with intradermal micropuncture. In this technique, small aliquots of product are injected so as to gradually rejuvenate the skin in areas such as the face and hands. Side effects of SP-HAL were generally transient and mild. The most common side effects were swelling, tenderness, bruising, pain, and redness. SP-HAL is an effective and safe HA filler with varied clinical uses.

Typical halogenated persistent organic pollutants in indoor dust and the associations with childhood asthma in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Meng, Ge; Nie, Zhiqing; Feng, Yan; Wu, Xiaomeng; Yin, Yong; Wang, Yan

2016-04-01

Halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Hal-POPs) are significant contaminants in the indoor environment that are related to many human diseases. Ingestion of indoor dust is considered the major pathway of Hal-POP exposures, especially for children aged 3-6 years. Alongside a retrospective study on the associations between typical Hal-POP exposure and childhood asthma in Shanghai, indoor dust samples from asthmatic and non-asthmatic children's homes (n = 60, each) were collected. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured by GC-MS. BDE-209, PCB-8 and p,p'-DDE were the predominant components in each chemical category. The concentrations of most Hal-POPs were significantly higher in the asthmatic families. The associations between Hal-POP exposure and asthma occurrence were examined by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) using a logistic regression model. A positive association was found between p,p'-DDE in indoor dust and childhood asthma (OR = 1.825, 95%CI: 1.004, 3.317; p = 0.048). The average daily doses of Hal-POP intake were calculated using the method provided by the USEPA. Non-carcinogenic health risks were preliminarily assessed. Our study indicated that exposure to p,p'-DDE via indoor dust may contribute to childhood asthma occurrence. Non-carcinogenic health risks were not found with the intake of Hal-POPs via the ingestion of indoor dust. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advantages of an InGaN-based light emitting diode with a p-InGaN/p-GaN superlattice hole accumulation layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chao; Ren, Zhi-Wei; Chen, Xin; Zhao, Bi-Jun; Wang, Xing-Fu; Yin, Yi-An; Li, Shu-Ti

2013-05-01

P-InGaN/p-GaN superlattices (SLs) are developed for a hole accumulation layer (HAL) of a blue light emitting diode (LED). Free hole concentration as high as 2.6 × 1018 cm-3 is achieved by adjusting the Cp2Mg flow rate during the growth of p-InGaN/p-GaN SLs. The p-InGaN/p-GaN SLs with appropriate Cp2Mg flow rates are then incorporated between the multi-quantum well and AlGaN electron blocking layer as an HAL, which leads to the enhancement of light output power by 29% at 200 mA, compared with the traditional LED without such SL HAL. Meanwhile, the efficiency droop is also effectively alleviated in the LED with the SL HAL. The improved performance is attributed to the increased hole injection efficiency, and the reduced electron leakage by inserting the p-type SL HAL.

The stabilization of tannery sludge and the character of humic acid-like during low temperature pyrolysis.

PubMed

Ma, Hongrui; Gao, Mao; Hua, Li; Chao, Hao; Xu, Jing

2015-11-01

Tannery sludge contained plenty of organic matter, and the organic substance stability had direct impact on its derived chars' utilization. In this paper, the stabilization of tannery sludge and the variation of humic acid-like (HAL) extracted by different methods were investigated in a magnetic stirring reactor under low temperature pyrolysis of 100-400 °C. Results showed that the aromatic structure of pyrolysis chars increased with the increase of temperature and time. The char contained highly aromatic structure and relatively small dissolved organic matters (DOM) at 300 °C. The similar behaviors appeared in two HAL series by different extraction methods. The N content, H/C value, and aliphatic structures of HAL decreased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature, while the C/N value and aromatic structures increased with the rise of pyrolysis temperature. The composition and functional groups of HAL were similar with the purchased humic acid (HA). The fluorescence spectra revealed that two main peaks were found at Ex/Em = 239/363-368 nm and 283/359-368 nm in each HAL series from raw and 100 °C pyrolysis tannery sludge, representing a protein-like matter. The new peak appeared at Ex/Em = 263-283/388 nm in each HAL series from 200 °C pyrolysis tannery sludge-represented humic acid-like matter. The fluorescence intensity increased strongly compared to the other two peak intensity. Therefore, the humification of organic matter was increased by pyrolyzing. Notably, the HAL from 200 °C pyrolysis tannery sludge contained simple molecular structure, and the polycondensation increased but with a relative lower humification degree compared to soil HAL and purchased HA. Therefore, the sludge needs further oxidation. The humic substance was negligible by direct extraction when the temperature was 300 and 400 °C.

Comparison of the safety and immunogenicity of live attenuated and inactivated hepatitis A vaccine in healthy Chinese children aged 18 months to 16 years: results from a randomized, parallel controlled, phase IV study.

PubMed

Ma, F; Yang, J; Kang, G; Sun, Q; Lu, P; Zhao, Y; Wang, Z; Luo, J; Wang, Z

2016-09-01

For large-scale immunization of children with hepatitis A (HA) vaccines in China, accurately designed studies comparing the safety and immunogenicity of the live attenuated HA vaccine (HA-L) and inactivated HA vaccine (HA-I) are necessary. A randomized, parallel controlled, phase IV clinical trial was conducted with 6000 healthy children aged 18 months to 16 years. HA-L or HA-I was administered at a ratio of 1: 1 to randomized selected participants. The safety and immunogenicity were evaluated. Both HA-L and HA-I were well tolerated by all participants. The immunogenicity results showed that the seroconversion rates (HA-L versus HA-I: 98.0% versus 100%, respectively, p >0.05), and geometric mean concentrations in participants negative for antibodies against HA virus IgG (anti-HAV IgG) before vaccination did not differ significantly between the two types of vaccines (HA-L versus HA-I first dose: 898.9 versus 886.2 mIU/mL, respectively, p >0.05). After administration of the booster dose of HA-I, the geometric mean concentrations of anti-HAV IgG (HA-I booster dose: 2591.2 mIU/mL) was higher than that after the first dose (p <0.05) and that reported in participants administered HA-L (p <0.05). Additionally, 12 (25%) of the 48 randomized selected participants who received HA-L tested positive for HA antigen in stool samples. Hence, both HA-L and HA-I could provide acceptable immunogenicity in children. The effects of long-term immunogenicity after natural exposure to wild-type HA virus and the possibility of mutational shifts of the live vaccine virus in the field need to be studied in more detail. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Neural basis of the potentiated inhibition of repeated haloperidol and clozapine treatment on the phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion

PubMed Central

Zhao, Changjiu; Sun, Tao; Li, Ming

2012-01-01

Clinical observations suggest that antipsychotic effect starts early and increases progressively over time. This time course of antipsychotic effect can be captured in a rat phencyclidine (PCP)-induced hyperlocomotion model, as repeated antipsychotic treatment progressively increases its inhibition of the repeated PCP-induced hyperlocomotion. Although the neural basis of acute antipsychotic action has been studied extensively, the system that mediates the potentiated effect of repeated antipsychotic treatment has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the neuroanatomical basis of the potentiated action of haloperidol (HAL) and clozapine (CLZ) treatment in the repeated PCP-induced hyperlocomotion. Once daily for five consecutive days, adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were first injected with HAL (0.05 mg/kg, sc), CLZ (10.0 mg/kg, sc) or saline, followed by an injection of PCP (3.2 mg/kg, sc) or saline 30 min later, and motor activity was measured for 90 min after the PCP injection. C-Fos immunoreactivity was assessed either after the acute (day 1) or repeated (day 5) drug tests. Behaviorally, repeated HAL or CLZ treatment progressively increased the inhibition of PCP-induced hyperlocomotion throughout the five days of drug testing. Neuroanatomically, both acute and repeated treatment of HAL significantly increased PCP-induced c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAs) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but reduced it in the central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA). Acute and repeated CLZ treatment significantly increased PCP-induced c-Fos expression in the ventral part of lateral septal nucleus (LSv) and VTA, but reduced it in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). More importantly, the effects of HAL and CLZ in these brain areas underwent a time-dependent reduction from day 1 to day 5. These findings suggest that repeated HAL achieves its potentiated inhibition of the PCP-induced hyperlocomotion by acting on the NAs, CeA and VTA, while CLZ

Hyaluron Filler Containing Lidocaine on a CPM Basis for Lip Augmentation: Reports from Practical Experience.

PubMed

Fischer, Tanja C; Sattler, Gerhard; Gauglitz, Gerd G

2016-06-01

Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers is established. As monophasic polydensified hyaluronic acid products with variable density, CPM-HAL1 (Belotero Balance Lidocaine, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) and CPM-HAL2 (Belotero Intense Lidocaine, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) are qualified for beautification and particularly natural-looking rejuvenation, respectively. The aim of this article was to assess the handling and outcome of lip augmentation using the lidocaine-containing hyaluronic acid fillers, CPM-HAL1 and CPM-HAL2. Data were documented from patients who received lip augmentation by means of beautification and/or rejuvenation using CPM-HAL1 and/or CPM-HAL2. Observation period was 4 months, with assessment of natural outcome, evenness, distribution, fluidity, handling, malleability, tolerability, as well as patient satisfaction and pain. A total of 146 patients from 21 German centers participated. Physicians rated natural outcome and evenness as good or very good for more than 95% of patients. Distribution, fluidity, handling, and malleability were assessed for both fillers as good or very good in more than 91% of patients. At every evaluation point, more than 93% of patients were very or very much satisfied with the product. A total of 125 patients (85.6%) experienced transient injection-related side effects. Pain intensity during the procedure was mild (2.72 ± 1.72 on the 0-10 pain assessment scale) and abated markedly within 30 minutes (0.42 ± 0.57). Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers produced a long-term cosmetic result. Due to the lidocaine content, procedural pain was low and transient. Accordingly, a high degree of patient satisfaction was achieved that was maintained throughout the observation period. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Exposure–response relationships for the ACGIH threshold limit value for hand-activity level: results from a pooled data study of carpal tunnel syndrome

PubMed Central

Kapellusch, Jay M; Gerr, Frederic E; Malloy, Elizabeth J; Garg, Arun; Harris-Adamson, Carisa; Bao, Stephen S; Burt, Susan E; Dale, Ann Marie; Eisen, Ellen A; Evanoff, Bradley A; Hegmann, Kurt T; Silverstein, Barbara A; Theise, Matthew S; Rempel, David M

2014-01-01

Objective This paper aimed to quantify exposure–response relationships between the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) for hand-activity level (HAL) and incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Manufacturing and service workers previously studied by six research institutions had their data combined and re-analyzed. CTS cases were defined by symptoms and abnormal nerve conduction. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using proportional hazards regression after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and CTS predisposing conditions. Results The longitudinal study comprised 2751 incident-eligible workers, followed prospectively for up to 6.4 years and contributing 6243 person-years of data. Associations were found between CTS and TLV for HAL both as a continuous variable [HR 1.32 per unit, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.11–1.57] and when categorized using the ACGIH action limit (AL) and TLV. Those between the AL and TLV and above the TLV had HR of 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.5) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.0–2.1), respectively. As independent variables (in the same adjusted model) the HR for peak force (PF) and HAL were 1.14 per unit (95% CI 1.05–1.25), and 1.04 per unit (95% CI 0.93–1.15), respectively. Conclusion Those with exposures above the AL were at increased risk of CTS, but there was no further increase in risk for workers above the TLV. This suggests that the current AL may not be sufficiently protective of workers. Combinations of PF and HAL are useful for predicting risk of CTS. PMID:25266844

Biochemical and morphological changes in the liver after hepatic artery ligation in the presence or absence of extrahepatic cholestasis.

PubMed Central

Soares, A. F.; Castro e Silva Júnior, O.; Ceneviva, R.; Roselino, J. E.; Zucoloto, S.

1993-01-01

The present study was carried out to investigate the biochemical and morphological changes in the liver after ligation of the hepatic artery (HA) in the presence and in the absence of extrahepatic cholestasis (EHC). The study was conducted on 100 rats divided into four groups of 25 animals each: group 1, sham operation; group 2, hepatic artery ligation (HAL); group 3, bile duct ligation (BDL); and group 4, HAL plus BDL. All animals were sacrificed 7 days after surgery when total bilirubin and fractions, alkaline phosphatase (AP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in serum and on the inner hepatocyte mitochondrial membrane (IHMM); the incidence of necrosis and the volume fractions of vessels, bile ducts and hepatocytes in the liver were also determined. HAL reduces the relative volumes of bile ducts, with no changes in levels of bilirubin and fractions, AP, ALT, AST and IHMM, but HAL associated with EHC reduces duct proliferation and the liver becomes more vulnerable to necrosis. In conclusion, the normal liver depends on HA flow and this dependence is more evident in the presence of EHC. PMID:8398809

A frequency-duty cycle equation for the ACGIH hand activity level.

PubMed

Radwin, Robert G; Azari, David P; Lindstrom, Mary J; Ulin, Sheryl S; Armstrong, Thomas J; Rempel, David

2015-01-01

A new equation for predicting the hand activity level (HAL) used in the American Conference for Government Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value®(TLV®) was based on exertion frequency (F) and percentage duty cycle (D). The TLV® includes a table for estimating HAL from F and D originating from data in Latko et al. (Latko WA, Armstrong TJ, Foulke JA, Herrin GD, Rabourn RA, Ulin SS, Development and evaluation of an observational method for assessing repetition in hand tasks. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 58(4):278-285, 1997) and post hoc adjustments that include extrapolations outside of the data range. Multimedia video task analysis determined D for two additional jobs from Latko's study not in the original data-set, and a new nonlinear regression equation was developed to better fit the data and create a more accurate table. The equation, HAL = 6:56 ln D[F(1:31) /1+3:18 F(1:31), generally matches the TLV® HAL lookup table, and is a substantial improvement over the linear model, particularly for F>1.25 Hz and D>60% jobs. The equation more closely fits the data and applies the TLV® using a continuous function.

A progress report on a NASA research program for embedded computer systems software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foudriat, E. C.; Senn, E. H.; Will, R. W.; Straeter, T. A.

1979-01-01

The paper presents the results of the second stage of the Multipurpose User-oriented Software Technology (MUST) program. Four primary areas of activities are discussed: programming environment, HAL/S higher-order programming language support, the Integrated Verification and Testing System (IVTS), and distributed system language research. The software development environment is provided by the interactive software invocation system. The higher-order programming language (HOL) support chosen for consideration is HAL/S mainly because at the time it was one of the few HOLs with flight computer experience and it is the language used on the Shuttle program. The overall purpose of IVTS is to provide a 'user-friendly' software testing system which is highly modular, user controlled, and cooperative in nature.

Complexes of carboxyl-containing polymer and monosubstituted bipyridinium salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merekalova, N. D.; Bondarenko, G. N.; Krylsky, D. W.; Zakirov, M. I.; Talroze, R. V.

2013-09-01

Semi-empirical PM3 method for the quantum calculations of molecular electronic structure based on NDDO integral approximation is used to investigate the complex formation of monosubstituted 4,4‧-bipyridinium salts BpyR (Hal) containing a halide anion interacting with the quaternary nitrogen atom and carboxylic group of the two-units construct. Significant effect of the BpyR (Hal) electronic structure is unveiled that contributes in two different structures of these salts, namely, partial charge transfer complex and ion pair structure, both having stable energy minima. We demonstrate that (i) the structure of the N-substituent modulates the energy and electronic characteristics of monosubstituted salts BpyR with chlorine and bromine anions and (ii) the coulomb interactions between quaternary N-atom, halogen anion, and the proton of carboxylic group stimulate the transformation of the charge transfer complex into the ion pair structure. Results of calculations are compared with the experimental FTIR spectra of blends of BpyR(Hal) with Eudragit copolymer.

Mapping the Galvanic Corrosion of Three Metals Coupled with a Wire Beam Electrode: The Influence of Temperature and Relative Geometrical Position.

PubMed

Ju, Hong; Yang, Yuan-Feng; Liu, Yun-Fei; Liu, Shu-Fa; Duan, Jin-Zhuo; Li, Yan

2018-02-28

The local electrochemical properties of galvanic corrosion for three coupled metals in a desalination plant were investigated with three wire-beam electrodes as wire sensors: aluminum brass (HAl77-2), titanium (TA2), and 316L stainless steel (316L SS). These electrodes were used with artificial seawater at different temperatures. The potential and current-density distributions of the three-metal coupled system are inhomogeneous. The HAl77-2 wire anodes were corroded in the three-metal coupled system. The TA2 wires acted as cathodes and were protected; the 316L SS wires acted as secondary cathodes. The temperature and electrode arrangement have important effects on the galvanic corrosion of the three-metal coupled system. The corrosion current of the HAl77-2 increased with temperature indicating enhanced anode corrosion at higher temperature. In addition, the corrosion of HAl77-2 was more significant when the HAl77-2 wires were located in the middle of the coupled system than with the other two metal arrangement styles.

Mapping the Galvanic Corrosion of Three Metals Coupled with a Wire Beam Electrode: The Influence of Temperature and Relative Geometrical Position

PubMed Central

Liu, Yun-Fei; Liu, Shu-Fa; Duan, Jin-Zhuo

2018-01-01

The local electrochemical properties of galvanic corrosion for three coupled metals in a desalination plant were investigated with three wire-beam electrodes as wire sensors: aluminum brass (HAl77-2), titanium (TA2), and 316L stainless steel (316L SS). These electrodes were used with artificial seawater at different temperatures. The potential and current–density distributions of the three-metal coupled system are inhomogeneous. The HAl77-2 wire anodes were corroded in the three-metal coupled system. The TA2 wires acted as cathodes and were protected; the 316L SS wires acted as secondary cathodes. The temperature and electrode arrangement have important effects on the galvanic corrosion of the three-metal coupled system. The corrosion current of the HAl77-2 increased with temperature indicating enhanced anode corrosion at higher temperature. In addition, the corrosion of HAl77-2 was more significant when the HAl77-2 wires were located in the middle of the coupled system than with the other two metal arrangement styles. PMID:29495617

A Means of Predicting Swelling Pressures of Soils Found in the Rocky Mountain Area.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-19

also known as nattahalloysite. or halLoysite (2H 2 0) noupiestic: Al4Si4 Oio(OH)sr 5. Endellite, also known as halloysite , hydrated hallo)-site. or... halloysite (4H20) nonpstic: AS0001O-42 Aloft: Halloysits (4HIO) lowos water between site and laboratory at moderate tempematures, to form metaballoysite

Reshaping of Gait Coordination by Robotic Intervention in Myelopathy Patients After Surgery

PubMed Central

Puentes, Sandra; Kadone, Hideki; Kubota, Shigeki; Abe, Tetsuya; Shimizu, Yukiyo; Marushima, Aiki; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Yamazaki, Masashi; Suzuki, Kenji

2018-01-01

The Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) is an idiopathic degenerative spinal disease which may cause motor deficit. For patients presenting myelopathy or severe stenosis, surgical decompression is the treatment of choice; however, despite adequate decompression residual motor impairment is found in some cases. After surgery, there is no therapeutic approach available for this population. The Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL) robot suit is a unique powered exoskeleton designed to predict, support, and enhance the lower extremities performance of patients using their own bioelectric signals. This approach has been used for spinal cord injury and stroke patients where the walking performance improved. However, there is no available data about gait kinematics evaluation after HAL therapy. Here we analyze the effect of HAL therapy in OPLL patients in acute and chronic stages after decompression surgery. We found that HAL therapy improved the walking performance for both groups. Interestingly, kinematics evaluation by the analysis of the elevation angles of the thigh, shank, and foot by using a principal component analysis showed that planar covariation, plane orientation, and movement range evaluation improved for acute patients suggesting an improvement in gait coordination. Being the first study performing kinematics analysis after HAL therapy, our results suggest that HAL improved the gait coordination of acute patients by supporting the relearning process and therefore reshaping their gait pattern. PMID:29551960

Ectopic expression of LEAFY COTYLEDON1-LIKE gene and localized auxin accumulation mark embryogenic competence in epiphyllous plants of Helianthus annuus × H. tuberosus

PubMed Central

Chiappetta, A.; Fambrini, M.; Petrarulo, M.; Rapparini, F.; Michelotti, V.; Bruno, L.; Greco, M.; Baraldi, R.; Salvini, M.; Pugliesi, C.; Bitonti, M. B.

2009-01-01

Background and Aims The clone EMB-2 of the interspecific hybrid Helianthus annuus × H. tuberosus provides an interesting system to study molecular and physiological aspects of somatic embryogenesis. Namely, in addition to non-epiphyllous (NEP) leaves that expand normally, EMB-2 produces epiphyllous (EP) leaves bearing embryos on the adaxial surface. This clone was used to investigate if the ectopic expression of H. annuus LEAFY COTYLEDON1-LIKE (Ha-L1L) gene and auxin activity are correlated with the establishment of embryogenic competence. Methods Ha-L1L expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The endogenous level and spatial distribution of free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were estimated by a capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–selected ion monitoring method and an immuno-cytochemical approach. Key Results Ectopic expression of Ha-L1L was detected in specific cell domains of the adaxial epidermis of EP leaves prior to the development of ectopic embryos. Ha-L1L was expressed rapidly when NEP leaves were induced to regenerate somatic embryos by in vitro culture. Differences in auxin distribution pattern rather than in absolute level were observed between EP and A-2 leaves. More precisely, a strong IAA immuno-signal was detected in single cells or in small groups of cells along the epidermis of EP leaves and accompanied the early stages of embryo development. Changes in auxin level and distribution were observed in NEP leaves induced to regenerate by in vitro culture. Exogenous auxin treatments lightly influenced Ha-L1L transcript levels in spite of an enhancement of the regeneration frequency. Conclusions In EP leaves, Ha-L1L activity marks the putative founder cells of ectopic embryos. Although the ectopic expression of Ha-L1L seems to be not directly mediated by auxin levels per se, it was demonstrated that localized Ha-L1L expression and IAA accumulation in leaf epidermis domains represent early events of

Thermosetting gel for the delivery of 5-aminolevulinic acid esters to the cervix.

PubMed

Collaud, Sabine; Peng, Qian; Gurny, Robert; Lange, Norbert

2008-07-01

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy has been proposed as an alternative, cervix-sparing treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In this context, topical application of 5-ALA to the cervix is beneficial due to the small necessary dose and its minimal side effects. Therefore, lipophilic 5-ALA esters, such as hexylaminolevulinate (HAL), have led to improved local bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Hydrogels have shown to be more appropriate for the local delivery of these derivatives, but due to the limited long-term stability of such formulations at 25 degrees C, the development of an extemporaneously prepared hydrogel targeting CIN can be advantageous. Therefore, a poloxamer 407 thermosetting gel, which is liquid at room temperature and becomes a semi-solid when in contact with the female genital tract, has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Rheological evaluation has shown that a 17.0% poloxamer 407 hydrogel with a sol-gel transition at 24.8 +/- 0.6 degrees C was the best formulation for easy application and optimal residence time. Furthermore, similarly to other hydrogels previously tested, such a formulation shows a more complete HAL release in vitro than conventional cream vehicles, and tends to increase porphyrin accumulation in nude mice skin. Finally, in vitro release profiles were correlated to the in vivo results.

Hydrostatic Response of Submarine Nickel Aluminum Bronze Valves with Corrosion Damage

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

Engineering PO Box 1000 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Project Manager: Dr. T.S. Koko , 902-425-5101 Contract Number: W7707-078022/001/HAL Contract...Manager: Dr. T.S. Koko , 902-425-5101 ext 243 Contract Number: W7707-078022/001/HAL Contract Scientific Authority: Dr. Y. Wang, 902-427-3035...Hydrostatic Response of Submarine Nickel Aluminum Bronze Valves with Corrosion Damage B.K.C. Yuen; T.S. Koko ; R. Warner; DRDC Atlantic CR 2008

Molecular aspects of zygotic embryogenesis in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.): correlation of positive histone marks with HaWUS expression and putative link HaWUS/HaL1L.

PubMed

Salvini, Mariangela; Fambrini, Marco; Giorgetti, Lucia; Pugliesi, Claudio

2016-01-01

The link HaWUS/ HaL1L , the opposite transcriptional behavior, and the decrease/increase in positive histone marks bond to both genes suggest an inhibitory effect of WUS on HaL1L in sunflower zygotic embryos. In Arabidopsis, a group of transcription factors implicated in the earliest events of embryogenesis is the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) protein family including WUSCHEL (WUS) and other 14 WOX protein, some of which contain a conserved WUS-box domain in addition to the homeodomain. WUS transcripts appear very early in embryogenesis, at the 16-cell embryo stage, but gradually become restricted to the center of the developing shoot apical meristem (SAM) primordium and continues to be expressed in cells of the niche/organizing center of SAM and floral meristems to maintain stem cell population. Moreover, WUS has decisive roles in the embryonic program presumably promoting the vegetative-to-embryonic transition and/or maintaining the identity of the embryonic stem cells. However, data on the direct interaction between WUS and key genes for seed development (as LEC1 and L1L) are not collected. The novelty of this report consists in the characterization of Helianthus annuus WUS (HaWUS) gene and in its analysis regarding the pattern of the methylated lysine 4 (K4) of the Histone H3 and of the acetylated histone H3 during the zygotic embryo development. Also, a parallel investigation was performed for HaL1L gene since two copies of the WUS-binding site (WUSATA), previously identified on HaL1L nucleotide sequence, were able to be bound by the HaWUS recombinant protein suggesting a not described effect of HaWUS on HaL1L transcription.

Workplace and individual risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.

PubMed

Burt, Susan; Crombie, Ken; Jin, Yan; Wurzelbacher, Steve; Ramsey, Jessica; Deddens, James

2011-12-01

To quantify the relationship between workplace physical factors, particularly hand activity level (HAL) and forceful exertion and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), while taking into account individual factors. To compare quantitative exposure assessment measures with more practical ratings-based measures. In a group of healthcare and manufacturing workers, each study participant's job tasks were evaluated for HAL, forceful exertion and other physical stressors and videotaped for further analysis, including frequency and duration of exertion and postural deviation. Electrodiagnostic testing of median and ulnar nerves and questionnaires were administered to all participants. A CTS case required median mononeuropathy and symptoms on hand diagrams in fingers 1-3. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between job and individual factors and CTS. Of 477 workers studied, 57 (11.9%) were dominant hand CTS cases. Peak force ≥70% maximum voluntary contraction versus <20% maximum voluntary contraction resulted in an OR of 2.74 (1.32-5.68) for CTS. Among those with a body mass index ≥30, the OR for ≥15 exertions per minute was 3.35 (1.14-9.87). Peak worker ratings of perceived exertion increased the odds for CTS by 1.14 (1.01-1.29) for each unit increase on the 10-point scale. The odds for CTS increased by 1.38 (1.05-1.81) for each unit increase on the HAL 10-point scale among men, but not women. Combined force and HAL values above the ACGIH TLV for HAL resulted in an OR of 2.96 (1.51-5.80) for CTS. Quantitative and ratings-based job exposure measures were each associated with CTS. Obesity increased the association between frequency of exertion and CTS.

An Analysis of Emergency Department Overcrowding at The Johns Hopkins Hospital

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-20

Jefferson 3rd floor (JEF3), Medical Care Progressive Unit ( MPC4 ), Nelson 4th floor (NEL4), Osler 4th floor (OSL4), Osler 5th floor (OSL5), and Osler...ranged from a low of 73.78% for OSL5 to a high of 94.60% for JEF3. The LOS for the DOM units ranged from 2.89 days for HAL5 to 10.39 days for MPC4

Part 1 : heavy axle load revenue service mega site testing 2005-2012.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-06-01

Since 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration : and the Association of American Railroads have : jointly funded a heavy axle load (HAL) revenue : service testing program with several objectives. : One objective is to determine the effects of HAL : ...

Part 2 : heavy axle load revenue service mega site testing 2005-2012.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-06-01

Since 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration : and the Association of American Railroads have : jointly funded a heavy axle load (HAL) revenue : service testing program, with several objectives. : One objective is to determine the effects of HAL :...

Crystal and molecular structure of 2,6-dibromo-3-chloro-4-fluoroaniline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betz, R.

2015-12-01

The crystal and molecular structure of 2,6-dibromo-3-chloro-4-fluoroaniline is determined. The crystals are monoclinic, a = 3.8380(3), b = 13.1010(12), c = 8.0980(8) Å, β = 96.010(4)°, V = 404.94(6) Å3, Z = 2, sp. gr. P21. Classical intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the N-H··· Hal type are observed next to a series of dispersive halogen···halogen interactions in the crystal structure.

Destabilized and catalyzed borohydride for reversible hydrogen storage

DOEpatents

Mohtadi, Rana F [Northville, MI; Zidan, Ragaiy [Aiken, SC; Gray, Joshua [Aiken, SC; Stowe, Ashley C [Knoxville, TN; Sivasubramanian, Premkumar [Aiken, SC

2012-02-28

A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a borohydride material of the formula: M(BH.sub.4).sub.x where M is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and 1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2; providing an alanate material of the formula: M.sub.1(AlH.sub.4).sub.x where M.sub.1 is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and 1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2; providing a halide material of the formula: M.sub.2Hal.sub.x where M.sub.2 is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or transition metal and Hal is a halide and 1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.4; combining the borohydride, alanate and halide materials such that 5 to 50 molar percent from the borohydride material is present forming a reaction product material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the alanate material.

Topical hexaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for the treatment of persistent human papilloma virus infections and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

PubMed

Hillemanns, Peter; Einstein, Mark H; Iversen, Ole Erik

2015-02-01

Current treatments for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) are mainly excisional procedures, which are associated with significant side effects and pose risks for future pregnancies. An effective and safe therapy is needed to reduce the requirement for surgical interventions in women of reproductive age. This review looks at the pharmacokinetic and clinical data for topical hexaminolevulinate (HAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is currently entering late phase clinical trials for high-grade CIN. The authors include published studies in patients and volunteers but laboratory and animal studies have been excluded as have studies on other porphyrins such as Photofrin, 5-aminolevulinic acid, methyl aminolevulinate and studies reporting other clinical applications for HAL. Topical HAL PDT has potential as a non-surgical tissue-preserving treatment for CIN and persistent oncogenic human papilloma virus infections. HAL PDT selectively treats the entire epithelial sheet, without the tissue destruction seen in excisional procedures. The authors believe that this treatment could replace surgery in a large proportion of patients. It would be of particular value to the high percentage of women who are interested in future child-bearing. If the treatment is approved, it is very likely that physicians will want to use this treatment, as many patients will be keen to consider a non-surgical option.

Analysis, Occurrence and Toxicity of Haloacetaldehydes in Drinking Waters: Iodacetaldehyde as an Emerging Disinfection ByProduct.

EPA Science Inventory

Chlorinated and brominated haloacetaldehydes (HALs) are consideredthe 3rd largest class of disinfection by-products (DBPs) by weight. The iodinatedHAL, iodoacetaldehyde, has been recently reported as an emerging DBP infinished drinking waters. Overall, iodinated DBPs, e.g., iodoa...

Bridge Approach Remedies Implemented at Western Mega Site

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-09-01

As part of the heavy axle load (HAL) revenue service mega site testing program, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) has worked closely with the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) to address bridge approach problems under HAL operations. The te...

Functional Properties of the Drosophila melanogaster Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Mutants

PubMed Central

Srikanth, Sonal; Wang, Zhengnan; Tu, Huiping; Nair, Shalima; Mathew, M. K.; Hasan, Gaiti; Bezprozvanny, Ilya

2004-01-01

The inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) is an intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release channel that plays a crucial role in cell signaling. In Drosophila melanogaster a single InsP3R gene (itpr) encodes a protein (DmInsP3R) that is ∼60% conserved with mammalian InsP3Rs. A number of itpr mutant alleles have been identified in genetic screens and studied for their effect on development and physiology. However, the functional properties of wild-type or mutant DmInsP3Rs have never been described. Here we use the planar lipid bilayer reconstitution technique to describe single-channel properties of embryonic and adult head DmInsP3R splice variants. The three mutants chosen in this study reside in each of the three structural domains of the DmInsP3R—the amino-terminal ligand binding domain (ug3), the middle-coupling domain (wc703), and the channel-forming region (ka901). We discovered that 1), the major functional properties of DmInsP3R (conductance, gating, and sensitivity to InsP3 and Ca2+) are remarkably conserved with the mammalian InsP3R1; 2), single-channel conductance of the adult head DmInsP3R isoform is 89 pS and the embryonic DmInsP3R isoform is 70 pS; 3), ug3 mutation affects sensitivity of the DmInsP3Rs to activation by InsP3, but not their InsP3-binding properties; 4), wc703 channels have increased sensitivity to modulation by Ca2+; and 5), homomeric ka901 channels are not functional. We correlated the results obtained in planar lipid bilayer experiments with measurements of InsP3-induced Ca2+ fluxes in microsomes isolated from wild-type and heterozygous itpr mutants. Our study validates the use of D. melanogaster as an appropriate model for InsP3R structure-function studies and provides novel insights into the fundamental mechanisms of the InsP3R function. PMID:15189860

Histone deacetylase inhibitors reverse age-related increases in side effects of haloperidol in mice.

PubMed

Montalvo-Ortiz, Janitza L; Fisher, Daniel W; Rodríguez, Guadalupe; Fang, Deyu; Csernansky, John G; Dong, Hongxin

2017-08-01

Older patients can be especially susceptible to antipsychotic-induced side effects, and the pharmacodynamic mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. We hypothesized that age-related epigenetic alterations lead to decreased expression and functionality of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), contributing to this susceptibility. In this study, we treated young (2-3 months old) and aged (22-24 months old) C57BL/6 mice with the D2R antagonist haloperidol (HAL) once a day for 14 days to evaluate HAL-induced motor side effects. In addition, we pretreated separate groups of young and aged mice with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors valproic acid (VPA) or entinostat (MS-275) and then administered HAL. Our results show that the motor side effects of HAL are exaggerated in aged mice as compared to young mice and that HDAC inhibitors are able to reverse the severity of these deficits. HAL-induced motor deficits in aged mice are associated with an age- and drug-dependent decrease in striatal D2R protein levels and functionality. Further, histone acetylation was reduced while histone tri-methylation was increased at specific lysine residues of H3 and H4 within the Drd2 promoter in the striatum of aged mice. HDAC inhibitors, particularly VPA, restored striatal D2R protein levels and functionality and reversed age- and drug-related histone modifications at the Drd2 promoter. These results suggest that epigenetic changes at the striatal Drd2 promoter drive age-related increases in antipsychotic side effect susceptibility, and HDAC inhibitors may be an effective adjunct treatment strategy to reduce side effects in aged populations.

Influence of energy density of different light sources on Knoop hardness of a dual-cured resin cement.

PubMed

Piva, Evandro; Correr-Sobrinho, Lourenço; Sinhoreti, Mario Alexandre Coelho; Consani, Simonides; Demarco, Flávio Fernando; Powers, John Michael

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness of a dual-cured resin-based luting cement irradiated with different light sources as well energy density through a ceramic sample. Three light-curing unit (LCUs) were tested: tungsten halogen light (HAL), light-emitting diode (LED) and xenon plasma-arc (PAC) lamp. Disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from a resin-based cement (Enforce). Three energy doses were used by modifying the irradiance (I) of each LCU and the irradiation time (T): 24 Jcm(-2) (I/2x2T), 24 Jcm(-2) (IxT) and 48 Jcm(-2) (Ix2T). Energy doses were applied through a 2.0-mm-thick ceramic sample (Duceram Plus). Three groups underwent direct irradiation over the resin cement with the different LCUs and a chemically-activated group served as a control. Thirteen groups were tested (n=10). Knoop hardness number (KHN) means were obtained from cross-sectional areas. Two-way ANOVA and the Holm-Sidak method were used for statistical comparisons of activation mode and energy doses (alpha=5%). Application of 48 J.cm(-2) energy dose through the ceramic using LED (50.5+/-2.8) and HAL (50.9+/-3.7) produced significantly higher KHN means (p<0.05) than the control (44.7+/-3.8). LED showed statistically similar performance to HAL. Only HAL showed a relationship between the increase of LCU energy dose and hardness increase.

Classroom Use. Clip and Save.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubbard, Guy

2002-01-01

Presents background information on the Dutch artist, Frans Hals, focusing on his life and work. Includes classroom activities based on Hals works, such as a reproduction of his work, "Malle Babbe." Provides a discussion on the content of this painting and the techniques used. (CMK)

Explorations in Context Space: Words, Sentences, Discourse.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgess, Curt; Livesay, Kay; Lund, Kevin

1998-01-01

Describes a computational model of high-dimensional context space: the Hyperspace Analog to Language (HAL). Shows that HAL provides sufficient information to make semantic, grammatical, and abstract distinctions. Demonstrates the cognitive compatibility of the representations with human processing; and introduces a new methodology that extracts…

Topical hexylaminolevulinate and aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy: complete arteriole vasoconstriction occurs frequently and depends on protoporphyrin IX concentration in vessel wall.

PubMed

Middelburg, T A; de Bruijn, H S; Tettero, L; van der Ploeg van den Heuvel, A; Neumann, H A M; de Haas, E R M; Robinson, D J

2013-09-05

Vascular responses to photodynamic therapy (PDT) may influence the availability of oxygen during PDT and the extent of tumor destruction after PDT. However, for topical PDT vascular effects are largely unknown. Arteriole and venule diameters were measured before and after hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT and related to the protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) concentration in the vessel wall. A mouse skin fold chamber model and an intravital confocal microscope allowed direct imaging of the subcutaneous vessels underlying the treated area. In both HAL and ALA groups over 60% of arterioles constricted completely, while venules generally did not respond, except for two larger veins that constricted partially. Arteriole vasoconstriction strongly correlated with PpIX fluorescence intensity in the arteriole wall. Total PpIX fluorescence intensity was significantly higher for HAL than ALA for the whole area that was imaged but not for the arteriole walls. In conclusion, complete arteriole vasoconstriction occurs frequently in both HAL and ALA based topical PDT, especially when relatively high PpIX concentrations in arteriole walls are reached. Vasoconstriction will likely influence PDT effect and should be considered in studies on topical HAL and ALA-PDT. Also, our results may redefine the vasculature as a potential secondary target for topical PDT. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness and Safety of Large Gel Particle Hyaluronic Acid With Lidocaine for Correction of Midface Volume Deficit or Contour Deficiency.

PubMed

Weiss, Robert A; Moradi, Amir; Bank, David; Few, Julius; Joseph, John; Dover, Jeffrey; Lin, Xiaoming; Nogueira, Alessandra; Mashburn, Jay

2016-06-01

Aging effects, such as facial flatness, increased tissue laxity, and soft tissue descent and deflation, contribute to midface deficiency. To evaluate whether large gel particle hyaluronic acid with lidocaine (LGP-HAL) is more effective in the treatment of midface deficiencies than no treatment. Subjects with mild to substantial loss of midface fullness were randomized 3:1 to LGP-HAL (Restylane Lyft; Galderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, TX) or no treatment. Treatment success was defined as at least 1-grade improvement in Medicis Midface Volume Scale (MMVS) on each side of the face at 8 weeks as assessed by a blinded evaluator. Secondary efficacy end points included MMVS score, global aesthetic improvement, and subject satisfaction. Significantly greater percent of subjects achieved treatment success in the LGP-HAL group compared to no treatment at all time points through Month 12 (p < .001). One year after initial treatment, 85% of subjects still had a global aesthetic improvement assessed by the treating investigator. Subject satisfaction demonstrated that LGP-HAL improved the aesthetic appearance of the midface. Most reported adverse events (80%) were mild in severity. The LGP-HAL treatment is well tolerated and provides significant improvement up to 12 months for the correction of midface deficiencies.

Halocin C8: an antimicrobial peptide distributed among four halophilic archaeal genera: Natrinema, Haloterrigena, Haloferax, and Halobacterium.

PubMed

Besse, Alison; Vandervennet, Manon; Goulard, Christophe; Peduzzi, Jean; Isaac, Stéphanie; Rebuffat, Sylvie; Carré-Mlouka, Alyssa

2017-05-01

Halophilic archaea thrive in hypersaline ecosystems and produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) named halocins. AMPs are essential effectors of microbial interactions in natural ecosystems. Halocin C8 is a 7.4 kDa peptide produced by Natrinema sp. AS7092. Surrounded by genes involved in regulation and transport, the halC8 gene encodes a precursor, processed into the mature halocin and an immunity protein, protecting the producing strain against its halocin. This feature constitutes a unique property of halocin C8, as known AMPs and their immunity proteins are generally encoded on distinct ORFs in an operon. By complementary in silico and PCR-based approaches, the presence of halC8 in halophilic archaea collected from various parts of the world was evidenced. The full-length halC8 gene is restricted and consistently found in the genomes of strains belonging to the phylogenetically related genera Natrinema and Haloterrigena, along with transport and regulation genes. Functional expression of halC8 was demonstrated by RT-PCR and antimicrobial assays. Active halocin C8 was shown to contain five disulphide bridges, presumably conferring a compact structure resistant to harsh environmental conditions. In other archaeal genera, Haloferax and Halobacterium, genes encoding halocin C8 with diverging immunity protein moiety were evidenced. A phylogenetic analysis of halocin C8 sequences was conducted.

Polarization Effects in the Luminescence of Cadmium Selenide Electrodes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-29

UWIS/DC/TR-83/3 Polarization Effects in the Luminescence of Cadmium Selenide Electrodes by Holger H. Streckert, Hal Van Ryswyk, Richard N. Biagioni ...Streckert, Hal Van Ryswyk, N00014-78-C-0633 Richard N. Biagioni and Arthur B. Ellis 9PEFRIGOGNZTNNAEADADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT, TASKS

Ab initio calculations of the lattice dynamics of silver halides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordienko, A. B.; Kravchenko, N. G.; Sedelnikov, A. N.

2010-12-01

Based on ab initio pseudopotential calculations, the results of investigations of the lattice dynamics of silver halides AgHal (Hal = Cl, Br, I) are presented. Equilibrium lattice parameters, phonon spectra, frequency densities and effective atomic-charge values are obtained for all types of crystals under study.

Home - Kementerian Pembangunan

Science.gov Websites

Perumahan Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Taman dan Rekreasi Jabatan Tanah Jabatan Kerja Raya Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa Jabatan Ukur Kementerian Jabatan Perdana Menteri Kementerian Kewangan Kementerian Pertahanan Kementerian Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri dan Perdagangan Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri Kementerian Pendidikan

Low-Al and high-Al trondhjemites in the Huai'an Complex, North China Craton: Geochemistry, zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopes, and implications for Neoarchean crustal growth and remelting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hua-Feng; Zhai, Ming-Guo; Santosh, M.; Li, Sheng-Rong

2012-04-01

Voluminous tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) magmas were emplaced in the Huai'an Complex of North China Craton (NCC) during the Neoarchean. Here we present the geochemical characteristics of these rocks and identify low-Al (LAl) and high-Al (HAl) types of trondhjemites within the TTG suite. The LAl group displays high silica (SiO2 = 77-80 wt.%), and low Al2O3 contents (11.06-11.89 wt.%), a strongly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.16 and 1.19) composition and enrichment in HREE (LaN/YbN = 4 and 5, GdN/YbN = 0.35 and 0.9). Their low Rb (13 and 28 ppm), Th (0.3 and 7.0 ppm), relatively high Na2O/K2O values (3.6 and 4.1) and MgO (0.63 and 0.68 wt.%) with moderately high Mg# (36 and 53), suggest crystallization from a primitive source. The HAl group is characterized by relatively low SiO2 (67.22-71.57 wt.%) and high Al2O3 contents (16.35-16.41 wt.%) with trace element contents and distribution patterns closely comparable to those of Archean high-Al TTGs. Our geochemical data do not favor a direct genetic link between the LAl and HAl trondhjemite groups. The zircon U-Pb data reveal that the LAl and HAl groups represent coeval intrusions at ca. 2.55-2.5 Ga. In situ analysis of Hf isotopes in the zircons (ɛHf = +5.6 to +10, and TDM = 2462-2595 Ma), together with the geochemical features of the low-Al trondhjemites suggest that they were generated under relatively low pressure (<8 kbar), through low degree partial melting of a newly accreted amphibolitic crust. Taking into consideration the contemporaneous (2.55-2.50 Ga) high-Al TTGs widely exposed in the Huai'an Complex, we suggest that the low-Al trondhjemites were formed by intraplating of mantle-derived magmas, and the coeval high-Al TTGs were produced by partial melting of a thickened lower crust, triggered by underplating. Our study attests to a major episode of Neoarchean crustal growth in the NCC, and remelting induced by underplating and intraplating of mantle-derived magmas.

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung without production of α-fetoprotein: A case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Sun, Ji Ning; Zhang, Bao Long; Li, Lin Kun; Yu, Hai Yan; Wang, Bin

2016-07-01

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung (HAL) is a rare type of extrahepatic hepatoid adenocarcinoma. The majority of such cases that have been reported in the English literature have demonstrated elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and/or positive AFP expression on histopathological analysis, and have had poor prognoses. The current study reports an extremely rare case of HAL in the right upper lung without AFP production in a 59-year-old male patient. The patient underwent radical right upper lobectomy via video assisted thoracoscopic surgery. No signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis have been observed for 23 months after the surgery. The serum AFP level following surgery remained within the normal range. Although the diagnosis of HAL predominantly depends on pathological examination, a review of the literature demonstrates that HAL has certain characteristic features with regard to its clinical and computed tomography findings and prognoses, and clinicians should be aware that clinicians should be aware that monitoring serum AFP levels, as well as CT findings, remains important.

Uridine Metabolism in HIV-1-Infected Patients: Effect of Infection, of Antiretroviral Therapy and of HIV-1/ART-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome

PubMed Central

Domingo, Pere; Torres-Torronteras, Javier; Pomar, Virginia; Giralt, Marta; Domingo, Joan Carles; Gutierrez, Maria del Mar; Gallego-Escuredo, José M.; Mateo, Maria Gracia; Cano-Soldado, Pedro; Fernandez, Irene; Pastor-Anglada, Marçal; Vidal, Francesc; Villarroya, Francesc; Andreu, Antoni; Marti, Ramon

2010-01-01

Background Uridine has been advocated for the treatment of HIV-1/HAART-associated lipodystrophy (HALS), although its metabolism in HIV-1-infected patients is poorly understood. Methods Plasma uridine concentrations were measured in 35 controls and 221 HIV-1-infected patients and fat uridine in 15 controls and 19 patients. The diagnosis of HALS was performed following the criteria of the Lipodystrophy Severity Grading Scale. Uridine was measured by a binary gradient-elution HPLC method. Analysis of genes encoding uridine metabolizing enzymes in fat was performed with TaqMan RT-PCR. Results Median plasma uridine concentrations for HIV-1-infected patients were 3.80 µmol/l (interquartile range: 1.60), and for controls 4.60 µmol/l (IQR: 1.8) (P = 0.0009). In fat, they were of 6.0 (3.67), and 2.8 (4.65) nmol/mg of protein, respectively (P = 0.0118). Patients with a mixed HALS form had a median plasma uridine level of 4.0 (IC95%: 3.40–4.80) whereas in those with isolated lipoatrophy it was 3.25 (2.55–4.15) µmol/l/l (P = 0.0066). The expression of uridine cytidine kinase and uridine phosphorylase genes was significantly decreased in all groups of patients with respect to controls. A higher expression of the mRNAs for concentrative nucleoside transporters was found in HIV-1-infected patients with respect to healthy controls. Conclusions HIV-1 infection is associated with a decrease in plasma uridine and a shift of uridine to the adipose tissue compartment. Antiretroviral therapy was not associated with plasma uridine concentrations, but pure lipoatrophic HALS was associated with significantly lower plasma uridine concentrations. PMID:21085568

Enzymatic synthesis of long double-stranded DNA labeled with haloderivatives of nucleobases in a precisely pre-determined sequence

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Restriction endonucleases are widely applied in recombinant DNA technology. Among them, enzymes of class IIS, which cleave DNA beyond recognition sites, are especially useful. We use BsaI enzyme for the pinpoint introduction of halogen nucleobases into DNA. This has been done for the purpose of anticancer radio- and phototherapy that is our long-term objective. Results An enzymatic method for synthesizing long double-stranded DNA labeled with the halogen derivatives of nucleobases (Hal-NBs) with 1-bp accuracy has been put forward and successfully tested on three different DNA fragments containing the 5-bromouracil (5-BrU) residue. The protocol assumes enzymatic cleavage of two Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (PCR) fragments containing two recognition sequences for the same or different class IIS restriction endonucleases, where each PCR fragment has a partially complementary cleavage site. These sites are introduced using synthetic DNA primers or are naturally present in the sequence used. The cleavage sites are not compatible, and therefore not susceptible to ligation until they are partially filled with a Hal-NB or original nucleobase, resulting in complementary cohesive end formation. Ligation of these fragments ultimately leads to the required Hal-NB-labeled DNA duplex. With this approach, a synthetic, extremely long DNA fragment can be obtained by means of a multiple assembly reaction (n × maximum PCR product length: n × app. 50 kb). Conclusions The long, precisely labeled DNA duplexes obtained behave in very much the same manner as natural DNA and are beyond the range of chemical synthesis. Moreover, the conditions of synthesis closely resemble the natural ones, and all the artifacts accompanying the chemical synthesis of DNA are thus eliminated. The approach proposed seems to be completely general and could be used to label DNA at multiple pre-determined sites and with halogen derivatives of any nucleobase. Access to DNAs labeled with Hal-NBs at

Enzymatic synthesis of long double-stranded DNA labeled with haloderivatives of nucleobases in a precisely pre-determined sequence.

PubMed

Sobolewski, Ireneusz; Polska, Katarzyna; Zylicz-Stachula, Agnieszka; Jeżewska-Frąckowiak, Joanna; Rak, Janusz; Skowron, Piotr

2011-08-24

Restriction endonucleases are widely applied in recombinant DNA technology. Among them, enzymes of class IIS, which cleave DNA beyond recognition sites, are especially useful. We use BsaI enzyme for the pinpoint introduction of halogen nucleobases into DNA. This has been done for the purpose of anticancer radio- and phototherapy that is our long-term objective. An enzymatic method for synthesizing long double-stranded DNA labeled with the halogen derivatives of nucleobases (Hal-NBs) with 1-bp accuracy has been put forward and successfully tested on three different DNA fragments containing the 5-bromouracil (5-BrU) residue. The protocol assumes enzymatic cleavage of two Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (PCR) fragments containing two recognition sequences for the same or different class IIS restriction endonucleases, where each PCR fragment has a partially complementary cleavage site. These sites are introduced using synthetic DNA primers or are naturally present in the sequence used. The cleavage sites are not compatible, and therefore not susceptible to ligation until they are partially filled with a Hal-NB or original nucleobase, resulting in complementary cohesive end formation. Ligation of these fragments ultimately leads to the required Hal-NB-labeled DNA duplex. With this approach, a synthetic, extremely long DNA fragment can be obtained by means of a multiple assembly reaction (n × maximum PCR product length: n × app. 50 kb). The long, precisely labeled DNA duplexes obtained behave in very much the same manner as natural DNA and are beyond the range of chemical synthesis. Moreover, the conditions of synthesis closely resemble the natural ones, and all the artifacts accompanying the chemical synthesis of DNA are thus eliminated. The approach proposed seems to be completely general and could be used to label DNA at multiple pre-determined sites and with halogen derivatives of any nucleobase. Access to DNAs labeled with Hal-NBs at specific position is an

Isolation and characterization of biochar-derived organic matter fractions and their phenanthrene sorption.

PubMed

Jin, Jie; Sun, Ke; Liu, Wei; Li, Shiwei; Peng, Xianqiang; Yang, Yan; Han, Lanfang; Du, Ziwen; Wang, Xiangke

2018-05-01

Chemical composition and pollutant sorption of biochar-derived organic matter fractions (BDOMs) are critical for understanding the long-term environmental significance of biochar. Phenanthrene (PHE) sorption by the humic acid-like (HAL) fractions isolated from plant straw- (PLABs) and animal manure-based (ANIBs) biochars, and the residue materials (RES) after HAL extraction was investigated. The HAL fraction comprised approximately 50% of organic carbon (OC) of the original biochars. Results of XPS and 13 C NMR demonstrated that the biochar-derived HAL fractions mainly consisted of aromatic clusters substituted by carboxylic groups. The CO 2 cumulative surface area of BDOMs excluding PLAB-derived RES fractions was obviously lower than that of corresponding biochars. The sorption nonlinearity of PHE by the fresh biochars was significantly stronger than that of the BDOM fractions, implying that the BDOM fractions were more chemically homogeneous. The BDOMs generally exhibited comparable or higher OC-normalized distribution coefficients (K oc ) of PHE than the original biochars. The PHE logK oc values of the fresh biochars correlated negatively with the micropore volumes due to steric hindrance effect. In contrast, a positive relationship between the sorption coefficients (K d ) of BDOMs and the micropore volumes was observed in this study, suggesting that pore filling could dominate PHE sorption by the BDOMs. The positive correlation between the PHE logK oc values of the HAL fractions and the aromatic C contents indicates that PHE sorption by the HAL fractions was regulated by aromatic domains. The findings of this study improve our knowledge of the evolution of biochar properties after application and its potential environmental impacts. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antipsychotic treatment leading to dopamine supersensitivity persistently alters nucleus accumbens function.

PubMed

El Hage, Cynthia; Bédard, Anne-Marie; Samaha, Anne-Noël

2015-12-01

Chronic exposure to some antipsychotic medications can induce supersensitivity to dopamine receptor stimulation. This is linked to a worsening of clinical outcome and to antipsychotic treatment failure. Here we investigated the role of striatal subregions [nucleus accumbens (NAc) and caudate-putamen (CPu)] in the expression of antipsychotic-induced dopamine supersensitivity. We treated rats with haloperidol (HAL) or olanzapine (OLZ), using regimens that achieve clinically relevant kinetics of striatal D2 receptor occupancy. Under these conditions, HAL produces dopamine supersensitivity whereas OLZ does not. We then assessed behaviors evoked by the dopamine agonist amphetamine (AMPH). We either injected AMPH into the striatum or inhibited striatal function with microinjections of GABA receptor agonists prior to injecting AMPH systemically. HAL-treated rats were dopamine supersensitive, as indicated by sensitization to systemic AMPH-induced potentiation of both locomotor activity and operant responding for a conditioned reward (CR). Intra-CPu injections of AMPH had no effect on these behaviors, in any group. Intra-NAc injections of AMPH enhanced operant responding for CR in OLZ-treated and control rats, but not in HAL-treated rats. In HAL-treated rats, inhibition of the NAc also failed to disrupt systemic AMPH-induced potentiation of operant responding for CR. Furthermore, while intra-NAc AMPH enhanced locomotion in both HAL-treated and control animals, inhibition of the NAc disrupted systemic AMPH-induced locomotion only in control rats. Thus, antipsychotic-induced dopamine supersensitivity persistently disrupts NAc function, such that some behaviors that normally depend upon NAc dopamine no longer do so. This has implications for understanding dysfunctions in dopamine-mediated behaviors in patients undergoing chronic antipsychotic treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atypical antipsychotic properties of AD-6048, a primary metabolite of blonanserin.

PubMed

Tatara, Ayaka; Shimizu, Saki; Masui, Atsushi; Tamura, Miyuki; Minamimoto, Shoko; Mizuguchi, Yuto; Ochiai, Midori; Mizobe, Yusuke; Ohno, Yukihiro

2015-11-01

Blonanserin is a new atypical antipsychotic drug that shows high affinities to dopamine D2 and 5-HT2 receptors; however, the mechanisms underlying its atypicality are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the antipsychotic properties of AD-6048, a primary metabolite of blonanserin, to determine if it contributes to the atypicality of blonanserin. Subcutaneous administration of AD-6048 (0.3-1mg/kg) significantly inhibited apomorphine (APO)-induced climbing behavior with an ED50 value of 0.200mg/kg, the potency being 1/3-1/5 times that of haloperidol (HAL). AD-6048 did not cause extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) even at high doses (up to 10mg/kg, s.c.), whereas HAL at doses of 0.1-3mg/kg (s.c.) significantly induced bradykinesia and catalepsy in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the therapeutic index (potency ratios of anti-APO action to that of EPS induction) of AD-6048 was much higher than that of haloperidol, illustrating that AD-6048 per se possesses atypical antipsychotic properties. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of Fos protein expression revealed that both AD-6048 and HAL significantly increased Fos expression in the shell part of the nucleus accumbens and the striatum. However, in contrast to HAL which preferentially enhanced striatal Fos expression, AD-6048 showed a preferential action to the nucleus accumbens. These results indicate that AD-6048 acts as an atypical antipsychotic, which seems to at least partly contribute to the atypicality of blonanserin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heterodimer Autorepression Loop: A Robust and Flexible Pulse-Generating Genetic Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lannoo, B.; Carlon, E.; Lefranc, M.

2016-07-01

We investigate the dynamics of the heterodimer autorepression loop (HAL), a small genetic module in which a protein A acts as an autorepressor and binds to a second protein B to form an A B dimer. For suitable values of the rate constants, the HAL produces pulses of A alternating with pulses of B . By means of analytical and numerical calculations, we show that the duration of A pulses is extremely robust against variation of the rate constants while the duration of the B pulses can be flexibly adjusted. The HAL is thus a minimal genetic module generating robust pulses with a tunable duration, an interesting property for cellular signaling.

Modelling Parsing Constraints with High-Dimensional Context Space.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgess, Curt; Lund, Kevin

1997-01-01

Presents a model of high-dimensional context space, the Hyperspace Analogue to Language (HAL), with a series of simulations modelling human empirical results. Proposes that HAL's context space can be used to provide a basic categorization of semantic and grammatical concepts; model certain aspects of morphological ambiguity in verbs; and provide…

The levels of mutant K-RAS and mutant N-RAS are rapidly reduced in a Beclin1 / ATG5 -dependent fashion by the irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib

PubMed Central

Booth, Laurence; Roberts, Jane L.; Poklepovic, Andrew; Kirkwood, John; Avogadri-Connors, Francesca; Cutler Jr, Richard E.; Lalani, Alshad S.; Dent, Paul

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT The FDA approved irreversible inhibitor of ERBB1/2/4, neratinib, was recently shown to rapidly down-regulate the expression of ERBB1/2/4 as well as the levels of c-MET and mutant K-RAS via autophagic degradation. In the present studies, in a dose-dependent fashion, neratinib reduced the expression levels of mutant K-RAS or of mutant N-RAS, which was augmented in an additive to greater than additive fashion by the HDAC inhibitors sodium valproate and AR42. Neratinib could reduce PDGFRα levels in GBM cells, that was enhanced by sodium valproate. Knock down of Beclin1 or of ATG5 prevented neratinib and neratinib combined with sodium valproate / AR42 from reducing the expression of mutant N-RAS in established PDX and fresh PDX models of ovarian cancer and melanoma, respectively. Neratinib and the drug combinations caused the co-localization of mutant RAS proteins and ERBB2 with Beclin1 and cathepsin B. The drug combination activated the AMP-dependent protein kinase that was causal in enhancing HMG Co A reductase phosphorylation. Collectively, our data reinforce the concept that the irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib has the potential for use in the treatment of tumors expressing mutant RAS proteins. PMID:29219657

The levels of mutant K-RAS and mutant N-RAS are rapidly reduced in a Beclin1 / ATG5 -dependent fashion by the irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib.

PubMed

Booth, Laurence; Roberts, Jane L; Poklepovic, Andrew; Kirkwood, John; Sander, Cindy; Avogadri-Connors, Francesca; Cutler, Richard E; Lalani, Alshad S; Dent, Paul

2018-02-01

The FDA approved irreversible inhibitor of ERBB1/2/4, neratinib, was recently shown to rapidly down-regulate the expression of ERBB1/2/4 as well as the levels of c-MET and mutant K-RAS via autophagic degradation. In the present studies, in a dose-dependent fashion, neratinib reduced the expression levels of mutant K-RAS or of mutant N-RAS, which was augmented in an additive to greater than additive fashion by the HDAC inhibitors sodium valproate and AR42. Neratinib could reduce PDGFRα levels in GBM cells, that was enhanced by sodium valproate. Knock down of Beclin1 or of ATG5 prevented neratinib and neratinib combined with sodium valproate / AR42 from reducing the expression of mutant N-RAS in established PDX and fresh PDX models of ovarian cancer and melanoma, respectively. Neratinib and the drug combinations caused the co-localization of mutant RAS proteins and ERBB2 with Beclin1 and cathepsin B. The drug combination activated the AMP-dependent protein kinase that was causal in enhancing HMG Co A reductase phosphorylation. Collectively, our data reinforce the concept that the irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib has the potential for use in the treatment of tumors expressing mutant RAS proteins.

Spectrophotometric photodynamic detection involving extracorporeal treatment with hexaminolevulinate for bladder cancer cells in voided urine.

PubMed

Nakai, Yasushi; Ozawa, Toshiyuki; Mizuno, Fumiko; Onishi, Sayuri; Owari, Takuya; Hori, Syunta; Morizawa, Yosuke; Tatsumi, Yosihiro; Miyake, Makito; Tanaka, Nobumichi; Tsuruta, Daisuke; Fujimoto, Kiyohide

2017-11-01

To evaluate the feasibility of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) for the photodynamic detection of cancer cells in voided urine. This study included 50 patients with bladder cancer that was confirmed histologically after transurethral resection (bladder cancer group) and 50 outpatients without a history of urothelial carcinoma or cancer-related findings (no malignancy group). One third of the voided urine samples were incubated with aminolevulinic acid (ALA-treated samples), one third were incubated with HAL (HAL-treated samples), and the remaining samples were incubated without treatment (untreated samples). For detecting cellular protoporphyrin IX levels, the intensity of the samples at the excitation wavelength of 405 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer. The difference between the intensity of the ALA-treated or HAL-treated samples and the untreated samples at 635 nm was calculated. HAL-induced fluorescence cytology (HFC) showed that the difference was significantly higher in patients with high-grade tumors than in those with low-grade tumors (p = 0.0003) and the difference was significantly higher in patients with low-grade tumors than in those without a history of urothelial carcinoma or cancer-related findings (p = 0.021). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of ALA-induced fluorescence cytology (AFC) and HFC were 0.77 and 0.81, respectively. The AUC of HFC was significantly higher than that of AFC (p < 0.0001). The overall sensitivity values for conventional cytology, AFC, and HFC were 49, 74, and 74%, respectively. The overall specificity values for AFC and HFC were 70 and 94%, respectively. Spectrophotometric photodynamic detection involving extracorporeal treatment with HAL for bladder cancer cells in voided urine showed high accuracy. This bladder cancer detection method is easy and cost-effective, and has the potential for clinical use.

75 FR 76767 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated: Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-09

... Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to Amendment of the Hybrid Agency Liaison Step-Up Rebate December... Agency Liaison (``HAL'') step-up rebate. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the... provides a rebate to market-makers that ``step-up'' and trade all or part of certain orders on the HAL...

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung without production of α-fetoprotein: A case report and review of the literature

PubMed Central

SUN, JI NING; ZHANG, BAO LONG; LI, LIN KUN; YU, HAI YAN; WANG, BIN

2016-01-01

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung (HAL) is a rare type of extrahepatic hepatoid adenocarcinoma. The majority of such cases that have been reported in the English literature have demonstrated elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and/or positive AFP expression on histopathological analysis, and have had poor prognoses. The current study reports an extremely rare case of HAL in the right upper lung without AFP production in a 59-year-old male patient. The patient underwent radical right upper lobectomy via video assisted thoracoscopic surgery. No signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis have been observed for 23 months after the surgery. The serum AFP level following surgery remained within the normal range. Although the diagnosis of HAL predominantly depends on pathological examination, a review of the literature demonstrates that HAL has certain characteristic features with regard to its clinical and computed tomography findings and prognoses, and clinicians should be aware that clinicians should be aware that monitoring serum AFP levels, as well as CT findings, remains important. PMID:27347123

Development of the functional simulator for the Galileo attitude and articulation control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Namiri, M. K.

1983-01-01

A simulation program for verifying and checking the performance of the Galileo Spacecraft's Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem's (AACS) flight software is discussed. The program, which is called Functional Simulator (FUNSIM), provides a simple method of interfacing user-supplied mathematical models coded in FORTRAN which describes spacecraft dynamics, sensors, and actuators; this is done with the AACS flight software, coded in HAL/S (High-level Advanced Language/Shuttle). It is thus able to simulate the AACS flight software accurately to the HAL/S statement level in the environment of a mainframe computer system. FUNSIM also has a command and data subsystem (CDS) simulator. It is noted that the input/output data and timing are simulated with the same precision as the flight microprocessor. FUNSIM uses a variable stepsize numerical integration algorithm complete with individual error bound control on the state variable to solve the equations of motion. The program has been designed to provide both line printer and matrix dot plotting of the variables requested in the run section and to provide error diagnostics.

A randomized study of hexaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1/2.

PubMed

Hillemanns, Peter; Garcia, Francisco; Petry, Karl Ulrich; Dvorak, Vladimír; Sadovsky, Oliver; Iversen, Ole-Erik; Einstein, Mark H

2015-04-01

The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT), a novel therapy for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1/2, to define the appropriate population and endpoints for a phase 3 program. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study that included a total of 262 women with biopsy-confirmed CIN 1/2 based on local pathology. Patients received 1 or 2 topical treatments of HAL hydrochloride 0.2%, 1%, 5%, and placebo ointment and were evaluated for response after 3-6 months based on biopsy, Papanicolaou test, and oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) test. All efficacy analyses were performed on blinded central histology review to avoid interreader variability. Adverse events, blood biochemistry, and vital signs were assessed after 3 months. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo and either the CIN 1 or combined CIN 1/2 populations. A clear dose effect with a statistically significant response in the HAL 5% group of 95% (18/19 patients) compared to 57% (12/21 patients) in the placebo group (P < .001) was observed at 3 months in women with CIN 2, including an encouraging 83% (5/6 patients) clearance of HPV 16/18 compared to 33% (2/6 patients) in the placebo group at 6 months. The treatment was easy to use and well accepted by patients and gynecologists. Only local self-limiting adverse reactions including discharge, discomfort, and spotting were reported. HAL PDT is a novel therapy that shows promise in the treatment of CIN 2 including clearance of oncogenic HPV, but not of CIN 1. The positive risk/benefit balance makes HAL PDT a tissue-preserving alternative in women of childbearing age who wish to preserve the cervix. Confirmatory studies are planned. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radiology reporting-from Hemingway to HAL?

PubMed

Brady, Adrian P

2018-04-01

The job of the diagnostic radiologist is two-fold: identifying and interpreting the information available from diagnostic imaging studies and communicating that interpretation meaningfully to the referring clinician. However skilled our interpretive abilities, our patients are not well served if we fail to convey our conclusions effectively. Despite the central importance of communication skills to the work of radiologists, trainees rarely receive significant formal training in reporting skills, and much of the training given simply reflects the trainer's personal preferences. Studies have shown a preference among referrers for reports in a structured form, with findings given in a standard manner, followed by a conclusion. The technical competence to incorporate structured report templates into PACS/RIS systems is growing, "...and radiology societies (including the European Society of Radiology (ESR)) are active in producing and validating templates for a wide range of modalities and clinical circumstances. While some radiologists may prefer prose format reports, and much literature has been produced addressing "dos and don'ts" for such prose reports, it seems likely that structured reporting will become the norm in the near future. Benefits will include homogenisation and standardisation of reports, certainty that significant information has not been omitted, and capacity for data-mining of structured reports for research and teaching purposes. • The radiologist's job includes interpretation of imaging studies AND communication. • Traditionally, communication has taken the form of a prose report. • Referrers have been shown to prefer reports in a structured format. • Structured reports have many advantages over traditional prose reports. • It is likely that structured reports represent the future standard.

Harold S. Johnston (1920-2012)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wuebbles, Donald

2013-02-01

One of the most exceptional atmospheric chemists of the twentieth century, Harold "Hal" S. Johnston died on 20 October 2012 at the age of 92. Hal's pioneering work on atmospheric kinetics, both in laboratory and theoretical studies, greatly advanced understanding of the processes affecting ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere, especially related to the chemistry and impacts resulting from nitrogen oxides (NOx ).

Voluntary Ambulation by Upper Limb-Triggered HAL® in Patients with Complete Quadri/Paraplegia Due to Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

PubMed

Shimizu, Yukiyo; Kadone, Hideki; Kubota, Shigeki; Suzuki, Kenji; Abe, Tetsuya; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Soma, Yuichiro; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Hada, Yasushi; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-01-01

Patients with complete paraplegia after spinal cord injury (SCI) are unable to stand or walk on their own. Standing exercise decreases the risk of decubitus ulcers, osteoporosis, and joint deformities in patients with SCI. Conventional gait training for complete paraplegia requires excessive upper limb usage for weight bearing and is difficult in cases of complete quadriplegia. The purpose of this study was to describe voluntary ambulation triggered by upper limb activity using the Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL) in patients with complete quadri/paraplegia after chronic SCI. Four patients (3 men, 1 woman) were enrolled in this study. The mean patient age ± standard deviation was 37.2 ± 17.8 (range, 20-67) years. Clinical evaluation before intervention revealed the following findings: case 1, neurological level C6, American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grade B; case 2, T6, AIS A; case 3, T10 AIS A; and case 4, T11, AIS A. The HAL intervention consisted of 10 sessions. Each HAL session lasted 60-90 min. The HAL electrodes for hip and knee flexion-extension were placed on the anterior and posterior sides of the upper limbs contralaterally corresponding to each of the lower limbs. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to evaluate muscle activity of the tensor fascia lata and quadriceps femoris (Quad) in synchronization with a Vicon motion capture system. The modified Ashworth scale (mAs) score was also evaluated before and after each session. All participants completed all 10 sessions. Cases 1, 2, and 3 demonstrated significant decreases in mAs score after the sessions compared to pre-session measurements. In all cases, EMG before the intervention showed no apparent activation in either Quad. However, gait phase dependent activity of the lower limb muscles was seen during voluntarily triggered ambulation driven by upper limb muscle activities. In cases 3 and 4, active contraction in both Quads was observed after intervention. These findings

Voluntary Ambulation by Upper Limb-Triggered HAL® in Patients with Complete Quadri/Paraplegia Due to Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

PubMed Central

Shimizu, Yukiyo; Kadone, Hideki; Kubota, Shigeki; Suzuki, Kenji; Abe, Tetsuya; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Soma, Yuichiro; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Hada, Yasushi; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-01-01

Patients with complete paraplegia after spinal cord injury (SCI) are unable to stand or walk on their own. Standing exercise decreases the risk of decubitus ulcers, osteoporosis, and joint deformities in patients with SCI. Conventional gait training for complete paraplegia requires excessive upper limb usage for weight bearing and is difficult in cases of complete quadriplegia. The purpose of this study was to describe voluntary ambulation triggered by upper limb activity using the Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL) in patients with complete quadri/paraplegia after chronic SCI. Four patients (3 men, 1 woman) were enrolled in this study. The mean patient age ± standard deviation was 37.2 ± 17.8 (range, 20–67) years. Clinical evaluation before intervention revealed the following findings: case 1, neurological level C6, American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grade B; case 2, T6, AIS A; case 3, T10 AIS A; and case 4, T11, AIS A. The HAL intervention consisted of 10 sessions. Each HAL session lasted 60–90 min. The HAL electrodes for hip and knee flexion-extension were placed on the anterior and posterior sides of the upper limbs contralaterally corresponding to each of the lower limbs. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to evaluate muscle activity of the tensor fascia lata and quadriceps femoris (Quad) in synchronization with a Vicon motion capture system. The modified Ashworth scale (mAs) score was also evaluated before and after each session. All participants completed all 10 sessions. Cases 1, 2, and 3 demonstrated significant decreases in mAs score after the sessions compared to pre-session measurements. In all cases, EMG before the intervention showed no apparent activation in either Quad. However, gait phase dependent activity of the lower limb muscles was seen during voluntarily triggered ambulation driven by upper limb muscle activities. In cases 3 and 4, active contraction in both Quads was observed after intervention. These

The Role of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Technique in the Age of Single-Incision Laparoscopy: An Effective Alternative to Avoid Open Conversion in Colorectal Surgery.

PubMed

Jung, Kyung Uk; Yun, Seong Hyeon; Cho, Yong Beom; Kim, Hee Cheol; Lee, Woo Yong; Chun, Ho-Kyung

2018-04-01

Continuous efforts to reduce the numbers and size of incisions led to the emergence of a new technique, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). It has been rapidly accepted as the preferred surgical approach in the colorectal area. In the age of SILS, what is the role of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS)? We introduce the way to take advantage of it, as an effective alternative to avoid open conversion. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of SILS colectomies performed by a single surgeon in Samsung Medical Center between August 2009 and December 2012. Out of 631 cases of SILS colectomy, 47 cases needed some changes from the initial approach. Among these, five cases were converted to HALS. Four of them were completed successfully without the need for open conversion. One patient with rectosigmoid colon cancer invading bladder was finally opened to avoid vesical trigone injury. The mean operation time of the 4 patients was 265.0 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 587.5 mL. The postoperative complication rate associated with the operation was 25%. Conversion from SILS to HALS in colorectal surgery was feasible and effective. It seemed to add minimal morbidity while preserving advantages of minimally invasive surgery. It could be considered an alternative to open conversion in cases of SILS, especially when the conversion to conventional laparoscopy does not seem to be helpful.

Substance P analogs displace sigma binding differentially in the brain and spinal cord of the adult mouse.

PubMed

Mousseau, D D; Larson, A A

1994-09-01

We have previously observed similarities in the behavioral effects produced by the NH2-terminus of the undecapeptide substance P (SP) and by 1,3-di(2-tolyl)-guanidine (DTG) in the adult mouse. The present series of experiments indicate differences in the rank-order of potency of sigma ligands [DTG; haloperidol (HAL)], SP analogs [SP; SP(1-7); SP(5-11); [D-Pro2, D-Phe7]-SP(1-7) (D-SP(1-7))] and miscellaneous compounds [morphine (MOR), naloxone (NAL)] at competing for [3H]-DTG binding sites in the mouse brain and spinal cord in vitro: Brain; DTG = HAL > SP = MOR = NAL > SP(1-7) > D-SP(1-7) > SP(5-11): Spinal cord; DTG = HAL > SP(1-7) = MOR = NAL > SP > D-SP(1-7) = SP(5-11). The observed difference in the rank-order potencies of the displacing ligands at these same binding sites supports the notion of two distinct populations of sigma binding sites in these tissues in the adult mouse. Given the low (micromolar) potency of SP analogs at displacing [3H]-DTG binding in the present series of experiments, it is unlikely that the similar behavioral effects we have previously observed elicited by SP(1-7) and DTG in the adult mouse are a result of a direct action of SP(1-7) at the sigma binding site.

33. View of footbridge near visitor's center, looking from the ...

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

33. View of footbridge near visitor's center, looking from the northeast (duplicate of HALS no. LA-1-4 (CT)) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Physico-chemical characteristics and protein adsorption potential of hydroxyapatite particles: influence on in vitro biocompatibility of ceramics after sintering.

PubMed

Rouahi, M; Champion, E; Gallet, O; Jada, A; Anselme, K

2006-01-15

Through the example of two HA ceramics prepared from two HA powders (HAD and HAL), we explored the relation between the physico-chemical qualities of the initial HA powder and the final HA ceramic and their influence on the protein adsorption and cell response to the final HA ceramics. The powders were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, zeta potential, and specific surface area (SSA). Their protein adsorption potential was tested after immersion in culture medium +15% of fetal calf serum. These results were correlated with the protein adsorption potential of the two ceramics (cHAD and cHAL) prepared from the HAD and HAL powders respectively and to the cell attachment after 4, 24 and 72 h on the ceramics. From our results, it appears that a relation can be established between the physico-chemical characteristics of the initial HA powders and the final biological response to the sintered ceramics prepared from these powders. An inverse relation exists between the SSA and the protein adsorption capacity of HA powders and the protein adsorption and cell attachment on HA ceramics. This inverse relation is related to phenomenon occurring during the sintering phase and the formation of inter-granular micro-porosity.

Selective Matrix (Hyaluronan) Interaction with CD44 and RhoGTPase Signaling Promotes Keratinocyte Functions and Overcomes Age-related Epidermal Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Bourguignon, Lilly Y.W.; Wong, Gabriel; Xia, Weiliang; Man, Mao-Qiang; Holleran, Walter M.; Elias, Peter M.

2013-01-01

Background Mouse epidermal chronologic aging is closely associated with aberrant matrix (hyaluronan, HA) -size distribution/production and impaired keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation, leading to a marked thinning of the epidermis with functional consequence that causes a slower recovery of permeability barrier function. Objective The goal of this study is to demonstrate mechanism-based, corrective therapeutic strategies using topical applications of small HA (HAS) and/or large HA (HAL) [or a sequential small HA (HAS) and large HA(HAL) (HAs-»HAL) treatment] as well as RhoGTPase signaling perturbation agents to regulate HA/CD44-mediated signaling, thereby restoring normal epidermal function, and permeability barrier homeostasis in aged mouse skin. Methods A number of biochemical, cell biological/molecular, pharmacological and physiological approaches were used to investigate matrix HA-CD44-mediated RhoGTPase signaling in regulating epidermal functions and skin aging. Results In this study we demonstrated that topical application of small HA (HAS) promotes keratinocyte proliferation and increases skin thickness, while it fails to upregulate keratinocyte differentiation or permeability barrier repair in aged mouse skin. In contrast, large HA (HAL) induces only minimal changes in keratinocyte proliferation and skin thickness, but restores keratinocyte differentiation and improves permeability barrier function in aged epidermis. Since neither HAS nor HAL corrects these epidermal defects in aged CD44 knock-out mice, CD44 likely mediates HA-associated epidermal functions in aged mouse skin. Finally, blockade of Rho-kinase activity with Y27632 or protein kinase-Nγ activity with Ro31-8220 significantly decreased the HA (HAS or HAL)-mediated changes in epidermal function in aged mouse skin. Conclusion The results of our study show first that HA application of different sizes regulates epidermal proliferation, differentiation and barrier function in aged mouse skin

Salt tolerance and methionine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involve a putative phosphatase gene.

PubMed Central

Gläser, H U; Thomas, D; Gaxiola, R; Montrichard, F; Surdin-Kerjan, Y; Serrano, R

1993-01-01

The progressive salinization of irrigated land poses a threat to the future of agriculture in arid regions. The identification of crucial metabolic steps in salt tolerance is important for the understanding of stress physiology and may provide the tools for its genetic engineering. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae we have isolated a gene, HAL2, which upon increase in gene dosage improves growth under NaCl and LiCl stresses. The HAL2 protein is homologous to inositol phosphatases, enzymes known to be inhibited by lithium salts. Complementation analysis demonstrated that HAL2 is identical to MET22, a gene involved in methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, methionine supplementation improves the tolerance of yeast to NaCl and LiCl. These results demonstrate an unsuspected interplay between methionine biosynthesis and salt tolerance. Images PMID:8393782

Recent development in lattice QCD studies for three-nucleon forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doi, Takumi; HAL QCD Collaboration

2014-09-01

The direct determination of nuclear forces from QCD has been one of the most desirable challenges in nuclear physics. Recently, a first-principles lattice QCD determination is becoming possible by a novel theoretical method, HAL QCD method, in which Nambu-Bethe-Salpeter (NBS) wave functions are utilized. In this talk, I will focus on the study of three-nucleon forces in HAL QCD method by presenting the recent theoretical/numerical development.

Arabidopsis genomes uncoupled 5 (GUN5) mutant reveals the involvement of Mg-chelatase H subunit in plastid-to-nucleus signal transduction

PubMed Central

Mochizuki, Nobuyoshi; Brusslan, Judy A.; Larkin, Robert; Nagatani, Akira; Chory, Joanne

2001-01-01

A plastid-derived signal plays an important role in the coordinated expression of both nuclear- and chloroplast-localized genes that encode photosynthesis-related proteins. Arabidopsis GUN (genomes uncoupled) loci have been identified as components of plastid-to-nucleus signal transduction. Unlike wild-type plants, gun mutants have nuclear Lhcb1 expression in the absence of chloroplast development. We observed a synergistic phenotype in some gun double-mutant combinations, suggesting there are at least two independent pathways in plastid-to-nucleus signal transduction. There is a reduction of chlorophyll accumulation in gun4 and gun5 mutant plants, and a gun4gun5 double mutant shows an albino phenotype. We cloned the GUN5 gene, which encodes the ChlH subunit of Mg-chelatase. We also show that gun2 and gun3 are alleles of the known photomorphogenic mutants, hy1 and hy2, which are required for phytochromobilin synthesis from heme. These findings suggest that certain perturbations of the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway generate a signal from chloroplasts that causes transcriptional repression of nuclear genes encoding plastid-localized proteins. The comparison of mutant phenotypes of gun5 and another Mg-chelatase subunit (ChlI) mutant suggests a specific function for ChlH protein in the plastid-signaling pathway. PMID:11172074

Formation of regulated and unregulated disinfection byproducts during chlorination of algal organic matter extracted from freshwater and marine algae.

PubMed

Liu, Chao; Ersan, Mahmut S; Plewa, Michael J; Amy, Gary; Karanfil, Tanju

2018-05-29

Seasonal algal blooms in freshwater and marine water can increase the input of algal organic matter (AOM) to the pool of dissolved organic matter. The impact of bromide (Br - ) and iodide (I - ) on the formation of regulated and unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) was studied from chlorination of AOM solutions extracted from three species of cultured isolates of freshwater and marine algae (Microcystis aeruginosa (MA), Synechococcus (SYN), and Alexandrium tamarense (AT)). Comparable concentrations of DBPs were formed from three types of AOM. In the absence of Br - , trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and haloacetaldehydes (HALs) were the main groups of DBP formed, and haloacetonitriles (HANs) were formed at lower concentrations. In contrast, the formation of iodinated THMs was <8 nM (1.7 μg/L) since most of initial I - was oxidized to iodate. Increasing initial Br - concentrations increased the formation of THMs and HANs, while concentrations of total organic halogen and HAA remained stable. On the contrary, total HAL concentrations decreased due to the instability of bromated HALs. Decreasing the specific UV absorbance (SUVA) value of AOM favours bromine substitution since bromine more preferentially reacts with low reactivity organic matter than chlorine. Increasing the pH enhanced the formation of THMs but decreased the formation of HANs. Concentrations of HANs and HALs decreased at high pH (e.g., 9.0), high initial chlorine concentration and long reaction time due to the decomposition. Based on the cytotoxicity calculations, unregulated HANs and HALs were the main contributors for the total toxicity of DBPs measured, even though based on the weight regulated THMs and HAAs predominated. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulation of 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor channel gating dynamics by mutant presenilin in Alzheimer's disease cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Fang; Li, Xiang; Cai, Meichun; Liu, Yanping; Jung, Peter; Shuai, Jianwei

2017-06-01

In neurons of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration is increased by its release from the endoplasmic reticulum via the inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R). In this paper, we discuss the IP3R gating dynamics in familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) cells induced with presenilin mutation PS1. By fitting the parameters of an IP3R channel model to experimental data of the open probability, the mean open time and the mean closed time of IP3R channels, in control cells and FAD mutant cells, we suggest that the interaction of presenilin mutation PS1 with IP3R channels leads the decrease in the unbinding rates of IP3 and the activating Ca2+ from IP3Rs. As a result, the increased affinities of IP3 and activating Ca2+ for IP3R channels induce the increase in the Ca2+ signal in FAD mutant cells. Specifically, the PS1 mutation decreases the IP3 dissociation rate of IP3R channels significantly in FAD mutant cells. Our results suggest possible novel targets for FAD therapeutic intervention.

A Single Center, Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blinded, Split-Face Trial Using Microinjections of Transparent Hyaluronic Acid Gel for Cheek Rejuvenation.

PubMed

Jones, Isabela T; Vanaman Wilson, Monique J; Bolton, Joanna; Zaleski-Larsen, Lisa; Wu, Douglas C; Goldman, Mitchel P

2018-06-01

"Skin boosting" with injections of hyaluronic acid has been demonstrated to improve aged skin. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of small-particle hyaluronic acid with lidocaine (SP-HAL) microaliquots for the correction of fine lines of the cheeks. Twenty subjects with mild to moderate static mid to lower cheek rhytides were enrolled. The right or left cheek was randomized to receive 1 mL of SP-HAL using a microdroplet technique, with the contralateral cheek treated with sham injection of sterile normal saline. The degree of cheek wrinkling and elastosis based on the Fitzpatrick-Goldman Wrinkle and Elastosis Scale was assessed at baseline and 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days after treatment. Subjects rated their satisfaction at days 90 and 180. Fourteen patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant improvements in wrinkling or elastosis of the SP-HAL-treated cheek or control cheek at any time point. In addition, there were no significant differences in wrinkling, elastosis, or patient satisfaction between the treatment cheek and control cheek. One treatment of intradermal microdroplet injections of SP-HAL to the mid to lower cheek failed to show superiority over normal saline in improving clinical signs of skin wrinkling and elastosis.

SMI Compatible Simulation Scheduler Design for Reuse of Model Complying with Smp Standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Cheol-Hea; Lee, Hoon-Hee; Cheon, Yee-Jin

2010-12-01

Software reusability is one of key factors which impacts cost and schedule on a software development project. It is very crucial also in satellite simulator development since there are many commercial simulator models related to satellite and dynamics. If these models can be used in another simulator platform, great deal of confidence and cost/schedule reduction would be achieved. Simulation model portability (SMP) is maintained by European Space Agency and many models compatible with SMP/simulation model interface (SMI) are available. Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is developing hardware abstraction layer (HAL) supported satellite simulator to verify on-board software of satellite. From above reasons, KARI wants to port these SMI compatible models to the HAL supported satellite simulator. To port these SMI compatible models to the HAL supported satellite simulator, simulation scheduler is preliminary designed according to the SMI standard.

The cellular Mre11 protein interferes with adenovirus E4 mutant DNA replication.

PubMed

Mathew, Shomita S; Bridge, Eileen

2007-09-01

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) relocalizes and degrades the host DNA repair protein Mre11, and efficiently initiates viral DNA replication. Mre11 associates with Ad E4 mutant DNA replication centers and is important for concatenating viral genomes. We have investigated the role of Mre11 in the E4 mutant DNA replication defect. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Mre11 dramatically rescues E4 mutant DNA replication in cells that do or do not concatenate viral genomes, suggesting that Mre11 inhibits DNA replication independent of genome concatenation. The mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (Mdc1) protein is involved in recruiting and sustaining Mre11 at sites of DNA damage following ionizing radiation. We observe foci formation by Mdc1 in response to viral infection, indicating that this damage response protein is activated. However, knockdown of Mdc1 does not prevent Mre11 from localizing at viral DNA replication foci or rescue E4 mutant DNA replication. Our results are consistent with a model in which Mre11 interferes with DNA replication when it is localized at viral DNA replication foci.

Influence of halogenides on luminescence from silver molecular clusters in photothermorefractive glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubrovin, V. D.; Ignat'ev, A. I.; Nikonorov, N. V.; Sidorov, A. I.

2014-05-01

It is shown experimentally that a rise in the sodium halogenide (NaCl, NaBr) concentration in photothermorefractive glasses increases the intensity of luminescence from silver neutral molecular clusters. Substitution of NaBr for NaCl with their concentration being the same shifts the luminescence band toward longer waves and raises its intensity. These findings can be explained by the formation of molecular clusters of type Ag n -Hal (Hal = Cl, Br) in photothermorefractive glass.

Cluster Quantum Chemical Study of the Grignard Reagent Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tulub, A. V.; Porsev, V. V.

The main stages of the Grignard reagent formation are described in a framework of quantum chemical cluster model. We have established two kinds of the adsorption of CH3Hal on Mgn clusters, one of which leads to radical formation and the second is responsible for radical free dissociate adsorption. The charge redistribution in cluster CH3MgnHal result to the strong electrostatic interaction with ether and Grignard reagent formation without any activation barrier.

A novel hand-assisted laparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for right colon cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Yang, Xuyang; Wu, Qingbin; Jin, Chengwu; He, Wanbin; Wang, Meng; Yang, Tinghan; Wei, Mingtian; Deng, Xiangbing; Meng, Wenjian; Wang, Ziqiang

2017-07-26

Although conventional laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is widely used today, there remain many technical challenges especially for right colon cancer in obese patients. Herein, we develop a novel hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) with complete mesocolic excision (CME), D3 lymphadenectomy, and a total "no-touch" isolation technique (HALS-CME) in right hemicolectomy to overcome these issues. According to previous clinic practice, this novel procedure is not only feasible and safe but has several technical merits. However, the feasibility, short-term minimally invasive virtues, long-term oncological superiority, and potential total "no-touch" isolation technique benefits of HALS-CME should be confirmed by a prospective randomized controlled trial. This is a single-center, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the HALS-CME group or to the laparoscopic surgery with CME, D3 lymphadenectomy, and total "no-touch" isolation technique (LAP-CME) group, or to conventional laparoscopic surgery with CME and D3 lymphadenectomy (cLAP) group at a 1:1:1 ratio using a centralized randomization list. Primary endpoints include safety, efficacy, and being oncologically clear, and 3-year disease-free, progression-free, and overall survival. Second endpoints include operative outcomes (operation time, blood loss, and incision length), pathologic evaluation (grading the plane of surgery, length of proximal and distal resection margins, distance between the tumor and the central arterial high tie, distance between the nearest bowel wall and the same high tie, area of mesentery resected, width of the chain of lymph-adipose tissue, length of the central lymph-adipose chain, number of harvested lymph nodes), and postoperative outcomes (pain intensity, postoperative inflammatory and immune responses, postoperative recovery). This trial will provide valuable clinical evidence

Human-Induced Landscape Changes Homogenize Atlantic Forest Bird Assemblages through Nested Species Loss

PubMed Central

Villegas Vallejos, Marcelo Alejandro; Padial, André Andrian; Vitule, Jean Ricardo Simões

2016-01-01

The increasing number of quantitative assessments of homogenization using citizen science data is particularly important in the Neotropics, given its high biodiversity and ecological peculiarity, and whose communities may react differently to landscape changes. We looked for evidence of taxonomic homogenization in terrestrial birds by investigating patterns of beta diversity along a gradient of human-altered landscapes (HAL), trying to identify species associated with this process. We analyzed bird data from 87 sites sampled in a citizen science program in the south Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Regional-scale taxonomic homogenization was assessed by comparing beta diversity among sites in different HALs (natural, rural or urban landscapes) accounting for variation derived from geographical distance and zoogeographical affinities by georeferencing sites and determining their position in a phytogeographical domain. Beta diversity was calculated by multivariate dispersion and by testing compositional changes due to turnover and nestedness among HALs and phytogeographical domains. Finally, we assessed which species were typical for each group using indicator species analysis. Bird homogenization was indicated by decreases in beta diversity following landscape changes. Beta diversity of rural sites was roughly half that of natural habitats, while urban sites held less than 10% of the natural areas’ beta diversity. Species composition analysis revealed that the turnover component was important in differentiating sites depending on HAL and phytogeography; the nestedness component was important among HALs, where directional species loss is maintained even considering effects of sampling effort. A similar result was obtained among phytogeographical domains, indicating nested-pattern dissimilarity among compositions of overlapping communities. As expected, a few native generalists and non-native urban specialists were characteristic of rural and urban sites. We generated

Hal in the Classroom: Science Fiction Films.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amelio, Ralph J.

The articles in this book provide political, social, sociological, psychological, sexual, mythical, literary, and filmic approaches to the study of science fiction film. "Journey into Science Fiction" by W. Johnson and "The Imagination of Disaster" by S. Sontag treat broadly the essentials of science fiction films. "For the Future: The Science…

Analysis, Occurrence and Toxicity of Haloacetaldehydes in ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Chlorinated and brominated haloacetaldehydes (HALs) are consideredthe 3rd largest class of disinfection by-products (DBPs) by weight. The iodinatedHAL, iodoacetaldehyde, has been recently reported as an emerging DBP infinished drinking waters. Overall, iodinated DBPs, e.g., iodoacetic acids,iodoacetamides, and iodonitriles, are among the most genotoxic of all DBPsidentified. In this context, this chapter reviews the analytical methods available todate to determine HALs in water, and the concentrations at which they are presentin finished drinking waters. Since systematic toxicological effects have been onlyinvestigated for selected chloro- and bromo- HALs, a comparative study of thegenotoxicity and cytotoxicity of this DBP class to mammalian ce11s is alsopresented. This research is part of the Safe and Sustainable Water Research (SSWR) Program, specifically SSWR 2.2.D, which focuses on water contaminants. Haloacetaldehydes are an important class of emerging (non-regulated), disinfection byproducts. Haloacetaldehydes were the third largest disinfection byproduct class by weight in a U.S. Nationwide DBP Occurrence Study. Why was this study done? This study was done because a) improved analytical methods are needed for the haloacetaldehyde disinfection byproducts; b) occurrence data in drinking water are needed; and c) in vitro toxicology data on the class (iodo-, bromo, chloro-) of the haloacetaldehydes are lacking. What is the impact to the scientific field in ge

Automated Operations Development for Advanced Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddock, Angie T.; Stetson, Howard

2012-01-01

Automated space operations command and control software development and its implementation must be an integral part of the vehicle design effort. The software design must encompass autonomous fault detection, isolation, recovery capabilities and also provide "single button" intelligent functions for the crew. Development, operations and safety approval experience with the Timeliner system onboard the International Space Station (ISS), which provided autonomous monitoring with response and single command functionality of payload systems, can be built upon for future automated operations as the ISS Payload effort was the first and only autonomous command and control system to be in continuous execution (6 years), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within a crewed spacecraft environment. Utilizing proven capabilities from the ISS Higher Active Logic (HAL) System, along with the execution component design from within the HAL 9000 Space Operating System, this design paper will detail the initial HAL System software architecture and interfaces as applied to NASA's Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in support of the Advanced Exploration Systems, Autonomous Mission Operations project. The development and implementation of integrated simulators within this development effort will also be detailed and is the first step in verifying the HAL 9000 Integrated Test-Bed Component [2] designs effectiveness. This design paper will conclude with a summary of the current development status and future development goals as it pertains to automated command and control for the HDU.

In vitro study on methemoglobin formation in erythrocytes following hexyl-aminolevulinate induced photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, Eivind L. P.; Randeberg, Lise L.; Gederaas, Odrun A.; Krokan, Hans E.; Hjelme, Dag R.; Svaasand, Lars O.

2007-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality which has been shown to be effective for both malignant and non-malignant diseases. New photosensitizers such as hexyl-aminolevulinate (HAL) may increase the efficiency of PDT. HAL penetrates into the cell where the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is produced endogenously. In a previous study on HAL based PDT treatment of rat bladder cancer (AY-27 transitional cell carcinoma), a depression of the optical reflectance spectra after treatment was observed in some of the animals. This depression of the spectra was caused by metHemoglobin (metHb). MetHb is an indication of oxidative stress, and can be formed as a result of for instance UV-radiation and heating of blood. The aim of this study was to identify if metHb can be formed in vitro as a result of oxidative stress caused by singlet oxygen and ROS produced during PDT. Methemoglobin formed during PDT might thus be used as an indirect measure of the photochemical processes. This may help predict the PDT treatment outcome. Red blood cells mixed with AY-27 cells exposed to HAL, or PPIX received light treatment, and the changes in the absorption spectra were measured spectrophotometrically. The methemoglobin absorbance spectrum was also studied, and found to be strongly dependant on pH. Hemolysis of erythrocytes by PDT was found, however no metHb was formed in vitro.

Dynamic 3D scanning as a markerless method to calculate multi-segment foot kinematics during stance phase: methodology and first application.

PubMed

Van den Herrewegen, Inge; Cuppens, Kris; Broeckx, Mario; Barisch-Fritz, Bettina; Vander Sloten, Jos; Leardini, Alberto; Peeraer, Louis

2014-08-22

Multi-segmental foot kinematics have been analyzed by means of optical marker-sets or by means of inertial sensors, but never by markerless dynamic 3D scanning (D3DScanning). The use of D3DScans implies a radically different approach for the construction of the multi-segment foot model: the foot anatomy is identified via the surface shape instead of distinct landmark points. We propose a 4-segment foot model consisting of the shank (Sha), calcaneus (Cal), metatarsus (Met) and hallux (Hal). These segments are manually selected on a static scan. To track the segments in the dynamic scan, the segments of the static scan are matched on each frame of the dynamic scan using the iterative closest point (ICP) fitting algorithm. Joint rotations are calculated between Sha-Cal, Cal-Met, and Met-Hal. Due to the lower quality scans at heel strike and toe off, the first and last 10% of the stance phase is excluded. The application of the method to 5 healthy subjects, 6 trials each, shows a good repeatability (intra-subject standard deviations between 1° and 2.5°) for Sha-Cal and Cal-Met joints, and inferior results for the Met-Hal joint (>3°). The repeatability seems to be subject-dependent. For the validation, a qualitative comparison with joint kinematics from a corresponding established marker-based multi-segment foot model is made. This shows very consistent patterns of rotation. The ease of subject preparation and also the effective and easy to interpret visual output, make the present technique very attractive for functional analysis of the foot, enhancing usability in clinical practice. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

I&W (Indications and Warning) Data Base Management Systems Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

34 NUMBER ALPHA ACTOR NUMBER ALPHA ACTOR 1 7 MAC Macao N10 TAZ Tanzania5 AG Malagasy 00 TAI Thailand 5 MAW Malawi 461 TOG Togo 2 HAL Malaysia 052 TRI...independence ’ 040 Berlin conflict 050 Sino-Soviet conflicts S0 Indonesia- Malaysia disputes 00 India-China conflicts USA-China conflicts " 090 India...41, ..4- Table 13-6 Test Series Summary Descriptions (page 5 of 19) 13-8f . .. "*- I&W DBMS ANALYSIS TEST DESCRIPTION . Test ID: F6 ScenariG ____No

Against the odds: what to expect in rehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injury with a neurologically controlled Hybrid Assistive Limb exoskeleton. A subgroup analysis of 55 patients according to age and lesion level.

PubMed

Grasmücke, Dennis; Zieriacks, Amrei; Jansen, Oliver; Fisahn, Christian; Sczesny-Kaiser, Matthias; Wessling, Martin; Meindl, Renate C; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Aach, Mirko

2017-05-01

Objective Age and lesion level are believed to represent outcome predictors in rehabilitation of patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton enables patients to perform a voluntary controlled gait pattern via an electromyography-triggered neuromuscular feedback system, and has been introduced as a temporary gait training tool in patients with SCI. The aim of this prospective pre- and postintervention study was to examine functional outcomes as a function of age and lesion level in patients with chronic incomplete SCI (iSCI) or chronic complete SCI (cSCI) with zones of partial preservation (ZPP) by using the HAL as a temporary training tool. Methods Fifty-five participants with chronic iSCI or cSCI (mean time since injury 6.85 ± 5.12 years) were classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) and divided by age (< 50 or ≥ 50 years), independent of lesion level, and also into 4 homogeneous groups according to lesion level. The subgroups were as follows: Subgroup 1, tetraplegic iSCI (n = 13) (C2-8, AIS C [n = 8] and AIS D [n = 5]); Subgroup 2, paraplegic iSCI with spastic motor behavior (n = 15) (T2-12, AIS C [n = 8] and AIS D [n = 7]); Subgroup 3, paraplegic cSCI with complete motor paraplegia and absence of spastic motor behavior (n = 18) (T11-L4 [AIS A], and ZPP from L-3 to S-1); and Subgroup 4, paraplegic iSCI with absence of spastic motor behavior (n = 9) (T12-L3, AIS C [n = 8] and AIS D [n = 1]). The training paradigm consisted of 12 weeks of HAL-assisted treadmill training (5 times/week). Baseline status was documented prior to intervention by using the AIS grade, Walking Index for SCI II (WISCI II) score, the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the 6-minute walk test (6MinWT). Training effects were assessed after 6 and 12 weeks of therapy, without HAL assistance. Results Overall, a time reduction of 47% in the 10MWT, self-selected speed (10MWTsss) (< 50 years = 56% vs �

Feasibility of haloperidol-anchored albumin nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin as dry powder inhaler for pulmonary delivery.

PubMed

Varshosaz, Jaleh; Hassanzadeh, Farshid; Mardani, Amin; Rostami, Mahboubeh

2015-03-01

Haloperidol (Hal) is a ligand that can target sigma 2 receptors over-expressed in non-small cell lung cancer. Hal targeted nanoparticles of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared for pulmonary delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). The conjugation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopic methods. Nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation method from BSA-Hal and were loaded with DOX. They were characterized for their morphology, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading and release efficiency. The optimized nanoparticles were spray-dried using trehalose, l-leucin and mannitol as dry powder inhaler (DPI) in different inlet temperatures between 80 and 120°C. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized for their aerodynamic diameter, specific surface area (cm(2)/g) and fine particle fraction (FPF) by a Cascade Impactor device. The optimized nanoparticles showed particle size of 218 nm, zeta potential of -25.4 mV, drug entrapment efficiency of 89% and release efficiency of 56% until 2 h. After spray drying of these nanoparticles, the best results were obtained from mannitol with an inlet temperature of 80°C which produced a mean aerodynamic diameter of 4.58 μm, FPF of 66% and specific surface area of 6302.99 cm(2)/g. The obtained results suggest that the designed DPI could be a suitable inhaler for targeted delivery of DOX in pulmonary delivery.

Estudio comparativo de las moléculas isovalentes de interés atmosférico CF3Cl y CF3Br y sus correspondientes halógenos aislados Cl y Br.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayor, E.; Velasco, A. M.; Martín, I.; Lavín, C.

Los estados Rydberg moleculares han suscitado en los últimos años un creciente interés entre los espectroscopistas experimentales, motivado en parte por el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas espectroscópicas capaces de investigar estos estados altamente excitados electrónicamente. Los procesos de fotoabsorción que implican estados Rydberg en los derivados halogenados del metano son de gran importancia, debido a su abundancia en la atmósfera y a sus implicaciones medioambientales. Por ello, la obtención de datos relativos a sus fuerzas de oscilador es de gran interés. En este trabajo se aborda el estudio de dichas propiedades para las moléculas isovalentes CF3Cl y CF3Br. Ambas moléculas presentan idéntica estructura electrónica para el estado fundamental por lo que se espera que sus espectros Rydberg presenten grandes similitudes, en ausencia de perturbaciones. Por ello y dada la escasez de datos relativos a fuerzas de oscilador, hemos establecido la corrección de nuestros resultados en base a las analogías esperadas en las intensidades espectrales correspondientes a transiciones análogas. Por otro lado, Novak y col. [1] han encontrado experimentalmente un marcado carácter atómico en el espectro correspondiente a estas moléculas, siendo muy similar a los de los átomos de Cl y Br. Por ello en el presente trabajo, además de establecer la comparación entre ambas moléculas hemos buscado las similitudes con sus respectivos halógenos. Los cálculos relativos a las especies moleculares se han realizado utilizando la Metodología Molécular de Orbítales de Defecto Cuántico (MQDO) [2], mientras que para el estudio de los átomos de Cl y Br se empleó la versión relativista del método (RQDO) [3].

Observed Differences between Males and Females in Surgically Treated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Non-manual Workers: A Sensitivity Analysis of Findings from a Large Population Study

PubMed Central

Farioli, Andrea; Curti, Stefania; Bonfiglioli, Roberta; Baldasseroni, Alberto; Spatari, Giovanna; Mattioli, Stefano; Violante, Francesco Saverio

2018-01-01

Abstract Objectives We aimed at assessing whether differences among males and females in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) epidemiology might be attributable to segregation with respect to occupational biomechanical exposures or differential access to care by sex. Methods We analysed surgically treated cases of CTS occurring among non-manual workers in Tuscany between 1997 and 2000. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the difference in occupational biomechanical exposures between males and females necessary to explain the observed incidence rate ratios. We also accounted for the sex-specific probability of receiving surgery after the diagnosis of CTS, as women were reported to be more likely to undergo surgery in a subset of our study population. We quantified the hypothetical biomechanical overload through the hand activity level (HAL) metric proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. To quantify the effect of HAL on CTS risk, we assumed a prior distribution based on findings from two large cohort studies of industrial workers. Results After adjustment for the probability of receiving surgery, women showed a 4-fold incidence of CTS as compared with men. To explain this association among non-manual workers, women should have an average value of HAL at least 5 points higher. Conclusions Our analysis does not support the hypothesis that the difference in CTS incidence between males and females is entirely attributable to occupational risk factors or to differential access to surgery. The causal pathway between sex and CTS might include more determinants such as hormonal factors, anthropometric characteristics, and non-occupational exposure to biomechanical overload (e.g. household tasks). PMID:29579135

A new photostabilizer: Hydrogenated benzoin derivatives

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

Yamaguchi, K.; Ohkatsu, Y.

1993-12-31

It is found that synergistic effects based on combined use of HALS (hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) with phenolic antioxidants consist of the action of HALS as hydrogen donor to quinones, derived from the phenol in autoxidation, excited by uv light. The finding has been realized as a new photostabilizer of hydrogenated benzoin derivatives. They are generally characterized by multifunctions. The o,o`-dihydroxyl-substituted derivatives inter alia extend the life of a phenolic antioxidant co-used, as hydrogen donor, as well as ultimately act as uv absorber.

Review of Peer Evaluation Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-10-01

leadership evaluations compared with forced distribution ratings. It neems that when an evaluator is faced with the task of evaluat- ing several...Or of Sal, Pt itugaltues, AIIM, A71SI1-CT-0 I USAIN SWgne Oil , 111 Gerdu, Al-M: AYIIOA I USA InlifieOe Car 1118, Pt HMuahoss, ATW4, 045450 I USA...ATTN: it Mof coleses.l5~ecWttI C44100a 4 Oil Poerch, Armyv No, flemel Ofo., CenlserreI 1100411tic 4dm,, Mil Eld, Amin Hal, Nussel Ofet, Cmuer& I Metol

Proceedings of the Tenth Annual National Conference on Ada Technology. Held in Arlington, VA, on February 24-28, 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 1, January 1983 be translated from HAL’S. 4. Klumpp, Allan R., An Ada Linear Algebra Software development costs for using the...a linear algebra approach to As noted above, the concept of the problem and address the problem of unitdimensional analysis extends beyond problems...you will join us again next year. The 11th Annual Conference on Ada Technology (1993) will be held here at the Hyatt Regency - Crystal City

Elective living donor liver transplantation by hybrid hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery and short upper midline laparotomy.

PubMed

Eguchi, Susumu; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Soyama, Akihiko; Hidaka, Masaaki; Tomonaga, Tetsuo; Muraoka, Izumi; Kanematsu, Takashi

2011-11-01

Although the technique of liver transplantation is well developed, the invasiveness of the operation can be decreased with laparoscopic procedures. We performed elective living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) through a short midline incision combined with hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Nine selected patients with end stage liver disease underwent the procedure between July, 2010 and February, 2011 (median age 60, median Child-Pugh 9, median MELD score 14). Splenectomy was performed simultaneously in 7 cases. The liver (and spleen) were mobilized by a sealing device under a HALS procedure with an 8-cm upper midline incision, followed by explantation of the diseased liver (and spleen) through the upper midline incision which was extended to 12 to 15 cm. Partial liver grafts were implanted through the upper midline incision. The median duration of the operation was 741 minutes, the median time needed for anastomosis was 48 minutes, the median blood loss was 3,940 g, and the median liver weight was 866 g. Eight recipients are alive and have good graft function. A difficult implantation for one patient required an additional right transverse incision. When compared with 13 recent liver recipients who underwent LDLT with a regular Mercedes-Benz-type incision, no clinically relevant drawbacks of the HALS hybrid procedure were observed. We have shown the feasibility and safety of LDLT performed through a short midline incision without abdominal muscle disruption with the aid of HALS. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Compositional and functional features of humic acid-like fractions from vermicomposting of sewage sludge and cow dung.

PubMed

Li, Xiaowei; Xing, Meiyan; Yang, Jian; Huang, Zhidong

2011-01-30

The chemical changes occurring in five different substrates of sewage sludge spiked with different proportions of cow dung after vermicomposting with Eisenia foetida for 90 days were investigated. Their humic acid-like (HAL) fractions were isolated to determine the elemental and functional composition, and structural and functional characteristics using ultraviolet/visible, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy. After vermicomposting, the total organic C and C/N ratio decreased, and the total extractable C and humic acid (HA) C increased in all substrates. In the HAL fractions, the C and H contents, C/N and C/O and aliphatic structures, proteinaceous components and carbohydrates decreased, while the O and N and acidic functional group contents and C/H ratio, aromaticity and polycondensation structures increased. Further, the results suggest that the addition of cow dung to sewage sludge could improve the quality of organic matter humification of the substrates. The structures of HAL fractions in vermicomposts resembled those typical of soil HA, especially the vermicompost of cow dung alone. Scanning electron microscopy showed the microstructure of HAL fraction in final product became close-grained and lumpy. Overall results indicate that vermicomposting was an efficient technology for promoting organic matter (OM) humification in sewage sludge and cow dung alone, as well as in mixtures of both materials, improving their quality and environmental safety as a soil OM resource for utilization as soil amendments. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated Operations Development for Advanced Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddock, Angie; Stetson, Howard K.

2012-01-01

Automated space operations command and control software development and its implementation must be an integral part of the vehicle design effort. The software design must encompass autonomous fault detection, isolation, recovery capabilities and also provide single button intelligent functions for the crew. Development, operations and safety approval experience with the Timeliner system on-board the International Space Station (ISS), which provided autonomous monitoring with response and single command functionality of payload systems, can be built upon for future automated operations as the ISS Payload effort was the first and only autonomous command and control system to be in continuous execution (6 years), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within a crewed spacecraft environment. Utilizing proven capabilities from the ISS Higher Active Logic (HAL) System [1] , along with the execution component design from within the HAL 9000 Space Operating System [2] , this design paper will detail the initial HAL System software architecture and interfaces as applied to NASA s Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in support of the Advanced Exploration Systems, Autonomous Mission Operations project. The development and implementation of integrated simulators within this development effort will also be detailed and is the first step in verifying the HAL 9000 Integrated Test-Bed Component [2] designs effectiveness. This design paper will conclude with a summary of the current development status and future development goals as it pertains to automated command and control for the HDU.

77 FR 64992 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Reissuances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-24

... Logistics, Inc. Address: 9122 Telephone Road, Houston, TX 77075. Date Reissued: September 6, 2012. License No.: 018156N. Name: Cargo Alliance Inc. Address: 583 Monterey Pass Road, Suite C, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Date Reissued: September 5, 2012. License No.: 019372F. Name: Hal-Mari International Logistics...

A STUDY OF THE STABILITY OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM TETRAHALIDES ON HITTING A HOT SURFACE IN VACUUM (in Russian)

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

Tsirel'nikov, V.I.; Komissarova, L.N.; Spitsyn, V.I.

1962-09-01

The decomposition coefficients of the chlorides, bromides, and iodides of Zr and Hf were determined as a function of the temperature of a hot surface. The tetrahalides were carefully purified in an inert atmosphere of argon. The halide compound in a quartz ampoule was heated by a removable heater. The vapors passed through a capillary opening and struck a tungsten foil 0.5 mm thick and 12 to 15 mm wide. The Mo foil was heated electrically to control the surface temperature which was measured by an optical pyrometer. The tetrahalide decomposed according to the following reaction: Me(Hal)/sub 4/ yields Memore » + 2(Hal)/sub 2/. The lower halides dissociated completely to metal and free halides, since the temperature was >600 deg C. The Mo backing was dissolved in nitric acid, and the unsupported metal deposit of Zr or Hf was weighed, The decomposition coefficient was calcuweight of metal evaporated. Zrl/sub 4/ decomposed completely (100%) at 1500 deg C, while only 96% of the HfI/sub 4/ was decomposed at this temperature. The ZrBr/sub 4/ and HfBr/sub 4/ were decomposed by 68 and 61% respectively. The ZrCl/sub 4/ and HfCl/sub 4/ were stable at l500 deg C (5% of the ZrCl/sub 4/ was decomposed at l500 deg C). In all cases, the hafnium halide was more stable than the zirconium halide, especially in the case of the iodides. The decomposition was directly proportional to the temperature of the molybdenum target. (TTT)« less

Development and preliminary testing of a Paediatric Version of the Haemophilia Activities List (pedhal).

PubMed

Groen, W G; van der Net, J; Helders, P J M; Fischer, K

2010-03-01

Worldwide, children with haemophilia suffer from limitations in performing activities of daily living. To measure such limitations in adults a disease-specific instrument, the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL), was created in 2004. The aim of this study was to adapt the HAL for children with haemophilia and to assess its psychometric properties. The structure and the main content were derived from the HAL. Additionally, items of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Activity Scale for Kids were considered for inclusion. This version was evaluated by health professionals (n = 6), patients (n = 4), and parents (n = 3). A pilot test in a sample of 32 Dutch children was performed to assess score distribution, construct validity (Spearman's rho) and reproducibility. Administration of the pedhal was feasible for children from the age of 4 years onwards. The pedhal scores of the Dutch children were in the high end of the scale, reflecting a good functional status. Most subscales showed moderate associations with the joint examination (rho = 0.42-0.63) and moderate-to-good associations with the physical function subscale of the CHQ-50 (rho = 0.48-0.74). No significant associations were found for the pedhal and the subscales mental health and behaviour, except for the subscales leisure and sport and mental health (rho = 0.47). Test-retest agreement was good. The pedhal is a promising tool, but further testing in populations with a higher level of disability is warranted to study the full range of its psychometric properties.

Thiopental and halothane dose-sparing effects of magnesium sulphate in dogs.

PubMed

Anagnostou, Tilemahos L; Savvas, Ioannis; Kazakos, George M; Raptopoulos, Dimitris; Ververidis, Haralabos; Roubies, Nikolaos

2008-03-01

To evaluate the effect of pre- and intraoperatively administered magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) on the induction dose of thiopental and of halothane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Forty-six healthy, ASA physical status 1 dogs, scheduled for elective OHE. The dogs were randomly assigned to receive a bolus of 50 mg kg(-1) MgSO(4) intravenously (IV), just before induction of anaesthesia, followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 12 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) MgSO(4) intraoperatively (group Mg, n = 27) or a placebo bolus and CRI of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (group C, n = 19), approximately 30 minutes after premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1), intramuscularly, IM) and carprofen (4 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, SC). Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental administered to effect and maintained with halothane in oxygen. End-tidal halothane (ET(hal)) was adjusted to achieve adequate depth of anaesthesia. Blood samples were obtained pre- and postoperatively for measurement of total serum magnesium concentration. The mean dose of thiopental was statistically lower (p < 0.0005) and the mean standardized ET(hal) concentration and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pe'CO(2)) areas under the curve were statistically smaller (p < 0.0005 and 0.014 respectively) in group Mg. Postoperatively the mean total serum magnesium concentration was statistically higher than the preoperative value (p < 0.0005) in group Mg, but not in group C. Nausea, associated with the MgSO(4) bolus injection, was observed in six dogs in group Mg, two of which vomited prior to induction of anaesthesia. Magnesium sulphate administration reduced the induction dose of thiopental and ET(hal) concentration for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing OHE. Observed side effects were nausea and vomiting.

Characterising in situ activation and degradation of hindered amine light stabilisers using liquid extraction surface analysis-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Paine, Martin R L; Barker, Philip J; Blanksby, Stephen J

2014-01-15

Changes in the molecular structure of polymer antioxidants such as hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS) is central to their efficacy in retarding polymer degradation and therefore requires careful monitoring during their in-service lifetime. The HALS, bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate (TIN123) and bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate (TIN292), were formulated in different polymer systems and then exposed to various curing and ageing treatments to simulate in-service use. Samples of these coatings were then analysed directly using liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Analysis of TIN123 formulated in a cross-linked polyester revealed that the polymer matrix protected TIN123 from undergoing extensive thermal degradation that would normally occur at 292°C, specifically, changes at the 1- and 4-positions of the piperidine groups. The effect of thermal versus photo-oxidative degradation was also compared for TIN292 formulated in polyacrylate films by monitoring the in situ conversion of N-CH3 substituted piperidines to N-H. The analysis confirmed that UV light was required for the conversion of N-CH3 moieties to N-H - a major pathway in the antioxidant protection of polymers - whereas this conversion was not observed with thermal degradation. The use of tandem mass spectrometric techniques, including precursor-ion scanning, is shown to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting molecular-level changes in HALS compounds and, when coupled with LESA, able to monitor these changes in situ with speed and reproducibility. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Citrate Accumulation-Related Gene Expression and/or Enzyme Activity Analysis Combined With Metabolomics Provide a Novel Insight for an Orange Mutant

PubMed Central

Guo, Ling-Xia; Shi, Cai-Yun; Liu, Xiao; Ning, Dong-Yuan; Jing, Long-Fei; Yang, Huan; Liu, Yong-Zhong

2016-01-01

‘Hong Anliu’ (HAL, Citrus sinensis cv. Hong Anliu) is a bud mutant of ‘Anliu’ (AL), characterized by a comprehensive metabolite alteration, such as lower accumulation of citrate, high accumulation of lycopene and soluble sugars in fruit juice sacs. Due to carboxylic acid metabolism connects other metabolite biosynthesis and/or catabolism networks, we therefore focused analyzing citrate accumulation-related gene expression profiles and/or enzyme activities, along with metabolic fingerprinting between ‘HAL’ and ‘AL’. Compared with ‘AL’, the transcript levels of citrate biosynthesis- and utilization-related genes and/or the activities of their respective enzymes such as citrate synthase, cytosol aconitase and ATP-citrate lyase were significantly higher in ‘HAL’. Nevertheless, the mitochondrial aconitase activity, the gene transcript levels of proton pumps, including vacuolar H+-ATPase, vacuolar H+-PPase, and the juice sac-predominant p-type proton pump gene (CsPH8) were significantly lower in ‘HAL’. These results implied that ‘HAL’ has higher abilities for citrate biosynthesis and utilization, but lower ability for the citrate uptake into vacuole compared with ‘AL’. Combined with the metabolites-analyzing results, a model was then established and suggested that the reduction in proton pump activity is the key factor for the low citrate accumulation and the comprehensive metabolite alterations as well in ‘HAL’. PMID:27385485

Contextual and behavioral control of antipsychotic sensitization induced by haloperidol and olanzapine.

PubMed

Zhang, Chen; Li, Ming

2012-02-01

Repeated administration of haloperidol (HAL) and olanzapine (OLZ) causes a progressively enhanced disruption of the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and a progressively enhanced inhibition of phencyclidine (PCP)-induced hyperlocomotion in rats (termed antipsychotic sensitization). Both actions are thought to reflect intrinsic antipsychotic activity. The present study examined the extent to which antipsychotic-induced sensitization in one model (e.g. CAR) can be transferred or maintained in another (e.g. PCP hyperlocomotion) as a means of investigating the contextual and behavioral controls of antipsychotic sensitization. Well-trained male Sprague-Dawley rats were first repeatedly tested in the CAR or the PCP (3.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) hyperlocomotion model under HAL or OLZ for 5 consecutive days. Then they were switched to the other model and tested for the expression of sensitization. Finally, all rats were switched back to the original model and retested for the expression of sensitization. Repeated HAL or OLZ treatment progressively disrupted avoidance responding and decreased PCP-induced hyperlocomotion, indicating a robust sensitization. When tested in a different model, rats previously treated with HAL or OLZ did not show a stronger inhibition of CAR-induced or PCP-induced hyperlocomotion than those treated with these drugs for the first time; however, they did show such an effect when tested in the original model in which they received repeated antipsychotic treatment. These findings suggest that the expression of antipsychotic sensitization is strongly influenced by the testing environment and/or selected behavioral response under certain experimental conditions. Distinct contextual cues and behavioral responses may develop an association with unconditional drug effects through a Pavlovian conditioning process. They may also serve as occasion setters to modulate the expression of sensitized responses. As antipsychotic sensitization mimics the clinical

Tetraquark candidate Zc(3900) from coupled-channel scattering - how to extract hadronic interactions? -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Yoichi

2018-03-01

We present recent progress of lattice QCD studies on hadronic interactions which play a crucial role to understand the properties of atomic nuclei and hadron resonances. There are two methods, the plateau method (or the direct method) and the HAL QCD method, to study the hadronic interactions. In the plateau method, the determination of a ground state energy from the temporal correlation functions of multi-hadron systems is a key to reliably extract the physical observables. It turns out that, due to the contamination of excited elastic scattering states nearby, one can easily be misled by a fake plateau into extracting the ground state energy. We introduce a consistency check (sanity check) which can rule out obviously false results obtained from a fake plateau, and find that none of the results obtained at the moment for two-baryon systems in the plateau method pass the test. On the other hand, the HAL QCD method is free from the fake-plateau problem. We investigate the systematic uncertainties of the HAL QCD method, which are found to be well controlled. On the basis of the HAL QCD method, the structure of the tetraquark candidate Zc(3900), which was experimentally reported in e+e- collisions, is studied by the s-wave two-meson coupled-channel scattering. The results show that the Zc(3900) is not a conventional resonance but a threshold cusp. A semi-phenomenological analysis with the coupled-channel interaction to the experimentally observed decay mode is also presented to confirm the conclusion.

Hexyl aminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a critical review of the current literature.

PubMed

Rink, Michael; Babjuk, Marko; Catto, James W F; Jichlinski, Patrice; Shariat, Shahrokh F; Stenzl, Arnulf; Stepp, Herbert; Zaak, Dirk; Witjes, J Alfred

2013-10-01

Controversy exists regarding the therapeutic benefit and cost effectiveness of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or hexyl aminolevulinate (HAL) in addition to white-light cystoscopy (WLC) in the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits and economic considerations of PDD in NMIBC detection and treatment. We performed a critical review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in October 2012 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Identified reports were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) criteria. Forty-four publications were selected for inclusion in this analysis. Included reports used 5-ALA (in 26 studies), HAL (15 studies), or both (three studies) as photosensitising agents. PDD increased the detection of both papillary tumours (by 7-29%) and flat carcinoma in situ (CIS; by 25-30%) and reduced the rate of residual tumours after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT; by an average of 20%) compared to WLC alone. Superior recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates and prolonged RFS intervals were reported for PDD, compared to WLC in most studies. PDD did not appear to reduce disease progression. Our findings are limited by tumour heterogeneity and a lack of NMIBC risk stratification in many reports or adjustment for intravesical therapy use in most studies. Although cost effectiveness has been demonstrated for 5-ALA, it has not been studied for HAL. Moderately strong evidence exists that PDD improves tumour detection and reduces residual disease after TURBT compared with WLC. This has been shown to improve RFS but not progression to more advanced disease. Further work to evaluate cost effectiveness of PDD is required. Copyright © 2013 European Association of

Functional Rescue of Trafficking-Impaired ABCB4 Mutants by Chemical Chaperones

PubMed Central

Gordo-Gilart, Raquel; Andueza, Sara; Hierro, Loreto; Jara, Paloma; Alvarez, Luis

2016-01-01

Multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3, ABCB4) is a hepatocellular membrane protein that mediates biliary secretion of phosphatidylcholine. Null mutations in ABCB4 gene give rise to severe early-onset cholestatic liver disease. We have previously shown that the disease-associated mutations p.G68R, p.G228R, p.D459H, and p.A934T resulted in retention of ABCB4 in the endoplasmic reticulum, thus failing to target the plasma membrane. In the present study, we tested the ability of two compounds with chaperone-like activity, 4-phenylbutyrate and curcumin, to rescue these ABCB4 mutants by assessing their effects on subcellular localization, protein maturation, and phospholipid efflux capability. Incubation of transfected cells at a reduced temperature (30°C) or exposure to pharmacological doses of either 4-PBA or curcumin restored cell surface expression of mutants G228R and A934T. The delivery of these mutants to the plasma membrane was accompanied by a switch in the ratio of mature to inmature protein forms, leading to a predominant expression of the mature protein. This effect was due to an improvement in the maturation rate and not to the stabilization of the mature forms. Both mutants were also functionally rescued, displaying bile salt-dependent phospholipid efflux activity after addition of 4-PBA or curcumin. Drug-induced rescue was mutant specific, given neither 4-PBA nor curcumin had an effect on the ABCB4 mutants G68R and A934T. Collectively, these data indicate that the functionality of selected trafficking-defective ABCB4 mutants can be recovered by chemical chaperones through restoration of membrane localization, suggesting a potential treatment for patients carrying such mutations. PMID:26900700

Absence of mutation at the 5'-upstream promoter region of the TPM4 gene from cardiac mutant axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).

PubMed

Denz, Christopher R; Zhang, Chi; Jia, Pingping; Du, Jianfeng; Huang, Xupei; Dube, Syamalima; Thomas, Anish; Poiesz, Bernard J; Dube, Dipak K

2011-09-01

Tropomyosins are a family of actin-binding proteins that show cell-specific diversity by a combination of multiple genes and alternative RNA splicing. Of the 4 different tropomyosin genes, TPM4 plays a pivotal role in myofibrillogenesis as well as cardiac contractility in amphibians. In this study, we amplified and sequenced the upstream regulatory region of the TPM4 gene from both normal and mutant axolotl hearts. To identify the cis-elements that are essential for the expression of the TPM4, we created various deletion mutants of the TPM4 promoter DNA, inserted the deleted segments into PGL3 vector, and performed promoter-reporter assay using luciferase as the reporter gene. Comparison of sequences of the promoter region of the TPM4 gene from normal and mutant axolotl revealed no mutations in the promoter sequence of the mutant TPM4 gene. CArG box elements that are generally involved in controlling the expression of several other muscle-specific gene promoters were not found in the upstream regulatory region of the TPM4 gene. In deletion experiments, loss of activity of the reporter gene was noted upon deletion which was then restored upon further deletion suggesting the presence of both positive and negative cis-elements in the upstream regulatory region of the TPM4 gene. We believe that this is the first axolotl promoter that has ever been cloned and studied with clear evidence that it functions in mammalian cell lines. Although striated muscle-specific cis-acting elements are absent from the promoter region of TPM4 gene, our results suggest the presence of positive and negative cis-elements in the promoter region, which in conjunction with positive and negative trans-elements may be involved in regulating the expression of TPM4 gene in a tissue-specific manner.

Partial Müllerian Duct Retention in Smad4 Conditional Mutant Male Mice.

PubMed

Petit, Fabrice G; Deng, Chuxia; Jamin, Soazik P

2016-01-01

Müllerian duct regression is a complex process which involves the AMH signalling pathway. We have previously demonstrated that besides AMH and its specific type II receptor (AMHRII), BMPR-IA and Smad5 are two essential factors implicated in this mechanism. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4) is a transcription factor and the common Smad (co-Smad) involved in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway superfamily. Since Smad4 null mutants die early during gastrulation, we have inactivated Smad4 in the Müllerian duct mesenchyme. Specific inactivation of Smad4 in the urogenital ridge leads to the partial persistence of the Müllerian duct in adult male mice. Careful examination of the urogenital tract reveals that the Müllerian duct retention is randomly distributed either on one side or both sides. Histological analysis shows a uterus-like structure, which is confirmed by the expression of estrogen receptor α. As previously described in a β-catenin conditional mutant mouse model, β-catenin contributes to Müllerian duct regression. In our mutant male embryos, it appears that β-catenin expression is locally reduced along the urogenital ridge as compared to control mice. Moreover, the expression pattern is similar to those observed in control female mice. This study shows that reduced Smad4 expression disrupts the Wnt/β-catenin signalling leading to the partial persistence of Müllerian duct.

Technical proficiency in hand-assisted laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery: determining how many cases are required to achieve mastery.

PubMed

Pendlimari, Rajesh; Holubar, Stefan D; Dozois, Eric J; Larson, David W; Pemberton, John H; Cima, Robert R

2012-04-01

To determine how many cases are required to achieve technical proficiency for hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Retrospective study. Tertiary care hospital. Using a prospective database, all HALS colorectal resections from 2003 to 2009 by 2 surgeons (A and B) were reviewed. Over 6 years, surgeons A and B performed 397 and 322 cases. Change-Point Analysis (CUSUM) was used to define the number of cases required to effect improvement in operative time. Cases before and after the change point were considered as being in the "learning period" and "skilled period." Operative time; short-term outcomes. The change point occurred after 108 and 105 cases for surgeons A and B, respectively. The learning period and skilled period were similar with respect to age, sex, body mass index, prior abdominal surgery, medical comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. Mean overall operative time decreased from 263 to 185 minutes (P < .001). The decrease in mean operative duration for specific resections were as follows: right colectomy, 35 minutes (P = .003); left colectomy, 63 minutes (P = .006); sigmoid colectomy, 63 minutes (P < .001); anterior resection, 70 minutes (P < .001); coloanal anastomosis, 52 minutes (P = .003); subtotal colectomy, 75 minutes (P < .001); and total proctocolectomy with ileal reservoir, 80 minutes (P < .001). Intraoperative complications and conversion rate were similar, but overall morbidity, infectious complications, readmissions, and length of stay were all significantly (P < .05) lower during the skilled period. For HALS colorectal resection, technical proficiency occurred after approximately 105 cases, and increased surgeon experience resulted in improved short-term outcomes. These data suggest that the learning curve for HALS colorectal resection will extend beyond fellowship training for many colorectal surgeons.

A new class of halogen bonds that avoids the σ-hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Ma, Ning; Wang, Weizhou

2012-04-01

A new class of halogen bonds of the type X = Hal⋯Y has been investigated by using the density functional theory calculations. The strength of this new class of halogen bonds is in the range of 90-120 kcal/mol, which is greatly larger than that of the conventional halogen bond of the type X-Hal⋯Y. The geometry of this new class of halogen bonds is not determined by the halogen's positive σ-hole. Natural bond orbital analysis shows it is the n → π∗ interaction that determines the geometry of this new class of halogen bonds. Experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Absolute configuration and crystal packing chirality for three conglomerate-forming ortho-halogen substituted phenyl glycerol ethers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bredikhin, Alexander A.; Gubaidullin, Aidar T.; Bredikhina, Zemfira A.

2010-06-01

Three conglomerate-forming ortho-Hal (Hal = Cl, Br, I) substituted phenyl glycerol ethers 1- 3 were investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, and the absolute configuration for all substances was established. The molecular structures and crystal packing details for halogen derivatives were compared with the same characteristics for ortho-OCH 3 and ortho-CH 3 analogues. Two different types of crystal packing were evaluated for these very much alike compounds. The interplay of the supramolecular crystal organization chirality sense and the single molecule absolute configuration was demonstrated. Some stabilizing and destabilizing interactions involving the ortho-substituents were revealed. The resolution of rac-2 by entrainment procedure was successfully realized.

The NASA JSC Hypervelocity Impact Test Facility (HIT-F)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crews, Jeanne L.; Christiansen, Eric L.

1992-01-01

The NASA Johnson Space Center Hypervelocity Impact Test Facility was created in 1980 to study the hypervelocity impact characteristics of composite materials. The facility consists of the Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory (HIRL) and the Hypervelocity Analysis Laboratory (HAL). The HIRL supports three different-size light-gas gun ranges which provide the capability of launching particle sizes from 100 micron spheres to 12.7 mm cylinders. The HAL performs three functions: (1) the analysis of data collected from shots in the HIRL, (2) numerical and analytical modeling to predict impact response beyond test conditions, and (3) risk and damage assessments for spacecraft exposed to the meteoroid and orbital debris environments.

Flowcharting with D-charts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, D.

1985-01-01

A D-Chart is a style of flowchart using control symbols highly appropriate to modern structured programming languages. The intent of a D-Chart is to provide a clear and concise one-for-one mapping of control symbols to high-level language constructs for purposes of design and documentation. The notation lends itself to both high-level and code-level algorithmic description. The various issues that may arise when representing, in D-Chart style, algorithms expressed in the more popular high-level languages are addressed. In particular, the peculiarities of mapping control constructs for Ada, PASCAL, FORTRAN 77, C, PL/I, Jovial J73, HAL/S, and Algol are discussed.

Flowcharting with D-charts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, D. D.

1985-01-01

A D-Chart is a style of flowchart using control symbols highly appropriate to modern structured programming languages. The intent of a D-Chart is to provide a clear and concise one-for-one mapping of control symbols to high-level language constructs for purposes of design and documentation. The notation lends itself to both high-level and code-level algorithmic description. The various issues that may arise when representing, in D-Chart style, algorithms expressed in the more popular high-level languages are addressed. In particular, the peculiarities of mapping control constructs for Ada, PASCAL, FORTRAN 77, C, PL/I, Joviai J73, HAL/S, and Algol are discussed.

Sucrose intake and fasting glucose levels in 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice.

PubMed

Bechtholt, Anita J; Smith, Karen; Gaughan, Stephanie; Lucki, Irwin

2008-03-18

Serotonin (5-HT)(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors have been implicated in the incidence and treatment of depression in part through the examination of animals lacking these receptors. Although these receptors have been repeatedly implicated in ingestive behavior there is little information about how 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice react to solutions of varying palatability. In the present experiment male and female 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) mutant and wild-type mice were presented with increasing concentrations of sucrose using a two-bottle choice procedure. In addition fasting blood glucose levels were assessed. Both male and female 5-HT(1B) mutant mice drank more sucrose than WT mice but also consumed more water. Female, but not male, 5-HT(1A) mutant mice similarly showed increased sucrose consumption, but did not demonstrate increased consumption of water. In addition, the pattern of increased sucrose consumption over genotype and sex was related to fasting blood glucose concentrations such that levels in male 5-HT(1B) mutant mice were reduced relative to wild-type and 5-HT(1A) mutant males, but similar to those of females. The findings in 5-HT(1B) mutant mice emphasize the role of the 5-HT(1B) receptor in regulating ingestive behavior, whereas female sex hormones and 5-HT(1A) receptors may interact to alter sucrose consumption in 5-HT(1A) mutant mice. In addition, these findings may have implications for the role of these receptors in the incidence and treatment of depression since the intake of sucrose has been used as an index of anhedonia in animal models of depression and antidepressant efficacy.

Functional rescue of mutant ABCA1 proteins by sodium 4-phenylbutyrate.

PubMed

Sorrenson, Brie; Suetani, Rachel J; Williams, Michael J A; Bickley, Vivienne M; George, Peter M; Jones, Gregory T; McCormick, Sally P A

2013-01-01

Mutations in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) are a major cause of decreased HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), which infers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many ABCA1 mutants show impaired localization to the plasma membrane. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the chemical chaperone, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) could improve cellular localization and function of ABCA1 mutants. Nine different ABCA1 mutants (p.A594T, p.I659V, p.R1068H, p.T1512M, p.Y1767D, p.N1800H, p.R2004K, p.A2028V, p.Q2239N) expressed in HEK293 cells, displaying different degrees of mislocalization to the plasma membrane and discrete impacts on cholesterol efflux, were subject to treatment with 4-PBA. Treatment restored localization to the plasma membrane and increased cholesterol efflux function for the majority of mutants. Treatment with 4-PBA also increased ABCA1 protein expression in all transfected cell lines. In fibroblast cells obtained from low HDL-C subjects expressing two of the ABCA1 mutants (p.R1068H and p.N1800H), 4-PBA increased cholesterol efflux without any increase in ABCA1 expression. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of the chemical chaperone, 4-PBA on ABCA1 and shows that it is capable of restoring plasma membrane localization and enhancing the cholesterol efflux function of mutant ABCA1s both in vitro and ex vivo. These results suggest 4-PBA may warrant further investigation as a potential therapy for increasing cholesterol efflux and HDL-C levels.

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, VINCON 350, 10/20/1983

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-21

... All \\1,'" It tho ',' Aft ~f~{J l'll AI.. I ~ 1J1.,Q, ttt·· GENER4t .""',1 'I "f HAl AilTt\\'.-,il.'l!l', f ,'.H ~,lATt Illl 11ji A.! I"'·'" r.. ,1,J'I·'K,vEll AI 'li.t~A!I .. 1 "",1( [(jilt' I' ,. ...

Adjustable coordination of a hybrid phosphine-phosphine oxide ligand in luminescent Cu, Ag and Au complexes.

PubMed

Dau, Thuy Minh; Asamoah, Benjamin Darko; Belyaev, Andrey; Chakkaradhari, Gomathy; Hirva, Pipsa; Jänis, Janne; Grachova, Elena V; Tunik, Sergey P; Koshevoy, Igor O

2016-09-28

A potentially tridentate hemilabile ligand, PPh2-C6H4-PPh(O)-C6H4-PPh2 (P(3)O), has been used for the construction of a family of bimetallic complexes [MM'(P(3)O)2](2+) (M = M' = Cu (1), Ag (2), Au (3); M = Au, M' = Cu (4)) and their mononuclear halide congeners M(P(3)O)Hal (M = Cu (5-7), Ag (8-10)). Compounds 1-10 have been characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis to reveal a variable coordination mode of the phosphine-oxide group of the P(3)O ligand depending on the preferable number of coordination vacancies on the metal center. According to the theoretical studies, the interaction of the hard donor P[double bond, length as m-dash]O moiety with d(10) ions becomes less effective in the order Cu > Ag > Au. 1-10 exhibit room temperature luminescence in the solid state, and the intensity and energy of emission are mostly determined by the nature of metal atoms. The photophysical characteristics of the monometallic species were compared with those of the related compounds M(P(3))Hal (11-16) with the non-oxidized ligand P(3). It was found that in the case of the copper complexes 5-7 the P(3)O hybrid ligand introduces effective non-radiative pathways of the excited state relaxation leading to poor emission, while for the silver luminophores the P[double bond, length as m-dash]O group leads mainly to the modulation of luminescence wavelength.

In vitro evaluation of color change in maxillofacial elastomer through the use of an ultraviolet light absorber and a hindered amine light stabilizer.

PubMed

Tran, Ngoc H; Scarbecz, Mark; Gary, John J

2004-05-01

External prostheses composed of silicone elastomers exhibit an unwanted color change over time. This study evaluated color stability when an ultraviolet light absorber and hindered amine light stabilizer were mixed in the maxillofacial elastomer containing either organic or inorganic pigments. The materials used were an RTV silicone elastomer, 1 natural inorganic dry-earth pigment (burnt sienna) and 2 synthesized organic pigments (hansa yellow and alizarin red), ultraviolet light absorber (UVA) and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS). Specimens (n=160) were fabricated in a custom mold and randomly assigned and exposed to weathering sites in Miami and Phoenix for approximately 3 months. Eight test groups (2 of each 4 material types with or without additives) of 10 specimens each were assigned to each site. L*, a*, b* readings were obtained before and after weathering from a spectrocolorimeter. Nonpigmented elastomers served as the control. Three-factor ANOVA was conducted to examine interaction effects between weathering sites, specimen type, and the presence of additive (alpha=.05). Overall color change (Delta E) and change in color coordinates (Delta L*, Delta a*, Delta b*) of specimen groups with and without additive were analyzed with independent sample t tests. In specimen groups with the additives (UVA and HALS), color change decreased significantly (P<.05) in burnt sienna and hansa yellow in Phoenix and in the control and hansa yellow in Miami. Additives did not affect color change in the alizarin red group. UVA and HALS were shown to be effective in retarding color change in some circumstances.

Determining the size dependence of structural properties of clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yi; Springborg, Michael

2012-12-01

Problems related to the determination of the structure of the global total-energy minimum for clusters are discussed through three examples. For isolated gold clusters it is shown that low-symmetry structures result due to covalent bonding. Subsequently, SiNGeN and (HAlO)N clusters are treated for which the occurrence of so called homotops leads to additional computational complexity. For the former it is found that the structures are not directly related to those of the pure monatomic clusters, and for the latter the results are shown to be in agreement with available experimental information on nanostructured HAlO. In order to illustrate and analyze the results, various descriptors are introduced and applied.

A Fast Algorithm for Lattice Hyperonic Potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemura, Hidekatsu; Aoki, Sinya; Doi, Takumi; Gongyo, Shinya; Hatsuda, Tetsuo; Ikeda, Yoichi; Inoue, Takashi; Iritani, Takumi; Ishii, Noriyoshi; Miyamoto, Takaya; Murano, Keiko; Sasaki, Kenji

We describe an efficient algorithm to compute a large number of baryon-baryon interactions from NN to ΞΞ by means of HAL QCD method, which lays the groundwork for the nearly physical point lattice QCD calculation with volume (96a)4 ≈ (8.2 fm)4. Preliminary results of ΛN potential calculated with quark masses corresponding to (mπ, mK) ≈ (146,525) MeV are presented.

The Kinase Activity of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Interferes with Adenovirus E4 Mutant DNA Replication

PubMed Central

Gautam, Dipendra

2013-01-01

Adenovirus (Ad) mutants that lack early region 4 (E4) are unable to produce the early regulatory proteins that normally inactivate the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (MRN) sensor complex, which is a critical component for the ability of cells to respond to DNA damage. E4 mutant infection therefore activates a DNA damage response, which in turn interferes with a productive viral infection. MRN complex proteins localize to viral DNA replication centers in E4 mutant-infected cells, and this complex is critical for activating the kinases ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM and Rad3-related (ATR), which phosphorylate numerous substrates important for DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoint activation, and apoptosis. E4 mutant growth defects are substantially rescued in cells lacking an intact MRN complex. We have assessed the role of the downstream ATM and ATR kinases in several MRN-dependent E4 mutant phenotypes. We did not identify a role for either ATM or ATR in “repair” of E4 mutant genomes to form concatemers. ATR was also not observed to contribute to E4 mutant defects in late protein production. In contrast, the kinase activity of ATM was important for preventing efficient E4 mutant DNA replication and late gene expression. Our results suggest that the MRN complex interferes with E4 mutant DNA replication at least in part through its ability to activate ATM. PMID:23740981

Hypoxia-activated cytotoxic agent tirapazamine enhances hepatic artery ligation-induced killing of liver tumor in HBx transgenic mice

PubMed Central

Lin, Wei-Hsiang; Yeh, Shiou-Hwei; Yeh, Kun-Huei; Chen, Kai-Wei; Cheng, Ya-Wen; Su, Tung-Hung; Jao, Ping; Ni, Lin-Chun; Chen, Pei-Jer; Chen, Ding-Shinn

2016-01-01

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the main treatment for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification because of its exclusive arterial blood supply. Although TACE achieves substantial necrosis of the tumor, complete tumor necrosis is uncommon, and the residual tumor generally rapidly recurs. We combined tirapazamine (TPZ), a hypoxia-activated cytotoxic agent, with hepatic artery ligation (HAL), which recapitulates transarterial embolization in mouse models, to enhance the efficacy of TACE. The effectiveness of this combination treatment was examined in HCC that spontaneously developed in hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) transgenic mice. We proved that the tumor blood flow in this model was exclusively supplied by the hepatic artery, in contrast to conventional orthotopic HCC xenografts that receive both arterial and venous blood supplies. At levels below the threshold oxygen levels created by HAL, TPZ was activated and killed the hypoxic cells, but spared the normoxic cells. This combination treatment clearly limited the toxicity of TPZ to HCC, which caused the rapid and near-complete necrosis of HCC. In conclusion, the combination of TPZ and HAL showed a synergistic tumor killing activity that was specific for HCC in HBx transgenic mice. This preclinical study forms the basis for the ongoing clinical program for the TPZ-TACE regimen in HCC treatment. PMID:27702890

External Quality Assurance Programs Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey in Support of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Latysh, Natalie E.; Wetherbee, Gregory A.

2007-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Branch of Quality Systems operates external quality assurance programs for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network (NADP/MDN). Beginning in 2004, three programs have been implemented: the system blank program, the interlaboratory comparison program, and the blind audit program. Each program was designed to measure error contributed by specific components in the data-collection process. The system blank program assesses contamination that may result from sampling equipment, field exposure, and routine handling and processing of the wet-deposition samples. The interlaboratory comparison program evaluates bias and precision of analytical results produced by the Mercury Analytical Laboratory (HAL) for the NADP/MDN, operated by Frontier GeoSciences, Inc. The HAL's performance is compared with the performance of five other laboratories. The blind audit program assesses bias and variability of MDN data produced by the HAL using solutions disguised as environmental samples to ascertain true laboratory performance. This report documents the implementation of quality assurance procedures for the NADP/MDN and the operating procedures for each of the external quality assurance programs conducted by the USGS. The USGS quality assurance information provides a measure of confidence to NADP/MDN data users that measurement variability is distinguished from environmental signals.

Data-adaptive harmonic analysis and prediction of sea level change in North Atlantic region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondrashov, D. A.; Chekroun, M.

2017-12-01

This study aims to characterize North Atlantic sea level variability across the temporal and spatial scales. We apply recently developed data-adaptive Harmonic Decomposition (DAH) and Multilayer Stuart-Landau Models (MSLM) stochastic modeling techniques [Chekroun and Kondrashov, 2017] to monthly 1993-2017 dataset of Combined TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1 and Jason-2/OSTM altimetry fields over North Atlantic region. The key numerical feature of the DAH relies on the eigendecomposition of a matrix constructed from time-lagged spatial cross-correlations. In particular, eigenmodes form an orthogonal set of oscillating data-adaptive harmonic modes (DAHMs) that come in pairs and in exact phase quadrature for a given temporal frequency. Furthermore, the pairs of data-adaptive harmonic coefficients (DAHCs), obtained by projecting the dataset onto associated DAHMs, can be very efficiently modeled by a universal parametric family of simple nonlinear stochastic models - coupled Stuart-Landau oscillators stacked per frequency, and synchronized across different frequencies by the stochastic forcing. Despite the short record of altimetry dataset, developed DAH-MSLM model provides for skillful prediction of key dynamical and statistical features of sea level variability. References M. D. Chekroun and D. Kondrashov, Data-adaptive harmonic spectra and multilayer Stuart-Landau models. HAL preprint, 2017, https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01537797

Behavioral and neurochemical effects of alpha lipoic acid associated with omega-3 in tardive dyskinesia induced by chronic haloperidol in rats.

PubMed

de Araújo, Dayane Pessoa; Camboim, Thaisa Gracielle Martins; Silva, Ana Patrícia Magalhães; Silva, Caio da Fonseca; de Sousa, Rebeca Canuto; Barbosa, Mabson Delâno Alves; Oliveira, Lucidio Clebeson; Cavalcanti, José Rodolfo Lopes de Paiva; Lucena, Eudes Euler de Souza; Guzen, Fausto Pierdoná

2017-07-01

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is characterized by involuntary movements of the lower portion of the face being related to typical antipsychotic therapy. TD is associated with the oxidative imbalance in the basal ganglia. Lipoic acid (LA) and omega-3 (ω-3) are antioxidants acting as enzyme cofactors, regenerating antioxidant enzymes. This study aimed to investigate behavioral and neurochemical effects of supplementation with LA (100 mg/kg) and ω-3 (1 g/kg) in the treatment of TD induced by chronic use of haloperidol (HAL) (1 mg/kg) in rats. Wistar male rats were used, weighing between 180-200 g. The animals were treated chronically (31 days) with LA alone or associated with HAL or ω-3. Motor behavior was assessed by open-field test, the catalepsy test, and evaluation of orofacial dyskinesia. Oxidative stress was accessed by determination of lipid peroxidation and concentration of nitrite. LA and ω-3 alone or associated caused an improvement in motor performance by increasing locomotor activity in the open-field test and decreased the permanence time on the bar in the catalepsy test and decreased the orofacial dyskinesia. LA and ω-3 showed antioxidant effects, decreasing lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels. Thus, the use of LA associated with ω-3 reduced the extrapyramidal effects produced by chronic use of HAL.

Polymorphic variants of neurotransmitter receptor genes may affect sexual function in aging males: data from the HALS study.

PubMed

Jóźków, Paweł; Słowińska-Lisowska, Małgorzata; Łaczmański, Łukasz; Mędraś, Marek

2013-01-01

Human behavior is influenced by a number of brain neurotransmitters. Central dopamine, serotonin and melanocortin systems have special importance for male sexual function. We searched for associations between male aging symptoms and polymorphic sites of serotonin (5-HTR1B), melanocortin (MC4R) and dopamine (DRD2, DRD4) receptors. In a population-based sample, genotyping of 5-HTR1B (polymorphism: G861C), MC4R (polymorphisms: C-2745T, Val103Ile), DRD2 (polymorphism: C313T) and DRD4 (polymorphism: 48-bp VNTR) was performed in 387 healthy men. The Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale was used to evaluate specific ailments of aging men. We analyzed answers to questions from the AMS scale. Five points of the questionnaire addressed sexual symptoms of the aging male: feeling of passing one's peak, decrease in beard growth, decrease in ability/frequency to perform sexually, decrease in the number of morning erections, and decrease in sexual desire/libido (lacking pleasure in sex, lacking desire for sexual intercourse). Relations between reported symptoms and variants of the polymorphic sites of the studied genes were assessed. After adjusting for confounding factors (education, arterial hypertension, physical activity, weight, waist circumference) an association between the sexual dimension of AMS and genetic variants of 5-HTR1B G861C (p = 0.04) was observed. Variability of neurotransmitter receptor genes may be associated with sexual symptoms of aging in men. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Crew-Centered Operations: What HAL 9000 Should Have Been

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korsmeyer, David J.; Clancy, Daniel J.; Crawford, James M.; Drummond, Mark E.

2005-01-01

To date, manned space flight has maintained the locus of control for the mission on the ground. Mission control performs tasks such as activity planning, system health management, resource allocation, and astronaut health monitoring. Future exploration missions require the locus of control to shift to on-board due light speed constraints and potential loss of communication. The lunar campaign must begin to utilize a shared control approach to validate and understand the limitations of the technology allowing astronauts to oversee and direct aspects of operation that require timely decision making. Crew-centered Operations require a system-level approach that integrates multiple technologies together to allow a crew-prime concept of operations. This paper will provide an overview of the driving mission requirements, highlighting the limitations of existing approaches to mission operations and identifying the critical technologies necessary to enable a crew-centered mode of operations. The paper will focus on the requirements, trade spaces, and concepts for fulfillment of this capability. The paper will provide a broad overview of relevant technologies including: Activity Planning and Scheduling; System Monitoring; Repair and Recovery; Crew Work Practices.

Neuroticism Combined With Slower and More Variable Reaction Time: Synergistic Risk Factors for 7-Year Cognitive Decline in Females

PubMed Central

Shickle, Darren A.; Roberts, Beverly A.; Deary, Ian J.

2012-01-01

Objective. Among adults, slower and more variable reaction times are associated with worse cognitive function and increased mortality risk. Therefore, it is important to elucidate risk factors for reaction time change over the life course. Method. Data from the Health and Lifestyle Survey (HALS) were used to examine predictors of 7-year decline in reaction time (N = 4,260). Regression-derived factor scores were used to summarize general change across 4 reaction time variables: simple mean, 4-choice mean, simple variability, and 4-choice variability (53.52% of variance). Results. Age (B = .02, p < .001) and HALS1 baseline reaction time (B = −.10, p = .001) were significant risk factors for males (N = 1,899). In addition to these variables, in females (N = 2,361), neuroticism was significant and interacted synergistically with baseline reaction time (B = .06, p = .04). Adjustment for physiological variables explained the interaction with neuroticism, suggesting that candidate mechanisms had been identified. Discussion. A priority for future research is to replicate interactions between personality and reaction time in other samples and find specific mechanisms. Stratification of population data on cognitive health by personality and reaction time could improve strategies for identifying those at greater risk of cognitive decline. PMID:22367712

Opposite roles of dopamine and orexin in quinpirole-induced excessive drinking: a rat model of psychotic polydipsia.

PubMed

Milella, Michele S; Passarelli, Francesca; De Carolis, Lorenza; Schepisi, Chiara; Nativio, Paola; Scaccianoce, Sergio; Nencini, Paolo

2010-08-01

Repeated administration of the dopamine D2/D3 agonist quinpirole (QNP) progressively increases non-regulatory water intake. This effect may model psychotic polydipsia, a potentially fatal but poorly understood condition. The growing evidence for a role of orexin in mediating arousal and cognition has linked this peptide to schizophrenia, hence we examined whether manipulations of dopaminergic and orexinergic systems, as well as of setting, would further characterize the model. Water intake was measured in rats sequentially tested in home and then operant conditioning setting, with chronic administration of D2 antagonist haloperidol (Hal) prior to QNP treatment. A group of rats similarly treated was also assessed for orexin A (OxA) expression in the cortex. Finally, the effect of the orexin-1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 on QNP-induced polydipsia was evaluated. In rats made polydipsic by QNP the amount of water drank during the first 4 h was strongly correlated with the degree of dissociation between appetitive and consummatory components of drinking behavior in the following hour of operant access to water. Hal 0.2 mg/kg prevented both polydipsia and the dissociation, while 0.1 mg/kg only blocked the dissociation. Chronic QNP treatment increased, in a Hal-reversible way, OxA expression in the somatosensory cortex (SI). Moreover, pretreatment with SB-334867 sped up and potentiated QNP-induced polydipsia. Results disclose compulsive components in QNP-induced polydipsia that are mediated by dopamine D2 receptors. QNP also regulates OxA expression in the SI, while the block of orexin-1 receptors enhances QNP-induced polydipsia. We suggest that dopamine and OxA play opposite roles in QNP-induced polydipsia.

A theoretical approach to the photochemical activation of matrix isolated aluminum atoms and their reaction with methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacheco-Blas, M. A.; Novaro, O. A.; Pacheco-Sánchez, J. H.

2010-11-01

The photochemical activation of Al atoms in cryogenic matrices to induce their reaction with methane has been experimentally studied before. Here, a theoretical study of the nonadiabatic transition probabilities for the ground (P2:3s23p1) and the lowest excited states (S2:3s24s1 and D2:3s23d1) of an aluminum atom interacting with a methane molecule (CH4) was carried out through ab initio Hartree-Fock self-consistent field calculations. This was followed by a multiconfigurational study of the correlation energy obtained by extensive variational and perturbational configuration interaction analyses using the CIPSI program. The D2 state is readily inserted into a C-H bond, this being a prelude to a sequence of avoided crossings with the initially repulsive (to CH4) lower lying states P2 and S2. We then use a direct extension of the Landau-Zener theory to obtain transition probabilities at each avoided crossing, allowing the formation of an HAlCH3 intermediate that eventually leads to the final pair of products H+AlCH3 and HAl+CH3.

Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation with suture mucopexy compared with suture mucopexy alone for the treatment of Grade III haemorrhoids: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Aigner, F; Kronberger, I; Oberwalder, M; Loizides, A; Ulmer, H; Gruber, L; Pratschke, J; Peer, S; Gruber, H

2016-07-01

Novel minimally invasive techniques aimed to reposition the haemorrhoidal zone have been established for prolapsing haemorrhoids. We present a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of additional Doppler-guided ligation of submucosal haemorrhoidal arteries (DG-HAL) in patients with symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids. The trial was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02372981. All consecutive patients with symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids were randomly allocated to one of the two study arms: (i) Group A, DG-HAL with mucopexy or (ii) Group B, mucopexy alone. End-points were postoperative pain, faecal incontinence, bleeding, residual prolapse and alterations of the vascularization of the anorectal vascular plexus. Vascularization of the anorectal vascular plexus was assessed by transperineal contrast enhanced ultrasound. Patients recorded their symptoms in a diary maintained for a month. Forty patients were recruited and randomized to the two study groups. Patients in Group A had less pain in the first two postoperative weeks. At the 12-month follow-up, two patients in Group A (10%) and one in Group B (5%) showed recurrent Grade III haemorrhoids (P = 0.274). No significant morphological changes were observed in the transperineal ultrasound findings between the preoperative assessment and the assessment at 1 and 6 months in either group (P > 0.05). Mucopexy techniques for treating prolapsing haemorrhoids are effective, but DG-HAL does not add significantly to the results achieved by mucopexy. Repositioning the haemorrhoidal zone is the key to success, and mucopexy should be placed at the sites of the largest visible prolapse. Colorectal Disease © 2016 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

Transient fields produced by a cylindrical electron beam flowing through a plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firpo, Marie-Christine

2012-10-01

Fast ignition schemes (FIS) for inertial confinement fusion should involve in their final stage the interaction of an ignition beam composed of MeV electrons laser generated at the critical density surface with a dense plasma target. In this study, the out-of-equilibrium situation in which an initially sharp-edged cylindrical electron beam, that could e.g. model electrons flowing within a wire [1], is injected into a plasma is considered. A detailed computation of the subsequently produced magnetic field is presented [2]. The control parameter of the problem is shown to be the ratio of the beam radius to the electron skin depth. Two alternative ways to address analytically the problem are considered: one uses the usual Laplace transform approach, the other one involves Riemann's method in which causality conditions manifest through some integrals of triple products of Bessel functions.[4pt] [1] J.S. Green et al., Surface heating of wire plasmas using laser-irradiated cone geometries, Nature Physics 3, 853--856 (2007).[0pt] [2] M.-C. Firpo, http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00695629, to be published (2012).

Complex mosaic CDKL5 deletion with two distinct mutant alleles in a 4-year-old girl.

PubMed

Boutry-Kryza, Nadia; Ville, Dorothée; Labalme, Audrey; Calender, Alain; Dupont, Jean-Michel; Touraine, Renaud; Edery, Patrick; des Portes, Vincent; Sanlaville, Damien; Lesca, Gaetan

2014-08-01

Mutations of the CDKL5 gene cause early epileptic encephalopathy. Patients manifest refractory epilepsy, beginning before the age of 3 months, which is associated with severe psychomotor delay and features that overlap with Rett syndrome. We report here a patient with mosaicism for CDKL5 exonic deletion, with the presence of two mutant alleles. The affected 4-year-old girl presented with infantile spasms, beginning at the age of 9 months, but subsequent progression of the disease was consistent with the classical CDKL5-related phenotype. A deletion of exons 17 and 18 was suspected on the basis of Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification analysis, but unexpected results for cDNA analysis, which showed the presence of an abnormal transcript with the deletion of exon 18 only, led us to suspect that two distinct events might have occurred. We used custom array-CGH to determine the size and breakpoints of these deletions. Exon 18 was deleted from one of the abnormal alleles, and exon 17 was deleted from the other. A Fork Stalling and Template Switching (FoSTeS) mechanism was proposed to explain the two events, given the presence of regions of microhomology at the breakpoints. We propose here an original involvement of the FoSTeS mechanism to explain the co-occurrence of these two events in the CDKL5 gene in a single patient. This patient highlights the difficulties involved in the detection of such abnormalities, particularly when they occur in a mosaic state and involve two distinct mutational events in a single gene. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Integrated testing and verification system for research flight software design document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, R. N.; Merilatt, R. L.; Osterweil, L. J.

1979-01-01

The NASA Langley Research Center is developing the MUST (Multipurpose User-oriented Software Technology) program to cut the cost of producing research flight software through a system of software support tools. The HAL/S language is the primary subject of the design. Boeing Computer Services Company (BCS) has designed an integrated verification and testing capability as part of MUST. Documentation, verification and test options are provided with special attention on real time, multiprocessing issues. The needs of the entire software production cycle have been considered, with effective management and reduced lifecycle costs as foremost goals. Capabilities have been included in the design for static detection of data flow anomalies involving communicating concurrent processes. Some types of ill formed process synchronization and deadlock also are detected statically.

Acoustic levitation for high temperature containerless processing in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rey, C. A.; Sisler, R.; Merkley, D. R.; Danley, T. J.

1990-01-01

New facilities for high-temperature containerless processing in space are described, including the acoustic levitation furnace (ALF), the high-temperature acoustic levitator (HAL), and the high-pressure acoustic levitator (HPAL). In the current ALF development, the maximum temperature capabilities of the levitation furnaces are 1750 C, and in the HAL development with a cold wall furnace they will exceed 2000-2500 C. The HPAL demonstrated feasibility of precursor space flight experiments on the ground in a 1 g pressurized-gas environment. Testing of lower density materials up to 1300 C has also been accomplished. It is suggested that advances in acoustic levitation techniques will result in the production of new materials such as ceramics, alloys, and optical and electronic materials.

Shuttle avionics and the goal language including the impact of error detection and redundancy management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flanders, J. H.; Helmers, C. T.; Stanten, S. F.

1973-01-01

The relationship is examined between the space shuttle onboard avionics and the ground test computer language GOAL when used in the onboard computers. The study is aimed at providing system analysis support to the feasibility analysis of a GOAL to HAL translator, where HAL is the language used to program the onboard computers for flight. The subject is dealt with in three aspects. First, the system configuration at checkout, the general checkout and launch sequences, and the inventory of subsystems are described. Secondly, the hierarchic organization of onboard software and different ways of introducing GOAL-derived software onboard are described. Also the flow of commands and test data during checkout is diagrammed. Finally, possible impact of error detection and redundancy management on the GOAL language is discussed.

Transcription Analysis of the Beta-Glucosidase Precursor in Wild-Type and l-4i Mutant Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

PubMed

Kang, Lequn; Huang, Fei; Wu, Fan; Zhao, Qiaoling

2015-01-01

Lethal fourth-instar larvae (l-4i) mutant of Bombyx mori, a recently discovered novel mutant, die from energy depletion due to genetic mutation. Beta-glucosidase is a common digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes cellulose in the diet to provide energy. In this study, the mRNA expression profiles of B. mori beta-glucosidase precursor (BmpreBG) were characterized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The transcription level of BmpreBG varied in different tissues and developmental stages, except in the pupa and moth, which are the no-diet period. Remarkably, the mRNA expression level of BmpreBG was sharply reduced in l-4i but not in the wild type, which suggested that the digestive function of the mutant was severely damaged. This was consistent with the l-4i phenotypic traits of not eating mulberries, lack of energy, and ultimate death. 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends showed, for the first time, that BmpreBG has a 160-bp 5'-untranslated region. These findings suggested that B. mori β-glucosidase precursor was involved in the death process of l-4i mutant larvae. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Entomological Society of America.

Hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct and zero or one mutant allele of SLC26A4.

PubMed

Rose, Jane; Muskett, Julie A; King, Kelly A; Zalewski, Christopher K; Chattaraj, Parna; Butman, John A; Kenna, Margaret A; Chien, Wade W; Brewer, Carmen C; Griffith, Andrew J

2017-07-01

To characterize the severity and natural history of hearing loss, and the prevalence of having a cochlear implant in a maturing cohort of individuals with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and zero or one mutant allele of SLC26A4. Prospective cohort study of subjects ascertained between 1998 and 2015 at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Study subjects were 127 individuals (median age, 8 years; range, 0-59 years) with EVA in at least one ear. Ears with EVA and zero or one mutant allele of SLC26A4 had mean 0.5/1/2/4-kHz pure-tone averages of 62.6 and 52.9 dB HL, respectively, in contrast to EVA ears with two mutant alleles of SLC26A4 (88.1 dB HL; P < .01). This association was independent of age, sex, or side of EVA (P < .001). Natural history of hearing loss was not associated with number of mutant alleles (P = .94). The prevalence of having a cochlear implant was nine (12%) of 76, two (13%) of 15, and 12 (38%) of 32 subjects with zero, one, and two mutant alleles, respectively (P = .00833). This association was not independent (P = .534) but reflected underlying correlations with age at time of first audiogram (P = .003) or severity of hearing loss (P = .000). Ears with EVA and zero or one mutant allele of SLC26A4 have less severe hearing loss, no difference in prevalence of fluctuation, and a lower prevalence of cochlear implantation in comparison to ears with two mutant alleles of SLC26A4. NA Laryngoscope, 127:E238-E243, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

VIEW ALONG PATH EXTENDING NORTHWESTERLY FROM THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TO ...

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

VIEW ALONG PATH EXTENDING NORTHWESTERLY FROM THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TO THE HOUSE. (DUPLICATE OF HALS NO. PA-1-15) - John Bartram House & Garden, 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

51. View of Caroline Dormon's log house looking from the ...

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

51. View of Caroline Dormon's log house looking from the southeast (similar to HALS no. LA-1-18) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Distinctive Klf4 mutants determine preference for DNA methylation status

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

Hashimoto, Hideharu; Wang, Dongxue; Steves, Alyse N.

Reprogramming of mammalian genome methylation is critically important but poorly understood. Klf4, a transcription factor directing reprogramming, contains a DNA binding domain with three consecutive C2H2 zinc fingers. Klf4 recognizes CpG or TpG within a specific sequence. Mouse Klf4 DNA binding domain has roughly equal affinity for methylated CpG or TpG, and slightly lower affinity for unmodified CpG. The structural basis for this key preference is unclear, though the side chain of Glu446 is known to contact the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or thymine (5-methyluracil). We examined the role of Glu446 by mutagenesis. Substituting Glu446 with aspartate (E446D) resultedmore » in preference for unmodified cytosine, due to decreased affinity for 5mC. In contrast, substituting Glu446 with proline (E446P) increased affinity for 5mC by two orders of magnitude. Structural analysis revealed hydrophobic interaction between the proline's aliphatic cyclic structure and the 5-methyl group of the pyrimidine (5mC or T). As in wild-type Klf4 (E446), the proline at position 446 does not interact directly with either the 5mC N4 nitrogen or the thymine O4 oxygen. In contrast, the unmethylated cytosine's exocyclic N4 amino group (NH2) and its ring carbon C5 atom hydrogen bond directly with the aspartate carboxylate of the E446D variant. Both of these interactions would provide a preference for cytosine over thymine, and the latter one could explain the E446D preference for unmethylated cytosine. Finally, we evaluated the ability of these Klf4 mutants to regulate transcription of methylated and unmethylated promoters in a luciferase reporter assay.« less

Mapping the Galvanic Corrosion of Three Coupled Metal Alloys Using Coupled Multielectrode Array: Influence of Chloride Ion Concentration

PubMed Central

Duan, JinZhuo; Cao, Ning

2018-01-01

The galvanic corrosion behavior of three metal alloys commonly used in water desalination plants was investigated using coupled multielectrode arrays consisting of aluminum-brass (HAl77-2), titanium alloy (TA2), and 316L stainless steel (316L SS). The three electrode types were coupled galvanically and arranged in different geometric configurations. Their corrosion behavior was characterized as a function of the chloride concentration. The potential and current distributions of the three-electrode coupling systems display electrochemical inhomogeneity. Generally, the aluminum-brass wires are anodic versus the titanium alloy and stainless steel. The titanium alloy acts as a primary cathode, and the 316L SS acts as a secondary cathode. The corrosion rate of aluminum-brass depends on the concentration of chloride ion, with a maximum corrosion rate at a chloride concentration of 2.3 wt %. In terms of geometrical arrangements, when the anodic HAl77-2 wires are located on the edge and are connected to the 316L SS wires in the coupling system, the main anodic area enlarges, especially in the area adjacent to the 316L SS wires. When the HAl77-2 wires are located between (in the middle of) the two other types of wires, the corrosion rates are higher than the corrosion rates observed from the other two geometrical arrangements. PMID:29677150

Mapping the Galvanic Corrosion of Three Coupled Metal Alloys Using Coupled Multielectrode Array: Influence of Chloride Ion Concentration.

PubMed

Ju, Hong; Duan, JinZhuo; Yang, Yuanfeng; Cao, Ning; Li, Yan

2018-04-20

The galvanic corrosion behavior of three metal alloys commonly used in water desalination plants was investigated using coupled multielectrode arrays consisting of aluminum-brass (HAl77-2), titanium alloy (TA2), and 316L stainless steel (316L SS). The three electrode types were coupled galvanically and arranged in different geometric configurations. Their corrosion behavior was characterized as a function of the chloride concentration. The potential and current distributions of the three-electrode coupling systems display electrochemical inhomogeneity. Generally, the aluminum-brass wires are anodic versus the titanium alloy and stainless steel. The titanium alloy acts as a primary cathode, and the 316L SS acts as a secondary cathode. The corrosion rate of aluminum-brass depends on the concentration of chloride ion, with a maximum corrosion rate at a chloride concentration of 2.3 wt %. In terms of geometrical arrangements, when the anodic HAl77-2 wires are located on the edge and are connected to the 316L SS wires in the coupling system, the main anodic area enlarges, especially in the area adjacent to the 316L SS wires. When the HAl77-2 wires are located between (in the middle of) the two other types of wires, the corrosion rates are higher than the corrosion rates observed from the other two geometrical arrangements.

Real-time analysis of endogenous protoporphyrin IX fluorescence from δ-aminolevulinic acid and its derivatives reveals distinct time- and dose-dependent characteristics in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiesslich, Tobias; Helander, Linda; Illig, Romana; Oberdanner, Christian; Wagner, Andrej; Lettner, Herbert; Jakab, Martin; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2014-08-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodiagnosis based on the intracellular production of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) by administration of its metabolic precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) achieved their breakthrough upon the clinical approval of MAL (ALA methyl ester) and HAL (ALA hexyl ester). For newly developed ALA derivatives or application in new tumor types, in vitro determination of PPIX formation involves multiparametric experiments covering variable pro-drug concentrations, medium composition, time points of analysis, and cell type(s). This study uses a fluorescence microplate reader with a built-in temperature and atmosphere control to investigate the high-resolution long-term kinetics (72 h) of cellular PPIX fueled by administration of either ALA, MAL, or HAL for each 10 different concentrations. For simultaneous proliferation correction, A431 cells were stably transfected with green fluorescent protein. The results indicate that the peak PPIX level is a function of both, incubation concentration and period: maximal PPIX is generated with 1 to 2-mM ALA/MAL or 0.125-mM HAL; also, the PPIX peak shifts to longer incubation periods with increasing pro-drug concentrations. The results underline the need for detailed temporal analysis of PPIX formation to optimize ALA (derivative)-based PDT or photodiagnosis and highlight the value of environment-controlled microplate readers for automated in vitro analysis.

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagni, Dick; Frech, Cheryl; Coppola, Brian; Kovac, Jeffrey; Harris, Hal

2007-06-01

Summer, a great time for leisure reading, a great time to try something different! Dick Pagni, Cheryl Frech, Brian Coppola, Jeffrey Kovac, and Hal Harris provide plenty of suggestions to keep you reading!

50. View of Caroline Dormon's log house looking from the ...

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

50. View of Caroline Dormon's log house looking from the southwest (view similar to HALS no. LA-1-21) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

54. View of footbridge from Wings Rest Pond looking from ...

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

54. View of footbridge from Wings Rest Pond looking from the east (similar to HALS no. LA-1-24) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

65. View of rare torreya looking from the southwest (closer ...

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

65. View of rare torreya looking from the southwest (closer view of springtime image, HALS no. LA-1-37) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Voluntary driven exoskeleton as a new tool for rehabilitation in chronic spinal cord injury: a pilot study.

PubMed

Aach, Mirko; Cruciger, Oliver; Sczesny-Kaiser, Matthias; Höffken, Oliver; Meindl, Renate Ch; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Schildhauer, Thomas A

2014-12-01

Treadmill training after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has become an established therapy to improve walking capabilities. The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) exoskeleton has been developed to support motor function and is tailored to the patients' voluntary drive. To determine whether locomotor training with the exoskeleton HAL is safe and can increase functional mobility in chronic paraplegic patients after SCI. A single case experimental A-B (pre-post) design study by repeated assessments of the same patients. The subjects performed 90 days (five times per week) of HAL exoskeleton body weight supported treadmill training with variable gait speed and body weight support. Eight patients with chronic SCI classified by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) consisting of ASIA A (zones of partial preservation [ZPP] L3-S1), n=4; ASIA B (with motor ZPP L3-S1), n=1; and ASIA C/D, n=3, who received full rehabilitation in the acute and subacute phases of SCI. Functional measures included treadmill-associated walking distance, speed, and time, with additional analysis of functional improvements using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), timed-up and go test (TUG test), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the walking index for SCI II (WISCI II) score. Secondary physiologic measures including the AIS with the lower extremity motor score (LEMS), the spinal spasticity (Ashworth scale), and the lower extremity circumferences. Subjects performed standardized functional testing before and after the 90 days of intervention. Highly significant improvements of HAL-associated walking time, distance, and speed were noticed. Furthermore, significant improvements have been especially shown in the functional abilities without the exoskeleton for over-ground walking obtained in the 6MWT, TUG test, and the 10MWT, including an increase in the WISCI II score of three patients. Muscle strength (LEMS) increased in all patients accompanied by a gain of the lower limb

Characterization and proteomic analysis of the Pseudomonas sp. HK-6 xenB knockout mutant under RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) stress.

PubMed

Lee, Bheong-Uk; Choi, Moon-Seop; Oh, Kye-Heon

2015-01-01

Pseudomonas sp. HK-6 is able to utilize RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) as its sole nitrogen source. The role of the xenB gene, encoding xenobiotic reductase B, was investigated using HK-6 xenB knockout mutants. The xenB mutant degraded RDX to a level that was 10-fold less than that obtained with the wild-type HK-6 strain. After 60 days of culture with 25 or 50 μM RDX, no residual RDX was detected in the supernatants of the wild-type aerobically grown cultures, whereas approximately 90 % of the RDX remained in the xenB mutant cultures. The xenB mutant bacteria exhibited a 10(2)-10(4)-fold decrease in survival rate compared to the wild-type. The expression of DnaK and GroEL proteins, two typical stress shock proteins (SSPs), in the xenB mutant increased after immediate exposure to RDX, yet dramatically decreased after 4 h of exposure. In addition, DnaK and GroEL were more highly expressed in the cultures with 25 μM RDX in the medium but showed low expression in the cultures with 50 or 75 μM RDX. The expression levels of the dnaK and groEL genes measured by RT-qPCR were also much lower in the xenB genetic background. Analyses of the proteomes of the HK-6 and xenB mutant cells grown under conditions of RDX stress showed increased induction of several proteins, such as Alg8, alginate biosynthesis sensor histidine kinase, and OprH in the xenB mutants when compared to wild-type. However, many proteins, including two SSPs (DnaK and GroEL) and proteins involved in metabolism, exhibited lower expression levels in the xenB mutant than in the wild-type HK-6 strain. The xenB knockout mutation leads to reduced RDX degradation ability, which renders the mutant more sensitive to RDX stress and results in a lower survival rate and an altered proteomic profile under RDX stress.

Advanced software techniques for data management systems. Volume 3: Programming language characteristics and comparison reference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, T. A.; Hall, B. C.; Newbold, P. M.

1972-01-01

A comparative evaluation was made of eight higher order languages of general interest in the aerospace field: PL/1; HAL; JOVIAL/J3; SPL/J6; CLASP; ALGOL 60; FORTRAN 4; and MAC360. A summary of the functional requirements for a language for general use in manned aerodynamic applications is presented. The evaluation supplies background material to be used in assessing the worth of each language for some particular application.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE GARDEN, HOUSE, AND OUTBUILDINGS FROM THE ...

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

GENERAL VIEW OF THE GARDEN, HOUSE, AND OUTBUILDINGS FROM THE BOTANIC GARDEN'S SOUTHEAST SIDE. (DUPLICATE OF HALS NO. PA-1-23). - John Bartram House & Garden, 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

Craniofacial skeletal defects of adult zebrafish glypican 4 (knypek) mutants

PubMed Central

LeClair, Elizabeth E.; Mui, Stephanie R.; Huang, Angela; Topczewska, Jolanta M.; Topczewski, Jacek

2010-01-01

The heparan sulfate proteoglycan Glypican 4 (Gpc4) is part of the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway, which is required for convergence and extension during zebrafish gastrulation. To observe Glypican 4-deficient phenotypes at later stages, we rescued gpc4−/− (knypek) homozygotes and raised them for more than one year. Adult mutants showed diverse cranial malformations of both dermal and endochondral bones, ranging from shortening of the rostral-most skull to loss of the symplectic. Additionally, the adult palatoquadrate cartilage was disorganized, with abnormal chondrocyte orientation. To understand how the palatoquadrate cartilage normally develops, we examined a juvenile series of wild type and mutant specimens. This identified two novel domains of elongated chondrocytes in the larval palatoquadrate, which normally form prior to endochondral ossification. In contrast, gpc4−/− larvae never form these domains, suggesting a failure of chondrocyte orientation, though not differentiation. Our findings implicate Gpc4 in the regulation of zebrafish cartilage and bone morphogenesis. PMID:19777561

In vitro selection of resistance in haemophilus influenzae by 4 quinolones and 5 beta-lactams.

PubMed

Clark, Catherine; Kosowska, Klaudia; Bozdogan, Bülent; Credito, Kim; Dewasse, Bonifacio; McGhee, Pamela; Jacobs, Michael R; Appelbaum, Peter C

2004-05-01

We tested abilities of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefixime, cefpodoxime, and cefdinir to select resistant mutants in 5 beta-lactamase positive and 5 beta-lactamase negative Haemophilus influenzae strains by single and multistep methodology. In multistep tests, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate and cefpodoxime exposure did not cause >4-fold minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) increase after 50 days. One mutant selected by cefdinir had one amino acid substitution (Gly490Glu) in PBP3 and became resistant to cefdinir. Cefixime exposure caused 8-fold MIC-increase in 1 strain with TEM but the mutant remained cefixime susceptible and had no alteration in PBP3 or TEM. Among 10 strains tested, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin caused >4-fold MIC increase in 6, 6, 5, and 2 strain, respectively. Despite the increases in quinolone MICs, none of the mutants became resistant to quinolones by established criteria. Quinolone selected mutants had quindone resistance-determining region (QRDR) alterations in GyrA, GyrB, ParC, ParE. Four quinolone mutants had no QRDR alterations. Among beta-lactams cefdinir and cefixime selected one mutant each with higher MICs however amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and cefpodoxime exposure did not select resistant mutants.

United States Air Force Summer Research Program -- 1993 Summer Research Program Final Reports. Volume 10. Wright Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

LABORATORIES 5800 Uplander Way Culver City, CA 90230-6608 Program Director, RDL Program Manager , AFOSR Gary Moore Col. Hal Rhoades Program Manager , RDL...Laboratory: PL/RK Aerospace Engineering University of Cinc nati Vol-Page No: 8-10 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0000 Burns, Paul Field: Electrical Engineering as...Laboratory: PL/GP Electrical Engineering Boston University Vol-Page No: a- 5 Boston, MA 2215-0000 GSRP Participant Data Stauffer, Joseph Field: Management MS

Hadron interactions and exotic hadrons from lattice QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Yoichi

2014-09-01

One of the interesting subjects in hadron physics is to look for the multiquark configurations. One of candidates is the H-dibaryon (udsuds), and the possibility of the bound H-dibaryon has been recently studied from lattice QCD. We also extend the HAL QCD method to define potentials on the lattice between baryons to meson-meson systems including charm quarks to search for the bound tetraquark Tcc (ud c c) and Tcs (ud c s). In the presentation, after reviewing the HAL QCD method, we report the results on the H-dibaryon, the tetraquark Tcc (ud c c) and Tcs (ud c s), where we have employed the relativistic heavy quark action to treat the charm quark dynamics with pion masses, mπ = 410, 570, 700 MeV.

53. View of Wings Rest Pond with reflection of "grandpappy" ...

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

53. View of Wings Rest Pond with reflection of "grandpappy" looking from the southwest (similar to HALS no. LA-1-23) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

27. View in the Shagbark Hickory area looking north to ...

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

27. View in the Shagbark Hickory area looking north to the visitor's center (duplicate of HALS no. LA-1-2 (CT)) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Control of rolling contact fatigue on premium rails in revenue service.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-11-01

Effective rail maintenance strategies are : essential for controlling rolling contact fatigue : (RCF) and reducing wear of rails under heavy : axle load (HAL) operations. In an effort to : optimize rail maintenance strategies in revenue : service, Tr...

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate ameliorates the effects of cataract-causing mutant gammaD-crystallin in cultured cells.

PubMed

Gong, Bo; Zhang, Li-Yun; Lam, Dennis Shun-Chiu; Pang, Chi-Pui; Yam, Gary Hin-Fai

2010-06-04

gammaD-Crystallin (CRYGD) is a major structural lens crystallin and its mutations result in congenital cataract formation. In this study, we attempted to correct the altered protein features of G165fsX8 CRYGD protein with small chemical molecules. Recombinant FLAG-tagged mutants (R15C, R15S, P24T, R61C, and G165fsX8) of CRYGD were expressed in COS-7 cells and treated with small chemical molecules with reported protein chaperoning properties (sodium 4-phenylbutyrate [4-PBA], trimethylamine N-oxide [TMAO], and glycerol and DMSO [DMSO]). Protein solubility in 0.5% Triton X-100 and subcellular distribution was examined by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Apoptosis was assayed as the percentage of fragmented nuclei in transfected cells. Expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp90) was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Unlike WT and most mutants (R15C, R15S, P24T, and R61C) of CRYGD, G165fsX8 CRYGD was significantly insoluble in 0.5% Triton X-100. This insolubility was alleviated by dose-dependent 4-PBA treatment. The treatment relieved the mislocalization of G165fsX8 CRYGD from the nuclear envelope. Also, 4-PBA treatment reduced cell apoptosis and caused an upregulation of Hsp70. 4-PBA treatment reduced the defective phenotype of mutant G165fsX8 CRYGD and rescued the affected cells from apoptosis. This could be a potential treatment for lens structural protein and prevent lens opacity in cataract formation.

58. View of Writer's Cabin (or Three Pines Cabin) and ...

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

58. View of Writer's Cabin (or Three Pines Cabin) and path looking from the southeast (similar to HALS no. LA-1-35) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Harold H.; Pagni, Richard M.; Kovac, Jeffrey; Coppola, Brian P.

2003-06-01

Summer, a great time for leisure reading! Try to set aside some time and find a quiet spot, because Hal Harris, Dick Pagni, Jeff Kovac, and Brian Coppola have a variety of interesting suggestions for you.

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagni, Richard M.; Baldwin Frech, Cheryl; Coppola, Brian P.; Harris, Harold H.; Kovac, Jeffrey

2005-06-01

Summer, a great time for leisure reading, a great time to try something different! Cheryl Baldwin Frech joins regulars Dick Pagni, Brian Coppola, Hal Harris, and Jeff Kovac in providing plenty of suggestions to tempt you.

52. View of "grandpappy" tree with Wings Rest Pond in ...

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

52. View of "grandpappy" tree with Wings Rest Pond in background looking from the northeast (similar to HALS no. LA-1-22) - Briarwood: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, 216 Caroline Dormon Road, Saline, Bienville Parish, LA

Analysis of the Capability to Effectively Design Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Integrated Circuits.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

LISTING TEtiPEkATURE = 27.8u DEG C ,WIDTH OUT=bo IC V(4)=5 OPTEL IbrS FIIISi (VTL=I Td -i ’ O8 SU-E5L=.11 .MUbEL N 1OS PriOS (VTu-1V TOA?5NM Uu=3@i NS’uB...INF6riTIO TEMERA~TURE = 27.88 DEG C t *ttlMGFETS 8M) M2 M3 M4 M5 M16 dr1QDEL FfiOS halOS PmoS Im1s mtos PrtOS JD i. di -2. bbd -li i. dtdi -2.fld-ll -2,i8d-I1...remain high VIN3 ? 8 Dc 5v VIN45 8DC 5V Tkki8 INS 28NS XPOT TRMN V0i1) V(4) W$,5V) *Erib lat***t06/84 ***it*** SPICE 2G.1 (I5OCT5u *tt’Itt~ td :14:28*#* d

Crystal structures of the ternary complex of APH(4)-Ia/Hph with hygromycin B and an ATP analog using a thermostable mutant.

PubMed

Iino, Daisuke; Takakura, Yasuaki; Fukano, Kazuhiro; Sasaki, Yasuyuki; Hoshino, Takayuki; Ohsawa, Kanju; Nakamura, Akira; Yajima, Shunsuke

2013-07-01

Aminoglycoside 4-phosphotransferase-Ia (APH(4)-Ia)/Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (Hph) inactivates the aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin B (hygB) via phosphorylation. The crystal structure of the binary complex of APH(4)-Ia with hygB was recently reported. To characterize substrate recognition by the enzyme, we determined the crystal structure of the ternary complex of non-hydrolyzable ATP analog AMP-PNP and hygB with wild-type, thermostable Hph mutant Hph5, and apo-mutant enzyme forms. The comparison between the ternary complex and apo structures revealed that Hph undergoes domain movement upon binding of AMP-PNP and hygB. This was about half amount of the case of APH(9)-Ia. We also determined the crystal structures of mutants in which the conserved, catalytically important residues Asp198 and Asn203, and the non-conserved Asn202, were converted to Ala, revealing the importance of Asn202 for catalysis. Hph5 contains five amino acid substitutions that alter its thermostability by 16°C; its structure revealed that 4/5 mutations in Hph5 are located in the hydrophobic core and appear to increase thermostability by strengthening hydrophobic interactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Specific Heat Dielectrics and Kapitza Resistance at Dielectric Boundaries.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-12

RD-i4S476 AT DIELECTRIC BOUND..(U) WESTINGHOUSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER PITTSBURGH PA P Wd ECKELS ET AL. UNCASIFID12 SEP 84 84-9C9- KAPIT -Ri...measurement of the specific heat • and thermal conductivity of the anCd/, d 4 spinels and of several (The structure heavy metal hal tes in the t...included the measurement of the spe- cific heat and thermal conductivity of the CdCr 2O4 and ZnCr2O4 spinels and of several CsCI structure heavy metal

Doubly magic nuclei from lattice QCD forces at MPS=469 MeV /c2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIlroy, C.; Barbieri, C.; Inoue, T.; Doi, T.; Hatsuda, T.

2018-02-01

We perform ab initio self-consistent Green's function calculations of the closed shell nuclei 4He, 16O, and 40Ca, based on two-nucleon potentials derived from lattice QCD simulations, in the flavor SU(3) limit and at the pseudoscalar meson mass of 469 MeV/c2. The nucleon-nucleon interaction is obtained using the hadrons-to-atomic-nuclei-from-lattice (HAL) QCD method, and its short-distance repulsion is treated by means of ladder resummations outside the model space. Our results show that this approach diagonalizes ultraviolet degrees of freedom correctly. Therefore, ground-state energies can be obtained from infrared extrapolations even for the relatively hard potentials of HAL QCD. Comparing to previous Brueckner Hartree-Fock calculations, the total binding energies are sensibly improved by the full account of many-body correlations. The results suggest an interesting possible behavior in which nuclei are unbound at very large pion masses and islands of stability appear at first around the traditional doubly magic numbers when the pion mass is lowered toward its physical value. The calculated one-nucleon spectral distributions are qualitatively close to those of real nuclei even for the pseudoscalar meson mass considered here.

Explanatory Coherence and Belief Revision in Naive Physics

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

continental drift (Thagard & Nowak, 1988), and debates about why the dinosaurs became extinct . Application of ECHO to the belief revisions in Pat and Hal...rewono of nocuamy Idid 4onoly by bodck number) Students of reasoning have long tried to understand how people revise systems of beliefs. We maintain...Princeton University Students of reasoning have long tried to understand how people revise systems of beliefs (see Wertheimer, 1945, for example). We will

Development of Semantic Web - Markup Languages, Web Services, Rules, Explanation, Querying, Proof and Reasoning

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

Study. WWW2006 Workshop on the Models of Trust for the Web (MTW󈧊), Edinburgh, Scotland, May 22, 2006. • Daniel J. Weitzner, Hal Abelson, Tim Berners ...McGuinness gave an invited talk on ontologies in Intel’s Semantic web day. Other invited speakers were Hendler and Berners - Lee . February 4, 2002...Burke (DARPA) concerning ontology tools. July 19-20, 2000. McGuinness met with W3C representatives ( Berners - Lee , Connolly, Lassila) and other

Targeting ESR1-Mutant Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0359 TITLE: Targeting ESR1 -Mutant Breast Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Sarat Chandarlapaty CONTRACTING...31 Aug 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Targeting ESR1 -Mutant Breast Cancer 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-14-1-0359 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...Distribution Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The hypothesis of this proposal is that LBD mutations in ESR1 promote resistance to

Computer-assisted learning in critical care: from ENIAC to HAL.

PubMed

Tegtmeyer, K; Ibsen, L; Goldstein, B

2001-08-01

Computers are commonly used to serve many functions in today's modern intensive care unit. One of the most intriguing and perhaps most challenging applications of computers has been to attempt to improve medical education. With the introduction of the first computer, medical educators began looking for ways to incorporate their use into the modern curriculum. Prior limitations of cost and complexity of computers have consistently decreased since their introduction, making it increasingly feasible to incorporate computers into medical education. Simultaneously, the capabilities and capacities of computers have increased. Combining the computer with other modern digital technology has allowed the development of more intricate and realistic educational tools. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the history and use of computers in medical education with special reference to critical care medicine. In addition, we will examine the role of computers in teaching and learning and discuss the types of interaction between the computer user and the computer.

CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A CHROMOSOMAL DNA REGION REQUIRED FOR GROWTH ON 2,4,5-T BY PSEUDOMONAS CEPACIA AC1100

EPA Science Inventory

A series of spontaneous 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) nonmetabolizing mutants of Pseudomonas cepacia AC1100 were characterized to be defective in either 2,4,5-T uptake or conversion of this compound to 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP). Two of these mutants, RHC22 a...

Use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic surgical technique for closure of an extensive mesojejunal rent in a horse.

PubMed

Witte, Thomas H; Wilke, Markus; Stahl, Christina; Jandová, Vendula; Haralambus, Rhea; Straub, Reto

2013-10-15

A 7-year-old 573-kg (1,261 -lb) Swiss Warmblood gelding was evaluated because of signs of acute abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a markedly distended abdomen with subjectively reduced borborygmi in all abdominal quadrants. A large, gas-distended viscus was present at the pelvic brim preventing complete palpation of the abdomen per rectum. Ultrasonographic evaluation could not be safely performed in the initial evaluation because of severe signs of abdominal pain. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon was corrected. Progressive signs of abdominal pain after surgery prompted repeat ventral midline celiotomy, and small intestinal incarceration in a large, radial mesojejunal rent was detected. The incarceration was reduced, but the defect was not fully accessible for repair via the celiotomy. Repair of the mesenteric defect was not attempted, and conservative management was planned after surgery; however, signs of colic returned. A standard laparoscopic approach was attempted from both flanks in the standing patient, but the small intestine could not be adequately mobilized for full evaluation of the rent. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) allowed identification and reduction of jejunal incarceration and repair of the mesenteric rent. Although minor ventral midline incisional complications were encountered, the horse recovered fully. HALS techniques should be considered for repair of mesenteric rents in horses. In the horse of this report, HALS facilitated identification, evaluation, and repair of a large radial mesenteric rent that was not accessible from a ventral median celiotomy.

Surgeons' perceptions and injuries during and after urologic laparoscopic surgery.

PubMed

Gofrit, Ofer N; Mikahail, Albert A; Zorn, Kevin C; Zagaja, Gregory P; Steinberg, Gary D; Shalhav, Arieh L

2008-03-01

The biomechanical and mental strains placed on the surgeon while performing laparoscopic procedures are significantly higher compared with open surgical techniques. We undertook this study to assess the prevalence of surgeons' deleterious perceptions or injuries related to laparoscopic urologic surgery. Members of endourological society were mailed a questionnaire evaluating their laparoscopic experience, total number of standard laparoscopic surgeries (SLS), hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries (HALS), and robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries (RALS) they performed. The subjects reported any neuromuscular or arthritic injuries sustained during laparoscopic surgery, and graded the degree of pain, numbness, and fatigue they experienced. A total of 73 urologists completed the questionnaires. The average responder was 44 years old, had completed a median of 117 procedures, and was performing 3 laparoscopic surgeries per week. Neuromuscular or arthritic symptoms during surgery were reported by 22 responders (30%), the most common was finger paresthesia (18%). At the conclusion of HALS, 45% of the surgeons suffered from hand and wrist numbness and 37% reported pain in these areas. A significant association was observed between the risk of sustaining injury during surgery and the total number of laparoscopic procedures performed by the responder (P = 0.016). RALS was the procedure least associated with injuries, and HALS the most. The laparoscopic operating theater is a hostile ergonomic environment. Surgeons' awareness of the common injuries associated with laparoscopic surgery and careful equipment adjustments before surgery are mandatory to minimize injury. Future improvements in instrument design according to ergonomic principles are highly warranted.

Entropy-based derivation of generalized distributions for hydrometeorological frequency analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lu; Singh, Vijay P.

2018-02-01

Frequency analysis of hydrometeorological and hydrological extremes is needed for the design of hydraulic and civil infrastructure facilities as well as water resources management. A multitude of distributions have been employed for frequency analysis of these extremes. However, no single distribution has been accepted as a global standard. Employing the entropy theory, this study derived five generalized distributions for frequency analysis that used different kinds of information encoded as constraints. These distributions were the generalized gamma (GG), the generalized beta distribution of the second kind (GB2), and the Halphen type A distribution (Hal-A), Halphen type B distribution (Hal-B) and Halphen type inverse B distribution (Hal-IB), among which the GG and GB2 distribution were previously derived by Papalexiou and Koutsoyiannis (2012) and the Halphen family was first derived using entropy theory in this paper. The entropy theory allowed to estimate parameters of the distributions in terms of the constraints used for their derivation. The distributions were tested using extreme daily and hourly rainfall data. Results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) values were very small, which indicated that the five generalized distributions fitted the extreme rainfall data well. Among them, according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC) values, generally the GB2 and Halphen family gave a better fit. Therefore, those general distributions are one of the best choices for frequency analysis. The entropy-based derivation led to a new way for frequency analysis of hydrometeorological extremes.

Developing Creativity Ecosystems: Preparing College Students for Tomorrow's Innovation Challenge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulme, Eileen; Thomas, Ben; DeLaRosby, Hal

2014-01-01

Eileen Hulme, Ben Thomas, and Hal DeLaRosby argue for the importance of creativity as a learning outcome and challenge higher education to produce students capable of becoming the innovative leaders the twenty-first-century economy requires.

MEN FISHING ON DOCK SOUTH OF THE RAILROAD BRIDGE NEAR ...

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

MEN FISHING ON DOCK SOUTH OF THE RAILROAD BRIDGE NEAR NORTH END OF BARTRAM'S GARDEN PROPERTY, LOOKING SOUTH. (SIMILAR TO HALS NO. PA-1-47). - John Bartram House & Garden, 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Harold H.; Kovac, Jeffrey; Pagni, Richard M.; Coppola, Brian P.

2004-06-01

Summer, a great time for leisure reading! Try to set aside some time and find a quiet spot, because once again Hal Harris, Dick Pagni, Jeff Kovac, and Brian Coppola have a variety of interesting suggestions for you.

No Significant Increase in the Δ4- and Δ7-Dafachronic Acid Concentration in the Long-Lived glp-1 Mutant, nor in the Mutants Defective in Dauer Formation.

PubMed

Li, Tie-Mei; Liu, Weilong; Lu, Shan; Zhang, Yan-Ping; Jia, Le-Mei; Chen, Jie; Li, Xiangke; Lei, Xiaoguang; Dong, Meng-Qiu

2015-05-12

The steroid hormone dafachronic acid (DA) regulates dauer formation and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by binding to the nuclear receptor DAF-12. However, little is known about how DA concentrations change under various physiologic conditions and about how DA/DAF-12 signaling interacts with other signaling pathways that also regulate dauer formation and lifespan. Using a sensitive bioanalytical method, we quantified the endogenous DA concentrations in a long-lived germline-less glp-1 mutant and in the Dauer formation-defective (Daf-d) mutants daf-12, daf-16, daf-5, and daf-3. We found that the DA concentration in the glp-1 mutant was similar to that in the wild type (WT). This result is contrary to the long-held belief that germline loss-induced longevity involves increased DA production and suggests instead that this type of longevity involves an enhanced response to DA. We also found evidence suggesting that increased DA sensitivity underlies lifespan extension triggered by exogenous DA. At the L2/L3 stage, the DA concentration in a daf-12 null mutant decreased to 22% of the WT level. This finding is consistent with the previously proposed positive feedback regulation between DAF-12 and DA production. Surprisingly, the DA concentrations in the daf-16, daf-5, and daf-3 mutants were only 19-34% of the WT level at the L2/L3 stage, slightly greater than those in the Dauer formation-constitutive (Daf-c) mutants at the pre-dauer stage (4-15% of the WT L2 control). Our experimental evidence suggested that the positive feedback between DA and DAF-12 was partially induced in the three Daf-d mutants. Copyright © 2015 Li et al.

Polyethylenimine-assisted seed-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, Anish; Ankudze, Bright; Pakkanen, Tuula T.

2018-06-01

Large-sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized with a new polyethylenimine - assisted seed - mediated method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies. The size and polydispersity of gold nanoparticles are controlled in the growth step with the amounts of polyethylenimine (PEI) and seeds. Influence of three silicon oxide supports having different surface morphologies, namely halloysite (Hal) nanotubes, glass plates and inverse opal films of SiO2, on the performance of gold nanoparticles in Raman scattering of a 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) analyte was investigated. Electrostatic interaction between positively charged polyethylenimine-capped AuNPs and negatively charged surfaces of silicon oxide supports was utilized in fabrication of the SERS substrates using deposition and infiltration methods. The Au-photonic crystal of the three SERS substrate groups is the most active one as it showed the highest analytical enhancement factor (AEF) and the lowest detection limit of 1x10-8 M for 4-ATP. Coupling of the optical properties of photonic crystals with the plasmonic properties of AuNPs provided Au-photonic crystals with the high SERS activity. The AuNPs clusters formed both in the photonic crystal and on the glass plate are capable of forming more hot spots as compared to sparsely distributed AuNPs on Hal nanotubes and thereby increasing the SERS enhancement.

Open Quantum Walks and Dissipative Quantum Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petruccione, Francesco

2012-02-01

Open Quantum Walks (OQWs) have been recently introduced as quantum Markov chains on graphs [S. Attal, F. Petruccione, C. Sabot, and I. Sinayskiy, E-print: http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00581553/fr/]. The formulation of the OQWs is exclusively based upon the non-unitary dynamics induced by the environment. It will be shown that OQWs are a very useful tool for the formulation of dissipative quantum computing and quantum state preparation. In particular, it will be shown how to implement single qubit gates and the CNOT gate as OQWs on fully connected graphs. Also, OQWS make possible the dissipative quantum state preparation of arbitrary single qubit states and of all two-qubit Bell states. Finally, it will be shown how to reformulate efficiently a discrete time version of dissipative quantum computing in the language of OQWs.

Luminescent and thermochromic properties of tellurium(IV) halide complexes with cesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedakova, T. V.; Mirochnik, A. G.

2016-02-01

The spectral-luminescent and thermochromic properties of complex compounds of the composition Cs2TeHal6 (Hal = Cl, Br, I) are studied. The interrelation between the geometric structure and spectral-luminescent properties is studied using the example on complex compounds of tellurium(IV) halides with cesium. The Stokes shift and the luminescence intensity of Te(IV) ions with island octahedral coordination are found to depend on the position of the A band in the luminescence excitation spectra, the diffuse reflection, and the energy of the luminescent 3 P 1 → 1 S 0 transition of the tellurium(IV) ion. The maximum luminescence intensity and the minimum Stokes shift at 77 and 300 K are observed for Cs2TeCl6. The geometrical and electronic factors responsible for luminescence intensification in Te(IV) complexes under study are analyzed.

Are streams in agricultural and urban areas contaminated by pesticides?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimbrough, R.A.

1995-01-01

To answer this question, a study of pesticides in streams in a small agricultural area and a small urban area in Colorado was conducted in 1993 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The results indicate that pesticides are present in streams, and both agricultural and urban areas are probable sources of the contamination. In the agricultural area, 30 pesticides were detected and in the urban area, 26 pesticides were detected at least once during the thirteen month study. In the agricultural area, the herbicides alachlor (two samples) and cyanazine (four samples) and the insecticide diazinon (one sample) were the only pesticides that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or health advisory levels (HALs) for drinking water. No pesticides exceeded MCLs or HALs in the urban area.

Development of high temperature containerless processing equipment and the design and evaluation of associated systems required for microgravity materials processing and property measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rey, Charles A.

1991-01-01

The development of high temperature containerless processing equipment and the design and evaluation of associated systems required for microgravity materials processing and property measurements are discussed. Efforts were directed towards the following task areas: design and development of a High Temperature Acoustic Levitator (HAL) for containerless processing and property measurements at high temperatures; testing of the HAL module to establish this technology for use as a positioning device for microgravity uses; construction and evaluation of a brassboard hot wall Acoustic Levitation Furnace; construction and evaluation of a noncontact temperature measurement (NCTM) system based on AGEMA thermal imaging camera; construction of a prototype Division of Amplitude Polarimetric Pyrometer for NCTM of levitated specimens; evaluation of and recommendations for techniques to control contamination in containerless materials processing chambers; and evaluation of techniques for heating specimens to high temperatures for containerless materials experimentation.

Development of high temperature containerless processing equipment and the design and evaluation of associated systems required for microgravity materials processing and property measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rey, Charles A.

1991-03-01

The development of high temperature containerless processing equipment and the design and evaluation of associated systems required for microgravity materials processing and property measurements are discussed. Efforts were directed towards the following task areas: design and development of a High Temperature Acoustic Levitator (HAL) for containerless processing and property measurements at high temperatures; testing of the HAL module to establish this technology for use as a positioning device for microgravity uses; construction and evaluation of a brassboard hot wall Acoustic Levitation Furnace; construction and evaluation of a noncontact temperature measurement (NCTM) system based on AGEMA thermal imaging camera; construction of a prototype Division of Amplitude Polarimetric Pyrometer for NCTM of levitated specimens; evaluation of and recommendations for techniques to control contamination in containerless materials processing chambers; and evaluation of techniques for heating specimens to high temperatures for containerless materials experimentation.

A translator writing system for microcomputer high-level languages and assemblers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, W. R.; Knight, J. C.; Noonan, R. E.

1980-01-01

In order to implement high level languages whenever possible, a translator writing system of advanced design was developed. It is intended for routine production use by many programmers working on different projects. As well as a fairly conventional parser generator, it includes a system for the rapid generation of table driven code generators. The parser generator was developed from a prototype version. The translator writing system includes various tools for the management of the source text of a compiler under construction. In addition, it supplies various default source code sections so that its output is always compilable and executable. The system thereby encourages iterative enhancement as a development methodology by ensuring an executable program from the earliest stages of a compiler development project. The translator writing system includes PASCAL/48 compiler, three assemblers, and two compilers for a subset of HAL/S.

Searching for biomarkers of CDKL5 disorder: early-onset visual impairment in CDKL5 mutant mice

PubMed Central

Mazziotti, Raffaele; Lupori, Leonardo; Sagona, Giulia; Gennaro, Mariangela; Della Sala, Grazia; Putignano, Elena

2017-01-01

Abstract CDKL5 disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder still without a cure. Murine models of CDKL5 disorder have been recently generated raising the possibility of preclinical testing of treatments. However, unbiased, quantitative biomarkers of high translational value to monitor brain function are still missing. Moreover, the analysis of treatment is hindered by the challenge of repeatedly and non-invasively testing neuronal function. We analyzed the development of visual responses in a mouse model of CDKL5 disorder to introduce visually evoked responses as a quantitative method to assess cortical circuit function. Cortical visual responses were assessed in CDKL5 null male mice, heterozygous females, and their respective control wild-type littermates by repeated transcranial optical imaging from P27 until P32. No difference between wild-type and mutant mice was present at P25-P26 whereas defective responses appeared from P27-P28 both in heterozygous and homozygous CDKL5 mutant mice. These results were confirmed by visually evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded from the visual cortex of a different cohort. The previously imaged mice were also analyzed at P60–80 using VEPs, revealing a persistent reduction of response amplitude, reduced visual acuity and defective contrast function. The level of adult impairment was significantly correlated with the reduction in visual responses observed during development. Support vector machine showed that multi-dimensional visual assessment can be used to automatically classify mutant and wt mice with high reliability. Thus, monitoring visual responses represents a promising biomarker for preclinical and clinical studies on CDKL5 disorder. PMID:28369421

New highway accident location manual for Missouri.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-12-01

The Missouri HAL manual is used to identify, analyze, and correct high crash locations, and has not been updated since : 1999. This new edition brings the manual up to date, while incorporating the methodology of the national Highway Safety : Manual ...

The Mobile Advanced Command and Control Station (MACCS) Experimental Testbed

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

were selected: Vehicle: Dodge (Sprinter 2500 high-roof - Mercedes - Benz vehicle) Electrical equipment and habitability equipment: Crossroads Coaches...this innovative , mobile, experimental tested. IMPACT/APPLICATIONS While MACCS clearly supports the research agenda for both HAL and ONR (as well as

Literacy Practitioner. Literacy and Community Development Issue.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Practitioner, 1997

1997-01-01

This theme issue of a newsletter for adult literacy practitioners focuses on community development. Nine articles on this topic include the following: "Adult Literacy and Community Development" (Hal Beder); "Why Community Development?" (Kirk Baker); "Freire's Revolution" (Ruth Pelz); "Impacting Communities…

50 CFR Table 15 to Part 679 - Gear Codes, Descriptions, and Use

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... following: Alpha gear code NMFS logbooks Electronic check-in/ check-out Use numeric code to complete the following: Numeric gear code IERS eLandings ADF&G COAR NMFS AND ADF&G GEAR CODES Hook-and-line HAL X X 61 X...

50 CFR Table 15 to Part 679 - Gear Codes, Descriptions, and Use

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... following: Alpha gear code NMFS logbooks Electronic check-in/ check-out Use numeric code to complete the following: Numeric gear code IERS eLandings ADF&G COAR NMFS AND ADF&G GEAR CODES Hook-and-line HAL X X 61 X...

50 CFR Table 15 to Part 679 - Gear Codes, Descriptions, and Use

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... following: Alpha gear code NMFS logbooks Electronic check-in/ check-out Use numeric code to complete the following: Numeric gear code IERS eLandings ADF&G COAR NMFS AND ADF&G GEAR CODES Hook-and-line HAL X X 61 X...

Impact of increasing freight loads on rail substructure from fracking sand transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-03-01

In this report the effect of surface infiltration of frac sand and heavy axle loads (HALs) were studied for their impact on the ballast layer. : Different combinations of ballast and fracking sand were constructed to observe long term trends of defor...

75 FR 32826 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-09

...''), American Express Company (``AXP''), Ciena Corp. (``CIEN''), Star Scientific, Inc. (``CIGX''), Dendreon Corp. (``DNDN''), eBay Inc. (``EBAY''), Corning Inc. (``GLW''), Halliburton Company (``HAL''), iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate (``IYR''), Motorola, Inc., (``MOT''), NVIDIA Corporation (``NVDA''), ON Semiconductor...

75 FR 30887 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-02

...''), American Express Company (``AXP''), Ciena Corp. (``CIEN''), Star Scientific, Inc. (``CIGX''), Dendreon Corp. (``DNDN''), eBay Inc. (``EBAY''), Corning Inc. (``GLW''), Halliburton Company (``HAL''), iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate (``IYR''), Motorola, Inc., (``MOT''), NVIDIA Corporation (``NVDA''), ON Semiconductor...

National Airspace Review. Change 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

Horn Ausociation (NBAAI Regional Air)ine Association (RAAI Martin Macy Martin Macv Martin Macy Expenmental Aircraft Asao atlon (EAAI Andrew Procop ...Andrew Procop Andrew Procop Helicooter Association Internationl (HAl) Glenn Leister Vernice Robichaud Glenn Lester Air Traffic Control Association. Inc

Dark Energy Survey Group

Science.gov Websites

Supernova Argonne/HEP Dark Energy Survey Group Ravi Gupta, Eve Kovacs, Steve Kuhlmann, Hal Spinka, Kasia Pomian The Argonne/HEP Dark Energy Survey (DES) group worked to build and test the Dark Energy Camera

5-Fluoroindole Resistance Identifies Tryptophan Synthase Beta Subunit Mutants in Arabidopsis Thaliana

PubMed Central

Barczak, A. J.; Zhao, J.; Pruitt, K. D.; Last, R. L.

1995-01-01

A study of the biochemical genetics of the Arabidopsis thaliana tryptophan synthase beta subunit was initiated by characterization of mutants resistant to the inhibitor 5-fluoroindole. Thirteen recessive mutations were recovered that are allelic to trp2-1, a mutation in the more highly expressed of duplicate tryptophan synthase beta subunit genes (TSB1). Ten of these mutations (trp2-2 through trp2-11) cause a tryptophan requirement (auxotrophs), whereas three (trp2-100 through trp2-102) remain tryptophan prototrophs. The mutations cause a variety of changes in tryptophan synthase beta expression. For example, two mutations (trp2-5 and trp2-8) cause dramatically reduced accumulation of TSB mRNA and immunologically detectable protein, whereas trp2-10 is associated with increased mRNA and protein. A correlation exists between the quantity of mutant beta and wild-type alpha subunit levels in the trp2 mutant plants, suggesting that the synthesis of these proteins is coordinated or that the quantity or structure of the beta subunit influences the stability of the alpha protein. The level of immunologically detectable anthranilate synthase alpha subunit protein is increased in the trp2 mutants, suggesting the possibility of regulation of anthranilate synthase levels in response to tryptophan limitation. PMID:7635295

Mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} identified in MODY3 and MODY5 downregulate DPP-IV gene expression in Caco-2 cells

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

Gu Ning; Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto; Adachi, Tetsuya

2006-08-04

Dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a well-documented drug target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF)-1{alpha} and HNF-1{beta}, known as the causal genes of MODY3 and MODY5, respectively, have been reported to be involved in regulation of DPP-IV gene expression. But, it is not completely clear (i) that they play roles in regulation of DPP-IV gene expression, and (ii) whether DPP-IV gene activity is changed by mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} in MODY3 and MODY5. To explore these questions, we investigated transactivation effects of wild HNF-1{alpha} and 13 mutant HNF-1{alpha}, as well as wild HNF-1{beta} and 2more » mutant HNF-1{beta}, on DPP-IV promoter luciferase gene in Caco-2 cells by means of a transient experiment. Both wild HNF-1{alpha} and wild HNF-1{beta} significantly transactivated DPP-IV promoter, but mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} exhibited low transactivation activity. Moreover, to study whether mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} change endogenous DPP-IV enzyme activity, we produced four stable cell lines from Caco-2 cells, in which wild HNF-1{alpha} or wild HNF-1{beta}, or else respective dominant-negative mutant HNF-1{alpha}T539fsdelC or dominant-negative mutant HNF-1{beta}R177X, was stably expressed. We found that DPP-IV gene expression and enzyme activity were significantly increased in wild HNF-1{alpha} cells and wild HNF-1{beta} cells, whereas they decreased in HNF-1{alpha}T539fsdelC cells and HNF-1{beta}R177X cells, compared with DPP-IV gene expression and enzyme activity in Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that both wild HNF-1{alpha} and wild HNF-1{beta} have a stimulatory effect on DPP-IV gene expression, but that mutant HNF-1{alpha} and mutant HNF-1{beta} attenuate the stimulatory effect.« less

A Strategic Approach to Optimizing the U.S. Army’s Aeromedical Evacuation System in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-10

arise on distinct nodes and the facilities are restricted to a finite set of candidate locations ( Daskin 2008). Here, this problem classifies as a ...Research Logistics, 55(4), 283-294. Daskin , M. (1983) A maximum expected covering location model: formulation, properties and heuristic solution...34,," !hal notwithstan<ling any oilier provision 01 law. no person sha~ be subject to any penart)’ l or fai!;ng to comply willi a cdledion 01 inIormalion W

Effects of trailer design on animal welfare parameters and carcass and meat quality of three Pietrain crosses being transported over a long distance.

PubMed

Weschenfelder, A V; Torrey, S; Devillers, N; Crowe, T; Bassols, A; Saco, Y; Piñeiro, M; Saucier, L; Faucitano, L

2012-09-01

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of trailer design on stress responses and meat quality traits of 3 different pig crosses: 50% Pietrain breeding with halothane (HAL)(Nn) (50Nn); 50% Pietrain breeding with HAL(NN) (50NN); and 25% Pietrain breeding with HAL(NN) genotype (25NN). Over a 6-wk period, pigs (120 pigs/crossbreed) were transported for 7 h in either a pot-belly (PB) or flat-deck (FD) trailer (10 pigs/crossbreed(-1)·trailer(-1)·wk(-1)). Temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were monitored in each trailer. Behaviors during loading and unloading, time to load and unload, and latency to rest in lairage were recorded, whereas a sub-population of pigs (4 pigs/crossbreed(-1)·trailer(-1)·wk(-1)) was equipped with gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) temperature monitors. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for measurement of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK), lactate, haptoglobin, and Pig-MAP concentrations. Meat quality data were collected at 24 h postmortem from the LM and semimembranosus (SM) and adductor (AD) muscles of all 360 pigs. Greater T were recorded in the PB trailer during transportation (P = 0.006) and unloading (P < 0.001). Delta GIT temperature was greater (P = 0.01) in pigs unloaded from the PB. At loading, pigs tended to move backwards more (P = 0.06) when loaded on the FD than the PB trailer. At unloading, an interaction was found between trailer type and crossbreed type, with a greater (P < 0.01) frequency of overlaps in 50NN and 25NN pigs and slips/falls in 50Nn and 50NN pigs from the FD than the PB trailer. Cortisol concentrations at slaughter were greater (P = 0.02) in pigs transported in the PB than FD trailer. Greater lactate concentrations were found in 50Nn and 50NN pigs (P = 0.003) and greater CK concentrations (P < 0.001) in 50Nn pigs. As expected, 50Nn pigs produced leaner (P < 0.001) carcasses, with greater (P = 0.01) dressing percentages, as well as lower (P < 0.001) ultimate pH values and greater (P < 0.001) drip

Searching for biomarkers of CDKL5 disorder: early-onset visual impairment in CDKL5 mutant mice.

PubMed

Mazziotti, Raffaele; Lupori, Leonardo; Sagona, Giulia; Gennaro, Mariangela; Della Sala, Grazia; Putignano, Elena; Pizzorusso, Tommaso

2017-06-15

CDKL5 disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder still without a cure. Murine models of CDKL5 disorder have been recently generated raising the possibility of preclinical testing of treatments. However, unbiased, quantitative biomarkers of high translational value to monitor brain function are still missing. Moreover, the analysis of treatment is hindered by the challenge of repeatedly and non-invasively testing neuronal function. We analyzed the development of visual responses in a mouse model of CDKL5 disorder to introduce visually evoked responses as a quantitative method to assess cortical circuit function. Cortical visual responses were assessed in CDKL5 null male mice, heterozygous females, and their respective control wild-type littermates by repeated transcranial optical imaging from P27 until P32. No difference between wild-type and mutant mice was present at P25-P26 whereas defective responses appeared from P27-P28 both in heterozygous and homozygous CDKL5 mutant mice. These results were confirmed by visually evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded from the visual cortex of a different cohort. The previously imaged mice were also analyzed at P60-80 using VEPs, revealing a persistent reduction of response amplitude, reduced visual acuity and defective contrast function. The level of adult impairment was significantly correlated with the reduction in visual responses observed during development. Support vector machine showed that multi-dimensional visual assessment can be used to automatically classify mutant and wt mice with high reliability. Thus, monitoring visual responses represents a promising biomarker for preclinical and clinical studies on CDKL5 disorder. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

Phenology of brown marmorated stink bug described using female reproductive development

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Identification of insect seasonality is frequently estimated through temperature-based degree-day models. We expand on the use of a temperature-based process defining timing of life stages through the incorporation of female reproductive physiology for the invasive pentatomid species Halyomorpha hal...

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovac, Jeffrey; Pagni, Richard M.; Harris, Harold H.; Coppola, Brian P.

2002-06-01

Ah, summer approaches! Perhaps you will find some time for leisure reading. With this hope in mind, here are a few suggestions that Jeff Kovac, our Book & Media Reviews Editor, has assembled with the help of Dick Pagni, Hal Harris, and Brian Coppola.

Summer Reading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovac, Jeffrey; Pagni, Richard; Harris, Harold H.; Coppola, Brian P.

2001-06-01

Ah, summer approaches! Perhaps you will find some time for leisure reading. With this hope in mind, here are a few suggestions that Jeff Kovac, our Book & Media Reviews Editor, has assembled with the help of Dick Pagni, Hal Harris, and Brian Coppola.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE STONE RETAINING WALL, LOOKING WEST TOWARD ...

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

GENERAL VIEW OF THE STONE RETAINING WALL, LOOKING WEST TOWARD THE HOUSE. THE BRANCHES IN THE FOREGROUND WERE REMNANTS OF RECENT PRUNING ACTIVITY. (DUPLICATE OF HALS NO. PA-1-16). - John Bartram House & Garden, 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, CS-146 CRYSTAL CRESYLIC DISINFECTANT, 10/16/1967

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-14

... Hal'lllful if :-:wallo\\\\'t'd, (j'a~c'lI:-:c' if irritation dl'\\'elops, .\\vl)id c'olltad of III:tt I'l'ia I with ",kill alld ",n':-:, TI~)( )'1')<;: IlIt('l'IIal-< ;ivC' raw ('gg; whitt', Illilk ...

Evaluation of some antioxidants in radiation vulcanized ethylene-propylene diene (EPDM) rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Aziz, M. M.; Basfar, A. A.

2001-12-01

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to study the oxidation of γ-ray vulcanized ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM) stabilized with various types of antioxidants. The antioxidants used were pentaerythrityl tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl(-4-hydroxyphenyl))propionate (Irganox 1010), Irganox 1035, Irganox 1520D, as primary antioxidants; Irganox B561 and Irganox B900, as synergistic blends; hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS), i.e. Tinuvin 622 LD; N-isopropyl- N-phenyl- p-phenylene diamine (IPPD) and trimethyl quinoline (TMQ) and their mixtures. The measurements were carried out under atmospheric conditions. The effects of antioxidant type and its selected concentration were determined and mechanism of reaction proposed.

Typhoon Usagi approaching China

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

On Sept. 22 at 0923 UTC/5:23 a.m. EDT, just south of Usagi's eye where rain was falling at a rate of over 169mm/~6.7 inches per hour along China's coast. TRMM radar sliced through Usagi and found that heights of some thunderstorms were reaching only about 12 km /7.4 miles. Credit: NASA/SSAI, Hal Pierce NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Diastereoselective synthesis of L: -threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine by low-specific L: -threonine aldolase mutants.

PubMed

Gwon, Hui-Jeong; Baik, Sang-Ho

2010-01-01

Diastereoselectivity-enhanced mutants of L: -threonine aldolase (L: -TA) for L: -threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L: -threo-DOPS) synthesis were isolated by error-prone PCR followed by a high-throughput screening. The most improved mutant was achieved from the mutant T3-3mm2, showing a 4-fold increase over the wild-type L: -TA. When aldol condensation activity was examined using whole cells of T3-3mm2, its de was constantly maintained at 55% during the batch reactions for 80 h, yielding 3.8 mg L: -threo-DOPS/ml.

[André Detoeuf (1884-1931): pharmacist, industrialist and chemist].

PubMed

Leclercq, Loïc

2011-04-01

During the transition between the 19th and 20th century, Auguste Béhal (1859-1941), a native of Lens (France, Pas-de-Calais), renewed organic chemistry teaching at the Paris School of Pharmacy by the introduction of atomic notation and pre-electronic mechanisms. This revolution primarily affects the future pharmacists. Thus, Béhal becomes the leader of a "School" of thought and directs the work of many students called "Béhaliens": Ernest Fourneau (1872-1949), Marc Tiffeneau (1873-1945), Marcel Sommelet (1877-1952), etc. Among these students, three are also from Lens: Amand Valeur (1870-1927), Raymond Delaby (1891-1958) and André Detoeuf (1884-1931). The latter, initially, will follow the footsteps of his older siblings (pharmacy studies, writing a thesis under the direction of Behal); however, despite having started a career in academia, he left his post for the industry (Etablissements Kuhlmann and Billault).

[Carcinogenesis and its mechanism of mutant-type[12Asp]K-ras4B gene].

PubMed

Gui, Li-ming; Wei, Li-hui; Zhang, Ying-mei; Wang, Jian-liu; Wang, Ying; Chen, Ying; Ma, Da-long

2002-01-01

Ras gene plays an important role in the extra- and intra-cellular signal transduction pathway. It mediates series cascade reactions, and eventually actives transcriptional factors in nucleus. It is unknown on the mechanism of carcinogenesis of Ras gene in endometrial carcinoma, though K-ras mutant is very common in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma. On basis of discovering the mutation in 12th codon of K-ras in endometrial carcinoma cell line, HEC-1A, we explored the carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism of mutant-type [12Asp] K-ras4B gene. (1) Full-length [12Asp]K-ras4B cDNA was amplified with RT-PCR, then inserted into pcDI eukaryotic expressive vector. (2) Morphological change, growth kinetics in vitro and tumorigencity in nude mice in vivo after-before transfection were observed. (3) To test the cell growth kinetics by methyl thiazolium tetrazolium (MTT) and [3H]thymidine incorporation method. (1) The authors have successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B; (2) To confirm that [12Asp] K-ras4B mutant can trigger the neoplastic transformation of NIH3T3 cells by test in vitro and in vivo. (3) After pMCV-RasN17 plasmid, a Ras mutant were transfected into pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B cells, the growth of this cell were restrained significantly in comparison with control group. (4) These findings indicate the expression of RafS621A resulted in remarkable inhibition in proliferation of pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell (P < 0.05). However, RafCAAX mutant can enhance pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell growth (P < 0.05). (1) [12Asp]K-ras4B gene alone is able to cause neoplastic transformation in NIH3T3 cells in vitro and in vivo. (2) [12Asp]K-ras4B-induced NIH3T3 cells neoplastic transformation required Raf signaling pathway.

Accurate measurements of cross-plane thermal conductivity of thin films by dual-frequency time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Puqing; Huang, Bin; Koh, Yee Kan

2016-07-01

Accurate measurements of the cross-plane thermal conductivity Λcross of a high-thermal-conductivity thin film on a low-thermal-conductivity (Λs) substrate (e.g., Λcross/Λs > 20) are challenging, due to the low thermal resistance of the thin film compared with that of the substrate. In principle, Λcross could be measured by time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR), using a high modulation frequency fh and a large laser spot size. However, with one TDTR measurement at fh, the uncertainty of the TDTR measurement is usually high due to low sensitivity of TDTR signals to Λcross and high sensitivity to the thickness hAl of Al transducer deposited on the sample for TDTR measurements. We observe that in most TDTR measurements, the sensitivity to hAl only depends weakly on the modulation frequency f. Thus, we performed an additional TDTR measurement at a low modulation frequency f0, such that the sensitivity to hAl is comparable but the sensitivity to Λcross is near zero. We then analyze the ratio of the TDTR signals at fh to that at f0, and thus significantly improve the accuracy of our Λcross measurements. As a demonstration of the dual-frequency approach, we measured the cross-plane thermal conductivity of a 400-nm-thick nickel-iron alloy film and a 3-μm-thick Cu film, both with an accuracy of ˜10%. The dual-frequency TDTR approach is useful for future studies of thin films.

Physical activity levels and participation in sport in Irish people with haemophilia.

PubMed

Sherlock, E; O'Donnell, J S; White, B; Blake, C

2010-01-01

Physical activity and sport are associated with a range of health and social benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the level of sports participation and physical activity of Irish people with haemophilia (PWH). A questionnaire was administered to Irish PWH attending the National Centre for Hereditary Coagulation Disorders over a 3-month period. This included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Haemophilia Activities List (HAL). Comparisons with EU average data from European Physical Activity Surveillance System for physical activity scores (IPAQ) were made using independent t-tests and percentage variance. Relationships between age, functional limitation (based on HAL) and IPAQ scores were tested with Pearson's correlation. Sixty-one questionnaires were completed, representing 12% of the Irish haemophilia population. Age ranged from 16 to 63; all levels of severity were included. Forty-six percent of Irish PWH achieved a high level of physical activity, but overall physical activity [total metabolic equivalents of task (MET) min] in the group was only 66% of the EU average. Elderly patients and those with more functional limitations (with lower HAL scores) were significantly less active. Sports participation levels were in line with other PWH at 66%. Although 55% reported bleeds resulting from sport and 31% reported having had a significant injury attributable to sport, overall sport was viewed in a positive light. Irish PWH are physically active and play a wide range of sports. Further efforts are needed to achieve optimal safety and to ensure that maximum benefit is gained.

[Risk assessment comparison of biomechanical overloading of the musculoskeletal system: 10 years' applied experience].

PubMed

Sala, Emma; Bonfiglioli, Roberta; Fostinellil, Jacopo; Tomasi, Cesare; Graziosi, Francesca; Violante, Francesco S; Apostoli, Pietro

2014-01-01

Risk assessment for upper extremity work related muscoloskeletal disorders by applying six methods of ergonomic: a ten years experience. The objective of this research was to verify and validate the multiple step method suggested by SIMLII guidelines and to compare results obtained by use of these methods: Washington State Standard, OCRA, HAL, RULA, OREGE and STRAIN INDEX. 598 workstations for a total of 1800 analysis by different methods were considered, by adopting the following multiple step procedure: prelinminary evaluation by Washington State method and OCRA checklist in all the working stations, RULA or HAL as first level evaluation, OREGE or SI as second level evaluation. The preliminary evaluation resulted negative (risk absent) in the 75% of examined work stations and by using checklist OCRA optimal-acceptable condition was found in 58% by HAL in 92% of analysis, by RULA in 100%, by OREGE in 64%; by SI in 70% of examined working positions. We observed similar evaluation of strain among methods and main differences have been observed in posture and frequency assessment. The preliminary evaluation by State of Washington method appears to be an adequate instrument for identify the working condition at risk. All the adopted methods were in a good agreement in two estreme situations: high risk or absent risk, expecially in absent risk conditions. Level of accordance varied on the basis of their rationale and of the role of their different components so SIML indications about the critical use of biouzechanical methods and about the possible use of more than one of them (considering working chlaracteristics) have been confirmed.

Space-Variant Processing Using Phase Codes and Fourier-Plane Sampling Techniques,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

hologram of Fig. 4-19 is played back. 93 III. I iil|r I Hal l II El l.,flI] I.A l filul Ili tI I1 a111 11 11 IBM ), i I I I ’ion’I I " ol F 110 1i a a0an U...t1vqljI"’i r r r r I PItl; itP r r rl rpp’n Id’Pma 4 t 1- -p Figure 4-28. Computer simulated output when all the impulse responses of Fig. 4-26 are played

An assessment of the need for changes in Virginia law concerning headlamp usage.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-01-01

An evaluation was made of the need for changes in Virginia law concerning headlamp usage during periods of dusk and dawn and at times of limited visibility. At the present time motorists are required to turn on the headlamps of their vehicles one-hal...

Walking in Two Worlds; Native Americans in Literature for Young People.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Nancy A.; Radencich, Marguerite Cogorno

1998-01-01

Reviews six books that present role models for American Indian youth struggling to cope with living in both the modern and traditional world: "Ishi, Last of His Tribe" (Theodora Kroeber); "When the Legends Die" (Hal Borland); "The Talking Earth" (Jean George); "Cloudwalker (Joel Monture); "Forbidden…

Defect in the GTPase activating protein (GAP) function of eIF5 causes repression of GCN4 translation.

PubMed

Antony A, Charles; Alone, Pankaj V

2017-05-13

In eukaryotes, the eIF5 protein plays an important role in translation start site selection by providing the GAP (GTPase activating protein) function. However, in yeast translation initiation fidelity defective eIF5 G31R mutant causes preferential utilization of UUG as initiation codon and is termed as Suppressor of initiation codon (Sui - ) phenotype due to its hyper GTPase activity. The eIF5 G31R mutant dominantly represses GCN4 expression and confers sensitivity to 3-Amino-1,2,4-Trizole (3AT) induced starvation. The down-regulation of the GCN4 expression (Gcn - phenotype) in the eIF5 G31R mutant was not because of leaky scanning defects; rather was due to the utilization of upUUG initiation codons at the 5' regulatory region present between uORF1 and the main GCN4 ORF. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FAA Vertical Flight Bibliography, 1962 - 1994

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

high altitude conditions. A UH-1H aircraft will be used. This project is similar to the work documented in FAA/CT-TN87/40 "Heliport Approach and... work . TITLE: TEST PLAN FOR HELICOPTER VISUAL SEGMENT APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM (HALS) REPORT #: FAA/CT-TN88/19 NTIS: N/ A DATE: November 1988 AUTHORS...Hiering, Robert H. Ahlers) (NTIS: N/ A ) RD-64-4 State-of-the-Art Survey for Minimum Approach , Landing and Takeoff Intervals as Dictated by Wakes

Differential calcium sensitivity in NaV 1.5 mixed syndrome mutants.

PubMed

Abdelsayed, Mena; Baruteau, Alban-Elouen; Gibbs, Karen; Sanatani, Shubhayan; Krahn, Andrew D; Probst, Vincent; Ruben, Peter C

2017-09-15

SCN5a mutations may express gain-of-function (Long QT Syndrome-3), loss-of-function (Brugada Syndrome 1) or both (mixed syndromes), depending on the mutation and environmental triggers. One such trigger may be an increase in cytosolic calcium, accompanying exercise. Many mixed syndromes mutants, including ∆KPQ, E1784K, 1795insD and Q1909R, are found in calcium-sensitive regions. Elevated cytosolic calcium attenuates gain-of-function properties in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R, but not in E1784K. By contrast, elevated cytosolic calcium further exacerbates gain-of-function in E1784K by destabilizing slow inactivation. Action potential modelling, using a modified O'Hara Rudy model, suggests that elevated heart rate rescues action potential duration in ∆KPQ, 1795insD and Q1909R, but not in E1784K. Action potential simulations suggest that E1784K carriers have an increased intracellular sodium-to-calcium ratio under bradycardia and tachycardia conditions. Elevated cytosolic calcium, which is common during high heart rates, ameliorates or exacerbates the mixed syndrome phenotype depending on the genetic signature. Inherited arrhythmias may arise from mutations in the gene for SCN5a, which encodes the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel, Na V 1.5. Mutants in Na V 1.5 result in Brugada Syndrome (BrS1), Long-QT Syndrome (LQT3) or mixed syndromes (an overlap of BrS1/LQT3). Exercise is a potential arrhythmogenic trigger in mixed syndromes. We aimed to determine the effects of elevated cytosolic calcium, which is common during exercise, in mixed syndrome Na V 1.5 mutants. We used whole-cell patch clamp to assess the biophysical properties of Na V 1.5 wild-type (WT), ∆KPQ, E1784K, 1795insD and Q1909R mutants in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transiently transfected with the Na V 1.5 α subunit (WT or mutants), β1 subunit and enhanced green fluorescent protein. Voltage-dependence and kinetics were measured at cytosolic calcium levels of approximately 0, 500 and 2500�

A mutant of the Buthus martensii Karsch antitumor-analgesic peptide exhibits reduced inhibition to hNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels while retaining analgesic activity.

PubMed

Xu, Yijia; Meng, Xiangxue; Hou, Xue; Sun, Jianfang; Kong, Xiaohua; Sun, Yuqi; Liu, Zeyu; Ma, Yuanyuan; Niu, Ye; Song, Yongbo; Cui, Yong; Zhao, Mingyi; Zhang, Jinghai

2017-11-03

Scorpion toxins can kill other animals by inducing paralysis and arrhythmia, which limits the potential applications of these agents in the clinical management of diseases. Antitumor-analgesic peptide (AGAP), purified from Buthus martensii Karsch, has been proved to possess analgesic and antitumor activities. Trp 38 , a conserved aromatic residue of AGAP, might play an important role in mediating AGAP activities according to the sequence and homology-modeling analyses. Therefore, an AGAP mutant, W38G, was generated, and effects of both AGAP and the mutant W38G were examined by whole-cell patch clamp techniques on the sodium channels hNa v 1.4 and hNa v 1.5, which were closely associated with the biotoxicity of skeletal and cardiac muscles, respectively. The data showed that both W38G and AGAP inhibited the peak currents of hNa v 1.4 and hNa v 1.5; however, W38G induced a much weaker inhibition of both channels than AGAP. Accordingly, W38G exhibited much less toxic effect on both skeletal and cardiac muscles than AGAP in vivo The analgesic activity of W38G and AGAP were verified in vivo as well, and W38G retained analgesic activity similar to AGAP. Inhibition to both Na v 1.7 and Na v 1.8 was involved in the analgesic mechanism of AGAP and W38G. These findings indicated that Trp 38 was a key amino acid involved in the biotoxicity of AGAP, and the AGAP mutant W38G might be a safer alternative for clinical application because it retains the analgesic efficacy with less toxicity to skeletal and cardiac muscles. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Modeling Joint Effects of Mixtures of Chemicals on Microorganisms Using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-08-22

Cyclohexane Alk 74 133 26 Pentane Alk 70 150 27 Hexane Alk 38 47 28 Heptane Alk 18 58 29 Octane Alk 8 60 30 Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether Alc 1,600 3,025 31...Triethanolarnine Amni 900 741 SAro- aromatic; Hal- balogemmaed aliphatic; Alk - alkanes; Alc- alcohols, este’s, ketones and et Aji- amineL -5- Correlation...chemicals using laboratory grown activated sludge by synthetic feed. They adapted the OECD Method 209, using inhibition of oxygen uptake rate as the measure

Mutant Runx2 regulates amelogenesis and osteogenesis through a miR-185-5p-Dlx2 axis.

PubMed

Chang, Huaiguang; Wang, Yue; Liu, Haochen; Nan, Xu; Wong, Singwai; Peng, Saihui; Gu, Yajuan; Zhao, Hongshan; Feng, Hailan

2017-12-14

Regulation of microRNAs (miRNA) has been extensively investigated in diseases; however, little is known about the roles of miRNAs in cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential involvement of miRNAs in CCD. In vitro site-directed mutagenesis was performed to construct three mutant Runx2 expression vectors, which were then transfected into LS8 cells and MC3T3-E1 cells, to determine the impact on amelogenesis and osteogenesis, respectively. miRCURY LNA miRNA microarray identify miR-185-5p as a miRNA target commonly induced by all three Runx2 mutants. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to determine the expression of miR-185-5p and Dlx2 in samples. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm Dlx2 as a legitimate target of miR-185-5p. The suppressive effect of miR-185-5p on amelogenesis and osteogenesis of miR-185-5p was evaluated by RT-PCR and western blot examination of Amelx, Enam, Klk4, and Mmp20 gene and protein expression, and by Alizarin Red stain. We found that mutant Runx2 suppressed amelogenesis and osteogenesis. miR-185-5p, induced by Runx2, suppressed amelogenesis and osteogenesis. Furthermore, we identified Dlx2 as direct target of miR-185-5p. Consistently, Dlx2 expression was inversely correlated with miR-185-5p levels. This study highlights the molecular etiology and significance of miR-185-5p in CCD, and suggests that targeting miR-185-5p may represent a new therapeutic strategy in prevention or intervention of CCD.

Baryon interactions from lattice QCD with physical quark masses - Nuclear forces and ΞΞ forces -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doi, Takumi; Iritani, Takumi; Aoki, Sinya; Gongyo, Shinya; Hatsuda, Tetsuo; Ikeda, Yoichi; Inoue, Takashi; Ishii, Noriyoshi; Miyamoto, Takaya; Nemura, Hidekatsu; Sasaki, Kenji

2018-03-01

We present the latest lattice QCD results for baryon interactions obtained at nearly physical quark masses. Nf = 2 + 1 nonperturbatively O(a)-improved Wilson quark action with stout smearing and Iwasaki gauge action are employed on the lattice of (96a)4 ≃(8.1fm)4 with a-1 ≃2.3 GeV, where mπ ≃146 MeV and mK ≃525 MeV. In this report, we study the two-nucleon systems and two-Ξ systems in 1S0 channel and 3S1-3D1 coupled channel, and extract central and tensor interactions by the HAL QCD method. We also present the results for the NΩ interaction in 5S2 channel which is relevant to the NΩ pair-momentum correlation in heavy-ion collision experiments.

Finding a Counseling Niche.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Counseling and Development, 1988

1988-01-01

Contains five personal accounts: "Answering the Cry of Disadvantaged Students" (Cheryl Bellamy); "A Change of Direction: From Researcher to Counselor in Nigeria" (Delores Mack); "Suicidal Encounters--Suicidal Experience" (Ralph Rickgarn); "Rescuing the Rescuers: First Responders at Risk" (Hal Snyder); and "Birth is Not Necessarily Painful: A…

Exchange of Librarians between the "City of Brotherly Love" and the "Land Down Under."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tarr, Hal; Kotasek, Ivana

1988-01-01

Two participants in an international exchange program describe their experiences. Hal Tarr, a technical services librarian at Peirce Junior College in Pennsylvania, exchanged positions with Ivana Kotasek, head librarian at Port Adelaide College in Australia. Both discuss the logistics of the exchange process and their impressions. (DMM)

Healthy Active Living: A Residence Community-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Healthy Eating during the Transition to First-Year University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Denver M. Y.; Bray, Steve R.; Beatty, Kevin R.; Kwan, Matthew Y. W.

2014-01-01

Objective: To examine the effects of a Healthy Active Living (HAL) community intervention on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC), and psychosocial mediators of physical activity among students transitioning into university. Methods: Sixty undergraduate students were assigned to reside in either the…

Double strand RNA oral delivery methods to induce RNA interference in phloem and plant-sap-feeding insects

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phloem and plant sap feeding insect pests invade the integrity of crops and fruits to retrieve nutrients in the process damaging food productivity. Hemipteran insects account for a number of economically substantial pests of plants that cause damage to crops by feeding on phloem sap. Halyomorpha hal...

Genome-wide association of a novel porcine stress-syndrome and isoflurane sensitivity to dystrophin

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Losses of slaughter-weight pigs due to transport stress are an economic concern to pork producers. Historically, the HAL-1843 mutation in the ryanodine receptor 1 gene was considered responsible for most of the losses; however, DNA testing has effectively eliminated this mutation from commercial her...

Simple Hydrogen Plasma Doping Process of Amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide-Based Phototransistors for Visible Light Detection.

PubMed

Kang, Byung Ha; Kim, Won-Gi; Chung, Jusung; Lee, Jin Hyeok; Kim, Hyun Jae

2018-02-28

A homojunction-structured amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) phototransistor that can detect visible light is reported. The key element of this technology is an absorption layer composed of hydrogen-doped a-IGZO. This absorption layer is fabricated by simple hydrogen plasma doping, and subgap states are induced by increasing the amount of hydrogen impurities. These subgap states, which lead to a higher number of photoexcited carriers and aggravate the instability under negative bias illumination stress, enabled the detection of a wide range of visible light (400-700 nm). The optimal condition of the hydrogen-doped absorption layer (HAL) is fabricated at a hydrogen partial pressure ratio of 2%. As a result, the optimized a-IGZO phototransistor with the HAL exhibits a high photoresponsivity of 1932.6 A/W, a photosensitivity of 3.85 × 10 6 , and a detectivity of 6.93 × 10 11 Jones under 635 nm light illumination.

Mutants of feline immunodeficiency virus resistant to 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine.

PubMed Central

Zhu, Y Q; Remington, K M; North, T W

1996-01-01

We selected mutants of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) that are resistant to 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine (d4T). Two mutants were selected in cultured cells with a stepwise increase in d4T concentration, resulting in mutants able to replicate in 100 microM d4T. These mutants were three- to sixfold more resistant to d4T than wild-type FIV. They were also cross-resistant to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), 3'-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine, 2',3'-dideoxycytidine, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, and 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine, and they were highly resistant to phosphonoformic acid (PFA). Plaque-purified mutants were isolated from each of the mutant populations. The mutant phenotype was stable, because both of the plaque-purified mutants remained d4T resistant even after three passages in the absence of d4T. One of the plaque-purified mutants, designated D4R-3c, was further characterized. Compared with wild-type reverse transcriptase (RT), RT purified from D4R-3c was 3-fold resistant to inhibition by the 5'-triphosphate of d4T, 10-fold resistant to inhibition by the 5'-triphosphate of AZT, and 6-fold resistant to PFA. D4R-3c had a single point mutation in the RT-encoding region of the pol gene at position 2474, resulting in a Val to Ile mutation at codon 47 of the FIV RT. The role of this mutation in d4T resistance was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. PMID:8878567

A role for molecular compression in the post-translational formation of the Green Fluorescent Protein chromophore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terranova, U.; Nifosı`, R.

2010-05-01

Spontaneous chromophore formation is probably the key feature for the remarkable success of GFPs (Green Fluorescent Proteins) and related proteins in fluorescence microscopy. Though a quantitative analysis of the involved energetics still remains elusive, substantial progress has been made in identifying the steps of chromophore biosynthesis and the contribution of individual residues and surrounding protein matrix. The latter clearly enforces a peculiar configuration of the pre-cyclized chromophore-forming tripeptide. However, it is debated whether a mechanical compression is also at play in triggering backbone cyclization. Here, by molecular dynamics and potential of mean force calculations, we estimate the contribution of the protein scaffold in promoting the proximity of reacting atoms- and hence backbone cyclization - by a sort of compression mechanism. Comparing several mutants we highlight the role of some surrounding residues. Finally, we analyze the case of HAL (Histidine Ammonia-Lyase) active site, which undergoes an analogous cyclization reaction.

Phonons and their dispersion in model ferroelastics Hg2Hal2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roginskii, E. M.; Kvasov, A. A.; Markov, Yu. F.; Smirnov, M. B.

2012-05-01

Dispersion relations of the acoustic and optical phonon frequencies have been calculated and plotted, and the density of states of the phonon spectrum of Hg2Cl2 and Hg2Br2 crystals has been derived. The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the frequencies of acoustic and optical phonons and their dispersion has been theoretically analyzed. It has been found that an increase in the pressure leads to a strong softening of the slowest acoustic TA branch (the soft mode) at the X point of the Brillouin zone boundary, which is consistent with the phenomenological Landau theory and correlates with experiment.

Magnesium Increases Homoeologous Crossover Frequency During Meiosis in ZIP4 (Ph1 Gene) Mutant Wheat-Wild Relative Hybrids.

PubMed

Rey, María-Dolores; Martín, Azahara C; Smedley, Mark; Hayta, Sadiye; Harwood, Wendy; Shaw, Peter; Moore, Graham

2018-01-01

Wild relatives provide an important source of useful traits in wheat breeding. Wheat and wild relative hybrids have been widely used in breeding programs to introduce such traits into wheat. However, successful introgression is limited by the low frequency of homoeologous crossover (CO) between wheat and wild relative chromosomes. Hybrids between wheat carrying a 70 Mb deletion on chromosome 5B ( ph1b ) and wild relatives, have been exploited to increase the level of homoeologous CO, allowing chromosome exchange between their chromosomes. In ph1b -rye hybrids, CO number increases from a mean of 1 CO to 7 COs per cell. CO number can be further increased up to a mean of 12 COs per cell in these ph1b hybrids by treating the plants with Hoagland solution. More recently, it was shown that the major meiotic crossover gene ZIP4 on chromosome 5B ( TaZIP4-B2 ) within the 70 Mb deletion, was responsible for the restriction of homoeologous COs in wheat-wild relative hybrids, confirming the ph1b phenotype as a complete Tazip4-B2 deletion mutant ( Tazip4-B2 ph1b) . In this study, we have identified the particular Hoagland solution constituent responsible for the increased chiasma frequency in Tazip4-B2 ph1b mutant-rye hybrids and extended the analysis to Tazip4-B2 TILLING and CRISPR mutant- Ae variabilis hybrids. Chiasma frequency at meiotic metaphase I, in the absence of each Hoagland solution macronutrient (NH 4 H 2 PO 4 , KNO 3 , Ca (NO 3 )2·4H 2 O or Mg SO 4 ·7H 2 O) was analyzed. A significant decrease in homoeologous CO frequency was observed when the Mg 2+ ion was absent. A significant increase of homoeologous CO frequency was observed in all analyzed hybrids, when plants were irrigated with a 1 mM Mg 2+ solution. These observations suggest a role for magnesium supplementation in improving the success of genetic material introgression from wild relatives into wheat.

The Third Battle: Innovation in the U.S. Navy’s Silent Cold War Struggle with Soviet Submarines (Newport Paper No. 16, 2003)

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

Bonin , Colleen Leonardo, Bruce Rule, John Hanley, Dick Chapman, Greg Duckworth, Ted Wile, Captain Dave Schubert, Jan Breemer, John Brandes, Robert...Nadolink, Jeff Cohen, Bernie Myer, Hal Hultgreen, Dick Bonin , and Colleen Leo- nardo, 13 March 1998. For more on what came to be known as the Atlantic

Aspergillus flavus genetic diversity of corn fields treated with non-toxigenic strain afla-guard in the southern U.S

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Aspergillus flavus genetic diversity of corn fields treated with the non-toxigenic strain Afla-Guard (NRRL 21882) was determined for 384 A. flavus isolates from 14 locations within 6 states in the southern U.S. ELISA test has determined low levels of toxigenic strains (only 91 positive). Nearly hal...

ATRAZINE DISPOSITION IN PREGNANT AND LACTATING LONG-EVANS RATS

EPA Science Inventory

Atrazine (ATR) is a widely used herbicide shown to delay early mammary development in female offspring of gestationally exposed rats. The effects of ATR can be induced by in utero exposure and/or suckling from a dam exposed during late pregnancy, but ATR is reported to have a hal...

[Selection of acetate-tolerant mutants from Escherichia coli DH5alpha and the metabolic properties of mutant DA19].

PubMed

Zhu, Caiqing; Ye, Qin

2003-08-01

Esherichia coli DH5alpha is one of the widely used host strains in genetic engineering. However, foreign gene expression level in this strain is seriously inhibited due to its great sensitivity to the accumulated metabolite, acetate. This study aimed at improving the tolerance of this strain against acetate. Cells of E. coli DH5alpha were irradiated with 60Co, and subsequently continuous culture of the irradiated cells was conducted with gradual increase in the dilution rate and the selective pressure, acetate concentration in the medium. The mutants were picked up on MA plates which contained 5g/L sodium acetate. 5 strains with great improvement in acetate tolerance were obtained, among which DA19 was the best. In cultivation of DA19 in complex media YPS and YPS2G, the cell density, maximum specific growth rate and acetate produced were respectively 1.17 and 1.05, 1.08 and 1.27, and 0.06 and 0.59 times of those of DH5alpha. In a chemically defined medium, the cell density of DA19 was 3.4-fold of that of DH5alpha. The cell density of DA19 in a medium containing 10g/L sodium acetate was comparable to that of DH5alpha in the same medium without the addition of acetate.

Degradation of trichloroethylene by Pseudomonas cepacia G4 and the constitutive mutant strain G4 5223 PR1 in aquifer microcosms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Krumme, M.L.; Timmis, K.N.; Dwyer, D.F.

1993-01-01

Pseudomonas cepacia G4 degrades trichloroethylene (TCE) via a degradation pathway for aromatic compounds which is induced by substrates such as phenol and tryptophan. P. cepacia G4 5223 PR1 (PR1) is a Tn5 insertion mutant which constitutively expresses the toluene ortho-monooxygenase responsible for TCE degradation. In groundwater microcosms, phenol-induced strain G4 and noninduced strain PR1 degraded TCE (20 and 50 microM) to nondetectable levels (< 0.1 microM) within 24 h at densities of 10(8) cells per ml; at lower densities, degradation of TCE was not observed after 48 h. In aquifer sediment microcosms, TCE was reduced from 60 to < 0.1 microM within 24 h at 5 x 10(8) PR1 organisms per g (wet weight) of sediment and from 60 to 26 microM over a period of 10 weeks at 5 x 10(7) PR1 organisms per g. Viable G4 and PR1 cells decreased from approximately 10(7) to 10(4) per g over the 10-week period.

Biomedical Free Electron Laser Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

t Ŗ.5 h 337.1 nm radiation . "" " , measured at 0.2 nigml (10x ... dilution of concentration used for 0 irradiation) 380 400 420 440 460 480 500 520...enzymes. Jnt J Radiat Biol 29:1-16 Hal,isihi K. Imoto T . Funatsu MI 11965) The position of the active trvptophan residue in %soz-sme. J Biochem (Tokyo) 58...the various fractions of incident radiation intensity that are transmitted, T , absorbed, A, and remitted (reflected and back scattered) R. Since these

DFT investigation of electronic structures and magnetic properties of halides family MeHal3 (Me=Ti, Mo,Zr,Nb, Ru, Hal=Cl,Br,I) one dimensional structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzubov, A. A.; Kovaleva, E. A.; Popova, M. I.; Kholtobina, A. S.; Mikhaleva, N. S.; Visotin, M. A.; Fedorov, A. S.

2017-10-01

Using DFT GGA calculations, electronic structure and magnetic properties of wide family of transition metal trihalides (TMHal3) (Zr, Ti and Nb iodides, Mo, Ru, Ti and Zr bromides and Ti or Zr chlorides) are investigated. These structures consist of transition metal atoms chains surrounded by halides atoms. Chains are connected to each other by weak interactions. All TMHal3 compounds were found to be conductive along chain axis except of MoBr3 which is indirect gap semiconductor. It was shown that NbI3 and MoBr3 have large magnetic moments on metal atoms (1.17 and 1.81 μB, respectively) but other TMHal3 materials have small or zero magnetic moments. For all structures ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic phases have almost the same energies. The causes of these properties are debated.

Practising what we preach: A look at healthy active living policy and practice in Canadian paediatric hospitals

PubMed Central

Solh, Ziad; Adamo, Kristi B; Platt, Jennica L; Ambler, Kathryn; Boyd, Erin; Orrbine, Elaine; Cummings, Elizabeth; LeBlanc, Claire MA

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND: In the past 30 years, the rate of obesity has risen considerably among Canadian children. Paediatric hospitals are in a unique position to model healthy environments to Canadian children. OBJECTIVE: To obtain an overview of healthy active living (HAL) policy and practice in Canadian paediatric hospitals. METHODS: Working in partnership with the local Canadian Paediatric Society HAL champions and the Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres liaisons, a nationwide survey was conducted in 2006/2007 to identify healthy eating, physical activity and smoking cessation practices in all 16 Canadian paediatric academic hospitals. RESULTS: Policies addressing healthy eating and/or physical activity promotion were present in 50% of hospitals with a greater focus on nutrition. Wellness committees were created in 50% of the hospitals, most of which were recently established. Healthy food options were available in cafeterias, although they were often more expensive. Fast food outlets were present in 75% of hospitals. Although inpatient meals were designed by dietitians, 50% offered less nutritious replacement kids meals (ie, meal substitutions) on request. Options for play available to inpatients and outpatients were primarily sedentary, with screen-based activities and crafts predominating over active play. Physical activity promotion for staff focused on reduced membership fees to fitness centres and classes. CONCLUSION: Canadian paediatric hospitals do not adequately promote HAL for patients and staff. The present study findings suggest further effort is required to create necessary healthy lifestyle modifications in these institutions through Canadian Paediatric Society/Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres-led policy development and implementation initiatives. A national-level policy framework is required to regulate interhospital variability in policies and practices. PMID:22131867

Visualizing stressful aspects of repetitive motion tasks and opportunities for ergonomic improvements using computer vision.

PubMed

Greene, Runyu L; Azari, David P; Hu, Yu Hen; Radwin, Robert G

2017-11-01

Patterns of physical stress exposure are often difficult to measure, and the metrics of variation and techniques for identifying them is underdeveloped in the practice of occupational ergonomics. Computer vision has previously been used for evaluating repetitive motion tasks for hand activity level (HAL) utilizing conventional 2D videos. The approach was made practical by relaxing the need for high precision, and by adopting a semi-automatic approach for measuring spatiotemporal characteristics of the repetitive task. In this paper, a new method for visualizing task factors, using this computer vision approach, is demonstrated. After videos are made, the analyst selects a region of interest on the hand to track and the hand location and its associated kinematics are measured for every frame. The visualization method spatially deconstructs and displays the frequency, speed and duty cycle components of tasks that are part of the threshold limit value for hand activity for the purpose of identifying patterns of exposure associated with the specific job factors, as well as for suggesting task improvements. The localized variables are plotted as a heat map superimposed over the video, and displayed in the context of the task being performed. Based on the intensity of the specific variables used to calculate HAL, we can determine which task factors most contribute to HAL, and readily identify those work elements in the task that contribute more to increased risk for an injury. Work simulations and actual industrial examples are described. This method should help practitioners more readily measure and interpret temporal exposure patterns and identify potential task improvements. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hydrogen bond and halogen bond inside the carbon nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weizhou; Wang, Donglai; Zhang, Yu; Ji, Baoming; Tian, Anmin

2011-02-01

The hydrogen bond and halogen bond inside the open-ended single-walled carbon nanotubes have been investigated theoretically employing the newly developed density functional M06 with the suitable basis set and the natural bond orbital analysis. Comparing with the hydrogen or halogen bond in the gas phase, we find that the strength of the hydrogen or halogen bond inside the carbon nanotube will become weaker if there is a larger intramolecular electron-density transfer from the electron-rich region of the hydrogen or halogen atom donor to the antibonding orbital of the X-H or X-Hal bond involved in the formation of the hydrogen or halogen bond and will become stronger if there is a larger intermolecular electron-density transfer from the electron-rich region of the hydrogen or halogen atom acceptor to the antibonding orbital of the X-H or X-Hal bond. According to the analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential of the carbon nanotube, the driving force for the electron-density transfer is found to be the negative electric field formed in the carbon nanotube inner phase. Our results also show that the X-H bond involved in the formation of the hydrogen bond and the X-Hal bond involved in the formation of the halogen bond are all elongated when encapsulating the hydrogen bond and halogen bond within the carbon nanotube, so the carbon nanotube confinement may change the blue-shifting hydrogen bond and the blue-shifting halogen bond into the red-shifting hydrogen bond and the red-shifting halogen bond. The possibility to replace the all electron nanotube-confined calculation by the simple polarizable continuum model is also evaluated.

Lithium and neuroleptics in combination: is there enhancement of neurotoxicity leading to permanent sequelae?

PubMed

Goldman, S A

1996-10-01

Neurotoxicity in relation to concomitant administration of lithium and neuroleptic drugs, particularly haloperidol, has been an ongoing issue. This study examined whether use of lithium with neuroleptic drugs enhances neurotoxicity leading to permanent sequelae. The Spontaneous Reporting System database of the United States Food and Drug Administration and extant literature were reviewed for spectrum cases of lithium/neuroleptic neurotoxicity. Groups taking lithium alone (Li), lithium/haloperidol (LiHal) and lithium/ nonhaloperidol neuroleptics (LiNeuro), each paired for recovery and sequelae, were established for 237 cases. Statistical analyses included pairwise comparisons of lithium levels using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum procedure and logistic regression to analyze the relationship between independent variables and development of sequelae. The Li and Li-Neuro groups showed significant statistical differences in median lithium levels between recovery and sequelae pairs, whereas the LiHal pair did not differ significantly. Lithium level was associated with sequelae development overall and within the Li and LiNeuro groups; no such association was evident in the LiHal group. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, lithium level and taking lithium/haloperidol were significant factors in the development of sequelae, with multiple possibly confounding factors (e.g., age, sex) not statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with neuroleptic dose as five discrete dose ranges or actual dose did not show an association between development of sequelae and dose. Database limitations notwithstanding, the lack of apparent impact of serum lithium level on the development of sequelae in patients treated with haloperidol contrasts notably with results in the Li and LiNeuro groups. These findings may suggest a possible effect of pharmacodynamic factors in lithium/neuroleptic combination therapy.

Effectiveness and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Gel with Lidocaine for the Treatment of Nasolabial Folds: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Chenglong; Luan, Sisi; Panayi, Adriana C; Xin, Minqiang; Mi, Bobin; Luan, Jie

2018-05-08

Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel is a widely used dermal filler for the correction facial volume loss. The incorporation of lidocaine with HA provides a pain-relieving alternative for individuals considering facial rejuvenation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the effectiveness and safety of HA with lidocaine (HAL) with that of HA without lidocaine for the treatment of nasolabial folds (NLFs). Studies were identified using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science from inception up to January 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Outcomes included 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale score and adverse events. A total of 908 patients from 12 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. VAS score within 30 min after injection in the HAL group was much lower than that with just HA group (MD = - 28.83, 95% CI - 36.38 to - 21.28). There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two products 24 months post-injection (MD = 0.13, 95% CI - 0.15 to 0.41). The main adverse events, such as swelling, erythema, bruising, itching and induration, also showed no significant difference. HAL is more effective for pain relief than HA alone, but both display similar effectiveness and safety for the correction of NLFs. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Differential Activation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Kv7.4, Kv7.5, and Kv7.4/7.5 Channels by ML213 and ICA-069673

PubMed Central

Brueggemann, Lyubov I.; Haick, Jennifer M.; Cribbs, Leanne L.

2014-01-01

Recent research suggests that smooth muscle cells express Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 voltage-activated potassium channels, which contribute to maintenance of their resting membrane voltage. New pharmacologic activators of Kv7 channels, ML213 (N-mesitybicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxamide) and ICA-069673 N-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-3,4-difluorobenzamide), have been reported to discriminate among channels formed from different Kv7 subtypes. We compared the effects of ML213 and ICA-069673 on homomeric human Kv7.4, Kv7.5, and heteromeric Kv7.4/7.5 channels exogenously expressed in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that, despite its previous description as a selective activator of Kv7.2 and Kv7.4, ML213 significantly increased the maximum conductance of homomeric Kv7.4 and Kv7.5, as well as heteromeric Kv7.4/7.5 channels, and induced a negative shift of their activation curves. Current deactivation rates decreased in the presence of the ML213 (10 μM) for all three channel combinations. Mutants of Kv7.4 (W242L) and Kv7.5 (W235L), previously found to be insensitive to another Kv7 channel activator, retigabine, were also insensitive to ML213 (10 μM). In contrast to ML213, ICA-069673 robustly activated Kv7.4 channels but was significantly less effective on homomeric Kv7.5 channels. Heteromeric Kv7.4/7.5 channels displayed intermediate responses to ICA-069673. In each case, ICA-069673 induced a negative shift of the activation curves without significantly increasing maximal conductance. Current deactivation rates decreased in the presence of ICA-069673 in a subunit-specific manner. Kv7.4 W242L responded to ICA-069673-like wild-type Kv7.4, but a Kv7.4 F143A mutant was much less sensitive to ICA-069673. Based on these results, ML213 and ICA-069673 likely bind to different sites and are differentially selective among Kv7.4, Kv7.5, and Kv7.4/7.5 channel subtypes. PMID:24944189

Mutants of Pseudomonas cepacia G4 defective in catabolism of aromatic compounds and trichloroethylene.

PubMed Central

Shields, M S; Montgomery, S O; Cuskey, S M; Chapman, P J; Pritchard, P H

1991-01-01

Pseudomonas cepacia G4 possesses a novel pathway of toluene catabolism that is shown to be responsible for the degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE). This pathway involves conversion of toluene via o-cresol to 3-methylcatechol. In order to determine the enzyme of toluene degradation that is responsible for TCE degradation, chemically induced mutants, blocked in the toluene ortho-monooxygenase (TOM) pathway of G4, were examined. Mutants of the phenotypic class designated TOM A- were all defective in their ability to oxidize toluene, o-cresol, m-cresol, and phenol, suggesting that a single enzyme is responsible for conversion of these compounds to their hydroxylated products (3-methylcatechol from toluene, o-cresol, and m-cresol and catechol from phenol) in the wild type. Mutants of this class did not degrade TCE. Two other mutant classes which were blocked in toluene catabolism, TOM B-, which lacked catechol-2,3-dioxygenase, and TOM C-, which lacked 2-hydroxy-6-oxoheptadienoic acid hydrolase activity, were fully capable of TCE degradation. Therefore, TCE degradation is directly associated with the monooxygenation capability responsible for toluene, cresol, and phenol hydroxylation. PMID:1892384

Some African American Males' Perspectives on the Black Woman.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burrow, Rufus, Jr.

1992-01-01

Presents views of Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, and James Hal Cone (African-American male leaders) toward African-American women in the United States. Discusses the role of African-American men in addressing and eradicating sexism in African-American churches and the African-American community. (SLD)

Proceedings of the Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (31st, Seoul, Korea, July 8-13, 2007). Volume 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woo, Jeong-Ho, Ed.; Lew, Hee-Chan, Ed.; Park, Kyo-Sik Park, Ed.; Seo, Dong-Yeop, Ed.

2007-01-01

This second volume of the 31st annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents research reports for author surnames beginning Alc- through Hal-. Reports include: (1) How Do Your Students Think about Proof? A DVD Resource for Mathematicians (Lara Alcock); (2) Teachers' Conceptions of…

Yields in high density, short rotation intensive culture (SRIC)—plantations of Eucalyptus and Other Hardwood Species

Treesearch

R.M. Sachs; C.B. Low

1983-01-01

Initial high density (17,200 trees ha-1, 6961 trees a-1) plantations of Eucalyptus grandis yielded up to 22 oven dry tons (ODT) ha-l yr-I (10 ta-1 yr-1) on an approximate 6 month rotation. Border effects could not be eliminated from the small sized plots used...

Sleep restores behavioral plasticity to Drosophila mutants

PubMed Central

Dissel, Stephane; Angadi, Veena; Kirszenblat, Leonie; Suzuki, Yasuko; Donlea, Jeff; Klose, Markus; Koch, Zachary; English, Denis; Winsky-Sommerer, Raphaelle; van Swinderen, Bruno; Shaw, Paul J.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Given the role that sleep plays in modulating plasticity, we hypothesized that increasing sleep would restore memory to canonical memory mutants without specifically rescuing the causal molecular-lesion. Sleep was increased using three independent strategies: activating the dorsal Fan Shaped Body (FB), increasing the expression of Fatty acid binding protein (dFabp) or by administering the GABA-A agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol (THIP). Short-term memory (STM) or Long-term memory (LTM) was evaluated in rutabaga (rut) and dunce (dnc) mutants using Aversive Phototaxic Suppression (APS) and courtship conditioning. Each of the three independent strategies increased sleep and restored memory to rut and dnc mutants. Importantly, inducing sleep also reverses memory defects in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease. Together these data demonstrate that sleep plays a more fundamental role in modulating behavioral plasticity than previously appreciated and suggests that increasing sleep may benefit patients with certain neurological disorders. PMID:25913403

Serotonin hyperinnervation and upregulated 5-HT2A receptor expression and motor-stimulating function in nigrostriatal dopamine-deficient Pitx3 mutant mice.

PubMed

Li, Li; Qiu, Guozhen; Ding, Shengyuan; Zhou, Fu-Ming

2013-01-23

The striatum receives serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) innervation and expresses 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) and other 5-HT receptors, raising the possibility that the striatal 5-HT system may undergo adaptive changes after chronic severe dopamine (DA) loss and contribute to the function and dysfunction of the striatum. Here we show that in transcription factor Pitx3 gene mutant mice with a selective, severe DA loss in the dorsal striatum mimicking the DA denervation in late Parkinson's disease (PD), both the 5-HT innervation and the 5-HT2AR mRNA expression were increased in the dorsal striatum. Functionally, while having no detectable motor effect in wild type mice, the 5-HT2R agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine increased both the baseline and l-dopa-induced normal ambulatory and dyskinetic movements in Pitx3 mutant mice, whereas the selective 5-HT2AR blocker volinanserin had the opposite effects. These results demonstrate that Pitx3 mutant mice are a convenient and valid mouse model to study the compensatory 5-HT upregulation following the loss of the nigrostriatal DA projection and that the upregulated 5-HT2AR function in the DA deficient dorsal striatum may enhance both normal and dyskinetic movements. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL FUNCTION AND RETINAL STRUCTURE FOLLOWING ACUTE LIGHT EXPOSURE IN THE LIGHT SENSITIVE T4R RHODOPSIN MUTANT DOG

PubMed Central

Iwabe, Simone; Ying, Gui-Shuang; Aguirre, Gustavo D.; Beltran, William A.

2016-01-01

The effect of acute exposure to various intensities of white light on visual behavior and retinal structure was evaluated in the T4R RHO dog, a naturally-occurring model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa due to a mutation in the Rhodopsin gene. A total of 14 dogs (ages: 4–5.5 months) were used in this study: 3 homozygous mutant RHOT4R/T4R, 8 heterozygous mutant RHOT4R/+, and 3 normal wild-type (WT) dogs. Following overnight dark adaptation, the left eyes were acutely exposed to bright white light with a monocular Ganzfeld dome, while the contralateral right eye was shielded. Each of the 3 homozygous (RHOT4R/T4R) mutant dogs had a single unilateral light exposure (LE) to a different (low, moderate, and high) dose of white light (corneal irradiance/illuminance: 0.1 mW/cm2, 170 lux; 0.5 mW/cm2, 820 lux; or 1 mW/cm2, 1590 lux) for 1min. All 8 heterozygous (RHOT4R/+) mutant dogs were exposed once to the same moderate dose of light. The 3 WT dogs had their left eyes exposed 1, 2, or 3 times to the same highest dose of light. Visual function prior to LE and at 2 weeks and 33 weeks after exposure was objectively assessed in the RHOT4R/T4R and WT dogs by using an obstacle-avoidance course. Transit time through the obstacle course was measured under different scotopic to photopic ambient illuminations. Morphological retinal changes were evaluated by non-invasive in vivo cSLO/sdOCT imaging and histology before and at several time-points (2–36 weeks) after light exposure. The analysis of the transit time through the obstacle course showed that no differences were observed in any of mutant or WT dogs at 2 weeks and 33 weeks post LE. The RHOT4R/T4R retina exposed to the lowest dose of white light showed no obvious changes in ONL thickness at 2 weeks, but mild decrease was noted 36 weeks after LE. The RHOT4R/T4R retina that received a moderate dose (showed an obvious decrease in ONL thickness along the superior and temporal meridians at 2 weeks post LE with more

Magnesium and Titanium Isotopic Compositions of an Unusual Hibonite-Perovskite Refractory Inclusion from Allende: It Is Fun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, M.-C.; Keller, L. P.; McKeegan, K. D.

2016-01-01

of (sup 26) Al. Delta (sup 25) Mg (mass-dependent fractionation) in hibonite is approximately -5 per mille per atomic mass unit relative to Madagascar hibonite, but is not well constrained for perovskite due to very large uncertainties owing to extremely low Mg contents. Similar to Mg isotopes, SHAL hibonite and perovskite show essentially the same Ti isotopic compositions, with anomalies in (sup 50) Ti of approximately 14 per mille, but the former shows greater Ti isotope fractionation than the latter (2.5 per mille per atomic mass unit versus 0 per mille). Discussion and Conclusions: The Al-Mg and Ti isotopic compositions of SHAL hibonite are consistent with those of HAL, suggesting that SHAL hibonite is a FUN inclusion and likely formed prior to homogenization of (sup 26) Al and Ti isotope variations in the solar nebula. However, the formation mechanisms for SHAL and HAL differ, given the differences in the REE patterns and degrees of oxygen mass-dependent fractionation. The Group-II to Group-III like REE patterns, the Yb depletions, and negative delta (sup 25) Mg observed in SHAL hibonite are all consistent with condensation of the hibonite precursor in a reducing environment.. The lack of large Ce depletions in SHAL hibonite implies that distillation processes that fractionated hibonite's oxygen isotopes must have taken place under a reducing condition, but the extent to which SHAL hibonite was distilled appears to be less than HAL because of the smaller degree of oxygen mass-dependent fractionation. The perovskite shares essentially the same Ti and Mg isotopic compositions as hibonite and probably formed in the same reservoir.. The ultrarefractory REE pattern seen in perovskite likely resulted from gas-solid fractionation which depleted HREEs in this reservoir. This process also explains why SHAL hibonite is generally depleted in HREEs relative to LREEs.

Brassinosteroid-Insensitive Dwarf Mutants of Arabidopsis Accumulate Brassinosteroids1

PubMed Central

Noguchi, Takahiro; Fujioka, Shozo; Choe, Sunghwa; Takatsuto, Suguru; Yoshida, Shigeo; Yuan, Heng; Feldmann, Kenneth A.; Tax, Frans E.

1999-01-01

Seven dwarf mutants resembling brassinosteroid (BR)-biosynthetic dwarfs were isolated that did not respond significantly to the application of exogenous BRs. Genetic and molecular analyses revealed that these were novel alleles of BRI1 (Brassinosteroid-Insensitive 1), which encodes a receptor kinase that may act as a receptor for BRs or be involved in downstream signaling. The results of morphological and molecular analyses indicated that these represent a range of alleles from weak to null. The endogenous BRs were examined from 5-week-old plants of a null allele (bri1-4) and two weak alleles (bri1-5 and bri1-6). Previous analysis of endogenous BRs in several BR-biosynthetic dwarf mutants revealed that active BRs are deficient in these mutants. However, bri1-4 plants accumulated very high levels of brassinolide, castasterone, and typhasterol (57-, 128-, and 33-fold higher, respectively, than those of wild-type plants). Weaker alleles (bri1-5 and bri1-6) also accumulated considerable levels of brassinolide, castasterone, and typhasterol, but less than the null allele (bri1-4). The levels of 6-deoxoBRs in bri1 mutants were comparable to that of wild type. The accumulation of biologically active BRs may result from the inability to utilize these active BRs, the inability to regulate BR biosynthesis in bri1 mutants, or both. Therefore, BRI1 is required for the homeostasis of endogenous BR levels. PMID:10557222

Steroid catechol degradation: disecoandrostane intermediates accumulated by Pseudomonas transposon mutant strains.

PubMed

Leppik, R A

1989-07-01

Eleven transposon mutant strains affected in bile acid catabolism were each found to form yellow, muconic-like intermediates from bile acids. To characterize these unstable intermediates, media from the growth of one of these mutants with deoxycholic acid was treated with ammonia, then the crude product was methylated with diazomethane. Four compounds were subsequently isolated; spectral evidence suggested that they were methyl 12 alpha-hydroxy-3-oxo-23,24-dinorchola-1,4-dien-22-oate, methyl 4-aza-12 beta-hydroxy-9(10)-secoandrosta-1,3,5-triene-9,17-dione-3-carboxyl ate, 4-aza-9 alpha, 12 beta-dihydroxy-9(10)-secoandrosta-1,3,5-trien-17-one-3- methyl carboxylate and 4 alpha-[3'-propionic acid]-5-amino-7 beta-hydroxy-7 alpha beta-methyl- 3a alpha, 4,7,7a-tetrahydro-1-indanone-delta-lactam. It is proposed that the mutants are blocked in the utilization of such muconic-like compounds as the 3,12 beta-dihydroxy-5,9,17-trioxo-4(5),9(10)- disecoandrostal (10),2-dien-4-oic acid formed from deoxycholic acid. A further mutant was examined, which converted deoxycholic acid to 12 alpha-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione, but accumulated yellow products from steroids which lacked a 12 alpha-hydroxy function, such as chenodeoxycholic acid. The products from the latter acid were treated as above; spectral evidence suggested that the two compounds isolated were methyl 4-aza-7-hydroxy-9(10)-secoandrosta-1,3,5- triene-9,17-dione-3-carboxylate and 4 alpha-[1'alpha-hydroxy-3'-propionic acid]-5-amino-7a beta-methyl-3a alpha,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-1-indanone-delta-lactam.

High concentrations of intracellular Ap4A and/or Ap5A in developing Myxococcus xanthus cells inhibit sporulation.

PubMed

Kimura, Yoshio; Tanaka, Chihiro; Sasaki, Katsuho; Sasaki, Masashi

2017-01-01

Diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnA) are thought to act as signalling molecules regulating stress responses and biofilm formation in prokaryotes. However, ApnA function in Myxococcus xanthus remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of ApnA in M. xanthus, using the wild-type and ApnA hydrolase (apaH) mutant strains exposed to various stress conditions. In both wild-type and apaH mutant cells cultured on starvation medium (CF agar), the levels of intracellular diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and pentaphosphate (Ap5A) increased several fold during the first 16 h of development and decreased gradually thereafter. The levels of Ap4A and Ap5A in the apaH mutant were about 5- and 11-fold higher than those in the wild-type strain at 16 h, respectively. ApnA hydrolase activity of the wild-type strain increased 1.5-fold during the first 8 h of development, and it then gradually decreased. The apaH mutant formed spores 1-2 days after the wild-type strain did, and the yield of viable spores was 5.5 % of that in the wild-type strain 5 days after inoculation onto CF agar. These results suggest the possibility that high intracellular levels of Ap4A and/or Ap5A may inhibit M. xanthus sporulation at the early stage of development and that the bacteria reduce intracellular Ap4A and Ap5A accumulation through ApnA hydrolase activity.

eIF4E/Fmr1 double mutant mice display cognitive impairment in addition to ASD-like behaviors.

PubMed

Huynh, Thu N; Shah, Manan; Koo, So Yeon; Faraud, Kirsten S; Santini, Emanuela; Klann, Eric

2015-11-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heritable disorders with complex and unclear etiology. Classic ASD symptoms include social interaction and communication deficits as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors. In addition, ASD is often comorbid with intellectual disability. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading genetic cause of ASD, and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disability. Several mouse models of ASD and FXS exist, however the intellectual disability observed in ASD patients is not well modeled in mice. Using the Fmr1 knockout mouse and the eIF4E transgenic mouse, two previously characterized mouse models of fragile X syndrome and ASD, respectively, we generated the eIF4E/Fmr1 double mutant mouse. Our study shows that the eIF4E/Fmr1 double mutant mice display classic ASD behaviors, as well as cognitive dysfunction. Importantly, the learning impairments displayed by the double mutant mice spanned multiple cognitive tasks. Moreover, the eIF4E/Fmr1 double mutant mice display increased levels of basal protein synthesis. The results of our study suggest that the eIF4E/Fmr1 double mutant mouse may be a reliable model to study cognitive dysfunction in the context of ASD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Facts and DPD-Steadifac Procedures for Free and Combined Chlorine in Aqueous Solution.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

REPIT . //, ONina Matheny!Roscherl Edwi n/Hal 11- Beth/Rosenthal1 William 3./Cooper2 D T Ie ’* Eugene P./Meier2- ELECT*..<: OCT 2 4 1980 d Supported by...DATE U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command January 1980 Fort Detrick 13. NUMBER OF PAGES rederick MD 21701 55 T G AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS(If...STEADIFAC Modified procedure were shown to have comparable accuracy and D W t ir lo m 14 13 E m, no .o , o r V 6 I 0 O ILIF TANU 147UNCLASSIFIED

Optical spectra and emission characteristics of terbium-doped potassium-lead double chloride crystals (KPb2Cl5:Tb3+)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkachuk, A. M.; Ivanova, S. E.; Mirzaeva, A. A.; Isaenko, L. I.

2017-05-01

Optical transitions in KPb2Cl5:Tb3+ crystals are studied experimentally and theoretically. The absorption cross-section spectra are plotted and the oscillator strengths of transitions from the ground terbium state to excited multiplets are determined. Intensity parameters Ωt for KPC:Tb3+ are determined by the Judd-Ofelt method to be Ω2 = 2.70 × 10-20 cm2, Ω4 = 7.0 × 10-20 cm2, and Ω6 = 0.72 × 10-20 cm2. These values were used to calculate such characteristics of spontaneous radiative transitions as oscillator strengths, probabilities of radiative transitions, and radiative lifetimes. The emission spectra of KPb2Cl5:Tb3+ crystals upon UV excitation and the decay kinetics of luminescence from the excited 5 D 3 and 5 D 4 levels are studied experimentally, the lifetimes of these levels are determined, and the dependences of the rates of nonradiative relaxation from the excited 7 F j ( j = 0-5), 5 D 4, and 5 D 3 levels to lower-lying terbium levels are calculated. It is shown that the population of the 5 D 4 level in KPC:Tb3+ crystals occurs according to a cascade scheme, which leads to quenching of the 5 D 3 level. The calculated data agree well with the known experimental rates of multiphonon nonradiative transitions for Dy:KPC, Nd:KPC, Er:KPC, Tb:KPB, and Nd:KPB crystals. It is shown that transitions in the near-IR (3-6 μm) region in double halide crystals (MPb2Hal5) are almost unquenched and the rates of nonradiative relaxation of excited levels spaced by energy gaps Δ E ji > 1000 cm-1 are W ji NR < 103s-1. This circumstance suggests that it is possible to obtain stimulated emission in KPb2Cl5:RE3+ crystals in the IR spectral region up to 6 μm.

Science Fiction: Today and Tomorrow.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bretnor, Reginald, Ed.

A critical symposium on science fiction, this book features essays (by Ben Bova, Frederik Pohl, George Zebrowski, Frank Herbert, Theodore Sturgeon, Alan E. Nourse, Thomas N. Scortia, Reginald Bretnor, James Gunn, Alexei and Cory Panshin, Poul Anderson, Hal Clement, Anne McCaffrey, Gordon R. Dickson, and Jack Williamson) dealing with such subjects…

Actively Experiencing Shakespeare: Students "Get on Their Feet" for "Henry IV, Part One."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer, Herbert M.; Thomsen, Lee

1999-01-01

Discusses how a literature and multimedia course for 11th and 12th graders used active-learning experiences to engage students with Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part One." Describes how shouting Hal's soliloquy; constructing a chart of character relations; rewriting a scene in their own words; performing, filming, and critiquing a scene; and…

Historians/Artifacts/Learners: Working Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nichols, Susan K., Ed.

This publication, an outcome of a 2-day colloquium in 1981, contains information about using artifacts (material culture evidence) as a primary source for teaching history at the graduate or advanced student seminar level. A purpose of the colloquium was to gather and disseminate this information for the Historians/Artifacts/Learners (HAL)…

Clarification on Psychological Treatments and Psychotherapy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barlow, David H.

2005-01-01

In this article, the author responds to a set of comments on his original article, "Psychological Treatments." The author responds to each comment. Hal Arkowitz (2005) misread the proposed distinction between "psychological treatments" and "psychotherapy" by presuming that the author was implying that the former is evidence based and the latter is…

Australian Family Research Conference Proceedings (Canberra, Australia, November 23-25, 1983). Volume V: Support Networks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne (Australia).

This fifth volume in a series of volumes containing the proceedings of the 1983 Australian Family Research Conference deals with support networks. Papers and authors included are: "Blood Ties and Gender Roles: Adult Children Who Care for Aged Parents" (Hal L. Kendig), "Family Care Policies: Findings from a Survey of Carers"…

Personnel and Background Differences in Organizational Effectiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

0 gan zati hal Cim at.-he anlsso-aineidctdasgiiat( .0 maineffet. Te Neman -eulsSeqentil Rage Tst idicaed sgniican diferenes__tweeal Table D-2. Newman...INTENTIONS The analysis of var;ance data for career intentions, in regard to the Air Force, are provided in Table J-1, and the Neman -Keuls Sequential Range

PETE Students' Perceptions of a Healthy and Active Lifestyle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Carol; Pennington, Todd; Barney, David; Lockhart, Barbara; Hager, Ron; Prusak, Keven

2014-01-01

Participants were male and female students (n = 12) in a physical education teacher education (PETE) program with a healthy and active lifestyle management (HALM) focus, at a university in the Intermountain West. The purpose of the study was to examine PETE students' perceptions of a healthy and active lifestyle (HAL). Following inductive content…

Command History for 1991 (Naval Personnel Research and Development Center)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

years of age. 18 Chronology of 1991Events New Emtlovee Lieutenant Rolando Lim Code 151 Regina G. Bragg Paul J. Carney Library Technician Supply Clerk Code...Awards 35 Years Ben Garcia Gene Stout 30 Years Jim Julius Ramona Mouzon Hal Rosen 32 25 Years Jim Chadbourne Bob Harris Dorothy Martin Jan Reynolds 20

Safety and Efficacy of Over-the-Counter Drug Use by the Elderly. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and Long-Term Care of the Select Committee on Aging. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Aging.

This document contains the prepared statements and panel testimony from the Congressional hearing on over-the-counter (OTC) drug use by the elderly. Opening statements are given by Representatives Claude Pepper (chairman), Ralph Regula, Mary Rose Oakar, Michael Bilirakis, Tom Lantos, and Hal Daub. Topics which are covered include the incidence and…

Synthesis, Docking, In Vitro and In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Hybrid 4-aminoquinoline-1,3,5-triazine Derivatives Against Wild and Mutant Malaria Parasites.

PubMed

Bhat, Hans Raj; Singh, Udaya Pratap; Gahtori, Prashant; Ghosh, Surajit Kumar; Gogoi, Kabita; Prakash, Anil; Singh, Ramendra K

2015-09-01

A new series of hybrid 4-aminoquinoline-1,3,5-triazine derivatives was synthesized by a four-step reaction. Target compounds were screened for in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (3D-7) and chloroquine-resistant (RKL-2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Compounds exhibited, by and large, good antimalarial activity against the resistant strain, while two of them, that is 8g and 8a, displayed higher activity against both the strains of P. falciparum. Additionally, docking study was performed on both wild (1J3I.pdb) and quadruple mutant (N51I, C59R, S108 N, I164L, 3QG2.pdb) type pf-DHFR-TS to highlight the structural features of hybrid molecules. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Quercetin Protects Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae pep4 Mutant from Oxidative and Apoptotic Stress and Extends Chronological Lifespan.

PubMed

Alugoju, Phaniendra; Janardhanshetty, Sudharshan Setra; Subaramanian, Subasri; Periyasamy, Latha; Dyavaiah, Madhu

2018-05-01

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae PEP4 gene encodes vacuolar endopeptidase proteinase A (Pep4p), which is a homolog of the human CTSD gene that encodes cathepsin D. Mutation of CTSD gene in human resulted in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we have shown that yeast pep4 mutant cells are highly sensitive to oxidative and apoptotic stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, respectively. pep4∆ cells also showed accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic markers, and reduced chronological lifespan. In contrast, quercetin pretreatment protected the pep4 mutant from oxidative and apoptotic stress-induced sensitivity by scavenging ROS and reducing apoptotic markers. The percentage viability of quercetin-treated pep4∆ cells was more pronounced and increased stress resistance against oxidant, apoptotic, and heat stress during chronological aging. From our experimental results, we concluded that quercetin protects yeast pep4 mutant cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby increasing viability during chronological aging.

Genetic inactivation of mGlu5 receptor improves motor coordination in the Grm1crv4 mouse model of SCAR13 ataxia.

PubMed

Bossi, Simone; Musante, Ilaria; Bonfiglio, Tommaso; Bonifacino, Tiziana; Emionite, Laura; Cerminara, Maria; Cervetto, Chiara; Marcoli, Manuela; Bonanno, Giambattista; Ravazzolo, Roberto; Pittaluga, Anna; Puliti, Aldamaria

2018-01-01

Deleterious mutations in the glutamate receptor metabotropic 1 gene (GRM1) cause a recessive form of cerebellar ataxia, SCAR13. GRM1 and GRM5 code for the metabotropic glutamate type 1 (mGlu1) and type 5 (mGlu5) receptors, respectively. Their different expression profiles suggest they could have distinct functional roles. In a previous study, homozygous mice lacking mGlu1 receptors (Grm1 crv4/crv4 ) and exhibiting ataxia presented cerebellar overexpression of mGlu5 receptors, that was proposed to contribute to the mouse phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we here crossed Grm1 crv4 and Grm5 ko mice to generate double mutants (Grm1 crv4/crv4 Grm5 ko/ko ) lacking both mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors. Double mutants and control mice were analyzed for spontaneous behavior and for motor activity by rotarod and footprint analyses. In the same mice, the release of glutamate from cerebellar nerve endings (synaptosomes) elicited by 12mM KCl or by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) was also evaluated. Motor coordination resulted improved in double mutants when compared to Grm1 crv4/crv4 mice. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, glutamate release elicited by both KCl depolarization and activation of AMPA autoreceptors resulted reduced in Grm1 crv4/crv4 mice compared to wild type mice, while it presented normal levels in double mutants. Moreover, we found that Grm1 crv4/crv4 mice showed reduced expression of GluA2/3 AMPA receptor subunits in cerebellar synaptosomes, while it resulted restored to wild type level in double mutants. To conclude, blocking of mGlu5 receptor reduced the dysregulation of glutamate transmission and improved motor coordination in the Grm1 crv4 mouse model of SCAR13, thus suggesting the possible usefulness of pharmacological therapies based on modulation of mGlu5 receptor activity for the treatment of this type of ataxia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The role of drug efflux pumps in Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur defence against azoles.

PubMed

Iatta, Roberta; Puttilli, Maria Rita; Immediato, Davide; Otranto, Domenico; Cafarchia, Claudia

2017-03-01

This study aims to evaluate the effect of efflux pump modulators (EPMs) on the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole (FLZ) and voriconazole (VOR) in Malassezia furfur and Malassezia pachydermatis. The in vitro efficacy of azoles, in combination with EPMs (ie haloperidol-HAL, promethazine-PTZ and cyclosporine A-CYS), against 21 M. furfur from bloodstream infection patients and 14 M. pachydermatis from the skin of dogs with dermatitis, was assessed using a broth microdilution chequerboard analysis. Data were analysed using the model-fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) method. The MIC of FLZ and VOR of Malassezia spp. decreased in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of HAL and/or PTZ. The synergic effect was observed only in strains with FLZ MIC≥128 μg/mL for M. furfur, FLZ MIC≥64 μg/mL for M. pachydermatis and VOR MIC≥4 μg/mL in both Malassezia spp. These results suggest that the drug efflux pumps are involved as defence mechanisms to azole drugs in Malassezia yeast. The synergism might be related to an increased expression of efflux pump genes, eventually resulting in azole resistance phenomena. Finally, the above FLZ and VOR MIC values might be considered the cut-off to discriminate susceptible and resistant strains. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Contribution of Harold M. Swartz to In Vivo EPR and EPR Dosimetry.

PubMed

Gallez, Bernard

2016-12-01

In 2015, we are celebrating half a century of research in the application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) as a biodosimetry tool to evaluate the dose received by irradiated people. During the EPR Biodose 2015 meeting, a special session was organized to acknowledge the pioneering contribution of Harold M. (Hal) Swartz in the field. The article summarizes his main contribution in physiology and medicine. Four emerging themes have been pursued continuously along his career since its beginning: (1) radiation biology; (2) oxygen and oxidation; (3) measuring physiology in vivo; and (4) application of these measurements in clinical medicine. The common feature among all these different subjects has been the use of magnetic resonance techniques, especially EPR. In this article, you will find an impressionist portrait of Hal Swartz with the description of the 'making of' this pioneer, a time-line perspective on his career with the creation of three National Institutes of Health-funded EPR centers, a topic-oriented perspective on his career with a description of his major contributions to Science, his role as a mentor and his influence on his academic children, his active role as founder of scientific societies and organizer of scientific meetings, and the well-deserved international recognition received so far. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Treatment of altered body composition in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: comparison of rosiglitazone, pravastatin, and recombinant human growth hormone.

PubMed

Macallan, Derek C; Baldwin, Christine; Mandalia, Sundihya; Pandol-Kaljevic, Vjera; Higgins, Nadine; Grundy, Alan; Moyle, Graeme J

2008-01-01

Treatment options for HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) remain limited. The objective of this randomized open-label study was to compare three emerging therapies, rosiglitazone, pravastatin, and growth hormone alone and together, in men and women with HALS. Sixty-four subjects received daily rosiglitazone (4 mg, n = 14), pravastatin (40 mg, n = 11), or rosiglitazone plus pravastatin (n = 13) for 48 weeks or recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; Serostim 2 mg, 12 weeks, n = 13) alone or combined with rosiglitazone (n = 13). Primary endpoint was body composition change by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT). Rosiglitazone resulted in slow accrual of limb fat detected by DXA (+444 +/- 186 g; p < .05) but not CT. Pravastatin had no consistent significant effects on body composition, although it reduced total and LDL cholesterol. Negative interactions were observed between pravastatin and rosiglitazone. rhGH reduced abdominal fat by CT (-31 +/- 15 cm2, 26%; p < .05) and DXA (-1597 +/- 383 g, 27%; p < .05) and increased trunk and limb lean mass (+10% and +12%, respectively). However, effects largely disappeared within 12 weeks post treatment. rhGH alone impaired insulin sensitivity but not when combined with rosiglitazone. Prolonged rosiglitazone treatment slowly improves lipoatrophy. rhGH rapidly and selectively reduces visceral fat, although effects are short-lived; co-administered rosiglitazone abrogates rhGH-related insulin resistance.

Characterization of Escherichia coli men Mutants Defective in Conversion of o-Succinylbenzoate to 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-Naphthoate

PubMed Central

Shaw, Duncan J.; Guest, John R.; Meganathan, Rangaswamy; Bentley, Ronald

1982-01-01

Four independent menaquinone (vitamin K2)-deficient mutants of Escherichia coli, blocked in the conversion of o-succinylbenzoate (OSB) to 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate (DHNA), were found to represent two distinct classes. Enzymatic complementation was observed when a cell-free extract of one mutant was mixed with extracts of any of the remaining three mutants. The missing enzymes in the two classes were identified by in vitro complementation with preparations of OSB-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase or DHNA synthase isolated from Mycobacterium phlei. Mutants lacking DHNA synthase (and therefore complementing with M. phlei DHNA synthase) were designated menB, and the mutant lacking OSB-CoA synthetase (and therefore complementing with M. phlei OSB-CoA synthetase) was designated menE. The menB mutants produced only the spirodilactone form of OSB when extracts were incubated with [2,3-14C2]OSB, ATP, and CoA; the OSB was unchanged on incubation with an extract from the menE mutant under these conditions. Experiments with strains lysogenized by a λ men transducing phage (λG68) and transduction studies with phage P1 indicated that the menB and menE genes form part of a cluster of four genes, controlling the early steps in menaquinone biosynthesis, located at 48.5 min in the E. coli linkage map. Evidence was obtained for the clockwise gene order gyrA....menC- 0000100000 0000110000 0011111000 0000111000 0011111000 0001110000 0000110101 0001111111 0001100000 0000100000 0001101100 0011111000 0011000000 0011000000 0111000111 0111101110 -B-D, where the asterisk denotes the uncertain position of menE relative to menC and menB. The transducing phage (λG68) contained functional menB, menC, and menE genes, but only part of the menD gene, and it was designated λ menCB(D). PMID:6754698

ESEEM of industrial silica-bearing powders: reactivity of defects during wet processing in the ceramics production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanelli, Maurizio; Di Benedetto, Francesco; Fornaciai, Gabriele; Innocenti, Massimo; Montegrossi, Giordano; Pardi, Luca A.; Zoleo, Alfonso; Capacci, Fabio

2015-05-01

A study is undertaken to ascertain whether changes in the speciation of inorganic radicals are occurring during the ceramic industrial production that involves abundant silica powders as raw material. Industrial dusts were sampled in two ceramic firms, immediately after the wet mixing stage, performed with the aid of a relevant pressure. The dusts were then characterised by means of X-ray diffraction, analysis of the trace elements through chemical methods, granulometry, continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and pulsed electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopies. The results of the characterisation point to a relevant change in the speciation of the two samples; namely, a prevailing contribution due to an inorganic radical different from that pertaining to pure quartz is pointed out. The combined interpretation of EPR and ESEEM data suggests the attribution of the main paramagnetic contribution to the A-centre in kaolinite, a constituent that is added to pure quartz at the initial stage of the ceramic production. In one of the two samples, a second weak EPR signal is attributed to the quartz's hAl species. By taking into account the relative quantities of quartz and kaolinite mixed in the two samples, and the relative abundances of the two radical species, we propose that the partial or complete suppression of the hAl species in favour of the A-centre of kaolinite has occurred. Although this change is apparently fostered by the mixture between quartz and another radical-bearing raw material, kaolinite, the suppression of the hAl centre of quartz is ascribed to the role played by the pressure and the wet environment during the industrial mixing procedure. This suppression provides a net change of radical speciation associated with quartz, when this phase is in contact with workers' respiratory system.

Cost-Effectiveness of Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation versus Rubber Band Ligation for the Treatment of Grade II-III Haemorrhoids: Analysis Using Evidence from the HubBLe Trial.

PubMed

Alshreef, Abualbishr; Wailoo, Allan J; Brown, Steven R; Tiernan, James P; Watson, Angus J M; Biggs, Katie; Bradburn, Mike; Hind, Daniel

2017-09-01

Haemorrhoids are a common condition, with nearly 30,000 procedures carried out in England in 2014/15, and result in a significant quality-of-life burden to patients and a financial burden to the healthcare system. This study examined the cost effectiveness of haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) compared with rubber band ligation (RBL) in the treatment of grade II-III haemorrhoids. This analyses used data from the HubBLe study, a multicentre, open-label, parallel group, randomised controlled trial conducted in 17 acute UK hospitals between September 2012 and August 2015. A full economic evaluation, including long-term cost effectiveness, was conducted from the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective. Main outcomes included healthcare costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and recurrence. Cost-effectiveness results were presented in terms of incremental cost per QALY gained and cost per recurrence avoided. Extrapolation analysis for 3 years beyond the trial follow-up, two subgroup analyses (by grade of haemorrhoids and recurrence following RBL at baseline), and various sensitivity analyses were undertaken. In the primary base-case within-trial analysis, the incremental total mean cost per patient for HAL compared with RBL was £1027 (95% confidence interval [CI] £782-£1272, p < 0.001). The incremental QALYs were 0.01 QALYs (95% CI -0.02 to 0.04, p = 0.49). This generated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £104,427 per QALY. In the extrapolation analysis, the estimated probabilistic ICER was £21,798 per QALY. Results from all subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not materially change the base-case result. Under all assessed scenarios, the HAL procedure was not cost effective compared with RBL for the treatment of grade II-III haemorrhoids at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 per QALY; therefore, economically, its use in the NHS should be questioned.

Diaminopurine-Resistant Mutants of Cultured, Diploid Human Fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Rappaport, Harriet; DeMars, Robert

1973-01-01

Clones of cells resistant to 2,6-diaminopurine were detected in skin fibroblast cultures derived from 13 of 21 normal humans of both sexes from 17 unrelated families. Almost all of the cultures that yielded mutants were chosen for further study from among a total of 83 surveyed because they displayed a slight resistance to low concentrations of diaminopurine. The incidences of mutant colonies ranged between about 10-5 and 10-4 per cell surviving prior mutagenic treatment with MNNG. The incidences of spontaneous mutants were about 10-7 to 10-5 in three unrelated cultures. Most independent mutants had distinctly reduced activity of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase but some had apparently normal amounts of activity. Two mutants from unrelated boys had little or no detectable enzyme activity and were unable to effectively use exogenous adenine for growth when purine biosynthesis was blocked with azaserine. Most mutants could utilize exogenous adenine, just as most azaguanine-resistant fibroblast mutants can utilize exogenous hypoxanthine, even when their hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity is reduced. Diverse genetic changes conferred diaminopurine resistance but their specific natures are still undefined. Gross numerical or structural chromosome abnormalities were not observed in the mutants examined so far. Since at least one gene responsible for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase activity is on autosome No. 16 our results suggest that at least some of the cultures yielding mutants were heterozygous and that alleles conferring diaminopurine resistance may be frequent enough to comprise a polymorphism. PMID:4358687

2012 Presidential Address: Daring to Be Different Using Five Discovery Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buck, Sue

2012-01-01

In "The Innovator's DNA, Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators," authors Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and Clayton M. Christensen, challenge the reader to become more innovative and impactful. They share three levels of innovation. Level one is creating enough program change so it creates interest for people to come back. Level two is…

Orbital Transfer Rocket Engine Technology High Velocity Ratio Diffusing Crossover

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

The rotor was segmented into 10 weight groups and 25 finite elements. The bearings were represented as translational springs to ground ( rigid casing...personnel: Advanced Rotating Machinery: Mr. Robert Sutton Mr. Tim Irvin Mr. Hal Buddenbohm Mr. A] Uttle Fluid Dynamics : Dr. Eugene Jackson Mr. Anthony...1 7 Dynamic Soft Wear Ring Seals ................................... #,.................so

75 FR 67411 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-02

... publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. \\1\\ 15 U.S.C....13A, Simple Auction Liaison (SAL), 6.14, Hybrid Agency Liaison (HAL), 6.14A, Hybrid Agency Liaison 2... market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest, by...

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery: status and technical specifications.

PubMed

Keller, D S; Ibarra, S; Haas, E M

2015-10-01

Laparoscopy was the most significant technologic advance in colorectal surgery in the last quarter century. The safety, feasibility and oncologic equivalence have been proven, and undisputed clinical benefits have also been demonstrated over open approaches. Despite proven benefits, laparoscopic has not dominated the market, especially for colon and rectal cancer cases. Adaptations in laparoscopic technique were developed to increase use of minimally invasive surgery. Concurrently, there has been a paradigm shift toward less invasive technologies to further optimize patient outcomes. From these needs, hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), and robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) were applied to colorectal surgery. Each platform has unique costs and benefits, and similar outcomes when likened to each other in comparative studies. However, conventional laparoscopy, HALS, SILS, and RALS actually serve a complementary role as tools to increase the use of minimally invasive colorectal surgery. The goal of this paper is to review the history, current status, technical specifications, and evolution of the major minimally invasive platforms for colorectal surgery.

The effects of energy beverages in counteracting the symptoms of mild hypoxia at legal general aviation altitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bull, Daniel Mark

The purpose of this thesis was to conduct preliminary research, in the form of a pilot study, concerning the natural effects of hypoxia compared to the effects of hypoxia experienced after the consumption of an energy beverage. The study evaluated the effects of hypoxia on FAA certificated pilots at a simulated legal general aviation altitude, utilizing the normobaric High Altitude Lab (HAL) located at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. The researcher tested 11 subjects, who completed three simulated flight tasks within the HAL using the Frasca International Mentor Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The flight tasks were completed after consuming Red BullRTM, MonsterRTM , or a placebo beverage. The researcher derived three test variables from core outputs of the AATD: lateral deviations from the glide slope, vertical deviations from the localizer, and airspeed deviations from the target speed of 100 knots. A repeated-measures ANOVA was carried out to determine effects of the beverages on the test variables. While results were non-significant, the researcher concluded that further research should be conducted with a larger sample.

ESEEM of industrial quartz powders: insights into crystal chemistry of Al defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanelli, Maurizio; Di Benedetto, Francesco; Bartali, Laura; Innocenti, Massimo; Fornaciai, Gabriele; Montegrossi, Giordano; Pardi, Luca A.; Zoleo, Alfonso; Capacci, Fabio

2012-06-01

A set of raw industrial materials, that is, pure quartz and quartz-rich mixtures, were investigated through electron paramagnetic resonance and electron spin echo-envelope modulation spectroscopies, with the aim of evaluating the effective role played by defect centres and of assessing whether they can be used to monitor changes in the physical properties of quartz powders with reference to their health effects. The obtained results point to two interactions of the Al defect centres with H+, hosted in sites within the channels parallel and perpendicular to the c axis of quartz, respectively. These two Al/H+ (hAl) centres exhibit a weak chemical bond, and their relative amounts appear to be modified/controlled by the thermo-mechanical processes underwent by powders. Indeed, a mechanically promoted inter-conversion between the two kinds of site is suggested. As a consequence, the hAl centres are effective in monitoring even modest activations of powders, through thermal or mechanical processes, and they are also supposed to play a specific, relevant role in quartz reactivity during the considered industrial processes.

Structural Basis for a Switch in Receptor Binding Specificity of Two H5N1 Hemagglutinin Mutants

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

Zhu, Xueyong; Viswanathan, Karthik; Raman, Rahul

Avian H5N1 influenza viruses continue to spread in wild birds and domestic poultry with sporadic infection in humans. Receptor binding specificity changes are a prerequisite for H5N1 viruses and other zoonotic viruses to be transmitted among humans. Previous reported hemagglutinin (HA) mutants from ferret-transmissible H5N1 viruses of A/Viet Nam/1203/04 and A/Indonesia/5/05 showed slightly increased, but still very weak, binding to human receptors. From mutagenesis and glycan array studies, we previously identified two H5N1 HA mutants that could more effectively switch receptor specificity to human-like α2-6 linked sialosides with avidity comparable to wild-type H5 HA binding to avian-like α2-3 linked sialosides.more » Here, crystal structures of these two H5 HA mutants free and in complex with human and avian glycan receptor analogues reveal the structural basis for their preferential binding to human receptors. These findings suggest continuous surveillance should be maintained to monitor and assess human-to-human transmission potential of H5N1 viruses.« less

Structural Basis for a Switch in Receptor Binding Specificity of Two H5N1 Hemagglutinin Mutants

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Xueyong; Viswanathan, Karthik; Raman, Rahul; ...

2015-11-01

Avian H5N1 influenza viruses continue to spread in wild birds and domestic poultry with sporadic infection in humans. Receptor binding specificity changes are a prerequisite for H5N1 viruses and other zoonotic viruses to be transmitted among humans. Previous reported hemagglutinin (HA) mutants from ferret-transmissible H5N1 viruses of A/Viet Nam/1203/04 and A/Indonesia/5/05 showed slightly increased, but still very weak, binding to human receptors. From mutagenesis and glycan array studies, we previously identified two H5N1 HA mutants that could more effectively switch receptor specificity to human-like α2-6 linked sialosides with avidity comparable to wild-type H5 HA binding to avian-like α2-3 linked sialosides.more » Here, crystal structures of these two H5 HA mutants free and in complex with human and avian glycan receptor analogues reveal the structural basis for their preferential binding to human receptors. These findings suggest continuous surveillance should be maintained to monitor and assess human-to-human transmission potential of H5N1 viruses.« less

Linking Yeast Gcn5p Catalytic Function and Gene Regulation Using a Quantitative, Graded Dominant Mutant Approach

PubMed Central

Lanza, Amanda M.; Blazeck, John J.; Crook, Nathan C.; Alper, Hal S.

2012-01-01

Establishing causative links between protein functional domains and global gene regulation is critical for advancements in genetics, biotechnology, disease treatment, and systems biology. This task is challenging for multifunctional proteins when relying on traditional approaches such as gene deletions since they remove all domains simultaneously. Here, we describe a novel approach to extract quantitative, causative links by modulating the expression of a dominant mutant allele to create a function-specific competitive inhibition. Using the yeast histone acetyltransferase Gcn5p as a case study, we demonstrate the utility of this approach and (1) find evidence that Gcn5p is more involved in cell-wide gene repression, instead of the accepted gene activation associated with HATs, (2) identify previously unknown gene targets and interactions for Gcn5p-based acetylation, (3) quantify the strength of some Gcn5p-DNA associations, (4) demonstrate that this approach can be used to correctly identify canonical chromatin modifications, (5) establish the role of acetyltransferase activity on synthetic lethal interactions, and (6) identify new functional classes of genes regulated by Gcn5p acetyltransferase activity—all six of these major conclusions were unattainable by using standard gene knockout studies alone. We recommend that a graded dominant mutant approach be utilized in conjunction with a traditional knockout to study multifunctional proteins and generate higher-resolution data that more accurately probes protein domain function and influence. PMID:22558379

Education and Health Knowledge: Evidence from UK Compulsory Schooling Reform. CEP Discussion Paper No. 1297

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, David W.; Lordon, Grace; Shields, Michael A.; Suziedelyte, Agne

2014-01-01

We investigate if there is a causal link between education and health knowledge using data from the 1984/85 and 1991/92 waves of the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey (HALS). Uniquely, the survey asks respondents what they think are the main causes of ten common health conditions, and we compare these answers to those given by medical professionals…

Web-Based Course Delivery and Administration Using Scheme.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salustri, Filippo A.

This paper discusses the use at the University of Windsor (Ontario) of a small World Wide Web-based tool for course delivery and administration called HAL (HTML-based Administrative Lackey), written in the Scheme programming language. This tool was developed by the author to provide Web-based services for a large first-year undergraduate course in…

A severe epidemic of Marssonina leaf blight on quaking aspen in Northern Utah

Treesearch

Roy O. Harniss; David L. Nelson

1984-01-01

The extent of Marssonina leaf blight (Marssonina populi) on quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) was observed in northern Utah and adjacent States in 1981 aand 1982. Area of the epidemic and symptoms of the disease are described. On 1,000 acres (405 hal) in northern Utah, infection levels were 6 percent slight, 12 percent light, 32 percent moderate, 16 percent...

Three Ways of Looking at a Blackboard: A "Trivial" Approach to Writing and Speaking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Hal

2006-01-01

The author writes that his experience in teaching has taught him that the perfect text simply does not exist, however the closest approximation to perfection lies in the direction of the classical world. Hal McDonald says that he cannot see how one can teach rhetoric without passing through pedagogical territory first cleared by Aristotle,…

Brucella Rough Mutant Induce Macrophage Death via Activating IRE1α Pathway of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Enhanced T4SS Secretion

PubMed Central

Li, Peng; Tian, Mingxing; Bao, Yanqing; Hu, Hai; Liu, Jiameng; Yin, Yi; Ding, Chan; Wang, Shaohui; Yu, Shengqing

2017-01-01

Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes the worldwide zoonosis, known as brucellosis. Brucella virulence relies mostly on its ability to invade and replicate within phagocytic cells. The type IV secretion system (T4SS) and lipopolysaccharide are two major Brucella virulence factors. Brucella rough mutants reportedly induce the death of infected macrophages, which is T4SS dependent. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the T4SS secretion capacities of Brucella rough mutant and its smooth wild-type strain were comparatively investigated, by constructing the firefly luciferase fused T4SS effector, BPE123 and VceC. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the T4SS expression. The results showed that T4SS expression and secretion were enhanced significantly in the Brucella rough mutant. We also found that the activity of the T4SS virB operon promoter was notably increased in the Brucella rough mutant, which depends on quorum sensing-related regulators of VjbR upregulation. Cell infection and cell death assays revealed that deletion of vjbR in the Brucella rough mutant absolutely abolished cytotoxicity within macrophages by downregulating T4SS expression. This suggests that up-regulation of T4SS promoted by VjbR in rough mutant ΔrfbE contribute to macrophage death. In addition, we found that the Brucella rough mutant induce macrophage death via activating IRE1α pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Taken together, our study provide evidence that in comparison to the Brucella smooth wild-type strain, VjbR upregulation in the Brucella rough mutant increases transcription of the virB operon, resulting in overexpression of the T4SS gene, accompanied by the over-secretion of effecter proteins, thereby causing the death of infected macrophages via activating IRE1α pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress, suggesting novel insights into the molecular