System and method of operating toroidal magnetic confinement devices

DOEpatents

Chance, M.S.; Jardin, S.C.; Stix, T.H.; Grimm, R.C.; Manickam, J.; Okabayashi, M.

1984-08-30

This invention pertains to methods and arrangements for attaining high beta values in plasma confinement devices. More specifically, this invention pertains to methods for accessing the second stability region of operation in toroidal magnetic confinement devices.

Impact of ideal MHD stability limits on high-beta hybrid operation

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

Piovesan, Paolo; Igochine, V.; Turco, F.

Here, the hybrid scenario is a candidate for stationary high-fusion gain tokamak operation in ITER and DEMO. To obtain such performance, the energy confinement and the normalized pressuremore » $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ must be maximized, which requires operating near or above ideal MHD no-wall limits. New experimental findings show how these limits can affect hybrid operation. Even if hybrids are mainly limited by tearing modes, proximity to the no-wall limit leads to 3D field amplification that affects plasma profiles, e.g. rotation braking is observed in ASDEX Upgrade throughout the plasma and peaks in the core. As a result, even the small ASDEX Upgrade error fields are amplified and their effects become visible. To quantify such effects, ASDEX Upgrade measured the response to 3D fields applied by $$8\\times 2$$ non-axisymmetric coils as $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ approaches the no-wall limit. The full n = 1 response profile and poloidal structure were measured by a suite of diagnostics and compared with linear MHD simulations, revealing a characteristic feature of hybrids: the n = 1 response is due to a global, marginally-stable n = 1 kink characterized by a large m = 1, n = 1 core harmonic due to q min being just above 1. A helical core distortion of a few cm forms and affects various core quantities, including plasma rotation, electron and ion temperature, and intrinsic W density. In similar experiments, DIII-D also measured the effect of this helical core on the internal current profile, providing information useful to understanding of the physics of magnetic flux pumping, i.e. anomalous current redistribution by MHD modes that keeps $${{q}_{\\text{min}}}>1$$ . Thanks to flux pumping, a broad current profile is maintained in DIII-D even with large on-axis current drive, enabling fully non-inductive operation at high $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ up to 3.5–4.« less

Impact of ideal MHD stability limits on high-beta hybrid operation

DOE PAGES

Piovesan, Paolo; Igochine, V.; Turco, F.; ...

2016-10-27

Here, the hybrid scenario is a candidate for stationary high-fusion gain tokamak operation in ITER and DEMO. To obtain such performance, the energy confinement and the normalized pressuremore » $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ must be maximized, which requires operating near or above ideal MHD no-wall limits. New experimental findings show how these limits can affect hybrid operation. Even if hybrids are mainly limited by tearing modes, proximity to the no-wall limit leads to 3D field amplification that affects plasma profiles, e.g. rotation braking is observed in ASDEX Upgrade throughout the plasma and peaks in the core. As a result, even the small ASDEX Upgrade error fields are amplified and their effects become visible. To quantify such effects, ASDEX Upgrade measured the response to 3D fields applied by $$8\\times 2$$ non-axisymmetric coils as $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ approaches the no-wall limit. The full n = 1 response profile and poloidal structure were measured by a suite of diagnostics and compared with linear MHD simulations, revealing a characteristic feature of hybrids: the n = 1 response is due to a global, marginally-stable n = 1 kink characterized by a large m = 1, n = 1 core harmonic due to q min being just above 1. A helical core distortion of a few cm forms and affects various core quantities, including plasma rotation, electron and ion temperature, and intrinsic W density. In similar experiments, DIII-D also measured the effect of this helical core on the internal current profile, providing information useful to understanding of the physics of magnetic flux pumping, i.e. anomalous current redistribution by MHD modes that keeps $${{q}_{\\text{min}}}>1$$ . Thanks to flux pumping, a broad current profile is maintained in DIII-D even with large on-axis current drive, enabling fully non-inductive operation at high $${{\\beta}_{N}}$$ up to 3.5–4.« less

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

G. Ciovati; P. Kneisel; K. Davis

2002-06-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 186 MeV to 1000 MeV operating at a frequency of 805 MHz at 2.1 K. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical Beta-values of Beta=0.61 and Beta=0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at JLab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four Beta=0.61 cavities and two Beta=0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler of the TESLA type on each beam pipe and a port for amore » high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four Beta=0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test in early 2002. At this time, four medium beta cavities and one high beta cavity have been completed and tested at JLab. In addition, the three medium beta cavities for the prototype cryomodule have been equipped with the integrated Ti-Helium vessel, successfully retested and will be assembled into a cavity string. Results from the cryo-module test should be available by the time of the conference. The tests on the Beta=0.61 cavity and the Beta=0.81 cavity exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: E{sub acc} =10.1 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for Beta=0.61 and E{sub acc} = 12.3 MV/m and Q=5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for Beta = 0.81. The medium beta cavities reached gradients between E{sub acc} = 15 MV/m and 21 MV/m. This paper will describe the test results obtained with the various cavities, some aspects of the HOM damping at cryogenic temperatures, results from microphonics and Lorentz force detuning tests and the cavity string assembly at the time of this workshop.« less

X-ray observations from RT-1 magnetospheric plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugata, Tetsuya; Masaki Nishiura Collaboration; Zensho Yoshida Collaboration; Naoki Kenmochi Collaboration; Shotaro Katsura Collaboration; Kaori Nakamura Collaboration

2017-10-01

Planetary magnetospheres like Earth and Jupiter realize stable confinement of high beta plasma. The RT-1 device produces a laboratory magnetosphere by using a levitated superconducting coil for dipole magnetic fields and 8.2 GHz electromagnetic wave for plasma production (ne 1017m-3) and electron heating. In the recent experiments, the RT-1 device has achieved the local beta that exceeds 1. It is considered that the high energy component of electrons contributes to the beta value. Therefore, Si(Li) detectors measured the X-ray spectra from the peripheral plasmas in the range from a few keV to a few ten keV. The density of a few keV component and a few ten keV component are comparable and a few ten keV component dominates the majority of the high beta value that is operated up to 0.8. We found that 150 keV component of electrons exists near the outer of the levitated dipole magnet by using a CdTe detector.

High performance advanced tokamak regimes in DIII-D for next-step experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenfield, C. M.; Murakami, M.; Ferron, J. R.; Wade, M. R.; Luce, T. C.; Petty, C. C.; Menard, J. E.; Petrie, T. W.; Allen, S. L.; Burrell, K. H.; Casper, T. A.; DeBoo, J. C.; Doyle, E. J.; Garofalo, A. M.; Gorelov, I. A.; Groebner, R. J.; Hobirk, J.; Hyatt, A. W.; Jayakumar, R. J.; Kessel, C. E.; La Haye, R. J.; Jackson, G. L.; Lohr, J.; Makowski, M. A.; Pinsker, R. I.; Politzer, P. A.; Prater, R.; Strait, E. J.; Taylor, T. S.; West, W. P.; DIII-D Team

2004-05-01

Advanced Tokamak (AT) research in DIII-D [K. H. Burrell for the DIII-D Team, in Proceedings of the 19th Fusion Energy Conference, Lyon, France, 2002 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2002) published on CD-ROM] seeks to provide a scientific basis for steady-state high performance operation in future devices. These regimes require high toroidal beta to maximize fusion output and poloidal beta to maximize the self-driven bootstrap current. Achieving these conditions requires integrated, simultaneous control of the current and pressure profiles, and active magnetohydrodynamic stability control. The building blocks for AT operation are in hand. Resistive wall mode stabilization via plasma rotation and active feedback with nonaxisymmetric coils allows routine operation above the no-wall beta limit. Neoclassical tearing modes are stabilized by active feedback control of localized electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD). Plasma shaping and profile control provide further improvements. Under these conditions, bootstrap supplies most of the current. Steady-state operation requires replacing the remaining Ohmic current, mostly located near the half radius, with noninductive external sources. In DIII-D this current is provided by ECCD, and nearly stationary AT discharges have been sustained with little remaining Ohmic current. Fast wave current drive is being developed to control the central magnetic shear. Density control, with divertor cryopumps, of AT discharges with edge localized moding H-mode edges facilitates high current drive efficiency at reactor relevant collisionalities. A sophisticated plasma control system allows integrated control of these elements. Close coupling between modeling and experiment is key to understanding the separate elements, their complex nonlinear interactions, and their integration into self-consistent high performance scenarios. Progress on this development, and its implications for next-step devices, will be illustrated by results of recent experiment and simulation efforts.

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

G. Ciovati, P. Kneisel , J. Brawley, R. Bundy, I. Campisi, K. Davis; K. Macha; D. Machie

2001-09-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 192 MeV to 1000 MeV, operating at a frequency of 805 MHz at 2.1 K. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical beta - values of beta= 0.61 and beta= 0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at Jlab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four beta= 0.61 cavities and two beta= 0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler on each beam pipe and a portmore » for a high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four beta= 0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test in early 2002. At this time four medium beta cavities and one high beta cavity have been completed at JLab. The first tests on the beta=0.61 cavity and the beta= 0.81 exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: E{sub acc} = 1 0.3 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for beta= 0.61 and E{sub acc} = 12.3 MV/m and Q = 5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K for beta= 0.81. One of the medium beta cavities has been equipped with an integrated helium vessel and measurements of the static and dynamic Lorentz force detuning will be done and compared to the ''bare'' cavities. In addition two single cell cavities have been fabricated, equipped with welded-on HOM couplers. They are being used to evaluate the HOM couplers with respect to multipacting, fundamental mode rejection and HOM damping as far as possible in a single cell. This paper will describe the cavity design with respect to electrical and mechanical features, the fabrication efforts and the results obtained with the different cavities existing at the time of this workshop.« less

Materials for high-temperature thermoelectric conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feigelson, R. S.; Elwell, D.

1983-01-01

High boron materials of high efficiency for thermoelectric power generation and capable of prolonged operation at temperatures over 1200 C are discussed. Background theoretical studies indicated that the low carrier mobility of materials with beta boron and related structures is probably associated with the high density of traps. Experimental work was mainly concerned with silicon borides in view of promising data from European laboratories. A systematic study using structure determination and lattice constant measurements failed to confirm the existence of an SiBn phase. Only SiB6 and a solid solution of silicon in beta boron with a maximum solid solubility of 5.5-6 at % at 1650 C were found.

A new mild base-catalyzed Mannich reaction of hetero-arylamines in water: highly efficient stereoselective synthesis of beta-aminoketones under microwave heating.

PubMed

Hao, Wen-Juan; Jiang, Bo; Tu, Shu-Jiang; Cao, Xu-Dong; Wu, Shan-Shan; Yan, Shu; Zhang, Xiao-Hong; Han, Zheng-Guo; Shi, Feng

2009-04-07

A new mild base-catalyzed Mannich reaction of aromatic aldehydes with 1,2-diphenylethanone and hetero-arylamines including pyridin-2-amine and pyrimidin-2-amine is described. In this reaction, a series of new beta-aminoketones were stereoselectively synthesized in water by controlling the steric hindrance of the substrates under microwave heating. This method has the advantages of a short synthetic route, operational simplicity, increased safety for small-scale high-speed synthesis, and minimal environmental impact.

MHD stability analysis and global mode identification preparing for high beta operation in KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Y. S.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Berkery, J. W.; Jiang, Y.; Ahn, J. H.; Han, H. S.; Bak, J. G.; Park, B. H.; Jeon, Y. M.; Kim, J.; Hahn, S. H.; Lee, J. H.; Ko, J. S.; in, Y. K.; Yoon, S. W.; Oh, Y. K.; Wang, Z.; Glasser, A. H.

2017-10-01

H-mode plasma operation in KSTAR has surpassed the computed n = 1 ideal no-wall stability limit in discharges exceeding several seconds in duration. The achieved high normalized beta plasmas are presently limited by resistive tearing instabilities rather than global kink/ballooning or RWMs. The ideal and resistive stability of these plasmas is examined by using different physics models. The observed m/ n = 2/1 tearing stability is computed by using the M3D-C1 code, and by the resistive DCON code. The global MHD stability modified by kinetic effects is examined using the MISK code. Results from the analysis explain the stabilization of the plasma above the ideal MHD no-wall limit. Equilibrium reconstructions used include the measured kinetic profiles and MSE data. In preparation for plasma operation at higher beta utilizing the planned second NBI system, three sets of 3D magnetic field sensors have been installed and will be used for RWM active feedback control. To accurately determine the dominant n-component produced by low frequency unstable RWMs, an algorithm has been developed that includes magnetic sensor compensation of the prompt applied field and the field from the induced current on the passive conductors. Supported by US DOE Contracts DE-FG02-99ER54524 and DE-SC0016614.

The 76Ge Program to Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiseppe, Vincente

2017-09-01

Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches play a major role in determining the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the effective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana and Gerda Collaborations are operating arrays of high purity Ge detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota while the Gerda experiment is operating at LNGS in Italy. The Gerda and Majorana Demonstrator experiments have achieved the lowest backgrounds in the neutrinoless double-beta decay region of interest. These results, coupled with the superior energy resolution (0.1%) of Ge detectors demonstrate that 76Ge is an ideal isotope for a large next generation experiment. The LEGEND collaboration, with 220 members from 47 institutions around the world, has been formed to pursue a ton scale 76Ge experiment. Building on the successes of Gerda and Majorana, the LEGEND collaboration aims to develop a phased neutrinoless double-beta decay experimental program with discovery potential at a half-life significantly longer than 1027 years. This talk will present the initial results from the Majorana Demonstrator and Gerda experiments and the plan for the LEGEND program.

Efficient decomposition of benzene over a beta-Ga2O3 photocatalyst under ambient conditions.

PubMed

Hou, Yidong; Wang, Xinchen; Wu, Ling; Ding, Zhengxin; Fu, Xianzhi

2006-09-15

A porous beta-Ga2O3 photocatalyst has been successfully prepared. The photocatalyst was characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, TEM, UV/vis, and FTIR techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by the decomposition of benzene in air under UV light illumination and was compared with that of the commercial titania (Degussa P25) and Pt/P25. Results revealed that the synthesized Ga2O3 was porous beta-Ga2O3 and was highly photoactive for mineralizing benzene and its derivatives (e.g., toluene and ethylbenzene) to CO2 under ambient conditions. The photocatalytic conversion of benzene over beta-Ga2O3 was about 1 order of magnitude higher than that over P25, and no obvious deactivation of beta-Ga2O3 was observed during the prolonged operation of 80 h. The high activity and long-term stability of the Ga2O3 have been ascribed to its stronger oxidative capability and higher specific surface area in comparison with P25.

Observation and Interpretation of Lunar Occultations. Ph.D. Thesis; [Uranus and beta Capricorni

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radick, R. R.

1978-01-01

The importance of timings and high resolution astrometry in occultation observations is discussed as well as the occultation process itself. The design and operation of the telescope, photodetector, and data acquisition systems are described. Methods are presented for data analysis and model fitting. Observations of beta Capricorni and Uranus occultations are examined. General conclusions concerning occultation observations are explored and future activities at Prairie Observatory are discussed.

Advanced ECCD based NTM control in closed-loop operation at ASDEX Upgrade (AUG)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reich, Matthias; Barrera-Orte, Laura; Behler, Karl; Bock, Alexander; Giannone, Louis; Maraschek, Marc; Poli, Emanuele; Rapson, Chris; Stober, Jörg; Treutterer, Wolfgang

2012-10-01

In high performance plasmas, Neoclassical Tearing Modes (NTMs) are regularly observed at reactor-grade beta-values. They limit the achievable normalized beta, which is undesirable because fusion performance scales as beta squared. The method of choice for controlling and avoiding NTMs at AUG is the deposition of ECCD inside the magnetic island for stabilization in real-time (rt). Our approach to tackling such complex control problems using real-time diagnostics allows rigorous optimization of all subsystems. Recent progress in rt-equilibrium reconstruction (< 3.5 ms), rt-localization of NTMs (< 8 ms) and rt beam tracing (< 25 ms) allows closed-loop feedback operation using multiple movable mirrors as the ECCD deposition actuator. The rt-equilibrium uses function parametrization or a fast Grad-Shafranov solver with an option to include rt-MSE measurements. The island localization is based on a correlation of ECE and filtered Mirnov signals. The rt beam-tracing module provides deposition locations and their derivative versus actuator position of multiple gyrotrons. The ``MHD controller'' finally drives the actuators. Results utilizing closed-loop operation with multiple gyrotrons and their effect on NTMs are shown.

Electromagnetic drift waves dispersion for arbitrarily collisional plasmas

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

Lee, Wonjae, E-mail: wol023@ucsd.edu; Krasheninnikov, Sergei I., E-mail: skrash@mae.ucsd.edu; Angus, J. R.

2015-07-15

The impacts of the electromagnetic effects on resistive and collisionless drift waves are studied. A local linear analysis on an electromagnetic drift-kinetic equation with Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook-like collision operator demonstrates that the model is valid for describing linear growth rates of drift wave instabilities in a wide range of plasma parameters showing convergence to reference models for limiting cases. The wave-particle interactions drive collisionless drift-Alfvén wave instability in low collisionality and high beta plasma regime. The Landau resonance effects not only excite collisionless drift wave modes but also suppress high frequency electron inertia modes observed from an electromagnetic fluid model in collisionlessmore » and low beta regime. Considering ion temperature effects, it is found that the impact of finite Larmor radius effects significantly reduces the growth rate of the drift-Alfvén wave instability with synergistic effects of high beta stabilization and Landau resonance.« less

Production and installation of the LHC low-beta triplets

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

Feher, S.; Bossert, R.; DiMarco, J.

2005-09-01

The LHC performance depends critically on the low-{beta}, triplets, located on either side of the four interaction points. Each triplet consists of four superconducting quadrupole magnets, which must operate reliably at up to 215 T/m, sustain extremely high heat loads and have an excellent field quality. A collaboration of CERN, Fermilab and KEK was formed in 1996 to design and build the triplet systems, and after nine years of joint effort the production has been completed in 2005. We retrace the main events of the project and present the design features and performance of the low-{beta} quadrupoles, built by KEKmore » and Fermilab, as well as of other vital elements of the triplet. The tunnel installation of the first triplet and plans for commissioning in the LHC are also presented. Apart from the excellent technical results, the construction of the LHC low-{beta} triplets has been a highly enriching experience combining harmoniously the different competences and approaches to engineering in a style reminiscent of high energy physics experiment collaborations, and rarely before achieved in construction of an accelerator.« less

Gamma-ray blind beta particle probe

DOEpatents

Weisenberger, Andrew G.

2001-01-01

An intra-operative beta particle probe is provided by placing a suitable photomultiplier tube (PMT), micro channel plate (MCP) or other electron multiplier device within a vacuum housing equipped with: 1) an appropriate beta particle permeable window; and 2) electron detection circuitry. Beta particles emitted in the immediate vicinity of the probe window will be received by the electron multiplier device and amplified to produce a detectable signal. Such a device is useful as a gamma insensitive, intra-operative, beta particle probe in surgeries where the patient has been injected with a beta emitting radiopharmaceutical. The method of use of such a device is also described, as is a position sensitive such device.

Periodic differential equations with self-adjoint monodromy operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudovich, V. I.

2001-04-01

A linear differential equation \\dot u=A(t)u with p-periodic (generally speaking, unbounded) operator coefficient in a Euclidean or a Hilbert space \\mathbb H is considered. It is proved under natural constraints that the monodromy operator U_p is self-adjoint and strictly positive if A^*(-t)=A(t) for all t\\in\\mathbb R.It is shown that Hamiltonian systems in the class under consideration are usually unstable and, if they are stable, then the operator U_p reduces to the identity and all solutions are p-periodic.For higher frequencies averaged equations are derived. Remarkably, high-frequency modulation may double the number of critical values.General results are applied to rotational flows with cylindrical components of the velocity a_r=a_z=0, a_\\theta=\\lambda c(t)r^\\beta, \\beta<-1, c(t) is an even p-periodic function, and also to several problems of free gravitational convection of fluids in periodic fields.

Anomalous Transport in High Beta Poloidal DIII-D Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pankin, A.; Garofalo, A.; Kritz, A.; Rafiq, T.; Weiland, J.

2016-10-01

Dominant instabilities that drive anomalous transport in high beta poloidal DIII-D discharges are investigated using the MMM7.1, and TGLF models in the predictive integrated modeling TRANSP code. The ion thermal transport is found to be strongly reduced in these discharges, but turbulence driven by the ITG modes along with the neoclassical transport still play a role in determining the ion temperature profiles. The electron thermal transport driven by the ETG modes impact the electron temperature profiles. The E × B flow shear is found to have a small effect in reducing the electron thermal transport. The Shafranov shift is found to strongly reduce the anomalous transport in the high beta poloidal DIII-D discharges. The reduction of Shafranov shift can destroy the ion internal transport barrier and can result in significantly lower core temperatures. The MMM7.1 model predicts electron and ion temperature profiles reasonably well, but it fails to accurately predict the properties of electron internal transport barrier, which indicates that the ETG model in MMM7.1 needs to be improved in the high beta poloidal operational regime. Research supported by the Office of Science, US DOE.

Preparation Of Strong, Dense Potassium Beta''-Alumina Ceramic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Roger M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara; Ryan, Margaret A.; O'Connor, Dennis E.; Kisor, Adam; Kikkert, Stanley J.; Losey, Robert; Suitor, Jerry W.

1995-01-01

Improved process for making mechanically strong, dense, phase-pure potassium beta''-alumina solid electrolyte (K-BASE) results in material superior to all previous K-BASE preparations and similar to commercial Na-BASE in strength, phase purity and high-temperature ionic conductivity. Potassium-based alkali-metal thermal-to-electric conversion (AMTEC) cells expected to operate efficiently at lower heat-input temperatures and lower rejection temperatures than sodium-based AMTEC cells, making them appropriate for somewhat different applications.

Instrumentation status of the low-b magnet systems at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

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

Darve, C.; /Fermilab; Balle, C.

2011-05-01

The low-{beta} magnet systems are located in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) insertion regions around the four interaction points. They are the key elements in the beams focusing/defocusing process allowing proton collisions at luminosity up to 10{sup 34}cm{sup -2}s{sup -1}. Those systems are a contribution of the US-LHC Accelerator project. The systems are mainly composed of the quadrupole magnets (triplets), the separation dipoles and their respective electrical feed-boxes (DFBX). The low-{beta} magnet systems operate in an environment of extreme radiation, high gradient magnetic field and high heat load to the cryogenic system due to the beam dynamic effect. Due tomore » the severe environment, the robustness of the diagnostics is primordial for the operation of the triplets. The hardware commissioning phase of the LHC was completed in February 2010. In the sake of a safer and more user-friendly operation, several consolidations and instrumentation modifications were implemented during this commissioning phase. This paper presents the instrumentation used to optimize the engineering process and operation of the final focusing/defocusing quadrupole magnets for the first years of operation.« less

Fusion Plasma Performance and Confinement Studies on JT-60 and JT-60U

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

Kamada, Y.; Fujita, T.; Ishida, S.

2002-09-15

Fusion plasma performance and confinement studies on JT-60 and JT-60U are reviewed. With the main aim of providing a physics basis for ITER and the steady-state tokamak reactors, JT-60/JT-60U has been developing and optimizing the operational concepts, and extending the discharge regimes toward sustainment of high integrated performance in the reactor relevant parameter regime. In addition to achievement of high fusion plasma performances such as the equivalent breakeven condition (Q{sub DT}{sup eq} up to 1.25) and a high fusion triple product n{sub D}(0){tau}{sub E}T{sub i}(0) = 1.5 x 10{sup 21} m{sup -3}skeV, JT-60U has demonstrated the integrated performance of highmore » confinement, high {beta}{sub N}, full non-inductive current drive with a large fraction of bootstrap current. These favorable performances have been achieved in the two advanced operation regimes, the reversed magnetic shear (RS) and the weak magnetic shear (high-{beta}{sub p}) ELMy H modes characterized by both internal transport barriers (ITB) and edge transport barriers (ETB). The key factors in optimizing these plasmas towards high integrated performance are control of profiles of current, pressure, rotation, etc. utilizing a variety of heating, current drive, torque input, and particle control capabilities and high triangularity operation. As represented by discovery of ITBs (density ITB in the central pellet mode, ion temperature ITB in the high-{beta}{sub p} mode, and electron temperature ITB in the reversed shear mode), confinement studies in JT-60/JT-60U have been emphasizing freedom and also restriction of radial profiles of temperature and density. In addition to characterization of confinement and analyses of transport properties of the OH, the L-mode, the H-mode, the pellet mode, the high-{beta}{sub p} mode, and the RS mode, JT-60U has clarified formation conditions, spatial structures and dynamics of edge and internal transport barriers, and evaluated effects of repetitive MHD events on confinement such as sawteeth and ELMs. Through these studies, JT-60U has demonstrated applicability of the high confinement modes to ITER and the steady-state tokamak reactors.« less

Projecting High Beta Steady-State Scenarios from DIII-D Advanced Tokamk Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J. M.

2013-10-01

Fusion power plant studies based on steady-state tokamak operation suggest that normalized beta in the range of 4-6 is needed for economic viability. DIII-D is exploring a range of candidate high beta scenarios guided by FASTRAN modeling in a repeated cycle of experiment and modeling validation. FASTRAN is a new iterative numerical procedure coupled to the Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) that integrates models of core transport, heating and current drive, equilibrium and stability self-consistently to find steady state (d / dt = 0) solutions, and reproduces most features of DIII-D high beta discharges with a stationary current profile. Separately, modeling components such as core transport (TGLF) and off-axis neutral beam current drive (NUBEAM) show reasonable agreement with experiment. Projecting forward to scenarios possible on DIII-D with future upgrades, two self-consistent noninductive scenarios at βN > 4 are found: high qmin and high internal inductance li. Both have bootstrap current fraction fBS > 0 . 5 and rely on the planned addition of a second off-axis neutral beamline and increased electron cyclotron heating. The high qmin > 2 scenario achieves stable operation at βN as high as 5 by a very broad current density profile to improve the ideal-wall stabilization of low-n instabilities along with confinement enhancement from low magnetic shear. The li near 1 scenario does not depend on ideal-wall stabilization. Improved confinement from strong magnetic shear makes up for the lower pedestal needed to maintain li high. The tradeoff between increasing li and reduced edge pedestal determines the achievable βN (near 4) and fBS (near 0.5). This modeling identifies the necessary upgrades to achieve target scenarios and clarifies the pros and cons of particular scenarios to better inform the development of steady-state fusion. Supported by the US Department of Energy under DE-AC05-00OR22725 & DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Optics measurement and correction during beam acceleration in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

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

Liu, C.; Marusic, A.; Minty, M.

2014-09-09

To minimize operational complexities, setup of collisions in high energy circular colliders typically involves acceleration with near constant β-functions followed by application of strong focusing quadrupoles at the interaction points (IPs) for the final beta-squeeze. At the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) beam acceleration and optics squeeze are performed simultaneously. In the past, beam optics correction at RHIC has taken place at injection and at final energy with some interpolation of corrections into the acceleration cycle. Recent measurements of the beam optics during acceleration and squeeze have evidenced significant beta-beats which if corrected could minimize undesirable emittance dilutions and maximizemore » the spin polarization of polarized proton beams by avoidance of higher-order multipole fields sampled by particles within the bunch. In this report the methodology now operational at RHIC for beam optics corrections during acceleration with simultaneous beta-squeeze will be presented together with measurements which conclusively demonstrate the superior beam control. As a valuable by-product, the corrections have minimized the beta-beat at the profile monitors so reducing the dominant error in and providing more precise measurements of the evolution of the beam emittances during acceleration.« less

Hazardous material transportation safety and security field operational test beta test and baseline data report : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-10-29

The Beta Test and Baseline Data Collection efforts ensured that the test technologies would successfully operate during the field operational test (FOT) in the designed scenario configurations. These efforts also ensured that FOT systems would succes...

A low cost, high energy density and long cycle life potassium-sulfur battery for grid-scale energy storage

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

Lu, Xiaochuan; Bowden, Mark E.; Sprenkle, Vincent L.

2015-08-15

Alkali metal-sulfur batteries are attractive for energy storage applications because of their high energy density. Among the batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries typically use liquid in the battery electrolyte, which causes problems in both performance and safety. Sodium-sulfur batteries can use a solid electrolyte such as beta alumina but this requires a high operating temperature. Here we report a novel potassium-sulfur battery with K+-conducting beta-alumina as the electrolyte. Our studies indicate that liquid potassium exhibits much better wettability on the surface of beta-alumina compared to liquid sodium at lower temperatures. Based on this observation, we develop a potassium-sulfur battery that can operatemore » at as low as 150°C with excellent performance. In particular, the battery shows excellent cycle life with negligible capacity fade in 1000 cycles because of the dense ceramic membrane. This study demonstrates a new battery with a high energy density, long cycle life, low cost and high safety, which is ideal for grid-scale energy storage.« less

Comparison of Mercury Measurement Methods Using Two Active Filter Measurement Methods and a Tekran Speciation Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierce, A.; Gustin, M. S.; Huang, J.; Heidecorn, K.

2014-12-01

Three active mercury (Hg) measurement methods were operated side by side at an urban site (University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture Greenhouse facility, elev. 1370 m) in Reno, and at a high elevation site (Peavine Peak, elev. 2515 m) adjacent to Reno from December 2013 to October 2014. A model 602 BetaPlus Teledyne Advanced Pollution Instrumentation (TAPI, San Diego, CA USA) particulate measurement system was used to collect particulate matter on a 47 mm diameter cation exchange membrane (CEM, PN# MSTGS3R Mustang S, Pall Corp. Port Washington, NY) at a rate of 16.7 lpm for 24 hours to four days. Particulate concentrations were calculated using beta attenuation across the filters (non-destructive to filter material); the CEM filters were then analyzed for total Hg on a Tekran Total Hg Analysis system (model 2600, Tekran Instruments Corp. Knoxville, TN, USA). Concurrently, samples were collected on an active Hg membrane system. The active Hg membrane system consisted of 3 CEM filters sampling at a rate of 1 lpm for one to two weeks. CEM filters were then analyzed on the Tekran 2600. A Tekran speciation unit (model 1130, 1135, 2537) was also in operation and ambient air samples were analyzed for gaseous elemental Hg (GEM), gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM), and particulate bound Hg (PBM). Both the 602 BetaPlus system and the active Hg membrane system should collect RM on the CEM filters. The active Hg membrane system most likely captures mainly GOM based on previous tests with the Teflon inlet setup that indicated there was high static electricity effective in removing particulate matter. Flow rate and length of measurement (24 hours vs. four days) affected the Hg concentrations on the 602 BetaPlus system. Based on these measurements we hypothesize that, due to the high flow rate, and therefore short retention time, the 602 BetaPlus only captured PBM. It is also possible that there was loss of Hg to inlet walls due to the longer inlet on the 602 BetaPlus system compared to the active Hg membrane system.

Progress of long pulse operation with high performance plasma in KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Young; Kstar Team

2015-11-01

Recent KSTAR experiments showed the sustained H-mode operation up to the pulse duration of 46 s at the plasma current of 600 kA. The long-pulse H-mode operation has been supported by long-pulse capable neutral beam injection (NBI) system with high NB current drive efficiency attributed by highly tangential injections of three beam sources. In next phase, aiming to demonstrate the long pulse stationary high performance plasma operation, we are attempting the long pulse inductive operation at the higher performance (MA plasma current, high normalized beta, and low q95) for the final goal of demonstration of ITER-like baseline scenario in KSTAR with progressive improvement of the plasma shape control and higher neutral beam injection power. This paper presents the progress of long pulse operation and the analysis of energy confinement time and non-inductive current drive in KSTAR.

Test of bootstrap current models using high- β p EAST-demonstration plasmas on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Ren, Qilong; Lao, Lang L.; Garofalo, Andrea M.; ...

2015-01-12

Magnetic measurements together with kinetic profile and motional Stark effect measurements are used in full kinetic equilibrium reconstructions to test the Sauter and NEO bootstrap current models in a DIII-D high-more » $${{\\beta}_{\\text{p}}}$$ EAST-demonstration experiment. This aims at developing on DIII-D a high bootstrap current scenario to be extended on EAST for a demonstration of true steady-state at high performance and uses EAST-similar operational conditions: plasma shape, plasma current, toroidal magnetic field, total heating power and current ramp-up rate. It is found that the large edge bootstrap current in these high-$${{\\beta}_{\\text{p}}}$$ plasmas allows the use of magnetic measurements to clearly distinguish the two bootstrap current models. In these high collisionality and high-$${{\\beta}_{\\text{p}}}$$ plasmas, the Sauter model overpredicts the peak of the edge current density by about 30%, while the first-principle kinetic NEO model is in close agreement with the edge current density of the reconstructed equilibrium. Furthermore, these results are consistent with recent work showing that the Sauter model largely overestimates the edge bootstrap current at high collisionality.« less

Nature of alpha and beta particles in glycogen using molecular size distributions.

PubMed

Sullivan, Mitchell A; Vilaplana, Francisco; Cave, Richard A; Stapleton, David; Gray-Weale, Angus A; Gilbert, Robert G

2010-04-12

Glycogen is a randomly hyperbranched glucose polymer. Complex branched polymers have two structural levels: individual branches and the way these branches are linked. Liver glycogen has a third level: supramolecular clusters of beta particles which form larger clusters of alpha particles. Size distributions of native glycogen were characterized using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to find the number and weight distributions and the size dependences of the number- and weight-average masses. These were fitted to two distinct randomly joined reference structures, constructed by random attachment of individual branches and as random aggregates of beta particles. The z-average size of the alpha particles in dimethylsulfoxide does not change significantly with high concentrations of LiBr, a solvent system that would disrupt hydrogen bonding. These data reveal that the beta particles are covalently bonded to form alpha particles through a hitherto unsuspected enzyme process, operative in the liver on particles above a certain size range.

Super H-mode: theoretical prediction and initial observations of a new high performance regime for tokamak operation

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

Snyder, Philip B.; Solomon, Wayne M.; Burrell, Keith H.

2015-07-21

A new “Super H-mode” regime is predicted, which enables pedestal height and predicted fusion performance substantially higher than for H-mode operation. This new regime is predicted to exist by the EPED pedestal model, which calculates criticality constraints for peeling-ballooning and kinetic ballooning modes, and combines them to predict the pedestal height and width. EPED usually predicts a single (“H-mode”) pedestal solution for each set of input parameters, however, in strongly shaped plasmas above a critical density, multiple pedestal solutions are found, including the standard “Hmode” solution, and a “Super H-Mode” solution at substantially larger pedestal height and width. The Supermore » H-mode regime is predicted to be accessible by controlling the trajectory of the density, and to increase fusion performance for ITER, as well as for DEMO designs with strong shaping. A set of experiments on DIII-D has identified the predicted Super H-mode regime, and finds pedestal height and width, and their variation with density, in good agreement with theoretical predictions from the EPED model. Finally, the very high pedestal enables operation at high global beta and high confinement, including the highest normalized beta achieved on DIII-D with a quiescent edge.« less

Monitoring total endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan at the air exhaust of concentrated animal feeding operations.

PubMed

Yang, Xufei; Wang, Xinlei; Zhang, Yuanhui; Lee, Jongmin; Su, Jingwei; Gates, Richard S

2013-10-01

Mitigation of bioaerosol emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) demands knowledge of bioaerosol concentrations feeding into an end-of-pipe air treatment process. The aim of this preliminary study was to measure total endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-glucan concentrations at the air exhaust of 18 commercial CAFOs and to examine their variability with animal operation type (swine farrowing, swine gestation, swine weaning, swine finishing, manure belt laying hen, and tom turkey) and season (cold, mild, and hot). The measured airborne concentrations of total endotoxin ranged from 98 to 23,157 endotoxin units (EU)/m3, and the airborne concentrations of total (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan ranged from 2.4 to 537.9 ng/m3. Animal operation type in this study had a significant effect on airborne concentrations of total endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan but no significant effect on their concentrations in total suspended particulate (TSP). Both endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan attained their highest airborne concentrations in visited tom turkey buildings. Comparatively, season had no significant effect on airborne concentrations of total endotoxin or (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan. Endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-glucan concentrations in TSP dust appeared to increase as the weather became warmer, and this seasonal effect was significant in swine buildings. Elevated indoor temperatures in the hot season were considered to facilitate the growth and propagation of bacteria and fungi, thus leading to higher biocomponent concentrations in TSP.

Relationship between the alpha and beta angles in diagnosing CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement on frog-leg lateral radiographs.

PubMed

Khan, Moin; Ranawat, Anil; Williams, Dale; Gandhi, Rajiv; Choudur, Hema; Parasu, Naveen; Simunovic, Nicole; Ayeni, Olufemi R

2015-09-01

Alpha and beta angles are commonly used radiographic measures to assess the sphericity of the proximal femur and distance between the pathologic head-neck junction and the acetabular rim, respectively. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between these two measurements on frog-leg lateral hip radiographs. Fifty frog-leg lateral hip radiographs were evaluated by two orthopaedic surgeons and two radiologists. Each reviewer measured the alpha and beta angles on two separate occasions to determine the relationship between positive alpha and beta angles and the inter- and intra-observer reliability of these measurements. There was no significant association between positive alpha and beta angles, [kappa range -0.043 (95 % CI -0.17 to 0.086) to 0.54 (95 % CI 0.33-0.75)]. Intra-observer reliability was high [alpha angle intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) range 0.74 (95 % CI 0.58-0.84) to 0.99 (95 % CI 0.98-0.99) and beta angle ICC range 0.86 (95 % CI 0.76-0.92) to 0.97 (95 % CI 0.95-0.98)]. There is no statistical or functional relationship between readings of positive alpha and beta angles. The radiographic measurements resulted in high intra-observer and fair-to-moderate inter-observer reliability. Results of this study suggest that the presence of a CAM lesion on lateral radiographs as suggested by a positive alpha angle does not necessitate a decrease in clearance between the femoral head and acetabular rim as measured by the beta angle and thus may not be the best measure of functional impingement. Understanding the relationship between these two aspects of femoroacetabular impingement improves a surgeon's ability to anticipate potential operative management.

[Rheumatologic and radiologic symptoms of dialysis-associated beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis: long-term retrospective study of 175 chronic hemodialysis patients].

PubMed

Hermann, E; Mayet, W J; Wandel, E; Scherer, G; Schadmand, S; Klose, K J; Poralla, T; Meyer zum Büschenfelde, K H; Köhler, H

1991-01-01

beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis is a major complication in chronic hemodialysis patients. Destructive arthropathy, spondylarthropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome are clinical manifestations of beta 2M amyloid depositions within the joints, intervertebral discs, and tendon sheets. We have investigated the prevalence of beta 2M amyloidosis associated radiological joint lesions in a population of 175 patients on chronic hemodialysis. In 32 of 175 patients the diagnosis of amyloidosis arthropathy and spondylarthropathy was made by radiomorphological criteria. These 32 patients were asked about rheumatic symptoms (localisation and character of pain, synovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, influence of dialysis membrane on pain) and examined clinically. Bilateral pain of the shoulders or wrists was complained by most of the patients. 24 of the 32 patients had signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism besides beta 2M-amyloidosis. 29 patients had a carpal tunnel syndrome, 23 of whom had to be operated. beta 2M-amyloid was histochemically demonstrated in all of these 23 cases. Renal transplantation led to immediate pain relief in 3 out of 3 patients, a change of the dialysis membrane (high-flux membrane) improved chronic pain in the majority of patients.

Single molecule fluorescence imaging as a technique for barium tagging in neutrinoless double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, B. J. P.; McDonald, A. D.; Nygren, D. R.

2016-12-01

Background rejection is key to success for future neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. To achieve sensitivity to effective Majorana lifetimes of ~ 1028 years, backgrounds must be controlled to better than 0.1 count per ton per year, beyond the reach of any present technology. In this paper we propose a new method to identify the birth of the barium daughter ion in the neutrinoless double beta decay of 136Xe. The method adapts Single Molecule Fluorescent Imaging, a technique from biochemistry research with demonstrated single ion sensitivity. We explore possible SMFI dyes suitable for the problem of barium ion detection in high pressure xenon gas, and develop a fiber-coupled sensing system with which we can detect the presence of bulk Ba++ ions remotely. We show that our sensor produces signal-to-background ratios as high as 85 in response to Ba++ ions when operated in aqueous solution. We then describe the next stage of this R&D program, which will be to demonstrate chelation and fluorescence in xenon gas. If a successful barium ion tag can be developed using SMFI adapted for high pressure xenon gas detectors, the first essentially zero background, ton-scale neutrinoless double beta decay technology could be realized.

Characterization of a Commercial Silicon Beta Cell

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

Foxe, Michael P.; Hayes, James C.; Mayer, Michael F.

Silicon detectors are of interest for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to their enhanced energy resolution compared to plastic scintillators beta cells. Previous work developing a figure-of-merit (FOM) for comparison of beta cells suggests that the minimum detectable activity (MDA) could be reduced by a factor of two to three with the use of silicon detectors. Silicon beta cells have been developed by CEA (France) and Lares Ltd. (Russia), with the PIPSBox developed by CEA being commercially available from Canberra for approximately $35k, but there is still uncertainty about the reproducibility of the capabilities in themore » field. PNNL is developing a high-resolution beta-gamma detector system in the shallow underground laboratory, which will utilize and characterize the operation of the PIPSBox detector. Throughout this report, we examine the capabilities of the PIPSBox as developed by CEA. The lessons learned through the testing and use of the PIPSBox will allow PNNL to strategically develop a silicon detector optimized to better suit the communities needs in the future.« less

PandaX-III neutrinoless double beta decay experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaobo; PandaX-III Collaboration

2017-09-01

The PandaX-III experiment uses high pressure Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe-136 with high energy resolution and sensitivity at the China Jin-Ping underground Laboratory II (CJPL-II). Fine-pitch Microbulk Micromegas will be used for charge amplification and readout in order to reconstruct both the energy and track of the neutrinoless double-beta decay event. In the first phase of the experiment, the detector, which contains 200 kg of 90% Xe-136 enriched gas operated at 10 bar, will be immersed in a large water tank to ensure 5 m of water shielding. For the second phase, a ton-scale experiment with multiple TPCs will be constructed to improve the detection probability and sensitivity. A 20-kg scale prototype TPC with 7 Micromegas modules has been built to optimize the design of Micromegas readout module, study the energy calibration of TPC and develop algorithm of 3D track reconstruction.

Phi ({Phi}) and psi ({Psi}) angles involved in malarial peptide bonds determine sterile protective immunity

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

Patarroyo, Manuel E., E-mail: mepatarr@gmail.com; Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota; Moreno-Vranich, Armando

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phi ({Phi}) and psi ({Psi}) angles determine sterile protective immunity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Modified peptide's tendency to assume a regular conformation related to a PPII{sub L}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural modifications in mHABPs induce Ab and protective immunity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer mHABP backbone atom's interaction with HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator} is stabilised by H-bonds. -- Abstract: Modified HABP (mHABP) regions interacting with HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator} molecules have a more restricted conformation and/or sequence than other mHABPs which do not fit perfectly into their peptide binding regions (PBR) and do not induce an acceptable immune response due to the critical role of their {Phi} and {Psi} torsion angles.more » These angle's critical role was determined in such highly immunogenic, protection-inducing response against experimental malaria using the conformers (mHABPs) obtained by {sup 1}H-NMR and superimposed into HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator }-like Aotus monkey molecules; their phi ({Phi}) and psi ({Psi}) angles were measured and the H-bond formation between these molecules was evaluated. The aforementioned mHABP propensity to assume a regular conformation similar to a left-handed polyproline type II helix (PPII{sub L}) led to suggesting that favouring these conformations according to their amino acid sequence would lead to high antibody titre production and sterile protective immunity induction against malaria, thereby adding new principles or rules for vaccine development, malaria being one of them.« less

Integrated Scenario Modeling of NSTX Advanced Plasma Configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kessel, Charles; Synakowski, Edward

2003-10-01

The Spherical Torus will provide an attractive fusion energy source if it can demonstrate the following major features: high elongation and triangularity, 100% non-inductive current with a credible path to high bootstrap fractions, non-solenoidal startup and current rampup, high beta with stabilization of RWM instabilities, and sufficiently high energy confinement. NSTX has specific experimental milestones to examine these features, and integrated scenario modeling is helping to understand how these configurations might be produced and what tools are needed to access this operating space. Simulations with the Tokamak Simulation Code (TSC), CURRAY, and JSOLVER/BALMSC/PEST2 have identified fully non-inductively sustained, high beta plasmas that rely on strong plasma shaping accomplished with a PF coil modification, off-axis current drive from Electron Bernstein Waves (EBW), flexible on-axis heating and CD from High Harmonic Fast Wave (HHFW) and Neutral Beam Injection (NBI), and density control. Ideal MHD stability shows that with wall stabilization through plasma rotation and/or RWM feedback coils, a beta of 40% is achievable, with 100% non-inductive current sustained for 4 current diffusion times. Experimental data and theory are combined to produce a best extrapolation to these regimes, which is continuously improved as the discharges approach these parameters, and theoretical/computational methods expand. Further investigations and development for integrated scenario modeling on NSTX is discussed.

Validation of the BetaStar® Advanced for Beta-lactams Test Kit for the Screening of Bulk Tank and Tanker Truck Milks for the Presence of Beta-lactam Drug Residues.

PubMed

Denhartigh, Andrew; Reynolds, Lindsay; Palmer, Katherine; Klein, Frank; Rice, Jennifer; Rejman, John J

2018-05-18

A validation study was conducted for an immunochromatographic method (BetaStar ® Advanced for Beta-lactams) for the detection of beta-lactam residues in raw, commingled bovine milk. The assay detected amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, penicillin, cephapirin, and ceftiofur below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tolerance levels but above the maximum sensitivity thresholds established by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The results of internal and independent laboratory dose-response studies employing spiked samples were in agreement. The test detected all six drugs at the approximate 90/95% sensitivity levels in milk from cows treated with each drug. Selectivity of the assay was 100%, as no false-positive results were obtained in testing 1148 control milk samples. Testing the estimated 90/95% sensitivity level for amoxicillin (8.5 ppb), ampicillin (6.9 ppb), cloxacillin (8.9 ppb), penicillin (4.2 ppb), and cephapirin (17.6 ppb), and at 100 ppb for each antibiotic, resulted in 94-100% positive tests for each of the beta-lactam drugs. The results of ruggedness experiments established the operating parameter tolerances for the assay. Cross-reactivity testing established that the assay detects other certain beta-lactam drugs, but it does not cross-react with any of 30 drugs belonging to seven different drug classes. Abnormally high bacterial or somatic cell counts in raw milk produced no assay interference.

Overview of ASDEX Upgrade results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zohm, H.; Adamek, J.; Angioni, C.; Antar, G.; Atanasiu, C. V.; Balden, M.; Becker, W.; Behler, K.; Behringer, K.; Bergmann, A.; Bertoncelli, T.; Bilato, R.; Bobkov, V.; Boom, J.; Bottino, A.; Brambilla, M.; Braun, F.; Brüdgam, M.; Buhler, A.; Chankin, A.; Classen, I.; Conway, G. D.; Coster, D. P.; de Marné, P.; D'Inca, R.; Drube, R.; Dux, R.; Eich, T.; Engelhardt, K.; Esposito, B.; Fahrbach, H.-U.; Fattorini, L.; Fink, J.; Fischer, R.; Flaws, A.; Foley, M.; Forest, C.; Fuchs, J. C.; Gál, K.; García Muñoz, M.; Gemisic Adamov, M.; Giannone, L.; Görler, T.; Gori, S.; da Graça, S.; Granucci, G.; Greuner, H.; Gruber, O.; Gude, A.; Günter, S.; Haas, G.; Hahn, D.; Harhausen, J.; Hauff, T.; Heinemann, B.; Herrmann, A.; Hicks, N.; Hobirk, J.; Hölzl, M.; Holtum, D.; Hopf, C.; Horton, L.; Huart, M.; Igochine, V.; Janzer, M.; Jenko, F.; Kallenbach, A.; Kálvin, S.; Kardaun, O.; Kaufmann, M.; Kick, M.; Kirk, A.; Klingshirn, H.-J.; Koscis, G.; Kollotzek, H.; Konz, C.; Krieger, K.; Kurki-Suonio, T.; Kurzan, B.; Lackner, K.; Lang, P. T.; Langer, B.; Lauber, P.; Laux, M.; Leuterer, F.; Likonen, J.; Liu, L.; Lohs, A.; Lunt, T.; Lyssoivan, A.; Maggi, C. F.; Manini, A.; Mank, K.; Manso, M.-E.; Mantsinen, M.; Maraschek, M.; Martin, P.; Mayer, M.; McCarthy, P.; McCormick, K.; Meister, H.; Meo, F.; Merkel, P.; Merkel, R.; Mertens, V.; Merz, F.; Meyer, H.; Mlynek, A.; Monaco, F.; Müller, H.-W.; Münich, M.; Murmann, H.; Neu, G.; Neu, R.; Neuhauser, J.; Nold, B.; Noterdaeme, J.-M.; Pautasso, G.; Pereverzev, G.; Poli, E.; Potzel, S.; Püschel, M.; Pütterich, T.; Pugno, R.; Raupp, G.; Reich, M.; Reiter, B.; Ribeiro, T.; Riedl, R.; Rohde, V.; Roth, J.; Rott, M.; Ryter, F.; Sandmann, W.; Santos, J.; Sassenberg, K.; Sauter, P.; Scarabosio, A.; Schall, G.; Schilling, H.-B.; Schirmer, J.; Schmid, A.; Schmid, K.; Schneider, W.; Schramm, G.; Schrittwieser, R.; Schustereder, W.; Schweinzer, J.; Schweizer, S.; Scott, B.; Seidel, U.; Sempf, M.; Serra, F.; Sertoli, M.; Siccinio, M.; Sigalov, A.; Silva, A.; Sips, A. C. C.; Speth, E.; Stäbler, A.; Stadler, R.; Steuer, K.-H.; Stober, J.; Streibl, B.; Strumberger, E.; Suttrop, W.; Tardini, G.; Tichmann, C.; Treutterer, W.; Tröster, C.; Urso, L.; Vainonen-Ahlgren, E.; Varela, P.; Vermare, L.; Volpe, F.; Wagner, D.; Wigger, C.; Wischmeier, M.; Wolfrum, E.; Würsching, E.; Yadikin, D.; Yu, Q.; Zasche, D.; Zehetbauer, T.; Zilker, M.

2009-10-01

ASDEX Upgrade was operated with a fully W-covered wall in 2007 and 2008. Stationary H-modes at the ITER target values and improved H-modes with H up to 1.2 were run without any boronization. The boundary conditions set by the full W wall (high enough ELM frequency, high enough central heating and low enough power density arriving at the target plates) require significant scenario development, but will apply to ITER as well. D retention has been reduced and stationary operation with saturated wall conditions has been found. Concerning confinement, impurity ion transport across the pedestal is neoclassical, explaining the strong inward pinch of high-Z impurities in between ELMs. In improved H-mode, the width of the temperature pedestal increases with heating power, consistent with a \\beta_{pol,ped}^{1/2} scaling. In the area of MHD instabilities, disruption mitigation experiments using massive Ne injection reach volume averaged values of the total electron density close to those required for runaway suppression in ITER. ECRH at the q = 2 surface was successfully applied to delay density limit disruptions. The characterization of fast particle losses due to MHD has shown the importance of different loss mechanisms for NTMs, TAEs and also beta-induced Alfven eigenmodes (BAEs). Specific studies addressing the first ITER operational phase show that O1 ECRH at the HFS assists reliable low-voltage breakdown. During ramp-up, additional heating can be used to vary li to fit within the ITER range. Confinement and power threshold in He are more favourable than in H, suggesting that He operation could allow us to assess H-mode operation in the non-nuclear phase of ITER operation.

Double-beta decay investigation with highly pure enriched $$^{82}$$Se for the LUCIFER experiment

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

Beeman, J. W.; Bellini, F.; Benetti, P.

2015-12-13

The LUCIFER project aims at deploying the first array of enriched scintillating bolometers for the investigation of neutrinoless double-beta decay of 82Se. The matrix which embeds the source is an array of ZnSe crystals, where enriched 82Se is used as decay isotope. The radiopurity of the initial components employed for manufacturing crystals, that can be operated as bolometers, is crucial for achieving a null background level in the region of interest for double-beta decay investigations. In this work, we evaluated the radioactive content in 2.5 kg of 96.3 % enriched 82Se metal, measured with a high-purity germanium detector at themore » Gran Sasso deep underground laboratory. The limits on internal contaminations of primordial decay chain elements of 232Th, 238U and 235U are respectively: <61, <110 and <74 μBq/kg at 90 % C.L. The extremely low-background conditions in which the measurement was carried out and the high radiopurity of the 82Se allowed us to establish the most stringent lower limits on the half-lives of the double-beta decay of 82Se to 0+1, 2+2 and 2+1 excited states of 82Kr of 3.4•10 22, 1.3•10 22 and 1.0•10 22 y, respectively, with a 90 % C.L.« less

Warfighter Sustainability: Maximizing Human Performance in Hostile Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

Study 4: Effects of Beta Glucan on Symptoms of Upper Tract Infection in Wildland Firefighters. ix Approved for public release...Study 4: Effects of Beta Glucan on Symptoms of Upper Tract Infection in Wildland Firefighters. The use of a beta glucan supplement may decrease...reduce the required fluid intake during extended operations without compromising work output. In addition, the ingestion of a beta glucan supplement may

Characterization of beta phase growth and experimental validation of long term thermal exposure sensitization of AA5XXX alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yakun

The United States Navy has a need for fast, light-weight ships to provide rapid deployment in its operations. Strong and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys, such as AA5083 (UNS A95083) as well as other AA5XXX alloys, have properties that are well-suited for such applications. However, AA5XXX alloys are susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) because of sensitization which is a consequence of the formation of the grain boundary beta-phase, Al3Mg2, and the anodic dissolution of the beta-phase. Significant research has been performed to measure and understand the effects of time, temperature, stress, and sea water on sensitization and associated intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking under steady-state conditions. In the present work, the behaviors of beta-phase nucleation and growth were characterized using optical and electron microscopy, the relationship between preexisting particles and beta-phase, as well as the effect of different heat treatment times and temperatures on IGC and SCC susceptibility of 5XXX alloys were investigated. Grain boundary beta-phase thickness was measured with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion sensitization susceptibility was evaluated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard G67 tests, that is, nitric acid mass-loss testing (NAMLT). Diffusion of Mg is manifested by the thickening of beta-phase along the grainboundary because the grain boundary is considered as the preferential site for beta-phase nucleation. The beta-phase growth rate was monitored using high resolution TEM. The variety of precipitates and their subsequent effects on beta-phase nucleation and growth kinetics was investigated. The existence of various intermetallic particles was observed in both baseline and thermally exposed (70°C and 175°C) samples. These particles are usually either rod-shaped or equiaxed, and rich in Mn, Fe, and Cr. Indexing of lattice planes observed in a few of these particles suggested the composition is Al6Mn or Al6(Mn, Fe, Cr). This research also shows that the beta-phase precipitation occurs between the preexisting Mn rich particles. The basic model for the determination of diffusivity values, the prediction of beta-phase thickness growth, and corrosion sensitization prediction have been improved by new data from this research.

Method, apparatus and system for low-energy beta particle detection

DOEpatents

Akers, Douglas W.; Drigert, Mark W.

2012-09-25

An apparatus, method, and system relating to radiation detection of low-energy beta particles are disclosed. An embodiment includes a radiation detector with a first scintillator and a second scintillator operably coupled to each other. The first scintillator and the second scintillator are each structured to generate a light pulse responsive to interaction with beta particles. The first scintillator is structured to experience full energy deposition of low-energy beta particles, and permit a higher-energy beta particle to pass therethrough and interact with the second scintillator. The radiation detector further includes a light-to-electrical converter operably coupled to the second scintillator and configured to convert light pulses generated by the first scintillator and the second scintillator into electrical signals. The first scintillator and the second scintillator have at least one mutually different characteristic to enable an electronic system to determine whether a given light pulse is generated in the first scintillator or the second scintillator.

High-beta, steady-state hybrid scenario on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Petty, C. C.; Kinsey, J. E.; Holcomb, C. T.; ...

2015-12-17

Here, the potential of the hybrid scenario (first developed as an advanced inductive scenario for high fluence) as a regime for high-beta, steady-state plasmas is demonstrated on the DIII-D tokamak. These experiments show that the beneficial characteristics of hybrids, namely safety factor ≥1 with low central magnetic shear, high stability limits and excellent confinement, are maintained when strong central current drive (electron cyclotron and neutral beam) is applied to increase the calculated non-inductive fraction to ≈100% (≈50% bootstrap current). The best discharges achieve normalized beta of 3.4, IPB98(y,2) confinement factor of 1.4, surface loop voltage of 0.01 V, and nearlymore » equal electron and ion temperatures at low collisionality. A zero-dimensional physics model shows that steady-state hybrid operation with Q fus ~ 5 is feasible in FDF and ITER. The advantage of the hybrid scenario as an Advanced Tokamak regime is that the external current drive can be deposited near the plasma axis where the efficiency is high; additionally, good alignment between the current drive and plasma current profiles is not necessary as the poloidal magnetic flux pumping self-organizes the current density profile in hybrids with an m/n=3/2 tearing mode.« less

Specific signals involved in the long-term maintenance of radiation-induced fibrogenic differentiation: a role for CCN2 and low concentration of TGF-beta1.

PubMed

Haydont, Valérie; Riser, Bruce L; Aigueperse, Jocelyne; Vozenin-Brotons, Marie-Catherine

2008-06-01

The fibrogenic differentiation of resident mesenchymal cells is a key parameter in the pathogenesis of radiation fibrosis and is triggered by the profibrotic growth factors transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and CCN2. TGF-beta1 is considered the primary inducer of fibrogenic differentiation and is thought to control its long-term maintenance, whereas CCN2 is considered secondary effector of TGF-beta1. Yet, in long-term established fibrosis like that associated with delayed radiation enteropathy, in situ TGF-beta1 deposition is low, whereas CCN2 expression is high. To explore this apparent paradox, cell response to increasing doses of TGF-beta1 was investigated in cells modeling initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, i.e., normal and fibrosis-derived smooth muscle cells, respectively. Activation of cell-specific signaling pathways by low TGF-beta1 doses was demonstrated with a main activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway in fibrosis-derived cells, whereas the Smad pathway was mainly activated in normal cells. This leads to subsequent and cell-specific regulation of the CCN2 gene. These results suggested a specific profibrotic role of CCN2 in fibrosis-initiated cells. Furthermore, the modulation of CCN2 expression by itself and the combination of TGF-beta1 and CCN2 was investigated in fibrosis-derived cells. In fibrosis-initiated cells CCN2 triggered its autoinduction; furthermore, low concentration of TGF-beta1-potentiated CCN2 autoinduction. Our findings showed a differential requirement and action of TGF-beta1 in the fibrogenic response of normal vs. fibrosis-derived cells. This study defines a novel Rho/ROCK but Smad3-independent mode of TGF-beta signaling that may operate during the chronic stages of fibrosis and provides evidence of both specific and combinatorial roles of low TGF-beta1 dose and CCN2.

Compatibility of internal transport barrier with steady-state operation in the high bootstrap fraction regime on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Garofalo, Andrea M.; Gong, Xianzu; Grierson, Brian A.; ...

2015-11-16

Recent EAST/DIII-D joint experiments on the high poloidal beta tokamak regime in DIII-D have demonstrated fully noninductive operation with an internal transport barrier (ITB) at large minor radius, at normalized fusion performance increased by ≥30% relative to earlier work. The advancement was enabled by improved understanding of the “relaxation oscillations”, previously attributed to repetitive ITB collapses, and of the fast ion behavior in this regime. It was found that the “relaxation oscillations” are coupled core-edge modes 2 amenable to wall-stabilization, and that fast ion losses which previously dictated a large plasma-wall separation to avoid wall over-heating, can be reduced tomore » classical levels with sufficient plasma density. By using optimized waveforms of the plasma-wall separation and plasma density, fully noninductive plasmas have been sustained for long durations with excellent energy confinement quality, bootstrap fraction ≥ 80%, β N ≤ 4 , β P ≥ 3 , and β T ≥ 2%. Finally, these results bolster the applicability of the high poloidal beta tokamak regime toward the realization of a steady-state fusion reactor.« less

Integrated Plasma Control for Alternative Plasma Shape on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Bingjia

2017-10-01

To support long pulse plasma operation in high performance, a set of plasma control algorithms such as PEFIT real-time equilibrium reconstruction, radiation feedback, Beta and loop voltage feedback and quasi-snowflake shape f control have been implemented on EAST Plasma Control system (PCS) which was adapted from DIII-D PCS. PEFIT is a parallelized version of EFIT by using GPU with highest computation acceleration ratio up to 100 with respect to EFIT. It demonstrated high performance both in DIII-D data analysis and in the real-time shape control on EAST plasma either in normal or quasi-snowflake shape. Loop voltage has been successfully controlled by Low Hybrid Wave (LHW) while the plasma current is maintained by poloidal field coil set. Beta control has been also demonstrated by using LHW and it will be extended to other heating sources because the PCS interface is ready. Radiation feedback control has been achieved by Neon seeding by Super-Sonic Molecular Beam Injection (SMBI). For the plasma operation in quasi-snowflake, we have reached 20 s ELMy free high confinement non-inductive discharges with betap 2, H98 1.1 and plasma current 250 kA. EAST orals.

Solute effects on deformation and fracture of beta brass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shea, M. M.; Stoloff, N. S.

1973-01-01

It is shown that the ductility of several ternary beta brass alloys in air and in several liquid metals can be related to the operative slip and grain boundary relaxation processes. Nickel and manganese were chosen as alloying elements because they are expected to respectively enhance and suppress cross slip in beta brass. Single-phase binary and ternary beta brass alloys were used in both polycrystalline and single crystal form.

Observation of the hot electron interchange instability in a high beta dipolar confined plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, Eugenio Enrique

In this thesis the first study of the high beta, hot electron interchange (HEI) instability in a laboratory, dipolar confined plasma is presented. The Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) is a new research facility that explores the confinement and stability of plasma created within the dipole field produced by a strong superconducting magnet. In initial experiments long-pulse, quasi-steady state microwave discharges lasting more than 10 sec have been produced with equilibria having peak beta values of 20%. Creation of high-pressure, high beta plasma is possible only when intense HEI instabilities are stabilized by sufficiently high background plasma density. LDX plasma exist within one of three regimes characterized by its response to heating and fueling. The observed HEI instability depends on the regime and can take one of three forms: as quasiperiodic bursts during the low density, low beta plasma regime, as local high beta relaxation events in the high beta plasma regime, and as global, intense energy relaxation bursts, both in the high beta and afterglow plasma regimes. Measurements of the HEI instability are made using high-impedance, floating potential probes and fast Mirnov coils. Analysis of these signals reveals the extent of the transport during high beta plasmas. During intense high beta HEI instabilities, fluctuations at the edge significantly exceed the magnitude of the equilibrium field generated by the high beta electrons and energetic electron confinement ends in under 100 musec. For heated plasmas, one of the consequences of the observed high beta transport is the presence of hysteresis in the neutral gas fueling required to stabilize and maintain the high beta plasma. Finally, a nonlinear, self-consistent numerical simulation of the growth and saturation of the HEI instability has been adapted for LDX and compared to experimental observations.

A wireless beta-microprobe based on pixelated silicon for in vivo brain studies in freely moving rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Märk, J.; Benoit, D.; Balasse, L.; Benoit, M.; Clémens, J. C.; Fieux, S.; Fougeron, D.; Graber-Bolis, J.; Janvier, B.; Jevaud, M.; Genoux, A.; Gisquet-Verrier, P.; Menouni, M.; Pain, F.; Pinot, L.; Tourvielle, C.; Zimmer, L.; Morel, C.; Laniece, P.

2013-07-01

The investigation of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functional specificity of brain regions requires the development of technologies that are well adjusted to in vivo studies in small animals. An exciting challenge remains the combination of brain imaging and behavioural studies, which associates molecular processes of neuronal communications to their related actions. A pixelated intracerebral probe (PIXSIC) presents a novel strategy using a submillimetric probe for beta+ radiotracer detection based on a pixelated silicon diode that can be stereotaxically implanted in the brain region of interest. This fully autonomous detection system permits time-resolved high sensitivity measurements of radiotracers with additional imaging features in freely moving rats. An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) allows for parallel signal processing of each pixel and enables the wireless operation. All components of the detector were tested and characterized. The beta+ sensitivity of the system was determined with the probe dipped into radiotracer solutions. Monte Carlo simulations served to validate the experimental values and assess the contribution of gamma noise. Preliminary implantation tests on anaesthetized rats proved PIXSIC's functionality in brain tissue. High spatial resolution allows for the visualization of radiotracer concentration in different brain regions with high temporal resolution.

An Overview of NSTX Research Facility and Recent Experimental Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Masayuki

2006-10-01

The 2006 NSTX experimental campaign yielded significant new experimental results in many areas. Improved plasma control achieved the highest elongation of 2.9 and plasma shape factor q95Ip/aBT = 42 MA/m.T. Active feedback correction of error fields sustained the plasma rotation and increased the pulse length of high beta discharges. Active feedback stabilization of the resistive wall mode in high-beta, low-rotation plasmas was demonstrated for ˜100 resistive wall times. Operation at higher toroidal field showed favorable plasma confinement and HHFW heating efficiency trends with the field. A broader current profile, measured by the 12-channel MSE diagnostic in high beta discharges revealed an outward anomalous diffusivity of energetic ions due to the n=1 MHD modes. A tangential microwave scattering diagnostic measured localized electron gyro-scale fluctuations in L-mode, H-mode and reversed-shear plasmas. Evaporation of lithium onto plasma facing surfaces yielded lower density, higher temperature and improved confinement. A strong dependence of the divertor heat load and ELM behavior on the plasma triangularity was observed. Coaxial helicity injection produced a start-up current of 160 kA on closed flux surfaces.

Mach 6.5 air induction system design for the Beta 2 two-stage-to-orbit booster vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Midea, Anthony C.

1991-01-01

A preliminary, two-dimensional, mixed compression air induction system is designed for the Beta II Two Stage to Orbit booster vehicle to minimize installation losses and efficiently deliver the required airflow. Design concepts, such as an external isentropic compression ramp and a bypass system were developed and evaluated for performance benefits. The design was optimized by maximizing installed propulsion/vehicle system performance. The resulting system design operating characteristics and performance are presented. The air induction system design has significantly lower transonic drag than similar designs and only requires about 1/3 of the bleed extraction. In addition, the design efficiently provides the integrated system required airflow, while maintaining adequate levels of total pressure recovery. The excellent performance of this highly integrated air induction system is essential for the successful completion of the Beta II booster vehicle mission.

The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCR2 loop, inducible by TGF-beta, increases podocyte motility and albumin permeability.

PubMed

Lee, Eun Young; Chung, Choon Hee; Khoury, Charbel C; Yeo, Tet Kin; Pyagay, Petr E; Wang, Amy; Chen, Sheldon

2009-07-01

The role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in diabetic nephropathy is typically viewed through the lens of inflammation, but MCP-1 might exert noninflammatory effects on the kidney cells directly. Glomerular podocytes in culture, verified to express the marker nephrin, were exposed to diabetic mediators such as high glucose or angiotensin II and assayed for MCP-1. Only transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) significantly increased MCP-1 production, which was prevented by SB431542 and LY294002, indicating that signaling proceeded through the TGF-beta type I receptor kinase and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. The TGF-beta-induced MCP-1 was found to activate the podocyte's cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and, as a result, enhance the cellular motility, cause rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, and increase podocyte permeability to albumin in a Transwell assay. The preceding effects of TGF-beta were replicated by treatment with recombinant MCP-1 and blocked by a neutralizing anti-MCP-1 antibody or a specific CCR2 inhibitor, RS102895. In conclusion, this is the first description that TGF-beta signaling through PI3K induces the podocyte expression of MCP-1 that can then operate via CCR2 to increase cellular migration and alter albumin permeability characteristics. The pleiotropic effects of MCP-1 on the resident kidney cells such as the podocyte may exacerbate the disease process of diabetic albuminuria.

Selective reward deficit in mice lacking beta-endorphin and enkephalin.

PubMed

Hayward, Michael D; Pintar, John E; Low, Malcolm J

2002-09-15

It has been impossible to unequivocally identify which endogenous opioids modulate the incentive value of rewarding stimuli because these peptides are not highly selective for any single opioid receptor subtype. Here, we present evidence based on the measurement of instrumental behavior of beta-endorphin and enkephalin knock-out mice that both opioid peptides play a positive role. A progressive ratio schedule was used to measure how hard an animal would work for food reinforcers. The loss of either opioid reduced responding under this schedule, regardless of the palatability of the three different formulas of reinforcers used. The phenotype of mice lacking both endogenous opioids was nearly identical to the phenotype of mice mutant for either individual opioid. Responses were tested in nondeprived and deprived feeding states but were reduced in beta-endorphin- and enkephalin-deficient mice only when they were maintained under nondeprived conditions. Other operant manipulations ruled out variables that might contribute nonspecifically to this result such as differences in acquisition, early satiation, motor performance deficit, and reduced resistance to extinction. In contrast to the effects on instrumental performance, the loss of either or both endogenous opioids did not influence preference for water flavored with sucrose or saccharin in a two-bottle free-choice drinking paradigm. We conclude that both beta-endorphin and enkephalin positively contribute to the incentive-motivation to acquire food reinforcers. Because the attenuation of operant responding was observed only during a nondeprived motivational state, the hedonics of feeding are likely altered rather than energy homeostasis.

Micro-power dissipation device described

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, X.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, J.

1985-11-01

The common-emitter current gain beta of a common two-pole transistor is generally below 250. They are referred to as high-beta or high gain transistors when the beta of such transistors exceeds 300. When the beta of a transistor is higher than 1,000, it is called a super-beta transistor (SBT) or supergain transistor. The micropower dissipation type has the widest applications among the high-beta. Micropower dissipation high-beta means that there is a high gain or a superhigh gain under a microcurrent. The device is widely used in small signal-detection systems and stereo audio equipment because of their characteristics of high gain, low frequency and low noise under small signals.

Thrust augmentation options for the Beta 2 two-stage-to-orbit vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Christopher A.

1993-01-01

NASA LeRC is continuing to study propulsion concepts for a horizontal takeoff and landing, fully reusable, two-stage-to-orbit vehicle. This will be capable of launching and returning a 10,000 pound payload to a 100 nautical mile polar orbit using low-risk technology. The vehicle, Beta 2, is a derivative of the USAF/Boeing Beta vehicle which was designed to deliver a 50,000 pound payload to a similar orbit. Beta 2 stages at Mach 6.5 and about 100,000 ft altitude. The propulsion system for the booster is an over/under turbine bypass engine/ramjet configuration. In this paper, several options for thrust augmentation were studied in order to improve the performance of this engine where there was a critical need. Options studies were turbine engine overspeed in the transonic region, water injection at a various turbine engine locations also during the transonic region, and water injection at the turbine engine face during high speed operation. The methodology, constraints, propulsion performance, and mission study results are presented.

BetaNMR Experiments on Liquid Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottberg, A.; Stachura, M.; Hemmingsen, L.; Macfarlane, W. A.; Bio-Beta-Nmr Collaboration; Collaps Collaboration

2016-09-01

In 2012 betaNMR spectroscopy was successfully applied on liquid samples; an achievement which opens new opportunities in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. This project was motivated by the need for finding a new experimental approach to directly study biologically highly relevant metal ions, such as Mg(II), Cu(I), Ca(II), and Zn(II), which are silent in most spectroscopic techniques. The resonance spectrum recorded for Mg-31 implanted into an ionic liquid sample showed two resonances which originate from Mg ions occupying two different coordination geometries, illustrating that this technique can discriminate between different structures. This proof-of-principle result lays the foundation for studies of these metal ions at low concentrations and in environments of biological relevance where other methods are silent. The prototype chamber for bio-betaNMR allows for experiments not only on different samples such as: liquids, gels and solids, but also operates at different vacuum environments. In order to exploit the potential of betaNMR on liquid samples, tests with polarized beams of Mg-29 and Mg-31 have recently been performed at the ISAC facility at TRIUMF.

BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus) Design and Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan; Birmingham, William; Rivera, William; Romero-Talamas, Carlos

2016-10-01

BETA is a 1T water cooled Bitter-type magnetic system that has been designed and constructed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to serve as a prototype of a scaled 10T version. Currently the system is undergoing magnetic, thermal and mechanical testing to ensure safe operating conditions and to prove analytical design optimizations. These magnets will function as experimental tools for future dusty plasma based and collaborative experiments. An overview of design methods used for building a custom made Bitter magnet with user defined experimental constraints is reviewed. The three main design methods consist of minimizing the following: ohmic power, peak conductor temperatures, and stresses induced by Lorentz forces. We will also discuss the design of BETA which includes: the magnet core, pressure vessel, cooling system, power storage bank, high powered switching system, diagnostics with safety cutoff feedback, and data acquisition (DAQ)/magnet control Matlab code. Furthermore, we present experimental data from diagnostics for validation of our analytical preliminary design methodologies and finite element analysis calculations. BETA will contribute to the knowledge necessary to finalize the 10 T magnet design.

openECA Platform and Analytics Beta Demonstration Results

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

Robertson, Russell

The objective of the Open and Extensible Control and Analytics (openECA) Platform for Phasor Data project is to develop an open source software platform that significantly accelerates the production, use, and ongoing development of real-time decision support tools, automated control systems, and off-line planning systems that (1) incorporate high-fidelity synchrophasor data and (2) enhance system reliability while enabling the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) operating functions of reliability coordinator, transmission operator, and/or balancing authority to be executed more effectively.

Neurofeedback training aimed to improve focused attention and alertness in children with ADHD: a study of relative power of EEG rhythms using custom-made software application.

PubMed

Hillard, Brent; El-Baz, Ayman S; Sears, Lonnie; Tasman, Allan; Sokhadze, Estate M

2013-07-01

Neurofeedback is a nonpharmacological treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We propose that operant conditioning of electroencephalogram (EEG) in neurofeedback training aimed to mitigate inattention and low arousal in ADHD, will be accompanied by changes in EEG bands' relative power. Patients were 18 children diagnosed with ADHD. The neurofeedback protocol ("Focus/Alertness" by Peak Achievement Trainer) has a focused attention and alertness training mode. The neurofeedback protocol provides one for Focus and one for Alertness. This does not allow for collecting information regarding changes in specific EEG bands (delta, theta, alpha, low and high beta, and gamma) power within the 2 to 45 Hz range. Quantitative EEG analysis was completed on each of twelve 25-minute-long sessions using a custom-made MatLab application to determine the relative power of each of the aforementioned EEG bands throughout each session, and from the first session to the last session. Additional statistical analysis determined significant changes in relative power within sessions (from minute 1 to minute 25) and between sessions (from session 1 to session 12). Analysis was of relative power of theta, alpha, low and high beta, theta/alpha, theta/beta, and theta/low beta and theta/high beta ratios. Additional secondary measures of patients' post-neurofeedback outcomes were assessed, using an audiovisual selective attention test (IVA + Plus) and behavioral evaluation scores from the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Analysis of data computed in the MatLab application, determined that theta/low beta and theta/alpha ratios decreased significantly from session 1 to session 12, and from minute 1 to minute 25 within sessions. The findings regarding EEG changes resulting from brain wave self-regulation training, along with behavioral evaluations, will help elucidate neural mechanisms of neurofeedback aimed to improve focused attention and alertness in ADHD.

Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 900121S1. 10251 Computer Sciences Corporation MC Ada V1.2.Beta/Concurrent Computer Corporation Concurrent/Masscomp 5600 Host To Concurrent/Masscomp 5600 (Dual 68020 Processor Configuration) Target

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-23

developed Ada Real - Time Operating System (ARTOS) for bare machine environments(Target), ACW 1.1I0. " ; - -M.UIECTTERMS Ada programming language, Ada...configuration) Operating System: CSC developed Ada Real - Time Operating System (ARTOS) for bare machine environments Memory Size: 4MB 2.2...Test Method Testing of the MC Ado V1.2.beta/ Concurrent Computer Corporation compiler and the CSC developed Ada Real - Time Operating System (ARTOS) for

A method of preserving and testing the acceptability of gac fruit oil, a good source of beta-carotene and essential fatty acids.

PubMed

Vuong, L T; King, J C

2003-06-01

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) is indigenous to Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. Its seed pulp contains high concentrations of carotenoids, especially the provitamin A, beta-carotene. In northern Vietnam, gac fruits are seasonal and are mainly used in making a rice dish called xoi gac. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to collect and preserve gac fruit oil, to evaluate the nutritional composition of the oil, and to assess the acceptability of the gac oil by typical Vietnamese homemakers. One hundred women participated in training to learn how to prepare the fruits and operate the oil press. The women also participated in a survey of gac fruit use and their habitual use of animal fat and vegetable oil. Among all the participants in the training and surveys, 35 women actually produced oil from gac fruits grown in the village, using manual oil presses and locally available materials. The total carotene concentration in gac fruit oil was 5,700 micrograms/ml. The concentration of beta-carotene was 2,710 micrograms/ml. Sixty-nine percent of total fat was unsaturated, and 35% of that was polyunsaturated. The average daily consumption of gac fruit oil was estimated at 2 ml per person. The daily beta-carotene intake (from gac fruit oil) averaged approximately 5 mg per person. It was found that gac oil can be produced locally by village women using manual presses and locally available materials. The oil is a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Although the beta-carotene concentration declines with time without a preservative or proper storage, it was still high after three months. The oil was readily accepted by the women and their children, and consumption of the oil increased the intake of beta-carotene and reduced the intake of lard.

Superconducting Resonators Development for the FRIB and ReA Linacs at MSU: Recent Achievements and Future Goals

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

Facco, A; Binkowski, J; Compton, C

2012-07-01

The superconducting driver and post-accelerator linacs of the FRIB project, the large scale radioactive beam facility under construction at MSU, require the construction of about 400 low-{beta} Quarter-wave (QWR) and Half-wave resonators (HWR) with four different optimum velocities. 1st and 2nd generation prototypes of {beta}{sub 0} = 0.041 and 0.085 QWRs and {beta}{sub 0} = 0.53 HWRs have been built and tested, and have more than fulfilled the FRIB and ReA design goals. The present cavity surface preparation at MSU allowed production of low-{beta} cavities nearly free from field emission. The first two cryostats of {beta}{sub 0} = 0.041 QWRsmore » are now in operation in the ReA3 linac. A 3rd generation design of the FRIB resonators allowed to further improve the cavity parameters, reducing the peak magnetic field in operation and increasing the possible operation gradient, with consequent reduction of the number of required resonators. The construction of the cavities for FRIB, which includes three phases for each cavity type (development, pre-production and production runs) has started. Cavity design, construction, treatment and performance will be described and discussed.« less

Finite Group Invariance and Solution of Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian

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

Haydargil, Derya; Koc, Ramazan

2004-10-04

The finite group invariance of the E x {beta} and Jaynes-Cummings models are studied. A method is presented to obtain finite group invariance of the E x {beta} system.A suitable transformation of a Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian leads to equivalence of E x {beta} system. Then a general method is applied to obtain the solution of Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian with Kerr nonlinearity. Number operator for this structure and the generators of su(2) algebra are used to find the eigenvalues of the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian for different states. By using the invariance of number operator the solution of modified Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian is also discussed.

The MQXA quadrupoles for the LHC low-beta insertions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajima, Y.; Higashi, N.; Iida, M.; Kimura, N.; Nakamoto, T.; Ogitsu, T.; Ohhata, H.; Ohuchi, N.; Shintomi, T.; Sugawara, S.; Sugita, K.; Tanaka, K.; Taylor, T.; Terashima, A.; Tsuchiya, K.; Yamamoto, A.

2005-09-01

High-performance superconducting quadrupole magnets, MQXA, for the LHC low-beta insertions have been designed, manufactured in series and tested. The design field gradient of the quadrupole, which has a coil aperture of diameter 70 mm, was 240 T/m at 1.9 K; its effective length is 6.37 m, and it is required to operate reliably at up to 215 T/m when subjected to radiation heat deposit in the coils of up to 5 W/m. The series of 20 magnets has been produced in industry, and tested at KEK. The magnet design is explained, and the construction and performance of the series units, in terms of training, field quality and geometry, are presented.

Measurements of Beta Lyrae at the Pine Mountain Observatory Summer Workshop 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carro, Joseph; Chamberlain, Rebecca; Schuler, Marisa; Varney, Timothy; Ewing, Robert; Genet, Russell

2012-04-01

As part of the Pine Mountain Observatory Summer Workshop 2011, high school and college students joined with an experienced observer to learn the use of a telescope, astrometric techniques, and measure a double star. This workshop was the first time these students operated a telescope, and, thus, constituted an educational experience for them as they used the telescope and took the measurements. The double star Beta Lyrae was measured resulting in a separation of 44.3 arc seconds and a position angle of 151.6 degrees. The Washington Double Star catalog (2009 data) lists a separation of 45.4 arc seconds and a position angle of 148 degrees.

Joint DIII-D/EAST Experiments Toward Steady State AT Demonstration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalo, A. M.; Meneghini, O.; Staebler, G. M.; van Zeeland, M. A.; Gong, X.; Ding, S.; Qian, J.; Ren, Q.; Xu, G.; Grierson, B. A.; Solomon, W. M.; Holcomb, C. T.

2015-11-01

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments on fully noninductive operation at high poloidal beta have demonstrated several attractive features of this regime for a steady-state fusion reactor. Very large bootstrap fraction (>80 %) is desirable because it reduces the demands on external noninductive current drive. High bootstrap fraction with an H-mode edge results in a broad current profile and internal transport barriers (ITBs) at large minor radius, leading to high normalized energy confinement and high MHD stability limits. The ITB radius expands with higher normalized beta, further improving both stability and confinement. Electron density ITB and large Shafranov shift lead to low AE activity in the plasma core and low anomalous fast ion losses. Both the ITB and the current profile show remarkable robustness against perturbations, without external control. Supported by US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC02-09CH11466 & DE-AC52-07NA27344 & by NMCFSP under contracts 2015GB102000 and 2015GB110001.

Beta-manganese dioxide nanorods for sufficient high-temperature electromagnetic interference shielding in X-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Wei-Li; Cao, Mao-Sheng; Hou, Zhi-Ling; Lu, Ming-Ming; Wang, Chan-Yuan; Yuan, Jie; Fan, Li-Zhen

2014-09-01

As the development of electronic and communication technology, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and attenuation is an effective strategy to ensure the operation of the electronic devices. Among the materials for high-performance shielding in aerospace industry and related high-temperature working environment, the thermally stable metal oxide semiconductors with narrow band gap are promising candidates. In this work, beta-manganese dioxide ( β-MnO2) nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The bulk materials of the β-MnO2 were fabricated to evaluate the EMI shielding performance in the temperature range of 20-500 °C between 8.2 and 12.4 GHz (X-band). To understand the mechanisms of high-temperature EMI shielding, the contribution of reflection and absorption to EMI shielding was discussed based on temperature-dependent electrical properties and complex permittivity. Highly sufficient shielding effectiveness greater than 20 dB was observed over all the investigated range, suggesting β-MnO2 nanorods as promising candidates for high-temperature EMI shielding. The results have also established a platform to develop high-temperature EMI shielding materials based on nanoscale semiconductors.

Luminosity limits for liquid argon calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

J, Rutherfoord; B, Walker R.

2012-12-01

We have irradiated liquid argon ionization chambers with betas using high-activity Strontium-90 sources. The radiation environment is comparable to that in the liquid argon calorimeters which are part of the ATLAS detector installed at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. We measure the ionization current over a wide range of applied potential for two different source activities and for three different chamber gaps. These studies provide operating experience at exceptionally high ionization rates. We can operate these chambers either in the normal mode or in the space-charge limited regime and thereby determine the transition point between the two. From the transition point we indirectly extract the positive argon ion mobility.

Beta Emission and Bremsstrahlung

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

Karpius, Peter Joseph

2017-11-13

Bremsstrahlung is continuous radiation produced by beta particles decelerating in matter; different beta emitters have different endpoint energies; high-energy betas interacting with high-Z materials will more likely produce bremsstrahlung; depending on the data, sometimes all you can say is that a beta emitter is present.

Energy-confinement scaling for high-beta plasmas in the W7-AS stellarator.

PubMed

Preuss, R; Dinklage, A; Weller, A

2007-12-14

High-beta energy-confinement data are subjected to comparisons of scaling invariant, first-principles physical models. The models differ in the inclusion of basic equations indicating the nature of transport. The result for high-beta data of the W7-AS stellarator is that global transport is described best with a collisional high-beta model, which is different from previous outcomes for low-beta data. Model predictive calculations indicate the validation of energy-confinement prediction with respect to plasma beta and collisionality nu*. The finding of different transport behaviors in distinct beta regimes is important for the development of fusion energy based on magnetic confinement and for the assessment of different confinement concepts.

THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF SOLAR FLARES OBSERVED WITH AIA/SDO: FRACTAL DIFFUSION, SUB-DIFFUSION, OR LOGISTIC GROWTH?

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

Aschwanden, Markus J., E-mail: aschwanden@lmsal.com

2012-09-20

We explore the spatio-temporal evolution of solar flares by fitting a radial expansion model r(t) that consists of an exponentially growing acceleration phase, followed by a deceleration phase that is parameterized by the generalized diffusion function r(t){proportional_to}{kappa}(t - t{sub 1}){sup {beta}/2}, which includes the logistic growth limit ({beta} = 0), sub-diffusion ({beta} = 0-1), classical diffusion ({beta} = 1), super-diffusion ({beta} = 1-2), and the linear expansion limit ({beta} = 2). We analyze all M- and X-class flares observed with Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite and Atmospheric Imaging Assembly/Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) during the first two years of the SDO mission,more » amounting to 155 events. We find that most flares operate in the sub-diffusive regime ({beta} = 0.53 {+-} 0.27), which we interpret in terms of anisotropic chain reactions of intermittent magnetic reconnection episodes in a low plasma-{beta} corona. We find a mean propagation speed of v = 15 {+-} 12 km s{sup -1}, with maximum speeds of v{sub max} = 80 {+-} 85 km s{sup -1} per flare, which is substantially slower than the sonic speeds expected for thermal diffusion of flare plasmas. The diffusive characteristics established here (for the first time for solar flares) is consistent with the fractal-diffusive self-organized criticality model, which predicted diffusive transport merely based on cellular automaton simulations.« less

Effects of administration of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, persimmons, and pods on antioxidative ability in UV-irradiated ODS rats.

PubMed

Hosotani, Keisuke; Yoshida, Minoru; Kitagawa, Masahiro

2005-07-01

To evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with carotenoid and ascorbic acid (AsA) on the antioxidative ability of Osteogenic Disorder-Shionogi (ODS) rats, we added synthetic beta-carotene (betaC), AsA, and powders of persimmon (Ka) and pods (Po) containing betaC and AsA to the diet and obtained the following results. The urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration was low in the -betaC.AsA and +AsA groups but high in the +betaC.AsA, +Ka, and +Po groups. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in both the liver and skin were higher in the -betaC.AsA group than in the +betaC.AsA group and were low in the +Ka and +Po groups. As antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was high in the +betaC.AsA group, low in the -beta3C.AsA group in both the skin and liver, and also high in the + Ka and +Po group in the liver. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was high in the -betaC.AsA group and low in the +betaC.AsA and +Ka groups in both the skin and liver. Catalase (CAT) activity in the liver was low in the -betaC.AsA, +AsA, and +betaC groups and high in the +betaC.AsA and +Po groups. These results confirmed that the administration of betaC, AsA, and persimmons and pods increases antioxidative ability in the skin and liver of ultraviolet-b(UV-B)-irradiated ODS rats.

Stereochemical course and structure of the products of the enzymic action of endo-1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase from Bacillus licheniformis.

PubMed Central

Malet, C; Jiménez-Barbero, J; Bernabé, M; Brosa, C; Planas, A

1993-01-01

The stereochemical course of the reaction catalysed by endo-1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.73) has been determined by 1H n.m.r. The enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of barley beta-glucan proceeds with overall retention of the anomeric configuration, indicating that the enzyme operates through a double-displacement mechanism. The structures of the final oligosaccharide products, 3-beta-O-cellobiosyl D-glucopyranoside and 3-beta-O-cellotriosyl D-glucopyranoside, have been completely assigned by 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. PMID:8280073

The aCORN backscatter-suppressed beta spectrometer

DOE PAGES

Hassan, M. T.; Bateman, F.; Collett, B.; ...

2017-06-16

Backscatter of electrons from a beta detector, with incomplete energy deposition, can lead to undesirable effects in many types of experiments. We present and discuss the design and operation of a backscatter-suppressed beta spectrometer that was developed as part of a program to measure the electron–antineutrino correlation coefficient in neutron beta decay (aCORN). An array of backscatter veto detectors surrounds a plastic scintillator beta energy detector. The spectrometer contains an axial magnetic field gradient, so electrons are efficiently admitted but have a low probability for escaping back through the entrance after backscattering. Lastly, the design, construction, calibration, and performance ofmore » the spectrometer are discussed.« less

The role of oxygen in porous molybdenum electrodes for the alkali metal thermoelectric converter

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

Williams, R.M.; Nagasubramanian, G.; Khanna, S.K.

1986-08-01

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter is a direct energy conversion device, utilizing a high alkali metal activity gradient to generate electrical power. Its operation is based on the unique ion conductive properties of beta''-alumina solid electrolyte. The major barrier to application of this device is identification of an electrode which can maintain optimum power densities for operation times of >10,000h. Thin, porous molybdenum electrodes have shown the best performance characteristics, but show a variety of time dependent phenomena, including eventual degradation to power densities 3-5 times lower than initial values. Several Na-Mo-O compounds, including Na/sub 2/MoO/sub 4/ and Na/sub 2/Mo/submore » 3/O/sub 6/, are formed during AMTEC operation. These compounds may be responsible for enhanced Na transport through Mo electrodes via sodium ion conduction, and eventual performance degradation due to their volatilization and decomposition. No decomposition of beta''-alumina has been observed under simulated AMTEC operating conditions up to 1373 K. In this paper, we present a model for chemical reactions occurring in porous molybdenum electrodes. The model is based on thermochemical and kinetic data, known sodium-molybdenum-oxygen chemistry, x-ray diffraction analysis of molybdenum and molybdenum oxide electrodes, and the electrochemical behavior of the cell.« less

Tritium-field betacells

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

Walko, R.J.; Lincoln, R.C.; Baca, W.E.

1991-01-01

Betavoltaic power sources operate by converting the nuclear decay energy of beta-emitting radioisotopes into electricity. Since they are not chemically driven, they could operate at temperatures which would either be to hot or too cold for typical chemical batteries. Further, for long lived isotopes, they offer the possibility of multi-decade active lifetimes. Two approaches are being investigated: direct and indirect conversion. Direct conversion cells consist of semiconductor diodes similar to photovoltaic cells. Beta particle directly bombard these cells, generating electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor which are converted to useful power. Many using low power flux beta emitters, wide bandgap semiconductorsmore » are required to achieve useful conversion efficiencies. The combination of tritium, as the beta emitter, and gallium phosphide (GaP), as the semiconductor converter, was evaluated. Indirect conversion betacells first convert the beta energy to light with a phosphor, and then to electricity with photovoltaic cells. An indirect conversion power source using a tritium radioluminescent (RL) light is being investigated. Our analysis indicates that this approach has the potential for significant volume and cost savings over the direct conversion method. 7 refs., 11 figs.« less

Tritium-field betacells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walko, R. J.; Lincoln, R. C.; Baca, W. E.; Goods, S. H.; Negley, G. H.

Betavoltaic power sources operate by converting the nuclear decay energy of beta-emitting radioisotopes into electricity. Since they are not chemically driven, they could operate at temperatures which would either be too hot or too cold for typical chemical batteries. Further, for long lived isotopes, they offer the possibility of multi-decade active lifetimes. Two approaches are being investigated: direct and indirect conversion. Direct conversion cells consist of semiconductor diodes similar to photovoltaic cells. Beta particle directly bombard these cells, generating electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor which are converted to useful power. When using low power flux beta emitters, wide bandgap semiconductors are required to achieve useful conversion efficiencies. The combination of tritium, as the beta emitter, and gallium phosphide (GaP), as the semiconductor converter, was evaluated. Indirect conversion betacells first convert the beta energy to light with a phosphor, and then to electricity with photovoltaic cells. An indirect conversion power source using a tritium radioluminescent (RL) light is being investigated. Our analysis indicates that this approach has the potential for significant volume and cost savings over the direct conversion method.

Magnetic Effects in a Moderate-Temperature, High-Beta, Toroidal Plasma Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, W. F.; Singh, A. K.; Held, E. D.

2011-10-01

A small toroidal machine (STOR-1M; minor radius 4.5 cm), on loan from the University of Saskatchewan, has been modified to operate at hydrogen ionization levels ~0.1%, beta values between 0.1 and 1, electron number density ~5x1016/m3, temperature ~5 eV, and applied toroidal magnetic field ~20 gauss. Plasma is generated using magnetron-produced microwaves. Langmuir and Hall probes determine radial profiles of electron number density, temperature, and magnetic field. For most values of the externally-applied magnetic field, the internal field is the same with or without plasma, however, in a narrow window of B, diamagnetism and other effects are present. The effect is observed with no externally induced current; plasma currents are self generated through some sort of relaxation process. Beta and radius conditions correlate well with similar magnetic structures in the laboratory (eg., plasma focus, Z pinch) and in space (eg., Venus flux ropes, solar coronal loops).

Supplementation of a high-carbohydrate breakfast with barley beta-glucan improves postprandial glycaemic response for meals but not beverages.

PubMed

Poppitt, Sally D; van Drunen, Jenneke D E; McGill, Anne-Thea; Mulvey, Tom B; Leahy, Fiona E

2007-01-01

There is growing support for the protective role of soluble fibre in type II diabetes. Soluble fibre beta-glucan found in cereal products including oats and barley may be the active component. There is evidence of postprandial blunting of blood glucose and insulin responses to dietary carbohydrates when oat soluble fibre is supplemented into the diet but few trials have been carried out using natural barley or enriched barley beta-glucan products. The aim of this trial was to investigate the postprandial effect of a highly enriched barley beta -glucan product on blood glucose, insulin and lipids when given with a high-CHO food and a high-CHO drink. 18 lean, healthy men completed a 4 treatment intervention trial comprising (i) high-CHO(food control), (ii) high-CHO(food+fibre), (iii) high-CHO(drink control), (iv) high-CHO(drink+fibre) where a 10g dose of barley beta-glucan fibre supplement (Cerogen) containing 6.31g beta-glucan was added to food and drink controls. There was an increase of glucose and insulin following all 4 treatments. Addition of the beta -glucan supplement significantly blunted the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses on the food (p<0.05) but not drink (p>0.05) treatments when compared to controls. The high-CHO breakfasts decreased total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol from baseline to 60 mins postprandially but there were no differential effects of beta-glucan treatment on circulating lipids. We conclude that a high dose barley beta-glucan supplement can improve glucose control when added to a high-CHO starchy food, probably due to increased gastro-intestinal viscosity, but not when added to a high-CHO beverage where rapid absorption combined with decreased beta-glucan concentration and viscosity may obviate this mechanism.

Characterization of a beta-glycosidase highly active on disaccharides and of a beta-galactosidase from Tenebrio molitor midgut lumen.

PubMed

Ferreira, Alexandre H P; Terra, Walter R; Ferreira, Clélia

2003-02-01

The midgut of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae has four beta-glycosidases. The properties of two of these enzymes (betaGly1 and betaGly2) have been described elsewhere. In this paper, the characterization of the other two glycosidases (betaGly3 and betaGly4) is described. BetaGly3 has one active site, hydrolyzes disaccharides, cellodextrins, synthetic substrates and beta-glucosides produced by plants. The enzyme is inhibited by amygdalin, cellotriose, cellotetraose and cellopentaose in high concentrations, probably due to transglycosylation. betaGly3 hydrolyzes beta 1,4-glycosidic linkages with a catalytic rate independent of the substrate polymerization degree (k(int)) of 11.9 s(-1). Its active site is formed by four subsites, where subsites +1 and -1 bind glucose residues with higher affinity than subsite +2. The main role of betaGly3 seems to be disaccharide hydrolysis. BetaGly4 is a beta-galactosidase, since it has highest activity against beta-galactosides. It can also hydrolyze fucosides, but not glucosides, and has Triton X-100 as a non-essential activator (K(a)=15 microM, pH 4.5). betaGly4 has two active sites that can hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside (NPbetaGal). The one hydrolyzing NPbetaGal with more efficiency is also active against methylumbellipheryl beta-D-galactoside and lactose. The other active site hydrolyzes NPbetaFucoside and binds NPbetaGal weakly. BetaGly4 hydrolyzes hydrophobic substrates with high catalytical efficiency and is able to bind octyl-beta-thiogalactoside in its active site with high affinity. The betaGly4 physiological role is supposed to be the hydrolysis of galactolipids that are found in membranes from vegetal tissues. As the enzyme has a hydrophobic site where Triton X-100 can bind, it might be activated by membrane lipids, thus becoming fully active only at the surface of cell membranes.

Investigation of MHD instabilities and control in KSTAR preparing for high beta operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Y. S.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Bialek, J. M.; Berkery, J. W.; Lee, S. G.; Ko, W. H.; Bak, J. G.; Jeon, Y. M.; Park, J. K.; Kim, J.; Hahn, S. H.; Ahn, J.-W.; Yoon, S. W.; Lee, K. D.; Choi, M. J.; Yun, G. S.; Park, H. K.; You, K.-I.; Bae, Y. S.; Oh, Y. K.; Kim, W.-C.; Kwak, J. G.

2013-08-01

Initial H-mode operation of the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) is expanded to higher normalized beta and lower plasma internal inductance moving towards design target operation. As a key supporting device for ITER, an important goal for KSTAR is to produce physics understanding of MHD instabilities at long pulse with steady-state profiles, at high normalized beta, and over a wide range of plasma rotation profiles. An advance from initial plasma operation is a significant increase in plasma stored energy and normalized beta, with Wtot = 340 kJ, βN = 1.9, which is 75% of the level required to reach the computed ideal n = 1 no-wall stability limit. The internal inductance was lowered to 0.9 at sustained H-mode duration up to 5 s. In ohmically heated plasmas, the plasma current reached 1 MA with prolonged pulse length up to 12 s. Rotating MHD modes are observed in the device with perturbations having tearing rather than ideal parity. Modes with m/n = 3/2 are triggered during the H-mode phase but are relatively weak and do not substantially reduce Wtot. In contrast, 2/1 modes to date only appear when the plasma rotation profiles are lowered after H-L back-transition. Subsequent 2/1 mode locking creates a repetitive collapse of βN by more than 50%. Onset behaviour suggests the 3/2 mode is close to being neoclassically unstable. A correlation between the 2/1 mode amplitude and local rotation shear from an x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer suggests that the rotation shear at the mode rational surface is stabilizing. As a method to access the ITER-relevant low plasma rotation regime, plasma rotation alteration by n = 1, 2 applied fields and associated neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) induced torque is presently investigated. The net rotation profile change measured by a charge exchange recombination diagnostic with proper compensation of plasma boundary movement shows initial evidence of non-resonant rotation damping by the n = 1, 2 applied field configurations. The result addresses perspective on access to low rotation regimes for MHD instability studies applicable to ITER. Computation of active RWM control using the VALEN-3D code examines control performance using midplane locked mode detection sensors. The LM sensors are found to be strongly affected by mode and control coil-induced vessel current, and consequently lead to limited control performance theoretically.

Stability analysis of the high poloidal bet scenario on DIII-Dtowards operation athigher plasma current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, W. F.; Gong, X. Z.; Huang, J.; Ren, Q. L.; Qian, J. P.; Ding, S. Y.; Pan, C. K.; Li, G. Q.; Xia, T. Y.; Garofalo, A. M.; Lao, L.; Hyatt, A.; Ferron, J.; Meneghini, O.; Liu, Y. Q.; McClenaghan, J.; Holcomb, C. T.

2017-10-01

The high poloidal beta scenario with plasma current IP 600 kA and large-radius internal transport barrier (ITB) on DIII-D is subject to n =1 MHD kink modes when the current profile becomes very broad at internal inductance values li 0.5-0.6. It is desirable to extend this scenario to higer plasma current ( 1 MA) for highernormalized fusionperformance. However, higher current at constant normalized beta, ?N 3, would reducethe poloidal bet, ?P, below the threshold for ITB sustainment, observed at ?P 1.9. Thus, to avoid loss of the IT, ?N?? must be increased together with IP while avoiding the kink instability. MHD analysis is presented that explains possible paths to high ?N stability limit for the kink mode in tis scenario. Work supported by National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Program of Chin under 2015GB110001 and 2015GB102000 - National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 1147521 and by US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Effects of acupuncture and transcutaneous stimulation analgesia on plasma hormone levels during and after major abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Kho, H G; Kloppenborg, P W; van Egmond, J

1993-05-01

The effects of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) on plasma adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin (beta E), anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and hydrocortisone (cortisol) were evaluated during and, for four days after surgery in 42 male patients submitted to a standardized major abdominal operation in a comparative study of three different anaesthetic techniques. Group 1 received acupuncture and transcutaneous stimulation as the main non-pharmacological analgesic during surgery. Group 2 received moderate-dose fentanyl (initial bolus of 10 micrograms kg-1 followed by continuous infusion of 5 micrograms kg-1 h-1 for the first hour, and then 4 micrograms kg-1 h-1. Group 3 received a combination of both methods. In all three groups analgesia was supplemented, if necessary, by small bolus injections of 50 micrograms fentanyl. Anaesthesia was induced in all groups with thiopentone 5 mg kg-1 and vecuronium 0.1 mg kg-1 and patients were ventilated (N2O:O2 = 2:1) to achieve normocapnia without the use of a halogenated agent. Pre-operatively acupuncture plus TES in Groups 1 and 3 led to a rise in beta E (P < 0.05) without changes of haemodynamics. After intubation beta E did not increase further. Intubation in Group 2 led to an increase of beta E (P < 0.05) also, and to a rise in pulse rate and blood pressure (P < 0.05) in all three groups. Per-operatively acupuncture plus TES in Group 1 showed a response of circulating NA and cortisol similar to that in Groups 2 and 3, whereas the responses of the circulating A, ACTH, beta E and ADH in Group 1 were more pronounced (P < 0.01). Post-operatively no differences in the hormonal profiles could be discerned between the groups with or without acupuncture plus TES (Group 2 vs. Group 3) nor between those with or without moderate-dose fentanyl anaesthesia (Group 1 vs. Group 3). It is concluded that acupuncture and TES have no effect on the cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and intubation. They can replace moderate-dose fentanyl anaesthesia in major abdominal surgery at the cost of a more enhanced per-operative neuroendocrine stress response, which does not, however, influence the postoperative hormonal profiles nor the rapidity of return to pre-operative values.

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric: a beta phase report.

PubMed

Bruny, Jennifer L; Hall, Bruce L; Barnhart, Douglas C; Billmire, Deborah F; Dias, Mark S; Dillon, Peter W; Fisher, Charles; Heiss, Kurt F; Hennrikus, William L; Ko, Clifford Y; Moss, Lawrence; Oldham, Keith T; Richards, Karen E; Shah, Rahul; Vinocur, Charles D; Ziegler, Moritz M

2013-01-01

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) expanded to beta phase testing with the enrollment of 29 institutions. Data collection and analysis were aimed at program refinement and development of risk-adjusted models for inter-institutional comparisons. Data from the first full year of beta-phase NSQIP-P were analyzed. Patient accrual used ACS-NSQIP methodology tailored to pediatric specialties. Preliminary risk adjusted modeling for all pediatric and neonatal operations and pediatric (excluding neonatal) abdominal operations was performed for all cause morbidity (other than death) and surgical site infections (SSI) using hierarchical logistic regression methodology and eight predictor variables. Results were expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. During calendar year 2010, 29 institutions enrolled 37,141 patients. 1644 total CPT codes were entered, of which 456 accounted for 90% of the cases. 450 codes were entered only once (1.2% of cases). For all cases, overall mortality was 0.25%, overall morbidity 7.9%, and the SSI rate 1.8%. For neonatal cases, mortality was 2.39%, morbidity 18.7%, and the SSI rate 3%. For the all operations model, risk-adjusted morbidity institutional odds ratios ranged 0.48-2.63, with 9/29 hospitals categorized as low outliers and 9/29 high outliers, while risk-adjusted SSI institutional odds ratios ranged 0.36-2.04, with 2/29 hospitals low outliers and 7/29 high outliers. This report represents the first risk-adjusted hospital-level comparison of surgical outcomes in infants and children using NSQIP-P data. Programmatic and analytic modifications will improve the impact of this program as it moves into full implementation. These results indicate that NSQIP-P has the potential to serve as a model for determining risk-adjusted outcomes in the neonatal and pediatric population with the goal of developing quality improvement initiatives for the surgical care of children. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Process for reducing beta activity in uranium

DOEpatents

Briggs, Gifford G.; Kato, Takeo R.; Schonegg, Edward

1986-10-07

This invention is a method for lowering the beta radiation hazards associated with the casting of uranium. The method reduces the beta radiation emitted from the as-cast surfaces of uranium ingots. The method also reduces the amount of beta radiation emitters retained on the interiors of the crucibles that have been used to melt the uranium charges and which have undergone cleaning in a remote handling facility. The lowering of the radioactivity is done by scavenging the beta emitters from the molten uranium with a molten mixture containing the fluorides of magnesium and calcium. The method provides a means of collection and disposal of the beta emitters in a manner that reduces radiation exposure to operating personnel in the work area where the ingots are cast and processed.

Process for reducing beta activity in uranium

DOEpatents

Briggs, Gifford G.; Kato, Takeo R.; Schonegg, Edward

1986-01-01

This invention is a method for lowering the beta radiation hazards associated with the casting of uranium. The method reduces the beta radiation emitted from the as-cast surfaces of uranium ingots. The method also reduces the amount of beta radiation emitters retained on the interiors of the crucibles that have been used to melt the uranium charges and which have undergone cleaning in a remote handling facility. The lowering of the radioactivity is done by scavenging the beta emitters from the molten uranium with a molten mixture containing the fluorides of magnesium and calcium. The method provides a means of collection and disposal of the beta emitters in a manner that reduces radiation exposure to operating personnel in the work area where the ingots are cast and processed.

Process for reducing beta activity in uranium

DOEpatents

Briggs, G.G.; Kato, T.R.; Schonegg, E.

1985-04-11

This invention is a method for lowering the beta radiation hazards associated with the casting of uranium. The method reduces the beta radiation emitted from the as-cast surfaces of uranium ingots. The method also reduces the amount of beta radiation emitters retained on the interiors of the crucibles that have been used to melt the uranium charges and which undergone cleaning in a remote handling facility. The lowering of the radioactivity is done by scavenging the beta emitters from the molten uranium with a molten mixture containing the fluorides of magnesium and calcium. The method provides a means of collection and disposal of the beta emitters in a manner that reduces radiation exposure to operating personnel in the work area where the ingots are cast and processed. 5 tabs.

A low cost, high energy density, and long cycle life potassium-sulfur battery for grid-scale energy storage.

PubMed

Lu, Xiaochuan; Bowden, Mark E; Sprenkle, Vincent L; Liu, Jun

2015-10-21

A potassium-sulfur battery using K(+) -conducting beta-alumina as the electrolyte to separate a molten potassium metal anode and a sulfur cathode is presented. The results indicate that the battery can operate at as low as 150 °C with excellent performance. This study demonstrates a new type of high-performance metal-sulfur battery that is ideal for grid-scale energy-storage applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermal and Electrical Recharging of Sodium/Sulfur Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, Robert

1987-01-01

Efficiency as high as 60 percent achieved. Proposed thermal and electrical recharging scheme expected to increase overall energy efficiency of battery of sodium/sulfur cells (beta cells). Takes advantage of peculiarity in chemical kinetics of recharge portion of operating cycle to give thermal assist to electrically driven chemical reactions. Future application include portable power supplies and energy storage in commercial power systems during offpeak periods.

A novel intra-operative positron imager for rapid localization of tumor margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabet, Hamid; Stack, Brendan C.; Nagarkar, Vivek V.

2014-03-01

We have developed an intra-operative and compact imaging tool for surgeons to detect PET- positive lesions. Currently, most such probes on the market are non-imaging, and provide no ancillary information of surveyed areas, such as clear delineations of malignant tissues. Our probe consists of a novel hybrid scintillator coupled to a compact silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array with associated front-end electronics encapsulated in an ergonomic housing. Pulse shape discrimination electronics has been implemented and integrated into the downstream data acquisition system. The hybrid scintillator consists of a 0.4 mm thick layer of CsI:Tl scintillator coupled to a 1 mm thick LYSO crystal. To achieve high spatial resolution, CsI:Tl is pixelated to 0.5×0.5 mm2 pixels using laser ablation technique. While CsI:Tl act as beta-sensitive scintillator, LYSO senses the gamma radiation and can be used to navigate the probe to the locations of interest. The gamma response is also subtracted from the beta image for improved SNR and contrast. To achieve accurate centroid position estimation and uniform beta sensitivity over the entire imaging area, the LYSO thickness is optimized such that it acts as scintillation light diffuser by spreading CsI:Tl light over multiple SiPM pixels. The results show that the response of the two scintillators exposed to radiation could be easily distinguished based on their pulse shapes. The probe's spatial resolution is <1.5 mm FWHM in its 10×10 mm2 effective imaging area. The probe can rapidly detect and localize nCi levels of F-18 beta radiation even in presence of strong gamma background.

The High Field Ultra Low Aspect Ratio Tokamak (HF-ULART)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Celso

2017-10-01

Recently, a medium-size HF-ULART has been proposed. The major objective is to explore the high beta and pressure under the high toroidal field, using present day technology. This might be one of pathway scenarios for a potential ultra-compact pulsed neutron source (UCP-NS) based on the spherical tokamak (ST) concept, which may lead to more steady-state NS or even to a fusion reactor, via realistic design scaling. The HF-ULART pulsed mode operation is created by quasi-simultaneous adiabatic compression (AC) in both minor and major radius of a very high beta plasma, possibly with further help of passive-wall stabilization, as envisaged in the RULART concept. This may help the revival of the studies of the AC technique in tokamaks, alongside the less compact and more complex ST-40 device, currently under construction. In addition, by similarities, studies in HF-ULART as a UCP-NS may also help to test the feasibility of the compact NS via the spheromak concept, which also uses the AC technique. Simulations of AC in HF-ULART plasmas will be presented.

Association of occupational and substance use factors with burnout among urban transit operators.

PubMed

Cunradi, Carol B; Chen, Meng-Jinn; Lipton, Rob

2009-07-01

Burnout is a special type of prolonged occupational stress that is linked with numerous psychosomatic and psychological sequelae and negative job consequences. The purpose of this study is to estimate the contribution of occupational and substance use factors to burnout among a multiethnic sample of urban transit operators (n = 1231). Survey and medical exam data were obtained from participants in the 1993-1995 San Francisco MUNI Health & Safety Study. Burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion subscale. Occupational factors included frequency of job problems (e.g., equipment, passengers, and traffic), years driving, full or part-time work status, and ergonomic problems (e.g., adjusting the seat, back support, vibration, and rocking or bouncing of seat). Substance use measures were alcohol consumption and smoking status (i.e., current, former, and never smokers). The results of multivariable linear regression analysis showed that job problems (beta = 0.426, p < 0.001), ergonomic problems (beta = 0.138, p < 0.001), and full-time work status (beta = 0.070, p < 0.01) were associated with burnout. Smoking was not significant, but alcohol consumption was positively associated with burnout (beta = 0.067, p < 0.01). Age was negatively correlated with burnout (beta = -0.106, p < 0.001), which may reflect a healthy worker effect. Because aspects of the psychosocial and physical work environments can be modified, the findings have important implications for the prevention of burnout among municipal transit operators.

Reduced and high molecular weight barley beta-glucans decrease plasma total and non-HDL-cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic Syrian golden hamsters.

PubMed

Wilson, Thomas A; Nicolosi, Robert J; Delaney, Bryan; Chadwell, Kim; Moolchandani, Vikas; Kotyla, Timothy; Ponduru, Sridevi; Zheng, Guo-Hua; Hess, Richard; Knutson, Nathan; Curry, Leslie; Kolberg, Lore; Goulson, Melanie; Ostergren, Karen

2004-10-01

Consumption of concentrated barley beta-glucan lowers plasma cholesterol because of its soluble dietary fiber nature. The role of molecular weight (MW) in lowering serum cholesterol is not well established. Prior studies showed that enzymatic degradation of beta-glucan eliminates the cholesterol-lowering activity; however, these studies did not evaluate the MW of the beta-glucan. The current study was conducted to evaluate whether barley beta-glucan concentrates, partially hydrolyzed to reduce MW, possess cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic activities. The reduced MW fraction was compared with a high MW beta-glucan concentrate from the same barley flour. Concentrated beta-glucan preparations were evaluated in Syrian Golden F(1)B hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) with cholesterol, hydrogenated coconut oil, and cellulose. After 2 wk, hamsters were fed HCD or diets that contained high or reduced MW beta-glucan at a concentration of 8 g/100 g at the expense of cellulose. Decreases in plasma total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentrations occurred in the hamsters fed reduced MW and high MW beta-glucan diets. Plasma HDL-C concentrations did not differ. HCD-fed hamsters had higher plasma triglyceride concentrations. Liver TC, free cholesterol, and cholesterol ester concentrations did not differ. Aortic cholesterol ester concentrations were lower in the reduced MW beta-glucan-fed hamsters. Consumption of either high or reduced MW beta-glucan increased concentrations of fecal total neutral sterols and coprostanol, a cholesterol derivative. Fecal excretion of cholesterol was greater than in HCD-fed hamsters only in those fed the reduced MW beta-glucan. Study results demonstrate that the cholesterol-lowering activity of barley beta-glucan may occur at both lower and higher MW.

Correlation of beta-catenin localization with cyclooxygenase-2 expression and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Takako; Nosho, Katsuhiko; Ohnishi, Mutsuko; Suemoto, Yuko; Kirkner, Gregory J; Dehari, Reiko; Meyerhardt, Jeffrey A; Fuchs, Charles S; Ogino, Shuji

2007-07-01

The WNT/beta-catenin (CTNNB1) pathway is commonly activated in the carcinogenic process. Cross-talks between the WNT and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 or PTGS2)/prostaglandin pathways have been suggested. The relationship between beta-catenin activation and microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer has been controversial. The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP or CIMP-high) with widespread promoter methylation is a distinct epigenetic phenotype in colorectal cancer, which is associated with MSI-high. However, no study has examined the relationship between beta-catenin activation and CIMP status. Using 832 population-based colorectal cancer specimens, we assessed beta-catenin localization by immunohistochemistry. We quantified DNA methylation in eight CIMP-specific promoters [CACNA1G, CDKN2A(p16), CRABP1, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3, and SOCS1] by real-time polymerase chain reaction (MethyLight). MSI-high, CIMP-high, and BRAF mutation were associated inversely with cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin expressions (i.e., beta-catenin activation) and associated positively with membrane expression. The inverse relation between beta-catenin activation and CIMP was independent of MSI. COX-2 overexpression correlated with cytoplasmic beta-catenin expression (even after tumors were stratified by CIMP status), but did not correlate significantly with nuclear or membrane expression. In conclusion, beta-catenin activation is inversely associated with CIMP-high independent of MSI status. Cytoplasmic beta-catenin is associated with COX-2 overexpression, supporting the role of cytoplasmic beta-catenin in stabilizing PTGS2 (COX-2) mRNA.

The conceptual design of a robust, compact, modular tokamak reactor based on high-field superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whyte, D. G.; Bonoli, P.; Barnard, H.; Haakonsen, C.; Hartwig, Z.; Kasten, C.; Palmer, T.; Sung, C.; Sutherland, D.; Bromberg, L.; Mangiarotti, F.; Goh, J.; Sorbom, B.; Sierchio, J.; Ball, J.; Greenwald, M.; Olynyk, G.; Minervini, J.

2012-10-01

Two of the greatest challenges to tokamak reactors are 1) large single-unit cost of each reactor's construction and 2) their susceptibility to disruptions from operation at or above operational limits. We present an attractive tokamak reactor design that substantially lessens these issues by exploiting recent advancements in superconductor (SC) tapes allowing peak field on SC coil > 20 Tesla. A R˜3.3 m, B˜9.2 T, ˜ 500 MW fusion power tokamak provides high fusion gain while avoiding all disruptive operating boundaries (no-wall beta, kink, and density limits). Robust steady-state core scenarios are obtained by exploiting the synergy of high field, compact size and ideal efficiency current drive using high-field side launch of Lower Hybrid waves. The design features a completely modular replacement of internal solid components enabled by the demountability of the coils/tapes and the use of an immersion liquid blanket. This modularity opens up the possibility of using the device as a nuclear component test facility.

Preadipocyte 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is a keto-reductase and contributes to diet-induced visceral obesity in vivo.

PubMed

De Sousa Peixoto, R A; Turban, S; Battle, J H; Chapman, K E; Seckl, J R; Morton, N M

2008-04-01

Glucocorticoid excess promotes visceral obesity and cardiovascular disease. Similar features are found in the highly prevalent metabolic syndrome in the absence of high levels of systemic cortisol. Although elevated activity of the glucocorticoid-amplifying enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) within adipocytes might explain this paradox, the potential role of 11beta-HSD1 in preadipocytes is less clear; human omental adipose stromal vascular (ASV) cells exhibit 11beta-dehydrogenase activity (inactivation of glucocorticoids) probably due to the absence of cofactor provision by hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. To clarify the depot-specific impact of 11beta-HSD1, we assessed whether preadipocytes in ASV from mesenteric (as a representative of visceral adipose tissue) and sc tissue displayed 11beta-HSD1 activity in mice. 11beta-HSD1 was highly expressed in freshly isolated ASV cells, predominantly in preadipocytes. 11beta-HSD1 mRNA and protein levels were comparable between ASV and adipocyte fractions in both depots. 11beta-HSD1 was an 11beta-reductase, thus reactivating glucocorticoids in ASV cells, consistent with hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression. Unexpectedly, glucocorticoid reactivation was higher in intact mesenteric ASV cells despite a lower expression of 11beta-HSD1 mRNA and protein (homogenate activity) levels than sc ASV cells. This suggests a novel depot-specific control over 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity. In vivo, high-fat diet-induced obesity was accompanied by increased visceral fat preadipocyte differentiation in wild-type but not 11beta-HSD1(-/-) mice. The results suggest that 11beta-HSD1 reductase activity is augmented in mouse mesenteric preadipocytes where it promotes preadipocyte differentiation and contributes to visceral fat accumulation in obesity.

0{nu}{beta}{beta}-decay nuclear matrix elements with self-consistent short-range correlations

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

Simkovic, Fedor; Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, JINR, RU-141 980 Dubna, Moscow region; Department of Nuclear Physics, Comenius University, Mlynska dolina F1, SK-842 15 Bratislava

A self-consistent calculation of nuclear matrix elements of the neutrinoless double-beta decays (0{nu}{beta}{beta}) of {sup 76}Ge, {sup 82}Se, {sup 96}Zr, {sup 100}Mo, {sup 116}Cd, {sup 128}Te, {sup 130}Te, and {sup 136}Xe is presented in the framework of the renormalized quasiparticle random phase approximation (RQRPA) and the standard QRPA. The pairing and residual interactions as well as the two-nucleon short-range correlations are for the first time derived from the same modern realistic nucleon-nucleon potentials, namely, from the charge-dependent Bonn potential (CD-Bonn) and the Argonne V18 potential. In a comparison with the traditional approach of using the Miller-Spencer Jastrow correlations, matrix elementsmore » for the 0{nu}{beta}{beta} decay are obtained that are larger in magnitude. We analyze the differences among various two-nucleon correlations including those of the unitary correlation operator method (UCOM) and quantify the uncertainties in the calculated 0{nu}{beta}{beta}-decay matrix elements.« less

Rev-erb beta regulates the Srebp-1c promoter and mRNA expression in skeletal muscle cells

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

Ramakrishnan, Sathiya N.; Lau, Patrick; Crowther, Lisa M.

2009-10-30

The nuclear hormone receptor, Rev-erb beta operates as a transcriptional silencer. We previously demonstrated that exogenous expression of Rev-erb{beta}{Delta}E in skeletal muscle cells increased Srebp-1c mRNA expression. We validated these in vitro observations by injection of an expression vector driving Rev-erb{beta}{Delta}E expression into mouse tibialis muscle that resulted in increased Srebp-1c mRNA expression. Paradoxically, Rev-erb{beta} siRNA expression in skeletal muscle cells repressed Srebp-1c expression, and indicated that Rev-erb{beta} expression was necessary for Srebp-1c expression. ChIP analysis demonstrated that Rev-erb{beta} was recruited to the Srebp-1c promoter. Moreover, Rev-erb{beta} trans-activated the Srebp-1c promoter, in contrast, Rev-erb{beta} efficiently repressed the Rev-erb{alpha} promoter, amore » previously characterized target gene. Finally, treatment with the Rev-erb agonist (hemin) (i) increased the trans-activation of the Srebp-1c promoter by Rev-erb{beta}; and (ii) increased Rev-erb{beta} and Srebp-1c mRNA expression. These data suggest that Rev-erb{beta} has the potential to activate gene expression, and is a positive regulator of Srebp-1c, a regulator of lipogenesis.« less

Zimmermann's forest formula, infrared divergences and the QCD beta function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herzog, Franz

2018-01-01

We review Zimmermann's forest formula, which solves Bogoliubov's recursive R-operation for the subtraction of ultraviolet divergences in perturbative Quantum Field Theory. We further discuss a generalisation of the R-operation which subtracts besides ultraviolet also Euclidean infrared divergences. This generalisation, which goes under the name of the R*-operation, can be used efficiently to compute renormalisation constants. We will discuss several results obtained by this method with focus on the QCD beta function at five loops as well as the application to hadronic Higgs boson decay rates at N4LO. This article summarizes a talk given at the Wolfhart Zimmermann Memorial Symposium.

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics

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

Ayers, William M.; Gentile, Charles A.

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100 KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. This approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cellsmore » convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. Furthermore, the power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices.« less

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics

DOE PAGES

Ayers, William M.; Gentile, Charles A.

2017-11-10

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100 KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. This approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cellsmore » convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. Furthermore, the power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices.« less

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics.

PubMed

Ayers, William M; Gentile, Charles A

2018-01-01

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. The approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cells convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. The power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Whole organism high content screening identifies stimulators of pancreatic beta-cell proliferation.

PubMed

Tsuji, Naoki; Ninov, Nikolay; Delawary, Mina; Osman, Sahar; Roh, Alex S; Gut, Philipp; Stainier, Didier Y R

2014-01-01

Inducing beta-cell mass expansion in diabetic patients with the aim to restore glucose homeostasis is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several in vitro studies have been carried out to identify modulators of beta-cell mass expansion, restoring endogenous beta-cell mass in vivo has yet to be achieved. To identify potential stimulators of beta-cell replication in vivo, we established transgenic zebrafish lines that monitor and allow the quantification of cell proliferation by using the fluorescent ubiquitylation-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) technology. Using these new reagents, we performed an unbiased chemical screen, and identified 20 small molecules that markedly increased beta-cell proliferation in vivo. Importantly, these structurally distinct molecules, which include clinically-approved drugs, modulate three specific signaling pathways: serotonin, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, showing the high sensitivity and robustness of our screen. Notably, two drug classes, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, also promoted beta-cell regeneration after beta-cell ablation. Thus, this study establishes a proof of principle for a high-throughput small molecule-screen for beta-cell proliferation in vivo, and identified compounds that stimulate beta-cell proliferation and regeneration.

Results on the Performance of a Broad Band Focussing Cherenkov Counter

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Cester, R.; Fitch, V. L.; Montag, A.; Sherman, S.; Webb, R. C.; Witherell, M. S.

1980-01-01

The field of ring imaging (broad band differential) Cherenkov detectors has become a very active area of interest in detector development at several high energy physics laboratories. Our group has previously reported on a method of Cherenkov ring imaging for a counter with large momentum and angular acceptance using standard photo multipliers. Recently, we have applied this technique to the design of a set of Cherenkov counters for use in a particle search experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). This new detector operates over the range 0.998 < ..beta.. < 1.000 in velocity with a delta..beta.. approx. 2 x 10{sup -4}. The acceptance in angle is +- 14 mrad in the horizontal and +- 28 mrad in the vertical. We report here on the performance of this counter.

Movement-related beta oscillations show high intra-individual reliability.

PubMed

Espenhahn, Svenja; de Berker, Archy O; van Wijk, Bernadette C M; Rossiter, Holly E; Ward, Nick S

2017-02-15

Oscillatory activity in the beta frequency range (15-30Hz) recorded from human sensorimotor cortex is of increasing interest as a putative biomarker of motor system function and dysfunction. Despite its increasing use in basic and clinical research, surprisingly little is known about the test-retest reliability of spectral power and peak frequency measures of beta oscillatory signals from sensorimotor cortex. Establishing that these beta measures are stable over time in healthy populations is a necessary precursor to their use in the clinic. Here, we used scalp electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate intra-individual reliability of beta-band oscillations over six sessions, focusing on changes in beta activity during movement (Movement-Related Beta Desynchronization, MRBD) and after movement termination (Post-Movement Beta Rebound, PMBR). Subjects performed visually-cued unimanual wrist flexion and extension. We assessed Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and between-session correlations for spectral power and peak frequency measures of movement-related and resting beta activity. Movement-related and resting beta power from both sensorimotor cortices was highly reliable across sessions. Resting beta power yielded highest reliability (average ICC=0.903), followed by MRBD (average ICC=0.886) and PMBR (average ICC=0.663). Notably, peak frequency measures yielded lower ICC values compared to the assessment of spectral power, particularly for movement-related beta activity (ICC=0.386-0.402). Our data highlight that power measures of movement-related beta oscillations are highly reliable, while corresponding peak frequency measures show greater intra-individual variability across sessions. Importantly, our finding that beta power estimates show high intra-individual reliability over time serves to validate the notion that these measures reflect meaningful individual differences that can be utilised in basic research and clinical studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Titanium(IV) isopropoxide mediated synthesis of pyrimidin-4-ones.

PubMed

Ramanjulu, Joshi M; Demartino, Michael P; Lan, Yunfeng; Marquis, Robert

2010-05-21

A novel, one-step method for the synthesis of tri- and tetrasubstituted pyrimidin-4-ones is reported. This method involves a titanium(IV)-mediated cyclization involving two sequential condensations of primary and beta-ketoamides. The reaction is operationally facile, readily scalable, and offers rapid entry into differentially substituted pyrimidin-4-one scaffolds. The high functional group compatibility allows for substantial diversification in the products generated from this transformation.

Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Women after Various Bariatric Operations

PubMed Central

Vrbikova, Jana; Kunesova, Marie; Kyrou, Ioannis; Tura, Andrea; Hill, Martin; Grimmichova, Tereza; Dvorakova, Katerina; Sramkova, Petra; Dolezalova, Karin; Lischkova, Olga; Vcelak, Josef; Hainer, Vojtech; Bendlova, Bela; Kumar, Sudhesh; Fried, Martin

2017-01-01

Objective To compare the effects of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) on insulin sensitivity and secretion with the effects of laparoscopic gastric plication (P). Methods A total of 52 obese women (age 30-66 years) suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were prospectively recruited into three study groups: 16 BPD; 16 LAGB, and 20 P. Euglycemic clamps and mixed meal tolerance tests were performed before, at 1 month and at 6 months after bariatric surgery. Beta cell function derived from the meal test parameters was evaluated using mathematical modeling. Results Glucose disposal per kilogram of fat free mass (a marker of peripheral insulin sensitivity) increased significantly in all groups, especially after 1 month. Basal insulin secretion decreased significantly after all three types of operations, with the most marked decrease after BPD compared with P and LAGB. Total insulin secretion decreased significantly only following the BPD. Beta cell glucose sensitivity did not change significantly post-surgery in any of the study groups. Conclusion We documented similar improvement in insulin sensitivity in obese T2DM women after all three study operations during the 6-month postoperative follow-up. Notably, only BPD led to decreased demand on beta cells (decreased integrated insulin secretion), but without increasing the beta cell glucose sensitivity. PMID:27951535

Impaired activation of adenylyl cyclase in lung of the Basenji-greyhound model of airway hyperresponsiveness: decreased numbers of high affinity beta-adrenoceptors.

PubMed Central

Emala, C. W.; Aryana, A.; Hirshman, C. A.

1996-01-01

1. To evaluate mechanisms involved in the impaired beta-adrenoceptor stimulation of adenylyl cyclase in tissues from the Basenji-greyhound (BG) dog model of airway hyperresponsiveness, we compared agonist and antagonist binding affinity of beta-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptor subtypes, percentage of beta-adrenoceptors sequestered, and coupling of the beta-adrenoceptor to Gs alpha in lung membranes from BG and control mongrel dogs. We found that lung membranes from the BG dog had higher total numbers of beta-adrenoceptors with a greater percentage of receptors of the beta 2 subtype as compared to mongrel lung membranes. 2. Agonist and antagonist binding affinity and the percentage of beta-adrenoceptors sequestered were not different in BG and mongrel dog lung membranes. However, the percentage of beta-adrenoceptors in the high affinity state for agonist was decreased in BG lung membranes suggesting an uncoupling of the receptor from Gs alpha. 3. Impaired coupling between the beta-adrenoceptor and G protein documented by the decreased numbers of beta-adrenoceptors in the high affinity state in BG lung membranes, is a plausible explanation for the reduced stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and the resultant reduction in airway smooth muscle relaxation in this model. PMID:8864536

[High non-specific binding of the beta(1) -selective radioligand 2-(125)I-ICI-H].

PubMed

Riemann, B; Law, M P; Kopka, K; Wagner, St; Luthra, S; Pike, V W; Neumann, J; Kirchhefer, U; Schmitz, W; Schober, O; Schäfers, M

2003-08-01

As results of cardiac biopsies suggest, myocardial beta(1) -adrenoceptor density is reduced in patients with chronic heart failure. However, changes in cardiac beta(2)-adrenoceptors vary. With suitable radiopharmaceuticals single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) offer the opportunity to assess beta-adrenoceptors non-invasively. Among the novel racemic analogues of the established beta(1)-selective adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 89.406 the iodinated 2-I-ICI-H showed high affinity and selectivity to beta(1)-adrenoceptors in murine ventricular membranes. The aim of this study was its evaluation as a putative sub-type selective beta(1)-adrenergic radioligand in cardiac imaging. Competition studies in vitro and in vivo were used to investigate the kinetics of 2-I-ICI-H binding to cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in mice and rats. In addition, the radiosynthesis of 2-(125)I-ICI-H from the silylated precursor 2-SiMe(3)-ICI-H was established. The specific activity was 80 GBq/ micro mol, the radiochemical yield ranged from 70 to 80%. The unlabelled compound 2-I-ICI-H showed high beta(1)-selectivity and -affinity in the in vitro competition studies. In vivo biodistribution studies apparently showed low affinity to cardiac beta-adrenoceptors. The radiolabelled counterpart 2-(125)I-ICI-H showed a high degree of non-specific binding in vitro and no specific binding to cardiac beta(1)-adrenoceptors in vivo. Because of its high non-specific binding 2-(125)I-ICI-H is no suitable radiotracer for imaging in vivo.

[Effect of acupuncture-anesthetic composite anesthesia on the incidence of POCD and TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 in elderly patients].

PubMed

Lin, Shun-Yan; Yin, Zheng-Lu; Gao, Ju; Zhou, Luo-Jing; Chen, Xin

2014-07-01

To explore the effect of acupuncture-anesthetic composite anesthesia (AACA) on the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and changes of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in elderly patients. Totally 83 patients undergoing surgical resection of gastrointestinal tumor were randomly assigned to the simple anesthesia group (A group, 41 cases) and the AACA group (B group, 42 cases). Patients in Group A received endotracheal general anesthesia. Those in Group B were induced by acupuncture anesthesia for 30 min by needling at Baihui (DU20), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36). The electro-acupuncture (EA) apparatus was connected after arrival of qi, with the wave pattern of density 2/100 Hz. The stimulus intensity was set by patients' tolerance, with the peak current of 5 mA. Then the endotracheal general anesthesia was performed and the EA lasted till the end of the surgery. The cognitive function of all patients was assessed before operation and at day 3 after operation using mini-mental state examination (MMSE). POCD was confirmed if with one or more decreased stand- ard. The peripheral venous blood was collected before anesthesia induction (TO), immediately at the end of surgery (T1), 24 h after operation (T2), and 48 h after operation (T3), and serum concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were correspondingly measured using ELISA. The postoperative anesthesia awakening time was shorter in Group B than in Group A [(20.37 +/- 6.09) min vs (29.24 +/- 7.48) min, P < 0.05]. The remifentanil dose used during the operation was less in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). The incidence of POCD at day 3 was lower in Group B than in Group A [10/41 (23.8%) vs 15/42 (36.5%), P < 0.05]. The concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha at T1-T3 were higher than those at TO in the two groups (P < 0.05). The increment of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta was less in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AACA could reduce the incidence of POCD and inhibit postoperative release of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.

Cervical poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with dominant choriocarcinomatous pattern--A case report.

PubMed

Nikolić, Branka; Ćurković, Aleksandar; Dikić, Svetlana Dragojević; Mitrović, Ana; Kuzmanović, Igor; Arandjelović, Aleksandra; Stanković, Goran

2015-07-01

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN), choriocarcinoma in coexistence with primary cervical adenocarcinoma, is a rare event not easy to diagnose. Choriocarcinoma is a malignant form of GTN but curable if metastases do not appear early and spread fast. We presented choriocarcinoma in coexistence with primary cervical adenocarcinoma in a 48-year-old patient who had radical hysterectomy because of confirmed cervical carcinoma (Dg: Carcinomaporo vaginalis uteri FIGO st I B1). Histological findings confirmed cervical choriocarcinoma with extensive vascular invasion and apoptosis but GTN choriocarcinoma was finally confirmed after immunohystochemical examinations. Preoperative serum human gonadotropine (beta hCG) level stayed unknown. This patient did not have any pregnancy-like symptoms before the operation. The first beta hCG monitoring was done two months after the operation and found negative. According to the final diagnosis the decision of Consilium for Malignant Diseases was that this patient needed serum hCG monitoring as well as treatment with chemotherapy for high-risk GTN and consequent irradiation for adenocarcinoma. The early and proper diagnosis of nonmetastatic choriocarcinoma of nongestational origine in coexistence with cervical carcinoma is curable and can have good prognosis.

Frequent premature ventricular contractions in an orbital spaceflight participant.

PubMed

Jennings, Richard T; Stepanek, Jan P; Scott, Luis R; Voronkov, Yury I

2010-06-01

Commercial spaceflight participants on orbital flights typically are older than career astronauts and they often have medical conditions that have not been studied at high g or in microgravity. This is a case report of a 56-yr-old orbital spaceflight participant with essential tremor and frequent premature ventricular contractions that occurred at rates up to 7000 per day. Before training and spaceflight, he was required to complete extensive clinical investigations to demonstrate normal cardiac structures and the absence of cardiac pathology. The evaluation included signal averaged ECG, transthoracic stress echocardiography, exercise tolerance tests, electrophysiological studies, cardiac MRI, electron beam CT, Holter monitoring, and overnight oximetry. While no cardiac pathology was demonstrated, the Russian medical team required that the PVCs be treated prior to training and spaceflight. For the initial flight, a selective beta-1 receptor beta blocker was used and for the second a calcium channel blocker was used in combination with a nonselective beta blocker for tremor control. Analogue environment testing assured that this combination of medications was compatible. The spaceflight participant's PVCs were incompletely suppressed with a low-dose selective beta-1 blocker, but were well suppressed by a calcium channel blocker. He tolerated in-flight periodic use of a nonselective beta blocker in combination with a calcium channel blocker. In-flight ECG and blood pressure monitoring results were normal, and an ECG obtained midmission and on landing day showed successful PVC suppression. He did not have any cardiac difficulty with launch, on-orbit operations, entry, or recovery

Analysis of betaS and betaA genes in a Mexican population with African roots.

PubMed

Magaña, María Teresa; Ongay, Zoyla; Tagle, Juan; Bentura, Gilberto; Cobián, José G; Perea, F Javier; Casas-Castañeda, Maricela; Sánchez-López, Yoaly J; Ibarra, Bertha

2002-01-01

To investigate the origin of the beta(A) and beta(S) genes in a Mexican population with African roots and a high frequency of hemoglobin S, we analyzed 467 individuals (288 unrelated) from different towns in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca in the Costa Chica region. The frequency of the sickle-cell trait was 12.8%, which may represent a public health problem. The frequencies of the beta-haplotypes were determined from 350 nonrelated chromosomes (313 beta(A) and 37 beta(S)). We observed 15 different beta(A) haplotypes, the most common of which were haplotypes 1 (48.9%), 2 (13.4%), and 3 (13.4%). The calculation of pairwise distributions and Nei's genetic distance analysis using 32 worldwide populations showed that the beta(A) genes are more closely related to those of Mexican Mestizos and North Africans. Bantu and Benin haplotypes and haplotype 9 were related to the beta(S) genes, with frequencies of 78.8, 18.2, and 3.0%, respectively. Comparison of these haplotypes with 17 other populations revealed a high similitude with the population of the Central African Republic. These data suggest distinct origins for the beta(A) and beta(S) genes in Mexican individuals from the Costa Chica region.

Beta electron fluxes inside a magnetic plasma cavern: Calculation and comparison with experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stupitskii, E. L.; Smirnov, E. V.; Kulikova, N. A.

2010-12-01

We study the possibility of electrostatic blanking of beta electrons in the expanding spherical blob of a radioactive plasma in a rarefied ionosphere. From numerical studies on the dynamics of beta electrons departing a cavern, we obtain the form of a function that determines the portion of departing electrons and calculate the flux density of beta electrons inside the cavern in relation to the Starfish Prime nuclear blast. We show that the flux density of electrons in geomagnetic flux tubes and inside the cavern depend on a correct allowance for the quantity of beta electrons returning to the cavern. On the basis of a physical analysis, we determine the approximate criterion for the return of electrons from a geomagnetic flux tube to the cavern. We compare calculation results in terms of the flux density of beta electrons inside the cavern with the recently published experimental results from operation Starfish Prime.

Structural domains required for channel function of the mouse transient receptor potential protein homologue TRP1beta.

PubMed

Engelke, Michael; Friedrich, Olaf; Budde, Petra; Schäfer, Christina; Niemann, Ursula; Zitt, Christof; Jüngling, Eberhard; Rocks, Oliver; Lückhoff, Andreas; Frey, Jürgen

2002-07-17

Transient receptor potential proteins (TRP) are supposed to participate in the formation of store-operated Ca(2+) influx channels by co-assembly. However, little is known which domains facilitate the interaction of subunits. Contribution of the N-terminal coiled-coil domain and ankyrin-like repeats and the putative pore region of the mouse TRP1beta (mTRP1beta) variant to the formation of functional cation channels were analyzed following overexpression in HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells. MTRP1beta expressing cells exhibited enhanced Ca(2+) influx and enhanced whole-cell membrane currents compared to mTRP1beta deletion mutants. Using a yeast two-hybrid assay only the coiled-coil domain facilitated homodimerization of the N-terminus. These results suggest that the N-terminus of mTRP1beta is required for structural organization thus forming functional channels.

Analytic, High-beta Solutions of the Helical Grad-Shafranov Equation

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

D.R. Smith; A.H. Reiman

We present analytic, high-beta ({beta} {approx} O(1)), helical equilibrium solutions for a class of helical axis configurations having large helical aspect ratio, with the helix assumed to be tightly wound. The solutions develop a narrow boundary layer of strongly compressed flux, similar to that previously found in high beta tokamak equilibrium solutions. The boundary layer is associated with a strong localized current which prevents the equilibrium from having zero net current.

Suppression of diamagnetism by neutrals pressure in partially ionized, high-beta plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinohara, Shunjiro; Kuwahara, Daisuke; Yano, Kazuki; Fruchtman, Amnon

2016-12-01

Suppression of diamagnetism in a partially ionized plasma with high beta was experimentally investigated by the use of Langmuir and Hall sensor probes, focusing on a neutrals pressure effect. The plasma beta, which is the ratio of plasma to vacuum magnetic pressures, varied from ˜1% to >100% while the magnetic field varied from ˜120 G to ˜1 G. Here, a uniform magnetized argon plasma was operated mostly in an inductive mode, using a helicon plasma source of the Large Helicon Plasma Device [S. Shinohara et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 057104 (2009)] with a diameter of 738 mm and an axial length of 4860 mm. Electron density varied from 5 × 1015 m-3 to <3 × 1018 m-3, while an argon fill pressure was varied from ˜0.02 Pa to 0.75 Pa as well as the magnetic field mentioned above, with the fixed radio frequency (rf) and power of 7 MHz and ˜3.5 kW, respectively. The observed magnetic field reduction rate, a decrease of the magnetic field divided by the vacuum one, was up to 18%. However, in a certain parameter regime, where the product of ion and electron Hall terms is a key parameter, the measured diamagnetic effect was smaller than that expected by the plasma beta. This suppressed diamagnetism is explained by the neutrals pressure replacing magnetic pressure in balancing plasma pressure. Diamagnetism is weakened if neutrals pressure is comparable to the plasma pressure and if the coupling of plasma and neutrals pressures by ion-neutral collisions is strong enough.

High-pressure plastic scintillation detector for measuring radiogenic gases in flow systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schell, W. R.; Vives-Batlle, J.; Yoon, S. R.; Tobin, M. J.

1999-02-01

Radioactive gases are emitted into the atmosphere from nuclear electric power and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants, from hospitals discarding xenon used in diagnostic medicine, as well as from nuclear weapons tests. A high-pressure plastic scintillation detector was constructed to measure atmospheric levels of such radioactive gases by detecting the beta and internal conversion (IC) electron decays. Operational tests and calibrations were made that permit integration of the flow detectors into a portable Gas Analysis, Separation and Purification system (GASP). The equipment developed can be used for measuring fission gases released from nuclear reactor sources and/or as part of monitoring equipment for enforcing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The detector is being used routinely for in-line gas separation efficiency measurements, at the elevated operational pressures used for the high-pressure swing analysis system (2070 kPa) and at flow rates of 5-15 l/min [1, 2]. This paper presents the design features, operational methods, calibration, and detector applications.

Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with CUORE-0: Physics Results and Detector Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canonica, L.

2016-08-01

The CUORE-0 experiment searches for neutrinoless double beta decay in ^{130}Te. It consists of an array of 52 tellurium dioxide crystals, operated as bolometers at a temperature of 10 mK, with a total mass of about 39 kg of TeO_2. CUORE-0 has been built to test the performance of the upcoming CUORE experiment and represents the largest ^{130}Te bolometric setup currently in operation. This experiment has been running in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Italy, since March 2013. We report the results of a search for neutrinoless double beta decay in 9.8 kg years ^{130}Te exposure, which allowed us to set the most stringent limit to date on this half-life. The performance of the detector in terms of background rate and energy resolution are also reported.

Study, selection, and preparation of solid cationic conductors. [characteristics of solid electrolytes for rechargeable high energy and high power density batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, W. L.; Muller, O.

1974-01-01

Crystal chemical principles and transport theory have been used to predict structures and specific compounds which might find application as solid electrolytes in rechargeable high energy and high power density batteries operating at temperatures less than 200 C. Structures with 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional channels were synthesized and screened by nuclear magnetic resonance, dielectric loss, and conductivity. There is significant conductivity at room temperature in some of the materials but none attain a level that is comparable to beta-alumina. Microwave and fast pulse methods were developed to measure conductivity in powders and in small crystals.

Waves and Instabilities in Steady-State High-Beta Plasmas

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

us working on magnetospheric related problems. Several groups are now constructing identical devices including Y. Nishida of Utsunomiya University...and other satellites operate in the magnetospheric plasma environment at the geosynchronous orbit (%6.6 earth radii). Arc- related deterioration of the...carefully 16 - 3diagnosed device produces a plasma of density n 3 x 10 cm and temperature Te = Ti W 1.6eV. (3) Heat Flow Measurements in a Laser-Heated

Translational autocontrol of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S15.

PubMed

Portier, C; Dondon, L; Grunberg-Manago, M

1990-01-20

When rpsO, the gene encoding the ribosomal protein S15 in Escherichia coli, is carried by a multicopy plasmid, the mRNA synthesis rate of S15 increases with the gene dosage but the rate of synthesis of S15 does not rise. A translational fusion between S15 and beta-galactosidase was introduced on the chromosome in a delta lac strain and the expression of beta-galactosidase studied under different conditions. The presence of S15 in trans represses the beta-galactosidase level five- to sixfold, while the synthesis rate of the S15-beta-galactosidase mRNA decreases by only 30 to 50%. These data indicate that S15 is subject to autogenous translational control. Derepressed mutants were isolated and sequenced. All the point mutations map in the second codon of S15, suggesting a location for the operator site that is very near to the translation initiation codon. However, the creation of deletion mutations shows that the operator extends into the 5' non-coding part of the message, thus overlapping the ribosome loading site.

Phenotypic Characterization of Multidrug-resistant Escherichia Coli with Special Reference to Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases and Metallo-beta-lactamases in a Tertiary Care Center.

PubMed

Shrestha, B; Shrestha, S; Mishra, S K; Kattel, H P; Tada, T; Ohara, H; Kirikae, T; Rijal, B P; Sherchand, J B; Pokhrel, B M

2015-01-01

The increasing reports on extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli have addressed a potential threat to global health since it is found to be highly resistance to most of the currently available antibiotics including carbapenems. The present study was aimed to determine the antibiogram of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase producing MDR E. coli isolates from various clinical samples. This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of seven months from December 2013 to July 2014 at bacteriology laboratory of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. A total of 250 clinical specimens (urine, pus, sputum, blood, body fluid, bile, tissue and central venous pressure line tip) were processed from inpatients, with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infections. Standard microbiological techniques were used for isolation and identification of the isolates. The presence of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase was detected by phenotypic confirmatory test recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and imipenem (IMP) /EDTA combined disc method was performed to detect metallo-beta-lactamase mediated resistance mechanism. We found high level of beta lactamase mediated resistance mechanism as part of multidrug resistance. Among 250 MDR isolates, 60% isolates were extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase producers and 17.2% isolates were metallo-beta-lactamase producers. Co-existence of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase identified in 6.8% isolates. Beta-lactamase mediated resistance mechanisms are accounting very high in the multidrug resistant isolates of E. coli. Therefore, early detection of beta lactamase mediated resistant strains and their current antibiotic susceptibility pattern is necessary to avoid treatment failure and prevent the spread of MDR.

Observation of the ballooning mode that limits the operation space of the high-density super-dense-core plasma in the LHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohdachi, S.; Watanabe, K. Y.; Tanaka, K.; Suzuki, Y.; Takemura, Y.; Sakakibara, S.; Du, X. D.; Bando, T.; Narushima, Y.; Sakamoto, R.; Miyazawa, J.; Motojima, G.; Morisaki, T.; LHD Experiment Group

2017-06-01

The central beta of the super-dense-core (SDC) plasma in the large helical device (LHD) is limited by a large scale MHD event called ‘core density collapse’ (CDC). The detailed measurement reveals that a new type of ballooning mode, quite localized in space and destabilized from the 3D nature of Heliotron devices, is the cause of the CDC. It is the first observation of an unstable mode in a region with global negative magnetic shear. Avoidance of the excitation of this mode is a key to expand the operational limit of the LHD.

Prospects for Advanced Tokamak Operation of ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neilson, George H.

1996-11-01

Previous studies have identified steady-state (or "advanced") modes for ITER, based on reverse-shear profiles and significant bootstrap current. A typical example has 12 MA of plasma current, 1,500 MW of fusion power, and 100 MW of heating and current-drive power. The implementation of these and other steady-state operating scenarios in the ITER device is examined in order to identify key design modifications that can enhance the prospects for successfully achieving advanced tokamak operating modes in ITER compatible with a single null divertor design. In particular, we examine plasma configurations that can be achieved by the ITER poloidal field system with either a monolithic central solenoid (as in the ITER Interim Design), or an alternate "hybrid" central solenoid design which provides for greater flexibility in the plasma shape. The increased control capability and expanded operating space provided by the hybrid central solenoid allows operation at high triangularity (beneficial for improving divertor performance through control of edge-localized modes and for increasing beta limits), and will make it much easier for ITER operators to establish an optimum startup trajectory leading to a high-performance, steady-state scenario. Vertical position control is examined because plasmas made accessible by the hybrid central solenoid can be more elongated and/or less well coupled to the conducting structure. Control of vertical-displacements using the external PF coils remains feasible over much of the expanded operating space. Further work is required to define the full spectrum of axisymmetric plasma disturbances requiring active control In addition to active axisymmetric control, advanced tokamak modes in ITER may require active control of kink modes on the resistive time scale of the conducting structure. This might be accomplished in ITER through the use of active control coils external to the vacuum vessel which are actuated by magnetic sensors near the first wall. The enhanced shaping and positioning flexibility provides a range of options for reducing the ripple-induced losses of fast alpha particles--a major limitation on ITER steady-state modes. An alternate approach that we are pursuing in parallel is the inclusion of ferromagnetic inserts to reduce the toroidal field ripple within the plasma chamber. The inclusion of modest design changes such as the hybrid central solenoid, active control coils for kink modes, and ferromagnetic inserts for TF ripple reduction show can greatly increase the flexibility to accommodate advance tokamak operation in ITER. Increased flexibility is important because the optimum operating scenario for ITER cannot be predicted with certainty. While low-inductance, reverse shear modes appear attractive for steady-state operation, high-inductance, high-beta modes are also viable candidates, and it is important that ITER have the flexibility to explore both these, and other, operating regimes.

High-beta spherical tokamak startup in TS-4 merging experiment by use of toroidal field ramp-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminou, Yasuhiro; , Toru, II; Kato, Joji; Inomoto, Michiaki; Ono, Yasushi; TS Group Team; National InstituteFusion Science Collaboration

2014-10-01

We demonstrated the formation method of an ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak by use of a field-reversed configuration and a spheromak in TS-4 device (R ~ 0.5 m, A ~ 1.5, Ip ~ 30-100 kA, B ~ 100 mT). This method is composed of the following steps: 1. Two spheromaks are merged together and a high-beta spheromak or FRC is formed by reconnection heating. 2. External toroidal magnetic field is added (current rising time ~50 μs), and spherical tokamak-like configuration is formed. In this way, the ultrahigh-beta ST is formed. The ultrahigh-beta ST formed by FRC has a diamagnetic toroidal field, and it presumed to be in a second-stable state for ballooning stability, and the one formed by spheromak has a weak paramagnetic toroidal magnetic field, while a spheormak has a strong paramagnetic toroidal magnetic field. This diamagnetic current derives from inductive electric field by ramping up the external toroidal magnetic field, and the diamagnetic current sustains high thermal pressure of the ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak. And the beta of the ultrahigh-beta ST formed by FRC reaches about 50%. To sustain the high-beta state, 0.6 MW neutral beam injection and center solenoid coils are installed to the TS-4 device. In the poster, we report the experimental results of ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak startup and sustainment by NBI and CS current driving experiment.

Near DC force measurement using PVDF sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramanathan, Arun Kumar; Headings, Leon M.; Dapino, Marcelo J.

2018-03-01

There is a need for high-performance force sensors capable of operating at frequencies near DC while producing a minimal mass penalty. Example application areas include steering wheel sensors, powertrain torque sensors, robotic arms, and minimally invasive surgery. The beta crystallographic phase polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are suitable for this purpose owing to their large piezoelectric constant. Unlike conventional capacitive sensors, beta crystallographic phase PVDF films exhibit a broad linear range and can potentially be designed to operate without complex electronics or signal processing. A fundamental challenge that prevents the implementation of PVDF in certain high-performance applications is their inability to measure static signals, which results from their first-order electrical impedance. Charge readout algorithms have been implemented which address this issue only partially, as they often require integration of the output signal to obtain the applied force profile, resulting in signal drift and signal processing complexities. In this paper, we propose a straightforward real time drift compensation strategy that is applicable to high output impedance PVDF films. This strategy makes it possible to utilize long sample times with a minimal loss of accuracy; our measurements show that the static output remains within 5% of the original value during half-hour measurements. The sensitivity and full-scale range are shown to be determined by the feedback capacitance of the charge amplifier. A linear model of the PVDF sensor system is developed and validated against experimental measurements, along with benchmark tests against a commercial load cell.

Osteocalcin protects pancreatic beta cell function and survival under high glucose conditions

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

Kover, Karen, E-mail: kkover@cmh.edu; University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108; Yan, Yun

Diabetes is characterized by progressive beta cell dysfunction and loss due in part to oxidative stress that occurs from gluco/lipotoxicity. Treatments that directly protect beta cell function and survival in the diabetic milieu are of particular interest. A growing body of evidence suggests that osteocalcin, an abundant non-collagenous protein of bone, supports beta cell function and proliferation. Based on previous gene expression data by microarray, we hypothesized that osteocalcin protects beta cells from glucose-induced oxidative stress. To test our hypothesis we cultured isolated rat islets and INS-1E cells in the presence of normal, high, or high glucose ± osteocalcin for up tomore » 72 h. Oxidative stress and viability/mitochondrial function were measured by H{sub 2}O{sub 2} assay and Alamar Blue assay, respectively. Caspase 3/7 activity was also measured as a marker of apoptosis. A functional test, glucose stimulated insulin release, was conducted and expression of genes/protein was measured by qRT-PCR/western blot/ELISA. Osteocalcin treatment significantly reduced high glucose-induced H{sub 2}O{sub 2} levels while maintaining viability/mitochondrial function. Osteocalcin also significantly improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content in rat islets after 48 h of high glucose exposure compared to untreated islets. As expected sustained high glucose down-regulated gene/protein expression of INS1 and BCL2 while increasing TXNIP expression. Interestingly, osteocalcin treatment reversed the effects of high glucose on gene/protein expression. We conclude that osteocalcin can protect beta cells from the negative effects of glucose-induced oxidative stress, in part, by reducing TXNIP expression, thereby preserving beta cell function and survival. - Highlights: • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced oxidative stress in beta cells. • Osteocalcin preserves beta cell function and survival under stress conditions. • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced TXNIP expression in beta cells.« less

Estrogen via estrogen receptor beta partially inhibits mandibular condylar cartilage growth.

PubMed

Chen, J; Kamiya, Y; Polur, I; Xu, M; Choi, T; Kalajzic, Z; Drissi, H; Wadhwa, S

2014-11-01

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases predominantly afflict women, suggesting a role for female hormones in the disease process. However, little is known about the role of estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in regulating mandibular condylar cartilage growth. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the effects of altered estrogen levels on the mandibular condylar cartilage in wild type (WT) and ER beta Knockout (KO) mice. 21-day-old female WT (n = 37) and ER beta KO mice (n = 36) were either sham operated or ovariectomized, and treated with either placebo or estradiol. The mandibular condylar cartilage was evaluated by histomorphometry, proliferation was analyzed by double ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine/bromodeoxyuridine (EdU/BrdU) labeling, and assays on gene and protein expression of chondrocyte maturation markers were performed. In WT mice, ovariectomy caused a significant increase in mandibular condylar cartilage cell numbers, a significant increase in Sox9 expression and a significant increase in proliferation compared with sham operated WT mice. In contrast, ovariectomy did not cause any of these effects in the ER beta KO mice. Estrogen replacement treatment in ovariectomized WT mice caused a significant decrease in ER alpha expression and a significant increase in Sost expression compared with ovariectomized mice treated with placebo. Estrogen replacement treatment in ovariectomized ER beta KO mice caused a significant increase in Col2 expression, no change in ER alpha expression, and a significant increase in Sost expression. Estrogen via ER beta inhibits proliferation and ER alpha expression while estrogen independent of ER beta induces Col2 and Sost expression. Copyright © 2014 China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AE activity during transient beta drops in high poloidal beta discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J.; Gong, X. Z.; Ren, Q. L.; Ding, S. Y.; Qian, J. P.; Pan, C. K.; Li, G. Q.; Heidbrink, W. W.; Garofalo, A. M.; McClenaghan, J.

2016-10-01

Enhanced AE activity has been observed during transient beta drops in high poloidal beta DIII-D discharges with internal transport barriers (ITBs). These drops in beta are believed to be caused by n=1 external kink modes. In some discharges, beta recovers within 200 ms but, in others, beta stays suppressed. A typical discharge has βP 3, qmin 3, and q95 12. The drop in beta affects both fast ions and thermal particles, and a drop is also observed in the density and rotation. The enhanced AE activity follows the instability that causes the beta drop, is largest at the lowest beta, and subsides as beta recovers. MHD stability analysis is planned. A database study of the plasma conditions associated with the collapse will be also presented. Supported in part by the US Department of Energy under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC05-06OR23100, and by the National Natural Science Foundation of China 11575249, and the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Program of China No. 2015GB110005.

Techniques for transparent lattice measurement and correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Weixing; Li, Yongjun; Ha, Kiman

2017-07-01

A novel method has been successfully demonstrated at NSLS-II to characterize the lattice parameters with gated BPM turn-by-turn (TbT) capability. This method can be used at high current operation. Conventional lattice characterization and tuning are carried out at low current in dedicated machine studies which include beam-based measurement/correction of orbit, tune, dispersion, beta-beat, phase advance, coupling etc. At the NSLS-II storage ring, we observed lattice drifting during beam accumulation in user operation. Coupling and lifetime change while insertion device (ID) gaps are moved. With the new method, dynamical lattice correction is possible to achieve reliable and productive operations. A bunch-by-bunch feedback system excites a small fraction (∼1%) of bunches and gated BPMs are aligned to see those bunch motions. The gated TbT position data are used to characterize the lattice hence correction can be applied. As there are ∼1% of total charges disturbed for a short period of time (several ms), this method is transparent to general user operation. We demonstrated the effectiveness of these tools during high current user operation.

Electroencephalography as a Tool for Assessment of Brain Ischemic Alterations after Open Heart Operations

PubMed Central

Golukhova, Elena Z.; Polunina, Anna G.; Lefterova, Natalia P.; Begachev, Alexey V.

2011-01-01

Cardiac surgery is commonly associated with brain ischemia. Few studies addressed brain electric activity changes after on-pump operations. Eyes closed EEG was performed in 22 patients (mean age: 45.2 ± 11.2) before and two weeks after valve replacement. Spouses of patients were invited to participate as controls. Generalized increase of beta power most prominent in beta-1 band was an unambiguous pathological sign of postoperative cortex dysfunction, probably, manifesting due to gamma-activity slowing (“beta buzz” symptom). Generalized postoperative increase of delta-1 mean frequency along with increase of slow-wave activity in right posterior region may be hypothesized to be a consequence of intraoperative ischemia as well. At the same time, significant changes of alpha activity were observed in both patient and control groups, and, therefore, may be considered as physiological. Unexpectedly, controls showed prominent increase of electric activity in left temporal region whereas patients were deficient in left hemisphere activity in comparison with controls at postoperative followup. Further research is needed in order to determine the true neurological meaning of the EEG findings after on-pump operations. PMID:21776370

Effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation depend on treatment dose, treatment duration and meal contents

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

Arakawa, Masayuki; Ebato, Chie; Mita, Tomoya

2009-12-18

Beta-cell proliferation is regulated by various metabolic demands including peripheral insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. In addition to enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion, agonists for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) stimulate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of beta-cells, thereby probably preserve beta-cell mass. To evaluate the beta-cell preserving actions of GLP-1R agonists, we assessed the acute and chronic effects of exendin-4 on beta-cell proliferation, mass and glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J mice under various conditions. Short-term administration of high-dose exendin-4 transiently stimulated beta-cell proliferation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed upregulation of IGF-1 receptor and its downstream effectors in islets. Treatment of mice with exendin-4more » daily for 4 weeks (long-term administration) and feeding high-fat diet resulted in significant inhibition of weight gain and improvement of glucose tolerance with reduced insulin secretion and beta-cell mass. These findings suggest that long-term GLP-1 treatment results in insulin sensitization of peripheral organs, rather than enhancement of beta-cell proliferation and function, particularly when animals are fed high-fat diet. Thus, the effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation largely depend on treatment dose, duration of treatment and meal contents. While GLP-1 enhances proliferation of beta-cells in some diabetic mice models, our results suggest that GLP-1 stimulates beta-cell growth only when expansion of beta-cell mass is required to meet metabolic demands.« less

A role for transforming growth factor-{beta} apoptotic signaling pathway in liver injury induced by ingestion of water contaminated with high levels of Cr(VI)

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

Rafael, A.I.; Almeida, A.; Santos, P.

2007-10-15

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure is commonly associated with lung cancer. Although other adverse health effects have been reported, some authors, on assuming that orally ingested Cr(VI) is efficiently detoxified upon reduction by body fluids, believe that Cr(VI) do not target cells other than respiratory tract cells. In rodents, ingested Cr(VI)-contaminated water was reported to induce, in the liver, increases in TGF-{beta} transcripts. As TGF-{beta} dependent signaling pathways are closely associated with hepatic injury, the present study was undertaken addressing two specific issues: the effects of ingestion of water contaminated with high levels of Cr(VI) in rat liver structure and function;more » and the role of the TGF-{beta} pathway in Cr(VI)-induced liver injury. Examination of Wistar rats exposed to 20 ppm Cr(VI)-contaminated water for 10 weeks showed increased serum glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Liver histological examination revealed hepatocellular apoptosis, further confirmed by immunohystochemical study of Caspase 3 expression. Liver gene expression analysis revealed increased expression of Smad2/Smad4 and Dapk, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-{beta} pathway in the apoptotic process. Since no changes in Smad3 expression were observed it appears apoptosis is using a Smad3-independent pathway. Increased expression of both Caspase 8 and Daxx genes suggests also the involvement of the Fas pathway. Gene expression analysis also revealed that a p160{sup ROCK}-Rho-independent pathway operates, leading to cell contraction and membrane blebbing, characteristic apoptotic features. These findings suggest that either the amount of Cr(VI) ingested overwhelmed the body fluids reductive capacity or some Cr(VI) escapes the reductive protection barrier, thus targeting the liver and inducing apoptosis.« less

Highly mesoporous single-crystalline zeolite beta synthesized using a nonsurfactant cationic polymer as a dual-function template.

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; Zhu, Yihan; Zhu, Liangkui; Rigutto, Marcello; van der Made, Alexander; Yang, Chengguang; Pan, Shuxiang; Wang, Liang; Zhu, Longfeng; Jin, Yinying; Sun, Qi; Wu, Qinming; Meng, Xiangju; Zhang, Daliang; Han, Yu; Li, Jixue; Chu, Yueying; Zheng, Anmin; Qiu, Shilun; Zheng, Xiaoming; Xiao, Feng-Shou

2014-02-12

Mesoporous zeolites are useful solid catalysts for conversion of bulky molecules because they offer fast mass transfer along with size and shape selectivity. We report here the successful synthesis of mesoporous aluminosilicate zeolite Beta from a commercial cationic polymer that acts as a dual-function template to generate zeolitic micropores and mesopores simultaneously. This is the first demonstration of a single nonsurfactant polymer acting as such a template. Using high-resolution electron microscopy and tomography, we discovered that the resulting material (Beta-MS) has abundant and highly interconnected mesopores. More importantly, we demonstrated using a three-dimensional electron diffraction technique that each Beta-MS particle is a single crystal, whereas most previously reported mesoporous zeolites are comprised of nanosized zeolitic grains with random orientations. The use of nonsurfactant templates is essential to gaining single-crystalline mesoporous zeolites. The single-crystalline nature endows Beta-MS with better hydrothermal stability compared with surfactant-derived mesoporous zeolite Beta. Beta-MS also exhibited remarkably higher catalytic activity than did conventional zeolite Beta in acid-catalyzed reactions involving large molecules.

Special features of the inverse-beta-decay reaction proceeding on a proton in a reactor-antineutrino flux

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

Kopeikin, V. I., E-mail: kopeikin46@yandex.ru; Skorokhvatov, M. D., E-mail: skorokhvatov-md@nrcki.ru

2017-03-15

The evolution of the reactor-antineutrino spectrum and the evolution of the spectrum of positrons from the inverse-beta-decay reaction in the course of reactor operation and after reactor shutdown are considered. The present-day status in determining the initial reactor-antineutrino spectrum on the basis of spectra of beta particles from mixtures of products originating from uranium and plutonium fission is described. A local rise of the experimental spectrum of reactor antineutrinos with respect to the expected spectrum is studied.

Implementing reduced-risk integrated pest management in fresh-market cabbage: influence of sampling parameters, and validation of binomial sequential sampling plans for the cabbage looper (Lepidoptera Noctuidae).

PubMed

Burkness, Eric C; Hutchison, W D

2009-10-01

Populations of cabbage looper, Trichoplusiani (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were sampled in experimental plots and commercial fields of cabbage (Brasicca spp.) in Minnesota during 1998-1999 as part of a larger effort to implement an integrated pest management program. Using a resampling approach and the Wald's sequential probability ratio test, sampling plans with different sampling parameters were evaluated using independent presence/absence and enumerative data. Evaluations and comparisons of the different sampling plans were made based on the operating characteristic and average sample number functions generated for each plan and through the use of a decision probability matrix. Values for upper and lower decision boundaries, sequential error rates (alpha, beta), and tally threshold were modified to determine parameter influence on the operating characteristic and average sample number functions. The following parameters resulted in the most desirable operating characteristic and average sample number functions; action threshold of 0.1 proportion of plants infested, tally threshold of 1, alpha = beta = 0.1, upper boundary of 0.15, lower boundary of 0.05, and resampling with replacement. We found that sampling parameters can be modified and evaluated using resampling software to achieve desirable operating characteristic and average sample number functions. Moreover, management of T. ni by using binomial sequential sampling should provide a good balance between cost and reliability by minimizing sample size and maintaining a high level of correct decisions (>95%) to treat or not treat.

High LET Radiation Can Enhance TGF(Beta) Induced EMT and Cross-Talk with ATM Pathways

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Minli; Hada, Megumi; Huff, Janice; Pluth, Janice M.; Anderson, Janniffer; ONeill, Peter; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2010-01-01

The TGF(Beta) pathway has been shown to regulate or directly interact with the ATM pathway in the response to radiation in mammary epithelial cells. We investigated possible interactions between the TGF(Beta) and ATM pathways following simulated space radiation using hTERT immortalized human esophageal epithelial cells (EPC-hTERT), mink lung epithelial cells (Mv1lu), and several human fibroblast cell lines. TGF(Beta) is a key modulator of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), important in cancer progression and metastasis. The implication of EMT by radiation also has several lines of developing evidence, however is poorly understood. The identification of TGF(Beta) induced EMT can be shown in changes to morphology, related gene over expression or down regulation, which can be detected by RT-PCR, and immunostaining and western blotting. In this study, we have observed morphologic and molecular alternations consistent with EMT after Mv1lu cells were treated with TGF(Beta) High LET radiation enhanced TGF(Beta) mediated EMT with a dose as low as 0.1Gy. In order to consider the TGF(Beta) interaction with ATM we used a potent ATM inhibitor Ku55933 and investigated gene expression changes and Smad signaling kinetics. Ku559933 was observed to reverse TGF(Beta) induced EMT, while this was not observed in dual treated cells (radiation+TGF(Beta)). In EPC-hTERT cells, TGF(Beta) alone was not able to induce EMT after 3 days of application. A combined treatment with high LET, however, significantly caused the alteration of EMT markers. To study the function of p53 in the process of EMT, we knocked down P53 through RNA interference. Morphology changes associated with EMT were observed in epithelial cells with silenced p53. Our study indicates: high LET radiation can enhance TGF(Beta) induced EMT; while ATM is triggering the process of TGF(Beta)-induced EMT, p53 might be an essential repressor for EMT phenotypes.

Efficiency Study of Implicit and Explicit Time Integration Operators for Finite Element Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-07-01

cffiAciency, wherein Beta =0 provides anl exp~licit algorithm, wvhile Beta &0 provides anl implicit algorithm. Both algorithmns arc used in the same...Hlueneme CA: CO, Code C44A Port j IHuenemne, CA NAVSEC Cod,. 6034 (Library), Washington DC NAVSI*CGRUAC’I’ PWO, ’rorri Sta, OkinawaI NAVSIIIPRBFTAC Library

Interhemispheric EEG differences in olfactory bulbectomized rats with different cognitive abilities and brain beta-amyloid levels.

PubMed

Bobkova, Natalia; Vorobyov, Vasily; Medvinskaya, Natalia; Aleksandrova, Irina; Nesterova, Inna

2008-09-26

Alterations in electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry and deficits in interhemispheric integration of information have been shown in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, no direct evidence of an association between EEG asymmetry, morphological markers in the brain, and cognition was found either in AD patients or in AD models. In this study we used rats with bilateral olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) as one of the AD models and measured their learning/memory abilities, brain beta-amyloid levels and EEG spectra in symmetrical frontal and occipital cortices. One year after OBX or sham-surgery, the rats were tested with the Morris water paradigm and assigned to three groups: sham-operated rats, SO, and OBX rats with virtually normal, OBX(+), or abnormal, OBX(-), learning (memory) abilities. In OBX vs. SO, the theta EEG activity was enhanced to a higher extent in the right frontal cortex and in the left occipital cortex. This produced significant interhemispheric differences in the frontal cortex of the OBX(-) rats and in the occipital cortex of both OBX groups. The beta1 EEG asymmetry in SO was attenuated in OBX(+) and completely eliminated in OBX(-). OBX produced highly significant beta2 EEG decline in the right frontal cortex, with OBX(-)>OBX(+) rank order of strength. The beta-amyloid level, examined by post-mortem immunological DOT-analysis in the cortex-hippocampus samples, was about six-fold higher in OBX(-) than in SO, but significantly less (enhanced by 82% vs. SO) in OBX(+) than in OBX(-). The involvement of the brain mediatory systems in the observed EEG asymmetry differences is discussed.

Preoperative biomedical risk and depressive symptoms are differently associated with reduced health-related quality of life in patients 1year after cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Patron, Elisabetta; Messerotti Benvenuti, Simone; Palomba, Daniela

2016-01-01

To examine whether preoperative biomedical risk and depressive symptoms were associated with physical and mental components of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients 1year after cardiac surgery. Seventy-five patients completed a psychological evaluation, including the Center for Epidemiological Study of Depression scale, the 12-item Short-Form Physical Component Scale (SF-12-PCS) and Mental Component Scale (SF-12-MCS), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living questionnaire for depressive symptoms and HRQoL, respectively, before surgery and at 1-year follow-up. Preoperative depressive symptoms predicted the SF-12-PCS (beta=-.22, P<.05) and SF-12-MCS (beta=-.30, P<.04) scores in patients 1year after cardiac surgery, whereas the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was associated with SF-12-PCS (beta=-.28, P<.02), but not SF-12-MCS (beta=.01, P=.97) scores postoperatively. The current findings showed that preoperative depressive symptoms are associated with poor physical and mental components of HRQoL, whereas high biomedical risk predicts reduced physical, but not mental, functioning in patients postoperatively. This study suggests that a preoperative assessment of depressive symptoms in addition to the evaluation of common biomedical risk factors is essential to anticipate which patients are likely to show poor HRQoL after cardiac surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Specific beta1-adrenergic receptor silencing with small interfering RNA lowers high blood pressure and improves cardiac function in myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Arnold, Anne-Sophie; Tang, Yao Liang; Qian, Keping; Shen, Leping; Valencia, Valery; Phillips, Michael Ian; Zhang, Yuan Clare

2007-01-01

Beta-blockers are widely used and effective for treating hypertension, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, but they present side-effects mainly due to antagonism of beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR). Currently available beta-blockers are at best selective but not specific for beta1 or beta2-AR. To specifically inhibit the expression of the beta1-AR, we developed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to beta1-AR. Three different sequences of beta1 siRNA were delivered into C6-2B cells with 90% efficiency. One of the three sequences reduced the level of beta1-AR mRNA by 70%. The siRNA was highly specific for beta1-AR inhibition with no overlap with beta2-AR. To test this in vivo, systemic injection of beta1 siRNA complexed with liposomes resulted in efficient delivery into the heart, lung, kidney and liver, and effectively reduced beta1-AR expression in the heart without altering beta2-AR. beta1 siRNA significantly lowered blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for at least 12 days and reduced cardiac hypertrophy following a single injection. Pretreatment with beta1 siRNA 3 days before induction of MI in Wistar rats significantly improved cardiac function, as demonstrated by dP/dt and electrocardiogram following the MI. The protective mechanism involved reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the beta1 siRNA-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates the possibility of using siRNA for treating cardiovascular diseases and may represent a novel beta-blocker specific for beta1-AR.

Penning trap mass spectrometry Q-value determinations for highly forbidden β-decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Rachel; Bollen, Georg; Eibach, Martin; Gamage, Nadeesha; Gulyuz, Kerim; Hamaker, Alec; Izzo, Chris; Kandegedara, Rathnayake; Redshaw, Matt; Ringle, Ryan; Valverde, Adrian; Yandow, Isaac; Low Energy Beam Ion Trap Team

2017-09-01

Over the last several decades, extremely sensitive, ultra-low background beta and gamma detection techniques have been developed. These techniques have enabled the observation of very rare processes, such as highly forbidden beta decays e.g. of 113Cd, 50V and 138La. Half-life measurements of highly forbidden beta decays provide a testing ground for theoretical nuclear models, and the comparison of calculated and measured energy spectra could enable a determination of the values of the weak coupling constants. Precision Q-value measurements also allow for systematic tests of the beta-particle detection techniques. We will present the results and current status of Q value determinations for highly forbidden beta decays. The Q values, the mass difference between parent and daughter nuclides, are measured using the high precision Penning trap mass spectrometer LEBIT at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irastorza, I. G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J.; Cebrián, S.; Dafni, T.; Galán, J.; Garcia, J. A.; Garza, J. G.; Gómez, H.; Herrera, D. C.; Iguaz, F. J.; Luzon, G.; Mirallas, H.; Ruiz, E.; Seguí, L.; Tomás, A.

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R&D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurement of the double beta decay (DBD) of 136Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ~ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ~ 3% FWHM @ Qββ. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ~ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation variations caused by chronic glucolipotoxicity in beta-cells.

PubMed

Hu, Y; Xu, X-H; He, K; Zhang, L-L; Wang, S-K; Pan, Y-Q; He, B-S; Feng, T-T; Mao, X-M

2014-02-01

There is a growing body of literature suggesting the role of interactions between genes and the environment in development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the interplay between environment and genetic in developing and progressing T2MD is not fully understood. To determine the effects of high-glucose-lipid on the status of DNA methylation in beta cells, and clarify the mechanism of glucolipotoxicity on beta-cell deterioration, the DNA methylation profile was detected in beta-cells cultured with high-glucose-lipid medium.We utilized a high throughput NimbleGen RN34 CpG Island & Promoter Microarray to investigate the DNA methylation profile in beta-cells cultured with high-glucose-lipid medium. To validate the results of microarray, the immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) PCR was used to test the methylation status of some selected genes. The mRNA and protein expression of insulin and Tcf7l2 in these cells were quantified by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively.We have identified a lot of loci which experienced aberrant DNA methylation in beta-cells cultured with high-glucose-lipid medium. The results of MeDIP PCR were consistency to the microarray. An opposite regulation in transcription and translation of Tcf7l2 gene was found. Furthermore, the insulin mRNA and protein expression in beta-cells also decreased after cultured with high-glucose-lipid medium compared with the control cells.We conclude that chronic glucolipotoxicity could induce aberrant DNA methylation of some genes and may affect these genes expression in beta-cells, which might contribute to beta-cell function failure in T2DM and be helpful to explain, at least partially, the mechanism of glucolipotoxicity on beta-cells deterioration. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

High β produced by neutral beam injection in the START (Small Tight Aspect Ratio Tokamak) spherical tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sykes, Alan

1997-05-01

The world's first high-power auxiliary heating experiments in a tight aspect ratio (or spherical) tokamak have been performed on the Small Tight Aspect Ratio Tokomak (START) device [Sykes et al., Nucl. Fusion 32, 694 (1992)] at Culham Laboratory, using the 40 keV, 0.5 MW Neutral Beam Injector loaned by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Injection has been mainly of hydrogen into hydrogen or deuterium target plasmas, with a one-day campaign to explore D→D operation. In each case injection provides a combination of higher density operation and effective heating of both ions and electrons. The highest β values achieved to date in START are volume average βT˜11.5% and central beta βO˜50%. Already high, these values are expected to increase further with the use of higher beam power.

Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify beta1-subunit-containing GABAA receptors.

PubMed

Sergeeva, Olga A; Kletke, Olaf; Kragler, Andrea; Poppek, Anja; Fleischer, Wiebke; Schubring, Stephan R; Görg, Boris; Haas, Helmut L; Zhu, Xin-Ran; Lübbert, Hermann; Gisselmann, Günter; Hatt, Hanns

2010-07-30

Nineteen GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) subunits are known in mammals with only a restricted number of functionally identified native combinations. The physiological role of beta1-subunit-containing GABA(A)Rs is unknown. Here we report the discovery of a new structural class of GABA(A)R positive modulators with unique beta1-subunit selectivity: fragrant dioxane derivatives (FDD). At heterologously expressed alpha1betaxgamma2L (x-for 1,2,3) GABA(A)R FDD were 6 times more potent at beta1- versus beta2- and beta3-containing receptors. Serine at position 265 was essential for the high sensitivity of the beta1-subunit to FDD and the beta1N286W mutation nearly abolished modulation; vice versa the mutation beta3N265S shifted FDD sensitivity toward the beta1-type. In posterior hypothalamic neurons controlling wakefulness GABA-mediated whole-cell responses and GABAergic synaptic currents were highly sensitive to FDD, in contrast to beta1-negative cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Immunostaining for the beta1-subunit and the potency of FDD to modulate GABA responses in cultured hypothalamic neurons was drastically diminished by beta1-siRNA treatment. In conclusion, with the help of FDDs we reveal a functional expression of beta1-containing GABA(A)Rs in the hypothalamus, offering a new tool for studies on the functional diversity of native GABA(A)Rs.

Pharmacotherapy Evaluation and Utilization in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients in Kosovo during the Period 2016-2017

PubMed Central

Daci, Armond; Bozalija, Adnan; Cavolli, Raif; Alaj, Rame; Beretta, Giangiacomo; Krasniqi, Shaip

2018-01-01

BACKGROUND: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is realised in patients with critical or advanced disease of coronary arteries. There are different pharmacotherapeutic approaches which are used as management, treatment and preventive therapy in cardiovascular disease or related comorbidities. Performing a successful surgery, pharmacotherapy, and increase of bypass patency rate remains a serious challenge. AIM: This study aims to analyse the patient characteristics undergoing CABG and evaluation of their drug utilisation rate and daily dosages in the perioperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from 102 patients in the period 2016-2017 and detailed therapeutic prescription and dosages, patient characteristics were analysed before the operation, after the operation and visit after operation in the Clinic of Cardiac surgery-University Clinical Center of Kosovo. RESULTS: Our findings had shown that patients provided to have normal biochemical parameters in the clinic before the operation, and were related to cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities and risk factors with mainly elective intervention. The, however, higher utilisation of cardiovascular drugs such as beta blockers, diuretics, anticoagulants, statins and lower calcium blockers, ACEi, ARBs, hydrochlorothiazide, amiodarone were founded. ARBs, beta blockers, statins, nitrates and nadroparin utilisation decreased after operation and visit after the operation, whereas amiodarone only in the visit after the operation. Diuretics are increased after the operation which decreases in the visit after the operation. Regarding the daily dosage, only metoprolol was increased in the visit after operation (P < 0.001) and visit after operation (P < 0.05) whereas losartan and furosemide were increased (P < 0.01) and (P < 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: The study showed that beta blockers, statins, aspirin, nitrates (before the operation), furosemide and spironolactone are the most utilised drugs. However, we found low utilisation rate for ACEi, ARBs, clopidogrel, nadroparin, warfarin, xanthines, amiodarone, calcium blockers. Daily dosages were different compared to before CABG only in metoprolol, losartan, and furosemide. PMID:29610608

Subthalamic nucleus phase–amplitude coupling correlates with motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease

PubMed Central

van Wijk, Bernadette C.M.; Beudel, Martijn; Jha, Ashwani; Oswal, Ashwini; Foltynie, Tom; Hariz, Marwan I.; Limousin, Patricia; Zrinzo, Ludvic; Aziz, Tipu Z.; Green, Alexander L.; Brown, Peter; Litvak, Vladimir

2016-01-01

Objective High-amplitude beta band oscillations within the subthalamic nucleus are frequently associated with Parkinson’s disease but it is unclear how they might lead to motor impairments. Here we investigate a likely pathological coupling between the phase of beta band oscillations and the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations around 300 Hz. Methods We analysed an extensive data set comprising resting-state recordings obtained from deep brain stimulation electrodes in 33 patients before and/or after taking dopaminergic medication. We correlated mean values of spectral power and phase–amplitude coupling with severity of hemibody bradykinesia/rigidity. In addition, we used simultaneously recorded magnetoencephalography to look at functional interactions between the subthalamic nucleus and ipsilateral motor cortex. Results Beta band power and phase–amplitude coupling within the subthalamic nucleus correlated positively with severity of motor impairment. This effect was more pronounced within the low-beta range, whilst coherence between subthalamic nucleus and motor cortex was dominant in the high-beta range. Conclusions We speculate that the beta band might impede pro-kinetic high-frequency activity patterns when phase–amplitude coupling is prominent. Furthermore, results provide evidence for a functional subdivision of the beta band into low and high frequencies. Significance Our findings contribute to the interpretation of oscillatory activity within the cortico-basal ganglia circuit. PMID:26971483

Beware: Recruitment of Muscle Activity by the EEG-Neurofeedback Trainings of High Frequencies

PubMed Central

Paluch, Katarzyna; Jurewicz, Katarzyna; Rogala, Jacek; Krauz, Rafał; Szczypińska, Marta; Mikicin, Mirosław; Wróbel, Andrzej; Kublik, Ewa

2017-01-01

EEG-neurofeedback (NFB) became a very popular method aimed at improving cognitive and behavioral performance. However, the EMG frequency spectrum overlies the higher EEG oscillations and the NFB trainings focusing on these frequencies is hindered by the problem of EMG load in the information fed back to the subjects. In such a complex signal, it is highly probable that the most controllable component will form the basis for operant conditioning. This might cause different effects in the case of various training protocols and therefore needs to be carefully assessed before designing training protocols and algorithms. In the current experiment a group of healthy adults (n = 14) was trained by professional trainers to up-regulate their beta1 (15–22 Hz) band for eight sessions. The control group (n = 18) underwent the same training regime but without rewards for increasing beta. In half of the participants trained to up-regulate beta1 band (n = 7) a systematic increase in tonic EMG activity was identified offline, implying that muscle activity became a foundation for reinforcement in the trainings. The remaining participants did not present any specific increase of the trained beta1 band amplitude. The training was perceived effective by both trainers and the trainees in all groups. These results indicate the necessity of proper control of muscle activity as a requirement for the genuine EEG-NFB training, especially in protocols that do not aim at the participants’ relaxation. The specificity of the information fed back to the participants should be of highest interest to all therapists and researchers, as it might irreversibly alter the results of the training. PMID:28373836

A Pilot Study of Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia with Target Capture Sequencing of Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Maternal Blood.

PubMed

Wang, Wenjuan; Yuan, Yuan; Zheng, Haiqing; Wang, Yaoshen; Zeng, Dan; Yang, Yihua; Yi, Xin; Xia, Yang; Zhu, Chunjiang

2017-07-01

Thalassemia is a dangerous hematolytic genetic disease. In south China, ∼24% Chinese carry alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia gene mutations. Given the fact that the invasive sampling procedures can only be performed by professionals in experienced centers, it may increase the risk of miscarriage or infection. Thus, most people are worried about the invasive operation. As such, a noninvasive and accurate prenatal diagnosis is needed for appropriate genetic counseling for families with high risks. Here we sought to develop capture probes and their companion analysis methods for the noninvasive prenatal detection of deletional and nondeletional thalassemia. Two families diagnosed as carriers of either beta-thalassemia gene or Southeast Asian deletional alpha-thalassemia gene mutation were recruited. The maternal plasma and amniotic fluid were collected for prenatal diagnosis. Probes targeting exons of the genes of interest and the highly heterozygous SNPs within the 1Mb flanking region were designed. The target capture sequencing was performed with plasma DNA from the pregnant woman and genomic DNA from the couples and their children. Then the parental haplotype was constructed by the trios-based strategy. The fetal haplotype was deduced from the parental haplotype with a hidden Markov model-based algorithm. The fetal genotypes were successfully deduced in both families noninvasively. The noninvasively constructed haplotypes of both fetuses were identical to the invasive prenatal diagnosis results with an accuracy rate of 100% in the target region. Our study demonstrates that the effective noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia can be achieved with the targeted capture sequencing and the haplotype-assisted analysis method.

Double Beta Decays and Neutrinos - Experiments and MOON

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

Ejiri, H.; National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, 263-8555

2008-01-24

This is a brief review of the present and future experiments of neutrino-less double beta decays (0{nu}{beta}{beta}) and the MOON (Mo Observatory Of Neutrinos) project. High sensitivity 0{nu}{beta}{beta} experiments are unique and realistic probes for studying the Majorana nature of neutrinos and the absolute mass scale as suggested by neutrino oscillation experiments. MOON aims at spectroscopic 0{nu}{beta}{beta} studies with the {nu}-mass sensitivity of 100-30 meV by means of a super ensemble of multilayer modules of scintillator plates and tracking detector planes.

Low dose radiation interactions with the transformation growth factor (TFG)-beta pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslowski, Amy Jesse

A major limiting factor for long-term, deep-space missions is the radiation dose to astronauts. Because the dose to the astronauts is a mixed field of low- and high-LET radiation, there is a need to understand the effects of both radiation types on whole tissue; however, there are limited published data on the effects of high-LET (linear-energy-transfer) radiation on tissue. Thus, we designed a perfusion chamber system for rat trachea in order to mimic in vivo respiratory tissue. We successfully maintained the perfused tracheal tissue ex vivo in a healthy and viable condition for up to three days. In addition, this project studied the effects of high-LET Fe particles on the overall transformation growth factor (TGF)-beta response after TGF-beta inactivation and compared the results to the TGF-beta response post x-ray irradiation. It was found that a TGF-beta response could be measured in the perfused tracheal tissue, for x-ray and Fe particle irradiations, despite the high autofluorescent background intrinsic to tissue. However, after comparing the TGF-beta response of x-ray irradiation to High-Z-High-energy (HZE) irradiation, there was not a significant difference in radiation types. The TGF-beta response in x-ray and HZE irradiated perfusion chambers was also measured over time post irradiation. It was found that for 6 hour and 8 hour post irradiation, the TGF-beta response was higher for lower doses of radiation than for higher doses. This is in contrast to the 0 hour fixation which found the TGF-beta response to increase with increased dose. The inverse relationship found for 6 hour and 8 hour fixation times may indicate a threshold response for TGF-beta response; i.e., for low doses, a threshold of dose must be reached for an immediate TGF-beta response, otherwise the tissue responds more slowly to the irradiation damage. This result was unexpected and will require further investigation to determine if the threshold can be determined for the 250 kVp x-rays and 1 Gev Fe particles.

First results of neutrinoless double beta decay search with the GERmanium Detector Array "GERDA"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janicskó Csáthy, József

2014-06-01

The study of neutrinoless double beta decay is the most powerful approach to the fundamental question if the neutrino is a Majorana particle, i.e. its own anti-particle. The observation of the lepton number violating neutrinoless double beta decay would establish the Majorana nature of the neutrino. Until now neutrinoless double beta decay was not observed. The GERmanium Detector Array, GERDA is a double beta decay experiment located at the INFN Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Italy. GERDA operates bare Ge diodes enriched in 76Ge in liquid argon supplemented by a water shield. The exposure accumulated adds up to 21.6 kg· yr with a background level of 1.8 · 10-2 cts/(keV·kg·yr). The results of the Phase I of the experiment are presented and the preparation of the Phase II is briefly discussed.

Advanced low-beta cavity development for proton and ion accelerators

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

Conway, Z. A.; Kelly, M. P.; Ostroumov, P. N.

2015-05-01

Recent developments in designing and processing low-beta superconducting cavities at Argonne National Laboratory are very encouraging for future applications requiring compact proton and ion accelerators. One of the major benefits of these accelerating structures is achieving real-estate accelerating gradients greater than 3 MV/m very efficiently either continuously or for long-duty cycle operation (>1%). The technology has been implemented in low-beta accelerator cryomodules for the Argonne ATLAS heavy-ion linac where the cryomodules are required to have real-estate gradients of more than 3 MV/m. In offline testing low-beta cavities with even higher gradients have already been achieved. This paper will review thismore » work where we have achieved surface fields greater than 166 mT magnetic and 117 MV/m electric in a 72 MHz quarter-wave resonator optimized for beta = 0.077 ions.« less

The Gerda search for neutrinoless double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Shaughnessy, Christopher; Gerda Collaboration

2013-10-01

The Germanium Detector Array (Gerda) is a search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of 76Ge. High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors enriched in the isotope-76 are operated bare in liquid argon (LAr). LAr is used for both cooling of the HPGe diodes to their operating temperatures and for shielding from external radiation sources. From the measurements of the first phase that began data taking on 1 Nov. 2011 it is expected to have a sensitivity on the level of T1/2>2E25 yr at a 90% CL after 15 kġyr. The goal of this phase will be to probe the claim of an observation by part of the Heidelberg-Moscow collaboration. Efforts will then focus on increasing the sensitivity of the experiment by deploying additional enriched detectors that are in an advanced stage of production and by reducing the background index further by making use of pulse shape discrimination techniques as well as an active LAr veto. While the 0νββ region of interest continues to remain blinded, here the status of Phase-I data taking is presented along with the work towards improving the experimental sensitivity.

Searching Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay with GERDA Phase II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, M.; Bakalyarov, A. M.; Balata, M.; Barabanov, I.; Baudis, L.; Bauer, C.; Bellotti, E.; Belogurov, S.; Bettini, A.; Bezrukov, L.; Bode, T.; Brudanin, V.; Brugnera, R.; Caldwell, A.; Cattadori, C.; Chernogorov, A.; Comellato, T.; D’Andrea, V.; Demidova, E. V.; di Marco, N.; Domula, A.; Doroshkevich, E.; Egorov, V.; Falkenstein, R.; Gangapshev, A.; Garfagnini, A.; Giordano, M.; Gooch, C.; Grabmayr, P.; Gurentsov, V.; Gusev, K.; Hahne, C.; Hakenmüller, J.; Hegai, A.; Heisel, M.; Hemmer, S.; Hiller, R.; Hofmann, W.; Holl, P.; Hult, M.; Inzhechik, L. V.; Ioannucci, L.; Csáthy, J. Janicskó; Jochum, J.; Junker, M.; Kazalov, V.; Kermaidic, Y.; Kihm, T.; Kirpichnikov, I. V.; Kirsch, A.; Kish, A.; Klimenko, A.; Kneißl, R.; Knöpfle, K. T.; Kochetov, O.; Kornoukhov, V. N.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Laubenstein, M.; Lazzaro, A.; Lindner, M.; Lippi, I.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Lubsandorzhiev, B.; Lutter, G.; Macolino, C.; Majorovits, B.; Maneschg, W.; Marissens, G.; Miloradovic, M.; Mingazheva, R.; Misiaszek, M.; Moseev, P.; Nemchenok, I.; Nisi, S.; Panas, K.; Pandola, L.; Pelczar, K.; Pullia, A.; Ransom, C.; Reissfelder, M.; Riboldi, S.; Rumyantseva, N.; Sada, C.; Sala, E.; Salamida, F.; Schmitt, C.; Schneider, B.; Schreiner, J.; Schulz, O.; Schweisshelm, B.; Schwingenheuer, B.; Schönert, S.; Schütz, A.-K.; Seitz, H.; Selivanenko, O.; Shevchik, E.; Shirchenko, M.; Simgen, H.; Smolnikov, A.; Stanco, L.; Vanhoefer, L.; Vasenko, A. A.; Veresnikova, A.; von Sturm, K.; Wagner, V.; Wegmann, A.; Wester, T.; Wiesinger, C.; Wojcik, M.; Yanovich, E.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhukov, S. V.; Zinatulina, D.; Zschocke, A.; Zsigmond, A. J.; Zuber, K.; Zuzel, G.

An observation of neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay would allow to shed light onto the nature of neutrinos. GERDA (GERmanium Detector Array) aims to discover this process in a background-free search using 76Ge. The experiment is located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) in Italy. Bare, isotopically enriched, high purity germanium detectors are operated in liquid argon. GERDA follows a staged approach. In Phase II 35.6 kg of enriched germanium detectors are operated since December 2015. The application of active background rejection methods, such as a liquid argon scintillation light read-out and pulse shape discrimination of germanium detector signals, allows to reduce the background index to the intended level of 10‑3 cts/(keVṡkgṡyr). No evidence for the 0νββ decay has been found in 23.2 kgṡyr of Phase II data, and together with data from Phase I the up-to-date most stringent half-life limit for this process in 76Ge has been established, at a median sensitivity of 5.8ṡ1025yr the 90% C.L. lower limit is 8.0ṡ1025yr.

Classical sickle beta-globin haplotypes exhibit a high degree of long-range haplotype similarity in African and Afro-Caribbean populations.

PubMed

Hanchard, Neil; Elzein, Abier; Trafford, Clare; Rockett, Kirk; Pinder, Margaret; Jallow, Muminatou; Harding, Rosalind; Kwiatkowski, Dominic; McKenzie, Colin

2007-08-10

The sickle (betas) mutation in the beta-globin gene (HBB) occurs on five "classical" betas haplotype backgrounds in ethnic groups of African ancestry. Strong selection in favour of the betas allele - a consequence of protection from severe malarial infection afforded by heterozygotes - has been associated with a high degree of extended haplotype similarity. The relationship between classical betas haplotypes and long-range haplotype similarity may have both anthropological and clinical implications, but to date has not been explored. Here we evaluate the haplotype similarity of classical betas haplotypes over 400 kb in population samples from Jamaica, The Gambia, and among the Yoruba of Nigeria (Hapmap YRI). The most common betas sub-haplotype among Jamaicans and the Yoruba was the Benin haplotype, while in The Gambia the Senegal haplotype was observed most commonly. Both subtypes exhibited a high degree of long-range haplotype similarity extending across approximately 400 kb in all three populations. This long-range similarity was significantly greater than that seen for other haplotypes sampled in these populations (P < 0.001), and was independent of marker choice and marker density. Among the Yoruba, Benin haplotypes were highly conserved, with very strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) extending a megabase across the betas mutation. Two different classical betas haplotypes, sampled from different populations, exhibit comparable and extensive long-range haplotype similarity and strong LD. This LD extends across the adjacent recombination hotspot, and is discernable at distances in excess of 400 kb. Although the multi-centric geographic distribution of betas haplotypes indicates strong subdivision among early Holocene sub-Saharan populations, we find no evidence that selective pressures imposed by falciparum malaria varied in intensity or timing between these subpopulations. Our observations also suggest that cis-acting loci, which may influence outcomes in sickle cell disease, could lie considerable distances away from beta-globin.

Heating and current drive on NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, J. R.; Batchelor, D.; Carter, M.; Hosea, J.; Ignat, D.; LeBlanc, B.; Majeski, R.; Ono, M.; Phillips, C. K.; Rogers, J. H.; Schilling, G.

1997-04-01

Low aspect ratio tokamaks pose interesting new challenges for heating and current drive. The NSTX (National Spherical Tokamak Experiment) device to be built at Princeton is a low aspect ratio toroidal device that has the achievement of high toroidal beta (˜45%) and non-inductive operation as two of its main research goals. To achieve these goals significant auxiliary heating and current drive systems are required. Present plans include ECH (Electron cyclotron heating) for pre-ionization and start-up assist, HHFW (high harmonic fast wave) for heating and current drive and eventually NBI (neutral beam injection) for heating, current drive and plasma rotation.

Neutrinoless double beta decay and QCD running at low energy scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, M.; Hirsch, M.; Kovalenko, S. G.

2018-06-01

There is a common belief that the main uncertainties in the theoretical analysis of neutrinoless double beta (0 ν β β ) decay originate from the nuclear matrix elements. Here, we uncover another previously overlooked source of potentially large uncertainties stemming from nonperturbative QCD effects. Recently perturbative QCD corrections have been calculated for all dimension 6 and 9 effective operators describing 0 ν β β -decay and their importance for a reliable treatment of 0 ν β β -decay has been demonstrated. However, these perturbative results are valid at energy scales above ˜1 GeV , while the typical 0 ν β β scale is about ˜100 MeV . In view of this fact we examine the possibility of extrapolating the perturbative results towards sub-GeV nonperturbative scales on the basis of the QCD coupling constant "freezing" behavior using background perturbation theory. Our analysis suggests that such an infrared extrapolation does modify the perturbative results for both short-range and long-range mechanisms of 0 ν β β -decay in general only moderately. We also discuss that the tensor⊗tensor effective operator cannot appear alone in the low energy limit of any renormalizable high-scale model and then demonstrate that all five linearly independent combinations of the scalar and tensor operators, which can appear in renormalizable models, are infrared stable.

Beta oscillatory responses in healthy subjects and subjects with mild cognitive impairment☆

PubMed Central

Güntekin, Bahar; Emek-Savaş, Derya Durusu; Kurt, Pınar; Yener, Görsev Gülmen; Başar, Erol

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of beta oscillatory responses upon cognitive load in healthy subjects and in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The role of beta oscillations upon cognitive stimulation is least studied in comparison to other frequency bands. The study included 17 consecutive patients with MCI (mean age = 70.8 ± 5.6 years) according to Petersen's criteria, and 17 age- and education-matched normal elderly controls (mean age = 68.5 ± 5.5 years). The experiments used a visual oddball paradigm. EEG was recorded at 30 cortical locations. EEG-evoked power, inter-trial phase synchronization, and event-related beta responses filtered in 15–20 Hz were obtained in response to target and non-target stimuli for both groups of subjects. In healthy subjects, EEG-evoked beta power, inter-trial phase synchronization of beta responses and event-related filtered beta responses were significantly higher in responses to target than non-target stimuli (p < 0.05). In MCI patients, there were no differences in evoked beta power between target and non-target stimuli. Furthermore, upon presentation of visual oddball paradigm, occipital electrodes depict higher beta response in comparison to other electrode sites. The increased beta response upon presentation of target stimuli in healthy subjects implies that beta oscillations could shift the system to an attention state, and had important function in cognitive activity. This may, in future, open the way to consider beta activity as an important operator in brain cognitive processes. PMID:24179847

Sum frequency mixing of copper vapor laser output in KDP and beta-BBO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coutts, D. W.; Ainsworth, M. D.; Piper, J. A.

1989-09-01

Generation at 271 nm by frequency summing the two copper vapor laser (CVL) output wavelengths (at 511 and 578 nm) in beta-BBO and KDP is reported. A maximum sum frequency output of 100 mW was obtained for 6.8 W total pump power from a CVL operating with a fully unstable (M = 16) confocal cavity.

Ceramic microsystem incorporating a microreactor with immobilized biocatalyst for enzymatic spectrophotometric assays.

PubMed

Baeza, Mireia; López, Carmen; Alonso, Julián; López-Santín, Josep; Alvaro, Gregorio

2010-02-01

Low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology is a versatile fabrication technique used to construct microflow systems. It permits the integration of several unitary operations (pretreatment, separation, (bio)chemical reaction, and detection stage) of an analytical process in a modular or monolithic way. Moreover, because of its compatibility with biological material, LTCC is adequate for analytical applications based on enzymatic reactions. Here we present the design, construction, and evaluation of a LTCC microfluidic system that integrates a microreactor (internal volume, 24.28 microL) with an immobilized beta-galactosidase from Escherichia coli (0.479 activity units) and an optical flow cell to measure the product of the enzymatic reaction. The enzyme was immobilized on a glyoxal-agarose support, maintaining its activity along the time of the study. As a proof of concept, the LTCC-beta-galactosidase system was tested by measuring the conversion of ortho-nitrophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside, the substrate usually employed for activity determinations. Once packed in a monolithically integrated microcolumn, the miniaturized flow system was characterized, the operational conditions optimized (flow rate and injection volume), and its performance successfully evaluated by determining the beta-galactosidase substrate concentration at the millimolar level.

Flexible responses to visual and olfactory stimuli by foraging Manduca sexta: larval nutrition affects adult behaviour.

PubMed

Goyret, Joaquín; Kelber, Almut; Pfaff, Michael; Raguso, Robert A

2009-08-07

Here, we show that the consequences of deficient micronutrient (beta-carotene) intake during larval stages of Manduca sexta are carried across metamorphosis, affecting adult behaviour. Our manipulation of larval diet allowed us to examine how developmental plasticity impacts the interplay between visual and olfactory inputs on adult foraging behaviour. Larvae of M. sexta were reared on natural (Nicotiana tabacum) and artificial laboratory diets containing different concentrations of beta-carotene (standard diet, low beta-carotene, high beta-carotene and cornmeal). This vitamin-A precursor has been shown to be crucial for photoreception sensitivity in the retina of M. sexta. After completing development, post-metamorphosis, starved adults were presented with artificial feeders that could be either scented or unscented. Regardless of their larval diet, adult moths fed with relatively high probabilities on scented feeders. When feeders were unscented, moths reared on tobacco were more responsive than moths reared on beta-carotene-deficient artificial diets. Strikingly, moths reared on artificial diets supplemented with increasing amounts of beta-carotene (low beta and high beta) showed increasing probabilities of response to scentless feeders. We discuss these results in relationship to the use of complex, multi-modal sensory information by foraging animals.

Profile control simulations and experiments on TCV: a controller test environment and results using a model-based predictive controller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maljaars, E.; Felici, F.; Blanken, T. C.; Galperti, C.; Sauter, O.; de Baar, M. R.; Carpanese, F.; Goodman, T. P.; Kim, D.; Kim, S. H.; Kong, M.; Mavkov, B.; Merle, A.; Moret, J. M.; Nouailletas, R.; Scheffer, M.; Teplukhina, A. A.; Vu, N. M. T.; The EUROfusion MST1-team; The TCV-team

2017-12-01

The successful performance of a model predictive profile controller is demonstrated in simulations and experiments on the TCV tokamak, employing a profile controller test environment. Stable high-performance tokamak operation in hybrid and advanced plasma scenarios requires control over the safety factor profile (q-profile) and kinetic plasma parameters such as the plasma beta. This demands to establish reliable profile control routines in presently operational tokamaks. We present a model predictive profile controller that controls the q-profile and plasma beta using power requests to two clusters of gyrotrons and the plasma current request. The performance of the controller is analyzed in both simulation and TCV L-mode discharges where successful tracking of the estimated inverse q-profile as well as plasma beta is demonstrated under uncertain plasma conditions and the presence of disturbances. The controller exploits the knowledge of the time-varying actuator limits in the actuator input calculation itself such that fast transitions between targets are achieved without overshoot. A software environment is employed to prepare and test this and three other profile controllers in parallel in simulations and experiments on TCV. This set of tools includes the rapid plasma transport simulator RAPTOR and various algorithms to reconstruct the plasma equilibrium and plasma profiles by merging the available measurements with model-based predictions. In this work the estimated q-profile is merely based on RAPTOR model predictions due to the absence of internal current density measurements in TCV. These results encourage to further exploit model predictive profile control in experiments on TCV and other (future) tokamaks.

Calibration of the NEXT-White Detector using $$^{83m}\\mathrm{Kr}$$ Decays

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

Martínez-Lema, G.; et al.

The NEXT-White (NEW) detector is currently the largest radio-pure high pressure gas xenon time projection chamber with electroluminescent readout in the world. NEXT-White has been operating at Laboratorio Subterr\\'aneo de Canfranc (LSC) since October 2016. This paper describes the calibrations performed withmore » $$^{83m}\\mathrm{Kr}$$ decays during a long run taken from March to November 2017 (Run II). Krypton calibrations are used to correct for the finite drift-electron lifetime as well as for the dependence of the measured energy on the event position which is mainly caused by variations in solid angle coverage. After producing calibration maps to correct for both effects we measure an excellent energy resolution for 41.5 keV point-like deposits of (4.55 $$\\pm$$ 0.01) % FWHM in the full chamber and (3.88 $$\\pm$$ 0.04) % FWHM in a restricted fiducial volume. Using naive 1/$$\\sqrt{E}$$ scaling, these values translate into FWHM resolutions of (0.592 $$\\pm$$ 0.001) % FWHM and (0.504 $$\\pm$$ 0.005) % at the $$Q_{\\beta\\beta}$$ energy of xenon double beta decay (2458 keV), well within range of our target value of 1%.« less

Secondary and primary relaxations in hyperbranched polyglycerol: a comparative study in the frequency and time domains.

PubMed

Garcia-Bernabé, Abel; Dominguez-Espinosa, Gustavo; Diaz-Calleja, Ricardo; Riande, Evaristo; Haag, Rainer

2007-09-28

The non-Debye relaxation behavior of hyperbranched polyglycerol was investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. A thorough study of the relaxations was carried out paying special attention to truncation effects on deconvolutions of overlapping processes. Hyperbranched polyglycerol exhibits two relaxations in the glassy state named in increasing order of frequency beta and gamma processes. The study of the evolution of these two fast processes with temperature in the time retardation spectra shows that the beta absorption is swallowed by the alpha in the glass-liquid transition, the gamma absorption being the only relaxation that remains operative in the liquid state. In heating, a temperature is reached at which the alpha absorption vanishes appearing the alphagamma relaxation. Two characteristics of alpha absorptions, decrease of the dielectric strength with increasing temperature and rather high activation energy, are displayed by the alphagamma process. Williams' ansatz seems to hold for these topologically complex macromolecules.

Phase and amplitude analysis in time-frequency space--application to voluntary finger movement.

PubMed

Ginter, J; Blinowska, K J; Kamiński, M; Durka, P J

2001-09-30

Two methods operating in time-frequency space were applied to analysis of EEG activity accompanying voluntary finger movements. The first one, based on matching pursuit approach provided high-resolution distributions of power in time-frequency space. The phenomena of event related desynchronization (ERD) and synchronization (ERS) were investigated without the need of band-pass filtering. Time evolution of mu- and beta-components was observed in a detailed way. The second method was based on a multichannel autoregressive model (MVAR) adapted for investigation of short-time changes in EEG signal. The direction and spectral content of the EEG activity propagation was estimated by means of short-time directed transfer function (SDTF). The evidence of 'cross-talk' between different areas of motor and sensory cortex was found. The earlier known phenomena, connected with voluntary movements, were confirmed and a new evidence concerning focal ERD/surround ERS and beta activity post-movement synchronization was found.

ITER-FEAT operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimomura, Y.; Aymar, R.; Chuyanov, V. A.; Huguet, M.; Matsumoto, H.; Mizoguchi, T.; Murakami, Y.; Polevoi, A. R.; Shimada, M.; ITER Joint Central Team; ITER Home Teams

2001-03-01

ITER is planned to be the first fusion experimental reactor in the world operating for research in physics and engineering. The first ten years of operation will be devoted primarily to physics issues at low neutron fluence and the following ten years of operation to engineering testing at higher fluence. ITER can accommodate various plasma configurations and plasma operation modes, such as inductive high Q modes, long pulse hybrid modes and non-inductive steady state modes, with large ranges of plasma current, density, beta and fusion power, and with various heating and current drive methods. This flexibility will provide an advantage for coping with uncertainties in the physics database, in studying burning plasmas, in introducing advanced features and in optimizing the plasma performance for the different programme objectives. Remote sites will be able to participate in the ITER experiment. This concept will provide an advantage not only in operating ITER for 24 hours a day but also in involving the worldwide fusion community and in promoting scientific competition among the ITER Parties.

beta-Endorphin-induced analgesia is inhibited by synthetic analogs of beta-endorphin.

PubMed

Nicolas, P; Hammonds, R G; Li, C H

1984-05-01

Competitive antagonism of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP)-induced analgesia by synthetic beta h-EP analogs with high in vitro opiate receptor binding to in vivo analgesic potency ratio has been demonstrated. A parallel shift of the dose-response curve for analgesia to the right was observed when either beta h-EP or [ Trp27 ] -beta h-EP was coinjected with various doses of [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, or [ Cys11 ,26, Phe27 , Gly31 ]-beta h-EP. It was estimated that the most potent antagonist, [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, is at least 200 times more potent than naloxone.

Right ventricular beneficial effects of beta adrenergic receptor kinase inhibitor (betaARKct) gene transfer in a rat model of severe pressure overload.

PubMed

Molina, Ezequiel J; Gupta, Dipin; Palma, Jon; Gaughan, John P; Macha, Mahender

2009-06-01

Heart failure is associated with abnormalities in betaAR cascade regulation, calcium cycling, expression of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis. Adenoviral mediated gene transfer of betaARKct has beneficial indirect effects on these pathologic processes upon the left ventricular myocardium. The concomitant biochemical changes that occur in the right ventricle have not been well characterized. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography. After a decrease in fractional shortening of 25% from baseline, intracoronary injection of adenoviral-betaARKct (n=14) or adenoviral-beta-galactosidase (control, n=13) was performed. Rats were randomly euthanized on post-operative day 7, 14 or 21. Protein analysis including RV myocardial levels of betaARKct, betaARK1, SERCA(2a), inflammatory tissue mediators (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha), apoptotic markers (bax and bak), and MAP kinases (jnk, p38 and erk) was performed. ANOVA was employed for group comparison. Adenoviral-betaARKct treated animals showed increased expression of betaARKct and decreased levels of betaARK1 compared with controls. This treatment group also demonstrated normalization of SERCA(2a) expression and decreased levels of the inflammatory markers IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The pro-apoptotic markers bax and bak were similarly improved. Ventricular levels of the MAP kinase jnk were increased. Differences were most significant 7 days after gene transfer, but the majority of these changes persisted at 21 days. These results suggest that attenuation of the pathologic mechanisms of beta adrenergic receptor desensitization, SERCA(2a) expression, inflammation and apoptosis, not only occur in the left ventricle but also in the right ventricular myocardium after intracoronary gene transfer of betaARKct during heart failure.

Occurrence of high-beta superthermal plasma events in the close environment of Jupiter's bow shock as observed by Ulysses

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

Marhavilas, P. K.; Sarris, E. T.; Anagnostopoulos, G. C.

2011-01-04

The ratio of the plasma pressure to the magnetic field pressure (or of their energy densities) which is known as the plasma parameter 'beta'({beta}) has important implications to the propagation of energetic particles and the interaction of the solar wind with planetary magnetospheres. Although in the scientific literature the contribution of the superthermal particles to the plasma pressure is generally assumed negligible, we deduced, by analyzing energetic particles and magnetic field measurements recorded by the Ulysses spacecraft, that in a series of events, the energy density contained in the superthermal tail of the particle distribution is comparable to or evenmore » higher than the energy density of the magnetic field, creating conditions of high-beta plasma. More explicitly, in this paper we analyze Ulysses/HI-SCALE measurements of the energy density ratio (parameter {beta}{sub ep}) of the energetic ions'(20 keV to {approx}5 MeV) to the magnetic field's in order to find occurrences of high-beta ({beta}{sub ep}>1) superthermal plasma conditions in the environment of the Jovian magnetosphere, which is an interesting plasma laboratory and an important source of emissions in our solar system. In particular, we examine high-beta ion events close to Jupiter's bow shock, which are produced by two processes: (a) bow shock ion acceleration and (b) ion leakage from the magnetosphere.« less

Mechanistic studies of cancer cell mitochondria- and NQO1-mediated redox activation of beta-lapachone, a potentially novel anticancer agent

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

Li, Jason Z.; Ke, Yuebin; Misra, Hara P.

Beta-lapachone (beta-Lp) derived from the Lapacho tree is a potentially novel anticancer agent currently under clinical trials. Previous studies suggested that redox activation of beta-Lp catalyzed by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) accounted for its killing of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms of this effect remain largely unknown. Using chemiluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping techniques, this study for the first time demonstrated the real-time formation of ROS in the redox activation of beta-lapachone from cancer cells mediated by mitochondria and NQO1 in melanoma B16–F10 and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cancer cells. ES936, a highly selective NQO1 inhibitor, and rotenone,more » a selective inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport chain (METC) complex I were found to significantly block beta-Lp meditated redox activation in B16–F10 cells. In HepG2 cells ES936 inhibited beta-Lp-mediated oxygen radical formation by ∼ 80% while rotenone exerted no significant effect. These results revealed the differential contribution of METC and NQO1 to beta-lapachone-induced ROS formation and cancer cell killing. In melanoma B16–F10 cells that do not express high NQO1 activity, both NOQ1 and METC play a critical role in beta-Lp redox activation. In contrast, in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells expressing extremely high NQO1 activity, redox activation of beta-Lp is primarily mediated by NQO1 (METC plays a minor role). These findings will contribute to our understanding of how cancer cells are selectively killed by beta-lapachone and increase our ability to devise strategies to enhance the anticancer efficacy of this potentially novel drug while minimizing its possible adverse effects on normal cells. - Highlights: • Both isolated mitochondria and purified NQO1 are able to generate ROS by beta-Lp. • The differential roles of mitochondria and NQO1 in mediating redox activation of beta-Lp • In cancer cells with low NQO1 expression, mitochondria play a critical role in beta-Lp redox activation. • In cancer cells with high NQO1 activity, redox activation of beta-Lp is primarily mediated by NQO1.« less

[Increase of beta 2-microglobulin in drug addicts with anti-HIV antibodies and high risk of AIDS].

PubMed

D'Angelo, G; Giardini, C; Zanco, M D; Calvano, D; Crovetti, G; De Filippo, C

1991-01-01

The beta 2-Microglobulin is a polypeptide present on the surface membrane of both B and T cells and is integrated into the structure of HLA antigenes. The beta 2-Microglobulin concentration have been used as a reliable indicator of glomerular and tubular function of the kidney. Increased serum concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin are observed also in lymphoproliferative disorders with high cell proliferation rates. More recently, increased concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin was shown in patients with anti-HIV antibodies with or without symptomatic AIDS. We have determined beta 2-Microglobulin in 61 subjects: 40 between the ages of 25 and 35 and seemingly healthy, 21 patients between the ages of 22 and 32 and intravenous drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies and at high-risk for AIDS. In all subjects we have tested: BUN, creatinine, beta 2-Microglobulin and T4/T8 ratio. In 40 subjects as normal controls, beta 2-Microglobulin average was means = 1.07 mg/L (SD = 0.39), T4/T8 ratio average: means = 1.06 (SD = 0.119). In 21 patients drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies, the beta 2-Microglobulin average was cleanly increased: means = 4.72 mg/L (SD = 2.23), the T4/T8 ratio average cleanly decreased: means = 0.54 (SD = 0.21). We believe the beta 2-Microglobulin quantitation, even if not specific for patient with symptomatic AIDS, used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, principally T4/T8 ratio, will be a useful marker for recognizing persons with possible asymptomatic AIDS who are members of populations known to be at high-risk for AIDS.

Expression of class III beta tubulin in cervical cancer patients administered preoperative radiochemotherapy: correlation with response to treatment and clinical outcome.

PubMed

Ferrandina, Gabriella; Martinelli, Enrica; Zannoni, Gian Franco; Distefano, Mariagrazia; Paglia, Amelia; Ferlini, Cristiano; Scambia, Giovanni

2007-02-01

Alterations of the beta subunit of tubulin have been reported to be predictive of resistance to radiation and antitubulin agents in several solid tumors. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical role of beta III tubulin expression as prognostic factor for survival and as a predictive parameter of response to preoperative radiochemotherapy in a single institutional series of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients. The study included 98 LACC patients admitted to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Catholic University of Rome and Campobasso between January 1998 and January 2005. Immunohistochemistry was performed by using the polyclonal rabbit anti-beta III tubulin antibody (Covance, Princeton, NJ, USA). The value of 10% immunostained tumor cells was arbitrarily chosen as cut-off value to distinguish cases with high versus low beta III tubulin content. In the whole series, beta III tubulin immunoreaction was detectable in 66/98 cases (67.3%), and the percentage of positively stained cells ranged from 0 to 100% (median=10%). The percentages of cases with high beta III tubulin expression were shown not to be differently distributed according to clinico-pathological characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of cases with high beta III tubulin expression according to clinical and pathological response to treatment. During the follow-up period, recurrence and death of disease occurred in 15 and 13 cases, respectively. There was no difference in disease-free and overall survival in cases with high versus low beta III tubulin expression. The assessment of class III beta tubulin status seems of little usefulness in order to identify LACC patients with poor chance of response to concomitant radiochemotherapy and unfavorable prognosis.

Transportation fuel production by combination of LDPE thermal cracking and catalytic hydroreforming

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

Escola, J.M., E-mail: josemaria.escola.saez@urjc.es; Aguado, J.; Serrano, D.P.

2014-11-15

Highlights: • h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate to achieve Ni contents of 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. • Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. • Higher Ni contents increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions. • Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. • Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. - Abstract: Fuel production from plastics is a promising way to reduce landfilling rates while obtaining valuable products. The usage of Ni-supported hierarchical Beta zeolite (h-Beta) formore » the hydroreforming of the oils coming from LDPE thermal cracking has proved to produce high selectivities to gasoline and diesel fuels (>80%). In the present work, the effect of the Ni loading on Ni/h-Beta is investigated in the hydroreforming of the oils form LDPE thermal cracking. h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate, calcined and reduced in H{sub 2} up to 550 °C to achieve different Ni contents: 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. Hydroreforming tests were carried out in autoclave reactor at 310 °C, under 20 bar H{sub 2}, for 45 min. Ni content progressively increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions, while gasoline remained approximately constant about 52–54%. Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. High cetane indices (71–86) and octane numbers (89–91) were obtained over all the catalysts. Regarding the different studied Ni contents, Ni 7%/h-Beta constitutes a rather promising catalyst for obtaining high quality fuels from LDPE thermal cracking oils.« less

BPM CALIBRATION INDEPENDENT LHC OPTICS CORRECTION

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

CALAGA,R.; TOMAS, R.; GIOVANNOZZI, M.

2007-06-25

The tight mechanical aperture for the LHC imposes severe constraints on both the beta and dispersion beating. Robust techniques to compensate these errors are critical for operation of high intensity beams in the LHC. We present simulations using realistic errors from magnet measurements and alignment tolerances in the presence of BPM noise. Correction reveals that the use of BPM calibration and model independent observables are key ingredients to accomplish optics correction. Experiments at RHIC to verify the algorithms for optics correction are also presented.

KITTEN Lightweight Kernel 0.1 Beta

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

Pedretti, Kevin; Levenhagen, Michael; Kelly, Suzanne

2007-12-12

The Kitten Lightweight Kernel is a simplified OS (operating system) kernel that is intended to manage a compute node's hardware resources. It provides a set of mechanisms to user-level applications for utilizing hardware resources (e.g., allocating memory, creating processes, accessing the network). Kitten is much simpler than general-purpose OS kernels, such as Linux or Windows, but includes all of the esssential functionality needed to support HPC (high-performance computing) MPI, PGAS and OpenMP applications. Kitten provides unique capabilities such as physically contiguous application memory, transparent large page support, and noise-free tick-less operation, which enable HPC applications to obtain greater efficiency andmore » scalability than with general purpose OS kernels.« less

A simple approach for assessing equilibrated Kt/V beta 2-M on a routine basis.

PubMed

Casino, Francesco G; Pedrini, Luciano A; Santoro, Antonio; Mandolfo, Salvatore; David, Salvatore; De Cristofaro, Vincenzo; Teatini, Ugo; Lomonte, Carlo; Lopez, Teodoro

2010-09-01

Large observational studies have shown a reduction in morbidity and mortality in patients on high-flux haemodialysis (HD) or convective techniques, compared with low-flux HD. An index to evaluate treatment efficiency in middle molecule (MM) removal would be recommended. Since beta-2-microglobulin (beta2-M) is a recognized MM marker, we evaluated an easy approach for Kt/V(beta2-M) assessment on a routine basis, avoiding other complex methods. An equation that estimates single-pool (sp) Kt/V(beta2-M) was derived from Leypoldt's formula, which calculates beta2-M dialyser clearance (K(beta2-M)) from the post/pre-dialysis beta2-M concentration (C(t)/C(0)) ratio and the weight loss/end-dialysis weight (Delta W/W) ratio. Our equation, spKt/V(beta2-M) = 6.12 Delta W/W [1 - ln(C(t)/C(0))/ln(1 + 6.12 Delta W/W)], was derived by assuming urea distribution volume (V(u)) as 49% of W and beta2-M volume (V(beta2-M)) as V(u)/3, in agreement with the average patient values in the HEMO Study. The spKt/V(beta2-M) values calculated with our equation (F) in 129 patients on 407 sessions of different high-flux treatments were compared with those calculated with the method applied in the HEMO Study (HM). Equilibrated beta2-M concentration (C(eq)) of the same sessions was also estimated with the equation for C(eq) by Tattersall, and equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V(beta2-M)) was calculated by introducing Tattersall's equation into our simplified spKt/V(beta2-M) formula. Mean results of our spKt/V(beta2-M) equation (F) were very close to those of the HM method (1.48 +/- 0.38 vs 1.47 +/- 0.37). The difference was less than +/-0.1 in 95% of cases. A mean end-session beta2-M rebound of 44 +/- 14% was predicted, which caused a mean reduction in actual Kt/V(beta2-M) of ~27% (eKt/V(beta2-M) = 1.08 +/- 0.26). The method proposed to estimate spKt/V(beta2-M) and eKt/V(beta2-M) could become a simple tool to monitor the efficiency of high-flux HD and convective techniques and to evaluate the adequacy of treatments in terms of MM removal. Moreover, it might help to better understand the effects of different dialysis schedules. Validation on a larger dialysis population is required.

HES6 reverses nuclear reprogramming of insulin-producing cells following cell fusion

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

Ball, Andrew J.; Abrahamsson, Annelie E.; Tyrberg, Bjoern

2007-04-06

To examine the mechanism by which growth-stimulated pancreatic {beta}-cells dedifferentiate, somatic cell fusions were performed between MIN6, a highly differentiated mouse insulinoma, and {beta}lox5, a cell line derived from human {beta}-cells which progressively dedifferentiated in culture. MIN6/{beta}lox5 somatic cells hybrids underwent silencing of insulin expression and a marked decline in PDX1, NeuroD, and MafA, indicating that {beta}lox5 expresses a dominant transacting factor(s) that represses {beta}-cell differentiation. Expression of Hes1, which inhibits endocrine differentiation was higher in hybrid cells than in parental MIN6 cells. Hes6, a repressor of Hes1, was highly expressed in primary {beta}-cells as well as MIN6, but wasmore » repressed in hybrids. Hes6 overexpression using a retroviral vector led to a decrease in Hes1 levels, an increase in {beta}-cell transcription factors and partial restoration of insulin expression. We conclude that the balance of Notch activators and inhibitors may play an important role in maintaining the {beta}-cell differentiated state.« less

Circulating form of beta-2-microglobulin in dialysis patients.

PubMed

Gagnon, R F; Somerville, P; Thomson, D M

1988-01-01

The circulating profile of beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) was determined in 8 end-stage renal disease patients on long-term dialysis (6 on hemodialysis, 2 on CAPD) by measuring beta 2M in different fraction after molecular sieve separation of their sera. Four patients had carpal tunnel syndrome with demonstrated amyloid in excised wrist tissues of which 2 were positive for beta 2M. In all patients despite very high blood levels (34.3-63.1 mg/l), beta 2M eluted exclusively as a single peak in the molecular weight region of about 12,000 daltons on a calibrated Sephacryl S-200 column. Recoveries from within the peak accounted for 96% of the applied beta 2M serum concentrations. These results were confirmed by molecular sieve separation of the enriched beta 2M-containing fractions by high-pressure liquid chromatography. We conclude that immunoreactive beta 2M in dialysis patients circulates as an intact monomer without evidence for the formation of aggregates or fragments. The pathogenesis of tissue deposition of this low-molecular-weight protein and its polymerisation to form a specific amyloid remains to be defined.

The activity of hydrolases of larval stages of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda).

PubMed

Lopieńska-Biernat, Elzbieta; Zółtowska, Krystyna; Rokicki, Jerzy

2004-01-01

Activity of hydrolases during the third and fourth larval stage of Anisakis simplex was identified by applying the API ZYM test method. In A. simplex larvae the activity of phosphatases was high, particularly that of acid phosphatase (40 nmol/mg(-1)). Among esterases lack of activity of lipase (C14) is worth noticing while the activity of esterases (C4) and (C8) was high. The activity of those later two enzymes was higher in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae. The highest activity in the subclass of glucosidases was recorded for beta-fucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. A higher activity in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae was recorded for: beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (2-fold) and beta-fucosidase (3-fold). Differently the activity of beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase was higher in L4 larvae than in L3 larvae. The tests did not show activity of alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and alpha-mannosidase on both larval forms.

The rate of transient beta frequency events predicts behavior across tasks and species

PubMed Central

Law, Robert; Tsutsui, Shawn; Moore, Christopher I; Jones, Stephanie R

2017-01-01

Beta oscillations (15-29Hz) are among the most prominent signatures of brain activity. Beta power is predictive of healthy and abnormal behaviors, including perception, attention and motor action. In non-averaged signals, beta can emerge as transient high-power 'events'. As such, functionally relevant differences in averaged power across time and trials can reflect changes in event number, power, duration, and/or frequency span. We show that functionally relevant differences in averaged beta power in primary somatosensory neocortex reflect a difference in the number of high-power beta events per trial, i.e. event rate. Further, beta events occurring close to the stimulus were more likely to impair perception. These results are consistent across detection and attention tasks in human magnetoencephalography, and in local field potentials from mice performing a detection task. These results imply that an increased propensity of beta events predicts the failure to effectively transmit information through specific neocortical representations. PMID:29106374

Michael addition reactions between chiral equivalents of a nucleophilic glycine and (S)- or (R)-3-[(E)-enoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones as a general method for efficient preparation of beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids. Case of topographically controlled stereoselectivity.

PubMed

Soloshonok, Vadim A; Cai, Chaozhong; Yamada, Takeshi; Ueki, Hisanori; Ohfune, Yasufumi; Hruby, Victor J

2005-11-02

This paper describes a systematic study of addition reactions between the chiral Ni(II) complex of the Schiff base of glycine with (S)-o-[N-(N-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone and (S)- or (R)-3-[(E)-enoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones as a general and synthetically efficient approach to beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids and relevant compounds. These reactions were shown to occur at room temperature in the presence of nonchelating organic bases and, most notably, with very high (>98% diastereomeric excess (de)) stereoselectivity at both newly formed stereogenic centers. The stereochemical outcome of the reactions was found to be overwhelmingly controlled by the stereochemical preferences of the Michael acceptors, and the chirality of the glycine complex influenced only the reaction rate. Thus, in the reactions of both the (S)-configured Ni(II) complex and the Michael acceptors, the reaction rates were exceptionally high, allowing preparation of the corresponding products with virtually quantitative (>98%) chemical and stereochemical yields. In contrast, reactions of the (S)-configured Ni(II) complex and (R)-configured Michael acceptors proceeded at noticeably lower rates, but the addition products were obtained in high diastereo- and enantiomeric purity. To rationalize the remarkably high and robust stereoselectivity observed in these reactions, we consider an enzyme-substrate-like mode of interaction involving a topographical match or mismatch of two geometric figures. Excellent chemical and stereochemical yields, combined with the simplicity and operational convenience of the experimental procedures, render the present method of immediate use for preparing various beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids and related compounds.

Putting Beta-Diversity on the Map: Broad-Scale Congruence and Coincidence in the Extremes

PubMed Central

McKnight, Meghan W; White, Peter S; McDonald, Robert I; Lamoreux, John F; Sechrest, Wes; Ridgely, Robert S; Stuart, Simon N

2007-01-01

Beta-diversity, the change in species composition between places, is a critical but poorly understood component of biological diversity. Patterns of beta-diversity provide information central to many ecological and evolutionary questions, as well as to conservation planning. Yet beta-diversity is rarely studied across large extents, and the degree of similarity of patterns among taxa at such scales remains untested. To our knowledge, this is the first broad-scale analysis of cross-taxon congruence in beta-diversity, and introduces a new method to map beta-diversity continuously across regions. Congruence between amphibian, bird, and mammal beta-diversity in the Western Hemisphere varies with both geographic location and spatial extent. We demonstrate that areas of high beta-diversity for the three taxa largely coincide, but areas of low beta-diversity exhibit little overlap. These findings suggest that similar processes lead to high levels of differentiation in amphibian, bird, and mammal assemblages, while the ecological and biogeographic factors influencing homogeneity in vertebrate assemblages vary. Knowledge of beta-diversity congruence can help formulate hypotheses about the mechanisms governing regional diversity patterns and should inform conservation, especially as threat from global climate change increases. PMID:17927449

Grape seed procyanidin extract modulates proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells.

PubMed

Cedó, Lídia; Castell-Auví, Anna; Pallarès, Victor; Blay, Mayte; Ardévol, Anna; Arola, Lluís; Pinent, Montserrat

2013-05-01

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) modulates glucose homeostasis and insulinemia in several animal models. Under pathological conditions, insulin levels are dependent on pancreatic beta-cell functionality, as well as on the beta-cell mass expansion or apoptosis in the pancreas. In this study, we analysed the effects of GSPE on modulating apoptosis and proliferation in beta-cells. We tested the effects of GSPE in the INS-1E pancreatic beta-cell line, either under basal or altered conditions with high glucose, insulin or palmitate levels. GSPE enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of high glucose and showed clear antiproliferative effects under high glucose, insulin and palmitate conditions. These antiproliferative effects are likely due to high molecular weight compounds contained in the extract. GSPE also modulated pro- and anti-apoptotic markers in the pancreas of rats fed a cafeteria diet, with the effect depending on the dose of GSPE and duration of treatment. Thus, GSPE is able to modulate apoptosis and proliferation of beta-cells under altered, but not basal, conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Beta Pictoris Phenomenon in A-Shell Stars: Detection of Accreting Gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, C. A.; Perez, Mario R.; Talavera, A.; McCollum, B.; Rawley, L. A.; England, M. N.; Schlegel, M.

1996-01-01

We present the results of an expanded survey of A-shell stars using IUE high-dispersion spectra and find accreting, circumstellar gas in the line of sight to nine stars, in addition to the previously identified beta Pic, HR 10, and 131 Tau, which can be followed to between +70 and 100 km/s relative to the star. Two of the program stars, HD 88195 and HD 148283, show variable high-velocity gas. Given the small number of IUE spectra for our program stars, detection of high-velocity, accreting gas in 2/3 of the A-shell stars sampled indicates that accretion is an intrinsic part of the A-shell phenomenon and that beta Pic is not unique among main-sequence A stars in exhibiting such activity. Our program stars, as a group, have smaller column densities of high-velocity gas and smaller near-IR excesses compared with beta Pic. These features are consistent with greater central clearing of a remnant debris disk, compared with beta Pic, and suggest that the majority of field A-shell stars are older than beta Pic.

Overview of HIT-SI Results and Plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ennis, D. A.; Akcay, C.; Hansen, C. J.; Hicks, N. K.; Hossack, A. C.; Jarboe, T. R.; Marklin, G. J.; Nelson, B. A.; Victor, B. S.

2011-10-01

Experiments in the Helicity Injected Torus-Steady Inductive (HIT-SI) device have achieved record spheromak current amplification during operations in deuterium plasmas. HIT-SI investigates steady inductive helicity injection with the aim of forming and sustaining a high-beta equilibrium in a spheromak geometry using two semi-toroidal injectors. Recent operations in deuterium plasmas have produced toroidal plasma currents greater than 50 kA, with current amplifications (Itor / Iinj) > 3 , and poloidal flux amplifications (ψpol /ψinj) > 10 . High performance deuterium discharges are achieved by initially conditioning the plasma-facing alumina surface of the HIT-SI confinement volume with helium plasmas. During subsequent deuterium operation the alumina surface strongly pumps deuterium, thereby limiting the density in the confinement volume. Additional measurements during high current deuterium discharges demonstrate reduced current and electron density fluctuations, impurity O III ion temperatures up to 50 eV and a toroidal current persistence for 0.6 ms after the injectors are shut off. Progress and plans for the HIT-SI3 configuration, with three injectors mounted on the same side of the confinement volume, will also be presented. Work supported by USDoE and ARRA.

Measurement of 0.511-MeV gamma rays with a balloon-borne Ge/Li/ spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ling, J. C.; Mahoney, W. A.; Willett, J. B.; Jacobson, A. S.

1977-01-01

A collimated high-resolution gamma ray spectrometer was flown on a balloon over Palestine, Texas, on June 10, 1974, to obtain measurements of the terrestrial and extraterrestrial 0.511-MeV gamma rays. The spectrometer consists of four 40-cu-cm Ge(Li) crystals operating in the energy range 0.06-10 MeV; this cluster of detectors is surrounded by a CsI(Na) anticoincidence shield. This system is used primarily to allow measurements of the two escape peaks associated with high-energy gamma ray lines. It also allows a measurement of the background component of the 0.511-MeV flux produced by beta(+) decays in materials inside the CsI(Na) shield. It is shown that the measurements of the atmospheric fluxes are consistent with earlier results after allowance is made for an additional component of the background due to beta(+) decays produced by neutron- and proton-initiated interactions with materials in and near the detector. Results of the extraterrestrial flux require an extensive detailed analysis of the time-varying background because of activation buildup and balloon spatial drifts.

PandaX-III: Searching for neutrinoless double beta decay with high pressure 136Xe gas time projection chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xun; Fu, ChangBo; Galan, Javier; Giboni, Karl; Giuliani, Franco; Gu, LingHui; Han, Ke; Ji, XiangDong; Lin, Heng; Liu, JiangLai; Ni, KaiXiang; Kusano, Hiroki; Ren, XiangXiang; Wang, ShaoBo; Yang, Yong; Zhang, Dan; Zhang, Tao; Zhao, Li; Sun, XiangMing; Hu, ShouYang; Jian, SiYu; Li, XingLong; Li, XiaoMei; Liang, Hao; Zhang, HuanQiao; Zhao, MingRui; Zhou, Jing; Mao, YaJun; Qiao, Hao; Wang, SiGuang; Yuan, Ying; Wang, Meng; Khan, Amir N.; Raper, Neill; Tang, Jian; Wang, Wei; Dong, JiaNing; Feng, ChangQing; Li, Cheng; Liu, JianBei; Liu, ShuBin; Wang, XiaoLian; Zhu, DanYang; Castel, Juan F.; Cebrián, Susana; Dafni, Theopisti; Garza, Javier G.; Irastorza, Igor G.; Iguaz, Francisco J.; Luzón, Gloria; Mirallas, Hector; Aune, Stephan; Berthoumieux, Eric; Bedfer, Yann; Calvet, Denis; d'Hose, Nicole; Delbart, Alain; Diakaki, Maria; Ferrer-Ribas, Esther; Ferrero, Andrea; Kunne, Fabienne; Neyret, Damien; Papaevangelou, Thomas; Sabatié, Franck; Vanderbroucke, Maxence; Tan, AnDi; Haxton, Wick; Mei, Yuan; Kobdaj, Chinorat; Yan, Yu-Peng

2017-06-01

Searching for the neutrinoless double beta decay (NLDBD) is now regarded as the topmost promising technique to explore the nature of neutrinos after the discovery of neutrino masses in oscillation experiments. PandaX-III (particle and astrophysical xenon experiment III) will search for the NLDBD of 136Xe at the China Jin Ping Underground Laboratory (CJPL). In the first phase of the experiment, a high pressure gas Time Projection Chamber (TPC) will contain 200 kg, 90% 136Xe enriched gas operated at 10 bar. Fine pitch micro-pattern gas detector (Microbulk Micromegas) will be used at both ends of the TPC for the charge readout with a cathode in the middle. Charge signals can be used to reconstruct the electron tracks of the NLDBD events and provide good energy and spatial resolution. The detector will be immersed in a large water tank to ensure 5 m of water shielding in all directions. The second phase, a ton-scale experiment, will consist of five TPCs in the same water tank, with improved energy resolution and better control over backgrounds.

Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane-Assisted Fabrication of beta-In(2)S(3) Nanowires.

PubMed

Shi, Jen-Bin; Chen, Chih-Jung; Lin, Ya-Ting; Hsu, Wen-Chia; Chen, Yu-Cheng; Wu, Po-Feng

2009-06-06

In this study, beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires were first synthesized by sulfurizing the pure Indium (In) nanowires in an AAO membrane. As FE-SEM results, beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires are highly ordered, arranged tightly corresponding to the high porosity of the AAO membrane used. The diameter of the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires is about 60 nm with the length of about 6-8 mum. Moreover, the aspect ratio of beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires is up to 117. An EDS analysis revealed the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires with an atomic ratio of nearly S/In = 1.5. X-ray diffraction and corresponding selected area electron diffraction patterns demonstrated that the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowire is tetragonal polycrystalline. The direct band gap energy (E(g)) is 2.40 eV from the optical measurement, and it is reasonable with literature.

beta-Endorphin-induced analgesia is inhibited by synthetic analogs of beta-endorphin.

PubMed Central

Nicolas, P; Hammonds, R G; Li, C H

1984-01-01

Competitive antagonism of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP)-induced analgesia by synthetic beta h-EP analogs with high in vitro opiate receptor binding to in vivo analgesic potency ratio has been demonstrated. A parallel shift of the dose-response curve for analgesia to the right was observed when either beta h-EP or [ Trp27 ] -beta h-EP was coinjected with various doses of [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, or [ Cys11 ,26, Phe27 , Gly31 ]-beta h-EP. It was estimated that the most potent antagonist, [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, is at least 200 times more potent than naloxone. PMID:6328494

The role of interpretation processes and parental discussion in the media's effects on adolescents' use of alcohol.

PubMed

Austin, E W; Pinkleton, B E; Fujioka, Y

2000-02-01

The process that connects media use with alcohol-related beliefs and behaviors has not been well documented. To address this issue, we examined adolescents' viewing patterns, beliefs about alcohol and media messages, and parental discussion of media messages in the context of a theoretical model of message interpretation processes. Measures included the degree to which adolescents found portrayals desirable, realistic, and similar to their own lives; the degree to which they wanted to be like (identify with) the portrayals; and the degree to which they associated positive outcomes with drinking alcohol (expectancies). Cross-sectional survey. Two public high schools in the California central coastal area that include a diverse population in terms of ethnic origin, income level, and education level. Ninth-grade students (n = 252) and 12th-grade students (n = 326). Students reported the number of days within the past week watching various genres of television content, along with perceptions of realism of content, desirability of portrayals, identification with portrayals, expectancies toward alcohol use, personal norms for alcohol use, desire for products with alcohol logos, current alcohol use, frequency of parental reinforcement, and counter-reinforcement of television messages. Associations were examined via hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Effects of media exposure on drinking behavior, controlling for grade level, ethnicity, gender, household income, and education levels were primarily positive and indirect, operating through a number of intervening beliefs, especially expectancies (beta =.59; r(2) =.33). Direct associations, primarily with exposure to late-night talk shows (beta =.12; r(2) =.01), were small. Parental discussion also affected behavior indirectly, operating through expectancies, identification, and perceived realism. The appeal of products with alcohol logos, which was higher among the younger students (t = 3.44) and predicted by expectancies (beta =. 37; r(2) =.13), sports viewing (beta =.17; r(2) =.03) and late-night talk shows (beta =.10; r(2) =.01), predicted actual drinking behavior (beta =.22; r(2) =.04). Drinking behavior was higher among the older students (t = -2.515). Adolescents make drinking decisions using a progressive, logical decision-making process that can be overwhelmed by wishful thinking. The potential risk of frequent exposure to persuasive alcohol portrayals via late-night talk shows, sports, music videos, and prime-time television for underage drinking is moderated by parental reinforcement and counter-reinforcement of messages. Interventions need to acknowledge and counter the appeal of desirable and seemingly realistic alcohol portrayals in the media and alert parents to their potential for unintended adverse effects.

Modeling of Steady-state Scenarios for the Fusion Nuclear Science Facility, Advanced Tokamak Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalo, A. M.; Chan, V. S.; Prater, R.; Smith, S. P.; St. John, H. E.; Meneghini, O.

2013-10-01

A Fusion National Science Facility (FNSF) would complement ITER in addressing the community identified science and technology gaps to a commercially attractive DEMO, including breeding tritium and completing the fuel cycle, qualifying nuclear materials for high fluence, developing suitable materials for the plasma-boundary interface, and demonstrating power extraction. Steady-state plasma operation is highly desirable to address the requirements for fusion nuclear technology testing [1]. The Advanced Tokamak (AT) is a strong candidate for an FNSF as a consequence of its mature physics base, capability to address the key issues with a more compact device, and the direct relevance to an attractive target power plant. Key features of AT are fully noninductive current drive, strong plasma cross section shaping, internal profiles consistent with high bootstrap fraction, and operation at high beta, typically above the free boundary limit, βN > 3 . Work supported by GA IR&D funding, DE-FC02-04ER54698, and DE-FG02-95ER43309.

Activation of Beta-Catenin Signaling in Androgen Receptor–Negative Prostate Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Wan, Xinhai; Liu, Jie; Lu, Jing-Fang; Tzelepi, Vassiliki; Yang, Jun; Starbuck, Michael W.; Diao, Lixia; Wang, Jing; Efstathiou, Eleni; Vazquez, Elba S.; Troncoso, Patricia; Maity, Sankar N.; Navone, Nora M.

2012-01-01

Purpose To study Wnt/beta-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and understand its function independently of the beta-catenin–androgen receptor (AR) interaction. Experimental Design We performed beta-catenin immunocytochemical analysis, evaluated TOP-flash reporter activity (a reporter of beta-catenin–mediated transcription), and sequenced the beta-catenin gene in MDA PCa 118a, MDA PCa 118b, MDA PCa 2b, and PC-3 prostate cancer (PCa) cells. We knocked down beta-catenin in AR-negative MDA PCa 118b cells and performed comparative gene-array analysis. We also immunohistochemically analyzed beta-catenin and AR in 27 bone metastases of human CRPCs. Results Beta-catenin nuclear accumulation and TOP-flash reporter activity were high in MDA PCa 118b but not in MDA PCa 2b or PC-3 cells. MDA PCa 118a and 118b cells carry a mutated beta-catenin at codon 32 (D32G). Ten genes were expressed differently (false discovery rate, 0.05) in MDA PCa 118b cells with downregulated beta-catenin. One such gene, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), synthesizes hyaluronan, a core component of the extracellular matrix. We confirmed HAS2 upregulation in PC-3 cells transfected with D32G-mutant beta-catenin. Finally, we found nuclear localization of beta-catenin in 10 of 27 human tissue specimens; this localization was inversely associated with AR expression (P = 0.056, Fisher’s exact test), suggesting that reduced AR expression enables Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Conclusion We identified a previously unknown downstream target of beta-catenin, HAS2, in PCa, and found that high beta-catenin nuclear localization and low or no AR expression may define a subpopulation of men with bone-metastatic PCa. These findings may guide physicians in managing these patients. PMID:22298898

C-14 beta converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurskaya, A. V.; Dolgopolov, M. V.; Chepurnov, V. I.

2017-11-01

The study discusses the prospects for the development of low-voltage power supply sources. Beta isotope sources present great advantages for autonomous uninterrupted operation of remote devices, which gives an impulse to rapid development of betavoltaics. Silicon carbide homo- and hetero-structures serve as the isotope-based energy converters. We propose a new technology for isotope-based converter fabrication using silicon carbide and carbon-14 heterostructure as the active substance.

The ionic track in the F1-ATPase from the thermophilic Bacillus PS3.

PubMed

Bandyopadhyay, Sanjay; Allison, William S

2004-03-09

Only beta-beta cross-links form when the alpha(3)(betaE(395)C)(3)gammaK(36)C (MF(1) residue numbers) double mutant subcomplex of TF(1), the F(1)-ATPase from the thermophilic Bacillus PS3, is slowly inactivated with CuCl(2) in the presence or absence of MgATP. The same slow rate of inactivation and extent of beta-beta cross-linking occur upon treatment of the alpha(3)(betaE(395)C)(3)gamma single mutant subcomplex with CuCl(2) under the same conditions. In contrast, the alpha(3)(betaE(395)C)(3)gammaR(33)C and alpha(3)(betaE(395)C)(3)gammaR(75)C double mutant subcomplexes of TF(1) are rapidly inactivated by CuCl(2) under the same conditions that is accompanied by complete beta-gamma cross-linking. The ATPase activity of each mutant enzyme containing the betaE(395)C substitution is stimulated to a much greater extent by the nonionic detergent lauryldimethylamine oxide (LDAO) than wild-type enzyme, whereas the ATPase activities of the gammaR(33)C, gammaK(36)C, and gammaR(75)C single mutants are stimulated to about the same extent as wild-type enzyme by LDAO. This indicates that the E(395)C substitution in the (394)DELSEED(400) segment of beta subunits increases propensity of the enzyme to entrap inhibitory MgADP in a catalytic site during turnover. These results are discussed in perspective with (i) the ionic track predicted from molecular dynamics simulations to operate during energy-driven ATP synthesis by MF(1), the F(1)-ATPase from bovine heart mitochondria [Ma, J., Flynn, T. C., Cui, Q., Leslie, A. G. W., Walker, J. E., and Karplus, M. (2002) Structure 10, 921-931]; and (ii) the possibility that the betaE(395)C substitution might induce a global effect that alters affinity of noncatalytic sites for nucleotides or alters communication between noncatalytic sites and catalytic sites during ATP hydrolysis.

Selective, high-energy beta scintillation sensor for real-time, in situ characterization of uranium-238 and strontium-90

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schilk, A. J.; Abel, K. H.; Brown, D. P.; Thompson, R. C.; Knopf, M. A.; Hubbard, C. W.

1994-04-01

A novel scintillating-fiber sensor for detecting high-energy beta particles has been designed and built at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory to characterize U-238 and Sr-90 in surface soils. High-energy betas generate unique signals as they pass through multiple layers of scintillating fibers that make up the active region of the detector. Lower-energy beta particles, gamma rays, and cosmic-ray-generated particles comprise the majority of the background interferences. The resulting signals produced by these latter phenomena are effectively discriminated against due to the combination of the sensor's multilayer configuration and its interlayer coincidence/anticoincidence circuitry.

[Noopept improves the spatial memory and stimulates prefibrillar beta-amyloid(25-35) antibody production in mice].

PubMed

Bobkova, N V; Gruden', M A; Samokhin, A N; Medvinskaia, N I; Morozova-Roch, L; Uudasheva, T A; Ostrovskaia, R U; Seredinin, S B

2005-01-01

The effects of the novel proline-containing nootropic and neuroprotective dipeptide noopept (GVS-111, N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) were studied on NMRI mice upon olfactory bulbectomy, which had been previously shown to imitate the main morphological and biochemical signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The spatial memory was assessed using the Morris (water maze) test; the immunological status was characterized by ELISA with antibodies to prefibrillar beta-amyloid(25-35), S100b protein, and protofilaments of equine lysozyme, which are the molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of AD. The control (sham-operated) animals during the Morris test preferred a sector where the safety platform was placed during the learning session. Bulbectomized animals treated with saline failed to recognize this sector, while bulbectomized animals treated with noopept (0.01 mg/kg for 21 days) restored this predominance, thus demonstrating the improvement of the spatial memory. These animals also demonstrated an increase in the level of antibodies to beta-amyloid(25-35)--the effect, which was more pronounced in the sham-operated than in bulbectomized mice. The latter demonstrated a profound decrease of immunological reactivity in a large number of tests. Noopept, stimulating the production of antibodies to beta-amyloid(25-35), can attenuate the well-known neurotoxic effects of beta-amyloid. The obtained data on the mnemotropic and immunostimulant effects noopept are indicative of good prospects for the clinical usage of this drug in the therapy of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Practice advisory: The utility of EEG theta/beta power ratio in ADHD diagnosis

PubMed Central

Gloss, David; Varma, Jay K.; Pringsheim, Tamara; Nuwer, Marc R.

2016-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for EEG theta/beta power ratio for diagnosing, or helping to diagnose, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: We identified relevant studies and classified them using American Academy of Neurology criteria. Results: Two Class I studies assessing the ability of EEG theta/beta power ratio and EEG frontal beta power to identify patients with ADHD correctly identified 166 of 185 participants. Both studies evaluated theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power in suspected ADHD or in syndromes typically included in an ADHD differential diagnosis. A bivariate model combining the diagnostic studies shows that the combination of EEG frontal beta power and theta/beta power ratio has relatively high sensitivity and specificity but is insufficiently accurate. Conclusions: It is unknown whether a combination of standard clinical examination and EEG theta/beta power ratio increases diagnostic certainty of ADHD compared with clinical examination alone. Recommendations: Level B: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the combination of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power should not replace a standard clinical evaluation. There is a risk for significant harm to patients from ADHD misdiagnosis because of the unacceptably high false-positive diagnostic rate of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power. Level R: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the EEG theta/beta power ratio should not be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or to support further testing after a clinical evaluation, unless such diagnostic assessments occur in a research setting. PMID:27760867

Protective effects of melittin on transforming growth factor-{beta}1 injury to hepatocytes via anti-apoptotic mechanism

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

Lee, Woo-Ram; Park, Ji-Hyun; Kim, Kyung-Hyun

Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Melittin has multiple effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, in various cell types. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin have not been fully elucidated in hepatocytes. Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and other liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytesmore » were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 {mu}g/mL) and high dose (2 {mu}g/mL) of melittin. The low doses significantly protected these cells from DNA damage in TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptosis compared to the high dose. Also, melittin suppressed TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These results demonstrate that TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis and that an optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against TGF-{beta}1-induced injury to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that an optimal dose of melittin can serve to protect cells against TGF-{beta}1-mediated injury. - Highlights: > We investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on TGF-{beta}1-induced hepatocyte. > TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis. > TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses and high dose of melittin. > Optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects to hepatocytes.« less

Determination of pharmacological levels of harmane, harmine and harmaline in mammalian brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection.

PubMed

Moncrieff, J

1989-11-24

Increased blood aldehyde levels, as occur in alcohol intoxication, could lead to the formation of beta-carbolines such as harmane by condensation with indoleamines. Endogenous beta-carbolines, therefore, should occur in specific brain areas where indoleamine concentrations are high, whilst exogenous beta-carbolines should exhibit an even distribution. The author presents direct and sensitive methods for assaying the beta-carbolines harmane, harmine and harmaline in brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma at picogram sample concentrations using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection and minimal sample preparation. Using these assay methods, it was found that the distribution of beta-carbolines from a source exogenous to the brain results in a relatively even distribution within the brain tissue.

Determination of the efficiency of commercially available dose calibrators for beta-emitters.

PubMed

Valley, Jean-François; Bulling, Shelley; Leresche, Michel; Wastiel, Claude

2003-03-01

The goals of this investigation are to determine whether commercially available dose calibrators can be used to measure the activity of beta-emitting radionuclides used in pain palliation and to establish whether manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are appropriate for this purpose. Six types of commercially available dose calibrators were studied. Dose calibrator response was controlled for 5 gamma-emitters used for calibration or typically encountered in routine use. For the 4 most commonly used beta-emitters ((32)P, (90)Sr, (90)Y, and (169)Er) dose calibrator efficiency was determined in the syringe geometry used for clinical applications. Efficiency of the calibrators was also measured for (153)Sm and (186)Re, 2 beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions. Source activities were traceable to national standards. All calibrators measured gamma-emitters with a precision of +/-10%, in compliance with Swiss regulatory requirements. For beta-emitters, dose calibrator intrinsic efficiency depends strongly on the maximal energy of the beta-spectrum and is notably low for (169)Er. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors give accurate results for beta-emitters with maximal beta-energy in the middle-energy range (1 MeV) but are not appropriate for use with low-energy ((169)Er) or high-energy ((90)Y) beta-emitters. beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions behave like gamma-emitters. Commercially available dose calibrators have an intrinsic efficiency that is sufficient for the measurement of beta-emitters, including beta-emitters with a low maximum beta-energy. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are reliable for gamma-emitters and beta-emitters in the middle-energy range. For low- and high-energy beta-emitters, the use of manufacturer-supplied calibration factors introduces significant measurement inaccuracy.

beta2-Microglobulin production by highly purified human T and B lymphocytes in cell culture stimulated with various mitogens.

PubMed

Kin, K; Kasahara, T; Itoh, Y; Sakurabayashi, I; Kawai, T; Morita, M

1979-01-01

This study attempts to evaluate beta2-microglobulin production by highly purified (greater than 98%) peripheral and tonsil T and B lymphocytes cultured with various mitogens. beta2-Microglobulin was measured by the radioimmunoassay method. It was found that PHA and Con A markedly stimulated beta2-microglobulin production in cultures of T but not B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes were greatly activated, on the other hand, by Staphylococcus aureau Cowan I organisms cSpA), though the level of beta2-microglobulin production was less than that observed in PHA- and Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes. PWM only slightly increased beta2-microglobulin production of T lymphocytes, although the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine was highly enhanced. The highest level of beta2-microglobulin obtained with PHA or Con A was observed when the T/B lymphocyte ratio was between 90/10 and 80/20. These results lead to the conclusion that: (1) SpA is a specific mitogen for B lymphocytes, and its mitogenicity is independent of the presence of T lymphocytes, while PHA, Con A, and PWM are ineffective as stimulants of B lymphocytes; (2) the beta2-microglobulin producing ability of B lymphocytes is less than that of T lymphocytes, even when the lymphocytes are markedly activated; (3) the beta2-microglobulin production and DNA synthesis by T lymphocytes is markedly enhanced by the helper effect of B lymphocytes; (4) the level of beta2-microglobulin production reflects lymphocyte activation, especially in T lymphocytes stimulated with PHA or Con A.

Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance.

PubMed

Artioli, Guilherme Giannini; Gualano, Bruno; Smith, Abbie; Stout, Jeffrey; Lancha, Antonio Herbert

2010-06-01

In this narrative review, we present and discuss the current knowledge available on carnosine and beta-alanine metabolism as well as the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on exercise performance. Intramuscular acidosis has been attributed to be one of the main causes of fatigue during intense exercise. Carnosine has been shown to play a significant role in muscle pH regulation. Carnosine is synthesized in skeletal muscle from the amino acids l-histidine and beta-alanine. The rate-limiting factor of carnosine synthesis is beta-alanine availability. Supplementation with beta-alanine has been shown to increase muscle carnosine content and therefore total muscle buffer capacity, with the potential to elicit improvements in physical performance during high-intensity exercise. Studies on beta-alanine supplementation and exercise performance have demonstrated improvements in performance during multiple bouts of high-intensity exercise and in single bouts of exercise lasting more than 60 s. Similarly, beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. Although beta-alanine does not improve maximal strength or VO2max, some aspects of endurance performance, such as anaerobic threshold and time to exhaustion, can be enhanced. Symptoms of paresthesia may be observed if a single dose higher than 800 mg is ingested. The symptoms, however, are transient and related to the increase in plasma concentration. They can be prevented by using controlled release capsules and smaller dosing strategies. No important side effect was related to the use of this amino acid so far. In conclusion, beta-alanine supplementation seems to be a safe nutritional strategy capable of improving high-intensity anaerobic performance.

Commissioning and operation of the horizontal test apparatus at SNS

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

Kim, Sang-Ho; Neustadt, Thomas S.; Howell, Matthew P.

2015-07-01

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) has built, commissioned and operated a Horizontal Test Apparatus (HTA) vessel in the Radiofrequency Test Facility (RFTF) test cave. It can be operated at 4.5 K using the independent Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF). The HTA is designed to be a single cavity version of an SNS cryomodule with the ability to demount and replace the cavity. It provides the functionality for testing a single dressed SNS medium or high beta Superconducting Radiofrequency (SRF) cavity. The HTA is currently being used in support of R&D for in-situ plasma processing ofmore » the cavity's inner niobium surface. The design and commissioning of the HTA at 4.5 K will be presented as well as results from operating the HTA including cool-down, warm-up and steady state operations. Results from plasma processing a warm SCRF cavity in-between cold HTA tests will also be reported.« less

17betaE2 promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by decreasing PTEN via NFkappaB-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Zhang, Hui; Zhao, Xingbo; Liu, Shu; Li, Jijun; Wen, Zeqing; Li, Mingjiang

2010-04-12

The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss in endometriosis. We found that aberrant PTEN expression and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/ERK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKt, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) signaling overactivities coexisted in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol rapidly activated the 3 pathways in endometriotic cells and specific inhibitions on the 3 pathways respectively blocked 17beta-estradiol-induced cell proliferation. 17beta-estradiol suppressed PTEN transcription and expression in endometriotic cells which was abolished by specific NFkappaB inhibition. Total/nuclear PTEN-loss and MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKt, and NFkappaB signal overactivities coexist in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol can promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by activating PI3K/AKt pathway via an NFkappaB/PTEN-dependent pathway. For the first time we propose the possibility of the presence of a positive feedback-loop: 17beta-estradiol-->high NFkappaB-->low PTEN-->high PI3K-->high NFkappaB, in endometriosis, which may finally promote the proliferation of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells and in turn contributes to the progression of the disease.

High voltage testing for the Majorana Demonstrator

DOE PAGES

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, III, F. T.; ...

2016-04-04

The Majorana Collaboration is constructing the Majorana Demonstrator, an ultra-low background, 44-kg modular high-purity Ge (HPGe) detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The phenomenon of surface micro-discharge induced by high-voltage has been studied in the context of the Majorana Demonstrator. This effect can damage the front-end electronics or mimic detector signals. To ensure the correct performance, every high-voltage cable and feedthrough must be capable of supplying HPGe detector operating voltages as high as 5 kV without exhibiting discharge. R&D measurements were carried out to understand the testing system and determine the optimum design configuration of themore » high-voltage path, including different improvements of the cable layout and feedthrough flange model selection. Every cable and feedthrough to be used at the Majorana Demonstrator was characterized and the micro-discharge effects during the Majorana Demonstrator commissioning phase were studied. Furthermore, a stable configuration has been achieved, and the cables and connectors can supply HPGe detector operating voltages without exhibiting discharge.« less

High voltage testing for the Majorana Demonstrator

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

Abgrall, N.; Arnquist, Isaac J.; Avignone, F. T.

2016-07-01

The Majorana Collaboration is constructing theMajorana Demonstrator, an ultra-low background, 44-kg modular high-purity Ge (HPGe) detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The phenomenon of surface micro-discharge induced by high-voltage has been studied in the context of theMajorana Demonstrator. This effect can damage the front-end electronics or mimic detector signals. To ensure the correct performance, every high-voltage cable and feedthrough must be capable of supplying HPGe detector operating voltages as high as 5 kV without exhibiting discharge. R&D measurements were carried out to understand the testing system and determine the optimum design configuration of the high-voltage path,more » including different improvements of the cable layout and feedthrough flange model selection. Every cable and feedthrough to be used at the Majorana Demonstrator was characterized and the micro-discharge effects during theMajorana Demonstrator commissioning phase were studied. A stable configuration has been achieved, and the cables and connectors can supply HPGe detector operating voltages without exhibiting discharge.« less

Cloning and characterization of a DNA polymerase beta gene from Trypanosoma cruzi.

PubMed

Venegas, Juan A; Aslund, Lena; Solari, Aldo

2009-06-01

A gene coding for a DNA polymerase beta from the Trypanosoma cruzi Miranda clone, belonging to the TcI lineage, was cloned (Miranda Tcpol beta), using the information from eight peptides of the T. cruzi beta-like DNA polymerase purified previously. The gene encodes for a protein of 403 amino acids which is very similar to the two T. cruzi CL Brener (TcIIe lineage) sequences published, but has three different residues in highly conserved segments. At the amino acid level, the identity of TcI-pol beta with mitochondrial pol beta and pol beta-PAK from other trypanosomatids was between 68-80% and 22-30%, respectively. Miranda Tc-pol beta protein has an N-terminal sequence similar to that described in the mitochondrial Crithidia fasciculata pol beta, which suggests that the TcI-pol beta plays a role in the organelle. Northern and Western analyses showed that this T. cruzi gene is highly expressed both in proliferative and non-proliferative developmental forms. These results suggest that, in addition to replication of kDNA in proliferative cells, this enzyme may have another function in non-proliferative cells, such as DNA repair role similar to that which has extensively been described in a vast spectrum of eukaryotic cells.

Persistent suppression of subthalamic beta-band activity during rhythmic finger tapping in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Joundi, Raed A; Brittain, John-Stuart; Green, Alex L; Aziz, Tipu Z; Brown, Peter; Jenkinson, Ned

2013-03-01

The function of synchronous oscillatory activity at beta band (15-30Hz) frequencies within the basal ganglia is unclear. Here we sought support for the hypothesis that beta activity has a global function within the basal ganglia and is not directly involved in the coding of specific biomechanical parameters of movement. We recorded local field potential activity from the subthalamic nuclei of 11 patients with Parkinson's disease during a synchronized tapping task at three different externally cued rates. Beta activity was suppressed during tapping, reaching a minimum that differed little across the different tapping rates despite an increase in velocity of finger movements. Thus beta power suppression was independent of specific motor parameters. Moreover, although beta oscillations remained suppressed during all tapping rates, periods of resynchronization between taps were markedly attenuated during high rate tapping. As such, a beta rebound above baseline between taps at the lower rates was absent at the high rate. Our results demonstrate that beta desynchronization in the region of the subthalamic nucleus is independent of motor parameters and that the beta resynchronization is differentially modulated by rate of finger tapping, These findings implicate consistent beta suppression in the facilitation of continuous movement sequences. Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Constitution of pseudobinary hypoeutectic beta-NiAl + alpha-V alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cotton, J. D.; Kaufman, M. J.; Noebe, R. D.

1991-01-01

The formation of pseudobinary eutectics between NiAl (beta) and V (alpha) at high temperatures was investigated as a possible way of improving the ductility and toughness of the alloy. It is found that a pseudobinary eutectic, characterized by a large beta+alpha field, is formed in the Ni-Al-V ternary system below about 1370 C. The high-temperature solubility of V in beta is about 14 percent, decreasing markedly with decreasing temperature and increasing Al content above 50 at. pct Al. The pseudobinary hypoeutectic exibits crack resistance under indentation loading.

Comparative molecular field analysis of fenoterol derivatives: A platform towards highly selective and effective beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists.

PubMed

Jozwiak, Krzysztof; Woo, Anthony Yiu-Ho; Tanga, Mary J; Toll, Lawrence; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph A; Plazinska, Anita; Xiao, Rui-Ping; Wainer, Irving W

2010-01-15

To use a previously developed CoMFA model to design a series of new structures of high selectivity and efficacy towards the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor. Out of 21 computationally designed structures 6 compounds were synthesized and characterized for beta(2)-AR binding affinities, subtype selectivities and functional activities. the best compound is (R,R)-4-methoxy-1-naphthylfelnoterol with K(i)beta(2)-AR=0.28microm, K(i)beta(1)-AR/K(i)beta(2)-AR=573, EC(50cAMP)=3.9nm, EC(50cardio)=16nm. The CoMFA model appears to be an effective predictor of the cardiomocyte contractility of the studied compounds which are targeted for use in congestive heart failure. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transportation fuel production by combination of LDPE thermal cracking and catalytic hydroreforming.

PubMed

Escola, J M; Aguado, J; Serrano, D P; Briones, L

2014-11-01

Fuel production from plastics is a promising way to reduce landfilling rates while obtaining valuable products. The usage of Ni-supported hierarchical Beta zeolite (h-Beta) for the hydroreforming of the oils coming from LDPE thermal cracking has proved to produce high selectivities to gasoline and diesel fuels (>80%). In the present work, the effect of the Ni loading on Ni/h-Beta is investigated in the hydroreforming of the oils form LDPE thermal cracking. h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate, calcined and reduced in H2 up to 550°C to achieve different Ni contents: 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. Hydroreforming tests were carried out in autoclave reactor at 310°C, under 20 bar H2, for 45 min. Ni content progressively increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions, while gasoline remained approximately constant about 52-54%. Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. High cetane indices (71-86) and octane numbers (89-91) were obtained over all the catalysts. Regarding the different studied Ni contents, Ni 7%/h-Beta constitutes a rather promising catalyst for obtaining high quality fuels from LDPE thermal cracking oils. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of cyclodextrin complexation on the aqueous solubility and solubility/dose ratio of praziquantel.

PubMed

Maragos, Stratos; Archontaki, Helen; Macheras, Panos; Valsami, Georgia

2009-01-01

Praziquantel (PZQ), the primary drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, is a highly lipophilic drug that possesses high permeability and low aqueous solubility and is, therefore, classified as a Class II drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). In this work, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) were used in order to determine whether increasing the aqueous solubility of a drug by complexation with CDs, a BCS-Class II compound like PZQ could behave as BCS-Class I (highly soluble/highly permeable) drug. Phase solubility and the kneading and lyophilization techniques were used for inclusion complex preparation; solubility was determined by UV spectroscopy. The ability of the water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) to increase the complexation and solubilization efficiency of beta-CD and HP-beta-CD for PZQ was examined. Results showed significant improvement of PZQ solubility in the presence of both cyclodextrins but no additional effect in the presence of PVP. The solubility/dose ratios values of PZQ-cyclodextrin complexes calculated considering the low (150 mg) and the high dose (600 mg) of PZQ, used in practice, indicate that PZQ complexation with CDs may result in drug dosage forms that would behave as a BCS-Class I depending on the administered dose.

Expression of beta-expansins is correlated with internodal elongation in deepwater rice.

PubMed

Lee, Y; Kende, H

2001-10-01

Fourteen putative rice (Oryza sativa) beta-expansin genes, Os-EXPB1 through Os-EXPB14, were identified in the expressed sequence tag and genomic databases. The DNA and deduced amino acid sequences are highly conserved in all 14 beta-expansins. They have a series of conserved C (cysteine) residues in the N-terminal half of the protein, an HFD (histidine-phenylalanine-aspartate) motif in the central region, and a series of W (tryptophan) residues near the carboxyl terminus. Five beta-expansin genes are expressed in deepwater rice internodes, with especially high transcript levels in the growing region. Expression of four beta-expansin genes in the internode was induced by treatment with gibberellin and by wounding. The wound response resulted from excising stem sections or from piercing pinholes into the stem of intact plants. The level of wound-induced beta-expansin transcripts declined rapidly 5 h after cutting of stem sections. We conclude that the expression of beta-expansin genes is correlated with rapid elongation of deepwater rice internodes, it is induced by gibberellin and wounding, and wound-induced beta-expansin mRNA appears to turn over rapidly.

Rapid model building of beta-sheets in electron-density maps.

PubMed

Terwilliger, Thomas C

2010-03-01

A method for rapidly building beta-sheets into electron-density maps is presented. beta-Strands are identified as tubes of high density adjacent to and nearly parallel to other tubes of density. The alignment and direction of each strand are identified from the pattern of high density corresponding to carbonyl and C(beta) atoms along the strand averaged over all repeats present in the strand. The beta-strands obtained are then assembled into a single atomic model of the beta-sheet regions. The method was tested on a set of 42 experimental electron-density maps at resolutions ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 A. The beta-sheet regions were nearly completely built in all but two cases, the exceptions being one structure at 2.5 A resolution in which a third of the residues in beta-sheets were built and a structure at 3.8 A in which under 10% were built. The overall average r.m.s.d. of main-chain atoms in the residues built using this method compared with refined models of the structures was 1.5 A.

Enhanced rectal absorption and reduced local irritation of the anti-inflammatory drug ethyl 4-biphenylylacetate in rats by complexation with water-soluble beta-cyclodextrin derivatives and formulation as oleaginous suppository.

PubMed

Arima, H; Kondo, T; Irie, T; Uekama, K

1992-11-01

To improve the rectal delivery of ethyl 4-biphenylylacetate (EBA), a prodrug of the anti-inflammatory drug 4-biphenylylacetic acid (BPAA), the use of highly water-soluble 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CyD) was investigated and compared with the use of the parent beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD). Among the three beta-CyDs, HP-beta-CyD was best at improving the rectal bioavailability of EBA in rats after single and multiple administrations of oleaginous suppositories (Witepsol H-5) containing the complexes. To gain insight into the enhancing effect of beta-CyDs, the absorption behaviors of EBA (observed by monitoring BPAA as an active metabolite of EBA) and beta-CyDs themselves were examined in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. The in situ recirculation study revealed that the complexed form of EBA was less absorbable from the rectal lumen in the solution state, but this disadvantageous effect of beta-CyDs was compensated in part by the inhibition of the bioconversion of EBA to BPAA. When beta-CyDs were coadministered with EBA in vivo, however, rather high amounts of HP-beta-CyD (approximately 26% of dose) and DM-beta-CyD (approximately 21% of dose), compared with beta-CyD (approximately 5% of dose), were absorbed from the rat rectum. Thus, the enhancement of rectal absorption of EBA in vivo can be explained by the facts that the hydrophilic beta-CyDs increased the release rate of EBA from the vehicle and stabilized EBA in the rectal lumen and that the drug was partly absorbed in the form of the complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

SEQUENTIAL RADIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS FOR RUTHENIUM, STRONTIUM AND CESIUM IN ENVIRONMENTAL AIR

EPA Science Inventory

In routine surveillance operations, the radionuclide measurement of air discharged from an operating nuclear facility involves the entrainment of radionuclides on selective filter or absorptive media, and the determination of their gross beta activity. However, a more sensitive t...

Extending the physics basis of quiescent H-mode toward ITER relevant parameters

DOE PAGES

Solomon, W. M.; Burrell, K. H.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; ...

2015-06-26

Recent experiments on DIII-D have addressed several long-standing issues needed to establish quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) as a viable operating scenario for ITER. In the past, QH-mode was associated with low density operation, but has now been extended to high normalized densities compatible with operation envisioned for ITER. Through the use of strong shaping, QH-mode plasmas have been maintained at high densities, both absolute (more » $$\\bar{n}$$ e ≈ 7 × 10 19 m ₋3) and normalized Greenwald fraction ($$\\bar{n}$$ e/n G > 0.7). In these plasmas, the pedestal can evolve to very high pressure and edge current as the density is increased. High density QH-mode operation with strong shaping has allowed access to a previously predicted regime of very high pedestal dubbed “Super H-mode”. Calculations of the pedestal height and width from the EPED model are quantitatively consistent with the experimentally observed density evolution. The confirmation of the shape dependence of the maximum density threshold for QH-mode helps validate the underlying theoretical model of peeling- ballooning modes for ELM stability. In general, QH-mode is found to achieve ELM- stable operation while maintaining adequate impurity exhaust, due to the enhanced impurity transport from an edge harmonic oscillation, thought to be a saturated kink- peeling mode driven by rotation shear. In addition, the impurity confinement time is not affected by rotation, even though the energy confinement time and measured E×B shear are observed to increase at low toroidal rotation. Together with demonstrations of high beta, high confinement and low q 95 for many energy confinement times, these results suggest QH-mode as a potentially attractive operating scenario for the ITER Q=10 mission.« less

Daclizumab in active relapsing multiple sclerosis (CHOICE study): a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, add-on trial with interferon beta.

PubMed

Wynn, Daniel; Kaufman, Michael; Montalban, Xavier; Vollmer, Timothy; Simon, Jack; Elkins, Jacob; O'Neill, Gilmore; Neyer, Lauri; Sheridan, James; Wang, Chungchi; Fong, Alice; Rose, John W

2010-04-01

Daclizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody, reduced multiple sclerosis disease activity in previous non-randomised studies. We aimed to assess whether daclizumab reduces disease activity in patients with active relapsing multiple sclerosis who are receiving interferon beta treatment. We did a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study at 51 centres in the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Patients with active relapsing multiple sclerosis who were taking interferon beta were randomly assigned to receive add-on subcutaneous daclizumab 2 mg/kg every 2 weeks (interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group), daclizumab 1 mg/kg every 4 weeks (interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group), or interferon beta and placebo for 24 weeks. The randomisation scheme was generated by Facet Biotech. All patients and assessors were masked to treatment with the exception of Facet Biotech bioanalysts who prepared data for the data safety monitoring board or generated pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic data, a drug accountability auditor, and the site pharmacist. The primary endpoint was total number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions measured on brain MRI scans every 4 weeks between weeks 8 and 24. Effects of daclizumab on prespecified subsets of lymphocytes and quantitative T-cell proliferative response were assessed in an exploratory pharmacodynamic substudy. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00109161. From May, 2005, to March, 2006, 288 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 230 were randomly assigned to receive interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab (n=75), interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab (n=78), or interferon beta and placebo (n=77). The adjusted mean number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions was 4.75 in the interferon beta and placebo group compared with 1.32 in the interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group (difference 72%, 95% CI 34% to 88%; p=0.004) and 3.58 in the interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group (25%, -76% to 68%; p=0.51). In the pharmacodynamic substudy, daclizumab was not associated with significant changes in absolute numbers of T cells, B cells, or natural killer cells, or T-cell proliferative response compared with interferon beta alone. The number of CD56(bright) natural killer cells was seven to eight times higher in both daclizumab groups than in the interferon beta and placebo group (interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group p=0.002; interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group p<0.0001). Common adverse events were equally distributed across groups. Add-on daclizumab treatment reduced the number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions compared with interferon beta alone and might reduce multiple sclerosis disease activity to a greater extent than interferon beta alone. Facet Biotech and Biogen Idec. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using support vector machine to predict beta- and gamma-turns in proteins.

PubMed

Hu, Xiuzhen; Li, Qianzhong

2008-09-01

By using the composite vector with increment of diversity, position conservation scoring function, and predictive secondary structures to express the information of sequence, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for predicting beta- and gamma-turns in the proteins is proposed. The 426 and 320 nonhomologous protein chains described by Guruprasad and Rajkumar (Guruprasad and Rajkumar J. Biosci 2000, 25,143) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, respectively. The overall prediction accuracy and the Matthews correlation coefficient in 7-fold cross-validation are 79.8% and 0.47, respectively, for the beta-turns. The overall prediction accuracy in 5-fold cross-validation is 61.0% for the gamma-turns. These results are significantly higher than the other algorithms in the prediction of beta- and gamma-turns using the same datasets. In addition, the 547 and 823 nonhomologous protein chains described by Fuchs and Alix (Fuchs and Alix Proteins: Struct Funct Bioinform 2005, 59, 828) are used for training and testing the predictive model of the beta- and gamma-turns, and better results are obtained. This algorithm may be helpful to improve the performance of protein turns' prediction. To ensure the ability of the SVM method to correctly classify beta-turn and non-beta-turn (gamma-turn and non-gamma-turn), the receiver operating characteristic threshold independent measure curves are provided. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Jagged1 is the pathological link between Wnt and Notch pathways in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Rodilla, Verónica; Villanueva, Alberto; Obrador-Hevia, Antonia; Robert-Moreno, Alex; Fernández-Majada, Vanessa; Grilli, Andrea; López-Bigas, Nuria; Bellora, Nicolás; Albà, M Mar; Torres, Ferran; Duñach, Mireia; Sanjuan, Xavier; Gonzalez, Sara; Gridley, Thomas; Capella, Gabriel; Bigas, Anna; Espinosa, Lluís

2009-04-14

Notch has been linked to beta-catenin-dependent tumorigenesis; however, the mechanisms leading to Notch activation and the contribution of the Notch pathway to colorectal cancer is not yet understood. By microarray analysis, we have identified a group of genes downstream of Wnt/beta-catenin (down-regulated when blocking Wnt/beta-catenin) that are directly regulated by Notch (repressed by gamma-secretase inhibitors and up-regulated by active Notch1 in the absence of beta-catenin signaling). We demonstrate that Notch is downstream of Wnt in colorectal cancer cells through beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation of the Notch-ligand Jagged1. Consistently, expression of activated Notch1 partially reverts the effects of blocking Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in tumors implanted s.c. in nude mice. Crossing APC(Min/+) with Jagged1(+/Delta) mice is sufficient to significantly reduce the size of the polyps arising in the APC mutant background indicating that Notch is an essential modulator of tumorigenesis induced by nuclear beta-catenin. We show that this mechanism is operating in human tumors from Familial Adenomatous Polyposis patients. We conclude that Notch activation, accomplished by beta-catenin-mediated up-regulation of Jagged1, is required for tumorigenesis in the intestine. The Notch-specific genetic signature is sufficient to block differentiation and promote vasculogenesis in tumors whereas proliferation depends on both pathways.

beta-endorphin: synthesis of analogs with extension at the carboxyl terminus with high radioreceptor binding activity.

PubMed

Yamashiro, D; Ferrara, P; Li, C H

1980-07-01

Four analogs of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) have been synthesized: [Gly31]-Beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, [CH3(CH2)4NH231]-beta h-EP, [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, and [Gln8, Gly31]-betah-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2. All are more active than beta h-EP in an opiate receptor binding assay. Stepwise extension at the COOH-terminus shows a progressive increase in binding activity. The last analog, which combines extension at the COOH-terminus with elimination of the remaining anionic charge in beta h-EP, is nine times more active than the parent molecule.

The first armadillo repeat is involved in the recognition and regulation of beta-catenin phosphorylation by protein kinase CK1.

PubMed

Bustos, Victor H; Ferrarese, Anna; Venerando, Andrea; Marin, Oriano; Allende, Jorge E; Pinna, Lorenzo A

2006-12-26

Multiple phosphorylation of beta-catenin by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in the Wnt pathway is primed by CK1 through phosphorylation of Ser-45, which lacks a typical CK1 canonical sequence. Synthetic peptides encompassing amino acids 38-64 of beta-catenin are phosphorylated by CK1 on Ser-45 with low affinity (K(m) approximately 1 mM), whereas intact beta-catenin is phosphorylated at Ser-45 with very high affinity (K(m) approximately 200 nM). Peptides extended to include a putative CK1 docking motif (FXXXF) at 70-74 positions or a F74AA mutation in full-length beta-catenin had no significant effect on CK1 phosphorylation efficiency. beta-Catenin C-terminal deletion mutants up to residue 181 maintained their high affinity, whereas removal of the 131-181 fragment, corresponding to the first armadillo repeat, was deleterious, resulting in a 50-fold increase in K(m) value. Implication of the first armadillo repeat in beta-catenin targeting by CK1 is supported in that the Y142E mutation, which mimics phosphorylation of Tyr-142 by tyrosine kinases and promotes dissociation of beta-catenin from alpha-catenin, further improves CK1 phosphorylation efficiency, lowering the K(m) value to <50 nM, approximating the physiological concentration of beta-catenin. In contrast, alpha-catenin, which interacts with the N-terminal region of beta-catenin, prevents Ser-45 phosphorylation of CK1 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data show that the integrity of the N-terminal region and the first armadillo repeat are necessary and sufficient for high-affinity phosphorylation by CK1 of Ser-45. They also suggest that beta-catenin association with alpha-catenin and beta-catenin phosphorylation by CK1 at Ser-45 are mutually exclusive.

Advanced low-beta cavity development for proton and ion accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conway, Z. A.; Kelly, M. P.; Ostroumov, P. N.

2015-05-01

Recent developments in designing and processing low-beta superconducting cavities at Argonne National Laboratory are very encouraging for future applications requiring compact proton and ion accelerators. One of the major benefits of these accelerating structures is achieving real-estate accelerating gradients greater than 3 MV/m very efficiently either continuously or for long-duty cycle operation (>1%). The technology has been implemented in low-beta accelerator cryomodules for the Argonne ATLAS heavy-ion linac where the cryomodules are required to have real-estate gradients of more than 3 MV/m. In offline testing low-beta cavities with even higher gradients have already been achieved. This paper will review this work where we have achieved surface fields greater than 166 mT magnetic and 117 MV/m electric in a 72 MHz quarter-wave resonator optimized for β = 0.077 ions.

Improvement of yields and rates during enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose. Progress report, March 1, 1979-May 31, 1979

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

Sundstrom, D W; Klei, H E; Coughlin, R W

1979-05-01

The objective of this program is to show that the conversion of cellulose to glucose can be significantly increased by enzymatically removing the inhibitory cellobiose from the reaction system using immobilized ..beta..-glucosidase (..beta..-G). An enzymatic catalyst was prepared and used in a fluidized bed with cellobiose as the substrate, only a 10% loss of activity was observed during a 500 hour period. Cellulose was hydrolyzed in two batch reactors operated side-by-side, with one reactor containing immobilized ..beta..-G and cellulose and the other reactor containing an equal amount of cellulose only. After 30 hours the reactor containing the immobilized ..beta..-G hadmore » 100% more glucose, indicating that the catalytic removal of the cellobiose had a significant effect upon the production of glucose.« less

Improving documentation of a beta-blocker quality measure through an anesthesia information management system and real-time notification of documentation errors.

PubMed

Nair, Bala G; Peterson, Gene N; Newman, Shu-Fang; Wu, Wei-Ying; Kolios-Morris, Vickie; Schwid, Howard A

2012-06-01

Continuation of perioperative beta-blockers for surgical patients who are receiving beta-blockers prior to arrival for surgery is an important quality measure (SCIP-Card-2). For this measure to be considered successful, name, date, and time of the perioperative beta-blocker must be documented. Alternately, if the beta-blocker is not given, the medical reason for not administering must be documented. Before the study was conducted, the institution lacked a highly reliable process to document the date and time of self-administration of beta-blockers prior to hospital admission. Because of this, compliance with the beta-blocker quality measure was poor (-65%). To improve this measure, the anesthesia care team was made responsible for documenting perioperative beta-blockade. Clear documentation guidelines were outlined, and an electronic Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS) was configured to facilitate complete documentation of the beta-blocker quality measure. In addition, real-time electronic alerts were generated using Smart Anesthesia Messenger (SAM), an internally developed decision-support system, to notify users concerning incomplete beta-blocker documentation. Weekly compliance for perioperative beta-blocker documentation before the study was 65.8 +/- 16.6%, which served as the baseline value. When the anesthesia care team started documenting perioperative beta-blocker in AIMS, compliance was 60.5 +/- 8.6% (p = .677 as compared with baseline). Electronic alerts with SAM improved documentation compliance to 94.6 +/- 3.5% (p < .001 as compared with baseline). To achieve high compliance for the beta-blocker measure, it is essential to (1) clearly assign a medical team to perform beta-blocker documentation and (2) enhance features in the electronic medical systems to alert the user concerning incomplete documentation.

Preparation of powders suitable for conversion to useful .beta.-aluminas

DOEpatents

Morgan, Peter E. D.

1982-01-01

A process for forming a precursor powder which, when suitably pressed and sintered forms highly pure, densified .beta.- or .beta."-alumina, comprising the steps of: (1) forming a suspension (or slurry) of Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 in a water-miscible solvent; (2) adding an aqueous solution of a Mg compound, a Li compound, a Na compound or mixtures thereof to the Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 suspension while agitating the mixture formed thereby, to produce a gel; (3) drying the gel at a temperature above the normal boiling point of water to produce a powder material; (4) lightly ball milling and sieving said powder material; and (5) heating the ball-milled and sieved powder material at a temperature of between 350.degree. to 900.degree. C. to form the .beta.- or .beta."-alumina precursor powder. The precursor powder, thus formed, may be subsequently isopressed at a high pressure and sintered at an elevated temperature to produce .beta.- or .beta."-alumina. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The quiescent H-mode regime for high performance edge localized mode-stable operation in future burning plasmas [The quiescent H-mode regime for high performance ELM-stable operation in future burning plasmas

DOE PAGES

Garofalo, Andrea M.; Burrell, Keith H.; Eldon, David; ...

2015-05-26

For the first time, DIII-D experiments have achieved stationary quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) operation for many energy confinement times at simultaneous ITER-relevant values of beta, confinement, and safety factor, in an ITER similar shape. QH-mode provides excellent energy confinement, even at very low plasma rotation, while operating without edge localized modes (ELMs) and with strong impurity transport via the benign edge harmonic oscillation (EHO). By tailoring the plasma shape to improve the edge stability, the QH-mode operating space has also been extended to densities exceeding 80% of the Greenwald limit, overcoming the long-standing low-density limit of QH-mode operation. In the theory,more » the density range over which the plasma encounters the kink-peeling boundary widens as the plasma cross-section shaping is increased, thus increasing the QH-mode density threshold. Here, the DIII-D results are in excellent agreement with these predictions, and nonlinear MHD analysis of reconstructed QH-mode equilibria shows unstable low n kink-peeling modes growing to a saturated level, consistent with the theoretical picture of the EHO. Furthermore, high density operation in the QH-mode regime has opened a path to a new, previously predicted region of parameter space, named “Super H-mode” because it is characterized by very high pedestals that can be more than a factor of two above the peeling-ballooning stability limit for similar ELMing H-mode discharges at the same density.« less

Transforming Growth Factor Beta-2 Mutations in Barlow's Disease and Aortic Dilatation.

PubMed

Disha, Kushtrim; Schulz, Solveig; Kuntze, Thomas; Girdauskas, Evaldas

2017-07-01

We report on a patient operated on for degenerative myxomatous mitral and tricuspid valve disease (Barlow's disease) and aortic root dilatation. A valve repair operation and the postoperative course were uneventful. Multigenerational genetic analyses revealed two different mutations in the transforming growth factor beta-2 gene in the same patient. The two mutations in different exons were inherited from both parents each. None of the parents presented with either valve dysfunction or aortic root dilatation. This rare case illustrates potentially common genetic and signaling pathways of concomitant myxomatous valve disease and aortic root dilatation. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of commercial space manufacturing, production of pharmaceuticals. Volume 2: Technical analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

A technical analysis on the feasibility of commercial manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in space is presented. The method of obtaining pharmaceutical company involvement, laboratory results of the separation of serum proteins by the continuous flow electrophoresis process, the selection and study of candidate products, and their production requirements is described. The candidate products are antihemophilic factor, beta cells, erythropoietin, epidermal growth factor, alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon. Production mass balances for antihemophelic factor, beta cells, and erythropoietin were compared for space versus ground operation. A conceptual description of a multiproduct processing system for space operation is discussed. Production requirements for epidermal growth factor of alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon are presented.

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} regulates interleukin-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} mRNA expression

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

Chung, Eric; Jakinovich, Paul; Bae, Aekyung

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} (PLC{delta}{sub 1}) is a widely expressed highly active PLC isoform, modulated by Ca{sup 2+} that appears to operate downstream from receptor signaling and has been linked to regulation of cytokine production. Here we investigated whether PLC{delta}{sub 1} modulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat C6 glioma cells. Expression of PLC{delta}{sub 1} was specifically suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the effects on cytokine mRNA expression, stimulated by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that PLC{delta}{sub 1}more » knockdown enhanced expression IL-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) mRNA by at least 100 fold after 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA treatment. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knock down caused persistently high Nf{kappa}b levels at 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA-treated cells. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown was also associated with elevated nuclear levels of c-Jun after 30 min of LPS stimulation, but did not affect LPS-stimulated p38 or p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, normally associated with TLR activation of cytokine gene expression; rather, enhanced protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of cellular proteins was observed in the absence of LPS stimulation. An inhibitor of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide II (BIM), reversed phosphorylation, prevented elevation of nuclear c-Jun levels, and inhibited LPS-induced increases of IL-1{beta} and TNF-{alpha} mRNA's induced by PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown. Our results show that loss of PLC{delta}{sub 1} enhances PKC/c-Jun signaling and up-modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription in concert with the TLR-stimulated p38MAPK/Nf{kappa}b pathway. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PLC{delta}{sub 1} is a suppressor of PKC activity.« less

A (1)H-NMR study on the effect of high pressures on beta-lactoglobulin.

PubMed

Belloque, J; López-Fandiño, R; Smith, G M

2000-09-01

1H NMR was used to study the effect of high pressure on changes in the structure of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg), particularly the strongly bonded regions, the "core". beta-Lg was exposed to pressures ranging from 100 to 400 MPa at neutral pH. After depressurization and acidification to pH 2.0, (1)H NMR spectra were taken. Pressure-induced unfolding was studied by deuterium exchange. Refolding was also evaluated. Our results showed that the core was unaltered at 100 MPa but increased its conformational flexibility at >/=200 MPa. Even though the core was highly flexible at 400 MPa, its structure was found to be identical to the native structure after equilibration back to atmospheric pressure. It is suggested that pressure-induced aggregates are formed by beta-Lg molecules maintaining most of their structure, and the intermolecular -SS- bonds, formed by -SH/-SS- exchange reaction, are likely to involve C(66)-C(160) rather than C(106)-C(119). In addition, the beta-Lg variants A and B could be distinguished in a (1)H NMR spectrum from a solution made with the AB mixed variant, by the differences in chemical shifts of M(107) and C(106); structural implications are discussed. Under pressure, the core of beta-Lg A seemed to unfold faster than that of beta-LgB. The structural recovery of the core was full for both variants.

SMAP RADAR Calibration and Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, R. D.; Jaruwatanadilok, S.; Chaubel, M. J.; Spencer, M.; Chan, S. F.; Chen, C. W.; Fore, A.

2015-12-01

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission launched on Jan 31, 2015. The mission employs L-band radar and radiometer measurements to estimate soil moisture with 4% volumetric accuracy at a resolution of 10 km, and freeze-thaw state at a resolution of 1-3 km. Immediately following launch, there was a three month instrument checkout period, followed by six months of level 1 (L1) calibration and validation. In this presentation, we will discuss the calibration and validation activities and results for the L1 radar data. Early SMAP radar data were used to check commanded timing parameters, and to work out issues in the low- and high-resolution radar processors. From April 3-13 the radar collected receive only mode data to conduct a survey of RFI sources. Analysis of the RFI environment led to a preferred operating frequency. The RFI survey data were also used to validate noise subtraction and scaling operations in the radar processors. Normal radar operations resumed on April 13. All radar data were examined closely for image quality and calibration issues which led to improvements in the radar data products for the beta release at the end of July. Radar data were used to determine and correct for small biases in the reported spacecraft attitude. Geo-location was validated against coastline positions and the known positions of corner reflectors. Residual errors at the time of the beta release are about 350 m. Intra-swath biases in the high-resolution backscatter images are reduced to less than 0.3 dB for all polarizations. Radiometric cross-calibration with Aquarius was performed using areas of the Amazon rain forest. Cross-calibration was also examined using ocean data from the low-resolution processor and comparing with the Aquarius wind model function. Using all a-priori calibration constants provided good results with co-polarized measurements matching to better than 1 dB, and cross-polarized measurements matching to about 1 dB in the beta release. During the second half of the L1 cal/val period, the RFI removal algorithm will be tuned for optimal performance, and the Faraday rotation corrections used in radar processing will be further developed and validated. This work is supported by the SMAP project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.

Joint DIII-D/EAST research on the development of a high poloidal beta scenario for the steady state missions of ITER and CFETR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalo, A. M.; Gong, X. Z.; Ding, S. Y.; Huang, J.; McClenaghan, J.; Pan, C. K.; Qian, J.; Ren, Q. L.; Staebler, G. M.; Chen, J.; Cui, L.; Grierson, B. A.; Hanson, J. M.; Holcomb, C. T.; Jian, X.; Li, G.; Li, M.; Pankin, A. Y.; Peysson, Y.; Zhai, X.; Bonoli, P.; Brower, D.; Ding, W. X.; Ferron, J. R.; Guo, W.; Lao, L. L.; Li, K.; Liu, H.; Lyv, B.; Xu, G.; Zang, Q.

2018-01-01

Experimental and modeling investigations on the DIII-D and EAST tokamaks show the attractive transport and stability properties of fully noninductive, high poloidal-beta (β P ) plasmas, and their suitability for steady-state operating scenarios in ITER and CFETR. A key feature of the high-β P regime is the large-radius (ρ > 0.6) internal transport barrier (ITB), often observed in all channels (ne, Te, Ti, rotation), and responsible for both excellent energy confinement quality and excellent stability properties. Experiments on DIII-D have shown that, with a large-radius ITB, very high β N and β P values (both ≥ 4) can be reached by taking advantage of the stabilizing effect of a nearby conducting wall. Synergistically, higher plasma pressure provides turbulence suppression by Shafranov shift, leading to ITB sustainment independent of the plasma rotation. Experiments on EAST have been used to assess the long pulse potential of the high-β P regime. Using RF-only heating and current drive, EAST achieved minute-long fully noninductive steady state H-mode operation with strike points on an ITER-like tungsten divertor. Improved confinement (relative to standard H-mode) and steady state ITB features are observed with a monotonic q-profile with q min ˜ 1.5. Separately, experiments have shown that increasing the density in plasmas driven by lower hybrid wave broadens the q-profile, a technique that could enable a large radius ITB. These experimental results have been used to validate MHD, current drive, and turbulent transport models, and to project the high-β P regime to a burning plasma. These projections suggest the Shafranov shift alone will not suffice to provide improved confinement (over standard H-mode) without rotation and rotation shear. However, increasing the negative magnetic shear (higher q on axis) provides a similar turbulence suppression mechanism to Shafranov shift, and can help devices such as ITER and CFETR achieve their steady-state fusion goals.

Single Crystal Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stormont, R. W.; Morrison, A.

1974-01-01

Single crystal a- and c-axis tubes and ribbons of sodium beta-alumina and sodium magnesium beta-alumina were grown from sodium oxide rich melts. Additional experiments grew ribbon crystals containing sodium magnesium beta, beta double prime, beta triple prime, and beta quadruple prime. A high pressure crystal growth chamber, sodium oxide rich melts, and iridium for all surfaces in contact with the melt were combined with the edge-defined, film-fed growth technique to grow the single crystal beta-alumina tubes and ribbons. The crystals were characterized using metallographic and X-ray diffraction techniques, and wet chemical analysis was used to determine the sodium, magnesium, and aluminum content of the grown crystals.

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

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

Irastorza, I.G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J., E-mail: igor.irastorza@cern.ch, E-mail: faznar@unizar.es, E-mail: jfcastel@unizar.es

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R and D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurementmore » of the double beta decay (DBD) of {sup 136}Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ∼ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ∼ 3% FWHM @ Q{sub ββ}. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ∼ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.« less

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

McNamara, B.

Tandem and stellarator equilibria at high ..beta.. have proved hard to compute and the relaxation methods of Bauer et al., Chodura and Schluter, Hirshman, Strauss, and Pearlstein et al. have been slow to converge. This paper reports an extension of the low-..beta.. analytic method of Pearlstein, Kaiser, and Newcomb to arbitrary ..beta.. for tandem mirrors which converges in 10 to 20 iterations. Extensions of the method to stellarator equilibria are proposed and are very close to the analytic method of Johnson and Greene - the stellarator expansion. Most of the results of all these calculations can be adequately described bymore » low-..beta.. approximations since the MHD stability limits occur at low ..beta... The tandem mirror, having weak curvature and a long central cell, allows finite Larmor radius effects to eliminate most ballooning modes and offers the possibility of really high average ..beta... This is the interest in developing such three-dimensional numerical algorithms.« less

Hb Molfetta [beta126(H4)Val-->Leu, GTG-->CTG]: a new, silent, neutral beta chain variant found in an Italian woman.

PubMed

Qualtieri, Antonio; Le, Pera Maria; Pedace, Vera; Magariello, Angela; Brancati, Carlo

2002-02-01

We have identified a new neutral hemoglobin variant in a pregnant Italian woman, that resulted from a GTG-->CTG replacement at codon 126 of the beta chain, corresponding to a Val-->Leu amino acid change at position beta126(H4). Thermal and isopropanol stability tests were normal and there were no abnormal clinical features. Routine electrophoretic and ion exchange chromatographic methods for hemoglobin separation failed to show this variant, but reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography revealed an abnormal peak eluting near the normal beta chain. No abnormal tryptic peptide was revealed on the high performance liquid chromatographic elution pattern of the total globin digest. The mutation was determined at the DNA level by amplification of the three beta exons by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of one exon that showed an abnormal migration on single strand conformational polymorphism analysis.

Advances in high temperature components for AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

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

Williams, R.M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Underwood, M.L.

1991-12-31

Long lifetimes are required for AMTEC (or sodium heat engine) components for aerospace and terrestrial applications, and the high heat input temperature as well as the alkali metal liquid and vapor environment places unusual demands on the materials used to construct AMTEC devices. In addition, it is important to maximize device efficiency and power density, while maintaining a long life capability. In addition to the electrode, which must provide both efficient electrode kinetics, transport of the alkali metal, and low electrical resistance, other high temperature components of the cell face equally demanding requirements. The beta{double_prime} alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), themore » seal between the BASE ceramic and its metallic transition to the hot alkali metal (liquid or vapor) source, and metallic components of the device are exposed to hot liquid alkali metal. Modification of AMTEC components may also be useful in optimizing the device for particular operating conditions. In particular, a potassium AMTEC may be expected to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures.« less

Advances in high temperature components for AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

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

Williams, R.M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Underwood, M.L.

1991-01-01

Long lifetimes are required for AMTEC (or sodium heat engine) components for aerospace and terrestrial applications, and the high heat input temperature as well as the alkali metal liquid and vapor environment places unusual demands on the materials used to construct AMTEC devices. In addition, it is important to maximize device efficiency and power density, while maintaining a long life capability. In addition to the electrode, which must provide both efficient electrode kinetics, transport of the alkali metal, and low electrical resistance, other high temperature components of the cell face equally demanding requirements. The beta{double prime} alumina solid electrolyte (BASE),more » the seal between the BASE ceramic and its metallic transition to the hot alkali metal (liquid or vapor) source, and metallic components of the device are exposed to hot liquid alkali metal. Modification of AMTEC components may also be useful in optimizing the device for particular operating conditions. In particular, a potassium AMTEC may be expected to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures.« less

Neutrinoless double beta decay and chiral SU(3)

DOE PAGES

Cirigliano, Vincenzo; Dekens, Wouter Gerard; Graesser, Michael Lawrence; ...

2017-04-14

TeV-scale lepton number violation can affect neutrinoless double beta decay through dimension-9 ΔL=ΔI=2 operators involving two electrons and four quarks. Since the dominant effects within a nucleus are expected to arise from pion exchange, the π -→π +ee matrix elements of the dimension-9 operators are a key hadronic input. Here in this letter we provide estimates for the π -→π + matrix elements of all Lorentz scalar ΔI=2 four-quark operators relevant to the study of TeV-scale lepton number violation. The analysis is based on chiral SU(3) symmetry, which relates the π -→π + matrix elements of the ΔI=2 operators to themore » $K$ 0→$$\\bar{K}$$ 0 and K→ππ matrix elements of their ΔS=2 and ΔS=1 chiral partners, for which lattice QCD input is available. The inclusion of next-to-leading order chiral loop corrections to all symmetry relations used in the analysis makes our results robust at the 30% level or better, depending on the operator.« less

Effects of physiological versus pharmacological beta-carotene supplementation on cell proliferation and histopathological changes in the lungs of cigarette smoke-exposed ferrets.

PubMed

Liu, C; Wang, X D; Bronson, R T; Smith, D E; Krinsky, N I; Russell, R M

2000-12-01

There remains a remarkable discordance between the results of observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials using beta-carotene as a potential chemopreventive agent. One question that needs to be examined is whether the adverse outcomes of human beta-carotene trials are related to the large doses of beta-carotene that were administered. In the present study, ferrets were given a physiological (low) dose or a pharmacological (high) dose of beta-carotene supplementation (0.43 mg versus 2.4 mg/kg body wt/day, which is equivalent to 6 mg versus 30 mg/day in humans) and exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 months. We investigated the effects of these doses of beta-carotene on retinoid concentrations, expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs), activator protein 1 (AP-1; c-Jun and c-Fos), cyclin D1, proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA), and histopathological changes in the lungs of both normal and cigarette smoke-exposed ferrets. Thirty-six male ferrets were treated in six groups-control, smoke-exposed (SM), low-dose beta-carotene (LBC), high-dose beta-carotene (HBC), low-dose beta-carotene plus smoke exposure (LBC+SM) or high-dose beta-carotene plus smoke exposure (HBC+SM)-for 6 months. Retinoic acid concentration and RAR beta gene expression, but not expression of RAR alpha and RAR gamma, was reduced in the lung tissue of HBC+SM, HBC, SM and LBC+SM ferrets, but not in that of LBC ferrets, as compared with the control group. Expression of AP-1 and PCNA was greater in HBC+SM, HBC, SM and LBC+SM ferrets, but not in the LBC ferrets, as compared with the control group. Increased amounts of cyclin D1 and keratinized squamous metaplasia were observed in the lung tissue of HBC+SM, HBC and SM groups but not in that of the LBC+SM, LBC or control groups. These data suggest that, in contrast with a pharmacological dose of beta-carotene, a physiological dose of beta-carotene in smoke-exposed ferrets has no potentially detrimental effects and may afford weak protection against lung damage induced by cigarette smoke.

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

Anderson, G.F.; Marks, B.H.

This study examines the beta adrenergic receptors of the rabbit detrusor smooth muscle, employing (/sup 125/I)iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) as a ligand for the binding of beta adrenergic receptors. Saturation binding experiments on the isolated membrane fraction yielded a KD for ICYP of 14.7 pM and a maximum binding of 147.6 fmol/mg of protein. Displacement of labeled ICYP by a series of beta adrenergic agents yielded the following KD values for the combined high and low affinity binding sites: I-propranolol, 0.76 nM; ICI 118,551, 1.7 nM; zinterol, 38.0 nM; metoprolol, 3.5 microM; and practolol, 61.4 microM. When these displacement experimental results weremore » compared to KD values from other reported binding studies with ICYP for beta adrenoreceptors, both the order of potency and the KD values indicated primarily beta-2 adrenergic receptor subtypes. Computer program Scatfit analysis of the displacement curves indicated a single slope and affinity constant for all five beta adrenergic agents. Hofstee plots for zinterol, ICI 118,551 and metoprolol, however, were not linear and indicated that minor populations of beta-1 adrenoreceptors were also present as both high and low affinity binding sites could be defined. It is concluded that the primary receptor population is beta-2 and that this tissue is heterogenous with a small population of beta-1 adrenoreceptors representing approximately 13 to 23% of the total beta adrenoreceptor population.« less

Highly stereoselective three-component reactions of phenylselenomagnesium bromide, acetylenic sulfones, and saturated aldehydes/ketones or alpha,beta-unsaturated enals or enones.

PubMed

Huang, Xian; Xie, Meihua

2002-12-13

beta-Phenylseleno-alpha-tolylsulfonyl-substituted alkenes were synthesized via the three-component conjugate-nucleophilic addition of acetylenic sulfones, phenylselenomagnesium bromide, and carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, or alpha,beta-unsaturated enals or enones. The reaction is highly regio- and stereoselective with moderate to good yields. Functionalized allylic alcohols were obtained in the case of aldehydes and aliphatic ketones. In the case of alpha,beta-unsaturated enones, functionalized allylic alcohols or functionalized gamma,delta-unsaturated ketones were obtained, depending on the structures of the ketones.

Reduction of high-affinity beta2-adrenergic receptor binding by hyperforin and hyperoside on rat C6 glioblastoma cells measured by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Prenner, Lars; Sieben, Anne; Zeller, Karin; Weiser, Dieter; Häberlein, Hanns

2007-05-01

Beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-AR) are potential targets for antidepressants. Desensitization and downregulation of beta-AR are discussed as possible modes of action for antidepressants. We have investigated the effects of hyperforin and hyperoside, compounds with potentially antidepressant activity from St. John's Wort, on the binding behavior and dynamics of beta2-AR in living rat C6 glioblastoma cells, compared to desipramine (desmethylimipramine; DMI) by means of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence microscopy. FCS-binding studies with the fluorescently labeled ligand Alexa532-noradrenaline (Alexa532-NA) binding to beta2-AR of C6 cells showed a significant reduction in total beta2-AR binding after preincubation with hyperforin and hyperoside for 3 days, respectively, which was also found for DMI. This was mainly observed in high-affinity receptor-ligand complexes with hindered lateral mobility (D2 = 1.1 (+/-0.4) microm2/s) in the biomembrane. However, internalization of beta2-AR was found neither in z-scans of these C6 cells nor in HEK 293 cells stably transfected with GFP-tagged beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2AR-GFP) after incubation up to 6 days with either DMI, hyperforin, or hyperoside. Thus, under these conditions reduction of beta2-AR binding was not mediated by receptor internalization. Additionally, preincubation of C6 cells with DMI, hyperforin, and hyperoside led to a loss of second messenger cAMP after beta2-adrenergic stimulating conditions with terbutaline. Our current results indicate that hyperforin and hyperoside from St. John's Wort, as well as DMI, reduce beta2-adrenergic sensitivity in C6 cells, emphasizing the potential usefulness of St. John's Wort dry extracts in clinical treatment of depressive symptoms.

Double Charge Exchange Reactions and Double Beta Decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auerbach, N.

2018-05-01

The subject of this presentation is at the forefront of nuclear physics, namely double beta decay. In particular one is most interested in the neutrinoless process of double beta decay, when the decay proceeds without the emission of two neutrinos. The observation of such decay would mean that the lepton conservation symmetry is violated and that the neutrinos are of Majorana type, meaning that they are their own anti-particles. The life time of this process has two unknowns, the mass of the neutrino and the nuclear matrix element. Determining the nuclear matrix element and knowing the cross-section well will set limits on the neutrino mass. There is a concentrated effort among the nuclear physics community to calculate this matrix element. Usually these matrix elements are a very small part of the total strength of the transition operators involved in the process. There is no simple way to “calibrate” the nuclear double beta decay matrix element. The double beta decay is a double charge exchange process, therefore it is proposed that double charge exchange reactions using ion projectiles on nuclei that are candidates for double beta decay, will provide additional necessary information about the nuclear matrix elements.

High-resolution melting analysis for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.

PubMed

Charoenkwan, Pimlak; Sirichotiyakul, Supatra; Phusua, Arunee; Suanta, Sudjai; Fanhchaksai, Kanda; Sae-Tung, Rattika; Sanguansermsri, Torpong

2017-12-01

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a rapid mutation analysis which assesses the pattern of reduction of fluorescence signal after subjecting the amplified PCR product with saturated fluorescence dye to an increasing temperature. We used HRM analysis for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia disease in northern Thailand. Five PCR-HRM protocols were used to detect point mutations in five different segments of the beta-globin gene, and one protocol to detect the 3.4 kb beta-globin deletion. We sought to characterize the mutations in carriers and to enable prenatal diagnosis in 126 couples at risk of having a fetus with beta-thalassemia disease. The protocols identified 18 common mutations causing beta-thalassemia, including the rare codon 132 (A-T) mutation. Each mutation showed a specific HRM pattern and all results were in concordance with those from direct DNA sequencing or gap-PCR methods. In cases of beta-thalassemia disease resulting from homozygosity for a mutation or compound heterozygosity for two mutations on the same amplified segment, the HRM patterns were different to those of a single mutation and were specific for each combination. HRM analysis is a simple and useful method for mutation identification in beta-thalassemia carriers and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.

Temporally variable environments maintain more beta-diversity in Mediterranean landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Beatriz; Ferrer, Miguel

2015-10-01

We examined the relationships between different environmental factors and the alpha and beta-diversity of terrestrial vertebrates (birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles) in a Mediterranean region at the landscape level. We investigated whether the mechanisms underlying alpha and beta-diversity patterns are influenced by energy availability, habitat heterogeneity and temporal variability and if the drivers of the diversity patterns differed between both components of diversity. We defined alpha-diversity as synonym of species richness whereas beta-diversity was measured as distinctiveness. We evaluated a total of 13 different predictors using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis. Habitat spatial heterogeneity increased alpha-diversity, but contrastingly, it did not significantly affect beta-diversity among sites. Disturbed landscapes may show higher habitat spatial variation and higher alpha-diversity due to the contribution of highly generalist species that are wide-distributed and do not differ in composition (beta-diversity) among different sites within the region. Contrastingly, higher beta-diversity levels were negatively related to more stable sites in terms of temporal environmental variation. This negative relationship between environmental stability and beta-diversity levels is explained in terms of species adaptation to the local environmental conditions. Our study highlights the importance of temporal environmental variability in maintaining beta-diversity patterns under highly variable environmental conditions.

Present Status and Future Perspectives of the NEXT Experiment

DOE PAGES

Gómez Cadenas, J. J.; Álvarez, V.; Borges, F. I. G.; ...

2014-03-18

NEXT is an experiment dedicated to neutrinoless double beta decay searches in xenon. The detector is a TPC, holding 100 kg of high-pressure xenon enriched in the 136Xe isotope. It is under construction in the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc in Spain, and it will begin operations in 2015. The NEXT detector concept provides an energy resolutionbetter than 1% FWHM and a topological signal that can be used to reduce the background. Furthermore, the NEXT technology can be extrapolated to a 1 ton-scale experiment.

High-pressure-induced interactions between milk fat globule membrane proteins and skim milk proteins in whole milk.

PubMed

Ye, A; Anema, S G; Singh, H

2004-12-01

The association of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), when whole milk was treated by high pressure in the range 100 to 800 MPa, was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE under reducing and nonreducing conditions. In SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, beta-LG was observed in the MFGM material isolated from milk treated at 100 to 800 MPa for 30 min, and small amounts of alpha-LA and kappa-casein were also observed at pressures >600 MPa for 30 min. However, these proteins were not observed in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. These results indicate that beta-LG and alpha-LA associated with MFGM proteins via disulfide bonds during the high-pressure treatment of whole milk. The amount of beta-LG associated with the MFGM increased with an increase in pressure up to 800 MPa and with increasing time of pressure treatment. The maximum value for beta-LG association with the MFGM was approximately 0.75 mg/g of fat. Of the major original MFGM proteins, no change in butyrophilin was observed during the high-pressure treatment of whole milk, whereas xanthine oxidase was reduced to some extent beyond 400 MPa. In contrast to the behavior during heat treatment, PAS 6 and PAS 7 were stable during high-pressure treatment, and they remained associated with the MFGM.

Specific radioimmunoassay of human. beta. -endorphin in unextracted plasma

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

Wiedemann, E.; Saito, T.; Linfoot, J.A.

1979-09-01

With an antiserum against human ..beta..-endorphin (..beta..-EP) crossreacting <2% with human ..beta..-lipotropin (..beta..-LPH) by weight we have developed a radioimmunoassay that can detect 1 pg ..beta..-EP in diluted raw plasma. In a.m. fasting plasma of 14 normal subjects ..beta..-EP ranged from <5 to 45 pg/ml. ..beta..-EP was elevated in untreated, but normal in successfully treated Cushing's disease; undetectable in a patient with adrenal adenoma; extremely high in Nelson's syndrome; and elevated in a patient with bronchogenic carcinoma before, but undetectable after tumor resection. In subjects with intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, ..beta..-EP was undectectable after dexamethasone and increased after metyrapone administration andmore » insulin-induced hypoglycemia. ..beta..-EP concentration was considerably lower in serum than in simultaneously collected plasma, but increased in serum left unfrozen for several hours after clot removal. Thus, ..beta..-EP behaves like a hormone responding to the same stimuli as ACTH and ..beta..-LPH and blood appears to contain enzymes both generating and destroying immunoreactive ..beta..-EP.« less

Asymmetric conjugate 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to alpha, beta-unsaturated esters catalyzed by Rhodium(I)/(S)-binap

PubMed

Sakuma; Sakai; Itooka; Miyaura

2000-09-22

Arylboronic acids underwent the conjugate 1,4-addition to alpha, beta-unsaturated esters to give beta-aryl esters in high yields in the presence of a rhodium(I) catalyst. The addition of arylboronic acids to isopropyl crotonate resulted in high yields and high enantioselectivity exceeding 90% ee in the presence of 3 mol % of Rh(acac)(C(2)H(4))(2) and (S)-binap at 100 degrees C. The rhodium/(S)-binap complex provided (R)-3-phenylbutanoate in the addition of phenylboronic acid to benzyl crotonate. The effects on the enantioselectivity of chiral phosphine ligands, rhodium precursors, and substituents on alpha,beta-unsaturated esters are discussed, as well as the mechanistic aspect of the catalytic cycle.

Species replacement dominates megabenthos beta diversity in a remote seamount setting.

PubMed

Victorero, Lissette; Robert, Katleen; Robinson, Laura F; Taylor, Michelle L; Huvenne, Veerle A I

2018-03-07

Seamounts are proposed to be hotspots of deep-sea biodiversity, a pattern potentially arising from increased productivity in a heterogeneous landscape leading to either high species co-existence or species turnover (beta diversity). However, studies on individual seamounts remain rare, hindering our understanding of the underlying causes of local changes in beta diversity. Here, we investigated processes behind beta diversity using ROV video, coupled with oceanographic and quantitative terrain parameters, over a depth gradient in Annan Seamount, Equatorial Atlantic. By applying recently developed beta diversity analyses, we identified ecologically unique sites and distinguished between two beta diversity processes: species replacement and changes in species richness. The total beta diversity was high with an index of 0.92 out of 1 and was dominated by species replacement (68%). Species replacement was affected by depth-related variables, including temperature and water mass in addition to the aspect and local elevation of the seabed. In contrast, changes in species richness component were affected only by the water mass. Water mass, along with substrate also affected differences in species abundance. This study identified, for the first time on seamount megabenthos, the different beta diversity components and drivers, which can contribute towards understanding and protecting regional deep-sea biodiversity.

[Rapid identification of micro-constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate raw materials by high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Yang, Xue-Dong; Tang, Xu-Yan; Sang, Lin

2012-11-01

To establish a method for rapid identification of micro-constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate by high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. HPLC preparative chromatograph was adopted for determining the optimal method for high-pressure solid phase extraction under optimal conditions. 5C18-MS-II column (20.0 mm x 20.0 mm) was used as the extraction column, with 35% acetonitrile-acetic acid solution (pH 2. 20) as eluent at the speed of 16 mL x min(-1). The sample size was 0.5 mL, and the extraction cycle was 4.5 min. Then, extract liquid was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) after being concentrated by 100 times. Under the optimal condition of high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, 10 components were rapidly identified from monoammonium glycyrrhizinate raw materials. Among them, the chemical structures of six micro-constituents were identified as 3-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-30-0-beta-D-apiopyranosylglycyrrhetic/3-O- [P-D-glucuronopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-30-O-beta-D-arabinopyranosylglycyrrhetic, glycyrrhizic saponin F3, 22-hydroxyglycyrrhizin/18alpha-glycyrrhizic saponin G2, 3-O-[beta-D-rhamnopyranosyl]-24-hydroxyglycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic saponin J2, and glycyrrhizic saponin B2 by MS(n) spectra analysis and reference to literatures. Four main chemical components were identified as glycyrrhizic saponin G2, 18beta-glycyrrhizic acid, uralglycyrrhizic saponin B and 18alpha-glycyrrhizic acid by liquid chromatography, MS(n) and ultraviolet spectra information and comparison with reference substances. The method can be used to identify chemical constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate quickly and effectively, without any reference substance, which provides basis for quality control and safe application of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate-related products.

Performance of ITER as a burning plasma experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimada, M.; Mukhovatov, V.; Federici, G.; Gribov, Y.; Kukushkin, A.; Murakami, Y.; Polevoi, A.; Pustovitov, V.; Sengoku, S.; Sugihara, M.

2004-02-01

Recent performance analysis has improved confidence in achieving Q (= fusion power/auxiliary heating power)geq 10 in inductive operation in ITER. Performance analysis based on empirical scalings shows the feasibility of achieving Q geq 10 in inductive operation, particularly with improved modelling of helium exhaust. Analysis has also indicated the possibility that ITER can potentially demonstrate Q ~ 50, enabling studies of self-heated plasmas. Theory-based core modelling indicates the need for a high pedestal temperature (3.2-5.3 keV) to achieve Q geq 10, which is in the range of projections with presently available pedestal scalings. Pellet injection from the high-field side would be useful in enhancing Q and reducing edge localized mode (ELM) heat load in high plasma current operation. If the ELM heat load is not acceptable, it could be made tolerable by further tilting the target plate. Steady state operation scenarios at Q = 5 have been developed with modest requirements on confinement improvement and beta (HH98(y,2) geq 1.3 and bgrN geq 2.6). Stabilization of the resistive wall modes (RWMs), required in such regimes, is feasible with the present saddle coils and power supplies with double-wall structures taken into account. Recent analysis shows a potential of high power steady state operation with a fusion power of 0.7 GW at Q ~ 8. Achievement of the required bgrN ~ 3.6 by RWM stabilization is a possibility. Further analysis is also needed on reduction of the divertor target heat load.

Phorbol ester and hydrogen peroxide synergistically induce the interaction of diacylglycerol kinase gamma with the Src homology 2 and C1 domains of beta2-chimaerin.

PubMed

Yasuda, Satoshi; Kai, Masahiro; Imai, Shin-ichi; Kanoh, Hideo; Sakane, Fumio

2008-01-01

DGKgamma (diacylglycerol kinase gamma) was reported to interact with beta2-chimaerin, a GAP (GTPase-activating protein) for Rac, in response to epidermal growth factor. Here we found that PMA and H2O2 also induced the interaction of DGKgamma with beta2-chimaerin. It is noteworthy that simultaneous addition of PMA and H2O2 synergistically enhanced the interaction. In this case, PMA was replaceable by DAG (diacylglycerol). The beta2-chimaerin translocation from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane caused by PMA plus H2O2 was further enhanced by the expression of DGKgamma. Moreover, DGKgamma apparently enhanced the beta2-chimaerin GAP activity upon cell stimulation with PMA. PMA was found to be mainly required for a conversion of beta2-chimaerin into an active form. On the other hand, H2O2 was suggested to induce a release of Zn2+ from the C1 domain of beta2-chimaerin. By stepwise deletion analysis, we demonstrated that the SH2 (Src homology 2) and C1 domains of beta2-chimaerin interacted with the N-terminal half of catalytic region of DGKgamma. Unexpectedly, the SH2 domain of beta2-chimaerin contributes to the interaction independently of phosphotyrosine. Taken together, these results suggest that the functional link between DGKgamma and beta2-chimaerin has a broad significance in response to a wide range of cell stimuli. Our work offers a novel mechanism of protein-protein interaction, that is, the phosphotyrosine-independent interaction of the SH2 domain acting in co-operation with the C1 domain.

Opposite Smad and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor inputs in the regulation of the collagen VII gene promoter by transforming growth factor-beta.

PubMed

Calonge, María Julia; Seoane, Joan; Massagué, Joan

2004-05-28

A critical component of the epidermal basement membrane, collagen type VII, is produced by keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and its production is stimulated by the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The gene, COL7A1, is activated by TGF-beta via Smad transcription factors in cooperation with AP1. Here we report a previously unsuspected level of complexity in this regulatory process. We provide evidence that TGF-beta may activate the COL7A1 promoter by two distinct inputs operating through a common region of the promoter. One input is provided by TGF-beta-induced Smad complexes via two Smad binding elements that function redundantly depending on the cell type. The second input is provided by relieving the COL7A1 promoter from chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP-TF)-mediated transcriptional repression. We identified COUP-TFI and -TFII as factors that bind to the TGF-beta-responsive region of the COL7A1 promoter in an expression library screening. COUP-TFs bind to a site between the two Smad binding elements independently of Smad or AP1 and repress the basal and TGF-beta-stimulated activities of this promoter. We provide evidence that endogenous COUP-TF activity represses the COL7A1 promoter. Furthermore, we show that TGF-beta addition causes a rapid and profound down-regulation of COUP-TF expression in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The results suggest that TGF-beta signaling may exert tight control over COL7A1 by offsetting the balance between opposing Smad and COUP-TFs.

High-fat, carbohydrate-free diet markedly aggravates obesity but prevents beta-cell loss and diabetes in the obese, diabetes-susceptible db/db strain.

PubMed

Mirhashemi, Farshad; Kluth, Oliver; Scherneck, Stephan; Vogel, Heike; Kluge, Reinhart; Schurmann, Annette; Joost, Hans-Georg; Neschen, Susanne

2008-01-01

We have previously reported that a high-fat, carbohydrate-free diet prevents diabetes and beta-cell destruction in the New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse strain. Here we investigated the effect of diets with and without carbohydrates on obesity and development of beta-cell failure in a second mouse model of type 2 diabetes, the db/db mouse. When kept on a carbohydrate-containing standard (SD; with (w/w) 5.1, 58.3, and 17.6% fat, carbohydrates and protein, respectively) or high-fat diet (HFD; 14.6, 46.7 and 17.1%), db/db mice developed severe diabetes (blood glucose >20 mmol/l, weight loss, polydipsia and polyurea) associated with a selective loss of pancreatic beta-cells, reduced GLUT2 expression in the remaining beta-cells, and reduced plasma insulin levels. In contrast, db/db mice kept on a high-fat, carbohydrate-free diet (CFD; with 30.2 and 26.4% (w/w) fat or protein) did not develop diabetes and exhibited near-normal, hyperplastic islets in spite of a morbid obesity (fat content >60%) associated with hyperinsulinaemia. These data indicate that in genetically different mouse models of obesity-associated diabetes, obesity and dietary fat are not sufficient, and dietary carbohydrates are required, for beta-cell destruction.

Down-regulation of connective tissue growth factor by inhibition of transforming growth factor beta blocks the tumor-stroma cross-talk and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Mazzocca, Antonio; Fransvea, Emilia; Dituri, Francesco; Lupo, Luigi; Antonaci, Salvatore; Giannelli, Gianluigi

2010-02-01

Tumor-stroma interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are of key importance to tumor progression. In this study, we show that HCC invasive cells produce high levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and generate tumors with a high stromal component in a xenograft model. A transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor inhibitor, LY2109761, inhibited the synthesis and release of CTGF, as well as reducing the stromal component of the tumors. In addition, the TGF-beta-dependent down-regulation of CTGF diminished tumor growth, intravasation, and metastatic dissemination of HCC cells by inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation. By contrast, noninvasive HCC cells were found to produce low levels of CTGF. Upon TGF-beta1 stimulation, noninvasive HCC cells form tumors with a high stromal content and CTGF expression, which is inhibited by treatment with LY2109761. In addition, the acquired intravasation and metastatic spread of noninvasive HCC cells after TGF-beta1 stimulation was blocked by LY2109761. LY2109761 interrupts the cross-talk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, leading to a significant reduction of HCC growth and dissemination. Interestingly, patients with high CTGF expression had poor prognosis, suggesting that treatment aimed at reducing TGF-beta-dependent CTGF expression may offer clinical benefits. Taken together, our preclinical results indicate that LY2109761 targets the cross-talk between HCC and the stroma and provide a rationale for future clinical trials.

Colliders Come of Age in Europe: PETRA and LEP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, Albert

2003-04-01

Based on the success with early electron positron rings a new generation of facilities was constructed, optimized in cost and performance. In Europe PETRA was built at DESY with many innovations: smooth vacuum chamber with small impedance, efficient multi-cell RF-cavities, an optics giving an emittance optimized for luminosity, few bunches in head-on collision, a mini-beta scheme, accurate energy calibration based on depolarization resonances. From 1978 to 1986 PETRA provided high luminosity with over 22 GeV beam energy for particle physics experiments. The next ring, LEP at CERN, was optimized for two beam energy ranges, 46 and 93 - 105 GeV for Z0 and W production and particle search. This resulted in a large circumference of 27 km and low field bending magnets which had widely spaced laminations filled with concrete. The RF-voltage was produced in Cu cavities being coupled to low loss storage cavities at the lower, and with a superconducting RF-system, exceeding 3.6 GV, at the higher energy. Superconducting low beta insertions helped to obtain a high luminosity which reached integrated values of over 2000 1/nb per day at high energy. Very important for LEP was a precise energy calibration using depolarizing resonaces and careful control of all relevant parameters. LEP operated with four experiments from 1989 to 2000.

Yttrium-90 -- current status, expected availability and applications of a high beta energy emitter.

PubMed

Montaña, R Leyva; González, I Hernández; Ramirez, A Alberti; Garaboldi, L; Chinol, M

2012-07-01

Yttrium-90 ((90)Y, T(1/2) 64.14 h) is a key example of a high beta energy-emitting radionuclide which is available from the strontium-90 ((90)Sr)/(90)Y radionuclide generator system. Clinical uses of (90)Y-labeled radiopharmaceutical agents have been pursued for many years and many applications have proven to be clinical effective. These most notably include the application of 90Y-labeled antibodies for a variety of applications such as for effective treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. One of the major advantages for use of (90)Y is ready availability from the very long-lived (90)Sr parent (T(1/2) 28.78 y). Because of the importance of maintaining generator performance and minimizing parent breakthrough, this paper describes development, use and quality control of both high capacity cation adsorption-type and electrochemical generator systems. In addition, the preparation and targeting to tumors in mice of DOTA-conjugated Nimotuzamab (h-R3) antibody which recognizes the external domain of the EPFR antibody radiolabeled with (90)Y obtained from the electrochemical generator is also described. As a key example for clinical applications of (90)Y, the use of (90)Y-labeled biotin for intra-operative pre-targeting for radionuclide therapy (IART®) of breast cancer is also described.

Expansin polynucleotides, related polypeptides and methods of use

DOEpatents

Cosgrove, Daniel J.; Wu, Yajun

2006-02-21

The present invention relates to beta expansin polypeptides, nucleotide sequences encoding the same and regulatory elements and their use in altering cell wall structure in plants. Nucleic acid constructs comprising a beta expansin sequence operably linked to a promoter, or other regulatory sequence are disclosed as well as vectors, plant cells, plants, and transformed seeds containing such constructs are provided. Methods for the use of such constructs in repressing or inducing expression of a beta expansin sequences in a plant are also provided as well as methods for harvesting transgenic expansin proteins. In addition, methods are provided for inhibiting or improving cell wall structure in plants by repression or induction of expansin sequences in plants.

Biliary diseases as main causes of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Shi, Shao-Hua; Feng, Xiao-Ning; Lai, Ming-Chun; Kong, Hai-Shen; Zheng, Shu-Sen

2017-05-01

Little is known about aetiology and morbidity and clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. An analysis between pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates and those caused by non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was performed. Among 817 pyogenic liver abscess patients, there were 176 patients (21.5%) with pyogenic liver abscess of biliary origin, and 67 pyogenic liver abscess patients (8.2%) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates (mainly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Of 176 pyogenic liver abscess patients related to biliary disorders, there were 48 pyogenic liver abscess patients (27.3%) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Within 67 pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by Enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, the occurrences of 48 pyogenic liver abscess patients (71.6%) were associated with biliary disorders. When compared with pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, there were significantly greater incidences of polymicrobial infections, bacteremia, pulmonary infection, recurrence and death in pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Carbapenems remain mainstay drugs against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Independent risk factors for occurrence of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were biliary disorders including extra- and intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis and an abnormal bilioenteric communication between bile and gut, a treatment history of malignancy such as operation and chemotherapy, pulmonary infection, and diabetes mellitus. Pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates mainly occurs in patients with biliary disorders or with a treatment history of malignancy. The mainstay of treatment remains carbapenems in combination with adequate aspiration or drainage. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Upregulation of adipose 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 expression in ovariectomized rats is due to obesity rather than lack of estrogen.

PubMed

Paulsen, Søren K; Nielsen, Maria P; Richelsen, Bjørn; Bruun, Jens M; Flyvbjerg, Allan; Pedersen, Steen B

2008-04-01

Increased tissue activity of cortisol induced by the activation of inert cortisone to active cortisol through 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) may play a role in the metabolic syndrome. We recently found that 11beta-HSD1 in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) was lower in lean women compared with lean men. Estrogen suppresses hepatic and renal 11beta-HSD1 in rats; hence we investigated the in vitro effect of estrogen on human and rat AT, and the in vivo effects on rat AT 11beta-HSD1 expression. Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight animals. One group was sham-operated (controls) and others were ovariectomized (OVX). One OVX group was left untreated (OVX-E), another (OVX+E) received estrogen treatment, and one received a hypo-caloric diet (OVX-E+D), matching the weight gain of the control group. AT from women undergoing liposuction or surgery and from killed male and female rats were incubated with estrogen alone or in the presence of IL-1beta. Gene expressions were determined by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Ovariectomy resulted in a 280% increase in adipose 11beta-HSD1 expression P < 0.05). 11beta-HSD1 expression in the (OVX+E)-group was significantly reduced compared with the nonsubstituted group (P < 0.05). 11beta-HSD1 expression in the (OVX-E+D)-group was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) when compared with the level of the estrogen-substituted group. No significant differences between the control group, the (OVX+E)-group, and the (OVX-E+D)-group were found. In the in vitro studies, no direct effect of estrogen on adipose 11beta-HSD1 was found. The upregulation of 11beta-HSD1 in ovariectomized rats was most likely due to changes in body composition rather than lack of estrogen.

The antifibrotic effects of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA on hepatic fibrosis in rats

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

Lang, Qing; Liu, Qi; Xu, Ning

2011-06-10

Highlights: {yields} We constructed CCL4 induced liver fibrosis model successfully. {yields} We proofed that the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had a definite therapy effect to CCL4 induced liver fibrosis. {yields} The therapy effect of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had dose-dependent. -- Abstract: Background/aims: Hepatic fibrosis results from the excessive secretion of matrix proteins by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which proliferate during fibrotic liver injury. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1 is the dominant stimulus for extracellular matrix (ECM) production by stellate cells. Our study was designed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of using short interference RNA (siRNA) to target TGF-{beta}1 in hepatic fibrosis and its mechanismmore » in rats exposed to a high-fat diet and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Methods: A total of 40 healthy, male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five even groups containing of eight rats each: normal group, model group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group and TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group (0.25 mg/kg). CCL4 and a high-fat diet were used for 8 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. All the rats were then sacrificed to collect liver tissue samples. A portion of the liver samples were soaked in formalin for Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, classifying the degree of liver fibrosis, and detecting the expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1; the remaining liver samples were stored in liquid nitrogen to be used for detecting TGF-{beta}1 by Western blotting and for measuring the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Comparing the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group to the model group, the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group and the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group showed significantly reduced levels of pathological changes, protein expression and the mRNA expression of TGF-{beta}1, type I collagen and type III collagen (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Using siRNA to target TGF-{beta}1 can inhibit the expression of TGF-{beta}1 and attenuate rat hepatic fibrosis induced by a high-fat diet and CCL4. A possible mechanism is through the down-regulation of TGF-{beta}1 expression, which could inhibit HSC activation, as well as the proliferation and collagen production of collagen reducing, so that collagen deposition in the liver is reduced.« less

Characterization of a beta-glucanase produced by Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus, and its potential for application in the brewing industry.

PubMed

Celestino, Klecius R Silveira; Cunha, Ricardo B; Felix, Carlos R

2006-12-05

In the barley malting process, partial hydrolysis of beta-glucans begins with seed germination. However, the endogenous 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases are heat inactivated, and the remaining high molecular weight beta-glucans may cause severe problems such as increased brewer mash viscosity and turbidity. Increased viscosity impairs pumping and filtration, resulting in lower efficiency, reduced yields of extracts, and lower filtration rates, as well as the appearance of gelatinous precipitates in the finished beer. Therefore, the use of exogenous beta-glucanases to reduce the beta-glucans already present in the malt barley is highly desirable. The zygomycete microfungus Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus secreted substantial amounts of beta-glucanase in liquid culture medium containing 0.5% chitin. An active protein was isolated by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies of the beta-glucanase activity-containing culture supernatant. This isolated protein hydrolyzed 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan (barley beta-glucan), but showed only residual activity against 1,3-beta-glucan (laminarin), or no activity at all against 1,4-beta-glucan (cellulose), indicating that the R. microsporus var. microsporus enzyme is a member of the EC 3.2.1.73 category. The purified protein had a molecular mass of 33.7 kDa, as determined by mass spectrometry. The optimal pH and temperature for hydrolysis of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan were in the ranges of 4-5, and 50-60 degrees C, respectively. The Km and Vmax values for hydrolysis of beta-glucan at pH 5.0 and 50 degrees C were 22.39 mg.mL-1 and 16.46 mg.min-1, respectively. The purified enzyme was highly sensitive to Cu+2, but showed less or no sensitivity to other divalent ions, and was able to reduce both the viscosity and the filtration time of a sample of brewer mash. In comparison to the values determined for the mash treated with two commercial glucanases, the relative viscosity value for the mash treated with the 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase produced by R. microsporus var. microsporus. was determined to be consistently lower. The zygomycete microfungus R. microsporus var. microsporus produced a 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanhydrolase (EC 3.2.1.73) which is able to hydrolyze beta-D-glucan that contains both the 1,3- and 1,4-bonds (barley beta-glucans). Its molecular mass was 33.7 kDa. Maximum activity was detected at pH values in the range of 4-5, and temperatures in the range of 50-60 degrees C. The enzyme was able to reduce both the viscosity of the brewer mash and the filtration time, indicating its potential value for the brewing industry.

Characterization of Beta-leptinotarsin-h and the Effects of Calcium Flux Antagonists on its Activity

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-07

A alone. a IP3R, IP3 receptor ; LO, ligand -operated; RyR, ryanodine receptor ; SERCA, sarcoplasmic reticulum endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2C ATPase; SO...observation eliminated non-selective cation channels such as nicotinic, glutamatergic, purinergic P2X , and serotoni- nergic 5-HT3 ligand -operated Ca 2C...nicardipine, nifedipine, SNX-482) was inhibitory. Selective inhibitors of ligand -operated, store-operated, and transduction-operated channels were also not

The Promiscuity of [beta]-Strand Pairing Allows for Rational Design of [beta]-Sheet Face Inversion

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

Makabe, Koki; Koide, Shohei

2009-06-17

Recent studies suggest the dominant role of main-chain H-bond formation in specifying {beta}-sheet topology. Its essentially sequence-independent nature implies a large degree of freedom in designing {beta}-sheet-based nanomaterials. Here we show rational design of {beta}-sheet face inversions by incremental deletions of {beta}-strands from the single-layer {beta}-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A. We show that a {beta}-sheet structure can be maintained when a large number of native contacts are removed and that one can design large-scale conformational transitions of a {beta}-sheet such as face inversion by exploiting the promiscuity of strand-strand interactions. High-resolution X-ray crystal structures confirmed the success ofmore » the design and supported the importance of main-chain H-bonds in determining {beta}-sheet topology. This work suggests a simple but effective strategy for designing and controlling nanomaterials based on {beta}-rich peptide self-assemblies.« less

Inhibition of Interferon-beta Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Immune Cells Associated With High-Dose Statins

PubMed Central

Feng, Xuan; Han, Diana; Kilaru, Bharat K.; Franek, Beverly S.; Niewold, Timothy B.; Reder, Anthony T.

2014-01-01

Objective To determine whether statins affect type 1 interferon responses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Design Study effects of atorvastatin on type 1 interferon responses in Jurkat cells, mononuclear cells (MNCs) from therapy-naive patients with RRMS in vitro, and MNCs from interferon-treated RRMS patients in vivo in 4 conditions: no drug, statin only, interferon-beta only, and statin added on to interferon-beta therapy. Patients The study examined clinically stable patients with RRMS: 21 therapy-naive patients and 14 patients receiving interferon-beta with a statin. Interventions Statin effects on in vitro and in vivo interferon-beta–induced STAT1 transcription factor activation, expression of interferon-stimulated proteins in MNCs, and serum type 1 interferon activity. Results In vitro, atorvastatin dose dependently inhibited expression of interferon-stimulated P-Y-STAT1 by 44% (P< .001), interferon regulatory factor 1 protein by 30% (P= .006), and myxovirus resistance 1 protein by 32% (P=.004) compared with no-statin control in MNCs from therapy-naive RRMS patients. In vivo, 9 of 10 patients who received high-dose statins (80 mg) had a significant reduction in interferon-beta therapy–induced serum interferon-α/β activity, whereas only 2 of 4 patients who received medium-dose statins (40 mg) had reductions. High-dose add-on statin therapy significantly blocked interferon-beta function, with less P-Y-STAT1 transcription factor activation, and reduced myxovirus resistance 1 protein and viperin protein production. Medium doses of statins did not change STAT1 activation. Conclusions High-dose add-on statin therapy significantly reduces interferon-beta function and type 1 interferon responses in RRMS patients. These data provide a putative mechanism for how statins could counteract the beneficial effects of interferon-beta and worsen disease. PMID:22801747

Beta-blockers for hypertension

PubMed Central

Wiysonge, Charles S; Bradley, Hazel A; Volmink, Jimmy; Mayosi, Bongani M; Opie, Lionel H

2017-01-01

Background Beta-blockers refer to a mixed group of drugs with diverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. They have shown long-term beneficial effects on mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) when used in people with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Beta-blockers were thought to have similar beneficial effects when used as first-line therapy for hypertension. However, the benefit of beta-blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension without compelling indications is controversial. This review is an update of a Cochrane Review initially published in 2007 and updated in 2012. Objectives To assess the effects of beta-blockers on morbidity and mortality endpoints in adults with hypertension. Search methods The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials up to June 2016: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2016, Issue 6), MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), and ClinicalTrials.gov. We checked reference lists of relevant reviews, and reference lists of studies potentially eligible for inclusion in this review, and also searched the the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 06 July 2015. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least one year of duration, which assessed the effects of beta-blockers compared to placebo or other drugs, as first-line therapy for hypertension, on mortality and morbidity in adults. Data collection and analysis We selected studies and extracted data in duplicate, resolving discrepancies by consensus. We expressed study results as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and conducted fixed-effect or random-effects meta-analyses, as appropriate. We also used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. GRADE classifies the certainty of evidence as high (if we are confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of effect), moderate (if the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of effect), low (if the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of effect), and very low (if we are very uncertain about the estimate of effect). Main results Thirteen RCTs met inclusion criteria. They compared beta-blockers to placebo (4 RCTs, 23,613 participants), diuretics (5 RCTs, 18,241 participants), calcium-channel blockers (CCBs: 4 RCTs, 44,825 participants), and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (3 RCTs, 10,828 participants). These RCTs were conducted between the 1970s and 2000s and most of them had a high risk of bias resulting from limitations in study design, conduct, and data analysis. There were 40,245 participants taking beta-blockers, three-quarters of them taking atenolol. We found no outcome trials involving the newer vasodilating beta-blockers (e.g. nebivolol). There was no difference in all-cause mortality between beta-blockers and placebo (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.11), diuretics or RAS inhibitors, but it was higher for beta-blockers compared to CCBs (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14). The evidence on mortality was of moderate-certainty for all comparisons. Total CVD was lower for beta-blockers compared to placebo (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97; low-certainty evidence), a reflection of the decrease in stroke (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.96; low-certainty evidence) since there was no difference in coronary heart disease (CHD: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07; moderate-certainty evidence). The effect of beta-blockers on CVD was worse than that of CCBs (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29; moderate-certainty evidence), but was not different from that of diuretics (moderate-certainty) or RAS inhibitors (low-certainty). In addition, there was an increase in stroke in beta-blockers compared to CCBs (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.40; moderate-certainty evidence) and RAS inhibitors (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53; moderate-certainty evidence). However, there was little or no difference in CHD between beta-blockers and diuretics (low-certainty evidence), CCBs (moderate-certainty evidence) or RAS inhibitors (low-certainty evidence). In the single trial involving participants aged 65 years and older, atenolol was associated with an increased CHD incidence compared to diuretics (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.32). Participants taking beta-blockers were more likely to discontinue treatment due to adverse events than participants taking RAS inhibitors (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.54; moderate-certainty evidence), but there was little or no difference with placebo, diuretics or CCBs (low-certainty evidence). Authors' conclusions Most outcome RCTs on beta-blockers as initial therapy for hypertension have high risk of bias. Atenolol was the beta-blocker most used. Current evidence suggests that initiating treatment of hypertension with beta-blockers leads to modest CVD reductions and little or no effects on mortality. These beta-blocker effects are inferior to those of other antihypertensive drugs. Further research should be of high quality and should explore whether there are differences between different subtypes of beta-blockers or whether beta-blockers have differential effects on younger and older people. Beta-blockers for hypertension What is the aim of this review? The aim of this Cochrane Review was to assess whether beta-blockers decrease the number of deaths, strokes, and heart attacks associated with high blood pressure in adults. We collected and analysed all relevant studies to answer this question and found 13 relevant studies. Are beta-blockers as good as other medicines when used for treatment of adults with high blood pressure? Beta-blockers were not as good at preventing the number of deaths, strokes, and heart attacks as other classes of medicines such as diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Most of these findings come from one type of beta-blocker called atenolol. However, beta-blockers are a diverse group of medicines with different properties, and we need more well-conducted research in this area. What was studied in the review? Millions of people with high blood pressure have strokes, heart attacks, and other diseases, and many of them die. This situation could be prevented with appropriate treatment. Researchers have tried different medicines for treating high blood pressure. What are the main results of the review? We found 13 studies from high-income countries, mainly Western Europe and North America. In the studies, the people receiving beta-blockers were compared to people who received no treatment or other medicines. The studies showed the following. Beta-blockers probably make little or no difference in the number of deaths among people on treatment for high blood pressure. This effect appears to be similar to that of diuretics and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, but beta-blockers are probably not as good at preventing deaths from high blood pressure as calcium-channel blockers. Beta-blockers may reduce the number of strokes, an effect which appears to be similar to that of diuretics. However, beta-blockers may not be as good at preventing strokes as renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers. Beta-blockers may make little or no difference to the number of heart attacks among people with high blood pressure. The evidence suggests that this effect may not be different from that of diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, or calcium-channel blockers. However, among people aged 65 years and older, the evidence suggests that beta-blockers may not be as good at reducing heart attacks as diuretics. People given beta-blockers are more likely to have side effects and stop treatment than people taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, but there may be little or no difference in side effects between beta-blockers and diuretics or calcium-channel blockers. How up-to-date is this review? The review authors searched for studies that had been published up to June 2016. PMID:28107561

Inclusion complexes of azadirachtin with native and methylated cyclodextrins: solubilization and binding ability.

PubMed

Liu, Yu; Chen, Guo-Song; Chen, Yong; Lin, Jun

2005-06-02

The inclusion complexation behavior of azadirachtin with several cyclodextrins and their methylated derivatives has been investigated in both solution and the solid state by means of XRD, TG-DTA, DSC, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the water solubility of azadirachtin was obviously increased after resulting inclusion complex with cyclodextrins. Typically, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DMbetaCD), permethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TMbetaCD), and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) are found to be able to solubilize azadirachtin to high levels up to 2.7, 1.3, 3.5, and 1.6 mg/mL (calculated as azadirachtin), respectively. This satisfactory water solubility and high thermal stability of the cyclodextrin-azadirachtin complexes, will be potentially useful for their application as herbal medicine or healthcare products.

STS-1 operational flight profile. Volume 3: Ascent, cycle 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The ascent opeational flight profile for the space transportation system 1 flight is designed (1) to limit the maximum undispersed dynamic pressure to 580 lb/sq ft, (2) to follow the design load indicator profiles where q alpha is a specified profile and q beta is desired to be as close to zero as passible, and (3) to maximize nominal and abort performance. Significant trajectory parameters achieved are presented. A maximum dynamic pressure of 575 lb/sq ft was achieved, a minimum q alpha of -2187 lb-deg/sq ft was achieved, and q beta was limited to approximately + or - 100 lb-deg/sq ft in the high q region of the trajectory. The trajectory performance allows a press to main engine cutoff capability with one space shuttle main engine out at 262 seconds ground elapsed time. The orbital maneuvering system burns achieve a final orbit of 150.9 x 149.9 x 149.8 n. mi. and the desired inclination of 40.3 degrees.

The status and initial results of the Majorana demonstrator experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiseppe, V. E.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.; Barabash, A. S.; Barton, C. J.; Bertrand, F. E.; Bode, T.; Bradley, A. W.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Buuck, M.; Caldwell, T. S.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Chu, P.-H.; Cuesta, C.; Detwiler, J. A.; Dunagan, C.; Efremenko, Yu.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Gilliss, T.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Gruszko, J.; Guinn, I. S.; Haufe, C. R.; Hehn, L.; Henning, R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Howe, M. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Kidd, M. F.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Lopez, A. M.; Martin, R. D.; Massarczyk, R.; Meijer, S. J.; Mertens, S.; Myslik, J.; O'Shaughnessy, C.; Othman, G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Radford, D. C.; Rager, J.; Reine, A. L.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Rouf, N. W.; Shanks, B.; Shirchenko, M.; Suriano, A. M.; Tedeschi, D.; Trimble, J. E.; Varner, R. L.; Vasilyev, S.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; White, B. R.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wiseman, C.; Xu, W.; Yakushev, E.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhu, B. X.

2017-10-01

Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches play a major role in determining the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the effective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana Collaboration assembled an array of high purity Ge detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is comprised of 44.1 kg (29.7 kg enriched in 76Ge) of Ge detectors divided between two modules contained in a low-background shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. The initial goals of the Demonstrator are to establish the required background and scalability of a Ge-based next-generation ton-scale experiment. Following a commissioning run that started in 2015, the first detector module started low-background data production in early 2016. The second detector module was added in August 2016 to begin operation of the entire array. We discuss results of the initial physics runs, as well as the status and physics reach of the full Majorana Demonstrator experiment.

Common cause evaluations in applied risk analysis of nuclear power plants. [PWR

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

Taniguchi, T.; Ligon, D.; Stamatelatos, M.

1983-04-01

Qualitative and quantitative approaches were developed for the evaluation of common cause failures (CCFs) in nuclear power plants and were applied to the analysis of the auxiliary feedwater systems of several pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Key CCF variables were identified through a survey of experts in the field and a review of failure experience in operating PWRs. These variables were classified into categories of high, medium, and low defense against a CCF. Based on the results, a checklist was developed for analyzing CCFs of systems. Several known techniques for quantifying CCFs were also reviewed. The information provided valuable insights inmore » the development of a new model for estimating CCF probabilities, which is an extension of and improvement over the Beta Factor method. As applied to the analysis of the PWR auxiliary feedwater systems, the method yielded much more realistic values than the original Beta Factor method for a one-out-of-three system.« less

Repeated stressor exposure enhances contextual fear memory in a beta-adrenergic receptor-dependent process and increases impulsivity in a non-beta receptor-dependent fashion.

PubMed

Camp, Robert M; Johnson, John D

2015-10-15

Memory formation is promoted by stress via the release of norepinephrine and stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs). Previous data demonstrate that repeated stressor exposure increases norepinephrine turnover and β-AR signaling within the amygdala, which led to the hypothesis that some stress-induced behavioral changes are likely due to facilitated associative learning. To test this, Fischer rats were exposed to chronic mild stress for four days. On day 5, subjects (including non-stressed controls) were injected with the beta-blocker propranolol or vehicle prior to conditioning in an operant box (animals receive two mild foot shocks) or passive avoidance apparatus (animals received a foot shock upon entry into the dark chamber). Twenty-four hours later, subjects were returned to the operant box for measurement of freezing or returned to the passive avoidance apparatus for measurement of latency to enter the dark chamber. Subjects were also tested in an open field to assess context-independent anxiety-like behavior. Animals exposed to chronic stress showed significantly more freezing behavior in the operant box than did controls, and this exaggerated freezing was blocked by propranolol during the conditioning trial. There was no effect of stress on behavior in the open field. Unexpectedly, retention latency was significantly reduced in subjects exposed to chronic stress. These results indicate that chronic exposure to stress results in complex behavioral changes. While repeated stress appears to enhance the formation of fearful memories, it also results in behavioral responses that resemble impulsive behaviors that result in poor decision-making. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Gibeault, J.D.; Cravens, R.B. Jr.; Chvapil, M.

A lathyrogen, ({sup 14}C)aminopropionitrile (beta APN), was administered to 34 rats either in K-Y jelly or saline vehicles onto intact shaven skin or onto a healed splinted deep excision wound. The dynamics of beta APN transport and content in the skin or repair tissue was observed after 2, 5, 8, and 24 hr of topical administration. The repair tissue quickly absorbed the lathyrogen and reached maximum at the 2-hr sampling. The content of beta APN in the repair tissue was twice as high as that in K-Y jelly vehicle and remained high and stable for at least 24 hr onlymore » when beta APN was administered through a saline vehicle. The transport of beta APN through intact skin, irrespective of the vehicle tested, was slow and continuously increased. The study showed that almost 20% of the beta APN administered onto the wounded skin area was transported into the repair tissue within 2 hr. We suggest that, due to the absence of epidermal stratum corneum from the repair tissue, drugs, such as beta APN, penetrate quickly into the wound.« less

Beta ray spectroscopy based on a plastic scintillation detector/silicon surface barrier detector coincidence telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horowitz, Y. S.; Hirning, C. R.; Yuen, P.; Aikens, M.

1994-01-01

Beta radiation is now recognized as a significant radiation safety problem and several international conferences have recently been devoted to the problems of mixed field beta/photon dosimetry. Conventional dosimetry applies algorithms to thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) multi-element badges which attempt to extract dose information based on the comparison of TL signals from ``thick/thin'' and/or ``bare/filtered'' elements. These may be grossly innacurate due to inadequate or non-existant knowledge of the energy spectrum of both the beta radiation and the accompanying photon field, as well as other factors. In this paper, we discuss the operation of a beta-ray energy spectrometer based on a two element, E × dE detector telescope intended to support dose algorithms with beta spectral information. Beta energies are measured via a 5 cm diameter × 2 cm thick BC-404 plastic scintillator preceded by a single, 100 μm thick, totally depleted, silicon dE detector. Photon events in the E detector are rejected by requiring a coincidence between the E and dE detectors. Photon rejection ratios vary from 225:1 at 1.25 MeV (60Co) to 360:1 at 0.36 MeV (133Ba). The spectrometer is capable of measuring electron energies from a lower energy coincidence threshold of approximately 125 keV to an upper limit of 3.5 MeV. This energy range spans the great majority of beta-emitting radionuclides in nuclear facilities.

Aberrant prefrontal beta oscillations predict episodic memory encoding deficits in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Meconi, Federica; Anderl-Straub, Sarah; Raum, Heidelore; Landgrebe, Michael; Langguth, Berthold; Bäuml, Karl-Heinz T; Hanslmayr, Simon

Verbal episodic memory is one of the core cognitive functions affected in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Although this verbal memory impairment in SZ is a well-known finding, our understanding about its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms is rather scarce. Here we address this issue by recording brain oscillations during a memory task in a sample of healthy controls and patients with SZ. Brain oscillations represent spectral fingerprints of specific neurocognitive operations and are therefore a promising tool to identify neurocognitive mechanisms that are affected by SZ. Healthy controls showed a prominent suppression of left prefrontal beta oscillatory activity during successful memory formation, which replicates several previous oscillatory memory studies. In contrast, patients failed to exhibit such a left prefrontal beta power suppression. Utilizing a new topographical pattern similarity approach, we further demonstrate that the degree of similarity between a patient's beta power decrease to that of the controls reliably predicted memory performance. This relationship between beta power decreases and memory was such that the patients' memory performance improved as they showed a more similar topographical beta desynchronization pattern compared to that of healthy controls. Together, these findings support left prefrontal beta desynchronization as the spectral fingerprint of verbal episodic memory formation, likely indicating deep semantic processing of verbal material. These findings also demonstrate that left prefrontal beta power suppression (or lack thereof) during memory encoding are a reliable biomarker for the observed encoding impairments in SZ in verbal memory.

I. The design, synthesis, and structure of antiparallel beta-sheet and beta-strand mimics. II. The design of a scripted chemistry outreach program to high schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldman, Amy Sue

I. Protein structure is not easily predicted from the linear sequence of amino acids. An increased ability to create protein structures would allow researchers to develop new peptide-based therapeutics and materials, and would provide insights into the mechanisms of protein folding. Toward this end, we have designed and synthesized two-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet mimics containing conformationally biased scaffolds and semicarbazide, urea, and hydrazide linker groups that attach peptide chains to the scaffold. The mimics exhibited populations of intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded beta-sheet-like conformers as determined by spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, sp1H NMR, and ROESY studies. During our studies, we determined that a urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimic was able to tightly hydrogen bond to peptides in an antiparallel beta-sheet-like configuration. Several derivatives of the urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimic were synthesized. Preliminary data by electron microscopy indicate that the beta-strand mimics have an effect on the folding of Alzheimer's Abeta peptide. These data suggest that the urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimics and related compounds may be developed into therapeutics which effect the folding of the Abeta peptide into neurotoxic aggregates. II. In recent years, there has been concern about the low level of science literacy and science interest among Americans. A declining interest in science impacts the abilities of people to make informed decisions about technology. To increase the interest in science among secondary students, we have developed the UCI Chemistry Outreach Program to High Schools. The Program features demonstration shows and discussions about chemistry in everyday life. The development and use of show scripts has enabled large numbers of graduate and undergraduate student volunteers to demonstrate chemistry to more than 12,000 local high school students. Teachers, students, and volunteers have expressed their enjoyment of The UCI Chemistry Outreach Program to High Schools.

[Mesenteric venous trombosis and pregnancy--a case report and a short review of the problem].

PubMed

Terzhumanov, R; Uchikova, E; Paskaleva, V; Milchev, N; Uchikov, A

2005-01-01

Mesenteric venous thrombosis is extremely rare surgical pathology during pregnancy and frequently is associated with hemoglobinopathies beta-thalassemia, congenital defects of the coagulation and antiphospholipide syndrome. It has nontypical clinical appearance, which hardens the timely diagnosis and the adequate surgical treatment. We present a case of a 22 year-old girl with hemozygote form of beta thalassemia, pregnant in ml II, with mesenteric venose thrombosis. The diagnosis was made on the 24th hour from the beginning of the disease. The patient was operated successfully by a resection of the necrotic changed part of the intestine. She noticed vaginal bleeding due to a missed abortion on the 22nd day after the operation.

Annealing Would Improve beta" - Alumina Solid Electrolyte

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Roger; Homer, Margie; Ryan, Margaret; Cortez, Roger; Shields, Virgil; Kisor, Adam

2003-01-01

A pre-operational annealing process is under investigation as a potential means of preventing a sudden reduction of ionic conductivity in a Beta"-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) during use. On the basis of tests, the sudden reduction of ionic conductivity, followed by a slow recovery, has been found to occur during testing of the solid electrolyte and electrode components of an alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell. At this time, high-temperature tests of limited duration have indicated the superiority of the treated BASE, but reproducible tests over thousands of hours are necessary to confirm that microcracking has been eliminated. The ionic conductivity of the treated BASE is also measured to be higher than untreated BASE at 1,073 K in low-pressure sodium vapor. Microcracking resulting in loss of conductivity was not observed with treated BASE in one high-temperature experiment, but this result must be duplicated over very long testing times to be sure of the effect. Shorter annealing times (10 to 20 hours) were found to result in significantly less loss of mass; it may be necessary for the packed powder mixture to evolve some Na2O before the Na2O can leave the ceramic.

Transfer function of radio over fiber multimode fiber optic links considering third-order dispersion.

PubMed

Capmany, J; Gasulla, Ivana

2007-08-20

Although a considerable number of multimode fiber (MMF) links operate in a wavelength region around 850 nm where chromatic dispersion of a given modal group mu is described adequately by the second derivative beta(mu) (2) of the propagation constant beta(mu)(omega), there is also an increasing interest in MMF links transmitting in the second spectral window (@1300nm) where this second derivative vanishes being thus necessary to consider the third derivative beta(mu) (3) in the evaluation of the transfer function of the multimode fiber link. We present in this paper, for the first time to our knowledge, an analytical model for the transfer function of a multimode fiber (MMF) optic link taken into account the impact of third-order dispersion. The model extends the operation of a previously reported one for second-order dispersion. Our results show that the performance of broadband radio over fiber transmission through middle-reach distances can be improved by working at the minimum-dispersion wavelength as long as low-linewidth lasers are employed.

[Impacts of the different frequencies of electroacupunctrue on cognitive function in patients after abdominal operation under compound anesthesia of acupuncture and drugs].

PubMed

Lin, Shun-Yan; Gao, Ju; Yin, Zheng-Lu; Zhou, Luo-Jing; Chen, Xin

2013-12-01

To observe the impacts of different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) on post-operative cognitive function and the change in serum S-100beta protein under the compound anesthesia of acupuncture and drugs. One hundred and twenty-four patients of abdominal operation at selective time were randomized into a routine drug anesthesia group (group A, 24 cases), a meridian point 2 Hz group (group B, 26 cases), a me ridian point 2 Hz/100 Hz group (group C, 25 cases), a meridian point 100 Hz group (group D, 24 cases) and a transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation 2 Hz/100 Hz group (group E, 25 cases). In group A, the endotrachea-lgeneral anesthesia was applied. In the rest groups, the acupuncture anesthesia was induced for 30 min before the endotracheal general anesthesia, at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29) and Neiguan (PC 6), with G6805-2 electric acupuncture apparatus used. In group B, the continuous wave and 2Hz in frequency were selected. In group C, the disperse-dense wave and 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency were selected. In group D, the continuous wave and 100 Hz in frequency were selected. In group E, the disperse-dense wave and 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency were selected, and the electrode pads were stick on the acupoints and connected with the electric stimulation till the end of operation. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was adopted to evaluate and record the changes in cognitive function 1 day before operation and on the 3rd day after operation. The conditions of post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in the patients and the changes in serum S-100beta protein were monitored before and at the end of operation. The incidence rate of POCD on the 3rd day after operation was 41.7% (10/24) in group A. The incidence rates of POCD were 26.9% (7/26), 16.0% (4/25), 33.3% (8/24) and 16.0% (4/25) in group B, C, D and E separately. Compared with group A, the incidence rate of PCOD in group B, C, D and E were reduced (all P<0.05), the incidence rate in group C and E were lower than that in groups B and D (all P<0.05). At the end of operation, the level of serumS-100beta protein was (0.186 +/- 0.027) microg/L in group A, the levels were (0.165 +/- 0. 028) microg/L, (0.166 +/- 0.027) microg/L, (0.163 +/- 0.025) microg/L and (0.164 +/- 0.025) microg/L in group B, C, D and E separately. The levels of serum S-100beta protein in group B, C, D and E were lower than that in group A separately (all P<0.05). The general anesthesia assisted with EA at different frequencies reduces the incidence of cognitive dysfunctionand, decreases the level of serum S-100beta protein after intestinal cancer resection. The effects of the meridian point electric stimulation at 2 Hz/100 Hz and the transcutaneous electric stimulation at 2 Hz/100 Hz are the best. Hence, these two approaches of anesthesia deserve to be recommended practically.

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

Takata, Takumi; Shimo-Oka, Tadashi; Kojima, Masami

Although proteins are generally composed of L-{alpha}-amino acids, D-{beta}-aspartic acid (Asp)-containing proteins have been reported in various elderly tissues. Our previous study detected several D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins in a rabbit lens derived from epithelial cell line by Western blot analysis of a 2D-gel using a polyclonal antibody that is highly specific for D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins. The identity of each spot was subsequently determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the Ms-Fit online database searching algorithm. In this study, we discovered novel D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins from rabbit lens. The results indicate that {beta}-crystallin A3, {beta}-crystallin A4, {beta}-crystallin B1, {beta}-crystallin B2, {beta}-crystallin B3,more » {gamma}-crystallin C, {gamma}-crystallin D, and {lambda}-crystallin in rabbit lens contain D-{beta}-Asp residues. Furthermore, the occurrence of D-{beta}-Asp residues increases with infrared ray (IR) irradiation. Additionally, some D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins only appear after IR irradiation. One such protein is the {alpha}-enolase, which shows homology to {tau}-crystallin.« less

Species differences in the localization and number of CNS beta adrenergic receptors: Rat versus guinea pig

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

Booze, R.M.; Crisostomo, E.A.; Davis, J.N.

1989-06-01

The localization and number of beta adrenergic receptors were directly compared in the brains of rats and guinea pigs. The time course of association and saturability of (125I)cyanopindolol (CYP) binding to slide-mounted tissue sections was similar in rats (Kd = 17 pM) and guinea pigs (Kd = 20 pM). The beta-1 and beta-2 receptor subtypes were examined through the use of highly selective unlabeled receptor antagonists, ICI 118,551 (50 nM) and ICI 89,406 (70 nM). Dramatic species differences between rats and guinea pigs were observed in the neuroanatomical regional localization of the beta adrenergic receptor subtypes. For example, in themore » thalamus prominent beta-1 and beta-2 receptor populations were identified in the rat; however, the entire thalamus of the guinea pig had few, if any, beta adrenergic receptors of either subtype. Hippocampal area CA1 had high levels of beta-2 adrenergic receptors in both rats and guinea pigs but was accompanied by a widespread distribution of beta-2 adrenergic receptors only in rats. Quantitative autoradiographic analyses of 25 selected neuroanatomical regions (1) confirmed the qualitative differences in CNS beta adrenergic receptor localization, (2) determined that guinea pigs had significantly lower levels of beta adrenergic receptors than rats and (3) indicated a differential pattern of receptor subtypes between the two species. Knowledge of species differences in receptor patterns may be useful in designing effective experiments as well as in exploring the relationships between receptor and innervation patterns. Collectively, these data suggest caution be used in extrapolation of the relationships of neurotransmitters and receptors from studies of a single species.« less

Energy response of diamond sensor to beta radiation.

PubMed

Tchouaso, Modeste Tchakoua; Kasiwattanawut, Haruetai; Prelas, Mark A

2018-04-26

This paper demonstrates the ability of diamond sensors to respond to beta radiation. A Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) single crystal diamond was used in this work. The diamond crystal has a dimension of 4.5×4.5 by 0.5 mm thick. Metal contacts were fabricated on both sides of the diamond using titanium and palladium metals with thicknesses of 50 nm and 150 nm, respectively. The energy response of the diamond sensor was experimentally measured using three beta isotopes that cover the entire range of beta energy: 147 Pm, a weak beta radiation with a maximum energy of 0.225 MeV, 2 ° 4 Tl, a medium energy beta radiation with a maximum energy of 0.763 MeV, and 9 °Sr/ 9 °Y, with both a medium energy beta radiation with a maximum energy of 0.546 MeV, and a high energy beta radiation with a maximum energy of 2.274 MeV. The beta measurements indicate that diamond sensors are sensitive to beta radiation and are suitable for beta spectroscopy. This is important in estimating dose since diamond is tissue equivalent, and the absorbed dose is easily determined from the energy and the mass of the active volume. The high energy betas from 2 ° 4 Tl and 90 Sr/ 90 Y penetrates the sensor without depositing sufficient energy in the active area because their range is larger than the thickness of sensor. The sensitivity of the detector is limited because of its small volume and can be improved by combining smaller area sensors since growing large size diamond is currently a challenge. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Triterpenoid glycosides from Bacopa monnieri.

PubMed

Sivaramakrishna, Chillara; Rao, Chirravuri V; Trimurtulu, Golakoti; Vanisree, Mulabagal; Subbaraju, Gottumukkala V

2005-12-01

Two triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated along with 10 known saponins from Bacopa monnieri. Structures of the compounds have been elucidated as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] jujubogenin (1) and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] pseudojujubogenin (2) by high resolution NMR spectral data and chemical correlations. Further, the chemical compositions of bacosides A and B have been delineated.

Beta-cryptoxanthin: A vitamin A-forming carotenoid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Beta-cryptoxanthin is a common carotenoid. It is generally the fourth most abundant in human blood but can achieve high concentrations especially in Japanese and Spanish populations. Its richest food sources include mandarin oranges, persimmons, oranges, papayas, pumpkin, and red sweet peppers. Beta...

Expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrial stromal and decidual cells

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

Shiokawa, Shigetatsu; Yoshimura, Yasunori; Nakamura, Yukio

The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry demonstrated the greater expression of the {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, and {alpha}{sub 5} subunits of the {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured stromal cells from the midsecretory phase, than in those of the early proliferative phase. The addition of estradiol (E{sub 2}) and progesterone (P) to cultured stromal cells in the early proliferative phase increased the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in vitro. Flow cytometry also demonstrated the expression of themore » {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, {alpha}{sub 3}, {alpha}{sub 5}, and {alpha}{sub 6} subunits of {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured decidual cells, and the enriched-fraction of prolactin (PRL)-producing decidual cells isolated by Percoll gradients showed high levels of {beta}{sub 1} integrins expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the {beta}{sub 1} integrin cell surface phenotypes in cultured decidual cells observed by flow cytometry. In summary, the present study demonstrated that endometrial stromal and decidual cells expressed {beta}{sub 1} integrin subunits at their surfaces. The expression exhibited a variability throughout the menstrual cycles, being predominantly detected in the secretory phase, and was maintained highly in the decidua. Thus, {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua may be important in mediating the organization of extracellular matrix proteins derived from embryos during the early stage of implantation. 43 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Dredging Operations Technical Support Program. Mathematical Model of the Consolidation/Desiccation Processes in Dredged Material.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-01

5695 BF(I) - BETA(LDF) * GOTO 7 5700 6 NN - N-i 5705 Ch - CI / (ES(N)-ES(NN)) 5710 AF(I) w ALPHA(N) + CM*(ALPHA(N)-ALPHA(NN)) 5715 DF(I) a BETA(N) 4...1OXP34t4SETTLEMENT DUE TO CONSOLIDATION - PF1O.4) 7845 113 FORMAT(/1OX932HSETTLEMENT DUE TO DESICCATION - PF1O.4) 7850 114 FORNAT(/1OX920HSURFACE

Electrical Power Generated from Tidal Currents and Delivered to USCG Station Eastport, ME

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-21

35 Theory of Operation The ORPC Pre-Commercial Beta Turbine Generator Unit (“Beta TGU”) uses a hydrokinetic cross flow turbine based on Darrieus ...development in the wind turbine industry. The power coefficient (a measure of energy extraction effectiveness) is defined as follows: 31 2 turbine ...stream area of the device. Axial flow wind turbines have demonstrated power coefficients to an estimated 48% which approaches the theoretical “Betz

Supermultiplet of β-deformations from twistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milián, Segundo P.

2017-09-01

We consider the supermultiplet of linearized beta-deformation of 𝒩 = 4 super-Yang-Mills (SYM). It was previously studied on the gravitational side. We study the supermultiplet of beta-deformations on the field theory side and we compare two finite-dimensional representations of psl(4|4,R) algebra. We show that they are related by an intertwining operator. We develop a twistor-based approach which could be useful for studying other finite-dimensional and nonunitary representations in AdS/CFT correspondence.

Functional properties of an isolated. cap alpha beta. heterodimeric human placenta insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor complex

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

Feltz, S.M.; Swanson, M.L.; Wemmie, J.A.

1988-05-03

Treatment of human placenta membranes at pH 8.5 in the presence of 2.0 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) for 5 min, followed by the simultaneous removal of the DTT and pH adjustment of pH 7.6, resulted in the formation of a functional ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor complex from the native ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state. The membrane-bound ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complex displayed similar curvilinear /sup 125/I-IGF-1 equilibrium binding compared to the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric complex. /sup 125/I-IGF-1 binding to both the isolated ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta..more » heterodimeric complexes demonstrated a marked straightening of the Scatchard plots, compared to the placenta membrane-bound IGF-1 receptors, with a 2-fold increase in the high-affinity binding component. IGF-1 stimulation of IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation indicated that the ligand-dependent activation of ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric protein kinase activity occurred concomitant with the reassociation into a covalent ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric state. These data demonstrate that (i) a combination of alkaline pH and DTT treatment of human placenta membranes results in the formation of an ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex, (ii) unlike the insulin receptor, high-affinity homogeneous IGF-1 binding occurs in both the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complexes, and (iii) IGF-1-dependent autophosphorylation of the ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex correlates wit an IGF-1 dependent covalent reassociation into an ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state.« less

Cholinergic enhancement of visual attention and neural oscillations in the human brain.

PubMed

Bauer, Markus; Kluge, Christian; Bach, Dominik; Bradbury, David; Heinze, Hans Jochen; Dolan, Raymond J; Driver, Jon

2012-03-06

Cognitive processes such as visual perception and selective attention induce specific patterns of brain oscillations. The neurochemical bases of these spectral changes in neural activity are largely unknown, but neuromodulators are thought to regulate processing. The cholinergic system is linked to attentional function in vivo, whereas separate in vitro studies show that cholinergic agonists induce high-frequency oscillations in slice preparations. This has led to theoretical proposals that cholinergic enhancement of visual attention might operate via gamma oscillations in visual cortex, although low-frequency alpha/beta modulation may also play a key role. Here we used MEG to record cortical oscillations in the context of administration of a cholinergic agonist (physostigmine) during a spatial visual attention task in humans. This cholinergic agonist enhanced spatial attention effects on low-frequency alpha/beta oscillations in visual cortex, an effect correlating with a drug-induced speeding of performance. By contrast, the cholinergic agonist did not alter high-frequency gamma oscillations in visual cortex. Thus, our findings show that cholinergic neuromodulation enhances attentional selection via an impact on oscillatory synchrony in visual cortex, for low rather than high frequencies. We discuss this dissociation between high- and low-frequency oscillations in relation to proposals that lower-frequency oscillations are generated by feedback pathways within visual cortex. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comprehensive analysis of all triple helical repeats in beta-spectrins reveals patterns of selective evolutionary conservation.

PubMed

Baines, Anthony J

2003-01-01

The spectrin superfamily (spectrin, alpha-actinin, utrophin and dystrophin) has in common a triple helical repeating unit of ~106 amino acid residues. In spectrin, alpha and beta chains contain multiple copies of this repeat. beta-spectrin chains contain the majority of binding activities in spectrin and are essential for animal life. Canonical beta-spectrins have 17 repeats; beta-heavy spectrins have 30. Here, the repeats of five human beta-spectrins, plus beta-spectrins from several other vertebrates and invertebrates, have been analysed. Repeats 1, 2, 14 and 17 in canonical beta are highly conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates, and repeat 8 in some isoforms. This is consistent with conservation of critical functions, since repeats 1, 2 and 17 bind alpha-spectrin. Repeats 1 of beta-spectrins are not always detected by SMART or Pfam tools. A profile hidden Markov model of beta-spectrin repeat 1 detects alpha-actinins, but not utrophin or dystrophin. Novel examples of repeat 1 were detected in the spectraplakins MACF1, BPAG1 and plectin close to the actin-binding domain. Ankyrin binds to the C-terminal portion of repeat 14; the high conservation of this entire repeat may point to additional, undiscovered ligand-binding activities. This analysis indicates that the basic triple helical repeat pattern was adapted early in the evolution of the spectrin superfamily to encompass essential binding activities, which characterise individual repeats in proteins extant today.

Topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation in response to high-fat diet in mice.

PubMed

Ellenbroek, Johanne H; Töns, Hendrica A; de Graaf, Natascha; Loomans, Cindy J; Engelse, Marten A; Vrolijk, Hans; Voshol, Peter J; Rabelink, Ton J; Carlotti, Françoise; de Koning, Eelco J

2013-01-01

Beta cells adapt to an increased insulin demand by enhancing insulin secretion via increased beta cell function and/or increased beta cell number. While morphological and functional heterogeneity between individual islets exists, it is unknown whether regional differences in beta cell adaptation occur. Therefore we investigated beta cell adaptation throughout the pancreas in a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD to induce insulin resistance, or control diet for 6 weeks. The pancreas was divided in a duodenal (DR), gastric (GR) and splenic (SR) region and taken for either histology or islet isolation. The capacity of untreated islets from the three regions to adapt in an extrapancreatic location was assessed by transplantation under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-treated mice. SR islets showed 70% increased beta cell proliferation after HFD, whereas no significant increase was found in DR and GR islets. Furthermore, isolated SR islets showed twofold enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion after HFD, as compared with DR and GR islets. In contrast, transplantation of islets isolated from the three regions to an extrapancreatic location in diabetic mice led to a similar decrease in hyperglycemia and no difference in beta cell proliferation. HFD-induced insulin resistance leads to topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation and is most prominent in the splenic region of the pancreas. This topological heterogeneity in beta cell adaptation appears to result from extrinsic factors present in the islet microenvironment.

Allosteric modulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by HEPES✩

PubMed Central

Weltzin, Maegan M; Huang, Yanzhou; Schulte, Marvin K

2013-01-01

A number of new positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been reported that enhance responses of neuronal alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to orthosteric ligands. PAMs represent promising new leads for the development of therapeutic agents for disorders involving alterations in nicotinic neurotransmission including Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. During our recent studies of alpha4beta2 PAMs, we identified a novel effect of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The effects of HEPES were evaluated in a phosphate buffered recording solution using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Acetylcholine induced responses of high-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors were potentiated 190% by co-exposure to HEPES. Responses were inhibited at higher concentrations (bell-shaped concentration/response curve). Coincidentally, at concentrations of HEPES typically used in oocyte recording (5–10 mM), the potentiating effects of HEPES are matched by its inhibitory effects, thus producing no net effect. Mutagenesis results suggest HEPES potentiates the high-sensitivity stoichiometry of the alpha4beta2 receptors through action at the beta2+/beta2− interface and is dependent on residue beta2D218. HEPES did not potentiate low-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors and did not produce any observable effect on acetylcholine induced responses on alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. PMID:22732654

Allosteric modulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by HEPES.

PubMed

Weltzin, Maegan M; Huang, Yanzhou; Schulte, Marvin K

2014-06-05

A number of new positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been reported that enhance responses of neuronal alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to orthosteric ligands. PAMs represent promising new leads for the development of therapeutic agents for disorders involving alterations in nicotinic neurotransmission including Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. During our recent studies of alpha4beta2 PAMs, we identified a novel effect of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The effects of HEPES were evaluated in a phosphate buffered recording solution using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Acetylcholine induced responses of high-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors were potentiated 190% by co-exposure to HEPES. Responses were inhibited at higher concentrations (bell-shaped concentration/response curve). Coincidentally, at concentrations of HEPES typically used in oocyte recording (5-10mM), the potentiating effects of HEPES are matched by its inhibitory effects, thus producing no net effect. Mutagenesis results suggest HEPES potentiates the high-sensitivity stoichiometry of the alpha4beta2 receptors through action at the beta2+/beta2- interface and is dependent on residue beta2D218. HEPES did not potentiate low-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors and did not produce any observable effect on acetylcholine induced responses on alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of two minor saponins from Cordia piauhiensis by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Santos, Renata P; Silveira, Edilberto R; Lemos, Telma Leda G; Viana, Francisco Arnaldo; Braz-Filho, Raimundo; Pessoa, Otília Deusdênia L

2005-06-01

A careful NMR analysis with full assignment of the 1H and 13C spectral data for two minor saponins isolated from stems of Cordia piauhiensis is reported. These saponins were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized as 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]pomolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (1) and 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2). Their structures were established using a combination of 1D and 2D (1H, 1H-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, gs-HMQC and gs-HMBC) NMR techniques, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical evidence. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation of novel beta-cyclodextrin functionalized monolith and its application in chiral separation.

PubMed

Lv, Yongqin; Mei, Danping; Pan, Xinxin; Tan, Tianwei

2010-09-15

A novel beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) functionalized organic polymer monolith was prepared by covalently bonding ethylenediamine-beta-CD (EDA-beta-CD) to poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA-co-EGDMA)) monolith via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. SEM characterization was performed to confirm the homogeneity of the monolithic polymer. The resulting monolith was then characterized by DSC and XPS elemental analysis to study the thermal stability of the monolith, and to prove the successful immobilization of beta-CD on the polymer substrate. The beta-CD ligand density of 0.68 mmol g(-1) was obtained for the modified monolith, indicating the high reactivity and efficiency of the EDA-beta-CD modifier. The ethylenediamine-beta-CD functionalized monoliths were used for the chiral separation of ibuprofen racemic mixture and showed promising results. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxygen radical system in chronic infarcted rat heart: the effect of combined beta blockade and ACE inhibition.

PubMed

Theres, H; Wagner, K D; Schulz, S; Strube, S; Leiterer, K P; Romberg, D; Günther, J; Scholz, H; Baumann, G; Schimke, I

2000-05-01

In vitro experiments suggest that beta blockade and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition may protect the failing heart by reduction of myocardial oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis in an in vivo model, the beta blocker metoprolol (350 mg) and the ACE inhibitor ramipril (1 mg) were given either alone or in combination to rats (per kilogram body weight per day) for 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), contractile function of papillary muscles, enzymatic antioxidative defense (indicated by the activities of the superoxide dismutase isoenzymes and glutathione peroxidase), and the extent of lipid peroxidation were studied. Placebo-treated rats showed cardiac hypertrophy, increased LVEDP, lower rates of contraction and relaxation, as well as a deficit in the myocardial antioxidative defense associated with increased lipid peroxide levels, when compared with sham-operated animals. Combined beta blockade and ACE inhibition improved the antioxidative defense, reduced hypertrophy and LVEDP, and enhanced rates of contraction. Thus prolonged beta blockade and ACE inhibition after infarction may decrease myocardial oxidative stress and thereby could be beneficial in heart failure.

High-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of chlorphenesin carbamate and the beta-isomeric carbamate.

PubMed

Beyer, W F

1976-12-01

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay was developed for the determination of chlorphenesin carbamate and its beta-isomeric carbamate. A single 4-mm i.d. X 30-cm column, prepacked with 10 micrometer fully porous silica gel particles, is used with 3% methanol in 50% water-saturated butyl chloride as the mobile phase. The procedure separates chlorphenesin carbamate from several possible impurities in addition to the beta-isomeric carbamate. The assay was applied to bulk drug and compressed tablets. The relative standard deviations for the assays of chlorphenesin carbamate and the beta-isomer are approximately 1 and 2%, respectively.

Characterization and inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase in intact myocytes.

PubMed

Laugwitz, K L; Kronsbein, K; Schmitt, M; Hoffmann, K; Seyfarth, M; Schömig, A; Ungerer, M

1997-08-01

beta-Adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) phosphorylates and thereby inactivates agonist-occupied beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR). beta ARK is thought to play an important role in the regulation of cardiac function. Therefore, we studied beta ARK activation and its inhibition in intact smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts. beta AR agonist-stimulated translocation of beta ARK was monitored by immunofluorescence labelling with specific antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy in DDT-MF 2 hamster smooth muscle cells and in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. In unstimulated cells. beta ARK was mainly located in the cytosol. After beta AR agonist stimulation, the beta ARK signal was partially translocated to the membranes. Liposomal gene transfer of the COOH-terminus of beta ARK ('beta ARKmini') as a beta ARK inhibitor led to functional expression of this protein in both cell lines with high efficiency. Western blots with beta ARK antibodies showed a gene concentration-dependent immunoreactivity of the 'beta ARKmini' protein. 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes demonstrated reduced membrane targeting of the beta ARK immuno-fluorescence signal. Additionally, the effect of 'beta ARKmini' on beta AR-induced desensitization of myocytic cAMP accumulation was investigated. In control cells, desensitization with isoproterenol led to a subsequent reduction of beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation. In 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes, this beta AR-induced desensitization was significantly diminished, whereas normal beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation was unaffected. A gene concentration of 2 micrograms 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 cardiomyoblasts, and of 0.7 microgram 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells led to approximately 5.9- and approximately 5.6-fold overexpressions of 'beta ARKmini' vs. native beta ARK, respectively. These gene doses proved sufficient to attenuate beta-adrenergic desensitization significantly. (1) beta ARK translocation was evidenced in DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts by confocal laser scanning microscopy. (2) Feasibility of 'beta ARKmini' gene transfer to myocytes was demonstrated, and necessary gene doses for beta ARK inhibition were titered. (3) Overexpression of 'beta ARKmini' functionally interacted with endogenous beta-adrenergic signal transduction, leading to sustained cAMP accumulation after prolonged beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Fenoterol inhibits superoxide anion generation by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes via beta-adrenoceptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

PubMed

Mirza, Zafar Nazir; Kato, Masahiko; Kimura, Hirokazu; Tachibana, Atsushi; Fujiu, Toru; Suzuki, Masato; Mochizuki, Hiroyuki; Tokuyama, Kenichi; Morikawa, Akihiro

2002-05-01

Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, used widely as bronchodilator in treating bronchial asthma, may have anti-inflammatory activity. We examined whether various widely prescribed beta2-adrenoceptor agonists differ in anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We investigated effects of these drugs on superoxide anion generation by stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro using chemiluminescence. At high concentrations, fenoterol significantly inhibited both N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine- and phorbol myristate acetate-induced superoxide generation by neutrophils. In contrast, salbutamol or procaterol partially inhibited generation with the former stimulus but not the latter. Inhibition by salbutamol or procaterol was completely reversed by either propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, or ICI-118551, a beta2-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist. In contrast, the effect of fenoterol at concentrations exceeding 10(-6) M against superoxide generation with the former stimulus was only partially reversed by antagonists, and the effect of high concentrations of fenoterol against generation with the latter stimulus was not reversed. No drugs scavenged superoxide at the highest concentration used (10(-5) M). Fenoterol at high concentrations has an inhibitory effect on superoxide generation that includes a component not mediated via beta2-adrenoceptors. Direct inhibition at or downstream from protein kinase C may be involved.

High-Resolution Structure of a Self-Assembly-Competent Form of a Hydrophobic Peptide Captured in a Soluble [beta]-Sheet Scaffold

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

Makabe, Koki; Biancalana, Matthew; Yan, Shude

2010-02-08

{beta}-Rich self-assembly is a major structural class of polypeptides, but still little is known about its atomic structures and biophysical properties. Major impediments for structural and biophysical studies of peptide self-assemblies include their insolubility and heterogeneous composition. We have developed a model system, termed peptide self-assembly mimic (PSAM), based on the single-layer {beta}-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A. PSAM allows for the capture of a defined number of self-assembly-like peptide repeats within a water-soluble protein, making structural and energetic studies possible. In this work, we extend our PSAM approach to a highly hydrophobic peptide sequence. We show that amore » penta-Ile peptide (Ile{sub 5}), which is insoluble and forms {beta}-rich self-assemblies in aqueous solution, can be captured within the PSAM scaffold in a form capable of self-assembly. The 1.1-{angstrom} crystal structure revealed that the Ile{sub 5} stretch forms a highly regular {beta}-strand within this flat {beta}-sheet. Self-assembly models built with multiple copies of the crystal structure of the Ile5 peptide segment showed no steric conflict, indicating that this conformation represents an assembly-competent form. The PSAM retained high conformational stability, suggesting that the flat {beta}-strand of the Ile{sub 5} stretch primed for self-assembly is a low-energy conformation of the Ile{sub 5} stretch and rationalizing its high propensity for self-assembly. The ability of the PSAM to 'solubilize' an otherwise insoluble peptide stretch suggests the potential of the PSAM approach to the characterization of self-assembling peptides.« less

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel alloy pressure tube material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sattari, Mohammad

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel (Zr-3.5%Sn-0.8%Mo-0.8%Nb), a dual phase alphaZr -hcp and betaZr-bcc pressure tube material, is discussed in the current study which is presented in manuscript format. Chapter 3 discusses phase transformation temperatures using different techniques such as quantitative metallography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrical resistivity. It was found that the alphaZr → alphaZr+beta Zr and alphaZr+betaZr → betaZr transformation temperatures are in the range of 600-690°C and 960-970°C respectively. Also it was observed that upon quenching from temperatures below ˜860°C the martensitic transformation of betaZr to alpha'--hcp is halted and instead the microstructure transforms into retained Zr with o hexagonal precipitates inside betaZr grains. Chapter 4 deals with aging response of Excel alloy. Precipitation hardening was observed in samples water-quenched from high in the alphaZr+beta Zr or betaZr regions followed by aging. The optimum aging conditions were found to be 450°C for 1 hour. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed dispersion of fine precipitates (˜10nm) inside the martensitic phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the chemical composition of precipitates to be Zr-30wt%Mo-25wt%Nb-2wt%Fe. Electron crystallography using whole pattern symmetry of the convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns together with selected area diffraction (SAD) polycrystalline ring patterns, suggests the -6m2 point group for the precipitates belonging to hexagonal crystal structure, with a= 2.936 A and c=4.481 A, i.e. c/a =1.526. Crystallographic texture and high temperature tensile properties as well as creep-rupture properties of different microstructures are discussed in Chapter 5. Texture analysis showed that solution treatment high in the alpha Zr+betaZr or betaZr regions followed by water quenching or air cooling results in a more random texture compared to typical pressure tube texture. Variant selection was observed upon water quenching while partial memory effect and some transformation texture with variant selection was observed in the air-cooled sample. The results of creep-rupture tests suggest that fully martensitic and aged microstructure has better creep properties at high stress levels (>700 MPa) while the microstructure from air cooling from high in the alphaZr+betaZr region is less sensitive to stress and shows better creep properties compared to the as-received annealed microstructure at lower stresses (<560 MPa).

Hydrogen-bonded turns in proteins: the case for a recount.

PubMed

Panasik, Nick; Fleming, Patrick J; Rose, George D

2005-11-01

Beta-turns are sites at which proteins change their overall chain direction, and they occur with high frequency in globular proteins. The Protein Data Bank has many instances of conformations that resemble beta-turns but lack the characteristic N-H(i) --> O=C(i - 3) hydrogen bond of an authentic beta-turn. Here, we identify potential hydrogen-bonded beta-turns in the coil library, a Web-accessible database utility comprised of all residues not in repetitive secondary structure, neither alpha-helix nor beta-sheet (http://www.roselab.jhu.edu/coil). In particular, candidate turns were identified as four-residue segments satisfying highly relaxed geometric criteria but lacking a strictly defined hydrogen bond. Such candidates were then subjected to a minimization protocol to determine whether slight changes in torsion angles are sufficient to shift the conformation into reference-quality geometry without deviating significantly from the original structure. This approach of applying constrained minimization to known structures reveals a substantial population of previously unidentified, stringently defined, hydrogen-bonded beta-turns. In particular, 33% of coil library residues were classified as beta-turns prior to minimization. After minimization, 45% of such residues could be classified as beta-turns, with another 8% in 3(10) helixes (which closely resemble type III beta-turns). Of the remaining coil library residues, 37% have backbone dihedral angles in left-handed polyproline II structure.

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

Patrick, N.; Miyakawa, F.; Hunt, J.A.

The distribution of {beta}-thalassemia [{beta}{sup Th}] mutations is unique to each ethnic group. Most mutations affect one or a few bases; large deletions have been rare. Among families screened in Hawaii, [{beta}{sup Th}] heterozygotes were diagnosed by microcytosis, absence of abnormal hemoglobins on isoelectric focusing, and raised Hb A{sub 2} by chromatography. Gene frequency for {beta}{sup Th} was 0.02 in Filipinos. In Filipinos, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for {beta}{sup Th} mutations detected a mutation in only 6 of 42 {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes; an IVS2-666 C/T polymorphism showed non-heterozygosity in 37 and heterozygosity in only 5more » of these {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes. One {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} major patient and his mother had no mutation detected by allele-specific oligomer hybridization; PCR failed to amplify any DNA from his {beta}-globin gene. After a total {beta}-globin gene deletion [{beta}{sup Del}] was found in a Filipino family in Ontario, specific PCR amplification for {beta}{sup Del} detected this in 43 of 53 {beta}{sup Th} Filipino samples tested; the above {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} patient was a ({beta}{sup Del}/{beta}{sup Del}) homozygote. The {beta}{sup Del} may account for over 60% of all {beta}{sup Th} alleles in Filipinos; this is the highest proportion of a deletion {beta}{sup Th} mutation reported from any population. Most but not all {beta}{sup Del} heterozygotes had high Hb F [5.13 {plus_minus} 3.94 mean {plus_minus} 1 s.d.] compared to the codon 41/42 four base deletion common in Chinese [2.30 {plus_minus} 0.86], or to {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes with normal {alpha}-globin genes [2.23 {plus_minus} 0.80].« less

Beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria

PubMed Central

Zeng, Ximin; Lin, Jun

2013-01-01

Production of beta-lactamases, the enzymes that degrade beta-lactam antibiotics, is the most widespread and threatening mechanism of antibiotic resistance. In the past, extensive research has focused on the structure, function, and ecology of beta-lactamases while limited efforts were placed on the regulatory mechanisms of beta-lactamases. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrate a direct link between beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, expression of beta-lactamase could be induced by the liberated murein fragments, such as muropeptides. This article summarizes current knowledge on cell wall metabolism, beta-lactam antibiotics, and beta-lactamases. In particular, we comprehensively reviewed recent studies on the beta-lactamase induction by muropeptides via two major molecular mechanisms (the AmpG–AmpR–AmpC pathway and BlrAB-like two-component regulatory system) in Gram-negative bacteria. The signaling pathways for beta-lactamase induction offer a broad array of promising targets for the discovery of new antibacterial drugs used for combination therapies. Therefore, to develop effective mitigation strategies against the widespread beta-lactam resistance, examination of the molecular basis of beta-lactamase induction by cell wall fragment is highly warranted. PMID:23734147

Canine serum protein patterns using high-resolution electrophoresis (HRE).

PubMed

Abate, O; Zanatta, R; Malisano, T; Dotta, U

2000-03-01

Serum protein values were determined in 26 healthy dogs using agarose gel electrophoresis (SPE), splitting the electrophoretic separation into six regions: albumin, alpha(1), alpha(2), beta(1), beta(2)and gamma globulins. High-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) was used to separate single proteins. Serum proteins from dogs (26 healthy and 20 affected by various diseases) were then characterized by electrophoretic immunofixation (IFE) and Sudan black staining on HRE film. Haemoglobin and normal canine plasma and serum were used to identify haptoglobin and fibrinogen, respectively. In the standard pattern, determined by HRE, the following proteins were identified: albumin, alpha(1)-lipoprotein (alpha(1)-region), haptoglobin and alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)-region), beta -lipoprotein and C3 (beta(1)-region), transferrin and IgM (beta(2)-region), IgG (mostly in gamma -region and partly in beta(2)-region). The HRE pattern shown by healthy dogs could be compared with those of dogs affected by various diseases to obtain clinical information. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Early Stages of Microstructure and Texture Evolution during Beta Annealing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilchak, A. L.; Sargent, G. A.; Semiatin, S. L.

2018-03-01

The early stages of microstructure evolution during annealing of Ti-6Al-4V in the beta phase field were established. For this purpose, a series of short-time heat treatments was performed using sheet samples that had a noticeable degree of alpha-phase microtexture in the as-received condition. Reconstruction of the beta-grain structure from electron-backscatter-diffraction measurements of the room-temperature alpha-phase texture revealed that microstructure evolution at short times was controlled not by general grain growth, but rather by nucleation-and-growth events analogous to discontinuous recrystallization. The nuclei comprised a small subset of beta grains that were highly misoriented relative to those comprising the principal texture component of the beta matrix. From a quantitative standpoint, the transformation kinetics were characterized by an Avrami exponent of approximately unity, thus suggestive of metadynamic recrystallization. The recrystallization process led to the weakening and eventual elimination of the initial beta texture through the growth of a population of highly misoriented grains.

The Suppression of Beta Oscillations in the Primate Supplementary Motor Complex Reflects a Volatile State During the Updating of Action Sequences.

PubMed

Hosaka, Ryosuke; Nakajima, Toshi; Aihara, Kazuyuki; Yamaguchi, Yoko; Mushiake, Hajime

2016-08-01

The medial motor areas play crucial but flexible roles in the temporal organizations of multiple movements. The beta oscillation of local field potentials is the predominant oscillatory activity in the motor areas, but the manner in which increases and decreases in beta power contribute to updating of multiple action plans is not yet fully understood. In the present study, beta and high-gamma activities in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and pre-SMA of monkeys were analyzed during performance of a bimanual motor sequence task that required updating and maintenance of the memory of action sequences. Beta power was attenuated during early delay periods of updating trials but was increased during maintenance trials, while there was a reciprocal increase in high-gamma power during updating trials. Moreover, transient attenuation of beta power during maintenance trials resulted in the erroneous selection of an action sequence. Therefore, it was concluded that the suppression of beta power during the early delay period reflects volatility of neural representation of the action sequence. This neural representation would be properly updated to the appropriate instructed action sequence via increases in high-gamma power in updating trials whereas it would be erroneously updated without the appropriate updating signal in maintenance trials. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants in an adult Arab population.

PubMed

Abiaka, Clifford; Olusi, Samuel; Simbeye, Amos

2002-01-01

Serum concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (r-P HPLC) in 260 randomly selected healthy adult Kuwaitis (159 men and 101 women) aged 18-63 years (mean 33.3 years) to established reference ranges of the micronutrient antioxidants. Total cholesterol concentrations were assayed by an enzymatic method to determine alpha-tocopherol: cholesterol ratios. The mean +/- SEM (micromol/L) for retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were 1.76+/-0.02, 20.0+/-0.5, 0.52+/-0.03, 0.95+/-0.05, respectively. Compared to other populations, these data showed, on the whole, ordinary concentrations of beta-carotene, comparatively low concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol and high concentrations of lycopene. Retinol concentrations were similar for both sexes, whereas alpha-tocopherol concentration was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower and the carotenoid levels (beta-carotene and lycopene) significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in women. Of the micronutrient antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol was most correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.492, P < 0.0001). beta-Carotene and lycopene were highly correlated with each other (r =0.744, P< 0.0001). Age was positively associated with beta-carotene (r = 0.214, P = 0.001) and lycopene (r = 239, P< 0.0001). Our data enabled us to establish a gender non-specific reference range for retinol and gender-specific reference ranges for alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene.

A class-A beta-lactamase from Pseudomonas stutzeri that is highly active against monobactams and cefotaxime.

PubMed Central

Franceschini, N; Galleni, M; Frère, J M; Oratore, A; Amicosante, G

1993-01-01

A beta-lactamase produced by Pseudomonas stutzeri was purified to protein homogeneity, and its physicochemical and catalytic properties were determined. Its profile was unusual since, in addition to penicillins, the enzyme hydrolysed second- and third-generation 'beta-lactamase-stable' cephalosporins and monobactams with similar efficiencies. On the basis of the characteristics of the interaction with beta-iodopenicillanic acid, the enzyme could be classified as a class-A beta-lactamase. However, when compared with most class-A beta-lactamases, it exhibited significantly lower kcat./Km values for the compounds usually considered to be the best substrates of these enzymes. PMID:8318000

Increased expression of mineralocorticoid receptor and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in human atria during atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

De-An, Pei; Li, Li; Zhi-Yun, Xu; Jin-Yu, Huang; Zheng-Ming, Xu; Min, Wang; Qiang, Yao; Shi-Eng, Huang

2010-01-01

Atrialfibrillation (AF) is associated with the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the atria. It is not clear whether the expression of a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), or 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaHSD2), conferring aldosterone specificity to the MR, in patients with AF is altered. Patients with AF may be associated with increased expression of MR and 11betaHSD2 in the atria. Atrial tissue samples of 25 patients with rheumatic heart valve disease undergoing a valve replacement operation were examined. A total of 13 patients had chronic persistent AF (>6 mo) and 12 patients had no history of AF. The MR and 11betaHSD2 expression were analyzed at the mRNA and protein level. The localization of MR and 11betaHSD2 in atrial tissue was performed using specific immunohistochemistry staining. The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that AF groups, in comparison with sinus rhythm, had a higher mRNA expression level of MR or 11betaHSD2 (all P < 0.01). Both the MR and 11betaHSD2 protein expression level in atrial tissue were also significantly increased in patients with AF compared with patients with sinus rhythm (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The immunohistochemical staining of MR or 11betaHSD2 demonstrated that MR and 11betaHSD2 predominately located in the cytoplasm of myocardial cells in the atrium and the intensity and density of immunostaining appeared to be increased in the atria of patients with AF compared to those without AF. Increasing expression of MR and 11betaHSD2 in the atria during AF is one of the molecular mechanisms for development of atrial interstitial fibrosis in patients with AF. These findings may have an important impact on the treatment of AF with aldosterone antagonists. Copyright 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Xanthanolides and xanthane epoxide derivatives from Xanthium strumarium.

PubMed

Mahmoud, A A

1998-12-01

From the aerial parts of Xanthium strumarium, three new xanthanolide and xanthane-type sesquiterpenoids, 11alpha,13-dihydroxanthatin, 4beta,5beta-epoxyxanthatin-1alpha,4alpha-endoperoxide, and 1beta,4beta,4alpha,5alpha-diepoxyxanth-11(13)-en-12-oic acid have been isolated, together with seven known compounds. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, particularly high resolution 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopy and NOE experiments.

Method for preparing Pb-. beta. ''-alumina ceramic

DOEpatents

Hellstrom, E.E.

1984-08-30

A process is disclosed for preparing impermeable, polycrystalline samples of Pb-..beta..''-alumina ceramic from Na-..beta..''-alumina ceramic by ion exchange. The process comprises two steps. The first step is a high-temperature vapor phase exchange of Na by K, followed by substitution of Pb for K by immersing the sample in a molten Pb salt bath. The result is a polycrystalline Pb-..beta..''-alumina ceramic that is substantially crack-free.

Method for preparing Pb-.beta."-alumina ceramic

DOEpatents

Hellstrom, Eric E.

1986-01-01

A process is disclosed for preparing impermeable, polycrystalline samples of Pb-.beta."-alumina ceramic from Na-.beta."-alumina ceramic by ion exchange. The process comprises two steps. The first step is a high-temperature vapor phase exchange of Na by K, followed by substitution of Pb for K by immersing the sample in a molten Pb salt bath. The result is a polycrystalline Pb-.beta."-alumina ceramic that is substantially crack-free.

Effects of high-fat diets on hepatic fatty acid oxidation in the rat. Isolation of rat liver peroxisomes by vertical-rotor centrifugation by using a self-generated, iso-osmotic, Percoll gradient.

PubMed Central

Neat, C E; Thomassen, M S; Osmundsen, H

1981-01-01

1. Rat liver peroxisomal fractions were isolated in iso-osmotic Percoll gradients by using vertical-rotor centrifugation. The fractions obtained with rats given various dietary treatments were characterized. 2. The effect on peroxisomal beta-oxidation of feeding 15% by wt. of dietary fat for 3 weeks was investigated. High-fat diets caused induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation, but diets rich in very-long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids produced a more marked induction. 3. Peroxisomal beta-oxidation induced by diets rich in very-long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids can oxidize such acids. Trans-isomers of mono-unsaturated fatty acids are oxidized at rates that are faster than, or similar to, those obtained with corresponding cis-isomers. 4. Rates of oxidation of [14-14C]erucic acid by isolated rat hepatocytes isolated from rats fed on high-fat diets increased with the time on those diets in a fashion very similar to that previously reported for peroxisomal beta-oxidation [see Neat, Thomassen & Osmundsen (1980) Biochem, J. 186, 369-371]. 5. Total liver capacities for peroxisomal beta-oxidation (expressed as acetyl groups produced per min) were estimated to range from 10 to 30% of mitochondrial capacities, depending on dietary treatment and fatty acid substrate. A role is proposed for peroxisomal beta-oxidation in relation to the metabolism of fatty acids that are poorly oxidized by mitochondrial beta-oxidation, and, in general, as regards oxidation of fatty acids during periods of sustained high hepatic influx of fatty acids. PMID:6272750

Down regulated expression of the beta1 subunit of the big-conductance Ca2+ sensitive K+ channel in sphincter of Oddi cells from rabbits fed with a high cholesterol diet.

PubMed

Du, Pang; Cui, Guang-Bin; Wang, Ya-Rong; Zhang, Xiao-Yong; Ma, Ke-Jun; Wei, Jing-Guo

2006-12-01

Hypercholesterolemia, which is closely related to gallbladder bile stasis, can cause sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) by increasing the tension of sphincter of Oddi (SO). Intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) could influence the tension of SO. The beta1 subunit of the big-conductance Ca(2+) sensitive K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) can enhance the sensitivity of the BK(Ca) channel to [Ca(2+)](i). Absence and decline of the BKCa channel subunit beta1 could lead to many diseases. However, the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and the expression of beta1 subunit is not well understood. In this study, we successfully expressed and purified the rabbit BK(Ca) beta1 subunit protein and prepared its polyclonal antibody. The specificity of the prepared antibody was determined by Western blotting. A SOD rabbit model induced by a high cholesterol diet was established and the expression of the beta1 subunit of SO was determined by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Compared with the controls, our results demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia could decrease the expression of the beta1 subunit in the SO cells from rabbits. This indicates that lower expression of BKCa channel beta1 subunit might induce SOD.

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

Streltsov, Victor A.; Titmuss, Stephen J.; Epa, V. Chandana

Neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer disease (AD) is believed to be related to the toxicity from reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the brain by the amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) protein bound primarily to copper ions. The evidence for an oxidative stress role of A{beta}-Cu redox chemistry is still incomplete. Details of the copper binding site in A{beta} may be critical to the etiology of AD. Here we present the structure determined by combining x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory analysis of A{beta} peptides complexed with Cu{sup 2+} in solution under a range of buffer conditions. Phosphate-buffered saline buffer salt (NaCl)more » concentration does not affect the high-affinity copper binding mode but alters the second coordination sphere. The XAS spectra for truncated and full-length A{beta}-Cu{sup 2+} peptides are similar. The novel distorted six-coordinated (3N3O) geometry around copper in the A{beta}-Cu{sup 2+} complexes include three histidines: glutamic, or/and aspartic acid, and axial water. The structure of the high-affinity Cu{sup 2+} binding site is consistent with the hypothesis that the redox activity of the metal ion bound to A{beta} can lead to the formation of dityrosine-linked dimers found in AD.« less

Determination of the specificity of monoclonal antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni CAA glycoprotein antigen using neoglycoconjugate variants.

PubMed

Carvalho de Souza, Adriana; van Remoortere, Alexandra; Hokke, Cornelis H; Deelder, André M; Vliegenthart, Johannes F G; Kamerling, Johannis P

2005-09-01

The immunogenic O-glycan of circulating anodic antigen (CAA) is a high-molecular-mass polysaccharide with the unique -->6)-[beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->3)]-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1--> repeating unit. To obtain information at the molecular level about the specificity of monoclonal antibodies against CAA, the immunoreactivity of two series of bovine serum albumin-coupled synthetic oligosaccharides related to the CAA O-glycan was monitored using ELISA and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. The importance of the axial hydroxyl group of beta-D-GalpNAc for antibody binding was investigated using the following series of analogues: beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O); beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->6)-[beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->3)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O); and beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->6)-[beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->3)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O). In the second series of analogues, beta-D-Glcp6S-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->O), beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Glcp6S-(1-->3)]-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->O), and beta-D-Glcp6S-(1-->3)-beta-D-Gal-pNAc-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Glcp6S-(1-->3)]-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->O), the native beta-D-GlcpA moiety was replaced by beta-D-Glcp6S to evaluate the influence of the nature of the charge on antibody recognition. Comparison of the immunoreactivity of these series with that measured for conjugates containing corresponding synthetic CAA fragments showed that the antibody binding levels can be correlated to the antibody specificity to CAA fragments. For the most reactive antibodies, the structural changes chosen (beta-D-GalpNAc replaced by beta-D-GlcpNAc, and beta-D-GlcpA replaced by beta-D-Glcp6S) completely eradicated the binding.

Differential expression of E-cadherin at the surface of rat beta-cells as a marker of functional heterogeneity.

PubMed

Bosco, Domenico; Rouiller, Dominique G; Halban, Philippe A

2007-07-01

The aim of this study was to assess whether the expression of E-cadherin at the surface of rat beta-cells is regulated by insulin secretagogues and correlates with insulin secretion. When cultured under standard conditions, virtually all beta-cells expressed E-cadherin observed by immunofluorescence, but heterogeneous staining was observed. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), two beta-cell sub-populations were sorted: one that was poorly labeled ('ECad-low') and another that was highly labeled ('ECad-high'). After 1-h stimulation with 16.7 mM glucose, insulin secretion (reverse hemolytic plaque assay) from individual ECad-high beta-cells was higher than that from ECad-low beta-cells. Ca2+-dependent beta-cell aggregation was increased at 16.7 mM glucose when compared with 2.8 mM glucose. E-cadherin at the surface of beta-cells was increased after 18 h at 11.1 and 22.2 mM glucose when compared with 2.8 mM glucose, with the greatest increase at 22.2 mM glucose + 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). While no labeling was detected on freshly trypsinized cells, the proportion of stained cells increased in a time-dependent manner during culture for 1, 3, and 24 h. This recovery was faster when cells were incubated at 16.7 vs 2.8 mM glucose. Cycloheximide inhibited expression of E-cadherin at 2.8 mM glucose, but not at 16.7 mM, while depolymerization of actin by either cytochalasin B or latrunculin B increased surface E-cadherin at low glucose. In conclusion, these results show that expression of E-cadherin at the surface of islet beta-cells is controlled by secretagogues including glucose, correlates with insulin secretion, and can serve as a surface marker of beta-cell function.

Fine-Scale Bacterial Beta Diversity within a Complex Ecosystem (Zodletone Spring, OK, USA): The Role of the Rare Biosphere

PubMed Central

Youssef, Noha H.; Couger, M. B.; Elshahed, Mostafa S.

2010-01-01

Background The adaptation of pyrosequencing technologies for use in culture-independent diversity surveys allowed for deeper sampling of ecosystems of interest. One extremely well suited area of interest for pyrosequencing-based diversity surveys that has received surprisingly little attention so far, is examining fine scale (e.g. micrometer to millimeter) beta diversity in complex microbial ecosystems. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined the patterns of fine scale Beta diversity in four adjacent sediment samples (1mm apart) from the source of an anaerobic sulfide and sulfur rich spring (Zodletone spring) in southwestern Oklahoma, USA. Using pyrosequencing, a total of 292,130 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained. The beta diversity patterns within the four datasets were examined using various qualitative and quantitative similarity indices. Low levels of Beta diversity (high similarity indices) were observed between the four samples at the phylum-level. However, at a putative species (OTU0.03) level, higher levels of beta diversity (lower similarity indices) were observed. Further examination of beta diversity patterns within dominant and rare members of the community indicated that at the putative species level, beta diversity is much higher within rare members of the community. Finally, sub-classification of rare members of Zodletone spring community based on patterns of novelty and uniqueness, and further examination of fine scale beta diversity of each of these subgroups indicated that members of the community that are unique, but non novel showed the highest beta diversity within these subgroups of the rare biosphere. Conclusions/Significance The results demonstrate the occurrence of high inter-sample diversity within seemingly identical samples from a complex habitat. We reason that such unexpected diversity should be taken into consideration when exploring gamma diversity of various ecosystems, as well as planning for sequencing-intensive metagenomic surveys of highly complex ecosystems. PMID:20865128

High glucose induces inflammatory cytokine through protein kinase C-induced toll-like receptor 2 pathway in gingival fibroblasts

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

Jiang, Shao-Yun, E-mail: jiangshaoyun@yahoo.com; Wei, Cong-Cong; Shang, Ting-Ting

2012-10-26

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High glucose significantly induced TLR2 expression in gingival fibroblasts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High glucose increased NF-{kappa}B p65 nuclear activity, IL-1{beta} and TNF-{alpha} levels. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PKC-{alpha}/{delta}-TLR2 pathway is involved in periodontal inflammation under high glucose. -- Abstract: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in innate immune response and inflammation, especially in periodontitis. Meanwhile, hyperglycemia can induce inflammation in diabetes complications. However, the activity of TLRs in periodontitis complicated with hyperglycemia is still unclear. In the present study, high glucose (25 mmol/l) significantly induced TLR2 expression in gingival fibroblasts (p < 0.05). Also, high glucose increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-{kappa}B)more » p65 nuclear activity, tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-l{beta} (IL-1{beta}) levels. Protein kinase C (PKC)-{alpha} and {delta} knockdown with siRNA significantly decreased TLR2 and NF-{kappa}B p65 expression (p < 0.05), whereas inhibition of PKC-{beta} had no effect on TLR2 and NF-{kappa}B p65 under high glucose (p < 0.05). Additional studies revealed that TLR2 knockdown significantly abrogated high-glucose-induced NF-{kappa}B expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Collectively, these data suggest that high glucose stimulates TNF-{alpha} and IL-1{beta} secretion via inducing TLR2 through PKC-{alpha} and PKC-{delta} in human gingival fibroblasts.« less

Effect of diet on oxidation of 17 beta-estradiol in vivo.

PubMed

Musey, P I; Collins, D C; Bradlow, H L; Gould, K G; Preedy, J R

1987-10-01

The effect of a high fat, low carbohydrate, low protein diet on the in vivo oxidation of 17 beta-estradiol was studied using radiometric methods. Five male chimpanzees were fed a normal (13%) fat diet or a high (65%) fat diet for 8 weeks. After a 4-week rest period, the animals were fed the alternative diet. The mean percent oxidation of 16 alpha-[3H]estradiol-17 beta 24 h after injection was 3.8 +/- 1.3% (+/- SD) on the normal diet vs. 18.4 +/- 4.7% on the high fat diet (P less than 0.01). In contrast, the mean percent oxidation of 2-[3H]estradiol 24 h after injection was 31.6 +/- 3.8% (+/- SD) on the normal diet vs. 20.0 +/- 3.5% on the high fat diet (P less than 0.05). These results suggest that the oxidation of 17 beta-estradiol to estriols relative to that to catechol estrogens is increased by a high fat diet.

Observation of finite-. beta. MHD phenomena in tokamaks

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

McGuire, K.M.

1984-09-01

Stable high-beta plasmas are required for the tokamak to attain an economical fusion reactor. Recently, intense neutral beam heating experiments in tokamaks have shown new effects on plasma stability and confinement associated with high beta plasmas. The observed spectrum of MHD fluctuations at high beta is clearly dominated by the n = 1 mode when the q = 1 surface is in the plasma. The m/n = 1/1 mode drives other n = 1 modes through toroidal coupling and n > 1 modes through nonlinear coupling. On PDX, with near perpendicular injection, a resonant interaction between the n = 1more » internal kink and the trapped fast ions results in loss of beam particles and heating power. Key parameters in the theory are the value of q/sub 0/ and the injection angle. High frequency broadband magnetic fluctuations have been observed on ISX-B and D-III and a correlation with the deterioration of plasma confinement was reported. During enhanced confinement (H-mode) discharges in divertor plasmas, two new edge instabilities were observed, both localized radially near the separatrix. By assembling results from the different tokamak experiments, it is found that the simple theoretical ideal MHD beta limit has not been exceeded. Whether this represents an ultimate tokamak limit or if beta optimized configurations (Dee- or bean-shaped plasmas) can exceed this limit and perhaps enter a second regime of stability remains to be clarified.« less

Perioperative use of beta-blockers and COX-2 inhibitors may improve immune competence and reduce the risk of tumor metastasis.

PubMed

Benish, Marganit; Bartal, Inbal; Goldfarb, Yael; Levi, Ben; Avraham, Roi; Raz, Amiram; Ben-Eliyahu, Shamgar

2008-07-01

COX inhibitors and beta-blockers were recently suggested to reduce cancer progression through inhibition of tumor proliferation and growth factor secretion, induction of tumor apoptosis, and prevention of cellular immune suppression during the critical perioperative period. Here we evaluated the perioperative impact of clinically applicable drugs from these categories in the context of surgery, studying natural killer (NK) cell activity and resistance to experimental metastases. F344 rats were treated with COX-1 inhibitors (SC560), COX-2 inhibitors (indomethacin, etodolac, or celecoxib), a beta-blocker (propranolol), or a combination of a COX-2 inhibitor and a beta-blocker (etodolac and propranolol). Rats underwent laparotomy, and were inoculated intravenously with syngeneic MADB106 tumor cells for the assessment of lung tumor retention (LTR). Additionally, the impact of these drug regimens on postoperative levels of NK cytotoxicity was studied in peripheral blood and marginating-pulmonary leukocytes. Surgery increased MADB106 LTR. COX-2 inhibition, but not COX-1 inhibition, reduced postoperative LTR. Etodolac and propranolol both attenuated the deleterious impact of surgery, and their combined use abolished it. Surgery decreased NK cytotoxicity per NK cell in both immune compartments, and only the combination of etodolac and propranolol significantly attenuated these effects. Lastly, the initiation of drug treatment three days prior to surgery yielded the same beneficial effects as a single pre-operative administration, but, as discussed, prolonged treatment may be more advantageous clinically. Excess prostaglandin and catecholamine release contributes to postoperative immune-suppression. Treatment combining perioperative COX-2 inhibition and beta-blockade is practical in operated cancer patients, and our study suggests potential immunological and clinical benefits.

High Voltage, Fast-Switching Module for Active Control of Magnetic Fields and Edge Plasma Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziemba, Timothy; Miller, Kenneth; Prager, James; Slobodov, Ilia

2016-10-01

Fast, reliable, real-time control of plasma is critical to the success of magnetic fusion science. High voltage and current supplies are needed to mitigate instabilities in all experiments as well as disruption events in large scale tokamaks for steady-state operation. Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs offer many advantages over IGBTs including lower drive energy requirements, lower conduction and switching losses, and higher switching frequency capabilities; however, these devices are limited to 1.2-1.7 kV devices. As fusion enters the long-pulse and burning plasma eras, efficiency of power switching will be important. Eagle Harbor Technologies (EHT), Inc. developing a high voltage SiC MOSFET module that operates at 10 kV. This switch module utilizes EHT gate drive technology, which has demonstrated the ability to increase SiC MOSFET switching efficiency. The module will allow more rapid development of high voltage switching power supplies at lower cost necessary for the next generation of fast plasma feedback and control. EHT is partnering with the High Beta Tokamak group at Columbia to develop detailed high voltage module specifications, to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the fusion science community.

ARRONAX, a high-energy and high-intensity cyclotron for nuclear medicine.

PubMed

Haddad, Ferid; Ferrer, Ludovic; Guertin, Arnaud; Carlier, Thomas; Michel, Nathalie; Barbet, Jacques; Chatal, Jean-François

2008-07-01

This study was aimed at establishing a list of radionuclides of interest for nuclear medicine that can be produced in a high-intensity and high-energy cyclotron. We have considered both therapeutic and positron emission tomography radionuclides that can be produced using a high-energy and a high-intensity cyclotron such as ARRONAX, which will be operating in Nantes (France) by the end of 2008. Novel radionuclides or radionuclides of current limited availability have been selected according to the following criteria: emission of positrons, low-energy beta or alpha particles, stable or short half-life daughters, half-life between 3 h and 10 days or generator-produced, favourable dosimetry, production from stable isotopes with reasonable cross sections. Three radionuclides appear well suited to targeted radionuclide therapy using beta ((67)Cu, (47)Sc) or alpha ((211)At) particles. Positron emitters allowing dosimetry studies prior to radionuclide therapy ((64)Cu, (124)I, (44)Sc), or that can be generator-produced ((82)Rb, (68)Ga) or providing the opportunity of a new imaging modality ((44)Sc) are considered to have a great interest at short term whereas (86)Y, (52)Fe, (55)Co, (76)Br or (89)Zr are considered to have a potential interest at middle term. Several radionuclides not currently used in routine nuclear medicine or not available in sufficient amount for clinical research have been selected for future production. High-energy, high-intensity cyclotrons are necessary to produce some of the selected radionuclides and make possible future clinical developments in nuclear medicine. Associated with appropriate carriers, these radionuclides will respond to a maximum of unmet clinical needs.

Geomorphology Drives Amphibian Beta Diversity in Atlantic Forest Lowlands of Southeastern Brazil

PubMed Central

Luiz, Amom Mendes; Leão-Pires, Thiago Augusto; Sawaya, Ricardo J.

2016-01-01

Beta diversity patterns are the outcome of multiple processes operating at different scales. Amphibian assemblages seem to be affected by contemporary climate and dispersal-based processes. However, historical processes involved in present patterns of beta diversity remain poorly understood. We assess and disentangle geomorphological, climatic and spatial drivers of amphibian beta diversity in coastal lowlands of the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that geomorphological factors are more important in structuring anuran beta diversity than climatic and spatial factors. We obtained species composition via field survey (N = 766 individuals), museum specimens (N = 9,730) and literature records (N = 4,763). Sampling area was divided in four spatially explicit geomorphological units, representing historical predictors. Climatic descriptors were represented by the first two axis of a Principal Component Analysis. Spatial predictors in different spatial scales were described by Moran Eigenvector Maps. Redundancy Analysis was implemented to partition the explained variation of species composition by geomorphological, climatic and spatial predictors. Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to test neutral theory predictions. Beta diversity was spatially structured in broader scales. Shared fraction between climatic and geomorphological variables was an important predictor of species composition (13%), as well as broad scale spatial predictors (13%). However, geomorphological variables alone were the most important predictor of beta diversity (42%). Historical factors related to geomorphology must have played a crucial role in structuring amphibian beta diversity. The complex relationships between geomorphological history and climatic gradients generated by the Serra do Mar Precambrian basements were also important. We highlight the importance of combining spatially explicit historical and contemporary predictors for understanding and disentangling major drivers of beta diversity patterns. PMID:27171522

Geomorphology Drives Amphibian Beta Diversity in Atlantic Forest Lowlands of Southeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Luiz, Amom Mendes; Leão-Pires, Thiago Augusto; Sawaya, Ricardo J

2016-01-01

Beta diversity patterns are the outcome of multiple processes operating at different scales. Amphibian assemblages seem to be affected by contemporary climate and dispersal-based processes. However, historical processes involved in present patterns of beta diversity remain poorly understood. We assess and disentangle geomorphological, climatic and spatial drivers of amphibian beta diversity in coastal lowlands of the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that geomorphological factors are more important in structuring anuran beta diversity than climatic and spatial factors. We obtained species composition via field survey (N = 766 individuals), museum specimens (N = 9,730) and literature records (N = 4,763). Sampling area was divided in four spatially explicit geomorphological units, representing historical predictors. Climatic descriptors were represented by the first two axis of a Principal Component Analysis. Spatial predictors in different spatial scales were described by Moran Eigenvector Maps. Redundancy Analysis was implemented to partition the explained variation of species composition by geomorphological, climatic and spatial predictors. Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to test neutral theory predictions. Beta diversity was spatially structured in broader scales. Shared fraction between climatic and geomorphological variables was an important predictor of species composition (13%), as well as broad scale spatial predictors (13%). However, geomorphological variables alone were the most important predictor of beta diversity (42%). Historical factors related to geomorphology must have played a crucial role in structuring amphibian beta diversity. The complex relationships between geomorphological history and climatic gradients generated by the Serra do Mar Precambrian basements were also important. We highlight the importance of combining spatially explicit historical and contemporary predictors for understanding and disentangling major drivers of beta diversity patterns.

TEM study of {beta} Prime precipitate interaction mechanisms with dislocations and {beta} Prime interfaces with the aluminium matrix in Al-Mg-Si alloys

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

Teichmann, Katharina; Marioara, Calin D.; Andersen, Sigmund J.

The interaction mechanisms between dislocations and semi-coherent, needle-shaped {beta} Prime precipitates in Al-Mg-Si alloys have been studied by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Dislocation loops appearing as broad contrast rings around the precipitate cross-sections were identified in the Al matrix. A size dependency of the interaction mechanism was observed; the precipitates were sheared when the longest dimension of their cross-section was shorter than approximately 15 nm, and looped otherwise. A more narrow ring located between the Al matrix and bulk {beta} Prime indicates the presence of a transition interface layer. Together with the bulk {beta} Prime structure, this wasmore » further investigated by High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM). In the bulk {beta} Prime a higher intensity could be correlated with a third of the Si-columns, as predicted from the published structure. The transition layer incorporates Si columns in the same arrangement as in bulk {beta} Prime , although it is structurally distinct from it. The Z-contrast information and arrangement of these Si-columns demonstrate that they are an extension of the Si-network known to structurally connect all the precipitate phases in the Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) system. The width of the interface layer was estimated to about 1 nm. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {beta} Prime is found to be looped at sizes larger than 15 nm (cross section diameter). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {beta} Prime is found to be sheared at sizes smaller than 15 nm (cross section diameter). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The recently determined crystal structure of {beta} Prime is confirmed by HAADF-STEM. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Between {beta} Prime and the Al-matrix a transition layer of about 1 nm is existent. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The {beta} Prime /matrix layer is structurally distinct from bulk {beta} Prime and the aluminium matrix.« less

Value of the "Standing Test" in the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Beta-blocker Therapy Response in Long QT Syndrome.

PubMed

Muñoz-Esparza, Carmen; Zorio, Esther; Domingo Valero, Diana; Peñafiel-Verdú, Pablo; Sánchez-Muñoz, Juan J; García-Molina, Esperanza; Sabater, María; Navarro, Marina; San-Román, Irene; Pérez, Inmaculada; Santos, Juan J; Cabañas-Perianes, Valentín; Valdés, Mariano; Pascual, Domingo; García-Alberola, Arcadio; Gimeno Blanes, Juan R

2017-11-01

Patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) have an abnormal QT adaptation to sudden changes in heart rate provoked by standing. The present study sought to evaluate the standing test in a cohort of LQTS patients and to assess if this QT maladaptation phenomenon is ameliorated by beta-blocker therapy. Electrographic assessments were performed at baseline and immediately after standing in 36 LQTS patients (6 LQT1 [17%], 20 LQT2 [56%], 3 LQT7 [8%], 7 unidentified-genotype patients [19%]) and 41 controls. The corrected QT interval (QTc) was measured at baseline (QTc supine ) and immediately after standing (QTc standing ); the QTc change from baseline (ΔQTc) was calculated as QTc standing - QTc supine . The test was repeated in 26 patients receiving beta-blocker therapy. Both QTc standing and ΔQTc were significantly higher in the LQTS group than in controls (QTc standing , 528 ± 46ms vs 420 ± 15ms, P < .0001; ΔQTc, 78 ± 40ms vs 8 ± 13ms, P < .0001). No significant differences were noted between LQT1 and LQT2 patients. Typical ST-T wave patterns appeared after standing in LQTS patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves of QTc standing and ΔQTc showed a significant increase in diagnostic value compared with the QTc supine (area under the curve for both, 0.99 vs 0.85; P < .001). Beta-blockers attenuated the response to standing in LQTS patients (QTc standing , 440 ± 32ms, P < .0001; ΔQTc, 14 ± 16ms, P < .0001). Evaluation of the QTc after the simple maneuver of standing shows a high diagnostic performance and could be important for monitoring the effects of beta-blocker therapy in LQTS patients. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Latest Results from EXO-200

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaufman, Lisa; EXO-200 Collaboration

2017-09-01

The EXO-200 experiment has made both the first observation of the double beta decay in Xe-136 and the most precisely measured half-life of any two-neutrino double beta decay to date. Consisting of an extremely low-background time projection chamber filled with 150 kg of enriched liquid Xe-136, it has provided one of the most sensitive searches for the neutrinoless double beta decay using the first two years of data. After a hiatus in operations during a temporary shutdown of its host facility, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the experiment has restarted data taking with upgrades to its front-end electronics and a radon suppression system. This talk will cover the latest results of the collaboration including new data with improved energy resolution.

Perturbations of Jacobi polynomials and piecewise hypergeometric orthogonal systems

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

Neretin, Yu A

2006-12-31

A family of non-complete orthogonal systems of functions on the ray [0,{infinity}] depending on three real parameters {alpha}, {beta}, {theta} is constructed. The elements of this system are piecewise hypergeometric functions with singularity at x=1. For {theta}=0 these functions vanish on [1,{infinity}) and the system is reduced to the Jacobi polynomials P{sub n}{sup {alpha}}{sup ,{beta}} on the interval [0,1]. In the general case the functions constructed can be regarded as an interpretation of the expressions P{sub n+{theta}}{sup {alpha}}{sup ,{beta}}. They are eigenfunctions of an exotic Sturm-Liouville boundary-value problem for the hypergeometric differential operator. The spectral measure for this problem ismore » found.« less

The final results of the Mi-Beta Cryogenic Experiment towards the CUORICINO Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirro, S.; Arnaboldi, C.; Brofferio, C.; Bucci, C.; Capelli, S.; Cremonesi, O.; Fiorini, E.; Giuliani, A.; McDonald, R. J.; Nucciotti, A.; Pavan, M.; Pedretti, M.; Pessina, G.; Pobes, C.; Previtali, E.; Sisti, M.; Vanzini, M.; Zanotti, L.

2002-02-01

We present the final results on neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (DBD) of 130Te obtained with an array of 20 cryogenic detectors. The Mi-Beta Experiment is operating since 3 years and was upgraded in March 2001. The background in the DBD energy region was reduced thanks to a new Roman lead shield framed inside the dilution unit and a neutron shield mounted outside the cryostat. We also improved the energy threshold using a cold electronic stage inside the cryostat. The new set-up represents also a good test for the CUORICINO Experiment. CUORICINO will start by the beginning of 2002 and will consist of 56 Tellurium Oxide Crystal with an overall bolometric mass of 42 kg. .

MHD Stability in Compact Stellarators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Guoyong

1999-11-01

A key issue for current carrying compact stellarators(S.P. Hirshman et al., "Physics of compact stellarators", Phys. Plasmas 6, 1858 (1999).) is the stability of ideal MHD modes. We present recent stability results of external kink modes, ballooning mode, and vertical modes in Quasi-axisymmetric Stellarators (QAS)( A. Reiman et al, "Physics issue in the design of a high beta Quasi-Axisymmetric Stellarator" the 17th IAEA Fusion Energy conference, (Yokohama, Japan, October 1998), Paper ICP/06.) as well as Quasi-Omnigeneous Stellarators (QOS)^2. The 3D stability code Terpsichore(W. A. Cooper et al., Phys. Plasmas 3, 275 (1996)) is used in this study. The vertical stability in a current carrying stellarator is studied for the first time. The vertical mode is found to be stabilized by externally generated poloidal flux(G.Y. Fu et al., "Stability of vertical mode in a current carrying stellarator"., to be submitted). Physically, this is because the external poloidal flux enhances the field line bending energy relative to the current drive term in the MHD energy principle, δ W. A simple stability criteria is derived in the limit of large aspect ratio and constant current density. For wall at infinite distance from the plasma, the amount of external flux needed for stabilization is given by f=(κ^2-κ)/(κ^2+1) where κ is the axisymmetric elongation and f is the fraction of the external rotational transform at the plasma edge. A systematic parameter study shows that the external kink in QAS can be stabilized at high beta ( ~ 5%) without a conducting wall by combination of edge magnetic shear and 3D shaping(G. Y. Fu et al., "MHD stability calculations of high-beta Quasi-Axisymmetric Stellarators", the 17th IAEA Fusion Energy conference, (Yokohama, Japan, October 1998), paper THP1/07.). The optimal shaping is obtained by using an optimizer with kink stability included in its objective function. The physics mechanism for the kink modes is studied by examining relative contributions of individual terms in δ W. It is found the external kinks are mainly driven by the parallel current. The pressure contributes significantly to the overall drive through the curvature term and the Pfirsch-Schluter current. These results demonstrate potential of QAS and QOS for disruption-free operations at high-beta without a close-fitting conducting wall and feedback stabilization.

Axial-Current Matrix Elements in Light Nuclei from Lattice QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, M.; Beane, S.; Chang, E.; Davoudi, Z.; Detmold, W.; Orginos, K.; Shanahan, P.; Tiburzi, B.; Wagman, M.; Winter, F.; Nplqcd Collaboration

I present results from the first lattice QCD calculations of axial-current matrix elements in light nuclei, performed by the NPLQCD collaboration. Precision calculations of these matrix elements, and the subsequent extraction of multi-nucleon axial-current operators, are essential in refining theoretical predictions of the proton-proton fusion cross section, neutrino-nucleus cross sections and $\\beta\\beta$-decay rates of nuclei. In addition, they are expected to shed light on the phenomenological quenching of $g_A$ that is required in nuclear many-body calculations.

Feasibility of commercial space manufacturing, production of pharmaceuticals. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The feasibility of the commercial manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in space is examined. The method of obtaining pharmaceutical company involvement, laboratory results of the separation of serum proteins by the continuous flow electrophoresis process, the selection and study of candidate products, and their production requirements is presented. Antihemophilic factor, beta cells, erythropoietin, epidermal growth factor, alpha-1-antitrypsin and interferon were studied. Production mass balances for antihemophilic factor, beta cells, and erythropoietin were compared for space verus ground operation.

A proteomics strategy to discover beta-glucosidases from Aspergillus fumigatus with two-dimensional page in-gel activity assay and tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Kim, Kee-Hong; Brown, Kimberly M; Harris, Paul V; Langston, James A; Cherry, Joel R

2007-12-01

Economically competitive production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation is currently limited, in part, by the relatively high cost and low efficiency of the enzymes required to hydrolyze cellulose to fermentable sugars. Discovery of novel cellulases with greater activity could be a critical step in overcoming this cost barrier. beta-Glucosidase catalyzes the final step in conversion of glucose polymers to glucose. Despite the importance, only a few beta-glucosidases are commercially available, and more efficient ones are clearly needed. We developed a proteomics strategy aiming to discover beta-glucosidases present in the secreted proteome of the cellulose-degrading fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. With the use of partial or complete protein denaturing conditions, the secretory proteome was fractionated in a 2DGE format and beta-glucosidase activity was detected in the gel after infusion with a substrate analogue that fluoresces upon hydrolysis. Fluorescing spots were subjected to tryptic-digestion, and identification as beta-glucosidases was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Two novel beta-glucosidases of A. fumigatus were identified by this in situ activity staining method, and the gene coding for a novel beta-glucosidase ( EAL88289 ) was cloned and heterologously expressed. The expressed beta-glucosidase showed far superior heat stability to the previously characterized beta-glucosidases of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae. Improved heat stability is important for development of the next generation of saccharifying enzymes capable of performing fast cellulose hydrolysis reactions at elevated temperatures, thereby lowering the cost of bioethanol production. The in situ activity staining approach described here would be a useful tool for cataloguing and assessing the efficiency of beta-glucosidases in a high throughput fashion.

Integrin alphaIIb-subunit cytoplasmic domain mutations demonstrate a requirement for tyrosine phosphorylation of beta3-subunits in actin cytoskeletal organization.

PubMed

Yamodo, Innocent H; Blystone, Scott D

2004-01-01

Using truncated or mutated alphaIIb integrin cytoplasmic domains fused to the alphaV extracellular domain and expressed with the beta3 integrin subunit, we demonstrate that the double mutation of proline residues 998 and 999 to alanine (PP998/999AA), previously shown to disturb the C-terminal conformation of the alphaIIb integrin cytoplasmic domain, prevents tyrosine phosphorylation of beta3 integrin induced by Arg-Gly-Asp peptide ligation. This mutation also inhibits integrin mediated actin assembly and cell adhesion to vitronectin. In contrast, progressive truncation of the alphaIIb-subunit cytoplasmic domain did not reproduce these effects. Interestingly, the PP998/999AA mutations of alphaIIb did not affect beta3 tyrosine phosphorylation, cell adhesion, or actin polymerization induced by manganese. Exogenous addition of manganese was sufficient to rescue beta3 phosphorylation, cell adhesion, and actin assembly in cells expressing the PP998/999AA mutation when presented with a vitronectin substrate. Further, induction of the high affinity conformation of this mutant beta3 integrin by incubation with either Arg-Gly-Asp peptide or exogenous manganese was equivalent. These results suggest that the extracellular structure of beta3 integrins in the high affinity conformation is not directly related to the structure of the cytoplasmic face of the integrin. Moreover, the requirement for beta3 phosphorylation is demonstrated without mutation of the beta3 subunit. In support of our previous hypothesis of a role for beta3 phosphorylation in adhesion, these studies demonstrate a strong correlation between beta3 tyrosine phosphorylation and assembly of a cytoskeleton competent to support firm cell adhesion.

Human Factors and Operations Issues in GPS and WAAS Sensor Approvals A Review and Comparison of FAA and RTCA Documents

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-07-01

This report is the culmination of the first task in a project to evaluate human factors and operations issues associated : with the integration of Class C Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors and Class Beta GPS/Wide Area Augmentation System : (WAA...

Human factors and operations issues in GPS and WAAS sensor approvals : a review and comparison of FAA and RTCA documents

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-07-01

This report is the culmination of the first task in a project to evaluate human factors and operations issues associated with the integration of Class C Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors and Class Beta GPS/Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) s...

Simulation of High-Beta Plasma Confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Font, Gabriel; Welch, Dale; Mitchell, Robert; McGuire, Thomas

2017-10-01

The Lockheed Martin Compact Fusion Reactor concept utilizes magnetic cusps to confine the plasma. In order to minimize losses through the axial and ring cusps, the plasma is pushed to a high-beta state. Simulations were made of the plasma and magnetic field system in an effort to quantify particle confinement times and plasma behavior characteristics. Computations are carried out with LSP using implicit PIC methods. Simulations of different sub-scale geometries at high-Beta fusion conditions are used to determine particle loss scaling with reactor size, plasma conditions, and gyro radii. ©2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Achieving a long-lived high-beta plasma state by energetic beam injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, H. Y.; Binderbauer, M. W.; Tajima, T.; Milroy, R. D.; Steinhauer, L. C.; Yang, X.; Garate, E. G.; Gota, H.; Korepanov, S.; Necas, A.; Roche, T.; Smirnov, A.; Trask, E.

2015-04-01

Developing a stable plasma state with high-beta (ratio of plasma to magnetic pressures) is of critical importance for an economic magnetic fusion reactor. At the forefront of this endeavour is the field-reversed configuration. Here we demonstrate the kinetic stabilizing effect of fast ions on a disruptive magneto-hydrodynamic instability, known as a tilt mode, which poses a central obstacle to further field-reversed configuration development, by energetic beam injection. This technique, combined with the synergistic effect of active plasma boundary control, enables a fully stable ultra-high-beta (approaching 100%) plasma with a long lifetime.

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

PubMed

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

2004-04-15

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

The role of viscous soluble fiber in the metabolic control of diabetes. A review with special emphasis on cereals rich in beta-glucan.

PubMed

Würsch, P; Pi-Sunyer, F X

1997-11-01

Recent recommendations for the dietary management of diabetes mellitus state that diet needs to be individualized so that there is improved glucose and lipid control in the patient. In a majority of individuals with diabetes, this is best done with a diet that is low in fat and high in carbohydrate, particularly that of cereal origin. However, symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia must be averted. Most cereal products, however, tend to have a high glycemic index Cereals such as Prowashonupana barley or fractions of oat bran are particularly high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which when taken with a meal increases the viscosity of the meal bolus once it has reached the small intestine, where the absorption of nutrients occurs. This high viscosity delays absorption. A 50% reduction in glycemic peak can be achieved with a concentration of 10% beta-glucan in a cereal food. A significant lowering of plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations can also be anticipated with the daily consumption of > or = 3 g of beta-glucan. Diabetic individuals can benefit from diets that are high in beta-glucan, which, as a component of oats and barley, can be incorporated into breakfast cereals and other products.

Beta-agonists and animal welfare

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The use of beta-agonists in animal feed is a high profile topic within the U.S. as consumers and activist groups continue to question its safety. The only beta-agonist currently available for use in swine is ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC). This is available as Paylean™ (Elanco Animal Health – FDA a...

[Recent advances in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Schloot, N C; Roden, M; Bornstein, S R; Brendel, M D

2011-02-01

INTERVENTIONAL APPROACHES TO BETA CELL PRESERVATION: In a pilot study, initial attempts at primary prevention by preserving islet beta cells have been successful with highly hydrolyzed milk formula in children who are at high genetic risk of diabetes. Attempts at secondary prevention by intranasal application in children with a high-risk HLA genotype and positive islet autoantibodies have been disappointing. But in tertiary prevention anti-inflammatory, antigen-directed and T-cell targeted treatment has been partially successful in slowing down the destruction of beta cells. BIOLOGICAL BETA CELL SUBSTITUTION: Transplantation of a vascularised pancreas or islet cells results in disease regression and the prevention of secondary/tertiary complications of diabetes. A principal aim is the avoidance of frequent, severe hypoglycaemic episodes resulting from markedly reduced awareness of hypoglycaemia or its counter-regulation. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Lewis acid tuned facial stereodivergent HDA reactions using beta-substituted N-vinyloxazolidinones.

PubMed

Gohier, Frédéric; Bouhadjera, Keltoum; Faye, Djibril; Gaulon, Catherine; Maisonneuve, Vincent; Dujardin, Gilles; Dhal, Robert

2007-01-18

The [4 + 2] acido-catalyzed heterocycloaddition between new beta-substituted N-vinyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones (with R' = Me, Ar, CH2 Ar) and beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters (R = Ar) afforded heteroadducts with high levels of endo and facial selectivities. A complete reversal of facial differentiation was achieved by varying the Lewis acid, leading to the stereoselective formation of either endo-alpha or endo-beta adducts. [reaction: see text].

Different antihypertensive effect of beta-blocking drugs in low and normal-high renin hypertension.

PubMed

Kralberg, B E; Tolagen, K

1976-05-31

The treatment response to beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs was compared in two groups of patients with primary (essential) hypertension and different renin levels. Each group consisted of 25 patients and was equally distributed regarding age, severity and stage of hypertension. In the first group (group 1), the mean upright plasma renin activity was 0.8 ng ml-1h-1 (range 0.3 to 1.5) and the patients were considered to have low renin hypertension. In the other group (group 2) the patients had a mean plasma renin activity of 2.1 ng ml-1h-1 (range 1.1 to 5.1) and were considered to have normal to high renin hypertension. In both groups the patients were initially treated with beta-blocking drugs; in group 1 with a beta-blocker corresponding to an average dose of 311 mg propranolol a day for at least eight weeks and in group 2 with propranolol 320 mg a day in a fixed dose for eight weeks. The hypotensive response differed significantly between the two groups (p less than 0.001). In group 1 the pretreatment blood pressure was 197/117 mm Hg supine and 198/120 mm Hg standing. During treatment blood pressure decreased only 5/3 mm Hg supine and 9/5 mm Hg standing. The pretreatment blood pressure in group 2 was 187/114 mm Hg supine and 186/117 mm Hg standing. Beta-blocking therapy reduced blood pressure 36/23 and 34/18 mm Hg, respectively (both p less than 0.001). Pulse rates fell significantly in the two groups, both in the lying and standing positions. In 17 patients with low renin hypertension (group 1), a volume-depleting drug was added (spironolactone, 14 patients; thiazides, 3 patients) and this achieved a marked fall in blood pressure levels of 38/16 mm Hg supine and 37/19 mm Hg standing (both p less than 0.001). These results suggest the following: (1) Most patients with normal to high plasma renin activity respond well to moderate doses of propranolol. (2) Propranolol given in the same doses is almost without antihypertensive effect in patients with low renin hypertension. (3) A volume factor may be operating in patients with low renin hypertension since a hypotensive effect is demonstrated after the addition of volume-depleting drugs. (4) Determination of plasma renin activity with adequate methods can predict the treatment response to hypotensive agents.

Processing and testing of high toughness silicon nitride ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tikare, Veena; Sanders, William A.; Choi, Sung R.

1993-01-01

High toughness silicon nitride ceramics were processed with the addition of small quantities of beta-Si3N4 whiskers in a commercially available alpha-Si3N4 powder. These whiskers grew preferentially during sintering resulting in large, elongated beta-grains, which acted to toughen the matrix by crack deflection and grain pullout. The fracture toughness of these samples seeded with beta-Si3N4 whiskers ranged from 8.7 to 9.5 MPa m(exp 0.5) depending on the sintering additives.

Rapid and sensitive determination of beta-phenylethylamine in animal brains by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection.

PubMed

Taga, C; Tsuji, M; Nakajima, T

1989-05-01

A reversed phase HPLC method with fluorometric detection for the analysis of beta-phenylethylamine has been developed using p-methoxyphenylethylamine as an internal standard. Two columns, containing 200 microL of Dowex 50-X8 and Amberlite CG-50 respectively, were used to prepare a fraction containing beta-phenylethylamine. The recoveries of beta-phenylethylamine and p-methoxyphenylethylamine were 53.9 +/- 9.4% and 68.1 +/- 12.4%, respectively, and elution profile of p-methoxyphenylethylamine was sufficiently well correlated with that of beta-phenylethylamine. Regional distributions of beta-phenylethylamine in rat and mouse brains were determined. The highest concentrations were found in hypothalamus and hippocampus in both animals.

[Preventing effect of TGF-beta1 antibody compounded with fibrin glue on postoperative adhesions of flexor tendon].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhimin; Liu, Jian; Meng, Guolin; Wu, Yaoping

2008-03-01

To explore the preventing effects of TGF-beta1 antibody (TGF-beta1Ab) compounded with fibrin glue (FG) on postoperative adhesions of flexor tendon. Seventy-two Leghorn chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C and D), 18 chickens for each group, and the long flexor tendons of the 3rd and 4th toes in zone II of all chickens were transversed and sutured with the 4-strand cruciate repair technique to make defect models. In group A, 0.2 mL TGF-beta1 Ab was applied at repair site. In group B, 0.2 mL FG was applied at repair site. In group C, 0.2 mL TGF-beta1Ab and FG was applied at repair site. In group D, 0.2 mL normal sodium was applied at repair site. At 1, 3 and 8 weeks after operation, the tendons of 6 chickens in each group were harvested for morphological and histological evaluation. Six specimens of each group were obtained for biomechanical test at 3 and 8 weeks. The gross-observation showed that the differences in grading of tendon adhesion were not significant among 4 groups at 1 week after operation (P > 0.05), but the differences were significant between groups A, B, D and group C at 3 and 8 weeks after operation (P < 0.05). Histological observation showed that collagen fibers arranged irregularly in groups A, B and D, but arranged regularly in group C at 3 and 8 weeks' after operation. At 3 weeks after operation the gliding excursion ratio of the tendon in groups A, B, C and D were 0.45 +/- 0.05, 0.40 +/- 0.10, 0.79 +/- 0.09 and 0.25 +/- 0.07 respectively; the simulated active flexion ratio were 0.61 +/- 0.02, 0.67 +/- 0.03, 0.91 +/- 0.03 and 0.53 +/- 0.04 respectively; the work of flexion were (18.00 +/- 0.77), (17.80 +/- 1.13), (27.60 +/- 1.73) and (15.60 +/- 1.27) degrees/N respectively. There were significant differences between group C and other three groups (P < 0.05). The tendon anastomosis breaking strength were (14.2 +/- 1.9), (15.2 +/- 2.2), (16.0 +/- 2.2) and (14.7 +/- 2.7) N, showing no significant differences among 4 groups (P > 0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the gliding excursion ratio of the tendon in groups A, B, C and D were 0.45 +/- 0.07, 0.43 +/- 0.08, 0.80 +/- 0.09 and 0.29 +/- 0.05 respectively; the simulated active flexion ratio were 0.61 +/- 0.02, 0.63 +/- 0.03, 0.92 +/- 0.03 and 0.53 +/- 0.03 respectively, the work of flexion were (18.30 +/- 0.84), (18.60 +/- 0.80), (27.90 +/- 1.24) and (15.30 +/- 0.75) degrees/N respectively. There were significant differences between group C and other three groups (P < 0.05). The tendon anastomosis breaking strength were(51.9 +/- 3.0), (51.4 +/- 1.4), (53.3 +/- 1.3) and (52.3 +/- 2.2) N, showing no significant differences among 4 groups (P > 0.05). TGF-beta1Ab compounded with FG could significantly prohibit the formation of fibrous adhesions without interfering with the healing process.

Spleen tyrosine kinase mediates high glucose-induced transforming growth factor-{beta}1 up-regulation in proximal tubular epithelial cells

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

Yang, Won Seok; Chang, Jai Won; Han, Nam Jeong

The role of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in high glucose-induced intracellular signal transduction has yet to be elucidated. We investigated whether Syk is implicated in high glucose-induced transforming growth factor-{beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) up-regulation in cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cell). High glucose increased TGF-{beta}1 gene expression through Syk, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AP-1 and NF-{kappa}B. High glucose-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity was decreased by Syk inhibitors and U0126 (an ERK inhibitor). Syk inhibitors suppressed high glucose-induced ERK activation, whereas U0126 had no effect on Syk activation. High glucose-induced NF-{kappa}B DNA binding activity was also decreased by Syk inhibitors. Highmore » glucose increased nuclear translocation of p65 without serine phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} and without degradation of I{kappa}B{alpha}, but with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} that may account for the activation of NF-{kappa}B. Both Syk inhibitors and Syk-siRNA attenuated high glucose-induced I{kappa}B{alpha} tyrosine phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation. Depletion of p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2) by transfection of Pak2-siRNA abolished high glucose-induced Syk activation. In summary, high glucose-induced TGF-{beta}1 gene transcription occurred through Pak2, Syk and subsequent ERK/AP-1 and NF-{kappa}B pathways. This suggests that Syk might be implicated in the diabetic kidney disease.« less

Impaired compensatory beta-cell function and growth in response to high-fat diet in LDL receptor knockout mice

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Ricardo B d; Carvalho, Carolina P d F; Polo, Carla C; Dorighello, Gabriel d G; Boschero, Antônio C; Oliveira, Helena C F d; Collares-Buzato, Carla B

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated the effect of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) deficiency on gap junctional connexin 36 (Cx36) islet content and on the functional and growth response of pancreatic beta-cells in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. After 60 days on regular or HF diet, the metabolic state and morphometric islet parameters of wild-type (WT) and LDLr−/− mice were assessed. HF diet-fed WT animals became obese and hypercholesterolaemic as well as hyperglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic, glucose intolerant and insulin resistant, characterizing them as prediabetic. Also they showed a significant decrease in beta-cell secretory response to glucose. Overall, LDLr−/− mice displayed greater susceptibility to HF diet as judged by their marked cholesterolaemia, intolerance to glucose and pronounced decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. HF diet induced similarly in WT and LDLr−/− mice, a significant decrease in Cx36 beta-cell content as revealed by immunoblotting. Prediabetic WT mice displayed marked increase in beta-cell mass mainly due to beta-cell hypertrophy/replication. Nevertheless, HF diet-fed LDLr−/− mice showed no significant changes in beta-cell mass, but lower islet–duct association (neogenesis) and higher beta-cell apoptosis index were seen as compared to controls. The higher metabolic susceptibility to HF diet of LDLr−/− mice may be explained by a deficiency in insulin secretory response to glucose associated with lack of compensatory beta-cell expansion. PMID:24853046

Neurofeedback of SMR and Beta1 Frequencies: An Investigation of Learning Indices and Frequency-Specific Effects.

PubMed

Pimenta, Miguel G; van Run, Chris; de Fockert, Jan W; Gruzelier, John H

2018-05-15

Despite evidence that Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) and beta1 neurofeedback have distinct cognitive enhancement effects, it remains unclear whether their amplitudes can be independently enhanced. Furthermore, demands for top-down attention control, postural restraint and maintenance of cognitive set processes, all requiring low-beta frequencies, might masquerade as learning and confound interpretation. The feasibility of selectively enhancing SMR and beta1 amplitudes was investigated with the addition of a random frequency control condition that also requires the potentially confounding cognitive processes. A comprehensive approach to assessing neurofeedback learning was undertaken through the calculation of learning indices within- and across-session and pre-to-post baseline. Herein we provide the first demonstration of beta1 within-session amplitude learning that was not attributable to extraneous cognitive processes, for it was not found with random frequency training. On the other hand, within-session SMR learning might have been obscured by high interindividual variability and methodological limitations such as the type of feedback screen, the insufficient number of sessions, and the exclusion of simultaneous theta and high-beta inhibition. Interestingly, SMR and beta1 amplitude increased across sessions in the three groups suggesting unspecific effects of neurofeedback in the low beta frequency band. Moreover, there was no clear evidence of frequency specificity associated with either SMR or beta1 training. Some methodological limitations may underpin the divergent results with previous studies. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. All rights reserved.

Fungal Beta-Glucosidases: A Bottleneck in Industrial Use of Lignocellulosic Materials

PubMed Central

Sørensen, Annette; Lübeck, Mette; Lübeck, Peter S.; Ahring, Birgitte K.

2013-01-01

Profitable biomass conversion processes are highly dependent on the use of efficient enzymes for lignocellulose degradation. Among the cellulose degrading enzymes, beta-glucosidases are essential for efficient hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass as they relieve the inhibition of the cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases by reducing cellobiose accumulation. In this review, we discuss the important role beta-glucosidases play in complex biomass hydrolysis and how they create a bottleneck in industrial use of lignocellulosic materials. An efficient beta-glucosidase facilitates hydrolysis at specified process conditions, and key points to consider in this respect are hydrolysis rate, inhibitors, and stability. Product inhibition impairing yields, thermal inactivation of enzymes, and the high cost of enzyme production are the main obstacles to commercial cellulose hydrolysis. Therefore, this sets the stage in the search for better alternatives to the currently available enzyme preparations either by improving known or screening for new beta-glucosidases. PMID:24970184

Molecular diversity of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria in a membrane bioreactor determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization with mxaF- and rRNA-targeted probes.

PubMed

Dias, João Carlos T; Silva, Cláudio M; Mounteer, Ann H; Passos, Flavia M L; Linardi, Valter R

2003-01-01

An evaluation of the efficiency of treatment of kraft mill foul condensates in a membrane bioreactor was carried out in the laboratory. Efficiency and rate of methanol removal were quantified at operating temperatures of 35, 45 and 55 degrees C. The structure of the bacterial community present in the reactor biomass at the different operating temperatures was evaluated by in situ hybridization of the biomass samples with fluorescently-labelled probes (FISH) targeting the Eubacteria, the alpha, beta and gamma subclasses of the Proteobacteria, the low G + C content Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus spp.), while community function was evaluated by in situ hybridization with a methanol dehydrogenase gene (mxaF) probe. Methanol removal efficiency decreased from 99.4 to 92%, and removal rate from 2.69 mg MeOH/l x min to 2.49 mg MeOH/l x min when the operating temperature was increased from 35 to 55 degrees C. This decrease in methanol removal was accompanied by a decrease (from 58% to 42%) in the relative proportion of cells that hybridized with the mxaF probe. The relative proportion of Bacillus spp. increased from 5 to 20% while the proportion of members of the alpha subclass of Proteobacteria decreased from 16% to 6% when the bioreactor operating temperature was raised from 35 to 55 degrees C. The relative proportions of bacteria belonging to the beta (22-25%) and gamma (18-20%) subclasses of the Proteobacteria remained relatively constant regardless of operating temperature. Proteobacteria (alpha, beta and gamma subclasses) and Bacillus spp. represented 61, 67 and 71% of the Eubacteria in the biomass sampled at 35, 45 and 55 degrees C, respectively. The FISH technique was shown to be an efficient method for detection of both structural and functional changes in the bacterial communities that could be related to efficiency of methanol removal in a membrane bioreactor operating at different temperatures.

[Characterization of microstructure of ibuprofen-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and ibuprofen-beta-cyclodextrin by atomic force microscope].

PubMed

Wang, Li-juan; Zhu, Zhao-jing; Che, Ke-ke; Ju, Feng-ge

2008-09-01

The microstructures of ibuprofen-hydroxypropyl-bets-cyclodextrin (IBU-HP-beta-CyD) and ibuprofen-beta-cyclodextrin (IBU-beta-CyD) were observed by atomic force microscope (AFM). The high resolving capability of AFM has the tungsten filament probe with the spring constant of 0.06 N x m(-1). Samples were observed in a small scale scanning area of 10.5 nm x 10.5 nm and 800 x 800 pixels. The original scanning images were gained by tapping mode at room temperature. Their three-dimensional reconstruction of microstructure was performed by G3DR software. The outer diameters of HP-beta-CyD and beta-CyD are 1.53 nm. The benzene diameter of IBU is 0.62 nm, fitting to the inner diameters of HP-beta-CyD and beta-CyD. The benzene and hydrophobic chain of IBU enter into the hole of cyclodextrin at 1:1 ratio. The results were evidenced by IR, X-ray diffraction and the phase solubility.

Molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from diseased turkeys in Italy.

PubMed

Giovanardi, Davide; Drigo, Ilenia; De Vidi, Beatrice; Agnoletti, Fabrizio; Viel, Laura; Capello, Katia; Berto, Giacomo; Bano, Luca

2016-06-01

One hundred and six Clostridium perfringens field strains, isolated from diseased turkeys in Italy between 2006 and 2015, were toxinotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Strains were derived from intestines (87), livers (17) and subcutaneous tissues (2). In addition to the four major toxins, strains were also screened for NetB toxin, enterotoxin and beta2 toxin encoding genes. The intestinal gross lesions of turkeys with enteric disorders were statistically studied with respect to the presence of C. perfringens beta2 toxin encoding gene and coccidia in the gut. All the isolates belonged to the toxinotype A and were netB negative. Enterotoxin (cpe) and beta2 toxin (cpb2) encoding genes were detected in two (2.63%) and 76 (71.69%) strains, respectively. Toxinotype results agree with the few published reports concerning the genetic characterization of C. perfringens of turkey origin. On the contrary, the presence of netB and cpb2 genes differs from the results of a previous study where these genes were detected respectively in 6.6% and in 0.5% of the tested strains. Necrotic enteritis in turkeys was not statistically correlated either to the presence of cpb2 gene, or to the synergistic effect operated by coccidia, even though a high percentage of birds with these protozoa in the gut showed necrotic enteritis lesions (64.29%).

beta. -Adrenoceptors in human tracheal smooth muscle: characteristics of binding and relaxation

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

van Koppen, C.J.; Hermanussen, M.W.; Verrijp, K.N.

1987-06-29

Specific binding of (/sup 125/I)-(-)-cyanopindolol to human tracheal smooth muscle membranes was saturable, stereo-selective and of high affinity (K/sub d/ = 5.3 +/- 0.9 pmol/l and R/sub T/ = 78 +/- 7 fmol/g tissue). The ..beta../sub 1/-selective antagonists atenolol and LK 203-030 inhibited specific (/sup 125/I)-(-)-cyanopindolol binding according to a one binding site model with low affinity in nearly all subjects, pointing to a homogeneous BETA/sub 2/-adrenoceptor population. In one subject using LK 203-030 a small ..beta../sub 1/-adrenoceptor subpopulation could be demonstrated. The beta-mimetics isoprenaline, fenoterol, salbutamol and terbutaline recognized high and low affinity agonist binding sites. Isoprenaline's pK/sub H/-more » and pK/sub L/-values for the high and low affinity sites were 8.0 +/- 0.2 and 5.9 +/- 0.3 respectively. In functional experiments isoprenaline relaxed tracheal smooth muscle strips having intrinsic tone with a pD/sub 2/-value of 6.63 +/- 0.19. 32 references, 4 figures, 2 tables.« less

The Beta Pictoris circumstellar disk. XV - Highly ionized species near Beta Pictoris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deleuil, M.; Gry, C.; Lagrange-Henri, A.-M.; Vidal-Madjar, A.; Beust, H.; Ferlet, R.; Moos, H. W.; Livengood, T. A.; Ziskin, D.; Feldman, P. D.

1993-01-01

Temporal variations of the Fe II, Mg II, and Al III circumstellar lines towards Beta Pictoris have been detected and monitored since 1985. However, the unusual presence of Al III ions is still puzzling, since the UV stellar flux from an A5V star such as Beta Pic is insufficient to produce such an ion. In order to better define the origin of such a phenomenon, new observations have been carried out to detect faint signatures of other highly ionized species in the short UV wavelength range, where the stellar continuum flux is low. These observations reveal variations not only near the C IV doublet lines, but also in C I and Al II lines, two weakly ionized species, not clearly detectable until now. In the framework of an infalling body scenario, highly ionized species would be created in the tail, far from the comet head, by collisions with ambient gas surrounding the star, or a weak stellar wind. Spectral changes have also been detected near a CO molecular band location, which, if confirmed, would provide the first molecular signature around Beta Pictoris.

Insomnia is Associated with Cortical Hyperarousal as Early as Adolescence.

PubMed

Fernandez-Mendoza, Julio; Li, Yun; Vgontzas, Alexandros N; Fang, Jidong; Gaines, Jordan; Calhoun, Susan L; Liao, Duanping; Bixler, Edward O

2016-05-01

To examine whether insomnia is associated with spectral electroencephalographic (EEG) dynamics in the beta (15-35Hz) range during sleep in an adolescent general population sample. A case-control sample of 44 adolescents from the Penn State Child Cohort underwent a 9-h polysomnography, clinical history and physical examination. We examined low-beta (15-25 Hz) and high-beta (25-35 Hz) relative power at central EEG derivations during sleep onset latency (SOL), sleep onset (SO), non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Compared to controls (n = 21), individuals with insomnia (n = 23) showed increased SOL and WASO and decreased sleep duration and efficiency, while no differences in sleep architecture were found. Insomniacs showed increased low-beta and high-beta relative power during SOL, SO, and NREM sleep as compared to controls. High-beta relative power was greater during all sleep and wake states in insomniacs with short sleep duration as compared to individuals with insomnia with normal sleep duration. Adolescent insomnia is associated with increased beta EEG power during sleep, which suggests that cortical hyperarousal is present in individuals with insomnia as early as adolescence. Interestingly, cortical hyperarousal is greatest in individuals with insomnia with short sleep duration and may explain the sleep complaints of those with normal sleep duration. Disturbed cortical networks may be a shared mechanism putting individuals with insomnia at risk of psychiatric disorders. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Solenoid-free plasma start-up in spherical tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raman, R.; Shevchenko, V. F.

2014-10-01

The central solenoid is an intrinsic part of all present-day tokamaks and most spherical tokamaks. The spherical torus (ST) confinement concept is projected to operate at high toroidal beta and at a high fraction of the non-inductive bootstrap current as required for an efficient reactor system. The use of a conventional solenoid in a ST-based fusion nuclear facility is generally believed to not be a possibility. Solenoid-free plasma start-up is therefore an area of extensive worldwide research activity. Solenoid-free plasma start-up is also relevant to steady-state tokamak operation, as the central transformer coil of a conventional aspect ratio tokamak reactor would be located in a high radiation environment but would be needed only during the initial discharge initiation and current ramp-up phases. Solenoid-free operation also provides greater flexibility in the selection of the aspect ratio and simplifies the reactor design. Plasma start-up methods based on induction from external poloidal field coils, helicity injection and radio frequency current drive have all made substantial progress towards meeting this important need for the ST. Some of these systems will now undergo the final stages of test in a new generation of large STs, which are scheduled to begin operations during the next two years. This paper reviews research to date on methods for inducing the initial start-up current in STs without reliance on the conventional central solenoid.

Active background suppression with the liquid argon scintillation veto of GERDA Phase II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agostini, M.; Allardt, M.; Bakalyarov, A. M.; Balata, M.; Barabanov, I.; Baudis, L.; Bauer, C.; Bellotti, E.; Belogurov, S.; Belyaev, S. T.; Benato, G.; Bettini, A.; Bezrukov, L.; Bode, T.; Borowicz, D.; Brudanin, V.; Brugnera, R.; Caldwell, A.; Cattadori, C.; Chernogorov, A.; D'Andrea, V.; Demidova, E. V.; Di Marco, N.; Domula, A.; Doroshkevich, E.; Egorov, V.; Falkenstein, R.; Frodyma, N.; Gangapshev, A.; Garfagnini, A.; Gooch, C.; Grabmayr, P.; Gurentsov, V.; Gusev, K.; Hakenmüller, J.; Hegai, A.; Heisel, M.; Hemmer, S.; Hofmann, W.; Hult, M.; Inzhechik, L. V.; Janicskó Csáthy, J.; Jochum, J.; Junker, M.; Kazalov, V.; Kihm, T.; Kirpichnikov, I. V.; Kirsch, A.; Kish, A.; Klimenko, A.; Kneißl, R.; Knöpfle, K. T.; Kochetov, O.; Kornoukhov, V. N.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Laubenstein, M.; Lazzaro, A.; Lebedev, V. I.; Lehnert, B.; Liao, H. Y.; Lindner, M.; Lippi, I.; Lubashevskiy, A.; Lubsandorzhiev, B.; Lutter, G.; Macolino, C.; Majorovits, B.; Maneschg, W.; Medinaceli, E.; Miloradovic, M.; Mingazheva, R.; Misiaszek, M.; Moseev, P.; Nemchenok, I.; Palioselitis, D.; Panas, K.; Pandola, L.; Pelczar, K.; Pullia, A.; Riboldi, S.; Rumyantseva, N.; Sada, C.; Salamida, F.; Salathe, M.; Schmitt, C.; Schneider, B.; Schönert, S.; Schreiner, J.; Schulz, O.; Schütz, A.-K.; Schwingenheuer, B.; Selivanenko, O.; Shevzik, E.; Shirchenko, M.; Simgen, H.; Smolnikov, A.; Stanco, L.; Vanhoefer, L.; Vasenko, A. A.; Veresnikova, A.; von Sturm, K.; Wagner, V.; Wegmann, A.; Wester, T.; Wiesinger, C.; Wojcik, M.; Yanovich, E.; Zhitnikov, I.; Zhukov, S. V.; Zinatulina, D.; Zuber, K.; Zuzel, G.

2017-09-01

The observation of neutrinoless double beta decay would allow to shed light onto the particle nature of neutrinos. Gerda is aiming to perform a background-free search for this process using high purity germanium detectors enriched in 76Ge operated in liquid argon. This goal relies on the application of active background suppression techniques. A low background light instrumentation has been installed for Phase II to detect events with coincident energy deposition in the nearby liquid argon. The intended background index of ˜10-3 cts/(keV·ky·yr) has been confirmed.

Suicide rates in European OECD nations converged during the period 1990-2010.

PubMed

Bremberg, Sven G

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate, with multiple regression analyses, the effect of selected characteristics on the rate of decrease of suicide rates in 21 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations over the period 1990-2010, with initial levels of suicide rates taken into account. The rate of decrease seems mainly (83%) to be determined by the initial suicide rates in 1990. In nations with relatively high initial rates, the rates decreased faster. The suicide rates also converged. The study indicates that beta convergence alone explained most of the cross-national variations.

A system for monitoring the radiation effects of a proton linear accelerator

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

Skorkin, V. M., E-mail: skorkin@inr.ru; Belyanski, K. L.; Skorkin, A. V.

2016-12-15

The system for real-time monitoring of radioactivity of a high-current proton linear accelerator detects secondary neutron emission from proton beam losses in transport channels and measures the activity of radionuclides in gas and aerosol emissions and the radiation background in the environment affected by a linear accelerator. The data provided by gamma, beta, and neutron detectors are transferred over a computer network to the central server. The system allows one to monitor proton beam losses, the activity of gas and aerosol emissions, and the radiation emission level of a linear accelerator in operation.

Probing the N˜Z line via β decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oinonen, Markku

1999-11-01

This contribution reports several beta-decay studies performed at ISOLDE On-line Mass Separator at CERN recently for nuclei close to N=Z line. Beta decay of 58Zn provides a possibility to compare Gamow-Teller strength extracted from complementary beta-decay studies and charge-exchange reactions. Measurement on beta-decay half-life of 70Kr shows importance of experimental information in modelling the path of the astrophysical rp process. Decay of 71Kr is an example of a mirror beta decay and extends the systematics of these particular decays towards highly deformed region close to A=80.

Functional correlates of brain aging: beta and gamma frequency band responses to age-related cortical changes.

PubMed

Christov, Mario; Dushanova, Juliana

2016-01-01

The brain as a system with gradually declined resources by age maximizes its performance by neural network reorganization for greater efficiency of neuronal oscillations in a given frequency band. Whether event-related high-frequency band responses are related to plasticity in neural recruitment contributed to the stability of sensory/cognitive mechanisms accompanying aging or are underlined pathological changes seen in aging brain remains unknown. Aged effect on brain electrical activity was studied in auditory discrimination task (low-frequency and high-frequency tone) at particular cortical locations in beta (β1: 12.5-20; β2: 20.5-30 Hz) and gamma frequency bands (γ1: 30.5-49; γ2: 52-69 Hz) during sensory (post-stimulus interval 0-250 ms) and cognitive processing (250-600 ms). Beta1 activity less affected by age during sensory processing. Reduced beta1 activity was more widespread during cognitive processing. This difference increased in fronto-parietal direction more expressed after high-frequency tone stimulation. Beta2 and gamma activity were more pronounced with progressive age during sensory processing. Reducing regional-process specificity with progressing age characterized age-related and tone-dependent beta2 changes during sensory, but not during cognitive processing. Beta2 and gamma activity diminished with age on cognitive processes, except the higher frontal tone-dependent gamma activity during cognitive processing. With increasing age, larger gamma2 activity was more expressed over the frontal brain areas to high tone discrimination and hand reaction choice. These gamma2 differences were shifted from posterior to anterior brain regions with advancing age. The aged influence was higher on cognitive processes than on perceptual ones.

Confirmatory analysis of 17beta-boldenone, 17alpha-boldenone and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione in bovine urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Draisci, Rosa; Palleschi, Luca; Ferretti, Emanuele; Lucentini, Luca; delli Quadri, Fernanda

2003-06-15

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for confirmatory analysis of 17beta-boldenone (17beta-BOL), 17alpha-boldenone (17alpha-BOL) and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) in bovine urine was developed. [2H(2)]17beta-Testosterone (17beta-T-d(2)) was used as the internal standard. Sample preparation involved enzymatic hydrolysis and purification on a C(18) solid-phase extraction column. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was obtained using an RP-C(18) HPLC column. LC-MS-MS detection was carried out with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) source equipped with a heated nebulizer (HN) interface operating in the positive ion mode. For unambiguous hormone confirmation, three analyte precursor-product ion combinations were monitored during multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) LC-MS-MS analysis. Overall recovery (%), repeatability (relative standard deviations, RSD, %) and within-laboratory reproducibility (RSD, %) ranged from 92.2 to 97.7%, from 6.50 to 2.94% and from 13.50 to 5.04%, respectively, for all analytes. The limit of quantification in bovine urine was 0.20 ng ml(-1) for 17beta-BOL and ADD and 0.50 ng ml(-1) for 17alpha-BOL. The validated method was successfully applied for determination of 17beta-BOL, 17alpha-BOL and ADD in a large number of bovine urine samples collected within the national Official Residue Control Program.

Beta-blocker drug therapy reduces secondary cancer formation in breast cancer and improves cancer specific survival.

PubMed

Powe, Desmond G; Voss, Melanie J; Zänker, Kurt S; Habashy, Hany O; Green, Andrew R; Ellis, Ian O; Entschladen, Frank

2010-11-01

Laboratory models show that the beta-blocker, propranolol, can inhibit norepinephrine-induced breast cancer cell migration. We hypothesised that breast cancer patients receiving beta-blockers for hypertension would show reduced metastasis and improved clinical outcome. Three patient subgroups were identified from the medical records of 466 consecutive female patients (median age 57, range 28-71) with operable breast cancer and follow-up (>10 years). Two subgroups comprised 43 and 49 hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers or other antihypertensives respectively, prior to cancer diagnosis. 374 patients formed a non-hypertensive control group. Metastasis development, disease free interval, tumour recurrence and hazards risk were statistically compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to model survival and DM. Beta-blocker treated patients showed a significant reduction in metastasis development (p=0.026), tumour recurrence (p=0.001), and longer disease free interval (p=0.01). In addition, there was a 57% reduced risk of metastasis (Hazards ratio=0.430; 95% CI=0.200-0.926, p=0.031), and a 71% reduction in breast cancer mortality after 10 years (Hazards ratio=0.291; 95% CI=0.119-0.715, p=0.007). This proof-of-principle study showed beta-blocker therapy significantly reduces distant metastases, cancer recurrence, and cancer-specific mortality in breast cancer patients suggesting a novel role for beta-blocker therapy. A larger epidemiological study leading to randomised clinical trials is needed for breast and other cancer types including colon, prostate and ovary.

Beta-Blocker Drug Therapy Reduces Secondary Cancer Formation in Breast Cancer and Improves Cancer Specific Survival

PubMed Central

Powe, Desmond G.; Voss, Melanie J.; Zänker, Kurt S.; Habashy, Hany O.; Green, Andrew R.; Ellis, Ian O.; Entschladen, Frank

2010-01-01

Laboratory models show that the beta-blocker, propranolol, can inhibit norepinephrine-induced breast cancer cell migration. We hypothesised that breast cancer patients receiving beta-blockers for hypertension would show reduced metastasis and improved clinical outcome. Three patient subgroups were identified from the medical records of 466 consecutive female patients (median age 57, range 28-71) with operable breast cancer and follow-up (>10 years). Two subgroups comprised 43 and 49 hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers or other antihypertensives respectively, prior to cancer diagnosis. 374 patients formed a non-hypertensive control group. Metastasis development, disease free interval, tumour recurrence and hazards risk were statistically compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to model survival and DM. Beta-blocker treated patients showed a significant reduction in metastasis development (p=0.026), tumour recurrence (p=0.001), and longer disease free interval (p=0.01). In addition, there was a 57% reduced risk of metastasis (Hazards ratio=0.430; 95% CI=0.200-0.926, p=0.031), and a 71% reduction in breast cancer mortality after 10 years (Hazards ratio=0.291; 95% CI=0.119-0.715, p=0.007). This proof-of-principle study showed beta-blocker therapy significantly reduces distant metastases, cancer recurrence, and cancer-specific mortality in breast cancer patients suggesting a novel role for beta-blocker therapy. A larger epidemiological study leading to randomised clinical trials is needed for breast and other cancer types including colon, prostate and ovary. PMID:21317458

Nucleotide sequence of the beta-lactamase gene from Enterococcus faecalis HH22 and its similarity to staphylococcal beta-lactamase genes.

PubMed Central

Zscheck, K K; Murray, B E

1991-01-01

The nucleotide sequence of the constitutively produced beta-lactamase (Bla) gene from Enterococcus faecalis HH22 was shown to be identical to the published sequences of three of four staphylococcal type A beta-lactamase genes; more differences were seen with the genes for staphylococcal type C and D enzymes. One hundred forty nucleotides upstream of the beta-lactamase start codon were determined for an inducible staphylococcal beta-lactamase and were identical to those of the constitutively expressed enterococcal gene, indicating that the changes resulting in constitutive expression are not due to changes in the promoter or operator region. Moreover, complementation studies indicated that production of the enterococcal enzyme could be repressed. The genes for the enterococcal Bla and an inducible staphylococcal Bla were each cloned into a shuttle vector and transformed into enterococcal and staphylococcal recipients. The major difference between the backgrounds of the two hosts was that more enzyme was produced by the staphylococcal host, regardless of the source of the gene. The location of the enzyme was found to be host dependent, since each cloned gene generated extracellular (free) enzyme in the staphylococcus and cell-bound enzyme in the enterococcus. On the basis of the identities of the enterococcal Bla and several staphylococcal Bla sequences, these data suggest the recent spread of beta-lactamase to enterococci and also suggest the loss of a functional repressor. PMID:1952840

Inspection system qualification and integration into the mask manufacturing environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaVoy, Rosanne; Fujioka, Ron

1995-12-01

Integration of a mask inspection system into a manufacturing environment poses new challenges to both the inspection engineer and the equipment supplier. Traditional specifications (limited primarily to sensitivity and uptime) are no longer sufficient to successfully integrate a system into a 7 by 24 manufacturing area with multiple systems. Issues such as system sensitivity matching, sensitivity characterization by defect type, operator training and certification standards, and real-time SPC control of the systems must be addressed. This paper outlines some of the techniques Intel Mask Operation uses for integration of a new inspection system into the manufacturing line. Specifically moving a beta- site type tool out of the beta-site mode and into volume production. Examples are presented, including installation for manufacturing (including ergonomic modifications), techniques for system-to-system matching, use of SPC charts to monitor system performance, and operator training/certifications. Relationships between system PMs, or other environmental changes, and the system sensitivity SPC control charts also are discussed.

Electroencephalograph (EEG) study on self-contemplating image formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Qinglei; Hong, Elliot; Choa, Fow-Sen

2016-05-01

Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most widely used electrophysiological monitoring methods and plays a significant role in studies of human brain electrical activities. Default mode network (DMN), is a functional connection of brain regions that are activated while subjects are not in task positive state or not focused on the outside world. In this study, EEG was used for human brain signals recording while all subjects were asked to sit down quietly on a chair with eyes closed and thinking about some parts of their own body, such as left and right hands, left and right ears, lips, nose, and the images of faces that they were familiar with as well as doing some simple mathematical calculation. The time is marker when the image is formed in the subject's mind. By analyzing brain activity maps 300ms right before the time marked instant for each of the 4 wave bands, Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta waves. We found that for most EEG datasets during this 300ms, Delta wave activity would mostly locate at the frontal lobe or the visual cortex, and the change and movement of activities are slow. Theta wave activity tended to rotate along the edge of cortex either clockwise or counterclockwise. Beta wave behaved like inquiry types of oscillations between any two regions spread over the cortex. Alpha wave activity looks like a mix of the Theta and Beta activities but more close to Theta activity. From the observation we feel that Beta and high Alpha are playing utility role for information inquiry. Theta and low Alpha are likely playing the role of binding and imagination formation in DMN operations.

Brisk heart rate and EEG changes during execution and withholding of cue-paced foot motor imagery

PubMed Central

Pfurtscheller, Gert; Solis-Escalante, Teodoro; Barry, Robert J.; Klobassa, Daniela S.; Neuper, Christa; Müller-Putz, Gernot R.

2013-01-01

Cue-paced motor imagery (MI) is a frequently used mental strategy to realize a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). Recently it has been reported that two MI tasks can be separated with a high accuracy within the first second after cue presentation onset. To investigate this phenomenon in detail we studied the dynamics of motor cortex beta oscillations in EEG and the changes in heart rate (HR) during visual cue-paced foot MI using a go (execution of imagery) vs. nogo (withholding of imagery) paradigm in 16 healthy subjects. Both execution and withholding of MI resulted in a brisk centrally localized beta event-related desynchronization (ERD) with a maximum at ~400 ms and a concomitant HR deceleration. We found that response patterns within the first second after stimulation differed between conditions. The ERD was significantly larger in go as compared to nogo. In contrast the HR deceleration was somewhat smaller and followed by an acceleration in go as compared to nogo. These findings suggest that the early beta ERD reflects visually induced preparatory activity in motor cortex networks. Both the early beta ERD and the HR deceleration are the result of automatic operating processes that are likely part of the orienting reflex (OR). Of interest, however, is that the preparatory cortical activity is strengthened and the HR modulated already within the first second after stimulation during the execution of MI. The subtraction of the HR time course of the nogo from the go condition revealed a slight HR acceleration in the first seconds most likely due to the increased mental effort associated with the imagery process. PMID:23908614

Labeled ALPHA4BETA2 ligands and methods therefor

DOEpatents

Mukherjee, Jogeshwar; Pichika, Ramaiah; Potkin, Steven; Leslie, Frances; Chattopadhyay, Sankha

2013-02-19

Contemplated compositions and methods are employed to bind in vitro and in vivo to an .alpha.4.beta.2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a highly selective manner. Where such compounds are labeled, compositions and methods employing such compounds can be used for PET and SPECT analysis. Alternatively, and/or additionally contemplated compounds can be used as antagonists, partial agonists or agonists in the treatment of diseases or conditions associated with .alpha.4.beta..beta.2 dysfunction.

cGMP may have trophic effects on beta cell function comparable to those of cAMP, implying a role for high-dose biotin in prevention/treatment of diabetes.

PubMed

McCarty, Mark F

2006-01-01

Incretin hormones have trophic effects on beta cell function that can aid prevention and treatment of diabetes. cAMP is the primary mediator of these effects, and has been shown to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, promote proper beta cells differentiation by increasing expression of the crucial transcription factor PDX-1, and prevent beta cell apoptosis. cGMP's role in beta cell function has received far less scrutiny, but there is emerging evidence that it may have a trophic impact on beta cell function analogous to that of cAMP. An increase in plasma glucose boosts beta cell production of cGMP, which acts as a feed-forward mediator to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. cGMP also has an anti-apoptotic effect in beta cells, and there is now indirect evidence that it promotes expression of PDX-1. Supraphysiological concentrations of biotin can directly activate guanylate cyclase, and there is limited evidence that high intakes of this vitamin can be therapeutically beneficial in diabetics and in rodent models of diabetes. Beneficial effects of cGMP on muscle insulin sensitivity and on control of hepatic glucose output may contribute to biotin's utility in diabetes. The fact that nitric oxide/cGMP exert a range of favorable effects on vascular health should further encourage exploration of biotin's preventive and therapeutic potential. If an appropriate high-dose biotin regimen could achieve a modest systemic increase in guanylate cyclase activity, without entailing unacceptable side effects or risks, such a regimen might have considerable potential for promoting vascular health and preventing or managing diabetes.

Beta-Cryptoxanthin supplementation prevents cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation, oxidative damage and squamous metaplasia in ferrets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In epidemiologic studies, high intake of beta-cryptoxanthin has been associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer, particularly among current smokers. However, data are not available from well-controlled animal studies to examine the effects of beta-cryptoxanthin on cigarette smoke-induced lung ...

Lewis base activation of Lewis acids: catalytic, enantioselective vinylogous aldol addition reactions.

PubMed

Denmark, Scott E; Heemstra, John R

2007-07-20

The generality of Lewis base catalyzed, Lewis acid mediated, enantioselective vinylogous aldol addition reactions has been investigated. The combination of silicon tetrachloride and chiral phosphoramides is a competent catalyst for highly selective additions of a variety of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone-, 1,3-diketone-, and alpha,beta-unsaturated amide-derived dienolates to aldehydes. These reactions provided high levels of gamma-site selectivity for a variety of substitution patterns on the dienyl unit. Both ketone- and morpholine amide-derived dienol ethers afforded high enantio- and diastereoselectivity in the addition to conjugated aldehydes. Although alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone-derived dienolate did not react with aliphatic aldehydes, alpha,beta-unsaturated amide-derived dienolates underwent addition at reasonable rates affording high yields of vinylogous aldol product. The enantioselectivities achieved with the morpholine derived-dienolate in the addition to aliphatic aldehydes was the highest afforded to date with the silicon tetrachloride-chiral phosphoramide system. Furthermore, the ability to cleanly convert the morpholine amide to a methyl ketone was demonstrated.

Results from the NEXT Protogypes

DOE PAGES

Oliveira, C A.B.

2013-10-04

NEXT-100 is an electroluminescent high pressure Time Projection Chamber currently under construction. It will search for the neutrino-less double beta decay in 136Xe at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. NEXT-100 aims to achieve nearly intrinsic energy resolution and to highly suppress background events by taking advantage of the unique properties of xenon in the gaseous phase as the detection medium. In order to prove the principle of operation and to study which are the best operational conditions, two prototypes were constructed: NEXT-DEMO and NEXT-DBDM. In this study we present the latest results from both prototypes. We report the improvement in termsmore » of light collection (~ 3x) achieved by coating the walls of NEXT-DEMO with tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB), the outstanding energy resolution of 1% (Full Width Half Maximum) from NEXT-DBDM as well as the tracking capabilities of this prototype (2.1 mm RMS error for point-like depositions) achieved by using a square array of 8 x 8 SiPMs.« less

Evaluation of partial beta-adrenoceptor agonist activity.

PubMed

Lipworth, B J; Grove, A

1997-01-01

A partial beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) agonist will exhibit opposite agonist and antagonist activity depending on the prevailing degree of adrenergic tone or the presence of a beta-AR agonist with higher intrinsic activity. In vivo partial beta-AR agonist activity will be evident at rest with low endogenous adrenergic tone, as for example with chronotropicity (beta 1/beta 2), inotropicity (beta 1) or peripheral vasodilatation and finger tremor (beta 2). beta-AR blocking drugs which have partial agonist activity may exhibit a better therapeutic profile when used for hypertension because of maintained cardiac output without increased systemic vascular resistance, along with an improved lipid profile. In the presence of raised endogenous adrenergic tone such as exercise or an exogenous full agonist, beta-AR subtype antagonist activity will become evident in terms of effects on exercise induced heart rate (beta 1) and potassium (beta 2) responses. Reduction of exercise heart rate will occur to a lesser degree in the case of a beta-adrenoceptor blocker with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity compared with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker devoid of partial agonist activity. This may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of angina on effort when using beta-AR blocking drugs with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity. Effects on exercise hyperkalaemia are determined by the balance between beta 2-AR partial agonist activity and endogenous adrenergic activity. For predominantly beta 2-AR agonist such as salmeterol and salbutamol, potentiation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs. For predominantly beta 2-AR antagonists such as carteolol, either potentiation or attenuation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs at low and high doses respectively. beta 2-AR partial agonist activity may also be expressed as antagonism in the presence of an exogenous full agonist, as for example attenuation of fenoterol induced responses by salmeterol. Studies are required to investigate whether this phenomenon is relevant in the setting of acute severe asthma.

Expression of beta2-microglobulin and c-fos mRNA: is there an influence of high- or low-flux dialyzer membranes?

PubMed

Haufe, C C; Eismann, U; Deppisch, R M; Stein, G

2001-02-01

Dialysis-related amyloidosis is an important complication of long-term hemodialysis (HD) therapy with several pathogenetic factors. One of them is the influence of the dialyzer membrane type on the synthesis of beta2-microglobulin (beta2m). In vitro results are controversial. Thus, the hypothesis of whether in vivo beta2m generation is induced by the HD procedure and whether this induction depends on the type of the used dialyzer membrane should be tested. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of "biocompatible" high-flux versus "bioincompatible" low-flux HD on in vivo beta2m generation as well as the induction of the early activation gene c-fos in peripheral blood cells. Six nondiabetic HD patients [mean age 46 (21 to 69) years; Kt/V> 1.2] were included in a randomized crossover study using either a low-flux (cellulosic/cuprophan) or a high-flux (polyamide) dialyzer membrane. At the end of a four-week run-in period for each membrane, whole blood samples were taken before, immediately at, and four hours after the end of the dialysis session. MRNA was extracted, and after transcription to cDNA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for the beta2m gene, the early response gene c-fos, and the GAP-DH housekeeping gene. Based on the applied method for detection of specific mRNA, the results were given as ratio of beta2m or c-fos cDNA per GAP-DH cDNA. General cell activation during HD was indicated by increasing mRNA expression of c-fos related to the time course of the dialysis session, whereas beta2m did not change significantly. However, no difference was found when comparing the low-flux and the high-flux dialyzer membranes. Despite the evidence for activation of peripheral blood cells, as indicated by increasing c-fos message, no sign of beta2m mRNA induction during HD procedure with different dialyzer membranes was seen. Our results suggest that there is post-transcriptional regulation of beta2m generation and/or release as well as the influence of the dialyzer membrane type on post-translational processes, that is, advance glycation end products (AGE) or conformational modification of the beta2m protein. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that gene expression patterns during dialysis and/or uremia are not homogenous and need to be investigated further, especially with respect to the proinflammatory role of early leukocyte activation signals.

High-Precision Half-Life Measurement for the Superallowed {beta}{sup +} Emitter {sup 26}Al{sup m}

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

Finlay, P.; Svensson, C. E.; Green, K. L.

2011-01-21

A high-precision half-life measurement for the superallowed {beta}{sup +} emitter {sup 26}Al{sup m} was performed at the TRIUMF-ISAC radioactive ion beam facility yielding T{sub 1/2}=6346.54{+-}0.46{sub stat{+-}}0.60{sub syst} ms, consistent with, but 2.5 times more precise than, the previous world average. The {sup 26}Al{sup m} half-life and ft value, 3037.53(61) s, are now the most precisely determined for any superallowed {beta} decay. Combined with recent theoretical corrections for isospin-symmetry-breaking and radiative effects, the corrected Ft value for {sup 26}Al{sup m}, 3073.0(12) s, sets a new benchmark for the high-precision superallowed Fermi {beta}-decay studies used to test the conserved vector current hypothesismore » and determine the V{sub ud} element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark mixing matrix.« less

Preparative isolation and purification of chemical constituents from the root of Adenophora tetraphlla by high-speed counter-current chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection.

PubMed

Yao, Shun; Liu, Renming; Huang, Xuefeng; Kong, Lingyi

2007-01-19

Preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC), as a continuous liquid-liquid partition chromatography with no solid support matrix, combined with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) was employed for systematic separation and purification of non-chromophoric chemical components from Chinese medicinal herb Adenophora tetraphlla (Thunb.), Fisch. Nine compounds, including alpha-spinasterol, beta-sitosterol, nonacosan-10-ol, 24-methylene cycloartanol, lupenone, 3-O-palmitoyl-beta-sitosterol, 3-O-beta-d-glucose-beta-sitosterol, eicosanoic acid and an unknown compound, were obtained. The compounds were all above 95% determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ELSD, and their structures were identified by (1)H NMR and chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (CI-MS). The results demonstrate that HSCCC coupled with ELSD is a feasible and efficient technique for systematic isolation of non-chromophoric components from traditional medicinal herbs.

High-Technology Companies Often Turn to Colleges for Confidential 'Beta Tests' of New Products.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Judith Axler

1988-01-01

Beta testing--the process of trying a product in a real-world setting before releasing it commercially--exploits a natural interface between universities and high-technology industries. High-tech companies need confidential, real-world tests of new products, and universities are eager to get an early look at tomorrow's technology. (MLW)

A Compact Ti:Sapphire Laser With its Third Harmonic Generation (THG) for an Airborne Ozone Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) Transmitter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Songsheng; Storm, Mark E.; Marsh, Waverly D.; Petway, Larry B.; Edwards, William C.; Barnes, James C.

2000-01-01

A compact and high-pulse-energy Ti:Sapphire laser with its Third Harmonic Generation (THG) has been developed for an airborne ozone differential absorption lidar (DIAL) to study the distributions and concentrations of the ozone throughout the troposphere. The Ti:Sapphire laser, pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser and seeded by a single mode diode laser, is operated either at 867 nm or at 900 nm with a pulse repetition frequency of 20 Hz. High energy laser pulses (more than 110 mJ/pulse) at 867 nm or 900 nm with a desired beam quality have been achieved and utilized to generate its third harmonic at 289nm or 300nm, which are on-line and off-line wavelengths of an airborne ozone DIAL. After being experimentally compared with Beta-Barium Borate (beta - BaB2O4 or BBO) nonlinear crystals, two Lithium Triborate (LBO) crystals (5 x 5 x 20 cu mm) are selected for the Third Harmonic Generation (THG). In this paper, we report the Ti:Sapphire laser at 900 nm and its third harmonic at 300 nm. The desired high ultraviolet (UV) output pulse energy is more than 30 mJ at 300 nm and the energy conversion efficiency from 900 nm to 300 nm is 30%.

beta-Citryl-L-glutamate is an endogenous iron chelator that occurs naturally in the developing brain.

PubMed

Hamada-Kanazawa, Michiko; Kouda, Makiko; Odani, Akira; Matsuyama, Kaori; Kanazawa, Kiyoka; Hasegawa, Tatsuya; Narahara, Masanori; Miyake, Masaharu

2010-01-01

The compound beta-citryl-L-glutamate (beta-CG) was initially isolated from developing brains, while it has also been found in high concentrations in testes and eyes. However, its functional roles are unclear. To evaluate its coordination with metal ions, we performed pH titration experiments. The stability constant, logbeta(pqr) for M(p)(beta-CG)(q)H(r) was calculated from pH titration data, which showed that beta-CG forms relatively strong complexes with Fe(III), Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II). beta-CG was also found able to solubilize Fe more effectively from Fe(OH)(2) than from Fe(OH)(3). Therefore, we examined the effects of beta-CG on Fe-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating systems, as well as the potential ROS-scavenging activities of beta-CG and metal ion-(beta-CG) complexes. beta-CG inhibited the Fe-dependent degradation of deoxyribose and Fe-dependent damage to DNA or plasmid DNA in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it had no effect on Cu-mediated DNA damage. In addition, thermodynamic data showed that beta-CG in a physiological pH solution is an Fe(II) chelator rather than an Fe(III) chelator. Taken together, these findings suggest that beta-CG is an endogenous low molecular weight Fe chelator.

Synthesis and cytotoxic analysis of some disodium 3beta,6beta-dihydroxysterol disulfates.

PubMed

Cui, Jianguo; Wang, Hui; Huang, Yanmin; Xin, Yi; Zhou, Aimin

2009-01-01

Disodium 3beta,6beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-cholestane disulfate (1) was synthesized in 4 steps with a high overall yield from cholesterol. First, cholesterol (4a) was converted to cholest-4-en-3,6-dione (5a) via oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) and then 5a was reduced by NaBH(4) in the presence of NiCl(2) to produce cholest-3beta,6beta-diol (6a). The reaction of 6a with the triethylamine-sulfur trioxide complex generated diammonium 3beta,6beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-cholestane disulfate (7a) and the treatment of 7a by cation exchange resin 732 (sodium form)(Na(+)) yielded the target steroid 1. Disodium 24-ethyl-3beta,6beta-dihydroxycholest-22-ene disulfate (2) and disodium 24-ethyl-3beta,6beta-dihydroxycholestane disulfate (3) were synthesized using a similar method. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against Sk-Hep-1 (human liver carcinoma cell line), H-292 (human lung carcinoma cell line), PC-3 (human prostate carcinoma cell line) and Hey-1B (human ovarian carcinoma cell line) cells was investigated. Our results indicate that presence of a cholesterol-type side chain at position 17 is necessary for their biological activity.

Beta-blocker use in the emergency department in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty.

PubMed

Pancu, Diana; Lee, David C

2003-05-01

Our objectives were to evaluate the frequency of beta-blocker administration in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) where angioplasty is the primary treatment, and to investigate emergency physician's (EPs) attitudes toward beta-blockers. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who presented with symptoms and electrocardiogram (EKG) criteria consistent with AMI in the defined study period. Charts were reviewed for beta-blocker administration and other treatments. A survey was subsequently distributed to all EPs to determine self-reported reasons for withholding beta-blockers. There were 91 patients identified. Of those who did not have contraindications, 99% (89/90) received aspirin, 97% (88/91) received heparin, 94% (84/89) received nitrates, but only 28% (19/68) received beta-blockers. Ninety-six percent of beta-blocker-eligible patients received them as inpatients. Eighty-six percent (44/52) of EPs completed the survey. Physicians felt strongly about avoiding beta-blockers in patients with asthma exacerbation, severe congestive heart failure, and high degree AV block. Bradycardia was the most frequent reason for withholding beta-blockers. In this series of patients presenting with AMI, beta-blockers were greatly underutilized. The self-reported reasons of EPs for withholding beta-blocker therapy did not explain why 72% (49/68) of patients without contraindications did not receive beta-blockers.

17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency in the Mediterranean population.

PubMed

Rosler, Ariel

2006-08-01

Eighty-five males with 17 beta-HSD3 were identified among a highly inbred Arab population in Israel and 57 studied over a period of 25 years. The founders of this defect originated in the mountainous regions of present Lebanon and Syria, but most of the families now live in Jerusalem, Hebron, the Tel-Aviv area and, in particular, in Gaza, where the frequency of affected males is estimated at 1 in 100 to 150. Affected individuals are born with ambiguity of the external genitalia and reared as females until puberty. Thereafter marked virilization occurs, leading in many cases to the spontaneous adoption of a male gender identity and role. Adults develop a male habitus with abundant body hair and beard and the phallus and testes enlarge to adult proportions. Gender reassignment in infancy was only possible when enough erectile tissue was present at birth and developed into a normal size penis with testosterone. 17 beta-HSD3 deficiency can be reliably diagnosed by endocrine evaluation and mutation analysis. In adults the defect is characterized by markedly increased concentrations of androstenedione (A) with borderline low to normal testosterone (T) levels and a high A/T ratio. 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations are moderately decreased, normal or high and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels are high. The estrogen pathway is also impaired, even though both estrone (E-1) and estradiol-17 beta (E-2) levels are high. Children have low basal levels of all androgens, but the defect may be demonstrated after prolonged stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). LH and FSH levels are very high after puberty and normal in childhood. 17 beta-HSD3 isozyme is encoded by the chromosome 9q22 17 beta-HSD3 gene and expressed exclusively in testes. A point mutation in exon 3, codon 80 of the 17 beta-HSD3 gene, R80Q, caused by a single base substitution from CGG ( arginine) to CAG ( glutamine) was identified in both alleles of 24 individuals from 9 extended Arab families from Gaza, Jerusalem and Lod-Ramle. Twenty-one homozygote males (46,XY) were MPH with testicular 17 beta-HSD3 deficiency whereas the three homozygote females (46,XX) were asymptomatic, had normal internal and external genitalia, normal sexual development and revealed no biochemical evidence of 17 beta-HSD3 deficiency. The molecular pattern is compatible with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, sex dependent.

The islet beta-cell: fuel responsive and vulnerable.

PubMed

Nolan, Christopher J; Prentki, Marc

2008-10-01

The pancreatic beta-cell senses blood nutrient levels and is modulated by neurohormonal signals so that it secretes insulin according to the need of the organism. Nutrient sensing involves marked metabolic activation, resulting in the production of coupling signals that promote insulin biosynthesis and secretion. The beta-cell's high capacity for nutrient sensing, however, necessitates reduced protection to nutrient toxicity. This potentially explains why in susceptible individuals, chronic fuel surfeit results in beta-cell failure and type 2 diabetes. Here we discuss recent insights into first, the biochemical basis of beta-cell signaling in response to glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, and second, beta-cell nutrient detoxification. We emphasize the emerging role of glycerolipid/fatty acid cycling in these processes.

The effect of TGF-beta2 on MMP-2 production and activity in highly metastatic human bladder carcinoma cell line 5637.

PubMed

Dehnavi, Ehsan; Soheili, Zahra-Soheila; Samiei, Shahram; Ataei, Zahra; Aryan, Hajar

2009-06-01

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which intrinsically regulate various cell behaviors leading to metastasis. We investigated the effect of TGF-beta(2) on MMP-2 regulation in human bladder carcinoma cell line 5637. Zymography, ELISA, and real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that TGF-beta(2) stimulated MMP-2 production, but the transcription of its gene remained unchanged. Wortmannin could not inhibit MMP-2 secretion and activity and conversely the amount of the protein and its enzymatic activity were increased. These data suggest that TGF-beta(2) increased MMP-2 at the posttranscriptional level and this upregulation was independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway.

Transforming growth factor-{beta}-inducible phosphorylation of Smad3.

PubMed

Wang, Guannan; Matsuura, Isao; He, Dongming; Liu, Fang

2009-04-10

Smad proteins transduce the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signal at the cell surface into gene regulation in the nucleus. Upon TGF-beta treatment, the highly homologous Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated by the TGF-beta receptor at the SSXS motif in the C-terminal tail. Here we show that in addition to the C-tail, three (S/T)-P sites in the Smad3 linker region, Ser(208), Ser(204), and Thr(179) are phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta. The linker phosphorylation peaks at 1 h after TGF-beta treatment, behind the peak of the C-tail phosphorylation. We provide evidence suggesting that the C-tail phosphorylation by the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the TGF-beta-induced linker phosphorylation. Although the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the linker phosphorylation, the receptor itself does not phosphorylate these sites. We further show that ERK is not responsible for TGF-beta-dependent phosphorylation of these three sites. We show that GSK3 accounts for TGF-beta-inducible Ser(204) phosphorylation. Flavopiridol, a pan-CDK inhibitor, abolishes TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208), suggesting that the CDK family is responsible for phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208) in response to TGF-beta. Mutation of the linker phosphorylation sites to nonphosphorylatable residues increases the ability of Smad3 to activate a TGF-beta/Smad-target gene as well as the growth-inhibitory function of Smad3. Thus, these observations suggest that TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 linker sites inhibits its antiproliferative activity.

Enzymatic synthesis of dimaltosyl-{beta}-cyclodextrin via a transglycosylation reaction using TreX, a Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 debranching enzyme

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

Kang, Hee-Kwon; Cha, Hyunju; Yang, Tae-Joo

2008-02-01

Di-O-{alpha}-maltosyl-{beta}-cyclodextrin ((G2){sub 2}-{beta}-CD) was synthesized from 6-O-{alpha}-maltosyl-{beta}-cyclodextrin (G2-{beta}-CD) via a transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by TreX, a debranching enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus P2. TreX showed no activity toward glucosyl-{beta}-CD, but a transfer product (1) was detected when the enzyme was incubated with maltosyl-{beta}-CD, indicating specificity for a branched glucosyl chain bigger than DP2. Analysis of the structure of the transfer product (1) using MALDI-TOF/MS and isoamylase or glucoamylase treatment revealed it to be dimaltosyl-{beta}-CD, suggesting that TreX transferred the maltosyl residue of a G2-{beta}-CD to another molecule of G2-{beta}-CD by forming an {alpha}-1,6-glucosidic linkage. When [{sup 14}C]-maltose and maltosyl-{beta}-CD were reactedmore » with the enzyme, the radiogram showed no labeled dimaltosyl-{beta}-CD; no condensation product between the two substrates was detected, indicating that the synthesis of dimaltosyl-{beta}-CD occurred exclusively via transglycosylation of an {alpha}-1,6-glucosidic linkage. Based on the HPLC elution profile, the transfer product (1) was identified to be isomers of 6{sup 1},6{sup 3}- and 6{sup 1},6{sup 4}-dimaltosyl-{beta}-CD. Inhibition studies with {beta}-CD on the transglycosylation activity revealed that {beta}-CD was a mixed-type inhibitor, with a K{sub i} value of 55.6 {mu}mol/mL. Thus, dimaltosyl-{beta}-CD can be more efficiently synthesized by a transglycosylation reaction with TreX in the absence of {beta}-CD. Our findings suggest that the high yield of (G2){sub 2}-{beta}-CD from G2-{beta}-CD was based on both the transglycosylation action mode and elimination of the inhibitory effect of {beta}-CD.« less

Bimodal electric tissue ablation (BETA): a study on ablation size when the anode is placed on the peritoneum and the liver.

PubMed

Tiong, Leong U; Finnie, John W; Field, John B; Maddern, Guy J

2012-07-01

In bimodal electric tissue ablation (BETA), the cathode of the DC circuit is attached to the radiofrequency (RF) electrode to increase the surrounding tissue hydration. This will delay tissue desiccation and allowing the ablation process to continue for a longer period of time before "roll-off" occurs, resulting in larger ablations compared with standard radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Previous research showed that attaching the anode to the skin using electrosurgical grounding pads would reduce the efficacy of BETA because of the high electrical resistivity of the skin. This study investigated the ablation size produced when the anode was attached to the peritoneum (BETA-peritoneum) and the liver (BETA-liver) respectively. The anode of the DC circuit in BETA was attached to the peritoneum and the liver in a pig model using ECG dots. In BETA, 9 V of DC was provided for 10 min, after which the radiofrequency generator were switched on and both electrical circuits allowed to run concurrently until "roll-off." The size of ablations produced was compared to when the anode attached to the skin (BETA-skin) and standard RFA, respectively. The sites of anode placement were examined for local tissue injury. The transverse diameters in BETA-peritoneum and BETA-liver were significantly larger compared with BETA-skin and standard RFA, respectively (P < 0.001). The axial diameter in the BETA-peritoneum and BETA-liver groups were also larger compared with the BETA-skin and RFA groups, although the differences did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09). Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) examination of the peritoneum and the liver where the anode was attached showed coagulation necrosis involving the superficial epithelium and the liver capsule, respectively. BETA can be used to treat larger liver tumors more effectively and may reduce the tumor recurrence rates compared with standard RFA. The efficacy of BETA depends on ensuring good electrical conductivity between the cathode and the anode of the DC circuit. Research so far has shown that BETA works best when the anode is placed deep to the skin as the stratum corneum consisted of a layer of a-nucleated cells, which have high electrical resistivity. The liver could be the ideal location to place the anode as it has excellent electrical conductivity, therefore ensuring maximum tissue hydration around the cathode to produce the largest ablations possible. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Superconducting Prototype Cavities for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Project

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

Peter Kneisel; John Brawley; Richard Bundy

2001-06-01

The Spallation Neutron Source project includes a superconducting linac section in the energy range from 192 MeV to 1000 MeV. For this energy range two types of cavities are needed with geometrical beta - values of beta = 0.61 and beta = 0.81. An aggressive cavity prototyping program is being pursued at Jlab, which calls for fabricating and testing of four beta = 0.61 cavities and two beta = 0.81 cavities. Both types consist of six cells made from high purity niobium and feature one HOM coupler of the TESLA type on each beam pipe and a port for amore » high power coaxial input coupler. Three of the four beta = 0.61 cavities will be used for a cryomodule test at the end of the year 2001. At this time two cavities of each type have been fabricated and the first tests on the beta = 0.61 cavity exceeded the design values for gradient and Q - value: Eacc = 10.3 MV/m and Q = 6.5 x 10{sup 9} at 2.1K. This paper will describe the cavity design with respect to electrical and mechanical features, the fabrication efforts and the results obtained with the different cavities existing at the time of the conference.« less

The Primary Visual Cortex Is Differentially Modulated by Stimulus-Driven and Top-Down Attention

PubMed Central

Bekisz, Marek; Bogdan, Wojciech; Ghazaryan, Anaida; Waleszczyk, Wioletta J.; Kublik, Ewa; Wróbel, Andrzej

2016-01-01

Selective attention can be focused either volitionally, by top-down signals derived from task demands, or automatically, by bottom-up signals from salient stimuli. Because the brain mechanisms that underlie these two attention processes are poorly understood, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from primary visual cortical areas of cats as they performed stimulus-driven and anticipatory discrimination tasks. Consistent with our previous observations, in both tasks, we found enhanced beta activity, which we have postulated may serve as an attention carrier. We characterized the functional organization of task-related beta activity by (i) cortical responses (EPs) evoked by electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm and (ii) intracortical LFP correlations. During the anticipatory task, peripheral stimulation that was preceded by high-amplitude beta oscillations evoked large-amplitude EPs compared with EPs that followed low-amplitude beta. In contrast, during the stimulus-driven task, cortical EPs preceded by high-amplitude beta oscillations were, on average, smaller than those preceded by low-amplitude beta. Analysis of the correlations between the different recording sites revealed that beta activation maps were heterogeneous during the bottom-up task and homogeneous for the top-down task. We conclude that bottom-up attention activates cortical visual areas in a mosaic-like pattern, whereas top-down attentional modulation results in spatially homogeneous excitation. PMID:26730705

Monitoring dediazoniation product formation by high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization.

PubMed

Bravo-Díaz, Carlos; González-Romero, Elisa

2003-03-14

A derivatization protocol that exploits the rapid reaction between arenediazonium ions and a suitable coupling agent followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analyses of the reaction mixture was employed to determine the product distribution, the rate constants for product formation and the association constant of 4-nitrobenzenediazonium, PNBD, ion with beta-cyclodextrin, beta-CD. The derivatization of PNBD with the coupling agent leads to the formation of a stable azo dye that prevents by-side reactions of PNBD with the solvents of the mobile phase, including water, or the metallic parts of the chromatographic system that would eventually lead to erroneous identification and quantification of dediazoniation products. The results show that in the presence of beta-CD, nitrobenzene is formed at the expense of 4-nitrophenol, which is the major product in its absence. The observed rate constants for the interaction between PNBD and beta-CD increase upon increasing [beta-CD] showing a saturation profile indicative of the formation of an inclusion complex between PNBD and beta-CD. By fitting the experimental data to a simplified Lineaweaver-Burk equation, the corresponding association constant and the maximum acceleration rate of beta-CD towards PNBD were estimated. The protocol is applicable under a variety of experimental conditions provided that the rate of the coupling reaction is much faster than that of dediazoniation.

The NUMEN project: NUclear Matrix Elements for Neutrinoless double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cappuzzello, F.; Agodi, C.; Cavallaro, M.; Carbone, D.; Tudisco, S.; Lo Presti, D.; Oliveira, J. R. B.; Finocchiaro, P.; Colonna, M.; Rifuggiato, D.; Calabretta, L.; Calvo, D.; Pandola, L.; Acosta, L.; Auerbach, N.; Bellone, J.; Bijker, R.; Bonanno, D.; Bongiovanni, D.; Borello-Lewin, T.; Boztosun, I.; Brunasso, O.; Burrello, S.; Calabrese, S.; Calanna, A.; Chávez Lomelí, E. R.; D'Agostino, G.; De Faria, P. N.; De Geronimo, G.; Delaunay, F.; Deshmukh, N.; Ferreira, J. L.; Fisichella, M.; Foti, A.; Gallo, G.; Garcia-Tecocoatzi, H.; Greco, V.; Hacisalihoglu, A.; Iazzi, F.; Introzzi, R.; Lanzalone, G.; Lay, J. A.; La Via, F.; Lenske, H.; Linares, R.; Litrico, G.; Longhitano, F.; Lubian, J.; Medina, N. H.; Mendes, D. R.; Moralles, M.; Muoio, A.; Pakou, A.; Petrascu, H.; Pinna, F.; Reito, S.; Russo, A. D.; Russo, G.; Santagati, G.; Santopinto, E.; Santos, R. B. B.; Sgouros, O.; da Silveira, M. A. G.; Solakci, S. O.; Souliotis, G.; Soukeras, V.; Spatafora, A.; Torresi, D.; Magana Vsevolodovna, R.; Yildirim, A.; Zagatto, V. A. B.

2018-05-01

The article describes the main achievements of the NUMEN project together with an updated and detailed overview of the related R&D activities and theoretical developments. NUMEN proposes an innovative technique to access the nuclear matrix elements entering the expression of the lifetime of the double beta decay by cross section measurements of heavy-ion induced Double Charge Exchange (DCE) reactions. Despite the fact that the two processes, namely neutrinoless double beta decay and DCE reactions, are triggered by the weak and strong interaction respectively, important analogies are suggested. The basic point is the coincidence of the initial and final state many-body wave functions in the two types of processes and the formal similarity of the transition operators. First experimental results obtained at the INFN-LNS laboratory for the 40Ca(18O,18Ne)40Ar reaction at 270MeV give an encouraging indication on the capability of the proposed technique to access relevant quantitative information. The main experimental tools for this project are the K800 Superconducting Cyclotron and MAGNEX spectrometer. The former is used for the acceleration of the required high resolution and low emittance heavy-ion beams and the latter is the large acceptance magnetic spectrometer for the detection of the ejectiles. The use of the high-order trajectory reconstruction technique, implemented in MAGNEX, allows to reach the experimental resolution and sensitivity required for the accurate measurement of the DCE cross sections at forward angles. However, the tiny values of such cross sections and the resolution requirements demand beam intensities much larger than those manageable with the present facility. The on-going upgrade of the INFN-LNS facilities in this perspective is part of the NUMEN project and will be discussed in the article.

Search for double beta decay with HPGe detectors at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chkvorets, Oleg

2008-12-01

Neutrinoless double-beta decay is practically the only way to establish the Majorana nature of the neutrino mass and its decay rate provides a probe of an effective neutrino mass. Double beta experiments are long-running underground experiments with specific challenges concerning the background reduction and the long term stability. These problems are addressed in this work for the Heidelberg-Moscow (HdM), GENIUS Test Facility (TF) and GERDA experiments. The HdM experiment collected data with enriched 76Ge high purity (HPGe) detectors from 1990 to 2003. An improved analysis of HdM data is presented, exploiting new calibration and spectral shape measurements with the HdM detectors. GENIUS-TF was a test-facility that verified the feasibility of using bare germanium detectors in liquid nitrogen. The first year results of this experiment are discussed. The GERDA experiment has been designed to further increase the sensitivity by operating bare germanium detectors in a high purity cryogenic liquid, which simultaneously serves as a shielding against background and as a cooling media. In the preparatory stage of GERDA, an external background gamma flux measurement was done at the experimental site in the Hall A of the Gran Sasso laboratory. The characterization of the enriched detectors from the HdM and IGEX experiments was performed in the underground detector laboratory for the GERDA collaboration. Long term stability measurements of a bare HPGe detector in liquid argon were carried out. Based on these measurements, the first lower limit on the half-life of neutrinoless double electron capture of 36Ar was established to be 1.85*10^18 years at 68% C.L.

State of the art of D&D Instrumentation Technology: Alpha counting in the presence of high background

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

Dickerman, C.E.

1995-08-01

Discrimination of alpha activity in the presence of a high radiation background has been identified as an area of concern to be studied for D&D applications. Upon evaluating the range of alpha detection needs for D&D operations, we have expanded this study to address the operational concern of greatly expediting alpha counting of rough surfaces and rubble. Note that the term, ``rough surfaces`` includes a wide range of practical cases, including contaminated equipment and work surfaces. We have developed provisional applications requirements for instrumentation of this type; and we also have generated the scope of a program of instrument evaluationmore » and testing, with emphasis on practical implementation. In order to obtain the full operational benefit of alpha discrimination in the presence of strong beta-gamma radiation background, the detection system must be capable of some form of remote or semi-remote operation in order to reduce operator exposure. We have identified a highly promising technique, the long-range alpha detector (LRAD), for alpha discrimination in the presence of high radiation background. This technique operates upon the principle of transporting alphaionized air to an ionization detector. A transport time within a few seconds is adequate. Neither the provisional requirements nor the evaluation and testing scope were expressly tailored to force the selection of a LRAD technology, and they could be used as a basis for studies of other promising technologies. However, a technology that remotely detects alpha-ionized air (e. g., LRAD) is a natural fit to the key requirements of rejection of high background at the survey location and operator protection. Also, LRAD appears to be valuable for D&D applications as a means of greatly expediting surface alpha-activity surveys that otherwise would require performing time-consuming scans over surfaces of interest with alpha detector probes, and even more labor-intensive surface wipe surveys.« less

National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) Facility/Diagnostic Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, M.

2005-10-01

The capabilities of the NSTX experimental facility and diagnostics continue to improve. The new TF joints are performing well at 4.5 kG. New in-board shaping coils were installed to produce plasmas with simultaneously high elongation ˜2.5 and high triangularity ˜0.8 needed for advanced operation. The EFC/RWM system with six external coils driven by three switching power amplifiers (1 kHz, 6 kA-turn) is now fully operational. With these new tools, we significantly expanded the NSTX operating parameters, achieving the highest controlled elongation of 2.75, a shape factor q95Ip/aBT of 37 MA/m-T, plasma volume of 14 m^3, stored energy of 430 kJ, normalized beta of 7.4 % MA/m-T, bootstrap current fraction of 60 % at 700 kA, and longest plasma pulse length of 1.5 s or about 4 times the resistive skin time. In the area of the plasma diagnostics, ten additional Thomson scattering channels are providing detailed measurement of the H-mode pedestal and internal barrier regions. The 8 channel MSE diagnostic is providing crucial j(r) measurements including high electron confinement reversed shear plasmas. A tangential microwave scattering system to measure electron-transport- relevant fluctuations is being commissioned.

A case report of a patient with high β-hCG levels after operation because of primary broad ligament pregnancy.

PubMed

Zu, M; Zhao, G Q; Liu, Z Q; Zhang, H T; Chen, L; Zhao, D H

2017-01-01

A broad ligament pregnancy is an extremely rare condition and diagnosis is frequently missed and finally made during laparotomy. This is a case of a young patient with high serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels after operation because of broad ligament pregnancy. A 31-year-old multipara complained of intermittent lower abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding for four months. A color ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass in the left attachment area, indicating an interstitial tubal pregnancy. However, trophoblastic disease could not be excluded. She accepted conservative treatment with methotrexate (MTX) at first, but observation showed that conservative treatment was slow and accompanied with liver function damage. Therefore, exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative situations and postoperative pathology confirmed broad ligament pregnancy. Her serum p- hCG was sustained at a high level for three months after operation. Her examinations of serum, CT, and ultrasonography could explain this situation. Primary broad ligament pregnancy refers to pregnancy where implantation of the fertilized ovum occurs directly between the two leaves of the broad ligament. The gravid substance was removed, however serum β-hCG could not gradually re- turn to normal levels. This case should be followed-up closely to prevent adverse outcomes.

Non-cross talk multi-channel photomultiplier using guided electron multipliers

DOEpatents

Gomez, J.; Majewski, S.; Weisenberger, A.G.

1995-09-26

An improved multi-channel electron multiplier is provided that exhibits zero cross-talk and high rate operation. Resistive material input and output masks are employed to control divergence of electrons. Electron multiplication takes place in closed channels. Several embodiments are provided for these channels including a continuous resistive emissive multiplier and a discrete resistive multiplier with discrete dynode chains interspaced with resistive layers-masks. Both basic embodiments provide high gain multiplication of electrons without accumulating surface charges while containing electrons to their proper channels to eliminate cross-talk. The invention can be for example applied to improve the performance of ion mass spectrometers, positron emission tomography devices, in DNA sequencing and other beta radiography applications and in many applications in particle physics. 28 figs.

Non cross talk multi-channel photomultiplier using guided electron multipliers

DOEpatents

Gomez, Javier; Majewski, Stanislaw; Weisenberger, Andrew G.

1995-01-01

An improved multi-channel electron multiplier is provided that exhibits zero cross-talk and high rate operation. Resistive material input and output masks are employed to control divergence of electrons. Electron multiplication takes place in closed channels. Several embodiments are provided for these channels including a continuous resistive emissive multiplier and a discrete resistive multiplier with discrete dynode chains interspaced with resistive layers-masks. Both basic embodiments provide high gain multiplication of electrons without accumulating surface charges while containing electrons to their proper channels to eliminate cross-talk. The invention can be for example applied to improve the performance of ion mass spectrometers, positron emission tomography devices, in DNA sequencing and other beta radiography applications and in many applications in particle physics.

Numerical study of the Columbia high-beta device: Torus-II

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

Izzo, R.

1981-01-01

The ionization, heating and subsequent long-time-scale behavior of the helium plasma in the Columbia fusion device, Torus-II, is studied. The purpose of this work is to perform numerical simulations while maintaining a high level of interaction with experimentalists. The device is operated as a toroidal z-pinch to prepare the gas for heating. This ionization of helium is studied using a zero-dimensional, two-fluid code. It is essentially an energy balance calculation that follows the development of the various charge states of the helium and any impurities (primarily silicon and oxygen) that are present. The code is an atomic physics model ofmore » Torus-II. In addition to ionization, we include three-body and radiative recombination processes.« less

Radiation leukemia virus-induced thymic lymphomas express a restricted repertoire of T-cell receptor V beta gene products.

PubMed Central

Sen-Majumdar, A; Weissman, I L; Hansteen, G; Marian, J; Waller, E K; Lieberman, M

1994-01-01

We have investigated the phenotypic changes that take place during the process of neoplastic transformation in the thymocytes of C57BL/Ka mice infected by the radiation leukemia virus (RadLV). By the combined use of antibodies against the envelope glycoprotein gp70 of RadLV, the transformation-associated cell surface marker 1C11, and the CD3-T-cell receptor (TCR) complex, we found that in the RadLV-infected thymus, the earliest expression of viral gp70 is in 1C11hi cells; a small but significant percentage of these cells also express CD3. A first wave of viral replication, manifested by the expression of high levels of gp70 in thymocytes (over 70% positive), reaches a peak at 2 weeks; during this period, no significant changes are observed in the expression of 1C11 or CD3. The population of gp70+ cells is drastically reduced at 3 to 4 weeks after infection. However, a second cohort of gp70+ cells appears after 4 weeks, and these cells express high levels of 1C11 and TCR determinants as well. RadLV-induced lymphomas differ from normal thymocytes in their CD4 CD8 phenotype, with domination by one or more subsets. Characterization of TCR gene rearrangements in RadLV-induced lymphomas shows that most of these tumors are clonal or oligoclonal with respect to the J beta 2 TCR gene, while the J beta 1 TCR gene is rearranged in a minority (4 of 11) of lymphomas. TCR V beta repertoire analysis of 12 tumors reveals that 6 (50%) express exclusively the V beta 6 gene product, 2 (17%) are V beta 5+, and 1 (8%) each are V beta 8+ and V beta 9+. In normal C57BL/Ka mice, V beta 6 is expressed on 12%, V beta 5 is expressed on 9%, V beta 8 is expressed on 22%, and V beta 9 is expressed on 4% of TCRhi thymocytes. Thus, it appears that RadLV-induced thymic lymphomas are not randomly selected with respect to expressed TCR V beta type. Images PMID:8289345

Mapping a quantitative trait locus for the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin in milk, and the effect of beta-lactoglobulin genetic variants on the composition of milk from Holstein-Friesian x Jersey crossbred cows.

PubMed

Berry, S D; Lopez-Villalobos, N; Beattie, E M; Davis, S R; Adams, L F; Thomas, N L; Ankersmit-Udy, A E; Stanfield, A M; Lehnert, K; Ward, H E; Arias, J A; Spelman, R J; Snell, R G

2010-02-01

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin in milk, and to evaluate the effect of beta-lactoglobulin genetic variants on the concentration of fat, protein and casein in bovine milk. A herd of 850 F2 Holstein-Friesian x Jersey crossbred cows was produced through mating six Holstein-Friesian x Jersey F1 bulls of high genetic merit with F1 cows from the national herd. A total of 1,610 herd-test records from 556 second-parity crossbreds were analysed. The concentration of fat, protein and casein in milk was measured at peak, mid- and late lactation, during the production seasons of 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. Liveweight was measured daily. DNA from the F2 animals, their F1 dams and sires, and selected grandsires was genotyped across the genome, initially with 285 microsatellite markers, and subsequently with 6,634 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). A highly significant QTL for the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin in milk was identified, which coincided with the position of the beta-lactoglobulin gene on bovine Chromosome 11. No other consistently significant QTL for the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin in milk were detected. Cows with the BB beta-lactoglobulin genotype produced milk with a 30% lower concentration of beta-lactoglobulin than cows with the AA genotype. The beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism also explained variation in the proportion of casein in total protein. In addition, the percentage of fat was higher for BB than AA animals, whereas the percentage of total protein, mean daily milk yield and liveweight did not differ between AA and BB animals. A significant QTL determining the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin in milk was identified. Selection of animals for the beta-lactoglobulin B-allele may enable the production of milk naturally enriched for casein, thus allowing a potential increase in the yield of cheese. There may be additional future value in production of bovine milk more like human milk, where decreasing the concentration of beta-lactoglobulin is desirable.

The search for majoron emission in xenon-136 and two-neutrino double-beta decay of xenon-134 with the enriched xenon observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, Josiah

Despite neutrino oscillation experiments firmly establishing neutrinos have non-zero mass, the absolute mass scale is unknown. Moreover, it's unknown whether the neutrino is distinguishable from its antiparticle. The most promising approach for measuring the neutrino mass scale and answering the issue of neutrino-antineutrino distinguishability is by searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay, a very rare theorized process not allowed under the current theoretical framework of particle physics. Positive observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay would usher in a revolution in particle physics, since it would determine the neutrino mass scale, establish that neutrinos and antineutrinos are indistinguishable, and that the particle physics conservation law of total lepton number is violated in nature. The latter two consequences are particularly salient, as they lead to potential explanations of neutrino mass generation and the observed large asymmetry of matter over antimatter in the universe. The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO-200) is an international collaboration searching for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the isotope 136 Xe. EXO-200 operates a unique world-class low-radioactivity detector containing 110 kg of liquified xenon isotopically enriched to 80.6% in 136Xe. Recently, EXO-200 published the most precise two-neutrino double-beta decay half-life ever measured and one of the strongest limits on the half-life of the neutrinoless double-beta decay mode of 136Xe. This work presents an improved experimental search for the majoron-mediated neutrinoless double-beta decay modes of 136Xe and a novel search for the yet unobserved two neutrino double-beta decay of 134Xe.

Beta-blockers influence the short-term and long-term prognostic information of natriuretic peptides and catecholamines in chronic heart failure independent from specific agents.

PubMed

Frankenstein, Lutz; Nelles, Manfred; Slavutsky, Maxim; Schellberg, Dieter; Doesch, Andreas; Katus, Hugo; Remppis, Andrew; Zugck, Christian

2007-10-01

In chronic heart failure (CHF), the physiologic effects of natriuretic peptides and catecholamines are interdependent. Furthermore, reports state an agent-dependent effect of individual beta-blockers on biomarkers. Data on the short-term and long-term predictive power comparing these biomarkers as well as accounting for the influence of beta-blocker treatment both on the marker or the resultant prognostic information are scarce. We included 513 consecutive patients with systolic CHF, measured atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), noradrenaline, and adrenaline, and monitored them for 90 +/- 25 months. Death or the combination of death and cardiac transplantation at 1 year, 5 years, and overall follow-up were considered end points. Compared with patients not taking beta-blockers, patients taking beta-blockers had significantly lower levels of catecholamines but not natriuretic peptides. Only for adrenaline was the amount of this effect related to the specific beta-blocker chosen. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated superior prognostic accuracy for NTproBNP both at the 1- and 5-year follow-up compared with ANP, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. In multivariate analysis including established risk markers (New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, peak oxygen uptake, and 6-minute walk test), of all neurohumoral parameters, only NTproBNP remained an independent predictor for both end points. Long-term beta-blocker therapy is associated with decreased levels of plasma catecholamines but not natriuretic peptides. This effect is independent from the actual beta-blocker chosen for natriuretic peptides and noradrenaline. In multivariate analysis, both for short-term and long-term prediction of mortality or the combined end point of death and cardiac transplantation, only NTproBNP remained independent from established clinical risk markers.

Beta-blocker withdrawal among patients presenting for surgery from home

PubMed Central

Schonberger, Robert B.; Lukens, Carrie L.; Turkoglu, O. Dicle; Feinleib, Jessica L.; Haspel, Kenneth L.; Burg, Matthew M.

2012-01-01

Structured Abstract Objective This study sought to measure the incidence of perioperative beta-blocker non-compliance by patients who were prescribed chronic beta blocker therapy and presented for surgery from home. The effect of patient non-compliance on day of surgery presenting heart rate was also examined. Design Prospective observational study with outcome data obtained from review of the medical record. Setting The preoperative clinic and operating rooms of a Veterans Administration hospital. Participants Patients on chronic beta blocker therapy who presented from home for surgery. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Demographic and comorbidity data as well as data on self-reported compliance to beta-blocker therapy, initial day of surgery vital signs, and recent ambulatory vital signs were collected. Ten out of fifty subjects (20%; 95% CI = 9-31%) reported not taking their day of surgery beta-blocker. These self-reported non-adherers demonstrated a higher presenting heart rate on the day of surgery vs. adherent subjects (median of 78 beats per minute vs. 65 beats per minute, p=0.02 by Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test). The difference-in-difference between baseline primary care and day of surgery heart rate was also statistically significant between compliant and non-compliant subjects (-7 beats per minute vs. +12.5 beats per minute, p<0.00001). Conclusions Patient self-report and physiologic data documented failure to take beta-blockers and possible beta-blocker withdrawal in 20% of patients who presented for surgery from home. If these findings are confirmed in larger studies, improved patient understanding of and compliance with medication instructions during preoperative visits should be a focus of future quality improvement initiatives. PMID:22418043

Beta-decay rate and beta-delayed neutron emission probability of improved gross theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koura, Hiroyuki

2014-09-01

A theoretical study has been carried out on beta-decay rate and beta-delayed neutron emission probability. The gross theory of the beta decay is based on an idea of the sum rule of the beta-decay strength function, and has succeeded in describing beta-decay half-lives of nuclei overall nuclear mass region. The gross theory includes not only the allowed transition as the Fermi and the Gamow-Teller, but also the first-forbidden transition. In this work, some improvements are introduced as the nuclear shell correction on nuclear level densities and the nuclear deformation for nuclear strength functions, those effects were not included in the original gross theory. The shell energy and the nuclear deformation for unmeasured nuclei are adopted from the KTUY nuclear mass formula, which is based on the spherical-basis method. Considering the properties of the integrated Fermi function, we can roughly categorized energy region of excited-state of a daughter nucleus into three regions: a highly-excited energy region, which fully affect a delayed neutron probability, a middle energy region, which is estimated to contribute the decay heat, and a region neighboring the ground-state, which determines the beta-decay rate. Some results will be given in the presentation. A theoretical study has been carried out on beta-decay rate and beta-delayed neutron emission probability. The gross theory of the beta decay is based on an idea of the sum rule of the beta-decay strength function, and has succeeded in describing beta-decay half-lives of nuclei overall nuclear mass region. The gross theory includes not only the allowed transition as the Fermi and the Gamow-Teller, but also the first-forbidden transition. In this work, some improvements are introduced as the nuclear shell correction on nuclear level densities and the nuclear deformation for nuclear strength functions, those effects were not included in the original gross theory. The shell energy and the nuclear deformation for unmeasured nuclei are adopted from the KTUY nuclear mass formula, which is based on the spherical-basis method. Considering the properties of the integrated Fermi function, we can roughly categorized energy region of excited-state of a daughter nucleus into three regions: a highly-excited energy region, which fully affect a delayed neutron probability, a middle energy region, which is estimated to contribute the decay heat, and a region neighboring the ground-state, which determines the beta-decay rate. Some results will be given in the presentation. This work is a result of Comprehensive study of delayed-neutron yields for accurate evaluation of kinetics of high-burn up reactors entrusted to Tokyo Institute of Technology by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

The region of formation of the ultraviolet high temperature resonance lines in the eclipsing binary Beta Persei (Algol)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandi, E.; Garcia, L. G.; Kondo, Y.; Sahade, J.

1989-01-01

A new series of IUE observations of Beta Persei has shown that the high temperature resonance lines of Si IV and C IV arise in a region that surrounds the brighter, early-type component of the system. The continuum spectrum corresponds to that of a B8V object, and the value of E(B-V) that yielded the best match between the two IUE regions was 0.06, the value quoted for Beta Per in Jamar et al.'s (1976) Catalog.

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

Garofalo, Andrea M.; Burrell, Keith H.; Eldon, David

For the first time, DIII-D experiments have achieved stationary quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) operation for many energy confinement times at simultaneous ITER-relevant values of beta, confinement, and safety factor, in an ITER similar shape. QH-mode provides excellent energy confinement, even at very low plasma rotation, while operating without edge localized modes (ELMs) and with strong impurity transport via the benign edge harmonic oscillation (EHO). By tailoring the plasma shape to improve the edge stability, the QH-mode operating space has also been extended to densities exceeding 80% of the Greenwald limit, overcoming the long-standing low-density limit of QH-mode operation. In the theory,more » the density range over which the plasma encounters the kink-peeling boundary widens as the plasma cross-section shaping is increased, thus increasing the QH-mode density threshold. Here, the DIII-D results are in excellent agreement with these predictions, and nonlinear MHD analysis of reconstructed QH-mode equilibria shows unstable low n kink-peeling modes growing to a saturated level, consistent with the theoretical picture of the EHO. Furthermore, high density operation in the QH-mode regime has opened a path to a new, previously predicted region of parameter space, named “Super H-mode” because it is characterized by very high pedestals that can be more than a factor of two above the peeling-ballooning stability limit for similar ELMing H-mode discharges at the same density.« less

WNT7a induces E-cadherin in lung cancer cells.

PubMed

Ohira, Tatsuo; Gemmill, Robert M; Ferguson, Kevin; Kusy, Sophie; Roche, Joëlle; Brambilla, Elisabeth; Zeng, Chan; Baron, Anna; Bemis, Lynne; Erickson, Paul; Wilder, Elizabeth; Rustgi, Anil; Kitajewski, Jan; Gabrielson, Edward; Bremnes, Roy; Franklin, Wilbur; Drabkin, Harry A

2003-09-02

E-cadherin loss in cancer is associated with de-differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. Drosophila DE-cadherin is regulated by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, although this has not been demonstrated in mammalian cells. We previously reported that expression of WNT7a, encoded on 3p25, was frequently downregulated in lung cancer, and that loss of E-cadherin or beta-catenin was a poor prognostic feature. Here we show that WNT7a both activates E-cadherin expression via a beta-catenin specific mechanism in lung cancer cells and is involved in a positive feedback loop. Li+, a GSK3 beta inhibitor, led to E-cadherin induction in an inositol-independent manner. Similarly, exposure to mWNT7a specifically induced free beta-catenin and E-cadherin. Among known transcriptional suppressors of E-cadherin, ZEB1 was uniquely correlated with E-cadherin loss in lung cancer cell lines, and its inhibition by RNA interference resulted in E-cadherin induction. Pharmacologic reversal of E-cadherin and WNT7a losses was achieved with Li+, histone deacetylase inhibition, or in some cases only with combined inhibitors. Our findings provide support that E-cadherin induction by WNT/beta-catenin signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway operative in lung cancer cells, and that loss of WNT7a expression may be important in lung cancer development or progression by its effects on E-cadherin.

Barley and Oat beta-Glucan content measured by Calcofluor fluorescence in a microplate assay

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Beta-glucans, linear glucan polymers of mixed linkage, are important constituents of cereal cell walls. They have important health benefits in the human diet, but also can negatively affect the use of barley grain as an animal feed. High beta-glucans in barley malt can also cause problems in brewi...

Inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits in the Ishikawa human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line.

PubMed

Kimmich, Tanja; Brüning, Ansgar; Käufl, Stephanie D; Makovitzky, Josef; Kuhn, Christina; Jeschke, Udo; Friese, Klaus; Mylonas, Ioannis

2010-08-01

Inhibins and activins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. Recently, two novel inhibin subunits, named betaC and betaE, have been identified and shown to be expressed in several human tissues. However, only limited data on the expression of these novel inhibin subunits in normal human endometrial tissue and endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines exist. Samples of proliferative and secretory human endometrium were obtained from five premenopausal, non-pregnant patients undergoing gynecological surgery for benign diseases. Normal endometrial tissue and Ishikawa endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Expression of the inhibin betaC and betaE subunits could be demonstrated at the protein level by means of immunohistochemical evaluation and at the transcriptional level by establishing a betaC- and betaE-specific RT-PCR analysis in normal human endometrial tissue and the parental Ishikawa cell line. Interestingly, in a highly de-differentiated subclone of the Ishikawa cell line lacking estrogen receptor expression, the expression of the inhibin-betaC subunit appeared strongly reduced. Here, we show for the first time that the novel inhibin/activin-betaC and -betaE subunits are expressed in normal human endometrium and the estrogen receptor positive human endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection methods. Interestingly, the Ishikawa minus cell line (lacking estrogen receptor expression) demonstrated no to minimal expression of the betaC subunit as observed with immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, suggesting a possible hormone- dependency of this subunit in human endometrial cancer cells. Moreover, because the Ishikawa cell line minus is thought to be a more malignant endometrial cell line than its estrogen receptor positive counterpart, inhibin-betaC subunit might be substantially involved in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation in human endometrium.

Moderate temperature sodium cells. V - Discharge reactions and rechargeability of NiS and NiS2 positive electrodes in molten NaAlCl4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abraham, K. M.; Elliot, J. E.

1984-01-01

NiS2 and NiS have been characterized as high energy density rechargeable positive electrodes for moderate-temperature Na batteries of the configuration, Na(1)/beta double prime-Al2O3/NaAlCl4(1), NiSx. The batteries operate in the temperature range 170 - 190 C. Positive electrode reactions during discharge/charge cycles have been characterized. Excellent rechargeability of the batteries has been demonstrated by extended cell cycling. A Na/NiS2 cell, operating at 190 C, exceeded 600 deep discharge/charge cycles with practically no capacity deterioration. The feasibility of secondary Na/NiSx batteries with specific energies equal to or greater than 50 Wh/lb and cycle lifes exceeding 1000 deep discharge/charge cycles has been demonstrated.

Beta-decay spectroscopy relevant to the r-process nucleosynthesis

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

Nishimura, Shunji; Collaboration: RIBF Decay Collaboration

2012-11-12

A scientific program of beta-decay spectroscopy relevant to r-process nucleosynthesis has been started using high intensity U-beam at the RIBF. The first results of {beta}-decay half-lives of very neutron-rich Kr to Tc nuclides, all of which lie close to the r-process path, suggest a systematic enhancement of the the {beta}-decay rates of the Zr and Nb isotopes around A110 with respect to the predictions of the deformed quasiparticle-random-phase-approximation model (FRDM + QRPA). An impact of the results on the astrophysical r-process is discussed together with the future perspective of the {beta}-decay spectroscopy with the EURICA.

Highly versatile enantioselective conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to alpha,beta-unsaturated thioesters.

PubMed

Ruiz, Beatriz Maciá; Geurts, Koen; Fernández-Ibáñez, M Angeles; ter Horst, Bjorn; Minnaard, Adriaan J; Feringa, Ben L

2007-11-22

Herein, we report efficient catalysts for the asymmetric copper-catalyzed conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to alpha,beta-unsaturated thioesters. MeMgBr adds to aromatic alpha,beta-unsaturated thioesters with excellent enantioselectivities and moderate to good yields using Josiphos/CuBr and Tol-BINAP/CuI complexes. The use of bulky Grignard reagents leads to unprecedented enantioselectivities in the 1,4-addition to a broad range of aromatic and aliphatic alpha,beta-unsaturated thioesters using Tol-BINAP/CuI. The highest enantioselectivities reported so far for the addition of Grignard reagents to crowded beta-substituted aliphatic substrates are achieved with Tol-BINAP/CuI.

Detection of alpha radiation in a beta radiation field

DOEpatents

Mohagheghi, Amir H.; Reese, Robert P.

2001-01-01

An apparatus and method for detecting alpha particles in the presence of high activities of beta particles utilizing an alpha spectrometer. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a magnetic field applied around the sample in an alpha spectrometer to deflect the beta particles from the sample prior to reaching the detector, thus permitting detection of low concentrations of alpha particles. In the method of the invention, the strength of magnetic field required to adequately deflect the beta particles and permit alpha particle detection is given by an algorithm that controls the field strength as a function of sample beta energy and the distance of the sample to the detector.

A Synopsis of Factors Regulating Beta Cell Development and Beta Cell Mass

PubMed Central

Prasadan, Krishna; Shiota, Chiyo; Xiangwei, Xiao; Ricks, David; Fusco, Joseph; Gittes, George

2016-01-01

The insulin-secreting beta cells in the endocrine pancreas regulate blood glucose levels, and loss of functional beta cells leads to insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and diabetes mellitus. Current treatment strategies for type-1 (autoimmune) diabetes are islet transplantation, which has significant risks and limitations, or normalization of blood glucose with insulin injections, which is clearly not ideal. The type-1 patients can lack insulin counter-regulatory mechanism; therefore, hypoglycemia is a potential risk. Hence, a cell-based therapy offers a better alternative for the treatment of diabetes. Past research was focused on attempting to generate replacement beta cells from stem cells, however, recently there has been an increasing interest in identifying mechanisms that will lead to the conversion of pre-existing differentiated endocrine cells into beta cells. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of several of the key factors that regulate new beta cell formation (neogenesis) and beta cell proliferation. PMID:27105622

Physicochemical properties of beta-glucan in differently processed oat foods influence glycemic response.

PubMed

Regand, Alejandra; Tosh, Susan M; Wolever, Thomas M S; Wood, Peter J

2009-10-14

To assess the effect of food processing on the capacity of oat beta-glucan to attenuate postprandial glycemia, isocaloric crisp bread, granola, porridge, and pasta containing 4 g of beta-glucan as well as control products with low beta-glucan content were prepared. The physicochemical properties (viscosity, peak molecular weight (M(p)), and concentration (C)) of beta-glucan in in-vitro-digestion extracts were evaluated, and fasting and postprandial blood glucose concentrations were measured in human subjects. Porridge and granola had the highest efficacy in attenuating the peak blood glucose response (PBGR) because of their high M(p) and viscosity. beta-Glucan depolymerization in bread and pasta reduced beta-glucan bioactivity. Pastas, known to have low glycemic responses, showed the lowest PBGR. The analyses of these products with previously reported data indicated that 73% of the bioactivity in reducing PBGR can be explained by M(p) x C. Characterizing the physicochemical properties of beta-glucan in bioactive foods aids functional food development.

[Application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of Hb S-beta(+)-thalassemia].

PubMed

Harano, K; Harano, T; Kushida, Y; Ueda, S

1991-08-01

Isoelectric focusing of the hemolysate prepared from a two-year-old American black boy with microcytic hypochromia showed the presence of a high percentage (63.3%) of such Hb variant as Hb S, while the levels of Hb A, Hb F and Hb A2 were 20.0%, 12.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. The ratio of the non-alpha-chain to the alpha-chain of the biosynthesized globin chains was 0.49. The variant was identified as Hb S by amino acid analysis of the abnormal peptide (beta T-1) and digestion of DNA amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with enzyme Eco 81 I. This was further confirmed by DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing of a beta-gene without the beta s-mutation revealed a nucleotide change of T to C in the polyadenylation signal sequence AATAAA 3' to the beta-gene, resulting in beta(+)-thalassemia. These results are consistent with the existence of a beta s-gene and a beta(+)-thalassemia gene in trans.

Access to high beta advanced inductive plasmas at low injected torque

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solomon, W. M.; Politzer, P. A.; Buttery, R. J.; Holcomb, C. T.; Ferron, J. R.; Garofalo, A. M.; Grierson, B. A.; Hanson, J. M.; In, Y.; Jackson, G. L.; Kinsey, J. E.; La Haye, R. J.; Lanctot, M. J.; Luce, T. C.; Okabayashi, M.; Petty, C. C.; Turco, F.; Welander, A. S.

2013-09-01

Recent experiments on DIII-D demonstrate that advanced inductive (AI) discharges with high equivalent normalized fusion gain can be accessed and sustained with very low amounts (∼1 N m) of externally injected torque, a level of torque that is anticipated to drive a similar amount of rotation as the beams on ITER, via simple consideration of the scaling of the moment of inertia and confinement time. The AI regime is typically characterized by high confinement, and high βN, allowing the possibility for high performance, high gain operation at reduced plasma current. Discharges achieved βN ∼ 3.1 with H98(y,2) ∼ 1 at q95 ∼ 4, and are sustained for the maximum duration of the counter neutral beams (NBs). In addition, plasmas using zero net NB torque from the startup all the way through to the high βN phase have been created. AI discharges are found to become increasingly susceptible to m/n = 2/1 neoclassical tearing modes as the torque is decreased, which if left unmitigated, generally slow and lock, terminating the high performance phase of the discharge. Access is not notably different whether one ramps the torque down at high βN, or ramps βN up at low torque. The use of electron cyclotron heating (ECH) and current drive proved to be an effective method of avoiding such modes, enabling stable operation at high beta and low torque, a portion of phase space that has otherwise been inaccessible. Thermal confinement is significantly reduced at low rotation, a result that is reproduced using the TGLF transport model. Although it is thought that stiffness is increased in regions of low magnetic shear, in these AI plasmas, the reduced confinement occurs at radii outside the low shear, and in fact, higher temperature gradients can be found in the low shear region at low rotation. Momentum transport is also larger at low rotation, but a significant intrinsic torque is measured that is consistent with a previous scaling considering the role of the turbulent Reynolds stress and thermal ion orbit loss. Although high normalized fusion performance has been achieved in these discharges, more detailed projections suggest that enhancement in the confinement needs to be realized in order to obtain a low current solution consistent with ITER Q = 10 performance, and this remains a future research challenge.

Results from the CUORE-0 experiment

DOE PAGES

Canonica, L.; Alduino, C.; Alfonso, K.; ...

2016-06-09

The CUORE-0 experiment searched for neutrinoless double beta decay in 130 Te using an array of 52 tellurium dioxide crystals, operated as bolometers at a temperature of 10 mK. It took data in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (Italy) since March 2013 to March 2015. We present the results of a search for neutrinoless double beta decay in 9.8 kg-years 130 Te exposure that allowed us to set the most stringent limit to date on this half-life. The performance of the detector in terms of background and energy resolution is also reported.

Axial-Current Matrix Elements in Light Nuclei from Lattice QCD

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

Savage, Martin; Shanahan, Phiala E.; Tiburzi, Brian C.

2016-12-01

I present results from the first lattice QCD calculations of axial-current matrix elements in light nuclei, performed by the NPLQCD collaboration. Precision calculations of these matrix elements, and the subsequent extraction of multi-nucleon axial-current operators, are essential in refining theoretical predictions of the proton-proton fusion cross section, neutrino-nucleus cross sections andmore » $$\\beta\\beta$$-decay rates of nuclei. In addition, they are expected to shed light on the phenomenological quenching of $$g_A$$ that is required in nuclear many-body calculations.« less

Improvement of the matching speed of AIMS for development of an automatic totally tuning system for hyperthermia treatment using a resonant cavity applicator.

PubMed

Shindo, Y; Kato, K; Tsuchiya, K; Hirashima, T; Suzuki, M

2009-01-01

In this paper, we discuss the improvement of the speed of AIMS (Automatic Impedance Matching System) to automatically make impedance matching for a re-entrant resonant cavity applicator for non-invasive deep brain tumors hyperthermia treatments. We have already discussed the effectiveness of the heating method using the AIMS, with experiments of heating agar phantoms. However, the operating time of AIMS was about 30 minutes. To develop the ATT System (Automatic Totally Tuning System) including the automatic frequency tuning system, we must improve this problem. Because, when using the ATTS, the AIMS is used repeatedly to find the resonant frequency. In order to improve the speed of impedance matching, we developed the new automatic impedance matching system program (AIMS2). In AIMS, the stepping motors were connected to the impedance matching unit's dials. These dials were turned to reduce the reflected power. AIMS consists of two phases: all range searching and detailed searching. We focused on the three factors affecting the operating speed and improved them. The first factor is the interval put between the turning of the motors and AD converter. The second factor is how the steps of the motor when operating all range searching. The third factor is the starting position of the motor when detail searching. We developed the simple ATT System (ATT-beta) based on the AIMS2. To evaluate the developed AIMS2 and ATT- beta, experiments with an agar phantom were performed. From these results, we found that the operating time of the AIMS2 is about 4 minutes, which was approximately 12% of AIMS. From ATT-beta results, it was shown that it is possible to tune frequency and automatically match impedance with the program based on the AIMS2.

Assessment of bone repair in critical-size defect in the calvarium of rats after the implantation of tricalcium phosphate beta (β-TCP).

PubMed

de Freitas Silva, Leonardo; de Carvalho Reis, Erik Neiva Ribeiro; Barbara, Tânia Aparecida; Bonardi, João Paulo; Garcia, Idelmo Rangel; de Carvalho, Paulo Sérgio Perri; Ponzoni, Daniela

2017-07-01

Evaluating the osteoconductive property of tricalcium phosphate beta (β-TCP) in comparison to that of inorganic bovine bone for repair in a critical-size defect in the rat calvarium. Critical-size defects of 7mm were made with a trephine in the calvaria of 48 Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups, and the defects in each group were filled with tricalcium phosphate beta (β-TCP), inorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss), autogenous bone, or left empty. The animals were euthanized at two different time points (30 and 60days post-operation). All defects were recovered with a absorbable membrane of bovine cortical bone. Histological, histometric, and immunohistochemical (osteocalcin) assessments were carried out at 30 and 60days post-operation. At 30days post-operation, all groups showed areas of bone formation, predominantly when autogenous grafts were used. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups (p>0.05). After 60days, there were similarities in the bone formation patterns between the β-TCP (26.32±) and Bio-Oss (17.35±) groups (p=0.549). In terms of the immunohistochemical assessment of osteocalcin, the clot group showed light to moderate staining at 30 and 60days. The autogenous group showed moderate staining at 30days and moderate to intense staining after 60days. The Bio-Oss group showed light to moderate staining after 30days and intense staining at 60days. The β-TCP group showed moderate staining at 30 and 60days post-operation. β-TCP is a good osteoconductive material with similar effects to those of inorganic bovine bone graft and is suitable for utilization in the repair of bone defects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

GARP (LRRC32) is essential for the surface expression of latent TGF-beta on platelets and activated FOXP3+ regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Tran, Dat Q; Andersson, John; Wang, Rui; Ramsey, Heather; Unutmaz, Derya; Shevach, Ethan M

2009-08-11

TGF-beta family members are highly pleiotropic cytokines with diverse regulatory functions. TGF-beta is normally found in the latent form associated with latency-associated peptide (LAP). This latent complex can associate with latent TGFbeta-binding protein (LTBP) to produce a large latent form. Latent TGF-beta is also found on the surface of activated FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), but it is unclear how it is anchored to the cell membrane. We show that GARP or LRRC32, a leucine-rich repeat molecule of unknown function, is critical for tethering TGF-beta to the cell surface. We demonstrate that platelets and activated Tregs co-express latent TGF-beta and GARP on their membranes. The knockdown of GARP mRNA with siRNA prevented surface latent TGF-beta expression on activated Tregs and recombinant latent TGF-beta1 is able to bind directly with GARP. Confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation strongly support their interactions. The role of TGF-beta on Tregs appears to have dual functions, both for Treg-mediated suppression and infectious tolerance mechanism.

Adverse CNS-effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockers.

PubMed

Gleiter, C H; Deckert, J

1996-11-01

In 1962 propranolol, the first beta adrenoceptor antagonist (beta blocker), was brought on to the market. There is now a host of different beta blockers available, and these compounds are among the most commonly prescribed groups of drugs. The efficacy of beta blockers has been proven predominantly for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Beta blockers are also used for certain types of CNS disorders, such as anxiety disorders, essential tremor and migraine. While low toxicity means that they have a favorable risk-benefit ratio, given the high intensity of use, it is essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of adverse events. Adverse events of beta blockers that can be related to the CNS are quite often neglected, even in textbooks of clinical pharmacology or review articles, and thus often misdiagnosed. The following article, therefore, after summarizing the use of beta blockers for CNS indications, critically reviews the literature on centrally mediated adverse events. General pharmacological features of beta blockers and their molecular basis of action will briefly be addressed to the extent that they are or may become relevant for central nervous pharmacotherapy and side-effects.

Application of a sodium sulfur cell with dynamic sulfur electrode to a battery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokoi, H.; Takahashi, K.; Shimoyashiki, S.

1992-01-01

The construction and performance of a sodium sulfur battery system with dynamic sulfur electrodes are described. Three cells were first connected in parallel, then two such groups were connected in series. Each cell included a liquid sodium-filled beta-double-prime-alumina tube and a system to feed liquid sulfur into the annular cathode. Low-resistance graphite felt was tightly packed around the beta-double-prime-alumina tube. Sodium pentasulfide was removed from the sulfur electrode. The battery was operated automatically and stably charged and discharged in the two-phase region. The discharged energy was 4372 Wh (capacity 1170 Ah) during a continuous operation of 19.5 h. The discharge/charge energy efficiency of the battery was 82 percent at an averaged current density of 100 mA/sq cm and operating temperature of 350 C. The deviation of the cell current in a parallel chain was less than 7 percent, and this was induced by the difference in internal resistance. In the daily charge/discharge cycle, cell capacity with the dynamic sulfur electrode was 1.5 times higher than that with the static sulfur electrode using the same active surface of beta-double-prime-alumina, because the internal resistance of the former cell was constant regardless of cell capacity. This battery system with a dynamic sulfur electrode can be applied to energy storage systems,such as large scale load leveling systems, electric vehicle batteries, and solar energy systems.

Analysis of codon usage in beta-tubulin sequences of helminths.

PubMed

von Samson-Himmelstjerna, G; Harder, A; Failing, K; Pape, M; Schnieder, T

2003-07-01

Codon usage bias has been shown to be correlated with gene expression levels in many organisms, including the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, the codon usage (cu) characteristics for a set of currently available beta-tubulin coding sequences of helminths were assessed by calculating several indices, including the effective codon number (Nc), the intrinsic codon deviation index (ICDI), the P2 value and the mutational response index (MRI). The P2 value gives a measure of translational pressure, which has been shown to be correlated to high gene expression levels in some organisms, but it has not yet been analysed in that respect in helminths. For all but two of the C. elegans beta-tubulin coding sequences investigated, the P2 value was the only index that indicated the presence of codon usage bias. Therefore, we propose that in general the helminth beta-tubulin sequences investigated here are not expressed at high levels. Furthermore, we calculated the correlation coefficients for the cu patterns of the helminth beta-tubulin sequences compared with those of highly expressed genes in organisms such as Escherichia coli and C. elegans. It was found that beta-tubulin cu patterns for all sequences of members of the Strongylida were significantly correlated to those for highly expressed C. elegans genes. This approach provides a new measure for comparing the adaptation of cu of a particular coding sequence with that of highly expressed genes in possible expression systems.Finally, using the cu patterns of the sequences studied, a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The topology of this tree was very much in concordance with that of a phylogeny based on small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence alignments.

Noradrenergic innervation of the hypothalamus of rhesus monkeys: distribution of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactive fibers and quantitative analysis of varicosities in the paraventricular nucleus.

PubMed

Ginsberg, S D; Hof, P R; Young, W G; Morrison, J H

1993-01-22

The distribution of noradrenergic processes within the hypothalamus of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) was examined by immunohistochemistry with an antibody against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase. The results revealed that the pattern of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactivity varied systematically throughout the rhesus monkey hypothalamus. Extremely high densities of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive processes were observed in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, while relatively lower levels were found in the arcuate and dorsomedial nuclei and in the medial preoptic, perifornical, and suprachiasmatic areas. Moderate levels of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactivity were found throughout the lateral hypothalamic area and in the internal lamina of the median eminence. Very few immunoreactive processes were found in the ventromedial nucleus or in the mammillary complex. Other midline diencephalic structures were found to have high densities of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactivity, including the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus and a discrete subregion of nucleus reuniens, the magnocellular subfascicular nucleus. A moderate density of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactive processes were found in the rhomboid nucleus and zona incerta whereas little dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactivity was found in the fields of Forel, nucleus reuniens, or subthalamic nucleus. The differential distribution of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive processes may reflect a potential role of norepinephrine as a regulator of a variety of functions associated with the nuclei that are most heavily innervated, e.g., neuroendocrine release from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, and gonadotropin release from the medial preoptic area and mediobasal hypothalamus. Additionally, quantitative analysis of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive varicosities was performed on a laser scanning microscope in both magnocellular and parvicellular regions of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. The methodology employed in this study allowed for the high resolution of immunoreactive profiles through the volume of tissue being analyzed, and was more accurate than conventional light microscopy in terms of varicosity quantification. Quantitatively, a significant difference in the density of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunoreactive varicosities was found between magnocellular and parvicellular regions, suggesting that parvicellular neurons received a denser noradrenergic input. These differential patterns may reflect an important functional role for norepinephrine in the regulation of anterior pituitary secretion through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis.

Anti-aggregatory effect of cyclodextrins in the refolding process of recombinant growth hormones from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies.

PubMed

Bajorunaite, Egle; Cirkovas, Andrejus; Radzevicius, Kostas; Larsen, Kim Lambertsen; Sereikaite, Jolanta; Bumelis, Vladas-Algirdas

2009-06-01

Cyclodextrins with different ring size and ring substituents were tested for recombinant mink and porcine growth hormones aggregation suppression in the refolding process from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin show a positive effect on the aggregation suppression of both proteins. The influence of different methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin concentrations on the renaturation yield of both growth hormones was investigated. Moreover, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin suppress not only folding-related, but also temperature-related aggregates formation of both proteins. Circular dichroism experiments (monitoring of protein solution turbidity by registering high tension voltage) showed that the onset temperature of aggregation of both growth hormones increased with increasing 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin concentration. In conclusion, cyclodextrins have perspectives in biotechnology of veterinary growth hormones not only for protein production, but also for its storage.

Effect of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists and other cAMP-elevating agents on inflammatory gene expression in human ASM cells: a role for protein kinase A.

PubMed

Kaur, Manminder; Holden, Neil S; Wilson, Sylvia M; Sukkar, Maria B; Chung, Kian Fan; Barnes, Peter J; Newton, Robert; Giembycz, Mark A

2008-09-01

In diseases such as asthma, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells play a synthetic role by secreting inflammatory mediators such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6, or IL-8 and by expressing surface adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1. In the present study, PGE(2), forskolin, and short-acting (salbutamol) and long-acting (salmeterol and formoterol) beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists reduced the expression of ICAM-1 and the release of GM-CSF evoked by IL-1beta in ASM cells. IL-1beta-induced IL-8 release was also repressed by PGE(2) and forskolin, whereas the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists were ineffective. In each case, repression of these inflammatory indexes was prevented by adenoviral overexpression of PKIalpha, a highly selective PKA inhibitor. These data indicate a PKA-dependent mechanism of repression and suggest that agents that elevate intracellular cAMP, and thereby activate PKA, may have a widespread anti-inflammatory effect in ASM cells. Since ICAM-1 and GM-CSF are highly NF-kappaB-dependent genes, we used an adenoviral-delivered NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase reporter to examine the effects of forskolin and the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists on NF-kappaB activation. There was no effect on luciferase activity measured in the presence of forskolin or beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. This finding is consistent with the observation that IL-1beta-induced expression of IL-6, a known NF-kappaB-dependent gene in ASM, was also unaffected by beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, forskolin, PGE(2), 8-bromo-cAMP, or rolipram. Collectively, these results indicate that repression of IL-1beta-induced ICAM-1 expression and GM-CSF release by cAMP-elevating agents, including beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, may not occur through a generic effect on NF-kappaB.

Increased expression of c-Ski as a co-repressor in transforming growth factor-beta signaling correlates with progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Fukuchi, Minoru; Nakajima, Masanobu; Fukai, Yasuyuki; Miyazaki, Tatsuya; Masuda, Norihiro; Sohda, Makoto; Manda, Ryokuhei; Tsukada, Katsuhiko; Kato, Hiroyuki; Kuwano, Hiroyuki

2004-03-01

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) regulates cell growth inhibition, and inactivation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway contributes to tumor development. In our previous study, altered expression of TGF-beta, TGF-beta-specific receptors and Smad4 was shown to correlate with tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These components, however, were maintained normally in some patients with esophageal SCC. In our study, the mechanism by which aggressive esophageal SCC maintains these components was investigated, with particular emphasis on the participation of c-Ski and SnoN as transcriptional co-repressors in TGF-beta signaling. Immunohistochemistry for c-Ski and SnoN was carried out on surgical specimens obtained from 80 patients with esophageal SCC. The expression of c-Ski and SnoN was also studied in 6 established cell lines derived from esophageal SCC and compared to an immortalized human esophageal cell line by Western blotting. High levels of expression of c-Ski, detected immunohistologically, were found to correlate with depth of invasion (p = 0.0080) and pathologic stage (p = 0.0447). There was, however, no significant correlation between expression of SnoN and clinicopathologic characteristics. A significant correlation between c-Ski and TGF-beta expression was observed. Moreover, in patients with TGF-beta negative expression, the survival rates of patients with c-Ski positive expression were significantly lower than those of patients with c-Ski negative expression (p = 0.0486). c-Ski was expressed at a high level in 5 of 6 cell lines derived from esophageal SCC compared to immortalized esophageal keratinocytes. Furthermore, the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p21 that was up-regulated by TGF-beta signaling was expressed at a low level in the 5 cell lines. The expression of c-Ski protein as a transcriptional co-repressor in TGF-beta signaling seems to be correlated with tumor progression of esophageal SCC. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Beta-lactoglobulin secretion in human milk varies widely after cow's milk ingestion in mothers of infants with cow's milk allergy.

PubMed

Sorva, R; Mäkinen-Kiljunen, S; Juntunen-Backman, K

1994-04-01

Cow's milk proteins secreted in human milk may cause cow's milk allergy (CMA) even during exclusive breast-feeding. We studied beta-lactoglobulin levels in human milk of mothers of infants with CMA. We also studied intestinal absorption of macromolecules in the same mothers to see whether it is related to the secretion of beta-lactoglobulin in human milk. CMA was verified with oral challenge in 46 of 55 infants assessed. beta-Lactoglobulin levels were assessed in human milk from 53 of 55 mothers of the infants before (basal sample) and 1 and 2 hours after an oral cow's milk load, which was given after a 24-hour milk-free diet. beta-Lactoglobulin was determined by an ELISA with a detection limit of 0.002 microgram/L. The 6-hour urine recovery of a high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3000 was assessed after an oral load of PEG in 45 of 55 mothers. beta-Lactoglobulin was found in the 1- or 2-hour samples in 75% of the mothers. beta-Lactoglobulin levels were increased in the 1- or 2-hour samples as compared with the basal levels in about half of the mothers. The respective levels were decreased in one third of the mothers whose basal beta-lactoglobulin levels were higher than in the others. beta-Lactoglobulin was found in none of the three human milk samples in 15% of the mothers. After an oral load of a high-molecular-weight PEG 3000, the 6-hour urine recovery of PEG was similar in the mothers of the infants with CMA and the mothers of infants without CMA. Neither was the urinary recovery of PEG related to the beta-lactoglobulin levels in human milk. The results support the view that beta-lactoglobulin in human milk may contribute to, but does not alone explain, the development of CMA in breast-fed infants.

Expression of the beta-catenin gene in the skin of embryonic geese during feather bud development.

PubMed

Wu, W; Xu, R F; Xiao, L; Xu, H; Gao, G

2008-01-01

beta-Catenin signaling has been reported to initiate feather bud development. In the present study, beta-catenin gene was isolated and identified from a cDNA library constructed using embryonic goose skin. Expression patterns of beta-catenin gene in the dorsal skin of goose embryos were investigated using the methods of semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR, Northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization. The sequence of beta-catenin was found highly conserved at the amino acid level, sharing 100, 99, and 99% identity with chicken, Chinese soft-shell turtle, and human sequences, respectively. Relatively high levels (62.51 +/- 7.11% to 101.74 +/- 7.29%) of beta-catenin mRNA were detected in the dorsal skin samples. The levels of beta-catenin expression were most prominent at the early stage from embryo day (E)10 to E20 and then significantly declined with the embryonic development. In situ hybridization demonstrated that at E10, beta-catenin expression was mainly observed at the surface periderm cells and the localized region of the epidermal layer. Because feather bud forms with an anterior-posterior orientation, strong staining was observed in the periderm layer and in the ectoderm and epidermis with a diffuse distribution within the internal area of the buds. The stronger staining was seen in the barb ridges than in the center pulp of the feather follicles at E18 and E20. In this study, expression of Shh as a marker gene for the bud development was examined paralleling with expression patterns of beta-catenin. It was found that the expression pattern of beta-catenin was almost similar spatially and temporally to that of Shh mRNA at the later stages of bud development. The differential beta-catenin mRNA expression in the goose dorsal skin may be essential for promoting the normal development of embryonic feather bud.

Differential usage of T-cell receptor V beta gene families by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with CD8hi common variable immunodeficiency: evidence of a post-thymic effect.

PubMed Central

Duchmann, R; Jaffe, J; Ehrhardt, R; Alling, D W; Strober, W

1996-01-01

In this study, we report that differences between T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta gene family usage in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are significantly greater in a subgroup of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) and high levels of activated CD8+ T cells (CD8hi CVI) than in controls (P < 0.001). In CD8hi CVI patients, such differences were also significantly greater for V beta 12 than for other V beta families. As the causes of the differential usage of V beta gene families by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are under investigation, it was interesting that the combined differences between V beta gene family usage in the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subpopulations as a whole were significantly lower than the combined differences between individual V beta gene family usage in either CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell subpopulations (P < 0.001 in both control and CD8hi CVI patients). Further, the pattern of V beta gene family usage in CD4+ T cells was remarkably similar to that in CD8+ T cells in both groups. These data strongly suggest that differences in V beta gene family usage arising from coselection by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I versus MHC class II restriction elements do not fundamentally distort 'basic' V beta gene family usage patterns. They also support the concept that differences in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell V beta gene family usage, which were increased in CD8hi CVI, can arise from high-affinity interactions between disease-associated antigens or superantigens and T cells in the post-thymic T-cell compartment. Images Figure 6 PMID:8666443

AMTEC recirculating test cell component testing and operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Underwood, M. L.; Sievers, R. K.; O'Connor, D.; Williams, R. M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Bankston, C. P.

1989-01-01

Alkali metal thermoelectric converter operation in a recirculating test cell (RTC), which requires a small electromagnetic pump (EM) and a high-temperature beta-double-prime alumina-solid-electrolyte (BASE)-to-metal seal, is discussed. The design of a pump and an active metal braze seal and the initial operation of a cell using these components are described. The pump delivered 0.25 cu cm/min against a 28-psia head. A braze seal system was selected after shear strength tests of Ta or Nb brazed to BASE by a variety of fillers including TiCuNi, TiNi, and TiNiCr. The TiCuNi filler was chosen for environment cell testing and showed no failure or observable degradation after short-term tests up to 1055 K. The pump and the Nb/TiCuNi/BASE seal were used in a test that demonstrated all the operational functions of the RTC for the first time. An increase in the radiation reduction factor at constant input power was observed, indicating that the condenser was being wet by sodium resulting in an increased reflectivity.

First Trial of Real-time Poloidal Beta Control in KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Hyunsun; Hahn, S. H.; Bak, J. G.; Walker, M. L.; Woo, M. H.; Kim, J. S.; Kim, Y. J.; Bae, Y. S.; KSTAR Team

2014-10-01

Sustaining the plasma in a stable and a high performance condition is one of the important control issues for future steady state tokamaks. In the 2014 KSTAR campaign, we have developed a real-time poloidal beta (βp) control technique and carried out preliminary experiments to identify its feasibility. In the control system, the βp is calculated in real time using the measured diamagnetic loop signal (DLM03) with coil pickup corrections, and compared with the target value leading to the change of the neutral beam (NB) heating power using a feedback PID control algorithm. To match the required power of NB which is operated with constant voltage, the duty cycles of the modulation were adjusted as the ratio of the required power to the maximum achievable one. This paper will present the overall procedures of the βp control, the βp estimation process implemented in the plasma control system, and the analysis on the preliminary experimental results. This work is supported by the KSTAR research project funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning of Korea.

Large ν - \\overline{ν} oscillations from high-dimensional lepton number violating operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Chao-Qiang; Huang, Da

2017-03-01

It is usually believed that the observation of the neutrino-antineutrino ( ν - \\overline{ν} ) oscillations is almost impossible since the oscillation probabilities are expected to be greatly suppressed by the square of tiny ratio of neutrino masses to energies. Such an argument is applicable to most models for neutrino mass generation based on the Weinberg operator, including the seesaw models. However, in the present paper, we shall give a counterexample to this argument, and show that large ν - \\overline{ν} oscillation probabilities can be obtained in a class of models in which both neutrino masses and neutrinoless double beta (0 νββ) decays are induced by the high-dimensional lepton number violating operator O_7={\\overline{u}}_R{l}_R^c{\\overline{L}}_L{H}^{\\ast }{d}_R+H.c. with u and d representing the first two generations of quarks. In particular, we find that the predicted 0 νββ decay rates have already placed interesting constraints on the {ν}_e\\leftrightarrow {\\overline{ν}}_e oscillation. Moreover, we provide an UV-complete model to realize this scenario, in which a dark matter candidate naturally appears due to the new U(1) d symmetry.

Development of a high power Helicon system for DIII-D

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

Tooker, Joseph F.; Nagy, Alexander; deGrassie, John

A mechanism for driving current off-axis in high beta tokamaks using fast electromagnetic waves, called Helicons, will be experimentally tested in the DIII-D tokamak. This method is calculated to be more efficient than current drive using electron cyclotron waves or neutral beam injection, and it may be well suited to reactor-like configurations. A low power (100 W) 476 MHz “combline” antenna, consisting of 12 inductively coupled, electrostatically shielded, modular resonators, was recently installed in DIII-D. Initial operation showed that the plasma operating conditions were achieved under which helicon waves can be launched. Plasma operations also showed that the location ofmore » the antenna has not reduced the performance of, or introduced excessive impurities into, the discharges produced in DIII-D. The development of a high power (1 MW) Helicon system is underway. This antenna consists of 30 modules mounted on the inside of the outer wall of the vacuum vessel slightly above the midplane. Carbon tiles around the antenna protect the antenna from thermal plasma streaming along field lines. A 1.2 MW, 476 MHz klystron system will be transferred from the Stanford Linear Accelerator to DIII-D to provide the RF input power to the antenna. Lastly, a description of the design and fabrication of high power antenna and the RF feeds, the klystron and RF distribution systems, and their installation will be presented.« less

Development of a high power Helicon system for DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Tooker, Joseph F.; Nagy, Alexander; deGrassie, John; ...

2017-03-29

A mechanism for driving current off-axis in high beta tokamaks using fast electromagnetic waves, called Helicons, will be experimentally tested in the DIII-D tokamak. This method is calculated to be more efficient than current drive using electron cyclotron waves or neutral beam injection, and it may be well suited to reactor-like configurations. A low power (100 W) 476 MHz “combline” antenna, consisting of 12 inductively coupled, electrostatically shielded, modular resonators, was recently installed in DIII-D. Initial operation showed that the plasma operating conditions were achieved under which helicon waves can be launched. Plasma operations also showed that the location ofmore » the antenna has not reduced the performance of, or introduced excessive impurities into, the discharges produced in DIII-D. The development of a high power (1 MW) Helicon system is underway. This antenna consists of 30 modules mounted on the inside of the outer wall of the vacuum vessel slightly above the midplane. Carbon tiles around the antenna protect the antenna from thermal plasma streaming along field lines. A 1.2 MW, 476 MHz klystron system will be transferred from the Stanford Linear Accelerator to DIII-D to provide the RF input power to the antenna. Lastly, a description of the design and fabrication of high power antenna and the RF feeds, the klystron and RF distribution systems, and their installation will be presented.« less

Evaluation of newly synthesized and commercially available charged cyclomaltooligosaccharides (cyclodextrins) for capillary electrokinetic chromatography.

PubMed

Culha, Mustafa; Schell, Fred M; Fox, Shannon; Green, Thomas; Betts, Thomas; Sepaniak, Michael J

2004-01-22

A highly new charged cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives, (6-O-carboxymethyl-2,3-di-O-methyl)cyclomaltoheptaoses (CDM-beta-CDs), was synthesized and characterized as anionic reagents for capillary electrophoresis (CE) in an electrokinetic chromatography mode of separation. Substitution with dimethyl groups at the secondary hydroxyl sites of the CD is aimed at influencing the magnitude and selectivity of analyte-CD interactions, while substitution by carboxymethyl groups at the primary hydroxyl sites provides for high charge and electrophoretic mobility. Full regioselective methylation at the secondary hydroxyl sites was achieved in this work, while substitution at the primary hydroxyl sites generated a mixture of multiply charged products. The separation performance of CDM-beta-CD was evaluated using a variety of analyte mixtures. The results obtained from commercially available negatively charged cyclodextrins, heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-sulfo)cyclomaltoheptaose (HDMS-beta-CD) and O-(carboxymethyl)cyclomaltoheptaose (CM-beta-CD) with an average degree of substitution one (DS 1), were compared to CDM-beta-CD using a sample composed of eight positional isomers of dihydroxynaphthalene. Four hydroxylated polychlorobiphenyl derivatives, a group of chiral and isomeric catchecins, and chiral binaphthyl compounds were also separated with CDM-beta-CD. The effect of adding neutral beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) into the running buffer containing charged cyclodextrins was investigated and provided evidence of significant inter-CD interactions. Under certain running buffer conditions, the charged cyclodextrins also appear to adsorb to the capillary walls to various degrees.

The thermal stability of hydroxyapatite in biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics.

PubMed

Nilen, R W N; Richter, P W

2008-04-01

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (BCP) comprising a mix of non-resorbable hydroxyapatite (HA) and resorbable beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) are particularly suitable materials for synthetic bone substitute applications. In this study, HA synthesised by solid state reaction was mechanically mixed with beta-TCP, then sintered to form a suite of BCP materials with a wide range of HA/beta-TCP phase content ratios. The influence of sintering temperature and composition on the HA thermal stability was quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The pre-sinter beta-TCP content was found to strongly affect the post-sinter HA/beta-TCP ratio by promoting the thermal decomposition of HA to beta-TCP, even at sintering temperatures as low as 850 degrees C. For BCP material with pre-sinter HA/beta-TCP = 40/60 wt%, approximately 80% of the HA decomposed to beta-TCP during sintering at 1000 degrees C. Furthermore, the HA content appeared to influence the reverse transformation of alpha-TCP to beta-TCP expected upon gradual cooling from sintering temperatures greater than 1125 degrees C. Because the HA/beta-TCP ratio dominantly determines the rate and extent of BCP resorption in vivo, the possible thermal decomposition of HA during BCP synthesis must be considered, particularly if high temperature treatments are involved.

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

Klucevsek, K.; Daley, J.; Darshan, M.S.

We have investigated the nuclear import strategies of high-risk HPV18 L2 minor capsid protein. HPV18 L2 interacts with Kap {alpha}{sub 2} adapter, and Kap {beta}{sub 2} and Kap {beta}{sub 3} nuclear import receptors. Moreover, binding of RanGTP to either Kap {beta}{sub 2} or Kap {beta}{sub 3} inhibits their interaction with L2, suggesting that these Kap {beta}/L2 complexes are import competent. Mapping studies show that HPV18 L2 contains two NLSs: in the N-terminus (nNLS) and in the C-terminus (cNLS), both of which can independently mediate nuclear import. Both nNLS and cNLS form a complex with Kap {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 1} heterodimer andmore » mediate nuclear import via a classical pathway. The nNLS is also essential for the interaction of HPV18 L2 with Kap {beta}{sub 2} and Kap {beta}{sub 3}. Interestingly, both nNLS and cNLS interact with the viral DNA and this DNA binding occurs without nucleotide sequence specificity. Together, the data suggest that HPV18 L2 can interact via its NLSs with several Kaps and the viral DNA and may enter the nucleus via multiple import pathways mediated by Kap {alpha}{sub 2}{beta}{sub 1} heterodimers, Kap {beta}{sub 2} and Kap {beta}{sub 3}.« less

omega-Amino acid:pyruvate transaminase from Alcaligenes denitrificans Y2k-2: a new catalyst for kinetic resolution of beta-amino acids and amines.

PubMed

Yun, Hyungdon; Lim, Seongyop; Cho, Byung-Kwan; Kim, Byung-Gee

2004-04-01

Alcaligenes denitrificans Y2k-2 was obtained by selective enrichment followed by screening from soil samples, which showed omega-amino acid:pyruvate transaminase activity, to kinetically resolve aliphatic beta-amino acid, and the corresponding structural gene (aptA) was cloned. The gene was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 by using an isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible pET expression system (9.6 U/mg), and the recombinant AptA was purified to show a specific activity of 77.2 U/mg for L-beta-amino-n-butyric acid (L-beta-ABA). The enzyme converts various beta-amino acids and amines to the corresponding beta-keto acids and ketones by using pyruvate as an amine acceptor. The apparent K(m) and V(max) for L-beta-ABA were 56 mM and 500 U/mg, respectively, in the presence of 10 mM pyruvate. In the presence of 10 mM L-beta-ABA, the apparent K(m) and V(max) for pyruvate were 11 mM and 370 U/mg, respectively. The enzyme exhibits high stereoselectivity (E > 80) in the kinetic resolution of 50 mM D,L-beta-ABA, producing optically pure D-beta-ABA (99% enantiomeric excess) with 53% conversion.

Anomalous H-beta Variability in the 2014 NGC 5548 AGN-STORM Monitoring Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Liuyi; AGN STORM Collaboration

2016-06-01

Reverberation mapping programs generally find that the continuum and H-beta flux variations in AGNs are well correlated. In the 2014 AGN STORM monitoring program for NGC 5548, we observed a distinct decorrelation of the emission-line light curves from the AGN continuum light curve during the second half of the six-month campaign. This effect was first detected for the C IV, Ly a, HeII 1640 and SiIV/OIV] 1400 lines in Hubble Space Telescope data, then observed for the H-beta line in ground-based data taken during the same monitoring period. We present measurements of the H-beta lags, equivalent width variations, and line responsivity changes during our campaign. We show that the AGN demonstrated unusual behavior in that the broad H-beta responsivity to flux variations decreased significantly during the second half of the campaign. The discovery of this decorrelation phenomenon was made possible by the high cadence and long duration of our monitoring campaign. More multi-wavelength observing campaigns with high sampling cadence, high signal-to-noise ratio, and long temporal baseline are needed for other AGNs in order to determine the prevalence of this phenomenon and to understand its physical origin.

How Should Beta-Diversity Inform Biodiversity Conservation?

PubMed

Socolar, Jacob B; Gilroy, James J; Kunin, William E; Edwards, David P

2016-01-01

To design robust protected area networks, accurately measure species losses, or understand the processes that maintain species diversity, conservation science must consider the organization of biodiversity in space. Central is beta-diversity--the component of regional diversity that accumulates from compositional differences between local species assemblages. We review how beta-diversity is impacted by human activities, including farming, selective logging, urbanization, species invasions, overhunting, and climate change. Beta-diversity increases, decreases, or remains unchanged by these impacts, depending on the balance of processes that cause species composition to become more different (biotic heterogenization) or more similar (biotic homogenization) between sites. While maintaining high beta-diversity is not always a desirable conservation outcome, understanding beta-diversity is essential for protecting regional diversity and can directly assist conservation planning. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Screening of beta-glucan contents in commercially cultivated and wild growing mushrooms.

PubMed

Sari, Miriam; Prange, Alexander; Lelley, Jan I; Hambitzer, Reinhard

2017-02-01

Mushrooms have unique sensory properties and nutritional values as well as health benefits due to their bioactive compounds, especially beta-glucans. Well-known edible and medicinal mushroom species as well as uncommon or unknown species representing interesting sources of bioactive beta-glucans have been widely studied. Commercially cultivated and wild growing mushrooms were analysed for their beta-glucan contents. Enzymatic determinations of all glucans, alpha-glucans and beta-glucans in 39 mushrooms species were performed, leading to very remarkable results. Many wild growing species present high beta-glucan contents, especially Bracket fungi. The well-known cultivated species Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes and Cantharellus cibarius as well as most screened wild growing species show higher glucan contents in their stipes than caps. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved synthesis with high yield and increased molecular weight of poly(alpha,beta-malic acid) by direct polycondensation.

PubMed

Kajiyama, Tetsuto; Kobayashi, Hisatoshi; Taguchi, Tetsushi; Kataoka, Kazunori; Tanaka, Junzo

2004-01-01

The development of synthetic biodegradable polymers, such as poly(alpha-hydroxy acid), is particularly important for constructing medical devices, including scaffolds and sutures, and has attracted growing interest in the biomedical field. Here, we report a novel approach to preparing high molecular weight poly(malic acid) (HMW--PMA) as a biodegradable and bioabsorbable water-soluble polymer. We investigated in detail the reaction conditions for the simple direct polycondensation of l-malic acid, including the reaction times, temperatures, and catalysts. The molecular weight of synthesized alpha,beta-PMA is dependent on both the reaction temperature and time. The optimum reaction condition to obtain alpha,beta-PMA by direct polycondensation using tin(II) chloride as a catalyst was thus determined to be 110 degrees C for 45 h with a molecular weight of 5300. The method for alpha,beta-PMA synthesis established here will facilitate production of alpha,beta-PMA of various molecular weights, which may have a potential utility as biomaterials.

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

Iwasaki, Yuko; Iwasaki, Hitoshi; Yatoh, Shigeru

Transgenic mice expressing nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1a under the control of the insulin promoter were generated to determine the role of SREBP-1a in pancreatic {beta}-cells. Only low expressors could be established, which exhibited mild hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and reduced plasma insulin levels compared to C57BL/6 controls. The islets isolated from the transgenic mice were fewer and smaller, and had decreased insulin content and unaltered glucagon staining. Both glucose- and potassium-stimulated insulin secretions were decreased. The transgenic islets consistently expressed genes for fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis, resulting in accumulation of triglycerides but not cholesterol. PDX-1, {beta}{epsilon}{tau}{alpha}2, MafA, andmore » IRS-2 were suppressed, partially explaining the loss and dysfunction of {beta}-cell mass. The transgenic mice on a high fat/high sucrose diet still exhibited impaired insulin secretion and continuous {beta}-cell growth defect. Therefore, nuclear SREBP-1a, even at a low level, strongly disrupts {beta}-cell mass and function.« less

A Feasible One-Step Synthesis of Hierarchical Zeolite Beta with Uniform Nanocrystals via CTAB

PubMed Central

Zhang, Weimin; Hu, Sufang; Qin, Bo; Li, Ruifeng

2018-01-01

A hierarchical zeolite Beta has been prepared by a feasible one-pot and one-step method, which is suitable for application in industrial production. The synthesis is a simple hydrothermal process with low-cost raw materials, without adding alcohol or adding seeds, and without aging, recrystallization, and other complex steps. The hierarchical zeolite Beta is a uniform nanocrystal (20–50 nm) aggregation with high external surface area (300 m2/g) and mesoporous volume (0.50 cm3/g), with the mesoporous structure composed of intercrystal and intracrystal pores. As an acid catalyst in benzylation of naphthalene with benzyl chloride, the hierarchical zeolite Beta has shown high activity in the bulky molecule reaction due to its introduction of mesostructure. PMID:29695044

Beta-globin locus activation regions: conservation of organization, structure, and function.

PubMed Central

Li, Q L; Zhou, B; Powers, P; Enver, T; Stamatoyannopoulos, G

1990-01-01

The human beta-globin locus activation region (LAR) comprises four erythroid-specific DNase I hypersensitive sites (I-IV) thought to be largely responsible for activating the beta-globin domain and facilitating high-level erythroid-specific globin gene expression. We identified the goat beta-globin LAR, determined 10.2 kilobases of its sequence, and demonstrated its function in transgenic mice. The human and goat LARs share 6.5 kilobases of homologous sequences that are as highly conserved as the epsilon-globin gene promoters. Furthermore, the overall spatial organization of the two LARs has been conserved. These results suggest that the functionally relevant regions of the LAR are large and that in addition to their primary structure, the spatial relationship of the conserved elements is important for LAR function. Images PMID:2236034

Development of a new family of conformationally restricted peptides as potent nucleators of beta-turns. Design, synthesis, structure, and biological evaluation of a beta-lactam peptide analogue of melanostatin.

PubMed

Palomo, Claudio; Aizpurua, Jesus M; Benito, Ana; Miranda, José Ignacio; Fratila, Raluca M; Matute, Carlos; Domercq, Maria; Gago, Federico; Martin-Santamaria, Sonsoles; Linden, Anthony

2003-12-31

Novel enantiopure (i)-(beta-lactam)-(Gly)-(i+3) peptide models, defined by the presence of a central alpha-alkyl-alpha-amino-beta-lactam ring placed as the (i+1) residue, have been synthesized in a totally stereocontrolled way by alpha-alkylation of suitable N-[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-beta-lactams. The structural properties of these beta-lactam pseudopeptides have been studied by X-ray crystallography, Molecular Dynamics simulation, and NOESY-restrained NMR simulated annealing techniques, showing a strong tendency to form stable type II or type II' beta-turns either in the solid state or in highly coordinating DMSO solutions. Tetrapeptide models containing syn- or anti-alpha,beta-dialkyl-alpha-amino-beta-lactam rings have also been synthesized and their conformations analyzed, revealing that alpha-alkyl substitution is essential for beta-turn stabilization. A beta-lactam analogue of melanostatin (PLG amide) has also been prepared, characterized as a type-II beta-turn in DMSO-d6 solution, and tested by competitive binding assay as a dopaminergic D2 modulator in rat neuron cultured cells, displaying moderate agonist activity in the micromolar concentration range. On the basis of these results, a novel peptidomimetic design concept, based on the separation of constraint and recognition elements, is proposed.

A thymosin beta15-like peptide promotes intersegmental myotome extension in the chicken embryo.

PubMed

Chankiewitz, Verena; Morosan-Puopolo, Gabriela; Yusuf, Faisal; Rudloff, Stefan; Pröls, Felicitas; Kleff, Veronika; Hofmann, Dietrich Kurt; Brand-Saberi, Beate

2014-03-01

Beta-thymosins constitute a group of small actin-sequestering peptides. These highly conserved peptides are involved in cytoskeleton dynamics and can influence different cell properties such as motility, substrate adhesion, shape and chemotaxis. As a marker for tumour metastasis, the mammalian thymosin beta15 is believed to have an important diagnostic relevance in cancer prognosis, although little is known about its physiological function. In order to study the role of thymosin beta15(avian) in embryogenesis, we cloned the chicken and quail orthologues of thymosin beta15 and used the chicken as a model for vertebrate development. Avian thymosin beta15, the first known non-mammalian thymosin beta15-like gene, encodes a peptide that possesses a cysteine at position one after the methionine which is a significant difference compared to its mammalian counterparts. Thymosin beta15(avian) expression starts at an early stage of development. The expression pattern changes rapidly with development and differs from that of the related thymosin beta4 gene. The most prominent expression domain is seen in developing muscles of limbs and trunk. Gain-of-function experiments revealed that thymosin beta15(avian) has a function in normal myotome development. Ectopic over-expression of thymosin beta15(avian) leads to premature elongation of myotome cells trespassing segment borders. We conclude that thymosin beta15(avian) has a still undescribed function in promoting myocyte elongation.

beta. -Amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer disease occurs as 110- to 135-kilodalton membrane-associated proteins in neural and nonneural tissues

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

Selkoe, D.J.; Podlisny, M.B.; Joachim, C.L.

1988-10-01

Progressive cerebral deposition of extracellular filaments composed of the {beta}-amyloid protein ({beta}AP) is a constant feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Since the gene on chromosome 21 encoding the {beta}AP precursor ({beta}APP) is not known to be altered in AD, transcriptional or posttranslational changes may underlie accelerated {beta}AP deposition. Using two antibodies to the predicted carboxyl terminus of {beta}APP, the authors have identified the native {beta}APP in brain and nonneural human tissues as a 110- to 135-kDa protein complex that is insoluble in buffer and found in various membrane-rich subcellular fractions. These proteins are relatively uniformly distributed in adult brain, abundantmore » in fetal brain, and detected in nonneural tissues that contain {beta}APP mRNA. Similarly sized proteins occur in rat, cow, and monkey brain and in cultured human HL-60 and HeLa cells; the precise patterns in the 110- to 135-kDa range are heterogeneous among various tissues and cell lines. They conclude that the highly conserved {beta}APP molecule occurs in mammalian tissues as a heterogeneous group of membrane-associated proteins of {approx} 120 kDa. Detection of the nonamyloidogenic carboxyl terminus within plaques suggests that proteolytic processing of the {beta}APP into insoluble filaments occurs locally in cortical regions that develop {beta}-amyloid deposits with age.« less

Pro-opiomelanocortin messenger ribonucleic acid and posttranslational processing of beta endorphin in spleen macrophages.

PubMed Central

Lolait, S J; Clements, J A; Markwick, A J; Cheng, C; McNally, M; Smith, A I; Funder, J W

1986-01-01

We have previously demonstrated low levels of immunoreactive (ir)-beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and ir-ACTH in a subpopulation of mouse spleen macrophages, which is consistent with an involvement of opioid peptides in modulation of immune responses. Gel chromatography studies suggested the presence of an approximately 3.5,000-molecular weight (mol wt) species, putatively beta-EP, an approximately 11.5,000-mol-wt species, putatively beta-lipotropin, and a higher molecular weight species (putative beta-EP precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). In this study we have extended our original findings by demonstrating the presence of messenger RNA for POMC by the use of a complementary DNA probe and Northern blot analysis of extracts of mouse and rat spleen. In addition, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have shown that the major endorphin species in mouse spleen macrophages is beta-EP1-31, and that there are smaller amounts of each of the acetylated forms, N-acetyl-beta-EP1-16 (alpha-endorphin), N-acetyl-beta-EP1-17 (gamma-endorphin), N-acetyl-beta-EP1-27, and N-acetyl-beta-EP1-31. We interpret these studies as showing that (a) the spleen is an organ of POMC synthesis and that (b) the predominant COOH-terminal product of macrophage POMC is the opiate-receptor active species beta-EP1-31. Images PMID:2423557

High-Fluence Light-Emitting Diode-Generated Red Light Modulates the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Pathway in Human Skin Fibroblasts.

PubMed

Mamalis, Andrew; Jagdeo, Jared

2018-05-24

Skin fibrosis is a significant medical problem with limited available treatment modalities. The key cellular characteristics include increased fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-B)/SMAD pathway signaling. The authors have previously shown that high-fluence light-emitting diode red light (HF-LED-RL) decreases cellular proliferation and collagen production. Herein, the authors investigate the ability of HF-LED-RL to modulate the TGF-B/SMAD pathway. Normal human dermal fibroblasts were cultured and irradiated with a commercially available hand-held LED array. After irradiation, cell lysates were collected and levels of pSMAD2, TGF-Beta 1, and TGF-Beta I receptor were measured using Western blot. High-fluence light-emitting diode red light decreased TGF-Beta 1 ligand (TGF-B1) levels after irradiation. 320 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 59% TGF-B1 and 640 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 54% TGF-B1, relative to controls. 640 J/cm HF-LED-RL resulted in 62% pSMAD2 0 hours after irradiation, 65% pSMAD2 2 hours after irradiation, and 95% 4 hours after irradiation, compared with matched controls. High-fluence light-emitting diode red light resulted in no significant difference in transforming growth factor-beta receptor I levels compared with matched controls. Skin fibrosis is a significant medical problem with limited available treatment modalities. Light-emitting diode-generated red light is a safe, economic, and noninvasive modality that has a body of in vitro evidence supporting the reduction of key cellular characteristics associated with skin fibrosis.

Disturbance, neutral theory, and patterns of beta diversity in soil communities.

PubMed

Maaß, Stefanie; Migliorini, Massimo; Rillig, Matthias C; Caruso, Tancredi

2014-12-01

Beta diversity describes how local communities within an area or region differ in species composition/abundance. There have been attempts to use changes in beta diversity as a biotic indicator of disturbance, but lack of theory and methodological caveats have hampered progress. We here propose that the neutral theory of biodiversity plus the definition of beta diversity as the total variance of a community matrix provide a suitable, novel, starting point for ecological applications. Observed levels of beta diversity (BD) can be compared to neutral predictions with three possible outcomes: Observed BD equals neutral prediction or is larger (divergence) or smaller (convergence) than the neutral prediction. Disturbance might lead to either divergence or convergence, depending on type and strength. We here apply these ideas to datasets collected on oribatid mites (a key, very diverse soil taxon) under several regimes of disturbances. When disturbance is expected to increase the heterogeneity of soil spatial properties or the sampling strategy encompassed a range of diverging environmental conditions, we observed diverging assemblages. On the contrary, we observed patterns consistent with neutrality when disturbance could determine homogenization of soil properties in space or the sampling strategy encompassed fairly homogeneous areas. With our method, spatial and temporal changes in beta diversity can be directly and easily monitored to detect significant changes in community dynamics, although the method itself cannot inform on underlying mechanisms. However, human-driven disturbances and the spatial scales at which they operate are usually known. In this case, our approach allows the formulation of testable predictions in terms of expected changes in beta diversity, thereby offering a promising monitoring tool.

Decrease in water-soluble 17beta-Estradiol and testosterone in composted poultry manure with time.

PubMed

Hakk, Heldur; Millner, Patricia; Larsen, Gerald

2005-01-01

Little attention has been paid to the environmental fate of the hormones 17beta-estradiol and testosterone excreted in animal waste. Land application of manure has a considerable potential to affect the environment with these endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Composting is known to decompose organic matter to a stable, humus-like material. The goal of the present study was to quantitatively assess levels of water-soluble 17beta-estradiol and testosterone in composting chicken manure with time. Chicken layer manure was mixed with hay, straw, decomposed leaves, and starter compost, adjusted to approximately 60% moisture, and placed into a windrow. A clay-amended windrow was also prepared. Windrows were turned weekly, and temperature, oxygen, and CO(2) in the composting mass were monitored for either 133 or 139 d. Commercial enzyme immunoassay kits were used to quantitate the levels of 17beta-estradiol and testosterone in aqueous sample extracts. Water-soluble quantities of both hormones diminished during composting. The decrease in 17beta-estradiol followed first-order kinetics, with a rate constant k = -0.010/d. Testosterone levels declined at a slightly higher rate than 17beta-estradiol (i.e., k = -0.015/d). Both hormones could still be measured in aqueous extracts of compost sampled at the conclusion of composting. The decline in water-soluble 17beta-estradiol and testosterone in extracts of clay-amended compost was not statistically different from normal compost. These data suggest that composting may be an environmentally friendly technology suitable for reducing, but not eliminating, the concentrations of these endocrine disrupting hormones at concentrated animal operation facilities.

Single Null Negative Triangularity Tokamak for Power Handling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Mitsuru; Medvedev, S.; Takizuka, T.; Sauter, O.; Merle, A.; Coda, S.; Chen, D.; Li, J. X.

2017-10-01

Power and particle control in fusion reactor is challenge and we proposed the negative triangularity tokamak (NTT) to eliminate ELM by operating L-mode edge with improved core confinement. The SN configuration has more flexibility in shaping by adopting rectangular-shaped TF coils. The limiting normalized beta is 3.56 with wall stabilization and 3.14 without wall. The vertical stability is assured under a reasonable control system. The wetted area on the divertor plates becomes wider in proportion to the larger major radius at the divertor strike points due to the NT configuration. In addition to the major-radius effect, the ``Flux Tune Expansion (FTE)'' is adopted to further reduce the heat load on the divertor plate by factor of 2.6 with a coil current 3 MA. L-mode edge also allows further increase in wetted area. The fusion power of 3 GW is deliverable only at normalized beta 2.1. Therefore this reactor may be operable stably against the serious MHD activities. The CD power for SS operation is 175 MW at Q = 17. AC operation is also possible option. A required HH factor is relatively modest H = 1.12.

Method for treating beta-spodumene ceramics

DOEpatents

Day, J. Paul; Hickman, David L.

1994-09-27

A vapor-phase method for treating a beta-spodumene ceramic article to achieve a substitution of exchangeable hydrogen ions for the lithium present in the beta-spodumene crystals, wherein a barrier between the ceramic article and the source of exchangeable hydrogen ions is maintained in order to prevent lithium contamination of the hydrogen ion source and to generate highly recoverable lithium salts, is provided.

Conjunctival Autograft Alone or Combined With Adjuvant Beta-Radiation? A Randomized Clinical Trial

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

Arruda Viani, Gustavo, E-mail: gusviani@gmail.com; Carrara Fonseca, Ellen; Department of Ophthalmology, Marilia Medical School, Marilia, Sao Paulo

2012-03-01

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of postoperative low single-dose of beta-irradiation ({beta}-RT) in pterygium comparing conjunctival autograft (CAG) surgery with CAG plus adjuvant {beta}-RT in a randomized clinical trial. Methods: This trial was designed as a prospective, randomized, single-center study. Surgery was performed in all cases according to the CAG technique. One hundred and eight pterygia were postoperatively randomized to CAG + {beta}-RT or CAG alone. In the case of {beta}-RT, a (90) Sr eye applicator was used to deliver 10 Gy to the sclera surface at a dose rate of between 200 and 250 cGy/min. After treatment,more » both an ophthalmologist and a radiation oncologist performed the follow-up examinations. The accumulated data were analyzed using a group sequential test. Results: Between February 2008 and September 2008, 116 eyes with primary pterygium were operated on according to the trial protocol. Adjuvant treatment was performed within 24 h postoperatively. Eight patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in 108 patients who could be analyzed. At a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 8-33), in the 54 eyes randomized to receive CAG + {beta}-RT, 5 relapses occurred compared with 12 recurrences in the 54 eyes in CAG, for a crude control rate of 90.8 % vs. 78%; p = 0.032, respectively. The treatment complications as hyperemia, total dehiscence of the autograft and dellen were significantly more frequent in the CAG (p < 0.05). The arm of {beta}-RT resulted in better cosmetic results and improves of symptoms than CAG. Conclusions: A low single-dose of {beta}-RT of 10 Gy after CAG surgery was a simple, effective, and safe treatment that reduced the risk of primary pterygium recurrence, improved symptoms after surgery, resulting in a better cosmetic effect than only CAG.« less

An in vitro study on metabolism of 17beta-boldenone and boldione using cattle liver and kidney subcellular fractions.

PubMed

Merlanti, R; Gallina, G; Capolongo, F; Contiero, L; Biancotto, G; Dacasto, M; Montesissa, C

2007-03-14

17Beta-boldenone (17beta-BOLD) and Boldione (ADD) are steroid compounds with androgenic activity, likely to be used as growth promoters in cattle. Different studies still on-going aiming to distinguish between "natural" occurrence or illegal BOLD source had already indicated that their metabolism in cattle is of relevant significance. To identify metabolites as in vivo markers to support the thesis of exogenous administration, a further approach to the in vitro biotransformation of 17beta-BOLD and ADD was performed using different subcellular fractions obtained from both liver and kidney of untreated cattle. Polar and non-polar metabolites obtained from incubated parent compounds were formerly separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) elution and successively identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection. The bovine liver was the target tissue of the main metabolic reaction transforming 17beta-BOLD to ADD and vice versa. The presence of 6beta-hydroxy-17beta-BOLD, produced from both compounds when NADPH was added as cofactors to liver post mitochondrial and microsomal fractions suggests that cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes could be involved in the biotransformation, as it occurs for 6beta-hydroxylation of 17beta-testosterone. The results indicated that the urinary excretion profile in vivo of 6beta-hydroxy-17beta-BOLD and 16alpha-hydroxy-17beta-BOLD could be studied together with 17alpha- and 17beta-BOLD as putative markers of BOLD treatment in cattle.

Re-evaluating the efficacy of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists in long QT-3 syndrome through computational modelling.

PubMed

Ahrens-Nicklas, Rebecca C; Clancy, Colleen E; Christini, David J

2009-06-01

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heterogeneous collection of inherited cardiac ion channelopathies characterized by a prolonged electrocardiogram QT interval and increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Beta-adrenergic blockers are the mainstay of treatment for LQTS. While their efficacy has been demonstrated in LQTS patients harbouring potassium channel mutations, studies of beta-blockers in subtype 3 (LQT3), which is caused by sodium channel mutations, have produced ambiguous results. In this modelling study, we explore the effects of beta-adrenergic drugs on the LQT3 phenotype. In order to investigate the effects of beta-adrenergic activity and to identify sources of ambiguity in earlier studies, we developed a computational model incorporating the effects of beta-agonists and beta-blockers into an LQT3 mutant guinea pig ventricular myocyte model. Beta-activation suppressed two arrhythmogenic phenomena, transmural dispersion of repolarization and early after depolarizations, in a dose-dependent manner. However, the ability of beta-activation to prevent cardiac conduction block was pacing-rate-dependent. Low-dose beta-blockade by propranolol reversed the beneficial effects of beta-activation, while high dose (which has off-target sodium channel effects) decreased arrhythmia susceptibility. These results demonstrate that beta-activation may be protective in LQT3 and help to reconcile seemingly conflicting results from different experimental models. They also highlight the need for well-controlled clinical investigations re-evaluating the use of beta-blockers in LQT3 patients.

Intra-operative characterisation of subthalamic oscillations in Parkinson’s disease

PubMed Central

Geng, Xinyi; Xu, Xin; Horn, Andreas; Li, Ningfei; Ling, Zhipei; Brown, Peter; Wang, Shouyan

2018-01-01

Objective This study aims to use the activities recorded directly from the deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode to address the focality and distinct nature of the local field potential (LFP) activities of different frequency. Methods Pre-operative and intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were acquired from patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who underwent DBS in the subthalamic nucleus and intra-operative LFP recording at rest and during cued movements. Images were reconstructed and 3-D visualized using Lead-DBS® toolbox to determine the coordinates of contact. The resting spectral power and movement-related power modulation of LFP oscillations were estimated. Results Both subthalamic LFP activity recorded at rest and its modulation by movement had focal maxima in the alpha, beta and gamma bands. The spatial distribution of alpha band activity and its modulation was significantly different to that in the beta band. Moreover, there were significant differences in the scale and timing of movement related modulation across the frequency bands. Conclusion Subthalamic LFP activities within specific frequency bands can be distinguished by spatial topography and pattern of movement related modulation. Significance Assessment of the frequency, focality and pattern of movement related modulation of subthalamic LFPs reveals a heterogeneity of neural population activity in this region. This could potentially be leveraged to finesse intra-operative targeting and post-operative contact selection. PMID:29567582

Psychomotor stimulant effects of beta-phenylethylamine in monkeys treated with MAO-B inhibitors.

PubMed

Bergman, J; Yasar, S; Winger, G

2001-12-01

Sufficiently high doses of beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA), a trace amine that is rapidly metabolized by monoamine oxidase-type B (MAO-B), can produce effects comparable to those of cocaine or methamphetamine (MA). The present experiments were conducted to study how the discriminative-stimulus (S(D)) and reinforcing-stimulus (S(R)) effects of beta-PEA in monkeys are modified by treatment with inhibitors of MAO-B [R-(-)-deprenyl and MDL 72974]. In studies of its S(D) effects, doses of beta-PEA up to 30 mg/kg engendered only sporadic responding on the drug-associated lever in squirrel monkeys that discriminated intramuscular injections of 0.3 mg/kg MA from vehicle whereas lower doses of 0.3-1.0 mg/kg beta-PEA produced full substitution when administered after either R-(-)-deprenyl or MDL 72974 (0.3 mg/kg). The MA-like S(D) effects of beta-PEA were attenuated by either dopamine D(1) or D(2) receptor blockers. In studies of its S(R) effects, high doses of beta-PEA maintained responding in two of three monkeys under a second-order fixed-interval schedule (3.0 or 10 mg/kg per injection) and two of three monkeys under a simple fixed ratio (FR) schedule (0.3-1.0 mg/kg per injection) of intravenous (i.v.) self-administration. MAO-B inhibition by R-(-)-deprenyl or MDL 72974 enhanced the S(R) effects of beta-PEA in all monkeys and, under the FR schedule, induced a 30-fold or greater leftward shift in the dose-response function for its i.v. self-administration. Based on time-course determinations, the enhanced S(R) effects of beta-PEA under the FR schedule were long-lasting and dissipated gradually over 3-7 days. These results show that inhibition of MAO-B enhances S(D) and S(R) effects of beta-PEA in monkeys, presumably by delaying its inactivation. MAO-B inhibition leading to increased levels of beta-PEA may be useful, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, in the pharmacological management of selected aspects of drug dependence.

Beta-1,4-glucanase-like protein from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 is a beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase and functions in salt stress tolerance.

PubMed

Tamoi, Masahiro; Kurotaki, Hideki; Fukamizo, Tamo

2007-07-01

In the present study, we characterized the gene (Cyanobase accession number slr0897) designated Ssglc encoding a beta-1,4-glucanase-like protein (SsGlc) from Synechocystis PCC6803. The deduced amino acid sequence for Ssglc showed a high degree of similarity to sequences of GH (glycoside hydrolase) family 9 beta-1,4-glucanases (cellulases) from various sources. Surprisingly, the recombinant protein obtained from the Escherichia coli expression system was able to hydrolyse barley beta-glucan and lichenan (beta-1,3-1,4-glucan), but not cellulose (beta-1,4-glucan), curdlan (beta-1,3-glucan), or laminarin (beta-1,3-1,6-glucan). A 1H-NMR analysis of the enzymatic products revealed that the enzyme hydrolyses the beta-1,4-glycosidic linkage of barley beta-glucan through an inverting mechanism. The data indicated that SsGlc was a novel type of GH9 glucanase which could specifically hydrolyse the beta-1,3-1,4-linkage of glucan. The growth of mutant Synechocystis cells in which the Ssglc gene was disrupted by a kanamycin-resistance cartridge gene was almost the same as that of the wild-type cells under continuous light (40 micromol of photons/m2 per s), a 12 h light (40 micromol of photons/m2 per s)/12 h dark cycle, cold stress (4 degrees C), and high light stress (200 micromol of photons/m2 per s). However, under salt stress (300-450 mM NaCl), growth of the Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells was significantly inhibited as compared with that of the wild-type cells. The Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells showed a decreased rate of O2 consumption and NaHCO3-dependent O2 evolution as compared with the wild-type cells under salt stress. Under osmotic stress (100-400 mM sorbitol), there was no difference in growth between the wild-type and the Ssglc-disrupted mutant cells. These results suggest that SsGlc functions in salt stress tolerance in Synechocystis PCC6803.

Topological side-chain classification of beta-turns: ideal motifs for peptidomimetic development.

PubMed

Tran, Tran Trung; McKie, Jim; Meutermans, Wim D F; Bourne, Gregory T; Andrews, Peter R; Smythe, Mark L

2005-08-01

Beta-turns are important topological motifs for biological recognition of proteins and peptides. Organic molecules that sample the side chain positions of beta-turns have shown broad binding capacity to multiple different receptors, for example benzodiazepines. Beta-turns have traditionally been classified into various types based on the backbone dihedral angles (phi2, psi2, phi3 and psi3). Indeed, 57-68% of beta-turns are currently classified into 8 different backbone families (Type I, Type II, Type I', Type II', Type VIII, Type VIa1, Type VIa2 and Type VIb and Type IV which represents unclassified beta-turns). Although this classification of beta-turns has been useful, the resulting beta-turn types are not ideal for the design of beta-turn mimetics as they do not reflect topological features of the recognition elements, the side chains. To overcome this, we have extracted beta-turns from a data set of non-homologous and high-resolution protein crystal structures. The side chain positions, as defined by C(alpha)-C(beta) vectors, of these turns have been clustered using the kth nearest neighbor clustering and filtered nearest centroid sorting algorithms. Nine clusters were obtained that cluster 90% of the data, and the average intra-cluster RMSD of the four C(alpha)-C(beta) vectors is 0.36. The nine clusters therefore represent the topology of the side chain scaffold architecture of the vast majority of beta-turns. The mean structures of the nine clusters are useful for the development of beta-turn mimetics and as biological descriptors for focusing combinatorial chemistry towards biologically relevant topological space.