Study of the active deformation of Mitidja (Tell Atlas, Algeria) by GPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacha, Wahab; Masson, Frederic; Yelles-Chaouche, Abdelkrim; Lammali, Kamel; Bellik, Amar; Hamai, Lamine

2013-04-01

A network was created in the Mitidja region around the capital Algiers (Algeria). It has been established to study the deformation of the region and the slow operation of flaws in it. The network was installed by a distribution of GPS stations according to structural domains existing in the region. Twelve bases spread across the study area, have been installed. The measurements were acquired by performing four measurement campaigns in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010, with sessions over a month of action. This work allowed the installation of a geodetic network of regional monitoring by methodology GPS in the zone of Mitidja (Tellian Atlas, Algeria). Four observation campaigns were carried out on this area with session's superiors in one month of measurements. The treatment was carried out with software GAMIT-GLOBK, the network is attached to several world stations IGS treated between 2000-2010, indexed in a precise frame of reference ITRF05. The results presented in this memory show a deformation in shortening ≤ 0.5 mm/an in the plain of Mitidja and the surrounding Solid masses.

The African Reference Frame (AFREF) project: a fundamental geodetic tool for Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farah, H.

2009-04-01

AFREF has as objective the establishment and maintenance of a unified geodetic reference frame for Africa, which will support and facilitate fundamental scientific and technical projects. The installation of observation systems all over Africa will provide important data that can be used in many different scientific fields (e.g., geodynamics, meteorological). Furthermore, AFREF will create an uniform frame that will support development projects, uniform environmental and mapping programmes as well as aid in resolving current and future international boundary disputes. This reference frame will be based on the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and will be realised through the establishment of a network of permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. In close collaboration with several institutional role players, AFREF is an initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Committee on Development Information (CODI). A steering committee is currently responsible for the over-all management and coordination of the implementation of AFREF. Implementation of AFREF is envisaged to be at national level in collaboration with National Mapping Organizations. Furthermore, many scientific Institutions are contributing for the densification of the network. The current status of the AFREF network will be discussed in detail. Several CORS systems have been installed to support AFREF specifically. In addition, most or all of the IGS stations located in Africa will automatically qualify as AFREF core stations. Furthermore, we will show examples of interaction between specific projects and AFREF that are contributing for the development of science in Africa.

ERP-Variations on Time Scales Between Hours and Months Derived From GNSS Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, R.; Englich, S.; Mendes Cerveira, P.

2007-05-01

Current observations gained by the space geodetic techniques, especially VLBI, GPS and SLR, allow for the determination of Earth Rotation Parameters (ERPs - polar motion, UT1/LOD) with unprecedented accuracy and temporal resolution. This presentation focuses on contributions to the ERP recovery provided by satellite navigation systems (primarily GPS). The IGS (International GNSS Service), for example, currently provides daily polar motion with an accuracy of less than 0.1mas and LOD estimates with an accuracy of a few microseconds. To study more rapid variations in polar motion and LOD we established in a first step a high resolution (hourly resolution) ERP-time series from GPS observation data of the IGS network covering the year 2005. The calculations were carried out by means of the Bernese GPS Software V5.0 considering observations from a subset of 113 fairly stable stations out of the IGS05 reference frame sites. From these ERP time series the amplitudes of the major diurnal and semidiurnal variations caused by ocean tides are estimated. After correcting the series for ocean tides the remaining geodetic observed excitation is compared with variations of atmospheric excitation (AAM). To study the sensitivity of the estimates with respect to the applied mapping function we applied both the widely used NMF (Niell Mapping Function) and the VMF1 (Vienna Mapping Function 1). In addition, based on computations covering two months in 2005, the potential improvement due to the use of additional GLONASS data will be discussed.

Highlights of Recent Developments in the International GPS Service and Perspectives for Future Directions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neilan, R.; Reigber, C.; Springer, T.; Beutler, G.; Kouba, J.

1999-01-01

In December 1998, the IGS Governing Board officially changed the name of this IAG service from 'International GPS Service for Geodynamics to simply the 'International GPS Service'. This change of name reflects the fact that today the IGS supports numerous scientific projects outside the traditional geodetic and geodynamic disciplines. A number of IGS projects and working groups have been established, each concentrating on a particular science application, such as the ionosphere, atmosphere, reference frame, precise time transfer, etc. These activities are enabled and simulated by the IGS and directly contribute to the continuing development of the service. The IGS is currently poised to respond to evolving user requirements that focus on timeliness and reliability of data and products, particularly in support of a slate of Low Earth Orbiter missions over the next decade. Perspectives on the future of the IGS will be developed based on current directions as well as anticipated external influences, such as GPS satellite modernization, GLONASS, availability of global communications, and plans for the European GALILEO (Global Navigation Satellite System - GNSS). We will address development of user friendly interfaces and IGS product tutorials.

Evaluation of a New Immunochromatography Technology Test (LDBio Diagnostics) To Detect Toxoplasma IgG and IgM: Comparison with the Routine Architect Technique

PubMed Central

Flori, Pierre; Delaunay, Edouard; Guillerme, Cécile; Charaoui, Sana; Raberin, Hélène; Hafid, Jamal; L'Ollivier, Coralie

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT A study comparing the ICT (immunochromatography technology) Toxoplasma IgG and IgM rapid diagnostic test (LDBio Diagnostics, France) with a fully automated system, Architect, was performed on samples from university hospitals of Marseille and Saint-Etienne. A total of 767 prospective sera and 235 selected sera were collected. The panels were selected to test various IgG and IgM parameters. The reference technique, Toxoplasma IgGII Western blot analysis (LDBio Diagnostics), was used to confirm the IgG results, and commercial kits Platelia Toxo IgM (Bio-Rad) and Toxo-ISAgA (bioMérieux) were used in Saint-Etienne and Marseille, respectively, as the IgM reference techniques. Sensitivity and specificity of the ICT and the Architect IgG assays were compared using a prospective panel. Sensitivity was 100% for the ICT test and 92.1% for Architect (cutoff at 1.6 IU/ml). The low-IgG-titer serum results confirmed that ICT sensitivity was superior to that of Architect. Specificity was 98.7% (ICT) and 99.8% (Architect IgG). The ICT test is also useful for detecting IgM without IgG and is both sensitive (100%) and specific (100%), as it can distinguish nonspecific IgM from specific Toxoplasma IgM. In comparison, IgM sensitivity and specificity on Architect are 96.1% and 99.6%, respectively (cutoff at 0.5 arbitrary units [AU]/ml). To conclude, this new test overcomes the limitations of automated screening techniques, which are not sensitive enough for IgG and lack specificity for IgM (rare IgM false-positive cases). PMID:28954897

Serologic Tests of IgG and IgM Antibodies and IgG Avidity for Diagnosis of Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Rahimi-Esboei, Bahman; Zarei, Mohammad; Mohebali, Mehdi; Valian, Hossein Keshavarz; Shojaee, Saeedeh; Mahmoudzadeh, Raziyeh; Salabati, Mirataollah

2018-04-01

This prospective study was aimed to detect acute and chronic ocular toxoplasmosis by comparison of anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody levels and IgG avidity test. One hundred and seventeen patients with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) who referred to the Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran were included in this study. Of the patients, 77 cases were positive for anti- T. gondii IgG, and 8 cases were positive for anti- T. gondii IgM. IgG avidity test revealed 11, 4, and 102 cases were low, intermediate, and high, respectively, and 6.8% and 9.4% of cases were positive for IgM and IgG avidity tests, respectively ( P =0.632). Agreement (Kappa value) between paired tests IgG-IgM, IgG-IgG avidity, and IgM-IgG avidity was 0.080, 0.099, and 0.721, respectively ( P <0.05). This study showed that conventional serologic tests (IgM and IgG levels) and IgG avidity correlate well each other and can be used to differentiate recent infections from old OT. It seems that reactivated old infections rather than recently acquired infections are majority of Iranian OT patients.

Consistency of seven different GNSS global ionospheric mapping techniques during one solar cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roma-Dollase, David; Hernández-Pajares, Manuel; Krankowski, Andrzej; Kotulak, Kacper; Ghoddousi-Fard, Reza; Yuan, Yunbin; Li, Zishen; Zhang, Hongping; Shi, Chuang; Wang, Cheng; Feltens, Joachim; Vergados, Panagiotis; Komjathy, Attila; Schaer, Stefan; García-Rigo, Alberto; Gómez-Cama, José M.

2018-06-01

In the context of the International GNSS Service (IGS), several IGS Ionosphere Associated Analysis Centers have developed different techniques to provide global ionospheric maps (GIMs) of vertical total electron content (VTEC) since 1998. In this paper we present a comparison of the performances of all the GIMs created in the frame of IGS. Indeed we compare the classical ones (for the ionospheric analysis centers CODE, ESA/ESOC, JPL and UPC) with the new ones (NRCAN, CAS, WHU). To assess the quality of them in fair and completely independent ways, two assessment methods are used: a direct comparison to altimeter data (VTEC-altimeter) and to the difference of slant total electron content (STEC) observed in independent ground reference stations (dSTEC-GPS). The main conclusion of this study, performed during one solar cycle, is the consistency of the results between so many different GIM techniques and implementations.

GPS-Only Terrestrial Reference Frame Based on a Global Reprocessing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietrich, R.; Rothacher, M.; Ruelke, A.; Fritsche, M.; Steigenberger, P.

2007-12-01

The realization of the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) with highest accuracy and stability is fundamental and crucial for applications in geodesy, geodynamics, geophysics and global change. In a joint effort TU Dresden and TU Munich/GFZ Potsdam reprocessed a global GPS network of more than 200 stations. As a contribution to an ITRS realization daily normal equations from 1994 to 2005 were rigorously combined in order to determine a global GPS-only reference frame (PDR05/Potsdam-Dresden-Reprocessing Reference Frame). We present a realization of the global terrestrial reference system which follows the center of mass approach in consideration of the load-induced deformation of the Earth's crust due to the redistribution of surface masses. The stability of our reference frame will be evaluated based on the obtained long-term trends of station coordinates, the load-induced deformation estimates and the homogeneous time series of station positions. We will compare our solution with other recent terrestrial reference system realizations and give some conclusions for future realizations of the ITRS.

Towards 10(exp 9) GPS geodesy: Vector baselines, Earth rotation and reference frames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutz, Bob E.

1994-01-01

Effort during the period form January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993 were in the following areas: GPS orbit accuracy assessments and efforts to improve the accuracy; analysis and effects of GPS receiver antenna phase center variation; analysis of global GPS data being collected for the IGS campaign; and analysis of regional (south west Pacific) campaign data. A brief summary of each of the above activities is presented.

Datum maintenance of the main Egyptian geodetic control networks by utilizing Precise Point Positioning "PPP" technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabah, Mostafa; Elmewafey, Mahmoud; Farahan, Magda H.

2016-06-01

A geodetic control network is the wire-frame or the skeleton on which continuous and consistent mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and surveys are based. Traditionally, geodetic control points are established as permanent physical monuments placed in the ground and precisely marked, located, and documented. With the development of satellite surveying methods and their availability and high degree of accuracy, a geodetic control network could be established by using GNSS and referred to an international terrestrial reference frame used as a three-dimensional geocentric reference system for a country. Based on this concept, in 1992, the Egypt Survey Authority (ESA) established two networks, namely High Accuracy Reference Network (HARN) and the National Agricultural Cadastral Network (NACN). To transfer the International Terrestrial Reference Frame to the HARN, the HARN was connected with four IGS stations. The processing results were 1:10,000,000 (Order A) for HARN and 1:1,000,000 (Order B) for NACN relative network accuracy standard between stations defined in ITRF1994 Epoch1996. Since 1996, ESA did not perform any updating or maintaining works for these networks. To see how non-performing maintenance degrading the values of the HARN and NACN, the available HARN and NACN stations in the Nile Delta were observed. The Processing of the tested part was done by CSRS-PPP Service based on utilizing Precise Point Positioning "PPP" and Trimble Business Center "TBC". The study shows the feasibility of Precise Point Positioning in updating the absolute positioning of the HARN network and its role in updating the reference frame (ITRF). The study also confirmed the necessity of the absent role of datum maintenance of Egypt networks.

VLBI astrometry and the Hipparcos link to the extragalactic reference frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lestrade, J.-F.; Preston, R. A.; Gabuzda, D. C.; Phillips, R. B.

1991-01-01

Intermediate results are reported from a program of VLBI radio observations designed to establish a link between the rotating reference frame of the ESA Hipparcos astrometric satellite and the extragalactic VLBI frame being developed by the International Earth Rotation Service. A group of 12 link stars have been observed at various epochs since 1982, and more observations are being undertaken during the 3-yr Hipparcos mission (1989-1992). Analysis of data on Algol indicates that phase-reference VLBI can determine an expected sky displacement of 4 marcsec with an uncertainty of 0.5 marcsec, even when the activity is only a few mJy.

Combined orbits and clocks from IGS second reprocessing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, Jake

2018-05-01

The Analysis Centers (ACs) of the International GNSS Service (IGS) have reprocessed a large global network of GPS tracking data from 1994.0 until 2014.0 or later. Each AC product time series was extended uniformly till early 2015 using their weekly operational IGS contributions so that the complete combined product set covers GPS weeks 730 through 1831. Three ACs also included GLONASS data from as early as 2002 but that was insufficient to permit combined GLONASS products. The reprocessed terrestrial frame combination procedures and results have been reported already, and those were incorporated into the ITRF2014 multi-technique global frame released in 2016. This paper describes the orbit and clock submissions and their multi-AC combinations and assessments. These were released to users in early 2017 in time for the adoption of IGS14 for generating the operational IGS products. While the reprocessing goal was to enable homogeneous modeling, consistent with the current operational procedures, to be applied retrospectively to the full history of observation data in order to achieve a more suitable reference for geophysical studies, that objective has only been partially achieved. Ongoing AC analysis changes and a lack of full participation limit the consistency and precision of the finished IG2 products. Quantitative internal measures indicate that the reprocessed orbits are somewhat less precise than current operational orbits or even the later orbits from the first IGS reprocessing campaign. That is even more apparent for the clocks where a lack of robust AC participation means that it was only possible to form combined 5-min clocks but not the 30-s satellite clocks published operationally. Therefore, retrospective precise point positioning solutions by users are not recommended using the orbits and clocks. Nevertheless, the orbits do support long-term stable user solutions when used with network processing with either double differencing or explicit clock estimation. Among the main benefits of the reprocessing effort is a more consistent long product set to analyze for sources of systematic error and accuracy. Work to do that is underway but the reprocessing experience already points to a number of ways future IGS performance and reprocessing campaigns can be improved.

The Contribution of the IGS to a Globally Integrated Geodetic Observing System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

WEBER, R.

2002-05-01

The dedicated goal of the International GPS Service (IGS) is 'to provide a service to support geodetic and geophysical research activities through GPS data and data products'. To accomplish its mission IGS began routine operations in Jan 1994. Nowadays operations are based on a large number of components like a globally distributed tracking network of about 200 stations, local and regional data centers as well as eight analysis centers. This presentation summarizes the measurement principles of the GPS and GLONASS microwave satellite navigation systems. An overview of current IGS-products will be given and factors limiting the accuracy of these products are discussed. Moreover IGS serves as one of the technique center of the IERS and therefore the delivered products follow designated IERS standards as close as possible. It can be anticipated that the IGS will also play an important role within the framework of an upcoming Globally Integrated Geodetic Observing System. Even today there are a number of scientific crosslinks to other space geodetic techniques and services e.g. to the ILRS in the determination of the geocentre or to the IVS in questions of a temporal and spatial densification of the reference frame. The above-mentioned initiative will strengthen further the cooperation and increase the scientific outcome.

Toward 10(exp 9) GPS geodesy: Vector baselines, Earth rotation and reference frames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutz, Bob E.

1993-01-01

The University of Texas Center for Space Research research efforts under NASA Grant No. NAG-1936 from 1 Jan. 1992 - 31 Dec. 1992 were in the following areas: GPS orbit accuracy assessments and efforts to improve the accuracy; analysis of global GPS data collected during the first three months of the IGS campaign, and analysis of regional data. A brief summary of each of the above activities is presented in the following.

Evaluation of dental age and associated developmental anomalies in subjects with impacted mandibular canines.

PubMed

Jain, Shikha; Shetty, K Sadashiva; Jain, Shweta; Jain, Sachin; Prakash, A T; Agrawal, Mamta

2015-07-01

To assess the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the rate of dental development and the occurrence of selected developmental anomalies related to shape, number, structure, and position of teeth between subjects with impacted mandibular canines and those with normally erupted canines. Pretreatment records of 42 subjects diagnosed with mandibular canines impaction (impaction group: IG) were compared with those of 84 subjects serving as a control reference sample (control group: CG). Independent t-tests were used to compare mean dental ages between the groups. Intergroup differences in distribution of subjects based on the rate of dental development and occurrence of selected dental anomalies were assessed using χ(2) tests. Odds of late, normal, and early developers and various categories of developmental anomalies between the IG and the CG were evaluated in terms of odds ratios. Mean dental age for the IG was lower than that for the CG in general. Specifically, this was true for girls (P < .05). Differences in the distribution of the subjects based on the rate of dental development and occurrence of positional anomalies also reached statistical significance (P < .05). The IG showed a higher frequency of late developers and positional anomalies compared with controls (odds ratios 3.00 and 2.82, respectively; P < .05). The null hypothesis was rejected. We identified close association of female subjects in the IG with retarded dental development compared with the female orthodontic patients. Increased frequency of positional developmental anomalies was also remarkable in the IG.

A New Global Vertical Land Movement Data Set from the TIGA Combined Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunegnaw, Addisu; Teferle, Felix Norman; Ebuy Abraha, Kibrom; Santamaría-Gómez, Alvaro; Gravelle, Médéric; Wöppelman, Guy; Schöne, Tilo; Deng, Zhiguo; Bingley, Richard; Hansen, Dionne Nicole; Sanchez, Laura; Moore, Michael; Jia, Minghai

2017-04-01

Globally averaged sea level has been estimated from the network of tide gauges installed around the world since the 19th century. These mean sea level (MSL) records provide sea level relative to a nearby tide gauge benchmark (TGBM), which allows for the continuation of the instrumental record in time. Any changes in the benchmark levels, induced by vertical land movements (VLM) affect the MSL records and hence sea level estimates. Over the last two decades sea level has also been observed using satellite altimeters. While the satellite observations are globally more homogeneous providing a picture of sea level not confined to coastlines, they require the VLM-corrected MSL records for the bias calibration of instrumental drifts. Without this calibration altimeter instruments from different missions cannot be combined. GPS has made it possible to obtain highly accurate estimates of VLM in a geocentric reference frame for stations at or close to tide gauges. Under the umbrella of the International GNSS Service (IGS), the Tide Gauge Benchmark Monitoring (TIGA) Working Group (WG) has been established to apply the expertise of the GNSS community to solving issues related to the accuracy and reliability of the vertical component to provide estimates of VLM in a well-defined global reference frame. To achieve this objective, five TIGA Analysis Centers (TACs) contributed re-processed global GPS network solutions to TIGA, employing the latest bias models and processing strategies in accordance with the second re-processing campaign (repro2) of the IGS. These solutions include those of the British Isles continuous GNSS Facility - University of Luxembourg consortium (BLT), the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) Potsdam, the German Geodetic Research Institute (DGF) at the Technical University of Munich, Geoscience Australia (AUT) and the University of La Rochelle (ULR). In this study we present to the sea level community an evaluation of the VLM estimates from the first combined solution from the IGS TIGA WG. The TAC solutions include more than 700 stations and span the common period 1995-2014. The combined solution was computed by the TIGA Combination Centre (TCC) at the University of Luxembourg, which used the Combination and Analysis of Terrestrial Reference Frame (CATREF) software package for this purpose. This first solution forms Release 1.0 and further releases will be made available after further reprocessing campaigns. We evaluate the combined solution internally using the TAC solutions and externally using solutions from the IGS and the ITRF2008. The derived VLM estimates have undergone an initial evaluation and should be considered as the primary TIGA product for the sea level community to correct MSL records for land level changes.

FOOT PLACEMENT IN A BODY REFERENCE FRAME DURING WALKING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO HEMIPARETIC WALKING PERFORMANCE

PubMed Central

Balasubramanian, Chitralakshmi K.; Neptune, Richard R.; Kautz, Steven A.

2010-01-01

Background Foot placement during walking is closely linked to the body position, yet it is typically quantified relative to the other foot. The purpose of this study was to quantify foot placement patterns relative to body post-stroke and investigate its relationship to hemiparetic walking performance. Methods Thirty-nine participants with hemiparesis walked on a split-belt treadmill at their self-selected speeds and twenty healthy participants walked at matched slow speeds. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral foot placements (foot center-of-mass) relative to body (pelvis center-of-mass) quantified stepping in body reference frame. Walking performance was quantified using step length asymmetry ratio, percent of paretic propulsion and paretic weight support. Findings Participants with hemiparesis placed their paretic foot further anterior than posterior during walking compared to controls walking at matched slow speeds (p < .05). Participants also placed their paretic foot further lateral relative to pelvis than non-paretic (p < .05). Anterior-posterior asymmetry correlated with step length asymmetry and percent paretic propulsion but some persons revealed differing asymmetry patterns in the translating reference frame. Lateral foot placement asymmetry correlated with paretic weight support (r = .596; p < .001), whereas step widths showed no relation to paretic weight support. Interpretation Post-stroke gait is asymmetric when quantifying foot placement in a body reference frame and this asymmetry related to the hemiparetic walking performance and explained motor control mechanisms beyond those explained by step lengths and step widths alone. We suggest that biomechanical analyses quantifying stepping performance in impaired populations should investigate foot placement in a body reference frame. PMID:20193972

Foot placement in a body reference frame during walking and its relationship to hemiparetic walking performance.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, Chitralakshmi K; Neptune, Richard R; Kautz, Steven A

2010-06-01

Foot placement during walking is closely linked to the body position, yet it is typically quantified relative to the other foot. The purpose of this study was to quantify foot placement patterns relative to body post-stroke and investigate its relationship to hemiparetic walking performance. Thirty-nine participants with hemiparesis walked on a split-belt treadmill at their self-selected speeds and 20 healthy participants walked at matched slow speeds. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral foot placements (foot center-of-mass) relative to body (pelvis center-of-mass) quantified stepping in body reference frame. Walking performance was quantified using step length asymmetry ratio, percent of paretic propulsion and paretic weight support. Participants with hemiparesis placed their paretic foot further anterior than posterior during walking compared to controls walking at matched slow speeds (P<.05). Participants also placed their paretic foot further lateral relative to pelvis than non-paretic (P<.05). Anterior-posterior asymmetry correlated with step length asymmetry and percent paretic propulsion but some persons revealed differing asymmetry patterns in the translating reference frame. Lateral foot placement asymmetry correlated with paretic weight support (r=.596; P<.001), whereas step widths showed no relation to paretic weight support. Post-stroke gait is asymmetric when quantifying foot placement in a body reference frame and this asymmetry related to the hemiparetic walking performance and explained motor control mechanisms beyond those explained by step lengths and step widths alone. We suggest that biomechanical analyses quantifying stepping performance in impaired populations should investigate foot placement in a body reference frame. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rigorous Combination of GNSS and VLBI: How it Improves Earth Orientation and Reference Frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambert, S. B.; Richard, J. Y.; Bizouard, C.; Becker, O.

2017-12-01

Current reference series (C04) of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) are produced by a weighted combination of Earth orientation parameters (EOP) time series built up by combination centers of each technique (VLBI, GNSS, Laser ranging, DORIS). In the future, we plan to derive EOP from a rigorous combination of the normal equation systems of the four techniques.We present here the results of a rigorous combination of VLBI and GNSS pre-reduced, constraint-free, normal equations with the DYNAMO geodetic analysis software package developed and maintained by the French GRGS (Groupe de Recherche en GeÌodeÌsie Spatiale). The used normal equations are those produced separately by the IVS and IGS combination centers to which we apply our own minimal constraints.We address the usefulness of such a method with respect to the classical, a posteriori, combination method, and we show whether EOP determinations are improved.Especially, we implement external validations of the EOP series based on comparison with geophysical excitation and examination of the covariance matrices. Finally, we address the potential of the technique for the next generation celestial reference frames, which are currently determined by VLBI only.

A Newly Reanalyzed Dataset of GPS-determined Antarctic Vertical Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, I.; King, M.; Clarke, P. J.; Penna, N. T.; Lavallee, D. A.; Whitehouse, P.

2010-12-01

Accurate and precise measurements of vertical crustal motion offer useful constraints on glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models. Here we present a newly reprocessed data set of GPS-determined vertical rates for Antarctica. We give details of the global reanalysis of 15-years of GPS data, the overarching aim of which is to achieve homogeneous station coordinate time series, and hence surface velocities, for GPS receivers that are in regions of GIA interest in Antarctica. The means by which the reference frame is realized is crucial to obtaining accurate rates. Considerable effort has been spent on achieving a good global distribution of GPS stations, using data from IGS and other permanently recording stations, as well as a number of episodic campaigns in Antarctica. Additionally, we have focused on minimizing the inevitable imbalance in the number of sites in the northern and southern hemispheres. We align our daily non-fiducial solutions to ITRF2005, i.e. a CM frame. We present the results of investigations into the reference frame realization, and also consider a GPS-derived realization of the frame, and its effect on the vertical velocities. Vertical velocities are obtained for approximately 40 Antarctic locations. We compare our GPS derived Antarctic vertical rates with those predicted by the Ivins and James and ICE-5G models, after converting to a CE frame. We also compare to previously published GPS rates. Our GPS velocities are being used to help tune, and bound errors of, a new GIA model also presented in this session.

Impacts of GNSS position offsets on global frame stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, Jake; Ray, Jim

2015-04-01

Positional offsets appear in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series for a variety of reasons. Antenna or radome changes are the most common cause for these discontinuities. Many others are from earthquakes, receiver changes, and different anthropogenic modifications at or near the stations. Some jumps appear for unknown or undocumented reasons. Accurate determination of station velocities, and therefore geophysical parameters and terrestrial reference frames, requires that positional offsets be correctly found and compensated. Williams (2003) found that undetected offsets introduce a random walk error component in individual station time series. The topic of detecting positional offsets has received considerable attention in recent years (e.g., Detection of Offsets in GPS Experiment; DOGEx), and most research groups using GNSS have adopted a mix of manual and automated methods for finding them. The removal of a positional offset from a time series is usually handled by estimating the average station position on both sides of the discontinuity. Except for large earthquake events, the velocity is usually assumed constant and continuous across the positional jump. This approach is sufficient in the absence of time-correlated errors. However, GNSS time series contain periodic and power-law (flicker) errors. In this paper, we evaluate the impact to individual station results and the overall stability of the global reference frame from adding increasing numbers of positional discontinuities. We use the International GNSS Service (IGS) weekly SINEX files, and iteratively insert positional offset parameters. Each iteration includes a restacking of the modified SINEX files using the CATREF software from Institut National de l'Information Géographique et Forestière (IGN). Comparisons of successive stacked solutions are used to assess the impacts on the time series of x-pole and y-pole offsets, along with changes in regularized position and secular velocity for stations with more than 2.5 years of data. Our preliminary results indicate that the change in polar motion scatter is logarithmic with increasing numbers of discontinuities. The best-fit natural logarithm to the changes in scatter for x-pole has R2 = 0.58; the fit for the y-pole series has R2 = 0.99. From these empirical functions, we find that polar motion scatter increases from zero when the total rate of discontinuities exceeds 0.2 (x-pole) and 1.3 (y-pole) per station, on average (the IGS has 0.65 per station). Thus, the presence of position offsets in GNSS station time series is likely already a contributor to IGS polar motion inaccuracy and global frame instability. Impacts to station position and velocity estimates depend on noise features found in that station's positional time series. For instance, larger changes in velocity occur for stations with shorter and noisier data spans. This is because an added discontinuity parameter for an individual station time series can induce changes in average position on both sides of the break. We will expand on these results, and consider remaining questions about the role of velocity discontinuities and the effects caused by non-core reference frame stations.

Effects of combined treatments with CTLA4-IG (abatacept), dexamethasone and methotrexate on cultured human macrophages.

PubMed

Cutolo, Maurizio; Paolino, Sabrina; Pizzorni, Carmen; Sulli, Alberto; Seriolo, Bruno; Cimmino, Marco Amedeo; Montagna, Paola; Soldano, Stefano; Contini, Paola; Brizzolara, Renata

2016-01-01

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CTLA4-Ig (abatacept) and dexamethasone (DEX) monotreatment versus their combination and adding methotrexate (MTX) on cultured human macrophages. THP-1 cells, activated into macrophages (PMA 0.05 μg/ml), were cultured for 3 and 24 hrs with CTLA4-Ig (500 μg/ml), DEX (10-8 M), MTX (0.05 μg/ml), and CTLA4-Ig combined with DEX or CTLA4-Ig combined with DEX plus MTX. CTLA4-Ig/CD86 interaction was evaluated by FACS analysis. Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunoassay (ELISA) analysis for inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) expression were performed. FACS analysis showed in macrophages treated with CTLA4-Ig alone, CTLA4-Ig-DEX and CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX a CD86 decrease of almost 35%, versus untreated cells (CNT). After 3 hrs, macrophages treated with DEX alone or with CTLA4-Ig-DEX or CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) for all cytokines gene expression, that was still significant for IL-1β after 24 hrs (p<0.05). After 3 hrs, CTLA4-Ig alone significantly (p<0.05) reduced all cytokine genes; however, after 24 hrs still evident only for TNF-α (p<0.05). After 24 hrs CTLA4-Ig-DEX induced a significant decrease of gene expression (p<0.05) for TNF-α and IL-6, whereas CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX induced a decrease (p<0.05) limited to IL-6, versus CNT. Finally, ICC showed, after 24 hrs of CTLA4-Ig-DEX or CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX treatment a reduction (p<0.05) of IL-1β and IL-6 expression, versus CNT; DEX alone reduced only IL-1β (p<0.05). ELISA analysis confirmed these results. CTLA4-Ig-DEX and CTLA4-Ig-DEX-MTX combined treatments, decreased at any level the inflammatory cytokine expression more efficiently then monotreatments on activated cultured human macrophages.

Epicutaneous immunotherapy on intact skin using a new delivery system in a murine model of allergy.

PubMed

Mondoulet, L; Dioszeghy, V; Ligouis, M; Dhelft, V; Dupont, C; Benhamou, P-H

2010-04-01

Allergen-specific immunotherapy, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or oral, has been used for almost a century to redirect inappropriate immune responses in atopic patients. A new mode of administration through the intact skin [epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT)], using an original epicutaneous delivery system, may represent an alternative to these classical methods. Proof of concept of efficacy of EPIT on intact skin in mice sensitized to aeroallergens or food allergens. Mice were sensitized to pollen (n=18), house dust mite (HDM, n=24), ovalbumin (OVA, n=18) or peanut (n=18), and allocated to four groups: EPIT, SCIT, not treated (NT) and control. Specific Ig (sIg)E, sIgG1 and sIgG2a were monitored. After 8 weeks of treatment, plethysmography was performed after aerosol provocation with appropriate allergens. At the highest doses of methacholine, pause enhancement (Penh) values were significantly decreased in the EPIT group vs. the sensitized NT groups (7.5 vs. 12.3 - pollen, 7.6 vs. 8.9 - HDM, 11.5 vs. 14.5 - OVA, 7.6 vs. 12.8 - peanut, respectively) (P<0.05). With all the allergens tested, Penh values were similar in SCIT, EPIT and control. IgG2a for pollen, HDM, OVA and peanuts were significantly increased in the EPIT group vs. NT: 0.97 vs. 0.42 microg/mL, 2.5 vs. 0.46 microg/mL, 0.39 vs. 0.05 microg/mL and 15.0 vs. 5.5 microg/mL, respectively (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between EPIT and SCIT groups. The IgE/IgG2a ratio decreased significantly in the EPIT group for the four allergens from 70 to 58 (pollen), 175 to 26 (HDM), 5433 to 120 (OVA) and 49 to 6 (peanut), respectively (P<0.05). In mice sensitized to the four allergens tested, EPIT was as efficacious as SCIT, considered as the reference immunotherapy. These first results have to be confirmed by clinical studies.

High Frequency Fluctuations of Polar Motion During IGS'92 Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chengli; Jin, Wenjin; Liao, Dechun; Zhu, Wenyao; Wang, Jiexian

1994-09-01

During IGS'92 Campaign seven PM(Polar Motion) series provided by GPS Processing Centers are analysed in this paper. Some similar high frequency fluctuations in these PM series are detected by using spectra! analyses, least square adjustment and F-test as follows: there are short periodic fluctuations of 27.0, 16.5, 13.4, 10.4 day in X direction; and of 10.0, 20.5, 15.8 day in Y direction. And there are similar systematic deviations derived from the comparison of each series with EOP(IERS) 92 C 04. The inain cause of these systematic deviations is that the rotation between the reference frames of these series and ITRF91 exists. As for the reason, the coordinates of stations are not fixed (or partly fixed only) when solving X and Y with GPS data. The high frequency fluctuations of polar motion are explained to some extent by the excitation of atmospheric angular momentum.

Geocenter Coordinates from a Combined Processing of LEO and Ground-based GPS Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Männel, Benjamin; Rothacher, Markus

2017-04-01

The GPS observations provided by the global IGS (International GNSS Service) tracking network play an important role for the realization of a unique terrestrial reference frame that is accurate enough to allow the monitoring of the Earth's system. Combining these ground-based data with GPS observations tracked by high-quality dual-frequency receivers on-board Low Earth Orbiters (LEO) might help to further improve the realization of the terrestrial reference frame and the estimation of the geocenter coordinates, GPS satellite orbits and Earth rotation parameters (ERP). To assess the scope of improvement, we processed a network of 50 globally distributed and stable IGS-stations together with four LEOs (GRACE-A, GRACE-B, OSTM/Jason-2 and GOCE) over a time interval of three years (2010-2012). To ensure fully consistent solutions the zero-difference phase observations of the ground stations and LEOs were processed in a common least-square adjustment, estimating GPS orbits, LEO orbits, station coordinates, ERPs, site-specific tropospheric delays, satellite and receiver clocks and ambiguities. We present the significant impact of the individual LEOs and a combination of all four LEOs on geocenter coordinates derived by using a translational approach (also called network shift approach). In addition, we present geocenter coordinates derived from the same set of GPS observations by using a unified approach. This approach combines the translational and the degree-one approach by estimating translations and surface deformations simultaneously. Based on comparisons against each other and against geocenter time series derived by other techniques the effect of the selected approach is assessed.

Serological Diagnosis of Acute Scrub Typhus in Southern India: Evaluation of InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test and Comparison with other Serological Tests.

PubMed

Anitharaj, Velmurugan; Stephen, Selvaraj; Pradeep, Jothimani; Park, Sungman; Kim, Seung-Han; Kim, Young Jin; Kim, Eun-Ye; Kim, Yoon-Won

2016-11-01

Scrub Typhus (ST) is being reported from different parts of India in the recent past. However, the diagnosis and confirmation of ST cases require specific serological and molecular diagnostic tests. Both rapid and conventional ELISA tests need to be properly evaluated. Evaluation of a new ST IgM Immunochromatography (ICT) test kit (InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test) and compare it with another rapid kit, conventional ELISA kit and Weil-Felix (WF) test. This prospective study was carried out in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, during November 2015 to June 2016. Clinically suspected 220 ST patients were examined by a new kit, InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test, taking the conventional InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM ELISA as reference. Additional comparison was made with ImmuneMed Scrub Typhus Rapid, and WF test (single OXK titers ≥1:320). Statistical analysis was performed (Chi-square, Spearman's correlation and Kappa) using IBM SPSS Statistics 17 for Windows (SPSS Inc; Chicago, USA). Percentage Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive and Negative Predictive Values for InBios, ImmuneMed and WF were 99.25, 93.02, 95.68, 98.77; 94.87, 94.19, 96.21, 92.05 and 50.38, 95.51, 94.29, 56.67 respectively. A total of 134 patients were positive in reference standard InBios IgM ELISA. This new rapid ST IgM kit validated for the first time in India, showed good sensitivity and specificity. As a Point-of-Care (PoC) test, the kit would be helpful in both urban and remote rural parts of India.

Serological Diagnosis of Acute Scrub Typhus in Southern India: Evaluation of InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test and Comparison with other Serological Tests

PubMed Central

Anitharaj, Velmurugan; Pradeep, Jothimani; Park, Sungman; Kim, Seung-Han; Kim, Young Jin; Kim, Eun-Ye; Kim, Yoon-Won

2016-01-01

Introduction Scrub Typhus (ST) is being reported from different parts of India in the recent past. However, the diagnosis and confirmation of ST cases require specific serological and molecular diagnostic tests. Both rapid and conventional ELISA tests need to be properly evaluated. Aim Evaluation of a new ST IgM Immunochromatography (ICT) test kit (InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test) and compare it with another rapid kit, conventional ELISA kit and Weil-Felix (WF) test. Materials and Methods This prospective study was carried out in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, during November 2015 to June 2016. Clinically suspected 220 ST patients were examined by a new kit, InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test, taking the conventional InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM ELISA as reference. Additional comparison was made with ImmuneMed Scrub Typhus Rapid, and WF test (single OXK titers ≥1:320). Statistical analysis was performed (Chi-square, Spearman’s correlation and Kappa) using IBM SPSS Statistics 17 for Windows (SPSS Inc; Chicago, USA). Results Percentage Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive and Negative Predictive Values for InBios, ImmuneMed and WF were 99.25, 93.02, 95.68, 98.77; 94.87, 94.19, 96.21, 92.05 and 50.38, 95.51, 94.29, 56.67 respectively. A total of 134 patients were positive in reference standard InBios IgM ELISA. Conclusion This new rapid ST IgM kit validated for the first time in India, showed good sensitivity and specificity. As a Point-of-Care (PoC) test, the kit would be helpful in both urban and remote rural parts of India. PMID:28050364

[Comparative analysis of the susceptibility and productivity of respiratory tract target cells of mice and rats exposed to inflienza virus in vitro].

PubMed

Zhukov, V A; Shishkina, L N; Sergeev, A A; Malkova, E M; Riabchikova, E I; Petrishchenko, V A; Sergeev, A N; Ustiuzhanina, N V; Nesvizhskiĭ, Iu V; Vorob'ev, A A

2008-01-01

The levels of susceptibility to influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 H3N2 and the virus yield were determined using primary cells of the trachea and lungs of CD-1 mice and Wistar rats, and for 3 sets of cells obtained from primary lung cells of the both species by centrifugation in the gradient of density and by sedimentation on a surface. The values of ID50 virus dose for 10(6) cells and virus yield per 1 infected cell determined for primary mice cells were 4.0+/-0.47 and 3.2+/-0.27 IgEID50 (lung cells), 3.8+/-0.17 and 3.3+/-0.20 IgEID50 (tracheal cells), and those determined for primary rat cells were 4.0+/-0.35 and 2.1+/-0.24 IgEID50 (lung cells), 3.7+/-0.27 and 2.2+/-0.46 IgEID50 (tracheal cells). The values of ID50 and yield measured for mixtures of cells obtained from primary lung cells by centrifugation in gradient of density and by sedimentation on a surface differed insignificantly (p = 0.05) from the values of the corresponding parameters measured for lung and tracheal cells for both rats and mice. The analysis of data on the variation of the concentrations of different cell types in the experimental cell mixtures shows that type 1 and 2 alveolocytes possess significantly lower (p = 0.05) susceptibility and productivity vs. ciliated cells of the both species. The investigation was conducted within the frame of the ISTC/DARPA#450p project.

A recombinant fusion protein consisting of West Nile virus envelope domain III fused in-frame with equine CD40 ligand induces antiviral immune responses in horses.

PubMed

Liu, Shiliang A; Haque, Muzammel; Stanfield, Brent; Andrews, Frank M; Roy, Alma A; Kousoulas, Konstantin G

2017-01-01

West Nile Virus (WNV) is endemic in the US and causes severe neurologic disease in horses since its introduction in 1999. There is no effective pharmaceutical treatment for WNV infection rendering vaccination as the only approach to prevention and control of disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a recombinant vaccine containing domain III (DIII) of the WNV envelope glycoprotein with and without a natural adjuvant equine (CD40L) in producing virus neutralizing antibodies in horses. Serum IgG1 concentration in the groups of horses vaccinated with the DIII-CD40L+TiterMax and DIII-CD40L proteins were significantly increased (p<0.05) after the second booster vaccination compared to other groups. Serum IgG4 and IgG7, IgG3 and IgG5 concentrations were not significantly increased among all groups. Western blot results showed that animals immunized with the DIII-CD40L protein (with or without TiterMax) exhibited the highest specific anti-DIII antibody activities after vaccinations. Moreover, animals immunized with the DIII-CD40L protein (with or without TiterMax) exhibited significantly stronger neutralization activity (p<0.05) compared to other groups starting at week eight. The DIII-CD40L protein (with or without TiterMax) stimulated more CD8 + T cells, but not CD4 + T cells in equine PMBCs. The results demonstrated that vaccination with recombinant WNV E DIII-CD40L protein induced superior humoral and cellular immune response in healthy horses that may be protective against WNV-associated disease in infected animals. CD40L could be utilized as a non-toxic, alternative adjuvant to boost the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines in horses. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Geocenter variations derived from a combined processing of LEO- and ground-based GPS observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Männel, Benjamin; Rothacher, Markus

2017-08-01

GNSS observations provided by the global tracking network of the International GNSS Service (IGS, Dow et al. in J Geod 83(3):191-198, 2009) play an important role in the realization of a unique terrestrial reference frame that is accurate enough to allow a detailed monitoring of the Earth's system. Combining these ground-based data with GPS observations tracked by high-quality dual-frequency receivers on-board low earth orbiters (LEOs) is a promising way to further improve the realization of the terrestrial reference frame and the estimation of geocenter coordinates, GPS satellite orbits and Earth rotation parameters. To assess the scope of the improvement on the geocenter coordinates, we processed a network of 53 globally distributed and stable IGS stations together with four LEOs (GRACE-A, GRACE-B, OSTM/Jason-2 and GOCE) over a time interval of 3 years (2010-2012). To ensure fully consistent solutions, the zero-difference phase observations of the ground stations and LEOs were processed in a common least-squares adjustment, estimating all the relevant parameters such as GPS and LEO orbits, station coordinates, Earth rotation parameters and geocenter motion. We present the significant impact of the individual LEO and a combination of all four LEOs on the geocenter coordinates. The formal errors are reduced by around 20% due to the inclusion of one LEO into the ground-only solution, while in a solution with four LEOs LEO-specific characteristics are significantly reduced. We compare the derived geocenter coordinates w.r.t. LAGEOS results and external solutions based on GPS and SLR data. We found good agreement in the amplitudes of all components; however, the phases in x- and z-direction do not agree well.

Decadal GPS Time Series and Velocity Fields Spanning the North American Continent and Beyond: New Data Products, Cyberinfrastructure and Case Studies from the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) and Other Regional Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, D. A.; Herring, T.; Melbourne, T. I.; Murray, M. H.; Szeliga, W. M.; Floyd, M.; Puskas, C. M.; King, R. W.; Boler, F. M.; Meertens, C. M.; Mattioli, G. S.

2017-12-01

The Geodesy Advancing Geosciences and EarthScope (GAGE) Facility, operated by UNAVCO, provides a diverse suite of geodetic data, derived products and cyberinfrastructure services to support community Earth science research and education. GPS data and products including decadal station position time series and velocities are provided for 2000+ continuous GPS stations from the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) and other networks distributed throughout the high Arctic, North America, and Caribbean regions. The position time series contain a multitude of signals in addition to the secular motions, including coseismic and postseismic displacements, interseismic strain accumulation, and transient signals associated with hydrologic and other processes. We present our latest velocity field solutions, new time series offset estimate products, and new time series examples associated with various phenomena. Position time series, and the signals they contain, are inherently dependent upon analysis parameters such as network scaling and reference frame realization. The estimation of scale changes for example, a common practice, has large impacts on vertical motion estimates. GAGE/PBO velocities and time series are currently provided in IGS (IGb08) and North America (NAM08, IGb08 rotated to a fixed North America Plate) reference frames. We are reprocessing all data (1996 to present) as part of the transition from IGb08 to IGS14 that began in 2017. New NAM14 and IGS14 data products are discussed. GAGE/PBO GPS data products are currently generated using onsite computing clusters. As part of an NSF funded EarthCube Building Blocks project called "Deploying MultiFacility Cyberinfrastructure in Commercial and Private Cloud-based Systems (GeoSciCloud)", we are investigating performance, cost, and efficiency differences between local computing resources and cloud based resources. Test environments include a commercial cloud provider (Amazon/AWS), NSF cloud-like infrastructures within XSEDE (TACC, the Texas Advanced Computing Center), and in-house cyberinfrastructures. Preliminary findings from this effort are presented. Web services developed by UNAVCO to facilitate the discovery, customization and dissemination of GPS data and products are also presented.

Specific Immunoglobulin (Ig) G Reference Intervals for Common Food, Insect, and Mold Allergens.

PubMed

Martins, Thomas B; Bandhauer, Michael E; Wilcock, Diane M; Hill, Harry R; Slev, Patricia R

2016-12-01

The clinical utility of serum IgG measurement in the diagnosis of allergy and food-induced hypersensitivity has been largely discredited. Recent studies, however, have shown that specific IgG can inhibit IgE mediated allergies, and may play a role in allergen specific desensitization. Accurate reference intervals for IgG specific allergens have not been widely established and are needed for better interpretation of serum antibody concentrations. In this study we established 64 IgG reference intervals for 48 common food allergens, 5 venoms, and 11 molds. Specific IgG concentrations were determined employing an automated fluorescent enzyme immunoassay on serum samples from 130 normal adults (65 males and 65 females), age range 18-69 y, mean 37.3 y. The lower reference interval limit for all allergens tested (n=64) was <2 mcg/mL. The median upper reference interval value for all 64 allergens was 12.9 mcg/mL, with Tuna (f40) having the lowest upper interval limit at 3.8 mcg/mL, and the mold Setomelanomma rostrate (m8) demonstrating the highest upper interval limit at 131 mcg/L. The considerable variation observed among the upper reference interval limits emphasizes the need for the establishment of allergen specific ranges for IgG. These newly established ranges should be a useful aid for clinicians in the interpretation of laboratory serum IgG results. © 2016 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.

Clinical, parasitological and immunological features of canal cleaners hyper-exposed to Schistosoma mansoni in the Sudan

PubMed Central

SATTI, M Z; SULAIMAN, S M; HOMEIDA, M M A; YOUNIS, S A; GHALIB, H W

1996-01-01

The present work was a longitudinal study on Schistosoma mansoni infection in occupationally hyperexposed canal cleaners in the Sudan and the influence of therapy on the parasitological and humoral immune parameters. Chronically infected canal cleaners (n = 28) were more resistant to reinfection (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.05) than newly recruited canal cleaners (n = 17). Chronically infected canal cleaners had a significantly higher degree of Symmers' fibrosis (χ2 = 19.1, P < 0.0001), significantly larger portal vein diameter (P < 0.05) and enlarged spleen (χ2 = 4.2, P < 0.05) than recently infected, newly recruited canal cleaners. ELISA was used to detect IgG, IgA and IgM in response to whole worm homogenate (WWH) and cercarial homogenate (CH). Chronically infected canal cleaners had significantly higher IgG to WWH antigen than newly recruited canal cleaners and normally exposed individuals (P < 0.05), while both chronically infected and newly recruited canal cleaners had higher IgG levels to CH antigen than normally exposed individuals (P < 0.05). The newly recruited canal cleaners had a significantly higher IgM level to CH antigen than chronically infected canal cleaners (P < 0.05). The IgG level to WWH antigen increased significantly after treatment in newly recruited canal cleaners and normally exposed individuals (P < 0.05). The IgA level to CH antigen increased significantly after treatment in the chronically infected group (P < 0.05). Comparison of the serological parameters between the different study groups with regards to infection and treatment is discussed. PMID:9099926

Optimization of incubation conditions of Plasmodium falciparum antibody multiplex assays to measure IgG, IgG1-4, IgM and IgE using standard and customized reference pools for sero-epidemiological and vaccine studies.

PubMed

Ubillos, Itziar; Jiménez, Alfons; Vidal, Marta; Bowyer, Paul W; Gaur, Deepak; Dutta, Sheetij; Gamain, Benoit; Coppel, Ross; Chauhan, Virander; Lanar, David; Chitnis, Chetan; Angov, Evelina; Beeson, James; Cavanagh, David; Campo, Joseph J; Aguilar, Ruth; Dobaño, Carlota

2018-06-01

The quantitative suspension array technology (qSAT) is a useful platform for malaria immune marker discovery. However, a major challenge for large sero-epidemiological and malaria vaccine studies is the comparability across laboratories, which requires the access to standardized control reagents for assay optimization, to monitor performance and improve reproducibility. Here, the Plasmodium falciparum antibody reactivities of the newly available WHO reference reagent for anti-malaria human plasma (10/198) and of additional customized positive controls were examined with seven in-house qSAT multiplex assays measuring IgG, IgG 1-4 subclasses, IgM and IgE against a panel of 40 antigens. The different positive controls were tested at different incubation times and temperatures (4 °C overnight, 37 °C 2 h, room temperature 1 h) to select the optimal conditions. Overall, the WHO reference reagent had low IgG2, IgG4, IgM and IgE, and also low anti-CSP antibody levels, thus this reagent was enriched with plasmas from RTS,S-vaccinated volunteers to be used as standard for CSP-based vaccine studies. For the IgM assay, another customized plasma pool prepared with samples from malaria primo-infected adults with adequate IgM levels proved to be more adequate as a positive control. The range and magnitude of IgG and IgG 1-4 responses were highest when the WHO reference reagent was incubated with antigen-coupled beads at 4 °C overnight. IgG levels measured in the negative control did not vary between incubations at 37 °C 2 h and 4 °C overnight, indicating no difference in unspecific binding. With this study, the immunogenicity profile of the WHO reference reagent, including seven immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses, and more P. falciparum antigens, also those included in the leading RTS,S malaria vaccine, was better characterized. Overall, incubation of samples at 4 °C overnight rendered the best performance for antibody measurements against the antigens tested. Although the WHO reference reagent performed well to measure IgG to the majority of the common P. falciparum blood stage antigens tested, customized pools may need to be used as positive controls depending on the antigens (e.g. pre-erythrocytic proteins of low natural immunogenicity) and isotypes/subclasses (e.g. IgM) under study.

Presence of specific IgG antibody to grain dust does not go with respiratory symptoms.

PubMed Central

Park, H. S.; Suh, C. H.; Nahm, D. H.; Kim, H. Y.

1999-01-01

A high prevalence of work-related symptoms in relation to grain dust exposure has been reported in grain dust workers, but the role of the specific IgG antibody is unknown. To study the possible role of specific IgG (sIgG) and specific IgG4 (sIgG4) in the development of work-related symptoms, sIgG and sIgG4 subclass antibodies against grain dust antigens were determined by ELISA in sera from 43 workers and 27 non-exposed controls. They were compared with results of specific IgE antibodies, exposure intensity and the presence of respiratory symptoms. SIgG and sIgG4 antibodies were detectable in almost all sera of exposed workers, and the prevalence were significantly higher than those of controls (p<0.05). Higher sIgG4 was noted in workers with specific IgE (p<0.05). The correlation between sIgG and exposure duration was significant (p<0.05). There was no association between the prevalence of sIgG and sIgG4 and the presence of respiratory symptoms, or work stations. In conclusion, these results suggest that the existence of sIgG and sIgG4 might represent a response to grain dust exposure and may unlikely play a role in the etiology of respiratory symptoms. PMID:10102522

Presence of specific IgG antibody to grain dust does not go with respiratory symptoms.

PubMed

Park, H S; Suh, C H; Nahm, D H; Kim, H Y

1999-02-01

A high prevalence of work-related symptoms in relation to grain dust exposure has been reported in grain dust workers, but the role of the specific IgG antibody is unknown. To study the possible role of specific IgG (sIgG) and specific IgG4 (sIgG4) in the development of work-related symptoms, sIgG and sIgG4 subclass antibodies against grain dust antigens were determined by ELISA in sera from 43 workers and 27 non-exposed controls. They were compared with results of specific IgE antibodies, exposure intensity and the presence of respiratory symptoms. SIgG and sIgG4 antibodies were detectable in almost all sera of exposed workers, and the prevalence were significantly higher than those of controls (p<0.05). Higher sIgG4 was noted in workers with specific IgE (p<0.05). The correlation between sIgG and exposure duration was significant (p<0.05). There was no association between the prevalence of sIgG and sIgG4 and the presence of respiratory symptoms, or work stations. In conclusion, these results suggest that the existence of sIgG and sIgG4 might represent a response to grain dust exposure and may unlikely play a role in the etiology of respiratory symptoms.

Interaction of temperature and salinity on the expression of immunity factors in different tissues of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus based on response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhihui; Ma, Aijun; Wang, Xin'an; Lei, Jilin; Li, Weiye; Wang, Ting; Yang, Zhi; Qu, Jiangbo

2015-01-01

Central Composite Design (CCD) and response surface methodology were used in the experiment to examine the combined effect of temperature (16-28°C) and salinity (18-42) on Hsp70 and IgM genes expression levels in turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus) liver and kidney. The results showed that the coefficients of determination ( R 2 =0.965 2 for liver Hsp70, 0.972 9 for kidney Hsp70, 0.921 for liver IgM and 0.962 1 for kidney IgM) and probability values ( P<0.01) were significant for the regression model. The interactive effect between temperature and salinity on liver Hsp70, kidney Hsp70 and liver IgM were not significant ( P>0.05), while the interactive effect between temperature and salinity on kidney IgM was significant ( P<0.01). The model equation could be used in practice for forecasting Hsp70 and IgM genes expression levels in the liver and kidney of juvenile turbot via applying statistical optimization of the response of interest, at which the maximum liver Hsp70, kidney Hsp70, liver IgM and kidney IgM of 1.48, 1.49, 2.48, and 1.38, respectively, were reached. The present model may be valuable in assessing the feasibility of turbot farming at different geographic locations and, furthermore, could be a useful reference for scientists studying the immunity of turbot.

Measurement of the IgG2 response to Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides may identify an antibody deficiency in individuals referred for immunological investigation.

PubMed

Parker, Antony; Irure Ventura, Juan; Sims, Dawn; Echeverría de Carlos, Ainara; Gómez de la Torre, Ricardo; Tricas Aizpún, Lourdes; Ocejo-Vinyals, J Gonzalo; López-Hoyos, Marcos; Wallis, Gregg; Harding, Stephen

2017-01-01

IgG2 is the most efficient subclass for providing protection against pneumococcal pathogens. We hypothesised that some individuals may be unable to mount an effective pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) IgG2 response despite having a normal PCP IgG concentration (PCP IgG2 deficient). The median pre-vaccination PCP IgG2 concentration was significantly lower in individuals referred for immunological investigation compared to healthy controls (2.8 mg/L range, 95% CI 1.1-88 vs. 29.5mg/L, 95% CI 13.5-90, p = 0.0002). PCP IgG:IgG2 ratios were significantly higher for the referral population than for healthy controls suggesting the increased production of PCP specific subclasses other than IgG2. The percentage of individuals with PCP IgG2 deficiency was significantly higher in referral groups compared to controls (31% vs. 5%; p = 0.0009) and in an individual with PCP IgG2 deficiency, the balance of PCP specific IgG subclass antibodies post vaccination changed from IgG2>IgG1>IgG3>IgG4 to IgG1>IgG3>IgG2>IgG4. The median PCP IgG2 concentration in those with PCP IgG2 deficiency was significantly lower in the referral groups compared to controls (7.8 mg/L, 95% CI 1.1-12 vs. 12.7 mg/L, 95% CI 11.8-13.1; p = 0.006). The data suggests a defect in the production PCP IgG2 may be present in individuals with normal PCP IgG referred for immunological investigation.

Autoimmune response of IgE antibodies to cellular self-antigens in systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Atta, Ajax Mercês; Santiago, Mittermayer Barreto; Guerra, Fernanda Garcia; Pereira, Mariana Menezes; Sousa Atta, Maria Luiza B

2010-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients may exhibit high total IgE and antinuclear IgE antibodies (ANA-IgE). Here, we investigated the specificity of ANA-IgE in SLE patients and the involvement of cytokines in this immune response. Sera from 92 SLE patients and 68 healthy controls were evaluated for the presence of antinuclear IgE antibodies by immunoperoxidase with HEp-2,000(R) cells and immunoblotting with IgG-depleted sera. Total IgE, IgE specific to allergens, and serum cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Antinuclear IgE antibodies were detected only in SLE patients (29/92, 31.5%). High total IgE was associated with ANA-IgE (p < 0.0001), but was not associated with IgE antibodies to allergens. In the immunoblotting, ANA-IgE reacted with nucleosomes (23/29, 79.3%), dsDNA (14/29, 48.3%), SS-A/Ro (14/29, 48.3%), SS-B/La (2/29, 18.7%), Sm (14/29, 48.3%) and RNP (18/29, 62.1%). Patients with ANA-IgE had very low serum IL-4, less IL-5 than controls (p < 0.05), more IL-10 than seronegative patients (p < 0.05), and unaltered IFN-gamma levels. The IL-5/IL-10 ratio was lower in ANA-IgE seropositive patients in comparison with either seronegative patients (p < 0.05) or healthy controls (p = 0.001). Controls displayed higher IL-5/IFN-gamma ratios than either SLE patients with ANA-IgE (p < 0.05) or patients without these immunoglobulins (p < 0.01). We conclude that IgE antibodies against cell autoantigens involved in protein expression, cellular proliferation, and cell death are present in patients with SLE. Interleukin-10 seems to down-regulate this IgE autoimmune response in SLE. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A Newton-Euler Description for Sediment Movement.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maniatis, G.; Hoey, T.; Drysdale, T.; Hodge, R. A.; Valyrakis, M.

2015-12-01

We present progress from the development of a purpose specific sensing system for sediment transport (Maniatis et al. 2013). This system utilises the capabilities of contemporary inertial micro-sensors (strap-down accelerometers and gyroscopes) to record fluvial transport from the moving body-frame of artificial pebbles modelled precisely to represent the motion of real, coarse sediment grains (D90=100 mm class). This type of measurements can be useful in the context of sediment transport only if the existing mathematical understanding of the process is updated. We test a new mathematical model which defines specifically how the data recorded in the body frame of the sensor (Lagrangian frame of reference) can be generalised to the reference frame of the flow (channel, Eulerian frame of reference). Given the association of the two most widely used models for sediment transport with those frames of reference (Shields' to Eulerian frame and HA. Einstein's to Lagrangian frame), this description builds the basis for the definition of explicit incipient motion criteria (Maniatis et al. 2015) and for the upscaling from point-grain scale measurements to averaged, cross-sectional, stream related metrics. Flume experiments where conducted in the Hydraulics laboratory of the University of Glasgow where a spherical sensor of 800 mm diameter and capable of recoding inertial dynamics at 80Hz frequency was tested under fluvial transport conditions. We managed to measure the dynamical response of the unit during pre-entrainment/entrainment transitions, on scaled and non-scaled to the sensor's diameter bed and for a range of hydrodynamic conditions (slope up to 0.02 and flow increase rate up to 0.05m3.s-1. Preliminary results from field deployment on a mixed bedrock-alluvial channel are also presented. Maniatis et. al 2013 J. Sens. Actuator Netw. 2013, 2(4), 761-779; Maniatis et. al 2015: "CALCULATION OF EXPLICIT PROBABILITY OF ENTRAINMENT BASED ON INERTIAL ACCELERATION MEASUREMENTS" J. Hydraulic Engineering, Under review.

Dosimetric consequences of translational and rotational errors in frame-less image-guided radiosurgery

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background To investigate geometric and dosimetric accuracy of frame-less image-guided radiosurgery (IG-RS) for brain metastases. Methods and materials Single fraction IG-RS was practiced in 72 patients with 98 brain metastases. Patient positioning and immobilization used either double- (n = 71) or single-layer (n = 27) thermoplastic masks. Pre-treatment set-up errors (n = 98) were evaluated with cone-beam CT (CBCT) based image-guidance (IG) and were corrected in six degrees of freedom without an action level. CBCT imaging after treatment measured intra-fractional errors (n = 64). Pre- and post-treatment errors were simulated in the treatment planning system and target coverage and dose conformity were evaluated. Three scenarios of 0 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm GTV-to-PTV (gross tumor volume, planning target volume) safety margins (SM) were simulated. Results Errors prior to IG were 3.9 mm ± 1.7 mm (3D vector) and the maximum rotational error was 1.7° ± 0.8° on average. The post-treatment 3D error was 0.9 mm ± 0.6 mm. No differences between double- and single-layer masks were observed. Intra-fractional errors were significantly correlated with the total treatment time with 0.7mm±0.5mm and 1.2mm±0.7mm for treatment times ≤23 minutes and >23 minutes (p<0.01), respectively. Simulation of RS without image-guidance reduced target coverage and conformity to 75% ± 19% and 60% ± 25% of planned values. Each 3D set-up error of 1 mm decreased target coverage and dose conformity by 6% and 10% on average, respectively, with a large inter-patient variability. Pre-treatment correction of translations only but not rotations did not affect target coverage and conformity. Post-treatment errors reduced target coverage by >5% in 14% of the patients. A 1 mm safety margin fully compensated intra-fractional patient motion. Conclusions IG-RS with online correction of translational errors achieves high geometric and dosimetric accuracy. Intra-fractional errors decrease target coverage and conformity unless compensated with appropriate safety margins. PMID:22531060

Reference Frames and Relativity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swartz, Clifford

1989-01-01

Stresses the importance of a reference frame in mechanics. Shows the Galilean transformation in terms of relativity theory. Discusses accelerated reference frames and noninertial reference frames. Provides examples of reference frames with diagrams. (YP)

Performance of Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Antibodies to Bordetella pertussis▿

PubMed Central

Riffelmann, M.; Thiel, K.; Schmetz, J.; Wirsing von Koenig, C. H.

2010-01-01

Measuring antibodies to Bordetella pertussis antigens is mostly done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). We compared the performance of ELISA kits that were commercially available in Germany. Eleven measured IgG antibodies, and nine measured IgA antibodies. An in-house ELISA with purified antigens served as a reference method. Samples included two WHO reference preparations, the former Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) reference preparations, serum samples from patients with clinically suspected pertussis, and serum samples from patients having received a combined tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. Kits using pertussis toxin (PT) as an antigen showed linearity compared to the WHO Reference preparation (r2 between 0.82 and 0.99), and these kits could quantify antibodies according to the reference preparation. ELISA kits using mixed antigens showed no linear correlation to the reference preparations. Patient results were compared to results of in-house ELISAs using a dual cutoff of either ≥100 IU/ml anti-PT IgG or ≥40 IU/ml anti-PT IgG together with ≥12 IU/ml anti-PT IgA. The sensitivities of kits measuring IgG antibodies ranged between 0.84 and 1.00. The specificities of kits using PT as an antigen were between 0.81 and 0.93. The specificities of kits using mixed antigens were between 0.51 and 0.59 and were thus not acceptable. The sensitivities of kits measuring IgA antibodies ranged between 0.53 and 0.73, and the specificities were between 0.67 and 0.94, indicating that IgA antibodies may be of limited diagnostic value. Our data suggest that ELISAs should use purified PT as an antigen and be standardized to the 1st International Reference preparation. PMID:20943873

Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Kenneth J.; Boboltz, David; Fey, Alan Lee; Gaume, Ralph A.; Zacharias, Norbert

2004-01-01

The Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects Key Science program will investigate the underlying physics of SIM grid objects. Extragalactic objects in the SIM grid will be used to tie the SIM reference frame to the quasi-inertial reference frame defined by extragalactic objects and to remove any residual frame rotation with respect to the extragalactic frame. The current realization of the extragalactic frame is the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The ICRF is defined by the radio positions of 212 extragalactic objects and is the IAU sanctioned fundamental astronomical reference frame. This key project will advance our knowledge of the physics of the objects which will make up the SIM grid, such as quasars and chromospherically active stars, and relates directly to the stability of the SIM reference frame. The following questions concerning the physics of reference frame tie objects will be investigated.

Salivary flow rate, pH, and concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and sIgA in Brazilian pregnant and non-pregnant women

PubMed Central

Rockenbach, Maria I; Marinho, Sandra A; Veeck, Elaine B; Lindemann, Laura; Shinkai, Rosemary S

2006-01-01

Background Studies on salivary variables and pregnancy in Latin America are scarce. This study aimed to compare salivary flow rate, pH, and concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and sIgA of unstimulated whole saliva in pregnant and non-pregnant Brazilians. Methods Cross-sectional study. Sample was composed by 22 pregnant and 22 non-pregnant women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, São Lucas Hospital, in Porto Alegre city, South region of Brazil. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to determine salivary flow rate, pH, and biochemical composition. Data were analyzed by Student t test and ANCOVA (two-tailed α = 0.05). Results No difference was found for salivary flow rates and concentrations of total calcium and phosphate between pregnant and non-pregnant women (p > 0.05). Pregnant women had lower pH (6.7) than non-pregnant women (7.5) (p < 0.001), but higher sIgA level (118.9 mg/L) than the latter (90.1 mg/L) (p = 0.026). Conclusion Some of the tested variables of unstimulated whole saliva were different between pregnant and non-pregnant Brazilians in this sample. Overall, the values of the tested salivary parameters were within the range of international references of normality. PMID:17132167

An update to the analysis of the Canadian Spatial Reference System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferland, R.; Piraszewski, M.; Craymer, M.

2015-12-01

The primary objective of the Canadian Spatial Reference System (CSRS) is to provide users access to a consistent geo-referencing infrastructure over the Canadian landmass. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning accuracy requirements ranges from meter level to mm level (e.g.: crustal deformation). The highest level of the Canadian infrastructure consist of a network of continually operating GPS and GNSS receivers, referred to as active control stations. The network includes all Canadian public active control stations, some bordering US CORS and Alaska stations, Greenland active control stations, as well as a selection of IGS reference frame stations. The Bernese analysis software is used for the daily processing and the combination into weekly solutions which form the basis for this analysis. IGS weekly final orbit, Earth Rotation parameters (ERP's) and coordinates products are used in the processing. For the more demanding users, the time dependant changes of station coordinates is often more important.All station coordinate estimates and related covariance information is used in this analysis. For each input solution, variance factor, translation, rotation and scale (and if needed their rates) or subsets of these are estimated. In the combination of these weekly solutions, station positions and velocities are estimated. Since the time series from the stations in these networks often experience changes in behavior, new (or reuse of) parameters are generally used in these situations. As is often the case with real data, unrealistic coordinates may occur. Automatic detection and removal of outliers is used in these cases. For the transformation, position and velocity parameters loose apriori estimates and uncertainties are provided. Alignment using the usual Helmert transformation to the latest IGb08 realization of ITRF is also performed during the adjustment.

Superconductor rotor cooling system

DOEpatents

Gamble, Bruce B.; Sidi-Yekhlef, Ahmed; Schwall, Robert E.; Driscoll, David I.; Shoykhet, Boris A.

2004-11-02

A system for cooling a superconductor device includes a cryocooler located in a stationary reference frame and a closed circulation system external to the cryocooler. The closed circulation system interfaces the stationary reference frame with a rotating reference frame in which the superconductor device is located. A method of cooling a superconductor device includes locating a cryocooler in a stationary reference frame, and transferring heat from a superconductor device located in a rotating reference frame to the cryocooler through a closed circulation system external to the cryocooler. The closed circulation system interfaces the stationary reference frame with the rotating reference frame.

Superconductor rotor cooling system

DOEpatents

Gamble, Bruce B.; Sidi-Yekhlef, Ahmed; Schwall, Robert E.; Driscoll, David I.; Shoykhet, Boris A.

2002-01-01

A system for cooling a superconductor device includes a cryocooler located in a stationary reference frame and a closed circulation system external to the cryocooler. The closed circulation system interfaces the stationary reference frame with a rotating reference frame in which the superconductor device is located. A method of cooling a superconductor device includes locating a cryocooler in a stationary reference frame, and transferring heat from a superconductor device located in a rotating reference frame to the cryocooler through a closed circulation system external to the cryocooler. The closed circulation system interfaces the stationary reference frame with the rotating reference frame.

Development and validation of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of total plasma immunoglobulins in healthy loggerhead sea (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas).

PubMed

Kaplan, Amy J; Stacy, Nicole I; Jacobson, Elliott; Le-Bert, Carolina R; Nollens, Hendrik H; Origgi, Francesco C; Green, Linda G; Bootorabi, Shadi; Bolten, Alan; Hernandez, Jorge A

2016-01-01

The quantification of circulating plasma immunoglobulins represents a valuable diagnostic tool in human and veterinary immunology, although its application is very limited in reptile medicine to date. The objectives of our study were the development and standardization of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the measurement of total plasma immunoglobulins (Igs; both IgM and IgY) in loggerhead sea turtles (LST; Caretta caretta; n = 254) and green turtles (GT; Chelonia mydas; n = 111), the establishment of reference intervals for Ig for both species, and the examination of associations between Ig and total protein (TP), condition index, and water temperature. The cELISA for Ig was successfully developed and optimized. Reference intervals for Ig were 0.38-0.94 g/dL in LST (median: 0.59 g/dL; range: 0.16-2.15 g/dL) and 0.40-0.85 g/dL in GT (median: 0.58 g/dL; range: 0.18-1.80 g/dL). In LST, there were positive linear relationships of Ig with TP, and TP with Ig and condition index, and a negative relationship of Ig with condition index. The positive linear relationships of Ig with TP, and TP with Ig were also identified in GT. These positive associations of Ig and TP were expected, as Ig represents fractions of TP, and TP reportedly increases with straight carapace length and weight. The negative association of Ig with condition index may indicate potential biological variations. The cELISA and reference intervals for total Ig of LST and GT presented herein have the potential to be useful as a diagnostic and research tool for sea turtle immunology. © 2015 The Author(s).

Implications of false positive serology of Toxoplasma gondii in a pre-transplant patient.

PubMed

Beal, Stacy; Racsa, Lori; Alatoom, Adnan

2014-01-01

A 21-year-old white male with cystic fibrosis. Pre-transplant workup in preparation for bilateral lung transplant. Cystic fibrosis diagnosed at age 3, onset of insulin-dependent diabetes around age 20, and multiple hospitalizations for pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications. FAMILY AND SOCIAL HISTORY: The patient lives with his father and stepmother, has a pet bearded dragon, and has multiple tattoos and piercings. His stepmother has a cat, but he does not clean the litter box. The pre-transplant workup included several tests for infectious diseases, tests of organ function, radiology studies, and markers of malignancy. The only significant finding was a positive Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgM titer (> or = 1:40) (reference values for IgM: negative; < 1:40, positive; > or = 1:40) and IgG (1:2048) (reference values for IgG: negative; < 1:16, equivocal; > or = 1:16 - < 1:256, positive; > or = 1:256). Testing was done by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in April 2012 in our hospital laboratory. The patient was treated with sulfadiazine, leucovorin, and pyrimethamine. Three months later (July), he returned for follow-up testing. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for T. gondii DNA performed by a reference laboratory was negative. One month later (August), Toxoplasma serology was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by a different reference laboratory and showed an elevated IgM of 0.95 IU/mL (reference values: negative; < 0.55 IU/mL, equivocal; > or = 0.55- < 0.65 IU/mL, positive; > or = 0.65 IU/mL) and a normal level of IgG (< 4 IU/mL). At this time, PCR was repeated and was negative. An additional month later (September), the patient's serology studies were performed at a third reference laboratory and showed an elevated IgM of 1.32 IU/mL (reference values: negative; 0.89, equivocal; 0.90 - 1.09, positive; > 1.10) and a normal IgG.

Predicting present-day rates of glacial isostatic adjustment using a smoothed GPS velocity field for the reconciliation of NAD83 reference frames in Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craymer, M. R.; Henton, J. A.; Piraszewski, M.

2008-12-01

Glacial isostatic adjustment following the last glacial period is the dominant source of crustal deformation in Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. The present-day vertical component of motion associated with this process may exceed 1 cm/y and is being directly measured with the Global Positioning System (GPS). A consequence of this steady deformation is that high accuracy coordinates at one epoch may not be compatible with those at another epoch. For example, modern precise point positioning (PPP) methods provide coordinates at the epoch of observation while NAD83, the officially adopted reference frame in Canada and the U.S., is expressed at some past reference epoch. The PPP positions are therefore incompatible with coordinates in such a realization of the reference frame and need to be propagated back to the frame's reference epoch. Moreover, the realizations of NAD83 adopted by the provincial geodetic agencies in Canada are referenced to different coordinate epochs; either 1997.0 or 2002.0. Proper comparison of coordinates between provinces therefore requires propagating them from one reference epoch to another. In an effort to reconcile PPP results and different realizations of NAD83, we empirically represent crustal deformation throughout Canada using a velocity field based solely on high accuracy continuous and episodic GPS observations. The continuous observations from 2001 to 2007 were obtained from nearly 100 permanent GPS stations, predominately operated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and provincial geodetic agencies. Many of these sites are part of the International GNSS Service (IGS) global network. Episodic observations from 1994 to 2006 were obtained from repeated occupations of the Canadian Base Network (CBN), which consists of approximately 160 stable pillar-type monuments across the entire country. The CBN enables a much denser spatial sampling of crustal motions although coverage in the far north is still rather sparse. NRCan solutions of the continuous GPS data were combined with those from other agencies as part of the North American Reference Frame (NAREF) effort to improve the reliability of the results. This NAREF solution has then been combined with our CBN results to obtain a denser velocity sampling for fitting different types of surfaces in a first attempt to determine a continuous GPS velocity field for the entire country. Expressing this velocity field as a grid enables users to interpolate to any location in Canada, allowing for the propagation of coordinates to any desired reference epoch. We examine the accuracy and limitations of this GPS velocity field by comparing it to other published GPS velocity solutions (which are all based on less data) as well as to GIA models, including versions of ICE-3G, ICE-5G and the recent Stable North America Reference Frame (SNARF) model. Of course, the accuracy of the GPS velocity field depends directly on the density of the GPS coverage. Consequently, the GPS velocity field is unable to fully represent the actual GIA motion in the far north and tends to smooth out the signal due to the spatially sparse coverage. On the other hand, the model performs quite well in the southern parts of the country where there is a much greater spatial density of GPS measurements.

Geometric Cues, Reference Frames, and the Equivalence of Experienced-Aligned and Novel-Aligned Views in Human Spatial Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Jonathan W.; Sjolund, Lori A.; Sturz, Bradley R.

2013-01-01

Spatial memories are often organized around reference frames, and environmental shape provides a salient cue to reference frame selection. To date, however, the environmental cues responsible for influencing reference frame selection remain relatively unknown. To connect research on reference frame selection with that on orientation via…

Evidence for Ig Light Chain Isotype Exclusion in Shark B Lymphocytes Suggests Ordered Mechanisms.

PubMed

Iacoangeli, Anna; Lui, Anita; Haines, Ashley; Ohta, Yuko; Flajnik, Martin; Hsu, Ellen

2017-09-01

Unlike most vertebrates, the shark IgL gene organization precludes secondary rearrangements that delete self-reactive VJ rearranged genes. Nurse sharks express four L chain isotypes, κ, λ, σ, and σ-2, encoded by 35 functional minigenes or clusters. The sequence of gene activation/expression and receptor editing of these isotypes have not been studied. We therefore investigated the extent of isotypic exclusion in separated B cell subpopulations. Surface Ig (sIg)κ-expressing cells, isolated with mAb LK14 that recognizes Cκ, carry predominantly nonproductive rearrangements of other L chain isotypes. Conversely, after depletion with LK14, sIgM + cells contained largely nonproductive κ and enrichment for in-frame VJ of the others. Because some isotypic inclusion was observed at the mRNA level, expression in the BCR was examined. Functional λ mRNA was obtained, as expected, from the LK14-depleted population, but was also in sIgκ + splenocytes. Whereas λ somatic mutants from the depleted sample displayed evidence of positive selection, the λ genes in sIgκ + cells accumulated bystander mutations indicating a failure to express their products at the cell surface in association with the BCR H chain. In conclusion, a shark B cell expresses one L chain isotype at the surface and other isotypes as nonproductive VJ, sterile transcripts, or in-frame VJ whose products may not associate with the H chain. Based on the mRNA content found in the B cell subpopulations, an order of L chain gene activation is suggested as: σ-2 followed by κ, then σ and λ. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Performance Characteristics of Commercial Immunoassays for the Detection of IgG and IgM Antibodies to β2 Glycoprotein I and an Initial Assessment of Newly Developed Reference Materials for Assay Calibration.

PubMed

Willis, Rohan; Pierangeli, Silvia S; Jaskowski, Troy D; Malmberg, Elisabeth; Guerra, Marta; Salmon, Jane E; Petri, Michelle; Branch, D Ware; Tebo, Anne E

2016-06-01

To investigate the performance characteristics and impact of newly developed reference calibrators on the commutability between anti-β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2 GPI) immunoassays in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-β2 GPI immunoassays from four manufacturers were evaluated. Serum samples from 269 patients (APS only, n = 31; SLE and APS, n = 83; SLE only, n = 129; pregnancy-related clinical manifestations without APS, n = 26) and 162 women with histories of successful pregnancies were tested. Results were expressed in kit-specific arbitrary units and in the calibrator reference units (RUs) based on 99th percentile cutoff values. Diagnostic accuracies, correlation between kits, and specific clinical manifestations in APS were investigated. The sensitivities of the assays ranged from 15.8% to 27.2% (IgG) and 12.3% to 15.8% (IgM) while specificities ranged from 79.4% to 86.5% (IgG) and 80.6% to 84.5% (IgM). There was moderate to almost perfect interassay reliability (Cohen κ, 0.69-0.98), and Spearman correlation coefficients were generally improved when results of the IgG determinations were expressed in RUs. Although qualitative agreements between immunoassays for both antibody isotypes are acceptable, correlations with APS clinical manifestations were kit dependent. Only the use of IgG reference material improved quantitative correlations between assays. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Time course of total and food specific IgE antibodies (Rast Fx5) in the developing allergic child.

PubMed

Kalach, Nicolas; Soulaines, Pascale; Guerin, Sylvie; de Boissieu, Delphine; Dupont, Christophe

2005-09-01

To analyze the evolution of total and food specific IgE (Rast Fx5) titers in the course of food allergy in children. 925 children, mean age 8.9 + 9.1 years (15 days-18 years), 455 girls and 470 boys, investigated for food allergy in year 1997, underwent serum samples assay for total IgE and of Rast Fx5, Cap System, Pharmacia & Upjohn Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden, a mix test detecting specific IgE to 6 major food allergens in children, cow's milk proteins (CMP), egg white, peanut, soy, wheat and fish and analyzed as a function of reference values by age. Total IgE titers increased significantly with age, r0.22, p0.0001. The percentage of children with a total IgE level above normal range first increased with age, from 10.3 % at 0-6 months, reaching 38.2 % at 1-2 years and peaking at 56.9% at 4-6 years, then leveled off, 48.1% at 8-12 years (ns vs 4-6 years) and 41.3% above 12 years (ns). Detectable Rast Fx5 increased in a parallel manner until age 4-6 years and then exhibited a progressive decrease from age 6-8 years, differing significantly from total IgE: 31.9% vs 52.9%, p0.01 (6-8 years), 32.2% vs 48.1%, p0.03 (8-12 years), 21.8% vs 41.3%, p0.05 (> 12 years). In these outpatient children investigated for food allergy, the increase with age of the percentage of high total IgE contrasted with the progressive decrease of Rast Fx5 from age 4-6 yr. This biological finding correlates timely with the clinical spontaneous decrease of food allergy in the developing child.

Correlation of the turbo-MP RIA with ImmunoCAP FEIA for determination of food allergen-specific immunoglobulin E.

PubMed

Kontis, Kris J; Valcour, Andre; Patel, Ashok; Chen, Andy; Wang, Jan; Chow, Julia; Nayak, Narayan

2006-01-01

It has been reported that in vitro measurement of food-specific IgE can be used to accurately predict food allergy and reduce the risk associated with double-blinded placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC). Our objective was to assess the performance characteristics of the Hycor Turbo-MP quantitative radioimmunoassay for food-specific IgE and to determine this method's comparability to another assay, the Pharmacia ImmunoCAP fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). The dynamic range of the Turbo-MP assay is 0.05 to 100 IU/ml, compared to 0.35 to 100 IU/ml for the FEIA. Performance characteristics of the Turbo-MP assay (ie, reproducibility of the calibration curve, within-run precision, total precision, parallelism, and linearity) were determined using samples from the Hycor serum bank. The precision (CV) of IgE calibrator replicates was <10%. The total precision (CV) of the Turbo-MP assay ranged from 8.8% to 18.4% for specific IgE concentrations between 0.28 to 31.4 IU/ml. Testing of serial dilutions of sera with IgE specificities for egg white, cow's milk, codfish, wheat, peanut, and soybean showed that the assay is linear over the entire dynamic range. Serial dilution data (slopes of 1.01 to 1.10) showed parallelism to serial dilutions of the IgE calibrator (slope of 0.96). The Turbo-MP and FEIA methods were both used for quantitative assays of food-specific IgE in 457 serum samples obtained from a clinical reference laboratory. Comparison of specific IgE results by the Turbo-MP and FEIA methods for 6 major food allergens exhibited a slope of 0.99 (0.92 to 1.03) with a correlation coefficient of 0.81.

Diagnostic performance of serological tests to detect antibodies against acute scrub typhus infection in central India.

PubMed

Pote, Kiran; Narang, Rahul; Deshmukh, Pradeep

2018-01-01

Differentiating scrub typhus from other acute febrile illness is difficult due to non specificity of clinical symptoms and relative absence of eschar in Indian population. The diagnosis thus relies mainly on laboratory tests. Antibody based serological tests are mainstay of scrub typhus diagnosis. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of IgM ELISA, IgM IFA and ICT to detect antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi in acute serum of febrile patients. The serum samples from 600 randomly selected patients suffering from acute undifferentiated fever were tested by all the three tests mentioned above. We used latent class analysis to generate unbiased results as all the tests for scrub typhus diagnosis are imperfect and none of them can be considered as reference standard. We found that IgM ELISA with cutoff titer 0.5 OD has high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 99.9% and specificity 99.15) than IgM IFA (sensitivity 96.8% and specificity 99.7%) for scrub typhus diagnosis. ICT used in our study had very high specificity 100% but low sensitivity (38%) which would limit its use for acute serum samples. ICT being a screening or point of care test, has to be more sensitive while some compromise with specificity is affordable. Hence, optimal cutoff for ICT should be evaluated under different settings. IgM ELISA being simple and affordable could be an alternative diagnostic test to IgM IFA which is subjective and costly.

Evaluation of postprandial glucose excursion using a novel minimally invasive glucose area-under-the-curve monitoring system.

PubMed

Kuranuki, Sachi; Sato, Toshiyuki; Okada, Seiki; Hosoya, Samiko; Seko, Akinobu; Sugihara, Kaya; Nakamura, Teiji

2013-01-01

To develop a minimally invasive interstitial fluid extraction technology (MIET) to monitor postprandial glucose area under the curve (AUC) without blood sampling, we evaluated the accuracy of glucose AUC measured by MIET and compared with that by blood sampling after food intake. Interstitial fluid glucose AUC (IG-AUC) following consumption of 6 different types of foods was measured by MIET. MIET consisted of stamping microneedle arrays, placing hydrogel patches on the areas, and calculating IG-AUC based on glucose levels in the hydrogels. Glycemic index (GI) was determined using IG-AUC and reference AUC measured by blood sampling. IG-AUC strongly correlated with reference AUC (R = 0.91), and GI determined using IG-AUC showed good correlation with that determined by reference AUC (R = 0.88). IG-AUC obtained by MIET can accurately predict the postprandial glucose excursion without blood sampling. In addition, feasibility of GI measurement by MIET was confirmed.

A computational model to compare different investment scenarios for mini-stereotactic frame approach to deep brain stimulation surgery.

PubMed

Lanotte, M; Cavallo, M; Franzini, A; Grifi, M; Marchese, E; Pantaleoni, M; Piacentino, M; Servello, D

2010-09-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) alleviates symptoms of many neurological disorders by applying electrical impulses to the brain by means of implanted electrodes, generally put in place using a conventional stereotactic frame. A new image guided disposable mini-stereotactic system has been designed to help shorten and simplify DBS procedures when compared to standard stereotaxy. A small number of studies have been conducted which demonstrate localization accuracies of the system similar to those achievable by the conventional frame. However no data are available to date on the economic impact of this new frame. The aim of this paper was to develop a computational model to evaluate the investment required to introduce the image guided mini-stereotactic technology for stereotactic DBS neurosurgery. A standard DBS patient care pathway was developed and related costs were analyzed. A differential analysis was conducted to capture the impact of introducing the image guided system on the procedure workflow. The analysis was carried out in five Italian neurosurgical centers. A computational model was developed to estimate upfront investments and surgery costs leading to a definition of the best financial option to introduce the new frame. Investments may vary from Euro 1.900 (purchasing of Image Guided [IG] mini-stereotactic frame only) to Euro 158.000.000. Moreover the model demonstrates how the introduction of the IG mini-stereotactic frame doesn't substantially affect the DBS procedure costs.

Contributions to reference systems from Lunar Laser Ranging using the IfE analysis model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, Franz; Biskupek, Liliane; Müller, Jürgen

2018-01-01

Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) provides various quantities related to reference frames like Earth orientation parameters, coordinates and velocities of ground stations in the Earth-fixed frame and selenocentric coordinates of the lunar retro-reflectors. This paper presents the recent results from LLR data analysis at the Institut für Erdmessung, Leibniz Universität Hannover, based on all LLR data up to the end of 2016. The estimates of long-periodic nutation coefficients with periods between 13.6 days and 18.6 years are obtained with an accuracy in the order of 0.05-0.7 milliarcseconds (mas). Estimations of the Earth rotation phase Δ UT are accurate at the level of 0.032 ms if more than 14 normal points per night are included. The tie between the dynamical ephemeris frame to the kinematic celestial frame is estimated from pure LLR observations by two angles and their rates with an accuracy of 0.25 and 0.02 mas per year. The estimated station coordinates and velocities are compared to the ITRF2014 solution and the geometry of the retro-reflector network with the DE430 solution. The given accuracies represent 3 times formal errors of the parameter fit. The accuracy for Δ UT is based on the standard deviation of the estimates with respect to the reference C04 solution.

Enhanced basophil histamine release and neutrophil chemotactic activity predispose grain dust-induced airway obstruction.

PubMed

Park, H; Jung, K; Kang, K; Nahm, D; Cho, S; Kim, Y

1999-04-01

The pathogenic mechanism of grain dust (GD)-induced occupational asthma (OA) remains unclear. To understand further the mechanism of GD-induced OA. Fifteen employees working in a same GD industry, complaining of work-related respiratory symptoms, were enrolled and were divided into two groups according to the GD-bronchoprovocation test (BPT) result: six positive responders were grouped as group III, nine negative responders as group II and five healthy controls as group I. Serum GD-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E (sIgE), specific IgG (sIgG) and specific IgG4 (sIgG4) antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Basophil histamine release was measured by the autofluorometric method, and changes of serum neutrophil chemotactic activity were observed by the Boyden chamber method. For clinical parameters such as degree of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, duration of respiratory symptoms, exposure duration, and prevalences of serum sIgE, sIgG and sIgG4 antibodies, there were no significant differences between group II and III (P > 0.05, respectively). Serum neutrophil chemotactic activity increased significantly at 30 min and decreased at 240 min after the GD-BPT in group III subjects (P < 0.05, respectively), while no significant changes were noted in group II subjects (P > 0.05). Basophil histamine release induced by GD was significantly higher in group III than those of group I or group II (P < 0.05, respectively), while minimal release of anti-IgG4 antibodies was noted in all three groups. These results suggest that enhanced basophil histamine release and serum neutrophil chemotactic activity might contribute to the development of GD-induced occupational asthma.

Protection Efficacy of Multivalent Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin against Eimeria tenella Infection in Chickens

PubMed Central

Xu, JJ; Ren, CZ; Wang, SS; Liu, DD; Cao, LQ; Tao, JP

2013-01-01

Background To control avian coccidiosis with drug-independent strategy effectively and safely, multivalent hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) was prepared and its ability to protect against Eimeria tenella infection was evaluated. Methods Hens were orally immunized with live oocysts of 5 species of Eimeria for six times, antibody titers in serum and yolk were monitored by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The specific IgY was isolated, purified and lyophilized. IgY powder was orally administrated as dietary supplement in newly hatched chicks at various dosages. Birds were orally challenged with 10000 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella at 10 days of age, weighed and killed at 8 days post challenge, and the protective effect was assessed. Results The averge yeid of IgY was 9.2 mg/ml yolk, the antibody titer of IgY reached to 1:163840 per mg with the purity up to 98%. Chickens fed IgY resulted in reduced mortality, increased body weight gain (BWG), reduced oocyst shedding, reduced caecal lesion score and increased anti-coccidial index. In terms of BWG and caecal lesion, IgY significantly enhanced the resistance of bird at ≥ 0.05% of IgY in the diet when compared with the challenged control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed at dosage ≥ 0.5% and 1.0% when BWG and caecal lesion were compared with the sodium salinomycin control group, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion Supplementing newly hatched chicks with Eimeria-specific IgY represents a promising strategy to prevent avian coccidiosis. PMID:24454440

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked hyper IgM syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Home Health Conditions X-linked hyper IgM syndrome X-linked hyper IgM syndrome Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked hyper IgM syndrome is a condition that ...

Structural analysis of the nurse shark (new) antigen receptor (NAR): molecular convergence of NAR and unusual mammalian immunoglobulins.

PubMed

Roux, K H; Greenberg, A S; Greene, L; Strelets, L; Avila, D; McKinney, E C; Flajnik, M F

1998-09-29

We recently have identified an antigen receptor in sharks called NAR (new or nurse shark antigen receptor) that is secreted by splenocytes but does not associate with Ig light (L) chains. The NAR variable (V) region undergoes high levels of somatic mutation and is equally divergent from both Ig and T cell receptors (TCR). Here we show by electron microscopy that NAR V regions, unlike those of conventional Ig and TCR, do not form dimers but rather are independent, flexible domains. This unusual feature is analogous to bona fide camelid IgG in which modifications of Ig heavy chain V (VH) sequences prevent dimer formation with L chains. NAR also displays a uniquely flexible constant (C) region. Sequence analysis and modeling show that there are only two types of expressed NAR genes, each having different combinations of noncanonical cysteine (Cys) residues in the V domains that likely form disulfide bonds to stabilize the single antigen-recognition unit. In one NAR class, rearrangement events result in mature genes encoding an even number of Cys (two or four) in complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3), which is analogous to Cys codon expression in an unusual human diversity (D) segment family. The NAR CDR3 Cys generally are encoded by preferred reading frames of rearranging D segments, providing a clear design for use of preferred reading frame in antigen receptor D regions. These unusual characteristics shared by NAR and unconventional mammalian Ig are most likely the result of convergent evolution at the molecular level.

Multicenter evaluation of the Elecsys Toxo IgG and IgM tests for the diagnosis of infection with Toxoplasma gondii

PubMed Central

Meylan, Pascal; Paris, Luc; Liesenfeld, Oliver

2015-01-01

Detection of IgG and IgM antibodies is commonly performed for the diagnosis of infection with Toxoplasma gondii. We determined the accuracy of the Elecsys Toxo IgG and IgM test at four European laboratories compared to local reference methods. Coefficients of variation for reproducibility ranged from 1.0 to 6.5% for IgG and from 0.8 to 3.2% for IgM. Seroconversion panels revealed high overall concordance with the reference tests. The Elecsys test detected IgG antibodies earlier than the Cobas Core IgG test in 19 of 47 panels; persisting IgM antibodies were observed in the VIDAS but not the Elecsys test in five of 47 panels. In 31.4% of latent stage sera with persistent IgM antibodies (positive LIASON IgM), the Elecsys IgM test gave negative results indicating increased “clinical” specificity. Sensitivity and specificity of the Elecsys IgG assay ranged from 99.45 to 100% and 87.50–99.80%, respectively, and 91.11–95.74 and 98.45–99.79% for the Elecsys IgM assay, respectively. In conclusion, excellent reproducibility and accuracy make the Elecsys Toxo G and M tests highly suitable for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The lower detection rates for persistent IgM in the Elecsys IgM test increase “clinical” specificity and decrease the need for follow-up testing. PMID:26185683

Differentiating immunoglobulin g4-related sclerosing cholangitis from hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Tabata, Taku; Kamisawa, Terumi; Hara, Seiichi; Kuruma, Sawako; Chiba, Kazuro; Kuwata, Go; Fujiwara, Takashi; Egashira, Hideto; Koizumi, Koichi; Fujiwara, Junko; Arakawa, Takeo; Momma, Kumiko; Kurata, Masanao; Honda, Goro; Tsuruta, Koji; Itoi, Takao

2013-03-01

Few studies have differentiated immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) from hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Thus, we sought to investigate useful features for differentiating IgG4-SC from hilar CC. We retrospectively compared clinical, serological, imaging, and histological features of six patients with IgG4-SC and 42 patients with hilar CC. In patients with hilar CC, obstructive jaundice was more frequent (p<0.01), serum total bilirubin levels were significantly higher (p<0.05), serum CA19-9 levels were significantly higher (p<0.01), and serum duke pancreatic monoclonal antigen type 2 levels were frequently elevated (p<0.05). However, in patients with IgG4-SC, the serum IgG (p<0.05) and IgG4 (p<0.01) levels were significantly higher and frequently elevated. The pancreas was enlarged in all IgG4-SC patients but only in 17% of hilar CC patients (p<0.01). Salivary and/or lacrimal gland swelling was detected in only 50% of IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed that the hilar or hepatic duct was completely obstructed in 83% of hilar CC patients (p<0.01). Lower bile duct stenosis, apart from hilar bile duct stenosis, was more frequent in IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). Bile duct wall thickening in areas without stenosis was more frequent in IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). An integrated diagnostic approach based on clinical, serological, imaging, and histological findings is necessary to differentiate IgG4-SC from hilar CC.

Operations of the International GPS Geodynamics Service (IGS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beutler, G.; Neilan, R.; Mueller, I.

1993-01-01

This paper focuses on the operations, organization, and interfaces of the International GPS Geodynamics Service (IGS) which is expected to contribute to geodesy for many years to come. It briefly summarizes the history of the IGS, reports on IGS '92 campaign activities, and describes the current IGS terms of reference and proposal status.

Effect of Laterally Wedged Insoles on the External Knee Adduction Moment across Different Reference Frames.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Kitamura, Masako; Ushikubo, Tomohiro; Murata, Atsushi; Akagi, Ryuichiro; Sasho, Takahisa

2015-01-01

Biomechanical effects of laterally wedged insoles are assessed by reduction in the knee adduction moment. However, the degree of reduction may vary depending on the reference frame with which it is calculated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of reference frame on the reduction in the knee adduction moment by laterally wedged insoles. Twenty-nine healthy participants performed gait trials with a laterally wedged insole and with a flat insole as a control. The knee adduction moment, including the first and second peaks and the angular impulse, were calculated using four different reference frames: the femoral frame, tibial frame, laboratory frame and the Joint Coordinate System. There were significant effects of reference frame on the knee adduction moment first and second peaks (P < 0.001 for both variables), while the effect was not significant for the angular impulse (P = 0.84). No significant interaction between the gait condition and reference frame was found in either of the knee adduction moment variables (P = 0.99 for all variables), indicating that the effects of laterally wedged insole on the knee adduction moments were similar across the four reference frames. On the other hand, the average percent changes ranged from 9% to 16% for the first peak, from 16% to 18% for the second peak and from 17% to 21% for the angular impulse when using the different reference frames. The effects of laterally wedged insole on the reduction in the knee adduction moment were similar across the reference frames. On the other hand, Researchers need to recognize that when the percent change was used as the parameter of the efficacy of laterally wedged insole, the choice of reference frame may influence the interpretation of how laterally wedged insoles affect the knee adduction moment.

Anatomical calibration for wearable motion capture systems: Video calibrated anatomical system technique.

PubMed

Bisi, Maria Cristina; Stagni, Rita; Caroselli, Alessio; Cappello, Angelo

2015-08-01

Inertial sensors are becoming widely used for the assessment of human movement in both clinical and research applications, thanks to their usability out of the laboratory. This work aims to propose a method for calibrating anatomical landmark position in the wearable sensor reference frame with an ease to use, portable and low cost device. An off-the-shelf camera, a stick and a pattern, attached to the inertial sensor, compose the device. The proposed technique is referred to as video Calibrated Anatomical System Technique (vCAST). The absolute orientation of a synthetic femur was tracked both using the vCAST together with an inertial sensor and using stereo-photogrammetry as reference. Anatomical landmark calibration showed mean absolute error of 0.6±0.5 mm: these errors are smaller than those affecting the in-vivo identification of anatomical landmarks. The roll, pitch and yaw anatomical frame orientations showed root mean square errors close to the accuracy limit of the wearable sensor used (1°), highlighting the reliability of the proposed technique. In conclusion, the present paper proposes and preliminarily verifies the performance of a method (vCAST) for calibrating anatomical landmark position in the wearable sensor reference frame: the technique is low time consuming, highly portable, easy to implement and usable outside laboratory. Copyright © 2015 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The reference frame for encoding and retention of motion depends on stimulus set size.

PubMed

Huynh, Duong; Tripathy, Srimant P; Bedell, Harold E; Öğmen, Haluk

2017-04-01

The goal of this study was to investigate the reference frames used in perceptual encoding and storage of visual motion information. In our experiments, observers viewed multiple moving objects and reported the direction of motion of a randomly selected item. Using a vector-decomposition technique, we computed performance during smooth pursuit with respect to a spatiotopic (nonretinotopic) and to a retinotopic component and compared them with performance during fixation, which served as the baseline. For the stimulus encoding stage, which precedes memory, we found that the reference frame depends on the stimulus set size. For a single moving target, the spatiotopic reference frame had the most significant contribution with some additional contribution from the retinotopic reference frame. When the number of items increased (Set Sizes 3 to 7), the spatiotopic reference frame was able to account for the performance. Finally, when the number of items became larger than 7, the distinction between reference frames vanished. We interpret this finding as a switch to a more abstract nonmetric encoding of motion direction. We found that the retinotopic reference frame was not used in memory. Taken together with other studies, our results suggest that, whereas a retinotopic reference frame may be employed for controlling eye movements, perception and memory use primarily nonretinotopic reference frames. Furthermore, the use of nonretinotopic reference frames appears to be capacity limited. In the case of complex stimuli, the visual system may use perceptual grouping in order to simplify the complexity of stimuli or resort to a nonmetric abstract coding of motion information.

How Flexible is the Use of Egocentric Versus Allocentric Frame of Reference in the Williams Syndrome Population?

PubMed

Heiz, J; Majerus, S; Barisnikov, K

2017-09-28

This study examined the spontaneous use of allocentric and egocentric frames of reference and their flexible use as a function of instructions. The computerized spatial reference task created by Heiz and Barisnikov (2015) was used. Participants had to choose a frame of reference according to three types of instructions: spontaneous, allocentric and egocentric. The performances of 16 Williams Syndrome participants between 10 and 41 years were compared to those of two control groups (chronological age and non-verbal intellectual ability). The majority of Williams Syndrome participants did not show a preference for a particular frame of reference. When explicitly inviting participants to use an allocentric frame of reference, all three groups showed an increased use of the allocentric frame of reference. At the same time, an important heterogeneity of type of frame of reference used by Williams Syndrome participants was observed. Results demonstrate that despite difficulties in the spontaneous use of allocentric and egocentric frames of reference, some Williams Syndrome participants show flexibility in the use of an allocentric frame of reference when an explicit instruction is provided. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Frames of Reference in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grossman, Joshua

2012-01-01

The classic film "Frames of Reference" effectively illustrates concepts involved with inertial and non-inertial reference frames. In it, Donald G. Ivey and Patterson Hume use the cameras perspective to allow the viewer to see motion in reference frames translating with a constant velocity, translating while accelerating, and rotating--all with…

Effect of dietary manipulation and vaccination of turkey breeder hens on immunoglobulin levels of yolk, yolk sac and neonate poults.

PubMed

Bhattacharyya, A; Majumdar, S; Bhanja, S K; Mandal, A B; Dash, B B

2018-04-01

Two hundred turkey breeder hens and 24 viable toms of 30-35 weeks age of small white variety were distributed into two treatment groups having four replicates of 25 hens and three toms in each treatment. First four replicates were offered a turkey breeder diet (Diet A) (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academic Press, Washington, DC) and the rest four replicates were maintained on a higher plane of nutrition (Diet B) for 8-week duration. After 6 weeks of experimental feeding, two replicates from each treatment groups were vaccinated with ND (R 2 B) vaccine. Yolk sac of embryo from birds fed Diet B had a significantly higher (p < .05) IgG, IgM level and HI titre (log 2) than those fed Diet A. HI titre values of embryonic yolk sac from the vaccinated birds fed Diet B were significantly higher (p < .05) than that of the control groups. In addition, HI titre values were significantly higher (p < .05) in the day-old poults of the birds fed Diet B than that of those fed Diet A. There was significantly (p < .01) positive correlation between serum IgG and IgM of the breeder birds and day-old chicks. Similarly, there was significantly (p < .05) positive correlation between yolk IgG and IgM after 1-month experimental feeding and yolk sac IgG and IgM. Positive correlation (p < .05) also existed between yolk sac IgM and day-old chick serum IgM. Furthermore, the HI titres of breeder birds' serum at 14 days post-vaccination were positively correlated with their egg yolk after 10 and 15 days post-vaccination, yolk sac and day-old chicks. Thus, the study envisaged that a higher immunity in neonate poults from turkey breeders maintained on a higher plane of nutrition may be elicited as there was maternal transfer of antibodies from the serum of breeder birds to their offsprings through their yolk sac. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Differentiating Immunoglobulin G4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis from Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Tabata, Taku; Hara, Seiichi; Kuruma, Sawako; Chiba, Kazuro; Kuwata, Go; Fujiwara, Takashi; Egashira, Hideto; Koizumi, Koichi; Fujiwara, Junko; Arakawa, Takeo; Momma, Kumiko; Kurata, Masanao; Honda, Goro; Tsuruta, Koji; Itoi, Takao

2013-01-01

Background/Aims Few studies have differentiated immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) from hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Thus, we sought to investigate useful features for differentiating IgG4-SC from hilar CC. Methods We retrospectively compared clinical, serological, imaging, and histological features of six patients with IgG4-SC and 42 patients with hilar CC. Results In patients with hilar CC, obstructive jaundice was more frequent (p<0.01), serum total bilirubin levels were significantly higher (p<0.05), serum CA19-9 levels were significantly higher (p<0.01), and serum duke pancreatic monoclonal antigen type 2 levels were frequently elevated (p<0.05). However, in patients with IgG4-SC, the serum IgG (p<0.05) and IgG4 (p<0.01) levels were significantly higher and frequently elevated. The pancreas was enlarged in all IgG4-SC patients but only in 17% of hilar CC patients (p<0.01). Salivary and/or lacrimal gland swelling was detected in only 50% of IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed that the hilar or hepatic duct was completely obstructed in 83% of hilar CC patients (p<0.01). Lower bile duct stenosis, apart from hilar bile duct stenosis, was more frequent in IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). Bile duct wall thickening in areas without stenosis was more frequent in IgG4-SC patients (p<0.01). Conclusions An integrated diagnostic approach based on clinical, serological, imaging, and histological findings is necessary to differentiate IgG4-SC from hilar CC. PMID:23560161

Levels of salivary immunoglobulins and periodontal evaluation in smoking patients.

PubMed

Giuca, Maria Rita; Pasini, Marco; Tecco, Simona; Giuca, Giacomo; Marzo, Giuseppe

2014-02-06

The aim of this study was to assess the level of salivary immunoglobulins and periodontal status in smokers and non-smokers. Unstimulated saliva of 30 subjects (mean age 24.2 ± 3.5 years) who were smokers (test group) and of 30 subjects (mean age 25.3 ± 3.8 years) who were non-smokers (control group) was collected and centrifugated; IgA, IgG, and IgM were measured with the colorimetric immunoenzymatic method. Moreover, the following periodontal clinical parameters were recorded for each subject: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). A significantly (p< 0.05) lower Ig level was observed in smoking patients (IgA: 20.0 ± 1.2 mg/dl; IgM: 19.5 ± 1.6 mg/dl; IgG: 8.1 ± 1.4 mg/dl) compared to levels in the non-smoking control group (IgA: 234.1 ± 65.2 mg/dl; IgM: 121.0 ± 31.7 mg/dl; IgG: 1049.4 ± 102 mg/dl). In the test group, PI (2.2 ± 0.3), GI (2.4 ± 0.5), PD (49.3 ± 9.2%), and CAL (49.3 ± 4.6%) were higher (p< 0.05) than those observed in the control group (PI: 0.8 ± 0.4; GI: 0.7 ± 0.3; PD: 10.6 ± 2.4%; CAL: 3.1 ± 0.8%). Smoking subjects showed lower levels of salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM and a worse periodontal condition than non-smoking subjects. On the base of our study, as smoking subjects also had lower levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in their saliva than non-smoking subjects, despite the fact that there is little evidence that the salivary Igs have a protective action against periodontitis and that the whole saliva does not result in whole from the salivary glands, it can be concluded that the deteriorated periodontal health conditions of these patients can be attributed in part to a lowering of the host's defense due to a decrease in the quantity of Igs in salivary fluid.

Immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust in relation to wood dust exposure levels and respiratory symptoms in the furniture industry.

PubMed

Schlünssen, Vivi; Kespohl, Sabine; Jacobsen, Gitte; Raulf-Heimsoth, Monika; Schaumburg, Inger; Sigsgaard, Torben

2011-03-01

Wood dust exposure may cause Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases. Our objectives were to estimate pine and beech dust sensitization rates among woodworkers and a reference group, explore the association between exposure and sensitization and between sensitization and respiratory symptoms, and finally investigate the impact of proteinogenic specific IgE (sIgE) epitopes on respiratory symptoms. In a Danish study among 52 furniture factories and 2 reference factories, we evaluated the workers' asthma and rhinitis status using questionnaires and blood samples collected from 1506 woodworkers and 195 references. Workers with asthma symptoms (N=298), a random study sample (N=399) and a random rhinitis sample (N=100) were evaluated for IgE-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust. The prevalence of pine and beech sensitization among current woodworkers was 1.7 and 3.1%, respectively. No differences in sensitization rates were found between woodworkers and references, but the prevalence of wood dust sensitization was dose-dependently associated with the current level of wood dust exposure. No relation was observed between wood dust sensitization per se and respiratory symptoms. Only symptomatic subjects had proteinogenic IgE epitopes to pine. Increased odds ratios for sIgE based on proteinogenic epitopes to beech and respiratory symptoms were found, although they were not statistically significant. Sensitization rates to pine and beech were the same for woodworkers and references but dependent on the current wood dust exposure level. The importance of beech and pine wood sensitization is limited, but may be of clinical significance for a few workers if the IgE epitopes are proteinogenic.

Influence of birth order, birth weight, colostrum and serum immunoglobulin G on neonatal piglet survival.

PubMed

Cabrera, Rafael A; Lin, Xi; Campbell, Joy M; Moeser, Adam J; Odle, Jack

2012-12-23

Intake of colostrum after birth is essential to stimulate intestinal growth and function, and to provide systemic immunological protection via absorption of Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The birth order and weight of 745 piglets (from 75 litters) were recorded during a one-week period of farrowing. Only pigs weighing greater than 0.68 kg birth weight were chosen for the trial. Sow colostrum was collected during parturition, and piglets were bled between 48 and 72 hours post-birth. Piglet serum IgG and colostral IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Sow parity had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on sow colostral IgG concentration, being 5% higher in multiparous females. Sow colostral IgG concentration explained 6% and piglet birth order accounted for another 4% of the variation observed in piglet serum IgG concentration (P < 0.05); however, birth weight had no detectable effect. Piglet serum IgG concentration had both a linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on % survival. Piglets with 1,000 mg/dl serum IgG or less (n=24) had a 67% survival; whereas, piglets with IgG concentrations between 2250 to 2500 mg/dl (n=247) had a 91% survival. Birth order had no detectable effect on survival, but birth weight had a positive linear effect (P < 0.05). Piglets weighing 0.9 kg (n = 107) at birth had a 68% survival rate, and those weighing 1.6 kg (n = 158) had an 89% survival. We found that the combination of sow colostrum IgG concentration and birth order can account for 10% of the variation of piglet serum IgG concentration and that piglets with less than 1,000 mg/dl IgG serum concentration and weight of 0.9 kg at birth had low survival rate when compared to their larger siblings. The effective management of colostrum uptake in neonatal piglets in the first 24 hrs post-birth may potentially improve survival from birth to weaning.

Influence of birth order, birth weight, colostrum and serum immunoglobulin G on neonatal piglet survival

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Intake of colostrum after birth is essential to stimulate intestinal growth and function, and to provide systemic immunological protection via absorption of Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The birth order and weight of 745 piglets (from 75 litters) were recorded during a one-week period of farrowing. Only pigs weighing greater than 0.68 kg birth weight were chosen for the trial. Sow colostrum was collected during parturition, and piglets were bled between 48 and 72 hours post-birth. Piglet serum IgG and colostral IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Results Sow parity had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on sow colostral IgG concentration, being 5% higher in multiparous females. Sow colostral IgG concentration explained 6% and piglet birth order accounted for another 4% of the variation observed in piglet serum IgG concentration (P < 0.05); however, birth weight had no detectable effect. Piglet serum IgG concentration had both a linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on % survival. Piglets with 1,000 mg/dl serum IgG or less (n=24) had a 67% survival; whereas, piglets with IgG concentrations between 2250 to 2500 mg/dl (n=247) had a 91% survival. Birth order had no detectable effect on survival, but birth weight had a positive linear effect (P < 0.05). Piglets weighing 0.9 kg (n = 107) at birth had a 68% survival rate, and those weighing 1.6 kg (n = 158) had an 89% survival. Conclusion We found that the combination of sow colostrum IgG concentration and birth order can account for 10% of the variation of piglet serum IgG concentration and that piglets with less than 1,000 mg/dl IgG serum concentration and weight of 0.9 kg at birth had low survival rate when compared to their larger siblings. The effective management of colostrum uptake in neonatal piglets in the first 24 hrs post-birth may potentially improve survival from birth to weaning. PMID:23259926

The reference frame of figure-ground assignment.

PubMed

Vecera, Shaun P

2004-10-01

Figure-ground assignment involves determining which visual regions are foreground figures and which are backgrounds. Although figure-ground processes provide important inputs to high-level vision, little is known about the reference frame in which the figure's features and parts are defined. Computational approaches have suggested a retinally based, viewer-centered reference frame for figure-ground assignment, but figural assignment could also be computed on the basis of environmental regularities in an environmental reference frame. The present research used a newly discovered cue, lower region, to examine the reference frame of figure-ground assignment. Possible reference frames were misaligned by changing the orientation of viewers by having them tilt their heads (Experiments 1 and 2) or turn them upside down (Experiment 3). The results of these experiments indicated that figure-ground perception followed the orientation of the viewer, suggesting a viewer-centered reference frame for figure-ground assignment.

Protective effects of chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against experimental Vibrio splendidus infection in the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus).

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyu; Jing, Kailin; Wang, Xitao; Li, Yuan; Zhang, Meixia; Li, Zhen; Xu, Le; Wang, Lili; Xu, Yongping

2016-01-01

Vibrio splendidus is one of the most harmful pathogens associated with skin ulceration syndrome in the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) due to its high virulence and frequency of appearance. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) against V. splendidus infection in the sea cucumber. Whole V. splendidus cells were used as an immunogen to immunize 20 White Leghorn hens (25 weeks old). IgY was produced from egg yolks obtained from these immunized hens using water dilution, two-step salt precipitation and ultrafiltration. The purity of the IgY produced was approximately 83%. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay indicated a high specificity for IgY with a maximum antibody titer of 320,000. The growth of V. splendidus in liquid medium was significantly inhibited by IgY in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 mg/mL. The protective effects of IgY were evaluated in sea cucumber by intraperitoneally injecting anti-V. splendidus IgY antibodies (10 mg/mL) or immersing the sea cucumber in aqueous IgY (1 g/L) after an intraperitoneal injection of V. splendidus. Intraperitoneal injection resulted in an 80% survival while immersion resulted in a 75% survival during the 11-day experimental period. The survival rates were significantly higher than the positive control and the non-specific IgY group (P < 0.05). As well, the bacterial burden in the respiratory tree, intestine and coelomic liquid was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in sea cucumber treated with specific IgY than those treated with non-specific IgY. The phagocytosis of coelomocytes for V. splendidus in the presence of specific IgY was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that obtained with non-specific IgY or without IgY, suggesting that specific IgY enhanced phagocytic activity. The current work suggests that specific IgY has potential for protecting sea cucumbers against V. splendidus infection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Serum levels of antibodies for IgG, IgA, and IgM against the fungi antigen in psoriasis vulgaris].

PubMed

Liang, Yun-sheng; Wen, Hai-quan; Xiao, Rong

2003-12-01

To detect the serum levels of antibodies against Malassezia further and Candida albicans in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV), and to investigate the relationship between Malassezia furfur or Candida albicans and pathogenesis of PV. The serum levels of antibodies for IgG, IgA, and IgM against the whole cell antigen Wag and soluble antigen (Sag) of Malassezia fufur and Candida albicans in 40 PV patients and 20 healthy controls were detected by indirect-ELISA, RESULTS: The serum levels of IgG against Wag of Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans were significantly higher in PV patients than those in the healthy controls (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively), The serum levels of IgM against Sag of Malassezia furfur and Candida albican, IgA against Sag of Candida albicans were significantly lower in PV patients than those in the healthy controls (P < 0.05). There are some humoral immunity abnormalties in PV patients. Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans may be related to the pathogenesis of PV.

IgG and IgM autoantibody differences in discoid and systemic lupus patients.

PubMed

Chong, Benjamin F; Tseng, Lin-chiang; Lee, Thomas; Vasquez, Rebecca; Li, Quan Z; Zhang, Song; Karp, David R; Olsen, Nancy J; Mohan, Chandra

2012-12-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) were reported to have milder disease. To test this observation, we used sandwich arrays containing 98 autoantigens to compare autoantibody profiles of SLE subjects without DLE (DLE-SLE+) (N=9), SLE subjects with DLE (DLE+SLE+) (N=10), DLE subjects without SLE (DLE+SLE-) (N=11), and healthy controls (N=11). We validated differentially expressed autoantibodies using immunoassays in DLE-SLE+ (N=18), DLE+SLE+ (N=17), DLE+SLE- (N=23), and healthy subjects (N=22). Arrays showed 15 IgG autoantibodies (10 against nuclear antigens) and 4 IgM autoantibodies that were differentially expressed (q-value<0.05). DLE-SLE+ subjects had higher IgG autoantibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), histone H2A and H2B, and SS-A (52 kDa) compared with all other groups including DLE+SLE+ subjects (P<0.05). Immunoassays measuring anti-dsDNA, -ssDNA, and -SS-A (52 kDa) IgG autoantibodies showed similar trends (P<0.05). Healthy and DLE+SLE- subjects expressed higher IgM autoantibodies against alpha beta crystallin, lipopolysaccharide, heat-shock cognate 70, and desmoglein-3 compared with DLE+SLE+ and DLE-SLE+ subjects. IgG:IgM ratios of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens progressively rose from healthy to DLE-SLE+ subjects. In conclusion, lower IgG autoantibodies against nuclear antigens in DLE+SLE+ versus DLE-SLE+ subjects suggest that DLE indicates lower disease severity. Higher IgM autoantibodies against selected antigens in healthy and DLE+SLE- subjects may be nonpathogenic.

Reframing Student Affairs Leadership: An Analysis of Organizational Frames of Reference and Locus of Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tull, Ashley; Freeman, Jerrid P.

2011-01-01

Examined in this study were the identified frames of reference and locus of control used by 478 student affairs administrators. Administrator responses were examined to identify frames of reference most commonly used and their preference order. Locus of control most commonly used and the relationship between frames of reference and locus of…

Realization of ETRF2000 as a New Terrestrial Reference Frame in Republic of Serbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagojevic, D.; Vasilic, V.

2012-12-01

The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) is a joint service of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which provides the scientific community with the means for computing the transformation from the International Celestial Reference System (ICRS) to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS). It further maintains the realizations of these systems by appropriate coordinate sets called "frames". The densification of terrestrial frame usually serves as official frame for positioning and navigation tasks within the territory of particular country. One of these densifications was recently performed in order to establish new reference frame for Republic of Serbia. The paper describes related activities resulting in ETRF2000 as a new Serbian terrestrial reference frame.

Evaluation of the relationship between passive smoking and salivary electrolytes, protein, secretory IgA, sialic acid and amylase in young children.

PubMed

Avşar, Aysun; Darka, Ozge; Bodrumlu, Ebru Hazar; Bek, Yüksel

2009-05-01

To evaluate the relationship between passive smoking as determined by salivary cotinine levels and salivary electrolytes, protein, secretory IgA, sialic acid and amylase in children. Saliva was collected from 90 passive smoker (PS) subjects (the study group) and 90 healthy age-matched children (the control group). The study group was divided into three subgroups according the number of cigarettes smoked. Socio-economic status, dental and dietary habits were recorded by questionnaire. Stimulated salivary calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), sodium (Na), potassium (P), total protein, amylase activity, sialic acid level, secretory IgA concentration and cotinine level were analysed. All data were analysed using SPSS, version 13.0. Socio-economic status, dental and dietary habits were similar between the two groups. The salivary electrolytes concentrations did not reveal significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean cotinine levels of PS children were 1.58+/-4.3 ng/mL. The salivary concentrations of protein were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). The salivary secretory IgA concentration was significantly lower in the PS group than controls. The sialic acid level and amylase activity in PS group were found significantly higher compared with the controls (p<0.05). No difference was observed for all these parameters with sex (p>0.05). When saliva samples were analysed for output, the sialic acid level and amylase activity increased significantly in PS subjects (p<0.05). Further, the output of secretory IgA concentration was found significantly lower compared with the controls (p<0.05). In conclusion, we show that passive smoking was associated with a decrease in secretory IgA concentration, whereas with increase in amylase activity and sialic acid level of stimulated whole saliva in young children.

Embodied Interaction Priority: Other's Body Part Affects Numeral-Space Mappings.

PubMed

You, Xuqun; Zhang, Yu; Zhu, Rongjuan; Guo, Yu

2018-01-01

Traditionally, the spatial-numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect was presented in two-choice condition, in which only one individual reacted to both even (small) and odd (large) numbers. Few studies explored SNARC effect in a social situation. Moreover, there are many reference frames involved in SNARC effect, and it has not yet been investigated which reference frame is dominated when two participants perform the go-nogo task together. In the present study, we investigated which reference frame plays a primary role in SNARC effect when allocentric and egocentric reference frames were consistent or inconsistent in social settings. Furthermore, we explored how two actors corepresent number-space mapping interactively. Results of the two experiments demonstrated that egocentric reference frame was at work primarily when two reference frames were consistent and inconsistent. This shows that body-centered coordinate frames influence number-space mapping in social settings, and one actor may represent another actor's action and tasks.

Mission Capability Gains from Multi-Mode Propulsion Thrust Variations on a Variety Spacecraft Orbital Maneuvers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

Geocentric -Equatorial Reference Frame2 ....................................................................... 31  Figure 8: Perifocal and Geocentric ...67  Figure 25: Mission 3 Geocentric Equatorial Reference Frame ...................................................... 69  Figure 26: Mission 3...Coordinate system, the Geocentric -Equatorial Reference frame and the reference frame depicted on one another is shown below. The following figures are from

Effects of different dl-selenomethionine and sodium selenite levels on growth performance, immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Wang, H; Zhan, X

2016-06-01

This trial was conducted in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different dl-selenomethionine (dl-Se-Met) and sodium selenite (SS) levels on growth performance, immune functions and serum thyroid hormones concentrations in broilers. A total of 840 Ross 308 broilers (7 days old) were allocated by body weight to seven treatments (three replicates of 40 birds each treatment) including (1) basal diet (containing 0.04 mg of selenium (Se)/kg; control) without supplementary Se; (2, 3 and 4) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as SS; (5, 6 and 7) basal diet + 0.05, 0.15 or 0.25 mg/kg Se as dl-Se-Met. The experiment lasted 42 days. The results revealed that dietary Se supplementation improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, immune organ index, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and triiodothyronine (T3 ) concentrations and decreased (p < 0.01) thyroxine (T4 )/T3 ratio in serum compared with the control. Broilers receiving the dl-Se-Met-supplemented diets had higher (p < 0.05) feed efficiency, thymus index, the amounts of IgA, IgG, IgM and T3 as well as lower (p < 0.05) serum T4 concentrations and T4 /T3 ratio than those consuming the SS-supplemented diets. Serum IgA and IgM levels of broilers fed 0.15 mg Se/kg were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of broilers fed 0.05 or 0.25 mg Se/kg. In summary, we concluded that dl-Se-Met is more effective than SS in increasing immunity and promoting conversion of T4 to T3 , thus providing an effective way to improve the growth performance of broilers. Besides, based on a consideration of all experiment indices, 0.15 mg Se/kg was suggested to be the optimal level of Se supplementation under the conditions of this study. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Concentration of Immunoglobulins in Microfiltration Permeates of Skim Milk: Impact of Transmembrane Pressure and Temperature on the IgG Transmission Using Different Ceramic Membrane Types and Pore Sizes.

PubMed

Heidebrecht, Hans-Jürgen; Toro-Sierra, José; Kulozik, Ulrich

2018-06-28

The use of bioactive bovine milk immunoglobulins (Ig) has been found to be an alternative treatment for certain human gastrointestinal diseases. Some methodologies have been developed with bovine colostrum. These are considered in laboratory scale and are bound to high cost and limited availability of the raw material. The main challenge remains in obtaining high amounts of active IgG from an available source as mature cow milk by the means of industrial processes. Microfiltration (MF) was chosen as a process variant, which enables a gentle and effective concentration of the Ig fractions (ca. 0.06% in raw milk) while reducing casein and lactose at the same time. Different microfiltration membranes (ceramic standard and gradient), pore sizes (0.14⁻0.8 µm), transmembrane pressures (0.5⁻2.5 bar), and temperatures (10, 50 °C) were investigated. The transmission of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and casein during the filtration of raw skim milk (<0.1% fat) was evaluated during batch filtration using a single channel pilot plant. The transmission levels of IgG (~160 kDa) were measured to be at the same level as the reference major whey protein β-Lg (~18 kDa) at all evaluated pore sizes and process parameters despite the large difference in molecular mass of both fractions. Ceramic gradient membranes with a pore sizes of 0.14 µm showed IgG-transmission rates between 45% to 65% while reducing the casein fraction below 1% in the permeates. Contrary to the expectations, a lower pore size of 0.14 µm yielded fluxes up to 35% higher than 0.2 µm MF membranes. It was found that low transmembrane pressures benefit the Ig transmission. Upscaling the presented results to a continuous MF membrane process offers new possibilities for the production of immunoglobulin enriched supplements with well-known processing equipment for large scale milk protein fractionation.

A Frameshift Mutation in the Cubilin Gene (CUBN) in Border Collies with Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome (Selective Cobalamin Malabsorption)

PubMed Central

Owczarek-Lipska, Marta; Jagannathan, Vidhya; Drögemüller, Cord; Lutz, Sabina; Glanemann, Barbara

2013-01-01

Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) or selective cobalamin malabsorption has been described in humans and dogs. IGS occurs in Border Collies and is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive trait in this breed. Using 7 IGS cases and 7 non-affected controls we mapped the causative mutation by genome-wide association and homozygosity mapping to a 3.53 Mb interval on chromosome 2. We re-sequenced the genome of one affected dog at ∼10× coverage and detected 17 non-synonymous variants in the critical interval. Two of these non-synonymous variants were in the cubilin gene (CUBN), which is known to play an essential role in cobalamin uptake from the ileum. We tested these two CUBN variants for association with IGS in larger cohorts of dogs and found that only one of them was perfectly associated with the phenotype. This variant, a single base pair deletion (c.8392delC), is predicted to cause a frameshift and premature stop codon in the CUBN gene. The resulting mutant open reading frame is 821 codons shorter than the wildtype open reading frame (p.Q2798Rfs*3). Interestingly, we observed an additional nonsense mutation in the MRC1 gene encoding the mannose receptor, C type 1, which was in perfect linkage disequilibrium with the CUBN frameshift mutation. Based on our genetic data and the known role of CUBN for cobalamin uptake we conclude that the identified CUBN frameshift mutation is most likely causative for IGS in Border Collies. PMID:23613799

[An indirect ELISA using Legionella pneumophila recombinant MOMP protein and its application in serological diagnosis].

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Zhang, Caixia; Cao, Xiuqin; Yang, Zhiwei

2013-12-01

To express and purify the recombinant major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Legionella pneumophila (Lp) as diagnostic antigen, and explore its practical value in the serological diagnosis of Lp infection. The recombinant plasmid pET-momp was transformed into the E.coli BL21 competent cells. The recombinant MOMP was induced to express, and then analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, purified by affinity chromatography. We screened and obtained 58 positive blood serum and 32 negative blood serum using the DRG (Germany, IgG/IgM/IgA) Lp kit. The blood serum samples were detected for IgG, IgM, IgA antibody levels by indirect ELISA that we had established with the purified MOMP as the coating antigen, as well as by R&D (USA, IgG/IgM/IgA) Lp kit. Then using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we compared these two methods in the sensitivity, specificity and consistency of the test results, for evaluating the application value of the indirect ELISA of recombinant MOMP. The approximately 45 000 recombinant MOMP was successfully expressed and purified. Compared with the indirect ELISA we established with the R&D Lp kit for detecting Lp antibody IgG, IgM and IgA in blood serum, the sensitivity of the indirect ELISA of recombinant MOMP to IgG was 90.9%, the specificity was 91.7%, the Kappa value was 0.784 (P < 0.05), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.913; the sensitivity to IgM was 91.4% and the specificity was 90.6%, the Kappa value was 0.809 (P < 0.05), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.910; the sensitivity to IgA was 92.1% and the specificity was 88.9%, the Kappa value was 0.793(P < 0.05), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.905. The recombinant MOMP was successfully induced to express and purified. The indirect ELISA we established with the recombinant MOMP protein as a diagnostic antigen showed good specificity, sensitivity and consistency, which laid a foundation for the development of serological diagnosis kit of Legionnaires' disease.

Levels of salivary immunoglobulins and periodontal evaluation in smoking patients

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the level of salivary immunoglobulins and periodontal status in smokers and non-smokers. Materials and methods Unstimulated saliva of 30 subjects (mean age 24.2 ± 3.5 years) who were smokers (test group) and of 30 subjects (mean age 25.3 ± 3.8 years) who were non-smokers (control group) was collected and centrifugated; IgA, IgG, and IgM were measured with the colorimetric immunoenzymatic method. Moreover, the following periodontal clinical parameters were recorded for each subject: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Results A significantly (p< 0.05) lower Ig level was observed in smoking patients (IgA: 20.0 ± 1.2 mg/dl; IgM: 19.5 ± 1.6 mg/dl; IgG: 8.1 ± 1.4 mg/dl) compared to levels in the non-smoking control group (IgA: 234.1 ± 65.2 mg/dl; IgM: 121.0 ± 31.7 mg/dl; IgG: 1049.4 ± 102 mg/dl). In the test group, PI (2.2 ± 0.3), GI (2.4 ±0.5), PD (49.3 ± 9.2%), and CAL (49.3 ± 4.6%) were higher (p< 0.05) than those observed in the control group (PI: 0.8 ± 0.4; GI: 0.7 ± 0.3; PD: 10.6 ± 2.4%; CAL: 3.1 ± 0.8%). Conclusion Smoking subjects showed lower levels of salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM and a worse periodontal condition than non-smoking subjects. On the base of our study, as smoking subjects also had lower levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in their saliva than non-smoking subjects, despite the fact that there is little evidence that the salivary Igs have a protective action against periodontitis and that the whole saliva does not result in whole from the salivary glands, it can be concluded that the deteriorated periodontal health conditions of these patients can be attributed in part to a lowering of the host’s defense due to a decrease in the quantity of Igs in salivary fluid. PMID:24502245

Vaccine delivery to the oral cavity using coated microneedles induces systemic and mucosal immunity

PubMed Central

Ma, Yunzhe; Tao, Wenqian; Krebs, Shelly J.; Sutton, William F.; Haigwood, Nancy L.; Gill, Harvinder S.

2014-01-01

Purpose The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using coated microneedles to deliver vaccines into the oral cavity to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses. Method Microneedles were coated with sulforhodamine, ovalbumin and two HIV antigens. Coated microneedles were inserted into the inner lower lip and dorsal surface of the tongue of rabbits. Histology was used to confirm microneedle insertion, and systemic and mucosal immune responses were characterized by measuring antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva, respectively. Results Histological evaluation of tissues shows that coated microneedles can penetrate the lip and tongue to deliver coatings. Using ovalbumin as a model antigen it was found that the lip and the tongue are equally immunogenic sites for vaccination. Importantly, both sites also induced a significant (p < 0.05) secretory IgA in saliva compared to pre-immune saliva. Microneedle-based oral cavity vaccination was also compared to the intramuscular route using two HIV antigens, a virus-like particle and a DNA vaccine. Microneedle-based delivery to the oral cavity and the intramuscular route exhibited similar (p > 0.05) yet significant (p < 0.05) levels of antigen-specific IgG in serum. However, only the microneedle-based oral cavity vaccination group stimulated a significantly higher (p < 0.05) antigen-specific IgA response in saliva, but not intramuscular injection. Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides a novel method using microneedles to induce systemic IgG and secretory IgA in saliva, and could offer a versatile technique for oral mucosal vaccination. PMID:24623480

Environmental Inversion Effects in Face Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davidenko, Nicolas; Flusberg, Stephen J.

2012-01-01

Visual processing is highly sensitive to stimulus orientation; for example, face perception is drastically worse when faces are oriented inverted vs. upright. However, stimulus orientation must be established in relation to a particular reference frame, and in most studies, several reference frames are conflated. Which reference frame(s) matter in…

Specific IgG antibodies in sera in patients with penicillin allergy.

PubMed

Qiao, Hai-Ling; Gao, Na; Jia, Lin-Jing; Yang, Jing; Tian, Xin

2009-06-01

The role of IgG antibodies in inducing or modifying allergic reaction has not been sufficiently clarified. The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the relationship between IgG antibodies and penicillin allergy, between IgG and IgE antibodies in allergic patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Radioallergosorbent test were used to examine eight kinds of specific IgG and IgE antibodies, including major antigenic determinants: benzylpenicilloyl (BPO), ampicilloyl (APO), amoxicilloyl (AXO) and phenoxomethylpenicilloyl (PVO), and minor antigenic determinants: benzylpenicillanyl (BPA), ampicillanyl (APA), amoxicillanyl (AXA) and phenoxomethylpenicillany (PVA), in the sera of 249 patients with penicillin allergy. Except BPA-IgG, seven kinds of antigenic determinants IgG antibodies levels were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.05). Positive rates of specific IgG and IgE were 47.0 and 57.8%, while positive rate of IgE and IgG together was 77.9%. The positive rate of IgG antibodies to major antigenic determinants (42.2%) was significantly higher than that of minor antigenic determinants (8.8%) (P < 0.05). The positive rate of IgG antibodies of patients with typical clinical symptoms after penicillin administration when skin tests were negative was significantly higher than that of patients with positive skin test (P < 0.01). There were no differences between the IgG positive rates to three kinds of determinants and that of all of eight kinds. The study indicates that IgG may be important in penicillin allergy with negative skin test and IgG antibodies to major antigenic determinants probably play a more important role in the process of allergic reaction.

Radio-Optical Reference Frame Link Using the U.S. Naval Observatory Astrograph and Deep CCD Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zacharias, N.; Zacharias, M. I.

2014-05-01

Between 1997 and 2004 several observing runs were conducted, mainly with the CTIO 0.9 m, to image International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) counterparts (mostly QSOs) in order to determine accurate optical positions. Contemporary to these deep CCD images, the same fields were observed with the U.S. Naval Observatory astrograph in the same bandpass. They provide accurate positions on the Hipparcos/Tycho-2 system for stars in the 10-16 mag range used as reference stars for the deep CCD imaging data. Here we present final optical position results of 413 sources based on reference stars obtained by dedicated astrograph observations that were reduced following two different procedures. These optical positions are compared to radio very long baseline interferometry positions. The current optical system is not perfectly aligned to the ICRF radio system with rigid body rotation angles of 3-5 mas (= 3σ level) found between them for all three axes. Furthermore, statistically, the optical-radio position differences are found to exceed the total, combined, known errors in the observations. Systematic errors in the optical reference star positions and physical offsets between the centers of optical and radio emissions are both identified as likely causes. A detrimental, astrophysical, random noise component is postulated to be on about the 10 mas level. If confirmed by future observations, this could severely limit the Gaia to ICRF reference frame alignment accuracy to an error of about 0.5 mas per coordinate axis with the current number of sources envisioned to provide the link. A list of 36 ICRF sources without the detection of an optical counterpart to a limiting magnitude of about R = 22 is provided as well.

Radio-optical reference frame link using the U.S. Naval observatory astrograph and deep CCD imaging

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

Zacharias, N.; Zacharias, M. I., E-mail: nz@usno.navy.mil

2014-05-01

Between 1997 and 2004 several observing runs were conducted, mainly with the CTIO 0.9 m, to image International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) counterparts (mostly QSOs) in order to determine accurate optical positions. Contemporary to these deep CCD images, the same fields were observed with the U.S. Naval Observatory astrograph in the same bandpass. They provide accurate positions on the Hipparcos/Tycho-2 system for stars in the 10-16 mag range used as reference stars for the deep CCD imaging data. Here we present final optical position results of 413 sources based on reference stars obtained by dedicated astrograph observations that were reducedmore » following two different procedures. These optical positions are compared to radio very long baseline interferometry positions. The current optical system is not perfectly aligned to the ICRF radio system with rigid body rotation angles of 3-5 mas (= 3σ level) found between them for all three axes. Furthermore, statistically, the optical-radio position differences are found to exceed the total, combined, known errors in the observations. Systematic errors in the optical reference star positions and physical offsets between the centers of optical and radio emissions are both identified as likely causes. A detrimental, astrophysical, random noise component is postulated to be on about the 10 mas level. If confirmed by future observations, this could severely limit the Gaia to ICRF reference frame alignment accuracy to an error of about 0.5 mas per coordinate axis with the current number of sources envisioned to provide the link. A list of 36 ICRF sources without the detection of an optical counterpart to a limiting magnitude of about R = 22 is provided as well.« less

Immunoturbidimetric quantification of serum immunoglobulin G concentration in foals.

PubMed

Bauer, J E; Brooks, T P

1990-08-01

Immunoturbidimetric determination of serum IgG concentration in foals was compared with the reference methods of single radial immunodiffusion and serum protein electrophoresis. High positive correlations were discovered when the technique was compared with either of these reference methods. The zinc sulfate turbidity test for serum IgG estimation was also evaluated. Although a positive correlation was discovered when the latter method was compared with reference methods, it was not as strong as the correlation between reference methods and the immunoturbidimetric method. The immunoturbidimetric method used in this study is specific and precise for equine serum IgG determination. It is rapid and, thus, is advantageous when timely evaluation of critically ill foals is necessary. The technique should be adaptable to various spectrophotometers and microcomputers for widespread application in veterinary medicine.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in unmarried women in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran.

PubMed

Hashemi, H Jahani; Saraei, M

2010-01-01

In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 400 women referred to Qazvin community health centre laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to detect IgG anti-toxoplasma. Titres > or = 1: 20 were considered positive. The overall seropositivity was 34%. Mean age was significantly higher in seropositive women (P < 0.05). Seropositivity was highest among unemployed women (38.3%) and lowest among students (22.6%), and was significantly higher in women with less than high-school education (P < 0.05). With two-thirds of these unmarried women seronegative, they represent a high-risk group in pregnancy. Such women need to be educated to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis.

Serum IgG subclass antibodies to a variety of food antigens in patients with coeliac disease.

PubMed Central

Hvatum, M; Scott, H; Brandtzaeg, P

1992-01-01

Levels of serum IgA, IgG, and IgG subclass antibodies to a variety of dietary antigens were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays in 14 adults with untreated coeliac disease and in 10 disease controls selected because of raised total IgG activities. The untreated coeliacs showed somewhat higher total IgG activity (p approximately 0.05) and significantly raised IgA and IgG1 + IgG3 activities to gliadin but reduced IgG4 activity (p less than 0.02) compared with the controls. High IgA and IgG1 + IgG3 activities were positively correlated (r = 0.67, p less than 0.01), and so were IgG and IgG4 activities (r = 0.64, p less than 0.02). Conversely, a high IgG2 response to gliadin appeared related to a low IgA response (r = 0.55, p less than 0.05). The IgG2 response was most prominent to oat flour antigens, followed by IgG1; and the main response to soy antigens resided in IgG1, followed by IgG2 in both disease groups. There was no difference in antibody activities to oat and soy between the two groups, and raised activity to bovine serum albumin was seldom encountered. The IgA activity to alpha-lactalbumin and ovalbumin tended to be increased in the coeliacs compared with the controls. The IgG4 subclass dominated the IgG response to beta-lactoglobulin and ovalbumin and was often raised to alpha-lactalbumin, especially in the disease controls. The IgG subclass pattern to casein parallelled that to gliadin with dominance of the IgG1- and IgG3-subclass activities, especially in the coeliacs. The phlogistic potential of a response in these two subclasses might be relevant to the pathogenesis of coeliac disease and could contribute to a raised IgA gliadin response by increasing mucosal permeability. IgA activity seemed to be highest against antigens usually involved in IgE mediated food allergy. PMID:1612478

Constraining Puerto Rico - Virgin Islands microplate internal deformation with two decades of GPS observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, A. M.; Jansma, P. E.; Mattioli, G. S.; James, S. A.; Ihemedu, D.; Quintana, S. M.; Salazar, J. S.

2011-12-01

The Puerto Rico - Virgin Island microplate, a crustal block within the deformation region of the Northern Caribbean Plate Boundary Zone has been monitored with campaign and permanent Global Positioning System stations for almost 20 years. Within this time period a total of 37 sites have been used to describe and quantify internal deformation of the plate and estimate elastic strain accumulation along the key geological bounding features. In June 2011, 12 of the 20 sites that comprise the campaign GPS network in Puerto Rico were re-occupied and their results were merged with at least three years of continuous GPS data from the Puerto Rico - Virgin Islands cGPS network. The remaining 8 in PR sites will be reoccupied soon, while sites from the Virgin Islands were last reoccupied in 2007. All data were processed with v5 of GOAII using an APP strategy. Here we present the latest results of the newly computed velocity field of our mixed network in both North America and Caribbean fixed frames employing the latest IGS05 reference frame and updated satellite orbits, earth orientation, and xfiles from JPL. Of particular importance in this study are the results of a three station transect across the Lajas Valley, the most seismically active area on southwestern Puerto Rico. Relative to a fixed velocity for a campaign site on Isla Magueyes in La Parguera, the southernmost site in the Lajas Valley has a residual motion of -4.38±1.39 and 2.41±2.10 mm/yr in the north and east components, respectively. This suggests that there is SSE-directed shortening across a structure located between these two sites. In contrast, sites near Mayagüez are moving toward SW at ˜2 mm/yr relative to La Parguera. These results demonstrate the PRVI block shows small internal deformation in addition to its generally westward rigid block translation relative the stable interior of the Caribbean plate.

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid-enriched Butter After 24 hours of Intestinal Mucositis Induction.

PubMed

Barros, Patrícia Aparecida Vieira de; Generoso, Simone de Vasconcelos; Andrade, Maria Emília Rabelo; da Gama, Marco Antonio Sundfeld; Lopes, Fernando Cesar Ferraz; de Sales E Souza, Éricka Lorenna; Martins, Flaviano Dos Santos; Miranda, Sued Eustáquio Mendes; Fernandes, Simone Odília Antunes; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento

2017-01-01

Mucositis is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It refers to the inflammation of intestinal mucous membranes, and it is associated with complications such as diarrhea, weight loss, and increased intestinal permeability (IP). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of diet containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched butter on intestinal damage and inflammatory response after 24 h of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis. Mice were divided into four groups: CTL; CLA; 5-FU, and CLA 5-FU, and they were fed for 31 days. On the 30th experimental day, mucositis was induced by unique injection of 300 mg/kg of 5-FU. After 24 h (31st experimental day), IP was evaluated; ileum and fecal material were collected to determine cytokine level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The 5-FU group showed an increase in IP and MPO activity (CTL vs. 5-FU: P < 0.05). Additionally, increased levels of IP and MPO were observed in CLA 5-FU group compared to those in the test groups (P < 0.05). Animals in the CLA 5-FU group showed reduced concentrations of sIgA (CTL vs. CLA 5-FU: P < 0.05). CLA-enriched butter exacerbating the 5-FU-induced intestinal damage. Safety concerns regarding the use of CLA require further investigation.

Update on the activities of the GGOS Bureau of Networks and Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearlman, Michael R.; Pavlis, Erricos C.; Ma, Chopo; Noll, Carey; Thaller, Daniela; Richter, Bernd; Gross, Richard; Neilan, Ruth; Mueller, Juergen; Barzaghi, Ricardo;

Dynamic changes of immunoglobulin concentrations in pig colostrum and serum around parturition.

PubMed

Markowska-Daniel, I; Pomorska-Mól, M; Pejsak, Z

2010-01-01

The aim of the study was the determination of IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in porcine serum and colostrum, in order to evaluate their variations in the perinatal period, as well as to clarify whether there is a correlation between colostrum intake, initial level of immunoglobulins (Ig) in piglet serum and development of their own immunity. The mean IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in sow serum 10 days before parturition were 1.58, 6.12 and 39.56 mg/ml, respectively. Seven days later only the IgG level was insignificantly lower (34.94 mg/ml, p = 0.55), while concentrations of IgA and IgM increased to 2.25 and 7.25 mg/ml, respectively (p = 0.23 and 0.62, respectively). The mean initial IgG concentration in colostrum at farrowing was 118.5 mg/ml and differed between sows. The average value of IgA in colostrum at birth was 23.8 mg/ml and decreased to 7.85 mg/ml at 6 hours (h) and to 4.59 mg/ml at 24 h after the onset of farrowing. IgM concentration at birth was 12.1 mg/ml and decreased to 4.23 mg/ml at 24 h postpartum. Positive relationships were found between concentrations of IgM and IgA in serum of piglets at 14 and 56 days of life (r = 0.41 and 0.80, respectively, p < or = 0.05) as well as for IgG concentration in the piglets serum at 7 days and 56 days of age (r = 0.48, p < or = 0.05). The above observations suggest that there is a correlation between the level of Ig in piglet serum in the first days of life and improvement of their own immunity.

Classical and quantum communication without a shared reference frame.

PubMed

Bartlett, Stephen D; Rudolph, Terry; Spekkens, Robert W

2003-07-11

We show that communication without a shared reference frame is possible using entangled states. Both classical and quantum information can be communicated with perfect fidelity without a shared reference frame at a rate that asymptotically approaches one classical bit or one encoded qubit per transmitted qubit. We present an optical scheme to communicate classical bits without a shared reference frame using entangled photon pairs and linear optical Bell state measurements.

[Investigation of Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus markers by serological and molecular methods in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus].

PubMed

Us, Tercan; Cetin, Esin; Kaşifoğlu, Nilgün; Kaşifoğlu, Timuçin; Akgün, Yurdanur

2011-10-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which are autoimmune diseases usually questioned for their association with many infectious agents have etiopathogenesis related to genetic, immunologic, hormonal and even environmental factors. The most commonly attributed etiologic agents are herpes group viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex (HSV) viruses in the etiology of RA and SLE. A total of 137 patients (87 RA and 50 SLE; mean age: 33 ± 12 years) who were admitted to Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty Rheumatology Department between January 2007-January 2008 and diagnosed according to 1987 ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria have been included in the study, together with 50 healthy blood donors (mean age: 35 ± 14 years) as control group. Serum samples obtained from all of the cases were tested for EBV VCA-IgG, VCA-IgM, EA/D-IgG and EBNA-IgG (Trinity Biotech, USA); IgM and IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 by ELISA method (Dia-Pro Diagnostic, Italy), and the presence of viral nucleic acids in blood samples were investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR; Qiagen, USA). EBV VCA-IgM was negative in all of the RA, SLE and control group patients. VCA-IgG positivity were 98% and 96%, and for EBNA-IgG 98.5% and 100%, in patient and control groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding VCA-IgG and EBNA- IgG positivity (p> 0.05). On the other hand, EBV EA/D-IgG positivity rate found in the SLE group (34%) was significantly higher than RA (7%) and control (12%) groups (p< 0.001 and p< 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference between RA and control groups in terms of EA/D-IgG positivity (p> 0.05). Regarding herpes simplex virus serology, HSV1-IgG seropositivity were 99% and 94% and HSV2-IgG positivity were 8% and 12% in the patient and control groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to the positivity rates of IgM and IgG specific for HSV-1 and HSV-2 (p> 0.05). All of the cases were found negative in terms of EBV, HSV-1 and HSV- 2 DNAs according to double-checked RT-PCR results. In conclusion, no significant difference was determined for EBV and HSV serologic markers in RA and SLE patients compared to the control group. However, significantly higher rate of EBV EA/D-IgG positivity in SLE patients might have indicated a possible association between SLE and EBV infection. Larger scale, prospective studies including examination of the synovial fluid/tissue samples are required to enlighten the association between SLE and EBV.

Frames of Reference: A Metaphor for Analyzing and Interpreting Attitudes of Environmental Policy Makers and Policy Influencers

PubMed

Swaffield

1998-07-01

/ The concept of frame of reference offers a potentially useful analytical metaphor in environmental management. This is illustrated by a case study in which attitudes of individuals involved in the management of trees in the New Zealand high country are classified into seven distinctive frames of reference. Some practical and theoretical implications of the use of the frame metaphor are explored, including its potential contribution to the emerg- ing field of communicative planning. KEY WORDS: Frames of reference; Environmental policy analysis; Metaphor; New Zealand high country

Clinical trial to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of an oral inactivated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli prototype vaccine containing CFA/I overexpressing bacteria and recombinantly produced LTB/CTB hybrid protein.

PubMed

Lundgren, A; Leach, S; Tobias, J; Carlin, N; Gustafsson, B; Jertborn, M; Bourgeois, L; Walker, R; Holmgren, J; Svennerholm, A-M

2013-02-06

We have developed a new oral vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) diarrhea containing killed recombinant E. coli bacteria expressing increased levels of ETEC colonization factors (CFs) and a recombinant protein (LCTBA), i.e. a hybrid between the binding subunits of E. coli heat labile toxin (LTB) and cholera toxin (CTB). We describe a randomized, comparator controlled, double-blind phase I trial in 60 adult Swedish volunteers of a prototype of this vaccine. The safety and immunogenicity of the prototype vaccine, containing LCTBA and an E. coli strain overexpressing the colonization factor CFA/I, was compared to a previously developed oral ETEC vaccine, consisting of CTB and inactivated wild type ETEC bacteria expressing CFA/I (reference vaccine). Groups of volunteers were given two oral doses of either the prototype or the reference vaccine; the prototype vaccine was administered at the same or a fourfold higher dosage than the reference vaccine. The prototype vaccine was found to be safe and equally well-tolerated as the reference vaccine at either dosage tested. The prototype vaccine induced mucosal IgA (fecal secretory IgA and intestine-derived IgA antibody secreting cell) responses to both LTB and CFA/I, as well as serum IgA and IgG antibody responses to LTB. Immunization with LCTBA resulted in about twofold higher mucosal and systemic IgA responses against LTB than a comparable dose of CTB. The higher dose of the prototype vaccine induced significantly higher fecal and systemic IgA responses to LTB and fecal IgA responses to CFA/I than the reference vaccine. These results demonstrate that CF over-expression and inclusion of the LCTBA hybrid protein in an oral inactivated ETEC vaccine does not change the safety profile when compared to a previous generation of such a vaccine and that the prototype vaccine induces significant dose dependent mucosal immune responses against CFA/I and LTB. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparative evaluation of six principal IgY antibody extraction methods.

PubMed

Ren, Hao; Yang, Wenjing; Thirumalai, Diraviyam; Zhang, Xiaoying; Schade, Rüdiger

2016-03-01

Egg yolk has been considered a promising source of antibodies. Our study was designed to compare six principal IgY extraction methods (water dilution, polyethylene glycol [PEG] precipitation, caprylic acid extraction, chloroform extraction, phenol extraction, and carrageenan extraction), and to assess their relative extraction efficiencies and the purity of the resulting antibodies. The results showed that the organic solvents (chloroform or phenol) minimised the lipid ratio in the egg yolk. The water dilution, PEG precipitation and caprylic acid extraction methods resulted in high yields, and antibodies purified with PEG and carrageenan exhibited high purity. Our results indicate that phenol extraction would be more suitable for preparing high concentrations of IgY for non-therapeutic usage, while the water dilution and carrageenan extraction methods would be more appropriate for use in the preparation of IgY for oral administration. 2016 FRAME.

Connection Between the ICRF and the Dynamical Reference Frame for the Outer Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Neto, D. N.; Assafin, M.; Andrei, A. H.; Vieira Martins, R.

2005-01-01

This work brings an approach intending to improve the connection between the Dynamical Reference Frame and the Extragalactic Reference Frame. For that, close encounters of outer Solar System objects and quasars are used. With this goal, Uranus, Neptune and two quasars were observed at Laborat´orio Nacional de Astrof´ısica (LNA), Brazil. The optical reference frame is the HCRF, as given by the UCAC2 catalogue. The first results show an accuracy of 45 mas - 50 mas in the optical positions. The optical minus radio offsets give the local orientation between the catalogue and radio frame. From this, it is possible to place the optical planet coordinates on the extragalactic frame. A comparison between the new corrected optical coordinates and the respective DE ephemeris to these planets can give the instant orientations of the Dynamical Reference Frame with regard to the ICRS, for this zone of outer Solar System.

Estimating pixel variances in the scenes of staring sensors

DOEpatents

Simonson, Katherine M [Cedar Crest, NM; Ma, Tian J [Albuquerque, NM

2012-01-24

A technique for detecting changes in a scene perceived by a staring sensor is disclosed. The technique includes acquiring a reference image frame and a current image frame of a scene with the staring sensor. A raw difference frame is generated based upon differences between the reference image frame and the current image frame. Pixel error estimates are generated for each pixel in the raw difference frame based at least in part upon spatial error estimates related to spatial intensity gradients in the scene. The pixel error estimates are used to mitigate effects of camera jitter in the scene between the current image frame and the reference image frame.

Coexistence of Acute Crescent Glomerulonephritis and IgG4-Related Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Lu, Zeyuan; Yin, Jianyong; Bao, Hongda; Jiao, Qiong; Wu, Huijuan; Wu, Rui; Xue, Qin; Wang, Niansong; Zhang, Zhigang; Wang, Feng

2016-01-01

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory disorder that may involve almost each organ or system. IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) refers to renal lesions associated with IgG4-RD. The most frequent morphological type of renal lesions is IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis (IgG4-TIN) which is associated with increased IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis. Herein, we present a rare case with coexisting IgG4-RKD and acute crescent glomerulonephritis with concomitant severe tubulointerstitial lesions instead of classic IgG4-TIN. IgG4-RKD and acute crescent glomerulonephritis can occur in the same patient. This case may give us a clearer viewpoint of the disease.

Spatial vision within egocentric and exocentric frames of reference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Ian P.

1991-01-01

It is remarkable that we are able to perceive a stable visual world and judge the directions, orientations, and movements of visual objects given that images move on the retina, the eyes move in the head, the head moves on the body, and the body moves in space. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying perceptual stability and spatial judgements requires precise definitions of relevant coordinate systems. An egocentric frame of reference is defined with respect to some part of the observer. There are four principal egocentric frames of reference, a station-point frame associated with the nodal point of the eye, an retinocentric frame associated with the retina, a headcentric frame associated with the head, and a bodycentric frame (torsocentric) associated with the torso. Additional egocentric frames can be identified with respect to any segment of the body. An egocentric task is one in which the position, orientation, or motion of an object is judged with respect to an egocentric frame of reference. A proprioceptive is a special kind of egocentric task in which the object being judged is also part of the body. An example of a proprioceptive task is that of directing the gaze toward the seen or unseen toe. An exocentric frame of reference is external to the observer. Geographical coordinates and the direction of gravity are examples of exocentric frames of reference. These various frames are listed in tabular form, together with examples of judgements of each type.

Comparison of a commercial Varicella Zoster glycoprotein IgG enzyme immunoassay with a reference time resolved fluorescence immunoassay (VZV TRFIA) for measuring VZV IgG in sera from pregnant women, sera sent for confirmatory testing and pre and post vOka vaccination sera from healthcare workers.

PubMed

Maple, P A C; Breuer, J; Quinlivan, M; Kafatos, G; Brown, K E

2012-03-01

Recently, a commercial, standardised VZV IgG glycoprotein EIA, Binding Site VaccZyme™VZV glycoprotein IgG low level EIA (VaccZyme™EIA) has become available. The VaccZyme™EIA is more robust and user friendly than the reference VZV time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (VZV TRFIA). To assess the usefulness of the VaccZyme™EIA in the diagnostic laboratory by comparing VZV IgG levels generated by both assays on serum panels representing, non-vaccinated, and vOka vaccinated populations. Sera from non-vaccinated individuals were tested; 248 from pregnant women, 117 from various patient groups referred to the Virus Reference Department for confirmatory VZV IgG testing and 102 from healthcare workers enrolled in a study (ROVE) of antibody/IgG response to vOka. From the ROVE study, 282 post vaccination sera were tested; 108 and 101 collected at six weeks post first and second doses of vOka, respectively, and 73 collected at 18 month follow-up. Sensitivities and specificities (equivocals treated as negatives) of the VaccZyme™EIA for sera from pregnant women were 97.8% (95% CI: [94.6%, 99.4%]) and 96.8% (95% CI: [89.0%, 99.6%]), respectively, and for sera referred for confirmatory testing were 81.2% (95% CI: [71.2%, 88.8%]) and 96.9% (95% CI: [83.8%, 99.9%]), respectively, and for ROVE baseline sera were 54.2% (95% CI: [32.8%, 74.4%]) and 100% (95% CI: [95.4%, 100.0%]), respectively. For the post vOka serum panels sensitivities of the VaccZyme™EIA ranged from 65.3% (95% CI: [50.4%, 78.3%]) to 80.4% (95% CI: [71.1%, 87.8%]). Specificities were all 100%. Correlation with VZV TRFIA was high and agreement varied between the serum panels tested. VaccZyme™EIA is recommended for detecting VZV IgG in sera from non-vaccinated populations; however, caution is advised when measuring post vOka VZV IgG levels. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early 4-week cardiac rehabilitation exercise training in elderly patients after heart surgery.

PubMed

Eder, Barbara; Hofmann, Peter; von Duvillard, Serge P; Brandt, Dieter; Schmid, Jean-Paul; Pokan, Rochus; Wonisch, Manfred

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effects on exercise performance of supplementing a standard cardiac rehabilitation program with additional exercise programming compared to the standard cardiac rehabilitation program alone in elderly patients after heart surgery. In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients (32 men and 28 women, mean age 73.1 +/- 4.7 years) completed cardiac rehabilitation (initiated 12.2 +/- 4.9 days postsurgery). Subjects were assigned to either a control group (CG, standard cardiac rehabilitation program [n = 19]), or an intervention group (IG, additional walking [n = 19], or cycle ergometry training [n = 22]). A symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed before and after 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. The MacNew questionnaire was used to assess quality of life (QOL). At baseline, no significant differences for peak oxygen uptake ((.)VO2), maximal power output, or the 6MWT were detected between IG and CG. Global QOL was significantly higher in IG. After 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, patients significantly improved in absolute values of the cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6MWT, and QOL scores. Significant differences between groups were found for peak (.)VO2 (IG: 18.2 +/- 3.1 mL x kg x min vs. CG: 16.5 +/- 2.2 mL x kg x min, P < .05); maximal power output (IG: 72.2 +/- 16 W vs. CG: 60.7 +/- 15 W, P < .05); 6MWT (IG: 454.8 +/- 76.3 m vs. CG: 400.5 +/- 75.5 m, P < .05); and QOL global (IG: 6.5 +/- 0.5 vs. CG: 6.3 +/- 0.6, P < .05). The supplementation of additional walking or cycle exercise training to standard cardiac rehabilitation programming compared to standard cardiac rehabilitation alone in elderly patients after heart surgery leads to significantly better exercise tolerance.

Toxoplasma gondii causes death and plastic alteration in the jejunal myenteric plexus

PubMed Central

Araújo, Eduardo José de Almeida; Zaniolo, Larissa Marchi; Vicentino, Suellen Laís; Góis, Marcelo Biondaro; Zanoni, Jacqueline Nelisis; da Silva, Aristeu Vieira; Sant’Ana, Débora de Mello Gonçales

2015-01-01

AIM: To assess the effects of ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strain infection on the myenteric plexus and external muscle of the jejunum in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed into two groups: the control group (CG) (n = 15) received 1 mL of saline solution orally, and the infected group (IG) (n = 15) inoculated with 1 mL of saline solution containing 500 oocysts of M-49 T. gondii strain orally. After 36 d of infection, the rats were euthanized. Infection with T. gondii was confirmed by blood samples collected from all rats at the beginning and end of the experiment. The jejunum of five animals was removed and submitted to routine histological processing (paraffin) for analysis of external muscle thickness. The remaining jejunum from the others animals was used to analyze the general population and the NADH-diaphorase, VIPergic and nitrergic subpopulations of myenteric neurons; and the enteric glial cells (S100-IR). RESULTS: Serological analysis showed that animals from the IG were infected with the parasite. Hypertrophy affecting jejunal muscle thickness was observed in the IG rats (77.02 ± 42.71) in relation to the CG (51.40 ± 12.34), P < 0.05. In addition, 31.2% of the total number of myenteric neurons died (CG: 39839.3 ± 5362.3; IG: 26766.6 ± 2177.6; P < 0.05); hyperplasia of nitrergic myenteric neurons was observed (CG: 7959.0 ± 1290.4; IG: 10893.0 ± 1156.3; P < 0.05); general hypertrophy of the cell body in the remaining myenteric neurons was noted [CG: 232.5 (187.2-286.0); IG: 248.2 (204.4-293.0); P < 0.05]; hypertrophy of the smallest varicosities containing VIP neurotransmitter was seen (CG: 0.46 ± 0.10; IG: 0.80 ± 0.16; P < 0.05) and a reduction of 25.3% in enteric glia cells (CG: 12.64 ± 1.27; IG: 10.09 ± 2.10; P < 0.05) was observed in the infected rats. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that infection with oocysts of ME-49 T. gondii strain caused quantitative and plastic alterations in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum in rats. PMID:25944996

Multiplexed Anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM, and IgA Assay on Plasmonic Gold Chips: towards Making Mass Screening Possible with Dye Test Precision

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoyang; Pomares, Christelle; Gonfrier, Géraldine; Koh, Byumseok; Zhu, Shoujun; Gong, Ming

2016-01-01

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can lead to severe sequelae in the fetus during pregnancy. Definitive serologic diagnosis of the infection during gestation is made mostly by detecting T. gondii-specific antibodies, including IgG and IgM, individually in a single serum sample by using commercially available kits. The IgA test is used by some laboratories as an additional marker of acute infection. Most of the commercial tests have failed to reach 100% correlation with the reference method, the Sabin-Feldman dye test for the detection of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. For Toxoplasma IgM and IgA antibodies, there is no reference method and their evaluation is done by comparing the results of one assay to those of another. There is a need for multiplexed assay platforms, as the serological diagnosis of T. gondii infection does not rely on the detection of a single Ig subtype. Here we describe the development of a plasmonic gold chip with vast fluorescence enhancement in the near-infrared region for simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against T. gondii in an ∼1-μl serum or whole-blood sample. When 168 samples were tested on this platform, IgG antibody detection sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were all 100%. IgM antibody detection achieved 97.6% sensitivity and 96.9% specificity with a 90.9% PPV and a 99.2% NPV. Thus, the nanoscience-based plasmonic gold platform enables a high-performance, low-cost, multiplexed assay requiring ultrasmall blood volumes, paving the way for the implementation of universal screening for toxoplasmosis infection during gestation. PMID:27008879

Contextual cueing of tactile search is coded in an anatomical reference frame.

PubMed

Assumpção, Leonardo; Shi, Zhuanghua; Zang, Xuelian; Müller, Hermann J; Geyer, Thomas

2018-04-01

This work investigates the reference frame(s) underlying tactile context memory, a form of statistical learning in a tactile (finger) search task. In this task, if a searched-for target object is repeatedly encountered within a stable spatial arrangement of task-irrelevant distractors, detecting the target becomes more efficient over time (relative to nonrepeated arrangements), as learned target-distractor spatial associations come to guide tactile search, thus cueing attention to the target location. Since tactile search displays can be represented in several reference frames, including multiple external and an anatomical frame, in Experiment 1 we asked whether repeated search displays are represented in tactile memory with reference to an environment-centered or anatomical reference frame. In Experiment 2, we went on examining a hand-centered versus anatomical reference frame of tactile context memory. Observers performed a tactile search task, divided into a learning and test session. At the transition between the two sessions, we introduced postural manipulations of the hands (crossed ↔ uncrossed in Expt. 1; palm-up ↔ palm-down in Expt. 2) to determine the reference frame of tactile contextual cueing. In both experiments, target-distractor associations acquired during learning transferred to the test session when the placement of the target and distractors was held constant in anatomical, but not external, coordinates. In the latter, RTs were even slower for repeated displays. We conclude that tactile contextual learning is coded in an anatomical reference frame. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

A New Method with General Diagnostic Utility for the Calculation of Immunoglobulin G Avidity

PubMed Central

Korhonen, Maria H.; Brunstein, John; Haario, Heikki; Katnikov, Alexei; Rescaldani, Roberto; Hedman, Klaus

1999-01-01

The reference method for immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity determination includes reagent-consuming serum titration. Aiming at better IgG avidity diagnostics, we applied a logistic model for the reproduction of antibody titration curves. This method was tested with well-characterized serum panels for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, rubella virus, parvovirus B19, and Toxoplasma gondii. This approach for IgG avidity calculation is generally applicable and attains the diagnostic performance of the reference method while being less laborious and twice as cost-effective. PMID:10473525

An investigation into the effects of maternal supplementation with excess iodine on the mechanisms and impacts of reduced IgG absorption in the lamb postpartum.

PubMed

McGovern, F M; Sweeney, T; Ryan, M T; Lott, S; Campion, F P; Boland, T M

2017-04-01

An experiment was conducted to determine: (1) the effect of excess maternal I supplementation on the thyroid hormone status of the ewe and her progeny; (2) potential mechanisms underpinning the failure of passive transfer associated with excess I and (3) the growing lambs' response to natural gastrointestinal infection. Twin-bearing ewes received one of two treatments (n 32/treatment group): basal diet (C) or C plus 26·6 mg of iodine/ewe per d (I), supplied as calcium iodate. Ewes were individually fed from day 119 of gestation to parturition. Progeny of I ewes had lower (P<0·01) serum IgG concentrations from 24 h to 28 d postpartum but higher serum IgG concentrations at day 70 postpartum (P<0·05). I supplementation increased the relative expression of Fc receptor, IgA, IgM high affinity and polymeric Ig receptor in the ileum of the lamb at 24 h postpartum; however, thyroid hormone receptor-β (THRB) and β-2-microglobulin (B2M) expression declined (P<0·05). Progeny of I ewes had higher growth rates to weaning (P<0·05) and lower faecal egg count (FEC) for Nematodirus battus (P<0·05) between weeks 6 and 10 postpartum. In conclusion, excess maternal I supplementation negatively affected the thyroid hormone status, serum IgG concentration, ileal morphology and the gene expression of THRB and B2M in the ileum and ras-related protein (RAB) RAB25 and the mucin gene (MUC) MUC1 in the duodenum of the lamb postpartum. These effects were followed by an enhancement of average daily gain and lower N. battus FEC in the pre-weaning period of I-supplemented lambs.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are associated with body fat mass and systemic inflammation, but not with dietary yeast consumption: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Kvehaugen, Anne Stine; Aasbrenn, Martin; Farup, Per G

2017-01-01

Baker's/brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , has been used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters to improve growth performance in animals. In humans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is among the most commonly detected fungi in fecal samples and likely originates from food. Recently, an association between anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and obesity in humans was suggested, but the cause of the elevated ASCA levels is not clear. Our aim was to study ASCA in morbidly obese subjects and explore potential associations with anthropometrics, diet, co-morbidities and biomarkers of inflammation and gut permeability. Subjects with morbid obesity referred to a specialized hospital unit were included. Diet and clinical data were recorded with self-administered questionnaires. Main dietary sources of baker's/brewer's yeast (e.g. bread and beer) were used as a proxy for the intake of yeast. Laboratory analyses included ASCA, serum zonulin (reflecting gut permeability), C-reactive protein and a routine haematological and biochemical screening. One-hundred-and-forty subjects; 109 (78%) female, 98 with dietary records, mean age 43 years and BMI 42 kg/m 2 were included. The number of ASCA positive subjects was 31 (22%) for IgG, 4 (2.9%) for IgA and 3 (2.1%) for IgM. Age, body fat mass and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in IgG-positive compared to IgG-negative subjects ( P  < 0.05). A borderline significant association was found between elevated zonulin and ASCA IgG-positivity ( P  = 0.06). No association was found between yeast-containing food and ASCA IgG-positivity, or between yeast-containing food and fat mass. The findings indicate that ASCA IgG-positivity may be linked to the generalized inflammation commonly seen with increased adiposity, but not to dietary yeast intake. Other potential causes for the raised ASCA IgG concentrations, such as genetic predisposition, deviations in the gut microbiota and cross-reactivity of ASCA with other antigens, were not explored.

High natural antibody titers of indigenous chickens are related with increased hazard in confinement

PubMed Central

Wondmeneh, E.; Van Arendonk, J. A. M.; Van der Waaij, E. H.; Ducro, B. J.; Parmentier, H. K.

2015-01-01

Natural antibody (NAb) levels and survival rates were evaluated in 4 breeds of laying hens in Ethiopia: indigenous, improved indigenous, exotic layer, and crossbred. Titers of NAb isotypes IgG and IgM binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in serum were measured at 20, 26, 35, and 45 wk age. Repeated-measure ANOVA showed that IgG and IgM levels vary with time within each breed (P < 0.05). Indigenous chickens had significantly (P < 0.05) higher NAb levels at all ages. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed increased hazard with increased levels of NAbs in the exotic layers (P < 0.05). However, the reduced hazards with increased levels of NAbs were not significant in the improved indigenous and crossbred chickens. Indigenous chickens showed increased hazard with increasing levels of NAb (P > 0.05). We concluded that not only the NAb levels but also the effect of Nabs on survival vary between indigenous and improved breeds. The results indicate that NAb levels are associated with survival in elite (improved) breeds, but are associated with increased hazard in indigenous chickens. PMID:25910906

Determining the IgM and IgG antibodies titer against HSV1, HSV2 and CMV in the serum of schizophrenia patients.

PubMed

Mohagheghi, Masome; Eftekharian, Mohammad Mahdi; Taheri, Mohammad; Alikhani, Mohammad Yousef

2018-02-05

Schizophrenia is a destructive clinical syndrome with diverse mental pathologies. Different mechanisms and factors have a role in this disease. A possible mechanism is that teratogenic viruses cause brain changes and results in the disease appearance. The schizophrenia patients were diagnosed by psychologists and with the consent of patients, five CC of venous blood was drawn. Than Serum samples were isolated and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were quantified by ELISA sandwich kit. The Results showed that anti-CMV and anti-HSV1 and anti-HSV2 IgG antibodies in schizophrenia patients were increased significantly (p< 0.05). The increasing of the anti-HSV2 IgM was also observed but increasing amount of the anti-HSV1 IgM was not statistically significant (p< 0.05). Therefore, as a result of this study CMV and HSV1 and HSV2 infection can probably intensify the symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

Evaluation and Selection of Appropriate Reference Genes for Real-Time Quantitative PCR Analysis of Gene Expression in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Vaccination and Infection

PubMed Central

Wang, Erlong; Wang, Kaiyu; Chen, Defang; Wang, Jun; He, Yang; Long, Bo; Yang, Lei; Yang, Qian; Geng, Yi; Huang, Xiaoli; Ouyang, Ping; Lai, Weimin

2015-01-01

qPCR as a powerful and attractive methodology has been widely applied to aquaculture researches for gene expression analyses. However, the suitable reference selection is critical for normalizing target genes expression in qPCR. In the present study, six commonly used endogenous controls were selected as candidate reference genes to evaluate and analyze their expression levels, stabilities and normalization to immune-related gene IgM expression during vaccination and infection in spleen of tilapia with RefFinder and GeNorm programs. The results showed that all of these candidate reference genes exhibited transcriptional variations to some extent at different periods. Among them, EF1A was the most stable reference with RefFinder, followed by 18S rRNA, ACTB, UBCE, TUBA and GAPDH respectively and the optimal number of reference genes for IgM normalization under different experiment sets was two with GeNorm. Meanwhile, combination the Cq (quantification cycle) value and the recommended comprehensive ranking of reference genes, EF1A and ACTB, the two optimal reference genes, were used together as reference genes for accurate analysis of immune-related gene expression during vaccination and infection in Nile tilapia with qPCR. Moreover, the highest IgM expression level was at two weeks post-vaccination when normalized to EF1A, 18S rRNA, ACTB, and EF1A together with ACTB compared to one week post-vaccination before normalizing, which was also consistent with the IgM antibody titers detection by ELISA. PMID:25941937

The Association between Tobacco Smoke and Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels in Korean Adults.

PubMed

Kim, Young Soo; Kim, Hee Yeon; Ahn, Hyo-Suk; Sohn, Tae Seo; Song, Jae Yen; Lee, Young Bok; Lee, Dong-Hee; Lee, Jae-Im; Jeong, Seong Cheol; Chae, Hiun Suk; Han, Kyungdo; Yeo, Chang Dong

2017-10-01

Objective Smoking is common in patients with allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional association between the current smoking status and total and specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in Korean adults. Methods Data were obtained from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national cross-sectional study. We analyzed the data of subjects whose smoking status and serum IgE levels were of acceptable quality. Results A total of 1,963 subjects (1,118 never smokers, 340 ex-smokers, and 505 current smokers) were included. The total IgE levels and specific IgE levels to house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), cockroach, and dog allergens in never smokers were significantly (p<0.0001) lower than in ex-smokers or current smokers. After adjusting for other variables, current smokers independently had significantly higher levels of total IgE and cockroach-specific IgE than ex-smokers or never smokers. The proportions of subjects with total IgE ≥150 kU/L and specific IgE ≥0.35 kU/L to Df-specific IgE were significantly (p value for trend <0.05) increased in ex-smokers and current smokers. The total IgE levels and IgE levels specific to Df, cockroaches, and dogs significantly (p value for trend <0.05) and proportionally increased with increasing numbers of cigarettes smoked daily. Conclusion Smoking was associated with elevated total IgE levels and IgE levels specific to Df, cockroach, and dog allergens in a cumulative, dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, current smoking status was an independent risk factor for elevated total IgE levels and IgE levels specific to cockroach allergen.

CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5(+) CD4(+) T cells are positively correlated with levels of IL-21 in active and transitional cystic echinococcosis patients.

PubMed

Zhang, Fengbo; Pang, Nannan; Zhu, Yuejie; Zhou, Dexian; Zhao, Hui; Hu, Jinwei; Ma, Xiumin; Li, Jun; Wen, Hao; Samten, Buka; Fan, Haining; Ding, Jianbing

2015-10-26

In our study, we investigated whether circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) and the related cytokines are involved in human cystic echinococcosis (CE). A total of 64 patients with CE and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Percentages of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) cells within CXCR5(+) CD4(+) T cells (circulating Tfh cells) were detected by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-21 and IL-4 in peripheral blood were detected by cytometric bead array. The mRNA expression of IL-21, IL-4, Bcl-6, and Blimp-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by real-time PCR. Levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 in the patients' sera were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Percentages of circulating Tfh cells were significantly increased in the CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups (p < 0.05). The concentrations of IL-21 and IL-4 in the serum were significantly increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups (p < 0.05). IL-21 was positively correlated with circulating Tfh cells in CE3 group (r = 0.779, p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-21, IL-4, and Bcl-6 were increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups. Levels of IgG1 and IgG4 in patients' sera were increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups. Levels of IgG2 and IgG3 were increased in CE4-5 group. Additionally, after stimulation with hydatid fluid in vitro, the levels of circulating Tfh cells, IL-21 and IL-4 in PBMCs isolated from CE patients were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The levels of circulating Tfh and related cytokines were significantly increased in CE patients, suggesting that they are involved in human CE.

[Effect of vitamine A on mice immune response induced by specific periodontal pathogenic bacteria-immunization].

PubMed

Lin, Xiao-Ping; Zhou, Xiao-Jia; Liu, Hong-Li; DU, Li-Li; Toshihisa, Kawai

2010-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamine-A deficiency on the induction of specific periodontal pathogenic bacteria A. actinomycetetemcomitans(Aa) immunization. BALB/c mice were fed with vitamine A-depleted diet or control regular diet throughout the whole experiment period. After 2 weeks, immunized formalin-killed Aa to build immunized models, 6 weeks later, sacrificed to determine specific antibody-IgG, IgM and sub-class IgG antibody titers in serum, and concentration of IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and RANKL in T cell supernatant were measured by ELISA and T cell proliferation was measured by cintilography. SPSS 11.5 software package was used for statistical analysis. The levels of whole IgG and IgM antibody which were immunized by Aa significantly elevated, non-immune group was unable to produce any antibody. Compared with Aa immunized+RD group, the level of whole IgG in Aa immunized+VAD group was significantly higher (P<0.05); The levels of IgG2a increased obviously, whereas the levels of IgG1 subtype antibody conspicuous decreased, with a significant difference (P<0.05). Aa immunized group could induce body to produce a strong specific T-cell immune response, but Aa immunized+VAD group had a higher T cell proliferate response compared with Aa immunized+RD group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05); The expression of RANKL, IFN-γ and TNF-α supernatant increased, while the expression of IL-10 decreased (P<0.05). The lack of vitamin-A diet can increase the immunized mice's susceptibility to periodontal pathogenic bacteria and trigger or aggravate immune inflammatory response. Adequate vitamin A is an important factor in maintaining body health. Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (Grant No.20092139) and Science and Technology Program of Shenyang Municipality (Grant No.F10-149-9-32).

Eight proxy indices of solar activity for the International Reference Ionosphere and Plasmasphere model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaeva, T. L.; Arikan, F.; Sezen, U.; Poustovalova, L. V.

2018-07-01

In view of the recent recalibration of the sunspot number time series SSN2, a need has arisen to re-evaluate solar and ionospheric indices in the International Reference Ionosphere, IRI, and its extension to the Plasmasphere, IRI-Plas models, which are developed using the predecessor SSN1 index. To improve efficiency of the model, eight solar proxy indices are introduced in IRI-Plas system: the daily measured solar emissions, the Ottawa 10.7-cm radio flux F10.7 and the H Lyman-α line at 121.6 nm; the core-to-wing ratio of the magnesium ion h and k lines at 279.56 and 280.27 nm, MgII index; sunspot number SSN1 observed before 05.2015 and modelled afterwards; re-calibrated SSN2 sunspots time series; the ionosonde foF2-based global IG-index and the Global Electron Content, GEC, index, the new ionospheric TEC-noon index based on GPS-derived Total Electron Content measurements at 288 IGS stations for 1994-2018. The regression relations are deduced between the different solar and ionospheric proxy indices smoothed by 12-month sliding window. The IG, TEC and GEC saturation or amplification effect is observed towards the solar maximum. The SSN1 and F10.7 data serve as a default IRI-Plas input while the rest indices are scaled to SSN1 units envisaged by the F2 layer peak maps. Relevant subroutines are incorporated in IRI-Plas system for automatic conversion of user's predefined index to other related indices which are applied by the different model procedures.

Intake of indigestible carbohydrates influences IgA response and polymeric Ig receptor expression in the rat submandibular gland.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Yuko; To, Masahiro; Hayashi, Takashi; Shimizu, Tomoko; Kamata, Yohei; Saruta, Juri; Takahashi, Toru; Tsukinoki, Keiichi

2015-06-28

Secretory IgA in the saliva is essential for protection from mucosally transmitted pathogens and maintaining homeostasis at mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity. Expression of submandibular gland polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) is essential for IgA secretion. In the present study, we investigated the influence of indigestible carbohydrates on IgA production in the salivary gland and saliva. Five-week-old rats were fed a fibre-free diet (control), or a diet with 5 % (w/w) fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) or a combination of 2·5 % (w/w) polydextrose (PDX) and 2·5 % (w/w) lactitol for 21-d. IgA concentrations in the caecal digesta, submandibular gland tissue, and saliva in the FOS and PDX+lactitol diet groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P< 0·05). The increase in IgA in the submandibular gland tissue was confirmed using immunohistochemical analysis. However, the IgA concentrations of serum did not differ between the FOS or PDX+lactitol groups and the control group (P= 0·5). In the FOS and PDX+lactitol groups, the pIgR mRNA (pIgR/β-actin) expression level in the submandibular gland tissue was significantly higher than that in the control group (P< 0·05). The present study suggests that indigestible carbohydrates play an important role in the increase in IgA concentrations in the submandibular gland tissue, saliva, and caecal digesta.

Decreased IgA+ B cells population and IgA, IgG, IgM contents of the cecal tonsil induced by dietary high fluorine in broilers.

PubMed

Liu, Juan; Cui, Hengmin; Peng, Xi; Fang, Jing; Zuo, Zhicai; Deng, Junliang; Wang, Hesong; Wu, Bangyuan; Deng, Yuanxin; Wang, Kangping

2013-05-02

Fluoride is an environmental and industrial pollutant that affects various organs in humans and animals. The cecal tonsil is an important component of the mucosal immune system and performs important and unique immune functions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary high fluorine on the quantities of IgA+ B cells in the cecal tonsil by immunohistochemistry, and the immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) contents in the cecal tonsil by ELISA. A total of 280 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine 22.6 mg/kg) or the same diet supplemented with 400, 800 and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II and III) in the form of sodium fluoride, respectively, throughout a 42-day experimental period. The results showed that the quantities of IgA+ B cells were lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and the IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in high fluorine groups II and III in comparison with those of control group. It was concluded that dietary fluorine, in the 800-1,200 mg/kg range, could reduce the numbers of the IgA+ B cells and immunoglobulin contents in the cecal tonsil, implying the local mucosal immune function was ultimately impacted in broilers.

Decreased IgA+ B Cells Population and IgA, IgG, IgM Contents of the Cecal Tonsil Induced by Dietary High Fluorine in Broilers

PubMed Central

Liu, Juan; Cui, Hengmin; Peng, Xi; Fang, Jing; Zuo, Zhicai; Deng, Junliang; Wang, Hesong; Wu, Bangyuan; Deng, Yuanxin; Wang, Kangping

2013-01-01

Fluoride is an environmental and industrial pollutant that affects various organs in humans and animals. The cecal tonsil is an important component of the mucosal immune system and performs important and unique immune functions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dietary high fluorine on the quantities of IgA+ B cells in the cecal tonsil by immunohistochemistry, and the immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) contents in the cecal tonsil by ELISA. A total of 280 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine 22.6 mg/kg) or the same diet supplemented with 400, 800 and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II and III) in the form of sodium fluoride, respectively, throughout a 42-day experimental period. The results showed that the quantities of IgA+ B cells were lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and the IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in high fluorine groups II and III in comparison with those of control group. It was concluded that dietary fluorine, in the 800–1,200 mg/kg range, could reduce the numbers of the IgA+ B cells and immunoglobulin contents in the cecal tonsil, implying the local mucosal immune function was ultimately impacted in broilers. PMID:23644827

The role of perspective taking in how children connect reference frames when explaining astronomical phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plummer, Julia D.; Bower, Corinne A.; Liben, Lynn S.

2016-02-01

This study investigates the role of perspective-taking skills in how children explain spatially complex astronomical phenomena. Explaining many astronomical phenomena, especially those studied in elementary and middle school, requires shifting between an Earth-based description of the phenomena and a space-based reference frame. We studied 7- to 9-year-old children (N = 15) to (a) develop a method for capturing how children make connections between reference frames and to (b) explore connections between perspective-taking skill and the nature of children's explanations. Children's explanations for the apparent motion of the Sun and stars and for seasonal changes in constellations were coded for accuracy of explanation, connection between frames of reference, and use of gesture. Children with higher spatial perspective-taking skills made more explicit connections between reference frames and used certain gesture-types more frequently, although this pattern was evident for only some phenomena. Findings suggest that children - particularly those with lower perspective-taking skills - may need additional support in learning to explicitly connect reference frames in astronomy. Understanding spatial thinking among children who successfully made explicit connections between reference frames in their explanations could be a starting point for future instruction in this domain.

Spatial Updating Strategy Affects the Reference Frame in Path Integration.

PubMed

He, Qiliang; McNamara, Timothy P

2018-06-01

This study investigated how spatial updating strategies affected the selection of reference frames in path integration. Participants walked an outbound path consisting of three successive waypoints in a featureless environment and then pointed to the first waypoint. We manipulated the alignment of participants' final heading at the end of the outbound path with their initial heading to examine the adopted reference frame. We assumed that the initial heading defined the principal reference direction in an allocentric reference frame. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to use a configural updating strategy and to monitor the shape of the outbound path while they walked it. Pointing performance was best when the final heading was aligned with the initial heading, indicating the use of an allocentric reference frame. In Experiment 2, participants were instructed to use a continuous updating strategy and to keep track of the location of the first waypoint while walking the outbound path. Pointing performance was equivalent regardless of the alignment between the final and the initial headings, indicating the use of an egocentric reference frame. These results confirmed that people could employ different spatial updating strategies in path integration (Wiener, Berthoz, & Wolbers Experimental Brain Research 208(1) 61-71, 2011), and suggested that these strategies could affect the selection of the reference frame for path integration.

Predictive value of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibody levels in patients referred to a tertiary Lyme centre.

PubMed

Zwerink, M; Zomer, T P; van Kooten, B; Blaauw, G; van Bemmel, T; van Hees, B C; Vermeeren, Y M; Landman, G W

2018-03-01

A two-step testing strategy is recommended in serological testing for Lyme borreliosis; positive and indeterminate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results are confirmed with immunoblots. Several ELISAs quantify the concentration of antibodies tested, however, no recommendation exists for an upper cut-off value at which an IgG ELISA is sufficient and the immunoblot can be omitted. The study objective was to determine at which IgG antibody level an immunoblot does not have any additional predictive value compared to ELISA results. Data of adult patients who visited a tertiary Lyme centre between 2008 and 2014 were analysed. Both an ELISA (Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE IgG) and immunoblot (recomLine blot Borrelia) were performed. Clinical data were extracted from the patient's digital medical record. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for either previous or active infection with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were calculated for different cut-off ELISA IgG antibody levels where the immunoblot was regarded as reference test. In total, 1454 patients were included. According to the two-step test strategy, 486 (33%), 69 (5%) and 899 (62%) patients had positive, indeterminate and negative Borrelia IgG serology, respectively. At IgG levels of 500 IU/ml and higher, all immunoblots were positive, resulting in a 100% PPV (95% CI: 97.0-100). At IgG levels of 200 IU/ml and higher, the PPV was 99.3% (95% CI: 97.4-99.8). In conclusion, at IgG levels of 200 IU/ml and higher, an ELISA was sufficient to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. At those IgG levels, a confirmatory immunoblot may be omitted in patients referred to a tertiary Lyme centre. Before these results can be implemented in routine diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, confirmation of the results is necessary in other patient populations and using other quantitative ELISAs and immunoblots. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Suitability of different glycoproteins and test systems for detecting cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant-specific IgE in hymenoptera venom-allergic patients.

PubMed

Mertens, Melanie; Brehler, Randolf

2011-01-01

In hymenoptera venom allergy, about 75% of detected in vitro double positivity to yellow jacket and honeybee venom is ascribed to specific IgE (sIgE) directed against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). To date, for the detection of CCD-sIgE, different carbohydrate antigens and methods are used. The most suitable one still has to be identified. Eighty-seven patients with confirmed hymenoptera venom allergy and venom sIgE values of ≥0.7 kU/l were investigated. Sixty-five patients showed sIgE reactivity to both yellow jacket and honeybee venom, 22 were venom mono positive and served as controls. Occurrence of CCD-sIgE was determined using bromelain, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and MUXF(3) on system A, and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), bromelain and HRP on system B. Further, a reference standard for CCD-sIgE evaluation was created: CCD positivity was assumed when at least 4 of the 6 test results were positive. According to the defined reference standard, 45/65 venom double positive patients exhibited CCD-sIgE. Using system A, comparison with the reference standard revealed sensitivity and specificity values of 96 and 97%, respectively, for MUXF(3), 100 and 100%, respectively, for bromelain, and 96 and 97%, respectively, for HRP. Using system B, sensitivity and specificity was 98 and 97%, respectively, for AAO, 62 and 95%, respectively, for bromelain, and 96 and 69%, respectively, for HRP. Results of the 3 test allergens obtained with system A showed strong correlations (r = 0.932-0.976), whereas results with system B showed lower correlations (r = 0.714-0.898). All 3 test allergens used with system A are suitable for CCD-sIgE detection in hymenoptera venom allergy. With system B, only AAO seems to be a reliable tool. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Instantaneous progression reference frame for calculating pelvis rotations: Reliable and anatomically-meaningful results independent of the direction of movement.

PubMed

Kainz, Hans; Lloyd, David G; Walsh, Henry P J; Carty, Christopher P

2016-05-01

In motion analysis, pelvis angles are conventionally calculated as the rotations between the pelvis and laboratory reference frame. This approach assumes that the participant's motion is along the anterior-posterior laboratory reference frame axis. When this assumption is violated interpretation of pelvis angels become problematic. In this paper a new approach for calculating pelvis angles based on the rotations between the pelvis and an instantaneous progression reference frame was introduced. At every time-point, the tangent to the trajectory of the midpoint of the pelvis projected into the horizontal plane of the laboratory reference frame was used to define the anterior-posterior axis of the instantaneous progression reference frame. This new approach combined with the rotation-obliquity-tilt rotation sequence was compared to the conventional approach using the rotation-obliquity-tilt and tilt-obliquity-rotation sequences. Four different movement tasks performed by eight healthy adults were analysed. The instantaneous progression reference frame approach was the only approach that showed reliable and anatomically meaningful results for all analysed movement tasks (mean root-mean-square-differences below 5°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events below 10°). Both rotation sequences combined with the conventional approach led to unreliable results as soon as the participant's motion was not along the anterior-posterior laboratory axis (mean root-mean-square-differences up to 30°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events up to 45°). The instantaneous progression reference frame approach enables the gait analysis community to analysis pelvis angles for movements that do not follow the anterior-posterior axis of the laboratory reference frame. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Four-Year-Olds Use a Mixture of Spatial Reference Frames

PubMed Central

Negen, James; Nardini, Marko

2015-01-01

Keeping track of unseen objects is an important spatial skill. In order to do this, people must situate the object in terms of different frames of reference, including body position (egocentric frame of reference), landmarks in the surrounding environment (extrinsic frame reference), or other attached features (intrinsic frame of reference). Nardini et al. hid a toy in one of 12 cups in front of children, turned the array when they were not looking, and then asked them to point to the cup with the toy. This forced children to use the intrinsic frame (information about the array of cups) to locate the hidden toy. Three-year-olds made systematic errors by using the wrong frame of reference, 4-year-olds were at chance, and only 5- and 6-year-olds were successful. Can we better understand the developmental change that takes place at four years? This paper uses a modelling approach to re-examine the data and distinguish three possible strategies that could lead to the previous results at four years: (1) Children were choosing cups randomly, (2) Children were pointing between the egocentric/extrinsic-cued location and the correct target, and (3) Children were pointing near the egocentric/extrinsic-cued location on some trials and near the target on the rest. Results heavily favor the last possibility: 4-year-olds were not just guessing or trying to combine the available frames of reference. They were using the intrinsic frame on some trials, but not doing so consistently. These insights suggest that accounts of improving spatial performance at 4 years need to explain why there is a mixture of responses. Further application of the selected model also suggests that children become both more reliant on the correct frame and more accurate with any chosen frame as they mature. PMID:26133990

Spatial cognition and navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aretz, Anthony J.

1989-01-01

An experiment that provides data for the development of a cognitive model of pilot flight navigation is described. The experiment characterizes navigational awareness as the mental alignment of two frames of reference: (1) the ego centered reference frame that is established by the forward view out of the cockpit and (2) the world centered reference frame that is established by the aircraft's location on a map. The data support a model involving at least two components: (1) the perceptual encoding of the navigational landmarks and (2) the mental rotation of the map's world reference frame into alignment with the ego centered reference frame. The quantitative relationships of these two factors are provided as possible inputs for a computational model of spatial cognition during flight navigation.

Aerobic Exercise Decreases Lung Inflammation by IgE Decrement in an OVA Mice Model.

PubMed

Camargo Hizume-Kunzler, Deborah; Greiffo, Flavia R; Fortkamp, Bárbara; Ribeiro Freitas, Gabriel; Keller Nascimento, Juliana; Regina Bruggemann, Thayse; Melo Avila, Leonardo; Perini, Adenir; Bobinski, Franciane; Duarte Silva, Morgana; Rocha Lapa, Fernanda; Paula Vieira, Rodolfo; Vargas Horewicz, Verônica; Soares Dos Santos, Adair Roberto; Cattelan Bonorino, Kelly

2017-06-01

Aerobic exercise (AE) reduces lung function decline and risk of exacerbations in asthmatic patients. However, the inflammatory lung response involved in exercise during the sensitization remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of exercise for 2 weeks in an experimental model of sensitization and single ovalbumin-challenge. Mice were divided into 4 groups: mice non-sensitized and not submitted to exercise (Sedentary, n=10); mice non-sensitized and submitted to exercise (Exercise, n=10); mice sensitized and exposed to ovalbumin (OVA, n=10); and mice sensitized, submitted to exercise and exposed to OVA (OVA+Exercise, n=10). 24 h after the OVA/saline exposure, we counted inflammatory cells from bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), lung levels of total IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-1ra, measurements of OVA-specific IgG1 and IgE, and VEGF and NOS-2 expression via western blotting. AE reduced cell counts from BALF in the OVA group (p<0.05), total IgE, IL-4 and IL-5 lung levels and OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 titers (p<0.05). There was an increase of NOS-2 expression, IL-10 and IL-1ra lung levels in the OVA groups (p<0.05). Our results showed that AE attenuated the acute lung inflammation, suggesting immunomodulatory properties on the sensitization process in the early phases of antigen presentation in asthma. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Physics of Non-Inertial Reference Frames

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

Kamalov, Timur F.

2010-12-22

Physics of non-inertial reference frames is a generalizing of Newton's laws to any reference frames. It is the system of general axioms for classical and quantum mechanics. The first, Kinematics Principle reads: the kinematic state of a body free of forces conserves and equal in absolute value to an invariant of the observer's reference frame. The second, Dynamics Principle extended Newton's second law to non-inertial reference frames and also contains additional variables there are higher derivatives of coordinates. Dynamics Principle reads: a force induces a change in the kinematic state of the body and is proportional to the rate ofmore » its change. It is mean that if the kinematic invariant of the reference frame is n-th derivative with respect the time, then the dynamics of a body being affected by the force F is described by the 2n-th differential equation. The third, Statics Principle reads: the sum of all forces acting a body at rest is equal to zero.« less

Impact of ambiguity resolution and application of transformation parameters obtained by regional GNSS network in Precise Point Positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gandolfi, S.; Poluzzi, L.; Tavasci, L.

2012-12-01

Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is one of the possible approaches for GNSS data processing. As known this technique is faster and more flexible compared to the others which are based on a differenced approach and constitute a reliable methods for accurate positioning of remote GNSS stations, even in some remote area such as Antarctica. Until few years ago one of the major limits of the method was the impossibility to resolve the ambiguity as integer but nowadays many methods are available to resolve this aspect. The first software package permitting a PPP solution was the GIPSY OASIS realized, developed and maintained by JPL (NASA). JPL produce also orbits and files ready to be used with GIPSY. Recently, using these products came possible to resolve ambiguities improving the stability of solutions. PPP permit to estimate position into the reference frame of the orbits (IGS) and when coordinate in others reference frames, such al ITRF, are needed is necessary to apply a transformation. Within his products JPL offer, for each day, a global 7 parameter transformation that permit to locate the survey into the ITRF RF. In some cases it's also possible to create a costumed process and obtain analogous parameters using local/regional reference network of stations which coordinates are available also in the desired reference frame. In this work some tests on accuracy has been carried out comparing different PPP solutions obtained using the same software packages (GIPSY) but considering the ambiguity resolution, the global and regional transformation parameters. In particular two test area have been considered, first one located in Antarctica and the second one in Italy. Aim of the work is the evaluation of the impact of ambiguity resolution and the use of local/regional transformation parameter in the final solutions. Tests shown how the ambiguity resolution improve the precision, especially in the EAST component with a scattering reduction about 8%. And the use of global transformation parameter permit to improve the accuracy of about 59%, 63% and 29% in the three components N E U, but other tests shown how is possible to improve the accuracy of 67% 71% and 53% using regional transformation parameters. Example of the impact of global vs regional parameters transformation in a GPS time series

The assessment of the transformation of global tectonic plate models and the global terrestrial reference frames using the Velocity Decomposition Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ampatzidis, Dimitrios; König, Rolf; Glaser, Susanne; Heinkelmann, Robert; Schuh, Harald; Flechtner, Frank; Nilsson, Tobias

2016-04-01

The aim of our study is to assess the classical Helmert similarity transformation using the Velocity Decomposition Analysis (VEDA). The VEDA is a new methodology, developed by GFZ for the assessment of the reference frames' temporal variation and it is based on the separation of the velocities into two specified parts: The first is related to the reference system choice (the so called datum effect) and the latter one which refers to the real deformation of the terrestrial points. The advantage of the VEDA is its ability to detect the relative biases and reference system effects between two different frames or two different realizations of the same frame, respectively. We apply the VEDA for the assessment between several modern tectonic plate models and the recent global terrestrial reference frames.

Sub-isotypic differences in the immunoglobulin G response to Lawsonia intracellularis in vaccinated, seropositive, and equine proliferative enteropathy-affected horses.

PubMed

Page, Allen E; Stills, Harold F; Horohov, David W

2014-12-15

In the horse, Lawsonia intracellularis infection results in equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). While upwards of 100% of weanlings on an endemic farm may seroconvert, only a small percentage (approximately 5%) will develop clinical disease. Cell-mediated immune mechanisms likely play a role in resistance to L. intracellularis and the absence of a L. intracellularis-specific IFN-γ response has been associated with the development of EPE. The goal of this study was to determine whether protection from clinical EPE is associated with the induction of a systemic IgG sub-isotypic response consistent with a Th1-type cytokine response. To describe their L. intracellularis/EPE status, horses enrolled in this study were placed into one of three categories: seropositive-only, vaccinated, and presumptive clinical EPE. An existing ELISA method was modified to detect L. intracellularis-specific IgG(a), IgG(b), and IgG(t) antibodies using the mouse anti-equine hybridomas CVS-48, CVS-39, and CVS-40, respectively. Additionally, the existing ELISA method was used to quantify total IgG antibodies specific for L. intracellularis for comparison between the groups. Total L. intracellularis-specific IgG was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in presumptive clinical EPE cases (n=21) when compared with seropositive (exposed but unaffected) (n=36) and vaccinated horses (n=27). Further, a similar pattern for IgG(a) was seen in that the presumptive clinical EPE horses had significantly more L. intracellularis-specific IgG(a) (p<0.05) than the seropositive or vaccinated horses. With IgG(b), however, the vaccinated horses had significantly more IgG(b) (p<0.05) than the presumptive clinical or seropositive horses. No L. intracellularis-specific IgG(t) was detected in samples from any of the groups. While the results presented here with respect to IgG(a) response in the presumptive clinical EPE group were expected, a higher concentration of IgG(a) was anticipated in the seropositive horses that failed to develop clinical disease as well as in the vaccinated horses. Future work utilizing newer reagents against a broader range of equine IgG sub-isotypes may provide additional information once these become commercially available. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Dietary Fermented Seaweed and Seaweed Fusiforme on Growth Performance, Carcass Parameters and Immunoglobulin Concentration in Broiler Chicks

PubMed Central

Choi, Y. J.; Lee, S. R.; Oh, J-W.

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) by-product and seaweed fusiforme (Hizikia fusiformis) by-product supplementation on growth performance and blood profiles including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) in broilers. Fermentation of seaweeds was conducted by Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus oryzae. In a 5-wk feeding trial, 750 one-d-old broiler chicks were divided into 5 groups, and were assigned to the control diet or experimental diets including control+0.5% brown seaweed (BS) by-product, control+0.5% seaweed fusiforme (SF) by-product, control+0.5% fermented brown seaweed (FBS) by-product, and control+0.5% fermented seaweed fusiforme (FSF) by-product. As a consequence, body weight gain (BWG) and gain:feed of seaweed by-product groups were clearly higher, when compared to those of control diet group from d 18 to 35 and the entire experimental period (p<0.05). In mortality rate, seaweed by-product groups were significantly lower when compared to control diet group during entire experimental period (p<0.05). However, Feed Intake of experimental diets group was not different from that of the control group during the entire experimental period. Whereas, Feed Intake of fermented seaweed by-product groups was lower than that of non-fermented seaweed groups (p<0.05). Total organ weights, lipids, and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) of all treatment groups were not different from those of control group. However, glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) of all treatment groups was higher than that of control group at d 17 (p<0.05). In case of serum Igs concentration, the concentration of IgA antibody in BS, SF, FSF treatment groups was significantly higher than in control group at d 35 (p<0.01). IgA concentration in FBS supplementation groups was negligibly decreased when compared to the control group. IgM concentration in the serums of all treatment groups was significantly higher than in control group (p<0.05) and in fermented seaweed by-product groups were much higher than in non-fermented seaweed groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, IgG concentrations in all treatment groups were lower than in control group (p<0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that by-product dietary supplementation of BS, SF, FBS, and FSF in poultry may provide positive effects of growth performance and immune response. PMID:25050025

Infiltration of peritumoural but tumour-free parenchyma with IgG4-positive plasma cells in hilar cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Resheq, Yazid J; Quaas, Alexander; von Renteln, Daniel; Schramm, Christoph; Lohse, Ansgar W; Lüth, Stefan

2013-10-01

Recently, new guidelines for diagnosing IgG4-associated cholangitis have been published devaluing the diagnostic significance of IgG4-positive plasma cells and steroid trials. We sought to evaluate the utility of IgG4-positive plasma cells in discriminating IgG4-associated cholangitis from hilar cholangiocarcinoma and autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma under conditions when malignancy is likely to be missed. Resection specimens obtained from patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma were re-evaluated for IgG4-positivity. Histological analysis focussed on peritumoural but tumour-free sections. Perioperative biochemical and clinical data were reviewed. Nineteen patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 29 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were eligible for histological re-evaluation. Six of 19 (32%) patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 5 of 29 (17%) patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were IgG4-positive (≥20 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high power field). Patients with IgG4-positive hilar cholangiocarcinoma showed significantly higher levels of serum total bilirubin (3.6mg/dl vs. 1.8mg/dl; P<0.05) and serum alanine-aminotransferase (median 343U/l vs. 63U/l, P<0.05) compared to IgG4-negative patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. IgG4-positive plasma cells are of limited utility especially in distinguishing hilar cholangiocarcinoma from IgG4-associated cholangitis even when combined with clinical parameters and may be misleading under conditions when malignancy is missed. Copyright © 2013 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prognostic value of serum Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and undetectable pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus DNA.

PubMed

Yao, Ji-Jin; Lin, Li; Jin, Ya-Nan; Wang, Si-Yang; Zhang, Wang-Jian; Zhang, Fan; Zhou, Guan-Qun; Cheng, Zhi-Bin; Qi, Zhen-Yu; Sun, Ying

2017-08-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is closely associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Serum IgA antibodies against early antigen (EA-IgA) and viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgA) are the most commonly used to screen for NPC in endemic areas. However, the prognostic value of serum EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in patients with NPC is less clear. We hypothesize that serum EA-IgA and VCA-IgA levels have prognostic impact for survival outcomes in NPC patients with undetectable pretreatment EBV (pEBV) DNA. In this series, 334 patients with non-metastatic NPC and undetectable pEBV DNA were included. Serum EA-IgA and VCA-IgA were determined by ELISA. After analysis, serum EA-IgA and VCA-IgA loads correlated positively with T, N, and overall stage (all P < 0.05). Serum EA-IgA was not associated with survival outcome in univariable analyses. But patients with serum VCA-IgA >1:120 had significantly inferior 5-year progression-free survival (80.4% vs 89.6%, P = 0.025), distant metastasis-free survival (88.4% vs 94.8%, P = 0.050), and locoregional relapse-free survival (88.4% vs 95.6%, P = 0.023; log-rank test). Multivariable analyses revealed that N stage was the only independent prognostic factor (all P < 0.05), but the VCA-IgA became insignificant. Further analyses revealed that serum VCA-IgA was not an independent prognostic factor in early N (N0-1) or advanced N (N2-3) stage NPC. In summary, although both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA correlate strongly with TNM stage, our analyses do not suggest that these antibodies are prognostic biomarkers in patients with NPC and undetectable pEBV DNA. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

Different Dynamics for IgG and IgA Memory B Cells in Adolescents following a Meningococcal Serogroup C Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Booster Vaccination Nine Years after Priming: A Role for Priming Age?

PubMed Central

Stoof, Susanne P.; Buisman, Anne-Marie; van Rooijen, Debbie M.; Boonacker, Rianne; van der Klis, Fiona R. M.; Sanders, Elisabeth A. M.; Berbers, Guy A. M.

2015-01-01

Background Antibody levels wane rapidly after Meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MenCC) vaccination in young children, rendering the need for an adolescent booster dose. It is not clear whether circulating memory B cells are associated with persistence of MenC-specific antibody levels. Methods Measurement of MenC-specific IgG and IgA memory B cells and levels of serum and salivary MenC-specific IgG and IgA in healthy 10-, 12- and 15-year-olds prior to and one month and one year after a MenCC booster vaccination. All participants had received a primary MenCC vaccination nine years earlier. Results The number of circulating MenC-specific IgG memory B cells prior to booster was low and not predictive for MenC-specific IgG responses in serum or saliva post-booster, whereas the number of MenC-specific IgA memory B cells pre-booster positively correlated with MenC-specific IgA levels in saliva post-booster (R = 0.5, P<0.05). The booster induced a clear increase in the number of MenC-specific IgG and IgA memory B cells. The number of MenC-PS-specific IgG memory B cells at 1 month post-booster was highest in the 12-year-olds. The number of MenC-specific memory B cells at one month post-booster showed no correlation with the rate of MenC-specific antibody decay throughout the first year post-booster. Conclusions Circulating MenC-specific IgA memory B cells correlate with IgA responses in saliva, whereas circulating MenC-specific IgG memory B cells are not predictive for MenC-specific IgG responses in serum or saliva. Our results are suggestive for age-dependent differences in pre-existing memory against MenC. PMID:26458006

Different Dynamics for IgG and IgA Memory B Cells in Adolescents following a Meningococcal Serogroup C Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Booster Vaccination Nine Years after Priming: A Role for Priming Age?

PubMed

Stoof, Susanne P; Buisman, Anne-Marie; van Rooijen, Debbie M; Boonacker, Rianne; van der Klis, Fiona R M; Sanders, Elisabeth A M; Berbers, Guy A M

2015-01-01

Antibody levels wane rapidly after Meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MenCC) vaccination in young children, rendering the need for an adolescent booster dose. It is not clear whether circulating memory B cells are associated with persistence of MenC-specific antibody levels. Measurement of MenC-specific IgG and IgA memory B cells and levels of serum and salivary MenC-specific IgG and IgA in healthy 10-, 12- and 15-year-olds prior to and one month and one year after a MenCC booster vaccination. All participants had received a primary MenCC vaccination nine years earlier. The number of circulating MenC-specific IgG memory B cells prior to booster was low and not predictive for MenC-specific IgG responses in serum or saliva post-booster, whereas the number of MenC-specific IgA memory B cells pre-booster positively correlated with MenC-specific IgA levels in saliva post-booster (R = 0.5, P<0.05). The booster induced a clear increase in the number of MenC-specific IgG and IgA memory B cells. The number of MenC-PS-specific IgG memory B cells at 1 month post-booster was highest in the 12-year-olds. The number of MenC-specific memory B cells at one month post-booster showed no correlation with the rate of MenC-specific antibody decay throughout the first year post-booster. Circulating MenC-specific IgA memory B cells correlate with IgA responses in saliva, whereas circulating MenC-specific IgG memory B cells are not predictive for MenC-specific IgG responses in serum or saliva. Our results are suggestive for age-dependent differences in pre-existing memory against MenC.

Evaluation of Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for Chikungunya Virus IgM Using Samples from Deceased Organ and Tissue Donors

PubMed Central

Altrich, Michelle L.; Nowicki, Marek J.

2016-01-01

The identification of nearly 3,500 cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in U.S. residents returning in 2014 and 2015 from areas in which it is endemic has raised concerns within the transplant community that, should recently infected individuals become organ and/or tissue donors, CHIKV would be transmitted to transplant recipients. Thus, tests designed to detect recent CHIKV infection among U.S. organ and tissue donors may become necessary in the future. Accordingly, we evaluated 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for CHIKV IgM readily available in the United States using 1,000 deidentified serum or plasma specimens collected from donors between November 2014 and March 2015. The Euroimmun indirect ELISA identified 38 reactive specimens; however, all 38 were negative for CHIKV IgG and IgM in immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) conducted at a reference laboratory and, thus, were falsely reactive in the Euroimmun CHIKV IgM assay. The InBios IgM-capture ELISA identified 26 reactive samples, and one was still reactive (index ≥ 1.00) when retested using the InBios kit with a background subtraction modification to identify false reactivity. This reactive specimen was CHIKV IgM negative but IgG positive by IFAs at two reference laboratories; plaque reduction neutralization testing (PRNT) demonstrated CHIKV-specific reactivity. The IgG and PRNT findings strongly suggest that the InBios CHIKV IgM-reactive result represents true reactivity, even though the IgM IFA result was negative. If testing organ/tissue donors for CHIKV IgM becomes necessary, the limitations of the currently available CHIKV IgM ELISAs and options for their optimization must be understood to avoid organ/tissue wastage due to falsely reactive results. PMID:27535838

A minimally invasive system for glucose area under the curve measurement using interstitial fluid extraction technology: evaluation of the accuracy and usefulness with oral glucose tolerance tests in subjects with and without diabetes.

PubMed

Sakaguchi, Kazuhiko; Hirota, Yushi; Hashimoto, Naoko; Ogawa, Wataru; Sato, Toshiyuki; Okada, Seiki; Hagino, Kei; Asakura, Yoshihiro; Kikkawa, Yasuo; Kojima, Junko; Maekawa, Yasunori; Nakajima, Hiromu

2012-06-01

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of managing postprandial hyperglycemia, but adequate monitoring of postprandial glucose remains difficult because of wide variations in levels. We have therefore developed a minimally invasive system to monitor postprandial glucose area under the curve (AUC). This system involves no blood sampling and uses interstitial fluid glucose (IG) AUC (IG-AUC) as a surrogate marker of postprandial glucose. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this system by comparing data with the findings of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in subjects with and without diabetes. The glucose AUC monitoring system was validated by OGTTs in 37 subjects with and 10 subjects without diabetes. A plastic microneedle array was stamped on the forearm to extract IG. A hydrogel patch was then placed on the pretreated area to accumulate IG. Glucose and sodium ion concentrations in the hydrogel were measured to calculate IG-AUC at 2-h postload glucose. Plasma glucose (PG) levels were measured every 30 min to calculate reference PG-AUC. IG-AUC correlated strongly with reference PG-AUC (r=0.93) over a wide range. The level of correlation between IG-AUC and maximum PG level was also high (r=0.86). The painless nature of the technique was confirmed by the response of patients to questionnaires. The glucose AUC monitoring system using IG provided good estimates of reference PG-AUC and maximum PG level during OGTTs in subjects with and without diabetes. This system provides easy-to-use monitoring of glucose AUC, which is a good indicator of postprandial glucose.

Immunoglobulin M indirect-fluorescent antibody test for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in the avidity era: A 14-year experience at the Tuscany Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Florence, Italy.

PubMed

Trotta, Michele; Borchi, Beatrice; Zammarchi, Lorenzo; Sterrantino, Gaetana; Brogi, Michela; Kiros, Seble Tekle; Lorini, Chiara; Bonaccorsi, Guglielmo; Colao, Maria Grazia; Bartoloni, Alessandro

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate immunoglobulin M indirect-fluorescent antibody test (IgM IFAT) for the diagnosis of acute or chronic Toxoplasma infection in pregnancy. Pregnant women with suspected acute toxoplasmosis referred to the Tuscany Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy during the period 1998-2012 were retrospectively enrolled. All women were tested with a panel of serological tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgG avidity and IgM IFAT. On the basis of anamnestic, clinical, and serological criteria, pregnant women were classified into three groups: recently infected (RI), latently infected (LI), and doubtful latently infected (DLI). Patients classified as DLI were excluded from the analysis. The association between IgM IFAT (positive or negative) and the diagnosis of infection (acute or chronic) was assessed. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the IgM IFAT were calculated. A total of 810 pregnant women were enrolled in the study: 302 in the RI group and 508 in the LI group. Fifty-two women classified as DLI were excluded. IgM IFAT was positive in 172 out of 302 (56.9%) pregnant women in the RI group and in 29 out of 508 (5.7%) in the LI group. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of IgM IFAT in predicting RI was 85.6% and 78.6%, respectively. IgM IFAT has reasonable sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing recent infection and, mostly in case of borderline avidity test, could be considered as a further aid for an accurate diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnancy. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prevalence of toxoplasmosis and related risk factors among humans referred to main laboratories of Urmia city, North West of Iran, 2013.

PubMed

Sadaghian, Mohammad; Amani, Sasan; Jafari, Rasool

2016-06-01

Toxoplasmosis is mostly asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent individuals while it can cause a severe infection in human fetus during pregnancy and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG seropositivity and potential risk factors of the infection in humans referred to Urmia City main diagnostic laboratories, Urmia, Iran. Totally 195 blood samples were collected from the individuals referred to main diagnostic laboratories of Urmia City, 2013. Serum concentration of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were determined using ELISA method. Demographic variables of the participants were collected by interviewing, which are including sex, age, occupation, educational and residential status, eating undercooked meat, consumption of raw vegetable and the method of washing raw vegetables. None of all 200 serum sample were anti-Toxoplasma IgM positive, but different concentrations of anti-Toxoplasma IgG were observed in 88 (45.12 %) of samples. The significant higher rate of anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity were observed in people with soil related jobs (P = 0.005, OR = 2.266; 95 % CI 1.260, 4.078) and history of eating raw vegetables at restaurant (P = 0.036, OR = 1.985; 95 % CI 0.991, 3.978). Also anti-Toxoplasma IgG concentration mean was significantly higher in people who were commonly eaten raw vegetable at restaurants (P < 0.001, t = 7.918). The prevalence of chronic toxoplasmosis is considerably high while the acute infection is very low in the studied area. Having soil related jobs and eating raw vegetables at restaurants increases the risk of acquiring the infection.

Acute suppression of serum IgM and IgA in tank workers exposed to benzene.

PubMed

Kirkeleit, J; Ulvestad, E; Riise, T; Bråtveit, M; Moen, B E

2006-12-01

We investigated associations between benzene exposure and alterations of proteins and cells of the immune system among workers maintaining cargo tanks containing crude oil residues. Individual exposure to benzene, benzene in blood and urine, peripheral blood lymphocytes (total lymphocytes, lymphocytes in subpopulations CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56 and CD4/CD8 ratio), complement factors C3 and C4 and serum concentration of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE) were analysed among 13 tank workers and nine unexposed referents (catering section). Benzene exposure was measured during three consecutive 12-h work days. Blood and urine samples were collected pre-shift on the first day (baseline), post-shift on the third day, and pre-next shift on the following morning. The time spent in the cargo tank was logged. The individual geometric mean benzene exposure in the breathing zone of tank workers over 3 days was 0.15 p.p.m. (range 0.01-0.62 p.p.m.) (n = 26). The geometric mean benzene concentration in blood post-shift was 12.3 nmol/l among tank workers versus 0.7 nmol/l among the referents. Tank workers showed a decline (versus referents) in IgM from baseline to post-shift (t-test, P = 0.04) and IgA from baseline to pre-next shift (t-test, P = 0.01). They also showed a decline in CD4 T cells from baseline to post-shift (t-test, P = 0.04). Suppression correlated with benzene exposure, benzene concentrations in blood and urine and time spent in the tank. The groups did not differ significantly in the change in other immune parameters. The clinical significance is unknown and warrants further studies.

Why the Greenwich Meridian Moved

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

that are related to the geocentric reference frame introduced by the Bureau International de l’Heure (BIH) in 1984. This BIHTerrestrial System provided...the basis for orientation of subsequent geocentric reference frames, including all realizations of theWorld Geodetic Sys- tem 1984 and the...astronomical time. The coordinates of satellite-navigation receivers are provided in reference frames that are related to the geocentric reference

Contributions of direct versus indirect mechanisms for regulatory dendritic cell suppression of asthmatic allergen-specific IgG1 antibody responses

PubMed Central

Ma, Yanna; Dawicki, Wojciech; Zhang, Xiaobei

2018-01-01

IL-10-differentiated dendritic cells (DC10) can reverse the asthma phenotype in mice, but how they suppress the asthmatic B cell response is unclear. Herein we assessed the mechanism(s) by which DC10 and DC10-induced Treg affect IgG1 production in asthma. We observed a rapid decline in lung-resident OVA-specific IgG1-secreting B cells on cessation of airway allergen challenge, and intraperitoneal DC10 therapy did not amplify that (p>0.05). It did however increase the loss of IgG1-B cells from the bone marrow (by 45+/-7.2%; p≤0.01) and spleen (by 65+/-17.8%; p≤0.05) over 2 wk. Delivery of OVA-loaded DC10 directly into the airways of asthmatic mice decreased the lung IgG1 B cell response assessed 2 dy later by 33+/-9.7% (p≤0.01), while their co-culture with asthmatic lung cell suspensions reduced the numbers of IgG1-secreting cells by 56.5+/-9.7% (p≤0.01). This effect was dependent on the DC10 carrying intact allergen on their cell surface; DC10 that had phagocytosed and fully processed their allergen were unable to suppress B cell responses, although they did suppress asthmatic Th2 cell responses. We had shown that therapeutic delivery of DC10-induced Treg can effectively suppress asthmatic T and B cell (IgE and IgG1) responses; herein CD4+ cells or Treg from the lungs of DC10-treated OVA-asthmatic mice suppressed in vitro B cell IgG1 production by 52.2+/-8.7% (p≤0.001) or 44.6+/-12.2% (p≤0.05), respectively, but delivery of DC10-induced Treg directly into the airways of asthmatic mice had no discernible impact over 2 dy on the numbers of lung IgG1-secreting cells (p≥0.05). In summary, DC10 treatment down-regulates OVA-specific B cell responses of asthmatic mice. While DC10 that carry intact allergen on their cell surface can dampen this response, DC10-induced Treg are critical for full realization of this outcome. This suggests that infectious tolerance is an essential element in regulatory DC control of the B cell response in allergic asthma. PMID:29293622

Newton-Cartan Gravity in Noninertial Reference Frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, Leo; St. Germaine-Fuller, James; Wickramasekara, Sujeev

2015-03-01

We study Newton-Cartan gravity under transformations into all noninertial, nonrelativistic reference frames. These transformations form an infinite dimensional Lie group, called the Galilean line group, which contains as a subgroup the Galilei group. The fictitious forces of noninertial reference frames are encoded in the Cartan connection transformed under the Galilean line group. These fictitious forces, which are coordinate effects, do not contribute to the Ricci tensor. Only the 00-component of the Ricci tensor is non-zero and equals (4 π times) the matter density in all reference frames. While the Ricci field equation and Gauss' law are fulfilled by the physical matter density in inertial and linearly accelerating reference frames, in rotating reference frames Gauss' law holds for an effective mass density that differs from the physical matter density. This effective density has its origin in the simulated magnetic field of rotating frames, highlighting a striking difference between linearly and rotationally accelerating frames. The equations governing the simulated fields have the same form as Maxwell's equations, a surprising result given that these equations obey special relativity (and U (1) -gauge symmetry), rather than Galilean symmetry. This work was supported in part by the HHMI Undergraduate Science Education Award 52006298 and the Grinnell College Academic Affairs' CSFS and MAP programs.

[The clinical study of IgA nephropathy with severe chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis].

PubMed

Cao, Y L; Qiao, M; Xu, Z H; Zou, G M; Ma, L L; Li, W G; Xu, B H

2016-01-05

To explore the clinical characteristics of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with severe chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. A total of 436 hospitalized patients who underwent renal needle biopsy in the department of nephrology of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from November 2013 to December 2014 were recruited in the study and blindly had periodontal examination. The patients were divided into IgAN group and non-IgAN group according to the renal pathology. The patients with IgAN were further categorized as non-periodontitis, chronic periodontitis and aggressive peridontitis group by Haas classification. The chronic periodontitis group was continually divided into mild, moderate and severe periodontitis group. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The prevalence of periodontitis in the study was 88.3% (385/436). The prevalence of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis were higher in patients with IgAN than those with non-IgAN (P<0.05). Degree of chronic periodontitis was correlated with pathologic grading of IgAN (r=0.48, P<0.001). Compared with IgAN patients with other types of periodontitis, those with severe chronic and aggressive periodontitis had more severe pathology, more frequent recurrent gross hematuria, higher levels of 24 h proteinuria, serum triglyceride and uric acid, higher periodontal probing depth and clinical attatchment level, as well as higer levels of IL-1β and IL-6, but had lower creatinine clearance rate (all P<0.05). The prevalence of severe chronic and aggressive periodontitis was higher in patients with IgAN. Chronic periodontitis is correlated with the onset and development of IgAN. Patients with IgAN have worse condition with the aggravation of periodontitis.

Implementing the INTERGROWTH-21st fetal growth standards in France: a 'flash study' of the College Français d'Echographie Foetale (CFEF).

PubMed

Stirnemann, J J; Fries, N; Bessis, R; Fontanges, M; Mangione, R; Salomon, L J

2017-04-01

To assess potential differences in fetal size between the French population and the international population from the INTERGROWTH-21 st (IG-21 st ) Project and to measure the impact of switching to the IG-21 st reference standards for fetal size. This was a nationwide cross-sectional study of fetal ultrasound biometry. Low-risk singleton pregnancies were recruited prospectively within the network of the national French College of Fetal Ultrasound, CFEF, over a 6-week period. Further selection was performed based on the criteria of the IG-21 st Project in order to obtain a comparable population. Head circumference (HC) was used as the main fat-free skeletal measure of growth for comparison of French fetal size with that of the IG-21 st population. The impact of switching to the IG-21 st fetal growth standards was quantified by comparing Z-scores calculated using the IG-21 st standards with those calculated using locally derived reference ranges for HC, abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). Following selection, 4858 cases were analyzed. The distribution of HC demonstrated clear similarity between our French population and the IG-21 st population: our observed centile curves closely matched those of IG-21 st and the Z-scores were close to 0 across gestational age. The IG-21 st standards performed as well as did locally derived charts in terms of screening for small-for-gestational age by AC, while they identified significantly fewer small FL values than were expected and than did the locally derived charts. Under strict selection criteria, fetal size in France is similar to that of the international population used in the IG-21 st Project. The discrepancies in FL are unlikely to impact on prenatal management. Therefore, switching from locally derived reference ranges to the IG-21 st standards appears to be a safe option. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Report of the panel on earth rotation and reference frames, section 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickey, Jean O.; Dickman, Steven R.; Eubanks, Marshall T.; Feissel, Martine; Herring, Thomas A.; Mueller, Ivan I.; Rosen, Richard D.; Schutz, Robert E.; Wahr, John M.; Wilson, Charles R.

1991-01-01

Objectives and requirements for Earth rotation and reference frame studies in the 1990s are discussed. The objectives are to observe and understand interactions of air and water with the rotational dynamics of the Earth, the effects of the Earth's crust and mantle on the dynamics and excitation of Earth rotation variations over time scales of hours to centuries, and the effects of the Earth's core on the rotational dynamics and the excitation of Earth rotation variations over time scales of a year or longer. Another objective is to establish, refine and maintain terrestrial and celestrial reference frames. Requirements include improvements in observations and analysis, improvements in celestial and terrestrial reference frames and reference frame connections, and improved observations of crustal motion and mass redistribution on the Earth.

TIGO: a geodetic observatory for the improvement of the global reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlueter, Wolfgang; Hase, Hayo; Boeer, Armin

1999-12-01

The Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und Geodaesie (BKG) will provide a major contribution to the improvement and maintenance of the global reference frames: ICRF (International Celestial Reference Frame), ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame) with the operation of TIGO (Transportable Integrated Geodetic Observatory). TIGO is designed as a transportable geodetic observatory which consists of all relevant geodetic space techniques for a fundamental station (including VLBI, SLR, GPS). The transportability of the observatory enables to fill up gaps in the International Space Geodetic Network and to optimize the contribution to the global reference frames. TIGO should operate for a period of 2 to 3 years (at minimum) at one location. BKG is looking for a cooperation with countries willing to contribute to the ITRF and to support the operation of TIGO.

Ovine serum immunoglobulin has immunomodulatory effects in growing rats gavaged with Salmonella enteritidis.

PubMed

Balan, Prabhu; Han, Kyoung-Sik; Rutherfurd-Markwick, Kay; Singh, Harjinder; Moughan, Paul J

2011-05-01

In this study, we aimed to determine whether orally administered ovine serum Ig modulate aspects of immunity and associated gut microflora in growing rats challenged with Salmonella enteritidis. The 4 groups consisted of rats fed a casein-based control diet (BD; ungavaged) and 3 groups of rats gavaged with 1 × 10(7) viable Salmonella enteritidis and fed a BD diet, a BD diet containing freeze-dried ovine Ig (FDOI), or a BD diet containing inactivated ovine Ig (IOI). The rats were randomly allocated to 1 of the 4 diets (n = 15) and consumed it for 18 d. They were orally gavaged on d 15. Phagocytic activity of peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of the concanavalin A (ConA) were greater (P < 0.05) in the ungavaged BD- and gavaged FDOI-fed rats than in the gavaged rats fed either the BD or IOI diet. ConA-stimulated Peyer's patch cells and splenocytes from the gavaged rats fed the FDOI diet produced more IFNγ, IgA, and IgG than the gavaged rats fed either the BD or IOI diet (P < 0.05). The gavaged FDOI-fed rats had higher ileal and colonic digesta and plasma concentrations of anti-Salmonella secretory sIgA and secretory sIgG (P < 0.05). DNA analysis of a denatured gradient gel electrophoresis profile revealed that 6 of 10 bands had sequence similarity to probiotic strains of bacteria in the ileum and colon of the gavaged FDOI-fed rats. In conclusion, an ovine Ig fraction modulated various indices of immune function and associated gut microflora in growing rats inoculated with Salmonella.

[Influence of OM-85 BV on hBD-1 and immunoglobulin in children with asthma and recurrent respiratory tract infection].

PubMed

Liao, Jia-Yi; Zhang, Tao

2014-05-01

To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of OM-85 BV(OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom) in children with asthma and recurrent respiratory tract infection, and the effect of OM-85 BV on human β-defensins 1 (hBD-1) and immunoglobulin levels. Sixty-two children with asthma and recurrent respiratory infection treated between 2011 January and December were divided into two groups by the randomized, double blind method: a treatment group and a control group. With inhaling corticosteroids, the treatment group was given OM-85 BV, and the control group was given a placebo. Clinical curative effects and adverse reactions were observed. Serum levels of hBD-1, IgA, IgG, IgM and urea and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured before treatment and 6 months and 12 months after treatment. Compared with the control group and before treatment, the frequency of respiratory tract infection was reduced in the treatment group 6 months and 12 months after treatment (P<0.05), and serum levels of hBD-1, IgA and IgG in the treatment group increased significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum levels of urea, ALT and IgM between the control and treatment groups (P>0.05). Mild adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases in the two groups, 2 cases of abdominal pain and 1 cases of constipation. OM-85 BV can improve serum levels of hBD-1, IgA and IgG, reduce the occurrence of acute respiratory tract infection and cause mild adverse reactions, suggesting its satisfactory therapeutic effect and safety in the treatment of asthma combined with recurrent respiratory tract infection in children.

Fixing a Reference Frame to a Moving and Deforming Continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blewitt, G.; Kreemer, C.; Hammond, W. C.

2016-12-01

The U.S. National Spatial Reference System will be modernized in 2022. A foundational component will be a geocentric reference frame fixed to the North America tectonic plate. Here we address challenges of fixing a reference frame to a moving and deforming continent. Scientific applications motivate that we fix the frame with a scale consistent with the SI system, an origin that coincides with the Earth system's center of mass, and with axes attached to the rigidly rotating interior of the North America plate. Realizing the scale and origin is now achieved to < 0.5 mm/yr by combining space-geodetic techniques (SLR, VLBI, GPS, and DORIS) in the global system, ITRS. To realize the no-net rotation condition, the complexity of plate boundary deformation demands that we only select GPS stations far from plate boundaries. Another problem is that velocity uncertainties in models of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) are significant compared to uncertainties in observed velocities. GIA models generally agree that far-field horizontal velocities tend to be directed toward/away from Hudson Bay, depending on mantle viscosity, with uncertain sign and magnitude of velocity. Also in the far field, strain rates tend to be small beyond the peripheral bulge ( US-Canada border). Thus the Earth's crust in the US east of the Rockies may appear to be rigid, even if this region moves relative to plate motion. This can affect Euler vector estimation, with implications (pros and cons) on scientific interpretation. Our previous approach [ref. 1] in defining the NA12 frame was to select a core set of 30 stations east of the Rockies and south of the U.S.-Canada border that satisfy strict criteria on position time series quality. The resulting horizontal velocities have an RMS of 0.3 mm/yr, quantifying a combination of plate rigidity and accuracy. However, this does not rule out possible common-mode motion arising from GIA. For the development of new frame NA16, we consider approaches to this problem. We also apply new techniques including the MIDAS robust velocity estimator [ref. 2] and "GPS Imaging" of vertical motions and strain rates (Fig. 1), which together could assist in better defining "stable North America".[1] Blewitt et al. (2013). J. Geodyn. 72, 11-24, doi:10.1016/j.jog.2013.08.004[2] Blewitt et al. (2016). JGR 121, doi:10.1002/2015JB012552

Reliability of frames of reference used for tibial component rotation in total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Page, Stephen R; Deakin, Angela H; Payne, Anthony P; Picard, Frederic

2011-01-01

This study evaluated seven different frames of reference used for tibial component rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to determine which ones showed good reliability between bone specimens. An optoelectronic system based around a computer-assisted surgical navigation system was used to measure and locate 34 individual anatomical landmarks on 40 tibias. Each particular frame of reference was reconstructed from a group of data points taken from the surface of each bone. The transverse axis was used as the baseline to which the other axes were compared, and the differences in angular rotation between the other six reference frames and the transverse axis were calculated. There was high variability in the tibial rotational alignment associated with all frames of reference. Of the references widely used in current TKA procedures, the tibial tuberosity axis and the anterior condylar axis had lower standard deviations (6.1° and 7.3°, respectively) than the transmalleolar axis and the posterior condylar axis (9.3° for both). In conclusion, we found high variability in the frames of reference used for tibial rotation alignment. However, the anterior condylar axis and transverse axis may warrant further tests with the use of navigation. Combining different frames of reference such as the tibial tuberosity axis, anterior condylar axis and transverse axis may reduce the range of errors found in all of these measurements.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin G Levels and Atrophic Gastritis Status on Risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Takeoka, Atsushi; Tayama, Jun; Yamasaki, Hironori; Kobayashi, Masakazu; Ogawa, Sayaka; Saigo, Tatsuo; Hayashida, Masaki; Shirabe, Susumu

2016-01-01

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is implicated in gastric and extra-gastric diseases. While gastritis-related chronic inflammation represents a known trigger of metabolic disturbances, whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) is affected by gastritis status remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the effect of HP-related gastritis on the risk of MetS. We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing screening for MetS between 2014 and 2015. Investigations included HP-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody assays to detect HP infection, and serum pepsinogen assays to evaluate atrophic gastritis status. The risk of MetS was evaluated via multiple logistic regression analyses with two covariates: serum HP infection status (IgG levels) and atrophic gastritis status (two criteria were applied; pepsinogen I/II ratio < 3 or both pepsinogen I levels ≤ 70 μg/L and pepsinogen I/II ratio < 3). Of 1,044 participants, 247 (23.7%) were HP seropositive, and 62 (6.0%) had MetS. HP seronegative and seropositive patients had similar risks of MetS. On the other hand, AG (defined in terms of serum PG I/II <3) was significant risk of MetS (OR of 2.52 [95% CI 1.05-7.52]). After stratification according to HP IgG concentration, patients with low HP infection status had the lowest MetS risk (defined as an odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking and physical activity status). Taking this result as a reference, patients with negative, moderate, and high HP infection status had ORs (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 2.15 (1.06-4.16), 3.69 (1.12-16.7), and 4.05 (1.05-26.8). HP-associated gastritis represents a risk factor for MetS. Research should determine why low and not negative HP infection status is associated with the lowest MetS risk.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin G Levels and Atrophic Gastritis Status on Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

PubMed Central

Takeoka, Atsushi; Tayama, Jun; Yamasaki, Hironori; Kobayashi, Masakazu; Ogawa, Sayaka; Saigo, Tatsuo; Hayashida, Masaki; Shirabe, Susumu

2016-01-01

Background Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is implicated in gastric and extra-gastric diseases. While gastritis-related chronic inflammation represents a known trigger of metabolic disturbances, whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) is affected by gastritis status remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the effect of HP-related gastritis on the risk of MetS. Materials and Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing screening for MetS between 2014 and 2015. Investigations included HP-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody assays to detect HP infection, and serum pepsinogen assays to evaluate atrophic gastritis status. The risk of MetS was evaluated via multiple logistic regression analyses with two covariates: serum HP infection status (IgG levels) and atrophic gastritis status (two criteria were applied; pepsinogen I/II ratio < 3 or both pepsinogen I levels ≤ 70 μg/L and pepsinogen I/II ratio < 3). Results Of 1,044 participants, 247 (23.7%) were HP seropositive, and 62 (6.0%) had MetS. HP seronegative and seropositive patients had similar risks of MetS. On the other hand, AG (defined in terms of serum PG I/II <3) was significant risk of MetS (OR of 2.52 [95% CI 1.05–7.52]). After stratification according to HP IgG concentration, patients with low HP infection status had the lowest MetS risk (defined as an odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking and physical activity status). Taking this result as a reference, patients with negative, moderate, and high HP infection status had ORs (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 2.15 (1.06–4.16), 3.69 (1.12–16.7), and 4.05 (1.05–26.8). Conclusions HP-associated gastritis represents a risk factor for MetS. Research should determine why low and not negative HP infection status is associated with the lowest MetS risk. PMID:27851820

INEGI's Network of GPS permanent stations in Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez Franco, G. A.

2013-05-01

The Active National Geodetic Network administered by INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) is a set of 24 GPS permanent stations in Mexico that was established in 1993 for a national rural cadastral project, its has been mainly used for geodetic surveys through Mexico including international borders, and has been progressing to contribute to national, regional and international reference frames through the delivering of GPS data or coordinate solutions from INEGI Processing Center to SIRGAS and NAREF. Recently GAMIT/GLOBK Processing of permanent stations in Mexico was realized from 2007-2011 to determine station's velocity. Related to natural hazards, a subset of INEGI network contributes to the project Real Time Integrated Atmosferic Water Wapor and TEC from GPS. The GPS network planned evolution consider changing to a GNSS network, adding stations to IGS, maintain the services of the present, and contribute to multidisciplinary geodetic studies through data publicly available.

A new gene in A. rubens: A sea star Ig kappa gene.

PubMed

Vincent, Nadine; Osteras, Magne; Otten, Patricia; Leclerc, Michel

2014-12-01

The sea star Asterias rubens reacts specifically to the antigen:HRP (horse-radish peroxydase) and produces an antibody anti-HRP. We previously identified a candidate Ig kappa gene corresponding to this manuscript. We show now the gene referred to as: "sea star Ig kappa gene in its specificity".

Cross-reactivity of Schistosoma mansoni-Fasciola gigantica influenced by saponins.

PubMed

Maghraby, Amany Sayed; Shaker, Kamel H; Gaber, Hanaa M

2009-01-01

The aim of the present work was to investigate the Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola gigantica cross-reactivity between adult worms and egg homogenates of the parasites. Immunoprophylactic effects of crude Schistosoma mansoni worms and egg antigens mixed with or without saponins extracted from Atriplex nummularia were studied followed by challenge with 80 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni. Our results showed that post 1st immunization with schistosome egg antigens (SEA) there was a significant change (P approximately 0.05) in the IgM levels against Fasciola egg homogenate (FgEH) without saponins. Post 2nd immunization with SEA mixed with saponins the levels of IgM increased significantly (P approximately 0.05) against Fasciola worm homogenate (FgWH) as compared with a non-immunized group. Post 2nd immunization the level of IgG was significantly elevated (P approximately 0.05) by SEA mixed with saponins against FgWH. Post 2nd immunizations with SEA mixed with saponins showed a significant change (P approximately 0.05) in IgG levels against FgEH. These results clearly demonstrated that there is a cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni eggs and Fasciola gigantica worms and eggs. Saponins were found to be immunostimulatory adjuvants in our study.

High natural antibody titers of indigenous chickens are related with increased hazard in confinement.

PubMed

Wondmeneh, E; Van Arendonk, J A M; Van der Waaij, E H; Ducro, B J; Parmentier, H K

2015-07-01

Natural antibody (NAb) levels and survival rates were evaluated in 4 breeds of laying hens in Ethiopia: indigenous, improved indigenous, exotic layer, and crossbred. Titers of NAb isotypes IgG and IgM binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in serum were measured at 20, 26, 35, and 45 wk age. Repeated-measure ANOVA showed that IgG and IgM levels vary with time within each breed (P < 0.05). Indigenous chickens had significantly (P < 0.05) higher NAb levels at all ages. The Cox proportional hazard analysis showed increased hazard with increased levels of NAbs in the exotic layers (P < 0.05). However, the reduced hazards with increased levels of NAbs were not significant in the improved indigenous and crossbred chickens. Indigenous chickens showed increased hazard with increasing levels of NAb (P > 0.05). We concluded that not only the NAb levels but also the effect of Nabs on survival vary between indigenous and improved breeds. The results indicate that NAb levels are associated with survival in elite (improved) breeds, but are associated with increased hazard in indigenous chickens. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Poultry Science Association.

Toxoplasmosis: prevalence and risk factors.

PubMed

Nissapatorn, V; Noor Azmi, M A; Cho, S M; Fong, M Y; Init, I; Rohela, M; Khairul Anuar, A; Quek, K F; Latt, H M

2003-11-01

A total of 200 pregnant women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was found to be 49%, in which 39%, 4% and 6% for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, IgM and both anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. We found the differences in Toxoplasma seroprevalence rates among the races were significant: the highest rate was in the Malays (55.7%), followed by the Indian (55.3%) and the Chinese (19.4%) (P<0.05) populations. An increase in Toxoplasma seroprevalence with increasing parity was detected (P<0.05). Women with no children had a prevalence of 39.7%, while women with one or more than two children had a prevalence of 44.2% and 62.9%, respectively. In this study, there was no significant association between Toxoplasma seroprevalence and various possible risk factors in pregnant women (P>0.05). When multivariate analysis was performed, no significant association between Toxoplasma seroprevalence and history of contact with cats, consumption of undercooked meat and blood transfusion was found (P>0.05). We did not find any newly diagnosed cases of acute acquired toxoplasmosis in pregnancy during the study period.

Incidence of Severe Malaria Syndromes and Status of Immune Responses among Khat Chewer Malaria Patients in Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Ketema, Tsige

2015-01-01

Although more emphasis has been given to the genetic and environmental factors that determine host vulnerability to malaria, other factors that might have a crucial role in burdening the disease have not been evaluated yet. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the effect of khat chewing on the incidence of severe malaria syndromes and immune responses during malaria infection in an area where the two problems co-exist. Clinical, physical, demographic, hematological, biochemical and immunological data were collected from Plasmodium falciparum mono-infected malaria patients (age ≥ 10 years) seeking medication in Halaba Kulito and Jimma Health Centers. In addition, incidences of severe malaria symptoms were assessed. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20) software. Prevalence of current khat chewer malaria patients was 57.38% (95%CI =53-61.56%). Malaria symptoms such as hyperpyrexia, prostration and hyperparasitemia were significantly lower (P<0.05) among khat chewer malaria patients. However, relative risk to jaundice and renal failure were significantly higher (P<0.05) in khat chewers than in non-khat chewer malaria patients. Longer duration of khat use was positively associated with incidence of anemia. IgM and IgG antibody titers were significantly higher (P<0.05) among khat chewer malaria patients than among malaria positive non-chewers. Although levels of IgG subclasses in malaria patients did not show significant differences (P>0.05), IgG3 antibody was significantly higher (P<0.001) among khat chewer malaria patients. Moreover, IgM, IgG, IgG1and IgG3 antibodies had significant negative association (P<0.001) with parasite burden and clinical manifestations of severe malaria symptoms, but not with severe anemia and hypoglycemia. Additionally, a significant increment (P<0.05) in CD4+ T-lymphocyte population was observed among khat users. Khat might be an important risk factor for incidence of some severe malaria complications. Nevertheless, it can enhance induction of humoral immune response and CD4+ T-lymphocyte population during malaria infection. This calls for further investigation on the effect of khat on parasite or antigen-specifc protective malaria immunity and analysis of cytokines released upon malaria infection among khat chewers. PMID:26173100

Transport equations of electrodiffusion processes in the laboratory reference frame.

PubMed

Garrido, Javier

2006-02-23

The transport equations of electrodiffusion processes use three reference frames for defining the fluxes: Fick's reference in diffusion, solvent-fixed reference in transference numbers, and laboratory fluxes in electric conductivity. The convenience of using only one reference frame is analyzed here from the point of view of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. A relation between the fluxes of ions and solvent and the electric current density is deduced first from a mass and volume balance. This is then used to show that (i) the laboratory and Fick's diffusion coefficients are identical and (ii) the transference numbers of both the solvent and the ion in the laboratory reference frame are related. Finally, four experimental methods for the measurement of ion transference numbers are analyzed critically. New expressions for evaluating transference numbers for the moving boundary method and the chronopotentiometry technique are deduced. It is concluded that the ion transport equation in the laboratory reference frame plays a key role in the description of electrodiffusion processes.

Severe congenital toxoplasmosis in the United States: clinical and serologic findings in untreated infants.

PubMed

Olariu, Tudor Rares; Remington, Jack S; McLeod, Rima; Alam, Ambereen; Montoya, Jose G

2011-12-01

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause significant neurologic manifestations and other untoward sequelae. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory database was searched for data on infants 0 to 180 days old, in whom congenital toxoplasmosis had been confirmed and who had been tested for Toxoplasma gondii-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA antibodies, between 1991 and 2005. Their clinical findings were confirmed at the National Collaborative Chicago-based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study center. We reviewed available clinical data and laboratory profiles of 164 infants with congenital toxoplasmosis whose mothers had not been treated for the parasite during gestation. One or more severe clinical manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis were reported in 84% of the infants and included eye disease (92.2%), brain calcifications (79.6%), and hydrocephalus (67.7%). In 61.6% of the infants, eye disease, brain calcifications, and hydrocephalus were present concurrently. T. gondii-specific IgM, IgA, and IgE antibodies were demonstrable in 86.6%, 77.4%, and 40.2% of the infants, respectively. Testing for IgM and IgA antibodies increased the sensitivity of making the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis to 93% compared with testing for IgM or IgA individually. IgM and IgA antibodies were still present in 43.9% of infants diagnosed between 1 and 6 months of life. Our study reveals that severe clinical signs of congenital toxoplasmosis including hydrocephalus, eye disease, or intracranial calcifications occurred in 85% infants whose sera were referred to our reference Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory during a period of 15 years. Laboratory tests, including serologic and polymerase chain reaction tests, were critical for diagnosis in the infants. Our results contrast remarkably with those of European investigators who rarely observe severe clinical signs in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis.

Definition and Proposed Realization of the International Height Reference System (IHRS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ihde, Johannes; Sánchez, Laura; Barzaghi, Riccardo; Drewes, Hermann; Foerste, Christoph; Gruber, Thomas; Liebsch, Gunter; Marti, Urs; Pail, Roland; Sideris, Michael

2017-05-01

Studying, understanding and modelling global change require geodetic reference frames with an order of accuracy higher than the magnitude of the effects to be actually studied and with high consistency and reliability worldwide. The International Association of Geodesy, taking care of providing a precise geodetic infrastructure for monitoring the Earth system, promotes the implementation of an integrated global geodetic reference frame that provides a reliable frame for consistent analysis and modelling of global phenomena and processes affecting the Earth's gravity field, the Earth's surface geometry and the Earth's rotation. The definition, realization, maintenance and wide utilization of the International Terrestrial Reference System guarantee a globally unified geometric reference frame with an accuracy at the millimetre level. An equivalent high-precision global physical reference frame that supports the reliable description of changes in the Earth's gravity field (such as sea level variations, mass displacements, processes associated with geophysical fluids) is missing. This paper addresses the theoretical foundations supporting the implementation of such a physical reference surface in terms of an International Height Reference System and provides guidance for the coming activities required for the practical and sustainable realization of this system. Based on conceptual approaches of physical geodesy, the requirements for a unified global height reference system are derived. In accordance with the practice, its realization as the International Height Reference Frame is designed. Further steps for the implementation are also proposed.

Development of B cells expressing surface immunoglobulin molecules that lack V(D)J-encoded determinants in the avian embryo bursa of Fabricius

PubMed Central

Sayegh, Camil E.; Demaries, Sandra L.; Iacampo, Sandra; Ratcliffe, Michael J. H.

1999-01-01

Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in avian B cell precursors generates surface Ig receptors of limited diversity. It has been proposed that specificities encoded by these receptors play a critical role in B lineage development by recognizing endogenous ligands within the bursa of Fabricius. To address this issue directly we have introduced a truncated surface IgM, lacking variable region domains, into developing B precursors by retroviral gene transfer in vivo. Cells expressing this truncated receptor lack endogenous surface IgM, and the low level of endogenous Ig rearrangements that have occurred within this population of cells has not been selected for having a productive reading frame. Such cells proliferate rapidly within bursal epithelial buds of normal morphology. In addition, despite reduced levels of endogenous light chain rearrangement, those light chain rearrangements that have occurred have undergone variable region diversification by gene conversion. Therefore, although surface expression of an Ig receptor is required for bursal colonization and the induction of gene conversion, the specificity encoded by the prediversified receptor is irrelevant and, consequently, there is no obligate ligand for V(D)J-encoded determinants of prediversified avian cell surface IgM receptor. PMID:10485907

Spatial reference frames of visual, vestibular, and multimodal heading signals in the dorsal subdivision of the medial superior temporal area.

PubMed

Fetsch, Christopher R; Wang, Sentao; Gu, Yong; Deangelis, Gregory C; Angelaki, Dora E

2007-01-17

Heading perception is a complex task that generally requires the integration of visual and vestibular cues. This sensory integration is complicated by the fact that these two modalities encode motion in distinct spatial reference frames (visual, eye-centered; vestibular, head-centered). Visual and vestibular heading signals converge in the primate dorsal subdivision of the medial superior temporal area (MSTd), a region thought to contribute to heading perception, but the reference frames of these signals remain unknown. We measured the heading tuning of MSTd neurons by presenting optic flow (visual condition), inertial motion (vestibular condition), or a congruent combination of both cues (combined condition). Static eye position was varied from trial to trial to determine the reference frame of tuning (eye-centered, head-centered, or intermediate). We found that tuning for optic flow was predominantly eye-centered, whereas tuning for inertial motion was intermediate but closer to head-centered. Reference frames in the two unimodal conditions were rarely matched in single neurons and uncorrelated across the population. Notably, reference frames in the combined condition varied as a function of the relative strength and spatial congruency of visual and vestibular tuning. This represents the first investigation of spatial reference frames in a naturalistic, multimodal condition in which cues may be integrated to improve perceptual performance. Our results compare favorably with the predictions of a recent neural network model that uses a recurrent architecture to perform optimal cue integration, suggesting that the brain could use a similar computational strategy to integrate sensory signals expressed in distinct frames of reference.

[Serum IgE in Guinea Pigs Died of Anaphylactic Shock and Its Forensic Signifi- cance When the Guinea Pig Cannot be Timely Refrigerated].

PubMed

Su, Jun; Yu, Jian; Liu, Yong

2015-10-01

To investigate the serum IgE with various postmortem intervals (PMI) in guinea pigs due to sudden death from anaphylactic shock and to explore the effect of refrigeration of corpse on serum IgE level and its application value in forensic medicine. The animal death models of anaphylactic shock were established. The corpses were preserved at room temperature (20 °C ) for 6 h and then refrigerated at 4 °C. The serum was sampled at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after death. The IgE level of serum was detected with ELISA. The control group was also established. The serum IgE level had significant. difference between the experimental group and the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the experimental groups at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours post- mortem (P > 0.05). If the corpses were placed in 4 °C conditions 6 hours after anaphylactic death, the serum IgE still shows a good marker within 48 h for forensic investigation.

Effect of the addition of β-mannanase on the performance, metabolizable energy, amino acid digestibility coefficients, and immune functions of broilers fed different nutritional levels

PubMed Central

Ferreira, H. C.; Hannas, M. I.; Albino, L. F. T.; Rostagno, H. S.; Neme, R.; Faria, B. D.; Xavier, M. L.; Rennó, L. N.

2016-01-01

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of β-mannanase (BM) supplementation on the performance, metabolizable energy, amino acid digestibility, and immune function of broilers. A total of 1,600 broilers were randomly distributed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (4 nutritional levels × 0 or 500 g/ton BM), with 10 replicates and 20 broilers per pen. The same design was used in the energy and digestibility experiments with 8 and 6 replicates, respectively, and 6 broilers per pen. The nutritional levels (NL) were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of broilers (NL1); reductions of 100 kcal metabolizable energy (NL2); 3% of the total amino acids (NL3); and 100 kcal metabolizable energy and 3% total amino acids (NL4) from NL1. The serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration was determined in two broilers per pen, and these broilers were slaughtered to determine the relative weight of spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius. Throughout the experiment, the lower nutritional levels reduced (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and increased (P < 0.05) feed conversion (FCR) for the NL4 treatment. The BM increased (P < 0.05) the BWG values and improved (P < 0.05) the FCR of the broilers. The apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values were reduced (P < 0.05) for NL2 and NL3. The BM increased (P < 0.05) the AMEn values and reduced (P < 0.05) the excreted nitrogen. NL3 and NL4 reduced (P < 0.05) the true ileal digestibility coefficients (TIDc) of the amino acids cystine and glycine, and BM increased (P < 0.05) the TIDc for all amino acids. The addition of BM reduced (P < 0.05) the relative weights of the spleen and bursa. NL2 increased (P < 0.05) the Ig values, whereas BM reduced (P < 0.05) the serum IgA, IgG, and IgM values of the broilers. This study indicates that using suboptimal nutrient levels leads to losses in production parameters, whereas BM-supplemented diets were effective in improving performance, energy values, and TIDc levels of amino acids and immune response of broilers. PMID:27038422

Asynchronous reference frame agreement in a quantum network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Tanvirul; Wehner, Stephanie

2016-03-01

An efficient implementation of many multiparty protocols for quantum networks requires that all the nodes in the network share a common reference frame. Establishing such a reference frame from scratch is especially challenging in an asynchronous network where network links might have arbitrary delays and the nodes do not share synchronised clocks. In this work, we study the problem of establishing a common reference frame in an asynchronous network of n nodes of which at most t are affected by arbitrary unknown error, and the identities of the faulty nodes are not known. We present a protocol that allows all the correctly functioning nodes to agree on a common reference frame as long as the network graph is complete and not more than t\\lt n/4 nodes are faulty. As the protocol is asynchronous, it can be used with some assumptions to synchronise clocks over a network. Also, the protocol has the appealing property that it allows any existing two-node asynchronous protocol for reference frame agreement to be lifted to a robust protocol for an asynchronous quantum network.

Sci—Thur AM: YIS - 01: Dosimetric Analysis of Respiratory Induced Cardiac Intrafraction Motion in Left-sided Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

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

El-Sherif, O; Xhaferllari, I; Patrick, J

2014-08-15

Introduction: Long-term cardiac side effects in left-sided breast cancer patients (BREL) after post-operative radiotherapy has become one of the most debated issues in radiation oncology. Through breathing-adapted radiotherapy the volume of the heart exposed to radiation can be significantly reduced by delivering the radiation only at the end of inspiration phase of the respiratory cycle, this is referred to as inspiration gating (IG). The purpose of this study is to quantify the potential reduction in cardiac exposure during IG compared to conventional BREL radiotherapy and to assess the dosimetric impact of cardiac motion due to natural breathing. Methods: 24 BRELmore » patients treated with tangential parallel opposed photon beams were included in this study. All patients received a standard fast helical planning CT (FH-CT) and a 4D-CT. Treatment plans were created on the FH-CT using a clinical treatment planning system. The original treatment plan was then superimposed onto the end of inspiration CT and all 10 phases of the 4D-CT to quantify the dosimetric impact of respiratory motion and IG through 4D dose accumulation. Results: Through IG the mean dose to the heart, left ventricle, and left anterior descending artery (LAD) can be reduced in comparison to the clinical standard BREL treatment by as much as 8.39%, 10.11%, and 13.71% respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Failure to account for respiratory motion can lead to under or overestimation in the calculated DVH for the heart, and it's sub-structures. IG can reduce cardiac exposure especially to the LAD during BREL radiotherapy.« less

Higher immunoglobulin production in conjugated linoleic acid-supplemented rats during gestation and suckling.

PubMed

Ramírez-Santana, Carolina; Pérez-Cano, Francisco J; Castellote, Cristina; Castell, Margarida; Rivero, Montserrat; Rodríguez-Palmero, María; Franch, Angels

2009-09-01

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to exert beneficial physiological effects on body composition and the immune system. However, little information is available on the influence of CLA on immune function during early life periods. The present study evaluates the effect of feeding an 80:20 mixture of cis-9, trans-11- and trans-10, cis-12-CLA isomers during gestation and suckling on the systemic immune response of weaned Wistar rats. Pups received dietary CLA from dams through the placental barrier and during suckling by breast milk (group A) or by oral administration (group B). Pups from group C only received CLA during suckling by oral administration. Group D constituted the reference group. Milk from dams fed the CLA diet had a high content of CLA and higher IgA and IgG concentrations than rats fed the standard diet. The plasma of pups from groups A, B and C showed six, twelve and nine times higher content of the cis-9, trans-11-CLA isomer than that of the group D pups. Rats from group A exhibited higher serum IgG concentrations than rats from the rest of the groups (22.14 (SEM 2.14) v. about 5 mg/ml; P < 0.05), whereas rats from groups A and B showed approximately 2-fold higher splenocyte IgM production than rats from groups C and D. However, CLA supplementation did not influence significantly the splenocyte proliferative response or cytokine secretion. Supplementation during gestation and suckling with an 80:20 cis-9, trans-11-trans-10, cis-12 CLA mix enhances the production of the main in vivo and in vitro Ig isotypes in Wistar rats.

Mercury's Reference Frames After the MESSENGER Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, A.; Oberst, J.; Preusker, F.; Burmeister, S.; Steinbrügge, G.; Hussmann, H.

2018-05-01

We provide an overview of Mercury's reference frames based on MESSENGER observations. We discuss the dynamical, the principal-axes, the ellipsoid, as well as the cartographic frame, which was adopted for MESSENGER data products.

Contribution of Multi-GNSS Constellation to SLR-Derived Terrestrial Reference Frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sośnica, K.; Bury, G.; Zajdel, R.

2018-03-01

All satellites of new Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are equipped with laser retroreflectors dedicated to Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). This paper demonstrates the contribution of SLR tracking of multi-GNSS constellations to the improved SLR-derived reference frame and scientific products. We show a solution strategy with estimating satellite orbits, SLR station coordinates, geocenter coordinates, and Earth rotation parameters using SLR observations to 2 Laser Geodynamics Satellites (LAGEOS) and 55 GNSS satellites: 1 GPS, 31 Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema, 18 Galileo, 3 BeiDou Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit, 1 BeiDou Medium Earth Orbit, and 1 Quasi-Zenith Satellite System satellite for the period 2014.0-2017.4. Due to a substantial number of GNSS observations, the number of weekly solutions for some SLR stations, for example, Arkhyz, Komsomolsk, Altay, and Brasilia, is larger up to 41% in the combined LAGEOS + GNSS solution when compared to the LAGEOS-only solution. The SLR observations to GNSS can transfer the orientation of the reference frame from GNSS to SLR solutions. As a result, the SLR-derived pole coordinates and length-of-day estimates become more consistent with GNSS microwave-based results. The root-mean-square errors of length-of-day are reduced from 122.5 μs/d to 43.0 μs/d, whereas mean offsets are reduced from -81.6 μs/d to 0.5 μs/d in LAGEOS only and in the combined LAGEOS + GNSS solutions, respectively.

Relationship between age-dependent changes of bovine neutrophil functions and their intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.

PubMed

Higuchi, H; Nagahata, H; Hiroki, M; Noda, H

1997-04-01

Neutrophil functions and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were evaluated in 15 Holstein cattle divided into the following 3 groups: 5 neonatal calves less than 1 week old (group 1), 5 young calves 2 to 4 weeks old (group 2) and 5 cows 2 to 3 years old (group 3). The ability of neutrophils to phagocytose Candida albicans (C. albicans) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in neonatal and young calves than in cows, whereas the phagocytosis by neutrophils of bovine IgG-coated yeasts (IgG-yeasts) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in neonatal and young calves than that in cows. The killing activity by neutrophils of C. albicans in neonatal and young calves was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in cows. Luminol dependent chemiluminescent (LDCL) responses stimulated with opsonized zymosan (OPZ), heat-aggregated IgG (H-agg.IgG) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were apparently lower in neonatal and young calves than in cows. No clearly different expressions of complement receptor type 3 (CR3) on neutrophils were observed among the 3 groups of cattle, although the values due to the binding of FITC-anti-bovine IgG to neutrophils in neonatal and young calves were lower than those in group 3. The OPZ-induced [Ca2+]i of neutrophils in neonatal and young calves were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in cows, but they were lower in neonatal and young calves when stimulated with H-agg.IgG. These results indicate that CR3- and FcR-mediated phagocytic and killing activities of neutrophils in neonatal and young calves are different from those in cows. These phenomena may be associated with age-dependent changes in [Ca2+]i.

Development of allergy and IgE antibodies during the first five years of life in Estonian children.

PubMed

Julge, K; Vasar, M; Björkstén, B

2001-12-01

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a low prevalence of allergic diseases and atopic sensitization among schoolchildren and young adults in the formerly socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe as compared to Western Europe. The aim of our study was to prospectively investigate IgE responses to food and inhalant allergens and the development of allergy during early childhood in a population with a low prevalence of atopic disorders. In a population-based prospective study, 273 children were followed from birth through the first 5 years of life, recording manifestations of allergy by questionnaires and clinical examinations at 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 years (n = 213). Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed using natural foods (cow's milk, egg white) and commercial extracts of inhaled allergens (cat, dog, D. pteronyssinus, birch, timothy). In addition, serum IgE levels and circulating IgE antibodies against the seven allergens were determined. The prevalence of allergic diseases at 5 years of life was 19%. Atopic dermatitis was the most common allergic disease at all ages. The point prevalence of positive skin prick tests was 7% at 0.5, 1 and 2 years of age, and 3% at 5 years. Circulating IgE antibodies against food allergens were common at all ages, i.e. 13, 23, 36 and 36%, respectively, at 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 years. The prevalence of circulating IgE antibodies to inhalant allergens increased from 1.5% at 0.5 years to 11% at 1, 19% at 2 and 47% at 5 years. The antibody levels were generally low, however. The value of positive SPT and the presence of IgE antibodies in the diagnosis of clinical allergy were low. The results of this prospective study carried out in a previously socialist country with a low allergy prevalence among schoolchildren and young adults indicate that transient sensitization in early childhood is followed by a down-regulation of skin reactivity.

Determination of Galactic Aberration from VLBI Measurements and Its Effect on VLBI Reference Frames and Earth Orientation Parameters.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacMillan, D. S.

2014-12-01

Galactic aberration is due to the motion of the solar system barycenter around the galactic center. It results in a systematic pattern of apparent proper motion of radio sources observed by VLBI. This effect is not currently included in VLBI analysis. Estimates of the size of this effect indicate that it is important that this secular aberration drift be accounted for in order to maintain an accurate celestial reference frame and allow astrometry at the several microarcsecond level. Future geodetic observing systems are being designed to be capable of producing a future terrestrial reference frame with an accuracy of 1 mm and stability of 0.1 mm/year. We evaluate the effect galactic aberration on attaining these reference frame goals. This presentation will discuss 1) the estimation of galactic aberration from VLBI data and 2) the effect of aberration on the Terrestrial and Celestial Reference Frames and the Earth Orientation Parameters that connect these frames.

The error of L5/S1 joint moment calculation in a body-centered non-inertial reference frame when the fictitious force is ignored.

PubMed

Xu, Xu; Faber, Gert S; Kingma, Idsart; Chang, Chien-Chi; Hsiang, Simon M

2013-07-26

In ergonomics studies, linked segment models are commonly used for estimating dynamic L5/S1 joint moments during lifting tasks. The kinematics data input to these models are with respect to an arbitrary stationary reference frame. However, a body-centered reference frame, which is defined using the position and the orientation of human body segments, is sometimes used to conveniently identify the location of the load relative to the body. When a body-centered reference frame is moving with the body, it is a non-inertial reference frame and fictitious force exists. Directly applying a linked segment model to the kinematics data with respect to a body-centered non-inertial reference frame will ignore the effect of this fictitious force and introduce errors during L5/S1 moment estimation. In the current study, various lifting tasks were performed in the laboratory environment. The L5/S1 joint moments during the lifting tasks were calculated by a linked segment model with respect to a stationary reference frame and to a body-centered non-inertial reference frame. The results indicate that applying a linked segment model with respect to a body-centered non-inertial reference frame will result in overestimating the peak L5/S1 joint moments of the coronal plane, sagittal plane, and transverse plane during lifting tasks by 78%, 2%, and 59% on average, respectively. The instant when the peak moment occurred was delayed by 0.13, 0.03, and 0.09s on average, correspondingly for the three planes. The root-mean-square errors of the L5/S1 joint moment for the three planes are 21Nm, 19Nm, and 9Nm, correspondingly. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-Immune Binding of Human IgG to M-Related Proteins Confers Resistance to Phagocytosis of Group A Streptococci in Blood

PubMed Central

Courtney, Harry S.; Li, Yi

2013-01-01

The non-immune binding of immunoglobulins by bacteria is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of infections. M-related proteins (Mrp) are group A streptococcal (GAS) receptors for immunoglobulins, but it is not known if this binding has any impact on virulence. To further investigate the binding of immunoglobulins to Mrp, we engineered mutants of an M type 4 strain of GAS by inactivating the genes for mrp, emm, enn, sof, and sfbX and tested these mutants in IgG-binding assays. Inactivation of mrp dramatically decreased the binding of human IgG, whereas inactivation of emm, enn, sof, and sfbx had only minor effects, indicating that Mrp is a major IgG-binding protein. Binding of human immunoglobulins to a purified, recombinant form of Mrp indicated that it selectively binds to the Fc domain of human IgG, but not IgA or IgM and that it preferentially bound subclasses IgG1>IgG4>IgG2>IgG3. Recombinant proteins encompassing different regions of Mrp were engineered and used to map its IgG-binding domain to its A-repeat region and a recombinant protein with 3 A-repeats was a better inhibitor of IgG binding than one with a single A-repeat. A GAS mutant expressing Mrp with an in-frame deletion of DNA encoding the A-repeats had a dramatically reduced ability to bind human IgG and to grow in human blood. Mrp exhibited host specificity in binding IgG; human IgG was the best inhibitor of the binding of IgG followed by pig, horse, monkey, and rabbit IgG. IgG from goat, mouse, rat, cow, donkey, chicken, and guinea pig were poor inhibitors of binding. These findings indicate that Mrp preferentially binds human IgG and that this binding contributes to the ability of GAS to resist phagocytosis and may be a factor in the restriction of GAS infections to the human host. PMID:24205299

High Frequency of Haplotype HLA-DQ7 in Celiac Disease Patients from South Italy: Retrospective Evaluation of 5,535 Subjects at Risk of Celiac Disease

PubMed Central

Tinto, Nadia; Cola, Arturo; Piscopo, Chiara; Capuano, Marina; Galatola, Martina; Greco, Luigi; Sacchetti, Lucia

2015-01-01

Background Celiac disease (CD) has a strong genetic component mainly due to HLA DQ2/DQ8 encoding genes. However, a minority of CD patients are DQ2/DQ8-negative. To address this issue, we retrospectively characterized HLA haplotypes in 5,535 subjects at risk of CD (either relatives of CD patients or subjects with CD-like symptoms) referred to our center during a 10-year period. Methods We identified loci DQA1/DQB1/DRB1 by sequence-specific oligonucleotide-PCR and sequence-specific primer-PCR; anti-transglutaminase IgA/IgG and anti-endomysium IgA by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. Results We diagnosed CD in 666/5,535 individuals, 4.2% of whom were DQ2/DQ8-negative. Interestingly, DQ7 was one of the most abundant haplotypes in all CD patients and significantly more frequent in DQ2/DQ8-negative (38%) than in DQ2/DQ8-positive CD patients (24%) (p<0.05). Conclusion Our data lend support to the concept that DQ7 represents an additive or independent CD risk haplotype with respect to DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes but this finding should be verified in other large CD populations. PMID:26398634

Multiple reference frames in haptic spatial processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volčič, R.

2008-08-01

The present thesis focused on haptic spatial processing. In particular, our interest was directed to the perception of spatial relations with the main focus on the perception of orientation. To this end, we studied haptic perception in different tasks, either in isolation or in combination with vision. The parallelity task, where participants have to match the orientations of two spatially separated bars, was used in its two-dimensional and three-dimensional versions in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, respectively. The influence of non-informative vision and visual interference on performance in the parallelity task was studied in Chapter 4. A different task, the mental rotation task, was introduced in a purely haptic study in Chapter 5 and in a visuo-haptic cross-modal study in Chapter 6. The interaction of multiple reference frames and their influence on haptic spatial processing were the common denominators of these studies. In this thesis we approached the problems of which reference frames play the major role in haptic spatial processing and how the relative roles of distinct reference frames change depending on the available information and the constraints imposed by different tasks. We found that the influence of a reference frame centered on the hand was the major cause of the deviations from veridicality observed in both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional studies. The results were described by a weighted average model, in which the hand-centered egocentric reference frame is supposed to have a biasing influence on the allocentric reference frame. Performance in haptic spatial processing has been shown to depend also on sources of information or processing that are not strictly connected to the task at hand. When non-informative vision was provided, a beneficial effect was observed in the haptic performance. This improvement was interpreted as a shift from the egocentric to the allocentric reference frame. Moreover, interfering visual information presented in the vicinity of the haptic stimuli parametrically modulated the magnitude of the deviations. The influence of the hand-centered reference frame was shown also in the haptic mental rotation task where participants were quicker in judging the parity of objects when these were aligned with respect to the hands than when they were physically aligned. Similarly, in the visuo-haptic cross-modal mental rotation task the parity judgments were influenced by the orientation of the exploring hand with respect to the viewing direction. This effect was shown to be modulated also by an intervening temporal delay that supposedly counteracts the influence of the hand-centered reference frame. We suggest that the hand-centered reference frame is embedded in a hierarchical structure of reference frames where some of these emerge depending on the demands and the circumstances of the surrounding environment and the needs of an active perceiver.

T-cell-independent and T-cell-dependent antibody responses in patients with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Beaman, M; Michael, J; MacLennan, I C; Adu, D

1989-01-01

Antibody responses against pneumococcal capsular antigens and tetanus toxoid were measured in 14 patients with chronic renal failure who were managed by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or haemodialysis (HD) and in eight healthy controls. IgG antipneumococcal responses were predominantly of the IgG2 and to a lesser extent IgG1 subclasses, while the IgG response against tetanus toxoid was largely IgG1 with smaller amounts of IgG4 and IgG3. The post-immunisation serum levels of IgG1 and IgM antibody against both antigens were significantly reduced in the uraemic patients compared with controls (P less than 0.05). All the uraemic patients had normal levels of IgG, IgA and IgM in the serum, but elevated levels of IgG3 prior to immunisation. The mechanisms responsible for the asymmetric depression of antibody responses in uraemia are unclear and may account in part for the increased susceptibility to infection in these patients.

The International GPS Service (IGS) as a Continuous Reference System for Precise GPS Positioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neilan, Ruth; Heflin, Michael; Watkins, Michael; Zumberge, James

1996-01-01

The International GPS Service for Geodynamics (IGS) is an organization which operates under the auspices of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and has been operational since January 1994. The primary objective of the IGS is to provide precise GPS data and data products to support geodetic and geophysical research activities.

The Effects of Agave fourcroydes Powder as a Dietary Supplement on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology, Concentration of IgG, and Hematology Parameters in Broiler Rabbits

PubMed Central

Iser, Maidelys; Martínez, Yordan; Jiang, Hongmei; Valdivié Navarro, Manuel; Wu, Xiaosong; Al-Dhabi, Naif Abdullah; Rosales, Manuel; Duraipandiyan, Veeramuthu

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Agave fourcroydes powder as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, gut morphology, serum concentration of IgG, and the hematology parameters of broiler rabbits. A total of 32 rabbits [New Zealand × Californian] were weaned at 35 days. They were randomly selected for two dietary treatments (eight repetitions per treatment), which consisted of a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 1.5% dried-stem powder of A. fourcroydes. On day 60 from the initiation of treatment, gut histomorphology (duodenum and cecum), serum concentration of IgG, and hematology parameters were all measured. The results showed that A. fourcroydes powder supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the ADFI, ADG, and final BW. Correspondingly, this treatment increased (P < 0.05) the muscle and mucosa thickness and height and width of villi. However, duodenum crypts depth was lower (P < 0.05) when rabbits were fed with this natural product, compared with the basal diet treatment. Results also indicated that the A. fourcroydes powder increased (P < 0.05) the serum concentration of IgG but did not change the hematology parameters. This data indicates that A. fourcroydes powder, as a supplement, had beneficial effects on increasing the growth performance and serum concentration of IgG, as well as improving the gut morphology without affecting the hematology parameters in broiler rabbits. PMID:27777945

A Unified Global Reference Frame of Vertical Crustal Movements by Satellite Laser Ranging.

PubMed

Zhu, Xinhui; Wang, Ren; Sun, Fuping; Wang, Jinling

2016-02-08

Crustal movement is one of the main factors influencing the change of the Earth system, especially in its vertical direction, which affects people's daily life through the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, geological disasters, and so on. In order to get a better study and application of the vertical crustal movement,as well as its changes, the foundation and prerequisite areto devise and establish its reference frame; especially, a unified global reference frame is required. Since SLR (satellite laser ranging) is one of the most accurate space techniques for monitoring geocentric motion and can directly measure the ground station's geocentric coordinates and velocities relative to the centre of the Earth's mass, we proposed to take the vertical velocity of the SLR technique in the ITRF2008 framework as the reference frame of vertical crustal motion, which we defined as the SLR vertical reference frame (SVRF). The systematic bias between other velocity fields and the SVRF was resolved by using the GPS (Global Positioning System) and VLBI (very long baseline interferometry) velocity observations, and the unity of other velocity fields and SVRF was realized,as well. The results show that it is feasible and suitable to take the SVRF as a reference frame, which has both geophysical meanings and geodetic observations, so we recommend taking the SLR vertical velocity under ITRF2008 as the global reference frame of vertical crustal movement.

A Unified Global Reference Frame of Vertical Crustal Movements by Satellite Laser Ranging

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xinhui; Wang, Ren; Sun, Fuping; Wang, Jinling

2016-01-01

Crustal movement is one of the main factors influencing the change of the Earth system, especially in its vertical direction, which affects people’s daily life through the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, geological disasters, and so on. In order to get a better study and application of the vertical crustal movement, as well as its changes, the foundation and prerequisite areto devise and establish its reference frame; especially, a unified global reference frame is required. Since SLR (satellite laser ranging) is one of the most accurate space techniques for monitoring geocentric motion and can directly measure the ground station’s geocentric coordinates and velocities relative to the centre of the Earth’s mass, we proposed to take the vertical velocity of the SLR technique in the ITRF2008 framework as the reference frame of vertical crustal motion, which we defined as the SLR vertical reference frame (SVRF). The systematic bias between other velocity fields and the SVRF was resolved by using the GPS (Global Positioning System) and VLBI (very long baseline interferometry) velocity observations, and the unity of other velocity fields and SVRF was realized, as well. The results show that it is feasible and suitable to take the SVRF as a reference frame, which has both geophysical meanings and geodetic observations, so we recommend taking the SLR vertical velocity under ITRF2008 as the global reference frame of vertical crustal movement. PMID:26867197

Reference Frames in Relativistic Space-Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soffel, M.; Herold, H.; Ruder, H.; Schneider, M.

Three fundamental concepts of reference frames in relativistic space-time are confronted: 1. the gravitation compass, 2. the stellar compass and 3. the inertial compass. It is argued that under certain conditions asymptotically fixed (stellar) reference frames can be introduced with the same rigour as local Fermi frames, thereby eliminating one possible psychological reason why the importance of Fermi frames frequently has been overestimated in the past. As applications of these three concepts the authors discuss: 1. a relativistic definition of the geoid, 2. a relativistic astrometric problem and 3. the post-Newtonian theory of a laser gyroscope fixed to the Earth's surface.

Implementation and testing of the gridded Vienna Mapping Function 1 (VMF1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouba, J.

2008-04-01

The new gridded Vienna Mapping Function (VMF1) was implemented and compared to the well-established site-dependent VMF1, directly and by using precise point positioning (PPP) with International GNSS Service (IGS) Final orbits/clocks for a 1.5-year GPS data set of 11 globally distributed IGS stations. The gridded VMF1 data can be interpolated for any location and for any time after 1994, whereas the site-dependent VMF1 data are only available at selected IGS stations and only after 2004. Both gridded and site-dependent VMF1 PPP solutions agree within 1 and 2 mm for the horizontal and vertical position components, respectively, provided that respective VMF1 hydrostatic zenith path delays (ZPD) are used for hydrostatic ZPD mapping to slant delays. The total ZPD of the gridded and site-dependent VMF1 data agree with PPP ZPD solutions with RMS of 1.5 and 1.8 cm, respectively. Such precise total ZPDs could provide useful initial a priori ZPD estimates for kinematic PPP and regional static GPS solutions. The hydrostatic ZPDs of the gridded VMF1 compare with the site-dependent VMF1 ZPDs with RMS of 0.3 cm, subject to some biases and discontinuities of up to 4 cm, which are likely due to different strategies used in the generation of the site-dependent VMF1 data. The precision of gridded hydrostatic ZPD should be sufficient for accurate a priori hydrostatic ZPD mapping in all precise GPS and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) solutions. Conversely, precise and globally distributed geodetic solutions of total ZPDs, which need to be linked to VLBI to control biases and stability, should also provide a consistent and stable reference frame for long-term and state-of-the-art numerical weather modeling.

Jason-2 systematic error analysis in the GPS derived orbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melachroinos, S.; Lemoine, F. G.; Zelensky, N. P.; Rowlands, D. D.; Luthcke, S. B.; Chinn, D. S.

2011-12-01

Several results related to global or regional sea level changes still too often rely on the assumption that orbit errors coming from station coordinates adoption can be neglected in the total error budget (Ceri et al. 2010). In particular Instantaneous crust-fixed coordinates are obtained by adding to the linear ITRF model the geophysical high-frequency variations. In principle, geocenter motion should also be included in this computation, in order to reference these coordinates to the center of mass of the whole Earth. This correction is currently not applied when computing GDR orbits. Cerri et al. (2010) performed an analysis of systematic errors common to all coordinates along the North/South direction, as this type of bias, also known as Z-shift, has a clear impact on MSL estimates due to the unequal distribution of continental surface in the northern and southern hemispheres. The goal of this paper is to specifically study the main source of errors which comes from the current imprecision in the Z-axis realization of the frame. We focus here on the time variability of this Z-shift, which we can decompose in a drift and a periodic component due to the presumably omitted geocenter motion. A series of Jason-2 GPS-only orbits have been computed at NASA GSFC, using both IGS05 and IGS08. These orbits have been shown to agree radially at less than 1 cm RMS vs our SLR/DORIS std0905 and std1007 reduced-dynamic orbits and in comparison with orbits produced by other analysis centers (Melachroinos et al. 2011). Our GPS-only JASON-2 orbit accuracy is assessed using a number of tests including analysis of independent SLR and altimeter crossover residuals, orbit overlap differences, and direct comparison to orbits generated at GSFC using SLR and DORIS tracking, and to orbits generated externally at other centers. Tests based on SLR-crossover residuals provide the best performance indicator for independent validation of the NASA/GSFC GPS-only reduced dynamic orbits. Reduced dynamic versus dynamic orbit differences are used to characterize the remaining force model error and TRF instability. At first, we quantify the effect of a North/South displacement of the tracking reference points for each of the three techniques. We then compare these results to the study of Morel and Willis (2005) and Ceri et al. (2010). We extend the analysis to the most recent Jason-2 cycles. We evaluate the GPS vs SLR & DORIS orbits produced using the GEODYN.

Determining the IgM and IgG antibody titer against CMV and helicobacter pylori in the serum of multiple sclerosis patients comparing to the control group in Hamadan.

PubMed

Salim, Masome Afiati; Eftekharian, Mohammad Mahdi; Taheri, Mohammad; Yousef Alikhani, Mohammad

2017-07-19

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that disables central nervous system (CNS) system. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) probably has an important role in the MS pathology. The infection with helicobacter pylori also is recognized as a protective agent against MS in female. Serum samples were isolated and frozen at -70∘C. The earlier mentioned anti-virus antibodies and antibacterial antibodies were quantified by Elisa kit. The results showed that IgG antibody average value against cytomegalovirus in the blood of multiple sclerosis patients not only decreased but also was significant statistically (p< 0.05). IgM and IgG antibodies average value in the blood of multiple sclerosis patients against helicobacter pylori shown a statistically significant decrease (p< 0.05). Therefore it may be considered that probably helicobacter pylori presence in the individuals especially in female can alleviate MS signs. CMV infection can intensify the symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.

Different reference frames can lead to different hand transplantation decisions by patients and physicians.

PubMed

Edgell, S E; McCabe, S J; Breidenbach, W C; Neace, W P; LaJoie, A S; Abell, T D

2001-03-01

Different frames of reference can affect one's assessment of the value of hand transplantation. This can result in different yet rational decisions by different groups of individuals, especially patients and physicians. In addition, factors other than frames of reference can affect one's evaluation of hand transplantation, which can result in different decisions.

Association between haptoglobin and IgM levels and the clinical progression of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Sheep caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (Cp), is associated with direct economic losses and presents significant zoonotic potential. Despite the importance of the disease, a satisfactory vaccine model has not been developed. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between haptoglobin (Hp) and IgM levels and the clinical progression of CLA in primarily infected sheep and in sheep immunized with Cp- secreted antigens adjuvanted with Quillaja saponaria saponins. These animals were kept with CLA-positive sheep to simulate natural exposure that occurs in field conditions. During the experiment, the Hp and IgM levels were monitored for 21 days, and the development of internal CLA lesions was investigated through necropsies on day182 post-immunization. Results Primarily infected sheep in Group 2 (inoculated with 2x105 Cp virulent strain) had higher Hp values between the first and ninth days post inoculation (PI) than sheep in Group 1 (control; P < 0.05). Immunized animals in Group 3 had significantly higher Hp values between the third and seventh days PI, compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression (BLR) analysis of primarily infected sheep indicated an association between Hp concentration and CLA clinical progression: animals with high Hp values had 99.9% less risk of having CLA abscesses than animals with low Hp levels (Odds ratio = 0.001, P < 0.05). Both experimental groups had significantly higher IgM titers than the control group around the ninth and eleventh days PI (P < 0.05). The BLR analysis for immunized sheep indicated an association between IgM levels and clinical progression: sheep with high IgM titers had 100.0% less risk of having CLA abscesses than animals with low IgM levels (Odds ratio = 0.000, P < 0.05). Conclusions Resistance to C. pseudotuberculosis infection is supported by the early acute phase response, in which up-regulation of Hp and IgM were predictive of a lower risk of CLA lesion development. Because the immunogen used in this study induced a high production of both Hp and IgM, Q. saponaria saponin should be considered a promising candidate in vaccine formulations against sheep CLA. PMID:24330714

A statistical study of magnetopause structures: Tangential versus rotational discontinuities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, Y.-C.; Hau, L.-N.

2012-08-01

A statistical study of the structure of Earth's magnetopause is carried out by analyzing two-year AMPTE/IRM plasma and magnetic field data. The analyses are based on the minimum variance analysis (MVA), the deHoffmann-Teller (HT) frame analysis and the Walén relation. A total of 328 magnetopause crossings are identified and error estimates associated with MVA and HT frame analyses are performed for each case. In 142 out of 328 events both MVA and HT frame analyses yield high quality results which are classified as either tangential-discontinuity (TD) or rotational-discontinuity (RD) structures based only on the Walén relation: Events withSWA ≤ 0.4 (SWA ≥ 0.5) are classified as TD (RD), and rest (with 0.4 < SWA < 0.5) is classified as "uncertain," where SWA refers to the Walén slope. With this criterion, 84% of 142 events are TDs, 12% are RDs, and 4% are uncertain events. There are a large portion of TD events which exhibit a finite normal magnetic field component Bnbut have insignificant flow as compared to the Alfvén velocity in the HT frame. Two-dimensional Grad-Shafranov reconstruction of forty selected TD and RD events show that single or multiple X-line accompanied with magnetic islands are common feature of magnetopause current. A survey plot of the HT velocity associated with TD structures projected onto the magnetopause shows that the flow is diverted at the subsolar point and accelerated toward the dawn and dusk flanks.

Intestinal Mechanomorphological Remodeling Induced by Long-Term Low-Fiber Diet in Rabbits.

PubMed

Liu, Yue; Zhao, Jingbo; Liao, Donghua; Wang, Guixue; Gregersen, Hans

2017-12-01

Short-term feeding with low-fiber diet remodels the mechanomorphological properties in the rabbit small intestine. The aims were to study the effect of feeding low-fiber diet for 5 months on mechanomorphological properties including the collagen fraction in the rabbit intestines. Fifteen rabbits were divided into an Intervention group (IG, n = 10) fed a low-fiber diet and a Control group (CG, n = 5) fed a normal diet for 5 months. Five months later, four 10-cm-long segments obtained from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and large intestine were used for histological and mechanical analysis, respectively. The wall thickness, wall area, mucosa and muscle layer thickness decreased whereas the submucosa layer thickness increased in the IG (p < 0.05). The collagen fraction decreased in all layers and segments in the IG (p < 0.05). The opening angle increased in the large intestine and decreased in the ileum in the IG (p < 0.05). The intestinal stress-strain curves for IG shifted to the right, indicating softening. The creep did not change in the four segments. The wall stiffness was associated with wall thickness and collagen fraction in the submucosa layer. Long-term low-fiber diet in rabbits induced histomorphometric and biomechanical remodelling of the intestines.

Quantum reference frames and their applications to thermodynamics.

PubMed

Popescu, Sandu; Sainz, Ana Belén; Short, Anthony J; Winter, Andreas

2018-07-13

We construct a quantum reference frame, which can be used to approximately implement arbitrary unitary transformations on a system in the presence of any number of extensive conserved quantities, by absorbing any back action provided by the conservation laws. Thus, the reference frame at the same time acts as a battery for the conserved quantities. Our construction features a physically intuitive, clear and implementation-friendly realization. Indeed, the reference system is composed of the same types of subsystems as the original system and is finite for any desired accuracy. In addition, the interaction with the reference frame can be broken down into two-body terms coupling the system to one of the reference frame subsystems at a time. We apply this construction to quantum thermodynamic set-ups with multiple, possibly non-commuting conserved quantities, which allows for the definition of explicit batteries in such cases.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Foundations of quantum mechanics and their impact on contemporary society'. © 2018 The Author(s).

Discovery and characterization of secretory IgD in rainbow trout: secretory IgD is produced through a novel splicing mechanism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ramirez-Gomez, F.; Greene, W.; Rego, K.; Hansen, J.D.; Costa, G.; Kataria, P.; Bromage, E.S.

2012-01-01

The gene encoding IgH δ has been found in all species of teleosts studied to date. However, catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is the only species of fish in which a secretory form of IgD has been characterized, and it occurs through the use of a dedicated δ-secretory exon, which is absent from all other species examined. Our studies have revealed that rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) use a novel strategy for the generation of secreted IgD. The trout secretory δ transcript is produced via a run-on event in which the splice donor site at the end of the last constant domain exon (D7) is ignored and transcription continues until a stop codon is reached 33 nt downstream of the splice site, resulting in the production of an in-frame, 11-aa secretory tail at the end of the D7 domain. In silico analysis of several published IgD genes suggested that this unique splicing mechanism may also be used in other species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Alternative splicing of the secretory δ transcript resulted in two δ-H chains, which incorporated Cμ1 and variable domains. Secreted IgD was found in two heavily glycosylated isoforms, which are assembled as monomeric polypeptides associated with L chains. Secretory δ mRNA and IgD+ plasma cells were detected in all immune tissues at a lower frequency than secretory IgM. Our data demonstrate that secretory IgD is more prevalent and widespread across taxa than previously thought, and thus illustrate the potential that IgD may have a conserved role in immunity.

A Pre and Post Survey to Determine Effectiveness of a Dietitian-Based Nutrition Education Strategy on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Energy Intake among Adults.

PubMed

Pem, Dhandevi; Bhagwant, Suress; Jeewon, Rajesh

2016-02-29

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent nutrition education program among adults. A pretest-posttest design was used assessing Nutritional Knowledge (NK), BMI, Energy Intake (EI), Physical Activity Level (PAL), Dietary Intake (DI) and attitudes. 353 adults aged 19-55 years (178 control group (CG) and 175 intervention group (IG)) were recruited. IG participants attended nutrition education sessions evaluated through a post-test given at the end of the 12-week program. Statistical tests performed revealed that compared to CG, participants in IG increased fruit intake and decreased intake of snacks high in sugar and fat significantly (p < 0.05). NK and attitudinal scores also increased significantly in the IG (p < 0.05). No intervention effect was found for vegetables intake, EI, BMI and PAL (p > 0.05). Factors influencing NK were age, gender and education level. "Taste" was the main barrier to the application of the nutrition education strategy. Findings are helpful to health practitioners in designing their intervention programs.

Evaluation of Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for Chikungunya Virus IgM Using Samples from Deceased Organ and Tissue Donors.

PubMed

Prince, Harry E; Altrich, Michelle L; Nowicki, Marek J

2016-10-01

The identification of nearly 3,500 cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in U.S. residents returning in 2014 and 2015 from areas in which it is endemic has raised concerns within the transplant community that, should recently infected individuals become organ and/or tissue donors, CHIKV would be transmitted to transplant recipients. Thus, tests designed to detect recent CHIKV infection among U.S. organ and tissue donors may become necessary in the future. Accordingly, we evaluated 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for CHIKV IgM readily available in the United States using 1,000 deidentified serum or plasma specimens collected from donors between November 2014 and March 2015. The Euroimmun indirect ELISA identified 38 reactive specimens; however, all 38 were negative for CHIKV IgG and IgM in immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) conducted at a reference laboratory and, thus, were falsely reactive in the Euroimmun CHIKV IgM assay. The InBios IgM-capture ELISA identified 26 reactive samples, and one was still reactive (index ≥ 1.00) when retested using the InBios kit with a background subtraction modification to identify false reactivity. This reactive specimen was CHIKV IgM negative but IgG positive by IFAs at two reference laboratories; plaque reduction neutralization testing (PRNT) demonstrated CHIKV-specific reactivity. The IgG and PRNT findings strongly suggest that the InBios CHIKV IgM-reactive result represents true reactivity, even though the IgM IFA result was negative. If testing organ/tissue donors for CHIKV IgM becomes necessary, the limitations of the currently available CHIKV IgM ELISAs and options for their optimization must be understood to avoid organ/tissue wastage due to falsely reactive results. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

The Reciprocal Internal/External Frame of Reference Model: An Integration of Models of Relations between Academic Achievement and Self-Concept

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moller, Jens; Retelsdorf, Jan; Koller, Olaf; Marsh, Herb W.

2011-01-01

The reciprocal internal/external frame of reference model (RI/EM) combines the internal/external frame of reference model and the reciprocal effects model. The RI/EM predicts positive effects of mathematics and verbal achievement and academic self-concepts (ASC) on subsequent mathematics and verbal achievements and ASCs within domains and negative…

Implementing system simulation of C3 systems using autonomous objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Ralph V.

1987-01-01

The basis of all conflict recognition in simulation is a common frame of reference. Synchronous discrete-event simulation relies on the fixed points in time as the basic frame of reference. Asynchronous discrete-event simulation relies on fixed-points in the model space as the basic frame of reference. Neither approach provides sufficient support for autonomous objects. The use of a spatial template as a frame of reference is proposed to address these insufficiencies. The concept of a spatial template is defined and an implementation approach offered. Discussed are the uses of this approach to analyze the integration of sensor data associated with Command, Control, and Communication systems.

Current control of PMSM based on maximum torque control reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuma, Takumi

2017-07-01

This study presents a new method of current controls of PMSMs (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors) based on a maximum torque control reference frame, which is suitable for high-performance controls of the PMSMs. As the issues of environment and energy increase seriously, PMSMs, one of the AC motors, are becoming popular because of their high-efficiency and high-torque density in various applications, such as electric vehicles, trains, industrial machines, and home appliances. To use the PMSMs efficiently, a proper current control of the PMSMs is necessary. In general, a rotational coordinate system synchronizing with the rotor is used for the current control of PMSMs. In the rotating reference frame, the current control is easier because the currents on the rotating reference frame can be expressed as a direct current in the controller. On the other hand, the torque characteristics of PMSMs are non-linear and complex; the PMSMs are efficient and high-density though. Therefore, a complicated control system is required to involve the relation between the torque and the current, even though the rotating reference frame is adopted. The maximum torque control reference frame provides a simpler way to control efficiently the currents taking the torque characteristics of the PMSMs into consideration.

Prenatal exposure to allergen, DNA methylation, and allergy in grandoffspring mice.

PubMed

Niedzwiecki, M; Zhu, H; Corson, L; Grunig, G; Factor, P H; Chu, S; Jiang, H; Miller, R L

2012-07-01

Prenatal allergen exposure has been linked to both induction and protection of allergic sensitization in offspring. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure of mice (F0) to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) would be associated with decreased immunoglobulin (Ig) E and airway eosinophilia and alterations in CpG methylation of T-helper genes in third-generation mice (F2). Female BALB/c mice were sensitized to A. fumigatus (62.5, 125, 1250 μg, or saline) and re-exposed to the same dose on days 7 and 14 (early) or days 12 and 17 (late) gestation. Grandoffspring were treated with A. fumigatus (62.5 μg) at 9 weeks. IgE, IgG(1) , and IgG(2a) levels and cell counts from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Lung DNA was pyrosequenced at multiple sites in the interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 promoters. Grandoffspring of mothers dosed with 1250 μg early during pregnancy developed increased airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed late in pregnancy developed lower IgE (P < 0.05) and airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed early had lower methylation at IL-4 CpG(-408) and CpG(-393) compared to late dosed mice (P < 0.005 across all doses). Few correlations were found between methylation levels and airway eosinophilia and IgE. Prenatal exposure to A. fumigatus late during pregnancy, but not early, was associated with lower IgE and airway eosinophilia in grandoffspring. Prenatal exposure to A. fumigatus was associated with changes in CpG methylation in the IFN-γ and IL-4 promoters that did not correlate consistently with indicators of allergic sensitization. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Mechanical Energy Change in Inertial Reference Frames

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghanbari, Saeed

2016-01-01

The mechanical energy change of a system in an inertial frame of reference equals work done by the total nonconservative force in the same frame. This relation is covariant under the Galilean transformations from inertial frame S to S', where S' moves with constant velocity relative to S. In the presence of nonconservative forces, such as normal…

Automatic frame-centered object representation and integration revealed by iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking.

PubMed

Lin, Zhicheng; He, Sheng

2012-10-25

Object identities ("what") and their spatial locations ("where") are processed in distinct pathways in the visual system, raising the question of how the what and where information is integrated. Because of object motions and eye movements, the retina-based representations are unstable, necessitating nonretinotopic representation and integration. A potential mechanism is to code and update objects according to their reference frames (i.e., frame-centered representation and integration). To isolate frame-centered processes, in a frame-to-frame apparent motion configuration, we (a) presented two preceding or trailing objects on the same frame, equidistant from the target on the other frame, to control for object-based (frame-based) effect and space-based effect, and (b) manipulated the target's relative location within its frame to probe frame-centered effect. We show that iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking depend on objects' relative frame locations, orthogonal of the retinotopic coordinate. These findings not only reveal that iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking can be nonretinotopic but also demonstrate that these processes are automatically constrained by contextual frames through a frame-centered mechanism. Thus, object representation is robustly and automatically coupled to its reference frame and continuously being updated through a frame-centered, location-specific mechanism. These findings lead to an object cabinet framework, in which objects ("files") within the reference frame ("cabinet") are orderly coded relative to the frame.

An initial exploration for comprehensive assessment of IgG4-related lung disease: analyses on the cases enrolled from a systematic review.

PubMed

Wang, An; Fan, Jie; Chen, Xiaofeng; Wang, Shaohua

2018-03-01

The existence of two diagnostic systems, the Boston and Japan criteria, for immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) confuse the medical practice. We aimed to develop a comprehensive assessment based on the weight of each diagnostic item in the existing criteria to improve the diagnostic efficiency of Boston criteria. We assessed the patients enrolled by a systematic review of the literatures using the Boston criteria, Japan criteria and a tentative comprehensive assessment respectively, and evaluated the efficiency of each system and their consistency. Our analysis showed that the distinction in pathological diagnostic items was similar for the Boston criteria (IgG4+/IgG+ ratio, P<0.01; the number of pathological features and IgG4+ count, P<0.001) and comprehensive assessment (IgG4+/IgG+ ratio and the number of pathological features, P<0.001; IgG4+ count, P<0.05). For the Japan criteria, a good distinction in the number of pathological features was demonstrated (P<0.05) but the difference in the IgG4+/IgG+ ratio and IgG4+ count was not significant. There was relatively poor consistency between the Boston and Japan criteria (Kappa =0.482, P<0.001), while there was good agreement (Kappa =0.811, P<0.001), but a significant difference (P=0.011, McNemar matching test), between the Boston criteria and comprehensive assessment. The current two diagnostic systems have poor consistency. Comprehensive assessment has good agreement with the Boston criteria, but can identify those cases in Boston Category 3 who could still be diagnosed as IgG4-related lung disease. Considering the weight of diagnostic items, the scoring system is a tentative exploration that should be improved with further experience in diagnosing IgG4-related lung disease.

Support time-dependent transformations for surveying and GIS : current status and upcoming challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoudabadi, H.; Lercier, D.; Vielliard, S.; Mein, N.; Briggs, G.

2016-12-01

The support of time-dependent transformations for surveying and GIS is becoming a critical issue. We need to convert positions from the realizations of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame to any national reference frame. This problem is easy to solve when all of the required information is available. But it becomes really complicated in a worldwide context. We propose an overview of the current ITRF-aligned reference frames and we describe a global solution to support time-dependent transformations between them and the International Terrestrial Reference Frame. We focus on the uncertainties of station velocities used. In a first approximation, we use a global tectonic plate model to calculate point velocities. We show the impact of the velocity model on the coordinate accuracies. Several countries, particularly in active regions, are developing semi-dynamic reference frames. These frames include local displacement models updated regularly and/or after major events (such as earthquakes). Their integration into surveying or GIS applications is an upcoming challenge. We want to encourage the geodetic community to develop and use standard formats.

Genetics Home Reference: autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome

MedlinePlus

... collapse boxes. Description Autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome (AR-HIES) is a disorder of the immune system. ... pus (abscesses), open sores, and scaling. People with AR-HIES also tend to have frequent bouts of ...

Performances of Four Helicobacter pylori Serological Detection Kits Using Stool Antigen Test as Gold Standard.

PubMed

Biranjia-Hurdoyal, Susheela D; Seetulsingh-Goorah, Sharmila P

2016-01-01

The aim was to determine the performances of four Helicobacter pylori serological detection kits in different target groups, using Amplified IDEIA™ Hp StAR™ as gold standard. Kits studied were Rapid Immunochromatoghraphic Hexagon, Helicoblot 2.1, an EIA IgG kit and EIA IgA kit. Stool and blood samples were collected from 162 apparently healthy participants (control) and 60 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The performances of the four serological detection kits were found to be affected by gender, age, health status and ethnicity of the participants. In the control group, the Helicoblot 2.1 kit had the best performance (AUC = 0.85; p<0.05, accuracy = 86.4%), followed by EIA IgG (AUC = 0.75; p<0.05, accuracy = 75.2%). The Rapid Hexagon and EIA IgA kits had relatively poor performances. In the T2DM subgroup, the kits H2.1 and EIA IgG had best performances, with accuracies of 96.5% and 93.1% respectively. The performance of EIA IgG improved with adjustment of its cut-off value. The performances of the detection kits were affected by various factors which should be taken into consideration.

Kinematics of Laying an Automated Weapon System

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-19

mathematical transformation is required to move the firing solution from its reference frame to a reference frame that is meaningful to the weapon system. This...Procedures 2 Conventions and Variable Definitions 2 Rotation Matrices 5 Transformation of a Vector 5 Conversion Between Cartestian and Spherical...Coordinate Systems 6 Transformation of Earth Referenced Lay to Platform Reference Frame 6 Results and Discussions 7 Conclusions 8 Bibliography 9

Differential School Contextual Effects for Math and English: Integrating the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect and the Internal/External Frame of Reference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parker, Philip D.; Marsh, Herbert W.; Ludtke, Oliver; Trautwein, Ulrich

2013-01-01

The internal/external frame of reference and the big-fish-little-pond effect are two major models of academic self-concept formation which have considerable theoretical and empirical support. Integrating the domain specific and compensatory processes of the internal/external frame of reference model with the big-fish-little-pond effect suggests a…

The International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) and the Relationship Between Frames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Chopo

2000-01-01

The International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), a catalog of VLBI source positions, is now the basis for astrometry and geodesy. Its construction and extension/maintenance will be discussed as well as the relationship of the ICRF, ITRF, and EOP/nutation.

[Micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma:a randomized controlled trial].

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoyan; Liu, Baoqin; Lu, Bin; Zhang, Yanmei; Wang, Liran; Li, Haijin; Han, Xue; Ding, Dan

2017-03-12

To observe the effects of micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium and simple montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma (CVA). A total of 240 patients were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 120 cases in each one. Considering of cases dropping, 101 patients in the observation group and 105 cases in the control group were included. Montelukast sodium chewable tablets were applied before sleep for 3 months in the control group, 5 mg a time, once a day. Based on the treatment as the control group, micro-invasive embedding was used for 3 months in the observation group, twice in the first month and once in the other two months. The acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), and Zusanli (ST 36). Follow-up was conducted 9 months after treatment in the two groups. The cough score, serum immunoglobulin (IgE, IgG, IgA), platelet activating factor (PAF) were observed before and after treatment. The indices were compared before and after treatment and at follow-up, including pulmonary function indices[peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory volume at the 1st second (FEV1)], and small airway function indices[forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 25% vital capacity (MEF25%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 50% vital capacity (MEF50%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 75% vital capacity (MEF75%) and mid expiratory flow rate (MEF25%-75%)]. Also, the total effects were evaluated. ①The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.1% (94/101), which was better than 87.6% (92/105) in the control group ( P <0.05). The cough disappearance time of the cured children in the observation group was (10.38±2.64) d, and it was shorter than (10.72 ±2.60) d of those in the control group ( P <0.05). After treatment, the cough score apparently decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P <0.05), with better result in the observation group ( P <0.05). At follow-up, the recurrence frequency of the observation group was (1.43±1.20), and it was less than (1.91±1.71) in the control group ( P <0.05). ②The levels of serum IgA and IgG after treatment in the two groups increased, and those of serum IgE and PAF decreased, compared with those before treatment. There was statistically significance except IgG in the control group before and after treatment (all P <0.05), with better Results in the observation group after treatment (all P <0.05). ③ Compared with those before treatment, all the pulmonary function indices were improved obviously after treatment and at follow-up in the two groups (all P <0.05), without statistically significance between the two groups (both P >0.05). ④ There was no statistically significance before and after treatment on small airway function indices in the two groups (all P >0.05). The indices at follow-up increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P <0.05), with better Results in the observation group (all P <0.05). Micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium achieved de-finite effect for children CVA, which can improve the body's immune and microcirculation. The effect is better than that of simple montelukast sodium on improving small airway function, etc.

Networked Mediated Influence 2.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-12

but they communicate the information through different frames of reference. . . . Frames work by accessing a particular perspective on an issue...nature yet attention grabbers.214 Framing. A form of communications where information is presented in a unique slant, focal point, or frame of reference...mental frameworks differ in their implications for decision making, the results can be dramatic.215 Information Communication Technologies (ICTs). A term

Comparison of fifteen commercial assays for detecting Varicella Zoster virus IgG with reference to a time resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) and the performance of two commercial assays for screening sera from immunocompromised individuals.

PubMed

Chris Maple, P A; Gunn, Annabel; Sellwood, Jane; Brown, David W G; Gray, Jim J

2009-02-01

The performance of fifteen, commercially available, VZV IgG assays and an "in house" indirect immunofluorescence (IF) assay has been compared to a reference VZV IgG time resolved immunofluorescence assay (VZV TRFIA). A panel of 273 VZV TRFIA IgG positive serum samples and 136 VZV TRFIA IgG susceptible sera, collected from a number of UK hospitals was used. Irrespective of the interpretation of equivocal results the most sensitive assays were Dade Behring EIA (97.4%), "in house" IF (95.2%), Human EIA (92.3%) and Becton Dickinson latex agglutination (94.1%). The least sensitive assays were Virion EIA (69.6%), Diesse EIA (68.9%) and Diasys EIA (68.5%). The least sensitive (<70%) assays all had >99.0% specificity whereas the most sensitive assays had lower specificities; for example, Dade Behring EIA had a specificity of 69.9% when equivocals were treated as VZV IgG negative. For some assays e.g. Dade Behring EIA there were major discrepancies between our findings and those reported by the manufacturer which may reflect the constitution of the panel(s) of sera used for evaluation or the reference method adopted or the choice of cut-off criteria (particularly relevant to our findings for the Behring EIA). Care must be taken to choose an assay with high specificity in order to accurately assess the need for vaccination or immunoprophylaxis; however, high sensitivity is preferable to prevent inappropriate and expensive treatment.

What a speaker's choice of frame reveals: reference points, frame selection, and framing effects.

PubMed

McKenzie, Craig R M; Nelson, Jonathan D

2003-09-01

Framing effects are well established: Listeners' preferences depend on how outcomes are described to them, or framed. Less well understood is what determines how speakers choose frames. Two experiments revealed that reference points systematically influenced speakers' choices between logically equivalent frames. For example, speakers tended to describe a 4-ounce cup filled to the 2-ounce line as half full if it was previously empty but described it as half empty if it was previously full. Similar results were found when speakers could describe the outcome of a medical treatment in terms of either mortality or survival (e.g., 25% die vs. 75% survive). Two additional experiments showed that listeners made accurate inferences about speakers' reference points on the basis of the selected frame (e.g., if a speaker described a cup as half empty, listeners inferred that the cup used to be full). Taken together, the data suggest that frames reliably convey implicit information in addition to their explicit content, which helps explain why framing effects are so robust.

Inverse relationship between toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 antibodies and interferon-γ and interleukin-6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with pediatric tonsillitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Chen, Yinshuang; Huang, Yanmei; Liang, Bingshao; Dong, Hui; Yao, Shuwen; Xie, Yongqiang; Long, Yan; Zhong, Huamin; Yang, Yiyu; Zhu, Bing; Gong, Sitang; Zhou, Zhenwen

2017-06-01

Pediatric tonsillitis is frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most common pathogen that causes serious pyogenic infections in humans and endangers human health. S. aureus produces numerous potent virulence factors that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the infection caused by this bacterium, and one of the most important toxins produced by S. aureus is toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). The aim of this study is to investigate the first time the levels of IFN-γ and interleukin IL-6 in TSST-1-stimulated PBMCs from pediatric tonsillitis patients and the correlation of these cytokine levels with TSST-1-specific IgG in serum. TSST-1 gene of S. aureus was cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic expression system, and purified recombinant TSST-1 protein was used for measuring TSST-1-specific antibodies in the serum of patients with pediatric tonsillitis caused by S. aureus. Moreover, the levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-6 in TSST-1-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from pediatric tonsillitis patients were investigated. In patients with pediatric tonsillitis caused by S. aureus, significantly higher levels of serum TSST-1-specific IgG (P < 0.05) and IgG1 (P < 0.05) were detected than in healthy children. Moreover, PBMCs from the patients exhibited higher IFN-γ (P < 0.05) production in response to TSST-1 than did PBMCs from healthy children. In patients with pediatric tonsillitis caused by S. aureus, the positive rate of TSST-1-specific IgG was 70%, and the patients who tested negative for TSST-1-specific IgG exhibited significantly higher levels of IFN-γ (P < 0.05) and IL-6 (P < 0.05) than did the IgG-positive patients, in accord, the levels of TSST-1-specific IgG correlated inversely with the levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 in patients PBMCs stimulated with TSST-1. TSST-1 induces humoral and cellular immunity in pediatric tonsillitis caused by S. aureus, which suggests that TSST-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pediatric tonsillitis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Effect of Warm Acupuncture on the Levels of Serum Immunoglobulin E, Interleukin-1 β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Rats with Allergic Rhinitis].

PubMed

Zheng, Xian-Li; Tian, Yong-Ping; Luo, Hai-Yan; Zhao, Yao-Dong; Liu, Xiang-Yi; Jiang, Ying; Ma, Cheng-Xu; Wang, Ming-Juan; Liu, Min

2018-01-25

To observe the effect of warm acupuncture on behavior and contents of serum immunoglobulin E(IgE), interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in allergic rhinitis(AR) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improving AR. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, model group, medication group and warm acupuncture group(10 rats/group). The AR model was established by intraperitoneal injection of sensitization and nasal drip. The rats in the medication group were given fluticasone propionate nasal spray, daily for 10 days. Warm acupuncture was applied to "Fengchi"(GB 20), "Yintang"(GV 29), "Yingxiang"(LI 20) for 60 seconds, once daily for 10 days. Behavioral scores were used to evaluate behavioral changes in rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α. Behavioral scores of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group 0, 3, 7 and 10 days after modeling ( P <0.05). After treatment, the behavioral scores of medication group and the warm acupuncture group were lower than those of the model group ( P <0.05), and the score was more lower in the warm acupuncture group than in the medication group ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α in the model group were all increased ( P <0.01), while the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were decreased in the medication and warm acupuncture groups after treatment in comparison with the model group ( P <0.05, P <0.01). Compared with the medication group, the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were significantly lower in the warm acupuncture group ( P <0.05, P <0.01). The expression levels of IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were elevated in serum after AR attack. Warm acupuncture can improve the symptoms of AR rats, which may be associated to its effect in inhibiting the expression of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α.

Updating of visual orientation in a gravity-based reference frame.

PubMed

Niehof, Nynke; Tramper, Julian J; Doeller, Christian F; Medendorp, W Pieter

2017-10-01

The brain can use multiple reference frames to code line orientation, including head-, object-, and gravity-centered references. If these frames change orientation, their representations must be updated to keep register with actual line orientation. We tested this internal updating during head rotation in roll, exploiting the rod-and-frame effect: The illusory tilt of a vertical line surrounded by a tilted visual frame. If line orientation is stored relative to gravity, these distortions should also affect the updating process. Alternatively, if coding is head- or frame-centered, updating errors should be related to the changes in their orientation. Ten subjects were instructed to memorize the orientation of a briefly flashed line, surrounded by a tilted visual frame, then rotate their head, and subsequently judge the orientation of a second line relative to the memorized first while the frame was upright. Results showed that updating errors were mostly related to the amount of subjective distortion of gravity at both the initial and final head orientation, rather than to the amount of intervening head rotation. In some subjects, a smaller part of the updating error was also related to the change of visual frame orientation. We conclude that the brain relies primarily on a gravity-based reference to remember line orientation during head roll.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

PubMed

Alyasin, Soheila; Moghtaderi, Mozhgan; Farjadian, Shirin; Babaei, Maryam; Teshnizi, Saeed Hosseini

2018-01-01

Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can occur as a cause of permanent lung damage in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of AS and ABPA in patients with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis in southwestern Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 33 patients with CF and 27 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis from southwestern Iran who were referred to Namazi Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from July 2015 to February 2016. Skin prick test to Aspergillus fumigatus, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE, specific IgE and IgG against Aspergillus fumigatus as well as radiologic chest studies were done for each patient. Statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher Exact test, and Kappa weighted in SPSS software version 18. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Nine patients with CF (27.3%) and one patient with non-CF bronchiectasis (3.7%) had positive skin tests to Aspergillus. There was 81.2% agreement between positive skin test and specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus (p<0.001). Three patients with CF (9%) met the diagnostic criteria for ABPA, whereas ABPA was not seen in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. ABPA was low in this study, considering more frequency of AS in patients with cystic fibrosis, clinicians should keep in mind the diagnosis of ABPA for those CF patients that do not respond to usual medical therapy and have positive skin tests to Aspergillus allergens.

Recombinant glycoprotein G analog for determination of specific immunoglobulins to herpes simplex virus type 2 by ELISA.

PubMed

Korshun, Ludmila; Vudmaska, Mariya; Moysa, Larissa; Kovtonjuk, Galina; Mikhalap, Svetlana; Ganova, Larissa; Spivak, Nikolay

2013-12-01

In order to the detection of type-specific IgG to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in human serum or plasma the recombinant analog of HSV-2 glycoprotein G (gG2) was created. To construct an expression vector the DNA fragment with a sequence identical to immunodominant regions of HSV-2 gG2 was cloned into modified vector pET28a containing of the glutation-S-transferase sequence (pET28-GST). Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) were transformed with the recombinant plasmid. The target protein was expressed mainly in soluble form. Chromatographic purification of soluble GST-gG2 protein was performed taking into account the features of its primary structure that are 6His-tag and GST-tag. To determine the affinity constant of the specific IgG to GST-gG2 we used the method proposed by Friguet et al. (1985). The affinity constants were within the range of 10(7)-10(8)M(-1) proving their high-affinity. The purified recombinant HSV-2 antigen was used to design a diagnostic ELISA kit, which was evaluated with referent controls and standard panels of sera containing and/or not containing anti-HSV-2 IgG. Comparative evaluation of this kit and the commercially available "HSV-Type 2 IgG-ELISA" (NovaTec, Dietzenbach, Germany) kit was performed. There was no significant difference (P>0.05). It allows to use developed ELISA kit for clinical diagnosis of HSV-2 infection. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subsidence and Fault Displacement Along the Long Point Fault Derived from Continuous GPS Observations (2012-2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsibanos, V.; Wang, G.

2017-12-01

The Long Point Fault located in Houston Texas is a complex system of normal faults which causes significant damage to urban infrastructure on both private and public property. This case study focuses on the 20-km long fault using high accuracy continuously operating global positioning satellite (GPS) stations to delineate fault movement over five years (2012 - 2017). The Long Point Fault is the longest active fault in the greater Houston area that damages roads, buried pipes, concrete structures and buildings and creates a financial burden for the city of Houston and the residents who live in close vicinity to the fault trace. In order to monitor fault displacement along the surface 11 permanent and continuously operating GPS stations were installed 6 on the hanging wall and 5 on the footwall. This study is an overview of the GPS observations from 2013 to 2017. GPS positions were processed with both relative (double differencing) and absolute Precise Point Positioning (PPP) techniques. The PPP solutions that are referred to IGS08 reference frame were transformed to the Stable Houston Reference Frame (SHRF16). Our results show no considerable horizontal displacements across the fault, but do show uneven vertical displacement attributed to regional subsidence in the range of (5 - 10 mm/yr). This subsidence can be associated to compaction of silty clays in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers whose water depths are approximately 50m and 80m below the land surface (bls). These levels are below the regional pre-consolidation head that is about 30 to 40m bls. Recent research indicates subsidence will continue to occur until the aquifer levels reach the pre-consolidation head. With further GPS observations both the Long Point Fault and regional land subsidence can be monitored providing important geological data to the Houston community.

Levels and complexity of IgA antibody against oral bacteria in samples of human colostrum.

PubMed

Petrechen, L N; Zago, F H; Sesso, M L T; Bertoldo, B B; Silva, C B; Azevedo, K P; de Lima Pereira, S A; Geraldo-Martins, V R; Ferriani, V P L; Nogueira, R D

2015-01-01

Streptococcus mutans (SM) have three main virulence antigens: glucan binding protein B (gbpB), glucosyltransferase (Gtf) and antigens I/II (Ag I/II) envolved in the capacity of those bacteria to adhere and accumulate in the dental biofilm. Also, the glycosyltransferases 153 kDa of Streptococcus gordonii (SGO) and 170kDa of Streptococcus sanguinis (SSA) were important antigens associated with the accumulation of those bacterias. Streptococcus mitis (SMI) present IgA1 protease of 202 kDa. We investigated the specificity and levels IgA against those antigens of virulence in samples of human colostrum. This study involved 77 samples of colostrum that were analyzed for levels of immunoglobulian A, M and G by Elisa. The specificity of IgA against extracts of SM and initials colonizators (SSA, SMI, SGO) were analyzed by the Western blot. The mean concentration of IgA was 2850.2 (±2567.2) mg/100 mL followed by IgM and IgG (respectively 321.8±90.3 and 88.3±51.5), statistically different (p<0.05). Results showed that the majority of samples had detectable levels of IgA antibodies to extracts of bacteria antigens and theirs virulence antigens. To SM, the GbpB was significantly lower detected than others antigens of SM (p<0.05). High complexities of response to Ags were identified in the samples. There were no significant differences in the mean number of IgA-reactive Ags between the antigens (p>0.4). So, the breast milk from first hours after birth presented significant levels of IgA specific against important virulence of antigens those oral streptococci, which can disrupt the installation and accumulation process of these microorganisms in the oral cavity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Retrospective analysis on the impact of tuberculosis on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

PubMed

Zhang, Chang-Ran; Niu, Yuan-Yuan; Lin, Jian-Cong; Wu, Wen-Hui; Li, Ming; Li, Jian-Feng

2013-01-01

Up to now, there have been few reports concerning changes in lupus activity and immune indices of tuberculosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE). A retrospective investigation was given to survey the case data of SLE patients companied with tuberculosis that were treated in our hospital from 2001 to 2010 and compared with that of sex- and age-matched patients with single SLE. Changes in autoantibodies, lupus activity, inflammatory indices, positive rates of tuberculin (PPD) test and tuberculosis antibody (TB-Ab) of both groups were observed. It was indicated by results that ANA antibody level and positive rates of anti-Sm, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies were significantly lower in the TB group than those in the control group (P < 0.05); C3 and C4 levels were significantly higher in the TB group than those in the control group; damage of hematological system (predominantly platelet) was less severe in the TB group than that in the control group (P < 0.05); no significant differences in IgG, IgM and IgA were noted between two groups (P > 0.05); ESR, C-reactive protein and LDH levels were significantly higher in the TB group than those in the control group (P < 0.05); PPD-IgG were significantly higher in the TB group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). These results suggested that after SLE patients were infected with tuberculosis, immune function was altered and lupus activity was inhibited as well.

Celestial reference frames and the gauge freedom in the post-Newtonian mechanics of the Earth-Moon system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopeikin, Sergei; Xie, Yi

2010-11-01

We introduce the Jacobi coordinates adopted to the advanced theoretical analysis of the relativistic Celestial Mechanics of the Earth-Moon system. Theoretical derivation utilizes the relativistic resolutions on reference frames adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2000. The resolutions assume that the Solar System is isolated and space-time is asymptotically flat at infinity and the primary reference frame covers the entire space-time, has its origin at the Solar System barycenter (SSB) with spatial axes stretching up to infinity. The SSB frame is not rotating with respect to a set of distant quasars that are assumed to be at rest on the sky forming the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The second reference frame has its origin at the Earth-Moon barycenter (EMB). The EMB frame is locally inertial and is not rotating dynamically in the sense that equation of motion of a test particle moving with respect to the EMB frame, does not contain the Coriolis and centripetal forces. Two other local frames—geocentric and selenocentric—have their origins at the center of mass of Earth and Moon respectively and do not rotate dynamically. Each local frame is subject to the geodetic precession both with respect to other local frames and with respect to the ICRF because of their relative motion with respect to each other. Theoretical advantage of the dynamically non-rotating local frames is in a more simple mathematical description of the metric tensor and relative equations of motion of the Moon with respect to Earth. Each local frame can be converted to kinematically non-rotating one after alignment with the axes of ICRF by applying the matrix of the relativistic precession as recommended by the IAU resolutions. The set of one global and three local frames is introduced in order to decouple physical effects of gravity from the gauge-dependent effects in the equations of relative motion of the Moon with respect to Earth.

Combined effect of smoking habits and occupational exposure to hard metal on total IgE antibodies.

PubMed

Shirakawa, T; Kusaka, Y; Morimoto, K

1992-06-01

A survey was made within a population of workers (n = 706) exposed to hard metal dust (an alloy including cobalt), an agent known to cause occupational allergy. Twenty-seven (4 percent) of 733 workers were eliminated from consideration in this study because of atopic status identified prior to starting work in the plant. Using a Phadebas PRIST, the subjects' total IgE levels were determined and related to their smoking and exposure status. Nonexposed male smokers (n = 135) had a higher geometric mean IgE level (39.7 IU/ml) than did nonexposed subjects who had never smoked (33.1 IU/ml; n = 99); those with a higher Brinkman index (greater than 300), a smoking index obtained by multiplying the number of cigarettes per day by the duration of smoking in years, had significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased IgE levels. Although ex-smokers (n = 72) had a higher geometric mean IgE level (73.3 IU/ml) than did those who had never smoked, their serum IgE level declined with age since the time they quit smoking, regardless of their hard metal exposure status. Hard metal (cobalt) exposure may play a significant role as an adjuvant in the production of total IgE. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that hard metal exposure and a smoking habit together arithmetically (p less than 0.05) increased total IgE levels. These two factors may be preventable risk factors for occupational allergy in hard metal workers.

Thinking inside the box: Spatial frames of reference for drawing in Williams syndrome and typical development.

PubMed

Hudson, Kerry D; Farran, Emily K

2017-09-01

Successfully completing a drawing relies on the ability to accurately impose and manipulate spatial frames of reference for the object that is being drawn and for the drawing space. Typically developing (TD) children use cues such as the page boundary as a frame of reference to guide the orientation of drawn lines. Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) typically produce incohesive drawings; this is proposed to reflect a local processing bias. Across two studies, we provide the first investigation of the effect of using a frame of reference when drawing simple lines and shapes in WS and TD groups (matched for non-verbal ability). Individuals with WS (N=17 Experiment 1; N=18 Experiment 2) and TD children matched by non-verbal ability drew single lines (Experiment One) and whole shapes (Experiment Two) within a neutral, incongruent or congruent frame. The angular deviation of the drawn line/shape, relative to the model line/shape, was measured. Both groups were sensitive to spatial frames of reference when drawing single lines and whole shapes, imposed by a frame around the drawing space. A local processing bias in WS cannot explain poor drawing performance in WS. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post-Newtonian Reference Frames for Advanced Theory of the Lunar Motion and a New Generation of Lunar Laser Ranging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yi; Kopeikin, Sergei Affiliaiton: AB(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, USA kopeikins@missouri.edu)

2010-08-01

We overview a set of post-Newtonian reference frames for a comprehensive study of the orbital dynamics and rotational motion of Moon and Earth by means of lunar laser ranging (LLR). We employ a scalar-tensor theory of gravity depending on two post-Newtonian parameters, and , and utilize the relativistic resolutions on reference frames adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2000. We assume that the solar system is isolated and space-time is asymptotically flat at infinity. The primary reference frame covers the entire space-time, has its origin at the solar-system barycenter (SSB) and spatial axes stretching up to infinity. The SSB frame is not rotating with respect to a set of distant quasars that are forming the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The secondary reference frame has its origin at the Earth-Moon barycenter (EMB). The EMB frame is locally-inertial and is not rotating dynamically in the sense that equation of motion of a test particle moving with respect to the EMB frame, does not contain the Coriolis and centripetal forces. Two other local frames geocentric (GRF) and selenocentric (SRF) have their origins at the center of mass of Earth and Moon respectively and do not rotate dynamically. Each local frame is subject to the geodetic precession both with respect to other local frames and with respect to the ICRF because of their relative motion with respect to each other. Theoretical advantage of the dynamically non-rotating local frames is in a more simple mathematical description. Each local frame can be aligned with the axes of ICRF after applying the matrix of the relativistic precession. The set of one global and three local frames is introduced in order to fully decouple the relative motion of Moon with respect to Earth from the orbital motion of the Earth-Moon barycenter as well as to connect the coordinate description of the lunar motion, an observer on Earth, and a retro-reflector on Moon to directly measurable quantities such as the proper time and the round-trip laser-light distance. We solve the gravity field equations and find out the metric tensor and the scalar field in all frames which description includes the post-Newtonian multipole moments of the gravitational field of Earth and Moon. We also derive the post-Newtonian coordinate transformations between the frames and analyze the residual gauge freedom.

The influence of visual and vestibular orientation cues in a clock reading task.

PubMed

Davidenko, Nicolas; Cheong, Yeram; Waterman, Amanda; Smith, Jacob; Anderson, Barrett; Harmon, Sarah

2018-05-23

We investigated how performance in the real-life perceptual task of analog clock reading is influenced by the clock's orientation with respect to egocentric, gravitational, and visual-environmental reference frames. In Experiment 1, we designed a simple clock-reading task and found that observers' reaction time to correctly tell the time depends systematically on the clock's orientation. In Experiment 2, we dissociated egocentric from environmental reference frames by having participants sit upright or lie sideways while performing the task. We found that both reference frames substantially contribute to response times in this task. In Experiment 3, we placed upright or rotated participants in an upright or rotated immersive virtual environment, which allowed us to further dissociate vestibular from visual cues to the environmental reference frame. We found evidence of environmental reference frame effects only when visual and vestibular cues were aligned. We discuss the implications for the design of remote and head-mounted displays. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Second Realization of the International Celestial Reference Frame by Very Long Baseline Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fey, A. L.; Gordon, D.; Jacobs, C. S.; Ma, C.; Gaume, R. A.; Arias, E. F.; Bianco, G.; Boboltz, D. A.; Böckmann, S.; Bolotin, S.; Charlot, P.; Collioud, A.; Engelhardt, G.; Gipson, J.; Gontier, A.-M.; Heinkelmann, R.; Kurdubov, S.; Lambert, S.; Lytvyn, S.; MacMillan, D. S.; Malkin, Z.; Nothnagel, A.; Ojha, R.; Skurikhina, E.; Sokolova, J.; Souchay, J.; Sovers, O. J.; Tesmer, V.; Titov, O.; Wang, G.; Zharov, V.

2015-08-01

We present the second realization of the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF2) at radio wavelengths using nearly 30 years of Very Long Baseline Interferometry observations. ICRF2 contains precise positions of 3414 compact radio astronomical objects and has a positional noise floor of ∼40 μas and a directional stability of the frame axes of ∼10 μas. A set of 295 new “defining” sources was selected on the basis of positional stability and the lack of extensive intrinsic source structure. The positional stability of these 295 defining sources and their more uniform sky distribution eliminates the two greatest weaknesses of the first realization of the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF1). Alignment of ICRF2 with the International Celestial Reference System was made using 138 positionally stable sources common to both ICRF2 and ICRF1. The resulting ICRF2 was adopted by the International Astronomical Union as the new fundamental celestial reference frame, replacing ICRF1 as of 2010 January 1.

Recovery of a geocentric reference frame using the present-day GPS system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malla, Rajendra P.; Wu, Sien-Chong

1990-01-01

A geocentric reference frame adopts the center of mass of the earth as the origin of the coordinate axes. The center of mass of the earth is the natural and unambiguous origin of a geocentric satellite dynamical system. But in practice a kinematically obtained terrestrial reference frame may assume an origin other than the geocenter. The establishment of a geocentric reference frame, to which all relevant observations and results can be referred and in which geodynamic theories or models for the dynamic behavior of earth can be formulated, requires the ability to accurately recover a given coordinate frame origin offset from the geocenter. GPS measurements, because of their abundance and broad distribution, provide a powerful tool to obtain this origin offset in a short period of time. Two effective strategies have been devised. Data from the First Central And South America (Casa Uno) geodynamics experiment has been studied, in order to demonstrate the ability of recovering the geocenter location with present day GPS satellites and receivers.

Automatic frame-centered object representation and integration revealed by iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking

PubMed Central

Lin, Zhicheng; He, Sheng

2012-01-01

Object identities (“what”) and their spatial locations (“where”) are processed in distinct pathways in the visual system, raising the question of how the what and where information is integrated. Because of object motions and eye movements, the retina-based representations are unstable, necessitating nonretinotopic representation and integration. A potential mechanism is to code and update objects according to their reference frames (i.e., frame-centered representation and integration). To isolate frame-centered processes, in a frame-to-frame apparent motion configuration, we (a) presented two preceding or trailing objects on the same frame, equidistant from the target on the other frame, to control for object-based (frame-based) effect and space-based effect, and (b) manipulated the target's relative location within its frame to probe frame-centered effect. We show that iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking depend on objects' relative frame locations, orthogonal of the retinotopic coordinate. These findings not only reveal that iconic memory, visual priming, and backward masking can be nonretinotopic but also demonstrate that these processes are automatically constrained by contextual frames through a frame-centered mechanism. Thus, object representation is robustly and automatically coupled to its reference frame and continuously being updated through a frame-centered, location-specific mechanism. These findings lead to an object cabinet framework, in which objects (“files”) within the reference frame (“cabinet”) are orderly coded relative to the frame. PMID:23104817

Tacrolimus has immunosuppressive effects on heavy/light chain pairs and free light chains in patients after heart transplantation: A relationship with infection.

PubMed

Lavríková, Petra; Sečník, Peter; Kubíček, Zdenek; Jabor, Antonín; Hošková, Lenka; Franeková, Janka

2018-06-15

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between tacrolimus (TAC) immunosuppressive treatment and serum concentrations of immunoglobulin heavy/light chain pairs (sHLC) and free light chains (sFLC) in patients after heart transplantation (HTX) and to use these biomarkers to predict the risk of infection in these patients. A total of 88 patients with an immunosuppressive regimen involving tacrolimus who underwent HTX were analyzed over 24 months of follow-up. sFLC and sHLC levels were determined before and at three time points after HTX. TAC concentrations were determined at several time points after HTX, and mean TAC concentrations and areas under the curve (AUCs) of TAC concentration were calculated. Relevant clinical data were obtained from patients' medical records. A larger AUC of TAC was associated with decreases in the concentrations of IgG total (p < 0.05); similarly, cumulative AUC of TAC during 18 post-transplant months correlated inversely with sHLC IgG kappa (r = -0.228, p < 0.05) and IgG total (r = -0.352, p < 0.05). Concentrations of sFLC kappa, sFLC lambda, sHLC IgG kappa, and sHLC IgG total were significantly lower in infected patients (in the 9th month after HTX, all p < 0.05). Combined criteria for increased AUC (greater than the median of 12.9 mg·d/l) and decreased sFLC kappa (less than the median of 12.5 mg/l) correlated with the presence of infection (p < 0.03) in the 9th month after HTX. Ratio of concentration of TAC to sFLC kappa or lambda was significantly higher in infected patients (both p < 0.05). Intensive treatment with tacrolimus after HTX is possibly reflected by decreases in sFLC and sHLC (mainly sHLC IgG). Patients with decreased concentrations of these biomarkers are at increased risk for infection, primarily in the 9th month after HTX, when the concentrations of tacrolimus were the highest. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design and Principles Enabling the Space Reference FOM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moeller, Bjoern; Dexter, Dan; Madden, Michael; Crues, Edwin Z.; Garro, Alfredo; Skuratovskiy, Anton

2017-01-01

A first complete draft of the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) Space Reference Federation Object Model (FOM) has now been produced. This paper provides some insights into its capabilities and discusses the opportunity for reuse in other domains. The focus of this first version of the standard is execution control, time management and coordinate systems, well-known reference frames, as well as some basic support for physical entities. The biggest part of the execution control is the coordinated start-up process. This process contains a number of steps, including checking of required federates, handling of early versus late joiners, sharing of federation wide configuration data and multi-phase initialization. An additional part of Execution Control is the coordinated and synchronized transition between Run mode, Freeze mode and Shutdown. For time management, several time lines are defined, including real-time, scenario time, High Level Architecture (HLA) logical time and physical time. A strategy for mixing simulations that use different time steps is introduced, as well as an approach for finding common boundaries for fully synchronized freeze. For describing spatial information, a mechanism with a set of reference frames is specified. Each reference frame has a position and orientation related to a parent reference frame. This makes it possible for federates to perform calculations in reference frames that are convenient to them. An operation on the Moon can be performed using lunar coordinates whereas an operation on Earth can be performed using Earth coordinates. At the same time, coordinates in one reference frame have an unambiguous relationship to a coordinate in another reference frame. While the Space Reference FOM is originally being developed for Space operations, the authors believe that many parts of it can be reused for any simulation that has a focus on physical processes with one or more coordinate systems, and require high fidelity and repeatability.

SU-E-J-58: Comparison of Conformal Tracking Methods Using Initial, Adaptive and Preceding Image Frames for Image Registration

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

Teo, P; Guo, K; Alayoubi, N

Purpose: Accounting for tumor motion during radiation therapy is important to ensure that the tumor receives the prescribed dose. Increasing the field size to account for this motion exposes the surrounding healthy tissues to unnecessary radiation. In contrast to using motion-encompassing techniques to treat moving tumors, conformal radiation therapy (RT) uses a smaller field to track the tumor and adapts the beam aperture according to the motion detected. This work investigates and compares the performance of three markerless, EPID based, optical flow methods to track tumor motion with conformal RT. Methods: Three techniques were used to track the motions ofmore » a 3D printed lung tumor programmed to move according to the tumor of seven lung cancer patients. These techniques utilized a multi-resolution optical flow algorithm as the core computation for image registration. The first method (DIR) registers the incoming images with an initial reference frame, while the second method (RFSF) uses an adaptive reference frame and the third method (CU) uses preceding image frames for registration. The patient traces and errors were evaluated for the seven patients. Results: The average position errors for all patient traces were 0.12 ± 0.33 mm, −0.05 ± 0.04 mm and −0.28 ± 0.44 mm for CU, DIR and RFSF method respectively. The position errors distributed within 1 standard deviation are 0.74 mm, 0.37 mm and 0.96 mm respectively. The CU and RFSF algorithms are sensitive to the characteristics of the patient trace and produce a wider distribution of errors amongst patients. Although the mean error for the DIR method is negatively biased (−0.05 mm) for all patients, it has the narrowest distribution of position error, which can be corrected using an offset calibration. Conclusion: Three techniques of image registration and position update were studied. Using direct comparison with an initial frame yields the best performance. The authors would like to thank Dr.YeLin Suh for making the Cyberknife dataset available to us. Scholarship funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is acknowledged.« less

A Terrestrial Reference Frame realised on the observation level using a GPS-LEO satellite constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenig, Daniel

2018-02-01

Applying a one-step integrated process, i.e. by simultaneously processing all data and determining all satellite orbits involved, a Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) consisting of a geometric as well as a dynamic part has been determined at the observation level using the EPOS-OC software of Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum. The satellite systems involved comprise the Global Positioning System (GPS) as well as the twin GRACE spacecrafts. Applying a novel approach, the inherent datum defect has been overcome empirically. In order not to rely on theoretical assumptions this is done by carrying out the TRF estimation based on simulated observations and using the associated satellite orbits as background truth. The datum defect is identified here as the total of all three translations as well as the rotation about the z-axis of the ground station network leading to a rank-deficient estimation problem. To rectify this singularity, datum constraints comprising no-net translation (NNT) conditions in x, y, and z as well as a no-net rotation (NNR) condition about the z-axis are imposed. Thus minimally constrained, the TRF solution covers a time span of roughly a year with daily resolution. For the geometric part the focus is put on Helmert transformations between the a priori and the estimated sets of ground station positions, and the dynamic part is represented by gravity field coefficients of degree one and two. The results of a reference solution reveal the TRF parameters to be estimated reliably with high precision. Moreover, carrying out a comparable two-step approach using the same data and models leads to parameters and observational residuals of worse quality. A validation w.r.t. external sources shows the dynamic origin to coincide at a level of 5 mm or better in x and y, and mostly better than 15 mm in z. Comparing the derived GPS orbits to IGS final orbits as well as analysing the SLR residuals for the GRACE satellites reveals an orbit quality on the few cm level. Additional TRF test solutions demonstrate that K-Band Range-Rate observations between both GRACE spacecrafts are crucial for accurately estimating the dynamic frame's orientation, and reveal the importance of the NNT- and NNR-conditions imposed for estimating the components of the dynamic geocenter.

Immunoglobulin concentrations in nasal lavage fluids in dogs with non-specific rhinitis.

PubMed

Wolschrijn, C F; Macri, R M; Bernadina, W E; Willemse, T; van den Brom, W E; Venker-van Haagen, A J

1996-03-01

The pathophysiology of non-specific chronic rhinitis(NSCR) in dogs is still unknown. In this study the possible role of immunological mechanisms in NSCR is examined, by comparing immunoglobulin concentrations in nasal lavage fluids of dogs with NSCR with those of healthy dogs. The immunoglobulin IgA was detected in nasal lavage fluids of both groups of dogs and the differences in relative levels of IgA in dogs with NSCR were not significant. IgM, IgG(a,b), and IgG(d) were detected more frequently in dogs with NSCR (P<0.05), and the relative levels were higher. The presence of IgG(a,b) may indicate the chronic character of rhinitis, and the presence of IgG(d) the possibility of an allergic component in its pathophysiology. The role of IgM is not completely clear.

Lineage-restricted retention of a primitive immunoglobulin heavy chain isotype within the Dipnoi reveals an evolutionary paradox

PubMed Central

Ota, Tatsuya; Rast, Jonathan P.; Litman, Gary W.; Amemiya, Chris T.

2003-01-01

The lineage leading to lungfishes is one of the few major jawed vertebrate groups in which Ig heavy chain isotype structure has not been investigated at the genetic level. In this study, we have characterized three different Ig heavy chain isotypes of the African lungfish, Protopterus aethiopicus, including an IgM-type heavy chain and short and long forms of non-IgM heavy chains. Northern blot analysis as well as patterns of VH utilization suggest that the IgM and non-IgM isotypes are likely encoded in separate loci. The two non-IgM isotypes identified in Protopterus share structural features with the short and long forms of IgX/W/NARC (referred to hereafter as IgW), which were previously considered to be restricted to the cartilaginous fish. It seems that the IgW isotype has a far broader phylogenetic distribution than considered originally and raises questions with regard to the origin and evolutionary divergence of IgM and IgW. Moreover, its absence in other gnathostome lineages implies paradoxically that the IgW-type genes were lost from teleost and tetrapod lineages. PMID:12606718

Reference frames, gauge transformations and gravitomagnetism in the post-Newtonian theory of the lunar motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yi; Kopeikin, Sergei

2010-01-01

We construct a set of reference frames for description of the orbital and rotational motion of the Moon. We use a scalar-tensor theory of gravity depending on two parameters of the parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism and utilize the concepts of the relativistic resolutions on reference frames adopted by the International Astronomical Union in 2000. We assume that the solar system is isolated and space-time is asymptotically flat. The primary reference frame has the origin at the solar-system barycenter (SSB) and spatial axes are going to infinity. The SSB frame is not rotating with respect to distant quasars. The secondary reference frame has the origin at the Earth-Moon barycenter (EMB). The EMB frame is local with its spatial axes spreading out to the orbits of Venus and Mars and not rotating dynamically in the sense that both the Coriolis and centripetal forces acting on a free-falling test particle, moving with respect to the EMB frame, are excluded. Two other local frames, the geocentric (GRF) and the selenocentric (SRF) frames, have the origin at the center of mass of the Earth and Moon respectively. They are both introduced in order to connect the coordinate description of the lunar motion, observer on the Earth, and a retro-reflector on the Moon to the observable quantities which are the proper time and the laser-ranging distance. We solve the gravity field equations and find the metric tensor and the scalar field in all frames. We also derive the post-Newtonian coordinate transformations between the frames and analyze the residual gauge freedom of the solutions of the field equations. We discuss the gravitomagnetic effects in the barycentric equations of the motion of the Moon and argue that they are beyond the current accuracy of lunar laser ranging (LLR) observations.

Determination of the extragalactic-planetary frame tie from joint analysis of radio interferometric and lunar laser ranging measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folkner, W. M.; Charlot, P.; Finger, M. H.; Williams, J. G.; Sovers, O. J.; Newhall, XX; Standish, E. M., Jr.

1994-01-01

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of extragalactic radio sources provide the basis for defining an accurate non-rotating reference frame in terms of angular positions of the sources. Measurements of the distance from the Earth to the Moon and to the inner planets provide the basis for defining an inertial planetary ephemeris reference frame. The relative orientation, or frame tie, between these two reference frames is of interest for combining Earth orientation measurements, for comparing Earth orientation results with theories referred to the mean equator and equinox, and for determining the positions of the planets with respect to the extragalactic reference frame. This work presents an indirect determination of the extragalactic-planetary frame tie from a combined reduction of VLBI and Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) observations. For this determination, data acquired by LLR tracking stations since 1969 have been analyzed and combined with 14 years of VLBI data acquired by NASA's Deep Space Network since 1978. The frame tie derived from this joint analysis, with an accuracy of 0.003 sec, is the most accurate determination obtained so far. This result, combined with a determination of the mean ecliptic (defined in the rotating sense), shows that the mean equinox of epoch J2000 is offset from the x-axis of the extragalactic frame adopted by the International Earth Rotation Service for astrometric and geodetic applications by 0.078 sec +/- 0.010 sec along the y-direction and y 0.019 sec +/- 0.001 sec. along the z-direction.

Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Antibodies against Clinically Important Old and New World Hantaviruses

PubMed Central

Lederer, Sabine; Lattwein, Erik; Hanke, Merle; Sonnenberg, Karen; Stoecker, Winfried; Lundkvist, Åke; Vaheri, Antti; Vapalahti, Olli; Chan, Paul K. S.; Feldmann, Heinz; Dick, Daryl; Schmidt-Chanasit, Jonas; Padula, Paula; Vial, Pablo A.; Panculescu-Gatej, Raluca; Ceianu, Cornelia; Heyman, Paul; Avšič-Županc, Tatjana; Niedrig, Matthias

2013-01-01

In order to detect serum antibodies against clinically important Old and New World hantaviruses simultaneously, multiparametric indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) based on biochip mosaics were developed. Each of the mosaic substrates consisted of cells infected with one of the virus types Hantaan (HTNV), Puumala (PUUV), Seoul (SEOV), Saaremaa (SAAV), Dobrava (DOBV), Sin Nombre (SNV) or Andes (ANDV). For assay evaluation, serum IgG and IgM antibodies were analyzed using 184 laboratory-confirmed hantavirus-positive sera collected at six diagnostic centers from patients actively or previously infected with the following hantavirus serotypes: PUUV (Finland, n = 97); SEOV (China, n = 5); DOBV (Romania, n = 7); SNV (Canada, n = 23); ANDV (Argentina and Chile, n = 52). The control panel comprised 89 sera from healthy blood donors. According to the reference tests, all 184 patient samples were seropositive for hantavirus-specific IgG (n = 177; 96%) and/or IgM (n = 131; 72%), while all control samples were tested negative. In the multiparametric IFA applied in this study, 183 (99%) of the patient sera were IgG and 131 (71%) IgM positive (accordance with the reference tests: IgG, 96%; IgM, 93%). Overall IFA sensitivity for combined IgG and IgM analysis amounted to 100% for all serotypes, except for SNV (96%). Of the 89 control sera, 2 (2%) showed IgG reactivity against the HTNV substrate, but not against any other hantavirus. Due to the high cross-reactivity of hantaviral nucleocapsid proteins, endpoint titrations were conducted, allowing serotype determination in >90% of PUUV- and ANDV-infected patients. Thus, multiparametric IFA enables highly sensitive and specific serological diagnosis of hantavirus infections and can be used to differentiate PUUV and ANDV infection from infections with Murinae-borne hantaviruses (e.g. DOBV and SEOV). PMID:23593524

Optimal Cutoff and Accuracy of an IgM Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Acute Scrub Typhus in Northern Thailand: an Alternative Reference Method to the IgM Immunofluorescence Assay

PubMed Central

Blacksell, Stuart D.; Tanganuchitcharnchai, Ampai; Jintaworn, Suthatip; Kantipong, Pacharee; Richards, Allen L.; Day, Nicholas P. J.

2016-01-01

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been proposed as an alternative serologic diagnostic test to the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for scrub typhus. Here, we systematically determine the optimal sample dilution and cutoff optical density (OD) and estimate the accuracy of IgM ELISA using Bayesian latent class models (LCMs). Data from 135 patients with undifferentiated fever were reevaluated using Bayesian LCMs. Every patient was evaluated for the presence of an eschar and tested with a blood culture for Orientia tsutsugamushi, three different PCR assays, and an IgM IFA. The IgM ELISA was performed for every sample at sample dilutions from 1:100 to 1:102,400 using crude whole-cell antigens of the Karp, Kato, and Gilliam strains of O. tsutsugamushi developed by the Naval Medical Research Center. We used Bayesian LCMs to generate unbiased receiver operating characteristic curves and found that the sample dilution of 1:400 was optimal for the IgM ELISA. With the optimal cutoff OD of 1.474 at a sample dilution of 1:400, the IgM ELISA had a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% credible interval [CrI], 77.4% to 86.7%) and a specificity of 98.1% (95% CrI, 97.2% to 100%) using paired samples. For the ELISA, the OD could be determined objectively and quickly, in contrast to the reading of IFA slides, which was both subjective and labor-intensive. The IgM ELISA for scrub typhus has high diagnostic accuracy and is less subjective than the IgM IFA. We suggest that the IgM ELISA may be used as an alternative reference test to the IgM IFA for the serological diagnosis of scrub typhus. PMID:27008880

Levels of Antibodies Specific to Tetanus Toxoid, Haemophilus influenzae Type b, and Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide in Healthy Children and Adults

PubMed Central

Schauer, Uwe; Stemberg, Frank; Rieger, Christian H. L.; Büttner, Wolfgang; Borte, Michael; Schubert, Simone; Möllers, Helga; Riedel, Frank; Herz, Udo; Renz, Harald; Herzog, Wilhelm

2003-01-01

Antibody levels specific for capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and for tetanus toxoid were measured in serum samples of 386 age-stratified subjects. The study group consists of healthy adult blood donors and hospitalized children undergoing elective surgery, excluding individuals with a history of infection. In children, anti-tetanus toxoid antibody levels displayed two peaks of 1.20 IU/ml (20.4 mg/liter) and 1.65 IU/ml (28.1 mg/liter) related to the schedule of routine childhood immunization in the first year and at 8 years of age. Eighty percent of the antibodies are of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) isotype. For pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP), the specific antibody levels represent the acquisition of natural immunity. The initial concentration of 9.2 mg/liter was low in infancy (0.5 to 1 years of age) and remained low until 3 to 4 years of age (14.6 mg/liter). During this period PCP antibodies were almost 100% of the IgG2 subclass. Thereafter, IgG anti-PCP antibody titers increased steadily to adult levels (59.5 mg/liter). The data are intended to provide reference ranges to aid in the interpretation of specific antibody determinations in the clinical setting. PMID:12626443

Satellite Ephemeris Correction via Remote Site Observation for Star Tracker Navigation Performance Improvement

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

squared RMS root mean squared GCRF Geocentric Celestial Reference Frame xi List of Figures Figure Page 1 Geometry of single observation...RA and DEC in the celestial sphere. The Geocentric Celestial Reference Frame (GCRF) is the standard geocentric frame that measures the RA east in the...Figure 2. Right ascension (α) and declination (δ) in the celestial sphere[6] 7 made between geocentric and topocentric angles. Geocentric is referred to

Establishing a celestial VLBI reference frame. 1: Searching for VLBI sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Preston, R. A.; Morabito, D. D.; Williams, J. G.; Slade, M. A.; Harris, A. W.; Finley, S. G.; Skjerve, L. J.; Tanida, L.; Spitzmesser, D. J.; Johnson, B.

1978-01-01

The Deep Space Network is currently engaged in establishing a new high-accuracy VLBI celestial reference frame. The present status of the task of finding suitable celestial radio sources for constructing this reference frame is discussed. To date, 564 VLBI sources were detected, with 166 of these lying within 10 deg of the ecliptic plane. The variation of the sky distribution of these sources with source strength is examined.

Antibodies to molds and satratoxin in individuals exposed in water-damaged buildings.

PubMed

Vojdani, Aristo; Thrasher, Jack D; Madison, Roberta A; Gray, Michael R; Heuser, Gunnar; Campbell, Andrew W

2003-07-01

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG antibodies against Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, Stachybotrys chartarum, and satratoxin H were determined in the blood of 500 healthy blood donor controls, 500 random patients, and 500 patients with known exposure to molds. The patients were referred to the immunological testing laboratory for health reasons other than mold exposure, or for measurement of mold antibody levels. Levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies against molds were significantly greater in the patients (p < 0.001 for all measurements) than in the controls. However, in mold-exposed patients, levels of these antibodies against satratoxin differed significantly for IgG only (p < 0.001), but not for IgM or IgA. These differences in the levels of mold antibodies among the 3 groups were confirmed by calculation of z score and by Scheffé's significant difference tests. A general linear model was applied in the majority of cases, and 3 different subsets were formed, meaning that the healthy control groups were different from the random patients and from the mold-exposed patients. These findings indicated that mold exposure was more common in patients who were referred for immunological evaluation than it was in healthy blood donors. The detection of antibodies to molds and satratoxin H likely resulted from antigenic stimulation of the immune system and the reaction of serum with specially prepared mold antigens. These antigens, which had high protein content, were developed in this laboratory and used in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure. The authors concluded that the antibodies studied are specific to mold antigens and mycotoxins, and therefore could be useful in epidemiological and other studies of humans exposed to molds and mycotoxins.

Evaluation of saliva collection devices for the analysis of proteins.

PubMed

Topkas, Eleni; Keith, Patricia; Dimeski, Goce; Cooper-White, Justin; Punyadeera, Chamindie

2012-07-11

Human saliva mirrors the body's health and can be collected non-invasively, does not require specialized skills and is suitable for large population based screening programs. The aims were twofold: to evaluate the suitability of commercially available saliva collection devices for quantifying proteins present in saliva and to provide levels for C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin, and immunoglobin E (IgE) in saliva of healthy individuals as a baseline for future studies. Saliva was collected from healthy volunteers (n=17, ages 18-33years). The following collection methods were evaluated: drool; Salimetrics® Oral Swab (SOS); Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic (Sarstedt) and Greiner Bio-One Saliva Collection System (GBO SCS®). We used AlphaLISA® assays to measure CRP, IgE and myoglobin levels in human saliva. Significant (p<0.05) differences in the salivary flow rates were observed based on the method of collection, i.e. salivary flow rates were significantly lower (p<0.05) in unstimulated saliva (i.e. drool and SOS), when compared with mechanically stimulated methods (p<0.05) (Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic) and acid stimulated method (p<0.05) (SCS®). Saliva collected using SOS yielded significantly (p<0.05) lower concentrations of myoglobin and CRP, whilst, saliva collected using the Salivette® Cotton and Synthetic swab yielded significantly (p<0.05) lower myoglobin and IgE concentrations respectively. The results demonstrated significantly relevant differences in analyte levels based on the collection method. Significant differences in the salivary flow rates were also observed depending on the saliva collection method. The data provide preliminary baseline values for salivary CRP, myoglobin, and IgE levels in healthy participants and based on the collection method. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of molecular weight and ratio of poly ethylene glycols' derivatives in combination with trehalose on stability of freeze-dried IgG.

PubMed

Mohammad Zadeh, Amir Hossein; Rouholamini Najafabadi, Abdolhosein; Vatanara, Alireza; Faghihi, Homa; Gilani, Kambiz

2017-12-01

The influence of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) at different molecular weights (MWs) and ratios was studied on the stability of freeze-dried immune globulin G (IgG). PEGs (600-4000 Dalton) at concentrations of 0.5 and 5% W/V were applied in the presence of 40 and 60% W/W of trehalose to prepare freeze-dried IgG formulations. Size-exclusion chromatography, infra-red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, and gel electrophoresis were performed to characterize lyophilized samples. Pure IgG demonstrated the highest aggregation of 5.77 ± 0.10% after process and 12.66 ± 0.50% as well as 44.69 ± 0.50% upon 1 and 2 months of storage at 45 °C, respectively. 5% W/V of PEGs 4000 in combination with 40% W/W trehalose, significantly suppressed aggregation, 0.05 ± 0.01%, with minimum aggregation rate constant of 0.32 (1/month). The integrity of IgG molecules and secondary conformation were properly preserved in all formulations comparing native IgG. It could be concluded that appropriate concentration and MW of PEGs, prominently augmented stabilizing effect of trehalose on freeze-dried antibody through inserting additional supportive mechanisms of actions.

Seroprevalence, Seroconversion, and Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis among Pregnant Women in Taipei, Taiwan.

PubMed

Hung, Ching-Sheng; Su, Hung-Wen; Lee, Yu-Luen; Weng, Hui-Wen; Wang, Yin-Chin; Naito, Toshio; Tsubouchi, Akiko; Wang, Giueng-Chueng; Fan, Chia-Kwung

2015-01-01

Herein, we determined the seroprevalence, seroconversion, and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection among pregnant women in Taipei, Taiwan. Pregnant women attending antenatal consultation in a Taipei medical center were invited, and 104 women completed a self-administered structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected during the first and third trimester after consent was obtained. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies (Abs) as well as IgG avidity were analyzed using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Of the samples collected in the first trimester, seven were seropositive for IgG Abs and one was seropositive for IgG + IgM Abs with a borderline avidity index, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 7.7%. No statistically significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and age, pregnancy history, or any risk factors. Seroconversion was not detected from paired sera between the first and third trimesters. Pregnant women with senior high school education level or those who claimed to knowing Toxoplasma exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence than those with bachelor degree (P = 0.05) or those who claimed not to have this knowledge (P = 0.05). Therefore, failure to understand the importance of T. gondii infection and the prevention measures resulted in the development of toxoplasmosis among these women.

Presence of Streptococcus mutans strains harbouring the cnm gene correlates with dental caries status and IgA nephropathy conditions

PubMed Central

Misaki, Taro; Naka, Shuhei; Hatakeyama, Rina; Fukunaga, Akiko; Nomura, Ryota; Isozaki, Taisuke; Nakano, Kazuhiko

2016-01-01

Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen of human dental caries. Strains harbouring the cnm gene, which encodes Cnm, a collagen-binding protein, contribute to the development of several systemic diseases. In this study, we analysed S. mutans strains isolated from the oral cavity of immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy (IgAN) patients to determine potential relationships between cnm and caries status as well as IgAN conditions. Saliva specimens were collected from 109 IgAN patients and the cnm status of isolated S. mutans strains was determined using PCR. In addition, the dental caries status (decayed, missing or filled teeth [DMFT] index) in patients who agreed to dental consultation (n = 49) was evaluated. The DMFT index and urinary protein levels in the cnm-positive group were significantly higher than those in the cnm-negative group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the urinary protein levels in the high DMFT (≥15) group were significantly higher than those in the low DMFT (<15) group (p < 0.05). Our results show that isolation of cnm-positive S. mutans strains from the oral cavity may be associated with urinary protein levels in IgAN patients, especially those with a high dental caries status. PMID:27811984

Relationships between skin test, specific IgE and levels of cytokines in patients with penicillin allergy.

PubMed

Qiao, H-L; Liu, J-H; Yang, J; Dong, Z-M

2005-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between skin test, specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E and cytokines in penicillin allergy. We collected the sera of 259 patients with historical positive skin test to penicillins, with immediate positive skin test and with a negative skin test results. The positive rate of specific IgE antibodies in 259 patients was 62.2% (161) by using radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Of the eight kinds of antigenic determinants, the positive rates of specific IgE to major and minor determinants were 43.63% (113) and 52.51% (136), respectively (p < 0.05). In 122 patients with immediate positive skin test, when the degrees of skin test were +, 2+, 3+ and 4+, the positive rates of specific IgE were 45.7, 57.1, 85.2 and 100%, respectively. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-gamma in the sera of patients with positive skin test were significantly increased with the degree of positive skin test (p < 0.05). The combined use of major and minor determinants in RAST offers the better test for the detection of penicillin-specific IgE antibodies. IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-gamma play important roles in penicillin allergy.

Self-perceived oral health and salivary proteins in children with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Javed, F; Sundin, U; Altamash, M; Klinge, B; Engström, P-E

2009-01-01

The aim was to validate self-perceived oral health with salivary IgG as an inflammatory parameter in children with type 1 diabetes. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from 36 children with well controlled and 12 with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes and 40 non-diabetic children (Controls). Salivary flow rate, random blood glucose level, salivary protein concentration and immunoglobulin A and G levels were recorded using standard techniques. Data concerning oral health and diabetes status were collected. Self-perceived gingival bleeding (bleeding gums), bad breath and dry mouth were higher in diabetic children when compared with those in controls (P < 0.05). Gingival bleeding was frequently perceived by children with poorly controlled compared to well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05) and controls (P < 0.001). Bad breath was common perceived by children with poorly controlled compared to well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05) and controls (P < 0.0001). Salivary flow rate was lower in the diabetic children compared to controls (P < 0.01) with no difference between children with poorly controlled and well-controlled type 1 diabetes. Salivary IgG per mg protein concentration was higher in the diabetics when compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). IgG per mg protein levels were also higher in children with poorly controlled when compared with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (P < 0.05). There was no difference in IgA per mg protein and total protein concentrations between children with poorly controlled and well-controlled type 1 diabetes. Self-perceived gingival bleeding and salivary IgG per mg protein concentration were increased in children with type 1 diabetes compared with controls. These variables were also increased in children with poorly controlled compared with well-controlled type 1 diabetes.

Adhesion and growth inhibitory effect of chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) on Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium in vitro.

PubMed

Chalghoumi, Raja; Théwis, André; Beckers, Yves; Marcq, Christopher; Portetelle, Daniel; Schneider, Yves-Jacques

2009-06-01

The protective effects of powder preparation of egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY), specific to Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium outer membrane proteins (OMP), against these two Salmonella sp. serovars were investigated in vitro in two different assays: adhesion-prevention and growth-inhibition. The adhesion-prevention assay was conducted using polarized monolayers of the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell line. First, the conditions of Salmonella adherence to Caco-2 cells were optimized, and interferences of bacteria with the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of fully differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers and the lactate dehydrogenase release upon exposure of the cells to Salmonella were evaluated. Both Salmonella sp. serovars were able to adhere to Caco-2 cells and decreased TER. Results from the adhesion-prevention assay demonstrated that specific IgY reduced the decrease in TER of the infected Caco-2 cell monolayers and blocked the Salmonella sp. adhesion in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Nonspecific IgY also exhibited an inhibitory effect on these two parameters, but to a lesser extent than that of the specific IgY (p < 0.05). The protective effect of nonspecific IgY could be attributed to the low-density lipoprotein component of the water-soluble fraction of egg yolks that may not have been eliminated during ultrafiltration. The growth-inhibition assay revealed that specific IgY had an inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth, markedly during the late exponential phase, whereas nonspecific IgY failed to do so. Taken together, these results suggest that the in vitro growth inhibitory effect of specific IgY on Salmonella spp. resulted from the specific binding activity of these IgY to Salmonella sp. OMP. Passive immunization with Salmonella sp. OMP-specific IgY could thus be useful to prevent Salmonella colonization in broiler chickens and the subsequent carcass contamination during processing.

Quality of red blood cells washed using a second wash sequence on an automated cell processor.

PubMed

Hansen, Adele L; Turner, Tracey R; Kurach, Jayme D R; Acker, Jason P

2015-10-01

Washed red blood cells (RBCs) are indicated for immunoglobulin (Ig)A-deficient recipients when RBCs from IgA-deficient donors are not available. Canadian Blood Services recently began using the automated ACP 215 cell processor (Haemonetics Corporation) for RBC washing, and its suitability to produce IgA-deficient RBCs was investigated. RBCs produced from whole blood donations by the buffy coat (BC) and whole blood filtration (WBF) methods were washed using the ACP 215 or the COBE 2991 cell processors and IgA and total protein levels were assessed. A double-wash procedure using the ACP 215 was developed, tested, and validated by assessing hemolysis, hematocrit, recovery, and other in vitro quality variables in RBCs stored after washing, with and without irradiation. A single wash using the ACP 215 did not meet Canadian Standards Association recommendations for washing with more than 2 L of solution and could not consistently reduce IgA to levels suitable for IgA-deficient recipients (24/26 BC RBCs and 0/9 WBF RBCs had IgA levels < 0.05 mg/dL). Using a second wash sequence, all BC and WBF units were washed with more than 2 L and had levels of IgA of less than 0.05 mg/dL. During 7 days' postwash storage, with and without irradiation, double-washed RBCs met quality control criteria, except for the failure of one RBC unit for inadequate (69%) postwash recovery. Using the ACP 215, a double-wash procedure for the production of components for IgA-deficient recipients from either BC or WBF RBCs was developed and validated. © 2015 AABB.

Ethnicity influences disease characteristics and symptom severity in allergic rhinitis patients in Malaysia.

PubMed

Amini, Peyman; Abdullah, Maha; Seng, Lee Sing; Karunakaran, Thanusha; Hani, Norzhafarina; Bakar, Saraiza Abu; Latiff, Amir Hamzah Abdul; Fong, Seow Heng; Yeow, Yap Yoke

2016-06-01

The number of available reports regarding the influence of ethnicity on clinical features of allergic rhinitis (AR), especially disease severity in tropical climates, is limited. We aimed to compare clinical parameters and disease severity in AR patients of different ethnicities. Malay, Chinese, and Indian AR patients (n = 138) with confirmed sensitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dematophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis were tested for mite-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels. A detailed questionnaire was used to collect data on nasal symptom score (NSS), ocular symptom score (OSS), sum of symptoms score (SSS), quality of life score (QLS), symptomatic control score (SCS), and total sum of scores (TSS) and correlate the derived data with patients' demography, mite-polysensitivity, and sIgE levels. AR-related symptoms were most severe in Malays and least in Chinese (p < 0.01). Age (r = 0.516 to 0.673, p < 0.05) and duration of AR (r = 0.635 to 0.726, p < 0.01) correlated positively with severity domains (NSS, SSS, QLS, and TSS) in Chinese. Duration of concurrent allergies was highest in Malays (p < 0.05). Polysensitivity predicted increased sIgE levels in Malays (r = 0.464 to 0.551, p < 0.01) and Indians (r = 0.541 to 0.645, p < 0.05) but affected NSS, SSS, and TSS only in Indians (r = 0.216 to 0.376, p < 0.05). sIgE levels were lowest among Chinese but correlated strongly with NSS, OSS, SSS, and TSS (r = 0408 to 0.898, p < 0.05). Clinical parameters in AR may be influenced by race. Symptoms were most severe among Malays but did not correlate with other variables examined. Although Indian ethnicity did not impact disease severity, duration of concurrent allergies and mite-polysensitivity was associated with more severe disease. Age, duration of disease, and sIgE levels may be useful indicators of disease severity in Chinese. © 2016 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Overall properties of the Gaia DR1 reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, N.; Zhu, Z.; Liu, J.-C.; Ding, C.-Y.

2017-03-01

Aims: The first Gaia data release (Gaia DR1) provides 2191 ICRF2 sources with their positions in the auxiliary quasar solution and five astrometric parameters - positions, parallaxes, and proper motions - for stars in common between the Tycho-2 catalogue and Gaia in the joint Tycho-Gaia astrometric solution (TGAS). We aim to analyze the overall properties of Gaia DR1 reference frame. Methods: We compare quasar positions of the auxiliary quasar solution with ICRF2 sources using different samples and evaluate the influence on the Gaia DR1 reference frame owing to the Galactic aberration effect over the J2000.0-J2015.0 period. Then we estimate the global rotation between TGAS with Tycho-2 proper motion systems to investigate the property of the Gaia DR1 reference frame. Finally, the Galactic kinematics analysis using the K-M giant proper motions is performed to understand the property of Gaia DR1 reference frame. Results: The positional comparison between the auxiliary quasar solution and ICRF2 shows negligible orientation and validates the declination bias of -0.1mas in Gaia quasar positions with respect to ICRF2. Galactic aberration effect is thought to cause an offset 0.01mas of the Z axis direction of Gaia DR1 reference frame. The global rotation between TGAS and Tycho-2 proper motion systems, obtained by different samples, shows a much smaller value than the claimed value 0.24mas yr-1. For the Galactic kinematics analysis of the TGAS K-M giants, we find possible non-zero Galactic rotation components beyond the classical Oort constants: the rigid part ωYG = -0.38±0.15mas yr-1 and the differential part ω^primeYG = -0.29±0.19mas yr-1 around the YG axis of Galactic coordinates, which indicates possible residual rotation in Gaia DR1 reference frame or problems in the current Galactic kinematical model. Conclusions: The Gaia DR1 reference frame is well aligned to ICRF2, and the possible influence of the Galactic aberration effect should be taken into consideration for the future Gaia-ICRF link. The cause of the rather small global rotation between TGAS and Tycho-2 proper motion systems is unclear and needs further investigation. The possible residual rotation in Gaia DR1 reference frame inferred from the Galactic kinematic analysis should be noted and examined in future data release.

The impact of serum incubation time on IgM/IgG binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhongqiang; Gao, Bingsi; Zhao, Chengjiang; Long, Cassandra; Qi, Haizhi; Ezzelarab, Mohamed; Cooper, David Kc; Hara, Hidetaka

2017-07-01

The results of the assay for measuring anti-non-Gal antibodies (which affect pig xenograft survival) in recipients are important. Serum incubation time and concentration may be important factors in the extent of antibody binding to the graft. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal incubation time and serum concentration for measuring anti-non-Gal antibody binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAECs). Pooled human, naive, and sensitized baboon sera were incubated with wild-type, α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO), and GTKO/human CD55 pAECs. IgM/IgG binding to pAECs after varying serum incubation times (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hour) and concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 40 μL) was determined by flow cytometry. An increase in incubation time from 30 minutes to 2 hour was associated with increases in anti-non-Gal IgM/IgG binding to GTKO and GTKO/hCD55 pAECs of pooled human, naive and sensitized baboon sera (P<.05). Pooled human serum showed a significant increase in anti-non-Gal IgM (1.5 times) and a minimal increase in anti-non-Gal IgG antibody binding. IgM/IgG binding of sensitized baboon serum to GTKO pAECs after 2-hour incubation was 1.5 times and 2 times greater than after 30-minutes incubation, respectively, whereas naïve baboon sera showed minimal (non-significant) increase in anti-non-Gal IgM/IgG antibody binding. With 2-hour incubation, increasing the serum concentration from 5 μL to 20 μL significantly increased antibody binding to non-Gal antigens in pooled human and sensitized baboon serum. With naïve baboon serum, only IgG was significantly increased. Increasing the serum incubation time contributed to improve the sensitivity of detecting anti-non-Gal antibodies, without affecting cell viability in vitro. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Immunogenicity and Immunological Memory Induced by the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Followed by the 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine in HIV-Infected Adults.

PubMed

Farmaki, Paraskevi F; Chini, Maria C; Mangafas, Nikolaos M; Tzanoudaki, Marianna T; Piperi, Christina P; Lazanas, Marios Z; Spoulou, Vana S

2018-06-05

Vaccine-induced memory B-cell (MBC) subsets have distinct roles in the establishment of protective immunity; MBCs expressing nonswitched immunoglobulin M (IgM+ MBCs) replenish the MBC pool, whereas MBCs expressing isotype-switched immunoglobulin (sIg+ MBCs) differentiate into plasma cells upon antigen reencounter. We investigated immunogenicity and MBCs induced by combined 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults. Forty HIV-seropositive adults receiving ART with undetectable viral loads were enrolled. Seventeen had a CD4+ T-cell count of ≥400 cells/μL (group A), and 23 had a CD4+ T-cell count of 200-399 cells/μL (group B). All adults received PCV13 and, 1 year later, PPV23. Levels of IgM+ MBCs (defined as polysaccharide [PS]-specific CD19+CD10-CD27+CD21++IgM+ MBCs) and sIg+ MBCs (defined as PS-specific CD19+CD10-CD27+CD21++IgM- MBCs) and antibodies against PS14 and PS3 were measured prior and 1 month after each vaccination. Immunization caused a significant increase in PS antibodies, compared with levels at baseline (P < .001). Group B achieved significantly lower titers than group A (P < .05 for both PS14 and PS3). After receipt of PCV13, levels of IgM+ MBCs were unchanged, whereas levels of sIg+ MBCs increased significantly (P < .05 for PS14 and P < .001 for PS3). In contrast, following PPV23 receipt, levels of IgM+ MBCs were significantly reduced, and levels of sIg+ MBCs remained stable. A positive correlation was observed between baseline IgM+ and sIg+ MBC counts 1 month after PCV13 receipt but not after PPV23 receipt. PPV23 receipt 12 months after PCV13 receipt improved PCV13 immunogenicity. The reduction in the IgM+ MBC count observed after PPV23 receipt suggests that PPV23 has a depleting effect on PCV13-associated immunological memory. NCT03041051.

Spatial vision within egocentric and exocentric frames of reference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Ian P.

1989-01-01

The extent to which perceptual judgements within egocentric and exocentric frames of reference are subject to illusory disturbances and long term modifications is discussed. It is argued that well known spatial illusions, such as the oculogyral illusion and induced visual motion have usually been discussed without proper attention being paid to the frame of reference within which they occur, and that this has led to the construction of inadequate theories and inappropriate procedures for testing them.

Reference frames in virtual spatial navigation are viewpoint dependent

PubMed Central

Török, Ágoston; Nguyen, T. Peter; Kolozsvári, Orsolya; Buchanan, Robert J.; Nadasdy, Zoltan

2014-01-01

Spatial navigation in the mammalian brain relies on a cognitive map of the environment. Such cognitive maps enable us, for example, to take the optimal route from a given location to a known target. The formation of these maps is naturally influenced by our perception of the environment, meaning it is dependent on factors such as our viewpoint and choice of reference frame. Yet, it is unknown how these factors influence the construction of cognitive maps. Here, we evaluated how various combinations of viewpoints and reference frames affect subjects' performance when they navigated in a bounded virtual environment without landmarks. We measured both their path length and time efficiency and found that (1) ground perspective was associated with egocentric frame of reference, (2) aerial perspective was associated with allocentric frame of reference, (3) there was no appreciable performance difference between first and third person egocentric viewing positions and (4) while none of these effects were dependent on gender, males tended to perform better in general. Our study provides evidence that there are inherent associations between visual perspectives and cognitive reference frames. This result has implications about the mechanisms of path integration in the human brain and may also inspire designs of virtual reality applications. Lastly, we demonstrated the effective use of a tablet PC and spatial navigation tasks for studying spatial and cognitive aspects of human memory. PMID:25249956

Reference frames in virtual spatial navigation are viewpoint dependent.

PubMed

Török, Agoston; Nguyen, T Peter; Kolozsvári, Orsolya; Buchanan, Robert J; Nadasdy, Zoltan

2014-01-01

Spatial navigation in the mammalian brain relies on a cognitive map of the environment. Such cognitive maps enable us, for example, to take the optimal route from a given location to a known target. The formation of these maps is naturally influenced by our perception of the environment, meaning it is dependent on factors such as our viewpoint and choice of reference frame. Yet, it is unknown how these factors influence the construction of cognitive maps. Here, we evaluated how various combinations of viewpoints and reference frames affect subjects' performance when they navigated in a bounded virtual environment without landmarks. We measured both their path length and time efficiency and found that (1) ground perspective was associated with egocentric frame of reference, (2) aerial perspective was associated with allocentric frame of reference, (3) there was no appreciable performance difference between first and third person egocentric viewing positions and (4) while none of these effects were dependent on gender, males tended to perform better in general. Our study provides evidence that there are inherent associations between visual perspectives and cognitive reference frames. This result has implications about the mechanisms of path integration in the human brain and may also inspire designs of virtual reality applications. Lastly, we demonstrated the effective use of a tablet PC and spatial navigation tasks for studying spatial and cognitive aspects of human memory.

Toxicological Effects of Nickel Chloride on IgA+ B Cells and sIgA, IgA, IgG, IgM in the Intestinal Mucosal Immunity in Broilers

PubMed Central

Wu, Bangyuan; Cui, Hengmin; Peng, Xi; Fang, Jing; Zuo, Zhicai; Deng, Junliang; Huang, Jianying

2014-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicological effects of dietary NiCl2 on IgA+ B cells and the immunoglobulins including sIgA, IgA, IgG and IgM in the small intestine and cecal tonsil of broilers by the methods of immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two hundred and forty one-day-old avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Compared with the control group, the IgA+ B cell number and the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents in the NiCl2-treated groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in the excess of 300 mg/kg had negative effects on the IgA+ B cell number and the abovementioned immunoglobulin contents in the small intestine and the cecal tonsil. NiCl2-reduced sIgA, IgA, IgG and IgM contents is due to decrease in the population and/or the activation of B cell. The results suggest that NiCl2 at high levels has intestinal mucosal humoral immunotoxicity in animals. PMID:25116637

Radio-planetary from tie from Phobos-2 VLBI data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hildebrand, C. E.; Iijima, B. A.; Kroger, P. M.; Folkner, W. M.; Edwards, C. D.

1994-01-01

In an ongoing effort to improve the knowledge of the relative orientation (the 'frame tie') of the planetary ephemeris reference frame used in deep navigation and a second reference frame that is defined by the coordinates of a set of extragalactic radio sources, VLBI observations of the Soviet Phobos-2 spacecraft and nearby (in angle) radio sources were obtained at two epochs in 1989, shortly after the spacecraft entered orbit about Mars. The frame tie is an important systematic error source affecting both interplanetary navigation and the process of improving the theory of the Earth's orientation. The data from a single Phobos-2 VLBI session measure one component of the direction vector from Earth to Mars in the frame of the extragalactic radio sources (the 'radio frame'). The radio frame has been shown to be stable and internally consistent with an accuracy of 5 nrad. The planetary ephemeris reference frame has an internal consistency of approximately 15 nrad. The planetary and radio source reference frames were aligned prior to 1989 and measurements of occulations of the radio source 3C273 by the Moon. The Phobos-2 VLBI measurements provide improvement in the accuracy of two of the three angles describing a general rotation between the planetary and radio reference frames. A complete set of measurements is not available because data acquisition was terminated prematurely by loss of spacecraft. The analysis of the two Phobos-2 VLBI data sets indicates that, in the directions of the two rotation components determined by these data, the JPL planetary ephemeris DE200 is aligned with the radio frame as adopted by the International Earth Rotation Service within an accuracy of 20-40 nrad, depending on direction. The limiting errors in the solutions for these offsets are spacecraft trajectory (20 nrad), instrumental biases (19 nrad), and dependence of quasar coordinates on observing frequency (24 nrad).

Light escape cones in local reference frames of Kerr-de Sitter black hole spacetimes and related black hole shadows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuchlík, Zdeněk; Charbulák, Daniel; Schee, Jan

2018-03-01

We construct the light escape cones of isotropic spot sources of radiation residing in special classes of reference frames in the Kerr-de Sitter (KdS) black hole spacetimes, namely in the fundamental class of `non-geodesic' locally non-rotating reference frames (LNRFs), and two classes of `geodesic' frames, the radial geodesic frames (RGFs), both falling and escaping, and the frames related to the circular geodesic orbits (CGFs). We compare the cones constructed in a given position for the LNRFs, RGFs, and CGFs. We have shown that the photons locally counter-rotating relative to LNRFs with positive impact parameter and negative covariant energy are confined to the ergosphere region. Finally, we demonstrate that the light escaping cones govern the shadows of black holes located in front of a radiating screen, as seen by the observers in the considered frames. For shadows related to distant static observers the LNRFs are relevant.

Celestial Reference Frames at Multiple Radio Wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobs, Christopher S.

2012-01-01

In 1997 the IAU adopted the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) built from S/X VLBI data. In response to IAU resolutions encouraging the extension of the ICRF to additional frequency bands, VLBI frames have been made at 24, 32, and 43 gigahertz. Meanwhile, the 8.4 gigahertz work has been greatly improved with the 2009 release of the ICRF-2. This paper discusses the motivations for extending the ICRF to these higher radio bands. Results to date will be summarized including evidence that the high frequency frames are rapidly approaching the accuracy of the 8.4 gigahertz ICRF-2. We discuss current limiting errors and prospects for the future accuracy of radio reference frames. We note that comparison of multiple radio frames is characterizing the frequency dependent systematic noise floor from extended source morphology and core shift. Finally, given Gaia's potential for high accuracy optical astrometry, we have simulated the precision of a radio-optical frame tie to be approximately10-15 microarcseconds ((1-sigma) (1-standard deviation), per component).

Location memory biases reveal the challenges of coordinating visual and kinesthetic reference frames

PubMed Central

Simmering, Vanessa R.; Peterson, Clayton; Darling, Warren; Spencer, John P.

2008-01-01

Five experiments explored the influence of visual and kinesthetic/proprioceptive reference frames on location memory. Experiments 1 and 2 compared visual and kinesthetic reference frames in a memory task using visually-specified locations and a visually-guided response. When the environment was visible, results replicated previous findings of biases away from the midline symmetry axis of the task space, with stability for targets aligned with this axis. When the environment was not visible, results showed some evidence of bias away from a kinesthetically-specified midline (trunk anterior–posterior [a–p] axis), but there was little evidence of stability when targets were aligned with body midline. This lack of stability may reflect the challenges of coordinating visual and kinesthetic information in the absence of an environmental reference frame. Thus, Experiments 3–5 examined kinesthetic guidance of hand movement to kinesthetically-defined targets. Performance in these experiments was generally accurate with no evidence of consistent biases away from the trunk a–p axis. We discuss these results in the context of the challenges of coordinating reference frames within versus between multiple sensori-motor systems. PMID:17703284

Linking HIPPARCOS to the Extragalactic Reference Frame Part 5 OF 6, Newc, Cycle 2,CONTINUATION of 2565-HIGH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemenway, Paul

1991-07-01

Determination of a non-rotating Reference Frame is crucial to progress in many areas, including: Galactic motions, local (Oort's A and B) and global (R0) parameters derived from them, solar system motion discrepancies (Planet X); and in conjunction with the VLBI radio reference frame, the registration of radio and optical images at an accuracy well below the resolution limit of HST images (0.06 arcsec). The goal of the Program is to tie the HIPPARCOS and Extra- galactic Reference Frames together at the 0.0005 arcsec and 0.0005 arcsec/year level. The HST data will allow a deter- mination of the brightness distribution in the stellar and extragalactic objects observed and time dependent changes therein at the 0.001 arcsec/year level. The Program requires targets distributed over the whole sky to define a rigid Reference Frame. GTO observations will provide initial first epoch data and preliminary proper motions. The observations will consist of relative positions of Extra- galactic objects (EGOs) and HIPPARCOS stars, measured with the FGSs.

Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM in retired racing Greyhound dogs.

PubMed

Clemente, Mónica; Marín, Liliana; Iazbik, M Cristina; Couto, C Guillermo

2010-12-01

Greyhound dogs have significant physiologic, hematologic, and biochemical differences when compared with other breeds, including significantly lower serum globulin concentration owing to decreases in the α- and β-globulin fractions. The specific proteins that account for differences in globulin concentrations are not known, but IgA and IgM, both β-globulins, are potential candidates. The aims of this study were to measure serum IgG, IgA, and IgM in clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and compare the results with those of age- and sex-matched non-Greyhound dogs. Study animals included 25 Greyhound and 20 non-Greyhound dogs. Total protein, albumin, and total globulin concentrations were determined. IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured using a commercially available radial immunodiffusion kit. The Student t-test assuming equal variances was used to compare concentrations of immunoglobulins between groups. Serum concentrations of IgA and IgM in Greyhounds (IgA=49±20 mg/dL; IgM=132±47 mg/dL) were significantly lower than concentrations in non-Greyound dogs (IgA=70±39 mg/dL; Ig M=212±78 mg/dL). Concentrations of IgG did not differ between groups. Mean serum IgA and IgM concentrations in Greyhounds were lower than those in non-Greyhound dogs. This may contribute to low serum concentrations of β-globulins in Greyhounds. Specific reference intervals are recommended for Greyhounds to avoid possible misdiagnosis of IgA or IgM deficiency. ©2010 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Evaluation of salivary glucose, IgA and flow rate in diabetic patients: a case-control study.

PubMed

Bakianian Vaziri, P; Vahedi, M; Mortazavi, H; Abdollahzadeh, Sh; Hajilooi, M

2010-01-01

An association between diabetes mellitus and alterations in the oral cavity has been noted. In this study, we evaluated differences between salivary IgA, glucose and flow rate in diabetic patients compared with healthy controls. Forty patients with type 1 diabetes, 40 patients with type 2 diabetes and 40 healthy controls were selected. Whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected by the standard method and the salivary flow rate was determined. Nephelometric and Pars method were used to measure salivary IgA and salivary glucose concentrations, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square and t test. There were no significant differences in salivary IgA and glucose concentrations between type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and their matched control subjects (P>0.05). Salivary flow rate was significantly lower in diabetic patients (P<0.05). In addition, DMFT was higher in diabetic patients than the controls. Determination of salivary constituents may be useful in the description and management of oral findings in diabetic patients.

Allergen-specific IgE measurement with the IMMULITE 2000 system: intermethod comparison of detection performance for allergen-specific IgE antibodies from Korean allergic patients.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Won; Sohn, Jung Ho; Lee, Jae-Hyun; Hong, Chein-Soo; Park, Jung-Won

2009-03-01

Intermethod comparison between IMMULITE 2000 chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) and the established CAP test for allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) has only been evaluated by a few studies. We performed such an interassay comparison using 283 Korean allergic patients with the following: asthma (18.4%), allergic rhinitis (18.4%), both asthma and allergic rhinitis (14.5%), atopic dermatitis (21.9%), and others (26.8%). We compared the sIgE detection performance of both systems for 10 major inhalant allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blattela germanica, cat dander, dog hair, alder, birch, oak, ragweed, and mugwort) and four food allergens (egg white, cow milk, peanut, and shrimp). After 645 paired comparison tests, close association and significant correlation were observed between the results of both assays for most of these allergens (r=0.525-0.979, p<0.05, respectively), except for shrimp. Intermethod agreement based on sIgE detection was fair to good (74.1-100%, kappa=0.514-1.000, p<0.05, respectively) for most allergens except for B. germanica, ragweed, and shrimp. Although both assays showed good accuracy in ROC curve analysis, some minor differences were noted. IMMULITE 2000 CLEIA for sIgE detection showed fair to good intermethod correlation, association, agreement, and accuracy in comparison to the established CAP assay among Korean allergic patients. However, we should take into account the intermethod differences between both assays for clinical applications.

Separability and Entanglement in the Hilbert Space Reference Frames Related Through the Generic Unitary Transform for Four Level System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Man'ko, V. I.; Markovich, L. A.

2018-02-01

Quantum correlations in the state of four-level atom are investigated by using generic unitary transforms of the classical (diagonal) density matrix. Partial cases of pure state, X-state, Werner state are studied in details. The geometrical meaning of unitary Hilbert reference-frame rotations generating entanglement in the initially separable state is discussed. Characteristics of the entanglement in terms of concurrence, entropy and negativity are obtained as functions of the unitary matrix rotating the reference frame.

Superenergy flux of Einstein-Rosen waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domínguez, P. J.; Gallegos, A.; Macías-Díaz, J. E.; Vargas-Rodríguez, H.

In this work, we consider the propagation speed of the superenergy flux associated to the Einstein-Rosen cylindrical waves propagating in vacuum and over the background of the gravitational field of an infinitely long mass line distribution. The velocity of the flux is determined considering the reference frame in which the super-Poynting vector vanishes. This reference frame is then considered as comoving with the flux. The explicit expressions for the velocities are given with respect to a reference frame at rest with the symmetry axis.

Relationship between haemolytic and adjuvant activity and structure of protopanaxadiol-type saponins from the roots of Panax notoginseng.

PubMed

Sun, Hong-Xiang; Qin, Feng; Ye, Yi-Ping

2005-12-01

Four protopanaxadiol-type saponins (PDS), ginsenosides-Rb(1), -Rd, notoginsenosides-K, -R(4) isolated from the roots of Panax notoginseng were evaluated for their haemolytic activities and adjuvant potentials on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin (OVA). The effect of the substitution pattern of these PDS on their biological activities was investigated and structure-activity relationships were established. Among four PDS, the ranking of the haemolytic activity was K>R(4)>Rb(1)>Rd (P<0.01 or <0.001). Rd, Rb(1), and K could significantly enhance mitogen- and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in the OVA-immunized mice (P<0.001), with the order in terms of stimulation index being Rd>Rb(1)>K>R(4). OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody levels in the OVA-immunized mice were significantly enhanced by four PDS. Adjuvant potentials of Rd on antibody responses were higher than those of other three PDS. Meanwhile, Rd also significantly enhanced the production of the Th1 and Th2 cytokines in OVA-immunized mice (P<0.05 or <0.01). The structure-activity relationship studies suggested that the length of sugar side chains at position C-20 and the linkage of glucose moiety at position C-3 of protopanaxadiol could affect the haemolytic and adjuvant activities of PDS. The information about this structure/function relationship might be useful for developing semisynthetic tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin derivatives with immunological adjuvant activity, as well as a reference to the distribution of the functional groups composing the saponin molecule.

GENERAL RELATIVITY DERIVATION OF BEAM REST-FRAME HAMILTONIAN.

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

WEI,J.

2001-06-18

Analysis of particle interaction in the laboratory frame of storage rings is often complicated by the fact that particle motion is relativistic, and that reference particle trajectory is curved. Rest frame of the reference particle is a convenient coordinate system to work with, within which particle motion is non-relativistic. We have derived the equations of motion in the beam rest frame from the general relativity formalism, and have successfully applied them to the analysis of crystalline beams [1].

Assessment of second- and third-order ionospheric effects on regional networks: case study in China with longer CMONOC GPS coordinate time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Liansheng; Jiang, Weiping; Li, Zhao; Chen, Hua; Wang, Kaihua; Ma, Yifang

2017-02-01

Higher-order ionospheric (HOI) delays are one of the principal technique-specific error sources in precise global positioning system analysis and have been proposed to become a standard part of precise GPS data processing. In this research, we apply HOI delay corrections to the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China's (CMONOC) data processing (from January 2000 to December 2013) and furnish quantitative results for the effects of HOI on CMONOC coordinate time series. The results for both a regional reference frame and global reference frame are analyzed and compared to clarify the HOI effects on the CMONOC network. We find that HOI corrections can effectively reduce the semi-annual signals in the northern and vertical components. For sites with lower semi-annual amplitudes, the average decrease in magnitude can reach 30 and 10 % for the northern and vertical components, respectively. The noise amplitudes with HOI corrections and those without HOI corrections are not significantly different. Generally, the HOI effects on CMONOC networks in a global reference frame are less obvious than the results in the regional reference frame, probably because the HOI-induced errors are smaller in comparison to the higher noise levels seen when using a global reference frame. Furthermore, we investigate the combined contributions of environmental loading and HOI effects on the CMONOC stations. The largest loading effects on the vertical displacement are found in the mid- to high-latitude areas. The weighted root mean square differences between the corrected and original weekly GPS height time series of the loading model indicate that the mass loading adequately reduced the scatter on the CMONOC height time series, whereas the results in the global reference frame showed better agreements between the GPS coordinate time series and the environmental loading. When combining the effects of environmental loading and HOI corrections, the results with the HOI corrections reduced the scatter on the observed GPS height coordinates better than the height when estimated without HOI corrections, and the combined solutions in the regional reference frame indicate more preferred improvements. Therefore, regional reference frames are recommended to investigate the HOI effects on regional networks.

DORIS and GNSS processing at CNES/CLS for the contribution to the next ITRF2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loyer, Sylvain; Capdeville, Hugues; Soudarin, Laurent; Mezerette, Adrien; Lemoine, Jean-Michel; Mercier, Flavien; Perosanz, Felix

2014-05-01

CNES serves as Analysis Center in the International DORIS Service (IDS) and the International GNSS Service (IGS). DORIS and GNSS data are processed by its subsidiary CLS with the GRGS package software GINS/DYNAMO. For the contribution to the next release of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame planned this year (ITRF2013), two decades of data were analyzed (1993-2013 for DORIS, 1998-2013 for GPS, and 2009-2013 for GLONASS). In this context, the CNES/CLS Analysis Centers provided SINEX solutions to the IDS and IGS Combination Centers, respectively multi-satellite weekly solutions and daily solutions. Normal equations derived from this analysis are also made available to the GRGS Combination Center for the combination at the observation level of the geodetic parameters measured by DORIS, GPS, SLR and VLBI techniques. The purpose of this presentation is to point out how the overall quality of the DORIS and GNSS data processing benefits from the use of the same software and a common basis of models. Here, we present the modeling standards, the networks and the processing strategies. Assessments of some models are also discussed. The quality and the homogeneity of the products (orbits, station coordinates and Earth Orientation Parameters) over the complete period are shown, as well as the temporal variations of some parameters (dynamical parameters, orbit residuals, internal orbit overlaps ...). Some examples of time series of DORIS and GNSS station positions at collocated sites complete this presentation.

Comparison of long-term SLR and GNSS solutions from selected stations in the frame of GGOS realization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szafranek, K.; Schillak, S.; Araszkiewicz, A.; Figurski, M.; Lehmann, M.; Lejba, P.

2012-04-01

Up-to-date investigations concerning space geodesy are mostly aimed at data of various techniques joint processing. The poster presents solutions (North, East, Up components) of selected stations (McDonald, Yarragadee, Greenbelt, Monument Peak, Zimmerwald, Borowiec, Mt.Stromlo-Orroral, Potsdam, Graz, Herstmonceux and Wettzell), which adopted Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques and which were gathering the data in the same time (from 1994 to 2010). Processing of both types of data was made according to Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) recommendations, the same models and parameters from IERS Conventions 2010 were used in both processing strategies (if it was possible). The main goal was to obtain coordinates and their changes in time (velocities) basing on both techniques and to compare the results. The station coordinates were determined for the common reference epoch of both techniques - for first day of each month. Monthly orbital arcs for laser observations were created basing on solutions from several SLR sites (observations to LAGEOS-1 and LAGEOS-2 satellites) with the best solutions quality and the highest amount of observations. For GNSS coordinates determination about 130 sites belonging to International GNSS Service (IGS) were selected: 30 with local ties to SLR sites and others basing on their geolocalization (length of the baselines) and solutions time series analysis. Mainly, core IGS stations were used. Solutions of both techniques were analyzed in order to verify agreement of both techniques and for independent control of local ties.

Dangerous universal donors: the reality of the Hemocentro in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

PubMed

Godin, Mariana Martins; Souza, Lucas de Oliveira; Schmidt, Luciana Cayres; Vieira, Lauro Mello; Diniz, Rejane Silva; Dusse, Luci Maria SantAna

2016-01-01

The term dangerous universal blood donor refers to potential agglutination of the erythrocytes of non-O recipients due to plasma of an O blood group donor, which contains high titers of anti-A and/or anti-B hemagglutinins. Thus, prior titration of anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinins is recommended to prevent transfusion reactions. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of dangerous universal donors in the blood bank of Belo Horizonte (Fundação Central de Imuno-Hematologia - Fundação Hemominas - Minas Gerais) by determining the titers of anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinins in O blood group donors. A total of 400 O blood group donors were randomly selected, from March 2014 to January 2015. The titers of anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinins (IgM and IgG classes) were obtained using the tube titration technique. Dangerous donors were those whose titers of anti-A or anti-B IgM were ≥128 and/or the titers of anti-A or anti-B IgG were ≥256. Donors were characterized according to gender, age and ethnicity. The hemagglutinins were characterized by specificity (anti-A and anti-B) and antibody class (IgG and IgM). Almost one-third (30.5%) of the O blood group donors were universal dangerous. The frequency among women was higher than that of men (p-value=0.019; odds ratio: 1.66; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.56) and among young donors (18-29 years old) it was higher than for donors between 49 and 59 years old (p-value=0.015; odds ratio: 3.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-7.69). There was no significant association between dangerous universal donors and ethnicity, agglutinin specificity or antibody class. Especially platelet concentrates obtained by apheresis (that contain a substantial volume of plasma), coming from dangerous universal donors should be transfused in isogroup recipients whenever possible in order to prevent the occurrence of transfusion reactions. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Clinical significance of the serum biomarker index detection in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

PubMed

Purevdorj, Narangerel; Mu, Yun; Gu, Yajun; Zheng, Fang; Wang, Ran; Yu, Jinwei; Sun, Xuguo

2018-02-01

To explore a panel of serum biomarkers for laboratory diagnosis of pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). The blood white blood cells (WBC) and serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin E (IgE), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement component 3 (C3), complement component 4 (C4), and ASO (anti-streptolysin O) were detected in 127 patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), 110 cases of septicemia patients, and 121 healthy volunteers. The diagnostic ability of biomarkers selected from HSP and septicemia patients was analyzed by ROC curve. By designing the calculation model, the biomarker index was calculated for laboratory diagnosis of HSP and differential diagnosis between HSP and septicemia. The levels of serum WBC, CRP, IL-6 and SAA in the septicemia patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the healthy individuals, serum levels of WBC, CRP, IL-6, SAA, IgA and IgM were significantly increased in patients with HSP (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in the patients with HSP was 0.964, 0.855, 0.849, 0.787, 0.765, and 0.622, respectively. The values of SAA, IgA, IgM, WBC, IL-6, and CRP in septicemia patients were 0.700, 0.428, 0.689, 0.682, 0.891, and 0.853, respectively. Biomarker index=SAA+IgA/4000+IgM/4000×0.4CRPmean valueCRPi . The biomarker index in HSP patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls. However, the biomarker index in septicemia patients was significantly lower than the control. The biomarker index of HSP patients is higher than that of the control group. While in the infectious disease represented by septicemia, it is decreased. The detection of biomarker index could exclude the interference of infection as the auxiliary examination to HSP patients. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of radiometric calibration of LANDSAT-4 TM reflective bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barker, J. L.; Abrams, R. B.; Ball, D. L.; Leung, K. C.

1984-01-01

Prelaunch and postlaunch internal calibrator, image, and background data is to characterize the radiometric performance of the LANDSAT-4 TM and to recommend improved procedures for radiometric calibration. All but two channels (band 2, channel 4; band 5, channel 3) behave normally. Gain changes relative to a postlaunch reference for channels within a band vary within 0.5 percent as a group. Instrument gain for channels in the cold focal plane oscillates. Noise in background and image data ranges from 0.5 to 1.7 counts. Average differences in forward and reverse image data indicate a need for separate calibration processing of forward and reverse scans. Precision is improved by increasing the pulse integration width from 31 to 41 minor frames, depending on the band.

Cloned embryos from semen. Part 2: Intergeneric nuclear transfer of semen-derived eland (Taurotragus oryx) epithelial cells into bovine oocytes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nel-Themaat, L.; Gomez, M.C.; Pope, C.E.; Lopez, M.; Wirtu, G.; Jenkins, J.A.; Cole, A.; Dresser, B.L.; Bondioli, K.R.; Godke, R.A.

2008-01-01

The production of cloned offspring by nuclear transfer (NT) of semen-derived somatic cells holds considerable potential for the incorporation of novel genes into endangered species populations. Because oocytes from endangered species are scarce, domestic species oocytes are often used as cytoplasts for interspecies NT. In the present study, epithelial cells isolated from eland semen were used for intergeneric transfer (IgNT) into enucleated bovine oocytes and compared with bovine NT embryos. Cleavage rates of bovine NT and eland IgNT embryos were similar (80 vs. 83%, respectively; p > 0.05); however, development to the morula and blastocyst stage was higher for bovine NT embryos (38 and 21%, respectively; p < 0.0001), than for eland IgNT embryos (0.5 and 0%, respectively). DNA synthesis was not observed in either bovine NT or eland IgNT cybrids before activation, but in 75 and 70% of bovine NT and eland igNT embryos, respectively, cell-cycle resumption was observed at 16 h postactivation (hpa). For eland IgNT embryos, 13% had ???8 cells at 84 hpa, while 32% of the bovine NT embryos had ???8 cells at the same interval. However, 100 and 66% of bovine NT and eland IgNT embryos, respectively, that had ???8 cells synthesized DNA. From these results we concluded that (1) semen-derived epithelial cell nuclei can interact and be transcriptionally controlled by bovine cytoplast, (2) the first cell-cycle occurred in IgNT embryos, (3) a high frequency of developmental arrest occurs before the eight-cell stage in IgNT embryos, and (4) IgNT embryos that progress through the early cleavage stage arrest can (a) synthesize DNA, (b) progress through subsequent cell cycles, and (c) may have the potential to develop further. ?? 2008 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

The effect of age and carbohydrate and protein sources on digestibility, fecal microbiota, fermentation products, fecal IgA, and immunological blood parameters in dogs.

PubMed

Maria, A P J; Ayane, L; Putarov, T C; Loureiro, B A; Neto, B P; Casagrande, M F; Gomes, M O S; Glória, M B A; Carciofi, A C

2017-06-01

The present study compared the effects of diets formulated with fibers of different fermentability and protein sources of animal or vegetable origins on old and adult dogs. The experiment was organized in a 3 (diets) × 2 (ages) factorial arrangement, totaling 6 treatments. Thirty-six Beagle dogs were used (18 old dogs [10.2 ± 1.0 yr] and 18 young adult dogs [2.6 ± 0.9 yr]), with 6 dogs per treatment. Three diets with similar compositions were used: a nonfermentable insoluble fiber source (sugarcane fiber) and chicken byproduct meal (nonfermentable fiber [NFF] diet), a fermentable fiber source (beet pulp) and chicken byproduct meal (fermentable fiber [FF] diet), and soybean meal as a protein and fiber source (soybean meal [SM] diet). Data were evaluated using the MIXED procedure and considering the effects and interactions of block, animal, diets, and age. Means were compared using Tukey's test ( < 0.05). Age × diet interactions were evaluated when < 0.1. Old dogs had a reduced coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility of DM, which was explained by the age and diet interaction of CP and fat digestibility that was lower for old than for adult dogs fed the FF diet ( < 0.05). The SM diet obtained higher DM, OM, CP, and fiber digestibility compared with the NFF diet ( < 0.05). The feces of dogs fed the NFF diet had increased DM content ( < 0.05). The short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) did not change by age group and were higher for dogs fed the FF and SM diets compared with dogs fed the NFF diet ( < 0.05). An age and diet interaction was observed for lactate and was increased in the feces of old dogs compared with adult dogs fed the FF diet ( < 0.05). Fecal putrescine, cadaverine, and spermine were increased for old dogs compared with adult dogs ( < 0.05), and the spermidine fecal concentration was increased for dogs fed the SM diet regardless of age ( < 0.05). Old dogs had reduced peripheral T and B lymphocytes ( < 0.05). An age and diet interaction was observed for fecal IgA ( < 0.001). Adult dogs fed the SM diet had increased IgA in feces compared with animals fed the NFF and FF diets ( < 0.05). However, for old dogs, both the FF and SM diets induced increased IgA compared with the NFF diet ( < 0.05). In conclusion, beet pulp may reduce digestibility and induce increased lactate in the feces of old dogs. The protein and oligosaccharides of soybean meal are digestible by dogs, induce the production of SCFA and spermidine, and increase fecal IgA. Old dogs had increased putrecine, cadaverine, and spermine fecal concentrations.

Asymmetry in gait pattern following bicondylar tibial plateau fractures-A prospective one-year cohort study.

PubMed

Elsoe, Rasmus; Larsen, Peter

2017-07-01

Despite the high number of studies evaluating outcomes following tibial plateau fractures, the literature lacks studies including the objective assessment of gait pattern. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate asymmetry in gait patterns at 12 months after frame removal following ring fixation of a tibial plateau fracture. The study design was a prospective cohort study. The primary outcome measurement was the gait patterns 12 months after frame removal measured with a pressure-sensitive mat. The mat registers footprints and present gait speed, cadence, as well as temporal and spatial parameters of the gait cycle. Gait patterns were compared to a healthy reference population. Twenty-three patients were included with a mean age of 54.4 years (32-78 years). Patients presented with a shorter step-length of the injured leg compared to the non-injured leg (asymmetry of 11.3%). Analysis of single-support showed shorter support time of the injured leg compared to the non-injured leg (asymmetry of 8.7%). Moreover, analysis of swing-time showed increased swing-time of the injured leg (asymmetry of 8.9%). Compared to a healthy reference population, increased asymmetry in all gait patterns was observed. The association between asymmetry and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) showed moderate associations (single-support: R=0.50, P=0.03; step-length: R=0.43, P=0.07; swing-time: R=0.46, P=0.05). Compared to a healthy reference population, gait asymmetry is common 12 months after frame removal in patients treated with external ring fixation following a tibial plateau fracture of the tibia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the Definition of Aberration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Minghui; Wang, Guangli

2014-12-01

There was a groundbreaking step in the history of astronomy in 1728 when the effect of aberration was discovered by James Bradley (1693-1762). Recently, the solar acceleration, due to the variations in the aberrational effect of extragalactic sources caused by it, has been determined from VLBI observations with an uncertainty of about 0.5 mm{\\cdot}{s^{-1}}{\\cdot}{yr^{-1}} level. As a basic concept in astrometry with a nearly 300-year history, the definition of aberration, however, is still equivocal and discordant in the literature. It has been under continuing debate whether it depends on the relative motion between the observer and the observed source or only on the motion of the observer with respect to the frame of reference. In this paper, we will review the debate and the inconsistency in the definition of the aberration since the last century, and then discuss its definition in detail, which involves the discussions on the planetary aberration, the stellar aberration, the proper motion of an object during the travel time of light from the object to the observer, and the way of selecting the reference frame to express and distinguish the motions of the source and the observer. The aberration is essentially caused by the transformation between coordinate systems, and consequently quantified by the velocity of the observer with respect to the selected reference frame, independent of the motion of the source. Obviously, this nature is totally different from that of the definition given by the IAU WG NFA (Capitaine, 2007) in 2006, which is stated as, ``the apparent angular displacement of the observed position of a celestial object from its geometric position, caused by the finite velocity of light in combination with the motions of the observer and of the observed object.''

Rotavirus specific maternal antibodies and immune response to RV3-BB neonatal rotavirus vaccine in New Zealand.

PubMed

Chen, Mee-Yew; Kirkwood, Carl D; Bines, Julie; Cowley, Daniel; Pavlic, Daniel; Lee, Katherine J; Orsini, Francesca; Watts, Emma; Barnes, Graeme; Danchin, Margaret

2017-05-04

Maternal antibodies, acquired passively via placenta and/or breast milk, may contribute to the reduced efficacy of oral rotavirus vaccines observed in children in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rotavirus specific maternal antibodies on the serum IgA response or stool excretion of vaccine virus after any dose of an oral rotavirus vaccine, RV3-BB, in parallel to a Phase IIa clinical trial conducted at Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand. At the time of the study rotavirus vaccines had not been introduced in New Zealand and the burden of rotavirus disease was evident. Rotavirus specific IgG and serum neutralizing antibody (SNA) levels in cord blood and IgA levels in colostrum and breast milk samples collected ∼4 weeks, ∼20 weeks and ∼28 weeks after birth were measured. Infants were randomized to receive the first dose of vaccine at 0-5 d (neonatal schedule) or 8 weeks (infant schedule). Breast feeding was with-held for 30 minutes before and after vaccine administration. The relationship between rotavirus specific IgG and SNA levels in cord blood and IgA in colostrum and breast milk at the time of first active dose of RV3-BB vaccine and level of IgA response and stool excretion after 3 doses of vaccine was assessed using linear and logistic regression. Forty infants received 3 doses of RV3-BB rotavirus vaccine and were included in the analysis of the neonatal and infant groups. Rotavirus specific IgA in colostrum (neonatal schedule group) and breast milk at 4 weeks (infant schedule group) was identified in 14/21 (67%) and 14/17 (82%) of infants respectively. There was little evidence of an association between IgA in colostrum or breast milk IgA at 4 weeks, or between cord IgG or SNA level, and IgA response or stool excretion after 3 doses of RV3-BB, or after one dose (neonatal schedule) (all p>0.05). The level of IgA in colostrum or breast milk and level of placental IgG and SNA did not impact on the serum IgA response or stool excretion following 3 doses of RV3-BB Rotavirus Vaccine administered using either a neonatal or infant schedule in New Zealand infants.

Comparison of Three Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Detection of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to Tetanus Toxoid with Reference Standards and the Impact on Clinical Practice▿

PubMed Central

van Hoeven, Karen H.; Dale, Connie; Foster, Phil; Body, Barbara

2008-01-01

Accurate determination of the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to tetanus toxoid is important in order to evaluate the immunogenicity of tetanus toxoid vaccines, determine immune competence in individual patients, and measure the prevalence of immunity in populations. The performance of three commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for IgG antibodies to tetanus toxoid were evaluated. Serially diluted NIBSC 76/589 and TE-3 human tetanus IgG immunoglobulin international reference standards were analyzed in quadruplicate using ELISAs manufactured by The Binding Site, Inc. (VaccZyme); Scimedx; and Euroimmun. In addition, IgG antibodies to tetanus toxoid were measured in 83 deidentified serum specimens using each manufacturer's ELISA. Each ELISA provided linear results when evaluated with the reference preparations. The Binding Site ELISA provided results that closely corresponded to the reference preparations (y = 1.09x − 0.08), whereas the Scimedx ELISA gave results that were consistently lower (y = 0.21x − 0.07) and the Euroimmun ELISA gave results that were consistently higher (y = 1.5x + 0.30) than the reference preparation concentrations. Using the recommended cutoff for each ELISA (<0.10 IU/ml), the overall agreement of all of the ELISA methods was 78%. Three of eighty-three (3.6%) human serum samples demonstrated inadequate immunity with all three assays. The Binding Site ELISA yielded nonprotective antibody concentrations in only these 3 samples, whereas 19 samples (22.9%) according to the Scimedx ELISA and 6 samples (7.2%) according to the Euroimmun ELISA demonstrated nonprotective concentrations. The performance characteristics of ELISAs for tetanus immunoglobulin titers were manufacturer dependent, and the differences translated into important disparities in reported results. PMID:18845832

Amnionless function is required for cubilin brush-border expression and intrinsic factor-cobalamin (vitamin B12) absorption in vivo

PubMed Central

He, Qianchuan; Madsen, Mette; Kilkenney, Adam; Gregory, Brittany; Christensen, Erik I.; Vorum, Henrik; Højrup, Peter; Schäffer, Alejandro A.; Kirkness, Ewen F.; Tanner, Stephan M.; de la Chapelle, Albert; Giger, Urs; Moestrup, Søren K.; Fyfe, John C.

2005-01-01

Amnionless (AMN) and cubilin gene products appear to be essential functional subunits of an endocytic receptor called cubam. Mutation of either gene causes autosomal recessive Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (I-GS, OMIM no. 261100) in humans, a disorder characterized by selective intestinal malabsorption of cobalamin (vitamin B12) and urinary loss of several specific low-molecular-weight proteins. Vital insight into the molecular pathology of I-GS has been obtained from studies of dogs with a similar syndrome. In this work, we show that I-GS segregates in a large canine kindred due to an in-frame deletion of 33 nucleotides in exon 10 of AMN. In a second, unrelated I-GS kindred, affected dogs exhibit a homozygous substitution in the AMN translation initiation codon. Studies in vivo demonstrated that both mutations abrogate AMN expression and block cubilin processing and targeting to the apical membrane. The essential features of AMN dysfunction observed in vivo are recapitulated in a heterologous cell-transfection system, thus validating the system for analysis of AMN-cubilin interactions. Characterization of canine AMN mutations that cause I-GS establishes the canine model as an ortholog of the human disorder well suited to studies of AMN function and coevolution with cubilin. (Blood. 2005;106:1447-1453) PMID:15845892

Impacts of Earth rotation parameters on GNSS ultra-rapid orbit prediction: Derivation and real-time correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qianxin; Hu, Chao; Xu, Tianhe; Chang, Guobin; Hernández Moraleda, Alberto

2017-12-01

Analysis centers (ACs) for global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) cannot accurately obtain real-time Earth rotation parameters (ERPs). Thus, the prediction of ultra-rapid orbits in the international terrestrial reference system (ITRS) has to utilize the predicted ERPs issued by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) or the International GNSS Service (IGS). In this study, the accuracy of ERPs predicted by IERS and IGS is analyzed. The error of the ERPs predicted for one day can reach 0.15 mas and 0.053 ms in polar motion and UT1-UTC direction, respectively. Then, the impact of ERP errors on ultra-rapid orbit prediction by GNSS is studied. The methods for orbit integration and frame transformation in orbit prediction with introduced ERP errors dominate the accuracy of the predicted orbit. Experimental results show that the transformation from the geocentric celestial references system (GCRS) to ITRS exerts the strongest effect on the accuracy of the predicted ultra-rapid orbit. To obtain the most accurate predicted ultra-rapid orbit, a corresponding real-time orbit correction method is developed. First, orbits without ERP-related errors are predicted on the basis of ITRS observed part of ultra-rapid orbit for use as reference. Then, the corresponding predicted orbit is transformed from GCRS to ITRS to adjust for the predicted ERPs. Finally, the corrected ERPs with error slopes are re-introduced to correct the predicted orbit in ITRS. To validate the proposed method, three experimental schemes are designed: function extrapolation, simulation experiments, and experiments with predicted ultra-rapid orbits and international GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS) products. Experimental results show that using the proposed correction method with IERS products considerably improved the accuracy of ultra-rapid orbit prediction (except the geosynchronous BeiDou orbits). The accuracy of orbit prediction is enhanced by at least 50% (error related to ERP) when a highly accurate observed orbit is used with the correction method. For iGMAS-predicted orbits, the accuracy improvement ranges from 8.5% for the inclined BeiDou orbits to 17.99% for the GPS orbits. This demonstrates that the correction method proposed by this study can optimize the ultra-rapid orbit prediction.

The distinctive profile of risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in comparison with other head and neck cancer types

PubMed Central

Abdulamir, AS; Hafidh, RR; Abdulmuhaimen, N; Abubakar, F; Abbas, KA

2008-01-01

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other head and neck cancer (HNCA) types show a great epidemiological variation in different regions of the world. NPC has multifactorial etiology and many interacting risk factors are involved in NPC development mainly Epstein Barr virus (EBV). There is a need to scrutinize the complicated network of risk factors affecting NPC and how far they are different from that of other HNCA types. Methods 122 HNCA patients and 100 control subjects were studied in the region of the Middle East. Three types of HNCA were involved in our study, NPC, carcinoma of larynx (CL), and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC). The risk factors studied were the level of EBV serum IgG and IgA antibodies measured by ELISA, age, sex, smoking, alcohol intake, histology, and family history of the disease. Results EBV serum level of IgG and IgA antibodies was higher in NPC than CL, HPC, and control groups (p < 0.01). NPC was associated with lymphoepithelioma (LE) tumors, males, regular alcohol intake, and regular smoking while CL and HPC were not (p < 0.05). CL and HPC were associated with SCC tumors (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NPC, unlike CL and HPC groups, was not affected by the positive family history of HNCA (p > 0.05). The serum levels of EBV IgG and IgA antibodies were higher in LE tumors, regular smokers, younger patients, and negative family history groups of NPC patients than SCC tumors, non-regular smokers, older patients and positive family history groups respectively (p < 0.05) while this was not found in the regular alcoholics (p > 0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that risk factors of NPC deviate much from that of other HNCA. EBV, smoking, alcohol intake, LE tumors, male patient, and age > 54 years were hot risk factors of NPC while SCC and positive family history of the disease were not. Earlier incidence, smoking, LE tumors, and negative family history of the disease in NPC patients were associated much clearly with EBV. It is proposed that determining the correct risk factors of NPC is vital in assigning the correct risk groups of NPC which helps the early detection and screening of NPC. PMID:19055849

Hierarchical motion organization in random dot configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bertamini, M.; Proffitt, D. R.; Kaiser, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

Motion organization has 2 aspects: the extraction of a (moving) frame of reference and the hierarchical organization of moving elements within the reference frame. Using a discrimination of relative motions task, the authors found large differences between different types of motion (translation, divergence, and rotation) in the degree to which each can serve as a moving frame of reference. Translation and divergence are superior to rotation. There are, however, situations in which rotation can serve as a reference frame. This is due to the presence of a second factor, structural invariants (SIs). SIs are spatial relationships persisting among the elements within a configuration such as a collinearity among points or one point coinciding with the center of rotation for another (invariant radius). The combined effect of these 2 factors--motion type and SIs-influences perceptual motion organization.

A spatial reference frame model of Beijing based on spatial cognitive experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Jing; Liu, Yu

2006-10-01

Orientation relation in the spatial relation is very important in GIS. People can obtain orientation information by making use of map reading and the cognition of the surrounding environment, and then create the spatial reference frame. City is a kind of special spatial environment, a person with life experiences has some spatial knowledge about the city where he or she lives in. Based on the spatial knowledge of the city environment, people can position, navigate and understand the meaning embodied in the environment correctly. Beijing as a real geographic space, its layout is very special and can form a kind of new spatial reference frame. Based on the characteristics of the layout of Beijing city, this paper will introduce a new spatial reference frame of Beijing and use two psychological experiments to validate its cognitive plausibility.

A comparison of ITRF2014, DTRF2014 and JTRF2014 polar motion series with geophysical excitation data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebischung, Paul; Chen, Wei; Ray, Jim

2017-04-01

Three solutions were generated in response to the 2014 update by the IERS of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame: ITRF2014, the official solution from IGN; DTRF2014, from DGFI; JTRF2014, from JPL. Each incorporates essentially the same time series information of geocentric station positions + Earth rotation parameters + their associated variance-covariances from the four contributing space geodetic techniques (SLR, VLBI, DORIS, GNSS) plus local 3D vector ties (measured by conventional surveying methods) that relate a subset of co-located stations. Given the fact that measurements by all the techniques, as well as the local ties, suffer significant unmodeled systematic errors that are poorly understood, the covariance matrices are not reliable except for their geometrical aspect. So the three combination strategies differ not just in their mathematical procedures, but more importantly in how the systematic errors are handled (or not). Factors include the relative weighting of inputs, modeling of non-linear station motions, detection of time series discontinuities, etc. The final combination results therefore also differ, mostly in rather subtle ways. There are very few ways to make external evaluations of the quality of the various combinations as independent observations are generally not accurate enough. However, one approach has been shown to give useful insight by comparing the daily polar motions with geophysical excitations computed from global circulation models for atmosphere, ocean, and hydrology. J. Kouba (2010) did this for ITRF2008 and DTRF2008 and found an excess of high-frequency rotational scatter in the DGFI solution. After the development of the IGS in the 1990s, the ITRF daily polar motion accuracy has been about 30 uas or 1 mm of surface rotation. The corresponding geophysical models are not nearly so accurate but their independence does provide a valuable reference against which the geodetic results can be compared. Direct inter-comparisons of the three combined polar motion series and the IGS-only series (which predominates since 2000) already reveal interesting features: seasonal amplitudes vary markedly, up to 20 uas for the annual term in one case; differences for periods longer than monthly are greater than found in 2008; and 7-d harmonics are found in one series but not the others. We also apply the refined polar motion excitation theory of W. Chen et al. (2013), which incorporates frequency-dependent effects and updated Earth parameters, to further study the 2014 frame solutions. Results will be presented in the poster.

Description and User Instructions for the Quaternion_to_Orbit_v3 Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strekalov, Dmitry V.; Kruizinga, Gerhard L.; Paik, Meegyeong; Yuan, Dah-Ning; Asmar, Sami W.

2012-01-01

For a given inertial frame of reference, the software combines the spacecraft orbits with the spacecraft attitude quaternions, and rotates the body-fixed reference frame of a particular spacecraft to the inertial reference frame. The conversion assumes that the two spacecraft are aligned with respect to the mutual line of sight, with a parameterized time tag. The software is implemented in Python and is completely open source. It is very versatile, and may be applied under various circumstances and for other related purposes. Based on the solid linear algebra analysis, it has an extra option for compensating the linear pitch. This software has been designed for simulation of the calibration maneuvers performed by the two spacecraft comprising the GRAIL mission to the Moon, but has potential use for other applications. In simulations of formation flights, one needs to coordinate the spacecraft orbits represented in an appropriate inertial reference frame and the spacecraft attitudes. The latter are usually given as the time series of quaternions rotating the body-fixed reference frame of a particular spacecraft to the inertial reference frame. It is often desirable to simulate the same maneuver for different segments of the orbit. It is also useful to study various maneuvers that could be performed at the same orbit segment. These two lines of study are more timeand labor-efficient if the attitude and orbit data are generated independently, so that the part of the data that has not been changed can be recycled in the course of multiple simulations.

Self-perceived oral health and whole salivary immunoglobulin G levels in habitual gutka-chewers and nonchewers.

PubMed

Alshehri, F A; Al-Kheraif, A A; Aldosary, K M; Vohra, F; Malmstrom, H; Romanos, G E; Javed, F

2016-01-01

To assess self-perceived oral health and whole salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels among habitual gutka-chewers and nonchewers (controls). Fifty gutka-chewers and fifty controls were included. Demographic data and self-perceived oral health status (pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bleeding gums (BG), bad breath, loose teeth and daily oral hygiene protocols) were collected using a questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined. Whole salivary IgG levels were determined using standard techniques. Odds ratios were calculated for oral symptoms and group differences in protein levels were compared using one-way analysis of variance (α± <5%). BG was more often reported by gutka-chewers than controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in UWSFR and self-perceived pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bad breath and loose teeth among gutka-chewers and controls. IgG levels were significantly higher among gutka-chewers than controls (P < 0.01). Among gutka-chewers, whole salivary IgG levels were comparable individuals with and without self-perceived oral symptoms. Among controls, IgG levels in UWS were significantly higher among individuals who had BG than those who did not (P < 0.05). Self-perceived oral health is worse and whole salivary IgG levels are higher in gutka-chewers compared to controls.

[Evaluation of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody distribution and risk factors among pregnant women admitted to obstetrics polyclinic of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Hospital].

PubMed

Gencer, Meryem; Cevizci, Sibel; Saçar, Suzan; Vural, Ahmet; Cakır Güngör, Ayşe Nur; Uysal, Ahmet; Hacıvelioğlu, Servet Özden; Celik, Merve; Duru, Eda; Coşar, Emine

2014-06-01

In this study, we aimed to investigate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and risk factors in pregnant women. A total of 196 patients, admitted to the clinic in the first trimester and with ongoing pregnancy follow-up of between May 2012 and January 2013, were included in the study. Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by ELISA test in blood samples obtained from patients during routine screening. SPSS statistical software, version 19.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. p-value for statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. The mean age was 29.07±5.3 years in our study group. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were found in 28.8% and 2.7%, respectively; 58.9% of pregnant women in the study reported that they had done at least one risky behavior during their pregnancy. However, there was no significant association between T. gondii IgG antibody positivity and risk factors, such as pregnancy, feeding animals in the past years, and consumption of raw food products (p>0.05). We found that Toxoplasma IgG antibody seropositivity (28.8%) was similar to that found in the other studies from western Turkey.

Isolation of lactobacillus reuteri from Peyer's patches and their effects on sIgA production and gut microbiota diversity.

PubMed

Wang, Panpan; Li, Ya; Xiao, Hang; Shi, Yonghui; Le, Guo-Wei; Sun, Jin

2016-09-01

We previously reported that specific Lactobacillus reuteri colonized within mouse Peyer's patches (PP) effectively prevented high fat diet induced obesity and low-grade chronic inflammation. We further investigated the role of PP Lactobacillus reuteri on sIgA production in rats in this study. Lactobacilli were isolated from rat PP. All isolates were L. reuteri and belonged to three phenotypes according to amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. Typical strains of two main clusters, PP1 and PP2, were used to treat control and vitamin A deficient (VAD) rats, respectively. The feeding of PP1 and PP2 affected sIgA and Lactobacillus diversity by strain-specific manner. Free sIgA was significantly increased by PP1 (p = 0.069) and PP2 (p < 0.05) in the control rats but not in the VAD rats. Only PP1 significantly changed PP Lactobacillus diversity in the control rats (p < 0.05). However, PP2 specifically changed ileal Lactobacillus diversity in both control and VAD rats. Fecal sIgA was correlated with PP Lactobacillus diversity (R(2) = 0.7958, p = 0.011). Modulation of sIgA production by PP L. reuteri of rat is dependent on vitamin A and change of Lactobacillus diversity in PP. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

``Frames of Reference'' revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steyn-Ross, Alistair; Ivey, Donald G.

1992-12-01

The PSSC teaching film, ``Frames of Reference,'' was made in 1960, and was one of the first audio-visual attempts at showing how your physical ``point of view,'' or frame of reference, necessarily alters both your perceptions and your observations of motion. The gentle humor and original demonstrations made a lasting impact on many audiences, and with its recent re-release as part of the AAPT Cinema Classics videodisc it is timely that we should review both the message and the methods of the film. An annotated script and photographs from the film are presented, followed by extension material on rotating frames which teachers may find appropriate for use in their classrooms: constructions, demonstrations, an example, and theory.

Postoperative change of anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich and Tn IgG level: the follow-up study of gastrointestinal cancer patients.

PubMed

Smorodin, Eugeniy-P; Kurtenkov, Oleg-A; Sergeyev, Boris-L; Kodar, Kristel-E; Chuzmarov, Valentin-I; Afanasyev, Vladimir-P

2008-07-21

To study the influence of tumor removal on the serum level of IgG antibodies to tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF), Tn carbohydrate epitopes and xenogeneic alphaGal, and to elucidate on the change of the level during the follow-up as well as its association with the stage and morphology of the tumor and the values of blood parameters in gastrointestinal cancer. Sixty patients with gastric cancer and 34 patients with colorectal cancer in stages I-IV without distant metastases were subjected to follow-up. The level of antibodies in serum was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using synthetic polyacrylamide (PAA) glycoconjugates. Biochemical and haematological analyses were performed using automated equipment. In gastrointestinal cancer, the TF antibody level was found to have elevated significantly after the removal of G3 tumors as compared with the preoperative level (u = 278.5, P < 0.05). After surgery, the TF and Tn antibody level was elevated in the majority of gastric cancer patients (sign test, 20 vs 8, P < 0.05, and 21 vs 8, P < 0.05, respectively). In gastrointestinal cancer, the elevated postoperative level of TF, Tn and alphaGal antibodies was noted in most patients with G3 tumors (sign test, 22 vs 5, P < 0.01; 19 vs 6, P < 0.05; 24 vs 8, P < 0.01, respectively), but the elevation was not significant in patients with G1 + G2 resected tumors. The postoperative follow-up showed that the percentage of patients with G3 resected tumors of the digestive tract, who had a mean level of anti-TF IgG above the cut-off value (1.53), was significantly higher than that of patients with G1 + G2 resected tumors (c2 = 3.89, all patients; c2 = 5.34, patients without regional lymph node metastases; P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with a tumor in stage I, whose mean anti-TF IgG level remained above the cut-off value (1.26), was significantly higher than that of patients with the cancer in stages III-IV (c2 = 4.71, gastric cancer; c2 = 4.11, gastrointestinal cancer; P < 0.05). The correlation was observed to exist between the level of anti-TF IgG and the count of lymphocytes (r = 0.517, P < 0.01), as well as between the level of anti-Tn IgG and that of serum CA 19-9 (r = 0.481, P < 0.05). No positive delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in skin test challenges with TF-PAA in any of the fifteen patients, including those with a high level of anti-TF IgG, was observed. The surgical operation raises the level of anti-carbohydrate IgG in most patients, especially in those with the G3 tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. The follow-up demonstrates that after surgery the low preoperative level of TF antibodies may be considerably increased in patients with the carcinoma in its early stage but remains low in its terminal stages. The stage- and morphology-dependent immunosuppression affects the TF-antibody response and may be one of the reasons for unresponsiveness to the immunization with TF-antigens.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression of Cuc m 2, a major allergen in Cucumis melo

PubMed Central

Sankian, Mojtaba; Mahmoudi, Mahmoud; Varasteh, Abdol-Reza

2013-01-01

Background: Several studies reported the clinical features of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity after ingestion of melon. Melon allergy is a common IgE-mediated fruit allergy in Iran. This prompted us to investigate immunochemical and molecular properties of the major allergen in melon fruit, to compare the IgE-binding capacity of the natural protein with the recombinant allergen, and to determine cross-reactivity of the major allergen with closely-related allergens from other plants displaying clinical cross-reactivity with melon. Methods: Identification and molecular characterization of the major melon allergen were performed using IgE immunoblotting, allergen-specific ELISA, affinity-based purifications, cross-inhibition assays, cloning, and expression of the allergen in Escherichia coli. Results: Melon profilin was identified and isolated as a major IgE-binding component and designated as Cuc m 2. Sequencing corresponding cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 363 bp coding for 131 amino acid residues and two fragments of 171 bp and 383 bps for the 5’and 3’ UTRs, respectively. Significant cross-reactivity was found between melon profilin and Cynodon dactylon, tomato, peach, and grape profilins in cross-inhibition assays. Although the highest degree of amino acid identity was revealed with watermelon profilin, there was no significant cross-reactivity between melon and watermelon profilins. Conclusion: Melon profilin is the major IgE-binding component in melon extract, and the recombinant and natural forms exhibited similar IgE-binding capacities. A part of the fruit-fruit and pollen-fruit cross-reactions could be explained by the presence of this conserved protein; however, sequence homology provides insufficient information to predict IgE cross-reactivity of profilins. PMID:26989709

Use of Reference Frames for Interplanetary Navigation at JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heflin, Michael; Jacobs, Chris; Sovers, Ojars; Moore, Angelyn; Owen, Sue

2010-01-01

Navigation of interplanetary spacecraft is typically based on range, Doppler, and differential interferometric measurements made by ground-based telescopes. Acquisition and interpretation of these observations requires accurate knowledge of the terrestrial reference frame and its orientation with respect to the celestial frame. Work is underway at JPL to reprocess historical VLBI and GPS data to improve realizations of the terrestrial and celestial frames. Improvements include minimal constraint alignment, improved tropospheric modeling, better orbit determination, and corrections for antenna phase center patterns.

Mucosal adjuvanticity of fibronectin-binding peptide (FBP) fused with Echinococcus multilocularis tetraspanin 3: systemic and local antibody responses.

PubMed

Dang, Zhisheng; Feng, Jinchao; Yagi, Kinpei; Sugimoto, Chihiro; Li, Wei; Oku, Yuzaburo

2012-01-01

Studies have shown that a bacterial fibronectin attachment protein (FAP) is able to stimulate strong systemic and mucosal antibody responses when it is used alone or co-administrated with other antigens (Ags). Thus, it has been suggested to be a promising adjuvant candidate for the development of efficient vaccines. However, the co-administered Ags and FAP were cloned, expressed and purified individually to date. In a recent study, we first evaluated the adjuvanticity of a fibronectin-binding peptide (FBP, 24 amino acids) of Mycobacterium avium FAP fused with Echinococcus multilocularis tetraspanin 3 (Em-TSP3) by detecting systemic and local antibody responses in intranasally (i.n.) immunized BALB/c mice. Em-TSP3 and FBP fragments were linked with a GSGGSG linker and expressed as a single fusion protein (Em-TSP3-FBP) using the pBAD/Thio-TOPO expression vector. BALB/c mice were immunized i.n. with recombinant Em-TSP3-FBP (rEm-TSP3-FBP) and rEm-TSP3+CpG and the systemic and local antibody responses were detected by ELISA. The results showed that both rEm-TSP3-FBP and rEm-TSP3+CpG evoked strong serum IgG (p<0.001) and IgG1 responses (p<0.001), whereas only the latter induced a high level IgG2α production (p<0.001), compared to that of rEm-TSP3 alone without any adjuvant. There were no significant differences in IgG and IgG1 production between the groups. Low level of serum IgA and IgM were detected in both groups. The tendency of Th1 and Th2 cell immune responses were assessed via detecting the IgG1/IgG2α ratio after the second and third immunizations. The results indicated that i.n. immunization with rEm-TSP3-FBP resulted in an increased IgG1/IgG2α ratio (a Th2 tendency), while rEm-TSP3+CpG caused a rapid Th1 response that later shifted to a Th2 response. Immunization with rEm-TSP3-FBP provoked significantly stronger IgA antibody responses in intestine (p<0.05), lung (p<0.001) and spleen (p<0.001) compared to those by rEm-TSP3+CpG. Significantly high level IgA antibodies were detected in nasal cavity (p<0.05) and liver (p<0.05) samples from both groups when compared to rEm-TSP3 alone without any adjuvant, with no significant difference between them. I.n. administration of rEm-TSP3-FBP can induce strong systemic and mucosal antibody responses in immunized BALB/c mice, suggesting that fusion of Em-TSP3 with FBP is a novel, prospective strategy for developing safe and efficient human mucosal vaccines against alveolar echinococcosis (AE).

Comparison of three commercial IgG and IgM ELISA kits for the detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies.

PubMed

Ackermann-Gäumann, Rahel; Tritten, Marie-Lise; Hassan, Mona; Lienhard, Reto

2018-05-01

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is endemic in many parts of Europe and Asia. The diagnosis of this disease is essentially based on the demonstration of specific antibodies. For reasons of simplicity, automatization and quick availability of test results, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are the method of choice for serological diagnosis of TBE. Here, we evaluated three commercially available anti-TBEV IgG and IgM ELISAs using 251 serum samples: the SERION ELISA classic FSME Virus/TBE Virus IgG and IgM kit (Virion\\Serion), the RIDASCREEN ® FSME/TBE IgG and IgM kit (R-Biopharm), and the anti-FSME/TBE virus ELISA "Vienna" IgG/anti-FSME/TBE virus ELISA IgM kit (Euroimmun). In total, discrepant test results for IgG and/or IgM were observed for 37/251 (14.7 %) of tested samples; differences were statistically significant. Reference values defined by serum neutralization test (SNT, n = 25) or results provided by EQA organizers (n = 2) were established for a subset of samples. In relation to these values, false-positive results were observed mainly for Euroimmun Vienna IgG and RIDASCREEN IgG, whereas false-negative results were primarily observed for Virion\\Serion IgG and RIDASCREEN IgM kits. In routine diagnostics, specificity problems are of major relevance and may be addressed by analyzing the respective samples using SNT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

[Clinical investigation of basophil activation test as a complementary test for house dust mite allergen].

PubMed

Ren, H L; Li, J D; Miao, Y H; Xu, T

2018-03-01

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of glass micro fiber basophil activation test (BAT) used as a complementary test for house dust mite allergen. Method: Forty patients with clinical diagnosed allergic rhinitis was test by three methods for house dust mite allergen, skin prick test(SPT),Immuno CAP sIgE, and BAT in vitro. The sensitivity and specificity of glass micro fiber were accessed, and the consistency between BAT, SPT, and Immuno sIgE was analyzed. As in vivo provocation was not performed, gold standard is regarded as the combination of medical history and positive reports of SPT and/or ImmunoCAP sIgE test. Result: Twentythree patients are diagnosed as house dust mite allergic rhinitis by gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of glass micro fiber BAT were 60.9% and 88.2%, the sensitivity of SPT and sIgE was 87.0% and sIgE 73.9%. The correlation rates between BAT with SPT is 0.67( P <0.05), and sIgE 0.55( P <0.05). The accuracy, predictive value of positive and negative of BAT are 0.47,60.9%,88.2%.The Kappa values of BAT, SPT and sIgE with gold standard are 0.47,0.86,0.71. Conclusion: As a complementary test for house dust mite allergic rhinitis, BAT have a good consistency with SPT and sIgE, while as it has only moderate consistency with "gold standard", further studies are needed to prove its clinical significance. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A responses to simulated and official Jiu-Jitsu matches.

PubMed

Moreira, Alexandre; Franchini, Emerson; de Freitas, Camila Gobo; Schultz de Arruda, Ademir F; de Moura, Nivaldo Ribeiro; Costa, Eduardo Caldas; Aoki, Marcelo Saldanha

2012-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare the salivary cortisol (sC) and the salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to simulated and official Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) matches. Saliva samples were collected from 9 male BJJ athletes before (pre) and after (post) 2 simulated matches (SMs) and 2 official matches (OMs) performed during 2 different competitions. Salivary cortisol and sIgA concentrations (absolute concentration of sIgA [sIgAabs] and the secretion rate of sIgA [sIgArate]) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For sC, there was an effect of condition (SM vs. OM) (p < 0.05) and a time effect (pre and post) (p < 0.05). The sC was lower during SMs as compared with that during OMs and lower at premeasurement when compared with postmeasurement. No changes were observed for sIgA measurements. In summary, both SMs and official BJJ matches can increase sC levels. Moreover, the higher sC resting levels, observed before OMs, suggest that psychological factors associated with high physical-physiological demands from official BJJ competitions maximize stress hormone responses. In addition, the present findings suggest that the acute effect of BJJ matches on mucosal immunity is minimal, and it seems unlikely that changes in cortisol play a major role in the alterations in sIgA levels in response to BJJ matches. The findings of this study suggest that the use of sC can provide valuable information for coaches regarding athletes' responses to competition. In addition, psychological strategies should be implemented before events, to improve the manner in which BJJ athletes cope with the stress inherent to official matches.

Anti-PGL1 salivary IgA/IgM, serum IgG/IgM, and nasal Mycobacterium leprae DNA in individuals with household contact with leprosy.

PubMed

Brito e Cabral, Paula; Júnior, José Evandro Cunha; de Macedo, Alexandre Casimiro; Alves, Alexandre Rodrigues; Gonçalves, Thially Braga; Brito e Cabral, Tereza Cristina; Gondim, Ana Paula Soares; Pinto, Maria Isabel Moraes; Oseki, Karen Tubono; Camara, Lilia Maria Carneiro; Rabenhorst, Silvia Helena Barem; Nagao-Dias, Aparecida Tiemi

2013-11-01

Leprosy household contacts represent a group at high risk of developing the disease. The aim of this study was to detect Mycobacterium leprae subclinical infection in this group through serological and molecular parameters. Serum anti-PGL1 IgG/IgM and salivary anti-PGL1 IgA/IgM was investigated using an ELISA, and nasal carriage of M. leprae DNA was detected by PCR, in leprosy household contacts of paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) household leprosy patients (n=135), their index cases (n=30), and in persons living in a low endemic city (n=17). Salivary anti-PGL1 IgA and IgM and serum anti-PGL1 IgG showed good correlation comparing contacts and index cases (p<0.01, p<0.005, and p<0.0001, respectively). This was not observed for serum anti-PGL1 IgM (p>0.05). A high frequency of anti-PGL1 IgM positivity was found in IgG-negative samples (p<0.0001). For IgG-positive samples, IgM antibodies were also positive in most of the samples. None of the 17 volunteers living in a low endemic city presented seropositivity for IgG; however, two of them showed positivity for anti-PGL1 IgM. M. leprae DNA was found in the nasal swabs of nine out of the 85 MB household leprosy contacts (10.6%) and in three out of the 50 PB household leprosy contacts (6.0%). We strongly suggest that serum IgG/IgM and salivary anti-PGL1 IgA/IgM measurements are used to follow leprosy household contacts. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

To frame is to explain: a deductive frame-analysis of Dutch and French climate change coverage during the annual UN Conferences of the Parties.

PubMed

Dirikx, Astrid; Gelders, Dave

2010-11-01

This study examines the way Dutch and French newspapers frame climate change during the annual United Nations Conferences of the Parties. The methods used in previous studies on the framing of climate change do not allow for general cross-national comparisons. We conduct a quantitative deductive framing analysis on 257 quality Dutch and French newspaper articles between 2001 and 2007. Both countries' newspapers seem to frame climate change through mainly the same lens. The majority of the articles make reference to the consequences of the (non-)pursuit of a certain course of action and of possible losses and gains (consequences frame). Additionally, many articles mention the need for urgent actions, refer to possible solutions and suggest that governments are responsible for and/or capable of alleviating climate change problems (responsibility frame). Finally, the conflict frame was found to be used less often than the aforementioned frames, but more regularly than the human interest frame.

Antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides identify adult coeliac disease patients negative for antibodies against endomysium and tissue transglutaminase.

PubMed

Dahle, C; Hagman, A; Ignatova, S; Ström, M

2010-07-01

This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic utility of antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides compared to traditional markers for coeliac disease. To evaluate diagnostic utility of antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP). Sera from 176 adults, referred for endoscopy without previous analysis of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) or endomysium (EmA), were retrospectively analysed by ELISAs detecting IgA/IgG antibodies against DGP or a mixture of DGP and tTG, and compared with IgA-tTG and EmA. Seventy-nine individuals were diagnosed with coeliac disease. Receiver operating characteristic analyses verified the manufacturers' cut-off limits except for IgA/IgG-DGP/tTG. In sera without IgA deficiency, the sensitivity was higher for IgA/IgG-DGP (0.85-0.87) compared with IgA-tTg (0.76) and EmA (0.61). All tests showed high specificity (0.95-1.00). Eighteen coeliac disease-sera were negative regarding IgA-tTG, nine of which were positive for IgA/IgG-DGP. Sera from coeliac disease-patients >70 years were more often negative for IgA-tTG (50%) and IgA/IgG-DGP (36%) than younger patients (15% and 8% respectively) (P < 0.01). Three of the four IgA-deficient patients were positive in the IgA/IgG-DGP assay. In this study of patients unselected regarding IgA-tTg/EmA, thus unbiased in this respect, IgA/IgG-DGP identified adult coeliac disease patients negative for antibodies against endomysium and tissue transglutaminase. Serology is often negative in elderly patients with coeliac disease; a small bowel biopsy should therefore be performed generously before coeliac disease is excluded.

Effects of oxygenated or hydrogenated water on growth performance, blood parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens.

PubMed

Shin, D; Cho, E S R; Bang, H-T; Shim, K S

2016-11-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of providing oxygenated and hydrogenated water on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens. In our investigation, 144 Ross × Ross broiler chicks were randomly allotted to three different treatment groups with four replicates (treatment × replicate × bird = 3 × 4 × 12). All chicks were given one of the following types of water for five weeks: tap water (CON), hydrogenated water (HNW), and oxygenated water (ONW). ONW supplementation increased the final body weight and weight gain and also improved both feed intake and feed conversion of broiler chickens as compared to those of CON broiler chickens (P < 0.05). The abdominal fat and its ratio to the final body weight showed that fat accumulation in the broiler chicken abdomen was reduced when broiler chickens drank only ONW for five weeks (P < 0.05). ONW supplementation improved blood parameters, including triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Additionally, in accordance with a globulin increase in broiler chickens, both IgG and IgM generation were significantly enhanced when ONW was supplied to broiler chickens (P < 0.05) but only a numerical advance was observed in the HNW group (P > 0.05). Both oxygenated and hydrogenated water supplementation significantly improved the antioxidant effects (P < 0.05), and it seems that superoxide dismutase refinement was completed due to oxygen and/or hydrogen enhancement of drinking water. These results indicate that oxygen enhancement of drinking water may be recommended to improve growth performance by increasing immunoglobulins mainly IgG and IgM. © Crown copyright 2016.

Cultural background shapes spatial reference frame proclivity

PubMed Central

Goeke, Caspar; Kornpetpanee, Suchada; Köster, Moritz; Fernández-Revelles, Andrés B.; Gramann, Klaus; König, Peter

2015-01-01

Spatial navigation is an essential human skill that is influenced by several factors. The present study investigates how gender, age, and cultural background account for differences in reference frame proclivity and performance in a virtual navigation task. Using an online navigation study, we recorded reaction times, error rates (confusion of turning axis), and reference frame proclivity (egocentric vs. allocentric reference frame) of 1823 participants. Reaction times significantly varied with gender and age, but were only marginally influenced by the cultural background of participants. Error rates were in line with these results and exhibited a significant influence of gender and culture, but not age. Participants’ cultural background significantly influenced reference frame selection; the majority of North-Americans preferred an allocentric strategy, while Latin-Americans preferred an egocentric navigation strategy. European and Asian groups were in between these two extremes. Neither the factor of age nor the factor of gender had a direct impact on participants’ navigation strategies. The strong effects of cultural background on navigation strategies without the influence of gender or age underlines the importance of socialized spatial cognitive processes and argues for socio-economic analysis in studies investigating human navigation. PMID:26073656

Agaricus bisporus powder improved cutaneous mucosal and serum immune parameters and up-regulated intestinal cytokines gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings.

PubMed

Khodadadian Zou, Hassan; Hoseinifar, Seyed Hossein; Kolangi Miandare, Hamed; Hajimoradloo, Abdolmajid

2016-11-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate immunomodulatory effects of Agaricus bisporus, white bottom mushroom powder (WBMP) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. Carps were fed on different levels of WBMP (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%) for 8 weeks and at the end of feeding trial, skin mucus immune parameters (total Ig, lysozyme and protease activity), cytokines gene expression (TNF-alpha, IL1b, IL8) in intestine as well as serum non-specific immune parameters (total Ig, lysozyme and ACH50) were measured. The results showed significant dose dependent increase of skin mucus immune parameters in carps fed WBMP (P < 0.05). While, no significant difference was observed between 0.5% WBMP and control group (P > 0.05). In case of serum non-specific immune parameters, except lysozyme activity, other parameters (Ig total and ACH50) were significantly affected by dietary inclusion of WBMP (P < 0.05). Also, evaluation of cytokines gene expression in the intestine of carps revealed remarkable up-regulation of TNF-alpha in fish fed 2% WBMP supplemented diet compared other treatment (P < 0.05). Likewise, IL1b gene expression was significantly increased in 1 and 2% WBMP treatments compared to the 0.5% WBMP and control groups (P < 0.05). IL8 gene expression was not affected by inclusion of WBMP in carp diet (P > 0.05). Furthermore, feeding on WBMP supplemented diet significantly improved growth performance (P < 0.05). These results indicated that WBMP can be considered as a promising immunostimulants in early stage of common carp culture. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effect of AÇaí (Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome].

PubMed

Wang, Zi-Chen; Zhang, Jian-Jun; Zhu, Ying-Li; Qu, Yan; Fei, Wen-Ting; Wang, Sha; Wang, Jing-Xia; Wang, Lin-Yuan

2017-07-01

To study the effects of AÇaí(Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone level in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome. SD rats were divided into blank control group, deficiency-heat model group, deficiency-heat & Phellodendri Cortex group, deficiency-heat & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups, deficiency-cold model group, deficiency-cold & Cinnamomi Cortex group, deficiency-cold & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups. The rats received intramuscular injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.35 mg) or hydrocortisone sodium succinate (20 mg) for 21 days to set up deficiency-heat models and deficiency-cold models. Then the changes in fatmetabolism levels (FFA, LPL, HL) and immune indexes (IgG, IgM, C3 and C4) were detected by colorimeter; and the levels of endocrine hormone indexes (CORT, E2 and T) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The levels of FFA, LPL and HL in serum were reduced (P<0.01 or P<0.001); levels of IgG, IgM and C3 in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001); level of CORT in serum was increased (P<0.05) and the level of E2, E2/T in serum were reduced in the AÇaí high dose group (P<0.05). The effect of high dose AÇaí on fat metabolism was not obvious in deficiency-cold models, but the levels of IgG, IgM, C3 and CORT in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001). AÇaí was showed the same effect trend with Phellodendri Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-heat rats; but unlike Cinnamomi Cortex, AÇaí was showed no obvious effect in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats. In this experiment, homogeneous comparison and heterogeneous disproof were used to verify the cold nature of Çaí. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Language and spatial frames of reference in mind and brain.

PubMed

Gallistel, C R.

2002-08-01

Some language communities routinely use allocentric reference directions (e.g. 'uphill-downhill') where speakers of European languages would use egocentric references ('left-right'). Previous experiments have suggested that the different language groups use different reference frames in non-linguistic tasks involving the recreation of oriented arrays. However, a recent paper argues that manipulating test conditions produces similar effects in monolingual English speakers, and in animals.

Joint Transform Correlation for face tracking: elderly fall detection application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, Philippe; Aron, Michael; Alfalou, Ayman

2013-03-01

In this paper, an iterative tracking algorithm based on a non-linear JTC (Joint Transform Correlator) architecture and enhanced by a digital image processing method is proposed and validated. This algorithm is based on the computation of a correlation plane where the reference image is updated at each frame. For that purpose, we use the JTC technique in real time to track a patient (target image) in a room fitted with a video camera. The correlation plane is used to localize the target image in the current video frame (frame i). Then, the reference image to be exploited in the next frame (frame i+1) is updated according to the previous one (frame i). In an effort to validate our algorithm, our work is divided into two parts: (i) a large study based on different sequences with several situations and different JTC parameters is achieved in order to quantify their effects on the tracking performances (decimation, non-linearity coefficient, size of the correlation plane, size of the region of interest...). (ii) the tracking algorithm is integrated into an application of elderly fall detection. The first reference image is a face detected by means of Haar descriptors, and then localized into the new video image thanks to our tracking method. In order to avoid a bad update of the reference frame, a method based on a comparison of image intensity histograms is proposed and integrated in our algorithm. This step ensures a robust tracking of the reference frame. This article focuses on face tracking step optimisation and evalutation. A supplementary step of fall detection, based on vertical acceleration and position, will be added and studied in further work.

Band registration of tuneable frame format hyperspectral UAV imagers in complex scenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honkavaara, Eija; Rosnell, Tomi; Oliveira, Raquel; Tommaselli, Antonio

2017-12-01

A recent revolution in miniaturised sensor technology has provided markets with novel hyperspectral imagers operating in the frame format principle. In the case of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based remote sensing, the frame format technology is highly attractive in comparison to the commonly utilised pushbroom scanning technology, because it offers better stability and the possibility to capture stereoscopic data sets, bringing an opportunity for 3D hyperspectral object reconstruction. Tuneable filters are one of the approaches for capturing multi- or hyperspectral frame images. The individual bands are not aligned when operating a sensor based on tuneable filters from a mobile platform, such as UAV, because the full spectrum recording is carried out in the time-sequential principle. The objective of this investigation was to study the aspects of band registration of an imager based on tuneable filters and to develop a rigorous and efficient approach for band registration in complex 3D scenes, such as forests. The method first determines the orientations of selected reference bands and reconstructs the 3D scene using structure-from-motion and dense image matching technologies. The bands, without orientation, are then matched to the oriented bands accounting the 3D scene to provide exterior orientations, and afterwards, hyperspectral orthomosaics, or hyperspectral point clouds, are calculated. The uncertainty aspects of the novel approach were studied. An empirical assessment was carried out in a forested environment using hyperspectral images captured with a hyperspectral 2D frame format camera, based on a tuneable Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) on board a multicopter and supported by a high spatial resolution consumer colour camera. A theoretical assessment showed that the method was capable of providing band registration accuracy better than 0.5-pixel size. The empirical assessment proved the performance and showed that, with the novel method, most parts of the band misalignments were less than the pixel size. Furthermore, it was shown that the performance of the band alignment was dependent on the spatial distance from the reference band.

Examining reference frame interaction in spatial memory using a distribution analysis.

PubMed

Street, Whitney N; Wang, Ranxiao Frances

2016-02-01

Previous research showed competition among reference frames in spatial attention and language. The present studies developed a new distribution analysis to examine reference frame interactions in spatial memory. Participants viewed virtual arrays of colored pegs and were instructed to remember them either from their own perspective or from the perspective aligned with the rectangular floor. Then they made judgments of relative directions from their respective encoding orientation. Those taking the floor-axis perspective showed systematic bias in the signed errors toward their egocentric perspective, while those taking their own perspective showed no systematic bias, both for random and symmetrical object arrays. The bias toward the egocentric perspective was observed when learning a real symmetric regular object array with strong environmental cues for the aligned axis. These results indicate automatic processing of the self reference while taking the floor-axis perspective but not vice versa, and suggest that research on spatial memory needs to consider the implications of competition effects in reference frame use.

Technical Note: Modification of the standard gain correction algorithm to compensate for the number of used reference flat frames in detector performance studies

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

Konstantinidis, Anastasios C.; Olivo, Alessandro; Speller, Robert D.

2011-12-15

Purpose: The x-ray performance evaluation of digital x-ray detectors is based on the calculation of the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS), and the resultant detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The flat images used for the extraction of the NPS should not contain any fixed pattern noise (FPN) to avoid contamination from nonstochastic processes. The ''gold standard'' method used for the reduction of the FPN (i.e., the different gain between pixels) in linear x-ray detectors is based on normalization with an average reference flat-field. However, the noise in the corrected image depends on the number of flat framesmore » used for the average flat image. The aim of this study is to modify the standard gain correction algorithm to make it independent on the used reference flat frames. Methods: Many publications suggest the use of 10-16 reference flat frames, while other studies use higher numbers (e.g., 48 frames) to reduce the propagated noise from the average flat image. This study quantifies experimentally the effect of the number of used reference flat frames on the NPS and DQE values and appropriately modifies the gain correction algorithm to compensate for this effect. Results: It is shown that using the suggested gain correction algorithm a minimum number of reference flat frames (i.e., down to one frame) can be used to eliminate the FPN from the raw flat image. This saves computer memory and time during the x-ray performance evaluation. Conclusions: The authors show that the method presented in the study (a) leads to the maximum DQE value that one would have by using the conventional method and very large number of frames and (b) has been compared to an independent gain correction method based on the subtraction of flat-field images, leading to identical DQE values. They believe this provides robust validation of the proposed method.« less

Ray Effect Mitigation Through Reference Frame Rotation

DOE PAGES

Tencer, John

2016-05-01

The discrete ordinates method is a popular and versatile technique for solving the radiative transport equation, a major drawback of which is the presence of ray effects. Mitigation of ray effects can yield significantly more accurate results and enhanced numerical stability for combined mode codes. Moreover, when ray effects are present, the solution is seen to be highly dependent upon the relative orientation of the geometry and the global reference frame. It is an undesirable property. A novel ray effect mitigation technique of averaging the computed solution for various reference frame orientations is proposed.

Spatial and physical frames of reference in positioning a limb.

PubMed

Garrett, S R; Pagano, C; Austin, G; Turvey, M T

1998-10-01

Splints attached to the right forearm were used to rotate the forearm's physical reference frame, as defined by the eigenvectors of its inertia tensor, relative to its spatial reference frame. In two experiments, when subjects were required to orient the forearm parallel to, or at 45 degrees to, the environmental horizontal, they produced limb orientations that were systematically deflected from the forearm's longitudinal spatial axis in the direction of the forearm's physical axes. The position sense seems to be based on inertial eigenvectors rather than on joint angles or gravitational torques.

Immunoprotection of recombinant Eg.P29 against Echinococcus granulosus in sheep.

PubMed

Wang, Hao; Li, Zihua; Gao, Fu; Zhao, Jiaqing; Zhu, Mingxing; He, Xin; Niu, Nan; Zhao, Wei

2016-06-01

This study aims to investigate the immunoprotection of recombinant Eg.P29 (rEg.P29) vaccine and analyze the underlying mechanism in sheep. Three groups of male sheep were immunized subcutaneously with rEg.P29 and PBS, Freund's complete adjuvant as controls, respectively. After prime-boost vaccination, the sheep were challenged with encapsulated Echinococcus granulosus eggs. The percentage of protection in sheep was determined 36 weeks after the infection. Humoral immune response was analyzed for specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgE levels. Moreover, cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4,and IL-10 were also evaluated. Immunization with rEg.P29 induced protective immune responses up to 94.5 %, compared with immunoadjuvant group. The levels of specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgE as well as IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 significantly increased after two immunizations (P < 0.05); however, the levels of IgM and IL-10 did not show difference. rEg.P29 showed Immunoprotection and induced Th1 and Th2 immune responses; hence, rEg.P29 is a potential vaccine for E. granulosus infection.

Coordinate references for the indoor/outdoor seamless positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruan, Ling; Zhang, Ling; Long, Yi; Cheng, Fei

2018-05-01

Indoor positioning technologies are being developed rapidly, and seamless positioning which connected indoor and outdoor space is a new trend. The indoor and outdoor positioning are not applying the same coordinate system and different indoor positioning scenes uses different indoor local coordinate reference systems. A specific and unified coordinate reference frame is needed as the space basis and premise in seamless positioning application. Trajectory analysis of indoor and outdoor integration also requires a uniform coordinate reference. However, the coordinate reference frame in seamless positioning which can applied to various complex scenarios is lacking of research for a long time. In this paper, we proposed a universal coordinate reference frame in indoor/outdoor seamless positioning. The research focus on analysis and classify the indoor positioning scenes and put forward the coordinate reference system establishment and coordinate transformation methods in each scene. And, through some experiments, the calibration method feasibility was verified.

Frame-of-reference training for simulation-based intraoperative communication assessment.

PubMed

Gardner, Aimee K; Russo, Michael A; Jabbour, Ibrahim I; Kosemund, Matthew; Scott, Daniel J

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of frame-of-reference (FOR) training on assessments of intraoperative communication skills and identify areas of need to inform curricular efforts. Simulation instructors (M.D., Ph.D., Research Fellow, Simulation Technician) underwent a 2-hour FOR training session with the operating room communication instrument. They then independently rated communication skills of 19 PGY1s who participated in a team-based simulation. Residents completed self-assessments via video review of the scenario. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to examine inter-rater reliability. Relationships between trained raters and resident scores were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients and paired sample t tests. Inter-reliability after FOR training was .91. The correlation between trained rater scores and resident evaluations was nonsignificant. Residents significantly underestimated their intraoperative communication skills (P < .05). Use of names, closed loop communication, and sharing information with team members demonstrated consistently low ratings among all residents. These findings reveal that a number of individuals can be trained to reliably rate resident intraoperative communication performance and that residents tend to under-rate their communication skills. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Uncertainty of the 20th century sea-level rise due to vertical land motion errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santamaría-Gómez, Alvaro; Gravelle, Médéric; Dangendorf, Sönke; Marcos, Marta; Spada, Giorgio; Wöppelmann, Guy

2017-09-01

Assessing the vertical land motion (VLM) at tide gauges (TG) is crucial to understanding global and regional mean sea-level changes (SLC) over the last century. However, estimating VLM with accuracy better than a few tenths of a millimeter per year is not a trivial undertaking and many factors, including the reference frame uncertainty, must be considered. Using a novel reconstruction approach and updated geodetic VLM corrections, we found the terrestrial reference frame and the estimated VLM uncertainty may contribute to the global SLC rate error by ± 0.2 mmyr-1. In addition, a spurious global SLC acceleration may be introduced up to ± 4.8 ×10-3 mmyr-2. Regional SLC rate and acceleration errors may be inflated by a factor 3 compared to the global. The difference of VLM from two independent Glacio-Isostatic Adjustment models introduces global SLC rate and acceleration biases at the level of ± 0.1 mmyr-1 and 2.8 ×10-3 mmyr-2, increasing up to 0.5 mm yr-1 and 9 ×10-3 mmyr-2 for the regional SLC. Errors in VLM corrections need to be budgeted when considering past and future SLC scenarios.

Analysis strategies for combining continuous and episodic GNSS for studies of neo-tectonics in Northern-Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kierulf, Halfdan Pascal

2017-09-01

Crustal deformation in the seismically active Nordland area in Northern Norway is estimated based on a combination of data from local episodic epGNSS campaigns (three 5-day campaigns in 1999, 2008 and 2015) and continuously operating cGNSS stations in the area that were mainly established in 2008 and in 2009. To establish a local long-term stable reference frame, which is consistent both with the epGNSS network and the network of newer cGNSS, a three-step procedure for reference frame realization is used to get consistent results from all the stations in the area. Analysis of the main error sources shows that uncertainties for the episodic epGNSS stations are around 0.2 mm/yr in the horizontal components and 0.5 mm/yr in the vertical component. The results support earlier findings that Ranafjord area of the Nordland is undergoing crustal spreading with horizontal displacement velocities of ca. 1.0 ± 0.2 mm/yr, predominantly in the east-west direction. The results also show a gradient in the uplift along the coast of Nordland that is larger than predicted by existing glacial isostatic adjustment models.

Expression and Refolding of Truncated Recombinant Major Outer Membrane Protein Antigen (r56) of Orientia tsutsugamushi and Its Use in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays

PubMed Central

Ching, W.-M.; Wang, H.; Eamsila, C.; Kelly, D. J.; Dasch, G. A.

1998-01-01

The variable 56-kDa major outer membrane protein of Orientia tsutsugamushi is the immunodominant antigen in human scrub typhus infections. The gene encoding this protein from Karp strain was cloned into the expression vector pET11a. The recombinant protein (r56) was expressed as a truncated nonfusion protein (amino acids 80 to 456 of the open reading frame) which formed an inclusion body when expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Refolded r56 was purified and compared to purified whole-cell lysate of the Karp strain of O. tsutsugamushi by immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for reactivity with rabbit sera prepared against eight antigenic prototypes of O. tsutsugamushi as well as several other species of Rickettsiales and nonrickettsial antigens. Refolded r56 exhibited broad reactivity with the rabbit antisera against the Orientia prototypes, and the ELISA reactions with the r56 and Karp whole-cell lysate antigens correlated well (r = 0.81, n = 22, sensitivity compared to that of standard ELISA of 91%). Refolded r56 did not react with most antisera against other rickettsial species or control antigens (specificity = 92%, n = 13) using a positive cutoff value determined with eight uninfected rabbit sera. Refolded r56 was evaluated further by ELISA, using 128 sera obtained from patients with suspected scrub typhus from Korat, Thailand, and 74 serum specimens from healthy Thai soldiers. By using the indirect immunoperoxidase assay as the reference assay, the recombinant antigen exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 93% or greater for detection of both IgG and IgM in the ELISA at 1:400 serum dilution. These results strongly suggest that purified r56 is a suitable candidate for replacing the density gradient-purified, rickettsia-derived, whole-cell antigen currently used in the commercial dipstick assay available in the United States. PMID:9665960

Expression and refolding of truncated recombinant major outer membrane protein antigen (r56) of Orientia tsutsugamushi and its use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

PubMed

Ching, W M; Wang, H; Eamsila, C; Kelly, D J; Dasch, G A

1998-07-01

The variable 56-kDa major outer membrane protein of Orientia tsutsugamushi is the immunodominant antigen in human scrub typhus infections. The gene encoding this protein from Karp strain was cloned into the expression vector pET11a. The recombinant protein (r56) was expressed as a truncated nonfusion protein (amino acids 80 to 456 of the open reading frame) which formed an inclusion body when expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Refolded r56 was purified and compared to purified whole-cell lysate of the Karp strain of O. tsutsugamushi by immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for reactivity with rabbit sera prepared against eight antigenic prototypes of O. tsutsugamushi as well as several other species of Rickettsiales and nonrickettsial antigens. Refolded r56 exhibited broad reactivity with the rabbit antisera against the Orientia prototypes, and the ELISA reactions with the r56 and Karp whole-cell lysate antigens correlated well (r = 0.81, n = 22, sensitivity compared to that of standard ELISA of 91%). Refolded r56 did not react with most antisera against other rickettsial species or control antigens (specificity = 92%, n = 13) using a positive cutoff value determined with eight uninfected rabbit sera. Refolded r56 was evaluated further by ELISA, using 128 sera obtained from patients with suspected scrub typhus from Korat, Thailand, and 74 serum specimens from healthy Thai soldiers. By using the indirect immunoperoxidase assay as the reference assay, the recombinant antigen exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 93% or greater for detection of both IgG and IgM in the ELISA at 1:400 serum dilution. These results strongly suggest that purified r56 is a suitable candidate for replacing the density gradient-purified, rickettsia-derived, whole-cell antigen currently used in the commercial dipstick assay available in the United States.

A Paleolatitude Calculator for Paleoclimate Studies

PubMed Central

van Hinsbergen, Douwe J. J.; de Groot, Lennart V.; van Schaik, Sebastiaan J.; Spakman, Wim; Bijl, Peter K.; Sluijs, Appy; Langereis, Cor G.; Brinkhuis, Henk

2015-01-01

Realistic appraisal of paleoclimatic information obtained from a particular location requires accurate knowledge of its paleolatitude defined relative to the Earth’s spin-axis. This is crucial to, among others, correctly assess the amount of solar energy received at a location at the moment of sediment deposition. The paleolatitude of an arbitrary location can in principle be reconstructed from tectonic plate reconstructions that (1) restore the relative motions between plates based on (marine) magnetic anomalies, and (2) reconstruct all plates relative to the spin axis using a paleomagnetic reference frame based on a global apparent polar wander path. Whereas many studies do employ high-quality relative plate reconstructions, the necessity of using a paleomagnetic reference frame for climate studies rather than a mantle reference frame appears under-appreciated. In this paper, we briefly summarize the theory of plate tectonic reconstructions and their reference frames tailored towards applications of paleoclimate reconstruction, and show that using a mantle reference frame, which defines plate positions relative to the mantle, instead of a paleomagnetic reference frame may introduce errors in paleolatitude of more than 15° (>1500 km). This is because mantle reference frames cannot constrain, or are specifically corrected for the effects of true polar wander. We used the latest, state-of-the-art plate reconstructions to build a global plate circuit, and developed an online, user-friendly paleolatitude calculator for the last 200 million years by placing this plate circuit in three widely used global apparent polar wander paths. As a novelty, this calculator adds error bars to paleolatitude estimates that can be incorporated in climate modeling. The calculator is available at www.paleolatitude.org. We illustrate the use of the paleolatitude calculator by showing how an apparent wide spread in Eocene sea surface temperatures of southern high latitudes may be in part explained by a much wider paleolatitudinal distribution of sites than previously assumed. PMID:26061262

A Paleolatitude Calculator for Paleoclimate Studies.

PubMed

van Hinsbergen, Douwe J J; de Groot, Lennart V; van Schaik, Sebastiaan J; Spakman, Wim; Bijl, Peter K; Sluijs, Appy; Langereis, Cor G; Brinkhuis, Henk

2015-01-01

Realistic appraisal of paleoclimatic information obtained from a particular location requires accurate knowledge of its paleolatitude defined relative to the Earth's spin-axis. This is crucial to, among others, correctly assess the amount of solar energy received at a location at the moment of sediment deposition. The paleolatitude of an arbitrary location can in principle be reconstructed from tectonic plate reconstructions that (1) restore the relative motions between plates based on (marine) magnetic anomalies, and (2) reconstruct all plates relative to the spin axis using a paleomagnetic reference frame based on a global apparent polar wander path. Whereas many studies do employ high-quality relative plate reconstructions, the necessity of using a paleomagnetic reference frame for climate studies rather than a mantle reference frame appears under-appreciated. In this paper, we briefly summarize the theory of plate tectonic reconstructions and their reference frames tailored towards applications of paleoclimate reconstruction, and show that using a mantle reference frame, which defines plate positions relative to the mantle, instead of a paleomagnetic reference frame may introduce errors in paleolatitude of more than 15° (>1500 km). This is because mantle reference frames cannot constrain, or are specifically corrected for the effects of true polar wander. We used the latest, state-of-the-art plate reconstructions to build a global plate circuit, and developed an online, user-friendly paleolatitude calculator for the last 200 million years by placing this plate circuit in three widely used global apparent polar wander paths. As a novelty, this calculator adds error bars to paleolatitude estimates that can be incorporated in climate modeling. The calculator is available at www.paleolatitude.org. We illustrate the use of the paleolatitude calculator by showing how an apparent wide spread in Eocene sea surface temperatures of southern high latitudes may be in part explained by a much wider paleolatitudinal distribution of sites than previously assumed.

Immunologic Approach to the Identification and Development of Vaccines to Various Toxins

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-20

0.05 ml of a 1:2500 dilution of goat anti-mouse Ig conjugated to horse radish peroxidase (HRP, Fisher Scientific, Orangeburg, NY) were added to the...mouse immune sera were pooled and adsorbed over a normal horse IgG-agarose column. Normal horse 1gG was used because normal burro IgG is not readily...available, and because the horse is proba- bly the closest species to the burro in evolutionary terms. The adsorbed mouse sera were tested in ELISA

The Extended HANDS Characterization and Analysis of Metric Biases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelecy, T.; Knox, R.; Cognion, R.

The Extended High Accuracy Network Determination System (Extended HANDS) consists of a network of low cost, high accuracy optical telescopes designed to support space surveillance and development of space object characterization technologies. Comprising off-the-shelf components, the telescopes are designed to provide sub arc-second astrometric accuracy. The design and analysis team are in the process of characterizing the system through development of an error allocation tree whose assessment is supported by simulation, data analysis, and calibration tests. The metric calibration process has revealed 1-2 arc-second biases in the right ascension and declination measurements of reference satellite position, and these have been observed to have fairly distinct characteristics that appear to have some dependence on orbit geometry and tracking rates. The work presented here outlines error models developed to aid in development of the system error budget, and examines characteristic errors (biases, time dependence, etc.) that might be present in each of the relevant system elements used in the data collection and processing, including the metric calibration processing. The relevant reference frames are identified, and include the sensor (CCD camera) reference frame, Earth-fixed topocentric frame, topocentric inertial reference frame, and the geocentric inertial reference frame. The errors modeled in each of these reference frames, when mapped into the topocentric inertial measurement frame, reveal how errors might manifest themselves through the calibration process. The error analysis results that are presented use satellite-sensor geometries taken from periods where actual measurements were collected, and reveal how modeled errors manifest themselves over those specific time periods. These results are compared to the real calibration metric data (right ascension and declination residuals), and sources of the bias are hypothesized. In turn, the actual right ascension and declination calibration residuals are also mapped to other relevant reference frames in an attempt to validate the source of the bias errors. These results will serve as the basis for more focused investigation into specific components embedded in the system and system processes that might contain the source of the observed biases.

Influences of indigenous language on spatial frames of reference in Aboriginal English

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edmonds-Wathen, Cris

2014-06-01

The Aboriginal English spoken by Indigenous children in remote communities in the Northern Territory of Australia is influenced by the home languages spoken by themselves and their families. This affects uses of spatial terms used in mathematics such as `in front' and `behind.' Speakers of the endangered Indigenous Australian language Iwaidja use the intrinsic frame of reference in contexts where speakers of Standard Australian English use the relative frame of reference. Children speaking Aboriginal English show patterns of use that parallel the Iwaidja contexts. This paper presents detailed examples of spatial descriptions in Iwaidja and Aboriginal English that demonstrate the parallel patterns of use. The data comes from a study that investigated how an understanding of spatial frame of reference in Iwaidja could assist teaching mathematics to Indigenous language-speaking students. Implications for teaching mathematics are explored for teachers without previous experience in a remote Indigenous community.

Change of reference frame for tactile localization during child development.

PubMed

Pagel, Birthe; Heed, Tobias; Röder, Brigitte

2009-11-01

Temporal order judgements (TOJ) for two tactile stimuli, one presented to the left and one to the right hand, are less precise when the hands are crossed over the midline than when the hands are uncrossed. This 'crossed hand' effect has been considered as evidence for a remapping of tactile input into an external reference frame. Since late, but not early, blind individuals show such remapping, it has been hypothesized that the use of an external reference frame develops during childhood. Five- to 10-year-old children were therefore tested with the tactile TOJ task, both with uncrossed and crossed hands. Overall performance in the TOJ task improved with age. While children older than 5 1/2 years displayed a crossed hand effect, younger children did not. Therefore the use of an external reference frame for tactile, and possibly multisensory, localization seems to be acquired at age 5.

Spatial Reorientation of Sensorimotor Balance Control in Altered Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paloski, W. H.; Black, F. L.; Kaufman, G. D.; Reschke, M. F.; Wood, S. J.

2007-01-01

Sensorimotor coordination of body segments following space flight are more pronounced after landing when the head is actively tilted with respect to the trunk. This suggests that central vestibular processing shifts from a gravitational frame of reference to a head frame of reference in microgravity. A major effect of such changes is a significant postural instability documented by standard head-erect Sensory Organization Tests. Decrements in functional performance may still be underestimated when head and gravity reference frames remained aligned. The purpose of this study was to examine adaptive changes in spatial processing for balance control following space flight by incorporating static and dynamic tilts that dissociate head and gravity reference frames. A second aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of altering the re-adaptation process following space flight by providing discordant visual-vestibular-somatosensory stimuli using short-radius pitch centrifugation.

Do we need to measure total serum IgA to exclude IgA deficiency in coeliac disease?

PubMed Central

Sinclair, D; Saas, M; Turk, A; Goble, M; Kerr, D

2006-01-01

Background Screening for IgA deficiency in patients with coeliac disease is essential because of the increased incidence of IgA deficiency associated with the disease, which usually relies on the estimation of IgA levels in each case. Aim To devise a method of excluding IgA deficiency without measuring total serum IgA in each case. Materials and methods The optical density readings on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of 608 routine samples received for tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibody testing for coeliac disease were compared with their total IgA concentrations. Dilution experiments were also carried out to ensure linear relationships between optical density on ELISA and IgA concentrations and to compare the sensitivities for TTG and endomysium antibodies in TTG‐positive samples. Results and discussion A clear relationship was shown between total IgA concentration and TTG optical density readings by ELISA. To ensure a positive TTG result if antibodies are present, it was possible to recommend an optical density level above which all samples have sufficient IgA. Samples with optical density <0.05 should be investigated further by estimating total IgA and, if low, samples should be subjected to immunofluorescence microscopy testing for IgA and IgG endomysium antibodies. Conclusions An easier, more cost‐effective and practical way of excluding IgA deficiency in the investigation on coeliac disease is reported. PMID:16489174

Estimating Real-Time Zenith Tropospheric Delay over Africa Using IGS-RTS Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelazeem, M.

2017-12-01

Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) is a crucial parameter for atmospheric modeling, severe weather monitoring and forecasting applications. Currently, the international global navigation satellite system (GNSS) real-time service (IGS-RTS) products are used extensively in real-time atmospheric modeling applications. The objective of this study is to develop a real time zenith tropospheric delay estimation model over Africa using the IGS-RTS products. The real-time ZTDs are estimated based on the real-time precise point positioning (PPP) solution. GNSS observations from a number of reference stations are processed over a period of 7 days. Then, the estimated real-time ZTDs are compared with the IGS tropospheric products counterparts. The findings indicate that the estimated real-time ZTDs have millimeter level accuracy in comparison with the IGS counterparts.

Analysis of anti-ganglioside antibodies by a line immunoassay in patients with chronic-inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies (CIDP).

PubMed

Klehmet, Juliane; Märschenz, Stefanie; Ruprecht, Klemens; Wunderlich, Benjamin; Büttner, Thomas; Hiemann, Rico; Roggenbuck, Dirk; Meisel, Andreas

2018-05-24

Unlike for acute immune-mediated neuropathies (IN), anti-ganglioside autoantibody (aGAAb) testing has been recommended for only a minority of chronic IN yet. Thus, we used a multiplex semi-quantitative line immunoassay (LIA) to search for aGAAb in chronic-inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and its clinical variants. Anti-GAAb to 11 gangliosides and sulfatide (SF) were investigated by LIA in 61 patients with IN (27 typical CIDP, 12 distal-acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy, 6 multifocal-acquired demyelinating sensory/motor polyneuropathy, 10 sensory CIDP, 1 focal CIDP and 5 multifocal-motoric neuropathy), 40 with other neuromuscular disorders (OND) (15 non-immune polyneuropathies, 25 myasthenia gravis), 29 with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 54 healthy controls (HC). In contrast to IgG, positive anti-GAAB IgM against at least one ganglioside/SF was found in 17/61 (27.9%) IN compared to 2/40 (5%) in OND, 2/29 MS (6.9%) and 4/54 (7.4%) in HC (p=0.001). There was a statistically higher prevalence of anti-sulfatide (aSF) IgM in IN compared to OND (p=0.008). Further, aGM1 IgM was more prevalent in IN compared to OND and HC (p=0.009) as well as GD1b in IN compared to HC (p<0.04). The prevalence of aGM1 IgM in CIDP was lower compared to in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) (12% vs. 60%, p=0.027). Patients showing aSF, aGM1 and aGM2 IgM were younger compared to aGAAb negatives (p<0.05). Patients with aSF IgM positivity presented more frequently typical CIDP and MMN phenotypes (p<0.05, respectively). The aGAAb LIA revealed an elevated frequency of at least one aGAAb IgM in CIDP/MMN patients. Anti-SF, aGM1 and aGM2 IgM were associated with younger age and anti-SF with IN phenotypes.

Effects of choline treatment in concentrations of serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and immunoglobulins in an experimental model of canine sepsis.

PubMed

Kocaturk, Meric; Eralp-Inan, Oya; Tvarijonaviciute, A; Cansev, Mehmet; Ozyigit, M Ozgur; Ceron, J J; Yilmaz, Zeki; Kahraman, M Mufit

2016-11-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intravenous (i.v.) choline treatment on serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP tissue inhibitors (TIMP) and immunoglobulins (Igs), and to determine if there were relations between serum MMPs/TIMPs and C-reactive protein (CRP) (as a marker of the acute phase response), immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) (as a maker of the Ig responses) and markers of organ damage such as muscular damage (creatine phosphokinase, [CPK]), liver damage (alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) and renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine, [Cr]) in dogs with endotoxemia. Healthy dogs (n=24) were randomized to Saline, Choline (C), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS+C groups and received 0.9% NaCl (5mL/i.v.), choline chloride (20mg/kg/i.v.), LPS (0.02mg/kg/i.v.) and LPS (0.02mg/kg/i.v.) plus choline chloride (20mg/kg/i.v.), respectively. Serum MMPs and TIMPs concentrations were analyzed by commercial ELISA kits. MMP and TIMP increased at 1-48h (P<0.05), whereas IgG and IgM decreased at 24-48h in LPS group, compared to their baselines. Choline treatment reduced changes in serum MMPs, TIMPs and markers of organ damage, and prevented the hypoimmunoglobulinemia in LPS+C. MMPs and TIMPs were correlated positively (P<0.05) with serum CRP, CPK, ALT, BUN and Cr, but not with serum Igs. Our findings suggest that the serum MMPs, TIMPs and Igs are involved in the pathophysiology of endotoxemia, and MMPs and TIMPs are correlated with the acute phase reaction and multi-organ failure. In addition, we demonstrated a direct effect of choline administration in decreasing serum MMPs and TIMPs, and preserving serum Igs in the course of endotoxemia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Frames of Reference in the Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grossman, Joshua

2012-12-01

The classic film "Frames of Reference"1,2 effectively illustrates concepts involved with inertial and non-inertial reference frames. In it, Donald G. Ivey and Patterson Hume use the cameras perspective to allow the viewer to see motion in reference frames translating with a constant velocity, translating while accelerating, and rotating—all with respect to the Earth frame. The film is a classic for good reason, but today it does have a couple of drawbacks: 1) The film by nature only accommodates passive learning. It does not give students the opportunity to try any of the experiments themselves. 2) The dated style of the 50-year-old film can distract students from the physics content. I present here a simple setup that can recreate many of the movies demonstrations in the classroom. The demonstrations can be used to supplement the movie or in its place, if desired. All of the materials except perhaps the inexpensive web camera should likely be available already in most teaching laboratories. Unlike previously described activities, these experiments do not require travel to another location3 or an involved setup.4,5

Effect of gravito-inertial cues on the coding of orientation in pre-attentive vision.

PubMed

Stivalet, P; Marendaz, C; Barraclough, L; Mourareau, C

1995-01-01

To see if the spatial reference frame used by pre-attentive vision is specified in a retino-centered frame or in a reference frame integrating visual and nonvisual information (vestibular and somatosensory), subjects were centrifuged in a non-pendular cabin and were asked to search for a target distinguishable from distractors by difference in orientation (Treisman's "pop-out" paradigm [1]). In a control condition, in which subjects were sitting immobilized but not centrifuged, this task gave an asymmetric search pattern: Search was rapid and pre-attentional except when the target was aligned with the horizontal retinal/head axis, in which case search was slow and attentional (2). Results using a centrifuge showed that slow/serial search patterns were obtained when the target was aligned with the subjective horizontal axis (and not with the horizontal retinal/head axis). These data suggest that a multisensory reference frame is used in pre-attentive vision. The results are interpreted in terms of Riccio and Stoffregen's "ecological theory" of orientation in which the vertical and horizontal axes constitute independent reference frames (3).

Unscrambling Egg Allergy: The Diagnostic Value of Specific IgE Concentrations and Skin Prick Tests for Ovomucoid and Egg White in the Management of Children with Hen's Egg Allergy.

PubMed

Marriage, D E; Erlewyn-Lajeunesse, M; Unsworth, D J; Henderson, A J

2012-01-01

Resolution of egg allergy occurs in the majority of egg allergic children. Positive specific IgE antibodies to ovomucoid (OVM) have been suggested to be of greater predictive value for persistent egg allergy than specific IgE to egg white. The performance of OVM-specific IgE antibody levels in a cohort of children referred for a routine egg challenge was compared with egg white specific IgE levels in predicting a positive egg challenge. 24/47 subjects had persistent egg allergy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that OVM-specific IgE testing was the most useful test for the diagnosis of persistent egg allergy. The optimal decision points for the prediction of persistent egg allergy were >0.35 kUA/L for specific IgE levels to both EW and OVM, and ≥3 mm for SPT. Children with specific IgE levels suggestive of persistent egg allergy need not be subject to an egg provocation challenge, reducing both costs and risks to the child.

Influence of Dietary Cyanide on Immunoglobulin and Thiocyanate Levels in the Serum of Liberian Adults

PubMed Central

Jackson, Linda C.; Bloch, Earl F.; Jackson, Robert T.; Chandler, James P.; Kim, Yong L.; Malveaux, Floyd J.

1985-01-01

Serum thiocyanate, antibody titers to thiocyanates, and serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) were measured in 73 Liberian adults normally consuming diets of low, moderate, high, or no (control) cassava-derived cyanide (CN−). When control and low groups (n = 40; daily intake less than 0.60 mg CN− per kg body weight) were contrasted with moderate and high groups (n = 33; daily intake greater than or equal to 0.60 mg CN− per kg body weight), the authors observed that (1) one-time serum thiocyanate measurements were not sensitive to long-term cyanide intake; however, (2) antibody titers to thiocyanates were positively correlated with cassava-based cyanide intakes (r = .22, P = 0.05); and (3) serum IgM, IgG, and IgA levels were elevated in individuals regularly consuming moderate and high levels of dietary cyanide. Possible responsible mechanisms and health implications are discussed. PMID:4057268

Influence of dietary cyanide on immunoglobulin and thiocyanate levels in the serum of Liberian adults.

PubMed

Jackson, L C; Bloch, E F; Jackson, R T; Chandler, J P; Kim, Y L; Malveaux, F J

1985-10-01

Serum thiocyanate, antibody titers to thiocyanates, and serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) were measured in 73 Liberian adults normally consuming diets of low, moderate, high, or no (control) cassava-derived cyanide (CN(-)). When control and low groups (n = 40; daily intake less than 0.60 mg CN(-) per kg body weight) were contrasted with moderate and high groups (n = 33; daily intake greater than or equal to 0.60 mg CN(-) per kg body weight), the authors observed that (1) one-time serum thiocyanate measurements were not sensitive to long-term cyanide intake; however, (2) antibody titers to thiocyanates were positively correlated with cassava-based cyanide intakes (r = .22, P = 0.05); and (3) serum IgM, IgG, and IgA levels were elevated in individuals regularly consuming moderate and high levels of dietary cyanide. Possible responsible mechanisms and health implications are discussed.

Impact of enteral nutrition on postoperative immune function and nutritional status.

PubMed

Wang, F; Hou, M X; Wu, X L; Bao, L D; Dong, P D

2015-06-10

We studied the effects of enteral nutrition (EN) support initiated 1 week before surgery on postoperative nutritional status, immune function, and inflammatory response in gastric cancer patients. A total of 200 gastric cancer patients were randomly divided into two groups: EN starting 1 week before surgery (study group) and EN starting early after surgery (control group). The two groups received EN support, following different therapeutic schedules, until the 9th day after operation. In the patients, body weight, skinfold thickness, upper-arm circumference, white blood cell count, albumin, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, peripheral immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), T lymphocyte subsets, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured 10 days before and after surgery and on the first day after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in the results of recovery time of passage of gas by anus, abdominal distension, stomachache, blood glucose, hepatic and renal functions, and electrolytes between the two groups of patients (P > 0. 05). Adverse reactions occurred to both groups at 1 and 2 days after operation. Such conditions was improved after the intravenous drip rate was adjusted. The albumin and prealbumin levels of the patients in both groups decreased at 1 day after operation (P < 0. 05). The levels rose when the research was finished (P < 0. 05). The prealbumin level of the study group was higher than that of the control group at 10 days after operation (P < 0. 05). The IgG level of the study group was higher than that of the control group at 10 days after operation (P < 0. 05). The two groups of inflammatory reaction indicators of the study group were lower than those of the control group at 10 days after operation (P < 0. 05). This study indicates that appropriate preoperative EN support for gastric cancer patients can improve their postoperative nutritional status and immune function, can reduce inflammatory response, and is more conducive to the recovery of patients.

Reference-Frame-Independent and Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution Using One Single Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qian; Zhu, Changhua; Ma, Shuquan; Wei, Kejin; Pei, Changxing

2018-04-01

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) is immune to all detector side-channel attacks. However, practical implementations of MDI-QKD, which require two-photon interferences from separated independent single-photon sources and a nontrivial reference alignment procedure, are still challenging with current technologies. Here, we propose a scheme that significantly reduces the experimental complexity of two-photon interferences and eliminates reference frame alignment by the combination of plug-and-play and reference frame independent MDI-QKD. Simulation results show that the secure communication distance can be up to 219 km in the finite-data case and the scheme has good potential for practical MDI-QKD systems.

Cocoa-enriched diets modulate intestinal and systemic humoral immune response in young adult rats.

PubMed

Pérez-Berezo, Teresa; Franch, Angels; Ramos-Romero, Sara; Castellote, Cristina; Pérez-Cano, Francisco J; Castell, Margarida

2011-05-01

Previous studies have shown that a highly enriched cocoa diet affects both intestinal and systemic immune function in young rats. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether diets containing lower amounts of cocoa could also influence the systemic and intestinal humoral immune response. Fecal and serum samples were collected during the study and, at the end, intestinal washes were obtained and mesenteric lymph nodes and small-intestine walls were excised for gene expression assessment. IgA, IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG2c concentrations were quantified in serum whereas S-IgA and S-IgM were determined in feces and intestinal washes. Animals receiving 5 and 10% cocoa for 3 wk showed no age-related increase in serum IgG1 and IgG2a concentrations, and IgG2a values were significantly lower than those in reference animals. Serum IgM was also decreased by the 10% cocoa diet. The 5 and 10% cocoa diets dramatically reduced intestinal S-IgA concentration and modified the expression of several genes involved in IgA synthesis. A diet containing 2% cocoa had no effect on most of the studied variables. The results demonstrate the downregulatory effect of a 5% or higher cocoa diet on the systemic and intestinal humoral immune response in adult rats. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of Long-Term Mineral Block Supplementation on Antioxidants, Immunity, and Health of Tibetan Sheep.

PubMed

Wang, Hui; Liu, Zhiqi; Huang, Meizhou; Wang, Shengyi; Cui, Dongan; Dong, Shuwei; Li, Shengkun; Qi, Zhiming; Liu, Yongming

2016-08-01

Tibetan sheep have been observed with mineral deficiencies and marginal deficiencies in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Adequate amounts of essential minerals are critical to maximize the productivity and health of livestock. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of 6 months of mineral block supplementation on the antioxidants, immunity, and health of Tibetan sheep. The study was conducted in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The consumed values of mineral blocks were measured. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to evaluate the trace elements, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) activities, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), triiodothyronine (T3), tyroxine (T4), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined. The toxic effects of the mineral block were also monitored. For Tibetan sheep, the average consumed value of mineral block was 13.09 g per day per sheep. Mineral block supplementation significantly increased the serum levels of Mn, Fe, and Se (P < 0.01), decreased the level of MDA (P < 0.05), and increased GSH activity (P < 0.05). Additionally, the mineral block-treated sheep blood had greater total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) than control sheep. Moreover, the mineral block supplementation improved the levels IgA, IgM, and IGF-1 (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant histopathological changes in the organs of Tibetan sheep after long-term treatment with the mineral block. The results demonstrated that the mineral block was non-toxic and safe; the protective effects of the mineral block might be caused by an increase in the antioxidant defense system, as well as an increase in the benefits from immunity-related parameters.

Kappa Group: The initial guess. A proposal in response to a commercial air transportation study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Kappa Aerospace presents their Aeroworld Aircraft, the Initial Guess (IG). This aircraft is designed to generate profit in the market which is currently controlled by the train and boat industry. The main priority of the design team was to develop an extremely efficient aircraft that could be sold at a reasonable price. The IG offers a quick and safe alternative to the existing means of transportation at a competitive price. The cruise velocity of 28 ft/sec. allows all flights to be between 20 and 45 minutes, which is a remarkable savings in time compared to travel by boat or train. The IG is propelled by a single Astro-05 engine with a Zinger 10-6 propeller. The Astro-05 is not an extremely powerful engine; however, it provides enough thrust to meet the design and safety requirements. The major advantage of the Astro-05 is that it is the most efficient engine available. The fuel efficiency of the Astro-05 is what puts the aircraft ahead of the competition. The money saved on an efficient engine can be passed on as lower ticket prices or increased revenue. The IG has a payload of 56 passengers and a wingspan of 7 ft. The 7 ft. wingspan allows the aircraft to fit into the gates of all of the cities that are targeted. Future endeavors of Kappa Aerospace will include fitting a stretch version of the IG with a larger propulsion system. This derivative aircraft will be able to carry more passengers and will be placed on the routes which have the greatest demand for travel. The fuselage and empennage are made of a wooden truss configuration, while the wing is made of a rib/spare configuration. The stress carrying elements are made of spruce, the nonstress carrying elements are made of balsa. The wing is removable for easy access into the fuselage. The easy access to the batteries will keep maintenance costs down.

Dual renin-angiotensin system blockade plus oral methylprednisone for the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy.

PubMed

Trimarchi, Hernán; Muryan, Alexis; Young, Pablo; Forrester, Mariano; Iotti, Alejandro; Pereyra, Horacio; Lombi, Fernando; Seminario, Omar; Alonso, Mirta; Iotti, Roberto

2007-01-01

Renin-angiotensin system inhibition is a widely accepted approach to initially deal with proteinuria in IgA nephropathy, while the role of immunosuppressants remains controversial in many instances. A prospective, uncontrolled, open-label trial was undertaken in patients with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy with proteinuria > 0.5 g/day and normal renal function to assess the efficacy of a combination treatment of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors plus angiotensin receptor blockers enalapril valsartan coupled with methylprednisone to decrease proteinuria to levels below 0.5 g/day. Twenty patients were included: Age 37.45 +/- 13.26 years (50% male); 7 patients (35%) were hypertensive; proteinuria 2.2 +/- 1.86 g/day; serum creatinine 1.07 +/- 0.29 mg/dl; mean follow-up 60.10 +/- 31.47 months. IgA nephropathy was subclassified according to Haas criteria. Twelve patients (60%) were class II; seven (35%) were class III and one (5%) class V. All patients received dual renin-angiotensin system blockade as tolerated. Oral methylprednisone was started at 0.5 mg/kg/day for the initial 8 weeks and subsequently tapered bi-weekly until the maintenance dose of 4 mg was reached. Oral steroids were discontinued after 24 weeks (6 months) of therapy but renin-angiotensin inhibition remained unchanged. At 10 weeks of therapy proteinuria decreased to 0.15 +/- 0.07 g/day (P < 0.001) while serum creatinine did not vary: 1.07 +/- 0.28 mg/dl (P = ns). After a mean follow-up of 42.36 +/- 21.56 months urinary protein excretion (0.12 +/- 0.06 g/day) and renal function (serum creatinine 1.06 +/- 0.27 mg/dl) remained stable. No major side effects were reported during the study. Renin-angiotensin blockade plus oral steroids proved useful to significantly decrease proteinuria to < 0.5 g/day in patients with IgA nephropathy without changes in renal function.

Haemolytic activities and adjuvant effect of Anemone raddeana saponins (ARS) on the immune responses to ovalbumin in mice.

PubMed

Sun, Yongxu; Li, Mingquan; Liu, Jicheng

2008-08-01

In this study, saponins (ARS) extracted from the rhizoma of Anemone raddeana were evaluated for their haemolytic activities and its potential ability as adjuvant on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin. The haemolytic activity of ARS was determined using 0.5% rabbit red blood cell. ARS showed a slight haemolytic effect, with its haemolytic percents being 16.50 and 3.56% at the concentrations of 500 and 250 microg/ml, respectively. ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with OVA 100 microg alone or with OVA 100 mug dissolved in saline containing Alum (200 microg), QuilA (10 and 20 microg) or ARS (50, 100 or 200 microg) on Days 1 and 15. Two weeks later (Day 28), concanavalin A (Con A)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and OVA-specific antibodies in serum were measured. ARS significantly enhanced the Con A-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in the OVA-immunized mice especially at a dose of 100 microg (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were also significantly enhanced by ARS compared with OVA control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Moreover, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between enhancing effect of ARS and QuilA on the OVA-specific IgG2b antibody responses to OVA in mice. The results suggest that ARS showed a slight haemolytic effect and enhanced significantly a specific antibody and cellular response against OVA in mice.

Kefir milk enhances intestinal immunity in young but not old rats.

PubMed

Thoreux, K; Schmucker, D L

2001-03-01

The adjuvant effect of kefir fermented milk on the mucosal and systemic immune systems was examined in young (6 mo old) and old (26 mo old) rats. Kefir-fed rats consisted of young or old rats consuming kefir-fermented milk ad libitum on a daily basis in addition to the standard diet, for 28 d. Control rats consumed only the standard diet. The rats were immunized intraduodenally with cholera toxin (CT) on d 7 and 21 and killed on d 28. The nonspecific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A titers in kefir-fed and control rats did not differ in either age group. The serum anti-CT IgA antibody concentrations were significantly higher in the kefir-fed young rats compared with their age-matched controls (+86%, P: < or = 0.05). This difference was associated with enhanced in vitro antibody secretion by cultured lymphocytes isolated from the Peyer's patches and the intestinal lamina propria (+180%, P: < or = 0.05). These enhanced responses were found only in the young rats. However, the nonspecific serum IgG titer was higher (>120%, P: < or = 0.05) and the anti-CT IgG titer was lower (-80%, P: < or = 0.05), in both young and old kefir-fed rats compared with their respective controls. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate that a kefir-supplemented diet affects the intestinal mucosal and systemic immune responses to intraduodenal CT differently in young and old rats. Most importantly, our data suggest that orally administered kefir enhances the specific intestinal mucosal immune response against CT in young adult, but not in senescent rats.

Computation of Estonian CORS data using Bernese 5.2 and Gipsy 6.4 softwares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollo, Karin; Kall, Tarmo; Liibusk, Aive

2017-04-01

GNSS permanent station network in Estonia (ESTREF) was established already in 2007. In 2014-15 extensive reconstruction of ESTREF was carried out, including the establishment of 18 new stations, change of the hardware in CORS stations as well as establishing GNSS-RTK service for the whole Estonia. For GNSS-RTK service one needs precise coordinates in well-defined reference frame, i.e., ETRS89. For long time stability of stations and time-series analysis the re-processing of Estonian CORS data is ongoing. We re-process data from 2007 until 2015 with program Bernese GNSS 5.2 (Dach, 2015). For the set of ESTREF stations established in 2007, we perform as well computations with GIPSY 6.4 software (Ries et al., 2015). In the computations daily GPS-only solution was used. For precise orbits, final products from CODE (CODE analysis centre at the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern) and JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) for Bernese and GIPSY solutions were used, respectively. The cut-off angle was set to 10 degrees in order to avoid near-field multipath influence. In GIPSY, precise point positioning method with fixing ambiguities was used. Bernese calculations were performed based on double difference processing. Antenna phase centers were modelled based on igs08.atx and epnc_08.atx files. Vienna mapping function was used for mapping tropospheric delays. For the GIPSY solution, the higher order ionospheric term was modelled based on IRI-2012b model. For the Bernese solution higher order ionospheric term was neglected. FES2004 ocean tide loading model was used for the both computation strategies. As a result, two solutions using different scientific GNSS computation programs were obtained. The results from Bernese and GIPSY solutions were compared, using station repeatability values, RMS and coordinate differences. KEYWORDS: GNSS reference station network, Bernese GNSS 5.2, Gipsy 6.4, Estonia. References: Dach, R., S. Lutz, P. Walser, P. Fridez (Eds); 2015: Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2. User manual, Astronomical Institute, Universtiy of Bern, Bern Open Publishing. DOI: 10.7892/boris.72297; ISBN: 978-3-906813-05-9. Paul Ries, Willy Bertiger, Shailen, Shailen Desai, & Kevin Miller. (2015). GIPSY 6.4 Release Notes. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. Retrieved from https://gipsy-oasis.jpl.nasa.gov/docs/index.php

Emotional valence and contextual affordances flexibly shape approach-avoidance movements

PubMed Central

Saraiva, Ana Carolina; Schüür, Friederike; Bestmann, Sven

2013-01-01

Behavior is influenced by the emotional content—or valence—of stimuli in our environment. Positive stimuli facilitate approach, whereas negative stimuli facilitate defensive actions such as avoidance (flight) and attack (fight). Facilitation of approach or avoidance movements may also be influenced by whether it is the self that moves relative to a stimulus (self-reference) or the stimulus that moves relative to the self (object-reference), adding flexibility and context-dependence to behavior. Alternatively, facilitation of approach avoidance movements may happen in a pre-defined and muscle-specific way, whereby arm flexion is faster to approach positive (e.g., flexing the arm brings a stimulus closer) and arm extension faster to avoid negative stimuli (e.g., extending the arm moves the stimulus away). While this allows for relatively fast responses, it may compromise the flexibility offered by contextual influences. Here we asked under which conditions approach-avoidance actions are influenced by contextual factors (i.e., reference-frame). We manipulated the reference-frame in which actions occurred by asking participants to move a symbolic manikin (representing the self) toward or away from a positive or negative stimulus, and move a stimulus toward or away from the manikin. We also controlled for the type of movements used to approach or avoid in each reference. We show that the reference-frame influences approach-avoidance actions to emotional stimuli, but additionally we find muscle-specificity for negative stimuli in self-reference contexts. We speculate this muscle-specificity may be a fast and adaptive response to threatening stimuli. Our results confirm that approach-avoidance behavior is flexible and reference-frame dependent, but can be muscle-specific depending on the context and valence of the stimulus. Reference-frame and stimulus-evaluation are key factors in guiding approach-avoidance behavior toward emotional stimuli in our environment. PMID:24379794

Serum IgG and IgE antibodies against mold-derived antigens in patients with symptoms of hypersensitivity.

PubMed

Makkonen, K; Viitala, K I; Parkkila, S; Niemelä, O

2001-03-01

Exposure to mold in water-damaged buildings has been suggested to be responsible for various health problems such as hypersensitivity and upper respiratory tract diseases. However, only little information is available on possible diagnostic tools for examining mold-associated health problems. We used recently developed immunofluorometric IgG and IgE assays (UniCAP) to examine serum IgG and IgE antibodies against mold-derived allergens from 70 mold-exposed individuals with (n = 55) or without (n = 15) symptoms of sensitization. Controls were healthy individuals (n = 31) without any history of such exposure. The IgG titers exceeded the upper normal limits of control individuals (mean +/- 2 S.D.) in 35% of symptomatic men and in 25% of women. The IgG titers were usually higher in women than in men (P < 0.05) showing no significant association with the severity of symptoms. During follow-up of eight mold-exposed subjects for 9-12 months the IgG titers remained relatively constant. Elevated anti-mold IgEs were found in six (11%) of the exposed subjects who were all symptomatic. Measurements of anti-mold IgGs may help to confirm exposure in patients with hypersensitivity symptoms and evidence of mold growth in living or working environment. Some exposed symptomatic patients present IgE-mediated responses. Combined measurements of IgGs and IgEs may prove to be of value in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of such patients.

Clinical and pathological analysis of IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Liu, Yuyuan; Hu, Qinfeng; Shen, Ping; Tang, Li; Yuan, Gang; Zhou, Yongmei; Chai, Huaqi

2016-10-01

To investigative clinical and pathological characteristics of IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure. Clinical and pathological findings from 65 cases of IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure were reviewed. Pathological characteristics of all the cases were analyzed according to WHO definition and Oxford Classification. Evaluating the severity of pathological lesions by the Katafuchi R semiquantitative scoring system, and analyzing their relationship with clinical indexes of renal function. Of all 65 cases the male and female ratio was 1.4, and the mean age was 37 ± 13 years old. Levels of systolic pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA), album (Alb), serum IgG and 24 h urinary protein were related with eGRF level (p < 0.05, respectively). The most common pathological type was proliferative sclerosis glomerulonephritis (PSGN) and M1S1E0T0 according to WHO definition and Oxford Classification, respectively, and most of the 65 cases had glomerulosclerosis. Simple IgA deposition was the most common immunopathologic type. Of all the cases, 44.6% accompanied with C3 while 4.6% with C1q. Further analysis revealed there were no relationships between severity of pathological lesion and levels of clinical indexes (Scr and eGRF) (p > 0.05). IgA nephropathy with chronic renal failure usually occurred in young adults, and it had severe clinical condition and pathological changes, while there was no significant relationship between them.

Prematurity and Low Birth Weight did not Correlate with Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Maternal Serum Profiles – a Brazilian Report

PubMed Central

Spegiorin, Lígia Cosentino Junqueira Franco; Vaz-Oliani, Denise Cristina Mós; Galão, Eloisa Aparecida; Oliani, Antonio Hélio; de Mattos, Luiz Carlos; de Mattos, Cinara Cássia Brandão

2015-01-01

Gestational Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered a major risk factor for miscarriage, prematurity and low birth weight in animals. However, studies focusing on this topic in humans are scarce. The objective of this study is to determine whether anti-Toxoplasma gondii maternal serum profiles correlate prematurity and low birth weight in humans. The study examined 213 pregnant women seen at the High-Risk Pregnancy Hospital de Base, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. All serological profiles (IgM-/IgG+; IgM-/IgG-; IgM+/IgG+) were determined by ELISA commercial kits. Maternal age, gestational age and weight of the newborn at birth were collected and recorded in the Statement of Live Birth. Prematurity was defined as gestational age <37 weeks and low birth weight ≤ 2499 grams. The t-test was used to compare values (p < 0.05). The mean maternal age was 27.6±6.6 years. Overall, 56.3% (120/213) of the women studied were IgM-/IgG+, 36.2% (77/213) were IgM-/IgG- and 7.5% (16/213) were IgM+/IgG+. The average age of the women with serological profile IgM+/IgG+ (22.3±3.9 years) was different from women with the profile IgM-/IgG+ (27.9±6.7 years, p = 0.0011) and IgM-/IgG- (27.9±6.4 years, p = 0.0012). There was no statistically significant difference between the different serological profiles in relation to prematurity (p = 0.6742) and low birth weight (p = 0.7186). The results showed that prematurity and low birth weight did not correlate with anti-Toxoplasma gondii maternal serum profiles. PMID:26192182

Connecting kinematic and dynamic reference frames by D-VLBI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuh, Harald; Plank, Lucia; Madzak, Matthias; Böhm, Johannes

2012-08-01

In geodetic and astrometric practice, terrestrial station coordinates are usually provided in the kinematic International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and radio source coordinates in the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), whereas measurements of space probes such as satellites and spacecrafts, or planetary ephemerides rest upon dynamical theories. To avoid inconsistencies and errors during measurement and calculation procedures, exact frame ties between quasi - inertial, kinematic and dynamic reference frames have to be secured. While the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), e.g. measured by VLBI, link the ITRF to the ICRF, the ties with the dynamic frames can be established with the differential Very Long Baseline Interferometry (D - VLBI) method. By observing space probes alternately t o radio sources, the relative position of the targets to each other on the sky can be determined with high accuracy. While D - VLBI is a common technique in astrophysics (source imaging) and deep space navigation, just recently there have been several effort s to use it for geodetic purposes. We present investigations concerning possible VLBI observations to satellites. This includes the potential usage of available GNNS satellites as well as specifically designed missions, as e.g. the GRASP mission proposed b y JPL/NASA and an international consortium, where the aspect of co - location in space of various techniques (VLBI, SLR, GNSS, DORIS) is the main focus.

Parallel updating and weighting of multiple spatial maps for visual stability during whole body motion

PubMed Central

Medendorp, W. P.

2015-01-01

It is known that the brain uses multiple reference frames to code spatial information, including eye-centered and body-centered frames. When we move our body in space, these internal representations are no longer in register with external space, unless they are actively updated. Whether the brain updates multiple spatial representations in parallel, or whether it restricts its updating mechanisms to a single reference frame from which other representations are constructed, remains an open question. We developed an optimal integration model to simulate the updating of visual space across body motion in multiple or single reference frames. To test this model, we designed an experiment in which participants had to remember the location of a briefly presented target while being translated sideways. The behavioral responses were in agreement with a model that uses a combination of eye- and body-centered representations, weighted according to the reliability in which the target location is stored and updated in each reference frame. Our findings suggest that the brain simultaneously updates multiple spatial representations across body motion. Because both representations are kept in sync, they can be optimally combined to provide a more precise estimate of visual locations in space than based on single-frame updating mechanisms. PMID:26490289

Fast-track surgery improves postoperative clinical recovery and cellular and humoral immunity after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Lantao; Sun, Lixin; Lang, Yaoguo; Wu, Jun; Yao, Lei; Ning, Jinfeng; Zhang, Jinfeng; Xu, Shidong

2016-07-11

Our aim was to investigate the influence of FTS on human cellular and humoral immunity using a randomized controlled clinical study in esophageal cancer patients. Between October 2013 and December 2014, 276 patients with esophageal cancer in our department were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: FTS pathway group and conventional pathway group. The postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenditure, and postoperative complications were recorded. The markers of inflammatory and immune function were measured before operation as well as on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days (POD), including serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum globulin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3 lymphocytes, CD4 lymphocytes, CD8 lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio) in the patients between the two groups. In all, 260 patients completed the study: 128 in the FTS group and 132 in the conventional group. We found implementation of FTS pathway decreases postoperative length of stay and hospital charges (P < 0.05). In addition, inflammatory reactions, based on IL-6 and CRP levels, were less intense following FTS pathway compared to conventional pathway on POD1 and POD3 (P < 0.05). On POD1 and POD3, the levels of IgG, IgA, CD3 lymphocytes, CD4 lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio in FTS group were significantly higher than those in control group (All P < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the level of IgM and CD8 lymphocytes between the two groups. FTS improves postoperative clinical recovery and effectively inhibited release of inflammatory factors via the immune system after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. ChiCTR-TRC-13003562 , the date of registration: August 29, 2013.

[Serological survey on Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women with history of adverse pregnancy in Bazhou area, Hebei Province].

PubMed

Ming-Hui, Zhu; Li-Juan, Xu; Zhen-Wei, Xue

2016-06-22

To investigate the Toxoplasma gondii infection status in pregnant women with history of adverse pregnancy and risk factors in Bazhou area, Hebei Province. A total of 302 pregnant women with the history of adverse pregnancy were chosen as respondents (an experimental group) in the hospital from March 2012 to December 2015, and 197 pregnant women without the history of adverse pregnancy as a control group. TOX-IgG and TOX-IgM were detected by using ELISA in two groups. The risk factors of Toxoplasma infection were surveyed by questionnaires. The total positive rate of Toxoplasma antibodies was 28.15% (85/302) in the experimental group, which was significantly higher than that [9.64%(19/197)] in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2 = 24.76, P ＜0.05). The positive rates of TOX-IgM, TOX-IgG and TOX-IgM + TOX-IgG were 6.95% (21/302), 18.54% (56/302), and 2.65% (8/302) respectively in the experimental group, which were higher than 2.03% (4/197), 7.61% (15/197), and 0% (0/197) respectively in the control group ( χ 2 = 6.07, 11.67, 3.76, all P ＜0.05). The questionnaire survey showed that the proportions of keeping pets, cutting board regardless, liking to eat hot pot or barbecue, eating raw meat, often eating in the restaurant in the pregnant women with Toxoplasma infection were higher than those in the pregnant women without Toxoplasma infection, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2 = 22.57, 3.96, 5.87, 7.40, 4.86, all P ＜0.05), and therefore, the above unhealthy habits may be important risk factors. Toxoplasma infection could lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, the above-mentioned unhealthy habits should be avoided, especially during pregnancy period.

Frame by Frame II: A Filmography of the African American Image, 1978-1994.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klotman, Phyllis R.; Gibson, Gloria J.

A reference guide on African American film professionals, this book is a companion volume to the earlier "Frame by Frame I." It focuses on giving credit to African Americans who have contributed their talents to a film industry that has scarcely recognized their contributions, building on the aforementioned "Frame by Frame I,"…

Radio stars - A possible link between the Hipparcos optical reference frame and an extra-galactic very long baseline interferometry reference frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lestrade, J.-F.; Preston, R. A.; Slade, M. A.

1983-01-01

The concept of typing the Hipparcos optical and the JPL VLBI frames of reference by means of VLBI measurements of the positions and proper motions of the radio components of some bright stars is considered. The properties of the thermal and non-thermal radio-stars are discussed and 22 candidate stars are selected to achieve this tie. A description is given of the first VLBI attempt to detect these stars on the intercontinental baselines of the Deep Space Network with the Mark II recording system.

Analog Landau-He-McKellar-Wilkens quantization due to noninertial effects of the Fermi-Walker reference frame

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

Bakke, Knut

2010-05-15

We will show that when a neutral particle with permanent electric dipole moment interacts with a specific field configuration when the local reference frames of the observers are Fermi-Walker transported, the Landau quantization analog to the He-McKellar-Wilkens setup arises in the nonrelativistic quantum dynamics of the neutral particle due the noninertial effects of the Fermi-Walker reference frame. We show that the noninertial effects do not break the infinity degeneracy of the energy levels, but in this case, the cyclotron frequency depends on the angular velocity.

A Celestial Reference Frame at X/ka-Band (8.4/32 Ghz) for Deep Space Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobs, C. S.; Clark, J. E.; Garcia-Miro, C.; Horiuchi, S.; Romero-Wolf, A.; Snedeker, L.; Sotuela, I.

2012-01-01

Deep space tracking and navigation are done in a quasi-inertial reference frame based upon the angular positions of distant active galactic nuclei (AGN). These objects, which are found at extreme distances characterized by median redshifts of z = 1, are ideal for reference frame definition because they exhibit no measurable parallax or proper motion. They are thought to be powered by super massive black holes whose gravitational energy drives galactic sized relativistic jets. These jets produce synchrotron emissions which are detectable by modern radio techniques such as Very Long baseline Interferometry (VLBI).

Quantum mechanics in noninertial reference frames: Violations of the nonrelativistic equivalence principle

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

Klink, W.H.; Wickramasekara, S., E-mail: wickrama@grinnell.edu; Department of Physics, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112

2014-01-15

In previous work we have developed a formulation of quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames. This formulation is grounded in a class of unitary cocycle representations of what we have called the Galilean line group, the generalization of the Galilei group that includes transformations amongst non-inertial reference frames. These representations show that in quantum mechanics, just as is the case in classical mechanics, the transformations to accelerating reference frames give rise to fictitious forces. A special feature of these previously constructed representations is that they all respect the non-relativistic equivalence principle, wherein the fictitious forces associated with linear acceleration canmore » equivalently be described by gravitational forces. In this paper we exhibit a large class of cocycle representations of the Galilean line group that violate the equivalence principle. Nevertheless the classical mechanics analogue of these cocycle representations all respect the equivalence principle. -- Highlights: •A formulation of Galilean quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames is given. •The key concept is the Galilean line group, an infinite dimensional group. •A large class of general cocycle representations of the Galilean line group is constructed. •These representations show violations of the equivalence principle at the quantum level. •At the classical limit, no violations of the equivalence principle are detected.« less

Language supports young children’s use of spatial relations to remember locations

PubMed Central

Miller, Hilary E.; Patterson, Rebecca; Simmering, Vanessa R.

2016-01-01

Two experiments investigated the role of language in children’s spatial recall performance. In particular, we assessed whether selecting an intrinsic reference frame could be improved through verbal encoding. Selecting an intrinsic reference frame requires remembering locations relative to nearby objects independent of one’s body (egocentric) or distal environmental (allocentric) cues, and does not reliably occur in children under 5 years of age (Nardini, Burgess, Breckenridge, & Atkinson, 2006). The current studies tested the relation between spatial language and 4-year-olds’ selection of an intrinsic reference frame in spatial recall. Experiment 1 showed that providing 4-year-olds with location-descriptive cues during (Exp. 1a) or before (Exp. 1b) the recall task improved performance both overall and specifically on trials relying most on an intrinsic reference frame. Additionally, children’s recall performance was predicted by their verbal descriptions of the task space (Exp. 1a control condition). Non-verbally highlighting relations among objects during the recall task (Exp. 2) supported children’s performance relative to the control condition, but significantly less than the location-descriptive cues. These results suggest that the ability to verbally represent relations is a potential mechanism that could account for developmental changes in the selection of an intrinsic reference frame during spatial recall. PMID:26896902

Language supports young children's use of spatial relations to remember locations.

PubMed

Miller, Hilary E; Patterson, Rebecca; Simmering, Vanessa R

2016-05-01

Two experiments investigated the role of language in children's spatial recall performance. In particular, we assessed whether selecting an intrinsic reference frame could be improved through verbal encoding. Selecting an intrinsic reference frame requires remembering locations relative to nearby objects independent of one's body (egocentric) or distal environmental (allocentric) cues, and does not reliably occur in children under 5 years of age (Nardini, Burgess, Breckenridge, & Atkinson, 2006). The current studies tested the relation between spatial language and 4-year-olds' selection of an intrinsic reference frame in spatial recall. Experiment 1 showed that providing 4-year-olds with location-descriptive cues during (Exp. 1a) or before (Exp. 1b) the recall task improved performance both overall and specifically on trials relying most on an intrinsic reference frame. Additionally, children's recall performance was predicted by their verbal descriptions of the task space (Exp. 1a control condition). Non-verbally highlighting relations among objects during the recall task (Exp. 2) supported children's performance relative to the control condition, but significantly less than the location-descriptive cues. These results suggest that the ability to verbally represent relations is a potential mechanism that could account for developmental changes in the selection of an intrinsic reference frame during spatial recall. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Occupational asthma and IgE sensitization to grain dust.

PubMed

Park, H S; Nahm, D H; Suh, C H; Kwon, O Y; Kim, K S; Lee, S W; Chung, H K

1998-06-01

To evaluate type I hypersensitivity to grain dust (GD), its prevalence and relationship to respiratory dysfunction, we studied clinical and immunologic features, including skin prick tests (SPT), serum specific IgE, and bronchoprovocation tests of 43 employees working in the animal feed industry. To further characterize IgE-mediated reaction, SDS-PAGE and electroblot studies were performed. Our survey revealed that 15 (34.9%) subjects had work-related skin response (> or =2+ of A/H ratio) to GD, thirteen (30.2%) had high specific IgE antibody against GD. The specific IgE antibody was detected more frequently in symptomatic workers (40%) than in asymptomatic workers (11%). Significant association was found between specific IgE antibody and atopy or smoking (p<0.05). The ELISA inhibition test of GD revealed significant inhibitions by GD extract and minimal inhibitions by the house dust mite, storage mite and corn dust. Immunoblot analysis showed 8 IgE binding components within GD ranging from 13.5 to 142.5 kDa. Two bands (13.5, 33 kDa) were bound to the IgE from more than 50% of the 14 sera tested. In conclusion, these findings suggest that GD inhalation could induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers.

Development ceramic composites based on Al2O3, SiO2 and IG-017 additive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurovics, E.; Shmakova, A.; Kanev, B.; Gömze, L. A.

2017-02-01

Based on high purity alumina and quartz powders and IG-017 bio-original additives the authors have developed new ceramic composite materials for different industrial purposes. The main goal was to fine a material and morphological structures of high performance ceramic composites as frames for development complex materials for extreme consumptions in the future. For this the mixed powders of Al2O3 , SiO2 and IG-017 bio-original additive were uniaxially pressed at different compaction pressures into disc shapes and were sintered in electric kiln under air (1) and nitrogrn (2) atmosphere. The grain size distributions of the raw materials were determined by laser granulometry. There thermo-physical properties were also determined by derivatography. The prepared and sintered specimens were tested on geometrical sizes, microstructure and morphology by scanning electron microscopy, porosity and water absorption. In this work the authors present the results of their research and investigation.

High-Intensity Training and Salivary Immunoglobulin A Responses in Professional Top-Level Soccer Players: Effect of Training Intensity.

PubMed

Owen, Adam L; Wong, Del P; Dunlop, Gordon; Groussard, Carole; Kebsi, Wiem; Dellal, Alexandre; Morgans, Ryland; Zouhal, Hassane

2016-09-01

Owen, AL, Wong, DP, Dunlop, G, Groussard, C, Kebsi, W, Dellal, A, Morgans, R, and Zouhal, H. High-intensity training and salivary immunoglobulin A responses in professional top-level soccer players: Effect of training intensity. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2460-2469, 2016-This study aimed (a) to test the hypothesis that salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) would vary with training intensity sessions (low-intensity [LI] vs. high-intensity sessions [HI]) during a traditional training program divided into 4 training periods and (b) to identify key variables (e.g., GPS data, rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and training duration), which could affect s-IgA. Saliva samples of 10 elite professional soccer players were collected (a) before the investigation started to establish the baseline level and (b) before and after each 4 training sessions (LI vs. HI). Training intensity was monitored as internal (through heart rate responses and RPE) and external (through GPS) loads. High-intensity sessions were associated with higher external load (GPS) and with higher RPE. Baseline and pretraining s-IgA did not differ between the 4 training sessions both for HI and LI. Post-training s-IgA were not different (in absolute value and in percentage of change) between HI and LI sessions at the first 3 periods. However, at the fourth period, s-IgA concentration for HI session was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than the LI session. The percentage change between s-IgA post-training and s-IgA baseline concentrations differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between HI and LI training sessions. Significant correlations between s-IgA and training intensity were also noted. High-intensity soccer training sessions might cause a significant decrease in s-IgA values during the postexercise window as compared with LI sessions. This study encourages coaches to monitor s-IgA in routine, particularly during HI training periods, to take precautions to avoid upper respiratory tract infection in highly trained soccer players.

Hypogammaglobulinaemia in nephrotic rats is attributable to hypercatabolism of IgG.

PubMed Central

Beaman, M; Oldfield, S; MacLennan, I C; Michael, J; Adu, D

1988-01-01

The effect of the nephrotic syndrome induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) in rats on specific antibody responses to 2,4 dinitrophenyl (DNP) conjugated to either spider crab haemocyanin (MSH), a T cell-dependent antigen, or hydroxyethyl starch (HES), a T cell-independent type 2 antigen were studied. The serum IgG anti-DNP levels following immunization with both antigens were reduced in nephrotic animals compared with controls while IgM anti-DNP antibody titres were higher. The half-life of IgG anti-DNP antibodies passively transferred into non-immunized nephrotic rats was markedly reduced while the half-life of anti-DNP antibodies of the IgM class was comparable to that in controls. Low serum IgG and elevated IgM levels were seen in nephrotic animals compared to controls. Antibody-forming cells specific for DNP were demonstrated by immunohistology on rat spleens and the numbers of both IgG and IgM-producing cells were found to be significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in nephrotic animals in response to both DNP-HES and DNP-MSH. These data indicate that in nephrotic rats the alteration seen in the serum immunoglobulin levels is not attributable to reduced antibody production but increased catabolism of serum IgG antibodies. PMID:3233791

Second-order Compton-Getting effect on arbitrary intensity distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, C. K.

1985-01-01

Theoretical studies of energetic particles in space are often referred to a special frame of reference. To compare theory with experiment, one has to transform the particle distribution from the special frame to the observer's frame, or vice versa. Various methods have been derived to obtain the directional distribution in the comoving frame from the directional fluxes measured on a spacecraft. These methods have become progressively complicated as increasingly detailed directional particle data become available. A set of 2nd order correct formulae for the transformation of an arbitrary differential intensity distribution, expressed as a series of spherical harmonics, between any two frames in constant relative motion is presented. These formulae greatly simplify the complicated procedures currently in use for the determination of the differential intensity distribution in a comoving frame.

Seroprevalence for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among volunteer blood donors of the Regional Blood Bank of Londrina, State of Paraná , Brazil.

PubMed

Bortoliero, André Luiz; Bonametti, Ana Maria; Morimoto, Helena Kaminami; Matsuo, Tiemi; Reiche, Edna Maria Vissoci

2006-01-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 996 volunteer blood donors enrolled from May 1999 to December 1999 to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among volunteer blood donors of the Regional Blood Bank of Londrina, State of Paraná, Brazil, and to evaluate whether the rate of seroprevalence of IgG anti-HEV antibodies is associated with sociodemographic variables and with seropositivity for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. All participants answered the questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic characteristics. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies to HEV (anti-HEV) by an enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). All serum samples positive for anti-HEV IgG and 237 serum samples negative for anti-HEV were also assayed for IgG anti-HAV antibodies by ELISA. Anti-HEV IgG was confirmed in 23/996 samples, resulting in a seroprevalence of 2.3% for HEV infection, similar to previous results obtained in developed countries. No significant association was found between the presence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies and the sociodemographic variables including gender, age, educational level, rural or urban areas, source of water, and sewer system (p > 0.05). Also, no association with seropositivity for anti-HAV IgG antibodies was observed (p > 0.05). Although this study revealed a low seroprevalence of HEV infection in the population evaluated, the results showed that this virus is circulating among the population from Londrina, South Brazil, and point out the need of further studies to define the clinical and epidemiological importance of HEV infection and to identify additional risk factors involved in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this infection in this population.

Alteration of circulating natural autoantibodies to CD25-derived peptide antigens and FOXP3 in non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Zhao, Huan; Zhang, Xuan; Han, Zhifeng; Xie, Wenjing; Yang, Wei; Wei, Jun

2018-06-29

Natural autoantibody is a key component for immune surveillance function. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play indispensable roles in promoting tumorigenesis via immune escape mechanisms. Both CD25 and FOXP3 are specific markers for Treg cells and their natural autoantibodies may be involved in anticancer activities. This work was designed to develop an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to examine plasma natural IgG against CD25 and FOXP3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared with control subjects, NSCLC patients had significantly higher levels of plasma IgG for CD25a (Z = -8.05, P < 0.001) and FOXP3 (Z = -4.17, P < 0.001), lower levels for CD25b (Z = -3.58, P < 0.001), and a trend toward lower levels for CD25c (Z = -1.70, P = 0.09). Interestingly, the anti-CD25b IgG assay had a sensitivity of 25.0% against a specificity of 95.0% in an early stage patients (T 1 N 0 M 0 ) who showed the lowest anti-CD25b IgG levels among 4 subgroups classified based on staging information. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high anti-FOXP3 IgG levels had shorter survival than those with low anti-FOXP3 IgG levels (χ 2  = 3.75, P = 0.05). In conclusion, anti-CD25b IgG may be a promising biomarker in terms of screening individuals at high risk of lung cancer.

Evaluation of Selected Immunomodulatory Glycoproteins as an Adjunct to Cancer Immunotherapy

PubMed Central

Sekhon, Bhagwant Kaur; Li, Yiming; Devi, Parimala B.; Nammi, Srinivas; Fan, Kei

2016-01-01

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), from Coriolus versicolor, has been used widely as an adjuvant to chemotherapy with demonstrated anti-tumor and broad immunomodulating effects. While PSP’s mechanism of action still remains unknown, its enhanced immunomodulatory potential with acacia gum is of great interest. Acacia gum, which also contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins, has been demonstrated to be immunopotentiating. To elucidate whether PSP directly activates T-cell-dependent B-cell responses in vivo, we used a well-established hapten carrier system (Nitrophenyl-chicken gamma globulin (NP-CGG)). 6-week C57BL/6 male mice were immunised with 50 μg of NP25-CGG alum precipitate intraperitoneally. Mice were gavaged daily with 50mg/kg PSP in a vehicle containing acacia gum and sacrificed at days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21. ELISA was used to measure the total and relative hapten-specific anti-NP IgA, IgM and IgG titre levels compared to the controls. It was found that PSP, combined with acacia gum, significantly increased total IgG titre levels at day 4 (P< 0.05), decreased IgM titre levels at days 4 and 21 (P< 0.05) with no alterations observed in the IgA or IgE titre levels at any of the time points measured. Our results suggest that while PSP combined with acacia gum appears to exert weak immunological effects through specific T-cell dependent B-cell responses, they are likely to be broad and non-specific which supports the current literature on PSP. We report for the first time the application of a well-established hapten-carrier system that can be used to characterise and delineate specific T-cell dependent B-cell responses of potential immunomodulatory glycoprotein-based herbal medicines combinations in vivo. PMID:26799072

A survey on the status of hepatitis e virus infection among slaughterhouse workers in South Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Byung-Seok; Lim, Hyun-Sul; Lee, Kwan; Min, Young-Sun; Yoon, Young-Sil; Jeong, Hye-Sook

2015-01-01

The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among high-risk groups overseas is high, but studies in these groups are rare in South Korea. We conducted the present study from April to November 2012 to obtain data on the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HEV among slaughterhouse workers in South Korea. Slaughterhouse workers from 80 workplaces nationwide were surveyed in South Korea in 2012. The subjects comprised 1848 cases: 1434 slaughter workers and 414 residual products handlers. By visiting 80 slaughterhouses, which were mixed with 75 of which also performed residual products handling, we conducted a questionnaire survey for risk factors and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seropositivity and seroprevalence of HEV. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were measured using HEV IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunospecific assay kits and HEV antigen was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The seropositivity of anti-HEV IgG was 33.5% (slaughter workers 32.8% and residual products handlers 36.2%), and among the seropositive individuals the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.5% (slaughter workers 0.5%, residual products handlers 0.7%). The response rate of HEV-antigen as measured by RT-PCR was 0.2%. Risk factors significantly related to anti-HEV IgG seropositivity were age, sex , and working duration (slaughter workers only). There were significant risk factors (sex, age, and working duration) for HEV identified in our study. All three positive cases for HEV-antigen by RT-PCR were related to pig slaughter but without statistical significance. To prevent HEV, an educational program and working guidelines may be needed for high risk groups.

Effect of quality of colostrum on health, growth and immunoglobulin G concentration in Holstein calves in a hot environment.

PubMed

Mellado, Miguel; Torres, Edir; Veliz, Francisco G; de Santiago, Angeles; Macias-Cruz, Ulises; Garcia, Jose E

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ingestion of pasteurized and subsequently frozen-thawed pooled colostrum (≥50 mg Ig/mL) with different bacterial counts and immunoglobulin concentration (IgC) on the occurrence of diarrhea and pneumonia in 306 neonatal Holstein calves in a hot environment. Calves were assigned to be fed colostrum with total bacterial counts (TBC) lower or greater than 100 000 colony-forming units (cfu)/mL, total coliform counts (TCC) greater or lower than 10 000 cfu/mL, and IgC lower or higher than 85 mg Ig/mL. Calves fed colostrum with TBC ≥100 000 cfu/mL were more likely (risk ratio 1.34, confidence interval 1.05-1.71; P < 0.05) to present pneumonia than calves receiving colostrum with lower TBC (incidence 53.2 vs. 39.8%). Calves fed colostrum with high TCC had increased chances of suffering pneumonia (51.4 vs. 42.1%; P < 0.05) than calves fed colostrum with lower TCC. Calves fed colostrum with ≥85 mg Ig/mL tended to present higher daily weight gain (505 ± 113 vs. 484 ± 126 g; P = 0.09). TBC and TCC in colostrum did not influence the incidence rate of diarrhea. It was concluded that under the conditions of the present study, heavy contamination of on-farm pasteurized frozen-thawed colostrum is seemingly unavoidable and this contamination poses a threat for pneumonia, but not for diarrhea. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Partial Reversal of Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance Owing to Anti-Inflammatory Immunomodulatory Potential of Flaxseed Oil.

PubMed

Bashir, Samina; Ali, Shakir; Khan, Farah

2015-01-01

The present study was designed to assess the potential of supplementation of diet with Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum, L.) oil (FXO), on obesity-related inflammation and reversal of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Swiss Albino mice, C57bl/6 mice and co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes - RAW 264.7 macrophages to mimick obese adipose tissue environment were used for the study. Oral gavage of FXO at concentrations of 4, 8 or 16 mg/kg body weight (bwt) for 4 weeks or high-fat diet (HFD, 60% energy as fat) supplemented with dietary FXO (4, 8 or 16 mg/kg bwt) was given to the mice. FXO was characterised using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. FXO supplemented HFD-fed mice (4 mg/kg bwt exhibited reduced adiposity index, serum glucose levels and triglycerides (8 and 16 mg/kg bwt) and improvement in insulin sensitisation (4, 8 and 16 mg/kg bwt) when compared with HFD mice. The co-culture showed a dose-dependent shift in cytokines towards anti-inflammatory (IL-4) state, with a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNF-α (p < 0.05). For immunomodulatory studies a dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) was observed in antigen-specific levels of Th2 (IL-4) cytokine, serum anti-ova IgG1 and IgE levels. Suppression in anti-ova IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 and antigen-specific Th1 cytokines like TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly (p < 0.05) was observed at 16 mg/kg bwt dosage. The results indicate that FXO exhibits an anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory potential and may partially relieve symptoms of obesity-associated insulin resistance.

Examining the link between framed physical activity ads and behavior among women.

PubMed

Berenbaum, Erin; Latimer-Cheung, Amy E

2014-06-01

Gain-framed messages are more effective at promoting physical activity than loss-framed messages. However, the mechanism through which this effect occurs is unclear. The current experiment examined the effects of message framing on variables described in the communication behavior change model (McGuire, 1989), as well as the mediating effects of these variables on the message-frame-behavior relationship. Sixty low-to-moderately active women viewed 20 gain- or loss-framed ads and five control ads while their eye movements were recorded via eye tracking. The gain-framed ads attracted greater attention, ps < .05; produced more positive attitudes, p = .06; were better recalled, p < .001; influenced decisions to be active, p = .07; and had an immediate and delayed impact on behavior, ps < .05, compared with the loss-framed messages. Mediation analyses failed to reveal any significant effects. This study demonstrates the effects of framed messages on several outcomes; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear.

Endotoxin concentration in neutropenic patients with suspected gram-negative sepsis: correlation with clinical outcome and determination of anti-endotoxin core antibodies during therapy with polyclonal immunoglobulin M-enriched immunoglobulins.

PubMed Central

Behre, G; Schedel, I; Nentwig, B; Wörmann, B; Essink, M; Hiddemann, W

1992-01-01

We carried out a study in patients with severe neutropenia from hematologic malignancy and suspected gram-negative sepsis to evaluate the clinical significance of endotoxin concentrations in plasma before and during a therapeutic intervention with a human polyclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM)-enriched immunoglobulin preparation (Pentaglobin; Biotest, Dreieich, Germany). Twenty-one patients with acute leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma entered the study upon the development of clinical signs of gram-negative sepsis and received the IgM-enriched immunoglobulin preparation every 6 h for 3 days (total dose, 1.3 liter with 7.8 g of IgM, 7.8 g of IgA, and 49.4 g of IgG), in addition to standardized antibiotic treatment. Concentrations of endotoxin and IgM and IgG antibodies against lipid A and Re lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in plasma were determined by a modified chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate test and semiquantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively, before each immunoglobulin infusion and during the following 25 days. Seventeen patients were endotoxin positive; in five of these patients, gram-negative infection was confirmed by microbiologic findings. Prior to therapy, endotoxemia correlated significantly with the occurrence of fever, and a quantitative correlation between the endotoxin concentration and body temperature was found during the individual course of infection in 8 of the 17 patients. Overall mortality from endotoxin-positive sepsis was 41% (7 of 17) and 64% (7 of 11) in patients with symptoms of septic shock. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher maximum concentration of endotoxin in plasma compared with those of survivors at the first study day (median of 126 versus 34 pg/ml; P < 0.05) and during the whole septic episode (median of 126 versus 61 pg/ml; P < 0.05). In survivors, immunoglobulin therapy resulted in a significant decrease in endotoxin levels in plasma within the initial 18-h treatment period, from a pretreatment median value of 28 pg/ml to a value of 8 pg/ml (P< 0.05). In the seven patients who died from uncontrollable infection, no effect of therapy on endotoxin levels in plasma was observed. IgM and IgG antibodies against lipid A and Re LPS increased significantly under immunoglobulin treatment, with significant correlations between antibodies against lipid A and Re LPS. These data strongly suggest a prognostic significance of the endotoxin levels in plasma and a potential effect of treatment with a polyclonal IgM-enriched immunoglobulin preparation. Further studies are needed to substantiate these findings and to assess the impact on the clinical course by way of a prospective placebo-controlled clinical trial. PMID:1444293

Effects of (Anti) Androgenic Endocrine Disruptors (DEHP and Butachlor) on Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Leukocytes Counts of Male Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Ahmadivand, Sohrab; Farahmand, Hamid; Mirvaghefi, Alireza; Eagderi, Soheil; Zargar, Ashkan

2015-06-01

The effect of two anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting compounds, i.e. the plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and herbicide butachlor, were evaluated for their effects on immunoglobulin M (IgM) and leukocytes in male rainbow trout. Also, plasma testosterone (T) concentration was measured to confirm their anti-androgenic effects. In the first experiment, trout were treated with 50 mg/kg (body weight) DEHP intraperitoneally, and in the second one, fish were exposed to 0.39 mg/L butachlor for 10 days. The results showed that T concentrations and white blood cells were significantly lower in fish exposed to either DEHP or butachlor compared to control fish (p < 0.05). Fish showed significantly elevated neutrophil levels and decreased lymphocyte levels in the butachlor (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed in lymphocyte and neutrophils values in the DEHP treatment (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were found in IgM, eosinophil and monocyte parameters in either DEHP or butachlor treatments (p > 0.05). These results confirmed that leukocytes counts can be considered as a novel marker of immunotoxicity triggered by (anti) androgenic endocrine disruptors.

Immunomodulating and Antiprotozoal Effects of Different Extracts of the Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus (Higher Basidiomycetes) Against Coccidiosis in Broiler.

PubMed

Ullah, Muhammad Irfan; Akhtar, Masood; Iqbal, Zafar; Shahid, Muhammad; Awais, Mian Muhammad

2015-01-01

The culinary-medicinal oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, procured from local sources, was processed for hot water and methanolic extraction. Extracts obtained were subjected to proximate analysis to determine the amount of crude protein, crude fiber, ash, ether, and nitrogen-free extracts. These extracts were evaluated for immunomodulating and antiprotozoal effects against coccidiosis in a broiler. Cellular immune investigation revealed significantly higher (P < 0.05) lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P in groups administered P. ostreatus extracts compared with controls. Humoral immune investigation revealed higher immunoglobulin (total Ig, IgG, and IgM) titers against sheep red blood cells in treated groups compared with controls. However, nonsignificant (P > 0.05) findings were observed in investigations of lymphoid organs. Antiprotozoal studies revealed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) percentage of protection against coccidiosis in groups administered P. ostreatus extracts when compared with controls. Moreover, lesion scoring and oocysts per gram of droppings observed in the control group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with those in groups administered hot water and methanolic extracts of P. ostreatus. Results concluded that hot water and methanolic extracts of P. ostreatus had strong immune-enhancing activities. Further, these extracts also had excellent antiprotozoal activities against coccidiosis in a broiler.

The research on the influences of hyperthermal perfusion chemotherapy combined with immunologic therapy on the immunologic function and levels of circulating tumor cells of the advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis.

PubMed

Sun, J-J; Fan, G-L; Wang, X-G; Xu, K

2017-07-01

To investigated the influence of hyperthermal perfusion chemotherapy combined with immunologic therapy on the immunologic function and levels of circulating tumor cells of the advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis. We enrolled 98 advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis that were admitted to this hospital for treatment and were randomly divided into two groups, the observation group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). We administered systemic vein chemotherapy for patients in the control group, and hyperthermal perfusion chemotherapy for the patients in the observation group in order to compare the subgroup levels of T lymphocytes, NK cells and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) in the immune system of patients in both groups. We also assayed the circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients in both groups using the cell search method, and compared the efficacy using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors and the survival rates of patients in both groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. After two treatment courses, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ of the patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group, but the levels of CD8+ of patients in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (p< 0.05). The levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) in the observation group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of NK cell cells were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The objective response rate, as well as the disease control rate of the observation group, were remarkably higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the observation group enjoyed a prolonged survival time, higher survival rate and significantly lower positive rate of CTC (p < 0.05). Better efficacy and tolerance, fewer toxic and side effects, improvement in the immunologic functions of patients for the indirect anti-tumor effect, a significant decrease in CTC of patients, and a higher long-term survival rate have been achieved in the treatment with hyperthermal perfusion chemotherapy combined with immunologic therapy for the advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis. Thus, it can serve as the preferable drug for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer with liver metastasis.

Geocenter Motion Derived from GNSS and SLR Tracking Data of LEO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. S.; Ning, F. S.; Tseng, K. H.; Tseng, T. P.; Wu, J. M.; Chen, K. L.

2017-12-01

Space geodesy techniques can provide the monitoring data of global variations with high precision and large coverage through the satellites. Geocenter motion (GM) describes the difference of CF (Center of Figure) respect to CM (Center of Mass of the Earth System) due to the re-distribution and deformation of the earth system. Because satellite tracking data between ground stations and satellites orbit around the CM, geocenter motion is related to the realization of the ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame) origin. In this study, GPS (Global Positioning System) observation data of IGS (International GNSS Service) and SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) tracking data are applied to estimate the coordinates of observing sites on Earth's surface. The GPS observing sites are distributed deliberately and globally by 15° ×15° grids. Meanwhile, two different global ocean tide models are applied here. The model used in ITRF comparison and combination is parameter transformation, which is a mathematical formula allowing to transform the different frames between ITRF and CM system. Following the parameter transformation, the results of geocenter motion can be determined. The FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 (F7C2) mission is a constellation of LEO (Low-Earth-Orbit) satellites, which will be launched in 2018. Besides the observing system for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate, the F7C2 will be equipped with LRR (Laser Ranging Retroreflector). This work is a pilot survey to study the application of LEO SLR data in Taiwan.

Development of web tools to disseminate space geodesy data-related products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soudarin, Laurent; Ferrage, Pascale; Mezerette, Adrien

2015-04-01

In order to promote the products of the DORIS system, the French Space Agency CNES has developed and implemented on the web site of the International DORIS Service (IDS) a set of plot tools to interactively build and display time series of site positions, orbit residuals and terrestrial parameters (scale, geocenter). An interactive global map is also available to select sites, and to get access to their information. Besides the products provided by the CNES Orbitography Team and the IDS components, these tools allow comparing time evolutions of coordinates for collocated DORIS and GNSS stations, thanks to the collaboration with the Terrestrial Frame Combination Center of the International GNSS Service (IGS). A database was created to improve robustness and efficiency of the tools, with the objective to propose a complete web service to foster data exchange with the other geodetic services of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The possibility to visualize and compare position time series of the four main space geodetic techniques DORIS, GNSS, SLR and VLBI is already under way at the French level. A dedicated version of these web tools has been developed for the French Space Geodesy Research Group (GRGS). It will give access to position time series provided by the GRGS Analysis Centers involved in DORIS, GNSS, SLR and VLBI data processing for the realization of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame. In this presentation, we will describe the functionalities of these tools, and we will address some aspects of the time series (content, format).

Different strategies for spatial updating in yaw and pitch path integration

PubMed Central

Goeke, Caspar M.; König, Peter; Gramann, Klaus

2013-01-01

Research in spatial navigation revealed the existence of discrete strategies defined by the use of distinct reference frames during virtual path integration. The present study investigated the distribution of these navigation strategies as a function of gender, video gaming experience, and self-estimates of spatial navigation abilities in a population of 300 subjects. Participants watched videos of virtual passages through a star-field with one turn in either the horizontal (yaw) or the vertical (pitch) axis. At the end of a passage they selected one out of four homing arrows to indicate the initial starting location. To solve the task, participants could employ two discrete strategies, navigating within either an egocentric or an allocentric reference frame. The majority of valid subjects (232/260) consistently used the same strategy in more than 75% of all trials. With that approach 33.1% of all participants were classified as Turners (using an egocentric reference frame on both axes) and 46.5% as Non-turners (using an allocentric reference frame on both axes). 9.2% of all participants consistently used an egocentric reference frame in the yaw plane but an allocentric reference frame in the pitch plane (Switcher). Investigating the influence of gender on navigation strategies revealed that females predominantly used the Non-turner strategy while males used both the Turner and the Non-turner strategy with comparable probabilities. Other than expected, video gaming experience did not influence strategy use. Based on a strong quantitative basis with the sample size about an order of magnitude larger than in typical psychophysical studies these results demonstrate that most people reliably use one out of three possible navigation strategies (Turners, Non-turners, Switchers) for spatial updating and provides a sound estimate of how those strategies are distributed within the general population. PMID:23412683

Importance of baseline specification in evaluating conservation interventions and achieving no net loss of biodiversity.

PubMed

Bull, J W; Gordon, A; Law, E A; Suttle, K B; Milner-Gulland, E J

2014-06-01

There is an urgent need to improve the evaluation of conservation interventions. This requires specifying an objective and a frame of reference from which to measure performance. Reference frames can be baselines (i.e., known biodiversity at a fixed point in history) or counterfactuals (i.e., a scenario that would have occurred without the intervention). Biodiversity offsets are interventions with the objective of no net loss of biodiversity (NNL). We used biodiversity offsets to analyze the effects of the choice of reference frame on whether interventions met stated objectives. We developed 2 models to investigate the implications of setting different frames of reference in regions subject to various biodiversity trends and anthropogenic impacts. First, a general analytic model evaluated offsets against a range of baseline and counterfactual specifications. Second, a simulation model then replicated these results with a complex real world case study: native grassland offsets in Melbourne, Australia. Both models showed that achieving NNL depended upon the interaction between reference frame and background biodiversity trends. With a baseline, offsets were less likely to achieve NNL where biodiversity was decreasing than where biodiversity was stable or increasing. With a no-development counterfactual, however, NNL was achievable only where biodiversity was declining. Otherwise, preventing development was better for biodiversity. Uncertainty about compliance was a stronger determinant of success than uncertainty in underlying biodiversity trends. When only development and offset locations were considered, offsets sometimes resulted in NNL, but not across an entire region. Choice of reference frame determined feasibility and effort required to attain objectives when designing and evaluating biodiversity offset schemes. We argue the choice is thus of fundamental importance for conservation policy. Our results shed light on situations in which biodiversity offsets may be an inappropriate policy instrument.

Quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames: Time-dependent rotations and loop prolongations

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

Klink, W.H., E-mail: william-klink@uiowa.edu; Wickramasekara, S., E-mail: wickrama@grinnell.edu; Department of Physics, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112

2013-09-15

This is the fourth in a series of papers on developing a formulation of quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames. This formulation is grounded in a class of unitary cocycle representations of what we have called the Galilean line group, the generalization of the Galilei group to include transformations amongst non-inertial reference frames. These representations show that in quantum mechanics, just as the case in classical mechanics, the transformations to accelerating reference frames give rise to fictitious forces. In previous work, we have shown that there exist representations of the Galilean line group that uphold the non-relativistic equivalence principle asmore » well as representations that violate the equivalence principle. In these previous studies, the focus was on linear accelerations. In this paper, we undertake an extension of the formulation to include rotational accelerations. We show that the incorporation of rotational accelerations requires a class of loop prolongations of the Galilean line group and their unitary cocycle representations. We recover the centrifugal and Coriolis force effects from these loop representations. Loops are more general than groups in that their multiplication law need not be associative. Hence, our broad theoretical claim is that a Galilean quantum theory that holds in arbitrary non-inertial reference frames requires going beyond groups and group representations, the well-established framework for implementing symmetry transformations in quantum mechanics. -- Highlights: •A formulation of Galilean quantum mechanics in non-inertial reference frames is presented. •The Galilei group is generalized to infinite dimensional Galilean line group. •Loop prolongations of Galilean line group contain central extensions of Galilei group. •Unitary representations of the loops are constructed. •These representations lead to terms in the Hamiltonian corresponding to fictitious forces, including centrifugal and Coriolis forces.« less

Motion-based nearest vector metric for reference frame selection in the perception of motion.

PubMed

Agaoglu, Mehmet N; Clarke, Aaron M; Herzog, Michael H; Ögmen, Haluk

2016-05-01

We investigated how the visual system selects a reference frame for the perception of motion. Two concentric arcs underwent circular motion around the center of the display, where observers fixated. The outer (target) arc's angular velocity profile was modulated by a sine wave midflight whereas the inner (reference) arc moved at a constant angular speed. The task was to report whether the target reversed its direction of motion at any point during its motion. We investigated the effects of spatial and figural factors by systematically varying the radial and angular distances between the arcs, and their relative sizes. We found that the effectiveness of the reference frame decreases with increasing radial- and angular-distance measures. Drastic changes in the relative sizes of the arcs did not influence motion reversal thresholds, suggesting no influence of stimulus form on perceived motion. We also investigated the effect of common velocity by introducing velocity fluctuations to the reference arc as well. We found no effect of whether or not a reference frame has a constant motion. We examined several form- and motion-based metrics, which could potentially unify our findings. We found that a motion-based nearest vector metric can fully account for all the data reported here. These findings suggest that the selection of reference frames for motion processing does not result from a winner-take-all process, but instead, can be explained by a field whose strength decreases with the distance between the nearest motion vectors regardless of the form of the moving objects.

Use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to quantify immunoglobulin G concentration and an analysis of the effect of signalment on levels in canine serum.

PubMed

Seigneur, A; Hou, S; Shaw, R A; McClure, Jt; Gelens, H; Riley, C B

2015-01-15

Deficiency in immunoglobulin G (IgG) is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections in humans and animals, and changes in IgG levels occur in many disease states. In companion animals, failure of transfer of passive immunity is uncommonly diagnosed but mortality rates in puppies are high and more than 30% of these deaths are secondary to septicemia. Currently, radial immunodiffusion (RID) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are the most commonly used methods for quantitative measurement of IgG in dogs. In this study, a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assay for canine serum IgG was developed and compared to the RID assay as the reference standard. Basic signalment data and health status of the dogs were also analyzed to determine if they correlated with serum IgG concentrations based on RID results. Serum samples were collected from 207 dogs during routine hematological evaluation, and IgG concentrations determined by RID. The FTIR assay was developed using partial least squares regression analysis and its performance evaluated using RID assay as the reference test. The concordance correlation coefficient was 0.91 for the calibration model data set and 0.85 for the prediction set. A Bland-Altman plot showed a mean difference of -89 mg/dL and no systematic bias. The modified mean coefficient of variation (CV) for RID was 6.67%, and for FTIR was 18.76%. The mean serum IgG concentration using RID was 1943 ± 880 mg/dL based on the 193 dogs with complete signalment and health data. When age class, gender, breed size and disease status were analyzed by multivariable ANOVA, dogs < 2 years of age (p = 0.0004) and those classified as diseased (p = 0.03) were found to have significantly lower IgG concentrations than older and healthy dogs, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Evaluation of the toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in pregnant women and creating a diagnostic algorithm].

PubMed

Mumcuoglu, Ipek; Toyran, Alparslan; Cetin, Feyza; Coskun, Feride Alaca; Baran, Irmak; Aksu, Neriman; Aksoy, Altan

2014-04-01

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoon is widely distributed around the world and can infect all mammals and birds. While acquired toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic in healthy subjects, acute infection during pregnancy may lead to abortion, stillbirth, fetal neurological and ocular damages. For the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis it is recommended that a screening programme and a diagnostic algorithm in pregnant women should be implemented while considering the cost effectiveness. Thus, it is necessary to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and the actual risk of T.gondii transmission during pregnancy in a certain area. The aims of this study were to detect the T.gondii seropositivity in the pregnant women admitted to our hospital and to create a diagnostic algorithm in order to solve the problems arising from interpretation of the serological test results. A total of 6140 women aged 15-49 years who were admitted to our hospital between April 1st, 2010 to July 31st, 2013, were evaluated retrospectively. In the serum samples, T.gondii IgM, IgG and IgG avidity tests were performed by VIDAS automated analyzer using TOXO IgM, TOXO IgG II and TOXO IgG avidity kits (bioMerieux, France). It was noted that, both T.gondii IgM and IgG tests were requested from 4758 (77.5%) of the pregnant women, while only IgM test from 1382 (22.5%) cases. Sole IgM positivity was found as 0.2% (11/6140), IgG as 26.4% (1278/4758) and both IgM + IgG as 0.9% (44/4758). T.gondii IgG avidity tests were requested from 12 of 44 women who were found both IgM and IgG positive and eight of them revealed high avidity and four low avidity. Avidity test was ordered for the 91 (7.1%) of 1278 sole IgG positive cases and four of them were found to have low avidity. IgG avidity test was ordered for 554 (16.2%) of IgM and/or IgG negative subjects, however, the test was not performed according to rejection criteria of the laboratory. It was noticed that no re-testing was requested for none of the seronegative cases (3428/4758; 72%) during their follow-up. In our study, total Toxoplasma seropositivity rate among pregnant women was detected as 28% (1330/4758), showing statistically significant increase (p< 0.05) with age. There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in the seropositivity rate between the years (2010-2013). Following the evaluation of the test orders, the problems related to test orders and interpretation of the test results were determined and a diagnostic algorithm to be used in our hospital, was established to minimize such problems in toxoplasma serology. It was concluded that a diagnostic algorithm related to toxoplasmosis serology should be implemented for the appropriate evaluation of the risk of acute toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Such an approach is necessary to support the clinical diagnosis and to minimize the anxiety in pregnant women about congenital toxoplasmosis.

Antibody response to the Haemophilus influenzae type b-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in healthy and infection-prone individuals with IgG3 subclass deficiency.

PubMed

Hahn-Zoric, M; Ulanova, M; Friman, V; Björkander, J; Oxelius, V A; Lucas, A; Hanson, L A

2004-09-01

Searching for a possible explanation for the phenotypic heterogeneity in IgG3 deficiency, we studied the antibody response to a polysaccharide and a protein antigen in IgG3-deficient (IgG3d) adults after vaccination with Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide (Hib CP) conjugated to tetanus toxoid. Distribution of isotypes, idiotypes, clonotypes, and Gm allotypes were compared. All the vaccinated individuals, irrespective of the level of IgG3 and proneness to infections, developed protective levels of anti-Hib CP. Significantly lower prevaccination levels of IgG2 (p < 0.05) and IgG4 anti-Hib CP (p < 0.04 and p < 0.03) were noted among the infection-prone compared to the healthy IgG3d individuals and/or controls. Seventy percent of the IgG3d patients and none of the controls had the low responding Gm(ga-n/ga-n) genotype, while the majority of the controls had the alternative Gm(bfn/bfn) genotype. The conjugate ACT-HIB vaccine efficiently overcomes the IgG3 subclass deficiency state and the genetic predisposition for lower responsiveness, providing protection against Hib and tetanus infections. The proneness to infection in some IgG3d individuals may relate to their low prevaccination antibody levels.

Cross-Sensory Transfer of Reference Frames in Spatial Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Jonathan W.; Avraamides, Marios N.

2011-01-01

Two experiments investigated whether visual cues influence spatial reference frame selection for locations learned through touch. Participants experienced visual cues emphasizing specific environmental axes and later learned objects through touch. Visual cues were manipulated and haptic learning conditions were held constant. Imagined perspective…

Dynamical Reference Frame: Current Relevance and Future Prospects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Standish, E. M., Jr

2000-01-01

Planetary and lunar ephemerides are no longer used for the determination of inertial space. Instead, the new fundamental reference frame, the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), is inherently less susceptible to extraneous, non-inertial rotations than a dynamical reference frame determined by the ephemerides would be. Consequently, the ephemerides are now adjusted onto the ICRF, and they are fit to two modern, accurate observational data types: ranging (radar, lunar laser, spacecraft) and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) (of spacecraft near planets). The uncertainties remaining in the inner planet ephemerides are on the order of 1 kilometer, both in relative positions between the bodies and in the orientation of the inner system as a whole. The predictive capabilities of the inner planet ephemerides are limited by the uncertainties in the masses of many asteroids. For this reason, future improvements to the ephemerides must await determinations of many asteroid masses. Until then, it will be necessary to constantly update the ephemerides with a continuous supply of observational data.

Effects of adopting new precession, nutation and equinox corrections on the terrestrial reference frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, S. Y.; Mueller, I. I.

1982-01-01

The effect of adopting definitive precession and equinox corrections on the terrestrial reference frame was investigated. It is noted that the effect on polar motion is a diurnal periodic term with an amplitude increasing linearly in time whole on UT1 it is a linear term: general principles are given to determine the effects of small rotations of the frame of a conventional inertial reference system (CIS) on the frame of the conventional terrestrial reference system (CTS); seven CTS options are presented, one of which is necessary to accommodate such rotation. Accommodating possible future changes in the astronomical nutation is discussed. The effects of differences which may exist between the various CTS's and CIS's on Earth rotation parameters (ERP) and how these differences can be determined are examined. It is shown that the CTS differences can be determined from observations made at the same site. The CIS differences by comparing the ERP's are determined by the different techniques during the same time period.

Effects of adopting new precession, nutation and equinox corrections on the terrestrial reference frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, S. Y.; Mueller, I. I.

1982-01-01

The effects of adopting new definitive precession and equinox corrections on the terrestrial reference frame was investigated. It is noted that: (1) the effect on polar motion is a diurnal periodic term with an amplitude increasing linearly in time whole on UT1 it is a linear term; (2) general principles are given to determine the effects of small rotations of the frame of a conventional inertial reference system (CIS) on the frame of the conventional terrestrial reference system (CTS); (3) seven CTS options are presented, one of which is necessary to accommodate such rotation. Accommodating possible future changes in the astronomical nutation is discussed. The effects of differences which may exist between the various CTS's and CIS's on Earth rotation parameters (ERP) and how these differences can be determined are examined. It is shown that the CTS differences can be determined from observations made at the same site, while the CIS differences by comparing the ERP's determined by the different techniques during the same time period.

Time evolution of an SLR reference frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angermann, D.; Gerstl, M.; Kelm, R.; Müller, H.; Seemüller, W.; Vei, M.

2002-07-01

On the basis of LAGEOS-1 and LAGEOS-2 data we computed a 10-years (1990-2000) solution for SLR station positions and velocities. The paper describes the data processing with the DGFI software package DOGS. We present results for station coordinates and their time variation for 41 stations of the global SLR network, and discuss the stability and time evolution of the SLR reference frame established in the same way. We applied different methods to assess the quality and consistency of the SLR results. The results presented in this paper include: (1) a time series of weekly estimated station coordinates; (2) a comparison of a 10-year LAGEOS-1 and LAGEOS-2 solution; (3) a comparison of 2.5-year solutions with the combined 10-year solution to assess the internal stability and the time evolution of the SLR reference frame; (4) a comparison of the SLR reference frame with ITRF97; and (5) a comparison of SLR station velocities with those of ITRF97 and NNR NUVEL-1A.

The Current Status and Tendency of China Millimeter Coordinate Frame Implementation and Maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, P.; Cheng, Y.; Bei, J.

2017-12-01

China Geodetic Coordinate System 2000 (CGCS2000) was first officially declared as the national standard coordinate system on July 1, 2008. This reference frame was defined in the ITRF97 frame at epoch 2000.0 and included 2600 GPS geodetic control points. The paper discusses differences between China Geodetic Coordinate System 2000 (CGCS2000) and later updated ITRF versions, such as ITRF2014,in terms of technical implementation and maintenance. With the development of the Beidou navigation satellite system, especially third generation of BDS with signal global coverage in the future, and with progress of space geodetic technology, it is possible for us to establish a global millimeter-level reference frame based on space geodetic technology including BDS. The millimeter reference frame implementation concerns two factors: 1) The variation of geocenter motion estimation, and 2) the site nonlinear motion modeling. In this paper, the geocentric inversion methods are discussed and compared among results derived from various technical methods. Our nonlinear site movement modeling focuses on singular spectrum analysis method, which is of apparent advantages over earth physical effect modeling. All presented in the paper expected to provide reference to our future CGCS2000 maintenance.

ALTERED IMMUNOGLOBULIN PROFILES IN CHILDREN WITH TOURETTE SYNDROME

PubMed Central

Bos-Veneman, Netty G.P.; Olieman, Renske; Tobiasova, Zuzana; Hoekstra, Pieter J.; Katsovitch, Lily; Bothwell, Alfred L. M.; Leckman, James F.; Kawikova, Ivana

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND Post-infectious autoimmunity and immune deficiency have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Tourette syndrome (TS). We asked here whether B cell immunity of patients with TS differs from healthy subjects. METHODS In two independent cross-sectional samples, we compared serum levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA, and IgE in 21 patients with TS from Yale University (17 males, 4 females, 8–16 years) versus 21 healthy controls (13 males, 8 females, 7–17 years); and in 53 patients with TS from Groningen University (45 males, 8 females, 6–18 years) versus 53 healthy controls (22 males, 31 females, 6–18 years), respectively. We also investigated correlations between Ig concentrations and symptom severity. In 13 additional patients (9 males, 4 females, age range 9–14), we established Ig profiles at time points before, during, and after symptom exacerbations. RESULTS IgG3 levels were significantly lower in Yale patients compared to healthy children (medians 0.28 versus 0.49 mg/ml, p = .04), while levels of IgG2, IgG4, and IgM in patients were lower at trend-level significance (p ≤ .10). Decreased IgG3 (medians 0.45 versus 0.52 mg/ml; p = .05) and IgM (medians 0.30 versus 0.38 mg/ml; p = .04) levels were replicated in the Groningen patients. Ig levels did not correlate with symptom severity. There was a trend-level elevation of IgG1 during symptom exacerbations (p = .09). CONCLUSION These pilot data indicate that at least some patients with TS have decreased serum IgG3, and possibly also IgM levels, though only few subjects had fully expressed Ig immunodeficiency. Whether these changes are related to TS pathogenesis needs to be investigated. PMID:21156204

Recovery from desensitization of IgE-dependent responses in human lung mast cells.

PubMed

Lewis, A; MacGlashan, D W; Suvarna, S K; Peachell, P T

2017-08-01

Clinical desensitization and oral food immunotherapy are therapeutic interventions that allow individuals who react adversely to an allergen (drug or food) to be made tolerant to the allergen. However, tolerance is brief, and allergen hypersensitivity can recur within days following allergen withdrawal. We hypothesize that the reason these treatments are temporary reflects rapid recovery of mast cells from a desensitized state. We sought to test this. Desensitization of IgE-mediated histamine release from human lung mast cells was explored by methods that partially replicate the pattern of treatment during clinical desensitization. Specific and non-specific desensitization and changes in surface IgE were examined following desensitization. Recovery from desensitization was also studied. Desensitization of mast cell responses was readily induced with concentrations of antigen or anti-IgE that were suboptimal for secretion. There was little or no non-specific desensitization when lung mast cells were exposed to antigens. There was no loss of cell surface IgE following desensitization. Removing the desensitizing stimulus from the media following desensitization allowed the cells to recover with half-point of recovery of ~1.5 days and complete recovery after 5 days. Both the functional response and histamine content recovered within this time frame. The recovery appeared possible because both antigens and anti-IgE dissociated rapidly from cells after washing to remove excess stimulus. Human lung mast cells readily recover from a desensitized state following removal of desensitizing antigen. This finding provides a potential explanation for the ephemeral nature of clinical desensitization. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Association of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection with increased risk of asthma in children.

PubMed

Yin, Sha-Sha; Ma, Feng-Lian; Gao, Xing

2017-05-01

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and the risk of asthma among children by detecting the rate of MP immunoglobulin M (MP-IgM) and the eosinophil (EOS) count. A total of 139 asthmatic children were enrolled as the case group and assigned into three groups: Group A (aged <3 years, n=42), group B (aged 3-8 years, n=45) and group C (aged >8 years, n=52). Additionally, 115 healthy children were enrolled in the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the MP-IgM-positive rate. EOS count was detected in the experimental and control groups by using a hemocytometer analyzer. A meta-analysis was performed by using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software. The positive rates of the MP-IgM and EOS count in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group (both P<0.001). Furthermore, the asthmatic children in group C had a higher MP-IgM-positive rate and EOS count as compared to those in groups A and B, respectively (all P<0.05). Results from groups A and B were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The meta-analysis further confirmed that asthmatic children had a higher MP-IgM-positive rate as compared to the healthy controls (P<0.001). Age-stratified analysis revealed that the MP-IgM-positive rate in asthmatic children aged ≥8 and <8 years was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls (P=0.003 and P<0.001). Asthmatic children had a higher MP-IgM-positive rate and EOS count as compared with controls, suggesting that the MP infection may be closely associated with the risk of asthma. Additionally, the positive rate of MP-IgM may indicate an important biological marker in predicting the development of asthma.

Recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) facilitates subcutaneous infusions of large volumes of immunoglobulin in a swine model.

PubMed

Kang, David W; Jadin, Laurence; Nekoroski, Tara; Drake, Fred H; Zepeda, Monica L

2012-08-01

Many patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) require lifelong immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy. Home-based subcutaneous (SC) infusion provides advantages to patients with PIDD compared to hospital-based intravenous infusion. One limitation of current practice with SCIg infusion is the need for small-volume infusions at multiple injection sites on a frequent basis. A method was developed for large-volume SC infusion that uses preinfusion of recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) to facilitate fluid dispersion. Miniature swine was used as a preclinical model to assess the effects of rHuPH20-facilitated infusions, of a single monthly dose, on fluid dispersion, infusion-related pressure, swelling, induration, and tissue damage. Preinfusion of vehicle (control) or rHuPH20 (75 U/g Ig) was performed simultaneously on contralateral abdominal sites on each animal, followed by infusion of 300 mL 10 % Ig (30 g) at each site. Compared to control infusions, rHuPH20 significantly reduced infusion pressure and induration (p < 0.05) and accelerated postinfusion Ig dispersion. Histological evaluation of infusion site tissue showed moderate to severe swelling for the control. Swelling after rHuPH20-facilitated infusion was mild on day 1 and had completely resolved shortly thereafter. Laser Doppler imaging of control infusion sites revealed local cutaneous hypoperfusion during Ig infusion, which was reduced almost 7-fold (p < 0.05) with the use of rHuPH20. These results demonstrate that rHuPH20-facilitated Ig infusion is associated with improved dispersion of Ig, resulting in reduced tissue pressure, induration, and reduced risk of tissue damage from mechanical trauma or local ischemia, thus enabling SC administration of large volumes of Ig at a single site.

A diagnostic method for herpes simplex keratitis by simultaneous measurement of viral DNA and virus-specific secretory IgA in tears: an evaluation.

PubMed

Shoji, Jun; Sakimoto, Tohru; Inada, Noriko; Kamei, Yuko; Matsubara, Masao; Takamura, Etsuko; Sawa, Mitsuru

2016-07-01

We performed simultaneous measurement of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and of HSV-specific secretory IgA antibody (HSV-sIgA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in tears obtained using Schirmer strips in order to investigate its diagnostic efficacy for herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). A total of 59 affected eyes from 59 patients with clinically suspected HSK (HSK group) and 23 eyes from 23 healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled in this study. The HSK group was divided into five subgroups: dendritic/geographic keratitis, disciform keratitis, necrotizing keratitis, atypical keratitis, and others. The tear samples were taken using Schirmer strips to determine the HSV DNA and HSV-sIgA levels. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 55.8 and 100 % for HSV DNA and 49.2 and 82.6 % for HSV-sIgA. The HSV DNA levels in the disciform keratitis subgroup (median, 3.1 × 10(2) copies/sample) were significantly lower than those in the dendritic/geographic keratitis subgroup (median, 2.3 × 10(4) copies/sample) (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). The HSV-sIgA levels in the disciform keratitis subgroup (median, 50.0 NU/ml) were significantly higher than those in the control group (median, 18.0 NU/ml) (P < 0.05, Steel test). The positive and negative predictive values obtained by simultaneous measurement of HSV DNA and sIgA were 90.9 and 61.3 %, respectively. The combination of laboratory detection of HSV DNA by real-time PCR and of HSV-sIgA by ELISA using tear samples enables higher reliability in diagnosing the subgroups of HSK, although the HSV DNA value is relatively lower in disciform HSK than in dendritic/geographic HSK.

[The influence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection on acute coronary syndromes].

PubMed

Gajek, Jacek; Choroszy-Król, Irena; Zyśko, Dorota; Teryks-Wołyniec, Dorota; Halawa, Bogumił

2003-07-01

Chlamydia pneumoniae is one of the infectious factors the role of which is considered in the process of atherosclerosis and its complications. Of the study was to assess the incidence of Ch. pneumoniae infection in the patients with acute coronary events. The study was carried out in 36 patients, mean age 61.2 +/- 13.4 years, 27 men and 9 women hospitalised in our Department with the diagnosis of previous or recent acute myocardial infarction. The control group consisted of 19 subjects, aged 61.1 +/- 14.3 years, 10 men and 9 women hospitalised due to other reasons. In all studied patients during the first 24 hours venous blood was taken for the assessment of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and titres of IgA and IgG anti-Ch. pneumoniae antibodies, and pharyngeal swabs were done for Ch. pneumoniae assessment. Positive swab tests were found in 19% of the patients, positive IgG titres in 80% and IgA in 64% of the patients. In the control group the corresponding values were 11, 79, 42%, respectively. In the patients with positive IgG titres, negative IgA titre result was observed in 21% and in the control group in 53% (p < 0.05). The CRP level was significantly higher in the studied patients than in the control group (24.2 vs 4.2 mg/l; p < 0.05). 1. The high percentage of positive serologic tests and rare positive results of pharyngeal swabs indicate a frequent contact with Ch. pneumoniae in human population. 2. Ch. pneumoniae infection exerts no significant influence on the unspecific markers of inflammation. 3. The higher frequency of seroconversion-positive IgG and negative IgA titres--in the control group indicates the role of prolonged or acute Ch. pneumoniae infection in the development or progression of coronary atherosclerosis and its complications.

Characterization of the Humoral Immune Response during Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Global Gene Expression by Staphylococcus aureus in Human Blood

PubMed Central

den Reijer, Paul Martijn; Lemmens-den Toom, Nicole; Kant, Samantha; Snijders, Susan V.; Boelens, Hélène; Tavakol, Mehri; Verkaik, Nelianne J.; van Belkum, Alex; Verbrugh, Henri A.; van Wamel, Willem J. B.

2013-01-01

Attempts to develop an efficient anti-staphylococcal vaccine in humans have so far been unsuccessful. Therefore, more knowledge of the antigens that are expressed by Staphylococcus aureus in human blood and induce an immune response in patients is required. In this study we further characterize the serial levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against 56 staphylococcal antigens in multiple serum samples of 21 patients with a S. aureus bacteremia, compare peak IgG levels between patients and 30 non-infected controls, and analyze the expression of 3626 genes by two genetically distinct isolates in human blood. The serum antibody levels were measured using a bead-based flow cytometry technique (xMAP®, Luminex corporation). Gene expression levels were analyzed using a microarray (BµG@s microarray). The initial levels and time taken to reach peak IgG and IgA antibody levels were heterogeneous in bacteremia patients. The antigen SA0688 was associated with the highest median initial-to-peak antibody fold-increase for IgG (5.05-fold) and the second highest increase for IgA (2.07-fold). Peak IgG levels against 27 antigens, including the antigen SA0688, were significantly elevated in bacteremia patients versus controls (P≤0.05). Expression of diverse genes, including SA0688, was ubiquitously high in both isolates at all time points during incubation in blood. However, only a limited number of genes were specifically up- or downregulated in both isolates when cultured in blood, compared to the start of incubation in blood or during incubation in BHI broth. In conclusion, most staphylococcal antigens tested in this study, including many known virulence factors, do not induce uniform increases in the antibody levels in bacteremia patients. In addition, the expression of these antigens by S. aureus is not significantly altered by incubation in human blood over time. One immunogenic and ubiquitously expressed antigen is the putative iron-regulated ABC transporter SA0688. PMID:23308212

Methods for measuring plating thicknesses on TAB lead frames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagen, M. P.

1977-01-01

Plating three layer tape lead frames, used for tape automated bonding, offers a challenge to the electroplater because of nonuniform topography. Each lead frame contains large (typically .05 x. .05 inch) flat test pads located around the perimeter of the frame. These test pads are electrically connected to the bondable lead frame fingers which extend into an area in the center of the frame called the feature hole. The feature hole exposes these fingers to plating on all sides, while the test pads are exposed on only one side. In addition, the fingers are small in cross section (typically .003 x .0015 inches). Recent thickness measurements indicate that plating around the lead frame fingers is nearly twice as thick as that on test pad areas. Procedures and equipment were developed for measuring the thickness of the deposited material. Discussion was centered on the data obtained using the various measurement techniques and equipment.

The many faces of IgG4-related disease: report of a case with inaugural recurrent aortic aneurism ruptures and literature review.

PubMed

Luís, Mariana; Brites, Luísa; Fernandes, Bruno; Jesus, Diogo; Santiago, Tânia; Serra, Sara; Rovisco, João; Carvalho, Lina; da Silva, José António P; Malcata, Armando

2018-05-12

Vascular involvement in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), is a well-recognized feature and large vessel commitment, especially the aorta, can be the only manifestation of the disease. Being a newly recognized disease, its diagnosis and workup still represents a challenge in clinical practice. A 47-year-old-man with two aortic aneurysms ruptures, one at abdominal and the other at thoracic level, was referred to our rheumatology department. The initial analysis of the surgical specimen obtained 3 years earlier revealed a nonspecific aortitis. Re-evaluation of the biopsy with immunohistology now demonstrated the presence of IgG4 deposits. Evidence-based recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of IgG4-related large-vessel involvement are lacking. In this particular case, histopathology were crucial. The authors review and discuss vascular involvement in IgG4-RD and respective treatment options.

Comparison of postoperative pain and inflammation reaction in dogs undergoing preventive laparoscopic-assisted and incisional gastropexy.

PubMed

Haraguchi, Tomoya; Kimura, Shiho; Itoh, Harumichi; Nishikawa, Shimpei; Hiyama, Masato; Tani, Kenji; Iseri, Toshie; Itoh, Yoshiki; Nakaichi, Munekazu; Taura, Yasuho; Itamoto, Kazuhito

2017-09-12

This study compared the effects of postoperative pain and inflammation reaction after preventive laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) and incisional gastropexy (IG) in 10 clinically normal Beagles. Surgical time, incision length, visual analog scale (VAS) score, University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) score, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma cortisol (COR), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated. The VAS and UMPS scores and COR and IL-6 levels were recorded at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 hr after surgery. CRP level was recorded at 12, 24 and 48 hr after surgery. The VAS and UMPS scores showed no significant intergroup differences. Compared to IG, LAG had significantly lower surgical time (45 ± 9.91 min vs 64 ± 5.30 min; P<0.05), incision length (46 ± 8.21 mm vs 129 ± 19.49 mm; P<0.05), CRP level (12 hr after surgery; 4.58 ± 1.58 mg/dl vs 12.4 ± 1.34 mg/dl; P<0.01), and COR level (1 hr after surgery; 10.79 ± 3.07 µg/dl vs 15.9 ± 3.77 µg/dl; P<0.05). IL-6 levels showed no significant intergroup differences at any time point. However, LAG resulted in lower IL-6 levels than did IG at all postoperative time points. Neither procedure resulted in significant surgical complications. LAG produced lower surgical stress than did IG, suggesting that LAG is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly useful technique for preventing canine gastric dilatation-volvulus. Nevertheless, since this study used experimental models, its usefulness should be evaluated in future cases.

Comparison of postoperative pain and inflammation reaction in dogs undergoing preventive laparoscopic-assisted and incisional gastropexy

PubMed Central

HARAGUCHI, Tomoya; KIMURA, Shiho; ITOH, Harumichi; NISHIKAWA, Shimpei; HIYAMA, Masato; TANI, Kenji; ISERI, Toshie; ITOH, Yoshiki; NAKAICHI, Munekazu; TAURA, Yasuho; ITAMOTO, Kazuhito

2017-01-01

This study compared the effects of postoperative pain and inflammation reaction after preventive laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) and incisional gastropexy (IG) in 10 clinically normal Beagles. Surgical time, incision length, visual analog scale (VAS) score, University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) score, and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma cortisol (COR), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated. The VAS and UMPS scores and COR and IL-6 levels were recorded at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 hr after surgery. CRP level was recorded at 12, 24 and 48 hr after surgery. The VAS and UMPS scores showed no significant intergroup differences. Compared to IG, LAG had significantly lower surgical time (45 ± 9.91 min vs 64 ± 5.30 min; P<0.05), incision length (46 ± 8.21 mm vs 129 ± 19.49 mm; P<0.05), CRP level (12 hr after surgery; 4.58 ± 1.58 mg/dl vs 12.4 ± 1.34 mg/dl; P<0.01), and COR level (1 hr after surgery; 10.79 ± 3.07 µg/dl vs 15.9 ± 3.77 µg/dl; P<0.05). IL-6 levels showed no significant intergroup differences at any time point. However, LAG resulted in lower IL-6 levels than did IG at all postoperative time points. Neither procedure resulted in significant surgical complications. LAG produced lower surgical stress than did IG, suggesting that LAG is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly useful technique for preventing canine gastric dilatation-volvulus. Nevertheless, since this study used experimental models, its usefulness should be evaluated in future cases. PMID:28717065

Coordination of multiple robot arms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barker, L. K.; Soloway, D.

1987-01-01

Kinematic resolved-rate control from one robot arm is extended to the coordinated control of multiple robot arms in the movement of an object. The structure supports the general movement of one axis system (moving reference frame) with respect to another axis system (control reference frame) by one or more robot arms. The grippers of the robot arms do not have to be parallel or at any pre-disposed positions on the object. For multiarm control, the operator chooses the same moving and control reference frames for each of the robot arms. Consequently, each arm then moves as though it were carrying out the commanded motions by itself.

The right frame of reference makes it simple: an example of introductory mechanics supported by video analysis of motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, P.; Gröber, S.; Kuhn, J.; Fleischhauer, A.; Müller, A.

2015-01-01

The selection and application of coordinate systems is an important issue in physics. However, considering different frames of references in a given problem sometimes seems un-intuitive and is difficult for students. We present a concrete problem of projectile motion which vividly demonstrates the value of considering different frames of references. We use this example to explore the effectiveness of video-based motion analysis (VBMA) as an instructional technique at university level in enhancing students’ understanding of the abstract concept of coordinate systems. A pilot study with 47 undergraduate students indicates that VBMA instruction improves conceptual understanding of this issue.

Quantum mechanics in noninertial reference frames: Relativistic accelerations and fictitious forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klink, W. H.; Wickramasekara, S.

2016-06-01

One-particle systems in relativistically accelerating reference frames can be associated with a class of unitary representations of the group of arbitrary coordinate transformations, an extension of the Wigner-Bargmann definition of particles as the physical realization of unitary irreducible representations of the Poincaré group. Representations of the group of arbitrary coordinate transformations become necessary to define unitary operators implementing relativistic acceleration transformations in quantum theory because, unlike in the Galilean case, the relativistic acceleration transformations do not themselves form a group. The momentum operators that follow from these representations show how the fictitious forces in noninertial reference frames are generated in quantum theory.

Truly selective primary IgM deficiency is probably very rare.

PubMed

Janssen, L M A; Macken, T; Creemers, M C W; Pruijt, J F M; Eijk, J J J; de Vries, E

2018-02-01

Isolated decreased serum-immunoglobulin (Ig)M has been associated with severe and/or recurrent infections, atopy and autoimmunity. However, the reported high prevalence of clinical problems in IgM-deficient patients may reflect the skewed tertiary centre population studied so far. Also, many papers on IgM deficiency have included patients with more abnormalities than simply IgM-deficiency. We studied truly selective primary IgM deficiency according to the diagnostic criteria of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) (true sIgMdef) by reviewing the literature (261 patients with primary decreased serum-IgM in 46 papers) and analysing retrospectively all patients with decreased serum-IgM in a large teaching hospital in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands [1 July 2005-23 March 2016; n = 8049 IgM < 0·4 g/l; n = 2064 solitary (IgG+IgA normal/IgM < age-matched reference)]. A total of 359 of 2064 (17%) cases from our cohort had primary isolated decreased serum-IgM, proven persistent in 45 of 359 (13%) cases; their medical charts were reviewed. Our main finding is that true sIgMdef is probably very rare. Only six of 261 (2%) literature cases and three of 45 (7%) cases from our cohort fulfilled the ESID criteria completely; 63 of 261 (24%) literature cases also had other immunological abnormalities and fulfilled the criteria for unclassified antibody deficiencies (unPAD) instead. The diagnosis was often uncertain (possible sIgMdef): data on IgG subclasses and/or vaccination responses were lacking in 192 of 261 (74%) literature cases and 42 of 45 (93%) cases from our cohort. Our results also illustrate the clinical challenge of determining the relevance of a serum sample with decreased IgM; a larger cohort of true sIgMdef patients is needed to explore fully its clinical consequences. The ESID online Registry would be a useful tool for this. © 2017 British Society for Immunology.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasma-specific antibodies in patients suspected to have active toxoplasmosis: A cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Eskandarian, Abbas Ali; Jafarnezghad, Gholam-Abbas; Akbari, Mojtaba

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and distribution of anti-toxoplasma-specific IgM and IgG tantibodies in patients suspected to have toxoplasmosis and investigate for any association between IgM and IgG antibodies and some toxoplasmosis risk factors as well. In a comparative cross-sectional study, 70 patients suspected to had active toxoplasmosis and 30 control volunteers, who gave informed consent, entered the study. In each group, patient age, sex, signs of appearance, education level, residency status (urban / rural), occupation, frequency of toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM antibodies, abortion history, and some risk factors (Direct cat exposure, Occupational exposure to raw meat, and Raw vegetable consumption) were recorded. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (EUROIMMUN(®), United Kingdom) were used for the evaluation of anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies according to the manufacturer's instructions. All analyses were done using SPSS-20. The frequency of toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM antibodies like: Direct cat exposures, Occupational exposure to raw meat, and Raw vegetable consumption were not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). The history of previous abortions in women in the toxoplasmosis-suspected group was significantly higher than that in the controls (31.4% versus 6.7%; P = 0.009). The frequency of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in toxoplasmosis suspected in the toxoplasmosis and control groups was not statistically significant.

Persistent Lymphadenopathy due to IgG4-Related Disease

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

worsened, she was referred to Infectious Disease who entertained a broad differential including Kikuchi’s syndrome, Epstein - Barr virus (EBV...anti-Smith; EBV = Epstein - Barr virus , CMV: cytomegalovirus, HBs Ag = hepatitis B surface antigen, and HBc Ab: hepatitis B core antibody IgG, HBs Ab...plasmosis, HIV, and mycobacterium), lymphoma/leukemia, metastatic neoplasia, systemic lupus erythematous, Castle- man’s disease , autoimmune

Genetics Home Reference: autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome

MedlinePlus

... binding domain of STAT3 cause hyper-IgE syndrome. Nature. 2007 Aug 30;448(7157):1058-62. Epub 2007 Aug 5. Citation on PubMed Renner ED, Torgerson TR, Rylaarsdam S, Añover-Sombke S, Golob K, LaFlam T, Zhu Q, Ochs HD. STAT3 mutation in the original patient with Job's syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2007 Oct 18; ...

Levels of salivary stress markers in patients with anxiety about halitosis.

PubMed

Fukui, Makoto; Hinode, Daisuke; Yokoyama, Masaaki; Yoshioka, Masami; Kataoka, Kosuke; Ito, Hiro-O

2010-11-01

To investigate the relationship between salivary stress markers and mental stress states in patients complaining of oral malodour. The utility of the salivary stress markers in assessment of mental conditions of those patients was also investigated. The study population included 74 patients, aged 20-59 years, who complained of oral malodour and were referred to the Breath Odor Clinic at Tokushima University Hospital. Patients were classified into two groups, genuine halitosis (GH) and psychosomatic halitosis (PH), according to the results of organoleptic rating measurement. All patients were subjected to examination by the Cornell Medical Index (CMI) Health Questionnaire. Resting saliva was collected and levels of salivary IgA, cortisol and chromogranin A were determined by ELISA. Twenty-three volunteers not complaining of halitosis were included as the control group. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney's U-test were used for statistical analysis. A significant increase was observed in the concentrations of salivary cortisol in the PH group as compared with GH and control groups (p<0.05). Concentrations of IgA and chromogranin A in saliva were not significantly different among the three groups. In addition, higher salivary cortisol concentrations were found in CMI scale III and IV (tendency towards neurosis) than in scale I and II (normal) (p<0.05). Since salivary cortisol reflects a status of chronic stress condition, psychosomatic halitosis might be closely related to this state of chronic stress. Determination of cortisol levels in saliva may provide useful information for evaluating the mental status of patients complaining of halitosis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Resolution of an immunodiagnostic dilemma: heavy chain chimeric antibodies for species in which plasmocytomas are unknown.

PubMed

Butler, J E; Wertz, N; Sun, X-Z; Lunney, J K; Muyldermans, S

2013-01-01

The immunoglobulin (Ig) genes of many vertebrates have been characterized but IgG subclasses, IgD and IgE proteins are only available for three species in which plasmacytomas occur. This creates a major problem in the production and specificity verification of diagnostic anti-Ig reagents for the vast majority of mammals. We describe a novel solution using the swine system with its eleven different variants of IgG. It involves the in vitro synthesis of chimeric porcine-camelid heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs) that do not require light chains and therefore only a single transfection vector. The expressed chimeric HCAbs are comprised of the camelid VHH domain encoding specificity for lysozyme and the hinge, CH2 and CH3 domains of the various porcine IgGs. These HCAb retain their antigenic integrity and their ability to recognize lysozyme. The engineered specificity assures that these HCAb can be immobilized in native configuration when used for testing the specificity of anti-swine IgG antibodies. Comparative data to illustrate the importance of this point are provided. These are now available for use in hybridoma selection and as reference standards for evaluating the specificity of currently available anti-swine IgG antibodies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Doug Blankenship

Natural fracture data from wells 33-7, 33A-7,52A-7, 52B-7 and 83-11 at West Flank. Fracture orientations were determined from image logs of these wells (see accompanying submissions). Data files contain depth, apparent (in wellbore reference frame) and true (in geographic reference frame) azimuth and dip, respectively.

On Translators' Cultural Frame of Functionist Reference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fu, Zhiyi

2009-01-01

A deep cognition with translators' cultural frame of functionist reference can help instructors and teachers adjust and extend patterns and schemes of translation and generate the optimal classroom conditions for acquisition of the target language. The author of the paper, in the perspectives of motivational, cognitive and communicative…

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in rural Durango, Mexico.

PubMed

Alvarado-Esquivel, C; Torres-Castorena, A; Liesenfeld, O; García-López, C R; Estrada-Martínez, S; Sifuentes-Alvarez, A; Marsal-Hernández, J F; Esquivel-Cruz, R; Sandoval-Herrera, F; Castañeda, J A; Dubey, J P

2009-04-01

The epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in rural Mexico is largely unknown. The seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in 439 pregnant women from 9 communities in rural Durango State, Mexico was investigated. Using commercial enzyme-linked immunoassays, sera were tested for T. gondii IgG, IgM, and avidity antibodies. Prevalences of T. gondii IgG antibodies in the communities varied from 0% to 20%. Overall, 36 (8.2%) of the 439 women had IgG T. gondii antibodies. Ten (2.3%) women had also T. gondii IgM antibodies; IgG avidity was high in all IgM-positive women, suggesting chronic infection. None of the women, however, had delivered a known T. gondii-infected child. The seroprevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in women from low socio-economic conditions (14%) than in those with higher socio-economic status (6.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was associated with soil floors at home (adjusted OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.12-7.49). This is the first epidemiological study of T. gondii infection in pregnant women in rural Mexico.

Analysis of Site Position Time Series Derived From Space Geodetic Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angermann, D.; Meisel, B.; Kruegel, M.; Tesmer, V.; Miller, R.; Drewes, H.

2003-12-01

This presentation deals with the analysis of station coordinate time series obtained from VLBI, SLR, GPS and DORIS solutions. We also present time series for the origin and scale derived from these solutions and discuss their contribution to the realization of the terrestrial reference frame. For these investigations we used SLR and VLBI solutions computed at DGFI with the software systems DOGS (SLR) and OCCAM (VLBI). The GPS and DORIS time series were obtained from weekly station coordinates solutions provided by the IGS, and from the joint DORIS analysis center (IGN-JPL). We analysed the time series with respect to various aspects, such as non-linear motions, periodic signals and systematic differences (biases). A major focus is on a comparison of the results at co-location sites in order to identify technique- and/or solution related problems. This may also help to separate and quantify possible effects, and to understand the origin of still existing discrepancies. Technique-related systematic effects (biases) should be reduced to the highest possible extent, before using the space geodetic solutions for a geophysical interpretation of seasonal signals in site position time series.

High quality human immunoglobulin G purified from Cohn fractions by liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Tanaka, K; Sawatani, E; Dias, G A; Shigueoka, E M; Campos, T C; Nakao, H C; Arashiro, F

2000-01-01

In order to obtain intravenous immunoglobulin G (iv IgG) of high quality from F-I+II+III or F-II+III pastes prepared by the Cohn method, we developed a chromatography process using ion exchange gels, Q-Sepharose FF and CM-Sepharose FF, and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. Viral inactivation was performed by incubating the preparation with pepsin at pH 4.0 at 35 degrees C for 18 h. The characteristics of 28 batches produced by us were: yield 4.3 +/- 0.2 g/l plasma, i.e., a recovery of 39.1 +/- 1.8%; IgG subclasses distribution: IgG1 = 58.4%, IgG2 = 34.8%, IgG3 = 4.5% and IgG4 = 2. 3%; IgG size distribution was 98.4% monomers, 1.2% dimers and 0.4% polymers and protein aggregates; anticomplement activity was less than 0.5 CH50/mg IgG, and prekallikrein activator activity (PKA) was less than 5 IU/ml. These characteristics satisfied the requirements of the European Pharmacopoea edition, and the regulations of the Brazilian Health Ministry (M.S. Portaria No. 2, 30/10/1998).

Reference Frames and 3-D Shape Perception of Pictured Objects: On Verticality and Viewpoint-From-Above

PubMed Central

van Doorn, Andrea J.; Wagemans, Johan

2016-01-01

Research on the influence of reference frames has generally focused on visual phenomena such as the oblique effect, the subjective visual vertical, the perceptual upright, and ambiguous figures. Another line of research concerns mental rotation studies in which participants had to discriminate between familiar or previously seen 2-D figures or pictures of 3-D objects and their rotated versions. In the present study, we disentangled the influence of the environmental and the viewer-centered reference frame, as classically done, by comparing the performances obtained in various picture and participant orientations. However, this time, the performance is the pictorial relief: the probed 3-D shape percept of the depicted object reconstructed from the local attitude settings of the participant. Comparisons between the pictorial reliefs based on different picture and participant orientations led to two major findings. First, in general, the pictorial reliefs were highly similar if the orientation of the depicted object was vertical with regard to the environmental or the viewer-centered reference frame. Second, a viewpoint-from-above interpretation could almost completely account for the shears occurring between the pictorial reliefs. More specifically, the shears could largely be considered as combinations of slants generated from the viewpoint-from-above, which was determined by the environmental as well as by the viewer-centered reference frame. PMID:27433329

Ipsilateral wrist-ankle movements in the sagittal plane encoded in extrinsic reference frame.

PubMed

Muraoka, Tetsuro; Ishida, Yuki; Obu, Takashi; Crawshaw, Larry; Kanosue, Kazuyuki

2013-04-01

When performing oscillatory movements of two joints in the sagittal plane, there is a directional constraint for performing such movements. Previous studies could not distinguish whether the directional constraint reflected movement direction encoded in the extrinsic (outside the body) reference frame or in the intrinsic (the participants' torso/head) reference frame since participants performed coordinated movements in a sitting position where the torso/head was stationary relative to the external world. In order to discern the reference frame in the present study, participants performed paced oscillatory movements of the ipsilateral wrist and ankle in the sagittal plane in a standing position so that the torso/head moved relative to the external world. The coordinated movements were performed in one of two modes of coordination, moving the hand upward concomitant with either ankle plantarflexion or ankle dorsiflexion. The same directional mode relative to extrinsic space was more stable and accurate as compared with the opposite directional mode. When forearm position was changed from the pronated position to the supinated position, similar results were obtained, indicating that the results were independent of a particular coupling of muscles. These findings suggest that the directional constraint on ipsilateral joints movements in the sagittal plane reflects movement direction encoded in the extrinsic reference frame. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

Flying over uneven moving terrain based on optic-flow cues without any need for reference frames or accelerometers.

PubMed

Expert, Fabien; Ruffier, Franck

2015-02-26

Two bio-inspired guidance principles involving no reference frame are presented here and were implemented in a rotorcraft, which was equipped with panoramic optic flow (OF) sensors but (as in flying insects) no accelerometer. To test these two guidance principles, we built a tethered tandem rotorcraft called BeeRotor (80 grams), which was tested flying along a high-roofed tunnel. The aerial robot adjusts its pitch and hence its speed, hugs the ground and lands safely without any need for an inertial reference frame. The rotorcraft's altitude and forward speed are adjusted via two OF regulators piloting the lift and the pitch angle on the basis of the common-mode and differential rotor speeds, respectively. The robot equipped with two wide-field OF sensors was tested in order to assess the performances of the following two systems of guidance involving no inertial reference frame: (i) a system with a fixed eye orientation based on the curved artificial compound eye (CurvACE) sensor, and (ii) an active system of reorientation based on a quasi-panoramic eye which constantly realigns its gaze, keeping it parallel to the nearest surface followed. Safe automatic terrain following and landing were obtained with CurvACE under dim light to daylight conditions and the active eye-reorientation system over rugged, changing terrain, without any need for an inertial reference frame.

FRAME, animal experimentation and the Three Rs: past, present and future.

PubMed

Balls, Michael

2009-12-01

At the opening of a meeting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique, by W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch, and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of FRAME, some comments on the early days of the Charity are made, with particular reference to the special contributions made by its founder-Chairman, Dorothy Hegarty, and the author's own appointment as a Trustee, and later as Chairman. Reference is made to some key events and successes, and especially to the importance of FRAME's move from London to Nottingham, and the establishment of an ongoing collaboration with the University of Nottingham, including the setting-up of the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory. 2009 FRAME.

A small subgroup of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with IgG4-related disease.

PubMed

Jokisch, Friedrich; Kleinlein, Irene; Haller, Bernhard; Seehaus, Tanja; Fuerst, Heinrich; Kremer, Marcus

2016-03-01

IgG4-related disease is a newly identified syndrome characterized by high serum IgG4 levels and increased IgG4-positive plasma cells in involved organs. The incidence of IgG4-related thyroiditis in the Caucasian population of Europe is unknown. We investigated formalin-fixed thyroid gland samples of 216 patients (191 Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 5 Riedel's thyroiditis, and 20 goiters, as controls), morphologically, and immunohistochemically. Cases were divided into two groups: IgG4-related Hashimoto's thyroiditis (24 cases) together with Riedel thyroiditis (1 case) and 171 non-IgG4-related thyroiditis. Compared to the non-IgG4-related cases, IgG4-related thyroiditis showed a higher IgG4/IgG ratio (0.6 vs. 0.1, p < 0.0001), a higher median IgG4 count (45.2 vs. 6.2, p < 0.0001), an association with younger age (42.1 vs. 48.1 years, p = 0.036), and a lower female-to-male ratio (11:1 vs. 17.5:1). Fibrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis was diagnosed in 23 of the 24 IgG4-related cases (96 %) and in 13 of 167 (18 %, p > 0.001) non-IgG4-related cases. The single case of IgG4-related Riedel's thyroiditis also showed a higher median IgG4 plasma cell count (56.3 vs. 14.3) and a higher IgG4/IgG ratio (0.5 vs. 0.2) than the four cases of non-IgG4-related Riedel's thyroiditis. Our data suggests the incidence of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) of the thyroid gland in Europe is considerably lower than that observed in other studies. A significant elevation of IgG4-positive plasma cells was only found in a small group of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and then accompanied by intense fibrosis, indicating an association with IgG4-RD. Morphologically, IgG4-RD of the thyroid gland differs from that in other organ systems, exhibiting a dense fibrosis without intense eosinophilia or obliterative phlebitis.

Low pretransplant IgA level is associated with early post-lung transplant seromucous infection.

PubMed

Murthy, Sudish C; Avery, Robin K; Budev, Marie; Gupta, Sandeep; Pettersson, Gösta B; Nowicki, Edward R; Mehta, Atul; Chapman, Jeffrey T; Rajeswaran, Jeevanantham; Blackstone, Eugene H

2018-04-13

Infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Immunoglobulins are part of both seromucous (IgA) and serum (IgG) infection defense mechanisms. We therefore hypothesized that lower pretransplant IgA levels would be associated with more early post-lung transplant seromucous infections and greater mortality independent of IgG. From January 2000 to July 2010, 538 patients undergoing primary lung transplantation had pretransplant IgA (n = 429) and IgG (n = 488) measured as a clinical routine. Median IgA was 200 mg·dL -1 (2% < 70 mg·dL -1 , lower limit of normal); median IgG was 970 mg·dL -1 (5% < 600 mg·dL -1 ). Intensive microbiology review was used to categorize infections and their causative organisms within the first posttransplant year. In total, 397 seromucous infections were observed in 247 patients, most bacterial. Although IgA and IgG were moderately correlated (r = 0.5, P < .0001), low pretransplant IgA was a strong risk factor (P = .01) for seromucous infections, but pretransplant IgG was not (P ≥ .6). As pretransplant IgA levels fell below 200 mg·dL -1 , the risk of these posttransplant infections rose nearly linearly. Lower pretransplant levels of IgA were associated with greater posttransplant mortality to end of follow-up (P = .004), but pretransplant IgG was not (P ≥ .3). Low levels of preoperative IgA, an important immunoglobulin involved in mucosal immunologic defense, but not IgG, are associated with seromucous infections in the year after lung transplantation and increased follow-up mortality. It would appear prudent to identify patients with relative IgA deficiency at listing and to increase vigilance of monitoring for, and prophylaxis against, seromucous infection in this high-risk population. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

GPS determined eastward Sundaland motion with respect to Eurasia confirmed by earthquakes slip vectors at Sunda and Philippine trenches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamot-Rooke, N.; Le Pichon, X.

1999-12-01

GPS measurements acquired over Southeast Asia in 1994 and 1996 in the framework of the GEODYSSEA program revealed that a large piece of continental lithosphere comprising the Indochina Peninsula, Sunda shelf and part of Indonesia behaves as a rigid `Sundaland' platelet. A direct adjustment of velocity vectors obtained in a Eurasian frame of reference shows that Sundaland block is rotating clockwise with respect to Eurasia around a pole of rotation located south of Australia. We present here an additional check of Sundaland motion that uses earthquakes slip vectors at Sunda and Philippine trenches. Seven sites of the GEODYSSEA network are close to the trenches and not separated from them by large active faults (two at Sumatra Trench, three at Java Trench and two at the Philippine Trench). The difference between the vector at the station and the adjacent subducting plate vector defines the relative subduction motion and should thus be aligned with the subduction earthquake slip vectors. We first derive a frame-free solution that minimizes the upper plate (or Sundaland) motion. When corrected for Australia-Eurasia and Philippines-Eurasia NUVEL1-A motion, the misfit between GPS and slip vectors azimuths is significant at 95% confidence, indicating that the upper plate does not belong to Eurasia. We then examine the range of solutions compatible with the slip vectors azimuths and conclude that the minimum velocity of Sundaland is a uniform 7-10 mm/a eastward velocity. However, introducing the additional constraint of the fit of the GEODYSSEA sites with the Australian IGS reference ones, or tie with the NTUS Singapore station, leads to a much narrower range of solutions. We conclude that Sundaland has an eastward velocity of about 10 mm/a on its southern boundary increasing to 16-18 mm/a on its northern boundary.

[Immunological status of the pediatric patient who has undergone heart surgery].

PubMed

Valenzuela Flores, A; Wakida, G; Limón Rojas, A; Obregón, C; Orihuela, O; Romero, C

1995-01-01

Communication of results a study the effect of open and closed-heart surgery in the immune system of infants and children. Data collected 24 hrs before anesthesia and surgery and five days after surgery. Operating room and pediatric intensive care of Hospital Central de Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) in the South, Mexico City. Children undergoing surgery for correction of congenital heart disease (age 16 months to 14 years). A total of 16 patients. increased neutrophil counts with luymphopenia in both groups (p < 0.05), serum levels of the complement components C3 and C4 were higher after surgery, serum immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM were higher after surgery, serum immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM were decreased form preoperative levels (p < 0.01). Two patients had infection in the surgical wound. The effect of open and closed-heart surgery produced transitory immunodeficiency with recuperation of his immune systems and 5th day after surgery.

The distribution of SIgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells in the palatine tonsils of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) of different ages.

PubMed

Jia, Shuai; Zhang, Wangdong; Tan, Xuefen; He, Wanhong; Wang, Wenhui

2017-05-01

Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are the major effector cells of mucosal immunity, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) ASCs are also associated with mucosal immunity. This study aimed to explore the distribution of these 2 ASC populations in the palatine tonsils of Bactrian camels of different ages. Eighteen Bactrian camels were divided into the following three age groups: pubertal (3-5 years), middle-aged (6-16 years) and old (17-20 years). SIgA and IgG ASCs within different sites of the palatine tonsils were observed through histological and immunohistochemical techniques, and their densities were analyzed using statistical methods. The results from all age groups showed that both the SIgA and IgG ASCs were primarily distributed in the subepithelial compartments of the reticulated crypt epithelium and secondarily distributed in the subepithelial compartments of the stratified surface squamous epithelium, with a few ASCs located in the extrafollicular region. Their densities in these three areas were significantly decreased in turn (P<0.05). However, the densities of SIgA ASCs were significantly higher than IgG ASCs in the same regions (P<0.05), and the densities of both ASC populations decreased with age. The results confirmed that Bactrian camel palatine tonsils are the primary mucosal immune organ producing SIgA ASCs, and the subepithelial compartment of the reticulated crypt epithelium is the primary region for the colonization and functional activity of SIgA and IgG ASCs.

Efficacy of mealworm and super mealworm larvae probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics challenged orally with Salmonella and E. coli infection in broiler chicks.

PubMed

Islam, Md Manirul; Yang, Chul-Ju

2017-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate dry mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) (DMLP) and super mealworm (Zophobas morio) (DSMLP) larvae probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in broiler chicks. A total of 240 one-day old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments consisting of ten replications with eight birds each in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were, (i) control (basal diet), (ii) 0.4% DMLP (basal diet + 0.4% DMLP, DM basis), and (iii) 0.4% DSMLP (basal diet + 0.4% DSMLP, DM basis). On day one, 1 mL of mixed broth agar consisting of 2.4 × 10 7  cfu Salmonella enteritidis KCTC 2021 and 3.7 × 10 7  cfu Escherichia coli KCTC 2571 was injected orally into each chick. After one week, growth performance, immunity, mortality, internal organ weight, and cecal and fecal microbiota were investigated. Average daily gain ( ADG: ) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) (g intake/g gain per bird) decreased in response to DMLP and DSMLP supplementation (P < 0.05). Additionally, mortality decreased (P < 0.05), while IgG and IgA levels increased following DMLP and DSMLP supplementation (P < 0.05). Internal organs remained unaffected, except for a reduced bursa of Fabricius weight in DSMLP supplementation (P < 0.05). Cecal E. coli and Salmonella contents were reduced in DMLP and DSMLP supplementation (P < 0.05), while fecal microbiota contents and pH of cecal and fecal digesta remained unaffected. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with DMLP and DSMLP increased ADG and IgG and IgA levels, while reducing FCR, mortality and cecal E. coli and Salmonella spp. Thus, DMLP and DSMLP can be utilized as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

The effect of immunocastration and a diet based on granulated barley on growth performance and carcass, meat and fat quality in heavy gilts.

PubMed

Daza, A; Latorre, M A; Olivares, A; López-Bote, C J

2014-03-01

A total of 48 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) gilts of 33.2 kg BW were used to investigate the influence of immunocastration and diet on growth performance and carcass, meat and fat quality. Four treatments were arranged factorially (2 × 2) with two sexes (immunocastrated gilts: IG v. entire gilts: EG) and two dietary treatments (a commercial feedstuff as control v. granulated barley as a single major ingredient) provided during the finishing period (from 103 to 126 kg BW). There were four replicates of three pigs per treatment. At the end of the trial, the IGs grew faster (P<0.05) and ate more feed (P<0.05) than the EGs. Carcasses from the IGs had thicker backfat depth than those from the EGs (P<0.01) and carried out a lower percentage of rejected carcasses (P<0.05) at slaughterhouse owing to lack of fat. Meat from the IGs tended to have higher intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle than that from the EGs (P=0.09). In addition, immunocastration increased the total saturated fatty-acid proportion in subcutaneous fat and IMF (P<0.001) and decreased the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) percentages in subcutaneous backfat (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively) and in IMF (P<0.01 and P=0.06, respectively). The use of a diet based on granulated barley during the finishing period had no effect on growth performance but tended to increase IMF content in the LT muscle (P<0.06), and increased MUFA (P<0.05) and decreased PUFA (P<0.01) proportions in omental fat. It is concluded that immunocastration of gilts intended for dry-cured ham industry improved some aspects of growth performance and carcass and meat quality, whereas granulated barley had scarce effect on productive traits and fatty-acid profile but tended to improve IMF content.

Serum under-O-glycosylated IgA1 level is not correlated with glomerular IgA deposition based upon heterogeneity in the composition of immune complexes in IgA nephropathy.

PubMed

Satake, Kenji; Shimizu, Yoshio; Sasaki, Yohei; Yanagawa, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Suzuki, Yusuke; Horikoshi, Satoshi; Honda, Shinichiro; Shibuya, Kazuko; Shibuya, Akira; Tomino, Yasuhiko

2014-06-13

Although serum under-O-glycosylated IgA1 in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients may deposit more preferentially in glomeruli than heavily-O-glycosylated IgA1, the relationship between the glomerular IgA deposition level and the O-glycan profiles of serum IgA1 remains obscure. Serum total under-O-glycosylated IgA1 levels were quantified in 32 IgAN patients by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Helix aspersa (HAA) lectin. Serum under-O-glycosylated polymeric IgA1 (pIgA1) was selectively measured by an original method using mouse Fcα/μ receptor (mFcα/μR) transfectant and flow cytometry (pIgA1 trap). The percentage area of IgA deposition in the whole glomeruli (Area-IgA) was quantified by image analysis on the immunofluorescence of biopsy specimens. Correlations were assessed between the Area-IgA and data from HAA-ELISA or pIgA1 trap. The relationships between clinical parameters and data from HAA-ELISA or pIgA1 trap were analyzed by data mining approach. While the under-O-glycosylated IgA1 levels in IgAN patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls when measured (p<0.05), there was no significant difference in under-O-glycosylated pIgA1. There was neither a correlation observed between the data from HAA-ELISA and pIgA1 trap (r2=0.09) in the IgAN patients (r2=0.005) nor was there a linear correlation between Area-IgA and data from HAA-ELISA or the pIgA1 trap (r2=0.005, 0.03, respectively). Contour plots of clinical parameters versus data from HAA-ELISA and the pIgA1 trap revealed that patients with a high score in each clinical parameter concentrated in specific areas, showing that patients with specific O-glycan profiles of IgA1 have similar clinical parameters. A decision tree analysis suggested that dominant immune complexes in glomeruli were consisted of: 1) IgA1-IgG and complements, 2) pIgA1 and complements, and 3) monomeric IgA1-IgA or aggregated monomeric IgA1. Serum under-O-glycosylated IgA1 levels are not correlated with glomerular IgA deposition based upon heterogeneity in the composition of glomerular immune complexes in IgAN patients.

Spontaneous remission of IgA nephropathy associated with resolution of hepatitis A.

PubMed

Han, Seung Hyeok; Kang, Ea Wha; Kie, Jeong Hae; Yoo, Tae Hyun; Choi, Kyu Hun; Han, Dae-Suk; Kang, Shin-Wook

2010-12-01

Although most cases of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy are idiopathic, several diseases are associated with IgA nephropathy. Of these, chronic liver disease resulting from hepatitis B or C virus infection has been reported as a secondary cause of IgA nephropathy. Recently, hepatitis A virus (HAV)-associated kidney disease has received attention because acute kidney injury can occur as a complication of HAV infection, generally caused by acute tubular necrosis or interstitial nephritis. However, unlike IgA nephropathy related to hepatitis B or C, HAV-associated IgA nephropathy is extremely rare and long-term outcomes have not been reported yet. We describe a case of spontaneous remission of IgA nephropathy associated with serologically documented HAV infection. The patient presented with microhematuria and moderate proteinuria, but acute kidney injury did not occur during active hepatic injury. Kidney biopsy specimens clearly showed mesangial IgA deposits with intact tubules and interstitium. Serum liver enzyme levels returned to reference values 1 month after the onset of acute hepatitis, but urinary protein excretion remained increased. Approximately 1 year later, urinary abnormalities were resolved and a second biopsy showed no mesangial IgA deposits. These findings suggest that IgA nephropathy can transiently accompany HAV infection, but may not progress to chronic glomerulonephritis after recovery from HAV. Copyright © 2010 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevention of Streptococcus mutans colonization by salivary IgA antibodies.

PubMed

Gregory, R L; Michalek, S M; Filler, S J; Mestecky, J; McGhee, J R

1985-01-01

The levels of salivary and serum IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies to the seven serotypes (a-g) of Streptococcus mutans were established in 12 laboratory volunteers using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Salivary IgA antibody levels to the serotype c organism were significantly lower (P less than 0.005) than antibody levels to the other six serotypes of S. mutans. Similar results were found with a purified S. mutans serotype c carbohydrate. Serum IgG and IgM antibody titers to the serotype c whole cells were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than to four other S. mutans serotypes (a, e-g). The abilities of S. mutans serotypes c and d to colonize molar tooth surfaces were examined in eight volunteers. S. mutans serotype d was cleared from the tooth surfaces within 24 hr of challenge, whereas S. mutans serotype c was detected in six of the eight volunteers after 2 weeks and in three of eight after 3 weeks. These results provide additional evidence for the role of salivary IgA antibodies in regulating S. mutans infection and suggest that the low levels of salivary IgA antibodies to S. mutans serotype c may contribute to the predominance of this serotype in the U.S. population.

Occupational asthma and IgE sensitization to grain dust.

PubMed Central

Park, H. S.; Nahm, D. H.; Suh, C. H.; Kwon, O. Y.; Kim, K. S.; Lee, S. W.; Chung, H. K.

1998-01-01

To evaluate type I hypersensitivity to grain dust (GD), its prevalence and relationship to respiratory dysfunction, we studied clinical and immunologic features, including skin prick tests (SPT), serum specific IgE, and bronchoprovocation tests of 43 employees working in the animal feed industry. To further characterize IgE-mediated reaction, SDS-PAGE and electroblot studies were performed. Our survey revealed that 15 (34.9%) subjects had work-related skin response (> or =2+ of A/H ratio) to GD, thirteen (30.2%) had high specific IgE antibody against GD. The specific IgE antibody was detected more frequently in symptomatic workers (40%) than in asymptomatic workers (11%). Significant association was found between specific IgE antibody and atopy or smoking (p<0.05). The ELISA inhibition test of GD revealed significant inhibitions by GD extract and minimal inhibitions by the house dust mite, storage mite and corn dust. Immunoblot analysis showed 8 IgE binding components within GD ranging from 13.5 to 142.5 kDa. Two bands (13.5, 33 kDa) were bound to the IgE from more than 50% of the 14 sera tested. In conclusion, these findings suggest that GD inhalation could induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers. PMID:9681805

Novel hydrophobic interaction chromatography matrix for specific isolation and simple elution of immunoglobulins (A, G, and M) from porcine serum.

PubMed

Ramos-Clamont, Gabriela; del Carmen Candia-Plata, Maria; Zamudio, Roberto Guzman; Vazquez-Moreno, Luz

2006-07-28

A new, highly acetylated agarose matrix (HA-Sepharose) was synthesized and used as a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) medium to specifically isolate immunoglobulins (Igs) from porcine serum. Recovery of Igs was in a single step and under mild conditions. HA-Sepharose adsorption was studied in terms of salt, gel acetylation time, flow rate, and protein concentration on the loading buffer. At 0.5 M Na2SO4, control with unmodified Sepharose retained a small fraction (0.70 mg/mL of matrix) of serum albumin. On the contrary HA-Sepharose retained primary Igs (IgA, IgG, and 53% of IgM) as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), quantitative radial immunodiffusion and immunodetection. At a flow rate of 1 mL/min, the HA-Sepharose column capacity (3.9 mg/mL of matrix) was similar to the reported capacity for the commercial thiophilic T-gel. However, HA-Sepharose showed higher recovery of IgA and IgM than the T-gel in the same salt conditions, clearly an advantage in terms of immunoglobulin recovery strategies. Acetylation changed the matrix adsorption from albumin to immunoglobulins; thus, the highly acetylated gel rendered recoveries of Igs from unprocessed porcine serum practically free of albumin.

Identification, cloning, and characterization of a major cat flea salivary allergen (Cte f 1).

PubMed

McDermott, M J; Weber, E; Hunter, S; Stedman, K E; Best, E; Frank, G R; Wang, R; Escudero, J; Kuner, J; McCall, C

2000-05-01

An 18 kDa protein isolated from saliva of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, elicits a positive intradermal skin test (IDST) in 100 and 80% of experimental and clinical flea allergic dogs, respectively. Using solid-phase enzyme-linked immuno assay (ELISA), this protein detected IgE in 100 and 80% of experimental and clinical flea allergic dogs, respectively. A cDNA (pFSI) encoding a full-length Cte f 1 protein was isolated from a C. felis salivary gland cDNA library, using a combination of PCR and hybridization screening. This cDNA is 658 bp in length, and contains an open reading frame of 528 bp. The open reading frame encodes a protein of 176 amino acids, consisting of an 18 amino acid signal sequence and a 158 amino acid mature protein. The calculated molecular weight and pI of the mature protein are 18106 Da and 9.3, respectively. The protein, named Cte f 1, is the first novel major allergen described for canine flea allergy. Recombinant Cte f 1 (rCte f 1) was expressed in Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris and baculovirus infected Trichoplusia ni cells. Approximately, 90% of the rCte f 1 expressed in E. coli accumulated in insoluble inclusion bodies, which could be refolded to a soluble mixture of disulfide isomers with partial IgE binding activity. Small quantities of an apparently correctly refolded form of rCte f 1, which had IgE binding activity equal to the native antigen, was isolated from the soluble fraction of E. coli cells. However, P. pastoris and baculovirus infected insect cells expressed and secreted a fully processed, correctly refolded and fully active form of rCte f 1. Mass spectrometry analysis of the active forms of rCte f 1confirmed that eight intact disulfide bonds were present, matching the number observed in the native allergen. The relative ability of rCte f 1 to bind IgE in the serum of flea allergic animals, produced in these three expression systems, matched that of the native allergen. Competition ELISA demonstrated that approximately 90% of the specific IgE binding to native Cte f 1 could be blocked by the different forms of rCte f 1.

DNA vaccination with a plasmid encoding LACK-TSA fusion against Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice.

PubMed

Maspi, N; Ghaffarifar, F; Sharifi, Z; Dalimi, A; Khademi, S Z

2017-12-01

Vaccination would be the most important strategy for the prevention and elimination of leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to compare the immune responses induced following DNA vaccination with LACK (Leishmania analogue of the receptor kinase C), TSA (Thiol-specific-antioxidant) genes alone or LACK-TSA fusion against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated before and after challenge with Leishmania major (L. major). In addition, the mean lesion size was also measured from 3th week post-infection. All immunized mice showed a partial immunity characterized by higher interferon (IFN)-γ and Immunoglobulin G (IgG2a) levels compared to control groups (p<0.05). IFN-γ/ Interleukin (IL)-4 and IgG2a/IgG1 ratios demonstrated the highest IFN-γ and IgG2a levels in the group receiving LACK-TSA fusion. Mean lesion sizes reduced significantly in all immunized mice compared with control groups at 7th week post-infection (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant reduction in mean lesion size of LACK-TSA and TSA groups than LACK group after challenge (p<0.05). In the present study, DNA immunization promoted Th1 immune response and confirmed the previous observations on immunogenicity of LACK and TSA antigens against CL. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that a bivalent vaccine can induce stronger immune responses and protection against infectious challenge with L. major.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of immunoglobulin D on pathogen challenge and pathogen associated molecular patterns stimulation in freshwater carp, Catla catla.

PubMed

Banerjee, Rajanya; Patel, Bhakti; Basu, Madhubanti; Lenka, Saswati S; Paicha, Mahismita; Samanta, Mrinal; Das, Surajit

2017-10-01

The primordial immunoglobulin class, IgD, was the first non-IgM isotype discovered in teleosts. The crucial roles of IgM and IgZ in imparting systemic and mucosal immunity, respectively, in various fish species have been widely established. However, the putative function of a unique IgD isotype during pathogenic invasions has not been well explored. The present study reports the existence of an IgD ortholog in freshwater carp, Catla catla, and further evaluates its differential expression profile in response to bacterial, parasitic and viral antigenic exposure and pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) stimulation. The IgD of C. catla (CcIgD) cDNA sequence was found to encode 226 amino acids and confirmed homology with heavy chain delta region of Cyprinidae family members. Phylogenetic analysis of CcIgD exhibited greatest similarity with Ctenopharyngodon idella. qRT-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation (P < 0.001) of IgD gene expression in kidney with respect to other tissues at 24 hr post-Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. CcIgD gene expression in skin was enhanced following Streptococcus uberis infection and in blood following Argulus infection and inactivated rhabdoviral antigen stimulation. Further, the treatment of bacterial and viral products (PAMPs) also triggered significant (P < 0.05) increases in CcIgD mRNA expression in kidney. These findings indicate the functional importance of teleost IgD in orchestrating tissue specific neutralization of antigens on stimulation with different pathogens and PAMPs. © 2017 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Increasing Total Serum IgE, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, and Lung Function in Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Gothe, Florian; Kappler, Matthias; Griese, Matthias

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity disorder contributing to lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) and challenging to diagnose. This study analyzed the predictive value of increasing total IgE (t-IgE) levels in a CF cohort alongside with clinical and serologic data. A total of 387 children and young adults were followed from 2000 to 2006 and retrospectively classified into 6 groups. Patients with t-IgE levels < 95th percentile and without specific Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-IgE were classified as "Naïve," those with Af-specific IgE (Af-sIgE) as "Sensitized." Patients with elevated t-IgE at entrance and Af-sIgE were labeled "Former ABPA," and those without, as "High t-IgE." Patients whose t-IgE values started normal and exceeded the 95th percentile during the study were labeled either "ABPA at risk" if Af-sIgE-positive or "Rising t-IgE" if not. Courses of t-IgE over time were divided into episodes with increasing IgE (ΔIgE) and related to pulmonary outcome. A total of 125 patients were classified Naïve (32%), 64 Sensitized (17%), 49 ABPA at risk (13%), 32 Rising t-IgE (8%), 102 Former ABPA (26%), and 15 High t-IgE (4%). A total of 874 ΔIgE episodes were accompanied by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) declines (r = -0.21, P < .0001). Steroid treatment of severest ΔIgE episodes resulted in improved long-term pulmonary outcomes (P < .01). This FEV 1 preservation effect was only detectable if t-IgE levels at least doubled within 3 months and exceeded the 95th age-specific percentile (P < .05). ΔIgE obtained from the course of t-IgE levels may be helpful in diagnosing treatment requiring ABPA and predicts the effect of systemic steroid treatment on pulmonary outcome. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

VLBI-based Products - Naval Oceanography Portal

Science.gov Websites

section Advanced Search... Sections Home Time Earth Orientation Astronomy Meteorology Oceanography Ice You terrestrial reference frames and to predict the variable orientation of the Earth in three-dimensional space antennas that define a VLBI-based Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) and the Earth Orientation Parameters

Limited Aspects of Reality: Frames of Reference in Language Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fulcher, Glenn; Svalberg, Agneta

2013-01-01

Language testers operate within two frames of reference: norm-referenced (NRT) and criterion-referenced testing (CRT). The former underpins the world of large-scale standardized testing that prioritizes variability and comparison. The latter supports substantive score meaning in formative and domain specific assessment. Some claim that the…

Frames of Reference in African Proverbs on Disability.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devlieger, Patrick J.

1999-01-01

Fifty-five proverbs relating to disability were collected from sub-Saharan African countries and analyzed for larger frames of reference of personhood and cosmogony. Themes include warnings against laughing at a disabled person, personhood, existential insecurity, acceptance of what is, and the function and nature of disability. (DB)

Equity and Satisfaction among the Elderly.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carp, Frances M.; And Others

1982-01-01

Compared the contribution of equity to that of aspiration, friends, and typical American as frames-of-reference for current status in predicting domain satisfactions and overall well-being. Results confirmed the relevance of an equity frame-of-reference in accounting for the satisfaction of older people with specific conditions of their lives.…

Understanding Frame-of-Reference Training Success: A Social Learning Theory Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sulsky, Lorne M.; Kline, Theresa J. B.

2007-01-01

Employing the social learning theory (SLT) perspective on training, we analysed the effects of alternative frame-of-reference (FOR) training protocols on various criteria of training effectiveness. Undergraduate participants (N = 65) were randomly assigned to one of four FOR training conditions and a control condition. Training effectiveness was…

Experimental measurement of lattice strain pole figures using synchrotron x rays

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

Miller, M.P.; Bernier, J.V.; Park, J.-S.

This article describes a system for mechanically loading test specimens in situ for the determination of lattice strain pole figures and their evolution in multiphase alloys via powder diffraction. The data from these experiments provide insight into the three-dimensional mechanical response of a polycrystalline aggregate and represent an extremely powerful material model validation tool. Relatively thin (0.5 mm) iron/copper specimens were axially strained using a mechanical loading frame beyond the macroscopic yield strength of the material. The loading was halted at multiple points during the deformation to conduct a diffraction experiment using a 0.5x0.5 mm{sup 2} monochromatic (50 keV) xmore » ray beam. Entire Debye rings of data were collected for multiple lattice planes ({l_brace}hkl{r_brace}'s) in both copper and iron using an online image plate detector. Strain pole figures were constructed by rotating the loading frame about the specimen transverse direction. Ideal powder patterns were superimposed on each image for the purpose of geometric correction. The chosen reference material was cerium (IV) oxide powder, which was spread in a thin layer on the downstream face of the specimen using petroleum jelly to prevent any mechanical coupling. Implementation of the system at the A2 experimental station at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is described. The diffraction moduli measured at CHESS were shown to compare favorably to in situ data from neutron-diffraction experiments conducted on the same alloys.« less

SU-G-BRA-02: Development of a Learning Based Block Matching Algorithm for Ultrasound Tracking in Radiotherapy

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

Shepard, A; Bednarz, B

Purpose: To develop an ultrasound learning-based tracking algorithm with the potential to provide real-time motion traces of anatomy-based fiducials that may aid in the effective delivery of external beam radiation. Methods: The algorithm was developed in Matlab R2015a and consists of two main stages: reference frame selection, and localized block matching. Immediately following frame acquisition, a normalized cross-correlation (NCC) similarity metric is used to determine a reference frame most similar to the current frame from a series of training set images that were acquired during a pretreatment scan. Segmented features in the reference frame provide the basis for the localizedmore » block matching to determine the feature locations in the current frame. The boundary points of the reference frame segmentation are used as the initial locations for the block matching and NCC is used to find the most similar block in the current frame. The best matched block locations in the current frame comprise the updated feature boundary. The algorithm was tested using five features from two sets of ultrasound patient data obtained from MICCAI 2014 CLUST. Due to the lack of a training set associated with the image sequences, the first 200 frames of the image sets were considered a valid training set for preliminary testing, and tracking was performed over the remaining frames. Results: Tracking of the five vessel features resulted in an average tracking error of 1.21 mm relative to predefined annotations. The average analysis rate was 15.7 FPS with analysis for one of the two patients reaching real-time speeds. Computations were performed on an i5-3230M at 2.60 GHz. Conclusion: Preliminary tests show tracking errors comparable with similar algorithms at close to real-time speeds. Extension of the work onto a GPU platform has the potential to achieve real-time performance, making tracking for therapy applications a feasible option. This work is partially funded by NIH grant R01CA190298.« less

Integrated GNSS Attitude Determination and Positioning for Direct Geo-Referencing

PubMed Central

Nadarajah, Nandakumaran; Paffenholz, Jens-André; Teunissen, Peter J. G.

2014-01-01

Direct geo-referencing is an efficient methodology for the fast acquisition of 3D spatial data. It requires the fusion of spatial data acquisition sensors with navigation sensors, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. In this contribution, we consider an integrated GNSS navigation system to provide estimates of the position and attitude (orientation) of a 3D laser scanner. The proposed multi-sensor system (MSS) consists of multiple GNSS antennas rigidly mounted on the frame of a rotating laser scanner and a reference GNSS station with known coordinates. Precise GNSS navigation requires the resolution of the carrier phase ambiguities. The proposed method uses the multivariate constrained integer least-squares (MC-LAMBDA) method for the estimation of rotating frame ambiguities and attitude angles. MC-LAMBDA makes use of the known antenna geometry to strengthen the underlying attitude model and, hence, to enhance the reliability of rotating frame ambiguity resolution and attitude determination. The reliable estimation of rotating frame ambiguities is consequently utilized to enhance the relative positioning of the rotating frame with respect to the reference station. This integrated (array-aided) method improves ambiguity resolution, as well as positioning accuracy between the rotating frame and the reference station. Numerical analyses of GNSS data from a real-data campaign confirm the improved performance of the proposed method over the existing method. In particular, the integrated method yields reliable ambiguity resolution and reduces position standard deviation by a factor of about 0.8, matching the theoretical gain of 3/4 for two antennas on the rotating frame and a single antenna at the reference station. PMID:25036330

Integrated GNSS attitude determination and positioning for direct geo-referencing.

PubMed

Nadarajah, Nandakumaran; Paffenholz, Jens-André; Teunissen, Peter J G

2014-07-17

Direct geo-referencing is an efficient methodology for the fast acquisition of 3D spatial data. It requires the fusion of spatial data acquisition sensors with navigation sensors, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. In this contribution, we consider an integrated GNSS navigation system to provide estimates of the position and attitude (orientation) of a 3D laser scanner. The proposed multi-sensor system (MSS) consists of multiple GNSS antennas rigidly mounted on the frame of a rotating laser scanner and a reference GNSS station with known coordinates. Precise GNSS navigation requires the resolution of the carrier phase ambiguities. The proposed method uses the multivariate constrained integer least-squares (MC-LAMBDA) method for the estimation of rotating frame ambiguities and attitude angles. MC-LAMBDA makes use of the known antenna geometry to strengthen the underlying attitude model and, hence, to enhance the reliability of rotating frame ambiguity resolution and attitude determination. The reliable estimation of rotating frame ambiguities is consequently utilized to enhance the relative positioning of the rotating frame with respect to the reference station. This integrated (array-aided) method improves ambiguity resolution, as well as positioning accuracy between the rotating frame and the reference station. Numerical analyses of GNSS data from a real-data campaign confirm the improved performance of the proposed method over the existing method. In particular, the integrated method yields reliable ambiguity resolution and reduces position standard deviation by a factor of about 0:8, matching the theoretical gain of √ 3/4 for two antennas on the rotating frame and a single antenna at the reference station.

Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid protein indices in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Kirch, D G; Kaufmann, C A; Papadopoulos, N M; Martin, B; Weinberger, D R

1985-10-01

Determinations of albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were performed in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from 24 subjects with schizophrenia. These determinations allowed calculation of two indices, one that is an indicator of integrity of the blood-brain barrier and the other a measure of selective IgG production within the central nervous system (CNS). In comparison with previously determined reference values, 7 of 24 (29%) subjects showed increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and 8 of 24 (33%) demonstrated elevated endogenous CNS IgG production. One of these eight also demonstrated oligoclonal banding on high-resolution protein electrophoresis of the CSF.

Help in the Choice of Automated or Semiautomated Immunoassays for Serological Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis: Evaluation of Nine Immunoassays by the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Villard, O; Cimon, B; L'Ollivier, C; Fricker-Hidalgo, H; Godineau, N; Houze, S; Paris, L; Pelloux, H; Villena, I; Candolfi, E

2016-12-01

Toxoplasmosis, a benign infection, is asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic in over 80% of cases, except in immunocompetent patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis or in immunocompromised patients with opportunistic or congenital toxoplasmosis. Diagnosis is based mainly on serology testing. Thus, we compared the performance of the nine most commonly used commercial automated or semiautomated immunoassays for IgG and IgM Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection, that is, the Advia Centaur, Architect, AxSYM, Elecsys, Enzygnost, Liaison, Platelia, VIDAS, and VIDIA assays. The assays were conducted on four panels of serum samples derived during routine testing from patients with an interfering disease and who exhibited a low IgG antibody level in one of two clinical settings, namely, acute or chronic toxoplasmosis. As a result, IgG sensitivities ranged from 97.1% to 100%, and IgG specificities ranged from 99.5% to 100%. For IgG quantification, strong differences in IgG titers (expressed in IU/ml) were noted depending on the assay used. IgM sensitivities ranged from 65% to 97.9%, and IgM specificities ranged from 92.6% to 100%. For defining the best serological strategies to be implemented, it appears crucial to compare the diagnostic performance of the different tests with respect to their specificity and sensitivity in detecting the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Help in the Choice of Automated or Semiautomated Immunoassays for Serological Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis: Evaluation of Nine Immunoassays by the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis

PubMed Central

Cimon, B.; L'Ollivier, C.; Fricker-Hidalgo, H.; Godineau, N.; Houze, S.; Paris, L.; Pelloux, H.; Villena, I.

2016-01-01

Toxoplasmosis, a benign infection, is asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic in over 80% of cases, except in immunocompetent patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis or in immunocompromised patients with opportunistic or congenital toxoplasmosis. Diagnosis is based mainly on serology testing. Thus, we compared the performance of the nine most commonly used commercial automated or semiautomated immunoassays for IgG and IgM Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection, that is, the Advia Centaur, Architect, AxSYM, Elecsys, Enzygnost, Liaison, Platelia, VIDAS, and VIDIA assays. The assays were conducted on four panels of serum samples derived during routine testing from patients with an interfering disease and who exhibited a low IgG antibody level in one of two clinical settings, namely, acute or chronic toxoplasmosis. As a result, IgG sensitivities ranged from 97.1% to 100%, and IgG specificities ranged from 99.5% to 100%. For IgG quantification, strong differences in IgG titers (expressed in IU/ml) were noted depending on the assay used. IgM sensitivities ranged from 65% to 97.9%, and IgM specificities ranged from 92.6% to 100%. For defining the best serological strategies to be implemented, it appears crucial to compare the diagnostic performance of the different tests with respect to their specificity and sensitivity in detecting the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies. PMID:27733631

Cephalosporin and penicillin cross-reactivity in patients allergic to penicillins.

PubMed

Liu, X-D; Gao, N; Qiao, H-L

2011-03-01

Bata-lactam antibiotics are the most commonly used antibiotics which usually cause serious IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Of all bata-lactam antibiotics, penicillins have so far been the best-studied, but the studies of cephalosporins and their cross-reactivity with penicillins are rare. We sought to evaluate the IgE response in vitro and estimate cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins in patients allergic to penicillins. We studied 87 control subjects and 420 subjects allergic to penicillins. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was performed to detect eight types of specific-penicillin IgE and eleven types of specific-cephalosporin IgE. The cross-reactivity and different molecules recognition by IgE were studied with a radioallergosorbent inhibition test. Of 420 patients allergic to penicillins, 95 patients (22.62%) showed specific-cephalosporin IgE positive, 73 patients (17.38%) showed IgEs positive to both penicillins and cephalosporins. In specific-penicillin IgE positive group, the positive rate of specific-cephalosporin IgE was significantly higher than in specific-penicillin IgE negative group (27.14% vs. 14.57%, p < 0.01). In urticaria group, the positive rate of specific-cephalosporin IgE was significantly higher than in other symptoms group (30.65% vs. 8.11%, p < 0.05). The analysis of drugs which have the same or similar side-chains showed that benzylpenicillanyl-IgE (BPA-IgE), ampicillanyl-IgE (APA-IgE), amoxicillanyl-IgE (AXA-IgE) were respectively related to cephalothanyl-IgE (CLA-IgE), cephalexanyl-IgE (CEXA-IgE), cephalexanyl-IgE (CEXA-IgE)in sera of penicillin-allergic patients we studied, and compared with patients who had negative amoxicillin-IgE, the positive rates of specific-ampicillin IgE and specific-cephalexin IgE were significantly higher in patients who had positive amoxicillin-IgE (14.43% vs. 3.72%, 14.00% vs. 2.96%, p < 0.01). Radioallergosorbent test and radioallergosorbent inhibition test confirmed that both nuclear structure and R1 side-chain contribute to IgE recognition. There exists cross-reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins; patients allergic to several penicillins are more likely to develop allergic reaction to cephalosporins; due to sensitization to the similar structural characteristics (nuclear and R1 side-chain), penicillin-allergic patients may develop cross-allergic reactions with not only first-generation but also third-generation cephalosporins.

Automatic Calibration of an Airborne Imaging System to an Inertial Navigation Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ansar, Adnan I.; Clouse, Daniel S.; McHenry, Michael C.; Zarzhitsky, Dimitri V.; Pagdett, Curtis W.

2013-01-01

This software automatically calibrates a camera or an imaging array to an inertial navigation system (INS) that is rigidly mounted to the array or imager. In effect, it recovers the coordinate frame transformation between the reference frame of the imager and the reference frame of the INS. This innovation can automatically derive the camera-to-INS alignment using image data only. The assumption is that the camera fixates on an area while the aircraft flies on orbit. The system then, fully automatically, solves for the camera orientation in the INS frame. No manual intervention or ground tie point data is required.

[The expression and significance of IgE in anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs].

PubMed

Gong, Zhi-qiang; Xiao, Feng; Feng, Qiong; Xu, Xiao-ming; Zheng, Jian

2006-02-01

To seek the pathomorphological targets for forensic expertise in anaphylactic shock. The expression of IgE in hearts, lungs, livers, spleens, kidneys, gastrics, intestinals, tracheas and tonsils of anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs was observed at 0, 6, 12 h and 24 h respectively by tissue chip S-P immuno-histochemical method. Positive expression of IgE presented in lungs and tracheas in the test group with the peak at 0 hour and it declined as time advanced, and also there were significant differences at different times (P<0.05). The immuno-histochemical method of detecting the expression of IgE in lungs, tracheas and spleens can be supposed to be the pathomorphological targets for forensic expertise in anaphylactic shock. The weakening of the positive expression of IgE in lungs and tracheas as the time advanced suggested that in this kind of case the autopsy should be arried out as early as possible.

Varieties of virtualization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, Stephen R.

1991-01-01

Natural environments have a content, i.e., the objects in them; a geometry, i.e., a pattern of rules for positioning and displacing the objects; and a dynamics, i.e., a system of rules describing the effects of forces acting on the objects. Human interaction with most common natural environments has been optimized by centuries of evolution. Virtual environments created through the human-computer interface similarly have a content, geometry, and dynamics, but the arbitrary character of the computer simulation creating them does not insure that human interaction with these virtual environments will be natural. The interaction, indeed, could be supernatural but it also could be impossible. An important determinant of the comprehensibility of a virtual environment is the correspondence between the environmental frames of reference and those associated with the control of environmental objects. The effects of rotation and displacement of control frames of reference with respect to corresponding environmental references differ depending upon whether perceptual judgement or manual tracking performance is measured. The perceptual effects of frame of reference displacement may be analyzed in terms of distortions in the process of virtualizing the synthetic environment space. The effects of frame of reference displacement and rotation have been studied by asking subjects to estimate exocentric direction in a virtual space.

Electrooptic converter to control linear displacements of the large structures of the buildings and facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilev, Aleksandr S.; Konyakhin, Igor A.; Timofeev, Alexander N.; Lashmanov, Oleg U.; Molev, Fedor V.

2015-05-01

The paper analyzes the construction matters and metrological parameters of the electrooptic converter to control linear displacements of the large structures of the buildings and facilities. The converter includes the base module, the processing module and a set of the reference marks. The base module is the main unit of the system, it includes the receiving optical system and the CMOS photodetector array that realizes the instrument coordinate system that controls the mark coordinates in the space. The methods of the frame-to-frame difference, adaptive threshold filtration, binarization and objects search by the tied areas to detect the marks against accidental contrast background is the basis of the algorithm. The entire algorithm is performed during one image reading stage and is based on the FPGA. The developed and manufactured converter experimental model was tested in laboratory conditions at the metrological bench at the distance between the base module and the mark 50±0.2 m. The static characteristic was read during the experiment of the reference mark displacement at the pitch of 5 mm in the horizontal and vertical directions for the displacement range 400 mm. The converter experimental model error not exceeding ±0.5 mm was obtained in the result of the experiment.

Causes for massive bacterial colonization on mucosal membranes during infectious mononucleosis: implications for acute otitis media.

PubMed

Stenfors, Lars-Eric; Bye, Helga-Marie; Räisänen, Simo

2002-09-24

A common complication of virus-induced upper respiratory tract infections is acute otitis media caused by bacterial pathogens. Simultaneously, increased bacterial colonization in the nasopharynx occurs. Our intention in this study was to identify the causes of this increased colonization of bacteria by evaluating their coating with the antibacterial substances lysozyme, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins IgG, S-IgA and IgM and their ability to penetrate epithelial cells during infectious mononucleosis (IM) caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Cellular samples were collected from the oropharynx of 21 patients (16 males, five females; age range 10-21 years) with current IM. An immunocytochemical assay using gold-labelled antiserum to human lysozyme, lactoferrin, IgG, S-IgA and IgM followed by gold particle and epithelial cell tracing in the transmission electron microscope. A significant reduction in bacterial coating with IgG (P<0.05) and S-IgA (P<0.01) was noted, whereas there was a significant increase in coating with lactoferrin (P<0.01) and IgM (P<0.01). No significant change in lysozyme coating of the bacteria was noted, compared with healthy controls. Bacterial penetration into epithelial cells was seen particularly in patients culture-positive for beta-haemolytic streptococci. Reduced bacterial coating with IgG and S-IgA immunoglobulins, combined with bacterial penetration into epithelial cells, may exacerbate the bacterial colonization on oropharyngeal mucosal membranes observed during IM.

Immunoglobulin deficiency in patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae invasive infections.

PubMed

Martinot, Martin; Oswald, Laetitia; Parisi, Elisabeth; Etienne, Elodie; Argy, Nicolas; Grawey, Isabelle; De Briel, Dominique; Zadeh, Mahsa Mohseni; Federici, Laure; Blaison, Gilles; Koebel, Christelle; Jaulhac, Benoit; Hansmann, Yves; Christmann, Daniel

2014-02-01

Immunoglobulin (Ig) deficiency is a well-known risk factor for Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae infections and noteworthy invasive diseases. However, the proportion of these deficiencies in cases of invasive disease is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of Ig deficiency in cases of invasive disease. A prospective study was conducted from January 2008 to October 2010 in two French hospitals. Measurement of Ig levels was carried out in patients hospitalized for invasive diseases. A total of 119 patients were enrolled in the study, with nine cases of H. influenzae and 110 cases of S. pneumoniae invasive disease. There were 18 cases of meningitis, 79 of invasive pneumonia, and 22 other invasive diseases. Forty-five patients (37.8%) had an Ig abnormality, 37 of whom had an Ig deficiency (20 IgG <6g/l, four isolated IgA <0.7g/l, and 13 isolated IgM <0.5g/l), while eight had an elevated monoclonal paraprotein. Nineteen of these 45 patients had a clearly defined Ig abnormality, with five primary deficiencies (three common variable immunodeficiencies and two complete IgA deficiencies) and 14 secondary deficiencies, mainly lymphoproliferative disorders. All these deficiencies were either not known or not substituted. Humoral deficiency is frequent in patients with S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae invasive disease and Ig dosage should be proposed systematically after such infections. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Efficiency and protective effect of encapsulation of milk immunoglobulin G in multiple emulsion.

PubMed

Chen, C C; Tu, Y Y; Chang, H M

1999-02-01

Milk immunoglobulin G (IgG), separated with protein G affinity chromatography, and IgG in colostral whey were encapsulated by 0.5% (w/v) of Tween 80, sucrose stearate, or soy protein, which were used as secondary emulsifiers in the water in oil in water type multiple emulsion. The residual contents of separated IgG and IgG in colostral whey, ranging from 58.7 to 49.7% and from 13.2 to 21.3%, respectively, in the inner water phase (water phase surrounded by oil phase) with emulsifiers were determined by ELISA. However, the emulsion stability decreased after 24 h, and the residual IgG content in the inner water phase was lowered. Encapsulation of IgG in the multiple emulsion increased the stability of separated IgG against acid (pH 2.0) and alkali (pH 12.0) by 21-56% and 33-62%, respectively, depending on the emulsifier used. Moreover, multiple emulsion also provided a remarkable protective effect on separated IgG stability against proteases. The residual contents of separated IgG in multiple emulsion, using Tween 80 as secondary emulsifier, incubated for 2 h with pepsin (pH 2.0) and trypsin and chymotrypsin (pH 7.6) (enzyme/substrate = 1/20) were 35.4, 72.5, and 82.3%, whereas those of separated IgG in enzyme solution were only 7.2, 33. 1, and 35.2%, respectively. However, the separated IgG loss during the preparation of multiple emulsion was almost 41-50%.

Shark Ig light chain junctions are as diverse as in heavy chains.

PubMed

Fleurant, Marshall; Changchien, Lily; Chen, Chin-Tung; Flajnik, Martin F; Hsu, Ellen

2004-11-01

We have characterized a small family of four genes encoding one of the three nurse shark Ig L chain isotypes, called NS5. All NS5 cDNA sequences are encoded by three loci, of which two are organized as conventional clusters, each consisting of a V and J gene segment that can recombine and one C region exon; the third contains a germline-joined VJ in-frame and the fourth locus is a pseudogene. This is the second nurse shark L chain type where both germline-joined and split V-J organizations have been found. Since there are only two rearranging Ig loci, it was possible for the first time to examine junctional diversity in defined fish Ig genes, comparing productive vs nonproductive rearrangements. N region addition was found to be considerably more extensive in length and in frequency than any other vertebrate L chain so far reported and rivals that in H chain. We put forth the speculation that the unprecedented efficiency of N region addition (87-93% of NS5 sequences) may be a result not only of simultaneous H and L chain rearrangement in the shark but also of processing events that afford greater accessibility of the V or J gene coding ends to terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase.

Verification of the Polish Geodetic Reference Frame by Means of a New Solution Based on Permanent GNSS Data from the Years 2011-2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liwosz, T.; Ryczywolski, M.

2016-12-01

The new solution for the Polish geodetic primary GNSS network was created to verify the currently used reference frame (PL-ETRF2000). The new solution is based on more GNSS data (more daily observation sessions included, a longer data timespan, GLONASS observations added) which were processed in a newer reference frame (IGb08) according to up-to-date methodology and using the latest version of Bernese GNSS Software. The new long-term solution (spanning 3.7 years) was aligned to the IGb08 reference frame using a minimum constraints approach. We categorized Polish reference stations into two categories according to their data length. We obtained good agreement of the new solution with the PL-ETRF2000: for most stations position differences did not exceed 5 mm in horizontal, and 10 mm in vertical components. However, for 30 stations we observed discontinuities in position time series, mostly due to GNSS equipment changes, which occured after the introduction of PL-ETRF2000. Position changes due to the discontinuities reached 9.1 mm in horizontal components, and 26.9 mm in vertical components. The new solution takes into account position discontinuities, and in addition also includes six new stations which were installed after the introduction of the PL-ETRF2000. Therefore, we propose to update the currently-used reference frame for the Polish geodetic primary network (PL-ETRF2000) with the new solution. The new solution was also accepted by the EUREF Technical Working Group as a class A solution (highest accuracy) according to EUREF standards.

Structure and biological activity of protopanaxatriol-type saponins from the roots of Panax notoginseng.

PubMed

Sun, Hongxiang; Yang, Zhigang; Ye, Yiping

2006-01-01

The further purification of the total saponins from the roots of Panax notoginseng by using ordinary and reversed-phase silica-gel, as well as Sephadex LH-20 chromatography afford seven adjuvant active protopanaxatriol-type saponins (PTS), ginsenosides-Rh1 (Rh1),-Rh4 (Rh4),-Rg1 (Rg1),-Re (Re), notoginsenosides-R1 (R1),-R2 (R2),-U (U). These saponins were evaluated for their haemolytic activities and adjuvant potentials on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin (OVA). The effect of the substitution pattern of these PTS on their biological activities was investigated and structure-activity relationships were established. Among seven PTS, the haemolytic activity of Rh1 was higher than that of other six compounds (p<0.001) The HD50 values of Rh4 and U were significantly bigger than those of R2, Rg1 and Re (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Seven PTS could significantly increase the concanavalin A (Con A)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in the OVA-immunized mice (p<0.01 or p<0.001). The OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were also significantly enhanced by seven PTS compared with OVA control group (p<0.01 or p<0.001). The structure-activity relationship studies suggested that the number, the length and the position of sugar side chains, and the type of glucosyl group in the structure of PTS could not only affect their haemolytic activities and adjuvant potentials, but have significant effects on the nature of the immune responses. The information about this structure/function relationship might be useful for developing semisynthetic tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin derivatives with immunological adjuvant activity, as well as a reference to the distribution of the functional groups composing the saponin molecule.

Long-Term Variations of the EOP and ICRF2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zharov, Vladimir; Sazhin, Mikhail; Sementsov, Valerian; Sazhina, Olga

2010-01-01

We analyzed the time series of the coordinates of the ICRF radio sources. We show that part of the radio sources, including the defining sources, shows a significant apparent motion. The stability of the celestial reference frame is provided by a no-net-rotation condition applied to the defining sources. In our case this condition leads to a rotation of the frame axes with time. We calculated the effect of this rotation on the Earth orientation parameters (EOP). In order to improve the stability of the celestial reference frame we suggest a new method for the selection of the defining sources. The method consists of two criteria: the first one we call cosmological and the second one kinematical. It is shown that a subset of the ICRF sources selected according to cosmological criteria provides the most stable reference frame for the next decade.

[Effects of frame of reference on the judgments of whole-body vibration intensity].

PubMed

Suzuki, H

1997-02-01

Although the concept of the term 'riding comfort' is ambiguous, in the present paper it means a perceptual experience derived from the vibrational factors of a running railway vehicle. When we regard riding comfort evaluation as a perceptual judgment process, we must consider that what is perceived is dependent not only on the physical properties of the stimuli, but also on the frame of reference. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effect of the frame on the judgments of vibration intensity in the anchoring effect paradigm. Using the four-axis vibration apparatus, we conducted experiments for eighty subjects, in which frequencies and lateral accelerations of vibrations were changed. As the result, we found a clear anchoring effect. This suggests that we must take into consideration effects of frame of reference in terms of riding comfort criterion of railway vehicles.

Formulation of blade-flutter spectral analyses in stationary reference frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurkov, A. P.

1984-01-01

Analytic representations are developed for the discrete blade deflection and the continuous tip static pressure fields in a stationary reference frame. Considered are the sampling rates equal to the rotational frequency, equal to blade passing frequency, and for the pressure, equal to a multiple of the blade passing frequency. For the last two rates the expressions for determining the nodal diameters from the spectra are included. A procedure is presented for transforming the complete unsteady pressure field into a rotating frame of reference. The determination of the true flutter frequency by using two sensors is described. To illustrate their use, the developed procedures are used to interpret selected experimental results.

Noninertial Multirelativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smarandache, Florentin

2012-10-01

We firstly propose an extension of Einstein's thought experiment with atomic clocks of the Special Theory of Relativity: considering non-constant accelerations and arbitrary 3D-curves for both a particle's speed and trajectory inside the rocket and respectively the rocket's speed and trajectory. And secondly we propose as research multiple reference frames F1, F2, , Fn moving on respectively arbitrary 3D-curves C1, C2, , Cn with respectively arbitrary non-constant accelerations a1, a2, , an and respectively initial velocities v1, v2, , vn. The reference frame Fi is moving with a nonconstant acceleration ai and initial velocity vi on a 3D-curve Ci with respect to another reference frame Fi+1 (where 1 <= i <= n-1).

System and method for calibrating inter-star-tracker misalignments in a stellar inertial attitude determination system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Rongsheng (Inventor); Wu, Yeong-Wei Andy (Inventor); Hein, Douglas H. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method and apparatus for determining star tracker misalignments is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of defining a defining a reference frame for the star tracker assembly according to a boresight of the primary star tracker and a boresight of a second star tracker wherein the boresight of the primary star tracker and a plane spanned by the boresight of the primary star tracker and the boresight of the second star tracker at least partially define a datum for the reference frame for the star tracker assembly; and determining the misalignment of the at least one star tracker as a rotation of the defined reference frame.

Quantum mechanics in noninertial reference frames: Relativistic accelerations and fictitious forces

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

Klink, W.H., E-mail: william-klink@uiowa.edu; Wickramasekara, S., E-mail: wickrama@grinnell.edu

2016-06-15

One-particle systems in relativistically accelerating reference frames can be associated with a class of unitary representations of the group of arbitrary coordinate transformations, an extension of the Wigner–Bargmann definition of particles as the physical realization of unitary irreducible representations of the Poincaré group. Representations of the group of arbitrary coordinate transformations become necessary to define unitary operators implementing relativistic acceleration transformations in quantum theory because, unlike in the Galilean case, the relativistic acceleration transformations do not themselves form a group. The momentum operators that follow from these representations show how the fictitious forces in noninertial reference frames are generated inmore » quantum theory.« less

Specific IgE and IgG measured by the MeDALL allergen-chip depend on allergen and route of exposure: The EGEA study.

PubMed

Siroux, Valérie; Lupinek, Christian; Resch, Yvonne; Curin, Mirela; Just, Jocelyne; Keil, Thomas; Kiss, Renata; Lødrup Carlsen, Karin; Melén, Erik; Nadif, Rachel; Pin, Isabelle; Skrindo, Ingebjørg; Vrtala, Susanne; Wickman, Magnus; Anto, Josep Maria; Valenta, Rudolf; Bousquet, Jean

2017-02-01

The nature of allergens and route and dose of exposure may affect the natural development of IgE and IgG responses. We sought to investigate the natural IgE and IgG responses toward a large panel of respiratory and food allergens in subjects exposed to different respiratory allergen loads. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 340 adults of the EGEA (Epidemiological study of the Genetics and Environment of Asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy) (170 with and 170 without asthma) cohort. IgE and IgG responses to 47 inhalant and food allergen components were analyzed in sera using allergen microarray and compared between 5 French regions according to the route of allergen exposure (inhaled vs food allergens). Overall 48.8% of the population had allergen-specific IgE levels of 0.3 ISAC standardized units (ISU) or more to at least 1 of the 47 allergens with no significant differences across the regions. For ubiquitous respiratory allergens (ie, grass, olive/ash pollen, house dust mites), specific IgE did not show marked differences between regions and specific IgG (≥0.5 ISU) was present in most subjects everywhere. For regionally occurring pollen allergens (ragweed, birch, cypress), IgE sensitization was significantly associated with regional pollen exposure. For airborne allergens cross-reacting with food allergens, frequent IgG recognition was observed even in regions with low allergen prevalence (Bet v 1) or for allergens less frequently recognized by IgE (profilins). The variability in allergen-specific IgE and IgG frequencies depends on exposure, route of exposure, and overall immunogenicity of the allergen. Allergen contact by the oral route might preferentially induce IgG responses. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.