Reserpine Inhibit the JB6 P+ Cell Transformation Through Epigenetic Reactivation of Nrf2-Mediated Anti-oxidative Stress Pathway.

PubMed

Hong, Bo; Su, Zhengyuan; Zhang, Chengyue; Yang, Yuqing; Guo, Yue; Li, Wenjing; Kong, Ah-Ng Tony

2016-05-01

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial transcription factor that regulates the expression of defensive antioxidants and detoxification enzymes in cells. In a previous study, we showed that expression of the Nrf2 gene is regulated by an epigenetic modification. Rauvolfia verticillata, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used in China, possesses anticancer and antioxidant effects. In this study, we investigated how Nrf2 is epigenetically regulated by reserpine, the main active component in R. verticillata, in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. Reserpine induced ARE (antioxidant response element)-luciferase activity in HepG2-C8 cells. Accordingly, in JB6 P+ cells, it upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), while it only increased the protein level of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1). Furthermore, reserpine decreased the TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate)-induced colony formation of JB6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. DNA sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation further demonstrated the demethylation effect of reserpine on the first 15 CpGs of the Nrf2 promoter in JB6 P+ cells. Reserpine also reduced the mRNA and protein expression of DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1), DNMT3a (DNA methyltransferases 3a), and DNMT3b (DNA methyltransferases 3b). Moreover, reserpine induced Nrf2 expression via an epigenetic pathway in skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells, enhancing the protective antioxidant activity and decreasing TPA-induced cell transformation. These results suggest that reserpine exhibits a cancer preventive effect by reactivating Nrf2 and inducing the expression of target genes involved in cellular protection, potentially providing new insight into the chemoprevention of skin cancer using reserpine.

Copper and dyes enhance laccase production in gamma-proteobacterium JB.

PubMed

Malhotra, Kanam; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena

2004-07-01

Laccase production in gamma-proteobacterium JB was enhanced 13-fold by adding 0.1 mM CuSO(4) 24 h after the onset of growth. Ethidium bromide (2.5 microM), Malachite Green, Phenol Red and Thymol Blue (10 microM each) enhanced laccase production 17-, 19-, 4- and 2-fold, respectively. Among the fourteen aromatic/organic compounds tried, p-aminobenzoic acid and an industrial effluent, from where the organism was isolated, showed 1.2- and 1.26-fold increases in production.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain JB-1 reverses restraint stress-induced gut dysmotility.

PubMed

West, C; Wu, R Y; Wong, A; Stanisz, A M; Yan, R; Min, K K; Pasyk, M; McVey Neufeld, K-A; Karamat, M I; Foster, J A; Bienenstock, J; Forsythe, P; Kunze, W A

2017-01-01

Environmental stress affects the gut with dysmotility being a common consequence. Although a variety of microbes or molecules may prevent the dysmotility, none reverse the dysmotility. We have used a 1 hour restraint stress mouse model to test for treatment effects of the neuroactive microbe, L. rhamnosus JB-1 ™ . Motility of fluid-filled ex vivo gut segments in a perfusion organ bath was recorded by video and migrating motor complexes measured using spatiotemporal maps of diameter changes. Stress reduced jejunal and increased colonic propagating contractile cluster velocities and frequencies, while increasing contraction amplitudes for both. Luminal application of 10E8 cfu/mL JB-1 restored motor complex variables to unstressed levels within minutes of application. L. salivarius or Na.acetate had no treatment effects, while Na.butyrate partially reversed stress effects on colonic frequency and amplitude. Na.propionate reversed the stress effects for jejunum and colon except on jejunal amplitude. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, a potential for certain beneficial microbes as treatment of stress-induced intestinal dysmotility and that the mechanism for restoration of function occurs within the intestine via a rapid drug-like action on the enteric nervous system. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Metallic Nickel Nanoparticles May Exhibit Higher Carcinogenic Potential than Fine Particles in JB6 Cells

PubMed Central

Bowman, Linda; Zou, Baobo; Mao, Guochuan; Xu, Jin; Castranova, Vincent; Zhao, Jinshun; Ding, Min

2014-01-01

While numerous studies have described the pathogenic and carcinogenic effects of nickel compounds, little has been done on the biological effects of metallic nickel. Moreover, the carcinogenetic potential of metallic nickel nanoparticles is unknown. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) have been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is considered to be one of the steps leading to the neoplastic state. The present study examines effects of metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles on tumor promoter or suppressor gene expressions as well as on cell transformation in JB6 cells. Our results demonstrate that metallic nickel nanoparticles caused higher activation of AP-1 and NF-κB, and a greater decrease of p53 transcription activity than fine particles. Western blot indicates that metallic nickel nanoparticles induced a higher level of protein expressions for R-Ras, c-myc, C-Jun, p65, and p50 in a time-dependent manner. In addition, both metallic nickel nano- and fine particles increased anchorage-independent colony formation in JB6 P+ cells in the soft agar assay. These results imply that metallic nickel fine and nanoparticles are both carcinogenetic in vitro in JB6 cells. Moreover, metallic nickel nanoparticles may exhibit higher carcinogenic potential, which suggests that precautionary measures should be taken in the use of nickel nanoparticles or its compounds in nanomedicine. PMID:24691273

Xenobiotics enhance laccase activity in alkali-tolerant γ-proteobacterium JB.

PubMed

Singh, Gursharan; Batish, Mona; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena

2009-01-01

Various genotoxic textile dyes, xenobiotics, substrates (10 µM) and agrochemicals (100 µg/ml) were tested for enhancement of alkalophilic laccase activity in γ-proteobacterium JB. Neutral Red, Indigo Carmine, Naphthol Base Bordears and Sulphast Ruby dyes increased the activity by 3.7, 2.7, 2.6 and 2.3 fold respectively. Xenobiotics/substrates like p-toluidine, 8-hydroxyquinoline and anthracine increased it by 3.4, 2.8 and 2.3 fold respectively. Atrazine and trycyclozole pesticides enhanced the activity by 1.95 and 1.5 fold respectively.

Xenobiotics enhance laccase activity in alkali-tolerant γ-proteobacterium JB

PubMed Central

Singh, Gursharan; Batish, Mona; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena

2009-01-01

Various genotoxic textile dyes, xenobiotics, substrates (10 µM) and agrochemicals (100 µg/ml) were tested for enhancement of alkalophilic laccase activity in γ-proteobacterium JB. Neutral Red, Indigo Carmine, Naphthol Base Bordears and Sulphast Ruby dyes increased the activity by 3.7, 2.7, 2.6 and 2.3 fold respectively. Xenobiotics/substrates like p-toluidine, 8-hydroxyquinoline and anthracine increased it by 3.4, 2.8 and 2.3 fold respectively. Atrazine and trycyclozole pesticides enhanced the activity by 1.95 and 1.5 fold respectively. PMID:24031313

Transition from two to one integument in Prunus species: expression pattern of INNER NO OUTER (INO), ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS) and ETTIN (ETT).

PubMed

Lora, Jorge; Hormaza, José I; Herrero, Maria

2015-10-01

While gymnosperm ovules have one integument, in most angiosperms two integuments surround the ovules. Unitegmic ovules have arisen independently several times during the evolution of angiosperms, but the ultimate genetic cause of the presence of a single integument remains elusive. We compared species of the genus Prunus that have different numbers of integuments: bitegmic species, such as Prunus armeniaca (apricot) and Prunus persica (peach), and unitegmic species, such as Prunus incisa, analyzing the expression pattern of genes that are involved in integument development in Arabidopsis thaliana: INNER NO OUTER (INO), ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS) and ETTIN (ETT). Bitegmic and unitegmic species showed similar INO expression patterns, indicative of the conservation of an outer integument. However, expression of ETT, which occurs in the boundary of the outer and inner integuments, was altered in unitegmic ovules, which showed lack of ETT expression. These results strongly suggest that the presence of a single integument could be attributable to the amalgamation of two integuments and support the role of ETT in the fusion of the outer and inner integuments in unitegmic ovules, a situation that could be widespread in other unitegmic species of angiosperms. © 2015 Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Modulation of JB6 Mouse Epidermal Cell Transformation Response by the Prostaglandin F2 Alpha Receptor

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

Weber, Thomas J.; Markillie, Lye MENG.; Chrisler, William B.

2002-12-01

Prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) has been associated with the modulation of clonal selection processes in the mouse skin model of carcinogenesis. We have investigated whether JB6 mouse epidermal cells express a functional PGF2a receptor (FP) coupled to the regulation of anchorage-dependent and -independent growth. Treatment of JB6 cells with a FP receptor ligand (fluprostenol) potently (pM-nM) increased anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, as determined by a battery of in vitro assays. Treatment of JB6 cells with PGF2a and fluprostenol increased inositol phospholipid accumulation and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) activity, consistent with FP receptor-related signaling. FP receptor mRNA was detected by reversemore » transcription-polymerase chain reaction and a radiolabel binding assay determined the average specific [3H]PGF2a binding to be 8.25 + 0.95 fmol/mg protein. Treatment of cells with fluprostenol as a single exposure resulted in a significant increase in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth in media containing low (0.1-0.5%), but not high (5%) concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS). In contrast, treatment of cells with fluprostenol at two day intervals resulted in a more robust growth response under anchorage-dependent conditions only in media containing low FBS concentrations; and under anchorage-independent conditions only in media containing high FBS concentrations. ERK activation and colony size were increased by cotreatment of JB6 cells with EGF and fluprostenol to a greater extent than either treatment alone, while the cotreatment effect on colony number appeared to be simply additive. In summary, FBS concentration and signal oscillation exert pronounced effects on the biological response to a FP receptor agonist. The data raise the possibility that the FP receptor may independently contribute to clonal selection processes, but may play a more important role as a response modifier.« less

Taxifolin Activates the Nrf2 Anti-Oxidative Stress Pathway in Mouse Skin Epidermal JB6 P+ Cells through Epigenetic Modifications

PubMed Central

Kuang, Haixue; Tang, Zhenqiu; Zhang, Chengyue; Wang, Zhibin; Li, Wenji; Yang, Chunjuan; Wang, Qiuhong; Yang, Bingyou; Kong, Ah-Ng

2017-01-01

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a vital transcription factor that regulates the anti-oxidative defense system. Previous reports suggested that the expression of the Nrf2 gene can be regulated by epigenetic modifications. The potential epigenetic effect of taxifolin (TAX), a potent cancer chemopreventive agent, in skin cancer chemoprotection is unknown. In this study, we investigated how Nrf2 is epigenetically regulated by TAX in JB6 P+ cells. TAX was found to inhibit the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced colony formation of JB6 P+ cells. TAX induced antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase activity in HepG2-C8 cells and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and its downstream genes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), in JB6 P+ cells. Furthermore, bisulfite genomic sequencing revealed that TAX treatment reduces the methylation level of the first 15 CpGs sites in the Nrf2 promoter. Western blotting showed that TAX inhibits the expression levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins. In summary, our results revealed that TAX can induce expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes in JB6 P+ cells by CpG demethylation. These finding suggest that TAX may exhibit a skin cancer preventive effect by activating Nrf2 via an epigenetic pathway. PMID:28714938

Tablet PCs in Engineering Mathematics Courses at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hieb, Jeffrey L.; Ralston, Patricia A. S.

2010-01-01

In fall 2007, J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville joined the ranks of universities requiring the purchase of Tablet PCs for all new entering students. This article presents a description of how the Department of Engineering Fundamentals incorporated Tablet PCs into their instruction, a review of the literature…

Bioremediation of Petrochemical Wastewater Containing BTEX Compounds by a New Immobilized Bacterium Comamonas sp. JB in Magnetic Gellan Gum.

PubMed

Jiang, Bei; Zhou, Zunchun; Dong, Ying; Wang, Bai; Jiang, Jingwei; Guan, Xiaoyan; Gao, Shan; Yang, Aifu; Chen, Zhong; Sun, Hongjuan

2015-05-01

In this study, we investigated the bioremediation of petrochemical wastewater containing BTEX compounds by immobilized Comamonas sp. JB cells. Three kinds of magnetic nanoparticles were evaluated as immobilization supports for strain JB. After comparison with Fe3O4 and a-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, r-Fe2O3 nanoparticle was selected as the optimal immobilization support. The highest biodegradation activity of r-Fe2O3-magnetically immobilized cells was obtained when the concentration of r-Fe2O3 nanoparticle was 120 mg L(-1). Additionally, the recycling experiments demonstrated that the degradation activity of r-Fe2O3-magnetically immobilized cells was still high and led to less toxicity than untreated wastewater during the eight recycles. qPCR suggested the concentration of strain JB in r-Fe2O3-magnetically immobilized cells was evidently increased after eight cycles of degradation experiments. These results supported developing efficient biocatalysts using r-Fe2O3-magnetically immobilized cells and provided a promising technique for improving biocatalysts used in the bioremediation of not only petrochemical wastewater but also other hazardous wastewater.

Involvement of the antioxidative property of morusin in blocking phorbol ester-induced malignant transformation of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells.

PubMed

Cheng, Pai-Shan; Hu, Chao-Chin; Wang, Chau-Jong; Lee, Yean-Jang; Chung, Wei-Chia; Tseng, Tsui-Hwa

2017-02-25

Chemoprevention has been acknowledged as an important and practical strategy for managing cancer. We have previously synthesized morusin, a prenylated flavonoid that exhibits anti-cancer progression activity. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-cancer promotion potential of morusin by using the mouse epidermal JB6 P + cell model. Extensive evidence shows that tumor promotion by phorbol esters is due to the stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, the effect of morusin on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ROS production was assessed. Noncytotoxic concentrations of morusin were found to dose-dependently reduce TPA-induced ROS production. Moreover, morusin inhibited TPA-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, which can mediate cell proliferation and malignant transformation. Furthermore, morusin inhibited the TPA upregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which may be regulated by AP-1 and NF-κB. In addition, noncytotoxic concentrations of morusin reduced the TPA-promoted cell growth of JB6 P + cells and inhibited TPA-induced malignant properties, such as cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell migration of JB6 P + cells. Similar to the effects of glutathione (GSH) pretreatment, morusin inhibited TPA-induced expression of N-cadeherin and vimentin, which are malignant cell surface proteins. Finally, morusin treatment dose-dependently suppressed the TPA-induced anchorage-independent cell transformation of JB6 P + cells. In conclusion, our results evidence that morusin possesses anti-cancer promotion potential because of its antioxidant property, which mediates multiple transformation-associated gene expression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Production and Its Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid from the Wild Yeast Strain Pichia silvicola UL6-1 and Sporobolomyces carnicolor 402-JB-1.

PubMed

Han, Sang-Min; Lee, Jong-Soo

2017-09-01

This study was done to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from wild yeast as well as investigate its anti-hyperglycemic effects. Among ten GABA-producing yeast strains, Pichia silvicola UL6-1 and Sporobolomyces carnicolor 402-JB-1 produced high GABA concentration of 134.4 µg/mL and 179.2 µg/mL, respectively. P. silvicola UL6-1 showed a maximum GABA yield of 136.5 µg/mL and 200.8 µg/mL from S. carnicolor 402-JB-1 when they were cultured for 30 hr at 30℃ in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose medium. The cell-free extract from P. silvicola UL6-1 and S. carnicolor 402-JB-1 showed very high anti-hyperglycemic α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 72.3% and 69.9%, respectively. Additionally, their cell-free extract-containing GABA showed the anti-hyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

Production and Its Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid from the Wild Yeast Strain Pichia silvicola UL6-1 and Sporobolomyces carnicolor 402-JB-1

PubMed Central

Han, Sang-Min

2017-01-01

This study was done to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from wild yeast as well as investigate its anti-hyperglycemic effects. Among ten GABA-producing yeast strains, Pichia silvicola UL6-1 and Sporobolomyces carnicolor 402-JB-1 produced high GABA concentration of 134.4 µg/mL and 179.2 µg/mL, respectively. P. silvicola UL6-1 showed a maximum GABA yield of 136.5 µg/mL and 200.8 µg/mL from S. carnicolor 402-JB-1 when they were cultured for 30 hr at 30℃ in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose medium. The cell-free extract from P. silvicola UL6-1 and S. carnicolor 402-JB-1 showed very high anti-hyperglycemic α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 72.3% and 69.9%, respectively. Additionally, their cell-free extract-containing GABA showed the anti-hyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. PMID:29138625

Mouse Strain Affects Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Stress Responses Following Administration of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 or Traditional Antidepressant Fluoxetine.

PubMed

McVey Neufeld, Karen-Anne; Kay, Sebastian; Bienenstock, John

2018-01-01

Currently, there is keen interest in the development of alternative therapies in the treatment of depression. Given the explosion of research focused on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, consideration has turned to the potential of certain probiotics to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from mood disorders. Here we examine the abilities of a known antidepressant, fluoxetine, and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1™, to attenuate responses to two established criteria for depressive-like behavior in animal models, the tail suspension test (TST) and the corticosterone response to an acute restraint stressor. We examine two different strains of mice known to differ in the extent to which they express both anxiety-like behavior and measures of despair-BALB/c and Swiss Webster-with respectively high and normal behavioral phenotypes for each. While adult male BALB/c mice responded with increased antidepressive-like behavior to both fluoxetine and L. rhamnosus JB-1 in both the TST and the corticosterone stress response, SW mice did not respond to either treatment as compared to controls. These findings highlight the importance of investigating putative antidepressants in mouse strains known to express face validity for some markers of depression. Clinical studies examining the activity of L. rhamnosus JB-1 in patients suffering from mood disorders are warranted, as well as further pre-clinical work examining how interactions between host genotype and intestinal microbial alterations may impact behavioral responses. This study adds to the literature supporting the possibility that modifying the intestinal microbiota via probiotics represents a promising potential therapeutic breakthrough in the treatment of psychiatric disease.

Mouse Strain Affects Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Stress Responses Following Administration of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 or Traditional Antidepressant Fluoxetine

PubMed Central

McVey Neufeld, Karen-Anne; Kay, Sebastian; Bienenstock, John

2018-01-01

Currently, there is keen interest in the development of alternative therapies in the treatment of depression. Given the explosion of research focused on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, consideration has turned to the potential of certain probiotics to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from mood disorders. Here we examine the abilities of a known antidepressant, fluoxetine, and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1™, to attenuate responses to two established criteria for depressive-like behavior in animal models, the tail suspension test (TST) and the corticosterone response to an acute restraint stressor. We examine two different strains of mice known to differ in the extent to which they express both anxiety-like behavior and measures of despair—BALB/c and Swiss Webster—with respectively high and normal behavioral phenotypes for each. While adult male BALB/c mice responded with increased antidepressive-like behavior to both fluoxetine and L. rhamnosus JB-1 in both the TST and the corticosterone stress response, SW mice did not respond to either treatment as compared to controls. These findings highlight the importance of investigating putative antidepressants in mouse strains known to express face validity for some markers of depression. Clinical studies examining the activity of L. rhamnosus JB-1 in patients suffering from mood disorders are warranted, as well as further pre-clinical work examining how interactions between host genotype and intestinal microbial alterations may impact behavioral responses. This study adds to the literature supporting the possibility that modifying the intestinal microbiota via probiotics represents a promising potential therapeutic breakthrough in the treatment of psychiatric disease.

c-Jun/AP-1 pathway-mediated cyclin D1 expression participates in low dose arsenite-induced transformation in mouse epidermal JB6 Cl41 cells

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

Zhang Dongyun; Li Jingxia; Gao Jimin

2009-02-15

Arsenic is a well-documented human carcinogen associated with skin carcinogenesis. Our previous work reveals that arsenite exposure is able to induce cell transformation in mouse epidermal cell JB6 Cl41 through the activation of ERK, rather than JNK pathway. Our current studies further evaluate downstream pathway in low dose arsenite-induced cell transformation in JB6 Cl41 cells. Our results showed that treatment of cells with low dose arsenite induced activation of c-Jun/AP-1 pathway, and ectopic expression of dominant negative mutant of c-Jun (TAM67) blocked arsenite-induced transformation. Furthermore, our data indicated that cyclin D1 was an important downstream molecule involved in c-Jun/AP-1-mediated cellmore » transformation upon low dose arsenite exposure, because inhibition of cyclin D1 expression by its specific siRNA in the JB6 Cl41 cells resulted in impairment of anchorage-independent growth of cells induced by low dose arsenite. Collectively, our results demonstrate that c-Jun/AP-1-mediated cyclin D1 expression is at least one of the key events implicated in cell transformation upon low dose arsenite exposure.« less

Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), New Jersey

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

Proposed MPMGR July 2015 JB MDL, New Jersey 2-2 Heating would be accomplished through electrical, geothermal , heat pump, or solar power. No fuel storage...emissions. Further, to the extent feasible, renewable energy (including, but not limited to solar, wind, geothermal 1 biogas, and biomass) and

Meta-analyses of microarrays of Arabidopsis asymmetric leaves1 (as1), as2 and their modifying mutants reveal a critical role for the ETT pathway in stabilization of adaxial-abaxial patterning and cell division during leaf development.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiro; Iwakawa, Hidekazu; Ishibashi, Nanako; Kojima, Shoko; Matsumura, Yoko; Prananingrum, Pratiwi; Iwasaki, Mayumi; Takahashi, Anna; Ikezaki, Masaya; Luo, Lilan; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Machida, Yasunori; Machida, Chiyoko

2013-03-01

It is necessary to use algorithms to analyze gene expression data from DNA microarrays, such as in clustering and machine learning. Previously, we developed the knowledge-based fuzzy adaptive resonance theory (KB-FuzzyART), a clustering algorithm suitable for analyzing gene expression data, to find clues for identifying gene networks. Leaf primordia form around the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which consists of indeterminate stem cells. Upon initiation of leaf development, adaxial-abaxial patterning is crucial for lateral expansion, via cellular proliferation, and the formation of flat symmetric leaves. Many regulatory genes that specify such patterning have been identified. Analysis by the KB-FuzzyART and subsequent molecular and genetic analyses previously showed that ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) and AS2 repress the expression of some abaxial-determinant genes, such as AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3)/ETTIN (ETT) and ARF4, which are responsible for defects in leaf adaxial-abaxial polarity in as1 and as2. In the present study, genetic analysis revealed that ARF3/ETT and ARF4 were regulated by modifier genes, BOBBER1 (BOB1) and ELONGATA3 (ELO3), together with AS1-AS2. We analyzed expression arrays with as2 elo3 and as2 bob1, and extracted genes downstream of ARF3/ETT by using KB-FuzzyART and molecular analyses. The results showed that expression of Kip-related protein (KRP) (for inhibitors of cyclin-dependent protein kinases) and Isopentenyltransferase (IPT) (for biosynthesis of cytokinin) genes were controlled by AS1-AS2 through ARF3/ETT and ARF4 functions, which suggests that the AS1-AS2-ETT pathway plays a critical role in controlling the cell division cycle and the biosynthesis of cytokinin around SAM to stabilize leaf development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Human Heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40/DnaJB1) promotes influenza A virus replication by assisting nuclear import of viral ribonucleoproteins

PubMed Central

Batra, Jyoti; Tripathi, Shashank; Kumar, Amrita; Katz, Jacqueline M.; Cox, Nancy J.; Lal, Renu B.; Sambhara, Suryaprakash; Lal, Sunil K.

2016-01-01

A unique feature of influenza A virus (IAV) life cycle is replication of the viral genome in the host cell nucleus. The nuclear import of IAV genome is an indispensable step in establishing virus infection. IAV nucleoprotein (NP) is known to mediate the nuclear import of viral genome via its nuclear localization signals. Here, we demonstrate that cellular heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40/DnaJB1) facilitates the nuclear import of incoming IAV viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) and is important for efficient IAV replication. Hsp40 was found to interact with NP component of IAV RNPs during early stages of infection. This interaction is mediated by the J domain of Hsp40 and N-terminal region of NP. Drug or RNAi mediated inhibition of Hsp40 resulted in reduced nuclear import of IAV RNPs, diminished viral polymerase function and attenuates overall viral replication. Hsp40 was also found to be required for efficient association between NP and importin alpha, which is crucial for IAV RNP nuclear translocation. These studies demonstrate an important role for cellular chaperone Hsp40/DnaJB1 in influenza A virus life cycle by assisting nuclear trafficking of viral ribonucleoproteins. PMID:26750153

Human Heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40/DnaJB1) promotes influenza A virus replication by assisting nuclear import of viral ribonucleoproteins.

PubMed

Batra, Jyoti; Tripathi, Shashank; Kumar, Amrita; Katz, Jacqueline M; Cox, Nancy J; Lal, Renu B; Sambhara, Suryaprakash; Lal, Sunil K

2016-01-11

A unique feature of influenza A virus (IAV) life cycle is replication of the viral genome in the host cell nucleus. The nuclear import of IAV genome is an indispensable step in establishing virus infection. IAV nucleoprotein (NP) is known to mediate the nuclear import of viral genome via its nuclear localization signals. Here, we demonstrate that cellular heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40/DnaJB1) facilitates the nuclear import of incoming IAV viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) and is important for efficient IAV replication. Hsp40 was found to interact with NP component of IAV RNPs during early stages of infection. This interaction is mediated by the J domain of Hsp40 and N-terminal region of NP. Drug or RNAi mediated inhibition of Hsp40 resulted in reduced nuclear import of IAV RNPs, diminished viral polymerase function and attenuates overall viral replication. Hsp40 was also found to be required for efficient association between NP and importin alpha, which is crucial for IAV RNP nuclear translocation. These studies demonstrate an important role for cellular chaperone Hsp40/DnaJB1 in influenza A virus life cycle by assisting nuclear trafficking of viral ribonucleoproteins.

Silibinin inhibits ultraviolet B radiation-induced DNA-damage and apoptosis by enhancing interleukin-12 expression in JB6 cells and SKH-1 hairless mouse skin.

PubMed

Narayanapillai, Sreekanth; Agarwal, Chapla; Deep, Gagan; Agarwal, Rajesh

2014-06-01

Recent studies have demonstrated silibinin efficacy against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin carcinogenesis via different mechanisms in cell lines and animal models; however, its role in regulating interleukin-12 (IL-12), an immunomodulatory cytokine that reduces UVB-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, is not known. Here, we report that UVB irradiation causes caspase 3 and PARP cleavage and apoptosis, and addition of recombinant IL-12 or silibinin immediately after UVB significantly protects UVB-induced apoptosis in JB6 cells. IL-12 antibody-mediated blocking of IL-12 activity compromised the protective effects of both IL-12 and silibinin. Both silibinin and IL-12 also accelerated the repair of UVB-caused cyclobutane-pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in JB6 cells. Additional studies confirmed that indeed silibinin causes a significant increase in IL-12 levels in UVB-irradiated JB6 cells as well as in mouse skin epidermis, and that similar to cell-culture findings, silibinin topical application immediately after UVB exposure causes a strong protection against UVB-induced TUNEL positive cells in epidermis possibly through a significantly accelerated repair of UVB-caused CPDs. Together, these findings for the first time provide an important insight regarding the pharmacological mechanism wherein silibinin induces endogenous IL-12 in its efficacy against UVB-caused skin damages. In view of the fact that an enhanced endogenous IL-12 level could effectively remove UVB-caused DNA damage and associated skin cancer, our findings suggest that the use of silibinin in UVB-damaged human skin would also be a practical and translational strategy to manage solar radiation-caused skin damages as well as skin cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A highly thermostable alkaline cellulase-free xylanase from thermoalkalophilic Bacillus sp. JB 99 suitable for paper and pulp industry: purification and characterization.

PubMed

Shrinivas, Dengeti; Savitha, Gunashekaran; Raviranjan, Kumar; Naik, Gajanan Ramchandra

2010-11-01

A highly thermostable alkaline xylanase was purified to homogeneity from culture supernatant of Bacillus sp. JB 99 using DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration with 25.7-fold increase in activity and 43.5% recovery. The molecular weight of the purified xylanase was found to be 20 kDA by SDS-PAGE and zymogram analysis. The enzyme was optimally active at 70 °C, pH 8.0 and stable over pH range of 6.0-10.0.The relative activity at 9.0 and 10.0 were 90% and 85% of that of pH 8.0, respectively. The enzyme showed high thermal stability at 60 °C with 95% of its activity after 5 h. The K (m) and V (max) of enzyme for oat spelt xylan were 4.8 mg/ml and 218.6 µM min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. Analysis of N-terminal amino acid sequence revealed that the xylanase belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 11 from thermoalkalophilic Bacillus sp. with basic pI. Substrate specificity showed a high activity on xylan-containing substrate and cellulase-free nature. The hydrolyzed product pattern of oat spelt xylan on thin-layer chromatography suggested xylanase as an endoxylanase. Due to these properties, xylanase from Bacillus sp. JB 99 was found to be highly compatible for paper and pulp industry.

Pigeon pea waste as a novel, inexpensive, substrate for production of a thermostable alkaline protease from thermoalkalophilic Bacillus sp. JB-99.

PubMed

Johnvesly, B; Manjunath, B R; Naik, G R

2002-03-01

Thermoalkaliphilic Bacillus sp. JB-99 was grown in a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 50 ml medium containing (g/l) Pigeon pea waste 10; NaNO3, 5.0; K2HPO4, 5.0; MgSO4 x 2H2O, 0.2 and Na2CO3, 10.0. Incubations were carried out at 50 degrees C on a rotary incubator shaker for 15 h. A high level of extra cellular thermostable protease activity was observed after 24 h incubation. The optimum temperature and pH for activity were 70 degrees C and 11, respectively, so this enzyme showed stable activity at high temperature and under alkaline conditions.

Isolation of Strain MLTeJB From Mono Lake, California, a Dissimilatory Tellurite Respiring Prokaryote.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baesman, S. M.; Oremland, R. S.

2007-12-01

Previous investigations on the dissimilatory reduction of Te-oxyanions have been constrained by the inhibtory effects of circa 1.0 mM concentrations of either Te(IV) or Te(VI) upon growth of established cultures. Therefore we initiated new enrichments using anoxic Mono Lake mud supplemented with 10 mM Te(IV) as the electron acceptor and lactate as the electron donor. Sediments turned black with time owing to the formation of Te(0), microscopic examination of which confirmed the presence of both shards, rosettes, and nanospheres of Te(0). The enrichment was subcultured several times in liquid medium and then streaked onto solid medium and incubated in an anaerobic chamber. Isolated black colonies were re-streaked several times, and thence inoculated into liquid medium. However, growth in liquid medium required the presence of a small amount of solid phase, which included a plug of either agar, phytagel, or glass beads. Growth resulted in oxidation of lactate to acetate, formate and CO2 with the reduction of Te(IV) to Te(0). The isolate, strain MLTeJB was a non-motile rod that stained Gram positive, and formed copious exogenous deposits of Te(0) nano-shards and rosettes. Further details on the physiology of this organism will be presented.

Performance of an alkalophilic and halotolerant laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB in the presence of industrial pollutants.

PubMed

Singh, Gursharan; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena

2009-08-01

An alkalophilic and halotolerant laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB catalyzed in high concentrations of organic solvents and various salts. The enzyme retained 80-100% activity in 10% concentration of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, acetone or methanol; 100, 85 and 50% activity in 20 mM MgCl(2), 5.0 mM MnCl(2) and 0.1 mM CuCl(2); 140, 120 and 110% activity in 5.0 mM MnSO(4), 10 mM MgSO(4) and 1mM CaSO(4), respectively. Sodium halides inhibited the enzyme in the order: F(-)> Br(-)> I(-)> Cl(-). In 0.5 M NaCl, pH 6.0, laccase was approximately 60% active. Decolorization of indigo carmine by laccase at pH 9.0 was not inhibited even in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl. Release of chromophoric, reducing and hydrophobic compounds during biobleaching of straw rich-soda pulp by laccase was not inhibited when the enzyme was applied in the presence of 1 M NaCl at pH 8.0. Laccase retained 50% residual activity even when incubated with 5% calcium hypochlorite for 30 min.

Enhanced production of alkaline thermostable keratinolytic protease from calcium alginate immobilized cells of thermoalkalophilic Bacillus halodurans JB 99 exhibiting dehairing activity.

PubMed

Shrinivas, Dengeti; Kumar, Raghwendra; Naik, G R

2012-01-01

The thermoalkalophilic Bacillus halodurans JB 99 cells known for production of novel thermostable alkaline keratinolytic protease were immobilized in calcium alginate matrix. Batch and repeated batch cultivation using calcium alginate immobilized cells were studied for alkaline protease production in submerged fermentation. Immobilized cells with 2.5% alginate and 350 beads/flask of initial cell loading showed enhanced production of alkaline protease by 23.2% (5,275 ± 39.4 U/ml) as compared to free cells (4,280 ± 35.4 U/ml) after 24 h. In the semicontinuous mode of cultivation, immobilized cells under optimized conditions produced an appreciable level of alkaline protease in up to nine cycles and reached a maximal value of 5,975 U/ml after the seventh cycle. The enzyme produced from immobilized cells efficiently degraded chicken feathers in the presence of a reducing agent which can help the poultry industry in the management of keratin-rich waste and obtaining value-added products.

Incremental change in cross sectional area in small endotracheal tubes: A call for more size options.

PubMed

Mortelliti, Caroline L; Mortelliti, Anthony J

2016-08-01

To elucidate the relatively large incremental percent change (IPC) in cross sectional area (CSA) in currently available small endotracheal tubes (ETTs), and to make recommendation for lesser incremental change in CSA in these smaller ETTs, in order to minimize iatrogenic airway injury. The CSAs of a commercially available line of ETTs were calculated, and the IPC of the CSA between consecutive size ETTs was calculated and graphed. The average IPC in CSA with large ETTs was applied to calculate identical IPC in the CSA for a theoretical, smaller ETT series, and the dimensions of a new theoretical series of proposed small ETTs were defined. The IPC of CSA in the larger (5.0-8.0 mm inner diameter (ID)) ETTs was 17.07%, and the IPC of CSA in the smaller ETTs (2.0-4.0 mm ID) is remarkably larger (38.08%). Applying the relatively smaller IPC of CSA from larger ETTs to a theoretical sequence of small ETTs, starting with the 2.5 mm ID ETT, suggests that intermediate sizes of small ETTs (ID 2.745 mm, 3.254 mm, and 3.859 mm) should exist. We recommend manufacturers produce additional small ETT size options at the intuitive intermediate sizes of 2.75 mm, 3.25 mm, and 3.75 mm ID in order to improve airway management for infants and small children. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Case study involving suctioning of an electromyographic endotracheal tube.

PubMed

Evanina, Eileen Youshock; Hanisak, Jill L

2005-04-01

The electromyographic endotracheal tube (EMG-ETT) is a relatively new tool used to measure integrity of the vocal cord structures during surgery. We describe a case in which an EMG-ETT was inserted for the operative period but not replaced with an ETT during the immediate postoperative period. Intensive care unit nurses had difficulty suctioning the EMG-ETT. The patient was not provided the pulmonary toilet necessary until the EMG-ETT was removed and replaced with a regular ETT. The purpose of this article is to make anesthesia providers aware that when mechanical ventilation is required during the postoperative period, the EMG-ETT should be removed and replaced with a regular ETT to facilitate pulmonary toilet.

The effect of bronchoscope rotation on tracheal tube orientation at the glottic level in a mannequin.

PubMed

Wong, David T; Yau, Brian; Thapar, Shikha; Adhikary, Sanjib D

2010-10-01

This study examined the effect of external fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB) rotations on endotracheal tube (ETT) orientations at the glottic level. Using a mannequin, a nasal FOB was inserted for image capture. A second FOB with a preloaded ETT taped to its top was inserted orally into mid-trachea. The FOB with the taped ETT was rotated as a unit in the axial plane to five different external angles (-90°, -45°, 0°, +45°, +90°). At each external rotation, the ETT was advanced into the trachea. The image of the ETT at the glottic level was captured. Endotracheal tube orientation was quantified according to the glottic zone faced by the ETT. The ETT orientations were compared amongst the five external FOB rotations using the Kruskal-Wallis Test, while the ETT orientations at -90°, -45°, +45°, and +90° FOB rotations were compared with 0° rotation using the Mann-Whitney U test. There was a significant difference in the ETT orientations amongst the five FOB rotations (P < 0.001). The ETT orientations at -90°, -45°, +45°, and +90° FOB rotations were different from the 0° rotation (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). A -90° FOB rotation was most effective in turning the ETT tip away from the right laryngeal structures and the interarytenoid tissue. With the ETT loaded on a FOB, rotation of the FOB prior to advancing the ETT is effective in changing the ETT orientation at the glottis. A -90° FOB rotation is most effective in turning the ETT tip away from the right laryngeal structures and interarytenoid tissue.

Endotracheal tubes and fluid aspiration: an in vitro evaluation of new cuff technologies.

PubMed

Mariyaselvam, Maryanne Z; Marsh, Lucy L; Bamford, Sarah; Smith, Ann; Wise, Matt P; Williams, David W

2017-03-04

Aspiration of subglottic secretions past the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is a prerequisite for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) ETTs reduce aspiration of subglottic secretions and have demonstrated lower VAP rates. We compared the performance of seven SSD ETTs against a non-SSD ETT in preventing aspiration below inflated cuffs. ETTs were positioned vertically in 2 cm diameter cylinders. Four ml of a standard microbial suspension was added above inflated cuffs. After 1 h, aspiration was measured and ETTs demonstrating no leakage were subjected to rotational movement and evaluation over 24 h. Collected aspirated fluid was used to inoculate agar media and incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 24 h. The aspiration rate, volume and number of microorganisms that leaked past the cuff was measured. Experiments were repeated (×10) for each type of ETT, with new ETTs used for each repeat. Best performing ETTs were then tested in five different cylinder diameters (1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4 cm). Experiments were repeated as above using sterile water. Volume and time taken for aspiration past the cuff was measured. Experiments were repeated (×10) for each type of ETT. Results were analysed using non-parametric tests for repeated measures. The PneuX ETT prevented aspiration past the cuff in all experiments. All other ETTs allowed aspiration, with considerable variability in performance. The PneuX ETT was statistically superior in reducing aspiration compared to the SealGuard (p < 0.009), KimVent (p < 0.002), TaperGuard (p < 0.004), Lanz (p < 0.001), ISIS (p < 0.001), SACETT (p < 0.001) and Soft Seal (p < 0.001) ETTs. Of the 4 ETTs tested in differing cylinder sizes, the PneuX significantly reduced aspiration across the range of diameters compared to the SealGuard (p < 0.0001), TaperGuard (p < 0.0001) and KimVent (p < 0.0001) ETTs. ETTs showed substantial variation in fluid

Novel device (AirWave) to assess endotracheal tube migration: a pilot study.

PubMed

Nacheli, Gustavo Cumbo; Sharma, Manish; Wang, Xiaofeng; Gupta, Amit; Guzman, Jorge A; Tonelli, Adriano R

2013-08-01

Little is known about endotracheal tube (ETT) migration during routine care among critically ill patients. AirWave is a novel device that uses sonar waves to measure ETT migration and obstructions in real time. The aim of the present study is to assess the accuracy of the AirWave to evaluate ETT migration. In addition, we determined the degree of variation in ETT position and tested whether more pronounced migration occurs in specific clinical scenarios. After institutional review board approval, we included mechanically ventilated patients from February 2012 to May 2012. A chest radiography (CXR) was obtained at baseline and 24 hours when clinically indicated. The ETT distance at the lips was recorded at baseline and every 4 hours. The AirWave system continuously recorded ETT position changes from baseline, and luminal obstructions. A total of 42 patients (age: 61 [SD ±13] years, men: 52%) were recruited. A total of 19 patients had measurements of ETT migration at 24 hours by the 3 methodologies used in this study. The mean (SD) of the ETT migration at 24 hours was +0.04 (1.2), -0.42 (0.7) and +0.34 (1.81) cm when measured by portable CXR, ETT distance at the teeth and AirWave device, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis of tube migration at 24 hours comparing the AirWave with CXR readings showed a bias of 0.1 cm with 95% limit of agreement of -3.8 and +4.3 cm. Comparison of tube migration at 24 hours determined by AirWave with ETT distance at the lips revealed a bias of -0.4 with 95% limit of agreement -3.7 to +3 cm, similar to the values observed between CXR and ETT distance at the lips (bias of -0.3 cm, 95% limit of agreement of -3.4 to +2.8 cm). Factors associated with ETT migration at 24 hours were ETT size and initial measurement from ETT tip to carina by portable CXR. AirWave detected in eight patients some degree of ETT obstruction (30% ± 9.6%) that resolved with prompt ETT catheter suction. The AirWave may provide useful information regarding ETT

Three-finger tracheal palpation to guide endotracheal tube depth in children.

PubMed

Gamble, Jonathan J; McKay, William P; Wang, Andrew F; Yip, Kinsha A; O'Brien, Jennifer M; Plewes, Christopher E

2014-10-01

Accurate endotracheal tube (ETT) depth is critical, especially in children. The current tools used to guide appropriate ETT depth have significant limitations. To evaluate the utility of tracheal palpation in the neck to guide appropriate ETT placement in children. A prospective observational study with a convenience sample of 50 children was conducted. During intubation, an investigator palpated the trachea with three fingertips side-by-side extending upward from the suprasternal notch. The anesthesiologist advanced the ETT slowly until palpated at the sternal notch. The investigator stated ETT palpation certainty as 'strongly felt', 'weakly felt', or 'not felt.' Final ETT position was determined by bronchoscopy and categorized as 'ETT too shallow' (tip in proximal ¼ of trachea), 'ETT too deep' (tip in distal ¼ of trachea), or 'ETT placement satisfactory' (between those extremes). Thirty boys and 20 girls undergoing dental surgery with nasal intubation were recruited (median age 4.4 years; range 2.0-10.8). The ETT (all ≥4 mm ID) was palpable at the sternal notch in all patients: 46 of 50 strongly palpable and 4 of 50 weakly palpable. The experimental methods led to satisfactory ETT placement in 49 of 50 patients, too deep in 1 of 50 patients. Compared with the Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS) predictive formula, satisfactory placement would have been 41 of 50 patients (P < 0.008). Number needed to treat is 6.3 for improvement over the PALS method. The use of tracheal palpation to guide ETT placement has excellent clinical performance and better guides appropriate ETT depth than the PALS formula in our study population. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prevention of airway fires: testing the safety of endotracheal tubes and surgical devices in a mechanical model.

PubMed

Roy, Soham; Smith, Lee P

2015-01-01

This study was designed to assess the ability of carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and radiofrequency ablation devices (Coblator) (ArthoCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA) to ignite either a non-reinforced (polyvinylchloride) endotracheal tube (ETT) or an aluminum and fluoroplastic wrapped silicon ("laser safe") ETT at varying titrations of oxygen in a mechanical model of airway surgery. Non-reinforced and laser safe ETTs were suspended in a mechanical model imitating endoscopic airway surgery. A CO2 laser set at 5-30 watts was fired at the ETT at oxygen concentrations ranging from 21% to 88%. The process was repeated using a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) device. All trials were repeated to ensure accuracy. The CO2 laser ignited a fire when contacting a non-reinforced ETT in under 2 seconds at oxygen concentrations as low as 44%. The CO2 laser could not ignite a laser safe ETT under any conditions, unless it struck the non-reinforced distal tip of the ETT. With the RFA, a fire could not be ignited with either reinforced or non-reinforced ETTs. RFA presents no risk of ignition in simulated airway surgery. CO2 lasers should be utilized with a reinforced ETT or no ETT, as fires can easily ignite when lasers strike a non-reinforced ETT. Decreasing the fraction of inspired oxygen reduces the risk of fire. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Distributed Denial of Service Attack Source Detection Using Efficient Traceback Technique (ETT) in Cloud-Assisted Healthcare Environment.

PubMed

Latif, Rabia; Abbas, Haider; Latif, Seemab; Masood, Ashraf

2016-07-01

Security and privacy are the first and foremost concerns that should be given special attention when dealing with Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). As WBAN sensors operate in an unattended environment and carry critical patient health information, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the major attacks in WBAN environment that not only exhausts the available resources but also influence the reliability of information being transmitted. This research work is an extension of our previous work in which a machine learning based attack detection algorithm is proposed to detect DDoS attack in WBAN environment. However, in order to avoid complexity, no consideration was given to the traceback mechanism. During traceback, the challenge lies in reconstructing the attack path leading to identify the attack source. Among existing traceback techniques, Probabilistic Packet Marking (PPM) approach is the most commonly used technique in conventional IP- based networks. However, since marking probability assignment has significant effect on both the convergence time and performance of a scheme, it is not directly applicable in WBAN environment due to high convergence time and overhead on intermediate nodes. Therefore, in this paper we have proposed a new scheme called Efficient Traceback Technique (ETT) based on Dynamic Probability Packet Marking (DPPM) approach and uses MAC header in place of IP header. Instead of using fixed marking probability, the proposed scheme uses variable marking probability based on the number of hops travelled by a packet to reach the target node. Finally, path reconstruction algorithms are proposed to traceback an attacker. Evaluation and simulation results indicate that the proposed solution outperforms fixed PPM in terms of convergence time and computational overhead on nodes.

A Descriptive Analysis of Exercise Tolerance Test at Seremban Hospital : An Audit for the Year 2001

PubMed Central

Mohamed, Abdul Latiff; Nee, Chan Chee; Azzad, Ahmed

2004-01-01

Our purpose is to report on the epidemiological variables and their association with the results of the exercise tolerance test (ETT) in the series of patients referred for standard diagnostic ETT at Seremban Hospital during the year 2001. ETT is widely performed, but, in Malaysia, an analysis of the associations between the epidemiological data and the results of the ETT has not been presented. All patients referred for ETT at Seremban Hospital who underwent exercise treadmill tests for the year 2001 were taken as the study population. Demographic details and patients with established heart disease (i.e. prior coronary bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure) were noted. Clinical and ETT variables were collected retrospectively from the hospital records. Testing and data management were performed in a standardized fashion with a computer-assisted protocol. This study showed that there was no significant predictive epidemiological variable on the results of the ETT. However, it was found that there was statistically significant difference between the peak exercise time of males and females undergoing the ETT. PMID:22973128

An acoustical guidance and position monitoring system for endotracheal tubes.

PubMed

Mansfield, J P; Lyle, R P; Voorhees, W D; Wodicka, G R

1993-12-01

A prototype instrument to guide the placement and continuously monitor the position of an endotracheal tube (ETT) was developed. An incident audible sound pulse is introduced into the proximal ETT and detected as it travels down the ETT via a miniature microphone located in the wall. This pulse is then emitted from the tube tip into the airways and the reflected signal from the airways is detected by the microphone. A well defined reflection arises from the point where the total cross sectional area of the airways increases rapidly, and the difference in timing between detection of the incident pulse and this reflection is used to determine ETT position or movement. This reflection is not observed if the ETT is erroneously placed in the esophagus. The amplitude and polarity of an additional reflection that occurs at the ETT tip is used to estimate the cross-sectional area of the airway in which the ETT is placed. This combined information allows discrimination between tracheal and bronchial intubation and can be used to insure an adequate fit between the ETT and trachea. The instrument has proven extremely reliable in multiple intubations in eight canines and offers the potential to noninvasively and inexpensively monitor ETT position in a continuous manner.

Substrate Selectivity Check of the Ergothioneine Transporter.

PubMed

Tschirka, Julia; Kreisor, Madlen; Betz, Janina; Gründemann, Dirk

2018-06-01

The candidate vitamin ergothioneine (ET) is a unique antioxidant. Expression of the ET transporter (ETT) (gene symbol SLC22A4 ) in distinct cells is thought to signal intracellular ET activity, since we have previously shown that the ETT is highly selective for ET. Unfortunately, some continue to hold the ETT as a relevant drug transporter, using the misleading functional name OCTN1, novel organic cation transporter. The present study was provoked by two recent reports in which new ETT substrates were declared. Astonishingly, the transport efficiencies (TEs) of ETT for saracatinib and some nucleoside drugs were as high as the TE for ET. Here we examined, based on regulated expression of ETT from human and rat in 293 cells and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quantification, the transport of several drugs. With the nucleosides cytarabine, gemcitabine, 2'-deoxycytidine, and 2'-deoxyadenosine, and the drugs saracatinib, ipratropium, metformin, and oxaliplatin, the uptake into cells expressing ETT was not increased over control cells. ETT-mediated uptake of gabapentin was detectable, but the TE was approximately 100-fold lower than the TE for ergothioneine (50-200 µ l/min per milligram of protein). In conclusion, the ETT remains highly specific for its physiologic substrate ergothioneine. Our results contradict several reports on additional substrates. The ETT does not provide multiple substrate specificities, and it is not a transporter of cationic drugs. Only compounds that are related to ET in substructure-for example, gabapentin, carnitine, and TEA-can be transported, but with very low efficiency. Thus, ETT persists as a specific molecular indicator of ET activity. Copyright © 2018 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Biobleaching of wheat straw-rich soda pulp with alkalophilic laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB: optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Singh, Gursharan; Ahuja, Naveen; Batish, Mona; Capalash, Neena; Sharma, Prince

2008-11-01

An alkalophilic laccase from gamma-proteobacterium JB was applied to wheat straw-rich soda pulp to check its bleaching potential by using response surface methodology based on central composite design. The design was employed by selecting laccase units, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) concentration and pH as model factors. The results of second order factorial design experiments showed that all three independent variables had significant effect on brightness and kappa number of laccase-treated pulp. Optimum conditions for biobleaching of pulp with laccase preparation (specific activity, 65 nkat mg(-1) protein) were 20 nkat g(-1) of pulp, 2mM ABTS and pH 8.0 which enhanced brightness by 5.89% and reduced kappa number by 21.1% within 4h of incubation at 55 degrees C, without further alkaline extraction of pulp. Tear index (8%) and burst index (18%) also improved for laccase-treated pulp as compared to control raw pulp. Treatment of chemically (CEH1H2) bleached pulp with laccase showed significant effect on release of chromophores, hydrophobic and reducing compounds. Laccase-prebleaching of raw pulp reduced the use of hypochlorite by 10% to achieve brightness of resultant hand sheets similar to the fully chemically bleached pulp.

Patency of paediatric endotracheal tubes for airway instrumentation.

PubMed

Elfgen, J; Buehler, P K; Thomas, J; Kemper, M; Imach, S; Weiss, M

2017-01-01

Airway exchange catheters (AEC) and fiberoptic bronchoscopes (FOB) for tracheal intubation are selected so that there is only a minimal gap between their outer and inner diameter of endotracheal tube (ETT) to minimize the risk of impingement during airway instrumentation. This study aimed to test the ease of passage of FOBs and AECs through paediatric ETT of different sizes and from different manufacturers when using current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility taken from text books and manufacturers information. Twelve different brands of cuffed and uncuffed ETT sized ID 2.5 to 5.0 mm were evaluated in an in vitro set-up. Ease of device passage as well as the locations of an impaired passage within the ETT were assessed. Redundant samples were used for same sized ETT and all measurements were triple-checked in randomized order. In total, 51 paired samples of uncuffed as well as cuffed paediatric ETT were tested. There were substantial differences in the ease of ETT passage concordantly for FOBs and AECs among different manufacturers, but also among the product lines from the same manufacturer for a given ID size. Restriction to passage most frequently was found near the endotracheal tube tip or as a gradually increasing resistance along the ETT shaft. Current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility AECs and FOBs with ETTs do not appear to be completely accurate for all ETT brands available. We recommend that specific equipment combinations always must be tested carefully together before attempting to use them in a patient. © 2016 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Estimation of critical end-test torque using neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps in humans.

PubMed

Janzen, Natalie R; Hight, Robert E; Patel, Darshit S; Campbell, Jason A; Larson, Rebecca D; Black, Christopher D

2018-05-02

Characterization of critical power/torque (CP/CT) during voluntary exercise requires maximal effort, making difficult for those with neuromuscular impairments. To address this issue we sought to determine if electrically stimulated intermittent isometric exercise resulted in a critical end-test torque (ETT) that behaved similar to voluntary CT. In the first experiment participants (n = 9) completed four bouts of stimulated exercise at a 3:2 duty cycle, at frequencies of 100, 50, 25 Hz, and a low frequency below ETT (Sub-ETT; ≤ 15 Hz). The second experiment (n = 20) consisted of four bouts at a 2:2 duty cycle-two bouts at 100 Hz, one at an intermediate frequency (15-30 Hz), and one at Sub-ETT. The third experiment (n = 12) consisted of two bouts at 50 Hz at a 3:2 duty* cycle with proximal blood flow occlusion during one of the bouts. ETT torque was similar (p ≥ 0.43) within and among stimulation frequencies in experiment 1. No fatigue was observed during the Sub-ETT bouts (p > 0.05). For experiment 2, ETT was similar at 100 Hz and at the intermediate frequency (p ≥ 0.29). Again, Sub-ETT stimulation did not result in fatigue (p > 0.05). Altering oxygen delivery by altering the duty cycle (3:2 vs. 2:2; p = 0.02) and by occlusion (p < 0.001) resulted in lower ETT values. Stimulated exercise resulted in an ETT that was consistent from day-to-day and similar regardless of initial torque, as long as that torque exceeded ETT, and was sensitive to oxygen delivery. As such we propose it represents a parameter similar to voluntary CT.

Randomized Pilot Trial of Two Modified Endotracheal Tubes To Prevent Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.

PubMed

Deem, Steven; Yanez, David; Sissons-Ross, Laura; Broeckel, Jo Ann Elrod; Daniel, Stephen; Treggiari, Miriam

2016-01-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a prevalent and costly nosocomial infection related to instrumentation of the airway with an endotracheal tube (ETT), enabling microaspiration of contaminated secretions. Modification of the ETT design to reduce microaspiration and/or biofilm formation may play an important role in VAP prevention. However, there is insufficient evidence to provide strong recommendations regarding the use of modified ETT and unaddressed safety concerns. We performed a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing two modified ETTs designed specifically to prevent VAP, with the standard ETT, to test the feasibility of and inform planning for a large, pivotal, randomized trial. This study was conducted with institutional review board approval under exception from informed consent. We randomized in a blinded fashion patients undergoing emergency endotracheal intubation both out of and in hospital to receive one of three different ETT types: (1) a polyurethane-cuffed tube (PUC-ETT), (2) a polyurethane-cuffed tube equipped with a port for continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (PUC-CASS-ETT), or a (3) standard polyvinylchloride-cuffed tube (PVC-ETT). In addition to investigating feasibility and safety, the study coprimary end points were tracheal bacterial colonization reaching a cfu count >10(6) cfu per milliliter and the incidence of invasively diagnosed VAP. A total of 102 subjects were randomized and met the eligibility criteria. Randomization procedures performed well and integrity of blinding at randomization was maintained. The majority of intubations occurred in the hospital setting (n = 77), and the remainder occurred out of hospital (n = 25). Compared with the PVC-ETT, there were no significant differences in tracheal colonization for PUC-ETT (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-3.09) or for PUC-CASS-ETT (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.42-3.76). There were no differences in the risk of invasively diagnosed VAP

Randomized Pilot Trial of Two Modified Endotracheal Tubes To Prevent Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

PubMed Central

Yanez, David; Sissons-Ross, Laura; Elrod Broeckel, Jo Ann; Daniel, Stephen; Treggiari, Miriam

2016-01-01

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a prevalent and costly nosocomial infection related to instrumentation of the airway with an endotracheal tube (ETT), enabling microaspiration of contaminated secretions. Modification of the ETT design to reduce microaspiration and/or biofilm formation may play an important role in VAP prevention. However, there is insufficient evidence to provide strong recommendations regarding the use of modified ETT and unaddressed safety concerns. Objectives: We performed a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing two modified ETTs designed specifically to prevent VAP, with the standard ETT, to test the feasibility of and inform planning for a large, pivotal, randomized trial. Methods: This study was conducted with institutional review board approval under exception from informed consent. We randomized in a blinded fashion patients undergoing emergency endotracheal intubation both out of and in hospital to receive one of three different ETT types: (1) a polyurethane-cuffed tube (PUC-ETT), (2) a polyurethane-cuffed tube equipped with a port for continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (PUC-CASS-ETT), or a (3) standard polyvinylchloride-cuffed tube (PVC-ETT). In addition to investigating feasibility and safety, the study coprimary end points were tracheal bacterial colonization reaching a cfu count >106 cfu per milliliter and the incidence of invasively diagnosed VAP. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 102 subjects were randomized and met the eligibility criteria. Randomization procedures performed well and integrity of blinding at randomization was maintained. The majority of intubations occurred in the hospital setting (n = 77), and the remainder occurred out of hospital (n = 25). Compared with the PVC-ETT, there were no significant differences in tracheal colonization for PUC-ETT (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–3.09) or for PUC-CASS-ETT (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.42–3

Tracheal-innominate artery fistula caused by the endotracheal tube tip: case report and investigation of a fatal complication of prolonged intubation.

PubMed

Siobal, M; Kallet, R H; Kraemer, R; Jonson, E; Lemons, D; Young, D; Campbell, A R; Schecter, W; Tang, J

2001-10-01

A patient with extensive burns was intubated with an 8.0 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube (ETT) equipped with a subglottic suction port (Mallinckrodt HiLo Evac). The ETT was secured to a left upper molar with wire sutures throughout the hospitalization course to ensure airway stability. On the 40th day of intubation, the patient exsanguinated and died from a tracheo-innominate artery fistula. Postmortem examination revealed a 1 cm lesion of the left anterior tracheal wall at the position of the ETT tip. The prolonged stationary position of the ETT was considered the primary factor responsible for the fistula. Yet tracheo-innominate artery fistula normally is associated with high cuff pressures rather than with the tube tip. The special ETT construction required for the subglottic suction feature was suspected to have increased tube rigidity and may have played a contributory role. The rigidity of the Mallinckrodt HiLo Evac was measured with a mechanical model and compared to 5 other commercially-available ETTs. Rigidity was expressed as the force generated by the ETT tip when the tube curvature was altered by 5 cm and 10 cm of flexion from its resting position. The mean force exerted by the Mallinckrodt HiLo Evac was 10.1 +/- 2.8 g at 5 cm of flexion and 17.7 +/- 5.1 g at 10 cm of flexion. This was significantly greater than all other ETT brands tested (by one-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Kuels test, p < 0.05). This case of fatal tracheo-innominate artery fistula formation associated with an ETT tip was unusual because of the extended duration of endotracheal intubation and the complexity of the patient's airway management problems. Our data suggest that the higher rigidity of the HiLo Evac ETT may have contributed to fistula development at the tube tip. However, we do not believe that the higher rigidity of the HiLo Evac ETT necessarily poses any greater risk than other ETTs under normal circumstances, in which the tube tip is not fixed in a

Effects of anatomical position on esophageal transit time: A biomagnetic diagnostic technique

PubMed Central

Cordova-Fraga, Teodoro; Sosa, Modesto; Wiechers, Carlos; la Roca-Chiapas, Jose Maria De; Moreles, Alejandro Maldonado; Bernal-Alvarado, Jesus; Huerta-Franco, Raquel

2008-01-01

AIM: To study the esophageal transit time (ETT) and compare its mean value among three anatomical inclinations of the body; and to analyze the correlation of ETT to body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A biomagnetic technique was implemented to perform this study: (1) The transit time of a magnetic marker (MM) through the esophagus was measured using two fluxgate sensors placed over the chest of 14 healthy subjects; (2) the ETT was assessed in three anatomical positions (at upright, fowler, and supine positions; 90º, 45º and 0º, respectively). RESULTS: ANOVA and Tuckey post-hoc tests demonstrated significant differences between ETT mean of the different positions. The ETT means were 5.2 ± 1.1 s, 6.1 ± 1.5 s, and 23.6 ± 9.2 s for 90º, 45º and 0º, respectively. Pearson correlation results were r = -0.716 and P < 0.001 by subjects’ anatomical position, and r = -0.024 and P > 0.05 according the subject’s BMI. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that using this biomagnetic technique, it is possible to measure the ETT and the effects of the anatomical position on the ETT. PMID:18837088

The type III secretion system is involved in the invasion and intracellular survival of Escherichia coli K1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Yao, Yufeng; Xie, Yi; Perace, Donna; Zhong, Yi; Lu, Jie; Tao, Jing; Guo, Xiaokui; Kim, Kwang Sik

2009-11-01

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) have been documented in many Gram-negative bacteria, including enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. We have previously shown the existence of a putative T3SS in meningitis-causing E. coli K1 strains, referred to as E. coli type III secretion 2 (ETT2). The sequence of ETT2 in meningitis-causing E. coli K1 strain EC10 (O7:K1) revealed that ETT2 comprises the epr, epa and eiv genes, but bears mutations, deletions and insertions. We constructed the EC10 mutants deleted of ETT2 or eivA gene, and their contributions to bacterial pathogenesis were evaluated in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). The deletion mutant of ETT2 exhibited defects in invasion and intracellular survival compared with the parental E. coli K1 strain EC10. The mutant deleted of eivA within ETT2 was also significantly defective in invasion and intracellular survival in HBMECs, and the defects of the eiv mutant were restored to the levels of the parent strain EC10 by transcomplementation. These findings suggest that ETT2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of E. coli K1 infection, including meningitis.

Utility of Pretest Probability and Exercise Treadmill Test in Korean Women with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Hyun; Shim, Wan-Joo; Kim, Myung-A; Hong, Kyung-Soon; Shin, Mi-Seung; Park, Seong-Mi; Cho, Kyoung Im; Kim, Mina; Kim, Sihun; Kim, Hak-Lyoung; Yoon, Hyun-Ju; Na, Jin-Oh; Kim, Sung-Eun

2016-06-01

Pretest probability (PTP) and an exercise treadmill test (ETT) are recommended for the initial evaluation of possible coronary artery disease (CAD), but the applicability of these tests in Korean women has not been evaluated. Korean women with PTP, ETT, and invasive coronary angiography results were enrolled. Across all PTP levels, PTP and ETT statistics were evaluated and independent CAD predictors obtained. Of the 335 patients (mean age 58.0 ± 10.2 years), 99 and 236 were in the low (LPTP) and intermediate PTP (IPTP) groups, respectively. The observed prevalence of CAD was significantly lower than the PTP. (7.1% vs. 9.1 ± 4.9% in LPTP, p < 0.001; 23.3% vs. 33.0 ± 15.1% in IPTP, p < 0.001) The ETT's sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPVs) appeared lower than previously reported (LPTP: 42.9% and 16.7%; IPTP: 61.8% and 37.0%), whereas the negative predictive values (NPVs) were higher (LPTP: 95.1%; IPTP: 85.4%). After multivariate adjustments, positive ETT (odds ratio 3.276, 95% confidence interval 1.643-6.532, p = 0.001) independently predicted the presence of CAD, but the PTP showed only marginal predictability (odds ratio 1.019, 95% confidence interval 0.998-1.041, p = 0.069). In Korean women, the observed prevalence of CAD was lower than the PTP, and PTP showed only marginal CAD predictability. Although a positive ETT independently predicted CAD, the ETT showed lower sensitivity and PPVs than previously reported. Despite the limited value of PTP and ETT, the high NPVs of ETT appear useful for saving patients from unnecessary further examinations.

Evaluating the effects of a 532-nm fiber-based KTP laser on transoral laser surgery supplies.

PubMed

Coughlan, Carolyn A; Verma, Sunil P

2013-11-01

The KTP laser has become commonplace in transoral head and neck surgery. The interactions of this laser with commonly used supplies in transoral surgery have not been formally examined. This study evaluates the effects of the KTP laser on surgical supplies. Experimental study. The study was conducted in an empty operating room at a university-affiliated medical center. An Aura XP 532-nm KTP laser with a 600-nm fiber was used in pulsed and continuous modes. The beam was focused at the shaft and balloon of 3 "laser-safe" endotracheal tubes (ETTs), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ETT, and a Codman surgical patty. Time to penetrate was recorded. Results The KTP laser beam was unable to penetrate any of the laser-resistant ETTs. It did react with the black number markings on the PVC ETT by producing sparks but was unable to penetrate the shaft of the ETT. The KTP laser was nonreactive with all ETT cuffs except in 1 of 3 trials with the outer balloon cuff of a Rusch Lasertubus ETT when the laser was used in a continuous mode. The KTP laser caused the production of a flame upon contact with the blue radiopaque strip of the surgical patty, even when the patty was wet. This study demonstrates that a number of safe ETT options may be used during transoral laser microsurgery with a KTP laser. In addition, Codman surgical patties are shown to be a significant fire risk in KTP laser surgery.

Omega 3 but not omega 6 fatty acids inhibit AP-1 activity and cell transformation in JB6 cells.

PubMed

Liu, G; Bibus, D M; Bode, A M; Ma, W Y; Holman, R T; Dong, Z

2001-06-19

Epidemiological and animal-based investigations have indicated that the development of skin cancer is in part associated with poor dietary practices. Lipid content and subsequently the derived fatty acid composition of the diet are believed to play a major role in the development of tumorigenesis. Omega 3 (omega3) fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can effectively reduce the risk of skin cancer whereas omega 6 (omega6) fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA) reportedly promote risk. To investigate the effects of fatty acids on tumorigenesis, we performed experiments to examine the effects of the omega3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and of the omega6 fatty acid AA on phorbol 12-tetradecanoate 13-acetate (TPA)-induced or epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced transcription activator protein 1 (AP-1) transactivation and on the subsequent cellular transformation in a mouse epidermal JB6 cell model. DHA treatment resulted in marked inhibition of TPA- and EGF-induced cell transformation by inhibiting AP-1 transactivation. EPA treatment also inhibited TPA-induced AP-1 transactivation and cell transformation but had no effect on EGF-induced transformation. AA treatment had no effect on either TPA- or EGF-induced AP-1 transactivation or transformation, but did abrogate the inhibitory effects of DHA on TPA- or EGF-induced AP-1 transactivation and cell transformation in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of omega3 fatty acids on tumorigenesis are more significant for DHA than for EPA and are related to an inhibition of AP-1. Similarly, because AA abrogates the beneficial effects of DHA, the dietary ratio of omega6 to omega3 fatty acids may be a significant factor in mediating tumor development.

Validity of an Exercise Test Based on Habitual Gait Speed in Mobility-Limited Older Adults

PubMed Central

Li, Xin; Forman, Daniel E.; Kiely, Dan K.; LaRose, Sharon; Hirschberg, Ronald; Frontera, Walter R.; Bean, Jonathan F.

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate whether a customized exercise tolerance testing (ETT) protocol based on an individual’s habitual gait speed (HGS) on level ground would be a valid mode of exercise testing older adults. Although ETT provides a useful means to risk-stratify adults, age-related declines in gait speed paradoxically limit the utility of standard ETT protocols for evaluating older adults. A customized ETT protocol may be a useful alternative to these standard methods, and this study hypothesized that this alternative approach would be valid. Design We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of older adults with observed mobility problems. Screening was performed using a treadmill-based ETT protocol customized for each individual’s HGS. We determined the content validity by assessing the results of the ETTs, and we evaluated the construct validity of treadmill time in relation to the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Setting Outpatient rehabilitation center. Participants Community-dwelling, mobility-limited older adults (N = 141). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Cardiac instability, ETT duration, peak heart rate, peak systolic blood pressure, PASE, and LLFDI. Results Acute cardiac instability was identified in 4 of the participants who underwent ETT. The remaining participants (n = 137, 68% female; mean age, 75.3y) were included in the subsequent analyses. Mean exercise duration was 9.39 minutes, with no significant differences in durations being observed after evaluating among tertiles by HGS status. Mean peak heart rate and mean peak systolic blood pressure were 126.6 beats/ min and 175.0mmHg, respectively. Within separate multivariate models, ETT duration in each of the 3 gait speed groups was significantly associated (P<.05) with PASE and LLFDI. Conclusions Mobility-limited older adults can complete this customized

Estimation of tracheal pressure and imposed expiratory work of breathing by the endotracheal tube, heat and moisture exchanger, and ventilator during mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Akinori; Yoshida, Takeshi; Yamanaka, Hidenori; Fujino, Yuji

2013-07-01

The resistance of the endotracheal tube (ETT), the heat and moisture exchanger (HME), and the ventilator may affect the patient's respiratory status. Although previous studies examined the inspiratory work of breathing (WOB), investigation of WOB in the expiratory phase is rare. We estimated tracheal pressure at the tip of the ETT (Ptrach) and calculated expiratory WOB imposed by the ETT, the HME, and the expiratory valve. We examined imposed expiratory WOB in patients under a continuous mandatory ventilation (CMV) mode and during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs). We hypothesized that imposed expiratory WOB would increase with heightened ventilatory demand. We measured airway pressure (Paw) and respiratory flow (V). We estimated Ptrach using the equation Ptrach = Paw - K1 × V(K2) - 2.70 × V(L/s)(1.42). K1 and K2 were determined by the inner diameter (ID) of the ETT. Imposed expiratory WOB was calculated from the area of Ptrach above PEEP versus lung volume. We examined imposed expiratory WOB and imposed expiratory resistance in relation to mean expiratory flow. We examined 28 patients under CMV mode, and 29 during SBT. During both CMV and SBT, as mean expiratory flow increased, imposed expiratory WOB increased. The regression curves between mean expiratory flow (x) (L/s) and imposed expiratory WOB (y) (J/L) were y = 1.35x(0.83) (R(2) = 0.79) for 7 mm ID ETT under CMV, y = 1.12x(0.82) (R(2) = 0.73) for 8 mm ID ETT under CMV, y = 1.07x(1.04) (R(2) = 0.85) for 7 mm ID ETT during SBT, and y = 0.84x(0.93) (R(2) = 0.75) for 8 mm ID ETT during SBT. Levels of imposed expiratory WOB were affected by ETT diameter and ventilator mode. The reason for increasing imposed expiratory WOB was an increase in expiratory resistance imposed by the ETT and HME. Under mechanical ventilation, imposed expiratory WOB should be considered in patients with higher minute ventilation.

Evaluation of Endotracheal Tube Scraping on Airway Resistance.

PubMed

Scott, J Brady; Dubosky, Meagan N; Vines, David L; Sulaiman, Adewunmi S; Jendral, Kyle R; Singh, Gagan; Patel, Ankeet; Kaplan, Carl A; Gurka, David P; Balk, Robert A

2017-11-01

Spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) are used to assess the readiness for discontinuation of mechanical ventilation. When airway resistance (R aw ) is elevated, the imposed work of breathing can lead to prolongation of mechanical ventilation. Biofilm and mucus build-up within the endotracheal tube (ETT) can increase R aw . Scraping the ETT can remove the biofilm build-up and decrease mechanical R aw . The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ETT scraping on R aw . The secondary aim was to determine whether decreasing R aw would impact subsequent SBT success. Intubated, mechanically ventilated subjects were enrolled if they failed an SBT and had an R aw of > 10 cm H 2 O/L/s. SBT failure was based on institutional guidelines, and R aw was calculated by subtracting the difference between the measured peak and plateau pressures using a square flow waveform with an inspiratory flow set at 60 L/min. The endOclear device was inserted into the ETT and withdrawn per manufacturer's guidelines. Scraping was repeated until the ETT was cleared. Change in R aw was compared pre- and post-ETT scraping using a paired t test. A Mann-Whitney U test evaluated the difference in percentage change in R aw between SBT groups. Twenty-nine subjects completed the study. The mean pre- and post-ETT scraping R aw values were 15.17 ± 3.83 and 12.05 ± 3.19 cm H 2 O/L/s, respectively ( P < .001). Subsequent SBT success was 48%; however, there was no difference in percentage change in R aw between subsequent passed SBT (18.61% [interquartile range 8.90-33.93%]) and failed SBT (23.88% [interquartile range 0.00-34.80%]), U = 78.5, z = -0.284, P = .78. No adverse events were noted with ETT scraping. This study demonstrated that ETT scraping can reduce R aw . The decrease in R aw post-ETT scraping did not affect subsequent SBT success. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Main Vacuum Technical Issues of Evacuated Tube Transportation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. P.; Li, S. S.; Wang, M. X.

In the future, Evacuated Tube Transportation (ETT) would be built and faster than jets. ETT tube with diameter 2∼4m and length over 1000 km will be the largest scale vacuum equipment on earth. This paper listed some main vacuum technical issues to be solved in ETT as follow. How to build ultra-large-scale vacuum chamber like ETT tube with low cost and high reliability? How to pump gas out off the ETT tube in short time? How to release heat or reduce temperature in the vacuum tube? Hot to avoid vacuum electricity discharge? How to manufacture vehicles with airproof shells and equip the life support system? How to detect leakage and find leakage position efficiently and fast as possible? Some relative solutions and suggestions are put up.

Pediatric Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures During Aeromedical Transport.

PubMed

Orsborn, Jonathan; Graham, James; Moss, Michele; Melguizo, Maria; Nick, Todd; Stroud, Michael

2016-01-01

Cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are frequently used in children, allowing fewer air leaks and helping prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Tracheal mucosal perfusion is compromised at an ETT cuff pressure (ETTCP) of 30 cm H2O with blood flow completely absent above 50 cm H2O. Our objective was to compare multiple pediatric-sized ETTCPs at ground level and various altitudes during aeromedical transport. Simulating the transport environment, 4 pediatric-sized mannequin heads were intubated with appropriately sized cuffed ETTs (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0) and transported by helicopter or nonpressurized fixed-wing aircraft 20 times each. The ETTCP was set to 10 cm H2O before transport, and the pressure was measured with a standard manometer at 1000-ft intervals until reaching peak altitude or CP greater than 60 cm H2O. Ground elevation ranged from 400-650 ft mean sea level (MSL) and peak altitude from 3500 to 5000 ft MSL. Increased altitude caused a significant increase in ETTCP of all ETT sizes (P < 0.001). However, there is no statistical difference in pressures between ETT sizes (P = 0.28). On average, ETTCP in 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 ETTs surpassed 30 cm H2O at approximately 1500 ft MSL and 50 cm H2O at approximately 2800 ft MSL. In the 5.0 ETT, the CP reached 30 cm H2O at 2000 ft MSL and 50 cm H2O at 3700 ft MSL. The ETTCP in pediatric-sized ETTs regularly exceed recommended pressure limits at relatively low altitudes. There is no additional pressure increase related to ETT size. This has the potential to decrease mucosal blood flow, possibly increasing risk of subsequent tracheal stenosis, rupture, and other complications.

Severed cuff inflation tubing of endotracheal tube: A novel way to prevent cuff deflation.

PubMed

Rao, Amrut K; Chaudhuri, Souvik; Joseph, Tim T; Kamble, Deependra; Gotur, Gopal; Venkatesh, Sandeep

2014-01-01

A well-secured endotracheal tube (ETT) is essential for safe anesthesia. The ETT has to be fixed with the adhesive plasters or with tie along with adhesive plasters appropriately. It is specially required in patients having beard, in intensive care unit (ICU) patients or in oral surgeries. If re-adjustment of the ETT is necessary, we should be cautious while removal of the plasters and tie, as there may be damage to the cuff inflation system. This can be a rare cause of ETT cuff leak, thus making maintenance of adequate ventilation difficult and requiring re-intubation. In a difficult airway scenario, it can be extremely challenging to re-intubate again. We report an incidence where the ETT cuff tubing was severed while attempting to re-adjust and re-fix the ETT and the patient required re-intubation. Retrospectively, we thought of and describe a safe, reliable and novel technique to prevent cuff deflation of the severed inflation tube. The technique can also be used to monitor cuff pressure in such scenarios.

A Novel Energetic Perchlorate Amine Salt: Synthesis, Properties, and Density Functional Theory Calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Peng; Pan, Yong; Jiang, Juncheng; Zhu, Shunguan

2017-10-01

A novel explosive, ethylenediamine triethylenediamine tetraperchlorate (ETT), was synthesized by a rapid " one-pot" method. The molecular and crystal structures of ETT were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The purity of the ETT was characterized by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) spectra and elemental analysis (EA). The chemical and physical properties of the co-crystal ETT were further explored including impact sensitivity, velocity of detonation, and thermal behavior. The impact sensitivity of the ETT (h50% = 9.50 cm) is much lower than that of its components, ethylenediamine diperchlorate (ED) (h50% = 5.60 cm) and triethylenediamine diperchlorate (TD) (h50% = 2.10 cm). The measured detonation velocity is 8956 m/s (ρ = 1.873 g/cm3), which is much higher than that of TNT (6900 m/s) or RDX (8350 m/s). The co-crystal ETT shows a unique thermal behavior with a decomposition peak temperature at 365 °C. Band structure and density of states (DOS) of the ETT were confirmed by the CASTEP code. The first-principles tight-binding method within the general gradient approximation (GGA) was employed to study the electronic band structure as well as the DOS and Fermi energy. Hirshfeld surfaces were applied to analyze the intermolecular interactions in the co-crystal, and the results showed that weak interaction was dominantly mediated by H … O hydrogen bond. By analyzing the bond length at different temperatures, N-H covalent bond is the trigger bond for the ETT.

Photodynamic therapy to destroy pneumonia associated microorganisms using external irradiation source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassi, Rosane; Myakawa, Walter; Navarro, Ricardo S.; Baptista, Alessandra; Ribeiro, Martha Simões; Nunez, Silvia Cristina

2018-02-01

An endotracheal tube (ETT) is required for the management of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. Ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP) affects patients hospitalized in intensive care units; its risk of occurrence is 1% to up 3% for each day of mechanical ventilation. The polymicrobial nature of VAP is established with mixed bacterial-fungal biofilms colonizing the ETT. The microbial interaction enhances the microbial pathogenesis contributing to high indexes of morbidity/mortality. Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) could be a suitable therapy for decontamination of oral cavity and ETT at the same time, but the use of a fiber optics inside the ETT seems to not be appropriated since a cannula for secretion aspiration has to be introduced into the ETT to keep it's lumen. The aim of this study is to proof the concept that an external light source from a LED is capable of reach all areas of the ETT. We use a commercial ETT, 60μM methylene blue (MB), and a 660nm diode laser and calculated the transmission coefficient of light in different situations as only tube, tube with biofilm and biofilm+MB. The results prove that is possible to transmit light through the tube even in the presence of MB and biofilm although a high attenuation of about 60% was measured depending on the tested condition.

Tracheal palpation to assess endotracheal tube depth: an exploratory study.

PubMed

McKay, William P; Klonarakis, Jim; Pelivanov, Vladko; O'Brien, Jennifer M; Plewes, Chris

2014-03-01

Correct placement of the endotracheal tube (ETT) occurs when the distal tip is in mid-trachea. This study compares two techniques used to place the ETT at the correct depth during intubation: tracheal palpation vs placement at a fixed depth at the patient's teeth. With approval of the Research Ethics Board, we recruited American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery with tracheal intubation. Clinicians performing the tracheal intubations were asked to "advance the tube slowly once the tip is through the cords". An investigator palpated the patient's trachea with three fingers spread over the trachea from the larynx to the sternal notch. When the ETT tip was felt in the sternal notch, the ETT was immobilized and its position was determined by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. The position of the ETT tip was compared with our hospital standard, which is a depth at the incisors or gums of 23 cm for men and 21 cm for women. The primary outcome was the incidence of correct placement. Correct placement of the ETT was defined as a tip > 2.5 cm from the carina and > 3.5 cm below the vocal cords. Movement of the ETT tip was readily palpable in 77 of 92 patients studied, and bronchoscopy was performed in 85 patients. Placement by tracheal palpation resulted in more correct placements (71 [77%]; 95% confidence interval [CI] 74 to 81) than hospital standard depth at the incisors or gums (57 [61%]; 95% CI 58 to 66) (P = 0.037). The mean (SD) placement of the ETT tip in palpable subjects was 4.1 (1.7) cm above the carina, 1.9 cm (1.5-2.3 cm) below the ideal mid-tracheal position. Tracheal palpation requires no special equipment, takes only a few seconds to perform, and may improve ETT placement at the correct depth. Further studies are warranted.

MR Imaging of Uterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor: A Case Report

PubMed Central

KAGEYAMA, Sakiko; KANOTO, Masafumi; SUGAI, Yukio; SUTO, Takeshi; NAGASE, Satoru; OSAKABE, Mitsumasa; HOSOYA, Takaaki

2016-01-01

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic neoplasm of chorionic-type intermediate trophoblasts, and it is most frequently located in the lower uterine segment and endocervix. Due to the epithelial-growth pattern with geographic necrosis exhibited by the neoplastic cells, ETT is commonly confused, both clinically and pathologically, with squamous cell carcinoma. Although there have been no previous reports of ETT focusing on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, we report a case of uterine ETT with special attention to the MRI findings referring to the pathological findings and MR images of previous reports. A 42-year-old Japanese woman (gravid 1, para 1) presented with uterus enlargement during screening, and complained of recent-onset lower abdominal pain. The MRI showed a solid tumor throughout the entire myometrium of the lower uterine segment, with the hemorrhagic cystic portion extending to the posterior subserosal space. Following hysterectomy, the final pathological diagnosis was ETT. An ETT is essentially a solid tumor composed of intermediate trophoblasts that exhibit an epithelial-like growth pattern and contain geographic necrosis with calcification. In our case, MRI revealed a non-specific-intensity solid tumor in the lower uterine segment with massive necrosis and hemorrhage extending to the subserosa. While it is difficult to distinguish between ETT and uterine carcinomas, recognition of certain tumor shapes and necrosis could enable more accurate diagnosis before treatment. PMID:27001388

A 72-hour study to test the efficacy and safety of the "Mucus Slurper" in mechanically ventilated sheep.

PubMed

Li Bassi, Gianluigi; Curto, Francesco; Zanella, Alberto; Stylianou, Mario; Kolobow, Theodor

2007-03-01

In patients intubated with endotracheal tubes (ETTs), suctioning is routinely performed to remove mucus from within the ETT and trachea. The Mucus Slurper is a novel ETT with built-in suction ports arranged radially at its tip. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Mucus Slurper, compared with conventional tracheal suction, to prevent airway obstruction in sheep with the ETT and trachea oriented below horizontal. Prospective randomized animal study. Animal research facility at the National Institutes of Health. Twelve healthy sheep. Sheep were randomized to be intubated with either the Mucus Slurper (study group) or a Hi-Lo Tracheal Tube (Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, MO) (control group) and mechanically ventilated for 72 hrs. In the study group, automatic, timed tracheal aspiration lasted 0.3 secs, was repeated every 2 mins, and was synchronized with the early expiratory phase. In the control group, tracheal suction was performed every 6 hrs or as required. In the control group, tracheal secretions accumulated progressively within the ETT and the trachea. In the study group, all mucus that reached the tip of the Mucus Slurper was aspirated, keeping the lumen of the ETT, and proximal trachea, free from secretions. In the study group, expiratory water trap protein concentration, a crude index to measure mucus drainage through the ETT, was consistently less than the control group (p < .001). At autopsy, no macroscopic injury to the tracheal mucosa was found in either group. In the study group, the respiratory circuit was less colonized than in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in bacterial colonization of the lungs/bronchi. The Mucus Slurper, combined with orientation of the trachea below horizontal, prevents accumulation of secretions within the lumen of the ETT and trachea, without need for conventional tracheal suctioning.

Clinical spectrum of patients with erosion of the inner ear by jugular bulb abnormalities.

PubMed

Friedmann, David R; Le, B Thuy; Pramanik, Bidyut K; Lalwani, Anil K

2010-02-01

Anatomic variants of the jugular bulb (JB) are common; however, abnormalities such as large high riding JB and JB diverticulum (JBD) are uncommon. Rarely, the abnormal JB may erode into the inner ear. The goal of our study is to report a large series of patients with symptomatic JB erosion into the inner ear. Retrospective review in an academic medical center. Eleven patients with JB abnormality eroding into the inner ear were identified on computed tomography (CT) scan of the temporal bone. Age at presentation was from 5 years to 82 years with six males and five females. The large JB or JBD eroded into the vestibular aqueduct (n = 9) or the posterior semicircular canal (n = 4). The official radiology report usually identified the JB abnormality; however, erosion into these structures by the JB was not mentioned in all but one case. All patients were symptomatic with five having conductive hearing loss (CHL) and three complaining of pulsatile tinnitus. Those with pulsatile tinnitus and four of five with CHL had erosion into the vestibular aqueduct. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) findings in three of six patients were consistent with dehiscence of the inner ear. High riding large JB or JBD can erode into the inner ear and may be associated with CHL and/or pulsatile tinnitus. CT scan is diagnostic and should be examined specifically for these lesions. As patients with pulsatile tinnitus may initially undergo a magnetic resonance imaging scan, identification of JB abnormality should prompt CT scan or VEMP testing to evaluate for inner ear erosion.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis of colorectal carcinoma through ROS-ER stress-Ca2+-mitochondria dependent pathway

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jing; Wang, Yang; Zhou, Ye; He, Qing-Yu

2017-01-01

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of death in cancer-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of Jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive diterpenoid component isolated from the dried roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, on CRC cells and its underlying mechanisms. We found that JB suppressed the cell viability and colony formation of CRC cells, HT29 and SW620. Annexin V/PI assay revealed that JB induced apoptosis in CRC cells, which was further confirmed by the increased expression of cleaved-caspase3 and cleaved-PARP. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics was performed to identify JB-regulated proteins in CRC cells. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these JB-regulated proteins were mainly involved in ER stress response, which was evidenced by the expression of ER stress marker proteins, HSP90, Bip and PDI. Moreover, we found that JB provoked the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that inhibition of the ROS generation with N-acetyl L-cysteine could reverse the JB-induced apoptosis. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed that JB treatment enhanced intracellular and mitochondrial Ca2+ level and JC-1 assay revealed a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC after JB treatment. The mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and depolarization can be blocked by Ruthenium Red (RuRed), an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. Taken together, we demonstrated that JB exerts its anticancer effect by ER stress-Ca2+-mitochondria signaling, suggesting the promising chemotherapeutic potential of JB for the treatment of CRC. PMID:29207638

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis of colorectal carcinoma through ROS-ER stress-Ca2+-mitochondria dependent pathway.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Wang, Yang; Zhou, Ye; He, Qing-Yu

2017-10-31

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of death in cancer-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of Jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive diterpenoid component isolated from the dried roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, on CRC cells and its underlying mechanisms. We found that JB suppressed the cell viability and colony formation of CRC cells, HT29 and SW620. Annexin V/PI assay revealed that JB induced apoptosis in CRC cells, which was further confirmed by the increased expression of cleaved-caspase3 and cleaved-PARP. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics was performed to identify JB-regulated proteins in CRC cells. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these JB-regulated proteins were mainly involved in ER stress response, which was evidenced by the expression of ER stress marker proteins, HSP90, Bip and PDI. Moreover, we found that JB provoked the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that inhibition of the ROS generation with N-acetyl L-cysteine could reverse the JB-induced apoptosis. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed that JB treatment enhanced intracellular and mitochondrial Ca 2+ level and JC-1 assay revealed a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC after JB treatment. The mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake and depolarization can be blocked by Ruthenium Red (RuRed), an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca 2+ uniporter. Taken together, we demonstrated that JB exerts its anticancer effect by ER stress-Ca 2+ -mitochondria signaling, suggesting the promising chemotherapeutic potential of JB for the treatment of CRC.

Joint bleeds in von Willebrand disease patients have significant impact on quality of life and joint integrity: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

van Galen, K P M; Sanders, Y V; Vojinovic, U; Eikenboom, J; Cnossen, M H; Schutgens, R E G; van der Bom, J G; Fijnvandraat, K; Laros-Van Gorkom, B A P; Meijer, K; Leebeek, F W G; Mauser-Bunschoten, E P

2015-05-01

Joint bleeds (JB) are reported in a minority of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) but may lead to structural joint damage. Prevalence, severity and impact of JB in VWD are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess JB prevalence, onset, treatment and impact on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and joint integrity in moderate and severe VWD. In the Willebrand in the Netherlands study 804 moderate and severe VWD patients [von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity ≤30U dL(-1)] completed a questionnaire on occurrence, sites and consequences of JB. To analyse JB number, onset, treatment and impact on joint integrity we additionally performed a patient-control study on medical file data comparing patients with JB to age, gender, factor VIII (FVIII)- and VWF activity matched VWD patients without JB. Of all VWD patients 23% (184/804) self-reported JB. These 184 patients reported joint damage more often (54% vs. 18%, P < 0.001) and had lower HR-QoL (SF36, P < 0.05) compared to VWD patients not reporting JB. Of 55 patients with available JB data, 65% had the first JB before age 16. These 55 patients used more clotting factor concentrate (CFC; median dose 43 vs. 0 IE FVIII kg(-1) year(-1) , P < 0.001), more often had X-ray joint damage (44% vs. 11%, P = 0.001] and chronic joint pain (44% vs. 18%, P = 0.008) compared to 55 control VWD patients without JB. In conclusion, joint bleeds are reported by 23% of moderate and severe VWD patients, mostly start in childhood, are associated with more CFC use, joint pain, lower HR-QoL and significantly more radiological and self-reported joint damage. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Jolkinolide B inhibits glycolysis by downregulating hexokinase 2 expression through inactivating the Akt/mTOR pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

PubMed

Gao, Xiang; Han, Han

2018-06-01

Jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive compound isolated from herbal medicine, has been found to inhibit tumor growth by altering glycolysis. However, whether glycolysis is influenced by JB in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the mechanism remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of JB on the glycolysis in NSCLC cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that JB treatment inhibited cell viability of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. JB reduced the glucose consumption, lactate production, and HK2 expression. The expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR were also decreased by JB treatment. Knockdown of HK2 reduced glucose consumption and lactate production. Inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway decreased HK2 expression and inhibited glycolysis. In conclusion, the results indicated that JB inhibits glycolysis by down-regulating HK2 expression through inactivating the Akt/mTOR pathway in NSCLC cells, suggesting that JB might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of NSCLC. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In vitro anticancer properties and biological evaluation of novel natural alkaloid jerantinine B.

PubMed

Qazzaz, Mohannad E; Raja, Vijay J; Lim, Kuan-Hon; Kam, Toh-Seok; Lee, Jong Bong; Gershkovich, Pavel; Bradshaw, Tracey D

2016-01-28

Natural products play a pivotal role in medicine especially in the cancer arena. Many drugs that are currently used in cancer chemotherapy originated from or were inspired by nature. Jerantinine B (JB) is one of seven novel Aspidosperma indole alkaloids isolated from the leaf extract of Tabernaemontana corymbosa. Preliminary antiproliferative assays revealed that JB and JB acetate significantly inhibited growth and colony formation, accompanied by time- and dose-dependent apoptosis induction in human cancer cell lines. JB significantly arrested cells at the G2/M cell cycle phase, potently inhibiting tubulin polymerisation. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1; an early trigger for the G2/M transition) was also dose-dependently inhibited by JB (IC50 1.5 µM). Furthermore, JB provoked significant increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Annexin V+ cell populations, dose-dependent accumulation of cleaved-PARP and caspase 3/7 activation, and reduced Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expression confirm apoptosis induction. Preclinical in silico biopharmaceutical assessment of JB calculated rapid absorption and bioavailability >70%. Doses of 8-16 mg/kg JB were predicted to maintain unbound plasma concentrations >GI50 values in mice during efficacy studies. These findings advocate continued development of JB as a potential chemotherapeutic agent. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The significance of early post-exercise ST segment normalization.

PubMed

Chow, Rudy; Fordyce, Christopher B; Gao, Min; Chan, Sammy; Gin, Kenneth; Bennett, Matthew

2015-01-01

The persistence of ST segment depression in recovery signifies a strongly positive exercise treadmill test (ETT). However, it is unclear if early recovery of ST segments portends a similar prognosis. We sought to determine if persistence of ST depression into recovery correlates with ischemic burden based on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). This was a retrospective analysis of 853 consecutive patients referred for exercise MPI at a tertiary academic center over a 24-month period. Patients were stratified into three groups based on the results of the ETT: normal (negative ETT), persistence (positive ETT with >1mm ST segment depression at 1minute in recovery) and early normalization (positive ETT with <1mm ST segment depression at 1minute in recovery). Summed stress scores (SSSs) were calculated then for each patient, while the coronary anatomy was reported for the subset of patients who received coronary angiograms. A total of 513 patients had a negative ETT, 235 patients met criteria for early normalization, while 105 patients met criteria for persistence. The persistence group had a significantly greater SSS (8.48±7.77) than both the early normalization (4.34±4.98, p<0.001) and normal (4.47±5.31, p<0.001) groups. The SSSs of the early normalization and normal groups were not statistically different and met the prespecified non-inferiority margin (mean difference 0.12, -0.66=lower 95% CI, p<0.001). Among the 87 patients who underwent an angiogram, significant three-vessel or left main disease was seen in 39.3% of the persistence group compared with 5.9% of normal and 7.4% of early normalization groups. Among patients with an electrically positive ETT, recovery of ST segment depression within 1minute was associated with a lower SSS than patients with persistence of ST depression beyond 1minute. Furthermore, early ST segment recovery conferred a similar SSS to patients with a negative ETT. These results suggest that among patients evaluated for chest pain with

Protective effect of Jolkinolide B on LPS-induced mouse acute lung injury.

PubMed

Yang, Hailing; Li, Yan; Huo, Pengfei; Li, Xiao-Ou; Kong, Daliang; Mu, Wei; Fang, Wei; Li, Lingxia; Liu, Ning; Fang, Ling; Li, Hongjun; He, Chengyan

2015-05-01

Jolkinolide B (JB), an ent-abietane diterpenoid, isolated from the dried root of Euphorbia fischeriana, has been reported to have potent anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effects of JB on acute lung injury (ALI) and underlying molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of JB on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Male C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with dexamethasone or JB 1h before intranasal instillation of LPS. The results showed that JB markedly attenuated LPS-induced histological alterations, lung edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as well as the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Furthermore, JB also significantly inhibited LPS-induced the degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and MAPK. Therefore, our study provides the first line of evidence that pretreatment of JB has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of JB may be attributed to its suppression of NF-κB and MAPK activation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

PubMed

Xu, Hui-Yu; Chen, Zhi-Wei; Hou, Jin-Cai; Du, Feng-Xia; Liu, Ji-Cheng

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of jolkinolide B (JB), which is extracted from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. In this study, we found that JB, a diterpenoid from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, strongly inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of JB on the proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Our results showed significant induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells incubated with JB. The viability of the MCF-7 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was used to observe cell morphology. MCF-7 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice to study the in vivo antitumor effects of JB. The growth of MCF-7 cells was inhibited and arrested in the S phase by JB. The data showed significantly decreased tumor volume and weight in nude mice inoculated with MCF-7 cells. In addition, treatment with JB was able to induce downregulation of cyclinD1, cyclinE, mTOR, p-PI3K and p-Akt, and upregulation of PTEN and p-eIF4E. Collectively, JB-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells occurs through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade plays a role in the induction of apoptosis in JB-treated cells. These observations suggest that JB may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancer.

Altitude-Related Change in Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Helicopter EMS.

PubMed

Weisberg, Stacy N; McCall, Jonathan C; Tennyson, Joseph

2017-06-01

Over-inflation of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs has the potential to lead to scarring and stenosis of the trachea.1, 2,3, 4 The air inside an ETT cuff is subject to expansion as atmospheric pressure decreases, as happens with an increase in altitude. Emergency medical services helicopters are not pressurized, thereby providing a good environment for studying the effects of altitude changes ETT cuff pressures. This study aims to explore the relationship between altitude and ETT cuff pressures in a helicopter air-medical transport program. ETT cuffs were initially inflated in a nonstandardized manner and then adjusted to a pressure of 25 cmH 2 O. The pressure was again measured when the helicopter reached maximum altitude. A final pressure was recorded when the helicopter landed at the receiving facility. We enrolled 60 subjects in the study. The mean for initial tube cuff pressures was 70 cmH 2 O. Maximum altitude for the program ranged from 1,000-3,000 feet above sea level, with a change in altitude from 800-2,480 feet. Mean cuff pressure at altitude was 36.52 ± 8.56 cmH 2 O. Despite the significant change in cuff pressure at maximum altitude, there was no relationship found between the maximum altitude and the cuff pressures measured. Our study failed to demonstrate the expected linear relationship between ETT cuff pressures and the maximum altitude achieved during typical air-medical transportation in our system. At altitudes less than 3,000 feet above sea level, the effect of altitude change on ETT pressure is minimal and does not require a change in practice to saline-filled cuffs.

Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Patients Intubated Prior to Helicopter EMS Transport.

PubMed

Tennyson, Joseph; Ford-Webb, Tucker; Weisberg, Stacy; LeBlanc, Donald

2016-11-01

Endotracheal intubation is a common intervention in critical care patients undergoing helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transportation. Measurement of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures is not common practice in patients referred to our service. Animal studies have demonstrated an association between the pressure of the ETT cuff on the tracheal mucosa and decreased blood flow leading to mucosal ischemia and scarring. Cuff pressures greater than 30 cmH 2 O impede mucosal capillary blood flow. Multiple prior studies have recommended 30 cmH 2 O as the maximum safe cuff inflation pressure. This study sought to evaluate the inflation pressures in ETT cuffs of patients presenting to HEMS. We enrolled a convenience sample of patients presenting to UMass Memorial LifeFlight who were intubated by the sending facility or emergency medical services (EMS) agency. Flight crews measured the ETT cuff pressures using a commercially available device. Those patients intubated by the flight crew were excluded from this analysis as the cuff was inflated with the manometer to a standardized pressure. Crews logged the results on a research form, and we analyzed the data using Microsoft Excel and an online statistical analysis tool. We analyzed data for 55 patients. There was a mean age of 57 years (range 18-90). The mean ETT cuff pressure was 70 (95% CI= [61-80]) cmH 2 O. The mean lies 40 cmH 2 O above the maximum accepted value of 30 cmH 2 O (p<0.0001). Eighty-four percent (84%) of patients encountered had pressures above the recommended maximum. The most frequently recorded pressure was >120 cmH 2 O, the maximum pressure on the analog gauge. Patients presenting to HEMS after intubation by the referral agency (EMS or hospital) have ETT cuffs inflated to pressures that are, on average, more than double the recommended maximum. These patients are at risk for tracheal mucosal injury and scarring from decreased mucosal capillary blood flow. Hospital and EMS providers should

Morphological and positional relationships between the sigmoid sinus and the jugular bulb.

PubMed

Dai, Pei-Dong; Zhang, Hong-Qi; Wang, Zheng-Min; Sha, Yan; Wang, Ke-Qiang; Zhang, Tian-Yu

2007-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the quantitative relationships between the positions of the sigmoid sinus (SS) and jugular bulb (JB) and the influence of mastoid pneumatization upon these structures. The investigations were carried out on 116 healthy adult ears based on the axial images of computed tomography (CT). The reference system locating the displacements of the SS and JB was established and the shape and position of the SS and JB were measured. The volume of pneumatization was quantitatively measured based on the serial digital images of CT. The method of partial correlation analysis was used to find the real relationship of two variables from the complicated dependence relationships. There was a tendency for the SS in the males to be situated more laterally and more backwardly, and the JB in the males was situated more laterally with thicker lateral bone wall when compared to the females. When compared to the left side, the SS on the right side tended to protrude more deeply and was situated more laterally and with less thickness of the lateral bone wall. In male, the right SS was situated more anteriorly than the left SS. In female, the right JB was situated more posteriorly than the left JB. There was a tendency for the SS to be situated more medially, to have a thicker lateral bone wall, and to protrude more superficially in the well-pneumatized bones. When the pneumatization was well, the JB tended to be situated more backwards and have a thicker lateral bone wall. However, there was no significant difference of pneumatization between the high JB group and the low JB group. The SS position and JB position changed synchronously in forward-backward or medial-lateral directions. The results suggest that the factors that influence the shape and position of the SS and JB are multiple. The results suggest that the morphological and positional relationships between the SS and the JB are complicated but could be grasped. The development of the

Comparison of the peripheral blood leukocyte population between Japanese Black and Holstein calves.

PubMed

Ohtsuka, Hiromichi; Ono, Maiko; Saruyama, Yumi; Mukai, Machiko; Kohiruimaki, Masayuki; Kawamura, Seiichi

2011-02-01

Japanese black (JB) calves have greater susceptibility to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. In order to clarify the differences in cellular immune status between JB and Hol calves, the leukocyte population and lymphocyte proliferative ability were analyzed. In total 200 healthy calves, 1 day to 14 weeks of age, were examined: 105 JB and 95 Hol calves. Lower numbers in peripheral blood and percentage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CD3(+)TcR1-N12(+) T cells and major histocompatibility complex class-II(+)CD14(-) B cells were observed in the JB compared to the Hol. The percentage of TcR1-N12(+)CD25(+) T cell in the JB was significantly lower than that of the Hol at 4-6, and 8-10 weeks. Interleukin (IL)-2 sensitivity in the JB was lower than that in the Hol, and significant differences were observed in age groups of 6-8 weeks and 10-14 weeks. These findings indicated that the lower numbers of γδ T cells and B cells in the JB compared to the Hol might be associated with the specificity of the immune systems in JB calves. © 2011 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2011 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Impact of insecticide-manipulated defoliation by Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) on grapevines from vineyard establishment through production.

PubMed

Hammons, Derrick L; Kaan Kurtural, S; Potter, Daniel A

2010-05-01

Japanese beetle (JB), Popillia japonica Newman, is a severe pest of grapes in the southeastern USA where viticulture is a growing industry. This study evaluated the impact of foliar injury from JB field populations on growth, fruit ripening, berry composition and yield of young vines of six cultivars from vineyard establishment through the first year of production. Three spray regimes, carbaryl applied every 7 or 14 days, or no insecticide, were used to manipulate levels of defoliation by JB. Cultivars varied in susceptibility and response to defoliation by JB. Some (e.g. Norton) showed reduced vine growth and delayed post-veraison increase in total soluble sugars and pH, as well as reduced cluster number and weight, berries per cluster and yield. Others (e.g. Concord) showed little or no measurable impact from JB. Notably, the biweekly spray regime was as effective as weekly sprays in mitigating the impacts of defoliation. Foliar loss from JB feeding can set back establishment and productivity of young grapevines. Nevertheless, many growers can reduce spray frequency without compromising the benefits of JB management. Even susceptible cultivars can tolerate low to moderate (<20%) levels of defoliation, and some are resistant enough to be grown without treating for JB.

Altitude-Related Change in Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Helicopter EMS

PubMed Central

Weisberg, Stacy N.; McCall, Jonathan C.; Tennyson, Joseph

2017-01-01

Introduction Over-inflation of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs has the potential to lead to scarring and stenosis of the trachea.1, 2,3, 4 The air inside an ETT cuff is subject to expansion as atmospheric pressure decreases, as happens with an increase in altitude. Emergency medical services helicopters are not pressurized, thereby providing a good environment for studying the effects of altitude changes ETT cuff pressures. This study aims to explore the relationship between altitude and ETT cuff pressures in a helicopter air-medical transport program. Methods ETT cuffs were initially inflated in a nonstandardized manner and then adjusted to a pressure of 25 cmH2O. The pressure was again measured when the helicopter reached maximum altitude. A final pressure was recorded when the helicopter landed at the receiving facility. Results We enrolled 60 subjects in the study. The mean for initial tube cuff pressures was 70 cmH2O. Maximum altitude for the program ranged from 1,000–3,000 feet above sea level, with a change in altitude from 800–2,480 feet. Mean cuff pressure at altitude was 36.52 ± 8.56 cmH2O. Despite the significant change in cuff pressure at maximum altitude, there was no relationship found between the maximum altitude and the cuff pressures measured. Conclusion Our study failed to demonstrate the expected linear relationship between ETT cuff pressures and the maximum altitude achieved during typical air-medical transportation in our system. At altitudes less than 3,000 feet above sea level, the effect of altitude change on ETT pressure is minimal and does not require a change in practice to saline-filled cuffs. PMID:28611883

Neural control of ventilation prevents both over-distension and de-recruitment of experimentally injured lungs.

PubMed

Brander, Lukas; Moerer, Onnen; Hedenstierna, Göran; Beck, Jennifer; Takala, Jukka; Slutsky, Arthur S; Sinderby, Christer

2017-03-01

Endogenous pulmonary reflexes may protect the lungs during mechanical ventilation. We aimed to assess integration of continuous neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (cNAVA), delivering assist in proportion to diaphragm's electrical activity during inspiration and expiration, and Hering-Breuer inflation and deflation reflexes on lung recruitment, distension, and aeration before and after acute lung injury (ALI). In 7 anesthetised rabbits with bilateral pneumothoraces, we identified adequate cNAVA level (cNAVA AL ) at the plateau in peak ventilator pressure during titration procedures before (healthy lungs with endotracheal tube, [HL ETT ]) and after ALI (endotracheal tube [ALI ETT ] and during non-invasive ventilation [ALI NIV ]). Following titration, cNAVA AL was maintained for 5min. In 2 rabbits, procedures were repeated after vagotomy (ALI ETT+VAG ). In 3 rabbits delivery of assist was temporarily modulated to provide assist on inspiration only. Computed tomography was performed before intubation, before ALI, during cNAVA titration, and after maintenance at cNAVA AL . During ALI ETT and ALI NIV , normally aerated lung-regions doubled and poorly aerated lung-regions decreased to less than a third (p<0.05) compared to HL ETT ; no over-distension was observed. Tidal volumes were<5ml/kg throughout. Removing assist during expiration resulted in lung de-recruitment during ALI ETT , but not during ALI NIV . During ALI ETT+VAG the expiratory portion of EAdi disappeared, resulting in cyclic lung collapse and recruitment. When using cNAVA in ALI, vagally mediated reflexes regulated lung recruitment preventing both lung over-distension and atelectasis. During non-invasive cNAVA the upper airway muscles play a role in preventing atelectasis. Future studies should be performed to compare these findings with conventional lung-protective approaches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Tribulus terrestris on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis pain in rats

PubMed Central

Park, Young Jin; Cho, Young-Rak; Oh, Joa Sub; Ahn, Eun-Kyung

2017-01-01

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diuretic, lithontriptic, edema and urinary infections. Previous studies have indicated that it is effective in improving inflammation by regulating tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. However, the effects and mechanism of action of T. terrestris on osteoarthritis (OA) remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of T. terrestris (ETT) in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA animal model. OA was induced in LEW/SSNHSD rats by intra-articular injection of MIA. Morphometric changes and parameters of the tibial trabecular bone were determined using micro-computed tomography. The molecular mechanisms of ETT in OA were investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and gelatin zymogram analysis. Treatment with ETT attenuated MIA-induced OA, and this effect was mediated by the downregulation of NO synthase 2, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, the ETT-mediated attenuation of OA was also dependent on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and −9. The results of the current study indicate that further evaluation of the mechanisms underlying the attenuation of MIA-induced OA by ETT are required, and may support the development of ETT as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as OA. PMID:28849084

Lost in translation? The potential psychobiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) fails to modulate stress or cognitive performance in healthy male subjects.

PubMed

Kelly, John R; Allen, Andrew P; Temko, Andriy; Hutch, William; Kennedy, Paul J; Farid, Niloufar; Murphy, Eileen; Boylan, Geraldine; Bienenstock, John; Cryan, John F; Clarke, Gerard; Dinan, Timothy G

2017-03-01

Preclinical studies have identified certain probiotics as psychobiotics - live microorganisms with a potential mental health benefit. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) has been shown to reduce stress-related behaviour, corticosterone release and alter central expression of GABA receptors in an anxious mouse strain. However, it is unclear if this single putative psychobiotic strain has psychotropic activity in humans. Consequently, we aimed to examine if these promising preclinical findings could be translated to healthy human volunteers. To determine the impact of L. rhamnosus on stress-related behaviours, physiology, inflammatory response, cognitive performance and brain activity patterns in healthy male participants. An 8week, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design was employed. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers participated. Participants completed self-report stress measures, cognitive assessments and resting electroencephalography (EEG). Plasma IL10, IL1β, IL6, IL8 and TNFα levels and whole blood Toll-like 4 (TLR-4) agonist-induced cytokine release were determined by multiplex ELISA. Salivary cortisol was determined by ELISA and subjective stress measures were assessed before, during and after a socially evaluated cold pressor test (SECPT). There was no overall effect of probiotic treatment on measures of mood, anxiety, stress or sleep quality and no significant effect of probiotic over placebo on subjective stress measures, or the HPA response to the SECPT. Visuospatial memory performance, attention switching, rapid visual information processing, emotion recognition and associated EEG measures did not show improvement over placebo. No significant anti-inflammatory effects were seen as assessed by basal and stimulated cytokine levels. L. rhamnosus was not superior to placebo in modifying stress-related measures, HPA response, inflammation or cognitive performance in healthy male participants. These findings highlight the challenges associated with

Junctional bradycardia is a potential risk factor of stroke.

PubMed

Kim, Gwang Sil; Uhm, Jae-Sun; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Lee, Hancheol; Park, Junbeom; Park, Jin-Kyu; Joung, Boyoung; Pak, Hui-Nam; Lee, Moon-Hyoung

2016-07-25

This study aimed to determine the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with junctional bradycardia(JB). We retrospectively reviewed electrocardiograms(ECGs) for 380,682 patients. Those with JB on an ECG at least twice over a ≥3-month interval were included for analysis. We additionally included 138 CHADS2 score-matched patients(age, 68.4 ± 15.7 years; male, 52.2%) in sinus rhythm as a control group. Between the JB patients(with or without retrograde P wave) and controls, we compared incidences of ischemic stroke and a composite of ischemic stroke, renal infarction, ischemic colitis, acute limb ischemia, and pulmonary embolism. Among 380,682 patients (age, 47.6 ± 19.9 years; male, 49.3%), 69 patients (age, 68.5 ± 16.5 years; male, 50.7%) exhibited JB on an ECG at least twice over a ≥3-month interval; the overall prevalence of JB was 0.02%. The mean follow-up period was 27.2 ± 26.2 months. Forty-five patients (65.2%) in the JB group had no retrograde P wave. Ischemic stroke incidence was significantly higher in JB patients without a retrograde P wave than in controls (6/45 patients [13.3%] and 3/138 patients [2.2%], respectively; P = 0.007). The incidence of composite thromboembolic events was also significantly higher in JB patients without a retrograde P wave than in controls (8/45 patients [17.8%] and 4/138 patients [2.9%], respectively; P = 0.011). In a Cox proportional hazards model, JB patients without a P wave showed a greater incidence of stroke (hazard ratio, 8.89 [2.20-33.01], P = 0.007) than controls and JB patients with a P wave. Junctional bradycardia is potentially associated with ischemic stroke, particularly in the absence of an identifiable retrograde P wave.

Temperature monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass--do we undercool or overheat the brain?

PubMed

Kaukuntla, Hemanth; Harrington, Deborah; Bilkoo, Inderaj; Clutton-Brock, Tom; Jones, Timothy; Bonser, Robert S

2004-09-01

Brain cooling is an essential component of aortic surgery requiring circulatory arrest and inadequate cooling may lead to brain injury. Similarly, brain hyperthermia during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass may also lead to neurological injury. Conventional temperature monitoring sites may not reflect the core brain temperature (Tdegrees). We compared jugular bulb venous temperatures (JB) during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and normothermic bypass with Nasopharyngeal (NP), Arterial inflow (AI), Oesophageal (O), Venous return (VR), Bladder (B) and Orbital skin (OS) temperatures. 18 patients undergoing deep hypothermia (DH) and 8 patients undergoing normothermic bypass (mean bladder Tdegrees-36.29 degreesC) were studied. For DH, cooling was continued to 15 degreesC NP (mean cooling time-66 min). At pre-determined arterial inflow Tdegrees, NP, JB and O Tdegree's were measured. A 6-channel recorder continuously recorded all Tdegree's using calibrated thermocouples. During the cooling phase of DH, NP lagged behind AI and JB Tdegree's. All these equilibrated at 15 degreesC. During rewarming, JB and NP lagged behind AI and JB was higher than NP at any time point. During normothermic bypass, although NP was reflective of the AI and JB Tdegrees trends, it underestimated peak JB Tdegrees (P=0.001). Towards the end of bypass, peak JB was greater than the arterial inflow Tdegrees (P=0.023). If brain venous outflow Tdegrees (JB) accurately reflects brain Tdegrees, NP Tdegrees is a safe surrogate indicator of cooling. During rewarming, all peripheral sites underestimate brain temperature and caution is required to avoid hyperthermic arterial inflow, which may inadvertently, result in brain hyperthermia.

Jaspine B induces nonapoptotic cell death in gastric cancer cells independently of its inhibition of ceramide synthase.

PubMed

Cingolani, Francesca; Simbari, Fabio; Abad, Jose Luis; Casasampere, Mireia; Fabrias, Gemma; Futerman, Anthony H; Casas, Josefina

2017-08-01

Sphingolipids (SLs) have been extensively investigated in biomedical research due to their role as bioactive molecules in cells. Here, we describe the effect of a SL analog, jaspine B (JB), a cyclic anhydrophytosphingosine found in marine sponges, on the gastric cancer cell line, HGC-27. JB induced alterations in the sphingolipidome, mainly the accumulation of dihydrosphingosine, sphingosine, and their phosphorylated forms due to inhibition of ceramide synthases. Moreover, JB provoked atypical cell death in HGC-27 cells, characterized by the formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles in a time and dose-dependent manner. Vacuoles appeared to originate from macropinocytosis and triggered cytoplasmic disruption. The pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD, did not alter either cytotoxicity or vacuole formation, suggesting that JB activates a caspase-independent cell death mechanism. The autophagy inhibitor, wortmannin, did not decrease JB-stimulated LC3-II accumulation. In addition, cell vacuolation induced by JB was characterized by single-membrane vacuoles, which are different from double-membrane autophagosomes. These findings suggest that JB-induced cell vacuolation is not related to autophagy and it is also independent of its action on SL metabolism. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

PubMed

Lin, Yu; Cui, Hongxia; Xu, Huiyu; Yue, Liling; Xu, Hao; Jiang, Liyan; Liu, Jicheng

2012-06-01

The phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal transduction pathway is critically important for tumor cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. Apoptosis activation has been reported to be a good target in cancer therapies. In this study, we have found that jolkinolide B (JB), a diterpenoid from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, strongly inhibited the expression of the PI3K p85 subunit and the phosphorylation of Akt. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of JB on the proliferation and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Our results show significant induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells incubated with JB. This effect was enhanced by combination with LY294002. In addition, treatment with JB could induce downregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and subsequent promotion of mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3. Taken together, JB-induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells occurs through the mitochondrial pathway. Further, the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade plays a role in the induction of apoptosis in JB-treated cells. These observations suggest that JB may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancer.

Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Patients Intubated Prior to Helicopter EMS Transport

PubMed Central

Tennyson, Joseph; Ford-Webb, Tucker; Weisberg, Stacy; LeBlanc, Donald

2016-01-01

Introduction Endotracheal intubation is a common intervention in critical care patients undergoing helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transportation. Measurement of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressures is not common practice in patients referred to our service. Animal studies have demonstrated an association between the pressure of the ETT cuff on the tracheal mucosa and decreased blood flow leading to mucosal ischemia and scarring. Cuff pressures greater than 30 cmH2O impede mucosal capillary blood flow. Multiple prior studies have recommended 30 cmH2O as the maximum safe cuff inflation pressure. This study sought to evaluate the inflation pressures in ETT cuffs of patients presenting to HEMS. Methods We enrolled a convenience sample of patients presenting to UMass Memorial LifeFlight who were intubated by the sending facility or emergency medical services (EMS) agency. Flight crews measured the ETT cuff pressures using a commercially available device. Those patients intubated by the flight crew were excluded from this analysis as the cuff was inflated with the manometer to a standardized pressure. Crews logged the results on a research form, and we analyzed the data using Microsoft Excel and an online statistical analysis tool. Results We analyzed data for 55 patients. There was a mean age of 57 years (range 18–90). The mean ETT cuff pressure was 70 (95% CI= [61–80]) cmH2O. The mean lies 40 cmH2O above the maximum accepted value of 30 cmH2O (p<0.0001). Eighty-four percent (84%) of patients encountered had pressures above the recommended maximum. The most frequently recorded pressure was >120 cmH2O, the maximum pressure on the analog gauge. Conclusion Patients presenting to HEMS after intubation by the referral agency (EMS or hospital) have ETT cuffs inflated to pressures that are, on average, more than double the recommended maximum. These patients are at risk for tracheal mucosal injury and scarring from decreased mucosal capillary blood flow

Audit of Endotracheal Tube Suction in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

PubMed

Davies, Kylie; Bulsara, Max K; Ramelet, Anne-Sylvie; Monterosso, Leanne

2017-02-01

We report outcomes of a clinical audit examining criteria used in clinical practice to rationalize endotracheal tube (ETT) suction, and the extent these matched criteria in the Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool(ESAT)©. A retrospective audit of patient notes ( N = 292) and analyses of criteria documented by pediatric intensive care nurses to rationalize ETT suction were undertaken. The median number of documented respiratory and ventilation status criteria per ETT suction event that matched the ESAT© criteria was 2 [Interquartile Range (IQR) 1-6]. All criteria listed within the ESAT© were documented within the reviewed notes. A direct link was established between criteria used for current clinical practice of ETT suction and the ESAT©. The ESAT©, therefore, reflects documented clinical decision making and could be used as both a clinical and educational guide for inexperienced pediatric critical care nurses. Modification to the ESAT © requires "preparation for extubation" to be added.

Memorising Milton's Paradise lost: a study of a septuagenarian exceptional memoriser.

PubMed

Seamon, John G; Punjabi, Paawan V; Busch, Emily A

2010-07-01

At age 58, JB began memorising Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost. Nine years and thousands of study hours later, he completed this process in 2001 and recalled from memory all 12 books of this 10,565-line poem over a 3-day period. Now 74, JB continues to recite this work. We tested his memory accuracy by cueing his recall with two lines from the beginning or middle of each book and asking JB to recall the next 10 lines. JB is an exceptional memoriser of Milton, both in our laboratory tests in which he did not know the specific tests or procedures in advance, and in our analysis of a videotaped, prepared performance. Consistent with deliberate practice theory, JB achieved this remarkable ability by deeply analysing the poem's structure and meaning over lengthy repetitions. Our findings suggest that exceptional memorisers such as JB are made, not born, and that cognitive expertise can be demonstrated even in later adulthood.

The minimal leak test technique for endotracheal cuff maintenance.

PubMed

Harvie, D A; Darvall, J N; Dodd, M; De La Cruz, A; Tacey, M; D'Costa, R L; Ward, D

2016-09-01

Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure management is an essential part of airway management in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. Both under- and over-inflation of the ETT cuff can lead to patient complications, with an ideal pressure range of 20-30 cmH 2 O defined. A range of techniques are employed to ensure adequate ETT cuff inflation, with little comparative data. We performed an observational cross-sectional study in a tertiary metropolitan ICU, assessing the relationship between the minimal leak test and cuff manometry. Forty-five mechanically ventilated patients, over a three-month period, had ETT cuff manometry performed at the same time as their routine cuff maintenance (minimal leak test). Bedside nurse measurements were compared with investigator measurements. At the endpoint of cuff inflation, 20 of 45 patients (44%) had cuff pressures between 20 and 30 cmH 2 O; 11 of 45 patients (24%) had cuff pressures <20 cmH 2 O; 14 of 45 patients (31%) had cuff pressures ≥30 cmH 2 O. Univariate analysis demonstrated an association between both patient obesity and female gender requiring less ETT cuff volume ( P =0.008 and P <0.001 respectively), though this association was lost on multivariate analysis. No association was demonstrated between any measured variables and cuff pressures. Inter-operator reliability in performing the minimal leak test showed no evidence of bias between nurse and investigators (Pearson coefficient = 0.897). We conclude the minimal leak test for maintenance of ETT cuffs leads to both over- and under-inflation, and alternative techniques, such as cuff manometry, should be employed.

Front teeth-to-carina distance in children undergoing cardiac catheterization.

PubMed

Hunyady, Agnes I; Pieters, Benjamin; Johnston, Troy A; Jonmarker, Christer

2008-06-01

Knowledge of normal front teeth-to-carina distance (FT-C) might prevent accidental bronchial intubation. The aim of the current study was to measure FT-C and to examine whether the Morgan formula for oral intubation depth, i.e., endotracheal tube (ETT) position at front teeth (cm) = 0.10 x height (cm) + 5, gives appropriate guidance when intubating children of different ages. FT-C was measured in 170 infants and children, aged 1 day to 19 yr, undergoing cardiac catheterization. FT-C was obtained as the sum of the ETT length at the upper front teeth/dental ridge and the distance from the ETT tip to the carina. The latter measure was taken from an anterior-posterior chest x-ray. There was close linear correlation between FT-C and height: FT-C (cm) = 0.12 x height (cm) + 5.2, R = 0.98. The linear correlation coefficients (R) for FT-C versus weight and age were 0.78 and 0.91, respectively. If the Morgan formula had been used for intubation, the ETT tip would have been at 90 +/- 4% of FT-C. No patient would have been bronchially intubated, but the ETT tip would have been less than 0.5 cm from the carina in 13 infants. FT-C can be well predicted from the height/length of the child. The Morgan formula provides good guidance for intubation in children but can result in a distal ETT tip position in small infants. Careful auscultation is necessary to ensure correct tube position.

The impact of hospital-wide use of a tapered-cuff endotracheal tube on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Bowton, David L; Hite, R Duncan; Martin, R Shayn; Sherertz, Robert

2013-10-01

Aspiration of colonized oropharyngeal secretions is a major factor in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A tapered-cuff endotracheal tube (ETT) has been demonstrated to reduce aspiration around the cuff. Whether these properties are efficacious in reducing VAP is not known. This 2-period, investigator-initiated observational study was designed to assess the efficacy of a tapered-cuff ETT to reduce the VAP rate. All intubated, mechanically ventilated patients over the age of 18 were included. During the baseline period a standard, barrel-shaped-cuff ETT (Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo) was used. All ETTs throughout the hospital were then replaced with a tapered-cuff ETT (TaperGuard). The primary outcome variable was the incidence of VAP per 1,000 ventilator days. We included 2,849 subjects, encompassing 15,250 ventilator days. The mean ± SD monthly VAP rate was 3.29 ± 1.79/1,000 ventilator days in the standard-cuff group and 2.77 ± 2.00/1,000 ventilator days in the tapered-cuff group (P = .65). While adherence to the VAP prevention bundle was high throughout the study, bundle adherence was significantly higher during the standard-cuff period (96.5 ± 2.7%) than in the tapered-cuff period (90.3 ± 3.5%, P = .01). In the setting of a VAP rate very near the average of ICUs in the United States, and where there was high adherence to a VAP prevention bundle, the use of a tapered-cuff ETT was not associated with a reduction in the VAP rate.

Assessing cognitive functioning in females with Rett syndrome by eye-tracking methodology.

PubMed

Ahonniska-Assa, Jaana; Polack, Orli; Saraf, Einat; Wine, Judy; Silberg, Tamar; Nissenkorn, Andreea; Ben-Zeev, Bruria

2018-01-01

While many individuals with severe developmental impairments learn to communicate with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, a significant number of individuals show major difficulties in the effective use of AAC. Recent technological innovations, i.e., eye-tracking technology (ETT), aim to improve the transparency of communication and may also enable a more valid cognitive assessment. To investigate whether ETT in forced-choice tasks can enable children with very severe motor and speech impairments to respond consistently, allowing a more reliable evaluation of their language comprehension. Participants were 17 girls with Rett syndrome (M = 6:06 years). Their ability to respond by eye gaze was first practiced with computer games using ETT. Afterwards, their receptive vocabulary was assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4 (PPVT-4). Target words were orally presented and participants responded by focusing their eyes on the preferred picture. Remarkable differences between the participants in receptive vocabulary were demonstrated using ETT. The verbal comprehension abilities of 32% of the participants ranged from low-average to mild cognitive impairment, and the other 68% of the participants showed moderate to severe impairment. Young age at the time of assessment was positively correlated with higher receptive vocabulary. The use of ETT seems to make the communicational signals of children with severe motor and communication impairments more easily understood. Early practice of ETT may improve the quality of communication and enable more reliable conclusions in learning and assessment sessions. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) positioning on inspiratory gas humidification

PubMed Central

Inui, Daisuke; Oto, Jun; Nishimura, Masaji

2006-01-01

Background In mechanically ventilated patients, we investigated how positioning the heat and moisture exchanger (HME) at different places on the ventilator circuit affected inspiratory gas humidification. Methods Absolute humidity (AH) and temperature (TEMP) at the proximal end of endotracheal tube (ETT) were measured in ten mechanically ventilated patients. The HME was connected either directly proximal to the ETT (Site 1) or at before the circuit Y-piece (Site 2: distance from proximal end of ETT and Site 2 was about 19 cm) (Figure. 1). Two devices, Hygrobac S (Mallinckrodt Dar, Mirandola, Italy) and Thermovent HEPA (Smiths Medical International Ltd., Kent, UK) were tested. AH and TEMP were measured with a hygrometer (Moiscope, MERA Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Results Hygrobac S provided significantly higher AH and TEMP at both sites than Thermovent HEPA. Both Hygrobac S and with Thermovent HEPA provided significantly higher AH and TEMP when placed proximally to the ETT. Conclusion Although placement proximal to the ETT improved both AH and TEMP in both HMEs tested, one HME performed better in the distal position than the other HME in the proximal position. We conclude the both the type and placement of HME can make a significant difference in maintaining AH and TEMP during adult ventilation. PMID:16895607

Effect of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) positioning on inspiratory gas humidification.

PubMed

Inui, Daisuke; Oto, Jun; Nishimura, Masaji

2006-08-08

In mechanically ventilated patients, we investigated how positioning the heat and moisture exchanger (HME) at different places on the ventilator circuit affected inspiratory gas humidification. Absolute humidity (AH) and temperature (TEMP) at the proximal end of endotracheal tube (ETT) were measured in ten mechanically ventilated patients. The HME was connected either directly proximal to the ETT (Site 1) or at before the circuit Y-piece (Site 2: distance from proximal end of ETT and Site 2 was about 19 cm) (Figure. 1). Two devices, Hygrobac S (Mallinckrodt Dar, Mirandola, Italy) and Thermovent HEPA (Smiths Medical International Ltd., Kent, UK) were tested. AH and TEMP were measured with a hygrometer (Moiscope, MERA Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Hygrobac S provided significantly higher AH and TEMP at both sites than Thermovent HEPA. Both Hygrobac S and with Thermovent HEPA provided significantly higher AH and TEMP when placed proximally to the ETT. Although placement proximal to the ETT improved both AH and TEMP in both HMEs tested, one HME performed better in the distal position than the other HME in the proximal position. We conclude the both the type and placement of HME can make a significant difference in maintaining AH and TEMP during adult ventilation.

Community analysis of dental plaque and endotracheal tube biofilms from mechanically ventilated patients.

PubMed

Marino, Poala J; Wise, Matt P; Smith, Ann; Marchesi, Julian R; Riggio, Marcello P; Lewis, Michael A O; Williams, David W

2017-06-01

Mechanically ventilated patients are at risk for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia, and it has been reported that dental plaque provides a reservoir of respiratory pathogens that may aspirate to the lungs and endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilms. For the first time, metataxonomics was used to simultaneously characterize the microbiome of dental plaque, ETTs, and non-directed bronchial lavages (NBLs) in mechanically ventilated patients to determine similarities in respective microbial communities and therefore likely associations. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences from 34 samples of dental plaque, NBLs, and ETTs from 12 adult mechanically ventilated patients were analyzed. No significant differences in the microbial communities of these samples were evident. Detected bacteria were primarily oral species (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus salivarius, Prevotella melaninogenica) with respiratory pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcuspneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae) also in high abundance. The high similarity between the microbiomes of dental plaque, NBLs, and ETTs suggests that the oral cavity is indeed an important site involved in microbial aspiration to the lower airway and ETT. As such, maintenance of good oral hygiene is likely to be highly important in limiting aspiration of bacteria in this vulnerable patient group. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Access to Ophthalmologists in States Where Optometrists Have Expanded Scope of Practice.

PubMed

Stein, Joshua D; Kapoor, Kapil G; Tootoo, Joshua L; Li, Ruiyang; Wagner, Alan; Andrews, Chris; Miranda, Marie Lynn

2018-01-01

As the United States considers how to best structure its health care services, specialty care availability is receiving increased focus. This study assesses whether patients lack reasonable access to ophthalmologists in states where optometrists have been granted expanded scope of practice. To determine the estimated travel time (ETT) to the nearest ophthalmologist office for persons residing in states that have expanded scope of practice for optometrists, and to quantify ETT to the nearest ophthalmologist for Medicare beneficiaries who received surgical care from optometrists in those states between 2008 and 2014. This study used data from the 2010 US census, a 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology member database, and a data set of claims data for a random sample of 20% of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare nationwide from 2008 to 2014 (n=14 063 725). Combining these sources with geographic information systems analysis, the ETT to the nearest ophthalmologist office was calculated for every resident of Kentucky, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. This study also assessed ETT to the nearest ophthalmologist for Medicare beneficiaries in those states who had received surgery from an optometrist from 2008 to 2014. Data analyses were conducted from July 2016 to July 2017. The proportion of residents of Kentucky, Oklahoma, and New Mexico who live within an ETT of 10, 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes of the nearest ophthalmologist office. The study included 4 339 367 Kentucky residents, 3 751 351 Oklahoma residents, and 2 059 179 New Mexico residents. Of these, 5 140 547 (50.6%) were female. Racial/ethnic composition included 7 154 847 people (70.5%) who were white, 640 608 (6.3%) who were black, and 1 418 246 (14.0%) who were Hispanic. The mean (SD) age was 37.8 (22.8) years. More than 75% of residents in the 3 states lived within an ETT of 30 minutes to the nearest ophthalmology office, and 94% to 99% of residents lived within an ETT of 60 minutes to the

Effect of Jobelyn® on intruder- and isolation-induced aggressive behavior in mice.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Omogbiya, Itivere Adrian; Eduviere, Taghogho Anthony

2013-01-01

Aggression is a violent behavior emitted against another organism that may lead to its harm or death and thus is of public health significance, which necessitates the search for agents with anti-aggressive property. This study investigated the effect of Jobelyn® (JB), a unique African polyherbal formulation, on intruder- and isolation-induced aggressive behaviors in mice. Male mice that showed aggression after being housed individually with female counterparts for 3 weeks or kept in isolation for 4 weeks were treated orally (p.o.) with JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg), haloperidol (HP) (1 mg/kg), fluoxetine (FL) (10 mg/kg), p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) (20 mg/kg), mianserin (MS) (50 mg/kg) or distilled water (10 mL/kg) 60 min before being tested for aggression. Interaction studies involving oral administration of PCPA (20 mg/kg), FL (10 mg/kg) or MS (50 mg/kg) to aggressive mice that had received JB (5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min earlier were assessed. The effect of JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) on defensive behaviors was also evaluated. JB (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg) decreased aggressive behaviors without impairing the defensive mechanisms of mice. PCPA (20 mg/kg), an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) biosynthesis, increased aggressive responses and reduced the anti-aggressive effect of JB. FL (10 mg/kg), a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, significantly suppressed aggression but did not alter the effect of JB on aggression. MS (50 mg/kg), a 5-HT receptor antagonist, reduced aggression and enhanced the effect of JB on aggression. These findings suggest that JB has anti-aggressive activity, which may be related to the enhancement of serotonergic system.

Jungermannenone A and B induce ROS- and cell cycle-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vitro

PubMed Central

Guo, Yan-xia; Lin, Zhao-min; Wang, Mei-juan; Dong, Yi-wen; Niu, Huan-min; Young, Charles YF; Lou, Hong-xiang; Yuan, Hui-qing

2016-01-01

Aim: Jungermannenone A and B (JA, JB) are new ent-kaurane diterpenoids isolated from Chinese liverwort Jungermannia fauriana, which show anti-proliferation activities in cancer cells. In this study we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anticancer action of JA and JB in PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro. Methods: A panel of 9 human cancer cell lines was tested. Cell proliferation was assessed with a real-time cell analyzer and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and ROS levels were measured using cytometry. Mitochondrial damage was examined by transmission electron microscopy. DNA damage was detected with comet assay. Apoptotic, DNA damage- and cell cycle-related proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. The expression of DNA repair genes was measured with qRT-PCR. Results: Both JA and JB exerted potent anti-proliferative action against the 9 cancer cell lines, and PC3 cells were more sensitive with IC50 values of 1.34±0.09 and 4.93±0.20 μmol/L, respectively. JA (1.5 μmol/L) and JB (5 μmol/L) induced PC3 cell apoptosis, which was attenuated by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD. Furthermore, both JA and JB caused mitochondrial damage and ROS accumulation in PC3 cells, whereas vitamin C blocked the ROS accumulation and attenuated the cytotoxicity of JA and JB. Moreover, both JA and JB induced DNA damage, accompanied by downregulated DNA repair proteins Ku70/Ku80 and RDA51. JA induced marked cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which was related to c-Myc suppression, whereas JB enforced the cell cycle blockade in the G2/M phase, which associated with activation of the JNK signaling. Conclusion: Both JA and JB induce prostate cancer apoptosis via ROS accumulation and induction of cell cycle arrest. PMID:27133304

Jungermannenone A and B induce ROS- and cell cycle-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vitro.

PubMed

Guo, Yan-Xia; Lin, Zhao-Min; Wang, Mei-Juan; Dong, Yi-Wen; Niu, Huan-Min; Young, Charles Yf; Lou, Hong-Xiang; Yuan, Hui-Qing

2016-06-01

Jungermannenone A and B (JA, JB) are new ent-kaurane diterpenoids isolated from Chinese liverwort Jungermannia fauriana, which show anti-proliferation activities in cancer cells. In this study we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anticancer action of JA and JB in PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro. A panel of 9 human cancer cell lines was tested. Cell proliferation was assessed with a real-time cell analyzer and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and ROS levels were measured using cytometry. Mitochondrial damage was examined by transmission electron microscopy. DNA damage was detected with comet assay. Apoptotic, DNA damage- and cell cycle-related proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. The expression of DNA repair genes was measured with qRT-PCR. Both JA and JB exerted potent anti-proliferative action against the 9 cancer cell lines, and PC3 cells were more sensitive with IC50 values of 1.34±0.09 and 4.93±0.20 μmol/L, respectively. JA (1.5 μmol/L) and JB (5 μmol/L) induced PC3 cell apoptosis, which was attenuated by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD. Furthermore, both JA and JB caused mitochondrial damage and ROS accumulation in PC3 cells, whereas vitamin C blocked the ROS accumulation and attenuated the cytotoxicity of JA and JB. Moreover, both JA and JB induced DNA damage, accompanied by downregulated DNA repair proteins Ku70/Ku80 and RDA51. JA induced marked cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which was related to c-Myc suppression, whereas JB enforced the cell cycle blockade in the G2/M phase, which associated with activation of the JNK signaling. Both JA and JB induce prostate cancer apoptosis via ROS accumulation and induction of cell cycle arrest.

Efficacy of Hi-Lo Evac Endotracheal Tube in Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Poisoned Patients.

PubMed

Ghoochani Khorasani, Ahmad; Shadnia, Shahin; Mashayekhian, Mohammad; Rahimi, Mitra; Aghabiklooei, Abbas

2016-01-01

Background. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common health care-associated infection. To prevent this complication, aspiration of subglottic secretions using Hi-Lo Evac endotracheal tube (Evac ETT) is a recommended intervention. However, there are some reports on Evac ETT dysfunction. We aimed to compare the incidence of VAP (per ventilated patients) in severely ill poisoned patients who were intubated using Evac ETT versus conventional endotracheal tubes (C-ETT) in our toxicology ICU. Materials and Methods. In this clinical randomized trial, 91 eligible patients with an expected duration of mechanical ventilation of more than 48 hours were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups: (1) subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) group who were intubated by Evac ETT (n = 43) and (2) control group who were intubated by C-ETT (n = 48). Results. Of the 91 eligible patients, 56 (61.5%) were male. VAP was detected in 24 of 43 (55.8%) patients in the case group and 23 of 48 (47.9%) patients in the control group (P = 0.45). The most frequently isolated microorganisms were S. aureus (54.10%) and Acinetobacter spp. (19.68%). The incidence of VAP and ICU length of stay were not significantly different between the two groups, but duration of intubation was statistically different and was longer in the SSD group. Mortality rate was less in SSD group but without a significant difference (P = 0.68). Conclusion. The SSD procedure was performed intermittently with one-hour intervals using 10 mL syringe. Subglottic secretion drainage does not significantly reduce the incidence of VAP in patients receiving MV. This strategy appears to be ineffective in preventing VAP among ICU patients.

Auscultation versus Point-of-care Ultrasound to Determine Endotracheal versus Bronchial Intubation: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

PubMed

Ramsingh, Davinder; Frank, Ethan; Haughton, Robert; Schilling, John; Gimenez, Kimberly M; Banh, Esther; Rinehart, Joseph; Cannesson, Maxime

2016-05-01

Unrecognized malposition of the endotracheal tube (ETT) can lead to severe complications in patients under general anesthesia. The focus of this double-blinded randomized study was to assess the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in verifying the correct position of the ETT and to compare it with the accuracy of auscultation. Forty-two adult patients requiring general anesthesia with ETT were consented. Patients were randomized to right main bronchus, left main bronchus, or tracheal intubation. After randomization, the ETT was placed via fiber-optic visualization. Next, the location of the ETT was assessed using auscultation by a separate blinded anesthesiologist, followed by an ultrasound performed by a third blinded anesthesiologist. Ultrasound examination included assessment of tracheal dilation via cuff inflation with air and evaluation of pleural lung sliding. Statistical analysis included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and interobserver agreement for the ultrasound examination (95% CI). In differentiating tracheal versus bronchial intubations, auscultation showed a sensitivity of 66% (0.39 to 0.87) and a specificity of 59% (0.39 to 0.77), whereas ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 93% (0.66 to 0.99) and specificity of 96% (0.79 to 1). Identification of tracheal versus bronchial intubation was 62% (26 of 42) in the auscultation group and 95% (40 of 42) in the ultrasound group (P = 0.0005) (CI for difference, 0.15 to 0.52), and the McNemar comparison showed statistically significant improvement with ultrasound (P < 0.0001). Interobserver agreement of ultrasound findings was 100%. Assessment of trachea and pleura via point-of-care ultrasound is superior to auscultation in determining the location of ETT.

Safety and tolerability of omecamtiv mecarbil during exercise in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and angina.

PubMed

Greenberg, Barry H; Chou, Willis; Saikali, Khalil G; Escandón, Rafael; Lee, Jacqueline H; Chen, Michael M; Treshkur, Tatyana; Megreladze, Irakli; Wasserman, Scott M; Eisenberg, Paul; Malik, Fady I; Wolff, Andrew A; Shaburishvili, Tamaz

2015-01-01

The goal of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of omecamtiv mecarbil treatment during symptom-limited exercise in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and angina. These patients may have increased vulnerability to prolongation of the systolic ejection time. Omecamtiv mecarbil is a selective cardiac myosin activator that augments cardiac contractility in patients with systolic heart failure through a dose-dependent increase in systolic ejection time. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with chronic heart failure were randomized 2:1 to receive omecamtiv mecarbil or placebo in 2 sequential cohorts of escalating doses designed to achieve plasma concentrations previously shown to increase systolic function. Patients underwent 2 symptom-limited exercise treadmill tests (ETTs) at baseline (ETT1 and ETT2) and again before the end of a 20-h infusion of omecamtiv mecarbil (ETT3). The primary pre-defined safety endpoint (i.e., the proportion of patients who stopped ETT3 because of angina at a stage earlier than baseline) was observed in 1 patient receiving placebo and none receiving omecamtiv mecarbil. No dose-dependent differences emerged in the proportion of patients stopping ETT3 for any reason or in the pattern of adverse events. Doses of omecamtiv mecarbil producing plasma concentrations previously shown to increase systolic function were well tolerated during exercise in these study patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and angina. There was no indication that treatment increased the likelihood of myocardial ischemia in this high-risk population. (Pharmacokinetics [PK] and Tolerability of Intravenous [IV] and Oral CK-1827452 in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Angina; NCT00682565). Copyright © 2015 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of leptin gene polymorphisms associated with carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Fuki; Okura, Kazuki; Oyama, Kenji; Mannen, Hideyuki; Sasazaki, Shinji

2017-03-01

Previous studies have indicated that some leptin gene polymorphisms were associated with economically important traits in cattle breeds. However, polymorphisms in the leptin gene have not been reported thus far in Japanese Black cattle. Here, we aimed to identify the leptin gene polymorphisms which are associated with carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle. We sequenced the full-length coding sequence of leptin gene for eight Japanese Black cattle. Sequence comparison revealed eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Three of these were predicted to cause amino acid substitutions: Y7F, R25C and A80V. Then, we genotyped these SNPs in two populations (JB1 with 560 animals and JB2 with 450 animals) and investigated the effects on the traits. Y7F in JB1 and A80V in JB2 were excluded from statistical analysis because the minor allele frequencies were low (< 0.1). Association analysis revealed that Y7F had a significant effect on the dressed carcass weight in JB2; R25C had a significant effect on C18:0 and C14:1 in JB1 and JB2, respectively; and A80V had a significant effect on C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, monounsaturated fatty acid and saturated fatty acid in JB1. The results suggested that these SNPs could be used as an effective marker for the improvement of Japanese Black cattle. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Jobelyn® pretreatment ameliorates symptoms of psychosis in experimental models.

PubMed

Omogbiya, Itivere Adrian; Umukoro, Solomon; Aderibigbe, Adegbuyi Oladele; Bakre, Adewale Ganiyu

2013-01-01

Psychosis is a chronic neurological disorder and it remains a major medical and social problem in most African countries. Individuals with psychotic illness in this region tend to seek help from traditional medical practitioners, who prescribe herbal remedies as alternative forms of treatment for the disease. Jobelyn® (JB) is a commercial polyherbal formulation that has been acclaimed to show beneficial effects in neurological disorders. However, its usefulness in psychosis has not been scientifically validated. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate its effects on animal models predictive of human psychosis. Antipsychotic activity of JB was assessed based on the inhibition of stereotyped behavior induced by amphetamine or apomorphine in mice. Amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and lethality in aggregated mice were additional tests employed to further evaluate the antipsychotic property of JB. The effect of JB on catalepsy was also assessed, using the inclined plane paradigm. JB (5-50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited stereotypy induced by amphetamine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or apomorphine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), which suggests antipsychotic activity. Furthermore, JB (5-50 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced lethality in aggregated mice and inhibited hyperactivity induced by amphetamine, respectively. However, JB (5-50 mg/kg, p.o.) did not cause cataleptic behavior, as it failed to alter the duration of stay of the animals on the inclined plane. Taken together, these findings suggest that JB exhibits antipsychotic-like activity, devoid of the adverse effect of cataleptic behavior, and may offer some beneficial effects in the symptomatic relief of psychotic ailments.

Are specialized endotracheal tubes and heat-and-moisture exchangers cost-effective in preventing ventilator associated pneumonia?

PubMed

Gentile, Michael A; Siobal, Mark S

2010-02-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious complication of mechanical ventilation via an artificial airway. As with all nosocomial infections, VAP increases costs, morbidity, and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). VAP prevention is a multifaceted priority of the intensive care team, and can include the use of specialized artificial airways and heat-and-moisture exchangers (HME). Substantial evidence supports the use of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) that allow subglottic suctioning; silver-coated and antiseptic-impregnated ETTs; ETTs with thin-walled polyurethane cuffs; and HMEs, but these devices also can have adverse effects. Controversy still exists regarding the evidence, cost-effectiveness, and disadvantages and risks of these devices.

Polarization properties of long-lived stimulated photon echo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reshetov, V. A.; Popov, E. N.

2015-01-01

The polarization properties of the long-lived stimulated photon echo formed on the transition ja → jb with the atomic levels degenerate in the projections of the angular momenta are studied theoretically. The two particular transitions ja = 1 → jb = 0 and ja = 1 → jb = 1 with degenerate ground state ja = 1 are discussed. For the transitions ja = 1 → jb = 1 the polarizations and areas of the first (‘write’) and the third (‘read’) excitation pulses are found when the echo polarization faithfully reproduces the arbitrary polarization of the weak (single-photon) second (‘information’) pulse, so that this echo scheme may implement the quantum memory for a single-photon polarization qubit, while for the transitions ja = 1 → jb = 0 it is shown, that the echo polarization differs from that of the second pulse at any conditions.

Bactericidal effects of silver plus titanium dioxide-coated endotracheal tubes on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Tarquinio, Keiko M; Kothurkar, Nikhil K; Goswami, Dharendra Y; Sanders, Ronald C; Zaritsky, Arno L; LeVine, Ann Marie

2010-01-01

Purpose: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are pathogens associated with VAP. Silver (Ag) coating of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) reduces bacterial colonization, however titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating has not been studied. Methods: Five types of ETT coatings were applied over silica layer: Ag, solgel TiO2, solgel TiO2 with Ag, Degussa P25 TiO2 (Degussa TiO2), and Degussa TiO2 with Ag. After ETTs were incubated with P. aeruginosa or S. aureus; colonization was determined quantitatively. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus grew for 5 days on standard ETTs. Compared to standard ETTs, P. aeruginosa growth was significantly inhibited by solgel TiO2 with Ag at 24 hours, and by Degussa TiO2 with Ag at 24 and 48 hours after inoculation. No significant difference in S. aureus growth was observed between the control and any of the five coatings for 5 days. Conclusion: In vitro, solgel TiO2 with Ag and Degussa TiO2 with Ag both attenuated P. aeruginosa growth, but demonstrated no effect on S. aureus colonization. Further studies using alternative coating and incorporating UV light exposure are needed to identify their potential utility in reducing VAP. PMID:20463933

Comparison of postoperative complication between Laryngeal Mask Airway and endotracheal tube during low-flow anesthesia with controlled ventilation

PubMed Central

Peirovifar, Ali; Eydi, Mahmood; Mirinejhad, Mir Mousa; Mahmoodpoor, Ata; Mohammadi, Afsaneh; EJ Golzari, Samad

2013-01-01

Objective: To compare the postoperative complications between Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and endotracheal tube (ETT) during low-flow anesthesia with controlled ventilation. Methodology: Eighty adult Patients with ASA class I or II were randomly allocated into two forty-patient groups (ETT or LMA). Cuff pressure was monitored during anesthesia. After high uptake period, fresh gas flow (FGF) was decreased to 1 lit/min and isoflurane set to 1%. Monitoring during anesthesia included non-invasive blood pressure, ECG, ETCO2 and pulse oximetry. System leakage (>100 ml/min), rebreathing and any attempt to increase FGF to overcome the leak were monitored during anesthesia. Later, patients were extubated and transferred to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). In PACU, the incidence of sore throat, cough, difficulty in swallowing and shivering was monitored for all patients. Results: Leakage was observed in two and three cases in ETT and LMA groups respectively (P>0.05). Postoperative cough, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing were significantly less in LMA than ETT group. No significant difference was observed regarding ETCo2 values between 2 groups. Conclusion: If careful measures regarding insertion techniques, correct LMA position and routine monitoring of LMA cuff pressure are taken, LMA can be used as a safe alternative with lower incidence of post operation complication compared with ETT during low-flow controlled anesthesia with modern anesthetic machines. PMID:24353586

Antioxidant Property of Jobelyn as the Possible Mechanism Underlying its Anti-amnesic Activity in Rodents.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Ugbomah, Adaeze; Aderibigbe, Adegbuyi; Omogbiya, Adrian

2013-01-01

Amnesia or loss of memory is the cardinal hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with ageing process. Although, AD had been discovered over a century ago, drugs which could cure or halt the progression of the disease are yet to see the light of the day. However, there has been a growing interest in the use of phytomedicines with multipronged mechanisms of action that could target various aspects of the pathologies of AD. Jobelyn (JB) is a potent antioxidant African polyherbal formulation with active components that have been acclaimed to show neuroprotection. This investigation was carried out to evaluate whether JB has anti-amnesic and antioxidant activities. The alteration of alternation behavior in the Y-maze paradigm was utilized as the test for memory function in mice. The effect of JB on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus were assessed in rats as means of providing insight into the mechanism underlying its anti-amnesic activity. The animals were given JB (1, 2.5 or 5mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 7 days before the biochemical assays or test for memory functions were carried out. JB was found to produce a significant increase in the level of alternation behavior compared with the control, suggesting anti-amnesic activity. Also, JB reversed the memory impairment induced by scopolamine, which further indicates anti-amnesic property. Furthermore, JB demonstrated a significant inhibition of MDA formation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats, indicating antioxidant property. In addition, it increased the defense armory of the brain tissues, as it significantly increased the concentrations of GSH in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. However, JB did not demonstrate any inhibitory effect against AChE activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats in comparison with the control group. This

Survey on Restoration of Endodontically Treated Anterior Teeth: A Questionnaire Based Study

PubMed Central

Ratnakar, P; Bhosgi, Rashmi; Metta, Kiran Kumar; Aggarwal, Kanika; Vinuta, S; Singh, Navneet

2014-01-01

Background: The aim of endodontic and restorative dentistry is the conservation of natural tooth structure. Endodontically treated tooth (ETT) undergoes loss of tooth structure and changes in physical characteristics. Therefore, proper selection of restoration for ETT is mandatory. The clinical approach of restoring ETT needs taking into considerations several issues. However, the best way to restore teeth after root canal treatment has long been and still a controversial subject to debate. Therefore, this study was carried out to detect the frequency of preferred methods of restoring ETT under different conditions. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was framed and distributed among prosthodontists, endodontist and general practitioners of north India region to find out the frequency of best suitable material and method regarding restoration of ETT. 220 questionnaires were sent by electronic mail out of which 110 were received back. The questionnaire contained different methods of restoration of endodontically treated anterior teeth at different conditions (percentages) of remaining sound tooth structure. Respondents were asked to indicate their preferred method of restoration of those teeth. Results: Results showed that majority of respondents (51.82%) preferred to restore the tooth only with a tooth-color restorative material in condition A. In condition B, majority of respondents preferred to use tooth colored crown (44.55%) and prefabricated post and tooth colored restoration (24.5%). Whereas in condition C, most of the respondents preferred to use a cast post and core/crown (80.91%). Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the unrestored ETT is susceptible to fracture, which could lead to loss of tooth and that the maximum preservation of healthy tooth structure and use of restorative materials with mechanical properties similar to dental structure favor greater longevity of tooth restoration complex. PMID:25628482

Comparison of commercial and noncommercial endotracheal tube-securing devices.

PubMed

Fisher, Daniel F; Chenelle, Christopher T; Marchese, Andrew D; Kratohvil, Joseph P; Kacmarek, Robert M

2014-09-01

Tracheal intubation is used to establish a secure airway in patients who require mechanical ventilation. Unexpected extubation can have serious complications, including airway trauma and death. Various methods and devices have been developed to maintain endotracheal tube (ETT) security. Associated complications include pressure ulcers due to decreased tissue perfusion. Device consideration includes ease of use, rapid application, and low exerted pressure around the airway. Sixteen ETT holders were evaluated under a series of simulated clinical conditions. ETT security was tested by measuring distance displaced after a tug. Nine of the 16 methods could be evaluated for speed of moving the ETT to the opposite side of the mouth. Sensors located on a mannequin measured applied forces when the head was rotated vertically or horizontally. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, with P < .05. Median displacement of the ETT by the tug test was 0 cm (interquartile range of 0.0-0.10 cm, P < .001). The mean time to move the ETT from one side of the mouth to the other ranged from 1.25 ± 0.2 s to 34.4 ± 3.4 s (P < .001). Forces applied to the face with a vertical head lift ranged from < 0.2 newtons (N) to a maximum of 3.52 N (P < .001). Forces applied to the face with a horizontal rotation ranged from < 0.2 N to 3.52 N (P < .001). Commercial devices produced greater force than noncommercial devices. Noncommercial airway holders exert less force on a patient's face than commercial devices. Airway stability is affected by the type of securing method. Many commercial holders allow for rapid but secure movement of the artificial airway from one side of the mouth to the other. Copyright © 2014 by Daedalus Enterprises.

An in vitro evaluation of aerosol delivery through tracheostomy and endotracheal tubes using different interfaces.

PubMed

Ari, Arzu; Harwood, Robert J; Sheard, Meryl M; Fink, James B

2012-07-01

Previous research reporting factors influencing aerosol delivery in intubated patients has been largely focused on the endotracheal tube (ETT) during mechanical ventilation, with little comparative analysis of effect of types of artificial airways and their interfaces on aerosol delivery during spontaneous breathing. The purpose of this study was to compare aerosol delivery via tracheostomy tube (TT) and ETT, using interfaces such as T-piece, tracheostomy collar, and manual resuscitation bag. A teaching manikin was intubated with either an ETT (8.0 mm inner diameter) and TT (8 mm inner diameter). Both bronchi were connected to a collecting filter, attached to a sinusoidal pump simulating the breathing pattern of a spontaneously breathing adult (tidal volume 450 mL, respiratory rate 20 breaths/min, inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:2). Albuterol sulfate (2.5 mg/3 mL) was nebulized through a jet nebulizer, using each airway and interface as appropriate (n = 3). Drug on the filter was eluted and analyzed with spectrophotometry, and expressed as mean percent of loaded dose delivered. Descriptive statistics, the Student t test, and one-way analysis of variance were applied. A greater percentage of nominal dose was delivered via TT than ETT with both T-piece (13.79 ± 2.59% vs 9.05 ± 0.70%) and manual resuscitation bag (45.75 ± 1.8% vs 27.23 ± 8.98%, P = .038 and P = .025, respectively). Use of manual resuscitation bag with both TT and ETT increased lung dose more than 3-fold. Inhaled dose with tracheostomy collar was (6.92 ± 0.81%) less than T-piece with TT (P = .01). In this adult model of spontaneous ventilation, aerosol therapy through ETT was less efficient than TT, while the manual resuscitation bag was more efficient than T-piece or tracheostomy collar.

Primary Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Giant Pituitary Adenoma.

PubMed

Kuo, Chao-Hung; Yen, Yu-Shu; Wu, Jau-Ching; Chang, Peng-Yuan; Chang, Hsuan-Kan; Tu, Tsung-Hsi; Huang, Wen-Cheng; Cheng, Henrich

2016-07-01

Giant pituitary adenoma (>4 cm) remains challenging because the optimal surgical approach is uncertain. Consecutive patients with giant pituitary adenoma who underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETTS) as the first and primary treatment were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were tumor diameter ≥4 cm in at least 1 direction, and tumor volume ≥10 cm(3). Exclusion criteria were follow-ups <2 years and diseases other than pituitary adenoma. All the clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. A total of 38 patients, average age 50.8 years, were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 72.9 months. All patients underwent ETTS as the first and primary treatment, and 8 (21.1%) had complete resection without any evidence of recurrence at the latest follow-up. Overall, mean tumor volume decreased from 29.7 to 3.2 cm(3) after surgery. Residual and recurrent tumors (n = 30) were managed with 1 of the following: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), reoperation (redo ETTS), both GKRS and ETTS, medication, conventional radiotherapy, or none. At last follow-up, most of the patients had favorable outcomes, including 8 (21.1%) who were cured and 29 (76.3%) who had a stable residual condition without progression. Only 1 (2.6%) had late recurrence at 66 months after GKRS. The overall progression-free rate was 97.4%, with few complications. In this series of giant pituitary adenoma, primary (ie, the first) ETTS yielded complete resection and cure in 21.1%. Along with adjuvant therapies, including GKRS, most patients (97.4%) were stable and free of disease progression. Therefore, primary ETTS appeared to be an effective surgical approach for giant pituitary adenoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Jolkinolide B inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the activation NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

PubMed

Ma, Xiaojun; Liu, Yupeng; Zhang, Yao; Yu, Xiaobing; Wang, Weiming; Zhao, Dewei

2014-03-07

Osteoclasts together with osteoblasts play pivotal roles in bone remodeling. The unique function and ability of osteoclasts to resorb bone makes them critical in both normal bone homeostasis and pathologic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, new compounds that may inhibit osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function may be of great value in the treatment of osteoclast-related diseases. In the present study, we examined the effect of jolkinolide B (JB), isolated from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud on receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation. We found that JB inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) without cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the expression of osteoclastic marker genes, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CtsK), and calcitonin receptor (CTR), was significantly inhibited. JB inhibited RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB by suppressing RANKL-mediated IκBα degradation. Moreover, JB inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, and ERK). This study thus identifies JB as an inhibitor of osteoclast formation and provides evidence that JB might be an alternative medicine for preventing and treating osteolysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Technologic advances in endotracheal tubes for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Fernandez, Juan F; Levine, Stephanie M; Restrepo, Marcos I

2012-07-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Interventions to prevent VAP are a high priority in the care of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Multiple interventions are recommended by evidence-based practice guidelines to prevent VAP, but there is a growing interest in those related to the endotracheal tube (ETT) as the main target linked to VAP. Microaspiration and biofilm formation are the two most important mechanisms implicated in the colonization of the tracheal bronchial tree and the development of VAP. Microaspiration occurs when there is distal migration of microorganisms present in the secretions accumulated above the ETT cuff. Biofilm formation has been described as the development of a network of secretions and attached microorganisms that migrate along the ETT cuff polymer and inside the lumen, facilitating the transfer to the sterile bronchial tree. Therefore, our objective was to review the literature related to recent advances in ETT technologies regarding their impact on the control of microaspiration and biofilm formation in patients on MV, and the subsequent impact on VAP.

Children's Implicit Learning of Graphotactic and Morphological Regularities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pacton, Sbastien; Fayol, Michel; Perruchet, Pierre

2005-01-01

In French, the transcription of the same sound can be guided by both probabilistic graphotactic constraints (e.g., t is more often transcribed ette after -v than after -f) and morphological constraints (e.g., t is always transcribed ette when used as a diminutive suffix). Three experiments showed that pseudo-word spellings of 8-to 11-year-old…

Development of the jugular bulb: a radiologic study.

PubMed

Friedmann, David R; Eubig, Jan; McGill, Megan; Babb, James S; Pramanik, Bidyut K; Lalwani, Anil K

2011-10-01

Jugular bulb (JB) abnormalities such as JB diverticulum and high-riding JBs of the temporal bone can erode into the inner ear and present with hearing loss, vestibular disturbance, and pulsatile tinnitus. Their cause and potential to progress remain to be studied. This comprehensive radiologic study investigates the postnatal development of the venous system from transverse sinus to internal jugular vein (IJV). Academic medical center. PATIENTS, INTERVENTION, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Measurements of the transverse and sigmoid sinus, the JB, IJV, and carotid artery were made from computed tomographic scans of the neck with intravenous contrast in infants (n = 5), children (n = 13), adults (n = 35), and the elderly (n = 15). Jugular bulbs were not detected in patients younger than 2 years, enlarged in adulthood, and remained stable in the elderly. The venous system was larger in men than in women. From transverse sinus to IJV, the greatest variation in size was just proximal and distal to the JB with greater symmetry observed as blood returned to the heart. Right-sided venous dominance was most common occurring in 70% to 80% of cases. The JB is a dynamic structure that forms after 2 years, and its size stabilizes in adulthood. The determinants in its exact position and size are multifactorial and may be related to blood flow. Improved understanding of this structure's development may help to better understand the cause of the high-riding JB and JB diverticulum, both of which may cause clinical symptoms.

Ability of the Multisensory Jawbone UP3 to Quantify and Classify Sleep in Patients With Suspected Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence: A Comparison Against Polysomnography and Actigraphy.

PubMed

Cook, Jesse D; Prairie, Michael L; Plante, David T

2018-04-30

To evaluate the ability of a multisensory fitness tracker, the Jawbone UP3 (JB3), to quantify and classify sleep in patients with suspected central disorders of hypersomnolence. This study included 43 patients who completed polysomnography (PSG) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) with concurrent wrist-worn JB3 and Actiwatch 2 (AW2) recordings for comparison. Mean differences in nocturnal sleep architecture variables were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were derived for both devices relative to PSG. Ability of the JB3 to detect sleep onset rapid eye movement periods (SOREMPs) during MSLT naps was also quantified. JB3 demonstrated a significant overestimation of total sleep time (39.6 min, P < .0001) relative to PSG, but performed comparably to AW2. Although the ability of the JB3 to detect epochs of sleep was relatively good (sensitivity = 0.97), its ability to distinguish light, deep, and REM sleep was poor. Similarly, the JB3 did not correctly identify a single SOREMP during any MSLT nap opportunity. The JB3 did not accurately quantify or classify sleep in patients with suspected central disorders of hypersomnolence, and was particularly poor at identifying REM sleep. Thus, this device cannot be used as a surrogate for PSG or MSLT in the assessment of patients with suspected central disorders of hypersomnolence. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Sleep Medicine. All rights reserved.

J.B. Nash Lecture Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Howard R., Comp.; And Others

The following lectures are presented in this publication: (1) "The Dynamics of Recreation" (Betty Van der Smissen); (2) "Recreation Prospects" (Edith L. Ball); (3) "A View of the Past--A Bridge to the Future" (Allen V. Sapora); (4) "Coming to Grips with the New Leisure" (Richard G. Kraus); (5) "The Mild Blue Yonder--Changing Lifestyles and…

Exaggerated blood pressure response during exercise treadmill testing: functional and hemodynamic features, and risk factors.

PubMed

de Lima, Sandro G; de Albuquerque, Maria de F P M; de Oliveira, João R M; Ayres, Constância F J; da Cunha, José E G; de Oliveira, Danyllo F; de Lemos, Roberta R; de Souza, Manuela B R; e Silva, Odwaldo B

2012-07-01

The factors which contribute to an exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) during the exercise treadmill test (ETT) are not wholly understood. The association between the insertion/deletion polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and M235T of the angiotensinogen with EBPR during ETT still remains unstudied. To identify and compare the risk factors for hypertension between normotensive subjects with EBPR and those who exhibit a normal curve of blood pressure (BP) during ETT. In a series of EBPR cases from a historical cohort of normotensive individuals, a univariate analysis was performed to estimate the association of the studied factors with BP behavior during ETT. Additionally, logistic multivariate regression was conducted to analyze the joint effects of the variables. P-values above 0.05 were considered statistically significant. From a total of 10,027 analyzed examinations, only 219 met the criteria employed to define EBPR, which resulted in a prevalence of 12.6%. For the systolic component of the BP, hyperreactive subjects displayed a mean age and body mass index (BMI) significantly higher than the others (P=0.002 and <0.001, respectively). No association was observed between the polymorphisms cited above and EBPR. An analysis of the joint effect of variables has indicated that only age (P< 0.001) and BMI (P=0.001) were specifically associated with systolic BP during exercise. Age and BMI were the only factors that independently influenced EBPR during ETT.

Effects of Tribulus terrestris on monosodium iodoacetate‑induced osteoarthritis pain in rats.

PubMed

Park, Young Jin; Cho, Young-Rak; Oh, Joa Sub; Ahn, Eun-Kyung

2017-10-01

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diuretic, lithontriptic, edema and urinary infections. Previous studies have indicated that it is effective in improving inflammation by regulating tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF)‑α, interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑10, nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‑2. However, the effects and mechanism of action of T. terrestris on osteoarthritis (OA) remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of T. terrestris (ETT) in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‑induced OA animal model. OA was induced in LEW/SSNHSD rats by intra‑articular injection of MIA. Morphometric changes and parameters of the tibial trabecular bone were determined using micro‑computed tomography. The molecular mechanisms of ETT in OA were investigated using reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and gelatin zymogram analysis. Treatment with ETT attenuated MIA‑induced OA, and this effect was mediated by the downregulation of NO synthase 2, COX‑2, TNF‑α and IL‑6. Furthermore, the ETT‑mediated attenuation of OA was also dependent on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases‑2 and ‑9. The results of the current study indicate that further evaluation of the mechanisms underlying the attenuation of MIA‑induced OA by ETT are required, and may support the development of ETT as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as OA.

Calcium score of coronary artery stratifies the risk of obstructive coronary artery diseases.

PubMed

Ibrahim, O; Oteh, M; Anwar, I R; Che Hassan, H H; Choor, C K; Hamzaini, A H; Rahman, M M

2013-01-01

Coronary heart disease is a major health problem in Malaysia with high morbidity and mortality. Common primary screening tool of cardiovascular risk stratification is exercise treadmill test (ETT). This communication is to determine the performance of coronary artery calcium score a new method to stratify the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison to traditional ETT in patients having coronary artery diseases. Patients between 30 to 60 years old attended the ETT to screen for ischemic heart disease were recruited for Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) of multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT). Subsequently all patients underwent a full MSCT coronary angiography. The major determinant was the state of CAD whether obstructive (50% stenosis or more) or non-obstructive (less than 50% stenosis). All patients diagnosed with obstructive CAD on MSCT coronary angiogram were subjected to invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) to confirm the findings and planned the need for revascularization. The CACS was 100% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity in detecting obstructive CAD at the optimal cut-off value of 106.5 and above. The positive predictive value (PPV) at CACS ≥ 106 was 71.4% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was consistent at 100%. Compare to ETT, the CACS discriminative value and diagnostic performance was much better (PPV 71.4% vs. 45.5%), respectively. CACS can be a good diagnostic screening tool in patients suspected of CAD, and particularly within the non-diagnostic ETT subgroup with low to moderate cardiovascular risks.

Optimization of Ultrasound Transducer Positioning for Endotracheal Tube Placement Confirmation in Cadaveric Model.

PubMed

Lonchena, Tiffany; So, Sokpoleak; Ibinson, James; Roolf, Peter; Orebaugh, Steven L

2017-02-01

Sonography has been suggested as a possible means of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement confirmation. However, optimum ultrasound transducer placement has not been established. Using a cadaveric model, ETT placement by the sonographic appearance at the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and suprasternal notch in the upper airway was assessed to determine which ultrasound transducer placement offered the most optimal images for ETT confirmation in the airway. One provider intubated 5 cadavers, with the ultrasound transducer at each of the 3 levels, for a total of 30 intubations per specimen, while 2 providers assigned a visual score of 1 (subtle), 2 (clear), or 3 (pronounced) to each sonogram of the ETT in the airway. At the level of the thyroid cartilage, tracheal intubation was detected at a rate of 40%, with a median visualization scale of 1 (subtle movement). At the level of the cricoid cartilage, the visualization scale improved to a median of 2 (clear movement), with a 70% intubation detection rate. At the level of the suprasternal notch, 100% of the tracheal intubations were visualized on sonography, with a median score of 3 (pronounced movement). In comparing sonographic detection of ETT placement at 3 levels of the upper airway in a cadaveric model, our results clearly indicate that visualization was superior at the level of the suprasternal notch, with 100% of intubations detected with the best visualization scores. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Fatty acid profiles and adipogenic gene expression of various fat depots in Japanese Black and Holstein steers.

PubMed

Shirouchi, Bungo; Albrecht, Elke; Nuernberg, Gerd; Maak, Steffen; Olavanh, Samadmanivong; Nakamura, Yoshinori; Sato, Masao; Gotoh, Takafumi; Nuernberg, Karin

2014-01-01

Objective of the study was to assess the breed effect on fatty acid (FA) composition of different adipose tissues and on mRNA expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and fat metabolism. Japanese Black (JB) and Holstein (HS) steers were kept under equivalent conditions with high energy intake resulting in large differences in intramuscular fat (IMF) accumulation in longissimus muscle (LM). The relative FA composition of muscle, intermuscular fat, visceral fat, and perirenal fat was comparable between JB and HS steers. Circulating fatty acids were also similar in both breeds. Most relevant breed effects were identified in IMF, underlining the uniqueness of this adipose tissue site. JB steers had more monounsaturated FA and less saturated FA. Perilipin 1 and adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) mRNA levels were higher in IMF of JB. The results suggest advanced maturity of IMF cells in JB and altered local conditions in muscle influencing IMF accumulation and composition. © 2013.

Tolerability and performance of BIP endotracheal tubes with noble metal alloy coating--a randomized clinical evaluation study.

PubMed

Björling, Gunilla; Johansson, Dorota; Bergström, Linda; Jalal, Shah; Kohn, Ivar; Frostell, Claes; Kalman, Sigridur

2015-12-01

Hospital acquired infections worsen the outcome of patients treated in intensive care units and are costly. Coatings with silver or metal alloys may reduce or alter the formation of biofilm on invasive medical devices. An endotracheal tube (ETT) is used to connect the patient to a ventilator and coated tubes have been tested in relation to bacterial colonization and respiratory infection. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate and compare a coated and uncoated ETT for patient symptoms and local tracheal tolerability during short term clinical use. Degree of bacterial colonization was also described. A silver-palladium-gold alloy coating ('Bactiguard®'Infection Protection, BIP) has been extensively used on urinary tract catheters and lately also on central venous catheters. We performed a randomised, single-blinded, controlled, first in man, post Conformité Européenne (EC) certification and CE marking study, focused on Bactiguard® coated ETTs (BIP ETT). Thirty patients at a tertiary university hospital scheduled for upper abdominal elective surgery with an expected duration of anaesthesia of at least 3 h were randomised; BIP ETT (n = 20) or standard ETT (n = 10). The tolerability was assessed with a modified version of Quality of Life Head and Neck Module, QLQ-H&N35 and by inspection of the tracheal mucosa with a fibre-optic bronchoscope before intubation and at extubation. Adverse Events (AE) and bacterial adherence were also studied. Statistical evaluations were carried out with the Fisher's Exact Test, the Clopper-Pearson method, as well as a Proportional Odds Model. Differences between groups were identified in 2 of 8 patient related symptoms with regard to tolerability by QLQ-H&N35 (cough, p = 0.022 and dry mouth, p = 0.014 in the treatment group.). No mucosal damage was identified with bronchoscopy. A low level of bacterial colonization with normal flora, equal between groups, was seen after short-term of intubation (median 5 h). No

Jolkinolide A and Jolkinolide B Inhibit Proliferation of A549 Cells and Activity of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

PubMed

Shen, Lei; Zhang, Shan-Qiang; Liu, Lei; Sun, Yu; Wu, Yu-Xuan; Xie, Li-Ping; Liu, Ji-Cheng

2017-01-14

BACKGROUND Jolkinolide A (JA) and Jolkinolide B (JB) are diterpenoids extracted from the roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud and have been shown to have anti-tumor activity. However, their effects on the ability of tumor cells to invade blood vessels and metastasize remain largely unknown. Investigations into the effects of JA and JB on the angiogenesis of tumor tissues may facilitate the identification of new natural drugs with anti-tumor growth and metastasis activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used different concentrations of JA and JB (20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml, 60 μg/ml, 80 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml) to stimulate A549 cells and then studied the effects on the growth and metastasis of lung cancers. In addition, we used conditional media from A549 cells (A549-CM) stimulated by either JA or JB in different concentrations to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS We found that both JA and JB significantly inhibited the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway and reduced the expression of VEGF in A549 cells, but JB exhibited more significant inhibitory effects than JA. The JB-stimulated A549 cell conditional media had a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of HUVECs than did the conditional media of JA-stimulated A549 cells. This effect gradually increased with increasing concentrations of either type of Jolkinolide. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that JA and JB inhibited VEGF expression in A549 cells through the inhibition of the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway, and directly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. These findings are of great significance for the development of new plant-derived chemotherapy agents for the treatment of cancer.

Jolkinolide A and Jolkinolide B Inhibit Proliferation of A549 Cells and Activity of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

PubMed Central

Shen, Lei; Zhang, Shan-Qiang; Liu, Lei; Sun, Yu; Wu, Yu-Xuan; Xie, Li-Ping; Liu, Ji-Cheng

2017-01-01

Background Jolkinolide A (JA) and Jolkinolide B (JB) are diterpenoids extracted from the roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud and have been shown to have anti-tumor activity. However, their effects on the ability of tumor cells to invade blood vessels and metastasize remain largely unknown. Investigations into the effects of JA and JB on the angiogenesis of tumor tissues may facilitate the identification of new natural drugs with anti-tumor growth and metastasis activities. Material/Methods We used different concentrations of JA and JB (20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml, 60 μg/ml, 80 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml) to stimulate A549 cells and then studied the effects on the growth and metastasis of lung cancers. In addition, we used conditional media from A549 cells (A549-CM) stimulated by either JA or JB in different concentrations to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results We found that both JA and JB significantly inhibited the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway and reduced the expression of VEGF in A549 cells, but JB exhibited more significant inhibitory effects than JA. The JB-stimulated A549 cell conditional media had a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of HUVECs than did the conditional media of JA-stimulated A549 cells. This effect gradually increased with increasing concentrations of either type of Jolkinolide. Conclusions Our results suggest that JA and JB inhibited VEGF expression in A549 cells through the inhibition of the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway, and directly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. These findings are of great significance for the development of new plant-derived chemotherapy agents for the treatment of cancer. PMID:28087861

Wave functions of the Q .Q interaction in terms of unitary 9-j coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamick, Larry; Harper, Matthew

2015-03-01

We obtain wave functions for two protons and two neutrons in the g9 /2 shell expressed as column vectors with amplitudes D (Jp,Jn) . When we use a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction (Q .Q ) we get, in many cases, a very strong overlap with wave functions given by a single set of unitary 9-j coefficients—U 9 j =<(jj ) 2 j(jjJB|(jj ) Jp(jj ) Jn) I> . Here JB=9 for even I T =0 states. For both even and odd T =1 states we take JB equal to 8 whilst for odd I ,T =0 we take JB to be 7. We compare the Q .Q results with those of a more realistic interaction.

[Diversity analysis of biofilm bacteria on tracheal tubes removed from intubated neonates].

PubMed

Song, Chao; Yu, Jia-lin; Ai, Qing; Liu, Dong; Lu, Wei; Lu, Qi; Peng, Ning-ning

2013-08-01

The catheter-related infections caused by mechanical ventilation have become a intractable clinical problem, and it is related to the formation of bacterial biofilm (BF) on the surface of the implanted material. The majority of natural biofilms are formed by multiple bacterial species. However, there always only one or limited species were detected on tracheal tubes removed from intubated neonates by using traditional methods including bacterium culture and antigen detection. The aims of this study were to observe the bacterial communities diversity of BF on endotracheal tube (ETT), and discuss the difference between traditional bacterium culture methods and the use of molecular biology techniques on the basis of denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), to provide new ideas for clinical prevention, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. Thirty-five ETTs were obtained from 26 neonates on mechanical ventilator (from October 2012 to March 2013) in Department of Neonatology of Children's Hospital. Among the patients, 18 were boys and 8 girls, and 19 patients were < 37 weeks gestational age and 7 patients ≥ 37 weeks. DGGE profiling of 16S rDNA gene amplicons was used to assess the diversity of the bacterial population by using the software of quantity one. TA Cloning Kit and sequencing were used to investigate the distribution of bacteria and common dominant bacteria in ETT-BF. The mean bands of 35 ETTs cases were 13.8 ± 5.4 from 16S rDNA PCR-DGGE, and the mean Shanon-Wiener indexes was 2.42 ± 0.38. The 16 ETTs were collected in different stages of diseases from the 7 patients. The indwelling days of 6/7 patients' ETTs increased, the Shanon-siener indexes were decreased. Among the 6 cases from different basic illnesses, and there were different Shanon-siener indexes. The result of molecular cloning and sequencing for 24 dominant bands showed that 35 cases (100%) contained Klebsiella SP·, 28 cases (80%) had Pseudomonas SP·, 27 cases (77%) had

Energy drinks give you wings but also an abnormal exercise test.

PubMed

Choudhury, Tawfiqur R; Abdool, Muhammad A; Galasko, Gavin

2017-07-27

This is the case of a 53-year-old man with known coronary artery disease who underwent two exercise treadmill tests (ETT). The first test, which yielded an abnormal result, was undertaken shortly after he had drunk two cans of Red Bull, a popular energy drink (ED). A second ETT was undertaken 1 week later by the same team without EDs on board and the test result was normal. This case suggests that drinking EDs prior to an ETT could lead to a false positive result and should be discouraged prior to exercise testing. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Interface-Located Photothermoelectric Effect of Organic Thermoelectric Materials in Enabling NIR Detection.

PubMed

Huang, Dazhen; Zou, Ye; Jiao, Fei; Zhang, Fengjiao; Zang, Yaping; Di, Chong-an; Xu, Wei; Zhu, Daoben

2015-05-06

Organic photothermoelectric (PTE) materials are promising candidates for various photodetection applications. Herein, we report on poly[Cux(Cu-ett)]:PVDF, which is an excellent polymeric thermoelectric composite, possesses unprecedented PTE properties. The NIR light irradiation on the poly[Cu(x)(Cu-ett)]:PVDF film could induce obvious enhancement in Seebeck coefficient from 52 ± 1.5 to 79 ± 5.0 μV/K. By taking advantage of prominent photothermoelectric effect of poly[Cu(x)(Cu-ett)]:PVDF, an unprecedented voltage of 12 mV was obtained. This excellent performance enables its promising applications in electricity generation from solar energy and NIR detection to a wide range of light intensities ranging from 1.7 mW/cm(2) to 17 W/cm(2).

EPI-SPIRE: A Bio-Surveillance Prototype

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

application to Lyme disease vectors. Intl J GIS 16:151-166. Glass, GE, TL Yates, JB Fine, TM Shields, JB Kendall, AG Hope, CA Parmenter CJ Peters, TG...EB Hayes & BS Schwartz. 2003. Longitudinal evaluation of an educational intervention to prevent tick bites in an area of endemic Lyme disease in...34. Fine, JB, JL Robertson, GE Glass. 2004. Borrelia burgdorferi exposure in asymptomatic populations of horses in Maryland and Virginia. Am J Vet

Nitropelagi marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., Isolated From Seawater, Je-bu island, South Korea.

PubMed

Jeong, Sun Hwan; Lee, Sang Seob

2016-09-01

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore forming, non-motile and aerobic strain, designated JB22(T), was isolated from seawater, Je-bu Island, South Korea. Strain JB22(T) was catalase and oxidase positive. Optimal growth of JB22(T) was observed at 30 °C and pH 7.0. NaCl tolerance range was 1-9 % (w/v) with an optimum of 2.0 % concentration. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain JB22(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to those of Pelagicola litorisediminis D1-W8(T) (95.8 %), Roseovarius litoreus GSW-M15(T) (95.2 %), Roseovarius aestuarii SMK-122(T) (95.0 %), Donghicola eburmeus SW-277(T) (95.0 %), and Roseovarius halotolerans HJ50(T) (94.9 %). It contained ubiquine-10 as the major respiratory quinone and C18:1 ω7c (69.3 %), :0 (9.9 %), C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl (9.6 %) as the major fatty acid. The polar lipid profile included phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of the strain JB22(T) was 47 mol  %. Based on physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JB22(T) should be regarded as a new genus of the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the Nitropelagi marinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JB22(T) (= KEMB 3001-101(T) = JCM 30822(T)).

Effects of Mo, Cr, and V Additions on Tensile and Charpy Impact Properties of API X80 Pipeline Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Seung Youb; Shin, Sang Yong; Seo, Chang-Hyo; Lee, Hakcheol; Bae, Jin-Ho; Kim, Kisoo; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Nack J.

2009-08-01

In this study, four API X80 pipeline steels were fabricated by varying Mo, Cr, and V additions, and their microstructures and crystallographic orientations were analyzed to investigate the effects of their alloying compositions on tensile properties and Charpy impact properties. Because additions of Mo and V promoted the formation of fine acicular ferrite (AF) and granular bainite (GB) while prohibiting the formation of coarse GB, they increased the strength and upper-shelf energy (USE) and decreased the energy transition temperature (ETT). The addition of Cr promoted the formation of coarse GB and hard secondary phases, thereby leading to an increased effective grain size, ETT, and strength, and a decreased USE. The addition of V resulted in a higher strength, a higher USE, a smaller effective grain size, and a lower ETT, because it promoted the formation of fine and homogeneous of AF and GB. The steel that contains 0.3 wt pct Mo and 0.06 wt pct V without Cr had the highest USE and the lowest ETT, because its microstructure was composed of fine AF and GB while its maintained excellent tensile properties.

Changes in uncuffed endotracheal tube leak during laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy in children.

PubMed

Noguchi, Akiko; Kuga, Kumiko; Tashiro, Naoki; Shimakawa, Yusuke; Shono, Takeshi; Hirakawa, Naomi; Sakaguchi, Yoshiro

2016-08-01

The present study was conducted to investigate changes in uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) leak during laparoscopic surgery. The study included 31 patients aged between 1 and 6 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy. Inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes (TVi and TVe) were measured during mechanical ventilation, and ETT leak was calculated using the formula-ETT leak = (TVi - TVe)/TVi × 100 (%), assessed at the following time-points-5 min after the start of mechanical ventilation (T1, baseline), just before the start of surgery (T2), 5 min after the induction of pneumoperitoneum with 15° Trendelenburg tilt (T3), and at the end of surgery (T4). Additionally, leak pressure was assessed after successful tracheal intubation (T0, baseline) at T2, T3 and T4. Uncuffed ETT leak significantly decreased at T3 compared with T1 (baseline). Leak pressure significantly increased at T3 and T4 compared with T0 (baseline). Further studies are needed in order to determine whether the results are universal and associated with clinically significant outcomes.

Rib fracture - aftercare

MedlinePlus

... Alternative Names Broken rib - aftercare References Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA. Scapula and rib fractures. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: ...

New hematological key for bovine leukemia virus-infected Japanese Black cattle.

PubMed

Mekata, Hirohisa; Yamamoto, Mari; Kirino, Yumi; Sekiguchi, Satoshi; Konnai, Satoru; Horii, Yoichiro; Norimine, Junzo

2018-02-20

The European Community's (EC) Key, which is also called Bendixen's Key, is a well-established bovine leukemia virus (BLV) diagnostic method that classifies cattle according to the absolute lymphocyte count and age. The EC Key was originally designed for dairy cattle and is not necessarily suitable for Japanese Black (JB) beef cattle. This study revealed the lymphocyte counts in the BLV-free and -infected JB cattle were significantly lower than those in the Holstein cattle. Therefore, applying the EC Key to JB cattle could result in a large number of undetected BLV-infected cattle. Our proposed hematological key, which was designed for JB cattle, improves the detection of BLV-infected cattle by approximately 20%. We believe that this study could help promote BLV control.

Electrophysiological markers predicting impeding AV-block during ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia.

PubMed

Fragakis, Nikolaos; Krexi, Lydia; Kyriakou, Panagiota; Sotiriadou, Melani; Lazaridis, Charalambos; Karamanolis, Athanasios; Dalampyras, Panagiotis; Tsakiroglou, Stelios; Skeberis, Vassilios; Tsalikakis, Dimitrios; Vassilikos, Vassilios

2018-01-01

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the slow pathway (SP) in atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is occasionally complicated with atrioventricular block (AVB) often predicted by junctional beats (JB) with loss of ventriculo-atrial (VA) conduction. We analyzed retrospectively 153 patients undergoing ablation of SP for typical AVNRT. Patients were divided into two age groups: 127 ≤ 70 years and 26 > 70 years. We analyzed the interval between the atrial electrogram in the His-bundle position and the distal ablation catheter [A(H)-A(RFd)] and between the distal ablation catheter and the proximal coronary sinus catheter [A(RFd)-A(CS)] before RF applications with and without JB. We evaluated if these intervals can be used as predictors of JB incidence and also of JB with loss of VA conduction. We also assessed if age influences the risk of loss of VA conduction. The A(H)-A(RFd) and A(RFd)-A(CS) intervals were significantly shorter in RF applications causing JB than those without JB (33 ± 11 ms vs 39 ± 9 ms, P < 0.001, 14 ± 9 ms vs 20 ± 7 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). The A(H)-A(RFd) and A(RFd)-A(CS) intervals were also significantly shorter in RFs causing JB with VA block than those with VA conduction (29 ± 11 ms vs 35 ± 11 ms, P < 0.001, 8 ± 8 ms vs 17 ± 8 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). Patients > 70 years had shorter intervals (36 ± 11 ms vs 29 ± 8 ms, P  =  0.012, 17 ± 8 ms vs 13 ± 7 ms, P  =  0.027, respectively), while VA block was more common in this age group. The A(H)-A(RFd) and A(RFd)-A(CS) intervals can be used as markers for predicting JB occurrence as well as impending AVB. JB with loss of VA conduction occur more often in older patients possibly due to a higher position of SP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Light-quarks Yukawa couplings and new physics in exclusive high-pT Higgs boson +jet and Higgs boson + b -jet events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, Jonathan; Bar-Shalom, Shaouly; Eilam, Gad; Soni, Amarjit

2018-03-01

We suggest that the exclusive Higgs +light (or b)-jet production at the LHC, p p →h +j (jb), is a rather sensitive probe of the light-quarks Yukawa couplings and of other forms of new physics (NP) in the Higgs-gluon h g g and quark-gluon q q g interactions. We study the Higgs pT-distribution in p p →h +j (jb)→γ γ +j (jb), i.e., in h +j (jb) production followed by the Higgs decay h →γ γ , employing the (pT-dependent) signal strength formalism to probe various types of NP which are relevant to these processes and which we parametrize either as scaled Standard Model (SM) couplings (the kappa-framework) and/or through new higher dimensional effective operators (the SMEFT framework). We find that the exclusive h +j (jb) production at the 13 TeV LHC is sensitive to various NP scenarios, with typical scales ranging from a few TeV to O (10 ) TeV , depending on the flavor, chirality and Lorentz structure of the underlying physics.

Automated control of endotracheal tube cuff pressure during simulated flight.

PubMed

Blakeman, Thomas; Rodriquez, Dario; Woods, James; Cox, Daniel; Elterman, Joel; Branson, Richard

2016-11-01

Successful mechanical ventilation requires that the airway be controlled by an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an inflatable cuff to seal the airway. Aeromedical evacuation represents a unique challenge in which to manage ETT cuffs. We evaluated three methods of automatic ETT cuff pressure adjustment during changes in altitude in an altitude chamber. Size 7.5 and 8.0 mm ETTs that are currently included in the Critical Care Air Transport Team allowance standard were used for the evaluation. Three automatic cuff pressure controllers-Intellicuff, Hamilton Medical; Pyton, ARM Medical; and Cuff Sentry, Outcome Solutions-were used to manage cuff pressures. The fourth group had cuff pressure set at sea level without further adjustment. Each ETT was inserted into a tracheal model and taken to 8,000 feet and then to 16,000 feet at 2,500 ft/min. Baseline cuff pressure at sea level was approximately 25 cm H2O. Mean cuff pressure at both altitudes with both size ETTs was as follows: Control arm, 141 ± 64 cm H2O; Pyton, 25 ± 0.8 cm H2O; Cuff Sentry, 22 ± 0.3 cm H2O; and Intellicuff, 29 ± 6.6 cm H2O. The mean time that cuff pressure was >30 cm H2O using Intellicuff at both altitudes was 2.8 ± 0.8 minutes. Pressure differences from baseline in the control arm and with Intellicuff were statistically significant. Cuff pressure with the Cuff Sentry tended to be lower than indicated on the device. Mean cuff pressures were within the recommended range with all three devices. Intellicuff had difficulty regulating the cuff pressure initially with increases in altitude but was able to reduce the pressure to a safe level during the stabilization period at each altitude. The Pyton and Cuff Sentry allowed the least variation in pressure throughout the evaluation, although the Cuff Sentry set pressure was less than the actual pressure. Therapeutic study, level V.

Ventilator associated pneumonia: evolving definitions and preventive strategies.

PubMed

Mietto, Cristina; Pinciroli, Riccardo; Patel, Niti; Berra, Lorenzo

2013-06-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most frequent hospital-acquired infections occurring in intubated patients. Because VAP is associated with higher mortality, morbidity, and costs, there is a need to solicit further research for effective preventive measures. VAP has been proposed as an indicator of quality of care. Clinical diagnosis has been criticized to have poor accuracy and reliability. Thus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has introduced a new definition based upon objective and recordable data. Institutions are nowadays reporting a VAP zero rate in surveillance programs, which is in discrepancy with clinical data. This reduction has been highlighted in epidemiological studies, but it can only be attributed to a difference in patient selection, since no additional intervention has been taken to modify pathogenic mechanisms in these studies. The principal determinant of VAP development is the presence of the endotracheal tube (ETT). Contaminated oropharyngeal secretions pool over the ETT cuff and subsequently leak down to the lungs through a hydrostatic gradient. Impairment of mucociliary motility and cough reflex cannot counterbalance with a proper clearance of secretions. Lastly, biofilm develops on the inner ETT surface and acts as a reservoir for microorganism inoculum to the lungs. New preventive strategies are focused on the improvement of secretions drainage and prevention of bacterial colonization. The influence of gravity on mucus flow and body positioning can facilitate the clearance of distal airways, with decreased colonization of the respiratory tract. A different approach proposes ETT modifications to limit the leakage of oropharyngeal secretions: subglottic secretion drainage and cuffs innovations have been addressed to reduce VAP incidence. Moreover, coated-ETTs have been shown to prevent biofilm formation, although there is evidence that ETT clearance devices (Mucus Shaver) are required to preserve the

Comparison of the Force Required for Dislodgement Between Secured and Unsecured Airways.

PubMed

Davenport, Curtis; Martin-Gill, Christian; Wang, Henry E; Mayrose, James; Carlson, Jestin N

2018-05-01

Airway device placement and maintenance are of utmost importance when managing critically ill patients. The best method to secure airway devices is currently unknown. We sought to determine the force required to dislodge 4 types of airways with and without airway securing devices. We performed a prospective study using 4 commonly used airway devices (endotracheal tube [ETT], laryngeal mask airway [LMA], King laryngeal tube [King], and iGel) performed on 5 different mannequin models. All devices were removed twice per mannequin in random order, once unsecured and once secured as per manufacturers' recommendations; Thomas Tube Holder (Laerdal, Stavanger, Norway) for ETT, LMA, and King; custom tube holder for iGel. A digital force measuring device was attached to the exposed end of the airway device and gradually pulled vertically and perpendicular to the mannequin until the tube had been dislodged, defined as at least 4 cm of movement. Dislodgement force was reported as the maximum force recorded during dislodgement. We compared the relative difference in the secured and unsecured force for each device and between devices using a random-effects regression model accounting for variability in the manikins. The median dislodgment forces (interquartile range [IQR]) in pounds for each secured device were: ETT 13.3 (11.6, 14.1), LMA 16.6 (13.9, 18.3), King 21.7 (16.9, 25.1), and iGel 8 (6.8, 8.3). The median dislodgement forces for each unsecured device were: ETT 4.5 (4.3, 5), LMA 8.4 (6.8, 10.7), King 10.6 (8.2, 11.5), and iGel 3.9 (3.2, 4.2). The relative difference in dislodgement forces (95% confidence intervals) were higher for each device when secured: ETT 8.6 (6.2 to 11), LMA 8.8 (4.6 to 13), King 12.1 (7.2 to 16.6), iGel 4 (1.1 to 6.9). When compared to secured ETT, the King required greater dislodgement force (relative difference 8.6 [4.5-12.7]). The secured iGel required less force than the secured ETT (relative difference -4.8 [-8.9 to -0.8]). Compared with a

Protective effect of an aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris Linn on cadmium-induced testicular damage

PubMed Central

Rajendar, B.; Bharavi, K.; Rao, G. S.; Kishore, P.V.S; Kumar, P. Ravi; Kumar, C.S.V Satish; Patel, T. Pankaj

2011-01-01

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Tribulus terrestris Linn (TT) could protect the cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular tissue peroxidation in rats and to explore the underlying mechanism of the same. Materials and Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to know the protective effect of ethanolic extract of TT (eTT) in Cd toxicity. In in vitro studies, total antioxidant and ferrous metal ion chelating activity of TT was studied. In vivo studies were conducted in rats. A total of 40 Wistar strain adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control, while group 2 to 4 received CdCl2 (3 mg/kg b. wt. s/c once a week). In addition to Cd, group 3 and 4 rats also received eTT (5 mg/kg b.wt. daily as oral gavage) and α-tocopherol (75 mg/kg daily by oral gavage), respectively. At the end of 6th week, all the rats were sacrificed and the separated testes were weighted and processed for estimation of tissue peroxidation markers, antioxidant markers, functional markers, and Cd concentration. The testes were also subjected to histopathological screening. Results: In in vitro studies, the percentage of metal ion chelating activity of 50 μg/ml of eTT and α-tocopherol were 2.76 and 9.39, respectively, and the antioxidant capacity of eTT was equivalent to 0.063 μg of α-tocopherol/μg of eTT. In in vivo studies, administration of Cd significantly reduced the absolute and relative testicular weight, antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and functional markers such as LDH and ALP, along with significant increase in peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls in testicular tissue. Testes of Cd only-treated group showed histological insults like necrotic changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitium, shrunken tubules with desquamated basal lamina, vacuolization and destruction of sertoli cells, and degenerating Leydig cells. This group also had higher Cd levels in testicular

Reply to Comment by W. R. Peltier, D. F. Argus, and R. Drummond on "An Assessment of the ICE6G_C (VM5a) Glacial Isostatic Adjustment Model"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purcell, A.; Tregoning, P.; Dehecq, A.

2018-02-01

The empirical approximation of Purcell et al. (2011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL048624) has been validated by Peltier et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013844). In their Comment they introduced new results derived from the same ice/rheology models of ICE6G_C (VM5a) but using a different model for Antarctic bathymetry. This has greatly reduced the differences in predicted Antarctic uplift rates relative to those of Purcell et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012742). In fact, with a ˜50% reduction in uplift rate in the Weddell Sea, the results of Peltier et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013844) now agree more closely with the predictions of Purcell et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012742) than with the original ICE6G_C values. Peltier et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013844) state that the high power in their high-frequency spherical harmonic coefficients remains in their new calculations. They also claim that Purcell et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JB012742) used an inaccurate loading history in deriving their velocity field. In fact, the ice load history was unchanged; to remove any ambiguity, the ice and water load histories used in the CALSEA calculations are provided in the supporting information.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells by altering glycolysis.

PubMed

Gao, Caixia; Yan, Xinyan; Wang, Bo; Yu, Lina; Han, Jichun; Li, Defang; Zheng, Qiusheng

2016-10-31

Most cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis to produce the energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) for growth and proliferation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the apoptosis in cancer cells could be closely associated with the inhibition of glycolysis. In this study, we have found that jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive diterpenoid extracted from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, induced tumor cells apoptosis and decreased the production of ATP and lactic acid in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. Furthermore, we found that JB downregulated the mRNA expression of glucose transporter genes (Glut1, Glut3 and Glut4) and glycolysis-related kinase genes (Hk2 and Ldha) in B16F10 cells. Moreover, treatment with JB upregulated the mRNA expression of pro-apoptosis genes (Bax), downregulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptosis genes (Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9), decreased the potential of mitochondrial membrane and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16F10 cells. Finally, intragastric administration of JB suppressed tumor growth and induced tumor apoptosis in mouse xenograft model of murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that JB could induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and inhibit tumor growth. The inhibition of glycolysis could play a crucial role in the induction of apoptosis in JB-treated B16F10 cells.

Association of the expression levels in the skeletal muscle and a SNP in the CDC10 gene with growth-related traits in Japanese Black beef cattle.

PubMed

Tong, B; Li, G P; Sasaki, S; Muramatsu, Y; Ohta, T; Kose, H; Yamada, T

2015-04-01

Growth performance, as well as marbling, is the main breeding objective in Japanese Black (JB) cattle, the major beef breed in Japan. The septin 7 (CDC10) gene, involved in cellular proliferation, is located within a genomic region of a quantitative trait locus for growth-related traits. In this study, we first showed that the expression levels of the CDC10 gene in the skeletal muscle were higher in JB steers with extremely high growth performance than in JB steers with extremely low growth, using real-time PCR. Further, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), NC_007302.5:g.63264949G>C, was detected in the promoter region of the CDC10 gene and genotyped in three Japanese cattle breeds (known as 'Wagyu' in Japan) and the Brown Swiss dairy cattle breed. All four cattle populations showed a moderate genetic diversity at the SNP of the CDC10 gene. An association analysis indicated that the SNP was associated with growth-related traits in JB cattle. These findings suggest possible effects of the expression levels in the skeletal muscle and the SNP of the CDC10 gene on growth-related traits in JB cattle. The CDC10 SNP may be useful for effective marker-assisted selection to increase beef productivity in JB beef cattle. © 2015 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells by altering glycolysis

PubMed Central

Gao, Caixia; Yan, Xinyan; Wang, Bo; Yu, Lina; Han, Jichun; Li, Defang; Zheng, Qiusheng

2016-01-01

Most cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis to produce the energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) for growth and proliferation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the apoptosis in cancer cells could be closely associated with the inhibition of glycolysis. In this study, we have found that jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive diterpenoid extracted from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, induced tumor cells apoptosis and decreased the production of ATP and lactic acid in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. Furthermore, we found that JB downregulated the mRNA expression of glucose transporter genes (Glut1, Glut3 and Glut4) and glycolysis-related kinase genes (Hk2 and Ldha) in B16F10 cells. Moreover, treatment with JB upregulated the mRNA expression of pro-apoptosis genes (Bax), downregulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptosis genes (Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9), decreased the potential of mitochondrial membrane and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16F10 cells. Finally, intragastric administration of JB suppressed tumor growth and induced tumor apoptosis in mouse xenograft model of murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that JB could induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and inhibit tumor growth. The inhibition of glycolysis could play a crucial role in the induction of apoptosis in JB-treated B16F10 cells. PMID:27796318

Discordance of exercise thallium testing with coronary arteriography in patients with atypical presentations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bungo, M. W.; Leland, O. S., Jr.

1983-01-01

Eighty-one patients with diagnostically difficult clinical presentations suggesting coronary artery disease underwent symptom-limited maximal-exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and exercise radionuclide scanning with thallium-201 followed by coronary angiography. Results showed that in nearly half of the patients (47%) these tests were in agreement, while either exercise thallium or ETT was positive in 94% of patients with coronary artery disease. It was found that agreement between exercise thallium and ETT tests predicted disease in 92% of the instances or excluded disease in 82% of the instances. It is concluded that despite frequent discord between these two tests in 53% of the cases, a significant gain in exclusive diagnostic capability is realized when applied to a patient population anticipated to have a disease prevalence equal to the 67% encountered in this study.

Feasibility of a Novel Optoacoustic Device to Precisely Localize Endotracheal Tube Positioning in a Cadaver Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-02

million per year to U.S. hospitals [1,2]. Current methods of assessing ETT position include chest radiography, end- tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2...lasers to generate sound waves to determine the position of “labeled” ETTs within millimeters of accuracy. Laser optoacoustic imaging combines the merits...of optical tomography (high optical contrast) and ultrasound imaging (minimal scattering of acoustic waves ) to yield high contrast, sensitivity, and

Materials Science and Engineering-1989 Publications (Naval Research Laboratory)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-29

34 D.G. Cory, J.B. Miller, A.N. Garroway "Acousto-Optic and Linear Electro-Optic Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 85, 219 Properties of Organic Polymeric...34Demonstration of Indirect Detection of ൕC Refocused Gradient Imaging of Solids" 14N Overtone NMR Transitions" J.B. Miller, A.N. Garroway A.N. Garroway , J.B...Conductive Polymer Solids" Chemical Vapor Sensors" J.B. Miller, A.N. Garroway J.F. Giuiani, T.M. Keller Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 85, 255 Journal of

Discovery of the ergothioneine transporter

PubMed Central

Gründemann, Dirk; Harlfinger, Stephanie; Golz, Stefan; Geerts, Andreas; Lazar, Andreas; Berkels, Reinhard; Jung, Norma; Rubbert, Andrea; Schömig, Edgar

2005-01-01

Variants of the SLC22A4 gene are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. SLC22A4 codes for an integral membrane protein, OCTN1, that has been presumed to carry organic cations like tetraethylammonium across the plasma membrane. Here, we show that the key substrate of this transporter is in fact ergothioneine (ET). Human OCTN1 was expressed in 293 cells. A substrate lead, stachydrine (alias proline betaine), was identified by liquid chromatography MS difference shading, a new substrate search strategy. Analysis of transport efficiency of stachydrine-related solutes, affinity, and Na+ dependence indicates that the physiological substrate is ET. Efficiency of transport of ET was as high as 195 μl per min per mg of protein. By contrast, the carnitine transporter OCTN2 from rat did not transport ET at all. Because ET is transported >100 times more efficiently than tetraethylammonium and carnitine, we propose the functional name ETT (ET transporter) instead of OCTN1. ET, all of which is absorbed from food, is an intracellular antioxidant with metal ion affinity. Its particular purpose is unresolved. Cells with expression of ETT accumulate ET to high levels and avidly retain it. By contrast, cells lacking ETT do not accumulate ET, because their plasma membrane is virtually impermeable for this compound. The real-time PCR expression profile of human ETT, with strong expression in CD71+ cells, is consistent with a pivotal function of ET in erythrocytes. Moreover, prominent expression of ETT in monocytes and SLC22A4 polymorphism associations suggest a protective role of ET in chronic inflammatory disorders. PMID:15795384

Pressure attenuation during high-frequency airway clearance therapy across different size endotracheal tubes: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Smallwood, Craig D; Bullock, Kevin J; Gouldstone, Andrew

2016-08-01

High-frequency airway clearance therapy is a positive pressure secretion clearance modality used in pediatric and adult applications. However, pressure attenuation across different size endotracheal tubes (ETT) has not been adequately described. This study quantifies attenuation in an in vitro model. The MetaNeb® System was used to deliver high-frequency pressure pulses to 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0mm ID ETTs connected to a test lung during mechanical ventilation. The experimental setup included a 3D-printed trachea model and imbedded pressure sensors. The pressure attenuation (Patt%) was calculated: Patt%=[(Pproximal-Pdistal)/Pproximal]x100. The effect of pulse frequency on Pdistal and Pproximal was quantified. Patt% was inversely and linearly related to ETT ID and (y=-7.924x+74.36; R(2)=0.9917, P=.0042 for 4.0Hz pulse frequency and y=-7.382+9.445, R(2)=0.9964, P=.0018 for 3.0Hz pulse frequency). Patt% across the 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0mm I.D. ETTs was 48.88±10.25%, 40.87±5.22%, 27.97±5.29%, and 9.90±1.9% respectively. Selecting the 4.0Hz frequency mode demonstrated higher Pproximal and Pdistal compared to the 3.0Hz frequency mode (P=.0049 and P=.0065). Observed Pdistal was <30cmH2O for all experiments. In an in vitro model, pressure attenuation was linearly related to the inner diameter of the endotracheal tube; with decreasing attenuation as the ETT size increased. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low flow anesthesia: Efficacy and outcome of laryngeal mask airway versus pressure–optimized cuffed–endotracheal tube

PubMed Central

El-Seify, Zeinab A; Khattab, Ahmed Metwally; Shaaban, Ashraf; Radojevic, Dobrila; Jankovic, Ivanka

2010-01-01

Background Low flow anesthesia can lead to reduction of anesthetic gas and vapor consumption. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has proved to be an effective and safe airway device. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of laryngeal mask airway during controlled ventilation using low fresh gas flow (1.0 L/min) as compared to endotracheal tube (ETT). Patients and Methods Fifty nine non-smoking adult patients; ASA I or II, being scheduled for elective surgical procedures, with an expected duration of anesthesia 60 minutes or more, were randomly allocated into two groups - Group I (29 patients) had been ventilated using LMA size 4 for females and 5 for males respectively; and Group II (30 patients) were intubated using ETT. After 10 minutes of high fresh gas flow, the flow was reduced to 1 L/min. Patients were monitored for airway leakage, end-tidal CO2(ETCO2), inspiratory and expiratory isoflurane and nitrous oxide fraction concentrations, and postoperative airway-related complications. Results Two patients in the LMA-group developed initial airway leakage (6.9%) versus no patient in ETT-group. Cough and sore throat were significantly higher in ETT patients. There were no evidences of differences between both groups regarding ETCO2, uptake of gases, nor difficulty in swallowing. Conclusion: The laryngeal mask airway proved to be effective and safe in establishing an airtight seal during controlled ventilation under low fresh gas flow of 1 L/min, inducing less coughing and sore throat during the immediate postoperative period than did the ETT, with continuous measurement and readjustment of the tube cuff pressure. PMID:20668559

Endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway cuff volume changes with altitude: a rule of thumb for aeromedical transport.

PubMed

Mann, Catherine; Parkinson, Neil; Bleetman, Anthony

2007-03-01

Helicopters and light (unpressurised) aircraft are used increasingly for the transport of ventilated patients. Most of these patients are ventilated through endotracheal tubes (ETTs), others through laryngeal mask airways (LMAs). The cuffs of both ETTs and LMAs inflate with increases in altitude as barometric pressure decreases (30 mbar/1000 feet). Tracheal mucosa perfusion becomes compromised at a pressure of approximately 30 cm H2O; critical perfusion pressure is 50 cm H2O. The change in dimensions of the inflated cuffs of a size 8 ETT and a size 5 LMA were measured with digital callipers at 1000 feet intervals in the unpressurised cabin of an Agusta 109 helicopter used by the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. A linear expansion in cuff dimensions as a function of altitude increase was identified. For ETTs, a formula for removal of air from the cuff with increasing altitude was calculated and is recommended for use in aeromedical transfers. This is 1/17x1.1 = 0.06 ml/1000 foot ascent/ml initial cuff inflation. The data for LMA cuff expansion failed to show significant correlation with altitude change. Further work is required to determine a similar rule of thumb for LMA cuff deflation.

Escherichia coli type III secretion system 2: a new kind of T3SS?

PubMed

Zhou, Mingxu; Guo, Zhiyan; Duan, Qiangde; Hardwidge, Philip R; Zhu, Guoqiang

2014-03-19

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are employed by Gram-negative bacteria to deliver effector proteins into the cytoplasm of infected host cells. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli use a T3SS to deliver effector proteins that result in the creation of the attaching and effacing lesions. The genome sequence of the Escherichia coli pathotype O157:H7 revealed the existence of a gene cluster encoding components of a second type III secretion system, the E. coli type III secretion system 2 (ETT2). Researchers have revealed that, although ETT2 may not be a functional secretion system in most (or all) strains, it still plays an important role in bacterial virulence. This article summarizes current knowledge regarding the E. coli ETT2, including its genetic characteristics, prevalence, function, association with virulence, and prospects for future work.

Slow pathway radiofrequency ablation in patients with AVNRT: junctional rhythm is less frequent during magnetic navigation ablation than with the conventional technique.

PubMed

Ricard, Philippe; Latcu, Decebal Gabriel; Yaïci, Khelil; Zarqane, Naima; Saoudi, Nadir

2010-01-01

The occurrence of accelerated junctional rhythm (JR) during radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is frequent. The aim of the present study was to compare the occurrence of JR during magnetic remote catheter ablation to the conventional manual ablation. Twenty six patients (males: seven; age: 51 + or - 15 years) underwent slow pathway ablation with magnetic navigation (MN) system (Niobe, Stereotaxis Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA) and were compared to a control group of 11 patients (males: three; age: 53 + or - 16 years) treated with conventional manual ablation. A 4-mm nonirrigated tip catheter was used in both groups with a maximum of 30 W and 60 degrees C. Acute success was obtained in all patients. In the MN group, three patients out of 24 had no junctional beat (JB) at all and seven patients had 10 or less JB. In contrast, in the conventional group no patient had less than 10 JB. The mean number of JB in the MN group was 66 + or - 94.9 (0-410) and 200 + or - 243.1 (43-914) in the control group (P = 0.019). In the MN group one patient had a first-degree atrioventricular block. No other complication occurred. Magnetic remote catheter ablation of AVNRT is effective and is associated with less JB than the manual conventional technique. Therefore, JB may not be considered as a mandatory indicator for successful AVNRT ablation with MN system.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus ingestion promotes innate host defense in an enteric parasitic infection.

PubMed

McClemens, Jessica; Kim, Janice J; Wang, Huaqing; Mao, Yu-Kang; Collins, Matthew; Kunze, Wolfgang; Bienenstock, John; Forsythe, Paul; Khan, Waliul I

2013-06-01

Enteric parasite infections around the world are a huge economic burden and decrease the quality of life for many people. The use of beneficial bacteria has attracted attention for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. However, the effects of beneficial bacteria in enteric parasitic infections remain largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) in a model of enteric nematode (Trichuris muris) infection. C57BL/6 (resistant to infection), AKR (susceptible to infection), interleukin 10 (IL-10) knockout (KO), and mucin Muc2 KO mice were infected with T. muris and treated orally with probiotic JB-1 or medium. The mice were sacrificed on various days postinfection to examine goblet cells, epithelial cell proliferation, cytokines, and worm burdens. Treatment with JB-1 significantly enhanced worm expulsion in resistant C57BL/6 mice, and this was associated with increases in IL-10 levels, goblet cell numbers, and epithelial cell proliferation. Beneficial effects of JB-1 were absent in IL-10 KO and resistant mice treated with γ-irradiated bacteria. Live JB-1 treatment also expedited worm expulsion in Muc2 KO mice and, more importantly, in AKR mice (susceptible to infection). Injection of IL-10 directly into the colonic tissue of uninfected mice induced goblet cell hyperplasia. These findings demonstrate that JB-1 modulates goblet cell biology and promotes parasite expulsion via an IL-10-mediated pathway and provide novel insights into probiotic effects on innate defense in nematode infection.

Regulation of the Low Dose Radiation Paracrine-Specific Anchorage-Independent Growth Response by Annexin A2

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

Weber, Thomas J.; Opresko, Lee K.; Waisman, David M.

2009-07-13

ABSTRACT-Here we identify release of annexin A2 into the culture medium in response to low dose X-ray radiation exposure and establish functional linkages to an established paracrine factor-mediated anchorage-independent growth response. Using a standard bicameral coculture model, we observe that annexin A2 levels associated with non-irradiated neighboring cells seeded in the lower chamber (annexin A2 silenced [shRNA] JB6 cells) are increased upon coculture with irradiated (10-50 cGy) JB6 cells seeded in the upper chamber, relative to coculture with sham exposed JB6 cells seeded in the upper chamber, suggesting that annexin A2 released into the medium is capable of communicating inmore » a paracrine fashion. Using a previously established coculture model, we observed that the paracrine factor-mediated anchorage-independent growth response to low dose X-ray radiation is markedly reduced when irradiated annexin A2 silenced (shRNA) JB6 cells are used, relative to coculture with irradiated annexin A2 competent vector control counterparts. These observations suggest that annexin A2 is functionally linked to the radiation paracrine factor-specific anchorage-independent growth response in JB6 cells.« less

NMR Studies of Organic Thin Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-28

C.G. Chingas, J.B. Miller, and A.N. Garroway , J. Magn. Reson., 1986, 66, 530. 126. D.G. Cory, J.W.M. van Os, and W.S. Veeman, J. Magn. Reson., 1988, 76...Zumbulyadis and J.M. O’Reilly, J. Magn. Reson., 1989, 82, 613. 131. H.A. Resing, A.N. Garroway , D.C. Weber, J. Ferraris, and D. Slotfeldt-Ellingsen, Pure...Natansohn, Polym. Eng. Sci., 1992, 32, 1711. 137. J.B. Miller and A.N. Garroway , J. Magn. Reson., 1989, 82, 529. 138. D.G. Cory, J.B. Miller, R. Turner

Reduction of Endotracheal Tube Connector Dead Space Improves Ventilation: A Bench Test on a Model Lung Simulating an Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate.

PubMed

Ivanov, Vadim A

2016-02-01

The reduction of instrumental dead space is a recognized approach to preventing ventilation-induced lung injury in premature infants. However, there are no published data regarding the effectiveness of instrumental dead-space reduction in endotracheal tube (ETT) connectors. We tested the impact of the Y-piece/ETT connector pairs with reduced instrumental dead space on CO2 elimination in a model of the premature neonate lung. The standard ETT connector was compared with a low-dead-space ETT connector and with a standard connector equipped with an insert. We compared the setups by measuring the CO2 elimination rate in an artificial lung ventilated via the connectors. The lung was connected to a ventilator via a standard circuit, a 2.5-mm ETT, and one of the connectors under investigation. The ventilator was run in volume-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation mode. The low-dead-space ETT connector/Y-piece and insert-equipped standard connector/Y-piece pairs had instrumental dead space reduced by 36 and 67%, respectively. With set tidal volumes (VT) of 2.5, 5, and 10 mL, in comparison with the standard ETT connector, the low-dead-space connector reduced CO2 elimination time by 4.5% (P < .05), 4.4% (P < .01), and 7.1% (not significant), respectively. The insert-equipped standard connector reduced CO2 elimination time by 13.5, 25.1, and 16.1% (all P < .01). The low-dead-space connector increased inspiratory resistance by 17.8% (P < .01), 9.6% (P < .05), and 5.0% (not significant); the insert-equipped standard connector increased inspiratory resistance by 9.1, 8.4, and 5.9% (all not significant). The low-dead-space connector decreased expiratory resistance by 6.8% (P < .01) and 1.8% (not significant) and increased it by 1.4% (not significant); the insert-equipped standard connector decreased expiratory resistance by 1.5 and 1% and increased it by 1% (all not significant). The low-dead-space connector increased work of breathing by 4.7% (P < .01), 3.8% (P < .01), and

Managing endotracheal tube cuff pressure at altitude: a comparison of four methods.

PubMed

Britton, Tyler; Blakeman, Thomas C; Eggert, John; Rodriquez, Dario; Ortiz, Heather; Branson, Richard D

2014-09-01

Ascent to altitude results in the expansion of gases in closed spaces. The management of overinflation of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff at altitude is critical to prevent mucosal injury. We continuously measured ETT cuff pressures during a Critical Care Air Transport Team training flight to 8,000-ft cabin pressure using four methods of cuff pressure management. ETTs were placed in a tracheal model, and mechanical ventilation was performed. In the control ETT, the cuff was inflated to 20 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg and not manipulated. The manual method used a pressure manometer to adjust pressure at cruising altitude and after landing. A PressureEasy device was connected to the pilot balloon of the third tube and set to a pressure of 20 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg. The final method filled the balloon with 10 mL of saline. Both size 8.0-mm and 7.5-mm ETT were studied during three flights. In the control tube, pressure exceeded 70 mm Hg at cruising altitude. Manual management corrected for pressure at altitude but resulted in low cuff pressures upon landing (<10 mm Hg). The PressureEasy reduced the pressure change to a maximum of 36 mm Hg, but on landing, cuff pressures were less than 15 mm Hg. Saline inflation ameliorated cuff pressure changes at altitude, but initial pressures were 40 mm Hg. None of the three methods using air inflation managed to maintain cuff pressures below those associated with tracheal damage at altitude or above pressures associated with secretion aspiration during descent. Saline inflation minimizes altitude-related alteration in cuff pressure but creates excessive pressures at sea level. New techniques need to be developed.

Endotracheal tube placement by EMT-Basics in a rural EMS system.

PubMed

Pratt, Jeffrey C; Hirshberg, Alan J

2005-01-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of an intubation-training module and special-waiver project in which Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics were trained to perform endotracheal intubations in a rural community. This was a prospective observational study over a four-year period (July 1998 through May 2002) of all intubation attempts by EMT-Basics in the field. The authors observed intubation data, training methods, and quality-assurance methods of a special-waiver project agreed to by the State Department of Public Health to train and allow EMT-Basics to intubate patients. Data were from documentation unique to the project. Project documentation evaluated the placement and complication(s) of endotracheal tube (ETT) placement after arrival to the emergency department. An intubation attempt was defined as direct laryngoscopy. A successful attempt was defined as an appropriately sized ETT placed and secured in the trachea below the vocal cords and above the carina. Confirmation of placement in the field included accepted clinical methods and the use of qualitative colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide detectors. The EMT-Basics were trained using a paramedic curriculum, including operating room intubations on live adult patients. All patients were in either cardiopulmonary or respiratory arrest. Thirty-two intubations were performed by EMT-Basics. Thirty attempts were successful and two were unsuccessful (94%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 80-98%). Unsuccessful ETT placements were managed with accepted basic life support airway standards. There were no unrecognized esophageal ETT placements (0%; 95% CI 0-11%). This study demonstrated that with an intensive training program using selected highly motivated providers and close monitoring, a program of EMT-Basic ETT placement in a rural setting can achieve acceptable success rates in patients in cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a ventilator associated pneumonia prevention bundle that contains endotracheal tube with subglottic drainage and cuff pressure monitorization.

PubMed

Akdogan, Ozlem; Ersoy, Yasemin; Kuzucu, Ciğdem; Gedik, Ender; Togal, Turkan; Yetkin, Funda

The effectiveness of prevention bundles on the occurrence and mortality of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) was evaluated in many studies. However, the effectiveness of endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion drainage (ETT-SD) and cuff pressure monitorization in VAP bundles have not been adequately assessed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VAP bundle containing ETT-SD and cuff pressure monitorization. This was a prospective, controlled study that was carried out between March 2011 and April 2012 including intubated patients. The study was conducted at the Anesthesiology Intensive Care Unit 1 and 2 (10 beds each) in a 898-bed university hospital. Occurrence of VAP and compliance with the parameters of the VAP prevention bundles were assessed daily. Patients intubated with the standard endotracheal tube were recruited as controls, mainly in the first six months of the study as ETT-SD and cuff pressure monometer had not yet been implemented. In the second term, patients intubated with ETT-SD were included as cases. Occurrence of VAP, mortality, and compliance with VAP prevention bundles were monitored. A total of 133 patients, 37 cases and 96 controls were recruited. VAP incidence declined from 40.82 to 22.16 per 1000 ventilator days among controls and cases, respectively (p<005). On average, VAP occurred 17.33±21.09 days in the case group and 10.43±7.83 days in the control group (p=0.04). However, mortality of cases and controls at the 14th and 30th days was not different. VAP prevention bundles including the utilization of ETT-SD, monitoring cuff pressure, and oral care with chlorhexidine were efficient in reducing the rate of VAP. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Exercise-induced ischemia initiates the second window of protection in humans independent of collateral recruitment.

PubMed

Lambiase, Pier D; Edwards, Richard J; Cusack, Michael R; Bucknall, Clifford A; Redwood, Simon R; Marber, Michael S

2003-04-02

This study was designed to examine if exercise-induced ischemia initiated late preconditioning in humans that becomes manifest during subsequent exercise and serial balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The existence of late preconditioning in humans is controversial. We therefore compared myocardial responses to exercise-induced and intracoronary balloon inflation-induced ischemia in two groups of patients subjected to different temporal patterns of ischemia. Thirty patients with stable angina secondary to single-vessel LAD disease underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after two separate exercise tolerance test (ETT) protocols designed to investigate isolated early preconditioning (IEP) alone or the second window of protection (SWOP). The IEP subjects underwent three sequential ETTs at least two weeks before PCI. The SWOP subjects underwent five sequential ETTs commencing 24 h before PCI. During PCI there was no significant difference in intracoronary pressure-derived collateral flow index (CFI) between groups (IEP = 0.15 +/- 0.13, SWOP = 0.19 +/- 0.15). In SWOP patients, compared with the initial ETT, the ETT performed 24 h later had a 40% (p < 0.001) increase in time to 0.1-mV ST depression and a 60% (p < 0.05) decrease in ventricular ectopic frequency. During the first balloon inflation, peak ST elevation was reduced by 49% (p < 0.05) in the SWOP versus the IEP group, and the dependence on CFI observed in the IEP group was abolished (analysis of covariance, p < 0.05). The significant attenuation of ST elevation (47%, p < 0.005) seen at the time of the second inflation in the IEP patients was not seen in the SWOP patients. Exercise-induced ischemia triggers late preconditioning in humans, which becomes manifest during exercise and PCI. This is the first evidence that ischemia induced by coronary occlusion is attenuated in humans by a late preconditioning effect induced by exercise.

Tracheal tube cuff inflation guided by pressure volume loop closure associated with lower postoperative cuff-related complications: Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Almarakbi, Waleed A; Kaki, Abdullah M

2014-07-01

The main function of an endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is to prevent aspiration. High cuff pressure is usually associated with postoperative complications. We tried to compare cuff inflation guided by pressure volume loop closure (PV-L) with those by just to seal technique (JS) and assess the postoperative incidence of sore throat, cough and hoarseness. In a prospective, randomized clinical trial, 100 patients' tracheas were intubated. In the first group (n = 50), ETT cuff inflation was guided by PV-L, while in the second group (n. = 50) the ETT cuff was inflated using the JS technique. Intracuff pressures and volumes were measured. The incidence of postoperative cuff-related complications was reported. Demographic data and durations of intubation were comparable between the groups. The use of PV-L was associated with a lesser amount of intracuff air [4.05 (3.7-4.5) vs 5 (4.8-5.5), P < 0.001] and lower cuff pressure than those in the JS group [18.25 (18-19) vs 33 (32-35), P ≤ 0.001]. The incidence of postextubation cuff-related complications was significantly less frequent among the PV-L group patients as compared with the JS group patients (P ≤ 0.009), except for hoarseness of voice, which was less frequent among the PV-L group, but not statistically significant (P ≤ 0.065). Multiple regression models for prediction of intra-cuff pressure after intubation and before extubation revealed a statistically significant association with the technique used for cuff inflation (P < 0.0001). The study confirms that PV-L-guided ETT cuff inflation is an effective way to seal the airway and associates with a lower ETT cuff pressure and lower incidence of cuff-related complications.

Endotracheal tube biofilm translocation in the lateral Trendelenburg position.

PubMed

Li Bassi, Gianluigi; Fernandez-Barat, Laia; Saucedo, Lina; Giunta, Valeria; Marti, Joan Daniel; Tavares Ranzani, Otavio; Aguilera Xiol, Eli; Rigol, Montserrat; Roca, Ignasi; Muñoz, Laura; Luque, Nestor; Esperatti, Mariano; Saco, Maria Adela; Ramirez, Jose; Vila, Jordi; Ferrer, Miguel; Torres, Antoni

2015-02-27

Laboratory studies demonstrated that the lateral Trendelenburg position (LTP) is superior to the semirecumbent position (SRP) in the prevention of ventilator-associated pulmonary infections. We assessed whether the LTP could also prevent pulmonary colonization and infections caused by an endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilm. Eighteen pigs were intubated with ETTs colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Pigs were positioned in LTP and randomized to be on mechanical ventilatin (MV) up to 24 hour, 48 hour, 48 hour with acute lung injury (ALI) by oleic acid and 72 hour. Bacteriologic and microscopy studies confirmed presence of biofilm within the ETT. Upon autopsy, samples from the proximal and distal airways were excised for P.aeruginosa quantification. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) was confirmed by bronchial tissue culture ≥3 log colony forming units per gram (cfu/g). In pulmonary lobes with gross findings of pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was confirmed by lung tissue culture ≥3 log cfu/g. P.aeruginosa colonized the internal lumen of 16 out of 18 ETTs (88.89%), and a mature biofilm was consistently present. P.aeruginosa colonization did not differ among groups, and was found in 23.6% of samples from the proximal airways, and in 7.1% from the distal bronchi (P = 0.001). Animals of the 24 hour group never developed respiratory infections, whereas 20%, 60% and 25% of the animals in group 48 hour, 48 hour-ALI and 72 hour developed P.aeruginosa VAT, respectively (P = 0.327). Nevertheless, VAP never developed. Our findings imply that during the course of invasive MV up to 72 hour, an ETT P.aeruginosa biofilm hastily colonizes the respiratory tract. Yet, the LTP compartmentalizes colonization and infection within the proximal airways and VAP never develops.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Ingestion Promotes Innate Host Defense in an Enteric Parasitic Infection

PubMed Central

McClemens, Jessica; Kim, Janice J.; Wang, Huaqing; Mao, Yu-Kang; Collins, Matthew; Kunze, Wolfgang; Bienenstock, John

2013-01-01

Enteric parasite infections around the world are a huge economic burden and decrease the quality of life for many people. The use of beneficial bacteria has attracted attention for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. However, the effects of beneficial bacteria in enteric parasitic infections remain largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) in a model of enteric nematode (Trichuris muris) infection. C57BL/6 (resistant to infection), AKR (susceptible to infection), interleukin 10 (IL-10) knockout (KO), and mucin Muc2 KO mice were infected with T. muris and treated orally with probiotic JB-1 or medium. The mice were sacrificed on various days postinfection to examine goblet cells, epithelial cell proliferation, cytokines, and worm burdens. Treatment with JB-1 significantly enhanced worm expulsion in resistant C57BL/6 mice, and this was associated with increases in IL-10 levels, goblet cell numbers, and epithelial cell proliferation. Beneficial effects of JB-1 were absent in IL-10 KO and resistant mice treated with γ-irradiated bacteria. Live JB-1 treatment also expedited worm expulsion in Muc2 KO mice and, more importantly, in AKR mice (susceptible to infection). Injection of IL-10 directly into the colonic tissue of uninfected mice induced goblet cell hyperplasia. These findings demonstrate that JB-1 modulates goblet cell biology and promotes parasite expulsion via an IL-10-mediated pathway and provide novel insights into probiotic effects on innate defense in nematode infection. PMID:23536695

Prevention and management of vascular complications in middle ear and cochlear implant surgery.

PubMed

Di Lella, Filippo; Falcioni, Maurizio; Piccinini, Silvia; Iaccarino, Ilaria; Bacciu, Andrea; Pasanisi, Enrico; Cerasti, Davide; Vincenti, Vincenzo

2017-11-01

The objective of this study is to illustrate prevention strategies and management of vascular complications from the jugular bulb (JB) and internal carotid artery (ICA) during middle ear surgery or cochlear implantation. The study design is retrospective case series. The setting is tertiary referral university hospital. Patients were included if presented pre- or intraoperative evidence of high-risk anatomical anomalies of ICA or JB during middle ear or cochlear implant surgery, intraoperative vascular injury, or revision surgery after the previous iatrogenic vascular lesions. The main outcome measures are surgical outcomes and complications rate. Ten subjects were identified: three underwent cochlear implant surgery and seven underwent middle ear surgery. Among the cochlear implant patients, two presented with anomalies of the JB impeding access to the cochlear lumen and one underwent revision surgery for incorrect positioning of the array in the carotid canal. Subtotal petrosectomy was performed in all cases. Anomalies of the JB were preoperatively identified in two patients with attic and external auditory canal cholesteatoma, respectively. In a patient, a high and dehiscent JB was found during myringoplasty, while another underwent revision surgery after iatrogenic injury of the JB. A dehiscent ICA complicated middle ear effusion in one case, while in another case, a carotid aneurysm determined a cholesterol granuloma. Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the ICA occurred in a child during second-stage surgery and required permanent balloon occlusion without neurological complications. Knowledge of normal anatomy and its variants and preoperative imaging are the basis for prevention of vascular complications during middle ear or cochlear implant surgery.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Assistive Technology: Action Research Case Study of Reading Supports

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindsey, Pam

2012-01-01

This descriptive action research experience with case study procedures examined the use of best practices paired with assistive technologies as interventions to individualize fiction reading instruction for a high-functioning elementary student, JB (pseudonym), diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. JB's instructional, reading goals were to…

NMR Studies of Organic Thin Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-15

Fiins - 53 125. C.G. Chingas, J.B. Miller, and A.N. Garroway , J. Magn. Reson., 1986, 66, 530. 126. D.G. Cory, J.W.M. van Os, and W.S. Veeman, J. Magn...24, 5294. 130. N. Zumbulyadis and J.M. O’Reilly, J. Magn. Reson., 1989, 82, 613. 131. H.A. Resing, A.N. Garroway , D.C. Weber, J. Ferrais, and D...4, 182. 136. A. Natansohn, Polym. Eng. Sci., 1992, 32, 1711. 137. J.B. Miller and A.N. Garroway , J. Magn. Reson., 1989, 82, 529. 138. D.G. Cory, J.B

Assessment of water-quality conditions in the J.B. Converse Lake watershed, Mobile County, Alabama, 1990-98

USGS Publications Warehouse

Journey, Celeste A.; Gill, Amy C.

2001-01-01

J.B. Converse (Converse) Lake is a 3,600-acre, tributary-storage reservoir in Mobile County, southwestern Alabama. The lake serves as the primary drinking-water supply for the city of Mobile. The Converse Lake watershed lies within the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. Semiconsolidated to unconsolidated sediments of sand, silt, gravel, and clay underlie the watershed, and are covered by acidic soils. Land use in the watershed is mainly forest (64 percent) and agriculture (31 percent). Residential and commercial development account for only 1 percent of the total land use in the watershed. Converse Lake receives inflow from seven major tributaries. The greatest inflows are from Big Creek, Crooked Creek, and Hamilton Creek that had mean annual streamflows of 72.2, 19.4, and 25.0 cubic feet per second, respectively, for the period 1990 to 1998, which represents about 72 percent of the total annual streamflow to the lake. The total mean annual inflow to the lake is estimated to be about 163 cubic feet per second. In general, water quality in Converse Lake and its tributaries meets the criteria established by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for drinking-water supplies, whole-body contact, and aquatic life. The exceptions include acidic pH levels, iron and manganese levels above secondary or aesthetic criteria, and fecal bacterial levels in some tributaries above whole-body contact (swimmable) criteria. The pH levels throughout the watershed were commonly below the criteria level of 6.0, but this appears to have been a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by poorly buffered soil types, resistant sediments, and forested land use. Median iron and manganese levels were above aesthetic criteria levels of 300 and 50 micrograms per liter, respectively, in some tributaries. All tributary sites in the Converse Lake watershed had median and minimum dissolved-oxygen concentrations above the ADEM criteria level of 5 milligrams per liter except for

The effects of bacteriophage and nanoparticles on microbial processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moody, Austin L.

There are approximately 1031 tailed phages in the biosphere, making them the most abundant organism. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. Due to the large diversity and abundance, no two bacteriophages that have been isolated are genetically the same. Phage products have potential in disease therapy to solve bacteria-related problems, such as infections resulting from resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. A bacteriophage capable of infecting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was isolated from bovine hair. The bacteriophage, named JB phage, was characterized using purification, amplification, cesium chloride banding, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. JB phage and nanoparticles were used in various in vitro and in vivo models to test their effects on microbial processes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed strong interactions between JB phage and nanoparticles, which resulted in increased bacteriophage infectivity. JB phage and nanoparticle cocktails were used as a therapeutic to treat skin and systemic infections in mice caused by MRSA.

The unusual amino acid l-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant

PubMed Central

Paul, BD; Snyder, SH

2010-01-01

Ergothioneine (ET) is an unusual sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid, histidine, which is derived exclusively through the diet. Although ET was isolated a century ago, its physiologic function has not been clearly established. Recently, a highly specific transporter for ET (ETT) was identified in mammalian tissues, which explains abundant tissue levels of ET and implies a physiologic role. Using RNA interference, we depleted cells of its transporter. Cells lacking ETT are more susceptible to oxidative stress, resulting in increased mitochondrial DNA damage, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. ETT is concentrated in mitochondria, suggesting a specific role in protecting mitochondrial components such as DNA from oxidative damage associated with mitochondrial generation of superoxide. In combating cytotoxic effects of pyrogallol, a known superoxide generator, ET is as potent as glutathione. Because of its dietary origin and the toxicity associated with its depletion, ET may represent a new vitamin whose physiologic roles include antioxidant cytoprotection. PMID:19911007

Intonation and expressivity: a single case study of classical western singing.

PubMed

Sundberg, Johan; Lã, Filipa M B; Himonides, Evangelos

2013-05-01

Previous studies have shown that singers tend to sharpen phrase-peak tones as compared with equally tempered tuning (ETT). Here we test the hypothesis that this can serve the purpose of musical expressivity. Data were drawn from earlier recordings, where a professional baritone sang excerpts as void of musical expression as he could (Neutral) and as expressive as in a concert (Concert). Fundamental frequency averaged over tones was examined and compared with ETT. Phrase-peak tones were sharper in excited examples, particularly in the Concert versions. These tones were flattened to ETT using the Melodyne software. The manipulated and original versions were presented pairwise to a musician panel that was asked to choose the more expressive version. By and large, the original versions were perceived as more expressive, thus supporting the common claim that intonation is a means for adding expressivity to a performance. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.

Modified jailed balloon technique for bifurcation lesions.

PubMed

Saito, Shigeru; Shishido, Koki; Moriyama, Noriaki; Ochiai, Tomoki; Mizuno, Shingo; Yamanaka, Futoshi; Sugitatsu, Kazuya; Tobita, Kazuki; Matsumi, Junya; Tanaka, Yutaka; Murakami, Masato

2017-12-04

We propose a new systematic approach in bifurcation lesions, modified jailed balloon technique (M-JBT), and report the first clinical experience. Side branch occlusion brings with a serious complication and occurs in more than 7.0% of cases during bifurcation stenting. A jailed balloon (JB) is introduced into the side branch (SB), while a stent is placed in the main branch (MB) as crossing SB. The size of the JB is half of the MB stent size. While the proximal end of JB attaching to MB stent, both stent and JB are simultaneously inflated with same pressure. JB is removed and then guidewires are recrossed. Kissing balloon dilatation (KBD) and/or T and protrusion (TAP) stenting are applied as needed. Between February 2015 and February 2016, 233 patients (254 bifurcation lesions including 54 left main trunk disease) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using this technique. Procedure success was achieved in all cases. KBD was performed for 183 lesions and TAP stenting was employed for 31 lesions. Occlusion of SV was not observed in any of the patients. Bench test confirmed less deformity of MB stent in M-JBT compared with conventional-JBT. This is the first report for clinical experiences by using modified jailed balloon technique. This novel M-JBT is safe and effective in the preservation of SB patency during bifurcation stenting. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral CD4(+) , CD8(+) and γδ T cells between healthy Holstein and Japanese Black calves.

PubMed

Ohtsuka, Hiromichi; Kobayashi, Hiroki; Kinouchi, Kumi; Kiyono, Miki; Maeda, Yousuke

2014-05-01

Japanese Black (JB) calves are more susceptible to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. To clarify the immunological differences between JB and Hol calves, expression of cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) was examined using peripheral CD4(+) , CD8(+) and γδ T cells. Healthy calves, 24 from each species, were examined. Blood samples were obtained from calves at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months old, eight calves for each age of each species. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutin (PHA), and T cell subsets were isolated by positive selection using magnetic cell sorting (MACS). Levels of interlekin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA in three T cell subsets were analyzed. WC1-N1(+) γδ T cell percentages were significantly lower in JB calves at 1 week and 1 month of age compared to Hol calves. In addition JB calves had significantly lower IL-2, IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNA in WC1-N1(+) γδ T cells at 1 and 3 months of age, whereas there were no significant differences in cytokine mRNA of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells between the two groups. Decreased cytokine mRNA and cell number of peripheral γδ T cells may affect negatively on the immune system of JB calves. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

The gut-brain axis rewired: adding a functional vagal nicotinic "sensory synapse".

PubMed

Perez-Burgos, Azucena; Mao, Yu-Kang; Bienenstock, John; Kunze, Wolfgang A

2014-07-01

It is generally accepted that intestinal sensory vagal fibers are primary afferent, responding nonsynaptically to luminal stimuli. The gut also contains intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) that respond to luminal stimuli. A psychoactive Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) that affects brain function excites both vagal fibers and IPANs. We wondered whether, contrary to its primary afferent designation, the sensory vagus response to JB-1 might depend on IPAN to vagal fiber synaptic transmission. We recorded ex vivo single- and multiunit afferent action potentials from mesenteric nerves supplying mouse jejunal segments. Intramural synaptic blockade with Ca(2+) channel blockers reduced constitutive or JB-1-evoked vagal sensory discharge. Firing of 60% of spontaneously active units was reduced by synaptic blockade. Synaptic or nicotinic receptor blockade reduced firing in 60% of vagal sensory units that were stimulated by luminal JB-1. In control experiments, increasing or decreasing IPAN excitability, respectively increased or decreased nerve firing that was abolished by synaptic blockade or vagotomy. We conclude that >50% of vagal afferents function as interneurons for stimulation by JB-1, receiving input from an intramural functional "sensory synapse." This was supported by myenteric plexus nicotinic receptor immunohistochemistry. These data offer a novel therapeutic target to modify pathological gut-brain axis activity.-Perez-Burgos, A., Mao, Y.-K., Bienenstock, J., Kunze, W. A. The gut-brain axis rewired: adding a functional vagal nicotinic "sensory synapse." © FASEB.

Effects of Streptococcus bovis Isolated from Bovine Rumen on the Fermentation Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Tanzania Grass Silage

PubMed Central

Zanine, Anderson de Moura; Bonelli, Emerson Alencar; de Souza, Alexandre Lima; Ferreira, Daniele de Jesus; Santos, Edson Mauro; Ribeiro, Marinaldo Divino; Geron, Luiz Juliano Valério; Pinho, Ricardo Martins Araujo

2016-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Streptococcus bovis on the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of Tanzania grass silage. Tanzania grass was chopped and left untreated (U) or treated with Streptococcus bovis JB1 at 1 × 106 colony-forming units per gram (cfu/g) of fresh forage or Streptococcus bovis HC5 at 1 × 106 cfu/g of fresh forage and packed into sixtuplicate laboratory silos. The largest number of enterobacteria, molds and yeast (M&Y) occurred in untreated silages and the smallest populations of enterobacteria and M&Y and the largest numbers of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), at 9.81 and 9.87 log cfu/g, were observed in Streptococcus bovis JB1 and HC5, respectively (P < 0.05). Silages treated with JB1 and HC5 had lower (P < 0.05) silage pHs and concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) than untreated silages. The application of Streptococcus bovis JB1 and HC5 resulted in fewer losses through gases and effluents (P < 0.05), which resulted in greater dry matter recovery (DMR) and crude protein recovery (CPR) (P < 0.05). Streptococcus bovis JB1 and HC5 improved the fermentative profile and increased the concentration of crude protein and DMR and CPR in Tanzania grass silage. PMID:27073806

The effect of esophagogastroduodenoscopy probe insertion on the intracuff pressure of airway devices in children during general anesthesia.

PubMed

Balaban, Onur; Kamata, Mineto; Hakim, Mumin; Tumin, Dmitry; Tobias, Joseph D

2017-04-01

Given the size of the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) probe and the compressibility of the pediatric airway, the EGD probe may increase the intracuff pressure (IP) of an airway device. The current study evaluated IP changes during EGD examination under general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Following the induction of anesthesia, a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or endotracheal tube (ETT) was placed without neuromuscular blockade. The IP was measured at baseline, during EGD probe insertion, while the EGD probe was in place, and after probe removal. The study cohort included 101 patients (mean age 11.3 years). The airway was secured with an LMA and an ETT in 88 and 13 patients, respectively. The IP increased from 27 ± 15 cmH 2 O at baseline to 34 ± 17 cmH 2 O during probe insertion (p < 0.001), remained at 33 ± 16 cmH 2 O while the probe was in place, and decreased to 26 ± 14 cmH 2 O after probe removal. The IP of the LMA or ETT increased during EGD probe insertion and remained elevated while the probe was in place. High IP may compromise mucosal perfusion resulting in a sore throat when using an LMA or the potential for airway damage if an ETT is used. Removal of air from the cuff and titration of the IP should be considered after EGD insertion.

Use of a Flexible Intubating Scope in Combination with a Channeled Video Laryngoscope for Managing a Difficult Airway in the Emergency Department.

PubMed

Sowers, Nicholas; Kovacs, George

2016-02-01

Difficulty with intubation is not uncommon in the emergency setting. Video laryngoscopes (VLs) are commonly used to manage the difficult airway in the emergency department (ED). Intubation using a flexible bronchoscope, while considered the gold standard for managing the anticipated difficult airway in the operating room, is not commonly used in the ED. We present a case describing VL-assisted flexible scope intubation performed in the ED as a novel feasible approach to managing the difficult airway. A 65-year-old male, post cardiac arrest, with multiple unsuccessful attempts at prehospital intubation had rapid sequence intubation (RSI) performed and, despite obtaining a view with a King Vision™ VL, the skilled operator was unable to advance the endotracheal tube (ETT). An Ambu™ aScope3 flexible intubating scope (FIS) was placed through the ETT loaded in the channel of the King Vision and advanced through the cords to a position proximal to the carina. The ETT was then advanced easily over the FIS and down the trachea. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although video laryngoscopy is commonly used in the ED, intubation can prove difficult, despite having an adequate view of the glottis. Use of an FIS, however, through a channeled VL makes navigation of the ETT easier and facilitates tube advancement, which can be difficult with VL. Channeled VL-assisted use of an FIS is a viable option for managing the difficult airway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Jobelyn® attenuates inflammatory responses and neurobehavioural deficits associated with complete Freund-adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice.

PubMed

Omorogbe, Osarume; Ajayi, Abayomi M; Ben-Azu, Benneth; Oghwere, Ejiroghene E; Adebesin, Adaeze; Aderibigbe, Adegbuyi O; Okubena, Olajuwon; Umukoro, Solomon

2018-02-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of the patients and a major cause of work disability. Current drugs for its treatment only provide palliative effect, as cure for the disease still remains elusive. Jobelyn ® (JB), a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplement obtained from Sorghum bicolor, has been claimed to relieve arthritic pain. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate its effect on inflammatory and biochemical changes as well as neurobehavioural deficits associated with complete Freund-adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in mice. The effect of JB (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) on inflammatory oedema, neurobehavioural deficits, levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) induced by 0.1 mL of CFA (10 mg/mL) was evaluated in male Swiss mice. Oral administration of JB (100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced inflammatory paw volume and reversed sensorimotor deficits induced by CFA. JB also reduced pain episodes, anxiety and depressive-like symptoms in CFA-mice. The increased level of oxidative stress in the joint and brain tissues of CFA-mice was reduced by JB. It also decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels induced by CFA in the joint tissue of mice. These findings suggest that Jobelyn ® attenuates inflammatory responses induced by CFA in mice via inhibition of oxidative stress and release of inflammatory cytokines. The ability of JB to attenuate CFA-induced nociception, sensorimotor deficits and depressive-like symptom suggests it might improve the quality of life of patients with arthritic conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Physical and Biogeochemical Characteristics of Hypoxia in the Jinhae Bay, South Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, J. H.; Choi, T. J.; Kwon, J. N.; Kim, Y. S.; Shim, J.; Kim, I. N.; Lee, S.

2016-02-01

Hypoxia (O2≤2 mg L-1 or ˜63 μmol L-1) frequently develops during the summer by combination of high biological production and strong stratification in the coastal oceans. The Jinhae Bay (JB), located in the southeast coast of Korea, is well recognized as an area of chronically seasonal hypoxia in sub-surface waters during the summer season. Rapid industrialization and intensive aquaculture systems have caused severe eutrophication more and more in the JB since 1970s. Although we have concerned `Hypoxia formation' in the JB as a socio-economic and scientific issue, we have not yet sufficient information about formation, location, and extent of hypoxia in the JB. Here, we present preliminary results from an investigation into the mechanism and extent of hypoxia in the JHB, using monthly observed hydrographic data between 2011-2014. Eutrophication was initiated in spring (March-April) due to increase in nutrient loading by river input with the beginning of water-column stratification. High primary production caused to deliver abundant fresh organic matters into the bottom waters and sediments, fueling water-column and benthic respirations. These processes mechanistically formed bottom water hypoxia in the JB. Hypoxia was perennially formed in inshore regions, but the spatial and temporal variation (i.e., increasing or decreasing) in the aerial extent/thickness of hypoxia was not obvious. However, the areal extent and frequency of suboxic-anoxic condition (O2≤0.14 mg L-1 or ˜12 μmol L-1) was likely to be increased in the JB, implying that denitrification process (i.e., NO3-→NO2-→N2O/N2) is active with high N2O (a strong green-house gas) production, though the observation was not long period.

Bryon W. Larson | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Avdoshenko, AA Popov, OV Boltalina, SH Strauss, N Kopidakis, G Rumbles. "Inter-Fullerene Electronic , EV Bukovsky, BW Larson, JB Whitaker, SHM Deng, N Kopidakis, G Rumbles, AA Popov, Y-S Chen, X-B Wang Science, 6, 1801-1815, 2015. BW Larson, JB Whitaker, AA Popov, N Kopidakis, G Rumbles, OV Boltalina, SH

Oral treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus attenuates behavioural deficits and immune changes in chronic social stress.

PubMed

Bharwani, Aadil; Mian, M Firoz; Surette, Michael G; Bienenstock, John; Forsythe, Paul

2017-01-11

Stress-related disorders involve systemic alterations, including disruption of the intestinal microbial community. Given the putative connections between the microbiota, immunity, neural function, and behaviour, we investigated the potential for microbe-induced gut-to-brain signalling to modulate the impact of stress on host behaviour and immunoregulation. Male C57BL/6 mice treated orally over 28 days with either Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) ™ or vehicle were subjected to chronic social defeat and assessed for alterations in behaviour and immune cell phenotype. 16S rRNA sequencing and mass spectrometry were employed to analyse the faecal microbial community and metabolite profile. Treatment with JB-1 decreased stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour and prevented deficits in social interaction with conspecifics. However, JB-1 did not alter development of aggressor avoidance following social defeat. Microbial treatment attenuated stress-related activation of dendritic cells while increasing IL-10+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, JB-1 modulated the effect of stress on faecal metabolites with neuroactive and immunomodulatory properties. Exposure to social defeat altered faecal microbial community composition and reduced species richness and diversity, none of which was prevented by JB-1. Stress-related microbiota disruptions persisted in vehicle-treated mice for 3 weeks following stressor cessation. These data demonstrate that despite the complexity of the gut microbiota, exposure to a single microbial strain can protect against certain stress-induced behaviours and systemic immune alterations without preventing dysbiosis. This work supports microbe-based interventions for stress-related disorders.

Gut commensal microvesicles reproduce parent bacterial signals to host immune and enteric nervous systems.

PubMed

Al-Nedawi, Khalid; Mian, M Firoz; Hossain, Nazia; Karimi, Khalil; Mao, Yu-Kang; Forsythe, Paul; Min, Kevin K; Stanisz, Andrew M; Kunze, Wolfgang A; Bienenstock, John

2015-02-01

Ingestion of a commensal bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1, has potent immunoregulatory effects, and changes nerve-dependent colon migrating motor complexes (MMCs), enteric nerve function, and behavior. How these alterations occur is unknown. JB-1 microvesicles (MVs) are enriched for heat shock protein components such as chaperonin 60 heat-shock protein isolated from Escherichia coli (GroEL) and reproduce regulatory and neuronal effects in vitro and in vivo. Ingested labeled MVs were detected in murine Peyer's patch (PP) dendritic cells (DCs) within 18 h. After 3 d, PP and mesenteric lymph node DCs assumed a regulatory phenotype and increased functional regulatory CD4(+)25(+)Foxp3+ T cells. JB-1, MVs, and GroEL similarly induced phenotypic change in cocultured DCs via multiple pathways including C-type lectin receptors specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin-related 1 and Dectin-1, as well as TLR-2 and -9. JB-1 and MVs also decreased the amplitude of neuronally dependent MMCs in an ex vivo model of peristalsis. Gut epithelial, but not direct neuronal application of, MVs, replicated functional effects of JB-1 on in situ patch-clamped enteric neurons. GroEL and anti-TLR-2 were without effect in this system, suggesting the importance of epithelium neuron signaling and discrimination between pathways for bacteria-neuron and -immune communication. Together these results offer a mechanistic explanation of how Gram-positive commensals and probiotics may influence the host's immune and nervous systems. © FASEB.

Surface Wave Dynamics in the Coastal Zone

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

summarized in Figure 1. Scatter index # DDD 󈨙 0.73 Mad󈨐 Ting󈧅+ T&M󈧆 S&Hol󈨙 S&How󈨝 Lipp󈨤+ vdW󈧍 FA󈧐 R&S󈧇/07 Slopes J&B󈧋...Battjes & Janssen [1978] TG󈨗 = Thornton & Guza [1983] Bald󈨦 = Baldock et al. [1998] DDD 󈨙 = Dally et al. [1985] J&B󈧋 = Janssen & Battjes

Adsorption mechanism of cadmium on juniper bark and wood

Treesearch

Eun Woo Shin; K. G. Karthikeyan; Mandla A. Tshabalala

2007-01-01

In this study the capacity of sorbents prepared from juniper wood (JW) and bark (JB) to adsorb cadmium (Cd) from aqueous solutions at different pH values was compared. Adsorption behavior was characterized through adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and adsorption edge experiments. Results from kinetics and isotherm experiments showed that JB (76.3–91.6 lmol Cd...

Fermi surfaces and electronic topological transitions in metallic solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, E.; Ginatempo, B.; Guiliano, E. S.; Ruban, A. V.; Vekilov, Yu. Kh.

1994-12-01

Notwithstanding the substitutional disorder, the Fermi surface of metallic alloys can be measured and computed. We show that, from the theoretical point of view, it is defined as the locus of the peaks of the Bloch Spectral Function (BSF). Such Fermi surfaces, on varying the atomic concentrations, may undergo changes of their topology, known as Electronic Topological Transitions (ETT). Thus, for instance, pockets of electrons or holes may appear or disappear, necks may open or close. ETTs cause anomalous behaviours of thermodynamic, transport and elastic properties of metals and constitute a fascinating field in the study of Fermi liquid systems. Although ETTs could be studied on pure systems as a function of the thermodynamic variables, nevertheless such a study would often require extreme conditions, and would lead to experimental difficulties. On the other hand, it is possible to explore the variations of atomic concentration, i.e. the valence electron per atom ratio, in metallic solid solutions with a relative experimental ease. In this paper we review the theoretical techniques for the determination of Fermi surfaces in metallic solid solutions and discuss some examples of ETTs, namely LiMg, ZrNb, NbMo, MoRe, AgPd, CdMg, NiW and NiTi alloys, also in connection with experimental data as thermoelectric power, resistivity, elastic constants and electron-phonon coupling and with the determinations of the electron momentum distribution function from Compton scattering and positron annihilation experiments. We show that the ab initio calculations of the electronic structure for the quoted systems, together with a careful determination of the BSF, are able to predict quantitatively ETTs at those concentrations where physical quantities display anomalies, so confirming directly ETT theory. Although it is not the purpose of the present review to give a full account of electronic structure calculation schemes, however, we briefly discuss the

The Age-Related Orientational Changes of Human Semicircular Canals.

PubMed

Lyu, Hui-Ying; Chen, Ke-Guang; Yin, Dong-Ming; Hong, Juan; Yang, Lin; Zhang, Tian-Yu; Dai, Pei-Dong

2016-06-01

Some changes are found in the labyrinth anatomy during postnatal development. Although the spatial orientation of semicircular canals was thought to be stable after birth, we investigated the age-related orientational changes of human semicircular canals during development. We retrospectively studied the computed tomography (CT) images of both ears of 76 subjects ranged from 1 to 70 years old. They were divided into 4 groups: group A (1-6 years), group B (7-12 years), group C (13-18 years), and group D (>18 years). The anatomical landmarks of the inner ear structures were determined from CT images. Their coordinates were imported into MATLAB software for calculating the semicircular canals orientation, angles between semicircular canal planes and the jugular bulb (JB) position. Differences between age groups were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson analysis. The angle between the anterior semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane, and the angle between the horizontal semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane were smaller in group D than those in group A (P<0.05). The JB position, especially the anteroposterior position of right JB, correlated to the semicircular canals orientation (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in the angles between ipsilateral canal planes among different age groups were found. The semicircular canals had tendencies to tilt anteriorly simultaneously as a whole with age. The JB position correlated to the spatial arrangement of semicircular canals, especially the right JB. Our calculation method helps detect developmental and pathological changes in vestibular anatomy.

Jobelyn® exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and membrane-stabilizing activities in experimental models.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Oluwole, Oluwafemi Gabriel; Eduviere, Anthony T; Adrian, Omogbiya Itievere; Ajayi, Abayomi M

2015-09-01

Jobelyn® (JB) is an African sorghum-based food supplement claimed to be efficacious for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although in vitro studies confirmed its anti-inflammatory property, no study had shown the effect of JB using in vivo animal models of inflammation. Thus, its effects on acute and chronic inflammation in rats were evaluated in this study. Its effect on rat red blood cell (RBC) lysis was also assessed. Acute inflammation was induced with intraplanter injection of carrageenan and increase in rat paw volume was measured using plethysmometer. The volume of fluid exudates, number of leukocytes, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the fluid were measured on day 5 after induction of chronic inflammation with carrageenan in the granuloma air pouch model. RBC lysis induced by hypotonic medium as determined by release of hemoglobin was measured spectrophotometerically. JB (50-200 mg/kg) given orally produced a significant inhibition of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats. It reduced the volume and number of leukocytes in inflammatory fluid in the granuloma air pouch model of chronic inflammation. It further decreased the levels of MDA in the fluid suggesting antioxidant property. JB elevated the concentrations of GSH in inflammatory exudates indicating free radical scavenging activity. It also significantly inhibited RBC lysis caused by hypotonic medium, suggesting membrane-stabilizing property. JB has in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, which may be related to its antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties, supporting its use for the treatment of arthritic disorder.

Automorphisms of Order Structures of Abelian Parts of Operator Algebras and Their Role in Quantum Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamhalter, Jan; Turilova, Ekaterina

2014-10-01

It is shown that any order isomorphism between the structures of unital associative JB subalgebras of JB algebras is given naturally by a partially linear Jordan isomorphism. The same holds for nonunital subalgebras and order isomorphisms preserving the unital subalgebra. Finally, we recover usual action of time evolution group on a von Neumann factor from group of automorphisms of the structure of Abelian subalgebras.

The Pitfalls and Important Distances in Temporal Bone HRCT of the Subjects with High Jugular Bulbs - Preliminary Report.

PubMed

Inal, Mikail; Muluk, Nuray B; Dağ, Ersel; Arıkan, Osman K; Kara, Simay A

2015-01-01

High jugular bulb (HJB) may be detected unilaterally or bilaterally in temporal bone high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT). In this retrospective study, we investigated the pitfalls and important surgical distances in patients with unilateral and bilateral HJB via temporal bone HRCT. In this preliminary report, the study group consisted of 20 adult patients (12 male, 8 female), or 40 ears, all of which underwent temporal bone HRCT. We divided them into groups that consisted of bilateral HJB (14 ears), unilateral HJB (13 ears), and control (No HJB, 13 ears). The anotomical relationships of the sigmoid sinus, jugular bulb, and carotid artery with several landmarks in the temporal bone were studied via temporal bone axial and coronal HRCT. The shortest distances between certain points were measured. These measurements were analyzed in respect to pneumatization. Dehiscence on the jugular bulb (JB) and internal carotid artery (ICA) and the dominance of JB were also evaluated for all of the groups. In the axial sections of the temporal bone HRCTs, the sigmois sinus (SS)-external auditory canal (EAC) distance of the bilateral HJB group (14.00±1.17 mm) was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.46±2.14 mm). The JB-posteromedial points of the umbo on the ear drum (ED) distance of the bilateral HJB (6.28±1.72 mm) and the unilateral HJB groups (7.23±2.00 mm) were significantly lower than that of the control group (11.15±2.30 mm). In the coronal sections of the temporal bone HRCT, the JB-F distance of the bilateral HJB group (5.42±2.10 mm) was significantly lower than that of the control group (8.30±2.28 mm). As the mastoid pneumatisation and mastoid volume increased, the percentage of ICA-dehiscence and the percentage of JB-dehiscence increased. In subjects with well-pneumatised mastoids, the doctors should be aware of the increased risk of ICA-dehiscence and JB-dehiscence. These measurements should be done in greater series to yield more

Evaluation of the effect of jobelyn(®) on chemoconvulsants-induced seizure in mice.

PubMed

Umukoro, Solomon; Omogbiya, Itivere Adrian; Eduviere, Anthony Taghogho

2013-01-01

Epilepsy is a common central nervous system (CNS) disorder characterized by seizures resulting from episodic neuronal discharges. The incidence of toxicity and refractoriness has compromised the clinical efficacy of the drugs currently used for the treatment of convulsions. Thus, there is a need to search for new medicines from plant origin that are readily available and safer for the control of seizures. Jobelyn(®) (JB) is a unique African polyherbal preparation used by the natives to treat seizures in children. This investigation was carried out to evaluate whether JB has anti-seizure property in mice. The animals received JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min before induction of convulsions with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of picotoxin (6 mg/kg), strychnine (2 mg/kg) and pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg) respectively. Diazepam (2 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the reference drug. Anti-seizure activities were assessed based on the ability of test drugs to prevent convulsions, death or to delay the onset of seizures in mice. JB (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o) could only delay the onset of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. However, it did not did not offer any protection against seizure episodes, as it failed to prevent the animals, from exhibiting tonic-clonic convulsions caused by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.), strychnine (2 mg/kg) or picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.), offered 100% protection against convulsive seizures, induced by pentylenetetrazole (85 mg/kg, i.p.). However, it failed to prevent seizures produced by strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Our results suggest that JB could not prevent the examined chemoconvulsants-induced convulsions. However, its ability to delay the latency to seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole suggests that JB might be effective in the control of the seizure spread in epileptic brains.

A comparison of a traditional endotracheal tube versus ETView SL in endotracheal intubation during different emergency conditions

PubMed Central

Truszewski, Zenon; Krajewski, Paweł; Fudalej, Marcin; Smereka, Jacek; Frass, Michael; Robak, Oliver; Nguyen, Bianka; Ruetzler, Kurt; Szarpak, Lukasz

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Airway management is a crucial skill essential to paramedics and personnel working in Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Departments: Lack of practice, a difficult airway, or a trauma situation may limit the ability of paramedics to perform direct laryngoscopy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Videoscope devices are alternatives for airway management in these situations. The ETView VivaSight SL (ETView; ETView Ltd., Misgav, Israel) is a new, single-lumen airway tube with an integrated high-resolution imaging camera. To assess if the ETView VivaSight SL can be a superior alternative to a standard endotracheal tube for intubation in an adult cadaver model, both during and without simulated CPR. Methods: ETView VivaSight SL tube was investigated via an interventional, randomized, crossover, cadaver study. A total of 52 paramedics participated in the intubation of human cadavers in three different scenarios: a normal airway at rest without concomitant chest compression (CC) (scenario A), a normal airway with uninterrupted CC (scenario B) and manual in-line stabilization (scenario C). Time and rate of success for intubation, the glottic view scale, and ease-of-use of ETView vs. sETT intubation were assessed for each emergency scenario. Results: The median time to intubation using ETView vs. sETT was compared for each of the aforementioned scenarios. For scenario A, time to first ventilation was achieved fastest for ETView, 19.5 [IQR, 16.5–22] sec, when compared to that of sETT at 21.5 [IQR, 20–25] sec (p = .013). In scenario B, the time for intubation using ETView was 21 [IQR, 18.5–24.5] sec (p < .001) and sETT was 27 [IQR, 24.5–31.5] sec. Time to first ventilation for scenario C was 23.5 [IQR, 19–25.5] sec for the ETView and 42.5 [IQR, 35–49.5] sec for sETT. Conclusions: In normal airways and situations with continuous chest compressions, the success rate for intubation of cadavers and the time to ventilation were

A comparison of a traditional endotracheal tube versus ETView SL in endotracheal intubation during different emergency conditions: A randomized, crossover cadaver trial.

PubMed

Truszewski, Zenon; Krajewski, Paweł; Fudalej, Marcin; Smereka, Jacek; Frass, Michael; Robak, Oliver; Nguyen, Bianka; Ruetzler, Kurt; Szarpak, Lukasz

2016-11-01

Airway management is a crucial skill essential to paramedics and personnel working in Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Departments: Lack of practice, a difficult airway, or a trauma situation may limit the ability of paramedics to perform direct laryngoscopy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Videoscope devices are alternatives for airway management in these situations. The ETView VivaSight SL (ETView; ETView Ltd., Misgav, Israel) is a new, single-lumen airway tube with an integrated high-resolution imaging camera. To assess if the ETView VivaSight SL can be a superior alternative to a standard endotracheal tube for intubation in an adult cadaver model, both during and without simulated CPR. ETView VivaSight SL tube was investigated via an interventional, randomized, crossover, cadaver study. A total of 52 paramedics participated in the intubation of human cadavers in three different scenarios: a normal airway at rest without concomitant chest compression (CC) (scenario A), a normal airway with uninterrupted CC (scenario B) and manual in-line stabilization (scenario C). Time and rate of success for intubation, the glottic view scale, and ease-of-use of ETView vs. sETT intubation were assessed for each emergency scenario. The median time to intubation using ETView vs. sETT was compared for each of the aforementioned scenarios. For scenario A, time to first ventilation was achieved fastest for ETView, 19.5 [IQR, 16.5-22] sec, when compared to that of sETT at 21.5 [IQR, 20-25] sec (p = .013). In scenario B, the time for intubation using ETView was 21 [IQR, 18.5-24.5] sec (p < .001) and sETT was 27 [IQR, 24.5-31.5] sec. Time to first ventilation for scenario C was 23.5 [IQR, 19-25.5] sec for the ETView and 42.5 [IQR, 35-49.5] sec for sETT. In normal airways and situations with continuous chest compressions, the success rate for intubation of cadavers and the time to ventilation were improved with the ETView. The time to glottis view, tube insertion

Atraumatic intubation: experience using a 5.0 endotracheal tube without a stylet for laryngeal surgery.

PubMed

Moore, Jaime E; Hu, Amanda; Rutt, Amy; Green, Parmis; Hawkshaw, Mary; Sataloff, Robert T

2015-02-01

Vocal fold injury is a well-know complication of intubation, with rates reported as high as 69%. Laryngology textbooks recommend the use of a small endotracheal tube (ETT) to help avoid these complications and optimize visualization. Case reports have suggested that the rigid stylet can lead to laryngeal injury. Given the additional risks, intubation without the stylet is our preferred practice. There is limited documentation in the literature regarding this viewpoint. Our study investigated the feasibility of and potential barriers to intubation using 5.0 ETT without a stylet. Prospective study. Consecutive adult patients undergoing laryngeal surgery were recruited for intubation with a 5.0 ETT without a stylet. Demographic data, specialty and training level of the intubator, and factors that would predict a difficult intubation were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Findings of the participants (n = 67) included average American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (2.2), average Mallampati score (1.7), average Cormack-Lehane grade (1.5), and average body mass index (28.0). Five patients (7.4%) required intubation using a stylet, and one of these five participants was intubated initially with a stylet. Of these five participants, 80% required use of a GlideScope (P < .001), and they had significantly higher ASA classification (P = .047) and number of intubation attempts (P = .042). One patient sustained an oropharyngeal injury during intubation with a stylet. No participants had laryngeal injury. Most patients can be intubated successfully using a 5.0 ETT without a stylet. There were no cases of laryngeal trauma with this technique. 2b. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Li Bassi, Gianluigi; Senussi, Tarek; Aguilera Xiol, Eli

2017-04-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an iatrogenic disease. Here we appraise recent advancements in the development and testing of strategies to prevent VAP. We also provide recommendations on the most promising interventions that should be applied. In the last year, preventive bundles have consistently let to a reduction of VAP. A few trials on endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with novel cuffs failed to translate positive bench findings into clinical settings. In addition, meta-analyses confirmed the primary role of subglottic secretion aspiration in VAP prevention. A relatively new ETT, with an innovative cuff design, has been tested in clinical trials confirming potential value. Meta-analyses confirmed reduction of VAP with the use of chlorhexidine for oropharyngeal decontamination. However, prophylactic inhaled or oral antibiotics are ineffective. Finally, there is growing interest in orally ingested probiotics to prevent VAP. The results of ongoing studies on probiotics are much-awaited. In conclusion, in the past year, new evidence elucidated limitations of new ETT cuffs in the prevention of VAP; whereas, subglottic secretion aspiration proved consistent benefits. Modulation of oropharyngeal colonization with chlorhexidine decreases risks of VAP and should be widely implemented. Finally, preventive measures with proven preventive value should be grouped into bundles.

Application of Neural Networks to Predict UH-60L Electrical Generator Condition using (IMD-HUMS) Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

Data transfer unit ( DTU ) • Remote data concentrator (RDC) • Main processor unit (MPU) • 2 junction boxes (JB1/JB2) • 20 drive train and...NETWORKS TO PREDICT UH-60L ELECTRICAL GENERATOR CONDITION USING (IMD-HUMS) DATA by Evangelos Tourvalis December 2006 Thesis Advisor...including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the

Remedial Investigation Report Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-01

older) Wisconsin glacial advance, known in Vermont as the Bennington Glacial Stade, glaciers advanced primarily from the northwest. A glacier lake formed...Internal Report 1088, Hanover, New Hampshire. Hadley, J.B., 1950, Geology of the Bradford-Thetford area, Orange County, Vermont , Bulletin No. 1, Vermont ...CRREL Section No.: 10 Revision No.: 2 Date: October 1992 Lyons, J.B. 1955, Geology of the Hanover Quadrangle, New Hampshire - Vermont , Geological

Middle Eastern Geographies of World War I

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-21

and ill-equipped forces. Within this atmosphere of persecution and economic depression caused by the war’s stoppage of religious pilgrimages...St. J.B. Armitage, "T.E. Lawrence: a centennial lecture," Asian Affairs 20, no. 1 (1989): 14. This Turkish offensive severely threatened the...British invade Syria. The Arabs working from Akaba became virtually the 163 St. J.B. Armitage, “Lawrence: a centennial lecture,” 18. 164 Wavell

Antidepressant-like property of Jobelyn®, an African unique herbal formulation, in mice.

PubMed

Umukoro, S; Eduviere, A T; Aladeokin, A C; Olugbemide, A S

2014-03-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate whether Jobelyn® (JB) possesses anti-depressant-like property in the mouse forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and yohimbine-induced lethality test (YLT) in aggregated mice. Mice were given JB (10-100 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 7 days and then subjected to FST, TST, YLT and open field test. The parameters assessed in both FST and TST were the time (s) spent in active movement (struggling time), first occurrence of immobility (s) and the duration of immobility (s). In the YLT, the mortality rate was recorded 24 h after yohimbine (35 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. In the open field test, the number of line crosses and total distance travelled (m) were measured for 10 min in the open field chamber. JB significantly (p<0.05) decrease the duration of immobility both in the FST and TST, which suggests antidepressant-like property. JB significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the time spent in active swimming and delayed the first occurrence of immobility, indicating endurance promoting effect. It potentiated the toxic effect of yohimbine, which further suggests antidepressant-like activity and facilitation of both serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions. However, JB did not significantly increase the locomotor activity in the open-field test. Jobelyn® has antidepressant-like activity, which may be related to the stimulation of serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways. The ability of Jobelyn® to delay the onset of immobility and to prolong the struggling time support its use as energizer in general body weakness or exhaustion. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Microbial dynamics and metabolite changes in Chinese Rice Wine fermentation from sorghum with different tannin content.

PubMed

Xu, Jialiang; Wu, Huijun; Wang, Zhiwei; Zheng, Fuping; Lu, Xin; Li, Zhenpeng; Ren, Qing

2018-03-15

Chinese rice wine (CRW) is the oldest kind of wine in China and is mainly fermented by wheat Qu and yeast with rice, millet, etc. This gives CRW a unique quality, but the flavor components are complex. Its formation is related to microorganisms, but the link between CRW and microorganisms is poorly understood. Here, we used two kinds of sorghum (JZ22 and JB3, of which JZ22 has a higher tannin content) as the raw materials to brew and determined the structural and functional dynamics of the microbiota by metagenomics and flavor analyses. We detected 106 (JZ22) and 109 (JB3) volatile flavor compounds and 8 organic acids. By correlation analysis, we established 687 (JZ22) and 496 (JB3) correlations between the major flavor compounds and microbes. In JZ22, Blautia, Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium and Prevotella had the most correlations with flavor production. In JB3, the top 5 genera were Stenotrophomonas, Bdellovibrio, Solibacillus, Sulfuritalea and Achromobacter. In addition, more esters were detected, and more microorganisms correlated with ester generation in JZ22. This study provides a new idea for the micro ecological diversity of CRW fermented with sorghum. This is of significance for improving the quality and broadening the CRW varieties.

A Peptidomimetic Antibiotic Targets Outer Membrane Proteins and Disrupts Selectively the Outer Membrane in Escherichia coli*

PubMed Central

Urfer, Matthias; Bogdanovic, Jasmina; Lo Monte, Fabio; Moehle, Kerstin; Zerbe, Katja; Omasits, Ulrich; Ahrens, Christian H.; Pessi, Gabriella; Eberl, Leo; Robinson, John A.

2016-01-01

Increasing antibacterial resistance presents a major challenge in antibiotic discovery. One attractive target in Gram-negative bacteria is the unique asymmetric outer membrane (OM), which acts as a permeability barrier that protects the cell from external stresses, such as the presence of antibiotics. We describe a novel β-hairpin macrocyclic peptide JB-95 with potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. This peptide exhibits no cellular lytic activity, but electron microscopy and fluorescence studies reveal an ability to selectively disrupt the OM but not the inner membrane of E. coli. The selective targeting of the OM probably occurs through interactions of JB-95 with selected β-barrel OM proteins, including BamA and LptD as shown by photolabeling experiments. Membrane proteomic studies reveal rapid depletion of many β-barrel OM proteins from JB-95-treated E. coli, consistent with induction of a membrane stress response and/or direct inhibition of the Bam folding machine. The results suggest that lethal disruption of the OM by JB-95 occurs through a novel mechanism of action at key interaction sites within clusters of β-barrel proteins in the OM. These findings open new avenues for developing antibiotics that specifically target β-barrel proteins and the integrity of the Gram-negative OM. PMID:26627837

Ordering phenomena in a heterostructure of frustrated and unfrustrated triangular-lattice Ising layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žukovič, Milan; Tomita, Yusuke; Kamiya, Y.

2017-07-01

We study critical and magnetic properties of a bilayer Ising system consisting of two triangular planes A and B, with the antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling JA and the ferromagnetic (FM) one JB for the respective layers, which are coupled by the interlayer interaction JAB by using Monte Carlo simulations. When JA and JB are of the same order, the unfrustrated FM plane orders first at a high temperature Tc 1˜JB . The spontaneous FM order then exerts influence on the other frustrated AF plane as an effective magnetic field, which subsequently induces a ferrimagnetic order in this plane at low temperatures below Tc 2. When short-range order is developed in the AF plane while the influence of the FM plane is still small, there appears a preemptive Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless-type pseudocritical crossover regime just above the ferrimagnetic phase transition point, where the short-distance behavior up to a rather large length scale exponentially diverging in ∝JA/T is controlled by a line of Gaussian fixed points at T =0 . In the crossover region, a continuous variation in the effective critical exponent 4/9 ≲ηeff≲1/2 is observed. The phase diagram by changing the ratio JA/JB is also investigated.

Optical control of insulin release using a photoswitchable sulfonylurea.

PubMed

Broichhagen, Johannes; Schönberger, Matthias; Cork, Simon C; Frank, James A; Marchetti, Piero; Bugliani, Marco; Shapiro, A M James; Trapp, Stefan; Rutter, Guy A; Hodson, David J; Trauner, Dirk

2014-10-14

Sulfonylureas are widely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Through their actions on ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, sulfonylureas boost insulin release from the pancreatic beta cell mass to restore glucose homeostasis. A limitation of these compounds is the elevated risk of developing hypoglycemia and cardiovascular disease, both potentially fatal complications. Here, we describe the design and development of a photoswitchable sulfonylurea, JB253, which reversibly and repeatedly blocks KATP channel activity following exposure to violet-blue light. Using in situ imaging and hormone assays, we further show that JB253 bestows light sensitivity upon rodent and human pancreatic beta cell function. Thus, JB253 enables the optical control of insulin release and may offer a valuable research tool for the interrogation of KATP channel function in health and T2DM.

Neutralizing Antibody Fails to Impact the Course of Ebola Virus Infection in Monkeys

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-19

endothelial cells. Am J Pathol 163: 2371–2382. 16. Geisbert TW, Hensley LE , Jahrling PB, Larsen T, Geisbert JB, et al. (2003) Treatment of Ebola virus...Hernandez HJ, Thomas WD Jr, et al. (2005) Development and characterization of a severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus -neutralizing human...Citation: Oswald WB, Geisbert TW, Davis KJ, Geisbert JB, Sullivan NJ, et al. (2007) Neutralizing antibody fails to impact the course of Ebola virus

Relationship Between Post-exercise Heart Rate Recovery and Changing Ratio of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Capacity.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Hyun; Choe, Yu-Ri; Song, Min-Keun; Choi, In-Sung; Han, Jae-Young

2017-12-01

To determine whether heart rate recovery (HRR) following an exercise tolerance test (ETT) is correlated with a changing ratio of peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and maximal metabolic equivalents (MET max ). A total of 60 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who underwent ETT at both assessment points - 3 weeks (T0) after the AMI attack and 3 months after T0 (T1) were included. After achieving a peak workload, the treadmill was stopped with a 5-minute cooldown period, and the patients recovered in a comfortable and relaxed seated position. HRR was defined as the difference between the maximal heart rate (HR max ) and the HR measured at specific time intervals - immediately after the cool down period (HRR-0) and 3 minutes after the completion of the ETT (HRR-3). HRR-0 and HRR-3 increased over time, whereas VO 2max and MET max did not show significant changes. There was a positive correlation between HRR at T0 and the exercise capacity at T0. HRR at T0 also showed a positive correlation with the exercise capacity at T1. There was no significant correlation between HRR measured at T0 and the change in the ratio of VO 2max and MET max , as calculated by subtracting VO 2max and MET max obtained at T0 from those obtained at T1, divided by VO 2max at T0 and multiplied by 100. Post-exercise HRR measured at 3 weeks after the AMI onset can reflect the exercise capacity 3 months after the first ETT. However, it may be difficult to correlate post-exercise HRR at T0 with the degree of increase in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with AMI.

Do Physicians Do What They Say?

PubMed Central

Wennberg, David E; Dickens, John D; Biener, Lois; Fowler, Floyd J; Soule, David N; Keller, Robert B

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVE Efforts to evaluate variations in cardiac procedures have focused on patient factors and differences in health care delivery systems. We wanted to assess how physicians’ inclination to test patients with coronary artery disease influences utilization patterns. SETTING AND SUBJECTS Physicians and the populations of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. DESIGN We conducted a survey of 263 family practitioners, internists, and cardiologists residing in 57 hospital service areas in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Using patient scenarios, we assessed the clinicians’ inclinations to test during the evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease. Self-reported testing intensities were used to create three indices: a Catheterization Index, an Imaging Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) Index, and a Nonimaging ETT Index. Using administrative data, age- and gender-adjusted population-based coronary angiography rates were calculated. Physicians were assigned to low (2.9/1,000), average (4.2/1,000), and high (5.8/1,000) coronary angiography rate areas, based on where they practice. Analysis of variance techniques were used to assess the relation of the index scores to the population-based coronary angiography rates and to physician specialties. RESULTS There was a positive relationship between the population-based coronary angiography rates and the self-reported scores of the Catheterization Index (p < .005) and the Imaging ETT Index (p = .01), but none was found for the Nonimaging ETT Index (p = .10). These relationships were evident in subanalyses of cardiologists and internists, but not of family practitioners. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported testing intensity by physicians is related to the population-based rates of coronary angiography. This relationship cuts across specialties, suggesting that there is a “medical signature” for the evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease.

Alternative approaches to ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention.

PubMed

Berra, L; Sampson, J; Fumagalli, J; Panigada, M; Kolobow, T

2011-03-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which develops in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, is the most common nosocomial infection in patients with acute respiratory failure. The major mechanism of lower respiratory tract colonization is aspiration of bacteria-colonized secretions from the oropharynx into the lower airways. The hydrostatic pressure of the secretions that collect in the subglottic space, which is the area above the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, or aerosolization of bacteria from the secretions collected within the respiratory tubing may facilitate the leakage into the lower airways. Ideally, the elimination of the mechanisms responsible for aspiration would decrease the incidence of VAP. Several preventive measures have been tested in clinical trials with little success.Here we present the results of our efforts to develop novel approaches for the prevention of VAP. Specifically, we found that keeping ventilated patients in a lateral position, which eliminates gravitational forces, is feasible and possibly advantageous. Additionally, several novel medical devices have been recently developed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation from the ETT and breathing tubing. These devices include coated ETTs, mucus shavers and mucus slurpers. Prevention of ETT bacterial colonization showed decreased bacterial colonization of the respiratory circuit and of the lower respiratory tract in laboratory studies and clinical trials. Future large studies should be designed to test the hypothesis that VAP can be prevented with these novel strategies. While there is a current focus on the use of respiratory devices to prevent biofilm formation and microaspiration, it is important to remember that lower respiratory tract colonization is multifactorial. Prevention of VAP cannot be achieved solely by eliminating bacterial biofilm on respiratory devices, and more comprehensive care of the intubated patient needs to be implemented.

The Effects of rhBMP-2 Used for Spinal Fusion on Spinal Cord Pathology After Traumatic Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-29

1219-1224; discussion 1225. Basso DM , Beattie MS, Bresnahan JC (1995) A sensitive and reliable locomotor rating scale for open field testing in rats...usage of rhBMP-2 in the anterior cervical spine. Spine 31:2813-2819. Stuesse SL, Crisp T, McBurney DL, Schechter JB, Lovell JA, Cruce WL (2001...250-256. Stuesse SL, Crisp T, McBurney DL, Schechter JB, Lovell JA, Cruce WL (2001) Neuropathic pain in aged rats: behavioral responses and

Electronic topological transitions in Zn under compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kechin, Vladimir V.

2001-01-01

The electronic structure of hcp Zn under pressure up to 10 GPa has been calculated self-consistently by means of the scalar relativistic tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital method. The calculations show that three electronic topological transitions (ETT's) occur in Zn when the c/a axial ratio diminishes under compression. One transition occurs at c/a~=1.82 when the ``needles'' appear around the symmetry point K of the Brillouin zone. The other two transitions occur at c/a~=3, when the ``butterfly'' and ``cigar'' appear simultaneously both around the L point. It has been shown that these ETT's are responsible for a number of anomalies observed in Zn at compression.

Myricetin down-regulates phorbol ester-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mouse epidermal cells by blocking activation of nuclear factor kappa B.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Mi; Kang, Nam Joo; Han, Jin Hee; Lee, Ki Won; Lee, Hyong Joo

2007-11-14

Abnormal expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in the development of cancer. There are multiple lines of evidence that red wine exerts chemopreventive effects, and 3,5,4'-trihydroxy- trans-stilbene (resveratrol), which is a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in red wine, has been reported to be a natural chemopreventive agent. However, other phytochemicals might contribute to the cancer-preventive activities of red wine, and the flavonol content of red wines is about 30 times higher than that of resveratrol. Here we report that 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavone (myricetin), one of the major flavonols in red wine, inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (phorbol ester)-induced COX-2 expression in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal (JB6 P+) cells by suppressing activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Myricetin at 10 and 20 microM inhibited phorbol ester-induced upregulation of COX-2 protein, while resveratrol at the same concentration did not exert significant effects. The phorbol ester-induced production of prostaglandin E 2 was also attenuated by myricetin treatment. Myricetin inhibited both COX-2 and NF-kappaB transactivation in phorbol ester-treated JB6 P+ cells, as determined using a luciferase assay. Myricetin blocked the phorbol ester-stimulated DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB, as determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, TPCK (N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone), a NF-kappaB inhibitor, significantly attenuated COX-2 expression and NF-kappaB promoter activity in phorbol ester-treated JB6 P+ cells. In addition, red wine extract inhibited phorbol ester-induced COX-2 expression and NF-kappaB transactivation in JB6 P+ cells. Collectively, these data suggest that myricetin contributes to the chemopreventive effects of red wine through inhibition of COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of NF-kappaB.

Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)-Producing and Hepatitis C Virus-Replicating HepG2 Cells Secrete No More Lipoviroparticles than VLDL-Deficient Huh7.5 Cells

PubMed Central

Jammart, Baptiste; Michelet, Maud; Pécheur, Eve-Isabelle; Parent, Romain; Bartosch, Birke; Zoulim, Fabien

2013-01-01

In the plasma samples of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, lipoviroparticles (LVPs), defined as (very-) low-density viral particles immunoprecipitated with anti-β-lipoproteins antibodies are observed. This HCV-lipoprotein association has major implications with respect to our understanding of HCV assembly, secretion, and entry. However, cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc) virions produced in Huh7 cells, which are deficient for very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, are only associated with and dependent on apolipoprotein E (apoE), not apolipoprotein B (apoB), for assembly and infectivity. In contrast to Huh7, HepG2 cells can be stimulated to produce VLDL by both oleic acid treatment and inhibition of the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway but are not permissive for persistent HCV replication. Here, we developed a new HCV cell culture model to study the interaction between HCV and lipoproteins, based on engineered HepG2 cells stably replicating a blasticidin-tagged HCV JFH1 strain (JB). Control Huh7.5-JB as well as HepG2-JB cell lines persistently replicated viral RNA and expressed viral proteins with a subcellular colocalization of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), core, gpE2, and NS5A compatible with virion assembly. The intracellular RNA replication level was increased in HepG2-JB cells upon dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment, MEK/ERK inhibition, and NS5A overexpression to a level similar to that observed in Huh7.5-JB cells. Both cell culture systems produced infectious virions, which were surprisingly biophysically and biochemically similar. They floated at similar densities on gradients, contained mainly apoE but not apoB, and were not neutralized by anti-apoB antibodies. This suggests that there is no correlation between the ability of cells to simultaneously replicate HCV as well as secrete VLDL and their capacity to produce LVPs. PMID:23427158

Evaluation and structure-activity relationship analysis of a new series of arylnaphthalene lignans as potential anti-tumor agents.

PubMed

Luo, Jiaoyang; Hu, Yichen; Kong, Weijun; Yang, Meihua

2014-01-01

Arylnaphthalene lignan lactones have attracted considerable interest because of their anti-tumor and anti-hyperlipidimic activities. However, to our knowledge, few studies have explored the effects of these compounds on human leukemia cell lines. In this study, five arylnaphthalene lignans including 6'-hydroxy justicidin A (HJA), 6'-hydroxy justicidin B (HJB), justicidin B (JB), chinensinaphthol methyl ether (CME) and Taiwanin E methyl ether (TEME) were isolated from Justicia procumbens and their effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of the human leukemia K562 cell line were investigated then used to assess structure-activity relationships. To achieve these aims, cytotoxicity was assayed using the MTT assay, while intracellular SOD activity was detected using the SOD Activity Assay kit. Apoptosis was measured by both the using a cycle TEST PLUS DNA reagent kit as well as the FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit in combination with flow cytometry. Activation of caspase-mediated apoptosis was evaluated using a FITC active Caspase-3 apoptosis kit and flow cytometry. The results indicated that HJB, HJA and JB significantly inhibited the growth of K562 cells by decreasing both proliferation and SOD activity and inducing apoptosis. The sequence of anti-proliferative activity induced by the five tested arylnaphthalenes by decreasing strength was HJB > HJA > JB > CME > TEME. HJB, HJA and JB also decreased SOD activity and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of caspase-3 further indicated that HJB, HJA and JB induced caspase-dependent intrinsic and/or extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Together, these assays suggest that arylnaphthalene lignans derived from Justicia procumbens induce apoptosis to varying degrees, through a caspase-dependent pathway in human leukemia K562 cells. Furthermore, analysis of structure-activity relationships suggest that hydroxyl substitution at C-1 and C-6' significantly increased the antiproliferative activity of

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-producing and hepatitis C virus-replicating HepG2 cells secrete no more lipoviroparticles than VLDL-deficient Huh7.5 cells.

PubMed

Jammart, Baptiste; Michelet, Maud; Pécheur, Eve-Isabelle; Parent, Romain; Bartosch, Birke; Zoulim, Fabien; Durantel, David

2013-05-01

In the plasma samples of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, lipoviroparticles (LVPs), defined as (very-) low-density viral particles immunoprecipitated with anti-β-lipoproteins antibodies are observed. This HCV-lipoprotein association has major implications with respect to our understanding of HCV assembly, secretion, and entry. However, cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc) virions produced in Huh7 cells, which are deficient for very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, are only associated with and dependent on apolipoprotein E (apoE), not apolipoprotein B (apoB), for assembly and infectivity. In contrast to Huh7, HepG2 cells can be stimulated to produce VLDL by both oleic acid treatment and inhibition of the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway but are not permissive for persistent HCV replication. Here, we developed a new HCV cell culture model to study the interaction between HCV and lipoproteins, based on engineered HepG2 cells stably replicating a blasticidin-tagged HCV JFH1 strain (JB). Control Huh7.5-JB as well as HepG2-JB cell lines persistently replicated viral RNA and expressed viral proteins with a subcellular colocalization of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), core, gpE2, and NS5A compatible with virion assembly. The intracellular RNA replication level was increased in HepG2-JB cells upon dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment, MEK/ERK inhibition, and NS5A overexpression to a level similar to that observed in Huh7.5-JB cells. Both cell culture systems produced infectious virions, which were surprisingly biophysically and biochemically similar. They floated at similar densities on gradients, contained mainly apoE but not apoB, and were not neutralized by anti-apoB antibodies. This suggests that there is no correlation between the ability of cells to simultaneously replicate HCV as well as secrete VLDL and their capacity to produce LVPs.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Competition Between Self-birth and Catalyzed Death in Aggregation Growth with Catalysis Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dan; Lin, Zhen-Quan; Sun, Yun-Fei; Ke, Jian-Hong

2009-12-01

We propose two irreversible aggregation growth models of aggregates of two distinct species (A and B) to study the interactions between virus aggregates and medicine efficacy aggregates in the virus-medicine cooperative evolution system. The A-species aggregates evolve driven by self monomer birth and B-species aggregate-catalyzed monomer death in model I and by self birth, catalyzed death, and self monomer exchange reactions in model II, while the catalyst B-species aggregates are assumed to be injected into the system sustainedly or at a periodic time-dependent rate. The kinetic behaviors of the A-species aggregates are investigated by the rate equation approach based on the mean-field theory with the self birth rate kernel IA(k) = Ik, catalyzed death rate kernel JAB(k) = Jk and self exchange rate kernel KA (k, l) = Kkl. The kinetic behaviors of the A-species aggregates are mainly dominated by the competition between the two effects of the self birth (with the effective rate I) and the catalyzed death (with the effective rate JB0), while the effects of the self exchanges of the A-species aggregates which appear in an effective rate KA0 play important roles in the cases of I > JB0 and I = JB0. The evolution behaviors of the total mass MA1(t) and the total aggregate number MA0 (t) are obtained, and the aggregate size distribution αk (t) of species A is found to approach a generalized scaling form in the case of I >= JB0 and a special modified scaling form in the case of I < JB0. The periodical evolution of the B-monomers concentration plays an exponential form of the periodic modulation.

The efficacy of elastic therapeutic tape variations on measures of ankle function and performance.

PubMed

Brogden, Christopher Michael; Marrin, Kelly; Page, Richard Michael; Greig, Matt

2018-04-23

To investigate the effects of different variations of elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) on tests used to screen for ankle injury risk and function. Randomized crossover. Laboratory. Twelve professional male soccer players completed three experimental trials: No tape (NT), RockTape™ (RT), and Kinesio™ Tape (KT) applied to the ankle complex. Clinical and functional ankle screening tests were used to assess the effects of ETT on measures of joint position sense, postural stability and ground reaction forces. KT (P = 0.04) and RT (P = 0.01) demonstrated significant improvements in end range joint position sense. When compared to NT, RT significantly (P = 0.02) improved mid-range joint position sense at 15°, and time to complete a drop landing task. No significant differences were observed for measures of postural stability (P ≥ 0.12) nor ground reaction force variables (P ≥ 0.33). Results advocate the use of ETT for proprioceptive and functional tasks when applied to the ankles of healthy male soccer players. However, a greater number of practical and significant differences were observed when RT only was applied, indicating that practitioners may potentially advocate the use of RT for tasks requiring proprioception and functional performance. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving the Prediction of Mortality and the Need for Life-Saving Interventions in Trauma Patients Using Standard Vital Signs With Heart-Rate Variability and Complexity

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

Trauma 69:S10YS13, 2010. 2. Liu NT, Holcomb JB, Wade CE, Darrah MI, Salinas J: Utility of vital signs, heart-rate variability and complexity, and machine ... learning for identifying the need for life-saving interventions in trauma patients. Shock 42:108Y114, 2014. 3. Pickering TG, Shimbo D, Hass D...Ann Emerg Med 45:68Y76, 2005. 8. Liu NT, Holcomb JB, Wade CE, Batchinsky AI, Cancio LC, Darrah MI, Salinas J: Development and validation of a machine

Department of the Air Force Supporting Data for Fiscal Year 1981, Budget Estimates Submitted to Congress January 1980, Descriptive Summaries, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

4J y 03 C 4-1 y 0 y c c 3 0) 41 es y tfl JB > HH > 3 < « c I c: 4-1 u- •H 3 y 1 03 •iH X 03 c •H c 0 c 0 "v. X C -rl 3X3 01 0 ■H r- 01 E...Of u as 4-> 0 H C t< HH 0 00 rH £ Xi .*• XI x < oi a c xi a 0 u ü y • XI 4» 01 1 <H 44 JB • <s CS — •o CO it — cj...o o o a 3 cd •H O CO 4J a eu X ft.-* « U 4J pu u 14.4 CO ri -H H 44 O U H HH JB pB au 4J u P. id ft. B OH 41

A novel airway device with tactile sensing capabilities for verifying correct endotracheal tube placement.

PubMed

Goethals, Pauwel; Chaobal, Harshu; Reynaerts, Dominiek; Schaner, David

2014-04-01

We present a new device for verifying endotracheal tube (ETT) position that uses specialized sensors intended to distinguish anatomical features of the trachea and esophagus. This device has the potential to increase the safety of resuscitation, surgery, and mechanical ventilation and decrease the morbidity, mortality, and health care costs associated with esophageal intubation and unintended extubation by potentially improving the process and maintenance of endotracheal intubation. The device consists of a tactile sensor connected to the airway occlusion cuff of an ETT. It is intended to detect the presence or absence of tracheal rings immediately upon inflation of the airway occlusion cuff. The initial study detailed here verifies that a prototype device can detect contours similar to tracheal rings in a tracheal model.

Wireless remote monitoring of myocardial ischemia using reconstructed 12-lead ECGs.

PubMed

Vukcevic, Vladan; Panescu, Dorin; Bojovic, Bosko; George, Samuel; Gussak, Ihor; Giga, Vojislav; Stankovic, Ivana

2010-01-01

CardioBip (CB) is a hand-held patient-activated device for recording and wireless transmission of reconstructed 12-lead ECG (12CB) based on patient specific matrices. It has 5 contact points: 3 precordial and 2 on the device top serving as limb leads when touched by index fingers. To determine whether CB could be used to monitor coronary disease (CAD) patients, we compared 12CB to simultaneous 12-lead ECGs (12L) in patients with CAD, pre-and post-exercise treadmill testing (ETT). The study goals were to assess: (1) whether 12CB can accurately reconstruct and wirelessly transmit 12-lead ECGs in CAD patients during ETT recovery; (2) whether 12CB can be used to evaluate ST segment changes in patients with exercise-induced ischemia.

Optimizing Travel Time to Outpatient Interventional Radiology Procedures in a Multi-Site Hospital System Using a Google Maps Application.

PubMed

Mandel, Jacob E; Morel-Ovalle, Louis; Boas, Franz E; Ziv, Etay; Yarmohammadi, Hooman; Deipolyi, Amy; Mohabir, Heeralall R; Erinjeri, Joseph P

2018-02-20

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a custom Google Maps application can optimize site selection when scheduling outpatient interventional radiology (IR) procedures within a multi-site hospital system. The Google Maps for Business Application Programming Interface (API) was used to develop an internal web application that uses real-time traffic data to determine estimated travel time (ETT; minutes) and estimated travel distance (ETD; miles) from a patient's home to each a nearby IR facility in our hospital system. Hypothetical patient home addresses based on the 33 cities comprising our institution's catchment area were used to determine the optimal IR site for hypothetical patients traveling from each city based on real-time traffic conditions. For 10/33 (30%) cities, there was discordance between the optimal IR site based on ETT and the optimal IR site based on ETD at non-rush hour time or rush hour time. By choosing to travel to an IR site based on ETT rather than ETD, patients from discordant cities were predicted to save an average of 7.29 min during non-rush hour (p = 0.03), and 28.80 min during rush hour (p < 0.001). Using a custom Google Maps application to schedule outpatients for IR procedures can effectively reduce patient travel time when more than one location providing IR procedures is available within the same hospital system.

Multidimensional Luminescence Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-30

Alfano , A.J.; Fong, E.K.; Lytle, F.E., Rev. S-.. Instrum. 1983, 54, 967-972. 7. HieftJe, G.M., Clin. Chem. 1983, 29, 1659-1664. 8. Berndt, K.; Durr...Miller, J.N., Trends Anal. Chem. 1981, 1, 31-34. ൗ. Warner, I.M.; Callis, J.B.; Christian , G.D.; Davidson, E.R., Anal. I TChem. 1977, 49, 564-573. 16...M.; Christian , G.D., Anal. Lett. 1975, 8, 665-681. 24. Johnson, D.W.; Gladden, J.A.; Callis, J.B.; Christian , G.D., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1979, 50, 118

NMR Imaging of Elastomeric Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-31

1991, 10, 59. (Ill Cory, D.G., Miller, J.B., 7Turner, R., Garroway , A.N., Mol. Phys. 1990, 70, 331-7 [121 Jezzard, P., Carpenter, T.A., Hall, L.D.{Polym...SPE Paper 18272, 63rd Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, TX, Oct. 2-5, 1988. 9. D.G. Cory, J.B. Miller, R. Turner, and A.N. Garroway ...B.; Turner, R.; Garroway , A. N. Mol. as the cause of the arrowhead artifacts. We thank An- Phys. I", 70, 331. nadell Fowler and John Pearce for

Influence of different interfaces on synchrony during pressure support ventilation in a pediatric setting: a bench study.

PubMed

Conti, Giorgio; Gregoretti, Cesare; Spinazzola, Giorgia; Festa, Olimpia; Ferrone, Giuliano; Cipriani, Flora; Rossi, Marco; Piastra, Marco; Costa, Roberta

2015-04-01

In adults and children, patient-ventilator synchrony is strongly dependent on both the ventilator settings and interface used in applying positive pressure to the airway. The aim of this bench study was to determine whether different interfaces and ventilator settings may influence patient-ventilator interaction in pediatric models of normal and mixed obstructive and restrictive respiratory conditions. A test lung, connected to a pediatric mannequin using different interfaces (endotracheal tube [ETT], face mask, and helmet), was ventilated in pressure support ventilation mode testing 2 ventilator settings (pressurization time [Timepress]50%/cycling-off flow threshold [Trexp]25%, Timepress80%/Trexp60%), randomly applied. The test lung was set to simulate one pediatric patient with a healthy respiratory system and another with a mixed obstructive and restricted respiratory condition, at different breathing frequencies (f) (30, 40, and 50 breaths/min). We measured inspiratory trigger delay, pressurization time, expiratory trigger delay, and time of synchrony. At each breathing frequency, the helmet showed the longest inspiratory trigger delay compared with the ETT and face mask. At f30, the ETT had a reduced Tpress. The helmet had the shortest Tpress in the simulated child with a mixed obstructive and restricted respiratory condition, at f40 during Timepress50%/Trexp25% and at f50 during Timepress80%/Trexp60%. In the simulated child with a normal respiratory condition, the ETT presented the shortest Tpress value at f50 during Timepress80%/Trexp60%. Concerning the expiratory trigger delay, the helmet showed the best interaction at f30, but the worst at f40 and at f50. The helmet showed the shortest time of synchrony during all ventilator settings. The choice of the interface can influence patient-ventilator synchrony in a pediatric model breathing at increased f, thus making it more difficult to set the ventilator, particularly during noninvasive ventilation. The

Aerosol Delivery Using Jet Nebulizer and Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer During High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation: An In Vitro Comparison.

PubMed

Fang, Tien-Pei; Lin, Hui-Ling; Chiu, Shu-Hua; Wang, Szu-Hui; DiBlasi, Robert M; Tsai, Ying-Huang; Fink, James B

2016-10-01

High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is used in critically ill patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the efficiency of aerosol delivery with different lung parameters during simulated neonatal, pediatric, and adult HFOV. Sensormedics 3100A/B ventilators were used to deliver infant, pediatric, and adult HFOV. Two types of aerosol generators were chosen for testing: 1) a continuous jet nebulizer (JN) with a unit-dose of 5.0 mg/2.5 mL salbutamol sulfate diluted into 4 mL, and 2) a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) with salbutamol sulfate were run to completion of aerosol generation. Both aerosol devices were placed 1) between the ventilator circuit and the endotracheal tube (ETT) (proximal position); and 2) at the inlet of the heated humidifier (distal position) (n = 5). Drug was collected on a bacterial filter placed distal to the ETT, and the drug eluted and analyzed with a UV Spectrophotometer at 276 nm. T- test and ANOVA tests were used for comparison (p < 0.05). The inhaled drug delivered by JN was 0%-0.6% of the nominal dose when placed at distal position, and 0%-3% at proximal position (p < 0.01), while the VMN was 0%-0.5% at distal and 8.6%-22.7% at proximal position (p < 0.01). Aerosol delivery during HFOV was greater with adult settings than pediatric and infant settings with VMN and JN (22.7%, 8.6%, and 17.4% respectively, p < 0.01). When the aerosol delivery device was placed at the distal position, negligible drug mass was observed (<0.5%), regardless of the nebulizer device used. During HFOV, aerosol delivery with the nebulizer placed at proximal was greater than placement distal from the ETT, with VMN delivering more drug than JN. The inhaled drug was delivery correlated positively with ETT size, MAP, and bias flow, and inversely proportional to power settings.

Prognostic Value of Exercise Treadmill Testing in Asymptomatic Chronic Nonischemic Mitral Regurgitation

PubMed Central

Supino, Phyllis G.; Borer, Jeffrey S.; Schuleri, Karlheinz; Gupta, Anuj; Hochreiter, Clare; Kligfield, Paul; Herrold, Edmund McM.; Preibisz, Jacek J.

2007-01-01

In many heart diseases, exercise treadmill testing(ETT) has useful functional correlates and/or prognostic value. However, its predictive value in mitral regurgitation(MR) is undefined. To determine whether ETT descriptors predict death or indications for mitral valve surgery among patients with MR, we prospectively followed, for 7±3 endpoint-free years, a cohort of 38 patients with chronic severe nonischemic MR who underwent modified Bruce ETT; all lacked surgical indications at study entry. Their baseline exercise descriptors also were compared with those from 46 patients with severe MR who, at entry, already had reached surgical indications. Endpoints during follow-up among the cohort included sudden death(n=1), heart failure symptoms(n=2), atrial fibrillation(n=4), LVEF<60%(n=2), LV systolic dimensions(IDs)≥45 mm(n=12) and LVIDs>40mm(n=11), LVEF<60%+LVIDs 45 mm(n=3), and heart failure+LVIDs 45mm+LVEF<60%(n=1). In univariate analysis, exercise duration(p=.004), chronotropic response(p=.007), percent predicted peak heart rate(p=.01) and heart rate recovery(p<.02) predicted events; in multivariate analysis, only exercise duration was predictive(p<.02). Average annual event risk was 5-fold lower(4.62%) with exercise duration≥15 minutes vs. <15 minutes(average annual risk=23.48%, p=.004). Relative risks among patients with and without exercise-inducible ST segment depression were comparable(≤1.3[NS]) whether defined at entry and/or during follow-up. Exercise duration, but not prevalence of exercise-inducible ST segment depression, was lower(p<.001) among patients with surgical indications at entry vs. initially endpoint-free patients. In conclusion, among asymptomatic patients with chronic severe nonischemic MR and no objective criteria for operation, progression to surgical indications generally is rapid. However, those with excellent exercise tolerance have a relatively benign course. Exercise-inducible ST segment depression has no prognostic value in this

Intraoperative Endotracheal Cuff Pressure Study: How Education and Availability of Manometers Help Guide Safer Pressures.

PubMed

Stevens, Gregory J; Warfel, Joel W; Aden, James K; Blackwell, Scott D

2018-02-13

Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure that is often indicated in both the perioperative and critical care environments. Cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) allow for safer and more efficient delivery of positive pressure ventilation, as well as create a barrier to reduce the risk of micro-aspiration and anesthetic pollution in the operating room environment. Over-inflation of the endotracheal cuff can lead to serious and harmful sequelae. This study aimed to assess if departmental education paired with ready access to a manometer to assess cuff pressure would result in an improvement in the proportion of ETT cuff pressures in the goal range. A quality improvement study was conducted at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC; Department of Defense hospital in San Antonio, TX). The initiative was divided into three key periods: pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation. During the pre-implementation period, ETT cuff pressures were obtained to assess the baseline state of ETT cuff pressures for patients in the operating room; the proportion of in-range (20-30 cmH2O) pressures was calculated. During the implementation phase, operating rooms were equipped with manometers and anesthesia departmental education was performed regarding the use of the manometers. Three months later, post-implementation cuff pressures were measured in the OR, and the proportion of in-range pressures was again calculated. The pre-implementation data showed an average cuff pressure of 48.92 cmH2O and a median of 38.5 cmH2O. Of the 100 pre-implementation pressures, 20 were in the goal range. Post-implementation data had an average cuff pressure of 41.96 cmH2O and a median of 30 cmH2O. A chi-squared test of pressures in the safe range from the pre-implementation versus post-implementation values yielded a highly significant p-value of 0.0003. The data from this study clearly demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the proportion of in-range cuff

Variations in the chemical properties of landfill leachate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, L. M.; Cheung, K. C.; Wong, M. H.

1994-01-01

Landfill leachates were collected and their chemical properties analyzed once every two months over a ten-month period from the Gin Drinkers' Bay (GDB) and Junk Bay (JB) landfills. The contents of solids, and inorganic and organic components fluctuated considerably with time. In general, the chemical properties of the two leachates correlated negatively ( P<0.05) with the amounts of rainfall prior to the sampling periods. However, magnesium and pH of the leachates remained relatively constant with respect to sampling time. The JB leachate contained higher average contents of solids and inorganic and organic matter than those of GDB with the exception of trace metals. Trace metals were present in the two leachates in trace quantities (<1.0 mg/liter). The concentrations of average ammoniacal nitrogen were 1040 and 549 mg/liter, while chemical oxygen demand (COD) values were 767 and 695 mg/liter for JB and GDB leachates, respectively. These results suggest that the leachates need further treatment before they can be discharged to the coastal waters.

Two rapidly evolving genes contribute to male fitness in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Reinhardt, Josephine A; Jones, Corbin D

2013-01-01

Purifying selection often results in conservation of gene sequence and function. The most functionally conserved genes are also thought to be among the most biologically essential. These observations have led to the use of sequence conservation as a proxy for functional conservation. Here we describe two genes that are exceptions to this pattern. We show that lack of sequence conservation among orthologs of CG15460 and CG15323 – herein named jean-baptiste (jb) and karr respectively – does not necessarily predict lack of functional conservation. These two Drosophila melanogaster genes are among the most rapidly evolving protein-coding genes in this species, being nearly as diverged from their D. yakuba orthologs as random sequences are. jb and karr are both expressed at an elevated level in larval males and adult testes, but they are not accessory gland proteins and their loss does not affect male fertility. Instead, knockdown of these genes in D. melanogaster via RNA interference caused male-biased viability defects. These viability effects occur prior to the third instar for jb and during late pupation for karr. We show that putative orthologs to jb and karr are also expressed strongly in the testes of other Drosophila species and have similar gene structure across species despite low levels of sequence conservation. While standard molecular evolution tests could not reject neutrality, other data hint at a role for natural selection. Together these data provide a clear case where a lack of sequence conservation does not imply a lack of conservation of expression or function. PMID:24221639

Rotorcraft Wake Analysis for the Prediction of Induced Velocities

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

normal to the rotor disk. hh yiy^ljjjlljiyillj^ autauaimiki v.. i^vV *•;’>» ••■OWltiv*- f Information on the rotor design and test conditions...the blade (Az’/R) rather than the hub (Z/R) as in previous figures. 67 MuiMttM amaatMnfc BjB ^BgaMwawaaawgas the blaJe due to the above two real...Z/R = -0.07 N 2 -2 o jB ^nrt^ ) 1 J^\\ C/5 / ^^^^ \\ Q O^g^l? / .. .^ _rfH^ ) O " ■ r jB -^a^q 1- O ■ 1 E cr O 2

China Report, Economic Affairs, Chinese Statistical Abstracts

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-18

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Study of Finite Word Length Effects in Some Special Classes of Digital Filters.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

eIL.WMI~.TFILE, lATH ) * . LI ( Li(. E:Q. 13) ;O TO Y k NE 1JTYPE"r**IFrE FILE ERROR", TER ’~i.L. ’(FI.w(ourFILE.; :’ RN IF, T!R NE. I ) rYTPE"CR1EJTE...A458 RR=J)A DO 921 J=JB. (JB+9) IF(RF.GT. CNC -1))GO TO 196 IF(J.QT. CS-1))0O TO 932 DO 110 M=0,2 LL-,J-M IF(LL.LT.0)G0 TO 921’ IF(J. GE. (JD+9))GO TO

Lifshitz topological transitions, induced by doping and deformation in single-crystal bismuth wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaeva, A. A.; Konopko, L. A.; Huber, T. E.; Kobylianskaya, A. K.; Para, Gh. I.

2017-02-01

The features associated with the manifestation of Lifshitz electron topological transitions (ETT) in glass-insulated bismuth wires upon qualitative changes to the topology of the Fermi surface are investigated. The variation of the energy spectrum parameters was implemented by doping Bi with an acceptor impurity Sn and using elastic strain of up to 2%, relative to the elongation in the weakly-doped p-type Bi wires. Pure and doped glass-insulated single-crystal bismuth with different diameters and (1011) orientations along the axis were prepared by the Ulitovsky liquid phase casting method. For the first time, ETT-induced anomalies are observed along the temperature dependences of the thermoemf α(T) as triple-changes of the α sign (given heavy doping of Bi wires with an acceptor impurity Sn). The concentration and energy position of the Σ-band given a high degree of bismuth doping with Sn was assessed using the Shubnikov-de Haas effect oscillations, which were detected both from L-electrons and from T-holes in magnetic fields of up to 14 T. It is shown that the Lifshitz electron-topological transitions with elastic deformation of weakly-doped p-type Bi wires are accompanied by anomalies along the deformation dependences of the thermoemf at low temperatures. The effect is interpreted in terms of the formation of a selective scattering channel of L-carriers into the T-band with a high density of states, which is in good agreement with existing theoretical ETT models.

Randomized clinical study comparing metallic and glass fiber post in restoration of endodontically treated teeth.

PubMed

Gbadebo, Olaide S; Ajayi, Deborah M; Oyekunle, Oyekunle O Dosumu; Shaba, Peter O

2014-01-01

Post-retained crowns are indicated for endodontically treated teeth (ETT) with severely damaged coronal tissue. Metallic custom and prefabricated posts have been used over the years, however, due to unacceptable color, extreme rigidity and corrosion, fiber posts, which are flexible, aesthetically pleasing and have modulus of elasticity comparable with dentin were introduced. To compare clinical performance of metallic and glass fiber posts in restoration of ETT. 40 ETT requiring post retained restorations were included. These teeth were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Twenty teeth were restored using a glass fiber-reinforced post (FRP) and 20 others received stainless steel parapost (PP), each in combination with composite core buildups. Patients were observed at 1 and 6 months after post placement and cementation of porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown. Marginal gap consideration, post retention, post fracture, root fracture, crown fracture, crown decementation and loss of restoration were part of the data recorded. All teeth were assessed clinically and radiographically. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical values while log-rank test was used for descriptive statistical analysis. One tooth in the PP group failed, secondary to decementation of the PFM crown giving a 2.5% overall failure while none in the FRP group failed. The survival rate of FRP was thus 100% while it was 97.5% in the PP group. This however was not statistically significant (log-rank test, P = 0.32). Glass FRPs performed better than the metallic post based on short-term clinical performance.

Effect of ferrule on the fracture resistance of mandibular premolars with prefabricated posts and cores

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

PURPOSE This study evaluated fracture resistance with regard to ferrule lengths and post reinforcement on endodontically treated mandibular premolars incorporating a prefabricated post and resin core. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred extracted mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=20): intact teeth (NR); endodontically treated teeth (ETT) without post (NP); ETT restored with a prefabricated post with ferrule lengths of either 0 mm (F0), 1 mm (F1), or 2 mm (F2). Prepared teeth were restored with metal crowns. A thermal cycling test was performed for 1,000 cycles. Loading was applied at an angle of 135 degrees to the axis of the tooth using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 2.54 mm/min. Fracture loads were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test using a statistical program (α=.05). RESULTS There were statistical differences in fracture loads among groups (P<.001). The fracture load of F2 (237.7 ± 83.4) was significantly higher than those of NP (155.6 ± 74.3 N), F0 (98.8 ± 43.3 N), and F1 (152.8 ± 78.5 N) (P=.011, P<.001, and P=.008, respectively). CONCLUSION Fracture resistance of ETT depends on the length of the ferrule, as shown by the significantly increased fracture resistance in the 2 mm ferrule group (F2) compared to the groups with shorter ferrule lengths (F0, F1) and without post (NP). PMID:29142639

Measures to prevent nosocomial infections during mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Ramirez, Paula; Bassi, Gianluigi L; Torres, Antonio

2012-02-01

Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are lifesaving measures in critically ill patients. However, these interventions increase the risk of respiratory infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP constitutes a serious burden for the healthcare system and worsens the patient's outcomes; thus, several preventive strategies have been implemented. This communication reviews the current knowledge on VAP pathogenesis and the latest preventive measures. Pathogen-laden oropharyngeal secretions leak across the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff; thus, a continuous control of the internal cuff pressure and cuffs made of polyurethane improve sealing effectiveness and associated risks of infections. Subglottic secretions aspiration prevents VAP, and the latest evidence demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of late-onset VAP. The role of ETT biofilm in the pathogenesis of VAP is not fully elucidated. Nevertheless, antimicrobial-coated ETTs have showed beneficial effects in VAP incidence. Recent experimental evidence has challenged the benefits associated with the use of the semirecumbent position; yet, these findings need to be corroborated in clinical trials. The latest results from trials testing the effects of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) showed beneficial effects on patients' outcomes, but concerns remain regarding the emergence of bacterial resistance, specifically upon digestive tract re-colonization. The use of oropharyngeal decontamination with antiseptics and the use of probiotics are potential alternatives to SDD. There is consistent evidence that strategies affecting the primary mechanisms of VAP pathogenesis efficiently reduce the occurrence of the disease. Preventive measures should be implemented grouped into bundles to improve overall efficacy.

New insight on the paleoproterozoic evolution of the São Francisco Craton: Reinterpretation of the geology, the suture zones and the thicknesses of the crustal blocks using geophysical and geological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampaio, Edson E. S.; Barbosa, Johildo S. F.; Correa-Gomes, Luiz C.

2017-07-01

The Archean-Paleoproterozoic Jequié (JB) and Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá (ISCB) blocks and their tectonic transition zone in the Valença region, Bahia, Brazil are potentially important for ore deposits, but the geological knowledge of the area is still meager. The paucity of geological information restricts the knowledge of the position and of the field characteristics of the tectonic suture zone between these two crustal segments JB and ISCB. Therefore, interpretation of geophysical data is necessary to supplement the regional structural and petrological knowledge of the area as well as to assist mining exploration programs. The analysis of the airborne radiometric and magnetic data of the region has established, respectively, five radiometric domains and five magnetic zones. Modeling of a gravity profile has defined the major density contrasts of the deep structures. The integrated interpretation of the geophysical data fitted to the known geological information substantially improved the suture zone (lower plate JB versus upper plate ISCB) delimitation, the geological map of the area and allowed to estimate the thicknesses of these two blocks, and raised key questions about the São Francisco Craton tectonic evolution.

Hydrodynamic Stability Analysis on Sheared Stratified Flow in a Convective Flow Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Yuan; Lin, Wenxian; Armfiled, Steven; Kirkpatrick, Michael; He, Yinghe; Fluid Dynamics Research Group, James Cook University Team; Fluid Dynamics Research Group, University of Sydney Team

2014-11-01

A hydrodynamic stability analysis on the convective sheared boundary layer (SCBL) flow, where a sheared stratified flow and a thermally convective flow coexist, is carried out in this study. The linear unstable stratifications representing the convective flow are included in the TaylorGoldstein equations as an unstable factor Jb. A new unstable region corresponding to the convective instability, which is not present in pure sheared stratified flows, is found with the analysis. It is also found that the boundaries of the convective instability regions expand with increasing Jb and interact with the sheared stratified instability region. More results will be presented at the conference

Cuffed endotracheal tubes in children: the effect of the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube on intracuff pressure.

PubMed

Krishna, Senthil G; Hakim, Mumin; Sebastian, Roby; Dellinger, Heather L; Tumin, Dmitry; Tobias, Joseph D

2017-05-01

In children, the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube is based on various age-based formulas. However, such formulas may over or underestimate the size of the cuffed endotracheal tube. There are no data on the impact of different-sized cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT) on the intracuff pressure in children. The current study measures intracuff pressure with different-sized cuffed ETT. The study was conducted in an in vitro and in vivo phase. For the in vitro phase, 10 cuffed ETT of size 4.0, 4.5, and 5 mm internal diameter (ID) each were randomly placed inside a 1.0 cm ID plastic tube (mimicking the trachea), which was in turn connected to a 1 l test lung. After inflation of the cuff using the air leak test at a continuous positive airway pressure of 20 cmH 2 O, the intracuff pressure was measured. The in vivo phase was conducted in 100 children (4-8 years) and were randomly divided into two groups to receive either a cuffed endotracheal tube based on the Khine formula (Group R) or a cuffed endotracheal tube that was a half-size (0.5 mm ID) smaller (Group S). Following the inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, the intracuff pressure was measured. In the in vitro phase, the intracuff pressure was 45 ± 6, 23 ± 1, and 14 ± 6 cmH 2 O with size 4.0, 4.5, and 5 mm ID cuffed ETT, respectively (F-test P < 0.001 for difference among three groups). In the in vivo phase, the mean intracuff pressure in Group R was 25 ± 19 cmH 2 O vs 37 ± 35 cmH 2 O in Group S (95% CI of difference: 1, 23; P = 0.039). If the cuffed endotracheal tube is too small, the trachea can still be sealed by inflating the cuff with additional air. However, this transforms the cuff from the intended high-volume, low-pressure cuff to an undesirable high-volume, high-pressure cuff. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia: current status and future recommendations.

PubMed

Efrati, Shai; Deutsch, Israel; Antonelli, Massimo; Hockey, Peter M; Rozenblum, Ronen; Gurman, Gabriel M

2010-04-01

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common hazardous complication in ICU patients. The aim of the current review is to give an update on the current status and future recommendations for VAP prevention. This article gives an updated review of the current literature on VAP. The first part briefly reviews pathogenesis and epidemiology while the second includes an in-depth review of evidence-based practice guidelines (EBPG) and new technologies developed for prevention of VAP. VAP remains a frequent and costly complication of critical illness with a pooled relative risk of 9-27% and mortality of 25-50%. Strikingly, VAP adds an estimated cost of more than $40,000 to a typical hospital admission. An important aetiological mechanism of VAP is gross or micro-aspiration of oropharyngeal organisms around the cuff of the endotracheal tube (ETT) into the distal bronchi. Prevention of VAP is preferable. Preventative measures can be divided into two main groups: the implemen- tation of EBPGs and use of device-based technologies. EBPGs have been authored jointly by the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The Canadian Critical Care Trials group also published VAP Guidelines in 2008. Their recommendations are detailed in this review. The current device-based technologies include drainage of subglottic secretions, silver coated ETTs aiming to influence the internal bio-layer of the ETT, better sealing of the lower airways with ultrathin cuffs and loops for optimal cuff pressure control. EBPG consensus includes: elevation of the head of the bed, use of daily "sedation vacations" and decontamination of the oropharynx. Technological solutions should aim to use the most comprehensive combination of subglottic suction of secretions, optimization of ETT cuff pressure and ultrathin cuffs. VAP is a type of hospital-acquired pneumonia that develops more than 48 h after endotracheal intubation. Its incidence is estimated to be 9-27%, with a

Performance of the PneuX System: A Bench Study Comparison With 4 Other Endotracheal Tube Cuffs.

PubMed

Chenelle, Christopher T; Itagaki, Taiga; Fisher, Daniel F; Berra, Lorenzo; Kacmarek, Robert M

2017-01-01

Cuff design affects microaspiration, a risk factor for pneumonia. We questioned whether the PneuX low-volume fold-free cuff design would prevent cuff leakage and maintain the same tracheal wall pressure as high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) cuffs. We evaluated 4 HVLP-cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs), Hi-Lo (polyvinyl chloride [PVC]), Microcuff (polyurethane [PU]), SealGuard (PU + tapered), and TaperGuard (PVC + tapered), and the PneuX with its dedicated tracheal seal monitor. In Part 1, we determined tracheal wall pressure using each cuff's capacity to support water columns across recommended intracuff pressures. In Part 2, we evaluated the tracheal seal monitor function at recommended settings. In Part 3, we compared leakage volumes of all ETTs during 30 min of simulated mechanical ventilation or during 8 h if no leak occurred. Parts 1 and 3 were performed with/without lubrication and PEEP. In Part 1, PneuX cuffs exerted an average tracheal wall pressure of 27.4 ± 2.4 cm H 2 O at the recommended intracuff pressure of approximately 80 cm H 2 O. Tracheal wall pressure did not differ among HVLP cuffs (19.6 ± 1.4 to 29.5 ± 1.4 cm H 2 O). In Part 2, preinflation intracuff pressure affected the time to obtain tracheal seal monitor pressure attainment (P < .01). The tracheal seal monitor generated average calculated tracheal wall pressure of 33.4 ± 1.2 cm H 2 O. In Part 3, PneuX ETT showed no leak across 8 h for all trials. Overall, leakage volume was lower with PU (P < .01) and PneuX (P < .01) than with PVC cuffs, regardless of shape, and lower with lubrication and/or PEEP (all P < .01). In each HVLP cuff, lubrication alone eliminated leak at an intracuff pressure of ≤30 cm H 2 O. The PneuX cuff generally exerted acceptable tracheal wall pressure, but the tracheal wall pressure monitor allowed pressures exceeding 30 cm H 2 O in some trials and was the only ETT to prevent leak in all tests. For HVLP cuffs, leak was reduced by PU and PEEP and eliminated by lubrication

Shedding light on the role of AT-hook/PPC domain protein in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Ng, Kian-Hong

2010-01-01

Flower reproductive development is a complex process involving well-coordinated control of transcriptional regulation cascades. AGAMOUS (AG) plays an instrumental role in the specification and differentiation of reproductive organs in Arabidopsis thaliana. We recently characterized a downstream target gene of AG, GIANT KILLER (GIK), which encodes for an AT-hook/plants and prokaryotes conserved (PPC) domain protein. We found that overexpression of GIK leads to severe reproductive defects and downregulation of genes involved in patterning and differentiation of reproductive floral organs. We showed that GIK is a matrix protein, and GIK-mediated gene regulation requires binding of GIK to matrix associated region (MAR) of the target genes. We further showed that GIK-mediated negative regulation of one of the target genes, ETTIN (ETT), is associated with changes of chromatin histone modification at ETT promoter, suggesting that GIK acts as a gene expression modulator through chromatin organization. PMID:20173412

A link among DNA replication, recombination, and gene expression revealed by genetic and genomic analysis of TEBICHI gene of Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Inagaki, Soichi; Nakamura, Kenzo; Morikami, Atsushi

2009-08-01

Spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression during development depends on many factors. Mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana TEBICHI (TEB) gene encoding putative helicase and DNA polymerase domains-containing protein result in defects in meristem maintenance and correct organ formation, as well as constitutive DNA damage response and a defect in cell cycle progression; but the molecular link between these phenotypes of teb mutants is unknown. Here, we show that mutations in the DNA replication checkpoint pathway gene, ATR, but not in ATM gene, enhance developmental phenotypes of teb mutants, although atr suppresses cell cycle defect of teb mutants. Developmental phenotypes of teb mutants are also enhanced by mutations in RAD51D and XRCC2 gene, which are involved in homologous recombination. teb and teb atr double mutants exhibit defects in adaxial-abaxial polarity of leaves, which is caused in part by the upregulation of ETTIN (ETT)/AUXIN RESPONSIVE FACTOR 3 (ARF3) and ARF4 genes. The Helitron transposon in the upstream of ETT/ARF3 gene is likely to be involved in the upregulation of ETT/ARF3 in teb. Microarray analysis indicated that teb and teb atr causes preferential upregulation of genes nearby the Helitron transposons. Furthermore, interestingly, duplicated genes, especially tandemly arrayed homologous genes, are highly upregulated in teb or teb atr. We conclude that TEB is required for normal progression of DNA replication and for correct expression of genes during development. Interplay between these two functions and possible mechanism leading to altered expression of specific genes will be discussed.

The WOMEN study: what is the optimal method for ischemia evaluation in women? A multi-center, prospective, randomized study to establish the optimal method for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in women at an intermediate-high pretest likelihood of CAD: study design.

PubMed

Mieres, Jennifer H; Shaw, Leslee J; Hendel, Robert C; Heller, Gary V

2009-01-01

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. The optimal non-invasive test for evaluation of ischemic heart disease in women is unknown. Although current guidelines support the choice of the exercise tolerance test (ETT) as a first line test for women with a normal baseline ECG and adequate exercise capabilities, supportive data for this recommendation are controversial. The what is the optimal method for ischemia evaluation in women? (WOMEN) study was designed to determine the optimal non-invasive strategy for CAD risk detection of intermediate and high risk women presenting with chest pain or equivalent symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease. The study will prospectively compare the 2-year event rates in women capable of performing exercise treadmill testing or Tc-99 m tetrofosmin SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The study will enroll women presenting for the evaluation of chest pain or anginal equivalent symptoms who are capable of performing >5 METs of exercise while at intermediate-high pretest risk for ischemic heart disease who will be randomized to either ETT testing alone or with Tc-99 m tetrofosmin SPECT MPI. The null hypothesis for this project is that the exercise ECG has the same negative predictive value for risk detection as gated myocardial perfusion SPECT in women. The primary aim is to compare 2-year cardiac event rates in women randomized to SPECT MPI to those randomized to ETT. The WOMEN study seeks to provide objective information for guidelines for the evaluation of symptomatic women with an intermediate-high likelihood for CAD.

Do physical examination and CT-scan measures of femoral neck anteversion and tibial torsion relate to each other?

PubMed

Sangeux, Morgan; Mahy, Jessica; Graham, H Kerr

2014-01-01

Informed clinical decision making for femoral and/or tibial de-rotation osteotomies requires accurate measurement of patient function through gait analysis and anatomy through physical examination of bony torsions. Validity of gait analysis has been extensively studied; however, controversy remains regarding the accuracy of physical examination measurements of femoral and tibial torsion. Comparison between CT-scans and physical examination measurements of femoral neck anteversion (FNA) and external tibial torsion (ETT) were retrospectively obtained for 98 (FNA) and 64 (ETT) patients who attended a tertiary hospital for instrumented gait analysis between 2007 and 2010. The physical examination methods studied for femoral neck anteversion were the trochanteric prominence angle test (TPAT) and the maximum hip rotation arc midpoint (Arc midpoint) and for external tibial torsion the transmalleolar axis (TMA). Results showed that all physical examination measurements statistically differed to the CT-scans (bias(standard deviation): -2(14) for TPAT, -10(12) for Arc midpoint and -16(9) for TMA). Bland and Altman plots showed that method disagreements increased with increasing bony torsions in all cases but notably for TPAT. Regression analysis showed that only TMA and CT-scan measurement of external tibial torsion demonstrated good (R(2)=57%) correlation. Correlations for both TPAT (R(2)=14%) and Arc midpoint (R(2)=39%) with CT-scan measurements of FNA were limited. We conclude that physical examination should be considered as screening techniques rather than definitive measurement methods for FNA and ETT. Further research is required to develop more accurate measurement methods to accompany instrumented gait analysis. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated cuff pressure modulation: a novel device to reduce endotracheal tube injury.

PubMed

Chadha, Neil K; Gordin, Arie; Luginbuehl, Igor; Patterson, Greg; Campisi, Paolo; Taylor, Glenn; Forte, Vito

2011-01-01

To assess whether dynamically modulating endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure, by decreasing it during each ventilatory cycle instead of maintaining a constant level, would reduce the extent of intubation-related laryngotracheal injury. Single-blind, randomized controlled animal study using a previously validated live porcine model of accelerated intubation-related tracheal injury. Animal research facility. Ten piglets (weight, 16-20 kg each) were anesthetized and underwent intubation using a cuffed ETT. The animals were randomized into the following 2 groups: 5 pigs had a novel device to modulate their cuff pressure from 25 cm H₂O during inspiration to 7 cm H₂O during expiration, and 5 pigs had a constant cuff pressure of 25 cm H₂O. Both groups underwent ventilation under hypoxic conditions for 4 hours. Laryngotracheal mucosal injury after blinded histopathological assessment. The modulated-pressure group showed significantly less overall laryngotracheal damage than the constant-pressure group (mean grades, 1.2 vs 2.1; P < .001). Subglottic damage and tracheal damage were significantly less severe in the modulated-pressure group (mean grades, 1.0 vs 2.2; P < .001, and 1.9 vs 3.2; P < .001, respectively). There was no significant difference in glottic or supraglottic damage between the groups (P = .06 and .27, respectively). This novel device reduces the risk of subglottic and tracheal injury by modulating ETT cuff pressure in synchronization with the ventilatory cycle. This finding could have far-reaching implications for reducing the risk of airway injury in patients undergoing long-term intubation. Further clinical study of this device is warranted.

Pilot study of dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) therapy for acquired ventilator-associated infection in preterm infants.

PubMed

Scala, Melissa; Hoy, Deborah; Bautista, Maria; Palafoutas, Judith Jones; Abubakar, Kabir

2017-06-01

Evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of adjunctive treatment with dornase alfa in preterm patients with ventilator-associated pulmonary infection (VAPI) compared to standard care. We hypothesize that therapy with dornase alfa will be safe and well tolerated in the preterm population with no worsening of symptoms, oxygen requirement, or need for respiratory support. Prospective, randomized, blinded, pilot study comparing adjunctive treatment with dornase alfa to sham therapy. In addition to standard care, infants were randomized to receive dornase alfa 2.5 mg nebulized via endotracheal tube (ETT) every 12 hr for 7 days or sham therapy. ETT secretion gram stain and culture and chest X-ray (CXR) findings were evaluated. Respiratory support data were downloaded from the ventilator. Fourteen infants developed VAPI between 2012 and 2014; 11 enrolled in the study. Six received dornase alfa and five received sham therapy. Average gestational age at birth was 25 weeks and age at study entry was 31 days. There were no differences in demographics, ETT white blood cell count (WBC), CXR, or mean airway pressure (MAP) between the two groups. There was a trend towards decreased oxygen requirement (FiO2) in the treatment group that did not reach statistical significance. No side effects were observed in the treatment group. Treatment with dornase alfa is safe and treated infants had some improvement in FiO 2 requirement but no improvement in MAP. A larger randomized trial is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:787-791. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

78 FR 30243 - Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-22

... Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT... (AD) for all Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 airplanes equipped with Avio, Avio with ETT, or Avio... identified in this proposed AD, contact Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. 26 East Palatine Road, Wheeling, Illinois...

[The physicist Félix Savart (1791-1841). Physician/Surgeon, pioneer in the study of acoustics].

PubMed

Ségal, Alain

2015-01-01

Félix Savart (1791-1841) was both a physician and a physicist, and also a pioneer of acoustics and psycho-acoustics. In 1819 Savart scientifically devised and contructed a trapezoidal violin with the advice of Paris string-instrument maker J-B Vuillaume. This violin drew the attention of J-B Biot who suggested young Savart to work with him on such acoustic researches. From this collaboration proceeded the so-called "law of Biot-Savart" about magnetic power which was in fact formulated by Pierre Simon de Laplace (1749-1827). Savart worked on numerous and diversified acoustic researches. Lord John Rayleigh described them as "beautiful experiments", and he became a foreign correspondant member of the Royal Society in 1839.

Spatially-Resolved Beam Current and Charge-State Distributions for the NEXT Ion Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollard, James E.; Diamant, Kevin D.; Crofton, Mark W.; Patterson, Michael J.; Soulas, George C.

2010-01-01

Plume characterization tests with the 36-cm NEXT ion engine are being performed at The Aerospace Corporation using engineering-model and prototype-model thrusters. We have examined the beam current density and xenon charge-state distribution as functions of position on the accel grid. To measure the current density ratio j++/j+, a collimated Eprobe was rotated through the plume with the probe oriented normal to the accel electrode surface at a distance of 82 cm. The beam current density jb versus radial position was measured with a miniature planar probe at 3 cm from the accel. Combining the j++/j+ and jb data yielded the ratio of total Xe+2 current to total Xe+1 current (J++/J+) at forty operating points in the standard throttle table. The production of Xe+2 and Xe+3 was measured as a function of propellant utilization to support performance and lifetime predictions for an extended throttle table. The angular dependence of jb was measured at intermediate and far-field distances to assist with plume modeling and to evaluate the thrust loss due to beam divergence. Thrust correction factors were derived from the total doubles-to-singles current ratio and from the far-field divergence data

Enrichment and isolation of Bacillus beveridgei sp. nov., a facultative anaerobic haloalkaliphile from Mono Lake, California, that respires oxyanions of tellurium, selenium, and arsenic

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baesman, S.M.; Stolz, J.F.; Kulp, T.R.; Oremland, R.S.

2009-01-01

Mono Lake sediment slurries incubated with lactate and tellurite [Te(IV)] turned progressively black with time because of the precipitation of elemental tellurium [Te(0)]. An enrichment culture was established from these slurries that demonstrated Te(IV)-dependent growth. The enrichment was purified by picking isolated black colonies from lactate/Te(IV) agar plates, followed by repeated streaking and picking. The isolate, strain MLTeJB, grew in aqueous Te(IV)-medium if provided with a small amount of sterile solid phase material (e.g., agar plug; glass beads). Strain MLTeJB grew at high concentrations of Te(IV) (~8 mM) by oxidizing lactate to acetate plus formate, while reducing Te(IV) to Te(0). Other electron acceptors that were found to sustain growth were tellurate, selenate, selenite, arsenate, nitrate, nitrite, fumarate and oxygen. Notably, growth on arsenate, nitrate, nitrite and fumarate did not result in the accumulation of formate, implying that in these cases lactate was oxidized to acetate plus CO2. Strain MLTeJB is a low G + C Gram positive motile rod with pH, sodium, and temperature growth optima at 8.5-9.0, 0.5-1.5 M, and 40??C, respectively. The epithet Bacillus beveridgei strain MLTeJBT is proposed. ?? 2009 Springer.

Temporal and spatial characteristics of harmful algal blooms in Qingdao Waters, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yongquan; Yu, Zhiming; Song, Xiuxian; Cao, Xihua

2017-03-01

Qingdao waters, including both the semi-enclosed Jiaozhou Bay (JB) and the adjacent water out of JB (OJB), have been the areas that are most frequently affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the western Yellow Sea (west of 124°E). In this research, HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters from 1990 to 2009 were investigated using spatial tools in geographic information system (GIS) and are discussed in terms of their connection to temporal variation. Additionally, the effects of each HAB occurrence were further evaluated using a simple model. The calculated results were then visualized using a GIS software to indicate the effects of HABs in Qingdao waters during the entire period. As a result, the OJB was proven to be responsible for the frequent HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters after 2000, although JB was traditionally believed to be the principle source of HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters. In addition, increasing nitrogen and N/P structure imbalance were essential for increasing HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters throughout the entire period, especially for the recent HAB occurrences in the OJB. The results of this research would improve the current understanding on HAB occurrences in Qingdao waters, which would benefit HAB monitoring and the implementation of a control strategy in China as well.

[Study of oculomotor disorders in spinocerebellar ataxia genotype].

PubMed

Oda, Rie; Takemoto, Tsuyoshi; Kawai, Motoharu; Yamashita, Hiroshi

2006-01-01

Spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) exhibits a variety of spinal and cerebullar symptoms and progress. The recent advent of molecular genetics has revealed triplet repeat mutation in the gene of SCD patients. Due to the underlying genetic defects, hereditary SCD is referred to as different spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) genotypes. We conducted vestibular functional tests in 33 SCD patients, including 3 with SCA3 and 2 with SCA6. We compared the degree of lower extremity ataxia with the degree of oculomotor disorder by using eye tracking tests (ETT) and optokinetic pattern tests (OKP). Both SCA3 and SCA6 show high ETT score and low mean slowest phase velocity in OKP. This means that SCA3 and SCA6 tend to have oculomotor disorder precedes extremity ataxia. Oculomotor examination should thus prove to be a useful, senstive indicator in screening SCD patients from early disease onset, and in evaluating the disease progression and the effectiveness of treatment.

Retardation in Mathematics: A Consideration of Multi-Factorial Determination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lansdown, Richard

1978-01-01

Discusses mathematical retardation as a construct and examines the possible contributions of emotional factors, socioeconomic factors, poor teaching, cognitive factors, and sex difference to low achievement in mathematics. (JB)

The LoTrach system: its role in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PubMed

Fletcher, Andrew J W; Ruffell, Alison J; Young, Peter J

2008-01-01

To discuss the development of the LoTrach system in light of current evidence around the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and its practical application in the intensive care setting. VAP causes substantial morbidity and mortality in ventilated patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increases length of stay in ICU and is extremely costly. Strategies are needed to reduce the risk of VAP. We examine the need for an endotracheal tube (ETT) specifically designed for the critically-ill patient, the development of the LoTrach system from conception to production, and the role of the various components of the system in preventing VAP. Early issues in implementing this revolutionary equipment into ICU are explored and three case studies highlight advantages of this system. The LoTrach system has been designed to facilitate the provision of a number of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to reduce VAP. Pulmonary aspiration is ubiquitous with conventional cuffs but prevented by the cuff of the LoTrach system when held at a constant and safe pressure against the tracheal wall with a cuff pressure controller. Other aspects incorporated in the ETT are aimed at clearing the secretions from the subglottic space, preventing tube occlusion and accidental extubation, and avoiding damage to the airway. In this way the LoTrach system employs a multifactorial approach to the prevention of VAP and the cost savings from LoTrach rather than a standard ETT will be considerable because of an average 3 day reduction in ICU length of stay related to this. It thus has the potential to be a very useful tool in the ICU setting in the prevention of VAP.

Prehospital cardiac arrest survival and neurologic recovery.

PubMed

Hillis, M; Sinclair, D; Butler, G; Cain, E

1993-01-01

Many studies of prehospital defibrillation have been conducted but the effects of airway intervention are unknown and neurologic follow-up has been incomplete. A non-randomized cohort prospective study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of defibrillation in prehospital cardiac arrest. Two ambulance companies in the study area developed a defibrillation protocol and they formed the experimental group. A subgroup of these patients received airway management with an esophageal obturator airway (EOA) or endotracheal intubation (ETT). The control group was composed of patients who suffered a prehospital cardiac arrest and did not receive prehospital defibrillation. All survivors were assessed for residual deficits using the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS). A total of 221 patients were studied over a 32-month period. Both the experimental group (N = 161) and the control group (N = 60) were comparable with respect to age, sex distribution, and ambulance response time. Survival to hospital discharge was 2/60 (3.3%) in the control group and 12/161 (6.3%) in the experimental group. This difference is not statistically significant. Survival in the experimental group by airway management technique was basic airway support (3/76 3.9%), EOA (3/67 4.5%), and ETT (6/48 12.5%). The improved effect on survival by ETT management was statistically significant. Survivors had minor differences in memory, work, and recreation as compared to ischemic heart disease patients as measured by the SIP and DRS. No effect of defibrillation was found on survival to hospital discharge. However, endotracheal intubation improved survival in defibrillated patients. Survivors had a good functional outcome.

Independent Review of Elemental Phosphorus Remediation at the Eastern Michaud Flats FMC Operable Unit near Pocatello, Idaho

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

Martino, L. E.; Jerden, J. J.; Kimmell, T. A.

2016-01-01

If, despite risks to workers and these potential impacts, stakeholders decide that P4 wastes need to be excavated and treated, the Review Team determined that a number of the ETTs examined warrant further consideration for the treatment of P4 waste that has been characterized (for example, P4 waste present in the historical ponds). Nevertheless, concerns about the health and safety of site investigation workers using then-available investigation approaches prevented the collection of subsurface samples containing P4 from large areas of the site (e.g., the railroad swale, the vadose zone beneath the Furnace Building, and the abandoned railcars), As a result,more » the contaminant CSM in those particular areas was not refined enough to allow the Review Team to draw conclusions about using some of the ETTs to treat P4 waste in those areas. The readiness of an ETT for implementation varies depending on many factors, including stakeholder input, permitting, and remedial action construction requirements. Technologies that could be ready for use in the near term (within 1 year) include the following: mechanical excavation, containment technologies, off-site incineration, and drying and mechanical mixing under a tent structure. Technologies that could be ready for use in the mid-term (1 to 2 years) include cutter suction dredging, thermal-hydraulic dredging, and underground pipeline cleaning technologies. Technologies requiring a longer lead time (2 to 5 years) include on-site incineration, a land disposal restriction waste treatment system, an Albright & Wilson batch mud still, post-treatment on-site disposal, and post-treatment off-site disposal.« less

Standardized Wind and Wave Environments for North Pacific Ocean Areas

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-01

D.l 09 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 Oi 0.5 0.4 0.3 2.4 OJ 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.9 1.0 0.8 Oil *^ JB 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 14 1.9 1.C d 9.6 L5 18 18 10 17 2.4 K 17 145 3.1 4.9...18 4 SI laai M4 576 357 IJt k 116 hh " ^ n j ^ ■ 13, O , 3 » 1 1 ■ 3« 12*0 12 W 24 30 38 42 48 54 80 88 72...TOTALS IIIMII ■Hi VJ i9w,f««» JB » 1 KKXNT _ J

Development Test 1 Advanced Attack Helicopter Competitive Evaluation Bell YAH-63 Helicopter

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-01

ff. The poor design of the rotor speed gauge (para 110). gg. The increased level of vibration at an aft eg (para 115). hh . The...4 r j- lR fl ; fl i |n t! jn \\ ift inn ■’ T1’ ! i r h- ’ ... r" ..M if_ B P i: 13 L. KNDl S) n ID 0 TI Rl k f k ff ^ 1 II JB Cli...jje^^g-^ iäSfci^W, " ~—’-’’— -■~*v*’yr*pnsm*v*fr. wnvuf^ u«^ff4rflWW!IJJfJWJIMUI!V.WI’!’ ’ jB ^g^lSWP r?-*«?^WV«r.i?.M»,lB;i»«TOi-<’r™ 7 (X

Robust Multiple-Input-Output Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

3i + 2 JX3H3 X3i+lJ where the diagonal matrices B, are Bx = (i+j)i3 + e B2 = (-l-2j)l3+ jB 2 (147) B3 = (-l -2j)l3 + (l+j)6 + (l +j)B 2 with 0...log2det (l„, + - HH f J (1.65) where p = Px/2cr 2. The channel capacity is then given by C= EH log2detVl„, + ^-HHM (1.66) where the expectation E is...H* ~ [hn hit) (2.4) r (hi2 -h22\\ „ (h.i2 -h\\2\\ Gi - {h22 h-12) G* = {h32 hh ) • Rewrite (2.3) as r = cH + aQ + n

The deep-sea hub of the ANTARES neutrino telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anghinolfi, M.; Calzas, A.; Dinkespiler, B.; Cuneo, S.; Favard, S.; Hallewell, G.; Jaquet, M.; Musumeci, M.; Papaleo, R.; Raia, G.; Valdy, P.; Vernin, P.

2006-11-01

The ANTARES neutrino telescope, currently under construction at 2500 m depth off the French Mediterranean coast, will contain 12 detection lines, powered and read out through a deep-sea junction box (JB) hub. Electrical energy from the shore station is distributed through a transformer with multiple secondary windings and a plugboard with 16 deep sea-mateable electro-optic connectors. Connections are made to the JB outputs using manned or remotely operated submersible vehicles. The triply redundant power management and slow control system is based on two identical AC-powered systems, communicating with the shore through 160 Mb/s fibre G-links and a third battery-powered system using a slower link. We describe the power and slow control systems of the underwater hub.

Education Reform and Career Education--Deja Vu.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stock, Barbara

1984-01-01

The current outcry for educational reform raises issues that have already long concerned career education. This situation gives career educators the opportunity to provide leadership in attaining common educational goals. (JB)

The Application of Computers to Library Technical Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veaner, Allen B.

1970-01-01

Describes computer applications to acquisitions and technical processing and reports in detail on Stanford's development work in automated technical processing. Author is Assistant Director for Bibliographic Operation, Stanford University Libraries. (JB)

Abracadabra-Sorcery and Witchcraft in European History

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, W. R.

1971-01-01

The history of witchcraft offers an interesting avenue to the study and teaching of important historical and social phenomena. Valuable research contributions by historians is discussed and listed in the bibliography. (JB)

What an Executive Should Know About Organization Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tagliere, Daniel A.

1975-01-01

The author defines organization development (OD) and discusses organization, measurement of success, the role of specialists, the relationship between organization and organization interest illustrated in chart form, and 21 OD strategies. (JB)

Before Ethics and Morality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prescott, James W.

1972-01-01

The effects of sensory deprivation in humans is discussed as well as the need for developing a moral education curriculum designed to rear children in an affectional environment of positive reinforcements. (JB)

Behavioral Objectives and Student Learning Contracts in the Teaching of Economics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Economic Education, 1972

1972-01-01

The use of stated behavioral objectives and student learning contracts, planned and prepared by student and teacher, as teaching methods are discussed and an example of a learning contract is presented. (JB)

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Mucoadhesive Film Containing Acmella oleracea Extract for Oral Mucosa Topical Anesthesia

PubMed Central

Santana de Freitas-Blanco, Verônica; Franz-Montan, Michelle; Groppo, Francisco Carlos; de Carvalho, João Ernesto; Figueira, Glyn Mara; Serpe, Luciano; Oliveira Sousa, Ilza Maria; Guilherme Damasio, Viviane Aparecida; Yamane, Lais Thiemi; de Paula, Eneida; Ferreira Rodrigues, Rodney Alexandre

2016-01-01

Purpose To develop an anesthetic mucoadhesive film containing Acmella oleracea (jambu) extract for topical use on oral mucosa. Methods Ethanolic extracts from aerial parts of jambu were prepared by maceration. Pigment removal was obtained by adsorption with activated carbon. Three mucoadhesive films were developed using a film casting method: 10 or 20% of crude jambu extract (10% JB and 20% JB), and 10% of crude jambu extract treated with activated carbon (10% JBC). The mucoadhesive films were characterized regarding their uniformity, thickness, pH, and spilanthol content, and their stability was evaluated during 120 days. Gas chromatography was used to quantify the amount of spilanthol. In vitro tests determined the permeation of spilanthol across pig esophageal epithelium mucosa in Franz diffusion cells. Topical anesthetic efficacy was assessed in vivo using a tail flick test in mice. Results The three mucoadhesive films showed physical stability and visual appearances suitable for use on oral mucosa. The permeation study revealed that the spilanthol from 10% JBC presented higher flux and permeability coefficient values, compared to 10% or 20% JB (p < 0.001). Moreover, 10% JBC showed better topical anesthetic efficacy than the other films (p < 0.01). Conclusion Mucoadhesive film containing crude extract of jambu treated with activated carbon is a potential alternative for oral, topical use, encouraging future clinical studies. PMID:27626796

Interannual to decadal variability of circulation in the northern Japan/East Sea, 1958-2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, Dmitry; Stepanova, Victoriia; Gusev, Anatoly

2015-04-01

We use a numerical ocean model INMOM (Institute of Numerical Mathematics Ocean Model) and atmospheric forcing data extracted from the CORE (Coordinated Ocean Reference Experiments) dataset and reconstruct a circulation in the Japan/East Sea (JES) from 1958 to 2006 and its interannual and decadal variability in the intermediate and abyssal layers in the northern JES. It is founded that the circulation is cyclonic over the course of a climatological year. The circulation increases in spring and decreases in autumn. We analyzes the relative vorticity (RV) averaged over the Japan Basin (JB) and show that the variability is characterized by the interannual oscillations (2.3, 3.7 and 4.7 years) and decadal variability (9.5 and 14.3 years). The spectrum structure of the average RV variability does not change with depth; however, the energy of the decadal oscillations decreases in contrast to that of the interannual oscillations. We analyze monthly anomalies of the wind stress curl and sensible heat flux and reveal that interannual variability (3-4 years) of the circulation over the JB result from 4-year variability of the wind stress curl. In contrast, the decadal variability (period of 9.5 years) of the circulation over the JB is generated by both the wind stress curl and the decadal variability in deep convection.

The relation between specific baryon angular momentum and mass for a sample of nearby low-mass galaxies with resolved H I kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elson, E. C.

2017-12-01

This paper investigates the relationship between specific baryon angular momentum jb and baryon mass Mb for a sample of nearby late-type galaxies with resolved H I kinematics. This work roughly doubles the number of galaxies with Mb ≲ 1010 M⊙ used to study the jb-Mb relation. Most of the galaxies in the sample have their baryon mass dominated by their gas content, thereby offering jb and Mb measures that are relatively unaffected by uncertainties arising from the stellar mass-to-light ratio. Measured H I surface density radial profiles together with optical and rotation curve data from the literature are used to derive a best-fitting relation given by j_b=qM_b^{α }, with α = 0.62 ± 0.02 and log10 q = -3.35 ± 0.25. This result is consistent with the j_b∝ M_b^{2/3} relation that is theoretically expected and also measured by Obreschkow & Glazebrook for their full sample of THINGS spiral galaxies, yet differs to their steeper relation found for subsets with fixed bulge fraction. The 30 arcsec spatial resolution of the H I imaging used in this study is significantly lower than that of the THINGS imaging used by Obreschkow & Glazebrook, yet the results presented in this work are clearly shown to contain no significant systematic errors due to the low-resolution imaging.

Laryngeal nerve damage

MedlinePlus

... Saunders; 2015:chap 67. Smith PW, Hanks JB. Evaluation of the isolated neck mass. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:718-724.

Improving the Work of the School Lenin Museums

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sarafannikova, G. P.

1970-01-01

A number of exemplary compositions and uses of School Lenin Museums are mentioned in this article which brings out the important function of these museums in the political-ideological education of youth. (JB)

A Local Evaluation of Primary School French

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nisbet, J. D.; Welsh, Jennifer

1972-01-01

A local study concludes that primary school French does not confer a lasting advantage but its contribution lies in the enlargement of interest rather that as a preparation for secondary school work. (JB)

A Knowledge of Economics: The Requirement of the Times

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ponomarev, L.

1973-01-01

Studies show that workers who have studied the principles of economics produce less defective products, have their output passed on first inspection, and take a greater part in innovative and social work. (JB)

76 FR 55070 - Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-06

...). Publications: 1. Robbins JB, et al. Synthesis, characterization, and immunogenicity in mice of Shigella sonnei O-specific oligosaccharide- core-protein conjugates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 May 12;106(19...

Adults and Adolescents: Ambivalence and Ambiguity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Staneck, Lou Willet

1974-01-01

Examines the ways in which adolescent books portrey adult characters. Some of the specific books covered are: Lisa, Bright and Dark; Island of the Blue Dolphins; Under the Haystack; and The Outsiders. (JB)

Methods of Farm Guidance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vir, Dharm

1971-01-01

A survey of teaching methods for farm guidance workers in India, outlining some approaches developed by and used in other nations. Discusses mass educational methods, group educational methods, and the local leadership method. (JB)

Extension Has Key Role in "Pest" Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bay, Ovid

1972-01-01

This article describes the Department of Agriculture's new program which provides a combination of biological and cultural pest control techniques in combination with chemicals, as well as long-range pest control research. (Author/JB)

Vitamin B12 level

MedlinePlus

... 21. Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil ... first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D. ...

Observations on the Study of Crime Causation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbons, Don C.

1971-01-01

Although both genetic and situational factors are implicated in criminality, the thesis here is that the latter may well be more important and more frequently encountered than many criminologists have acknowledged to date. (JB)

Constitutive secretion of soluble interleukin-2 receptor by human T cell lymphoma xenografted into SCID mice. Correlation of tumor volume with concentration of tumor-derived soluble interleukin-2 receptor in body fluids of the host mice.

PubMed Central

Wasik, M. A.; Sioutos, N.; Tuttle, M.; Butmarc, J. R.; Kaplan, W. D.; Kadin, M. E.

1994-01-01

Increased serum concentration of soluble alpha-chain receptor for interleukin-2 (sIL-2R) has been noted in patients with a variety of inflammatory conditions and lymphoid malignancies including T cell leukemia and lymphoma. Elevated sIL-2R serum levels seen in lymphoid malignancies appear to correlate with the clinical stage of disease. However, because sIL-2R is produced by normal activated lymphocytes, it has been uncertain whether serum sIL-2R in such conditions is derived from tumor cells or normal immune cells responding to the tumor. To address this question, we used a model of human (CD30+) anaplastic, large T cell lymphoma transplanted into immunodeficient SCID mice. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of tumor RNA showed that the tumor, designated mJB6, contains mRNA for alpha-chain of human IL-2R. Furthermore, 15 to 25% of tumor cells stained with anti-human IL-2R alpha-chain mAb. Solid phase ELISA analysis of serum samples from mice bearing mJB6 lymphoma showed high concentrations of human sIL-2R. None of the control mice without lymphoma or with human nonlymphoid tumors (prostatic carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and glioblastoma multiforme) showed detectable human sIL-2R. The sIL-2R serum titers of mJB6-bearing mice correlated strongly with tumor volume (P < 0.0001). Tumors as small as 0.4 to 0.8 mm3 could be detected by this method. The sensitivity of sIL-2R ELISA exceeded at least 150 times the sensitivity of conventional radioisotopic tumor detection. Total resection of mJB6 tumors resulted in complete clearance of sIL-2R from the murine serum within 48 hours with a half-life of 6 hours. Accordingly, partial resection led to a significant decrease in sIL-2R followed by gradual increase with tumor regrowth. sIL-2R was also detected in the urine of mJB6-transplanted mice. As in serum, urine concentrations of sIL-2R were proportional to tumor mass (P < 0.02). Based on these findings we postulate that malignant cells are a major source of serum

Cost-effectiveness of functional cardiac imaging in the diagnostic work-up of coronary heart disease.

PubMed

Pletscher, Mark; Walker, Simon; Moschetti, Karine; Pinget, Christophe; Wasserfallen, Jean-Blaise; Greenwood, John P; Schwitter, Juerg; Girardin, François R

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of eight common diagnostic work-up strategies for coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with stable angina symptoms in Switzerland. A decision analytical model was used to perform a cost-effectiveness comparison of eight common multitest strategies to diagnose CHD using combinations of four diagnostic techniques: exercise treadmill test (ETT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and coronary angiography (CA). We used a Markov state transition model to extrapolate the results over a life-time horizon, from a third-party payer perspective. We used a CHD prevalence rate of 39% in patients and a base-case scenario with 60-year-old male patients with intermediate symptom severity Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris 2 and at least one cardiovascular (CV) risk factor but without a history of myocardial infarction and without need for revascularization. Among the eight work-up strategies, one strategy was dominant, i.e. least costly and most effective: ETT followed by CMR if the ETT result was inconclusive and then CA if the CMR result was positive or inconclusive. The CMR features a favourable balance between false-negative diagnoses, associated with an elevated risk of CV events, and false-positive diagnoses, leading to unnecessary CA and related mortality. Key parameters guiding the diagnostic strategy are the prevalence of CHD in patients with angina symptoms and the diagnostic costs of CA and CMR. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging appears to be a cost-effective work-up strategy compared with other regimens using SPECT or direct CA. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be more widely recommended as a diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected angina symptoms.

Comparison of the effects of various airway devices on hemodynamic response and QTc interval in rabbits under general anesthesia.

PubMed

Toman, Huseyin; Erbas, Mesut; Sahin, Hasan; Kiraz, Hasan Ali; Uzun, Metehan; Ovali, Mehmet Akif

2015-12-01

In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of various airway devices on QTc interval in rabbits under general anesthesia. The subjects were randomly separated into four groups: Group ETT, Group LMA, Group PLA, Group V-gel. Baseline values and hearth rate, mean arterial pressure and ECG was obtained at the 1st, 5th and 30th minutes after administration of anesthesia and placement of airway device and, QTc interval was evaluated. Difference was observed between ET group and V-gel group in the 5th minute mean arterial pressure values (p < 0.05). It was observed that QTc intervals at the 1st and 5th minute in the ET group significantly increased when compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Again, it was observed that QTc interval of ET group at the 15th and 30th minute was longer when compared with PLA and V-gel groups (p < 0.05). It was also observed that QTc interval of LMA Group at the 5th minute after intubation significantly increased when compared with V-gel group (p < 0.05). It was observed that HR values of ETT group at the 1st, 5th and 15th minutes after intubation increased with regards to PLA and V-gel groups (p < 0.05). It was determined that the 30th minute hearth rate of ETT group was higher when compared to V-gel group (p < 0.05). In our study we observed that V-gel Rabbit affected both hemodynamic response and QT interval less than other airway devices.

The incidence and relevance of site-reported vs. patient-reported angina: insights from the ABSORB II randomized trial comparing Absorb everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold with XIENCE everolimus-eluting metallic stent.

PubMed

Grundeken, Maik J; White, Roseann M; Hernandez, John B; Dudek, Dariusz; Cequier, Angel; Haude, Michael; van Boven, Adrianus J; Piek, Jan J; Helqvist, Steffen; Sabate, Manel; Baumbach, Andreas; Suwannasom, Pannipa; Ishibashi, Yuki; Staehr, Peter; Veldhof, Susan; Cheong, Wai-Fung; de Winter, Robbert J; Garcia-Garcia, Hector M; Wykrzykowska, Joanna J; Onuma, Yoshinobu; Serruys, Patrick W; Chevalier, Bernard

2016-04-01

In the ABSORB II trial, comparing Absorb™ bioresorbable vascular scaffold with metallic XIENCE™ everolimus-eluting stent (EES), a difference was found in site-reported new or worsening angina using adverse event (AE) reporting. However, the clinical relevance of this site-reported angina is unclear. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the clinical relevance of site-reported angina by evaluating its relation with cardiac endpoints, cardiovascular resource utilization (including diagnostics and treatment), positive exercise stress tolerance tests (ETTs), and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Site-reported new or worsening angina was captured on cardiac AE forms. There was a wide variation in the total number of days with site-reported angina (overall interquartile range 35-279 days). Patients with site-reported angina showed higher rates of cardiovascular events [including the patient-oriented composite endpoint of all deaths, all myocardial infarctions (MI), or all revascularizations (21.1 vs. 4.2%, P < 0.0001), all MIs (2.3 vs. 0%, P = 0.03), and all revascularizations (21.1 vs. 0.7%, P < 0.0001)], cardiovascular resource utilization (including stress tests, anti-anginal medication, diagnostic angiographies, and hospitalization), and positive ETTs (51.9 vs. 14.9%, P < 0.001), compared with those without site-reported angina. Furthermore, an event-based analysis of the SAQ showed that patients with ongoing angina within the recall period of 4 weeks prior to the SAQ assessment have clinically and statistically significant decrements of >14 points in SAQ scores compared with those with no reported angina. We showed that the site-reported angina through AE reporting may be clinically relevant because of their relation with cardiovascular events (mostly repeat revascularizations), cardiovascular resource utilization, ETT, and SAQ. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01425281; Unique identifier: NCT01425281.

Comparison between Two Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation Methods; Just-Seal Vs. Stethoscope-Guided.

PubMed

Borhazowal, Rishiraj; Harde, Minal; Bhadade, Rakesh; Dave, Sona; Aswar, Swapnil Ganeshrao

2017-06-01

The Endotracheal Tube (ETT) cuff performs a critical function of sealing the airway during positive pressure ventilation. There is a narrow range of cuff pressure required to maintain a functionally safe seal without exceeding capillary blood pressure. We aimed to compare Just-Seal (JS) and Stethoscope-Guided (SG) method of ETT cuff inflation with respect to the volume of air required to inflate the cuff, the manometric cuff pressure achieved and also to assess for the occurrence of postoperative sore throat after extubation in both the groups. It was a prospective observational study done in a Tertiary Teaching Public Hospital over a period of 1½ years on 100 patients with 50 each in two groups; JS or SG method of cuff inflation. SPSS Version 17 was used for data analysis. Statistically significant difference (p-value of less than 0.05) was noted between the two methods based on the volume of air injected into the cuff {the mean volume injected in JS was 6.79 ml and in the SG was 4.95 ml with p=5.71E-16 (< 0.05)} and cuff pressure achieved {mean cuff pressure achieved was 38.80 cm H 2 O in the JS and 29.64 cm H 2 O in SG with p=2.29E-14 (< 0.05)}. The incidence of post extubation sore throat was 54% (27 in 50) in the JS group and only 12% (6 in 50) in the SG; p= 0.00000797. ETT cuff inflation guided by a stethoscope is an effective technique for ensuring appropriate cuff pressures thus accomplishing the objective of providing safe and superior quality care of the patient both during and after anaesthesia and reducing the likelihood of even minimal risk complications that may still have legal implications.

Correlation of rolling condition, microstructure, and low-temperature toughness of X70 pipeline steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Kim, Young Min; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Nack J.; Yoo, Jang Yong

2005-07-01

Correlation of rolling conditions, microstructure, and low-temperature toughness of high-toughness X70 pipeline steels was investigated in this study. Twelve kinds of steel specimens were fabricated by vacuum-induction melting and hot rolling, and their microstructures were varied by rolling conditions. Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact test and drop-weight tear test (DWTT) were conducted on the rolled steel specimens in order to analyze low-temperature fracture properties. Charpy impact test results indicated that the energy transition temperature (ETT) was below -100 °C when the finish cooling temperature range was 350 °C to 500 °C, showing excellent low-temperature toughness. The ETT increased because of the formation of bainitic ferrite and martensite at low finish cooling temperatures and because of the increase in effective grain size due to the formation of coarse ferrites at high finish cooling temperatures. Most of the specimens also showed excellent DWTT properties as the percent shear area well exceeded 85 pct, irrespective of finish rolling temperatures or finish cooling temperatures, although a large amount of inverse fracture occurred at some finish cooling temperatures.

Effective grain size and charpy impact properties of high-toughness X70 pipeline steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Kim, Yang Gon; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Young Min; Kim, Nack J.; Yoo, Jang Yong

2005-08-01

The correlation of microstructure and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact properties of a high-toughness API X70 pipeline steel was investigated in this study. Six kinds of steel were fabricated by varying the hot-rolling conditions, and their microstructures, effective grain sizes, and CVN impact properties were analyzed. The CVN impact test results indicated that the steels rolled in the single-phase region had higher upper-shelf energies (USEs) and lower energy-transition temperatures (ETTs) than the steels rolled in the two-phase region because their microstructures were composed of acicular ferrite (AF) and fine polygonal ferrite (PF). The decreased ETT in the steels rolled in the single-phase region could be explained by the decrease in the overall effective grain size due to the presence of AF having a smaller effective grain size. On the other hand, the absorbed energy of the steels rolled in the two-phase region was considerably lower because a large amount of dislocations were generated inside PFs during rolling. It was further decreased when coarse martensite or cementite was formed during the cooling process.

Genetics Home Reference: hepatic veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency

MedlinePlus

... Donald JA, Kirk EP, Ziegler JB, Salzer U, McDonald GB, Wong M, Lindeman R, Buckley MF. Mutations ... of Medicine Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA HONCode ...

Scleroderma

MedlinePlus

... to treat arthritis. Blood pressure medicines, such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure -- Blood pressure should be ... 27941129 . Mendoza FA, Nagle SJ, Lee JB, Jimenez SA. A prospective observational study of mycophenolate mofetil treatment ...

Phosphorus in diet

MedlinePlus

... 23115811 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Minerals Read more NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Read more Health Topics A-Z Read more A.D.A. ...

Folic acid - test

MedlinePlus

... 32. Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Acid Read more NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Read more Health Topics A-Z Read more A.D.A. ...

Genetics Home Reference: Townes-Brocks Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... MedlinePlus (5 links) Diagnostic Tests Drug Therapy Genetic Counseling Palliative Care Surgery and Rehabilitation Related Information How ... JB, Wu BL, Korf BR. Townes-Brocks syndrome versus expanded spectrum hemifacial microsomia: review of eight patients ...

The Sphinx's Riddle: Life and Career Cycles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burack, Elmer H.

1984-01-01

Career cycles should be considered apart from life cycles, even though the two are interrelated. This essay examines five theories about life and career cycles, and offers insights into their limitations and potential uses. (JB)

Genetics Home Reference: cherubism

MedlinePlus

... Saheki Y, Kawai T, Mukherjee PM, Reichenberger E, Olsen BR. Increased myeloid cell responses to M-CSF ... Habal M, Rhee-Morris L, Doss JB, Kreiborg S, Olsen BR, Reichenberger E. Mutations in the gene encoding ...

The American Revolution: Something Beyond the Causes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spector, Robert M.

1971-01-01

The author examines the preconditions and justifications for the Revolutionary War, and concludes that the problems between England and the colonies could and should have been resolved through constitutional processes rather than through war. (JB)

Getting Around. Unit I: Public Transportation. Student Lesson #4. English for Living.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with handling urban public transportation, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

Household Density and Infant Care in an East African Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munroe, Ruth H.; Munroe, Robert L.

1971-01-01

A cross-cultural relationship between household density and infant indulgence was investigated among Logoli infants in East Africa. Findings were taken as supportive of the view that socialization practices are influenced by ecological variables. (Author/JB)

The Supermarket. Student Lesson #12. English for Living.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of food, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

Teaching Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Early, Margaret; Searles, John R.

1971-01-01

A review of teaching materials, including filmstrips on writing skills, on Hawthorne, Melville, and Poe; and a review of paperback series on Black literature and contemporary literature--all geared primarily to grades seven through twelve. (JB)

Contemporary Talk on Leadership: Too Many Kings in the Parade?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starratt, Robert J.

1973-01-01

A leader is defined as one who espouses a cause and leadership training programs are seen as means of developing leaders through concern with the philosophy of man, with political philosophy, and with social criticism. (JB)

Thiamin

MedlinePlus

... 23193625 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Riboflavin

MedlinePlus

... 23193625 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Vitamin B12

MedlinePlus

... 23193625 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Vitamin D

MedlinePlus

... 25419853 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Accessed May 5, 2017. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Vitamin K

MedlinePlus

... 25057538 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Zinc in diet

MedlinePlus

... 25077263 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Niacin

MedlinePlus

... 23193625 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Vitamin B6

MedlinePlus

... 23193625 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Vitamin E

MedlinePlus

... 25077263 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Beta-carotene blood test

MedlinePlus

... 302. Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ... Saunders; 2016:chap 218. Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Genetics Home Reference: Rett syndrome

MedlinePlus

... NC, Zappella M, Renieri A, Huppke P, Percy AK; RettSearch Consortium. Rett syndrome: revised diagnostic criteria and ... 2):118-28. Review. Citation on PubMed Percy AK, Lane JB. Rett syndrome: model of neurodevelopmental disorders. ...

A Case Study in Persuasive Effect: Lyman Beecher on Duelling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minnick, Wayne C.

1971-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe and criticize methods critics commonly use to judge speech effects from historical records alone, and to provide a case study illustrating the application of those methods. (Author/JB)

Literacy From The Sky

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Work, 1975

1975-01-01

This article is a brief review of Satellite ATS-F and the part it could play over Asia this year, bringing learning to illiterate adults in Indian Villages and hamlets. A bibliography is included. (Author/JB)

Electronic topological transitions in the AgPd system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skorodumova, N. V.; Simak, S. I.; Smirnova, E. A.; Vekilov, Yu. Kh.

1995-02-01

“First-principles” LMTO-CPA calculations of the Fermi surfaces and thermodynamic properties of AgPd random alloys are presented. We show that there are at least four electronic topological transitions (ETT) in the system. The changes of the Fermi surface topology lead to the appearance of peculiarities in the concentration dependence of the thermodynamic (ground state) properties.

European Training Thesaurus: A Multilingual Synopsis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cedefop - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, 2012

2012-01-01

Education and training issues are similar across Europe, but how can we ensure we mean the same things with the same terms? The new format of the European training thesaurus (ETT) is a multilingual synopsis. It is an online tool enabling those working in education, training and employment to have a common understanding of terms. It helps…

The Relationship between Expansion in Higher Education and the Labour Market in Norway.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aamodt, Per O.; Arnesen, Clara A.

1995-01-01

This article describes quantitative growth in higher education and overall trends in the Norwegian economy and argues that the policy of expanding the capacity of higher education is being used as a buffer against youth unemployment. (JB)

The Restaurant. Student Lesson #14. English for Living.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

To assist the learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of ready-cooked food, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

Wernher von Braun

NASA Image and Video Library

1960-11-03

Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Director, Dr. Wernher von Braun, is pictured here with Army Ballistic Missile Agency’s (ABMA) Commanding General, J.B. Medaris, before a display of Army missles at the ABMA test lab.

North Carolinians Volunteer for Knee Pain Study | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

MedlinePlus

... of the J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory at Wake Forest University. Addressing a Rising Problem For more than ... but they come close.” The clinical trials at Wake Forest last for 18 months or longer. About 88 ...

Cellular Dichotomy Between Anchorage-Independent Growth Responses to bFGF and TA Reflects Molecular Switch in Commitment to Carcinogenesis

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

Waters, Katrina M.; Tan, Ruimin; Opresko, Lee K.

2009-11-01

We have investigated gene expression patterns underlying reversible and irreversible anchorage-independent growth (AIG) phenotypes to identify more sensitive markers of cell transformation for studies directed at interrogating carcinogenesis responses. In JB6 mouse epidermal cells, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces an unusually efficient and reversible AIG response, relative to 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced AIG which is irreversible. The reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes are characterized by largely non-overlapping global gene expression profiles. However, a subset of differentially expressed genes were identified as common to reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes, including genes regulated in a reciprocal fashion. Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) andmore » D-site albumin promoter-binding protein (DBP) were increased in both bFGF and TPA soft agar colonies and selected for functional validation. Ectopic expression of human HLF and DBP in JB6 cells resulted in a marked increase in TPA- and bFGF-regulated AIG responses. HLF and DBP expression were increased in soft agar colonies arising from JB6 cells exposed to gamma radiation and in a human basal cell carcinoma tumor tissue, relative to paired non-tumor tissue. Subsequent biological network analysis suggests that many of the differentially expressed genes that are common to bFGF- and TPA-dependent AIG are regulated by c-Myc, SP-1 and HNF-4 transcription factors. Collectively, we have identified a potential molecular switch that mediates the transition from reversible to irreversible AIG.« less

Cyanidin-3-glucoside, a natural product derived from blackberry, exhibits chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity.

PubMed

Ding, Min; Feng, Rentian; Wang, Shiow Y; Bowman, Linda; Lu, Yongju; Qian, Yong; Castranova, Vincent; Jiang, Bing-Hua; Shi, Xianglin

2006-06-23

Epidemiological data suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower incidence of cancer. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a compound found in blackberry and other food products, was shown to possess chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity in the present study. In cultured JB6 cells, C3G was able to scavenge ultraviolet B-induced *OH and O2-* radicals. In vivo studies indicated that C3G treatment decreased the number of non-malignant and malignant skin tumors per mouse induced by 12-O-tetradecanolyphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated mouse skin. Pretreatment of JB6 cells with C3G inhibited UVB- and TPA-induced transactivation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These inhibitory effects appear to be mediated through the inhibition of MAPK activity. C3G also blocked TPA-induced neoplastic transformation in JB6 cells. In addition, C3G inhibited proliferation of a human lung carcinoma cell line, A549. Animal studies showed that C3G reduced the size of A549 tumor xenograft growth and significantly inhibited metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistic studies indicated that C3G inhibited migration and invasion of A549 tumor cells. These finding demonstrate for the first time that a purified compound of anthocyanin inhibits tumor promoter-induced carcinogenesis and tumor metastasis in vivo.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system.

PubMed

Mirzad, Ahmad Nawid; Tada, Takashi; Ano, Hitoshi; Kobayashi, Ikuo; Yamauchi, Takenori; Katamoto, Hiromu

2018-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status.

Seasonal changes in serum oxidative stress biomarkers in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system

PubMed Central

MIRZAD, Ahmad Nawid; TADA, Takashi; ANO, Hitoshi; KOBAYASHI, Ikuo; YAMAUCHI, Takenori; KATAMOTO, Hiromu

2017-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress during hot summer season using serum oxidative stress biomarkers and elucidate the effects of serum antioxidant vitamin levels in dairy and beef cows in a daytime grazing system. Blood samples were collected once a month from eight Holstein Friesian (HF) and 10 Japanese Black (JB) cows from November 2013 to October 2014. Serum values of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) tended to be higher in March in both breeds and those in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.001) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum levels of biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in both breeds were maintained at almost the same values during study period. The OSI [(d-ROMs/BAP) × 100] values in both breeds showed similar seasonal changes, i. e. increase from December to March and decrease from March to August or September. In addition, the OSI values in HF cows were kept at higher (P<0.01) levels than those in JB cows during the study period. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, blood urea nitrogen and total cholesterol showed similar seasonal changes in both breeds, low in the winter and high from spring to summer, which may be attributed to the pasture grass intake. Opposite changes in OSI values and serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene indicated that antioxidant vitamin levels could affect oxidative stress status. PMID:29142148

Genetics Home Reference: branchio-oculo-facial syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Bean LJH, Bird TD, Ledbetter N, Mefford HC, Smith RJH, Stephens K, editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): ... Zori RT, Burch MN, Clemens M, Mulliken JB, Smith R, Lin AE. TFAP2A mutations result in branchio- ...

Renaissance Paideia: Some Ideals in Italian Humanism and Their Relevance Today

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weakland, John E.

1973-01-01

The humanists of the Renaissance developed a philosophy of education which stated that education must always be connected with the active life, must lead to the development of humanity, must be for the benefit of the community. (JB)

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Strategic Target System. Volume III

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

HH e . = - - A. H -O , ai ^ V-w;^M3J ^3 c +*’’ Q in tn a in ’■*5i iii +> jB ^f* TT-P...a a « HH -IUOJ m •£ a HŔ JJ • rH»J JJ-H « O B c u a H OJJ «^ w-i c s s a a Ö H a JJ fto BBC -H u^ U "W BUBO 0££ ɠ O...3 <§ E"S"§ « ö •S<S 00« gŖ O n> ■ £ a * BO 1 > I B JB S « - £ B 8 ^ O C O tj K I- O D, =« ° ° "O "P^MO’C S « S -S *" «

Creative Thinking Package

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Clive

1972-01-01

A look at the latest package from a British managment training organization, which explains and demonstrates creative thinking techniques, including brainstorming. The package, designed for groups of twelve or more, consists of tapes, visuals, and associated exercises. (Editor/JB)

Director von Braun Presents General Medaris With Golf Bag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1959-01-01

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun presents General J.B. Medaris with a new golf bag. General Medaris, (left) was a Commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama during 1955 to 1958.

EMAP Users Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kotz, Arnold; Redondo, Rory

Presented is the user's manual for the Educational Manpower Information Sources Project (EMAP), an information file containing approximately 325 document abstracts related to the field of educational planning. (The EMAP file is described in document SP 006 747.) (JB)

The Department Store. Student Lesson #11. English for Living.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of clothing and personal items, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

Wernher von Braun

NASA Image and Video Library

1959-01-01

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun presents General J.B. Medaris with a new golf bag. General Medaris, (left) was a Commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama during 1955 to 1958.

Position Paper. Cutting the NSF-OSIS Budget: Potential Disaster for Information Science and Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Joshua I.

1974-01-01

A statement submitted on behalf of ASIS to the Subcommitte on Science Research and Development of the Committee on Science and Astronautics of the U.S. House of Representatives on the NSF Authorization Act 1975, HR 12816. (Author/JB)

77 FR 17505 - Morris W. Cochran, M.D.: Revocation of Registration

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-26

... as cocaine * * * or marijuana at that time.'' Id. at 483. However, JB's file does not contain the... marijuana use. GX 5R, at 12. Respondent believed his care of JH was appropriate. Tr. 492. KP On June 2, 2010...

Information Service for Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doyle, James E.

1970-01-01

Describes the Regional Information System (RIS), an information system developed and field tested by the Michigan Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory (MOREL) to locate research information on educational innovation as well as information on people and agencies involved with innovative programs. (JB)

It's Such a Beautiful Day

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asimov, Isaac

1973-01-01

Topic 5, Expanding Horizons of Science, asks students to question the expansion of the human element and reaction to the environmetal changes brought about by advancing technology. The story is taken from the 1954 book, Nightfall and Other Stories. (JB)

Children's Use of Lexical and Non-Lexical Information in Responding to Commands.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Stephen; Palermo, David S.

1982-01-01

Research results indicated that children were able to use information from a number of sources in interpreting commands in which the relational terms were replaced by nonsense. Linguistic and nonlinguistic context and prior repetition presented constraints to children's responses. (Author/JB)

Magnesium in diet

MedlinePlus

... 23115811 . Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 218. National Institutes of Health. Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals. Updated February ...

Genetics Home Reference: Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Claerhout I, Kroes HY, Plomp A, Arens YH, de Ravel T, Casteels I, De Jaegere S, Hooghe S, Wuyts W, van den Ende J, ... Knol HE, Oldenburg RA, Giltay J, Verheij JB, de Faber JT, Menten B, De Paepe A, Kestelyn ...

Modeling Vertical Flow Treatment Wetland Hydraulics to Optimize Treatment Efficiency

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-24

ammonia, such as landfill leachate and food processing wastes (Kadlec and Wallace, 2009). Figure 2: Typical Horizontal Subsurface Flow Treatment...51(9): 165-171, 2005. Williams, J.B. Phytoremediation in wetland ecosystems: Progress, problems, and potential. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences

Roundup

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Intercom, 1971

1971-01-01

This consists of several topical selections: World Affairs. General; Arms Control and Disarmament; International Organizations; Regional Problems and how they relate to World Stability; Air, Trade and Development; and Ethics and War. Each section covers organizational activity and resources. (JB)

Development of Factorially Based ASVAB High School Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

commercial test batteries. 2For details see Nie , N. H . , Hull , C. H . , et al . , Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Second Edition ). New...E*ss.rdi APE, AIIM: SAVTE-t 1 USA Air Del Sets. Ft Su es, ATTN : AISA TEN I USA Ate Mobility Rids I Des Lab, Mol$ett FM, AIIM: ‘3A’JOL-AS I USA

The Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team Program as a Model for Assisting the Development of an Effective Afghan National Army

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-12

care has been taken to ensure the ANA is comprised of soldiers from all of Afghanistan’s major ethnic groups - Pashtun, Tajik, Uzbek , Hazara, Turkmen...Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland , Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), and United States have contributed full OMLTs/ETTs...embedded training teams) while Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland , Portugal, Romania, Slovenia

Improvements in Precise and Accurate Isotope Ratio Determination via LA-MC-ICP-MS by Application of an Alternative Data Reduction Protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fietzke, J.; Liebetrau, V.; Guenther, D.; Frische, M.; Zumholz, K.; Hansteen, T. H.; Eisenhauer, A.

2008-12-01

An alternative approach for the evaluation of isotope ratio data using LA-MC-ICP-MS will be presented. In contrast to previously applied methods it is based on the simultaneous responses of all analyte isotopes of interest and the relevant interferences without performing a conventional background correction. Significant improvements in precision and accuracy can be achieved when applying this new method and will be discussed based on the results of two first methodical applications: a) radiogenic and stable Sr isotopes in carbonates b) stable chlorine isotopes of pyrohydrolytic extracts. In carbonates an external reproducibility of the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of about 19 ppm (RSD) was achieved, an improvement of about a factor of 5. For recent and sub-recent marine carbonates a mean radiogenic strontium isotope ratio 87Sr/86Sr of 0.709170±0.000007 (2SE) was determined, which agrees well with the value of 0.7091741±0.0000024 (2SE) reported for modern sea water [1,2]. Stable chlorine isotope ratios were determined ablating pyrohydrolytic extracts with a reproducibility of about 0.05‰ (RSD). For basaltic reference material JB1a and JB2 chlorine isotope ratios were determined relative to SMOC (standard mean ocean chlorinity) δ37ClJB-1a = (-0.99±0.06) ‰ and δ37ClJB-1a = (-0.60±0.03) ‰ (SD), respectively, in accordance with published data [3]. The described strategies for data reduction are considered to be generally applicable for all isotope ratio measurements using LA-MC-ICP-MS. [1] J.M. McArthur, D. Rio, F. Massari, D. Castradori, T.R. Bailey, M. Thirlwall, S. Houghton, Palaeogeo. Palaeoclim. Palaeoeco., 2006, 242 (126), doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2006.06.004 [2] J. Fietzke, V. Liebetrau, D. Guenther, K. Guers, K. Hametner, K. Zumholz, T.H. Hansteen and A. Eisenhauer, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2008, 23, 955-961, doi:10.1039/B717706B [3] J. Fietzke, M. Frische, T.H. Hansteen and A. Eisenhauer, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2008, 23, 769-772, doi:10.1039/B718597A

Hitler's Reich Viewed from 1984

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, James E.

1971-01-01

Viewed within a context of Orwell's 1984," the author's visit to East Germany, and particularly to the Museum for German History, revealed the efforts of an authoritarian regime to manipulate the thoughts and directions of that society to its own advantage. (JB)

75 FR 70276 - Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-17

... of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority Part J (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the... Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Section J-B, Organization and Functions, is hereby amended as...

The Reluctant Professor: Implications for University Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schein, Edgar H.

1973-01-01

Stating the belief that most analyses of the university fail to deal realistically with the role of the professor, the author's purpose is to show why it is difficult and possible undesirable to involve professors deeply in issues of university government. (Author/JB)

The Age of Lawlessness and the Idea of Mankind

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starr, Isador

1972-01-01

Civil disobedience, the type of lawlessness characterized by an appeal to natural law, natural right, or conscience, should be the subject of special study and incorporated into our course, wherever relevant, with a view to analyzing its nature and implications. (Author/JB)

Moral Reasoning and Political Ideology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fishkin, James; And Others

1973-01-01

This study showed that subjects who reasoned at the conventional moral level were politically conservative, while preconventional subjects favored violent radicalism. The seemingly intimate relationship between the logical structures of moral argumentation and the content of political idealogy is discussed. (Author/JB)

Rules, Models, and Self-Reinforcement in Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hildebrandt, David E.; And Others

1973-01-01

The study found that concordance between a rule and a recent model's behavior was most effective in leading to acceptance of the rule, despite a tendency for the subject's to adopt lenient self-reinforcement criteria when given an opportunity to do so. (JB)

Iron Metallurgy: Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 2, No. 7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to iron metallurgy. Various aspects of iron production are described in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended. (JB)

Power Transformers: Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol.2, No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to power transformers. A brief narrative on the subject is presented in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended. (JB)

Electric Motors: Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 1, No. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to electric motors. A brief narrative on the subject is included in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended (JB).

A Bookmobile Goes In Brooklyn

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moran, Irene E.

1969-01-01

Describes the Brooklyn Public Library's Bookmobile Service Trust, an educational traveling library which is intended to introduce people in slum communities to books and reading. The project launched in 1967 as a combination of business financing, private initiative, and library expertise. (JB)

Genetics Home Reference: Parkes Weber syndrome

MedlinePlus

... JB, Enjolras O, Cordisco MR, Burrows PE, Clapuyt P, Hammer F, Dubois J, Baselga E, Brancati F, Carder R, Quintal JM, Dallapiccola B, Fischer G, Frieden IJ, Garzon M, Harper J, Johnson-Patel J, Labrèze C, Martorell L, Paltiel HJ, Pohl ...

Genetics Home Reference: capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome

MedlinePlus

... JB, Enjolras O, Cordisco MR, Burrows PE, Clapuyt P, Hammer F, Dubois J, Baselga E, Brancati F, Carder R, Quintal JM, Dallapiccola B, Fischer G, Frieden IJ, Garzon M, Harper J, Johnson-Patel J, Labrèze C, Martorell L, Paltiel HJ, Pohl ...

Numerical investigation of pulmonary drug delivery under mechanical ventilation conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Arindam; van Rhein, Timothy

2012-11-01

The effects of mechanical ventilation waveform on fluid flow and particle deposition were studied in a computer model of the human airways. The frequency with which aerosolized drugs are delivered to mechanically ventilated patients demonstrates the importance of understanding the effects of ventilation parameters. This study focuses specifically on the effects of mechanical ventilation waveforms using a computer model of the airways of patient undergoing mechanical ventilation treatment from the endotracheal tube to generation G7. Waveforms were modeled as those commonly used by commercial mechanical ventilators. Turbulence was modeled with LES. User defined particle force models were used to model the drag force with the Cunningham correction factor, the Saffman lift force, and Brownian motion force. The endotracheal tube (ETT) was found to be an important geometric feature, causing a fluid jet towards the right main bronchus, increased turbulence, and a recirculation zone in the right main bronchus. In addition to the enhanced deposition seen at the carinas of the airway bifurcations, enhanced deposition was also seen in the right main bronchus due to impaction and turbulent dispersion resulting from the fluid structures created by the ETT. Authors acknowledge financial support through University of Missouri Research Board Award.

Validation of maternal cardiac output assessed by transthoracic echocardiography against pulmonary artery catheterization in severely ill pregnant women: prospective comparative study and systematic review.

PubMed

Cornette, J; Laker, S; Jeffery, B; Lombaard, H; Alberts, A; Rizopoulos, D; Roos-Hesselink, J W; Pattinson, R C

2017-01-01

ámicos serios, debido a los cuales existe la necesidad de sistemas validados de monitorización hemodinámica para mujeres embarazadas. Aunque la cateterización de la arteria pulmonar (CAP) mediante termodilución es el patrón de referencia clínico para la medición del gasto cardíaco (GC), este método se usa con poca frecuencia debido a su naturaleza invasiva. La ecocardiografía transtorácica (ETT) permite la determinación no invasiva del GC. El objetivo de este estudio fue validar la ETT frente al CAP para determinar el GC en mujeres embarazadas gravemente enfermas. MÉTODOS: Este estudio consistió en un metaanálisis que combinó datos de un estudio prospectivo y una revisión sistemática. El estudio prospectivo se llevó a cabo en Pretoria (Sudáfrica) en 2003. Se incluyeron mujeres con complicaciones graves en el embarazo que requerían una monitorización invasiva mediante CAP según las directrices de ese momento. Se realizó una ETT en un plazo de 15 minutos de haber realizado el CAP y el investigador no tuvo acceso a las mediciones del CAP. Las mediciones comparativas se extrajeron de estudios similares obtenidos a partir de una revisión sistemática de la literatura y se añadieron a una base de datos. Se compararon las mediciones simultáneas del GC mediante ETT y CAP. La concordancia entre métodos se evaluó a través del método estadístico de Bland-Altman y de coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CCI). Se incluyeron treinta y cuatro mediciones comparativas en el metaanálisis. Los valores medios del GC obtenidos mediante CAP y ETT fueron de 7,39 l/min y 7.18 l/min, respectivamente. El sesgo fue de 0,21 l/min, siendo los límites inferior y superior de la concordancia de -1,18 l/min y 1.60 l/min; el error porcentual fue del 19,1%, y el CCI entre ambos métodos fue de 0,94. Las mediciones del GC en mujeres embarazadas mediante ETT muestran una excelente concordancia con las obtenidas mediante CAP. Dada su naturaleza no invasiva y su

Exact CNOT gates with a single nonlocal rotation for quantum-dot qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Arijeet; Rashba, Emmanuel I.; Halperin, Bertrand I.

2015-09-01

We investigate capacitively-coupled exchange-only two-qubit quantum gates based on quantum dots. For exchange-only coded qubits electron spin S and its projection Sz are exact quantum numbers. Capacitive coupling between qubits, as distinct from interqubit exchange, preserves these quantum numbers. We prove, both analytically and numerically, that conservation of the spins of individual qubits has a dramatic effect on the performance of two-qubit gates. By varying the level splittings of individual qubits, Ja and Jb, and the interqubit coupling time, t , we can find an infinite number of triples (Ja,Jb,t ) for which the two-qubit entanglement, in combination with appropriate single-qubit rotations, can produce an exact cnot gate. This statement is true for practically arbitrary magnitude and form of capacitive interqubit coupling. Our findings promise a large decrease in the number of nonlocal (two-qubit) operations in quantum circuits.

Hancock IAP, Syracuse, New York. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-06

57.3 57.4 57." 57.4 5 7 .4 57.4 57.4 57.. 57.4 57.4 , 5 5 56.9 5§. 0-9.35.1 .- ,Z 2.l 5,;.8 54,C c .2 60.3 bJb 61.3 bl.4 61.4, 61.4 61.’. 61. 4 t .4...SUMMARY OF SURPR b2ti UNC.LASSIFIED U SAFETAC/OS-82/O2O SB1-AD-ESSO 164 N I hh Ih,,h ii1 111111111m 4I o5 AO_ IWA 1008 ’LAL CLIMATCLOGY BRACH -LTAC EXTREME...TEMPERATURE OEPRESSION (F) TOTAL TOTAL () 0 1-2 3-4 5 .6 7 5 9.I .2 22. (231S -67 I8I.02.2 2? 2 26127 2 29.-30 * 31OS’S. jb ., W..,I .b0. P..n* 7 / 77

Rare excitatory amino acid from flowers of zonal geranium responsible for paralyzing the Japanese beetle.

PubMed

Ranger, Christopher M; Winter, Rudolph E; Singh, Ajay P; Reding, Michael E; Frantz, Jonathan M; Locke, James C; Krause, Charles R

2011-01-25

The Japanese beetle (JB), Popillia japonica, exhibits rapid paralysis after consuming flower petals of zonal geranium, Pelargonium x hortorum. Activity-guided fractionations were conducted with polar flower petal extracts from P. x hortorum cv. Nittany Lion Red, which led to the isolation of a paralysis-inducing compound. High-resolution-MS and NMR ((1)H, (13)C, COSY, heteronuclear sequential quantum correlation, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation) analysis identified the paralytic compound as quisqualic acid (C(5)H(7)N(3)O(5)), a known but rare agonist of excitatory amino acid receptors. Optical rotation measurements and chiral HPLC analysis determined an L-configuration. Geranium-derived and synthetic L-quisqualic acid demonstrated the same positive paralytic dose-response. Isolation of a neurotoxic, excitatory amino acid from zonal geranium establishes the phytochemical basis for induced paralysis of the JB, which had remained uncharacterized since the phenomenon was first described in 1920.

The statistical mechanics of relativistic orbits around a massive black hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bar-Or, Ben; Alexander, Tal

2014-12-01

Stars around a massive black hole (MBH) move on nearly fixed Keplerian orbits, in a centrally-dominated potential. The random fluctuations of the discrete stellar background cause small potential perturbations, which accelerate the evolution of orbital angular momentum by resonant relaxation. This drives many phenomena near MBHs, such as extreme mass-ratio gravitational wave inspirals, the warping of accretion disks, and the formation of exotic stellar populations. We present here a formal statistical mechanics framework to analyze such systems, where the background potential is described as a correlated Gaussian noise. We derive the leading order, phase-averaged 3D stochastic Hamiltonian equations of motion, for evolving the orbital elements of a test star, and obtain the effective Fokker-Planck equation for a general correlated Gaussian noise, for evolving the stellar distribution function. We show that the evolution of angular momentum depends critically on the temporal smoothness of the background potential fluctuations. Smooth noise has a maximal variability frequency {{ν }max }. We show that in the presence of such noise, the evolution of the normalized angular momentum j=\\sqrt{1-{{e}2}} of a relativistic test star, undergoing Schwarzschild (in-plane) general relativistic precession with frequency {{ν }GR}/{{j}2}, is exponentially suppressed for j\\lt {{j}b}, where {{ν }GR}/jb2˜ {{ν }max }, due to the adiabatic invariance of the precession against the slowly varying random background torques. This results in an effective Schwarzschild precession-induced barrier in angular momentum. When jb is large enough, this barrier can have significant dynamical implications for processes near the MBH.

Inhibitory effect on activator protein-1, nuclear factor-kappaB, and cell transformation by extracts of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.).

PubMed

Wang, Shiow Y; Feng, Rentian; Lu, Yongju; Bowman, Linda; Ding, Min

2005-05-18

The inhibitory effects of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) antioxidant enzymes on tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or ultraviolet-B (UVB) induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were studied. The inhibitory effects of strawberry extracts on the proliferation and transformation of human and mouse cancer cells were also evaluated. Strawberries had high activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Strawberry extracts inhibited the proliferation of human lung epithelial cancer cell line A549 and decreased TPA-induced neoplastic transformation of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells. Pretreatment of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells with strawberry extract resulted in the inhibition of both UVB- and TPA-induced AP-1 and NF-kappaB transactivation. Furthermore, strawberry extract also blocked TPA-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and UVB-induced phosphorylation of ERKs and JNK kinase in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cell culture. These results suggest that the ability of strawberries to block UVB- and TPA-induced AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation may be due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to reduce oxidative stress. The oxidative events that regulate AP-1 and NF-kappaB transactivation can be important molecular targets for cancer prevention. The strawberries may be highly effective as a chemopreventive agent that acts by targeting the down-regulation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB activities, blocking MAPK signaling, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation and transformation.

Role of Pin1 in UVA-induced cell proliferation and malignant transformation in epidermal cells

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

Han, Chang Yeob; Hien, Tran Thi; Lim, Sung Chul

2011-06-24

Highlights: {yields} Pin1 expression is enhanced by low energy UVA irradiation in both skin tissues of hairless mice and JB6 C141 epidermal cells. {yields} UVA irradiation increases activator protein-1 activity and cyclin D1 in a Pin1-dependent manner. {yields} UVA potentiates EGF-inducible, anchorage-independent growth of epidermal cells, and this is suppressed by Pin1 inhibition or by anti-oxidant. -- Abstract: Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation ({lambda} = 320-400 nm) is considered a major cause of human skin cancer. Pin1, a peptidyl prolyl isomerase, is overexpressed in most types of cancer tissues and plays an important role in cell proliferation and transformation. Here, wemore » demonstrated that Pin1 expression was enhanced by low energy UVA (300-900 mJ/cm{sup 2}) irradiation in both skin tissues of hairless mice and JB6 C141 epidermal cells. Exposure of epidermal cells to UVA radiation increased cell proliferation and cyclin D1 expression, and these changes were blocked by Pin1 inhibition. UVA irradiation also increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) minimal reporter activity and nuclear levels of c-Jun, but not c-Fos, in a Pin1-dependent manner. The increases in Pin1 expression and in AP-1 reporter activity in response to UVA were abolished by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Finally, we found that pre-exposure of JB6 C141 cells to UVA potentiated EGF-inducible, anchorage-independent growth, and this effect was significantly suppressed by Pin1inhibition or by NAC.« less

Smoking induces transcription of the heat shock protein system in the joints.

PubMed

Ospelt, Caroline; Camici, Giovanni G; Engler, Anna; Kolling, Christoph; Vogetseder, Alexander; Gay, Renate E; Michel, Beat A; Gay, Steffen

2014-07-01

Smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and worsens the course of the disease. In the current study we analysed whether smoking can affect gene expression directly in the joints. Synovial fibroblasts were incubated with 5% cigarette smoke extract and changes in gene expression were detected using whole genome microarrays and verified with real-time PCR. Synovial tissues were obtained from smoking and non-smoking patients with RA undergoing joint replacement surgery and from mice exposed to cigarette smoke or ambient air in a whole body exposure chamber for 3 weeks. Microarray and real-time PCR analysis showed a significant upregulation of the heat shock proteins DnaJA4, DnaJB4, DnaJC6, HspB8 and Hsp70 after stimulation of synovial fibroblasts with 5% cigarette smoke extract. Similarly, in synovial tissues of smokers with RA the expression of DnaJB4, DnaJC6, HspB8 and Hsp70 was significantly higher compared with non-smokers with RA. Upregulation of DnaJB4 and DnaJC6 in joints by smoking was also confirmed in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Our data clearly show that smoking can change gene expression in the joints, which can lead to the activation of signalling pathways that promote development of autoimmunity and chronic joint inflammation. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve

PubMed Central

Bravo, Javier A.; Forsythe, Paul; Chew, Marianne V.; Escaravage, Emily; Savignac, Hélène M.; Dinan, Timothy G.; Bienenstock, John; Cryan, John F.

2011-01-01

There is increasing, but largely indirect, evidence pointing to an effect of commensal gut microbiota on the central nervous system (CNS). However, it is unknown whether lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus could have a direct effect on neurotransmitter receptors in the CNS in normal, healthy animals. GABA is the main CNS inhibitory neurotransmitter and is significantly involved in regulating many physiological and psychological processes. Alterations in central GABA receptor expression are implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression, which are highly comorbid with functional bowel disorders. In this work, we show that chronic treatment with L. rhamnosus (JB-1) induced region-dependent alterations in GABAB1b mRNA in the brain with increases in cortical regions (cingulate and prelimbic) and concomitant reductions in expression in the hippocampus, amygdala, and locus coeruleus, in comparison with control-fed mice. In addition, L. rhamnosus (JB-1) reduced GABAAα2 mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, but increased GABAAα2 in the hippocampus. Importantly, L. rhamnosus (JB-1) reduced stress-induced corticosterone and anxiety- and depression-related behavior. Moreover, the neurochemical and behavioral effects were not found in vagotomized mice, identifying the vagus as a major modulatory constitutive communication pathway between the bacteria exposed to the gut and the brain. Together, these findings highlight the important role of bacteria in the bidirectional communication of the gut–brain axis and suggest that certain organisms may prove to be useful therapeutic adjuncts in stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. PMID:21876150

A Mutation in UL15 of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 That Reduces Packaging of Cleaved Genomes▿

PubMed Central

Yang, Kui; Wills, Elizabeth G.; Baines, Joel D.

2011-01-01

Herpesvirus genomic DNA is cleaved from concatemers that accumulate in infected cell nuclei. Genomic DNA is inserted into preassembled capsids through a unique portal vertex. Extensive analyses of viral mutants have indicated that intact capsids, the portal vertex, and all components of a tripartite terminase enzyme are required to both cleave and package viral DNA, suggesting that DNA cleavage and packaging are inextricably linked. Because the processes have not been functionally separable, it has been difficult to parse the roles of individual proteins in the DNA cleavage/packaging reaction. In the present study, a virus bearing the deletion of codons 400 to 420 of UL15, encoding a terminase component, was analyzed. This virus, designated vJB27, failed to replicate on noncomplementing cells but cleaved concatemeric DNA to ca. 35 to 98% of wild-type levels. No DNA cleavage was detected in cells infected with a UL15-null virus or a virus lacking UL15 codons 383 to 385, comprising a motif proposed to couple ATP hydrolysis to DNA translocation. The amount of vJB27 DNA protected from DNase I digestion was reduced compared to the wild-type virus by 6.5- to 200-fold, depending on the DNA fragment analyzed, thus indicating a profound defect in DNA packaging. Capsids containing viral DNA were not detected in vJB27-infected cells, as determined by electron microscopy. These data suggest that pUL15 plays an essential role in DNA translocation into the capsid and indicate that this function is separable from its role in DNA cleavage. PMID:21880766

Sphingosine Prevents Bacterial Adherence to Endotracheal Tubes: A Novel Mechanism to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-21

measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces, ISO 22196. Bacteria were prepared as described above to a concentration of...PVC ETTs. The antimicrobial assay we used is a variation of the international standard for measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and... activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, sphingosine’s presence in the skin, oral mucosa, and respiratory mucosa

Information Sciences Assessment for Asia and Australasia

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-16

entertainment and home services - Machine Translation for international cooperation - NLU + Affective Computing for education - Intelligent Optimization for...into an emotion. ETTS, embedded Mandarin, music retrieval. Also, research in areas of computer graphics, digital media processing  Intelligent...many from outside China, 40% in phase 2 Sales volume in 2007 130 * 100 million RMB SAP (1st), CITI, AIG, EDS, Capgemini, ILOG, Infosys, HCL, Sony

Silicide Formation and Schottky Barrier of Rare-Earth Metals on SI

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-30

1981). 4. K. N. Tu, R. D. Thompson and B. Y. Tsaur, App]. Phys. Lett. 38, 626 (1981). 5. H. Norde, J. de Sousa Pires, F. d’Heurle, F. Pesavento , S...Phys. Lett. 38, 626 (1981). 7. H. Plarde, J. de ’’uis Pires, F. dI’Heurle, F. Pesavento , S. Petersson and P. A. Tove, ;!.Phys. L.ett. 38, 865 (1981

An Investigation of the Reacting and Non-Reacting Flow Characteristics of Solid Fuel Ramjets.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

which was run on the IBM-360 computer at the Naval 23 Postgraduate School. Programs for Texas Instruments TI - 59 programmable calculator were utilized...Pc’ F P A e 12 = g(y+l) F + PA e-TT 2(R F (9) lil Equations 7, 8, and 9 were solved for each run by software programs written for the TI - 59 programmable calculator . The

School Culture in Transformation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Scott

1991-01-01

The principal of Samuel Gompers Fine Arts Option School in Chicago (Illinois) has transformed the culture and atmosphere through emphasizing strong leadership, cracking down on safety issues, developing programs of which the whole school could be proud, emphasizing excellence, and encouraging community involvement. (JB)

The Gas Turbine: Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 2, No. 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to the gas turbine. A brief narrative on the subject is presented in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended. (JB)

The Steam Turbine: Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 2, No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to the steam turbine. A brief narrative on the subject is presented in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended. (JB)

Hydraulic Turbines: The Francis Turbine. Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 2, No. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to the Francis turbine. A brief narrative on the subject is presented in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. An explanatory illustration is appended. (JB)

Hydraulic Turbines: The Pelton Turbine. Technical Terminology Bulletin. Terminotech, Vol. 2, No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co. of Canada, Ltd., Montreal, Quebec.

This issue of a bulletin of technological terminology is devoted to the Pelton turbine. A brief narrative on the subject is presented in both French and English. An English-French dictionary of terms comprises the bulk of the document. Explanatory illustrations are appended. (JB)

Reading Resources and Project LEER. Libraries and the Spanish-Speaking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shepard, Marietta Daniels

1970-01-01

A discussion of the problems U.S. librarians and educators face in dealing with Spanish-speaking children and adults; and a description of Project LEER, a program to aid school and public libraries in the selection, procurement, and processing of books in Spanish. (JB)

The Change Masters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kanter, Rosabeth Moss

1984-01-01

The change masters are identified as corporate managers who have the resources and the vision to effect an economic renaissance in the United States. Strategies for change should emphasize horizontal as well as vertical communication, and should reward enterprise and innovation at all levels. (JB)

Comparative Experience Factors among Black, Asian, and Hispanic Americans: Coalitions or Conflicts?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Talmadge

1992-01-01

Compares the culture, sociology, politics, and economics of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans in the United States. Describes increased racial-ethnic national pluralism, the increased possibility of conflict between groups, and the need for dialogue and work toward coalition among these groups. (JB)

In Vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a juice blend (JB), MonaVie Active, containing a mixture of fruits and berries with known antioxidant activity, including acai, a palm fruit, as the predominant ingredient. The phytochemical antioxidants...

Genetic analysis of ectopic growth suppression during planar growth of integuments mediated by the Arabidopsis AGC protein kinase UNICORN.

PubMed

Enugutti, Balaji; Schneitz, Kay

2013-01-02

The coordination of growth within a tissue layer is of critical importance for tissue morphogenesis. For example, cells within the epidermis undergo stereotypic cell divisions that are oriented along the plane of the layer (planar growth), thereby propagating the layered epidermal structure. Little is known about the developmental control that regulates such planar growth in plants. Recent evidence suggested that the Arabidopsis AGC VIII protein kinase UNICORN (UCN) maintains planar growth by suppressing the formation of ectopic multicellular protrusions in several floral tissues including integuments. In the current model UCN controls this process during integument development by directly interacting with the ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS) protein, a member of the KANADI (KAN) family of transcription factors, thereby repressing its activity. Here we report on the further characterization of the UCN mechanism. Phenotypic analysis of flowers of ucn-1 plants impaired in floral homeotic gene activity revealed that any of the four floral whorls could produce organs carrying ucn-1 protrusions. The ectopic outgrowths of ucn integuments did not accumulate detectable signals of the auxin and cytokinin reporters DR5rev::GFP and ARR5::GUS, respectively. Furthermore, wild-type and ucn-1 seedlings showed similarly strong callus formation upon in vitro culture on callus-inducing medium. We also show that ovules of ucn-1 plants carrying the dominant ats allele sk21-D exhibited more pronounced protrusion formation. Finally ovules of ucn-1 ett-1 double mutants and ucn-1 ett-1 arf4-1 triple mutants displayed an additive phenotype. These data deepen the molecular insight into the UCN-mediated control of planar growth during integument development. The presented evidence indicates that UCN downstream signaling does not involve the control of auxin or cytokinin homeostasis. The results also reveal that UCN interacts with ATS independently of an ATS/ETT complex required for integument

The function of androgen/androgen receptor and insulin growth factor‑1/insulin growth factor‑1 receptor on the effects of Tribulus terrestris extracts in rats undergoing high intensity exercise.

PubMed

Wu, Yin; Yang, Hongfang; Wang, Xiaohui

2017-09-01

Our previous study demonstrated that treatment with Tribulus terrestris (TT) extracts (120 mg/kg) promoted the muscle weight gain and performance of rats undergoing high intensity exercise. The present study was designed to explore the mechanisms underlying the effect of treatment with TT extracts and the involvement of androgens, the androgen receptor (AR), insulin growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) and the IGF‑1 receptor (IGF‑1R). A total of 32 Sprague‑Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups as follows: Control; TT, treated with TT extracts, E, high intensity exercise; E+TT, high intensity exercise plus TT treatment. The rats of the E and E+TT groups underwent high intensity exercise with a progressively increasing load for 5 weeks, and TT extracts were intragastrically administered in the TT and E+TT rats 30 min prior to training. TT extract composition was analyzed using ultra‑high performance liquid chromatography‑quadrupole‑time of flight mass spectrometry. Testosterone and IGF‑1 plasma levels and AR, IGF‑1R and myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein levels in muscles were determined by ELISA and western blotting, respectively. The saponins tigogenin and diosgenin comprised ~71.35% of the total peak area. Compared with the E group, TT extracts increased the testosterone and IGF‑1 plasma levels, and AR, IGF‑1R and MHC protein levels in the gastrocnemius of rats undergoing high intensity exercise, accompanied with increased body weight and gastrocnemius weight. In conclusion, the effect of TT extracts on the performance of high intensity exercise rats may be attributed to increased levels of circulating testosterone and IGF‑1 and increased AR and IGF‑1R protein expression levels in the gastrocnemius, resulting in increased muscle weight and increased MHC in the gastrocnemius. The present study provided preliminary evidence supporting the use of TT extracts as a dietary supplement for the promotion of skeletal muscle mass increase and the

Acceptance and commitment therapy improves exercise tolerance in sedentary women.

PubMed

Ivanova, Elena; Jensen, Dennis; Cassoff, Jamie; Gu, Fei; Knäuper, Bärbel

2015-06-01

To test the efficacy of an acute intervention derived from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for increasing high-intensity constant work rate (CWR) cycle exercise tolerance in a group of low-active women age 18-45 yr. The secondary goals were to examine whether ACT would reduce perceived effort and improve in-task affect during exercise and increase postexercise enjoyment. In a randomized controlled trial, 39 women were randomized to either the experimental (using ACT-based cognitive techniques and listening to music during the CWR exercise tests) or a control group (listening to music during the CWR exercise tests). Before (CWR-1) and after the intervention (CWR-2), participants completed a CWR cycle exercise test at 80% of maximal incremental work rate (Wmax) until volitional exhaustion. On average, ACT (n = 18) and control (n = 21) groups were matched for age, body mass index, weekly leisure activity scores, and Wmax (all P > 0.05). Exercise tolerance time (ETT) increased by 15% from CWR-1 to CWR-2 for the ACT group (392.05 ± 146.4 vs 459.39 ± 209.3 s; mean ± SD) and decreased by 8% (384.71 ± 120.1 vs 353.86 ± 127.9 s) for the control group (P = 0.008). RPE were lower (e.g., by 1.5 Borg 6-20 scale units at 55% of ETT, P ≤ 0.01) during CWR-2 in the ACT versus that in the control group. By contrast, ACT had no effect on in-task affect. Exercise enjoyment was higher after CWR-2 in the ACT group versus that in the control group (P < 0.001). An acute ACT intervention increased high-intensity ETT and postexercise enjoyment and reduced perceived effort in low-active women. Further investigations of ACT as an effective intervention for enhancing the established health benefits of high-intensity exercise need to be provided.

Use of carbonated water in reduction of adjacent gastric activity in 456 consecutive technetium-99m myocardial perfusion imaging studies.

PubMed

Thomas, Dustin M; Lee, Joshua S; Charmforoush, Anthony; Rubal, Bernard J; Rosenblatt, Stephen A; Butler, Joshua T; Clemenshaw, Michael; Cheezum, Michael K; Slim, Ahmad M

2015-12-01

Small, observational trials have suggested a reduction in adjacent gastric activity with ingestion of soda water in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). We report our findings prior to and after implementation of soda water in 467 consecutive MPI studies. Consecutive MPI studies performed at a high-volume facility referred for vasodilator (VD) or exercise treadmill testing (ETT) were retrospectively reviewed before and after implementation of the soda water protocol. Patients undergoing the soda water protocol received 100 ml of soda water administered 30 min prior to image acquisition and after stress. Studies were performed using a same day rest/stress protocol. Incidence of adjacent gastric activity, diaphragmatic attenuation, stress and rest perfusion defects, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) outcomes defined as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, reevaluation for chest pain, and late revascularization (>90 days from MPI) were abstracted using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) search. Two hundred and eighteen studies were performed prior to implementation of the soda water protocol and 249 studies were performed with the use of soda water. Baseline demographic data were equal between the groups with the exception of more patients undergoing VD stress receiving soda water (p < 0.001). Soda water was not associated with a decreased incidence of adjacent gastric activity with stress (54.7% versus 61.9% with no soda water, p = 0.129) or rest (68.6% versus 69.5% with no soda water, p = 0.919) imaging. Less adjacent gastric activity was observed with patients undergoing ETT who received soda water (42.5% versus 56.9% with no soda water, p = 0.031), but no difference was observed between the groups with VD stress (69.0% versus 68.1% with no soda water, p = 1.000). The use of soda water prior to technetium-99m MPI was associated with lower rates of adjacent gastric activity only in patients undergoing ETT stress but not

Genetic analysis of ectopic growth suppression during planar growth of integuments mediated by the Arabidopsis AGC protein kinase UNICORN

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The coordination of growth within a tissue layer is of critical importance for tissue morphogenesis. For example, cells within the epidermis undergo stereotypic cell divisions that are oriented along the plane of the layer (planar growth), thereby propagating the layered epidermal structure. Little is known about the developmental control that regulates such planar growth in plants. Recent evidence suggested that the Arabidopsis AGC VIII protein kinase UNICORN (UCN) maintains planar growth by suppressing the formation of ectopic multicellular protrusions in several floral tissues including integuments. In the current model UCN controls this process during integument development by directly interacting with the ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS) protein, a member of the KANADI (KAN) family of transcription factors, thereby repressing its activity. Here we report on the further characterization of the UCN mechanism. Results Phenotypic analysis of flowers of ucn-1 plants impaired in floral homeotic gene activity revealed that any of the four floral whorls could produce organs carrying ucn-1 protrusions. The ectopic outgrowths of ucn integuments did not accumulate detectable signals of the auxin and cytokinin reporters DR5rev::GFP and ARR5::GUS, respectively. Furthermore, wild-type and ucn-1 seedlings showed similarly strong callus formation upon in vitro culture on callus-inducing medium. We also show that ovules of ucn-1 plants carrying the dominant ats allele sk21-D exhibited more pronounced protrusion formation. Finally ovules of ucn-1 ett-1 double mutants and ucn-1 ett-1 arf4-1 triple mutants displayed an additive phenotype. Conclusions These data deepen the molecular insight into the UCN-mediated control of planar growth during integument development. The presented evidence indicates that UCN downstream signaling does not involve the control of auxin or cytokinin homeostasis. The results also reveal that UCN interacts with ATS independently of an ATS/ETT

Kindred Spirits: The Contemporary Asian American Family on Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamamoto, Darrell Y.

1992-01-01

Examines television portrayals of the Asian American family during the Reagan-Bush era as a model minority group. Argues that Asian Americans encounter racism and marginalization and that only relatively few achieve the "American dream." Analyzes the portrayal of Asian Americans in television documentaries and dramas. (JB)

"Sis Cat" as Ethnographer: Self-Presentation and Self-Inscription in Zora Neale Hurston's "Mules and Men."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boxwell, D. A.

1992-01-01

Examines Zora Neale Hurston's work, particularly her collection of folklore and ethnography of the American South, "Mules and Men." Looks at the author's role, the ways the ethnographer inscribes herself into the text, and speculates about Hurston's understanding of the limits of the impersonal researcher. (JB)

Optimizing the use of Limb Tourniquets in Tactical Combat Casualty Care: TCCC Guidelines Change 14-02

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

Sebesta JA, Blackbourne LH, Herbert GS, Kauvar DS, Baer DG, Walters TJ, Mullenix PS, Holcomb JB, 31 st Combat Support Hospital Research Group...K, Dixon P, Cowart J, Spencer J, Rasmussen TE. Hemorrhagic shock worsens neuromuscular recovery in a porcine model of hind limb vascular injury and

A Novel Swine Model for Evaluation of Potential Intravascular Hemostatic Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

bovine polymerized hemoglobin on coagulation in controlled hemorrhagic shock in swine. Shock 24:145–152. 2. Bellamy RF. 1984. The causes of death in...WZ, Pusateri AE, Uscilowicz JM, Delgado AV, Holcomb JB. 2005. Independent contributions of hypothermia and acidosis to coagulopathy in swine. J

Caring as Empowerment: School Collaboration and Community Agency.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercado, Carmen I.

1993-01-01

Describes the collaborative pedagogy, learning, and research of a teacher and a researcher and how their activities lead to affirmation and empowerment for their students who are Latino and Afro-Caribbean American. Also examines moral and ethical issues and tensions inherent in collaborative learning and research. (JB)

Toward the Development of a Cultural Economics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boulding, Kenneth E.

1972-01-01

The degree to which various economic specialties have incorporated or avoided cultural analyses is reviewed; problem areas where such studies might be most fruitful are suggested. It is indicated there now exists in embryo form an orientation deserving the name cultural economics''; its furture is speculated. (JB)

Evoked Brain Activity and Personnel Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-01

Shucard and Horn (1972), Galbraith, Gliddon, and Busk (1970), and Callaway (1975), the latter using Navy recruits. Callaway’s own work was reported at...G.C., Gliddon, J.B., & Busk , J. (1970). Visual evoked responses in mentally retarded and nonretarded subjects. American Journal of Mental Deficiency

REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS OF THE WATER DISINFECTANT BYPRODUCT BROMOCHLOROACETIC ACID (BCA) IN ADULT AND JUVENILE MALE C57BL/6 MICE

EPA Science Inventory

REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS OF THE WATER DISINFECTANT BYPRODUCT BROMOCHLOROACETIC ACID (BCA) IN ADULT AND JUVENILE MALE C57BL/6 MICE.
JC Rockett, JC Luft, JB Garges and DJ Dix. Reproductive Toxicology Division, USEPA, RTP, NC, USA.
Sponsor: G Klinefelter
The development of wate...

Exercise and Osteoporosis: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

31. Inappropriate Intervention, Study less than 6 months (425) Hundrup YA, Thoning H, Rasmussen NK, Obel EB, Philip J. Use of hormone...K, Grunfeld C, Daar ES, LaMarca A, Kotler DP, Wang J, Bozzette SA, Breitmeyer JB. Recombinant human growth hormone in patients with HIV-associated

Salt Effects in Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reactions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-14

Department of Chemistry University of California Howard University Los Angeles, California 90024 Washington, D.C. 20059 Dr. E. R. Bernstein Dr. Joe Brandellk...ana, Illinois 61801 Durham, New Hampshire 03824 Dr. J.B. Halpern Dr. Kent R. Wilson Department of Chemistry Chemistry Department Howard University University

Pro Se Court: A Simulation Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallagher, Arlene F.; Hartstein, Elliott

1973-01-01

The complexities of courtroom procedure and rule of evidence often dissuade the classroom teacher from using the mock trial strategy. This model has been designed for role playing and for focusing on the judicial decision-making process: deliberation on the issues of a case. (Author/JB)

Roundup

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Intercom, 1970

1970-01-01

A brief review of the important resources, recent developments, and organizational activity in the field of world affairs, including arms control and disarmament; international organization and world order; aid, trade, and development; ethics and war. Many items mentioned are appropriate for use in the classroom. (Author/JB)

Simulation of a Driven Dense Granular Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizon, Chris; Shattuck, M. D.; Swift, J. B.; Swinney, Harry L.

1998-11-01

Event driven particle simulations quantitatively reproduce the experimental results on vibrated granular layers, including the formation of standing wave patterns(C. Bizon, M.D. Shattuck, J.B. Swift, W.D. McCormick, and H.L. Swinney, Phys. Rev. Lett. 80), pp. 57-60 (1998). and secondary instabilities(J.R. deBruyn, C. Bizon, M.D. Shattuck, D. Goldman, J.B. Swift, and H.L. Swinney, Phys. Rev. Lett. 81) (1998), to appear. . In these simulations the velocity distributions are nearly Gaussian when scaled with the local fluctuational kinetic energy (granular temperature); this suggests that inelastic dense gas kinetic theory is applicable. We perform simulations of a two-dimensional granular gas that is homogeneously driven with fluctuating forces. We find that the equation of state differs from that of an elastic dense gas and that this difference is due to a change in the distribution of relative velocities at collisions. Granular thermal conductivity and viscosity are measured by allowing the fluctuating forces to have large scale spatial gradients.

Department of the Air Force Supporting Data for Amended Fiscal Year 1988/89 Biennial Budget Estimates Submitted to Congress February 1988. Descriptive Summaries, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

ca S3« ’ > ■ja 41 s • > 0 8 V W e JB (o V 0 v to u u u 3 3 CO *■• a. cr o 3 s hH > >H U ,£ <H -a 93 IM 4J S < Ü 0 11 >> w •H...co — •H O 41 0 > O EU HO 0’ vO i-4 U-l JJ H i4 CO C vu £ 0 JB JJ o c <n C u 01 JJ X EX en 1-1 0 H...01 0 -3 en TO C 01 v4 a U-l X 01 4-J HH u TO 01 T< a 3 01 y • 30 0) 3-, CD c 01 X 3 a i-< CQ ^ TO T4 0 g fa CO CO ■r-> 30 3 TO fa 3 C Q. ac 01 B

Census of U.S. Civil Aircraft for Calendar Year 1983.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-31

8217JR r~0 b W ~ .- 4b im~ (’ jb C, .t b 𔄁 j% 𔃾t m0 * -apt4 Uco~ -W(4(.et uO cy(’ (’- 0 0 0 ’-V ’) Wg ’ .4a 0LOc0,).444 O ) 0 % - r-o 0’U ko 4t 0 0 0s...61 1 0 1 1 JONESIE 4248 1 64 2 0 1 1 ROTOR REC ENGINE 61 0 1 1 ROTOR TURBOJET 84 0 1 1 TOTAL 0 2 2 KAMAN H-43A 2 61 1 0 2 2 H-43B 2 61 1 0 2 2 HH -43F...1 ’ORMER 1 41 1 0 1 1 :UDA 2 41 1 0 15 15 ’UDA300 2 41 10 1 1 "T SKYBOLT 2 41 1 0 1 1 "SKYDTE 1 41 1 0 1 1 JB MK REPLICA 1 41 1 0 1 1 I-HEATH 1 41 1

Prime Contract Awards Alphabetically by Contractor, by State or Country, and Place, Fiscal Year 1985. Part 1. IDSCR Inc. - Amjet Aerospace Inc).

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

Hioinu)H M H in in co co co C* HH -H*H H •-OOOO O 0«H—<W*H H » JB HCMCMCMCMHCMCM H « a CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM...OK- JB (/lb0b0C/>b0C/IO cor^Pic or to £«00-1 »f^CMP»^00PlO-JZ J:«CM_I « CM CM CO « 0O _l z CO—1—1—1—1—«—l_J UMO-JZ •o-O »--^PO 3 CM-H CM CM CM CM...QHH CM • HH CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CO CM CM OHO H CM CM CM « m ^^ CO CO CO CO « « CM m o o> f~ HH H H H r^rv NNNN -4 f- H H o CO CD H P1HH

S-P wave travel time residuals and lateral inhomogeneity in the mantle beneath Tibet and the Himalaya

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molnar, P.; Chen, W.-P.

1984-01-01

S-P wave travel time residuals were measured in earthquakes in Tibet and the Himalaya in order to study lateral inhomogeneities in the earth's mantle. Average S-P residuals, measured with respect to Jeffrey-Bullen (J-B) tables for 11 earthquakes in the Himalaya are less than +1 second. Average J-B S-P from 10 of 11 earthquakes in Tibet, however, are greater than +1 second even when corrected for local crustal thickness. The largest values, ranging between 2.5 and 4.9 seconds are for five events in central and northern Tibet, and they imply that the average velocities in the crust and upper mantle in this part of Tibet are 4 to 10 percent lower than those beneath the Himalaya. On the basis of the data, it is concluded that it is unlikely that a shield structure lies beneath north central Tibet unless the S-P residuals are due to structural variations occurring deeper than 250 km.

Defining Hsp70 Subnetworks in Dengue Virus Replication Reveals Key Vulnerability in Flavivirus Infection

PubMed Central

Taguwa, Shuhei; Maringer, Kevin; Li, Xiaokai; Bernal-Rubio, Dabeiba; Rauch, Jennifer N.; Gestwicki, Jason E.; Andino, Raul; Fernandez-Sesma, Ana; Frydman, Judith

2015-01-01

Summary Viral protein homeostasis depends entirely on the machinery of the infected cell. Accordingly, viruses can illuminate the interplay between cellular proteostasis components and their distinct substrates. Here we define how the Hsp70 chaperone network mediates the dengue virus life cycle. Cytosolic Hsp70 isoforms are required at distinct steps of the viral cycle, including entry, RNA replication and virion biogenesis. Hsp70 function at each step is specified by nine distinct DNAJ cofactors. Of these, DnaJB11 relocalizes to virus-induced replication complexes to promote RNA synthesis, while DnaJB6 associates with capsid protein and facilitates virion biogenesis. Importantly, an allosteric Hsp70 inhibitor, JG40, potently blocks infection of different dengue serotypes in human primary blood cells without eliciting viral resistance or exerting toxicity to the host cells. JG40 also blocks replication of other medically-important flaviviruses including yellow fever, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Thus, targeting host Hsp70 subnetworks provides a path for broad-spectrum antivirals. PMID:26582131

The phase diagrams of a spin 1/2 core and a spin 1 shell nanoparticle with a disordered interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaim, N.; Zaim, A.; Kerouad, M.

2016-12-01

The critical and compensation behaviors, of a spherical ferrimagnetic nanoparticle, consisting of a ferromagnetic core of spin-1/2 A atoms, a ferromagnetic shell of spin-1 B atoms and a disordered interface in between that is characterized by a random arrangement of A and B atoms of ApB1-p type and a negative A - B coupling, are studied. The ground state phase diagrams of the system have been determined in the (JAB, D/jA) and (JB, D/jA) planes. Monte Carlo simulation based on Metropolis algorithm has been used to study the effects of the concentration parameter p, the crystal field, the coupling between B - B atoms jB and the antiferromagnetic interface coupling jAB on the phase diagrams and the magnetic properties of the system. It has been found that one, two or even three compensation point(s) can appear for appropriate values of the system parameters.

Pressure effect on the energy structure and superexchange interaction in undoped orthorhombic La2CuO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrichkov, Vladimir A.; Pchelkina, Zlata V.; Nekrasov, Igor A.; Ovchinnikov, Sergey G.

2016-09-01

We studied the pressure dependences of the electronic structure and superexchange interaction J(P) = JA - JB (where JA and JB are antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) contributions) in antiferromagnetic La214 under hydrostatic, uniaxial (along c-axial) 3% compressions and 1% in-plane compressions by the local density approximation with generalized tight-binding method (LDA + GTB cell approach). The changes in J(P) correlated with the experimentally known TC(P) dependence are in accordance with the relation dTC/dP = (∂TC/∂J)(∂J/∂P), where ∂TC/∂J ˜ 0.1. The in-plane pressure more effectively stabilizes the ground singlet two-hole state A1 than the simple hydrostatic pressure, its effect on J and TC is the largest. Within the same cell approach together with the superexchange interaction J(P), the valence band structure was calculated. Its changes with pressure clearly reproduce the k-distribution of the singlet and triplet quasi-particles over the Brillouin zone (BZ).

Prevalence and associated factors for asthma in Brazilian and Japanese schoolchildren living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

PubMed

Camelo-Nunes, I; Carvalho Mallozi, M; Lanza, F C; Solé, D

2016-07-01

Ethnic background interferes on the prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren (4 to 9 years old, SC) born and living in São Paulo, Brazil. International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC)'s written standard and complementary questionnaires were applied to SC (similar socioeconomic status) living in the city of São Paulo: no-Japanese Brazilian (NJB, N = 306) and Japanese Brazilian (third generation, born in Brazil, from Japanese families with no miscegenation, JB, N = 258). The prevalence of current asthma was significantly higher among NJB in comparison to JB (22.2% vs 14.7%, respectively). To have rhinitis and to exercise less than once/week were risk factors for both groups of children. Although both groups were apparently exposed to the same environment, other cultural differences do not allow us to conclude about the ethnic component having greater influence than the environment in the development of asthma in these individuals.

Hepatic Leukemia Factor Promotes Resistance To Cell Death: Implications For Therapeutics and Chronotherapy

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

Waters, Katrina M.; Sontag, Ryan L.; Weber, Thomas J.

Physiological variation related to circadian rhythms and aberrant gene expression patterns are believed to modulate therapeutic efficacy, but the precise molecular determinants remain unclear. Here we examine the regulation of cell death by hepatic leukemia factor (HLF), which is an output regulator of circadian rhythms and is aberrantly expressed in human cancers, using an ectopic expression strategy in JB6 mouse epidermal cells and human keratinocytes. Ectopic HLF expression inhibited cell death in both JB6 cells and human keratinocytes, as induced by serum-starvation, tumor necrosis factor alpha and ionizing radiation. Microarray analysis indicates that HLF regulates a complex multi-gene transcriptional programmore » encompassing upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes, downregulation of pro-apoptotic genes, and many additional changes that are consistent with an anti-death program. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ectopic expression of HLF, an established transcription factor that cycles with circadian rhythms, can recapitulate many features associated with circadian-dependent physiological variation.« less

Correlation Between Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure and Tracheal Wall Pressure Using Air and Saline Filled Cuffs

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-31

AFRL-SA-WP-SR-2017-0004 Correlation Between Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure and Tracheal Wall Pressure Using Air- and Saline -Filled...Correlation Between Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure and Tracheal Wall Pressure Using Air- and Saline -Filled Cuffs 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA8650-14...descending from altitude. When using saline in the ETT cuff, TW pressure differences with the 7.5 high-volume, low-pressure cuff and 8.0 TaperGuard

Automated Control of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure During Simulated Flight

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

ventilator, while the other two devices are stand-alone products. The fourth group of ETTs had the cuff pressure measured by the respiratory ...Maquet, Rastatt, Germany). To simulate a clinical environment, each model was ventilated using ventilator settings of respiratory rate of 12...rapidly changes with descent to below 10 cmH2O, allowing fluid above the cuff to readily move into the lower respiratory tract. As with ascent

Results of Summer Enrichment Program to Promote High School Students' Interest in Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hart, Brenda; McAnulty, Kate

2014-01-01

For more than thirty years, personnel from the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering have presented a summer program targeting high school students historically underrepresented in engineering fields. INSPIRE provides these students with an introduction to careers in engineering and assists the students in planning their…

Census U.S. Civil Aircraft: Calendar Year 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-31

0 31 31 TIMBER CHOPPERS KAMAN HH -43B/F ..................................... 2 63 1 0 2 2 ROTOR TURBOSHAFT...3 41 1 0 1 1 JAYHAWK ............................................... 21 41 1011 JB SPECIAL...10 0 0 12 12 DUSTER BJB -11 ................................................ 1 10 0 0 1 1 DUSTER BJ 1B

From Homer to Hoke: A Small Step for African American Mankind.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Patricia A.

1991-01-01

Explores links between two films, "Lilies of the Field" (1962) and "Driving Miss Daisy" (1987), their portrayal of African-American men in relationships with White women, and audience and critic responses to the films. Little has changed in the Hollywood perceptions since the earlier film was made. (JB)

Where Different Is Normal: Children with Special Needs Are Welcomed into School Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaslow, Jeffrey

1992-01-01

Describes and explains the rationale behind efforts to include children with special needs in the school community by helping to promote ordinary interactions between children with disabilities and those without. Offers information on several programs such as "Crazy Shoes and Circus Feats," a comic routine for school children. (JB)

The Question of Our Professional Identity: Reactions to the Barth/Shermis Article

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barr, Robert D.

1970-01-01

Discusses the positive value and usefullness of the Barth and Shermis definition of social studies and points out that in spite of circumstances which wmay limit its classroom influence, it should serve to focus attention on the important question of professional identity. Related article SO 500 188. (JB)

Rediscovering Paideia and the Meaning of a Scholarly Career: Rejoinder to "Identifying Research Topic Development in Business and Management Education Research Using Legitimation Code Theory"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Antonacopoulou, Elena P.

2016-01-01

In "Identifying Research Topic Development in Business and Management Education Research Using Legitimation Code Theory," authors J.B. Arbaugh, Charles J. Fornaciari, and Alvin Hwang ("Journal of Management Education," December 2016 vol. 40 no. 6 p654-691, see EJ1118407) used citation analysis to track the development of…

Cowboys and Indians: Perceptions of Western Films among American Indians and Anglos.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shively, JoEllen

1992-01-01

Presents the results of a study of how minorities participate in and rework the central myths of the dominant culture. The responses of 20 Anglo White males versus 20 American Indian males to a western film showed that the meaning imputed to cultural works varies over social space. (JB)

Natural Frequency of Oscillating Gaseous Bubbles in Ventilated Cavitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu-Ning

2017-07-01

Not Available Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No 51506051, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under Grant No JB2015RCY04, and the Incubation Project for Young Talents of Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering under Grant No JLB-2016-68.

Bringing Job into the Twentieth Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meador, Melba

1971-01-01

A model for teaching the Book of Job to high school students, using such diverse media as Peanuts" cartoons and poems, news articles and novels. Describes some of the major themes in Job and their relevance to modern literature. Suggests supplementary reading and themes for student papers. (JB)

The Political Economy of Education in Guyana: Implications for Human Rights.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samaroo, Noel K.

1991-01-01

Examines human rights violations in education in Guyana, and identifies the socioeconomic factors that produced the current condition. Findings indicate that, although education is highly valued in the culture, the state has abandoned the educational needs of the nation to ensure the survival of the elite political regime. (JB)

Prospective Evaluation of Mesopic Night Vision and Night Vision Goggle Visual Acuity After Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

off-label use of custom wavefront-guided treatment has demonstrated potential for reducing some QoV problems; however, early custom- ablation LASIK ...10): 1934-40. 66. Lee JB, Ryu CH, Kim EK,, Kim HB. Comparison of tear secretion and tear film instability after PRK and LASIK . J Cataract Surg

Parental Support, Depressed Affect, and Sexual Experience among Adolescents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitbeck, Les B.; And Others

1992-01-01

Examines the effect of unsupportive family relations and low self-esteem on teenage sexual activity and alcohol use. Data from a telephone survey of 301 male and 242 female adolescents in Iowa suggested significant gender differences, with young women in unsupportive contexts seeking compensatory intimacy outside the family. (JB)

From Ivy League to NBA: A Great Urban High School Falls through the Hoop.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, Tucker

1993-01-01

Describes the history of education at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., the country's first African-American high school founded by ex-slaves in 1870. Argues that today the school emphasizes athletics over academics and that the source of decline has been holding students to lower standards. (JB)

A Model of Ethnoviolence and Public Policy on College Campuses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tryman, Mfanya D.

1992-01-01

Examines a model and provides possible causal explanations for the increasing number of acts of racial violence, the rise of racism on college campuses, and the attendant implications for public policy. Causes for increased racial violence are complex and can be outlined in the Holistic Model of Ethnoviolence. (JB)

Multiculturalism Abroad.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurzweil, Edith

1992-01-01

Describes attending a conference in Israel on adult education in multicultural societies, noting the events of the conference as well as the issues of education among diversity and conflict that arose in the discussions. A final section presents an interview with T. Kollek, mayor of Jerusalem (Israel). (JB)

Fate of Triclosan and Evidence for Reductive Dechlorination of Triclocarban in Estuarine Sediments

PubMed Central

Miller, Todd R.; Heidler, Jochen; Chillrud, Steven N.; DeLaquil, Amelia; Ritchie, Jerry C.; Mihalic, Jana N.; Bopp, Richard; Halden, Rolf U.

2008-01-01

The biocides triclosan and triclocarban are wastewater contaminants whose occurrence and fate in estuarine sediments remain unexplored. We examined contaminant profiles in 137Cs/7Be-dated sediment cores taken near wastewater treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CB), Maryland and Jamaica Bay (JB), New York. In JB, biocide occurrences tracked the time course of biocide usage and wastewater treatment strategies employed, first appearing in the 1950s (triclocarban) and 1960s (triclosan), and peaking in the late 1960s and 1970s (24 ± 0.54 and 0.8 ± 0.4 29 mg/kg dry weight, respectively). In CB, where time of sediment accumulation was not as well constrained by 137Cs depth profiles, triclocarban was only measurable in 137Cs bearing sediments, peaking at 3.6 ± 0.6 mg/kg midway through the core and exceeding 1 mg/kg in recent deposits. In contrast, triclosan concentrations were low or not detectable in the CB core. Analysis of CB sediment by tandem mass spectrometry produced the first evidence for complete sequential dechlorination of triclocarban to the transformation products dichloro-, monochloro-, and unsubstituted carbanilide which were detected at maxima of 15.5 ± 1.8, 4.1 ± 2.4, and 0.5 ± 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Concentrations of all carbanilide congeners combined were correlated with heavy metals (R2 > 0.64, P<0.01), thereby identifying wastewater as the principal pathway of contamination. Environmental persistence over the past 40 years was observed for triclosan and triclocarban in JB, and for triclocarban and its diphenylurea backbone in CB sediments. PMID:18605588

The pre-Devonian tectonic framework of Xing'an-Mongolia orogenic belt (XMOB) in north China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Bei; Zhao, Pan; Wang, Yanyang; Liao, Wen; Luo, Zhiwen; Bao, Qingzhong; Zhou, Yongheng

2015-01-01

A new tectonic division of the Xing'an-Mongolia orogenic belt (XMOB) in north China has been presented according to our research and a lot of new data of tectonics, geochronology and geochemistry. Four blocks and four sutures have been recognized in the XMOB, including the Erguna (EB), Xing'an-Airgin Sum (XAB), Songliao-Hunshandake (SHB), and Jiamusi (JB), and Xinlin-Xiguitu (XXS), Xilinhot-Heihe (XHS), Mudanjiang (MS) and Ondor Sum-Yongji sutures (OYS). The framework of the XMOB is characterized by a tectonic collage of the blocks and orogenic belts between them. Different Precambrian basements have been found in the blocks, including the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and plutons in the EB, the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks in western and eastern of segments of the XAB, Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks in middle segments of the XAB, respectively, the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and Mesoproterozoic volcanic rocks and plutons in the SHB, and Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks in the JB. The XXS resulted from a northwestward subduction of the XAB beneath the EB during the Cambrian, which was followed by the forming of the XHS and OYS in the northwest and south margins of the SHB in the Silurian, respectively. The MS was caused by a westward subduction of the JB beneath the east margin of the SHB during the middle Devonian. The three Cambrian, Silurian and middle Devonian events indicate that the XMOB belongs to a pre-middle Devonian multiple orogenic belt in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Forming of the XMOB suggests that the southeast part of the Paleo Asian Ocean closed before the middle Devonian.

Dexamethasone treatment induces the reprogramming of pancreatic acinar cells to hepatocytes and ductal cells.

PubMed

Al-Adsani, Amani; Burke, Zoë D; Eberhard, Daniel; Lawrence, Katherine L; Shen, Chia-Ning; Rustgi, Anil K; Sakaue, Hiroshi; Farrant, J Mark; Tosh, David

2010-10-27

The pancreatic exocrine cell line AR42J-B13 can be reprogrammed to hepatocytes following treatment with dexamethasone. The question arises whether dexamethasone also has the capacity to induce ductal cells as well as hepatocytes. AR42J-B13 cells were treated with and without dexamethasone and analyzed for the expression of pancreatic exocrine, hepatocyte and ductal markers. Addition of dexamethasone inhibited pancreatic amylase expression, induced expression of the hepatocyte marker transferrin as well as markers typical of ductal cells: cytokeratin 7 and 19 and the lectin peanut agglutinin. However, the number of ductal cells was low compared to hepatocytes. The proportion of ductal cells was enhanced by culture with dexamethasone and epidermal growth factor (EGF). We established several features of the mechanism underlying the transdifferentiation of pancreatic exocrine cells to ductal cells. Using a CK19 promoter reporter, we show that a proportion of the ductal cells arise from differentiated pancreatic exocrine-like cells. We also examined whether C/EBPβ (a transcription factor important in the conversion of pancreatic cells to hepatocytes) could alter the conversion from acinar cells to a ductal phenotype. Overexpression of an activated form of C/EBPβ in dexamethasone/EGF-treated cells provoked the expression of hepatocyte markers and inhibited the expression of ductal markers. Conversely, ectopic expression of a dominant-negative form of C/EBPβ, liver inhibitory protein, inhibited hepatocyte formation in dexamethasone-treated cultures and enhanced the ductal phenotype. These results indicate that hepatocytes and ductal cells may be induced from pancreatic exocrine AR42J-B13 cells following treatment with dexamethasone. The conversion from pancreatic to hepatocyte or ductal cells is dependent upon the expression of C/EBPβ.

Short-term estradiol administration in aging ovariectomized rats provides lasting benefits for memory and the hippocampus: a role for insulin-like growth factor-I.

PubMed

Witty, Christine F; Gardella, Layne P; Perez, Maria C; Daniel, Jill M

2013-02-01

We previously demonstrated that aged ovariectomized rats that had received prior estradiol treatment in middle age exhibited enhanced spatial memory and increased levels of estrogen receptor (ER)-α in the hippocampus long after estradiol treatment was terminated. The implication for cognition of increased levels of ERα resulting from prior estradiol exposure is unknown. In the absence of estrogens, growth factors, including IGF-I, can induce ERα-mediated transcription through ligand-independent mechanisms. Our current goal was to determine whether IGF-I mediates the ability of short-term exposure to estradiol to exert long-term effects on cognition and the hippocampus of aging females. Ovariectomized middle-aged rats were implanted with estradiol or cholesterol vehicle capsules. After 40 days, all capsules were removed and drug treatments were initiated. Half of each hormone treatment group received chronic intracerebroventricular delivery of the IGF-I receptor antagonist JB1, and the other half received artificial cerebrospinal fluid vehicle. Rats were tested on a spatial memory radial-arm maze task and hippocampi were immunostained for proteins of interest by Western blotting. As expected, previous treatment with estradiol enhanced spatial memory and increased levels of ERα in the hippocampus. JB1 reversed these effects. Previous treatment with estradiol resulted in lasting increases in levels of IGF-I receptors and phosphorylation of ERK/MAPK, a downstream signaling molecule of both ERα and IGF-I receptors, and increased levels of the ERα-regulated protein, choline acetyltransferase. JB1 blocked effects on ERK/MAPK and choline acetyltransferase. Results indicate that activation of IGF-I receptors is necessary for prior estradiol exposure to exert lasting impact on the hippocampus and memory.

Multidimensional classification of magma types for altered igneous rocks and application to their tectonomagmatic discrimination and igneous provenance of siliciclastic sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Surendra P.; Rivera-Gómez, M. Abdelaly; Díaz-González, Lorena; Pandarinath, Kailasa; Amezcua-Valdez, Alejandra; Rosales-Rivera, Mauricio; Verma, Sanjeet K.; Quiroz-Ruiz, Alfredo; Armstrong-Altrin, John S.

2017-05-01

A new multidimensional scheme consistent with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is proposed for the classification of igneous rocks in terms of four magma types: ultrabasic, basic, intermediate, and acid. Our procedure is based on an extensive database of major element composition of a total of 33,868 relatively fresh rock samples having a multinormal distribution (initial database with 37,215 samples). Multinormally distributed database in terms of log-ratios of samples was ascertained by a new computer program DOMuDaF, in which the discordancy test was applied at the 99.9% confidence level. Isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformation was used to provide overall percent correct classification of 88.7%, 75.8%, 88.0%, and 80.9% for ultrabasic, basic, intermediate, and acid rocks, respectively. Given the known mathematical and uncertainty propagation properties, this transformation could be adopted for routine applications. The incorrect classification was mainly for the "neighbour" magma types, e.g., basic for ultrabasic and vice versa. Some of these misclassifications do not have any effect on multidimensional tectonic discrimination. For an efficient application of this multidimensional scheme, a new computer program MagClaMSys_ilr (MagClaMSys-Magma Classification Major-element based System) was written, which is available for on-line processing on http://tlaloc.ier.unam.mx/index.html. This classification scheme was tested from newly compiled data for relatively fresh Neogene igneous rocks and was found to be consistent with the conventional IUGS procedure. The new scheme was successfully applied to inter-laboratory data for three geochemical reference materials (basalts JB-1 and JB-1a, and andesite JA-3) from Japan and showed that the inferred magma types are consistent with the rock name (basic for basalts JB-1 and JB-1a and intermediate for andesite JA-3). The scheme was also successfully applied to five case studies of older Archaean to

Locking the 150-cavity open: in silico design and verification of influenza neuraminidase inhibitors.

PubMed

Han, Nanyu; Mu, Yuguang

2013-01-01

Neuraminidase (NA) of influenza is a key target for virus infection control and the recently discovered open 150-cavity in group-1 NA provides new opportunity for novel inhibitors design. In this study, we used a combination of theoretical methods including fragment docking, molecular linking and molecular dynamics simulations to design ligands that specifically target at the 150-cavity. Through in silico screening of a fragment compound library on the open 150-cavity of NA, a few best scored fragment compounds were selected to link with Zanamivir, one NA-targeting drug. The resultant new ligands may bind both the active site and the 150-cavity of NA simultaneously. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent were applied to validate the binding between NA and the designed ligands. Moreover, two control systems, a positive control using Zanamivir and a negative control using a low-affinity ligand 3-(p-tolyl) allyl-Neu5Ac2en (ETT, abbreviation reported in the PDB) found in a recent experimental work, were employed to calibrate the simulation method. During the simulations, ETT was observed to detach from NA, on the contrary, both Zanamivir and our designed ligand bind NA firmly. Our study provides a prospective way to design novel inhibitors for controlling the spread of influenza virus.

Cuff leak test and laryngeal survey for predicting post-extubation stridor.

PubMed

Patel, Anit B; Ani, Chizobam; Feeney, Colin

2015-02-01

Evidence for the predictive value of the cuff leak test (CLT) for post-extubation stridor (PES) is conflicting. We evaluated the association and accuracy of CLT alone or combined with other laryngeal parameters with PES. Fifty-one mechanically ventilated adult patients in a medical-surgical intensive care unit were tested prior to extubation using; CLT, laryngeal ultrasound and indirect laryngoscopy. Biometric, laryngeal and endotracheal tube (ETT) parameters were recorded. PES incidence was 4%. CLT demonstrated 'no leak' in 20% of patients. Laryngeal oedema was present in 10% of the patients on indirect laryngoscopy, and 71% of the patients had a Grades 1-3 indirect laryngoscopic view. Mean air column width on laryngeal ultrasound was 0.66 ± 0.15 cm (cuff deflated), mean ratio of ETT to laryngeal diameter was 0.48 ± 0.07, and the calculated CLT and laryngeal survey composite was 0.86 ± 1.25 (range 0-5). CLT and the CLT and Laryngeal survey composite measure were not associated with or predict PES. Age, sex, peri-extubation steroid use, intubation duration and body mass index were not associated with PES. Even including ultrasonographic and indirect laryngoscopic examination of the airway, no single aspect of the CLT or combination with laryngeal parameters accurately predicts PES.

The Effects of Hyperbaric Pressure on in vitro Neural Receptors.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

antibodies raised against this protein have led to the postulate that the neuromuscular disorder, myasthenia gravis , is an auto-immune disease involving... myasthenia gravis . Life Sci. 18:1031, 1976. 23. Drachman, D.B. Myasthenia gravis . New Eng. J. Med. 298:186, 1978. 24. Cohen, J.B. and Changeux, J.P. The

Curriculum as a Selection from a Culture in Post-Apartheid South Africa.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ntshoe, I. M.

1991-01-01

Attempts to apply D. Lawton's concept of curriculum as a selection from a culture to planning curricula for post-Apartheid South Africa. Examines which groups might do the selecting, choosing from which cultures, and the possibility of a common curriculum for a country divided along racial and ethnic lines. (JB)

EFFECTS OF HEAT AND BROMOCHLOROACETIC ACID ON MALE REPRODUCTION IN HEAT SHOCK FACTOR-1 GENE KNOCKOUT MICE

EPA Science Inventory

Effects of heat and bromochloroacetic acid on male reproduction in heat shock factor-1 gene knockout mice.
Luft JC1, IJ Benjamin2, JB Garges1 and DJ Dix1. 1Reproductive Toxicology Division, USEPA, RTP, NC, 27711 and 2Dept of Internal Medicine, Univ.of Texas Southwestern Med C...

Situational Variation in Language Patterns of Mexican American Boys and Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patella, Victoria; Kuvlesky, William P.

1973-01-01

This study found that Spanish was used in almost all cases with parents and that the use of both languages was the predominant pattern for other cases, with Spanish decreasing as the situation moves into the social stratum. Girls more than boys used English and students more often than dropouts. (JB)

The Economic and Quality of Life Impact of Remote Technologies on High Risk Patients and Their Caregivers

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

leptospirosis in South Vietnam. A study in 150 patients. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1973 Aug;79(2):167-73. 3. Berman SJ, Kundin WD. Scrub typhus in South...Berman SJ. Scrub typhus . In: Hoeprich PD, Jordan MC, Ronald AR, eds. Infectious Diseases 5th ed. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott, 1994. Chapter 113

Someone to Count On: Homeless, Male Drug Users and Their Friendship Relations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sterk-Elifson, Claire; Elifson, Kirk W.

1992-01-01

A study exploring friendship relations of homeless, male drug users (aged between 21 and 50 years) through 27 in-depth interviews in Atlanta (Georgia) found that subjects were engaged in friendship networks that offered social support and that there was a relationship between friendships and patterns of crack cocaine use. (JB)

Tasty Non-Words and Neighbours: The Cognitive Roots of Lexical-Gustatory Synaesthesia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simner, Julia; Haywood, Sarah L.

2009-01-01

For lexical-gustatory synaesthetes, words trigger automatic, associated food sensations (e.g., for JB, the word "slope" tastes of over-ripe melon). Our study tests two claims about this unusual condition: that synaesthetic tastes are associated with abstract levels of word representation (concepts/lemmas), and that the first tastes to crystallise…

Teaching the Virtues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sommers, Christina Hoff

1993-01-01

Recommends an approach to the teaching of ethics from the perspective of the philosophy of virtue that begins with the work of the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Offers guidance on how to prepare and teach such a course based on the author's and other teachers' experiences in the classroom. (JB)

AMELIORATION OF ETHANOL-INDUCED DYSMORPHOGENESIS BY ADENOVIRAL-MEDIATED CU,ZN-SOD AND MN-SOD EXPRESSION IN NEURULATION STAGED MOUSE EMBRYOS IN VITRO

EPA Science Inventory

AMELIORATION OF ETHANOL-INDUCED DYSMORPHOGENESIS BY ADENOVIRAL-MEDIATED Cu,Zn-SOD AND Mn-SOD EXPRESSION IN NEURULATION STAGED MOUSE EMBRYOS IN VITRO. JB Smith1, PC Hartig3, MR Blanton3, KK Sulik1,2, and ES Hunter3. 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and 2Bowles Cente...

Why I Fought.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakanishi, Don T.

1990-01-01

An Asian Pacific American professor, D. T. Nakanishi, describes his decision to fight the University of California Los Angeles' initial denial of tenure, including the legal and tactical considerations involved, his sense of generational duty, the case's importance for other Asian Americans, and the personal pain and suffering involved. (JB)

78 FR 17431 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-DVD Copy Control...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-21

...., Gyeonggi-do, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, has been added as a party to this venture. Also, Advanced Driver...., North Point, HONG KONG-CHINA; and National Semiconductor Corp., Santa Clara, CA, have withdrawn as... JB Amusement Co., Ltd., Kyoungki-do, REPUBLIC OF KOREA. No other changes have been made in either the...

OXIDATIVE STRESS INDUCES CELL DEATH IN CD-1 MOUSE CRANIAL NEURAL CREST CELLS IN VITRO

EPA Science Inventory

OXIDATIVE STRESS INDUCES CELL DEATH IN CD-1 MOUSE CRANIAL NEURAL CREST CELLS IN VITRO. J.B. Smith, K.K. Sulik, E.S. Hunter III. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.
The induction of craniofacial defects by ethanol exposure is mediated in part by...

Analysis of Investigational Drugs in Biological Fluids - Method Development and Routine Assay

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-14

Principles of Internal Medicine, Tenth edition. Edited by Petersdorf, R.G.; Adams , R.P.; Braunwald, E.; Isselbacher K.J.; Martin, J.B.; and Wilson, J.D...artelinic acid in blood plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. 1. Chromatogr., 1989, 495, 167-77. 60Lin ET, Benet LZ, Upton RA, Levai F

Armageddon’s Lost Lessons: Combined Arms Operations in Allenby’s Palestine Campaign

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-01

followed closely behind, allowing air assets to keep pace with the fast-moving cavalry. By 1 October, Dam- ascus was occupied in force, and Allenby yet...Cyril B. Falls, Armageddon: 1918 (Philadelphia; New York: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1964), 62; Sav- age , Allenby of Armageddon, 210–11. 36. Earl Wavell

Drowsy Driving

MedlinePlus

... Ford ES, Croft JB. Drowsy driving and risk behaviors—10 states and Puerto Rico, 2011-2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2014; 63:557-562. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6326.pdf . Jackson ML, Croft RJ, Kennedy GA, Owens K, Howard ME. Cognitive components of simulated ...

Who Will Teach? And How Will They Teach? [Book Review].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sykes, Gary

1993-01-01

Reviews "Who Will Teach? Policies That Matter" (Richard J. Murnane, Judith D. Singer, John Willett, James J. Kemple, and Randall J. Olsen), a book on teacher workforce policy issues. The book uses labor market analyses and economic tools to effectively address some issues but overlooks others of equal importance. (JB)

The People's Republic of China: An Overview

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Social Education, 1973

1973-01-01

Excerpted from The People's Republic of China,'' No. 4 in the Issues in United States Foreign Policy series, the material discusses (1) Profile, (2) Customs, Etiquette, and Rhetoric, (3) Women in the P.R.C., (4) Cuisine, (5) Medicine and Health, (6) Education, (7) Language, and (8) Communes and Agriculture. (JB)

Hello Columbus. America Was No Paradise in 1492.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Royal, Robert

1992-01-01

Argues that, in the current portrayal of Columbus' arrival in America, American Indians have become the new heroes and models to be imitated. Discusses the native peoples and their societies at the time of Columbus including diversity among peoples, development of civilizations, view of the cosmos, and political development. (JB)

Endotracheal Tube Cuff Management at Altitude

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-05

to hypoxia and causes expansion of gas trapped in closed spaces. In the latter case, gas trapped in the body ( pneumothorax , bowel gas) or in devices... pneumothorax , bowel gas) or in devices (endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs, pneumatic tourniquets) expands during ascent and contracts on descent. We designed a...hypoxia and causes expansion of gas trapped in closed spaces [6]. In the latter case, gas trapped in the body ( pneumothorax , bowel gas) or in

Advising the Command: Best Practices from the Special Operations Advisory Experience in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

in their spare time. They looked for opportunities to have lunch with Afghans and reportedly extended offers for dinner .18 The SMW ETT cultivated...extremely close relationships with their counterparts, in part by routinely eating with colleagues in the Afghan dining facility. They initiated the...October 21 and November 21, 2013. The practice is very much akin to that of Task Force (TF) 51, where Norwegian SOF operators eat daily meals with

Visual Search in the Detection of Retinal Injury: A Feasibility Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

D, Heyes A. et al. Mobility of people with retinitis pigmentosa as a function of vision and psychological variables. Optometry and Vision Science...AFRL-RH-FS-TR-2013-0019 Visual Search in the Detection of Retinal Injury: A Feasibility Study Thomas Kuyk TASC, Inc. Lei Liu The...Detection of Retinal Injury: A Feasibility Study" 2013 0019 LEON N. McLIN, JR., DR-III, DAF Work Unit Manager 711 HPW/ RHDO POLHAMUS.GARR ETT.D

Daily Magnetograms for 1979 from the AFGL Network.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-22

produced the edited data shown in these plots and who lost his life in October 1982 while the work was under way. Many other persons have also...S317g 42919 24 OCT 79 (LAY 79.297) UIVERSAL TlrE AFGL r’bETt’ETER NErUcwa 304 5 NO.. ’.e> FLLA jTE X CiUtFffT40i’EL.Sr 1c I’III 161127 p C

Role of Lee Waves in the Formation of Solid Polar Stratospheric Clouds: Case Studies from February 1997

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-03-16

1991. Huret, N., E.D. Rivi•re, F. Taupin -Goffinont, and M. Pirre, Lagrangian study of polar stratospheric louds: The role of lee wave events for...Laboratory, Mail code 7641, Washington, DC 20375. (eckerman•ismap4.nrl.navy.mil) N. Huret, M. Pirre, J.-B. Renard, E. D. Riviere, and F. G.- Taupin

Anthrax, Toxins and Vaccines: A 125-Year Journey Targeting Bacillus anthracis

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

response. More promising, perhaps, is the use of probiotics generally regarded as safe, such as Lactobacillus spp. expressing PA fused to a peptide that...antigens from probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Expert Rev. Vaccines 7(2), 163-174 (2008). 184 Chen J, Anderson JB, DeWeese-Scott C et al. MMDB: Entrez’s

California Cancer Registry Enhancement for Breast Cancer Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-10-01

Manual for Staging of Cancer - Fourth Edition. J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia PA, 1992. 4. O’Connor L, Prehn A, Topol B. Cancer treatment information...Mgmt. 1998; 25(1): 13-16. 17 APPENDIX I O’Connor L, Prehn , A, Topol B. Cancer treatment information collected from physicians’ records. Presentation at

Action in Ergonomics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Training Officer, 1975

1975-01-01

A discussion with James Crowley of British Steel Corporation on the changing face of ergonomics in practice today and yesterday examines the influence of experimental psychology on the method of study and data collection. The broadening scope of ergonomics from only safety concerns to cost effectiveness and the computer are analyzed. (Author/JB)

78 FR 14556 - Cheng Yi Liang: Debarment Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-06

.... 1001 and securities fraud, a Federal felony offense under 15 U.S.C. 78j(b) and 78ff. FDA's finding that debarment is appropriate is based on the felony conviction for securities fraud referenced herein for... execution of trades on national securities exchanges, resulting in total profits and losses avoided of $3...

Aquatics Guide with Official Rules. July 1971 - July 1973.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edmondson, Betty V., Ed.

Presented is a general discussion of women's aquatics. Standards in sports for girls and women are detailed as is a statement of beliefs by the Division for Girls and Women's Sports. Various committees, rule guides, and commissions are also briefly mentioned. This booklet then presents a series of related articles and discussions. (JB)

Exercise and Osteoporosis: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

411 (384) Hundrup YA, Thoning H, Rasmussen NK, Obel EB, Philip J. Use of hormone replacement therapy among Danish nurses at increased risk of...February;22(1):21-33. Ref ID: 678 (729) Schambelan M, Mulligan K, Grunfeld C, Daar ES, LaMarca A, Kotler DP, Wang J, Bozzette SA, Breitmeyer JB

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Verification Study - Lake Valley, Nevada. Volume I. Synthesis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-31

attitudes, topo- graphic slopes, evidence of erosional features such as pedi - ments, and the presence or absence of young volcanic rocks. 1 jb. Depth...subgrade, subbase, or 4’ EIM mom ! E-TR-27-LV-J A-34 base. Parameters used to make these qualitative assessments were characteristics related to CBR, frost

Gender and Religious Tradition: The Role-Learning of British Hindu Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nesbitt, Eleanor

1993-01-01

Describes research among 8- through 13-year-old Hindu children of Punjabi and Gujarati origin in Coventry (England) between 1986 and 1989. Highlights areas of their experience in which their gender is decisive in relation to the role expectations enunciated by the children. Teachers must affirm the culture of their students. (JB)

An Interactive Computer Session to Initiate Physical Activity in Sedentary Cardiac Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Almeida, Fabio A; Smith-Ray, Renae L; Dzewaltowski, David A; Glasgow, Russell E; Lee, Rebecca E; Thomas, Deborah S K; Xu, Stanley; Estabrooks, Paul A

2015-08-24

Physical activity (PA) improves many facets of health. Despite this, the majority of American adults are insufficiently active. Adults who visit a physician complaining of chest pain and related cardiovascular symptoms are often referred for further testing. However, when this testing does not reveal an underlying disease or pathology, patients typically receive no additional standard care services. A PA intervention delivered within the clinic setting may be an effective strategy for improving the health of this population at a time when they may be motivated to take preventive action. Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of a tailored, computer-based, interactive personal action planning session to initiate PA among a group of sedentary cardiac patients following exercise treadmill testing (ETT). This study was part of a larger 2x2 randomized controlled trial to determine the impact of environmental and social-cognitive intervention approaches on the initiation and maintenance of weekly PA for patients post ETT. Participants who were referred to an ETT center but had a negative-test (ie, stress tests results indicated no apparent cardiac issues) were randomized to one of four treatment arms: (1) increased environmental accessibility to PA resources via the provision of a free voucher to a fitness facility in close proximity to their home or workplace (ENV), (2) a tailored social cognitive intervention (SC) using a "5 As"-based (ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange) personal action planning tool, (3) combined intervention of both ENV and SC approaches (COMBO), or (4) a matched contact nutrition control (CON). Each intervention was delivered using a computer-based interactive session. A general linear model for repeated measures was conducted with change in PA behavior from baseline to 1-month post interactive computer session as the primary outcome. Sedentary participants (n=452; 34.7% participation rate) without a gym membership (mean age 58.57 years

Mapping Electrical Structures in the Jarud Basin, Northeast China through Magnetotelluric Sounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, W.

2015-12-01

In recent years, China Geological Survey (CGS) has launched 3D geological mapping programs from regional to local scales. The project Deep geological survey at the periphery of the Songliao Basin funded by CGS was implemented from 2012 to 2014. Its main goals are to reveal the tectonic framework of the Jarud Basin (JB) as well as to identify the strata distribution of Permian Linxi Formation by integrating new electromagnetic data with existing geophysical and geological data since black mudstones in the Linxi Formation have shown the potential of shale gas. The study area covered dominantly with Cretaceous-Jurassic igneous rocks with exception of the southeast part is situated in Jarud Banner and Ar Horqin Banner, Inner Mongolia, China. It tectonically lies in the southern Great Khingan Range, western margin of the Songliao Basin, and north of Xar Moron Fault. Over the period of 2012 to 2014, a magnetotelluric survey was carried out at the JB. A total of 926 MT sites with nominal spacing 1 km was acquired in the effective frequency range of 0.01 Hz ~ 300 Hz on six NW and five NE profiles, covering area that exceeds 10, 000 km2. After dimensionality analysis and static shift removal, the nonlinear conjugate algorithm was used to conduct 2D inversion for TM and TE modes. The resistivity models underwent examination using sensitivity tests. The optimal resistivity models revealed numerous large faults, some of which constitute the boundaries of the JB, and modified the tectonic framework. Integrated with well logging and geological mapping data, the strata of Linxi Formation were identified and classified into three depressions: Depressions Arituguri, Gadasu and Wufen. Attention should be paid to Depression Gadasu with area of around 500 km2 since it contains reasonably thick conductive sediments exceeding 4 km in depth which are inferred to be black mudstones pertaining to shale gas.

Coal-induced interleukin-6 gene expression is mediated through ERKs and p38 MAPK pathways.

PubMed

Huang, X; Zhang, Q

2003-08-15

In the present study, we have tested the ability of coal dust to stimulate kinase phosphorylation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) signal transduction pathways and production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in both mouse epidermal JB6 and human lung epithelial A549 cells. Seven coal samples from three coalmine regions of Pennsylvania (PA), West Virginia (WV), and Utah (UT) with high, medium, and low prevalence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), respectively, were investigated. Results from the present study indicate that three PA coals stimulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 MAPK, but not c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs) in human lung A549 cells. The effects of three UT coals on the kinase phosphorylation were less as compared to those of the PA coals. Coal dusts from three coalmine regions induced IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner in both JB6 and A549 cells. Interestingly, levels of IL-6 in both cells treated with coals from three coalmine regions correlated well with CWP prevalence from that region. To assess the role of AP-1 pathways in coal-mediated transcriptional activation of IL-6, various inhibitors were used in cells treated with one PA coal, which induced a maximal response. It was found that the increase in IL-6 protein and mRNA by the PA coal was completely eliminated by the pretreatment of both cell types with PD98059, a specific MEK1 inhibitor, and SB202190, a p38 kinase inhibitor. Our results indicate that coal dust can stimulate IL-6 release from mouse epidermal JB6 cells and human lung epithelial A549 cells, and the coal-induced IL-6 increase may involve ERKs and p38 MAPK pathways.

Sub-Domains of Ricin’s B Subunit as Targets of Toxin Neutralizing and Non-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies

PubMed Central

Yermakova, Anastasiya; Vance, David J.; Mantis, Nicholas J.

2012-01-01

The B subunit (RTB) of ricin toxin is a galactose (Gal)−/N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNac)-specific lectin that mediates attachment, entry, and intracellular trafficking of ricin in host cells. Structurally, RTB consists of two globular domains with identical folding topologies. Domains 1 and 2 are each comprised of three homologous sub-domains (α, β, γ) that likely arose by gene duplication from a primordial carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), although only sub-domains 1α and 2γ retain functional lectin activity. As part of our ongoing effort to generate a comprehensive B cell epitope map of ricin, we report the characterization of three new RTB-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). All three mAbs, JB4, B/J F9 and C/M A2, were initially identified based on their abilities to neutralize ricin in a Vero cell cytotoxicty assay and to partially (or completely) block ricin attachment to cell surfaces. However, only JB4 proved capable of neutralizing ricin in a macrophage apoptosis assay and in imparting passive immunity to mice in a model of systemic intoxication. Using a combination of techniques, including competitive ELISAs, pepscan analysis, differential reactivity by Western blot, as well as affinity enrichment of phage displayed peptides, we tentatively localized the epitopes recognized by the non-neutralizing mAbs B/J F9 and C/M A2 to sub-domains 2α and 2β, respectively. Furthermore, we propose that the epitope recognized by JB4 is within sub-domain 2γ, adjacent to RTB’s high affinity Gal/GalNAc CRD. These data suggest that recognition of RTB’s sub-domains 1α and 2γ are critical determinants of antibody neutralizing activity and protective immunity to ricin. PMID:22984492

Late Pleistocene oscillations of the Drau Glacier (southern Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnitschar, Christina; Reitner, Jürgen; Draganits, Erich

2016-04-01

The Drau Glacier was the largest Pleistocene glacier in the southeastern part of the Alps and significantly shaped the landscape in this region. The study area is located at the termination of the Drau Glacier in the southern part of Austria (Carinthia). The investigation aims to decipher glacial dynamics during the Late Pleistocene glacial advance, stabilisation and final recession of this glacier based on geological/geomorphological mapping, interpretation of airborne laser scan (ALS) topographic data and lithostratigraphic investigations of glacial and periglacial sediments. Special emphasis is laid on the reconstruction of the maximum extent of the glaciation (LGM). Based on previous mapping by Bobek (1959) and Ucik (1996-1998) more details have been gained for the paleogeographic reconstruction based on glacial and non-glacial erosion and accumulation features. These include traces of pre-Upper Pleistocene glaciation, drumlins, terminal moraines and kettle holes. Paleogeographic reconstruction was done with correlation of different outcrops based on lithostratigraphy and ALS topography. Sequences of gravel related to glacial advance covered by till, followed by periglacial sediments allowed detailed reconstruction of the glacial sequence in this area and the complex succession of various extents of the Drau Glacier. References Bobek, Hans. 1959: Der Eisrückgang im östlichen Klagenfurter Becken. In: Mitteilungen der österreichischen geographischen Gesellschaft, Wien. Ucik, Friedrich Hans. 1996: Bericht über geologische Aufnahmen im Quartär auf Blatt 204 Völkermarkt, Jb. Geol. B.-A., 141, S. 340, Wien. Ucik, Friedrich Hans. 1997: Bericht über geologische Aufnahmen im Quartär auf Blatt 204 Völkermarkt, Jb. Geol. B.-A., 141, S. 325-326, Wien. Ucik, Friedrich Hans. 1998: Bericht über geologische Aufnahmen im Quartär auf Blatt 204 Völkermarkt, Jb. Geol. B.-A., 142, S. 333-334, Wien.

Learning and Judgment Can Be Affected by Predisposed Fearfulness in Laying Hens

PubMed Central

de Haas, Elske N.; Lee, Caroline; Rodenburg, T. Bas

2017-01-01

High fearfulness could disrupt learning and likely affects judgment in animals, especially when it is part of an animals’ personality, i.e., trait anxiety. Here, we tested whether high fearfulness affects discrimination learning and judgment bias (JB) in laying hens. Based on the response to an open field at 5 weeks of age, birds were categorized as fearful (FC) by showing no walking or vocalizing or non-fearful (NFC) by showing walking and vocalizing. At adult age, birds (n = 24) were trained in a go–go task to discriminate two cues (white or black) with a small or large reward. Birds that reached training criteria were exposed to three unrewarded ambiguous cues (25, 50, and 75% black) to assess JB. Task acquisition took longer for FC birds than for NFC birds, due to a left side bias, and more sessions were needed to unlearn this side bias. Changes in trial setup increased response latencies for FC birds but not for NFC birds. A larger number of FC birds than NFC birds chose optimistically in the last ambiguous trial (25% black). FC birds had a longer latency to choose in the ambiguous trial (75% black) compared to NFC birds. Prior choice in ambiguous trials and a preceding large or small trial affected latencies and choices for both types of birds. Our study showed that fearfulness was associated with differences in discrimination learning ability and JB. It appeared that FC birds used a rigid response strategy during early learning phases by choosing a specific side repeatedly irrespective of success. FC birds were more affected by changes in the setup of the trials in comparison to NFC birds. We speculate that FC birds are more sensitive to changes in environmental cues and reward expectancy. These factors could explain how high fearfulness affects learning. PMID:28798918

Abundance and physiology of dominant soft corals linked to water quality in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

PubMed Central

Januar, Indra; Wild, Christian; Kunzmann, Andreas

2016-01-01

Declining water quality is one of the main reasons of coral reef degradation in the Thousand Islands off the megacity Jakarta, Indonesia. Shifts in benthic community composition to higher soft coral abundances have been reported for many degraded reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. However, it is not clear to what extent soft coral abundance and physiology are influenced by water quality. In this study, live benthic cover and water quality (i.e. dissolved inorganic nutrients (DIN), turbidity (NTU), and sedimentation) were assessed at three sites (< 20 km north of Jakarta) in Jakarta Bay (JB) and five sites along the outer Thousand Islands (20–60 km north of Jakarta). This was supplemented by measurements of photosynthetic yield and, for the first time, respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity of two dominant soft coral genera, Sarcophyton spp. and Nephthea spp. Findings revealed highly eutrophic water conditions in JB compared to the outer Thousand Islands, with 44% higher DIN load (7.65 μM/L), 67% higher NTU (1.49 NTU) and 47% higher sedimentation rate (30.4 g m−2 d−1). Soft corals were the dominant type of coral cover within the bay (2.4% hard and 12.8% soft coral cover) compared to the outer Thousand Islands (28.3% hard and 6.9% soft coral cover). Soft coral abundances, photosynthetic yield, and ETS activity were highly correlated with key water quality parameters, particularly DIN and sedimentation rates. The findings suggest water quality controls the relative abundance and physiology of dominant soft corals in JB and may thus contribute to phase shifts from hard to soft coral dominance, highlighting the need to better manage water quality in order to prevent or reverse phase shifts. PMID:27904802

Transcriptome sequencing and de novo analysis of cytoplasmic male sterility and maintenance in JA-CMS cotton.

PubMed

Yang, Peng; Han, Jinfeng; Huang, Jinling

2014-01-01

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the failure to produce functional pollen, which is inherited maternally. And it is known that anther development is modulated through complicated interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial genes in sporophytic and gametophytic tissues. However, an unbiased transcriptome sequencing analysis of CMS in cotton is currently lacking in the literature. This study compared differentially expressed (DE) genes of floral buds at the sporogenous cells stage (SS) and microsporocyte stage (MS) (the two most important stages for pollen abortion in JA-CMS) between JA-CMS and its fertile maintainer line JB cotton plants, using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. A total of 709 (1.8%) DE genes including 293 up-regulated and 416 down-regulated genes were identified in JA-CMS line comparing with its maintainer line at the SS stage, and 644 (1.6%) DE genes with 263 up-regulated and 381 down-regulated genes were detected at the MS stage. By comparing the two stages in the same material, there were 8 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JA-CMS line and 29 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JB maintainer line at the MS stage. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate 7 randomly selected DE genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes involved in reduction-oxidation reactions and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were down-regulated, while genes pertaining to photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were up-regulated in JA-CMS floral buds compared with their JB counterparts at the SS and/or MS stages. All these four biological processes play important roles in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, which may be an important factor contributing to the sterile trait of JA-CMS. Further experiments are warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms of these genes that lead to CMS.

Transcriptome Sequencing and De Novo Analysis of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility and Maintenance in JA-CMS Cotton

PubMed Central

Yang, Peng; Han, Jinfeng; Huang, Jinling

2014-01-01

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the failure to produce functional pollen, which is inherited maternally. And it is known that anther development is modulated through complicated interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial genes in sporophytic and gametophytic tissues. However, an unbiased transcriptome sequencing analysis of CMS in cotton is currently lacking in the literature. This study compared differentially expressed (DE) genes of floral buds at the sporogenous cells stage (SS) and microsporocyte stage (MS) (the two most important stages for pollen abortion in JA-CMS) between JA-CMS and its fertile maintainer line JB cotton plants, using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. A total of 709 (1.8%) DE genes including 293 up-regulated and 416 down-regulated genes were identified in JA-CMS line comparing with its maintainer line at the SS stage, and 644 (1.6%) DE genes with 263 up-regulated and 381 down-regulated genes were detected at the MS stage. By comparing the two stages in the same material, there were 8 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JA-CMS line and 29 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JB maintainer line at the MS stage. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate 7 randomly selected DE genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes involved in reduction-oxidation reactions and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were down-regulated, while genes pertaining to photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were up-regulated in JA-CMS floral buds compared with their JB counterparts at the SS and/or MS stages. All these four biological processes play important roles in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, which may be an important factor contributing to the sterile trait of JA-CMS. Further experiments are warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms of these genes that lead to CMS. PMID:25372034

Caffeic acid, a phenolic phytochemical in coffee, directly inhibits Fyn kinase activity and UVB-induced COX-2 expression

PubMed Central

Kang, Nam Joo; Lee, Ki Won; Shin, Bong Jik; Jung, Sung Keun; Hwang, Mun Kyung; Bode, Ann M.; Heo, Yong-Seok; Dong, Zigang

2009-01-01

Caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) is a well-known phenolic phytochemical present in many foods, including coffee. Recent studies suggested that caffeic acid exerts anticarcinogenic effects, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific target proteins. In this study, we found that Fyn, one of the members of the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase family, was required for ultraviolet (UV) B-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and caffeic acid suppressed UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis by directly inhibiting Fyn kinase activity. Caffeic acid more effectively suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression and subsequent prostaglandin E2 production in JB6 P+ mouse skin epidermal (JB6 P+) cells compared with chlorogenic acid (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), an ester of caffeic acid with quinic acid. Data also revealed that caffeic acid more effectively induced the downregulation of COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level mediated through the inhibition of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB transcription activity compared with chlorogenic acid. Fyn kinase activity was suppressed more effectively by caffeic acid than by chlorogenic acid, and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were subsequently blocked. Pharmacological Fyn kinase inhibitor (3-(4-chlorophenyl)1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine and leflunomide) data also revealed that Fyn is involved in UVB-induced COX-2 expression mediated through the phosphorylation of MAPKs in JB6 P+ cells. Pull-down assays revealed that caffeic acid directly bound with Fyn and non-competitively with adenosine triphosphate. In vivo data from mouse skin also supported the idea that caffeic acid suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression by blocking Fyn kinase activity. These results suggested that this compound could act as a potent chemopreventive agent against skin cancer. PMID:19073879

Microscopic Optical Characterization of ZnO Bulk Crystals, Free Standing III-Nitride Substrates and III-V Structures for Non-Linear Optics

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

concentration (M.R. Phillips, M.Wagner, O.Gelhausen, V.Coleman, J.B. Brady, C. Jagadish, E. Malguth, A. Hoffmann, E.M. Goldys , J.J. Rusell; E.MRS...Malguth, A. Hoffmann, E.M. Goldys , J.J. Rusell; E.MRS Fall meeting, Symp. F, (Warsaw, Poland, 2004)); it suggests that the shift towards the red of

Realists, Radicals, and Rainbows. The Twenty-Eighth Amy Morris Homans Lecture 1994.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Roberta S.

1995-01-01

Challenges physical education professionals to be realists who name the conditions around them that divide according to group identity and thus perpetuate injustice; to be radicals who work to change conditions; and to build and follow a rainbow path to a future where social justice, human rights, and the human condition are first priorities. (JB)

Orthophosphate sorption onto lanthanum-treated lignocellulosic sorbents

Treesearch

Eun Woo Shin; K. G. Karthikeyan; Mandla A. Tshabalala

2005-01-01

Inorganic/organic hybrid adsorbents for removing orthophosphate from water were prepared by lanthanum (La) treatment of bark fiber, a lignocellulosic material obtained from juniper (Juniperusmonosperma). The La was anchored to the juniper bark (JB) fiber by ion exchange with Ca in the bark and was responsible for removing orthophosphate. Two La concentrations (0.01 and...

Landmine Detection by Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

14N nuclei present in the explosive (Hirshfeld and Klainer, 1980; Grechishkin, 1992; Rowe and Smith, 1996; Garroway et al., 2001; Deas et al., 2002...Mater. Chem., 7 (2), 229-235. Garroway , A.N., Buess, M.L., Miller, J.B., Suits, B.H., Hibbs, A.D., Barrall, G.A., Matthews, R. and Burnett, L.J

Rightward Collisions and Their Association with Pseudoneglect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicholls, Michael E. R.; Loftus, Andrea M.; Orr, Catherine A.; Barre, Natalie

2008-01-01

Whereas right parietal damage can result in left hemineglect, the general population shows a subtle neglect of the right hemispace--known as pseudoneglect. A recent study has demonstrated that people collide to the right more often and attributed this bias to pseudoneglect. [Nicholls, M. E. R., Loftus, A., Meyer, K., & Mattingley, J.B. (2007).…

El Lenguaje de los Chicanos (The Language of Chicanos). Regional and Social Characteristics of Language Used by Mexican Americans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hernandez-Chavez, Eduardo, Ed.; And Others

The following articles are included in this anthology on Chicano speech: (1) "Mexican Spanish," D.N. Cardenas; (2) "The Archaic and the Modern in the Spanish of New Mexico," J. Ornstein; (3) "Problemas Lexicograficos del Espanol del Sudoeste," A.M. Espinosa, Jr.; (4) "Associative Interference in New Mexican Spanish," J.B. Rael; (5) "Some Aspects…

Manufacturing Methods and Technology Measure for Fabrication of Silicon Transcalent Rectifier.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

Prod Test/Eval’, z HA Kotler a Patent- Power & E 1 RM Roderick Env. Eng. & Test 1 JB Grosh Iron Mouptain - .l TUBE PARTS MFG. 5 RL SPALDING...AFAL/PODI ATTN: Working Group on Pwr. Devices (Mr. Philip Herron) 201 Varick Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433 New York, NY 10014 Commander Mr

Peripheral dysgraphia: dissociations of lowercase from uppercase letters and of print from cursive writing.

PubMed

Ingles, Janet L; Fisk, John D; Fleetwood, Ian; Burrell, Steven; Darvesh, Sultan

2014-03-01

Clinical analyses of patients with acquired dysgraphia provide unique opportunities to understand the cognitive and neural organization of written language production. We report J.B., a 50-year-old woman with peripheral dysgraphia who had prominent dissociations in her ability to write in lowercase versus uppercase and print versus cursive. We gave J.B. a series of tasks that evaluated her skills at writing uppercase and lowercase print and cursive, spelling aloud and in writing, writing numbers and symbols, and visual letter recognition and imagery. She was impaired in printing letters, with lowercase more affected than uppercase, but her cursive writing was relatively intact. This pattern was consistent across letter, word, and nonword writing tasks. She was unimpaired on tasks assessing her visual recognition and imagery of lowercase and uppercase letters. Her writing of numbers was preserved. J.B.'s handwriting disorder was accompanied by a central phonological dysgraphia. Our findings indicate functional independence of graphomotor programs for print and cursive letter styles and for letters and numbers. We discuss the relationship between peripheral and central writing disorders.

Defining Hsp70 Subnetworks in Dengue Virus Replication Reveals Key Vulnerability in Flavivirus Infection.

PubMed

Taguwa, Shuhei; Maringer, Kevin; Li, Xiaokai; Bernal-Rubio, Dabeiba; Rauch, Jennifer N; Gestwicki, Jason E; Andino, Raul; Fernandez-Sesma, Ana; Frydman, Judith

2015-11-19

Viral protein homeostasis depends entirely on the machinery of the infected cell. Accordingly, viruses can illuminate the interplay between cellular proteostasis components and their distinct substrates. Here, we define how the Hsp70 chaperone network mediates the dengue virus life cycle. Cytosolic Hsp70 isoforms are required at distinct steps of the viral cycle, including entry, RNA replication, and virion biogenesis. Hsp70 function at each step is specified by nine distinct DNAJ cofactors. Of these, DnaJB11 relocalizes to virus-induced replication complexes to promote RNA synthesis, while DnaJB6 associates with capsid protein and facilitates virion biogenesis. Importantly, an allosteric Hsp70 inhibitor, JG40, potently blocks infection of different dengue serotypes in human primary blood cells without eliciting viral resistance or exerting toxicity to the host cells. JG40 also blocks replication of other medically-important flaviviruses including yellow fever, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Thus, targeting host Hsp70 subnetworks provides a path for broad-spectrum antivirals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electron transport parameters in NF3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisovskiy, V.; Yegorenkov, V.; Ogloblina, P.; Booth, J.-P.; Martins, S.; Landry, K.; Douai, D.; Cassagne, V.

2014-03-01

We present electron transport parameters (the first Townsend coefficient, the dissociative attachment coefficient, the fraction of electron energy lost by collisions with NF3 molecules, the average and characteristic electron energy, the electron mobility and the drift velocity) in NF3 gas calculated from published elastic and inelastic electron-NF3 collision cross-sections using the BOLSIG+ code. Calculations were performed for the combined RB (Rescigno 1995 Phys. Rev. E 52 329, Boesten et al 1996 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 29 5475) momentum-transfer cross-section, as well as for the JB (Joucoski and Bettega 2002 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 35 783) momentum-transfer cross-section. In addition, we have measured the radio frequency (rf) breakdown curves for various inter-electrode gaps and rfs, and from these we have determined the electron drift velocity in NF3 from the location of the turning point in these curves. These drift velocity values are in satisfactory agreement with those calculated by the BOLSIG+ code employing the JB momentum-transfer cross-section.

Dollar Summary of Federal Supply Classification and Service Category by Company. Part 3 (J066-S201)

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

8217 3’ O 0 Z- I-J 0 0 Q~ ,J< ,0 0 1- 1- u. cn bJb (- Q(< - f a d a U a 0 4< I- L < I 0 0 C 4 I I 0 I- 0 Z 4 0 cc I I- LA 4) w- L - 0 IU < LU 0r C) LA 2...8217 -0 00 m00 C) In0 .4 (o V~ 4t I’. V it 000 f’t m 9 4 ,. 7 𔃾 .4 Go CS 0 4 (0 Hh I .I_ . 14 _’_-_ .4 _4 -4 .4 -4. ’ 4-4 Nt r - up In 0 In o1 l0 I A u Z...m n m - Z = "r i 9. C. ¢/1 IJ Hb 0 LL r,, (a to3. Jb u- -, 0 , I -, w 0- .,1 w- 0/ x0 4) c z- =J 0 0 0 ..4 0"Z o -1 -H ... 4 go Z Z,4 € z- CA ( y 0